 Translators and Authors' Prefaces to Geoffrey the Knight and the Faire Brunissande by Jean-Bernard-Marie Lefond Translated from the French version of Mary Lefond by Alfred Ellways. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Translators' Prefaces The description given by one of the authors of Geoffrey about the origin of the romance and the evidence afforded by the French adapter concerning the manuscripts wherein it is contained make it unnecessary for me to dwell upon these particulars. The veneration in which King Arthur's name is held by all lovers of the early romantic history of Britain will give the tale a strong recommendation in such eyes. While the personages with which it deals render the appearance of its characters in an English dress the more pleasing and appropriate. As answerable for the fashion and material of the costume I may be permitted to say a few words concerning the rule which has guided me in producing it. Keeping in view that the original romance is a poem in form and composition I have endeavoured in my translation still to preserve the poetic character and though compelled to base my work upon a prose version I have tried within certain limits rather to restore its original shape than allow it by the second ordeal to which it is thus subjected to lose it altogether. Whether such attempt, however honestly conceived has been properly carried out must be determined by my readers. A. E. King's Arms Yard Moorgate Street London Preface to the French version The literary world of France scarce knows the extent of its own riches. In the catacombs of its libraries and archives there is a heap of unknown jewels which would give a new and brighter luster to its poetic wreath. The great age did not even suspect their existence. The eighteenth century passed over without bestowing on them a glance and if in our days a few of our learned brethren have conceived the idea of drawing them to light the rumour of their labours which moreover were both superficial and incomplete never got beyond the doors of the institute. There still remains then more especially as regards the south to open up the load of this mine of gold a virgin mine as yet in as much as Saint Palais Rochgoud, Renoir and Fourier have but scraped upon its surface and reanimate in a poetic point of view the Middle Ages to easily sacrificed at the period of the Renaissance too severely prescribed by the university. Fed in truth from our entry into college with the literature of Greece and Rome which however admirable in form is but sober in invention we can have no conception of those works wherein the imagination of France youthful, vigorous and gay blossomed in full freshness like a rose in spring. Some judgments may be formed of the value of the poems rhymed by the troubadours in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries by the romance which is now presented to the public. Dragged from the dust beneath which it has lain buried for six hundred years the romance of Geoffrey is translated for the first time and when we consider the merit of the story we may add without fear of contradiction that it deserved such honor long ago. Let the reader call up in his mind a pavilion of smirna or granada with columns of white marble light and graceful as those of the Alhambra with elegant trelliswork, glass of varied hues and filled with a pervading tone of warmth the warmth of a May sun and he will have some notion of the romance of Geoffrey and the fair Brunissant. Few things being more picante, more fresh, more fanciful or which better reflects the charming caprices of a sudden imagination in the Middle Ages. Feudal society revives therein entire with all its fairy doings, its nightly fictions, its manners and its grand lance thrusts. As such is the interest of the tale that we allow ourselves to be carried away by it with as much pleasure as our ancestors must have felt when it was told to the sounds of the minstrel's vial in the great castle hall or beneath the shadow of the tent. Two peculiarities which are not matter of indifference to history enhance the value of this poetic gem. One is the influence of Arabic ideas of which it has a distant savor like the barmy oases of the East and the other the inspiration which it evidently lent to Cervantes. If for instance we discover therein the rock, the wishes and the tents of the fairy Paribhanu as traces of the Arabian nights we behold on the other hand that this romance of Joffrey has furnished the one-handed genius of Alcala with the first idea of the adventure of the galley slaves Destichados Galliotes The Cavalier in Green Cavaliero del Verde Gavan The Braying of the Regidores Rebusno de los Dos Regidores The Princess Miccomiconna The Enchanted Head And in this respect we may be permitted to remark that the romance of Joffrey offers matter of a picante comparison with the work of Miguel Cervantes. Is it not strange after the ingenious Don Quixote to find ourselves reading with pleasure the adventures of a knight errant? We should still have much to say concerning this poem and our system of translating it but as we are averse to useless dissertations we will confine our further remarks within short space. This romance which is written in the Provincial Tongue of the 12th Century is composed of 11,160 verses of eight syllables. Footnote The Imperial Library possesses two manuscript copies one in small folio written in a minute round Italian hand with double columns of 45 verses 124 pages classed under number 291 2D French Supplement the other a small quarto which will be found under number 7988. End of Footnote It was begun by a troubadour who heard the tale related at the court of the King of Aragon and finished by a poet whose modesty caused him to conceal his own name and that of his colleague. In order to render the reading of their work more pleasant while using our efforts to retain the Southern character and genuine tone of colour we have paired away some of the verbosity and tautologies which at times encumber while they retard the progress of the action. May this flower of the genius of our fathers retain in our modern Tongue a part of that freshness and perfume which were its attributes in former days. Author's Preface Now a tale of chivalry of proper fashion great allurement full of wise and courteous instances and wherein abound acts of great prowess strange adventures assaults encounters and dread battles you may list the telling. And it amuse you I will relate thereof all that I do know or that it please you to give ear on too. Let me know only that which ye desire and if ye be inclined to listen in good soothe when the minstrel doth indeed recite neither should hear as by nor sell nor in a low voice hold counsel for thus the recital is lost to him who speaketh and they me thinks who listen cannot find therein great pleasure. I come then to recount to you tidings of the court of King Arthur he who was so worthy so valiant and so wise that his name shall never die but whereof shall eternally be spoken the mighty things he did and the good knights all for their prowess known whom he did gather at his famed round table. In that court the fairest and most loyal that's ever shone beneath the stars all men did find that counsel and that aid of which they stood in need. There triumphed right and there were wrongs redressed. There, dames and damsels, widows and orphans attacked unjustly or disinherited by force and there failed to meet with champions. The oppressed of all conditions there did find a refuge and none air sought protection therein vain. Give then sweet welcome to a poem the fruit of such good place and dain to listen onto it in peace. The troubadour who rhymed it never knew King Arthur but he heard the entire story told at the court of the King of Aragon the best of monarchs in this world. A worthy father and a famous son Lord of goodly fortunes humble in heart and frank in nature as in mind the King of Aragon loveth God and feareth him. He maintaineth faith and loyalty peace and justice. Thus God protecteth him giveth him the victory when he raiseth his banner against the infidel and placeth him above all those who are alike worthy and bold. Where shall we seek youthful brows wearing a crown which emiteth rays of greater splendour? He giveth good gifts to minstrels and to knights and his court is the resort of all those who are esteemed brave and courteous. It was before him the troubadour heard related by a stranger knight of kin to Arthur and Segawain the song he hear hath rhymed and whereof the first adventure occurred while the King of the Round Table held his court at Carlisle on the day of the Pentecost. End of Prefaces Chapter 1 of Joffrey the Knight and the Fair Brunissande by Jean-Bernard-Marie LeFont This librivoct recording is in the public domain The Adventure of the Forest To us on the day of Pentecost a feast which to Carlisle had drawn a host of knights that Arthur King of Britain's Isle his crown placed upon his brows and to the Older Monastic Church proceeded to hear the mass and with him went a brilliant train the Knights of the Round Table. There were Segawain, Lonsalot-Doulac, Tristram and Ivan Bold Eric Frank of Hart and Quex the Seneschal Percival and Calogrant Pleige the Worthy Coedis the Handsome Knight and Caravies short of the arm. The whole of his bright court indeed was there and many more whose names I have forgot. When mass was done they to the palace home returned mid laughter and loud noise the thoughts of each on pleasure only bent. Each on arrival gave his humour play some spoke of love and some of chivalry and some of ventures they were going to seek. Quex at this moment came into the hall holding a branch of apple in his hand. All made room for him for there were few who did not fear his tongue and the hard words which it was want utter. This barren bold held nothing in respect e'en of the best he ever said the worst. But this apart he was a brave stout knight in Council Sage a valiant man of war and Lord of Lineage High but this his humour and his biting words took from him much that was of right his due. He going straight away to the king thus said Sire, and it pleads you, it is time to dine. Quex replied Arthur in an angry tone sure that was born but to awake my wrath and out of season ever to discourse. Have I not told thee I a thousand times nor should induce me to partake of food when thus my court had met till some adventure had turned up some nights were vanquished or some maid set free. Go sit thee down at bottom of the hall. Quex went without a word among that joyous throng where men of all conditions, knights and lords, minstrels and mountain banks ceased not their tricks, their gay discourse, their laughter till the hour of noon. At noon King Arthur calls to Gawain and thus spoke, fair nephew, cause our charges to be brought but since adventure cometh not to us we must feign seek it in the open field for should we longer stay our knights indeed would have a right to think that it were time to dine. Your will my lord, Gawain said, shall be a bade and at the instant he the squires bade to saddle horses and their armour bring. Soon were the steeds prepared, the nobles armed. The king then girded on his famous sword and at the head of his bold barons placed, set out for Bressiland a gloomy wood. Having along its deep and shady paths a while proceeded the good king drew rain and amid the greatest silence bent his ear. A distant voice was then distinctly heard calling at intervals for human help and turn by turn invoking God and saints. I will ride yonder, pulled Arthur cried, but with no company save my good sword and it please you my lord, said Gawain said. I feign would ride with you. Not so fair nephew, the king made reply, I need no company. Since such a wish, said Gawain, have your will. Arthur called quickly for his shield and lance and spurred right eagerly towards the spot whence came the plaintive voice. As he drew near the cries the sharper grew. The king pricked on with greater speed and stopped before a stream by which a mill was placed. Just at the door he saw a woman stand who wept and screamed and wrung her trembling hands while she her tresses tore in deep despair. The good king moved to pity as to why she grieved. My lord, she weepingly replied, O help me in God's name. A dreadful beast come down from yonder mount is there within devouring all my corn. Arthur approached and saw the savage beast which truly was most frightful to behold. Larger than the largest bull it had a coat of long and russet fur, a whitish neck and head which bristled with a pile of horns. Its eyes were large and round, its teeth of monstrous size, its jaws were shapeless, legs of massive build, its feet were broad and square, a giant elk were not of greater bulk. Arthur observed it for a certain time with wonder in his mind. Crossing himself he then got off his horse and drew forth his sword and covered with his shield went straight into the mill. The beast, however, far from being scared did not so much as even raise its head but from the hopper still devoured the corn. Seeing its motionless the king believed the beast was lack of spirit and to excite it struck it on the back but still the creature moved not. He then advanced and standing right in front lunged at the beast as though to run it through. He did not even seem to note the act. Arthur then cautiously laid down his shield replaced his sword and being stout and strong he seized it by the horns and shook it with great force. Nevertheless he could not make it leave the grain. In rage he was about to raise his fist so as to deal it on the head a blow but low he could not then remove his hands. They were as riveted onto its horns. Soon as the beast perceived its foe was caught it raised its head and issued from the mill bearing pendants from its horns the king aghast, distracted and yet wild with rage. It then regained the wood at easy pace. When Gawain, who by good fortune had to ride before his friends beheld it thus his uncle carrying off a sight which half deprived him of his wits. Nights he exclaimed aloud hi hither help to our good lord and may the laggard never sit as his round table more we should indeed deserve dishonoured names for the king lost for want of timely aid. As thus he spoke he flew towards the beast not waiting for the rest and couched his lance as though to strike at it. But the king, fearing harm would come to him addressed him thus fair nephew thanks but in for my sake halt if thou do touch it I am sorely lost and if thou spare it saved I might have slain it but the king now tells me I held not my hand in vain let it then go its course and keep my men from coming on to near. My lord Gawain answered him with tears must I then let you perish without help the best of help the king rejoined will be to do my bidding Gawain was at this so much incensed he cast down lancen shield he tore his cloak and handfuls from his hair just at this time Ivan and Tristram came with lances lowered and at top of speed Gawain threw up his hands and loudly cried strike not my lords for his King Arthur's sake he's a dead man if you but touch the beast what then are we to do in quiet day will follow it quoth Gawain if the king be hurt the beast shall die the monster still kept on its even way not seeming to remark the knights until a rocket reached lofty and round and high it scaled it as a swallow rapidly and Gawain and his friends who at a distance followed sad and full of thought saw it when thus the summits was attained crawl straight towards a peak which over hung there stretching out its head it held the king suspended o'er the abyss judge the alarm of Gawain and his friends who each beside was almost wild with rage hearing their cries they who remained behind came up full spur and reached the lofty rock where at the summit they beheld the king hanging thus helpless from the monster's horns they then gave loose to the most doleful cries that had ever been heard I cannot picture to you their despair brave knights and pages then you might have seen tearing their hair and rending their attire that's wood reviling and the strange adventure which they had come to seek and quicks exclaimed by way of final stroke alas fair chivalry how hard I lot this day to cause the death of our good king and lose thy valour whence was needed most saying these words he sank upon the ground the king however still remained suspended in mid-air the beast meanwhile not offering to stir the monarch feared to drop in that abyss and in low voice he prayed the saints and god to save him from this pass then Gawain Tristram and I know not who beside to counsel how they might heap up their robes so as to break the brave king Arthur's fall Gawain had scarce proposed it to the crowd and doffed his garments speedily in haste they brought their cloaks and mantles gay stripped off with eagerness their doublets hoes and in an instant every night was bare such was the heap of garments neath that rock the king had fallen without deadly risk when this the beast beheld it stirred as though it would draw back and slightly shook its head the crowd below alarmed at once appraised a cry and on their bended knees prayed heaven to guard the king and bear him safe and sound the beast with mighty spring then leaped below and setting Arthur free itself it changed into a handsome knight in scarlet richly clad from head to heel this noble bent his knee before the king and smiling said my liege command your men and their garments to resume they now may dine in peace though somewhat late the adventure has been found Arthur amazed nay half distraught at this adventure strange now recognised the knight a courtly guest esteemed among the brave the courteous and the sage a droid in arms gay graceful and beloved among the first in strife yet kind and modest too this lord was master of the seven arts and in all spells was versed for some time passed between him and the king a compact stood whereby it was agreed if he himself transformed when all the court was met he should as good and three good gifts receive a cup of gold a charger of great price and from the fairest damsel a sweet kiss Gawain at once ran up his fall was crushed and you may safely judge of his surprise finding him thus in high good humour stand loud laughing with the beast in faith fair friend quoth he you can indeed enchant poor folks and force even barons to throw off their clothes you may resume them good my lord said the enchanter in the same gay tone below the king no longer needs their use they did indeed soon put them on again nor stayed to pick or choose the court at once returned to fair Carlisle the monarch and Gawain riding on ahead the palace walls soon echoed with their joy the pages brought them wherewithal to wash and soon the knights were placed about the board grand was that court and rich and brave and good many a puissant's name full many a king and many a duke and count were seated there Gawain the valiant's knight and Ivan the well-bred each holding the queen's arm then led her in where at the table she sat beneath the king Gawain then placed himself at the other side and Ivan by the queen at once with laughter they began to tell of the enchanter's skill and when queen Gwynevere and they the knights who were not in the wood had learned the doings there they were indeed surprised and soon loud laughed and chatted with the rest meanwhile Sequex before the king and fair queen Gwynevere the golden dishes placed he then sat down to eat his own good meal for he did boast a famous appetite while many ready pages served the other knights nothing was wanting at that banquet's high the row-book kid and succulent wild boar the crane, the bustard capon, swans, wild geese peacocks and fine fat hens and partridges white bread and the purist wine of all good things the best was there beheld served by a host of graceful youths beside the guest did honour to the feast eating and drinking then engaged each thought when straight there entered mounting a fleet horse with spotted robe a youthful squire tall and of noble mean never do I believe was man more finely shaped his shoulders were at least two cubits broad his features regular his eyes were sparkling full of love and mirth his hair was shining as the brightest gold his arms were large and square his teeth as ivory white his frame his head at the waist was well developed and displayed his strength his legs were long and straight and feet high arched his violet and well cut robe resting in graceful folds on hose of the same hue a garland of fresh flowers crowned his brows to which the sun had given a deeper tint heightening the colour of his ruddy cheeks entering the hall he alighted from his horse and came with quick and joyous a step to kneel at the good monarch's feet he then his purpose opened with these words may he who made this world and all it holds he who knows suzerain hath now save the king and all that's his friend replied Arthur thank thee for those words if thou dost seek a boon it shall be thine my liege I am a squire come from far onto your court because I knew so doing I should meet the best of kings and I conjure you for Saint Mary's sake if you so please to arm me now a knight friends said the king arise and take thy seat it shall be done thee even as thou wilt never my liege if you permit will I up rise from hence till you have granted me the boon I ask it is conceded then exclaimed the king the squire arose as these fair words were said and went to take his place at that rich board but scarcely was this done then lo the guests beheld the knight well armed and on a charger fleet come riding in crossing the hall he with his lance did strike a lord upon the breast and stretched him dying just before the queen he then rode out exclaiming as he went this have I done to shame thee wicked king if it do grieve thee and thy boasted knight should care to follow and each passing year on this same day will I return to do thee the like scored good Arthur drooped his head enraged yet sad but then the squire rose and knelt before the king sire he said now give me nightly arms that I may follow up that haughty lord who cast dishonour on this royal court friend exclaimed quacks at this the squire to this responded not a word out of his duty for the worthy king but for such cause quacks had for his speech paid dear Arthur however gave his anger vent and thus exclaimed wilt thou then quacks ne'er hold that biting tongue and take the sword and the sword and the sword and the sword and the sword ne'er hold that biting tongue until I've driven thee from out my court what has emboldened thee to speak thus vilely and to a stranger who a suit prefers canst thou not keep within thee or the spite the envy wicked words and slanderous thoughts with which thou art swelling or my lord the squire said pray let him have his say little heed I the flings of his forked tongue for which I will a noble vengeance seek vile word ne'er sullieth honour let me rather have a suit of arms to follow him who now has issued hence for I do feel I shall not eat at ease till he and I have met in deadly fight the monarch courteously replied my friend I willingly will give thee steed good arms and nightly spurs for thou dost ask these gifts a squire of gentle birth but thou art all too young to fight with him who now has left this hall not four among the knights of my round table can dare to meet his blows or touch him in the field leave then this care to others I should grieve to lose at once so stout and brave a squire since I you think me stout and call me brave it is wrongfully or but to jeer you wish to stay my fighting but in that you'll not succeed save you refuse to grant the boon ere while you promise me and should a king forget his promise made gone are his luster and his courtesy the monarch answered friend I yield me to thy ardent wish thou shalt be armed at night he then commanded to attendants squires at once to go seek his armor lance a fine and tempered shield the cask the sharp edged sword the spurs and horse of price in full comparison then when they brought the arms and horse he caused the squire to put the horberk on he buckled his right spur girded his sword upon the youths left flank and having kissed him gently on the mouth he asked of him his name sire in the land where I was born my name is Joffrey son of Dovon the king on hearing him speak thus sighed heavily and said while tears were in his eye ah what a night and lord of mark was this same Dovon he was up my table and my court a brave knight and a learned never had he superior in arms none were held stouter or more dread in fight may God if he so will it grant him grace since for my sake he died an archer pierced his heart with a steel bolt while he a keep held out on my domain in Normandy meanwhile a squire brought Joffrey a base deed the young knight placed his hand upon the bow and leapt upon the horse all armed as he then stood without the use of stirrup then called for his shield and lance consigned the king to God and having taken leave of all the rest he galloped from that hall End of chapter 1 Chapter 2 of Joffrey the Knight and the Fair Brunissande by Jean Bernard Marie Lafon this Librivox recording is in the public domain est du d'affaires the charger which was fleet and fair to view started off like an arrow from its bow so that as Joffrey left the castle gates he hoped he yet should overtake the knight and therefore cried aloud to two men on the way good fellows if you can tell me the road just taken by the lord who left the castle yonder even now if not prevent you point me out the way one of those men replied speak you of him whose armor was so bright the same quoth Joffrey he is on before you start too late tonight to catch him up by heaven murmured Joffrey much aggrieved he cannot flee so far or sink so deep but I will reach him I'll seek him the world through where land and sea are found and will discover his retreat even beneath the earth this said he held his course and spurring came to a broad causeway where fresh prince of horses hooves appeared upon the dust me thinks said Joffrey that a knight a while hath passed this way so I will follow up this self same road while thus the trail is seen putting his horse into an ambling pace he rode on all that day without a town or castle being met even tight he still continued on when a loud cry followed by a din of arms and clash of steel on helm suddenly rose from out the heavy shade Joffrey spurred readily towards the spot and cried who are ye lords who at this hour do fight ply since eyes of man cannot behold you but no one replied and when as fits a bold and venturous man he reached the place whence came the fight was over and the din had ceased whilst then he listened seeing naught and at the silence wondering there rose from out the shade deep size and moans when stooping forward he made out a knight so sadly hurt the soil was bathed in blood knight he exclaimed speak and inform me for what and by whom thou hast been so sorely used would not he instur his lips or move a limb his arms grew stiff and with two fearful groans he yielded up the ghost knight then cried Joffrey to the corpse it grieves me not to know thy slayer or whether thou worked wrong or whether right thou now art dead but if I can I even will learn why and by whose hand he then departed and resumed his way now on the trot and now at ambling pace stopping at intervals to bend his ear and give a look around for some time nothing met his ear or eye but after having ridden for a space a noise of battle once again assailed him steel wood and iron met with such dread force it seemed as though the thunder vexed the air and that this din proclaimed the bursting storm at once then to the side from whence it came so Joffrey turned his horse and with his shield about his neck his lance in rest prepared he spurred with ardour on for in his mood it seemed as though he near should learn who slew the knight and who were they that fought on then to that affray he hotly came but to behold stretched stiff upon the ground a knight all armed whose cask and head besides had by a single blow being cloven to the teeth while his steel Horberg was all read with gore Joffrey his visor raised and touched him with his lance but seeing no life was there exclaimed with grief heaven shall I then never know whose hand had slain these knights full of impatience he resumed his course and when he far had ridden lit upon another knight whose body was so shattered with his hurts the blood and life were oozing the master away moved deeply at his cries and sad lament Joffrey drew near and kindly asked what hand had dealt such measure to himself and the two others slain and which side was more over in the wrong alas the wounded man made answer with a sigh I will explain to you the simple truth it is estu the master of effe who has reduced us to the state you see to feed his pride this knight is known so quarrelsome and fierce that without mercy and without a cause he doth assault all comers far and near tell me said Joffrey was he wrong in this I will my lord with heaven's help and that without in lying by a word I and my friends were going to our rest when estu to my castle gates hard by rode up and bade us high defiance had it been day we should have tarried long air venturing forth who he did know him master of such skill that few as yet could air make head against him so merciless beside has never in his lifetime ever known to grant his foment grace seeing him not the bridge was lowered and at once was passed he having drawn as far upon the road the better for the treacherous ends he had suddenly stopped and turning with lance couched on him who pressed him nearest stretched him dead upon the earth by this time we had recognized estu and turned our horses heads but he with threatening words pursued us close and reaching my companion slew him with a blow he then his rage concentrated on me and with such fierceness thinking my end come I missed my aim the lance just glancing from his shield but he with one stroke bore me from my horse and three times struck it to me as I helpless lay so that good faith he little life have left this my good lord is how the thing have happed know you as joffery full of thought the road he took and where he may be met my lord I cannot tell but little do I doubt that you will find him earlier than you wish haste then to fly such presence for believe you cannot gain thereby or else but iron and you take my advice you will change your route change my route say you quoth joffery know by my truth they more I will but follow him the closer up and should I catch this lord we part not he may rest assured without a struggle and without learning to which of us twain doth bear the stouter heart the stronger arm or wield the better sword he took his leave with these words of the night the latter prayed him to pass by his keep and send him aid from thence I will not fail said joffery towards the manner of the dying man he took his way in this space he saw high towers and two squires well armed who mounted guard before a raised drawbridge friends he exclaimed to them God save you both and you my lord from every harm they said I have sad message for you I did joffery and bad news your lord is lying yonder sorely hurt and his two comrades are both slain a steward of fae you hasten to your lord who wants your help he then commended them to God and parted in all haste joffery resumed his way now trotting hard and now at ambling pace until he reached a valley deep and dark there he beheld the blaze of a great fire round which were met a numerous company trusting he might get tidings there of astute and of tola for truly counted he on fighting both he straight way rode to where the fire was and found their figures that await surprise lords in rich vestments roasted a wild boar meanwhile by dwarfs stunted and out of shape the spit was turned good sirs said you're free civilly good eye but to learn from some of you where I may meet a lord I have followed this night through friend exclaimed one in answer it's maybe we can tell you when we know his name I seek said joffery astute the verfe and tola called the lord of rugiment friend said the night with courtesy from hence depart and that with greatest speed for should astute but chance to meet you here thus armed I would not give a denier for your life he is so valiant and so stout of limb that never yet had he encountered foe who could make head against him these you see around are knights of proof and can meet sturdy blows daithless he hath subdued us all and we are forced to follow him on foot wherever choice or venture leads him on we are now engaged preparing him his food so I advise you to depart at once not so indeed said joffery I came not here to flee before I turn my face my shield shall be destroyed my horberk riven and my arm so bruised it cannot wield a blade whilst thus they held discourse behold astute arrived full spur and at the sight of joffery cried aloud who art thou vassal who thus dares to come and meddle with my men and who are you said joffery in reply who use such pleasant words thou shalt know that anon are you astute I am indeed for long have I been seeking you throughout without air stopping in my course or closing I and for what end has thou thus sought me out for that I wish to know why thou has slain the three knights on the road which act I take to be a sin and wrong and is it for this that thou art hither come thou wouldst have better done to stay behind but to thy ruin do I meet thee here thou shalt this instant lose that head of thine or follow me on foot like yonder knights who patter humbly at my horse's heels deliver therefore up to me thy shield thy breast-blade and thy sword and the bay-horse that's brought thy body here thy care shall be to guard them with my life quoth joffery choice the good king bestowed this coarser on me when he armed me night as to the shield thou shalt not have its hole nor in the whore-burg without rent or stain thou takes me for a child whom thy poor threats can frighten the shield the whore-burg and the horse are not yet thine but if they please thee try about to win them as to thy threats I scorn them threats save the proverb often cover fear estu drew off his horse at these bold words and joffery nerve him to sustain the shock then ran they at each other with their utmost speed estu struck joffery on the shield's bright boss and with such mighty strength that through the river-metal went the lance breaking the mail which guarded his broad chest and grazing in the skin joffery meanwhile had struck his foe in turn and with so just an aim he lost at once his stirrups and his seat and rolled half-stunned upon the ground he rose again full quickly pale with rage and came with upraised sword towards joffery the latter wishing his good horse to spare at once leapt on the sod and raised his shield so as just in time estu in his fierce rage brandished his sword with both his hands and made it thunder down with such effect the shield was cloven to the arm Saint Peter murmured joffery thou dost cover this poor shield still if not stay me it shall cost thee dear suiting to such words the act upon estu's bright cask he then let fly so fierce a downward stroke that fire issued therefrom but the good helm of proof was not a width the worse with gathering fury estu came again and with one stroke paired from so joffery's shield the double rim full half a palm of mail and the left spur which was cut through as the blade reached the ground wondering at the vigour of his dreadful foe joffery on his side struck a second time his burnished helm and with such force his sword in twain was broken yet left it not upon the trusty steel even the slightest dent heaven thought joffery what doth this pretend confounded be the hand that helm it wrought whereon my blade hath spent itself in vain then estu uttering a fearful cry as he beheld so joffery's sword in two flew straight towards him and in his turn struck the son of Dovon on the helm smashing the visor as the blow came down had he not raised in time the remnant of his shield which that fell stroke for I destroyed the combat had been done knight said so joffery thou dost press me soar an eye good sooth must indeed be witched strike as I will upon that helm of thine I cannot crack its shell as thus he spoke he launched a desperate blow with what was left him of his blade which falling on the cask of his stout flow like hammer on an anvil for the time deprived him both of sight and sound with dizzy eye and uttering step estu thinking to strike at joffery whom he would have cloven to the heel had he received the blow let fall his sword with such unbounded rage it struck into the ground and buried half its blade before he could withdraw it the young knight casting aside the battered shield and broken sword seized with both arms estu about the waist and that with such good will his very ribs were heard to crack within to cast him to the ground undo his helm and seize his sword to strike off his foe's head were but an instant's work estu who moved not cried with feeble voice Percy good night oh save me not but take of me such ransom as thou wilt I own that thou hast vanquished me thou shalt have mercy joffery then replied thou dost that which I shall now command it shall be done most willingly my lord thou canst not ask a thing I will not do in the first place said joffery thou shalt go and yield thyself a captive to King Arthur with all these knights to whom thou must restore what thou hast tamed from them and thou shalt then relate to that good king how I have thus or come thee in the fight I will do so full willingly by heaven estu replied and now said joffery give to me thine arms for mine have been all hacked and hewed by thee agreed my lord give me your hand the bargain shall be kept and well can I avert without a lie that ne'er did knights boast armor such as mine men is the blow may fall upon this helm yet never pass it through no lance can dim this shield or pierce this mail and for this sword so hard is it of temper iron nor bronze nor steel resists its edge joffery then donned these valuable arms and whilst he buckled on the shining helm and burn his shield and girded the good sword the captives of estu came up to do him homage they were to score in number all a price and lofty lineage who addressed him midwarm smiles of joy fair lord what answer will ye that we make when good king Arthur asked the name of him who sets us free you will reply that joffery is his name joffery the son of Dovon this said he ordered that his horse be led for still he burned to overtake Tolla and though estu and all the knights pressed him a while to tarry yet he stayed neither to eat nor take the least repose from squire's hands receiving shield and lance he took his leave and wandered on his way the day came on both clear and beautiful a bright sun rose on fields humeks with dew charmed with the spring tide and the matting hour the birds sang merrily beneath the verdant shade and conned their latin notes joffery naithless went straight upon his road still bent on finding Tolla for to him nor peace nor rest nor pleasure an air come till that proud lord be met End of Chapter 2 Chapter 3 of Joffery the Knight and the Fair Brunisande by Jean Bernard-Marie Lefond this Librivox recording is in the public domain the Dwarf and the Lance after Sir Joffery had rode on his way estu his promise kept and to each knight restored both horse and arms that evening he set out for Arthur's court and resolved to reach before the jousts and games and banquetings were o'er eight days had they been holding in those halls when he arrived there with his company it was after dinner as the king was seated with his lords lending an ear to minstrel's tails and the discourse of the knights who told of acts of lofty prowess done the testu came with that armed troop of knights having alighted at the palace gates they soon were led before the worthy king when kneeling at his feet estu expressed himself in terms like these Sire made that high king who made and fashioned all things he the lord of every sovereign who hath no peer nor mate now save us in your company friend the king replied God save you and your friends beside who are ye and what come ye here to seek my lord I will recount you the whole truth from Geoffrey son of Doron come we to proclaim ourselves your captives and submit to your just law so Geoffrey hath delivered all these knights whom I had captured one by one and who were bound to follow me on foot for they had mercy only on such terms now he hath conquered me by force of arms and when thou last beheldest him hath the king by that true faith thou host to gracious heaven say was he well in health yes Sire by the truth I owe to you believe that eight days since arise tomorrow's son I left him sound robust and full of fire he would not even tarry to break bread for he declared no food should pass his lips no joy no pleasure no repose be his until the night named Tola he hath found he now is on his track and I engage that if he meet him and a chance to get to measure sword with sword it will be strange and he not force him to cry grace for I do not believe the world doth own a braver night or one more strong in arms I speak from proof who dearly know his force oh heaven in which I trust cried Arthur as he clasped his hands grant me my prayer that Geoffrey safe and sound may back return already is he known a doubting knight and noble are the gifts he hithers sends leave we now boldest do to tell his tale and turn we to our night I have related houses Geoffrey still went on seeking his foe by valley and by mount yet neither spied nor heard he living man to give him tidings he rode on thus nor met he man or beast till the high noon was past the son had now become intensely hot and hardly could he bear its burning ray still neither son nor hunger thirst nor haught beside could cow his spirit determined not to stop upon his road till he had to allow met he still progressed though near a soul was seen as he pressed hotly on some hours riding found the youthful night close by a gentle hill shaded by one of nature's finest trees pendant there hung from an outstretching bow a fair white lance of ash with point of burnish steel thinking a night perchance was resting near Geoffrey in that direction turned his horse and galloped towards the spot when he had reached the bottom of the hill he nimbly lept him down and walked to the high tree but to his great surprise no soul was there nor save the lance suspended to the bow with wonder then asking of himself why arms so stout and good the point of which like virgin silver shone should there be placed he took it down and his own resting against the mossy trunk handled and brandished this new dainty lance which he discovered to be good as fair good faith Quothee I will in keep this arm and leave mine own behind whilst making this exchange a dwarf of frightful shape suddenly rushed from out a neighbouring grove stunted and broad and fat he had a monstrous head from which straight hair streamed down and crossed his back long eyebrows hid his eyes his nose was large and shapeless nostrils so immense they would have held your fists and thick and blueish lips rested on large and crooked fangs a stiff mustache surrounded this huge mouth and to his very girdle flowed his beard he measured scarcer foots from waist to heel his head was sunken in his shoulders high and his arms seemed so short that useless would have been the attempt to bind them at his back as to his hands they were like paws of toads so broad and webbed Knight cried this monster woe befalls the man who meddles with that lance thou wilt receive thy Jews and dangle on our tree come then give up thy shield so Joffrey eyed the dwarf and angrily replied what mean you by such tale misshapen wretch this the dwarf set up so loud a cry that all the veil resounded and at once a knight well armed mounted upon a steed in iron cased came with high threats upon his lips exclaiming woe to the man who had dared touch the lance having the hill attained he Joffrey saw thereupon he said by heaven's a knight to do what thou hast done is proof thou carest little for thy life and why so Lord? so Joffrey calmly asked thou shalt soon learn no man doth touch that lance and get him hence without a fight with me if I unhorsed the knight so bold as dare to touch it and congear him by arms no ransom saves his life I hang him by the neck and on my gallows which thou seest from here full three and thirty dangle in midair tell me now faithfully so Joffrey said can he who sooths for mercy gain it at thy hands yes but on one condition I have firmly fixed which is that never in his life he cross a horse ne'er cuts his hair or pair his nails ne'er eats of wheat and bread or taste of wine never on his back wear other dress than what his hands have woven should he such terms accept before the fight he may perchance find grace but nought can save the man who once hath thought and if he know nought how to weave such dress ask Joffrey the art to weave to shape the cloth and so must then be learned the knight replied say then if thou consent or if thou choose this hour to be thy last I'll not do so quothed Joffrey for too hard the labour seems thou do it well before five years I fled for thou art tall and strong no by my truth I'd rather chance the fight since it would appear I've no alternative take my defiance then cried out the night and bear in mind the combats to the death so be it Mr. Joffrey I'll defend myself they drew apart some space with such like words each thinking on his side a victim soon would fall then the night came and thundered at his foe and shivers flew the lance but Joffrey bore the shock unmoved not so the night but Joffrey his weapon planting at his shield broke it right through the horberk to beside and wood and iron for a cubits length pierced through the shoulder he fell Joffrey with naked blade was by his side but as he saw him thus so poorly sped night he exclaimed me thinks thy hanging trade is done Lord cried the wounded man unhappy it is true thou hast too well performed thy work for safety henceforth to be banished hence I will not trust to that quothed Joffrey or at least it shan't prevent my hanging thee in heather's name my lord I crave thy grace and by what claim can thou obtain it thou who never yet hast granted it to man thou shalt find pity such as those yonder found who once begged grace of thee if good my lord my head have erred my heart's been black when habits villainous guard thee from following in my steps I ask for mercy that should I receive wilt thou a man of lofty virtue choose that ever the reproach should come to thee of hanging up a brave and courteous night such as I once did bear the title of thou liest in thy throat so Joffrey said never couldst thou be prized a proper night but rather I believe an aren't knave who doth a villain's act doth forfeit rank and chivalry alike in vain thy suit no pardon shalt thou find undoing his steel helmet as he spoke he seized a rope and placed it round his neck then dragging him beneath the dismal tree he well and fairly hung him up there too good friend he then apostrophised the night the passage may now be considered safe and travellers need fear little more from thee leaving him hanging upon such a dew he rode towards the dwarf as with intent to kill but when the latter saw him thus return crossing his arms full quickly on his breast fair sir he cried I yield to you and heaven but grant me pray your pity have myself no evil have I done since had I disobeyed the night I should have lost my life margar myself for fourteen years I've watched this lance which twice a day I burnished woe had betided me if I had built such task or failed by signal to advise my lord when it was touched by night this fair my lord hath been my only crime thou mayst have mercy jufri said and thou dost that which I shall now command speak good my lord and God confound me if I lose a word rise thee then and highly to King Arthur's court tell to that king the son of Doron sends thee and present this lance which he hath won the fairest weapon I hath air beheld recount to him beside thy lord's ill deeds how that so many worthy knights he'd hung and how in his turn like mead was given on to him my lord exclaimed the dwarf all this I promise you and jufri made reply well then begun it was one Monday eve that this fell out just at the setting sun the night came shortly on serene and fair and the full moon shone out as bright as day jufri pursued his road for naught could change his purpose and the dwarf prepared to execute his trust at peep of mourn he started for Carlisle where after certain time he safely came the king was breaking up his court which for two weeks he there had held and knights and barons all were going their way content and glad bearing rich girdons from their noble lord when curiosity their steps detained at sight of a strange dwarf who in his hand a handsome lance did hold this dwarf pushed forward to the palace hall where each with eager eye observed his shape for never till that day had they beheld such wondrous man but he passing the gaping crowd without remark straight to the monarch's throne his steps pursued and there he said may God, most noble sire, grant you will or be it my form is strange yet please you here for I do come a messenger from far dwarf said the king God save thee too for thou me thinks art honest speak without fear and do thy message feebly the dwarf prelude it with a sigh and thus began sire, from Dovon's son I bear to you this lance which has been cause of mourning, dire and great proud of his valour and his strength a knight had hung it to a tree upon a hill where I have watched it, burnished it beside twice every day for fourteen weary years if a knight touched it I by my cry aroused my lord who then all armed would rush upon the stranger being vanquished he was quickly seized and by the neck incontinently hung it was thus that three and thirty met their fate when that the knight whose messenger I am conquered this lord and won the lance hanging in turn its owner for his deeds this is the lance that now he sends to you and here am I your vassal and your slave it is well the king replied but dwarf now give me on my faith some news of brave sojufri without a lie say when thou sourced him last so as Monday evening please you my good lord I left him when the fray was o'er and he had finished hanging up the night and was his health then good gay sire with God's help and well disposed and gay good lord divine and full of glory cried the king with clasp at hands grant of your grace that I behold him safe for scant my pleasure and my joys will be till I have held him in these arms again End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of Jofri the Knight and the Fair Brunissande by Jean Bernard Marie Lafon this Librivox recording is in the public domain The Yeoman we now return to Jofri who still wonders on resolving not to stay for food or sleep before he meets with Tola for in his ears incessantly do ring the biting words of Quex your courage will be higher when you're drunk and yet he trusts to prove that lord did lie by beating Tola fasting onward he therefore pricked till midnight hour when he attained a narrow and dark gorge shut in on either side by mountains high no other passage was there but this one so Jofri gave his horse the spur when at the very mouth of the defile before him stood a yeoman active of stout build and large of limb who held within his grasp three pointed darts that were as razor sharp a large knife pended from his girdle which enclosed an outer garment of good form and fashion whole night he cried I'll have a word with thee Jofri drew rain and said and what's thy quest good friend thou must give up thy horse and nightly arms for upon such conditions only mayst thou pass indeed quoth Jofri dost thou mean to say an armed and mounted knight must not pass through this straight he might do so but for the toll I've levied to the foul fiend such toll never will I give up my horse or arms till strength denied me to defend them both and that thou yields them not with gentle grace the yeoman said I must use force to take them and wherefore so but harm of I ere wrought thee dost thou not wish to pass this gorge and bilk the toll that's due save I use force to get it and what's the force thou'd use that thou shalt briefly see meantime I bid thee wear my hand I will do so quoth Jofri the yeoman now prepared himself for fight and seized his dart as though in act to strike but Jofri fearing for his horse awaited not the blow but galloped off a mane as o'er the road he sped the man let fly the missile with just aim it hit the shield and that with force so great red fire and flame forth issued at the stroke which did not pierce it through the sharpened point curled upwards on the steel and the wood flew in shivers so Jofri turned his steed at once and wore down on his foe counting full surely that the fight was done but lo at that instant he had leapt aside and in the act discharged a second dart which lighted on his helm so fierce the stroke the cask seemed all on fire yet it resisted though its lord was stunned the yeoman seeing his second blow had failed was as a man possessed so dread his rage as neither to have hurt the knight or broken his bright arms Jofri whose senses had now back returned thought only of his horse which he rode here and there to guard it from the blow of the third dart not this however was his foe's intent for he still thought to take the beast alive like lightning swift he came and whirling round the dart launched the fell weapon with these haughty words by heaven's slave thou now shall leave the horse nor shall thy horberk helm or shield protect thyself Jofri wheeled round his horse at this stern threat and as the dart came hissing to its prey he deftly bowed him down it harmed him not the viking on his mail tore from the goodly arms a palm away then bounded out of view and now cried Jofri the third dart being flung my lance's point shall give me my revenge with lowered lance he flew towards the man trusting this time to pierce him through and through but he was nimble as a row or deer and leapt from place to place to such effect that Jofri missed his aim and as he passed the yeoman seized a rock and hurled it at the night who but for his shield must feign have bit the ground the mass in atoms flew but such the force with which the blow was struck it battered in the shield Jofri enraged at following such a foe now doubly maddened at this fresh attack in wrath exclaimed God, thou all glorious king how shall I meet this fiend the world I'll hold not at a denier's price till he doth sue for grace then wielding his long lance this time he loudly to the yeoman cried or thou or I shall fall the yeoman from his girdle plucked his knife and made reply ere that thou leave this spot thou t'pay the toll I, that will I, quoth Jofri take my promise on it before we part, thou shalt have toll enough he once again renewed a brisk attack but still the other dodged and ere that Jofri could draw in the rain with mighty spring upon the horse he leapt and rounds to Jofri's body twined his arms stir not tonight he cried unless I wish for death when Jofri felt himself thus rudely seized his mind was in a maze and for a time incapable of thought the yeoman held him with such straight embrace he could not stir a limb while in his ear he hissed his future fate how that a prison should his body hold where tortures, griefs, unheard of pains should vex him ever more till break of day his arms were round him clasped but when the stars were gone then Jofri communed with himself and said better to die for God who made this earth and let my body be a dungeon's prey we'll see what can be done reflecting thus he let his lance drop down and as the yeoman's right arm pressed him most with energy he clutched it in his grasp so vigorous the attack so nerved his strength he forced the hand to loose the gleaming knife then when he saw the arm was paralysed and drooped in earthly down he fixed with both hands on the yeoman's left which he then twisted till he caused such pain its owner reeled in groaning to the ground dismounting from his horse Jofri drew near his foe who lay quite motionless crying for mercy in his agony by heaven which I adore quoth Jofri, near will I pity show to wretch like thee and at the words he cut off both his feet I prithee now he said run not, nor leap, nor battle more with knights take to another trade for far too long have this one been thy choice he gathered up his lance and shield and mounting on his horse prepared him quietly to go his way it was on a Tuesday early in the morn that Jofri held this speech but as he turned him from his footless foe I have not yet inquired he observed if thou perchance holds knights within thy walls my lord, the man replied full five and twenty are there held in chains beyond the mount where stands my dwelling place oh, oh, says Jofri these I must set free it likes me not that thou should guard such prize without delay he hide him to the house whose massive portals were thrown open wide and to a dwarf who stood before the gates he cried where lie the imprisoned knights replied the dwarf we think you are all too rash to venture here it is more indeed than rashness downright folly you wake my pity therefore take advice and get you gone before my lord returns save that you've covered an inglorious death or torments even worse Jofri with smiles replied nay friend I want the knights quickly lead on that I may break their chains and I mistake not you will join their ranks ere you deliver them and I must hold you as a fool distraught not to have hide you hence for should my lord chance meet you by the way deeply you'll grieve that ere you've ventured here thy lord will near return I have deprived him of his nimble feet and near his end he lies the knight shall now be free and thou my prisoner place shall take save that thou goest where my bidding sends then per adventure brief shall be thy thrall sir knight the dwarf replied since then my lord is thus so poorly sped I by my faith will follow your commands and from great pain will draw those suffering knights whose language is but moans this feetly will I do who by constraint and fear was here detained truly to God and you we should give thanks and joyfully obey what you ordain first then said Jofri lead me to the knights the dwarf most gladly acted as his guide and pacing on before conveyed him to a hall where five and twenty knights were rudely chained as each by turns had been the yeoman's prey Jofri on entering made them a salute to which not one replied they they began to weep and mutter in their teeth a curse the day that yeoman was airborne who thus I thought of a cubs so good a knight but Jofri as he gaily drew him nigh why weep fair knights he said with courtesy go madmen go did one of them reply for sure thy senses must have left thee quite to ask us why we weep when walls like these rise up on every side there is not one of us who doth not grieve to see the yeoman's prisoner in thee unhappy was that day that saw thy birth in person thou art tall and fair to view get soon like ours will torment be thy lot quoth Jofri great is God easy to him can your deliverance be through him my sword hath venged you on your foe and now the yeoman lies deprived of feet if then you see me in this weary spot it is but to break your chains scarce had the words escaped from out his mouth when loudly did they call happy the day which dawned upon thy birth for thou hast saved us all and swept our pain and martyred them away then Jofri bade the dwarf set free the knights the mannequin obeyed and with a hammer broke in bits their chains they all arose and bowed their heads in token of submission whilst they said lord we are thy serfs do with us as thou please be it for good or evil as his fit good night so Jofri said what air of evil may henceforth be tied you none shall come from me all that I ask of you is simply this that ye be take you to King Arthur's court and tell him all you know my lord they all exclaimed full willingly shall thy behest be done but to the service rendered I'd one more by telling us thy name Barons said Jofri then tell him the son of Devant burst your chains now quickly set ye out and a mark my friendship ne'er shall be bestowed if that ye fell to tell the king each word the dwarf meanwhile had gone to seek the arms and fetched the steeds to furnish forth the knights each donned his horberk mounted his good horse and then with Jofri parted from that spot he led them to the great highway and in their company rode full a league in passing by he pointed to the place where cold and emotionless the yeoman lay they stayed an instant to observe their foe then went upon their road a little further Jofri got him down and tightened more his goodly charges girths then his impatience to fall in with Tula reviving in full force God speed you sirs he said I can delay no more already have I wasted too much time my lord replied the knights as they presented him his shield and lance accept again our thanks where ere we be the service thou hast done in this great fight shall widely be proclaimed when that the band had watched him out of sight they went their way until they reached Carlisle they found King Arthur in his flowery mead with five and twenty of his primus knights there kneeling at his feet one of the troop was spokesman for the rest and thus he fearlessly and sagely said Sire so please it the true God who knoweth all that every creature doth give you good luck and guard from pain and ill the greatest king this world doth now contain friend the good king replied God and Saint Mary keep thee and thy mates speak without fear and tell me what thou wilt Sire we come to yield ourselves to thee from Jofri, Dovon son he hath delivered us from dur and survival good sir give me at once your tidings is long since you and he have parted company we left him Sire on Tuesday morning last both safe and sound ardent and full of strength tracking a lord with whom he seeks to fight and to avenge thy cause oh lord thou glorious Sire said the king with joinered hands grant I made Jofri see unchecked unscathed for and I hold him not within six months I'll prize my fortunes as of nothing worth whilst that the dwarf in turn begins his speech to tell the king how this adventure happened we will go back to follow Jofri's steps who still unwearied presses stoutly on End of chapter 4 Chapter 5 of Jofri the Knight and the Febreux Nissan by Jean Bernard Marie Lafond this LibriVox recording is in the public domain The Castle of the Lepper the knight had rode for great part of the day beneath the rays of a most burning sun and horse and rider both alike fatigued when he beheld a young and handsome squire running towards him at the greatest speed rent was his garment even to his waist and on he came with madness in his looks tearing by handfuls his fair curling hair scarce did he make out Jofri from afar when he exclaimed fly fly brave knight fly quickly from this spot and that thou chooseest not to lose thy life and wherefore so fair friend astovon son fly for the love of God say I nor lose thou further time art thou then shone of sense exclaimed the knight such counsel to propose when I behold no foe ah cried the squire then he comes, he's there nothing I in a year to cure the fright that he hath caused me he hath slain my lord a knight of price who was conducting to his castle home a lady wife, a norm and count's most noble daughter this wretch hath seized the bride and to myself has caused such dire fear that every limb still trembles at the shock and is't because thou fierest art Jofri red with rage thou counselest flight to me by holy faith I hold thee fool and worse as he spoke thus a leper came in sight who sped along a child within his arms its wretched mother with dishevelled hair followed with piercing cries when she beheld the knight she knelt down at his feet and in a tone of agony exclaimed mercy my lord, oh mercy for the love of heaven grants me help and gets me back the child young leper bears woman, responded Jofri wherefore takes he it my lord, because it is his wicked will had ye no other cause no by your glorious sire since it is thus, quoth Jofri he is wrong and I will try to win it back for you he spurred at once his horse she following and cried aloud with all the strength he had halt leperous wicked wretch and bring thou back the child the leper turned his head and raised his hand making the mark of scorn which so enraged the knight he swore the insult deeply to avenge the hideous leper answered with a laugh he had reached the threshold of his door he darted in for refuge followed full speed by Jofri who dismounting from his horse which with his lance he left to the poor dame dashed through the castle gate with sword in hand and shield upon his arm as he was traversing the castle through which he found vast and sumptuous to the view he came into a hall where a huge leper, frightful to behold had cast upon a couch a damsel in first youth whose beauty in that age could scarce be matched her cheek was fresher than an opening rose at break of day and her torn vesture half betrayed a bosom snowy white her eyes were bathed in tears her words despair and sobs moved Jofri's soul but when the leper rose and seized his club such feelings changed to horror and surprise he was in height and more tall than nightly lance and at the shoulders was two fathoms broad his arms and hands were huge his fingers crooked and full of knots his cheeks were spread with pustules and with scales a broken pupil eyes without lids but with vermilion edged blue lips and yellow teeth made up the portrait of this monster dread fiercer than living coal he flew on Jofri a child no sirtees the night replied say who in evil hour sent thee here no one and pray what seek us thou a child that from its mother hath been torn by leprous hands which must give up their prey vain fool it is I forbid I by whose mace thy fate shall now be sealed better for thee thou hadst not risen the morn since thou shalt now forever lay thee down his club he raised in uttering these words and on the shield of Jofri then let fall so fiercer blow the night went reeling to the ground again that club was raised but Jofri rose and fled sirtees he had caused to flee the stroke he saw impending for that huge mass of iron as it fell made the vast hall to tremble then Jofri with a bound before the leper stood firm hand dealt him in turn a blow which took a palm from off his raiment and the flesh behind seeing his blood which fast began to stream the giant uttered first a fearful cry then ran at Jofri raising his knotted club with both his hands scarce could the youthful knight evade the stroke and leap behind a column the monster struck it with such dire strength the massive iron crushed the marble plinth all the castle groaned meanwhile the damsel fervently prayed heaven as humbly on the bloodstained stone sheen else oh mighty lord who in thy image discreet Adam make thou who has done so much to save us all thou save me from this wretch and let your knight withdraw me from his hand her orison scarce or Jofri stepped out and ere the giant could again his heavy club let fall he with his trenchant blade had severed his right arm being thus lopped the monster in his rough and agony so loudly groaned the palace trembled to its very base and shook the outer air in vain did Jofri dodge his falling mace it struck him to the ground so that from nostrils eyes and mouth the purple stream burst forth the mace in falling on the marble flags now break in twain with Jofri seeing he up rose in haste and newly struck the leper at the knee joint he aimed the monster reeled then fell like some great tree prone as the leper lay Jofri ran up his sword in air and said me thinks that peace will soon be made twixt you and me then letting fall his sword with both his hands he clove the monster's head to the teeth in the convulsions of his agony still fiercely strove the wretch and with his foot hurled him so madly against the distant wall so Jofri fell deprived of sound and sight his trembling hand no longer clutched his sword like ruby wine from nostrils and from mouth burst forth his blood and motion made he none for an instant space the damsel thought her champion was gone in grief she hastened to undo the straps which bound his polished cask the freshness drawing from his breasts to sigh she ran for water and his face she bathed his senses half returned he staggered up and thinking still to hold his trusty blade he struck the damsel deeming her the foe to such effect that's both rolled on the ground like madmen then he sped around the hall and ran behind a column where he crouched and trembled beneath his shield twas there the damsel came and in a voice of dulcet tone she said brave knights come up again those manly eyes and see who tis that speaks forget ye what is due to chivalry of which you are a lord your courage and your fame recall yourself and lower that bright shield behold the lepers dead Jofri recovered at this heartening speech and finding his head bare damsel he asked who hath removed my cask and taken my good sword my self good lord whilst you were in a swoon the giant what doth he bathed in his blood and at your feet he lies Jofri looked up and when the corpse he saw thus shattered and quite still he slowly rose and sat him on a bench until his senses were again restored then when the dizziness had fled his brain he thought upon the mother and the child and straightway ran from hall to hall to search the infant out but though he sought and ran and called aloud neither the leper nor the child appeared I will yet search and search he then exclaimed for here or out the door they must be found for I am not holding me as a denier's worth till to the mother her poor child's restored and I have had vengeance for that leper's scorn with such resolve he strode towards the door but though the portal was thrown open wide he could not pass it through spite of his will his efforts and his strength his feet seemed stopped before an unseen bar good heaven he said what am I then entranced he drew him back and gathering for a spring with wondrous force he bounded to the door still all was vain he could not cross the sill again and yet again he tried till deep discouragement iced o'er his heart then tears broke from his eyes and murmuring alas good lord he said thou gavest me strength to kill you on wicked wretch what boots it if I hear must captive be it was as he thus bemoaned his adverse fate there broke upon his ear from some nigh place a sound of infant tongs which sadly cried save us oh save us mighty lord swift at the sound he roused his spirit up and running found at one end of a hall a closed shut door fast bolted from within Geoffrey called out and struck it with great noise yet answer none was made enraged at this he burst it in with force entered a gloomy vault there was the leper found with knife in hand whose seven infants had just put to death some thirty more there still remained alive whose bitter cries went through the softened soul touched at the frightful sight Geoffrey struck down the wretch who called his master's help and then in wrath exclaimed thy master villain can no answer make his soul this earth has fled and thou for erstwhile making mock of me shall thou thy mead receive raising meanwhile his arm the leper's hand he severed at a blow the wretch upon the blood stained pavement rolled then crawling to his feet he humbly cried mercy good night in God's name pity me and take not quite my life towards by constraints and force I killed these babes my lord who sought to cure his leprosy bade me with awful threats each day prepare a bath of human blood thy life I'll grant Geoffrey to him then and that thou give me means to leave this place I can the leper said but had you now deprived me of my life not knowing of the spell a hundred thousand years had rolled their course and yet not seen you free hasty then now quoth Geoffrey eagerly so night the man with shining face replied you still have much to bear such as the fashion of this castle spell my lord my lord alone could power grant such as hither came to cross the threshold but never did they pass it in return save dead or maimed how then will thou succeed said Geoffrey above of yonder casements high a marble head yea by my faith and then thou reach it down and break its fair in twain you thus destroy the charm but first your armor carefully put on for when the spell is o'er these castle walls will crumble into dust trusting not wholly to the leperous wretch Geoffrey then bound him by the feet and arms and so the damsel thus confided him if he hath lied said he spare not his life then he resumed his helm took down the marble head whose shape was fair and cunningly devised and setting it near him on a wooden bench discharged aunts with his sword so greater blow he clove its clean in twain sudden it shrieked it moaned its bounded up hissing and growling as a thunderbolt whilst the vexed elements at once unchained and beam and stone at war with frightful din came crushing over Geoffrey vainly his shield was raised to guard his head heaven's face was darkened o'er an awful storm where wind and lightning strove bursting with ruin mid the ambient air had borne the night away but for his orison to heaven's king huge clouds of dust rose forwards to the skies while a fierce wind in passing swept away the last memorial of the magic work of castle naught remained bowed down and scarce himself did Geoffrey move his limbs bowed down and bruised and tottering dragged he some steps then fell the maid, the slave and mother with her child who had sought refuge and length outstretched upon the turf his strength exhausted and quite motionless say then good night the damsel's smiling spoke how fares it with you now I have no bruise that's perilous no mortal wound replied the knight but such this latter strife I find indeed I sadly lack repose the damsel then embraced him with her arms and pressed her lips upon his eyes and mouth Geoffrey saw the mother woman he said has thou regained thy child I have my lord thanks be it told to you and it be so proceed then to Carlisle with this fair damsel babes and leper all there I must beg you go King Arthur thank from Geoffrey Devon's son and tell him of this fight thus speaking he up rose drew to his fancy his good horse's girths and having consigned his friends to heaven's care resumed his quest of Tula albeit was now with measured steps and slow for this dread battle had worn out his strength having obtained her mantle and her horse the maid set out from thence at the like hour and with her went the leper and the rest nor stayed she on the way but only stopped when she had reached fair Carlisle's lofty towers there all regarded her with wonderment whence can proceed they said this strange cortege whence come these people and what want they here the curious crowd followed that damsel fair up to the castle gates and there the knights who noble escort made led her with all her troop before the king there bended she her knee and as a dame of gentle breeding spoke may he the lord of all things who in his hands doth justly hold the keys of good and ill increase your fame and keeping glory the knights of your round table and said the worthy king may heaven save you sweet damsel who are fair and good as courteous and well bred Sire, from Joffrey Devon's son I come to thank you for my life which to his mighty valour do I owe I am the daughter of the Count Passon whose name P'Chance hath reached your royal ear a knight of high esteem who sought adventure to display his worth brought me from Normandy to these fair shores for seven long months by valley and by hill we wandered on full many a snare escaping and without check full many a weary fight this landed hold alas a giant dread of hideous aspect and of awful strength of mercy and fearful source whose thought doth make my very soul to heave before us suddenly this wretch appeared and taking from his neck a monstrous club struck at my lord with force so terrible he stunned him with the blow like as a child then clutching at his arm against a rock he fractured every bone whilst me he seized from off my Pulfry's back and to this magic castle quickly bore there I had lost my life yay more than life but that's high heaven whose justice I implored in mercy sent sojofri to my aid this doubty night at length the monster slew but ne'er can I with greater truth of her such battle never did these eyes behold or blows so great air given and received the mother and the handless leper told their tale in turn but whilst they thus their message each relates we will to sojofri go who onward still his course doth slowly take without he yet a single soul described who could give tidings of the man he sought