บทที่ บทที่ 7 · OF THE DEATH OF ARTHUR[20]

[Footnote 20: This event--the death of King Arthur--gave name to the

whole series of stories with some of the old editors: Caxton, for

example, the first printer of Sir Thomas Malory's book, issued it under

the title "La Mort Darthur," that is, _la mort_ (French, _the death_)

_d'Arthur_ (_of Arthur_).]

[But ever in these days the enemies of Sir Launcelot and of Queen

Guenever lay in wait to do them harm, in especial Sir Mordred and Sir

Agravaine. So it befell that the queen was again appealed of treason

and was condemned to the fire, while Sir Launcelot was away. But when

Sir Launcelot heard thereof, he came suddenly with his kindred and

attacked them that guarded about the queen whereas she stood at the

stake about to be burnt.]

Then was there spurring and plucking up of horses and right so they

came to the fire, and who that stood against them there they were

slain, there might none withstand Sir Launcelot. And in this rashing

and hurling, as Sir Launcelot thrang [_rushed_] here and there, it

mishappened him to slay Sir Gaheris and the noble knight Sir Gareth,

for they were unarmed and unaware; for Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth

and Sir Gaheris upon the brain-pans, wherethrough they were both slain

in the field; howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and

so were they found dead among the thickest of the press. Then when

Sir Launcelot had thus done, and had put them to flight all they

that would withstand him, then he rode straight unto Queen Guenever,

and made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her, and then he made

her to be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you

well that the queen was glad when she escaped from death; and then

she thanked God and Sir Launcelot. And so he rode his way with the

queen unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a noble knight should

do, and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelot many good

knights; and many noble knights drew unto Sir Launcelot. When this was

known openly, that King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at debate, many

knights were glad of their debate, and many knights were sorry of their

debate.

[Illustration: _He rode his way with the queen unto Joyous Gard_]

[Then King Arthur made moan out of measure, for he knew that the Round

Table was foredoomed and that great wars must come of these matters.]

"And now I dare say," said the king, "that there was never Christian

king that held such a fellowship together. Alas! that ever Sir

Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah! Agravaine, Agravaine," said

the king, "Jesu forgive it thy soul! for thine evil will that thou and

thy brother Sir Mordred had unto Sir Launcelot hath caused all this

sorrow."

And ever among these complaints King Arthur wept and swooned. Then

there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the queen was led

away with Sir Launcelot, and nigh twenty-four knights slain.

"Truly," said the man, "your two brethren, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris,

be slain."

"Who slew [them]?" said Sir Gawaine.

"Sir," said the man, "Sir Launcelot slew them both."

"Alas!" said Sir Gawaine, "now is all my joy gone."

And then he fell down in a swoon, and long he lay there as he had

been dead; and then when he arose out of his swoon, he cried out so

ruefully, and said, "Alas!" And right so Sir Gawaine ran unto the king,

crying and weeping: "Oh! King Arthur mine uncle, my good brother Sir

Gaheris is slain, and my brother Sir Gareth also, the which were two

noble knights."

"I know not how it was," said the king, "but so it is said, Sir

Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the press, and knew them

not."

[Then fell Sir Gawaine into bitter hatred against Sir Launcelot and

never stinted therein till the day of his death.]

"My most gracious lord and my uncle," said Sir Gawaine, "wit you well

that now I shall make you a promise, the which I shall hold by my

knighthood, that from this day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot, until

the one of us hath slain the other; and therefore I require you, my

lord and my king, dress you unto the war, for wit you well I shall be

revenged upon Sir Launcelot. For I promise unto God," said Sir Gawaine,

"for the death of my brother Sir Gareth I shall seek Sir Launcelot

throughout seven kings' realms but I shall slay him, or else he shall

slay me."

"Ye shall not need to seek him so far," said the king, "for, as I hear

say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous Gard, and much

people draweth unto him as I hear say."

Then came King Arthur and Sir Gawaine with an huge host, and laid a

siege about Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle; and there

they made full strong war on both parties. But in no wise Sir Launcelot

would not ride out nor go out of the castle of a long time, neither he

would suffer none of his good knights to issue out, neither none of the

town nor of the castle, until fifteen weeks were past.

* * * * *

So it befell on a day in harvest that Sir Launcelot looked over the

walls and spake on high to King Arthur and Sir Gawaine: "My lords both,

wit ye well it is in vain that ye labor at this siege, for here win ye

no worship but dishonor."

"Come forth," said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, "and thou darest,

and I promise thee I shall meet thee in the midst of the field."

"God defend me," said Sir Launcelot, "that ever I should encounter with

the most noble king that made me knight."

"Fie upon thy fair language," said the king, "for wit you well, and

trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my death day, for thou

hast slain my good knights and full noble men of my blood, that I shall

never recover again: also thou hast dishonored my queen, and holden her

many winters, and like a traitor taken her from me by force."

"My most noble lord and king," said Sir Launcelot, "ye may say what ye

will, for ye wot well with yourself I will not strive, but there as ye

say I have slain your good knights, I wot well that I have done so, and

that me sore repenteth, but I was enforced to do battle with them, in

saving of my life, or else I must have suffered them to have slain me.

And as for my lady Queen Guenever, ofttimes, my lord, ye have consented

that she should be burnt and destroyed in your heat, and then it

fortuned me to do battle for her, and or I departed from her adversary

they confessed their untruth, and she full worshipfully excused. And

at such times, my lord Arthur," said Sir Launcelot, "ye loved me, and

thanked me when I saved your queen from the fire, and then ye promised

me for ever to be my good lord, and now me thinketh ye reward me full

ill. For sithence I have done battles for your queen in other quarrels

than in mine own, me seemeth now I had more right to do battle for her

in a right quarrel. And therefore my good and gracious lord," said Sir

Launcelot, "take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both fair,

true, and good."

"Fie on thee, false recreant knight," said Sir Gawaine, "I let thee to

wit that my lord mine uncle King Arthur shall have his queen and thee

maugre [_in spite of_] thy visage, and slay you both whereas it shall

please him."

"It may well be," said Sir Launcelot; "but wit ye well, my lord Sir

Gawaine, and me list to come out of this castle, ye should win me and

the queen more harder than ever ye won a strong battle."

"Fie upon thy proud words," said Sir Gawaine, "as for my lady the

queen, I will never say of her shame. Ah! thou false recreant knight,"

said Sir Gawaine, "what cause hadst thou to slay my good brother Sir

Gareth, that loved thee more than all thy kin? Alas! thou madest him

knight with thine own hands, why slewest thou him that loved thee so

well?"

"For to excuse me," said Sir Launcelot, "it helpeth me not. But, by

Jesu," said Sir Launcelot, "and by the faith that I owe unto the high

order of knighthood, I should with as good a will have slain my nephew

Sir Bors de Ganis at that time. But alas! that ever I was so unhappy,"

said Sir Launcelot, "that I had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris."

"Thou liest, false recreant knight," said Sir Gawaine, "thou slewest

him in despite of me, and therefore wit thou well that I shall make war

unto thee all the while that I may live."

"That me sore repenteth," said Sir Launcelot, "for well I understand

that it helpeth me not to seek for none accordment whiles that ye, Sir

Gawaine, are so mischievously set; and if ye were not, I would not

doubt to have the good grace of my lord King Arthur."

[Then Sir Launcelot's kinsmen besought him that he would go out and do

battle for the slanders that Sir Gawaine and his knights did put upon

him.]

"Alas!" said Sir Launcelot, "for to ride out of this castle and do

battle, I am full loth to do it."

Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine:

"My lords, I require you and beseech you, sith I am thus required and

conjured to ride into the field, that neither you, my lord King Arthur,

nor you, Sir Gawaine, come not into the field."

"What shall we do then?" said Sir Gawaine; "is not this the king's

quarrel with thee to fight? and it is my quarrel to fight with thee,

Sir Launcelot, because of the death of my brother Sir Gareth."

"Then must I needs unto battle," said Sir Launcelot.

And always Sir Launcelot charged all his knights in any wise to save

King Arthur and Sir Gawaine.

And on the morrow at underne [_nine o'clock_] King Arthur was ready in

the field with three great hosts. And then Sir Launcelot's fellowship

came out at three gates in full good array, and Sir Lionel came in the

foremost battle, and Sir Launcelot came in the middle battle, and Sir

Bors came out at the third gate.

[Then was there spurring and thrusting and many strokes.]

And ever King Arthur was nigh about Sir Launcelot to have slain him,

and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and would not strike again. So Sir Bors

encountered with King Arthur, and there with a spear Sir Bors smote him

down; and so he alighted and drew his sword, and said to Sir Launcelot,

"Shall I make an end of this war?" and that he meant to have slain King

Arthur.

"Not so hardy," said Sir Launcelot, "upon pain of thy head, that thou

touch him no more: for I will never see that most noble king, that made

me knight, neither slain ne shamed."

And therewithal Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse, and took up the

king and horsed him again, and said thus, "My lord Arthur, for God's

love stint this strife."

And when King Arthur was again on horseback, he looked upon Sir

Launcelot, and then the tears burst out of his eyes thinking on the

great courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot more than in any other man.

And therewith the king rode forth his way, and might no longer behold

him, and said to himself, "Alas! that ever this war began." And then

either parties of the battles withdrew them for to rest them, and

buried the dead bodies, and to the wounded men they laid soft salves;

and thus they endured that night till on the morrow. And on the morrow,

by underne, they made them ready to do battle, and then Sir Bors

led them forward. So on the morrow came Sir Gawaine as grim as any

bear, with a spear in his hand. And when Sir Bors saw him [they rode

furiously together and either gave the other a great wound]. Then Sir

Launcelot rescued Sir Bors, and sent him into the castle; but neither

Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not of their wounds, for they were both

holpen.

"Alas!" said Sir Launcelot, "I have no heart to fight against my lord

King Arthur; for always me seemeth I do not as I ought to do."

"My lord," said Sir Palamides, "though ye spare them all this day, they

will never con you thank; and if they may get you at any vantage, ye

are but dead."

So then Sir Launcelot understood well that they told him truth, and

then he strained himself more. And then within a little while, by

even-song time, Sir Launcelot and his party better stood, for their

horses went in blood past the fetlocks, there was so much people

slain. And then, for pity, Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, and

suffered King Arthur's party for to withdraw them one side. And then

Sir Launcelot's party withdrew them into his castle, and either party

buried the dead bodies and put salve unto the wounded men. So when Sir

Gawaine was hurt, they on King Arthur's party were not so orgulous

[_arrogantly eager_] as they were beforehand to do battle. Of this war

was noised through all christendom, and at the last it was noised afore

the Pope; and he considering the great goodness of King Arthur [let

send letters to Sir Launcelot how that he should bring the queen back

to King Arthur. And so, when King Arthur had carried his host back to

his own country, came Sir Launcelot to King Arthur's court and gave him

again his queen].

* * * * *

[And then while Sir Launcelot was at court he strove hard to be

accorded with Sir Gawaine, for he bore no malice neither to Sir Gawaine

nor to King Arthur. But Sir Gawaine would not be accorded, and ever let

King Arthur from being accorded, that would right gladly have received

again his old faithful knight, Sir Launcelot. And ever more bitter grew

Sir Gawaine: till at the last he said to Sir Launcelot:] "In this land

thou shalt not abide past fifteen days, such warning I give thee. So

the king and we were consented and accorded or thou camest hither; and

else," said Sir Gawaine, "wit thou well that thou shouldst not have

come hither, but if it were maugre thy head. And if that it were not

for the Pope's commandment, I should do battle with my body against thy

body, and prove it unto thee that thou hast been false unto mine uncle

King Arthur and to me both, and that shall I prove upon thy body when

thou art departed from hence, wheresoever I find thee."

Then Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks,

and then he said these words: "Alas! most noble Christian realm,

whom I have loved above all other realms, and in thee have I gotten

a great part of my worship, and now I shall depart in this wise.

Truly me repenteth that ever I came into this realm, that should be

thus shamefully banished undeserved and causeless. But fortune is so

variable and the wheel so mutable, there is no constant abiding, and

that may be proved by many old chronicles of noble Hector, and Troilus,

and Alisander the mighty conqueror, and many other moe [_more_]; when

they were most in their royalty, they alighted lowest. And so fareth

by me," said Sir Launcelot, "for in this realm I have had worship, and

by me and mine all the whole Round Table hath been increased, more in

worship by me and my blood than by any other. And therefore wit you

well, Sir Gawaine, I may live as well upon my lands as any knight that

is here. And if ye, my most renowned king, will come upon my lands with

your nephew Sir Gawaine for to war upon me, I must endure you as well

as I may; but as for you Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I pray you

charge me not with treason nor felony, for, and ye do, I must answer

you."

"Do thou thy best," said Sir Gawaine, "therefore hie thee fast that

thou were gone, and wit thou well we shall soon come after, and break

the strongest castle that thou hast upon thy head."

"That shall not need," said Sir Launcelot, "for and I were as orgulous

set as ye are, wit ye well I should meet with you in midst of the

field."

"Make thou no more language," said Sir Gawaine, "but deliver the queen

from thee, and pike thee lightly out of this court."

And then Sir Launcelot said unto Queen Guenever, in hearing of the

king and them all, "Madam, now I must depart from you and this noble

fellowship for ever; and sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for

me, and say me well, and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues,

lightly, my lady, let send me word, and if any knight's hands may

deliver you by battle, I shall deliver you."

And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen, and then he said all

openly, "Now let see what he be in this place, that dare say the queen

is not true unto my lord Arthur: let see who will speak, and he dare

speak."

And therewith he brought the queen to the king, and then Sir Launcelot

took his leave and departed; and there was neither king, duke ne earl,

baron ne knight, lady nor gentlewoman, but all they wept as people out

of their mind, except Sir Gawaine; and when the noble Sir Launcelot

took his horse, to ride out of Carlisle, there was sobbing and weeping

for pure dole of his departing; and so he took his way unto Joyous

Gard. And afterwards he called it Dolorous Gard. And thus Sir Launcelot

departed from the court for ever.

So leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble knights with

him, and return we again unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, that made a

great host ready, to the number of threescore thousand, and all thing

was ready for their shipping to pass over the sea. And so they shipped

at Cardiff. And there King Arthur made Sir Mordred chief ruler of all

England; and also he put Queen Guenever under his governance. And so

King Arthur passed over the sea, and landed upon Sir Launcelot's land,

and there he burnt and wasted, through the vengeance of Sir Gawaine,

all that they might overrun.

Then spake King Bagdemagus unto Sir Launcelot, "Sir, your courtesy will

shend [_ruin_] us all, and your courtesy hath caused all this sorrow;

for and they thus override our lands, they shall by process of time

bring us all to nought, whilst we thus hide us in holes."

Then said the good knight Sir Galihud to Sir Launcelot, "Sir, here be

knights come of kings' blood, that will not long droop and they were

without the walls; therefore give us leave, as we are knights, to meet

them in the field, and we shall slay them, that they shall curse the

time that ever they came into this country."

Then spake the seven brethren of North Wales, and they were seven noble

knights as a man might seek in seven kings' lands, or he might find

such seven knights, then they spake all with one voice, "Sir Launcelot,

for Christ's sake let us ride out with Sir Galihud, for we been never

wont to cower in castles nor in towns."

Then speake Sir Launcelot, which was master and governor of them all,

"My fair lords, howbeit we will as at this time keep our strong walls,

and I shall send a messenger unto my lord King Arthur, desiring him to

take a treaty; for better is peace than always war."

So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damsel and a dwarf with her, requiring

King Arthur to leave his war upon his lands. And so she started upon a

palfrey, and the dwarf ran by her side.

[But Sir Gawaine would have no peace nor treaties, and sent vile

messages back to Sir Launcelot, and presently led the host to Sir

Launcelot's castle.]

So thus they endured well half a year, and much slaughter of people

there was on both parties. Then it befell upon a day that Sir Gawaine

came before the gates armed at all pieces upon a great courser, with a

great spear in his hand; and then he cried with a loud voice, "Where

art thou now, thou false traitor Sir Launcelot? why dost thou hide

thyself within holes and walls like a coward? look out now, thou false

traitor knight, and here I shall revenge upon thy body the death of my

three brethren."

All this language heard Sir Launcelot, and his kin every deal; and

then his knights drew about him, and they said all at once unto Sir

Launcelot, "Sir Launcelot, now ye must defend you like a knight, or

else ye be shamed for ever; for now ye be called upon treason, it is

time for you to stir, for ye have slept over long, and suffered over

much."

"So God me help," said Sir Launcelot, "I am right heavy of Sir

Gawaine's words, for now he chargeth me with a great charge; and

therefore I wot it as well as ye that I must defend me, or else to be a

recreant knight."

Then Sir Launcelot commanded to saddle his strongest horse, and bade

fetch his armor, and bring all unto the gate of the tower. And then Sir

Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur, and said, "My lord and noble

king which made me knight, wit you well that I am right heavy for your

sake, that ye thus sue upon me, and always I forbare you; for, and I

would have been revengeable, I might have met you in the midst of the

field, and there to have made your boldest knights full tame; and now I

have forborne you half a year, and have suffered you and Sir Gawaine to

do what ye would, and now I may endure it no longer; now must I needs

defend myself, in so much as Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of treason,

the which is greatly against my will, that ever I should fight against

any of your blood; but now I may not forsake it, I am driven thereto as

a beast to a bay."

And so the covenant was made, there should no man nigh them, nor deal

with them, till the one were dead or yielden.

* * * * *

Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great way in sunder, and

then they came together with all their horses' might as they might

run, and either smote other in midst of their shields, but the knights

were so strong, and their spears so big, that their horses might not

endure their buffets, and so the horses fell to the earth. And then

they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields afore them. Then

they stood together, and gave many sad strokes on divers places of

their bodies, that the blood brast out on many sides and places. Then

had Sir Gawaine such a grace and gift that an holy man had given to

him, that every day in the year, from underne till high noon, his might

increased those three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that

caused Sir Gawaine to win great honor. [And] there were but few knights

that time living that knew this advantage that Sir Gawaine had, but

King Arthur all only. Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and

when Sir Launcelot felt his might evermore increase, Sir Launcelot

wondered, and dread him sore to be shamed. For Sir Launcelot wend,

when he felt Sir Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend

and no earthly man, wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and traversed,

and covered himself with his shield, and kept his might during three

hours: and that while Sir Gawaine gave him many sad brunts and many sad

strokes, that all the knights that beheld Sir Launcelot marvelled how

he might endure him, but full little understood they that travail that

Sir Launcelot had for to endure him. And then when it was past noon,

Sir Gawaine had no more but his own might. Then Sir Launcelot felt him

so come down; then he stretched him up, and stood near Sir Gawaine, and

said thus, "My lord Sir Gawaine, now I feel ye have done, now my lord

Sir Gawaine, I must do my part, for many great and grievous strokes I

have endured you this day with great pain."

Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes, and gave Sir Gawaine such a

buffet on the helmet, that he fell down on his side, and Sir Launcelot

withdrew him from him.

"Why withdrawest thou thee?" said Sir Gawaine; "now turn again, false

traitor knight, and slay me; for and thou leave me thus, when I am

whole I shall do battle with thee again."

"Sir, I shall endure you by the grace of God," said Sir Launcelot; "but

wit you well, Sir Gawaine, I will never smite a felled knight."

And so Sir Launcelot went into the city, and Sir Gawaine was borne into

one of King Arthur's pavilions; and anon there was leeches brought to

him, which searched his wound, and salved it with soft ointments. And

then Sir Launcelot said, "Now have good day, my lord the king, for wit

ye well ye shall win no worship at these walls; and if I would bring

out my knights, there should many a man die. Therefore, my lord King

Arthur, remember you of old kindness, and howsoever I fare, Jesu be

your guide in all places."

* * * * *

"Alas," said the king, "that ever this unhappy war was begun, for ever

Sir Launcelot forbeareth me in all places, and in likewise my kin, and

that is seen well this day by my nephew Sir Gawaine."

Then King Arthur fell sick for sorrow of Sir Gawaine, that he was sore

hurt, and because of the war betwixt him and Sir Launcelot. So then

they on King Arthur's party kept the siege with little war and small

force, and they within kept their walls, and defended them when need

was. Thus Sir Gawaine lay sick about three weeks in his tents, with

all manner of leechcraft that might be had; and as soon as Sir Gawaine

might go and ride, he armed him at all points, and started upon a

courser, and gat a spear in his hand, and so he came riding afore the

chief gate of Benwick, and there he cried on high, "Where art thou, Sir

Launcelot? come forth, thou false traitor knight, and recreant, for I

am here, Sir Gawaine, will prove this that I say on thee."

All this language Sir Launcelot heard, and then he said thus, "Sir

Gawaine, me repenteth of your foul saying, that ye will not cease of

your language, for wit ye well, Sir Gawaine, I know your might, and all

that ye may do, and well ye wot, Sir Gawaine, ye may not greatly hurt

me."

"Come down, traitor knight," said he, "and make it good the contrary

with thy hands; for it mishapped me the last battle to be hurt of thy

hands, therefore wit thou well, that I am come this day to make amends,

for I ween this day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me."

"Defend me," said Sir Launcelot, "that ever I be so far in your danger

as ye have been in mine, for then my days were done. But Sir Gawaine,"

said Sir Launcelot, "ye shall not think that I tarry long; but sithence

that ye so unknightly call me of treason, ye shall have both your hands

full of me."

And then Sir Launcelot armed him at all points, and mounted upon his

horse, and gat him a great spear in his hand, and rode out at the

gate. And both the hosts were assembled of them without and of them

within, and stood in array full manly; and both parties were charged

for to hold them still to see and behold the battle of these two noble

knights. And then they laid their spears in their rests, and they ran

together as thunder. And Sir Gawaine brake his spear upon Sir Launcelot

in an hundred pieces unto his hand. And Sir Launcelot smote him with a

greater might, that Sir Gawaine's horse's feet raised, and so the horse

and he fell to the earth. Then Sir Gawaine full quickly avoided his

horse, and put his shield before him, and eagerly drew his sword, and

bade Sir Launcelot "alight, traitor knight! for though this mare's son

hath failed me, wit thou well that a king's son and a queen's son shall

not fail thee."

Then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and dressed his shield before

him, and drew his sword. And so they stood together and gave many

sad strokes, that all men on both parties had thereof passing great

wonder. But when Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawaine's might so marvellously

increased, he then withheld his courage and his wind, and kept himself

wondrous covert of his might, and under his shield he traced and

traversed here and there for to break Sir Gawaine's strokes and his

courage. And Sir Gawaine enforced him with all his might and power to

destroy Sir Launcelot, for ever as Sir Gawaine's might increased, right

so increased his wind and his evil will. Thus Sir Gawaine did great

pain unto Sir Launcelot three hours continually, that Sir Launcelot

had great pain to defend himself. And after that the three hours were

passed, then Sir Launcelot felt verily that Sir Gawaine was come to his

own proper might and strength, and that his great power was done. Then

Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Gawaine, "Now have I well proved you twice,

that ye are a full dangerous knight, and a wonderful man of your might,

and many wonderful deeds have you done in your days: for by your might

increasing you have deceived many a full noble and valiant knight; and

now I feel that ye have done your mighty deeds. Now wit you well I must

do my deeds."

And then Sir Launcelot stood near Sir Gawaine, and then Sir Launcelot

doubled his strokes, and Sir Gawaine defended him mightily. But

nevertheless Sir Launcelot smote such a stroke upon Sir Gawaine's helm,

and upon the old wound, that Sir Gawaine sank down upon his one side in

a swoon. And anon as he was awake, he waved and foined at Sir Launcelot

as he lay, and said, "Traitor knight, wit thou well I am not yet

slain: come thou near me, and perform this battle unto the uttermost."

"I will no more do than I have done," said Sir Launcelot; "for when I

see you on foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see you stand

on your feet; but for to smite a wounded man that may not stand, God

defend me from such a shame."

And then he turned him and went his way towards the city, and Sir

Gawaine evermore calling him traitor knight, and said, "Wit thou well,

Sir Launcelot, when I am whole, I shall do battle with thee again; for

I shall never leave thee till that one of us be slain."

Thus as this siege endured, and as Sir Gawaine lay sick near a month,

and when he was well recovered and ready within three days to do battle

again with Sir Launcelot, right so came tidings unto King Arthur from

England, that made King Arthur and all his host to remove.

* * * * *

As Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he caused letters to be made

as though they came from beyond the sea, and the letters specified

that King Arthur was slain in battle with Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir

Mordred made a parliament, and called the lords together, and there

he made them to choose him king. And so he was crowned at Canterbury,

and held a feast there fifteen days. And afterwards he drew him to

Winchester, and there he took Queen Guenever, and said plainly that he

would wed her which was his uncle's wife; and so he made ready for the

feast, and a day prefixed that they should be wedded. Wherefore Queen

Guenever was passing heavy; but she durst not discover her heart, but

spake fair and agreed to Sir Mordred's will. Then she desired of Sir

Mordred for to go to London for to buy all manner thing that belonged

unto the wedding; and because of her fair speech, Sir Mordred trusted

her well enough, and gave her leave to go. And when she came to London,

she took the Tower of London, and suddenly in all haste possible she

stuffed it with all manner of victual and well filled it with men, and

so kept it. Then when Sir Mordred wist how he was beguiled, he was

passing wroth out of measure. And, a short tale for to make, he went

and laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and made many great

assaults thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot

great guns. But all might not prevail Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever

would never for fair speech nor for foul trust to come in his hands

again. And then came the bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble

clerk and an holy man, and thus he said to Sir Mordred: "Sir, what will

ye do, will ye first displease God, and sithen shame yourself and all

knighthood? Is not King Arthur your uncle, no further but your mother's

brother? Leave this opinion, or else I shall curse you with book, and

bell, and candle."

"Do thou thy worst," said Sir Mordred, "wit thou well I shall defy

thee."

"Sir," said the bishop, "and wit you well I shall not fear me to do

that me ought to do. Also where ye noise where my lord Arthur is slain,

and that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this

land."

"Peace, thou false priest," said Sir Mordred, "for, and thou chafe me

any more, I shall make strike off thy head."

So the bishop departed, and did the curse in the most orgulous

wise that might be done. And then Sir Mordred sought the bishop of

Canterbury for to have slain him. Then the bishop fled, and took part

of his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury, and there he was

as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived in poverty and in holy prayers:

for well he understood that mischievous war was at hand. Then Sir

Mordred sought on Queen Guenever by letters and by fair means and foul

means, for to have her to come out of the Tower of London, but all this

availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly and privily, that she

had liever slay herself than to be married with him. Then came word to

Sir Mordred that King Arthur had raised the siege from Sir Launcelot,

and that he was coming homeward with a great host, for to be avenged

upon Sir Mordred. Wherefore Sir Mordred made to write letters unto all

the barony of this land, and much people drew unto him; for then was

the common voice among them, that with King Arthur was none other life

but war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus

was King Arthur depraved and evil said of, and many there were that

King Arthur had made up of nought, and had given them lands, might not

say of him then a good word.

Lo, we all Englishmen see what a mischief here was; for he that was the

noblest king and knight of the world, and most loved the fellowship of

noble knights and men of worship, and by him they were all upholden,

now might not we Englishmen hold us content with him. Lo, this was the

old custom and usage of this land. And also men say that we of this

land have not yet lost nor forgotten the custom and usage. Alas! alas!

this is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may nothing please

us no term. And so fared the people at that time. For they were better

pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur, and much

people drew unto Sir Mordred, and said they would abide with him for

better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host towards

Dover, for there he heard say that King Arthur would arrive. And the

most part of all England held with Sir Mordred, the people were so

new-fangled.

* * * * *

And so, as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King

Arthur with a great navy of ships, galleys, and carracks. And there was

Sir Mordred ready awaiting upon his landing, to let [_hinder_] his own

[uncle] to land upon the land that he was king over. Then there was

launching of great boats and small, and full of noble men of arms, and

there was much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron

was laid full low on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous,

that there might no manner of knights let him to land, and his knights

fiercely followed him. And so they landed, maugre Sir Mordred and all

his power, and put Sir Mordred aback, that he fled and all his people.

So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were

dead, and then was the noble knight Sir Gawaine found in a great boat

lying more than half dead. When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was

laid so low, he went unto him, and there the king made sorrow out of

measure, and took Sir Gawaine in his arms, and thrice he there swooned.

And when he awaked he said, "Alas, Sir Gawaine, my sister's son, here

now thou liest, the man in the world that I loved most, and now is my

joy gone: for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine, I will discover me unto your

person; in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine affiance,

and now have I lost my joy of you both, wherefore all mine earthly joy

is gone from me."

"Mine uncle King Arthur," said Sir Gawaine, "wit you well, my death day

is come, and all is through mine own hastiness and wilfulness, for I

am smitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot gave me, on the

which I feel well I must die, and had Sir Launcelot been with you as

he was, this unhappy war had never begun, and of all this am I causer,

for Sir Launcelot and his blood through their prowess held all your

cankered enemies in subjection and danger: and now," said Sir Gawaine,

"ye shall miss Sir Launcelot. But, alas, I would not accord with him,

and therefore," said Sir Gawaine, "I pray you, fair uncle, that I may

have paper, pen, and ink, that I may write unto Sir Launcelot a letter

with mine own hands."

And when paper and ink was brought, Sir Gawaine was set up weakly by

King Arthur, for he had been shriven a little before; and he wrote thus

unto Sir Launcelot: "Flower of all noble knights that ever I heard of

or saw in my days; I, Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son of Orkney, sister's

son unto the noble King Arthur, send unto thee greeting, and let thee

have knowledge, that the tenth day of May I was smitten upon the old

wound which thou gavest me before the city of Benwick, and through the

same wound that thou gavest me I am come unto my death day, and I will

that all the world wit that I Sir Gawaine, knight of the Round Table,

sought my death, and not through thy deserving, but it was mine own

seeking; wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Launcelot, for to return again

unto this realm and see my tomb, and pray some prayer more or less for

my soul. Also, Sir Launcelot, for all the love that ever was between

us, make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all the haste that thou

mayest with thy noble knights, and rescue that noble king that made

thee knight, that is my lord and uncle King Arthur, for he is full

straitly bestood [_sore beset_] with a false traitor, which is my half

brother Sir Mordred, and he hath let crown himself king, and he would

have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so had he done, if she had not

put herself in the Tower of London. And so the tenth day of May last

past, my lord and uncle King Arthur and we all landed upon them at

Dover, and there we put that false traitor Sir Mordred to flight. And

there it misfortuned me for to be stricken upon thy stroke. And at the

date of this letter was written but two hours and half before my death,

written with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart's

blood. And I require thee, most famous knight of all the world, that

thou wilt see my tomb."

And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept. And the king made Sir

Gawaine to receive his Saviour. And then Sir Gawaine prayed the king

to send for Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights.

And so at the hour of noon, Sir Gawaine yielded up the spirit. And

then the king let inter him in a chapel within Dover Castle; and there

yet all men may see the skull of him, and the same wound is seen that

Sir Launcelot gave him in battle. Then was it told King Arthur that

Sir Mordred had pitched a new field upon Barendoune [_Barham Down_].

And upon the morn the king rode thither to him, and there was a great

battle betwixt them, and much people were slain on both parties. But at

the last King Arthur's party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party

fled into Canterbury.

* * * * *

And then the king let search all the towns for his knights that were

slain, and interred them; and salved them with soft salves that so

sore were wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then

they said that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur wrongfully. And

then King Arthur drew him with his host down by the sea side, westward

unto Salisbury, and there was a day assigned between King Arthur and

Sir Mordred, that they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and

not far from the sea side, and this day was assigned on a Monday after

Trinity Sunday, whereof King Arthur was passing glad, that he might be

avenged upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred raised much people about

London, for they of Kent, Southsex [_Sussex_], and Southery [_Surrey_],

Estsex [_Essex_], and Southfolk [_Suffolk_], and of Northfolk

[_Norfolk_], held the most party with Sir Mordred, and many a full

noble knight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king; but they that loved

Sir Launcelot drew unto Sir Mordred.

So upon Trinity Sunday at night King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream,

and that was this, that him seemed he sat in a chair, and the chair was

fast unto a wheel, and thereupon sat King Arthur in the richest cloth

of gold that might be made. And the king thought there was under him,

far from him, a hideous and a deep black water, and therein was all

manner of serpents and worms, and wild beasts foul and horrible; and

suddenly the king thought that the wheel turned upside down, and that

he fell among the serpents and wild beasts, and every beast took him by

a limb; and then the king cried, as he lay in his bed and slept, "Help!"

And then knights, squires, and yeomen awaked the king; and then he

was so amazed that he wist not where he was; and then he fell in a

slumbering again, not sleeping nor thoroughly waking. So King Arthur

thought that there came Sir Gawaine unto him verily, with a number

of fair ladies with him; and so when King Arthur saw him, he said,

"Welcome, my sister's son, I wend thou hadst been dead, and now I see

thee alive, much am I beholden unto almighty Jesu; oh, fair nephew and

my sister's son, what be these ladies that be come hither with you?"

"Sir," said Sir Gawaine, "all these be the ladies for whom I have

fought when I was man living: and all these are those that I did battle

for in righteous quarrel. And God hath given them that grace at their

great prayer, because I did battle for them, that they should bring

me hither unto you for to warn you of your death; for and ye fight as

to-morrow with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye

must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties. For

within a month shall come Sir Launcelot, with all his noble knights,

and rescue you worshipfully, and slay Sir Mordred and all that ever

will hold with him." Then Sir Gawaine and all the ladies vanished.

* * * * *

So then were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should

meet between both their hosts, and every each of them should bring

fourteen persons. And they came with this word unto King Arthur, and

then said he, "I am glad that this is done." And so he went into the

fields; and when King Arthur should depart, he warned all his host

that, and they saw any sword drawn, "look that ye come on fiercely, and

slay that traitor Sir Mordred, for I in no wise trust him."

In like wise Sir Mordred did warn his host that "if ye see any manner

of sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that

ever standeth before you, for in no wise I will not trust for this

treatise, for I know well that my [uncle] will be avenged upon me."

And so they met as their appointment was, and were agreed and accorded

thoroughly, and wine was fet [_fetched_] and they drank. Right so came

an adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot;

and when the knight felt him stung, he looked down and saw the adder,

and then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none

other harm. And when the hosts on both parties saw that sword drawn,

they blew trumpets and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts

dressed them together, and King Arthur took his horse, and said, "Alas,

this unhappy day!" and so rode he to his party. And so Sir Mordred

did in like wise; and never was there seen a more dolefuller battle

in no Christian land, for there was but rashing and riding, foining

and striking, and many a grim word was there spoken either to other,

and many a deadly stroke. And ever they fought still till it was nigh

night, and by that time was there an hundred thousand laid dead upon

the down. Then was King Arthur wroth out of measure, when he saw his

people so slain from him. Then the king looked about him, and then was

he ware that of all his host, and of all his good knights, were left

no more alive but two knights, that was Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir

Bedivere his brother, and they were right sore wounded.

"Jesu mercy!" said King Arthur, "where are all my noble knights become?

Alas! that ever I should see this doleful day; for now," said King

Arthur, "I am come unto mine end; but would to God that I wist where

that traitor Sir Mordred is, which hath caused all this mischief."

Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned upon his sword among

a great heap of dead men.

"Now give me my spear," said King Arthur to Sir Lucan, "for yonder I

have espied the traitor which hath wrought all this woe."

"Sir, let him be," said Sir Lucan, "for he is unhappy; and if ye

pass this unhappy day ye shall be right well revenged upon him. My

good lord, remember well your dream that ye had this night, and what

the spirit of Sir Gawaine told you this night; yet God of his great

goodness hath preserved you hitherto, therefore, for God's sake, my

lord, leave off by this, for blessed be God ye have won the field; for

here we be three on live, and with Sir Mordred is none alive. And if ye

leave off now, this wicked day of destiny is done."

"Betide me death, betide me life," said the king, "now I see him yonder

alone he shall never escape my hands, for at a better vantage shall I

never have him."

"God speed you well," said Sir Bedivere.

Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran towards Sir

Mordred, crying, "Traitor, now is thy death day come."

And when Sir Mordred heard King Arthur, he ran unto him with his sword

drawn in his hand. And then King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the

shield with a foin of his spear throughout the body more than a fathom.

And when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death's wound, he thrust

himself, with the might that he had, up to the bur of King Arthur's

spear. And right so he smote [the king] with his sword holden in both

his hands, on the side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet

and the brain-pan. And therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the

earth. And the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and there he

swooned ofttimes. And Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes

heaved him up, and so weakly they led him betwixt them both to a little

chapel not far from the sea side. And when the king was there, he

thought him well eased. Then heard they people cry in the field.

"Now go thou, Sir Lucan," said the king, "and do me to wit what

betokens that noise in the field."

So Sir Lucan departed, and he was grievously wounded in many places.

And so as he went, he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how the

pillers [_pillagers_] and robbers were come into the field to pill and

to rob many a full noble knight of broaches and beads, of many a good

ring, and of many a rich jewel; and who that were not dead all out

[_entirely_], there they slew them for their harness and their riches.

When Sir Lucan understood this work, he came to the king as soon as he

might, and told him all what he had heard and seen.

"Therefore by mine advice," said Sir Lucan, "it is best that we bring

you to some town."

"I would it were so," said the king.

* * * * *

"But I may not stand. Ah, Sir Launcelot," said King Arthur, "this day

have I sore missed thee. Alas, that ever I was against thee, for now

have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my dream."

Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere the

other part, and in the lifting, the king swooned, and Sir Lucan fell in

a swoon with the lift, and therewith the noble knight's heart brast.

And when King Arthur came to himself again, he beheld Sir Lucan how he

lay foaming at the mouth.

"Alas," said the king, "this is unto me a full heavy sight to see this

noble duke so die for my sake, for he would have holpen me, that had

more need of help than I. Alas, he would not complain him, his heart

was so set to help me. Now Jesu have mercy upon his soul."

Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother.

"Leave this mourning and weeping," said the king, "for all this will

not avail me: for, wit thou well, and I might live myself the death

of Sir Lucan would grieve me evermore; but my time hieth fast," said

the king. "Therefore," said King Arthur, "take thou Excalibur, my good

sword, and go with it to yonder water side, and when thou comest there,

I charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come again, and tell me

what thou shalt see there."

"My lord," said Sir Bedivere, "your command shall be done, and lightly

bring you word again."

And so Sir Bedivere departed; and by the way he beheld that noble sword

where the pommel and the haft were all of precious stones, and then he

said to himself, "If I throw this rich sword into the water, thereof

shall never come good, but harm and loss."

And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree, and as soon as he

might he came again unto King Arthur, and said he had been at the

water, and had thrown the sword into the water.

"What sawest thou there?" said the king.

"Sir," said he, "I saw nothing but waves and wind."

"That is untruly said of thee," said King Arthur, "therefore go thou

lightly and do my command, as thou art to me lief [_beloved_] and dear;

spare not, but throw it in."

Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand; and

then him thought it sin and shame to throw away that noble sword. And

so he hid the sword, and returned again and told to the king that he

had been at the water and done his command.

"What saw ye there?" said the king.

"Sir," said he, "I saw nothing but the water wap and waves wane."[21]

[Footnote 21: "Water wap and waves wane," _water lap and waves ebb_.]

"Ah, traitor untrue!" said King Arthur, "now hast thou betrayed me two

times. Who would have wend that thou that hast been unto me so self

[_loved like myself_] and dear, and thou art named a noble knight, and

wouldest betray me for the rich sword? But now go again lightly, for

thy long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy of my life, for I have

taken cold; and but if thou do as I command thee, and if ever I may see

thee, I shall slay thee with my own hands, for thou wouldst for my rich

sword see me dead."

Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it

up, and went to the water's side; and there he bound the girdle about

the hilts, and then he threw the sword into the water as far as he

might; and there came an arm and an hand above the water, and met it

and caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished.

And then the hand vanished away with the sword in the water. So Sir

Bedivere came again to the king, and told him what he had seen.

"Alas!" said the king, "help me from hence, for I dread me I have

tarried over long."

Then Sir Bedivere took King Arthur upon his back, and so went with him

to the water's side. And when they were at the water's side, even fast

by the bank hoved a little barge, with many fair ladies in it, and

among them all was a queen, and all they had black hoods, and they wept

and shrieked when they saw King Arthur.

"Now put me into the barge," said the king; and so he did softly; and

there received him three queens with great mourning, and so these three

queens [whereof one was King Arthur's sister Morgan le Fay, the other

was the queen of Northgalis, and the third was the queen of the waste

lands] set them down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his

head. And then that queen said, "Ah! dear brother, why have ye tarried

so long from me? Alas! this wound on your head hath taken overmuch

cold."

And so then they rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all those

ladies go from him; then Sir Bedivere cried, "Ah! my lord Arthur, what

shall become of me now ye go from me, and leave me here alone among

mine enemies?"

"Comfort thyself," said King Arthur, "and do as well as thou mayest,

for in me is no trust for to trust in; for I will into the vale of

Avalon for to heal me of my grievous wound; and if thou never hear more

of me, pray for my soul."

But evermore the queens and the ladies wept and shrieked that it was

pity for to hear them. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight

of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took the forest; and so he

went all the night, and in the morning he was ware between two hills of

a chapel and an hermitage.

* * * * *

Then was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went; and when he came into

the chapel, he saw where lay an hermit grovelling upon all four there

fast by a tomb newly graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere, he knew

him well, for he was, but a little before, [the] bishop of Canterbury

that Sir Mordred banished away.

"Sir," said Sir Bedivere, "what man is there that ye pray so fast for?"

"Fair son," said the hermit, "I wot not verily, but by deeming, but

this night, at midnight, here came a great number of ladies, and

brought hither a dead corpse, and prayed me to bury him; and here they

offered an hundred tapers and gave me an hundred besants."

"Alas," said Sir Bedivere, "that was my lord King Arthur, that here

lieth buried in this chapel!"

Then Sir Bedivere swooned, and when he awoke he prayed the hermit he

might abide with him still there, to live with fasting and prayers.

"For from hence will I never go," said Sir Bedivere, "by my will, but

all the days of my life here to pray for my lord Arthur."

"Ye are welcome to me," said the hermit, "for I know you better than ye

ween that I do. Ye are the bold Bedivere, and the full noble duke Sir

Lucan the Butler was your brother."

Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all as ye have heard before. So there

bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit, and there Sir Bedivere put upon

him poor clothes, and served the hermit full lowly in fasting and in

prayers. And when the Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was

slain, and all the noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant, then

the queen stole away, and five ladies with her, and so she went to

Almesbury, and there she let make herself a nun and wore white clothes

and black. And great penance she took as ever did sinful lady in this

land; and never creature could make her merry, but lived in fastings,

prayers, and alms deeds, that all manner of people marvelled how

virtuously she was changed. Now leave we Queen Guenever in Almsbury,

that was a nun in white clothes and black; and there she was abbess

and ruler, as reason would. And turn we from her, and speak we of Sir

Launcelot du Lake.

* * * * *

And when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred was crowned king

in England, and made war against King Arthur, and would not let him

to land in his own land; also it was told Sir Launcelot how that Sir

Mordred had laid siege about the Tower of London, because the queen

would not wed him; then was Sir Launcelot wondrous wroth.

Then they made them ready in all the haste that might be, with ships

and galleys, with Sir Launcelot and his host for to pass into England.

And so he passed over the sea, and arrived at Dover, and there he

landed with seven kings, and their number was hideous to behold. Then

Sir Launcelot inquired of the men of Dover where King Arthur was become.

Then the people told him how that he was slain, with Sir Mordred, and

an hundred thousand died upon a day, and how Sir Mordred gave King

Arthur there the first battle at his landing, and there was the good

knight Sir Gawaine slain; and on the morrow Sir Mordred fought with

King Arthur upon Barendoune, and there King Arthur put Sir Mordred to

the worst.

"Alas!" said Sir Launcelot, "this is the heaviest tidings that ever

came to me. Now fair sirs," said Sir Launcelot, "I beseech you show me

the tomb of Sir Gawaine."

And then certain people of the town brought him to the castle of Dover,

and showed him the tomb of Sir Gawaine. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled

down, and wept, and prayed full heartily for his soul. And that night

he made a dole, and all they that would come had as much flesh and

fish, wine and ale, as they might eat and drink, and every man and

woman had twelve pence, come who would.

Then on the third day Sir Launcelot called to the kings, dukes, earls,

and barons, and said thus: "My fair lords, I thank you all of your

coming into this country with me. But we come too late, and that shall

repent me while I live. But sithen it is so, I will myself ride and

seek my lady Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath great pain and

much disease, and I heard say that she is fled into the west country,

therefore ye all abide me here, and but if I come within fifteen days,

then take your ships and your fellowship, and depart into your country."

* * * * *

Then came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said, "My lord Sir Launcelot, what

think ye for to do, now to ride in this realm? wit thou well, ye shall

find few friends."

"Be as be may," said Sir Launcelot, "keep you still here, for I will

forth on my journey, and no man nor child shall go with me."

So it was no boot to strive, but he departed and rode westerly, and

there he sought a seven or eight days, and at the last he came unto

a nunnery. And then was Queen Guenever ware of Sir Launcelot as she

walked in the cloister; and when she saw him there, she swooned three

times, that all the ladies and gentlewomen had work enough for to

hold the queen up. So when she might speak, she called ladies and

gentlewomen unto her, and said, "Ye marvel, fair ladies, why I make

this cheer. Truly," said she, "it is for the sight of yonder knight

which yonder standeth; wherefore I pray you all to call him unto me."

And when Sir Launcelot was brought unto her, then she said: "Sir

Launcelot, I require thee and beseech thee heartily, for all the love

that ever was between us two, that thou never look me more in the

visage. And furthermore I command thee on God's behalf right straitly,

that thou forsake my company, and that unto thy kingdom shortly thou

return again, and keep well thy realm from war and wreck. For as well

as I have loved thee, Sir Launcelot, now mine heart will not once serve

me to see thee. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, go thou unto thy realm, and

there take thee a wife, and live with her in joy and bliss. And I

beseech you heartily, pray for me unto our Lord God, that I may amend

my misliving."

"Now, sweet madam," said Sir Launcelot, "would ye that I should now

return again into my country, and there to wed a lady? Nay, madam, wit

you well that shall I never do: but the same destiny that ye have taken

you to, I will take me unto, for to please Jesu, and ever for you I

cast me specially to pray. And if I had found you now so disposed, I

had cast me to have had you into mine own realm."

[Then] there was lamentation as they had been stung by spears, and the

ladies bare the queen to her chamber.

And Sir Launcelot took his horse and rode all that day and all that

night in a forest, weeping. And at last he was ware of a hermitage and

a chapel between two cliffs, and then he heard a little bell ring to

mass.

[And it was here that the bishop and Sir Bedivere had served God

together; and they knew Sir Launcelot, and told him all, and his heart

was nearly brast for sorrow. And Sir Launcelot threw abroad his armor,

and was shriven, and took the habit upon him, and abode at that chapel.

And there came Sir Bors, who had gone forth for to seek Sir Launcelot.

And Sir Bors took the habit upon him. And within half a year there was

also come] Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiers, Sir

Clarrus, and Sir Gahalantine. So these seven knights abode there still.

And when they saw that Sir Launcelot had taken him unto such perfection

they had not list [_desire_] to depart, but took such an habit as he

had, and their horses went where they would.

Thus they endured in great penance six years, and then Sir Launcelot

took the habit of priesthood, and twelve months he sung the mass. [And

he used] such abstinence that he waxed full lean. And thus upon a night

there came a vision to Sir Launcelot, and charged him, in remission of

his sins, to haste him unto Almesbury, "And by then thou come there,

thou shalt find Queen Guenever dead: and therefore take thy fellows

with thee, and purvey them of an horse-bier, and fetch thou the corpse

of her, and bury her by her husband the noble King Arthur." So this

vision came to Launcelot thrice in one night.

* * * * *

Then Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the hermit.

"It were well done," said the hermit, "that ye made you ready, and that

you disobey not the vision."

Then Sir Launcelot took his seven fellows with him, and on foot they

went from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little more than

thirty miles. And thither they came within two days, for they were weak

and feeble to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesbury, within

the nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an hour before.

Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not greatly, but sighed;

and so he did all the observance of the mass himself, both the dirige

[_dirge_] at night and the mass on the morrow.

[Illustration: _Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not

greatly, but sighed_]

[And so with many holy rites, Queen Guenever was wrapped thirty-fold

in cloth of Rheims, and put in a web of lead, and after in a coffin of

marble. And when she was put in the earth Sir Launcelot swooned.]

* * * * *

Then Sir Launcelot never after eat but little meat, nor drank, till

he was dead; for then he sickened more and more, and dried and dwined

[_dwindled_] away; for the bishop nor none of his fellows might not

make him to eat, and little he drank; for evermore day and night he

prayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken sleep, and ever he was

lying grovelling on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guenever. And

there was no comfort that the bishop, nor Sir Bors, nor none of his

fellows could make him, it availed nothing.

Oh, ye mighty and pompous lords, shining in the glory transitory of

this unstable life, as in reigning over great realms and mighty great

countries, fortified with strong castles and towers, edified with

many a rich city; ye also, ye fierce and mighty knights, so valiant

in adventurous deeds of arms; behold, behold, see how this mighty

conqueror King Arthur, whom in his human life all the world doubted

[_praised_], see also the noble Queen Guenever, which sometime sat

in her chair adorned with gold, pearls, and precious stones, now lie

full low in obscure fosse or pit, covered with clods of earth and

clay; behold also this mighty champion Sir Launcelot, peerless of all

knighthood, see now how he lieth grovelling upon the cold mould, now

being so feeble and faint that sometime was so terrible. How and in

what manner ought ye to be so desirous of worldly honor so dangerous!

Therefore me thinketh this present book is right necessary often to

be read, for in it shall ye find the most gracious, knightly, and

virtuous war of the most noble knights of the world, whereby they gat

praising continually. Also me seemeth, by the oft reading thereof,

ye shall greatly desire to accustom yourself in following of those

gracious knightly deeds, that is to say, to dread God, and to love

righteousness, faithfully and courageously to serve your sovereign

prince; and the more that God hath given you the triumphal honor, the

meeker ye ought to be, ever fearing the unstableness of this deceitful

world. And so I pass over and turn again unto my matter.

So within six weeks after Sir Launcelot fell sick, and lay in his bed;

and then he sent for the bishop that there was hermit, and all his true

fellows. Then Sir Launcelot said with dreary steeven [_voice_], "Sir

bishop, I pray you give to me all my rights that longeth to a Christian

man."

"It shall not need you," said the hermit and all his fellows, "it is

but heaviness of your blood: ye shall be well amended by the grace of

God to-morn."

"My fair lords," said Sir Launcelot, "wit you well, my careful body

will into the earth. I have warning more than now I will say, therefore

give me my rights."

So when he had all that a Christian man ought to have, he prayed the

bishop that his fellows might bear his body unto Joyous Gard.

"Howbeit," said Sir Launcelot, "me repenteth sore, but I made mine avow

sometime that in Joyous Gard I would be buried, and because of breaking

of mine avow, I pray you all lead me thither."

Then there was weeping and wringing of hands among all his fellows. So

at the season of night they went all to their beds, for they lay all in

one chamber. So after midnight against day, the bishop that was hermit,

as he lay in his bed asleep, he fell on a great laughter; and therewith

the fellowship awoke, and came unto the bishop, and asked him what he

ailed.

"Ah, Jesu, mercy," said the bishop, "why did you awake me? I was never

in all my life so merry and well at ease."

"Why, wherefore?" said Sir Bors.

"Truly," said the bishop, "here was Sir Launcelot with me, with more

angels than ever I saw men upon one day; and I saw the angels heave up

Sir Launcelot towards heaven; and the gates of heaven opened against

him."

"It is but dretching [_fantasy_] of swevens [_dreams_]," said Sir Bors;

"for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth nothing but good."

"It may well be," said the bishop. "Go to his bed, and then shall ye

prove the sooth."

So when Sir Bors and his fellows came to his bed, they found him stark

dead, and he lay as he had smiled, and the sweetest savor about him

that ever they smelled. Then was there weeping and wringing of hands,

and the greatest dole they made that ever made men. And on the morrow

the bishop sung his mass of requiem; and after the bishop and all

those nine knights put Sir Launcelot in the same horse-bier that Queen

Guenever was laid in before that she was buried.

And so the bishop and they all together went with the corpse of Sir

Launcelot daily till they came unto Joyous Gard, and ever they had an

hundred torches burning about him.

And so within fifteen days they came to Joyous Gard; and there they

laid his corpse in the body of the choir, and sung and read many

psalters and prayers over him and about him; and ever his visage was

laid open and naked, that all folk might behold him, for such was the

custom in those days that all men of worship should so lie with open

visage till that they were buried. And right thus as they were at their

service, there came Sir Ector de Maris, that had sought seven year all

England, Scotland, and Wales, seeking his brother Sir Launcelot.

* * * * *

And when Sir Ector de Maris heard such noise and light in the choir of

Joyous Gard, he alighted, and put his horse away from him, and came

into the choir; and there he saw men sing and weep. And all they knew

Sir Ector, but he knew not them. Then went Sir Bors unto Sir Ector, and

told him how there lay his brother Sir Launcelot dead. And then Sir

Ector threw his shield, sword, and helm from him; and when he beheld

Sir Launcelot's visage he fell down in a swoon. And when he awaked it

were hard any tongue to tell the doleful complaints that he made for

his brother.

"Ah, Sir Launcelot," he said, "thou were head of all Christian knights;

and now I dare say," said Sir Ector, "that Sir Launcelot, there thou

liest, thou were never matched of none earthly knight's hands; and thou

were the courtliest knight that ever bare shield; and thou were the

truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrode horse; and thou were the

truest lover, of a sinful man, that ever loved woman; and thou were the

kindest man that ever struck with sword; and thou were the goodliest

person that ever came among press [_crowd_] of knights; and thou were

the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies;

and thou were the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear

in the rest."

Then there was weeping and dolor out of measure.

Thus they kept Sir Launcelot's corpse above the ground fifteen days,

and then they buried it with great devotion. And then at leisure they

went all with the bishop of Canterbury to his hermitage, and there

they were together more than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was

Sir Cador's son, of Cornwall, was chosen king of England; and he was a

full noble knight, and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this

King Constantine sent for the bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say

where he was; and so he was restored unto his bishopric, and left that

hermitage; and Sir Bedivere was there ever still hermit to his life's

end. Then Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Gahalantine, Sir

Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiers le

Valiant, Sir Clarrus of Claremount, all these knights drew them to

their countries, howbeit King Constantine would have had them with him,

but they would not abide in this realm; and there they lived in their

countries as holy men.

Here is the end of the whole book of King Arthur and of his noble

knights of the Round Table, that when they were whole together there

was ever an hundred and forty. Also, here is the end of the death of

King Arthur. I pray you all, gentlemen and gentlewomen, that read this

book of King Arthur and his knights from the beginning to the ending,

pray for me while I am alive, that God send me good deliverance.

And when I am dead, I pray you all pray for my soul. For this book was

finished the ninth year of the reign of King Edward the Fourth, by Sir

Thomas Maleor [_Malory_] knight, as Jesu help me for his great might,

as he is the servant of Jesu both day and night.