 CHAPTER XIX Only we salounce a lot in his lands and his noble knights with him, and return we again unto King Arthur and to Sigawain, that made a great host ready to the number of three-score thousand, and all thing was made ready for their shipping to pass over the sea, and so they shipped it Cardiff. And there King Arthur made some audred chief ruler of all England, and also he put Queen Gweneva under his governance, because some audred was King Arthur's son. He gave him the rule of his land and of his wife, and so the king passed the sea and landed upon Salonslot's lands, and there he brunt and wasted through the vengeance of Sigawain all that they might overrun. When this word came to Salonslot, that King Arthur and Sigawain were landed upon his lands, and made a full great destruction and waste, then spake sabours and said, My Lord Salonslot, it is shame that we suffer them thus to ride over our lands, for which you will, suffer ye them as long as ye will, they will do you no favour, and they may handle you. Then said Salionel, that was wary and wise, My Lord Salonslot, I will give this counsel, let us keep our strong wall towns, until they have hunger and cold, and blow up on their nails, and then let us freshly set upon them, and shred them down as sheep in the field, that aliens may take example for ever how they land upon our lands. Then spake Sabagdemus to Salonslot, Sir, your courtesy will shender us all, and thy courtesy hath waked all this sorrow, for and they thus over our lands ride, they shall by process bring us all to nought, whilst we thus in holes us hide. Then said Sigawain unto Salonslot, Sir, here benights come of King's blood, that will not long droop, and they are within these walls, therefore give us leave, like as we be knights, to meet them in the field, and we shall slay them, that they shall curse the time that ever they came into this country. Then spake seven brethren of north Wales, and they were seven noble knights, a man might seek in seven King's lands, or he might find such seven knights. Then they all said at once, Salonslot, for Christ's sake, let us ride out with Sigallyhood, for we never want to cower in castles nor in noble towns. Then spake Salonslot, that was master and governor of them all, my fair lords, which you well I am full loath to ride out with my knights for shedding of Christian blood, and yet my lands I understand be full bear for to sustain any host a while, for the mighty wars that Willam made King Claudus upon our country, upon my father King Ban, and on my uncle King Bors, how be it we will be as at this time keep our walls strung, and I shall send a messenger unto my lord Arthur, a treaty for to take, for better is peace than always war. So Salonslot sent forth Damazal and a dwarf with her, requiring King Arthur to leave his warring upon his lands, and so she start upon a palfrey, and the dwarf ran by her side. And when she came to the pavilion of King Arthur, there she alighted, and there met her a gentle knight, Salucan the butler, and said, For Damazal, come ye from Salonslot to Lake, yea sir, she said, therefore I am come hither to speak with my lord the king. Alas, said Salucan, my lord Arthur would love Launcelot, but Salucan will not suffer him. And then he said, I pray you Damazal, ye may speed well, for all we that be about the king would Salonslot did best of any night living, and so with this Salucan led the Damazal unto the king, where he sat with Salucan, for to hear what she would say. So when she had told her tale, the water ran out of the king's eye, and all the lords were full glad, for to advise the king, as to be accorded with Salonslot. Save all only Sir Gawain, and he said, My lord, my uncle, what will ye do? Will ye now turn again, now that ye are past thus far upon this journey? All the world will speak of your villainy. And they said, Arthur, with thou well, Sir Gawain, I will do as ye will advise me, and yet me seemeth, Sir Arthur, his fair proffers were not good to be refused. But Sithan I am come so far upon this journey, I will let you give the Damazal her answer, for I may not speak to her for pity, for her proffers be so large. CHAPTER XX Then Sir Gawain said to the Damazal thus, Damazal, say ye to Salonslot, that it is waste labour now to sue to my uncle, for tell him, and he would have made any labour for peace. He should have made it all this time. For tell him now it is too late, and say that I, Sir Gawain, so send him word, that I promise him by the faith I owe unto God and to knighthood, that I shall never leave him till he have slain me or I him. So the Damazal wept and departed, and there were many weeping iron, and so Sir Lucan brought the Damazal to her palfrey, and so she came to Salonslot, where he was among all his knights. And when Salonslot had heard this answer, then the tears ran down by his cheeks, and then his noble knights strode about him, and said Salonslot, wherefore make ye such cheer, think what ye are and what men we are, and let us noble knights match them in midst of the field. This may be lightly done, said Salonslot, but I was never so loath to do battle, and therefore I pray you, fair sirs, as ye love me, be ruled as I will have you, for I will always flee that noble king that made me knight. And when I may no further, I must needs defend me, and that will be more worship for me and us all, than to compare with that noble king whom we have all served. Then they held their language, and as that night they took their rest. And upon the morn early in the dawning of the day, as knights looked out, they saw the city of Benic besieged round about, and fast they began to set up ladders, and then they defied them out of the town, and beat them from the walls whitely. Then came forth Sagawayne, well armed upon a stiff steed, and he came before the chief gate, with his spear in his hand, crying, Salonslot, where art thou? Is there none of you proud knights dare break a spear with me? Then Sabaurs made him ready, and came forth out of the town, and there Sagawayne encountered with Sabaurs, and at that time he smote Sabaurs down from his horse, and almost he had slain him, and so Sabaurs was rescued and borne into the town. Then came forth Salionel, brother to Sabaurs, and thought to revenge him, and either foisted their spears, and ran together, and there they met spitefully, but Sagawayne had such grace that he smote Salionel down, and wounded him there passing sore, and then Salionel was rescued and borne into the town, and this Sagawayne came every day, and he failed not, but he smote down one night or other, and thus they endured half a year, and much slaughter was of people on both parties. When it befell upon a day, Sagawayne came before the gates, armed at all pieces, on a noble horse, with a great spear in his hand, and there he cried with a loud voice. Where art thou now, thou false traitor, Salonelot? Why hideest thou thyself within holes and walls like a coward? Look out now, thou false traitor-knight, here I shall revenge upon thy body the death of my three brethren. All this language heard Salonelot every deal, and his kin and his knights knew about him, and all they said at once to Salonelot, Salonelot, now must ye defend you like a knight, or else ye be shamed for ever, for now ye be called upon treason, it is time for you to stir, for you have slept over long and suffered over much. So God me help, said Salonelot, I am right heavy of Sagawayne's words, for now he charged me with a great charge, and therefore I want it as well as ye, that I must defend me, or else to be recurrent. Then Salonelot bade saddle his strongest horse, and bade let fetch his arms, and bring all unto the gate of the tower, and then Salonelot spake on high unto King Arthur, and said, My Lord Arthur, and noble King, that made me knight, which ye well I am right heavy for your sake, that ye thus sue upon me, and always I forbear you, for an I would have been venerable, I might have met you in the midst of the field, and there to have made your boldest knights full tame. And now I have forborn half a year, and suffered you and Sagawayne to do what ye would do, and now may I enjoy it no longer, for now must I need defend myself, in so much Sagawayne hath appealed me of treason, the which is greatly against my will, that ever I should fight against any of your blood. But now I may not forsake it, I am driven there too as a beast tiller bay. Then Sagawayne said, Salonelot, and thou durst do battle, leave thy babbling and come off, and let us ease our hearts. Then Salonelot armed him lightly, and mounted upon his horse, and either of the knights get great spears in their hands, and the host without stood still all apart, and the noble knights came out of the city by a great number, in so much that when Arthur saw the number of men and knights, he marveled and said to himself, Alas, that ever Salonelot was against me, for now I see he hath forborn me, and so the Covenant was made, that should no man nigh them, nor deal with them, till the one was death or yielden. Then Sagawayne and Salonelot departed a great way asunder, and then they came together with all their horses might as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their shields, but the knights were so strong, and their spears so big, that their horses might not endure their buffets, and so their horses fell to the earth, and then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields before them. Then they stood together, and gave many set strokes on diverse places of their bodies, that the blood brassed out on many sides and places. Then had Sagawayne such a grace and gift that an holy man had given to him, that every day in the year, from underna till high noon, his might increased those three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that caused Sagawayne to win great honour. And for his sake King Arthur made an ordinance, that all manner of battles, for any quarrels, that should be done afore King Arthur, should begin at underna, and all was done for Sagawayne's love, that by likelihood, if Sagawayne were on the one part, he should have the better in battle, while his strength endured three hours. But there were but few knights that time living, that knew this advantage, that Sagawayne had, but King Arthur, all only. Thus Soloncelot fought with Sagawayne, and when Soloncelot felt his might evermore increase, Soloncelot wandered and read him, sore to be shamed. Whereas the French book said, Soloncelot weaned when he felt Sagawayne double his strength, that he had been a fiend and non-earthly man, wherefore Soloncelot traced and traversed, and covered himself with his shield, and kept his might and his braider during three hours. And that while Sagawayne gave him many sad brunts and many sad strokes, that all the knights that beheld Soloncelot marveled how that he might enjoy him, but full little understood they that travail that Soloncelot had for to enjoy him. And when it was past noon, Sagawayne had no more but his own might. When Soloncelot felt him so come down, then he stretched him up and stood near Sagawayne and said thus, My Lord Sagawayne, now I feel ye have done. Now, my Lord Sagawayne, I must do my part, for many great and grievous strokes I have endured you this day with great pain. Then Soloncelot doubled his strokes, and gave Sagawayne such a buffet on the helmet that he fell down on his side, and Soloncelot withdrew him from him. Why withdrawest thou these, said Sagawayne? Now turn again for straight a night and slay me, for and thou leave me thus, when I am whole I shall do battle with thee again. I shall enjoy you, sir, by God's grace, but with thou well, Sagawayne, I will never smite a felled night. And Soloncelot went into the city, and Sagawayne was born into King Arthur's pavilion, and the leeches were brought to him, and searched and salved with soft ointments. And then Soloncelot said, Now have good day, my Lord the King, for which you will ye win no worship at these walls, and if I would my nights outbring there should many a man die. Therefore my Lord Arthur, remember you of old kindness, and however I fare, Jesus be your guide in all places. CHAPTER XXII Alas said the King, that ever this unhappy war was begun, for ever Soloncelot forbeareth me in all places, and in likewise my kin, and all that is seen well this day by my nephew Sagawayne. Then King Arthur fell sick for sorrow of Sagawayne, that he was so sore hurt, and because of the war betwixt him and Soloncelot. So then they on King Arthur's part kept the siege with little war without force, and they within force kept their walls, and defended them when need was. Thus Sagawayne lay sick three weeks in the tents, with all manner of leechcraft that might be had. And as soon as Sagawayne might go and ride, he harmed him on all points, and start upon a coarser, and get a spear in his hand, and so he came riding for the chief gate of Benwick, and there he cried on heith, Where art thou, Soloncelot, come forth, thou false traitor knight and recreational, for I am here, Sagawayne, will prove this that I said on thee. For all this language Soloncelot heard, and then he said thus, Sagawayne, me repents of your foul saying, that ye will not cease of your language. For ye what well, Sagawayne, I know your might, and all that ye may do. And well ye what, Sagawayne, ye may not greatly hurt me. Come down, traitor knight, said he, and make it good the country with thy hands, for it mishappeth me the last battle, to be hurt of thy hands. Therefore, with thou well, I am come this day to make amends, for I wean this day, to lay thee as low as thou laid's me. Jesus, defend me, said Soloncelot, that ever I be so far in your danger, as ye have been in mine, for then my days were done. But Sagawayne said Soloncelot, ye shall not think that I tarry long, but sit that ye so unightly call me of treason, ye shall have both your hands full of me. And then Soloncelot armed him at all points, and mounted upon his horse, and got a great sphere in his hand, and rode out at the gate. And both the hosts were assembled, of them without, and of them within, and stood in array full manly. And both parties were charged to hold them still, to see and behold the battle of these two noble knights. And then they laid their spears in their rests, and they came together as thunder, and Sagawayne break his spear upon Soloncelot in a hundred pieces unto his hand. And Soloncelot smote him with a greater might, that Sagawayne's horses feet raised, and so the horse and he fell to the earth. Then Sagawayne deliberately avoided his horse, and put his shielder for him, and eagerly drew his sword, and bade Soloncelot, a light trait a night, for if this mayor's son hath failed me, with thou well, a king's son and a queen's son shall not fail thee. Then Soloncelot avoided his horse, and dressed his shielder for him, and drew his sword, and so stood they together, and gave many sad strokes, that all men on both parties had thereof passing great wonder. But when Soloncelot felt Sagawayne's might so marvelously increase, he then withheld his courage and his wind, and kept himself wonder-covet of his might, and under his shield he traced and traversed here and there, to break Sagawayne's strokes and his courage, and Sagawayne enforced himself with all his might and power to destroy Soloncelot, for as the French book saith, ever as Sagawayne's might increased, right so increased his wind and his evil will. Thus Sagawayne did great pain unto Soloncelot three hours, for he had right great pain for to defend him. And when the three hours were passed, that Soloncelot felt that Sagawayne was come to his own proper strength, then Soloncelot said unto Sagawayne, Now have I proved you twice, that ye are a full dangerous night, and a wonderful man of your might, and many wonderful deeds have you done in your days, for by your might increasing you have deceived many a full noble and valiant night. And now I feel that ye have done your mighty deeds. Now which you will, I must do my deeds. And then Soloncelot stood near Sagawayne, and then Soloncelot doubled his strokes, and Sagawayne defended him mightily, but nevertheless Soloncelot smoked such a stroke upon Sagawayne's helm, and upon the old wound, that Sagawayne sinked down upon his one side in his swoon, and anon as he did awake he waved and foined at Soloncelot as he lay, and said, Traitor Knight, with thou well I am not yet slain, come now near me, and perform this battle unto the uttermost. I will not do more than I have done, said Soloncelot, for when I see you on foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see you stand on your feet, but for to smite a wounded man that may not stand, God defend me from such a shame. And then he turned him and went his way toward the city, and Sagawayne evermore calling him Traitor Knight and said, With thou well Soloncelot, when I am whole I shall do battle with thee again, for I shall never leave thee till that one of us be slain. Thus as this siege endured, and as Sagawayne lay sick near a month, and when he was well recovered and ready within three days to do battle again with Soloncelot, right so came tidings unto Arthur from England, that made King Arthur and all his host to remove. Read of Book 20, chapters 19 through 22, read by David Cole, Medway, Massachusetts. Book 21, Chapter 1 How Samordrid presumed and took on to him to be King of England, and would have married the Queen, his father's wife. As Samordrid was ruler of all England, he did do make letters as though that they came from beyond the sea, and the letters specified that King Arthur was slain in battle with Soloncelot. Wherefore Samordrid made a parliament, and called the lords together, and there he made them to choose him a king. And so was he crowned at Canterbury, and held a feast there fifteen days, and afterward he drew him unto Winchester, and there he took the Queen Guinevere, and said plainly that he would wed her, which was his uncle's wife and his father's wife. And so he made ready for the feast, and a day he prefixed that they should be wedded. Wherefore Queen Guinevere was passing heavy. But she does not discover her heart, but spake fair, and agreed, as Samordrid's will. Then she desired as Samordrid for to go to London to buy all manner of things that longed unto the wedding, and, because of her fair speech, Samordrid trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to go. And so when she came to London she took the Tower of London, and suddenly in all haste possible she stuffed it with all manner of little, and well garnished it with men. And so kept it. Then when Samordrid whisked and understood how he was beguiled, he was passing Roth out of measure. At a short tale for to make he went and laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and made many great assaults there at, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot great guns. But all might not prevail, Samordrid. For Queen Guinevere would never, for fair speech, nor for foul, would never trust to come in his hands again. Then came the Bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble clerk, and a holy man. And thus he said to Samordrid, Sir, what will ye do? Will ye first displease God, and set them shame upon yourself, and all nighthood? Is not King Arthur your uncle? No father but your mother's brother? And on her himself King Arthur begat you upon his own sister. Therefore how may you wed your father's wife? Sir, said the noble clerk, leave this opinion, or I shall curse you with book and bell and candle. Do thou thy worst, said Samordrid, with thou well I shall defy thee. Sir, said the Bishop, and with you well I shall not fear me to do that me ought to do. Also where ye noise, where my Lord Arthur is slain, and that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this land. Peace thou false priest, said Samordrid, for and thou chafed me, and any more I shall make strike off thy head. So the Bishop departed, and did the cursing and the most augolest whys that might be done. And then Samordrid sought the Bishop of Canterie for to have slain him. Then the Bishop fled, and took part of his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury. And there he was as priest Hermit in a chapel, and lived in poverty and in holy prayers. For where he understood that mischievous war was at hand. Then Samordrid sought on Queen Guinevere by letters and sounds, and by fair means and foul means, for to have her to come out of the Tower of London. But all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly, and privily, that she had leave us slay herself than to be married with him. Then came word to Samordrid that the King Arthur had erased the siege for Salantelot, and he was coming homeward with a great host to be avenged upon Samordrid. Therefore Samordrid made right rites to all the barony of this land, and much people drew to him. For then was the common voice among them, that with Arthur was none other life but war and strife, and with Samordrid was great joy and bliss. Thus was Sir Arthur depraved, and evil said of, and many there were that King Arthur had made up of nought, and given them lands, might not then say him a good word. Lo, all ye Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief here was, for he that was the most king and knight of the world, and most loved the fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were all upholding. Now, might not these Englishmen hold them content with him? Lo, thus was the old custom and usage of this land, and also men say that we of this land have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage. Alas! This is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may be no thing pleased us no term. And so faired the people at that time, they were better pleased with Samordrid than they were with King Arthur, and much people drew unto Samordrid, and said they would abide with him for better and for worse. And so Samordrid drew with a great host to Dover, for there he heard say that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so he thought to beat his own father from his lands, and the most part of all England hell was Samordrid. The people were so newfangled. Chapter 2 How after that King Arthur had tidings he returned and came to Dover, where Samordrid met him to let his landing, and of the death of Sir Gawain. And so, as Samordrid was at Dover with his host, there came King Arthur with a great navy of ships and galleys and caracks, and there was Samordrid ready awaiting upon his landing to let his own father to land upon the land that he was king over. Then there was launching of great boats and small and full of noble men of arms, and there was much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full, bold barren was laid full though on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous that there might no manner of knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely followed him, and so they landed more Grys Samordrid and all his power, and put Samordrid aback that he fled and all his people. So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were dead. And then was noble Sir Gawain found, in a great boat, lying more than half dead. Then to Arthur wist that Sir Gawain was laid so low, he went unto him. And there the king made sorrow out of measure, and took Sir Gawain in his arms, and thrice he there swooned. And then when he awaked he said, Alas, Sir Gawain, my sister's son, here nath Ilyas, the man in the world that I loved most, and now is my joy gone, for now my nephew Sir Gawain I would discover me unto your person. In Sir Lancelot and you I most had my joy and my defiance, and now have I lost my joy of you both, wherefore all mine earthly joy is gone from me. My Uncle King Arthur, said Sir Gawain, which you well my death-day has come, and all is through my own hastiness and wilfulness. For I am smitten upon the old wound to the which Sir Lancelot gave me, on the which I feel well I must die, and had Sir Lancelot been with you as he was, this unhappy war had never begun. And of all this am I, Causa, for Sir Lancelot and his blood through their prowess held all your cankered enemies in subjection and danger. And now, said Sir Gawain, ye shall miss Sir Lancelot. But alas I would not accord with him, and therefore, said Sir Gawain, I pray you, Fair Uncle, that I may have paper, pen, and ink that I may write to Sir Lancelot a seedle with my own hands. And then, when paper and ink was brought, then Gawain was set up weakly by King Arthur, for he was shriven a little to four. And then he wrote thus, as the French book maketh mention. And to Sir Lancelot, flower of all noble knights that ever I heard of, or saw by my days, I, Sir Gawain, King Lot's son of Orkney, sister's son unto the noble King Arthur, send thee greeting, and let thee have knowledge that the tenth day of May I was spitten upon the old wound that thou gaveest me before the city of Benwick, and through the same wound that thou gaveest me I am come to my death day. But I will, that all the world wit, that I, Sir Gawain, night of the table round, sort my death, and not through thy deserving, but it was mine own seeking. Wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Lancelot, to return once again unto this realm, and see my tomb, and pray some prayer more or less for my soul. And this same day that I wrote this seedle, I was hurt to the death in the same wound that which I had of thy hand, Sir Lancelot, for a more noble man might I not be slain. Also Sir Lancelot, for all the love that ever was betwixtest make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all haste, that thou mayest with thy noble knights rescue that noble King that made thee knight. That is my Lord Arthur, for ye is full, straightly bestowed with a false traitor, that is my half-brother Sir Mordred, and he hath let crown him King, and would have wedded my Lady Queen Guinevere, and so had he done had she not put herself in the Tower of London. And so the tenth day of May last passed my Lord Arthur and we all landed upon them at Dover, and there we put that false traitor Sir Mordred to flight, and there it misfortune'd me to be stricken upon thy stroke. And at the date of this letter was written but two hours and a half before my death, written with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart's blood. And I require thee most famous knight of the world, that thou wilt see my tomb, and then Sir Gawain wept, and King Arthur wept, and then they swooned both. And when they awaked both, the King made Sir Gawain to receive his saviour, and then Sir Gawain prayed the King for to send for Sir Lantelot, and to cherish him above all other knights. And so at the hour of noon Sir Gawain yielded up the spirit. And then the King let inter him in a chapel within Dover Castle, and there yet all men may see the scarle of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir Lantelot gave him in battle. Then was it told the King that Sir Mordred had piked a new field upon Barham Down. And upon the mourn the King rowed thither to him, and there was a great battle betwixt them, and much people were slain on both parties. But at the last Sir Arthur's party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party fled unto Canterbury. Chapter 3 How after Sir Gawain's ghost appeared to King Arthur, and warned him that he should not fight that day. And then the King let search all the towns of his knights that were slain, and interred them, and saled them with soft salves that so sore were wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur, and then they said that Sir Mordred ward upon King Arthur with wrong. And then King Arthur drew him with his host down by the seaside, westward, toward Salisbury. And there was a day of design betwixt King Arthur and Sir Mordred that they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not far from the seaside. And this day was assigned on a Monday after Trinity Sunday, whereof King Arthur was passing glad that he might be avenged upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred erased much people about London, for they of Kent, Southsex and Assari, Essex and of Southfolk and of Northfolk, held the most part with Sir Mordred. Many a fool noble knight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the King, but they that loved Sir Launtelot drew unto Sir Mordred. So upon Trinity Sunday at night King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream, and that was this. That him seemed he set upon a chafflet and a chair, and the chair was fast to a wheel, and thereupon sat King Arthur in the richest cloth of gold that might be made. And the King thought that was under him, far from him, and hideous deep black water, and therein were all manner of serpents and worms and wild beasts foul and horrible. And suddenly the King thought the wheel turned up so down, and he fell among the serpents, and every beast took him by a limb, and then the King cried as he lay in his bed and slept, help! And then night squires and yeoman awaked the King, and then he was so amazed that he wished not where he was, and that he felt a slumbering again, not sleeping, nor thoroughly waking. So the King seemed verily that there came Sir Gawain unto him with a number of fair ladies with him, and when King Arthur saw him, then he said, Welcome, my sister's son, I wean thou hath been dead, and now I see thee alive. Much am I beholding unto Almighty Jesu. O fair nephew of my sister's son, what be these ladies that hither be come with you? Sir, said Sir Gawain, all these be ladies for whom I have fought and when I was man living, and all these are those that I did battle for in righteous quarrel, and God hath given them that grace at their great prayer, because I did battle for them that they should bring me hither unto you. As much hath God given me leave for to warn you of your death, for an ye fighters to mourn with tomorrow some ordered, as ye both hath assigned, doubt ye not, ye must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties, and for the great grace and goodness that Almighty Jesu hath unto you, and for pity of you, and many more other good men there shall be slain, God hath sent me to you of his special grace to give you warning, that in no wise ways ye do battle as to mourn, but that ye take a treaty for a month day, and proffer you largely, so as to mourn to be put in a delay. For within a month shall come Sir Lancelot with all his noble knights, and rescue you worshipfully, and slay some ordered, and all that ever will hold with him. Then Sir Gawain and all the ladies vanished, and anon the King called upon his knights, squires, and yeoman, and charged them wightly to fetch his noble lords and wise bishops unto him, and when they become, the King told them his a vision. What Sir Gawain had told him, and warned him, that if he fought on the mourn he should be slain. Then the King commanded Sir Lucan the Butler, and his brother, Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them in any wise, and they might take a treaty for a month day with some ordered, and spare not, and proffer him lands and goods as much as ye think best. So then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a grim host of a hundred thousand men, and there they entreated Sir Mordred at a long time. And at the last Sir Mordred was agreed for to have Cornwall, and Kent, by Arthur's days, after all England, after the days of King Arthur. Chapter 4 How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death. Then were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should meet betwixt both their hosts, and every bit of them would bring fourteen persons, and they came with this word unto Arthur. Then said he, I am glad that this is done, and so he went into the field. And when Arthur should depart, he warned all his host that and they see any sword drawn. Look ye come on fiercely, and slay that traitor Sir Mordred, for I in no wise trust him. In likewise Sir Mordred warned his host that, and ye see any sword drawn, look that he come on fiercely, and so slay all that ever before you standeth. For in no wise I will not trust for this treaty, for I know well my father will be avenged on me. And so they met as their appointment was, and so they were agreed and accorded thoroughly, and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right soon came an adder out of a little heath-bush, and it stung a knight on the foot. And when the knight felt him stung, he looked down and saw the adder, and then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other harm. And when the host on both parties saw that sword drawn, then they blew beams, trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed them together, and King Arthur took his horse and said, Alas this unhappy day! And so rode to his party, and Sir Mordred in likewise. And never was there seen a more doleful a battle in no Christian land, for there was but rushing and riding, foining and striking, and many a grim word was there spoken either to other, and many a deadly stroke. But ever King Arthur rode throughout the battle of Sir Mordred many times, and did fool nobly as a noble king should, and at all times he fainted never. And Sir Mordred that day put him in d'Ivoire and in great peril. And thus they fought all the day long, and never stinted till the noble knights were laid to the cold earth. And ever they fought still till it was near night, and by that time was there a hundred thousand laid dead upon the down. Then was Arthur Woodroth out of measure, when he saw his people so slain from him. Then the king looked about him, and then was he where, of all his host and of all his good knights, were left no more alive but two knights. That one was Seleucan the butler, and his brother Ser Bedivir, and they were full sore wounded. "'Jesu mercy,' said the king, "'where are all my noble knights become? Alas, that ever I should see this doleful day. For now,' said Arthur, "'I am come to my end.' But would to God that I wist where were that traitor Sir Mordred that hath caused all this mischief? Then was King Arthur where, where Sir Mordred leaned upon his sword, among a great heap of dead men. "'Now give me my spear,' said Arthur under Seleucan, "'for yonder I have aspired the traitor that all this woe hath wrought.' "'Sir, let him be,' said Seleucan, "'for he is unhappy, and if he pass this unhappy day, he should be right well revenged upon him.' "'Good Lord, remember ye of your knight's dream, and what the spirit of Sir Gawain told you this night. Yet God of his great goodness hath preserved you hitherto. Therefore, for God's sake, my Lord, leave off by this. For blessed be God, ye have won the field. For here we be three alive, and with Sir Mordred is none alive. And if ye leave off now, this wicked day of destiny is past.' "'Tied me death, betied me life,' said the King. "'Now I see him yonder alone, he shall never escape my hands, for at a better avail shall I never have him.' "'God speed you well,' said Sir Bedivere. Then the King got his spear in both his hands, and ran towards Sir Mordred, crying, "'Traitor, now is thy death-day come!' And when Sir Mordred heard King Arthur, he ran unto him with his sword drawn in his hand. And there King Arthur smote, Sir Mordred, under the shield, with a foin of his spear throughout the body, more than a fathom. And when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death-wound, he thrust himself with the might that he had up to the burr of King Arthur's spear. And right so he smote his father, Arthur, with his sword holden in both his hands, on the side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain-pan. And therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth. And the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth. And there he swooned, oft times. And so Luke and the butler and Sir Bedivere oft times heaved him up. And so weakly they let him betwixt them both, to a little chapel not far from the seaside. And when the King was there, he thought him well-eased. Then heard they people cry in the field. "'I go thou, Sir Lucan,' said the King, and do me to wit what betoaks that noise in the field.' So Sir Lucan departed, for he was grievously wounded in many places. And so as he yeed he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how that pillars and robbers were come into the field to pill and to rob many a fool noble knight of brooches and beads, of many a good ring and of many a rich duel. And who that were not dead all out? There they slew them for their harness and their riches. When Sir Lucan understood this work, he came to the King as soon as he might and told him all what he had heard and seen. "'Therefore by my reed,' said Sir Lucan, it is best that we bring you to some town.' "'I would it was so,' said the King. Chapter 5. How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur it into the water. And how he was delivered to ladies in a barge. "'But I may not stand, mine head works so.' "'Ah, Sir Lancelot,' said King Arthur. "'This day hath I saw mist thee. Alas, that ever I was against thee, for now have I my death, where officer Gawain warned me in my dream.' Then Sir Lucan took up the King the one part, and Sir Bedivere the other part, and in the lifting the King swooned, and Sir Lucan fell in a swoon with the lift that the part of his guts fell out of his body, and therewith the noble knight's heart brassed. And when the King awoke, he beheld, Sir Lucan, how he lay foaming at the mouth, and part of his guts lay at his feet. "'Alas,' said the King, this is to me a full heavy sight, to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he would have helped me, that have more need of help than I. Alas he would not complain him, his heart was so set to help me. Now, Jesus, you have mercy upon his soul.' Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. "'Leave this morning and weeping,' said the King. "'For all this will not avail me. For with thou well am I might live myself, the death of Sir Lucan would grieve me ever more.' "'But my time hath fast,' said the King. "'Therefore,' said Arthur, unto Sir Bedivere, take thou Excalibur, my good sword, and go with it to yonder water-side, and when thou comest there I charge thee, throw my sword in that water, and come again, and tell me what thou there seest.' "'My Lord,' said Bedivere, your commandant shall be done, and likely bring you word again.' So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld that noble sword, that the pommel and the half was all of precious stones.' And then he said to himself, "'If I throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shall never come good, but harm and loss.' And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree, and so, as soon as he might, he came again unto the King, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword in the water.' "'What saw thou there?' said the King. "'Sir,' he said, "'I saw nothing but waves and winds. That is untruly said of thee,' said the King, "'therefore go thou lightly again, and do my commandment, as thou art to me leaf and deer, spare not, but throw it in.' Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand, and then him thought sin and shame to throw away that noble sword. And so F. He hid the sword, and returned again, and told to the King that he had been at the water, and done his commandment. What saw thou there?' said the King. "'Sir,' he said, "'I saw nothing but the water's wap, and waves won. "'Our traitor untrue,' said King Arthur, "'now has thou betrayed me twice. Who would have weaned that thou hath been to me so leaf and deer, and thou art named a noble knight, and would betray me for the richness of the sword? But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying puteth me in great jeopardy in my life, for I have taken cold. But if thou do now as I bid thee, if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee with mine own hands, for thou wouldst for my rich sword see me dead.' Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it up, and went to the water-side, and there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he threw the sword as far into the water as he might. And there came an arm and an hand above the water, and met it and caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished, and then vanished away the hand with the sword in the water. So Sir Bedivere came again to the King, and told him what he saw. "'Alas,' said the King, "'help me hence, for I dread me I have tarried over long.' Then Sir Bedivere took the King upon his back, and so went with him to that water-side. And when they were out of the water-side, even fast by the bank, hoved a little barge with many fair ladies in it. Among them all was a queen, and they all had black hoods, and all they wept and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. "'Now put me into the barge,' said the King. And so he did, softly. And there received him three queens with great mourning. And so they set him down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head. And then that queen said, "'Ah, dear brother, why have you tarried so long from me? Alas, this wound on your head hath caught over much cold.' And so then they rode from the land. And so Bedivere beheld all those ladies go from him. Then Sir Bedivere cried, "'Ah, my Lord Arthur, what shall become of me? Now ye go from me, and leave me alone among mine enemies. Comfort thyself,' said the King, and do as well as thou mayest. For in me is no trust for to trust in. For I will into the veil of Havilion to heal me of my grievous wound. And if thou hear never more of me, pray for my soul, but ever the queens and ladies wept and shrieked that it was pity to hear. And as soon as Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took to the forest. And so he went all that night. And in the morning he was where betwixt two holts-whore of a chapel and an hermitage. Chapter 6 How Sir Bedivere found him on the morrow dead in an hermitage, and how he abode there with the hermit. Then was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went, and when he came into the chapel he saw Huale and Hermit, groveling on all four, there, cast by a tomb, and was new-graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere he knew him well, for he was but little to four bishop of Canterbury that Sir Mordred fleamed. Sir, said Bedivere, what man is there in turn that ye pray so fast for? Fair son, said the hermit, I what not, verily, but by deeming. But this night at midnight here came a number of ladies, and brought hither a dead corpse, and prayed me to bury him. And here they offered an hundred tapers, and they gave me an hundred Byzants. Alas! said Sir Bedivere, that was my Lord King Arthur that here life buried in this chapel. Then Sir Bedivere swooned, and when he awoke he prayed the hermit he might abide with him to still there, to live with fasting and prayers. For from hence will I never go, said Sir Bedivere, by my will, but all the days of my life here to pray for my Lord Arthur. Ye are welcome to me, said the hermit, for I know ye better than ye wean that I do. Ye are the bolds Bedivere, and the full noble duke Sir Luke and the butler was your brother. Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all, as ye have heard to four. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit that was to four bishop of Canterbury, and there Sir Bedivere put upon him poor clothes, and served the hermit full lowly in fasting and in prayers. Thus of Arthur I find never more written in books that be authorised. Nor more of the very certainty of his death heard I never read. But thus was he led away in a ship where him were three queens. That one was King Arthur's sister, Queen Morgan Le Fay. The other was the Queen of North Gullis. The third was the Queen of the Waste Lands. Another there was Nimui, the chief lady of the lake, that had wedded Peleas the good night, and this lady had done much for King Arthur, for she would never suffer Sir Peleas to be in no place where he should be in danger of his life. And so he lived to the uttermost of his days with her in great rest. More of the death of King Arthur could I never find. But that ladies brought him to his burials. And such one was buried there that the hermit bear witness that some time was Bishop of Canterbury. But yet the hermit knew not in certain that he was verily the body of King Arthur. For this tale Sir Bedivere, a night of the round table, made it to be written. Chapter 7 of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur, and how Queen Guinevere made her a nun in Armsbury. Yet some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesus into another place. And men say that he shall come again, and he shall win the Holy Cross. I will not say it should be so, but rather I will say, here in this world he changed his life. But many men say that there is written upon his tomb this verse. Hic Iachet Artiorus Rex Condam Rex Quayfutiorus. Thus leave I here, Sir Bedivere, with the hermit, that dwelled that time in a chapel beside Lastenbury, and there was his hermitage. And so they lived in their prayers and fastings and great abstinence. And when Queen Guinevere understood that King Arthur was slain, and all the noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant, then the queen stole away and five ladies with her, and so she went to Armsbury. And there she let make herself a nun, where white clothes and black and great penance she took as ever did sinful lady in this land, and never creature could make her marry, but lived in fasting, prayers, and arms-deeds, that all manner of people marveled how virtuously she was changed. Now leave me, Queen Guinevere, in Armsbury, a nun in white clothes and black, and there she was abes and ruler as reason would. And tell me from her and speak we of Sir Lancelot to Lake. Chapter 8. How, when Sir Lancelot heard of the death of King Arthur and of Sir Guine and other matters, he came into England. And when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred was crowned King in England and made war against King Arthur, his own father, and would let him to land in his own land, also it was told Sir Lancelot how that Sir Mordred had laid siege about the Tower of London because the Queen would not wed him. Then was Sir Lancelot wroth out of measure, and said to his kinsmen, Alas! that double traitor Sir Mordred, now me repenteth that ever he escaped my hands, for much shame hath he done unto my Lord Arthur. For all I feel by the dullful letter that my Lord Sir Guine sent me, on whose sole jesus have mercy that my Lord Arthur is full hard bestowed. Alas! said Sir Lancelot, that ever I should live to hear that most noble king that made me night thus to be overset with his subject in his own realm. And this dullful letter that my Lord Sir Guine hath sent me for his death, praying me to see his tomb, which you will his dullful worlds shall never go from mine heart, for he was a full noble knight as ever was born. And in an unhappy hour was I born that ever I should have had that unhappier slay, first Sir Guine, Sir Guheris the Good Knight, and my own friend Sir Gareth that full noble knight. Alas! I may say I am unhappy, said Sir Lancelot, that ever I should do thus unhappily, and alas! It might I never have had to slay that traitor Sir Mordred. Leave your complaints, said Sir Bors, and first revenge you of the death of Sir Gawain, and it will be well done that ye see Sir Gawain's tomb, and secondly that ye revenge my Lord Arthur and my Lady Queen Guinephia. I thank you, said Sir Lancelot, for ever ye will be my worship. Then they made them ready in all the haste that might be with ships and galleys, with Sir Lancelot and his hosts to pass into England. And so he passed over the sea till he came to Dover, and there he landed with seven kings, and the number was hideous to behold. Then Sir Lancelot speared of men of Dover where was King Arthur become. Then the people told him how that he was slain, and Sir Mordred and a hundred thousand died on a day, and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the first battle at his landing, and there was good Sir Gawain's loon, and on the morning Sir Mordred fought with the king upon barram down, and there the king put Sir Mordred to the worse. Alas! said Sir Lancelot, this is the heaviest tidings that ever came to me. Now, fair sirs, said Sir Lancelot, show me the tomb of Sir Gawain. And then certain people of the town brought him into the castle of Dover and showed him the tomb. Then Sir Lancelot kneeled down and wept, and prayed heartily for his soul. And that night he made a dole, and all they that would come had as much flesh, fish, wine, and ale, and every man and woman had twelve pence come who would. Thus with his own hand dealt he this money in a morning-gown, and ever he wept and prayed them to pray for the soul of Sir Gawain, and on the morning all the priests and clerks that might be gotten in the country were there, and sang mass of requiem. And there offered first Sir Lancelot, and he offered a hundred pound, and then the seven kings offered forty pound a piece, and also there was a thousand knights, and each of them offered a pound. And the offering endured from mourn till night, and Sir Lancelot laid two knights on his tomb, in prayers and weeping. Then on the third day Sir Lancelot called the kings, dukes, urls, barons, and knights, and said thus, My fair lords, I thank you, all of you, coming into this country with me, but we came too late, and that shall repent me while I live, but against death may no man rebel. But sithern it is so, said Sir Lancelot, I will myself ride and seek my lady, Queen Guinevere, for as I hear say she hath had great pain and much disease, and I heard say that she is fled into the west. Therefore he all shall abide me here, and but if I come again within fifteen days, then take your ships and your fellowship, and depart into your country, for I will do, as I say to you, end of Chapter 8, Recording by Simon Evers. Le Morte d'Arthur, Vol. 2 by Sir Thomas Mallory, Book 21, Chapter 9 How Sir Lancelot departed to seek the Queen Guinevere, and how he found her at Armsbury. Then came Sir Bords to Gannis, and said, My Lord Sir Lancelot, what think ye for to do now to ride in this realm? Which ye well ye shall find a few friends? Be as be may, said Sir Lancelot, keep you still here, for I will forth on my journey, and no man nor child shall go with me. Say it was no boot to strive, but he departed and rode westerly, and there he sought a seven or eight days, and at the last he came to a nunnery, and then was Queen Guinevere, warrior of Sir Lancelot, as he walked in the cloister. And when she saw him there, she swooned, thrice, that all the ladies and gentle women had worked enough to hold the Queen up. So when she might speak, she called ladies and gentle women to her, and said, E marvel fair ladies, why I make this fair? Truly, she said, it is for the sight of yonder night that yonder standeth, wherefore, I pray you all, call him to me. When Sir Lancelot was brought to her, then she said to all the ladies, Through this man and me have all this war been wrought, and the death of the most noblest nights of the world, for through our love that we have loved together is my most noble lord slain. Therefore, Sir Lancelot, wit thee well, I am set in such a plight to get my soul heel, and yet I trust through God's grace that after my death to have a sight of the blessed face of Christ, and a doomsday to sit on his right side, for as sensful as ever I was are saints in heaven. Therefore, Sir Lancelot, I require thee and beseech thee heartily for all the love that ever was betwixt us, that thou never see me more in the visage, and I command thee, on God's behalf, that thou forsake my company, and to thy kingdom thy turn again, and keep well thy realm from war and rack. For as well as I have loved thee, mine heart will not serve me to see thee, for through thee and me is the flower of kings and knights destroyed. Therefore, Sir Lancelot, realm, and there take thee a wife and live with her with joy and bliss, and I pray thee heartily, pray for me to our Lord, that I may amend my misliving. Now, sweet madam, said Sir Lancelot, would ye that I should now return again unto my country, and there to wed a lady? Nay, madam, wit ye well, that that shall I never do, for I shall never be so false to you of that I have promised. But the same destiny that ye have taken you to, I will take me unto, for to please Yezu, and ever for you I cast me specially to pray. If thou wilt do so, said the Queen, hold thy promise, but I may never believe wilt return to the world again. Ye sayers, please with you, yet twist you me never false of my promise, and God defend, but I should forsake the world as ye have done. For in the quest of the sangreel I had forsaken vanities of the world, had not for your Lord been. And if I had done so at that time, with my heart, will, and thought, I had passed all the nights that were in the sangreel, except Sir Gala had my son, and therefore lay right. For I take record of God, in you I have had mine earthly joy. And if I had found you now so disposed, I had cast me to have had you into mine own realm. Chapter 10. House of Launcelot came to the Hermitage where the Archbishop of Canterbury was, and how he took the habit on him. But sith and I find you thus disposed, I ensure you faithfully, I will ever take me to Penance, and pray while my life lasteth, if I may find any hermit, either gray or white, that will receive me. Wherefore, madam, I pray you kiss me, and never know more. Nay, sith the Queen, that shall I never do, but abstain you from such works. And they departed. But there was never so hard, and but he would have wept to see the dollar that they made. For there was lamentation, as they had been stung with spears. And many times they swooned, and the ladies bare the Queen to her chamber. And Sir Launcelot awoke, and went and took his horse, and rode all that day and all night in a forest, weeping. And at the last he was aware of an hermitage, and a chapel stood betwixt cliffs. And then he heard a little bell ring, and that he rode, and alighted, and tied his horse to the gate, and heard Mass. And he that sang Mass was the Bishop of Canterbury. Both the Bishop and Sir Bedavia knew Sir Launcelot, and they spoke together after Mass. But when Sir Bedavia had told his tale all whole, Sir Launcelot's heart almost brassed for sorrow, and Sir Launcelot threw his arms abroad, and said, Alas! who may trust this world? And then he kneeled down on his knee, and prayed the Bishop to shrive him, and assoil him. And then he besought the Bishop that he might be his brother. The Bishop said, I will gladly. And there he put an habit upon Sir Launcelot, and there he served God night and day with prayers and fastings. Thus the great host abode at Dover, and then Sir Launcelot took fifteen lords with him, and rode to London to seek Sir Launcelot, and there Sir Launcelot was slain, and many of his lords. Then Sir Bors de Gannis made the great host for to go home again, and Sir Bors, Sir Hector de Maris, Sir Blaymore, Sir Blioberis, with more other of Sir Launcelot's kin, took of them to ride all England over Thwart and Endlong to seek Sir Launcelot. So Sir Bors by fortune rode so long till he came to the same chapel where Sir Launcelot was, and so Sir Bors heard a little bell, knell, that rang to Mass. And there he alighted and heard Mass. And when Mass was done, the Bishop, Sir Launcelot and Sir Bedeviar, came to Sir Bors. And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot in that manner clothing, then he prayed the Bishop that he might be in the same suit. And so there was an habit put upon him, and there he lived in prayers and fasting. And, within half a year, there was come Sir Gallyhood, Sir Gallyhodin, Sir Blaymore, Sir Blioberis, Sir Villiers, Sir Clarus, and Sir Gahalhaltain. So all these seven noble knights there abode still. And when they saw Sir Launcelot had taken him to such perfection, they had no lust to depart, but took such an habit as he had. Thus they endured in great penance six years, and then Sir Launcelot took the habit of priesthood of the Bishop, and a twelve month he sang Mass. And there was none of these other knights, but they read in books, and hoped for to sing Mass, and rang bells, and did boldly all manner of service. And so their horses went where they would, for they took no regard of worldly riches. For when they saw Sir Launcelot endure such penance in prayers and fastings, they took no force what pain they endured, for to see the noblest night of the world take such abstinence that he waxed full lean. And thus, upon a night, there came a vision to Sir Launcelot, and charged him, in remission of his sins, to haste him unto arms-bray. And by then thou come there, thou shall find Queen Guinevere dead, and therefore take thy fellows with thee, and pervade them of a horse-beer, and fetch her the corpse of her, and bury her by husband, the noble King Arthur. So this vision came to Sir Launcelot thrice, in one night. Hustle Launcelot went with his seven fellows to arms-bray, and found there Queen Guinevere dead, whom they brought to Glastonbury. Then Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the hermit. It were well done, said the hermit, that ye made ye ready, and that you disobey not the a vision. Then Sir Launcelot took his eight fellows with him, and on foot they yead from Glastonbury to Armsbury, the which is little more than thirty mile. And thither they came, within two days, for they were weak and feeble to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Armsbury with a nunnery, Queen Guinevere died, but half an hour before. And the ladies told Sir Launcelot that Queen Guinevere told them all, or she passed, that Sir Launcelot had been priest nearer twelve months. And hither he cometh, as fast as he may, to fetch my corpse, and beside my Lord, King Arthur, he shall bury me. Wherefore the Queen said, in hearing of them all, I beseech Almighty God, that I may never have power to see Sir Launcelot with my worldly iron. And thus, said all the ladies, was ever her prayer, these two days, till she was dead. Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage. But he wept not greatly, but sighed. And as he did all the observance of the service himself, both the dirage, and on the mourn, he sang mass. And there was ordained a horse-beer, and so, with an hundred torches ever-brenning about the corpse of the Queen, and ever Sir Launcelot with his eight fellows went about the horse-beer, singing, and reading, many an holy orison, and frankincense upon the corpse incensed. Thus Sir Launcelot and his eight fellows went on foot, from Armsbury, unto Glastonbury. And when they were come to the chapel on the Hermitage, there she had a dirige, with great devotion. And on the mourn, the hermit, that some time was Bishop of Canterbury, sang the mass of Requiem, with great devotion. And Sir Launcelot was the first that offered. And then also his eight fellows. And then she was wrapped in sered cloth of reins, from the top to the toe, in thirty-fold. And after, she was put in a web of lead, and then in a coffin of marble. And when she was put in the earth, Sir Launcelot swooned, and lay long still. While the hermit came, and awaked him, and said, Ye be to blame, for ye displease God with such manner of sorrow-making. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I trust I do not displease God, for he knoweth my intent. For my sorrow was not, nor is not, for any rejoicing of sin. But my sorrow may never have end. For when I remember of her beauty, and of her no bless, that was both with her king and with her. So when I saw his corpse, and her corpse, so lie together, truly, mine heart would not serve to sustain my careful body. Also, when I remember me, how by my default, mine orgoil, and my pride, that they were both laid full though, that were peerless, that ever was living of Christian people. Which ye well, said Sir Launcelot, this remembered, of their kindness, and mine unkindness, sank so to mine heart, that I might not sustain myself. So the French Book, Mekith Mention, Chapter 12 How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose body was born to joyous guard, for to be buried. Then Sir Launcelot, never after it, but little meat, knee-drank, till he was dead. For then he sickened more, and more, and dried, and dwind away. For the bishop, nor none of his fellows, might not make him to eat, and little he drank, that he was waxened by a cubit shorter than he was, that the people could not know him. For evermore, day and night, he prayed, but some time he slumbered a broken sleep. Ever he was lying groveling on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. And there was no comfort that the bishop, nor Sir Bors, nor none of his fellows could make him, it availed not. So within six weeks after, Sir Launcelot fell sick, and lay in his bed, and then he sent for the bishop, that there was Hermit, and all his true fellows. Then Sir Launcelot said with dreary Stephen, Sir Bishop, I pray you give to me all my rights that longeth to a Christian man. It shall not need you, said the Hermit, and all his fellows. It is but heaviness of your blood, ye shall be well mended by the grace of God to mourn. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, which you will, my careful body, will into the earth. I have warning more than now I will say, therefore give me my rights. So when he was huzzled and annealed, and had all that a Christian man ought to have, he prayed the bishop, that his fellows might bear his body to joyous guard. Some men say it was Anwick, and some men say it was Bambra. How be it, said Sir Launcelot, me repenteth sore, but I made mine a vow some time, that in joyous guard I would be buried. And because of breaking of mine a vow I pray you all lead me thither. Then there was weeping and ringing of hands among his fellows. So at a season of the night they all went to their beds, for they all lay in one chamber. And so after midnight, against to-day, the bishop of them was Hermit, as he lay in his bed asleep. He fell upon a great laughter. And therewith all the fellowship awoke, and came to the bishop, and asked him what he ailed. Argees, you mercy, said the bishop, why did you wake me? I was never in all my life so merry, and so well at ease. Wherefore, said Sir Bors? Truly, said the bishop, here was Sir Launcelot with me, with my own angels, that ever I saw men in one day, and I saw the angels heave up Sir Launcelot into heaven, and the gates of heaven opened against him. It is but dretching of sweatens, said Sir Bors, for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aleth nothing but good. It may well be, said the bishop, gaye to his bed, and then shall ye prove the sooth. So when Sir Bors and his fellows came to his bed, they found him stark dead. And he lay as he had smiled, and the sweetest savor about him that ever they felt. Then was their weeping and ringing of hands, and the greatest all they made that ever made men. And on the morning the bishop did his mass of requiem. And after the bishop and all the nine knights put Sir Launcelot in the same horse-beer that Queen Guinevere was laid into for that she was buried. And so the bishop and they all together went with the body of Sir Launcelot's daily, till they came to joyous guard. And ever they had an hundred torches brining about him. And so within fifteen days they came to joyous guard. And there they laid his corpse in the body of the choir, and sang and read many sultors and prayers over him and about him. And ever his visage was laid open and naked, that all folks might behold him. For such was the custom in those days that all men of worship should so lie with open visage till that they were buried. And right thus, as they were at that service, there came Sir Hector Damaris, that had seven years sought all England, Scotland and Wales, seeking his brother, Sir Launcelot. Chapter 13 How Sir Hector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and how Constantine reigned next after Arthur. And of the end of this book. And when Sir Hector heard such noise and light in the choir of joyous guard, he alighted and put his horse from him, and came into the choir, and there he saw men sing and weep. And all they knew, Sir Hector, but he knew not them. Then went Sir Borse unto Sir Hector, and told him how there lay his brother Sir Launcelot dead. And then Sir Hector threw his shield, sword, and helm from him, and when he beheld Sir Launcelot's visage, he fell down in a swoon. And when he waked, it were hard any tongue to tell the doleful complaints that he made for his brother. Ah, Launcelot, he said, Thou were head of all Christian knights, and I dare say, said Sir Hector, Thou, Sir Launcelot, there thou lyest, that thou were never matched of earthly knight's hand. And thou were the curtiest knight that ever bear shield, and thou were the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestread horse. And thou were the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved woman. And thou were the kindest man that ever struck with sword, and thou were the goodliest person that ever came among press of knights. And thou was the meekest man, and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies. And thou were the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear to rest. Then there was weeping and dolla out of measure. Thus they kept Sir Launcelot's corpse aloft fifteen days. And then they buried it with great devotion. And then at leisure they went all with the Bishop of Canterbury to his hermitage, and there they were together more than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir Cador's son of Cornwall, was chosen King of England. And he was a full noble knight, and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this King Constantine sent for the Bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where he was, and so he was restored under his Bishop-brick, and left that hermitage. And Sir Bedeveur was there ever still hermit to his life's end. Then Sir Bors de Gannis, Sir Ect de Maris, Sir Gahar Lantain, Sir Gallihood, Sir Gallihodin, Sir Blimo, Sir Blioberis, Sir Villas de la Valiente, Sir Clarus of Clermont. All these knights drew them to their countries. How be it King Constantine would have had with them, but they would not abide in this realm. And there they all lived in their countries as holy men. And some English books make mention that they went never out of England after the death of Sir Launcelot, but that was but favour of makers. For the French book make it mention, and is authorised, that Sir Bors, Sir Ectus, Sir Blimo, and Sir Blioberis went into the holy land, there as Jesus Christ was quick and dead, and anon as they had established their lands. For the book said, Sir Launcelot commanded them for to do, or ever he passed out of this world. And these four knights did many battles upon the miscreants or Turks. And there they died upon a good Friday, for God's sake. Here is the end of the book of King Arthur, and of his noble knights of the Round Table, that when they were whole together there was ever an hundred and forty. And here is the end of the death of Arthur. I pray you all, gentlemen and gentle women, that readeth this book of Arthur and his knights from the beginning to the ending. Pray for me, while I am alive, that God send me good deliverance. And when I am dead I pray you all pray for my soul. For this book was ended the ninth year of the reign of King Edward IV by Sir Thomas Mallory, Knight, as Jésus helped him for his great might, as he is the servant of Jésus both day and night. Thus endeth this noble and joyous book, entitled La Mort d'Arthur. Not bestanding it treateth of the birth, life, and acts of the said King Arthur, of his noble knights of the Round Table, their marvellous inquests and adventures, the achieving of the Sangreel, and in the end the dullerous death and departing out of this world of them all. Which book was reduced into English by Sir Thomas Mallory, Knight, as afore is said, and by me divided into twenty-one books, chaptered and imprinted, and finished in the Abbey Westminster, the last day of July, the year of our Lord, 1480.