 Chapter 6-10, Book 18, Volume 2 of Le Morte d'Arthur 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 Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Le Morte d'Arthur, Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory Chapter 6-How at the day Subores made him ready for to fight for the Queen, and when he would fight, how another discharged him. The day came on fast, until the even that the battle should be. Then the Queen sent for Subores and asked him how he was disposed. Truly, madam, said he, I am disposed in likewise as I promised you, that is, for to say, I shall not fail you, unless by adventure there come a better night than I am to do battle for you, then, madam, am I discharged of my promise. Will ye, said the Queen, that I tell my Lord after this? Do as it shall please you, madam. Then the Queen went unto the King and told him the answer of Subores. Have ye no doubt, said the King of Subores, for I call him now one of the best knights of the world and the most profitableest man, and thus it passed on until the morn, and the King and the Queen, and all manner of knights that were there at that time, drew them unto the meadow beside Wensminster where the battle should be. And so, when the King was come with the Queen and many knights of the round table, then the Queen was put there in the Constable's ward, and a great fire made about an iron stake. That an Sir Maddo de la Porte had the better, she should be burnt. Such custom was used in those days, that neither for favour, neither for love nor affinity, there should be none other but righteous judgment, as well upon a King, as upon a knight, and as well upon a Queen, as upon another poor lady. So in this meanwhile came in Sir Maddo de la Porte and took his oath for the King that the Queen did this treason until his cousin Sir Patrice, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand for hand, who that would say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors de Gennes and said, that as for Queen Guinevere she is in the right, and that will I make good with my hands that she is not culpable of this treason that is put upon her. Then make ye ready, said Sir Maddo, and we shall prove whether thou be in the right or I. Sir Maddo, said Sir Bors, which thou well I know you for a good night. Not for then I shall not fear you so greatly, but I trust to God I shall be able to withstand your malice. But this much have I promised my Lord Arthur and my Lady the Queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, unless that there come a better night than I am and discharge me. Is that all, said Sir Maddo, either come thou off and do battle with me, or else say nay. Take your horse, said Sir Bors, and, as I suppose, he shall not tarry long, but ye shall be answered. Then either departed to their tents and made them ready to horseback as they thought best, and anon Sir Maddo came into the field with his shield on his shoulder and his spear in his hand, and so rode about the place crying unto Arthur, bid your champion come forth and he dare. Then was Sir Bors ashamed and took his horse and came to the list's end, and then was he where, where came from a wood there fast by a night, all armed upon a white horse with a strange shield of strange arms, and he came riding all that he might run, and so he came to Sir Bors and said thus, Fair Knight, I pray you be not displeased, for here must a better night than ye are have this battle, therefore I pray you withdraw you, for which ye well I have had this day a right great journey, and this battle ought to be mine, and so I promised you when I spake with you last, and with all my heart I thank you of your good will. Then Sir Bors rode unto King Arthur and told him how there was a night come that would have the battle fought to fight for the Queen. What night is he, said the King? I what not, said Sir Bors, but such covenant he made with me to be here this day. Now my Lord, said Sir Bors, here am I discharged. Chapter 7 How Sir Lancelot fought against Sir Medaure for the Queen, and how he overcame Sir Medaure and discharged the Queen? Then the King called to that night and asked him if he would fight for the Queen, then he answered to the King, therefore came I hither, and therefore, Sir King, he said, tarry me no longer, for I may not tarry. For anon, as I have finished this battle, I must depart hence, for I have a do many matters elsewhere. For which ye well, said that night, this is dishonour to you all nights at the round table to see and know so noble a lady and so courteous a Queen as Queen Guinevere is, thus to be rebuked and shamed amongst you. Then they all marvelled what night that might be that so took the battle upon him, for there was not one that knew him, but if it were, Sir Bors. Then said Sir Medaure de la Porte unto the King, now let me wit with whom I shall have a do with all, and then they rode to the list's end, and there they couched their spears and ran together with all their might, and Sir Medaure's spear break all to pieces, but the other spear held and bear Sir Medaure's horse and all backward to the earth a great fall. But mightily and suddenly he avoided his horse and put his shield before him, and then drew his sword and bade the other night a light and do battle with him on foot. Then that night descended from his horse lightly, like a valiant man, and put his shield before him and drew his sword, and so they came eagerly unto battle, and either gave other many great strokes, tracing and traversing, racing and foining, and hurtling together with their swords as it were wild boars. Thus were they fighting nigh an hour, for this Sir Medaure was a strong knight and mightily proved in many strong battles. But at the last this night smote Sir Medaure grovelling upon the earth, and the night stepped near him to have pulled Sir Medaure flatling upon the ground, and therewith suddenly Sir Medaure rose and in his rising he smote that night through the thick of the thighs that the blood ran out fiercely, and when he felt himself so wounded and saw his blood he let him arise upon his feet, and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell to the earth flatling, and therewith he strode to him to have pulled off his helm off his head. And then Sir Medaure prayed that night to save his life, and so he yielded him as overcome and released the queen of his quarrel. I will not grant thee thy life, said that night, only that thou freely release the queen for ever, and that no mention be made upon Sir Patrice's tomb that ever Queen Guinevere consented to that treason. All this shall be done, said Sir Medaure. I clearly discharge my quarrel for ever. Then the night's partners of the lists took up Sir Medaure and led him to his tent, and the other night went straight to the stairfoot where sat King Arthur, and by that time was the Queen come to the King and either kissed other heartily. And when the King saw that night he stooped down to him and thanked him, and in likewise did the Queen, and the King prayed him to put off his helmet and to repose him and to take a sip of wine. But then he put off his helm to drink, and then every night knew him that it was Sir Lancelot to Lake. And on, as the King whisked that, he took the Queen in his hand and yow'd unto Sir Lancelot, and said, Sir, grant mercy of your great travail that ye have had this day for me and for my Queen. My Lord, said Sir Lancelot, which ye well I ought of right ever to be in your quarrel, and in my Lady the Queen's quarrel to do battle. The ye are the man that gave me the high order of knighthood, and that day my Lady, your Queen, did me great worship, and else I had been shamed. For that same day ye made me night. Through my hastiness I lost my sword, and my Lady, your Queen, found it, and lapped it in her train, and gave me my sword when I had need there too. And else had I be shamed among all knights, and therefore, my Lord Arthur, I promised her at that day ever to be her knight in right, other, in wrong. Grant mercy, said the King, for this journey, and wit ye well, said the King, I shall acquit your goodness. And ever the Queen beheld Sir Lancelot, and wept so tenderly that she sank almost to the ground for sorrow, that he had done to her so great goodness, where she shooed him great unkindness. Then the knights of his blood drew unto him, and there either of them made great joy of other, and so came all the knights of the table round that were there at that time and welcomed him. And then Sir Mador was had to leechcraft, and Sir Lancelot was healed of his wound, and then there was made great joy and mirths in that court. Chapter 8 How the truth was known by the maiden of the lake, and of diverse other matters. And so it befell that the damsel of the lake, her name was Nmui, the witch wedded the good knight Sopelius, and so she came to the court. And so she did great goodness unto King Arthur, and to all his knights through her sorcery and enchantments. And so when she heard how the Queen was and angered for the death of Sir Patrice, then she told it openly that she was never guilty, and there she disclosed by whom it was done, and named him Sir Penel, and for what cause he did it. There it was openly disclosed, and so the Queen was excused, and Sir Penel fled into his country. Then was it openly known that Sir Penel empoisoned the apples at the feast to that intent to have destroyed Sir Gawain, because Sir Gawain and his brethren destroyed Sir Lamaruck de Galice, to which Sir Penel was cousin unto. Then was Sir Patrice, buried in the church of Westminster in a tomb, and thereupon was written, Here lieth Sir Patrice of Ireland, slain by Sir Penel Savage, that empoisoned apples to have slain Sir Gawain, and by misfortune Sir Patrice ate one of those apples, and then suddenly he brassed. Also there was written upon the tomb that Queen Guinevere was appealed of treason of the death of Sir Patrice by Sir Madhura de La Porte, and there was made mention how Sir Lancelot was with him for Queen Guinevere, and overcame him in plain battle. All this was written upon the tomb of Sir Patrice in excusing of the Queen, and then Sir Madhura sued daily and long to have the Queen's good grace, and so by the means of Sir Lancelot he caused him to stand in the Queen's good grace, and all was forgiven. Thus it passed on till our lady day assumption. Within a fifteen days of that feast the King let cry a great jousts and a tournament that should be at that day at Camelot, that is Winchester, and the King let cry that he and the King of Scots would joust against all that would come against them. And when this cry was made, thither came many knights, so they came thither, the King of North Gaelis, and King Anguish of Ireland, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and Galahad the Hort Prince, and the King of Northumberland, and many other noble dukes and earls of diverse countries. So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these jousts, and would have had the Queen with him, but at that time she would not, she said, for she was sick and might not ride at that time. That may repent if, said the King, for this seven year ye saw not such a noble fellowship together, except at Whitsuntide when Galahad departed from the court. Truly, said the Queen to the King, he must hold me excused, I may not be there, and that may repent if, and many deemed the Queen would not be there because of Silancelot de Lake, for Silancelot would not ride with the King, for he said that he was not whole of the wound for which Somador had given him. Wherefore the King was heavy and passing wrath, and so he departed toward Winchester with his fellowship, and so by the way he was lodged in a town called Astrolat that is now in English called Guildford, and there the King lay in the castle. So when the King was departed the Queen called Silancelot to her and said thus, Silancelot, ye are greatly to blame thus to hold you behind my Lord. What, traw ye, what will your enemies and minds say and deem nor else but? See how Silancelot holdeth him ever behind the King, for that they would have their pleasure together, and thus will they say, said the Queen to Silancelot, have ye no doubt thereof. Chapter 9 How Silancelot rode to Astrolat and received a sleeve to wear upon his helm at the request of a maid. Madam, said Silancelot, I allow your wit. It is of late come since you were wise, and therefore, madame, at this time I will be ruled by your counsel, and this night I will take my rest, and tomorrow by time I will take my way toward Winchester. But which you will, said Silancelot to the Queen, that at that jousts I will be against the King and against all his fellowship. Ye may there do as ye list, said the Queen, but by my counsel ye shall not be against your King and your fellowship, for therein befall many hard nights of your blood, as ye what well enough it needeth not to rehearse them. Madam, said Silancelot, I pray you that ye be not displeased with me, for I will take the adventure that God will send me. So upon the mourn, early Silancelot heard mass and break his fast, and so took his leave of the Queen and departed, and then he rode so much until he came to Astrolat, that is Guildford, and there it hapt him in the eventide he came to an old barren's place that hight Sir Bernard of Astrolat, and as Silancelot entered into his lodging King Arthur aspired him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he took his lodging, and knew him full well. It is well, said King Arthur unto the knights that were with him in that garden beside the castle, I have now aspired one night that will play his play at the jousts to the which we will be gone toward, I undertake he will do marbles. It was that, we pray, you tell us, said many knights that were there at that time, he shall not wait for me, said the King as at this time, and so the King smiled, and went to his lodging. So when Silancelot was in his lodging and unarmed him in his chamber the old barren and hermit came to him making his reference and welcomed him in the best manner but the old knight knew not Silancelot. Fair Sir said Silancelot to his host, I would pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly known for mine is well known. Sir, said his host, he shall have your desire, for me seemeth he be one of the likeliest knights of the world and therefore I shall shoe you friendship. Sir, which you will I have two sons that were but late made knights, and the eldest Hyde Seteer, and he was hurt that same day he was made knight, that he may not ride and his shield you shall have for that is not known I dare say but here, and in no place else and my youngest son Hyde Levene and if it please you you shall ride with you unto that jousts, and he is of his age strong and white, for much my heart giveth unto you that you should be a noble knight therefore I pray you, tell me your name, said Sir Menard. As for that, said Silancelot you must hold me excused time, and if God give me grace to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you but I pray you, said Silancelot in any wise, let me have your son Sir Levene with me, and that I may have his brother's shield all this shall be done said Sir Menard. This old Baron had a daughter that was called that time the fair maiden of Astrolat, and ever she beheld Sir Lancelot wonderfully and as the book saith she cast such a love unto Sir Lancelot that she could never withdraw her love wherefore she died, and her name was Elaine Leblanc. So thus as she came to and fro she was so hot in her love that she besought Sir Lancelot to wear upon him at the jousts a token of hers. Hey damsel said Sir Lancelot and if I grant you that you may say I do more for your love than ever I did for Lady or Damsel. Then he remembered him that he would go to the jousts disguised. And because he had never for that time born no manner of token of no damsel then he bethought him that he would bear one of her, that none of his blood thereby might know him, and then he said fair maiden, I will grant you to wear a token of yours upon mine helmet, and therefore what it is showeth me. Sir, she said, it is a red sleeve of mine of scarlet well embroidered with great pearls, and therefore she brought it him. So Sir Lancelot received it and said never did I erst so much for no damsel and then Sir Lancelot bethought the fair maiden his shield in keeping and prayed her to keep that until that he came again, and so that night he had merry rest and great cheer for ever the damsel alone was about Sir Lancelot all the while she might be suffered. Chapter 10. How the tourney began at Winchester and what nights were at the jousts and other things. So upon a day on the mourn King Arthur and all his knights departed for their king had tarried three days to abide his noble knights and so when the king was ridden Sir Lancelot and Sir Levein made them ready to ride and either of them had white shields and the red sleeve Sir Lancelot let carry with him, and so they took their leave at Saint Bernard the old baron and at his daughter the fair maiden of Astrolat and then they rode so long until that they came to Camelot that time called Winchester and there was great press of kings, dukes, earls and barons and many noble knights but there Sir Lancelot was lodged privily by the means of Sir Levein with a rich burgess that no man in that town was where what they were and so they reposed them their tilled owl lady day assumption as the great feast should be, so then trumpets blew unto the field and Sir Levein Arthur was set on high upon a scaffold to behold who did best but as the French books say the king would not suffer Sir Levein to go from him for never had Sir Levein the better and Sir Lancelot were in the field and many times was Sir Levein rebuked when Lancelot came into any jousts disguised then some of the kings as king anguish of Ireland and the king of Scots where that time turned upon the side of king Arthur the party was the king of North Galeas and the king with the hundred knights and the king of Northumberland and Sir Gala had the Hort Prince but these three kings and this Duke were passing weak to hold against King Arthur's party for with him were the noblest knights of the world so then they withdrew them either party from other and every man made him ready in his best manner to do what he might then Sir Lancelot made him ready and put the red sleeve upon his head and fastened it fast and so Sir Lancelot and Sir Levein departed out of Winchester and rode until a little leaved wood behind the party that held against King Arthur's party and there they held them still till the parties smote together and then came in the king of Scots and the king of Ireland on Arthur's party and against them came the king of Northumberland and the king with the hundred knights smote down the king of Northumberland and the king with the hundred knights smote down King Anguish of Ireland then Sir Palmydes that was on Arthur's party encountered with Sir Galahad and either of them smote down other and either party helped their lords on horseback again and so there began a stronger sale upon both parties and then came in Sir Brandiles Sir Sagramor Le Desiures Sir Dodinus Le Savage Sir Kaye Le Cinechale Sir Griff Let Le Fiste du Sir Maudredre Sir Meliod de la Grise Sir Ozana Le Cure Hadie Sir Safria Sir Pinogris Sir Galeron of Galloway All these fifteen knights were knights of the round table so these with more other came in together and beat her back the king of Northumberland and the king of North Galise when Sir Lancelot saw this as he hoved in a little leaved wood then he said unto Sir Levain the company of good knights and they hold them together as boars that were chaffed with dogs that is truth said Sir Levain End of Book 18 Chapters 6-10 Read by Nathan at antipodianwriter.wordpress.com Chapters 11-14 Book 18 Volume 2 of Le Morte d'Arthur 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 Nathan at antipodianwriter.wordpress.com Le Morte d'Arthur Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory Chapter 11 How Sir Lancelot and Sir Levain entered in the field against them of King Arthur's court and how Lancelot was hurt Now said Sir Lancelot Any way help me a little ye shall see wonder fellowship that chaseth now these men in our side that they shall go as fast backward as they went forward Sir Spenot said Sir Levain for I shall do what I may Then Sir Lancelot and Sir Levain came in at the thickest of the press and there Sir Lancelot smote down Sir Brande Isles Sir Doudinas Sir Kaye Sir Grifflett and all this he did with one spear and Sir Levain smote down Sir Lucenle Butler and Sir Bedivir and then Sir Lancelot got another spear and there he smote down Sir Agravain Sir Gahues and Sir Mordred and Sir Meliot Delogres and Sir Levain smote Ozerna Lyquihadi and then Sir Lancelot drew his sword and he smote on the right hand and on the left hand and by great force he unhurst Sir Saphir Sir Epigogris and Sir Galeron and then the knights of the table round withdrew them aback after they had gotten their horses as well as they might O mighty Jesu said Sir Gawain what knight is yonder that doth so marvellous deeds of arms in that field I what well what he is said Sir Arthur but as at this time I will not name him Sir said Sir Gawain I would say it were Sir Lancelot by his riding and his buffets that I see him deal that ever misseemeth it should not be he for that he beareth the red sleeve upon his head for I wish him never bear token at no jousts of lady nor gentleman. Let him be said King Arthur he will be better known and do more or ever he depart and the party that was against King Arthur were well comforted and then they held them together that before hand were sore rebuked then Sir Boas Sir Ector de Marys and Sir Lionel called unto them the knights of their blood as Sir Bleymore de Gannis, Sir Blair Berris, Sir Aliduke Sir Gilead, Sir Gilehoden, Sir Belangia Lebeius so these nine knights of Sir Lancelot's kin thrust in mightily for they were all noble knights and they of great hate and despite that they had unto him thought to rebuke that noble knight Sir Lancelot and Sir Levein for they knew them not and so they came hurling together and smote down many knights of North Gileas and of Northumberland and when Sir Lancelot saw them fair so he got a spear in his hand and there encountered with him all at once Sir Boas Sir Ector and Sir Lionel for they three smote him at once with their spears and with force of themself they smote Sir Lancelot's horse to the earth and by misfortune Sir Boas smote Sir Lancelot through the shield into the side and the spear break and the head left still in his side when Sir Levein saw his master lie on the ground he ran to the king of Scots and smote him to the earth and by great force he took his horse and brought him to Sir Lancelot and of them all he made them to mount upon that horse and then Lancelot got a spear in his hand and there he smote Sir Boas horse and man to the earth and the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel and Sir Levein smote down Sir Blamour de Guenis and then Sir Lancelot drew his sword for he felt himself so sore he hurt that he weaned there to have had his death and then he smote Sir Bleobaris such a buffett on the helm that he fell him to the earth in a swoon and in the same wise he served Sir Aliduke and Sir Gallyhad and Sir Levein smote down to Belangier that was the son of Alizander Leofelin and by this was Sir Boas horse and then he came with Sir Ector and Sir Lionel and all they three smote with swords upon Sir Lancelot's helmet and when he felt their buffets seemed to which was so grievous then he thought to do what he might while he might endure and then he gave Sir Boas such a buffett that he made him bow his head passing low and there with all he raced off his helm and might have slain him and so pulled him down and in the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel as the books say he might have slain them but when he saw their visages his heart might not serve him there too and left them there and afterwards he hurled into the thickest press of them all and did there the marvellous deeds of arms that ever man saw or heard speak of and ever Sir Levein the good night with him and there Sir Lancelot with his sword smote down and pulled down as the French bookmaker mentioned more than thirty nights and the most part robbed the table round and Sir Levein did full well that day for he snote down ten nights of the table round Chapter 12 How Sir Lancelot and Sir Levein departed out of the field and in what jeopardy Lancelot was Mercy Jesu said Sir Gawain to Arthur and marvel what night that he is with the red sleeve Sir said King Arthur he will be known or he depart and then the king blew unto lodging and the prize was given by heralds unto the night with the white shield that bear the red sleeve and then came the king with the hundred nights the king of North Gallus and the king of Northumberland and Sir Gallahad of the Hort Prince and said unto Sir Lancelot fair night God thee bless for much have ye done this day for us therefore we pray you that you will come with us that ye may receive the honour and the prize as ye have worshipfully deserved it my fair lords said Sir Lancelot which you well if I have deserved thanks I have saw bought it and that me repented I am like never to escape with my life therefore fair lords I pray you that you will suffer me to depart where me likeeth for I am sore hurt I take none force of none honour for I had left her to repose me then to be lord of all the world and therewithal he groaned piteously and rode a great wallop away from them until he came under a woodside and when he saw that he was from a field nigh a mile and that he was sure he might not be seen I said with an high voice gentle night Sir Levene helped me that this truncheon were out of my side for it sticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me oh my name lord said Sir Levene I would feign do that might please you but I dread me sore and I pull out the truncheon that ye shall be in peril of death I charge you said Sir Lancelot as ye love me draw it out and therewithal he descended from his horse and right so did Sir Levene and fall with all Sir Levene drew the truncheon out of his side and he gave a great shriek and a marvellous grisly groan and the blood braced out nigh a pint at once and at the last he sank down upon his buttocks and so swooned pale and deadly alas said Sir Levene what shall I do and then he turned Sir Lancelot into the wind but so he lay there nigh half an hour as he had been dead and so at the last Sir Lancelot cast up his eyes and said oh Levene help me that I were on my horse for here is fast by within this two mile a gentle hermit that some time was a full noble knight and a great lord of possessions and for great goodness he hath taken him to willful poverty and forsaken many lands and his name is Sir Boardwin of Brittany and he is a full noble surgeon and a good leech now let's see help me up that I were there for ever my heart giveth me that I shall never die of my cousin Germaine's hands and then with great pain Sir Levene help him upon his horse and then they rode a great wallop together and ever Sir Lancelot bled that it ran down to the earth and so by fortune they came to that hermitage the witch was under a wood and a great cliff on the other side and a fair water running under it and then Sir Levene beat on the gate but of his spear and cried fast let in for Jesu's sake and there came a fair child to them and asked them what they would fair son said Sir Levene go and pray thy lord the hermit for God's sake to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded and this day tell thy lord I saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any man did so the child went in lightly and then he brought the hermit the witch passing good man and Sir Levene saw him he prayed him for God's sake of sucker what knight is he said the hermit is he of the house of King Arthur or not I what not said Sir Levene what is he nor what is his name but well I what I saw him do marvellously this day as of deeds of arms on whose party was he said the hermit Sir said Sir Levene he was this day against King Arthur and there he won the prize of all the knights of the round table I have seen the day said the hermit I would have loved him the worse because he was against my lord King Arthur for some time I was one of the fellowship of the round table but I thank God now I am otherwise disposed but where is he let me see him then Sir Levene brought the hermit to him Chapter 13 how Lancelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed of his wound and of other matters and when the hermit beheld him as he sat leaning upon his saddle though ever bleeding piteously and ever the knight hermit thought that he should know him but he could not bring him to knowledge because he was so pale for bleeding what knight are ye said the hermit and where were you born my fair lord said Sir Lancelot I am a stranger and a knight adventurous that labourer throughout many realms fought to win worship then the hermit advised him and saw by a wound on his cheek that he was Sir Lancelot alas said the hermit my name lord why lane you your name from me for sooth I ought to know your right for ye are the most noblest knight of the world for well I know you for Sir Lancelot Sir said he said you know me help me and you may for God's sake for I would be out of this pain at once either to death or to life have you no doubt said the hermit to live and fear right well and so the hermit called to him two of his servants and so he and his servants bear him into the hermitage and lightly unarmed him and laid him in his bed and then anon the hermit stalked these blood and made him to drink good wine so that Sir Lancelot was well refreshed and knew himself for in those days it was not the guys of hermits as it is nowadays for there were none hermits in those days but that they had been men of worship those hermits held great household and refreshed people that were in distress now turn we unto King Arthur and leave we Sir Lancelot in the hermitage so when the kings were come together on both parties and the great feast should be holding King Arthur asked the king of North Galas and their fellowship where was the night that bear the red sleeve bring him before me that he may have his lord and honor and the prize as it is right then Spakes a Gala had the Horde Prince and the king with the hundred nights we suppose that night is mischievous and that he is never like to see you nor none of us all and that is the greatest pity that ever we wished of any night Alas said Arthur how may this be is he so hurt what is his name said King Arthur truly said they all we know not his name or from whence he came or whether he would Alas said the king this be to me the worst tidings that came to me the seven year I would not for all the lands I willed to know when Witte were so that that noble night were slain know ye him said they all as for that said Arthur whether I know him or know him not you shall not know for me what man he is but almighty Jesus sent me good tidings of him and so said they all why my head said Sir Gawain if it so be that the good night be so sore hurt it is great damage and pity to all this land he is one of the noblest nights that ever I saw in a field handle a spear or a sword and if he may be found I shall find him for I'm sure he nests not far from this town bear ye well said King Arthur and you may find him unless that he be in such a plight that he may not wield himself Jesus defend said Sir Gawain but Witte I shall what he is and I may find him right so Sir Gawain took a squire with him upon Hackney's and rode all about Camelot within six or seven mile but so he came again and could hear no word of him and within two days King Arthur and all the fellowship returned unto London again and so as they rode by the way it happed Sir Gawain at Astelat to lodge with Sir Bernard there as was Sir Lancelot lodged so as Sir Gawain was in his chamber to repose him Sir Bernard the old Baron came under him and his daughter Elaine to cheer him and to ask him what tidings and who did best at that tournament of Winchester so God may help said Sir Gawain there were two knights that bear two white shields but the one of them bear a red sleeve upon his head and certainly he was one of the best knights that ever I saw jouston field right here say said Sir Gawain at one night with the red sleeve 40 knights at the table round and his fellow did right well and worshiply now blessed be God said the fair maiden of Astelat that that knight sped so well for he is the man in the world that I first loved and truly he shall be last that ever I shall love now fair maid said Sir Gawain is that good night your love certainly so said she which ye well hears my love then know ye his name said Sir Gawain she cometh but to say that I love him I promise you and God that I love him how had ye knowledge of him first said Sir Gawain chapter 14 how Sir Gawain was lodged with the Lord of Astelat and there had knowledge that it was Sir Lancelot that bear the red sleeve and she told him as he have heard to four and how her father betook him her brother to do him service and how her father lent him her brothers Sir Tears shield and here with me he left his own shield for what cause did he so said Sir Gawain for this cause said the damsel for his shield was too well known among many noble knights ah fair damsel said Sir Gawain please it you let me have a sight of that shield sir said she it is in my chamber covered with a case and if you will come with me you shall see it not so said Sir Bernard to his daughter let's send for it so when the shield was come Sir Gawain left the case and when he beheld that shield he knew anon that it was Sir Lancelot shield in his own arms jesu mercy said Sir Gawain now is my heart more heavier than ever it was to four why said Alayne for I have great cause said Sir Gawain is that knight that o'eth this shield your love ye truly said she my love he is god word I were his love so god me speed said Sir Gawain fair damsel he have right for an he be your love ye love the most honourable knight of the world and the man of most worship so me thought ever said the damsel for never o'er that time for no knight that ever I saw loved I never non-ursed god grant said Sir Gawain that either of you may rejoice other but that is in a great adventure but truly said Sir Gawain unto the damsel you may say ye have a fair grace for why I have known that noble knight this four and twenty here and never o'er that day I nor none other knight I dare make good saw nor heard say that ever he bear token or sign of no lady gentle woman he made him at no jousts nor tournament and therefore fair maiden said Sir Gawain ye are much beholden to him to give him thanks but I dread me said Sir Gawain that you shall never see him in this world and that is a great pity that ever was of earthly knight alas said she how may this be is he slain I say not so said Sir Gawain but which ye well he is grievously wounded by all manner of signs and by men's sight more likely to be dead than to be alive and which ye well he is the noble knight Sir Lancelot for by the shield I know him alas said the fair maiden of Astrolat how may this be and what was his hurt truly said Sir Gawain the man in the world that loved him best hurt him so and I dare say and that night that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had hurt Sir Lancelot it would be the most sorrow that ever came to his heart now fair father said then alone I require you give me leave to ride and to seek him or else I what well I shall go out of my mind for I shall never stint till that I find him and my brother Sir Gawain do is it like a few said her father for me saw repenteth of the hurt of that noble knight right so the maid made her ready and before Sir Gawain making great doll then on the mourn Sir Gawain came to King Arthur and told him how he had found Sir Lancelot's shield in the keeping of the fair maiden of Astrolat all that knew I a forehand said King Arthur and that caused me I would not suffer you to have a do at the great justs or I a spied said King Arthur when he came in till his lodging full late in the evening in Astrolat but Marvel have I said Arthur that ever he would bear any sign of any damsel for on now I never heard say nor knew that ever he bear any token of none earthly woman by my head said Sir Gawain the fair maiden of Astrolat loveth him marvelously well what it meaneth I cannot say and she is ridden after to seek him so the King and all came to London and there Sir Gawain openly disclosed to all the court that it was Sir Lancelot that just had best end of book 18 chapters 11 to 14 read by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com chapters 15 to 18 book 18 volume 2 of Le Morte d'Arthur this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain more information ought to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org read by Nathan antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Le Morte d'Arthur volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory chapter 15 of the sorrow that Sir Boers had for the hurt of Lancelot and of the anger that the Queen had because Lancelot bear the sleeve and when Sir Boers heard that whichy well he was an heavy man and so were all his kinsmen Guinevere whisked that Sir Lancelot bear the red sleeve of the fair maiden of Astrolat she was nigh out of her mind for wroth and then she sent for Sir Boers to Gannis in all the haste that might be so when Sir Boers was come to for the Queen then she said ah Sir Boers have you heard say how falsely Sir Lancelot hath betrayed me well as madame said Sir Boers I'm a feared he hath betrayed himself no force said the Queen though he be destroyed for he is a false traitor knight madame said Sir Boers I pray you say ye not so for whichy well I may not hear such language of him why Sir Boers said she should I not call him traitor when he bear the red sleeve upon his head at Winchester at the great jousts madame said Sir Boers that sleeve bearing repenteth me saw but I daresay he did it for none evil intent but for this cause he bear the red sleeve that none of his blood should know him for o'er then we nor none of us all never knew that ever he bear token or sign of maid lady new gentlewoman fire on him said the Queen yet for all his pride and bonce there ye proved yourself is better madame say ye never more so for he beat me and my fellows and might of slainness and he had wood in him said the Queen for I heard Sir Gwayne say before my lord Arthur that it were marvell to tell the great love that is between the fair maid of Astrolat and him madame said Sir Boers I may not warn Sir Gwayne to say what it pleased him but I daresay as for my lord Sir Lancelot that he loveth no lady gentlewoman nor maid but all he loveth in like much and therefore madame said Sir Boers he may say what ye will I will haste me to seek him and find him where some ever he be and God send me good tidings of him and so leave we them there and speak we of Sir Lancelot that lay in great peril so as fair Elaine came to Winchester she sought there all about and by fortune Sir LeVane was ridden to play him to enchafe his horse and anon as Elaine saw him she knew him and then she cried aloud unto him and when he heard her anon he came to her and then she asked her brother how did my lord Sir Lancelot who told you sister that my lord's name was Sir Lancelot then she told him how Sir Gwayne by his shield knew him so they rode together till that they came to the hermitage and anon she alighted so Sir LeVane brought her in to Sir Lancelot and when she saw him lie so sick and pale in his bed she might not speak but suddenly she fell to the earth down suddenly in a swoon and there she lay and when she was relieved she shrieked and said my lord Sir Lancelot alas why be ye in this plight and then she swooned again and then Sir Lancelot prayed Sir LeVane to take her up and bring her to me and when she came to herself Sir Lancelot kissed her and said fair maiden why fair ye thus he put me to pain therefore make ye no more such cheer fan ye be come to comfort me ye be right welcome that I shall be right hastily hold by the grace of God but I marvel, said Sir Lancelot he told ye my name then the fair maiden told him all how Sir Gwayne was lodged with her father and there by your shield he discovered your name alas, said Sir Lancelot let me repenteth that my name is known for I am sure it will turn unto anger and then Sir Lancelot compassed in his mind that Sir Gwayne would tell Queen Guinevere how he bear the red sleeve that he west well would turn into great anger so this maiden alone never went from Sir Lancelot but watched him day and night and did such attendance to him that the French book saith there was never woman did more kindly of a man than she then Sir Lancelot prayed Sir LeVane to make a spies in Winchester for Sir Boers if he came there and told him by what tokens he should know him by a wound in his forehead for well I am sure, said Sir Lancelot that Sir Boers will seek me for he is the same good night that hurt me Chapter 16 how Sir Boers sought Lancelot and found him in the homitage and of the lamentation between them now turn we unto Sir Boers de Gannis that came unto Winchester to seek after his cousin Sir Lancelot and when so when he came to Winchester anon there were men that Sir LeVane had made to lie in a watch for such a man and anon Sir LeVane had warning and then Sir LeVane came to Winchester and found Sir Boers and there he told him what he was and with whom he was and what was his name now fair night said Sir Boers I will require you that you will bring me to my lord Sir Lancelot Sir said Sir LeVane take your horse and within this hour you shall see him and so they departed and came to the homitage and when Sir Boers saw Sir Lancelot lie in his bed pale and discoloured and on Sir Boers lost his countenance and for kindness and pity he might not speak or it wept tenderly a great while and then when he might speak he said thus O my lord Sir Lancelot God you bless and send you hasty recover and full heavy am I of my misfortune and of mine unhappiness for now I may call myself unhappy and I dread me that God is greatly displeased with me that he would suffer me to have such a shameful to hurt you that are all our leader all our worship and therefore I call myself unhappy alas that ever such a cative knight as I am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight of the world where I so shamefully sat upon you and overcharged you where you might have slain me you saved me and so did not I for I and your blood did to you our utterance I marvel said Sir Boers that my heart or my blood would serve me Lord Sir Lancelot I ask your mercy fair cousin said Sir Lancelot you be right welcome and with you well over much you say for to please me which pleaseth me not for why I have the same I sought I would with pride have overcome you all and there in my pride I was near slain and that was in my own default for I might have given you warning of my being there and then had I had no hurt for it is said so there is hard battle there as kin and friends do battle either against other there may be no mercy but mortal war therefore fair cousin said Sir Lancelot let this speech over pass and all shall be welcome that God sendeth and let us leave off this matter and let us speak of some rejoicing for this that is done may not be undone and let us find a remedy how soon that I may be whole then Sir Boers leaned upon his bedside and told Sir Lancelot how the Queen was passing Roth with him because he wore the red sleeve at the great chalsts and there Sir Boers told him all how Sir Gwain discovered it by your shield that you left with the fair maiden of Astrolat then is the Queen Roth said Sir Lancelot and therefore am I right heavy for I deserved no Roth for all that I did was because I would not be known right so excused I you said Sir Boers but all was in vain for she said more largely her to me than I to you now but is this she said Sir Boers that is so busy about you that men call the fair maiden of Astrolat she it is said Sir Lancelot that by no means I cannot put her from me why should you put her from you said Sir Boers she is a passing fair damsel and a well be seen and well taught and God would fair cousins said Sir Boers that you could love her but as to that I may not nor I dare not counsel you but I see well said Sir Boers by her diligence I doubt you that she loveth you entirely that me repenteth said Sir Lancelot Sir said Sir Boers she is not the first to have lost her pain upon you and that is the more petty and so they talked of many more things and so within three days or four Sir Lancelot was big and strong again Chapter 17 how Sir Lancelot armed him to a say if he might be arms and how his wounds braced out again then Sir Boers told Sir Lancelot how there was sworn a great tournament and justs betwixt King Arthur and the King of North Gallus that should be upon all Hallow Mass Day beside Winchester is that truth said Sir Lancelot then shall you abide with me still a little while until that I be whole for I feel myself right big and strong blessed be God said Sir Boers then were they there nigh a month together and ever this maiden Elaine did ever her diligent labour night and day unto Sir Lancelot that there was never child nor wife nor meeker to a father and husband then was that fair maiden of Astrolat wherefore Sir Boers was greatly pleased with her so upon a day by the ascent of Sir Lancelot Sir Boers and Sir Levane they made the hermit to seek in woods for diverse herbs and so Sir Lancelot made fairer lame to gather herbs for him to make him a bane in the meanwhile Sir Lancelot made him to arm him at all pieces and there he thought to assay his armour and his spear for his hurt or not and so when he was upon his horse he stirred him fiercely and the horse was passing lusty and fresh because he was not laboured a month before and then Sir Lancelot couched that spear in the rest that coarser leapt mightily when he felt the spurs and he that was upon him which was the noblest horse of the world strained him mightily and stably and kept still the spear in the rest and therewith Sir Lancelot strained himself so straightly with so great force to get the horse forward that the button of his wound braced both within and without and therewith all the blood came out so fiercely that he felt himself so feeble that he might not sit upon his horse and then Sir Lancelot cried unto Sir Boers ah Sir Boers and Sir Levane help I am come to mine end and therewith he fell down the one side to the earth like a dead corpse and then Sir Boers and Sir Levane came to him with sorrow making out of measure and so by fortune the maiden Elaine heard their mourning and then she came thither and when she found Sir Lancelot there armed in that place she cried and wept as she had been would and then she kissed him and did what she might to awaken him and then she rebuked her brother and Sir Boers and called them false traitors why they would take him out of his bed and said she would appeal them of his death with this came the holy hermit Sir Boardwin of Brittany and when he found Sir Lancelot in that plight he said but little but witty well he was wroth and then he bade them let us have him in and so they all bear him unto the hermitage and unarmed him and laid him in his bed and evermore his wound bled piteously but he stirred no limb of him then the knight hermit put a thing in his nose and a little deal of water in his mouth and then Sir Lancelot waked of his swoon and then the hermit staunched his bleeding and when he might speak he asked Sir Lancelot why he put his life in jeopardy Sir said Sir Lancelot because I weaned I had been strong and also Sir Boers told me that there should be at all hello Mass a great joust betwixt King Arthur and the King of North Gallies and therefore I thought to assay it myself whether I might be there or not Ah Sir Lancelot said the hermit your heart and your courage will never be done until your last day but you shall do now by my counsel let Sir Boers depart from you and let him do at that tournament what he may and by the grace of God said the knight hermit by that the tournament be done and ye come hither again Sir Lancelot shall be as whole as ye so that he will be governed by me Chapter 18 Our Sir Boers returned and told tidings of Sir Lancelot and of the tourney to whom the prize was given Then Sir Boers made him ready to depart from Sir Lancelot and then Sir Lancelot said Fair cousin Sir Boers recommend me unto all them unto whom me ought to recommend me unto and I pray you enforce yourself at that joust that ye may be best for my love and here shall I abide you at the mercy of God till ye come again and so Sir Boers departed and came to the court of King Arthur for what place he had left Sir Lancelot that me repenteth said the King but since he shall have his life we all may thank God and there Sir Boers told the Queen and what jeopardy Sir Lancelot was when he would to say his horse and all that he did madam was for the love of you because he would have been at this tournament fire on him recriant knight said the Queen for with ye well I am right sorry and he shall have his life his life shall he have Sir Boers and who that would otherwise accept you madam we that be of his blood should help to short their lives but madam said Sir Boers he have been of times displeased with my lord Sir Lancelot but at all times at the end ye find him a true knight and so he departed and then every night of the round table that were there at the time present made them ready to be at that jousts at all hallow mess and there the drew many knights of diverse armies and as all hallow mass junior ever came the King of North Gaelas and the King with the hundred knights and Sir Gela had the Hort Prince of Salus and there they came King Anguish of Ireland and the King of Scots so these three kings came on King Arthur's party and so that day Sir Gwayne did great deeds of arms and began first and the heralds numbered that Sir Gwayne smoked down 20 knights then Sir Boers to Gaines came in the same time and he was numbered that he smoked down 20 knights and therefore the prize was given betwixt them both for they began first and longest endured also Sir Gareth as the book says did that day great deeds of arms for he smoked down and pulled down 30 knights but when he had done these deeds he tarried not but so departed and therefore he lost his prize and Sir Palomides did great deeds of arms that day for he smoked down 20 knights but he departed suddenly and men deemed Sir Gareth and he rode together to some manner adventures so when this tournament was done Sir Boers departed and rode till he came to Sir Lancelot his cousin and he found him walking on his feet and there either made great joy of other and so Sir Boers told Sir Lancelot of all the jousts like as he have heard and Marvel said Sir Lancelot at Sir Gareth when he had done such deeds of arms that he would not tarry thereof we marveled all said Sir Boers but if it were you or Sir Tristan or Sir Lamrock to Gallease I saw never knight bear down so many and so little a while as did Sir Gareth and anom he was gone we wished not where by my head said Sir Lancelot he is a noble knight and a mighty man and well breathed and if he were well assayed said Sir Lancelot I would deem he were good enough for any knight that beareth the life and he is a gentle knight courteous, true and bountious, meek and mild and in him is no manner of mal and gin but plain faithful and true so then they made him ready to depart from the hermit and so upon a mourn they took their horses in a lane leblanc with them and when they came to Astralat they were they well lodged and had great cheer of Sir Bernard the old baron and of Sir Tia his son and so upon the mourn when Sir Lancelot should depart Fair Elaine brought her father and Sir Levain and Sir Tia and thus she said end of book 18 chapters 15 to 18 read by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com chapters 19 to 22 book 18 volume 2 of Le Morte d'Arthur 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 Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Le Morte d'Arthur volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory chapter 19 of the great lamentation of the fair maid of Astralat when Lancelot should depart and how she died for his love Our Lord Sir Lancelot now I see you will depart now fair knight and courteous knight have mercy upon me and suffer me not to die for thy love What would ye that I did said Sir Lancelot I would have you to my husband settle Elaine fair damsel I thank you said Sir Lancelot but truly said he I cast me never to be wedded man then fair knight said she will you be my paramour defend me said Sir Lancelot for then I rewarded your father and your brother full evil for their great goodness alas said she then must I die for your love ye shall not so said Sir Lancelot for witty well fair maiden I might have been married and I have would but I never applied me to be married yet but because fair damsel that ye love me as ye say ye do I will for your good will and let us show you some goodness and that is this that where some ever ye will beset your heart upon some good night that will wed you I shall give you together a thousand pound yearly to you and to your heirs thus much will I give you fair mad arm for your kindness and always while I live to be your own knight of all this said the maiden I will none for but if ye will wed me or else be my paramour at the least which you well must my good days are done fair damsel said Sir Lancelot of these two things he must pardon me then she shrieked shrilly and fell down in a swoon and then women bear her into her chamber and there she made over much sorrow and then Sir Lancelot would depart and there he asked Sir Levain what he would do what should I do said Sir Levain but follow you but if ye drive me from you or command me to go from you then I had been hired to Sir Lancelot and said to him I cannot see but that my daughter Elaine will die for your sake I may not do with all said Sir Lancelot for that me saw repenteth for I report me to yourself that my proffer is fair me repenteth said Sir Lancelot that she loveth me as she doth I was never the causer of it for I report me to your son I early knee late proffered her bounty nor fair behests for all that a knight should do that she is a clean maiden for me both for deed and for will and I am right heavy of her distress for she is a full fair maiden good and gentle and well taught Father said Sir Levain I dare make good she is a clean maiden as for my Lord Sir Lancelot but she doth as I do the sith and I first saw my Lord Sir Lancelot I could never depart from him nor not I will and I may follow him even so they departed and came into Winchester and in Arthur wist that Sir Lancelot was come whole and sound the king made great joy of him and so did Sir Levain and all the knights of the round table except Sir Agravain and Sir Mordred also Queen Guinevere was Woodroth with Sir Lancelot and would by no means speak with him but estranged herself from him and Sir Lancelot made all the means that he might for to speak with the Queen now speak we of the fair maiden of Astrolate that made such sorrow day and night that she never slept ate nor drank and ever she made her complaint unto Sir Lancelot so when she had thus endured a ten days that she feebled so that she must needs pass out of this world then she shrived her clean and received her creator and ever she complained still upon Sir Lancelot then her ghostly father bade her leave such thoughts then she said why should I leave such thoughts am I not an earthly woman and all the while the breath is in my body I may complain me for my belief is I do not offence though I love an earthly man and I take God to my record I love never none but Sir Lancelot Jaleek nor ever shall and a clean maiden I am for him and for all other and see then it is the sufferance of God that I shall die for the love of Sir Nable and Knight I besiege the high father of heaven have mercy upon my soul and upon mine innumerable pains that I suffered may be allegiance of part of my sins the sweet Lord Jesus said the fair maiden I take thee to record on thee I was never great offensive against thy laws but that I loved this noble knight Sir Lancelot out of measure and of myself good lord I might not withstand the fervent love wherefore I have my death and then she called her father Sir Bernard and her brother Sir Tia and heartily she prayed her father that her brother might write a letter like as she did indicted and so her father granted her and when the letter was written word by word like as she devised then she prayed her father that she might be watched until she were dead and while my body is hot let this letter be put in my right hand and my hand bound fast with the letter until that I be cold and let me be put in a fair bed with all the richest clothes that I have about me and the richest clothes be laid with me in a chariot unto the next place where Tames is and there let me be put within a barget and but one man with me such as you trust to steer me thither and that my barget be covered with black semite over and over thus father I beseech you let it be done so her father granted it her faithfully all things should be done like as she had devised then her father and her brother made a great and so when this was done and on she died and so when she was dead the corpse and the bed all was led the next way unto Tames and there a man and the corpse and all were put into Tames and so the man steered the barget unto Westminster and there he rode a great while to and fro or any aspired it Chapter 20 How the corpse of the maid of Astralat arrived to fore King Arthur and of the burying and how Silancellot offered the mass penny so by fortune King Arthur and the Queen Guinevere were speaking together at a window and so as they looked into Tames they aspired this black barget and had marvel what it meant and the King called Sir Kay and showed it him Sir said Sir Kay which you will there is some new tidings go thither said the King to Sir Kay and take with you saw Brand Isles and Agravain and bring me ready word what is there then these four nights departed and came to the bargett and went in and there they found the fairest corpse lying in a rich bed and a poor man sitting in the bargett's end and no word would he speak so these four nights returned unto the King again and told him what they found that fair corpse will I see said the King and so then the King took the Queen by the hand and went thither then the King made the bargett to beholden fast and then the King and the Queen entered with certain nights with them and there he saw the fairest woman lie in a rich bed covered unto her middle with many rich clothes and all was of cloth of gold and she lays those she had smiled and the King aspired a letter in her right hand and told it to the King and the King took it and said now am I sure this letter will tell what she was and why she has come hither so then the King and the Queen went out of the bargett and so commanded a certain man to wait upon the bargett and so when the King was come within his chamber he called many nights about him and said that he would wit openly what was written within that letter then the King break it and made a clerk to read it and this was the intent of the letter most noble night salance a lot now hath death made us too at debate for your love I was your lover that men called the fair maiden of Astrolat therefore unto all ladies I make my moan yet pray for my soul and me at least and offer ye my mass penny this is my last request and a clean maiden I died I take God to witness pray for my soul salance a lot as thou art peerless this was all the substance in the letter and when it was read the King the Queen and all the nights wept for pity of the dole full complaints then was salance a lot sent for and when he was come King Arthur made the letter to be read to him and when salance a lot heard it word by word he said my Lord Arthur which ye well I am right heavy of the death of this fair damsel God knoweth I was never cause of her death by my willing and that will I report me to her own brother here he is sir Levain I will not say nay said sir Lancelot but that she was both fair and good and much I was beholden unto her but she loved me out of measure you might have showed her said the Queen some bounty and gentleness that might have preserved her life madam said salance a lot she would none other ways be answered but that she would be my wife or there else my paramour not these two I would not grant her but I profit her for her good love that she should me a thousand pound yearly to her and to her heirs and to wed any man a night that she could find best to love in her heart for madam said salance a lot I love not to be constrained to love for love must arise of the heart and not by no constraint that is truth said the King and many nights love is free in himself and never will be bounden for where he is bounden he looseth himself then said the King unto salance lot it will be your worship that ye oversee that she be interred worshipfully so said salance a lot that shall be done as I can best devise and so many nights yeed thither to behold that fair madam and so upon the mourn she was interred richly and salance a lot offered her mass penny and all the nights of the table round that were there at that time offered with salance a lot and then the poor man went again with the budget then the Queen sent for salance a lot and prayed him of mercy for why that she had been wroth with him causeless this is not the first time said salance a lot that she had been displeased with me causeless but madam ever I must suffer you but what sorrow I endure I take no force so this passed on all that winter with all manner of hunting and hawking and jousts and turnies were many betwixt to many great lords and ever in all places Sir Levain got great worship so that he was nobly renowned among many nights of the table round Chapter 21 of great jousts done all the Christmas and of a great jousts Antony ordained by King Arthur and of salance a lot thus it passed on till Christmas and then every day there was jousts made for a diamond who that joust at best should have a diamond salance a lot would not joust but if it were at a great jousts cried but Sir Levain jousted there all that Christmas passingly well and best was praised for there were but few that did so well where for all manner of nights deemed that Sir Levain should be made night of the table round at the next feast of Pentecost so at after Christmas King Arthur let call unto him many nights there they advised together to make a party in a great tournament and jousts and the King of North Galas said to Arthur he would have on his party King Anguish of Ireland and the King with the Hundred Nights and the King of Northumberland and Sir Galahad the Horde Prince and so these four kings and this mighty Duke took part against King Arthur in the nights of the table round and the cry was made that the day of the jousts should be beside Westminster upon Candlemas day whereof many nights were glad and made them ready to be at that jousts in the freshest manner and Queen Winnevere sent for salance a lot and said thus I warn you that you ride no more in no jousts nor tournaments but that your kinsmen may know you and at these jousts that shall be you shall have a mere sleeve of gold and I pray you for my sake enforce yourself there that men may speak of you with worship but I charge you as you will have my love that you warn your kinsmen that you will bear that day the sleeve of gold upon your helmet. Madame said salance a lot it shall be done and so either made great joy of other and when salance a lot saw his time he told Sebois that he would depart and have no more with him but Sir Levene unto the good Hermit that dwelt in that forest of Windsor his name was Sir Rassius and there he thought to repose him and take all the rest that he might because he would be fresh at that day of jousts so salance a lot and Sir Levene departed that no creature wished where he was become but the noble men of his blood and when he was come to the Hermitage which he well he had good cheer and so daily salance a lot would go to a well fast by the Hermitage and there he would lie down and see the well spring and burble and sometime he slept there so at that time there was a lady dwelt in that forest and she was a great huntress and daily she used to hunt and ever she bear her bow with her and no men went never with her but always women and they were shooters and could well kill a deer both at the stalk and at the chest and they daily bear bows and arrows, horns and wood knives and many good dogs they had both for the string and for a bait so it happed this lady the huntress had abated her dog for the bow at her behind and so this barren hind took the flight over hedges and woods and ever this lady and part of her women costed the hind and checked it by the noise of the hounds to have met with the hind at some water and so it happed the hind came to the well whereas Sir Lancelot was sleeping and slumbering and so when the hind came to the well for heat she went to soil and there she lay a great well and the dog came after and un becast about for she had lost the very perfect food to the hind right so came that lady the huntress that knew by the dog that she had that the hind was at the soil in that well and there she came stiffly and found the hind and she put a broad arrow in her bow and shot at the hind and overshot the hind and so by misfortune the arrow smoked Sir Lancelot and the thick of the buttock over the barbs when Sir Lancelot felt himself so hurt he hurled up woodling and saw the lady that had smitten him he was a woman he said thus lady or damsel what that thou be in an evil time bear ye a bow the devil made you a shooter chapter 22 how Lancelot after that he was hurt of a gentle woman came to an hermit and of other matters now mercy fair sir said the lady I'm a gentle woman that uses here in this forest hunting and God knoweth I saw ye not but as here was a barren hind at the soil in this well and I weaned to run well but my hand swerved alas said Sir Lancelot ye have mischieved me and so the lady departed and Sir Lancelot as he might pulled out the arrow and left that head still in his buttock and so he went weekly to the hermitage ever more bleeding as he went and when Sir Levine and the hermit aspired that Sir Lancelot was hurt would you well they were passing heavy but Sir Levine wished not how that he was hurt nor by whom and then were they off out of measure then with great pain the hermit got out the arrow's head out of Sir Lancelot's buttock and much of his blood he shed and the wound was passing sore and unhappily smitten for it was in such a place that he might not sit in no saddle have mercy J.S.U. said Sir Lancelot I may call myself the most unhappiest man that liveth for ever when I would feignest have worshipped there before with me ever some unhappy thing to me help said Sir Lancelot and if no man would but God I shall be in the field upon Candlemastay at the justs whatsoever fall of it so all that might be gotten to heal Sir Lancelot was had so when the day was come Sir Lancelot let devised that he was arrayed and Sir Levine and their horses as though they had been sarracans and so they departed and came nigh to the field the king of North Galas with him and the king of Northumberland brought with him and hundred good nights and king Anguish of Ireland brought with him and hundred good nights ready to joust and Sir Galahad the Horde Prince brought with him and hundred good nights and the king with the hundred nights brought with him as many and all these were proved good nights and came in king Arthur's party and there came in the king of Scots with a hundred nights and king Uriens of Gore brought with him and hundred nights and Shaolins of Clarence brought with him and hundred nights and king Arthur himself came into the field with two hundred nights and the most part were nights of the table round that were proved noble nights and there were old nights set in scaffold for to judge with the queen who did best end of book 18 chapters 19 to 22 recorded by Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com chapters 23 to 25 book 18 volume 2 of Le Morde d'Arthur 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 Nathan at antipodeanwriter.wordpress.com Le Morde d'Arthur volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory chapter 23 How Sir Lancelot behaved him at the jousts and other men also then they blew to the field and there the king of North Galus encountered with the king of Scots and there the king of Scots had a fall and the king of Ireland smote down King Uriens and the king of North Thumblin smote down King Howell of Brittany and Sir Gallahad the Hort Prince smote down Shaolins of Clarence and then King Arthur was wooed Roth and ran to the king with the hundred knights and there King Arthur smote him down and after with that same spear King Arthur smote down three other knights and then when his spear was broken King Arthur did passingly well and so there with all came in Sir Gwain and Sir G'Harris Sir Agravain and Sir Mordred and there every each of them smote down a knight and Sir Gwain smote down four knights and then there began a strong medley and then there came in the knights of Lancelot's blood and Sir Gareth and Sir Palomides with them and many knights of the table round and they began to hold the four kings and the mighty Duke so hard that they were discomfort but this Duke Gallahad the Hort Prince was a noble knight and by his mighty prowess of arms he held the knights of the table round straight enough and this doing saw Sir Lancelot and then he came into the field with Sir Gwain as if it had been thunder and in and on Sir Bors and the knights of his blood as spied Sir Lancelot and said to them all I warn you beware of him with the sleeve of gold upon his head for he is himself Sir Lancelot Delac and for great goodness Sir Bors warned Sir Gareth I'm well a-paid said Sir Gareth that I may know him but who is he said they all that ride it with him in the same array Sir Levain said Sir Bors so Sir Lancelot and Count with Sir Gwain and there by forth Sir Lancelot smoked down Sir Gwain and his horse to the earth and so he smoked down Sir Agravain and Sir Gareth and also he smoked down Sir Mordred and all this was with one spear then Sir Levain met with Sir Palimides and either met other so hard and so fiercely that both their horses fell to the earth and then were they horse again and then met Sir Lancelot with Sir Palimides and their Sir Palimides had a fall and so Sir Lancelot or ever he stint as fast as he might get spears he smoked down 30 nights and the most part of them were nights of the table round and ever the nights of his blood withdrew them and made them adieu in other places where Sir Lancelot came not and then King Arthur was wroth when he saw Sir Lancelot do such deeds and then the king called unto him Sir Gwain, Sir Mordred, Sir Kay Sir Luke and the Butler Sir Vedivir, Sir Palimides Sir Saphir, his brother and so the king with these nine nights made them ready to set upon Sir Lancelot and upon Sir Levain all this aspired Sir Bors and Sir Gareth now I dread me sore said Sir Bors that my lord Sir Lancelot will be hard matched by my head said Sir Gareth I will ride unto my lord Sir Lancelot for to help him for all of him whatfall may for he is the same man that made me knight shall not so said Sir Bors by my counsel unless that ye were disguised he shall see me disguised said Sir Gareth and therewith all he aspired a Welsh knight where he was to repose him and he was sore her to fall by Sir Gwain and to him Sir Gareth rode and prayed him of his knighthood to lend him his shield for his I will well said the Welsh knight and when Sir Gareth had his shield the books say that was green with a maiden that seemed in it Sir Lancelot all that he might and said knight keep thyself for yonder cometh King Arthur with nine noble knights with him to put you to a rebuke and so I am come to bear you fellowship for old love you have shooed me great mercy said Sir Lancelot Sir said Sir Gareth encounter ye with Sir Gwain and I shall encounter with Sir Palimbaides and let Sir Levain match with the noble King Arthur and when we have delivered them let us three hold us sadly together King Arthur with his nine knights with him and Sir Lancelot encountered with Sir Gwain and gave him such a buffet that the arson of his subtle brass and Sir Gwain fell to the earth then Sir Gareth encountered with the good knight Sir Palimbaides and he gave him such a buffet that both his horse and he dashed to the earth then encountered King Arthur with Sir Levain and there either of them smote other to the earth horse and all and they lay a great while then Sir Lancelot smote down Sir Agravain and Sir Gaharis and Sir Mordred and Sir Gareth smote down Sir Kay and Sir Saphir and Sir Grifflet and then Sir Levain was horse again and he smote down Sir Lucan the butler and Sir Bedivir and then there began a great throng of good knights then Sir Lancelot hurtled here and there and raced and pulled off helms so that at that time there might none sit him a buffet with spear nor with sword and Sir Gareth did such deeds of arms that all men marveled what knight he was with the green shield for he smote down that day and pulled down Moe then thirty knights and as the French book say Sir Lancelot marveled only beheld Sir Gareth do such deeds what knight he might be and Sir Levain pulled down and smote down twenty knights also Sir Lancelot knew not Sir Gareth for Anne Sir Tristan de Lyons or the Sir Lamaroc de Gallys had been alive Sir Lancelot would have deemed he had been one of them twain so ever as Sir Lancelot, Sir Gareth Sir Levain fought and on the one side Sir Boas Sir Ectedemaris, Sir Lionel, Sir Lamaroc de Gallys Sir Bleo Berris Sir Gallihud, Sir Gallihodim Sir Pelias and with Moe other of King Bann's blood fought upon another party and held the king with the hundred knights and the king of Northumberland right straight Chapter 24 How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the field and how he rode and found Sir Lancelot So this tournament and this jousts dueled long till it was near night for the knights of the round table relieved ever unto King Arthur for the king was wroth out of measure that he and his knights might not prevail that day and Sir Gwain said to the king I marvel where all this day be Sir Boas de Gallys and his fellowship of Sir Lancelot's blood may well be all this day they be not about you it is for some cause said Sir Gwain by my head said Sir Kay Sir Boas is yonder all this day upon the right hand of this field and there he and his blood do more worshipfully than we do may well be said Sir Gwain but I dread me ever of guile from pain of my life said Sir Gwain this night with the red sleeve of gold is himself Sir Lancelot I see well by his riding and by his great strokes and the other night in the same colours is the good young knight Sir Leveen also that night with the green shield is my brother Sir Gareth and yet he hath disguised himself for no man shall ever make him be against Sir Lancelot because he made him knight by my head said Sir Arthur nephew I believe you therefore tell me now what is your best counsel Sir said Sir Gwain you shall have my counsel let blow unto lodging and my brother Sir Gareth with him with the help of that good young knight Sir Leveen trust me truly it will be no boot to strive with them but if we should fall ten or twelve upon one knight and that were no worship but shame you say truth said the king and for to say sooth said the king it was shame to us so many as we be to set upon them any more for which you well said king Arthur they be three good knights and namely that knight with the sleeve of gold so then they blew unto lodging but forthwithal king Arthur let send unto the four kings and to the mighty Duke and prayed them that the knight with the sleeve of gold depart not from them but that the king may speak with them then forthwithal king Arthur alighted and unarmed him and took a little hackney and rode after Sir Lancelot for ever he had a spy upon him and so he found him among the four knights and the Duke and there the king prayed them all unto supper and they said still and when they were unarmed then king Arthur knew Sir Lancelot Sir Levain and Sir Gareth ah Sir Lancelot said king Arthur this day you have heated me and my knights and they yield unto Arthur's lodging altogether and there was a great feast and great revel and the prize was given unto Sir Lancelot and by heralds they named him that had smitten down fifty knights and Sir Gareth five and thirty and Sir Levain four and twenty knights then Sir Lancelot told the king and the queen how the lady huntress shot him in the forest of Windsor in the buttock with an broad arrow and how the wound thereof was that time six inches deep and in like long also Arthur blamed Sir Gareth because he left his fellowship and held with Sir Lancelot my lord said Sir Gareth he made me a knight and when I saw him so hard bested he thought it was my worship to help him and so many noble knights against him and when I understood that he was Sir Lancelot de Lake I shamed to see so many knights against him alone truly said King Arthur unto Sir Gareth he said well and worshipfully have you done and to yourself great worship and all the days of my life said King Arthur unto Sir Gareth which you well I shall love you and trust you the more better forever said Arthur it is a worshipful knight's deed to help another worshipful knight when he see him in great danger for ever a worshipful man will be loathed to see a worshipful man shamed and he that is of no worship and ferith with cowardness never shall he show gentleness nor no manner of goodness where he see the man in any danger for there never will a coward show no mercy and always a good man will do ever to another man as he would be done to himself so then there were great feasts unto kings and dukes and Breville the game and play and all manner of nobleness was used and he that was courteous true and faithful to his friend was that time cherished chapter 25 how true love is likened to summer and thus it passed on from candle mass until after Easter that the month of May was come when every lusty heart began to blossom and to bring forth fruit for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and flourish in May and likewise every lusty heart that is in any manner a lover springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds for it giveth unto all lovers courage that lusty month of May in something to constrain him to some manner of thing more in that month than in any other month for diverse causes for then all herbs and trees renew a man and woman and likewise lovers call again to their mind old gentleness and old service and many kind deeds that were forgotten by negligence for like as winter ratio doth all way arrays and deface green summer so fareeth it by unstable love in man and woman for in many persons there is no stability for we may see all day for a little blast of winter's ratio and on we shall deface and lay apart true love for little or not that cost much thing this is no wisdom nor stability but it is a feebleness of nature and great disworship whom so ever use of this therefore like as main month floureth and flourisheth in many gardens so likewise let every man of worship flourish his heart in this world first unto God and next unto the joy of them that he promised his faith unto there was never worship for man or worship for woman but they loved one better than another and worship in arms may never be foiled but first reserve the honour to God and secondly the quarrel must come of thy lady and such love I call virtuous love but nowadays men cannot love seven night but they must have all their desires but love may not endure by reason for where they be soon accorded in hasty heat soon at cooleth right so fareeth love nowadays soon hot soon cold this is no stability but the old love was not so men and women could love together seven years and no liqueurs lusts were between them and then was love truth faithfulness and lo and likewise was used love in King Arthur's days wherefore I like and love nowadays unto summer and winter for liqueurs the one is hot and the other cold so fareeth love nowadays therefore all ye that be loveless call unto your remembrance the month of May liqueurs did Queen Guinevere for whom I make here a little mention that while she lived she was a true lover and therefore she had a good end and here followeth Reber 19 End of Book 18 Chapters 23 to 25 Recorded by Nathan at anti-pedionwriter.wordpress.com Chapters 1 through 5 Book 19 Volume 2 of LeMorte data 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 David Cole Medway, Massachusetts LeMorte data Volume 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory Chapter 1 So it befell in the month of May Queen Guinevere called unto her her knights of the table round and she gave them warning that early upon the morrow the maing into worlds and fields beside Westminster and I warn you that there be none of you but that he be well host and that ye all be clothed in green, ootha in silk, ootha in cloth and I shall bring with me ten ladies and every night shall have a lady behind him and every night shall have a squire and two yeoman and I will that ye all be host so they made them ready in the freshest manner and these were the names of the knights Sir K. Lysenichel Sir Agravain Sir Brandyles Sir Sagramore Lediziris Sir Dodinus LeServage Sir Ozana LeCureHadi Sir Ladinus of the Forest Servage Sir Persant of Indy The Night of the Red Lawns and Sir Pelias the Lover and these ten knights made them ready in the freshest manner to ride with the Queen and so upon the morn they took their horses with the Queen and rode a maing in woods and meadows as it pleased them in great joy and delights for the Queen had cast to have been again with King Arthur at the furthest by ten o' the clock and so was that time her purpose Then there was a knight that hight Meliagrants and he was son unto King Bagdermagus and this knight had at the time a castle of the gift of King Arthur within seven miles of Westminster and this knight, Sir Meliagrants loved passing well Queen Guinevere and so had he done long in many years and the book says he had lain in a wait for to steal away the Queen but evermore he forbade for because of Soloncelot for in no wise he would meddle with the Queen and Soloncelot were in her company Uther else and he were near hand her and that time was such a custom the Queen rode never without a great fellowship of men of arms about her they were many good knights and the most part were young men that would have worship and they were called the Queen's knights and never in no battle tournament nor jousts they bear none of them no manner of knowledging of their own arms but plain white shields and thereby they were called the Queen's knights and then when it haped to be of great worship by his noble deeds then at the next feast of Pentecost if there were any slain or dead then it was there chosen in his stead that was dead the most men of worship that were called the Queen's knights and thus they came of all first all they were renowned men of worship both Soloncelot and all the remnant of them at this night Cymelia Grants had aspired the Queen well and her purpose and how Soloncelot was not with her and how she had no men of arms with her but the ten noble knights all arrayed in green for meing then he pervade him a twenty men of arms and a hundred archers for to destroy the Queen and her knights at the same time was best season to take the Queen Chapter 2 So as the Queen had made and all her knights all were bedashed with herbs, mosses and flowers in the best manner and freshest right so came out of a wood Cymelia Grants with an eight score men well harnessed as they should fight in a battle of arrest and bade the Queen and her knights abide for maugra their heads they should abide Traitor knights said Queen Gweneva what cast thou for to do wilt thou shame thyself bethink thee how thou art a King's son and knight of the table round and thou to be about to dishonour the noble King that made the knight thou shamest all knighthood and thyself and me I let thee wit shalt thou never shame for I had lethal cut mine own throat in twain rather than thou shouldest dishonour me as for all this language said Cymelia Grants be it as it may for wit you well madam I have loved you many a year and never or now could I get you at such an advantage as I do now and therefore I will take you as I find you as fake all the ten noble knights at once and said Cymelia Grants wit thou well you are about to jeopard your worship to dishonour and also you cast to jeopard our persons how be it we be unarmed ye have us at a greater veil for it seemeth by you that ye have laid watch upon us but rather that ye should put the Queen in a shame and us all apart from our lives as and if we other ways did we were shamed forever then said Cymelia Grants dress you as well ye can and keep the Queen then the ten knights of the table round drew their swords and the other let run of them with their spheres and the ten knights manly abode them and smote away their spheres that no sphere did them non-harm then they lashed together with swords and a non-Sackey Sir Sigremore Sir Agravain Sir Dodinus Sir Ladinus and Sir Ozana were smitten to the earth with grimly wounds then Sir Brandouth and Sir Persant Sir Ironside Sir Pelias fought long and they were so wounded for these ten knights or ever they were lain to the ground slew forty men of the boldest and best of them so when the Queen saw her knights thus dolefully wounded and needs must be slain at the last then for pity and sorrow she cried Cymelia Grants slain not my noble knights and I will go with thee upon this covenant that thou save them and suffer them not to be no more hurt with this that they be led with me where some ever thou leadest me for I will rather slay myself than I will go with thee or unless that these my noble knights may be in my presence Madam said Melia Grants for your sake they shall be led with you into my own castle with that you will be ruled and ride with me then the Queen prayed the four knights to leave their fighting and she and they would not depart Madam said Sepelles we will do as ye do for as for me I take no force of my life nor death for as the French book says Sepelles gave such buffets there that non-armor might hold him Chapter 3 Then by the Queen's commandment they left battle and dressed the wounded knights on horseback some sitting throughout their horses that it was pity to be held them and then Semélia Grants charged the Queen and all her knights that none of all her fellowship should depart from her for full soy he dreads a long slot due lake lest he should have any knowledging all this aspired the Queen and prevarly she called unto her a child of her chamber that was swiftly horse to whom she said go thou when thou cease thy time and bear this ring unto Salon slot due lake and pray him as he loveth me that he will see me and rescue me if ever he will have joy of me and spare not thy horse said the Queen neither for water neither for land so the child aspired his time and lightly took his horse with his spurs and departed as fast as he might and when Semélia Grants saw him so flea he understood that it was by the Queen's commandment for to warn Salon slot then they that were best chased him and shot at him but from them all the child went suddenly and then Semélia Grants said to the Queen Madam, you are about to betray me to the Queen for Salon slot that he shall not come lightly at you and then he rode with her and they all to his castle in all the haste that they might and by the way Semélia Grants laid in the embushment the best arches that he might get in his country to the number of thirty to wait upon Salon slot charging them that if they saw such a manner of night by the way upon a white horse that any wise they might slay his horse but in no manner of wise have not a do with him bodily for he is overhardy to be overcome so this was done and they would come to the castle but in no wise the Queen would never let none of the ten knights and her ladies out of her sight but always they were in her presence and when he spoke Seth Semélia Grants durst make no masteries for dread of Salon slot in so much he deemed that he had warning so when the child was departed from the fellowship of Semélia Grants within a while he came to Westminster and at none he found Salon slot and when he had told his message and delivered him the Queen's Ring Alas! said Salon slot now I am shamed forever unless that I may rescue that noble lady from Dishonour then eagerly he asked his armour and ever the child told Salon slot how the ten knights fought marvelously and how Sopelias and Sarayanside and Sobrandiles and Supercent of Indy fought strongly but namely Sopelius the might none withstand him and how they all fought to let the last they were laid to the earth and then the Queen made appointment for to save their lives and go with Semélia Grants Alas! said Salon slot that most noble lady that she should be so destroyed I had left her so the Salon slot then all France that I had been there well armed so when Salon slot was armed and upon his horse he laid the child of the Queen's chamber to warn Sir Lavain how suddenly he was departed and for what cause and pray him as he loveth me that he will hide him after me and that he stint not until he come to the castle where Semélia Grants abideth or dwelleth for there said Salon slot he shall hear of me and I am a man living and rescue the Queen ten nights the which he traitorsly hath taken and that I shall prove upon his head and all of them that hold with him Chapter 4 then Salon slot rode as fast as he might and the book saith he took the water Westminster Bridge and made his horse to swim over Thames under Lambeth and there within a while he came to the same place there as the ten noble nights brought with Semélia Grants and then Salon slot followed the track until that he came to a wood and there was a straight way and there the thirty archers bait Salon slot to turn again and follow no longer that track What commandment have ye there too said Salon slot to cause me that am a night of the round table to leave my right way this way shalt thou leave other else thou shalt go it on thy foot for wit thou well thy horse shall be slain that is little mastery said Salon slot to slay mine horse but as for myself when my horse is slain I give right naught for you not an ye were five hundred more so then they shot Salon slot's horse and smote him with many arrows and then Salon slot avoided his horse and went on foot but there were so many ditches and hedges betwixt them and him that he might not meddle with none of them alas for shame said Salon slot that ever one night should betray another night but it is an old sore a good man is never in danger but when he is in the danger of a coward then Salon slot went a while and then he was foul-cumbered of its armor his shield and his spear and all that lunged unto him which ye well he was full sore annoyed and full loathe he was for to leave anything that lunged unto him for he dread sore the treason of sommelier grants then by fortune there came by him a chariot that came thither for to fetch wood say me Carter said Salon slot what shall I give thee to suffer me to leap into thy chariot and that thou bring me unto a castle within this two mile thou shalt not come within my chariot said the Carter for I am sent for to fetch wood for my lord sommelier grants with him would I speak thou shalt not go with me said the Carter then Salon slot leapt to him and gave him such a buffet that he fell to the earth stark dead then the other Carter his fellow was afeared and weaned to have gone the same way and then he cried fair lord save my life and I shall bring you where ye will then I charged thee said Salon slot that thou drive me in this chariot even unto sommelier grants his gate leap up into the chariots of the Carter and ye shall be there and on so the Carter drove on a great wallop and Salon slot's horse followed the chariot with more than a forty arrows broad and rough in him and more than an hour and a half Dame Guinevere was awaiting in a bay window with her ladies and aspired an armed knight standing in a chariot madam said a lady where rideth in a chariot a goodly armed knight I suppose he rideth unto hanging where said the Queen then she aspired by his shield that he was there himself Salon slot due lake and then she was where where came his horse ever after that chariot and ever he trod his guts and his porch under his feet alas said the Queen alas said the Queen now I see well and prove that well is him that hath a trusty friend a ha most noble knight at Queen Guinevere I see well thou art hard bested when thou ridest in a chariot then she rebuked that lady that likened Salon slot to ride in a chariot to hanging it was foul mouth said the Queen and evil likened so far to liken the most noble knight of the world unto such a shameful death O Jesus defend him and keep him said the Queen from all mischievous end by this was Salon slot come to the gates of that castle and there he descended down and cried that all the castle rang of it where art thou foul straighter Semelia Grants and knight of the table round now come forth here thou traitor knight thou and thy fellowship with thee for here I am Salon slot Jew Lake that shall fight with thee and there with all he bear the gate wide open upon the porter and smote him under the ear with his gauntlet with his neck brassed asunder when Semelia Grants heard the Salon slot was there he ran unto Queen Guinevere and fell upon his knee and said mercy madam now I put me wholly into thy grace what a lith you now said Queen Guinevere for sooth I might well wit some good night would revenge me though my lord Arthur whisked not of this your work said Semelia Grants all this that is amiss on my part shall be amended right as yourself will devise and wholly I put me in your grace what would ye that I did said the Queen I would no more said Melia Grants but that ye would take all in your own hands and that ye will rule my lord Salon slot and such cheer as may be made him in this poor castle ye and he shall have until to mourn and then may ye and all they return unto Westminster and my body and all that I have I shall put in your rule ye say well said the Queen and better is peace than ever war and the less noise the more is my worship then the Queen and her ladies went down unto the night Salon slot that stood wroth out of measure in the inner court to abide battle and ever he bade thou traitor knight come forth then the Queen came to him and said Salon slot why be ye so moved ah madam said Salon slot why ask ye me that question me Seymeth said Salon slot ye ought to be more wroth than I am for ye have the hurt and the dishonour for which ye well madam my hurt is but little for the killing of a mere son but the despite grieve with me much more than all my hurt truly said the Queen ye say truth but heartily I thank you said the Queen but ye must come in with me cowardly for all thing is put in my hand and all that is evil shall be for the best for the night full sore repenteth him of the misadventure that is befallen him madam said Salon slot says that is so that ye have been accorded with him as for me I may not be again it how be it Seymelia Grants has done full shamefully to me cowardly ah madam said Salon slot and I had wished you would have been so soon accorded with him I would not have made such haste unto you why say ye so said the Queen do ye forethink yourself of your good deeds which you well said the Queen I accorded never unto him for favour nor love that I had unto him but for to lay down every noise madam said Salon slot ye understand full well I was never willing nor glad of shameful slander nor noise and there is neither king queen nor knight that beareth the life except my lord king Arthur and you madam should let me but I should make Seymelia Grants his heart full cold or ever I departed from hence of the Queen but what will ye more ye shall have all things ruled as ye list to have it madam said Salon slot so ye be pleased I care not as for my part ye shall soon please right so the Queen took Salon slot by the bear hand for he had put off his gauntlet and so she went with him till her chamber and then she commanded him and then Salon slot asked where were the ten knights that were wounded sore so she showed them unto Salon slot and there they made great joy of the coming of him and Salon slot made great dole of their herds and bewail them greatly and there Salon slot told them how cowardly and traitorly Melia Grants set arches to slay his horse and how he was feigned to the chariot thus they complained average to other and full feign they would have been revenged but they pieced themselves because of the Queen then as the French book Salon slot was called many a day after Le Chevalier du Chariot and did many deeds and great adventures he had and so leave we of this tale Le Chevalier du Chariot and turn we to this tale so Salon slot had great cheer with the Queen and then Salon slot made a promise with the Queen that the same night Salon slot should come to window outward toward a garden and that window was he barred with iron and there Salon slot promised to meet her when all folks were asleep and then came Salavane driving to the gates crying where is my lord Salon slot du lake then was he sent for and when Salavane saw Salon slot he said my lord I found well how you were hard bested for I have found your horse that was slain with arrows as for that said Salon slot I pray you Salavane speak ye of other matters and let ye this pass and we shall write it another time when we best may end of book 19 chapters 1 through 5