 Chapters 22-27, Book 10, Vol. 2 of Le Mans d'Arthour. This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Reading by Lars Rolander Le Mans d'Arthour, Vol. 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory, Chapter 22 Now pass we our matter, and leave we Sir Gavain and speak of King Arthur, that on a day said unto King Mark, Sir, I pray you give me a gift that I shall ask you. Sir, said King Mark, I will give you what some ever ye desire, and it be in my power. Sir, Gramercy said Arthur, this I will ask you, that ye will be good Lord unto Sir Tristram, for he is a man of great honour, and that ye will take him with you into Cornwall, and let him see his friends, and there cherish him for my sake. Sir, said King Mark, I promise you by the faith of my body, and by the faith that I owe to God and to you, I shall worship him for your sake in all that I can or may. Sir, said Arthur, and I will forgive you all the evil will that ever I ought you, and so be that you swear that upon a book before me. With a good will, said King Mark, and so he there swear upon a book for him and all his nights, and therewith King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by the hands hard knit together. But for all this King Mark thought falsely, as it proved after, for he put Sir Tristram in prison, and cowardly would have slain him. Then soon after King Mark took his leave to ride into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram made him ready to ride with him, whereof the most part of the round table were rough and heavy, and in a special Sir Lonselot, and Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinidan were rough out of measure, for well they whisked King Mark would slay or destroy Sir Tristram. Alas, said Dinidan, that my Lord Sir Tristram shall depart, and Sir Tristram took such sorrow that he was amazed like a fool. Alas, said Sir Lonselot unto King Arthur, what have you done, for ye shall lose the most man of worship that ever came into your court? It was his own desire, said Arthur, and therefore I might not do with all, for I have done all that I can, and made them at accord. Accord, said Sir Lonselot, fire upon that accord, for ye shall hear that he shall slay Sir Tristram, or put him in a prison, for he is the most hard and the villainous King and Knight that is now living. And therewith Sir Lonselot departed, and came to King Mark, and said to him thus, Sir King, with thou well the good night Sir Tristram shall go with thee. Beware, I read thee of treason, for and though mischief that night by any manner of falsehood or treason. By the faith I owe to God and to the order of knighthood, I shall slay thee with my own hands. Sir Lonselot, said the King, over much have ye said to me, and I have sworn and said over largely a foreking Arthur, in hearing of all his knights, that I shall not slay, not betray him. It were to me over much shame to break my promise. Ye say well, said Sir Lonselot, but ye are called so false and full of treason, that no man may believe you. For sure it is known well wherefore ye came into this country, and for none are the cause but for to slay Sir Tristram. So with great dole King Mark and Sir Tristram rode together, for it was by Sir Tristram's will and his means to go with King Mark. And all was for the intent to see Labil Issoud, for without the sight of her Sir Tristram might not endure. Chapter 23 Now turn we again unto Sir Lamorak, and speak we of his brethren Sertor, which was King Pelinor's first son and the gotten of Ares, wife of the cowherd, for he was a bastard, and Sir Aglub Vael was his first son begotten in wedlock. Sir Lamorak, Dornar, Percival, these were his sons too in wedlock. So when King Mark and Sir Tristram were departed from the court, there was made great dole and sorrow for the departing of Sir Tristram. Then the King and his knights made no manner of joys eight days after, and at the eight days end there came to the court a knight with a junk squire with him. And when this knight was unarmed, he went to the King and required him to make the young squire a knight. Of what lineage is he come, said King Arthur. Sir, said the knight, he is the son of King Pelinor, that did you some time good service, and he is a brother unto Sir Lamorak de Gaelis, the good knight. Well, said the King, for what cause desire ye of me that I should make him knight. Which you well, my Lord the King, that this junk squire is brother to me as well as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is Aglavael. Sir Aglavael, said Arthur, for the love of Sir Lamorak and for his father's love, he shall be made knight tomorrow. Now tell me, said Arthur, what is his name? Sir said the knight, his name is Percival de Gaelis. So on the morn the King made him knight in Camelot, but the King and all the knights thought it would be long or that he proved a good knight. Then at the dinner when the King was set at the table, and every night after he was of prowess, the King commanded him to be set among mean knights, and so was Sir Percival set as the King commanded. Then was there a maiden in the Queen's court that was come of high blood, and she was dumb and never spake word. Right so she came straight into the hall and went unto Sir Percival, and took him by the hand and said aloud that the King and all the knights might hear it. Arise, Sir Percival, the noble knight and God's knight, and go with me, and so he did. And there she brought him to the right side of the sea Perilius, and said, Fair knight, take here thy sea, for that sea appartains to thee and to none other. Right so she departed and asked a priest. And as she was confessed and household, then she died. Then the King and all the court made great joy of Sir Percival. Chapter 24 Now turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that much was there praised. Then by the mean of Sir Gavain and his brethren, they sent for their mother therebesides, fast by castle beside Camelot. And all was to that intent to slay Sir Lamorak. The Queen of Orkney was there but a while, but Sir Lamorak whisked of their being and was full feign, and for to make an end of this matter, he sent unto her, and there between them was a knight assigned that Sir Lamorak should come to her. Thereof was where Sir Gaharis, and there he rode forth the same night and waited upon Sir Lamorak. And then he saw where he came all armed, and where Sir Lamorak alighted, he tied his horse to a privy poston, so he went into a parlor and unarmed him. And then he went on to the Queen's bed, and she made of him passing great joy, and he of her again, for either loved other passing saw. So when the night Sir Gaharis saw his time, he came to their bedside all armed, with his sword naked, and suddenly got his mother by the hair and struck off her head. When Sir Lamorak saw the blood dash upon him all hot, the witch he loved passing well, which you well he was sore abashed and dismayed of that dolorous night. And therewith all Sir Lamorak leaped out of the bed in his shirt as a knight dismayed, saying thus, Ah, Sir Gaharis, night of the table round, foul and evil have ye done, and to you great shame. Alas, why have ye slain your mother that bear you, with more right ye should have slain me? The offence hast thou done, said Gaharis, notwithstanding a man is spawned to offer his service, but yet shouldst thou beware with whom thou meddles, for thou hast put me and my brethren to a shame, and thy father slew our father, and thou to lie by our mother is too much shame for us to suffer. And as for thy father, King Pelinor, my brother Sir Gavain, and I slew him. Ye did him the more wrong, said Sir Lamorak, for my father slew not your father, it was Baal in the savage, and as yet my father's death is not revenged. Leave those words, said Sir Gaharis, for and thou speak feloniously I will slay thee, but because thou art naked I am ashamed to slay thee, but with you well in what place I may get thee, I shall slay thee, and now my mother is quit of thee, and withdraw thee and take thine armor that thou were gone. Sir Lamorak saw there was no other bought, but fast armed him, and took his horse and rode his way, making great sorrow. But for the shame and dollar he would not ride to King Arthur's court and rode another way. But when it was known that Gaharis had slain his mother, the king was passing wroth, and commanded him to go out of his court. With you well, Sir Gavain was wroth, that Gaharis had slain his mother, and let Sir Lamorak escape, and for this matter was the king passing wroth, and so was Sir Launcelot and many other knights. Sir said Sir Launcelot, here is a great mischief befallen by felony, and by forecast treason, that your sister is thus shamefully slain, and I dare say that it was wrought by treason, and I dare say ye shall loose that good knight, Sir Lamorak, the which is great pity. I what well, and am sure, and Sir Tristram whisked it, he would never more come within your court, the which should grieve you much more, and all your knights. God defend, said the noble king Arthur, that I should loose Sir Lamorak or Sir Tristram, for then twain o' my chief knights of the table round were gone. Sir said Sir Launcelot, I am sure ye shall loose Sir Lamorak, for Sir Gavain and his brethren will slay him, by one mean or other, for they among them have concluded and sworn to slay him, and ever they may see theirs time. That shall I let, said Arthur. Chapter 25 Now leave we of Sir Lamorak and speak of Sir Gavain's brethren, and specially of Sir Agravain and Sir Mordred. As they rode on their adventures, they met with a knight fleeing, sore wounded, and they asked him what tidings. Fair knight said he, here counts the knight after me that will slay me. With that came Sir Dinedan riding to them by adventure, but he would promise them no help. But Sir Agravain and Sir Mordred promised him to rescue him. Therewith all came that knight straight unto them, and a known he profited to Jost. That saw Sir Mordred and rode to him, but he struck Mordred over his horse's tail. That saw Sir Agravain and straight he rode toward that knight, and ride so as he served Mordred, so he served Agravain, and said to them, Sirs, which ye well both, that I am Bruce Sons Pity, that hath done this to you. And yet he rode over Agravain five or six times. When Dinedan saw this, he must needs just with him for shame. And so Dinedan and he encountered together that with pure strength Sir Dinedan smote him over his horse's tail. Then he took his horse and fled, for he was on foot one of the valiantest knights in Arthur's days, and a great destroyer of all good knights. Then rode Sir Dinedan unto Sir Mordred and unto Sir Agravain. Sir Knight said they all, Well have ye done, and well have ye revenged us, wherefore we pray you tell us your name. Fare, sirs, you ought to know my name, the which is called Sir Dinedan. When they understood that it was Dinedan, they were more wroth than they were before, for they hated him out of measure because of Sir Lamorak. For Dinedan had such a custom that he loved all good knights that were valiant, and he hated all those that were destroyers of good knights. And there were none that hated Dinedan but those that ever were called murderers. Then spake the hurt knight that Pruson Spiti had chased. His name was Dalan, and said, If thou be Dinedan, thou sluist my father. It may well be so, said Dinedan, but then it was in my defence, and at his request. By my head, said Dalan, Thou shalt die, therefore, and therewith he dressed his spear and his shield, and to make the shorter tail, Sir Dinedan smote him down of his horse, that his neck was nigh broken. And in the same wise he smote Sir Mordred and Sir Agraven. And after, in the quest of the Sangreal, cowardly and feloniously, they slew Dinedan, the which was great damage, for he was a great border and a passing good knight. And so Sir Dinedan rode to a castle that hide Biel ballad, and there he found Sir Palomedis that was not yet whole of the wound that Sir Lamorak gave him. And there Dinedan told Palomedis all the tidings that he heard, and saw of Sir Tristram, and how he was gone with King Mark, and with him he hath all his will and desire. Therewith Sir Palomedis waxed wroth, for he loved La Bielisud, and then he wished well that Sir Tristram enjoyed her. Chapter 26 Now leave with Sir Palomedis and Sir Dinedan in the castle of Biel ballad, and turn we again unto King Arthur. There came a night out of Cornwall, and his name was Fergus, a fellow of the Round Table. And there he told the King and Sir Lonslot good tidings of Sir Tristram, and there were brought goodly in letters, and how he left him in the castle of Tintagel. Then came the damosol that brought goodly letters unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Lonslot, and there she had passing good share of the King, and of the Queen Ganevere, and of Sir Lonslot. Then they wrote goodly letters again, but Sir Lonslot paid ever Sir Tristram beware of King Mark, for ever he called him in his letter King Fox, as who says he fares all with miles and treason, whereof Sir Tristram in his heart thanked Sir Lonslot. Then the damosol went unto La Bielisud, and bear her letters from the King, and from Sir Lonslot, whereof she was in passing great joy. Fair damosol said La Bielisud, how fares my Lord Arthur, and the Queen Ganevere, and the noble knight Sir Lonslot. She answered, and to make short tale, much the better that ye and Sir Tristram be in joy. God reward them, said La Bielisud, for Sir Tristram suffered great pain for me, and I for him. So the damosol departed and brought letters to King Mark, and when he had read them and understood them, he was wroth with Sir Tristram, for he deemed that he had seen the damosol unto King Arthur, for Arthur and Lonslot in a manner threaded King Mark, and as King Mark read these letters, he deemed treason by Sir Tristram. Damosol, said King Mark, will ye ride again and bear letters from me unto King Arthur? Sir, she said, I will be at your commandment to ride when ye will. Ye say well, said the King. Come again, said the King, tomorrow, and fetch your letters. Then she departed and told them how she should ride again with letters unto Arthur. Then we pray you, said La Bielisud, and Sir Tristram, that when ye have received your letters that ye would come by us, ye may see the privity of your letters. All that I may do, madame, ye what well I must do for Sir Tristram, for I have been long his own maiden. So on the morning the damosol went to King Mark to have had his letters and to depart. I am not advised, said King Mark, as at this time to send my letters. Then, privily and secretly, he sent letters unto King Arthur and unto Queen Ghaniver and unto Sir Lonsolot. So the varlet departed and found the King and the Queen in Wales at Carlyon. And as the King and the Queen were at Mass, the varlet came with the letters. And when Mass was done, the King and the Queen opened the letters privily by themselves. And the beginning of the King's letters spake wonderfully short unto King Arthur, and bade him enter meet with himself and with his wife, and of his knights, for he was able enough to rule and keep his wife. Chapter 27 When King Arthur understood the letter, he mused of many things and thought on his sister's words, Queen Morgan Le Fay, that he had said between Queen Ghaniver and Sir Lonsolot. And in this thought he studied a great while. Then he bethought him again that his sister was his own enemy and that she hated the Queen and Sir Lonsolot. And so he put all out of his thought. Then King Arthur read the letter again, and the latter clause said that King Mark took Sir Tristram for his mortal enemy. Wherefore he put Arthur out of doubt, he would be revenged of Sir Tristram. Then was King Arthur wroth with King Mark, and when Queen Ghaniver read her letter and understood it, he wroth out of measure for the letters baked shame of her and by Sir Lonsolot. And so privily she sent the letter unto Sir Lonsolot, and when he wished the intent of the letter, he was so wroth that he laid him down on his bed to sleep, whereof Sardinian was where, for it was his manner to be privy with all good knights. And as Sir Lonsolot slept, he stowed the letter out of his hand and read it word by word. Then he laid great sorrow for anger. And so Sir Lonsolot awaked and went to Window and read the letter again, the which made him angry. Sir Sardinian, wherefore be ye angry? Discover your heart to me, for sooth ye what well I owe you good will. How, Bate, I am poor knight and a servitor unto you and to all good knights. For thou I be not of worship myself, I love all those that be of worship. It is truth, said Sir Lonsolot, ye are a trusty knight, and for great trust I will shoe you my counsel. And when Dinadan understood all, he said, this is my counsel, set you right not by these threats, for King Mark is so villainous that by fair speech shall never man get of him. But ye shall see what I shall do. I will make a lay for him, and when it is made, I shall make a harper to sing it for him. So anon he went and made it, and taught it an harper that height eliot. And when he could it, he taught it to many harpers. And so by the will of Sir Lonsolot and of Arthur, the harper went straight into Wales and into Cornwall to sing the lay by King Mark, the which was the worst lay that ever harper sang with harp or with any other instruments. End of book 10, chapters 22 to 27, read by Lars Rolander. Chapters 28 to 33, book 10, volume 2 of Lémore d'Artour. This is a LibriVox recording, or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Reading by Lars Rolander. Lémore d'Artour, volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory. Chapter 28. Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram and to King Mark. As Sir Tristram was a just and a tournament, it fortune'd he was sore hurt both with a spear and with a sword, but yet he won always the degree. And for to repose him, he went to a good night that welled in Cornwall, in a castle, whose name was Sardinas Lestzeneshal. Then, by misfortune, there came out of Seswam a great number of men of arms and an hideous host, and they entered nigh the castle of Tintagel, and their captain's name was Elias, a good man of arms. When King Mark understood his enemies were entered into his land, he made great dole and sorrow, for in no wise by his will King Mark would not send for Sir Tristram, for he hated him deadly. So when his council was come, they devised and cast many perils of the strength of their enemies, and then they concluded all at once, and said thus unto King Mark, Sir, witchy well, ye must send for Sir Tristram the good night, or else they will never be overcome, for by Sir Tristram they must be fought with all or else we row against the stream. Well, said King Mark, I will do by your council, but yet he was full loath there too, but need constrained him to send for him. Then he was sent for in all haste that might be that he should come to King Mark, and when he understood their King Mark had sent for him, he mounted upon a soft ammler and rode to King Mark, and when he was come the King said thus, fair nephew, Sir Tristram, this is all, here become our enemies of sesuan that are here nigh hand, and without tearing they must be met with shortly, or else they will destroy this country. Sir, said Sir Tristram, witchy well, all my power is at your commandment, and witchy well, Sir, these eight days I may bear none arms for my wounds be not yet whole, and by that day I shall do what I may. Ye say well, said King Mark, then go ye again and repose you and make you fresh, and I shall go and meet the sesuans with all my power. So the King departed unto Tintagel, and Sir Tristram went to repose him, and the King made a great host and departed them in three. The first part led by Sardinas the Seneschal, and Sir Andred led the second part, and Sir Argus led the third part, and he was of the blood of King Mark. And the sesuans had three great battles, and many good men at arms, and so King Mark by the advice of his knights issued out of the castle of Tintagel upon his enemies. And Dinas the good knight rode out to four, and slew two knights with his own hands, and then began the battles. And there was marvellous breaking of spears and smiting of swords, and slew down many good knights. And ever was Sardinas the Seneschal the best of King Mark's party, and thus the battle endured long with great mortality. But at the last King Mark and Sardinas where they never so loathe, they withdrew them to the castle of Tintagel with great slaughter of people. And the sesuans followed on fast that ten of them were put within the gates and forced slain with the portquilis. Then King Mark sent for Sartristram by a varlet that told him all the mortality. Then he sent the varlet again and bade him, tell King Mark that I will come as soon as I am whole, for first I may do him no good. Then King Mark had his answer. Therewith came Elias and bade the king yield up the castle, for ye may not hold it no while. Sir Elias said the king, so will I yield up the castle if I be not soon rescued. A known King Mark sent again for rescue to Sartristram. By then Sartristram was whole and he had gotten him ten good knights of Arthur's, and with them he rode unto Tintagel. And when he saw the great host of sesuans he marvelled wonder greatly. And then Sartristram rode by the woods and by the ditches as secretly as he might till he came nigh the gates. And there he dressed a knight to him when he saw that Sartristram would enter and Sartristram smote him down dead. And so he served three more. An average of these ten knights slew a man of arms. So Sartristram entered into the castle of Tintagel. And when King Mark wished that Sartristram was come he was glad of his coming. And so was all the fellowship and of him they made great joy. Chapter 29 So on the morn Elias the captain came and bade King Mark come out and do battle. For now the good knight Sartristram is entered. It will be shame to thee said Elias for to keep thy walls. When King Mark understood this he was wroth and said no word but went unto Sartristram and asked him his counsel. Sir said Sartristram will ye that I give him his answer? I will well said King Mark. Then Sartristram said thus to the messenger bear thy lord word from the king and me that we will do battle with him to mourn in the plain feet. What is your name said the messenger? With thou well my name is Sartristram and Eliones. There with all the messenger departed and told his lord Elias all that he had heard. Sir said Sartristram unto King Mark I pray you give me leave to have the rule of the battle. I pray you take the rule said King Mark. Then Sartristram let devised the battle in what manner that it should be. He let the parties host in six parties and ordained Sardinas the Seneschal to have the forward and other knights to rule the remnant. And the same night Sartristram burnt all the sesuans ships unto the cold water. Unknown as Elias wished that he said it was of Sartristram's doing for he castis that we shall never escape mother son of us. Therefore fair fellows fight freely tomorrow and miscomfort you not for any night though be he the best night in the world he may not have a do with us all. Then they ordained their battle in four parties wonderfully well apparelled and garnished with men of arms. Thus they within issued and they without set freely upon them and there Sardinas did great deeds of arms. Not for then Sardinas and his fellowship were put to the worse. With that came Sartristram and slew two knights with one spear two on the right hand and on the left hand that men marveled that ever he might do such deeds of arms. And then he might see sometime the battle was driven abode draught from the castle and sometime it was at the gates of the castle. Then came Elias the captain rushing here and there and hit King Mark so sore upon the helm that he made him to avoid the saddle. And then Sardinas got King Mark again onto horseback. Therewith all came in Sartristram like a lion and there he met with Elias and he smote him so sore upon the helm that he avoided his saddle and thus they fought till it was night and for great slaughter and for wounded people every party drew to their rest. And when King Mark was come within his castle of Tintagel he lacked of his knights and hundred and they without lack two hundred and they searched the wounded men on both parties and then they went to council in which well either party were loath to fight more so that either might escape with their worship. When Elias the captain understood the death of his men he made great dole and when he wished that they were loath to go to battle again he was wroth out of measure. Then Elias sent word unto King Mark in greatest spite whether he would find a knight that would fight for him body for body and if that he might slay King Mark's knight he to have the true edge of Cornwall dearly and if that his knights slay mine I fully release my claim forever. Then the messenger departed unto King Mark and told him how that his lord Elias had sent him word to find a knight to do battle for body. When King Mark understood the messenger he made him abide and he should have his answer. Then he called all the baronage together to which was the best council. They said all at once to fight in a field we have no lust for had not been Sir Tristram's prowess it had been likely that we never should have escaped and therefore sir as we deem it were well done to find a knight that would do battle with him for he nightly profferous. Chapter 30 Not for then when all this was said they could find no knight that would do battle with him. Sir King said they all here is no knight that there fight with Elias. Alas said King Mark then I am utterly ashamed and utterly destroyed unless that my nephew Sir Tristram will take the battle upon him. Which you well they said all he had yesterday over much on hand and he is wary of travail and sore wounded. Where is he said King Mark. Sir said they he is in his bed to repose him. Alas said King Mark but I have the sucker of my nephew Sir Tristram I am utterly destroyed forever therewith one went to Sir Tristram where he lay and told him what King Mark had said and therewith Sir Tristram arose lightly and put on him a long gown and came for the king and all the lords and when he saw them all so dismayed he asked the king and the lords what tidings were with them. Never worse said the king and therewith he told him all how he had word of Elias to find a knight to fight for the truage of Cornwall and none can I find. And as for you said the king and all the lords we may ask no more of you for shame for through your hardiness yesterday he saved all our lives. Sir said Sir Tristram now I understand you would have my succour reason would that I should do all that life in my power to do saving my worship and my life how bait I am sore bruised and hurt and see then Sir Elias properties so largely I shall fight with him or else I will be slain in the field or else I will deliver Cornwall from the old truage and therefore lightly call his messenger and he shall be answered for as yet my wounds be green and they will be sore a seven night after then they'll be now and therefore he shall have his answer that I will do battle to mourn with him. Then was the messenger departed brought before King Mark. Hark my fellow said Sir Tristram go fast unto thy lord and bid him make true assurance on his part for the truage as the king here shall make on his part and then tell thy lord Sir Elias that I, Sir Tristram and night of the table round will as to mourn meet with thy lord on horseback to do battle as long as my horse may endure and after that to do battle with him on foot to the utterance. The messenger beheld Sir Tristram from the top to the toe and therewith all he departed and came to his lord and told him how he was answered of Sir Tristram and therewith all was made hostage on both parties and made it as sure as it might be that whether party had the victory so to end. And then were both hosts assembled on both parts of the field without the castle of Tintagel and there was none but Sir Tristram and Sir Elias armed. So when the appointment was made they departed in Sunder and they came together with all the might that their horses might run and either night smote others so hard that both horses and knights went to the earth. Not for then they both lightly arose and dressed their shields on their shoulders with naked swords in their hands and they dashed together that it seemed a flaming fire about them. Thus they traced and traversed and ewed on helms and horborgs and cut away many countels of their shields and either wounded other passing sore so that the hot blood fell freshly upon the earth and by then they had fought the mountainous of an hour Sir Tristram waxed faint and foreblad and gave sore a back. That saw Sir Elias and followed fiercely upon him and wounded him in many places and ever Sir Tristram traced and traversed and went forward him here and there and covered him with his shield as he might all weakly that all men said he was overcome for Sir Elias had given him twenty strokes against one. Then was their laughing of the Sassuans party and great dole on King Mark's party. Alas said the king, we are ashamed and destroyed all forever for as the book said Sir Tristram was never so matched but if it were so long slot thus as they stood and beheld both parties that one party laughing and the other party weeping. Sir Tristram remembered him of his lady Labili-sul that looked upon him and how he was likely never to come in her presence. Then he pulled up his shield that urged hung full low and then he dressed up his shield unto Elias and gave him many sad strokes twenty against one and all to break his shield and his homework that the hot blood ran down to the earth. Then began King Mark to laugh and all Cornish men and that other party to weep and ever Sir Tristram said to Sir Elias yield thee. Then when Sir Tristram saw him so staggering on the ground he said Sir Elias I am right sorry for thee King Mark a passing good night as ever I met with all except Sir Lancelot. There with all Sir Elias fell to the earth and there died. What shall I do said Sir Tristram unto King Mark for this battle is at an end. Then they of Elias party departed and King Mark took of them many prisoners to redress the harms and this case that he had of them and the remnant he sent into their country to borrow out their fellows. Then was Sir Tristram searched and well healed yet for all this King Mark would feign have slain Sir Tristram but for all that ever Sir Tristram saw or heard by King Mark yet would he never beware of his treason but ever he would be there as one. Chapter 31 Now will we pass of this matter and speak we of the harpers that Sir Lancelot and Sir Dinedan had sent into Cornwall and at the great feast that King Mark made for joy that the sesuans were put out of his country then came Eliot the harper with the lay that Dinedan had made and secretly brought it unto Sir Tristram and told him the lay that Dinedan had made by King Mark and when Sir Tristram heard it he said Oh Lord Jesus that Dinedan can make wonderfully well and ill there is it shall be Sir said Eliot dare I sing this song for King Mark yeah on my peril said Sir Tristram for I shall be thy warrant then at the meet came in Eliot the harper and because he was a curious harper men heard him sing the same lay that Dinedan had made the which spake the most villainy by King Mark of his treason that ever man heard when the harper had sung his song to the end King Mark was wonderfully wroth and said thou harper how dourst thou be so bold on thy head to sing this song for me Sir said Eliot witchy well I am a minstrel and I must do as I am commanded of these lords that I bear the arms of and Sir witchy well that Sir Dinedan a night of the table round made this song and made me to sing it for you thou sayst well said King Mark and because thou art a minstrel thou shall go quick but I charge thee hide thee fast out of my sight so the harper departed and went to Sir Tristram and told him how he had sped then Sir Tristram let make letters as goodly as he could to Launcelot and to Sir Dinedan and so he let conduct the harper out of the country but to say that King Mark was wonderfully wroth he was for he deemed that the lay that was sung for him was a minstrel's consul wherefore he thought to slay him and all his well-willers in that country Chapter 32 Now turn we to another matter that fell between King Mark and his brother that was called the good prince Budwin that all the people of the country loved passing well so it befell on a time that the miscreant Saracens landed in the country soon after the sesuans were gone and then the good prince Budwin at the landing he raced the country privily and hastily and or it were day he let put wildfire in three of his own ships and suddenly he pulled up the sail and with the wind he made those ships to be driven among the navy of the Saracens and to make short tail those three ships set on fire all the ships that none were saved and at the point of the day the good prince Budwin with all his fellowship set on the miscreants with shouts and cries and slew to the number of 40,000 and left none alive when King Mark whisked this he was wonderly wroth that his brother should win such worship and because this prince was better beloved than he in all that country and that also Budwin loved well Sir Tristram for he thought to slay him and thus hastily as a man out of his wit he sent for prince Budwin and anglides his wife and made them bring their young son with them that he might see him or this he did to the intent to slay the child as well as his father for he was the falsest traitor that ever was born alas for his goodness and for his good deeds this gentle prince Budwin was slain so when he came with his wife of anglides the king made them fair semblant till they had dined and when they had dined King Mark sent for his brother and said thus brother how sped you when the miscreants arrived by you me seemed it had been your part to have sent me word that I might have been at that journey for it had been reason that I had had the honor and not you sir said the Prince Budwin it was so that and I had tarried till that I had sent for you those miscreants had destroyed my country thou liest false traitor said King Mark for thou art ever about for to win worship from me and put me to dishonor and thou cherish that I hate and therewith he struck him to the heart with a dagger that he never after spake word then the Lady Anglides made great toll and swooned for she saw her Lord slain for her face then was there no more to do but Prince Budwin was dispoiled and brought to burial but Anglides prively got her husband's doublet and his shirt and that she kept secretly then was there much sorrow and crying and great toll made Sir Tristram Sir Dinas Sir Fergus and so did all nights that were there for that Prince was passingly well beloved so La Bile Sud sent unto Anglides the Prince Budwin's wife and Bader avoid lightly or else her young son Alisander Liv Orphelin should be slain when she heard this she took her horse and her child and rode with such poor men as thirst dried with her Chapter 33 not withstanding when King Mark had done this deed yet he thought to do more vengeance and with his sword in his hand he sought from chamber to chamber to seek Anglides and her young son and when she was missed he called a good night that hights Saddock and charged him by pain of death to fetch Anglides again and her young son so Sir Saddock departed and rode after Anglides and within ten miles he overtook her and Bader turned again and rode with him to King Mark Alas, fair night, she said what shall you win by my son's death or by mine I have had over much harm and too great a loss, madame said Saddock, of your loss he stole and pity but madame said Saddock would ye depart out of this country and keep him till he be of age that he may revenge his father's death then would I suffer you to depart from me so you promise me to revenge the death of Prince Pudwin Ah, gentle night Jesus, thank thee and if ever my son Alessandro Le Orphelan live to be a knight he shall have his father's doublet and his shirt with the bloody marks and I shall give him such a charge I shall remember it while he liveth and therewith all Saddock departed from her and either betook other to God and when Saddock came to King Mark he told him faithfully that he had drowned young Alisander her son and thereof King Mark was full glad now turn we unto Anglides that rode both night and day by adventure out of Cornwall and little and in a few places she rested but ever she drew southward to the seaside till by fortune she came to Castle that is called Magunes and now it is called Arundel in Sussex and the Constable of the castle welcomed her and said she was welcome to her own castle and there was Anglides quite worshipfully received for the Constable's wife was Nye her cousin and the Constable's name was Belanchere and that same Constable told Anglides that the same castle was hers by right inheritance thus Anglides endured years and winters till Alisander was big and strong there was none so white in all that country neither there was none that might do no manner of mastery for him end of book 10 chapters 28 to 33 read by Lars Rolander chapter 34 to 39 book 10 volume 2 of Le Mans d'Artour this is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org reading by Lars Rolander Le Mans d'Artour volume 2 by Sir Thomas Valerie chapter 34 then upon a day Belanchere the Constable came to Anglides and said Madam, it were time my lord Alisander were made night for he is a passing strong young man Sir said she why would he were made night but then must I give him the most charge that ever sinful mother gave to her child do as your lists Belanchere and I shall give him warning that he shall be made night now it will be well done that he may be made night at our lady day in Lent be it so said Anglides and I pray you make ready therefore so came the Constable to Alisander and told him that he should at our lady day in Lent be made night I thank God said Alisander these are the best tidings that ever came to me then the Constable ordained twenty of the greatest gentlemen sons and the best born men of the country that should be made nights that same day that Alisander was made night so on the same day that Alisander and his twenty fellows were made nights at the offering of the mass there came Anglides unto her son and said thus oh fair sweet son I charge thee upon my blessing and of the high order of chivalry that thou takest here this day that thou understand what I shall say and charge thee with all there with all she pulled out a bloody doublet and a bloody shirt that were B-bled with old blood when Alisander saw this he stirred a back and waxed said fair mother what may this mean I shall tell thee fair son this was thine own father's doublet and shirt that he wore upon him that same day that he was slain and there she told him why and wherefor and how for his goodness King Mark slew him with his dagger a form mine own iron and therefore this shall be your charge that I shall charge thee Chapter 35 now I require thee and charge thee upon my blessing and upon the high order of knighthood that thou be revenged upon King Mark for the death of thy father and there with all she swooned then Alisander leapt to his mother and took her up in his arms and said fair mother ye have given me a great charge and here I promise you I shall be avenged upon King Mark when that I may and that I promise to God and to you so this feast was ended and the constable by the advice of Anglides let purvey that Alisander was well hoarse and harnessed then he dusted with his twenty fellows that were made knights with him but for to make a short tale of his twenty that none might withstand him above it then one of those knights departed unto King Mark and told him all how Alisander was made knight and all the charge that his mother gave him as ye have heard a foretime alas false treason said King Mark I weaned that young traitor had been dead alas who may I trust and there with all he took a sword in his hand and sought Sir Saddock from chamber to chamber to slay him when Sir Saddock saw King Mark come with his sword in his hand he said thus beware King Mark and come not nigh me for with thou well that I said Alisander his life of which I never repent me for thou falsely and cowardly slew his father but win traitorly for his good deeds I pray Almighty Jesus send Alisander might and strength to be revenge upon thee and now beware King Mark of young Alisander for he is made a knight alas said King Mark that ever I should hear a traitor say so for me and there with four knights of King Marks drew their swords to slay Sir Saddock but unknown Sir Saddock slew them all in King Mark's presence and then Sir Saddock passed forth into his chamber and took his horse and his harness and rode on his way a good pace for there was neither Sir Tristram neither Sir Dinas nor Sir Fergus that would Sir Saddock any evil will then was King Mark wroth and thought to destroy Sir Alisander and Sir Saddock that had saved him for King Mark dreaded and hated Alisander for most of any man living when Sir Tristram understood that Alisander was made knight and known forthwithall he sent him a letter praying him and charging him that he would draw him to the court of King Arthur and that he put him in the rule and in the hands of Sir Lancelot so this letter was sent to Alisander from his cousins Sir Tristram and at that time he thought to do after his commandment then King Mark called a knight that brought him the tidings from Alisander and bade him abide still in that country Sir said that night so must I do for in my own country I dare not come no force said King Mark I shall give thee here double as much lands as ever thou hadst of thine own but within short space Sir Saddock met with that false knight and slew him then was King Mark Woodroth out of measure then he sent unto Queen Morgan Le Fay unto the Queen of North Gaeles praying them in his letter that they too saw services would set all the country in fire with ladies that were enchantresses and by such that were dangerous knights as Malgrin Breusanspiti that by no mean Alisander Le Orphalan should escape but either he should be taken or slain this ordinance made King Mark for to destroy Alisander Chapter 36 Now turn we again unto Sir Alisander that at his departing his mother took with him his father's bloody shirt so that he bear with him always till his death day in tokening to think of his father's death Alisander purposed to ride to London by the council of Sir Tristram to Sir Launcelot and by fortune he went by the seaside and rode wrong and there he won at a tournament the gree that King Karados made and there he smote down King Karados and 20 of his knights and also Sir Safair a good knight that was Sir Palomedes brother the good knight all this saw a damsel and saw the best knight just that ever she saw and ever as he smote down knights he made them to swear to wear none harness in a 12 month and a day this is well said said Morgan Le Fay this is the knight that I would feign see and so she took her palfry and rode a great while and then she rested her in her pavilion so there came four knights two were armed and two were unarmed and they told Morgan Le Fay their names the first was Elias de Gomeret the second was Kari de Gomeret those were armed the other twain were Camillard Cassin Santot Queen Ghaniver and that one height guy and that other height Garond those were unarmed there these four knights told Morgan Le Fay how a young knight had smitten them down before a castle for the maiden of that castle said that he was but late midnight and young but as we suppose but if it were Sir Tristram or Sir Lancelot or Sir Lamarac the good knight there is none that might sit him above it with a spare well said Morgan Le Fay I shall meet that knight or it be long time and he dwell in that country so turn we to the damsel of the castle that when Alissander Le Orphelin had forejusted the four knights she called him to her and said thus Sir Knight will thou for my sake just and fight with a knight for my sake of this country that is and hath been long time an evil neighbor to me his name is Malgrin and he will not suffer me to be married in no manner wise for all that I can do or any knight for my sake damsel said Alissander and he come whilst I am here I will fight with him and my poor body for your sake I will jeopard and there with all she sent for him for he was at her commandment and when either had a sight of other they made them ready for to just and they came together eagerly and Malgrin dressed his spear upon Alissander and Alissander smote him again so hard that he bear him quite from his saddle to the earth but this Malgrin arose lightly and dressed his shield and drew his sword and bade him a light saying though thou have the better of me on horseback thou shalt find that I shall endure like a knight on foot it is well said said Alissander and so lightly he avoided his horse and betook him to his varlet and then they rushed together like two boars and laid on their helms and shields long time by the space of three hours that never man could say which was the better knight and in the meanwhile came Morgan Lefe to the damsel of the castle and they beheld the battle but this Malgrin was an old rotted knight and he was called one of the dangerous knights of the world to do battle on foot but on horseback there were many better and ever this Malgrin awaited to slay Alissander and so wounded him wonderfully sore that it was marvel that ever he might stand for he had bled so much blood for Alissander fought wildly and not wittily and that other was a felonious knight and awaited him and smote him sore long time they rushed together with their shields like two boars or rams and fell grovelling both to the earth now night said Malgrin hold thy hand awild and tell me what thou art I will not said Alissander but if me list but tell me thy name and why thou keeps this country or else thou shall die of my hands with thou well said Malgrin that for this maidens love I have slain ten good nights by mishap and by outrage and orglity of myself I have slain ten other nights so God me help said Alissander this is the foulest confession that ever I heard night make nor never heard I speak of other men of such a shameful confession wherefore it were great pity and great shame unto me any longer therefore keep thee as well as ever thou mayst for as I am true night either thou shall slay me or else I shall slay thee I promise thee faithfully then they lashed together fiercely and at the last Alissander smote Malgrin to the earth and then he raised off his helm and smote off his head lightly and when he had done and ended and known he called to him his varlet the witch brought him his horse and then he weaning to be strong enough would have mounted and so she laid Sir Alissander in a horse litter and led him into the castle for he had no foot nor might to stand upon the earth for he had sixteen great wounds and in a special one of them was likely to be his death Chapter 37 Queen Morgan Le Fay searched his wounds and gave such an ointment unto him that he should have died and on the morn when she came to him he complained him sore and then she put other ointments upon him and then he was out of his pain then came the damsel of the castle and said unto Morgan Le Fay I pray you help me that this night might wed me for he hath won me with his hands ye shall see said Morgan Le Fay what I shall say then Morgan Le Fay went unto Alissander and bade in any wise that he should refuse this lady and she desired to wed you for she is not for you so the damsel came and decided of him marriage damsel said Orphelin I thank you but as yet I cast me not to marry in this country see then ye will not marry me I pray you in so much as he have won me that ye will give me to a night of this country that hath been my friend and loved me many years with all my heart said Alissander I will ascend thereto then was the night sent for his name was Gerin Legros and anon he made them handfast and wedded them then came Queen Morgan Le Fay and bade him a rise and put him in a horse litter and gave in such a drink that in three days and three nights he waked never but slept and so she brought him to her own castle that at that time was called Labille Regarde then Morgan Le Fay came to Alissander and asked him if he would fain be whole who would be sick said Alissander and he might be whole well said Morgan Le Fay then shall you promise me by your knighthood that this day twelve month and a day ye shall not pass the compass of this castle and without doubt ye shall lightly be whole I ascend said Ser Alissander and there he made her a promise then was he soon whole and when Alissander was whole then he repented him of his oath for he might not be revenged upon Queen Mark right so there came a damsel that was cussing to the passer and she was cussing to Morgan Le Fay and by right that castle of Labille Regarde should have been hers by true inheritance so this damsel entered into this castle where lie Alissander and there she found him upon his bed passing heavy and all sad Chapter 38 Ser Knight said the damsel and ye would be married I could tell you good tidings well were me said Alissander and I might hear of good tidings for now I stand as a prisoner by my promise Ser she said which you will that you be a prisoner and worse than you wean for my lady my cussing Queen Morgan Le Fay keeps you here for none other intent but for doer pleasure with you when it likeeth her oh Jesus defend me said Alissander from such pleasure for I had leave her cut away my hangar then I would do her such pleasure as Jesus help me said the damsel and ye would love me and be ruled by me I shall make you deliverance with your worship tell me said Alissander by what means and ye shall have my love fair knight she said this castle right or to be mine and I have an uncle the which is a mighty earl he's the earl of Pase and of all forks he hateeth most Morgan Le Fay and I shall send unto him and pray him for my sake to destroy this castle for the evil customs that be used therein and then will he come and set wildfire on every part of the castle and I shall get you out where shall ye have your horse and your harness ye say well damsel said Alissander and then she said ye may keep the room of this castle this twelve month and a day then break ye not your oath truly fair damsel said Alissander ye say sooth and then he kissed her and did to her pleasant as it pleased them both at times and leshers so unknown she sent unto her uncle and made him come and destroy that castle for as the book said he would have destroyed that castle a four time had not that damsel been when the earl understood her letters he sent her word again that on such a day he would come and destroy that castle so when that day came she showed Alissander a poston where through he should flee into a garden behind his armor and his horse when the day came that was set dither came the earl of Passe with four hundred knights and set on fire all the parts of the castle that or they ceased they left not a stone standing and all this while that the fire was in the castle he abode in the garden and when the fire was done he let make a cry that he would keep that piece of earth there and the deal regard was a twelve month and a day from all manner knights that would come so it happened there was a duke that hight and serious and he was the king of Sir Launcelot and this night was a great pilgrim for every third year he would be at Jerusalem and because he used all his life to go into pilgrimage men called him Duke and serious the pilgrim and this duke had a daughter that hight Alice that was a passing fair woman and because of her father she was called Alice La Bill Pilgrim and unknown as she heard of this cry she went unto Arthur's court and said openly in hearing of many nights that what night may overcome that night that keepeth that piece of earth shall have me and all my lands when the knights of the round table heard he say thus many were glad for she was fair and of great grants right so she let cry in castles and towns as fast on her side as Alice Sander did on his side then she dressed her pavilion straight by the piece of earth that Alice Sander kept so she was not so soon there but there came a night of Arthur's court that hight Sagramor Ledesirius and he proffered to just with Alice Sander and they encountered Sagramor Ledesirius prist his spear upon Sir Alice Sander but Sir Alice Sander smote him so hard that he avoided his saddle and when La Bill Alice saw him just so well she thought him a passing goodly night on horseback and then she leapt out of her pavilion and took Sir Alice Sander by the bridle and thus she said fair knight I require thee of thy knighthood show me thy visage I dare well said Alice Sander show my visage and then he put off his helm and she saw his visage she said oh sweet Jesus thee I must love and never other then show me your visage said he Chapter 39 then she unwimpled her visage and when he saw her he said here have I found my love and my lady truly fair lady said he I promise you to be your knight and none other that beareth the life now gentle knight said she tell me your name my name is said he Alice Sander Le Orphalan now damsel tell me your name said he my name is said she is Labille Pilgrim and when we be more at our heartsies both ye and I shall tell other of what blood we become so there was great love betwixt them and as they thus talk there came a knight that hight Harus La Berbus and asked part of Sir Alice Sander's bears then Sir Alice Sander encountered him and at the first Sir Alice Sander smote him over his horse crop and then there came another knight that hight Sir Hefgon and Sir Alice Sander smote him down as he did that other then Sir Hefgon proffered to do battle on foot Sir Alice Sander overcame him with three strokes and there would have slain him had he not yielded him so then Alice Sander made both knights to swear to wear none armour in a twelve month and a day then Sir Alice Sander alighted dressed him and repose him then the damsel that helped Sir Alice Sander out of the castle in her play told Alice all together how he was a prisoner in the castle of Labille Regarde and there she told her now she got him out of prison Sir said Alice Labille pilgrim me seems ye are much beholding to this maiden that is truth said Sir Alice Sander and there Alice told him what blood she was come Sir witchy well she said that I am the blood of Kinban that was father unto Sir Lonselotte ye was fair lady Sir Alice Sander my mother told me that my father was brother unto a king and I nigh cousin unto Sir Tristram then this while came there three knights that one hiked veins and the other hiked harvests dilly marches and the third hiked Perin and with one spare Sir Alice Sander smote them down all three and gave them such false that they had no list to fight upon foot so he made them to swear to wear none arms in a twelve month so when they were departed Sir Alice Sander beheld his lady Alice on horseback as he stood in her pavilion and then he was so enamoured upon her that he wished not whether he were on horseback or on foot right so came the false knight Sir Mordred and so Sir Alice Sander was assotted upon his lady and there with all he took his horse by the bridle and led him here and there and had cast to have led him out of that place to have shamed him when the damsel that helped him out of that castle saw how shamefully he was led and known she let arm her and set a shield upon her shoulder and therewith she mounted upon his horse and got a naked sword in her hand and she thrust on to Alice Sander with all her might and she gave him such a buffet that he thought the fire flew out of his iron and when Alice Sander felt that stroke he looked about him and drew his sword and when she saw that she fled and so did Mordred into the forest and the damsel fled into the pavilion so when Alice Sander understood himself how the false knight would have shamed him had not the damsel been then was he wroth with himself that Sir Mordred was so escaped his hands but then Sir Alice Sander and Alice had good game at the damsel how sadly she hit him upon the helm then Sir Alice Sander justed thus day by day and on foot he did many battles with many knights of King Arthur's court and with many knights strangers therefore to tell all the battles that he did it were over much to rehearse for every day within that twelve month he had a do with one knight or with other and some day he had a do with three or with four and there was never knight that put him to the worse and at the twelve months end he departed with his lady Alice Labille Pilgrim and the damsel would never go from him and so they went into their country of Benoy and lived there in great joy End of Book 10 Chapters 34-39 Read by Lars Rolander Chapters 40-46 Book 10 Volume 2 of Le Mord Arthur This is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Lars Rolander Le Mord Arthur Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory Chapter 40 But as the book said King Mark would never stint till he had slain him by treason and by Alice he got a child that hiked belengorous libous and by good fortune he came to the court of King Arthur and proved a passing good knight and he revenged his father's death for the false King Mark slew both the Tristram and Alissander falsely and feloniously and it happened so that Alissander had never graced nor fortune to come to King Arthur's court for and he had come to Sir Lawnslot all knight said that knew him he was one of the strongest knights that was in Arthur's days and late Dole was made for him so let we of him pass and turn we to another tale so it befell that Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince was lord of the country of Sir Luce whereof came many good knights and this noble prince was a passing good man of arms and ever he held a noble fellowship together and then he came to Arthur's court and told him his intent how this was his will how he would let cry a just in the country of Sir Luce the which country was within the lands of King Arthur and there he asked leave to let cry a just I will give you leave said King Arthur but with the well said King Arthur I may not be there Sir said Queen Canaver please sit you to give me leave to be at that just with right good will said Arthur for Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince shall have you in governance Sir said Galaholt I will as you will Sir then the Queen I will take with me Sir Lonslot and such knights as please me best do as you list said King Arthur so unknown she commanded Sir Lonslot to make him ready with such knights as he thought best so in every good town and castle of this land was made a cry that in the country of Sir Luce Sir Galaholt should make a just that should last eight days and how the Horde Prince with the help of Queen Canaver's knights should just against all manner of men that would come when this cry was known kings and princes dukes and urls parents and noble knights made them ready to be at their justs and at the day of justing there came in Sir Dinan disguised and did many great deeds of arms Chapter 41 then at the request of Queen Canaver and of King Magda Margus Sir Lonslot came into the range but he was disguised and that was the cause that few folk knew him and there he met with Sir Héctor de Maris his own brother and either break their spares upon other to their hands and then either got another spare and then Sir Lonslot smote down Sir Héctor de Maris his own brother that saw Sir Bleobris and he smote Sir Lonslot such a buffet upon the helm that he wished not well where he was then Sir Lonslot was rothy and smote Sir Bleobris so sore upon the helm that his head barred down backward and he smote another buffet that he avoided his saddle and so he rode by and thrust forth to the thickest when the King of North Galis saw Sir Héctor and Bleobris lie on the ground then was he wroth for they came on his party against them of Sir Luz so the King of North Galis ran to Sir Lonslot and bare upon him all to pieces therewith Sir Lonslot overtook the King of North Galis and smote him such a buffet on the helm with his sword that he made him to avoid his horse and unknown the King was horse again so both the King Bag de Maris and the King of North Galis party hurled to other and then began a strong medley but they of North Galis were far bigger Sir Lonslot so his party go to the worst he thrang into the thickest press with a sword in his hand and there he smote down on the right hand and on the left hand and pulled down knights and raised off their helms that all men had wonder that ever one night might do such deeds of arms when Sir Millie Argon's that was son unto King Bag de Maris so how Sir Lonslot fared he marveled greatly and when he understood that it was he he wished well that he was disguised for his sake then Sir Millie Argon's prayed a knight to slay Sir Lonslot's horse either with sword or with spare at that time King Bag de Maris met with a knight that hight Soses a good knight to whom he said now fair Soses encounter with my son Millie Argon's gave him large payment for I would he were well beaten of thy hands that he might depart out of this field and then Sir Soses encountered with Sir Millie Argon's and either smote other down and then they fought on foot and there Soses had won Sir Millie Argon's had there not come rescues so then the Horde Prince blew to lodging and every night unarmed him and went to the great feast then in the meanwhile there came a damosol to the Horde Prince and complained that there was a knight that hight Goneris that withheld her all her lands then the knight was there present and cast his glove to her or to any that would fight in her name so the damosol took up the glove all heavily for default of a champion then there came a varlet to her and said damosol will you do after me full feign said the damosol then go you unto such a knight that lies there beside in a hermitage and that follows the questing beast and pray him to take the battle upon him and a known I what well he will grant you so a known she took her palfry and within a while she found that knight Palomedis and when she required him he armed him and rode with her and made her to go to the Horde Prince and to ask leave for her knight to do battle I will well said the Horde Prince then the knights were ready in the field to just on horseback and either got a spear in their hands and met so fiercely together that their spears all to shivered then they flang out swords and Sir Palomedis smoked sargoneris down to the earth and then he raised off his helm and smote off his head then they went to supper and the damosol loved Palomedis as paramour but the book says she was of his skin so then Palomedis disguised himself in this manner in his shield he bear the questing beast and in all his trappings and when he was thus ready he sent to the Horde Prince to give him leave to just with other knights but he was adopted of Sir Launcelot the Horde Prince sent him word again that he should be welcome and that Sir Launcelot should not just with him then Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince let cry what knights some ever he were that smote down Sir Palomedis should have his damosol to himself Chapter 42 Here beginneth the second day a known as Sir Palomedis came into the field Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince was at the range end and met with Sir Palomedis and he with him with great spares and then they came so hard together that their spares all to shivered but Sir Galaholt smote him so hard that he bare him backward over his horse but yet he lost not his stirrups then they drew their swords and lashed together many sad strokes that many worshipful knights left their business to behold them but at the last Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince smote a stroke of might unto Palomedis sore upon the helm but the helm was so hard that the sword might not bite but slipped and smote off the head of the horse of Sir Palomedis when the Horde Prince whisked and saw the good knight fall unto the earth he was ashamed of that stroke and therewith he alighted down of his own horse and prayed the good knight Palomedis to take that horse of his gift and to forgive him that deed Sir said Palomedis I thank you of your great goodness for ever of a man of worship a knight shall never have worship and so he mounted upon that horse and the Horde Prince had another unknown now said the Horde Prince I release to you that maiden for ye have won her ah said Palomedis the damocel and I be at your commandment so they departed and Sir Galaholt did great deeds of arms and right so came Dinedan and encountered with Sir Galaholt and either came to other so fast with their spears that their spears break to their hands but Dinedan weaned the Horde Prince had been more weary than he was and then he smote many sad strokes at the Horde Prince but when Dinedan saw he might not get him to the earth he said my lord I pray you leave me and take another the Horde Prince knew not Dinedan and left goodly for his fair words and so they departed but soon there came another and told the Horde Prince that it was Dinedan for sooth said the Prince therefore am I heavy that he is so escaped from me for with his mocks and japes now shall I never have done with him and then Galaholt rode fast after him and bade him I Dinedan for King Arthur's sake nay said Dinedan so God me help we meet no more together this day then in that wrath the Horde Prince met with melly organs and he smote him in the throat that and he had fallen his neck had broken and with the same spear he smote down another night then came in they of North Galys and many strangers like to have put them of Sir Luz to the worse for Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince had ever much in hand so there came the good night Samoon the valiant with forty nights and he beat them all back then the Queen Ganevar and Sir Lonslott let blow to lodging and every night unarmed him and dressed him to the feast Chapter 43 when Palomedes was unarmed he asked lodging for himself and the damsel and known the Horde Prince commanded them to lodging and he was not so soon in his lodging but there came a night that hight arched he was brother Antogonieris that Palomedes slew a four in the damsel's quarrel and this night arched called Sir Palomedes traitor and appealed him for the death of his brother by the leave of the Horde Prince said Palomedes I shall answer thee when Sir Galaholt understood their quarrel he bade them go to dinner and as soon as he have dined look that either night be ready in the field so when they had dined they were armed both and took their horses and the Queen and the Prince and Sir Lonslott were said to behold them and so they let run their horses and there Sir Palomedes bare arched on his spear over his horse's tail and then Palomedes alighted and drew his sword but Sir arched might not arise and there Sir Palomedes raised off his helm and smote off his head then the Horde Prince and Queen Ganover went on to supper then King Bagdemargo sent away his son Miliagons because Sir Lonslott should not meet with him for he hated Sir Lonslott and that knew he not Chapter 44 now beginneth the third day of justing and at that day King Bagdemargo made him ready and there came against him King Marcel that had in gift an island of Sir Galaholt the Horde Prince and this island had the name Palomedes then it befell that King Bagdemargo and King Marcel of Palomedes met together with spares and King Marcel had such a buffet that he fell over his horse's crew then came therein a night of King Marcel to revenge his lord and King Bagdemargo smote him down horse and man to the earth so there came an earth that hight arouse and Sir Brose and a hundred nights with them of Palomedes and the King both Galys was with them and all these were against them of Sir Luz and then there began great battle and many nights were cast under horse's feet and ever King Bagdemargo did best for he first began and ever he held on Gaharis, Gavain's brothers smote ever at the face of King Bagdemargo and at the last King Bagdemargo hurled down Gaharis, horse and man then by adventure Sir Palomedes the good night met with Sir Blammer the Ghanis Sir Bleuber's brother and either smote other with great spares that both their horses and knights fell to the earth but Sir Blammer had such a fall that he had almost broken his neck for the blood brassed out of nose, mouth and his ears but at the last he recovered well by good surgeons then there came in the Duke Chalains of Clarence and in his governance there came a knight that hight Elyse Lanoir and there encountered with him King Bagdemargo and he smote Elyse that he made him to avoid his saddle so the Duke Chalains of Clarence did their great deeds of arms and of so late as he came in the third day there was no man did so well with King Bagdemargo and Sir Palomedes that the price was given that day to King Bagdemargo and then they blew unto lodging and unarmed them and went to the feast right so came Dynidan and mocked and dept with King Bagdemargo that all knights laughed at him for he was a fine japper and well loving all good knights so known as they had in line there came a varlet bearing four spears on his back and he came to Palomedes and said thus here is a knight by has sent you the choice of four spears and requires you for your lady's sake to take that one half of these spears and just with him in the field tell him said Palomedes I will not fail him when Sir Galaholt wished of this make him ready so the Queen Ganyver, the Horde Prince and Sir Lonsolot they were set upon scaffolds to give the judgment of these two knights then Sir Palomedes and the strange knight ran so eagerly together that their spears break to their hands and on with all either of them took a great spear in his hand and all two shivered them in pieces and then either took a greater spear and then the knight smoked down Sir Palomedes horse and man to the earth and as he would have passed over him the strange knight's horse stumbled and fell down upon Palomedes then they drew their swords and lashed together wonderfully sore a great while then the Horde Prince and Sir Lonsolot said they saw never two knights fight better than they did but ever the strange knight stroked and put Palomedes back there with all the Horde Prince cried oh and then they went to lodging and when they were unarmed they knew it was the noble knight Sir Lamorak when Sir Lonsolot knew that it was Sir Lamorak he made much of him for above all earthly men he loved him best except Sir Tristram then Queen Ganyver commended him and so did all other good knights who made much of him except Sir Gavain's brethren then Queen Ganyver said unto Sir Lonsolot Sir I require you that and ye just anymore that ye just with none of the blood of my lord Arthur so he promised he would not as at that time Chapter 45 Here begins the fourth day then came into the field the king with the hundred knights and all they of North Gallis and the duke cellins of Clarence and King Marcel of Pometaine and there came Saffair Palomedes brother and there he told him tidings of his mother and his name was called the Earl and so he appealed him for King Arthur for he made war upon our father and mother and there I slew him in plain battle so they went into the field and the damsel with them and there came to encounter again them Sir Bloebers Tagueris and Sir Ector de Maris Sir Palomedes encountered with Sir Bloebers and either smote other down and in the same wise did Sir Saffair and Sir Ector and the two couples did battle on foot then came in Sir Lamarac and he encountered with the king with the hundred knights and smote in quite over his horses tail and in the same wise he served the king of North Gallis and also he smote down King Marcel and so or ever he smote down with his spear and with his sword thirty knights when duke cellins saw Lamarac do so great prowess he would not meddle with him for shame and then he charged all his knights in pain of death that none of you touch him they were shamed to all good knights and that knight were shamed then the two kings gathered them together and all they set upon Sir Lamarac and he failed them not but rushed here and there smiting on the right hand and on the left and raised off many helms so that the Horde Prince and Queen Ganover said they saw never knight do such deeds of arms on horseback alas said launcelot to king Bagdemarcus I will army and help Sir Lamarac and I will ride with you said king Bagdemarcus and when they two were horse they came to Sir Lamarac that stood among thirty knights and well was him that might reach him a buffett and ever he smote again mightily then came there into the presser launcelot and he threw down Sir Marder the Laporte and with the truncheon of that spear he threw down many knights and king Bagdemarcus smote on the left hand and on the right hand marvellously well and then the three kings fled a back there with all then Sir Galaholt let blue to lodging and all the heralds gave Sir Lamarac the price and all this while fought Palomedes Sir Bleobris Sir Saffair Sir Ector on foot never were there four knights evener and then they were departed and had unto their lodging and unarmed them and so they went to the great feast but when Sir Lamarac was come into the court Queen Ganaver took him in her arms and said Sir well have ye done this day then came the hot prince and made of him great joy and so did Dinidan for he wept for joy but the joy that Sir Launcelot and Sir Lamarac there might no man tell then they went unto rest and on the mourn the hot prince let blow unto the feed Chapter 46 Here beginneth the fifth day so it befell that Sir Palomedes came in the mourn tide and proffered to just there as King Arthur was in a castle there beside Sir Luce and there encountered with him and there Sir Palomedes smote him over his horse's crew and this duke was uncle unto King Arthur then Sir Elise's son rode unto Palomedes and Palomedes served Elise in the same vice when Sir Uvein saw this he was wroth then he took his horse and encountered with Sir Palomedes and Palomedes smote him so hard that he went to the earth and to make a short tale he smote down three brethren of Sir Gavein that is for to say Mordred, Gaheeris and Agravein O Jesus said Arthur this is a great despite of a Saracen that he shall smite down my own blood and there with all King Arthur was wood wroth and thought to have made him ready to just that is spied Sir Lamarac and a known he was ready and ask Palomedes if he would any more just why should I not said Palomedes then they hurtled together and break their spares and all to shiver them that all the castle rang of their dints then either got a greater spare in his hand and they came so fiercely together but Sir Palomedes spare all to breast and Sir Lamarac did hold there with all Sir Palomedes lost his stirrups and lay upright on his horse's back and then Sir Palomedes returned again and took his damsel and Sir Saffair returned his way so when he was departed King Arthur came to Sir Lamarac and thanked him of his goodness and prayed him to tell him his name Sir said Lamarac with the well I owe you my service but as at this time I will not abide here for I see of mine enemies many about me Alas said Arthur now what I will it is Sir Lamarac to Gaelis Oh Lamarac abide with me and by my crown I shall never fail thee and not so hardy in Gavain's head nor none of his brethren to do thee any wrong Sir said Sir Lamarac wrong had they done me and to you both that is truth said the king for they slew their own mother and my sister the witch me saw grievous it had been much fairer and better that he had wedded her for ye are a king's son as well as they Oh Jesus said the noble knight Sir Lamarac unto Arthur her death shall I never forget I promise you and make mine a vow unto God I shall revenge her death as soon as I see time convenable and if it were not at the reverence of your highness I should now have been revenge upon Sir Gavain and his brethren truly said Arthur I will make you at accord Sir said Lamarac as at this time I may not abide with you for I must to the justs where is Sir Loncelot and the whole Prince Sir Gallaholt then there was a damsel that was daughter to King Bandus and there was a Saracen knight that had Corsabrine and he loved the damsel and in no wise he would suffer her to be married for ever this Corsabrine noised her and named her that she was out of her mind and thus he let her that she might not be married