UN'
OALI
BOOKS WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY
HOWARD PYLE
PUBLISHED BY CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
THE STORY OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS
KNIGHTS.
THE STORY OF THE CHAMPIONS OF THE
ROUND TABLE.
THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND HIS
COMPANIONS.
THE STORY OF THE GRAIL AND THE
PASSING OF ARTHUR.
THE MERRY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD,
OF GREAT RENOWN IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.
THE GARDEN BEHIND THE MOON. A REAL
STORY OF THE MOON ANGEL.
OTTO OF THE SILVER HAND.
\)t Lab? Elaine fbeFa
CHI
Sir
LAUNCELOT
and his
h
HOWARD PYLB
NEW YORK:
CKPstLLES 3CRIBtfZ&S
Copyright, 1907,
By CHARLES SC RIB NEWS SONS
Published, October, 1907
Fomootb*
WITH this begins the third of those books which I have set
myself to write concerning the history of King Arthur
of Britain and of those puissant knights who were of
his Court and of his Round Table.
In the Book which was written before this book you may there
read the Story of that very noble and worthy knight, Sir Launce-
lot of the Lake; of how he dwelt within a magic lake which was
the enchanted habitation of the Lady Nymue of the Lake; of how
he was there trained in all the most excellent arts of chivalry by
Sir Pellias, the Gentle Knight whilom a companion of the Round
Table, but afterward the Lord of the Lake; of how he came forth
out of the Lake and became after that the chief est knight of the
Round Table of King Arthur. All of this was told in that book
and many other things concerning Sir Launcelot and several other
worthies who were Companions of the Round Table and who were
very noble and excellent knights both in battle and in court.
So here followeth a further history of Sir Launcelot of the Lake
338030
vi FOREWORD
and the narrative of several of the notable adventures that he per-
formed at this time of his life.
Wherefore if it will please you to read that which is hereinafter
set forth, you will be told of how Sir Launcelot slew the great
Worm of Cor bin; of the madness that afterward fell upon him,
and of how a most noble, gentle, and beautiful lady, hight the
Lady Elaine the Fair, lent him aid and siiccor at a time of ut-
most affliction to him, and so brought him back to health again.
And you may herein further find it told how Sir Launcelot was
afterward wedded to that fair and gentle dame, and of how was
born of that couple a child of whom it was prophesied by Merlin
fin a certain miraculous manner fully set forth in this book}
that he should become the most perfect knight that ever lived and
he who should bring back the Holy Grail to the Earth.
For that child was Galahad whom the world knoweth to be
the flower of all chivalry ; a knight altogether without fear or
reproach of any kind, yet, withal, the most glorious and puissant
knight-champion who ever lived.
So if the perusal of these things may give you pleasure, I pray
you to read that which followeth, for in this book all these and
several other histories are set forth in full.
Contents
PART I
THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
Chapter First
How Denneys Found Sir Launcelot, and How Sir Launcelot Rode
Forth for to Rescue Queen Guinevere From the Castle of Sir
Mellegrans, and of What Befell Him Upon the Assaying of that
Adventure 7/
Chapter Second
How Sir Launcelot Rode in a Cart to Rescue Queen
and How He Came in that Way to the Castle of Str Melle-
grans ......
CONTENTS
Chapter Third
Haw King Arthur Proclaimed a Tournament at Astolat, and
How King Pelles of Corbin Went With His Court Thither to
that Place. Also How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine had
Encounter with two Knights in the Highway Thitherward 125
Chapter Fourth
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine Fought in the Tournament
at Astolat. How Sir Launcelot was Wounded in that Affair, and
How Sir Lavaine Brought Him Unto a Place of Safety . 13 7
Chapter Fifth
How Sir Launcelot Escaped Wounded into the Forest, and How
Sir Gawaine Discovered to the Court of King Pelles who was le
Chevalier Malfait ........
Chapter Sixth
How the Lady Elaine Went to Seek Sir Launcelot and How Sir
Launcelot Afterwards Returned to the Court of King Arthur 159
CONTENTS ^
PART IV
THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Chapter First
How Sir Launcelot Became a Madman of the Forest and How
He Was Brought to the Castle of Sir Blyant ...///
Chapter Second
How Sir Launcelot Saved the Life of Sir Blyant. How He
Escaped From the Castle of Sir Blyant, and How He Slew the
Great Wild Boar of Lystenesse and Saved the Life of King
Arthur, His Liege Lord /<?/
Chapter Third
How Sir Launcelot Returned to Corbin Again and How the
Lady Elaine the Fair Cherished Him and Brought Him Back
'o Health. Also How Sir Launcelot with the Lady Elaine With-
irew to Joyous Isle v
xii CONTENTS
PART V
THE STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND THE LADY
OF THE FOUNTAIN
Chapter First
How Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival Departed Together in Quest
of Sir Launcelot, and How They Met Sir Sagramore, Who Had
Failed in a Certain Adventure. Also How Sir Sagramore Told
His Story Concerning That Adventure .... 201
Chapter Second
How Sir Ewaine Undertook That Adventure in Which Sir
Sagramore Had Failed, and How it Sped with Him There-
, . /? . . . . . . . . 21 -3
Chapter Third
How a Damsel, Hight Elose, Who Was in Service With the
Lady Lesolie of the Fountain, Brought Succor to Sir Ewaine
in His Captivity . . . 223
Chapter Fourth
How Sir Ewaine Retiirned to the Court of King Arthur,
and How he Forgot the Lady Lesolie and His Duty to the
Fountain . . . ... . . . . . 237
CONTENTS
Chapter Fifth
How Sir Ewaine was Succored and Brought Back to Life by
a Certain Noble Lady, How He Brought Aid to that Lady in a
Time of Great Trouble, and How He Returned Once Again to
the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain ..... 249
PART VI
THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Chapter First
How Sir Perdval Met His Brother, and How They Two Journeyed
to the Priory where their Mother Dwelt and What Befell Them
Thereafter
Chapter Second
How Sir Perdval and Sir Ector de Marts Came to a Very
Wonderful Place Where was a Castle in the Midst of a Lake
Chapter Third
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and
Lady Elaine Processed to the Court
a Very Good Adventure Befell Them
XIV
CONTENTS
PART VII
THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
Chapter First
How Sir Bors de Gam's and Sir Gawaine Went Forth in
Search of Sir Launcelot. How They Parted Company, and What
Befell Sir Gawaine Thereafter . . . . . . jn
Chapter Second
How Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine Came to a Priory in the For
est, and How Galahad Was Born at That Place. . .
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
The Lady Elaine the Fair .
Head Piece Table of Contents
Tail Piece Table of Contents
Head Piece List of Illustrations
Tail Piece List of Illustrations .
Sir Mellegrans interrupts the sport of the Queen
Head Piece Prologue
Tail Piece Prologue
, Frontispiece
FACE
mi
xiv
xv
xvni
2
3
8
xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
Denneys and the Hermit help Sir Launcelot to his Armor 10
Head Piece . . . * . . . . . //
How Sir Launcelot rode errant in a cart . . . . 18
The Damsel Elouise the Fair rescues Sir Launcelot . , 28
Sir Gareth of Orkney . . , . . . * . 38
Head Piece . , . jp
The Damsel Lynette . * . . . . . I ' 48
Sir Gareth doeth Battle with the Knight of the River Ford 62
The Lady Layonnesse . . . . . . . 76
The Lady Layonnesse cometh to the Pavilion of Sir Gareth 90
Tail Piece . . . . . f . . . . 104
How Sir Launcelot held discourse with ye Merry Minstrels 106
Head Piece . . . . ... . . . 107
Sir Launcelot slayeth the Worm of Cor bin . . . , 116
Sir Launcelot confideth his Shield to Elaine the Fair . 124.
Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine overlook the Field of Astolat ij6
Sir Gawaine knoweth the shield of Sir Launcelot . . 146
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Sir Launcelot leapeth from the window . f ~g
Tail Piece \ l68
The Madman of the Forest who was Sir Launcelot . . 770
Head Piece ,...... 777
The Forest Madman saveth ye Life of King Arthur . 180
Tail Piece . 188
The Lady Elaine the Fair knoweth Sir Launcelot . . 190
Sir Gawaine, Knight of the Fountain .... 200
Head Piece 201
Sir Ewaine poureth water on the slab .... 212
The Damsel Elose giveth a ring to Sir Ewaine 222
The Lady of the Fountain 2 3&
A Damsel bringeth aid unto Sir Ewaine . . . 248
Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival receive their Mothers Blessing 262
Head Piece .... 2(>3
Sir Percival and Sir Ector look upon the Isle of Joy .
Sir Lavaine the Son of Pelles
XVlll
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Merlin Prophesieth from a Cloud of Mist
Head Piece ....-
Tail Piece . . .
Sir Bors de Gam's, the good . .. .
The Barge of the Dead
PAGE
310
322
3 2 4
334
it Fletlegrana interrupts
sport of flje Queen.
',
Prologue.
IT befel upon a very joyous season in the month of May that Queen
Guinevere was of a mind to take gentle sport as folk do at that time
of the year ; wherefore on a day she ordained it in a court of pleasure
that on the next morning certain knights and ladies of the court at Cam-
elot should ride with her a-maying into the woods and fields, there to
disport themselves amid the flowers and blossoms that grew in great mul-
titudes beside the river.
Of this May-party it stands recorded several times in the various histories
of chivalry that the knights she chose were ten in all and that they were all
Knights of the Round Table, to wit, as followeth: there was Sir Kay the
Seneschal, and Sir Agravaine, and Sir Brandiles, and Sir Sagramour the
Desirous, and Sir Dodinas, and Sir Osanna, and Sir Ladynas How the j^y
of the Forest Sauvage, and Sir Persavant of India, and Sir Guinevere rode
Ironside and Sir Percydes, who was cousin to Sir Percival
of Gales. These were the ten (so sayeth those histories aforesaid) whom
the Lady Guinevere called upon for to ride a-maying with her all bright
and early upon the morning of the day as aforesaid.
And the Queen further ordained that each of these knights should choose
him a lady for the day. And she ordained that each lady should ride be-
hind the knight upon the horse which he rode. And she ordained that
all those knights and ladies and all such attendants as might be of that
party should be clad entirely in green, as was fitting for that pleasant
festival.
Such were the commands that the Queen ordained, and when those
PROLOGUE
who were chosen were acquainted with their good fortune they took great joy
therein ; for all they wist there would be great sport at that maying-party.
So when the next morning was come they all rode forth in the freshness
of dewy spring-tide; what time the birds were singing so joyously, so
joyously, from every hedge and coppice; what time the soft wind was
blowing great white clouds, slow sailing across the canopy of heaven, each
cloud casting a soft and darkling shadow that moved across the hills and
uplands as it swam the light blue heaven above; what time all the trees
and hedgerows were abloom with fragrant and dewy blossoms, and fields and
meadow-lands, all shining bright with dew, were spread over with a wonderful
carpet of pretty flowers, gladdening the eye with their charm and making
fragrant the breeze that blew across the smooth and grassy plain.
For in those days the world was young and gay (as it is nowadays with
little children who are abroad when the sun shines bright and things are
a-growing) and the people who dwelt therein had not yet grown aweary
of its freshness of delight. Wherefore that fair Queen and her court took
great pleasure in all the merry world that lay spread about them, as they
rode two by two, each knight with his lady, gathering the blossoms of the
May, chattering the while like merry birds and now and then bursting into
song because of the pure pleasure of living.
So they disported themselves among the blossoms for all that morning,
and when noontide had come they took their rest at a fair spot in a flowery
meadow that lay spread out beside the smooth-flowing river about three
miles from the town. For from where they sat they might look down
across the glassy stream and behold the distant roofs and spires of Camelot,
trembling in the thin warm air, very bright and clear, against the blue and
radiant sky beyond. And after they were all thus seated in the grass,
sundry attendants came and spread out a fair white table-cloth and laid
They feast upon the cloth a goodly feast for their refreshment cold pasties
very joyously. o f venison, roasted fowls, manchets of white bread, and flagons
of golden wine and ruby wine. And all they took great pleasure when
they gazed upon that feast, for they were an-hungered with their sporting.
So they ate and drank and made them merry ; and whilst they ate certain
minstrels sang songs, and certain others recited goodly contes and tales for
their entertainment. And meanwhile each fair lady wove wreaths of herbs
and flowers and therewith bedecked her knight, until all those noble gen-
tlemen were entirely bedight with blossoms whereat was much merriment
and pleasant jesting.
Thus it was that Queen Guinevere went a-maying, and so have I told you
all about it so that you might know how it was.
PROLOGUE
Now whilst the Queen and her party were thus sporting together like to
children in the grass, there suddenly came the sound of a bugle-horn winded
in the woodlands that there were not a very great distance away
from where they sat, and whilst they looked with some surprise
to see who blew that horn in the forest, there suddenly ap- 'f rom * hs
peared at the edge of the woodland an armed knight clad cap- forest '
a-pie. And the bright sunlight smote down upon that armed knight so
that he shone with wonderful brightness at the edge of the shadows of the
trees. And after that knight there presently followed an array of men-
at-arms fourscore and more in all and these also were clad at all points
in armor as though prepared for battle.
This knight and those who were with him stopped for a little while at the
edge of the wood and stood regarding that May-party from a distance; then
after a little they rode forward across the meadow to where the Queen and
her court sat looking at them.
Now at first Queen Guinevere and those that were with her wist not who
that knight could be, but when he and his armed men had come nigh enough,
they were aware that he was a knight hight Sir Mellegrans, who was the
son of King Bagdemagus, and they wist that his visit was not likely to
bode any very great good to them.
For Sir Mellegrans was not like his father, who (as hath been already
told of both in the Book of King Arthur and in The Story of the Champions
of the Round Table) was a good and worthy king, and a friend of King
Arthur's. For, contrariwise, Sir Mellegrans was malcontented and held
bitter enmity toward King Arthur, and that for this reason :
A part of the estate of Sir Mellegrans marched upon the borders of Wales,
and there had at one time arisen great contention between Sir Mellegrans
and the King of North Wales concerning a certain strip of forest land, as to
the ownership thereof. This contention had been submitted to King Arthur
and he had decided against Sir Mellegrans and in favor of the King of
North Wales; wherefore from that time Sir Mellegrans had great hatred
toward King Arthur and sware that some time he would be revenged upon
him if the opportunity should offer. Wherefore it was that when the Lady
Guinevere beheld that it was Sir Mellegrans who appeared before her thus
armed in full, she was ill at ease, and wist that that visit maybe boded no
good to herself and to her gentle May-court.
So Sir Mellegrans and his armed party rode up pretty close S***g"
to where the Queen and her party sat in the grass. And when May . party ,
he had come very near he drew rein to his horse and sat
regarding that gay company both bitterly and scornfully (albeit at the
6 PROLOGUE
moment he knew not the Queen who she was). Then after a little he said;
''What party of jesters are ye, and what is this foolish sport ye are at?"
Then Sir Kay the Seneschal spake up very sternly and said: " Sir Knight,
it behooves you to be more civil in your address. Do you not perceive that
this is the Queen and her court before whom you stand and unto whom
you are speaking?"
Then Sir Mellegrans knew the Queen and was filled with great triumph
to find her thus, surrounded only with a court of knights altogether un-
armed. Wherefore he cried out in a great voice: "Hah! lady, now I do
know thee! Is it thus that I find thee and thy court? Now it appears to
me that Heaven hath surely delivered you into my hands!"
To this Sir Percydes replied, speaking very fiercely: "What mean you,
Sir Knight, by those words ? Do you dare to make threats to your Queen ? "
Quoth Sir Mellegrans : " I make no threats, but I tell you this, I do not
mean to throw aside the good fortune that hath thus been placed in my
hands. For here I find you all undefended and in my power, wherefore I
forthwith seize upon you for to take you to my castle and hold you there as
hostages until such time as King Arthur shall make right the great wrong
which he hath done me aforetime and shall return to me those forest lands
which he hath taken from me to give unto another. So if you go with me
in peace, it shall be well for you, but if you go not in peace it shall be ill for
you."
Then all the ladies that were of the Queen's court were seized with great
terror, for Sir Mellegrans 's tones and the aspect of his face were very fierce
and baleful ; but Queen Guinevere, albeit her face was like to wax for white-
ness, spake with a great deal of courage and much anger, saying: "Wilt
thou be a traitor to thy King, Sir Knight? Wilt thou dare to do violence
to me and my court within the very sight of the roofs of King Arthur's
town?"
" Lady," said Sir Mellegrans, " thou hast said what I will to do."
At this Sir Percydes drew his sword and said : " Sir Knight, this shall not
be ! Thou shalt not have thy will in this while I have any life in my body ! "
Then all those other gentlemen drew their swords also, and one and all
-pake to the same purpose, saying: ''Sir Percydes hath spoken; sooner
would we die than suffer that affront to the Queen."
" Well," said Sir Mellegrans, speaking very bitterly, " if ye will it that ye
who are naked shall do battle with us who are armed, then let it be even as
ye elect. So keep this lady from me if ye are able, for I will herewith seize
upon you all, maugre anything that you may do to stay me."
Then those ten unarmed knights of the Queen and their attendants made
PROLOGUE 7
them ready for battle. And when Sir Mellegrans beheld what was their
will, he gave command that his men should make them ready for battle
upon their part, and they did so.
Then in a moment all that pleasant May-party was changed to
dreadful and bloody uproar ; for men lashed fiercely at men with sword and
glaive, and the Queen and her ladies shrieked and clung in terror together
in the midst of that party of knights who were fighting for them.
And for a long time those ten unarmed worthies fought against the armed
men as one to ten, and for a long time no one could tell how that battle
would end. For the ten men smote the others down from their
horses upon all sides, wherefore, for a while, it looked as though
the victory should be with them. But they could not shield 1 sir Mette ~
themselves from the blows of their enemies, being unarmed, '
wherefore they were soon wounded in many places, and what with loss of
blood and what with stress of fighting a few against many without any
rest, they presently began to wax weak and faint. Then at last Sir Kay fell
down to the earth and then Sir Sagramour and then Sir Agravaine and Sir
Dodinas and then Sir Ladynas and Sir Osanna and Sir Persavant, so that
all who were left standing upon their feet were Sir Brandiles and Sir Ironside
and Sir Percydes.
But still these three set themselves back to back and thus fought on in
that woful battle. And still they lashed about them so fiercely with their
swords that the terror of this battle filled their enemies with fear, insomuch
that those who were near them fell back after a while to escape the dreadful
strokes they gave.
So came a pause in the battle and all stood at rest. Meantime all around
on the ground were men groaning dolorously, for in that battle those ten
unarmed knights of the Round Table had smitten down thirty of their
enemies. A
So for a while those three stood back to back resting from their battle and
panting for breath. As for their gay attire of green, lo! it was all ensan-
guined with the red that streamed from many sore and grimly wounds
And as for those gay blossoms that had bedecked them, lo! they were aL
gone, and instead there hung about them the dread and terror c
3a Then when Queen Guinevere beheld her knights how they stood bleeding
from many wounds and panting for breath, her heart was filled with pity
and she cried out in a great shrill voice: "Sir Mellegrans, nave pity!
not my noble knights! but spare them and I will go with ^e as tn
wouldst have me do. Only this covenant I make with thee. suffer the
8 PROLOGUE
lords and ladies of my court and all of those attendant upon us, to go with
me into captivity."
Then Sir Mellegrans said : " Well, lady, it shall be as you wish, for these
men of yours fight not like men but like devils, wherefore I am glad to end
this battle for the sake of all. So bid your knights put away their swords,
and I will do likewise with my men, and so there shall be peace between us.
Then, in obedience to the request of Sir Mellegrans, the Lady Guinevere
gave command that those three knights should put away their swords, and
The Queen though they all three besought her that she should suffer them
putteth an end to fight still a little longer for her, she would not ; so they were
obliged to sheath their swords as she ordered. After that these
three knights went to their fallen companions, and found that they were
all alive, though sorely hurt. And they searched their wounds as they lay
upon the ground, and they dressed them in such ways as might be. After
that they helped lift the wounded knights up to their horses, supporting
them there in such wise that they should not fall because of faintness from
their wounds. So they all departed, a doleful company, from that place,
which was now no longer a meadow of pleasure, but a field of bloody battle
and of death.
Thus beginneth this history.
And now you shall hear that part of this story which is called in many
books of chivalry, "The Story of the Knight of the Cart."
For the further history hath now to do with Sir Launcelot of the Lake,
and of how he came to achieve the rescue of Queen Guinevere, brought
thither in a cart.
PART I
The Chevalier of the Cart
1LJERE followeth the story of Sir Launcelot of the Lake, how he went
forth to rescue Queen Guinevere from that peril in which she lay at
the castle of Sir Mellegrans. Likewise it is told how he met with a very un-
toward adventure, so that he was obliged to ride to his undertaking in a cart as
aforesaid.
enney* anb flje Hermit Ijetp
Sir Launcclot tofyte armor*
Chapter First
How Denneys Found Sir Launcelot, and How Sir Launcelot Rode
Forth for to Rescue Queen Guinevere from the Castle of Sir
Mellegrans, and of What Befel him upon the Assaying of that
Adventure.
NOW after that sad and sorrowful company of the Queen had thus
been led away captive by Sir Mellegrans as aforetold of, they rode
forward upon their way for all that day. And they continued to
ride after the night had fallen, and at that time they were passing through
a deep dark forest. From this forest, about midnight, they came out into
an open stony place whence before them they beheld where was built high
up upon a steep hill a grim and forbidding castle, standing very dark against
the star-lit sky. And behind the castle there was a town with a number
of lights and a bell was tolling for midnight in the town. And this town
and castle were the town and the castle of Sir Mellegrans.
Now the Queen had riding near to her throughout that doleful journey
a young page named Denneys, and as they had ridden upon their way, she
had taken occasion at one place to whisper to him: " Denneys, if thou canst
find a chance of escape, do so, and take news of our plight to some one who
may rescue us." So it befel that just as they came out thus How Den .
into that stony place, and in the confusion that arose when ***
they reached the steep road that led up to the castle, Denneys drew rein a
12 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
little to one side. Then, seeing that he was unobserved, he suddenly set
spurs to his horse and rode away with might and main down the stony path
and into the forest whence they had all come, and so was gone before any-
body had gathered thought to stay him.
Then Sir Mellegrans was very angry, and he rode up to the Queen and he
said : " Lady, thou hast sought to betray me ! But it matters not, for thy
page shall not escape from these parts with his life, for I shall send a party
after him with command to slay him with arrows/'
So Sir Mellegrans did as he said ; he sent several parties of armed men to
hunt the forest for the page Denneys ; but Denneys escaped them all and
got safe away into the cover of the night.
And after that he wandered through the dark and gloomy woodland,
not knowing whither he went, for there was no ray of light. Moreover,
the gloom was full of strange terrors, for on every side of him he heard the
movement of night creatures stirring in the darkness, and he wist not
whether they were great or little or whether they were of a sort to harm
him or not to harm him.
Yet ever he went onward until, at last, the dawn of the day came shining
very faint and dim through the tops of the trees. And then, by and by,
and after a little, he began to see the things about him, very faint, as
though they were ghosts growing out of the darkness. Then
the small fowl awoke, and first one began to chirp and then
through the another, until a multitude of the little feathered creatures fell
to singing upon all sides so that the silence of the forest was
filled Jiull of their multitudinous chanting. And all the while the light
grew^tronger and stronger and more clear and sharp until, by and by, the
great and splendid sun leaped up into the sky and shot his shafts of gold
aslant through the trembling leaves of the trees ; and so all the joyous world
was awake once more to the fresh and dewy miracle of a new-born day.
So cometh the breaking of the day in the woodlands as I have told you,
and all this Denneys saw, albeit he thought but little of what he beheld.
For all he cared for at that time was to escape out of the thick mazes of the
forest in which he knew himself to be entangled. Moreover, he was faint
with weariness and hunger, and wist not where he might break his fast or
where he could find a place to tarry and to repose himself for a little.
But God had care of little Denneys and found him food, for by and by
he came to an open space in the forest, where there was a neatherd's hut,
and that was a very pleasant place. For here a brook as clear as crystal
came brawling out of the forest and ran smoothly across an open lawn of
bright green grass ; and there was a hedgerow and several apple-trees, and
HOW DENNEYS JOURNEYS IN THE FOREST
both the hedge and the apple-trees were abloom with fragrant blossoms
And the thatched hut of the neatherd stood back under two great oak-trees
at the edge of the forest, where the sunlight played in spots of gold all over
the face of the dwelling.
So the Queen's page beheld the hut and he rode forward with intent to
beg for bread, and at his coming there appeared a comely woman of the
forest at the door and asked him what he would have. To her Denneys
told how he was lost in the forest and how he was anhungered. And whilst
he talked there came a slim brown girl, also of the woodland, and very wild,
and she stood behind the woman and listened to what he said. This woman
and this girl pitied Denneys, and the woman gave command
that the girl should give him a draught of fresh milk, and the
maiden did so, bringing it to him in a great wooden bowl. foodt
Meanwhile, the woman herself fetched sweet brown bread spread with butter
as yellow as gold, and Denneys took it and gave them both thanks beyond
measure. So he ate and drank with great appetite, the whiles those two
outland folk stood gazing at him, wondering at his fair young face and his
yellow hair.
After that, Denneys journeyed on for the entire day, until the light began
to wane once more. The sun set; the day faded into the silence of the
gloaming and then the gloaming darkened, deeper and more deep, until
Denneys was engulfed once more in the blackness of the night-time. .
Then lo! God succored him again, for as the darkness fell, he heard^he
sound of a little bell ringing through the gathering night. Thitherward he
turned his horse whence he heard the sound to come, and so in a little he
perceived a light shining from afar, and when he had come nigh enough to
that light he was aware that he had come to the chapel of a hermit of the
forest and that the light that he beheld came from within the hermit's
dwelling-place.
As Denneys drew nigh to the chapel and the hut a great horse neighed from
a cabin close by, and therewith he was aware that some other wayfarer was
there, and that he should have comradeship and at that his heart was
elated with gladness.
So he rode up to the door of the hut and knocked, and in answer t
knocking there came one and opened to him, and that one was Denneys
a most reverend hermit with. a long beard as white as snow <*<* *
and a face very calm and gentle and covered all over with a
great multitude of wrinkles. f .
(And this was the hermit of the forest several times spoken of af(
in these histories.)
i 4 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
When the hermit beheld before him that young lad, all haggard and worn and
faint and sick with weariness and travel and hunger, he took great pity and ran
to him and catched him in his arms and lifted him down from his horse and
bare him into the hermitage, and sat him down upon a bench that was there.
Denneys said: " Give me to eat and to drink, for I am faint to death."
And the hermit said, "You shall have food upon the moment,'* and he
went to fetch it.
Then Denneys gazed about him with heavy eyes, and was aware that
there was another in the hut besides himself. And then he heard a voice
speak his name with great wonderment, saying: " Denneys, is it then thou
who hast come here at this time? What ails thee? Lo! I knew thee not
when I first beheld thee enter."
Then Denneys lifted up his eyes, and he beheld that it was Sir Launcelot
of the Lake who spoke to him thus in the hut of the hermit.
At that, and seeing who it was who spake to him, Denneys leaped up and
Denneys findeth ran to Sir Launcelot and fell down upon his knees before him.
Sir Launcelot. j^fr fr e embraced Sir Launcelot about the knees, weeping be-
yond measure because of the many troubles through which he had passed.
Sir Launcelot said: " Denneys, what is it ails thee? Where is the Queen,
and how came you here at this place and at this hour? Why look you so
distraught, and why are you so stained with blood?"
Then Denneys, still weeping, told Sir Launcelot all that had befallen, and
how that the Lady Guinevere was prisoner in the castle of Sir Mellegrans
somewhere in the midst of that forest.
But when Sir Launcelot heard what Denneys said, he arose very hastily
and he cried out, " How is this ! How is this ! " and he cried out again very
vehemently: " Help me to mine armor and let me go hence! "
rides forth to (f r Sir Launcelot had laid aside his armor whilst he rested in
save the the hut of the hermit) .
At that moment the hermit came in, bringing food for Den-
neys to eat, and hearing what Sir Launcelot said, he would have persuaded
him to abide there until the morrow and until he could see his way. But
Sir Launcelot would listen to nothing that might stay him. So Denneys
and the hermit helped him don his armor, and after that Sir Launcelot
mounted his warhorse and rode away into the blackness of the night.
So Sir Launcelot rode as best he might through the darkness of the forest,
and he rode all night, and shortly after the dawning of the day he heard the
sound of rushing water.
So he followed a path that led to this water and by and by he came to an
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT RIDETH INTO THE FOREST IS
open space very stony and rough. And he saw that here was a great torrent
of water that came roaring down from the hills very violent and turbid and
covered all over with foam like to cream. And he beheld that there was a
bridge of stone that spanned the torrent and that upon the farther side of
the bridge was a considerable body of men-at-arms all in full armor. And
he^ beheld that there were at least five-and-twenty of these men, and that
chief among them was a man clad in green armor.
Then Sir Launcelot rode out upon the bridge and he called to those armed
men: "Can you tell me whether this way leads to the castle of Sir Melle-
grans?"
They say to him: "Who are you, Sir Knight?"
"I am one," quoth Sir Launcelot, "who seeks the castle of Sir Melle-
grans. For that knight hath violently seized upon the person of the Lady
Guinevere and of certain of her court, and he now holds her and them cap-
tive and in duress. I am one who hath come to rescue that lady and her
court from their distress and anxiety."
Upon this the Green Knight, who was the chief of that party, came a
little nearer to Sir Launcelot, and said: "Messire, are you Sir Launcelot of
the Lake? " Sir Launcelot said: " Yea, I am he." " Then," said the Green
Knight, " you can go no farther upon this pass, for you are to know that we
are the people of Sir Mellegrans, and that we are here to stay you or any
of your fellows from going forward upon this way."
Then Sir Launcelot laughed, and he said: "Messire, how will you stay
me against my will? " The Green Knight said: " We will stay you by force
of our numbers." "Well," quoth Sir Launcelot, "for the matter of that,
I have made my way against greater odds than those I now see before me.
So your peril will be of your own devising, if you seek to stay me."
Therewith he cast aside his spear and drew his sword, and set spurs to
his horse and rode forward against them. And he rode straight
in amongst them with great violence, lashing right and left
with his sword, so that at every stroke a man fell down from
out of his saddle. So fierce and direful were the blows that
Sir Launcelot delivered that the terror of his rage fell upon them, where-
fore, after a while, they fell away from before him, and left him standing
alone in the centre of the way.
Now there were a number of the archers of Sir Mellegrans lying hidden
in the rocks at the sides of that pass. These, seeing how that battle was
going and that Sir Launcelot had driven back their companions, straightway
fitted arrows to their bows and began shooting at the horse of Sir Launcelot.
Against these archers Sir Launcelot could in no wise defend his horse,
16 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
wherefore the steed was presently sorely wounded and began plunging and
snorting in pain so that Sir Launcelot could hardly hold him in check. And
sir Launce s ^ ^ e arcners shot arrow after arrow until by and by the life
lot, his horse began to go out of the horse. Then after a while the good steed
fell down upon, his knees and rolled over into the dust ; for he
was so sorely wounded that he could no longer stand.
But Sir Launcelot did not fall, but voided his saddle with great skill and
address, so that he kept his feet, wherefore his enemies were not able to take
him at such disadvantage as they would have over a fallen knight who lay
upon the ground.
So Sir Launcelot stood there in the midst of the way at the end of the
bridge, and he waved his sword this way and that way before him so that
not one of those, his enemies, dared to come nigh to him. For the terror
of him still lay upon them all and they dreaded those buffets he had given
them in the battle they had just fought with him.
Wherefore they stood at a considerable distance regarding Sir Launcelot
and not daring to come nigh to him ; and they stood so for a long time. And
although the Green Knight commanded them to fight, they would not fight
any more against Sir Launcelot, so the Green Knight had to give orders for
them to cease that battle and to depart from that place. This they did,
leaving Sir Launcelot standing where he was.
Thus Sir Launcelot with his single arm won a battle against all that mul-
titude of enemies as I have told.
But though Sir Launcelot had thus won that pass with great credit and
honor to himself, fighting as a single man against so many, yet he was still in
a very sorry plight. For there he stood, a full-armed man with such a great
weight of armor upon him that he could hardly hope to walk a league, far
less to reach the castle of Sir Mellegrans afoot. Nor knew he what to do in
this extremity, for where could he hope to find a horse in that thick forest,
where was hardly a man or a beast of any sort? Wherefore, although he
had won his battle, he was yet in no ease or satisfaction of spirit.
Thus it was that Sir Launcelot went upon that adventure ; and now you
shall hear how it sped with him further, if so be you are pleased to read that
which followeth.
otoSir Launcelotrobe jr
errant inacart*
Chapter Second
How Sir Launcelot rode in a cart to rescue Queen Guinevere and
how he came in that way to the castle of Sir Mellegrans.
NOW after Sir Launcelot was thus left by his enemies standing alone
in the road as aforetold of, he knew not for a while what to do,
nor how he should be able to get him away from that place.
As he stood there adoubt as to what to do in this sorry case, he by and by
heard upon one side from out of the forest the sound of an axe at a distance
away, and thereat he was very glad, for he wist that help was nigh. So he
took up his shield on his shoulder and his spear in his hand and thereupon
directed his steps toward where he heard that sound of the axe, in hopes
that there he might find some one who could aid in his extremity. So after
a while, he came forth into a little open glade of the forest where he beheld a
fagotmaker chopping fagots. And he beheld the fagotmaker had there a
cart and a horse for to fetch his fagots from the forest.
But when the fagotmaker saw an armed knight come thus like a shining
vision out of the forest, walking afoot, bearing his shield upon his shoulder,
and his spear in his hand, he knew not what to think of such a sight, but
stood staring with his mouth agape for wonders.
Sir Launcelot said to him, " Good fellow, is that thy cart?" The fagot-
maker said, " Yea, Messire." " I would," quoth Sir Launcelot, "have thee
do me a service with that cart," and the fagotmaker asked, "What is the
service that thou wouldst have of me, Messire ? " Sir Launcelot said : " This
is the service I would have : it is that you take me into yonder cart and hale
me to somewhere I may get a horse for to ride ; for mine own horse hath just
now been slain in battle, and I know not how I may go forward upon the
adventure I have undertaken unless I get me another horse."
Now you must know that in those days it was not thought worthy of any
one of degree to ride in a cart in that wise as Sir Launcelot said, for they
would take law-breakers to the gallows in just such carts as that one in
which Sir Launcelot made demand to ride. Wherefore it was that that poor
fagotmaker knew not what to think when he heard Sir Launcelot give com-
20 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
mand that he should be taken to ride in that cart. " Messire," quoth he,
" this cart is no fit thing for one of your quality to ride in. Now I beseech
you let me serve you in some other way than that."
But Sir Launcelot made reply as follows: "Sirrah, I would have thee
know that there is no shame in riding in a cart for a worthy purpose, but
there is great shame if one rides therein unworthily. And contrariwise, a
man doth not gain credit merely for riding on horseback, for his credit ap-
pertains to his conduct, and not to what manner he rideth. So as my pur-
pose is worthy, I shall, certes, be unworthy if I go not to fulfil that purpose,
even if in so going I travel in thy poor cart. So do as I bid thee and make
thy cart ready, and if thou wilt bring me in it to where I may get a fresh
horse, I will give thee five pieces of gold money for thy service."
Now when the fagotmaker heard what Sir Launcelot said about the five
pieces of gold money, he was very joyful, wherefore he ran to make ready
his cart with all speed. And when the cart was made ready, Sir Launcelot
entered into it with his shield and his spear.
So it was that Sir Launcelot of the Lake came to ride errant in a cart,
Sir Launcelot wnere ^ ore > f r a l n g time after, he was called the Chevalier of
rideth in a the Cart. And many ballads and songs were made concern-
ing that matter, which same were sung in several courts of
chivalry by minstrels and jongleurs, and these same stories and ballads
have come down from afar to us of this very day.
Meantime Sir Launcelot rode forward at a slow pass and in that way for
a great distance. So, at last, still riding in the cart, they came of a sudden
out of the forest and into a little fertile valley in the midst of which lay a
small town and a fair castle with seven towers that overlooked the town.
And this was a very fair pretty valley, for on all sides of the town and of the
castle were fields of growing corn, all green and lush, and there were many
hedgerows and orchards of fruit-trees all abloom with fragrant blossoms.
And the sound of cocks crowing came to Sir Launcelot upon a soft breeze
that blew up the valley, and on the same breeze came the fragrance of apple
blossoms, wherefore it seemed to Sir Launcelot that this valley was like a
fair jewel of heaven set in the rough perlieus of the forest that lay round
about.
So the fagotmaker drove Sir Launcelot in the cart down into that valley
toward the castle, and as they drew near thereunto Sir Launcelot was aware
of a party of lords and ladies who were disporting themselves in a smooth
meadow of green grass that lay spread out beneath the castle walls. And
some of these lords and ladies tossed a ball from one to another, and others
lay in the grass in the shade of a lime-tree and watched those that played
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT COMETH TO A CASTLE 2l
at ball. Then Sir Launcelot was glad to see those gentle folk, for he thought
that here he might get him a fresh horse to take him upon his way. So he
gave command to the fagotmaker to drive to where those people were.
But as Sir Launcelot, riding in the fagotmaker's cart, drew near to those
castle-folk, they ceased their play and stood and looked at him with great
astonishment, for they had never beheld an armed knight riding in a cart
in that wise. Then, in a little, they all fell to laughing beyond measure, and
at that Sir Launcelot was greatly abashed with shame.
Then the lord of that castle came forward to meet Sir Launcelot. He was
a man of great dignity of demeanor gray-haired, and clad in velvet trimmed
with fur. When he came nigh to where Sir Launcelot was, he said, speaking
as with great indignation : " Sir knight, why do you ride in this wise in a cart,
like to a law-breaker going to the gallows? "
" Sir," quoth Sir Launcelot, " I ride thus because my horse was slain by
treachery. For I have an adventure which I have undertaken to perform,
and I have no other way to go forward upon that quest than this."
Then all those who heard what Sir Launcelot said laughed again with
great mirth. Only the old lord of the castle did not laugh, The hrd o j a
but said, still speaking as with indignation: " Sir Knight, it is castle chideth
altogether unworthy of one of your degree to ride thus in a cart
to be made a mock of. Wherefore come down, and if you prove yourself
worthy I myself will purvey you a horse."
But by this time Sir Launcelot had become greatly affronted at the
laughter of those who jeered at him, and he was furthermore affronted that
the lord of the castle should deem him to be unworthy because he came
thither in a cart ; wherefore he said: " Sir, without boasting, methinks I may
say that I am altogether as worthy as any one hereabouts. Nor do I think
that any one of you all has done more worthily in his degree than I have done
in my degree. As for any lack of worship that may befall me for riding thus,
I may say that the adventure which I have undertaken just now to I* 1
is in itself so worthy that it will make worthy any man who may unde
it, no matter how he may ride to that adventure. Now I had thought
ask of you a fresh horse, but since your people mock at me and since yc
rebuke me so discourteously, I will ask you for nothing. Wherefore, to ;
you that knightly worthiness does not depend upon the way a knighi
ride, I herewith make my vow that I will not mount upon
quest is achieved ; nor will I ride to that adventure in an
this poor cart wherein I now stand. ' ' . ,
So Sir Launcelot rode away in his cart from those ca st le-fofe .And he
rode thus down into the valley and through the town that was m the vail
22 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
in the fagotmaker's cart, and all who beheld him laughed at him and
mocked him. For, as he passed along the way, many came and looked
down upon him from out of the windows of the houses ; and others ran along
beside the cart and all laughed and jeered at him to see him thus riding in
a cart as though to a hanging. But all this Sir Launcelot bore with great
calmness of demeanor, both because of his pride and because of the vow that
he had made. Wherefore he continued to ride in that cart although he
might easily have got him a fresh horse from the lord of the castle.
Now turn we to the castle of Sir Mellegrans, where Queen Guinevere and
her court were held prisoners.
First of all you are to know that that part of the castle wherein she and
her court were held overlooked the road which led up to the gate of the
castle. Wherefore it came about that one of the damsels of the Queen,
looking out of the window of the chamber wherein the Queen was held
prisoner, beheld a knight armed at all points, corning riding thitherward
in a cart. Beholding this sight, she fell to laughing, whereat the Queen
said, "What is it you laugh at?" That damsel cried out: "Lady, Lady,
look, see! What a strange sight! Yonder is a knight riding in a cart as
though he were upon his way to a hanging!"
Then Queen Guinevere came to the window and looked out, and several
The Queen came and looked out also. At first none of them wist who it
beholds sir was that rode in that cart. But when the cart had come a little
riding in a nearer to where they were, the Queen knew who he was, for she
cart. beheld the device upon the shield, even from afar, and she
knew that the knight was Sir Launcelot. Then the Queen turned to the
damsel and said to her: " You laugh without knowing what it is you laugh
at. Yonder gentleman is no subject for a jest, for he is without any doubt
the worthiest knight of any who ever wore golden spurs."
Now amongst those who stood there looking out of the window were Sir
Percydes and Sir Brandiles and Sir Ironside, and in a little Sir Percydes also
saw the device of Sir Launcelot and therewith knew who it was who rode in
the cart. But when Sir Percydes knew that that knight was Sir Launcelot,
he was greatly offended that he, who was the chiefest knight of the Round
Table, should ride in a cart in that wise. So Sir Percydes said to the Queen :
" Lady, I believe yonder knight is none other than Sir Launce-
lot of the Lake." And Queen Guinevere said, " It is assuredly
he '" Sir perc Y des said: "Then I take it to be a great shame
that the chiefest knight of the Round Table should ride
so in a cart as though he were a felon law-breaker. For the world will
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME IN THE CART
assuredly hear of this and it will be made a jest in every court of chivalry
And all we who are his companions in arms and who are his brethren of the
Round Table will be made a jest and a laughing-stock along with him."
Thus spake Sir Percydes, and the other knights who were there and all the
ladies who were there agreed with him that it was great shame for Sir Laun-
celot to come thus to save the Queen, riding in a cart.
But the Queen said: " Messires and ladies, I take no care for the manner
in which Sir Launcelot cometh, for I believe he cometh for to rescue us
from this captivity, and if so be he is successful in that undertaking, then it
will not matter how he cometh to perform so worthy a deed of knighthood
as that."
Thus all they were put to silence by the Queen's words; but nevertheless
and afterward those knights who were there still held amongst themselves
that it was great shame for Sir Launcelot to come thus in a cart to rescue the
Queen, instead of first getting for himself a horse whereon to ride as became
a knight-errant of worthiness and respect.
Now you are to know that the Green Knight, who was the head of that
party that tried to stand against Sir Launcelot at the bridge as aforesaid,
when he beheld that the horse of Sir Launcelot was shot, rode away from
the place of battle with his men, and that he never stopped nor stayed until
he had reached the castle of Sir Mellegrans. There coming, he went straight-
way to where Sir Mellegrans was and told Sir Mellegrans all that had be-
fallen, and how that Sir Launcelot had overcome them all with his single
hand at the bridge of the torrent. And he told Sir Mellegrans that haply
Sir Launcelot would be coming to that place before a very great while had
passed, although he had been delayed because his horse had been slain.
At that Sir Mellegrans was put to great anxiety, for he also knew that Sir
Launcelot would be likely to be at that place before a very great sir Melle .
while, and he wist that there would be great trouble for him *
when that should come to pass. So he began to cast about
very busily in his mind for some scheme whereby he might destroy v
Launcelot. And at last he hit upon a scheme; and that scheme was
worthy of him both as a knight and as a gentleman.
So when news was brought to Sir Mellegrans that Sir Launcelot was
in front of the castle in a cart, Sir Mellegrans went down to the barbican of
the castle and looked out of a window of the barbican and beheld L b j
Launcelot where he stood in the cart before the gate of the castle. And
Mellegrans said, " Sir Launcelot, is it thou who art there in the carL
Sir Launcelot replied: " Yea, thou traitor knight, it is I, and I come to
24 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
thee thou shalt not escape my vengeance either now or at some other
time unless thou set free the Queen and all her court and make due
reparation to her and to them and to me for all the harm you have wrought
upon us. "
To this Sir Mellegrans spake in a very soft and humble tone of voice, say-
ing: " Messire, I have taken much thought, and I now much repent me of all
that I have done. For though my provocation hath been great, yet I have
done extremely ill in all this that hath happened, so I am of a
grans Ipeak- mind to make reparation for what I have done. Yet I know
eth to sir nO h O w to make such reparation without bringing ruin upon
myself. If thou wilt intercede with me before the Queen in
this matter, I will let thee into this castle and I myself will take thee to her
where she is. And after I have been forgiven what I have done, then ye
shall all go free, and I will undertake to deliver myself unto the mercy of
King Arthur and will render all duty unto him."
At this repentance of Sir Mellegrans Sir Launcelot was very greatly
astonished. But yet he was much adoubt as to the true faith of that
knight; wherefore he said: " Sir Knight, how may I know that that which
thou art telling me is the truth? "
"Well," said Sir Mellegrans, "it is small wonder, I dare say, that thou
hast doubt of my word. But I will prove my faith to thee in this : I will
come to thee unarmed as I am at this present, and I will admit thee into my
castle, and I will lead thee to the Queen. And as thou art armed and I am
unarmed, thou mayest easily slay me if so be thou seest that I make any
sign of betraying thee."
But still Sir Launcelot was greatly adoubt, and wist not what to think of
that which Sir Mellegrans said. But after a while, and after he had consid-
ered the matter for a space, he said: "If all this that thou tellest me is
true, Sir Knight, then come down and let me into this castle as thou hast
promised to do, for I will venture that much upon thy faith. But if I
see that thou hast a mind to deal falsely by me, then I will indeed slay
thee as thou hast given me leave to do." And Sir Mellegrans said, " I am
content."
So Sir Mellegrans went down from where he was and he gave command
that the gates of the castle should be opened. And when the
grans Ineeis gates were opened he went forth to where Sir Launcelot was.
to Sir Launce- And Sir Launcelot descended from the fagotmaker's cart,
and Sir Mellegrans kneeled down before him, and he set his
palms together and he said, " Sir Launcelot, I crave thy pardon for what I
have done."
SIR LAUNCELOT ENTERETH THE CASTLE 25
Sir 'Launcelot said: "Sir Knight, if indeed thou meanest no further
treachery, thou hast my pardon and I will also intercede with the Queen to
pardon thee as well. So take me straightway to her, for until I behold
her with mine own eyes I cannot believe altogether in thy repentance."
Then Sir Mellegrans arose and said, " Come, and I will take thee to her."
So Sir Mellegrans led the way into the castle and Sir Launcelot followed
after him with his naked sword in his hand. And Sir Mellegrans led the
way deep into the castle and along several passageways and still Sir Launce-
lot followed after him with his drawn sword, ready for to slay him if he
should show sign of treason.
Now there was in a certain part of that castle and in the midst of a long
passageway a trap-door that opened through the floor of the passageway
and so into a deep and gloomy pit beneath. And this trap-door was con-
trolled by a cunning latch of which Sir Mellegrans alone knew the secret;
for when Sir Mellegrans would touch the latch with his finger, the trap-door
would immediately fall open into the pit beneath. So thitherward to that
place Sir Mellegrans led the way and Sir Launcelot followed. And Sir
Mellegrans passed over that trap-door in safety, but when Sir Launcelot had
stepped upon the trap-door, Sir Mellegrans touched the spring that controlled
the latch with his finger, and the trap-door immediately opened sir Launce ,
beneath Sir Launcelot and Sir Launcelot fell down into the lot jatteth into
pit beneath. And the pit was very deep indeed and the floor
thereof was of stone, so that when Sir Launcelot fell he smote the stone
floor so violently that he was altogether bereft of his senses and lay there
in the pit like to one who was dead.
Then Sir Mellegrans came back to the open space of the trap-door and he
looked down into the pit beneath and beheld Sir Launcelot where he lay.
Thereupon Sir Mellegrans laughed and he cried out, " Sir Launcelot, what
cheer have you now? " But Sir Launcelot answered not.
Then Sir Mellegrans laughed again, and he closed the trap-door and went
away, and he said to himself: "Now indeed have I such hostages in my
keeping that King Arthur must needs set right this wrong he hath aforetime
done me. For I now have in my keeping not only his Queen, but also ti
foremost knight of his Round Table; wherefore King Arthur must n
come to me to make such terms with me as I shall determine.
As for Queen Guinevere, she waited with her court for a long ; time > for
news of Sir Launcelot, for she wist that now Sir Launcelot was there at
place she must needs have news of him sooner or later But no n
to her; wherefore, as time passed by, she took great trouble 1
26 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
had no news, and she said : " Alas, if ill should have befallen that good worthy
knight at the hands of the treacherous lord of this castle!"
But she knew not how great at that very time was the ill into which Sir
Launcelot had fallen, nor of how he was even then lying like as one dead in
the pit beneath the floor of the passageway.
Damsel Klouisci^cFair
rescues Sir Launcelot
Chapter Third
How Sir Launcelot was rescued from the pit and how he overcame
Sir Mellegrans and set free the Queen and her court from the
duress they were in.
NOW when Sir Launcelot awoke from that swoon into which he was
cast by falling so violently into the pit, he found himself to be in a
very sad, miserable case. For he lay there upon the hard stones
of the floor and all about him there was a darkness so great that there was
not a single ray of light that penetrated into it.
So for a while Sir Launcelot knew not where he was ; but by and by he
remembered that he was in the castle of Sir Mellegrans, and he remembered
all that had befallen him, and therewith, when he knew himself sir Launce
to be a prisoner in so miserable a condition, he groaned with lot lyeth in
dolor and distress, for he was at that time in great pain both the **'
of mind and body. Then he cried out in a very mournful voice : " Woe is
me that I should have placed any faith in a traitor such as this knight hath
from the very beginning shown himself to be! For here am I now cast
into this dismal prison, and know not how I shall escape from it to bring
succor to those who so greatly need my aid at this moment."
So Sir Launcelot bemoaned and lamented himself, but no one heard him,
for he was there all alone in that miserable dungeon and in a darkness into
which no ray of light could penetrate.
Then Sir Launcelot bent his mind to think of how he might escape from
that place, but though he thought much, yet he could not devise any way
in which he might mend the evil case in which he found himself; wherefore
he was altogether overwhelmed with despair. And by that time it had
grown to be about the dead of the night.
Now as Sir Launcelot lay there in such despair of spirit as aforetold of, he
was suddenly aware that there came a gleam of light shining in a certain
place, and he was aware the light grew ever brighter and brighter and he
beheld that it came through the cracks of a door. And by and by he heard
the sound of keys from without and immediately afterward the door opened
30 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
and there entered into that place a damsel bearing a lighted lamp in her
hand.
At first Sir Launcelot knew not who she was, and then he knew her and lo !
The Lad ^at damsel was tne Lady Elouise the Fair, the daughter of King
findeth Bagdemagus and sister unto Sir Mellegrans ; and she was the
s * r Launcelot - same who had aforetime rescued him when he had been pris-
oner to Queen Morgana le Fay, as hath been told you in a former book of
this history.
So Elouise the Fair came into that dismal place, bringing with her the
lighted lamp, and Sir Launcelot beheld that her eyes were red with weeping.
Then Sir Launcelot, beholding that she had been thus weeping, said:
" Lady, what is it that ails you? Is there aught that I can do for to com-
fort you?" To this she said naught, but came to where Sir Launcelot
was and looked at him for a long while. By and by she said : " Woe is me
to find thee thus, Sir Launcelot ! And woe is me that it should have been
mine own brother that should have brought thee to this pass! "
Sir Launcelot was much moved to see her so mournful and he said : " Lady,
take comfort to thyself, for whatever evil thing Sir Mellegrans may have
done to me, naught of reproach or blame can fall thereby upon thee, for I
shall never cease to remember how thou didst one time save me from a very
grievous captivity."
The Lady Elouise said: " Launcelot, I cannot bear to see so noble a knight
as thou art lying thus in duress. So it is that I come hither to aid thee.
Now if I set thee free wilt thou upon thy part show mercy unto my brother
for my sake?"
" Lady," said Sir Launcelot, "this is a hard case thou puttest to me, for
I would do much for thy sake. But I would have thee wist that it is my
endeavor to help in my small way to punish evil-doers so that the world
may be made better by that punishment. Wherefore because this knight
hath dealt so treacherously with my lady the Queen, so it must needs be that
I must seek to punish him if ever I can escape from this place. But if it
so befalls that I do escape, this much mercy will I show to Sir Mellegrans
for thy sake : I will meet him in fair field, as one knight may meet another
knight in that wise. And I will show him such courtesy as one knight
may show another in time of battle. Such mercy will I show thy brother
and meseems that is all that may rightly be asked of me."
Then Elouise the Fair began weeping afresh, and she said : " Alas, Launce-
lot! I fear me that my brother will perish at thy hands if so be that it
cometh to a battle betwixt you twain. And how could I bear it to have
my brother perish in that way and at thy hands?"
ELOUISE THE FAIR RESCUETH SIR LAUNCELOT Jx
"Lady." said Sir Launcelot, "the fate of battle lyeth ever in God His
hands and not in the hands of men. It may befall any man to die who
doeth battle, and such a fate may be mine as well as thy brother's So do
thou take courage, for whilst I may not pledge myself to avoid an ordeal of
battle with Sir Mellegrans, yet it may be his good hap that he may live and
that I may die."
" Alas, Launcelot," quoth the Fair Elouise, " and dost thou think that it
would be any comfort to me to have thee die at the hands of mine own
brother ? That is but poor comfort to me who am the sister of this miserable
man. Yet let it be as it may hap, I cannot find it in my heart to let thee
lie here in this place, for thou wilt assuredly die in this dark and miserable
dungeon if I do not aid thee. So once more will I set thee free as I did afore-
time when thou wast captive to Queen Morgana le Fay, and I will do my
duty by thee as the daughter of a king and the daughter of a true knight
may do. As to that which shall afterward befall, that will I trust to the
mercy of God to see that it shall all happen as He shall deem best."
So saying, the damsel Elouise the Fair bade Sir Launcelot to arise and to
follow her, and he did so. And she led him out from that place The
and up a long flight of steps and so to a fair large chamber
that was high up in a tower of the castle and under the eaves
of the roof. And Sir Launcelot beheld that everything was f a &*
here prepared for his coming ; for there was a table at that place set with
bread and meat and with several flagons of wine for his refreshment. And
there was in that place a silver ewer full of cold, clear water, and that
there was a basin of silver, and that there were several napkins of fine
linen such as are prepared for knights to dry their hands upon. All these
had been prepared for him against his coming, and at that sight he was
greatly uplifted with satisfaction.
So Sir Launcelot bathed his face and his hands in the water and he dried
them upon the napkins. And he sat him down at the table and he ate and
drank with great appetite and the Lady Elouise the Fair served him. And
so Sir Launcelot was greatly comforted in body and in spirit by that re-
freshment which she had prepared for him.
Then after Sir Launcelot had thus satisfied the needs of his hunger, the
Lady Elouise led him to another room and there showed him where was a
soft couch spread with flame-colored linen and she said, "Here shalt thou rest
at ease to-night, and in the morning I shall bring thy sword and thy shield 1
thee." Therewith she left Sir Launcelot to his repose and he laid him down
upon the couch and slept with great content.
So he slept very soundly all that night and until the next morning, what
32 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
time, the Lady Elouise came to him as she promised and fetched unto him
his sword and his shield. These she gave unto him, saying: " Sir Knight,
I know not whether I be doing evil or good in the sight of Heaven in thus
purveying thee with thy weapons ; ne'ertheless, I cannot find it in my heart
to leave thee unprotected in this place without the wherewithal for to
defend thyself against thine enemies ; for that would be indeed to compass
thy death for certain."
Then Sir Launcelot was altogether filled with joy to have his weapons
Sir Launcelot a am an( ^ ne g a ve thanks to the Lady Elouise without measure.
hath his And after that he hung his sword at his side and set his shield
weapons again. upon hig shoulder and thereupon felt fear of no man in all of
that world, whomsoever that one might be.
After that, and after he had broken his fast, Sir Launcelot went forth
from out of the chamber where he had abided that night, and he went down
into the castle and into the courtyard of the castle, and every one was greatly
astonished at his coming, for they deemed him to be still a prisoner in that
dungeon into which he had fallen.
So all these, when they beheld him coming, full armed and with his sword
Sir Launcelot * n k* s ^ an( ^' ^ e( ^ awa Y from before the face of Sir Launcelot,
challenges the and no one undertook to stay him in his going. So Sir
Launcelot reached the courtyard of the castle, and when he
was come there he set his horn to his lips, and blew a blast that sounded
terribly loud and shrill throughout the entire place.
Meantime, there was great hurrying hither and thither in the castle and
a loud outcry of many voices, and many came to the windows and looked
down into the courtyard and there beheld Sir Launcelot standing clad in
full armor, glistening very bright in the morning light of the sun.
Meantime several messengers had run to where Sir Mellegrans was and
told him that Sir Launcelot had escaped out of that pit wherein he had
fallen and that he was there in the courtyard of the castle in full armor.
At that Sir Mellegrans was overwhelmed with amazement, and a great
fear seized upon him and gripped at his vitals. And after a while he too
went by, to a certain place whence he could look down into the courtyard,
and there he also beheld Sir Launcelot where he stood shining in the sun-
light.
Now at that moment Sir Launcelot lifted up his eyes and espied Sir Melle-
grans where he was at the window of that place, and immediately he knew
Sir Mellegrans. Thereupon he cried out in a loud voice : " Sir Mellegrans,
thou traitor knight! Come down and do battle, for here I await thee to
come and meet me."
SIR MELLEGRANS FEARETH SIR LAUNCELOT
33
But when Sir Mellegrans heard those words he withdrew very hastily
from the window where he was, and he went away in great terror to a
certain room where he might be alone. For beholding Sir Launcelot thus
free of that dungeon from which he had escaped he knew not what to do
to flee from his wrath. Wherefore he said to himself: " Fool that I was to
bring this knight into my castle, when I might have kept him outside as
long as I chose to do so! What now shall I do to escape from his ven-
geance?"
So after a while Sir Mellegrans sent for several of his knights and he took
counsel of them as to what he should do in this pass. These say to him:
"Messire, you yourself to fulfil your schemes have brought sir Melons
yonder knight into this place, when God knows he could not to *^ 33
have come in of his own free will. So now that he is here, it behooves you
to go and arm yourself at all points and to go down to the courtyard, there
to meet him and to do battle with him. For only by overcoming him can
you hope to escape his vengeance."
But Sir Mellegrans feared Sir Launcelot with all his heart, wherefore he
said: "Nay, I will not go down to yonder knight. For wit ye he is the
greatest knight alive, and if I go to do battle with him, it will be of a surety
that I go to my death. Wherefore, I will not go."
Then Sir Mellegrans called a messenger to him and he said: " Go down to
yonder knight in the courtyard and tell him that I will not do battle with
him."
So the messenger went to Sir Launcelot and delivered that message to
him. But when Sir Launcelot heard what it was that the messenger said
to him from Sir Mellegrans, he laughed with great scorn. Then he said to
the messenger, "Doth the knight of this castle fear to meet me?" The
messenger said, " Yea, Messire." Sir Launcelot said: " Then take thou this
message to him: that I will lay aside my shield and my helm and that I
will unarm all the left side of my body, and thus, half naked, will I fight him
if only he will come down and do battle with me."
So saying, the messenger departed as Sir Launcelot bade, and came to Sir
Mellegrans and delivered that message to him as Sir Launcelot had said.
Then Sir Mellegrans said to those who were with him: "Now I will go
down and do battle with this knight, for never will I have a better chance
of overcoming him than this." Therewith he turned to that
messenger, and he said: "Go! Hasten back to yonder knight,
and tell him that I will do battle with him upon those con-
ditions he offers, to wit: that he shall unarm his left side,
and that he shall lay aside his shield and his helm. And tell him that by
34 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
the time he hath made him ready in that wise, I will be down to give him
what satisfaction I am able."
So the messenger departed upon that command, and Sir Mellegrans
departed to arm himself for battle.
Then, after the messenger had delivered the message that Sir Mellegrans
had given him, Sir Launcelot laid aside his shield and his helm as he had
agreed to do, and he removed his armor from his left side so that he was
altogether unarmed upon that side.
After a while Sir Mellegrans appeared, clad all in armor from top to toe,
and baring himself with great confidence, for he felt well assured of victory
in that encounter. Thus he came very proudly nigh to where Sir Launcelot
was, and he said: " Here am I, Sir Knight, come to do you service since you
will have it so."
Sir Launcelot said : " I am ready to meet thee thus or in any other way,
so that I may come at thee at all."
After that each knight dressed himself for combat, and all those who were
in the castle gathered at the windows and the galleries above, and looked
down upon the two knights.
Then they two came slowly together, and when they were pretty nigh to
one another Sir Launcelot offered his left side so as to allow Sir Mellegrans
to strike at him. And when Sir Mellegrans perceived this chance, he
straightway lashed a great blow at Sir Launcelot 's unarmed side with all
his might and main, and with full intent to put an end to the battle with
that one blow.
But Sir Launcelot was well prepared for that stroke, wherefore he very
dexterously and quickly turned himself to one side so that he received the
blow upon the side which was armed, and at the same time he put aside
a part of the blow with his sword. So that blow came to naught.
But so violent was the stroke that Sir Mellegrans had lashed that he over-
reached himself, and ere he could recover himself, Sir Launcelot lashed at
Sir Launcelot ^ m a g rea/t buffet "that struck him fairly upon the helm. And
siayeth Sir then again he lashed at him ere he fell and both this stroke
Mellegrans. of ^ swor( j an( j fa e ot h er cut deep through the helm and
into the brain pan of Sir Mellegrans, so that he fell down upon the ground
and lay there without motion of any sort. Then Sir Launcelot stood over
him, and called to those who were near to come and look to their lord, and
thereat there came several running. These lifted Sir Mellegrans up and
removed his helmet so as to give him air to breathe. And they looked
upon his face, and lo! even then the spirit was passing from him, for he
never opened his eyes to look upon the splendor of the sun again.
SIR LAUNCELOT RESCUETH THE QUEEN
55
Then when those of the castle saw how it was with Sir Mellegrans and
that even then he was dead, they lifted up their voices with great lamen-
tation so that the entire castle rang presently with their outcries and
wailings.
But Sir Launcelot cried out: "This knight hath brought this upon him-
self because of the treason he hath done; wherefore the blame is his
own." And then he said: "Where is the porter of this castle? Go, fetch
him hither!"
So in a little while the porter came, and Sir Launcelot made demand of
him: " Where is it that the Queen and her court are held prisoners? Bring
me to them, Sirrah?"
Then the porter of the castle bowed down before Sir Launcelot and he
said, "Messire, I will do whatever you command me to do," for he was
overwhelmed with the terror of Sir Launcelot 's wrath as he had displayed
it that day. And the porter said, " Messire, have mercy on us all and I will
take you to the Queen."
So the porter brought Sir Launcelot to where the Queen was, and where
were those others with her. Then all these gave great joy and loud acclaim
that Sir Launcelot had rescued them out of their captivity. Sir Launcelot
And Queen Guinevere said: " What said I to you awhile since? rescueth the
Did I not say that it mattered not how Sir Launcelot came Queen '
hither even if it were in a cart? For lo! though he came thus humbly and
in lowly wise, yet he hath done marvellous deeds of knightly prowess, and
hath liberated us all from our captivity."
After that Sir Launcelot commanded them that they should make ready
such horses as might be needed. And he commanded that they should
fetch litters for those knights of the Queen's court who had been wounded,
and all that was done as he commanded. After that they all departed from
that place and turned their way toward Camelot and the court of the King.
But Sir Launcelot did not again see that damsel Elouise the Fair, for she
kept herself close shut in her own bower and would see naught of any one be-
cause of the grief and the shame of all that had passed. At that Sir Launce
lot took much sorrow, for he was greatly grieved that he should have brought
any trouble upon one who had been so friendly with him as she had been.
Yet he wist not how he could otherwise have done than as he c lo, a
could think of naught to comfort her.
So ends this adventure of the Knight of the Cart with only this to say :
that after that time there was much offence taken that Sir Launce ot had
gone upon that adventure riding in a cart. For many jests were made c
36 THE CHEVALIER OF THE CART
as I have said, and many of the King's court were greatly grieved that so
unworthy a thing should have happened.
More especially were the kinsmen of Sir Launcelot offended at what he
His kinsmen ^ad done. Wherefore Sir Lionel and Sir Ector came to Sir
chide Sir Launcelot and Sir Ector said to him : " That was a very ill
Launcelot. thing you did to ride to that adventure in a cart. Now
prythee tell us why you did such a thing as that when you might easily
have got a fresh horse for to ride upon if you had chosen to do so."
To this Sir Launcelot made reply with much heat : " I know not why you
should take it upon you to meddle in this affair. For that which I did, I did
of mine own free will, and it matters not to any other man. Moreover, I
deem that it matters not how I went upon that quest so that I achieved my
purpose in a knightly fashion. For I have yet to hear any one say that I
behaved in any way such as a true knight should not behave."
" For the matter of that," said Sir Ector, " thy knighthood is sufficiently
attested, not only in this, but in many other affairs. But that which shames
us who are of thy blood, and they who are thy companions at arms, is that
thou shouldst have achieved thy quest in so unknightly a fashion instead
of with that dignity befitting a very worthy undertaking. For dost thou
not know that thou art now called everywhere ' The Chevalier of the Cart *
and that songs are made of this adventure and that jests are made con-
cerning it?"
Then Sir Launcelot was filled with great anger, and he went to his inn
and took his shield and laced a sheet of leather over the face thereof. There-
Sir Launcelot a ^ er ^ e painted the leather covering of the shield a pure white
covereth his so that it might not be known what was the device thereon,
shield. nor who was the knight who bare that shied. Then after he
had done this he armed himself and took horse and rode forth errant and
alone, betaking his way he knew not whither but suffering his horse to
wander upon whatsoever path it choose.
Thus Sir Launcelot departed in anger from the court of King Arthur, and
after that, excepting one time, he was not seen in the court of the King
again for the space of two years, during which time there was much sorrow
at the court, because he was no longer there.
PART II
The Story of Sir Gareth of Orkney
now followeth the history of S(r Gareth of Orkney, who came unknown
to the court of his uncle, King Arthur; who was there treated with great
indignity by Sir Kay the Seneschal; who was befriended by his brother, Sir
Gawaine, and who afterward went errant with a damsel hight Lynette, meeting
whilst with her several bel-adventures which shall hereinafter be duly told of.
So if you would know how it fared with that young knight, you must cease to
consider the further adventures of Sir Launcelot at this place, and must now
read of those other adventures of this youth, who was the youngest son of King
Lot and Queen Margaise of Orkney. But after they are ended, then shall the
further history of the adventures of Sir Launcelot be considered once more.
ir Garcffy of OrUiwy
Chapter First
How Sir Gareth of Orkney came to the Castle of Kynkennedon
where King Arthur was holding court, and how it fared with
him at that place.
THE youngest son of King Lot of Orkney and of his Queen, who was
the Lady Margaise, sister of King Arthur, was a youth hight
Gareth of Orkney. This young, noble, high-born prince was the
most beautiful of all his royal race, for not only was he exceedingly tall and
stalwart of frame standing a full head bigger than the biggest of any at his
father's court and not only was he the strongest and the most agile and
the most skilful at all knightly sports, and not only was he gentle in speech
and exceedingly courteous in demeanor to all with whom he held discourse,
but he was so beautiful of countenance that I do not believe that an angel
of Paradise could be more fair to look upon than he. For his hair was
Of Gareth of bright and ruddy, shining like to pure gold, his cheeks were
Orkney. re j an( j they and his chin were covered over with a soft and
budding bloom of beard like to a dust of gold upon his face; his eyes were
blue and shining and his neck and throat were round and white like to a
pillar of alabaster.
Now King Lot and Queen Margaise loved Gareth above any of their other
40 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
children, and so it befell that all those who dwelt at the King's court took
every occasion to praise young Gareth, both to his face and before the faces
How the of ^ t ^ ie King an( ^ Q ueen his father and mother. For these
the court praise would sometimes say : " Lo ! this youth sendeth forth such a
Gareth. glory of royal beauty and grace and dignity from him that
even were he clad in fustian instead of cloth of gold yet would all the
world know him to be of royal strain as plainly as though he were clothed
in royal attire fitting for such a princely youth to wear. For, behold!
the splendor of his royalty lieth in his spirit and not in his raiment, and so
it is that it shineth forth from his countenance."
Now it came to pass that when Gareth was twenty years of age, his
mother, Queen Margaise, called him to her in her bower where she was
with her maidens, and she bade him to sit down beside her and he did
as she commanded, taking his place upon a couch spread with purple
cloth embroidered with silver lions whereon the Queen was sitting at
that time. Then Queen Margaise gazed long upon her beautiful son,
and her heart yearned over him with pride and glory because of his
strength and grace. And by and by she said : " My son, now that thou
hast reached to the fulness of thy stature and girth and art come to the
Queen Mar - threshold f tn y manhood, it is time for thee to win for thyself
aise bespeak- the glory of knighthood such as shall become thee, earning
ct aret . ^ ^ such deeds as shall be worthy of the royal race from
which thou hast sprung. Accordingly, I would now have it that thou
shouldst go to the court of my brother, King Arthur, and that thou shouldst
there take thy stand with that noble and worthy companionship of the
Champions of the Round Table, of whom thy brothers shine forth like bright
planets in the midst of a galaxy of stars. So I would have it that thou
shouldst go to the court of the great King, my brother, a week from to-day,
and to that end I would have it that thou shouldst go in charge of three of
the noblest lords of this court and in such a state of pomp and circumstance
as may befit one who is, as thou art, the son of a royal father and mother
and the nephew of that great King who is the overlord of this entire
realm."
Thus spake Queen Margaise, and in accordance with that saying Gareth
Gareth depart- set ^ ortn a sennight from that time for the court of King
eth for the court Arthur. With him there rode three very noble haughty lords
of King Arthur. of ^ CQUrt ^ ^ Q ueen had ordained, and with these went
esquires and attendants to the number of threescore ten and four. In the
midst of that company young Gareth rode upon a cream white horse, and
all the harness and furnishings of the horse upon which he rode were of
GARETH DEPARTETH FOR THE COURT OF THE KING 41
gold, and the saddle upon which he sat was stamped with gold and riveted
with nvets of gold, and Gareth himself was clad all in cloth of gold so
what with all of these and his fair beautiful face in the bright sunlight
(the day being wonderfully clear and fair) the royal youth appeared to
shine with such a glistering splendor that it was as though a star of re-
markable glory had fallen from the heavens and had found lodgment in his
person upon the earth.
So it was that the young Gareth rode forth upon his way to the court of
his uncle, the King.
That evening, he and his company rested for the night in a glade of the
forest and there the attendants set up a pavilion of purple silk for him.
Around about this pavilion were other pavilions for those three lords who
accompanied him as his companions in the journey and for their esquires
and attendants.
Now that night Gareth lodged alone in his pavilion saving only that his
dwarf, Axatalese, lay within the tent nigh to the door thereof. And it came
to pass that Gareth could not sleep that night but lay awake, looking into
the darkness and thinking of many things. And he said to himself: " Why
is it that I should go thus in state to the court of the King and in that wise
to win his especial favor ? Lo ! It were better that I should go as any other
youth of birth and breeding rather than in this royal estate. For, if I am
worthy, as men say of me, then my worth shall be made manifest by my
deeds and not because of the state in which I travel."
Thus Gareth communed within himself and he said: "I will go to the
court of mine uncle the King as a simple traveller and not as a prince travel-
ling in state."
So somewhat before the dawning of the day, he arose very softly and went
to where the dwarf lay, and he touched Axatalese upon the shoulder, and he
said, "Axatalese, awake." Thereupon the dwarf awoke and sat up and
looked about him in the darkness of the dawning, bewildered by the sleep
that still beclouded his brain.
Then Gareth said, still speaking in a whisper: " Listen to what I say, bu
make no noise lest you arouse those who lay around about us. Anc
Axatalese said, "Lord, I listen, and I will be silent."
Then Gareth said: "Axatalese, arise and fetch me hither some garmen
of plain green cloth, and aid me to clothe myself in those garments. Then
thou and I will go forward alone and without attendants to King Ar
court. For so I would come before the King in that guise and ^ tra^Umg
in the estate of a prince who may claim his favor because of *******
birth. For I would have it that whatsoever good fortune I win, that fortune
42 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
should come to me by mine own endeavor, and not because of the accident
of birth."
Then Axatalese was greatly troubled, and he said: "Lord, think well
of what you do, for, lo! your mother, the Queen, hath provided this
escort for you ; wherefore, haply, she will be very angry if you should do
as you say, and should depart from those whom she appointed to accom-
pany you."
" No matter," quoth Gareth; " let that be as it may, but do you as I tell
you and go you straightway, very quietly, and carry out my commands.
And see to it that no one shall be disturbed in your going or coming, for it is
my purpose that we two shall go privily away from this place and that no
one shall be aware of our going."
So spake Gareth, and Axatalese was aware that his command must be
obeyed. So the dwarf went very quietly to do Gareth's bidding, and anon
he returned with the clothes of a certain one of the attendants, and the
clothes were of plain green cloth, and Gareth clad himself in that simple
raiment. Then he and the dwarf went forth from the pavilion and they
went to where the horses were, and they chose two of the horses and sad-
Gareth escapeth ^ e( ^ tnem an< ^ bridled them with saddles and harness and trap-
from his pings of plain leather, such as the least of the attendants might
ww * >< " use and in all of that time no one of those in attendance upon
Gareth was aware of what he had done. Then Gareth and the dwarf rode
away from that place and still all the others slept, and they slept for a long
while after.
And be it here said that when those three lords who were in charge of
Gareth awoke and found that he and Axatalese were gone, they were filled
with terror and dismay, for they wist not why he was gone nor whither, and
they dreaded the anger of the Queen, Gareth's mother. Then the chief of
those lords said: "Lo! here are we betrayed by this young prince and his
dwarf. For he hath left us and taken himself away, we know not whither,
and so we dare not return to the court of Orkney again. For should we re-
turn without him they will assuredly punish us for suffering him to depart,
and that punishment may come even to the taking of our lives."
Then another of those lords said : " Messire, those words are very true, so
let us not return unto the court of Orkney, but let us escape unto some other
part of the realm where the wrath of the King and Queen may not reach us."
So it was as that lord said, for straightway they departed from that place
and went to a part of the realm where neither the King and Queen of Orkney
nor King Arthur might hear of them, and there they abode for that time
and for some time afterward.
GARETH COMETH TO KING ARTHUR
O
Now at this time King Arthur was celebrating the Feast of Pentecost
at the Castle of Kynkennedon. With him sat all the great lords of his court
and all the Knights-companion of the Round Table who were
not upon adventure in some other part of the realm. As they
so sat at high feast, filling the hall with a great sound of merri- feast -
ment and good cheer, commingled with the chanting of minstrels and the
music of harps and viols, there came one to where the King sat, and he said
to him : " Lord, there is a fellow without who demandeth to have speech with
you, face to face. Nor know we what to do in this case, for he will not be
gainsaid, but ever maketh that demand aforesaid."
Then King Arthur said : " Hah ! say you so ? Now what manner of man is
he? Is he a king or a duke or a high prince that he maketh such a demand
as that?" " Lord," said the messenger, "he is none of these, but only a
youth of twenty years, tall and very large of frame and beautiful of face,
and very proud and haughty in bearing. And he is clad like to a yeoman in
cloth of plain green, wherefore we know not what to think of that demand
he maketh to have speech with you." King Arthur said, " What attendants
hath he with him?" And the messenger said, "He hath no attendants of
any kind, saving only a dwarf who followeth after him."
Quoth the King: "Well, at this Feast of Pentecost far be it from me to
deny any man speech with me. So fetch this one hither that we may see
what manner of man he is."
Therewith in obedience to the King's command, that attendant went
forth and anon he returned, bringing Gareth and the dwarf Axatalese with
him. And Gareth walked very proudly and haughtily up the Gareth come th
hall and all who looked upon him marvelled at his height and Wore the i
his girth and at the beauty of his countenance. And many said: " Certes,
that is a very noble-appearing man to be clad in such plain raiment of green,
for, from his manner and his bearing, he would otherwise appear to be some
nobleman's son, or some one of other high degree."
So Gareth walked up the length of the hall with all gazing upon him,
and so he came and stood before the King and looked the King in th
regarding him very steadfastly and without any fear or awe anc
were who could so regard King Arthur. ,
Now Sir Kay the Seneschal stood behind the Kings seat and wher
beheld how young Gareth fronted the King, look for look he was very wroth
at the demeanor of that youth who stood thus before _ that royal ^ajesty.
So he spoke aloud before all those who sat there in hall, fV*****^
" Sirrah who are you who darest thus to stand with such assurance in the
presence of the Great King? Wit you it is not for such as you to
44 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
before such majesty, and have speech with it. Rather you should veil your
face and hang your head in that awful presence. "
Then Gareth looked at Sir Kay very calmly and he said, " Who are you
who speak such words to me?" and all were amazed at the haughtiness
of his tones and voice.
And King Arthur was also much astonished that a youth, clad thus like a
yeoman, should thus speak to a great lord of the court such as Sir Kay.
Wherefore the King wist not what to think of such a bearing. Then anon
he said : " Fair youth, whence come you and who are you who speaketh
thus so boldly to a great lord of our court and before our very face? " And
Gareth said : " Lord, I am one who hath come hither from a great distance
to crave two boons of you."
Quoth the King: " At this time, and at this Feast of Pentecost I may not
refuse any one a boon who asketh it of me. So, if these two boons are fit for
one of your condition to have, they shall be granted unto you/ 1
Then Gareth said : " Lord, this is the first boon that I would ask of thee.
Gareth asketh I ask not for knighthood nor for courtly favor. All that I ask
his boon. j s that thou wilt permit me to dwell here at court for a year and
that thou wilt provide me with lodging and with clothing and with meat
and with drink for that time. Then at the end of a year, if I have proved
myself patient to wait, I shall crave a second boon of thee."
Now many who were there heard what it was that strange youth asked
as a boon, and that he besought not knighthood or honor at the King's
hands, but bread and meat and drink and lodging, wherefore several of them
laughed a great deal at the nature of that boon. As for the King, he smiled
not, but he inclined his head very calmly and said : " Fair youth if that is
all the boon thou hast to ask of us at this time, then thou shalt have thy
will with all welcome." And he said: "Kay, see to it that this youth hath
his desires in these things, and that he hath lodging and clothing and food
and drink for an entire year from this time."
Then Sir Kay looked very scornfully upon Gareth and said : " It shall be
as you will. As for thee, fellow, I will see to it that thou art fed until thou
art as fat as any porker."
So spake Sir Kay, and when young Gareth heard the words his face flamed
red with wrath and the veins stood out upon his forehead like cords. But
he controlled his anger to calmness and anon he said: "Messire, you
do but hear my words, knowing nothing of the purpose that lyeth within
my mind. Wherefore then do you scorn me since you know naught of my
purpose?"
Then Sir Kay looked upon the youth with anger and he said : " Sirrah,
SIR KAY SCORN ETH GARETH 45
thou speaketh very saucily to those who are thy betters. Learn to bridle
thy tongue or otherwise it may be very ill with thee."
So spake Sir Kay, but Gareth answered him not. Otherwise he turned
to the King and bowed low, as though he had not heard the speech that Sir
Kay had uttered.
Then he turned and went away from the King's presence with the dwarf
Axatalese following close after him.
Now Sir Gawaine sat not far distant from the King and so he had heard
all that had passed. And he beheld the indignation of Gareth against Sir
Kay, and the heart of Sir Gawaine went out very strongly sir Gawaine
toward this haughty and beautiful youth albeit he wist not loveth Gareth.
why it was that he felt love for him, nor that Gareth was his own brother.
So it befell that after Gareth had departed from the King's presence in that
wise, Sir (jawaine arose and followed after him ; and when he had come up
with Gareth he touched him upon the arm and said, " Come with me, fair
youth." And Gareth did so. So after that Sir Gawaine led Gareth to an-
other place, and when they were come thither he said to him: " Fair youth,
I pry thee tell me who you are and whence you come, and why it is that you
asked such a boon as that from the King's Majesty."
Then Gareth looked upon Sir Gawaine and knowing that it was his
brother whom he gazed upon he loved him a very great deal. Ne'theless he
contained his love and said: " Messire, why ask you me that? See you not
from the raiment I wear who I am and what is my degree? As for the boon
which I asked, wit you that I asked it because I needed a roof to shelter me
and meat and drink to sustain my life."
Then Sir Gawaine was astonished at the pride and haughtiness of the
youth's reply, wherefore he said: " Fair youth, I know not what to think;
yet I well believe it was not for the sake of the food and drink and lodging
that thou didst so beseech that boon of the King, for methinks that the
art very different from what thou appearest to be. Now I find that i
heart goeth out to thee with a very singular degree of love, wherefore
am of a mind to take thee into my favor and to have thee dwell near
at mine inn." And Gareth said to his brother, "Sir, thou art very go^
t0 s""t was that after that time Sir Gawaine took Gareth into his ; fa, ^ and
did many acts of kindness unto the youth. And so Gareth dwelt nigh t
Sir Gawaine, and Sir Gawaine instructed him in theuse of arms, sj,*****
And ever Sir Gawaine was astonished that the youth should J*$g&
learn so quickly and so well the arts of chivalry and of 1 t-
hood. For Sir Gawaine wist not that Gareth had been taught many
46 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
these things, and that others came easily to him by nature, because of the
royal and knightly blood from which he had sprung.
And ever in the same measure that Sir Gawaine bestowed his favor upon
Gareth, in that degree Sir Kay scorned him. So it came to pass that when
Sir Kay would meet Gareth he would say to whomsoever was present at
that time, some such words as these: "Lo! you! this is our kitchen knave
who had no spirit to ask of the King's Majesty any higher boon than this,
sir Kay that he be allowed to sup fat broth in the kitchen." So Sir
scorneth Gareth. ]ay eve r called Gareth a kitchen knave, and so calling him he
would maybe say, " Sirrah, get thee upon the other side of me, for the wind
bloweth toward me and thou smellest vilely of the kitchen." And because
Sir Kay perceived that the hands of Gareth were soft and very white he
named the youth " Beaumains," saying, " Look you at this kitchen knave,
how fat and white are his hands from dwelling in lazy idleness." So Gareth
was known as " Beaumains " by all those who were of the King's court.
But when Sir Gawaine heard this talk of Sir Kay he remembered him
of how Sir Percival had been one time scorned by Sir Kay in such a manner
as this. And Sir Gawaine said: "Messire, let be, and torment not this
youth, lest evil befall thee. Remember how thou didst hold Sir Percival in
scorn when he was a youth, and how he struck thee such a buffet that he
nigh broke thy neck."
Then Sir Kay locked very sourly upon Sir Gawaine, and said, "This Beau-
mains is not such as Sir Percival was when he was young." And Sir Ga-
waine laughed and said, " Nevertheless, be thou warned in season."
So it was that Gareth dwelt for a year at the King's court, eating the
meat of idleness. And many laughed at him and made sport of him who
would have paid him court and honor had they known who he was and what
was his estate. Yet ever Gareth contained himself in patience, biding his
time until it should have come, and making no complaint of the manner in
which he was treated.
And now if you would hear how young Gareth won him honor and knight-
hood, I pray you read that which followeth, for therein are those things
told of at some length.
fye Damsel Lynctte . .
Chapter Second
How Gareth set forth upon an adventure with a young damsel hight
Lynette; how he fought with Sir Kay, and how Sir Launcelot
made him a knight. Also in this it is told of several other happen-
ings that befell Gareth, called Beaumains, at this time.
SO passed a year as aforetold, and Gareth lodged with the household
of King Arthur and had food and drink as much as he desired.
And in all that time Gareth ate his food and drank his drink at
a side table, for Sir Kay would not permit him to sit at the same table with
the lords and knights and ladies of the King's court. For Sir Kay would
say, " This kitchen knave shall not eat at table with gentle folk but at a side
table by himself," and so Gareth fed at a table by himself. And ever Sir
Kay called Gareth " Beaumains " in scornful jest and all the court called him
" Beaumains " because Sir Kay did so.
Now at the end of that year when the Feast of Pentecost had come
again, King Arthur was holding his court at Caerleon-upon-Usk, K{ng Arthur
and at the high Feast of Pentecost there sat, as usual at the sitteth again at
King's table, the lords and the ladies of the court and all the fea "
Knights of the Round Table who were not upon adventure that took them
elsewhither.
As they so sat eating and drinking there came into the hall a slender
maiden of not more than sixteen years old. And the maiden was exceed-
ingly beautiful, for her hair was as black as ebony and was like to threads of
fine black silk for softness and brightness. And her eyes were A damsel
as black as jet and very bright and shining, and her face was
like ivory for clearness and whiteness and her lips were red like
to coral for redness. She was clad all in flame-colored satin, embt
ered with threads of gold and she wore a bright shining chaplet of gold atx
her brows so that what with her raiment of flame-color and with her em-
broidery and ornaments of shining gold, the maiden came up th<
to a fiery vision of beauty, insomuch that all turned tc .behold hen,
passing, and many stood in their places that they might see her the 1
So THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Thus the damsel came up the hall until she had reached to that place
where King Arthur sat at the head of the feast, and when she had come
The damsel there she kneeled down and set her hands together as in prayer,
askethfora palm to palm. And King Arthur looked upon her and was
champion. pleased with her beauty, and he said, " Damsel, what is it thou
wouldst have of us ? " The damsel said : " Lord, I would have the aid of some
good worthy knight of thy court who should act as champion in behalf of
my sister. ' ' And the King said, " What ails thy sister ? ' '
Quoth the damsel : " Lord, my sister is tormented by a very evil disposed
knight who maketh demand of her for wife. But my sister hateth this
knight and will have naught to do with him, wherefore he sitteth ever before
her castle and challengeth whomsoever cometh thitherward, and will not
suffer any one to go in to the castle or come out thence without his permis-
sion. Now I come hither upon my sister's behalf to seek a champion who
shall liberate her from this duress."
Then said the King, " Who is thy sister and who is this knight who tor-
menteth her? " To the which the damsel made reply: " I may not tell you
my sister's name, for she is very proud and haughty, and is very much
ashamed that she should be held in duress by that knight against her will.
But as for the knight who tormenteth her, I may tell you that he is hight
the Red Knight of the Red Lands."
Then King Arthur said: " I know not any such knight as that. Is there
any one of you hereabouts who knoweth him?" And Sir Gawaine said:
" Lord, I know him very well, for I met him one time in battle and it was
such hard ado for me to hold mine own against him that even to this day
I know not rightly whether he was better than I or whether I was better
than he." Then King Arthur said: "Fair damsel, that must be a very
strong and powerful knight, since Sir Gawaine speaketh of him in this
wise. But touching this affair of thy sister, know you not that it is not
likely that any knight of renown will be found to champion a lady of
whose name or degree he knoweth naught? If thou wilt tell the name of
thy sister and wilt declare her degree I doubt not there are many good
worthy knights of this court any one of whom would gladly champion
her cause."
So spake the King, but the damsel only shook her head and said, " Lord,
I may not tell my sister's name, for I am forbidden to do so."
Then the King said: "That is a pity for I fear me thou wilt not easily
find thee a champion in that case." And he said, "Damsel, what is thy
name? " And she said, " Sir, it is Lynette." ^he King said, " That is a fair
name and thou art very fair of face."
BEAUMAINS ASKETH HIS SECOND BOON sr
Then the King looked about him and he said : " Is there any knight in this
court who will undertake this adventure in behalf of that fair lady even
though she will not declare her name and degree ? If such there be he hath
my free will and consent for to do so."
So spake the King, but no one immediately answered, for no one cared
to take up such a quarrel against so strong a knight, not knowing for whom
it was that that quarrel was to be taken up.
Now he whom all called Beaumains was at that time sitting at his
side table a little distance away, and he heard all that passed. Likewise he
observed how that no one arose to assume that adventure and at that he was
very indignant. For he said to himself: "This damsel is very fair, and
the case of her sister is a very hard case, and I wonder that no good and well-
approved knight will take that adventure upon him."
But still no one appeared to assume that quarrel of the unknown lady
and so, at last, Beaumains himself arose from where he sat, and came for-
ward before them all to where the King was, and at that time the damsel
was still kneeling before the King.
Then the King beholding Beaumains standing there said, " Beaumains,
what is it thou wouldst have ? ' ' and Beaumains said : " Lord, I have now dwelt
in this court for a year from the time that I first came hither. Gareth asketh
That time when I first stood before thee I besought two boons his second boon.
of thee and one of them thou didst grant me and the other thou didst promise
to grant me. According to that first boon, I had since that time had lodg-
ing beneath thy roof and food and drink from thy table, as much as ever I
desired. But now hath come the time when I would fain ask that other
boon of thee."
Then King Arthur wondered a very great deal, and he said, "Speak,
Beaumains, and ask what thou wilt and the boon is thine."
" Lord," said Beaumains, " this is the boon I would ask. I beseech thee
that thou wilt suffer me to assume this adventure upon behalf of that lady
who will not tell her name."
Now when they of the court who sat near to the King heard what b
it was that the kitchen knave, Beaumains, besought of the King, a great
deal of laughter arose upon all sides, for it seemed to all to be a very go<
jest that Beaumains should assume such an undertaking as that, whic
knight of the court chose to undertake. Only King Arthur did not ku*j
Otherwise he spake with great dignity saying: " Beaumains, methinks th
knowest not what boon it is thou hast asked. Ne'theless, be the peril thine.
For since thou hast asked that boon, and since I have passed my promise,
I cannot refrain from granting that which thou hast besought of
52 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Then Sir Kay came forward and he spake to the damsel, saying, " Fair
damsel, know you who this fellow is who asketh to be appointed champion
for to defend your lady sister? " and Lynette said, " Nay, I know not ; but I
pray you tell me who he is."
" I will do so," quoth Sir Kay. "Wit you that this fellow is a kitchen
knave who came hither a year ago and besought as a royal boon from the
King that he should have meat and drink and lodging. Since then he hath
been well fed every day at a table I have set aside for him. So he hath
grown fat and proud and high of spirit and thinketh himself haply to be a
champion worthy to undertake such an adventure as that which he hath
besought leave to assume."
So said Sir Kay, and when the damsel Lynette heard his words her face
flamed all as red as fire and she turned to King Arthur and said : " My
The damsel Lord King, what shame and indignity is this that you would
Lynette is angry, put upon me and my sister? I came hither beseeching you
for a champion to defend my sister against her oppressor and instead of a
champion you give me a kitchen knave for that service."
" Lady," quoth King Arthur very calmly, " this Beaumains hath besought
a boon of me and I have promised him that favor. Accordingly, I must
needs fulfil my promise to him. But this I tell thee, that I believe him to be
very different from what he appeareth to be ; and I tell thee that if he faileth
in this adventure which he hath assumed, then will I give thee another
champion that shall haply be more to thy liking than he."
But Lynette was very exceedingly wroth and she would not be appeased
by the King's words ; yet she dared say no word of her indignation to the
King's Majesty. Accordingly she turned and went away from that place
very haughtily, looking neither to the one side nor to the other, but gazing
straight before her as she went out from that hall.
Then after she was gone Sir Gawaine came and stood before the King
and said : " Messire and Lord, I have faith that greater things shall come of
this adventure than any one hereabouts supposeth it possible to happen.
For Beaumains is no such kitchen knave as Sir Kay proclaimeth him to be,
but something very different from that, as Sir Kay himself shall mayhap
discover some day. For a year this Beaumains hath dwelt nigh me and I
have seen him do much that ye know not of. Now I pray you, Lord, to suffer
me to purvey him with armor fit for this undertaking and I believe he will
some time bring honor both to you and to me to you because you granted
him this boon, to me because I provided him with armor." Then King
Arthur said to Sir Gawaine, " Messire, let it be as you say."
So Sir Gawaine took Beaumains away with him to his own lodging-place
LYNETTE SCORNETH BEAU MAINS S3
and here he provided the youth with armor. And he provided him with
a shield and a sword and a good stout spear. And he provided
him with a fine horse, such as a knight who was to go errant
might well care to ride upon. Then when Beaumains was pro- mains -
vided in all this way, Sir Gawaine wished him God-speed and Beaumains
took horse and departed after the maiden Lynette. And Axatalese the
dwarf rode with Beaumains upon a gray mule, as his esquire.
Now by the time all this had been accomplished to wit, the arming and
horsing of Beaumains Lynette had gone so far upon her way that Beau-
mains and Axatalese were compelled to ride for two leagues and more at a
very fast pace ere they could overtake her.
And when they did overtake her she was more angry than ever to behold
that misshapen dwarf accompanying the kitchen knave who was her ap-
pointed champion. Wherefore when Beaumains had come L tte
nigh to her, she cried out, "Sirrah, art thou Beaumains, the scornethBeau-
kitchen knave?" And Gareth said, "Aye, I am he whom mains '
they call Beaumains.'* Then she cried out upon him, " Return thee whence
thou hast come for I will have none of thee!"
To this angry address Beaumains replied, speaking very mildly and with
great dignity : " Lady, the King hath appointed me to ride with you upon
this adventure, wherefore, with you, I must now do as I have been com-
manded. For having embarked in this affair, I must needs give my service
to you, even if you should order me to do otherwise." "Well," quoth she,
" if you will not do as I bid you, then I tell you this ; that I will straightway
take a path that will lead you into such dangers as you have no thought
of, and from which you will be not at all likely to escape with your life."
To this Beaumains replied, speaking still very calmly and with great
courtesy: " Lady, that shall be altogether as you ordain. And I venture to
say to you that no matter into what dangers you may bring me, still I have
great hope that I shall bring you out thence with safety and so be of service
to you and your lady sister. Wherefore, whithersoever you lead, t
will I follow you." .
Then Lynette was still more angry that Beaumains should be so
and courteous to her who was so angry and uncourteous to him, whereto,
she hardened her heart toward him and said : " Sirrah, since I cannot me
of you, I bid you ride upon the other side of the way , for methinks you a
very strongly of the kitchen in which you have dwelt.
To these words Beaumains bowed his head with great *"*";
" Lady, it shall be as you command." And therewrth he drew re* Uo the
other ide of the highway to that upon which she rode. Then Lyn,
54
THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
laughed, and she said: " Ride a little farther behind me, for still methinks I
smell the savor of the kitchen." And Beaumains did as she commanded
and withdrew him still farther away from her.
Now some while after Beaumains had ridden after Lynette as aforetold,
Sir Kay said to certain of those who were nigh him : " I am of a mind to ride
after our kitchen knave and to have a fall of him, for it would be a very
good thing to teach him such a lesson as he needs." So according to that
Sir Kay follow- saying, Sir Kay went to his inn and donned his armor. And
eth Beaumains. h e c hose him a good stout spear and he took horse and rode
away after Beaumains with intent to do as he had said. So he rode at a
good pace and for a long time and by and by he beheld Lynette and Beau-
mains and the dwarf where they rode along the highway at some distance
before him. Then Sir Kay called out in a great voice, saying : " Stay, Beau-
mains, turn thou thitherward. For I am come to overthrow thee and to take
that damsel away from thee."
Then Lynette turned her head and beheld Sir Kay where he came, and with
that she pointed and said : " Look, thou kitchen knave, yonder cometh a
right knight in pursuit of thee. Now haply thou hadst best flee away ere
harm befall thee."
But to this address Beaumains paid no heed, otherwise he turned about
his horse and straightway put himself into array for defence. And as Sir
Kay drew nigh, Beaumains beheld the device upon his shield and knew who
was the knight who came thitherward and that it was Sir Kay who followed
after him and called upon him to stay.
Then Beaumains remembered him of all the many affronts that Sir Kay
had put upon him for all that year past and with that his anger grew
very hot within him. And he said to himself: "This is well met; for
now my time hath come. For either this is the day of satisfaction for
me or else it is the day in which I shall lay my dead body down beside the
highroad."
Meantime Sir Kay had come nigh, and rinding that Beaumains had pre-
pared himself, he also made himself straightway ready for battle. Then
Lynette drew her palfrey to one side of the way and to a place whence she
might behold all that befell.
So when Beaumains and Sir Kay were in all ways prepared, each gave
SirKa doeth snout an< ^ drave forward very violently to the assault. And
battle with they met in the midst of that course and in that encounter
Beaumains. ^ gpear Q f ^ Kay held and ^ spear Qf B eauma i ns> fce-
cause it was not very well directed, was broken into several pieces, so that
BEAVMAINS OVERTHROWETH SIR KAY S5
he would have fallen only for the address of horsemanship that Sir Gawaine
had taught him in the year that had passed.
But when Lynette beheld how that the spear of Beaumains was broken in
that wise, and how that he was nearly cast out of the saddle in that encounter,
she laughed very high and shrill. And she cried out in a loud voice : " Hah!
thou kitchen knave, if thou showest not better address than that, thou wilt
not be likely to succeed in this adventure that thou hast undertaken."
Now Beaumains heard the high laughter of Lynette and the words that she
called out to him and with that he was more angry than ever. So there-
with he ground his teeth together, and, casting aside the stump of his spear
which he still held in his hand, he drew his sword and made at Sir Kay with
all his might and main. And he put aside Sir Kay's defence with great
violence, and having done so he rose up in his stirrups and lashed a blow at
Sir Kay that fell upon his helm like to a bolt of lightning. For in that one
blow Beaumains lashed forth all his rage and the indignation of a whole year
of the scorn of Sir Kay. And he launched forth all the anger that he felt
against the damsel Lynette who had also scorned him.
So fierce and terrible was that blow he struck that I misdoubt that any
knight in all the world could have stood against it, far less could Sir Kay
stand against it. For straightway upon receiving that stroke Beaumains
the senses of Sir Kay scattered all abroad and darkness fell
roaring upon his sight and he fell down from off his horse and
lay there upon the ground as though he was dead. Then Beaumains stood
above him smiling very grimly. And he said, " Well, Sir Kay, how like you
that blow from the hands of the kitchen knave? " but Sir Kay answered him
not one word as you may suppose.
Therewith, having so spoken, Beaumains dismounted from his horse anc
he called the dwarf Axatalese to him and he said: "Axatalese, dismoun
from thy mule and tie it to yonder bush and take thou the horse of
knight and mount upon it instead." And Axatalese did as his master con
manded. And Beaumains said to Sir Kay when he still lay in his swoon
" Sir Knight, I will borrow of you your spear, since I now have none of m*
own," and therewith he took the spear of Sir Kay into his ; hand And
took the shield of Sir Kay and hung it upon the pommel of the saddk
horse of Sir Kay that he had given to Axatalese, and after that 1
his own horse and rode away from that place, leaving Sir Kay lying wh
was in the middle of the way. , <,:i pnce
And Lynette also rode away and ever Beaurnains t^**fi
So they rode for a while and then at last and by aadbythjj am* al feU
alaughlng in great measure. And she turned her to Beaumams,
56 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
"Sirrah, thou kitchen knave, dost thou take pride to thyself?" and Beau-
mains said, "Nay, Lady." She said: "See that thou takest no pride, for
thou didst but overcome that knight by the force of thy youth and strength,
whilst he broke thy spear and wellnigh cast thee out of thy saddle because
of his greater skill."
Then Beaumains bowed his head and said, " Lady, that may very well be."
At that Lynette laughed again, and she said, "Sirrah, thou art forgetting
thyself and thou ridest too near to me. Now I bid thee ride farther away
so that I may not smell the savor of the kitchen," and Beaumains said,
"As you command, so it shall be," and therewith he drew rein to a little
greater distance.
And here it may be told of Sir Kay that some while after Beaumains had
gone he bestirred himself and arose and looked about him, and for some
while he knew not what had befallen him nor where he was. Then anon he
remembered and he wist that he had suffered great shame and humiliation
at the hands of Beaumains the kitchen knave. And he saw that in that
encounter he had lost his shield and his spear and his horse and that naught
was left for him to ride upon saving only that poor gray mule upon which
the dwarf of Beaumains had been riding.
Then Sir Kay wist not what to do, but there was naught else left for him
bu'c to mount that mule and ride back again whence he had come. So he did
Sir Kay re- anc ^ w ^ en ^ e reached the King's court there was such laughing
turneth to court, and jesting concerning his adventure that he scarce dared to lift
his voice in speech or to raise his face in the court for a week
from that time. But Sir Gawaine made no speech nor jest of the mishap
that Sir Kay had suffered, only he smiled very grimly and said, " Sir, you
would have done well to have hearkened to what I said to you," and Sir
Kay, though at most times he had bitter speech enough and to spare, had
naught whatever to say to Sir Gawaine in reply.
And now we turn again to Beaumains and Lynette as they rode onward
upon their way as aforetold.
For after that last speech of Lynette 's, they went onward in silence, and
ever Lynette looked this way and that as though she wist not that any such
man as Beaumains was within the space of a league of that place. So
travelling they came, toward the sloping of the afternoon, to a place nigh to
the edge of a woodland where was a smooth and level space of grass sur-
rounded on all sides but one by the trees of the forest. Here they beheld a
knight who was just come out of the forest, and he was clad all in white
BEAUMAINS ENCOUNTERETH THE WHITE KNIGHT
armor and he rode upon a white horse. And the sun was shining so far
aslant at that time that the light thereof was very red, like to P 4 1 d
And the beams of the sun fell upon the skirts of the forest so
that all the thick foliage of the woodland was entirely bathed in The .y ***? a
that golden light. And the same light flashed upon the pol- "*****
ished armor of the knight and shone here and there very gloriously as
though several, stars of singular radiance had fallen from heaven and had
catched upon that lonely knight-rider, who drew rein at their approach
and so sat watching their coming.
Then Lynette turned to Beaumains and she said: "Sir kitchen knave,
look you ! yonder is a right knight with whom you may hardly hope to have
ado. Now turn you about and get you gone while there is yet time, other-
wise you may suffer harm at his hands."
To this Beaumains made no reply ; otherwise, he rode forward very calmly
and when he had come pretty nigh he bespoke that single knight in a loud
clear voice, saying, " Sir Knight, I pray you do me battle."
At this address that knight aforesaid was very much astonished, and he
said : " Sir, what offence have I done to you that you should claim battle of
me in so curt a fashion? Gladly will I give you your will, but wit you not
that all courtesy is due from one knight to another upon such an occasion? "
To this Beaumains made no reply, but turning his horse about he rode
to a little distance and there made him ready for the encounter that was
about to befall. For at that time his heart was so full of anger at the scorn
of Lynette that he could not trust himself with speech, and indeed I verily
believe that he knew not very well where he was or what he did.
Meantime the White Knight had also put himself into array for battle
and when all was prepared they immediately launched the one against the
other with such violence that the ground trembled and shook beneath
their charge.
So they met with great crashing and uproar in the midst of the course
and 111 that meeting the spear of Beaumains was broken into a great many
pieces and he himself was cast out of his saddle and down to the ground with
such violence that he was for a little while altogether stunned by the force
of his fall.
Then Lynette laughed so high and so shrill that Beaumains heard h<
even in the midst of his swoon, and with that his spirit came back to hm
again and straightway he leaped up to his feet and drew his sword. Anc
cried out to the White Knight: " Sir Knight, come down from off thy he
and do battle with me afoot, for never will I be satisfied with this mis
that I have suffered."
5 8 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
*
Then the White Knight said : " Messire, how is this ? I have no such cause
of battle with you as that." But all the more Beaumains cried out with
great vehemence, " Descend, Sir Knight, descend and fight me afoot."
"Well," quoth the White Knight, "since you will have it so, so it shall
be."
Thereupon he voided his horse and drew his sword and straightway set-
ting his shield before him, he came forward to the assault of Beaumains.
Beaumains Then immediately they met together, each lashing very fiercely
iSwff 91 * at the other, and so that battle began. And so it continued,
Knight. each foining and tracing this way and that like two wild bulls
at battle, but ever lashing stroke upon stroke at one another. Soon the
armor of each was stained in places with red, for each had suffered some
wound or hurt at this place or at that. Yet ever Beaumains fought with
might and main, for he was so strengthened by his passion of rage that rather
would he have died than yield in that battle.
So they fought with astounding fierceness for a considerable while, and
then, at last, the White Knight called out, "Sir, I pray you stay this battle
for a little," and with that Beaumains ceased his lashing and stood leaning
upon his sword, panting for breath.
And the White Champion also leaned upon his sword and panted, and
anon he said, " Sir, I pray you tell me your name. For I make my vow to
you that never have I met any knight who hath fought a greater battle than
you have fought this day and yet I may tell you that I have fought with
a great many of the very best knights of this realm."
"Messire," quoth Beaumains, "I may not declare my name at this
present, for there are several good reasons why I will not do so. But though
I may not do as you demand of me, nevertheless I beseech you that you
will extend that favor unto me and will declare to me your name and
your degree."
"Well," said the White Knight, "never yet have I refused that courtesy
to any one who hath asked it of me. Wit ye then that I am called Sir
Launcelot of the Lake."
Now when Beaumains heard this that the White Knight said and when
he wist that it was none other than Sir Launcelot against whom he had been
fighting for that while, he was filled with great wonder and astonishment
and a sort of fear. So straightway he flung aside his sword and he kneeled
Beaumains down before Sir Launcelot and set his palms together. And he
knoTveth said: "Messire, what have I done, to do battle against you?
Sir Launcelot. R at ^ er woll ld I have done battle against mine own brother
than against you. Know you that you are the man of all others whom I
BEAU MAINS YIELDETH TO THE WHITE KNIGHT 59
most revere and admire. Now I pray you, Messire, if I have done well in
your sight in this battle which I have fought, that you grant me a boon that
I have to ask of you and of no other man."
Quoth Sir Launcelot: " What boon is it thou wouldst have? Ask it and
if it is meet that I grant it to thee, then assuredly it shall be thine. As for
that battle which thou hast done, let me tell thee of a truth that I believe
that I have never before met a stronger or a more worthy champion than
thou art. So now I prithee ask thy boon that I may have the pleasure
of granting it to thee."
Then Beaumains said: " Sir, it is this. Wit you that I am not yet made
knight, but am no more than a bachelor at arms. So if you think that I am
not unworthy of that honor, I pray you make me a knight at this present
and with your own hand."
" Sir," said Sir Launcelot, " that may not be until I know thy name and of
what degree and worthiness thou art. For it is not allowed for a knight to
make a knight of another man until first he is well assured of that other's
degree and estate, no matter what deed of arms that other may have done.
But if thou wilt tell me thy name and thy degree, then I doubt not that I
shall be rejoiced to make a knight of thee."
Unto this Beaumains said, " Sir, I will tell you my name and degree if
so be I may whisper it in your ear." And Sir Launcelot said, "Tell it to
me as you list and in such manner as may be pleasing to you." So Beau-
mains set his lips to Sir Launcelot's ear and he told him his name and his
degree. And he told Sir Launcelot many things that had befallen him
of late, and Sir Launcelot was astonished beyond measure at all that
he heard. Then when Beaumains had told all these several things,
Sir Launcelot said: "Messire, I wonder no more that you should have
done so great battle as you did against me, seeing what blood you have
in your veins and of what royal race you are sprung. Gladly will I make
you knight, for I believe in time you will surpass even your own brothers
in glory of knighthood, wherefore I shall have great credit in having made
you a knight."
Therewith Sir Launcelot took his sword in his hand, and Beaumains
kneeled. And Sir Launcelot laid the blade thereof upon the should
Beaumains and so made him knight by accolade. And he said,
" Rise, Sir Gareth ! " and Sir Gareth arose and stood upon hisfeet,
and his heart was so expanded with joy that it appeared to him
that he had the strength of ten men rather than one man in his single bod
Now the damsel Lynette had been observing all this from afar, and rot
that distance she could hear naught of what one champion said to the oth
6o THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
and she beheld what they did with very great wonderment and perplexity.
Anon came Sir Launcelot and Sir Gareth to where she was, and when they
were come near she said to Sir Launcelot, " Know you, Messire, who is this
with whom you walk?" And Sir Launcelot said, "Yea, damsel, methinks
I should know him." Lynette said: " I believe that you do not know him,
for I am well assured that he is a kitchen knave of King Arthur's court.
He hath followed me hither against my will, clad in armor which I believe
he hath no entitlement to wear, and I cannot drive him from me."
Then Sir Launcelot laughed and he said : " Damsel, you know not what
you say. Peace ! Be still, or else you will bring shame upon yourself. "
Then Lynette regarded Sir Launcelot for a while very seriously and anon
she said, "Messire, I pray you tell me who you are who take me thus to
task." And at that Sir Launcelot laughed again and said: " Damsel, I will
not tell you my name, but mayhap if you ask my name of this worthy gen-
tleman who is with you, he will tell you what it is."
Then Sir Launcelot turned him to Sir Gareth and he said : " Friend, here I
must leave you, for I have business that taketh me in another direction.
Sir Launcelot ^ ^ oc * save y ou an( ^ ^ are y ou we ^ unt ^ we sna ll meet again.
leaveth Sir And if you will keep upon yonder path and follow it, it will
bring you by and by to a fair priory of the forest, and there
you and your damsel may have lodging for the night."
Thereupon Sir Launcelot bowed in courtesy both to Sir Gareth and to the
damsel Lynette and so took his departure, wending his way whither he was
minded to go and so in a little was lost to sight.
Then Lynette and Sir Gareth and the dwarf also went their way, taking
that path that led to the priory of which Sir Launcelot had spoken; and
there they found lodgment for the night the damsel at one place, Sir Gareth
at another.
And now if you would hear more concerning Sir Gareth and Lynette and
of what befell them, I pray you read further, for these things shall there be
duly set forth for your entertainment.
ir G areflj boeft) Battle
: Chapter Third
How Sir Gareth and Lynette travelled farther upon their way; how
Sir Gareth won the pass of the river against two strong knights,
and how he overcame the Black Knight of the Black Lands. Also
how he saved a good worthy knight from six thieves who held him
in duress.
NOW when the next morning had come, all bright and dewy and very
clear like to crystal, Lynette arose and departed from that forest
priory where she had lodged overnight, giving no news to Sir
Gareth of her going. And at that time the birds were singing everywhere
with might and main. Everywhere the May was abloom, the apple or-
chards were fragrant with blossoms, and field and meadow-land were spread
thick with a variegated carpet of pretty wild flowers of divers colors, very
fair to see.
So Lynette rode alone, all through the dewy morn, amid these fair
meadow-lands and orchards belonging to the priory, making her way toward
the dark and shady belt of forest that surrounded those smooth and verdant
fields upon all sides. And ever she gazed behind her very slyly, but beheld
no one immediately following after her.
For it was some while ere Sir Gareth arose from his couch to find the
damsel gone. And when he did arise he was vexed beyond measure that
she had departed. So he donned his armor in all haste and as soon as might
be he followed hard after her, galloping his horse very violently through
those fair and blooming meadows aforesaid, with the dwarf Axatalese fol-
lowing fast after him upon Sir Kay's war-horse.
So Sir Gareth made all speed, and by and by he perceived the dam*
where she was, and at that time she was just entering into the forest shad
So he drove forward still more rapidly and anon he came up sirGareth
with her and thereupon he saluted and said, " Save you, Lady ! AJjJ*^
Upon that salutation Lynette looked about, as though in
-surprise, and said, "Hah, thou kitchen knave, art thou there?
64 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Gareth said, "Yea, Lady." And Lynette said: "Methought thou hadst
enough of adventure yestereve when that same White Knight rolled thee
down into the dust and beat thee in a fair fight afterward." Sir Gareth
said, " Lady, thou speakest bitter words to me!" and Lynette laughed, and
she said : " Well, Sir Knave, it seems that I cannot speak words that are so
bitter as to prevent thee from following after me for I see that I am not
to be free from thee in spite of my will to that end." And then she said:
" Now I bid thee to ride a little farther away from me, for even yet thou
savorest very strongly of the kitchen, and the savor thereof spoileth the fair
savor of the morning."
So spake Lynette, and thereupon Sir Gareth drew rein a little farther,
and so followed after her some distance away as he had done the day be-
fore.
After that they went a considerable ways in silence, and then by and by
Lynette turned her head toward Sir Gareth and spake, saying : " Sirrah,
knowest thou whither this path upon which we travel will lead
SvrGarefoof us? " And Sir Gareth said, " Nay, Lady, I know not." " Alas
for thee >" l uotn Lynette, "for I am to tell thee that this path
leadeth toward a certain ford of a river, which same ford is
guarded by two strong and powerful knights who are brothers. Of these
two knights I heard yesternight at the priory that they are very savage
robbers, and that, of those who would pass the ford of the river, some they
slay and others they rob or else make captive for the sake of ransom. Now
I am making my way toward that place where are these two knights in the
belief that they may rid me of thee. So be thou advised whilst there is yet
time ; withdraw thee from this adventure and return whither thou hast come,
or else, mayhap, a very great deal of harm may befall thee."
"Lady," quoth Sir Gareth, "were there twenty knights instead of two
at that ford and were each of those twenty ten times as strong as either of
the two are likely to be, yet would I follow after thee to the end of this ad-
venture. Mayhap it may be my good fortune to rid the world of these two
evil knights."
Then Lynette lifted up her eyes toward Heaven. "Alas," quoth she,
" I see that never will I be rid of this kitchen knave until all the pride is
beaten out of his body. ' ' And after that they rode their w\ r without saying
anything more at that time.
Anon, and when the sun had risen pretty high toward the middle of the
morning, they came out of the forest and into a fair open plain of consid-
erable extent. Here Sir Gareth perceived that there was a smooth wide
river that flowed down through the midst of the plain. And he perceived
SIR GARETH CHALLENGES THE KNIGHTS OF THE FORD 6 S
that the road ran toward the river and crossed it by a shallow gravelly ford
And he perceived that upon the other side of the river was a tall mm - nd
very forbidding castle that stood on high and overlooked the ford and so
he wist that this must be the ford guarded by those two knights of whom
Lynette had spoken.
So as they drew nearer to the ford, Sir Gareth beheld a pillar of stone
beside the way, and he saw that a great bugle horn of brass was chained
fast to this pillar. Then Lynette pointed to the bugle horn and she said-
" Sir Kitchen Knave, seest thou yon bugle horn? Thou had best not blow
upon that horn for if thou dost thou will arouse those two knights who
guard this ford and they will come forth from the castle and it will certes fare
very ill with thee."
Then Sir Gareth said, " Say you so, Lady ? " Therewith he went straight
to where the horn hung by its chain, and he seized it in both hands and
blew upon it so violently that it was as though the brazen horn Sir Gargth
would be burst with his blowing. For the sound thereof flew chaiie^geththe
far and wide, and came echoing back from the distant walls robber ********
of the castle as though the trump of doom had been sounded in those parts.
Therewith, and after a little while, the portcullis of the castle was up-
lifted and the drawbridge let fall and there issued forth two knights very
large and stout of frame and very forbidding of appearance. These two
knights rode down toward the ford and when they had come nigh to it he
who was the bigger of the two drave down to the edge of the water and
called across to Sir Gareth, " Who are you who dareth to blow so loudly upon
our bugle horn?" And to him Sir Gareth replied: "Sir, I blew upon
that horn to let you know that I was here and that I come with intent to
rid the world of you, if so be God shall be with me in mine endeavor."
At that the knight upon the other bank was so enraged that he cast aside
his spear and drew his sword and drave straightway into the waters of the
ford, splashing with a noise like to thunder. And Sir Gareth also cast aside
his spear and drew his sword and drave into the ford with great violence.
So they met in the midst of the river and the knight of the ford lashed at
Sir Gareth a most terrible and vehement blow, which stroke Sir Gareth put
aside with great skill so that it harmed him not. Then Sir sirGareth
Gareth upon hip part lifted himself on high and lashed at the mdmrik
knight so woful and terrible a blow that his horse tottered gj^ <
under the stroke and the knight himself catched at the pom-
mel of his saddle to save himself from falling. Then Sir Gareth lashed
him another stroke and with that the knight swooned away i
ness and fell out of his saddle and into the water. And the nver wh<
66 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
he fell was very deep so that when he sank beneath the water he did not
rise again, although Sir Gareth waited some while for him to do so.
Then Sir Gareth, perceiving how that he had finished this enemy, drave
his horse very violently across the ford, and to the farther bank, and the
knight who was there upon that side of the river drave down against Sir
Gareth with his spear in rest with intent to thrust him through the body.
But Sir Gareth was aware of his coming and so when the knight of the river
was immediately upon him, he put aside the point of the spear with his shield
with great skill and address. Then he rode up the length of the spear and
when he had come nigh enough he rose up in his stirrup and lashed at the
knight of the river so dreadful deadly a blow that nor shield nor helm could
withstand that stroke. For the sword of Sir Gareth clave
overthroweth through the shield of the knight, and it clave through the helm
anc ^ ^ ee P * nto k* s brain-pan. And with that the knight of the
river fell headlong from his saddle and lay upon the ground
without life or motion wherewith to rise again. Then Sir Gareth leaped
very nimbly out of his saddle and ran to him to finish the work that he had
begun. And Sir Gareth plucked away the helm of the knight and looked
into his face and therewith beheld that his work was very well done, for
already that fallen knight was in the act of yielding up the ghost.
Then Sir Gareth wiped his sword and drave it back again into its sheath ;
and he remounted his horse and rode very quietly back to where the
damsel waited for him upon the farther bank. And the damsel looked at
Sir Gareth very strangely but Sir Gareth regarded her not at all.
So Sir Gareth brought Lynette safely across the ford and afterward they
rode on their way as they had aforetime done the damsel in the lead and
Sir Gareth and Axatalese following after at a distance.
So after they had ridden a long while the damsel turned her about in the
saddle and looked at Sir Gareth and she said, "'Hah, Beaumains, dost thou
Lynette mock- ta ^ e P r ^ e ' m what thou hast done?" And Sir Gareth said,
eth at Sir " Nay, Lady ; God forbid that I should take pride in any such
thing as that. ' ' Quoth Lynette : " I am glad that thou dost not
take pride in it ; for I beheld thy battle from afar and I saw how fortune fa-
vored thee. For the first of those two knights, his horse stumbled in the
river and so he fell into the water and was drowned ; and thou didst strike
the second knight with thy sword ere he was well prepared for his defence
and so thou wert able to slay him."
" Lady," quoth Sir Gareth very calmly, " that which thou sayest doth not
in anywise change the circumstances of what I did. For now my work is done
and so I leave it to God His mercy to judge whether I did that thing well or
SIR GARETH MEETETH SIR PERARD
whether I did it ill." "Hah," said Lynette, "meseemeth you speak
T 1 y ? a ^ tchen knave> " ^ Sir Gareth said > stm speEg
calmly Think you so, Lady ? " And Lynette said, Yea," and sh! sa'7
I see that thou still ever f orgettest my commands, for thou art riding so nigh
to me that methmks I smell the kitchen. Now I prythee draw a little farther
away. ; And Sir Gareth said, " Damsel, it shall be as you command " And
therewith he drew rein so as to ride at a little greater distance, and Lvnette
laughed to see him do so.
Now some little while about the prime of the day they came to a certain
grassy place of considerable extent, and at that place was a black haw-
thorn bush, very aged and gnarled and full of thorns that stood alone
beside the highroad, and as they drew nigh to it they perceived that there
was hung upon the thorn bush a great black shield bearing the device of
the red gryphon, and they saw that a great black spear, bearing a black
pennon with the device of a red gryphon leaned beside the shield. And
they beheld that near by the bush was a noble black horse with trappings
and housings all of black, and the horse cropped the grass that grew at that
place.
All this they beheld, and as they came still nearer they perceived that
upon the other side of the hawthorn bush there was a knight clad all in
black armor, and they saw that the knight sat beside a great The behold
flat stone and ate his midday meal that lay spread out upon the the black knight
stone. And the knight was unaware of their coming but ever athtsntMl '
ate with great appetite of the food that was spread before him.
Then Lynette drew rein while they were yet at some distance and she
laughed and pointed toward the hawthorn bush, behind which sat the
knight, and she said : " Sir Kitchen Knave, look you yonder and behold that
knight. Seest thou the device upon his shield? I know that device very
well and so I may tell thee that that knight is hight Sir Perard and that he is
brother of Sir Percevant of Hind, and that he is a very strong, worthy, noble
knight and one of great renown in deeds of arms. This is a very different
sort of knight from those thou didst overcome at the ford of the river,
wherefore be thou advised by me and turn thee about and get thee gone
ere yonder knight seest thee, or else harm will certainly befall thee."
Quoth Sir Gareth: " Damsel, having followed you so far and through sev-
eral dangers it is not very likely that I shall turn back at this, even if there
be as much peril in it as you say."
" Very well," said Lynette, " then if ill befall thee thou art to blame thy-
self therefor and not blame me." Therewith speaking, she tightened the
rein of her palfrey and so rode forward toward that hawthorn bush aforesaid.
68 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Now when they had come a little more close to that place, the Black
Knight, Sir Perard, was aware of their coming and looked up and beheld
them. Then, seeing that it was an armed knight and a damsel that were
coming thitherward, Sir Perard arose very slowly and with great dignity
and set his helm upon his head, and so he made him ready for whatsoever
might befall. Then when he had so prepared himself he came out into the
road for to meet them. Then when Sir Gareth and the damsel were come
pretty nigh, Sir Perard bespake Sir Gareth, saying : " Sir Knight, I pray you
of your courtesy for to tell me who you are and whither you go ? "
Quoth Sir Gareth : " I may not tell you who I am, but ask you this damsel
and she will tell you."
Then Sir Perard was greatly surprised at that reply and he said, " Is this
a jest ? " And he said : " Damsel, since I am directed to you, I pray of you
tell to me the name and the degree of this knight."
Upon this Lynette fell alaughing in great measure and she said : " Mes-
sire, since you ask me that thing, I have to tell you that this fellow is a
certain kitchen knave, hight Beaumains, who hath followed me hither from
the court of King Arthur, and I have to tell you further that many times I
have bid him begone and leave me, but he will not do so, but continually
followeth after me."
"Fair damsel," quoth the Black Knight, speaking with great dignity,
" you are pleased to jest with me, for this is no kitchen knave I trow but a
very good worshipful knight of whom you are pleased to say such things."
Then Sir Gareth spake very sternly, saying, " Messire, I will not have you
or any man gainsay what this lady sayeth." And the Black Knight, still
speaking with great dignity, said: " How may I do otherwise than gainsay
her, seeing that you wear armor that is indented with the marks of battle ?
For who ever heard of a kitchen knave wearing such armor ? " " Ne'theless, ' '
quoth Sir Gareth, "either you must acknowledge what this lady sayeth of me,
or else you must do battle with me so that I may defend what she sayeth. ' '
" Sir," said the Black Knight, " in that case I will do battle with you, for
I cannot accept the saying of this lady."
So therewith Sir Perard took down his shield from off the blackthorn
bush and he took his spear into his hand and whistled his horse to him.
And he mounted his horse and made him in all ways ready for battle.
Meanwhile Sir Gareth waited very composedly and with great calmness of
bearing until the other was in all wise prepared. Then Sir Perard said, " I
am ready, Messire." And therewith each knight drew rein and withdrew to
such a distance as was fitting for a course to an assault. Then when this
was accomplished, each knight shouted to his steed and each charged for-
SIR GARETH OVERCOMETH SIR PERARD 69
ward against the other with a terrible speed and violence. So they met
in the midst of the course with a crash that might have been sirGarethdoeth
heard for two fin-longs. In that meeting the spear of each battle with the
knight was broken into many pieces, even to the hand that held BUlck Km ^ ht -
it, and the horse of each staggered back and would haply have fallen had not
the knight rider brought him to foot again with shout and prick of spur and
with great address of horsemanship. Then each knight voided his horse and
each drew his sword and therewith rushed to an assault at arms. And each
smote the other again and again and yet again, lashing such blows that it
sounded as though several blacksmiths were smiting amain upon their
anvils, and for a while neither knight had any advantage over the other, but
each fought for that time a well-matched battle. Then of a sudden Lynette
cried out very shrilly: "Sir Perard! Sir Perard! Noble, worthy knight!
Wilt thou suffer a kitchen knave to have his will of thee?"
So she cried out very loud and shrill and Sir Gareth heard the words she
uttered. Then a great anger came upon him so that he was uplifted
by it, as though the strength of several had entered into his body. So
straightway he redoubled his battle to twice what it had been before, giving
stroke upon stroke, so that the Black Knight was forced to bear back be-
fore the fierceness and violence of his assault. 'Then Sir Gareth perceived
that Sir Perard began to weary a very great deal in that fight and to bear
his defences full low, and therewith he redoubled his blows and smote.
Perard upon the helm so fiercely that his brains swam like water and
head hung low upon his breast.
Then, perceiving how that Sir Perard fainted, Sir Gareth ran to him and
catched him by the helm and dragged him down upon his knees and
rushed off the helm of Sir Perard, and catched him by the hair and dragged
down his neck so that he might have slain him had he chosen to do so.
Then Sir Perard, perceiving how near death was to him catched S*
Gareth about the knees, and cried out on high/' ^
so thou hast it at thy mercy." Quoth Sir Gareth,
^5^
and spare this knight his life.
70 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Upon this speech, Sir Gareth released his hold upon Sir Perard and said,
" Arise, Sir Knight, for I will spare thy life upon this lady's behest." And
therewith Sir Perard arose and stood upon his feet. And Sir Perard said:
" Sir, thou hast conquered me in fair battle and for that reason I have yielded
me to thee. Now, I prythee tell me, hast thou any commands that thou
wouldst lay upon me?" Quoth Sir Gareth: "Yea, Messire, I have a com-
mand to lay upon you and this is that command : It is that you straight-
way go to the court of King Arthur and pay your duty unto him. And you
are to say unto King Arthur that Beaumains, the kitchen knave, hath sent
you unto him. And I pray you give him news of me and tell him it fareth
well with me." And Sir Perard said, "Messire, it shall be done according
to your bidding." And Sir Gareth said, " See that it is so."
Now in all these things that Sir Gareth did and said he ever bore himself
with such dignity and haughtiness that a knight of ten years' standing would
not have acted with more dignity than he. And after he had settled those
affairs in that wise, he turned to Lynette and addressed himself to her, say-
ing, " Lady, if so be thou art now ready to depart I am ready to accompany
thee," and with that the damsel took her departure and Sir Gareth and Axa-
talese followed after her. So they left that place of battle and soon after
they had gone Sir Perard departed upon his way to the court of King Arthur
as he had been commanded to do by Sir Gareth as aforesaid.
Now after Lynette and Sir Gareth had ridden some while in silence,
Lynette turned her face and looked upon Sir Gareth. And she said, " Sir
Kitchen Knave, I would I knew who thou really art." To the which Sir
Gareth answered very calmly, " Thou hast declared several times who I am
and that I am a kitchen knave from King Arthur's court." Then Lynette
laughed and she said, "True, I had nigh forgot." And she said, "Ride
not so near to me for still, I believe, thou savorest of the kitchen." And
thereupon Sir Gareth withdrew to that same distance he had assumed
before.
Now somewhile toward the approach of eventide, Sir Gareth and Lyn-
ette and Axatalese came away from that part of the country and to where
the forest began again. And it befell that as they approached the forest
they beheld of a sudden one who came spurring out of the woodlands riding
upon a white horse, driving very furiously and at full speed. This rider
when he was come nigh suddenly drew rein, and flinging himself from the
They behold saddle he ran to Sir Gareth and catched him by the stirrup,
one fleeing from crying out: "Sir Knight! Sir Knight! I crave you of your
e forest. worship that you will lend your aid in a case of woful need!"
Then Sir Gareth beheld that this one who had come to him in this wise was
SIR GARETH RESCUETH THE KNIGHT IN TROUBLE 71
an esquire, clad in green and yellow and that he was one of good appearance
and of quality. And Sir Gareth said : " Fair Friend, I prythee tell me what
service it is that thou wouldst have of me? "
" Sir," cried that esquire, " my master, who is a knight of these marches,
is beset within the forest yonder by several thieves and I fear they will slay
him unless help cometh to him in short order." Sir Gareth said, " Where is
your master? " And the esquire said, " Follow me and I will bring you to
him."
So the esquire mounted his horse again and drave away with all speed
and Sir Gareth set spurs to his horse and also drave away at speed, and Lyn-
ette and the dwarf followed with speed after Sir Gareth. So anon they
entered the forest and coursed therethrough for a little ways and then Sir
Gareth perceived where at a short distance there was a knight set with his
back against a tree defending himself against six great and brawny villains
clad in full armor. And Sir Gareth beheld that there were three other
villains who lay dead upon the ground, but that the knight was in a sorry
case, bleeding from several wounds and very weary with his sirGareth
battle. Thereupon, beholding this, Sir Gareth drew his sword driveth to rescue
and cried out in a very loud voice: "Have at ye, villains! %? nd
Have at ye! " and therewith drave into the midst of that
contest And the thieves were astonished at the violence of his coming so
that they knew not what to do, for Sir Gareth drave into their midst with-
out let or pause of any sort. And ere they recovered from their astonish-
ment, Sir Gareth struck one of the villains to the earth at a single blow and
then he smote down another. And a third would have defended hi
but Sir Gareth rose up in his stirrups and he smote him so .full and tem
a buffet that he clave through his morion and through his head
iucu u^^ & that dreadful terrible blow that Sir
their companion, the other three villains were adread
shrieking away into the forest. But Sir Gareth would
charged after them with great fury. And the three thieves
could not escape, and that there was naught else for the
and stand at bay and so they did. But Sir Caret h jould n,
by this, but he drave straightway into their midst and struck _
upon this side and upon that, so that maugre theii jdjjjj^ ^ theif bloodi
three of those villains were presently str , . 5 his sword very
upon the ground. Then Sir Gareth rode back again, w
calmly ere he put it back into its sheath ^ d at
So anon he came to where was that knight whom he 1
72 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
that time Lynette and Axatalese and the esquire were lending such aid to
the wounded man as his case demanded.
But when that knight beheld Sir Gareth returning from his battle, he
broke away from the others and came to Sir Gareth and embraced him
about the knee and said, "Messire, you have certes saved my life." And
he said : " I pray you tell me what great and worshipful knight you are who
doeth such wonderful battle as I beheld. Never would I have supposed it
possible that any single knight could have overthrown six armed men with
such ease as I have beheld you do this day."
Now Lynette was standing by at that time and her eyes were wonderfully
bright and shining and she looked very strangely upon Sir Gareth. Then
Lynette mocketh hearing what that knight said whom Sir Gareth had rescued
Sir Gareth. she burst out laughing very shrilly and piercingly and she cried
out, "Sir Knight, wit you who this is who hath saved your life?" The
knight said, "Nay, damsel, I know not." She said: "Wit you then that
this is a kitchen knave of King Arthur's court hight Beaumains, so hight
because of the whiteness of his hands. He hath followed me hither
against my will, and I cannot drive him from me."
Then that knight was very much astonished and he said: " Fair damsel,
certes you jest with me, for indeed this is some very noble and well-approved
knight of great worship. For no one but such a knight as that could have
done such deeds of arms as I beheld this day."
Now at that time Sir Gareth was very weary with the battles he had
fought during the day, and his body was sore with several wounds that he
had suffered, and his spirit was very greatly vexed with the scorn with
Sir Gareth which Lynette had ever treated him for all this while, where-
rebuketh the fore he had but little patience to deal to any man. So straight-
kmght. wav k e turne( j h^ toward that knight and he spake very
sternly to him, saying : " Messire, do you intend to gainsay that which this
lady sayeth to you concerning me? Wit you that I will not suffer her word
to be put in question in any wise. Wherefore, if she is pleased to say that
I am a scullion lad, so for her sake you must believe it to be."
At this that knight was more astonished than before, and he wist not what
to think. So anon he said : " Messire, certes I meant no offence to you, for
how should I mean offence to one who hath done me such service as you
have rendered to me this day ? "
" Well," quoth Sir Gareth, " in this I am greatly offended that you should
gainsay that which this lady is pleased to say. Wit you that for this while
I am this lady's champion, and so I will suffer no one to gainsay her." So
said Sir Gareth, and when he had ended that saying, Lynette laughed and
SIR GARETH AND LYNETTE GOETH TO THE KNIGHT'S CASTLE n
laughed again with all her might and main. And she cried out " Well said
thou kitchen knave!" unto the which speech Sir Gareth made no reply '
Then that knight said to Sir Gareth and to Lynette: "Messire, and thou
fair damsel, I know not what all this meaneth but haply you know. But I
see, Sir Knight, that thou art wounded in several places, and I doubt not
that you are both aweary with your travels, wherefore I pray you that you
will come with me to my castle which is not a very great distance away
from this, and I beseech you there to lodge and to refresh you for this
night."
To this Lynette said : " That which thou sayest pleases me very greatly.
Messire, for indeed I am aweary and would fain rest me a little. So let us
go forward to your castle. But this Beaumains must ride not so close to us
for indeed I cannot abide the odor of the kitchen."
So after that they all departed from that place, and ever Sir Gareth rode
at a distance as the damsel had commanded him to do.
. Now after they had gone a considerable way they came out of the
forest and into a valley wherein stood the castle of that knight. And it was
a very fair and noble castle and the valley was exceedingly Thfycometo
fertile with many rich fields and meadows and with several the castu oj the
plantations of trees, both of fruit trees and otherwise. Through kmght '
this fruitful valley they came to the castle and they rode into the castle
courtyard with a great noise of horses' hoofs upon the cobblestones, and
at that coming many of the attendants of the castle came running for to
take their horses and to serve them.
Then Lynette gazed about her and she said to the knight of the castle,
" Messire, who are these ?" He said : " Fair damsel, these are they who would
take your horse and the horse of that noble knight your companion, and
others are they who would wait upon you and upon him to serve you both."
Then Lynette said: " Not so, Sir Knight, my horse they may take and me
they may serve, but it is not meet that a kitchen knave such as Beaumains
should be waited upon in that wise, wherefore I bid you to suffer him to
wait upon himself."
Upon this speech Sir Gareth turned him to the knight of the castle i
his face was very calm, albeit his eyes shone like sparks of fire and he said,
speaking very haughtily: " Messire, whitherward is the stable? Sir Garth
I pray you to tell me so that I may house my good horse and
wait upon myself as this lady, whom I have undertaken to serve, hath co
manded me to do." Then the knight of the castle was much troub ted an
knew not what to reply ; yet anon he said, " Messire, I know not what to say
in this case but an you ask me I must say the stable lieth yonderways.
74 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
So spake the knight, and thereupon Sir Gareth turned him without an-
other word and rode away, still very calmly, leaving them alone.
So after that the knight and Lynette entered the castle. But the knight,
when he was alone, called to him the steward of the castle and he said to
him: "Go you and search out that noble and worthy knight, for assuredly
he is some great and famous champion. See you that he is served in all wise
that such an one should be served, and spare naught to comfort him and put
him at his ease, for this day he hath certes saved my life." So the steward
did as he was bidden and that evening Sir Gareth was served in all wise
befitting for a knight royal such as he really was.
Now when the next day was come, and when it was time for Lynette and
Sir Gareth and Axatalese the dwarf to depart from that place, the knight
of the castle came to Sir Gareth where he sat upon his horse. And he laid
his hand upon the stirrup of Sir Gareth and he said : " Messire, I pray you
tell me, is there any service that I may do you that you would have of me ? "
Then Sir Gareth looked down upon that knight and he said : " Sir, there
is a service you could render me an you chose to do so, and this is that
service : it is that you should go to the court of King Arthur with
biddeththc all the estate that is befitting for one of your degree. And
knight to do w hen you have come to the court I would fain have you tell
King Arthur that Beaumains, the kitchen knave, hath sent you
to him for to pay your court unto him. And I would have you tell the
King and Sir Gawaine how it hath fared with me so far as you are aware
of.'* Thus said Sir Gareth, and to him the knight of the castle made
reply : "Sir, it shall be done as you ordain ; for all those things I will do
exactly as you commanded me."
So after that they three departed upon their way, the damsel Lynette
riding ahead and Sir Gareth and the dwarf riding some distance behind.
And now if you would hear what other adventures befell Sir Gareth and
Lynette at this time I pray you to read further, for there these several things
are told of in due order.
Chapter Fourth
How Sir Gareth met Sir Percevant of Hind, and how he came to
Castle Dangerous and had speech with the Lady Layonnesse.
Also how the Lady Layonnesse accepted him for her champion.
SO the damsel Lynette followed by Sir Gareth and the dwarf travelled
for all that morning and a part of the afternoon without let or stay
of any sort and without meeting with any adventure whatsoever,
and in all that time the damsel said no word to Sir Gareth whether of good
or ill, but ever kept her eyes fixed straight before her as though very much
occupied with thought.
So about two hours or three after the prime of the day they came to the
top of a very long steep hill, and there beneath them in the valley that lay
below the hill, Sir Gareth perceived that a considerable company and one
that appeared to be of great estate were foregathered. For at T , behold a
that place there were a number of pavilions of divers colored fair pavilion
silk and above each pavilion there flew a silken banner bearing '
the device of the owner of that pavilion. And in the midst of all those other
pavilions there was one that was manifestly the pavilion of the knight-
champion or of the overlord of all the others. For that pavilion was of
crimson silk embroidered with figures in threads of silver and black, and
above the pavilion there flew a banner of very great size, which same was
also of crimson silk embroidered in silver and black with the figure of a
leopard couchant.
And from where he stood upon the heights, Sir Gareth saw that all these
pavilions were spread in a fair level meadow with grass well mown, as
smooth as a cloth of green velvet, and all bright with gay and pretty flowers.
And this meadow and other meadows beyond it stretched away to a great
distance and at the extremity of the distance was a fair tall castle and a
goodly town of many towers, all shining very bright in the clear transpa:
daylight. ... , ,
All this Sir Gareth beheld very plain, as it were upon the palm of his hand,
7 8 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
and he beheld how above all that level, fruitful valley the sky arched like to a
roof of crystal warm and perfectly blue, and filled full of a very great many
clouds.
Then Lynette said : " Hah, Beaumains, see you yonder pavilions and see
you that pavilion which is in their midst?" And Sir Gareth said, "Yea,
damsel, I behold them all."
Quoth Lynette : " Wit you that that central pavilion belongeth to Sir
Percevant of Hind, for well do I know the device embroidered upon his
banner. And I have to tell you that Sir Percevant is one of the very great-
est of the knights champion of this realm and that he hath fought many
L nette telieth titles with some of the chief est Knights of the Round Table
Sir Gareth of and hath come forth with great credit in all those encounters.
Str Percevant - Now, Beaumains, this is a very different sort of knight from
any of those with whom you have hitherto had to do, wherefore be you
advised that it is not meet for a kitchen knave to have to do in such an ad-
venture as this. So turn you about and get you gone or else of a surety some
great ill will befall you in this affair."
Then Sir Gareth looked very calmly upon Lynette and he said : " Lady,
it may well be that a man who assumeth to have credit and honor may
fail in an undertaking of this sort, but when have you ever heard that such a
man of credit or of honor hath withdrawn him from an adventure because
there is great danger in it? "
Then Lynette laughed and she said: "Hah, Beaumains, thou speakest
with a very high spirit for one who is but a kitchen knave. Now if harm
befalleth thee because of this undertaking, blame thyself therefor." And
Sir Gareth said : " So will I do, and rest you well assured, fair damsel, that
never shall I blame you for that or for anything else that may befall me."
And at that Lynette laughed again.
Then Sir Gareth drew rein and turned downhill to where were those
pavilions aforesaid, and so they all three descended from the height into the
valley and so came toward that fair meadow wherein the silken tents had
been erected.
Now as they drew near to the pavilions, they beheld several esquires
who were sitting at a bench playing at dice. These, beholding Sir Gareth
coming in that wise with the fair damsel and the dwarf, they all arose, and he
that was chief among them said : " Sir, what knight are you, and what is
ygur degree, and why come you hitherward?" Him answered Sir Gareth,
saying: " Friend, it matters not who I am saving only that I am of sufficient
worth. As for my business, it is to have speech with Sir Percevant of Hind,
the lord of this company."
SIR GARETH MEETETH SIR PERCEVANT OF HIND
past all those esquires and Lynette and the dwarf went with him and no one
dared to stay him. So they came to the pavilion of Sir Percevant and S*
Percevant was within his pavilion at that time.
Now before the pavilion there was a tall painted post set into the ground
and upon the post there hung a great shield, bearing upon it the device of a
leopard couchant in black and white, and so Sir Gareth perceived that this
was the shield of Sir Percevant.
Then Sir Gareth drew his sword and he went forward and smote the shield
such a blow that it rang like thunder beneath the stroke that he gave it.
Therewith came Sir Percevant of Hind out of his pavilion and his coun-
tenance was all aflame with anger and he cried out very fiercely: "Messire,
who are you who dare to smite my shield in that wise ? "
But Sir Gareth sat his horse very calmly, and he said: "Messire, I struck
your shield for to call you forth so that I might have speech SirGarth
with you. As for my name, I will not tell you that nor my cLu^geth sir
degree. But if you would know these things, I bid you for to Percffvant -
ask them of this lady who is my companion."
Then Sir Percevant turned him to Lynette, and he said, " Damsel, who is
this knight? " And Lynette said: " Sir, I know not otherwise than that he
is a kitchen knave of King Arthur's court who hath clothed himself in armor.
He is called Beaumains, and fain would I have been rid of him several times,
but could not ; for ever he followeth me, and, maugre my wishes, will ever
serve as my champion."
Then Sir Percevant turned unto Sir Gareth with great anger and he said:
" Sir, I know not what is this jest that you and your damsel seek to put upon
me, but this I do know, that since you have appointed her to speak for you,
and since she declareth you to be a kitchen knave, so must I believe you to
be. Wherefore, unless you straightway declare your name and your degree
to me upon your own account, and unless you prove to me that you are
otherwise than this damsel sayeth, I shall straightway have you stripped
of your armor and shall have you bound and beaten with cords for this
affront that you have put upon my shield."
Then Sir Gareth spake very calmly, saying: "Sir, that would be a pity
for you to do, for I have to tell you that, whether I be a kitchen knave or
no, nevertheless I have had to do with several good and worthy knights
of fair repute. For I have to tell you that one of these knights was ^
8o THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Launcelot of the Lake and that he made me knight. And I have to tell
you that another one of these was your own brother, Sir Perard, whom
I overcame yesterday in battle and whom I would have slain only that this
damsel besought his life at my hands. And I have to tell you that Sir
Perard is even now upon his way to the court of King Arthur, there to pay
his duty to the King upon my demand upon him to that end."
Then Sir Percevant cleared his brow of its anger, and he said : " Sir, I
perceive from all that you tell me that you are some knight of very good
quality and merit. Wherefore I will withdraw that which I said and will
do you battle because you have struck my shield. And it will go hard
with me but I shall serve you in such a way as shall well wipe out that
affront in your warm red blood. For I promise you that I shall not let or
stay in the battle against you."
So spake Sir Percevant and straightway he withdrew him into his tent
and several of the knights who were his companions and several esquires
who had gathered about in this while of talk, went into his pavilion with him
and there aided him to don his armor and to fit himself for battle.
So anon Sir Percevant came forth again in all wise prepared for that
battle. And his esquires brought to him a noble horse as white as milk and
Of the meadow they assisted him to mount thereon, And Sir Percevant took
of battle. a great spear into his hand and so turned and led the way
toward a fair smooth level lawn of grass whereon two knights might well
run atilt against one another. And all they who were of that company fol-
lowed Sir Percevant and Sir Gareth to that lawn of grass, and the damsel
Lynette and the dwarf Axatalese went thither along with the others.
So coming to that place a marshal of the lists was appointed, and there-
after each knight was assigned a certain station by that marshal. Then,
everything being duly prepared, the word for the assault was given, and
each knight launched forth against the other with all the speed with which
he was able to drive. So they met in the midst of the course with a great
roar and crashing of wood and metal and in that encounter the spear of each
knight was broken into small pieces and the horse of each staggered back
from beneath the blow and would have fallen had not the knight rider
recovered him with rein and spur and voice.
Then each knight leaped down from his horse and drew his sword and rushed
to the assault afoot with all the fierceness of two wild boars engaged in
Sir Gareth doeth ^ a ^ e - And thereupon they fell to lashing such blows at one
battle with sir another that even they who looked on from a distance were
affrighted at the violence and the uproar of that assault. For
the two champions fought very fiercely, and the longer they fought the more
SIR GARETH OVERTHROWETH SIR PERCEVANT 8 i
fiercely they did battle. And in a little while the armor of each was all stained
red, and the ground upon which they fought was all besprinkled with red
yet neither knight had any thought of yielding to the other in any whit or
degree, but still each fought on with ever-increasing fury against the other.
Now at this time neither knight had aught of advantage against the other,
and no man might have told how that battle would have gone, but at the
moment of the greatest doubt, Lynette uplifted her voice aloud, as it were
in terror, crying out very shrilly and vehemently: "Good worthy knight
Sir Percevant, will you then let a kitchen knave and a scullion stay you
thus in your battle ? 5 '
Then it befell as it had befallen before when Sir Gareth fought with the
Black Knight, Sir Percevant's brother, for Sir Gareth heard the words that
Lynette cried out, and straightway it was as though the new strength of
several men had entered into his body because of his anger at those words.
And that anger consumed all else that was before it, whether that other were
of prudence or of temper. For straightway Sir Gareth flung aside his shield
and seized his sword in both hands and rushed upon Sir Percevant and
struck blow upon blow so fiercely and so violently that nor skill nor strength
might withstand his assault. Then Sir Percevant fell back before that
assault and could not do otherwise, and he bore his shield full low ; but ever
Sir Gareth followed him and smote him more and more violently so that Sir
Percevant could no longer hold up his shield against the assault of his
enemy. And Sir Gareth perceived that Sir Percevant waxed feeble in his
defence and with that he rushed in and smote Sir Percevant upon the helm so
woeful a blow that Sir Percevant could no longer stand upon his feet but
sank slowly down upon his knees before Sir Gareth. Then Sir Gareth ran to
Sir Percevant and catched him by the helm and rushed the sirGareth
helm off from his head and with that Sir Percevant wist that ^^ hsir
death overshadowed him. Then Sir Percevant catched Sir
Gareth about the thighs and, embracing him, cried out: " Messire spare my
life and do not slay me!" And all those knights and esquires who wer
attendance upon Sir Percevant pressed about Sir Gareth where he i
and lifted up their voices, also crying out: "Sir Knight ;to not slay t
good worthy knight our champion, but spare his life to him
Then Sir Gareth, all wet with the blood and sweat of ^battk and pa^ng
for breath said in a very hoarse voice : " Ask ye not for this Imight s Kfetel
will not spare his life to him except upon one condition, and tha condit*
is that the damsel whose champion I am shall ask his life
Now at that time Lynette was weeping aman
of that fierce battle or because of something else, who may
82 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
she wept, and ever she laughed and wept again. And she cried out : " Thou
saucy knave, Beaumains, who art thou to make such a demand as that? "
But Sir Gareth said : " If I be saucy, let it pass, yet so it is as I have said,
and I will not spare this knight his life unless thou ask it of me," and there-
with he catched Sir Percevant by the hair and lifted his sword on high as
though to separate the head of Sir Percevant from off his body.
Then all those knights and esquires crowded around Lynette and be-
sought her that she would ask for the life of Sir Percevant. And Lynette
L nette said: "Stay thy hand, Beaumains, and slay him not, for it
beseecheth sir would be a pity for so good and worthy a knight as Sir Perce-
Pcrcevarfsiife. vant of Hind to loge his life at ^ ^ands o f a kitchen knave
such as thou art."
Then Sir Gareth said : " Arise, Sir Knight, and stand up, for the word of
this lady hath saved thy life." And therewith Sir Gareth released his hold
of Sir Percevant and Sir Percevant arose and stood up.
Then Sir Percevant said : " Sir, thou hast beaten me in a very fair and bitter
battle and so I yield myself to thee. Now I pray thee tell me what are
thy commands upon me?" And Sir Gareth said: "Sir, thou sayest well,
and these are my commands: that thou, together with all this
thy company of knights and esquires, do take your departure
service of sir from this field and that ye all go to the court of King Arthur.
And it is my desire that when thou hast come to the court of the
King thou shalt pay thy duty to him and say to him that Beaumains, the
kitchen knave, hath sent thee to pay that duty."
Then Sir Percevant bowed his head before Sir Gareth and said: "Sir, it
shall be as you command." And after that he said, " Sir, I pray you that
you will do me this favor ; I pray you that you will come with me to yonder
castle at that town which you see afar off. For that is my castle and my
town and I am fain that you should rest you ere you go farther upon your
way, and that you should refresh yourself at my castle. I perceive that you
are wounded in several places, and I would fain that you should have your
wounds searched and dressed and that you should have rest and ease ere
you go forward, so that your wounds may be healed and that you may be
made hale when you undertake your further adventures."
To this Sir Gareth said : " Sir, I thank you well for your courtesy and it will
pleasure me greatly to go to your castle with you and there to rest me awhile.
For indeed it hath been a sore battle that I have fought with you this day
and I suffer a very great deal of pain. Moreover I have fought other battles
of late and am aweary and in no fit case to go farther at this present."
So after Sir Gareth and Sir Percevant had rested them a little, they and
SIR GARETH AND LYNETTE LEAVE SIR PERCEVANTS CASTLE 83
all of their companies departed thence and betook their way to the castle of
Sir Percevant. There Sir Gareth was bathed and his wounds were slrcM
and dressed and he was put in all ease that was possible.
And Sir Percevant gave command that ever a company of knights should
stand guard over Sir Gareth where he lay so that no harm should befall
him, and it was done according to that command. So Sir
Gareth abided at the castle of Sir Percevant for five days and
in all that time he saw nothing whatsoever of the damsel Lyn-
ette; for he lay in one part of the castle and she dwelt in Percevant '
another part. Then at the end of five days, Sir Gareth was well healed of
his wounds and was in all ways hale and strong to carry out his further ad-
ventures.
Now when those five days aforesaid were past, Sir Gareth made him ready
to depart, and Lynette also made herself ready to depart, and so they took
their leave of the castle of Sir Percevant. And they rode out through the
gateway of the castle and into the sunlight that lay beyond, and it was a
wonderfully bright cheerful pleasant day with all the little birds singing
amain and the blossoms falling like snow whensoever that the wind blew
through the branches of the apple-trees. Thus they departed and after
that they rode for a long while. So they came two or three leagues upon
their way, and in that time neither said anything to the other but both
rode in silence. Then at last Lynette turned her about and Sir Gareth per-
ceived that her eyes shone very bright. And Lynette said, " Sir, have you
anger against me? " Then Sir Gareth, who was riding some little distance
away, as he had aforetime done upon her bidding, came nearer to her and
said: "Nay, fair damsel; why think you that I should anger have against
you? Have I shown you any anger, that you should say those words to
me?" She said: "Nay, Messire, never at any time have you LyneUenMke th
shown anger toward me, but you have ever been to me all that gj** s *
it was possible for any noble and worthy knight to be to a lady
who had treated him with all consideration and regard, and this you have
done in spite of the scornful way in which I have treated you. And
have very well perceived the manner in which you have borne yourse
these several contests at arms which you have fought, and
you to be as brave and haughty toward those knights who were strong an
valiant, as you have been gentle and kind to me who am a wotna i.
Then Sir Gareth smiled and he said: "Lady, you make much t of that
which is very little. Know you not that it behooves all true kmghfc ; to be
gentle and patient with all such as are not so strong as they?
84 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
in being courteous to you I have done naught except that which I have been
taught to do in such a case. As for those bitter words you spake to me, I
may tell you that any anger which I might have felt therefor I visited upon
those knights against whom I fought. For when you gave me those bitter
words, then I gave them bitter blows therefor, and the more you scorned me
the more strongly and vehemently did I fight."
Then Lynette said : " Sir, you are certes a very high, noble, and worthy
knight, and she unto whom you vouchsafe to give your belle regard that
lady will be as fortunate as any of whom I ever heard tell. For I believe
that it is not possible for any knight ever to have been so tried as I have
tried you for all this while that we have journeyed together ; wherefore, if
you have proved yourself so worthy in this thing, how much more will you
prove yourself worthy in those greater things that shall in time come unto
you?"
So spake Lynette and thereat Sir Gareth laughed a little and said : " Fair
damsel, have I now leave to ride beside you, and is there now peace betwixt
us?" And Lynette said, "Yea, Messire." So therewith Sir Gareth rode
forward until he was come beside Lynette, and from that time forward there
was peace and concord betwixt them ; for Lynette was now as kind and
humble to him as she had been saucy and uncivil before.
And so as they journeyed together Lynette told Sir Gareth many things
concerning the adventure which he was entered upon that he had not
The 'oume known before. For she told him that this lady who was her
together in con- sister was night the Lady Layonnesse and that she was but
eighteen years of age. And she told him that the Lady Lay-
onnesse was one of the most beautiful ladies in the world, and she told him
that the lady was the countess of a very great and rich town, hight Grande-
regarde, and of a noble castle appertaining to the town, which same was called
the Castle Dangerous. And she told him that the marches over which the
Lady Layonnesse was countess extended for several leagues upon this side
and upon that side of the town and the castle, and she told him that the
Knight of the Red Lands, who opposed her sister, was so strong and so
doughty a knight that she believed it would be hard to find in any part of
the realm so powerful a knight as he. And she said to Sir Gareth : " In good
sooth, Messire, I have great fear that you will have sad ado to hold your
own against this Red Knight of the Red Lands, foi as Sir Perard was greater
and bigger than those two knights at the ford whom you overthrew so easily,
and as Sir Percevant of Hind was greater and biggei than Sir Perard, so I
believe is this Red Knight of the Red Lands greater and bigger than Sir
Percevant."
SIR GARETH BEHOLDETH THE TOWN OF GRANDEREGARDE 85
" Well, Lynette," quoth Sir Gareth, " so far it hath been that I have had
success in all my battles but one, and in that one I suffered no dishonor. So
I believe I may hope to have a fair fortune with this knight also, for wit you
that the fortunes of any knight lie in the hands of God and not in man's
hands, wherefore if it is His will that I fare well in this undertaking, then
shall I assuredly do so."
Thus they talked in great amity of many things, and so they travelled
for all that day and the next day and for a part of the day after that. And
somewhat early in the morning of the third day they came to the summit
of a certain highland whence Sir Gareth beheld a great plain, well tilled and
very fertile, spread out beneath that high place where he stood. And he
beheld that the plain was very broad and very long and that in the midst
thereof there was a hill and that upon the hill there stood a castle and that
behind the castle was a town of many fair and well-built houses.
Then Lynette pointed, and she said to Sir Gareth : " See you that castle
and that town? That castle is my sister's castle and that town is her town.
And, yonder, beneath the walls of the town and of the castle, you may see
a number of pavilions spread upon a considerable meadow. Those are the
pavilions of the Red Knight of the Red Lands and of the They M^ the
knights and esquires attendant upon him. Forthere he keepeth **?l! the
continual watch and ward over the castle of my sister, so that
no one may either come out thereof or enter thereinto without his leave for
to do so." And Sir Gareth said, " Let us go down unto yonder place."
So straightway they descended from the highland into the plain, and so
went forward upon their way toward the town and the castle of the Lady
Layonnesse.
Now as they drew more nigh to that place where the pavilions of
Red Knight of the Red Lands and of his companions at arms had
spread, they went past a great many pollard willow-trees standing all in a
row And Sir Gareth beheld that upon each tree there hung either one
shield or two or three shields and 'that each shield ^ ^J^
knighthood. At that sight he was greatly astonished, and he said Fa
damsel, I prythee tell me what is the meaning o this ; sight and why those
shields are hung to yonder pollard willow-trees?" Qu^ Lvnetl
each one of those shields is the shield of some knight wh<
of the Red Lands hath overthrown. And some of thes<
slain in battle by the Knight of the Red Lands and
slain, but all those who were not slain have been dl ^ cea ^
which they have fought. For from each ^ h ***?V?
the Red Knight of the Red Lands hath taken his shield
86 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
hath sent him away afoot, unarmed and horseless, wherefore it is thought
by some that it were better to have been slain in battle than to have suffered
such disgrace as that."
Then Sir Gareth said: "Certes, Lynette, that must have been a very
doughty champion to have overcome so many knights as these. Now,
if it is my fortune to overthrow him in that battle which I am come to
fight with him, then do I believe I shall win for myself more honor and
credit than ever fell to any young knight of my age since first Sir Percival
of Gales assumed his knighthood."
So said Sir Gareth, and after that he and Lynette rode onward a little
farther until they had come to that meadow where were the pavilions of the
Red Knight of the Red Lands and of his knights companion.
And Sir Gareth and the damsel rode straight through the midst of those
pavilions and many knights and esquires came out thence to see who they
were who came thitherward. But ever Sir Gareth and Lynette and the
dwarf rode onward until they had come to the center pavilion of all and
that was the pavilion of the Red Knight aforesaid.
Here at this place were several pages and of one of them Sir Gareth de-
manded where was that Red Knight. They say, "Sir, he is within his
pavilion resting after his midday meal." Sir Gareth said, "Go ye and tell
him that there is one come who would have speech with him."
So those esquires departed, and anon there came forth the Red Knight from
his pavilion, and he was clad all in a loose robe of scarlet silk trimmed with
Sir Gareth miniver. And Sir Gareth looked upon him and beheld that he
behoideth the was very big of bone and thew and that the hair of his head and
his beard was exceedingly red and that his countenance was
terribly lowering and forbidding.
Then the Red Knight when he saw Sir Gareth, said, " Who art thou, Sir
Knight, and what is thy business here?" And Sir Gareth said: "Messire,
I am one come from King Arthur's court to take up the quarrel of the Lady
Layonnesse of this place and to serve as her champion therein."
Then the Knight of the Red Lands said: "Who are you? Are you a
knight of repute and fame at arms? " and Sir Gareth said: " Nay, Sir, not so ;
for I have only been made knight fortnight, and I have but little service
at arms."
Then the Red Knight laughed very boisterously and said : " How is this,
and what sort of a green knight are you, who dares to come against me!
Know that I have laid more than twoscore better knights than you very
low in the dust."
Quoth Sir Gareth: " That may very well be, Sir Knight. Yet is the fate
SIR GARETH BESPEAKETH THE LADY LAYONNESSE 87
of every one in the hands of God and so mayhap He will cause me to over-
throw you upon this occasion." And Sir Gareth said: "Now, I pray you
that you will let me go up to yonder castle and have speech with the lady
thereof and if so be she will accept me for her champion, then will I return
hitherward immediately to do battle with you." And the Red Knight
said, " Go and speak with her."
So Sir Gareth went up toward the Castle Dangerous and Lynette went
with him. And when they had come pretty nigh to the castle, the lady
thereof appeared at an upper window and called down to Sir Gareth, saying,
" Sir, who are you and whence come you? "
Then Sir Gareth looked up and beheld the lady where she stood at the
window, and he beheld her face that it was very exceedingly beautiful.
For, though she had dark hair like to Lynette 's, and though
she had cheeks resembling in their clear whiteness the cheeks
of Lynette, and though her lips were red as coral like to
Lynette 's, yet was she ten times more beautiful than ever was
Lynette. So, beholding how beautiful she was, the heart of Sir Gareth
leaped straightway up to her, even as a bird flyeth upward, and there it
rested within her bosom.
Then Sir Gareth said to her : * ' Lady, you ask me who I am, and I am to tell
you that I am one come from King Arthur's court to serve you as your
champion if so be you will accept me as such."
Then the Lady Layonnesse said, " Sir, are you a knight of good fame and
service ? ' ' And Sir Gareth said, " Nay, Lady, but only a green knight very
little used to arms. For I have but been a knight for these few days and
though I have fought several battles with good fortune in that time, yet
know not as yet what may be my fate when I meet such a knight ^as the ]
Knight of the Red Lands. Yet this is true, Lady, that though I be but very
young and untried at arms, yet is my spirit very great for 1
Lady Layonnesse said: "Sir, what
your degree? " And Sir Gareth said : " I may not tell you
for I will not declare my name until that my kindred
me) shall have acknowledged me." ^^
is very strange, and I am much affronted that
to me from his court a knight without a name and
arms for to serve as my champion.'' And Sir Gareth sad,
reason for it." . _ T , mP ttp whom
Then the Lady Layonnesse said, "Is not tha my ^ster
behold with thee?" and Sir Gareth said, Yea, baay.
88 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
"Who is this knight, Lynette?" and Lynette replied, "I know not, my
sister, saving only that I have good reason to believe that he is the noblest
and the haughtiest and the most worthy of all knights whom I have ever
beheld." "Well," quoth the Lady Layonnesse, "if thou dost thus vouch
for him, then upon thee be the peril of my choosing." And Lynette said,
"Let it be so."
Then the Lady Layonnesse said, " Sir Knight, I take thee for my cham-
pion." And therewith she let fall from the window where she stood a fair
scarf of green samite embroidered with threads of gold. And
Layonnesse Sir Gareth catched the scarf with such joy that it was as
ms ^ eart would burst for happiness. And he wrapped
the scarf about his arm, and immediately it was as though
the virtue of his strength had been increased threefold.
Now if so be you would know how Sir Gareth sped in his business with
the Red Knight of the Red Lands, I beg of you for to read that which
followeth, for therein withal it shall be immediately declared.
Ije Laby Layonneese corned)
to flje Pavilion of Sir Gareftjjr
I Chapter Fifth
How Sir Gareth fought with the Red Knight of the Red Lands
and how it fared with him in that battle. Also how his dwarf
was stolen, and how his name and estate became known and were
made manifest.
NOW after Sir Gareth had received the scarf of the Lady Layonnesse
as aforetold, he and Lynette and the dwarf returned to a certain
meadow nigh to the pavilions where it had been ordained that the
battle should be held. There they found that the Red Knight of the Red
Lands had made himself in all ways ready for that battle. For he was now
clad all in armor as red as blood, and in his hand he bore a great spear that
was also altogether red ; and on the tip of the spear was a red banneret that
was likewise as red as blood.
At that field that had been prepared for battle, there was a great con-
course of people assembled and there also the damsel Lynette took her stand
at a place that had been assigned unto her ; and the dwarf Axatalese was
near by in attendance upon her. And there had been a marshal of the field
ippointed to judge of the battle that was to be fought, and as each knight
came to the field, the marshal led him to where he was to take his stand
which stand was in such a place as should offer a fair course and so that the
sun should not shine into the eyes of either of the knights contestant.
So when everything was duly prepared for battle and when the knights
had taken each his place and when each knight was in all ways ready for the
course to be run, the marshal cried out the call to the assault. ^ Thereupon
each knight immediately leaped his horse away from where it stood and
hurtled the one against the other like a whirlwind with a great thunder of
galloping hoofs. So they came together in a cloud of dust and with a
terrible crashing of splintered wood. For in that .encounter each knigh
shattered his lance into pieces, even to the hand that held it, and so violen
was the blow that each gave the other that both horses staggered bac
though they had struck each against a solid rock instead of against an
rider.
92 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Then each knight voided his tottering horse, and each drew his sword,
and immediately they rushed together with such eagerness that it was as
though the lust of battle was the greatest joy that the world could have for
them. So they fell to fighting with the utmost and most terrible fury, lashing
such blows that the sound of the strokes of iron upon iron resembled the
continual roaring of thunder.
So they fought for so long a while that it was a wonder that any man of
flesh and blood could withstand the blows that each gave and received.
For ever and anon the sword would find its place and upon such a blow
Of the battle of some cantel of armor would maybe be hewn from the body
Sir Garetk with of that knight who received the stroke. And the book that
the Red Knight. teUeth of this battle saye th that the side of each knight was in
a while made naked in places because that the armor had been hewn away
from it. And it sayeth the armor of Sir Gareth was wellnigh as red as was
the armor of his enemy because of the blood that dyed it that ensanguine
color. And the same history says that they were somewhile so bemazed
by the blows that they endured that either would at times seize the sword
of the other for his own, for it is recorded in that history that they fought
in that wise for more than two hours at a stretch without taking any rest
from battle.
But although the battle continued for that long time, yet by and by their
blows waxed somewhat faint and feeble compared to what they had at first
been, and each knight tottered upon his feet at times because of his weak-
ness and loss of blood. So at last the Red Knight of the Red Lands cried out
to Sir Gareth: "Sir Knight, stay thy hand and let us rest, for I see that
neither of us can fight this battle to its end as we are now fighting. " So said
the Red Knight, and at that saying Sir Gareth held his hand and said, " So
be it, Sir Knight, as you ordain. "
So they stinted their fighting for that while and they sat them down to
rest, each upon a bank of earth. And a page came to the Red Knight of the
Red Lands and unlaced his helm and the dwarf Axatalese did the same for
Sir Gareth, and the page and the dwarf took each the helm from off the head
of his master, and so they two sat where the wind might blow cold upon then-
faces.
Then anon Sir Gareth lifted up his eyes and he beheld where that the
Lady Layonnesse stood at the high window of the castle aforesaid, and
several of the chief folk of the castle stood with her at that time. Then Sir
Gareth saluted the Lady Layonnesse and when she beheld him salute her
she cried out, in a very shrill and piercing voice : " Alas, Sir Knight ! Fail me
not ! For whom have I to depend upon but thee ? " So she cried out in that
SIR GARETH OVERTHROWETH THE RED KNIGHT
very shrill voice, and Sir Gareth heard her words even from that
Then when he heard those words his heart grew big within him
and his spirit waxed light and he called out, " Sir Red Knight, let us at our
Da L Lie again I
Therewith each knight resumed his helm and when each helm was laced
into place, Axatalese and the page of the Red Knight leaped aside and the
two came together once more, greatly refreshed by that rest which they had
enjoyed.
So they fought for a great while longer, and then they had pause again for
a little. Then Sir Gareth perceived that the Red Knight was panting as
though his bosom would burst and therewith he rushed at his enemy with
intent for to smite him one last blow and so to end the battle. But the Red
Knight was very wary and he was expecting that assault, wherefore he
quickly avoided Sir Gareth 's stroke, and thereupon he himself launched an
overthwart blow that smote Sir Gareth upon the hand, and upon that blow
the sword of Sir Gareth fell down out of his hand into the grass of the field.
Then the Red Knight leaped upon Sir Gareth and he struck him again
and yet again and he struck him a third time a blow upon the helm and at
that third blow the brains of Sir Gareth melted within him and Sir Gargtk
he fell down upon his knees and then down to the ground for fdiethandis
he had not power to stand. Then the Red Knight leaped upon in *"* danger '
Sir Gareth and fell upon him with intent to hold him down so that he might
finish with him and Sir Gareth could not put him away.
But when the damsel Lynette beheld how that Sir Gareth was beneath
his enemy and was in danger of being slain, she shrieked out aloud in a very
shrill penetrating voice, crying, " Alas, Beaumains! Do you fail your lady,
and are you but a kitchen knave after all?"
Now Sir Gareth heard those words, even through the swooning of his
senses, and therewith it was with him as it had been twice before; for as
he heard the words there came new strength into his body, and with that he
heaved himself up and cast the Red Knight from him. And he leaped to
his feet and rushed to where his sword lay in the grass. And he catched up
his sword and sprang upon the Red Knight and smote him a very temble
blow. And Sir Gareth so smote him again and yet again. And he smote
him a fourth time so woful a blow upon the helm that the Red Kmghl
down to the earth and could not rise again. Then Sir Gareth sir Garelh
fell upon the Red Knight and held him where he was upon the "%*
ground. And he drew his miseracordia and cut the thongs *
the helm of the Red Knight and plucked the helm from off the 1
head. And he set his miseracordia to the throat of the Red Km
9 4 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
and with that the Red Knight beheld Death, as it were, looking him in
the face.
Then all they who were thereabouts came running to where the two
knights lay, and they cried out aloud to Sir Gareth, saying, " Sir Knight !
Sir Knight ! Spare the knight our champion and slay him not ! " And the
Red Knight said in a voice very faint and weak, " Sir Knight, spare me my
life!"
Then Sir Gareth cried out, " I will not spare this knight unless he yield
him altogether to my will." And the knight said, " I yield me." And Sir
Gareth said, " Still I will not spare this knight his life unless yonder damsel
crave his life at my hands."
Then Lynette came forward to where Sir Gareth still held his enemy to
earth and she was weeping a very great deal. And she said: " Brave Sir
L nette asketh Beaumains, be ye merciful as well as powerful and spare this
for the life of the good worshipful knight his life." And Sir Gareth said, "So
Red Knight. ^ j do ^ thy demand
Therewith Sir Gareth got him up upon his feet and the Red Knight
arose also, and so sore had been their battle that both knights had to be held
upon their feet by those who stood near by. Then the Red Knight said,
speaking in a very weak and fainting voice, " Fair Sir Knight, what are thy
commands upon me? " and Sir Gareth said: " These are my commands: that
so soon as you shall be sufficiently healed of your hurts you and
teyethhis com- all these your people shall depart hence and take your way to
mands upon the fa e CO urt of King Arthur. And my command is that you shall
tell King Arthur that Beaumains, the kitchen knave, hath sent
you thither for to pay your homage unto him. And because you have dis-
honored other knights as you have done by taking away their shields and
horses, it is my will that you shall also be dishonored ; for I ordain that your
shield shall be taken away from you and that it shall be hung upon one of
these willow-trees where you have hung the shields of those knights whom
you have overcome in battle as I have overcome you. And I ordain that
your horse shall be taken away from you and that your armor shall be taken
away from you and that you shall travel to the court of King Arthur afoot ;
for so you have made other knights walk afoot whom you have beaten in
battle as I have beaten you."
Then the Red Knight bowed his head full low for shame and he said:
" This is a very hard case, but as I have measured to others so it is meted
unto me, wherefore, Messire, it shall be done in all ways as y9U command."
Then Lynette came to Sir Gareth and took him by the hand and set his
hand to her lips and she was still weeping at that time. Then Sir Gareth
THE LADY LAYONNESSE INQUIRETH CONCERNING SIR GARETH 95
smiled upon her and said, " Hah! Lynette, have I done well?" an d Lvne
still wept and she said, with all her weeping, "Yea, Messire." AndTnon
she said : I pray you, Messire, that you will go with me up to the castle of
my sister so that you may there be cherished and that your wounds may be
looked to and searched and dressed/'
But to this Sir Gareth said: "Not so, Lynette; for behold I am sorely
wounded and I am all foul with the blood and dust and sweat of battle and
so I will be refreshed and made clean ere I appear before that most fair lady
your sister. So this night I will lie in the pavilion of this Red Knight,
there to be cleansed of my hurts and to be refreshed. Then to-morrow I
will come up unto my lady your sister."
And so it was done as Sir Gareth would have it, for that night
, I*
he lay in the pavilion of the Red Knight and he was bathed P** of the
and refreshed, and a skilful leech came and dressed his hurts.
And the Red Knight of the Red Lands had a guard of several knights set
around about the pavilion so that the repose of Sir Gareth should not
be disturbed.
Now after that battle aforetold the damsel Lynette betook her way to
the castle of her sister, and she entered into the castle and there was great
rejoicing at her return. Then they who first met her said to her: "Thy
sister awaiteth thee and she is in that room in a turret where she keeps her
bower." And Lynette said, " I will go thither."
So she went to that place and there she found the Lady Layonnesse, and
her brother (who was Sir Gringamore) was with her. And Lynette ran to
her sister and embraced her and kissed her. And she said: " Save you, my
sister and give you joy that the champion whom I brought hither hath freed
you from your enemy."
The Lady Layonnesse said : " Where is that knight and why hast thou not
brought him hither with thee so that I may render to him my thanks? "
To this Lynette made reply: "Sister, he hath been sore wounded in his
fight and he is moreover so befouled with the blood and dust of battle that
he would not come hither at this present but lyeth in the pavilion o:
Knight until the morrow."
Then the Lady Layonnesse said: " I pray you tell us who is this champic
who hath thus set me free from my oppressor?" and Lynette Ly**eidiitk
said: " That I know not, only this I may tell you: that at the grg
court of King Arthur there would no knight undertake the
venture because I would not declare your name and youi "degree 1 etore
the King's court there assembled. Then there arose a youth of whor
96 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
Kay made great scorn and said that he was a kitchen knave hight Beau-
mains and the youth did not deny that saying. And King Arthur gave
him leave to go with me and undertake this quest, and the youth did so.
So we travelled together. And I was very angry because I thought that
King Arthur had given me a kitchen knave for my champion instead of a
good worthy knight, and so I treated Beaumains with great scorn, but ever
he repaid all my scorn with very patient and courteous speeches. So he
followed me hither and now he is that champion who hath just now over-
thrown thine enemy."
Then the Lady Layonnesse cried out, ' ' What matters it if this young
knight is a kitchen knave? Lo! he is my champion and hath risked his
life for my sake. So because he hath fought that battle for me I will
even raise kim up to sit beside me, so that whatsoever honors are mine,
they shall be his honors also. For if so be he is now lowly, then by me
shall he be exalted above the heads of all you that are hereabouts."
So said the Lady Layonnesse, and thereat Lynette laughed with great
heartiness. And when she had ended her laughter, she said, " My sister,
I believe that it shall not be necessary for you to lift up this young knight.
For if we should come to know who he really is, it might well be that we
should discover that it is he who would exalt you rather than you would
exalt him. For this champion can be no such kitchen knave as he pretends
to be, but rather is he some one of great worth and of high degree. For sev-
eral days I have so tried the patience of this knight that I do not believe that
Lynette defend- any one was ever so tried before. But although I so tried him
eth Beaumains. very sorely he was always passing patient and gentle with me.
Think you that any kitchen knave would be so patient as that ? Moreover, I
have beheld this knight in this short while fight six battles, and always he
bore himself with such haughtiness and courage that were he an old and well-
seasoned Knight of the Round Table of the King he could not have proved
himself to be more noble or more worthy. You yourself have beheld to-day
how he did battle against the Red Knight who is certes one of the greatest
knights in the world, seeing that he hath never before been overcome;
you have beheld how he hath suffered wounds and the danger of death ;
think you then that any kitchen knave could have fought such a battle as
you beheld him fight? Nay, my sister, rather this young knight is someone
of a very great and high estate."
Then Sir Gringamore spake, saying: "Lynette speaketh very truly, my
sister, and in good sooth I believe that this is no kitchen knave, but one who
is sprung from the blood of right champions. Now tell me, Lynette, I pray
thee, is there no one who knoweth this knight who he really is?" and Lyn-
SIR GRINGAMORE AND LYNETTE SEIZE AXATALESE
ette replied: "Yea there is one who knoweth and that is the dwarf
Axatalese He could tell us who this knight really is, for he hath Mowed
him for a long time every where he hath gone "
^ Then Sir Grmgamore bethought him for a little while, and anon he said-
Meseemeth it is needful that we have this dwarf for so only shall we come
to know who that knight is. Now thou and I and Lynette will go down to
the place of those pavilions. And thou shalt go to the pavilion of the knight
and bring the dwarf out thence, for I doubt not he will come at thy bidding
Meantime, whilst thou are finding that dwarf I shall be hidden in some
secret place, and when thou hast brought him near enough to me I will
leap out upon him and will catch him. Then we will fetch him hither,
and it will go hard but we learn who this knight is."
So it was done as Sir Gringamore said ; for he and the damsel Lynette
went to a place nigh to the place of pavilions where there was a hedge. And
Sir Gringamore hid him behind the hedge and so after he was hidden
Lynette went alone to the pavilion of the Red Knight where Sir Gareth lay.
Now at that time they all slept, even to the guard that surrounded the tent.
And so Lynette passed through their midst and none heard her. And Lyn-
ette came to the pavilion where Sir Gareth lay and she lifted the curtain of
the door of the tent and looked within and beheld Sir Gareth where he lay
sleeping upon a couch with a night-light burning very faintly near by him.
And she beheld where the dwarf Axatalese lay sleeping near to the door of
the tent.
Then Lynette entered the pavilion very softly and she reached out and
touched Axatalese upon the shoulder and therewith he immediately awoke.
And Axatalese was astonished at beholding the damsel at that place, but
Lynette laid her finger upon her lips and whispered very low to him, " Say
naught, Axatalese, but follow me." And Axatalese .did so.
So the maiden brought Axatalese out of the pavilion and he followed her
in silence. And she brought him through the other pavilions and still ever
he followed her in silence and no one stayed them in their going. So Axa-
talese followed Lynette and she led him by a path that brought them out of
the field where the pavilions were and to that place near by where Sir Grin-
gamore lay hidden behind the hawthorn hedge. Then when Axatalese was
come very close to that place Sir Gringamore leaped out of a sudden from
thicket and catched him. And Axatalese lifted up his voice and fell
yelling very loud and shrill, but anon Sir Gringamore clapped his hanc
the mouth of the creature and silenced him. And Sir Gringamore drew tas
miseracordia and set it at the throat of Axatalese and said to him,
be silent, if you would live." And at that Axatalese ceased to i
98 THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
and was perfectly silent. Then Sir Gringamore released his hand from the
mouth of Axatalese and Axatalese was afraid to utter any further outcry.
So after that Sir Gringamore and Lynette brought Axatalese to the
castle and into the castle. And they brought him to that place where
They bring ^ e Lady Layonnesse awaited their coming. Then, when they
Axatalese to the were safely come to that place, Sir Gringamore said to Axal-
talese, " Sirrah Dwarf, tell us who is that knight, thy master,
and what is his degree?" And Axatalese cried out, "Alas, Messire, harm
me not." Quoth Sir Gringamore, " No harm shall befall thee, only speak as
I bid thee and tell us who thy master is."
Then Axatalese trembling with fear, said : " Fair Messire, the knight my
master is hight Sir Gareth and he is the son of King Lot of Orkney and the
Axatalese tetteth Queen Margaise, the sister of King Arthur, and so it is that he is
of sir Gareth. right brother of those noble worthy champions, Sir Gawaine
and Sir Gaheris, and he is the brother of Sir Mordred of Orkney."
Now when Lynette heard the words that Axatalese spoke she smote her
hands very violently together and she cried out in a loud and piercing voice :
" Said I not so ? Well did I know that this was no kitchen knave, but other-
wise that he was some very noble and worthy knight. So he is, for there is
none better in all the world than he. Rejoice, my sister, for here indeed is
a great honor that hath befallen thee. For this is a very worthy champion
to have saved thee from thy distresses."
And the Lady Layonnesse said : " Sister, I do indeed rejoice and that be-
yond all measure." And she turned her to Sir Gringamore and said: " My
brother, let us straightway hasten and go to this worthy knight so that we
may give him such thanks as is fitting for one of his degree to receive."
"Nay," quoth Sir Gringamore, "not so. Rather let us wait until to-
morrow and until he has altogether rested himself from this day of battle.
Meantime, I will take this dwarf back whence we brought him and to-mor-
row we will pay Sir Gareth all due honor."
So it was as Sir Gringamore ordained. For first he took Axatalese back
to the place of the pavilions, and after that they waited until the morn.
And when the morn was come Sir Gringamore and the Lady Layonnesse
and Lynette went down to that place of the pavilions and to the pavilion
Sir Gringamore ^ ^ r Gareth, an( ^ the Lady Layonesse and the damsel Lynette
payeth court to waited outside of the tent and Sir Gringamore entered thereinto.
And Sir Gringamore came to where Sir Gareth lay and he sa-
luted Sir Gareth saying, " Save you, Sir Gareth of Orkney."
Then Sir Gareth was greatly astonished and he said : " How know you
my name and my degree, Messire?" And Sir Gringamore said: "Sir,
THE LADY LAYONNESSE GREETETH SIR GARETH
my sister the damsel Lynette, and I, catched thy dwarf last night and
took him away to my sister s castle. There we compelled him to tell us
who you were, and so we had knowledge of your name and your con
dition." And Sir Gringamore said: "Sir Gareth, we are rejoiced beyond
measure that you have so greatly honored us as to come hither and to
serve as the champion of my sister, the Lady Layonesse. Now if you will
suffer her to have speech with you, she standeth without the door of the
pavilion." And Sir Gareth said, " Let her come in for I would fain see her
near at hand."
So Sir Gringamore went out of the pavilion and immediately he returned,
bringing the Lady Layonnesse and Lynette with him. And the Lady
Layonnesse came and kneeled down beside the couch whereon
Sir Gareth lay. And Sir Gareth saw her face near by and he
saw that it was ten times more beautiful than he had supposed conuth t s * r
it to be when he saw it from a distance at the upper window
of the Castle Dangerous as aforetold of. And Sir Gareth loved her from
that moment with all his heart and from that time forth his love never wav-
ered from her.
That day they brought Sir Gareth to the castle in a litter and Sir Gareth
abided at the castle for a fortnight and in that time he was altogether healed
of his hurts that he had got in his battle with the Red Knight.
And ever Sir Gareth loved the Lady Layonnesse more and more and ever
she loved him in like manner. So they were continually together and it was
said of all that heaven had never sent to the earth two more beautiful young
creatures than they.
Then at the end of that fortnight aforesaid, Sir Gareth said: "Now it
behooves me to return to the court of the King to proclaim myself to my
brothers. For since I have succeeded in overthrowing the Red Knight of
the Red Lands and so of achieving this adventure, I believe I am not un-
worthy to proclaim my self even unto my brothers." t t
So spake Sir Gareth, and to this the Lady Layonnesse replied: Sir, it is
indeed well that you return to the court of the King. But when you go
beseech you that you will permit my brother, Sir Gringamore and
Lynette, and I myself for to go with you. For so you who departed alon
will return with a company of those who love and honor -you.
said the Lady Layonnesse for it had come to pass by this time
could not bear to be parted from Sir Gareth even for so sb **
a while as a few days. of the King.
Accordingly, it was done as she said and straightway prep-
aration was made for their departure. So the next day they took leave
ioo THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
of the Castle Dangerous for a while, betaking their way with a considera-
ble court of knights, esquires, and attendants to the King's court at Carleon
where the King was at that time still abiding.
Now return we to the court of King Arthur ere those others shall come
thither, so that we may see how it befell at that place after the departure
of the kitchen knave Beaumains.
Now it hath been told how that Sir Kay departed to follow after Beau-
mains for to have a fall of him ; and it hath been told how that Sir Kay
returned to court upon a gray mule ; and it hath been told how that Sir Kay
was made the mock and laughing-stock, all because of the misadventure
that had befallen him.
After that there passed five days, and at the end of that time there came
Sir Perard to the court with the word that Sir Gareth had bidden him for to
carry thither ; to wit, that the kitchen knave, Beaumains, hath beaten him
in battle and had sent him thither for to pay his duty unto the King.
Then King Arthur said: " 'Fore Heaven! What sort of a kitchen knave
is this to overcome so brave and well-seasoned a knight as Sir Perard?
, This can be no kitchen knave, but rather is he some youth of
zi ow the sever at
knights do hom- very heroic race who hath been dwelling for all this while un-
age - known in our midst, in the guise of a kitchen knave." So said
the King. And Sir Gawaine said, " Lord, I may well believe that what you
say is indeed the case."
Then two days after Sir Perard had come to Carleon in that wise, there
came thither that knight whom Sir Gareth had saved from the six thieves.
And he brought a very considerable court of esquires and attendants with
him; and he also told of the further doings of Sir Gareth. And when they
at Carleon heard those things, both the King and the court made loud marvel
and acclaim that Beaumains should have become so wonderful a champion
as to do those things that were told of him.
After that there passed a week and at the end of that time there came
Sir Percevant of Hind with a great court of knights and esquires accom-
panying him ; and he also brought the same word that Sir Perard had done ;
to wit, that Beaumains, the kitchen knave, had overcome him in battle and
had sent him to the King's court for to pay his duty to the King. And at
that King Arthur and all of his court knew not what to think of a kitchen
knave who should do such wonderful works.
So passed a fortnight and at the end of that time there came the Red
Knight of the Red Lands, walking afoot and without shield or armor but
surrounded by even a greater court of knights and esquires than Sir Per-
QUEEN MARGAISE COMETH Q
101
cevant had brought with him. And he also brought the same word to the
King that the kitchen knave, Beaumains, had overcome him and had sent
him thither to pay his duty to the King. And besides this he told the King
many things concerning this same Beaumains that the others had not told;
to wit, how Beaumains had carried his adventure of the Castle Dangerous
through to a worthy ending and how that he was even then lodging at the
castle of the Lady Layonnesse of Granderegard.
So when King Arthur and his court heard all these things, he and they
wist not what to think, but marvelled as to who this extraordinary young
champion was.
Now the day after the Red Knight of the Red Lands had come to Carleon
as aforetold, it befell that there came to the court of the King Q ueen Margate
an herald; and the herald brought news that Queen Margaise cometh to court.
of Orkney was even the upon her way for to visit the King.
Then King Arthur was very glad that his sister was coming thither for
he loved her above all others of his kin. So it came to pass that when the
day after the next day had come, Queen Margaise reached the court of the
King as she had promised to do, and the King and the court gave her royal
greeting.
Then Queen Margaise looked all about and by and by she said, " Where
is my son Gareth whom I sent thitherward a year ago? "
At that King Arthur was very much astonished, and for a little he wist
not what to think ; then he said, " I know of no such one as Gareth."
Upon this Queen Margaise was filled with anxiety, for she wist not what
to believe had happened to her son. So her color changed several times
and several times she tried to speak and could not. Then at Q ueenMar .
last she did speak, saying : " Woe is me if harm should have be- J^j*
fallen him, for certes he is the very flower of all my children.'
Then King Arthur took suddenly thought of Beaumains and he said :
ter, take heart and look up, for I believe that no harm but rather great honor
hath befallen thy son. Now tell me, did he come hither about the time <
the feast of Pentecost a year ago?" And the Queen said Yea The
King Arthur said: " Tell me, was thy son fair of face and had he > rudd> .ha
and was he tall and broad of girth and had he \*^
withhim?" AndtheQueensaid,<<Yea,thatwashe!' J hen
said: " He hath been here, but we knew him not." And the
44 What hath befallen him?" , jWallen For
Then King Arthur told the Queen his sister all ****
he told her how that Gareth had come thither and m ^f
her how Gareth had dwelt all that year unknown at the court
102 ;# ;SrO#F .OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
name of Beaumains because of the whiteness of his hands ; and he told her
how that Beaumains had gone forth upon that adventure to the Castle Dan-
gerous ; and he told her how he had succeeded in that adventure ; and he told
her of the several other things that are herein told, and ever Queen Margaise
listened to him.
But when King Arthur had finished his telling the Queen was very angry
and she said: " Methinks, my brother, that you should have known my son
for one of high and noble degree, even though he were clad in green as you
tell me and even though he did beseech no greater boon of you than food
and drink and lodging. For certes there was ever that in his bearing that
bespake better things than these."
Then King Arthur, speaking very mildly, said: "My sister, how may one
know another, his name and his degree, only by looking in his face? Yet
Kin Arthur w ^ ^ ou t ^ iat ^ a( ^ * not thought there was somewhat high and
placates Queen noble about this youth I had not given him leave to undertake
this adventure in which he hath succeeded so very gloriously."
So spake King Arthur, but Queen Margaise was hardly yet appeased, nor
was she pacified for a long time afterward. Then, at last, she was pacified.
Now a day or two after this time the King called Sir Gawaine and Sir
Gaheris to him and he said to these two : " Take you a noble court of knights
and gentlemen and go you forth and find your brother and bring him hither
to our court in all such royal estate as is befitting for such a knight to enjoy.
For of a surety it will be a great honor for to have such a knight amongst us."
Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Gaheris were much pleased that the King
should so favor their brother, wherefore they fulfilled that command to the
full, for they chose them such a court as was as noble as possible, and they
set forth upon that journey as the King had commanded.
So they travelled for one whole day and for a part of another day, and
toward the afternoon of that second day they beheld a great company of
knights and lords and ladies ahorseback coming toward them.
and Si? Gaheris And many esquires and attendants accompanied that fair
depart to find sir company, and they so shone with cloth of gold and with many
jewels and with bright shining armor that it bedazzled the eyes
to look upon them. And Sir Gawaine and Sir Geharis wondered what lordly
company that could be. And when that company had come nearer, they
two perceived that at the head thereof there rode two knights in armor and
two ladies upon ambling palfreys and they saw that the two ladies were very
beautiful. And when that company had come still nearer Sir Gawaine and
Sir Gaheris perceived that one of those knights who rode with the ladies
was none other than him whom they had aforetime called " Beaumains";
SIR GARETH BECOMETH KNIGHT OF THE ROUND TABLE I03
d -me to court
Then when Sir Gawaine and Sir Gaheris perceived their brother at the
head of that company they immediately set spurs to horse and rac^ ft
ward to meet him with all speed they could command And
when they had come to where Sir Gareth was, they leaped *%,,
down from off their horses and ran to him, crying aloud thewa y-
" Brother, Brother!" and Sir Gareth leaped down from his horse and ran
to them and so they kissed and embraced each other upon the highroad
weeping for joy.
Thus it was that Sir Gareth was acknowledged by those two noble and
worthy knights -champion, his brothers, and so his kindred met him and
gave him welcome.
And now it remains but few things to say; for there remaineth only to
be said that Sir Gareth was received at the court with such
rejoicings as you may well suppose. And it remaineth to be
.
said that at that same time there suddenly appeared upon one Kni s ht ofthe
of the seats of the Round Table near to the seat of Sir Launce-
lot of the Lake a name in letters of gold, and the name was this :
For from that time Sir Gareth became a Knight of the Round Table, being
elected thereto in that miraculous way that was usual in the case of those
who were chosen for that high and worshipful companionship.
And it remaineth to be told that in a little while Sir Gareth was wedded
to the Lady Layonnesse with great pomp and ceremony and that thereafter
he returned with her to the Castle Dangerous of which he was now the lord.
And in after times Sir Gareth became one of the most famous of all the
knights of the Table Round, so that much is told of him in divers books
of chivalry. Yet there shall be no more told of his adventures at this
place, albeit there may be more said concerning him in another book
which shall follow this book. Yet it is to be said that these are the most
famous adventures that befel him, and that the history of Gareth and
Lynette is the one which is most often told of in stories and sung in
ballads and poems.
So endeth the Story of Gareth of Orkney, which same was told at this
place in part because it is a good worthy history to tell at any place, anc
104
THE STORY OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY
in part because that time in which he did battle with and was knighted by
Sir Launcelot, as aforetold, was the only time that Sir Launcelot was seen
by any of the court of King Arthur until after he had accomplished the Ad-
venture of the Worm of Corbin.
For that which f olloweth dealeth of the adventure of the Worm of Corbin
and with how that Sir Launcelot overcame that dragon and became ac-
quainted with the Lady Elaine the Fair, who was the mother of Sir Galahad,
who was the flower of all chivalry. Wherefore, if you would know that part
of the history of Sir Launcelot that relates to those things, you must needs
read that which is written hereinafter.
PART HI
The Story of Sir Launcelot and
Elaine the Fair
"LJERE followeth the history of Sir Launcelot' s wanderings and of how
he came to the town of Corbin, and of how he slew the great Worm
of Corbin that for somewhiles brought sorrow and death to the folk of Cor-
bin. Here you shall also read the history of Elaine the Fair, the King's
daughter of Corbin, and of how for her sake Sir Launcelot fought in the
tournament at Astolat.
All these and several other things are herein duly set forth, so that, should
you please to read that which is hereafter written, I believe you shall find
a great deal of pleasure and entertainment in that history.
0tSir Lanncelot (jel& btecoutsc
merry Minstrels.
Chapter First
How Sir Launcelot rode errant and how he assumed to
undertake the Adventure of the Worm of Corbin.
ND now you shall be told how it befell Sir Launcelot after that
he had fought with Sir Gareth and had made him knight as told
in the history of Sir Gareth.
You are to know that after Sir Launcelot left Sir Gareth he went his way
very cheerfully, and many times he bethought him of how the damsel Lyn-
ette had taken Sir Gareth to be a kitchen knave, and at that thought he
would laugh with great joy of so excellent a jest.
So with great cheerfulness of spirit he rode ever onward upon his way,
whilst the daylight slanted farther and farther toward sunset. And, after
awhile, the sun sunk in the West, and the silence of the sir Launcelot
twilight fell like to a soft mantle of silence upon the entire rideth errant
earth. The darkness fell, the earth melted here and there into shadow
and every sound came very clear and loud as though the bright and
luminous sky that arched overhead was a great hollow bell of crystal
that echoed back every sudden noise with extraordinary clearness.
Sir Launcelot was both hungry and athirst and he wist not where he
might find refreshment to satisfy the needs of his body.
So, thinking of food and drink, he was presently aware of the light of ?
io8 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
fire shining in the gray of the falling twilight and thitherward he directed
his way, and in a little pass, he came to where there was a merry party
of strolling minstrels gathered around about that bright
meeteth the and cheerful fire. Some of these fellows were clad in blue
strolling an d some in yellow and some in red and some in green and
minstrels. . . J .
some in raiment pied of many colors. And all they were
eating with great appetite a savory stew of mutton and lentils seasoned
with onions and washed down with lusty draughts of ale and wine which
they poured forth, ever and anon, from big round-bellied skins into horns
and cups that were held to catch it.
These jolly fellows, beholding Sir Launcelot coming to them through
the dusk, gave him welcome with loud voices of acclaim and besought
him to descend from horseback and to eat with them, and Sir Launcelot
was right glad to do so.
So he dismounted from his horse and eased it of its saddle and turned
it loose to browse as it listed upon the grass of the wayside. And he laid
aside his shield and his spear and his sword and his helmet and he sat
him down with those minstrels and fell to eating and drinking with might
and main. And the minstrels bade him to take good cheer and to eat and
drink all that he desired and Sir Launcelot did so.
Then, after Sir Launcelot and the minstrels had supped their fill, those
lusty fellows brought forth other skins of wine and filling again the several
cups and flagons they all fell to drinking and making merry. And
The minstrels several of the minstrels brought forth lutes and others brought
chaunt. forth viols, and anon he who was the chief minstrel called
upon one to stand forth and sing, and that fellow did so, chaunting a rondel
in praise of his sweetheart's eyes. After that, another sang of battle and
still another sang in praise of pleasant living; meantime the others ac-
companied, with lute and viol, those who sang, and Sir Launcelot listened
to their music with great pleasure of heart.
All about them lay the deep silence of the moonlit night with only that
one red spot of fire and of cheerful mirth in the midst of it, and the fire
shone very bright upon the armor of the knight and lit up all those quaint
fellows in red and green and yellow and blue and pied so that they stood
forth against the blackness behind them as though they had been carved
out from it with a sharp knife.
Then he who was chief among the minstrels said to Sir Launcelot, " Mes-
sire, will ye not also sing?" At this Sir Launcelot laughed, and quoth
he: "Nay, good fellows, I cannot sing as ye do, but I will tell ye a story
an ye list to hear me."
S!R LAUNCEWT MAKETH M ERRY WITH
At that they all cried out to tell them that stm
so, telling then, a certain goodly conte StT
loved a lady, but she loved neither of them, having set her
heart upon an esquire of low degree. So of these two knights the c
became an hermit and the other by force of his knighthood brought it to
pass that the esquire was exalted from his squirehood to become a nl
But when the esquire became a king the lady would have none of him but
turned her love to the knight who had exalted him to his high estate
So the lady left the esquire who was king and married the noble knight
who had made him king, and so, having made choice of the greatest and the
noblest of all the three, she dwelt happily with him to the end of her life
To this the minstrels listed in silence and when Sir Launcelot had finished
they gave him great applause without measure.
After that the minstrels sang again and Sir Launcelot told them another
tale of chivalry; and so with good cheer the night passed pleasantly away
until the great round moon, bright and full like to a bubble of shining
silver, floated high in the sky above their heads, very bright and as glorious
as day and bathing all the world in a flood of still white light, most won-
derful to behold.
Then perceiving it to be midnight, Sir Launcelot bestirred himself,
and he said: "Good fellows, I thank ye with all my heart Sir Launcelot
for the entertainment ye have given me, but now I am re- would leave
freshed I must go again upon my way."
To this he who was chief among the minstrels said: "Sir Knight, we
would fain that you would remain with us to-night and would travel with
us upon our way to-morrow, for indeed you are the pleasantest and cheer-
fulest knight that ever we met in all of our lives."
At this Sir Launcelot laughed with great good will, and he said: "Good
fellows, I give you gramercy for your fair regard. Ye are indeed a
merry company and were I not a knight methinks I would rather be one
of your party than one of any other company that ever I fell in with.
But it may not be, for, lo! I am a knight and I must e'en go about my
business as becometh one who weareth spurs of gold. So here and now we
part. Ne'theless you may haply do me one service, and that He asketh of
is to tell me whether anywhere hereabout is to be found an J ""*
adventure such as may beseem a knight of good credit to undertake.
Upon this one of those minstrels spake saying: "Messire, I know wh<
there is an adventure, which, if you achieve it, will bring you such gre
credit that I believe Sir Launcelot of the Lake himself would
greater credit than you."
no THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
At this Sir Launcelot laughed with great good will. "Well," quoth he,
" I would not be overbold, yet this I may say, that anything Sir Launcelot
of the Lake might not fear to undertake, that also I shall not fear to assume,
and whatever he might find strength to do that also I may hope to ac-
complish. For indeed I may tell ye that I hold myself to be altogether
as good and worthy a knight as ever is Sir Launcelot of the Lake.'*
"Ha!" quoth the chief minstrel, "I perceive, Sir Knight, that thou
hast a very good opinion of thyself. Now, were Sir Launcelot here, haply
thou wouldst not venture to reckon thyself so high as thou now dost."
At that all those minstrels laughed in great measure, and Sir Launcelot
laughed with them as loud as any. " Good fellows," said he, "I believe
I reckon myself to be no better than another man born of woman, yet
this I have to say : Oftentimes have I beheld Sir Launcelot and sometimes
have I contended against his will, but never at any time have I found
him to be stronger or worthier than am I myself. But let us not debate
so small a matter as this. Let us instead learn what is that adventure
concerning which yonder good fellow hath to advise us."
"Messire," quoth the minstrel, "have ye ever heard tell of the Worm
of Corbin?"
"Nay," said Sir Launcelot, "but tell thou me of it."
"Sir," said the minstrel, "I will do so. You are to know that some
ways to a considerable distance to the eastward of this place
there is a very large fair noble town hight Corbin; and the
Worm of King of that country is King Pelles. Now one time it chanced
that Queen Morgana le Fay and the Queen of North Wales
were upon a visit to Corbin, and whilst they were there there was given
in that place a great jousting and feast in their honor.
"Whilst King Pelles sat at table with the two queens (all of his court
and his daughter Elaine the Fair being with him) there came into the pa-
vilion where the feast was held a wonderfully fair damsel, tall and straight
and clad from top to toe in flame-colored satin. In her hand
Of the damsel - - ' f M - . ., , .
who came to she bare a paten of silver and upon the paten was a napkin,
*the Kin * anc * on ^ e na pkin there was a wonderful ring of gold set with
a clear blue stone. And the damsel spoke in a voice both
high and clear, saying: 'Lords and Ladies, here have I a ring that may
only be worn by the fairest and worthiest lady in this room/
" At these words, as you may suppose, there was a great deal of wonder
and much expectation, and a great deal of talk. For some said that one
lady should by rights have that ring and some said that another lady
should have it.
THE MINSTREL TELLETH OF THE WORM OF CORBIN
IH
honor of her. So she took the ring in her hand and essayed
to pass it upon her finger, but lo! it would not pass the first *" ** t-
joint thereof.
" At that Queen Morgana was filled with wrath, but still she dissembled
her anger and sat, waiting to see what would next befall
"So after Queen Morgana le Fay had thus failed to wear that ring, the
Queen of North Wales said unto herself, 'Haply King Pelles may intend
this ring for me/ So she also took the ring and would have
placed it upon her finger, but lo! it grew so large that it would Q^! North
not stay where it was placed, but fell off upon the table before Waiu tryeth
the whole court of the King. the *
"At this many who were there laughed aloud, and thereat the Queen
of North Wales was filled with anger and mortification as much as Queen
Morgana le Fay had been. But she also dissembled her anger before the
court and sat to watch what would befall.
" So after these two queens had so essayed, several others of the ladies
who were there each tried to put the ring upon her finger, but no one
could do so, for either it was too large, or else it was too small. Then
last of all the Lady Elaine the Fair, the King's daughter, essayed the ad-
venture of the ring, and lo ! it fitted her as exactly as though it had been
made for her.
"At this both of those two queens aforesaid were more angered than
ever, for each said to herself, 'Certes, this King hath done this to put
affront upon us/ So that night they communed together what they
should do to punish King Pelles of Corbin and the Town of Corbin for
that affront which they deemed themselves to have suffered.
"Now the next morning those two queens quitted the court, and as
they and their attendants passed by the market-place of the town they
perceived where there lay a great flat stone that marked the centre of the
town. Then Queen Morgana le Fay cried out: 'See ye yon-
der stone! Beneath that slab there shall breed a great Worm
and that Worm shall bring sorrow and dole to this place ten up<m the
thousand times more than the shame which I suffered here **"
yesterday. For that stone shall be enchanted so that no man may lift
And beneath that stone the Worm shall live; and ever and anon n
come forth and seize some fair young virgin of this town and shall bear I
away to its hiding-place and shall there devour her for its food
"So it was as the. Queen said, and now that Worm dwelleth at Corbm
ii2 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
beneath the stone, and ever bringeth sorrow and death to that place. And
it cometh out only at night, so that the terror of the Worm of Corbin is
greater than it would otherwise be, for no eye hath ever beheld it in its
comings and its goings. So if any champion shall achieve the death of
that Worm, he shall be held to have done a deed worthy of Sir Launcelot
of the Lake himself."
"Friend," said Sir Launcelot, "thou sayest true and that were indeed
a most worthy quest for any knight to undertake. As for me, I am so
eager to enter upon that quest that I can hardly stay my patience."
With this saying, Sir Launcelot rose from where he sat ; and he whistled
his horse to him and when his horse had come to where he was he put the
saddle upon its back. And he took his shield and spear in his hand and
mounted upon his charger and made him ready to leave that place.
But ere he departed, the chief minstrel and several others came to him,
and the chief minstrel laid his hand upon the horse's neck and he said:
" I pray you, Messire, tell us who you are who have seen Sir Launcelot
of the Lake so often and who declare yourself to be as good a knight
as he."
Then Sir Launcelot laughed and he said: "Good friend, I am riding er-
rant as you behold. In these my travels I would fain withhold my name
from the knowledge of men. Nevertheless, since we have
eaten and drunk together, and since we have cohabited in
d fellowship together, I will tell you that I myself am that
very Sir Launcelot whom ye appear to hold in such high re-
gard. Wherefore it is that I am, certes, as good as he could possibly be,
let that be saying much or saying little."
So saying, Sir Launcelot set spurs to his horse and rode away and left
them astonished at his words. And long after he had left those merry
fellows he could hear their voices in the distance babbling together very
loud with wonder that Sir Launcelot of the Lake had been amongst them
for all that time without any one of them suspecting him who he was. For
by this time all the world knew Sir Launcelot of the Lake to be the greatest
champion that ever the world had seen from the very beginning unto that
time.
After that, Sir Launcelot rode forward upon his way toward the east-
ward through the moonlit night, and by and by he entered a great space
of forest land. And somewhile after he had entered that woodland the
summer day began to dawn and all the birds began at first to chirp and
then to sing very blithely and with a great multitude of happy voices from
SIR LAUNCELOT COMETH TO CORBIN II3
out 01 every leafy thicket. Then up leapt the jolly sun and touched all
the upper leafage of the trees and turned them into gold.
And anon the sun rose high and higher and when it was very high
in the heavens Sir Launcelot came out of the forest into an open coun-
try of level meadows and of pasture-lands. And in the midst of that
place, a great way off, he beheld where there was a fair
walled town set upon a hill with a smooth shining river ^ZhddSk*
at its foot, and he wist that this must be the Town of Corbin '
Corbin of which the strolling minstrels had told him the night before.
So Sir Launcelot rode forward and drew near the town. And as he drew
closer to it he thought that this was one of the fairest towns that ever he
had beheld in all of his life. For the castle of the town and the houses of
the town were all built else of stone or else of brick, and a thousand win-
dows sparkled in the brightness of the day, shining like to stars in heaven.
And the river that flowed beside the town wound down between fair green
meadows which lay upon either side, and betwixt banks of reeds and
rushes and pollard willows, and it was like to a great serpent of pure silver
lying in the grass. The walls of the castle and the walls of the town came
down to the river, and stood with their feet, as it were, in the clear and
crystal-bright water, and there were trees that overhung the water upon this
side and upon that, and there was a bridge with three arches that crossed
over the river and led to the town. All these things Sir Launcelot beheld
and so it was that the town appeared exceedingly pleasant to his eyes.
Now when Sir Launcelot had come pretty close to the town he met a
party of town-folk with several pack-mules hung with bells sir LaunceM
and laden with parcels of goods. These Sir Launcelot be- **
spoke, saying, " I pray ye, fair folk, tell me, is this the Town
of Corbin?" Thereunto they replied, " Yea, Sir Knight, this is that town.
Sir Launcelot said, "Why are ye so sad and downcast?" ^ Whereunto
chief of that party-a right reverend man with a long white beard-m
reply: "Sir Knight, wherefore do you ask us why we are sad
come you that you have not heard how we are cursed m this own by
Worm that torments us very grievously; and how is i ^
heard tell how that Worm devoureth every now and then a
from our midst?" -
"Sir," quoth Sir Launcelot, "I have indeed ^.
bringeth you so much woe and dole. Know ye that
very" Worm that I have come hither. For Ipmpoj,
with me, to destroy that vile thing and so t.
that lies upon you!"
ii 4 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
"Alas, Sir Knight," quoth the old man, speaking very sorrowfully, "I
do not doubt that you are possessed of all the courage necessary for this
undertaking, yet for all that you may not hope to succeed in your quest.
For even if you were able to slay the Worm, yet you could not come at it.
For you are to know that it lyeth beneath a great stone and that the stone
is sealed by magic which Queen Morgana le Fay set upon it so that no man
may raise it from where it lyeth."
Then Sir Launcelot spoke words of good cheer to that old man and to
his companions, saying: " Let that be as it may, yet for all that ye need
not despair of succor. Know ye not that naught can be
speaketh achieved until it first be essayed? As for that enchantment
rdsof that lyeth upon the stone, I tell ye this: Behold this ring
which I wear upon my finger! It is sovereign against all
magic whatsoever, wherefore I know that the spells which bind this stone
into its place cannot prevail against the counter magic of this ring. So
ye shall be well assured that I shall lift that stone, and after that, when
it shall be lifted and when it shall come to battle betwixt me and that
Worm, then shall the issue lie altogether with God, His Grace and Mercy."
Now when those who were there heard what Sir Launcelot said, their
hearts were filled with hope and joy, for it seemed to them
Lancelot that here indeed might be a champion who should deliver
them out of their distresses. Wherefore when they heard
his words they presently lifted up their voices in loud acclaim,
some crying, "God be with you!" and some crying, "God save you from
destruction!" some crying this, and some crying that.
Then Sir Launcelot smiled upon them and said, " Save you good people,"
and therewith set spurs to flank and rode away.
But many of those who were there went with him, running beside his horse,
seeking to touch him and even to touch the horse which he rode. And
all the time they gave him loud acclaim without measure and without stint.
For the virtue of Sir Launcelot went forth from him like a shining light
wherefore it seemed to them that here was one who should certainly free
them from the curse that lay upon them.
And thus it was that Sir Launcelot of the Lake rode across that three-
spanned bridge and into the Town of Corbin and so to his adventure with
the Worm of Corbin.
it Launcelo t slay eflj fl?eWcr m
Cotbim
Chapter Second
How Sir Launcelot slew the Worm of Corbin, and how he was
carried thereafter to the Castle of Corbin and to King Pelles and to
the Lady Elaine the Fair.
SO thus it was that Sir Launcelot entered the town of Corbin to
slay the Dragon that lay beneath the stone. And with his com-
ing a great multitude gathered very quickly, hurrying
from all sides, crying out and blessing him as he rode forward 22^ of
upon his way. And ever a great roar of voices sounded komeSir
all about him like to the noise of many waters.
So, upborn by that multitude, Sir Launcelot went forward very stead-
fastly toward the market-place of the town, in the midst of which lay
that great stone, aforetold of, with the Worm beneath it. And
when he had reached the place, he bade the multitude abide S ^th^
where they were. P 1 ** f the
So, upon that command, the people stood afar off, and Sir
Launcelot went forward alone to where was the slab of stone. And he
looked down upon the slab and beheld that it was very flat and wide
and so big that three men might hardly hope to lift it. Besides this, he
beheld that it had been sealed by magic as had been reported to him, for
many strange letters and figures had been engraved into the face of the
stone.
Now you are to remember that it was aforetold of in the " Book of the
Champions of the Round Table" that Sir Launcelot wore upon his finger
a ring which the Lady of the Lake had given him when he quitted the
Lake ; and you all remember that that ring was of such a sort that he who
wore it might dissolve all evil magic or enchantment against which he
should direct his efforts. Wherefore it was that Sir Launcelot was aware,
as he had already told the people outside of the walls of the town, that he
might lift that stone even if another, because of the magic that was upoi
it, should not be able to stir it where it lay.
So Sir Launcelot put aside his sword and his shield and he went form
n8 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
to the slab and he seized the slab in both of his hands. And he bent his
back and lifted, and lo ! the bands of enchantment that lay upon the stone
were snapped and the slab moved and stirred in the bed wherein it lay.
Then when the multitude of the people who gazed upon him beheld the
Sir Launcelot s ^ a ^ ^ ow ^ move( ^ anc ^ stirred in its bed, a great shout went
Hfteth the up from several thousand lips like to one mighty voice of out-
cry. Therewith Sir Launcelot bent again to the stone and
heaved with all his might. And lo! he lifted the stone and he raised it
and he rolled it over upon the earth.
Then he looked down into the hole that was beneath the stone and he
was aware that there lay something in the hole that moved. And anon
he beheld two green and glassy eyes that opened upon him and looked up
at him from out of the hole ; and he beheld that those eyes were covered
over as with a thin film to shelter them from the dazzling light of the day-
time. And as Sir Launcelot gazed he beheld that that thing which lay
within the hole began to crawl out of the hole, and Sir Launcelot beheld
that it was a huge worm, covered all over with livid scales as hard as flint.
And the Worm lifted the fore part of its body to the height of a tall man
and gaped very dreadfully with a great mouth an ell wide, and all glisten-
ing with three rows of white and shining teeth. And Sir Launcelot be-
held that the Worm had as many as a thousand feet, and that each foot
was armed with a great claw like the claw of a lion, as hard as flint, and
very venomous with poison. And the Worm hissed at Sir Launcelot.
And its breath was like the odor of Death.
Such was that dreadful terrible Worm that lay beneath the stone at
The Worm Corbin. And when the people of the town saw it thus appear
of Corbin before them in the broad light of day, they shrieked aloud
cometh forth. ^^ ^ terror of ^ at ^^{Q^ they beheld. For it was like to
something that had come to life out of a dreadful dream, and it did not
seem possible that such a thing should ever have been beheld by the living
eyes of man.
But Sir Launcelot beholding the Worm in all its terror leaped to where
was his sword and he seized his sword in both hands and he ran at the
Worm and lashed at it a blow so mighty that it might easily have split
an oak tree. But the scales of the Worm were like adamant for hardness
wherefore the stroke of the sword pierced them not but glanced aside
without harming the creature.
Then when the Worm felt itself thus smitten, it hissed again in a manner
very terrible and loud, and it reached out toward Sir Launcelot and strove
to catch him into the embrace of a hundred of its sharp claws. But Sir
SIR LAUNCELOT FIGHTETH THE WORM OF CORBIN 119
Launcelot sprang aside from the embraces of the Worm and he smote it
again and again, yet could not in any wise cut through the scales that
covered its body. And at every blow the Worm hissed more terribly and
sought to catch Sir Launcelot into its embraces.
Thus for a long time Sir Launcelot avoided the Worm, but, by and by
it came to pass that he began to wax faint and weary with .
leaping from side to side, weighed down as he was with his eth bOfiie *
armor. So, at last, it befell that the Worm catched Sir Launce- with the Worm '
lot in the hook of one of its claws, and thereupon they who looked on at
that battle beheld how in a moment it had embraced Sir Launcelot in sev-
eral hundred of its claws so that his body was wellnigh hidden in that
embrace. And the Worm, when it so held Sir Launcelot in its embrace,
tore at him with its claws and strove to bite him with its shining teeth.
And anon it catched its claws in the armor of Sir Launcelot and it tore
away the epaulier upon the left side of Sir Launcelot's shoulder, and it tore
away the iron boot that covered his left thigh, and it cut with its claws
through the flesh of the left shoulder of Sir Launcelot and through the flesh
of his thigh to the very bone, so that the blood gushed out in a crimson
stream and ran down over his armor and over the claws of the Worm.
Then Sir Launcelot, finding himself as it were thus in the very embrace
of Death, put forth all his strength and tore away free from the clutches
of the Worm ere it was able to do him further harm. And seeing how that
the case was now so ill with him, he catched the haft of his sword in both
of his hands, and he rushed at the creature and he stabbed with his sword
into the gaping mouth of the creature and down into its gullet so that
the cross-piece of the sword smote against the teeth of the creature's mouth.
Then when the Worm felt that dreadful terrible stroke driven thus into
its very vitals, it roared like a bull in its torments, and it straightway rolled
over upon the ground writhing and lashing the entire length of its body,
bellowing so that those who heard it felt the marrow in their bones melt
for terror.
But Sir Launcelot, looking down upon the lashings of the Worm, be-
held where there appeared to be a soft place nigh to the belly and beneati
the scales of the back and sides, and therewith he rushed at the Worm
and plunged his sword twice and thrice into that soft spot, whereupon, 1<
thick blood, as black as ink, gushed forth after those strokes. sir
Then again Sir Launcelot pierced the Worm twice and thrice
in such another place and thereafter it presently ceased to
bellow in that wise and lay shuddering and writhing in death, rust
dry scales upon the earth in its last throes of life.
120 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
Then Sir Launcelot beheld that his work was done and he stood leaning
upon his sword, panting and covered all over with the blood and slime of
that dreadful battle. And the people beholding how that the Worm was
now slain, fell to shouting aloud beyond measure. And they came run-
ning from all sides to that place like to a flood so that they filled the entire
market-place. And they crowded around and gazed upon the Worm with
horror, and they gazed upon Sir Launcelot in wonder that Heaven should
have sent so wonderful a Champion to save them out of their distresses.
And ever Sir Launcelot stood there leaning upon his sword panting and
with the blood flowing down from his shoulder and his thigh so that all
that side of his body was ensanguined with shining red.
So as he stood there, there came a party of knights riding into that
place. These thrust their way through the multitude to where Sir Launce-
lot was in the midst of the crowd as aforesaid. When they
of Cortin do had come to Sir Launcelot the chief of those knights said,
honor to Sir ${ T art t h O u he who hath slain the Worm? " Sir Launcelot
L&uncelot.
said, "Thou seest that I am he." Then he who spoke to Sir
Launcelot said, "Messire, I fear me you are sorely hurt in this battle."
Quoth Sir Launcelot: " I am hurt indeed, but not more hurt than I have
been several times before and yet live as you behold me."
Then those knights went and looked upon the Worm where it lay and
they gazed upon it with wonder and with loathing. And they gave great
praise beyond measure to the knight who had slain it.
After that they sent for a litter and they laid Sir Launcelot upon the
litter and bare him away into the Castle of Corbin where King Pelles of
Corbin was then holding his court in royal pomp of circumstance. And ;
they brought Sir Launcelot to a fair chamber of the castle where a number of
attendants came to him and eased him of his armor and led him to a bath
of tepid water steeped with healing herbs. And there came a skilful
leech and searched the wounds of Sir Launcelot and spread soothing un- (
guents upon them and bound them up with swathings of linen. And af-
ter that they bare Sir Launcelot to a fair soft couch spread with snow- j
white linen and laid him thereon, and he was greatly at ease and much
comforted in body.
Then after all this was done in that wise, there came King Pelles of Cor-
bin to that place for to visit Sir Launcelot, and with him came his son,
Sir Lavaine, and his daughter, the Lady Elaine the Fair. And Sir
Launcelot beheld that King Pelles was a very noble haughty lord, for his
beard and his hair were long and amplelike to the mane of a lion, and
resembled threads of gold sprinkled with threads of silver. And he was
SIR LAUNCELOT BEHOLDETH THE LADY ELAINE I2I
clad aU in a robe of purple studded over with shining jewels and he wore
a fillet of gold about his head set with several gems of great
price. Upon the right hand of King Pelles there came his
son, Sir Lavaine a very noble young knight, newly created
by the bath and upon his left hand there came his daughter, to Sir Launcelot '
the Lady Elaine the Fair.
Then Sir Launcelot looked upon the Lady Elaine the Fair and it seemed
to him that she was the most beautiful maiden that ever he
had beheld in all of his life. For he saw that her hair was soft Bate at?*
and yellow and shining like to the finest silk ; that her eye- Fair '
brows were curved and very fine, as though they had been marked with
a sharp and delicate pencil ; that her eyes were very large and perfectly
blue and very lustrous, and as bright as precious jewels ; that her forehead
was like cream for whiteness ; that her cheeks were like roses for softness
of blush; that her lips were like coral for redness, and that betwixt her
lips her teeth were white, like to pearls for whiteness.
Such was the Lady Elaine, as Sir Launcelot beheld her, and he was
amazed at her surpassing beauty, and at the tender grace of her virgin
youth.
Then King Pelles and Sir Lavaine and the Fair Elaine came close to
where Sir Launcelot lay upon his couch, and there they kneeled them
down upon the ground. And King Pelles spake, saying: "Messire, what
thanks shall we find fit to give to you who have freed this entire land from
the dreadful curse that lay upon it? " " Lord," said Sir Launcelot, " thank
not me but give your thanks to God whose tool and instrument I was in
this undertaking." "Messire," quoth King Pelles, "I have not forgot
to give thanks to God. Nevertheless seeing the instrument which He
hath fitted to His hand is so perfect an instrument, one may praise that
also. So we do praise you and give thanks from our heart to you
for the deliverance which you have brought to us. Now I pray you tell
me who you are who have brought this great succor to our state, for me-
thinks you must be some famous hero, and I would fain thank you in
your own name for what you have done to benefit us."
" Lord," said Sir Launcelot, " this you must forgive me if I tell you not
my name. For there is supposed to be shame upon my name, wherefore
I am now known as le Chevalier Malfait, because in the eyes of those to
whom I am accountable I have done amiss."
"Well," quoth King Pelles, " I dare be sworn you have not at any time
done greatly amiss in that which you have done. Nevertheless an you
will have it so, so it shall be as you will, and with us all of this place you shall
122 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
be known as le Chevalier Malfait until such time as it pleases you to as-
sume your proper name and title."
Thus I have told you all the circumstances of that famous adventure
Sir Launceiot ^ ^ e Worm of Corbin and there remaineth now only this to say :
lyeth sick in That Sir Launceiot did not recover from his hurt as soon as
he had supposed he would. For the venom of the Dragon
had got into his blood, wherefore even after a twelvemonth had gone by,
he still remained in the castle of King Pelles at Corbin, albeit he was by
that time quite healed in his body.
And also there is this to tell that at the end of the twelvemonth afore-
said, King Pelles came to Sir Launceiot and said to him: " Messire, I would
that you would henceforth dwell with us at this court. For not only
would you be a great credit to any court in which you live, but here we
all love you as one loveth the apple of his eye."
"Lord," said Sir Launceiot, "ye cannot love me more than I love ye
Sir Launceiot a ^ w ^ ^ ave been so good to me in the days of my sickness
remaineth at and disease. So I will be exceedingly rejoiced to remain
Corbin. with ye yet a while longer; for this is indeed a pleasant
haven in which to rest in the long and toilsome journey of life, and I have
nowhere else to go."
Then King Pelles took Sir Launceiot into his arms and kissed him upon
the brow and so they became plighted in friendship unto one another.
So Sir Launceiot remained at Corbin and went not any farther errant i
at that time.
But meantime, and for all that while, there was great wonder at the
court of King Arthur whither Sir Launceiot had gone and what had be-
come of him that no one in all of the world heard tell aught of him.
ir Launcelot confibef^ fyi
Shield to Elaine fljc Fair :
Chapter Third
How King Arthur proclaimed a tournament at Astolat, and how
King Pelles of Corbin went with his court thither to ' that place.
Also how Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine had encounter with two
knights in the highway thitherward.
NOW it fell upon a time that King Arthur proclaimed a great tour-
nament to be held at Astolat, upon Lady's Day Assumption.
And the King sent word of this tournament throughout all the
land, both east and west and north and south. So it came R . Arthur
about that word of the tournament was brought one day by proclaimed a
herald to King Pelles at Corbin, and when this news came to tournament -
him he ordained that his court should make them ready to go to Astolat to
that passage of arms, in pursuance of the word that the herald of King
Arthur had brought to Corbin.
Then Sir Launcelot was much troubled in his mind for he said to him-
self, " I fear me that if I go unto Astolat with this court there may be some
one there who will know me." For Sir Launcelot was still very bitterly
affronted at his kinsmen because that they had chid him so sir Launcelot
greatly for the manner in which he had ridden in a cart upon is troubled "
that adventure to rescue Queen Guinevere as aforetold of. For the pride
of Sir Launcelot was stiff and stubborn and he could not bring himself
to bend it or to break it. Neither could he bring himself to overlook such
an affront as that which he had suffered from the words that Sir Lionel
and Sir Ector de Marishad said to him. Wherefore, until full justification
had been rendered unto him, he was unwilling that any of his former com-
panions should behold him or know him who he was.
Yet did he not see how he could refuse to obey the behest of King Pelles,
for as he was now become a knight of the court of the King of Corbin he
was bound to obey whatsoever that King should command him to do.
Wherefore he wist not what to do in this case, and so was much troi
in mind.
126 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
Now King Pelles was aware how it was with le Chevalier Malfait and that
Kin Pelles ^ e was ^wi^g to g to t ^ ie tournament at Astolat. So one
taiketh with day the King took Sir Launcelot aside and he said to him :
Sir Launcelot. Messire, will you not also go with our court to this tourna-
ment that King Arthur hath proclaimed?"
To this Sir Launcelot said, " Lord, I would rather that I did not go/'
King Pelles said: " Sir Knight, far be it from me to urge you to go if it
be greatly against your wishes ; yet you are to know that it will be a very
sad thing for all of us if you do not go with us. For it is the truth that
you are, beyond all others, the foremost of our court, and its most
bright and shining light; wherefore it will be sad for us if we go thither
without you."
Then Sir Launcelot looked very steadfastly at King Pelles and his heart
went out toward the King and he said, " Do you then desire my company
so very greatly? " King Pelles said, " Yea." " Well," said Sir Launcelot
"let it be so and I will go with you." And at that saying King Pell*
was glad beyond measure.
So when the time came Sir Launcelot made him ready to go with tl
others to Astolat, and when the day of departure arrived he went wi1
them.
Thereafter they travelled by easy stages toward Astolat, and upon the
third day after their departure from Corbin they came to the castle of a
certain Earl, which castle stood about three leagues or a little more from
the town. This Earl was a kinsman of King Pelles and in
great amity with him, wherefore he was glad to have the;
journey to King and his court to lodge with him at that time. And
they of Corbin were also glad, for this was a very noble ex-
cellent place in which to lodge and all the other castles and inns nigh to
Astolat were at that time very full of folk.
So it came about that King Pelles and his court remained several days
at that place, and in all that time Sir Launcelot kept himself ever in re-
treat, lest some one with whom he was acquainted should chance to see
him and know him who he was. To this end, and that he might conceal
himself, Sir Launcelot was most often with the court of the Lady Elaine
the Fair and not often with the court of the King.
Now the Lady Elaine was not very well pleased with this, for she held Sir
Launcelot in great admiration above all other men, and she would fain
have had him stand forth with the other knights who were there, so that
his nobility might be manifested amongst them. So one day whilst they
two sat together in the garden of the castle of that Earl (the court of the
THE LADY ELAINE BESPEAKETH A SERVICE I2?
Lady Elaine and several lords of the King's court being near by playing
at ball) the Lady Elaine spake her mind to Sir Launcelot
upon this point saying: "Fair Sir, will you not take part in
this noble and knightly tournament the day after to-morrow? " Sir
To this Sir Launcelot replied, " Nay, Lady." ** together '
She said to him: "Why will you not so/Messire? Methinks with your
prowess you might win yourself very great credit thereat."
Then for a little Sir Launcelot was silent, and after a little he said to her:
" Lady, do you disremember that I call myself le Chevalier Malfait? That
name I have assumed because my friends and my kinsmen deem that I
have done amiss in a certain thing. Now, since they are of that opinion
I am very greatly displeased with them, and would fain avoid them until
I am justified in their sight. At this tournament there will be many of
those who knew me aforetime and I would fain avoid them if I am able
to do so. Wherefore it is that I am disinclined to take part in the battle
which the King hath ordained."
After this they were silent for a little, and then by and by the Lady
Elaine said : " Sir Knight Malfait, I would I knew who you really are and
who are your fellows of whom you speak." At that Sir Launcelot smiled
and said: "Lady, I may not tell you at this present who I am nor
who they are, but only that they are very good worthy knights and
gentlemen." "Aye," quoth the Lady Elaine, "that I may very well
believe."
So at that time no more was said concerning this matter but ever
the mind of the Lady Elaine rested upon that thing to wit, that Sir
Launcelot should take part in that tournament aforesaid. So at another
time when they were alone together, she said: " Sir Knight Malfait, I would
that thou wouldst do me a great favor." Sir Launcelot said: " Lady, ask
whatsoever thou wilt, and if it is in my power to do that thing, and if it
is according to the honor of my knighthood, then I shall assuredly do
whatsoever thou dost ask of me."
"Sir," quoth the Lady Elaine, "this is what I would fain ask of thee
if I might have it. It is that thou wouldst suffer me to purvey thee a suit
of strange armor so that thy friends might not know thee therein, and
that thou wouldst go to the tournament disguised in that wise. And I
would that thou wouldst wear my favor at that tournament so that I
might have glory in that battle because of thee."
Then Sir Launcelot sighed very deeply, and he looked steadfastly at tte
Lady Elaine, and he said: "Lady, you know not how great a thing it is
you ask of my pride, for I would fain remain unknown as I am at this
128 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
present. And you know not what it is you ask of my knighthood, for
wit ye it must be against my one-time friends and companions-in-arms
that you would have me contend. So it is that if I should have success
in such an affair as this, whatsoever credit I should win therein shall bring
discredit unto them. Moreover, I must tell you that never in all of my
life have I worn the favor of any lady, having vowed my
will take part knighthood to one who is a queen and the wife of a king.
tournament Natheless, though all this is so, yet far be it from me to re-
fuse a boon when it is you who ask it of me. For I speak
the truth, Lady, when I say that I would freely lay down my life at your
bidding. So in this case, maugre all that I have said, I will even do as
you ask me, wherefore, if you will purvey me that armor of which you
speak, I will do your will in all ways that I am able."
So spake Sir Launcelot, and thereat the Lady Elaine smiled upon him
in such wise and with such great loving-kindness that it was as though
both her joy and her great love stood revealed in the midst of that smile.
Quoth she: "Assuredly I shall gain great honor and glory at thy hands.
For I believe that thou art indeed one of the very greatest and foremost
knights in all of the world, as well as the perfect peer of all noble gentle-
men."
Now the Earl, the lord of that castle, had a son hight Sir Tyre, who was
then lying abed, ill of a flux, and the armor of Sir Tyre was at that place.
So the Lady Elaine went to the Earl and she besought him to lend her
that armor for the use of Sir Launcelot, and the Earl listened to her and
gave it to her.
So she had the armor of Sir Tyre brought to Sir Launcelot and thus
the Lady Elaine purveyed him in all wise for that tournament so that no
one might know him who he was.
Then, after all this had been accomplished, the Lady Elaine came to the
chamber where Sir Launcelot was, and her brother Sir La-
Eiaine gweth vaine was with her. And the Lady bore in her hand a sleeve
*Sir 5 Launceiot ^ fi ame - c l re d satin very richly bedight with many pearls
of great price. And she said to Sir Launcelot: "I beseech
you to take this sleeve, Sir Knight, and I beseech you that you wear it as
a favor for my sake."
Then Sir Launcelot smiled very kindly upon the Lady Elaine and he
said, "Will this give you pleasure?" and she said, "Yea." Then Sir
Launcelot smiled again and he said, " It shall be in all things as you will
have it." So he took the sleeve, and he wound it about the crest of the
helmet he was to wear at the tournament, and the sleeve formed a wreath
SIR LAUNCELOT WEARETH THE FAVOR OF ELAINE 129
of satin about the helmet like to a wreath of fire. And the pearls upon
the wreath were like to drops of dew as you behold them of an early morn-
ing. Wherefore because of the brightness of that wreath and because of
the pearls upon it, the favor of the Lady Elaine was of such a sort that all
the world could not but see it what it was. And so Sir Launcelot accepted
the favor of the Lady Elaine the Fair.
Then after Sir Launcelot had thus accepted that favor, Sir Lavaine
spake and said: " Sir Knight Half ait, I beseech you that you will take me
with you unto this tournament as your knight-companion. For I believe
that in your company I shall assuredly gain me great honor and much
glory and renown, wherefore I ask of you that you will grant me this great
courtesy."
Then Sir Launcelot looked upon Sir Lavaine and smiled upon him and
loved him exceedingly, and he said to Sir Lavaine: "Friend,
! T Sir Launcelot
I will gladly accept thee as my companion-in-arms, and 1 accepteth sir
believe in very sooth that it would be hard for me to find Lavaine as his
/ . companion.
any one whom I would be better pleased to have with me at
such a time." And so it was that Sir Lavaine also had his will with Sir
Launcelot.
Then Sir Launcelot turned him to the Lady Elaine and said, "Lady,
see you this shield and this armor of mine?" And she said, "Yea, I see
them."
Sir Launcelot said: "Lady, this shield is a very precious thing to me,
for it and all mine armor was given to me by a very wonderful lady who
is not of this world in which we mortals dwell. Since that time she gave
mine armor to me I have sought ever and in all wise to use those defences
as became a gentleman so that whatever mark of battle there should be
upon them there should be no mark of dishonor to mar their brightness.
Now I beseech you for to take this shield and that armor to your maiden
bower and to hold them there in trust for me and that as sacredly as
though they were your very life." Therewith Sir Launcelot gave the
Lady Elaine his shield and he said: " I charge you, Lady for to let r
one touch this shield or to meddle with it until I return hither to reclain
it and mine armor of you." And the Lady Elaine said: It shall be as
you say, and I shall hold this shield and this armor as sacred as my 1
So these matters were all brought to settlement and the
next day Sir Launcelot in the armor of Sir Tyre and Sir
Lavaine in his own armor, rode out from the castle ol that
Earl and away from that place and so betook the
toward Astolat.
i 3 o THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
Now it chanced that same day that two very worthy knights of King
Arthur's court were upon that road on which Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine
travelled to Astolat, and these two knights were Sir Gawaine and Sir Mador
de la Porte. With these were several lords who paid homage and respect
to them, and all that party stood beneath the shade of several trees nigh
to a water-mill where it was very cool and pleasant. And some of those
who were there sat upon their horses, and some had dismounted therefrom
and were lying in the cool and pleasant grass beneath the shade.
Then Sir Gawaine perceived where Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine came
riding and he said to those who were with him: " Behold yonder two knights
coming hitherward. Now I am of a mind that Sir Mador de la Porte and
I shall try a fall with them, so stand ye by and see what happeneth."
So Sir Gawaine and Sir Mador took horse and rode a little forward
Sir Gawaine an d met the two and saluted them very courteously, and Sir
be* Si k ^ ador Launcelot and Sir Lavaine saluted those others in like man-
Launceiot*and ner. Then Sir Gawaine said: "Messires, I pray ye tell me
Sir Lavaine. who ye are and whither ye go upon this pass."
Now Sir Launcelot knew very well who those two knights were because
of the devices upon their shields. Wherefore he changed his voice a little
when he answered Sir Gawaine so that Sir Gawaine should not know him.
And he said : " Messire, I know not by what right ye demand such knowl-
edge of us, nevertheless I may tell you that I am called le Chevalier Mal-
fait, and this, my comrade, is hight Sir Lavaine of Corbin. As for our
journey and its purpose, I may furthermore tell you that we intend, God
willing, to enter the tournament at Astolat to-morrow, in which friendly
battle you also, doubtless, intend to take a part."
Then Sir Gawaine said: " Tell me, Sir Knight Malfait, will you and your
companion try a fall with me and my companions-in-arms ? "
Now Sir Launcelot had no very great relish for such an encounter as
that for he feared by some hap he should betray himself who he was. Yet
he wist that he must accept the challenge of Sir Gawaine, wherefore after
a little while of silence he said: "Sir Knight, we two would fain go our
way in peace, but an it cannot be otherwise we must needs accept your
challenge. But will you not let be and suffer us to pass onward? "
"Well," said Sir Gawaine, "this is a strange thing that you should pre-
tend to aspire to that tournament of to-morrow and yet have no heart
to meet in friendly tilt two knights whom you encounter upon the way."
"Sir," quoth Sir Launcelot, "we fear you not in any wise, wherefore,
make yourselves ready in God's name, and we upon our side will do our
endeavor."
SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE DO BATTLE 131
^ So Sir Gawaine and Sir Mador de la Porte made themselves ready as
Sir Launcelot had advised, and when they were in all ways prepared they
withdrew to a little distance so as to have a good course to run. Then
when all were ready for that encounter, each knight shouted and set spurs
to his horse, and all four thundered together with such violence that the
ground trembled beneath them. So they met in the middle of the course
and so furious was the meeting of those four good knights
that you might have heard the roar of that encounter for
half a mile away or more. In that encounter both Sir La-
vaine and Sir Mador broke each his spear upon his enemy and neither of
them suffered a fall. But Sir Gawaine had no such fortune for his spear
broke into splinters unto the very truncheon thereof, and the spear of Sir
Launcelot held, so that Sir Gawaine was lifted out from his sir Gawaine
saddle and flung upon the ground with such violence that he is wnthfown.
rolled thrice or four times over and over before he ceased to fall.
Now those who looked upon that encounter were well assured that Sir
Gawaine would easily overthrow his opponent into the dust, for Sir Ga-
waine was held to be one of the very greatest knights in all of the world.
Wherefore it was that when they beheld how violently he had been flung
to earth by that unknown knight against whom he had tilted, they were
astonished beyond all bounds of wonderment.
But Sir Mador de la Porte, when he beheld how Sir Gawaine lay there
in the dust as though dead, voided his horse and ran to the fallen knight
where he lay. And he raised the umbril of Sir Gawaine's helmet, and lo!
the face of Sir Gawaine was like to the face of one who was dead. And at
first Sir Mador thought that he was dead, but after a while Sir Gawaine
sighed and then sighed again, and thereupon Sir Mador knew that he was
not dead, but in a swoon from the violence of the fall. And Sir Mador
rejoiced very greatly that no more ill had come of that encounter.
Then Sir Mador turned to Sir Launcelot, and cried out: "Sir Knight
Malfait, go thy way in the fiend's name. For indeed thou art well named
Malfait, seeing what an evil thing it is that thou hast done to this wor-
shipful knight. For wit you that this is none other than Sir Gawaine, the
nephew of King Arthur himself, whom you have overthrown; and had
you slain him, as at first I believed you had, it would have been a very ill
thing for you. Moreover, you are to know that this knight was to have
been the leader of all those upon King Arthur's side in the battle to-mor-
row-day, but now God knows if he will be able to wear armor again for
many days to come. Wherefore go thy way and trouble us no more."
Quoth Sir Launcelot: "Well, Sir Knight, this quarrel was altogether of
132 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
your own seeking, and not of ours. Wherefore, if ill hath befallen this
worshipful knight, it is of his own devising and not of mine."
But Sir Mador only cried out the more vehemently: " Go your way! Go
your way, and leave us in peace!" And thereupon Sir Launcelot and Sir
Lavaine drew their bridle reins and set heel to horse and rode away from
that place, leaving Sir Mador and those others who were there to cherish
Sir Gawaine and to revive him from his swoon as best they might.
Now there was among those knights who were with Sir Gawaine and
Sir Bernard Sir Mador a certain old and very worthy knight of Astolat,
of Astolat hight Sir Bernard, surnamed of Astolat. Seeing Sir Launce-
followeth Sir ' - ~. T
Launcelot and lot and Sir Lavame departing in that wise, Sir Bernard hied
Sir Lavaine. fa m a f ter them and when he had come up with them he sa-
luted them, and said, " Messires, I pray ye tell me where it is ye lodge this
night."
Sir Launcelot said: " Fair Sir, we know not where we lodge for we go to
seek such lodging as we may find in Astolat."
Sir Bernard said: "You will find no lodging in Astolat this night, for all
places are full. Now I pray ye that you will lodge with me, for I have a very
good and comely house and I shall be greatly honored for to have you
lodge with me. For I make my vow, Sir Knight Malfait, that never saw I
such a buffet as that which you gave to Sir Gawaine anon. Nor do I
believe that ever Sir Launcelot of the Lake himself could have done more
doughtily than you did in that encounter. Wherefore, I think that you
will win you great glory to-morrow-day, and that I shall have due wor-
ship if so be that ye two shall have lodged with me over this night."
Then Sir Launcelot laughed, and he said to Sir Bernard: "Well, Sir
Knight, I give you gramercy for your courtesy, and so we will gladly
take up our inn with you until the time of the tournament. Only this
I demand, that we shall be privily lodged apart from any one else, for we
wish it that we shall not be known until to-morrow and after this tourna-
ment shall have transpired."
"Messire," quoth Sir Bernard, "it shall all be as you desire."
So those three rode on their way together until they had come to
Astolat and to the habitation of Sir Bernard of Astolat.
Now the habitation of Sir Bernard was a very fair house over against
Sir Launcelot t ^ ie cast l e of Astolat where King Arthur and his court had
lodgeth with taken up their inn. And there was a high terraced garden
Sir Bernard ' belonging to the castle of Astolat, and the garden overlooked
the garden of the house of Sir Bernard. That day it chanced that King
Arthur was walking back and forth in that terraced garden where the air
KING ARTHUR BEHOLDETH SIR LAVNCELOT , 33
blew cool over the plats of flowers and grass. As the King so walked he
chanced to look down over the edge of the terrace into the garden of Sir
Bernard's house, and at that time Sir Launcelot was walking privily in
the garden for to refresh himself, and no one was with him. At that
time Sir Launcelot had laid aside his armor for the sake of
coolness and was walking in light raiment and bareheaded
to the air, wherefore it befell that King Arthur immediately Launcelot '
knew him who he was.
Then the King was much astonished to see Sir Launcelot in that place,
and he said to himself, "What does Sir Launcelot here?" And at first
the King was of a mind to send word to Sir Launcelot, bidding him to
come to where he was. But afterward he bethought him that mayhap
Sir Launcelot would be displeased at being thus summoned to declare
himself. For the King perceived that Sir Launcelot did not choose to
be known to any one at that time. So King Arthur said to himself: " Well,
let be ! To-morrow, I dare say, Sir Launcelot will declare himself in such
a wise as shall astonish a great many knights who shall do battle against
him upon yonder meadow-of-battle. Wherefore, let him e'en declare
himself in his own fashion."
Thus it was that King Arthur communed within himself. Wherefore
he did not betray the presence of Sir Launcelot to anybody at that time,
but kept that matter shut in his own bosom.
Nevertheless, when he had come again to where was his court, he said
to the knights there assembled: " Messires, I have this day beheld a certain
knight who hath come hither who will I believe play his play with the best
of you all at the jousts to-morrow." The knights who were there said to
the King: " We pray you, Lord, tell us who that knight is, so that we may
pay him such regard as he is worthy of." "Nay," quoth King Arthur,
" I will not tell you at this time who is that knight, but haply you will
know to-morrow who he is."
Then one of the knights who was there said: "Mayhap that was the
knight who overthrew Sir Gawaine this day in the highroad over against
the town a little distance away. He calleth himself le Chevalier Malfait,
and hath for his companion a youthful knight hight Sir Lavaine, the
King's son of Corbin."
Then King Arthur laughed, and said, " Like enough that was he. And
so the King departed into his lodging, leaving all those knights much won-
dering who that knight could be of whom the King spoke to them.
Thus it was that Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine came to Astolat, and
i 3 4 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
now followeth the history of that famous bout at arms so far as it affected
Sir Launcelot of the Lake and his companion-at-arms, Sir Lavaine of
Corbin. For in that affair at arms, as you shall presently hear tell, Sir
Lavaine gained him such great glory and renown that thereafter he was
regarded as one of the great heroes of chivalry, and by and by received
that crowning honor of becoming a knight-companion of the Round
Table.
ir Launcclot anb Sir Lavaine
overiooB % Fkl& o[ Astolat:
^s^s^^v^^y^s^
Chapter Fourth
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine fought in the tournament at
Astolat. How Sir Launcelot was wounded in that affair, and
how Sir Lavaine brought him unto a place of safety.
SO it is true that in these days one may not hope ever to behold a
sight like to the field-of-battle at Astolat upon Lady's Day As-
sumption, when that tournament proclaimed by King Arthur
was about to be fought before the eyes of the King. For upon that morn-
ing which was wonderfully bright and clear and warm of the lists
the entire green meadow was altogether covered over with a * Astolat.
moving throng of people of all degrees lords and ladies, knights and
dames, esquires, burghers, yeomen and tradesfolk all moving, each to-
ward some stand from whence he might view the battle that was about
to take place. And here were gay attires and bright colors and the flut-
tering of silk and the flash and sparkle of shining baubles, and because
of the sheen and sparkle of all these the whole world appeared to be
quick with life and motion.
Yet ever by little and little this confusion of many people pushing them-
selves hither and thither resolved itself to order as one by one that multi-
tude took seat and brought itself to quietness. And so it came to pass at
last that the field prepared for battle was cleared of all save a few who
lingered and whom the guardians of the lists pushed back into their
places.
Then, all being thus brought to order, the Marshal of the Tourney blew
his trumpet, and straightway there entered upon this side of ^ knights _
that wide meadow and upon that side thereof the two com- contestant enter
panics of knights who were to contend the one against the t ^ ld ~ of '
other.
Then, lo f how the sunlight flashed upon shining armor! How it catched
the pens and bannerets so that they twinkled at tips of lances like to sparks
of fire! How war-horses neighed for love of battle! How armor clashed
138 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
and shield plates rang as those goodly companies of knights brought them-
selves by degrees into array for battle!
Upon the one end of the meadow there gathered the knights-champion
who were of the party of King Arthur, and the chiefs of that party were
the King of Scots and the King of Ireland, and with them were many
knights of the Round Table, much renowned both in song and battle.
And the number of knights of that company were two hundred and ten
in all.
Upon the other end of the meadow of battle there assembled the party
Of the two ^ tnose w ^ were to withstand the party of King Arthur ; and
parties- the chiefs of that company were the King of North Wales
and the King of an Hundred Knights, and the King of North-
umberland and Galahaut the High Prince. And though there were no
knights of the Round Table in that company, yet there were many cham-
pions of very great renown and high credit in courts of chivalry. And
the number of that party were two hundred thirty and two.
Now near to a certain part of the field-of -battle the trees of the forest
came down close to the meadow, and made, as it were, a green wall of fol-
iage circumjacent to that part of the field. Here, beneath the shade of
the green trees of the forest where it was cool and shady and very still,
Sir Launceiot Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine had taken stand at a certain
s ir place whence they could look out upon those two parties
field' of knights there gathered in battle array. And, that while,
of Astoiat. the eves O f gj r Lavaine shone like sparks of light and his
cheeks were flaming red, like as though they were on fire, and his breath was
thick and stifled when he breathed it. For this was the first great battle
in which he had ever taken a part and he wist not what was to befall him
in that affair at arms.
But that same while Sir Launcelot neither moved nor spake but sat
his horse like to a statue made of iron; calm and steadfast and gazing
very steadily out upon that plain before him.
Then Sir Lavaine spake in a voice wonderfully high and clear. " Mes-
sire," said he, "upon what side do you will that we take part in this
battle?"
Quoth Sir Launcelot: "To neither party do I yet will that we shall
join us. Rather let us wait a while and observe the issue of this battle,
and when we behold that one side is about to lose in the battle then will
we join with that side. For if so be we aid to bring victory out of defeat
for that party, then shall our credit and our glory be magnified in that same
degree." And Sir Lavaine said, "Sir, thou speakest with great wisdom."
SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE OBSERVE THE BATTLE 139
Then, as those two watched in that wise, they beheld that three knights
champion came forth from one side and that three champions came forth
from the other side and they wist that these six champions were to engage
man to man and so to test the strength of this side and of that ere the two
arrays should join in battle-royal. And Sir Launcelot knew these six
champions very well and he declared to Sir Lavaine who they were. To
wit, he declared that the champions upon King Arthur's side were the
King of Scots and the King of Ireland and Sir Palamydes, and that the
knights of the other party were the King of Northumberland, and the
King of an Hundred Knights, and Galahaut the High Prince.
Then, even as Sir Launcelot was telling Sir Lavaine who were these
six champions who thus stood forth to undertake battle against one an-
other, the herald blew his trumpet very loud and shrill. And How t he battle
therewith, in an instant of time, each knight had set spurs P**k>
to his horse, and each horse leaped forward from his station and rushed
forward, and so they came, three knights against three, like to thunder-
bolts launched against one another. So they met together in the midst
of the course with a crash of splintering wood and a roar of armor that
might easily have been heard a mile away. In that meeting Sir Pala-
medes and Sir Galahaut the High Prince smote down one another into the
dust. And the King of an Hundred Knights smote down King Angus
of Ireland with such terrible violence that he lay like dead upon the ground
and had to be borne away out of the field by his esquires and could not
again do battle that day. As to the King of Northumberland and the
King of Scots, they broke each his lance upon the other without suffering
a fall. So that first encounter was somewhat to the advantage of the
party against King Arthur.
Then all who beheld that noble encounter of knight against knight
shouted aloud in acclaim, and the shout of that vast acclaim was like
the multitudinous roaring of a strong wind in the forest, of the grand
Thereupon in the midst of all that roaring the herald blew *"* <* ar
his trump again and therewith the two parties contestant rushed the one
upon the other, the earth shaking and trembling beneath that charge like
to an earthquake. So in another moment they met together in such an
uproar of iron and cracking of splintered wood that the ears of those who
heard that meeting were stunned with the crash thereof. Then all the
air was full of dust and splinters of wood and scraps and shreds of silk
and of plumes. Anon, out of a thick red cloud of dust there arose the roar
of a mighty battle; the shouts of men, the neighing of horses, the crash of
blows and the groans of those who fell. At times, some knight would
140 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
come forth out of the press reeling in the saddle and all red from some
wound he had got. At other times, a party of esquires would run into that
cloud, presently to come forth again bearing with them a wounded knight
whom they had rescued. At other parts of the field there were knights
armed with spears who ran tilt against one another, and ever and anon a
knight would be flung from the saddle or else horse and knight would roll
together upon the earth all in a smother of dust.
So for a while the battle was toward and yet no one could see how it
went. For what with all that dust and the contending of single champions,
no one could tell whether it inclined to this side or to that.
But after a while the dust lifted a little, and those who contended became
fewer upon one side than upon the other and so stinted the fierceness of
their battle.
Then it was that those who looked down upon that battle beheld that
the party of King Arthur was pushing their opponents back, little by
little, toward the barriers upon their side of the field (and if so be they
were pushed altogether against that barrier then was their battle lost for
good).
Then Sir Launcelot said to Sir Layaine: "Behold yonder company of
noble knights, how that they hold together and stand against their
enemies in spite of that defeat which must certainly fall upon them in
the end."
"I see it," said Sir Lavaine, "and have great pity for them."
" Hast thou so ? " said Sir Launcelot. " Then let us take side with that side
which is so sore bestead, for I believe that if you will help me a little we
may well aid them and maybe stay the ill-fortune that seems like to
overwhelm them."
"Sir," quoth Sir Lavaine, "spare not, and I upon my side will do the
best that I am able for to help you."
So with that Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine rode out from the forest
wherein they had sheltered themselves, and they set their
and s^La - spears in rest and they drove forward to where those knights
^^e Battle art were doing combat. And they drove faster and faster for-
ward until they drove full tilt into the thickest of the press.
The history of these things saith that in this charge and in other charges
that he made in that onset, Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Brandiles, and
Sir Sagramore, and Sir Dodinas, and Sir Kay, and Sir Griflet, and the
history saith that he smote down all those good knights of the Round
Table with one spear ere that spear burst asunder. And the same history
saith that Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Lucian the botteler and Sir Bedivere
SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE DO BATTLE 141
with one spear in that charge and that then that spear also was burst
into pieces. And the history saith that Sir Launcelot got him another
spear and that Sir Lavaine did likewise and that thereafter they two charged
again as they had done before. And it saith that in this second assault
Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Agravaine, and Sir Gaheris and Sir Modred
and Sir Melyot of Logres, and that Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Hozanna le
Cure Hardy, and that after that those second spears were burst in assault
as the first had been.
Then Sir Lavaine withdrew a little to get another spear, but by that
time the madness of battle was upon Sir Launcelot so that he drew his
sword and he ran into the thickest of the press and smote upon the right
hand and the left hand with all his might and main so that in a wonderfully
short pass he had smitten down Sir Safir and Sir Epynogris and Sir Galleron.
And so terrible were the buffets he gave that all who were nigh to him drew
away from him from fear of the terrible blows which he bestowed upon
whomsoever came within his reach.
By now all who looked upon that field were aware of how terrible a battle
it was that the knight of the red sleeve fought against his enemies, where-
fore they shouted aloud with a great voice of outcry and loud acclaim.
And the Lady Elaine the Fair beheld how her champion did
battle, and seeing him she could not contain the passion of Elaine taketh
her joy, but laughed and wept and trembled for that joy. ^^ the
And she catched King Pelles ever by the arm and cried out
to him, " Lord! Lord! see what our champion doeth and what my brother
doeth!" and King Pelles said, "I see! I see!" and held tight hold of the
rail of the dais before him.
Then King Arthur where he sat said to those about him: " Behold yonder
champion, what battle it is he doeth. Saw ye ever a better battle than
that?" And they say, " Nay, never so great a battle!"
But when Sir Gawaine beheld the flame-colored sleeve that the champion
wore about his helmet, he said to King Arthur, "Yonder knight is he who
cast me down yesterday into the dust of the highway over against t
town," and Sir Gawaine said, "because of that and because of the battle
he now doeth, I would deem yonder knight to be none other than S
Launcelot of the Lake. And yet it cannot be Sir Launcelot, for this knight
weareth the sleeve of some lady as a favor upon his helmet, and all tne
world knoweth that Sir Launcelot would never wear the favoi
in such a wise as that." , .
Meantime the battle was stayed for a little while, for at that time i
seemed as though neither horse nor man could do any more
i 4 2 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAIN'E THE FAIR
while. Yet though the battle was stayed, nevertheless each knight braced
himself for a greater battle than that which had gone before. For all knew
Of the pause that now indeed the time had come when either one party or
in battle. the other must win that battle. So in that pause of battle Sir
Launcelot and Sir Lavaine each chose him a good strong new spear of ash
wood, and each drank a cup of lusty spiced wine for to refresh his strength.
And, ere they began to battle afresh, Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector
de Maris and Sir Lionel upon the other side called together such kindred
of their blood as were upon that field: to wit, Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir
Bleoberis and Sir Aliduke, Sir Galihadan, and Sir Bellanger all these
knights being of Sir Launcelot 's kin. These say to one another: "If we
do not overthrow yonder single knight who fights so wonderfully against
us we shall certes lose this battle. For never knight fought so unless
it was Sir Launcelot. For lo! he himself is the single bulwark against
us in this battle."
So it was that these kinsmen of Sir Launcelot ordained it that they
should join themselves together for to overthrow that knight by main
strength if need be.
Then anon the battle was called again and anon each side hurled itself
against the other side, well knowing that at this time it must be else to
conquer or else to lose. And in that charge the kinsmen of Sir Launcelot
hurled themselves against that knight of the red sleeve and against those
who were by him. And Sir Bors and Sir Ector and Sir Lionel drave three
at once at Sir Launcelot and he drave against them one
take battle against three. But so heavy was the might of the assault of
tnose three, that they overthrew the horse of Sir Launcelot by
the weight of their three horses so that the horse of Sir Laun-
celot and Sir Launcelot himself were cast down upon the earth beneath the
feet of the horses of those who charged against him. And in that charge
the spear of Sir Bors smote Sir Launcelot in the side, and the point of the
spear burst through the armor of Sir Launcelot and pierced deep into his
Sir Launcelot side. Therewith the head of the spear brake from the trunch-
is wounded. eon an( j remained thrust deep into the side of Sir Launcelot,
and Sir Launcelot groaned aloud, deeming that he had got his death
wound.
So Sir Launcelot lay upon the ground and could not rise and he would
maybe have been beaten to death beneath the feet of the horses. But
Sir Lavaine beheld how it was with him, whereat he shouted aloud with
a great voice and he and all that party rushed to the aid of Sir Launce-
lot. And Sir Lavaine smote down the King of Scots at one blow from
SIR LAUNCELOT IS WOUNDED ,
out of his saddle. And he turned the horse of the King of Scots to where
Sir Launcelot lay. And he stood above Sir Launcelot and defended him
against the assault of all those others who were around about, and so,
maugre their vehement assaults, he brought Sir Launcelot to horse again. '
Then Sir Launcelot was clean wode because of the passion of agony he
suffered from that grievous wound he had got. Wherefore he drew his
sword and he stood up in his stirrups and he smote right and left like a
madman. And he smote down one after the other Sir Lionel and Sir Bors
de Ganis, and he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet that he fell down to the
earth in a swoon as if he had been dead. And in that time Sir Lavaine
smote down Sir Bellanger, and two other knights of worship and renown.
Then Sir Launcelot turned him about and smote Sir Blamor down from
off his horse and with that Sir Ector made at him. But Sir Launcelot
was blind with his passion of battle and of pain, and he wist not who that
was who came against him. Wherefore he turned upon Sir Ector and he
smote him so dreadful terrible a buffet, that the head of Sir Ector hung
down low upon the neck of his horse. Then Sir Launcelot catched Sir
Ector and rushed off the helm from the head of Sir Ector with intent to
slay him, for at that time he was so mad that he wist not where he was
or what he did.
Then he beheld the face of his brother Sir Ector, and he beheld that
face all white and wan from the blow he himself had struck, and he be-
held his brother's cheeks all white and streaked with blood, sir Launceht
and therewith his senses returned to him, and in that instant spareth Sir
he wist where he was and what he did. Thereupon he cried
out in a great and terrible voice: " Woe! Woe! Woe is me! what is it that
I do!" And therewith he rushed away from that place where Sir Ector
was, and he rushed into the thickest of the press, striking right and left
like a madman in fury.
And it stands recorded that all in all in that battle Sir Launcelot struck
down thirty knights with his own hand, and that sixteen of those thirty were
knights of the Round Table. And it is recorded that Sir Lavaine struck
down fourteen knights and that six of those knights were knights of th
Round Table. And it was because of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine that
their party prevailed in that battle. For, because beholding how they
fought, their party took great heart and added strength to strength and
so drave their enemies back across the meadow-of-battle until they were
pushed back against the barriers of their side of the meadow anc
battle was won. . T
And thus that was achieved that else had been lost had not Sir Launce-
144 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
lot and Sir Lavaine lent their aid to that party with whom they joined in
battle against the party of King Arthur.
But Sir Launcelot sat wounded nigh to death. Yea, he deemed that
the sickness and the sweat of death was even then upon him, for an
exceeding faintness overclouded his spirit. To him where he sat came
the King of North Wales and the King of Northumberland and the King
of an Hundred Knights and these say to him: "Sir, may -God bless you,
for without your aid, and that of your companion this day had certes
been lost to us." And then they said: " Now we pray you that you will
come with us to King Arthur so that you may receive at his hands the
prize you have so worshipfully deserved." Thus they spake very cheer-
fully, for not one of those worthies knew that Sir Launcelot had been so
sorely wounded in the battle he had fought.
Sir Launcelot Then Sir Launcelot spake in a very weak voice, so that it
would fain sounded like to one speaking from a very great distance
***""*- away. And he said : " Fair lords, if I have won credit in this
I have paid a fair price for it, for I am sore hurt and wist not what to do.
Now this I pray of you that you will suffer me to depart from this place,
for I am in great pain and would fain go away from here to somewhere I
may have aid and comforts."
Then those three kings would have had him go to a fair pavilion for
to have his wound searched and dressed, but ever he besought them to
suffer him to depart. So they suffered him, and he rode very slowly
away from that place, and Sir Lavaine rode with him.
So it was that Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine did battle at that famous
tournament at Astolat as I have told you.
And now if you would know how it fared with Sir Launcelot after he
rode away from that place, wounded as aforesaid, you shall immediately
hear of it in that which followeth.
ir Gawaine Rnoroe $7 flj e *l) i eib
of Sir Laimcelot
^F^
Chapter Fifth
How Sir Launcelot escaped wounded into the forest, and how Sir
Gawaine discovered to the court of King Pelles who was le
Chevalier Malfait.
SO Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine rode away from that field of bat-
tle. And they rode together into the forest, and all that while
Sir Launcelot contained his suffering to himself so that Sir La-
vaine wist not how grievous was his wound nor how great was the passion
of agony that he then endured because of that hurt. But after they had
ridden a mile or two or three into the woodland, Sir Launcelot could no
longer thus contain himself, wherefore he let droop his head very low and
he groaned with great dolor. Then Sir Lavaine was aware that some griev-
ous hurt must have befallen Sir Launcelot. Wherefore he cried out: " Mes-
sire, I fear me ye are sore hurt. Now tell me, I beseech you, how is it
with you?"
Then Sir Launcelot groaned again and he said : " Woe is me ! I suffer much
pain." And therewith he made to dismount from his horse Sir Launcdot
and would have fallen had not Sir Lavaine catched him and deciarcth his
upheld him. After that Sir Lavaine aided Sir Launcelot down
from his horse, and Sir Launcelot leaned against a tree of the forest, groan-
ing as from the bottom of his soul, and Sir Lavaine wist not what to do to
help him. Then Sir Launcelot turned his eyes, all faint and dim, upon Sir
Lavaine, and he said: "Oh, gentle knight, Sir Lavaine, for the mercy of
God I beseech you to pluck forth the blade of a spear that has pierced into
my side, for I suffer a great pang of torment."
Then Sir Lavaine was aware of what sort was that wound and he mad
haste to strip off the body armor from Sir Launcelot. So, when that body
armor was thus removed, Sir Lavaine beheld a grievous wound where the
blade of the spear had pierced deep into the side of Sir Launcelot a lit
above the midriff. And Sir Lavaine perceived that the blade o ! the
spear was yet in the wound and that the hurt was very deep. So beh
148 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
ing that wound Sir Lavaine wept, and cried out: "Dear my Lord! Woe
is me! I dare not pull out that blade ; for an I do so, I dread me sore that
you will die here in the forest ere aid can be brought to you and so it shall
be I who killed you."
"No matter," said Sir Launcelot, speaking very faint and with failing
breath. " Do as I bid you, for the point of that blade lieth near to my
heart and I suffer a great deal of pain from it."
Then Sir Lavaine laid hold of the shaft of the spear, and he strove to
draw forth the blade from out Sir Launcelot 's side, yet he could not do so.
And thereupon Sir Launcelot cried aloud in a very piercing voice, " Spare
not! Spare not! but pull forth that steel!" So with that Sir Lavaine
Sir Lavaine plucked again with all his might and he drew the steel forth
draweth for from out of the wound. And as the blade came forth from
out of the flesh, Sir Launcelot cried out again in a voice very
loud and shrill, saying, " God! God! that this should be! " And with that a
great issue of blood gushed out of the wound like a crimson fountain and
Sir Launcelot sank down upon the ground in a swoon that was like the
swoon of death.
Then Sir Lavaine believed that he had assuredly slain Sir Launcelot,
wherefore he wept aloud with a great passion of grief, smiting his hands
together and crying, " Woe is me ! For I have slain my dear lord ! " There-
upon he kneeled down beside Sir Launcelot and fell to feeling his heart.
And he perceived that the heart still beat but very faintly, and so he
wist that Sir Launcelot was not dead but only in a deadly swoon.
So Sir Lavaine turned Sir Launcelot where that the wind blew upon him
and after a while Sir Launcelot opened his eyes again. Then with his sight
all swimming he beheld Sir Lavaine kneeling beside him weeping, and he
said, speaking in a voice very weak and faint, " Lavaine, am I yet alive?"
And Sir Lavaine said, "Yea, Lord." Sir Launcelot said, "Then bear me
away from this place." And Sir Lavaine said, "Whither shall I take
you?" Sir Launcelot said: " Listen, Friend, bear me away into the forest
to the westward of here. For after a while to the westward of this place
you shall find a forest path that runs across your way. And you shall
take that path toward the right hand and so you will come after another
while to the hut of an hermit of the forest. Bring me to that holy man ;
for if any one can cure me of this hurt he alone can do, so." Sir Lavaiue
said: " Lord, how shall I take you such a journey as that, so that you shall
not die?" Sir Launcelot replied: "I know not how you shall take me,
but this I know: that if you take me not to that place I shall certes die
here before your eyes in this forest."
THE WOUNDED KNIGHT COMETH TO THE FOREST CHAPEL 149
So Sir Lavaine, weeping, made a litter of straight young trees and he
laid his cloak upon the litter and he bound the litter to the
horses. Then he lifted Sir Launcelot and laid him upon the
litter as though it were a little child whom he laid there,
Thereafter he took the foremost horse by the bridle, and so,
led away into the forest whither Sir Launcelot had bidden him to go.
So in that wise they travelled in the forest for a great while and by
and by night descended and the full moon arose all white and shining into
the sky. And it rose ever higher and higher and it shone down upon the
forest woodlands so that here it was all bright and there it was all agloom
with shadow; and anon Sir Lavaine, as he led the horses in that wise,
would walk in that silver silent light and anon he would be lost in those
shadows. And all that while Sir Launcelot lay so still that several times
Sir Lavaine thought haply he was dead. Then he would say, "Sir, art
thou dead?" And ever Sir Launcelot would answer, "Not yet."
Thus they travelled for a great while in that still forest (all so silent
and wonderful) and beneath the clear pale moonlight that caused every-
thing to appear like to an enchantment of stillness. So, somewhat after
the middle watch of the night, Sir Lavaine beheld before him a little
chapel built up against the rocks of a cliff of stone and beneath the black
and umbrageous foliage of a large oak tree. And the moonlight shone
down past the oak tree and bathed all the front of that little chapel with
pure white silvery light, so still and silent that the chapel appeared as in a
strange and singular picture as it were seen in a dream.
Thither Sir Lavaine led the horses bearing between them the wounded
knight, whose face, as white as the moon above, was turned upward against
the sky. And when Sir Lavaine had come to the door of the chapel he
smote upon it with the butt of his lance ; and he smote again, 7*^ come ^
and therewith the door was opened and there appeared in the forest chapel.
the doorway the figure of an aged man with a long white beard like to snow
for whiteness. And that man was the hermit of the forest afore spoken of
several times in these histories.
Then when that reverend hermit beheld where Sir Launcelot lay in the
litter, so sorely wounded, he came to him and felt of his heart. So, per-
ceiving him to be alive, he aided Sir Lavaine to lift the wounded man from
the litter and to bear him into the hut and to lay him upon a soft am
fragrant couch of leaves and moss.
At that time Sir Launcelot was in a deep swoon like as though h
were dead; yet he was not dead, for after the hermit had bathed his lace
with strong wine, and after he had set pungent herbs to his nostrils, by
150 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
and by Sir Launcelot revived so as to sigh very deep and to open his eyes.
And Sir Launcelot said, "Where am I? Am I still alive?" The hermit
said, "Yea, messire." Sir Launcelot said, "I wist that maybe I was
dead."
Then the hermit searched Sir Launcelot 's wound and bathed it and put
unguents upon it and bound it about with bandages of linen and so Sir
Launcelot was put at ease. And after that Sir Launcelot fell into a deep
sleep so still and profound that it was like to the slumber of a little child.
Now whilst Sir Launcelot thus slept, Sir Lavaine and the hermit walked
in the moonlight upon a little lawn of grass before the door of the hermitage.
By and by the hermit said to Sir Lavaine : " Sir Knight, know you who
yonder knight is whom you brought hither to-night?" and Sir Lavaine
said, "Nay, I know not, save that he calleth himself le Chevalier Malfait."
"Well," quoth the hermit, "God knows that all we who live upon His
earth may easily do ill in His sight; yet I dare to say that
declare Sir that yonder knight hath done as little ill as any of us. Sir,
Launceiots y OU mus t know that he is none other than Sir Launcelot
name. J
of the Lake.
At this Sir Lavaine cried out aloud in great wonder, saying: "What is
it that you tell me ! Lo ! This knight hath dwelt at the court of my father,
King Pelles of Corbin, for more than a year yet no one there wist that it
was Sir Launcelot of the Lake whom we entertained in our midst."
"And yet," quoth the hermit, "that wounded man is none other than
he."
Now that same night whilst Sir Launcelot lay thus wounded in the
hermit's cell in the forest, a great feast was held at Astolat in the presence
King Arthur of King Arthur. There were set fourteen tables in the great
sits at feast. hall o f the castle of Astolat, and at those tables there sat
down seven hundred in all of the lords and knights and ladies of that
land kings, earls, dukes, barons, knights, and esquires with their dames-
fifty at each table.
Then King Arthur looked all about but he beheld no sign of Sir Launce-
lot, wherefore he said to the King of North Wales who sat nigh to him:
"Where is that worthy knight who was with you to-day he who wore
about his helmet a flame-colored sleeve embroidered with fair pearls
of price?" To this the King of North Wales replied: "Lord, we know
not where that worshipful champion now is. For although we besought
him to come hither with us, and although we besought him to come to you
THE LADY ELAINE GRIEVETH FOR SIR LAUNCELOT xsx
|so that you might award unto him the prize of battle, yet he would not
For he proclaimed himself to be wounded and craved our leave to with-
draw himself wherefore we gave him that leave and he hied him away
land we know not whither he hath gone."
"Now I am right sorry for that," quoth King Arthur, "for I would
[rather have that knight to feast with us than any one of all those who
Iwear spurs in this hall. And I am still more sorry to hear that so wor-
: shipful a champion as that should have met with mishap in this battle
of to-day. Yet do I hope that wound which he suffered is not so sore but
it hat he will soon be well again."
"Lord," quoth the King of North Wales, "mefeareth that that noble
; knight, whomsoever he may be, hath been very grievously hurt ; for when
j he spake to us his voice was passing weak and he appeared to suffer a great
deal of pain."
Then King Arthur was much grieved at what he heard and he said:
" That is sad news for me, for rather would I lose half of my kingdom than
that death should befall that noble champion." So said King Arthur,
yet he would not say who was that champion of the red sleeve, for he
perceived that Sir Launcelot would fain conceal his name, wherefore
neither would he betray it.
Now King Pelles sat not far from King Arthur's high seat at the table,
and the Lady Elaine the Fair sat with him and several lords of their court
were there also. These heard what was said between King The ^^
Arthur and the King of North Wales, and when the Lady Elaine
Elaine the Fair heard how that her champion was so sorely grtt
wounded that he was like to die, it was as though a sword of terror had
been thust into her bosom ; for hearing those words she turned all as white
as ashes and sank back into her chair as though she would swoon.
Seeing her thus, all white and stricken, King Pelles said, " Daughter, what
ails thee?" and she said: "My father, did you not hear how that the
Chevalier Malfait hath been sorely wounded and mayhap may be even now
lying nigh to death?" "Yea, I did hear that," said King Pelles, "but
such is the chance of battle that every good knight is called upon to face."
Then the Lady Elaine cried out: "Father! Father! I am sorely afraid
that great ill hath befallen that noble knight. Now I pray thee, let us
go hence. " King Pelles said, " Whither shall we go? " She said : " Haply,
my brother, Sir Lavaine, will bring him to the castle of the earl our kins-
man, wherefore I pray you, sir, let us make haste thither and see i
be so." And King Pelles said, " It shall be as you will have it."
So King Pelles besought leave of King Arthur to quit that feast, and
152 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
King Arthur gave him leave and King Pelles withdrew with the Lady
Elaine and all of his court from that company.
Yet when they returned to the castle of the earl, Sir Launcelot was not
there, for, as hath been told, he lay at that time in the hermit's cell in the
forest with his soul hanging in the scales betwixt life and death.
But King Arthur ever bore in mind how it was Sir Launcelot had
been wounded, wherefore, when that feast was over, he took Sir Gawaine
Kin Arthur as ^ e ' an( ^ ne sa ^ to nmi : " Sir, ^ would that you would seek
speaketh to out that knight of the red sleeve where he is and bring him
Sir Gawaine. a{d and succor sir Gawaine said: "Lord, I pray you tell
me; know you who is that knight? Methinks he should be Sir Launce-
lot of the Lake, for I know of no other than he who could do so nobly in
battle as that champion did to-day. And yet, he cannot be Sir Launce-
lot, for you wist very well that Sir Launcelot would not wear the favor
of any lady in such a wise as he wore the sleeve about his helm to-day.
So I know not who that knight can be."
"Well," said King Arthur, "when you have succored him then you will
know who he is."
So Sir Gawaine withdrew from the court to seek that wounded cham-
pion. And he remembered him that the knight had called himself le
Chevalier Malfait and that his companion-in-arms was Sir
Lavaine, the son of King Pelles of Corbin. So Sir Gawaine
search of sir went to where were a number of knights who knew of King
Pelles, and he asked of these and of several others : " Know ye,
Messires, where I shall find King Pelles of Corbin?" They say to him,
"King Pelles is lodging at such and such a place." So Sir Gawaine took
horse and rode forth to the castle of the earl with whom King Pelles had
taken up his lodging, and King Pelles and his court were still at that place.
Then Sir Gawaine made demand to have speech with King Pelles and
therewith he was brought before the King where he was. And the Lady
Elaine the Fair was with King Pelles at that time, and Sir Gawaine, when
he beheld her, was amazed at her beauty.
Then Sir Gawaine said to King Pelles: "Fair Lord, can you tell me
where I shall find that wounded knight who called himself le Chevalier
Malfait?" King Pelles said, "Alas! I know not where he is." Sir Ga-
waine said, "Lord, I pray you tell me who he is and what is his name."
To this King Pelles made reply : " Messire, I know not who that knight is
saving only that he came to us somewhat more than a year ago and
that he slew the great Dragon of Corbin ; and that he was sorely wounded
in his encounter with the Dragon. Since that he hath abided at our
SIR GAWAINE KNOWETH THE SHIELD OF SIR LAUNCEWT 153
3ourt but never have we known him by any other name than le Chevalier
Malfait."
Then Sir Gawaine said : " Now I pray you tell me who was the lady who
gave her sleeve as a favor unto that knight, for no doubt she may know
who he is."
Then the Lady Elaine said: "Messire, it was I who gave my sleeve to
lim, yet neither do I know who he is nor whence he came."
Sir Gawaine said: "Have you naught that you may know him by?"
Whereunto the Lady Elaine made reply: " Sir, by leave of our cousin, the
jearl of this castle, I purveyed armor in which le Chavelier Malfait might
!do battle in this tournament. Now when he quitted us he confided his
armor and his shield to me that I might hold them in safe keeping for
him until his return hither. Perhaps you can tell from his shield who
is that worshipful knight."
Sir Gawaine said : " I prithee, fair lady, tell me what device was painted
upon the shield? " And the Lady Elaine said: " I know not what was that
device for the shield was all encased in leather laced upon it and painted
white so that no one might see the device which it beareth."
Then Sir Gawaine said, "Let me see that shield." And thereupon the
Lady Elaine sent her attendants to fetch the shield and they brought it
to her where they were. Then Sir Gawaine unlaced the leather from the
shield and drew the shield forth from its case, and le! the shield shone all
dazzling bright, like to the sun in his glory. And Sir Gawaine beheld the
device upon the shield that it was a knight kneeling to a sirGawaine
lady upon a field of silver, and by that he knew (and several knowetk sir
others who were there knew) that it was the shield of Sir ^JJJj****
Launcelot. Thereupon Sir Gawaine turned him to the Lady-
Elaine the Fair and he said: " Lady, it is no wonder that this knight who
hath worn thy favor should have done so well in battle yesterday. For
wit ye that this is the shield of Sir Launcelot of the Lake and wit ye
that it is to none other than he to whom you gave your sleeve. So I wish
you much joy of that great honor that hath come to you through him;
for you are to know that never hath it ever been heard tell of before this
that Sir Launcelot hath worn the favor of any lady when he hath gone
to battle."
But as for the Lady Elaine, when she knew that it was Sir Launcel
of the Lake to whom she had given her sleeve, she was filled full of a great
joy and also with a sort of terror. For she had much joy that she * ould
have been so wonderfully honored by that noble knight Sir Launc
the Lake, and yet when she bethought herself how she had set her regard
iS4 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
upon him who regarded no lady in the light of love she was filled with a
sort of terror because she forecast that nothing but sorrow could come
to her who had placed her heart and all her happiness in the keeping of
this knight, who had no heart or happiness to bestow upon any lady in
return.
But King Pelles was unaware of what thoughts lay within the heart of
his daughter. His spirit was greatly uplifted with the thought that Sir
Launcelot should have been a knight of his court for so long a while and
he said : " Messire, this is a very wonderful thing that you tell us, for wh$
would have thought that he was Sir Launcelot who has been with us all
this time? Now I know not any glory that could come to us that should be
greater than that; to wit, to have had that noble, worthy, and glorious
champion for to serve as a knight of our court. For now, because of him,
this court hath become famous for all time, that otherwise would not have
been known very far or for a very long while."
" Lord," said Sir Gawaine, " I do indeed give you great joy of this honor
that you have had through him ; for I must tell you that yours is the only
court in all the world in which Sir Launcelot has ever served as champion,
saving only in the Court of King Arthur. Wherefore this is a very singular
honor that hath been visited upon you."
So spake King Pelles and so spake Sir Gawaine; but all that while the
Lady Elaine the Fair sat in silence saying naught to any one for her soul
was so deeply disturbed with joy and pride that Sir Launcelot should have
been her champion, and with fear and anxiety upon behalf of her knight
that she wist not very well what was being done or said by any of those
who sat around about her.
That night Sir Gawaine abided at the Court of Corbin, and there was a
great feast prepared for his entertainment and all honor and regard was
paid to him that was possible to pay any man, even were that man a king.
And at that feast Sir Gawaine sat at the right hand of King Pelles and the
Lady Elaine sat upon the left hand of the King. And Sir Gawaine and the
King talked a very great deal together, yet ever the Lady Elaine sat
wrapped in silence, very distraught, passing by her food without tasting of
it. For always her thoughts dwelt upon Sir Launcelot as aforesaid, and
ever her heart was filled with anxiety as to what had befallen him and where
he was, and how it fared with him and who was cherishing him in his sick-
ness and his pain. Yea, even, she wondered whether he was living or
whether he was dead. Wherefore it was she knew not what passed about
her, but sat silent with her spirit remote and afar off from all those who
made merry and laughed and talked and jested so nigh to her.
THE QUEEN BESPEAKETH SIR BORS
jj
For the soul in such times of trouble and anxiety is oftentimes very
solitary and silent ; ever wrapped in its own broody thoughts like to a spirit
wrapped in a cloud of darkness that shutteth out from its sight all the
bright world of gayety and rejoicing that lieth around about it. And so it
was with the Lady Elaine at this season.
Now, when the morning had come, Sir Gawaine departed from that place
to return to the King's court which was still at Astolat, there to bring them
news that it was Sir Launcelot who had fought in that battle and that it
was he who had been wounded.
But when that news came to Queen Guinevere she was filled full of a
great passion of anger and of indignation against Sir Launcelot Q^^ G^^.
and against the Lady Elaine. For it is to be remembered wre is angered.
that Sir Launcelot had vowed his vows of service unto Queen Guinevere,
and she upon her part had accepted those vows and acknowledged him
as her knight-champion. Wherefore it was that finding he had worn the
favor of another lady in that wise, she was filled with a most consuming
passion of anger. At first she would not believe that it was true that Sir
Launcelot had worn the sleeve, and when she was convinced that it was true
she withdrew herself from the sight of all, and went and locked herself into
her chamber and how it was with her in that place no one could tell.
Then, after a while, she sent for Sir Bors de Ganis, who was the nighest
of kin to Sir Launcelot of all those then at court. And the g ueen Guine
Queen said to Sir Bors : " What is this your kinsman hath done, vere bespeaketh
Messire ? He hath forsworn himself and is shamed of his knight- '
hood in my sight and in the sight of all. For who ever heard of any knight
of worship who would swear his faith to one lady and yet wear the favor
of another? So I say this knight is forsworn and is no true knight."
Quoth Sir Bors: " Lady, there is no man in all the world who would dare
to say to me that Sir Launcelot is shamed of his knighthood, but you may
say that because you are a lady. Now I pray you tell me why should
not Sir Launcelot wear the favor of so kind and so beautiful a lady as that
of the Lady Elaine, the King's daughter of Corbin? Such service cannot
injure you, who have always to your service so high and noble a knight
as King Arthur himself!"
So spake Sir Bors very sternly, and therewith Queen Guinevere s cheeks
flamed like fire and she stamped her foot upon the ground in wrath and
cried out in a very loud voice: " Do you dare to speak thus to me who am
your Queen? I say this unworthy knight is forsworn in that he sware his
faith to me, and that he came not to me to relieve him of that vow ere
156 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
accepted the favor of another lady. Now I bid you go, find Sir Launcelot
and bring him straightway hither that he may answer me to my face and
that he may clear himself if he is able of that unknightly faithlessness."
Then Sir Bors was filled with indignation against the Queen and at the
same time he was filled with great pity for her. For many things came
into his mind at that time, wherefore he did not choose to look into the
Queen's face, but only bowed low before her and said : " Lady, it shall be
as you command. I shall straightway go seek my kinsman and will bring
your commands to him that he shall come and present himself before you."
So forthwith Sir Bors departed from the court to seek Sir
parteth in Launcelot. But after he had left her the Queen went into
search of sir h er privy closet and fast locked herself in. And she wept
amain; and as she wept she communed in solitude with her
soul, saying: "My soul! My soul! Is it anger thou feelest or is it aught
else than anger?"
irLauncelot leaped? from
winboun
Chapter Sixth
How the Lady Elaine went to seek Sir Launcelot and how Sir
Launcelot afterwards returned to the court of King Arthur.
NOW ever the Lady Elaine the Fair, as aforesaid, took great grief
beyond all measure concerning the fate of Sir Launcelot.
For he lay wounded she knew not where and she knew not
whether he were healing or dying. So upon a day she came to her father,
King Pelles, where he was, and she had been weeping a great deal yea,
even whilst she spoke to her father she began weeping afresh. So, still
weeping, she said: "Sire, I pray thee let me go and seek for this noble
champion, Sir Launcelot of the Lake, where he lieth wounded, for me-
feareth he hath been so grievously hurt that he may even now be upon
the edge of death."
Then King Pelles said: "My daughter, what is this thou wouldst do?
Wouldst thou, a young damsel, go thyself errant in search of this wounded
knight?" and the Lady Elaine said,- "Yea." The King, her father said,
"This may not be." Then the Lady Elaine wept all the more and with
such passion that it was as though her heart would break. And therewith
she kneeled down before her father and cried most vehemently: "Sire, let
me go ! Else I believe I shall become distracted with my fears lest he be
dying of his wounds."
Then King Pelles was very sorry for the Lady Elaine and he lifted her
up and embraced her in his arms and kissed her upon the face. And King
Pelles sought to comfort her, wiping away the tears from her face. And
he said, " My daughter, weep not so." She said, " Lord, I cannot help it."
Then he said: " My daughter, weep no more, for it shall be as thou wouldst
have it. Go now in God's name upon this quest, if ^so be it will ease thy
heart to do so, and I will send safe escort with thee."
So it was that the Lady Elaine the Fair went upon that
quest in search of Sir Launcelot, and her father purveyed for
her such an escort as he had said. For he sent with her a
company of seven worthy and noble knights with their es-
quires and attendants; and seven damsels of her court also went with her.
160 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
These betook their way to Astolat, for it seemed to the Lady Elaine that
there they might best hope to have news of the wounded knight. And
when they had come to Astolat she took up her inn at that place, and
sent forth several to make diligent inquiry if any news might be heard of
the wounded knight.
So those whom she sent made inquiry upon all sides, and upon a certain
day, they found a wood-chopper who had come out of the forest with a
cart load of wooden fagots. This woodman brought news of Sir Launcelot
and of Sir Lavaine ; for he declared that he had seen them when they had
entered the forest after the tournament. So her agents brought the
wood-chopper to where the Lady Elaine was, and she said to him, " What
knowest thou, good fellow?"
To this the woodman made reply: "Lady, I will tell you all. One
whiles I was in the forest I heard the sound of voices
The -woodman
tctteth of Sir talking together, and greatly wondering what those voices
Launcelot. we re, I made my way privily to that place where I heard them
speaking. There I beheld a half -armed knight who lay upon the ground
all bathed in his own blood, and another knight, armed at all points, stood
beside this knight, and the hands of the second knight were all red with
blood. So methought that the armed knight had haply slain his fellow
there in the woodlands in foul wise, for so it appeared to be. So whilst I
stood there I heard that knight who lay on the ground complaining very
grievously that he was hurt nigh to death, and I heard him entreat that
knight who was armed that he should bear him to the westward and so
by a forest path to the cabin of a certain hermit that dwelleth in those
parts. Therewith I went away from that place as privily as I had come
thither, for methought that maybe some ill deed had been done at that
place and that so I should be punished if I meddled in it ; wherefore I went
away and left those two knights in that wise."
Then the Lady Elaine the Fair asked that woodman if one of those
horses was white and the other piebald and he said: "Yea, as white as
milk and piebald with white and black. And the Lady said, " Then that
must be they."
So that same day she and her company made them ready and they rode
away from Astolat and so came into the forest toward the
westward. And after a while they came to a path that went
to the forest across the way and they took that path to the right hand. So
they travelled that path for a great while, and by and by they
beheld before them the hut of the hermit where it was all built up against
a great rock of the forest and overshadowed by the thick foliage of the
THE LADY FINDETH SIR LAUNCELOT IN THE FOREST 161
aged oak tree that grew above it. Then as they drew near they heard the
neighing of horses and they wist that they must be the horses of Sir Launce-
lot and of Sir Lavaine.
Then, as the horses neighed in that wise, and as the horses of the Lady
Elaine's party answered their neighing, there came one and opened the
door of the hut and stood gazing at the Lady Elaine and her party as they
drew near, shading his eyes from the slanting sun. And the Lady Elaine
beheld who it was who stood there and she knew that it was Sir Lavaine,
wherefore she cried out in a loud and piercing voice, "My brother! My
brother!" Then Sir Lavaine, when he heard her, cried out upon his part
as in great amazement, "My sister, is it thou?" and therewith he ran to
her and he took her hand and she stooped from her horse and kissed his
lips.
Then she said to Sir Lavaine, "How is it with him, doth he live?"
Whereunto Sir Lavaine said, "Yea, he liveth and will live, albeit he is
weak like to a little child." She said, "Where is he?" And Sir Lavaine
said, " Come and you shall see."
So he lifted the Lady Elaine down from her horse and he took her by
the hand and led her into the hut of the hermit and there she ^ ^
beheld Sir Launcelot where he lay upon a pallet and lo! his EM* behold-
face was white like to white wax and his eyes were closed as g^y,
though in slumber and it seemed to the Lady Elaine that
he rather resembled a white and sleeping spirit than a living man.
So the Lady Elaine went silently forward to where Sir Launcelot lay
and she kneeled down beside the pallet and the tears ran down her face
like to sparks of fire. Therewith Sir Launcelot opened his eyes and he be-
held her who she was and he smiled upon .tor And * If"
"Is it thou?" She said: "Yea, Messire." He said Whence
thou?" She said, "I come from my fathers house He sai
have you come hitherward from thence only for to find me? , ^hereunto
she said "Yea" Sir Launcelot said, "Why have you token so grea
rouSe as that upon my account?" And at that she
and said, "Certes, thou knowest why." ^\
whisper, and so that I believe they two alone heard
Then Sir Launcelot said no more but lay gazing
see naught but her head, for her face was hidden from
while he g sighed very deep and said: "Lady,
man. ^ even though ^
reach out my hand to take it. For my fail ^ liet ^ p J be ht to me
of one with whom I have placed it and that one can
162 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
but what she now is. And it is my unhappy lot that whether it be wrong
or whether it be right I would not have it otherwise, and so my faith
remaineth pledged as aforesaid."
Now the Lady Elaine wist what Sir Launcelot meant and that he spoke
of the Lady Queen Guinevere unto whom he had vowed his
fijiteSSJ faith of knighthood. And Elaine wept and she said, "Alas,
Elaine com- Launcelot, I have great pity both for thee and for me." And
mune together. ^ t ^ t ^ Launcelot s igh e d again as from the bottom of his
heart and said, "Yea, it is great pity."
Then after a while the Lady Elaine came out from where Sir Launcelot
lay, and she gave command that they should abide at that place until the
wounded knight was healed of his hurt. So the Lady Elaine established
her court there in the forest nigh to where Sir Launcelot lay. And they
set up pavilions around about that place so that all that erstwhile lonely
and silent woodland was presently gay with bright colors and cheerful
with the sound of many voices.
And methinks that these days, whilst the Lady Elaine dwelt there in
the forest nigh to the chapel of the good old hermit of the forest, and
whilst she abided ever close to Sir Launcelot in that time of his grievous
sickness, were the happiest days of all her life unto that time. For it
was as though Sir Launcelot were all her own and as though there was
none in the world but they two. For ever she was nigh to him and
cherished him in all ways, the whiles the voices of those others who were
there sounded remote and afar off as though they were of a different world
than hers.
So ever the Lady Elaine drank deep draughts of love and joy, and
thought not of the morrow, but only of the day and of the joys that the
day set to the lips of her soul, as it were, in a bright, shining chalice of
pure gold.
For so it is, oftentimes, that the soul drinketh deep from that chalice
and reckoneth not that at the bottom of the cup there lyeth the dregs
of sorrow or of despair that must by and by likewise be quaffed, and
which, when drunk, must turn all the life thereafter to bitterness, as
though those dregs were compounded of the gall and of the wormwood of
death.
Thus the Lady Elaine the Fair abided with her court there in the forest
for nigh a month and by the end of that time Sir Launcelot was healed of
his infirmities, though like to a little child for weakness. And after he was
healed she then had a fair litter prepared with several soft cushions of
down. And she had that litter hung with hangings of flame-colored satin ;
SIR BORS BESPEAKETH SIR LAUNCELOT l63
and she had them lay Sir Launcelot therein and so they bore him thence
Thus they bore him in that litter by easy stages until they The retun
had brought him to Corbin and there he was received with to %*
great rejoicing and high honor.
Now it hath been told how that Queen Guinevere bade Sir Bors for to
go seek Sir Launcelot and to bear him a command for to return to the
court of the King. So Sir Bors did as the Queen bade him, but he did not
find Sir Launcelot until after he had been brought back to Corbin as afore-
told of.
Thereafter it happened that one day Sir Bors had news that Sir Launce-
lot was lying at the court of King Pelles. So he went sir Bors cometh
thither and there he beheld Sir Launcelot who was then well- to Cor ^.
nigh entirely recovered from his wound.
But when Sir Launcelot beheld Sir Bors, such joy seized upon him that
it was as though his heart would break, wherefore he ran to Sir Bors and
he catched him in his arms, and embraced him with great passion and
kissed him many times upon the face.
And they of the court of King Pelles were very glad that so famous a
knight had come thither, wherefore they paid him great honor.
Only the Lady Elaine was troubled in spirit, for she wist that now Sir
Bors was come Sir Launcelot would not stay with them for long, but that
he would in a little while desire to return again to the court of King Arthur.
And so she had reason for her fears, for the next day after he had arrived
at Corbin, Sir Bors took Sir Launcelot aside and he said to sir Bors
him, "Sir Knight, I am a messenger." Sir Launcelot said, ^^^
" What message have you, and from whom?" Sir Bors said:
" I bear a message from Queen Guinevere and it is that you return im-
mediately to the court of King Arthur and that you present yourself to
her and pay your duty to her as of old."
Then after Sir Bors had thus spoken, Sir Launcelot turned him away
and stood at a window with his back to Sir Bors. And then after a con-
siderable while he said, " Sir, do you not know that my duty lieth here?"
Sir Bors said: " That I believe full well. Nor can I find fault with you il
you remain here in spite of the message I bring you. That which I am
here for is not to command you to come to Camelot, but only to give you
the commands of another."
Then Sir Launcelot said: " Would you return to Camelot if you were me
and I were you?" Sir Bors said, "That I cannot tell." Then after an-
other while Sir Launcelot cried out: "Nay, I will not go; for though my
164 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
heart lieth there and not here, yet I hold the happiness of another in my
hand and I cannot cast it away."
" Then," quoth Sir Bors, " I will return and tell them at the court of the
King that your honor binds you here." And Sir Launcelot said, " Do so/'
And then he said, "There is but one favor I beseech of you, Messire."
Sir Bors said, "What is that?" Sir Launcelot said: "It is this: I pray
you of your courtesy that you will depart immediately from this place,
for the sight of you bringeth to me such great desire to behold my kins-
men and my friends once more that I believe that I shall not be able to
contain myself because of that desire if you remain here any longer."
And Sir Bors said, " I will go within the hour."
So that very hour Sir Bors betook himself away from Corbin and re-
turned to the court of King Arthur, and when he had come there he deliv-
ered his message to the Queen and thereat she was like one whose heart
had been broken. For when she received that news from Sir Launcelot she
withdrew into her bower and no one saw her for a long time thereafter.
Now after Sir Bors had departed from Corbin in that wise, Sir Launcelot
was very heavy and sad, and though several days went by, yet was he
not less sad at the end of that time, but still walked like one in a dream
with his thoughts a great way off.
And all this the Lady Elaine observed and her spirit was troubled be-
cause of the sadness of Sir Launcelot. So one day she sent for Sir Launce-
lot to come to her bower and when Sir Launcelot had come
blddeth thither she said to him, " Launcelot, I know what is in thy
heart." Sir Launcelot said, "What is there in my heart?"
She said, " It is in thy heart that thou wouldst fain return
to the court of King Arthur." "Lady," said Sir Launcelot, "it matters
not what may be my inclination at this present, for above all those inclina-
tions it is my will that I remain at this place."
Then Elaine looked very steadfastly at him and she smiled, but there
was as it were despair in her face even though she smiled. And after a
little she said : " Not so, Messire, for I cannot bear to see you dwell with us
thus in sadness. Wherefore, this command I lay upon you that you leave
this court and that you return to the court of King Arthur, which same is
the place where you do rightly belong."
Then Sir Launcelot turned away from her, for he wist that there was
joy in his face at the thought of returning to his kinsmen and his friends
once more, and he would not have her see that joy. Then after a while,
and with his back turned, he said, speaking as with a smothered voice:
" Lady, if that be your command I must needs obey, but if I do obey you
THE QUEEN INSULTETH SIR LAVNCELOT l6s
it shall be only to go for a little while and then to return after that while
So for a little no more was said, but the Lady Elaine ever gazed upon Sir
Launcelot where he stood with his back to her, and after a while she said
"Ah Launcelot! Launcelot!" Upon that Sir Launcelot turned Mm
about and cried out, Elaine, bid me stay and I will stay t " But she said
" Nay, I bid thee not, I bid thee go."
Then Sir Launcelot went from that place with his head bowed down
upon his bosom, and after he had gone she wept in great measure, for it
was as though she had cut off her hope of happiness with her own hand, as
though it had been a part of her body.
So the next day Sir Launcelot took horse and departed from Corbin,
betaking his way toward Camelot, where was the court of
King Arthur, and though he thought a very great deal of the SJ^Sftf*
Lady Elaine, yet he could not but look forward with joy in court '
coming back again to the court of the King and of beholding the Queen
and his knights companions once more.
Now when Sir Launcelot reached Camelot the news of his coming spread
like fire throughout the entire place and everywhere was heard ^ Lau
the noise of loud rejoicing and acclaim. But Sir Launcelot comethtothe
spake to nobody but came straight to where Queen Guine- ^ veen -
vere was and he stood before the Queen and his face was very gloomy and
he said to her, " Lady, here am I."
Then Queen Guinevere gazed at him with great coldness and she said
to him, "Sir Knight, what brings thee hither?" Sir Launcelot said:
" Lady, it is thy command that brings me. For alas! I find it to be thus
with me that thy word hath power to bring me to thee whether it be from
glory or from happiness or from peace or from prosperity. Yea ; all these
things would I sacrifice at thy behest."
Then Queen Guinevere gazed upon Sir Launcelot for a long while and
her soul was tossed and troubled with a great ferment of passion, and yet
she wist not whether that passion was of indignation or of grief or of anger
or of something else that was not like any of these. And first her face had
been very white when he stood before her, and anon it flamed red like to
fire, and she said: "Sir Knight, one time I sent my word to thee by a
messenger and thou heeded him not. Now it matters not that thou comest,
for thy coming and thy going are henceforth of no moment to me.
Then Sir Launcelot's heart was filled to bursting with bitterness and
despair, and he cried out aloud: "Lady, thou beholdest me a miserable
man. For I have left all my duty and all my service and all my hope of
i66 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
peace and happiness and have come to thee. Hast thou not then some
word of kindness for me?"
But the Queen only hardened her heart and would not answer.
Then Sir Launcelot cried out in great despair: " Alas! what is there then
left for me? Lo! I have cast away from me all my hope of peace and
now even thy friendship is withdrawn from me. Nothing then is left to
me and my life is dead."
Then Queen Guinevere's eyes flashed like fire, and she cried out: "Sir
The Queen Knight, you speak I know not what. Now I bid you tell me
is angry. ^{ s is it true that you wore as a favor the sleeve of the Lady
Elaine the Fair at the tournament of Astolat?"
Sir Launcelot said, "Yes, it is true."
Then the Lady Queen Guinevere laughed with flaming cheeks and she
said: " Well, Sir Knight I see that you are not very well learned in knight-
hood not to know that it is both unknightly and dishonorable for a knight
to sware faith to one lady and to wear the favor of another. Yet what
else than that may be expected of one who knoweth so little of the duties
and of the obligations of knighthood that he will ride errant in a hang-
man's cart?"
So spake Queen Guinevere in haste not knowing what she said, her
words being driven onwards by her passion as feathers are blown by a
tempest over which they have no control. But when she had spoken
those words she was terrified at what she had said and would have re-
called them. But she could not do that, for who can recall the spoken
word after it is uttered? Wherefore, after she had spoken those words
she could do nothing but gaze into Sir Launcelot 's face in a sort of terror.
And as she thus gazed she beheld that his face became red and redder
until it became all empurpled as though the veins of his head would
burst. And she beheld that his eyes started as though from his head and
that they became shot with blood. And she beheld that he clutched at
his throat as though he were choking. And he strove to speak but at
first he could not and then he cried out in a harsh and choking voice,
" Say you so!" and then again in the same voice he cried, " Say you so!"
Therewith he turned, staggering like a drunken man. And there was a
Sir Launcelot ta ^ w i n ^ ow open behind him, and straightway he leaped out
kapeth from of that window into the courtyard beneath, where he fell with
a loud and dreadful crash.
But yet it was as though he had not fallen for he immediately leaped
up to his feet and ran away all bruised and bloody from that place like
one gone wode.
THE QUEST OF SIR LAUNCELOT l6;
Then Queen Guinevere shrieked aloud with a great passion of terror and
remorse. And she cried out she knew not what and smote her hands very
violently together. Thereat several came running to her and to them she
cried out in a voice of vehement passion: "Go you, run with might and
main and fetch Sir Launcelot hither to me again!"
So those ran with all despatch but they could not find Sir Launcelot.
For immediately after leaving the Queen as aforesaid, he had leaped upon
his horse and had thundered away with all speed, and no one knew whither
he had betaken himself.
Now the word of all this was talked about the court of the King almost
as soon as it had happened, for all the court was loud with the noise of it.
Thereat, when the kinsmen of Sir Launcelot had heard what had passed,
they were filled with great indignation at the manner in which Sir Bo rs is
he had been treated; and most of all Sir Bors was indignant, ind ^s nant -
for he said to himself: " Lo! this Lady first sends me to seek my kinsman
and to bring him to her and when he cometh at her bidding then she treats
him with contumely altogether unworthy for a knight to endure. What
then must Sir Launcelot think of me who was her foolish messenger to
fetch him hither?"
But Queen Guinevere, not knowing of the indignation of the kinsmen
of Sir Launcelot, sent for three of them to come to her, and these three
were Sir Ector and Sir Lionel and Sir Bors de Ganis. When these three
had come to her they found her weeping and when they stood before her
she said, "Messires, I have done amiss." To this they said nothing lest
from anger they should say too much. Yet the Queen be- ^ cuine-
held their anger, wherefore she dried her tears and spake vere bespeaketh
with pride, saying: "Messires, I ask you not to forgive me %*
who am your Queen, but I would fain ask Sir Launcelot to
forgive me and I know that out of his gentleness he will do so. Now as
your Queen and sovereign I lay this command upon you, that you straight-
way go in quest of Sir Launcelot and that you find him and that you bring
him hither to me so that I may beseech his forgiveness for all that I have
said amiss to him."
So spake Queen Guinevere, and those knights who were there, though
they were very angry with her yet they could not but obey the commanc
which she laid upon them.
So began the Quest of Sir Launcelot concerning which a very great deal
hath been both written and said. For upon that quest there
went forth those three knights as aforesaid, to wit; Sir Ector,
168 THE STORY OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE THE FAIR
Sir Lionel, and Sir Bors de Ganis, and after that there went forth Sir
Gawaine and Sir Ewaine and Sir Sagramore the Desirous and Sir Agra-
vaine and Sir Percival of Gales.
All these undertook the Quest of Sir Launcelot and in that quest several
adventures happened to them. Yet of all those adventures little of any-
thing shall here be said saving only that which shall concern those adven-
tures that befell Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival and Sir Gawaine; of which
more anon.
And now there followeth the story of the Madness of Sir Launcelot, and
of how he returned in a very strange manner to the Lady Elaine the Fair-
and of how she was made happy by that return.
PART IV
The Madness of Sir Launcelot
TJTERE follows the story of how Sir Launcelot went mad from grief and
of how he roamed the woods as a wild man of the woods. Also
many other adventures that befell him are herein told, wherefore I hope that
you may have pleasure in reading that which is here written for your enter-
tainment.
IjeMabman of fh* Forest
toljo was Sir Launceiot :
Chapter First
How Sir Launcelot became a madman of the forest and how he
was brought to the castle of Sir Blyant.
NOW when Sir Launcelot had quitted the presence of Queen Guine-
vere as aforetold, and having leaped to horse as aforetold, he
rode very furiously away, he wist not whither and cared not.
And he raced like a whirlwind, striving, as it were, to escape from himself
and his own despair. Thus he drove onward until he reached Sir Launcdoi
the shades of the forest, and he rode through the forest, rend- driveth through
ing the branches with his body, until his horse was all a lather
of sweat. So he pursued his way till night descended upon him, and still
he drove ever forward, he knew not whitherward. And he travelled in
that wise all that night until about the dawning of the day, what time he
came to that part of the woodland where was the hut of the hermit of the
forest, and there he beheld the chapel and the cell of the hermit. Here
Sir Launcelot leaped down from his horse, and he burst very violently
into the dwelling-place of that good man so that the hermit s^aunceiot
was amazed at his coming. And Sir Launcelot cried out in
a loud and violent voice, "God save you!" and therewith he fell forwar.
and lay with his face upon the floor.
1 72 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Then the hermit ran to him and he lifted up his head and looked in his
face and he beheld that Sir Launcelot was in a fit.
So the hermit eased Sir Launcelot of his armor and he loosed the jerkin
and the shirt at his throat so that his throat was bare. And he lifted Sir
Launcelot and brought him to his own cot and he laid him down thereon
and there Sir Launcelot lay for the entire day.
But toward the sloping of the afternoon the sick man opened his eyes
and he aroused and sat up and gazed about him, and he said, "Where
am I?" The hermit said, "Thou art with me," and he further said,
"What aileth thee, Sir Launcelot?"
But to this Sir Launcelot answered naught but ever looked about him as
though not knowing who he was or where he was ; for he was like to one who
is bedazed by a heavy blow he hath received. Then by and by Sir Launce-
lot said, "I know not what it is that hath happened." Thus he spake
because his brains were bewildered by the passion through which he had
passed, for even at that time the madness which afterward gat hold of
him had begun to ferment in his brains so that he wist not very well what
he said or did.
Then the hermit knew that some great trouble had befallen Sir Launcejot,
and he thought that maybe if Sir Launcelot would eat he would perhaps
be refreshed and might maybe recover his mind once more. So the good
man said, "Messire, will you not eat?" and Sir Launcelot said, "Yea, give
me to eat."
So the hermit brought bread and milk and honey and fruit and he set
The hermit those things before Sir Launcelot. And Sir Launcelot fell
cherisheth sir upon those things and ate of them very fiercely and voraciously,
devouring them more like a savage than a worshipful and
worthy knight.
Then after Sir Launcelot had thus eaten he said, "I am aweary," and
therewith he arose and ungirded his armor, and laid it aside, piece by
piece, even to the very last piece thereof. Then when he was thus eased
of his armor, he flung himself down in his jerkin and hose upon the hermit's
pallet and therewith in a moment had fallen into a slumber so deep that
it was like the sleep of death. And as he slept thus the hermit sat
beside the pallet whereon Sir Launcelot lay. And he gazed very stead-
fastly upon Sir Launcelot, and was greatly grieved to see him in that
condition.
Now it happened that about the middle of the night the hermit fell
asleep where he sat and shortly after that Sir Launcelot awoke and was
aware how the old man slept. And Sir Launcelot took of a sudden a great
SIR LAUNCELOT ESCAPETH INTO THE FOREST
fear of the hermit he wist not wherefore, so that the only thought in his
mind was to escape from the hermit. Wherefore he arose and went very
softly and in his bare feet out from that place, doing this so silently that
he did not awaken the hermit from his sleep.
Thus Sir Launcelot came outside the hermit's hut, and after he had
thus escaped therefrom, he took of a sudden great fear lest
the hermit should awake and pursue him for to bring him back
to the hut again. So straightway he turned him and sped the
away into the forest with great speed, like as though he were a wild animal
pursued by the hunter. And he fled away for all the rest of that night.
And when the dawn had come he ceased to fly and he crouched down and
hid himself in the thickets of the forest. For in his madness he was ever
pursued by the fear that the hermit would follow him and that he was even
then hunting for him for to bring him back to the hut again.
Thus it was that Sir Launcelot escaped from the hut of the hermit, and
after that he abided in the forest for a long while. What time- he gathered
the wild fruit of the forest for his food. And he drank of the forest fountains
and that was all the food and drink that he had. And after a while the
clothes of Sir Launcelot were all torn into shreds by the thorns and briars,
and his hair grew down into his eyes and his beard grew down upon his
breast so that he became in all appearance a wild man of the forest, all
naked, and shaggy, and gaunt like to a hungry wolf.
And "now and again it chanced that some one who travelled in the
forest would see him as he ran through the thickets of the sir Launcelot
woodland like to a wild creature, and hence it was that much le ^ i ^ ian
talk of that wild man of the forest went about the country-
side, and folk were afraid of all that part of the woodlands because of him.
Now one pleasant morning in the autumn season when the early frosts
were come, and when all the trees had taken on their clothing of crimson
and russet and gold, Sir Launcelot, in his mad wanderings, came to the
edge of the woodland and there before him he beheld a little open plain all
yellow and bright in the broad beams of the shining sunlight. And Sir
Launcelot beheld that in the midst of that small plain was a fair pavilion
of blue silk. And he beheld that near by the pavilion there were thre
horses tethered browsing upon the autumn grass. And he beheld that a
bright shield hung to a tree that grew near the pavilion, and that a fair
sword hung nigh the shield, and that a spear leaned against the
the shield and sword. . r
Then Sir Launcelot was pleased with the bright color of the pavilion
and something of knighthood awoke within him at the sight of the
i 74 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
and the sword and the spear, wherefore he desired to handle the sword
and the spear and to touch the shield.
So Sir Launcelot went forward into that plain and he came to the tree where
were the sword and the shield and the spear. And he took the pommel of
the sword into his hand. Thereupon a great desire for battle came upon him,
and he straightway catched the pommel of the sword in both his hands and
he drew the blade forth from the sheath. And he whirled the
sword about his head and he smote the shield ; and he smote it
the shield of again and again, striking great dents into it with the blade of
the sword ; and the sound of those blows made such a din and
uproar that it was as though ten men were righting in that place.
Therewith, at all that sudden din and uproar, there came running out
of that pavilion a misshapen dwarf very broad of shoulder and strong of
limb. And when that dwarf beheld a madman smiting the shield in that
wise, he ran at him with intent to take the sword away from him.
But Sir Launcelot beheld the dwarf coming in that wise, and straight-
way he dropped the sword which he held, and he catched the dwarf by
the shoulders and he flung him so violently down upon the earth that the
neck of the dwarf was wellnigh broken by that fall.
Then the dwarf was overwhelmed with the terror of Sir Launcelot,
wherefore he did not dare to arise from the ground whereon he had fallen,
but lay there calling out for help in a loud voice of outcry.
Thereupon, there immediately came forth from out of the pavilion
a noble knight clad all in scarlet and wrapped in a scarlet cloak
trimmed with miniver. And that knight was Sir Blyant whose castle
stood not more than four or five leagues from that place. For at such
pleasant season of the year, Sir Blyant was wont to ride forth with his
lady, and ever when he chose he would have a pavilion set up in some
such pleasant place as this little glade. And sometimes Sir Blyant and his
lady would lodge in that pavilion overnight, as was the case at this time.
So Sir Blyant came forth out of the pavilion as aforesaid, and he beheld
the dwarf lying upon the ground. And he beheld that Sir Launcelot had
catched up the sword again, and that he stood above the dwarf, making
play with his sword as though there were many enemies thereabouts ; and
Sir Blyant wist that he whom he beheld must be the Madman of the For-
Sir Blyant est of wnom ^lk talked so much. Then Sir Blyant pitied that
pitieth the madman a very great deal, and he spake very mildly to him,
saying : " Good man, put down that sword, for meseems thou
art in greater need of food and of warm clothes and of nourishing and
comforting than of playing with a sharp sword in that wise."
'
SIR LAUNCELOT ASSAULTETH SIR ELY ANT I?5
But ever Sir Launcelot waved the sword this way and that, crying out
in a great loud voice, " Keep thou away or I will slay thee."
Then Sir Blyant perceived that there was great danger in having to do
unarmed with that madman, wherefore he called upon his dwarf to arise
and come to him, and therewith he withdrew into the pavilion with in-
tent to arm himself and so to take away that sword from Sir Launcelot
by force.
So the dwarf, who by that time had arisen from where he lay, went
into the pavilion to where Sir Blyant was, and he aided Sir Blyant to don
his armor, and so Sir Blyant armed himself from head to foot. When he
was thus armed he took sword in hand and went forth from out of the
pavilion prepared to deal with the madman in such wise as sir Blyant
was necessary to take that dangerous sword from him. For armeth him *i}-
even if it must be that he had to slay that madman, Sir Blyant wist that
he must not leave him thus with a sharp sword in his hand. So Sir Bly-
ant came out of the pavilion armed at all points.
But when Sir Launcelot beheld him coming forth thus armed as for
battle, the love of battle awoke to full life in his heart, wherefore he shouted
aloud. And he rushed at Sir Blyant and he struck Sir Blyant upon the
helm so fierce and terrible a buffet that nor guard nor armor could with-
stand that stroke. And had the sword not turned a little in the hands of
Sir Launcelot that had been Sir Blyant's last day upon earth.
Natheless, the sword, though turned, fell with full force upon the crest
of Sir Blyant, and at that dreadful, terrible stroke the brains of Sir Blyant
flashed fire into his eyeballs. Then blackness came roaring Thenujdman
upon him and therewith he fell down in a deathly swoon, the ov . ert ^ ro ^ h
blood running out from his nose and ears from the force of
that woeful stroke he had suffered.
So when Sir Launcelot beheld Sir Blyant fall thus beneath the blow, he
shouted aloud for joy. And straightway with the naked sword in his
hand he ran into the pavilion with intent to find what other enemies there
might be in that place.
Now the lady of Sir Blyant was alone in that pavilion, so when she be-
held that half -naked madman rush therein with the shining sword in his
hand, and a terrible fierce look of madness upon his face, she shrieked
with terror and straightway ran forth from the tent upon the other side
thereof.
So Sir Launcelot stood and- gazed all about him, waving his sword fror
side to side, but could behold no enemies such as he might assault. And
then he saw where there was a fine soft couch spread with a covering of
if6 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
flame-colored linen in that place, and therewith he ran to that bed and
leaped into it and straightway covered himself all over with the coverlet.
When the lady of Sir Blyant ran in that wise out of the pavilion as
aforesaid, she beheld where her lord, Sir Blyant, lay stretched out upon
the ground, and she beheld the dwarf bending over him, removing the helm
from his head. And beholding that sight she shrieked more than ever
and ran frantically to where that stricken knight lay. Therewith, behold-
The Lady ing his face all white as milk and streaked with blood, she
is adred. thought that he had certes been killed by that madman,
whereupon she flung herself down upon his body, crying aloud in a most
piercing voice, "My lord! My lord! Assuredly thou art dead!"
"Not so, lady," said the dwarf, "he is not dead, but aswoon." And
even as the dwarf spoke, Sir Blyant sighed very deeply and opened his
eyes. And he said: " Where is that madman who struck me anon? Never
in all my life felt I such a buffet as that which he gave me." The dwarf
said, " Lord, that madman ran but now into the pavilion and drove your
lady out thence." "Go, sirrah," said Sir Blyant, "and see what he is at
in the pavilion."
So the dwarf went very fearfully to the door of the pavilion and peeped
within, and he beheld where Sir Launcelot lay sleeping upon the couch.
Thereupon the dwarf returned to Sir Blyant and he said: " Sir, that mad-
man hath taken to your bed, and he lyeth there now very soundly asleep
as he were in a swoon." And then the dwarf said: " Give me leave to take
this sword and go thither and I will slay him where he lieth. For only
so may we hope to save ourselves from the madness of his phrenzy when
he shall awake."
But Sir Blyant pitied the madman and he said; " Let be and harm him
not, for I misdoubt this madman is not what he seemeth to be." And he
said, "Help me to arise, for my head swimmeth." So the lady and the
dwarf helped Sir Blyant to his feet and in a little while he was able to stand
and to walk. And anon Sir Blyant went into the pavilion, and he went
to where Sir Launcelot lay and he stood and looked down upon him. And
he beheld that Sir Launcelot wore a rich ring upon his finger (and that was
the ring of magic which the Lady of the Lake had given him) and he be-
held that Sir Launcelot's body was covered with many scars of wounds
Sir Blyant suc ^ as a knight might receive in battle. So seeing these
I h^ e ^ad p0n t * 1 * n s ' Sir Blyant said: "This is no common madman, but
some great champion who has fallen into misfortune, for I
behold that he weareth a ring such as only a knight of great credit might
wear, and I behold that he beareth many honorable scars of battle."
SIR LAUNCELOT BECOMETH THE CASTLE MADMAN 177
And Sir Blyant said to the dwarf: "Take thou thy horse and ride with
all speed to my castle. When thou art come there, bid my brother Sir
Selivant to make haste hither with several men. And bid him to fetch a
horse litter with him so that we may be able to bring this mad knight to
where he may have succor and where he may haply be cured of his infirm-
ities. "
So the dwarf did as Sir Blyant commanded him ; he took horse and rode
with all speed to the castle of Sir Blyant, and there he gave Sir Blyant's
word to Sir Selivant. And straightway Sir Selivant came to that place
with those men and a horse litter for- to bring Sir Launcelot away; and he
reached that place within three hours after the messenger had been sent
to him.
So Sir Selivant and Sir Blyant and those men lifted Sir Launcelot as he
lay in his bed, and they laid him on the litter and Sir Launce They bear
lot did not awake. And they took him away from that the madman
place and still he did not awake ; for all that while he lay in a
deep slumber that was like to a swoon. Thus they brought him to the
castle of Sir Blyant without his ever arousing from that swoonlike
sleep.
After that they fetched the barber of the castle and the barber trimmed
the hair and the beard of Sir Launcelot and they put fresh decent clothes
upon him, and all that time Sir Launcelot did not awake but lay ever i
that swoonlike sleep.
Now when they of that castle beheld Sir Launcelot as he lay after 1
had been thus clothed and clipped; and when they beheld how noble
and comely was his appearance, they said, "Certes, this is indeed some
noble and haughty champion of high estate, though who he may t
all took great pity for Sir Launcelot, but yet they fear^his
phrenzy when he should awake. So they sent for the smith ofihe cartte
and the smith fastened light strong ^*^f*Z^
Launcelot and to his ankles ; so that he might do no harm to any o
So when Sir Launcelot awoke he was a prisoner in chains in t
of Sir Blyant. And Sir Launcelot remained Celling in the
castle of Sir Blyant for a year and a half and ever he remained *
bound with those light strong chains of steel For stiB *
1 7 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Sir Launcelot loved Sir Blyant as some dumb creature loveth its master,
and he would follow Sir Blyant about whithersoever he went.
Thus it was that Sir Launcelot went mad and thus he came to be chained
in the castle of Sir Blyant.
And now remaineth other adventures to be told that befell at this time.
Ije Forest Madm
ifa of King A r fljur :
Chapter Second
How Sir Launcelot saved the life of Sir Blyant. How he escaped
from the castle of Sir Blyant, and how he slew the great wild
boar of Lystenesse and saved the life of King Arthur, his liege
lord.
NOW it happened upon a day that Sir Blyant rode in a little
wood nigh to his castle, and whilst he was thus alone sir Bl anf
he beheld two knights riding side by side all in the rideth in the
clear bright springtime. As these drew nigh to him Sir woodland '
Blyant was aware from the devices upon their shields that one of them
was Sir Breuce sans Pitie and than the other was Sir Bertolet his brother,
which same, you are to know, were Sir Blyant's bitter enemies. For in the
tournament at Astolat Sir Blyant had very grievously hurt a young
knight who was their brother, and afterward that knight (whose name
was Sir Gelotius) had died of those hurts.
Yet though Sir Blyant wist that this meeting boded ill for him yet
would he not withdraw therefrom but went forward. So it came about
that when he was pretty close to those two knights, the foremost of them
(who was Sir Breuce sans Pitie) rode forth and bespoke him, saying, " Sir
Knight, who are you and whither go you?" Sir Blyant said: "Messires,
I am a knight of these marches, riding errant in search of adventure."
Sir Breuce said, "Art thou not Sir Blyant of the White Castle?" Sir
Blyant said, "Thou sayest it and I am he."
Then Sir Breuce sans Pitie spoke very savagely, saying: "Sir Knight,
this is well that we meet you here who are the slayer of our brother Sir
Gelotius at the tournament of Astolat." To this Sir Blyant said: " Messires,
what do you have against me for that? Certes, it is that I overthrew
Gelotius and that he died thereafter, yet it was by chance of battle that
this happened and with no evil intent of mine. Moreover, your brother,
Sir Gelotius, took his chances of battle as did all those who entered that
tournament."
l82 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
"Say no more! " said Sir Breuce. " Say no more! but prepare you straight
for battle with us who have every day sought you from that time till now,
and so have found you here to our hand."
" Messires," cried Sir Blyant, "would you fall upon me thus, two against
one?" They say, "Aye," and thereupon they drew sword and prepared
themselves for battle.
Then Sir Blyant perceiving how it was, and that there was no other way
for him to do than to fight this battle against odds, straight-
aZaiie y din W way drew his sword and put himself into posture of defence.
the woodland, ^hen in a moment they three came to battle together in the
woods, two of them against the one.
Yet, for a while, although he stood one to two, Sir Blyant defended
himself with great courage and address, striking now upon this side
and now upon that, anon wheeling his horse away from a stroke,
anon lashing a stroke at his enemies. And so great was the defence
he made that it was a long time ere that those two knights had their
will of him.
But one knight could not hope to fight thus a continued battle against
two who were his equals, wherefore it befell that in a little while Sir Blyant
was wounded here and there, and in another place; and then, in a little
while longer it came about that, what with weariness and what from the
loss of blood, he was aware that he must die in that battle alone in the
woodlands unless he saved himself from his enemies.
Therewith a great despair fell upon him and with that he put his horse
straight at Sir Breuce as though to strike him a buffet. Then as Sir Breuce
Sir Blyant drew aside to avoid that stroke, Sir Blyant drave his horse
flecth. ver y fiercely against Sir Breuce's horse, so that Sir Breuce's
horse wellnigh fell to the ground with his rider upon his back. Therewith
Sir Blyant thrust past his enemy and quickly fled away toward his castle
with all the speed that he could drive his horse to make.
Now at first those two knights were astonished at the sudden escape
of their enemy. But immediately they awoke to his going and so set spurs
to horse upon their part and chased after Sir Blyant; and if he sped fast,
they sped as fast after him. And ever and anon they lashed furiously at
him, yet because of his speed they could do him no great harm.
So Sir Blyant raced for his castle and he rushed forward beneath the
walls of the castle with those two knights thundering after him amain.
And because they were so close upon him, Sir Blyant could not draw rein
to turn his steed into the drawbridge of the castle, but must needs rush
past the drawbridge, calling for aid to those who were within the walls.
SIR LAUNCELOT BREAKETH HIS CHAINS Z 8 3
Now at that time Sir Launcelot lay (chained as was af oretold) in a certain
window of the castle where the sun shone down strong and warm upon
him, and Sir Launcelot slumbered there in the sunlight. And as Sir
Launcelot so slumbered he was aroused by the sound of galloping horses
and a loud noise of shouting and the din of lashing of blows. So, looking
forth from that window, he beheld the three knights as they came thunder-
ing past the walls of the castle. And Sir Launcelot beheld that the one
knight who was pursued by the two knights was his master,
Sir Blyant; and he beheld that Sir Blyant was much put to SjjJ3f3
it to save his life; for he was all covered over with blood and, Blyant' s
whilst anon he would wheel his horse and strike right and tlanger '
left, yet anon he would wheel again and flee for his life; and Sir Launcelot
beheld that Sir Blyant reeled in his saddle under every blow that his enemies
lashed at him. Meanwhile, in the castle was a great shouting and calling
to arms, wherefore it came to Sir Launcelot to know that Sir Blyant was
being slain.
Then a great rage of battle awoke in Sir Launcelot's heart against those
who pressed his beloved master, Sir Blyant, in that wise, wherefore he
would have hastened to the aid of Sir Blyant, but could not because of the
chains that bound him. Then, in his madness, and being driven furious at
being thus bound, Sir Launcelot catched those strong steel chains in his
hands and wrestled with them. And the chains bit deep into his flesh in
his wrestlings so that he was sore wounded by the iron. But in spite of
that Sir Launcelot put forth his entire strength, and even Themadman
though the blood flowed from his arms and hands yet he breaketh his
snapped the chains that bound his arms. After that he
catched up a great stone in his hands and he beat upon the chains that
bound his legs and brake those also, and so he was free again.
Then Sir Launcelot leaped upon the window-ledge, and he leaped out
of the window of the castle and into the moat below and he swam the
moat and so came out upon the other side thereof.
Right there came Sir Blyant striving to defend himself against thos<
who followed him, and at that time he was very nigh falling from his horse
at every blow he received. This Sir Launcelot beheld and when he s
how those two knights ever smote Sir Blyant and how that Sir tflyai
reeled in his saddle beneath those blows, he roared aloud in pity and 1
Therewith, thus roaring, he straightway rushed upon Sir Tke
Bertolet, who was nighest to him, and he leaped up and catched
that knight about the body and dragged him down upon the
pommel of his saddle with great force of strength, and bir baun
184 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
catched the sword of Sir Bertolet and he wrestled with Sir Bertolet and
so plucked the sword out of Sir Bertolet 's hand.
Then Sir Bertolet cried out to Sir Breuce: "Help! Help! my brother!
For this madman slayeth me."
Therewith Sir Breuce turned from Sir Blyant for to succor his brother,
and upon that Sir Launcelot quitted Sir Bertolet and rushed at Sir Breuce.
And Sir Launcelot gave Sir Breuce such a buffet upon the helm with the
sword of Sir Bertolet that he smote Sir Breuce with that one blow clean
over the crupper of his horse.
Then Sir Bertolet took his spear in hand and therewith rushed his horse
upon Sir Launcelot with intent to pierce him through the body. But
from that assault Sir Launcelot leaped nimbly aside. Thereupon he
rushed in and catched the spear of Sir Bertolet in his hand; and he ran
up the length of the spear, and reached forward, and smote Sir Bertolet
such a blow that he cut through the epaulier of the shoulder and deep into
the shoulder to the very bone thereof, so that the arm of Sir Bertolet was
half cut away from the body at that blow. Then Sir Launcelot would
have struck again only that Sir Bertolet let go his spear from his hand,
shrieking aloud, and wheeled his horse to escape.
Now by that time Sir Breuce sans Pitie had got him to horse again
wherefore, beholding that terrible blow and beholding how his brother
Sir Bertolet fled away from that madman, he also drove spurs to flank
and fled away with might and main.
So it was that Sir Launcelot, unarmed, save for the sword in his naked
hand, defeated two strong and doughty knights and so saved his master's
life.
But by now the castle folk had come running to where were Sir Blyant
and him whom they called the mad fool of the castle, and they beheld
Sir Blyant tliem koth panting and bleeding. And Sir Blyant looked
cherisheth the upon Sir Launcelot and beheld how his arms and hands were
torn and bleeding from breaking those chains, and he said,
"Poor fool! and hast thou suffered all that for my sake?" And at that
Sir Launcelot laughed and nodded. Then Sir Blyant said to the folk of
the castle: "Never let those chains be put upon his body again, for he is
gentle and kind, and meaneth harm to no one."
So they did not chain Sir Launcelot again, but suffered him to go free,
and after that he wandered whithersoever he willed to go, and no one
stayed him in his going or his coming. And ever he was kind and gentle
to all so that no one in all that place had any fear of him but all were
pleased and merry with him.
KING ARTHUR HUNTETH THE WILD BOAR l8$
Yet ever there lay within the heart of Sir Launcelot some remembrance
that told him that he was too worthy to content himself with being a mad
fool in a lord's castle, wherefore it was always in his will to escape from
the castle of Sir Blyant if he was able to do so.
So now, being unchained, it happened one night when none observed
him, that he dropped privily from the wall of the castle into
the moat thereof, and swam the moat to the other side. And ^3^
after he had thus escaped into the night he ran on without th f castu f
stopping until he had reached the forest, and there he roamed S " Blyan *'
once more altogether wild as he had been aforetime. For the remnant
of his knighthood said to him that it would be better for him to die alone
there in the woodlands than to dwell in shame in a lord's castle.
Now at that time there was a great wild boar in those parts that was
the terror of all men, and this boar was called the boar of Lystenesse
taking its name from that part of the forest which was called the Forest
of Lystenesse.
So word of this great wild boar, and news of its ravages came to the
ears of King Arthur, whereupon the King ordained that a Kin Arthur
day should be set apart for a hunt in which the beast should hunts the boar
be slain and the countryside set free from the ravages thereof. ^ Lys *
Thus it befell that upon a time Sir Launcelot, where he lived in his
madness alone in the forest, was aware of the baying of hounds and the
shouting of voices sounding ever nearer and nearer to where he was. Anon
the baying of the hounds approached him very near indeed, and presently
there came a great cracking and rending of the bushes and the small trees.
Thereupon as he gazed, there burst out of the forest that great savage
wild boar of Lystenesse. And lo! the jowl of that boar was all white with
the foam that was churned by his tusks, and the huge tusks The madman
of the boar gleamed white in the midst of the foam. And the chas "
bristles of that great beast were like sharp wires of steel, and they too
were all flecked with the foam that had fallen from the jowl of the beast.
And the eyes of the wild boar gleamed like to two coals of fire, and
roared like to a devil as it fled, rending, through the forest. And ever
the hounds pursued the boar, hanging upon its flanks but not daring to
grapple with it in its flight, because of the terror that surrounded it.
Then when Sir Launcelot beheld that sight the love of the chase i
up within his heart and thereupon he shouted aloud and fell to runnii
beside the dogs after the boar, tearing his way through the briars an
thorns and thickets, even as the boar and the hounds burst through them.
l86 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
And so Sir Launcelot and the dogs chased the boar for a great while, until
at last the beast came to bay, with his back set against a great crag of
stone, and there the dogs surrounded it, yelling and baying. And ever
Sir Launcelot shouted them on to the assault, yet not one of the hounds
dared to grapple with the wild beast because of the terror of its appearance.
So as Sir Launcelot and the dogs joined in assault about the boar, there
came the sound of a horseman riding with speed and winding his horn.
Then in a moment there came King Arthur himself, bursting out of the
forest alone; for he had outridden all his court and was the first of all)
upon the field.
Then King Arthur, beholding the boar where he stood at bay, set his lance
in rest with intent to charge the beast and to pierce him through the body.
But the boar, all fierce and mad with the chase it had suffered, did not wait
that charge of the King but himself charged the horseman. And at that
charge King Arthur's horse was affrighted, with the terror of the beast and
flung suddenly aside so that the lance of King Arthur failed of its aim.
Therewith the boar ran up under the point of the lance and he catched
The boar ^ e norse ^ tne King w ^^ ^ s tus ^s and ripped the horse so
overthroweth that both horse and rider fell to the ground; King Arthur
King Arthur. k eneat h ^he WO unded animal, so that he could not free his
leg to rise from his fall.
Then it would have been ill indeed with King Arthur but for that forest
madman. For beholding the fall of the King, Sir Launcelot ran straight-
way to him. And he seized the sword of the King and plucked it forth
from its sheath. Therewith he leaped at the boar and lashed at it a mighty
buffet, and as he did so his foot slipped in the blood of the horse which
there lay upon the ground, and he fell flat with the force of that blow which
he purposed should destroy the boar.
Thereupon the boar, finding himself thus attacked by another, turned
upon that other and ere Sir Launcelot could arise from his fall it was upon
him. And the boar ripped Sir Launcelot with its tusks through the flesh
of the thigh, even to the hip bone.
Now, when Sir Launcelot felt the pang of that dreadful wound which the
boar gave him he yelled aloud. At the same time his soul was filled with
The madman a g rea t passion of rage and madness so that, ere the boar
siayeth the could charge him again, he leaped to his feet and rushed upon
the boar. And Sir Launcelot smote the boar such a terrible
dreadful stroke that he cut through the bristles of the neck and through
the spine of the neck and half-way through the neck itself, so that the
head of the boar was wellnigh cut away from its body.
SIR LAUNCELOT IS WOUNDED BY THE BOAR l8
Therewith the boar fell down dead and Sir Launcelot starred E
stood leaning upon the sword, groaning amain with the bitter panes of
pain that racked him.
Right so, as Sir Launcelot stood thus, the other huntsmen of the King's
party ^ came bursting out of the forest with the sound of horses and of
shouting voices.
Then when Sir Launcelot beheld them he thought, because of his mad-
ness and the raging of his torments, that these were they who had hurt
him. So therewith he roared like to a wild beast and he ran at those new-
comers, whirling the sword of King Arthur like lightning around his
head.
Then several of those set their lances in rest with intent to run the mad-
man through the body ere he could do a harm to any one, but King Arthur
cried out: " Beware what you do! Do him no harm, for he hath saved my
life." So those who would else have charged Sir Launcelot held their
hands and drew away in retreat before him.
But already Sir Launcelot's strength was failing him, for his brains were
even then swimming with faintness. So in a little he sank down in a
swoon and lay all of a heap upon the ground.
Then the King, and the others who were there came to where he lay
bleeding and swooning, and all looked down upon him, and because he was
all naked and unkempt they knew him not. But nevertheless, they be-
held that he was of great girth and that he was covered over with a great
many scars of battle, and they all felt deep pity for him as he lay there.
Then King Arthur said: "This is the framework of a mighty champion.
Pity indeed that he should have come to this as we behold him." And he
said: "Lift him up tenderly and bear him hence to where he may have
comfort and nourishment."
So they lifted Sir Launcelot with great gentleness, and they bare him
away from that place, and they brought him to the hut of that hermit
where he had been healed aforetime when he had received that grievous
wound in the tournament at Astolat.
So the hermit received Sir Launcelot and wist not who he was. For
though he beheld that here was a man of mighty girth and stature, yet
was the great champion so changed by his madness and by his continuec
fasting in the forest that even his nearest friends might not know him.
Nevertheless, though the hermit knew him not, yet he had them lay that
forest madman upon a cot in his cell, and he searched that wound in the
madman's thigh and bathed it with tepid water, and anointed it with bait
i88 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
and bound it up with bands of smooth white linen, so that that wound
was in all ways well searched and dressed.
And the hermit looked upon Sir Launcelot and beheld that he was all
gaunt and hollow with hunger and he said: " If this poor mad creature is
The madman not ^ e( ^' ^ e ^ ^ e * n a ^ tt ^ e wn ^ e -" S when Sir Launcelot
lyeth in the had revived him from that swoon, the good old man fetched
hermit's cell. milk and white fa^ an d offered them to the sick man. But
he would not touch that food. For, though he was dying of hunger, yet he
loathed that food because of his madness.
So Sir Launcelot lay there wounded and famishing and the hermit wist
not what to do to make him eat. And he lay in that wise for three days
and ever the hermit watched him and tried to make him partake of food,
and ever the madman would fling away from the food that was offered
him.
Now upon the fourth day, the hermit being at his orisons in the chapel,
Sir Launcelot made assay to rise, and in spite of his weakness, he did arise.
And having thus arisen, he found strength in some wise for to crawl out
of the hut of the hermit, and the hermit at his prayers wist
escapethfrom not that the wounded man was gone. And after that Sir
*hermif *** Launcelot crept away into the forest and so hid himself, very
cunningly, like to a wild creature, so that, though the hermit
searched for him ever so closely, yet he was not able to find him. And the
hermit said: "Alas for this! For certes this poor madman will die of his
wound and of starvation all alone here in the forest, and no one can bring
him succor."
So it was that Sir Launcelot escaped from the cell of the hermit a second
time. And now it remaineth to be told how he returned to Corbin and to
the Lady Elaine the Fair, and how the Lady Elaine cherished him and
brought him back to health and strength and comeliness again. So I pray
you to read that which followeth if you would fain learn concerning those
things.
La Jty Elaine $jfc Fait
Chapter Third
How Sir Launcelot returned to Corbin again and how the Lad?
Elaine the Fair cherished him and brought him back to health.
Also how Sir Launcelot with the Lady Elaine withdrew to Joy-
ous Isle.
SO Sir Launcelot escaped from the cell of the hermit as aforetold.
And he lay hidden in the thicket? all that day till the night had
come. And when the night had come he arose and turned his
face toward the eastward and thitherward he made his way.
For death was very close to Sir Launcelot and there was but one thought
in his mind and that thought was to return to Corbin. For
even through his clouds of madness, Sir Launcelot wist that
there at Corbin a great love awaited him and that if he might
reach that place he might there have rest and peace ; where-
fore in this time of weakness and of pain, he willed to return to that place
once more.
So Sir Launcelot made his way toward Corbin, and he travelled thither-
ward several days and God alone knows how he did so. And one morn-
ing at the breaking of the day he came to the town of Corbin, and he
entered the town by a postern gate he knew of old. And after he had en-
tered the town he made his way slowly and with great pain up through the
streets of the town and the town was still asleep. So he came unseen to
the market-place of Corbin where he had aforetime slain the Worm of Cor-
bin as aforetold, and there sat him down upon that slab of stone beneath
which the Worm had made its habitation. And why he came there who shall
say except that maybe there lay very dimly within his mind some remem-
brance that here he had one time had great honor and glory of knighthood.
So there he sat, and when the people of the town awoke The
they beheld sitting there in the midst of that market-place
one all naked and famished who gazed about him with wild
and terrified looks like to a starving wolf who had come out of the
driven by hunger.
i 9 2 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
And many gathered and stared at Sir Launcelot from a distance, and
these laughed and jeered at him as he sat there in his nakedness, and not
one of those wist that this was he who had aforetime slain the Worm of
Corbin and so saved them in a time of their direst need. So they laughed
and mocked him and anon some of those who were there began to cast
stones at him with intent to drive him away from that place. So, at last,
one of those stones struck Sir Launcelot where he sat, and at that his
rage flamed up and took possession of him, whereupon he leaped up and
ran at those who were tormenting him. And he catched a young man of
the town and heaved him up and cast him down so violently upon the
earth that he broke the bone of his thigh.
Upon that all those who were there shouted and screamed and fled away.
The people ^ n( ^ anon they returned and began stoning Sir Launcelot
assail the where he stood glaring and gnashing his teeth with the man
whom he had hurt lying upon the ground at his feet. And
many stones struck Sir Launcelot, some wounding him upon the head and
some upon the body. And now and then Sir Launcelot would charge
the mob in his rage, and the mob would scatter before him like chaff
before a gust of wind ; but ever they would return and begin stoning him
again.
So stoning Sir Launcelot and so Sir Launcelot charging the mob, the
people drove him out of the market-place. And they drave him through
the town and Sir Launcelot retreated before them toward the castle ; for
he wist even in his madness that there were friends there who should help
him. So he ever retreated until he had come to a postern gate of the
castle, and there he took stand with his back set against a wall. So at
that place he maintained his stand, facing the mob and glaring upon them,
until at last a stone smote him upon the head and he fell to the earth.
Then it would have fared very hard with Sir Launcelot, even to his
death, had not they within the castle, hearing the uproar of the multitude,
They of the Rung P en tne postern gate of a sudden and so come charging
C Si^i^e t Ut Up n the m b ' Thereu P n the multitude, being thus
charged by the armed folk of the castle, scattered upon all
sides and ran away, leaving Sir Launcelot lying where he was.
Then they of the castle came and gazed upon Sir Launcelot where he
lay, and they beheld what a great and noble frame of man it was that lay
there, and thereupon they took great pity that such a man should be in
that condition. So the captain of the guard said: "Alas, that such a man
as this has been should come to such a pass. Now let us lift him up and
bear him away into the castle where he may have care and nourishment."
ELAINE THE FAIR KNOWETH SIR LAUNCELOT , 93
So they did as that captain said, and they brought Sir Launcelot into
the castle of Corbin and to safety.
Now it chanced^that the Lady Elaine the Pair happened to be at her
window, and looking down therefrom and into the courtyard she beheld
where several men at arms bore a wounded man into the castle from
that postern gate. As they passed beneath where she was,
the Lady Elaine looked down upon the countenance of the m^lmaw.
wounded man. Then she beheld his face with the sun shin- eth Sir
ing bright upon it, and at that a thought struck through her Launc * M -
like to the stroke of a keen, sharp knife, whereat the Lady Elaine clasped
her hands and cried out aloud: " My soul! My soul! What is this? Can it
be he?"
Now there was in attendance upon the Lady Elaine at that time a cer-
tain very old and sedate lady of the court who had been her nurse and
caretaker ever since her mother had died, leaving her a little helpless babe
cast adrift upon the world. And the name of that lady was Dame Bry-
sen. So Elaine ran to where Dame Brysen was and she cast herself upon
her knees before Dame Brysen and buried her face in Dame Brysen 's lap
even as though it were her mother who sat there. And she cried out from
where she lay with her face in that lady's lap, "Alas! Alas! Alas! Me-
thinks I have beheld a most terrible sight!" Dame Brysen, speaking as
in affright, said, "What hast thou seen, my child?" The Lady Elaine
said: " Methinks I have beheld Sir Launcelot all starved with famine, and
bruised and bleeding, and lying so nigh to death that I know not whether
he is dead or not."
Dame Brysen said: " What is this thou sayst, my child? Where sawst
thou such a sight as that? Hast thou been dreaming? " The Lady Elaine
said: " Nay, I have not been dreaming, for, certes, as I stood at the win-
dow a little while ago I saw Sir Launcelot, and several men bore him into
the castle courtyard through the postern gate, and he was all naked and
starved and wounded and bruised."
The Dame Brysen said: "Nay, child, calm thyself; what ails thee to
think so strange a thing as that? That man whom thou didst see was not
Sir Launcelot, but was a poor madman whom the townsfolk were stoning
at the postern gate."
But the Lady Elaine cried out all the more vehemently: " I fear! I fi
Certes that was Sir Launcelot! Now take me to him so that I may be as-
sured whether it was he or not, for otherwise meseems I shall go mad.
Then Dame Brysen perceived how it was with the Lady Elaine and
that she was like one gone distracted, and she wist that there was naugh
i 9 4 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
to do but to let her have her will of this matter. Wherefore she said, " It
shall be as thou wilt have it."
So Dame Brysen arose and she took the Lady Elaine by the hand and
she led her to that place where the madman lay, and they beheld that he
lay in a little cell of stone, very gloomy and dark. For the only light
that came into that place was through a small window, barred
Elaine clmeth with iron, and the window was not more than two hands'
to Sir Launce- breadth in width. Yet by the dim light of this small window
they beheld the wounded man where he lay upon a hard
pallet of straw. And they beheld that he was in a sleep as though it were
a swoon of death and they beheld that his face was like death for whiteness.
Then in that gloomy light the Lady Elaine came and kneeled down
beside the couch whereon he lay and looked down into Sir Launcelot's
face and she studied his face as though it were a book written very fine
and small ; and ever her breath came more and more quickly as it would
suffocate her, for she felt assured that this was indeed Sir Launcelot. And
anon she took Sir Launcelot's hand, all thin with famine and as cold as ice,
and she looked at it and she beheld a ring upon the finger and the ring was
set with a clear blue stone, and thereupon the Lady Elaine knew that this
was the ring which the Lady of the Lake had given Sir Launcelot aforetime.
Thereupon she knew that this was indeed Sir Launcelot and she cried
The Lady out in a very loud and piercing voice, " It is he! It is he!"
Elaine weepeth. an ^ so cr y{ n g s h e f e u t o weeping with great passion. And she
kissed Sir Launcelot's hand and pressed it to her throat and kissed it
again and yet again.
Then Dame Brysen leaned over the Lady Elaine and catched her be-
neath the arm and said: "Lady, Lady! restrain your passion! remem-
ber yourself, and that people are here who will see you." Therewith
Dame Brysen lifted the Lady Elaine up from where she kneeled, and she
brought her out of that gloomy place, still weeping with a great passion
of love and pity. But yet the Lady Elaine had so much thought for her-
self that she drew her veil across her face so that none might behold her
passion, and she said to Dame Brysen, "Take me to my father," and so,
Dame Brysen, embracing her with one arm, led her to where King Pelles was.
Then, when the Lady Elaine beheld her father standing before her, she
herself upon her knees and embraced him about the
The Lad
Elaine teiieth thighs, crying: " Father! Father! I have seen him and he is
in this castle! " At this passion of sorrow King Pelles was
much amazed and he said, " Whom hast thou seen, my daugh-
ter?" She said: "I have seen Sir Launcelot, and it was he whom they
SIR LAUNCELOT AWAKETH TO REASON I9$
fetched into the castle but now to save him from the townsfolk who were
stoning him to death at the postern gate." Then King Pelles was amazed
beyond measure and he said: "Can such a thing be true? How knowst
thou it was he? " She said: " I know him by many signs, for I knew him
by my love for him and I knew him by his face, and I knew him by the
ring set with a blue stone which he weareth upon his finger."
Then King Pelles lifted up the Lady Elaine where she kneeled at his
feet and he said: " Daughter, stay thy weeping and I will go and examine
into this."
So he did as he said and he went to the cell and he looked long upon Sir
Launcelot as he lay there. And he looked at the ring which the wounded
man wore upon his finger. So after a while King Pelles knew that that
was indeed Sir Launcelot who lay there, albeit he would not have known
him, had not the Lady Elaine first declared that it was he.
So immediately King Pelles bade those who were in attendance to lift
Sir Launcelot up and to bear him very tenderly away from that place and
to bring him to a fair large room. So they did as King Pelles commanded
and they laid Sir Launcelot upon a couch of down spread with a coverlet
of wadded satin. And King Pelles sent for a skilful leech to come and to
search Sir Launcelot's hurts and he bade the physician for to take all heed
to save his life. And all that while Sir Launcelot lay in that deep swoon
like to death and awoke not.
And Sir Launcelot slept in that wise for three full days and when he
awoke the Lady Elaine and her father and Dame Brysen and the leech
alone were present. And lo ! when Sir Launcelot awoke his brain was clear
of madness and he was himself again, though weak, like to a little child
who hath been ill abed.
That time the Lady Elaine was kneeling beside Sir Launcelot's couch
and hers was the face he first beheld. Then Sir Launcelot
said, speaking very faint and weak, "Where am I?" and the
Lady Elaine wept and said, " Lord, you are safe with those
who hold you very dear." Sir Launcelot said, "What has
befallen me? " She said : " Lord, thou hast been bedazed in thy mind and
hast been sorely hurt with grievous wounds, wherefore thou hast been
upon the very edge of death. But now thou art safe with those wn<
' He said, " Have I then been mad?" And to that they who were there
said naught. Then Sir Launcelot said again, "Have I been mad!
thereupon King Pelles said, "Yea, Messire."
Then Sir Launcelot groaned as from his soul, and he covered his face
196 THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
with one hand (for the Lady Elaine held the other hand in hers) and he
said, " What shame! What shame!" And therewith he groaned again.
Then, ever weeping, the Lady Elaine said, " No shame, Lord, but only
How Sir ver y great P^y'" an d she kissed his hand and washed it with
Launceiot was her tears. And Sir Launcelot wept also because of his great
cherished. weakness, and by and by he said, " Elaine, meseems I have
no hope or honor save in thee," and she said, "Take peace, Sir, for in my
heart there is indeed both honor for you and hope for your great happi-
ness." And so Sir Launcelot did take peace.
Then after a while Sir Launcelot said, " Who here knoweth of my mad-
ness?" and King Pelles said, " Only a very few in this castle, Messire."
Then Sir Launcelot said : " I pray you that this be all as secret as possi-
ble, and that no word concerning me goes beyond these walls." And
King Pelles said, " It shall be as you would have it, Messire."
So it was that the news of Sir Launcelot's madness and of his recovery
was not carried beyond those walls.
Now after a fortnight had passed, Sir Launcelot was fast becoming
cured in body and mind. And one day he and the Lady Elaine were
alone in that room where he lay and he said, " Lady, meseems you have
had great cause to hate me." At this she looked upon him and .smiled,
and she said, "How could I hate thee, Launcelot?" Sir
and Elaine Launcelot said, " Elaine, I have done thee great and grievous
wrong in times gone by." She said, "Say naught of that.'*
"Yea," he said, "I must say much of that, for I have this
to say of it, that I would that I could undo that wrong which I did thee
by my neglect. But what have I aught to offer thee in compensation?
Naught but mine own broken and beggared life. Yet that poor life and
all that it holds dearest I would fain offer thee if only it might be a com-
pensation to thee."
Then the Lady Elaine looked very long and intently at Sir Launcelot
and she said: " Sir Launcelot, thy lips speak of duty, but that which boots
is that thy heart should speak of duty. For if so be that thou hast ever
done me wrong, thou canst not hope to remove that wrong by the words of
thy mouth. But if from thy heart thou sayst, ' I have wronged this one
and I would fain make amends/ then indeed may that wrong be very
quickly amended."
Then Sir Launcelot smiled and he said: "And so I have looked well
into my heart ere I spake to thee, and so it is my heart that speaks and
not my lips. For in my heart meseems I find great love for thee and
certes I find all honor and reverence for thee lying therein, and moving
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT DWELLETH AT JOYOUS ISLE 197
me to everything that I now hope to do or to perform. Now tell me,
Lady, what can any heart hold more than that?" And Elaine said!
"Meseems it can hold no more."
Then Sir Launcelot took her by the hand and drew her to him and she
went to him, and he kissed her upon the lips and she forbade him not.
So they two were reconciled in peace and happiness.
So when Sir Launcelot was altogether healed of his sickness, tney two
were married. And after they were married, King Pelles
gave to them a very noble castle for to be their dwelling-
place and that castle was called the Castle of Blayne. mine <"*
That castle stood upon a very beautiful island in the midst
of a lake of pure water as clear as crystal. And the island was covered
over with many plantations and orchards of beautiful trees of various fol-
iages. And there were gardens and meadows upon that island and there
was a town about the castle so fair that when one stood upon the margin
of that lake and gazed across the lake to the town and the castle he be-
held such a place as one may see in a shining dream.
So Sir Launcelot, because of the great peace of that island and because
of the peace which he hoped to find there, called it the Joyous Isle, and
so it was known of all men from that time forth.
So endeth this part of the history of Sir Launcelot with only this to
say. That he dwelt there in Joyous Isle in seeming peace and content-
ment.
Yet was it indeed peace and contentment that he felt? Alas, that it
should be so, but so it was that ever and anon he would remember him of
other days of doughty deeds of glory and renown, and ever
and anon he would bethink him of that beautiful queen to
whom he had one time uplifted his eyes, and of whom he
had now no right to think of in that wise. Then his soul
would up in arms and would cry out aloud: "Let us go hence and seek
that glory and that other's love once more! Are not all thy comrades
waiting for thee to return, and doth not she also look for thee? iner
Sir Launcelot would ever say to his soul, "Down, proud spirit, and
not of these things, but of duty." But ever and anon that spirit woul<
arise again within him and would struggle with the ^ ******
held it in check. And ever Sir Launcelot would say, "That which re-
maineth for me is my duty and my peace of soul." ,W Prir p
For indeed it is so that the will of a man is but a poor weal d,
against the thoughts that arise within a stubborn heart. For, though
198
THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT
man may will to do that which is right, yet may his thoughts ever turn
to that which is wrong ; and though he may refrain from doing wrong, yet
it is in spite of his desirings that he thus refraineth. Yea ; there is no help for
a man to contain himself within the bounds of duty, save only that he hath
the love of God within his heart. For only when his feet are planted
upon that rock may he hope to withstand the powerful thoughts that
urge him to do that which is wrong.
So it was with Sir Launcelot at that time; for though he ever willed
to do that which was right, yet his desires ever called to him to depart
rom the paths of honor and truth in which he walked, and so he was
oftentimes much troubled in his spirit.
PART V
The Story of Sir Ewaine and the Lady
of the Fountain
beginneth the story of Sir Ewaine; of how he went forth to search
for Sir Launcelot in company with Sir Percival of Gales; of how
they two met Sir Sagramore in a condition of great disrepute; and of how
Sir Ewaine undertook a very strange adventure, in which he succeeded,
after great danger to his life, in winning the most fair Lady of the Foun-
tain for his wife.
irGau>aine f Knigl)tof
Fountain:
Chapter First
How Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival departed together in quest of Sir
Launcelot, and how they met Sir Sagramore, who had failed in
a certain adventure. Also how Sir Sagramore told his story con-
cerning that adventure.
IT hath already been told in this book how certain knights of King
Arthur's court to wit, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Bors
de Ganis, Sir Gawaine, Sir Ewaine, Sir Percival, Sir Sagramore
the Desirous and Sir Agravaine went forth upon Queen Guinevere's com-
mand to search for Sir Launcelot and to bring him back to the court of
the King.
Upon that quest, Sir Percival and Sir Ewaine rode together for the sake
of companionship. And they made agreement to travel to- sir Percival
gether in that wise until the fortunes of adventure should and sir Ewaine
separate them. jj^fi*
So they rode side by side in very pleasant companionship,
taking the way that chance led them, yet everywhere seeking for news of
Sir Launcelot, of whom they could find no word of any sort.
In those days the world was very fresh and young, so that it was great
202 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
pleasure to journey in that wise, for anon they two rode beneath blue skies
and anon through gentle showers, anon up hill and anon down dale, anon
through countryside, anon through town, anon through forest and anon
through wold. Yea ; in those days, when the world was young, all things
of life were so gay and joyous that it was little wonder that good knights
like those twain took delight in being abroad in that wise, for so they might
breathe more freely, out in the wider expanses of God's world, and so the
spirit within them might expand to a greater joy of life than would be
possible in court or in lady's bower.
So those two worthy gentlemen travelled as aforesaid in good-fellowship
together, journeying hither or yon for a fortnight, neither hearing aught
of Sir Launcelot, or meeting with any adventure whatsoever, and lodging
them at night at what place chance might happen to bring them.
At the end of that time to wit, a fortnight they came to a certain
high hill and from the summit thereof they beheld a valley that lay stretched
out beneath them. And they beheld a fair tall castle that stood in the
The perceive m ^ st ^ tnat va ll e y> an d the castle was surrounded by a little
a castle in town and the town was surrounded by many fair fields and
plantations and orchards of fruit-trees. And at that time
evening was coming on apace, and all the golden sky was fading into
a pale silver, wonderfully clear and fine, with a single star, like a jewel,
shining in the midst of the bright yet fading firmament.
Then Sir Ewaine said : "Sir, let us go down to yonder place and seek
lodging at that fair castle, for meseems that must be a very pleasant place
to abide for the coming night." To the which Sir Percival replied, " Let
it be so, brother," and therewith they rode down into that valley and to
that castle. And when they had reached the castle, Sir Percival blew
his bugle horn very loud and clear, and straightway there came several
of the attendants of the castle who bade them welcome and led them
within the gateway thereof. There, when they had arrived, came the
major of the castle, and requested them that they would tell what was
their name and their degree, and when the two knights had announced
these there was great rejoicing that two such famous champions had come
thitherward. So several ran and took their horses in charge and others
came and assisted them to dismount and others again led them into the
castle and thence brought them each to a fair chamber, well bedight and
with a very cheerful outlook. Then came other attendants and assisted
each knight to disarm and to disrobe, and after that they brought each to a
bath of tepid water. Thereafter, when they had bathed and dried them-
selves with fair linen towels, very soft and fragrant with lavender, these
SIR EWAINE AND SIR PERCIVAL LODGE AT A CASTLE 203
same attendants brought them rich robes of silk and garments of silk, and
they dressed them and were at great ease and comfort.
For thus it was that good knights of old were received in such castles
and halls wheresoever they chose to abide in that adventurous wise.
Now after Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival had refreshed themselves and
bathed themselves and had clad themselves as aforetold, there came to
them a certain dignitary of the castle, who brought them sir Perciva i
word that the lord of the castle desired to have speech with and Sir Ewaine
them. So they two went down with that attendant, and he ' J the
brought them to the great hall of the castle where was the castk -
lord thereof, standing to give them welcome. He was a haughty and
noble worthy with a long gray beard and he was clad in a dark purple robe
embroidered with silver. When he beheld Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival
coming into that place, he hastened to meet them and give them greeting
and welcome beyond stint. And he said: "Welcome, welcome, fair lords!
Thrice welcome to this castle! For certes it is a great glory to us all to
have you with us. Moreover, I may tell you that already there is one of
your fellows here at this place, and I believe you will be very glad to see
him."
Quoth Sir Ewaine, " Sir, who is it that is here?"
" It is Sir Sagramore who hath come hither," said the lord of the castle,
and at that Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival cried out with amaze- They hear
ment And Sir Ewaine said, " How came Sir Sagramore news of sir
hither, fair lord?"
" I will tell you," said the lord of the castle. " A little before you came
hitherward, there arrived at this place a knight riding without a shield
and seated upon a white mule. This knight requested rest and refresh-
ment for the night, and upon our asking him his name and degree, he at
first refused to tell, for shame of his condition; yet afterward he declared
that he was Sir Sagramore of King Arthur's court, and a knight of the
Round Table. He also declared that he had met with a sad mischance an
had lost his shield and his war-horse, wherefore he was travelling in t
wise as I have told you." Q .
"Sir," quoth Sir Ewaine, "this is a very strange thing I hear, that
Sagramore should be travelling in that unknightly wise. Wit yoi , as
Sir Sagramore is a knight of the Round Table, this matter concern!
Sir Percival and myself very closely. Now I pray you for to let me ^have
speech with him, so that I may know why it is that he hath travel
that wise and without his knightly shield." ffi^^otlp "and
" It shall be as you command, Messire," said the lord of the castle,
204 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
so I will straightway send a messenger to Sir Sagramore with word that
you would have speech with him."
" So the lord of the castle sent the messenger as he said, and anon there
Sir Sagramore came Sir Sagramore to where they were. But when Sir Sag-
appeareth. ramore stood before Sir Ewaine and Sir Percival, he hung his
head full low, as though not wishing to look those knights in the face be-
cause of shame that they should find him there in such a condition. Then
Sir Ewaine said to him: " Sir, I pray you tell me how you came by such a
mischance as this, so that you ride without your shield and upon a white
mule like to a strolling demoiselle?"
"Messire," said Sir Sagramore, "I will tell you the whole story, for
I would have you know that it was through no disgrace but by mishap
of battle that I am come to this pass."
Quoth Sir Ewaine, " I may well believe that."
Then the lord of the castle said : " Messires, ere you talk of these things
I pray you to come to table and eat and drink and refresh yourselves.
After that we may listen with a better spirit to what this knight has to tell
us."
So that which the lord of the castle said seemed very good to those
knights, wherefore they straightway went in to table in the hall and sat
down thereat. And the table was spread with all manner of meats, and
The ail sit there was wine of divers sorts, both red and white, and they
at feast to- ate and drank with much appetite and great good -will. Then
get ' when they were satisfied as to their hunger, Sir Ewaine said
to Sir Sagramore: "Now, Messire, I pray you to tell us concerning that
adventure which hath befallen you."
Sir Sagramore said, " I will do so." Then he said:
" You must know that when I travelled forth errant in search of Sir
Launcelot, as several of my fellows did, I went forward upon my way,
Sir Sagramore ma ^ n g diligent inquiries concerning him, but still could get
telieth of his no news of him. So I travelled onward in that wise, ever
making inquiries as aforesaid, until two days ago, what time
in the evening I came to a certain place a considerable distance to the east
of this. There I found myself in a valley that I verily believe must be
the fairest valley in the world. For in that valley I beheld
a vei T pleasant expanse of meadow-lands all abloom with
a wonderful flowers, and I beheld many glades of trees of an even size,
^enchantment, some abloom with blossoms and some full of fruit. And there
was a river of very clear water that flowed down through
the centre of the valley, and everywhere there were birds of curious
HOW SIR SAGRAMORE CAME TO THE CASTLE OF VIVIEN 205
plumage that sang very bewitchingly, so from these things I wist that
this valley was very likely a place of enchantment. In the midst of that
valley I beheld a very noble castle that was of as wonderful an appear-
ance as the valley itself, so I rode forward into the valley and approached
the castle.
"As I drew near thereunto I beheld two youths clad in flame-colored
satin who shot at a mark with bows and arrows. And the hair of the
youths was yellow and curling, and each bore a frontlet of gold upon his
head, and they wore upon their feet shoes of embossed leather with latchets
of gold upon the insteps.
" These two youths, as I drew near, gave me very courteous greeting,
and besought me that I would declare to them my name and degree, and
I did so. Then they besought me that I would come with them to the
castle, and I went with them with great content of spirit; for it seemed
to me that this was likely to be a very fair and cheerful place to lodge
over-night. So I entered with those two youths into the castle, and there
came attendants and took my horse and there came others who unarmed
me and led me to a bath of tepid water. After that I descended to the
hall of that castle, and there I beheld that it was all hung with tapestries
and fabrics of divers sorts and of very rich and beautiful designs.
"In that hall there were twelve ladies who sat embroidering cloth of
satin at a window, and I think I have hardly ever seen any ladies who
were so beautiful as they. Immediately I entered that room sir Sagramore
these twelve ladies arose, and she who was the fairest amongst meets the Lady
them came forward and gave me greeting. And immediately
I knew that lady that she was the Lady Vivien who beguiled the Enchanter
Merlin to his undoing and his ruin. Yet in this time, I do assure you, she
has grown more beautiful than ever she was before; for her hair, which
was ruddy, is now like to pure gold for brightness, and it was enmeshed
in a golden net, and yet one could not tell whether the net or the hair
shone the more brightly. And her eyes, which are perfectly black are as
bright as jewels, and her lips are like red corals and very fragrant, and
her teeth are like to rich pearls. Moreover, she was clad in garments o
flame-colored satin, and her neck and arms were adorned with ornament;
of gold set with jewels of a great many kinds and colors. And weU ye
wist, Messires, that it was very difficult not to be altogether e
her beauty of face and appearance.
" Yet well knowing how this lady loved mischief, I was for a t
ill at ease, not knowing whether or not she might be minded to cast ; a
evil spell upon me. Yet she made no sign of such intent, but spa
206 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
very fair and gave me courteous greeting. And she took my hand and
led me into an adjoining apartment where there was a feast set with all
sorts of meats and wines, and we two took our places at the
feaJtifrith* board side by side. And as we feasted so together, there came
the Lady some who sang and others who made sweet music and I felt
such great pleasure as I have hardly ever felt in all of my life
before. Meanwhile, as we sat at the table, the Lady Vivien conversed
with me upon such matters as she deemed would be of entertainment to
me. And she inquired of many lords and ladies at the court of the King
and spake well of them all. Then after a considerable while she inquired
of me whether it would be pleasant to me to tell her upon what errand
I was bound, and so I told her I was errant in search of Sir Launcelot.
"'Ha!' quoth she, 'if thou wert in search of adventure, I could bring
you to one that would be well worth undertaking/
" I said to her: ' Lady, though I am errant upon a certain business, yet
I am very ready to stay my affairs for a while if so be I may meet with an
adventure that may bring me any credit.'
" At that the Lady Vivien laughed, and she said: ' Sir Sagramore, I know
The Lady no ' t what credit you may obtain in this adventure, but I will
Vivien teUeth tell you what you are to do to enter into it. To-morrow I will
tfanafa^* ordain that one of the youths who brought you hither shall
ture - conduct you to a certain path that leads through the forest
that lies beyond this valley. If you will follow that path, you will by and
by come to a mound of earth, and on that mound you will very likely be-
hold a man of gigantic stature who is herdsman to a herd of cattle there-
abouts. Ask him where is the enchanted fountain, and he will direct you
still farther upon the way.'
" I said to her : ' Lady, I am very much beholden to you for the informa-
tion you give me, and I will very gladly take up with this adventure.'
Upon this she laughed a very great deal and said : ' Sir Knight, it may be
that after you have passed through this adventure, you will not be so'pleased
either with me or with yourself. Now I have this to ask of you in return
for my entertainment of to-night. My request is that you will return hither-
ward to me after you have finished this adventure so that I may see how it
hath happened with you.' I said to the lady, * It shall be as you ask/
"So when the next morning had come I arose very early and donned
sir Sagramore m i ne armor. And there came to me one of those youths
departs upon aforetold of, and he aided me to my horse and afterward
guided me through that valley. So he brought me to the
borders of a woodland that lay beyond the vallev and there he showed me
HOW SIR SAGRAMORE CAME TO THE FOUNTAIN 207
a path and bade me take that path and it would bring me to that adven-
ture I sought.
" Thereafter I followed that path, and after I had gone upon the way a
considerable distance I came, some time before midday, to that mound
whereof the lady had spoken.
" On the top of the mound there sat a man of gigantic size and so hide-
ously ugly that I never beheld his like in all of my life before that time.
This being called to me in a voice exceedingly loud and rough, demanding
of me whither I went and upon what business. Thereupon I told him
that I sought a certain magic fountain and that I would be much beholden
to him if he would direct me upon my way. Upon this he laughed very
boisterously, and after a while he said: 'Take that path yonder through
the glade. Follow that path until you come to a hill. From the hilltop
you will find before you a valley, and you will see in the valley a fountain
of water that flows into a small lake with many lilies about the margin.
At the fountain is a tall tree with wide-spreading branches, and beneath
the tree is a marble slab, and upon the slab is a silver bowl attached to it by
a chain of silver. Take some of the water of that fountain into the silver
bowl and fling it upon the marble slab, and I believe you will find an
adventure that will satisfy your desires for a very long time to come.'
" So spake that gigantic oaf. I took the path to which he directed me,
and I followed the path until I came to the hill, and I climbed
the hill and there I beheld the valley of which he spake. And
I beheld the lake of lilies of which he spake and I beheld the
fountain that flowed into the lake and I beheld the tree that
overshadowed the fountain, so I straightway rode down into the valley
thereunto. And when I had come to the tree I beheld the slab of stone
and the bowl of silver just as that gigantic herdsman had said that I
would find them. Then I dipped the silver bowl into the sirSagramore
water as he had told me to do and I flung the water of the j^*^
fountain upon the marble slab.
"Then immediately a very singular thing happened, for lo! the earth
began to tremble and to shake, and the skies began, as it were, to thunder,
and all over the sky there spread a cloud of very great blackness and
density so that whilst it was still midday, it began to grow dark like night-
time. Then there came a great wind of such strength that I thought it
would blow me away, and after that there fell a rain in such quantities
and with such deluge that methought I would be drowned by that ram
And the rain roared down in torrents everywhere through that va ley as it
were a deluge And, as the rain fell and the thunder burst forth from 1
208 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
sky and the lightning flamed like living fire, I heard, as from a very great
distance, the sound of many voices raised in lamentation.
"Then, by and by, the storm passed and the clouds disappeared and
the sun came forth with extraordinary brightness. Then lo! there hap-
pened another singular thing, for presently there came a great multitude
of birds flying through the air, and they lodged in that tree above the
fountain, and they sang with such exquisite melody that methought that
my heart would break with the joy of their singing.
" Now whilst I sat there listening to those birds, I beheld where, a great
way off, there came a horseman riding with extraordinary rapidity across
the plain, and as he drew nigh I beheld that he was a knight seated upon
a black horse and clad all in black armor. This knight came riding very
violently toward where I was, and he called out in a very fierce loud voice:
'Sir Knight, wherefore did you meddle with my fountain. Know that
you have brought a great deluge upon this land, and for that I am come
hither to punish you. Now defend yourself from my anger, for it is very
great/
" Therewith he made ready to assail me, and I upon my part immediately
sir Sagramore P u ^ my self into a posture of defence, and dressed my shield
i 5 th rt Kni f ht anc ^ mv s P ear ' an( ^ to k P ost u P on the meadow close to the
of the fountain. After that I ran a tilt against that knight and he
Fountain. ran a g ams t me , and he cast me out of my saddle with such
violence that methinks I have never before felt a buffet like to that which
I then received.
" Having thus cast me down, he paid no more heed to me than if I had
been a billet of wood, but he took from me my shield and he laid it upon
the saddle of my horse and he took my horse by the rein and rode away
from that place, leaving me still lying upon the ground. And in depart-
ing he said not one single word to me. And indeed I do think, Messires,
that I was never so abashed in all my life before.
" Then I remembered how that I had pledged myself to return to the
Lady Vivien, and at that I was more ashamed than ever. So, in obe-
dience to that promise, I had to make my way back whence I came on foot.
When I passed by where was that mound, the gigantic creature who sat
thereon made great mock of me. And when I reached the castle, the
The Lady Lady Vivien looked at me out of a window and laughed at
Vivien mocketh me beyond measure. And when I requested admission to
the castle, she denied me entrance thereunto, and when I be-
sought her for to lend me a horse to ride upon my way, she gave me in-
stead a white mule for to bear me thence. So I returned hitherward upon
SIR EWAINE TAKETH UP THE QUARREL
a white mule without any shield, and thus I have confessed everything to
you to the last word."
Such was the story of Sir Sagramore, and thereunto all those who were
there listened with great attention and with much amazement Then Sir
Ewaine spake, saying: "That was a very great shame that was put upon
you, Messire; and I take it so greatly to heart that had I suffered it in my
own person methinks I could not feel much greater shame than I do For
that which hath befallen you is, as it were, a despite put upon all of us who
are knights of the Round Table. Wherefore, being a fellow of that com-
pany, your despite is my despite also. As for that mischievous Lady Vivien,
methinks that she is at the bottom of all this coil, and I am much misled
if this hath not all been devised by her to bring shame upon you who are a
knight of King Arthur's court and of the Round Table."
Quoth Sir Percival, "That may very well be so, Messire."
Then Sir Ewaine said: "Well, Messires, as for me, I am of no mind
to sit down quietly under this affront."
"Sir," said Sir Sagramore, "what would you do?"
" I would do this," said Sir Ewaine. " I would go upon that same quest
in which you have failed, and if I succeed therein, then will the shame
of your mischance be wiped away from us all."
Thus spake Sir Ewaine with great feeling; for you are to know that those
noble knights of the Round Table were so closely knit into brotherly fellow-
ship that whatsoever ill thing befell to the injury of one was in that same
measure an injury to all, and that whatsoever quarrel was taken up by
one of that company, was a quarrel appertaining to all. Wherefore it was
the injury that had been done to Sir Sagramore was also an injury done to
Sir Ewaine, and so it was that Sir Ewaine felt himself called upon to un-
dertake that adventure in which Sir Sagramore had failed as aforesaid.
Then Sir Ewaine said : " Now I prithee tell me where that path is that
may bring me to this adventure and to-morrow I will part from you and
will myself enter upon it. Meantime, do you both resume your quest of
Sir Launcelot, and if I should not prosper in this undertaking, I will re-
turn hither and leave report of my happenings. Wherefore at this place
you may, at any time, easily hear what hath befallen me if you will come
hither."
So Sir Sagramore gave Sir Ewaine such directions for that adventure as
were necessary and after that they all went to bed to rest them after their
travails of the day. And when the next morning had come and while
.
the dew still lay upon the grass, shining like to a thin veil of .
silver spread over the level meadow-lands, Sir Ewaine arose all in the fresh
210 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
ness of the early daytime and busked him whilst the rest of the castle still
Sir Ewaine l a Y f ast asleep. And he donned his armor and went down and
departeth upon aroused the sleeping groom and gave command that his horse
the Adventure ,-,,, VT _ j **
of the Foun- should be brought to him ; and after the groom had appar-
tain. elled his horse he mounted and rode forth upon that way
which Sir Sagramore had advised him would lead him toward the castle
of the Lady Vivien.
And now if you would know how Sir Ewaine prospered in that under-
taking which he had assumed, I pray you to read further in this history
and you shall hear how it befell with him.
it E umine poured) water on
Chapter Second
How Sir Ewaine undertook that adventure in which Sir Saga-
more had failed, and how it sped with him thereafter.
THUS it was that Sir Ewaine departed upon that adventure whilst Sir
Percival and Sir Sagramore were still asleep, and no one wist of his
going saving only the groom. After he wended his way from that
place until he had come to the woodlands, and he entered the woodlands
and travelled therein for a long while, breaking his fast with the charcoal
burners whom he found there at a curious place. About the middle of the
morning he came to a high hill, and when he had climbed this hill he beheld
before him a very strangely beautiful valley, and he beheld that in the midst
of the valley there stood a wonderful castle, and he wist that this must be
the castle of the Lady Vivien of which Sir Sagramore had aforetold of.
And Sir Ewaine was astonished at the wonderful appearance of that
castle and the valley in which it stood. For this castle was bright and
shining as though of polished stone, and the roofs thereof sir Ewaine
were of bright red tile variegated with dark green tiles and
black tiles, laid in sundry figures and patterns very strange
to behold. And the valley in which the castle stood was
spread out with fair lawns and gardens and meadow-lands and plantations
of comely trees. And everywhere there were flowers abloom in incredible
quantities, and there were thousands of birds of bright plumage that sang
in the trees throughout the valley, so that the multitudinous sounds of their
singing came even to Sir Ewaine where he sat so far distant. And ever those
birds flitted like bright sparks of color hither and thither through the
foliage of the trees, and Sir Ewaine had never beheld their like before
in all of his life. So because of the wonderfulness of all that he behelc
Sir Ewaine wist that this must be a land of faery and enchantment with
which the Lady Vivien had surrounded her castle and herself and
court. So for a while Sir Ewaine sat there observing all these things, an
after a while he set spurs to horse and rode down into that valley i
toward the castle.
2i 4 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
Now when Sir Ewaine had come pretty near to the castle, he beheld two
youths with golden hair, clad in garments of flame-colored satin, and he
knew that these must be the two fair youths of whom Sir Sagramore had
spoken. And he saw that those two youths were playing at ball under
the walls of the castle just as Sir Sagramore had beheld them when he had
visited that place.
These, when Sir Ewaine drew nigh, ceased their play, and he who was
the chief of the twain came forward and greeted that noble knight with
great courtesy, saying: "Sir Knight, you are very welcome to these parts
where not many ever come. For she who is the lady of this castle ever
takes pleasure in giving welcome to such as you who come thitherward.
Now I pray you of your courtesy to tell me who you are and upon what
quest you are bound and what is your degree, for I would fain announce
you with all dignity to the lady of the castle."
Quoth Sir Ewaine: " Fair youth, you are to know that I am a knight of
King Arthur's court, and that I am a fellow of the Round Table. My
name is Sir Ewaine, and I am King Uriens' son of Gore, my mother be-
ing Queen Morgana le Fay. As for your lady, I know very well who
she is, and that she is none other than the Enchantress Vivien. More-
over, I know that she is not at all above devising mischief against me
because I am a knight of King Arthur and of his Round Table. Yet
I will that you bring me before this lady, for I would fain have speech
with her."
Upon this, so boldly said by Sir Ewaine, those two fair youths were
adoubt, wherefore they withdrew a little to one side and held consultation
together. Then he who had before spoken to Sir Ewaine spake again,
saying: " Messire, I trust you have it not in your mind to do any ill to the
lady of this castle, for unless we are well assured upon that point we will
not bring you to her."
" Rest ye easy," quoth Sir Ewaine; " I am a true knight, and mean no ill
to any lady, be she evil or good. Only I would have speech with her as
presently as may be."
Then the youth who was the speaker for the two said, " Sir, I will take
you to her."
So forthwith that youth led the way into the enchanted castle and
Sir Ewaine followed closely after him. And after they had come unto the
sir Ewaine castle and after Sir Ewaine had dismounted from his horse and
after they had travered vari ous spaces, the youth brought Sir
Ewaine to where the Lady Vivien was. And she was in her
own fair bower with her eleven damsels gathered about her.
HOW SIR EWAINE COMETH TO VIVIEN'S CASTLE
Now the news of the coming of Sir Ewaine had gone before him, so that
when he came to the Lady Vivien she arose from her seat and went for-
ward to meet him and received him with her face all wreathed
with smiles. And she said: "Welcome! Welcome! Thrice
welcome, Sir Ewaine! Now I pray you to let my attendants
conduct you to a fair room where you may bathe and refresh
yourself, for we would fain have you stay with us at this place for a day
or two or three if so be you will favor us so greatly."
But Sir Ewaine neither smiled nor made acknowledgment of any sort;
otherwise he spake with great sternness, saying: "Fair Lady, I know you
well, and I know that you have no very good will toward us who are of
King Arthur's court. I know that you continually devise mischief and
enchantments against all who come near you, and I well believe that could
you do so without danger to yourself, you would this moment practise
mischiefs against me. Nevertheless, I am not come hither to chide you
because of your shortcomings, for though all those things are well known
to me and to others, yet I leave it to God to judge you in His own wis-
dom and am not come hither to be myself your judge. What I have come
for is this : not long since you sent my fellow, Sir Sagramore, upon an adven-
ture that brought great shame upon him. Now I pray you that you will
direct me to that same adventure so that I may undertake it, for, if so be
I have that good fortune, I would fain punish that discourteous knight who
so shamed my companion at arms."
Then the Lady Vivien laughed very high and shrill. " Sir," quoth she,
" you are very brave for to undertake that adventure wherein so good a
knight as Sir Sagramore failed so signally. Gladly will I direct you upon
your way, and all that I ask in return is that when you have sped in that
adventure, you will also return hither as did Sir Sagramore, so that I may
bestow a white mule upon you as I bestowed one to him."
To this Sir Ewaine bowed his head very gravely and said: "Be it so.
Show me the way to that adventure, and if I fail therein, then I will sub-
mit myself to you so that you may humiliate me as you humiliated Sir
Sagramore."
Then the Lady Vivien called to her that youth who had afore spoken
to Sir Ewaine, and she bade him set Sir Ewaine upon the path that should
lead him to that adventure he sought. And after that Sir sir
Ewaine left the Lady Vivien without any further word and y
he took horse and departed thence. And that fair youth with ]**
the golden hair went before Sir Ewaine to the skirts of the
forest that lay upon the other side of the valley from that side upoi
2i6 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
Sir Ewaine had entered it. Then the youth showed Sir Ewaine a certain
path that led into the forest and he said: "Take that path, fair lord, and
it will bring you to your adventure.'*
So Sir Ewaine took the path as the youth directed and he travelled
upon it for an hour or two and by and by he came to an open place in the
woodland. And in the midst of that open place there was a high mound I
of earth covered with fair green grass and many sheep browsed upon the
slopes of the mound and coadjacent thereunto. And on the mound there
sat the being of whom Sir Sagramore had spoken, and Sir Ewaine was amazed
at his hideous aspect. For he was of giant stature and swarthy black,
and his hair was red as brick. His mouth gaped wide like a cavern and
the teeth within were sharp like the teeth of a wild beast.
To this creature Sir Ewaine spake, saying, "Sirrah, whither shall I go
to find that Adventure of the Fountain?"
Upon this that giant being laughed like the pealing of thunder and he
said: "Ho! little man, have you come also to that adventure? The day
before yesterday one came hither and sped but ill, and so also, I doubt not,
it will fare with you. Take you yonder path, and I believe you will come
to that adventure all too soon for your own good."
So Sir Ewaine took the path that that being directed, and so entering
the woodlands again he rode for a long while through the thick forests.
Then after a while he came to a hill and he ascended the hill, and when he
. E . had reached the top thereof he found that the forest ceased
cometh to the and that the open country lay spread out before him and he
the beneld a fair an d level valley lying beneath the hill. And he
beheld that the valley was very fertile with many fields and
plantations of fair trees. And Sir Ewaine beheld in that valley a lake and
a fountain that flowed into the lake and a tree that overshadowed the
fountain, and he wist that this was the place where Sir Sagramore had met
with that adventure aforetold of. So straightway he rode down into that
valley and toward that place where was the enchanted fountain overshad-
owed by the tree. And when he reached that place he beheld the slab
of stone and the silver bowl chained to the slab by a silver chain just as
Sir Sagramore had beheld those things.
Then Sir Ewaine took the silver bowl into his hand and he dipped up
Sir Ewaine water therein from the fountain, and he flung the water upon
casteth water the marble slab as Sir Sagramore had done.
Then straightway it befell as it had with Sir Sagramore, for
first the earth began to tremble and to quake and then the sky began to
thunder, and then there arose a great cloud that overspread the sky, so
SIR EWAINE ESSAYETH THE ADVENTURE OF THE FOUNTAIN 217
that it became all black like unto night time, although it was still the mid-
dle of the day. Then there came the great wind, the like of which Sir
Ewaine had never before known in all his life, for it blew with such strength
of fury that he was afraid it would blow him away from that place. Then
there fell such a deluge of rain that he feared he would be drowned there-
with. And whilst the rain fell in that wise he heard a multitude of voices
in lamentation as though a great way off, just as Sir Sagramore had heard
these voices.
Anon the rain ceased and the clouds passed away, and the sun came
forth and shone with wonderful warmth and brightness, and thereupon
a great flock of small birds came flying to that tree and perched in the
branches thereof so that the tree was entirely filled with the multitude of
feathered creatures gathered there. And that multitude of birds began
to sing in such a wise, that when Sir Ewaine listened to that singing he
wist not whether he were in paradise or upon earth, so sweet and piercing
was the melody of their singing. And all these things befell with Sir
Ewaine as they had befallen aforetime with Sir Sagramore.
Now, whilst Sir Ewaine stood listening in that wise, all bewitched by the
singing of those birds, he was aware of one who came riding very rapidly
toward him across the plain. And as that rider drew nigh unto Sir Ewaine,
he beheld that he was a knight clad all in black armor and seated upon a
great charger which was entirely black and which was hung with trappings
as black as any raven. And the knight bore a shield which was altogether
black and without any device whatsoever. And he was of a very terrible
appearance, being huge of form and violent and fierce in his advance.
This black knight, when he had come close to that place where Sir
Ewaine awaited him, cried out in a great voice: "Sir Knight, why didst
thou come hither to meddle with my fountain? Know thou that thou
hast brought a great deluge upon all this land so that thou hast wrought
great damage to us who are the people thereof. But now thou shalt pay
very dearly for the injury thou hast done. Prepare thyself straightway
for battle!"
Unto this Sir Ewaine made reply: " Sir Knight, I wist not that in throw-
ing water upon yonder slab I was doing injury to thee or to any one. Nev-
ertheless, I am ready to meet thee in battle as thou dost make demand.
Therewith Sir Ewaine dressed his shield and his spear and took his static*
in the meadow near the fountain and beside the lake, and put h
such array for defence as he was able. , .
So when they both had prepared themselves in all ways they let go
horses the one against the other, in very violent assault, rushing together
218 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
like a whirlwind. And so they met together in the midst of the course
with an uproar as of thunder; the one smiting against the other with
Sir Ewaine sucn violence that the spear of each was burst all into!
doeth battle pieces unto the very truncheon thereof. And in that assault
knight of the both knights would assuredly have been overthrown excepting
Fountain. f or ^he wonderful address of each. For each drave spur into \
steed and shouted aloud so that each charger recovered his feet and fell;
not. Then each knight threw away the truncheon of his spear and each
drew his sword and straightway fell to battle with might and main. And
in that combat each knight gave the other many sore buffets and, for a
long while, no one could have told how that encounter was like
to go.
But at last Sir Ewaine waxed very furious with the opposition of that
other knight, wherefore he arose in his stirrups and lashed at that black
knight such a buffet that nor guard nor shield nor helm could withstand
the stroke. For under that blow the black Knight of the Fountain reeled
in his saddle as though he would fall from his horse. Then he drooped his
shield and hung his head full low and catched at the horn of his saddle as
though to stay himself from falling. Herewith Sir Ewaine lashed another
buffet at him, and with that blow the sword of Sir Ewaine pierced through
the helmet of the black knight and deep into his brain pan and with that
stroke the black knight received his mortal hurt.
Then Sir Ewaine, perceiving that the black knight was so sorely hurt,
repented him of what he had done in the heat of his battle and stayed his
hand, though all too late. And he cried out : " Sir Knight, I fear me that
I have given thee a very woeful hurt. I repent me of that, so yield thou
thyself to me, and forthwith I will look to thy wound and will give thee
such ease as I may."
But to this the black Knight of the Fountain made no reply. Otherwise
he immediately wheeled his horse about, and set spurs to flank, and drove
The Kni ht of awa ^ with a11 s P eed from that place. And so rapidly did he
the Fountain" race away from the field of battle that he appeared to fly,
% h Ewa?ne. as it: were ' like to the snadow of a bird across the
plain.
At first Sir Ewaine was altogether amazed at the suddenness of the
flight of the Black Knight, but presently he awoke and set spurs to his
Sir Ewaine horse and sped away in pursuit as fast as he could race his
pursueth the horse forward. And ever Sir Ewaine pursued the Black
Knight in that wise and called upon him to stay, and ever
the Black Knight fled all the more rapidly away as though he heard not
SIR EWAINE PURSUETH THE KNIGHT OF THE t FOUNTAIN 9
the voice of Sir Ewaiue. And ever though he strove, Sir Ewaine
not reach the Black Knight in his flight.
Thus they sped as swift as the wind across the plain, the Black Knieht
fleeing and Sir Ewaine pursuing, and by and by Sir Ewaine was aware th-
they were approaching a walled town and a very tall and noble castle with
many high towers, and steep roofs that overlooked the houses of the town
And Sir Ewaine perceived that many people were running hither and
thither about the castle as though in great disturbance, and that many
people were upon the walls of the town, watching the Black Knight and
him as they drew nigh. And ever the knight rode toward the gate of the
town and of the castle, speeding like the wind, and ever Sir Ewaine pur-
sued him without being able to overtake him. So, in a little while, the
Black Knight reached the drawbridge of the gate and he thundered across
the drawbridge and Sir Ewaine thundered after him.
Now as the knight had approached the gateway of the town the port-
cullis had been lifted for to admit him, and so he rode through the gate-
way with all speed. But when Sir Ewaine would have followed, the port-
cullis was let fall for to keep him without.
Yet so great was the fury of Sir Ewaine's chase and so closely did he
follow the Black Knight in pursuit that he was within the portcullis as it
fell. And the portcullis fell upon the horse of Sir Ewaine sir Ewaine
and smote him just behind the saddle and cut him in twain, i ^^ hg
so that the half of the horse fell within the portcullis and the portcullis o]
other half of the horse fell without the castle. And so violent *" tmvn -
was the blow of the falling of the portcullis, and so sudden the fall of the
horse, that Sir Ewaine was flung down to the ground with so dreadful and
terrible a shock that he lay in a swoon as though he had been killed.
So as Sir Ewaine lay there, there came a number of those who were in
attendance at that part of the castle. These looked in through a wicket
of iron and beheld Sir Ewaine where he lay in that swoon in the^space
between the portcullis and the inner gate. So when they beheld him ly-
ing thus with the half of his dead horse, they said: " Behold! yonder is the
man who wounded our champion and who pursued him hither. Let him
lie where he is until that our champion tells us what we shall do unto him.
For lo! he is a prisoner here and cannot escape from our hands, and so we
have it in our power to do with him whatsoever we please."
Thus they said, not knowing that even at that time their champion was
lying very nigh to death because of the wound he had receivec
hands of Sir Ewaine.
So these went away from that place, leaving Sir Ewaine lying as though
220 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
dead in the swoon that his violent fall had caused him. But after a while
life came back to him and he opened his eyes and gazed about him, and
after that he made shift to arise, though with great pain. Then he beheld
that he was a prisoner at that place, and that he lay with the half of his
dead horse betwixt the portcullis and the inner gate of the castle so that
he could neither get into the castle nor out but was there a prisoner like
to a creature caught in a trap.
Then Sir Ewaine went to the wicket of the inner gate and he looked
forth through the iron bars of the wicket for to see what sort of a place it
was into which he had come. And he beheld that within the gate was
the street of the town. And he perceived that the street was very steep
and that it was cobbled with stones. And he beheld that the houses of
the town that stood upon either side of the street were built either of
brick or else of stone, and that they were fair and tall with overhanging
gables and with shining windows of glass and roofs of bright red tiles.
And he beheld that there were many booths and stores with fair fabrics
and merchandise displayed for sale. And he saw that there were many
people in the street but that all they were moving in one direction as though
in great agitation. And as he stood, so gazing, he was aware of a great
sound of lamentation that arose from all parts of the town, wherefore he
thought that maybe the knight whom he had chased thither must now
be lying nigh to death. At that he was much grieved, for not only was
that a very noble and valorous knight, but his death would certes put Sir
Ewaine himself into great jeopardy as soon as the people of the castle
should come to deal with him in that place where he was now a prisoner.
And now followeth the history of the further adventures of Sir Ewaine
as it is told in the books of chivalry that relate to these happenings, so I
pray you to read that which followeth if that other which hath gone before
hath been pleasing to you.
Damsel E lose giocffy a ring
toSirEtoaine:
vi -
Chapter Third
How a damsel, hight Elose, who was in service with the Lady
Lesolie of the Fountain, brought succor to Sir Ewaine in his
captivity.
SO Sir Ewaine stood gazing out of the wicket of the gate as aforetold;
and he wist not what to do to save his life ; for he knew he could do
naught but wait there until those who had to deal with him might
come to slay him.
Now, as he stood thuswise in great trouble of spirit, he was aware of a
damsel who came thitherward. And as that damsel approached, Sir Ewaine
perceived that she was very comely of appearance, and that she had yel-
low curling hair and it seemed to Sir Ewaine that he had hardly ever beheld
a damsel more fair than she who approached his place of captivity.
This damsel came close to the wicket where Sir Ewaine stood, and she
gazed upon his face and her own face was pitiful and kind, and neither
angry nor scornful. Then Sir Ewaine, beholding that her face was kind,
said to her: " Damsel, why do you come to gaze thus upon a poor captive
who is waiting for his death?"
To this the damsel made reply: "Alas, Sir Knight, I come hither because
I take great pity that a noble champion such as you appear ^ ^^ ^
to be should be in so sad a case as this. For certes the peo- the Fountain
pie of this castle will come to slay you in a very little while." $*
"Damsel," said Sir Ewaine, "thy pity is a great comfort
to me, but it would be a still greater comfort if thou couldst help me to
escape from this place."
To this the damsel made no reply. But presently she said: "Tell me,
Sir Knight, why did you do so grievous a hurt to our knight-champion
who was the defender of this land against those who would meddle with
the fountain to bring a deluge upon our land. Wit you that because of
the woeful buffets you gave him he lieth so near to death that
to die in a few hours."
224 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
" Damsel," said Sir Ewaine, "to tell you the very truth, I meant not to
bring an injury upon this land, neither did I mean to visit so grievous a hurt
as I did upon that good worthy knight your champion. But first I en-
tered upon this adventure because a fellow of mine failed in it and because
I deemed that it behooved me to redeem with mine own hand the honor
he had lost to your champion. As for the hurts which he suffered at my
hand wit you that when a knight fights in battle with another knight,
as I fought of late with your champion, ' that one knoweth not how hard
he smites until the mischief is done. So it was with me, and when I smote
I smote in the heat and the passion of battle. Then, when I perceived
that I had hurt him so sorely I pursued your knight with intent to help
him whom I had so sadly hurt. But ever your knight-champion fled away
from me, so that at last I pursued him in anger ; wherefore I rushed into
this place without thinking, and so am caught here a helpless prisoner."
Then the damsel said, " Sir Knight, I pray you tell me what is your name
and your degree?" To the which Sir Ewaine made reply: "My name is
Sir Ewaine and I am King Uriens' son of Gore, and my mother is Queen
Morgana, surnamed Le Fay."
Now when the damsel heard this announcement of the name and the
degree of Sir Ewaine, she made great admiration, crying out : " Is it then
possible that so famous a knight as thou art, and one so renowned in all
the world both of chivalry and of common history, shouldst be caught a
prisoner in this wise? " And she regarded Sir Ewaine through the aperture
of the gate with very great wonder, and by and by she regarded him with
still greater pity. Then after a little, she said: " Sir Knight Ewaine, I take
great sorrow that so worthy a knight as thou art shouldst suffer harm.
Now I am of a great mind for to help thee if thou wilt do my bidding in all
things that I shall ordain for thee to do. For if I release thee from thy
captivity, there are several things I would have thee do upon my com-
mandment."
"Lady," said Sir Ewaine, "I believe that you mean me well, and I be-
lieve that you would not lay any command upon me that would be con-
trary to my knightly honor or my integrity as a right knight of royal
blood to fulfill." And the damsel said: "Take no thought that I intend
ill faith against thee, Sir Ewaine, for instead I am of a mind to be thy
friend in this affair if so be thou wilt put thy trust in me."
Then Sir Ewaine said: "Lady, I yield myself to your will, and if you
will set me free from this captivity I will do whatsoever you ordain for me
to perform. But tell me, how mean ye for to bring me forth from this
peril unless you may get the keys of this gate from the porter thereof?"
THE DAMSEL ELOSE SAVETH SIR EWAINE 225
" Sir," said the damsel, " I cannot get those keys but I have another way
than that to set you free. For wit you that though locks and bars be
strong, yet the power of enchantment is still stronger than they." With
this the damsel drew from her bosom a locket that hung there by a chain
of gold, and she opened the locket and she brought forth
therefrom a ring set with a clear red stone like to a pure ruby gweth succor
bright shining and very brilliant. And she said, " See you to sir Ewaine -
this ring?" and Sir Ewaine said, "Yea." "Well, Messire," said she, "this
is a very wonderful ring, for it hath had many potent spells set upon it by
the magician Merlin, who gave it in days gone by to my father, King Mag-
nus of Leograns. So my father gave it to me and it is the most precious
thing of all my possessions. For the property of this ring is of such a sort
that if you turn the stone inward upon your hand so as to hide it within
your palm, then you shall become invisible ; and if you turn the stone out
upon your hand again, then you shall become visible as you were before.
Take this ring, Sir Ewaine, and when you have made yourself invisible by
means of it, then you shall escape from your enemies. After you have
so escaped, come you to the garden of this castle and I will be there. Do
you come and lay your hand upon my shoulder, and then I will know
you are there. After that I will then conduct you to a certain apart-
ment where you shall be privily lodged until this present danger hath
passed."
Therewith speaking, the damsel gave the ring to Sir Ewaine and he took
it, giving her thanks beyond measure for her kindness to him. And im-
mediately he set the ring upon his finger and turned the stone inward so as
to hide it in his palm. Then lo! as soon as he had done that he became
immediately invisible to the eyes.
Then the damsel Elose fled away from that place, lest those who wot
come to slay Sir Ewaine should find her there talking to him.
So, shortly after she had gone, there came a great party of armed me:
with intent to slay Sir Ewaine, and some of these were armed anc
bore swords and guisarms. These came to the gate and flung i open,
and rushed into the space between it and the portcullis ; with a ^tu-
mult, for they expected to find Sir Ewaine there and to slay him.
he was gone and they beheld nothing there but the half of his
and the saddle and the bridle and the trappings thereof,
neither sight nor sign of him anywhere to be seen. ^ prisoner
At that they were all amazed beyond measure to L F
gone, for they wist not how he could have escaped from that P^
they raised a great tumult and some cried out to hurry hither and
226 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
to hurry thither, and in the tumult and confusion Sir Ewaine passed out
from their midst and none of them were aware of his going.
After that Sir Ewaine went away from that place and into the town
within the walls. And he came to the castle of the town and
no one saw him in his going. And he entered the castle and
the gateway. tlie p eo pi e o f the castle saw him not.
So, invisible to all, Sir Ewaine went to the privy garden of the castle,
and he perceived that that was a very pleasant place, with many shady
trees and with plats of flowers and with fountains and long straight walks
where the lady of the castle might take her pleasure when
Ewaine enter- she chose to be out of doors. And Sir Ewaine entered that
eth the garden garden and he perceived that there were several damsels
therein and that all they were very sorrowful and downcast
because that the knight-champion of that place had been slain, and sev-
eral of them wept. But amongst these damsels was the damsel Elose,
and she alone of all who were there was cheerful and bore a smiling coun-
tenance.
Then Sir Ewaine went to her and laid his hand upon her shoulder as she
had bidden him to do, and thereupon she knew that he was there though
she could not see him. So straightway she arose and went forth from
out of the garden and Sir Ewaine followed her.
After that the damsel led Sir Ewaine to a certain part of the castle and
up a long flight of steps and so brought him to an apartment that was im-
mediately beneath the eaves of a certain part of the tower of the castle.
And Sir Ewaine beheld that here was a large and noble apartment hung
with woven hangings representing pictures of battle and of court, and he
beheld that the floor was spread with finely woven fabrics of divers sorts.
And he saw that there were several large windows that overlooked the
streets of the town and a fair prospect beyond. And the breeze blew into
those windows very softly and pleasantly, and great flocks of pigeons flew
about in the air with noisy and clapping flight, and numbers of other
pigeons strutted on the tiles of the roof and bridled and cooed to each
other in the red sunlight of the waning day. So this was a very pleasant
place in which to dwell. And the damsel said to Sir Ewaine, " Here shall
you abide until my further purpose is ripe."
fThen the damsel Elose brought an ewer full of tepid water and she poured
The damsel ^ e water mto a basin, and the ewer and the basin were both
serueth sir of them of silver. And the damsel held the basin and Sir
Ewaine bathed his hands and his face, and after that she gave
him a large napkin of fine white linen and he dried his hands and his face
THE DAMSEL ELOSE TELLETH THE HISTORY OF THE FOUNTAIN 22 ;
thereon. So, when he was thus refreshed she brought him food and drink
and Sir Ewaine ate and drank with much appetite and was Rreatlv UDlifted
in spirit. And by that time the evening was come.
Now all this while Sir Ewaine was greatly astonished that the damsel
should be so kind to him, wherefore he said, "Damsel, why art thou so
kind to me? " To this she made reply: " Messire, I have a purpose in all
this, that by and by and in good season I will unfold to thee."
Then Sir Ewaine said to her: " I pray you, fair damsel, tell me now the
mystery of that fountain and of the knight who guarded it? For I am
very curious to know why there came that quaking of the earth and that
thundering and rain when I cast water upon the slab beside the fountain."
"Sir," said Elose, "I will tell you that mystery." And so she did, as
f olloweth :
"You are to know/' quoth she, "that somewhile ago there was ap-
pointed a joust at a place not very distant from this. And The damsel
to that joust there went the lady of this castle who is hight Mleth , Sir
the Lady Lesolie. Thither also went the Lady Vivien, of e^^lf
whom thou either knowest or hast heard tell, for she is one the i untain -
of the greatest and most mischievous enchantresses, in all of the world.
" At that jousting there was one knight who distinguished himself above
all others, and he was Sir Sagron surnamed Cceur de Per. For that noble
knight won the battle of the joust, overthrowing all who- came against him
without once suffering defeat himself. So to him was awarded the prize
of battle, which prize was a fillet of gold. This fillet the victor had the
right to bestow upon the lady whom he deemed the fairest of all who were
there.
" Now the Lady Vivien thought that she would be chosen by whomso-
ever won that prize, for that day she had put on all the enchantments of
beauty that she possessed. Nevertheless, and in spite of these charms,
Sir Sagron bestowed the prize of beauty, not upon the Lady Vivien, but
upon the Lady Lesolie, who is the countess of this castle where we are.
" Now when the Lady Vivien saw that she was passed over by Sir Sa-
gron, she took great affront with Lady Lesolie who had been chosen, and
vowed vengeance upon her.
" So afterward by her enchantments she had that slab of stone laid
by the fountain and she ordained that whensoever any one should cast tfce
water of the fountain upon the slab then there would come a great deluge
to this land. Thereafter she established herself not very far distant from
this valley of the fountain, and whenever a knight cometh by her castle,
that knight she sets upon the adventure of the fountain.
228 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
" Meantime Sir Sagron had offered himself as champion of the fountain,
undertaking to defend it if the Lady Lesolie would upon her part consent to
Of Sir Sagron wed him and make him lord of this domain. To this the
of the Fountain, lady W as constrained to say yea. So it was ordained that if
Sir Sagron would defend the fountain without fail or default for the space
of a year and a day, after that time she would give herself and all her do-
main to him as the lord thereof. So Sir Sagron hath ever since defended
the fountain with great honor until to-day, when you overcame him in
battle, and pursued him hither wounded unto death. Had he defended
a fortnight longer, he had won his suit with the Lady Lesolie and would
have been lord of this land. But now he will to-morrow awake in Paradise.
" This, Sir Ewaine, is the story of the mystery of the fountain, and now I tell
thee I know not who will defend it unless haply it is thou who wilt do so."
" Fair damsel," quoth Sir Ewaine, " how may I look to defend the foun-
tain who will immediately be slain if it be known that I am here?"
To this the damsel laughed and said: "Sir Ewaine, all that may come
about if fortune be with me in these matters I am about to undertake."
Now by this time the darkness being come, the damsel lit two tapers of
perfumed wax, and thereafter she conducted Sir Ewaine into another
apartment. There he beheld a couch, very soft and comfortable and
spread with a coverlet of crimson satin. And the damsel Elose said : " Sir
Ewaine, doubtless thou art aweary. If that be so, here thou mayst rest
thyself and be at ease." And therewith she set down the candles of wax
upon a table and quitted the room and Sir Ewaine was left alone.
And Sir Ewaine was very weary, wherefore he laid aside his armor and
disrobed himself and laid himself down upon that fair soft bed with great
joy of comfort. And straightway thereafter he fell asleep as though he
were a little weary child.
Now about the twelfth hour of the night and whilst Sir Ewaine lay thus
asleep, he became aware of a great disturbance the sound of weeping
and a great outcry of lamentation that filled the entire silence of the night.
Anon came the damsel Elose, and she said: "Sir Ewaine, the knight Sir
Sagron is dead whom thou wounded yesterday, and now they are bearing
him to the church. Come and see!" So Sir Ewaine arose quickly and
Sir Ewaine covered himself with a cloak, and he went with the damsel
behoideth the to a certain window that overlooked a street of the town.
From that window and beneath him he beheld a great con-
course of people that filled the entire street. Many of those were clad
in armor of proof and others bare torches so that the entire night was
aflame with the light thereof. And there were many women who rode
THE FUNERAL OF THE KNIGHT OF THE FOUNTAIN
upon horseback beside the armed knights. And all of this ereat
of people were crying out in lamentation so that it was as
hollow beneath the space of heaven were full of the voice o, W1CU
Wl ) h ^ thi l lamentati , n f many V ices were min S led the sou^of tr^S
and the chauntmg of priests and acolytes who recited the services for the
dead. In the midst of all the press there was a bier, and over the bier
there had been spread a veil of white linen and upon the bier there lay
stretched the knight-champion of that place with his hands crossed upon
his sword. All about the bier were many people carrying long candles of
wax, and these also added their lamentation to the voices of those others
who lamented.
Then when Sir Ewaine beheld this spectacle he said: "Woe is me, Elose,
this is surely a very sorry sight to behold! Now I grieve me greatly that
I am the cause of this, for I meant not to slay that knight. Yet in the
heat of battle who may stay the hand for to measure the stroke that one
giveth to his enemy?"
Then anon as Sir Ewaine still gazed upon that scene, he beheld that a
lady followed after the bier, and he saw that her hair was hanging loose
and that she was in great disarray. But maugre that, it
appeared to him that she was the most beautiful lady his
eyes had ever looked upon. Then Sir Ewaine said to Elose,
the Fountain
who was looking out of the window beside him, "What fair
lady is that who followeth the bier of the dead knight?" To the which
she made answer : " That is the lady of this castle, and she is making sorrow
for the knight her champion who is slain."
Then Sir Ewaine gazed and gazed at that lady for as long as he could
see her, and when she had gone by, he said : " Elose, certes that lady is the
most beautiful dame that ever mine eyes looked upon. Now I tell thee
truly that I do not wonder that your knight-champion was willing for to
serve her for a whole year with faithfulness; for I would willingly serve
for even a longer time than that to win her good regard."
At this Elose laughed with great good will. " Is it so with you, Sir
Knight?" quoth she, "and do you then find that your heart is inclined
toward this lady?" And Sir Ewaine said, "Yea, it is even so with me."
Elose said: "And wouldst thou be pleased, Sir Ewaine, if I could devise
it in such wise that the lady of this castle should look kindly upon thee?
And again Sir Ewaine said, "Yea."
Then Elose smiled very cheerfully upon Sir Ewaine and she said: WeU
Messire, let be tiU to-morrow and then we shall see what that day shall
bring forth."
2 3 o STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
So when the next morning had come, Sir Ewaine arose greatly refreshed,
and by and by Elose came to him with food with which to
break his fast. And after he had broken his fast she brought
Sir Ewaine in a bowl of ivory with tepid water, and she brought a razor
with a heft of ivory studded with gold, and she hung a fine
linen towel upon her shoulder and she shaved Sir Ewaine so that his face
was both fresh and clean. After that she brought him fine raiment an
undervest of soft cambric linen and a surcoat and hose of azure silk em-
broidered with silver, and a cloak with a clasp of gold, and with pears of
silver hanging from the corners thereof. And she brought a circlet of gold
for his head, such as became the son of a king. Then she looked upon Sir
Ewaine and he was very comely.
After all this had been done in that wise, Elose left Sir Ewaine and went
to where was the Lady Lesolie, and the lady sat alone in her bower in
great sorrow that her knight-champion was dead. But Elose entered that
place with a very cheerful countenance, and she said, " Lady, what cheer? "
Then the Lady Lesolie looked upon Elose with great indignation be-
cause of her cheerful aspect, and she said: " Damsel, I am much displeased
The Lad Le ^hat ^ nou shouldst appear so cheerful and gay of spirit when
soiie rebuketh thou beholdest me in such sorrow. And I think very ill of
thee that thou who art the best beloved of all my damsels
hast not come nigh me in all this time for to offer me cheer or comfort in
mine affliction."
Now Elose was greatly in favor with the Lady Lesolie so that she feared
her not, wherefore she still bore a very cheerful aspect. And she said:
" Lady, I know not wherefore I should take such sorrow as I see the sorrow
to be that you assume for Sir Sagron. I did not love him so much that
I should take more than reasonable grief when he suffered such misfortune
of battle as may befall any knight."
Then the Lady Lesolie's eyes sparkled very brightly with anger, and
she said: " Ha! Damsel! Thou goest beyond all measure of the liberty of
speech which I allow to thee. Mayhap I loved not Sir Sagron as he would
have had me, yet I honored him a very great deal, and now that he is gone
I know not who may defend the fountain in his stead. So, because thou
dost smile and take cheer in this time of trouble, thy presence is displeasing
to me, wherefore I would have thee gone from hence."
Then Elose said: "Very well, Lady, I will go as thou hast bidden me,
but I think thou wilt be sorry that thou didst not talk more with me and
that thou dost not inquire of me why I appear so cheerful as I do."
Therewith Elose turned as though to go forth from that place. But
ELOSE BESPEAKETH THE LADY LESOLIE
after she had gone a little distance, the Lady Lesolie arose and followed
her to the door of the chamber and began coughing very softly Then
when Elose turned, the lady beckoned to her and said, "Come hither!"
and Elose laughed and came. Then the lady said: "Thou art very saucy
of disposition, but nevertheless I love thee more than thou deservest
Now tell me what it is that thou hast upon thy mind."
Then Elose said, " I will tell thee, but it must be where none may hear "
The lady said, "Come hither, then," and therewith she led Elose into' a
place where they were altogether by themselves, and when they were
come there the Lady Lesolie said, "What is it, Elose?"
Then Elose said: " Lady, there is in this castle a knight who loveth thee
a very great deal, and this knight is exceedingly noble and of very great
skill at arms, and he is a king's son, and he is a knight of Thedamsel
King Arthur's court, and he is a knight of the Round Table. bespeaSthe
So great is the love of this knight for thee that thou mightest Lady Le3olie '
demand anything of him. Now it appear eth to me that since thou hast
lost the knight who was our champion, thou wouldst do well to call upon
this knight to defend thee. And if in good time thou shouldest choose
him for thy lord, then it would be much to thy pride and greatly to the
joy of this land."
Now all this while the lady had been regarding Elose very steadfastly,
and when the maiden ended she said: " Who is this knight, and what is his
name and his degree? " Elose said: " Lady, thou hast heard of him a great
many times, for he is Sir Ewaine, the son of King Uriens of Gore and of
Queen Morgana le Fay.'* Then the lady said in a very strange voice:
" Elose, it is wonderful that a knight so famous as this should have been
in our castle and yet we knew nothing thereof. Now tell me, when was
it he came hither?" Then Elose was confused and said: "Lady, he hath
only been here a little while, for he did but come this morning."
Then the Lady Lesolie smiled very curiously, and she said: "Bring that
knight hither, that I may see him and speak with him." Then straight-
way Elose went to where Sir Ewaine was. And Elose said: " Sir Ewaine,
arise and come with me, for my lady would have speech with thee."
So Sir Ewaine arose and went forth with Elose, and Elose brought him
to where the Lady Lesolie was. And Elose introduced Sir Ewaine to the
Lady Lesolie, and Sir Ewaine paid great homage to her for he beheld that
she was very wonderfully beautiful. The lady looked at Sir Ewain
very steadily, and by and by she said, "Elose, this knight hath not th
appearance of one who is a traveller new arrived from a journey; r
he appeareth like one who is fresh and well-bedight."
232 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
Then at first Elose was confused and wist not where to look. Then
presently the lady said: "Elose, I believe this was the knight who slew
Sir Sagron."
Then Elose looked very steadily into the lady's face, and anon she
spake boldly and without fear, and she said: "Well, lady, what then?
So much the better for thee if this knight overcame Sir Sagron, who was
the best knight in all this land. For if this knight overcame Sir Sagron,
then is he better than Sir Sagron, and so he is better to be the defender
of the Fountain."
Then the lady said : " Say no more, but go ye both away until I medi-
tate upon this for a while." And thereupon Elose and Sir Ewaine quitted
the apartment of the lady and went away to another part of the castle.
After that they waited for word to come to them from the lady of the
castle, yet no word came for a long while. But when the evening had
come, the chatelaine sent a very courteous message to Sir Ewaine that it
The damsel would pleasure her to have him sup with her. So Sir Ewaine
bringeth sir we nt upon that command, and the lady received him very
Lady onhe graciously and made place for him beside her at the table,
Fountain. an( ~[ ^ e y sa ^ an( ^ a ^ e an( j d ran k together and talked of many
things of court and field. And ever as they talked together the Lady
Lesolie regarded Sir Ewaine very closely, and she perceived that he was
very noble and haughty of appearance, and she wist that he was greater
champion than she had ever beheld before.
Then, by and by, she said of a sudden to Sir Ewaine: "Messire, dost
thou not think thou didst very ill to come hitherward to the destruction
of our peace?"
Then Sir Ewaine spake very boldly, saying: "Lady, I am very sorry to
have caused thee grief, but I did only as any knight-adventurer would do,
taking my chance of battle and of death with him as he took his chance
with me. Yet now that the chance of war hath brought me hither, I can-
not repent me of anything that hath befallen me. For that chance hath
brought me into thy presence and hath made me acquainted with thee."
Then the lady said: "Well, Messire, what am I to do now that thou hast
slain the knight-champion of this place?" To the which Sir Ewaine made
reply: " Lady, if thou wilt take me for thy champion, I will serve thee very
. faithfully and will ask no guerdon from thee. For I know
promisetk to of no greater joy that could befall me than to be thy chosen
champion." Then the Lady Lesolie smiled and said: "Sir
Ewaine, thou speakest very well, and I believe that thy deeds
are every whit as trustworthy as thy words. So I will accept thee as my
SIR EWAINE RETURNETH TO THE KING'S COURT 233
champion to do combat in my behalf and to protect my fountain and my-
self for a year and a day. If by the end of that time thou hast proved
thyself to be entirely faithful, then I will consider anything else that thou
mayst have to say to me."
So Sir Ewaine abided at that place and he defended the Fountain so
well that no one came thither to assail it who was not overthrown,, and
from all whom he thus overthrew, Sir Ewaine took horse and shield and
sent them away from that place afoot.
And Sir Ewaine dwelt in the Valley of the Fountain for nigh a year,
and in that time he and the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain were betrothed
to one another with intent to be wedded when the year was ended. And
ever Sir Ewaine loved the Lady of the Fountain more and more, and ever
she loved him more and more.
Yet oftentimes Sir Ewaine bethought him of the King's court and of
his friends thereat and at those times he would long for them with a very
great passion of desire. So it befell upon a day that Sir Ewaine and the
Lady Lesolie were in the garden of the castle and Sir Ewaine sat sunk in
deep and silent thought concerning those friends and that court. And
meanwhile the lady watched him askance. Then by and by she said:
" What is it that lieth upon thy mind, Messire, that causeth thee to take
so much thought to thyself?"
Then Sir Ewaine aroused himself and said: "Lady, it is that I think
much of my friends and companions of the court of King
Arthur. For now nigh to a year hath passed and in all of
that time I have heard no single word of any of them." j*J < f
Then the Lady Lesolie said, "Ewaine, art thou discontent
with us at this place?" He said: "Nay, lady, thou knowest I am very
well content and more than well content to be thus forever with thee. Yet
ne'theless I would that I might have word of my companions, for I know
not how it fareth with them. And furthermore, I would fain know whether
they who went in quest of Sir Launcelot with me have yet heard anything
of that noble and worthy champion."
Then the Lady Lesolie said : " Ah, Ewaine, I fear me that thou thinkest
so much of thy friends that thou wilt, in a little while, be discontent to
remain with us any longer." To which Sir Ewaine said: "Lady, thou
knowest very well that that could never be." And she said, "Art thou
sure of that?" "Yea," quoth Sir Ewaine, " I am well assured of it."
Then the Lady of the Fountain said: "Ewaine, I have it in my mind
that thou shalt go and visit thy friends at the court of the great king.
234 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
For after thou hast seen them and hast satisfied thyself, I believe that
thou wilt be better content to be here. So I lay it as my command upon
thee that thou shalt go to Camelot, and have converse once again with
thy friends and companions. Yet I would not have thee remain too long
away from us, wherefore I lay it as a further injunction upon thee that
thou shalt return hither as soon as possible, for we can ill spare our cham-
pion who is so dear to us."
La&y of itjc Fountain:
Chapter Fourth
How Sir Ewaine returned to the court of King Arthur, and how
he forgot the Lady Lesolie and his duty to the Fountain.
SO it came about that the day after that day, Sir Ewaine took horse
and departed from the Valley of the Fountain as the Lady Lesolie
had commanded him to do; and he travelled alone, going from
that place in the same manner that he had come thither.
Now as he went upon his way in return to Camelot he must needs travel
upon that same road by which he came thitherward. So by and by he
again beheld that huge herdsman oaf who sat upon the mound as aforetold
of, guarding his cattle. When this being beheld Sir Ewaine he shouted
to him aloud in a great voice, "Hello, little man! Whither goest thou?"
But to him Sir Ewaine made no reply, but rode steadfastly upon his way.
Anon, and about the hour of noon, he came to within sight of that won-
derful valley wherein stood the enchanted castle of the Lady Vivien. And
Sir Ewaine rode down into the valley and toward the castle, and as he drew
nigh they of the castle were aware of his coming from afar.
So it was that as Sir Ewaine came nigh to the castle there issued forth
a multitude of people, who approached him singing and making joy and
giving him great voice of welcome. For ever they cried aloud: " Welcome,
noble champion! Welcome! And welcome still again !"
So they met him and brought him as it were in triumph to the castle,
and when he had come nigh thereunto the Lady Vivien her- sir Ewaine
self came forth to add her welcome to his coming. And she cometh to the
wore a very smiling and cheerful countenance, and she also
cried, as did the others, "Welcome, Sir Ewaine! Welcome! Thrice wel-
come!" and she said: "Messire, I well know that thou didst come forth
victorious from that adventure which thou didst undertake against the
Knight of the Fountain, wherefore it is that I am rejoiced to see thee. For,
as thou already, must know, I bore no very high regard for that knight
whom thou didst overthrow."
238 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
Now Sir Ewaine was very well pleased with the welcome he found at
that place, for he did not suspect that the Lady Vivien, who smiled so
kindly upon him, nourished any thought of mischief against him. Where-
fore he suffered them all to bear him into the castle in triumph and to re-
lieve him of his armor and to bring him to a bath and to fit him with fine
soft raiment wherewith he might with a good appearance come before the
Lady Vivien in her bower.
After that Sir Ewaine went to where that lady was, and he sat with her
and talked in great amity with her. Yet he knew not that all that while
he talked with her she was planning mischief against him. So by and by,
still in great amity, they went to a place where a noble feast was prepared,
and there Sir Ewaine sat beside the Lady Vivien with great pleasure in
being thus near to her. Then, after a while, having in mind those several
mischiefs she had planned against the knights of King Arthur and of the
Round Table, he said to her: " Lady, you who are so kind and fair to me,
I know not why you do mischief against those others, my companions, who
are of King Arthur's court ; and I know not why you do mischief against
the Lady Lesolie of the Fountain so as to bring trouble upon that land.
She hath done you no ill that you should so practise evil against her."
Then the Lady Vivien assumed an appearance of great meekness and
contrition, and she said : " Messire, what you say is true, and I repent me
of all those evil things which I have done." And she said: "Would it
pleasure you if all enchantment should be removed from that fountain,
and if the land of the fountain should be left at peace?" Sir Ewaine
said, "Lady, it would pleasure me beyond measure." Then the Lady
Vivien said : " So it shall be, and I promise you very faithfully that that
enchantment shall be entirely removed from that land this very day for-
ward unto all time." Then she looked upon Sir Ewaine and smiled upon
him in such wise that he was bewitched with her smiling, and she said,
"Sir Ewaine, let there be peace betwixt us from this time forth for aye!"
and he said, " Lady, God knows I bear you no ill will and so there is peace
betwixt us."
Then the Lady Vivien said, "Sir, I would that thou wouldst accept a
pledge of peace from me." And he said, "What is that pledge?" Quoth
she, "I will show thee."
The Lady Thereupon saying, she smote her hands together, and in
Istr^aine* 1 answer ^ eTQ came a fair young page clad in cloth of gold and
the ring of with long, curling ringlets of golden hair hanging down upon
for get fulness. fa s shoulders. To this youth the lady gave sundry commands,
and he departed, returning anon bearing in his hands a patten of gold
SIR EWAINE TALKETH WITH THE LADY VIVIEN 239
and upon the patten was a fair white napkin of fine linen, and upon the
napkin a ring of gold very cunningly wrought, and inset with a bright shin-
ing yellow stone. These the fair young page brought to the Lady Vivien,
kneeling upon one knee, and she took the ring from the patten and gave
it to Sir Ewaine, saying: "Sir, behold this ring! This I give to thee to
wear as a pledge of the amity that lieth betwixt us." Therewith Sir
Ewaine took the ring and set it upon his finger.
Now that ring was enchanted with very potent spells. For it was a
ring of forgetfulness, so that whosoever wore it, that person would forget
whatever the Lady Vivien would have him disremember.
So when Sir Ewaine set the ring upon his finger, that moment he forgot
all about the Lady of the Fountain. And he forgot all the pledges that
had passed betwixt himself and that lady, and he forgot all sir Ewaine
the other things that belonged to that part of his life. But forgetteth the
all else he remembered : to wit, how he had undertaken that Lady Lesolie -
Adventure of the Fountain, and how he had overthrown the knight-cham-
pion of the Fountain and all other parts of his life.
Then Sir Ewaine looked at the Lady Vivien very strangely, like to one
who is newly awakened from a sleep, and he said, "What is it we were
speaking of anon?" And at that the Lady Vivien laughed and said, " Sir,
it matters not." Sir Ewaine said, "Meseems I have had a dream, but I
cannot remember what it was"; and then the Lady Vivien laughed again
and said, "Neither does it matter what was thy dream." And she said:
" It only matters that we are friends, and that thou wearest my pledge of
amity upon thy hand. Now I prithee never remove that ring from thy
finger, for from that moment the friendship that now exists shall cease
betwixt us." Sir Ewaine said: "This ring shall remain upon my finger
for aye, and I shall never take it from my finger even for a single moment."
So Sir Ewaine rested with great pleasure for that night at the castle
of the Lady Vivien, and, when the next morning was come, he departed
from the castle, betaking his way to the court of King Arthur.
For he said to himself : " Haply by this time they have some news of Sir
Launcelot. So I will straightway return to the court of the King and
learn if that be so."
Now Sir Ewaine, because he had forgotten all about his life at the Valley
of the Fountain, had no thought that he had been gone from ^ Ewaine
that court for a longer time than a fortnight, wherefore when returneth to
he was come amongst his friends again and when he found
that well-nigh a year had passed, he knew not what to think.
"How is this," he said, "and what hath befallen me? Surely there was
240 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
something that was like to a dream that I cannot remember. What is it
that hath happened to me? I know not what it is." So Sir Ewaine was
ashamed that he should not be able to remember what had happened to
him for the year that had passed, wherefore he held his peace and said
nothing concerning the matter. But ever Sir Ewaine feared lest he should
betray to his friends that he had forgotten a whole year of his life. So it
was he said to himself: "After that I have rested a little here at the court
of the King I will set forth again in quest of news of Sir Launcelot. For
maybe by and by I may be able to remember what I have forgotten of
this year that hath passed."
But Sir Ewaine did not immediately depart from the court, and so it
King Arthur chanced upon a certain day, the weather being very pleasant,
rideth afield. King Arthur went afield with certain of his court and Sir
Ewaine was one of those. That time it was early summer weather, and
the breezes were soft and balmy, and full of the odor of growing things.
So when the heat of the day was come the King ordained that a pavilion
should be erected at a certain spot that pleased him very well, and he and
the Queen and their courts sat in that pavilion at a fair feast which the
attendants of the court had prepared for them.
Now whilst they so sat, there came of a sudden a bustle and a sound
of several voices talking without, and anon there came into the pavilion
a damsel very fair of face and with curling yellow hair. And
damsel to the the damsel was clad in garments of yellow silk and she wore
a fr n tl e t of gold upon her head, and she wore shoes of varie-
gated leather with latchets of gold upon her feet. And she
was further adorned with necklaces of gold and with armlets of gold,
wherefore they who sat there were astonished at the beauty of the damsel
and at the suddenness of her coming.
(Now you are to know that maiden was the damsel Elose, and yet Sir
Ewaine knew her not because of the ring of forgetfulness which he wore.)
Then King Arthur arose where he sat, and he said: "Fair demoiselle,
whence come you and what would you here? Tell us, I pray, who are
you who cometh hither like to a fair vision from a dream."
Yet ever the damsel stood within the door of the pavilion, and because
of the dazzling brightness of the sunlight whence she had come she could
not at first see very well within the shadow of the tent. So she said, " I
pray you tell me, is Sir Ewaine at this place?"
To that King Arthur, much wondering, said, "Yea, lady, yonder he
sits," and thereupon the damsel Elose beheld Sir Ewaine where he
was.
THE DAMSEL ELOSE SMITETH SIR EWAINE 241
Then Elose entered farther into the pavilion and came to where Sir
Ewaine sat. Her eyes shone very bright with anger, and
she said: "Sir Ewaine, I denounce thee as a false knight and Eiase
a traitor!"
Then Sir Ewaine looked upon the damsel with great astonish-
ment, and said, "Who art thou, lady, who dost accuse me of being
false?"
Upon that the damsel cried out in a very shrill voice, "Thou knowest
very well who I am! "
But ever Sir Ewaine looked very steadily at her and almost he remem-
bered her, but he could not quite remember her because of that ring which
he wore. Wherefore he said, " Nay, I know thee not."
Then Elose smiled upon Sir Ewaine very bitterly, and she said : " Thou
didst not forget me when thou didst lay in peril of thy life in the Castle
of the Fountain ; but now that thou art enjoying thyself with thy fellows,
it pleases thee to forget so poor an one as I, who preserved thy life for
thee. But that I could forgive thee if the need were to forgive it; yet I
cannot forgive thee that thou hast also forgotten that dear lady, my mis-
tress, unto whom thou didst pledge thy faith, and unto whom thou art
bound in fealty. Messire, thou hast a very short memory."
Then Sir Ewaine cried out in an exceedingly bitter voice like one
in great pain: "Lady, why say ye these things to me? I know you
not."
Then Elose came very close to Sir Ewaine and she took his hand, and
she said, " Do you not know me now? " He said, " Nay, I know thee not."
Upon that the damsel raised her right hand with her glove in it, and she
smote Sir Ewaine upon the face with the glove so that the mark of her
glove lay upon his cheek. And Sir Ewaine made no defence against her
assault, but ever he gazed very steadfastly at her, and he said very bitterly :
"Lady, if thou wert a knight, thou wouldst not dare to do that to me,
for either thou wouldst pay for that blow with thy life, or else I would
wipe out the disgrace thereof with mine own blood."
But Elose laughed, and she went out from that pavilion and mounted
her horse and rode away, leaving Sir Ewaine with his head bowed full low
upon his breast as though he had been struck a mortal blow.
Then after the damsel had gone, King Arthur said, " Ewaine, who was
that lady? " And at that Sir Ewaine lifted his head and cried out with great
vehemence: "Sire, I know her not; nor can I remember that I have ever
seen her before."
At that King Arthur was silent and all those who were there looked
242 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
askance at Sir Ewaine and whispered together concerning those things
that had happened. And Sir Ewaine was aware of how they regarded
him and how they whispered together, yet he heeded them not, but
ever sat with his head bowed low with shame and humiliation. And
ever he strove to remember who that damsel was, but could not re-
member.
So after that time there was much talk amongst those at the court con-
cerning that which had befallen in the King's pavilion. And many of
them said to one another: "How is it possible for a knight of honor and
of repute thus to forget one who had saved his life? And
court iTadoubt if he did indeed remember her, what of honor hath he who
concerning would deny her before those who know him?"
So those of the court spake together, and Sir Ewaine was
aware that they regarded him with disfavor and he was hurt to the quick by
that knowledge. So one day he came to King Arthur where he was, and he
said : " Lord, I am aware that I am held in disrepute in this court. Now
I crave thy leave to depart from hence at least for a season." And King
Arthur said: "Messire, I will not deny that many things displeasing to
me are said concerning thee. So if it be that thou art of a mind to quit
us for a while until thou art able to approve thy truth and thy honor,
and until thou hast disproved these things which thy calumniators
say against thee, thou hast my fair leave to depart according to thy
request."
So Sir Ewaine took his departure from court, and his heart was filled
Sir Ewaine w ^k Bitterness and anger toward those who were one time
departeth from his friends. For he ever said to himself: " Why is it that they
should contemn me because I cannot remember that which
I have forgot? For I cannot remember me of that damsel."
Thus he rode upon his way in great bitterness of spirit and with anger
toward all the world, because that all the world appeared to be set against
him.
Now Sir Ewaine journeyed for a long time he knew not whither, for he
travelled somewhiles like to one in a dream.
So it befell one day that he came to a thick woodland of great extent,
and there night overtook him and he wist not where he was nor how he
should be able to come out of that wilderness. And whilst he was travel-
ling thus in darkness and perplexity, he was suddenly aware of a light
shining at a distance, and he followed that light until he came to a rude
hut of the forest, which same stood in an open glade of no very great ex-
SIR EWAINE LODGETH IN A DEN OF THIEVES 243
tent. To this forest habitation came Sir Ewaine, and he smote upon the
door thereof with the butt of his spear and anon came one
ow li/watnc
and opened the door, and that one was an ancient and grisly cometh to a
beldame of a most repulsive and forbidding appearance. lonel y hut -
When she beheld Sir Ewaine before her at the door of the hut she would
have shut the door again, but he would not let her do so, but thrust his
spear into the opening of the door so that she could not close it.
Then that beldame, finding that he would not be denied, spake to him
very harshly, saying, "What would you here, Sir Knight?" Sir Ewaine
said, " I would have lodging for the night."
Then the hag laughed very loud and shrill, and she said: "Well, since
thou wilt not be denied, thou shalt have thy desire. Enter, and may
thy lodging be for long."
So Sir Ewaine dismounted from his horse, and turned it loose to graze
upon the grass by night. Meantime he himself entered the hut.
Here he beheld a great fire burning, with loud roaring in the chimney,
and' over the fire he beheld a great cauldron, in which was seething a stew
of venison, the flavor of which filled the hut with a very savory odor. And
Sir Ewaine beheld a great table, whereon were many platters of wood,
and beholding these things spread as for a feast, he said, "Good dame,
I pray thee tell me who dwells here in this hut with thee?" The beldame
said, "My husband and my sons dwell here with me." Sir Ewaine said,
"Certes, thou hast a great family." And at that the beldame laughed
very violently and said, "Yea, that is true."
After that the hag ladled forth a mess of the stew into a wooden bowl,
and she poured forth a great flagon of strong ale and she set these things
upon the board with a hunch of black bread, and Sir Ewaine sat him
down and ate and drank with great appetite. Then, after he had thus
satisfied his hunger and his thirst he was very drowsy, wherefore he laid
aside his armor and stretched himself upon a wooden bench that stood to
one side and placed his helmet beneath his head and presently was en-
wrapped in a sound sleep.
Now that hut was a den of thieves and that old hag was their house-
keeper and there were twenty and seven in all of those thieves. So about
the middle watch of the night that band of robbers returned with a con-
siderable booty which they had seized from a party of townsfolk who
were traversing a part of the forest that was not very far Thethiffves
distant from that place. These beholding Sir Ewaine where return to the
he was sleeping, withdrew a little to one side and whispered '
together. And they whispered to the old beldame, saying, " Who is yon-
244 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
der man, and what doth he here? " She said: " He is an errant knight, who
demanded housing awhile since. So here he lieth now asleep and at your
mercy to dispose of as you see fit."
Then the captain of the thieves came softly to where Sir Ewaine lay,
and he looked closely at him and he beheld the rich chain of gold about
his neck and he beheld the ring upon his finger that the Lady Vivien had
given him. After that he withdrew a little and whispered to his fellow:
" Here is a rich booty upon this sleeping knight. Now fetch hither cords
and let us bind him. After that we may rob him at our ease, and after
that again we may either slay him or else keep him here for a great
ransom."
So some of the thieves brought a strong cord and they made a noose
The thieves thereof, and first they privily took away all Sir Ewaine 's
bind Sir weapons from him, and then they slipped the noose over his
arms and in a trice and ere he was fully awake they had bound
him several times about the body so that as to his hands and arms he was
altogether helpless.
Thus Sir Ewaine was rudely awakened to find himself a captive in that
place.
But when he saw who it was had made him captive, he assumed all
the majesty of his high estate and he said: "Know ye what ye do? Wit
ye that he whom you have thus bound is a king's son and a knight of the
Round Table so that you have through me committed a very grievous
offence."
Then several of those thieves were abashed at his words and at the
great nobility of his bearing, but the captain of the band who was a hard-
ened wretch, spake very boldly, saying: "It matters not who you are,
only if you be truly a king's son and a knight of such worship, then will
your ransom be all the greater." And he said: " First of all we will take
this rich golden bawble from about your neck, and then we will take the
fair golden ring from off your finger."
So the chief robber first took the chain from about Sir Ewaine 's neck,
as he said, and then he drew the ring from his finger, and
The thieves rob , cv T^ 11 <
Sir Ewaine of because bir .bwame was bound he could in no wise prevent
*frrgeTfuinlss ^ robber chief from taking those jewels from him in that
way.
But lo! when the robber had plucked the ring from the finger
of Sir Ewaine, then in an instant the magic of forgetfulness departed
from him, and he remembered upon that instant all that had befallen him
in the Valley of the Fountain. And he remembered the Lady Lesolie of the
SIR EWAINE ESCAPETH FROM THE THIEVES 245
Fountain, and he remembered him of all the vows ot faith he had plighted
to her. And he knew now of why Elose had come to him at sir Ewaine
the King's court and had struck him in the face before them ^memberethaii.
all; for he wist that the damsel had come because she thought he had
proved himself unfaithful and false to her lady. So it was as though a
sword of remembrance had been struck through the heart of Sir Ewaine,
wherefore he cried out in a loud and piercing voice, " Betrayed! Betrayed!
Betrayed!" saying that word three times over. And the thieves wist not
what he meant by those words, but thought that he meant that he had
been betrayed by the beldame, not knowing that he meant that he had
been betrayed by the Lady Vivien.
Then of a sudden in the fury of that remembrance of his own dishonor,
it was as though the strength of ten descended upon Sir Ewaine. Where-
fore, putting forth all his strength, he strained at his bonds so that they
cut into his flesh. And he strained even more and more violently at his
bonds until, of a sudden, they were burst and immediately he was
free.
After that Sir Ewaine looked about him, but could find no weapon to
his hand, wherefore he catched up the solid wooden bench whereon he had
been lying awhile since. And he whirled that bench about Sir Ewaine
his head and he smote with it upon the right hand and the doeth battle with
left and he smote the thieves down upon the one side and the the thlffves -
other. And so great was his fury that they bore back from before him in
terror of his madness.
So Sir Ewaine might have slain all those thieves (though there were a
score and seven of them in all) only for the captain of the band. He, be-
holding the fury of Sir Ewaine, ran to where there was a jav- sir Ewaine is
elin that stood in a corner of that place. And he catched up woundgd -
the javelin and threw it at Sir Ewaine ; and the javelin pierced through
the shoulder of Sir Ewaine and pinned him fast to the wall of the
hut.
Then Sir Ewaine wist that he was very sorely wounded, wherefore he
roared aloud. And he strove with the javelin and anon he wrenched him-
self loose from the wall to which he had been pinned. Then he rushed
at the thieves with the javelin still pinned through his shoulder and they
made way before the terror of his onset.
Now as the robbers parted from before his onset, Sir Ewaine perceived
that there was a way for him to the door. Thereupon he cast himself
upon the door and he burst it open and fled away into the forest with the
javelin still transfixed in his shoulder.
246 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
Therewith, perceiving that their captive was escaping from them, the
Sir Ewaine thieves rushed after Sir Ewaine and pursued him with great
escapeth. outcry. But ever they were afraid of the violence of his
anger (for he had slain or broken the bones of eleven of them) wherefore
they followed hinT not "with as good a will as they would else have done.
Hence it befell that Sir Ewaine made his escape from them and so got safe
away into the cover of the night and of the forest, though sorely and woe-
fully wounded.
After he had thus escaped from that danger, Sir Ewaine knew not what
to do. For he was faint and bedizzied because of his wound and the
agony thereof. But he wist that he must free himself from that javelin,
wherefore he catched the haft of the weapon and he broke it in twain. Af-
ter that he plucked out the javelin by the point which had transfixed his
shoulder and with that a great issue of blood burst forth from the wound
so that Sir Ewaine was nigh to swooning therewith.
But he did not swoon, but bare up under the passion of pain that lay
upon him and from the issue of blood that followed what he had done.
Wherefore, after he had rested him for a while, he went forward through
the forest, tottering like a drunken man, now and then falling, and ever
anon arising again and betaking his way he knew not whither.
bringeflj aid unto Sir
Elaine:
mgsma^Sie^y^^^^m^
ws^^SS^f^Sa&ii^
Chapter Fifth
How Sir Ewaine was succored and brought back to life by a cer-
tain noble lady, how he brought aid to that lady in a time of
great trouble, and how he returned once again to the Lady Leso-
lie of the Fountain.
THUS Sir Ewaine wandered for all that night he knew not whither,
and sometimes he fell and anon he would arise and go onward
again. So against the dawn of day, he began to approach the
outskirts of the forest and there, as he wandered painfully onward, he met
a fagot-maker who had a cart and who was coming, all early in the morn-
ing, into the forest to chop fagots.
This fellow, beholding that figure of misery with a face like to wax and
a body all covered with blood, wist not whether it was ghost or mortal man
whom he beheld, wherefore he fell to crossing himself and pattering prayers
for fear. But Sir Ewaine spake, though in a very weak and plaintive
voice, saying: "Alas, good fellow! I pray you, for the sake of God's mercy
to take pity upon me and to bear me hence in your cart to where I may
secure aid and succor, else I must assuredly die all alone in the forest."
Then the woodchopper was aware that Sir Ewaine was no ghost or
spirit left behind by the night, but that he was mortal man, and when he
looked upon that sad woeful figure, he was moved to great pity, and said:
" Alas, poor mortal, thou art in a sad plight indeed and so I will be glad
to aid thee as thou desirest."
So after that the fagot-maker spread a soft thick bed of leaves in his
cart and laid the wounded knight thereon. And so he bore Thewood
Sir Ewaine out of the forest, with intent to take him to some chopper giveth
place where he might be cherished with care and attention.
Thus it was that a poor woodchopper of the forest lent aid
and assistance to one of the most noble knights of the Round Table and
nephew to King Arthur. As for that fellow, he wist not who it was to
whom he was giving aid, but only thought that it was some poor wretch
250 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
who had fallen amongst thieves, for Sir Ewaine had neither armor nc
weapons of any sort that might indicate how exalted was his estate, an
even his golden chain of knighthood had been stolen from him by thos
thieves of the forest. Wherefore it was not possible for any one to kno 1
that he was other than a poor wayfarer of the forest. So the fagot-make:
unknowing who he was, bare that good knight out of the forest, and S:
Ewaine lay fainting, and all covered with blood and nigh to death, upon
bed of leaves in a poor woodchopper's cart.
Now when the fagot-maker had brought the wounded knight out of th
woodlands and into the open country, he turned to find how it fared wit
him, for it seemed to the honest fellow that his burden was lying wondei
ful still and quiet. So the fagot-maker called out, " Friend, what chee
have you?" To this Sir Ewaine answered him not, for in the meantim
as they travelled onward he had fallen into a swoon and now he lay lik
one who was dying or was dead.
Then the wood chopper came and looked upon the face of Sir Ewaine
and he beheld that it was white like to death. And he could not see tha
Sir Ewaine breathed, wherefore he thought that the wounded man was deac
Thereat the poor knave was filled with great fear, for he said to himseU
" Of a surety if they find me thus with a dead man lying in my cart, the
will believe that I have committed a murder and they will hale me befor
the judge and they will hang me." Wherefore, reasoning in that wise
he began to cast about him how he might rid himself of that which wa
within his cart so that he should not thus be found in company with
dead man.
Now at that time the cart chanced to be passing through a park coadja
cent to a castle, the towers and the roofs and the chimneys of which migh
be seen through the leaves of the intervening trees. And at that plac
there was a little lake of water with many flags and swee
rushes growing around about the margin thereof, and thi
Sir Ewaine was a ver y secret, quiet place, for no one was nigh at that sti
uCSICLG Of ICLKC* ^ ^ / -i
early hour of day.
So here perceiving that no one could see what he would do, the fagot
maker stopped his cart and lifted Sir Ewaine out thereof and still he though
that the wounded man was dead. After that the woodchopper laid Si
Ewaine down very gently upon a soft bed of moss under the shadow of a:
oak tree and beside the margin of the lake. Having thus got rid of hi
burden in that wise he then went away and left the wounded knight lyin
alone in that place.
Now that part of the park where Sir Ewaine lay was a very favorit
A DAMSEL REVIVETH SIR EWAINE 251
spot of the lady of the castle, who was wont to take the air and to walk
with her court of damsels beside the lake. So it befell that morning, it
being a very pleasant and cheerful day, that she walked
thither with those maidens in attendance upon her. So com- the^astte
ing to that place, she perceived from afar where Sir Ewaine
lay beneath the oak tree in the centre of the park. And when
she saw him she said, " Who is yonder man and what does he do here?"
Then one of the damsels went more near to where Sir Ewaine lay, and she
looked closely upon him and anon she said : ' * Lady, I believe this man is dead,
for he is all covered with blood, and I do not see him move or breathe."
The lady said, " See if that be so," and therewith the damsel went closer
to Sir Ewaine and reached forth and she laid her hand upon his bosom.
Then she was aware that his heart beat, but only a little, and she knew
that there was life in him. So she said: "Nay, he is not dead, but in a
swoon that is like to death."
Then the lady came and also looked upon Sir Ewaine, and she was
moved with pity to behold that great and noble frame of a man lying there
in that way. Wherefore she said, " I am of a mind to save this man."
So after that she and her court retired to her castle, and when she was
come there she took a very precious casket of ointment from a cabinet
and gave it to that damsel who had touched Sir Ewaine. To her she said :
"Take this ointment, damsel, to where that man lieth in a swoon. For
wit you, this is a very potent oil to heal all manner of sickness and weak-
ness even if one be upon the edge of death. Pour a little of this ointment
upon the bosom of that man above his heart. Then rub it well with thy
hand, and by and by he will revive. Take thou also yonder horse and
some decent raiment fit for such a well-appearing man to wear, and let
the horse be nigh to him when he awakens. Then do thou observe him
from secret place, and bring me word of what he doeth."
So the damsel did all as the lady had commanded her to do; she took
the horse, and the raiment and the precious balm and went to
where Sir Ewaine lay in that deathly swoon. But when she the C astL
came to anoint him with the ointment, she poured not a little bringeth succor
to Sir E^va^ne.
upon him, nor did she rub with her hand the bosom of him
who lay there ; otherwise she poured the whole of the balm upon Sir Ewaine's
bosom, and then she went away to a little distance and hid herself to ob-
serve what he would do.
So in a little she saw that the wounded man began to bestir himself and
move his arms this way and that. Anon he uplifted himself from where
he lay and gazed all about him, and so, being revived, remembered all that
252 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
he had aforetime forgotten. Then he groaned with great travail of soul,
for the memory of his dishonor came upon him and he still suffered a
grievous pain from that sore wound in his shoulder. Then anon he be-
held the horse near by and the garments that were beside the horse, and
he thought that maybe those things had been placed there for his use,
though who had been so kind to him he knew not. So he arose with great
pain and he took the clothes from the horse and he went to the lake and
bathed himself. After that he put on the clothes and mounted upon the
horse with intent to depart from that place.
Then the maiden, who had beheld all that he did, came forth from the
thicket where she had been hidden and whence she had observed him,
and when Sir Ewaine saw her he said, " Maiden, was it thou who purveyed
me with this horse and with these garments? " She said, " Nay, it was the
lady to whom this place belongs." Sir Ewaine said, " Who is that lady?"
And the maiden replied: "She is the widow of a very powerful lord, and
she hath saved thy life this day. For she sent me with an ointment with
which I bathed thee, and which gave thee strength to arise again. And
she sent thee that horse and those clothes which thou hast put on." Sir
Ewaine said : " Certes, she is most kind and charitable in her heart. Perhaps
some time I may do her a service that will be equal to this service which
she hath rendered to me."
Now the maiden did not suspect who it was with whom she spake, for
his face was white like milk, and very haggard and wild with pain and weak-
ness, so that his countenance showed none of that nobility that belonged
to him. And, as aforesaid, he had no armor, for the thieves had taken away
his armor and he had left it behind him in the hut whence he had escaped.
So the maiden had no cause to think that he was one of great worship whom
she beheld, so she said : " Good fellow, my lady hath need enough of aid, but
I do not believe that thou art one who may help her in her trouble."
"Why dost thou think that?" quoth Sir Ewaine. "Thou shouldst not
judge of my ability from what thou seest, for I may be other than what
I appear to be."
Then the damsel was greatly astonished at the dignity of manner with
which he spoke, for he spoke as one having authority and very calmly
. . and haughtily. So she began to misdoubt that this was some
one else than she had first thought him to be, wherefore she
T the whicn
he replied: "I am Sir Ewaine of King Arthur's court and of
his Round Table, son to King Uriens of Gore and of the Lady Queen Mor-
gana surnamed le Fay."
SIR EWAINE PROCLAIMETH HIMSELF TO THE DAMSEL 253
At this proclamation the damsel was greatly astonished, wherefore she
cried out aloud: "Is it indeed possible that this is so, and that so famous
and so remarkable a knight should have come to such a pass as that in
which you were found? " and the damsel said: " Now the lady of this castle
will be very highly honored when she comes to know that she hath lent
succor to so noble and haughty a champion as you proclaim yourself to be.
Let us go to her so that you may tell her the story of your misfortunes."
And Sir Ewaine said: " So be it, and let us go."
So they both departed from that place and as they wended their way
thence Sir Ewaine said: "Now tell me, damsel, what is the need of help
that thy lady hath and concerning which thou didst speak to me anon?"
The damsel said : " I will tell thee. The lady of this castle is a widow,
and at the death of her husband she had two very noble Thedamse i
castles and two great estates belonging to those castles. Those teUeth sir
castles and that land her lord bequeathed to her to have and
to hold for her own. Now after she was thus left a widow, lady of the
it befell that a certain very proud and haughty lord who was
her neighbor, desired to make her his wife ; but she would not listen to his
suit, having great love for that worthy knight her husband who was dead.
So she refused the knight who desired to wed her and at that he was very
angry. After that he came with a great array of armed men, and he
despoiled her of one of her estates by force. And now, unless she should
yield to him, he threatens to take away this other estate whereon she
dwelleth and which is all that she hath in the world.
" So my lady is in a great pass and knoweth not what to do, having no
knight for to defend her; for all those who should defend her, fall away
from her in this time of trouble for fear of the anger of that lord who seeks
her hand."
"Certes, this is a sad story which thou tellest me," said Sir Ewaine,
" and indeed I will do what I may to help thy lady, who hath been so kind
to me."
Thus talking together, they two approached the castle, and the lady
of the castle, beholding them coming from a distance, was greatly sur-
prised to see the damsel conversing in that wise with the wounded man
whom she had been sent to succor.
Then when they were come to her the lady said to the damsel, " Didst
thou use that balm as I told thee to do?" And the damsel said, "Yea."
The lady said, "How much didst thou use thereof?" And the damsel
said, "I used it all."
Then the lady when she heard how that the damsel had poured all of
254 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
that balm at one time upon Sir Ewaine, was much affronted and very
angry with her, and she said: "What is this that thou hast
Ifo cartel!; done? I cannot easily forgive thee this, for thou hast wasted
affronted at several score pounds worth of the precious ointment upon a
the maiden. + + 1,1
stranger whom we know not and who hath no appearance
of worship."
Unto her the maiden made reply: "Lady, be not offended at this, foi
wit you that this stranger is of far greater worth than all the balm you
could pour upon him."
At these words the lady was much surprised, wherefore she said, " Whc
is he that is of such great worth as thou sayst?" and the damsel replied:
"Lady, this is none other than Sir Ewaine, Knight of the Round Table
and nephew of King Arthur."
Then the lady of the castle cried out with astonishment and said, " Is
The lad, iv- this truc that * hear? " ^^ $ ir Ewaine said, "Yea, Lady."
etk welcome to Then the lady of the castle came to Sir Ewaine and took
Sir Ewaine. ^ {m by ^ hand> and saM: Welcome, welcome, Sir Ewaine 1
Now this is a great honor that hath befallen us at this place to have given
aid and succor to a knight so famous in chivalry as thou art."
"Lady," quoth Sir Ewaine, "you do me honor beyond my worth, and
so you put me under still greater obligations than I rested under afore
this. Now I am most desirous of repaying you in some measure for all
the kindness that you have visited upon me, wherefore, if it be sooth as
I have been informed by this maiden that you have need of such a knight-
champion at this place, then do I offer myself as such a champion, trusting
that I may be of aid to you and so repay to you in some measure those
favors which you have bestowed upon me."
At this the lady was rejoiced beyond all measure, and she said : " Mes-
sire, I accept thy offer of championship with all gratitude and with much
pride, for indeed I believe it would not be possible to find in all of the
world a champion as haughty and as puissant as thou art."
So it came about that Sir Ewaine abided at the castle of that widowed
chatelaine for a long time, and until he was altogether healed of his wound.
And every day he grew more strong and sturdy of body and more noble
of appearance, so that all they of the castle took great pride in having him
there as their champion.
Now it befell upon a day that there came to this castle that evil-minded
lord of whom the damsel had spoken to Sir Ewaine, and this lord brought
with him six other knights, and all these seven knights pitched their pa-
vilions before the castle gates. And they mocked at those in the castle
SIR EWAINE DEFENDETH THE CASTLE OF THE LADY 255
and dared any one to come forth therefrom, for they knew not, as you may
Delieve, that Sir Ewaine was there as the champion of the castle.
So when Sir Ewaine heard how that knight mocked at the people of the
castle, he was very wroth, wherefore he quickly made him ready, and
donned a suit of rich armor that the lady had provided for him. And he
mounted upon his horse, and so being in all wise prepared, he gave com-
mand to uplift the portcullis and to let fall the drawbridge. Then he rode
forth from the castle, his horse's hoofs smiting the planks of the draw-
bridge with a noise like to thunder as he rode. And all of the people of the
castle crowded out upon the walls, and when they beheld him ride past
in that wise, they shouted with a loud voice because that such a champion
was to defend the rights of their lady chatelaine.
But when the knight and his companions who had come against the
lady of the castle beheld that one champion ride forth in defence thereof,
he was greatly surprised, and wist not what to think. So
presently he rode forward to meet Sir Ewaine, and he said to dllth att!e for
him, "Sir, what knight art thou?" Sir Ewaine said: "I am {
the champion of the lady of this castle, and I come forth with
intent to do battle in her behalf." Then that lord said, "What is thy
estate? " To the which, Sir Ewaine, speaking with great pride and haughti-
ness, made reply: " It matters not that I tell thee at this present, but I may
assure thee of this, that mine is a higher estate and a greater credit than
thine own." Then the knight said, " Wouldst thou fight against us who are
seven?" And Sir Ewaine said, "Yea, verily." And the knight said, "Thou
art very foolish, but be it so."
So Sir Ewaine withdrew himself a little, and made himself ready in all
wise for battle. Meantime that knight who had bespoken him withdrew to
his party and he said to a knight who was the champion of his party, " Go
thou forth against yon fellow." And the champion of that party did so.
Now that knight was the greatest and most powerful knight in all the
country in which he dwelt. And he was very huge of girth and thick of limb,
and so great had been his success at arms that he made sure that he could
easily be able to overthrow his opponent. Wherefore he made him ready very
proudly and took his station with great confidence. And when he was in all
wise prepared, he shouted aloud and launched his horse against the horse
of Sir Ewaine with full expectation that he would overthrow his enemy.
So they two rushed together like thunder and so met in the very middle
of the course with such a crash of encounter that those who heard it stood
appalled at the sound. But in that encounter the spear of the champion
of that wicked lord's party broke all into splinters, but the spear of Sir
256 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
Ewaine held so that the other was cast to earth with such force that he lay
stunned and altogether devoid of life and motion.
Then when the other knights of that party beheld how their champion
had been overthrown so violently to earth, all they were greatly amazed
at the result of that encounter ; for as was said, there was no knight in all
of that region who was so strong as that champion. Then they were
filled with rage, and dropping their lances in rest, they all rushed upon
Sir Ewaine together, with intent to overthrow him by force of numbers
and might of metal, and afterward to slay him when he was unhorsed.
But Sir Ewaine did not give them their will, but wheeled his horse with
HOW sir great address and dexterity and in such a wise as to separate
e over- those who thus came upon him in a body. Then suddenly
of he wheeled about again, and ere they were prepared for at-
the lady. tack, he smote down one knight and then another and an-
other, so that only three of those who assailed him were left. With that
the others were filled with a great terror of the woeful buffets that Sir
Ewaine struck, wherefore, without further combat, they all three turned
and fled. But ever Sir Ewaine pursued them with great fury and he came
nigh to one who was fleeing and smote him down from his horse. And he
came nigh to another and smote him down also. Then last of all he over-
took that lord who was the enemy of that lady, and he smote him so sorely
with his sword that he would have fallen from his horse had not Sir Ewaine
catched him ere he fell. Then Sir Ewaine plucked that knight out of his
saddle and he laid him across the bow of his own saddle. So after having
overthrown all those seven knights in that wise, he rode back again into
the castle bearing that wicked lord lying across his saddle bow.
Now when those who stood upon the castle walls beheld what wonder-
ful battle their champion did, they were amazed beyond measure at his
prowess and they shouted aloud for joy at the victory of their champion
over their enemies. So Sir Ewaine rode into the castle, in the midst of all
that shouting and loud acclaim. And he came to where the lady was
standing in a balcony that overlooked the courtyard of the castle, and he
looked up to where she stood and he said: " Lady, lo! I have brought you
back your enemy in payment for that blessed balm with which you brought
me back to life."
The lad of Then the lady of the castle knew not what to do for joy.
the castle giv- Wherefore she came down from where she was and catched
Sir Ewaine b Y tne hand an d kissed it repeatedly. And she
called upon Sir Ewaine as her savior, but Sir Ewaine with-
drew his hand in great confusion, and said: " Lady, do not do so, for wit you
SIR EWAINE DEPARTETH FROM THE CASTLE 257
I am a man who hath done a dishonorable thing. And though I did that
ill thing unwittingly, yet I am attainted because of that which I did."
Then the lady said: "Sir, I will not believe that you were ever dishon-
orable, and I would that you would remain always in this castle."
Then Sir Ewaine smiled and said: " I thank you for that wish. But it
may not be, for now that I have done my service in your behalf and
have brought your enemy to you to deal with at your pleasure, to-morrow
I must depart upon my way once more."
Then Sir Ewaine delivered the captive knight from the pommel of his
saddle into the hands of the lady, and afterward that wicked knight
was bound with many securities and hostages to good behavior, and so he
tormented that lady no more from that time forth unto the end of her life.
Now when the next day was come Sir Ewaine appeared before the lady
of the castle and besought her that she would take back the armor she
had given him and that in place of that armor she would
purvey him the dress of a pilgrim. So that lady did as she
was asked, and when she had done so Sir Ewaine clad himself *** ca ^ as a
as a pilgrim and departed from the castle of that chatelaine.
And Sir Ewaine wandered hither and thither as a pilgrim for several
weeks; and after much journeying he came at last to that valley where
dwelt the Lady of the Fountain. For ever his will led him thitherward,
and so it came about that at last he beheld that town and castle once
more. And when he beheld that place and when he brought to mind all
that had befallen him of good and of ill thereat the tears arose into his
eyes so that all things that he beheld swam as in a flood of water.
Then by and by he went toward that Castle of the Fountain and when
he had come thereunto, he knocked upon the postern
door and besought those who opened to him that he might refurnethlo the
have speech with the lady of the castle. So anon he
was shown into the apartment where the lady was, and
Elose was with her, and several others of the damsels of her court.
Now the hood of the cloak that Sir Ewaine wore, and the pilgrim's hat,
so concealed his face that no one who was there knew who he was. Where-
fore the Lady Lesolie, speaking as to a stranger, said, " Sir, what wouldst
thou have of me?" And Sir Ewaine answered saying: "Lady, I come
hither to bear to you a message from one who has unwittingly done you
a great injury."
Upon this the lady cried out very vehemently: "Sir, if you come from
that recreant knight, Sir Ewaine, then you may return unto him again
258 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
who hath sent you hither." To which Sir Ewaine said, "Lady, I cannot
return unto him, for it would be impossible."
At these words the Lady Lesolie's countenance fell, and for a while she
spake not. Then after a while she said, " Dost thou bring ill news of him? "
And Sir Ewaine said: " I know not whether the news be ill unto thee or
not, but some while ago I beheld that unfortunate knight where he lay
dying in a park beside a lake of water." <
Then the Lady of the Fountain pressed her handkerchief to her lips as
though to check an outcry, and after a little while she said, " Good Sir,
tell me what you know." Sir Ewaine said, " I will do so." And he said:
" You are to know that when Sir Ewaine left this court to return to the
court of King Arthur, he fell in with the Enchantress Vivien, who gave
him a ring of forgetfulness so that he disremembered all that had hap-
pened to him at your court. Afterward there came a young damsel from
this place who put him to shame before all those who were his compan-
ions at the court of King Arthur. This that damsel did because she
thought that Sir Ewaine was unfaithful to you. But he was not unfaith-
ful and so he was shamed for no good reason. Now after being thus
shamed before all the court of King Arthur in that wise, this woeful knight
departed from his friends because he could not bear to dwell in his humil-
iation before them. So he left all those his friends and journeyed afar,
and in his journeyings he fell among thieves, and these finding him un-
armed, bound him whilst he slept, and robbed him and wounded him to
death. So it was that I beheld him lying by the wayside, pierced through
with a javelin and dying of that wound, and so have I come thither to tell
you of this story."
Now when the Lady of the Fountain heard what that pilgrim had to
say, she shrieked with great violence and immediately swooned away and
fell upon the ground.
Then several of her maidens ran to her and these served her until by
and by she revived from her swoon. Yet when she was thus recovered
she straightway fell to smiting her hands together and crying aloud in a
very bitter agony of spirit: "Woe is me that I should have disbelieved in
the honor of that noble and worthy knight, for now because of my dis-
belief in him I perceive that I have lost him forever. For so hath died
the best and truest knight that ever lived in all of the world." Saying
this, she fell to weeping in great measure, and Elose strove to comfort
her, also weeping, but the lady would not be comforted. Then Sir Ewaine
said, "Lady, hast thou yet such a kind regard for the knight as this?"
And the Lady Lesolie said with great passion: "Yea, truly, and so I al-
SIR EWAINE IS WEDDED TO THE LADY LESOLIE 259
ways shall have, for methinks that never such another knight as he lived
in this world."
Then Sir Ewaine said: "Lady, you understood not my words. Sir
Ewaine is not dead, and if you will you may easily have him
here again." She said, "How know you that?" Then Sir
Ewaine cast off his hood and laid aside his hat and said : sel f to the
" Lady, I am that man ; and if I have deceived thee in this,
it is that I may again behold thy face that is so dear to me yea, that is
dearer than all the world besides." So saying, Sir Ewaine kneeled before
the lady and embraced her about the knees, and she stooped and em-
braced his head and both of them wept with a great passion of love and
joy. And so they were reconciled to one another.
And in that reconciliation there was much rejoicing, for all the town was
bedraped with silken scarves and banners by day and illuminated by night
because of joy for the return of the champion-defender of the Fountain.
And there was feasting and drinking at the castle of the Fountain, and
there was jousting from day to day for seven days, and in those joustings
the knights of the court of the Fountain under the lead of Sir Ewaine de-
fended their chivalry with such skill and valor that none of those that
came against them were able to withstand them, but all those companies
of knights-contestant were defeated, to the great glory of the Lady Leso-
lie of the Fountain.
Then after seven days of this rejoicing, Sir Ewaine was wedded with great
pomp of circumstance to the Lady of the Fountain. And of that wed-
ding it is to be recorded in the history of these things that Sir Ewaine
and the Lady Lesolie rode to the minster upon milk-white horses, and
that they were all clad in white samite embroidered with silver and inset
with so many precious stones of all sorts and kinds that they glistened
in the sunlight as though they were two figures of living fire. And it is
recorded that tenscore damsels of wonderful beauty, clad all in white, pre-
ceded them upon the way, and spread the way with flowers, chaunting
the while in voices of great rejoicing.
Thus Sir Ewaine was wedded at the castle of the Fountain, and after
that he dwelt in the land of the Fountain with great peace and good
content.
And Sir Ewaine ever defended the Fountain as he had aforetime, so that
the fame of the Knight of the Fountain was known throughout the length
and breadth of the land and in every court of chivalry. And many
knights undertook the Adventure of the Fountain but in every case such
errant knights were overthrown by the valor and the skill of the Knight of
260 STORY OF SIR EWAINE AND LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN
the Fountain. And in every case where that knight adventurer was thus
overthrown, the Knight of the Fountain would take from him his horse
and his shield and would send him away upon foot, disarmed and ashamed.
So, because of the valor of the Knight of the Fountain, it came about
in course of time that a very noble and worthy court of chivalry became
established at the castle of the city of the Fountain, insomuch that the
renown of that court of the Fountain hath been handed down in the his-
tories of chivalry even to this day, when knighthood no longer dwelleth
upon the earth.
Such is the history of Sir Ewaine when he undertook the Adventure of
the Fountain whilst upon the quest of Sir Launcelot. And now if you
choose to read further you shall hear how Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore
found Sir Launcelot in the Island of Joy and of how Sir Launcelot returned
to his friends once more.
PART VI
The Return of Sir Launcelot
followeth the further history of Sir Launcelot of the Lake; of how
Sir Percival and Sir Ector de Maris found Sir Launcelot where he
was dwelling very peacefully and happily (albeit not with perfect content)
in the Island of Joy, of which you have heard mention in that which hath
gone before; of the notable affair-at-arms betwixt Sir Launcelot and Sir
Percival, and of how Sir Launcelot, with Elaine the Fair, returned with
Sir Percival and Sir Ector de Maris to the court of King Arthur. Like-
wise you shall there read of what befell that noble company in the Valley
of the Fountain aforetold of.
All this history is of such a sort that it hath given me great pleasure to
write it; wherefore if so be it may give you a like sort of pleasure to read it,
then shall I be very well content with that which I have done in my en-
deavor to set forth these several events aforesaid.
k LamomcR anb Sir Percbal
Chapter First
How Sir Percival met his brother, and how they two journeyed to
the priory where their mother dwelt and what befell them there-
after.
NOW return we to Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore whom Sir Ewaine
left (as aforetold of) still sleeping in that castle whence we de-
parted so early in the morning even before the break of day
to undertake the Adventure of the Fountain.
When those two good knights awoke and found that Sir Ewaine had
departed, they communed together in the bedchamber of Sir Percival.
And they agreed that thereafter they two should join company and that
in their further search for Sir Launcelot they should travel .
together as companions. So when they had broken their a nd Sir Sagra-
fast, they bade farewell to the lord of the castle, and de-
parted upon their way, travelling very cheerfully together,
side by side, and taking great joy in the gay and jocund weather, and in
all the sweet freshness and the warmth of the springtide that embalmed
them around about.
So they travelled as companions in arms for more than a year, and in
that time they met with several bel-ad ventures, some of which are told of
in books of chivalry and some of which are not told of. And I would that
264 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
I could recount those adventures that befell them, but I cannot, for it
would take another book as great as this to tell all of the things that hap-
pened to them in their journeyings. Yet it shall here be said that in
those adventurings they fell in with a great many sorts of folk of different
condition, both gentle and simple, and that several times they met certain
knights-companion of the Round Table. And it shall here be said that
they met in that wise with Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors de Ganis, concerning
which meeting there shall be more said anon.
And if you would ask how they lodged them during their travels I would
say that they lodged them in divers sorts and ways. For if it happened
that at one time they would lodge them in such a noble castle as that where
Sir Gawaine and Sir Percival met Sir Sagramore, then it would happen at
Of the manner anotner ti me that tnev would find shelter in the hut of some
in which they lonely shepherd upon the moorlands, and then it would happen
at still another time that they would even have no shelter
at all, but would maybe wrap themselves each in his cloak with nothing
beneath him for a bed but the cold honest earth, and nothing above him
for a coverlet but the silent company of God's own sky, all sprinkled over
with a countless multitude of brightly shining stars. For so those good
knights of old travelled errant in those days, taking whatever befell them
in good part, and accepting all that came to them with a cheerful spirit.
If you would ask me in what sort of weather they travelled, I would tell
you that they were content with whatsoever weather God sent to them;
for if the weather were pleasant, as upon that first day of their journey,
then they would travel very cheerfully up hill and down dale, in sunshine
or shadow as the case might be; and if the weather were foul, then they
would abide wheresoever heaven sent them shelter wherein to stay until
the storm would pass by and be gone.
For this is true, that even wintry weather cannot chill a cheerful heart ;
wherefore, when the north wind would bluster loud and boisterously, and
when the falling snow would be covering all the earth with frozen white,
then those two worthy champions would be well content to lodge them
at some wayside inn. For there they might warm them beside the roar-
ing fire, whereof the blaze would shine in red sparks of light at several
places upon the polished plates of their armor, and whilst they took cheer
in the heat of the fire, and whilst they listened to the storm, how it beat
and drummed upon the windows, and whilst they harkened at the wind,
how it roared and thundered about the gables of the house, that while
they would take great pleasure in the company of the good folk of the
neighborhood, who would be gathered around a merry bowl of hot mulled
HOW THE TWO KNIGHTS JOURNEY TOGETHER 265
ale, with roasted crab-apples bobbing afloat in it, singing merry songs
the while and telling jolly contes, and laughing and making rude and
homely sport in several ways that afforded good entertainment to those
two belted knights who listened thereunto.
Thus you may know how in several ways it was that those two good
worthy knights travelled during that considerable time when they were
journeying together as companions in arms, for in this wise I have taken
great pleasure in telling you thereof.
Now after those two had thus been companions in amity together for
the space of a year or a little more than a year, it chanced
,.,,,,.,-..,., i Sir Percival
upon a certain day that they found themselves at a place and sir Sagra-
where a woodland ceased and where there began a very fair ^. e v c ^ to a
valley with a smooth shining river winding like a ribbon
down the length thereof. And they sat at the head of that valley and they
gazed down for some while thereinto, and they beheld that valley with
great joy because it was so fair and fruitful. For in it were several mead-
owlands, all smiling with verdure, and there were many fields of growing
corn, and these fields and meadows rose ever upward until they cut
against the sky, as smooth with fertility as though carved out with the
edge of a sharp keen knife. And beside the river were banks of reeds
and rushes and pollard willows and thickets of alder and aspen. And the
broad high-road followed the course of the stream and there were several
mills in the valley and broad ponds of water with bosky trees and with
houses clustered upon the banks thereof. And ever the breeze blew mild
and steady, and very balmy and warm, and great round white clouds
moved slowly across the high arch of the bright blue sky.
All this Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore beheld and they took such joy
in it that so I cannot forbear to tell you of it as I have done because of the
joy that I also take in what they beheld. Wherefore I pray you to for-
give me if I have recounted more of those things than need be, who am
writing a history of chivalry and of knightly daring.
So those two worthies sat there where were the highlands at the edge
of the forest, and gazed their fill down upon that valley, all spread out,
as it were, upon a table beneath them, and when they had thus gazed
their fill they aroused themselves from their pleasant contemplations and
descended down into that valley, riding along beside the shining river.
So they followed the highway, and by and by came to where the road
crossed the river by a high-arched bridge of stone. At that place were
several houses of stone with white walls that stood sheltered with great,
266 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
umbrageous trees and the walls of the houses touched the edge of the
smooth and gently flowing river. Coadjacent to this place was a mill and
a sheet of wide-spreading bright water where were so many swifts, flitting
hither and thither above the smooth surface, that they resembled bees
flying about a hive upon a warm day in June.
Now as Sir Sagramore and Sir Percival approached that bridge afore-
Sir Perdvai said with intent to cross it, they were presently aware of an-
and sir Sagra- other knight who came toward them from the other end
ighTa?the thereof. And as they went forward he also came forward
bridge. so hat it was likely that they three would meet in the midst
of the bridge. And they beheld that the knight rode upon a great Flem-
ish charger as black as a coal, and that he was of a very noble, haughty
appearance, showing no fear at their advance, though they were two and he
was but one. For ever he rode forward very boldly, and with great spirit,
even though it would bring him to meet them in the middle of the way.
There was no device of any sort upon the shield or the armor of that
knight, for it appeared that he was minded to travel unknown; so they
wist not who he was, but in his appearance they beheld that he was strong
and big and very lusty.
Then as they approached one another Sir Sagramore bespake that
Sir Sagramore knight, saying: "Sir, what mean you, coming so boldly thus
exchanges against us? Would you who are one against two dispute
words with the * ,-. .*- ., .,,
knight on the the passage of this bridge with us?
To this the other said: " Messire, I have no mind to assume
any dispute with you; yet you must be aware that it would ill beseem
any one of true knightly courage to draw aside and to give you way. For,
as you say, you are two and I am but one ; wherefore, if I should withdraw
me from this meeting it might be that you would impute a lack of cour-
age to me. So, meseems, it would be better for you to give way for me,
for you could do so without any impeachment of fear, whilst I would do an
injury to the pure nobility of my knighthood if I should give way to you."
Then Sir Sagramore said: " Sir Knight, it need not be that there should
be two of us against one. Let my companion withdraw to the farther
side of the bridge and let us two try a fall together. So it shall be decided
which of us shall of a verity have the right first to cross this bridge."
"Well," said the stranger knight, "that falleth in with my will in the
matter; therefore let it be as you say."
So, it being thus decided, Sir Percival drew away from the bridge upon
his side, and those two knights-contestant made each himself ready for
combat. Each chose his station, and when they were in all wise pre-
THEY MEET A KNIGHT UPON THE BRIDGE 267
pared, each set spur to horse and shouted to the assault and so dashed
together across the space of bridge, each in a cloud of dust and with a
noise like to thunder of horses' hoof beats upon the roadway of the bridge.
So they met in the very centre of the bridge with a crash one might
heard a furlong or more away. In that encounter the spear
of Sir Sagramore broke into many pieces but the spear of
the other knight held so that Sir Sagramore was hurtled
with great violence over the crupper of his horse, and, strik-
ing the ground with a roar of falling armor, he lay there like one who had
been struck dead.
Now Sir Percival was greatly astonished to see so potent a knight as Sir
Sagramore thus overthrown, wherefore he hurried forward with all speed
to where his companion lay upon the ground. And Sir Percival leaped
from his horse and went to his friend and found that he was not dead but
only stunned by the violence of the fall he had suffered. For anon Sir
Sagramore began to move and to bestir himself and so, after another
while, Sir Percival was able to raise him up and set him upon his feet
again, albeit Sir Sagramore 's head was as light as a feather and swam
like to running water.
Now all this while that other knight had been sitting very steadfastly
observing Sir Percival what he was about. So when he beheld that no
great harm had befallen that knight whom he had overthrown, he spake
to Sir Percival, saying: "Sir Knight, are you satisfied upon your part, or
will you also have to do with me in disputing the pass of this bridge?"
" Sir," quoth Sir Percival, " I would fain have had you go in peace, but
since you have thus offered me the chance of battle or no battle, lo! I
have no such choice, but must needs take this knight's quarrel upon my-
self. So make you ready that I may avenge his fall upon you."
Therewith Sir Percival gat Sir Sagramore to horse and cleared the
bridge of him. Then he mounted upon his own horse and made him
ready for that assault which he had undertaken.
So when he was in all wise prepared and perceiving that his enemy was also
ready, he shouted to the charge and therewith drave forward in the assault.
Then again those two knights-contestant met in the centre of the bridge
with such a violence of meeting that the spear of each was broken into
splinters to the very truncheon thereof. And each would
have fallen before the assault of the other except that, with and the strange
spur and bridle-rein, each uplifted his charger to foot again.
Thereupon, having no spear wherewith to do further battle,
each knight voided his saddle and each drew his sword and made him
2 68 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
ready for further battle. So they came together to assault afoot, and
presently each fell to lashing at the other such violent buffets that the
sound thereof could be heard in echo both far and near.
So they fought for a long time and in that while neither gained any ad-
vantage whatsoever over the other. But ever Sir Percival was more
and more astonished at the valor and the prowess of his enemy, for, unless
it were Sir Launcelot of the Lake, he knew not of any one in that land
who might withstand his assault unless it were his own brother, Sir Lam-
orack.
So by and by Sir Percival stinted his battle, and he cried out, " Hold,
Sir Knight!" and therewith upon that demand the other also stayed his
assault, and stood leaning upon his sword, panting from the violence of
the battle he had done.
Then Sir Percival said: "Sir, you assuredly fight a very wonderful bat-
tle, for I knew not there was any knight in this realm could withstand my
assault, unless it were Sir Launcelot of the Lake or mine own brother who
is Sir Lamorack of Gales. Wherefore I much marvel who you can be.
Now I pray you tell me, are you Sir Launcelot, or are you my brother,
Sir Lamorack?"
So spake Sir Percival, and at those words that other knight cried out
in a loud voice: "What say you! What say you! Who are
and SirPerci- you who layeth claim to be brother to Sir Lamorack of Gales ?
vai declare Know I myself am Sir Lamorack of Gales, so that if you are
themselves. J J
my brother, then you can be none other than that good
worthy knight Sir Percival."
Then Sir Percival cried out in a loud voice, " I am indeed Sir Percival!"
and with that he uplifted the umbril of his helmet and showed his face.
So also Sir Lamorack (for that other knight was indeed he) uplifted the
umbril of his helmet and showed his face.
Then when Sir Percival beheld his brother's face and wist that it was
indeed he against whom he had been doing battle, he cried out aloud:
" My brother ! My brother ! Is it indeed thou with whom I have fought ! "
And Sir Lamorack also cried out, " My brother! My brother! " and there-
upon each ran to the other and embraced him in his arms. And each
kissed the other upon his cheek in great affection of spirit.
Then Sir Lamorack said: "My brother, I prithee tell me who was that
knight whom I chanced to overthrow but now?" and Sir Percival said,
"That was Sir Sagramore." Sir Lamorack said: "That is a great pity
that I should have assaulted him and done him a hurt. Let us now go
see how he doeth."
SIR PERCIVAL PARTETH FROM SIR SAGRAMORE 269
So they two went together to where Sir Sagramore was, and they found
that he was now altogether recovered from his fall. And when Sir Sag-
ramore heard that it was Sir Lamorack against whom he had
_ J . , Sir Lamorack
run atilt, he made great exclamation of astonishment and he knaweth sir
said: "Hah! I am not at all surprised that I should have Sa & ramore *
met with such a mishap as that fall which I suffered, seeing that it was
thou, Sir Lamorack, against whom I ran atilt."
After that there was much amicable talk betwixt the three. And after
they had so talked for a considerable while, Sir Percival said to Sir Lam-
orack, "My brother, whither goest thou?" To this Sir Lamorack said:
" I go to visit our mother at the Priory of Saint Bridget's. For wit you
it hath now been three years since either of us hath seen her." Quoth
Sir Percival : " Brother, what thou sayst is true, and I am greatly ashamed
that it should be so long a time since I have beheld our mother. Now I
am of a mind to go with thee upon this errand, and I will do so if my com-
panion, Sir Sagramore, is willing to part company with me." Aiid Sir
Lamorack said, " I pray you do so."
Then Sir Sagramore said to Sir Percival: "Sir, I would not stay you
from your duty. Go you with your brother in God's name and think
naught of me." And Sir Percival said, " I will do so."
So after a little while longer of friendly talk, Sir Percival and Sir Lam-
orack bade adieu to Sir Sagramore, and after that the two
brothers betook their way toward the Priory of St. Bridget's and
as aforesaid and Sir Sagramore went his way alone.
So Sir Percival and Sir Lamorack travelled upon their way
for all that day, and upon the afternoon of the second day they came to
that place where was the Priory of St. Bridget. Then you may suppose
what joy that noble lady prioress, their mother, had in be-
holding her two knightly sons side by side before her once and sir Law-
more. For it is recorded that when she beheld those two
noble lords kneeling upon the ground so that she might be-
stow her blessing upon them, she wept very tenderly and said: "Ah, my
dear sons! When your father was slain he left me four sons, of whom
twain were slain by treachery so that now but you two are alive." And
she said : " I pray God He may take you into His keeping and cherish you
in all ways that be for your good, so that you may be spared your lives
and not perish by violence as did your father and your two brothers."
After that they three sat together talking very tenderly to one another ;
and they sat together far into the night, so that it was past midnight when
they parted company to seek their repose. And as they said good night
27 o THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
to their mother, Sir Percival said : " Before the dawn of day cometh, dear
mother, I must depart upon my journey once more." And Sir Lamorack
said: "Is it so? Then I must depart with thee, my brother, for to keep
thee company.'* At that the lady prioress fell to weeping, and still weep-
ing she kissed them both and prayed that God might shield them both
from sin and sorrow; and so they parted for the night.
So it befell that upon the first breaking of the morn, they two took
horse and departed from that place. And when the lady prioress awoke,
they were far upon their way. Then when the lady, their mother, found
them gone, she cried out, "Alas! who would be a mother to suffer such
partings as these!'*
Now after Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival had left the Priory of St.
sir Percival Bridget's in that wise, they rode side by side through the
and Sir Lam- dawning of the day, what time a thin, cool mist like to a veil
from the of silver lay all about the meadowlands ; what time every -
Priory. where the birds were singing their pretty matins with great
joy ; what time the leaves of the trees rustled with the first breath of the
coming day. Anon the sky grew bright like to shining silver, very clear
and remote, and then anon uprose the glorious sun and sent his beams
across the meadowland and wold.
Then Sir Percival and Sir Lamorack drew rein and dismounted each
from his steed. Each turned his horse to grass and then each opened
his wallet and broke his fast, quenching his thirst at a forest fountain
that burst out of a cleft rock near by, as clear as crystal and as cold as ice.
After that they had thus refreshed themselves they took horse again
and once more travelled onward as before.
Now about the middle of the day, they being then journeying in a
leafy woodland, they became aware of a sound of lamentation
Sir Percival . J . .
and sir Lam- in a part oi the forest and they wist that there was in that
vticl fomenting placc some one wlao was * n distress. So with one accord they
followed that sound of lamentation a little to one side, and
away from the path, and so, by and by, they came to a certain open glade
of the woodlands where they perceived the figure of a knight stretched
out upon the ground. And that knight was covered with blood and his
armor was cleft and broken as with battle. Beside the knight there knelt
an esquire clad all in garments pied of red and white. And as the esquire
thus kneeled beside the knight he wiped the face of the knight continually
with a napkin, and ever made that outcry of sorrow which they two had
heard from a distance.
Then Sir Percival and Sir Lamorack rode forward into that glade and
THE TWO KNIGHTS FIND A WOUNDED KNIGHT 271
when the esquire perceived those two strange knights corning toward him,
he arose and stood as though not rightly knowing whether to flee away
or to remain where he was. This Sir Lamorack perceived and so called
out : " Fair youth, be not afraid, but stay and tell us what is this sad sight
which we behold, for we are knights errant and we mean ye well and not
ill."
So the esquire, perceiving their intention to be friendly, remained where
he was, and thereupon they two rode up to him and to where that figure
of misfortune lay stretched in his blood upon the ground. Then Sir Lam-
orack said: " Is this noble knight living, or is he dead?" And the esquire
said, "Alas, Messire! He is not dead, but mefeareth he is dying."
Then Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival dismounted from their horses and
they went to where lay the unfortunate knight aforesaid. And they ex-
amined him to see whether he were alive ; and for a while they
thought that he was dead, but after a while they perceived and slrTam-
that he was not dead, but that he was grievously wounded orack ? u f cor , a
11 / o 1 i / 1 1 wounded knight.
and very nigh to death. Then Sir Lamorack lifted up his
face and looked at that esquire, and he said, "Who is this knight, and
how came he here?" "Messire," quoth the esquire, "I will tell you all.
This is a very worthy knight hight Sir Tarn. He and his lady with only
myself in attendance were riding this morning through this part of the
forest with intent to go to the castle of a brother of Sir Tarn's. Right
as we rode thus, there met us a very cruel and savage knight of these
marches hight Sir Godwin. This Sir Godwin had with him several armed
men and these fell upon my lord and his lady, and him they struck down
with many dolorous blows and left for dead and her they have led cap-
tive away with them. As for me, I escaped from their, hands into the
thick woodlands and after they had gone I returned hither to lend such
aid as I might to my sad, unfortunate lord."
" Ha! " said Sir Lamorack, " this is a very sorry story and that is indeed
a wicked and unkindly knight who treated thy lord in this wise. Well
do I know this Sir Godwin, for I slew his brother, Sir Gaudelin, for such
another piece of mischief as this of which thou complainest." And Sir
Lamorack said to Sir Percival : " Brother, let us put this good knight to
such ease and comfort as we may, and then let us go to the castle of Sir
Godwin and succor that lady of Sir Tarn whom he hath taken away cap-
tive." And Sir Percival also said, " Let us do so."
So they two dismounted from their horses and, with the help of that
esquire they eased Sir Tarn of his armor. After that they searched his
wounds and bathed them from the waters of a near-by fountain of the
272 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
forest. And they bound up those wounds with such bandages as they
had at hand and so brought all the ease and comfort they were able to the
wounded man. So anon Sir Tarn opened his eyes and sighed, and anon
he moved and upraised himself upon his elbow.
Then Sir Lamorack said : " Lie still, Sir Tarn, and move not for this while
and until thou art better than thou now art. And take comfort to thy-
self, for I am Sir Lamorack of Gales and this is my brother, Sir Percival
of Gales, and presently we go to the castle of Sir Godwin for to succor
thy lady and to bring her to thee again. For indeed I have great faith
that God will be with us in that undertaking, and that we shall bring you
peace of soul as we have brought you comfort of body."
So Sir Lamorack comforted Sir Tarn, and after that they bade the
wounded man adieu for the time and so left him and departed thence,
betaking their way to the castle of Sir Godwin.
So after a while they perceived the castle of Sir Godwin where it was in
sir Percival the midst of the woodland. And they came close to the castle
and sir Lam- an( j when they were very near they dismounted from their horses
'a* castle of and tied the bridles each to a sapling. After that they two
Sir Godwin. we nt up to the gate of the castle and demanded admission.
Then presently the porter came to the gate and looked forth at them
through the wicket, and he said: "Who are ye that demand admission,
and what is your business? " Sir Lamorack said : " We be two knights who
come to demand of Sir Godwin full satisfaction for the wounding of Sir
Tarn and to demand that the lady of Sir Tarn be set free from durance."
So spake Sir Lamorack, and thereat the porter laughed and said : " Cer-
tes, ye be mad, or else ye be two fearless men to come thus upon such an
errand." Therewith he shut the wicket and went away. And he went
to where Sir Godwin was and told him how those two knights had come
thither and what was their business.
When Sir Godwin heard that message he also laughed and he said to
the porter: "Go thou and admit these two knights, and when they have
entered the courtyard do thou shut to the gate after them. So we will
have them catched as in a trap. After that we may deal with them as we
please."
So the porter did as Sir Godwin commanded; he went and opened the
Sir Percival gates to Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival and he said, " Come
"wc^entZlhc in! " and When they Were within the castle he snut to the
castle of sir gate again so that they might not go forth until they of the
castle chose to let them out again. And at that time Sir
Percival and Sir Lamorack were in a courtyard of the castle and there
SIR PERCIVAL AND SIR LAMORACK FIGHT AGAINST ODDS 273
was no way whereby they might escape from that place upon any side,
for all the doors and passes were closed against them.
Anon came Sir Godwin, the lord of the castle, clad all in full armor.
And he appeared at a balcony that overlooked the courtyard beneath,
and he said: "Who are ye who come hither, meddling with that which
concerns you not?"
Him answered Sir Lamorack very boldly : " Thou wicked and unworthy
knight! Know thou that I am Sir Lamorack of Gales, and that I am he
who slew thy brother, Sir Gaudelin, for such an offence as this that thou
hast this morning committed. I and my brother, Sir Percival, are come
hither with intent to punish thee for the evil thing which thou hast done
this morning, for we will not suffer that such things shall be done as
thou doest. For those were like the deeds that thy brother did and for
them he died. So repent thee or his fate shall presently be thy fate also
unless thou dost presently repent and make amends for the injury thou
hast done."
So spake Sir Lamorack, and at that speech Sir Godwin was so filled
with rage that it was as though all the light of heaven turned red before
his eyes. For a while he could not speak because of that rage, and then
by and by he cried out: "Hah! Hah! Art thou indeed Sir Lamorack
who slew my brother? Now I am right glad of that. Make thine orisons,
for this night thou shalt assuredly sup in Paradise with thy brother for
company."
Therewith he departed and was gone, and Sir Percival and Sir Lamorack
knew not what was to happen next. Then, after a while, a door of the
castle was suddenly opened upon the courtyard and a score or more of
full-armed men rushed very violently into the space where 5 ,> Godwin a/-
Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival were. At that same time an- J^Jjj^^"
other door was opened upon the other side of the courtyard Lamorack in
and thereupon there rushed in Sir Godwin and other armed ^ orce -
men. All of these ran forward and flung themselves upon Sir Lamorack
and Sir Percival with intent to overthrow them by dint of numbers.
But when Sir Percival and Sir Lamorack were aware of their coming,
they straightway set themselves back to back and each whirled his bright
shining sword about his head so that it flashed like lightning. Then there
befell a great battle in that narrow courtyard, many against two. Yet
ever those two bare themselves very valiantly so that in a little space of
time there were six or ten men lying groaning upon the ground, and the
pavement of the courtyard was become all slippery with blood. Yea; so
great was the terror that those two spread about them that in a little
274 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
while they who assaulted them drew away from the death that was meas-
ured out to those who were nearest to the two.
So, for a while, there came a pause in that battle, and in that pause
Sir Lamorack perceived where Sir Godwin stood in the midst of the castle
folk, urging them to the attack. Thereat of a sudden the madness of
battle fell upon Sir Lamorack, so that he waited not for another assault,
but, shouting aloud, he ran at his enemy, whirling his sword about his
head. At that fierce attack the castle folk scattered from before him like
to chaff before the wind, and so Sir Lamorack and Sir Godwin stood face
to face with no one to stay Sir Lamorack in his assault. Then Sir Lamorack
whirled his sword and smote such a buffet that though Sir Godwin took that
buffet upon his shield, yet his wits melted away from him because of the
blow he had received. Then his defences fell low before him, his head hung
upon his breast, he staggered, and his thighs trembled with weakness. Then
Sir Lamorack ^ e cr ^ ec ^ ou ^' "Mercy! Mercy!" saying those words twice
siayeth sir over. But Sir Lamorack would not hear him, but lifting up
his sword he smote Sir Godwin again, and with that second
stroke Sir Godwin fell down upon his knees to the ground. Then Sir
Lamorack rushed off the helmet of Sir Godwin and he catched Sir God-
win's head by the hair and drew his neck forward. And he whirled up his
sword and he smote Sir Godwin's head from his body so that it rolled down
upon the stones of the courtyard.
Now when the followers of Sir Godwin beheld how their master was
slain they were seized with a great terror of death insomuch that they
crowded away to the extremities of the courtyard like to rats caught
in a pit. And they held up their hands and cried aloud, "Mercy!
Mercy!"
Then Sir Lamorack, panting for breath from his fight and leaning upon
his sword, said, "Take your mercy." And he said, "Where is the major
of this castle?" They say, "We will get him for you, lord," and there-
with several ran upon that errand. Anon they came bringing a fat old
man all trembling and quaking with fear. This fat old man kneeled down
before Sir Lamorack, and Sir Lamorack said, " Art thou the major of this
place?" And he said, "Yea, Messire." Sir Lamorack said, "What cap-
tives have ye here?" to the which the major replied, "There be seven
captives, and four of those seven are ladies." Sir Lamorack said, " Take us
to them."
So upon the command of Sir Lamorack the major arose from his knees,
trembling with fear. And he conducted Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival
to the keep of the castle and to the secret dungeons that were within the
SIR LAMORACK BURNETH THE CASTLE 275
keep. There they found and liberated those seven poor and miserable
creatures who were held prisoners in that place.
Amongst those ladies who were captive was the lady of Sir Tarn, and
amongst the knights who were captive was Sir Percivant of Sir Lamorack
Hind. All these seven captives Sir Lamorack and Sir Per- liberates the
cival liberated and they gave great praise and loud acclaim castle ca P es -
to those two most worthy champions who had set them free from their
piteous and miserable durance.
Then Sir Lamorack said, "Where is the treasure of this castle?" and in
obedience to that command, the major conducted Sir Lamorack and Sir
Percival to the treasure-house. There they found twelve great chests
full of treasure, which same Sir Godwin had gathered by murder and
robbery and rapine.
Then Sir Lamorack said : " Let this treasure be divided equally amongst
these captives so that they may be recompensed for all the misery they
have suffered."
So it was done as he commanded and thus it was that those who had
been so sad in captivity were made glad in their liberation. Nor would Sir
Lamorack take any of that treasure for himself; otherwise he gave it all
to those who had suffered so much at the hands of Sir Godwin.
Then after all this was accomplished, it being then come eventide, Sir
Lamorack said : " Let every living soul quit this place, for it is a den of
thieves, and shall no longer be permitted to stand stone upon stone."
So all they of the castle came and stood without the walls, both young
and old, strong and weak, man and woman, the sick and the well. And
when all had thus come forth, Sir Lamorack gave command sir Lamorack
that torches should be set here and there to the castle. So it setteth fire to
was done according to that command, and in a little while '
all that castle was in a flame of fire, so that the falling night was made
bright with the illumination thereof.
In the light of that illumination Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival rode
away with the lady of Sir Tarn. And they brought the lady to where the
wounded man lay and he had then recovered his strength in a great meas-
ure and was in a way of regaining his life and his health once more.
So a pavilion was set up over Sir Tarn and after he was in all wise made
comfortable, Sir Percival and Sir Lamorack departed from that place and
went upon their way, riding through the night and all enwrapped around
about by the darkness of the night and of the woodlands.
Thus it was that Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival met at that bridge in
276 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
the valley; thus they visited together their mother, the prioress of St.
Bridget's Priory; thus they destroyed that nest of thieves, and thus they
departed once more upon their way.
And now followeth the story of how Sir Percival met Sir Ector de Mans ;
of how Sir Percival joined company with Sir Ector ; of how they discovered a
certain very wonderful isle in a lake of clear water, and of how Sir Ector had
to do with a certain knight who was the champion of that island aforesaid.
ir Pecciuat and Sir Ectoc looft
upon flje Isle of Joy:
^ViV^^t*^Si2^>^^^^^^V
Chapter Second
How Sir Percival and Sir Ector de Marts came to a very wonder-
ful place where was a castle in the midst of a lake.
THAT night Sir Lamorack and Sir Percival lay in the woodlands,
each wrapped in his cloak, and each sleeping very soundly
after all the travails of the day. And when the next morning had
come Sir Percival awoke a little before the dawning of the day and Sir
Lamorack still slept.
Then Sir Percival bethought him that he must again'depart in quest of
Sir Launcelot and that his brother, Sir Lamorack, was not upon that quest.
So he rose very softly and he went aside and donned his Sir Percival
armor so quietly that he did not disturb his brother's slum- l ^m&rack
bers. After he had thus donned his armor, he took horse and asleep.
rode alone into the forest, leaving Sir Lamorack still asleep where he lay.
And Sir Percival traversed that woodland for a long while, not knowing
whither he went, but trusting ever to God to bring him out thence all in
good time. So as he journeyed he came about the prime of day to a cer-
tain open place where there was a crossroad and a wayside shrine and a
little chapel. And as Sir Percival drew nigh to this place, he beheld that
a knight in shining armor was kneeling at that wayside shrine, reciting his
orisons.
Beside the kneeling knight there stood a noble dapple-gray war-horse,
and the spear of the knight leaned against the bole of a near-by oak tree,
and the shield of the knight hung suspended to the spear. Sir Percival
And the knight wore neither helm nor bascinet, wherefore meets with sir
Sir Percival could see his face and so could know who he was. Ecto
And Sir Percival knew that the knight who kneeled there was Sir Ector de
Maris, the brother of Sir Launcelot of the Lake.
Now though Sir Ector heard the sound of the footsteps of the horse as
Sir Percival drew nigh, yet he neither ceased his orisons nor turned his head,
but ever continued very steadfastly to recite his prayers. And so Sir
2 8o THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Percival drew rein at a little distance and waited until Sir Ector was don
his prayers, nor did he disturb the kneeling knight in any wise until h
had crossed himself and arisen to his feet.
Then Sir Percival said, "This is well met, Sir Ector," and because th
umbril of Sir Percival's helmet was uplifted, Sir Ector knew him and so h
said, giving him greeting, "Well met indeed, Sir Percival."
Therewith Sir Percival dismounted from his horse, and he came to Si
Ector and clasped Sir Ector in his arms, and each kissed the other upo:
the cheek as though they had been brothers.
After that they went a little to one side and sat them down in the sof
long grass of the wayside and beneath the shadow of a wide-spreadin
tree.
Then Sir Percival said to Sir Ector: "Sir, hast thou any news of th;
brother, Sir Launcelot?" And Sir Ector said: "Nay, I have no news c
him, but I had hoped that you might have news."
Sir Percival said, "I have no news," and he said, "Do you still go ii
quest of that noble and gentle knight your brother?" And Sir Ector said
"Yea." Sir Percival said: " So do I go upon that quest, and I would fail
that we might travel somewhile together for the sake of companionship.'
And Sir Ector said: " So also would I wish it to be."
Now as they thus talked there came the hermit of that chapel to then
where they sat, and he said to them: "Messires, will ye not break brea(
with me ere ye depart from this place?" Whereunto they said: "Yea
gladly will we do so."
So they all went together to the hermit's cell, and therewith he prepare(
for them such food as he had at his dwelling-place; to wit, sweet browi
bread, with honey of the forest and berries freshly gathered from th<
thickets. So those two noble knights ate with great appetite and wer<
fully refreshed and their hunger stayed.
Then, after they had thus eaten their fill, they gave many thanks to th<
good man for their refreshment and so departed from that pleasant place
Sir Percival riding side by side together, talking in pleasant discourse, anc
'ride to'efhe'r" n W and then chantin g a bit ' of son g> either one alone or botl
together. Meantime the warm sun shone very brightly, flicker
ing ever and anon through the leaves and blazing of a sudden with a quicl
and wonderful glory as it catched upon the polished plates of thei:
armor.
In this wise Sir Percival and Sir Ector travelled and by and by the]
came out of that forest. And they travelled for several days, until at las
they one day came to a certain place whence they overlooked a valley
SIR PERCIVAL AND SIR ECTOR BEHOLD A FAIR VALLEY 281
Here they drew rein upon the heights and looked down into that valley,
and they beheld that it was a very fair place. And in the midst
thereof they beheld that there was a lake of water, wonderfully a
clear and very blue and tranquil, as it were a part of the bright ^^ a f air
shining sky that lay within the cup of that valley. And they
beheld that in the midst of the lake there was an island, and that upon the
island there stood a castle, very tall and stately, and with many tall roofs
of tile that shone all red like to several separate flames of fire against the
mild blue sky behind. And they beheld that there was a little town of
houses of stone and brick not far away from that castle, and they beheld
that the rest of the island was very fertile and green, like to a pure emerald
of bright fertility. And they beheld that there were several groves and
plantations of trees and of fruit-trees at several places upon the island, so
that, what with this and what with that, it was like a fragment of paradise
planted in that place.
All these they beheld, as it were, upon the palm of the hand. And after
they had gazed for a while, Sir Ector said: "Methinks that yonder is as
fair a place as ever I saw in all of my life. Now let us descend thither-
ward and let us seek to discover to what noble lord yonder island castle
belongeth." To the which Sir Percival said, "That meeteth altogether
my wishes."
So thereupon those two rode down into that valley and so came to the
margin of the lake. And they beheld that the waters of the lake were as
clear as crystal and that all around the lake was a strand of yellow pebbles
that appeared like pebbles of gold in the sunlight, wherefore it was as
though that lake was altogether surrounded with the ring of gold. And
beyond this strand of pebbles were meadows of long grass and ..of flowers,
and chiefly these flowers were daffodils.
So those two knights proceeded along that golden strand, all in the
shining sunlight, until, by and by, they came to a certain part Percival
of the lake that was nighest to the castle. And the island a nd Sir Ector
at that point sloped very gently down to the water, and as r ^^^
these two knights gazed across the waters they saw how that
a wide, smooth meadow lay betwixt the castle and the waters of the lake,
and that the meadow was besprinkled with an incredible number of bright
daffodil flowers like to the meadows upon the other side of that strand
of pebbles. And they perceived that there was a lady standing deep in
the long grass of the meadow and in the midst of the flowers, and they
saw that she wore many ornaments of gold set with jewels and that she
carried a sparrow-hawk upon her wrist.
282 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Then Sir Percival called to that lady across the water, saying, " Lady
what is this castle and who is the lord thereof?" To this th<
lady also called out in reply (speaking in a voice that wa;
lady of Joyous WO nderfully high and clear), saying: "This is hight the Joy
ous Isle and yonder is the castle of Joyous Isle, and the lore
of the castle is a very noble knight hight, Le Chevalier Half ait. We o
this castle are exceedingly proud of that knight, holding him to be th<
most noble champion in all of the world. For there have been severa
tournaments and jousts held in these marches, and in non<
U/ tne citam-
pion of Joyous of them hath any one been able to stand against our knight
Isle ' And many knights have come hither at different times to tn
an adventure against our knight, but all these hath he overthrown witl
wonderful skill and strength."
Thus spake that lady; and to her Sir Percival said: "Certes, lady, thi
must be a very noble knight according to your accounting. Now I pra]
you tell me how came so puissant a knight as that into this remote place?'
Quoth she : " I cannot rightly tell you that, only I know that he cam<
hither as a madman and that he was healed of his madness, and that hi
was wedded to the daughter of the king of this country, who is one of th
most beautiful ladies in the world, and that since then he hath been living
here at Joyous Isle."
Then Sir Percival said : " Lady, we came not hither upon any such ad
venture as that of trying the skill of your champion, but what you inforn
us concerning him giveth me a great appetite to try of what mettle he is
Now I pray you tell me, how may I come at this knight so as to adventur
myself against him."
At this the lady laughed, and she said : " Messire, if such be your wish
you will find yourself very welcome at this place. If you would come a
this adventure, you must travel by the margin of the lake a little farthe
upon the way you are going and until you have come to that part of th
lake that is back of the castle. There you will find a ferryman and hi
two sons. Make your want known to this ferryman and he will take yoi
into his boat and will ferry both you and your two horses across the wate
of the lake so that you may come to the other side."
So spake the lady; and after that Sir Percival gave her gramercy an<
therewith he and Sir Ector took their departure. And so they travellec
some little while by the margin of the lake as the lady with the sparrow
hawk had directed, and by and by they came to that part of the lake tha
was back of the castle. Here they beheld a vessel such as the lady ha(
described, and they beheld a hut beside the margin of the lake ; and whei
SIR PERCIVAL PASSES TO THE ISLAND OF JOY 283
they called there came forth out of the hut the ferryman and two others
who were his sons. Of these Sir Percival made demand that they should
transport him across the lake to the island and thereupon the ferryman
immediately prepared to do so.
Then Sir Percival said to Sir Ector : "Sir, I pray you of your courtesy
for one thing," and Sir Ector said, "What is that?" Sir Percival said:
" I pray you that you will abide here and let me undertake this adventure
alone. For I would not have it that two of us together should go forth
against this one knight. And indeed I have great hope that I may be
successful in this, even though I go thus alone, wherefore it is that I pray
you of your courtesy that you will abide here, and patiently await my
return."
So spake Sir Percival, and Sir Ector said : " Messire, let it be as you say
and I will even abide here at this place and await your return. And if
you should fail in that which you undertake, then will I also essay this
adventure to discover if I may meet with better success."
So therewith Sir Percival entered the boat, and the ferryman and his
two sons also entered it, and they bent to their oars and in Sir p erc ^ va i
a little while they had rowed Sir Percival across the water passeth to
to the island that lay upon the farther side.
Then when Sir Percival had safely come to the island in that wise, he
rode up toward the castle through that very pleasant meadow aforetold
of, and so came to the castle gateway. Here he beheld a bugle horn
hanging by a chain. Then he took that bugle horn into his hands and
blew upon it until the walls of the castle rang with the sound thereof.
Anon, in answer to that blast, there came the porter of that castle and
looked at Sir Percival through the wicket of the gate. And the porter
said: " Messire, what would you have of us of this castle?"
Quoth Sir Percival : " Good man, I have heard news of the great prowess
of the knight-champion of this castle, and so I have come hither to make
a better acquaintance of that prowess. Now I pray you to go to him and
to tell him that there hath come an errant knight who would fain do bat-
tle with him in a friendly tilt if so be he will come forth hither without
the castle and meet me in the meadow that lieth beneath the walls. For
that meadow is a pleasant place, smooth and level, where two knights
may have great joy in running atilt in friendly contest."
"Messire," quoth the porter, "it needs not that the knight of this castle
should come forth out of the castle to meet you. For inside of this castle
is a very pleasant tilt yard, and there is a gallery around about the tilt
yard whence the lords and ladies of this place may view the contest be-
2 g 4 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
tween you and our knight. Wherefore, I pray you enter and take no
fear, for you will be very well received at this place."
"I give you gramercy," said Sir Percival, "and I find that this is in-
deed a very gentle and kindly place whereunto I have come. So I pray
you give me way and I will enter as you desire me to do."
So anon the portcullis of the castle was raised and the drawbridge was
let fall and thereupon Sir Percival rode forward across the
drawbridge and entered the castle and the courtyard thereof,
castle of the iron hoofs of his horse sounding very loud and noisy upon
the stones of the pavement.
Then immediately there came several esquires running to him and
asked of him what was his will and why he had come to that place. Sir
Percival told them what he would have, and that he would have a friendly
contest of arms with the knight of that place; whereunto the esquires
said, " It shall be as you desire."
So two of those esquires ran to find the knight of the castle to tell him
how that a challenger was come to run atilt against him, and meantime
several other esquires led Sir Percival's horse to the tilt yard of the castle
and others still again brought him a cup of fair spiced wine for his re-
freshment. Anon the folk of the castle began to gather in the balcony
that overlooked the tilt yard, and Sir Percival, casting upward his eyes
toward those who gathered there, beheld that that was as fair a court of
chivalry as ever had looked down upon any battle that he had fought in
all of his life.
After that, and by and by, there came the knight-champion of the castle,
riding into the farther extremity of the tilt yard, and when Sir Percival
looked upon him it seemed to him that he had hardly ever seen so noble
and haughty a figure as that castle champion presented.
Then straightway those two knights prepared each himself for the en-
counter, and when they were in all ways made ready the marshal of the
lists came forward and proclaimed the conditions of battle that it was
to be ahorseback or afoot as the knights-contestant chose. After that
proclamation the marshal withdrew a little to one side. Then he called
upon those knights to make them ready. Then in another little while,
sir Percival an d beholding that they were both ready in all wise, he blew
witf fa'lham- a * oud k last u P n ms trumpet, whereupon in an instant they
pion of Joy- quitted each his post and launched the one against the other
ous isle. iik e to two fouiig ms hing together in a charge. So they two
met in the midst of the course with such an uproar of encounter that the
ears of those who stood near by were stunned with the noise thereof.
SIR PERCIVAL JOUSTS WITH THE KNIGHTS OF THE ISLE 285
In that encounter each knight splintered his lance to the very butt
thereof, and at the violence of the blow that each gave the other, the
horse of each tottered back upon his haunches and would have fallen but
for the address of the knight rider, who quickly recovered him with spur
and voice and rein.
Then each knight voided his saddle and leaped to the ground, and each
drew his sword from its sheath for an encounter afoot. Then flashed
their swords like lightning in the sunlight, and blow followed blow with
such great spirit and good will that the sound thereof deafened the ears
of those who looked down upon that encounter from the balcony. And
ever these two champions lashed at the other such buffets that it was a
wonder that any skill and address at arms could have turned aside such
strokes as fell in that friendly battle.
So they two fought for so long a time that those who onlooked were
astonished at the strength and the courage and the endurance of those
two champions, and in all that while neither knight had suffered aught
of harm and neither had had aught of advantage over the other.
Then at last the champion of the castle cried out, " Sir Knight, hold thy
hand!" and thereupon Sir Percival ceased his battle and stood leaning
upon the pommel of his sword, panting because of the great
endeavor which he had put forth during that conflict. Then and
the knight-champion of the castle said : " Messire, I have met
many knights in my day and amongst them I have encoun-
tered those who were regarded to be the best knights in the world, yet I
make my vow that never until this time have ever I met any knight who
hath proved himself to be so strong and so powerful as you have shown
yourself to be in this battle. Now I pray you, Messire, that you of your
courtesy will declare your name and degree, for I doubt me not that you
are one whom we shall find to have conferred great honor upon us by
coming to this place."
To this Sir Percival said: "Messire, your civility of words is equal to
your address at arms. Gladly will I declare my name and degree, and
happy will I be if it hath aught of significance to you, for I do not think
that even Sir Launcelot of the Lake himself was ever a better knight
than you have shown yourself to be. Know you that I am Sir Percival
of Gales and that I am son to King Pellinore and brother sir Percival
unto Sir Lamorack of Gales. And now I beseech you upon dcdareth
your part to declare your name and title to me." &if.
But to this speech the champion of the castle made no reply. Other-
wise, when he heard what Sir Percival said, and when he heard the name
2 86 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
and degree of Sir Percival, he gave forth a great cry, either of joy or of
something different from joy. Therewith, and thus crying out, he flung
away his sword and he flung away his shield, and he ran to Sir Percival
and threw himself down upon his knees before Sir Percival and embraced
him about the thighs. And he cried out: "What have I done! What
have I done to do battle with thee in this wise!"
At this Sir Percival was very greatly astonished and he said: "Sir, what
is this thou doest to kneel to me? Who art thou who sayst such words
as these I hear? Now I pray thee that thou wilt immediately declare
thyself to me who thou art! "
Then that knight, still kneeling, said : " Sir Percival, I am he whom men
Sir Launceht one t * me ca ^ e( ^ Sir Launcelot of the Lake." Therewith saying,
deciareth that knight of the castle lifted up the umbril of his helmet and
himself. Sir p erc j va i beheld that it was indeed Sir Launcelot.
Then Sir Percival cried out even as Sir Launcelot had done, and thus
crying out he said: "At last, at last I have found thee!" Therewith he
lifted up Sir Launcelot into his arms, and he embraced Sir Launcelot and
kissed him upon the cheek and they wept over one another with a great
joy of meeting, and all those in the balcony who beheld that sight wondered
what was its occasion.
Then Sir Launcelot said to Sir Percival : " Sir, let me bring you to my
lady." And therewith he took Sir Percival by the hand and led him up
into the gallery and to where the Lady Elaine sat in the midst of her court.
And Sir Percival looked with a very earnest regard upon that lady, and it
Sir Percival appeared to him that he had never before beheld so sweet and
behoideth Elaine gentle and beautiful a countenance as that which he then
looked upon. And Sir Percival said : " Lady, now that I see
thee I wonder not that Sir Launcelot hath remained thus hidden away from
the sight of all of us for these two years past. For if this island wherein
ye dwell is a fair paradise then certes art thou a very fitting queen to that
dwelling-place."
So spake Sir Percival, and after he had spoken the Lady Elaine smiled
very kindly upon him and she said: "Messire, your words are very fair
and they flatter me far beyond my deserving. Great is your renown
amongst us and I declare that you are very welcome to this place. Now
I pray you put aside your armor and bathe and refresh yourself, and
after that we shall all take gentle sport together."
Sir Percival said: "Lady, gladly would I stay with you at this present.
But there is awaiting me at another place not far distant from this one
whom Sir Launcelot will be even more glad to behold than he was glad
SIR ECTOR FINDETH SIR LAUNCELOT 287
to behold me. Now I pray you, suffer me first to go and bring that one
hither and then will we both remain with you in greater joy of your com-
pany."
Quoth Sir Launcelot, "Who is it that could give me more pleasure to
see than you, Sir Percival?"
"Sir," said Sir Percival, "it is your own brother, Sir Ector. For I left
him upon the other side of the water of this lake whilst I came hither alone
to try my fortune with you. Now I pray you let me go to him and bring
him hitherward so that we may all rejoice together."
Then Sir Launcelot cried out: "This is indeed joy upon joy. Now I
pray you, Sir Percival, go and bring him!" Therewith Sir Percival de-
parted to fetch Sir Ector thither in accordance with that saying.
So Sir Percival rode down through the meadow of the island to the
margin of the lake, and when he had come there the ferryman ferried
him across the water as they had brought him across before. And Sir
Percival found Sir Ector waiting for him, who, when he beheld Sir Percival
coming, said: "Sir, what fortune had you in your adventure?" Quoth
Sir Percival: "Oh, friend! that fortune which I had was greater than you
or I could have deemed to be possible."
At these words Sir Ector was greatly astonished, and he said: "What
great fortune is this of which thou speakest?" and Sir Percival said: "I
will tell thee. Whom thinkest thou I have found upon this adventure?
None other than thine own brother, Sir Launcelot, for he it is who is
the lord of this castle."
Then Sir Ector cried out with astonishment, and he said: "Can this be
so indeed?" And then he said: " Let us make haste and go to him upon
the wings of the wind."
So again they entered the ferry and were ferried across the water. And
after they were upon the farther side they rode together
through that meadow of flowers and up to the castle. bringeth sir
Now as they drew nigh to the castle in that wise they be-
held a great concourse of the castle folk coming forth to meet
them and giving great sound of jubilation and rejoicing. At the head of
these who approached to meet them came Sir Launcelot and the Lady
Elaine, they two riding side by side, Sir Launcelot upon a great black
horse, and she upon a white palfrey. And she was clad all in garments
of white sarsanet embellished with pearls and embroidered with threads
of silver, and she was adorned with ornaments of shining gold and she
wore a golden crown upon her head such as was befitting the daughter of a
king to wear. Her fair hair was enmeshed in a network of golden threads
2 88 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
so that what with this and that her beauty shone from afar with exceed-
ing lustre. And though Sir Ector had beheld her aforetime yet it was
as though he had never beheld her until that day, for her joy and her
pride of Sir Launcelot and in his meeting Sir Ector and Sir Percival again
so illuminated her countenance that it was as though her beauty shone
with a singular brightness from within; yea, it was as though her soul it-
self had illuminated her body of flesh with a pure and shining beauty that
was other than of this world.
So as they met, Sir Launcelot and Sir Ector each leaped from his horse
and they ran together and embraced and kissed each other
Sir Launcelot and wept one upon another in such a wise that all of those
e an ~ who looked on wept also for joy of their joy. And then Sir
Ector came to the lady and took her by the hand and kissed
her hand and kissed it again and yet again.
After that they all went up to the castle of the Joyous Isle together,
and they entered into the castle with sounds of rejoicing and loud ac-
claim so that the very walls of the castle seemed, as it were, to cry out
with joy. So after they had thus entered the castle, a number of atten-
dants took Sir Percival and Sir Ector and made them comfortable in all
wise. And they were given rich robes of royal make for to wear and af-
ter that there was feasting and rejoicing beyond measure.
Thereafter day followed day in great cheer and mirth and there were
many joustings and tournaments held in honor of these two royal knights
who had come thither.
Now one day Sir Launcelot and Sir Ector were walking together in the
garden of that fair castle and they were alone, no attendants being with
Sir Ector them at that time. Anon Sir Ector said to Sir Launcelot,
bespeaketh " My brother, I pray ye read me a riddle." Quoth Sir Launce-
** lot, "What is your riddle? " "It is this," said Sir Ector:
" What should one do if a messenger came to him with command from a
queen to whom he had sworn duty that command being that he should
show himself at court? Should that one neglect the command that his
queen had transmitted to him, or should he obey that command."
Then Sir Launcelot turned his face aside so that Sir Ector might not
read his eyes, and after a little he said, " I will not return to court."
"Why will ye not do so?" said Sir Ector, and Sir Launcelot made reply:
"Because a duty that is greater than any queen's command keeps me
here with this lady unto whom I have pledged all my truth and all my
faith."
SIR ECTOR BESPEAKETH SIR LAUNCELOT 289
After that Sir Ector was silent for a little, and then after a little while
he said : " Sir, you know very well that I would do naught to advise you
against that which I believe to be your duty and your honor. But are
you so doubtful of yourself that you fear to perform one duty lest you
should fail in another duty? Now we are commanded by that queen
whom you swore to serve to search you out and to find you and to tell
you that it is her command unto you that you return to the court of the
Great King and make your peace with her. Are you then so doubtful
of your truth to the Lady Elaine that you fear to obey the command of
the Queen ?"
Then Sir Launcelot cried out, "Say no more to me of this!" and so Sii
Ector said no more. So, shortly afterward they parted company.
After that they had so parted Sir Launcelot went to a certain chamber
of the castle where he was alone and there he communed with his spirit,
and these communings were very bitter and sad. Anon came the Lady
Elaine to that place and knocked upon the door and demanded entrance,
but for a while Sir Launcelot denied her. But ever she knocked, and so
after a while he opened the door a little and admitted her into that place
where he was.
Then the Lady Elaine came close to Sir Launcelot and looked very deeply
into his eyes, and by and by she said, "Launcelot, what ails thee?" He
said, "My brother hath been talking to me concerning certain matters."
She said, "What was it he said to thee?" And Sir Launcelot replied, " I
will not tell thee."
Then the Lady Elaine smiled into Sir Launcelot 's face and she said:
" It needs not that thou shouldst tell me what thy brother said, for I can
guess very well what it was." Then she took Sir Launcelot 's
head into her embrace and she said, " Launcelot! Launcelot! " Elaine be-
and he said, "Elaine! Elaine!" And the Lady Elaine said: *
"Alas, love, thou must return with these good knights unto
the court of the King, for it is thy duty to do so. After that thou mayst
return hither, and I pray God that thy staying away from this place may
not be for very long."
Then Sir Launcelot said: "Elaine, I will not go away from this place
unless it be that thou also goest with me. Wherefore, if thou wilt have
me go to King Arthur 's court, then go thou along with me. Otherwise,
if thou wilt not do that, then I will disobey the Queen's commands and
will stay forever here with thee."
Then the Lady Elaine smiled again though somewhat sadly and she
said: "Ah, Launcelot, I am sorry for thee and for thy doubts. But as
290 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
thou wilt have it so, so let it be and I will go with thee to the court of the
King." Therewith she kissed Sir Launcelot upon the face and he kissed
her as with a great passion.
So three days after that time all they departed from Joyous Isle to
The ail de- w ^' ^ r Launcelot and Sir Percival and Sir Ector and the
part from Lady Elaine and in the court who went along with them there
Joyous isle. also trave u e( ^ 5^ Lavaine, the Lady Elaine's brother, who
had aforetime been Sir Launcelot 's companion at arms in that tournament
at Astolat as aforetold of. These with their courts of esquires and ladies
and demoiselles wended their way from that place with great state of de-
parture and with all the pomp and circumstance that befitted the high
estate of those who travelled.
So it was that Sir Launcelot was found, and now if you will read this
history further you shall hear of a very pleasant adventure that befell
them upon their way to the castle of King Arthur and of how Sir Ewaine
and the Lady of the Fountain joined them and went with them to the
court of the King.
ir Laoainc flje Son of Belles:
Chapter Third
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and Sir Ector and the Lady
Elaine progressed to the court of King Arthur, and how a very
good adventure befell them upon their way.
NOW, as was said, Sir Launcelot and the Lady Elaine departed for
Camelot, together with Sir Percival and Sir Ector and Sir Lavaine,
for their intent was to return to King Arthur's court. With them
went a very noble court of knights and ladies, and of many attendants of
all degrees in waiting upon them. So it was that whensoever their caval-
cade would make a halt, that place where they would rest would suddenly
bloom forth, as it were, with the glory of their coming. For upon such
a halt there would immediately be spread a number of pavilions of all
sorts and colors for the accommodation of those lords and ladies, where-
fore the green fields and meadowlands would presently be covered all
over with a great multitude of gay colors of all sorts, bedazzling the eye
with their brightness and their variety. Then all the air would be aflutter
with silken pennants and banners, and all would be bright with the shining
of armor and the movement of gaily clad figures, and all would be merry
with the chatter and music of many voices talking together, and all would
be alive with movement and bustle some running hither and some running
thither and everywhere pages and esquires would be busy polishing pieces
of armor, and damsels would be busy in gentle attendance upon the lady.
So it was that they made progression in that wise, all gay and debon-
naire, and so one day they made halt toward the sloping of the afternoon
in a certain very pleasant woodland where a fair fountain of How they rest
water, as clear as crystal and as cold as ice, came gushing within the
forth from a mossy rock of the woodland. Here was a very ,
pleasant meadow of lush green grass all besprinkled with pretty flowers
and around about stood the trees of the forest, ever rustling and murmur-
ing their leaves in the soft and balmy breezes that caused their ancient
heads to move, very slowly this way and that, as though they were whisper-
ing to one another concerning the doings of those gay travellers aforesaid.
294 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Now as those knights and ladies who had been travelling all that day
were anhungered with journeying, a repast had been spread in the open
air, and all they sat at table with only the blue sky and the bright floating
clouds above their heads for a canopy, and only the soft green grass and
the pretty flowers beneath their feet for a carpet. And so as they sat,
pages and attendants ran hither and thither with plates and dishes and
pattens of silver and of gold full of meats of all kinds, and with beakers
and pitchers and goblets of silver and of gold full of wines of various sorts ;
and with these foods the attendants served that noble company as they
sat at table. And all the stillness of the forest was filled full of the noise
of the chanting of many voices, and of laughter and of snatches of song.
What time there stood near by several minstrels who played upon harps
for the entertainment of those who ate at the table.
So, as they sat, all enjoying themselves with feasting and good cheer,
A strange dam- t ^ iere came forth of a sudden from the forest a very beautiful
seiappeareth damsel riding upon a milk-white horse with two esquires in
m the forest. attendance upon her the one walking upon the one side of
her horse, and the other upon the other. This damsel and the esquires
were all clad in flame-colored satin and all these were adorned with many
ornaments of gold. And the damsel wore about her neck several shining
necklaces of gold inset with jewels of divers sorts, and she wore armlets
of gold also inset with jewels upon her arms, and her hair was gathered
into a net of gold. So it was, what with that flaming raiment and the
shining of those several ornaments of gold, that she who came thither
was all one living flame of fire.
So she drew nigh to them who sat at table, and they beheld that the face
of that damsel was of a very singularly beautiful appearance, being like
to ivory for whiteness ; and they beheld that her lips were like to coral for
redness, and that her eyes were like two jewels, very bright and shining.
And they beheld that her hands were long and slender, and were adorned
with many rings of wrought gold, so that each finger shone, as it were, with
pure brightness because of those several hoops of gold that encircled them.
Such was the appearance of that damsel and all they who sat there at
feast were astonished with wonderment when they beheld her, for they
all wist that without doubt she was fay.
Now when that damsel had come pretty close to where they sat at their
The damsel be- feast, she drew rein and cried out : " God save you, gentles !
speaketh them. NQW j pray yQU teU me tf there ^ any ^^ here who hat h
a mind for an adventure that would doubtless be very pleasant for him to
undertake?"
HE ASSUMETH THE ADVENTURE OF THE FOUNTAIN 295
To this Sir Launcelot made reply: "I dare say, fair maiden, that there
are several knights here who would take pleasure in assuming any adven-
ture that one so beautiful as you are might call upon him to perform.
Speaking for myself, I shall be very glad to assume such an adventure;
wherefore, I pray thee, tell me what that adventure is."
" I will tell you," said the damsel. " The adventure which I would have
you undertake is hight the Adventure of the Fountain, and if you would
assume it, you have only to take yonder path that leads through the
woodlands in that direction and you shall come to it anon. For if you go
in that way you will come, by and by, to a high mound, where you will
find a huge black man sitting, watching a herd of cattle. Tell him that
you are come to assume the Adventure of the Fountain, and he will direct
you farther upon your way."
Then Sir Launcelot said: "This is a very strange thing that thou hast
set me to undertake. Now I prithee tell me further concerning this ad-
venture, and what will befall after I have bespoken that black herdsman
of whom thou tellest." But at this the maiden only laughed and said:
" The black man who sits upon the mound, he will tell you all that is neces-
sary for you to know." Thereupon she turned her horse about and im-
mediately departed with those two esquires who attended her. And so
presently she reached the edge of the woodland and disappeared into the
forest whence she had emerged not a very long while before. And all that
court of knights and ladies were equally amazed at her coming and at her
going.
Then after she had thus gone Sir Launcelot said: " I know not what it is
that this damsel has set me to do, but let us abide here to-night as we had
purposed, and when to-morrow comes then we will all depart together in
quest of this adventure which she calleth the 'Adventure of the Foun-
tain.' For I doubt not that it is some very excellent undertaking that
will afford us extraordinary entertainment."
Accordingly, that night they abided where they were, and when the
early breaking of the day had come they departed thence ^ ^
upon the way that the damsel had pointed out. upon the Ad-
After they had thus departed, they travelled for a consid- ^^{ thc
erable distance through the forest in that direction and anon
they came to that mound of which the damsel had spoken. And they
beheld that the mound stood in a wide open space of the woodland. And
they beheld that there were many cattle grazing around about this mound
and upon the mound, and they beheld that upon the mound there sat a
gigantic being of such a hideous aspect that they were astonished at his
296 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
appearance. For his skin was wellnigh black, and his half naked body
was covered all over with hairs like to the hairs upon the body of an ape.
Then, when this being beheld them where they came, he roared at them
in a great voice, saying, "Where go ye, little people, and what is your
business?"
To him Sir Launcelot made reply : " Fellow, I came hither to assay that
Adventure of the Fountain and these are my companions who come with
me. Now tell me what that adventure is and what I shall do to fulfill it."
Then that gigantic oaf bellowed with loud laughter and he cried out:
"Seekest thou that adventure? Now I warrant thee, thou wilt be well
satisfied when thou hast found it. For so all have been satisfied who
have come this way. Take thou yonder path and by and by thou wilt
come to a certain valley that is very fair and beautiful. In that valley is
a lake and there is a fountain nigh to the lake, and thou mayst know the
fountain because a great tree stands beside it and shelters the waters
thereof. Beside the fountain is a slab of stone and upon the slab is a silver
bowl attached to the slab by a chain of silver. Dip up some water from
the fountain into the silver bowl and cast the water upon the slab of stone,
and thou shalt straightway meet with an adventure that will, I doubt not,
satisfy all thy desires for a long time to come."
So spake that gigantic being in a voice like to thunder, and after he had
spoken they presently all departed upon further quest of that adventure.
So they travelled a very long distance until by and by they came to
The behold that steep hill aforetold of in this history. Thereafter they
the valley of climbed to the top of this hill and found themselves at a place
nn ' where the forest ceased and whence beneath them lay a very
fair valley. And they perceived from a distance the lake and the fountain
of which they had been told, and after that they all rode down in that
valley and to the place of the fountain.
Here, finding a fair level meadow, they pitched their pavilions around
about the place of the fountain and Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and
Sir Ector and their knights armed themselves in all wise so as to be ready
for any sort of adventure that might befall.
Thus being in all ways prepared, Sir Launcelot approached the foun-
Sir Launcelot tain, an( ^ wnen ne had come to it he found the silver cup
poureth water chained to the slab of stone as the gigantic herdsman had
Up0f{ said that he would find it. So he took the silver cup into his
hand, and he dipped up the water of the fountain therein, and he cast
that water upon the slab of stone.
Then it befell just as it had aforetime befallen with Sir Sagramore and
SIR LAUNCELOT FIGHTETH THE KNIGHT OF THE FOUNTAIN 297
Sir Ewaine. For the earth trembled and shook so that all those who
were there were filled with a great terror at the earthquake. Then there
arose a mighty wind, so violent that all the pavilions that had been erected
were overthrown and blown away before the blast. Then the skies thun-
dered and thick dark clouds gathered over the heavens so that the light
was presently altogether obscured, although it was hardly yet come to the
prime of the day. After that the rain fell in such a deluge that all they
who were there feared for some while that they would be drowned in that
rainfall. And ever, as it rained, they heard, as from a distance, the voices
of many raised, as it were in lamentation. For all this was just as it had
been when Sir Sagramore and Sir Ewaine had come to that place.
Then after a while it ceased raining and the clouds cleared away from
the sky, and the sun shone forth once more with an extraordinary bril-
liancy. And anon there came that multitude of birds flying, as aforetold of
in this history, and these, descending upon the tree by the fountain, straight-
way fell to singing with such a piercing rapture of melody that the hearts of
those who listened were altogether ravished with the charm of their song.
Then, whilst those who were there stood listening to that singing of the
birds, they perceived a great distance away the form of a knight who
came riding toward that place with great speed. And that knight was
clad altogether in black armor and he rode upon a great black horse, and
all the trappings and the furniture of that horse were as black as all the
other things that belonged to that knight. So that knight came violently
riding to where they were, and perceiving that great court of knights and
ladies who stood there all drenched and wet with the rain, he cried out
in a proud and menacing voice, " Who are ye, and which of ye was it who
meddled with this fountain?"
To this Sir Launcelot replied, "Sir, it was I."
Then the black knight, speaking very fiercely, said : " Know ye that ye
have done a very woeful mischief, for, because you have meddled with
this fountain, ye have brought a deluge upon this land that hath done
great damage to all they that dwell therein. Now make you straightway
ready for battle, for I have great hopes of punishing you for the mischief
you have done to this land by thus meddling with the fountain."
Then Sir Launcelot answered, speaking both with great pride and with
dignity of demeanor. "Messire," quoth he, "never yet have I refused
any call to battle, nor shall I do so at this present. As for that mischief
of which you speak, wit you that I knew not I was making any mischief
in what I did. Nevertheless, now that that mischief is done, I am ready
to defend mine act since you have called upon me to do so."
29 8 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
So saying, Sir Launcelot withdrew to one side in that meadow near to
the fountain as aforetold of; and the Knight of the Fountain likewise
withdrew himself to that same place, and when they had come there each
chose such ground as seemed to him to be best fitted for the encounter.
Meantime, all they who were there gathered in a good place whence they
might onlook that encounter and behold the upshot of the adventure.
So when all was ready for the encounter, as aforesaid, each knight
shouted aloud and drave spur to horse and each charged against the other
with all the fury of two wild bulls.
So they met in the midst of the course with such a roar of encountering
Sir Launcelot spears and armor that the ears of those who heard it were
doeth battle stunned with the noise thereof. In that encounter the spear
Foun- g of each knight was shattered to splinters up to the hand that
tain. ^id ft, and the horse of each sunk back upon his haunches
as though he had encountered a stone wall. But each knight recovered
his horse with spur and voice and with wonderful skill and dexterity, so
that neither horse nor man suffered a fall from that encounter.
Then each knight voided his horse and leaped to the earth and each
straightway drew his shining sword, all flashing in the bright sunlight.
And each rushed upon the other with a great rage for battle, smiting and
slashing with their swords, and dealing such dreadful buffets that those
who beheld that battle were affrighted at the vehemence with which those
two champions fought. So they did combat for a great while and in all that
time neither suffered any great harm from the buffets of the other. Then,
at last, that knight who did battle against Sir Launcelot cried out, " Stay
thy hand for a little, Sir Knight, while I hold speech with thee!"
So Sir Launcelot ceased his battle and each knight-champion stood
panting, leaning the while upon his sword. Then the Knight of the Foun-
tain said : " I pray thee, Sir Knight, if so be thou wilt do me that courtesy
for to tell me thy name. For I declare unto thee that never before this
day have I ever met so great a champion in battle."
Then said Sir Launcelot : " Sir, wit you that I am Sir Launcelot of the
Sir Launcelot Lake. As for you, I know not who you are, only know I for
dedareth him- a certainty that you must be some very puissant champion,
for never did I encounter a more worthy battle than this that
I have met with to-day."
Now when the Knight of the Fountain heard the name that Sir Launce-
lot declared, and when he wist who it was against whom he had been
doing battle, he cried out in a loud and piercing voice, "What say yon?"
And again he cried out, saying: "Art thou indeed Sir Launcelot of the
SIR LAUNCELOT KNOWETH SIR EWAINE 299
Lake? Then have I been fighting against him whom I love very dearly
and whom I have sought for both long and far." So crying out, he threw
aside his sword and his shield and ran to Sir Launcelot where he was.
And he cast his arms around the body of Sir Launcelot and embraced him
as with a great passion of joy.
Then Sir Launcelot was greatly astonished to find himself embraced by
that strange knight, wherefore he said : " Messire, who art thou, and why
dost thou embrace me in this wise?"
Upon this the Knight of the Fountain uplifted the umbril of his helmet
and he said: " Behold me! I am thy one-time companion in Sir Ewaine
arms. I am Ewaine, the son of King Uriens of Gore." There- deciareth
with Sir Launcelot beheld the face of Sir Ewaine and knew himself -
him, and thus knowing him, he cried out with astonishment even as Sir
Ewaine had cried out, saying: "Ewaine, is it thou against whom I have
contended? Alas, what have I been doing to fight against thee in this
wise!" Therewith he also cast aside his sword and shield and took Sir
Ewaine into his arms and embraced him before them all, even as Sir Ewaine
had embraced him. Then either kissed the other upon the face, and after
that all the others of those who were one-time companions of Sir Ewaine
came forth and also gave him greeting, rejoicing beyond measure to see
him again.
Then Sir Launcelot brought Sir Ewaine to where was the Lady Elaine
and he made the one acquainted with the other, and Sir Ewaine took the
Lady Elaine's hand into his and kissed it with a great ardor of love. After
that they all sat down together in full amity of discourse.
Then Sir Launcelot said to Sir Ewaine : " Messire, I prithee tell me how
it is that you have come hither and are now dwelling here as the champion
of this fountain. For certes, it is a very strange thing to find you thus
engaged."
To this Sir Ewaine made reply, "I will tell thee." And thereupon he
told them all that had befallen him since he had left Sir sir Ewaine
Percival to go upon that Adventure of the Fountain in the telleth his stor y-
which Sir Sagramore had failed to achieve success as aforetold. Mean-
time all they listened to him with great attention and with close regard.
And when he had ended, all said that that was as wonderful an adventure
as ever they had heard tell of in all of their lives.
Then Sir Ewaine said: "Gentles all, I pray you of your courtesy that
you will wend with me to the castle where dwelleth my fair beloved lady,
for certes it would be a great honor to her and to me to have you become
acquainted with her."
3 oo THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
So said Sir Ewaine, and all agreed with great joy to what he said, so
The come to snort ly afterward they departed from that place and betook
the Lstklf their way down that Valley of the Fountain to the castle of
the Fountain. ^ p ountam as sir Ewaine asked them to do, and they ar-
rived at that place somewhat past the noon of the day.
There they were received with great joy and rejoicing, and after that
for several days there was feasting and merrymaking and pleasant sports
of all sorts at the castle of the Fountain.
Now after several days had passed thus joyously at the castle of the
Fountain, it chanced that Sir Ewaine and his lady and Sir Launcelot and
the Lady Elaine were together in the garden of the castle, and no one else
was there but they. So as they sat in discourse Sir Launcelot said to Sir
Ewaine: "Messire, as we are going to the court of the King, will you not
join our company with your fair Lady of the Fountain to accompany us?
Certes it is that there would be great joy at court if so be we would all re-
turn together in that wise."
To this Sir Ewaine said : " Sir, that would indeed be a very good thing
for us to do, and we will be glad to go with you as you ask us."
So straightway they of that place of the Fountain began to prepare
themselves for journey, and three days after all the court of
from the castle Sir Launcelot and his lady and all the court of Sir Ewaine
anc * kis * ady made tneir departure from the Valley of the
Fountain and betook their way toward Camelot.
Now the way they took led them toward that mound whereon sat that
gigantic black man herding his cattle. And when this being perceived
all those people passing that way, he sat there and laughed like to the
pealing of thunder, though why he laughed not one of them wist, for there
was naught of mirth to be seen in their progression. Yet ever that great
black creature laughed and laughed until they had passed by and gone,
still leaving him laughing in that wise.
And as they went still farther along that way they came by and by to
The Lady where was the valley of the Lady Vivien. And they looked
Vivien hath for that castle of the Lady Vivien whereunto Sir Ewaine had
twice come as aforetold and, lo! it had entirely disappeared.
Yea, there was not to be seen nor stick nor stone nor sign of it anywhere,
and at that they all greatly marvelled, much wondering what had become
of that enchanted place.
Nor was it ever known what had become of it, nor was it ever known
whether the enchantress had wearied of her mischiefs, or whether she
THEY ALL COME TO THE COURT OF THE KING 301
feared the anger of so many who had now been raised up against her.
Only this was known to be true, that she had betaken herself and her court
and her castle altogether away from that place, nor was she seen there
any more again.
Moreover, it is to be said at this place that from that time forth the
enchantment of the fountain was removed and the cup and the slab of
stone disappeared from where they lay, and thenceforward they of the
valley were at peace. So endeth that part of the story of the Fountain.
Now when that noble concourse of knights and ladies who were in at-
tendance upon Sir Launcelot and Sir Ewaine and their ladies They behold
drew nigh to the neighborhood of Camelot (which same was Camelot again.
upon the fourth day after they had left the valley of the Lady Vivien) Sir
Launcelot sent an herald messenger before them to announce their coming.
So it befell that when they came within sight of the town, they beheld a
great concourse of knights and esquires of the court who had come forth to
meet them. These gave loud acclaim to Sir Launcelot and his companions,
crying, "Welcome, ye glorious champions who are returning to us again!"
This welcome they gave on behalf of King Arthur, by whom they had
been sent, for the King was glad beyond measure to have those champions
who were so dear to his heart return to him once more. So it was that
those who came to meet them cried out, " Welcome, welcome, ye glorious
champions," in that wise. So rejoicing and giving welcome all they pro-
gressed toward the King's town Sir Launcelot and his lady and Sir Ewaine
and his lady, and their companions and all their courts, surrounded with
great pomp of circumstance by those knights and esquires of the court of
King Arthur, who had been sent to meet them.
And all they who had thus come forth from the town looked with great
curiosity upon the Lady Elaine and the Lady Lesolie and all were aston-
ished at the beauty and the grace of these two high dames. But more
especially were they astonished at the beauty of the Lady Elaine, for her
loveliness shone like to a star in the midst of her court, wherefore they
who looked upon her said to one another : " Certes, even Queen Guinevere
herself is not more beautiful than yonder lady."
So they came to the King's town and they entered the town and they
entered the castle of the King, and there they found King Arthur and
Queen Guinevere sitting in state to receive them. Both the King and
the Queen were crowned with golden crowns, and each sat They kneel be _
upon a throne to receive those who came in fitting pomp fore the King
and with sufficient ceremony. So Sir Launcelot and the '
Lady Elaine and all those who were with them came before the King and
302 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Queen and kneeled down before them as they sat high aloft in royal state.
Then as they kneeled there the King arose and descended from his throne
and came forward and gave great welcome to them all ; for his heart was
filled with gladness and joy to behold them kneeling before him in that
wise.
And all that while the Queen's face was smiling like to a beautiful mask.
And ever she gazed very steadily at the Lady Elaine, beholding how that
the countenance of that lady was exceedingly beautiful and very noble
and gentle. And as the Queen gazed thus upon the Lady Elaine she hated
her with great bitterness, yet ever she hid that hatred beneath a smiling
countenance.
That day there was great feasting and rejoicing at the court of the
King because of the return of Sir Launcelot and Sir Ewaine and Sir Per-
cival and Sir Ector. And ever the Lady Guinevere took part in that re-
joicing, albeit her heart was full of great bitterness and of a sort of despair.
Now the next day after that day, the Lady Guinevere sent for the Lady
The Queen Elaine to come -to her, and when she was come the Queen
wMraweththe said to her: "Lady, I have it in mind to do thee a singular
from Sir honor that I would bestow upon thee, and this is that thou
Launcelot. shouldst be in personal attendance upon me. To this end I
have purveyed thee a room next to mine own chamber in mine own part
of this castle, and there thou and thy attendants may lodge so that ye
shall ever be near to my person. And ever thou shalt be in close attend-
ance upon me and never shalt thou be parted from me for all the time
that thou remainest at this place."
Thus spake the Lady Guinevere, for so, under the mask of friendliness
and pretence of doing honor to the Lady Elaine, she purposed to separate
Sir Launcelot from his lady and after that to keep them separate from one
another. This she did, though why she should do it she could not rightly
tell even to her own heart.
So it was that Sir Launcelot returned to the court of the King; so it
was that they were received at Camelot, and so it was that the Lady Elaine
the Fair was separated from Sir Launcelot as I have recounted above.
Conclusion
NOW at this time the Lady Elaine was in very tender health, where-
fore, after a day or two or three, she began to repine at being thus
separated from Sir Launcelot as aforesaid ; wherefore it befell that
she grew lonely in that strange place and wept a great deal and ate little
and slept little.
Now there was at this time with the Lady Elaine that Lady hight Dame
Brysen before spoken of she who went with the Lady Elaine to Sir Launce-
lot when he lay so nigh to death in the castle of Corbin. This lady saw
how it was with the Lady Elaine and how that she pined in that wise for
Sir Launcelot, and she wist that the Lady Elaine was like to fall sick un-
less she had sight of her lord. So Dame Brysen went to Sir Launcelot one
day and she said to him : " Sir, if you find not some opportunity to see
your lady, she will fall ill and maybe wane away to death because of her
longing for you." Sir Launcelot said: "How may I see her?" Dame
Brysen said: "Come to me this night in a certain passage of the castle
during the mid-watch of the night and I will bring you to her. So you
may cherish and comfort her for that while and so she will take good
cheer once more."
So that night Sir Launcelot came to the place where Dame Brysen had
appointed and Dame Brysen took him to where was the Lady
Elaine. And when the Lady Elaine beheld Sir Launcelot she Launcelot vis-
could scarce control the transports of her joy in having him *jj.* Lady
with her once more, for she catched him in her arms and
held to him like as one sinking in deep waters holds to another who comes
to save him. And ever she cried in her transport, " Thou art here ! Thou
art here!" And ever Sir Launcelot soothed her and spake words of com-
fort to her. So at last she took good cheer and smiled and laughed as
she was wont to do aforetime.
So Sir Launcelot remained with the Lady Elaine for a long while, and
Dame Brysen was with them for all that while, and the damsels of the
court of the Lady Elaine were with them, for Sir Launcelot did not
3 o4 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
quit that place until the early watches of the morning were come, what
time the Lady Elaine had fallen asleep like to a child who slumbers.
Then ere it was come the dawning of the day, Sir Launcelot took his
departure and Dame Brysen conducted him thence as she had brought
him thither.
Now there was a fair young damsel of the court of the Queen who acted
as a spy upon Sir Launcelot. So when the next morning had come this
damsel went to the Queen and told her how Dame Brysen had brought
The Queen Sir Launcelot to the apartments of the Lady Elaine the night
is angered. before, and when the Queen heard that news she was wroth
as though she were gone wode, yet what she did and what she said and
how she behaved hath never been told, for no one beheld her in the mad-
ness of her wrath but that damsel who was the spy and one other. Only
it is known that after a while the Queen cried out in a voice very harsh
and loud: "Where is that false traitor knight, Sir Launcelot! Bring him
hither!" And then she said: "Let no one else come in to me but him,
and when he comes let us be alone together!"
So anon came Sir Launcelot conducted to that place where the Queen
Sir Launcelot was an( ^ ^en a ^ those wno wer e there withdrew, and no one
standeth before was left in that apartment but Sir Launcelot and the Queen
herself. So Sir Launcelot stood before the Queen and he
said, "Here am I."
Then the Lady Guinevere looked for a long time upon Sir Launcelot,
and her eyes were very wide as she stared upon him and her face was
white like to wax. Anon she said, speaking in a voice that was very harsh
but not loud : " Is it true that thou earnest to this part of the castle last
night?" and Sir Launcelot said, "Yea, lady." Then the Queen ground
her white teeth together, and she said, still speaking in that same voice
that was not loud: "Traitor! Traitor! how didst thou dare to come hither
without my permission?"
Then Sir Launcelot looked very long into the Queen's face, and at last
he said, "I am betrayed, it seems." "Yea," said the Queen, "thou art
betrayed indeed, but it is thou who hast betrayed thyself."
Sir Launcelot said : " In what way have I betrayed myself, and in what
way am I a traitor to thee or to anyone? Is not my duty first of all toward
that lady to whom I have sworn my duty? What treason did I then do
in cherishing her who is sick and weak and sad and helpless in this place
where thou keepest her prisoner?"
So said Sir Launcelot and after that those two, to wit, the Queen and
the knight champion, stared very fiercely at one another for a while.
ELAINE BEHOLDS SIR LAUNCEWT AND THE QUEEN 305
ffhen by and by the Queen's eyes fell before his eyes, and anon she fell to
trembling. Then, of a sudden, she cried out in a very bitter voice: "Ah,
Launcelot, Launcelot! May God have pity upon me for I am most un-
happy!" Therewith she lifted her handkerchief to her eyes and so cov-
ered her face with it. And that while her face was altogether hidden
excepting her lips which were all writhed and twisted with her passion.
And yet she wept not, but ever her bosom rose and fell very violently as
with a convulsion.
Then Sir Launcelot wist not what to do, albeit his heart was rent with
love and pity. Then by and by he came close to her and Sir Launce i ot
he said: " Lady, lady! What is this you do! May God have pitieth th*
pity on us both, for you tear my heart strings with your < ^ ueen -
grief." Therewith, they two being alone, he sank down upon his knees
before her, and he took her hands into his and strove to draw them away
from her face. And for a while she would not let him withdraw her hands
and then after a while she did let him, and so he held them imprisoned
very tight in his own. Yet ever she kept her face turned away from him
so that he could see but little of it. So with her face turned away she
said after a while, "Launcelot! Launcelot! Art thou not sorry for me?"
He said : " Yea, lady, I am sorry for thee and I am sorry for myself, and
for which of the two I am more sorry I cannot tell. For God knoweth
I would abide by my duty and my faith, and mefeareth thou wouldst
have me do otherwise." Then the Queen said: "Launcelot, what is duty
and what is faith when we measure these things with the measurement
of happiness and unhappiness ? " And Sir Launcelot said, "Lady, for
God's sake, forbear."
Now as Sir Launcelot said those words he became of a sudden aware
that some one was in that room. So he looked up and behold! not far
away from them there stood the Lady Elaine, and she was
regarding them both and her face was as white as death, for Elaine appear -
she had entered that place without their knowing and she J*^ that
had heard much of that which had passed.
Then Sir Launcelot was aware that she had overheard his words to the
Queen and with that he was overwhelmed with confusion and with pity.
So he arose from his knees, though not quickly, and stood there before
the Lady Elaine with folded arms and with his gaze downcast upon the
floor. Then the Queen also looked up and likewise beheld the Lady
Elaine where she stood, and therewith her face flamed all red like to fire.
Then the Queen arose very haughtily and she said : " Lady, this is well
met, for I was about to send for you. Now tell me, was it by your will
3 o6 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
that this knight came last night to this part of the castle?*' and the Lady
Elaine said : " Yea, lady, it was by my will he came, for I was sad, and no
one but he could comfort me."
Then the Queen's eyes sparkled with anger and she said: "Then you
have broken an ordinance of the King's court, for well you know that
such a thing as that is not permitted. For this I might punish you even
unto death an I chose to do so. Yet I will not so punish you, but will
have mercy upon you and will spare you. Nevertheless I command you
that you quit this place with all expedition that is possible."
So spake the angry Queen. But ever the Lady Elaine looked very
proudly upon her. And when the Queen had ended that speech she said:
" Lady, it shall be as you ordain, and to-morrow I shall be glad to depart
from this place, for it is a place of great unhappiness to me. But tell me
The Lady ^is, lady, ere I go : What would you say of one who took
Elaine chideth from another who harmed her not, all the happiness and joy
that that other had in her life? And what would you say
if that one who would so rob the other had for herself a lord who was the
most noble and the most worthy knight of any in all of the world?"
At this speech the eyes of the Queen shone very wild like to the eyes
of a hawk. And first she strove to speak and could not, and then she did
speak, yet it was as though the words strangled her. And she said, " Go !
Leave me! You know not what you say!" and other than that she could
not say, but only strove to speak without any sound issuing out from her
throat.
Then the Lady Elaine turned with great dignity and went away leaving
those two alone together, and she neither turned her head nor paused
at any time in her going.
Then the Queen, turning to Sir Launcelot, said: "Messire, I lay this
command upon you, that though your lady shall depart, yet that you shall
remain here at this court until such time as I give you leave to depart
hence," Then she also turned and went away, and for a while Sir Launce-
lot remained, standing alone like to a statue of stone.
So the next day the Lady Elaine quitted the court of the King but
The Lady ^ r Launcelot remained. And he said not to any one that the
Elaine quitteth Queen had commanded him to stay, for he would not betray
her, so it was that all who were of the King's court thought
that he stayed of his own will.
But ere the court of the Lady Elaine departed from that place Sir La-
vaine, the brother of the Lady Elaine, came to Sir Launcelot and no one
was present but they two. And Sir Lavaine said to Sir Launcelot : " Mes-
THE LADY ELAINE QUITS THE KING'S COURT 307
sire, do you not go hence with your lady?" and Sir Launcelot said: " Nay,
but maybe I shall follow her anon."
Then Sir Lavaine said : " Sir, see you not that your lady, my sister, is
in exceeding tender health?" and Sir Launcelot said, "Yea, Sir
I see it." Then Sir Lavaine said, speaking very fiercely:
" What honor hath a man who will leave his own lady for the treason.
smiles of another woman? If you do such a thing you are dishonored
as a knight and are a traitor to your troth."
Then Sir Launcelot looked very steadily at Sir Lavaine and his face was
exceedingly white and his eyes were like to coals of fire. Anon he said:
"Messire, you speak bitter words, but you are safe from mine anger."
Then Sir Lavaine laughed, though not with mirth, and immediately he
went away from Sir Launcelot and left him where he was.
That same hour the Lady Elaine quitted the court of King Arthur,
riding thence in a closed litter so that few, saving those immediately in
attendance upon her, could know aught of what she thought or said or did.
And yet the whole world might have seen her countenance, for it was
very calm and steadfast and without any mark of passion. And all the
world might have heard her words for those words were also without passion
of any sort. Yea, I believe that at that time her soul itself was altogether
cheerful and well-content and without any shadow of sorrow upon it.
For once, when Sir Lavaine spoke with great anger and indignation, she
chid him for his heat, saying: "My brother, let be. What matters it?
Could you but see into the future as I gaze thereinto, you would know that
it mattereth but very little indeed that such things as this befall a poor
wayfarer in this brief valley of tears."
And at another time she said: "My poor lord, Sir Launcelot! Him
do I pity indeed, for God is like to chasten him before long, and to bend
him and to bruise him as though he were a reed that was bent and bruised
so that it may never be able to stand fully erect again. Yet even this
mattereth but little ; for the span of life is but very short, and all is in the
hands of God."
So spake the Lady Elaine, very calmly and without passion or sorrow
of any sort! For, as aforesaid, I believe that even at that time her eyes
penetrated into the future and that she beheld therein what was to befall
all of them.
Thus they journeyed by easy stages for two days, what time they came
out from the mazes of the forest and into an open plain where they beheld
a fair priory of the forest set in the midst of fair and fertile fields of corn
and of rye. And the walls of the priory gleamed as white as snow in the
3 o8 THE RETURN OF SIR LAUNCELOT
sunlight, and the red roofs thereof shone like flames of fire against the deep
blue sky against which they stood. And the road whereon they travelled
went down beside the banks of a smooth and placid river, very bright and
shining like to polished silver ; and there were willows and aspens upon the
one hand and smooth fields of ripening grain upon the other.
Now at that time the Lady Elaine was suffering great pangs of sickness,
wherefore she said to those in attendance upon her: "Dear friends, it is
well that we have come hither to this place. For this is a house of peace,
and I am very sick. Wherefore I pray you let me rest here till God shall
have dealt with me in my travails in such a manner as He shall see fit."
So spake the Lady Elaine, and upon that command they bare her to the
gates of the priory. And they bare her into the priory and laid her upon
a soft couch and there she had such ease in her sickness as they could bring
to her at that time.
Meantime Sir Launcelot abided at the court of the King, very heavy ot
heart and very sorrowful of spirit. For his soul was dragged this way
and that way. And whether he had gone away from the court or whether
he had stayed as he did, in either case he would have been most unhappy.
Yet to his present unhappiness was added many pangs like to the pangs of
remorse. For he could not tell whether he did altogether ill or somewhat
well in remaining at the King's court as he did.
Yet ever his thoughts went out after the Lady Elaine and he said to
himself: "So soon as I can escape from this place with courtesy to the
Queen, I will follow after her." Wherefore had he wist that even then she
was lying so sick at the priory in the forest, it may well be believed that
he would not have tarried a single moment longer, but would have flown
to her upon the wings of the wind.
But Sir Launcelot knew not how it was with his lady, and so God was
even then preparing a great punishment for him for which he might never
hope to escape for as long as he should live.
PART VII
The Nativity of Galahad
followeth the story of the nativity of Sir Galahad and of how Sir
Gawaine heard a miraculous prophecy concerning the Achievement of
the Holy Grail, and of how it was prophesied that Sir Galahad should achieve
that holy chalice. Also it shall be told how the infant Galahad was confided
to the care of Sir Bors de Ganis, who alone knew what then became of him,
until in due time he was manifested to the world as the greatest and the most
puissant knight who ever lived.
erlin Propljesieflj from aCloub
of Mist:
Chapter First
How Sir Bors de Gam's and Sir Gawaine went forth in search of
Sir Launcelot. How they parted company, and what befell Sir
Gawaine thereafter.
NOW the history hath been told of those things that happened
to several of the knights who went forth in quest of Sir Launcelot
after that he went mad as aforetold; to wit, the history hath
been told of Sir Percival and of Sir Ewaine and of Sir Sagramore and
of Sir Ector de Maris. Here followeth an account of that which befell
Sir Gawaine, when he, together with Sir Bors de Ganis, also went forth in
search of Sir Launcelot.
After they two had left the court of King Arthur they joined company
for a while. Thus travelling together as companions in arms, they met
with several adventures, some of which are told in histories of chivalry
and some of which are not. In such companionship there passed the spring
and the summer and by and by it was the fall of the year.
Now some there be who love the summer time the best and some there
be that love the spring ; yet others still there be who love the autumn the
best of all. And certes each season hath its beauties, so that one cannot
3 i2 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
wonde* that there are some who love the beauties of the fall above the
beauties of all other seasons. For in that time of the year there comes
the nutting season, when country folk take joy in being abroad
and i& the hazel thickets, gathering the bright brown fruits of
Sir Bors rode the hazel bushes. Then are days so clear and frosty, all early
in the morning, that it is as though the whole vault of
heaven were made of clear crystal. Then, when you look into the cold
blue shadows of the wayside bank, there you behold everywhere the spark-
ling of many myriads of bright points of light where the thin frosts catch
the shining of the early and yet slanting sun. Then do the birds cry with
a wilder note as though heralding the approach of dreary winter. Then
do the squirrels gambol in the dry, dead foliage in search of their winter
store of food. Then is all the world clad very gloriously in russet and gold,
and when the bright and jolly sun shines down through the thin yellow
leaves of the woodland, all the earth appears to be illuminated with a
wonderful splendor of golden light, so that it may be that even the glory
of Paradise is not more wonderful than that unusual radiance.
Such was the world of autumn in which in the latter part of their jour-
neyings in company those two noble knights made progress together.
For anon they would ride along the smooth and dusty highways, where
were hedgerows, growing thin of leaves but all bright with red and purple
berries; and anon they would be riding through some thin woodland
where the dry and fallen leaves rustled under foot with a sound like to a
faint thunder of multitudinous rustlings ; and anon they would be journey-
ing along the wolds where the wind blew strong and free and the great white
clouds sailed very smoothly and solemnly across the sky above their heads.
So travelling ever in that wise sometimes here, sometimes there
they came one day in the early morning to where there was a smooth and
shining lake, the chill waters whereof were all asmoke in the gentle warmth
of the newly risen sun. And here were sedge and reeds, all fading brown
and yellow, and at many places, wild fowl, disturbed at their coming, would
spring up with loud and noisy splashings from the entangled water. So
as they went beside that lake they beheld two knights coming toward
them, riding side by side in the sunlight. And when they four had met
together and had saluted one another and had bespoken one another,
They meet sir ^ey f ound that those two knights were Sir Percival and Sir
Pertivai and sir Sagramore, and that they also were journeying as armed
Sagramore. companions, as aforetold of in this history.
So they four went a little farther to where there was a 'pleasant thatched
farmhouse not far distant from the roadside, and there they broke their
SIR GAWAINE SEEKS THE LADY VIVIAN 313
fast with bread and milk and fresh laid eggs and honey, which the farmer's
wife served to them.
Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors besought Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore
for news, and therewith they two told Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors how they
had parted with Sir Ewaine and how that he had gone upon
that Adventure of the Fountain. Then Sir Sagramore told
them how it had befallen with him upon that same adventure, Adventure of
and to all this Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors listened very intently.
And after Sir Sagramore had ended his story, Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine
asked him many questions concerning those happenings, and he answered
all that they asked him. Then Sir Gawaine said: "Well, Messire, I
wot that all this mischief of which thou tellest us was brewed by that
sorceress the Lady Vivien. Well I know her, and often have I had reason
to chide her in times gone by for the mischiefs she was continually plotting
against innocent folk. Now I have a mind to turn aside from my present
quest and to find that lady and to bring her to repentance. And if I may
not bring her to repentance then I shall compel her to undo all these mis-
chiefs she hath done in this matter of the Fountain." Then Sir Sagramore
said: "Sir, hearken to me and let be, or else thou wilt entangle thyself
in those mischiefs also."
So spake Sir Sagramore very wisely, but Sir Gawaine would not listen
to what he said ; otherwise he declared and affirmed that he would go and
find the Lady Vivien and have speech with her so that he sir Gawaine
would either persuade or else compel her to better conduct, seekethtke
So ere Sir Percival and Sir Sagramore had departed from that Lady Vtmen -
farmhouse, Sir Gawaine had diligently inquired the way in which he should
go so as to be likely to find the Lady Vivien, and after that he bade Sir
Sagramore and Sir Percival farewell, and he bade Sir Bors farewell, and
so took horse and rode away in quest of the Lady Vivien.
Now after Sir Gawaine had thus parted company with those other
knights, he travelled all alone upon his way for the entire day, and that
night he lodged in the woodland, near to where there was a fountain of
clear pure water. And as he had no other shelter he wrapped himself
in his cloak and laid his head upon his helmet and so fell asleep with great
comfort and peace of mind.
So also he awoke very cheerfully in the dawning of the day, and laying
aside his armor he went to the fountain of water near to which he had
reposed and bathed himself therein and so was refreshed.
Now after that and while Sir Gawaine was still unarmed, he was suddenly
aware that several people were coming thitherward toward him through
3 i4 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
the yellow woodlands, and when they had come pretty near he beheld
that those who approached were a company in attendance upon a lady.
Sir Gawaine ^ nc * ^ e ^ ene ^ tnat tne company and the lady who rode in
findeththe the midst of that company were clad all in flame-colored satin,
Lady Vwten. gQ ^ a ^ ^ Q ent j re woo dland was illuminated, as it were, by a
great shining, flaming fire. And when that lady had come pretty nigh to
Sir Gawaine, he knew who she was and wist that she was the Lady Vivien.
Then Sir Gawaine went to meet that lady, and he laid his hand upon the
bridle rein of her palfrey and he said: " Lady, if I mistake not, thou art the
Lady Vivien."
Quoth she: " Yea, I am that one, and thou, I perceive, art Sir Gawaine."
To the which Sir Gawaine said, "Yea, I am he," and he said, "I have
come hither with the especial purpose of having speech with thee."
Upon this the Lady Vivien looked at Sir Gawaine very strangely, and
by and by she said, "What is it thou wouldst have of me, Messire?"
Sir Gawaine said : " Lady, I am informed that thou hast done much
mischief to a certain valley called the Valley of the Fountain, and I know
Sir Gawaine ^ at through this mischief thou hast brought mischance upon
rebukcththe many good worthy knights. Now what I would have to say
Lady Vwen. ^ Q ^ ee - g ^ s . j wou ^ beseech thee to remove all of those
mischievous enchantments from that Valley of the Fountain and so set
that valley free from the ills that happen to it. This I beseech thee of thy
gentleness to do, but if thou wilt not do it because I so beseech thee, then
I will compel thee here and now to remove those enchantments."
Then the Lady Vivien 's brows drew together into a frown and her cheeks
grew very red and her eyes shown like spares of fire, and she said: " Hah,
Messire, methinks thou art very saucy in thy speech. What is it to thee
what mischiefs I may do to others ? Lo ! I do no mischiefs to thee, wherefore
this is none of thy affairs. Now I bid thee straightway to take thy hand
from off my bridle rein or else a greater ill than thou hast any thought of
will speedily befall thee."
Sir Gawaine said : " I will not take away my hand until thou hast promised
me to do that thing which I have demanded of thee and to remove the
enchantments of the Valley of the Fountain."
The Lady Vivien said, "Take away thy hand, Messire!" Sir Gawaine
said, " I will not."
Then the Lady Vivien cried out: "Thou fool! Then thank thyself for
what thou shalt suffer."
Now the Lady Vivien had in her hand a long white wand and as she
spake she lifted this wand and smote Sir Gawaine with it upon the shoulder.
HOW SIR GAWAINE BECOMETH A DWARF 315
And as she smote him she cried out: " Quit the shape that thou now hast
and take instead the shape of a misshapen dwarf."
Then as she cried in that shrill and piercing voice, there befell a very
wonderful thing, for, upon the instant, it happened in that The Lady
wise as she commanded. For Sir Gawaine immediately began
to shrink and to shrivel so that in the space one might count
five he had ceased to be what he was and became instead a misshapen
and diminutive dwarf.
Then all they of the Lady Vivien's party laughed and laughed until
all the woods echoed with their mirth. And thus laughing, they took
their departure, and rode away from that place, leaving Sir Gawaine standing
there all bewildered and astonished with terror at what had befallen him.
So he stood for a little, like one in a maze, but after those others had
entirely gone, he suddenly awoke, as it were, to his woful case. Then
straightway he began running hither and thither, as though he had gone
mad. And he ran in this direction and in that direction, seeking for the
Lady Vivien, but nowhere could he discover any sign of her or her court.
And ever as he ran he cried aloud in a voice of exceeding agony, " Have
mercy! Have mercy!*' But, as aforesaid, the lady and those who were
with her had disappeared, and only the lonely woodlands surrounded him.
Yet it appeared to him that he heard the sound of mocking laughter
echoing through the forest, though whether that was really so or whether
he was cheated by his fancy he could not certainly tell.
So after a while Sir Gawaine flung himself down upon the earth and wept
with despair. Then after another while he bestirred himself and prayed
God for help and wiped his eyes. And after that he gathered together the
pieces of his armor which he could not now wear upon his shrunken and
misshapen body, and he carried these pieces of armor away and hid them
in a cave which he had observed not far distant from that place. Then he
mounted upon his horse and rode away, not knowing whither to turn or
what to do in the direful trouble that had fallen upon him.
Now after he had ridden for a while in that way, perched high upon his
horse like some diminutive and withered ape, being still in the woodlands,
he was aware of the sound of voices and of horses' hoofs coming toward
him and then he was further aware of a company approaching from a dis-
tance through the half -naked forest. Thg ^
Then Sir Gawaine was filled with a great panic of shame, p an y behold
and he thought of naught but how he might hide himself and
his misshapen body from those who were coming. But ere
he was able to hide himself, those others had catched sight of him. And
316 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
they saw how singularly small and deformed and withered was his shape,
wherefore they shouted aloud and gave chase to him as though he had been
a wild creature. So they pursued him for a long distance and at last they
came up with him and surrounded him.
Then, finding that he could not escape, Sir Gawaine leaped down from his
horse's back, and flinging himself upon the ground he covered his face with
his hands and sought to bury it, as it were, under the earth, so that they
who had caught him might not behold the shame of his misshapen coun-
tenance. But they dragged him to his feet and they pulled his hands away
from his face and beheld it what it was. Then, when they beheld that
his face was like the face of an ape they all shouted aloud again and again
with laughter.
Then he who was the chief of that party said: "Who are you and how
is it that a misshapen dwarf such as you should be riding about here in the
forest upon a noble and knightly war-horse?" To the which Sir Gawaine
said: "Sir, a great misfortune hath befallen me, and I am not he whom
I was a little while ago." So said Sir Gawaine, and when they heard his
speech they thought he jested wherefore they laughed again and again
with a great uproar of laughter.
Then he who had spoken to Sir Gawaine turned to those others and
They mock at said, " This poor creature is mad," but Sir Gawaine cried out:
Sir Gawaine. " Nay, I am not mad, but very miserable and unfortunate.
For this morning I was a noble knight of royal lineage and now I am what
you behold me."
At this speech they who heard laughed more than ever, for they thought
no otherwise than that this poor dwarf was mad and was making sport
for them.
Then he who had before spoken to Sir Gawaine spake still again, saying:
"Sirrah, you are to know that the pet dwarf of the lady of the castle
at which we dwell hath died only a few days ago. Now I will that you
shall go with us to her, and that you shall serve her instead of the other
creature who is dead. For certes you are the smallest and the most mis-
shapen elf that ever I beheld in all of my life. What think you of this?
If you go with us you shall have meat and drink in plenty and you shall
have good clothes and lodging and fifty bright silver pennies a year for
your hire."
Then Sir Gawaine cried out in a voice of great anguish: " I will not go
with you for such a service. For if you did but know who I am and what
it is that hath befallen me, you would know that such as I are not they
to take such service upon them, nor am I one to make sport for a lady
SIR GAWAINE SERVES AS THE CASTLE DWARF 317
by exhibiting the miserable condition into which I have fallen from an
one time high estate."
Thus said Sir Gawaine in a great agony of spirit, but still those that heard
him did but laugh. Then seeing that he was of no mind to go with them,
they bound his hands and his feet together so that he could not escape and
so they constrained him to go whether he would or not.
After that they departed out of that forest and away therefrom, and by
and by Sir Gawaine beheld that they were approaching a castle and that
the castle was a very noble, stately, and lordly dwelling-place.
So they came to the castle and entered into the courtyard thereof, and
after they had so arrived, he who was the leader of that party
took Sir Gawaine up to a certain place where the lady of the sir
castle was, and he said to her: "Lady, behold this dwarf; t t * i castleof
we have caught him in the woodlands and have brought him
to you to serve you instead of that creature who died a while since. Saw
ye ever such a wonderful dwarf as this?"
Then the lady of the castle looked upon Sir Gawaine and beheld how
exceedingly diminutive he was and how exceedingly misshapen. And she
was astonished at his appearance, and she said to him, "Who art thou,
and whence comest thou?" She spake with such kindness and gentleness
that Sir Gawaine was emboldened to tell her of his misfortune wherefore he
cried out: " Lady, if I would tell you you would not believe me, for I am
not what I appear to be, but am something altogether different. This
morning I was a noble knight, but I have been enchanted and now I am
what you behold me."
At this the lady of the castle also thought that Sir Gawaine was certainly
mad, wherefore she said: "This poor creature is not in his senses. Take
him hence and treat him very kindly. Let him be fed and
clothed and then chain him with a very light chain of silver
so that he may not escape until he hath become used to this
place, and yet so that he may not be burdened with these chains."
So spoke the lady very kindly and gently, but Sir Gawaine was filled
full of an utter despair at her words. So he was taken away and fed like
to some pet creature and he was chained as the lady had said and ever he
wept for pure despair.
Now the lady of that castle was very tender of heart, wherefore she
pitied Sir Gawaine because he appeared to be so misshapen and deformed.
So ever she spoke kindly and gently to him and she would not suffer that
any of the people of the castle should torment him. Thus it was that
though at first Sir Gawaine was minded to escape from the castle, yet
3 i8 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
afterward he would not escape, for he said to himself: "Why should I
leave this place ; and where can I, poor wretch that I be, find a better and
kinder shelter in my misfortunes than I have at this castle?" So he
became gentle and tractable and would not have quitted that place even
if he could have done so.
And Sir Gawaine abode in that castle for more than a year, and ev<
the lady treated him with kindness and with gentle tenderness and ever
he treated her with such courtliness as a knight royal might bestow upon
HOW sir a l ac ty- So great was his courtliness of demeanor that the
Gawaine dwell- lady marvelled much thereat, yea, insomuch that she said to
eth at the castle herse if. Certes this poor creature must have been reared in
a noble court or else he must have dwelt a long time in such a place, for
to have learned such courtliness of manner as he showeth."
And sometimes it befell that the lady would question Sir Gawaine as
to what had happened to him in times gone by ; but Sir Gawaine had taught
himself wisdom upon that point and now he would tell her nothing; for
he was aware that whenever he had been moved to speak about himself
and what had befallen him, then they who heard him would think him to
be mad, and would laugh at him and mock him, wherefore he would no
longer give any one the chance to declare that he was mad. So ever he
held his peace and ever the lady of the castle wondered how it was that he
had come to have so much of gentleness and dignity of demeanor.
So that winter and another winter passed, and during all that time Sir
Gawaine abode at the castle of the gentle lady as aforesaid. Then came
the springtime and the summertime again, and the season when all the trees
were green and bosky and when the days were warm and balmy once more.
Now it befell about the middle of that summer that the lord and the
lady of the castle whereof Sir Gawaine was now the dwarf went forth
ahawking, and a very gay court of the castle folk went with them. With
these the lady took her dwarf, for it was now come that she could hardly
ever bear to be parted from him. And it befell that when the heat of the
day had come the lord of the castle gave orders that a pavilion should
be pitched in a pleasant shady place, and there he and his lady took their
midday meal and rested until the sun should shed a less fervid heat.
That time Sir Gawaine was wandering very sadly about the skirts of the
forest, making great moan of that enchantment that lay upon him. So
sir Gawaine as ^ e wandered he was suddenly aware of a bird with plumage
behoideth the of gold that sat upon the ground at a little distance, regard-
ing him with eyes that were very bright and shining. Now
when Sir Gawaine beheld that bird, his heart leaped very strangely in
SIR GAWAINE FOLLOWETH THE GOLDEN BIRD 319
his breast, for he bethought him that this was that same golden bird of the
Lady Nymue of the Lake which she had sent to him one time before to
guide him to the valley where Sir Pellias was abiding. For it hath been
aforetime told in that Book of King Arthur (which hath been written
before this book) how that same golden bird had conducted Sir Gawaine and
Sir Ewaine and Sir Marhaus of Ireland through the forest to where Sir
Pellias was at that time in great trouble and anxiety of soul. So Sir
Gawaine, beholding that bird there in the forest, wist that it was the Lady
Nymue 's bird, and he thought that if he should follow it now, maybe it
might bring him to the Lady of the Lake, and that she would release
him from his deformity.
So Sir Gawaine went back to that pavilion whence he had come, and he
took a palfrey that he found there, and no one stayed him, for the dwarf
was now permitted to go whithersoever he pleased. So Sir Gawaine
mounted the palfrey and departed without saying a single word to any
one, and no one stayed him in his going.
So Sir Gawaine came again to where he had seen the bird and the bird
was still sitting upon the ground where he had first beheld it.
Then as Sir Gawaine approached the bird it took wing and flew with
shrill chirping to a little distance and then settled again upon
the ground. And when Sir Gawaine approached it again,
again it took wing and flew chirping to a little distance. So gulden bird into
ever it flew and so ever Sir Gawaine followed, and thus it con-
ducted him into the forest and away from that place where was the pavilion
of the lord and lady.
Thus ever the golden bird led the way and ever Sir Gawaine followed,
until, at last, the bird brought Sir Gawaine out of the forest and to a strange
place which he had never beheld before. For beyond the edge of the wood-
land he beheld a dreary valley, naked and bare, and covered all over with
a great multitude of stones and rocks. And in that valley could be seen
no sign of vegetation or of herbage of any sort, but only those naked and
desolate rocks and stones all shining bright in the heat of the sun as though
they were ribs of stones shining in a furnace of fire.
And Sir Gawaine beheld that in the centre of the valley there was a
cloud of thick mist in the shape of a solid pillar of smoke. sir Gawaine
And he beheld that that cloud of mist moved not in any way behoidetkthe
but remained fixed in its place as it were a pillar of stone.
Then Sir Gawaine looked for that golden bird and he beheld it perched
upon the high branches of a tree near by. And he saw that the bird had
folded its wings as though to rest, wherefore he knew that there must be
3 2o THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
somewhat at this place for him to undertake, and that the bird must have
conducted him to this place for that purpose.
So Sir Gawaine, in that enchanted appearance of a dwarf, went down
into the valley and drew near to that pillar of mist. And he came close
to the cloud and he stood and looked upon it. Then as he so stood, a
voice issued of a sudden out of the midst of the cloud saying, "Gawaine!
Gawaine! is it thou who art there?" And Sir Gawaine was astonished
beyond all measure that a voice should thus address him from out of the
midst of the pillar of cloud, for he had long since ceased to think that any
creature, mortal or otherwise, would know him in the guise into which
the Lady Vivien had bewitched him.
But though he was so astonished, yet he answered in the voice of the
dwarf, saying, " Who art thou who callest upon the name of Gawaine, the
son of Lot of Orkney?"
Then the voice replied: "I who speak to thee am Merlin. Here for
twelve years have I been lying asleep, enclosed in a coffer of stone, yet
Sir Gawaine once * n ever y s ^ years I awake for one hour of life and at the
hear -eth the end of that hour I relapse into sleep again. This is my time
voice of Merlin. ^ wa j f j ng> and so ^ast thou been brought hither that thou
mightest hear that prophecy that I have to utter.
" And this is my prophecy :
"The Sacred Grail that has been lost to the earth for so long shall be
Of the prophecy brought back to that earth again. Yea, the time draweth
of Merlin. n [gfr an( ^ now j s w h en h e w j lo shaft achieve the Quest of that
Holy Chalice is about to be born into the world."
And the voice from out of the cloud continued, saying:
" When that babe is born into the world he shall be taken away by that
knight who is most worthy to handle him, and after he hath been taken
away he shall be hidden by that knight from the eyes of man until his
time hath come.
" You, who are a sinful man, may not have that babe in your keeping,
but there is one who hath but little of sin and he may do so. So do you
according to the ordination of this command :
"Follow that golden-winged thing that hath conducted you hither
and it will lead you to where you may become purified of your enchantment.
After that you shall follow that golden bird still farther and it will lead
you to where you shall find Sir Bors de Ganis. He it is who is most worthy
in all of the world at this present for to handle that babe, and so he shall
care for him and shall hide him in a place of safety until his time shall
be come.
THE END OF MERLIN'S PROPHECY 321
" Bid Sir Bors to follow that golden bird along with you and it shall
bring you both to where you shall find that wonderful infant aforesaid.
"Thereafter, when that babe shall have been taken away by Sir Bors,
go you forth and proclaim to all men that when eighteen years have passed,
then shall the Knights of the Round Table depart in quest of the Holy
Grail. And do you proclaim this prophecy: that when that Grail hath
been recovered, then soon after shall come the end of the Round Table,
and so shall end the days of all this chivalry that shall forever be remem-
bered to all the world.
" And this is the prophecy of the Grail which you have been brought
hither to hear, so go you forth and declare it abroad so that all good worthy
knights may know that this prophecy hath been uttered."
So spake that voice, and then it ceased and Sir Gawaine listened for a
while, but still it spake no more. Then Sir Gawaine cried out aloud : " Merlin,
what may I do to free thee from the enchantment that lieth upon thee?"
And he waited for a reply, but no reply was vouchsafed him. And he cried
out again, "Merlin, what may I do to free thee from where thou liest?"
but still no answer was given to him.
Then Sir Gawaine went forward with intent to enter that cloud of mist,
but lo! it was like to a wall of adamant and he could nowhere enter into
it. And he strove at several places but still there was no place
where he might penetrate it. For the enchantment that lay strive* to enter
upon that pillar of mist was so potent that it was not possible t ^^ oudo ^
for any one to enter it saving only the enchantress Vivien,
who herself had created that cloud by her powerful enchantments.
And ever Sir Gawaine called repeatedly upon the name of Merlin, but
at no time did Merlin answer him. Then by and by Sir Gawaine was
aware that the golden bird that had brought him to that place was flitting
hither and thither near by, as though it were very restless to depart. So
Sir Gawaine was aware that it behooved him presently to quit that place
whither he might never return again. So once more he called aloud upon
Merlin, saying, "Farewell, Merlin,'* and it appeared to him that he heard
a voice, very faint and distant as though sounding from a dream that is
fading, and heseemed that voice said, "Farewell."
Thereafter Sir Gawaine mounted his palfrey and turned him about and
departed from that place, still in the guise of a dwarf, and so that prophecy
of Merlin was completed.
And never more after that time was the voice of Merlin heard again, for
no one saving Sir Gawaine ever found that valley with its pillar of cloud.
322
THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
Yet it may be that Merlin did but sleep, for it was prophesied of him that
at the ending of the age he should come forth again into the world, but
Of the sleep whether he should come forth in the spirit or in the flesh,
of Merlin. no one knew. Yea, there be many who opine that Merlin
hath awakened again and is alive this very day, for such miracles are per-
formed in these times that it is hardly possible to suppose otherwise than
that the spirit of Merlin is in the world once more. Wherefore it is that
many suppose that he is now again alive, though haply in the spirit.
Now followeth the story of the birth of Galahad, who was the most
famous knight who ever lived in the world and who achieved the Quest
of the Grail as was foretold by Merlin in that prophecy herein recounted.
So I pray you to read that story as it shall presently be told.
ir Bore be Gams, ijje goob :
Chapter Second
How Sir Bars and Sir Gawaine came to a priory in the forest,
and how Galahad was born at that place.
SO Sir Gawaine followed the golden bird away from that valley of
enchantment where Merlin lay bound in sleep in the stone coffer
(and concerning that stone coffer and the enchantment of Merlin
it was aforetold of at length in the Book of King Arthur). And ever he
followed that winged golden creature both long and far, and ever the bird
ceased not to flit before him, but led him onward in a certain direction.
So thus it befell that toward the evening of that same day Sir Gawaine, still
following the golden bird, came out of the forest again and to a wonderful
place, lit by a strange golden light that was not like the light of the moon
nor like the light of the sun nor like any other kind of light that was to
be found in the world of mortal man. For though it was sir Gawaine
toward evening when Sir Gawaine came to that place, yet comethtothe
everywhere there was that golden radiance both upon earth ma & clake -
and in the sky. And in this light Sir Gawaine beheld a wide and circular
lake, very still and shining, and without any ripple upon the face thereof,
so that it was rather like to a lake of crystal than to a lake of water. And
all about the margin of the lake there bloomed an incredible number of
tall flowers, both lily flowers and asphodels.
Then, as Sir Gawaine drave his horse forward through those flowers, he
became aware that this was that magic lake where dwelt the Lady Nymue
of the Lake and where dwelt Sir Pellias who was her lord and the knight-
champion of the lake for he had beheld that lake aforetime by moonlight
when he had followed Sir Pellias to that place.
Now as Sir Gawaine thus advanced amidst the flowers, he was aware
that a little distance away there stood a pavilion of green satin adorned
with golden figures of cherubim and so he went forward toward that pavilion,
for ever the golden bird led him thitherward.
So as he came toward that pavilion there issued forth therefrom a lady
32 6 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
who came to meet him. And that lady was clad all in a garment of shining
green ; and she wore about her neck many bright and glistering ornaments
of gold inset with stones about her wrists and arms. And her hair was
perfectly black and her face was white like to ivory for whiteness and her
eyes were black and shining like to two jewels set in ivory. And Sir
Gawaine immediately knew that lady who she was and that she was the
Lady of the Lake herself; for so she appeared to King Arthur and
so she appeared to several others, as you may read of if it should
please you in those volumes of this history that were written before this
volume.
So the Lady of the Lake came forward to meet Sir Gawaine, and she
beheld Sir Gawaine how that he was bewitched into the guise of a dwarf
as aforetold. And the lady said: "Certes, Messire, this is a great mis-
fortune that hath befallen thee. Now I prithee come with me until I
make an end of thy enchantment."
So the Lady of the Lake took the horse of Sir Gawaine by the bridle,
and she led the horse through those flowers for some little distance, and
so brought him to the margin of the waters of the lake. And when they
had come there the Lady of the Lake stooped and dipped up some of the
water of the lake into her hand ; and she flung the water upon Sir Gawaine,
crying out in a high and piercing voice: "Cease from thy present shape,
and assume that shape that is thine own!"
The Lady of Therewith, upon an instant, the enchantment that had
the Lake heaieth rested upon Sir Gawaine was released from him and he became
StrGawatne 1 . ,. . . .
of his enchant- himself again, resuming his own knightly appearance instead
ment. o ^hat se mblance of a misshapen dwarf into which the en-
chantment of the Lady Vivien had cast him.
Then Sir Gawaine leaped down from off the back of that poor palfrey
upon which he had been riding, and he kneeled down before that fair and
gentle Lady of the Lake, and he set the palms of his hands together and
gave her words of pure gratitude beyond stint that she had removed that
enchantment from him. And ever the Lady of the Lake looked down
upon Sir Gawaine and smiled very kindly upon him. And she said : " Messire,
abide this night in yonder pavilion, for it hath been prepared for thee to
rest in. To-morrow, after thou hast thus rested and refreshed thyself,
then thou shalt go forward upon thy way again."
Then the Lady of the Lake gave her hand to Sir Gawaine and he took it
and kissed it. And after that she turned and approached the lake, and
at that time the sky was all golden both with the glory of the fading day
and with that other glory, the strange magic light that embalmed that
THE LADY OF THE LAKE FREES SIR GAWAINE 327
wonderful lake as aforetold. And Sir Gawaine, still kneeling upon the
strand of the lake, beheld that the Lady of the Lake reached the water,
and stretched forth her foot and set it upon the surface of the The Lady of the
lake as though the water had been a sheet of clear glass. Lake departeth.
And as soon as that lady thus touched the water of the lake, she immedi-
ately disappeared from sight, and thenceforth was seen no more at that
time.
After that Sir Gawaine arose from where he kneeled, and he went toward
the pavilion and as he approached it there came forth two esquires to
meet him. And those esquires were people of the lake, for they also were
clad in garments of green like the garments of the Lady of the Lake, and
those garments also shone with a singular lustre as did her garments.
And their hair was perfectly black and each wore a fillet of gold about his
head.
These came to Sir Gawaine and conducted him to the pavilion and into
the pavilion. In the pavilion was a couch and Sir Gawaine seated himself
thereon, and after he had done so the two esquires brought
a table of gold and placed it before him. Then they spread is served by the
a napkin of white linen upon the table and anon they set
before Sir Gawaine a very bounteous feast of various meats,
and of manchets of white bread and of divers wines both red and white.
So Sir Gawaine ate and drank and refreshed himself, and meantime the
two esquires of the lake served him in all ways.
After that Sir Gawaine laid him down to sleep, and he slept very peace-
fully and gently and without any anxiety whatsoever. And when the
morning had come he bestirred himself and presently there came to him
those two esquires and aided him to arise. And they brought new rich
garments for him to wear, and they brought him food wherewith to refresh
himself, and after that they brought him a suit of splendid armor, polished
like a mirror and inlaid with various singular devices in gold.
Then those esquires of the lake armed Sir Gawaine and brought him
forth from the pavilion, and Sir Gawaine beheld a noble and lordly war-
horse caparisoned in all ways, and in all ways fitting for a Knight Royal
to ride upon. And the esquire said to him: " Sir, this is your horse, and it
hath been purveyed expressly for you."
So Sir Gawaine viewed the war-horse and saw how noble it was, and he
mounted upon it with great joy of possession and he gave thanks without
measure to those two esquires who had served him. After that he rode
away from that place with such lightness of heart and with such peace
and happiness of spirit as doth not often come to any man in this life.
328 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
Then presently there came that golden bird once more and flitted before
Sir Gawaine as it had aforetime done, chirping very shrilly the while.
And Sir Gawaine followed the bird once more as aforetime,
and it led him as it had before done ever in a certain direction.
golden bird g o ft brought him onward in that wise until about the middle
of the day, what time he came forth into an open place of the
forest and there beheld before him the forest hermitage several times
mentioned in these histories.
And Sir Gawaine saw that a noble black war-horse stood beside that
forest sanctuary, and he saw that a great spear leaned against a tree beside
the hermitage and that a shield hung from the spear. And when Sir
Gawaine had come close enough he knew by the device upon that shield
that it was Sir Bors de Ganis who was there at the hermitage.
Now as Sir Gawaine approached the cell of the hermit of the forest, the
horse of Sir Bors neighed aloud, and the horse of Sir Gawaine neighed in
answer. Therewith, as though that neighing had been a summons, the
door of the hut opened and the hermit appeared in the doorway, shading
his eyes with his hand from the glare of the sun. So when he perceived that
it was Sir Gawaine who approached that lonely place he cried out aloud:
"Welcome Sir Gawaine! Welcome to this place! Sir Bors is here and
awaiting thee. For it hath been told him in a dream that thou wouldst
meet him here at this time to-day, and so he is here awaiting thy coming
in fulfillment of that dream."
So Sir Gawaine dismounted from his horse and he entered the cell of
the hermit and there he beheld Sir Bors kneeling at prayer at a little altar,
Sir Gawaine anc ^ ^ T ^ awame stood and waited until Sir Bors had finished
meets Sir his orisons. And when Sir Bors had crossed himself and had
arisen to his feet, he turned with great joy and took Sir Gawaine
into his arms ; and either embraced the other and either kissed the other
upon the cheek.
After that they sat down and the hermit brought them food and they ate
of the simple fare of the hermit's cell, and meantime Sir Gawaine told Sir
Bors all that had happened to him since they had parted company. To
all that was said Sir Bors listened with deep attention, for he was much
astonished at that which had befallen Sir Gawaine and at the enchantment
he had suffered at the hands of the Lady Vivien. And indeed it was, of a
surety, a very wonderful adventure, such as any one might well have mar-
velled to hear tell of.
But when Sir Gawaine told Sir Bors concerning the prophecy of Merlin,
then Sir Bors became all enwrapped as with a certain exaltation of spirit.
SIR BORS AND SIR GAWAINE FOLLOW THE GOLDEN BIRD 329
Wherefore, when Sir Gawaine had finished that part of his story, Sir Bors
cried out: "How wonderful is this miracle that thou tellest me! Know
ye that certain things of this sort have been presented before me of late in
several dreams, but lo! now they have been manifested to thee in reality."
And he said: "Let us straightway arise and go forth hence, for methinks
that even now we have tarried too long in performing the bidding of this
prophecy." Accordingly they arose and they gave thanks in full measure
to that good old hermit and they bade him farewell. Thereafter they went
forth and mounted their horses and took shield and spear in hand and
departed thence, and after they had so departed, straightway the golden
bird appeared once more and flew chirping before them.
Then Sir Bors, beholding the bird, said: " Lo! is not yonder the bird that
has been sent to lead us upon our way?" And Sir Gawaine said, "Yea;
that is it." And then Sir Bors said, " Let us follow it apace."
So they followed the bird, and ever it flew before them, leading them
upon the way. Thus they travelled for a long while, until
at last, toward the sloping of the afternoon, they became and sir Bors
aware that the forest wherein they rode was becoming thinner.
And anon they were aware of the ringing of a bell somewhere
not a great distance away. And the bird led them toward where that
bell was ringing, and so in a little pass they came forth out of the forest and
into a very fertile valley. And there was a smooth river, not very broad,
that flowed down through the valley, and beside the river there was a fair
priory, not large in size but very comely, with white walls Theycometo
and red roofs and many shining windows, very bright in the sun. the priory of
And all about the priory were fair fields and orchards and '
gardens, all illuminated very bright and warm, in the full light of the
slanting sun that was now turning all the world to gold by its bright,
yellow and very glorious shining.
So when Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine entered this pleasant plain, the golden
bird that had led them thitherward suddenly chirped very loud and shrill,
and straightway flew high aloft into the air and immediately disappeared
over the tree tops. Thereupon those two champions knew with certainty
that this must be the place whither they were to come, and they wist that
here they should doubtless find that young child of which the prophecy
of Merlin had spoken. So they went forward toward the priory with a
certain awe, as not knowing what next of mystery was to happen to
them. ,
So as they approached that holy place, the gateway of the priory was
suddenly opened, and there came forth a young knight of a very noble
330 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
and haughty appearance, and both Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors knew that
one, that he was Sir Lavaine, the brother of the Lady Elaine, and whilom
They meet the companion in arms of Sir Launcelot of the Lake. And
Sir Lavaine. as ^hey d rew more near they beheld that the face of Sir Lavaine
was very sad and that he smiled not at all as he gave them greeting, saying:
" Ye are welcome, Messires, and ye come none too soon, for we have been
waiting for you since the morning." And he said, "Dismount and come
with me."
So Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine dismounted from their horses and straight-
way there came several attendants and took the steeds and led them away
to stable. Then Sir Lavaine turned, and he beckoned with his hand, and
Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine followed after as he had commanded them to do.
So Sir Lavaine brought them through several passageways and from place
to place until at last he brought them to a small cell of the priory, very
cold and bare and white as snow.
In the centre of the cell there lay a couch and upon the couch there
lay a figure as still as death and Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine beheld that
it was the Lady Elaine who lay there. Her hair lay spread out all over
The behold ^ e pillow of the couch, shining like to pure gold, and in
the Lady the midst of the hair her face shone very white, like to pure
clear wax for whiteness. Her eyes looked, as it were, from
out of a faint shadow and gazed ever straight before her and she never
stirred nor moved her gaze as Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine and Sir Lavaine
entered her cell ; for it was as though her looks were fixed upon something
very strange that she beheld a great distance away.
Then Sir Lavaine, speaking in a whisper, said, "Come near and behold,"
and thereupon Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine came close to the couch upon
which the Lady Elaine lay. So when they had come nigh, Sir Lavaine
They behold lifted the coverlet very softly and they beheld that a new-born
the young babe lay beside the lady upon that couch. Then they wist
that that babe was the child of Sir Launcelot of the Lake
and the Lady Elaine ; and they wist that this was the babe of whom Merlin
had spoken in his prophecy. For the child was very wonderfully beautiful,
and it was as though a certain clear radiance of light shone forth from its
face ; and it lay so perfectly still that it was like as though it did not live.
So Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine knew because of these and several other
things that this must indeed be that very child whom they had come to
find. Yea, it was as though a voice from a distance said: "Behold! this
is that one who shall achieve the Quest of the Holy Grail according to the
prophecy of Merlin."
SIR BORS AND SIR GAWAINE FIND THE LADY ELAINE 331
So Sir Bors and Sir Gawaine kneeled down beside the bed and set their
palms together, and Sir Lavaine stood near them, and for a while all was
very silent in that place. Then suddenly the Lady Elaine spake in that silence
in a voice very faint and remote but very clear, and as she spake she turned
not her eyes toward any one of them, but gazed ever straight before her.
And she said, " Sir Bors, art thou there? " and Sir Bors said, " Yea, Lady."
Then she said: "Behold this child and look you upon him, for this is
he who shall achieve the Quest of the Holy Grail and shall bring it back
to the earth again. So he shall become the greatest knight The Lad
that ever the world beheld. But though he shall be the greatest Elaine bespeak-
champion at arms that ever lived, yet also he shall be gentle '
and meek and without sin, innocent like to a little child. And because
he is to be so high in chivalry and so pure of life, therefore his name shall
be called Galahad." And she said again, "Sir Bors, art thou there?"
and he said, "Yea, Lady."
She said: "My time draweth near, for even now I behold the shining
gates of Paradise, though it yet is that I behold them faintly, as through
a vapor of mist. Yet anon that mist shall pass, and I shall behold those
gates very near by and shining in glory ; for soon I shall quit this troubled
world for that bright and beautiful country. Nevertheless, I shall leave
behind me this child who lieth beside me, and his life shall enlighten that
world from which I am withdrawing." Then she said for the third time,
" Sir Bors, art thou there? " And Sir Bors wept, and he said, " Yea, Lady,
I am here."
Then the Lady Elaine said: "Take thou this child and bear him hence
unto a certain place that thou shalt find. Thou shalt know that place
because there shall go before thee a bird with golden plumage, and it shall
show thee where thou art to take this child. Leave the child at that place
whither the bird shall lead thee, and tell no man where that place is. For
this child must hide in secret until the time shall come when he shall be
manifested to the world." And she said, "Hearest thou me, Sir Bors?"
And Sir Bors, still weeping, said, "Yea, Lady."
Then she said: "Go and tarry not in thy going, for the ending is very
near. Wait not until that end cometh, but go immediately and do as I
have asked thee to do."
Then, still weeping, Sir Bors arose from where he kneeled, and he took
the young child and he wrapped it in his cloak and he went sirBorsde .
out thence and was gone, taking the babe with him. parteth with the
And this while Sir Gawaine and Sir Lavaine also wept, y un & chlld -
and ever Sir Gawaine still kneeled and Sir Lavaine stood beside him.
332 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
Such is the story of the nativity of Sir Galahad, who afterward achieved
the Quest of the Holy Grail as was prophesied in the prophecy of Merlin.
That same day the Lady Elaine died about the middle watch of the
The passing of night, departing from this world in great peace and good con-
Eiaine the Fair, tent, and Sir Gawaine and Sir Lavaine were with her at the
time of her passing.
Then Sir Gawaine said, weeping, "Let me go and fetch Sir Launcelot
of the Lake hither." But Sir Lavaine, speaking very sternly, said: "Let
be and bring him not, for he is not worthy to be brought hither. But as
for you, do you depart, for I have yet that to do I would do alone. So go you
immediately and return unto the court of the King. But when you have
come to the King's court, I charge you to say nothing unto any one concern-
ing the birth of the child Galahad, nor of how this sweet, fair lady is no more,
for I have a certain thing to do that I would fain perform before those
things are declared. So when you have come to court say nothing of these
matters of which I have spoken. ' ' To the which Sir Gawaine said, " Messire,
it shall be as you desire in all things/'
sir Gawaine ^ i mme di a tely Sir Gawaine went forth and called for his
dcpartethfrom horse, and they brought his horse to him and he mounted
the priory. an( ^ departed from that place, leaving Sir Lavaine alone
with his dead.
And it remaineth here to be said that Sir Gawaine went directly from
that place to the court of the King, and when he had come there he told
only of those adventures that had happened to him when the Lady Vivien
had bewitched him. But of those other matters: to wit, of the nativity of
Galahad and of the death of the Lady Elaine, he said naught to any one
but concealed those things for the time being in his own heart.
Yet ever he pondered those things and meditated upon them in the
silent watches of the night. For the thought of those things filled him at
once with joy and with a sort of terror; with hope and with a manner of
despair; wherefore his spirit was troubled because of those things which
he had beheld, for he knew not what their portent might be.
Ijc Barge of flje Deab
Conclusion
NOW after Sir Bors had departed and after Sir Gawaine had de-
parted as aforesaid the one at the one time and the other
at the other there came several of those of the priory to that
cell of death. And they lifted up that still and peaceful figure and bare
it away to the chapel of the priory. And they laid it upon a bier in the
chapel and lit candles around about the bier, and they chanted all night
in the chapel a requiem to the repose of the gentle soul that was gone.
And when the morning light had dawned Sir Lavaine came to that chapel
when the candles were still alight in the dull gray of the early day and
he kneeled for a long time in prayer beside the bier.
Thereafter and when he had ended his prayers, he arose and departed
from that place, and he went to the people of the priory, and he said to
them, " Whither is it that this river floweth? " They say: " It floweth down
from this place past the King's town of Camelot, and thence it floweth
onward until it floweth into the sea to the southward."
Sir Lavaine said, " Is there ere a boat at this place that may float upon
the river?" And they say to him: "Yea, Messire, there is sir
a barge and there is a man that saileth that barge and that
man is deaf and dumb from birth." At that Sir Lavaine said: " I pray you
to bring me to where that deaf and dumb bargeman is."
So one of those to whom he spake took him to a certain place where was
that barge, and the deaf and dumb bargeman. And the bargeman was
a very old man with a long beard as white as snow and he gazed very stead-
fastly upon Sir Lavaine as he drew near thitherward. So Sir Lavaine
came close to the bargeman and he made signs to him, asking him if he
would ferry him down the stream to the King's town, and the dumb barge-
man understood what Sir Lavaine would have and he made signs in answer
that it should be as Sir Lavaine desired.
After that Sir Lavaine gave command that the barge should be hung
and draped all with white samite embroidered with silver and he gave
command that a couch of white samite should be established upon the
33 6 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
barge, and the covering of the couch was also embroidered with silver.
So when all was in readiness there came forth a procession
fr m tne chapel, bearing that still and silent figure, and they
ladydeparteth brought it to the barge and laid it upon the couch of white
samite that had been prepared for it. Thereafter Sir Lavaine
entered the barge and took his station in the bow of the boat and the deaf
and dumb man took his station in the stern thereof.
Then the bargeman trimmed the sail and so the barge drew slowly away
from that place, many standing upon the landing-stage and watching its
departure.
And after that the barge floated gently down the smooth stream or the
river, and ever the deaf and dumb man guided it upon its way. And anon
So they descend they floated down betwixt banks of rushes, with here and
the flood. there a row of pollard willow-trees and thickets of alder. And
all about them was the pleasant weather of the summertime, with every-
thing abloom with grace and beauty.
Then anon, departing from those marshy stretches with their rushes
and their willows and their alders, they drifted past some open meadow-
lands, with fields and uplands all trembling in the still hot sunlight. And
after that they came to a more populous country where were several small
towns and villages with here and there a stone bridge crossing the river.
And at those places of habitation many came and stood upon a bridge
beneath which they passed, and others stood upon the smooth and grassy
banks of the stream and gazed in awe at that wonderful barge as it drifted
by adown the flood. And they who thus gazed would whisper and marvel
at what they beheld and would cross themselves for awe and terror.
So ever they floated onward until at last they came to within sight of
the town of Camelot.
After that, in a little they came to the town and as they passed by the
town walls, lo ! a great multitude of people came and stood upon the walls
and gazed down upon that white bedraped barge and those who were
within. And all the people whispered to one another in awe, saying:
"What is this and what doth it portend? Is this real or is it a vision
that we behold?"
But ever that barge drifted onward past the walls and past those who
So they come stood thereon, and so, at last, it came to a landing-place of
to Camelot. stone steps not f ar distant from the castle of the King. There
the dumb bargeman made fast the barge to the iron rings of the landing-
stage, and so that strange voyage was ended.
Now at that time King Arthur and many of the lords and some of the
HOW THE BARGE CAME TO CAMELOT 337
ladies of his court sat at feast in the royal hall of the castle, and amongst
those was Sir Launcelot and Queen Guinevere. So as they sat thus, there
came one of a sudden running into the hall as in affright, and thereat all
looked upon him and wondered wherefore he came into the hall in that
way. Then King Arthur said, "What ails thee that thou comest hither
to us thus?"
Then he who came kneeled before King Arthur, and he said: "Lord,
here is a wonderful thing. For down by the river there hath come a barge
to the landing-stairs of the castle, and that barge is hung all with white
samite embroidered with silver. And in the barge and upon a couch of
white samite there lieth a dead lady so beautiful that I do not think her
like is to be found in all of the earth. And a dumb man sits ~.
JLtng Arthur
in the stern of the boat, and a noble young knight sits in the heareth news of
bow of the boat with his face shrouded in his mantle as thebar e -
though for grief. And that knight sits there as silent and as motionless
as the dead lady, and the dumb man sits there also, like to an image of a
man rather than a man of flesh and blood. Wherefore it is that I have
come hither to bring you word of this wonderful thing."
Then King Arthur said: " This is indeed a most singular story that thou
tellest us. Now let us all straightway go and see what this portendeth."
So the King arose from where he sat, and he descended therefrom, and
he went forth out of the hall, and all who were there went with him.
Now first of all there went King Arthur, and among those who were last
there went Sir Launcelot of the Lake. For when he had heard of that
dead lady he bethought him of the Lady Elaine and of how
she was even then in tender health, wherefore he repented him '
with great bitterness of heart that he was not with her at that
time instead of lingering at court as he did. And he said to
himself: " Suppose that she should die like to this dead lady in the barge
what would I do if that should have happened unto me?" So it was that
his feet lagged because of his heavy thoughts, and so it was that he was
near the last who came to the riverside where was that barge as afore-
said.
Now, there were many of the towns folk standing there, but upon King
Arthur's coming all those made way for him, and so he came and stood
upon the upper step of the landing-stairs and looked down into the boat.
And he beheld that figure that was lying there and knew it that it was the
Lady Elaine who lay there dead.
Then the King looked for a little upon that dead figure as it were in a
sort of terror, and then he said, " Where is Sir Launcelot?"
338 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
Now when the King so spake, they who stood there made way, and Sir
Sir Launceiot Launcelot came through the press and stood also at the head
lehoideththe of the stairs and looked down into the barge. Then of a
sudden as it were in an instant of time he beheld with his
very eyes that thing which he had been thinking of anon ; for there before
him and beneath him lay in very truth the dead image of that dear lady
of whom he had been thinking only a moment before.
Then it was as though Sir Launcelot had suddenly been struck with a
shaft of death, for he neither moved nor stirred. Nay, it was not to be
perceived that he even so much as breathed. But ever he stood there
gazing down into that boat as though he had forgotten for that while that
there was anybody else in all of the world saving only himself and that dead
lady. And many of those who were there looked upon the face of Sir
Launcelot, and they beheld that his countenance was altogether as white
as the face of that dead figure who lay in the barge beneath them.
Then a great hush of silence fell over all and every voice was stilled,
and at that hush of silence Sir Lavaine lifted the hood from his face and
looked up from where he sat in the boat at the feet of the dead lady, and
Sir Lavaine so ^ ene ^ Sir Launcelot where he stood. Then upon the
accuseth sir instant Sir Lavaine stood up in the barge and he cried out in
a great loud harsh voice : " Hah ! art thou there, thou traitor
knight? Behold the work that thou hast done ; for this that thou beholdest
is thy handiwork. Thou hast betrayed this lady's love for the love of
another, and so thou hast brought her to her death!"
So said Sir Lavaine before all those who were there, but it was as though
Sir Launcelot heard him not, for ever he stood as though he were a dead
man and not a living man of flesh and blood. Then of a sudden he awoke,
as it were, to life, and he clasped the back of his hands across his eyes, and
cried out in a voice as though that voice tore his heart asunder, " Remorse !
Remorse! Remorse!" saying those words three times over in that wise.
Then he shut his lips tight as though to say no more, and thereupon
turned and went away from that place.
And he turned neither to this side nor to that, but went straight to the
castle of the King, and there ordered that his horse should be brought
Sir Launcelot forth to him upon the instant. So when his horse was brought
departeth. fe mounted it and rode away; and he bade farewell to no
one, and no one was there when he thus departed.
So for a long while Sir Launcelot rode he knew not whither, but after
a while he found himself in the forest not far away from the cell of the
hermit of the forest. And he beheld the hermit of the forest, that he
SIR LAUNCELOT DEPARTS FROM THE COURT 339
stood in an open plat of grass in front of his cell and that he was feeding
the wild birds of the woodland ; for the little feathered creatures were
gathered in great multitudes about him, some resting upon his head and
some upon his shoulders and some upon his hands. And a wild doe and a
fawn of the forest browsed near by and all was full of peace and good
content.
But at the coming of Sir Launcelot, all those wild creatures took alarm ;
the birds they flew chirping away, and the doe and the fawn they fled
away into the thickets of the forest. For they wist, by some instinct, that
a man of sin and sorrow was coming thitherward; wherefore they were
afeared and fled away in that wise.
But Sir Launcelot thought nothing of this, but leaped from his horse,
and ran to the hermit and flung himself down upon the ground before him
and embraced him about the feet. And the hermit was greatly astonished
and said, " What ails thee, Sir Launcelot? " Whereunto Sir Launcelot cried
out: "Woe is me! Woe is me! I have sinned very grievously and have
been grievously punished and now my heart is broken!"
Then the hermit perceived that some great misfortune had befallen Sir
Launcelot, wherefore he lifted Sir Launcelot to his feet and after that he
brought him into his cell. And after they were in the cell together, he said :
" Now tell me what ails thee, Sir Launcelot. For I believe that in telling
me thou shalt find a great deal of ease."
So Sir Launcelot confessed everything to the hermit yea, everything
to the very bottom of his soul, and the good, holy man hearkened to him.
Then after Sir Launcelot had said all that lay upon his heart, the hermit
sat for a while in silence, communing with his spirit. And after a while he
said : " Messire, God telleth me that if thy sin hath been grievous, so also
hath thy punishment been full sore. Wherefore meseemeth I speak what
God would have me say when I tell thee that though neither thou nor any
man may undo that which is done, nor recommit that which is committed,
yet there is this which thou or any man mayest do. Thou mayst bathe thy
soul in repentance as in a bath of clear water (for repentance is not remorse
but something very different from remorse), and that having so bathed
thyself thou mayst clothe thyself as in a fresh raiment of new resolve. So
bathed and so clad, thou mayst stand once more upon thy feet and mayst
look up to God and say: 'Lo, God! I am Thy handiwork. I have sinned
and have done great evil, yet I am still Thy handiwork, who hath made me
what I am. So, though I may not undo that which I have done, yet I may,
with Thy aid, do better hereafter than I have done heretofore/
" For every man may sin, and yet again may sin ; yet still is he God's
340 THE NATIVITY OF GALAHAD
handiwork, and still God is near by His handiwork to aid him ever to a fresh
endeavor to righteousness.
"So, though thou hast sinned, thou art still the creation of God and may
yet do His will in the world who hath sent thee hither."
Then Sir Launcelot wept, and he said, " There is much comfort in thy
words."
After that he abode for three days in the cell of the hermit and at the
end of that time he went forth again into the world, a broken yet a con-
trite man, and one full of a strong resolve to make good the life that God
thenceforth intended him to live.
So by and by you shall hear of further adventures that befell him; yet
not at this place.
So it was with Sir Launcelot, and now it only remaineth to be said that,
after his departure from the King's court as aforesaid, they brought the
dead figure of the Lady Elaine to the minster at Camelot and there high
mass was said for the peace of her pure and gentle soul. So for two days
(what time Sir Launcelot was bathing himself in the waters of repentance
as aforetold) that figure lay in state in the minster and with many candles
burning about it, and then it was buried in the minster and a monument
of marble was erected to the memory of that kind and loving spirit that
had gone.
So endeth the history of the Nativity of Galahad and so therewith this
book also cometh to an end.
Yet after a while, if God giveth me life to finish that work which I have
undertaken in writing these histories (and I pray He may give me to finish
that and several other things), then I shall tell you many things more than
these. For I shall tell you how Sir Launcelot came back again into the
world, and I shall tell you of the history of the Quest of the Grail, and I
shall tell you of other knights who came in later days to make the court
of King Arthur even more glorious than it was before.
Already two histories have been written concerning these things and this
makes the third, and another, I believe, will complete that work which I
have assigned myself to do ; wherefore, as was said, I pray that God may
grant that I shall be able to finish that fourth book and so end my work
that I have here undertaken. Amen.
THE END
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