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arthur_beginning (1).txt
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arthur_beginning (1).txt
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BOOK I
CHAPTER I. How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine
his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.
IT befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all
England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that
held war against him long time. And the duke was called the Duke of
Tintagil. And so by means King Uther sent for this duke, charging him to
bring his wife with him, for she was called a fair lady, and a passing
wise, and her name was called Igraine.
So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the means of
great lords they were accorded both. The king liked and loved this lady
well, and he made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have
lain by her. But she was a passing good woman, and would not assent unto
the king. And then she told the duke her husband, and said, I suppose
that we were sent for that I should be dishonoured; wherefore, husband,
I counsel you, that we depart from hence suddenly, that we may ride
all night unto our own castle. And in like wise as she said so they
departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were ware of
their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing
so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to him his privy
council, and told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his wife.
Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a great
charge; and if he will not come at your summons, then may ye do your
best, then have ye cause to make mighty war upon him. So that was done,
and the messengers had their answers; and that was this shortly, that
neither he nor his wife would not come at him.
Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word
again, and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish him, for within
forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.
When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and garnished
two strong castles of his, of the which the one hight Tintagil, and
the other castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine he put in the
castle of Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil, the
which had many issues and posterns out. Then in all haste came Uther
with a great host, and laid a siege about the castle of Terrabil. And
there he pight many pavilions, and there was great war made on both
parties, and much people slain. Then for pure anger and for great love
of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came to the king Uther Sir
Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was sick. I shall tell
thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love of fair Igraine,
that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir Ulfius, I shall seek
Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your heart shall be pleased. So
Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met Merlin in a beggar's array, and
there Merlin asked Ulfius whom he sought. And he said he had little
ado to tell him. Well, said Merlin, I know whom thou seekest, for thou
seekest Merlin; therefore seek no farther, for I am he; and if King
Uther will well reward me, and be sworn unto me to fulfil my desire,
that shall be his honour and profit more than mine; for I shall cause
him to have all his desire. All this will I undertake, said Ulfius, that
there shall be nothing reasonable but thou shalt have thy desire. Well,
said Merlin, he shall have his intent and desire. And therefore, said
Merlin, ride on your way, for I will not be long behind.
CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and
how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.
THEN Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to
King Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with Merlin. Where is he?
said the king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal
Ulfius was ware where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion's door.
And then Merlin was bound to come to the king. When King Uther saw him,
he said he was welcome. Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every
deal; so ye will be sworn unto me as ye be a true king anointed, to
fulfil my desire, ye shall have your desire. Then the king was sworn
upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my desire: the
first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child on her,
and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to nourish
there as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child's
avail, as mickle as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as
thou wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall
lie with Igraine in the castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the
duke her husband, Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the
duke's, and I will be like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight
of the duke's. But wait ye make not many questions with her nor her men,
but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and rise not on the morn
till I come to you, for the castle of Tintagil is but ten miles hence;
so this was done as they devised. But the duke of Tintagil espied how
the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and therefore that night he
issued out of the castle at a postern for to have distressed the king's
host. And so, through his own issue, the duke himself was slain or ever
the king came at the castle of Tintagil.
So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than
three hours after his death, and begat on her that night Arthur, and
on day came Merlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he
kissed the lady Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady
heard tell of the duke her husband, and by all record he was dead or
ever King Uther came to her, then she marvelled who that might be that
lay with her in likeness of her lord; so she mourned privily and held
her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord
betwixt the lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave, for fain
would he have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in
Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last the king
and she met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a
lusty knight and wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady;
it were great joy unto us all, an it might please the king to make her
his queen. Unto that they all well accorded and moved it to the king.
And anon, like a lusty knight, he assented thereto with good will, and
so in all haste they were married in a morning with great mirth and joy.
And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that was
Gawaine's mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine.
All this was done at the request of King Uther. And the third sister
Morgan le Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so
much that she was a great clerk of necromancy. And after she was
wedded to King Uriens of the land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain's le
Blanchemain's father.
CHAPTER III. Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.
THEN Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after
within half a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by the
faith she owed to him, whose was the body; then she sore abashed to give
answer. Dismay you not, said the king, but tell me the truth, and I
shall love you the better, by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I
shall tell you the truth. The same night that my lord was dead, the hour
of his death, as his knights record, there came into my castle of
Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in countenance, and two
knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias and Jordanus,
and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with my lord, and the
same night, as I shall answer unto God, this child was begotten upon me.
That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that came
in the likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the
child; and there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin's
counsel. Then the queen made great joy when she knew who was the father
of her child.
Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you for
the nourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king, be it. Well,
said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true
man and a faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and
his name is Sir Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood in many parts
in England and Wales; and this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for
to come and speak with you, and desire him yourself, as he loveth you,
that he will put his own child to nourishing to another woman, and that
his wife nourish yours. And when the child is born let it be delivered
to me at yonder privy postern unchristened. So like as Merlin devised it
was done. And when Sir Ector was come he made fiaunce to the king for to
nourish the child like as the king desired; and there the king granted
Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady was delivered, the king
commanded two knights and two ladies to take the child, bound in a cloth
of gold, and that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at the postern
gate of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so he
bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, and
named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector's wife nourished him with her own
pap.
CHAPTER IV. Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.
THEN within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in the
meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon his
men, and slew many of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie so as
ye do, for ye must to the field though ye ride on an horse-litter: for
ye shall never have the better of your enemies but if your person be
there, and then shall ye have the victory. So it was done as Merlin had
devised, and they carried the king forth in an horse-litter with a great
host towards his enemies. And at St. Albans there met with the king a
great host of the North. And that day Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias did
great deeds of arms, and King Uther's men overcame the Northern battle
and slew many people, and put the remnant to flight. And then the king
returned unto London, and made great joy of his victory. And then he
fell passing sore sick, so that three days and three nights he was
speechless: wherefore all the barons made great sorrow, and asked Merlin
what counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God
will have his will. But look ye all barons be before King Uther to-morn,
and God and I shall make him to speak. So on the morn all the barons
with Merlin came to-fore the king; then Merlin said aloud unto King
Uther, Sir, shall your son Arthur be king after your days, of this realm
with all the appurtenance? Then Uther Pendragon turned him, and said
in hearing of them all, I give him God's blessing and mine, and bid him
pray for my soul, and righteously and worshipfully that he claim the
crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing; and therewith he yielded up
the ghost, and then was he interred as longed to a king. Wherefore the
queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons.
CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a
sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.
THEN stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that
was mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have been king.
Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him for
to send for all the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of arms,
that they should to London come by Christmas, upon pain of cursing; and
for this cause, that Jesus, that was born on that night, that he would
of his great mercy show some miracle, as he was come to be king of
mankind, for to show some miracle who should be rightwise king of this
realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent for all the
lords and gentlemen of arms that they should come by Christmas even
unto London. And many of them made them clean of their life, that their
prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in the greatest church
of London, whether it were Paul's or not the French book maketh no
mention, all the estates were long or day in the church for to pray.
And when matins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the
churchyard, against the high altar, a great stone four square, like unto
a marble stone; and in midst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot
on high, and therein stuck a fair sword naked by the point, and letters
there were written in gold about the sword that said thus:--Whoso
pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise king
born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and told it to the
Archbishop. I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you within your
church and pray unto God still, that no man touch the sword till the
high mass be all done. So when all masses were done all the lords went
to behold the stone and the sword. And when they saw the scripture some
assayed, such as would have been king. But none might stir the sword
nor move it. He is not here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the
sword, but doubt not God will make him known. But this is my counsel,
said the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame,
and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made
a cry, that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And
upon New Year's Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament, that
all knights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this
was ordained for to keep the lords together and the commons, for the
Archbishop trusted that God would make him known that should win the
sword.
So upon New Year's Day, when the service was done, the barons rode unto
the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it happened that
Sir Ector, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the
jousts, and with him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was his
nourished brother; and Sir Kay was made knight at All Hallowmass afore.
So as they rode to the jousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had
left it at his father's lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to
ride for his sword. I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast after the
sword, and when he came home, the lady and all were out to see the
jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the
churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the stone, for
my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So when he
came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the
stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there, for they
were at the jousting. And so he handled the sword by the handles, and
lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and
rode his way until he came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him
the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist well it was the
sword of the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir Ector, and said:
Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I must be king of this
land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned again and came to the
church, and there they alighted all three, and went into the church. And
anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword. Sir,
said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat ye
this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell you. When I came
home for my brother's sword, I found nobody at home to deliver me his
sword; and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and
so I came hither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any
pain. Found ye any knights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said
Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur, I understand ye must be king of
this land. Wherefore I, said Arthur, and for what cause? Sir, said
Ector, for God will have it so; for there should never man have drawn
out this sword, but he that shall be rightwise king of this land. Now
let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was, and pull it out
again. That is no mastery, said Arthur, and so he put it in the stone;
wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword and failed.
CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.
Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword
with all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir
Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And
therewithal Sir Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said
Arthur, my own dear father and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay, nay,
my lord Arthur, it is not so; I was never your father nor of your blood,
but I wot well ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were. And then
Sir Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for to nourish him, and
by whose commandment, and by Merlin's deliverance.
Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not
his father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious
lord when ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are the
man in the world that I am most beholden to, and my good lady and mother
your wife, that as well as her own hath fostered me and kept. And if
ever it be God's will that I be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me
what I may do, and I shall not fail you; God forbid I should fail you
Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of you, but that ye will make
my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands. That
shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of my body, that
never man shall have that office but he, while he and I live Therewithal
they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the sword was achieved,
and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the barons came thither, and to
assay to take the sword, who that would assay. But there afore them all,
there might none take it out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords
wroth, and said it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be
overgoverned with a boy of no high blood born. And so they fell out at
that time that it was put off till Candlemas and then all the barons
should meet there again; but always the ten knights were ordained to
watch the sword day and night, and so they set a pavilion over the stone
and the sword, and five always watched. So at Candlemas many more great
lords came thither for to have won the sword, but there might none
prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas, he did at Candlemas, and
pulled out the sword easily, whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and
put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped
before, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords had
indignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay till
the feast of Pentecost.
Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin's providence let purvey
then of the best knights that they might get, and such knights as Uther
Pendragon loved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights were
put about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir
Brastias. All these, with many other, were always about Arthur, day and
night, till the feast of Pentecost.
CHAPTER VII. How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.
AND at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the
sword that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and pulled it
out afore all the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all the
commons cried at once, We will have Arthur unto our king, we will put
him no more in delay, for we all see that it is God's will that he shall
be our king, and who that holdeth against it, we will slay him. And
therewithal they kneeled at once, both rich and poor, and cried Arthur
mercy because they had delayed him so long, and Arthur forgave them,
and took the sword between both his hands, and offered it upon the altar
where the Archbishop was, and so was he made knight of the best man that
was there. And so anon was the coronation made. And there was he sworn
unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to stand with true
justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also then he made all
lords that held of the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought
to do. And many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs
that were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were
bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur
made the lands to be given again unto them that owned them.
When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries about
London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir Baudwin
of Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain; and
Sir Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north from Trent forwards,
for it was that time the most party the king's enemies. But within few
years after Arthur won all the north, Scotland, and all that were under
their obeissance. Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur, but he
overcame them all, as he did the remnant, through the noble prowess of
himself and his knights of the Round Table.
CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great
feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.
THEN the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it
should be holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at the city
of Carlion. Unto the feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with
five hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens
of Gore with four hundred knights with him. Also there came to that
feast King Nentres of Garlot, with seven hundred knights with him. Also
there came to the feast the king of Scotland with six hundred knights
with him, and he was but a young man. Also there came to the feast a
king that was called the King with the Hundred Knights, but he and his
men were passing well beseen at all points. Also there came the king
of Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad of their
coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great
love, and to have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king made
great joy, and sent the kings and knights great presents. But the kings
would none receive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and said they
had no joy to receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low
blood, and sent him word they would none of his gifts, but that they
were come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and
the shoulders: and therefore they came thither, so they told to the
messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all them to see such a boy
to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was. With this answer
the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer. Wherefore,
by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with five
hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid
a siege to-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed. And within
fifteen days there came Merlin among them into the city of Carlion. Then
all the kings were passing glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause
is that boy Arthur made your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you
the cause, for he is King Uther Pendragon's son, born in wedlock, gotten
on Igraine, the duke's wife of Tintagil. Then is he a bastard, they said
all. Nay, said Merlin, after the death of the duke, more than three
hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen days after King Uther wedded
Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no bastard. And who saith nay,
he shall be king and overcome all his enemies; and, or he die, he shall
be long king of all England, and have under his obeissance Wales,
Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse. Some of
the kings had marvel of Merlin's words, and deemed well that it should
be as he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as King Lot; and
more other called him a witch. But then were they accorded with Merlin,
that King Arthur should come out and speak with the kings, and to come
safe and to go safe, such surance there was made. So Merlin went unto
King Arthur, and told him how he had done, and bade him fear not, but
come out boldly and speak with them, and spare them not, but answer them
as their king and chieftain; for ye shall overcome them all, whether
they will or nill.
CHAPTER IX. Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the
field.
THEN King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a
jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias:
these were the men of most worship that were with him. And when they
were met there was no meekness, but stout words on both sides; but
always King Arthur answered them, and said he would make them to bow an
he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep
them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So the king returned
him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What will ye
do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shall
not here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we well advised to
be afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. With that Merlin vanished
away, and came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them fiercely; and in
the meanwhile there were three hundred good men, of the best that were
with the kings, that went straight unto King Arthur, and that comforted
him greatly. Sir, said Merlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that
ye had by miracle, till that ye see ye go unto the worse, then draw it
out and do your best. So forthwithal King Arthur set upon them in their
lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias slew on the right
hand and on the left hand that it was marvel; and always King Arthur on
horseback laid on with a sword, and did marvellous deeds of arms, that
many of the kings had great joy of his deeds and hardiness.
Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the Hundred
Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With
that Sir Arthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before,
and ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain
underneath him. And therewith King Lot smote down King Arthur. With that
his four knights received him and set him on horseback. Then he drew his
sword Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies' eyes, that it gave
light like thirty torches. And therewith he put them a-back, and slew
much people. And then the commons of Carlion arose with clubs and staves
and slew many knights; but all the kings held them together with their
knights that were left alive, and so fled and departed. And Merlin came
unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow them no further.
CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and
King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.
SO after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and so
by the counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to council, for
Merlin had told the king that the six kings that made war upon him would
in all haste be awroke on him and on his lands. Wherefore the king asked
counsel at them all. They could no counsel give, but said they were big
enough. Ye say well, said Arthur; I thank you for your good courage, but
will ye all that loveth me speak with Merlin? ye know well that he hath
done much for me, and he knoweth many things, and when he is afore you,
I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best advice. All the barons
said they would pray him and desire him. So Merlin was sent for, and
fair desired of all the barons to give them best counsel. I shall say
you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your enemies are passing strong for
you, and they are good men of arms as be alive, and by this time they
have gotten to them four kings more, and a mighty duke; and unless that
our king have more chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds
of his own realm, an he fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome
and slain. What were best to do in this cause? said all the barons. I
shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice; there are two brethren beyond
the sea, and they be kings both, and marvellous good men of their hands;
and that one hight King Ban of Benwick, and that other hight King Bors
of Gaul, that is France. And on these two kings warreth a mighty man of
men, the King Claudas, and striveth with them for a castle, and great
war is betwixt them. But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he
getteth good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the
worse; wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord
send unto the kings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well
devised, that an they will come and see King Arthur and his court, and
so help him in his wars, that he will be sworn unto them to help them
in their wars against King Claudas. Now, what say ye unto this counsel?
said Merlin. This is well counselled, said the king and all the barons.
Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the
message unto the two kings. So were there made letters in the pleasant
wise according unto King Arthur's desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made
the messengers, and so rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the
guise was that time, and so passed the sea and rode toward the city of
Benwick. And there besides were eight knights that espied them, and at
a strait passage they met with Ulfius and Brastias, and would have taken
them prisoners; so they prayed them that they might pass, for they were
messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King Arthur. Therefore, said
the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for we be knights of
King Claudas. And therewith two of them dressed their spears, and Ulfius
and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together with great raundom.
And Claudas' knights brake their spears, and theirs to-held and bare the
two knights out of their saddles to the earth, and so left them lying,
and rode their ways. And the other six knights rode afore to a passage
to meet with them again, and so Ulfius and Brastias smote other two
down, and so passed on their ways. And at the fourth passage there met
two for two, and both were laid unto the earth; so there was none of
the eight knights but he was sore hurt or bruised. And when they come to
Benwick it fortuned there were both kings, Ban and Bors.
And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there
were sent unto them two knights of worship, the one hight Lionses, lord
of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon
they asked from whence they came, and they said from King Arthur, king
of England; so they took them in their arms and made great joy each of
other. But anon, as the two kings wist they were messengers of Arthur's,
there was made no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the knights,
and welcomed them in the faithfullest wise, and said they were most
welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they kissed
the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors understood the
letters, then they were more welcome than they were before. And after
the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they would
fulfil the desire of King Arthur's writing, and Ulfius and Brastias,
tarry there as long as they would, they should have such cheer as might
be made them in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings
of the adventure at their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said
Ban and Bors, they were my good friends. I would I had wist of them;
they should not have escaped so. So Ulfius and Brastias had good cheer
and great gifts, as much as they might bear away; and had their answer
by mouth and by writing, that those two kings would come unto Arthur
in all the haste that they might. So the two knights rode on afore, and
passed the sea, and came to their lord, and told him how they had sped,
whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time suppose ye the two
kings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king
let purvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All
Hallowmass the two kings were come over the sea with three hundred
knights well arrayed both for the peace and for the war. And King Arthur
met with them ten mile out of London, and there was great joy as could
be thought or made. And on All Hallowmass at the great feast, sat in the
hall the three kings, and Sir Kay seneschal served in the hall, and Sir
Lucas the butler, that was Duke Corneus' son, and Sir Griflet, that was
the son of Cardol, these three knights had the rule of all the service
that served the kings. And anon, as they had washen and risen, all
knights that would joust made them ready; by then they were ready on
horseback there were seven hundred knights. And Arthur, Ban, and Bors,
with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay's father, they
were in a place covered with cloth of gold like an hall, with ladies and
gentlewomen, for to behold who did best, and thereon to give judgment.
CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings Ban
and Bors, and how they went over the sea.
AND King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights
in two parties. And there were three hundred knights of the realm of
Benwick and of Gaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their
shields, and began to couch their spears many good knights. So Griflet
was the first that met with a knight, one Ladinas, and they met so
eagerly that all men had wonder; and they so fought that their shields
fell to pieces, and horse and man fell to the earth; and both the French
knight and the English knight lay so long that all men weened they had
been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he horsed him again
anon, and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many bachelors.
Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights with him, and
they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day marvellous deeds
of arms, that there was none did so well as he that day. Then there came
Ladinas and Gracian, two knights of France, and did passing well, that
all men praised them.
Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and
smote him down horse and man, where fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met
with Sir Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But
when the five knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out
of wit, and therewith each of them five bare down a knight. When King
Arthur and the two kings saw them begin to wax wroth on both parties,
they leapt on small hackneys, and let cry that all men should depart
unto their lodging. And so they went home and unarmed them, and so to
evensong and supper. And after, the three kings went into a garden, and
gave the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, and unto Sir
Griflet. And then they went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the
brother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius and
Brastias, and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went unto
bed. And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to their
council, and made many arguments what were best to do. At the last they
were concluded, that Merlin should go with a token of King Ban, and that
was a ring, unto his men and King Bors'; and Gracian and Placidas should
go again and keep their castles and their countries, as for [dread of
King Claudas] King Ban of Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained
them, and so passed the sea and came to Benwick. And when the people saw
King Ban's ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were glad, and asked how
the kings fared, and made great joy of their welfare and cording, and
according unto the sovereign lords desire, the men of war made them
ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen thousand on horse
and foot, and they had great plenty of victual with them, by Merlin's
provision. But Gracian and Placidas were left to furnish and garnish the
castles, for dread of King Claudas. Right so Merlin passed the sea, well
victualled both by water and by land. And when he came to the sea he
sent home the footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand
men on horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed
the sea into England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of
Merlin, he had the host northward, the priviest way that could be
thought, unto the forest of Bedegraine, and there in a valley he lodged
them secretly.
Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how he had
sped; whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth might speed so
soon, and go and come. So Merlin told them ten thousand were in the
forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all points. Then was there no more
to say, but to horseback went all the host as Arthur had afore purveyed.
So with twenty thousand he passed by night and day, but there was made
such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that there should no man of war ride
nor go in no country on this side Trent water, but if he had a token
from King Arthur, where through the king's enemies durst not ride as
they did to-fore to espy.
CHAPTER XII. How eleven kings gathered a great host against King Arthur.
AND SO within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of
Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen,
whereof they had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the
cause of the northern host: that they were reared for the despite and
rebuke the six kings had at Carlion. And those six kings by their means,
gat unto them five other kings; and thus they began to gather their
people.
And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other,
till they had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an oath. The first
that began the oath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with
him five thousand men of arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then
sware King Brandegoris of Stranggore that he would bring five thousand
men of arms on horseback. Then sware King Clariance of Northumberland he
would bring three thousand men of arms. Then sware the King of the
Hundred Knights, that was a passing good man and a young, that he would
bring four thousand men of arms on horseback. Then there swore King Lot,
a passing good knight, and Sir Gawain's father, that he would bring five
thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Urience, that
was Sir Uwain's father, of the land of Gore, and he would bring six
thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Idres of
Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback.
Also there swore King Cradelmas to bring five thousand men on horseback.
Also there swore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five thousand men of
arms on horseback. Also there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand
men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Carados to bring five
thousand men of arms on horseback. So their whole host was of clean men
of arms on horseback fifty thousand, and a-foot ten thousand of good
men's bodies. Then were they soon ready, and mounted upon horse and sent
forth their fore-riders, for these eleven kings in their ways laid a
siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so they departed and drew
toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the siege, for the castle of
Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the men that were therein were
Arthur's.
CHAPTER XIII. Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.
So by Merlin's advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the country,
and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made them to tell
which way the host came, and then they told it to Arthur, and by King
Ban and Bors' council they let burn and destroy all the country afore
them, there they should ride.
The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore
the battle, that there blew a great wind, and blew down their castles
and their towns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All
that heard of the sweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by
counsel of Merlin, when they wist which way the eleven kings would ride
and lodge that night, at midnight they set upon them, as they were in
their pavilions. But the scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at
arms! for here be your enemies at your hand!
CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur
and his host, and many great feats of the war.
THEN King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty
knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthrow their
pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of
arms, took a fair champaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten
thousand good men's bodies. And so they had afore them a strong passage,
yet were they fifty thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward day. Now
shall ye do by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings: I would
that King Ban and King Bors, with their fellowship of ten thousand men,
were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and keep them privy,
and that they be laid or the light of the day come, and that they stir
not till ye and your knights have fought with them long. And when it is
daylight, dress your battle even afore them and the passage, that they
may see all your host, for then will they be the more hardy, when they
see you but about twenty thousand men, and cause them to be the gladder
to suffer you and your host to come over the passage. All the three
kings and the whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it
was done anon as Merlin had devised. So on the morn, when either host
saw other, the host of the north was well comforted. Then to Ulfius and
Brastias were delivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them
fiercely in the passage, and slew on the right hand and on the left hand
that it was wonder to tell.
When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did
such deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again fiercely;
and there was Sir Ulfius's horse slain under him, but he did
marvellously well on foot. But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King
Clariance of Northumberland, were alway grievous on Ulfius. Then
Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smote the duke with a spear,
that horse and man fell down. That saw King Clariance and returned
unto Brastias, and either smote other so that horse and man went to the
earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses' knees brast to
the hard bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with
him, and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there
was Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the butler, horse
and man, by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and King Agwisance. Then
waxed the medley passing hard on both parties. When Sir Kay saw Griflet
on foot, he rode on King Nentres and smote him down, and led his horse
unto Sir Griflet, and horsed him again. Also Sir Kay with the same spear
smote down King Lot, and hurt him passing sore. That saw the King with
the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay and smote him down, and took
his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said gramercy. When Sir
Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he took a sharp spear,
great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms, and smote horse
and man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay.
Then King Lot saw King Nentres on foot, he ran unto Melot de la Roche,
and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Nentres the horse, and
horsed him again. Also the King of the Hundred Knights saw King Idres on
foot; then he ran unto Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and
man, and gave King Idres the horse, and horsed him again; and King Lot
smote down Clariance de la Forest Savage, and gave the horse unto Duke
Eustace. And so when they had horsed the kings again they drew them, all
eleven kings, together, and said they would be revenged of the damage
that they had taken that day. The meanwhile came in Sir Ector with an
eager countenance, and found Ulfius and Brastias on foot, in great peril
of death, that were foul defoiled under horse-feet.
Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and
smote him through the left side, that the horse and the king fell down;
and then he took the horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and
said, Have this horse, mine old friend, for great need hast thou of
horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir Arthur did so marvellously in
arms, that all men had wonder. When the King with the Hundred Knights
saw King Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that was well
horsed, Sir Kay's father, and smote horse and man down, and gave the
horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the
king ride on Sir Ector's horse, he was wroth and with his sword he smote
the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield fell down,
and so the sword carved down unto the horse's neck, and so the king and
the horse fell down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir Morganore,
seneschal with the King of the Hundred Knights, and smote him down,
horse and man, and led the horse unto his father, Sir Ector; then Sir
Ector ran unto a knight, hight Lardans, and smote horse and man down,
and led the horse unto Sir Brastias, that great need had of an horse,
and was greatly defoiled. When Brastias beheld Lucas the butler, that
lay like a dead man under the horses' feet, and ever Sir Griflet did
marvellously for to rescue him, and there were always fourteen knights
on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of them on the helm, that it went
to the teeth, and he rode to another and smote him, that the arm flew
into the field. Then he went to the third and smote him on the shoulder,
that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when Griflet saw rescues,
he smote a knight on the temples, that head and helm went to the earth,
and Griflet took the horse of that knight, and led him unto Sir Lucas,
and bade him mount upon the horse and revenge his hurts. For Brastias
had slain a knight to-fore and horsed Griflet.
CHAPTER XV. Yet of the same battle.
THEN Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche,
and Lucas ran to him with a short spear that was great, that he gave
him such a fall, that the horse fell down to the earth. Also Lucas found
there on foot, Bloias de La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights,
and in that woodness that Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors and horsed
them again. Then waxed the battle passing hard on both parties, but
Arthur was glad that his knights were horsed again, and then they fought
together, that the noise and sound rang by the water and the wood.
Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and dressed their
shields and harness, and they were so courageous that many knights shook
and bevered for eagerness. All this while Lucas, and Gwinas, and Briant,
and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against six kings, that was
King Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and
King Agwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and of Sir Griflet they held
these six kings hard, that unnethe they had any power to defend them.
But when Sir Arthur saw the battle would not be ended by no manner, he
fared wood as a lion, and steered his horse here and there, on the right
hand, and on the left hand, that he stinted not till he had slain twenty
knights. Also he wounded King Lot sore on the shoulder, and made him to
leave that ground, for Sir Kay and Griflet did with King Arthur
there great deeds of arms. Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir Ector
encountered against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment, and King
Clariance of Northumberland, and King Carados, and against the King with
the Hundred Knights. So these knights encountered with these kings, that
they made them to avoid the ground. Then King Lot made great dole for
his damages and his fellows, and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will
do as I devise we shall be slain and destroyed; let me have the King
with the Hundred Knights, and King Agwisance, and King Idres, and the
Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings will have fifteen thousand men of
arms with us, and we will go apart while ye six kings hold medley with
twelve thousand; an we see that ye have foughten with them long, then
will we come on fiercely, and else shall we never match them, said King
Lot, but by this mean. So they departed as they here devised, and six
kings made their party strong against Arthur, and made great war long.
In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and
Lionses and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights met
with King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great medley
of breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying of men and
horses, and King Idres was near at discomforture.
That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in point of
death; for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a great fellowship.
So these two knights were in great danger of their lives that they were
fain to return, but always they rescued themselves and their fellowship
marvellously When King Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him
sore; then he came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black as
Inde. When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he
said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible maims! for I see well
we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one of the most
worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the world, is inclined
unto his fellowship. What is he? said the King with the Hundred Knights.
It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how they came into
this country without witting of us all. It was by Merlin's advice, said
the knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with King
Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they all, we will
do all that we may. Then King Carados and his host rode on a soft pace,
till that they came as nigh King Bors as bow-draught; then either battle
let their horse run as fast as they might. And Bleoberis, that was
godson unto King Bors, he bare his chief standard, that was a passing
good knight. Now shall we see, said King Bors, how these northern
Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors encountered with a knight, and
smote him throughout with a spear that he fell dead unto the earth; and
after drew his sword and did marvellous deeds of arms, that all parties
had great wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but did their
part, and King Carados was smitten to the earth. With that came the King
with the Hundred Knights and rescued King Carados mightily by force of
arms, for he was a passing good knight of a king, and but a young man.
CHAPTER XVI. Yet more of the same battle.
BY then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of
green and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited,
for yonder I see the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of
the most renown, for such two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are
not living, wherefore we must needs void or die; and but if we avoid
manly and wisely there is but death. When King Ban came into the battle,
he came in so fiercely that the strokes redounded again from the wood
and the water; wherefore King Lot wept for pity and dole that he saw so
many good knights take their end. But through the great force of King
Ban they made both the northern battles that were departed hurtled
together for great dread; and the three kings and their knights slew on
ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of the people that
fled. But King Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and King Morganore
gathered the people together passing knightly, and did great prowess of
arms, and held the battle all that day, like hard.
When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that King
Ban did, he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on high upon
the helm, a great stroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was wroth
with him, and followed on him fiercely; the other saw that, and cast up
his shield, and spurred his horse forward, but the stroke of King Ban
fell down and carved a cantel off the shield, and the sword slid down by
the hauberk behind his back, and cut through the trapping of steel and
the horse even in two pieces, that the sword felt the earth. Then the
King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and with his sword
he broached the horse of King Ban through and through. With that King
Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and then King Ban smote at the
other so eagerly, and smote him on the helm that he fell to the earth.
Also in that ire he felled King Morganore, and there was great slaughter
of good knights and much people. By then came into the press King
Arthur, and found King Ban standing among dead men and dead horses,
fighting on foot as a wood lion, that there came none nigh him, as
far as he might reach with his sword, but he caught a grievous buffet;
whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so bloody, that by
his shield there might no man know him, for all was blood and brains
on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a knight that was
passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to him, and smote
him on the helm, that his sword went unto his teeth, and the knight sank
down to the earth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse by the rein, and
led him unto King Ban, and said, Fair brother, have this horse, for he
have great myster thereof, and me repenteth sore of your great damage.
It shall be soon revenged, said King Ban, for I trust in God mine ure
is not such but some of them may sore repent this. I will well, said
Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual; nevertheless, I might not come
at you at that time.
But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new battle,
the which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. And so through
great force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their knights a
little to withdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with their chivalry
never turned back; and so withdrew them to a little wood, and so over
a little river, and there they rested them, for on the night they might
have no rest on the field. And then the eleven kings and knights put
them on a heap all together, as men adread and out of all comfort. But
there was no man might pass them, they held them so hard together both
behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of their deeds of arms,
and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur, said King Ban and King Bors,
blame them not, for they do as good men ought to do. For by my faith,
said King Ban, they are the best fighting men, and knights of most
prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of, and those eleven kings are
men of great worship; and if they were longing unto you there were no
king under the heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship. I
may not love them, said Arthur, they would destroy me. That wot we well,
said King Ban and King Bors, for they are your mortal enemies, and that
hath been proved aforehand; and this day they have done their part, and
that is great pity of their wilfulness.
Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King Lot,
Lords, ye must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss is behind;
ye may see what people we have lost, and what good men we lose, because
we wait always on these foot-men, and ever in saving of one of the
foot-men we lose ten horsemen for him; therefore this is mine advice,
let us put our foot-men from us, for it is near night, for the noble
Arthur will not tarry on the footmen, for they may save themselves, the
wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be together, look every each of
you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain of death.
And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be slain,
for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a coward all we to
be slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me all ye kings. It is well
said, quoth King Nentres; so said the King of the Hundred Knights; the
same said the King Carados, and King Uriens; so did King Idres and King
Brandegoris; and so did King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the
same said King Clariance and King Agwisance, and sware they would never
fail other, neither for life nor for death. And whoso that fled, but
did as they did, should be slain. Then they amended their harness, and
righted their shields, and took new spears and set them on their thighs,
and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.
CHAPTER XVII. Yet more of the same battle, and how it was ended by
Merlin.
WHEN Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their knights,
they praised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for the
hardiest fighters that ever they heard or saw. With that, there dressed
them a forty noble knights, and said unto the three kings, they would
break their battle; these were their names: Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius,
Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas the butler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet
de la Roche, Guinas de Bloi, Briant de la Forest Savage, Bellaus,
Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of the Castle of Ladies,
Annecians that was King Bors' godson, a noble knight, Ladinas de la
Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois de la Case, and
Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on afore with spears
on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as the horses might
run. And the eleven kings with part of their knights rushed with their
horses as fast as they might with their spears, and there they did on
both parties marvellous deeds of arms. So came into the thick of the
press, Arthur, Ban, and Bors, and slew down right on both hands, that
their horses went in blood up to the fetlocks. But ever the eleven kings
and their host was ever in the visage of Arthur. Wherefore Ban and Bors
had great marvel, considering the great slaughter that there was, but
at the last they were driven aback over a little river. With that came
Merlin on a great black horse, and said unto Arthur, Thou hast never
done! Hast thou not done enough? of three score thousand this day hast
thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho! For God
is wroth with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven
kings at this time will not be overthrown, but an thou tarry on them
any longer, thy fortune will turn and they shall increase. And therefore
withdraw you unto your lodging, and rest you as soon as ye may, and
reward your good knights with gold and with silver, for they have well
deserved it; there may no riches be too dear for them, for of so few men
as ye have, there were never men did more of prowess than they have done
today, for ye have matched this day with the best fighters of the world.
That is truth, said King Ban and Bors. Also said Merlin, withdraw you
where ye list, for this three year I dare undertake they shall not dere
you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings. And then Merlin said unto
Arthur, These eleven kings have more on hand than they are ware of, for
the Saracens are landed in their countries, more than forty thousand,
that burn and slay, and have laid siege at the castle Wandesborow, and
make great destruction; therefore dread you not this three year. Also,
sir, all the goods that be gotten at this battle, let it be searched,
and when ye have it in your hands, let it be given freely unto these two
kings, Ban and Bors, that they may reward their knights withal; and that
shall cause strangers to be of better will to do you service at
need. Also you be able to reward your own knights of your own goods
whensomever it liketh you. It is well said, quoth Arthur, and as thou
hast devised, so shall it be done. When it was delivered to Ban and
Bors, they gave the goods as freely to their knights as freely as it
was given to them. Then Merlin took his leave of Arthur and of the
two kings, for to go and see his master Bleise, that dwelt in
Northumberland; and so he departed and came to his master, that was
passing glad of his coming; and there he told how Arthur and the two
kings had sped at the great battle, and how it was ended, and told the
names of every king and knight of worship that was there. And so Bleise
wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him, how it began, and by
whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the worse. All the
battles that were done in Arthur's days Merlin did his master Bleise do
write; also he did do write all the battles that every worthy knight did
of Arthur's court.
After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur, that
was in the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the castles that stand
in the forest of Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King Arthur
knew him not, for he was all befurred in black sheep-skins, and a great
pair of boots, and a bow and arrows, in a russet gown, and brought wild
geese in his hand, and it was on the morn after Candlemas day; but King
Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin unto the king, will ye give me
a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give thee a gift, churl?
Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is not in your
hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place where the
great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth. Who told thee so,
churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said he. Then Ulfius and Brastias
knew him well enough, and smiled. Sir, said these two knights, it is
Merlin that so speaketh unto you. Then King Arthur was greatly abashed,
and had marvel of Merlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they
had great disport at him. So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that
was an earl's daughter: his name was Sanam, and her name was Lionors, a