 Chapters 84-88, Book 10, Volume 2 of Les Morts d'Artours. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, reading by Lars Rolander. Les Morts d'Artours, Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory, Chapter 84. Then Sir Palomedes took the lady by the hand and brought her to Sir Epinogris, and there was great joy betwixt them, for either swooned for joy. When they were met, Fair Knight and Lady said Sir Saffaire, It were pity to depart you, Jesus send you joy either of other. Grammarcy gentle knight said Epinogris, and much more thanks be to my lord Sir Palomedes that thus hath through his prowess made me to get my lady. Then Sir Epinogris required Sir Palomedes and Sir Saffaire, his brother, to ride with them unto his castle, for the safeguard of his person. Sir said Palomedes, We will be ready to conduct you because that ye are sore wounded, and so was Epinogris and his lady Horst and his lady behind him upon a soft ammler. And then they rode unto his castle, where they had great share and joy, as great as ever Sir Palomedes and Sir Saffaire had in their life days. So on the morning Sir Saffaire and Sir Palomedes departed, day until afternoon, and at the last they heard a great weeping and a great noise down in a manner. Sir said then Sir Saffaire, Let us with what noise this is. I will well, said Sir Palomedes, and so they rode forth till that they came to a fair gate of a manor, and there sat an old man saying his prayers and beats. Then Sir Palomedes and Sir Saffaire alighted and left their horses and went within the gates, and there they saw full many goodly men weeping. Fair sirs, said Palomedes, Wherefore weep ye and make this sorrow? An own one of the knights of the castle beheld Sir Palomedes and knew him, and then went to his fellows and said, Fair fellows, which ye well all, we have in this castle the same night that slew our lord at Lonacep, for I know him well. It is Sir Palomedes. Then they went unto harness, all that might bear harness, some on horseback and some on foot, to the number of three score, and when they were ready they came freshly upon Sir Palomedes and upon Sir Saffaire with a great noise, and said thus, Keep thee, Sir Palomedes, for thou art known, and by right thou must be dead, for thou hast slain our lord, and therefore which ye well we will slay thee, therefore defend thee. Then Sir Palomedes and Sir Saffaire, the one set his back to the other, and gave many great strokes, and took many great strokes, and thus they fought with twenty knights and forty gentlemen and geoman night two hours. But at the last though they were loath, Sir Palomedes and Sir Saffaire were taken and jolled them, and put in a strong prison, and within three days twelve night passed upon them, and they found Sir Palomedes guilty, and Sir Saffaire not guilty of their lord's death. And when Sir Saffaire should be delivered, there was great dull between Sir Palomedes and him, and many pictures complaints that Sir Saffaire made at his departing, there is no maker can rehearse the tenth part. Fair brother, said Palomedes, let be thy dollar and thy sorrow, and if I be ordained to die a shameful death, welcome be it, but and I had wist of this death that I am deemed unto, I should never have been jolden. So Sir Saffaire departed from his brother, within the greatest dollar and sorrow that ever made night. And on the morning day of the castle ordained twelve knights to ride with Sir Palomedes unto the father of the same night that Sir Palomedes slew, and so they bound his legs under an old steed's belly, and then they rode with Sir Palomedes unto a castle by the seaside, that high Pilonis, and there Sir Palomedes should have justice. Thus was their ordinance, and so they rode with Sir Palomedes, fast by the castle of Joyous Guard, and as they passed by that castle, there came riding out of that castle by them one that knew Sir Palomedes, and when that night saw Sir Palomedes bounden upon a crooked coarser, the night asked Sir Palomedes for what course he was led so. Ah, my fair fellow, and night said Palomedes, I ride toward my death for the slaying of a night at a tournament of Lonacep, and if I had not departed from my Lord Sir Tristram as I ought not to have done, now, mate, I have been sure to have had my life saved. But I pray you, Sir Knight, recommend me unto my Lord Sir Tristram, and unto my Lady Queen Issun, and say to them, if ever I trespass to them, I ask them forgiveness, and also I beseech you, recommend me unto my Lord King Arthur, and to all the fellowship of the round table unto my power. Then that night wept for pity of Sir Palomedes, and there with all he rode unto Joyous Guard as fast as his horse might run, and lightly that night descended down of his horse, and went unto Sir Tristram, and there he told him all as he have heard, and ever the night wept as he had been mad. CHAPTER 85 When Sir Tristram heard how Sir Palomedes went to his death, he was heavy to hear that, and said, How, Bait, that I am wroth with Sir Palomedes, yet will not I suffer him to die so shameful a death, for he is a full noble knight. And then a known Sir Tristram was armed, and took his horse and two squires with him, and rode a great pace toward the castle of Pellones, where Sir Palomedes was judged to death. And these twelve nights that led Sir Palomedes past by a well, whereas Sir Launcelot was, which was alighted there, and had tied his horse to a tree, and taken off his helm to drink of that well. And when he saw these nights, Sir Launcelot put on his helm, and suffered them to pass by him. And then was he aware of Sir Palomedes' bounden, and led shamefully to his death. Oh, Jesus, said Launcelot, what misadventure has befallen him, that he is thus led toward his death. For sooth, said Launcelot, it was shame to me to suffer this noble knight, so to die, and I might help him. Therefore I will help him, what some ever come of it, or else I shall die for Sir Palomedes' sake. And then Sir Launcelot mounted upon his horse, and got his spear in his hand, and rode after the twelve nights that led Sir Palomedes. Fair nights, said Sir Launcelot, with a legi that night, it besieged him full ill to ride bounden. Then these twelve nights suddenly turned their horses, and said to Sir Launcelot, Sir Knight, we counsel thee not to meddle with this knight, for he hath deserved death, and unto death he is judged. That me repenteth, said Launcelot, that I may not borrow him with fairness, for he is overgood a knight to die such a shameful death. And therefore fair nights, said Sir Launcelot, keep you as well as ye can, for I will rescue that knight, or die for it. Then they began to dress their spears, and Sir Launcelot smote the foremost down horse and man, and so he served three more with one spear, and then that spear brassed, and therewith all Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and then he smote on the right hand and on the left hand. Then within a while he left none of those twelve nights, but he had laid them to the earth, and the most part of them were sore wounded. And then Sir Launcelot took the best horse that he found, and loosed Sir Palomedis and set him upon that horse, and so they returned again unto joy's guard, and then was Sir Palomedis aware of Sir Tristram how he came riding, and when Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him well, but Sir Tristram knew him not, because Sir Launcelot had on his shoulder a golden shield. So Sir Launcelot made him ready to just with Sir Tristram that Sir Tristram should not wean that he were Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Palomedis cried aloud to Sir Tristram, Oh my lord, I require you just not with this knight, for this good knight hath saved me from my death. When Sir Tristram heard him say so, he came a soft trotting pace toward them, and then Sir Palomedis said, My lord Sir Tristram, much am I beholding unto you of your great goodness that would proffer your noble body to rescue me underserved, for I have greatly offended you. Notwithstanding said Sir Palomedis, here met me with this noble knight that worshipfully and manly rescued me from twelve knights, and smote them down all and wounded them sore. Chapter 86 Fair knight said Sir Tristram unto Sir Launcelot, Oh whence be ye? I am knight errant said Sir Launcelot, that rideeth to seek many adventures. What is your name said Sir Tristram? Sir, at this time I will not tell you. Then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Tristram and to Palomedis. Now either of you are met together, I will depart from you. Not so said Sir Tristram, I pray you of knighthood to ride with me unto my castle. With you well said Sir Launcelot, I may not ride with you, for I have many deeds to do in other places, that at this time I may not abide with you. Ah, mercy Jesus said Sir Tristram, I require you as ye be a true knight to the order of knighthood. Play you with me this night. Then Sir Tristram had a grant of Sir Launcelot, howbate though he had not decided him he would have ridden with them. Now their soon have come after them, for Sir Launcelot came for none other course into that country but for to see Sir Tristram. And when they were come with enjoyous guard, they alighted, and their horses were led into a stable, and then they unarmed them. And when Sir Launcelot was unhelmed, Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedis knew him. Sir Tristram took Sir Launcelot in arms, and so did Labil is soon. And Palomedis kneeled down upon his knees, and thanked Sir Launcelot. When Sir Launcelot saw Sir Palomedis kneel, he lightly took him up and said thus. With you well, Sir Palomedis, I and any knight in this land, a worship ought of very right succour and rescue, so noble a knight as ye are proved and renown throughout all this realm, enlong and overthwart. And then was their joy among them, and the oftener that Sir Palomedis saw Labil is soon, the heavier he waxed day by day. Then Sir Launcelot within three or four days departed, and with him rode Sir Ector de Maris and Dinidam, and Sir Palomedis were there lived with Sir Tristram a two months or more. But ever Sir Palomedis faded and mourned, that all men had marvel, wherefore he faded so away. So upon a day in the dawning, Sir Palomedis went into the forest by himself alone, and there he found a well, and then he looked into the well, and in the water he saw his own visage, how he was disturbed and defaded. Nothing like what he was. What may this mean, said Sir Palomedis, and thus he said to himself, Ah Palomedis, Palomedis, why art thou defaded, thou that was want to be called one of the fairest knights of the world? I will no more lead this life, for I love that I may never get nor recover. And there with all he laid him down by the well, and then he began to make a rhyme of Labili Sud and him. And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram was that same day ridden into the forest to chase the heart of Greece, but Sir Tristram would not ride a hunting never more unarmed, because of serbreuse sans pitié. And so as Sir Tristram rode into that forest up and down, he heard one sing marvellously loud, and that was Sir Palomedis that lay by the well. And then Sir Tristram rode softly thither, for he deemed there was some knight, Aaron, that was at the well. And when Sir Tristram came nigh him, he descended down from his horse, and tied his horse fast till a tree. And then he came near him on foot, and unknown he was swear, where lay Sir Palomedis by the well and sang loud and merrily, and ever the complaints were of that noble queen Labili Sud, the which was marvellously and wonderfully well said, and full dolefully and picturesly made. And all the whole song of the noble knight Sir Tristram heard from the beginning to the ending, the which grieved and troubled him sore. But then at the last when Sir Tristram had heard all Sir Palomedis' complaints, he was wroth out of measure, and thought for to slay him there as he lay. Then Sir Tristram remembered himself that Sir Palomedis was unarmed, and of the noble name that Sir Palomedis had, and the noble name that himself had, and then he made restraint of his anger. And so he went unto Sir Palomedis' soft pace and said, Sir Palomedis, I have heard your complaint, and of thy treason that thou hast owed me so long, and with thou well therefore thou shalt die, and if it were not for shame of knighthood, thou shouldst not escape my hands, for now I know well thou hast awaited me with treason. Tell me, said Sir Tristram, how thou wilt acquit thee. Sir, said Palomedis, thus I will acquit me, as for Queen Labilisud. Ye shall wit well that I love her above all other ladies in this world, and well I what it shall befall me as for her love, as befell to the noble knight Cirque Hydius, that died for the love of Labilisud. And now, Sir Tristram, I will that ye wit that I have loved Labilisud many a day, and she hath been the coarser of my worship, and else I had been the most simplest knight in the world. For by her and because of her I have won the worship that I have, for when I remembered me of Labilisud I won the worship where some ever I came for the most part, and yet had I never reward nor bounty of her the days of my life, and yet have I been her knight, and therefore, Sir Tristram, as for any death I dread not, for I had a sleep die as to live, and if I were armed as thou art, I should lightly do battle with thee. Well have ye uttered your treasons, said Tristram. I have done to you no treasons, said Palomedis, for love is free for all men, and though I have loved your lady, she is my lady as well as yours. Now wait I have wrong, if any wrong be, for ye rejoice her, and have your desire of her, and so had I never, nor never am I like to have, and yet shall I love her to the uttermost days of my life as well as ye. CHAPTER 87 Then said Sir Tristram, I will fight with you to the uttermost. I grant, said Palomedis, for in a better quarrel keep I never to fight, for when I die of your hands, of a better knight's hands may I not be slain, and see then I understand that I shall never rejoice labilly soon. I have as good will to die as to live. Then set ye a day, said Sir Tristram, that we shall do battle. This day fifteen days, said Palomedis, will I meet with you hereby in the meadow under joyous guard. Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, will ye set so long day? Let us fight to mourn. Not so, said Palomedis, for I am meager and have been long sick for the love of labilly soon, and therefore I will repose me till I have my strength again. So then Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedis promised faithfully to meet at the well that day fifteen days. I am remembered, said Sir Tristram to Palomedis, that ye break me once a promise, when that I rescued you from gross sans pitié and nine knights, and then ye promised me to meet me at the Péran and the grave beside Camelot, because at that time ye failed of your promise. Which you well, said Palomedis unto Sir Tristram, I was at that day in prison, so that I might not hold my promise. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, and ye had hold on your promise this work had not been here, now at this time. Right so departed Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedis, and so Sir Palomedis took his horse and his harness, and he rode unto King Arthur's court, and there Sir Palomedis got him four knights and four sergeants of arms, and so he returned again wood unto Joyous Garden, and in the meanwhile Sir Tristram chased and hunted at all manner of venery, and about three days before the battle should be, as Sir Tristram chased an heart there was an archer shot at the heart, and by misfortune he smote Sir Tristram in the thick of the thigh, and the arrow slew Sir Tristram's horse and hurt him. When Sir Tristram was so hurt he was passing heavy, and which ye well he bled sore, and then he took another horse and rode unto Joyous Garden with great heaviness, more for the promise that he had made with Sir Palomedis as to do battle with him within three days after, than for any hurt of his thigh, wherefore there was neither man nor woman that could share him with anything that they could make to him, neither Queen Lobbilly sood, for ever he deemed that Sir Palomedis had smitten him so that he should not be able to do battle with him at the day set. Chapter 88 But in no wise there was no knight about Sir Tristram that would believe that ever Sir Palomedis would hurt Sir Tristram, neither by his own hands nor by none other consenting. Then when the fifteenth day was come, Sir Palomedis came to the well with four knights with him of Arthur's court and three sergeants of arms, and for this intent Sir Palomedis brought the knights with him and the sergeant of arms for they should bear record of the battle between Sir Tristram and Sir Palomedis. And the one sergeant brought in his helm, the other his spare, the third his sword, so thus Palomedis came into the field, and there he abode night two hours, and then he sent two squires unto Sir Tristram and decide him to come into the field to hold his promise. When the squire was come to Teor's guard and known as Sir Tristram heard of his coming, he let command that the squire should come to his presence there as he lay in his bed. My Lord Sir Tristram said Palomedis, squire, which you well, my Lord Palomedis, abideth you in the field, and he would wit whether ye would do battle or not. Ah, my fair brother, said Sir Tristram, wit the well that I am right heavy for these tidings. Therefore tell Sir Palomedis, and I wear well at ease, I would not lie here, nor he should have no need to send for me, and I might either ride or go, and for thou shalt say that I am no liar. Sir Tristram showed him his thigh, that the wound was six inches deep. And now thou hast seen my hurt, tell thy Lord that this is no faint matter, and tell him that I had leafer than all the gold of King Arthur that I were whole, and tell Palomedis as soon as I am whole I shall seek him in long and overthwart, and that I promise you as I am true night, and if ever I may meet with him, he shall have battle of me his fill. And with this the squire departed, and when Palomedis wist that Tristram was hurt, he was glad and said, Now I am sure I shall have no shame, for I what well I should have had hard handling of him, and by likely I must needs have had the worse, for he is the hardest night in battle that now is living except Sir Launcelot. And then departed Sir Palomedis whereas fortune led him, and within a month Sir Tristram was whole of his hurt, and then he took his horse and rode from country to country, and all strange adventures he achieved where some ever he rode, and always he inquired for Sir Palomedis, but of all that quarter of summer Sir Tristram could never meet with Sir Palomedis. But thus a Sir Tristram sought and inquired after Sir Palomedis, Sir Tristram achieved many great battles where through all the noise fell to Sir Tristram, and it ceased of Sir Launcelot, and therefore Sir Launcelot's brethren and his kinsmen would have slain Sir Tristram because of his fame. But when Sir Launcelot wist how his kinsmen were set, he said to them openly, which you well that the envy of you all be so hardy to wait upon my lord Sir Tristram with any hurt, shame or villainy, as I am true knight, I shall slay the best of you with my own hands. Alas, fight for shame, should ye for his noble deeds await upon him to slay him. Gee, so defend, said Launcelot, that ever any noble knight as Sir Tristram is should be destroyed with treason. Of this noise and fame sprang into Cornwall, and among them of Lioness, whereof they were passing glad, and made great joy. And then they of Lioness sent letters unto Sir Tristram of recommendation, and many great gifts to maintain Sir Tristram's estate, and ever between Sir Tristram resorted unto joyous guard, whereas Labili Sud was that loved him as her life. Here endeth the tenth book which is of Sir Tristram, and here followeth the eleventh book which is of Sir Launcelot. End of book 10, chapters 84 to 88, read by Lars Rolander. Chapters 1-4, Book 11, Volume 2 of Le Morte Artour. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Read by Richard Ellwood. Le Morte Artour, Volume 2, by Sir Thomas Mallory. Chapter 1 Now we leave, Sir Tristram de Lioness, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake, and of Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot's son, how he was gotten, and in what manner as the book of French rehearseth. Before the time that Sir Galahad was gotten or born, there came in unhermit unto King Arthur upon Whitsunday, as the night sat at the table round, and when the hermit saw the siege perilous, he asked the king and all the knights why that siege was void. Sir Arthur and all the knights answered, There shall never none sit in that siege but one, but if he be destroyed. Then said the hermit, What ye, what is he? Nay, said Arthur and all the knights, We what not who is he that shall sit therein? Then what I, said the hermit, For he that shall sit there is unborn and ungotten, and this same year he shall be gotten all shall sit there in that siege perilous, and he shall win the sangreel. When this hermit had made this mention, he departed from the court of King Arthur. And then, after this feast, Sir Lancelot rode on his adventure, till on a time by adventure he passed over the point of Corbin. And there he saw the fairest tower that ever he saw, and there, under was a fair town full of people, and all the people, men and women, cried at once, Welcome, Sir Lancelot, you lake, the flower of all knighthood, for by thee all we shall be hopin' out of danger. What mean ye, said Sir Lancelot, that ye cry so upon me? Ah, fair knight, said they all, Here is within this tower a dolerous lady that hath been there in pains many winters and days, for ever she boileth in scalding water. And but late, said all the people, Sir Gwain was here, and he might not help her, and so he left her in pain. So may I, said Sir Lancelot, leave her in pain as well as Sir Gwain did. Nay, said the people, we know well that it is Sir Lancelot that shall deliver her. Well, said Lancelot, then show me what I shall do. Then they brought Sir Lancelot into the tower, and when he came to the chamber there as this lady was, the doors of iron unlocked and unbolted, and so Sir Lancelot went into the chamber that was as hot as any stew. And there Sir Lancelot took the fairest lady by the hand that ever he saw, and she was naked as a needle. And by enchantment Queen Morgan Le Fay, and the Queen of North Gallus, had put her there in that pain, because she was called the fairest lady of that country, and there she had been five years, and never might she be delivered out of her great pains unto the time the best night of the world had taken her by the hand. Then the people brought her clothes, and when she was arrayed Sir Lancelot thought she was the fairest lady of the world, but if it were Queen Guinevere. Then this lady said to Sir Lancelot, Sir, if it please you will ye go with me hereby into a chapel that we may give loving and thanking unto God? Madam, said Sir Lancelot, come on with me. I will go with you. So when they came there and gave thankings unto God, all the people, both learned and lewd, gave thankings unto God and him and said, Sir Knight, since ye have delivered this lady, ye shall deliver us from a serpent there, is here in a tomb. Then Sir Lancelot took his shield and said, Bring me thither, and what I may do unto the pleasure of God and you, I will do. So when Sir Lancelot came thither, he saw written upon the tomb letters of gold that said thus, Here shall come a leopard of King's blood, and he shall slay this serpent. And this leopard shall engender a lion in this foreign country. The witch lion shall pass all other nights. So then Sir Lancelot lift up the tomb, and there came out a horrible and fiendly dragon spitting fire out of his mouth. Then Sir Lancelot drew his sword and fought with the dragon long, and the last, with great pain, Sir Lancelot slew that dragon. There with all came King Pellis, the good and noble knight, and saluted Sir Lancelot and he him again. Fair Knight, said the King, what is your name? I require you of your knighthood, tell me. Chapter 2 Sir, said Sir Lancelot, with you well my name is Sir Lancelot Dulake. And my name is, said the King, Pellis, King of the foreign country, and cousin Nye unto Joseph of Arimathea. And then either of them made much of other, and so they went into the castle to take their past, and on there came in a dove at a window, and in her mouth there seemed a little censor of gold. And here with all there was such a savor as all the spice-ery of the world had been there, and for with all there was upon the table all manner of meats and drinks that they could think upon. So came in a damsel passing fair and young, and she bare a vessel of gold betwixt her hands, and there too the King kneeled devoutly and said his prayers, and so did all that were there. Oh, Jesu, said Sir Lancelot, what may this mean? This is, said the King, the richest thing that any man has living, and when this thing goeth about, the round table shall be broken, and wit thou well, said the King, this is the Holy Sangreel that ye have here seen. So the King and Sir Lancelot led their life the most part of that day, and feign would King Pellis have found the mean to have had Sir Lancelot to have lain by his daughter, Fair Elaine. And for this intent the King knew well that Sir Lancelot should get a child upon his daughter, the wit should be named Sir Galahad, the Good Knight, by whom all the foreign country should be brought out of danger, and by him the Holy Grail should be achieved. Then came forth a lady, that height Dame Bryzen, and she said unto the King, Sir, wit ye well, Sir Lancelot, loveth no lady in the world but all only Queen Guinevere, and therefore work ye by counsel, and I shall make him to lie with your daughter, and ye shall not wit but that he lieth with Queen Guinevere. Oh fair lady, Dame Bryzen said the King, hope ye to bring this about? Sir, said she, upon pain of my life let me deal, for this Bryzen was one of the greatest enchantresses that was at that time in the world living. Then anon by Dame Bryzen's wit she made one to come to Sir Lancelot that he knew well, and this man brought him a ring from Queen Guinevere like as it had come from her, and such one as she was want for the most part to wear. And when Sir Lancelot saw that token wit ye well, he was never so faint. Where is my lady? said Sir Lancelot. In the castle of Case, said the messenger, but five miles hence. Then Sir Lancelot thought to be there the same might, and then this Bryzen by the commandment of King Pellis let send a lane to the castle with twenty-five knights unto the castle of Case. Then Sir Lancelot against night rode unto that castle, and there and on he was received worshipfully with such people to his seeming as were about Queen Guinevere's secret. So when Sir Lancelot was alighted he asked where the Queen was, so Dame Bryzen said she was in her bed, and then the people were avoided, and Sir Lancelot was led unto his chamber. And then Dame Bryzen brought Sir Lancelot a cup full of wine, and anon as he had drunk in that wine he was so assotted and mad that he might make no delay, but without in any let he went to bed. And he weened that maiden a lane had been Queen Guinevere. Whitt you well that Sir Lancelot was glad, and so was that Lady Elaine that she had gotten Sir Lancelot in her arms, for well she knew that same night should be gotten upon her gala-had, that should prove the best night of the world. And so they lay together until Undern of the Morn, and all the windows and holes of that chamber were stopped that no manner of day might be seen. And then Sir Lancelot remembered him, and he arose up and went to the window. CHAPTER III And anon as he had unshot the window the enchantment was gone, and he knew himself that he had done a miss. Alas! said he, that I have lived so long, now am I shamed! So then he got his sword in his hand and said, Thou traitorous, what art thou that I have lain by all this night? Thou shalt die right here of my hands. Then this fair Lady Elaine skipped out of her bed, all naked, and kneeled down a Forser Lancelot and said, Fair, courteous night, come of King's blood, I require you, have mercy upon me, and as thou art renown the most noble night of the world, slay me not, for I have in my womb him by thee that shall be the most noblest night of the world. Ah, false traitorous, said Sir Lancelot, why hast thou betrayed me? Anon tell me what thou art! Sir, she said, I am Elaine, the daughter of King Pellis. Well, said Sir Lancelot, I will forgive you this deed, and therewith he took her up in his arms and kissed her, for she was as fair a Lady, and there too lusty and young, and as wise as any was that time living. So God helped me, said Sir Lancelot, I may not write this to you, but her that made this enchantment upon me as between you and me, and I may find her that same Lady Bryzen, she shall lose her head for witchcrafts, for there was never a night to sieve so as I am this night, and so Sir Lancelot arrayed him and armed him, and took his leave mildly at that Lady Young Elaine, and so he departed. Then she said, my Lord Sir Lancelot, I beseech you, see me as soon as ye may, for I have obeyed me unto the prophecy that my father told me, and by his commandment to fulfill this prophecy, I have given the greatest riches and the fairest flower that ever I had, and that is my maidenhood, that I shall never have again, and therefore, gentle night, owe me your good will. And so Sir Lancelot arrayed him and was armed, and took his leave mildly at that young Lady Elaine, and so he departed, and rode till he came to the Castle of Corbin, where her father was, and as fast as her time came, she was delivered of a fair child, and they christened him Galahad, and wit ye well that child was well kept and well nourished, and he was named Galahad because Sir Lancelot was so named at the Fountain Stone, and after that the Lady of the Lake confirmed him Sir Lancelot to Lake. Then after this Lady was delivered and churched, there came a night unto her, his name was Sir Brummel Le Pledge, the witch was a great Lord, and he had loved that Lady long, and he evermore desired her to wed her, and so by no mean she could put him off, till on a day she said to Sir Brummel, wilt thou will, Sir Knight? I will not love you, for my love is set upon the best night of the world. Who is he? said Sir Brummel. Sir, she said, it is Sir Lancelot to Lake that I love and none other, and therefore will me no longer. Ye say well, said Sir Brummel, and scythe in ye to have told me so much, ye shall have but little joy of Sir Lancelot, for I shall slay him wheresoomever I meet him. Sir, said the Lady Elaine, do to him no treason. Wit ye well, my Lady, said Brummel, and I promise you this twelve month I shall keep the ponte of Corbin for Sir Lancelot's sake, that he shall neither come nor go unto you, but I shall meet with him. Chapter 4 Then as it fell by fortune and adventure Sir Bors de Gannis, that was nephew unto Sir Lancelot, came over that bridge, and there Sir Brummel and Sir Bors jousted, and Sir Bors smote Sir Brummel such a buffet that he bear him over his horse's crew, and then Sir Brummel as an hardy night pulled out his sword and dressed his shield to do battle with Sir Bors, and then Sir Bors alighted and avoided his horse, and there they dashed together many sad strokes, and long thus they fought, till at the last Sir Brummel was laid to the earth, and there Sir Bors began to unlace his helm to slay him. Then Sir Brummel cried Sir Bors' mercy and yielded him, upon this covenant thou shalt have thy life, said Sir Bors, so thou go unto Sir Lancelot upon Whitsunday, that next cometh, and yield thee unto him as night-recurrent. I will do it, said Sir Brummel, and that he swore upon the cross of the sword, and so he let him depart, and Sir Bors rode unto King Pallas, that was within Corbin. And when the King and Elaine his daughter whisked that Sir Bors was nephew unto Sir Lancelot, they made him great cheer. Then said Dame Elaine, we marvel where Sir Lancelot is, for he came never here but once. Marvel not, said Sir Bors, for this half-year he hath been in prison with Queen Morgan Lafay, King Arthur's sister. Alas, said Dame Elaine, let me repenteth. And ever Sir Bors beheld that child in her arms, and ever him it seemed was passing like Sir Lancelot. Truly, said Elaine, with ye well this child he got upon me. Then Sir Bors wept for joy, and he prayed to God, it might prove as good a night as his father was. And so came in a white dove, and she bare a little censor of gold in her mouth, and there was all manner of meats and drinks, and a maiden bare that sangreel. And she said openly, wit ye well, Sir Bors, that this child is Galahad, that thou shall sit in the siege perilous, and achieve the sangreel. And ye shall be much better than ever was Sir Lancelot, that is his own father. And they kneeled down and made their devotions, and there was such a savor, as all the spice-ery in the world had been there. And when the dove took her flight, the maiden vanished with the sangreel as she came. Sir, said Sir Bors unto King Pellis, this castle may be named the Castle Adventurous, for here be many strange adventures. That is Sooth, said the King, for well may this place be called the Adventurous Place, for there come but few knights here that go away with iddy worship, be he never so strong, and here he may be proved, and but late, Sir Gwain, the good knight, Gat but little worship here. For I let you wit, said King Pellis, here shall no knight win no worship, but if he be of worship himself, and of good living, that loveth God, and dreadeth God, and else he gitteth no worship here, be he never so hardy. That is wonderful thing, said Sir Bors, what ye mean in this country I want not, for he have many strange adventures, and therefore I will lie in this castle this night. Ye shall not do so, said King Pellis, by my counsel, for it is hard on ye escape without a shame. I shall take the adventure that will befall me, said Sir Bors. Then I counsel you, said the King, to be confessed clean, as for that, said Sir Bors, I will be shriven with good will. So Sir Bors was confessed, and for all women Sir Bors was a virgin, save for one, that was the daughter of King Brangoris, and on her he got a child that height, a lane, and save for her Sir Bors was a clean maiden. And so Sir Bors was led unto bed in a fair large chamber, and many doors were shut about the chamber. When Sir Bors aspired all those doors, he avoided all the people, for he might have nobody with him, but in no wise Sir Bors would unarm him. But so he laid him down upon the bed, and right so he saw come in a light, that he might well see a spear great and long that came straight upon him pointing, and to Sir Bors seemed that the head of the spear brunt like a taper. And anon, or Sir Bors wist, the spear head smote him in the shoulder, and hand breathed in deepness, and that would grieve Sir Bors passing sore. And then he laid him down again for pain, and anon there with all there came a knight, armed with his shield on his shoulder, and a sword in his hand, and he bade Sir Bors, arise, Sir Knight, and fight with me. I am sore hurt, he said, but yet I shall not fail thee. And then Sir Bors started up, and dressed his shield, and then they lashed together many a great while, and at the last Sir Bors bore him backward until that he came unto a chamber door, and there that night yade into that chamber, and rested him a great while. And when he had reposed him, he came out freshly again, and began new battle with Sir Bors mightily and strongly. CHAPTER V Then Sir Bors thought he should no more go into that chamber to rest him, and so Sir Bors dressed him betwixt the knight in that chamber door, and there Sir Bors smote him down, and then that night yielded him, What is your name? said Sir Bors, Sir, said he, My name is Pevedere of the straight marches. So Sir Bors made him to swear it with Sunday next coming to be at the court of King Arthur, and yield him there as a prisoner as an overcome knight by the hands of Sir Bors. So thus departed Sir Pevedere of the straight marches, and then Sir Bors laid him down to rest, and then he heard and felt much noise in that chamber, and then Sir Bors aspired that there came in, he whisked not whether at the doors nor windows, shot of arrows and of corals so thick that he marveled, and many fell upon him and hurt him in the bare places. And then Sir Bors was where, where came in an hideous lion, so Sir Bors dressed him unto the lion, and anon the lion bereft him his shield, and with his sword Sir Bors smote off the lion's head. Right so Sir Bors for with all saw a dragon in the court passing horrible, and there seemed letters of gold written in his forehead, and Sir Bors thought that the letters made a signification of King Arthur. Right so there came an horrible leopard and an old, and there they fought long and did great battle together, and at the last the dragon spit out his mouth as it had been in hundred dragons, and likely all the small dragons slew the old dragon and tear him all to pieces. Anon with all there came an old man into the hall, and he sat him down in a fair chair, and there seemed to be two atters about his neck, and then the old man had an harp, and there he sang an old song how Joseph of Arimathea came into this land. Then when he had sung the old man bade Sir Bors go from thence, for here shall ye have no more adventures, and full worshipfully have ye done, and better shall ye do hereafter. And then Sir Bors seemed that there came the whitest of with a little golden censor in her mouth, and anon there with all the tempest ceased and passed, and a four list to hear. So was all that court full of good saviours. Then Sir Bors saw four children bearing four fair tapers, and an old man in the midst of the children with a censor in his own hand, and a spear in his other hand, and that spear was called the Spear of Vengeance. CHAPTER VI Now, said that old man to Sir Bors, go ye to your cousin, Sir Lancelot, and tell him of this adventure the witch had been the most convenient for him of all earthly nights. But sin is so foul in him he may not achieve such holy deeds, for had not been his sin he had passed all the nights that ever were in his days. And thou tell, Sir Lancelot, of all worthy adventures he shall have, but in this spiritual matters he shall have many his better. And then Sir Bors saw four gentle women come by him, purely besiegn, and he saw where that they entered into a chamber where was a great lion, as it were a summer light, and the women kneeled down a four and altar of silver with four pillars, and as it had been a bishop kneeled down a three over his head he saw a sword like silver naked hovering over his head, and the clearness thereof smoked so in his eyes that as that time Sir Bors was blind, and there he heard a voice that said Go hence, thou Sir Bors, for as yet thou art not worthy for to be in this place. And then he yade backwards to his bed till on the morning, and on the morning King Pellis made great joy of Sir Bors, and then he departed and rode to Camelot, and there he found Sir Lancelot de Lake, and told him of the adventures that he had seen with King Pellis at Corbin. So the noise sprang in Arthur's court that Lancelot had gotten a child upon Elaine, the daughter of King Pellis, wherefore Queen Guinevere was wroth to Lancelot and called him False Knight, and then Sir Lancelot told the Queen all, and how he was made to lie by her by enchantment in likeness of the Queen. So the Queen held Sir Lancelot excused, and as the book sayeth, King Arthur had been in France, and had made war upon the mighty King Claudus, and had one much of his lands. And when the King was come ladies of all England should be there, but if it were such as were rebellious against him. And when Dame Elaine, the daughter of King Pellis, heard of this feast, she went to her father and required him that he would give her leave to ride to that feast. The King answered, I will well ye go thither, but in any wise as he love me and will have my blessing that ye be well be seen in the richest wise, and look that ye spare not for no cost. Ask, and ye shall have all that you needeth. Then by the advice of Dame Bryzen, her maiden, all thing was apparelled unto the purpose, that there was never no lady more richlier be seen. So she rode with twenty knights and ten ladies and gentle women to the hundred horses. And when she came to Camelot, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere said, and all the knights, that Dame Elaine was the fairest and the best-beseen lady that ever was seen in that court, and a non as King Arthur wist that she was come, he met her, and saluted her, and so did the most part of all the knights of the round table, both Sir Tristan, Sir Bleeblius, and Sir Gwain, and many more that I will not ask. But when Sir Lancelot saw her, he was so ashamed, and that because he drew his sword on the mourn when he had lain by her, that he would not salute her nor speak to her. And yet Sir Lancelot thought she was the fairest woman that ever he saw in his life days. But when Dame Elaine saw Sir Lancelot that would not speak unto her, she was so heavy that she weaned her heart and whipped you well of all measure she loved him. And then Elaine said unto her woman, Dame Bryzen, the unkindness of Sir Lancelot slayeth me near. Ah, peace, madame, said Dame Bryzen, I will undertake that this night ye shall lie with you, and ye would hold you still. That were me li'fer, said Dame Elaine, then all the men above the earth, let me deal, said same Bryzen. So when Elaine was brought unto Queen Guinevere, either made other good cheer by countenance, but nothing with hearts, but all men and women spake of the beauty of Dame Elaine and of her great riches. Then at night the Queen commanded that Dame Elaine should sleep in a chamber, nigh her chamber, and all under one roof, it was done as the Queen commanded. Then the Queen sent for Sir Lancelot and bade him come to her chamber that night. Or else I am sure, said the Queen, that ye will go to your lady's bed, Dame Elaine by whom ye got Gala had. Ah, madame, said Sir Lancelot, never say ye so, for that I did was against my will. Then, said the Queen, look that ye come to me and I send for you. Madame, said Sir Lancelot, I shall not fail you, but I shall be ready at your commandment. This bargain was soon done and made between them, but Dame Bryzen knew it by her crafts, and told it to her lady, Dame Elaine. Alas, said she, how shall I do? Let me deal, said Dame Bryzen, for I shall bring him by the hand to your bed, and he shall wean that I am Queen Guinevere's messenger. Now, well is me, said Dame Elaine, for all the world I love not so much as I do, Sir Lancelot. Chapter 8 So when time came that all folks were a bed, Dame Bryzen came to Sir Lancelot's bed sighed and said, Sir Lancelot, do Lake sleep you? My lady Queen Guinevere lieth and awaiteth upon you. Oh, my fair lady, said Sir Lancelot, I am ready to go with you where ye will have me. So Sir Lancelot drew upon him a long gown, and a sword in his hand, and then Dame Bryzen took him by the finger and led him to her lady's bed. Dame Elaine, and then she departed and left him with you will the lady was glad, and so was Sir Lancelot, for he weaned that he had had another in his arms. Now leave we them, kissing and clipping, as was kindly thing, and now speak we of Queen Guinevere that sent one of her women unto Sir Lancelot's bed, and when she came there she found the bed cold, and he was away. So she came to the Queen said the Queen, where is that false night become? Then the Queen was nigh out of her wit, and then she rised and weltered as a mad woman, and might not sleep a four or five hours. Then Sir Lancelot had a condition that he used of custom. He would clatter in his sleep and speak off to his lady, Queen Guinevere. So Sir Lancelot had waked as long as it had pleased him, the horse of kind he slept, and Dame Elaine both. And in his sleep he talked and clattered as a jay, of the love that had been betwixt Queen Guinevere and him, and so as he talked so loud the Queen heard him there as she lay in her chamber, and when she heard him so clatter she was nigh wood and out of her mind, and for anger and pain wits not what to do, and then she coughed so loud for her hemming, and then he knew well that he lay not by the Queen, and therewith he leapt out of his bed as he had been a wood man in his shirt, and the Queen met him in the floor, and thus she said, false trait her night that thou art, look thou never abide in my court and avoid my chamber, and not so hardy thou false trait her night that thou art that ever thou come in my sight. And therewith he took such an hardy sorrow at her words that he fell down to the floor in a swoon, and therewith all Queen Guinevere departed, and when Sir Lancelot awoke of his swoon he leapt out at a bay window into a garden, and therewith thorns he was all to scratched in his visage and his body, and so he ran forth he wist not wither and was wild wood as ever was man, and so he ran two year, and never man might have to grace to know him. Chapter 9 Now we turn unto Queen Guinevere and to the Fair Lady Elaine that when Dame Elaine heard the Queen so to rebuke Sir Lancelot, and also she saw how he swooned, and how he leaped out at a bay window, then she said unto Queen Guinevere Madame, ye are greatly to blame for Sir Lancelot, for now have ye lost him, for I saw and heard by his countenance that he is mad for ever. Alas, Madame, ye do great sin, and to yourself great dishonour, for ye have a Lord of your own, and therefore it is your part to love him, for there is no Queen in this world hath such another King as ye have, and if ye were not I might have the love of my Lord and cause I have to love him for he had my maidenhood, and by him I have borne a fair son and his name is Galahad, and he shall be in his time the best night in the world. Dame Elaine said the Queen, when it is daylight I charge you and command you to avoid my court, and for the love ye owe unto Sir Lancelot discover not his council, for and ye do it will be his death. As for that, said Dame Elaine, I dare undertake he is married forever, and that have ye made, for ye nor I are like to rejoice him, for he made the most piteous groans when he leapt out at yonder bay window that ever I heard man make. Alas, said Fair Elaine, and Alas, said the Queen Guinevere, for now I want well we have lost him forever. So on the borne Dame Elaine took her leave to depart, and she would no longer abide. Then King Arthur brought her on her way, with more than a hundred nights through a forest, and by the way she told Sir Bors Diganus all how it pitted that same night, and how Sir Lancelot leapt out at a window, arranged out of his wit. Alas, said Sir Bors, where is my Lord Sir Lancelot become? Sir, said Elaine, I want nearer. Alas, said Sir Bors, betwixt both ye have destroyed that good night. As for me, said Dame Elaine, I said never nor did never thing that should in any wise displease him, but with the rebuke that Queen Guinevere gave him I saw him swoon to the earth, and winty awoke he took his sword in his hand, naked save his shirt, and lept out at a window with the grizzliest groan that ever I heard man make. Now farewell, Dame Elaine, said Sir Bors, and hold my Lord Arthur with a tale as long as he can, for I will turn again to Queen Guinevere and give her a hate, and I require you as ever ye will have my service make good watch and aspire if ever ye may see my Lord Sir Lancelot. Truly, said Fair Elaine, I shall do all that I may do, for as feign would I know in wit where he has become, as you or any of his king or Queen Guinevere and cause great enough have I here too as well as any other. And wit ye, said Fair Elaine to Sir Bors, I would lose my life for him rather than he should be hurt, but alas I cast me never for to see him, and the chief causer of this is Dame Guinevere. Madame, said Dame Bryzen, the witch had made the enchantment before betwixt Sir Lancelot and her. I pray you heartily, let Sir Bors depart, and hire him with all his might as he may seek Sir Lancelot, for I warn you he is clean out of his mind, and yet he shall be well-hopin unbut my miracle. Then wept, Dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Gannis, and they departed, and Sir Bors rode straight unto Queen Guinevere, and when she saw Sir Bors she wept as she were would. Fie on your weeping, for ye weep never, but when there is no boat. Alas, said Sir Bors, that ever Sir Lancelot kidn saw you, for now have ye lost the best night of our blood, and he that was all our leader and our sucker, and I dare say and make it good that all kings Christian nor heathen may not find such a night for to speak of his nobleness and courtesy, but with his beauty and his gentleness. Alas, said Sir Bors, what shall we do that be of his blood? Alas, said Sir Ector Demaris, Alas, said Lionel. And when the Queen heard them say so she fell to the earth in a dead swoon, and then Sir Bors took her up and dod her, and when she was awakened she kneeled before the three knights and held up both her hands and besought them to seek him. And spare not for no goods but that he be found, for I want he is out of his mind. And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel departed from the Queen for they might not abide no longer for sorrow. And then the Queen sent them treasure enough for their expenses so they took their horses and their armor and departed. And then they rode from country to country in forests and in wilderness and in wastes, and ever they laid watch both at forests and at all manner of men as they rode to harken in sphere after him, as he that was a naked man in his shirt with a sword in his hand. And thus they rode nigh a quarter of a year long and overthwacht in many places, forests and wilderness, and oft times were evil lodged for his sake and yet for all their labour and seeking could they never hear word of him and wit you well these three knights were passing sorry. Then at the last Sir Bors and his fellows met with a knight that hiked Sir Melion de Tartar. Now fair knight, said Sir Bors wither be ye away, for they knew either other a four time. Sir, said Melion I am in the way toward the court of King Arthur. Then we pray you, said Sir Bors, that ye will tell my lord Arthur and my lady, Queen Guinevere and all the fellowship at the round table, that we cannot in no wise here tell where Sir Lancelot has become. Then Sir Melion departed from them, and said that he would tell the King and the Queen and all the fellowship at the round table, as they had desired him. So when Sir Melion came to the court of King Arthur, he told the King and the Queen and all the fellowship at the round table, what Sir Bors had said of Sir Lancelot. Then Sir Guine, Sir Uwein, Sir Sagramour Ledesiris, Sir Agrivel and Sir Percival de Galas took upon them by the great desire of King Arthur and in a special by the Queen to seek throughout all England Wales and Scotland to find Sir Lancelot, and with them rode eighteen nights moe to bear them fellowship, and wit ye well they lacked no manner of spending, and so were they three and twenty nights. Now turn we to Sir Lancelot and speak we of his care and woe, and what pain he there endured for cold, hunger and thirst he had plenty, and thus as these noble nights rode together, they by one ascent departed, and then they rode by two, by three and by four, and by five, and ever they assigned where they should meet. And so Sir Alguvel and Sir Percival rode together unto their mother that was a man in those days, and when she saw her two sons, for joy she wept tenderly, and then she said, ah my dear sons, when your father was slain he left me four sons, of the which now between and slain, and for the death of my noble son Sir Lamerach shall my heart never be glad. And then she kneeled down upon her knees to four Alguvel and Sir Percival, and besought them to abide at home with her. Ah, sweet mother, said Sir Percival, we may not, for we become of king's blood of both parties, and therefore mother it is our kind to hunt arms in noble steeds. Alas my sweet sons, then she said, for your sakes I shall lose my liking and lust, and then wind and weather I may not what for the death of your father King Pelinor, that was shamefully slain by the hands of Sir Gwayne and his brother Sir Gaharis. And they slew him not manly, but by treason. Ah, my dear sons, this is a piteous complaint for me of your father's death considering also the death of Sir Lamerach, that of knighthood had but few fellows. Now, my dear sons, have this in your mind. Then there was but weeping and sobbing in the court when they should depart, and she fell aswooning in the midst of the court. End of Book 11, Chapters 5 through 10 For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Read by David Cole Medway, Massachusetts La Mort d'Arthur Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory, Chapter 11 And when she was awaked she sent a squire after them with spending enough, and so when the squire had overtaken them they would not suffer him to comfort them, but sent him home again to comfort their mother praying her meekly of her blessing, and so this squire was benighted, and by misfortune he happened to come to a castle where dwelled a baron. And so when the squire was come into the castle the Lord asked him from whence he came and whom he served. My Lord said the squire, I serve a good knight that he's called Sir Aglervale. The squire said it to good intent, weaning unto him to have been more forborn for Sir Aglervale's sake than he had said he had served the queen, Aglervale's mother. Well, my fellow, said the Lord of that castle, for Sir Aglervale's sake thou shalt have evil lodging. For Sir Aglervale slew my brother, and therefore thou shalt die on part of payment. And then that Lord commanded his men to have him put away and slay him. And so they did, and so pulled him out of the castle, and there they slew him without mercy. Right so on the mourn came Sir Aglervale and Sir Percy Bale, riding by a churchyard where men and women were busy and beheld the dead squire, and they thought to bury him. What is there, said Sir Aglervale, that ye beheld so fast? A good man stirred forth and said, Fair night, here lieth a squire slain shamefully this night. How was he slain fair fellow, said Sir Aglervale? My fair sir said the man. The Lord of this castle lodged this squire this night, and because he said he was servant unto a good night, with King Arthur his name is Sir Aglervale. Therefore the Lord commanded to slay him and for this cause is he slain. Gramercy, said Sir Aglervale, and ye shall see his death revenge lightly, for I am that same night for whom this squire was slain. Then Sir Aglervale called unto him Sir Percy Bale and bade him alight lightly, and so they alighted both, and betook their horses to their men, and so they yeed on foot into the castle, and all so soon as they were within the castle gate Sir Aglervale bade the porter. Go thou unto thy Lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglervale, for whom this squire was slain this night. Anon the porter told this to his Lord, whose name was Godowin. Anon he armed him, and then he came into the court and said, Which of you is Sir Aglervale? Here I am, said Aglervale, for what cause sluiced thou this night, my mother squire? I slu him, said Sir Godowin, because of thee for thou sluiced my brother, Sir Gordolin. As for thy brother, said Sir Aglervale, I avow it I slu him, for he was a false knight and a betrayer of ladies and of good knights. And for the death of my squire thou shalt die. I defy thee, said Sir Godowin. Then they lashed together as eagerly as it had been two lions, and Sir Percival he fought with all the remnant that would fight. And within a while Sir Percival had slain all that would withstand him. For Sir Percival dealt so his strokes that were so rude that there durst no man abide him. And within a while Sir Aglervale had Sir Godowin at the earth, and there he unlaced his helm and struck off his head. And then they departed and took their horses. And then they let carry the dead squire unto a priory, and there they interred him. Chapter 12 And when this was done they rode into many countries, going after Ceylon's lot. But never they could hear of him. And at the last they came to a castle that hight Cardican. And there Sir Percival and Sir Aglervale were lodged together. And prively about midnight Sir Percival came to Aglervale's squire and said, Arise and make thee ready, for ye and I will ride away secretly. Sir said the squire, I can ride with you where ye would have me, but and my lord, your brother, take me, he will slay me. As for that care there not, for I shall be thy warrant. And so Sir Percival rode till it was afternoon, and then he came upon a bridge of stone, and there he found a night that was bound with a chain fast about the waist unto a pillar of stone. Sir Percival said that bound night, I require thee loose me of my bonds. What night are ye, said Sir Percival, and for what cause are ye so bound? Sir, I shall tell you, said that night, I am a night of the table round, and my name is Sir Percival, and thus by adventure I came this way, and here I lodged in this castle at the bridge-foot, and therein dwelleth an uncurtious lady, and because she prophet me to be her paramour, and I refused her, she set her men upon me suddenly, or ever I might come to my weapon, and thus they bound me, and here I what well I shall die, but if some man of worship break my bands, be ye of good cheer, said Sir Percival, and because ye are a night of the round table, as well as I, I trust to guard to break your bands, and therewith Sir Percival pulled out his sword, and struck at the chain with such a might that he cut her to the chain, and through Sir Percival's whore-burk, and hurt him a little. Oh, jeez you, said Sir Percival, that was a mighty stroke as ever I felt one, for had not the chain been, ye had slain me, and therewith all Sir Percival saw a night coming out of a castle, all that ever he might fling. Beware, sir, said Sir Perci days, yonder cometh a man that will have a do with you. Let him come, said Sir Percival, and so he met with that night in midst of the bridge, and Sir Percival gave him such a buffet, that he smote him quite from his horse, and over a part of the bridge, that had not been a little castle under the bridge, that night had been drowned, and then Sir Percival took the knight's horse, and made Sir Perci days to mount up him, and so they rode unto the castle, and bade the lady deliver Sir Perci days servants, or else he would slay all that ever he found, and so for fear she delivered them all. Then was Sir Percival aware of a lady that stood in that tower. Sir Percival, what use and custom is that in a lady to destroy good knights, but if they will be your paramour? For sooth this is a shameful custom of a lady, and if I had not a great matter in my hand, I should foredo your evil customs. And so Sir Perci days brought Sir Percival unto his own castle, and there he made him great cheer all that night, and on the mourn when Sir Percival had heard mass and broken his fast he bade Sir Perci days ride unto King Arthur, and tell the King how that you met with me, and tell my brother Sir Aglavale how I rescued you, and bid him seek not after me, for I am in a quest to seek Sir Lancelot du Lake, and though he seek me he shall not find me, and tell him I will never see him, nor the court till I have found Sir Lancelot. Also tell Sir Kay the son is shall, and to Sir Mordred that I trust to jeez you to be of as great worthiness as either of them, for tell them I shall never forget their mocks and scorns, that they did to be that day that I was made knight, and tell them I will never see that court till men speak more worship of me than ever men did of any of them both. And so Sir Perci days departed from Sir Percival, and then he rode unto King Arthur and told there of Sir Percival, and when Sir Aglavale heard him speak of his brother Sir Percival he said he departed from me unkindly. CHAPTER XIII Sir Perci days on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any now is living, and when he saw Sir Kay and Sir Mordred Sir Perci days said thus my fair lords both Sir Percival greeted you both well, and he sent you word by me that he trusted the God or I ever he come to the court again to be of as great no bless as ever were both, and no men to speak of his no bless than ever they did of you. It may well be Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, but at that time when he was made knight he was full unlike to prove a good knight. As for that said King Arthur he must needs prove a good knight for his father and his brethren were noble knights and now will we turn unto Sir Percival that rode long and in a forest he met a knight with a broken shield and a broken helm and as soon as either so other readily they made them ready to joust and so hurtle together with all the might of their horses and met together so hard that Sir Percival was smitten to the earth. And then Sir Percival arose lightly and cast his shield on his shoulder and drew his sword and bade the other knight alight and do we battle unto the uttermost. Will ye more said that night and therewith he alighted and put his horse from him and then they came together an easy pace and there they lashed together with noble swords and some time they struck and some time they foined and either gave other many great wounds. Thus they fought near half a day and never rested but right little and there was none of them both that had less wounds than fifteen and they bled so much that it was marvell they stood on their feet. But this night that fought with Sir Percival was a proved knight and a wise fighting knight and Sir Percival was young and strong not knowing in fighting as the other was. Then Sir Percival spoke first and said Sir Knight hold thy hand a while still for we have fought for a simple matter and quarrel over long and therefore I require thee tell me thy name for I was never all this time matched. So God help me said that night and never all this time was there never knight that wounded me so sore as thou hast done and have I fought in many battles and now shout thou wit that I am a knight of the table round and my name is Sir Ect de Maris brother unto the good night Solon slot du lake Alas said Sir Percival and my name is Sir Percival de Gallis that hath made my quest to seek Solon slot and now I am sicker that I shall never finish my quest for ye have slain me with your hands. It is not so said Sir Ect de for I am slain by your hands and may not live therefore I require you said Sir Ect de unto Sir Percival ride ye hereby to a priory and bring me a priest that I may receive my saviour for I may not live and when ye come to the court of King Arthur tell not my brother Solon slot that ye slew me for then he would be your mortal enemy but ye may say that I was slain in my quest as I sought him. Alas said Sir Percival ye say that never will be for I am so faint for bleeding that I may unneth stand how should I then take my horse? Chapter 14 Then they made both great dowel out of measure this will not avail, said Sir Percival and then he kneeled down and made his prayer devoutly unto almighty Jesus for he was one of the best knights of the world that at that time was in whom the very faith stood most in. Right so there came by the holy vessel the Sangreal with all manner of sweetness and saviour but they could not readily see who that bear that vessel but Sir Percival had a glimmering of the vessel and of the maiden that bear it for he was a perfect clean maiden and forthwith all they both were as whole of hide and limb as ever they were in their life days then they gave thankings to God with great mildness. O Jesus said Sir Percival what may this mean that we be thus healed and right now we were at the point of dying I what full well said Sir Ekta what it is it is an holy vessel that is born by a maiden and therein is part of the holy blood of our Lord Jesus Christ blessed more he be but it may not be seen said Sir Ekta but if it be by a perfect man so God me help said Sir Percival I saw a damsel as me thought all in white with a vessel in both her hands and forthwith all I was whole and so they took their horses and their harness and amended their harness as well as they might that was broken and so they mounted upon their horses and rode talking together and there Sir Ekta de Baris told Sir Percival how he sought his brother's long slot and never could hear whitting of him in many strange adventures have I been in this quest and so either told other of their adventures here endeth the eleventh book and here followeth the twelfth book end of book eleven chapters eleven through fourteen chapters one through seven book twelve volume two of LeMorte d'Arthur this is a LibriVox recording or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org read by David Cole Medway, Massachusetts LeMorte d'Arthur volume two by Sir Thomas Mallory chapter one of a while of Sir Ekta and of Sir Percival and speak we of Sir Lancelot that suffered and endured many sharp showers that ever ran wild wood from place to place and lived by fruit and such as he might get and drank water to year and other clothing had he but little but his shirt and his breech then as Sir Lancelot wanted here and there he came in a fair meadow where he found a pavilion and thereby upon a tree there hung a white shield and two swords hung thereby and two spears leaned there by a tree and when Sir Lancelot saw the swords and none he left to the one sword and took it in his hand and drew it out and clashed at the shield that all meadow rang of the dents that he gave such a noise as ten nights had fought and together then came forth the dwarf and leapt unto Sir Lancelot and would have had the sword out of his hand and then Sir Lancelot took him by the both shoulders and threw him to the ground upon his neck that he had almost broken his neck and there with all the dwarf cried help then came forth a likely night and well apparelled in scarlet third with Miniver and none as he saw Sir Lancelot he deemed that she should be out of his wit and then he said with fair speech good man lay down that sword for as me see myth thou hast more need of sleep and of warm clothes than to wield that sword as for that said Sir Lancelot come not to nigh for and thou do with thou well I will slay thee and when the night of the pavilion saw that he stirred backward within the pavilion and then the dwarf armed him lightly and so the night thought by force and might to take the sword from Sir Lancelot and so he came stepping out and when Sir Lancelot saw him come so all armed with his sword in his hand then Sir Lancelot flew to him with such a might and hit him upon the helm such a buffet that the stroke troubled his brains and there with the sword break in three and the night fell to the earth as he had been dead the blood brasting out of his mouth the nose in the ears and then Sir Lancelot ran into the pavilion brushed even into the warm bed and there was a lady in that bed and she get her smock and ran out of the pavilion and when she saw her lord lie at the ground like to be dead then she cried and wept as she had been mad then with her noise the night awaked out of his swoon and looked up weakly with his eyes and then he asked her where was that mad man giving him such a buffet for such a buffet had I never of man's hand Sir said the dwarf it is not worship to hurt him for he is a man out of his wit and doubt she not he hath been a man of great worship and for some heartly sorrow that he hath taken he is fallen mad and me be seamoth said the dwarf he resembled much unto Sir Lancelot for him I saw at the great tournament beside Lepanzig G. J. Defend said that night that ever that noble night Sir Lancelot should be in such a plight but whatsoever he be said that night harm will I none do him and this night's name was blient then he said unto the dwarf go thou fast on horseback unto my brother Sir Celevant that he's at the castle blank and tell him of mine adventure and bid him bring with him an horse-litter and then will we bear this night unto my castle Chapter 2 so the dwarf rode fast and he came again and brought Sir Celevant with him and six men with an horse-litter and so they took up the feather-bed with Sir Lancelot and so carried all the way with them unto the castle blank and he never awaked till he was within the castle and then they bound his hands and his feet and gave him good meats and good drinks and brought him again to his strength and his fairness but in his wit they could not bring him again nor to know himself thus was Sir Lancelot there more than a year and a half honestly arrayed with all then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Celevant took his arms on horse-back with a spear to seek adventures and as he rode in a forest there met with him two nights adventurous the one was Bruce Saund Pitta and his brother Sir Betelot and these two ran both at once upon Sir Celevant and break their spheres upon his body and then they drew out swords and make great battle and fought long together but at the last Celevant was so wounded and felt himself faint and then he fled on horse-back toward his castle and as they came hurling under the castle whereas Sir Lancelot lay in a window he saw how two nights laid upon Celevant with their swords and when Sir Lancelot saw that yet as wood as he was he was sorry for his lord Subliant and then Sir Lancelot break the chains from his legs and off his arms and in the breaking he hurt his hand soar and so Sir Lancelot ran out at a post turn and there he met with the two nights that chased Subliant and there he pulled down Sir Betelot with his bare hands from his horse and there with all he wroth his sword out of his hand and so he left upon Subrues and gave him such a buffet upon the head that he tumbled backward over his horse's group and when Sir Betelot saw there his brother have such a fall he got a spear in his hand and would have run Sir Lancelot through that saw Subliant and struck off the hand of Sir Betelot Subrues and Sir Betelot got their horses and fled away when Sir Celevant came and saw what Sir Lancelot had done for his brother then he thanked God and so did his brother that ever they did him any good but when Subliant saw that Sir Lancelot was hurt with the breaking of his irons then was he heavy that ever he bound him bind him no more for he is happy and gracious then they made great joy of Sir Lancelot and they bound him no more and so he abode there and half year and more and on the morn early Sir Lancelot was where where came a great boar with many hounds nigh him but the boar was so big there might no hounds tear him and the hunters came after blowing their horns both upon horseback and some upon foot and there Sir Lancelot was where one elighted and tied his horse to a tree and leaned his spear against the tree Chapter 3 so came Sir Lancelot and found the horse bounden till a tree and a spear leaning against the tree and a sword tied to the saddle-bow and then Sir Lancelot left into the saddle and gatt that spear in his hand and then he rode after the boar and then Sir Lancelot was where where the boar said he's asked to a tree fast by Anna Ermitage then Sir Lancelot ran at the boar with his spear and therewith the boar turned him nimbly and drove out the lungs and the heart of the horse so that Lancelot fell to the earth and or ever Sir Lancelot might get from the horse the boar rode him on the brawn of the thigh up to the huff-bone and then Sir Lancelot was wroth and up he gatt up on his feet and drew his sword and he smote off the boar's head at one stroke and therewith all came out the hermit and saw him have such a wound then the hermit came to Sir Lancelot and bemoaned him and would have had him home unto his hermitage but when Sir Lancelot heard him speak he was so wroth with his wound that he ran upon the hermit to have slain him and the hermit ran away and when Sir Lancelot might not over-get him he threw his sword after him for Sir Lancelot might go no further for bleeding then the hermit tamed again and asked Sir Lancelot how he was hurt fellow said Sir Lancelot this boar hath bitten me sore then come with me said the hermit and I shall heal you go thy way said Sir Lancelot and deal not with me then the hermit ran his way and there he met with a good night with many men Sir said the hermit hear his fast by my place the goodliest man that ever I saw and he is sore wounded with the boar and yet he hath slain the boar but well I what said the hermit and he be not helping that goodly man shall die of that wound and that were great pity then that night at the desire of the hermit get a cart and in that cart that night put the boar and Sir Lancelot for Sir Lancelot was so feeble that he might right easily deal with him and so Sir Lancelot was brought unto the hermitage and there the hermit healed him of his wound but the hermit might not find Sir Lancelot's sustenance and so he impaired and waxed feeble both of his body and of his wit for the default of his sustenance he maxed more woulder than he was a forehand and then upon a day Sir Lancelot ran his way into the forest and by adventure he came to the city of Corbyn where Dame Ellen was that Bear Gallowhead Sir Lancelot's son and so when he was entered into the town he ran through the town to the castle and then all the young men of that city ran after Sir Lancelot and there they threw him and gave him many sad strokes and ever a Sir Lancelot might overreach any of them he threw them so that they would never come into his hands no more for of some he break the legs and the arms and so fled into the castle and then came out knights and squires and rescued Sir Lancelot and when they beheld him and looked upon his person they thought they never saw so goodly a man and when they saw so many wounds upon him all they deemed that he had been a man of worship and then they ordained him close to his body and straw underneath him and a little house and then every day they would throw him meat and set him drink but there was but few would bring him meat to his hands after four so it befell that King Pelase had a nephew his name was Castor and so he desired of the king to be made knight and so at the request of this Castor the king made him knight at the feast of Candlemas and when Sir Castor was made knight that same day he gave many gowns and then Sir Castor sent for the fool which was Lancelot and when he was come a for Sir Castor he gave Lancelot a robe of scarlet and all that lunged unto him and when Lancelot was so arrayed like a knight he was the seemliest man in all the court and none so well made and when he saw his time he went into the garden and there Lancelot laid him down by a well and slept afternoon Dame Ellen and her maidens came into the garden to play them and as they roamed up and down one of Dame Ellen's maidens aspired where lay a goodly man by the well sleeping and a non showed him to Dame Ellen peace said Dame Ellen and say no word and then she brought Dame Ellen where he lay and when that she beheld him and on she fell in remembrance of him and drew him fairly for Sir Lancelot and there with all she fell a weeping so heartily that she sank even to the earth and when she had thus wept a great while then she arose and called her maidens and said she was sick and so she eed out of the garden and went straight to her father and there she took him apart by herself and then she said oh father now have I need of your help and but if that ye help me fare well my good days for ever what is that daughter said King Pelays Sir she said this is it in your garden I went for to sport and there by the well I found Sir Lancelot du Lake sleeping I may not believe that Saint King Pelays said truly he is there and we see with he should be distract out of his wit then hold you still Sir the King and let me deal then the King called to him such as he most trusted a four persons and Dame Elaine his daughter and when they came to the well and beheld Sir Lancelot and on Dame Brisson knew him Sir said Dame Brisson ye must be wise how we deal with him for this night is out of his mind and if we awake him rudely what he will do we all know not but ye shall abide and I shall throw such an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake within the space of an hour and so she did then within a little while after the King commanded that all people should avoid that none should be in that way there as the King would come and so when this was done these four men and these ladies laid hand on Sir Lancelot and so they bear him into a tower and so into a chamber where was the holy vessel of the Sangreal and by force Sir Lancelot was laid by that holy vessel and there came an holy man and unhilled that vessel and so by miracle and by virtue of that holy vessel Sir Lancelot was healed and recovered and when that he was awake he groaned inside and complained greatly that he was passing sore Chapter 5 and when Sir Lancelot saw King Pele's in delaying he waxed ashamed and said thus O Lord Jesus how came I here for God's sake my Lord let me wit how I came here Sir said Dame Elaine into this country you came like a madman clean out of your wit and here have ye been kept as a fool and no creature here knew what ye were until by fortune a maiden of mine brought me unto you whereas ye lay sleeping by a well and none as I readily beheld you I knew you and then I told my father and so were you brought for this holy vessel and by the virtue of it thus were ye healed O Jesus mercy said Sir Lancelot if this besooth how many there be that know of my woodness so God me help said Elaine my father and I and Dame Bryson now for Christ's love said Sir Lancelot keep it in council and let no man know it in the world for I am sore ashamed that I have been thus miscarried for I am banished out of the country of Logris forever that is for to say the country of England and so Sir Lancelot lay more than a fortnight or ever that he might stare for soreness and then upon a day he said unto Dame Elaine these words Lady Elaine for your sake I have had much travail, care and anguish it needeth not to rehearse it ye know how notwithstanding I know well I have done foul to you when that I drew my sword to you to have slain you when I had lain with you and all was the cause that ye and Dame Bryson made me for to lie by you Morgremine head and as ye say that night Gala had your son was begotten that is truth said Dame Elaine now will ye for my love said Sir Lancelot go unto your father and get me a place of him wherein I may dwell and I may bring Arthur may I never come Sir said Dame Elaine I will live and die with you and only for your sake and if my life might not avail you and my death might avail you which you will I would die for your sake and I will go to my father and I am sure there is nothing that I can desire of him but I shall have it and where ye be doubt she not but I will be with you with all the servers that I may do so forth with all she went to her father and said Sir my Lord Sir Lancelot desirous to be here by you in some castle of yours well daughter said the king Sith it is his desire to abide in these marches he shall be in the castle of Bliont and there shall ye be with him and twenty of the fairest ladies that be in the country and they shall all be of the great blood and ye shall have ten knights with you for daughter I will that ye wit we all be honoured by the blood of Sir Lancelot Chapter 6 Then went Dame Elaine unto Sir Lancelot and told him all how her father had devised for him and her then came the knight Sir Caster that was nephew unto King Peleis unto Sir Lancelot and asked him what was his name Sir said Sir Lancelot my name is Le Chevalet Malfit that is to say the knight that has trespassed Sir said Sir Caster it may well be so but ever me Seameth your name should be Sir Lancelot du Lake for or now I have seen you Sir said Lancelot ye are not as a gentle knight I put case my name were Sir Lancelot and that it list me not to discover my name what should it grieve you here to keep my counsel and ye be not hurt thereby bear wit thou well and ever it lie in my power I shall grieve you I promise you truly then Sir Caster kneel down and be sought Sir Lancelot of mercy for I shall never utter what ye be while ye be in these parts then Sir Lancelot pardoned him and then after this King Peleis with ten knights and Demeim Elain and twenty ladies rode unto the castle of Bliont that stood in an island be closed in iron with a fair water deep and large and when they were there Sir Lancelot let call it the joyous isle and there was he called none otherwise but the Chevalet Malfit the knight that hath trespored then Sir Lancelot let make him a shield all of sable and a queen crowned in the midst all of silver and a knight cleaned armed kneeling before her and every day once for any mirths that all the ladies might make him he would once every day look toward the realm of Logris where King Arthur and Queen Gweneva was and then would he fall upon a weeping as his heart should to breast so it fell that time Sir Lancelot heard of a jousting fast by his castle within three leagues then he called unto him a dwarf and he bade him go unto that jousting and or ever the knights depart look thou make there a cry in hearing of all the knights that there is one knight in the joyous isle that is the castle of Bliont and say his name is the Chevalet Malfit just against knights that will come and who that puteth that knight to the worst shall have a fair maid and a Gafalkan Chapter 7 So when this cry was made unto joyous isle drew knights to the number of 500 and which ye well there was never seen in Arthur's days one knight that did so much deeds of arms as the Lancelot did three days together for as the book maketh truly mention he had the better of all the 500 knights and there was not one slain of them and after that Sir Lancelot made them all a great feast and in the meanwhile came Sir Percival de Gallis and Sir Ekta de Maris under that castle that was called the joyous isle and as they beheld that gay castle they would have gone to that castle but they might not for the broad water and bridge could they find none then they so on the other side a lady with a spare-hawk on her hand and Sir Percival called unto her and asked that lady who was in that castle fair knight she said here within this castle is the fairest lady in this land and her name is Elaine also we have in this castle the fairest knight and the mightiest man that is I daresay living and he called himself the Chevalet Malfit how came he into these marches said Sir Percival truly Sir Damazal he came into this country like a madman with dogs and boys chasing him through the city of Corban and by the holy vessel of the Sangrayale he was brought into his wit again but he will not do battle with no knight but by underne or by noon and if he list to come into the castle said the lady ye must ride unto the far side of the castle and there shall ye find a vessel that will bear you and your horse then they departed and came unto the vessel and then Sir Percival alighted and said to Sir Ekta the Marist ye shall abide me here until that I wit what manner a knight he is for it was shame unto us in as much his ears but one knight and we should both do battle with him do ye as ye list said to Ekta and here I shall abide you until that I hear of you then pass Sir Percival the water and when he came to the castle gate he obeyed the porter goes out to the good knight within the castle and tell him here is come an errant knight to joust with him Sir said the porter ride ye within the castle and there is a common place for jousting that lords and ladies might behold you so anon a salon slot had warning he was soon ready and there's a Percival and salon slot such a might and their spears were so rude that both the horses and the knights fell to the earth then they avoided their horses and flang out noble swords and hewed away cantals of their shields and flirtled together with their swords like two boars and either wounded other passing sore at the last Sir Percival spake first when they had fought near more than two hours fair knight said Percival I require thee tell me thy name for I meant never with such a night Sir said salon slot my name is Le Chevalier Malfit now tell me your name said salon slot I require you gentle knight truly said Percival my name is Percival de Gallis that was brother unto the good knight de Gallis and King Pelinaud was our father and Sir Aglavaille is my brother alas said salon slot what have I done to fight with you that art a knight of the round table that some time was your fellow end of book 12 chapters 1 through 7