Bab Bab 2 · OF SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAKE

Anon after that the noble and worthy King Arthur was come from Rome

into England, all the knights of the Round Table resorted unto the

king, and made many jousts and tournaments, and some there were that

were good knights, which increased so in arms and worship that they

passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds, and that was well

proved on many, but especially it was proved on Sir Launcelot du Lake.

For in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both for life and

death, he passed all knights, and at no time he was never overcome, but

it were by treason or enchantment. Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in

great favor above all other knights, and certainly he loved the queen

again above all other ladies and damsels all the days of his life, and

for her he did many great deeds of arms, and saved her from the fire

through his noble chivalry. Thus Sir Launcelot rested him a long while

with play and game; and then he thought to prove himself in strange

adventures. Then he bade his brother Sir Lionel to make him ready, "for

we two will seek adventures."

So they mounted upon their horses armed at all points, and rode into

a deep forest; and after they came into a great plain, and then the

weather was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had great list [_desire_]

to sleep.

Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple tree that stood by an hedge, and

said: "Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us and our

horses."

"It is well said, fair brother," said Sir Launcelot; "for of all this

seven year I was not so sleepy as I am now."

And so they there alighted and tied their horses under sundry trees,

and so Sir Launcelot laid him down under an apple tree, and his helm

he laid under his head. And Sir Lionel waked while he slept. So Sir

Launcelot was asleep passing fast. And in the mean while there came

three knights riding, as fast fleeing as ever they might ride. And

there followed them three but one knight. And when Sir Lionel saw

him, him thought he saw never so great a knight nor so well faring a

man, neither so well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while

this strong knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he

smote him to the cold earth that he lay still. And then he rode unto

the second knight, and smote him so that man and horse fell down. And

then straight to the third knight he rode, and he smote him behind his

horse's tail a spear's length. And then he alighted down, and reined

his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three knights fast with

the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw him do thus, he

thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly and privily he

took his horse, and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when

he was mounted upon his horse he overtook this strong knight and bade

him turn: and the other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man

he bare to the earth, and so he alighted down and bound him fast, and

threw him overthwart his own horse, and so he served them all four, and

rode with them away to his own castle. And when he came there, he made

unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, and after put them in

a deep prison where there were many more knights that made great dolor.

* * * * *

When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was past out of the

court to seek adventures he was wroth with himself, and made him ready

to seek Sir Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest, he

met with a man that was like a forester. "Fair fellow," said Sir Ector,

"knowest thou in this country any adventures that be here nigh hand?"

"Sir," said the forester, "this country know I well, and hereby within

this mile is a strong manor, and well diked, and by that manor, on the

left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, and over that

ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hangeth many fair shields

that wielded sometime good knights: and at the hole of the tree hangeth

a basin of copper and laton [_brass_], and strike upon that basin

with the butt of thy spear thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new

tidings, and else hast thou the fairest grace that many a year had ever

knight that passed through this forest."

"Gramercy," [_thanks_] said Sir Ector, and departed and came to the

tree, and saw many fair shields, and among them he saw his brother's

shield, Sir Lionel, and many more that he knew that were his fellows

of the Round Table, the which grieved his heart, and he promised to

revenge his brother. Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were

wood [_crazy_], and then he gave his horse drink at the ford: and

there came a knight behind him and bade him come out of the water and

make him ready; and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and in fewter

cast[10] his spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that his

horse turned twice about.

[Footnote 10: "In fewter cast his spear," _in rest placed his spear_.]

"This was well done," said the strong knight, "and knightly thou hast

stricken me:" and therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector and caught

him under his right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and rode

with him away into his own hall, and threw him down in the midst of the

floor. The name of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir

Ector, "For thou hast done this day more unto me than any knight did

these twelve years, now will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be

sworn to be my prisoner all thy life-days."

"Nay," said Sir Ector, "that will I never promise thee, but that I will

do mine advantage."

"That me repenteth," said Sir Turquine.

And then he made to unarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked,

and after put him down in a deep dungeon, where he knew many of his

fellows. But when Sir Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great sorrow.

"Alas, brother," said Sir Ector, "where is my brother Sir Launcelot?"

"Fair brother, I left him on sleep when that I from him went, under an

apple tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you."

"Alas," said the knights, "but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be

delivered, for we know now no knight that is able to match our master

Turquine."

* * * * *

Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot

du Lake that lieth under the apple tree sleeping. Even about the noon

there came by him four queens of great estate; and, for the heat of the

sun should not annoy them, there rode four knights about them and bare

a cloth of green silk on four squares, betwixt them and the sun, and

the queens rode on four white mules.

Thus as they rode they heard by them a great horse grimly neigh, and

then were they ware of a sleeping knight that lay all armed under an

apple tree; anon as these queens looked on his face they knew that it

was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive for that knight; every

one said she would have him to her love.

"We shall not strive," said Morgan le Fay that was King Arthur's

sister; "I shall put an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in

six hours, and then I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is

surely within my hold I shall take the enchantment from him, and then

let him choose which of us he will have for his love."

So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid

him upon his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights,

and brought him unto the castle Chariot, and there they laid him in a

chamber cold, and at night they sent unto him a fair damsel with his

supper ready dight. By that the enchantment was past, and when she came

she saluted him, and asked him what cheer?

"I cannot say, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "for I wot not how I

came into this castle but it be by an enchantment."

"Sir," said she, "ye must make good cheer, and if ye be such a knight

as is said ye be, I shall tell you more to-morn [_to-morrow_] by prime

[_the first hour_] of the day."

"Gramercy, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "of your good will I

require you."

And so she departed. And there he lay all that night without comfort of

anybody.

And on the morn early came these four queens, passingly well beseen,

all they bidding him good morn, and he them again.

"Sir knight," the four queens said, "thou must understand thou art

our prisoner, and we here know thee well, that thou art Sir Launcelot

du Lake, King Ban's son. And truly we understand your worthiness that

thou art the noblest knight living; and therefore thee behoveth now

to choose one of us four. I am the Queen Morgan le Fay, Queen of the

land of Gore, and here is the Queen of Northgalis, and the Queen of

Eastland, and the Queen of the Out Isles; now choose ye one of us which

thou wilt have to thy love, for thou mayst not choose or else in this

prison to die."

"This is an hard case," said Sir Launcelot, "that either I must die

or else choose one of you, yet had I liever to die in this prison

with worship, than to have one of you to my love maugre my head. And

therefore ye be answered, for I will have none of you, for ye be false

enchantresses."

"Well," said the queens, "is this your answer, that you will refuse us?"

"Yea, upon my life," said Sir Launcelot, "refused ye be of me."

So they departed, and left him there alone that made great sorrow.

* * * * *

Right so at noon came the damsel to him, and brought him his dinner,

and asked him what cheer.

"Truly, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "in all my life-days never so

ill."

"Sir," said she, "that me repenteth; but and ye will be ruled by me,

I shall help you out of this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor

villany, so that ye hold me a promise."

"Fair damsel, that I will grant you, and sore I am afeared of these

queen's witches, for they have destroyed many a good knight."

"Sir," said she, "that is sooth, and for the renown and bounty they

hear of you, they would have your love, and, sir, they say that your

name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, the flower of all the knights that been

living, and they been passing wroth with you that ye have refused them;

but, sir, and ye would promise me for to help my father on Tuesday

next coming, that hath made a tournament between him and the King of

Northgalis; for the Tuesday last past my father lost the field through

three knights of King Arthur's court, and if ye will be there upon

Tuesday next coming and help my father, to-morrow or [_ere_] prime, by

the grace of God, I shall deliver you clean."

"Fair maiden," said Sir Launcelot, "tell me what is your father's name,

and then shall I give you an answer."

"Sir knight," said the damsel, "my father is King Bagdemagus, that was

foully rebuked at the last tournament."

"I know your father well," said Sir Launcelot, "for a noble king and a

good knight, and by the faith of my body, ye shall have my body ready

to do your father and you service at that day."

"Sir," said the damsel, "gramercy, and to-morrow await that ye be ready

betimes, and I shall deliver you; and take you your armor and your

horse, shield, and spear; and hereby within these ten miles is an abbey

of white monks, and there I pray you to abide, and thither shall I

bring my father unto you."

"All this shall be done," said Sir Launcelot, "as I am a true knight."

And so she departed, and came on the morrow early and found him ready.

Then she brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him unto his

armor. And when he was all armed and arrayed, she brought him unto his

own horse, and lightly he saddled him, and took a great spear in his

hand, and so rode forth, and said, "Fair damsel, I shall not fail you,

by the grace of God."

And so he rode into a great forest all that day, and in no wise could

he find any highway, and so the night fell on him, and then was he ware

in a slade [_glade_] of a pavilion of red sendall.[11] "By my faith,"

said Sir Launcelot, "in that pavilion will I lodge all this night."

And so there he alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and

there he unarmed him, and found there a rich bed and laid him therein,

and anon he fell on sleep.

[Footnote 11: "Sendall," _a kind of silk_.]

So thus within a while the night passed and the day appeared, and then

Sir Launcelot armed him and mounted upon his horse, and took his leave,

and they showed him the way towards the abbey, and thither they rode

within the space of two hours.

* * * * *

As soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, King Bagdemagus'

daughter heard a great horse go on the pavement. And then she arose and

went unto a window, and there she saw that it was Sir Launcelot, and

anon she made men hastily to go to him, which took his horse and led

him into a stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and there

he unarmed him, and the lady sent to him a long gown, and anon she

came herself. And then she made Sir Launcelot passing good cheer, and

she said he was the knight in the world that was most welcome to her.

Then she in all the haste sent for her father King Bagdemagus, that was

within twelve miles of that abbey, and before even he came with a fair

fellowship of knights with him. And when the king was alighted from

his horse, he went straight unto Sir Launcelot's chamber, and there

found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir Launcelot in his

arms, and either made other good cheer. Anon Sir Launcelot made his

complaint unto the king how he was betrayed, and how his brother Sir

Lionel was departed from him he wist not whither, and how his daughter

had delivered him out of prison, "wherefore I shall while I live do her

service and all her friends and kindred."

"Then am I sure of your help," said the king, "now on Tuesday next

coming?"

"Ye, sir," said Sir Launcelot, "I shall not fail you, for so have I

promised unto my lady, your daughter. As I hear say that the tournament

shall be within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto

me three knights of yours such as ye trust, and look that the three

knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture on the

shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in the midst of

both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve

them that we may; and thus shall I not be known what knight I am." So

they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday. And so the

king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights, with the four

white shields.

And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved wood beside

where the tournament should be. And there were scaffolds that lords

and ladies might behold, and to give the prize. Then came into the

field the King of Northgalis with eightscore helms. And then the three

knights of Arthur stood by themselves. Then came into the field King

Bagdemagus with fourscore of helms. And then they fewtred [_placed

in rest_] their spears, and came together with a great dash, and

there were slain of knights, at the first encounter, twelve of King

Bagdemagus' party, and six of the King of Northgalis' party, and King

Bagdemagus' party was far set aback.

* * * * *

With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear

in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear

five knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. And in that

throng he smote down the King of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in

that fall. All this doing of Sir Launcelot saw the three knights of

Arthur.

"Yonder is a shrewd guest," said Sir Mador de la Porte, "therefore have

here once at him."

So they encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and man, so

that his shoulder went out of joint.

"Now befalleth it to me to joust," said Mordred, "for Sir Mador hath a

sore fall."

Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand, and

met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir Launcelot

gave him such a buffet that the bow of his saddle brake, and so he

flew over his horse's tail, that his helm went into the earth a foot

and more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a

swoon. Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a spear, and Launcelot against

him, with all their strength that they might drive, that both their

spears to-brast [_burst to pieces_] even to their hands, and then they

flung out with their swords, and gave many a grim stroke. Then was Sir

Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir Gahalantine on

the helm, that his nose burst out on blood, and ears and mouth both,

and therewith his head hung low. And therewith his horse ran away with

him, and he fell down to the earth.

Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his hand, and, or

[_ere_] ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the earth sixteen

knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the horse, and

there was none but that he hit surely. He bare none arms [_no device

to be known by_] that day. And then he gat another great spear, and

smote down twelve knights, and the most part of them never throve

after. And then the knights of the King of Northgalis would joust no

more, and there the prize was given unto King Bagdemagus. So either

party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth with

King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing good cheer

both with the king and with his daughter, and they proffered him great

gifts. And on the morn he took his leave, and told King Bagdemagus that

he would go and seek his brother Sir Lionel, that went from him when

that he slept. So he took his horse, and betaught [_commended_] them

all to God. And there he said unto the king's daughter, "If ye have

need any time of my service, I pray you let me have knowledge, and I

shall not fail you, as I am a true knight."

And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he came into the same

forest where he was taken sleeping. And in the midst of an highway he

met a damsel riding on a white palfrey, and there either saluted other.

"Fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "know ye in this country any

adventures?"

"Sir knight," said that damsel, "here are adventures near hand, and

[_if_] thou durst prove them."

"Why should I not prove adventures?" said Sir Launcelot; "for that

cause came I hither."

"Well," said she, "thou seemest well to be a good knight, and if thou

dare meet with a good knight, I shall bring thee where is the best

knight and the mightiest that ever thou foundest, so thou wilt tell me

what is thy name, and what knight thou art."

"Damsel, as for to tell thee my name, I take no great force: truly, my

name is Sir Launcelot du Lake."

[Illustration: "_I am Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son of Benwick,

and knight of the Round Table_"]

"Sir, thou beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee,

for hereby dwelleth a knight that will not be overmatched for no man

that I know, unless ye overmatch him, and his name is Sir Turquine.

And, as I understand, he hath in his prison of Arthur's court good

knights threescore and four that he hath won with his own hands. But

when ye have done that day's work ye shall promise me as ye are a true

knight for to go with me, and to help me and other damsels that are

distressed daily with a false knight."

"All your intent, damsel, and desire I will fulfil, so ye will bring me

unto this knight."

"Now, fair knight, come on your way."

And so she brought him unto the ford, and unto the tree where hung the

basin. So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the

basin with the butt of his spear so hard with all his might till the

bottom fell out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode

along the gates of that manor nigh half an hour. And then was he ware

of a great knight that drove an horse afore him, and overthwart the

horse there lay an armed knight bound. And ever as they came near and

near, Sir Launcelot thought he should know him; then Sir Launcelot was

ware that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, a knight of the Table

Round.

"Now, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "I see yonder cometh a knight

fast bound that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto Sir

Gawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave of God,

to rescue that knight; and unless his master sit better in the saddle

I shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am

sure that he hath two brethren of mine prisoners with him."

By that time that either had seen other they gripped their spears unto

them.

"Now, fair knight," said Sir Launcelot, "put that wounded knight off

the horse, and let him rest awhile, and let us two prove our strengths.

For as it is informed me, thou doest and hast done great despite and

shame unto knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee."

"And [_if_] thou be of the Table Round," said Turquine, "I defy thee

and all thy fellowship."

"That is overmuch said," said Sir Launcelot.

* * * * *

And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with

their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in the

midst of their shields, that both their horses' backs brast under

them, and the knights were both astonied, and as soon as they might

avoid their horses they took their shields afore them, and drew out

their swords, and came together eagerly, and either gave other many

strong strokes, for there might neither shields nor harness hold their

strokes. And so within a while they had both grimly wounds, and bled

passing grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more, trasing and

rasing [_feinting and thrusting_] either other where they might hit

any bare place. Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood

leaning on their swords.

"Now, fellow," said Sir Turquine, "hold thy hand awhile, and tell me

what I shall ask thee."

"Say on."

Then Turquine said, "Thou art the biggest man that ever I met withal,

and the best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all other

knights; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee,

and for thy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is

threescore and four, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And thou and I will

be fellows together, and never to fail the while that I live."

"It is well said," said Sir Launcelot, "but since it is so that I may

have thy friendship, what knight is he that thou so hatest above all

other?"

"Truly," said Sir Turquine, "his name is Launcelot du Lake, for he slew

my brother Sir Carados at the Dolorous Tower, which was one of the best

knights then living, and therefore him I except of all knights, for

and [_if_] I may once meet with him, that one of us shall make an end

of another, and do that I make a vow. And for Sir Launcelot's sake I

have slain an hundred good knights, and as many I have utterly maimed,

that never after they might help themselves, and many have died in my

prison, and yet I have threescore and four, and all shall be delivered,

so that thou wilt tell me thy name, and so it be that thou be not Sir

Launcelot."

"Now see I well," said Sir Launcelot, "that such a man I might be I

might have peace, and such a man I might be there should be between

us two mortal war; and now, sir knight, at thy request, I will that

thou wit and know that I am Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son of

Benwick, and knight of the Round Table. And now I defy thee do thy

best."

"Ah!" said Sir Turquine, "Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome, as

ever was any knight, for we shall never depart till the one of us be

dead."

And then hurtled they together as two wild bulls, rashing and lashing

with their shields and swords, that sometime they fell both on their

noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, and never would rest,

and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all the ground

there as they fought was all besprinkled with blood.

Then at last Sir Turquine waxed very faint, and gave somewhat back, and

bare his shield full low for weariness. That soon espied Sir Launcelot,

and then leaped upon him fiercely as a lion, and got him by the banner

of his helmet, and so he plucked him down on his knees, and anon he

rased [_tore off_] his helm, and then he smote his neck asunder.

* * * * *

So on the third day he rode over a long bridge, and there started

upon him suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smote his horse on the

nose that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over that bridge

without his license.

"Why should I not ride this way?" said Sir Launcelot. "I may not ride

beside."

"Thou shalt not choose," said the churl, and lashed at him with a great

club shod with iron. Then Sir Launcelot drew a sword, and put the

stroke aback, and clave his head unto the breast. At the end of the

bridge was a fair village, and all the people men and women cried on

Sir Launcelot, and said, "A worse deed didst thou never for thyself,

for thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle."

Sir Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight he went into

the castle; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and tied his

horse to a ring on the wall; and there he saw a fair green court, and

thither he dressed himself, for there him thought was a fair place to

fight in. So he looked about, and saw much people in doors and windows,

that said, "Fair knight, thou art unhappy."

Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save

the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put

his shield afore him, and put the stroke away of the one giant, and

with his sword he clave his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he

ran away as he were wood [_crazy_], for fear of the horrible strokes,

and Sir Launcelot after him with all his might, and smote him on the

shoulder, and clave him to the middle. Then Sir Launcelot went into the

hall, and there came afore him threescore ladies and damsels, and all

kneeled unto him, and thanked God and him of their deliverance.

"For, sir," said they, "the most part of us have been here this seven

year their prisoners, and we have worked all manner of silk works for

our meat, and we are all great gentlewomen born, and blessed be the

time, knight, that ever thou wert born; for thou hast done the most

worship that ever did knight in the world, that will we bear record,

and we all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell our friends

who delivered us out of prison."

"Fair damsels," he said, "my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake."

"Ah, sir," said they all, "well mayest thou be he, for else save

yourself, as we deemed, there might never knight have the better of

these two giants, for many fair knights have assayed it, and here have

ended, and many times have we wished after you, and these two giants

dread never knight but you."

"Now may ye say," said Sir Launcelot, "unto your friends, how and who

hath delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come

in any of your marches [_boundaries_] show me such cheer as ye have

cause; and what treasure that there is in this castle I give it you for

a reward for your grievance: and the lord that is the owner of this

castle I would that he received it as is right."

"Fair sir," said they, "the name of this castle is Tintagil and a duke

owned it some time that had wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her

Utherpendragon."

"Well," said Sir Launcelot, "I understand to whom this castle

belongeth."

And so he departed from them and betaught [_commended_] them unto God.

And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild

countries and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged.

And at the last by fortune him happened against a night to come to a

fair curtilage [_enclosure_], and therein he found an old gentlewoman

that lodged him with a good will, and there he had good cheer for him

and his horse. And when time was, his host brought him into a fair

garret over the gate to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and

set his harness by him, and went to bed, and anon he fell on sleep.

So soon after there came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in

great haste. And when Sir Launcelot heard this he arose up, and looked

out at the window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding

after one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords, and

that one knight turned on them knightly again and defended him.

"Truly," said Sir Launcelot, "yonder one knight shall I help, for it

were shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he be slain I am

partner of his death."

And therewith he took his harness and went out at a window by a sheet

down to the four knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high [_in a

loud voice_], "Turn you knights unto me, and leave your fighting with

that knight."

And then they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot,

and there began great battle, for they alighted all three, and struck

many great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side.

Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot.

"Nay, sir," said he, "I will none of your help, therefore as ye will

have my help let me alone with them."

Sir Kay for the pleasure of the knight suffered him to do his will,

and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes Sir Launcelot had

stricken them to the earth.

And then they all three cried, "Sir knight, we yield us unto you as man

of might matchless."

"As to that," said Sir Launcelot, "I will not take your yielding unto

me, but so that ye yield you unto Sir Kay the seneschal; on that

covenant I will save your lives and else not."

"Fair knight," said they, "that were we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay

we chased him hither, and had overcome him had not ye been; therefore

to yield us unto him it were no reason."

"Well, as to that," said Sir Launcelot, "advise you well, for ye may

choose whether ye will die or live, for and [_if_] ye be yielden it

shall be unto Sir Kay."

"Fair knight," then they said, "in saving our lives we will do as thou

commandest us."

"Then shall ye," said Sir Launcelot, "on Whitsunday next coming go

unto the court of King Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen

Guenever, and put you all three in her grace and mercy, and say that

Sir Kay sent you thither to be her prisoners."

"Sir," they said, "it shall be done by the faith of our bodies, and we

be living."

And there they swore, every knight upon his sword. And so Sir Launcelot

suffered them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot knocked at the gate

with the pommel of his sword, and with that came his host, and in they

entered, Sir Kay and he.

"Sir," said his host, "I wend ye had been in your bed."

"So I was," said Sir Launcelot, "but I arose and leaped out at my

window for to help an old fellow of mine."

And so when they came nigh the light Sir Kay knew well that it was Sir

Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him of all his

kindness that he hath holpen him twice from the death.

"Sir," he said, "I have done nothing but that I ought to do, and ye are

welcome, and here shall ye repose you and take your rest."

So when Sir Kay was unarmed he asked after meat, so there was meat

fetched him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went

to their beds, and were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir

Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping: and Sir Launcelot

took Sir Kay's armor and his shield and armed him: and so he went to

the stable and took his horse, and took his leave of his host, and so

he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot:

and then he espied that he had his armor and his horse.

"Now, by my faith, I know well that he will grieve some of King

Arthur's court: for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I,

and that will beguile them; and because of his armor and shield, I am

sure that I shall ride in peace." And then soon after departed Sir Kay,

and thanked his host.

* * * * *

Now let us speak of Sir Launcelot, that rode a great while in a deep

forest, where he saw a black brachet [_small hound_], seeking in

manner as it had been in the fealty [_track_] of an hurt deer, and

therewith he rode after the brachet; and he saw lie on the ground a

large fealty of blood, and then Sir Launcelot rode after, and ever

the brachet looked behind her. And so she went through a great marish

[_marsh_], and ever Sir Launcelot followed; and then was he ware of

an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so over the bridge.

So Sir Launcelot rode over the bridge, that was old and feeble. And

when he came into the midst of a great hall, there saw he lie a dead

knight, that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his wounds. And

therewith came out a lady weeping and wringing her hands, and she said,

"O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me."

"Why say ye so?" said Sir Launcelot, "I did never this knight no harm,

for hither by track of blood this brachet brought me; and therefore,

fair lady, be not displeased with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of

your grievance."

"Truly, sir," she said, "I trow it be not ye that have slain my

husband, for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never

likely to recover, that shall I ensure him."

"What was your husband's name?" said Sir Launcelot.

"Sir," said she, "his name was called Sir Gilbert, one of the best

knights of the world, and he that hath slain him I know not his name."

"Now God send you better comfort," said Sir Launcelot.

And so he departed and went into the forest again, and there he met

with a damsel, the which knew him well, and she said aloud, "Well be

ye found, my lord; and now I require thee on thy knighthood help my

brother that is sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding, for this

day fought he with Sir Gilbert and slew him in plain battle, and there

was my brother sore wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that

dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this day she told me my brother's

wounds should never be whole till I could find a knight that would go

into the Chapel Perilous, and there he should find a sword and a bloody

cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and a piece of that cloth

and sword should heal my brother's wounds, so that his wounds were

searched [_touched_] with the sword and the cloth."

"This is a marvellous thing," said Sir Launcelot, "but what is your

brother's name?"

"Sir," said she, "his name is Sir Meliot de Logres."

"That me repenteth," said Sir Launcelot, "for he is a fellow of the

Table Round, and to his help I will do my power."

"Then, sir," said she, "follow even this highway, and it will bring you

unto the Chapel Perilous, and here I shall abide till God send you here

again, and but you speed I know no knight living that may achieve that

adventure."

* * * * *

Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel

Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse to a little gate. And as

soon as he was within the church-yard he saw on the front of the chapel

many fair rich shields turned up so down [_upside down_], and many of

the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear beforehand. With that

he saw by him stand there thirty great knights, more by a yard than

any man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at

Sir Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dread him sore,

and so put his shield afore him, and took his sword in his hand ready

unto battle; and they were all armed in black harness, ready with their

shields and their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone

throughout them, they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the

way, and therewith he waxed all bold and entered into the chapel, and

then he saw no light but a dim lamp burning, and then was he ware of a

corpse covered with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launcelot stooped down

and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then it fared under him as

the earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared. And then he saw

a fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and

hied him out of the chapel. Anon as ever he was in the chapel-yard all

the knights spake to him with a grimly voice, and said, "Knight, Sir

Launcelot, lay that sword from thee, or else thou shalt die."

"Whether I live or die," said Sir Launcelot, "will no great word get it

again, therefore fight for it and ye list."

Then right so he passed throughout them, and beyond the chapel-yard

there met him a fair damsel, and said, "Sir Launcelot, leave that sword

behind thee, or thou wilt die for it."

"I leave it not," said Sir Launcelot, "for no entreaties."

"No," said she, "and thou didst leave that sword, Queen Guenever should

ye never see."

"Then were I a fool and I would leave this sword," said Launcelot.

"Now, gentle knight," said the damsel, "I require thee to kiss me but

once."

"Nay," said Sir Launcelot, "that God me forbid."

"Well, sir," said she, "and thou hadst kissed me thy life-days had

been done, but now alas," she said, "I have lost all my labor, for I

ordained this chapel for thy sake. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee,

I have loved thee this seven year. But since I may not have [thee]

alive, I had kept no more joy in this world but to have [thee] dead.

Then would I have balmed [thee] and preserved [thee], and so have kept

[thee] my life-days, and daily I should have kissed thee."

"Ye say well," said Sir Launcelot, "God preserve me from your subtle

crafts."

And therewithal he took his horse and so departed from her. And when

Sir Launcelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within a

fourteen night [_fortnight_], and her name was Hellawes the sorceress,

lady of the castle Nigramous. Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damsel,

Sir Meliot's sister. And when she saw him she clapped her hands and

wept for joy, and then they rode unto a castle thereby, where Sir

Meliot lay. And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him, but he was

pale as the earth for bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw Sir Launcelot, he

kneeled upon his knees and cried on high: "O lord Sir Launcelot help

me!" Anon Sir Launcelot leaped unto him, and touched his wounds with

Sir Gilbert's sword, and then he wiped his wounds with a part of the

bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon a wholer man

in his life was he never. And then there was great joy between them,

and they made Sir Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on

the morn Sir Launcelot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him

to the court of my lord Arthur, "for it draweth nigh to the feast of

Pentecost, and there, by the grace of God, ye shall find me." And

therewith they departed.

* * * * *

Sir Launcelot came home two days afore the feast of Pentecost. And

King Arthur and all the court were full glad of his coming. And when

Sir Gawaine, Sir Ewaine, Sir Sagramor, and Sir Ector de Maris saw Sir

Launcelot in Sir Kay's armor, then they wist well it was he that smote

them down all with one spear. Then there was laughing and smiling among

them. And ever now and then came all the knights home that Sir Turquine

had taken prisoners, and they all honored and worshipped Sir Launcelot.

When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said: "I saw all the battle, from

the beginning to the ending."

And there he told King Arthur all how it was, and how Sir Turquine was

the strongest knight that ever he saw except Sir Launcelot; there were

many knights bare him record, nigh threescore. Then Sir Kay told the

king how Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he was in danger to have

been slain, and how "he made the knights to yield them to me, and not

to him." And there they were, all three, and bare record. "And," said

Sir Kay, "because Sir Launcelot took my harness, and left me his, I

rode in good peace, and no man would have to do with me." Then anon

therewithal came the three knights that fought with Sir Launcelot at

the long bridge, and there they yielded them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay

forsook them, and said he fought never with them; "but I shall ease

your hearts," said Sir Kay, "yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame

you." When they understood that, they were glad. And then Sir Meliot

de Logres came home, and told King Arthur how Sir Launcelot had saved

him from the death. And all his deeds were known, how four queens,

sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King

Bagdemagus' daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms

that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is to say, the King

of Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalatine did

tell, and Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred, for they were at that

same tournament. Then came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot when

that he wounded Sir Belleus at the pavilion. And there at the request

of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made knight of the Round Table.

And so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest name of any knight

of the world, and most he was honored of high and low.

* * * * *

[On a day, that might be a matter of two years before that feast of

Pentecost whereof it will be told in the Book of Sir Tristram, it

happened that Queen Guenever was angered with Sir Launcelot, yet truly

for no fault of his, but only because a certain enchantress had wrought

that Sir Launcelot seemed to have shamed his knighthood.

Then the queen was nigh out of her wit, and then she writhed and

weltered as a mad woman; and at the last the queen met with Sir

Launcelot, and thus she said,] "False traitor knight that thou art,

look thou never abide in my court, and not so hardy, thou false traitor

knight that thou art, that ever thou come in my sight."

"Alas!" said Sir Launcelot: and therewith he took such an heartly

sorrow at her words that he fell down to the floor in a swoon. And

therewithal Queen Guenever departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of

his swoon he leaped out at a bay window into a garden, and there with

thorns he was all to-scratched in his visage and his body, and so he

ran forth he wist not whither, and was wild wood [_insane_] as ever was

man.

"Wit ye well," said dame Elaine[12] to Sir Bors, "I would lose my life

for him rather than he should be hurt; but alas, I cast me never for to

see him; and the chief causer of this is dame Guenever."

[Footnote 12: This is not Elaine, the maid of Astolat--whom we shall

meet hereafter--but another Elaine.]

"Madam," said dame Brisen, the which had made the enchantment before

betwixt Sir Launcelot and her, "I pray you heartily let Sir Bors

depart and hie him with all his might, as fast as he may, to seek Sir

Launcelot. For I warn you he is clean out of his mind, and yet he shall

be well holpen, and but by miracle."

Then wept dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis, and so they

departed; and Sir Bors rode straight unto Queen Guenever, and when she

saw Sir Bors she wept as she were wood.

"Fie on your weeping," said Sir Bors, "for ye weep never but when

there is no boot. Alas!" said Sir Bors, "that ever Sir Launcelot's

kin saw you. For now have ye lost the best knight of our blood, and

he that was all our leader and our succor. And I dare say and make

it good, that all kings, Christian nor heathen, may not find such a

knight, for to speak of his nobleness and courtesy with his beauty and

his gentleness. Alas," said Sir Bors, "what shall we do that be of his

blood?"

"Alas!" said Sir Ector de Maris.

"Alas!" said Sir Lionel.

* * * * *

And when the queen heard them say so, she fell to the ground in a

deadly sound [_swoon_]; and then Sir Bors took her, and [roused] her,

and when she was come to herself again she kneeled afore the three

knights, and held up both her hands, and besought them to seek him, and

not to spare for no goods but that he be found, "for I wot well he is

out of his mind." And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Lionel, departed from

the queen, for they might not abide no longer for sorrow: and then the

queen sent them treasure enough for their expenses, and so they took

their horses and their armor, and departed. And then they rode from

country to country, in forests and in wildernesses and in wastes, and

ever they laid watch as well both at forests and at all manner of men

as they rode, to hearken and to inquire after him, as he that was a

naked man in his shirt, with a sword in his hand. And thus they rode

well nigh a quarter of a year, endlong and overthwart,[13] in many

places, forests and wildernesses, and oftentimes were evil lodged for

his sake, and yet for all their labor and seeking could they never hear

word of him. And wit ye well these three knights were passing sorry.

[Footnote 13: "Endlong and overthwart," _lengthways and erossways_ of

the land.]

Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramor le Desirous, Sir Agloval,

and Sir Percival de Galis, took upon them by the great desire of King

Arthur, and in especial by the queen, to seek throughout all England,

Wales, and Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot. And with them rode eighteen

knights more to bear them fellowship. And wit ye well they lacked no

manner of spending: and so were they three and twenty knights.

And thus as these noble knights rode together, they by one assent

departed, and then they rode by two, by three, and by four, and by

five; and ever they assigned where they should meet.

* * * * *

And now leave we a little of Sir Ector and Sir Percival, and speak we

of Sir Launcelot, that suffered and endured many sharp showers, which

ever ran wild wood, from place to place, and lived by fruit and such

as he might get, and drank water, two years; and other clothing had he

but little, save his shirt and his breeches. And thus, as Sir Launcelot

wandered here and there, he came into a fair meadow where he found a

pavilion, and there upon a tree hung a white shield and two swords

hung thereby, and two spears there leaned against a tree; and when Sir

Launcelot saw the swords, anon he leaped to the one sword, and took it

in his hand, and drew it out, and then he lashed at the shield that all

the meadow rang of the dints that he gave with such a noise as ten

knights had fought together. Then there came forth a dwarf, and leaped

unto Sir Launcelot, and would have had the sword out of his hand;

and then Sir Launcelot took him by both the shoulders and threw him

to the ground upon his neck, that he had almost broken his neck; and

therewithal the dwarf cried for help. Then came forth a likely knight,

and well apparelled in scarlet, furred with miniver. And anon as he saw

Sir Launcelot, he deemed that he should be out of his wit: and then

he said with fair speech, "Good man, lay down that sword, for, as me

seemeth, thou hast more need of sleep, and of warm clothes, than to

wield that sword."

[Illustration: _And lived by fruit and such as he might get_]

"As for that," said Sir Launcelot, "come not too nigh; for, and thou

do, wit thou well I will slay thee."

And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he started backward

within the pavilion. And then the dwarf armed him lightly, and so the

knight thought by force and might to take the sword from Sir Launcelot,

and so he came stepping out, and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so

all armed with his sword in his hand, then Sir Launcelot flew to him

with such a might and hit him upon the helm such a buffet that the

stroke troubled his brains, and therewith the sword brake in three. And

the knight fell to the earth as he had been dead, the blood bursting

out of his mouth, nose, and ears. And then Sir Launcelot ran into the

pavilion, and rushed even into the warm bed.

Then the knight awaked out of his swoon, and looked up weakly with his

eyes, and then he asked where was that mad man that had given him such

a buffet? "for such a buffet had I never of man's hand."

"Sir," said the dwarf, "it is not worship to hurt him, for he is a man

out of his wit, and doubt ye not he hath been a man of great worship,

and for some heartly sorrow that he hath taken he is fallen mad; and

me seemeth he resembleth much unto Sir Launcelot; for him I saw at the

great tournament beside Lonazep."

"Jesu defend," said that knight, "that ever that noble knight Sir

Launcelot should be in such a plight. But whatsoever he be, harm will I

none do him."

And this knight's name was Sir Bliant. Then he said unto the dwarf,

"Go thou in all haste on horseback unto my brother Sir Seliaunt, that

is at the Castle Blanche, and tell him of mine adventure, and bid him

bring with him an horse-litter and then will we bear this knight unto

my castle."

* * * * *

So the dwarf rode fast, and came again, and brought Sir Seliaunt

with him, and six men with an horse-litter; and so they took up the

feather-bed with Sir Launcelot, and so carried all with them to the

Castle Blanche, and he never wakened until he was within the castle;

and then they bound his hands and his feet, and gave him good meats and

good drinks, and brought him again to his strength and his fairness;

but in his wit they could not bring him again, nor to know himself.

Thus Sir Launcelot was there more than a year and a half.

Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, took his arms on

horseback with a spear to seek adventures, and as he rode in a forest

there met him two knights adventurous; the one was Sir Breuse sans

Pitie, and his brother Sir Bertlot. And these two ran both at once

upon Sir Bliant, and brake both their spears upon his body, and then

they drew out their swords and made a great battle and fought long

together; but at the last Sir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself

faint, and then he fled on horseback towards his castle. And as they

came hurling under the castle, where Sir Launcelot lay in a window and

saw two knights laid upon Sir Bliant with their swords, and when Sir

Launcelot saw that, yet as wood [_crazy_] as he was, he was sorry for

his lord Sir Bliant; and then Sir Launcelot brake his chains from his

legs.

And so Sir Launcelot ran out at a postern, and there he met with the

two knights that chased Sir Bliant, and there he pulled down Bertlot

with his bare hands from his horse, and therewithal he writhed his

sword out of his hands, and so he leaped unto Sir Breuse, and gave him

such a buffet upon the head that he tumbled backward over his horse's

crupper. And when Sir Bertlot saw his brother have such a fall, he gat

a spear in his hand, and would have run Sir Launcelot through. That saw

Sir Bliant, and struck off the hand of Sir Bertlot; and then Sir Breuse

and Sir Bertlot gat their horses and fled away. When Sir Seliaunt came,

and saw what Sir Launcelot had done for his brother, then he thanked

God, and so did his brother, that ever they did him any good. But when

Sir Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt with the breaking of his

chains, then he was sorry that he had bound him. "Bind him no more,"

said Sir Seliaunt, "for he is happy and gracious." Then they made great

joy of Sir Launcelot, and they bound him no more; and so he abode

there half a year and more. And in a morning early Sir Launcelot was

ware where came a great boar, with many hounds nigh him; but the boar

was so big that there might no hounds tear him, and the hunters came

after blowing their horns both on horseback and on foot; and at the

last Sir Launcelot was ware where one of them alighted and tied his

horse to a tree, and leaned his spear against the tree.

So came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bound to a tree, and a

spear leaning against a tree, and a sword tied unto the saddle-bow.

And then Sir Launcelot leaped into the saddle, and gat that spear in

his hand, and then he rode after the boar; and then Sir Launcelot was

ware where the boar set his back to a tree, fast by an hermitage. Then

Sir Launcelot ran at the boar with his spear. And therewith the boar

turned him nimbly, and rove [_gashed_] out the lungs and the heart of

the horse, so that Sir Launcelot fell to the earth, and or ever Sir

Launcelot might get from the horse, the boar rove him on the brawn of

the thigh, up to the hough bone. And then Sir Launcelot was wroth,

and up he gat upon his feet, and drew his sword, and he smote off the

boar's head at one stroke. And therewithal came out the hermit, and

saw him have such a wound; then the hermit came to Sir Launcelot and

bemoaned him, and would have had him home unto his hermitage. But when

Sir Launcelot heard him speak, he was so wroth with his wound that he

ran upon the hermit to have slain him, and the hermit ran away, and

when Sir Launcelot might not overget him he threw his sword after him,

for Sir Launcelot might go no farther for bleeding. Then the hermit

turned again, and asked Sir Launcelot how he was hurt.

"Fellow," said Sir Launcelot, "this boar hath bitten me sore."

"Then come with me," said the hermit, "and I shall heal you."

"Go thy way," said Sir Launcelot, "and deal not with me."

Then the hermit ran his way, and there he met with a good knight with

many men.

"Sir," said the hermit, "here is fast by my place the goodliest man

that ever I saw, and he is sore wounded with a boar, and yet he hath

slain the boar. But well I wot and he be not holpen, that goodly man

shall die of that wound, and that were great pity."

Then that knight, at the desire of the hermit, gat a cart, and in that

cart that knight put the boar and Sir Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot

was so feeble that they might right easily deal with him. And so

Sir Launcelot was brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit

healed him of his wound. But the hermit might not find Sir Launcelot's

sustenance, and so he impaired and waxed feeble, both of his body and

of his wit, for the default of his sustenance, and waxed more wood than

he was aforehand. And then, upon a day, Sir Launcelot ran his way into

the forest; and by adventure came into the city of Corbin, where dame

Elaine was.

And so when he was entered into the town, he ran through the town

to the castle; and then all the young men of the city ran after Sir

Launcelot, and there they threw turfs at him, and gave him many sad

strokes; and as Sir Launcelot might reach any of them, he threw them

so that they would never more come in his hands, for of some he brake

their legs, and some their arms, and so fled into the castle. And then

came out knights and squires for to rescue Sir Launcelot, and when

they beheld him and looked upon his person, they thought they saw

never so goodly a man; and when they saw so many wounds upon him, they

all deemed that he had been a man of worship. And then they ordained

clothes unto his body, and straw underneath him, and a little house,

and then every day they would throw him meat, and set him drink, but

there were few or none that would bring meat to his hands.

* * * * *

So it befell that King Pelles had a nephew whose name was Castor, and

he desired of the king his uncle for to be made knight; and so at

the request of this Castor, the king made him knight at the feast of

Candlemas. And when Castor was made knight, that same day he gave many

gowns; and so Sir Castor sent for the fool, that was Sir Launcelot, and

when [Sir Launcelot] saw his time, he went into the garden and there

laid him down by a well and slept. And in the afternoon dame Elaine and

her maidens went into the garden for to play them; and as they roamed

up and down, one of dame Elaine's maidens espied where lay a goodly man

by the well sleeping, and anon showed him to dame Elaine.

"Peace," said dame Elaine, "and say no word."

And then she brought dame Elaine where he lay. And when that she

beheld him, anon she fell in remembrance of him, and knew him verily

for Sir Launcelot, and therewithal she fell on weeping so heartily that

she sank even to the earth. And when she had thus wept a great while,

then she arose and called her maidens, and said she was sick. And so

she went out of the garden, and she went straight to her father, and

there she took him apart by himself, and then she said, "O father, now

have I need of your help, and but if that ye help me, farewell my good

days for ever."

"What is that, daughter?" said King Pelles.

"Sir," she said, "thus is it: in your garden I went for to sport, and

there by the well I found Sir Launcelot du Lake sleeping."

"I may not believe that," said King Pelles.

"Sir," she said, "truly he is there, and me seemeth he should be

distract out of his wit."

"Then hold you still," said the king, "and let me deal."

Then the king called to him such as he most trusted, four persons, and

dame Elaine his daughter. And when they came to the well and beheld Sir

Launcelot, anon dame Brisen knew him.

"Sir," said dame Brisen, "we must be wise how we deal with him, for

this knight is out of his mind, and if we awake him rudely, what he

will do we all know not. But ye shall abide, and I shall throw such an

enchantment upon him that he shall not awake within the space of an

hour."

And so she did. Then within a little while after King Pelles commanded

that all people should avoid [_leave_], that none should be in that

way there as the king would come. And so when this was done, these four

men and these ladies laid hand on Sir Launcelot. And so they bare him

into a tower, and so into the chamber where as was the [Holy Grail],

and by force Sir Launcelot was laid by that holy vessel; and then there

came an holy man and uncovered the vessel, and so by miracle, and by

virtue of that holy vessel, Sir Launcelot was all healed and recovered.

And when he was awaked, he groaned, and sighed sore, and complained

greatly that he was passing sore.

And when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and dame Elaine, he waxed

ashamed, and thus he said, "O good Lord Jesu, how came I here? for

God's sake, my lord, let me wit how I came here."

"Sir," said dame Elaine, "into this country ye came like a mad man all

out of your wit, and here ye have been kept as a fool, and no creature

here knew what ye were till that by fortune a maid of mine brought

me unto you where as ye lay sleeping by a well side, and anon as I

verily beheld you I knew you; and then I told my father, and so ye were

brought before this holy vessel, and by the virtue of it thus were ye

healed."

"O Jesu, mercy!" said Sir Launcelot, "if this be sooth, how many be

there that know of my woodness?"

"So God me help," said dame Elaine, "no moe [_more_] but my father and

I and dame Brisen."

"Now for Christ's love," said Sir Launcelot, "keep it secret, and let

no man know it in the world, for I am sore ashamed that I have been

thus miscarried, for I am banished out of the country of Logris for

ever, that is for to say the country of England."

And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight, or ever that he might

stir for soreness.

* * * * *

And then after this King Pelles with ten knights, and dame Elaine and

twenty ladies, rode unto the castle of Bliant, that stood in an island

enclosed in iron, with a fair water, deep and large. And when they

were there Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle, and there was he

called none otherwise but Le Chevalier Mal Fait, _the knight that hath

trespassed_. Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all of sable, and

a queen crowned in the midst all of silver, and a knight, clean armed,

kneeling before her; and every day once, for any mirths that all the

ladies might make him, he would once every day look towards the realm

of Logris where King Arthur and Queen Guenever were, and then would

he fall upon weeping as though his heart should to-brast [_burst to

pieces_]. So it fell that time that Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting

fast by his castle, within three leagues. Then he called unto him a

dwarf, and he bade him go unto that jousting, "and, or ever the knights

depart, look thou make there a cry in the hearing of all the knights,

that there is one knight in the Joyous Isle, that is the castle Bliant,

and say that his name is Le Chevalier Mal Fait, that will joust against

knights that will come; and who that putteth that knight to the worst

shall have a fair maid and a gerfalcon."

So when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to the number

of five hundred. And wit ye well there was never seen in Arthur's days

one knight that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did three

days together. For he had the better of all the five hundred knights,

and there was not one slain of them. And after that Sir Launcelot made

them all a great feast. And in the meanwhile came Sir Percival de Galis

and Sir Ector de Maris under that castle that was called the Joyous

Isle. And as they beheld that gay castle they would have gone to that

castle, but they might not for the broad water, and bridge could they

find none. Then they saw on the other side a lady with a sperhawk in

her hand, and Sir Percival called unto her, and asked that lady who was

in that castle.

"Fair knight," she said, "here within this castle is the fairest lady

in this land, and her name is Elaine. Also we have in this castle the

fairest knight and the mightiest man that is, I dare say, living, and

he calleth himself Le Chevalier Mal Fait."

"How came he into these marches?" said Sir Percival.

"Truly," said the damsel, "he came into this country like a mad man,

with dogs and boys chasing him through the city of Corbin; and by the

Holy Grail he was brought into his wit again, but he will not do battle

with no knight but by underne [_nine in the morning_] or by noon. And

if ye list to come into the castle, ye must ride unto the farther side

of the castle, and there shall ye find a vessel that will bear you and

your horse."

Then they departed and came unto the vessel. And then Sir Percival

alighted and said unto Sir Ector de Maris, "Ye shall abide me here,

until I know what manner of knight he is, for it were a great shame

unto us, inasmuch as he is but one knight, and we should both do battle

with him."

"Do as ye list," said Sir Ector de Maris, "here shall I abide you until

that I hear of you again."

Then Sir Percival passed the water; and when he came unto the castle

gate, he said to the porter, "Go thou unto the good knight within the

castle, and tell him that here is come an errant knight to joust with

him."

"Sir," said the porter, "ride ye within the castle, and there shall ye

find a common place for jousting, that lords and ladies may behold you."

So anon as Sir Launcelot had warning, he was soon ready. And there Sir

Percival and Sir Launcelot encountered with such a might, and their

spears were so rude, that both the horses and the knights fell to the

ground. And then they avoided their horses, and drew out their swords,

and hewed away cantels [_pieces_] of their shields, and hurled together

with their shields like two wild boars, and either wounded other

passing sore. And at the last Sir Percival spake first, when they had

fought more than two hours.

"Fair knight," said Sir Percival, "I require thee tell me thy name, for

I met never with such a knight as ye are."

"Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "my name is Le Chevalier Mal Fait. Now tell

me your name," said Sir Launcelot, "I require you, as ye are a gentle

knight."

"Truly," said Sir Percival, "my name is Sir Percival de Galis, which is

brother unto the good knight Sir Lamorak de Galis, and King Pellinore

was our father, and Sir Agloval is my brother."

"Alas!" said Sir Launcelot, "what have I done, to fight with you that

are a knight of the Round Table, that some time was your fellow in King

Arthur's court?"

And therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his knees, and threw

away his shield and his sword from him. When Sir Percival saw him do

so, he marvelled what he meant. And then thus he said, "Sir knight,

whatsoever thou be, I require thee upon the high order of knighthood,

tell me thy true name."

Then he said, "Truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son

of Benoy."

"Alas!" said Sir Percival, "what have I done! I was sent by the queen

for to seek you, and so I have sought you nigh this two year; and

yonder is Sir Ector de Maris your brother abideth me on the other side

of the yonder water. Now I pray you forgive me mine offence that I have

here done."

"It is soon forgiven," said Sir Launcelot.

Then Sir Percival sent for Sir Ector de Maris. And when Sir Launcelot

had a sight of him, he ran unto him and took him in his arms, and then

Sir Ector kneeled down and either wept upon other, that all had pity

to behold them. Then came dame Elaine, and she there made them great

cheer as might lie in her power; and there she told Sir Ector and Sir

Percival how and in what manner Sir Launcelot came into that country,

and how he was healed. And there it was known how long Sir Launcelot

was with Sir Bliant and with Sir Seliaunt, and how he first met with

them, and how he departed from them because of a boar; and how the

hermit healed Sir Launcelot of his great wound, and how that he came to

Corbin.

* * * * *

"Sir," said Sir Ector, "I am your own brother, and ye are the man in

the world that I love most, and, if I understood that it were your

disworship, ye may right well understand that I would never counsel

you thereto; but King Arthur and all his knights, and in especial

Queen Guenever, made such dole and sorrow that it was marvel to hear

and see. And ye must remember the great worship and renown that ye be

of, how that ye have been more spoken of than any other knight that

is now living, for there is none that beareth the name now but ye and

Sir Tristram. Therefore, brother," said Sir Ector, "make you ready to

ride unto the court with us, and I dare well say there was never knight

better welcome unto the court than ye. And I wot well and can make it

good," said Sir Ector, "it hath cost my lady the queen twenty thousand

pound the seeking of you."

"Well, brother," said Sir Launcelot, "I will do after your counsel and

ride with you."

So then they took their horses, and made them ready, and took their

leave of King Pelles and of dame Elaine; and when Sir Launcelot should

depart, dame Elaine made great sorrow.

Then they departed, and within five days' journey they came to Camelot,

which is called, in English, Winchester. And when Sir Launcelot was

come among them, the king and all the knights made great joy of him;

and there Sir Percival de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began to tell

of all the adventures, how Sir Launcelot had been out of his mind all

the time of his absence, how he called himself Le Chevalier Mal Fait,

as much as to say the knight that had trespassed, and in three days Sir

Launcelot smote down five hundred knights. And ever as Sir Ector and

Sir Percival told these tales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever wept as

she would have died; then afterward the queen made great joy.

"O Jesu!" said King Arthur, "I marvel for what cause ye, Sir Launcelot,

went out of your mind?"

"My lord," said Sir Launcelot, "if I did any folly, I have found that I

sought."

And so the king held him still, and spake no more; but all Sir

Launcelot's kin knew for whom he went out of his mind. And then there

were great feasts made and great joy, and many great lords and ladies,

when they heard that Sir Launcelot was come to the court again, made

great joy.

BOOK 3.