<P_2>

<heading>

I . (CMMALORY,2.3)

Merlin (CMMALORY,2.4)

</heading>

HIT befel in the dayes of Uther Pendragon , when he was kynge of all
Englond and so regned , that there was a myghty duke in Cornewaill that
helde warre ageynst hym long tyme , (CMMALORY,2.6)

and the duke was called the duke of Tyntagil . (CMMALORY,2.7)

And so by meanes kynge Uther send for this duk chargyng hym to brynge
his wyf with hym , (CMMALORY,2.8)

for she was called a fair lady and a passynge wyse , (CMMALORY,2.9)

and her name was called Igrayne . (CMMALORY,2.10)

So whan the duke and his wyf were comyn unto the kynge , by the meanes
of grete lordes they were accorded bothe . (CMMALORY,2.11)

The kynge lyked and loved this lady wel , (CMMALORY,2.12)

and he made them grete chere out of mesure (CMMALORY,2.13)

and desyred to have lyen by her , (CMMALORY,2.14)

but she was a passyng good woman (CMMALORY,2.15)

and wold not assente unto the kynge . (CMMALORY,2.16)

And thenne she told the duke her husband (CMMALORY,2.17)

and said , ' I suppose that we were sente for that I shold be
dishonoured . Wherfor , husband , I counceille yow that we departe from
hens sodenly , that we maye ryde all nyghte unto oure owne castell . '
(CMMALORY,2.18)

And in lyke wyse as she saide so they departed , that neyther the kynge
nor none of his counceill were ware of their departyng .
(CMMALORY,2.19)

Also soone as kyng Uther knewe of theire departyng soo sodenly , he was
wonderly wrothe ; (CMMALORY,2.20)

thenne he called to hym his pryvy counceille (CMMALORY,2.21)

and told them of the sodeyne departyng of the duke and his wyf .
(CMMALORY,2.22)

Thenne they avysed the kynge to send for the duke and his wyf by a
grete charge : (CMMALORY,2.23)

' And yf he wille not Come at your somons , thenne may ye do your best
; (CMMALORY,2.24)

thenne have ye cause to make myghty werre upon hym . ' (CMMALORY,2.25)

Soo that was done , (CMMALORY,2.26)

and the messagers hadde their ansuers ; (CMMALORY,2.27)

and that was thys , shortly , that neyther he nor his wyf wold not come
at hym . (CMMALORY,2.28)

Thenne was the kyng wonderly wroth ; (CMMALORY,2.29)

and thenne the kyng sente hym playne word ageyne (CMMALORY,2.30)

and badde hym be redy and stuffe hym and garnysshe hym ,
(CMMALORY,2.31)

for within forty dayes he wold fetche hym oute of the byggest castell
that he hath . (CMMALORY,2.32)

Whanne the duke hadde thys warnynge anone he wente (CMMALORY,2.33)

and furnysshed and garnysshed two stronge castels of his , of the
whiche the one hyght Tyntagil and the other castel hyght Terrabyl .
(CMMALORY,2.34)

So his <P_3> wyf , dame Igrayne , he putte in the castell of Tyntagil ,
(CMMALORY,3.35)

and hymself he putte in the castel of Terrabyl , the whiche had many
yssues and posternes oute . (CMMALORY,3.36)

Thenne in all haste came Uther with a grete hoost (CMMALORY,3.37)

and leyd a syege aboute the castel of Terrabil , (CMMALORY,3.38)

and ther he pyght many pavelyons . (CMMALORY,3.39)

And there was grete warre made on bothe partyes and moche peple slayne
. (CMMALORY,3.40)

Thenne for pure angre and for grete love of fayr Igrayne the kyng Uther
felle seke . (CMMALORY,3.41)

So came to the kynge Uther syre Ulfius , a noble knyght ,
(CMMALORY,3.42)

and asked the kynge why he was seke . (CMMALORY,3.43)

' I shall telle the , ' said the kynge . (CMMALORY,3.44)

' I am seke for angre and for love of fayre Igrayne , that I may not be
hool . ' (CMMALORY,3.45)

' Wel , my lord , ' said syre Ulfius , ' I shal seke Merlyn
(CMMALORY,3.46)

and he shalle do yow remedy , that youre herte shal be pleasyd . '
(CMMALORY,3.47)

So Ulfius departed (CMMALORY,3.48)

and by adventure he mette Merlyn in a beggars aray , (CMMALORY,3.49)

and ther Merlyn asked Ulfius whome he soughte , (CMMALORY,3.50)

and he said he had lytyl ado to telle hym . ' (CMMALORY,3.51)

Well , ' saide Merlyn , ' I knowe whome thou sekest , (CMMALORY,3.52)

for thou sekest Merlyn ; (CMMALORY,3.53)

therfore seke no ferther , (CMMALORY,3.54)

for I am he . (CMMALORY,3.55)

And yf kynge Uther wille wel rewarde me and be sworne unto me to
fulfille my desyre , that shall be his honour and profite more than myn
, (CMMALORY,3.56)

for I shalle cause hym to have alle his desyre . ' (CMMALORY,3.57)

' Alle this wyll I undertake , ' said Ulfius , ' that ther shalle be
nothyng resonable (CMMALORY,3.58)

but thow shalt have thy desyre . ' (CMMALORY,3.59)

' Well , ' said Merlyn , ' he shall have his entente and desyre ,
(CMMALORY,3.60)

and therfore , ' saide Merlyn , ' ryde on your wey , (CMMALORY,3.61)

for I wille not be long behynde . ' (CMMALORY,3.62)

Thenne Ulfius was glad (CMMALORY,3.63)

and rode on more than a paas tyll that he came to kynge Uther Pendragon
and told hym he had met with Merlyn . (CMMALORY,3.64)

' Where is he ? ' said the kyng . (CMMALORY,3.65)

' Sir , ' said Ulfius , ' he wille not dwelle long . ' (CMMALORY,3.66)

Therwithal Ulfius was ware where Merlyn stood at the porche of the
pavelions dore , (CMMALORY,3.67)

and thenne Merlyn was bounde to come to the kynge . (CMMALORY,3.68)

Whan kyng Uther sawe hym he said he was welcome . (CMMALORY,3.69)

' Syr , ' said Merlyn , ' I knowe al your hert every dele .
(CMMALORY,3.70)

So ye wil be sworn unto me , as ye be a true kynge enoynted , to
fulfille my desyre , ye shal have your desyre . ' (CMMALORY,3.71)

<P_4>

Thenne the kyng was sworne upon the four Evangelistes . (CMMALORY,4.73)

' Syre , ' said Merlyn , ' this is my desyre : the first nyght that ye
shal lye by Igrayne ye shal gete a child on her ; and whan that is
borne , that it shall be delyverd to me for to nourisshe $there $as
{TEXT:thereas} I wille have it , (CMMALORY,4.74)

for it shal be your worship and the childis availle as mykel as the
child is worth . ' (CMMALORY,4.75)

' I wylle wel , ' said the kynge , ' as thow wilt have it . '
(CMMALORY,4.76)

' Now make you redy , ' said Merlyn . (CMMALORY,4.77)

' This nyght ye shalle lye with Igrayne in the castel of Tyntigayll .
(CMMALORY,4.78)

And ye shalle be lyke the duke her husband , (CMMALORY,4.79)

Ulfyus shal be lyke syre Brastias , a knyghte of the dukes ,
(CMMALORY,4.80)

and I will be lyke a knyghte that hyghte syr Jordanus , a knyghte of
the dukes . (CMMALORY,4.81)

But wayte ye make not many questions with her nor her men ,
(CMMALORY,4.82)

but saye ye are diseased , (CMMALORY,4.83)

and soo hye yow to bedde (CMMALORY,4.84)

and ryse not on the morne tyll I come to yow , (CMMALORY,4.85)

for the castel of Tyntygaill is but ten myle hens . ' (CMMALORY,4.86)

Soo this was done as they devysed . (CMMALORY,4.87)

But the duke of Tyntigail aspyed hou the kyng rode fro the syege of
Tarabil . (CMMALORY,4.88)

And therfor that nyghte he yssued oute of the castel at a posterne for
to have distressid the kynges hooste , (CMMALORY,4.89)

and so thorowe his owne yssue the duke hymself was slayne or ever the
kynge cam at the castel of Tyntigail . (CMMALORY,4.90)

So after the deth of the duke kyng Uther lay with Igrayne , more than
thre houres after his deth , (CMMALORY,4.91)

and begat on her that $nyght Arthur ; (CMMALORY,4.92)

and or day cam , Merlyn cam to the kyng (CMMALORY,4.93)

and bad hym make hym redy , (CMMALORY,4.94)

and so he kist the lady Igrayne (CMMALORY,4.95)

and departed in all hast . (CMMALORY,4.96)

But whan the lady herd telle of the duke her husband , and by all
record he was dede or ever kynge Uther came to her , thenne she
merveilled who that myghte be that laye with her in lykenes of her lord
. (CMMALORY,4.97)

So she mourned pryvely (CMMALORY,4.98)

and held hir pees . (CMMALORY,4.99)

Thenne alle the barons by one assent prayd the kynge of accord betwixe
the lady Igrayne and hym . (CMMALORY,4.100)

The kynge gaf hem leve , (CMMALORY,4.101)

for fayne wold he have ben accorded with her ; (CMMALORY,4.102)

soo the kyng put alle the trust in Ulfyus to entrete bitwene them .
(CMMALORY,4.103)

So by the entrete at the last the kyng and she met togyder .
(CMMALORY,4.104)

' Now wille we doo wel , ' said Ulfyus ; (CMMALORY,4.105)

' our kyng is a lusty knyghte and wyveles , (CMMALORY,4.106)

and my lady Igrayne is a passynge fair lady ; (CMMALORY,4.107)

it were grete joye unto us all and hit myghte please the kynge to make
her his quene . ' (CMMALORY,4.108)

<P_5>

Unto that they all well accordyd (CMMALORY,5.110)

and meved it to the kynge . (CMMALORY,5.111)

And anone lyke a lusty knyghte he assentid therto with good wille ,
(CMMALORY,5.112)

and so in alle haste they were maryed in a mornynge with grete myrthe
and joye . (CMMALORY,5.113)

And kynge Lott of Lowthean and of Orkenay thenne wedded Margawse that
was Gaweyns moder , (CMMALORY,5.114)

and kynge Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elayne :
(CMMALORY,5.115)

al this was done at the request of kynge Uther . (CMMALORY,5.116)

And the thyrd syster , Morgan le Fey , was put to scole in a nonnery ,
(CMMALORY,5.117)

and ther she lerned so moche that she was a grete clerke of nygromancye
. (CMMALORY,5.118)

And after she was wedded to kynge Uryens of the lond of Gore that was
syre Ewayns le Blaunche Maynys fader . (CMMALORY,5.119)

Thenne quene Igrayne waxid dayly gretter and gretter . (CMMALORY,5.120)

So it befel after within half a yere , as kyng Uther lay by his quene ,
he asked hir by the feith she ought to hym whos was the child within
her body . (CMMALORY,5.121)

Thenne was she sore abasshed to yeve ansuer . (CMMALORY,5.122)

' Desmaye you not , ' said the kyng , (CMMALORY,5.123)

' but telle me the trouthe , (CMMALORY,5.124)

and I shall love you the better , by the feythe of my body ! '
(CMMALORY,5.125)

' Syre , ' saide she , ' I shalle telle you the trouthe .
(CMMALORY,5.126)

The same nyghte that my lord was dede , the houre of his deth as his
knyghtes record , ther came into my castel of Tyntigaill a man lyke my
lord in speche and in countenaunce , and two knyghtes with hym in
lykenes of his two knyghtes Barcias and Jordans , (CMMALORY,5.127)

and soo I went unto bed with hym as I ought to do with my lord ;
(CMMALORY,5.128)

and the same nyght , as I shal ansuer unto God , this child was begoten
upon me . ' (CMMALORY,5.129)

' That is trouthe , ' saide the kynge , ' as ye say , (CMMALORY,5.130)

for it was I myself that cam in the lykenesse . (CMMALORY,5.131)

And therfor desmay you not , (CMMALORY,5.132)

for I am fader to the child , ' (CMMALORY,5.133)

and ther he told her alle the cause how it was by Merlyns counceil .
(CMMALORY,5.134)

Thenne the quene made grete joye whan she knewe who was the fader of
her Child . (CMMALORY,5.135)

Sone come Merlyn unto the kyng (CMMALORY,5.136)

and said , ' Syr , ye must purvey yow for the nourisshyng of your child
. ' (CMMALORY,5.137)

' As thou wolt , ' said the kyng , ' be it . ' (CMMALORY,5.138)

' Wel , ' said Merlyn , ' I knowe a lord of yours in this land that is
a passyng true man and a feithful , (CMMALORY,5.139)

and he shal have the nourysshyng of your child ; (CMMALORY,5.140)

and his name is sir Ector , (CMMALORY,5.141)

and he is a lord of fair lyvelode in many partyes in Englond and Walys
. (CMMALORY,5.142)

And this lord , sir <P_6> Ector , lete hym be sent for for to come and
speke with you , (CMMALORY,6.143)

and desyre hym yourself as he loveth you that he will put his owne
child to nourisshynge to another woman and that his wyf nourisshe yours
. (CMMALORY,6.144)

And whan the child is borne lete it be delyverd to me at yonder pryvy
posterne , uncrystned . ' (CMMALORY,6.145)

So like as Merlyn devysed it was done . (CMMALORY,6.146)

And whan syre Ector was come he made fyaunce to the kyng for to
nourisshe the child lyke as the kynge desyred , (CMMALORY,6.147)

and there the kyng graunted syr Ector grete rewardys . (CMMALORY,6.148)

Thenne when the lady was delyverd the kynge commaunded two knyghtes and
two ladyes to take the child bound in a cloth of gold , ' and that ye
delyver hym to what poure man ye mete at the posterne yate of the
castel . ' (CMMALORY,6.149)

So the child was delyverd unto Merlyn , (CMMALORY,6.150)

and so he bare it forth unto syre Ector (CMMALORY,6.151)

and made an holy man to crysten hym (CMMALORY,6.152)

and named hym Arthur . (CMMALORY,6.153)

And so sir Ectors wyf nourysshed hym with her owne pappe .
(CMMALORY,6.154)

Thenne within two yeres kyng Uther felle seke of a grete maladye .
(CMMALORY,6.155)

And in the meanewhyle hys enemyes usurpped upon hym (CMMALORY,6.156)

and dyd a grete bataylle upon his men (CMMALORY,6.157)

and slewe many of his peple . (CMMALORY,6.158)

' Sir , ' said Merlyn , ' ye may not lye so as ye doo ,
(CMMALORY,6.159)

for ye must to the feld , though ye ryde on an hors-lyttar .
(CMMALORY,6.160)

For ye shall never have the better of your enemyes but yf your persone
be there , (CMMALORY,6.161)

and thenne shall ye have the vyctory . ' (CMMALORY,6.162)

So it was done as Merlyn had devysed , (CMMALORY,6.163)

and they caryed the kynge forth in an hors-lyttar with a grete hooste
towarde his enemyes , (CMMALORY,6.164)

and at Saynt Albons ther mette with the kynge a grete hoost of the
North . (CMMALORY,6.165)

And that day syre Ulfyus and sir Bracias dyd grete dedes of armes ,
(CMMALORY,6.166)

and kyng Uthers men overcome the northeryn bataylle (CMMALORY,6.167)

and slewe many peple (CMMALORY,6.168)

and putt the remenaunt to flight ; (CMMALORY,6.169)

and thenne the kyng retorned unto London (CMMALORY,6.170)

and made grete joye of his vyctory . (CMMALORY,6.171)

And thenne he fyll passynge sore seke so that thre dayes and thre
nyghtes he was specheles ; wherfore alle the barons made grete sorow
and asked Merlyn what counceill were best . (CMMALORY,6.172)

' There nys none other remedye , ' said Merlyn , ' but God wil have his
wille . (CMMALORY,6.173)

But loke ye al barons be bifore kynge Uther to-morne , (CMMALORY,6.174)

and God and I shalle make hym to speke . ' (CMMALORY,6.175)

So on the morne alle the barons with Merlyn came tofore the kyng .
(CMMALORY,6.176)

Thenne Merlyn said aloud unto kyng Uther , <P_7> ' Syre , shall your
sone Arthur be kyng after your dayes of this realme with all the
appertenaunce ? ' (CMMALORY,7.177)

Thenne Uther Pendragon torned hym (CMMALORY,7.178)

and said in herynge of hem alle , ' I gyve hym Gods blissyng and myne ,
(CMMALORY,7.179)

and byd hym pray for my soule , and righteuously and worshipfully that
he clayme the croune upon forfeture of my blessyng , ' (CMMALORY,7.180)

and therwith he yelde up the ghost . (CMMALORY,7.181)

And thenne was he enterid as longed to a kyng , wherfor the quene ,
fayre Igrayne , made grete sorowe and alle the barons .
(CMMALORY,7.182)

Thenne stood the reame in grete jeopardy long whyle , (CMMALORY,7.183)

for every lord that was myghty of men maade hym stronge ,
(CMMALORY,7.184)

and many wende to have ben kyng . (CMMALORY,7.185)

Thenne Merlyn wente to the Archebisshop of Caunterbury (CMMALORY,7.186)

and counceilled hym for to sende for all the lordes of the reame and
alle the gentilmen of armes that they shold to London come by Cristmas
upon payne of cursynge , and for this cause , that Jesu , that was
borne on that nyghte , that He wold of His grete mercy shewe some
myracle , as He was come to be Kynge of mankynde , for to shewe somme
myracle who shold be rightwys kynge of this reame . (CMMALORY,7.187)

So the Archebisshop by the advys of Merlyn send for alle the lordes and
gentilmen of armes that they shold come by Crystmasse even unto London
, (CMMALORY,7.188)

and many of hem made hem clene of her lyf , that her prayer myghte be
the more acceptable unto God . (CMMALORY,7.189)

Soo in the grettest chirch of London - whether it were Powlis or not
the Frensshe booke maketh no mencyon - alle the estates were longe or
day in the chirche for to praye . (CMMALORY,7.190)

And whan matyns and the first masse was done there was sene in the
chircheyard ayenst the hyhe aulter a grete stone four square , lyke
unto a marbel stone ; (CMMALORY,7.191)

and in myddes therof was lyke an anvylde of stele a foot on hyghe ,
(CMMALORY,7.192)

and theryn stack a fayre swerd naked by the poynt , (CMMALORY,7.193)

and letters there were wryten in gold aboute the swerd that saiden thus
: ' WHOSO PULLETH OUTE THIS SWERD OF THIS STONE AND ANVYLD IS RIGHTWYS
KYNGE BORNE OF ALL $ENGLOND . ' (CMMALORY,7.194)

Thenne the peple merveilled (CMMALORY,7.195)

and told it to the Archebisshop . (CMMALORY,7.196)

' I commande , ' said th'Archebisshop , ' that ye kepe yow within your
chirche and pray unto God still ; that no man touche the swerd tyll the
hyhe masse be all done . ' (CMMALORY,7.197)

So whan all masses were done all the lordes wente to beholde the <P_8>
stone and the swerd . (CMMALORY,8.198)

And whan they sawe the scripture som assayed suche as wold have ben
kyng , (CMMALORY,8.199)

but none myght stere the swerd nor meve hit . (CMMALORY,8.200)

' He is not here , ' said the Archebisshop , ' that shall encheve the
swerd , (CMMALORY,8.201)

but doubte not , (CMMALORY,8.202)

God will make hym knowen . (CMMALORY,8.203)

But this is my counceill , ' said the Archebisshop , ' that we lete
purvey ten knyghtes , men of good fame , and they to kepe this swerd .
' (CMMALORY,8.204)

So it was ordeyned , (CMMALORY,8.205)

and thenne ther was made a crye that every man shold assay that wold
for to wynne the swerd . (CMMALORY,8.206)

And upon Newe Yeers day the barons lete maake a justes and a tournement
, that alle knyghtes that wold juste or tourneye there myght playe .
(CMMALORY,8.207)

And all this was ordeyned for to kepe the lordes togyders and the
comyns , (CMMALORY,8.208)

for the Archebisshop trusted that God wold make hym knowe that shold
wynne the swerd . (CMMALORY,8.209)

So upon New Yeres day , whan the servyce was done , the barons rode
unto the feld , some to juste and som to torney . (CMMALORY,8.210)

And so it happed that syre Ector that had grete lyvelode aboute London
rode unto the justes , (CMMALORY,8.211)

and with hym rode syr Kaynus , his sone , and yong Arthur that was hys
nourisshed broder ; (CMMALORY,8.212)

and syr Kay was made knyght at Alhalowmas afore . (CMMALORY,8.213)

So as they rode to the justes ward sir Kay had lost his suerd ,
(CMMALORY,8.214)

for he had lefte it at his faders lodgyng , (CMMALORY,8.215)

and so he prayd yong Arthur for to ryde for his swerd .
(CMMALORY,8.216)

' I wyll wel , ' said Arthur , (CMMALORY,8.217)

and rode fast after the swerd . (CMMALORY,8.218)

And whan he cam home the lady and al were out to see the joustyng .
(CMMALORY,8.219)

Thenne was Arthur wroth (CMMALORY,8.220)

and saide to hymself , ' I will ryde to the chircheyard and take the
swerd with me that stycketh in the stone , (CMMALORY,8.221)

for my broder sir Kay shal not be without a swerd this day . '
(CMMALORY,8.222)

So whan he cam to the chircheyard sir Arthur alight (CMMALORY,8.223)

and tayed his hors to the style , (CMMALORY,8.224)

and so he wente to the tent (CMMALORY,8.225)

and found no knyghtes there , (CMMALORY,8.226)

for they were atte justyng . (CMMALORY,8.227)

And so he handled the swerd by the handels , (CMMALORY,8.228)

and lightly and fiersly pulled it out of the stone , (CMMALORY,8.229)

and took his hors (CMMALORY,8.230)

and rode his way untyll he came to his broder sir Kay and delyverd hym
the swerd . (CMMALORY,8.231)

And as sone as sir Kay saw the swerd he wist wel it was the swerd of
the stone , (CMMALORY,8.232)

and so he rode to his fader syr Ector (CMMALORY,8.233)

and said , ' Sire , loo here is the swerd of the stone , wherfor I must
be kyng of thys land . ' (CMMALORY,8.234)

When syre Ector beheld the swerd he retorned ageyne (CMMALORY,8.235)

and cam <P_9> to the chirche , (CMMALORY,9.236)

and there they alighte al thre (CMMALORY,9.237)

and wente into the chirche , (CMMALORY,9.238)

and anon he made sir Kay to swere upon a book how he came to that swerd
. (CMMALORY,9.239)

' Syr , ' said sir Kay , ' by my broder Arthur , (CMMALORY,9.240)

for he brought it to me . ' (CMMALORY,9.241)

' How gate ye this swerd ? ' said sir Ector to Arthur .
(CMMALORY,9.242)

' Sir , I will telle you . (CMMALORY,9.243)

When I cam home for my broders swerd I fond nobody at home to delyver
me his swerd , (CMMALORY,9.244)

and so I thought my broder syr Kay shold not be swerdles ,
(CMMALORY,9.245)

and so I cam hyder egerly (CMMALORY,9.246)

and pulled it out of the stone withoute ony payn . ' (CMMALORY,9.247)

' Found ye ony knyghtes about this swerd ? ' seid sir Ector .
(CMMALORY,9.248)

' Nay , ' said Arthur . (CMMALORY,9.249)

' Now , ' said sir Ector to Arthur , ' I understande ye must be kynge
of this land . ' (CMMALORY,9.250)

' Wherfore I ? ' sayd Arthur , ' and for what cause ? '
(CMMALORY,9.251)

' Sire , ' saide Ector , ' for God wille have hit soo ,
(CMMALORY,9.252)

for ther shold never man have drawen oute this swerde but he that shal
be rightwys kyng of this land . (CMMALORY,9.253)

Now lete me see whether ye can putte the swerd $theras $as
{TEXT:theras} it was and pulle hit oute ageyne . ' (CMMALORY,9.254)

' That is no maystry , ' said Arthur , (CMMALORY,9.255)

and soo he put it in the stone . (CMMALORY,9.256)

Therwithalle sir Ector assayed to pulle oute the swerd (CMMALORY,9.257)

and faylled . (CMMALORY,9.258)

' Now assay ' , said syre Ector unto syre Kay . (CMMALORY,9.259)

And anon he pulled at the swerd with alle his myghte , (CMMALORY,9.260)

but it wold not be . (CMMALORY,9.261)

' Now shal ye assay , ' said syre Ector to Arthur . (CMMALORY,9.262)

' I wyll wel , ' said Arthur , (CMMALORY,9.263)

and pulled it out easily . (CMMALORY,9.264)

And therwithalle syre Ector knelyd doune to the erthe and syre Kay .
(CMMALORY,9.265)

' Allas ! ' said Arthur , ' myne own dere fader and broder , why knele
ye to me ? ' (CMMALORY,9.266)

' Nay , nay , my lord Arthur , it is not so . (CMMALORY,9.267)

I was never your fader nor of your blood , (CMMALORY,9.268)

but I wote wel ye are of an hyher blood than I wende ye were , '
(CMMALORY,9.269)

and thenne syre Ector told hym all how he was bitaken hym for to
nourisshe hym and by whoos commandement , and by Merlyns delyveraunce .
(CMMALORY,9.270)

Thenne Arthur made grete doole whan he understood that syre Ector was
not his fader . (CMMALORY,9.271)

' Sir , ' said Ector unto Arthur , ' woll ye be my good and gracious
lord when ye are kyng ? ' (CMMALORY,9.272)

<P_10>

' Els were I to blame , ' said Arthur , (CMMALORY,10.274)

' for ye are the man in the world that I am most beholdyng to , and my
good lady and moder your wyf that as wel as her owne hath fostred me
and kepte . (CMMALORY,10.275)

And yf ever hit be Goddes will that I be kynge as ye say , ye shall
desyre of me what I may doo (CMMALORY,10.276)

and I shalle not faille yow . (CMMALORY,10.277)

God forbede I shold faille yow . ' (CMMALORY,10.278)

' Sir , ' said sire Ector , ' I will aske no more of yow but that ye
wille make my sone , your foster-broder syre Kay , $senceall of alle
your landes . ' (CMMALORY,10.279)

' That shalle be done , ' said Arthur , ' and more , by the feith of my
body , that never man shalle have that office but he whyle he and I
lyve . ' (CMMALORY,10.280)

Therewithall they wente unto the Archebisshop (CMMALORY,10.281)

and told hym how the swerd was encheved and by whome .
(CMMALORY,10.282)

And on twelfth day alle the barons cam thyder and to assay to take the
swerd who that wold assay , (CMMALORY,10.283)

but there afore hem alle ther myghte none take it out but Arthur .
Wherfor ther were many lordes wroth and saide it was grete shame unto
them all and the reame to be overgovernyd with a boye of no hyghe blood
borne . (CMMALORY,10.284)

And so they fell oute at that tyme , that it was put of tyll Candelmas
, (CMMALORY,10.285)

and thenne all the barons shold mete there ageyne , (CMMALORY,10.286)

but alwey the ten knyghtes were ordeyned to watche the swerd day and
nyght , (CMMALORY,10.287)

and so they sette a pavelione over the stone and the swerd ,
(CMMALORY,10.288)

and fyve alwayes watched . (CMMALORY,10.289)

Soo at Candalmasse many moo grete lordes came thyder for to have wonne
the swerde , (CMMALORY,10.290)

but there myghte none prevaille . (CMMALORY,10.291)

And right as Arthur dyd at Cristmasse he dyd at Candelmasse
(CMMALORY,10.292)

and pulled oute the swerde easely , wherof the barons were sore agreved
and put it of in delay till the hyghe feste of Eester .
(CMMALORY,10.293)

And as Arthur sped afore so dyd he at Eester . (CMMALORY,10.294)

Yet there were some of the grete lordes had indignacion that Arthur
shold be kynge , (CMMALORY,10.295)

and put it of in a delay tyll the feest of Pentecoste .
(CMMALORY,10.296)

Thenne the Archebisshop of Caunterbury by Merlyns provydence lete
purveye thenne of the best knyghtes that they myghte gete , and suche
knyghtes as Uther Pendragon loved best and moost trusted in his dayes .
(CMMALORY,10.297)

And suche knyghtes were put aboute Arthur as syr Bawdewyn of Bretayn ,
syre Kaynes , syre Ulfyus , syre Barsias ; (CMMALORY,10.298)

all these with many other were alweyes about Arthur day and nyghte till
the feste of Pentecost . (CMMALORY,10.299)

<P_11>

And at the feste of Pentecost alle maner of men assayed to pulle at the
swerde that wold assay , (CMMALORY,11.301)

but none myghte prevaille but Arthur , (CMMALORY,11.302)

and he pulled it oute afore all the lordes and comyns that were there .
Wherfore alle the comyns cryed at ones , ' We wille have Arthur unto
our kyng ! (CMMALORY,11.303)

We wille put hym no more in delay , (CMMALORY,11.304)

for we all see that it is Goddes wille that he shalle be our kynge ,
(CMMALORY,11.305)

and who that holdeth ageynst it we wille slee hym . ' (CMMALORY,11.306)

And therwithall they knelyd at ones both ryche and poure
(CMMALORY,11.307)

and cryed Arthur mercy bycause they had delayed hym so longe .
(CMMALORY,11.308)

And Arthur foryaf hem (CMMALORY,11.309)

and took the swerd bitwene both his handes (CMMALORY,11.310)

and offred it upon the aulter where the Archebisshop was ,
(CMMALORY,11.311)

and so was he made knyghte of the best man that was there .
(CMMALORY,11.312)

And so anon was the coronacyon made , (CMMALORY,11.313)

and ther was he sworne unto his lordes and the comyns for to be a true
kyng , to stand with true justyce fro thens forth the dayes of this lyf
. (CMMALORY,11.314)

Also thenne he made alle lordes that helde of the croune to come in and
to do servyce as they oughte to doo . (CMMALORY,11.315)

And many complayntes were made unto sir Arthur of grete wronges that
were done syn the dethe of kyng Uther , of many londes that were
bereved lordes , knyghtes , ladyes , and gentilmen ; wherfor kynge
Arthur maade the londes to be yeven ageyne unto them that oughte hem .
(CMMALORY,11.316)

Whanne this was done that the kyng had stablisshed alle the countreyes
aboute London , thenne he lete make syr Kay sencial of Englond ,
(CMMALORY,11.317)

and sir Baudewyn of Bretayne was made constable , (CMMALORY,11.318)

and sir Ulfyus was made chamberlayn , (CMMALORY,11.319)

and sire Brastias was maade wardeyn to wayte upon the Northe fro Trent
forwardes , (CMMALORY,11.320)

for it was that tyme the most party the kynges enemyes .
(CMMALORY,11.321)

But within fewe yeres after Arthur wan alle the North , Scotland and
alle that were under their obeissaunce , also Walys ; (CMMALORY,11.322)

a parte of it helde ayenst Arthur , (CMMALORY,11.323)

but he overcam hem al as he dyd the remenaunt thurgh the noble prowesse
of hymself and his knyghtes of the Round Table . (CMMALORY,11.324)

Thenne the kyng remeved into Walys (CMMALORY,11.325)

and lete crye a grete feste , that it shold be holdyn at Pentecost
after the incoronacion of hym at the cyte of Carlyon .
(CMMALORY,11.326)

Unto the fest come kyng Lott of Lowthean and of Orkeney with fyve
hondred knyghtes with hym ; (CMMALORY,11.327)

also ther come to the feste kynge Uryens of Gore with four hondred
knyghtes with hym ; (CMMALORY,11.328)

also ther come to that feeste kyng Nayntres of Garloth <P_12> with
seven hundred knyghtes with hym , (CMMALORY,12.329)

also ther came to the feest the kynge of Scotland with sixe honderd
knyghtes with hym , (CMMALORY,12.330)

and he was but a yong man . (CMMALORY,12.331)

Also ther came to the feste a kyng that was called the Kyng with the
Honderd Knyghtes , (CMMALORY,12.332)

but he and his men were passyng wel bisene at al poyntes ;
(CMMALORY,12.333)

also ther cam the kyng of Cardos with fyve honderd knyghtes .
(CMMALORY,12.334)

And kyng Arthur was glad of their comynge , (CMMALORY,12.335)

for he wende that al the kynges and knyghtes had come for grete love
and to have done hym worship at his feste , wherfor the kyng made grete
joye and sente the kynges and knyghtes grete presentes .
(CMMALORY,12.336)

But the kynges wold none receyve , (CMMALORY,12.337)

but rebuked the messagers shamefully (CMMALORY,12.338)

and said they had no joye to receyve no yeftes of a berdles boye that
was come of lowe blood , (CMMALORY,12.339)

and sente hym word they wold none of his yeftes , but that they were
come to gyve hym yeftes with hard swerdys betwixt the neck and the
sholders ; (CMMALORY,12.340)

and therfore they came thyder , so they told to the messagers playnly ,
(CMMALORY,12.341)

for it was grete shame to all them to see suche a boye to have a rule
of soo noble a reaume as this land was . (CMMALORY,12.342)

With this ansuer the messagers departed (CMMALORY,12.343)

and told to kyng Arthur this ansuer , wherfor by the advys of his
barons he took hym to a strong towre with fyve hondred good men with
hym . (CMMALORY,12.344)

And all the kynges aforesaid in a maner leyd a syege tofore hym ,
(CMMALORY,12.345)

but kyng Arthur was well vytailled . (CMMALORY,12.346)

And within fyftene dayes ther came Merlyn amonge hem into the cyte of
Carlyon . (CMMALORY,12.347)

Thenne all the kynges were passyng gladde of Merlyn (CMMALORY,12.348)

and asked hym , ' For what Cause is that boye Arthur made your kynge ?
' (CMMALORY,12.349)

' Syres , ' said Merlyn , ' I shalle telle yow the cause ,
(CMMALORY,12.350)

for he is kynge Uther Pendragons sone borne in wedlok , goten on
Igrayne , the dukes wyf of Tyntigail . ' (CMMALORY,12.351)

' Thenne is he a bastard , ' they said al . (CMMALORY,12.352)

' Nay , ' said Merlyn , ' after the deth of the duke more than thre
houres was Arthur begoten , and thirtene dayes after kyng Uther wedded
Igrayne , (CMMALORY,12.353)

and therfor I preve hym (CMMALORY,12.354)

he is no bastard . (CMMALORY,12.355)

And , who saith nay , he shal be kyng and overcome alle his enemyes ,
(CMMALORY,12.356)

and or he deye he shalle be long kynge of all Englond and have under
his obeyssaunce Walys , Yrland , and Scotland , and moo reames than I
will now reherce . ' (CMMALORY,12.357)

<P_13>

Some of the kynges had merveyl of Merlyns wordes (CMMALORY,13.359)

and demed well that it shold be as he said , (CMMALORY,13.360)

and som of hem lough hym to scorne , as kyng Lot , (CMMALORY,13.361)

and mo other called hym a wytche . (CMMALORY,13.362)

But thenne were they accorded with Merlyn that kynge Arthur shold come
oute and speke with the kynges , (CMMALORY,13.363)

and to come sauf and to goo sauf , suche suraunce ther was made .
(CMMALORY,13.364)

So Merlyn went unto kynge Arthur (CMMALORY,13.365)

and told hym how he had done (CMMALORY,13.366)

and badde hym , ' Fere not , (CMMALORY,13.367)

but come oute boldly (CMMALORY,13.368)

and speke with hem ; (CMMALORY,13.369)

and spare hem not , (CMMALORY,13.370)

but ansuere them as their kynge and chyvetayn , (CMMALORY,13.371)

for ye shal overcome hem all , whether they wille or nylle . '
(CMMALORY,13.372)

Thenne kynge Arthur came oute of his tour (CMMALORY,13.373)

and had under his gowne a jesseraunte of double maylle ,
(CMMALORY,13.374)

and ther wente with hym the Archebisshop of Caunterbury , and syr
Baudewyn of Bretayne , and syr Kay , and syre Brastias ;
(CMMALORY,13.375)

these were the men of moost worship that were with hym .
(CMMALORY,13.376)

And whan they were mette there was no mekenes but stoute wordes on
bothe sydes , (CMMALORY,13.377)

but alweyes kynge Arthur ansuerd them (CMMALORY,13.378)

and said he wold make them to bowe and he lyved , wherfore they
departed with wrath . (CMMALORY,13.379)

And kynge Arthur badde kepe hem wel , (CMMALORY,13.380)

and they bad the kynge kepe hym wel . (CMMALORY,13.381)

Soo the kynge retornyd hym to the toure ageyne (CMMALORY,13.382)

and armed hym and alle his knyghtes . (CMMALORY,13.383)

' What will ye do ? ' said Merlyn to the kynges . (CMMALORY,13.384)

' Ye were better for to stynte , (CMMALORY,13.385)

for ye shalle not here prevaille , though ye were ten so many . '
(CMMALORY,13.386)

' Be we wel avysed to be aferd of a dreme-reder ? ' said kyng Lot .
(CMMALORY,13.387)

With that Merlyn vanysshed aweye (CMMALORY,13.388)

and came to kynge Arthur (CMMALORY,13.389)

and bad hym set on hem fiersly . (CMMALORY,13.390)

And in the menewhyle there were thre honderd good men of the best that
were with the kynges that wente streyghte unto kynge Arthur ,
(CMMALORY,13.391)

and that comforted hym gretely . (CMMALORY,13.392)

' Syr , ' said Merlyn to Arthur , ' fyghte not with the swerde that ye
had by myracle til that ye see ye go unto the wers ; (CMMALORY,13.393)

thenne drawe it out (CMMALORY,13.394)

and do your best . ' (CMMALORY,13.395)

So forthwithalle kynge Arthur sette upon hem in their lodgyng ,
(CMMALORY,13.396)

and syre Bawdewyn , syre Kay , and syr Brastias slewe on the right hand
and on the lyfte hand , that it was merveylle ; (CMMALORY,13.397)

and alweyes kynge Arthur on horsback leyd on with a swerd
(CMMALORY,13.398)

and dyd merveillous dedes of armes , that many of the kynges had grete
joye of his dedes and <P_14> hardynesse . (CMMALORY,14.399)

Thenne kynge Lot brake out on the bak syde , and the kyng with the
Honderd Knyghtes and kyng Carados , (CMMALORY,14.400)

and sette on Arthur fiersly behynde hym . (CMMALORY,14.401)

With that syre Arthur torned with his knyghtes (CMMALORY,14.402)

and smote behynd and before , (CMMALORY,14.403)

and ever sir Arthur was in the formest prees tyl his hors was slayne
undernethe hym . (CMMALORY,14.404)

And therwith kynge Lot smote doune kyng Arthur . (CMMALORY,14.405)

With that his four knyghtes $reskowed hym (CMMALORY,14.406)

and set hym on horsback ; (CMMALORY,14.407)

thenne he drewe his swerd Excalibur , (CMMALORY,14.408)

but it was so bryght in his enemyes eyen that it gaf light lyke thirty
torchys , (CMMALORY,14.409)

and therwith he put hem on bak (CMMALORY,14.410)

and slewe moche peple . (CMMALORY,14.411)

And thenne the comyns of Carlyon aroos with clubbis and stavys
(CMMALORY,14.412)

and slewe many knyghtes , (CMMALORY,14.413)

but alle the kynges helde them togyders with her knyghtes that were
lefte on lyve , (CMMALORY,14.414)

and so fled and departed ; (CMMALORY,14.415)

and Merlyn come unto Arthur (CMMALORY,14.416)

and counceilled hym to folowe hem no further . (CMMALORY,14.417)

So after the feste and journeye kynge Arthur drewe hym unto London .
(CMMALORY,14.418)

And soo by the counceil of Merlyn the kyng lete calle his barons to
counceil , (CMMALORY,14.419)

for Merlyn had told the kynge that the sixe kynges that made warre upon
hym wold in al haste be awroke on hym and on his landys ; wherfor the
kyng asked counceil at hem al . (CMMALORY,14.420)

They coude no counceil gyve , (CMMALORY,14.421)

but said they were bygge ynough . (CMMALORY,14.422)

' Ye saye well , ' said Arthur , (CMMALORY,14.423)

' I thanke you for your good courage ; (CMMALORY,14.424)

but wil ye al that loveth me speke with Merlyn ? (CMMALORY,14.425)

Ye knowe wel that he hath done moche for me , (CMMALORY,14.426)

and he knoweth many thynges . (CMMALORY,14.427)

And whan he is afore you I wold that ye prayd hym hertely of his best
avyse . ' (CMMALORY,14.428)

Alle the barons sayd they wold pray hym and desyre hym .
(CMMALORY,14.429)

Soo Merlyn was sente for and fair desyred of al the barons to gyve them
best counceil . (CMMALORY,14.430)

' I shall say you , ' said Merlyn , (CMMALORY,14.431)

' I warne yow al , (CMMALORY,14.432)

your enemyes are passyng strong for yow , (CMMALORY,14.433)

and they are good men of armes as ben on lyve . (CMMALORY,14.434)

And by thys tyme they have goten to them four kynges mo and a myghty
duke , (CMMALORY,14.435)

and onlesse that our kyng have more chyvalry with hym than he may make
within the boundys of his own reame , and he fyghte with hem in batail
, he shal be overcome and slayn . ' (CMMALORY,14.436)

' What were best to doo in this cause ? ' said al the barons .
(CMMALORY,14.437)

' I shal telle you , ' said Merlyn , ' myne advys . (CMMALORY,14.438)

There ar two bretheren <P_15> beyond the see , (CMMALORY,15.439)

and they be kynges and merveillous good men of her handes :
(CMMALORY,15.440)

and that one hyghte kynge Ban of Benwic , (CMMALORY,15.441)

and that other hyght kyng Bors of Gaule , that is Fraunce .
(CMMALORY,15.442)

And on these two kynges warrith a myghty man of men , the kynge Claudas
, (CMMALORY,15.443)

and stryveth with hem for a castel ; (CMMALORY,15.444)

and grete werre is betwixt them . (CMMALORY,15.445)

But this Claudas is so myghty of goodes wherof he geteth good knyghtes
that he putteth these two kynges moost parte $to the werse . Wherfor
this is my counceil : that our kyng and soverayne lord sende unto the
kynges Ban and Bors by two trusty knyghtes with letters wel devysed ,
that and they wil come and see kynge Arthur and his courte and helpe
hym in hys warrys , that he wolde be sworne unto them to helpe hem in
theire warrys agaynst kynge Claudas . (CMMALORY,15.446)

Now what sey ye unto thys counceyle ? ' seyde Merlyon . '
(CMMALORY,15.447)

Thys ys well councelde , ' seyde the kynge . (CMMALORY,15.448)

And in all haste two barownes ryght so were ordayned to go on thys
message unto thes two kyngis , (CMMALORY,15.449)

and lettirs were made in the moste plesauntist wyse accordynge unto
kynge Arthurs desyre , (CMMALORY,15.450)

and Ulphuns and Brastias were made the messyngers ; (CMMALORY,15.451)

and so rode forth well horsed and well i-armed and as the gyse was that
tyme , (CMMALORY,15.452)

and so passed the see (CMMALORY,15.453)

and rode towarde the cite of Benwyk . (CMMALORY,15.454)

And there besydes were eyght knyghtes that aspyed hem ,
(CMMALORY,15.455)

and at a strayte passage they mette with Ulphuns and Brastias
(CMMALORY,15.456)

and wolde a takyn them presoners . (CMMALORY,15.457)

So they preyde them that they myght passe , (CMMALORY,15.458)

for they were messyngers unto kyng Ban and Bors isente frome kynge
Arthure . (CMMALORY,15.459)

' Therefore , ' seyde the knyghtes , ' ye shall dey othir be presoners
, (CMMALORY,15.460)

for we be knyghtes of kynge Claudas . ' (CMMALORY,15.461)

And therewith two of them dressed their sperys unto Ulphuns and
Brastias , (CMMALORY,15.462)

and they dressed their sperys (CMMALORY,15.463)

and ran togydir with grete random . (CMMALORY,15.464)

And Claudas his knyghtes brake theire spearis , (CMMALORY,15.465)

and Ulphuns and Brastias bare the two knyghtes oute of their sadils to
the erth (CMMALORY,15.466)

and so leffte them lyynge (CMMALORY,15.467)

and rode their wayes . (CMMALORY,15.468)

And the other six knyghtes rode before to a passage to mete with them
ayen , (CMMALORY,15.469)

and so Ulphuns and Brastias othir two smote downe (CMMALORY,15.470)

and so paste on hir wayes . (CMMALORY,15.471)

And at the fourthe passage there mette two for two (CMMALORY,15.472)

and bothe were leyde unto the erthe . (CMMALORY,15.473)

So there was none of the eyght knyghtes but he was hurte sore othir
brused . (CMMALORY,15.474)

<P_16>

And whan they com to Benwyke hit fortuned both the kynges be there ,
Ban and Bors . (CMMALORY,16.476)

Than was hit tolde the two kyngis how there were com two messyngers .
(CMMALORY,16.477)

And anone there was sente unto them two knyghtes of worshyp ,
(CMMALORY,16.478)

that one hyght Lyonses , lorde of the contrey of $Payarne , and sir
Pharyaunce , a worshipfull knyght ; (CMMALORY,16.479)

and anone asked them frome whens they com , (CMMALORY,16.480)

and they seyde frome kyng Arthure , kynge of Ingelonde .
(CMMALORY,16.481)

And so they toke them in theire armys (CMMALORY,16.482)

and made grete joy eche of othir . (CMMALORY,16.483)

But anone as they wyste they were messyngers of Arthurs there was made
no taryynge , (CMMALORY,16.484)

but forthwith they spake with the kyngis . (CMMALORY,16.485)

And they welcommed them in the most faythfullyst wyse (CMMALORY,16.486)

and seyde they were moste welcom unto them before all the kynges men
lyvynge . (CMMALORY,16.487)

And therewith they kyssed the lettirs (CMMALORY,16.488)

and delyvird them . (CMMALORY,16.489)

And whan kynge Ban and Bors undirstoode them and the lettirs , than
were they more welcom than they were tofore . (CMMALORY,16.490)

And $aftir the haste of the lettirs they gaff hem thys answere that
they wolde fulfille $the desire of kyng Arthurs wrytynge ,
(CMMALORY,16.491)

and bade sir Ulphuns and sir Brastias tarry there as longe as they
wolde , (CMMALORY,16.492)

for they shulde have such chere as myght be made for them in thys
marchis . (CMMALORY,16.493)

Than Ulphuns and Brastias tolde the kynge of theire adventure at the
passagis for the eyght knyghtes . (CMMALORY,16.494)

' A ha , ' seyde Ban and Bors , ' they were oure good frendis .
(CMMALORY,16.495)

I wolde I had wyste of them , (CMMALORY,16.496)

and they sholde nat so $have ascaped . ' (CMMALORY,16.497)

So thes two knyghtes had good chere and grete gyfftis as much as they
myght bere away , (CMMALORY,16.498)

and had theire answere by mowth and by wrytynge that the two kynges
wolde com unto Arthure in all the haste that they myght .
(CMMALORY,16.499)

So thes two knyghtes rode on afore (CMMALORY,16.500)

and passed the see (CMMALORY,16.501)

and com to their lorde (CMMALORY,16.502)

and tolde hym how they had spedde , wherefore kyng Arthure was passyng
glad and seyde , ' How suppose you , (CMMALORY,16.503)

at what tyme woll thes two kynges be here ? ' (CMMALORY,16.504)

' Sir , ' they seyde , ' before Allhalowmasse . ' (CMMALORY,16.505)

Than the kynge lette purvey a grete feste , (CMMALORY,16.506)

and also he lette cry both turnementis and justis thorowoute all his
realme , (CMMALORY,16.507)

and the day appoynted and sette at Allhalowmasse . (CMMALORY,16.508)

And so the tyme drove on (CMMALORY,16.509)

and all thynges redy ipurveyed . (CMMALORY,16.510)

Thes two noble kynges were entirde the londe and comyn ovir the see
with three hondred knyghtes full well arayed both for the pees and also
for the werre . (CMMALORY,16.511)

And so royally <P_17> they were resceyved and brought towarde the cite
of London . (CMMALORY,17.512)

And so Arthure mette them ten myle oute of London , (CMMALORY,17.513)

and there was grete joy made as couthe be thought . (CMMALORY,17.514)

And on Allhalowmasse day at the grete feste sate in the hall the three
kynges , (CMMALORY,17.515)

and sir Kay the Senesciall served in the halle , and sir Lucas the
Butler that was Duke Corneus son , and sir Gryfflet that was the son of
God of Cardal : (CMMALORY,17.516)

thes three knyghtes had the rule of all the servyse that served the
kyngis . (CMMALORY,17.517)

And anone as they were redy and $wayshen , all the knyghtes that wolde
juste made hem redy . (CMMALORY,17.518)

And be than they were redy on horsebak there was seven hondred knyghtes
. (CMMALORY,17.519)

And kynge Arthure , Ban , and Bors , with the Archebysshop of
Caunterbyry , and sir Ector , Kays fadir , they were in a place covirde
with clothys of golde lyke unto an halle , with ladyes and jantillwomen
for to beholde who dud beste and thereon to gyff a jugemente .
(CMMALORY,17.520)

And kyng Arthure with the two kyngis lette departe the seven hondred
knyghtes in two partyes . (CMMALORY,17.521)

And there were three hondred knyghtes of the realme of Benwyke and
Gaule that turned on the othir syde . (CMMALORY,17.522)

And they dressed their shyldis (CMMALORY,17.523)

and began to couche hir sperys , many good knyghtes . (CMMALORY,17.524)

So sir Gryfflet was the firste that sette oute , (CMMALORY,17.525)

and to hym com a knyght , (CMMALORY,17.526)

hys name was sir Ladynas , (CMMALORY,17.527)

and they com so egirly togydir that all men had wondir ,
(CMMALORY,17.528)

and they so sore fought that hir shyldis felle on pecis and both horse
and man felle to the erthe , (CMMALORY,17.529)

and both the Frensh knyght and the Englysh knyght lay so longe that all
men wente they had bene dede . (CMMALORY,17.530)

Whan Lucas the Butler saw sir Gryfflet ly so longe , he horsed hym
agayne anone , (CMMALORY,17.531)

and they too ded many mervelous dedis of armys with many bachelers .
(CMMALORY,17.532)

Also sir Kay com oute of a bushemente with fyve knyghtes with hym ,
(CMMALORY,17.533)

and they six smote othir six downe . (CMMALORY,17.534)

But sir Kay dud that day many mervaylous dedis of armys , that there
was none that dud so welle as he that day . (CMMALORY,17.535)

Than there com Ladynas and Grastian , two knyghtes of Fraunse ,
(CMMALORY,17.536)

and dud passynge well , that all men praysed them . (CMMALORY,17.537)

Than com in sir Placidas , a good knyght , that mette with sir Kay and
smote hym downe horse and man , wherefore sir Gryfflet was wroth and
mette with sir Placidas so harde that horse and man felle to the erthe
. (CMMALORY,17.538)

But whan the fyve knyghtes wyst that sir Kay had <P_18> a falle they
were wroth oute of mesure (CMMALORY,18.539)

and therewithall ech of them fyve bare downe a knyght .
(CMMALORY,18.540)

Whan kynge Arthur and the two kynges saw hem begynne wexe wroth on
bothe partyes , they leped on smale hakeneyes (CMMALORY,18.541)

and lette cry that all men sholde departe unto theire lodgynge .
(CMMALORY,18.542)

And so they wente home (CMMALORY,18.543)

and unarmed them , (CMMALORY,18.544)

and so to evynsonge and souper . (CMMALORY,18.545)

And aftir souper the three kynges went into a gardyne (CMMALORY,18.546)

and gaff the pryce unto sir Kay and unto sir Lucas the Butler and unto
sir Gryfflet . (CMMALORY,18.547)

And than they wente unto counceyle , and with hem Gwenbaus , brothir
unto kynge Ban and Bors , a wyse clerke ; (CMMALORY,18.548)

and thidir wente Ulphuns , Brastias and Merlion . (CMMALORY,18.549)

And aftir they had $ben in her counceyle they wente unto bedde .
(CMMALORY,18.550)

And on the morne they harde masse , (CMMALORY,18.551)

and to dyner and so to theire counceyle , (CMMALORY,18.552)

and made many argumentes what were beste to do . (CMMALORY,18.553)

So at the laste they were concluded that $Merlion sholde go with a
tokyn of kynge Ban , that was a rynge , unto hys men and kynge Bors ;
(CMMALORY,18.554)

Gracian and Placidas sholde go agayne and kepe their castels and theire
contreyes ; (CMMALORY,18.555)

and as for kynge Ban of Benwyke and kynge Bors of Gaule , $they had
ordayned them all thynge . (CMMALORY,18.556)

And so $they passed the see (CMMALORY,18.557)

and com to Benwyke . (CMMALORY,18.558)

And whan the people sawe kynge Bannys rynge , and Gracian and Placidas
, they were glad (CMMALORY,18.559)

and asked how theire kynge fared (CMMALORY,18.560)

and made grete joy of their welfare . (CMMALORY,18.561)

And accordyng unto theire soveraigne lordis desire , the $men of warre
made hem redy in all haste possible , so that they were fyftene
thousand on horsebacke and foote , (CMMALORY,18.562)

and they had grete plente of vitayle by Merlions provisions .
(CMMALORY,18.563)

But Gracian and Placidas were leffte at home to furnysh and garnysh the
castell for drede of kyng Claudas . (CMMALORY,18.564)

Ryght so Merlion passed the see well vitayled bothe by watir and by
londe . (CMMALORY,18.565)

And whan he com to the see he sente home the footemen agayne ,
(CMMALORY,18.566)

and toke no mo with hym but ten thousand men on horse-bake , the moste
party of men of armys ; (CMMALORY,18.567)

and $schipped (CMMALORY,18.568)

and passed the see into Inglonde (CMMALORY,18.569)

and londed at Dovir . (CMMALORY,18.570)

And thorow the wytte of Merlion he ledde the oste northwarde the
pryveyst wey that coude be thought , unto the foreste of Bedgrayne ,
(CMMALORY,18.571)

and there in a valey lodged hym secretely . (CMMALORY,18.572)

Than rode Merlion to Arthure and to the two kynges , (CMMALORY,18.573)

and tolde hem how he had spedde , whereof they had grete mervayle that
ony man on erthe myght spede so sone to go <P_19> and com .
(CMMALORY,19.574)

So Merlion tolde them how ten thousande were in the forest of Bedgrayne
well armed at all poyntis . (CMMALORY,19.575)

Than was there no more to sey , (CMMALORY,19.576)

but to horsebak wente all the oste as Arthure had before provyded .
(CMMALORY,19.577)

So with twenty thousand he passed by nyght and day . (CMMALORY,19.578)

$But there was made such an ordinaunce afore by Merlyon that there
sholde no man of warre ryde nothir go in no contrey on this syde Trente
watir but if he had a tokyn frome kynge Arthure , wherethorow the
kynges enemyes durst nat ryde as they dud tofore to aspye .
(CMMALORY,19.579)

And so wythin a litill whyle the three kyngis com to the forest of
Bedgrayne (CMMALORY,19.580)

and founde there a passynge fayre felyship and well besene , whereof
they had grete joy , and vitayle they wanted none . (CMMALORY,19.581)

Thys was the causis of the northir hoste , that they were rered for the
despite and rebuke that the $six kyngis had at Carlyon .
(CMMALORY,19.582)

And tho six kyngis by hir meanys gate unto them fyve othir kyngis ;
(CMMALORY,19.583)

and thus they began to gadir hir people , (CMMALORY,19.584)

and $now they swore nother-1 for welle nothyr wo they sholde nat lyve
tyll they had destroyed Arthure . (CMMALORY,19.585)

And than they made an othe , and the first that began the othe was the
deuke of $Canbenet , that he wolde brynge with hym $fyve thousand men
of armys , the which were redy on horsebakke . (CMMALORY,19.586)

Than swore kynge Brandegoris of Strangore that he wolde brynge with hym
fyve thousand men of armys on horsebacke . (CMMALORY,19.587)

Than swore kynge Clarivaus of Northumbirlonde <em> that he </em> wolde
brynge $three thousand men of armys with hym . (CMMALORY,19.588)

Than swore the Kynge with the Hondred Knyghtes that was a passynge good
man and a yonge , that he wold brynge four thousand good men of armys
on horsebacke . (CMMALORY,19.589)

Than there swore kynge Lott , a passyng good knyght and fadir unto sir
Gawayne , that he wolde brynge fyve thousand good men of armys on
horsebak . (CMMALORY,19.590)

Also $ther swore kynge Uryens that was sir Uwaynes fadir of the londe
of Goore , (CMMALORY,19.591)

and he wolde brynge six thousand men of armys on horsebak .
(CMMALORY,19.592)

Also there swore kynge Idres of Cornuwaile that he wolde brynge fyve
thousand men of armys on horsebake . (CMMALORY,19.593)

Also there swore kynge Cradilmans to brynge fyve thousand men on
horsebacke . (CMMALORY,19.594)

Also there swore kyng Angwysshauns of Irelonde to brynge fyve thousand
men of armys on horsebak . (CMMALORY,19.595)

Also there swore kynge Nentres to brynge fyve thousand men on <P_20>
horsebak . (CMMALORY,20.596)

Also there swore kynge Carados to brynge fyve thousand men of armys on
horsebak . (CMMALORY,20.597)

So hir hole oste was of clene men of armys : (CMMALORY,20.598)

on horscbacke was fully fyffty thousand . and on foote ten thousand of
good mennes bodyes . (CMMALORY,20.599)

Than they were sone redy (CMMALORY,20.600)

and mounted uppon horsebacke , (CMMALORY,20.601)

and sente forthe before the foreryders . (CMMALORY,20.602)

For thes a eleven kynges in hir wayes leyde a sege unto the castell of
Bedgrayne ; (CMMALORY,20.603)

and so they departed (CMMALORY,20.604)

and drew towarde Arthure , (CMMALORY,20.605)

and leffte a fewe to byde at the sege , (CMMALORY,20.606)

for the castell of Bedgrayne was an holde of kynge Arthurs
(CMMALORY,20.607)

and the men that were within were kynge Arthurs men all .
(CMMALORY,20.608)

So by Merlyons advice there were sente foreryders to skymme the contrey
; (CMMALORY,20.609)

and they mette with the foreryders of the Northe (CMMALORY,20.610)

and made hem to telle which way the oste com . (CMMALORY,20.611)

And than they tolde kynge Arthure , (CMMALORY,20.612)

and by kynge Ban and Bors his counceile they lette brenne and destroy
all the contrey before them there they sholde ryde . (CMMALORY,20.613)

The Kynge of the Hondred Knyghtis that tyme mette a wondir dreme two
nyghtes before the batayle : that there blew a grete wynde and blew
downe hir castels and hir townys , (CMMALORY,20.614)

and aftir that com a watir (CMMALORY,20.615)

and bare hit all away . (CMMALORY,20.616)

And all that herde of that swevyn seyde hit was a tokyn of grete
batayle . (CMMALORY,20.617)

Than by counceile of Merlion , whan they wyst which wey the an eleven
kynges wolde ryde and lodge that nyght , at mydnyght they sette uppon
them as they were in their pavilions . (CMMALORY,20.618)

But the scowte-wacche by hir oste cryed : ' Lordis , to $armes !
(CMMALORY,20.619)

for here be oure enemyes at youre honde ! ' (CMMALORY,20.620)

Than kynge Arthure and kynge Ban and Bors with hir good and trusty
knyghtes sette uppon them so fersely that he made them overthrowe hir
pavilions on hir hedis . (CMMALORY,20.621)

But the eleven kynges by manly prouesse of armys toke a fayre champion
, (CMMALORY,20.622)

but there was slayne that morow tyde ten thousand good mennes bodyes .
(CMMALORY,20.623)

And so they had before hem a stronge passage ; (CMMALORY,20.624)

yet were there fyffty thousand of hardy men . (CMMALORY,20.625)

Than hit drew toward day . (CMMALORY,20.626)

' Now shall ye do by myne advice , ' seyde Merlyon unto the three
kyngis , (CMMALORY,20.627)

and seyde : ' I wolde kynge Ban and Bors with hir felyship of ten
thousand men were put in a woode here besyde in an inbusshemente and
kept them prevy , and that they be leyde or the lyght of the day com ,
and that they stire nat tyll that <P_21> ye and youre knyghtes $have
fought with hem longe . (CMMALORY,21.628)

And whan hit ys daylyght , dresse youre batayle evyn before them and
the passage , that they may se all youre oste , (CMMALORY,21.629)

for than woll they be the more hardy whan they se you but aboute twenty
thousande , and cause hem to be the gladder to suffir you and youre
oste to com over the passage . ' (CMMALORY,21.630)

All the three kynges and the hole barownes seyde how Merlion devised
passynge well , (CMMALORY,21.631)

and so hit was done . (CMMALORY,21.632)

So on the morn whan aythir oste saw othir , they of the Northe were
well comforted . (CMMALORY,21.633)

Than Ulphuns and Brastias were delyvirde three thousand men of armys ,
(CMMALORY,21.634)

and they sette on them fersely in the passage , (CMMALORY,21.635)

and slew on the ryght honde and on the lyffte honde that hit was wondir
to telle . (CMMALORY,21.636)

But whan the eleven kynges saw that there was so few a felyship that
dud such dedis of armys , they were ashamed (CMMALORY,21.637)

and sette on hem agayne fersely . (CMMALORY,21.638)

And there was sir Ulphuns horse slayne , (CMMALORY,21.639)

but he dud mervelously on foote . (CMMALORY,21.640)

But the duke $Estanse of $Canbenet and kynge Clarivaunce of
Northehumbirlonde were allwey grevously set on Ulphuns .
(CMMALORY,21.641)

Than sir Brastias saw his felow yfared so withall , he smote the duke
with a spere , that horse and man felle downe . (CMMALORY,21.642)

That saw kyng Claryvauns , (CMMALORY,21.643)

and $returned unto sir Brastias , (CMMALORY,21.644)

and eythir smote othir so that horse and man wente to the erthe .
(CMMALORY,21.645)

And so they lay longe astoned , (CMMALORY,21.646)

and theire horse knees braste to the harde bone . (CMMALORY,21.647)

Than com sir Kay the Senesciall with six felowis with hym
(CMMALORY,21.648)

and dud passynge well . (CMMALORY,21.649)

So with that com the eleven kyngis , (CMMALORY,21.650)

and there was Gryfflette put to the erth horse and man , and Lucas the
Butler horse and man , $by kynge Brandegoris and kynge Idres and kynge
Angwyshaunce . (CMMALORY,21.651)

Than wexed the medlee passyng harde on both parties . (CMMALORY,21.652)

Whan sir Kay saw sir Gryfflet on foote , he rode unto kynge Nentres
(CMMALORY,21.653)

and smote hym downe , (CMMALORY,21.654)

and ledde his horse unto sir Gryfflette (CMMALORY,21.655)

and horsed hym agayne . (CMMALORY,21.656)

Also sir Kay with the same spere smote downe kynge Lotte
(CMMALORY,21.657)

and hurte hym passynge sore . (CMMALORY,21.658)

That saw the Kynge with the Hondred Knyghtes (CMMALORY,21.659)

and ran unto sir Kay (CMMALORY,21.660)

and smote hym downe , (CMMALORY,21.661)

and toke hys horse (CMMALORY,21.662)

and gaff hym kynge Lotte , whereof he seyde gramercy .
(CMMALORY,21.663)

Whan sir Gryfflet saw sir Kay and sir Lucas de Butler on foote , he
with a sherpe spere grete and square rode to Pynnel , a good man of
<P_22> armys , (CMMALORY,22.664)

and smote horse and man downe , (CMMALORY,22.665)

and than he toke hys horse (CMMALORY,22.666)

and gaff hym unto sir Kay . (CMMALORY,22.667)

Than kynge Lotte saw Kynge Nentres on foote , (CMMALORY,22.668)

he ran unto Meliot de la Roche (CMMALORY,22.669)

and smote hym downe horse and man , (CMMALORY,22.670)

and gaff hym <em> to kynge Nentres </em> the horse (CMMALORY,22.671)

and horsed hym agayne . (CMMALORY,22.672)

Also the Kynge with the Hondred Knyghtes saw kynge Idres on foote ,
(CMMALORY,22.673)

he ran unto Gwyniarte de Bloy (CMMALORY,22.674)

and smote hym downe horse and man , (CMMALORY,22.675)

and gaff kynge Idres the horse (CMMALORY,22.676)

and horsed hym agayne . (CMMALORY,22.677)

Than kynge Lotte smote downe Clarinaus de la Foreyste Saveage
(CMMALORY,22.678)

and gaff the horse unto duke Estans . (CMMALORY,22.679)

And so whan they had horsed the kyngis agayne , they drew hem all
eleven kynges togydir , (CMMALORY,22.680)

and seyde they wolde be revenged of the damage that they had takyn that
day . (CMMALORY,22.681)

The meanewhyle com in kyng Arthure with an egir countenans ,
(CMMALORY,22.682)

and founde Ulphuns and Brastias on foote , in grete perell of dethe ,
that were fowle defoyled undir the horse feete . (CMMALORY,22.683)

Than Arthure as a lyon ran unto kynge Cradilment of North Walis
(CMMALORY,22.684)

and smote hym thorow the lyffte syde , that horse and man felle downe .
(CMMALORY,22.685)

Than he toke the horse by the reygne (CMMALORY,22.686)

and led hym unto Uphine (CMMALORY,22.687)

and seyde , ' Have this horse , myne olde frende , (CMMALORY,22.688)

for grete nede hast thou of an horse . ' (CMMALORY,22.689)

' Gramercy , ' seyde Ulphuns . (CMMALORY,22.690)

Than kynge Arthure dud so mervaylesly in armys that all men had wondir
. (CMMALORY,22.691)

Whan the Kyng with the Hondred Knyghtes saw kynge Cradilmente on foote
, he ran unto sir Ector , sir Kayes fadir , that was well ihorsed
(CMMALORY,22.692)

and smote horse and man downe , (CMMALORY,22.693)

and gaff the horse unto the kynge (CMMALORY,22.694)

and horsed hym agayne . (CMMALORY,22.695)

And whan kynge Arthure saw that kynge ryde on sir Ectors horse he was
wrothe , (CMMALORY,22.696)

and with hys swerde he smote the kynge on the helme , that a quarter of
the helme and shelde clave downe ; (CMMALORY,22.697)

and so the swerde carve downe unto the horse necke , (CMMALORY,22.698)

and so man and horse felle downe to the grounde . (CMMALORY,22.699)

Than sir Kay com unto kynge Morganoure , senesciall with the Kynge of
the Hondred Knyghtes , (CMMALORY,22.700)

and smote hym downe horse and man , (CMMALORY,22.701)

and ledde the horse unto hys fadir , sir Ector . (CMMALORY,22.702)

Than sir Ector ran unto a knyght that hyght Lardans (CMMALORY,22.703)

and smote horse and man downe , (CMMALORY,22.704)

and lad the horse unto sir Brastias , that grete nede had of an horse
and was gretly defoyled . (CMMALORY,22.705)

Whan Brastias behelde <P_23> Lucas the Butler that lay lyke a dede man
undir the horse feete - and ever sir Gryflet dud mercyfully for to
reskow hym , and there were allwayes fourtene knyghtes upon sir Lucas -
and than sir Brastias smote one of them on the helme , that hit wente
unto his tethe ; (CMMALORY,23.706)

and he rode unto another (CMMALORY,23.707)

and smote hym , that hys arme flow into the felde ; (CMMALORY,23.708)

than he wente to the thirde (CMMALORY,23.709)

and smote hym on the shulder , that sholdir and arme flow unto the
felde . (CMMALORY,23.710)

And whan Gryfflet saw rescowis he smote a knyght on the templis , that
hede and helme wente of to the erthe ; (CMMALORY,23.711)

and Gryfflet toke that horse (CMMALORY,23.712)

and lad hym unto sir Lucas , (CMMALORY,23.713)

and bade hym mownte uppon that horse and revenge his hurtis -
(CMMALORY,23.714)

for sir Brastias had slayne a knyght tofore - (CMMALORY,23.715)

and horsed sir Lucas . (CMMALORY,23.716)

Than sir Lucas saw kynge Angwysschaunce that $nyghe had slayne Maris de
la Roche ; (CMMALORY,23.717)

and Lucas ran to hym with a sherpe spere that was grete ,
(CMMALORY,23.718)

and he gaff hym suche a falle that the horse felle downe to the erthe .
(CMMALORY,23.719)

Also Lucas founde there on foote Bloyas de la $Flaundres and sir Gwynas
, two hardy knyghtes ; (CMMALORY,23.720)

and in that woodnes that Lucas was in , he slew two bachelers
(CMMALORY,23.721)

and horsed them agayne . (CMMALORY,23.722)

Than wexed the batayle passynge harde one bothe partyes .
(CMMALORY,23.723)

But kynge Arthure was glad that hys knyghtes were horsed agayne .
(CMMALORY,23.724)

And than they fought togiders , that the noyse and the sowne range by
the watir and woode . Wherefore kynge Ban and Bors made hem redy and
dressed theire shyldis and harneysse , and were so currageous that
their enemyes shooke and byverd for egirnesse . (CMMALORY,23.725)

All thys whyle sir Lucas , Gwynas , Bryaunte , and Bellias of Flaundres
helde stronge medle agaynste six kynges , which were kynge Lott , kynge
Nentres , kynge Brandegoris , kynge Idres , kyng Uriens and kynge
Angwysshauns . (CMMALORY,23.726)

So with the helpe of sir Kay and of sir Gryfflet they helde thes six
kyngis harde , that unneth they had ony power to deffende them .
(CMMALORY,23.727)

But whan kynge Arthure saw the batayle wolde nat be ended by no manner
, he fared woode as a lyon (CMMALORY,23.728)

and stirred his horse here and there on the ryght honde and on the
lyffte honde , that he stynted nat tylle he had slayne twenty knyghtes
. (CMMALORY,23.729)

Also he wounded kynge Lotte sore on the shulder , (CMMALORY,23.730)

and made hym to leve that grownde , (CMMALORY,23.731)

for sir Kay with sir Gryfflet dud with kynge Arthure grete dedis of
armys there . (CMMALORY,23.732)

Than sir Ulphuns , Brastias and sir Ector encountirde agaynste the
<P_24> duke Estans and kynge Cradilmante and kynge Clarivauns of
North-humbirlonde and kynge Carados and the Kynge with the Hondred
Knyghtes . (CMMALORY,24.733)

So thes kynges encountird with thes knyghtes , that they made them to
avoyde the grounde . (CMMALORY,24.734)

Than kynge Lotte made grete dole for his damagis and his felowis ,
(CMMALORY,24.735)

and seyde unto the kyngis , ' But if we woll do as I have devised , we
all shall be slayne and destroyed . (CMMALORY,24.736)

Lette me have the Kynge with the Hondred Knyghtes , and kynge
Angwysshaunce , and kynge Idres , and the duke of $Canbenet .
(CMMALORY,24.737)

And we fyve kyngis woll have ten thousand men of armys with us ,
(CMMALORY,24.738)

and we woll go on one party whyle the six kynges holde the medle with
twelve thousand . (CMMALORY,24.739)

And whan we se that ye have foughtyn with hem longe , than woll we com
on freysshly ; (CMMALORY,24.740)

and ellis shall we never macche them , ' seyde kynge Lotte , ' but by
thys means . ' (CMMALORY,24.741)

So they departed as they here devised , (CMMALORY,24.742)

and thes six kyngis made theire party stronge agaynste kynge Arthure
(CMMALORY,24.743)

and made grete warre longe in the meanwhyle . (CMMALORY,24.744)

Than brake the bushemente of kynge Banne and Bors ; (CMMALORY,24.745)

and Lionse and Phariaunce had that advaunte-garde , (CMMALORY,24.746)

and they two knyghtes mette with kynge Idres <em> and his felauship ,
(CMMALORY,24.747)

and there began a grete medele of brekyng of speres and smytyng of
swerdes with sleynge of men and horses , </em> that <em> kynge Idres
</em> was nere discomfited . (CMMALORY,24.748)

That saw kynge Angwysshaunce , (CMMALORY,24.749)

and put Lyonses and Phariaunce in poynte of dethe , (CMMALORY,24.750)

for the duke <em> of Canbenet </em> com on with a grete felyship .
(CMMALORY,24.751)

So thes two knyghtes were in grete daungere of their lyves , that they
were fayne to returne ; (CMMALORY,24.752)

but allweyes they rescowed hemselff and hir felyship merveylously .
(CMMALORY,24.753)

Whan kynge Bors saw tho knyghtes put on bak hit greved hym sore .
(CMMALORY,24.754)

Than he com on so faste that his felyship semed as blak as inde .
(CMMALORY,24.755)

Whan kynge Lotte had aspyed kynge Bors , he knew hym well ,
(CMMALORY,24.756)

and seyde , ' Jesu defende us from dethe and horryble maymes ,
(CMMALORY,24.757)

for I se well we be in grete perell of dethe ; (CMMALORY,24.758)

for I se yondir a kynge , one of the moste worshipfullyst <em> men ,
and the </em> best knyghtes of the worlde be inclyned unto his felyship
. ' (CMMALORY,24.759)

' What ys he ? ' seyde the Kynge with the $Hundirde Knyghtes .
(CMMALORY,24.760)

' Hit ys , ' he seyde , ' kynge Bors of Gaule . (CMMALORY,24.761)

I mervayle , ' seyde he , ' how they com unto this contrey withoute
wetynge of us all . ' (CMMALORY,24.762)

' Hit was by Merlions advice , ' seyde a knyght . (CMMALORY,24.763)

<P_25>

' As for me , ' seyde kynge Carados , ' I woll encountir with kynge
Bors , (CMMALORY,25.765)

and ye woll rescow me whan myster ys . ' (CMMALORY,25.766)

' Go on , ' seyde they , (CMMALORY,25.767)

' for we woll all that we may . ' (CMMALORY,25.768)

Than kynge Carados and hys oste rode on a soffte pace tyll they com as
nyghe kynge Bors as a bowe-draught . (CMMALORY,25.769)

Than eythir lette theire horsys renne as faste as they myght .
(CMMALORY,25.770)

And Bleobris that was godson unto kynge Bors , he bare his chyeff
standard ; (CMMALORY,25.771)

that was a passyng good knyght . (CMMALORY,25.772)

' Now shall we se , ' seyde kynge Bors , ' how thes northirne Bretons
can bere theire armys ! ' (CMMALORY,25.773)

So kynge Bors encountird with a knyght (CMMALORY,25.774)

and smote hym throwoute with a spere , that he felle dede unto the
erthe ; (CMMALORY,25.775)

and aftirwarde drew hys swerde (CMMALORY,25.776)

and dud mervaylous dedis of armys , that all partyes had grete wondir
thereof . (CMMALORY,25.777)

And his $knyghtes fayled nat (CMMALORY,25.778)

but dud hir parte . (CMMALORY,25.779)

And kynge Carados was smytten to the erthe . (CMMALORY,25.780)

With that com the Kynge with the Hondred Knyghtes (CMMALORY,25.781)

and rescowed kynge Carados myghtyly by force of armys ,
(CMMALORY,25.782)

for he was a passynge good knyght and but a yonge man .
(CMMALORY,25.783)

Be than com into the felde kynge Ban as ferse as a lyon , with bondis
of grene and thereuppon golde . (CMMALORY,25.784)

' A ha , ' seyde kynge Lott , ' we muste be discomfite ,
(CMMALORY,25.785)

for yondir I se the moste valiante knyght of the worlde , and the man
of moste renowne , (CMMALORY,25.786)

for such two brethirne as ys kynge Ban and kynge Bors ar nat lyvynge .
Wherefore we muste nedis voyde or dye , (CMMALORY,25.787)

and but if we avoyde manly and wysely there ys but dethe . '
(CMMALORY,25.788)

So wan thes two kyngis , Ban and Bors , com into the batayle , they com
in so fersely that the strokis $redounded agayne fro the woode and the
watir . Wherefore kynge Lotte wepte for pite and dole that he saw so
many good knyghtes take their ende . (CMMALORY,25.789)

But thorow the grete force of kynge Ban they made bothe the northirne
batayles that were parted hurteled togidirs for grete drede .
(CMMALORY,25.790)

And the three kynges and their knyghtes slew on ever , that hit was
pite to se and to beholde the multitude of peple that fledde .
(CMMALORY,25.791)

But kyng Lott and the Kynge with the Hundred Knyghtes and kynge
Morganoure gadred the peple togydir $passynge knyghtly ,
(CMMALORY,25.792)

and dud grete proues of armys , (CMMALORY,25.793)

and helde the batayle all the day lyke harde . (CMMALORY,25.794)

Whan the Kynge with the Hundred Knyghtes behelde the <P_26> grete
damage that kynge Ban $dyd he threste unto hym with his horse
(CMMALORY,26.795)

and smote hym an hyghe on the helme a grete stroke (CMMALORY,26.796)

and stoned hym sore . (CMMALORY,26.797)

Than kynge Ban was wood wrothe with hym (CMMALORY,26.798)

and folowed on hym fersely . (CMMALORY,26.799)

The othir saw that (CMMALORY,26.800)

and caste up hys shelde (CMMALORY,26.801)

and spored hys horse forewarde , (CMMALORY,26.802)

but the stroke of kynge Ban downe felle (CMMALORY,26.803)

and carve a cantell of the shelde , (CMMALORY,26.804)

and the swerde sloode downe by the hawbirke byhynde hys backe
(CMMALORY,26.805)

and kut thorow the trappoure of stele and the horse evyn in two pecis ,
that the swerde felle to the erth . (CMMALORY,26.806)

Than the Kynge of the Hundred Knyghtes voyded the horse lyghtly ,
(CMMALORY,26.807)

and with hys swerde he broched the horse of kynge Ban thorow and thorow
. (CMMALORY,26.808)

With that kynge Ban voyded lyghtly from the dede horse
(CMMALORY,26.809)

and smote at that othir so egirly on the helme that he felle to the
erthe . (CMMALORY,26.810)

Also in that ire he felde kynge Morganoure , (CMMALORY,26.811)

and there was grete slawghtir of good knyghtes and muche peple .
(CMMALORY,26.812)

Be that tyme com into the prees kynge Arthure (CMMALORY,26.813)

and founde kynge Ban stondynge amonge the dede men and dede horse ,
fyghtynge on foote as a wood lyon , that there com none nyghe hym as
farre as he myght reche with hys swerde ; (CMMALORY,26.814)

but he caught a grevous buffette , whereof kynge Arthure had grete pite
. (CMMALORY,26.815)

And kynge Arthure was so blody that by hys shylde there myght no man
know hym , (CMMALORY,26.816)

for all was blode and brayne that stake on his swerde and on hys shylde
. (CMMALORY,26.817)

And as kynge Arthure loked besyde hym he sawe a knyght that was
passyngely well horsed . (CMMALORY,26.818)

And therewith kynge Arthure ran to hym (CMMALORY,26.819)

and smote hym on the helme , that hys swerde wente unto his teeth ,
(CMMALORY,26.820)

and the knyght sanke downe to the erthe dede . (CMMALORY,26.821)

And anone kynge Arthure toke hys horse by the rayne (CMMALORY,26.822)

and ladde hym unto kynge Ban (CMMALORY,26.823)

and seyde , ' Fayre brothir , have ye thys horse , (CMMALORY,26.824)

for ye have grete myster thereof , (CMMALORY,26.825)

and me repentys sore of youre grete damage . ' (CMMALORY,26.826)

' Hit shall be sone revenged , ' seyde kynge Ban , (CMMALORY,26.827)

' for I truste in God myne hurte ys none suche but som of them may sore
repente thys . ' (CMMALORY,26.828)

' I woll welle , ' seyde kynge Arthure , (CMMALORY,26.829)

' for I se youre dedys full actuall ; (CMMALORY,26.830)

nevertheless I myght nat com to you at that tyme . ' (CMMALORY,26.831)

But whan kynge Ban was mounted on horsebak , than there began a new
batayle whych was sore and harde , and passynge grete slaughtir .
(CMMALORY,26.832)

And so thorow grete force kyng Arthure , kynge Ban , and kynge Bors
made hir knyghtes alyght to wythdraw hem to a lytyll <P_27> wood ,
(CMMALORY,27.833)

and so over a litill ryvir ; (CMMALORY,27.834)

and there they rested hem , (CMMALORY,27.835)

for on the nyght before they had no grete reste in the felde .
(CMMALORY,27.836)

And than the eleven kyngis put hem on an hepe all togydirs , as men
adrad and oute of all comforte . (CMMALORY,27.837)

But there was no man that myght passe them ; (CMMALORY,27.838)

they helde hem so harde togydirs bothe behynde and before that kynge
Arthure had mervayle of theire dedis of armys and was passynge wrothe .
(CMMALORY,27.839)

' A , sir Arthure , ' seyde kynge Ban and kynge Bors , ' blame hem nat
, (CMMALORY,27.840)

for they do as good men ought to do . (CMMALORY,27.841)

For be my fayth , ' seyde kynge Ban , ' they ar the beste fyghtynge men
and knyghtes of moste prouesse that ever y saw other herde off speke .
(CMMALORY,27.842)

And tho eleven kyngis ar men of grete worship ; (CMMALORY,27.843)

and if they were longyng to you , there were no kynge undir hevyn that
had suche eleven kyngis nother off suche worship . ' (CMMALORY,27.844)

' I may nat love hem , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' (CMMALORY,27.845)

for they wolde destroy me . ' (CMMALORY,27.846)

' That know we well , ' seyde kynge Ban and kynge Bors ,
(CMMALORY,27.847)

' for they ar your mortall enemyes , (CMMALORY,27.848)

and that hathe bene preved beforehonde . (CMMALORY,27.849)

And thys day they have done their parte , (CMMALORY,27.850)

and that ys grete pite of their wylfulnes . ' (CMMALORY,27.851)

Than all the eleven kynges drew hem togydir . (CMMALORY,27.852)

And than seyde Lott , ' Lordis , ye muste do othirwyse than ye do ,
(CMMALORY,27.853)

othir ellis the grete losses ys behynde : (CMMALORY,27.854)

for ye may se what peple we have loste and what good men we lese
because we wayte allweyes on thes footemen ; (CMMALORY,27.855)

and ever in savying of one of thes footemen we lese ten horsemen for
hym . (CMMALORY,27.856)

Therefore thys ys myne advise : (CMMALORY,27.857)

lette us putte oure footemen frome us , (CMMALORY,27.858)

for hit ys nere nyght . (CMMALORY,27.859)

For thys noble kynge Arthure woll nat tarry on the footemen ,
(CMMALORY,27.860)

for they may save hemselff : (CMMALORY,27.861)

the woode ys nerehonde . (CMMALORY,27.862)

And whan we horsemen be togydirs , looke every of you kyngis lat make
such ordinaunce that none breke uppon payne of deth . (CMMALORY,27.863)

And who that seeth any man dresse hym to fle lyghtly , that he be
slayne ; (CMMALORY,27.864)

for hit ys bettir we sle a cowarde than thorow a coward all we be
slayne . (CMMALORY,27.865)

How sey ye ? ' seyde kynge Lotte . (CMMALORY,27.866)

' Answere me , all ye kynges ! ' (CMMALORY,27.867)

' Ye say well , ' seyde kynge Nentres . (CMMALORY,27.868)

So seyde the Kynge with the Hondred Knyghtes ; (CMMALORY,27.869)

the same seyde kynge Carados and kynge <P_28> Uryens ;
(CMMALORY,28.870)

so seyde kynge Idres and kynge Brandegoris ; (CMMALORY,28.871)

so dud kyng Cradilmasse and the duke of $Canbenet ; (CMMALORY,28.872)

the same seyde kynge Claryaunce , (CMMALORY,28.873)

and so dud kynge Angwysshaunce , (CMMALORY,28.874)

and swore they wolde never fayle other for lyff nothir for dethe .
(CMMALORY,28.875)

And whoso that fledde all they sholde be slayne . (CMMALORY,28.876)

Than they amended their harneyse (CMMALORY,28.877)

and ryghted their sheldis , (CMMALORY,28.878)

and toke newe speris (CMMALORY,28.879)

and sette hem on theire thyghes , (CMMALORY,28.880)

and stoode stylle as hit had be a plumpe of woode . (CMMALORY,28.881)

Whan kynge Arthure and kynge Ban and Bors behelde them and all hir
knyghtes , they preysed them much for their noble chere of chevalry ,
$for the hardyeste fyghters that ever they herde other saw .
(CMMALORY,28.882)

So furthwith there dressed a fourty knyghtes , (CMMALORY,28.883)

and seyde unto the three kynges they wolde breke their batayle .
(CMMALORY,28.884)

And thes were their namys : Lyonses , Phariaunce , Ulphuns , Brastias ,
Ector , Kayus , Lucas de Butler , Gryfflet la Fyse de Deu , Marrys de
la Roche , Gwynas de Bloy , Bryaunte de la Foreyste Saveage , Bellaus ,
Morians of the Castel Maydyns , Flaundreus of the Castel of Ladyes ,
Annecians that was kynge Bors godson , a noble knyght , and Ladinas de
la Rouse , Emerause , Caulas , Graciens le Castilion , Bloyse de la
Case , and sir Colgrevaunce de Goore . (CMMALORY,28.885)

All thes knyghtes rode on before with sperys on theire thyghes
(CMMALORY,28.886)

and spurred their horses myghtyly . (CMMALORY,28.887)

And the eleven kyngis with parte of hir knyghtes rushed furthe as faste
as they myght with hir sperys , (CMMALORY,28.888)

and there they dud on bothe partyes merveylous dedes of armys .
(CMMALORY,28.889)

So there com into the thycke of the prees Arthure , Ban , and Bors ,
(CMMALORY,28.890)

and slew downeryght on bothe hondis , that hir horses wente in blood up
to the fittlockys . (CMMALORY,28.891)

But ever the eleven kyngis and the oste was ever in the visage of
Arthure . Wherefore kynge Ban and Bors had grete mervayle consyderyng
the grete slaughter that there was ; (CMMALORY,28.892)

but at the laste they were dryven abacke over a litill ryver .
(CMMALORY,28.893)

With that Com Merlion on a grete blacke horse (CMMALORY,28.894)

and seyde unto kynge Arthure , ' Thou hast never done .
(CMMALORY,28.895)

Hast thou nat done inow ? (CMMALORY,28.896)

Of three score thousande thys day hast thou leffte on lyve but fyftene
thousand ! (CMMALORY,28.897)

Therefore hit ys tyme to sey " Who ! " (CMMALORY,28.898)

for God ys wroth with the (CMMALORY,28.899)

for thou woll never have done . (CMMALORY,28.900)

For yondir a eleven kynges at thys tyme woll nat be overthrowyn ,
(CMMALORY,28.901)

but and thou tary on them ony lenger thy <P_29> fortune woll turne
(CMMALORY,29.902)

and they shall encres . (CMMALORY,29.903)

And therefore withdraw you unto youre lodgynge (CMMALORY,29.904)

and reste you as sone as ye may , (CMMALORY,29.905)

and rewarde youre good knyghtes with golde and with sylver ,
(CMMALORY,29.906)

for they have well deserved hit . (CMMALORY,29.907)

There may no ryches be to dere for them , (CMMALORY,29.908)

for of so fewe men as ye have there was never men dud more
worship-fully in proues than ye have done to-day : (CMMALORY,29.909)

for ye have macched thys day with the beste fyghters of the worlde . '
(CMMALORY,29.910)

' That ys trouthe , ' seyde kynge Ban and Bors . (CMMALORY,29.911)

Than Merlyon bade hem , ' Withdraw where ye lyste , (CMMALORY,29.912)

for thys three yere I dare undirtake they shall nat dere you ;
(CMMALORY,29.913)

and by that tyme ye shall hyre newe tydyngis . ' (CMMALORY,29.914)

Than Merlion seyde unto Arthure , ' Thes eleven kyngis have more on
hande than they are ware off , (CMMALORY,29.915)

for the Sarezynes ar londed in their contreies mo than fourty thousande
, (CMMALORY,29.916)

and brenne and sle (CMMALORY,29.917)

and have leyde syege to the castell Wandesborow , (CMMALORY,29.918)

and make grete destruction : (CMMALORY,29.919)

therefore drede you nat thys yere . (CMMALORY,29.920)

Also , sir , all the goodis that be gotyn at this batayle lette hit be
serched , (CMMALORY,29.921)

and whan ye have hit in your hondis lette hit be geffyn frendly unto
thes two kyngis , Ban and Bors , that they may rewarde their knyghtes
wythall : (CMMALORY,29.922)

and that shall cause straungers to be of bettir wyll to do you servyse
at nede . (CMMALORY,29.923)

Also ye be able to rewarde youre owne knyghtes at what tyme somever hit
lykith you . ' (CMMALORY,29.924)

' Ye sey well , ' seyde Arthure , (CMMALORY,29.925)

' and as thou haste devised so shall hit be done . ' (CMMALORY,29.926)

Whan hit was delyverde to thes kynges , Ban and Bors , they gaff the
godis as frely to theire knyghtes as hit was gevyn to them .
(CMMALORY,29.927)

Than Merlion toke hys leve of kynge Arthure and of the two kyngis , for
to go se hys mayster Bloyse that dwelled in Northumbir-londe .
(CMMALORY,29.928)

And so he departed (CMMALORY,29.929)

and com to hys mayster that was passynge glad of hys commynge .
(CMMALORY,29.930)

And there he tolde how Arthure and the two kynges had spedde at the
grete batayle , and how hyt was endyd , (CMMALORY,29.931)

and tolde the namys of every kynge and knyght of worship that was there
. (CMMALORY,29.932)

And so Bloyse wrote the batayle worde by worde as Merlion tolde hym ,
how hit began and by whom , and in lyke wyse how hit was ended and who
had the worst . (CMMALORY,29.933)

And all the batayles that were done in Arthurs dayes , Merlion dud hys
mayster Bloyse wryte them . (CMMALORY,29.934)

Also he dud wryte all the batayles that every worthy knyght ded of
Arthurs courte . (CMMALORY,29.935)

<P_30>

So aftir this Merlion departed frome his mayster (CMMALORY,30.937)

and com to kynge Arthure that was in the castell of Bedgrayne , that
was one of the castels that stondith in the foreyste of Sherewood .
(CMMALORY,30.938)

And Merlion was so disgysed that kynge Arthure knewe hym nat ,
(CMMALORY,30.939)

for he was all befurred in blacke shepis skynnes , and a grete payre of
bootis , and a boowe and arowis , in a russet gowne , (CMMALORY,30.940)

and brought wylde gyese in hys honde . (CMMALORY,30.941)

And hit was on the morne aftir Candil-masse day . (CMMALORY,30.942)

But kynge Arthure knew hym nat . (CMMALORY,30.943)

' Sir , ' seyde Merlion unto the kynge , ' woll ye geff me a gyffte ? '
(CMMALORY,30.944)

' Wherefore , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' sholde I gyff the a gyffte ,
chorle ? ' (CMMALORY,30.945)

' Sir , ' seyd Merlion , ' ye were bettir to gyff me a gyffte that ys
nat in youre honde than to lose grete rychesse . (CMMALORY,30.946)

For here in the same place there the grete batayle was , ys grete
tresoure hydde in the erthe . ' (CMMALORY,30.947)

' Who tolde the so , chorle ? ' (CMMALORY,30.948)

' Sir , Merlyon tolde me so , ' seyde he . (CMMALORY,30.949)

Than Ulphuns and Brastias knew hym well inowghe (CMMALORY,30.950)

and smyled . (CMMALORY,30.951)

' Sir , ' seyde thes two knyghtes , ' hit ys Merlion that so spekith
unto you . ' (CMMALORY,30.952)

Than kynge Arthure was gretly abaysshed (CMMALORY,30.953)

and had mervayle of Merlion , (CMMALORY,30.954)

and so had kynge Ban and Bors . (CMMALORY,30.955)

So they had grete disporte at hym . (CMMALORY,30.956)

Than in the meanewhyle there com a damesell that was an erlis doughter
; (CMMALORY,30.957)

hys name was Sanam (CMMALORY,30.958)

and hir name was Lyonors , a passynge fayre damesell .
(CMMALORY,30.959)

And so she cam thidir for to do omage as other lordis ded after that
grete batayle . (CMMALORY,30.960)

And kynge Arthure sette hys love gretly on hir , (CMMALORY,30.961)

and so ded she uppon hym , (CMMALORY,30.962)

and so the kynge had ado with hir (CMMALORY,30.963)

and gate on hir a chylde . (CMMALORY,30.964)

And hys name was Borre , that was aftir a good knyght and of the Table
Rounde . (CMMALORY,30.965)

Than $ther com worde that kynge Ryens of North Walis made grete warre
on kynge Lodegreaunce of Camylarde , for the whiche kynge Arthure was
wrothe , (CMMALORY,30.966)

for he loved hym welle (CMMALORY,30.967)

and hated kyng Royns , (CMMALORY,30.968)

for allwayes he was agenst hym . (CMMALORY,30.969)

<paren> So by ordinauns of the three kynges ther were sente home unto
Benwyke $all $that wolde departe , for drede of kynge Claudas .
(CMMALORY,30.970)

Thes knyghtes : Pharyaunce , Anthemes , Graciens , <em> and Lyonses
</em> <P_31> Payarne were the leders of them that sholde kepe the two
kynges londis . </paren> (CMMALORY,31.971)

And than kynge Arthure , kynge Ban and kynge Bors departed with hir
felyship , a twenty thousand , (CMMALORY,31.972)

and cam within seven dayes into the contrey of Camylarde ;
(CMMALORY,31.973)

and there rescowed kynge Lode-graunce , (CMMALORY,31.974)

and slew there muche people of kynge Ryons , unto the numbir of ten
thousand , (CMMALORY,31.975)

and putte hem to flyght . (CMMALORY,31.976)

And than had thes thre kynges grete chere of kynge Lodegraunce ,
(CMMALORY,31.977)

and he thanked them of theire grete goodnes that they wolde revenge hym
of his enemyes . (CMMALORY,31.978)

And there had Arthure the firste syght of queene Gwenyvere , the kyngis
doughter of the londe of Camylarde , (CMMALORY,31.979)

and ever afftir he loved hir . (CMMALORY,31.980)

And aftir they were wedded , as hit tellith in the booke .
(CMMALORY,31.981)

So breffly to make an ende , they took there leve to go into hir owne
contreyes , (CMMALORY,31.982)

for kynge Claudas dud grete destruction on their londis .
(CMMALORY,31.983)

Than seyde Arthure , ' I woll go with you . ' (CMMALORY,31.984)

' Nay , ' seyde the kyngis , ' ye shall nat at thys tyme ,
(CMMALORY,31.985)

for ye have much to do yet in thys londe . (CMMALORY,31.986)

Therefore we woll departe . (CMMALORY,31.987)

With the grete goodis that we have gotyn in this londe by youre gyfftis
we shall wage good knyghtes and withstonde the kynge Claudas hys malice
, (CMMALORY,31.988)

for , by the grace of God , and we have nede , we woll sende to you for
succour . (CMMALORY,31.989)

And ye have nede , sende for us , (CMMALORY,31.990)

and we woll nat tarry , by the feythe of oure bodyes . '
(CMMALORY,31.991)

' Hit shall nat nede , ' seyde Merlion , ' thes two kynges to com
agayne in the wey of warre ; (CMMALORY,31.992)

but I know well kynge Arthure may nat be longe frome you .
(CMMALORY,31.993)

For within a yere or two ye shall have grete nede , (CMMALORY,31.994)

than shall he revenge you of youre enemyes as ye have done on his .
(CMMALORY,31.995)

For thes eleven kyngis shall dye all in one day by the grete myght and
prouesse of armys of two valyaunte knyghtes , ' - as hit tellith aftir
. (CMMALORY,31.996)

Hir namys $ben Balyne le Saveage and Balan , hys brothir , that were
merveylous knyghtes as ony was tho lyvynge . (CMMALORY,31.997)

Now turne we unto the eleven kynges that returned unto a cite that
hyght Surhaute , which cite was within kynge Uriens londe ;
(CMMALORY,31.998)

and there they refreysshed them as well as they myght ,
(CMMALORY,31.999)

and made lechys serche for their woundis (CMMALORY,31.1000)

and sorowed gretly for the deth of hir people . (CMMALORY,31.1001)

So with that there com a messyngere (CMMALORY,31.1002)

and tolde how there was comyn into theyre londis people that were
lawles , as well as <P_32> Sarezynes a fourty thousande , and have
brente and slayne all the people that they may com by withoute mercy ,
and have leyde sege unto the castell Wandesborow . (CMMALORY,32.1003)

' Alas ! ' seyde the eleven kyngis , ' here ys sorow uppon sorow ,
(CMMALORY,32.1004)

and if we had nat warred agaynste Arthure as we have done , he wolde
sone a revenged us . (CMMALORY,32.1005)

And as for kynge Lodegreaunce , he lovithe Arthure bettir than us ;
(CMMALORY,32.1006)

and as for kynge Royens , he hath ynow ado with kynge Lodegreauns ,
(CMMALORY,32.1007)

for he hath leyde sege unto hym . ' (CMMALORY,32.1008)

So they condescended togydir to kepe all the marchis of Cornu-wayle ,
of Walis , and of the Northe . (CMMALORY,32.1009)

So firste they put kynge Idres in the cite of Nauntis in Bretayne with
four thousand men of armys to wacche bothe watir and the londe .
(CMMALORY,32.1010)

Also they <em> put in the cyte of Wyndesan kynge Nauntres of Garlott
with four thousand knyghtes to watche both on water and on lond .
(CMMALORY,32.1011)

Also they </em> had of othir men of warre mo than eyght thousand for to
fortefye all the fortresse in the marchys of Cornuwayle .
(CMMALORY,32.1012)

Also they put mo kyngis in all the marchis of Walis and Scotlonde with
many good men of armys , (CMMALORY,32.1013)

and so they kept hem togydirs the space of three yere
(CMMALORY,32.1014)

and ever alyed hem with myghty kynges and dukis . (CMMALORY,32.1015)

And unto them felle kynge Royns of Northe Walis which was a myghty
kynge of men , and Nero that was a myghty man of men .
(CMMALORY,32.1016)

And all thys whyle they furnysshed and garnysshed hem of good men of
armys and vitayle and of all maner of ablemente that pretendith to
warre , to avenge hem for the $batayle of Bedgrayne , as hit tellith in
the booke of adven-tures . (CMMALORY,32.1017)

Than aftir the departynge of kynge Bans and Bors , kynge Arthure rode
unto the cite of Carlyon . (CMMALORY,32.1018)

And thydir com unto hym kynge Lottis wyff of Orkeney in maner of a
message , (CMMALORY,32.1019)

but she was sente thydir to aspye the courte of kynge Arthure ,
(CMMALORY,32.1020)

and she com rychely beseyne with hir four sonnes , Gawayne , Gaheris ,
Aggravayne and Gareth , with many other knyghtes and ladyes ,
(CMMALORY,32.1021)

for she was a pass-ynge fayre lady . Wherefore the kynge caste grete
love unto hir and desired to ly by her . (CMMALORY,32.1022)

And so they were agreed , (CMMALORY,32.1023)

and $he begate uppon hir sir Mordred . (CMMALORY,32.1024)

And she was syster on the modirs syde Igrayne unto Arthure .
(CMMALORY,32.1025)

So there she rested hir a monthe , (CMMALORY,32.1026)

and at the laste she departed . (CMMALORY,32.1027)

Than the kynge dremed a mervaylous dreme whereof he was sore <P_33>
adrad . (CMMALORY,33.1028)

<paren> But all thys tyme kynge Arthure knew nat kynge Lottis wyff was
his sister . </paren> (CMMALORY,33.1029)

But thus was the dreme of Arthure : (CMMALORY,33.1030)

hym thought there was com into hys londe gryffens and serpentes ,
(CMMALORY,33.1031)

and hym thought they brente and slowghe all the people in the londe ;
(CMMALORY,33.1032)

and than he thought he fought with them and they dud hym grete harme
and wounded hym full sore , (CMMALORY,33.1033)

but at the laste he slew hem . (CMMALORY,33.1034)

Whan the kynge waked , he was passynge hevy of hys dreme ;
(CMMALORY,33.1035)

and so to putte hit oute of thought he made hym redy with many knyghtes
to ryde on huntynge . (CMMALORY,33.1036)

And as sone as he was in the foreste , the kynge saw a grete harte
before hym . (CMMALORY,33.1037)

' Thys harte woll I chace , ' seyde kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,33.1038)

And so he spurred hys horse (CMMALORY,33.1039)

and rode aftir longe , (CMMALORY,33.1040)

and so be fyne force oftyn he was lyke to have smytten the herte .
Wherefore as the kynge had chased the herte so longe that hys horse
lost his brethe and felle downe dede , than a yoman fette the kynge
another horse . (CMMALORY,33.1041)

So the kynge saw the herte unboced and hys horse dede ,
(CMMALORY,33.1042)

he sette hym downe by a fowntayne , (CMMALORY,33.1043)

and there he felle downe in grete thought . (CMMALORY,33.1044)

And as he sate so hym thought he herde a noyse of howun-dis to the som
of thirty , (CMMALORY,33.1045)

and with that the kynge saw com towarde hym the strongeste beste that
ever he saw or herde of . (CMMALORY,33.1046)

So thys beste wente to the welle (CMMALORY,33.1047)

and dranke , (CMMALORY,33.1048)

and the noyse was in the bestes bealy <em> lyke unto the questyng of
thirty coupyl houndes , (CMMALORY,33.1049)

but alle the whyle the beest dranke there was no noyse in the bestes
bealy </em> . (CMMALORY,33.1050)

And there-with the beeste departed with a grete noyse , whereof the
kynge had grete mervayle . (CMMALORY,33.1051)

And so he was in a grete thought , (CMMALORY,33.1052)

and therewith he felle on slepe . (CMMALORY,33.1053)

Ryght so there com a knyght on foote unto Arthure , (CMMALORY,33.1054)

and seyde , ' Knyght full of thought and slepy , telle me if thou saw
any stronge beeste passe thys way . ' (CMMALORY,33.1055)

' Such one saw I , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' that ys paste nye two myle
. (CMMALORY,33.1056)

What wolde ye with that beeste ? ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,33.1057)

' Sir , I have folowed that beste longe and kylde myne horse ,
(CMMALORY,33.1058)

so wolde God I had another to folow my queste . ' (CMMALORY,33.1059)

Ryght so com one with the kyngis horse . (CMMALORY,33.1060)

And whan the knyght saw the horse he prayde the kynge to gyff hym the
horse , (CMMALORY,33.1061)

' for I have folowed this queste thys twelve-monthe ,
(CMMALORY,33.1062)

and othir I shall encheve hym othir blede of the beste bloode in my
body . ' (CMMALORY,33.1063)

<paren> Whos name was <P_34> kynge Pellynor that tyme folowed the
questynge beste , (CMMALORY,34.1064)

and afftir hys dethe sir Palomydes folowed hit . </paren>
(CMMALORY,34.1065)

' Sir knyght , ' seyd the kynge , ' leve that queste (CMMALORY,34.1066)

and suffir me to have hit , (CMMALORY,34.1067)

and I woll folowe hit anothir twelve-monthe . ' (CMMALORY,34.1068)

' A , foole ! ' seyde the kynge unto Arthure , ' hit ys in vayne thy
desire , (CMMALORY,34.1069)

for hit shall never be encheved but by me other by my nexte kynne . '
(CMMALORY,34.1070)

And therewithe he sterte unto the kyngis horse (CMMALORY,34.1071)

and mownted into the sadyl (CMMALORY,34.1072)

and seyde , ' Gramercy , for this horse ys myne owne . '
(CMMALORY,34.1073)

' Well , ' seyde the kynge , ' thou mayste take myne horse by force ,
(CMMALORY,34.1074)

but and I myght preve hit I wolde weete whether thou were bettir worthy
to have hym or I . ' (CMMALORY,34.1075)

Whan the kynge herde hym sey so he seyde , ' Seke me here whan thou
wolte , (CMMALORY,34.1076)

and here nye thys welle thou shalte fynde me , ' (CMMALORY,34.1077)

<em> and soo passed on hys weye . (CMMALORY,34.1078)

Thenne the kyng sat in a study </em> (CMMALORY,34.1079)

and bade hys men fecche another horse as faste as they myght .
(CMMALORY,34.1080)

Ryght so com by hym Merlyon lyke a chylde of fourtene yere of ayge
(CMMALORY,34.1081)

and salewed the kynge (CMMALORY,34.1082)

and asked hym whye he was so pensyff . (CMMALORY,34.1083)

' I may well be pensiff , ' seyde the kynge , ' (CMMALORY,34.1084)

for I have sene the mervaylist syght that ever I saw . '
(CMMALORY,34.1085)

' That know I well , ' seyde Merlyon , ' as welle as thyselff , and of
all thy thoughtes . (CMMALORY,34.1086)

But thou arte a foole to take thought for hit that woll nat amende the
. (CMMALORY,34.1087)

Also I know what thou arte , and who was thy fadir , and of whom thou
were begotyn : (CMMALORY,34.1088)

for kynge Uther was thy fadir (CMMALORY,34.1089)

and begate the on Igrayne . ' (CMMALORY,34.1090)

' That ys false ! ' seyde kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,34.1091)

' How sholdist thou know hit , (CMMALORY,34.1092)

for thou arte nat so olde of yerys to know my fadir ? '
(CMMALORY,34.1093)

' Yes , ' seyde Merlyon , ' I know hit bettir than ye or ony man
lyvynge . ' (CMMALORY,34.1094)

' I woll nat beleve the , ' seyde Arthure , (CMMALORY,34.1095)

and was wrothe with the chylde . (CMMALORY,34.1096)

So departed Merlyon , (CMMALORY,34.1097)

and com ayen in the lyknesse of an olde man of four score yere of ayge
, whereof the kynge was passynge glad , (CMMALORY,34.1098)

for he semed to be ryght wyse . (CMMALORY,34.1099)

Than seyde the olde man , ' Why ar ye so sad ? ' (CMMALORY,34.1100)

' I may well be sad , ' seyde Arthure , ' for many thynges .
(CMMALORY,34.1101)

For ryght <P_35> now there was a chylde here , (CMMALORY,35.1102)

and tolde me many thynges that $me $semythe {TEXT:mesemythe} he sholde
nat knowe , (CMMALORY,35.1103)

for he was nat of ayge to know my fadir . ' (CMMALORY,35.1104)

' Yes , ' seyde the olde man , ' the chylde tolde you trouthe ,
(CMMALORY,35.1105)

and more he wolde a tolde you and $ye wolde a suffirde hym .
(CMMALORY,35.1106)

But ye have done a thynge late that God ys displesed with you ,
(CMMALORY,35.1107)

for ye have lyene by youre syster (CMMALORY,35.1108)

and on hir ye have gotyn a childe that shall destroy you and all the
knyghtes of youre realme . ' (CMMALORY,35.1109)

' What ar ye , ' seyde Arthure , ' that telle me thys tydyngis ? '
(CMMALORY,35.1110)

' Sir , I am Merlion , (CMMALORY,35.1111)

and I was he in the chyldis lycknes . ' (CMMALORY,35.1112)

' A , ' seyde the kynge , ' ye ar a mervaylous man ! (CMMALORY,35.1113)

But I mervayle muche of thy wordis that I mou dye in batayle . '
(CMMALORY,35.1114)

' Mervayle nat , ' seyde Merlion , (CMMALORY,35.1115)

' for hit ys Goddis wylle that youre body sholde be punyssed for your
fowle dedis . (CMMALORY,35.1116)

But I ought ever to be hevy , ' seyde Merlion , (CMMALORY,35.1117)

' for I shall dye a shamefull dethe , to be putte in the erthe quycke ;
(CMMALORY,35.1118)

and ye shall dey a worshipfull dethe . ' (CMMALORY,35.1119)

And as they talked thus , com one with the kyngis horse ,
(CMMALORY,35.1120)

and so the kynge mownted on hys horse , and Merlion on anothir ,
(CMMALORY,35.1121)

and so rode unto Carlyon . (CMMALORY,35.1122)

And anone the kynge askyd Ector and Ulphuns how he was begotyn ,
(CMMALORY,35.1123)

and they tolde hym how kynge Uther was hys fadir , and quene Igrayne
hys modir . (CMMALORY,35.1124)

' So Merlion tolde me . (CMMALORY,35.1125)

I woll that my modir be sente for , that I myght speke with hir .
(CMMALORY,35.1126)

And if she sey so hirselff , than woll I beleve hit . '
(CMMALORY,35.1127)

So in all haste the quene was sente for , (CMMALORY,35.1128)

and she brought with hir Morgan le Fay , hir doughter , that was a
fayre lady as ony myght be . (CMMALORY,35.1129)

And the kynge welcommed Igrayne in the beste maner . (CMMALORY,35.1130)

Ryght so com in Ulphuns (CMMALORY,35.1131)

and seyde opynly , that the kynge and all myght hyre that were fested
that day , ' Ye ar the falsyst lady of the worde , and the moste
traytoures unto the kynges person . ' (CMMALORY,35.1132)

' Beware , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' what thou seyste :
(CMMALORY,35.1133)

thou spekiste a grete worde . ' (CMMALORY,35.1134)

' Sir , I am well ware , ' seyde Ulphuns , ' what I speke ,
(CMMALORY,35.1135)

and here ys my gloove to preve hit uppon ony man that woll sey the
contrary : that thys quene Igrayne ys the causer of youre grete damage
and of youre grete warre , (CMMALORY,35.1136)

for and she wolde have uttirde hit in the lyff of Uther of the birth of
you , and how ye were begotyn , than had ye <P_36> never had the
mortall warrys that ye have had . (CMMALORY,36.1137)

For the moste party of your barownes of youre realme knewe never whos
sonne ye were , ne of whom ye were begotyn ; (CMMALORY,36.1138)

and she that bare you of hir body sholde have made hit knowyn opynly ,
in excusynge of hir worship and youres , and in lyke $wyse to all the
realme . Wherefore I preve hir false to God and to you and to all youre
realme . (CMMALORY,36.1139)

And who woll sey the contrary , I woll preve hit on hys body . '
(CMMALORY,36.1140)

Than spake Igrayne (CMMALORY,36.1141)

and seyde , ' I am a woman (CMMALORY,36.1142)

and I may nat fyght ; (CMMALORY,36.1143)

but rather than I sholde be dishonoured , there wolde som good man take
my quarell . (CMMALORY,36.1144)

But , ' thus she seyde , ' Merlion knowith well , and ye , sir Ulphuns
, how kynge Uther com to me into the castell of Tyntagyl in the lyknes
of my lorde that was dede thre owres tofore , (CMMALORY,36.1145)

and there begate a chylde that nyght uppon me , (CMMALORY,36.1146)

and aftir the thirtenth day kynge Uther wedded me . (CMMALORY,36.1147)

And by his com-maundemente , whan the chylde was borne , hit was
delyvirde unto Merlion and fostred by hym . (CMMALORY,36.1148)

And so I saw the childe never aftir , (CMMALORY,36.1149)

nothir wote nat what ys hys name ; (CMMALORY,36.1150)

for I knew hym never yette . ' (CMMALORY,36.1151)

Than Ulphuns seyde unto Merlion , ' Ye ar than more to blame than the
queene . ' (CMMALORY,36.1152)

' Sir , well I wote I bare a chylde be my lorde kynge Uther ,
(CMMALORY,36.1153)

but I wote never where he ys becom . ' (CMMALORY,36.1154)

Than the kynge toke Merlion by the honde seying thys wordis :
(CMMALORY,36.1155)

' Ys this my modir ? ' (CMMALORY,36.1156)

' Forsothe , sir , yee . ' (CMMALORY,36.1157)

And therewith com in sir Ector , (CMMALORY,36.1158)

and bare wytnes how he fostred hym by kynge Uthers commaundemente .
(CMMALORY,36.1159)

And therewith kyng Arthure toke his modir , quene Igrayne , in hys
armys (CMMALORY,36.1160)

and kyssed her , (CMMALORY,36.1161)

and eythir wepte uppon other . (CMMALORY,36.1162)

Than the kynge lete make a feste that lasted eyght dayes .
(CMMALORY,36.1163)

So on a day there com into the courte a squyre on horsebacke ledynge a
knyght tofore hym , wounded to the deth , (CMMALORY,36.1164)

and tolde how there was a knyght in the foreste that had rered up a
pavylon by a welle , ' that hath slayne my mayster , a good knyght :
(CMMALORY,36.1165)

hys name was Myles . Wherefore I besech you that my maystir may be
buryed , and that som knyght may revenge my maystirs dethe . '
(CMMALORY,36.1166)

Than the noyse was grete of that knyghtes dethe in the courte ,
(CMMALORY,36.1167)

<P_37>

and every man seyde hys advyce . (CMMALORY,37.1169)

Than com Gryfflet that was but a squyre , (CMMALORY,37.1170)

and he was but yonge , of <em> the ayge of the kyng Arthur </em> .
(CMMALORY,37.1171)

So he besought the kynge for all hys servyse that he had done hym to
gyff hym the Order of Knyghthoode . (CMMALORY,37.1172)

' Thou arte but yonge and tendir of ayge , ' seyd kynge Arthure , ' for
to take so hyghe an $order uppon you . ' (CMMALORY,37.1173)

' Sir , ' seyde Gryfflett , ' I beseche you to make me knyght . '
(CMMALORY,37.1174)

' Sir , ' seyde Merlion , ' hit were pite' to lose Gryfflet ,
(CMMALORY,37.1175)

for he woll be a passynge good man whan he ys of ayge ,
(CMMALORY,37.1176)

and he shall abyde with you the terme of hys lyff . (CMMALORY,37.1177)

And if he aventure his body with yondir knyght at the fountayne , hit
ys in grete perell if ever he com agayne , (CMMALORY,37.1178)

for he ys one of the beste knyghtes of the worlde and the strengyst man
of armys . ' (CMMALORY,37.1179)

' Well , ' seyde Arthure , ' at thyne owne desire thou shalt be made
knyght . ' (CMMALORY,37.1180)

<em> So at the desyre of Gryflet the kynge made hym knyght . </em>
(CMMALORY,37.1181)

' Now , ' seyde Arthure unto Gryfflet , ' sith I have made the knyght ,
thou muste gyff me a gyffte . ' (CMMALORY,37.1182)

' What ye woll , ' seyde Gryfflet . (CMMALORY,37.1183)

' Thou shalt promyse me by thy feyth of thy body , whan thou haste
justed with that knyght at the fountayne , whether hit falle ye be on
horsebak othir on foote , that ryght so ye shall com agayne unto me
withoute makynge ony more debate . ' (CMMALORY,37.1184)

' I woll promyse you , ' seyde Gryfflet , ' as youre desire ys . '
(CMMALORY,37.1185)

Than toke Gryfflet hys horse in grete haste (CMMALORY,37.1186)

and dressed hys shelde (CMMALORY,37.1187)

and toke a spere in hys honde , (CMMALORY,37.1188)

and so he rode a grete walop tylle he com to the fountain .
(CMMALORY,37.1189)

And thereby he saw a ryche pavilion , (CMMALORY,37.1190)

and thereby undir a cloth stood an horse well sadeled and brydyled ,
(CMMALORY,37.1191)

and on a tre hynge a shelde of dyvers coloures , and a grete spere
thereby . (CMMALORY,37.1192)

Than Gryfflet smote on the shylde with the butte of hys spere , that
the shylde felle downe . (CMMALORY,37.1193)

With that the knyght com oute of the pavilion (CMMALORY,37.1194)

and seyde , ' Fayre knyght , why smote ye downe my shylde ? '
(CMMALORY,37.1195)

' Sir , for I wolde juste with you , ' seyde Gryfflet .
(CMMALORY,37.1196)

' Sir , hit ys bettir ye do nat , ' seyde the kynge ,
(CMMALORY,37.1197)

' for ye ar but yonge and late made knyght , (CMMALORY,37.1198)

and youre myght ys nat to myne . ' (CMMALORY,37.1199)

' As for that , ' seyde Gryfflet , ' I woll jouste with you . '
(CMMALORY,37.1200)

<P_38>

' That ys me loth , ' seyde the knyght , (CMMALORY,38.1202)

' but sitthyn I muste nedis , I woll dresse me thereto .
(CMMALORY,38.1203)

Of whens be ye ? ' seyde the knyght . (CMMALORY,38.1204)

' Sir , I am of kynge Arthurs courte . ' (CMMALORY,38.1205)

So the two knyghtes ran togydir , that Gryfflettis spere all
to-shevirde . (CMMALORY,38.1206)

And therewithall he smote Gryfflet thorow the shelde and the lyffte
syde , (CMMALORY,38.1207)

and brake the spere , that the truncheon stake in hys body ,
(CMMALORY,38.1208)

and horse and man felle downe to the erthe . (CMMALORY,38.1209)

Whan the knyght saw hym ly so on the grounde he alyght
(CMMALORY,38.1210)

and was passyng hevy , (CMMALORY,38.1211)

for he wente he had slayne hym . (CMMALORY,38.1212)

And than he unlaced hys helme (CMMALORY,38.1213)

and gate hym wynde ; (CMMALORY,38.1214)

and so with the troncheon he sette hym on his horse (CMMALORY,38.1215)

and gate hym wynde , (CMMALORY,38.1216)

and so betoke hym to God (CMMALORY,38.1217)

and seyde , ' He had a myghty herte ! ' (CMMALORY,38.1218)

And seyde , ' If he myght lyve , he wolde preve a passyng good knyght ,
' (CMMALORY,38.1219)

and so rode forthe sir Gryfflet unto the courte , whereof passyng grete
dole was made for hym . (CMMALORY,38.1220)

But thorow good lechis he was heled and saved . (CMMALORY,38.1221)

Ryght so com into the courte twelve knyghtes that were aged men ,
whiche com frome the Emperoure of Rome . (CMMALORY,38.1222)

And they asked of Arthure trwage for hys realme , (CMMALORY,38.1223)

othir ellis the Emperour wolde destroy hym and all hys londe .
(CMMALORY,38.1224)

' Well , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' ye ar messyngers :
(CMMALORY,38.1225)

therefore ye may sey what ye woll , (CMMALORY,38.1226)

othir ellis ye sholde dye therefore . (CMMALORY,38.1227)

But thys ys myne answere : (CMMALORY,38.1228)

I owghe the Emperour no trewage , (CMMALORY,38.1229)

nother none woll I yelde hym , (CMMALORY,38.1230)

but on a fayre fylde I shall yelde hym my trwage , (CMMALORY,38.1231)

that shall be with a sherpe spere othir ellis with a sherpe swerde .
(CMMALORY,38.1232)

And that shall nat be longe , be my fadirs soule Uther ! '
(CMMALORY,38.1233)

And therewith the messyngers departed passyngly wrothe , and kyng
Arthure as wrothe ; (CMMALORY,38.1234)

for in an evyll tyme com they . (CMMALORY,38.1235)

But the kynge was passyngly wrothe for the hurte of sir Gryfflet ,
(CMMALORY,38.1236)

and so he commaunded a prevy man of hys chambir that or hit were day
his beste horse and armoure ' and all that longith to my person be
with-oute the cite' or tomorow day ' . (CMMALORY,38.1237)

Ryght so he mette with his man and his horse , (CMMALORY,38.1238)

and so mownted up , (CMMALORY,38.1239)

and dressed his shelde (CMMALORY,38.1240)

and toke hys spere , (CMMALORY,38.1241)

and bade hys chambirlayne tary there tylle he com agayne .
(CMMALORY,38.1242)

And so Arthure rode a soffte pace tyll hit was day . (CMMALORY,38.1243)

And than was he ware of thre chorlys chasyng Merlion (CMMALORY,38.1244)

and wolde have slayne hym . (CMMALORY,38.1245)

Than the kynge rode unto them (CMMALORY,38.1246)

and bade hem : ' Fle , chorlis ! ' (CMMALORY,38.1247)

Than they fered sore whan they sawe a knyght com , (CMMALORY,38.1248)

and fledde . (CMMALORY,38.1249)

<P_39>

' A , Merlion ! ' seyde Arthure , ' here haddist thou be slayne for all
thy crafftis , had nat I bene . ' (CMMALORY,39.1251)

' Nay , ' seyde Merlyon , ' nat so , (CMMALORY,39.1252)

for I cowde a saved myselffe and I had wolde . (CMMALORY,39.1253)

But thou arte more nere thy deth than I am , (CMMALORY,39.1254)

for thou goste to thy dethe warde , (CMMALORY,39.1255)

and God be nat thy frende . ' (CMMALORY,39.1256)

So as they wente thus talkynge , they com to the fountayne and the
ryche pavilion there by hit . (CMMALORY,39.1257)

Than kynge Arthure was ware where sate a knyght armed in a chayre .
(CMMALORY,39.1258)

' Sir knyght , ' seyde Arthure , ' for what cause abydist thou here
that there may no knyght ryde thys way but yf he juste with the ?
(CMMALORY,39.1259)

I rede the to leve that custom . ' (CMMALORY,39.1260)

' Thys custom , ' seyde the knyght , ' have I used and woll use magre'
who seyth nay . (CMMALORY,39.1261)

And who that ys agreved with my custum lette hym amende hit . '
(CMMALORY,39.1262)

' That shall I amende , ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,39.1263)

' And I shall defende the , ' seyde the knyght . (CMMALORY,39.1264)

And anone he toke hys horse , (CMMALORY,39.1265)

and dressed hys shelde (CMMALORY,39.1266)

and toke a grete spere in hys honde , (CMMALORY,39.1267)

and they come togydir so harde that eythir smote other in mydde the
shyldis , that all to-shevird theire speris . (CMMALORY,39.1268)

Therewith anone Arthure pulled oute his swerde . (CMMALORY,39.1269)

' Nay , nat so , ' seyde the knyght , (CMMALORY,39.1270)

' hit ys bettir that we twayne renne more togydirs with sherpe sperys .
' (CMMALORY,39.1271)

' I woll well , ' seyde Arthure , ' and I had ony mo sperys here . '
(CMMALORY,39.1272)

' I have inow , ' seyde the knyght . (CMMALORY,39.1273)

So there com a squyre (CMMALORY,39.1274)

and brought forthe two sperys , (CMMALORY,39.1275)

and Arthure chose one and he another . (CMMALORY,39.1276)

So they spurred theire horsis (CMMALORY,39.1277)

and come togydir with all theire myghtes , that eyther brake their
sperys to their hondis . (CMMALORY,39.1278)

Than Arthure sette honde on his swerde . (CMMALORY,39.1279)

' Nay , ' seyde the knyght , ' ye shall do bettir . (CMMALORY,39.1280)

Ye ar a passyng good juster as ever y mette withall ,
(CMMALORY,39.1281)

and onys for the hyghe Order of Knyghthode lette us jouste agayne . '
(CMMALORY,39.1282)

' I assente me , ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,39.1283)

And anone there was brought forth two grete sperys , (CMMALORY,39.1284)

and anone every knyght gate a spere ; (CMMALORY,39.1285)

and therewith they ran togiders , that Arthures spere all to-shevirde .
(CMMALORY,39.1286)

But this other knyght smote hym so harde in myddis the shelde that
horse and man felle to the erthe . (CMMALORY,39.1287)

<P_40>

And therewith Arthure was egir , (CMMALORY,40.1289)

and pulde oute hys swerde , (CMMALORY,40.1290)

and seyde , ' I woll assay the , sir knyght , on foote ,
(CMMALORY,40.1291)

for I have loste the honoure on horsebacke , ' seyde the kynge .
(CMMALORY,40.1292)

' Sir , I woll be on horsebacke stylle to assay the . '
(CMMALORY,40.1293)

Than was Arthure wrothe (CMMALORY,40.1294)

and dressed his shelde towarde hym with his swerde drawyn .
(CMMALORY,40.1295)

Whan the knyght saw that he alyght , (CMMALORY,40.1296)

for hym thought no worship to have a knyght at such avayle , he to be
on horsebacke and hys adversary on foote , (CMMALORY,40.1297)

and so he alyght (CMMALORY,40.1298)

and dressed his shelde unto Arthure . (CMMALORY,40.1299)

And there began a stronge batayle with many grete strokis ,
(CMMALORY,40.1300)

and so they hew with hir swerdis , that the cantels flowe unto the
feldys , (CMMALORY,40.1301)

and muche bloode they bledde bothe , that all the place $there $as
{TEXT:thereas} they fought was ovirbledde with bloode .
(CMMALORY,40.1302)

And thus they fought longe (CMMALORY,40.1303)

and rested them . (CMMALORY,40.1304)

And than they went to the batayle agayne , (CMMALORY,40.1305)

and so hurteled togydirs lyke too rammes that aythir felle to the erthe
. (CMMALORY,40.1306)

So at the laste they smote togyders , that bothe hir $swerdys mette
evyn togyders . (CMMALORY,40.1307)

But kynge Arthurs swerde brake in two pecis , wherefore he was hevy .
(CMMALORY,40.1308)

Than seyde the knyght unto Arthure , ' Thou arte in my daungere ,
whethir me lyste to save the or sle the ; (CMMALORY,40.1309)

and but thou yelde the to me as overcom and recreaunte , thou shalt dey
. ' (CMMALORY,40.1310)

' As for that , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' dethe ys wellcom to me whan
hit commyth . (CMMALORY,40.1311)

But to yelde me unto the I woll nat ! ' (CMMALORY,40.1312)

And therewithall the kynge lepte unto kynge Pellynore ,
(CMMALORY,40.1313)

and toke hym by the myddyll , (CMMALORY,40.1314)

and overthrew hym , (CMMALORY,40.1315)

and raced of hys helme . (CMMALORY,40.1316)

So whan the knyght felte that , he was adradde , (CMMALORY,40.1317)

for he was a passynge bygge man of myght . (CMMALORY,40.1318)

And so forthewith he wrothe Arthure undir hym (CMMALORY,40.1319)

and raced of hys helme , (CMMALORY,40.1320)

and wolde have smytten off hys hede . (CMMALORY,40.1321)

And therewithall com Merlion (CMMALORY,40.1322)

and seyde , ' Knyght , holde thy honde , (CMMALORY,40.1323)

for and thou sle that knyght thou puttyst thys realme in the gretteste
damage that evir was realme : (CMMALORY,40.1324)

for thys knyght ys a man of more worshyp than thou wotist off . '
(CMMALORY,40.1325)

' Why , (CMMALORY,40.1326)

what ys he ? ' seyde the knyght . (CMMALORY,40.1327)

' For hit ys kynge Arthure , ' seyde Merlyon . (CMMALORY,40.1328)

Than wolde he have slayne hym for drede of hys wratthe ,
(CMMALORY,40.1329)

and so he lyffte up hys swerde . (CMMALORY,40.1330)

And therewith Merlion caste an inchaunte-mente on the knyght , that he
felle to the erthe in a grete slepe . (CMMALORY,40.1331)

Than <P_41> Merlion toke up kynge Arthure (CMMALORY,41.1332)

and rode forthe on the knyghtes horse . (CMMALORY,41.1333)

' Alas ! ' seyde Arthure , ' what hast thou do , Merlion ?
(CMMALORY,41.1334)

Hast thou slayne thys good knyght by thy craufftis ? (CMMALORY,41.1335)

For there lyvith nat so worshipffull a knyght as he was .
(CMMALORY,41.1336)

For I had levir than the stynte of my londe a yere that he were on lyve
. ' (CMMALORY,41.1337)

' Care ye nat , ' seyde Merlion , (CMMALORY,41.1338)

' for he ys holer than ye : (CMMALORY,41.1339)

he ys but on slepe (CMMALORY,41.1340)

and woll awake within thys owre . (CMMALORY,41.1341)

I tolde you , ' seyde Merlyon , ' what a knyght he was .
(CMMALORY,41.1342)

Now here had ye be slayne had I nat bene . (CMMALORY,41.1343)

Also there lyvith nat a bygger knyght than he ys one ;
(CMMALORY,41.1344)

and afftir this he shall do you goode servyse . (CMMALORY,41.1345)

And hys name ys kynge Pellinore , (CMMALORY,41.1346)

and he shall have two sonnes that shall be passyng good men as ony
lyvynge : (CMMALORY,41.1347)

save one in thys worlde they shall have no felowis of prouesse and of
good lyvynge , (CMMALORY,41.1348)

and hir namys shall be Percyvall and sir Lamorake of Walis .
(CMMALORY,41.1349)

And he shall telle you the name of youre owne son begotyn of youre
syster , that shall be the destruccion of all thys realme . '
(CMMALORY,41.1350)

Ryght so the kynge and he departed (CMMALORY,41.1351)

and wente unto an ermytage , (CMMALORY,41.1352)

and there was a good man and a grete leche . (CMMALORY,41.1353)

So the ermyte serched the kynges woundis (CMMALORY,41.1354)

and gaff hym good salves . (CMMALORY,41.1355)

And so the kyng was there three dayes , (CMMALORY,41.1356)

and than wer his woundis well amended , that he myght ryde and goo ;
(CMMALORY,41.1357)

and so departed . (CMMALORY,41.1358)

And as they rode , kynge Arthur seyde , ' I have no swerde . '
(CMMALORY,41.1359)

' No force , ' seyde Merlyon , (CMMALORY,41.1360)

' hereby ys a swerde that shall be youre , and I may . '
(CMMALORY,41.1361)

So they rode tyll they com to a laake that was a fayre watir and brode
. (CMMALORY,41.1362)

And in the myddis Arthure was ware of an arme clothed in whyght samyte
, that helde a fayre swerde in that honde . (CMMALORY,41.1363)

' Lo , ' seyde Merlion , ' yondir ys the swerde that I spoke off . '
(CMMALORY,41.1364)

So with that they saw a damesell goynge uppon the laake .
(CMMALORY,41.1365)

<em> ' What damoysel is that ? ' said Arthur . (CMMALORY,41.1366)

' That is the Lady of the Lake , ' </em> seyde Merlion .
(CMMALORY,41.1367)

' There ys a grete roche , (CMMALORY,41.1368)

and therein ys as fayre a paleyce as ony on erthe , and rychely besayne
. (CMMALORY,41.1369)

And thys damesel woll come to you anone , (CMMALORY,41.1370)

and than speke ye fayre to hir , that she may gyff you that swerde . '
(CMMALORY,41.1371)

So anone com this damesel to Arthure (CMMALORY,41.1372)

and salewed hym , and he hir agayne . (CMMALORY,41.1373)

<P_42>

' Damesell , ' seyde Arthure , ' what swerde ys that yondir that the
arme holdith aboven the watir ? (CMMALORY,42.1375)

I wolde hit were myne , (CMMALORY,42.1376)

for I have no swerde . ' (CMMALORY,42.1377)

' Sir Arthure , ' seyde the damesel , ' that swerde ys myne ,
(CMMALORY,42.1378)

and if ye woll gyff me a gyffte whan I aske hit you , ye shall have hit
. ' (CMMALORY,42.1379)

' Be my feyth , ' seyde Arthure , ' I woll gyff you what gyffte that ye
woll aske . ' (CMMALORY,42.1380)

' Well , ' seyde the damesell , ' go ye into yondir barge ,
(CMMALORY,42.1381)

and rowe yourselffe to the swerde , (CMMALORY,42.1382)

and take hit and the scawberde with you . (CMMALORY,42.1383)

And I woll aske my gyffte whan I se my tyme . ' (CMMALORY,42.1384)

So kynge Arthure and Merlion alyght (CMMALORY,42.1385)

and tyed their horsis unto two treys ; (CMMALORY,42.1386)

and so they wente into the barge . (CMMALORY,42.1387)

And whan they come to the swerde that the honde hylde , than kynge
Arthure toke hit up by the hondils (CMMALORY,42.1388)

and bare hit with hym , (CMMALORY,42.1389)

and the arme and the honde wente undir the watir . (CMMALORY,42.1390)

And so he com unto the londe (CMMALORY,42.1391)

and rode forthe . (CMMALORY,42.1392)

And kynge Arthure saw a ryche pavilion . (CMMALORY,42.1393)

' What signifieth yondir pavilion ? ' (CMMALORY,42.1394)

' Sir , that ys the knyghtes pavilys that ye fought with laste , sir
Pellynore ; (CMMALORY,42.1395)

but he ys oute . (CMMALORY,42.1396)

He ys nat at home , (CMMALORY,42.1397)

for he hath had ado with a knyght of youres that hyght Egglame ,
(CMMALORY,42.1398)

and they had foughtyn togyddyr ; (CMMALORY,42.1399)

but at the laste Egglame fledde , (CMMALORY,42.1400)

and ellis he had bene dede , (CMMALORY,42.1401)

and he hath chaced hym evyn to Carlion . (CMMALORY,42.1402)

And we shall mete with hym anone in the hygheway . ' (CMMALORY,42.1403)

' That ys well seyde , ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,42.1404)

' Now have I a swerde (CMMALORY,42.1405)

I woll wage batayle with hym and be avenged on hym . '
(CMMALORY,42.1406)

' Sir , ' seyde Merlion , ' nat so ; (CMMALORY,42.1407)

for the knyght ys wery of fyghtynge and chasynge , that ye shall have
no worship to have ado with hym . (CMMALORY,42.1408)

Also he woll nat lyghtly be macched of one knyght lyvynge ,
(CMMALORY,42.1409)

and therefore hit ys my counceile : (CMMALORY,42.1410)

latte hym passe , (CMMALORY,42.1411)

for he shall do you good servyse in shorte tyme , and hys sonnes afftir
hys dayes . (CMMALORY,42.1412)

Also ye shall se that day in shorte space that ye shall be ryght glad
to gyff hym youre syster to wedde for hys good servyse .
(CMMALORY,42.1413)

Therefore have nat ado with hym whan ye se hym . ' (CMMALORY,42.1414)

' I woll do as ye avise me . ' (CMMALORY,42.1415)

Than kynge Arthure loked on the swerde (CMMALORY,42.1416)

and lyked hit passynge well . (CMMALORY,42.1417)

Than seyde Merlion , <P_43> ' Whethir lyke ye better the swerde othir
the scawberde ? ' (CMMALORY,43.1418)

' I lyke bettir the swerde , ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,43.1419)

' Ye ar the more unwyse , (CMMALORY,43.1420)

for the scawberde ys worth ten of the swerde ; (CMMALORY,43.1421)

for whyles ye have the scawberde uppon you , ye shall lose no blood ,
be ye never so sore wounded . (CMMALORY,43.1422)

Therefore kepe well the scawberde allweyes with you . '
(CMMALORY,43.1423)

So they rode unto Carlion ; (CMMALORY,43.1424)

and by the wey they mette with kynge Pellinore . (CMMALORY,43.1425)

But Merlion had done suche a crauffte unto kynge Pelli-nore saw nat
kynge Arthure , (CMMALORY,43.1426)

and so passed by withoute ony wordis . (CMMALORY,43.1427)

' I mervayle , ' seyde Arthure , ' that the knyght wold nat speke . '
(CMMALORY,43.1428)

' Sir , he saw you nat ; (CMMALORY,43.1429)

for had he seyne you , ye had nat lyghtly parted . ' (CMMALORY,43.1430)

So they com unto Carlion , wherof hys knyghtes were passynge glad .
(CMMALORY,43.1431)

And whan they herde of hys adventures , they mervayled that he wolde
jouparde' his person so alone . (CMMALORY,43.1432)

But all men of worship seyde hit was myrry to be under such a
chyfftayne that wolde putte hys person in adventure as other poure
knyghtis ded . (CMMALORY,43.1433)

So thys meanewhyle com a messyngere frome kynge Royns of Northe Walis ,
(CMMALORY,43.1434)

and kynge he was of all Irelonde and of Iles . (CMMALORY,43.1435)

And this was hys message , gretynge well kyng Arthure on thys maner of
wyse , sayng that kynge Royns had discomfite and overcom eleven kyngis
, (CMMALORY,43.1436)

and every of them dud hym omage . (CMMALORY,43.1437)

And that was thus to sey (CMMALORY,43.1438)

they gaff theire beardes clene flayne off , as much as was bearde ;
wherefore the messyngere com for kynge Arthures berde .
(CMMALORY,43.1439)

For kynge Royns had purfilde a mantell with kynges berdis ,
(CMMALORY,43.1440)

and there lacked one place of the mantell ; wherefore he sente for hys
bearde , (CMMALORY,43.1441)

othir ellis he wolde entir into his londis and brenne and sle , and
nevir leve tylle he hathe the hede and the bearde bothe .
(CMMALORY,43.1442)

' Well , ' seyde Arthure , ' thou haste seyde thy message , the whych
ys the moste orgulus and lewdiste message that evir man had isente unto
a kynge . (CMMALORY,43.1443)

Also thou mayste se my bearde ys full yonge yet to make off a purphile
. (CMMALORY,43.1444)

But telle thou thy kynge thus , that I owghe hym <em> none homage </em>
ne none of myne elders ; (CMMALORY,43.1445)

but or hit be longe to , he shall do me omage on bothe his knees ,
(CMMALORY,43.1446)

other ellis he shall lese hys hede , by the fayth of my body !
(CMMALORY,43.1447)

For thys ys the moste shamefullyste message that ever y herde speke off
. (CMMALORY,43.1448)

I have aspyed thy kynge never <P_44> yette mette with worshipfull man .
(CMMALORY,44.1449)

But telle hym I woll have hys hede withoute he do me omage . '
(CMMALORY,44.1450)

Than thys messyngere departed . (CMMALORY,44.1451)

' Now ys there ony here that knowyth kynge Royns ? ' (CMMALORY,44.1452)

Than answerde a knyght that hyght Naram , ' Sir , I know the kynge well
: (CMMALORY,44.1453)

he ys a passynge good man of hys body as fewe bene lyvynge and a
passynge proude man . (CMMALORY,44.1454)

And , sir , doute ye nat he woll make on you a myghty puyssaunce .
(CMMALORY,44.1455)

' Well , ' seyde Arthure , ' I shall ordayne for hym in shorte tyme . '
(CMMALORY,44.1456)

Than kynge Arthure lette sende for all the children that were borne in
May-day , begotyn of lordis and borne of ladyes ; (CMMALORY,44.1457)

for Merlyon tolde kynge Arthure that he that sholde destroy hym and all
the londe sholde be borne on May-day . Wherefore he sente for hem all
in payne of dethe , (CMMALORY,44.1458)

and so there were founde many lordis sonnys and many knyghtes sonnes ,
(CMMALORY,44.1459)

and all were sente unto the kynge . (CMMALORY,44.1460)

And so was Mordred sente by kynge Lottis wyff . (CMMALORY,44.1461)

And all were putte in a shyppe to the se ; (CMMALORY,44.1462)

and som were four wekis olde and som lesse . (CMMALORY,44.1463)

And so by fortune the shyppe drove unto a castelle , (CMMALORY,44.1464)

and was all to-ryven and destroyed the moste party , save that Mordred
was cast up , (CMMALORY,44.1465)

and a good man founde hym , (CMMALORY,44.1466)

and fostird hym tylle he was fourtene yere of age , (CMMALORY,44.1467)

and than brought hym to the courte , as hit rehersith aftirward and
towarde the ende of the MORTE ARTHURE . (CMMALORY,44.1468)

So , many lordys and barownes of thys realme were displeased
(CMMALORY,44.1469)

for hir children were so loste ; (CMMALORY,44.1470)

and many putte the wyght on Merlion more than of Arthure .
(CMMALORY,44.1471)

So what for drede and for love , they helde their pece .
(CMMALORY,44.1472)

But whan the messynge com to the kynge Royns , than was he woode oute
of mesure , (CMMALORY,44.1473)

and purveyde hym for a grete oste , as hit rehersith aftir in the BOOKE
OF BALYNE LE SAVEAGE that folowith nexte aftir : (CMMALORY,44.1474)

that was the adventure how Balyne gate the swerde . (CMMALORY,44.1475)

<heading>

II . (CMMALORY,44.1477)

BALIN OR THE KNIGHT WITH THE TWO SWORDS (CMMALORY,44.1478)

</heading>

Afftir the deth of Uther regned Arthure , hys son , which had grete
warre in hys dayes for to gete all Inglonde into hys honde ;
(CMMALORY,44.1480)

<P_45>

for there were many kyngis within the realme of Inglonde and of
Scotlonde , Walys and Cornuwayle . (CMMALORY,45.1482)

So hit befelle on a tyme whan kynge Arthure was at London , ther com a
knyght and tolde the kynge tydyngis how the kynge Royns of Northe Walis
had rered a grete numbir of peple and were entred in the londe and
brente and slew the kyngis trew lyege people . (CMMALORY,45.1483)

' Iff thys be trew , ' seyde Arthure , ' hit were grete shame unto myne
astate but that he were myghtyly withstonde . ' (CMMALORY,45.1484)

' Hit ys trouthe , ' seyde the knyght , (CMMALORY,45.1485)

' for I saw the oste myselff . ' (CMMALORY,45.1486)

' Well , ' seyde the kynge , ' I shall ordayne to wythstonde hys malice
. ' (CMMALORY,45.1487)

Than the kynge lette make a cry that all the lordis , knyghtes and
jantilmen of armys sholde draw unto the castell called Camelot in tho
dayes , (CMMALORY,45.1488)

and there the kynge wolde lette make a counceile generall and a grete
justis . (CMMALORY,45.1489)

So whan the kynge was com thidir with all his baronage and logged as
they semed beste , also there was com <em> a damoisel </em> the which
was sente frome the grete Lady Lyle of Avilion . (CMMALORY,45.1490)

And whan she com before kynge Arthure she tolde fro whens she com , and
how she was sente on message unto hym for thys causis .
(CMMALORY,45.1491)

Than she lette hir mantell falle that was rychely furred ,
(CMMALORY,45.1492)

and than was she gurde with a noble swerde whereof the kynge had
mervayle and seyde , ' Damesel , for what cause ar ye gurte with that
swerde ? (CMMALORY,45.1493)

Hit besemyth you nought . ' (CMMALORY,45.1494)

' Now shall I telle you , ' seyde the damesell . (CMMALORY,45.1495)

' Thys swerde that I am gurte withall doth me grete sorow and
comberaunce , (CMMALORY,45.1496)

for I may nat be delyverde of thys swerde but by a knyght ,
(CMMALORY,45.1497)

and he muste be a passynge good man of hys hondys and of hys dedis ,
and withoute velony other trechory and withoute treson .
(CMMALORY,45.1498)

And if I may fynde such a knyght that hath all thes vertues he may draw
oute thys swerde oute of the sheethe . (CMMALORY,45.1499)

For I have bene at kynge Royns , (CMMALORY,45.1500)

for hit was tolde me there were passyng good knyghtes ;
(CMMALORY,45.1501)

and he and all his knyghtes hath assayde (CMMALORY,45.1502)

and none can spede . ' (CMMALORY,45.1503)

' Thys ys a grete mervayle , ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,45.1504)

' If thys be sothe I woll assay myselffe to draw oute the swerde , nat
presumynge myselff that I am the beste knyght ; (CMMALORY,45.1505)

but I woll begynne to draw youre swerde in gyvyng an insample to all
the barownes , that they shall assay everych one aftir othir whan I
have assayde . ' (CMMALORY,45.1506)

<P_46>

Than Arthure toke the swerde by the sheethe and gurdil
(CMMALORY,46.1508)

and pulled at hit egirly , (CMMALORY,46.1509)

but the swerde wolde nat oute . (CMMALORY,46.1510)

' Sir , ' seyd the damesell , ' ye nede nat for to pulle halffe so sore
, (CMMALORY,46.1511)

for he that shall pulle hit oute shall do hit with litill myght . '
(CMMALORY,46.1512)

' Ye sey well , ' seyde Arthure . (CMMALORY,46.1513)

' Now assay ye all , my barownes . ' (CMMALORY,46.1514)

' But beware ye be nat defoyled with shame , trechory , nother gyle ,
(CMMALORY,46.1515)

for than hit woll nat avayle , ' seyde the damesel , (CMMALORY,46.1516)

' for he muste be a clene knyght withoute vylony and of jantill strene
of fadir syde and of modir syde . ' (CMMALORY,46.1517)

The moste parte of all the barownes of the Rounde Table that were there
at that tyme assayde all be rew , (CMMALORY,46.1518)

but there myght none spede . (CMMALORY,46.1519)

Wherefore the damesel made grete sorow oute of mesure and seyde , '
Alas ! I wente in this courte had bene the beste knyghtes of the worlde
withoute trechory other treson . ' (CMMALORY,46.1520)

' Be my faythe , ' seyde Arthure , ' here ar good knyghtes as I deme as
ony be in the worlde , (CMMALORY,46.1521)

but their grace ys nat to helpe you , (CMMALORY,46.1522)

wherefore I am sore displeased . ' (CMMALORY,46.1523)

Than hit befelle so that tyme there was a poore knyght with kynge
Arthure that had bene presonere with hym half a yere for sleyng of a
knyght which was cosyne unto kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,46.1524)

And the name of thys knyght was called Balyne , (CMMALORY,46.1525)

and by good meanys of the barownes he was delyverde oute of preson ,
(CMMALORY,46.1526)

for he was a good man named of his body , (CMMALORY,46.1527)

and he was borne in Northehumbirlonde . (CMMALORY,46.1528)

And so he wente pryvaly into the courte (CMMALORY,46.1529)

and saw thys adventure whereoff hit reysed his herte ,
(CMMALORY,46.1530)

and wolde assayde as othir knyghtes ded . (CMMALORY,46.1531)

But for he was poore and poorly arayde , he put hymselff nat far in
prees . (CMMALORY,46.1532)

But in hys herte he was fully assured to do as well if hys grace happed
hym as ony knyght that there was . (CMMALORY,46.1533)

And as the damesell toke $her leve of Arthure and of all the barownes ,
so departynge , thys knyght Balyn called unto her (CMMALORY,46.1534)

and seyde , ' Damesell , I pray you of youre curteysy suffir me as well
to assay as thes other lordis . (CMMALORY,46.1535)

Thoughe that I be pourely arayed yet in my herte $me $semyth
{TEXT:mesemyth} I am fully assured as som of thes other ,
(CMMALORY,46.1536)

and $me $semyth {TEXT:mesemyth} in myne herte to spede ryght welle . '
(CMMALORY,46.1537)

Thys damesell than behelde thys poure knyght (CMMALORY,46.1538)

and saw he was a lyckly man ; (CMMALORY,46.1539)

but for hys poure araymente she thought he sholde nat <P_47> be of no
worship withoute vylony or trechory . (CMMALORY,47.1540)

And than she seyde unto that knyght , ' Sir , hit nedith nat you to put
me to no more payne , (CMMALORY,47.1541)

for hit semyth nat you to spede $there $as {TEXT:thereas} all thes
othir knyghtes have fayled . ' (CMMALORY,47.1542)

' A , fayre damesell , ' seyde Balyn , ' worthynes and good tacchis and
also good dedis is nat only in araymente , (CMMALORY,47.1543)

but manhode and worship <em> ys hyd </em> within a mannes person ;
(CMMALORY,47.1544)

and many a worshipfull knyght ys nat knowyn unto all peple .
(CMMALORY,47.1545)

And therefore worship and hardynesse ys nat in araymente . '
(CMMALORY,47.1546)

' Be God , ' seyde the damesell , ' ye sey soth , (CMMALORY,47.1547)

therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may . ' (CMMALORY,47.1548)

Than Balyn toke the swerde by the gurdyll and shethe (CMMALORY,47.1549)

and drew hit oute easyly ; (CMMALORY,47.1550)

and whan he loked on the swerde hit pleased hym muche .
(CMMALORY,47.1551)

Than had the kynge and all the barownes grete mervayle that Balyne had
done that aventure ; (CMMALORY,47.1552)

many knyghtes had grete despite at hym . (CMMALORY,47.1553)

' Sertes , ' seyde the damesell , ' thys ys a passynge good knyght and
the beste that ever y founde , and moste of worship withoute treson ,
trechory , or felony . (CMMALORY,47.1554)

And many mervayles shall he do . (CMMALORY,47.1555)

Now , jantyll and curtayse knyght , geff me the swerde agayne . '
(CMMALORY,47.1556)

' Nay , ' seyde Balyne , ' for thys swerde woll I kepe but hit be takyn
fro me with force . ' (CMMALORY,47.1557)

' Well , ' seyde the damesell , ' ye ar nat wyse to kepe the swerde fro
me , (CMMALORY,47.1558)

for ye shall sle with that swerde the beste frende that ye have and the
man that ye moste love in the worlde , (CMMALORY,47.1559)

and that swerde shall be youre destruccion . ' (CMMALORY,47.1560)

' I shall take the aventure , ' seyde Balyn , ' that God woll ordayne
for me . (CMMALORY,47.1561)

But the swerde ye shall nat have at thys tyme , by the feythe of my
body ! ' (CMMALORY,47.1562)

' Ye shall repente hit within shorte tyme , ' seyde the damesell ,
(CMMALORY,47.1563)

' for I wolde have the swerde more for youre avauntage than for myne ;
(CMMALORY,47.1564)

for I am passynge hevy for your sake , (CMMALORY,47.1565)

for and ye woll nat leve that swerde hit shall be youre destruccion ,
(CMMALORY,47.1566)

and that ys grete pite` . ' (CMMALORY,47.1567)

So with that departed the damesell (CMMALORY,47.1568)

and grete sorow she made . (CMMALORY,47.1569)

And anone afftir Balyn sente for hys horse and armoure ,
(CMMALORY,47.1570)

and so wolde departe frome the courte , (CMMALORY,47.1571)

and toke his leve of kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,47.1572)

' Nay , ' seyde the kynge , ' I suppose ye woll nat departe so lyghtly
<P_48> from thys felyship . (CMMALORY,48.1573)

I suppose that ye ar displesyd that I have shewed you unkyndnesse .
(CMMALORY,48.1574)

But blame me the lesse , (CMMALORY,48.1575)

for I was mysseinfourmed ayenste you : (CMMALORY,48.1576)

but I wente ye had nat bene such a knyght as ye ar of worship and
prouesse . (CMMALORY,48.1577)

And if ye woll abyde in thys courte amonge my felyship , I shall so
avaunce $you as ye shall be pleased . ' (CMMALORY,48.1578)

' God thanke youre Hyghnesse , ' seyde Balyne . (CMMALORY,48.1579)

' Youre bounte` may no man prayse halff unto the valew ,
(CMMALORY,48.1580)

butt at thys tyme I muste nedis departe , besechynge you allway of
youre good grace . ' (CMMALORY,48.1581)

' Truly , ' seyde the kynge , ' I am ryght wroth of youre departynge .
(CMMALORY,48.1582)

But I pray you , fayre knyght , that ye tarry nat longe frome me ,
(CMMALORY,48.1583)

and ye shall be ryght wellcom unto me and to my barownes ,
(CMMALORY,48.1584)

and I shall amende all mysse that I have done agaynste you . '
(CMMALORY,48.1585)

' God thanke youre good grace , ' seyde Balyn , (CMMALORY,48.1586)

and therewith made hym redy to departe . (CMMALORY,48.1587)

Than the moste party of the knyghtes of the Rounde Table seyde that
Balyne dud nat this adventure $all $only by myght but by wycchecrauffte
. (CMMALORY,48.1588)

So the meanwhyle that thys knyght was makynge hym redy to departe ,
there com into the courte the Lady of the Laake , (CMMALORY,48.1589)

and she com on horsebacke rychely beseyne , (CMMALORY,48.1590)

and salewed kynge Arthure (CMMALORY,48.1591)

and there asked hym a gyffte that he promysed her whan she gaff hym the
swerde . (CMMALORY,48.1592)

' That ys sothe , ' seyde Arthure , (CMMALORY,48.1593)

' a gyffte I promysed you , (CMMALORY,48.1594)

but I have forgotyn the name of my swerde that ye gaff me . '
(CMMALORY,48.1595)

' The name of hit , ' seyde the lady , ' ys Excalibir ,
(CMMALORY,48.1596)

that ys as muche to sey as Kutte Stele . ' (CMMALORY,48.1597)

' Ye sey well , ' seyde the kynge . (CMMALORY,48.1598)

' Aske what ye woll (CMMALORY,48.1599)

and ye shall have hit and hit lye in my power to gyff hit . '
(CMMALORY,48.1600)

' Well , ' seyde thys lady , ' than I aske the hede of thys knyght that
hath wonne the swerde , othir ellis the damesels hede that brought hit
. (CMMALORY,48.1601)

I take no force though I have both theire hedis : (CMMALORY,48.1602)

for he slew my brothir , a good knyght and a trew ; (CMMALORY,48.1603)

and that jantillwoman was causer of my fadirs death . '
(CMMALORY,48.1604)

' Truly , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' I may nat graunte you nother of
theire hedys with my worship ; (CMMALORY,48.1605)

therefore aske what ye woll els , (CMMALORY,48.1606)

and I shall fulfille youre desire . ' (CMMALORY,48.1607)

' I woll aske none other thynge , ' seyde the lady . (CMMALORY,48.1608)

So whan Balyn was redy to departe , he saw the Lady of the Lake <P_49>
which by hir meanys had slayne hys modir ; (CMMALORY,49.1609)

and he had sought hir three yere before . (CMMALORY,49.1610)

And whan hit was tolde hym how she had asked hys hede of kynge Arthure
, he wente to hir streyght (CMMALORY,49.1611)

and seyde , ' Evyll be $ye founde : (CMMALORY,49.1612)

ye wolde have myne hede , (CMMALORY,49.1613)

and therefore ye shall loose youres ! ' (CMMALORY,49.1614)

And with hys swerde lyghtly he smote of hyr hede before kynge Arthure .
(CMMALORY,49.1615)

' Alas , for shame ! ' seyde the kynge . (CMMALORY,49.1616)

' Why have ye do so ? (CMMALORY,49.1617)

Ye have shamed me and all my courte , (CMMALORY,49.1618)

for thys lady was a lady that I was muche beholdynge to ,
(CMMALORY,49.1619)

and hyder she com undir my sauffconduyghte . (CMMALORY,49.1620)

Therefore I shall never forgyff you that trespasse . '
(CMMALORY,49.1621)

' Sir , ' seyde Balyne , ' me forthynkith of youre displeasure ,
(CMMALORY,49.1622)

for this same lady was the untrwyste lady lyvynge , (CMMALORY,49.1623)

and by inchauntement and by sorcery she hath bene the destroyer of many
good knyghtes , (CMMALORY,49.1624)

and she was causer that my modir was brente thorow hir falsehode and
trechory . ' (CMMALORY,49.1625)

' For what cause soever ye had , ' seyde Arthure , ' ye sholde have
forborne in my presence . (CMMALORY,49.1626)

Therefore thynke nat the contrary : (CMMALORY,49.1627)

ye shall repente hit , (CMMALORY,49.1628)

for such anothir despite had I nevir in my courte . (CMMALORY,49.1629)

Therefore withdraw you oute of my courte in all the haste that ye may .
' (CMMALORY,49.1630)

Than Balyn toke up the hede of the lady (CMMALORY,49.1631)

and bare hit with hym to hys ostry , (CMMALORY,49.1632)

and there mette with hys squyre that was sory he had displeased kynge
Arthure , (CMMALORY,49.1633)

and so they rode forthe oute of towne . (CMMALORY,49.1634)

' Now , ' seyde Balyne , ' we muste departe ; (CMMALORY,49.1635)

therefore take thou thys hede (CMMALORY,49.1636)

and bere hit to my frendis (CMMALORY,49.1637)

and telle hem how I have spedde , (CMMALORY,49.1638)

and telle hem in Northhumbirlonde how my moste foo ys dede .
(CMMALORY,49.1639)

Also telle hem how I am oute of preson , and what adventure befelle me
at the getynge of this swerde . ' (CMMALORY,49.1640)

' Alas ! ' seyde the squyre , ' ye ar gretly to blame for to displease
kynge Arthure . ' (CMMALORY,49.1641)

' As for that , ' seyde Balyne , ' I woll hyghe me in all $the haste
that I may $to mete with kyng Royns and destroy hym , othir ellis to
dye therefore . (CMMALORY,49.1642)

And iff hit may happe me to wynne hym , than woll kynge Arthure be my
good frende . ' (CMMALORY,49.1643)

' Sir , $wher shall I mete with you ? ' seyde his squyre .
(CMMALORY,49.1644)

' In kynge Arthurs courte , ' seyde Balyne . (CMMALORY,49.1645)

So his squyre and he <P_50> departed at that tyme . (CMMALORY,50.1646)

Than kynge Arthure and all the courte made grete dole
(CMMALORY,50.1647)

and had grete shame of the Lady of the Lake . (CMMALORY,50.1648)

Than the kynge buryed hir rychely . (CMMALORY,50.1649)

So at that tyme there was a knyght , the which was the kynges son of
Irelonde , (CMMALORY,50.1650)

and hys name was Launceor , the which was an orgulus knyght and
accompted hymselff one of the beste of the courte . (CMMALORY,50.1651)

And he had grete despite at Balyne for the enchevynge of the swerde ,
that ony sholde be accompted more hardy or more of prouesse ,
(CMMALORY,50.1652)

and he asked kynge Arthure licence to ryde afftir Balyne and to revenge
the despite that he had done . (CMMALORY,50.1653)

' Do youre beste , ' seyde Arthur . (CMMALORY,50.1654)

' I am ryght wrothe with Balyne . (CMMALORY,50.1655)

I wolde he were quytte of the despite that he hath done unto me and my
courte . ' (CMMALORY,50.1656)

Than thys Launceor wente to his ostre` to make hym redy .
(CMMALORY,50.1657)

So in the meanewhyle com Merlyon unto the courte of kynge Arthure ,
(CMMALORY,50.1658)

and anone was tolde hym the adventure of the swerde and the deth of the
Lady of the Lake . (CMMALORY,50.1659)

' Now shall I sey you , ' seyde Merlion ; (CMMALORY,50.1660)

' thys same damesell that here stondith , that brought the swerde unto
youre courte , I shall telle you the cause of hir commynge .
(CMMALORY,50.1661)

She ys the falsist damesell that lyveth - (CMMALORY,50.1662)

she shall nat sey nay ! (CMMALORY,50.1663)

For she hath a brothir , a passyng good knyght of proues and a full
trew man , (CMMALORY,50.1664)

and thys damesell loved anothir knyght that hylde her as paramoure .
(CMMALORY,50.1665)

And thys good knyght , her brothir , mette with the knyght that helde
hir to paramoure , (CMMALORY,50.1666)

and slew hym by force of hys hondis . (CMMALORY,50.1667)

And whan thys false damesell undirstoode this she wente to the lady
Lyle of Avylion (CMMALORY,50.1668)

and besought hir of helpe to be revenged on hir owne brothir .
(CMMALORY,50.1669)

' And so thys lady Lyle of Avylion toke hir this swerde that she
brought with hir , (CMMALORY,50.1670)

and tolde there sholde no man pulle hit oute of the sheethe but yf he
be one of the beste knyghtes of thys realme , and he sholde be hardy
and full of prouesse ; (CMMALORY,50.1671)

and with that swerde he sholde sle hys brothir . (CMMALORY,50.1672)

Thys was the cause , damesell , that ye com into thys courte .
(CMMALORY,50.1673)

I know hit as well as ye . (CMMALORY,50.1674)

God wolde ye had nat come here ; (CMMALORY,50.1675)

but ye com never in felyship of worshipfful folke for to do good , but
allwayes grete harme . (CMMALORY,50.1676)

And that knyght that hath encheved the swerde shall be destroyed thorow
the swerde ; for the which woll be grete damage , (CMMALORY,50.1677)

for there lyvith nat a knyght of more <P_51> prouesse than he ys .
(CMMALORY,51.1678)

And he shall do unto you , my lorde Arthure , grete honoure and
kyndnesse ; (CMMALORY,51.1679)

and hit ys grete pite` he shall nat endure but a whyle ,
(CMMALORY,51.1680)

for of his strengthe and hardinesse I know hym nat lyvynge hys macche .
' (CMMALORY,51.1681)

So thys knyght of Irelonde armed hym at all poyntes (CMMALORY,51.1682)

and dressed his shylde on hys sholdir (CMMALORY,51.1683)

and mownted uppon horsebacke (CMMALORY,51.1684)

and toke hys glayve in hys honde , (CMMALORY,51.1685)

and rode aftir a grete pace as muche as hys horse myght dryve .
(CMMALORY,51.1686)

And within a litill space on a mowntayne he had a syght of Balyne ,
(CMMALORY,51.1687)

and with a lowde voice he cryde , ' Abyde , knyght ! (CMMALORY,51.1688)

for ells ye shall abyde whethir ye woll other no . (CMMALORY,51.1689)

And the shelde that ys tofore you shall nat helpe you , ' seyde thys
Iryshe knyght , (CMMALORY,51.1690)

' therefore com I affter you . ' (CMMALORY,51.1691)

' Peradventure , ' seyde Balyne , ' ye had bene bettir to have holde
you at home . (CMMALORY,51.1692)

For many a man wenyth to put hys enemy to a rebuke , (CMMALORY,51.1693)

and ofte hit fallith on hymselff . (CMMALORY,51.1694)

Oute of what courte be ye com fro ? ' seyde Balyn . (CMMALORY,51.1695)

' I am com frome the courte of kynge Arthure , ' seyde the knyght of
Irelonde , ' that am com hydir to revenge the despite ye dud thys day
unto kynge Arthure and to his courte . ' (CMMALORY,51.1696)

' Well , ' seyde Balyne , ' I se well I must have ado with you ;
(CMMALORY,51.1697)

that me forthynkith that I have greved kynge Arthure or ony of hys
courte . (CMMALORY,51.1698)

And youre quarell ys full symple , ' seyde Balyne , ' unto me ;
(CMMALORY,51.1699)

for the lady that ys dede dud to me grete damage , (CMMALORY,51.1700)

and ellis I wolde have bene lothe as ony knyght that lyvith for to sle
a lady . ' (CMMALORY,51.1701)

' Make you redy , ' seyde the knyght Launceor , (CMMALORY,51.1702)

' and dresse you unto me , for that one shall abyde in the fylde . '
(CMMALORY,51.1703)

Than they fewtred their spearis in their restis (CMMALORY,51.1704)

and com togidirs as muche as their horsis $myght dryve .
(CMMALORY,51.1705)

And the Irysh knyght smote Balyn on the shylde that all wente to
shyvers of hys spere . (CMMALORY,51.1706)

And Balyne smote hym agayne thorow the shylde , (CMMALORY,51.1707)

and $the hawbirk perysshed , (CMMALORY,51.1708)

and so bore hym thorow the body and over the horse crowper ;
(CMMALORY,51.1709)

and anone turned hys horse fersely (CMMALORY,51.1710)

and drew oute hys swerde , (CMMALORY,51.1711)

and wyst nat that he had slayne hym . (CMMALORY,51.1712)

Than he saw hym lye as a dede corse , (CMMALORY,51.1713)

he loked aboute hym (CMMALORY,51.1714)

and was ware of a damesel that com rydynge full faste as the horse
myght dryve , on a fayre palferey . (CMMALORY,51.1715)

And whan she aspyed that Launceor was slayne she made sorow oute of
mesure (CMMALORY,51.1716)

and seyde , <P_52> ' A ! Balyne , two bodyes thou haste <em> slain in
</em> one herte , and two hertes in one body , (CMMALORY,52.1717)

and two soules thou hast loste . ' (CMMALORY,52.1718)

And therewith she toke the swerde frome hir love that lay dede ,
(CMMALORY,52.1719)

and felle to the grounde in a swowghe . (CMMALORY,52.1720)

And whan she arose she made grete dole oute of mesure , which sorow
greved Balyn passyngly sore . (CMMALORY,52.1721)

And he wente unto hir for to have tane the swerde oute of hir honde ;
(CMMALORY,52.1722)

but she helde hit so faste he myght nat take hit oute of hir honde but
yf he sholde have hurte hir . (CMMALORY,52.1723)

And suddeynly she sette the pomell to the grounde , (CMMALORY,52.1724)

and rove hirselff thorowoute the body . (CMMALORY,52.1725)

Whan Balyne aspyed hir dedis he was passynge hevy in his herte and
ashamed that so fayre a damesell had destroyed hirselff for the love of
hys dethe . (CMMALORY,52.1726)

' Alas ! ' seyde Balyn , ' me repentis sore the dethe of thys knyght
for the love of thys damesel , (CMMALORY,52.1727)

for there was muche trw love betwyxte hem . ' (CMMALORY,52.1728)

And so for sorow he myght no lenger beholde them , (CMMALORY,52.1729)

but turned hys horse (CMMALORY,52.1730)

and loked towarde a fayre foreste . (CMMALORY,52.1731)

And than was he ware by hys armys that there com rydyng hys brothir
Balan . (CMMALORY,52.1732)

And whan they were mette they put of hyr helmys (CMMALORY,52.1733)

and kyssed togydirs (CMMALORY,52.1734)

and wepte for joy and pite` . (CMMALORY,52.1735)

Than Balan seyde , ' Brothir , I litill wende to have mette with you at
thys suddayne adventure , (CMMALORY,52.1736)

but I am ryght glad of youre delyveraunce of youre dolerous presonment
: (CMMALORY,52.1737)

for a man tolde me in the Castell of Four Stonys that ye were delyverde
, (CMMALORY,52.1738)

and that man had seyne you in the courte of kynge Arthure .
(CMMALORY,52.1739)

And therefore I com hydir into thys contrey , (CMMALORY,52.1740)

for here I supposed to fynde you . ' (CMMALORY,52.1741)

And anone Balyne tolde hys brothir of hys adventure of the swerde and
the deth of the Lady of the Laake , and how kynge Arthure was
displeased with hym . ' Wherefore he sente thys knyght afftir me that
lyethe here dede . (CMMALORY,52.1742)

And the dethe of thys damesell grevith me sore . ' (CMMALORY,52.1743)

' So doth hit me , ' seyde Balan . (CMMALORY,52.1744)

' But ye must take the adventure that God woll ordayne you . '
(CMMALORY,52.1745)

' Truly , ' seyde Balyne , ' I am ryght hevy that my lorde Arthure ys
displeased with me , (CMMALORY,52.1746)

for he ys the moste worshypfullist kynge that regnith now in erthe ;
(CMMALORY,52.1747)

and hys love I woll gete (CMMALORY,52.1748)

othir ellis I woll putte my lyff in adventure . (CMMALORY,52.1749)

For kynge Ryons lyeth at the sege of the Castell Terrable ,
(CMMALORY,52.1750)

and thydir woll we draw in all goodly haste to preve oure worship and
prouesse uppon hym . ' (CMMALORY,52.1751)

<P_53>

' I woll well , ' seyde Balan , ' that ye so do ; (CMMALORY,53.1753)

and I woll ryde with you and put my body in adventure with you , as a
brothir ought to do . ' (CMMALORY,53.1754)

' Now go we hense , ' seyde Balyne , (CMMALORY,53.1755)

' and well we beth mette . ' (CMMALORY,53.1756)

The meanewhyle as they talked there com a dwarff frome the cite` of
Camelot on horsebacke as much as he myght , (CMMALORY,53.1757)

and founde the dede bodyes ; wherefore he made grete dole
(CMMALORY,53.1758)

and he pulled hys heyre for sorowe (CMMALORY,53.1759)

and seyde , ' Which of two knyghtes have done this dede ? '
(CMMALORY,53.1760)

' Whereby askist thou ? ' seyde Balan . (CMMALORY,53.1761)

' For I wolde wete , ' seyde the dwarff . (CMMALORY,53.1762)

' Hit was I , ' seyde Balyn , ' that slew this knyght in my defendaunte
; (CMMALORY,53.1763)

for hyder he com to chase me , (CMMALORY,53.1764)

and othir I muste sle hym other he me . (CMMALORY,53.1765)

And this damesell slew hirself for his love , which repentith me .
(CMMALORY,53.1766)

And for hir sake I shall owghe all women the bettir wylle and servyse
all the dayes of my lyff . ' (CMMALORY,53.1767)

' Alas ! ' seyde the dwarff , ' thou hast done grete damage unto
thyselff . (CMMALORY,53.1768)

For thys knyght that ys here dede was one of the moste valyauntis men
that lyved . (CMMALORY,53.1769)

And truste well , Balyne , the kynne of thys knyght woll chase you
thorow the worlde tylle they have slayne you . ' (CMMALORY,53.1770)

' As for that , ' seyde Balyne , ' the I fere nat gretely ;
(CMMALORY,53.1771)

but I am ryght hevy that I sholde displease my lorde , kynge Arthure ,
for the deth of thys knyght . ' (CMMALORY,53.1772)

So as they talked togydirs there com a kynge of Cornuwayle rydyng ,
which hyght kyng Marke . (CMMALORY,53.1773)

And whan he saw thes two bodyes dede , and undirstood howe they were
dede , $by the two knyghtes aboven-seyde , $thenne made the kynge grete
sorow for the trew love that was betwyxte them , (CMMALORY,53.1774)

and seyde , ' I woll nat departe tyll I have on thys erth made a towmbe
. ' (CMMALORY,53.1775)

And there he pyght his pavylyons (CMMALORY,53.1776)

and sought all the contrey to fynde a towmbe , (CMMALORY,53.1777)

and in a chirch they founde one was fayre and ryche .
(CMMALORY,53.1778)

And than the kyng lette putte $hem bothe in the erthe ,
(CMMALORY,53.1779)

and leyde the tombe uppon them , (CMMALORY,53.1780)

and wrote the namys of hem bothe on the tombe , how ' here lyeth
Launceor , the kyngis son of Irelonde , that at hys owne rekeyste was
slayne by the hondis of Balyne , ' and how ' this lady Columbe and
peramour to hym slew hirself with hys swerde for dole and sorow .
(CMMALORY,53.1781)

<P_54>

The meanewhyle as thys was adoynge , in com Merlion to kynge Marke
(CMMALORY,54.1783)

and saw all thys doynge . (CMMALORY,54.1784)

' Here shall be , ' seyde Merlion , ' in this same place the grettist
bateyle betwyxte two $knyghtes that ever was or ever shall be , and the
trewyst lovers ; (CMMALORY,54.1785)

and yette none of hem shall slee other . ' (CMMALORY,54.1786)

And there Merlion wrote hir namys uppon the tombe with lettirs of golde
, that shall feyght in that place : which namys was Laucelot du Lake
and Trystrams . (CMMALORY,54.1787)

' Thou $art a merveylous man , ' seyde kynge Marke unto Merlion , '
that spekist of such mervayles . (CMMALORY,54.1788)

Thou arte a boysteous man and an unlyckly , to telle of suche dedis .
(CMMALORY,54.1789)

What ys thy name ? ' seyde kynge Marke . (CMMALORY,54.1790)

' At thys tyme , ' seyde Merlion , ' I woll nat telle . '
(CMMALORY,54.1791)

{COM:part_of_line_missing?} tyme sir Trystrams ys takyn with his
soveraigne lady , (CMMALORY,54.1792)

than shall ye here and know my name ; (CMMALORY,54.1793)

and at that tyme ye shall $here tydynges that shall nat please you . '
(CMMALORY,54.1794)

' A , Balyne ! ' seyde Merlion , ' thou haste done thyselff grete hurte
that thou saved nat thys lady that slew herselff ; (CMMALORY,54.1795)

for thou myghtyst have saved hir and thou haddist wold . '
(CMMALORY,54.1796)

' By the fayth of my body , ' seyde Merlion , ' I myght nat save hir ,
(CMMALORY,54.1797)

for she slewe hirselff suddeynly . ' (CMMALORY,54.1798)

' Me repentis hit , ' seyde Merlion ; (CMMALORY,54.1799)

' because of the dethe of that lady thou shalt stryke a stroke moste
dolerous that ever man stroke , excepte the stroke of oure Lorde Jesu
Cryste . (CMMALORY,54.1800)

For thou shalt hurte the trewyst knyght and the man of moste worship
that now lyvith ; (CMMALORY,54.1801)

and thorow that stroke , three kyngdomys shall be brought into grete
poverte' , miseri and wrecchednesse twelve yere . (CMMALORY,54.1802)

And the knyght shall nat be hole of that wounde many yerys . '
(CMMALORY,54.1803)

Than Merlion toke hys leve . (CMMALORY,54.1804)

' Nay , ' seyde Balyn , ' nat so ; (CMMALORY,54.1805)

for and I wyste thou seyde soth , I wolde do so perleous a dede that I
wolde sle myself to make the a lyer . ' (CMMALORY,54.1806)

Therewith Merlion vanyssed away suddeynly , (CMMALORY,54.1807)

and than Balyn and his brother toke their leve of kynge Marke .
(CMMALORY,54.1808)

' But first , ' seyde the kynge , ' telle me youre name . '
(CMMALORY,54.1809)

' Sir , ' seyde Balan , ' ye may se he beryth two swerdis and thereby
ye may calle hym the Knyght with the Two Swerdis . ' (CMMALORY,54.1810)

<P_55>

And so departed kynge Marke unto Camelot to kynge Arthure .
(CMMALORY,55.1812)

And Balyne toke the way to kynge Royns , (CMMALORY,55.1813)

and as they rode togydir they mette with Merlion disgysed so that they
knew hym nought . (CMMALORY,55.1814)

' But whotherward ryde ye ? ' seyde Merlion . (CMMALORY,55.1815)

' We had litill ado to telle you , ' seyde thes two knyghtes .
(CMMALORY,55.1816)

' But what ys thy name ? ' seyde Balyn . (CMMALORY,55.1817)

' At thys tyme , ' seyde Merlion , ' I woll nat telle . '
(CMMALORY,55.1818)

' Hit ys an evyll sygne , ' seyde the knyghtes , ' that thou arte a
trew man , that thou wolt nat telle thy name . ' (CMMALORY,55.1819)

' As for that , ' seyde Merlion , ' be-LFD as hit be-RSP may .
(CMMALORY,55.1820)

But I can telle you wherefore ye ryde thys way : (CMMALORY,55.1821)

for to mete with kynge Royns . (CMMALORY,55.1822)

But hit woll nat avayle you withoute ye have my counceyle . '
(CMMALORY,55.1823)

' A , ' seyde Balyn , ' ye ar Merlion . (CMMALORY,55.1824)

We woll be ruled by youre counceyle . ' (CMMALORY,55.1825)

' Com on , ' seyde Merlion , (CMMALORY,55.1826)

' and ye shall have grete worship . (CMMALORY,55.1827)

And loke that ye do knyghtly , (CMMALORY,55.1828)

for ye shall have nede . ' (CMMALORY,55.1829)

' As for that , ' seyde Balyne , ' dred you nat , (CMMALORY,55.1830)

for we woll do what we may . ' (CMMALORY,55.1831)

Than there lodged Merlion and thes two knyghtes in a woode amonge the
levis besydes the hyghway , (CMMALORY,55.1832)

and toke of the brydyls of their horsis (CMMALORY,55.1833)

and putte hem to grasse , (CMMALORY,55.1834)

and leyde hem downe to reste tyll hit was nyghe mydnyght .
(CMMALORY,55.1835)

Than Merlion bade hem ryse and make hem redy : (CMMALORY,55.1836)

' for here commyth the kynge nyghehonde , that was stoolyn away frome
his oste with a three score horsis of hys beste knyghtes ,
(CMMALORY,55.1837)

and twenty of them rode tofore the lorde to warne the Lady de Vaunce
that the kynge was commynge . ' (CMMALORY,55.1838)

For that nyght kynge Royns sholde have lyen with hir .
(CMMALORY,55.1839)

' Which ys the kynge ? ' seyde Balyn . (CMMALORY,55.1840)

' Abyde , ' seyde Merlion , (CMMALORY,55.1841)

' for here in a strete $weye ye shall mete with hym . '
(CMMALORY,55.1842)

And therewith he shewed Balyn and hys brothir the kynge .
(CMMALORY,55.1843)

And anone they mette with hym , (CMMALORY,55.1844)

and smote hym downe (CMMALORY,55.1845)

and wounded hym freyshly , (CMMALORY,55.1846)

and layde hym to the growunde . (CMMALORY,55.1847)

And there they slewe on the ryght honde and on the lyffte honde mo than
fourty of hys men ; (CMMALORY,55.1848)

and the remanaunte fledde . (CMMALORY,55.1849)

Than wente they agayne unto kynge Royns (CMMALORY,55.1850)

and wold have slayne hym , had he nat yelded hym unto hir grace .
(CMMALORY,55.1851)

Than seyde he thus : (CMMALORY,55.1852)

<P_56>

' Knyghtes full of prouesse , sle me nat ! (CMMALORY,56.1854)

For be my lyff ye may wynne , and by my dethe litill . '
(CMMALORY,56.1855)

' Ye say sothe , ' seyde the knyghtes , (CMMALORY,56.1856)

and so leyde hym on an horse littur (CMMALORY,56.1857)

So with that Merlion vanysshed , (CMMALORY,56.1858)

and com to kynge Arthure aforehonde (CMMALORY,56.1859)

and tolde hym how hys moste enemy was takyn and discomfite
(CMMALORY,56.1860)

' By whom ? ' seyde kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,56.1861)

' By two knyghtes , ' seyde Merlion , ' that wolde fayne have youre
lordship . (CMMALORY,56.1862)

And to-morrow ye shall know what knyghtis they ar . '
(CMMALORY,56.1863)

So anone aftir com the Knyght with the Two Swerdis and hys brothir ,
(CMMALORY,56.1864)

and brought with them kynge Royns of Northe Waalis , (CMMALORY,56.1865)

and there delyverde hym to the porters , (CMMALORY,56.1866)

and charged hem with hym . (CMMALORY,56.1867)

And so they two returned agen in the dawnyng of the day .
(CMMALORY,56.1868)

Than kynge Arthure com to kynge Royns (CMMALORY,56.1869)

and seyde , ' Sir kynge , ye ar wellcom . (CMMALORY,56.1870)

By what adventure com ye hydir ? ' (CMMALORY,56.1871)

' Sir , ' seyde kynge Royns , ' I com hyder by an harde adventure . '
(CMMALORY,56.1872)

' Who wanne you ? ' seyde kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,56.1873)

' Sir , ' seyde he , ' the Knyght with the Two Swerdis and hys brothir
, which ar two mervayles knyghtes of prouesse . ' (CMMALORY,56.1874)

' I know hem nat , ' seyde Arthure (CMMALORY,56.1875)

' but much am I beholdynge unto them . ' (CMMALORY,56.1876)

' A , sir , ' seyde Merlion , ' I shall telle you . (CMMALORY,56.1877)

Hit ys Balyn that encheved the swerde and his brothir Balan , a good
knyght : (CMMALORY,56.1878)

there lyvith nat a bettir of proues , nother of worthynesse .
(CMMALORY,56.1879)

And hit shall be the grettist dole of hym that ever y knew of knyght ;
(CMMALORY,56.1880)

for he shall nat longe endure . ' (CMMALORY,56.1881)

' Alas , ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' that ys grete pite` ;
(CMMALORY,56.1882)

for I am muche beholdynge unto hym , (CMMALORY,56.1883)

and I have evill deserved hit agayne for hys kyndnesse . '
(CMMALORY,56.1884)

' Nay , nay , ' sede Merlion , ' he shall do much more for you ,
(CMMALORY,56.1885)

and that shall ye know in haste . (CMMALORY,56.1886)

But , sir , ar ye purveyde ? ' seyde Merlion . (CMMALORY,56.1887)

' <em> For to-morn </em> the oste of kynge Nero , kynge Royns brothir ,
woll sette on you or none with a grete oste . (CMMALORY,56.1888)

And therefore make you redy , (CMMALORY,56.1889)

for I woll departe frome you . ' (CMMALORY,56.1890)

Than kynge Arthure made hys oste redy in ten batayles ;
(CMMALORY,56.1891)

and Nero was redy in the fylde afore the Castell Terrable with a grete
<P_57> oste . (CMMALORY,57.1892)

And he had ten batayles with many mo peple than kynge Arthure had .
(CMMALORY,57.1893)

Than Nero had the vawarde with the moste party of the people .
(CMMALORY,57.1894)

And Merlion com to kynge Lotte of the Ile of Orkeney ,
(CMMALORY,57.1895)

and helde hym with a tale of the prophecy tylle Nero and his peple were
destroyed . (CMMALORY,57.1896)

And there sir Kay the Senesciall dud passyngely well , that dayes of
hys lyff the worship wente never frome hym , and sir Hervis de Revel
that dud merveylous dedys of armys that day with Arthur .
(CMMALORY,57.1897)

And kynge Arthure slew that day twenty knyghtes (CMMALORY,57.1898)

and maymed fourty . (CMMALORY,57.1899)

So at that tyme com in the Knyght with the Two Swerdis and his brothir
, (CMMALORY,57.1900)

but they dud so mervaylously that the kynge and all the knyghtes
mervayled of them . (CMMALORY,57.1901)

And all they that behelde them seyde they were sente frome hevyn as
angels other devilles frome helle . (CMMALORY,57.1902)

And kynge Arthure seyde hymself they were the doughtyeste knyghtes that
ever he sawe , (CMMALORY,57.1903)

for they gaff such strokes that all men had wondir of hem .
(CMMALORY,57.1904)

So in the meanewhyle com one to kynge Lotte (CMMALORY,57.1905)

and tolde hym whyle he tarryed there how Nero was destroyed and slayne
with all his oste . (CMMALORY,57.1906)

' Alas , ' seyde kynge Lotte , ' I am ashamed ; (CMMALORY,57.1907)

for in my defaute there ys <em> many a worshipful man slayne ;
(CMMALORY,57.1908)

for and we had teen togyders there had ben </em> none oste undir hevyn
were able to have macched us . (CMMALORY,57.1909)

But thys faytoure with hys prophecy hath mocked me . '
(CMMALORY,57.1910)

All that dud Merlion , (CMMALORY,57.1911)

for he knew well that $and kynge Lotte had bene with hys body at the
first batayle , kynge Arthure had be slayne and all hys peple
distressed . (CMMALORY,57.1912)

And well Merlion knew that one of the kynges sholde be dede that day ;
(CMMALORY,57.1913)

and lothe was Merlion that ony of them bothe sholde be slayne ,
(CMMALORY,57.1914)

but of the tweyne he had levir kyng Lotte of Orkeney had be slayne than
Arthure . (CMMALORY,57.1915)

' What ys beste to do ? ' seyde kynge Lotte . (CMMALORY,57.1916)

' Whether ys me bettir to trete with kynge Arthur othir to fyght ?
(CMMALORY,57.1917)

For the gretter party of oure people ar slayne and distressed .
(CMMALORY,57.1918)

' Sir , ' seyde a knyght ' sette ye on Arthure , (CMMALORY,57.1919)

for they ar wery and forfoughtyn , (CMMALORY,57.1920)

and we be freyssh . ' (CMMALORY,57.1921)

' As for me , ' seyde kynge Lott , ' I wolde that every knyght wolde do
hys parte as I wolde do myne . ' (CMMALORY,57.1922)

Than they avaunced baners (CMMALORY,57.1923)

and smote togydirs (CMMALORY,57.1924)

and brused hir <P_58> sperys . (CMMALORY,58.1925)

And Arthurs knyghtes with the helpe of the Knyght with Two Swerdys and
hys brothir Balan put kynge Lotte and hys oste to the warre .
(CMMALORY,58.1926)

But allwayes kynge Lotte hylde hym ever in the forefronte
(CMMALORY,58.1927)

and dud merveylous dedis of armys ; (CMMALORY,58.1928)

for all his oste was borne up by hys hondys , (CMMALORY,58.1929)

for he abode all knyghtes . (CMMALORY,58.1930)

Alas , he myght nat endure , the whych was grete pite` !
(CMMALORY,58.1931)

So worthy a knyght as he was one , that he sholde be overmacched , that
of late tyme before he had bene a knyght of kynge Arthurs , and wedded
the syster of hym . (CMMALORY,58.1932)

And for because that kynge Arthure lay by hys wyff and gate on her sir
Mordred , therefore kynge Lott helde ever agaynste Arthure .
(CMMALORY,58.1933)

So there was a knyght that was called the Knyght with the Strange Beste
, (CMMALORY,58.1934)

and at that tyme hys ryght name was called Pellynore , which was a good
man off prouesse as few in tho dayes lyvynge . (CMMALORY,58.1935)

And he strake a myghty stroke at kynge Lott as he fought with hys
enemyes , (CMMALORY,58.1936)

and he fayled of hys stroke (CMMALORY,58.1937)

and smote the horse necke , that he foundred to the erthe with kyng
Lott . (CMMALORY,58.1938)

And therewith anone kynge Pellinor smote hym a grete stroke thorow the
helme and hede unto the browis . (CMMALORY,58.1939)

Than all the oste of Orkeney fledde for the deth of kynge Lotte ,
(CMMALORY,58.1940)

and there they were takyn and slayne , all the oste .
(CMMALORY,58.1941)

But kynge Pellynore bare the wyte of the dethe of kynge Lott ,
wherefore sir Gawayne revenged the deth of hys fadir the ten yere aftir
he was made knyght , (CMMALORY,58.1942)

and slew kynge Pellynor hys owne hondis . (CMMALORY,58.1943)

Also there was slayne at that batayle twelve kynges on the syde of
kynge Lott with Nero , (CMMALORY,58.1944)

and were buryed in the chirch of Seynte Stevins in Camelot .
(CMMALORY,58.1945)

And the remanent of knyghtes and other were buryed in a grete roche .
(CMMALORY,58.1946)

So at the enterement com kyng Lottis wyff , Morgause , with hir four
sonnes , Gawayne , Aggravayne , Gaheris , and Gareth .
(CMMALORY,58.1947)

Also there com thydir kyng Uryens , sir Uwaynes fadir , and Morgan le
Fay , his wyff , that was kynge Arthurs syster . (CMMALORY,58.1948)

All thes com to the enterement (CMMALORY,58.1949)

But of all the twelve kyngis kynge Arthure lette make the tombe of
kynge Lotte passynge rychely , (CMMALORY,58.1950)

and made hys tombe by hymselff (CMMALORY,58.1951)

And than Arthure lette make twelve images of laton and cooper and
overgylte with golde in the sygne of the twelve kynges ;
(CMMALORY,58.1952)

and eche one of hem helde a tapir of wexe in hir honde that brente
nyght <P_59> and day . (CMMALORY,59.1953)

And kynge Arthure was made in the sygne of a fygure stondynge aboven
them with a swerde drawyn in hys honde , (CMMALORY,59.1954)

and all the twelve fygures had countenaunce lyke unto men that were
overcom . (CMMALORY,59.1955)

All thys made Merlion by hys subtyle craufte . (CMMALORY,59.1956)

And there he tolde the kynge how that when he was dede thes tapers
sholde brenne no lenger , ' aftir the adventures of the Sankgreall that
shall com amonge you and be encheved . ' (CMMALORY,59.1957)

Also he tolde kynge Arthure how Balyn , the worshipfull knyght , shall
gyff the dolerouse stroke , whereof shall falle grete vengeaunce .
(CMMALORY,59.1958)

' A , where ys Balyne , Balan , and Pellinore ? ' (CMMALORY,59.1959)

' As for kynge Pellinore , ' seyde Merlion , ' he woll mete with you
soone . (CMMALORY,59.1960)

And as for Balyne , he woll nat be longe frome you . (CMMALORY,59.1961)

But the other brothir woll departe : (CMMALORY,59.1962)

ye shall se hym no more . ' (CMMALORY,59.1963)

' Be my fayth , ' seyde Arthur , ' they ar two manly knyghtes ,
(CMMALORY,59.1964)

and namely that Balyne passith of proues off ony knyght that ever y
founde , (CMMALORY,59.1965)

for much am I beholdynge unto hym . (CMMALORY,59.1966)

Wolde God he wolde abyde with me ! ' (CMMALORY,59.1967)

' Sir , ' seyde Merlion , ' loke ye kepe well the scawberd of Excaleber
, (CMMALORY,59.1968)

for ye shall lose no bloode whyle ye have the scawberde uppon you ,
thoughe ye have as many woundis uppon you as ye may have . '
(CMMALORY,59.1969)

<paren> So aftir for grete truste Arthure betoke the scawberde unto
Morgan le Fay , hys sister . (CMMALORY,59.1970)

And she loved another knyght bettir than hir husbande , kynge Uriens ,
othir Arthure . (CMMALORY,59.1971)

And she wolde have had Arthure hir brother slayne , (CMMALORY,59.1972)

and therefore she lete make anothir scawberd for Excaliber <em> lyke it
by enchauntement , (CMMALORY,59.1973)

and gaf the scawberd Excaliber to her lover </em> . (CMMALORY,59.1974)

And the knyghtes name was called Accolon , that aftir had nere slayne
kynge Arthure . (CMMALORY,59.1975)

But aftir thys Merlion tolde unto kynge Arthure of the prophecy that
there sholde be a grete batayle besydes Salysbiry , and Mordred hys
owne sonne sholde be agaynste hym . (CMMALORY,59.1976)

Also he tolde hym that Bagdemagus was his cosyne germayne , and unto
kynge Uryens . </paren> (CMMALORY,59.1977)

So within a day or two kynge Arthure was somwhat syke ,
(CMMALORY,59.1978)

and he lette pycch hys pavilion in a medow , (CMMALORY,59.1979)

and there he leyde hym downe on a paylet to slepe ; (CMMALORY,59.1980)

but he myght have no reste . (CMMALORY,59.1981)

Ryght so he herde a grete noyse of an horse , (CMMALORY,59.1982)

and therewith the kynge loked oute at the porche dore of the pavilion
(CMMALORY,59.1983)

and saw a knyght commynge evyn by hym makynge grete dole .
(CMMALORY,59.1984)

<P_60>

' Abyde , fayre sir , ' seyde Arthure , ' (CMMALORY,60.1986)

and telle me wherefore thou makyst this sorow . ' (CMMALORY,60.1987)

' Ye may litill amende me , ' seyde the knyght , (CMMALORY,60.1988)

and so passed forth to the Castell of Meliot . (CMMALORY,60.1989)

And anone aftir that com Balyne . (CMMALORY,60.1990)

And whan he saw kyng Arthur he alyght of hys horse (CMMALORY,60.1991)

and com to the kynge one foote (CMMALORY,60.1992)

and salewed hym . (CMMALORY,60.1993)

Be my hede , ' seyde Arthure , ' ye be wellcom . (CMMALORY,60.1994)

Sir , ryght now com rydynge thys way a knyght makynge grete morne ,
(CMMALORY,60.1995)

and for what cause I can nat telle . Wherefore I wolde desire of you ,
of your curtesy and of your jantilnesse , to fecche agayne that knyght
othir by force othir by his good wylle . (CMMALORY,60.1996)

' I shall do more for youre lordeship than that , ' seyde Balyne , '
(CMMALORY,60.1997)

othir ellis I woll greve hym . ' (CMMALORY,60.1998)

So Balyn rode more than a pace (CMMALORY,60.1999)

and founde the knyght with a damesell undir a foreyste
(CMMALORY,60.2000)

and seyde , ' Sir knyght , ye muste com with me unto kynge Arthure for
to telle hym of youre sorow . ' (CMMALORY,60.2001)

' That woll I nat , ' seyde the knyght , ' (CMMALORY,60.2002)

for hit woll harme me gretely and do you none avayle . '
(CMMALORY,60.2003)

' Sir , ' seyde Balyne , ' I pray you make you redy ,
(CMMALORY,60.2004)

for ye muste go with me (CMMALORY,60.2005)

othir ellis I muste fyght with you and brynge you by $force
(CMMALORY,60.2006)

And that were me lothe to do . ' (CMMALORY,60.2007)

' Woll ye be my warraunte , ' seyde the knyght , ' and I go with you ?
' (CMMALORY,60.2008)

' Yee , ' seyde Balyne , ' (CMMALORY,60.2009)

othir ellis , by the fayth of my body I woll dye therefore . '
(CMMALORY,60.2010)

And so he made hym redy to go with Balyne (CMMALORY,60.2011)

and leffte the damesell stylle . (CMMALORY,60.2012)

And as were evyn before Arhturs pavilion , there com one invisible
(CMMALORY,60.2013)

and smote the knyght that wente with Balyn thorowoute the body with a
spere . (CMMALORY,60.2014)

' Alas ! ' seyde the knyght , ' I am slayne undir youre conduyte with a
knyght called $Garlon . (CMMALORY,60.2015)

Therefore take my horse that is bettir than youres , (CMMALORY,60.2016)

and ryde to the damesell (CMMALORY,60.2017)

and folow the queste that I was in as she woll lede you ,
(CMMALORY,60.2018)

and revenge my deth whan ye may . (CMMALORY,60.2019)

' That shall I do , ' seyde Balyn , (CMMALORY,60.2020)

' and that I make a vow to God and knyghthode . ' (CMMALORY,60.2021)

And so he departed frome kynge Arthure with grete sorow .
(CMMALORY,60.2022)

So kynge Arthure lette bury this knyght rychely , (CMMALORY,60.2023)

and made mencion <P_61> $on his tombe how here was slayne Berbeus and
by whom the trechory was done of the knyght $Garlon .
(CMMALORY,61.2024)

But ever the damesell bare the truncheon of the spere with hir that sir
Harleus le Berbeus was slayne withall . (CMMALORY,61.2025)

So Balyne and the damesell rode into the foreyste (CMMALORY,61.2026)

and there mette with a knyght that had bene an hontynge .
(CMMALORY,61.2027)

And that knyght asked Balyn for what cause he made so grete sorow .
(CMMALORY,61.2028)

' Me lyste nat to telle , ' seyde Balyne . (CMMALORY,61.2029)

' Now , ' seyde the knyght , ' and I were armed as ye be , I wolde
fyght with you but iff ye tolde me . ' (CMMALORY,61.2030)

' That sholde litell nede , ' seyde Balyne , ' (CMMALORY,61.2031)

I am nat aferde to telle you , ' (CMMALORY,61.2032)

and so tolde hym all the case how hit was . (CMMALORY,61.2033)

' A , ' seyde the knyght , ' ys thys all ? (CMMALORY,61.2034)

Here I ensure you by the feyth of my body never to departe frome you
whyle my lyff lastith . ' (CMMALORY,61.2035)

And so they wente to their ostre` (CMMALORY,61.2036)

and armed hem (CMMALORY,61.2037)

and so rode forthe with Balyne . (CMMALORY,61.2038)

And as they com by an ermytage evyn by a $chyrcheyerde , there com
$Garlon invisible (CMMALORY,61.2039)

and smote this knyght , Peryne de Mounte Belyarde , thorowoute the body
with a glayve . (CMMALORY,61.2040)

' Alas , ' seyde the knyght , ' I am slayne by thys traytoure knyght
that rydith invisible . ' (CMMALORY,61.2041)

' Alas , ' seyde Balyne , ' thys ys nat the firste despite that he hath
done me . ' (CMMALORY,61.2042)

And there the ermyte and Balyne buryed the knyght undir a ryche stone
and a tombe royall . (CMMALORY,61.2043)

And on the morne they founde letters of golde wretyn how that sir
Gawayne shall revenge his fadirs deth <em> kynge Lot </em> on kynge
Pellynore . (CMMALORY,61.2044)

And anone aftir this Balyne and the damesell rode forth tylle they com
to a castell . (CMMALORY,61.2045)

And anone Balyne alyghte (CMMALORY,61.2046)

and wente in . (CMMALORY,61.2047)

And as sone as <em> Balyne came </em> with <em> in the castels yate
</em> the portecolys were lette downe at his backe , (CMMALORY,61.2048)

and there felle many men aboute the damesell (CMMALORY,61.2049)

and wolde have slayne hir . (CMMALORY,61.2050)

Whan Balyne saw that , he was sore greved (CMMALORY,61.2051)

for he myght nat helpe her . (CMMALORY,61.2052)

But than he wente up into a towre (CMMALORY,61.2053)

and lepte over the wallis into the dyche (CMMALORY,61.2054)

and hurte nat hymselff . (CMMALORY,61.2055)

And anone he pulled oute his swerde (CMMALORY,61.2056)

and wolde have foughtyn with them . (CMMALORY,61.2057)

And they all seyde nay , they wolde nat fyght with hym ,
(CMMALORY,61.2058)

for they dud nothynge but the olde custom of thys castell ,
(CMMALORY,61.2059)

<P_62>

and tolde hym that hir lady was syke and had leyne many yeres , and she
myght nat be hole but yf she had bloode in a sylver dysshe full of a
clene mayde and a kynges doughter . (CMMALORY,62.2061)

' And therefore the custom of thys castell ys that there shall no
damesell passe thys way but she shall blede of hir bloode a sylver
dysshefull . ' (CMMALORY,62.2062)

' Well , ' seyde Balyne , ' she shall blede as much as she may blede ,
(CMMALORY,62.2063)

but I woll nat lose the lyff of hir whyle my lyff lastith . '
(CMMALORY,62.2064)

And so Balyn made hir to bleede by hir good wylle , (CMMALORY,62.2065)

but hir bloode holpe nat the lady . (CMMALORY,62.2066)

And so she and he rested there all that nyght (CMMALORY,62.2067)

and had good chere , (CMMALORY,62.2068)

and in the mornynge they passed on their wayes . (CMMALORY,62.2069)

And as hit tellith aftir in the SANKGREAL that sir Percivall his syster
holpe that lady with hir blood , whereof she was dede .
(CMMALORY,62.2070)

Than they rode three or four dayes (CMMALORY,62.2071)

and nevir mette with adventure . (CMMALORY,62.2072)

And so by fortune they were lodged with a jantilman <em> that was a
ryche man and well at ease . </em> (CMMALORY,62.2073)

And as they sate at souper Balyn herde one complayne grevously by hym
in a chambir . (CMMALORY,62.2074)

' What ys thys noyse ? ' seyde Balyn . (CMMALORY,62.2075)

' For sothe , ' seyde his oste , ' I woll telle you .
(CMMALORY,62.2076)

I was but late at a justynge (CMMALORY,62.2077)

and there I justed with a knyght that ys brothir unto kynge Pellam ,
(CMMALORY,62.2078)

and twyse I smote hym downe . (CMMALORY,62.2079)

And than he promysed to quyte me on my beste frende .
(CMMALORY,62.2080)

And so he wounded thus my son that can nat be hole tylle I have of that
knyghtes bloode . (CMMALORY,62.2081)

And he rydith all invisyble , (CMMALORY,62.2082)

but I know nat hys name . ' (CMMALORY,62.2083)

' A , ' seyde Balyne , ' I know that knyghtes name , which ys $Garlon ,
(CMMALORY,62.2084)

and he hath slayne two knyghtes of myne in the same maner .
(CMMALORY,62.2085)

Therefore I had levir mete with that knyght than all the golde in thys
realme , for the despyte he hath done me . ' (CMMALORY,62.2086)

' Well , ' seyde hys oste , ' I shall telle you how .
(CMMALORY,62.2087)

Kynge Pellam off Lystenoyse hath made do cry in all the contrey a grete
feste that shall be within thes twenty dayes , and no knyght may com
there but he brynge hys wyff with hym othir hys paramoure . And that
your enemy and myne ye shall se that day . ' (CMMALORY,62.2088)

' Than I promyse you , ' seyde Balyn , ' parte of his bloode to hele
youre sonne withall . ' (CMMALORY,62.2089)

' Than we woll be forewarde to-morne , ' seyde he . (CMMALORY,62.2090)

So on the morne they rode all three towarde kynge Pellam ,
(CMMALORY,62.2091)

and they had fyftene dayes journey or they com thydir .
(CMMALORY,62.2092)

And that same <P_63> day began the grete feste . (CMMALORY,63.2093)

And so they alyght (CMMALORY,63.2094)

and stabled their horsis (CMMALORY,63.2095)

and wente into the castell , (CMMALORY,63.2096)

but Balynes oste myght $not be lette in because he had no lady .
(CMMALORY,63.2097)

But Balyne was well receyved and brought unto a chambir
(CMMALORY,63.2098)

and unarmed hym . (CMMALORY,63.2099)

And there was brought hym robis to his plesure , (CMMALORY,63.2100)

and wolde have had Balyn leve his swerde behynde hym .
(CMMALORY,63.2101)

' Nay , ' seyde Balyne , ' that woll I nat , (CMMALORY,63.2102)

for hit ys the custom of my contrey a knyght allweyes to kepe hys wepyn
with hym . (CMMALORY,63.2103)

Other ells , ' seyde he , ' I woll departe as I $cam . '
(CMMALORY,63.2104)

Than they gaff hym leve with his swerde , (CMMALORY,63.2105)

and so he wente into the castell (CMMALORY,63.2106)

and was amonge knyghtes of worship and hys lady afore hym .
(CMMALORY,63.2107)

So aftir this Balyne asked a knyght (CMMALORY,63.2108)

and seyde , ' Ys there nat a knyght in thys courte which his name ys
$Garlon ? ' (CMMALORY,63.2109)

' Yes , sir , yondir he goth , the knyght with the blacke face ,
(CMMALORY,63.2110)

for he ys the mervaylyste knyght that ys now lyvynge .
(CMMALORY,63.2111)

And he destroyeth many good knyghtes , (CMMALORY,63.2112)

for he goth invisible . ' (CMMALORY,63.2113)

' Well , ' seyde Balyn , ' ys that he ? ' (CMMALORY,63.2114)

Than Balyn avised hym longe , (CMMALORY,63.2115)

and thought : ' If I sle hym here , I shall nat escape .
(CMMALORY,63.2116)

And if I leve hym now , peraventure I shall never mete with hym agayne
at such a stevyn , (CMMALORY,63.2117)

and muche harme he woll do and he lyve . ' (CMMALORY,63.2118)

And therewith thys $Garlon aspyed that Balyn vysaged hym ,
(CMMALORY,63.2119)

so he com (CMMALORY,63.2120)

and slapped hym on the face with the backe of hys honde
(CMMALORY,63.2121)

and seyde , ' Knyght , why beholdist thou me so ? (CMMALORY,63.2122)

For shame , ete thy mete (CMMALORY,63.2123)

and do that thou com fore . ' (CMMALORY,63.2124)

' Thou seyst soth , ' seyde Balyne , (CMMALORY,63.2125)

' thys ys nat the firste spite that thou haste done me .
(CMMALORY,63.2126)

And therefore I woll do that I com fore . ' (CMMALORY,63.2127)

And rose hym up fersely (CMMALORY,63.2128)

and clave his hede to the sholdirs . (CMMALORY,63.2129)

' Now geff me $the troncheon , ' seyde Balyn <em> to his lady </em> , '
that he slew youre knyght with . ' (CMMALORY,63.2130)

And anone she gaff hit hym , (CMMALORY,63.2131)

for allwey she bare the truncheoune with hir . (CMMALORY,63.2132)

And therewith $Balyn smote hym thorow the body (CMMALORY,63.2133)

and seyde opynly , ' With that troncheon thou slewyste a good knyght ,
(CMMALORY,63.2134)

and now hit stykith in thy body . ' (CMMALORY,63.2135)

Than Balyn called unto hys oste (CMMALORY,63.2136)

and seyde , ' Now may we fecche blood inoughe to hele youre son withall
. ' (CMMALORY,63.2137)

<P_64>

So anone all the knyghtes rose frome the table for to sette on Balyne .
(CMMALORY,64.2139)

And kynge Pellam hymself arose up fersely (CMMALORY,64.2140)

and seyde ' Knyght , why hast thou slayne my brothir ?
(CMMALORY,64.2141)

Thou shalt dey there fore or thou departe . ' (CMMALORY,64.2142)

' Well , ' seyde Balyn , ' do hit youreselff . ' (CMMALORY,64.2143)

' Yes , ' seyde kyng Pellam , ' there shall no man have ado with the
but I myselff , for the love of my brothir . ' (CMMALORY,64.2144)

Than kynge Pellam <em> caught in his hand </em> a grymme wepyn
(CMMALORY,64.2145)

and smote egirly at Balyn , (CMMALORY,64.2146)

but he put hys swerde betwyxte hys hede and the stroke ,
(CMMALORY,64.2147)

and therewith hys swerde braste in sundir . (CMMALORY,64.2148)

And when Balyne was wepynles he ran into a chambir for to seke a wepyn
$and fro chambir to chambir , (CMMALORY,64.2149)

and no wepyn coude he fynde . (CMMALORY,64.2150)

And allwayes kyng Pellam folowed afftir hym . (CMMALORY,64.2151)

And at the last he enterde into a chambir $whych was mervaylously dyght
and ryche , and abedde arayed with cloth of golde , the rychiste that
myght be , and one lyyng therein , (CMMALORY,64.2152)

and thereby stoode a table of clene golde <em> with four pyllars of
sylver that bare up the table </em> . (CMMALORY,64.2153)

And uppon the table stoode a mervaylous spere strangely wrought .
(CMMALORY,64.2154)

So when Balyn saw the spere he gate hit in hys honde (CMMALORY,64.2155)

and turned to kynge Pellam (CMMALORY,64.2156)

and felde hym (CMMALORY,64.2157)

and smote hym passyngly sore with that spere , that kynge Pellam $felle
downe in a sowghe . (CMMALORY,64.2158)

And there-with the castell brake roffe and wallis (CMMALORY,64.2159)

and felle downe to the erthe . (CMMALORY,64.2160)

And Balyn felle downe (CMMALORY,64.2161)

and myght nat styrre hande nor foote , (CMMALORY,64.2162)

and for the moste party of that castell was dede thorow the dolorouse
stroke . (CMMALORY,64.2163)

Ryght so lay kynge Pellam and Balyne three dayes . (CMMALORY,64.2164)

Than Merlion com thydir , (CMMALORY,64.2165)

and toke up Balyn (CMMALORY,64.2166)

and gate hym a good horse , for hys was dede , (CMMALORY,64.2167)

and bade hym voyde oute of that contrey . (CMMALORY,64.2168)

' Sir , I wolde have my damesell , ' seyde Balyne . (CMMALORY,64.2169)

' Loo , ' seyde Merlion , ' where she lyeth dede . ' (CMMALORY,64.2170)

And kynge Pellam lay so many yerys sore wounded , (CMMALORY,64.2171)

and myght never be hole tylle that Galaad the Hawte Prynce heled hym in
the queste of the Sankgreall . (CMMALORY,64.2172)

For in that place was parte of the bloode of oure Lorde Jesu Cryste ,
which Joseph off Aramathy brought into thys londe . (CMMALORY,64.2173)

And there hymselff $lay in that ryche bedde . (CMMALORY,64.2174)

And that was the spere whych Longeus smote oure Lorde with to the herte
. (CMMALORY,64.2175)

<P_65>

And kynge Pellam was nyghe of Joseph his kynne , (CMMALORY,65.2177)

and that was the moste worshipfullist man on lyve in tho dayes ,
(CMMALORY,65.2178)

and grete pite` hit was of hys hurte , (CMMALORY,65.2179)

for thorow that stroke hit turned to grete dole , tray and tene .
(CMMALORY,65.2180)

Than departed Balyne frome Merlyon , (CMMALORY,65.2181)

' for , ' he seyde , ' nevir in thys worlde we parte nother meete no
more . ' (CMMALORY,65.2182)

So he rode forthe thorow the fayre contreyes and citeys
(CMMALORY,65.2183)

and founde the peple dede slayne on every syde , (CMMALORY,65.2184)

and all that evir were on lyve cryed (CMMALORY,65.2185)

and seyde , ' A , Balyne ! Thou hast done and caused grete $dommage in
thys contreyes ! (CMMALORY,65.2186)

For the dolerous stroke thou gaff unto kynge Pellam thes three
contreyes ar destroyed . (CMMALORY,65.2187)

And doute nat but the vengeaunce woll falle on the at the laste ! '
(CMMALORY,65.2188)

But when Balyn was past tho contreyes he was passynge fayne ,
(CMMALORY,65.2189)

and so he rode eyght dayes or he mette with many adventure .
(CMMALORY,65.2190)

And at the last he com into a fayre foreyst in a valey ,
(CMMALORY,65.2191)

and was ware of a towure . (CMMALORY,65.2192)

And there besyde he mette with a grete horse tyed to a tree ,
(CMMALORY,65.2193)

and besyde there sate a fayre knyght on the grounde (CMMALORY,65.2194)

and made grete mournynge , (CMMALORY,65.2195)

and he was a lyckly man and a well made . (CMMALORY,65.2196)

Balyne seyde , ' God you save ! (CMMALORY,65.2197)

Why be ye so hevy ? (CMMALORY,65.2198)

Tell me , (CMMALORY,65.2199)

and I woll amende and I may to my power . ' (CMMALORY,65.2200)

' Sir knyght , ' he seyde , ' thou doste me grete gryeff ,
(CMMALORY,65.2201)

for I was in $mery thoughtes (CMMALORY,65.2202)

and thou puttist me to more payne . ' (CMMALORY,65.2203)

Than Balyn went a litill frome hym (CMMALORY,65.2204)

and loked on hys horse , (CMMALORY,65.2205)

than herde Balyne hym sey thus : (CMMALORY,65.2206)

' A , fayre lady ! Why have ye brokyn my promyse ? (CMMALORY,65.2207)

For ye promysed me to mete me here by noone . (CMMALORY,65.2208)

And I may curse you that ever ye gaff me that swerde ,
(CMMALORY,65.2209)

for with thys swerde I woll sle myselff , ' (CMMALORY,65.2210)

and pulde hit out . (CMMALORY,65.2211)

And therewith com Balyne (CMMALORY,65.2212)

and sterte unto hym (CMMALORY,65.2213)

and toke hym by the honde . (CMMALORY,65.2214)

' Lette go my hande , ' seyde the knyght , (CMMALORY,65.2215)

' or ellis I shall sle the ! ' (CMMALORY,65.2216)

' That shall nat nede , ' seyde Balyn , (CMMALORY,65.2217)

' for I shall promyse you my helpe to gete you youre lady
(CMMALORY,65.2218)

and ye woll telle me where she ys . ' (CMMALORY,65.2219)

' What ys your name ? ' seyde the knyght . (CMMALORY,65.2220)

' Sir , my name ys Balyne le Saveage . ' (CMMALORY,65.2221)

' A , sir , I know you well inowghe : (CMMALORY,65.2222)

ye ar the Knyght with the Two Swerdis , and the man of moste proues of
youre hondis lyvynge . ' (CMMALORY,65.2223)

<P_66>

' What ys your name ? ' seyde Balyne . (CMMALORY,66.2225)

' My name ys Garnysh of the Mownte , a poore mannes sonne ,
(CMMALORY,66.2226)

and be my proues and hardynes a deuke made me knyght (CMMALORY,66.2227)

and gave me londis . (CMMALORY,66.2228)

Hys name ys duke Harmel , (CMMALORY,66.2229)

and hys doughter ys <em> she that I love , and she me , as I demed . '
(CMMALORY,66.2230)

' Hou fer is she hens ? ' sayd Balyn . (CMMALORY,66.2231)

' But six myle , ' said the knyghte . (CMMALORY,66.2232)

' Now ryde we hens , ' sayde these two knyghtes . (CMMALORY,66.2233)

So they rode more than a paas tyll that they cam to a fayr castel wel
wallyd and dyched . (CMMALORY,66.2234)

' I wylle into the castel , ' sayd Balen , ' and loke yf she be ther .
' (CMMALORY,66.2235)

Soo he wente in (CMMALORY,66.2236)

and serched fro chamber to chambir (CMMALORY,66.2237)

and fond her bedde , (CMMALORY,66.2238)

but she was not there . (CMMALORY,66.2239)

Thenne Balen loked into a fayr litil gardyn , (CMMALORY,66.2240)

and under a laurel tre he sawe her lye upon a quylt of grene samyte ,
and a knyght in her armes fast halsynge eyther other , and under their
hedes grasse and herbes . (CMMALORY,66.2241)

Whan Balen sawe her lye so with the fowlest knyghte that ever he sawe ,
and she a fair lady , thenne Balyn wente thurgh alle the chambers
ageyne (CMMALORY,66.2242)

and told the knyghte how he fond her as she had slepte fast ,
(CMMALORY,66.2243)

and so brought hym in the place there she lay fast slepynge .
(CMMALORY,66.2244)

And when Garnyssh beheld hir so lyeng , for pure sorou his mouth and
nose brast oute on bledynge , (CMMALORY,66.2245)

and with his swerd he smote of bothe their hedes . (CMMALORY,66.2246)

And thenne he maade sorowe oute of mesure (CMMALORY,66.2247)

and sayd , ' O , Balyn ! Moche sorow hast thow brought unto me ,
(CMMALORY,66.2248)

for haddest thow not shewed me that syght I shold have passed my sorow
. ' (CMMALORY,66.2249)

' Forsoth , ' said Balyn , ' I did it to this entent that it sholde
better thy courage and that ye myght see and knowe her falshede , and
to cause yow to leve love of suche a lady ; (CMMALORY,66.2250)

God knoweth I dyd none other but as I wold ye dyd to me . '
(CMMALORY,66.2251)

' Allas , ' said Garnysshe , ' now is my sorou doubel that I may not
endure , (CMMALORY,66.2252)

now have I slayne that I moost loved in al my lyf ! '
(CMMALORY,66.2253)

And therwith sodenly he roofe hymself on his own swerd unto the hyltys
. (CMMALORY,66.2254)

When Balen sawe that , he dressid hym thensward , lest folke wold say
he had slayne them . (CMMALORY,66.2255)

And so he rode forth , (CMMALORY,66.2256)

and within thre dayes he cam by a crosse ; (CMMALORY,66.2257)

and theron were letters of gold wryten that said : <P_67> ' it is not
for no knyght alone to ryde toward this castel . ' (CMMALORY,67.2258)

Thenne sawe he an old hore gentylman comyng toward hym that sayd , '
Balyn le Saveage , thow passyst thy bandes to come this waye ,
(CMMALORY,67.2259)

therfor torne ageyne (CMMALORY,67.2260)

and it will availle the , ' (CMMALORY,67.2261)

and he vanysshed awey anone . (CMMALORY,67.2262)

And soo he herd an horne blowe as it had ben the dethe of a best .
(CMMALORY,67.2263)

' That blast , ' said Balyn , ' is blowen for me , (CMMALORY,67.2264)

for I am the pryse , (CMMALORY,67.2265)

and yet am I not dede . ' (CMMALORY,67.2266)

Anone withal he sawe an honderd ladyes and many knyghtes that welcommed
hym with fayr semblaunt (CMMALORY,67.2267)

and made hym passyng good chere unto his syght , (CMMALORY,67.2268)

and ledde hym into the castel , (CMMALORY,67.2269)

and ther was daunsynge and mynstralsye and alle maner of joye .
(CMMALORY,67.2270)

Thenne the chyef lady of the castel said , ' Knyghte with the Two
Suerdys , ye must have adoo and juste with a knyght hereby that kepeth
an iland , (CMMALORY,67.2271)

for ther may no man passe this way but he must juste or he passe . '
(CMMALORY,67.2272)

' That is an unhappy customme , ' said Balyn , ' that a knyght may not
passe this wey but yf he juste . ' (CMMALORY,67.2273)

' Ye shalle not have adoo but with one knyghte , ' sayd the lady .
(CMMALORY,67.2274)

' Wel , ' sayd Balyn , ' syn I shalle , therto I am redy ;
(CMMALORY,67.2275)

but traveillynge men are ofte wery and their horses to ,
(CMMALORY,67.2276)

but though my hors be wery my hert is not wery . (CMMALORY,67.2277)

I wold be fayne ther my deth shold be . ' (CMMALORY,67.2278)

' Syr , ' said a knyght to Balyn , ' $me $thynketh {TEXT:methynketh}
your sheld is not good ; (CMMALORY,67.2279)

I wille lene yow a byggar , (CMMALORY,67.2280)

therof I pray yow . ' (CMMALORY,67.2281)

And so he tooke the sheld that was unknowen (CMMALORY,67.2282)

and lefte his owne , (CMMALORY,67.2283)

and so rode unto the iland (CMMALORY,67.2284)

and put hym and his hors in a grete boote . (CMMALORY,67.2285)

And when he came on the other syde he met with a damoysel ,
(CMMALORY,67.2286)

and she said , ' O , knyght Balyn , why have ye lefte your owne sheld ?
(CMMALORY,67.2287)

Allas ! ye have put yourself in grete daunger , (CMMALORY,67.2288)

for by your sheld ye shold have ben knowen . (CMMALORY,67.2289)

It is grete pyte` of yow as ever was of knyght , (CMMALORY,67.2290)

for of thy prowesse and hardynes thou hast no felawe lyvynge . '
(CMMALORY,67.2291)

' Me repenteth , ' said Balyn , ' that ever I cam within this countrey
; (CMMALORY,67.2292)

but I maye not torne now ageyne for shame , (CMMALORY,67.2293)

and what aventure shalle falle to me , be it lyf or dethe , I wille
take the adventure that shalle come to me . ' (CMMALORY,67.2294)

And thenne he loked on his armour (CMMALORY,67.2295)

and understood he was wel armed , (CMMALORY,67.2296)

and therwith blessid hym (CMMALORY,67.2297)

and mounted upon his hors . (CMMALORY,67.2298)

<P_68>

Thenne afore hym he sawe come rydynge oute of a castel a knyght , and
his hors trapped all reed , and hymself in the same colour .
(CMMALORY,68.2300)

Whan this knyghte in the reed beheld Balyn hym thought it shold be his
broder Balen by cause of his two swerdys , (CMMALORY,68.2301)

but by cause he knewe not his sheld he demed it was not he .
(CMMALORY,68.2302)

And so they aventryd theyr speres (CMMALORY,68.2303)

and came merveillously fast togyders , (CMMALORY,68.2304)

and they smote other in the sheldes , (CMMALORY,68.2305)

but theire speres and theire cours were soo bygge that it bare doune
hors and man , that they lay bothe in a swoun . (CMMALORY,68.2306)

But Balyn was brysed sore with the falle of his hors ,
(CMMALORY,68.2307)

for he was wery of travaille . (CMMALORY,68.2308)

And Balan was the fyrst that rose on foote and drewe his swerd and
wente toward Balyn , (CMMALORY,68.2309)

and he aroos (CMMALORY,68.2310)

and wente ageynst hym ; (CMMALORY,68.2311)

but Balan smote Balyn fyrste , (CMMALORY,68.2312)

and he put up his shelde (CMMALORY,68.2313)

and smote hym thorow the shelde (CMMALORY,68.2314)

and tamyd his helme . (CMMALORY,68.2315)

thenne Balyn smote hym ageyne with that unhappy swerd
(CMMALORY,68.2316)

and wel nyghe had fellyd his broder Balan , (CMMALORY,68.2317)

and so they fought ther togyders tyl theyr brethes faylled .
(CMMALORY,68.2318)

Thenne Balyn loked up to the castel (CMMALORY,68.2319)

and sawe the towres stand ful of ladyes . (CMMALORY,68.2320)

Soo they went unto bataille ageyne (CMMALORY,68.2321)

and wounded everyche other dolefully , (CMMALORY,68.2322)

and thenne they brethed oftymes , (CMMALORY,68.2323)

and so wente unto bataille that alle the place $there $as
{TEXT:thereas} they fought was blood reed . (CMMALORY,68.2324)

And att that tyme ther was none of them bothe but they hadde eyther
smyten other seven grete woundes so that the lest of them myght have
ben the dethe of the myghtyest gyaunt in this world .
(CMMALORY,68.2325)

Thenne they wente to batail ageyn so merveillously that doubte it was
to here of that bataille for the grete blood shedynge ;
(CMMALORY,68.2326)

and their hawberkes unnailled , that naked they were on every syde .
(CMMALORY,68.2327)

$At $te {TEXT:atte} last Balan , the yonger broder , withdrewe hym a
lytel (CMMALORY,68.2328)

and leid hym doune . (CMMALORY,68.2329)

Thenne said Balyn le Saveage , ' What knyghte arte thow ?
(CMMALORY,68.2330)

For or now I found never no knyght that matched me . '
(CMMALORY,68.2331)

' My name is , ' said he , ' Balan , broder unto the good knyght Balyn
. ' (CMMALORY,68.2332)

' Allais ' sayd Balyn , ' that ever I shold see this day , '
(CMMALORY,68.2333)

and therwith he felle backward in a swoune . (CMMALORY,68.2334)

Thenne Balan yede on al four feet and handes , (CMMALORY,68.2335)

and put of the helme of his broder , (CMMALORY,68.2336)

and myght not knowe hym by the vysage , it was so ful hewen and bledde
; (CMMALORY,68.2337)

but when he awoke he sayd , <P_69> ' O , Balan , my broder ! Thow hast
slayne me and I the , wherfore alle the wyde world shalle speke of us
bothe . ' (CMMALORY,69.2338)

' Allas ! ' sayd Balan , ' that ever I sawe this day that thorow myshap
I myght not knowe yow ! (CMMALORY,69.2339)

For I aspyed wel your two swerdys , (CMMALORY,69.2340)

but bycause ye had another shild I demed ye had ben another knyght . '
(CMMALORY,69.2341)

' Allas ! ' saide Balyn , ' all that maade an unhappy knyght in the
castel , (CMMALORY,69.2342)

for he caused me to leve myn owne shelde to our bothes destruction .
(CMMALORY,69.2343)

And yf I myght lyve I wold destroye that castel for ylle customes . '
(CMMALORY,69.2344)

' That were wel done , ' said Balan , (CMMALORY,69.2345)

' for I had never grace to departe fro hem syn that I cam hyther ,
(CMMALORY,69.2346)

for here it happed me to slee a knyght that kept this iland ,
(CMMALORY,69.2347)

and syn myght I never departe , and no more shold ye , broder , and ye
myght have slayne me as ye have and escaped yourself with the lyf . '
(CMMALORY,69.2348)

Ryght so cam the lady of the toure with four knyghtes and six ladyes
and six yomen unto them , (CMMALORY,69.2349)

and there she herd how they made her mone eyther to other and sayd , '
We came bothe oute of one $wombe , that is to say one moders bely ,
(CMMALORY,69.2350)

and so shalle we lye bothe in one pytte . ' (CMMALORY,69.2351)

So Balan prayd the lady of her gentylnesse for his true servyse that
she wold burye them bothe in that same place there the bataille was
done , (CMMALORY,69.2352)

and she graunted hem with wepynge it shold be done rychely in the best
maner . (CMMALORY,69.2353)

' Now wille ye sende for a preest that we may receyve our sacrament and
receyve the blessid body of oure Lord Jesu Cryst ? ' (CMMALORY,69.2354)

' Ye , ' said the lady , ' it shalle be done ; ' (CMMALORY,69.2355)

and so she sente for a preest (CMMALORY,69.2356)

and gaf hem her ryghtes . (CMMALORY,69.2357)

' Now , ' sayd Balen , ' when we are buryed in one tombe and the
mensyon made over us how two bretheren slewe eche other , there wille
never good knyght nor good man see our tombe but they wille pray for
our soules , ' (CMMALORY,69.2358)

and so alle the ladyes and gentylwymen wepte for pyte` .
(CMMALORY,69.2359)

Thenne anone Balan dyed , (CMMALORY,69.2360)

but Balyn dyed not tyl the mydnyghte after . (CMMALORY,69.2361)

And so were they buryed bothe , (CMMALORY,69.2362)

and the lady lete make a mensyon of Balan how he was ther slayne by his
broders handes , (CMMALORY,69.2363)

but she knewe not Balyns name . (CMMALORY,69.2364)

In the morne cam Merlyn (CMMALORY,69.2365)

and lete wryte Balyns name on the tombe with letters of gold that '
here lyeth Balyn le Saveage that <P_70> was the knyght with the two
swerdes and he that smote the dolorous stroke . ' (CMMALORY,70.2366)

Also Merlyn lete make there a bedde , that ther shold never man lye
therin but he wente oute of his wytte . (CMMALORY,70.2367)

Yet Launcelot de Lake fordyd that bed thorow his noblesse .
(CMMALORY,70.2368)

And anone after Balyn was dede Merlyn toke his swerd (CMMALORY,70.2369)

and toke of the pomel (CMMALORY,70.2370)

and set on another pomel . (CMMALORY,70.2371)

So Merlyn </em> bade a knyght that stood before hym to handyll the
swerde , (CMMALORY,70.2372)

and he assayde hit (CMMALORY,70.2373)

and myght nat handyll hit . (CMMALORY,70.2374)

Than Merlion lowghe . (CMMALORY,70.2375)

' Why lawghe ye ? ' seyde the knyght . (CMMALORY,70.2376)

' Thys ys the cause , ' seyde Merlion : (CMMALORY,70.2377)

' there shall never man handyll thys swerde but the beste knyght of the
worlde , (CMMALORY,70.2378)

and that shall be sir Launcelot other ellis Galahad , hys sonne .
(CMMALORY,70.2379)

And Launcelot with hys swerde shall sle the man in the worlde that he
lovith beste : (CMMALORY,70.2380)

that shall be sir Gawayne . ' (CMMALORY,70.2381)

And all thys he lette wryte in the pomell of the swerde .
(CMMALORY,70.2382)

Than Merlion lette make a brygge of iron and of steele into that ilonde
, (CMMALORY,70.2383)

and hit was but halff a foote brode , (CMMALORY,70.2384)

' and there shall never man passe that brygge nother have hardynesse to
go over hit but yf he were a passynge good man withoute trechery or
vylany . ' (CMMALORY,70.2385)

Also the scawberd off Balyns swerde Merlion lefte hit on thys syde the
ilonde , that Galaad sholde fynde hit . (CMMALORY,70.2386)

Also Merlion lette make by hys suttelyte` that Balynes swerde was put
into a marbil stone stondynge upryght as grete as a mylstone , and
hoved allwayes above the watir , and dud many yeres .
(CMMALORY,70.2387)

And so by adventure hit swamme downe by the streme unto the cite` of
Camelot , that ys in Englysh called Wynchester , (CMMALORY,70.2388)

and that same day Galahad the Haute Prynce com with kynge Arthure ,
(CMMALORY,70.2389)

and so Galaad brought with hym the scawberde (CMMALORY,70.2390)

and encheved the swerde that was in the marble stone hovynge uppon the
watir . (CMMALORY,70.2391)

And on Whytsonday he enchevyd the swerde , as hit ys rehersed in THE
BOOKE OF THE SANKGREALL . (CMMALORY,70.2392)

Sone aftir thys was done Merlion com to kynge Arthur (CMMALORY,70.2393)

and tolde hym of the dolerous stroke that Balyn gaff kynge Pellam , and
how Balyn and Balan fought togydirs the $merveylyste batayle that evir
was herde off , and how they were buryed bothe in one tombe .
(CMMALORY,70.2394)

' Alas ! ' seyde kynge Arthure , ' thys ys the grettist pite` that ever
I herde telle off of two knyghtes , (CMMALORY,70.2395)

for in thys worlde I knewe never such two knyghtes . '
(CMMALORY,70.2396)

<P_71>

THUS ENDITH THE TALE OF BALYN AND BALAN , TWO BRETHIRNE THAT WERE BORNE
IN NORTHUMBIRLONDE , THAT WERE TWO PASSYNGE GOOD KNYGHTES AS EVER WERE
IN THO DAYES . EXPLICIT . (CMMALORY,71.2398)

<P_180>

<heading>

THE NOBLE TALE OF SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAKE (CMMALORY,180.2401)

</heading>

SONE aftir that kynge Arthure was com from Rome into Ingelonde than all
the knyghtys of the Rounde Table resorted unto the kynge
(CMMALORY,180.2403)

and made many joustys and turnementes . (CMMALORY,180.2404)

And some there were that were but knyghtes encresed in armys and
worshyp that passed all other of her felowys in prouesse and noble
dedys , (CMMALORY,180.2405)

and that was well proved on many . (CMMALORY,180.2406)

But in especiall hit was prevyd on sir Launcelot de Lake ,
(CMMALORY,180.2407)

for in all turnementes , justys , and dedys of armys , both-1 for lyff
and deth , he passed all other knyghtes , (CMMALORY,180.2408)

and at no tyme was he ovircom but yf hit were by treson other
inchauntement . (CMMALORY,180.2409)

So this sir Launcelot encresed so mervaylously in worship and honoure ;
(CMMALORY,180.2410)

therefore he is the fyrste knyght that the $Freynsh booke makyth
$mencion of aftir kynge Arthure com frome Rome . Wherefore quene
Gwenyvere had hym in grete favoure aboven all other knyghtis ,
(CMMALORY,180.2411)

and so he loved the quene agayne aboven all other ladyes dayes of his
lyff , (CMMALORY,180.2412)

and for hir he dud many dedys of armys (CMMALORY,180.2413)

and saved her from the fyre thorow his noble chevalry .
(CMMALORY,180.2414)

Thus sir Launcelot rested hym longe with play and game ;
(CMMALORY,180.2415)

and than he thought hymself to preve in straunge adventures ,
(CMMALORY,180.2416)

and bade his nevew , sir Lyonell , for to make hym redy , ' for we
muste go seke adventures ' . (CMMALORY,180.2417)

So they mounted on their horses , armed at all ryghtes
(CMMALORY,180.2418)

and rode into a depe foreste and so into a playne . (CMMALORY,180.2419)

So the wedir was hote aboute noone , (CMMALORY,180.2420)

and sir Launcelot had grete luste to slepe . (CMMALORY,180.2421)

Than sir Lyonell aspyed a grete appyll-tre that stoode by an hedge ,
(CMMALORY,180.2422)

and seyde , ' Sir , yondir is a fayre shadow , (CMMALORY,180.2423)

there may we reste us and oure horsys . ' (CMMALORY,180.2424)

' Hit is trouthe , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,180.2425)

' for this seven yere I was not so slepy as I am nowe . '
(CMMALORY,180.2426)

So there they alyted (CMMALORY,180.2427)

and tyed there horsys unto sondry treis , (CMMALORY,180.2428)

and sir Launcelot layde hym downe undir this appyll-tre , and his
helmet undir his hede . (CMMALORY,180.2429)

And sir Lyonell waked whyles he $slepte . (CMMALORY,180.2430)

So sir Launcelot slepte passyng faste . (CMMALORY,180.2431)

And in the meanewhyle com there three knyghtes rydynge , as faste
fleynge as they myght ryde , (CMMALORY,180.2432)

and there folowed hem three but one knyght . (CMMALORY,180.2433)

And when sir Lyonell hym sawe , he thought he sawe never so grete a
knyght nother so well-farynge a man and well appareyld unto all ryghtes
. (CMMALORY,180.2434)

So within a whyle this stronge knyght <P_181> had overtakyn one of the
three knyghtes , (CMMALORY,181.2435)

and there he smote hym to the colde erth , that he lay stylle ;
(CMMALORY,181.2436)

and than he rode unto the secunde knyght (CMMALORY,181.2437)

and smote hym so that man and horse felle downe . (CMMALORY,181.2438)

And so streyte unto the thirde knyght , (CMMALORY,181.2439)

and smote hym behynde his horse ars a spere-lengthe ;
(CMMALORY,181.2440)

and than he alyght downe (CMMALORY,181.2441)

and rayned his horse on the brydyll (CMMALORY,181.2442)

and bounde all three knyghtes faste with the raynes of theire owne
brydelys . (CMMALORY,181.2443)

Whan sir Lyonell had sene hym do thus , he thought to assay hym
(CMMALORY,181.2444)

and made hym redy , (CMMALORY,181.2445)

and pryvaly he toke his horse (CMMALORY,181.2446)

and thought nat for to awake sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,181.2447)

and so mounted uppon his hors (CMMALORY,181.2448)

and overtoke the strong knyght . (CMMALORY,181.2449)

He bade hym turne , (CMMALORY,181.2450)

and so he turned (CMMALORY,181.2451)

and smote sir Lyonell so harde that hors and man he bare to the erth .
(CMMALORY,181.2452)

And so he alyght downe (CMMALORY,181.2453)

and bounde hym faste (CMMALORY,181.2454)

and threw hym over-thwarte his owne horse as he had served the other
three , (CMMALORY,181.2455)

and so rode with hem tyll he com to his owne castell .
(CMMALORY,181.2456)

Than he unarmed them (CMMALORY,181.2457)

and bete them with thornys all naked , (CMMALORY,181.2458)

and aftir put them in depe preson where were many mo knyghtes that made
grete dole . (CMMALORY,181.2459)

So when sir Ector de Marys wyste that sir Launcelot was paste oute of
the course to seke adventures , he was wroth with $hymself
(CMMALORY,181.2460)

and made hym redy to seke sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,181.2461)

And as he had redyn longe in a grete foreste , he mette with a man was
lyke a foster . (CMMALORY,181.2462)

' Fayre felow , ' seyde sir Ector , ' doste thou know this contrey or
ony adventures that bene nyghe here honde ? ' (CMMALORY,181.2463)

' Sir , ' seyde the foster , ' this contrey know I well .
(CMMALORY,181.2464)

And hereby within this myle is a stronge maner and well dyked ,
(CMMALORY,181.2465)

and by that maner on the lyffte honde there is a fayre fourde for horse
to drynke off , (CMMALORY,181.2466)

and over that fourde there growys a fayre tre . (CMMALORY,181.2467)

And thereon hongyth many fayre shyldys that welded somtyme good
knyghtes , (CMMALORY,181.2468)

and at the $bole of the tre hongys a basyn of couper and latyne .
(CMMALORY,181.2469)

And stryke uppon that basyn with the butte of thy spere three tymes ,
(CMMALORY,181.2470)

and sone aftir thou shalt hyre new tydynges ; (CMMALORY,181.2471)

and ellys haste thou the fayreste $grace that ever had knyghte this
many yeres that passed thorow this foreste . ' (CMMALORY,181.2472)

' Gramercy , ' seyde sir Ector (CMMALORY,181.2473)

and departed . (CMMALORY,181.2474)

And com unto this tre (CMMALORY,181.2475)

and sawe many fayre shyldys , (CMMALORY,181.2476)

and amonge them all he sawe hys brothirs shylde , sir Lyonell , and
many mo that he knew that were of his felowys of the Rounde Table , the
whyche greved his herte , (CMMALORY,181.2477)

<P_182>

and promysed to revenge his brother . (CMMALORY,182.2479)

Than anone sir Ector bete on the basyn as he were woode ,
(CMMALORY,182.2480)

and than he gaff his horse drynke at the fourde . (CMMALORY,182.2481)

And there com a knyghte behynde hym (CMMALORY,182.2482)

and bade hym com oute of the water and make hym redy .
(CMMALORY,182.2483)

Sir Ector turned hym shortly , (CMMALORY,182.2484)

and in feawtir caste his spere (CMMALORY,182.2485)

and smote the other knyght a grete buffette , that his horse turned
twyse abowte . (CMMALORY,182.2486)

' That was well done , ' seyde the stronge knyght , (CMMALORY,182.2487)

' and knyghtly thou haste strykyn me . ' (CMMALORY,182.2488)

And therewith he russhed his horse on sir Ector (CMMALORY,182.2489)

and caught hym undir his ryght arme (CMMALORY,182.2490)

and bare hym clene oute of the sadyll , (CMMALORY,182.2491)

and so rode with hym away into his castell (CMMALORY,182.2492)

and threw hym downe in myddyll of the floure . (CMMALORY,182.2493)

<em> The name of this knyghte was sir Tarquyn </em> .
(CMMALORY,182.2494)

Than this seyde $Tarquyn seyde unto sir Ector , ' For thou hast done
this day more unto me than ony knyght dud this twelve yere , now woll I
graunte the thy lyff , so thou wolt be sworne to be my trew presoner .
' (CMMALORY,182.2495)

' Nay , ' sayde sir Ector , ' that woll I never promyse the but that I
woll do myne advauntage . ' (CMMALORY,182.2496)

' That me repentis , ' seyde sir $Tarquyn (CMMALORY,182.2497)

Than he gan unarme hym (CMMALORY,182.2498)

and bete hym with thornys all naked , (CMMALORY,182.2499)

and sytthyn put hym downe into a depe dongeon , (CMMALORY,182.2500)

and there he knewe many of his felowys . (CMMALORY,182.2501)

But when sir Ector saw sir Lyonell , than made he grete sorow .
(CMMALORY,182.2502)

' Alas , brother ! ' seyde sir Ector , ' how may this be ,
(CMMALORY,182.2503)

and where is my brothir sir Launcelot ? ' (CMMALORY,182.2504)

' Fayre brother , I leffte hym on slepe , when that I frome hym yode ,
undir an appil-tre , (CMMALORY,182.2505)

and what is becom of hym I can nat telle you . ' (CMMALORY,182.2506)

' Alas , ' seyde the presoneres , ' but yf sir Launcelot helpe us we
shall never be delyverde , (CMMALORY,182.2507)

for we know now no knyght that is able to macch with oure maystir
Tarquyne . ' (CMMALORY,182.2508)

Now leve we thes knyghtes presoners , (CMMALORY,182.2509)

and speke we of sir Launcelot de Lake that lyeth undir the appil-tre
slepynge . (CMMALORY,182.2510)

Aboute the none so there com by hym four queenys of a grete astate ;
(CMMALORY,182.2511)

and for the hete sholde nat nyghe hem , (CMMALORY,182.2512)

there rode four knyghtes aboute hem (CMMALORY,182.2513)

and bare a cloth of grene sylke on four sperys betwyxte hem and the
sonne . (CMMALORY,182.2514)

And the quenys rode on four whyghte mulys . (CMMALORY,182.2515)

<P_183>

Thus as they rode they herde a grete horse besyde them grymly nyghe .
(CMMALORY,183.2517)

Than they loked (CMMALORY,183.2518)

and were ware of a slepynge knyght lay all armed undir an appil-tre .
(CMMALORY,183.2519)

And anone as they loked on his face they knew wel hit was sir Launcelot
, (CMMALORY,183.2520)

and began to stryve for that knyght , (CMMALORY,183.2521)

and every of hem seyde they wolde have hym to hir love .
(CMMALORY,183.2522)

' We shall nat stryve , ' seyde Morgan le Fay , that was kyng Arthurs
sister . (CMMALORY,183.2523)

' I shall put an inchauntement uppon hym that he shall nat awake of all
this seven owres , (CMMALORY,183.2524)

and than I woll lede hym away unto my castell . (CMMALORY,183.2525)

And when he is surely within my horde , I shall take the inchauntement
frome hym , and than lette hym chose whych of us he woll have unto
peramour . ' (CMMALORY,183.2526)

So this enchauntemente was caste uppon sir Launcelot ,
(CMMALORY,183.2527)

and than they leyde hym uppon his shylde (CMMALORY,183.2528)

and bare hym so on horsebak betwyxte two knyghtes , (CMMALORY,183.2529)

and brought hym unto the Castell Charyot ; (CMMALORY,183.2530)

and there they leyde hym in a chambir colde , (CMMALORY,183.2531)

and at nyght they sente unto hym a fayre dameselle with his souper redy
idyght . (CMMALORY,183.2532)

Be that the enchauntement was paste . (CMMALORY,183.2533)

And when she com she salewed hym (CMMALORY,183.2534)

and asked hym what chere . (CMMALORY,183.2535)

' I can not sey , fayre damesel , ' seyde sir Launcelot ,
(CMMALORY,183.2536)

' for I wote not how I com into this castell but hit be by
inchauntemente . ' (CMMALORY,183.2537)

' Sir , ' seyde she , ' ye muste make good chere ; (CMMALORY,183.2538)

and yf ye be suche a knyght as is seyde ye be , I shall telle you more
to-morn be pryme of the day . ' (CMMALORY,183.2539)

' Gramercy , fayre damesel , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' of your good
wylle . ' (CMMALORY,183.2540)

And so she departed , (CMMALORY,183.2541)

and there he laye all that nyght withoute ony comforte .
(CMMALORY,183.2542)

And on the morne erly com thes four quenys passyngly well besene , and
all they byddynge hym good morne , and he them agayne .
(CMMALORY,183.2543)

' Sir knyght , ' the four quenys seyde , ' thou muste undirstonde thou
art oure presonere , (CMMALORY,183.2544)

and we know the well that thou art sir Launcelot du Lake , kynge Banis
sonne . (CMMALORY,183.2545)

And because that we undirstonde youre worthynesse , that thou art the
noblest knyght lyvyng , (CMMALORY,183.2546)

and also we know well there can no lady have thy love but one ,
(CMMALORY,183.2547)

and that is quene Gwenyvere , (CMMALORY,183.2548)

and now thou shalt hir love lose for ever , and she thyne .
(CMMALORY,183.2549)

For hit behovyth the now to chose one of us four , (CMMALORY,183.2550)

for I am quene Morgan le Fay , quene of the londe of Gore ,
(CMMALORY,183.2551)

and here is the quene of <P_184> North Galys , and the quene of
Estlonde , and the quene of the Oute Iles . (CMMALORY,184.2552)

Now chose one of us , whyche that thou wolte have to thy peramour ,
other ellys to dye in this preson . ' (CMMALORY,184.2553)

' This is an harde ease , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' that other I muste
dye other to chose one of you . (CMMALORY,184.2554)

Yet had I lever dye in this preson with worshyp than to have one of you
to my peramoure , magre` myne hede . (CMMALORY,184.2555)

And therefore ye be answeryd : (CMMALORY,184.2556)

I woll none of you , (CMMALORY,184.2557)

for ye be false $enchauntresses . (CMMALORY,184.2558)

And as for my lady , dame Gwenyvere , were I at my lyberte` as I was ,
I wolde prove hit on youres that she is the treweste lady unto hir
lorde lyvynge . ' (CMMALORY,184.2559)

' Well , ' seyde the quenys , ' ys this your answere , that ye woll
refuse us ? ' (CMMALORY,184.2560)

' Ye , on my lyff , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' refused ye bene of me . '
(CMMALORY,184.2561)

So they departed and leffte hym there alone that made grete sorow .
(CMMALORY,184.2562)

So aftir that noone com the damesel unto hym with his dyner
(CMMALORY,184.2563)

and asked hym what chere . (CMMALORY,184.2564)

' Truly , damesel , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' never so ylle . '
(CMMALORY,184.2565)

' Sir , ' she seyde , ' that me repentis , (CMMALORY,184.2566)

but and ye woll be ruled by me I shall helpe you oute of this dystresse
, (CMMALORY,184.2567)

and ye shall have no shame nor velony , so that ye $wold $hold my
promyse . ' (CMMALORY,184.2568)

' Fayre damesel , I graunte you ; (CMMALORY,184.2569)

but sore I am of thes quenys crauftis aferde , (CMMALORY,184.2570)

for they have destroyed many a good knyght . ' (CMMALORY,184.2571)

' Sir , ' seyde she , ' that is soth , (CMMALORY,184.2572)

and for the renowne and bounte` that they here of you they woll have
your love . (CMMALORY,184.2573)

And , sir , they sey youre name is sir Launcelot du Lake , the floure
of knyghtes , (CMMALORY,184.2574)

and they be passyng wroth with you that ye have refused hem .
(CMMALORY,184.2575)

But , sir , and ye wolde promyse me to helpe my fadir on Tewysday nexte
commynge , that hath made a turnemente betwyxt hym and the kynge of
North Galys - for the laste Tewysday past my fadir loste the felde
thorow three knyghtes of Arthurs courte - and yf ye woll be there on
Tewysday next commynge and helpe my fadir ; and to-morne be pryme by
the grace of God I shall delyver you clene . ' (CMMALORY,184.2576)

' Now , fayre damesell , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' telle me your fadyrs
name , (CMMALORY,184.2577)

and than shall I gyff you an answere . ' (CMMALORY,184.2578)

' Sir knyght , ' she seyde , ' my fadyrs name is kynge Bagdemagus ,
that was foule rebuked at the laste turnemente . ' (CMMALORY,184.2579)

<P_185>

' I knowe your fadir well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' for a noble kyng
and a good knyght , (CMMALORY,185.2581)

and by the fayth of my body , your fadir shall have my servyse , and
you bothe at that $day . ' (CMMALORY,185.2582)

' Sir , ' she seyde , ' gramercy , (CMMALORY,185.2583)

and to-morne loke ye be redy betymys , (CMMALORY,185.2584)

and I shall delyver you and take you your armoure , your horse , shelde
and spere . (CMMALORY,185.2585)

And hereby wythin this ten myle is an abbey of whyght monkys ,
(CMMALORY,185.2586)

and there I pray you to abyde me , (CMMALORY,185.2587)

and thydir shall I brynge my fadir unto you . ' (CMMALORY,185.2588)

' And all this shall be done , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' as I am trew
knyght . ' (CMMALORY,185.2589)

And so she departed (CMMALORY,185.2590)

and come on the morne erly (CMMALORY,185.2591)

and founde hym redy . (CMMALORY,185.2592)

Than she brought hym oute of twelve lockys , (CMMALORY,185.2593)

and toke hym his armour and his owne horse ; (CMMALORY,185.2594)

and lyghtly he sadyld hym (CMMALORY,185.2595)

and toke his spere in his honde , (CMMALORY,185.2596)

and so rode forth , (CMMALORY,185.2597)

and sayde , ' Damesell , I shall not fayle , by the grace of God . '
(CMMALORY,185.2598)

And so he rode into a grete foreste all that day , (CMMALORY,185.2599)

and never coude fynde no hygheway . (CMMALORY,185.2600)

And so the nyght fell on hym , (CMMALORY,185.2601)

and than was he ware in a slade of a pavylyon of rede sendele .
(CMMALORY,185.2602)

' Be my feyth , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' in that pavylyon woll I lodge
all this nyght . ' (CMMALORY,185.2603)

And so he there alyght downe , (CMMALORY,185.2604)

and tyed his horse to the pavylyon , (CMMALORY,185.2605)

and there he unarmed hym . (CMMALORY,185.2606)

And there he founde a bed , (CMMALORY,185.2607)

and layde hym therein , (CMMALORY,185.2608)

and felle on slepe sadly . (CMMALORY,185.2609)

Than within an owre there com that knyght that ought the pavylyon .
(CMMALORY,185.2610)

He wente that his lemman had layne in that bed , (CMMALORY,185.2611)

and so he leyde hym adowne by sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,185.2612)

and toke hym in his armys (CMMALORY,185.2613)

and began to kysse hym . (CMMALORY,185.2614)

And when sir Launcelot felte a rough berde kyssyng hym he sterte oute
of the bedde lyghtly , and the othir knyght after hym .
(CMMALORY,185.2615)

And eythir of hem gate their swerdys in their hondis ,
(CMMALORY,185.2616)

and oute at the pavylyon dore wente the knyght of the pavylyon ,
(CMMALORY,185.2617)

and sir Launcelot folowed hym . (CMMALORY,185.2618)

And there by a lytyll slad sir Launcelot wounded hym sore nyghe unto
the deth . (CMMALORY,185.2619)

And than he yelded hym to sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,185.2620)

and so he graunted hym , so that he wolde telle hym why he com into the
bed . (CMMALORY,185.2621)

' Sir , ' sayde the knyghte , ' the pavylyon is myne owne .
(CMMALORY,185.2622)

And as this nyght I had assigned my lady to have slepte with hir ,
(CMMALORY,185.2623)

and now I am lykly to dye of this wounde . ' (CMMALORY,185.2624)

' That me repentyth , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' of youre hurte ,
(CMMALORY,185.2625)

but I <P_186> was adrad of treson , (CMMALORY,186.2626)

for I was late begyled . (CMMALORY,186.2627)

And therefore com on your way into youre pavylyon , (CMMALORY,186.2628)

and take youre reste , (CMMALORY,186.2629)

and as I suppose I shall staunche your bloode . ' (CMMALORY,186.2630)

And so they wente bothe into the pavylyon , (CMMALORY,186.2631)

and anone sir Launce-lot staunched his bloode . (CMMALORY,186.2632)

Therewithall com the knyghtes lady that was a passynge fayre lady .
(CMMALORY,186.2633)

And when $she aspyed that her lorde Belleus was sore wounded she cryed
oute on sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,186.2634)

and made grete dole oute of mesure . (CMMALORY,186.2635)

' Pease , my lady and my love , ' seyde sir Belleus ,
(CMMALORY,186.2636)

' for this knyght is a good man and a knyght of aventures . '
(CMMALORY,186.2637)

And there he tolde hir all the case how he was wounded .
(CMMALORY,186.2638)

' And when that I yelded me unto hym he laffte me goodly ,
(CMMALORY,186.2639)

and hath staunched my bloode . ' (CMMALORY,186.2640)

' Sir , ' seyde the lady , ' I require the , telle me what knyght thou
art , and what is youre name . ' (CMMALORY,186.2641)

' Fayre lady , ' he sayde , ' my name is sir Launcelot du Lake . '
(CMMALORY,186.2642)

' So me thought ever be youre speche , ' seyde the lady ,
(CMMALORY,186.2643)

' for I have sene you oftyn or this , (CMMALORY,186.2644)

and I know you bettir than {that_I_know_you} ye wene .
(CMMALORY,186.2645)

But now wolde ye promyse me of youre curtesye , for the harmys that ye
have done to me and to my lorde , sir Belleus , that when ye com unto
kyng Arthurs court for to cause hym to be made knyght of the Rounde
Table ? (CMMALORY,186.2646)

For he is a passyng good man of armys and a myghty lorde of londys of
many oute iles . ' (CMMALORY,186.2647)

' Fayre lady , ' sayde sir Launcelot , ' latte hym com unto the courte
the next hyghe feste , (CMMALORY,186.2648)

and loke ye com with hym , (CMMALORY,186.2649)

and I shall do my power ; (CMMALORY,186.2650)

and he preve hym doughty of his hondis he shall have his desyre . '
(CMMALORY,186.2651)

So within a whyle the nyght passed (CMMALORY,186.2652)

and the day shone . (CMMALORY,186.2653)

Than sir Launcelot armed hym (CMMALORY,186.2654)

and toke his horse , (CMMALORY,186.2655)

and so he was taughte to the abbey , (CMMALORY,186.2656)

<em> and thydir he rode within the pace of two owrys </em> .
(CMMALORY,186.2657)

And as sone as he come thydir the doughter of kyng Bagdemagus herde a
grete horse trotte on the $pavymente , (CMMALORY,186.2658)

and she than arose (CMMALORY,186.2659)

and yode to $a wyndowe , (CMMALORY,186.2660)

and there she sawe sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,186.2661)

And anone she made men faste to take his horse frome hym ,
(CMMALORY,186.2662)

and lette lede hym into a stable ; (CMMALORY,186.2663)

and hymself <em> was ledde </em> unto a chambir (CMMALORY,186.2664)

and unarmed hym . (CMMALORY,186.2665)

And this lady sente hym a longe gowne , (CMMALORY,186.2666)

and <P_187> com hirself (CMMALORY,187.2667)

and made hym good chere ; (CMMALORY,187.2668)

and she seyde he was the knyght in the worlde that was moste welcom
unto hir . (CMMALORY,187.2669)

Than in all haste she sente for hir fadir Bagdemagus that was within
twelve myle of that abbey , (CMMALORY,187.2670)

and afore evyn he come with a fayre felyshyp of knyghtes with hym .
(CMMALORY,187.2671)

And when the kynge was alyght of his horse he yode streyte unto sir
Launcelotte his chambir , (CMMALORY,187.2672)

and there he founde his doughtir . (CMMALORY,187.2673)

And than the kynge toke hym in his armys (CMMALORY,187.2674)

and eythir made other good chere . (CMMALORY,187.2675)

Than sir Launcelot made his complaynte unto the kynge , how he was
betrayed ; and how he was brother unto sir Lyonell , whyche was
departed frome hym he wyste not where , and how his doughter had
delyverde hym oute of preson . (CMMALORY,187.2676)

' Therefore , whyle that I lyve , I shall do hir servyse and all hir
kynrede . ' (CMMALORY,187.2677)

' Than am I sure of your helpe , ' seyde the kyng , ' on Tewysday next
commyng ? ' (CMMALORY,187.2678)

' Yee , sir , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' I shall nat fayle you ,
(CMMALORY,187.2679)

for so have I promysed my lady youre doughter . (CMMALORY,187.2680)

But , sir , what knyghtes be tho of my lorde kyng Arthurs that were
with the kyng of North Galys ? ' (CMMALORY,187.2681)

' Sir hit was sir Madore de la Porte and sir Mordred and sir
Gahalantyne that all forfared my knyghtes , (CMMALORY,187.2682)

for agaynste hem three I nother none of myne myght bere no strenghthe .
' (CMMALORY,187.2683)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' as I here sey that turnement shall be
here within this three myle of this abbey . (CMMALORY,187.2684)

But , sir , ye shall sende unto me three knyghtes of youres suche as ye
truste , (CMMALORY,187.2685)

and loke that the three knyghtes have all whyght sheldis and no picture
on their shyldis (CMMALORY,187.2686)

and ye shall sende me another of the same sewte ; (CMMALORY,187.2687)

and we four wyll oute of a lytyll wood in myddys of bothe partyes com ,
(CMMALORY,187.2688)

and we shall falle on the frunte of oure enemyes and greve hem that we
may . (CMMALORY,187.2689)

And thus shall I not be knowyn what maner a knyght I am . '
(CMMALORY,187.2690)

So they toke their reste that nyght . (CMMALORY,187.2691)

And this was on the Sonday , (CMMALORY,187.2692)

and so the kynge departed (CMMALORY,187.2693)

and sente unto sir Launcelot three knyghtes with four whyght shyldys .
(CMMALORY,187.2694)

And on the Tewysday they lodged hem in a lytyll leved wood besyde
$there $as {TEXT:thereas} the turnemente sholde be .
(CMMALORY,187.2695)

And there were scaffoldys and $holes , that lordys and ladyes myght
beholde and gyff the pryse . (CMMALORY,187.2696)

Than com into the fylde the kynge of North Galys with nyne score helmys
, (CMMALORY,187.2697)

and than the three knyghtis of kyng Arthurs stood by <P_188> themself .
(CMMALORY,188.2698)

Than com into the felde kynge Bagdemagus with four score helmys ;
(CMMALORY,188.2699)

and than they feautred their sperys (CMMALORY,188.2700)

and come togydyrs with a grete daysshe . (CMMALORY,188.2701)

And there was slayne of knyghtes at the fyrste recountir twelve
knyghtes of kynge Bagdemagus parte` , and syx of the kynge of North
Galys syde and party ; (CMMALORY,188.2702)

and kynge Bagdemagus his party were ferre sette asyde and abak .
(CMMALORY,188.2703)

Wyth that com in sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,188.2704)

and he threste in with his spere in the thyckyst of the pres ;
(CMMALORY,188.2705)

and there he smote downe with one spere fyve knyghtes ,
(CMMALORY,188.2706)

and of four of them he brake their backys . (CMMALORY,188.2707)

And in that thrange he smote downe the kynge of North Galys ,
(CMMALORY,188.2708)

and brake his thygh in that falle . (CMMALORY,188.2709)

All this doynge of sir Launcelot saw the three knyghtes of Arthurs ,
(CMMALORY,188.2710)

and seyde , ' Yondir is a shrewde geste , ' <em> seyde sir Mador de la
Porte , </em> (CMMALORY,188.2711)

' therefore have here ons at hym . ' (CMMALORY,188.2712)

So they encountred , (CMMALORY,188.2713)

and sir Launcelot bare hym downe horse and man so that his sholdir
wente oute of joynte . (CMMALORY,188.2714)

' Now hit befallyth me , ' seyde sir Mordred , ' to stirre me ,
(CMMALORY,188.2715)

for sir Mador hath a sore falle . ' (CMMALORY,188.2716)

And than sir Launcelot was ware of hym . (CMMALORY,188.2717)

and gate a spere in his honde (CMMALORY,188.2718)

and mette with hym . (CMMALORY,188.2719)

And sir Mordred brake his spere uppon hym ; (CMMALORY,188.2720)

and sir Launcelot gaff hym suche a buffette that the arson of the
sadill brake , (CMMALORY,188.2721)

and so he drove over the horse tayle , that his helme smote into the
erthe a foote and more , that nyghe his nek was broke ,
(CMMALORY,188.2722)

and there he lay longe in a swowe . (CMMALORY,188.2723)

Than com in sir Gahalantyne with a grete spere , and sir Launcelot
agaynste hym in all that they myght dryve , that bothe hir sperys
to-brastevyn to their hondys ; (CMMALORY,188.2724)

and than they flange oute with her swerdes (CMMALORY,188.2725)

and gaff many sore strokys . (CMMALORY,188.2726)

Than was sir Launcelot wroth oute of mesure , (CMMALORY,188.2727)

and than he smote sir Gahalantyne on the helme , that his nose , erys
and mowthe braste oute on bloode ; (CMMALORY,188.2728)

and therewith his hede hynge low , (CMMALORY,188.2729)

and with that his horse ran away with hym , (CMMALORY,188.2730)

and he felle downe to the erthe . (CMMALORY,188.2731)

Anone therewithall sir Launcelot gate a speare in his honde ,
(CMMALORY,188.2732)

and or ever that speare brake he bare downe to the erthe syxtene
knyghtes , som horse and man and som the man and nat the horse ;
(CMMALORY,188.2733)

and there was none that he hitte surely but that he bare none armys
that day . (CMMALORY,188.2734)

And than he gate a spere (CMMALORY,188.2735)

and smote downe twelve knyghtes , (CMMALORY,188.2736)

and the moste party of hem never throoff aftir . (CMMALORY,188.2737)

And than the <P_189> knyghtes of the kyng of North Galys party wolde
jouste no more , (CMMALORY,189.2738)

and there the gre was gevyn to kyng Bagdemagus . (CMMALORY,189.2739)

So eythir party departed unto his owne , (CMMALORY,189.2740)

and sir Launcelot rode forth with kynge Bagdemagus unto his castel .
(CMMALORY,189.2741)

And there he had passynge good chere bothe with the kyng and with his
doughter , (CMMALORY,189.2742)

and they profyrde hym grete yefftes . (CMMALORY,189.2743)

And on the morne he toke his leve (CMMALORY,189.2744)

and tolde the kynge that he wolde seke his brothir sir Lyonell that
wente frome hym whan he slepte . (CMMALORY,189.2745)

So he toke his horse (CMMALORY,189.2746)

and betaughte hem all to God , (CMMALORY,189.2747)

and there he seyde unto the kynges doughter . (CMMALORY,189.2748)

' Yf that ye have nede ony tyme of my servyse , I pray you let me have
knowlecche , (CMMALORY,189.2749)

and I shall nat fayle you , as I am trewe knyght . '
(CMMALORY,189.2750)

And so sir Launcelot departed , (CMMALORY,189.2751)

and by adventure he com into the same foreste there he was takynge his
slepe before ; (CMMALORY,189.2752)

and in the myddys of an hygheway he mette a damesel rydynge on a whyght
palfray , (CMMALORY,189.2753)

and there eythir salewed other . (CMMALORY,189.2754)

' Fayre damesel , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' know $ye in this contrey
ony adventures nere hande ? ' (CMMALORY,189.2755)

' Sir knyght , ' seyde the damesel , ' here ar adventures nyghe , and
thou durste preve hem . ' (CMMALORY,189.2756)

' Why sholde I not preve ? ' seyde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,189.2757)

' For for that cause com I hydir . ' (CMMALORY,189.2758)

' Welle , ' seyde she , ' thou semyst well to be a good knyght ,
(CMMALORY,189.2759)

and yf thou dare mete with a good knyght I shall brynge the where is
the beste knyght and the myghtyeste that ever thou founde , so thou
wolte telle me thy name and what knyght thou art . '
(CMMALORY,189.2760)

' Damesell , as for to telle you my name , I take no grete force .
(CMMALORY,189.2761)

Truly , my name is sir Launcelot du Lake . ' (CMMALORY,189.2762)

' Sir , thou besemys well ; (CMMALORY,189.2763)

here is adventures fast by that fallyth for the . (CMMALORY,189.2764)

For hereby dwellyth a knyght that woll nat be overmacched for no man I
know but ye do overmacche hym . (CMMALORY,189.2765)

And his name is sir Tarquyn . (CMMALORY,189.2766)

And , as I undirstonde , he hath in his preson of Arthurs courte three
score and four that he hath wonne with his owne hondys .
(CMMALORY,189.2767)

But when ye have done that journey , ye shall promyse me , as ye ar a
trew knyght , for to go and helpe me and other damesels that ar
dystressed dayly with a false knyght . ' (CMMALORY,189.2768)

<P_190>

' All youre entente , damesell , and desyre I woll fulfylle , so ye
woll brynge me unto this knyght . ' (CMMALORY,190.2770)

' Now , fayre knyght , com on youre way . ' (CMMALORY,190.2771)

And so she brought hym unto the fourde and the tre where hynge the
basyn . (CMMALORY,190.2772)

So sir Launcelot lette his horse drynke , (CMMALORY,190.2773)

and sytthen he bete on the basyn with the butte of his spere tylle the
bottum felle oute . (CMMALORY,190.2774)

And longe dud he so , (CMMALORY,190.2775)

but he sye no man . (CMMALORY,190.2776)

Than he rode end-longe the gatys of that maner nyghe halfe an howre .
(CMMALORY,190.2777)

And than was he ware of a grete knyght that droffe an horse afore hym ,
(CMMALORY,190.2778)

and overthwarte the horse lay an armed knyght bounden .
(CMMALORY,190.2779)

And ever as they com nere and nere sir Launcelot thought he sholde know
hym . (CMMALORY,190.2780)

Than was he ware that hit was sir Gaherys , Gawaynes brothir , a knyght
of the Table Rounde . (CMMALORY,190.2781)

' Now , fayre damesell , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' I se yondir a knyght
faste ibounden that is a felow of myne , (CMMALORY,190.2782)

and brother he is unto sir Gawayne . (CMMALORY,190.2783)

And at the fyrste begynnynge I promyse you , by the leve of God , for
to rescowe that knyght . (CMMALORY,190.2784)

But yf his maystir sytte the bettir in his sadyl , I shall delyver all
the presoners that he hath oute of daungere , (CMMALORY,190.2785)

for I am sure he hath two bretherne of myne presoners with hym . '
(CMMALORY,190.2786)

But by that tyme that eythir had sene other they gryped theyre sperys
unto them . (CMMALORY,190.2787)

' Now , fayre knyght , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' put that wounded
knyghte of that horse (CMMALORY,190.2788)

and lette hym reste a whyle , (CMMALORY,190.2789)

and lette us too preve oure strengthis . (CMMALORY,190.2790)

For , as hit is enfourmed me , thou doyste and haste done me grete
despyte , and shame unto knyghtes of the Rounde Table .
(CMMALORY,190.2791)

And therefore now defende the ! ' (CMMALORY,190.2792)

' And thou be of $the Rounde Table , ' seyde Terquyn , ' I $defy the
and all thy felyshyp ! ' (CMMALORY,190.2793)

' That is overmuche seyde , ' sir Launcelot seyde , ' of the at thys
tyme . ' (CMMALORY,190.2794)

And than they put there sperys in their restys (CMMALORY,190.2795)

and come togedyrs with hir horsis as faste as they myght ren ;
(CMMALORY,190.2796)

and aythir smote other in myddys of their shyldis , that both their
horsys backys braste undir them , and the knyghtes were bothe astoned .
(CMMALORY,190.2797)

And as sone as they myght they avoyded their horsys (CMMALORY,190.2798)

and toke their shyldys before them (CMMALORY,190.2799)

and drew oute their swerdys (CMMALORY,190.2800)

and com togydir egirly ; (CMMALORY,190.2801)

and eyther gaff <P_191> other many stronge strokys ,
(CMMALORY,191.2802)

for there myght nothir shyldis nother harneyse holde their strokes .
(CMMALORY,191.2803)

And so within a whyle they had bothe many grymme woundys
(CMMALORY,191.2804)

and bledde passyng grevously . (CMMALORY,191.2805)

Thus they fared two owres and more trasyng and rasyng eyther othir
where they myght hitte ony bare place . (CMMALORY,191.2806)

Than at the laste they were brethles bothe , (CMMALORY,191.2807)

and stode lenyng on her swerdys . (CMMALORY,191.2808)

' Now , felow , ' seyde sir Terquyne , ' holde thy honde a whyle ,
(CMMALORY,191.2809)

and telle me that I shall aske of the . ' (CMMALORY,191.2810)

' Sey on , ' seyde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,191.2811)

Than sir Terquyn seyde , ' Thou art the byggyst man that ever I mette
withall , and the beste-brethed , and as lyke one knyght that I hate
abovyn all other knyghtes . (CMMALORY,191.2812)

So be hit that thou be not he , I woll lyghtly acorde with the ,
(CMMALORY,191.2813)

and for thy love I woll delyver all the presoners that I have , that is
three score and four , so thou wolde telle me thy name .
(CMMALORY,191.2814)

And thou and I woll be felowys togedyrs and never to fayle the whyle
that I lyve . ' (CMMALORY,191.2815)

' Ye sey well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,191.2816)

' but sytthyn hit is so that I have thy frendeshyppe and may have ,
what knyght is that that thou hatyste abovyn all thynge ? '
(CMMALORY,191.2817)

' Feythfully , ' seyde sir Terquyn , ' his name is sir Launcelot de
Lake , (CMMALORY,191.2818)

for he slowe my brothir sir Carados at the Dolerous Towre , that was
one of the beste knyghtes on lyve ; (CMMALORY,191.2819)

and therefore hym I excepte of alle knyghtes , (CMMALORY,191.2820)

for may I hym onys mete , the tone shall make an ende , I make myne
avow . (CMMALORY,191.2821)

And for sir Launcelottis sake I have slayne an hondred good knyghtes ,
(CMMALORY,191.2822)

and as many I have maymed all uttirly , that they myght never aftir
helpe themself , (CMMALORY,191.2823)

and many have dyed in preson . (CMMALORY,191.2824)

And yette have I three score and four , (CMMALORY,191.2825)

and all $shal be delyverde , so thou wolte telle me thy name , so be
hit that thou be nat sir Launcelot . ' (CMMALORY,191.2826)

' Now se I well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' that suche a man I myght be
, I myght have pease ; (CMMALORY,191.2827)

and suche a man I <em> myghte be </em> that there sholde be mortall
warre betwyxte us . (CMMALORY,191.2828)

And now , sir knyght , at thy requeste I woll that thou wete and know
that I am sir Launcelot du Lake , kynge Bannys son of Benwyke , and
verry knyght of the Table Rounde . (CMMALORY,191.2829)

And now I defyghe the , (CMMALORY,191.2830)

and do thy beste ! ' (CMMALORY,191.2831)

' A ! ' seyde sir Tarquyne , ' thou arte to me moste welcom of <P_192>
ony knyght , (CMMALORY,192.2832)

for we shall never departe tylle the tone of us be dede . '
(CMMALORY,192.2833)

Than they hurteled togedyrs as two wylde bullys , russhynge and
laysshyng with hir shyldis and swerdys , that somtyme they felle bothe
on their nosys . (CMMALORY,192.2834)

Thus they foughte stylle two owres and more (CMMALORY,192.2835)

and never wolde have reste , (CMMALORY,192.2836)

and sir Tarquyne gaff sir Launcelot many woundys , that all the grounde
$there $as {TEXT:thereas} they faughte was all besparcled with bloode .
(CMMALORY,192.2837)

Than at the laste sir Terquyne wexed faynte (CMMALORY,192.2838)

and gaff somwhat abakke , (CMMALORY,192.2839)

and bare his shylde low for wery . (CMMALORY,192.2840)

That aspyed sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,192.2841)

and lepte uppon hym fersly (CMMALORY,192.2842)

and gate hym by the bavoure of hys helmette (CMMALORY,192.2843)

and plucked hym downe on his kneis , (CMMALORY,192.2844)

and anone he raced of his helme (CMMALORY,192.2845)

and smote his necke in sundir . (CMMALORY,192.2846)

And when sir Launcelot had done this he yode unto the damesell
(CMMALORY,192.2847)

and seyde , ' Damesell , I am redy to go with you where ye woll have me
, (CMMALORY,192.2848)

but I have no horse . ' (CMMALORY,192.2849)

' Fayre sir , ' seyde this wounded knyght , ' take my horse ,
(CMMALORY,192.2850)

and than lette me go into this maner and delyver all thes presoners . '
(CMMALORY,192.2851)

So he toke sir Gaheris horse (CMMALORY,192.2852)

and prayde hym nat to be greved . (CMMALORY,192.2853)

' Nay , fayre lorde , I woll that ye have hym at your commaunde-mente ,
(CMMALORY,192.2854)

for ye have bothe saved me and my horse . (CMMALORY,192.2855)

And this day I sey ye ar the beste knyght in the worlde ,
(CMMALORY,192.2856)

for ye have slayne this day in my syght the myghtyeste man and the
beste knyght excepte you that ever I sawe . (CMMALORY,192.2857)

But , fayre sir , ' seyde sir Gaherys , ' I pray you telle me your name
. ' (CMMALORY,192.2858)

' Sir , my name is sir Launcelot du Lake that ought to helpe you of
ryght for kynge Arthurs sake , and in especiall for my lorde sir
Gawayne his sake , youre owne brother . (CMMALORY,192.2859)

And when that ye com within yondir maner , I am sure ye shall fynde
there many knyghtes of the Rounde Table ; (CMMALORY,192.2860)

for I have sene many of their shyldys that I know hongys on yondir tre
. (CMMALORY,192.2861)

There is sir Kayes shylde , <em> and sir Brandeles shylde </em> , and
sir Galyhuddys shylde , and sir Bryan de Lystenoyse his shylde , and
sir Alydukis shylde , with many mo that I am nat now avysed of , and
sir Marhaus , and also my too brethirne shyldis , sir Ector de Marys
and sir Lyonell . Wherefore I pray you grete them all frome me and sey
that I bydde them to take suche stuff there as they fynde , that in ony
wyse my too brethirne go unto <P_193> the courte and abyde me there
tylle that I com , (CMMALORY,193.2862)

for by the feste of Pentecoste I caste me to be there ; for as at thys
tyme I muste ryde with this damesel for to save my promyse . '
(CMMALORY,193.2863)

And so they departed frome Gaherys ; (CMMALORY,193.2864)

and Gaherys yode into the maner , (CMMALORY,193.2865)

and there he founde a yoman porter kepyng many keyes .
(CMMALORY,193.2866)

Than sir Gaherys threw the porter unto the grounde (CMMALORY,193.2867)

and toke the keyes frome hym ; (CMMALORY,193.2868)

and hastely he opynde the preson dore , (CMMALORY,193.2869)

and there he lette all the presoners oute , (CMMALORY,193.2870)

and every man lowsed other of their bondys . (CMMALORY,193.2871)

And when they sawe sir Gaherys , all they thanked hym ,
(CMMALORY,193.2872)

for they wente that he had slayne sir Terquyne because that he was
wounded . (CMMALORY,193.2873)

' Not so , syrs , ' seyde sir Gaherys , (CMMALORY,193.2874)

' hit was sir Launcelot that slew hym worshypfully with his owne hondys
, (CMMALORY,193.2875)

and he gretys you all well (CMMALORY,193.2876)

and prayeth you to haste you to the courte . (CMMALORY,193.2877)

And as unto you , sir Lyonell and sir Ector de Marys , he prayeth you
to abyde hym at the courte of kynge Arthure . ' (CMMALORY,193.2878)

' That shall we nat do , ' seyde his bretherne . (CMMALORY,193.2879)

' We woll fynde hym and we may lyve . ' (CMMALORY,193.2880)

' So shall I , ' seyde sir Kay , ' fynde hym or I com to the courte ,
as I am trew knyght . ' (CMMALORY,193.2881)

Than they sought the house $there $as {TEXT:thereas} the armour was ,
(CMMALORY,193.2882)

and than they armed them ; (CMMALORY,193.2883)

and every knyght founde hys owne horse and all that longed unto hym .
(CMMALORY,193.2884)

So forthwith there com a foster with four horsys lade with fatte
venyson . (CMMALORY,193.2885)

And anone sir Kay seyde , ' Here is good mete for us for one meale ,
(CMMALORY,193.2886)

for we had not many a day no good repaste . ' (CMMALORY,193.2887)

And so that venyson was rosted , sodde , and bakyn ;
(CMMALORY,193.2888)

and so aftir souper som abode there all nyght . (CMMALORY,193.2889)

But sir Lyonell and sir Ector de Marys and sir Kay rode aftir sir
Launcelot to fynde hym yf they myght . (CMMALORY,193.2890)

Now turne we to sir Launcelot that rode with the damesel in a fayre
hygheway . (CMMALORY,193.2891)

' Sir , ' seyde the damesell , ' here by this way hauntys a knyght that
dystressis all ladyes and jantylwomen , (CMMALORY,193.2892)

and at the leste he robbyth them (CMMALORY,193.2893)

other lyeth by hem . ' (CMMALORY,193.2894)

' What ? ' seyde sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,193.2895)

, ' is he a theff and a knyght ? And a ravyssher of women ?
(CMMALORY,193.2896)

He doth shame unto the Order of Knyght-hode , and contrary unto his oth
. (CMMALORY,193.2897)

Hit is pyte` that he lyvyth ! (CMMALORY,193.2898)

But , <P_194> fayre damesel , ye shall ryde on before youreself ,
(CMMALORY,194.2899)

and I woll kepe myself in coverte ; (CMMALORY,194.2900)

and yf that he trowble yow other dystresse you I shall be your rescowe
and lerne hym to be ruled as a knyght . ' (CMMALORY,194.2901)

So thys mayde rode on by the way a souffte amblynge pace ,
(CMMALORY,194.2902)

and within a whyle com oute a knyght on $horsebak owte of the woode and
his page with hym . (CMMALORY,194.2903)

And there he put the damesell frome hir horse , (CMMALORY,194.2904)

and than she cryed . (CMMALORY,194.2905)

With that com sir Launcelot as faste as he myght tyll he com to the
knyght , sayng , ' A , false knyght and traytoure unto knyghthode , who
dud lerne the to distresse ladyes , damesels and jantyllwomen ? '
(CMMALORY,194.2906)

Whan the knyght sy sir Launcelot thus rebukynge hym he answerde nat ,
(CMMALORY,194.2907)

but drew his swerde (CMMALORY,194.2908)

and rode unto sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,194.2909)

And sir Launcelot threw his spere frome hym (CMMALORY,194.2910)

and drew his swerde , (CMMALORY,194.2911)

and strake hym suche a buffette on the helmette that he claffe his hede
and necke unto the throte . (CMMALORY,194.2912)

' Now haste thou thy paymente that longe thou haste deserved ! '
(CMMALORY,194.2913)

' That is trouth , ' seyde the damesell , (CMMALORY,194.2914)

' for lyke as Terquyn wacched to dystresse good knyghtes , so dud this
knyght attende to destroy and dystresse ladyes , damesels and
jantyllwomen ; (CMMALORY,194.2915)

and his name was sir Perys de Foreste Savage . ' (CMMALORY,194.2916)

' Now , damesell , ' seyde sir Launcelot ' woll ye ony more servyse of
me ? ' (CMMALORY,194.2917)

' Nay , sir , ' she seyde , ' at thys tyme , (CMMALORY,194.2918)

but Allmyghty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ryde or goo ,
(CMMALORY,194.2919)

for the curteyst knyght thou arte , and mekyste unto all ladyes and
jantylwomen that now lyvyth . (CMMALORY,194.2920)

But one thyng , sir knyght , $me $thynkes {TEXT:methynkes} ye lak , ye
that ar a knyght wyveles , that ye woll nat love som mayden other
jantylwoman . (CMMALORY,194.2921)

For I cowde never here sey that ever ye loved ony of no maner of degre`
, (CMMALORY,194.2922)

and that is grete pyte` . (CMMALORY,194.2923)

But hit is noysed that ye love quene Gwenyvere , and that she hath
ordeyned by enchauntemente that ye shall never love none other but hir
, nother none other damesell ne lady shall rejoyce you ; $wherefore
there be many in this londe , of hyghe astate and lowe , that make
grete sorow . ' (CMMALORY,194.2924)

' Fayre damesell , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' I may nat warne peple to
speke of me what hit pleasyth hem . (CMMALORY,194.2925)

But for to be a weddyd man , I thynke hit nat , (CMMALORY,194.2926)

for than I muste couche with hir and leve armys and turnamentis ,
batellys and adventures . (CMMALORY,194.2927)

And as for to sey to take my <P_195> pleasaunce with peramours , that
woll I refuse : in prencipall for drede of God , (CMMALORY,195.2928)

for knyghtes that bene adventures sholde nat be advoutrers nothir
lecherous , (CMMALORY,195.2929)

for than they be nat happy nother fortunate unto the werrys ;
(CMMALORY,195.2930)

for other they shall be overcome with a sympler knyght than they be
hemself , (CMMALORY,195.2931)

other ellys they shall sle by unhappe and hir cursednesse bettir men
than they be hemself . (CMMALORY,195.2932)

And so who that usyth peramours shall be unhappy , and all thynge
un-happy that is aboute them . ' (CMMALORY,195.2933)

And so sir Launcelot and she departed . (CMMALORY,195.2934)

And than he rode in a depe foreste two dayes and more ,
(CMMALORY,195.2935)

and hadde strayte lodgynge . (CMMALORY,195.2936)

So on the thirde day he rode on a longe brydge , (CMMALORY,195.2937)

and there sterte uppon hym suddeynly a passyng foule carle .
(CMMALORY,195.2938)

And he smote his horse on the nose , that he turned aboute ,
(CMMALORY,195.2939)

and asked hym why he rode over that brydge withoute lycence .
(CMMALORY,195.2940)

' Why sholde I nat ryde this way ? ' seyde sir Launcelotte ,
(CMMALORY,195.2941)

' I may not ryde besyde . ' (CMMALORY,195.2942)

' Thou shalt not chose , ' seyde the carle , (CMMALORY,195.2943)

and laysshed at hym with a grete club shodde with iron .
(CMMALORY,195.2944)

Than sir Launcelot drew his swerde (CMMALORY,195.2945)

and put the stroke abacke , (CMMALORY,195.2946)

and clave his hede unto the pappys . (CMMALORY,195.2947)

And at the ende of the brydge was a fayre vyllage , (CMMALORY,195.2948)

and all peple , men and women , cryed on sir Launcelot
(CMMALORY,195.2949)

and sayde , ' Sir knyght , a worse dede duddyst thou never for thyself
, (CMMALORY,195.2950)

for thou haste slayne the cheyff porter of oure castell . '
(CMMALORY,195.2951)

Sir Launcelot lete hem sey what they wolde , (CMMALORY,195.2952)

and streyte he rode into the castelle . (CMMALORY,195.2953)

And when he come into the castell he alyght (CMMALORY,195.2954)

and tyed his horse to a rynge on the walle . (CMMALORY,195.2955)

And there he sawe a fayre grene courte , (CMMALORY,195.2956)

and thydir he dressid hym , (CMMALORY,195.2957)

for there hym thought was a fayre place to feyght in .
(CMMALORY,195.2958)

So he loked aboute hym (CMMALORY,195.2959)

and sye muche peple in dorys and in wyndowys that sayde , ' Fayre
knyghte , thou arte unhappy to com here ! ' (CMMALORY,195.2960)

Anone withall there com uppon hym two grete gyauntis well armed all
save there $hedys , with two horryble clubbys in their hondys .
(CMMALORY,195.2961)

Sir Launcelot put his shylde before hym (CMMALORY,195.2962)

and put the stroke away of that one gyaunte , (CMMALORY,195.2963)

and with hys swerde he clave his hede in sundir . (CMMALORY,195.2964)

Whan his felowe sawe that , he ran away as he were woode , and sir
Launcelot aftir hym with all his myght , (CMMALORY,195.2965)

and smote hym on the shuldir (CMMALORY,195.2966)

and clave hym to the navyll . (CMMALORY,195.2967)

<P_196>

Than sir Launcelot wente into the halle , (CMMALORY,196.2969)

and there com afore hym three score of ladyes and damesels ,
(CMMALORY,196.2970)

and all kneled unto hym (CMMALORY,196.2971)

and thanked God and hym of his delyveraunce . (CMMALORY,196.2972)

' For , ' they seyde , ' the moste party of us have bene here this
seven yere presoners , (CMMALORY,196.2973)

and we have worched all maner of sylke workys for oure mete ,
(CMMALORY,196.2974)

and we are all grete jentylwomen borne . (CMMALORY,196.2975)

And blyssed be the tyme , knyght , that ever thou were borne ,
(CMMALORY,196.2976)

for thou haste done the moste worshyp that ever ded knyght in this
worlde ; (CMMALORY,196.2977)

that woll we beare recorde . (CMMALORY,196.2978)

And we all pray you to telle us your name , that we may telle oure
frendis who delyverde us oute of preson . ' (CMMALORY,196.2979)

' Fayre damesellys , ' he seyde , ' my name is sir Launcelot du Laake .
' (CMMALORY,196.2980)

' A , sir , ' seyde they all , ' well mayste thou be he ,
(CMMALORY,196.2981)

for ellys save yourself , as we demed , there myght never knyght have
the bettir of thes jyauntis ; (CMMALORY,196.2982)

for many fayre knyghtes have assayed , (CMMALORY,196.2983)

and here have ended . (CMMALORY,196.2984)

And many tymes have we here wysshed aftir you , (CMMALORY,196.2985)

and thes two gyauntes dredde never knyght but you . '
(CMMALORY,196.2986)

' Now may ye sey , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' unto your frendys <em> how
and who hath delyverde you , </em> and grete them all fro me ; and yf
that I com in ony of your marchys , shew me such chere as ye have cause
. (CMMALORY,196.2987)

And what tresoure that there is in this castel I yeff hit you for a
rewarde for your grevaunces . (CMMALORY,196.2988)

And the lorde that is the ownere of this castel , I wolde he ressayved
hit as his ryght . ' (CMMALORY,196.2989)

' Fayre sir , ' they seyde , ' the name of this castell is called
Tyntagyll , (CMMALORY,196.2990)

and a deuke ought hit somtyme that had wedded fayre Igrayne ,
(CMMALORY,196.2991)

and so aftir that she was wedded to Uther Pendragon ,
(CMMALORY,196.2992)

and he gate on hir Arthure . ' (CMMALORY,196.2993)

' Well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' I undirstonde to whom this castel
longith . ' (CMMALORY,196.2994)

And so he departed frome them (CMMALORY,196.2995)

and betaught hem unto God . (CMMALORY,196.2996)

And than he mounted uppon his horse (CMMALORY,196.2997)

and rode into many stronge countreyes and thorow many watyrs and
valeyes , (CMMALORY,196.2998)

and evyll was he lodged . (CMMALORY,196.2999)

And at the laste by fortune hym happynd ayenste nyght to come to a
fayre courtelage , (CMMALORY,196.3000)

and therein he founde an olde jantylwoman that lodged hym with goode
wyll ; (CMMALORY,196.3001)

and there he had good chere for hym and his horse . (CMMALORY,196.3002)

And when tyme was his oste brought hym into a garret over the gate to
his bedde . (CMMALORY,196.3003)

There sir <P_197> Launcelot unarmed hym (CMMALORY,197.3004)

and set his harneyse by hym (CMMALORY,197.3005)

and wente to bedde , (CMMALORY,197.3006)

and anone he felle on slepe . (CMMALORY,197.3007)

So aftir there com one on horsebak (CMMALORY,197.3008)

and knokked at the gate in grete haste . (CMMALORY,197.3009)

Whan sir Launcelot herde this he arose up (CMMALORY,197.3010)

and loked oute at the wyndowe , (CMMALORY,197.3011)

and sygh by the moonelyght three knyghtes com rydyng aftir that one man
, and all three laysshynge on hym at onys with swerdys ;
(CMMALORY,197.3012)

and that one knyght turned on hem knyghtly agayne (CMMALORY,197.3013)

and defended hym . (CMMALORY,197.3014)

' Truly , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' yondir one knyght shall I helpe ,
(CMMALORY,197.3015)

for hit were shame for me to se three knyghtes on one ,
(CMMALORY,197.3016)

and yf $he be there slayne I am partener of his deth . '
(CMMALORY,197.3017)

And therewith he toke his harneys (CMMALORY,197.3018)

and wente oute at a wyndowe by a shete downe to the four knyghtes .
(CMMALORY,197.3019)

And than sir Launcelot seyde on hyght , ' Turne you , knyghtis , unto
me , (CMMALORY,197.3020)

and leve this feyghtyng with that knyght ! ' (CMMALORY,197.3021)

And than they three leffte sir Kay (CMMALORY,197.3022)

and turned unto sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,197.3023)

and <em> there beganne grete batayle , (CMMALORY,197.3024)

for they alyghte all three (CMMALORY,197.3025)

and strake many grete strokes at sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,197.3026)

and </em> assayled hym on every honde . (CMMALORY,197.3027)

Than sir Kay dressid hym to have holpen sir Launcelot .
(CMMALORY,197.3028)

' Nay , sir , ' sayde he , ' I woll none of your helpe .
(CMMALORY,197.3029)

Therefore , as ye woll have my helpe , lette me alone with hem . '
(CMMALORY,197.3030)

Sir Kay for the plesure of that knyght suffyrd hym for to do his wylle
(CMMALORY,197.3031)

and so stoode on syde . (CMMALORY,197.3032)

Than anone within seven strokys sir Launcelot had strykyn hem to the
erthe . (CMMALORY,197.3033)

And than they all three cryed , ' Sir knyght , we yelde us unto you as
a man of myght makeles . ' (CMMALORY,197.3034)

' As to that , I woll nat take youre yeldyng unto me , but so that ye
woll yelde you unto thys knyght ; (CMMALORY,197.3035)

and on that covenaunte I woll save youre lyvys , and ellys nat . '
(CMMALORY,197.3036)

' Fayre knyght , that were us loth , (CMMALORY,197.3037)

for as for that knyght , we chaced hym hydir , (CMMALORY,197.3038)

and had overcom hym , had nat ye bene . (CMMALORY,197.3039)

Therefore to yelde us unto hym hit were no reson . '
(CMMALORY,197.3040)

' Well , as to that , avyse you well , (CMMALORY,197.3041)

for ye may chose whether ye woll dye other lyve . (CMMALORY,197.3042)

For and ye be yolden hit shall be unto sir Kay . ' (CMMALORY,197.3043)

' Now , fayre knyght , ' they seyde , ' in savyng of oure lyvys , we
woll do as thou commaundys us . ' (CMMALORY,197.3044)

' Than shall ye , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' on Whytsonday nexte
commynge go unto the courte of kynge Arthure , (CMMALORY,197.3045)

and there shall ye yelde <P_198> you unto quene Gwenyvere and putte you
all three in hir grace and mercy , and say that sir Kay sente you
thydir to be her presoners . ' (CMMALORY,198.3046)

' Sir , ' they seyde , ' hit shall be done , by the feyth of oure
bodyes , and we be men lyvyng . ' (CMMALORY,198.3047)

And there they sware every knyght uppon his swerde ,
(CMMALORY,198.3048)

and so sir Launcelot suffyrd hem to departe . (CMMALORY,198.3049)

And than sir Launcelot cnocked at the gate with the pomell of his
swerde ; (CMMALORY,198.3050)

and with that come his oste , (CMMALORY,198.3051)

and in they entyrd , he and sir Kay . (CMMALORY,198.3052)

' Sir , ' seyde his oste , ' I wente ye had bene in your bed . '
(CMMALORY,198.3053)

' So I was , (CMMALORY,198.3054)

but I arose and lepe oute at my wyndow for to helpe an olde felowe of
myne . ' (CMMALORY,198.3055)

So when they come nye the lyght sir Kay knew well hit was sir Launcelot
, (CMMALORY,198.3056)

and therewith he kneled downe (CMMALORY,198.3057)

and thanked hym of all his kyndenesse , that he had holpyn hym twyse
frome the deth . (CMMALORY,198.3058)

' Sir , ' he seyde , ' I have nothyng done but that me ought for to do
. (CMMALORY,198.3059)

And ye ar welcom , (CMMALORY,198.3060)

and here shall ye repose you and take your reste . '
(CMMALORY,198.3061)

Whan sir Kay was unarmed he asked aftir mete . (CMMALORY,198.3062)

Anone there was mete fette for hym (CMMALORY,198.3063)

and he ete strongly . (CMMALORY,198.3064)

And when he had sowped they wente to their beddys (CMMALORY,198.3065)

and were lodged togydyrs in one bed . (CMMALORY,198.3066)

So on the morne sir Launcelot arose erly (CMMALORY,198.3067)

and leffte sir Kay slepyng . (CMMALORY,198.3068)

And sir Launcelot toke sir Kayes armoure and his shylde
(CMMALORY,198.3069)

and armed hym ; (CMMALORY,198.3070)

and so he wente to the stable (CMMALORY,198.3071)

and sadylde his horse , (CMMALORY,198.3072)

and toke his leve of his oste (CMMALORY,198.3073)

and departed . (CMMALORY,198.3074)

Than sone aftir arose sir Kay (CMMALORY,198.3075)

and myssid sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,198.3076)

and than he aspyed that he had his armoure and his horse .
(CMMALORY,198.3077)

' Now , be my fayth , I know welle that he woll greve som of the courte
of kyng Arthure , (CMMALORY,198.3078)

for on hym knyghtes woll be bolde and deme that hit is I ,
(CMMALORY,198.3079)

and that woll begyle them . (CMMALORY,198.3080)

And bycause of his armoure and shylde I am sure I shall ryde in pease .
' (CMMALORY,198.3081)

And than sone sir Kay departed (CMMALORY,198.3082)

and thanked his oste . (CMMALORY,198.3083)

Now turne we unto sir Launcelot du Lake that com home two dayes before
the feste of Pentecoste , (CMMALORY,198.3084)

and the kynge and all the courte were passyng fayne .
(CMMALORY,198.3085)

And when Gawayne , sir Uwayne , sir Sagramoure , and sir Ector de Mares
sye sir Launcelot in Kayes armour , than they wyste well that hit was
he that smote hem downe all wyth one spere . (CMMALORY,198.3086)

Than there was lawghyng and smylyng amonge them , (CMMALORY,198.3087)

Now turne we unto sir Launcelot that had ryddyn longe in a grete
foreste . (CMMALORY,198.3088)

And at the laste he com unto a low countrey full of fayre ryvers and
fayre meedys ; (CMMALORY,198.3089)

and before hym he sawe a longe brydge , (CMMALORY,198.3090)

and three pavylyons stood thereon , of sylke and sendell of dyverse hew
. (CMMALORY,198.3091)

And withoute the pavylyons hynge three whyght shyldys on trouncheouns
of sperys , (CMMALORY,198.3092)

and grete longe sperys stood upryght by the pavylyons ,
(CMMALORY,198.3093)

and at every pavylyon dore stoode three freysh knyghtes .
(CMMALORY,198.3094)

<P_199>

And so sir Launcelot passed by hem (CMMALORY,199.3096)

and spake no worde . (CMMALORY,199.3097)

But whan he was paste the three knyghtes knew hym (CMMALORY,199.3098)

and seyde hit was the proude sir Kay : (CMMALORY,199.3099)

' He wenyth no knyght so good as he , (CMMALORY,199.3100)

and the contrary is oftyn proved . (CMMALORY,199.3101)

Be my fayth , ' seyde one of the knyghtes , his name was sir Gawtere ,
' I woll ryde aftir hym and assay hym for all his pryde ;
(CMMALORY,199.3102)

and ye may beholde how that I spede . ' (CMMALORY,199.3103)

So sir Gawtere armed hym (CMMALORY,199.3104)

and hynge his shylde uppon his sholdir , (CMMALORY,199.3105)

and mounted uppon a grete horse , (CMMALORY,199.3106)

and gate his speare in his honde , (CMMALORY,199.3107)

and wallopte aftir sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,199.3108)

And whan he come nyghe hym he cryed , ' Abyde , thou proude knyght ,
sir Kay ! (CMMALORY,199.3109)

for thou shalt nat passe all quyte . ' (CMMALORY,199.3110)

So sir Launcelot turned hym , (CMMALORY,199.3111)

and eythir feautyrd their sperys (CMMALORY,199.3112)

and com togedyrs with all their myghtes . (CMMALORY,199.3113)

And sir Gawters speare brake , (CMMALORY,199.3114)

but sir Launcelot smote hym downe horse and man . (CMMALORY,199.3115)

And whan he was at the erthe his brethyrn seyde , ' Yondir knyght is
nat sir Kay , (CMMALORY,199.3116)

for he is far bygger than he . ' (CMMALORY,199.3117)

' I dare ley my hede , ' seyde sir Gylmere , ' yondir knyght hath
slayne sir Kay and hath takyn hys horse and harneyse . '
(CMMALORY,199.3118)

' Whether hit be so other no , ' seyde sir Raynolde , ' lette us mounte
on oure horsys and rescow oure brothir , sir Gawtere .
(CMMALORY,199.3119)

For payne of deth , we all shall have worke inow to macche that knyght
; (CMMALORY,199.3120)

for ever $me $semyth {TEXT:mesemyth} by his persone hit is sir
Launcelot other sir Trystrams other sir Pelleas , the good knyght .
(CMMALORY,199.3121)

Than anone they toke their horsys (CMMALORY,199.3122)

and overtoke sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,199.3123)

And sir Gylmere put forth his speare (CMMALORY,199.3124)

and ran to sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,199.3125)

and sir Launcelot smote hym downe , that he lay in a sowghe .
(CMMALORY,199.3126)

' sir knyght , ' seyde sir Raynolde , ' thou arte a stronge man ,
(CMMALORY,199.3127)

and as I suppose thou haste slayne my two bretherne , for the whyche
rysyth my herte sore agaynste the . (CMMALORY,199.3128)

And yf I myght wyth my worshyppe I wolde not have ado with the ,
(CMMALORY,199.3129)

but nedys I muste take suche parte as they do . (CMMALORY,199.3130)

And therefore , knyght , kepe thyselfe ! ' (CMMALORY,199.3131)

And so they hurtylde togydyrs with all their myghtes
(CMMALORY,199.3132)

and all to-shevird bothe there spearys , (CMMALORY,199.3133)

and than they drew hir swerdys (CMMALORY,199.3134)

and laysshed togydir egirly . (CMMALORY,199.3135)

Anone there $with all arose sir Gawtere (CMMALORY,199.3136)

and come unto his brother sir Gyllymere , (CMMALORY,199.3137)

and bade hym aryse , (CMMALORY,199.3138)

' and helpe we oure brothir , sir Raynolde , that yondir merveylously
macchyth yondir good knyght . ' (CMMALORY,199.3139)

Therewithall they hurteled unto sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,199.3140)

<P_200>

And whan he sawe them com he smote a sore stroke unto sir Raynolde ,
that he felle of his horse to the grounde , (CMMALORY,200.3142)

and than he caste to the othir two bretherne , (CMMALORY,200.3143)

and at two strokys he strake hem downe to the erthe .
(CMMALORY,200.3144)

Wyth that sir Raynolde gan up sterte with his hede all blody
(CMMALORY,200.3145)

and com streyte unto sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,200.3146)

' Now let be , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,200.3147)

' I was not far frome the whan thou were made knyght , sir Raynolde ,
(CMMALORY,200.3148)

and also I know thou arte a good knyght , (CMMALORY,200.3149)

and lothe I were to sle the . ' (CMMALORY,200.3150)

' Gramercy , ' seyde sir Raynolde , ' of your goodnesse ,
(CMMALORY,200.3151)

and I dare say as for me and my bretherne , $we woll nat be loth to
yelde us unto you , with that we know youre name ; (CMMALORY,200.3152)

for welle we know ye ar not sir Kay . ' (CMMALORY,200.3153)

' As for that , be as be may . (CMMALORY,200.3154)

For ye shall yelde you unto dame Gwenyvere , (CMMALORY,200.3155)

and loke that ye be there on Whytsonday and yelde you unto hir as
presoners , and sey that sir Kay sente you unto hir . '
(CMMALORY,200.3156)

Than they swore hit sholde be done , (CMMALORY,200.3157)

and $so passed forth sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,200.3158)

and ecchone of the bretherne halpe other as well as they myght .
(CMMALORY,200.3159)

So sir Launcelotte rode into a depe foreste , (CMMALORY,200.3160)

and there by hym in a slade he sey four knyghtes hovynge undir an oke ,
(CMMALORY,200.3161)

and they were of Arthurs courte : (CMMALORY,200.3162)

one was sir Sagramour le Desyrus , and sir Ector de Marys , and sir
Gawayne , and sir Uwayne . (CMMALORY,200.3163)

And anone as these four knyghtes had aspyed sir Launcelot they wende by
his armys that hit had bene sir Kay . (CMMALORY,200.3164)

' Now , be my fayth , ' sayde sir Sagramoure , ' I woll preve sir Kayes
myght , ' (CMMALORY,200.3165)

and gate his spere in his honde (CMMALORY,200.3166)

and com towarde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,200.3167)

Than sir Launcelot was ware of his commyng (CMMALORY,200.3168)

and knew hym well , (CMMALORY,200.3169)

and feautred his speare agaynste hym (CMMALORY,200.3170)

and smote sir Sagramoure so sore that horse and man wente bothe to the
erthe . (CMMALORY,200.3171)

' Lo , my felowys , ' seyde sir Ector , ' yondir may ye se what a
buffette he hath gyffen ! (CMMALORY,200.3172)

$Me $thynkyth {TEXT:methynkyth} that knyght is muche bygger than ever
was sir Kay . (CMMALORY,200.3173)

Now shall ye se what I may do to hym . ' (CMMALORY,200.3174)

So sir Ector gate his spere in his honde (CMMALORY,200.3175)

and walopte towarde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,200.3176)

and sir Launcelot smote hym evyn thorow the shylde and his sholdir ,
that man and horse wente to the erthe , (CMMALORY,200.3177)

and ever his spere helde . (CMMALORY,200.3178)

<P_201>

' Be my fayth , ' sayde sir Uwayne , ' yondir is a stronge knyght ,
(CMMALORY,201.3180)

and I am sure he hath slayne Kay . (CMMALORY,201.3181)

And I se be his grete strengthe hit woll be harde to macche hym . '
(CMMALORY,201.3182)

And therewithall sir Uwayne gate his speare (CMMALORY,201.3183)

and rode towarde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,201.3184)

And sir Launcelot knew hym well (CMMALORY,201.3185)

and lette $his horse renne on the playne (CMMALORY,201.3186)

and gaff hym suche a buffette that he was astooned ,
(CMMALORY,201.3187)

and longe he wyste nat where he was . (CMMALORY,201.3188)

' Now se I welle , ' seyde sir Gawayne , ' I muste encountir with that
knyght , ' (CMMALORY,201.3189)

and dressed his shylde (CMMALORY,201.3190)

and gate a good speare in his honde (CMMALORY,201.3191)

and lete renne at sir Launcelot with all his myght ;
(CMMALORY,201.3192)

and eyther knyght smote other in myddys of the shylde .
(CMMALORY,201.3193)

But sir Gawaynes spere braste , (CMMALORY,201.3194)

and sir Launcelot charged so sore uppon hym that his horse reversed
up-so-downe , (CMMALORY,201.3195)

and muche sorow had sir Gawayne to avoyde his horse .
(CMMALORY,201.3196)

And so sir Launcelot passed on a pace (CMMALORY,201.3197)

and smyled (CMMALORY,201.3198)

and seyde , ' God gyff hym joy that this spere made ,
(CMMALORY,201.3199)

for there cam never a bettir in my honde . ' (CMMALORY,201.3200)

Than the four knyghtes wente echone to other (CMMALORY,201.3201)

and comforted each other . (CMMALORY,201.3202)

' What sey ye by this geste , ' seyde sir Gawayne , ' that with one
spere hath felde us all four ? ' (CMMALORY,201.3203)

' We commaunde hym to the devyll , ' they seyde all ,
(CMMALORY,201.3204)

' for he is a man of grete myght . ' (CMMALORY,201.3205)

' Ye may say hit well , ' seyde sir Gawayne , ' that he $is a man of
myght , (CMMALORY,201.3206)

for I dare ley my hede hit is sir Launcelot : (CMMALORY,201.3207)

I know hym well by his rydyng . ' (CMMALORY,201.3208)

' Latte hym go , ' seyde sir Uwayne , (CMMALORY,201.3209)

' for whan we com to the courte we shall wete . ' (CMMALORY,201.3210)

Than had they much sorow to gete their horsis agayne .
(CMMALORY,201.3211)

Now leve we there (CMMALORY,201.3212)

and speke we of sir Launcelot that rode a grete whyle in a depe foreste
. (CMMALORY,201.3213)

And as he rode he sawe a blak brachette sekyng in maner as hit had bene
in the feaute of an hurte dere . (CMMALORY,201.3214)

And therewith he rode aftir the brachette (CMMALORY,201.3215)

and he sawe lye on the grounde a large feaute of bloode .
(CMMALORY,201.3216)

And than sir Launcelot rode faster , (CMMALORY,201.3217)

and ever the brachette loked behynde hir , (CMMALORY,201.3218)

and so she wente thorow a grete marys , (CMMALORY,201.3219)

and ever sir Launcelot folowed . (CMMALORY,201.3220)

And than was he ware of an olde maner , (CMMALORY,201.3221)

and thydir ran the brachette and so over a brydge . (CMMALORY,201.3222)

So sir Launcelot rode over that brydge that was olde and feble ,
(CMMALORY,201.3223)

and whan he com in the myddys of <P_202> a grete halle there he seye
lye dede a knyght that was a semely man , (CMMALORY,202.3224)

and that brachette lycked his woundis . (CMMALORY,202.3225)

And therewithall com oute a lady wepyng and wryngyng hir hondys ,
(CMMALORY,202.3226)

and sayde , ' Knyght , to muche sorow hast thou brought me . '
(CMMALORY,202.3227)

' Why sey ye so ? ' seyde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,202.3228)

' I dede never this knyght no harme , (CMMALORY,202.3229)

for hydir by the feaute of blood this brachet brought me .
(CMMALORY,202.3230)

And therefore , fayre lady , be nat dyspleased with me ,
(CMMALORY,202.3231)

for I am full sore agreved for your grevaunce . ' (CMMALORY,202.3232)

' Truly , sir , ' she seyde , ' I trowe hit be nat ye that hath slayne
my husbonde , (CMMALORY,202.3233)

for he that dud that dede is sore wounded (CMMALORY,202.3234)

and is never lykly to be hole , (CMMALORY,202.3235)

that shall I ensure hym . ' (CMMALORY,202.3236)

' What was youre husbondes name ? ' seyde sir Launcelot .
(CMMALORY,202.3237)

' Sir , his name was called sir Gylberd the Bastarde , one of the beste
knyghtys of the worlde , (CMMALORY,202.3238)

and he that hath slayne hym I know nat his name . ' (CMMALORY,202.3239)

' Now God sende you bettir comforte , ' seyde sir Launcelot .
(CMMALORY,202.3240)

And so he departed (CMMALORY,202.3241)

and wente into the foreste agayne , (CMMALORY,202.3242)

and there he mette with a damesell the whyche knew hym well .
(CMMALORY,202.3243)

And she seyde on lowde , ' Well be ye founde , my lorde .
(CMMALORY,202.3244)

And now I requyre you of your knyghthode helpe my brother that is sore
wounded and never styntyth bledyng ; (CMMALORY,202.3245)

for this day he fought with sir Gylberte the Bastarde
(CMMALORY,202.3246)

and slew hym in playne batayle , (CMMALORY,202.3247)

and there was my brother sore wounded . (CMMALORY,202.3248)

And there is a lady , a sorseres , that dwellyth in a castel here
bysyde , (CMMALORY,202.3249)

and this day she tolde me my brothers woundys sholde never be hole tyll
I coude fynde a knyght wolde go into the Chapel Perelus ,
(CMMALORY,202.3250)

and there he sholde fynde a swerde and a blody cloth that the woundid
knyght was lapped in ; (CMMALORY,202.3251)

and a pece of that cloth and that swerde sholde hele my brother , with
that his woundis were serched with the swerde and the cloth . '
(CMMALORY,202.3252)

' This is a mervelouse thyng , ' seyde sir Launcelot ,
(CMMALORY,202.3253)

' but what is your brothirs name ? ' (CMMALORY,202.3254)

' Sir , ' she seyde , ' sir Melyot de Logyrs . ' (CMMALORY,202.3255)

' That me repentys , ' seyde sir Launcelotte , (CMMALORY,202.3256)

' for he is a felow of the Table Rounde , (CMMALORY,202.3257)

and to his helpe I woll do my power . ' (CMMALORY,202.3258)

Than she sayde , ' Sir , folow ye evyn this hygheway ,
(CMMALORY,202.3259)

and hit woll brynge you to the Chapel Perelus , (CMMALORY,202.3260)

and here I shall abyde tyll God <P_203> sende you agayne .
(CMMALORY,203.3261)

And yf you spede nat I know no knyght lyvynge that may encheve that
adventure . ' (CMMALORY,203.3262)

Ryght so sir Launcelot departed , (CMMALORY,203.3263)

and whan he com to the Chapell Perelus he alyght downe
(CMMALORY,203.3264)

and tyed his horse unto a lytyll gate . (CMMALORY,203.3265)

And as sone as he was within the chyrche-yerde he sawe on the frunte of
the chapel many fayre ryche shyldis turned up-so-downe ,
(CMMALORY,203.3266)

and many of tho shyldis sir Launcelot had sene knyghtes bere
byforehande . (CMMALORY,203.3267)

With that he sawe by hym there stonde a thirty grete knyghtes , more by
a yerde than any man that ever he had sene , (CMMALORY,203.3268)

and all they grenned (CMMALORY,203.3269)

and gnasted at sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,203.3270)

And whan he sawe their countenaunce he dredde hym sore ,
(CMMALORY,203.3271)

and so put his shylde before hym (CMMALORY,203.3272)

and toke his swerde in his honde redy unto batayle .
(CMMALORY,203.3273)

And they all were armed all in blak harneyse , redy with her shyldis
and her swerdis redy drawyn . (CMMALORY,203.3274)

And as sir Launcelot wolde have gone thorow them they skaterd on every
syde of hym (CMMALORY,203.3275)

and gaff hym the way , (CMMALORY,203.3276)

and therewith he wexed bolde (CMMALORY,203.3277)

and entyrde into the chapel . (CMMALORY,203.3278)

And there he sawe no lyght but a dymme lampe brennyng ,
(CMMALORY,203.3279)

and than was he ware of a corpus hylled with a clothe of sylke .
(CMMALORY,203.3280)

Than sir Launcelot stouped doune (CMMALORY,203.3281)

and kutte a pese away of that cloth , (CMMALORY,203.3282)

and than hit fared undir hym as the grounde had quaked a lytyll ;
(CMMALORY,203.3283)

therewithall he feared . (CMMALORY,203.3284)

And than he sawe a fayre swerde lye by the dede knyght ,
(CMMALORY,203.3285)

and that he gate in his honde (CMMALORY,203.3286)

and hyed hym oute of the chapell . (CMMALORY,203.3287)

Anone as ever he was in the chapell-yerde all the knyghtes spake to hym
with grymly voyces (CMMALORY,203.3288)

and seyde , ' Knyght , sir Launcelot , lay that swerde frome the
(CMMALORY,203.3289)

or thou shalt dye ! ' (CMMALORY,203.3290)

' Whether that I lyve other dye , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' with no
wordys grete gete ye hit agayne . (CMMALORY,203.3291)

Therefore fyght for hit and ye lyst . ' (CMMALORY,203.3292)

Than ryght so he passed thorowoute them . (CMMALORY,203.3293)

And byyonde the chappell-yarde there mette hym a fayre damesell
(CMMALORY,203.3294)

and seyde , ' sir Launcelot , leve that swerde behynde the ,
(CMMALORY,203.3295)

other thou wolt dye for hit . ' (CMMALORY,203.3296)

' I leve hit not , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' for no thretyng . '
(CMMALORY,203.3297)

' No , ' seyde she , ' and thou dyddyste leve that swerde quene
Gwenyvere sholde thou never se . ' (CMMALORY,203.3298)

' Than were I a foole and I wolde leve this swerde . '
(CMMALORY,203.3299)

<P_204>

' Now , jantyll knyghte , ' seyde the damesell , ' I requyre the to
kysse me but onys . ' (CMMALORY,204.3301)

' Nay , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' that God me forbede . '
(CMMALORY,204.3302)

' Well , sir , ' seyde she , ' and thou haddyst kyssed me thy lyff
dayes had be done . (CMMALORY,204.3303)

And now , alas , ' she seyde , ' I have loste all my laboure ,
(CMMALORY,204.3304)

for I ordeyned this chapell for thy sake and for sir Gawayne .
(CMMALORY,204.3305)

And onys I had hym within me , (CMMALORY,204.3306)

and at that tyme he fought with this knyght that lyeth dede in yondir
chapell , sir Gylberte the Bastarde , (CMMALORY,204.3307)

and at that tyme he smote the lyffte honde of sir Gylberte .
(CMMALORY,204.3308)

' And , sir Launcelot , now I telle the : I have loved the this seven
yere , (CMMALORY,204.3309)

$but there may no woman have thy love but quene Gwenyver ;
(CMMALORY,204.3310)

and sytthen I myght nat rejoyse the nother thy body on lyve , I had
kepte no more joy in this worlde but to have thy body dede .
(CMMALORY,204.3311)

Than wolde I have bawmed hit and sered hit , and so to have kepte hit
my lyve dayes ; (CMMALORY,204.3312)

and dayly I sholde have clypped the and kyssed the , dispyte of quene
Gwenyvere . ' (CMMALORY,204.3313)

' Ye sey well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,204.3314)

' Jesu preserve me frome your subtyle crauftys ! ' (CMMALORY,204.3315)

And therewithall he toke his horse (CMMALORY,204.3316)

and so departed frome hir . (CMMALORY,204.3317)

And as the booke seyth , whan sir Launcelot was departed she toke suche
sorow that she deyde within a fourtenyte ; (CMMALORY,204.3318)

and hir name was called Hallewes the Sorseres , lady of the castell
Nygurmous . (CMMALORY,204.3319)

And anone sir Launcelot mette with the damesel , sir Melyottis systir ,
(CMMALORY,204.3320)

and whan she sawe hym she clapped hir hondys (CMMALORY,204.3321)

and wepte for joy . (CMMALORY,204.3322)

And than they rode into a castell thereby where lay sir Melyot ,
(CMMALORY,204.3323)

and anone as sir Launcelot sye hym he knew hym , (CMMALORY,204.3324)

but he was passyng paale as the erthe for bledynge .
(CMMALORY,204.3325)

Whan sir Melyot saw sir Launcelot he kneled uppon his kneis
(CMMALORY,204.3326)

and cryed on hyghte : ' A , lorde , sir Launcelot , helpe me anone ! '
(CMMALORY,204.3327)

Than sir Launcelot lepe unto hym (CMMALORY,204.3328)

and towched his woundys with sir Gylbardys swerde , (CMMALORY,204.3329)

and than he wyped his woundys with a parte of the bloody cloth that sir
Gylbarde was wrapped in ; (CMMALORY,204.3330)

and anone an holer man in his lyff was he never . (CMMALORY,204.3331)

And than there was grete joy betwene hem , (CMMALORY,204.3332)

and they made sir Launcelot all the chere that they myghte .
(CMMALORY,204.3333)

And so on the morne sir Launcelot toke his leve (CMMALORY,204.3334)

and bade sir Melyot hyghe hym ' to the courte of my lorde Arthure ,
(CMMALORY,204.3335)

for hit drawyth nyghe to the feste of Pentecoste . (CMMALORY,204.3336)

<P_205>

And there , by the grace of God , ye shall fynde me . '
(CMMALORY,205.3338)

And therewith they departed . (CMMALORY,205.3339)

And so sir Launcelot rode thorow many stronge contrayes , over mores
and valeis , tyll by fortune he com to a fayre castell .
(CMMALORY,205.3340)

And as he paste beyonde the castell hym thought he herde bellys rynge ,
(CMMALORY,205.3341)

and than he was ware of a faucon com over his hede fleyng towarde an
hyghe elme , and longe lunes aboute her feete . (CMMALORY,205.3342)

And she flowe unto the elme to take hir perche , the lunes overcast
aboute a bowghe ; (CMMALORY,205.3343)

and whan she wolde have tane hir flyght she hynge by the leggis faste .
(CMMALORY,205.3344)

And sir Launcelot syghe how $she hynge , (CMMALORY,205.3345)

and behelde the fayre faucon perygot ; (CMMALORY,205.3346)

and he was sory for hir . (CMMALORY,205.3347)

The meanewhyle cam a lady oute of a castell (CMMALORY,205.3348)

and cryed on hyghe : (CMMALORY,205.3349)

' A , Launcelot , Launcelot ! as thow arte a floure of all knyghtes ,
helpe me to gete me my hauke ; (CMMALORY,205.3350)

for and my hauke be loste my lorde wolde destroy me ,
(CMMALORY,205.3351)

for I kepte the hauke (CMMALORY,205.3352)

and she slypped fro me . (CMMALORY,205.3353)

And yf my lorde my husbande wete hit , he is so hasty that he wyll sle
me . ' (CMMALORY,205.3354)

' What is your lordis name ? ' seyde sir Launcelot .
(CMMALORY,205.3355)

' Sir , ' she seyde , ' his name is sir Phelot , a knyght that longyth
unto the kynge of North Galys . ' (CMMALORY,205.3356)

' Well , fayre lady , syn that ye know my name and requyre me of
knyghthode to helpe , I woll do what I may to gete youre hauke ;
(CMMALORY,205.3357)

and yet God knowyth I am an evyll clymber , (CMMALORY,205.3358)

and the tre is passynge hyghe , and fewe bowys to helpe me withall . '
(CMMALORY,205.3359)

And therewith sir Launcelot alyght (CMMALORY,205.3360)

and tyed his horse to the same tre , (CMMALORY,205.3361)

and prayde the lady to onarme hym . (CMMALORY,205.3362)

And so whan he was unarmed , he put of all his clothis unto his shurte
and his breche , (CMMALORY,205.3363)

and with myght and grete force he clambe up to the faucon
(CMMALORY,205.3364)

and tyed the lunes to a grete rotyn boysh , (CMMALORY,205.3365)

and threwe the hauke downe with the buysh . (CMMALORY,205.3366)

And anone the lady gate the hauke in hir honde ; (CMMALORY,205.3367)

and therewithall com oute sir Phelot oute of the grevys suddeynly ,
that was hir husbonde , all armed and with his naked swerde in his
honde , (CMMALORY,205.3368)

and sayde , ' A knyght , sir Launcelot , now I have founde the as I
wolde , ' he stondyng at the boole of the tre to sle hym .
(CMMALORY,205.3369)

' A , lady ! ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' why have ye betrayed me ? '
(CMMALORY,205.3370)

' She hath done , ' seyde sir Phelot , ' but as I commaunded hir ,
(CMMALORY,205.3371)

and <P_206> therefore there is none othir boote but thyne oure is com
that thou muste dye . ' (CMMALORY,206.3372)

' That were shame unto the , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' thou an armed
knyght to sle a nakyd man by treson . ' (CMMALORY,206.3373)

' Thou gettyste none other grace , ' seyde sir Phelot ,
(CMMALORY,206.3374)

' and therefore helpe thyself and thou can . ' (CMMALORY,206.3375)

' Truly , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' that shall be thy shame ;
(CMMALORY,206.3376)

but syn thou wolt do none other , take myne harneys with the
(CMMALORY,206.3377)

and hange my swerde there uppon a bowghe that I may gete hit ,
(CMMALORY,206.3378)

and than do thy beste $to sle me and thou can . ' (CMMALORY,206.3379)

' Nay , ' seyde sir Phelot , ' for I know the bettir than
{that_I_know_thee} thou wenyste . (CMMALORY,206.3380)

Therefore thou gettyst no wepyn and I may kepe the therefro . '
(CMMALORY,206.3381)

' Alas , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' that ever a knyght sholde dey
wepynles ! ' (CMMALORY,206.3382)

And therewith he wayted above hym and undir hym , (CMMALORY,206.3383)

and over hym above his hede he sawe a rowgh spyke , a bygge bowghe
leveles . (CMMALORY,206.3384)

And therewith he brake hit of by the body , (CMMALORY,206.3385)

and than he com lowar , (CMMALORY,206.3386)

and awayted how his owne horse stoode , (CMMALORY,206.3387)

and suddenyly he lepe on the farther syde of his horse froward the
knyght . (CMMALORY,206.3388)

And than sir Phelot laysshed at hym egerly to have slayne hym ,
(CMMALORY,206.3389)

but sir Launcelot put away the stroke with the rowgh spyke ,
(CMMALORY,206.3390)

and therewith toke hym on the hede , that downe he felle in a sowghe to
the grounde . (CMMALORY,206.3391)

So than sir Launcelot toke his swerde oute of his honde
(CMMALORY,206.3392)

and strake his necke in two pecys . (CMMALORY,206.3393)

' Alas ! ' than cryed that lady , ' why haste thou slayne my husbonde ?
' (CMMALORY,206.3394)

' I am nat causer , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,206.3395)

' but with falshede ye wolde have had me slayne with treson ,
(CMMALORY,206.3396)

and now hit is fallyn on you bothe . ' (CMMALORY,206.3397)

And than she sowned as though she wolde dey . (CMMALORY,206.3398)

And therewith sir Launcelot gate all his armoure as well as he myght
(CMMALORY,206.3399)

and put hit uppon hym for drede of more resseite , (CMMALORY,206.3400)

for he dredde hym that the knyghtes castell was so nyghe hym ;
(CMMALORY,206.3401)

and as sone as he myght he toke his horse (CMMALORY,206.3402)

and departed , (CMMALORY,206.3403)

and thanked God that he had escaped that harde adventure .
(CMMALORY,206.3404)

So sir Launcelot rode many wylde wayes thorowoute morys and mares ,
(CMMALORY,206.3405)

and as he rode in a valay , he sey a knyght chasyng a lady with <P_207>
a naked swerde to have slayne hir . (CMMALORY,207.3406)

And by fortune , as this knyght sholde have slayne thys lady , she
cryed on sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,207.3407)

and prayde hym to rescowe her . (CMMALORY,207.3408)

Whan sir Launcelot sye that myschyff , he toke his horse
(CMMALORY,207.3409)

and rode betwene hem , sayynge , ' Knyght , fye for shame , why wolte
thou sle this lady ? (CMMALORY,207.3410)

Shame unto the and all knyghtes ! ' (CMMALORY,207.3411)

' What haste thou to do betwyxte me and my wyff ? (CMMALORY,207.3412)

I woll sle her magre` thyne hede . ' (CMMALORY,207.3413)

' That shall ye nat , ' sayde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,207.3414)

' for rather we woll have ado togydyrs . ' (CMMALORY,207.3415)

' sir Launcelot , ' seyde the knyght , ' thou doste nat thy parte ,
(CMMALORY,207.3416)

for thys lady hath betrayed me . ' (CMMALORY,207.3417)

' Hit is not so , ' seyde the lady , (CMMALORY,207.3418)

' truly , he seyth wronge on me . (CMMALORY,207.3419)

And for bycause I love $and cherysshe my cousyn jarmayne , he is
jolowse betwyxte me and hym ; (CMMALORY,207.3420)

and as I mutte answere to God there was never sene betwyxte us none
suche thynges . (CMMALORY,207.3421)

But , sir , ' seyde the lady , ' as thou arte called the
worshypfullyest knyght of the worlde , I requyre the of trewe
knyghthode , kepe me and save me , (CMMALORY,207.3422)

for whatsomever he sey he woll sle me , (CMMALORY,207.3423)

for he is withoute mercy . ' (CMMALORY,207.3424)

' Have ye no doute : (CMMALORY,207.3425)

hit shalle nat lye in his power . ' (CMMALORY,207.3426)

' sir , ' seyde the knyght , ' in your syght I woll be ruled as ye woll
have me . ' (CMMALORY,207.3427)

And so sir Launcelot rode on the one syde and she on the other syde .
(CMMALORY,207.3428)

And he had nat redyn but a whyle but the knyght bade sir Launcelot
turne hym and loke behynde hym , and seyde , ' sir , yondir com men of
armys aftir $us rydynge . ' (CMMALORY,207.3429)

And so sir Launcelot turned hym (CMMALORY,207.3430)

and thought no treson ; (CMMALORY,207.3431)

and therewith was the knyght and the lady on one syde ,
(CMMALORY,207.3432)

and suddeynly he swapped of the ladyes hede . (CMMALORY,207.3433)

And whan sir Launcelot had aspyed hym what he had done , he seyde and
so called hym : ' Traytoure , thou haste shamed me for evir ! '
(CMMALORY,207.3434)

And suddeynly sir Launcelot alyght of his horse (CMMALORY,207.3435)

and pulde oute his swerde to sle hym . (CMMALORY,207.3436)

And therewithall he felle to the erthe (CMMALORY,207.3437)

and gryped sir Launcelot by the thyghes (CMMALORY,207.3438)

and cryed mercy . (CMMALORY,207.3439)

' Fye on the , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' thou shamefull knyght !
(CMMALORY,207.3440)

Thou mayste have no mercy : (CMMALORY,207.3441)

therefore aryse (CMMALORY,207.3442)

and fyghte with me ! ' (CMMALORY,207.3443)

<P_208>

' Nay , ' sayde the knyght , ' I woll never aryse tyll ye graunte me
mercy . ' (CMMALORY,208.3445)

' Now woll I proffyr the fayre : (CMMALORY,208.3446)

I woll unarme me unto my shyrte , (CMMALORY,208.3447)

<em> and I woll have nothynge upon me but my shyrte </em> and my swerde
in my honde , (CMMALORY,208.3448)

and yf thou can sle me , quyte be thou for ever . ' (CMMALORY,208.3449)

' Nay , sir , that woll I never . ' (CMMALORY,208.3450)

' Well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' take this lady and the hede ,
(CMMALORY,208.3451)

and bere $it uppon the ; (CMMALORY,208.3452)

and here shalt thou swere uppon my swerde to bere hit allwayes uppon
thy bak and never to reste tyll thou com to my lady , quene Gwenyver .
' (CMMALORY,208.3453)

' sir , that woll I do , by the feyth of my $body . '
(CMMALORY,208.3454)

' Now what is youre name ? ' (CMMALORY,208.3455)

' sir , my name is sir $Pedyvere . ' (CMMALORY,208.3456)

' In a shamefull oure were thou borne , ' seyde sir Launcelot .
(CMMALORY,208.3457)

So sir Pedyvere departed with the lady dede and the hede togydir ,
(CMMALORY,208.3458)

and founde the quene with kynge Arthure at Wynchestir ;
(CMMALORY,208.3459)

and there he tolde all the trouthe . (CMMALORY,208.3460)

' sir knyght , ' seyde the quene , ' this is an horryble dede and a
shamefull , and a grete rebuke unto sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,208.3461)

but natwythstondyng his worshyp is knowyn in many dyverse contreis .
(CMMALORY,208.3462)

But this shall I gyff you in penaunce : (CMMALORY,208.3463)

make ye as good skyffte as ye can , (CMMALORY,208.3464)

ye shall bere this lady with you on horsebak unto the Pope of Rome ,
and of hym resseyve youre penaunce for your foule dedis .
(CMMALORY,208.3465)

And ye shall nevir reste one nyght $there $as {TEXT:thereas} ye do
another , (CMMALORY,208.3466)

and ye go to ony bedde the dede body shall lye with you . '
(CMMALORY,208.3467)

This oth he there made (CMMALORY,208.3468)

and so departed . (CMMALORY,208.3469)

And as hit tellyth in the Frenshe booke , whan he com unto Rome the
Pope there bade hym go agayne unto quene Gwenyver , (CMMALORY,208.3470)

and in Rome was his lady buryed by the Popys commaundement .
(CMMALORY,208.3471)

And after thys knyght sir Pedyvere fell to grete goodnesse
(CMMALORY,208.3472)

and was an holy man and an hermyte . (CMMALORY,208.3473)

<P_209>

and ever now and now com all the knyghtes home that were presoners with
sir Terquyn , (CMMALORY,209.3475)

and they all honoured sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,209.3476)

Whan sir Gaherys herde $hem speke he sayde , ' I sawe all the batayle
from the begynnynge to the endynge , ' (CMMALORY,209.3477)

and there he tolde kynge Arthure all how hit was and how sir Terquyn
was the strongest knyght that ever he saw $excepte sir Launcelot ;
(CMMALORY,209.3478)

and there were many knyghtes bare hym recorde , three score .
(CMMALORY,209.3479)

Than sir Kay tolde the kynge how sir Launcelot rescowed hym when he
sholde have bene slayne , and how ' he made the three knyghtes yelde
hem to me and nat to hym . ' (CMMALORY,209.3480)

And there they were all three (CMMALORY,209.3481)

and bare recorde . (CMMALORY,209.3482)

' And by Jesu , ' seyde sir Kay , ' sir Launcelot toke my harneyse
(CMMALORY,209.3483)

and leffte me his , (CMMALORY,209.3484)

and I rode in Goddys pece (CMMALORY,209.3485)

and no man wolde have ado with me . ' (CMMALORY,209.3486)

Anone therewith com three knyghtes that fought with sir Launce-lot at
the longe brydge ; (CMMALORY,209.3487)

and there they yelded them unto sir Kay , (CMMALORY,209.3488)

and sir Kay forsoke them (CMMALORY,209.3489)

and seyde he fought never with hem . (CMMALORY,209.3490)

' But I shall ease your hertes , ' seyde sir Kay , '
(CMMALORY,209.3491)

yondir is sir Launcelot that overcam you . ' (CMMALORY,209.3492)

Whan they wyste that , they were glad . (CMMALORY,209.3493)

And than sir Melyot de Logrys come home (CMMALORY,209.3494)

and tolde hym and the kynge how sir Launcelot had saved hym frome the
deth , (CMMALORY,209.3495)

and all his dedys was knowyn : how the quenys sorserers four had hym in
preson , and how he was delyverde by the kynge Bagdemagus doughter .
(CMMALORY,209.3496)

Also there was tolde all the grete armys that sir Launcelot dud
betwyxte the two kynges , that ys for to say the kynge of North Galys
and kyng Bagdemagus : (CMMALORY,209.3497)

all the trouth sir Gahalantyne dud telle , and sir Mador de la Porte ,
and sir Mordred , (CMMALORY,209.3498)

for they were at the same turnement . (CMMALORY,209.3499)

Than com in the lady that knew sir Launcelot when that he wounded sir
Belleus at the pavylyon ; (CMMALORY,209.3500)

and there at the requeste of sir Launcelot sir Belleus was made knyght
of the Rounde Table . (CMMALORY,209.3501)

And so at that tyme sir Launcelot had the grettyste name of ony knyght
of the worlde , (CMMALORY,209.3502)

and moste he was honoured of hyghe and lowe . (CMMALORY,209.3503)

<P_626>

<heading>

I . (CMMALORY,626.3506)

The Departure (CMMALORY,626.3507)

</heading>

AT the vigyl of Pentecoste , when all the felyship of the Table Rownde
were com unto Camelot and there harde hir servyse , so at the laste the
tablys were sette redy to the meete , ryght so entird into the halle a
full fayre jantillwoman on horsebacke that had ryddyn full faste , for
hir horse was all beswette . (CMMALORY,626.3509)

Than she there alyght (CMMALORY,626.3510)

and com before the kynge (CMMALORY,626.3511)

and salewed hym , (CMMALORY,626.3512)

and he seyde , ' Damesell , God you blysse ! ' (CMMALORY,626.3513)

' Sir , ' seyde she , ' for Goddis sake telle me where ys sir Launcelot
. ' (CMMALORY,626.3514)

' He ys yondir , (CMMALORY,626.3515)

ye may se hym , ' seyd the kynge . (CMMALORY,626.3516)

Than she wente unto sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,626.3517)

and seyde , ' Sir Launcelot , I salew you on kynge Pelles behalff ,
(CMMALORY,626.3518)

and I also requyre you to com with me hereby into a foreste . '
(CMMALORY,626.3519)

Than sir Launcelot asked her with whom she dwelled .
(CMMALORY,626.3520)

' I dwelle , ' she seyde , ' with kynge Pelles . ' (CMMALORY,626.3521)

' What woll ye with me ? ' seyde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,626.3522)

' Ye shall know , ' she seyde , ' when ye com thydir . '
(CMMALORY,626.3523)

' Well , ' seyde he , ' I woll gladly go with you . '
(CMMALORY,626.3524)

So sir Launcelot bade hys squyre sadyll hys horse and brynge hys armys
in haste . (CMMALORY,626.3525)

So he ded hys commandemente . (CMMALORY,626.3526)

Than come the quene unto sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,626.3527)

and seyde , ' Woll ye leve us now alone at thys hyghe feste ? '
(CMMALORY,626.3528)

' Madam , ' seyde the jantyllwoman , ' wyte you well he shall be with
you to-morne by dyner tyme . ' (CMMALORY,626.3529)

' If I wyste , ' seyde the quene , ' that he sholde nat be here with us
to-morne , he sholde nat go with you be my good wyll ! '
(CMMALORY,626.3530)

Ryght so departed sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,626.3531)

and rode untyll that he com into a foreste and into a grete valey where
they sye an abbey of nunnys . (CMMALORY,626.3532)

And there was a squyre redy , (CMMALORY,626.3533)

and opened the gatis , (CMMALORY,626.3534)

and so they entird (CMMALORY,626.3535)

and descended of their horsys . (CMMALORY,626.3536)

And anone there cam a fayre felyship aboute sir Launcelot
(CMMALORY,626.3537)

and wellcomed hym , (CMMALORY,626.3538)

<em> and were passyng gladde of his comynge </em> ; (CMMALORY,626.3539)

and than they ladde hym unto the abbas chambir (CMMALORY,626.3540)

and unarmed hym . (CMMALORY,626.3541)

And ryght so he was ware uppon a bed lyynge two of hys cosyns , sir
Bors and sir Lyonell . (CMMALORY,626.3542)

And anone he waked them , (CMMALORY,626.3543)

and whan they syghe hym they made grete joy . (CMMALORY,626.3544)

<P_627>

' Sir , ' seyde sir Bors unto sir Launcelot , ' what adventure hath
brought you hidir ? (CMMALORY,627.3546)

For we wende to have founde you to-morne at Camelot . '
(CMMALORY,627.3547)

' So God me helpe , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,627.3548)

' a jantillwoman brought me hydir , (CMMALORY,627.3549)

but I know nat the cause . ' (CMMALORY,627.3550)

So in the meanewhyle that they thus talked togydir , there com in
twelve nunnes that brought with hem Galahad , the whych was passynge
fayre and welle made , that unneth in the worlde men myght nat fynde
hys macche . (CMMALORY,627.3551)

And all tho ladyes wepte . (CMMALORY,627.3552)

' Sir , ' seyd they all , ' we brynge you hyre thys chylde the whycch
we have norysshed , (CMMALORY,627.3553)

and we pray you to make hym knyght , (CMMALORY,627.3554)

for of a more worthyer mannes honde may he nat resceyve the Order of
Knyghthode . ' (CMMALORY,627.3555)

Sir Launcelot behylde thys yonge squyer (CMMALORY,627.3556)

and saw hym semely and demure as a dove , with all maner of goode
fetures , that he wende of hys ayge never to have scene so fayre a
fourme of a man . (CMMALORY,627.3557)

Than seyde sir Launcelot , ' Commyth thys desyre of hymselff ? '
(CMMALORY,627.3558)

He and all they seyde ' yes . ' (CMMALORY,627.3559)

' Than shall he , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' resseyve the Order of
Knyghthode at the reverence of the hyghe feste . ' (CMMALORY,627.3560)

So that nyght sir Launcelot had passyng good chere .
(CMMALORY,627.3561)

And on the $morne at the howre of pryme at Galahaddis desyre he made
hym knyght , (CMMALORY,627.3562)

and seyde , ' God make you a good man , (CMMALORY,627.3563)

for of beaute` faylith you none as ony that ys now lyvynge .
(CMMALORY,627.3564)

Now , fayre sir , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' woll ye com with me unto
the courte of kynge Arthure ? ' (CMMALORY,627.3565)

' Nay , ' seyde he , ' I woll nat go with you at thys tyme . '
(CMMALORY,627.3566)

Than he departed frome them (CMMALORY,627.3567)

and toke hys two cosynes with hym . (CMMALORY,627.3568)

And so they com unto Camelot by the owre of undirne on Whytsonday .
(CMMALORY,627.3569)

So by that tyme the kynge and the quene was gone to the mynster to here
their servyse . (CMMALORY,627.3570)

Than the kynge and the quene were passynge glad of sir Bors and sir
Lyonel , (CMMALORY,627.3571)

and so was all the felyshyp . (CMMALORY,627.3572)

So whan the kynge and all the knyghtes were com frome servyse the
barownes aspyed in the segys of the Rounde Table all aboute wretyn with
golde lettirs : <P_628> ' HERE OUGHT TO SITTE HE ' , and ' HE OUGHT TO
SITTE HYRE . ' (CMMALORY,628.3573)

And thus they wente so longe tylle that they com to the Sege Perelous ,
where they founde lettirs newly wrytten of golde , whych seyde : ' FOUR
HONDRED WYNTIR AND FOUR AND FYFFTY ACOMPLYVYSSHED AFTIR THE PASSION OF
OURE LORDE JESU CRYST OUGHTE THYS SYEGE TO BE FULFYLLED . '
(CMMALORY,628.3574)

Than all they seyde , ' Thys ys a mervylous thynge and an adventures !
' (CMMALORY,628.3575)

' In the name of God ! ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,628.3576)

and than accounted the terme of the wrytynge , frome the byrth of oure
Lorde untyll that day . (CMMALORY,628.3577)

' Hit semyth me , ' seyd sir Launcelot , ' that thys syge oughte to be
fulfylled thys same day , (CMMALORY,628.3578)

for thys $ys the Pentecoste after the four hondred and four and fyffty
yere . (CMMALORY,628.3579)

And if hit wolde please all partyes , I wolde none of thes lettirs were
sene thys day tyll that he be com that ought to enchyve thys adventure
. ' (CMMALORY,628.3580)

Than made they to ordayne a cloth of sylke for to cover thes lettirs in
the Syege Perelous . (CMMALORY,628.3581)

Than the kynge bade haste unto dyner . (CMMALORY,628.3582)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Kay the Stywarde , ' if ye go now unto youre mete
ye shall breke youre olde custom of youre courte , (CMMALORY,628.3583)

for ye have nat used on thys day to sytte at your mete or that ye have
sene some adventure . ' (CMMALORY,628.3584)

' Ye sey sothe , ' seyde the kynge , (CMMALORY,628.3585)

' but I had so grete joy of sir Launcelot and of hys cosynes whych bene
com to the courte hole and sounde , that I bethought me nat of none
olde custom . ' (CMMALORY,628.3586)

So as they stood spekynge , in com a squyre that seyde unto the kynge ,
' Sir , I brynge unto you mervaylous tydynges . ' (CMMALORY,628.3587)

' What be they ? ' seyde the kynge . (CMMALORY,628.3588)

' Sir , there ys here bynethe at the ryver a grete stone whych I saw
fleete abovyn the watir , (CMMALORY,628.3589)

and therein I saw stykynge a swerde . ' (CMMALORY,628.3590)

Than the kynge seyde , ' I woll se that mervayle . '
(CMMALORY,628.3591)

So all the knyghtes wente with hym . (CMMALORY,628.3592)

And when they cam unto $the ryver they founde there a stone fletynge ,
as hit were of rede marbyll , (CMMALORY,628.3593)

and therein stake a fayre ryche swerde , (CMMALORY,628.3594)

and the pomell <P_629> thereof was of precious stonys wrought with
lettirs of golde subtyle` . (CMMALORY,629.3595)

Than the barownes redde the lettirs whych seyde in thys wyse : ' NEVER
SHALL MAN TAKE ME HENSE BUT ONLY HE BY WHOS SYDE I OUGHT TO HONGE
(CMMALORY,629.3596)

AND HE SHALL BE THE BESTE KNYGHT OF THE WORLDE . ' (CMMALORY,629.3597)

So whan the kynge had sene the lettirs he seyde unto sir Launcelot , '
Fayre sir , thys swerde ought to be youres , (CMMALORY,629.3598)

for I am sure ye be the beste knyght of the worlde . '
(CMMALORY,629.3599)

Than sir Launcelot answerde full sobirly , ' Sir , that ys nat my
swerde ; (CMMALORY,629.3600)

also , I have no hardines to sette my honde thereto ,
(CMMALORY,629.3601)

for hit longith nat to hange be my syde . (CMMALORY,629.3602)

Also , who that assayth to take hit and faylith of that swerde , he
shall resseyve a wounde by that swerde that he shall nat be longe hole
afftir . (CMMALORY,629.3603)

And I woll nat ye weyte that thys same day shall the adventure of the
Sankgreall begynne , that ys called the holy vessell . '
(CMMALORY,629.3604)

' Now , fayre nevew , ' seyde the kynge unto sir Gawayne , ' assay ye
for my love . ' (CMMALORY,629.3605)

' Sir , ' he seyde , ' sauff youre good grace , I shall nat do that . '
(CMMALORY,629.3606)

' Sir , ' seyde the kynge , ' assay to take the swerde for my love and
at my commaundemente . ' (CMMALORY,629.3607)

' Sir , youre commaundemente I woll obey . ' (CMMALORY,629.3608)

And therewith he toke the swerde by the handyle , (CMMALORY,629.3609)

but he myght nat stirre hit . (CMMALORY,629.3610)

' I thanke you , ' seyde the kynge . (CMMALORY,629.3611)

' My lorde sir Gawayne , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' now wete you well
thys swerde shall touche you so sore that ye wolde nat ye had sette
youre honde thereto for the beste castell of thys realme . '
(CMMALORY,629.3612)

' Sir , ' he seyde , ' I myght nat withsey myne unclis wyll . '
(CMMALORY,629.3613)

But whan the kynge herde thys he repented hit much (CMMALORY,629.3614)

and seyde unto sir Percyvall , ' Sir , woll ye assay for my love ? '
(CMMALORY,629.3615)

And he assayed gladly for to beare sir Gawayne felyship ,
(CMMALORY,629.3616)

and therewith he sette to hys honde on the swerde (CMMALORY,629.3617)

and drew at hit strongely , (CMMALORY,629.3618)

but he myght nat meve hytte . (CMMALORY,629.3619)

Than were there $no mo that durste be so hardy to sette their hondis
thereto . (CMMALORY,629.3620)

<P_630>

' Now may ye go to youre dyner , ' seyde sir Kay unto the kynge ,
(CMMALORY,630.3622)

' for a mervalous adventure have ye sene . ' (CMMALORY,630.3623)

So the kynge and all they wente unto the courte , (CMMALORY,630.3624)

and every knyght knew hys owne place (CMMALORY,630.3625)

and sette hym therein . (CMMALORY,630.3626)

And yonge men that were good knyghtes served them . (CMMALORY,630.3627)

So whan they were served and all syegis fulfylled sauff only the Syege
Perelous , anone there befelle a mervaylous adventure : that all the
doorys and wyndowes of the paleyse shutte by themselff .
(CMMALORY,630.3628)

Natforthan the halle was nat gretly durked , (CMMALORY,630.3629)

and therewith they abaysshed bothe one and other . (CMMALORY,630.3630)

Than kynge Arthure spake fyrste (CMMALORY,630.3631)

and seyde , ' Be God , fayre felowis and lordis , we have sene this day
mervayles ! (CMMALORY,630.3632)

But or nyght I suppose we shall se gretter mervayles . '
(CMMALORY,630.3633)

In the meanewhyle com in a good olde man and an awnciente , clothed all
in whyght , (CMMALORY,630.3634)

and there was no knyght knew from whens he com . (CMMALORY,630.3635)

And with hym he brought a yonge knyght , (CMMALORY,630.3636)

and bothe on foote , in rede armys , withoute swerde other shylde sauff
a scawberd hangynge by hys syde . (CMMALORY,630.3637)

And thes wordys he seyde : ' (CMMALORY,630.3638)

Pees be with you , fayre lordys ! ' (CMMALORY,630.3639)

Than the olde man seyde unto kynge Arthure , ' Sir , I brynge you here
a yonge knyght the whych ys of kynges lynage and of the kynrede of
Joseph of Aramathy , whereby the mervayles of this courte and of
stronge realmys shall be fully complevysshed . ' (CMMALORY,630.3640)

The kynge was ryght glad of hys wordys (CMMALORY,630.3641)

and seyde unto the good man , ' Sir , ye be ryght wellcom , and the
yonge knyght with you . ' (CMMALORY,630.3642)

Than the olde man made the yonge man to unarme hym .
(CMMALORY,630.3643)

And he was in a cote of rede sendell , (CMMALORY,630.3644)

and bare a mantell uppon hys sholder that was furred with ermyne ,
(CMMALORY,630.3645)

and put that uppon hym . (CMMALORY,630.3646)

And the olde knyght seyde unto $the yonge knyght , ' Sir , swith me . '
(CMMALORY,630.3647)

And anone he lad hym to the Syege Perelous where besyde sate sir
Launcelot , (CMMALORY,630.3648)

and the good man lyffte up the clothe (CMMALORY,630.3649)

and founde there the lettirs that seyde thus : ' THYS YS THE SYEGE OF
SIR GALAHAD THE HAWTE PRYNCE . ' (CMMALORY,630.3650)

' Sir , ' seyde the olde knyght , ' weyte you well that place ys youres
. ' (CMMALORY,630.3651)

<P_631>

And than he sette hym downe surely in that syge , (CMMALORY,631.3653)

and than he seyde unto the olde man ' Now may ye , sir , go youre way ,
(CMMALORY,631.3654)

for well have ye done in that that ye were commaunded .
(CMMALORY,631.3655)

And recommaunde me unto my grauntesyre , kynge Pelles , and unto my
lorde kynge Pecchere , (CMMALORY,631.3656)

and sey hem on my behalff I shall com and se hem as sone as ever y may
. ' (CMMALORY,631.3657)

So the good man departed . (CMMALORY,631.3658)

And there mette hym twenty noble squyers , (CMMALORY,631.3659)

and so toke their horsys (CMMALORY,631.3660)

and wente their wey . (CMMALORY,631.3661)

Than all the knyghtes of the Table Rounde mervayled gretly of sir
Galahad that he durst sitte there and was so tendir of ayge ,
(CMMALORY,631.3662)

and wyste nat from whens he com but all only be God .
(CMMALORY,631.3663)

All they seyde , ' Thys ys he by whom the Sankgreall shall be encheved
, (CMMALORY,631.3664)

for there sate never none but he there but he were myscheved . '
(CMMALORY,631.3665)

Than sir Launcelot behylde hys sonne (CMMALORY,631.3666)

and had grete joy of hym . (CMMALORY,631.3667)

Than sir Bors tolde hys felowis , ' Uppon payne of my lyff thys yonge
knyght shall com to grete worship ! ' (CMMALORY,631.3668)

So thys noyse was grete in all the courte , that hit cam unto the quene
. (CMMALORY,631.3669)

And she had mervayle what knyght hit <em> myghte be </em> that durste
adventure hym to sytte in that Sege Perelous . (CMMALORY,631.3670)

Than som seyde he resembled much unto sir Launcelot .
(CMMALORY,631.3671)

' I may well suppose , ' seyde the quene , ' that sir Launcelot begate
hym on kynge Pelles doughter , whych made hym to lye by her by
enchauntemente , (CMMALORY,631.3672)

and hys name ys Galahad . (CMMALORY,631.3673)

I wolde fayne se hym , ' seyde the quene , (CMMALORY,631.3674)

' for he muste nedys be a noble man , (CMMALORY,631.3675)

for so hys fadir ys that hym begate : (CMMALORY,631.3676)

I reporte me unto all the Table Rounde . ' (CMMALORY,631.3677)

So when the mete was done , that the kynge and all were rysen , the
kyng yode to the Sege Perelous (CMMALORY,631.3678)

and lyfft up the clothe (CMMALORY,631.3679)

and founde there the name of sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,631.3680)

And than he shewed hit unto sir Gawayne (CMMALORY,631.3681)

and seyde , ' Fayre nevew , now have we amonge us sir Galahad , the
good knyght that shall worship us all . (CMMALORY,631.3682)

And uppon payne of my lyff he shall encheve the Sankgreall , ryght as
sir Launcelot had done us to undirstonde . ' (CMMALORY,631.3683)

Than cam kynge Arthure unto sir Galahad (CMMALORY,631.3684)

and seyde , ' Sir , ye be ryght wellcom , (CMMALORY,631.3685)

for ye shall meve many good knyghtes to the queste of the Sankgreall ,
(CMMALORY,631.3686)

and ye shall enchyve that many other knyghtes myght never brynge to an
ende . ' (CMMALORY,631.3687)

<P_632>

Than the kynge toke hym by the honde (CMMALORY,632.3689)

and wente downe frome the paleyes to shew Galahad the adventures of the
stone . (CMMALORY,632.3690)

Than the quene harde thereof (CMMALORY,632.3691)

and cam aftir with many ladyes , (CMMALORY,632.3692)

and <em> so they </em> shewed her the stone where hit hoved on the
watir . (CMMALORY,632.3693)

' Sir , ' seyde the kynge unto sir Galahad , ' here ys a grete mervayle
as ever y sawe , (CMMALORY,632.3694)

and ryght good knyghtes have assayde and fayled . ' (CMMALORY,632.3695)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' hit ys no mervayle ,
(CMMALORY,632.3696)

for thys adventure ys nat theyrs but myne . (CMMALORY,632.3697)

And for the surete` of thys swerde I brought none with me ,
(CMMALORY,632.3698)

but here by my syde hangith the scawberte . ' (CMMALORY,632.3699)

And anone he leyde hys honde on the swerde , (CMMALORY,632.3700)

and lyghtly drew hit oute of the stone , (CMMALORY,632.3701)

and put hit in the sheethe , (CMMALORY,632.3702)

and seyde unto the kynge ' Now hit goth <em> better than hit dyd
aforehand . ' (CMMALORY,632.3703)

</em> ' Sir , ' seyde the kynge , ' a shylde God may sende you . '
(CMMALORY,632.3704)

' Now have I the swerde that somtyme was the good knyghtes Balyns le
Saveaige , (CMMALORY,632.3705)

and he was a passynge good knyght of hys hondys ; (CMMALORY,632.3706)

and with thys swerde he slew hys brothir Balan , (CMMALORY,632.3707)

and that was grete pite` , (CMMALORY,632.3708)

for he was a good knyght . (CMMALORY,632.3709)

And eythir slew othir thorow a dolerous stroke that Balyn gaff unto
kynge Pelles , the whych ys nat yett hole , nor naught shall be tyll
that I hele hym . ' (CMMALORY,632.3710)

So therewith the kynge <em> and all </em> aspyed com rydynge downe the
ryver a lady on a whyght palferey a grete paace towarde them .
(CMMALORY,632.3711)

Than she salewed the kynge and the quene (CMMALORY,632.3712)

and asked if that sir Launcelot were there , (CMMALORY,632.3713)

and than he answerd hymselff (CMMALORY,632.3714)

and seyde , ' I am here , my fayre lady ! ' (CMMALORY,632.3715)

Than she seyde all with wepynge there , ' A , sir Launcelot !
(CMMALORY,632.3716)

How youre grete doynge ys chonged sytthyn thys day in the morne ! '
(CMMALORY,632.3717)

' Damesell , why sey ye so ? ' (CMMALORY,632.3718)

' Sir , I say you sothe , ' seyde the damesell , (CMMALORY,632.3719)

' for ye were thys day in the morne the best knyght of the worlde .
(CMMALORY,632.3720)

But who sholde sey so now , he sholde be a lyer , (CMMALORY,632.3721)

for there ys now one bettir than ye be , (CMMALORY,632.3722)

and well hit ys preved by the adventure of the swerde whereto ye durst
nat sette to your honde . (CMMALORY,632.3723)

And that ys the change of youre name and levynge . (CMMALORY,632.3724)

Wherefore I make unto you a remembraunce that ye shall nat wene frome
hensforthe that ye be the best knyght of the worlde . '
(CMMALORY,632.3725)

<P_633>

' As towchyng unto that , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' I know well I was
never none of the beste . ' (CMMALORY,633.3727)

' Yes , ' seyde the damesell , ' that were ye , (CMMALORY,633.3728)

and ar yet , of ony synfull man of the worlde . (CMMALORY,633.3729)

And , sir kynge , Nacien the eremeyte $sendeth the worde that the shall
befalle the grettyst worship that ever befelle kynge in Bretayne ,
(CMMALORY,633.3730)

and I sey $you wherefore : (CMMALORY,633.3731)

for thys day the Sankegreall appered in thy house (CMMALORY,633.3732)

and fedde the and all thy felyship of the Rounde Table . '
(CMMALORY,633.3733)

So she departed and wente the same way that she cam .
(CMMALORY,633.3734)

' Now , ' seyde the kynge , ' I am sure at this quest of the
Sankegreall shall all ye of the Rownde Table departe ,
(CMMALORY,633.3735)

and nevyr shall I se you agayne hole togydirs , (CMMALORY,633.3736)

therefore ones shall I se you togydir in the medow , all hole togydirs
! (CMMALORY,633.3737)

Therefore I wol se you all hole togydir in the medow of Camelot , to
juste and to turney , that aftir youre dethe men may speke of hit that
such good knyghtes were here , such a day , hole togydirs . '
(CMMALORY,633.3738)

As unto that counceyle and at the kynges rekeyst they accorded all ,
(CMMALORY,633.3739)

and toke on the harneyse that longed unto joustenynge .
(CMMALORY,633.3740)

But all thys mevynge of the kynge was for thys entente , for to se
Galahad preved ; (CMMALORY,633.3741)

for the kynge demed he sholde nat lyghtly com agayne unto the courte
aftir thys departynge . (CMMALORY,633.3742)

So were they assembled in the medowe , both more and lasse .
(CMMALORY,633.3743)

Than sir Galahalt by the prayer of the kynge and the quene dud on a
noble jesseraunce uppon hym , (CMMALORY,633.3744)

and also he dud on hys helme , (CMMALORY,633.3745)

but shylde wolde he take none for no prayer of the kynge .
(CMMALORY,633.3746)

So than sir Gawayne and othir knyghtes prayde hym to take a speare .
(CMMALORY,633.3747)

Ryght so he dud . (CMMALORY,633.3748)

So the quene was in a towure with all hir ladyes for to beholde that
turnement . (CMMALORY,633.3749)

Than sir Galahad dressed hym in myddys of the medow (CMMALORY,633.3750)

and began to breke spearys mervaylously , that all men had wondir of
hym , (CMMALORY,633.3751)

for he there surmownted all othir knyghtes . (CMMALORY,633.3752)

For within a whyle he had defowled many good knyghtes of the Table
Rounde sauff all only tweyne , (CMMALORY,633.3753)

that was sir Launcelot and sir Persyvale . (CMMALORY,633.3754)

Than the kynge at the quenys desyre made hym to alyght and to unlace
hys helme , that the quene myght se hym in the vysayge .
(CMMALORY,633.3755)

Whan she avysed hym she seyde , ' I dare well sey sothely that sir
Launcelot begate hym , (CMMALORY,633.3756)

for never <P_634> two men resembled more in lyknesse .
(CMMALORY,634.3757)

Therefore hit ys no mervayle thoughe he be of grete proues . '
(CMMALORY,634.3758)

So a lady that stood by the quene seyde , ' Madam , for Goddis sake ,
ought he of ryght to be so good a knyght ? ' (CMMALORY,634.3759)

' Ye , forsothe , ' seyde the quene , (CMMALORY,634.3760)

' for he ys of all partyes comyn of the beste knyghtes of the worlde
and of the hyghest lynage : (CMMALORY,634.3761)

for sir Launcelot ys com but of the eyghth degre` from oure Lorde Jesu
Cryst , (CMMALORY,634.3762)

and thys sir Galahad ys $the nyneth degre` frome oure Lorde Jesu Cryst
. (CMMALORY,634.3763)

Therefore I dare sey they be the grettist jantillmen of the worlde . '
(CMMALORY,634.3764)

And than the kynge and all the astatis wente home unto Camelot ,
(CMMALORY,634.3765)

and so wente unto evynsong to the grete monester . And so aftir uppon
that to sowper , (CMMALORY,634.3766)

and every knyght sette in hys owne place as they were toforehonde .
(CMMALORY,634.3767)

Than anone they harde crakynge and cryynge of thundir , that hem
thought the palyse sholde all to-dryve . (CMMALORY,634.3768)

So in the myddys of the blast entyrde a sonnebeame , more clerer by
seven tymys than ever they saw day , (CMMALORY,634.3769)

and all they were alyghted of the grace of the Holy Goste .
(CMMALORY,634.3770)

Than began every knyght to beholde other , (CMMALORY,634.3771)

and eyther saw other , by their semynge , fayrer than ever they were
before . (CMMALORY,634.3772)

Natforthan there was no knyght that myght speke one worde a grete whyle
, (CMMALORY,634.3773)

and so they loked every man on other as they had bene doome .
(CMMALORY,634.3774)

Than entird into the halle the Holy Grayle coverde with whyght samyte ,
(CMMALORY,634.3775)

but there was none that myght se hit nother whom that bare hit .
(CMMALORY,634.3776)

And there was all the halle fulfylled with good odoures ,
(CMMALORY,634.3777)

and every knyght had such metis and drynkes as he beste loves in thys
worlde . (CMMALORY,634.3778)

And when the Holy Grayle had bene borne thorow the hall , than the holy
vessell departed suddeynly , that they wyst nat where hit becam .
(CMMALORY,634.3779)

Than had they all breth to speke , (CMMALORY,634.3780)

and than the kyng yelded thankynges to God of Hys good grace that He
had sente them . (CMMALORY,634.3781)

' Sertes , ' $seyde the kynge , ' we ought to thanke oure Lorde Jesu
Cryste gretly that he hath shewed us thys day at the reverence of thys
hyghe feste of Pentecost . ' (CMMALORY,634.3782)

' Now , ' seyde sir Gawayne , ' we have bene servyd thys day of what
metys and drynkes we thought on . (CMMALORY,634.3783)

But one thyng begyled us , that we myght nat se the Holy Grayle :
(CMMALORY,634.3784)

hit was so preciously coverde . <P_635> Wherefore I woll make here a
vow that to-morne , withoute longer abydynge , I shall laboure in the
queste of the Sankgreall , and that I shall holde me oute a
twelve-month and a day or more if nede be , (CMMALORY,635.3785)

and never shall I returne unto the courte agayne tylle I have sene hit
more opynly than hit hath bene shewed here . (CMMALORY,635.3786)

And iff I may nat spede I shall returne agayne as he that may nat be
ayenst the wylle of God . (CMMALORY,635.3787)

So when they of the Table Rounde harde sir Gawayne sey so , they arose
up the moste party (CMMALORY,635.3788)

and made such avowes as sir Gawayne hathe made . (CMMALORY,635.3789)

Anone as kynge Arthur harde thys he was gretly dysplesed ,
(CMMALORY,635.3790)

for he wyst well he myght nat agaynesey their avowys .
(CMMALORY,635.3791)

' Alas ! ' seyde kynge Arthure unto sir Gawayne , ' ye have nygh slayne
me for the avow that ye have made , (CMMALORY,635.3792)

for thorow you ye have berauffte me the fayryst and the trewyst of
knyghthode that ever was sene togydir in ony realme of the worlde .
(CMMALORY,635.3793)

For when they departe frome hense I am sure they all shall never mete
more togydir in thys worlde , (CMMALORY,635.3794)

for they shall dye many in the queste . (CMMALORY,635.3795)

And so hit forthynkith nat me a litill , (CMMALORY,635.3796)

for I have loved them as well as my lyff . Wherefore hit shall greve me
ryght sore , the departicion of thys felyship , (CMMALORY,635.3797)

for I have had an olde custom to have hem in my felyship . '
(CMMALORY,635.3798)

And therewith the teerys felle in hys yen , (CMMALORY,635.3799)

and than he seyde , ' Sir Gawayne , $Gawayne ! Ye have sette me in
grete sorow , (CMMALORY,635.3800)

for I have grete doute that my trew felyshyp shall never mete here more
agayne . ' (CMMALORY,635.3801)

' A , sir , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' comforte youreself !
(CMMALORY,635.3802)

For hit shall be unto us a grete honoure , and much more than we dyed
in other placis , (CMMALORY,635.3803)

for of dethe we be syker . ' (CMMALORY,635.3804)

' A , Launcelot ! ' seyde the kynge , ' the grete love that I have had
unto you all the dayes of my lyff makith me to sey such dolefull wordis
! (CMMALORY,635.3805)

For there was never Crysten kynge that ever had so many worthy men at
hys table as I have had thys day at the Table Rounde .
(CMMALORY,635.3806)

And that ys my grete sorow . (CMMALORY,635.3807)

' Whan the quene , ladyes , and jantillwomen knew of thys tydyng they
had such sorow and hevynes that there myght no tunge telle ,
(CMMALORY,635.3808)

for tho knyghtes had holde them in honoure and charite` .
(CMMALORY,635.3809)

But aboven all othir quene Gwenyver made grete sorow .
(CMMALORY,635.3810)

<P_636>

' I mervayle ' , seyde she , ' that my lorde woll suffir hem to departe
fro hym . ' (CMMALORY,636.3812)

Thus was all the courte trowbled for the love of the departynge of
these knyghtes , (CMMALORY,636.3813)

and many of tho ladyes that loved knyghtes wolde have gone with hir
lovis . (CMMALORY,636.3814)

And so had they done , had nat an olde knyght com amonge them in
relygious clothynge and spake all on hyght and seyde , ' Fayre lordis
whych have sworne in the queste of the Sankgreall , thus sendith you
Nacien the eremyte worde that none in thys queste lede lady nother
jantillwoman with hym , (CMMALORY,636.3815)

for hit ys nat to do in so hyghe a servyse as they laboure in .
(CMMALORY,636.3816)

For I warne you playne , he that ys nat clene of hys synnes he shall
nat se the mysteryes of oure Lorde Jesu Cryste ' . (CMMALORY,636.3817)

And for thys cause they leffte thes ladyes and jantillwomen .
(CMMALORY,636.3818)

So aftir thys the quene come unto sir Galahad (CMMALORY,636.3819)

and asked hym of whens he was and of what contrey . (CMMALORY,636.3820)

Than he tolde hir of whens he was . (CMMALORY,636.3821)

' And sonne unto sir Launcelot ? ' <em> she seyde </em> .
(CMMALORY,636.3822)

As to that $he seyde nother yee nother nay . (CMMALORY,636.3823)

' So God me helpe , ' seyde the quene , ' (CMMALORY,636.3824)

ye $darf nat shame , (CMMALORY,636.3825)

for he ys the goodlyest knyght , and of the beste men of the worlde
commyn , and of the strene , of all partyes , of kynges . Wherefore you
ought of ryght to be of youre dedys a passyng good man .
(CMMALORY,636.3826)

And sertayne ' , she seyde , ' ye resemble hym much . '
(CMMALORY,636.3827)

Than sir Galahad was a lityll ashamed (CMMALORY,636.3828)

and seyde , ' Madame , sithyn ye know in sertayne , wherefore do ye
aske hit me ? (CMMALORY,636.3829)

For he that ys my fadir shall be knowyn opynly and all betymys . '
(CMMALORY,636.3830)

And than they wente unto reste them . (CMMALORY,636.3831)

And in honoure of the hyghnes of knyghthod $of sir Galahad he was ledde
into kynge Arthures chambir , (CMMALORY,636.3832)

and there rested in hys owne bedde . (CMMALORY,636.3833)

And as sone as hit was day the kynge arose , (CMMALORY,636.3834)

for he had no reste of all that nyght for sorow . (CMMALORY,636.3835)

Than he wente unto sir Gawayne and unto sir Launcelot that were arysen
for to hyre masse , (CMMALORY,636.3836)

and than the kynge agayne seyde , ' A , Gawayne , Gawayne ! Ye have
betrayed me , (CMMALORY,636.3837)

for never shall my courte be amended by you . (CMMALORY,636.3838)

But ye woll never be so sory for me as I am for you ! '
(CMMALORY,636.3839)

<P_637>

And therewith the tearys began to renne downe by hys vysayge ,
(CMMALORY,637.3841)

and therewith the kynge seyde , ' A , curteyse knyght , sir Launcelot !
I requyre you that ye counceyle me , (CMMALORY,637.3842)

for I wolde that thys queste were at an ende and hit myght be . '
(CMMALORY,637.3843)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' ye saw yestirday so many worthy
knyghtes there were sworne that they may nat leve hit in no maner of
wyse . ' (CMMALORY,637.3844)

' That wote I well , ' seyde the kynge , (CMMALORY,637.3845)

' but hit shall so hevy me at their departyng that I wote well there
shall no maner of joy remedy me . ' (CMMALORY,637.3846)

And than the kynge and the quene wente unto the mynster .
(CMMALORY,637.3847)

So anone sir Launcelot and sir Gawayne commaunded hir men to brynge hir
armys , (CMMALORY,637.3848)

and when they all were all armed sauff hir shyldys and her helmys ,
than they com to their felyship whych were all redy in the same wyse
for to go to the monastery to hyre their masse and servyse .
(CMMALORY,637.3849)

Than aftir servyse the kynge wolde wete how many had undirtake the
queste of the Holy Grayle ; (CMMALORY,637.3850)

than founde they be tale an hondred and fyffty , (CMMALORY,637.3851)

and all tho were knyghtes of the Rounde Table . (CMMALORY,637.3852)

And than they put on their helmys (CMMALORY,637.3853)

and departed (CMMALORY,637.3854)

and recommaunded them all hole unto the kynge and quene .
(CMMALORY,637.3855)

And there was wepyng and grete sorow . (CMMALORY,637.3856)

Than the quene departed into the chambir (CMMALORY,637.3857)

and horde hir there , that no man shold perceyve hir grete sorowys .
(CMMALORY,637.3858)

Whan sir Launcelot myssed the quene he wente tyll hir chambir ,
(CMMALORY,637.3859)

and when she saw hym she cryed alowde (CMMALORY,637.3860)

and seyde , ' A , sir Launcelot , Launcelot ! Ye have betrayde me and
putte me to the deth , for to leve thus my lorde ! '
(CMMALORY,637.3861)

' A , madam , I pray you be nat displeased , (CMMALORY,637.3862)

for I shall com agayne as sone as I may with my worship . '
(CMMALORY,637.3863)

' Alas , ' seyde she , ' that ever I syghe you ! (CMMALORY,637.3864)

But He that suffird dethe uppon the Crosse for all menkynde , He be
unto you good conduyte and saufte` , and all the hole felyshyp ! '
(CMMALORY,637.3865)

Ryght so departed sir Launcelot (CMMALORY,637.3866)

and founde hys felyship that abode hys commyng , (CMMALORY,637.3867)

and than they toke their horsys (CMMALORY,637.3868)

and rode thorow the strete of Camelot . (CMMALORY,637.3869)

And there was wepyng of ryche <P_638> and poore , (CMMALORY,638.3870)

and the kynge turned away (CMMALORY,638.3871)

and myght nat speke for wepyng . (CMMALORY,638.3872)

So within a whyle they rode all togydirs tyll that they com to a cite`
, and a castell that hyght Vagon . (CMMALORY,638.3873)

And so they entird into the castell , (CMMALORY,638.3874)

and the lorde thereof was an olde man that hyght Vagon , and good of
hys lyvyng , (CMMALORY,638.3875)

and sette opyn the gatis (CMMALORY,638.3876)

and made hem all the chere that he myght . (CMMALORY,638.3877)

And so on the morne they were all accorded that they sholde departe
everych from othir . (CMMALORY,638.3878)

And on the morne they departed with wepyng chere , (CMMALORY,638.3879)

and than every knyght toke the way that hym lyked beste .
(CMMALORY,638.3880)

<heading>

II. The Miracles (CMMALORY,638.3882)

</heading>

Now rydith Galahad yet withouten shylde , (CMMALORY,638.3884)

and so rode four dayes withoute ony adventure , (CMMALORY,638.3885)

and at the fourthe day aftir evynsonge he com to a whyght abbay .
(CMMALORY,638.3886)

And there was he resceyved with grete reverence and lad untyll a
chambir , (CMMALORY,638.3887)

and there was he unarmed . (CMMALORY,638.3888)

And than was he ware of two knyghtes of the Table Rounde ,
(CMMALORY,638.3889)

$one was sir Bagdemagus , and sir Uwayne , (CMMALORY,638.3890)

and when they sy hym they $went to sir Galahad (CMMALORY,638.3891)

and made of hym grete solace . (CMMALORY,638.3892)

And so they wente unto supper . (CMMALORY,638.3893)

' Sirs , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' what adventure brought you hydir ? '
(CMMALORY,638.3894)

' Sir , ' they seyde , ' hit ys tolde us that in thys place ys a shylde
that no man may bere hit aboute his necke but he be myscheved other
dede within three dayes , other maymed for ever . (CMMALORY,638.3895)

But , sir , ' seyde kynge Bagdemagus , ' I shall beare hit to-morne for
to assay thys adventure . ' (CMMALORY,638.3896)

' In the name of God ! ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,638.3897)

' Sir , ' seyde Bagdemagus , ' and I may nat encheve the adventure of
thys shylde ye shall take hit uppon you , (CMMALORY,638.3898)

for I $am sure ye shall nat fayle . ' (CMMALORY,638.3899)

' Sir , I ryght well agre` me thereto , (CMMALORY,638.3900)

for I have no shylde . ' (CMMALORY,638.3901)

So on the morne they arose (CMMALORY,638.3902)

and herde masse . (CMMALORY,638.3903)

Than syr Bagdemagus asked where the adventures shylde was .
(CMMALORY,638.3904)

Anone a munke ledde hym behynde an awter where the shylde hynge as
whyght as ony snowe , (CMMALORY,638.3905)

but in the myddys was a rede crosse . (CMMALORY,638.3906)

<P_639>

' Syrres , ' seyde $the monke , ' thys shylde oughte nat to be honged
aboute the nek of no knyght but he be the worthyest knyght of the
worlde . (CMMALORY,639.3908)

Therefore I counceyle you , knyghtes , to be well avysed . '
(CMMALORY,639.3909)

' Well , ' seyde sir Bagdemagus , ' I wote well I am nat the beste
knyght , (CMMALORY,639.3910)

but I shall assay to bere hit , ' (CMMALORY,639.3911)

and so bare hit oute of the monaster . (CMMALORY,639.3912)

Than he seyde unto sir Galahad , ' And hit please you to abyde here
styll tylle that ye wete how that I spede . ' (CMMALORY,639.3913)

' Sir , I shall abyde you , ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,639.3914)

Than kynge Bagdemagus toke with hym a good squyre , to brynge tydynges
unto sir Galahad how he spedde . (CMMALORY,639.3915)

Than they rode two myle (CMMALORY,639.3916)

and com to a fayre valey before an ermytayge , (CMMALORY,639.3917)

and than they saw a knyght com frome that partyes in whyght armour ,
horse and all , (CMMALORY,639.3918)

and he com as faste as hys horse myght renne , and hys speare in hys
reeste . (CMMALORY,639.3919)

Than sir Bagdemagus dressed hys speare ayenste hym (CMMALORY,639.3920)

and brake hit uppon the whyght knyght , (CMMALORY,639.3921)

but the othir stroke hym so harde that he braste the mayles
(CMMALORY,639.3922)

and threste hym thorow the ryght sholdir , (CMMALORY,639.3923)

for the shylde coverde hym nat as at that tyme . (CMMALORY,639.3924)

And so he bare hym frome hys horse , (CMMALORY,639.3925)

and therewith he alyght (CMMALORY,639.3926)

and toke hys whyght shylde from hym , saynge , ' Knyght , thou hast
done thyselff grete foly , (CMMALORY,639.3927)

for thys shylde ought nat to be borne but by hym that shall have no
pere that lyvith . ' (CMMALORY,639.3928)

And than he com to Bagdemagus squyre (CMMALORY,639.3929)

and bade hym ' bere thys shylde to the good knyght sir Galahad that
thou leffte in the abbey , (CMMALORY,639.3930)

and grete hym well by me . ' (CMMALORY,639.3931)

' Sir , ' seyde the squyre , ' what ys youre name ? '
(CMMALORY,639.3932)

' Take thou none hede of my name , ' seyde the $knyghte , '
(CMMALORY,639.3933)

for hit ys nat for $the to know , nother none erthely man . '
(CMMALORY,639.3934)

' Now , fayre sir , ' seyde the squyre , ' at the reverence of Jesu
Cryst , telle me be what cause thys shylde may nat be borne but if the
berer therof be myscheved . ' (CMMALORY,639.3935)

' Now syn thou hast conjoured me , ' seyde the knyght , ' thys shelde
behovith unto no man but unto sir Galahad . ' (CMMALORY,639.3936)

Than the squyre wente unto Bagdemagus (CMMALORY,639.3937)

and asked hym whethir he were sore wounded or none .
(CMMALORY,639.3938)

' Ye forsoth , ' seyde he , ' I shall ascape harde frome the deth . '
(CMMALORY,639.3939)

Than he fette hys horse (CMMALORY,639.3940)

and ledde hym with a grete payne tylle they cam unto the abbay .
(CMMALORY,639.3941)

Than he was takyn downe sofftely and <P_640> unarmed and leyde in hys
bedde and loked there $to hys woundys . (CMMALORY,640.3942)

And as the booke tellith , he lay there longe (CMMALORY,640.3943)

and ascaped hard with the lyff . (CMMALORY,640.3944)

' Sir Galahad , ' seyde the squyre , ' that knyght that wounded
Bag-demagus sende you gretyng , (CMMALORY,640.3945)

and bade that ye sholde bere thys shylde wherethorow grete adventures
sholde befalle . ' (CMMALORY,640.3946)

' Now blyssed be good fortune ! ' seyde sir Galahad .
(CMMALORY,640.3947)

And than he asked hys armys (CMMALORY,640.3948)

and mownted uppon hys horse backe (CMMALORY,640.3949)

and hanged the whyght shylde aboute hys necke (CMMALORY,640.3950)

and com-maunded hem unto God . (CMMALORY,640.3951)

So sir Uwayne seyde he wolde beare hym felyshyp if hit pleased hym .
(CMMALORY,640.3952)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' that may ye nat , (CMMALORY,640.3953)

for I must go alone , save thys squyre shall bere me felyship . '
(CMMALORY,640.3954)

And so departed sir Uwayne . (CMMALORY,640.3955)

Than within a whyle cam sir Gala-had $there $as {TEXT:thereas} the
whyght knyght abode hym by the ermytayge , (CMMALORY,640.3956)

and everych salewed other curteysly . (CMMALORY,640.3957)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' by thys shylde bene many mervayles
fallen . ' (CMMALORY,640.3958)

' Syr , ' seyde the knyght , ' hit befelle aftir the Passion of oure
Lorde Jesu Cryste two and thirty yere that Joseph of Aramathy , that
jantyll knyght the whych toke downe our Lorde of the holy Crosse , at
that tyme he departed frome Jerusalem with a grete party of hys
kyn-rede with hym . (CMMALORY,640.3959)

And so he labourde tyll they com to a cite` whych hyght Sarras .
(CMMALORY,640.3960)

And that same owre that Joseph com to Sarras , there was a kynge that
hyght Evelake that had grete warre ayenst the Sarezens , and in
especiall ayenste one Sarezyn the whych was kynge Evelakes cousyn , a
ryche kynge and a myghty , whych marched nyghe hys londe ,
(CMMALORY,640.3961)

and hys name was called Tholome la Feyntis . (CMMALORY,640.3962)

So on a day thes two mette to do batayle . (CMMALORY,640.3963)

' Than Joseph , the sonne of Aramathy , wente to kyng Evelake
(CMMALORY,640.3964)

and tolde hym he sholde be discomfite and slayne but he leffte hys
beleve of the olde law and beleeve uppon the new law .
(CMMALORY,640.3965)

And anone he shewed hym the ryght beleve of the Holy Trynyte` , for the
whyche he agreed unto with all hys herte . (CMMALORY,640.3966)

' And there thys shylde was made for kynge Evelake in the name of Hym
that dyed on the Crosse . (CMMALORY,640.3967)

And than thorow hys goodly belyeve he had the bettir of kynge Tholome .
(CMMALORY,640.3968)

For when kynge <P_641> Eve-lake was in the batayle there was a clothe
sette afore the shylde , (CMMALORY,641.3969)

and whan he was in the grettist perell he lett put awey the cloth ,
(CMMALORY,641.3970)

and than hys enemyes saw a vigoure of a man on the crosse ,
where-thorow they all were discomfite . (CMMALORY,641.3971)

' And so hit befelle that a man of kynge Evelakes was $smytten hys
honde off , (CMMALORY,641.3972)

and bare that honde in hys other honde . (CMMALORY,641.3973)

And Joseph called that man unto hym (CMMALORY,641.3974)

and bade hym with good devocion touche the crosse . (CMMALORY,641.3975)

And as sone as that man had towched the crosse with hys honde hit was
as hole as ever hit was tofore . (CMMALORY,641.3976)

' Than sone afftir $there felle a grete mervayle , that the crosse of
the shylde at one tyme vanysshed , that no man wyste where hit becam .
(CMMALORY,641.3977)

And than kynge Evelake was baptyzed , and the moste party of all the
people of that cite` . (CMMALORY,641.3978)

' So sone aftir Joseph wolde departe , (CMMALORY,641.3979)

and kynge Evelake wolde nedys go with hym whethir he wolde or nolde .
(CMMALORY,641.3980)

And so by fortune they com into thys londe that at that tyme was called
Grete Bretayne , (CMMALORY,641.3981)

and there they founde a grete felon paynym that put Joseph into preson
. (CMMALORY,641.3982)

And so by fortune that tydynges com unto a worthy man that hyght
Mondrames , (CMMALORY,641.3983)

and he assembled all hys people for the grete renowne he had herde of
Joseph . (CMMALORY,641.3984)

And so he com into the londe of Grete Bretaygne (CMMALORY,641.3985)

and disheryted thys fellon paynym , (CMMALORY,641.3986)

and confounded hym , (CMMALORY,641.3987)

and therewith delyverde Joseph oute of preson . (CMMALORY,641.3988)

And after that all the people withturned to the Crystyn feythe .
(CMMALORY,641.3989)

' So nat longe afftir Joseph was leyde in hys dedly bedde ,
(CMMALORY,641.3990)

and whan kyng Evelake saw that , he had muche sorow ,
(CMMALORY,641.3991)

and seyde , ' " For thy love I leffte my contrey , (CMMALORY,641.3992)

and syth ye sholl departe frome me oute of thys worlde , leve me som
$tokyn that I may thynke on you . " ' (CMMALORY,641.3993)

' Than Joseph seyde , " That woll I do full gladly .
(CMMALORY,641.3994)

Now brynge me youre shylde that I toke you when ye wente into batayle
ayenst kyng Tholome . " (CMMALORY,641.3995)

' Than Joseph bledde sore at the nose , that he myght nat by no meane
be staunched , (CMMALORY,641.3996)

and there , uppon that shylde , he made a crosse of hys owne bloode
(CMMALORY,641.3997)

and seyd , ' " Now may ye se a remembrance that I love you ,
(CMMALORY,641.3998)

for ye shall never se thys shylde but ye shall thynke one me .
(CMMALORY,641.3999)

And hit shall be allwayes as freysh as hit ys now , (CMMALORY,641.4000)

and never shall no man beare thys <P_642> shylde aboute hys necke but
he shall repente hit , unto the tyme that Galahad , the good knyght ,
beare hit . And laste of my lynayge have hit aboute hys necke , that
shall do many mervaylous dedys . " (CMMALORY,642.4001)

' " Now , " seyde kyng Evelake , " where shall I put thys shylde , that
thys worthy knyght may have hit ? " (CMMALORY,642.4002)

' " Sir , ye shall leve hit $there $as {TEXT:thereas} Nacien the ermyte
shall put hit afftir hys dethe , (CMMALORY,642.4003)

for thydir shall that good knyght com the fiftenth day afftir that he
shall reseyve the Order of Knyghthode . " (CMMALORY,642.4004)

' And so that day that they sette ys thys tyme that he have hys shylde
. (CMMALORY,642.4005)

And in the same abbay lyeth Nacien the eremyte . ' (CMMALORY,642.4006)

And the whyght knyght vanyshed . (CMMALORY,642.4007)

Anone as the squyre had herde thes wordis he alyght of hys hakenay
(CMMALORY,642.4008)

and kneled downe at Gala-hadys feete , (CMMALORY,642.4009)

and prayde hym that he myght go <em> with hym </em> tyll he had made
hym knyght . (CMMALORY,642.4010)

' If I wolde <em> have ony felyshyp I wolde </em> nat refuse you . '
(CMMALORY,642.4011)

' Than woll ye make me a knyght ? ' seyde the squyre .
(CMMALORY,642.4012)

' And that Order , by the grace of God , shall be well besette in me .
' (CMMALORY,642.4013)

So sir Galahad graunted hym (CMMALORY,642.4014)

and turned ayen unto the abbay there they cam fro , (CMMALORY,642.4015)

and there men made grete joy of sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,642.4016)

And anone as he was alyght there was a munke brought hym unto a tombe
in a chircheyarde , ' where ys such a noyse that who hyryth hit veryly
shall nyghe be madde other lose hys strengthe . (CMMALORY,642.4017)

And , sir , we deme hit ys a fyende . ' (CMMALORY,642.4018)

' Now lede me thydir , ' seyd sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,642.4019)

And so they dud , all armed sauff hys helme . (CMMALORY,642.4020)

' Now , ' seyde the good man , ' go to the tombe (CMMALORY,642.4021)

and lyffte hit up . ' (CMMALORY,642.4022)

And so he dud , (CMMALORY,642.4023)

and herde a grete noyse ; (CMMALORY,642.4024)

and pyteuously he seyde , that all men myght hyre , ' Sir Galahad , the
servaunte of Jesu Crist , com thou nat nyghe me , (CMMALORY,642.4025)

for thou shalt make me go agayne there where I have bene so longe . '
(CMMALORY,642.4026)

But sir Galahad was nothynge aferde , (CMMALORY,642.4027)

but heve up the stone . (CMMALORY,642.4028)

And there com oute a fowle smoke , (CMMALORY,642.4029)

and aftir that he saw the fowlyst vygoure lepe thereoute that ever he
saw in the lyknes of a man . (CMMALORY,642.4030)

And than he blyssed hym (CMMALORY,642.4031)

and wyst well hit was a fyende . (CMMALORY,642.4032)

Than herde he a voyce sey , ' Sir Galahad , I se there envyrowne aboute
the so many angels that my power may nat deare the ! '
(CMMALORY,642.4033)

<P_643>

Ryght so sir Galahad saw a body all armed lye in that tombe and besyde
hym a swerde . (CMMALORY,643.4035)

' Now , fayre brothir , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' lette remeve thys body
. (CMMALORY,643.4036)

For he ys nat worthy to lye within thys chyrcheyarde ,
(CMMALORY,643.4037)

for he was a false Crysten man . ' (CMMALORY,643.4038)

And therewithall they departed (CMMALORY,643.4039)

and wente to the abbay . (CMMALORY,643.4040)

And anone as he was unarmed a good man cam (CMMALORY,643.4041)

and set hym downe by hym (CMMALORY,643.4042)

and seyd , ' Sir , I shall telle you what betokenyth of that ye saw in
the tombe . (CMMALORY,643.4043)

Sir , that that coverde the body , hit betokenyth the duras of the
worlde , and the grete synne that oure Lorde founde in the worlde .
(CMMALORY,643.4044)

For there was suche wrecchydnesse that the fadir loved nat the sonne ,
nother the sonne loved nat the fadir . (CMMALORY,643.4045)

And that was one of the causys that oure lorde toke fleysh and bloode
of a clene maydyn ; (CMMALORY,643.4046)

for oure synnes were so grete at that tyme that well-nyghe all was
wyckednesse . ' (CMMALORY,643.4047)

' Truly , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' I beleve you ryght well . '
(CMMALORY,643.4048)

So sir Galahad rested hym there that nyght , (CMMALORY,643.4049)

and uppon the morne he made the squyre a knyght (CMMALORY,643.4050)

and asked hym hys name and of what kynred he was com .
(CMMALORY,643.4051)

' Sir , ' he seyde , ' men calle me Melyas de Lyle ,
(CMMALORY,643.4052)

and I am the sonne of the kynge of Denmarke . ' (CMMALORY,643.4053)

' Now , fayre sir , ' seyde Galahad , ' sitthyn that ye be com of
kynges and quenys , now lokith that knyghthode be well sette in you ,
(CMMALORY,643.4054)

for ye ought to be a myrroure unto all chevilry . ' (CMMALORY,643.4055)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Melyas , ' ye sey soth . (CMMALORY,643.4056)

But , sir , sytthyn ye have made me a knyght ye must of ryght graunte
me my first desyre that ys resonable . ' (CMMALORY,643.4057)

' Ye say soth , ' seyde sir Galahad , (CMMALORY,643.4058)

' I graunte hit you . ' (CMMALORY,643.4059)

' Grauntmercy , myne owne lorde , ' seyde he , ' and that ye woll
suffir me to ryde with you in thys queste of the Sankgreall tyll that
som adventure departe us . ' (CMMALORY,643.4060)

' I graunte you , sir . ' (CMMALORY,643.4061)

Than men brought sir Melias hys armour and his speare and hys horse .
(CMMALORY,643.4062)

And so sir Galahad and he rode forth all that wyke or ever they founde
ony adventure . (CMMALORY,643.4063)

And than uppon a Munday in the mornynge , as they were departed frome
an abbay , they com to a crosse <P_644> whych departed two wayes ,
(CMMALORY,644.4064)

and in that crosse were letters wretyn that seyd thus : ' NOW YE
KNYGHTES ARRAUNTE WHICH GOTH TO SEKE KNYGHTES ADVENTURYS , SE HERE TWO
WAYES : (CMMALORY,644.4065)

THAT ONE WAY DEFENDITH THE THAT THOU NE GO THAT $WAY ,
(CMMALORY,644.4066)

FOR HE SHALL NAT GO OUTE OF THE WAY AGAYNE BUT IF HE BE A GOOD MAN AND
A WORTHY KNYGHT . (CMMALORY,644.4067)

AND IF THOU GO ON THE LYFFTE HONDE THOU SHALL NAT THERE LYGHTLY WYNNE
PROUESSE , (CMMALORY,644.4068)

FOR THOU SHALT IN THYS WAY BE SONE ASSAYDE . ' (CMMALORY,644.4069)

Sir , ' seyde Melyas unto sir Galahad , ' if hit lyke you to suffir me
to take the way on the lyffte honde <em> lette me </em> ,
(CMMALORY,644.4070)

for I shall well preve my strength . ' (CMMALORY,644.4071)

' Hit were bettir , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' ye rode nat that way ,
(CMMALORY,644.4072)

for I deme I sholde bettir ascape in that way , better than ye . '
(CMMALORY,644.4073)

' Nay , my lorde , I pray you lette me have that adventure . '
(CMMALORY,644.4074)

' Take hit in Goddys name , ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,644.4075)

NOW TURNYTH THE TALE UNTO SYR MELYAS DE LYLE . (CMMALORY,644.4076)

And than rode sir Melyas into an olde foreyste , (CMMALORY,644.4077)

and therin he rode two dayes and more . (CMMALORY,644.4078)

And than he cam into a fayre medow , (CMMALORY,644.4079)

and there was a fayre lodge of bowys . (CMMALORY,644.4080)

And than he aspyed in that lodge a chayre wherein was a crowne of golde
, ryche and subtyly wrought . (CMMALORY,644.4081)

Also there was clothys coverde uppon the erthe , and many delycious
metis sette thereon . (CMMALORY,644.4082)

So sir Melyas behylde thys adventure (CMMALORY,644.4083)

and thought hit mervayl-ous , (CMMALORY,644.4084)

but he had no hungir . (CMMALORY,644.4085)

But of the crowne of golde he toke much kepe , (CMMALORY,644.4086)

and therewith he stowped downe (CMMALORY,644.4087)

and toke hit up , (CMMALORY,644.4088)

and rode hys way with hit . (CMMALORY,644.4089)

And anone he saw a knyght com rydyng aftir hym (CMMALORY,644.4090)

and seyde , ' Sett downe that crowne whych ys nat youres ,
(CMMALORY,644.4091)

and therefore defende you ! ' (CMMALORY,644.4092)

Than sir Melyas blyssed hym (CMMALORY,644.4093)

and seyde , ' Fayre Lorde of Hevyn , helpe and save thy new-made knyght
! ' (CMMALORY,644.4094)

And than they lette their horses renne as faste as they myght ,
(CMMALORY,644.4095)

and so they smote togydirs . (CMMALORY,644.4096)

But the othir knyght smote sir Melyas thorow hawbirke and thorow the
$lyfft syde , that he felle to the <P_645> erth nyghe dede ,
(CMMALORY,645.4097)

and than he toke hys crowne (CMMALORY,645.4098)

and yode hys way . (CMMALORY,645.4099)

And sir Melyas lay stylle (CMMALORY,645.4100)

and had no power to styrre hym . (CMMALORY,645.4101)

So in the meanewhyle by fortune com sir Galahad (CMMALORY,645.4102)

and founde hym there in perell of dethe . (CMMALORY,645.4103)

And than he seyde , ' Sir Melyas , who hath wounded you ?
(CMMALORY,645.4104)

Therefore hit had bene better to have ryddyn the other way . '
(CMMALORY,645.4105)

And whan sir Melyas herde hym speke , ' Sir , ' he seyde , ' for Goddys
love , let me nat dye in thys foreyst , (CMMALORY,645.4106)

but brynge me to the abbey here besyde , that I may be confessed and
have my ryghtes . ' (CMMALORY,645.4107)

' Hit shall be done , ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,645.4108)

' But where ys he that hath wounded you ? ' (CMMALORY,645.4109)

So with that sir Galahad herde on amonge the levys cry on hyght , '
Knyght , kepe the from me ! ' (CMMALORY,645.4110)

' A , sir ! ' seyde sir Melyas , ' beware , (CMMALORY,645.4111)

for that $ys he that hath slayne me . ' (CMMALORY,645.4112)

Sir Galahad answerde and seyde , ' Sir knyght , com on your perell ! '
(CMMALORY,645.4113)

Than aythir dressed to other (CMMALORY,645.4114)

and com as fast as they myght dryve . (CMMALORY,645.4115)

And sir Galahad smote hym so that hys speare wente thorow his shuldir ,
(CMMALORY,645.4116)

and smote hym downe of hys horse , (CMMALORY,645.4117)

and in the fallyng sir Galahaddis speare brake . (CMMALORY,645.4118)

So with that com oute another knyght oute of the grene levys
(CMMALORY,645.4119)

and brake a spere uppon sir Galahad or ever he myght turne hym .
(CMMALORY,645.4120)

Than sir Galahad drew oute hys swerde (CMMALORY,645.4121)

and smote the lyffte arme off , that hit felle to the erthe ;
(CMMALORY,645.4122)

and than he fledde (CMMALORY,645.4123)

and sir Galahad sewed faste aftir hym . (CMMALORY,645.4124)

And than he turned agayne unto sir Melyas , (CMMALORY,645.4125)

and there he alyght and dressed hym softely on hys horse tofore hym ,
(CMMALORY,645.4126)

for the truncheon of hys speare was in hys body . (CMMALORY,645.4127)

And sir Galahad sterte up behynde hym (CMMALORY,645.4128)

and hylde hym in hys armys , (CMMALORY,645.4129)

and so brought hym to the abbay , (CMMALORY,645.4130)

and there unarmed hym (CMMALORY,645.4131)

and brought hym to hys chambir . (CMMALORY,645.4132)

And than he asked hys Saveoure , (CMMALORY,645.4133)

and when he had reseyved Hym he seyde unto sir Galahad , ' Syr , latte
dethe com whan hit pleasith Hym . ' (CMMALORY,645.4134)

And therewith he drew the truncheon of the speare oute of hys body ,
(CMMALORY,645.4135)

and than he sowned . (CMMALORY,645.4136)

Than com there an olde monke whych somtyme had bene a knyght ,
(CMMALORY,645.4137)

and behylde sir Melyas . (CMMALORY,645.4138)

And anone he ransaked hym , (CMMALORY,645.4139)

and than he seyde unto sir Galahad , <P_646> ' I shall heale hym of hys
play , by the grace of God , within the terme of seven wykes . '
(CMMALORY,646.4140)

Than was sir Galahad glad (CMMALORY,646.4141)

and unarmed hym (CMMALORY,646.4142)

and seyde he wolde abyde there stylle all that nyght .
(CMMALORY,646.4143)

Thus dwelled he there three dayes , (CMMALORY,646.4144)

and than he asked sir Melyas how hit stood with hym .
(CMMALORY,646.4145)

Than he seyde he was turned into helpynge , (CMMALORY,646.4146)

God be thanked . (CMMALORY,646.4147)

' Now woll I departe , ' sir Galahad seyde , (CMMALORY,646.4148)

' for I have much on honde , (CMMALORY,646.4149)

for many good knyghtes be fulle bysy aboute hit . (CMMALORY,646.4150)

And thys knyght and I were in the same quest of the Sankgreal . '
(CMMALORY,646.4151)

' Sir , ' seyde a good man , ' for hys synne he was thus wounded .
(CMMALORY,646.4152)

And I mervayle , ' seyde the good man , ' how ye durste take uppon you
so rych a thynge as the hyghe Order of Knyghthode ys withoute clene
confession . (CMMALORY,646.4153)

That was the cause that ye were bittirly wounded , (CMMALORY,646.4154)

for the way on the ryght hande betokenyd the hygheway of oure Lorde
Jesu Cryst , and the way of a good trew lyver . (CMMALORY,646.4155)

And the othir way betokenyth the way of synnars and of myssebelevers .
(CMMALORY,646.4156)

And when the devyll saw your pryde and youre persumpcion for to take
you to the queste of the Sankgreal , and that made you to be
overthrowyn , (CMMALORY,646.4157)

for hit may nat be encheved but by vertuous lyvynge .
(CMMALORY,646.4158)

' Also the wrytyng on the crosse was a $significacyon of hevynly dedys
, and of knyghtly dedys in Goddys workys , and no knyghtes dedys in
worldly workis ; (CMMALORY,646.4159)

and pryde ys hede of every synne : (CMMALORY,646.4160)

that caused thys knyght to departe frome sir Galahad .
(CMMALORY,646.4161)

And where thou toke the crowne of golde thou ded syn in covetyse and in
theffte . (CMMALORY,646.4162)

All this was no knyghtly dedys . (CMMALORY,646.4163)

And so , sir Galahad , the holy knyght which fought with $the $two
$knyghtes , {TEXT:the_two_knyghtes_the_two_knyghtes} signyfyeth the two
dedly synnes whych were holy in thys knyght , sir Melias ;
(CMMALORY,646.4164)

and they myght nat withstonde you , (CMMALORY,646.4165)

for ye ar withoute dedly synne . ' (CMMALORY,646.4166)

So now departed sir Galahad frome thens (CMMALORY,646.4167)

and betaughte hem all unto God . (CMMALORY,646.4168)

Than sir Melias seyde , ' My lord , syr Galahad , as sone as I may ryde
I shall seke you . ' (CMMALORY,646.4169)

' God sende you helthe ! ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,646.4170)

And so he toke hys horse (CMMALORY,646.4171)

and departed (CMMALORY,646.4172)

and rode many journeyes forewarde and bakwarde , (CMMALORY,646.4173)

and departed frome a place that hyght Abblasowre (CMMALORY,646.4174)

and had harde no masse . (CMMALORY,646.4175)

Than sir Galahad com to a mountayne where he founde a chapell passyng
olde , (CMMALORY,646.4176)

and founde <P_647> therein nobody , (CMMALORY,647.4177)

for all was desolate . (CMMALORY,647.4178)

And there he kneled before the awter (CMMALORY,647.4179)

and besought God of good counceyle , (CMMALORY,647.4180)

and so as he prayde he harde a voyce that seyd , ' Go thou now , thou
adventurous knyght , to the Castell of Madyns , (CMMALORY,647.4181)

and there do thou away the wycked customes ! ' (CMMALORY,647.4182)

Whan sir Galahad harde thys he thanked God (CMMALORY,647.4183)

and toke hys horse , (CMMALORY,647.4184)

and he had nat ryddyn but a whyle but he saw in a valey before hym a
stronge castell with depe dychys , (CMMALORY,647.4185)

and there ran besyde hyt a fayre ryver that hyght Sevarne .
(CMMALORY,647.4186)

And there he mette with a man of grete ayge , (CMMALORY,647.4187)

and ayther salewed other , (CMMALORY,647.4188)

and sir Galahad asked hym the castels name . (CMMALORY,647.4189)

' Fayre sir , ' seyde he , ' hit ys the Castell of Maydyns .
(CMMALORY,647.4190)

That ys a cursed castell and all they that be conversaunte therein ,
(CMMALORY,647.4191)

for all pite` ys oute thereoff , (CMMALORY,647.4192)

and all hardynes and myschyff ys therein . (CMMALORY,647.4193)

Therefore I counceyle you , sir knyght , to turne agayne . '
(CMMALORY,647.4194)

' Sir , ' sir Galahad seyde , ' wete you welle that I shall nat turne
agayne . ' (CMMALORY,647.4195)

Than loked sir Galahad on hys armys that nothyng fayled hym ,
(CMMALORY,647.4196)

and than he putte hys shylde before hym . (CMMALORY,647.4197)

And anone there mette hym seven fayre maydyns the whych seyde unto hym
, ' Sir knyght , ye ryde here in grete foly , (CMMALORY,647.4198)

for ye have the watir to passe over . ' (CMMALORY,647.4199)

' Why shold I nat passe the watir ? ' seyde sir Galahad .
(CMMALORY,647.4200)

So rode he away frome hem (CMMALORY,647.4201)

and mette with a squyre that seyde , ' Knyght , thoo knyghtes in the
castell defyeth you (CMMALORY,647.4202)

and defendith you ye go no farther tyll that they wete what ye wolde .
' (CMMALORY,647.4203)

' Fayre sir , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' I com for to destroy the wycked
custom of thys castell . ' (CMMALORY,647.4204)

' Sir ' and ye woll abyde by that ye shall have inowghe to do . '
(CMMALORY,647.4205)

' Go ye now , ' seyde sir Galahad , (CMMALORY,647.4206)

' and hast my nedys . ' (CMMALORY,647.4207)

Than the squyre entird into the castell , (CMMALORY,647.4208)

and anone aftir there com oute of the castell seven knyghtes ,
(CMMALORY,647.4209)

and all were brethirne . (CMMALORY,647.4210)

And whan they saw sir Galahad they cryed , ' Knyght , kepe the !
(CMMALORY,647.4211)

For we assure you nothyng but dethe . ' (CMMALORY,647.4212)

' Why , ' seyd Galahad , ' woll ye all have ado with me at onys ? '
(CMMALORY,647.4213)

' Yee , ' seyde they , ' thereto mayste thou truste ! '
(CMMALORY,647.4214)

Than Galahad put forth hys speare (CMMALORY,647.4215)

and smote the formyst to the <P_648> erthe , that nerehonde he brake
hys necke . (CMMALORY,648.4216)

And therewithall the other six smote hym on hys shylde grete strokes ,
that their sperys brake . (CMMALORY,648.4217)

Than sir Galahad drew oute hys swerde (CMMALORY,648.4218)

and sette uppon hem so harde that hit was mervayle ,
(CMMALORY,648.4219)

and so thorow grete force he made hem for to forsake the fylde .
(CMMALORY,648.4220)

And sir Galahad chased hem tylle they entird into the castell
(CMMALORY,648.4221)

and so passed thorow the castell at another gate . (CMMALORY,648.4222)

And anone there mette <em> sir Galahalte </em> an olde man clothyd in
relygyous clothynge (CMMALORY,648.4223)

and seyde , ' Sir , have here the kayes of thys castell . '
(CMMALORY,648.4224)

Than sir Galahad openyd the gatis (CMMALORY,648.4225)

and saw so muche people in the stretys that he myght nat numbir hem .
(CMMALORY,648.4226)

And all they seyde , ' Sir , ye be wellcom , (CMMALORY,648.4227)

for longe have we abydyn here oure delyveraunce ! ' (CMMALORY,648.4228)

Then com to hym a jantillwoman (CMMALORY,648.4229)

and seyde , ' Sir , thes knyghtes be fledde , (CMMALORY,648.4230)

but they woll com agayne thys nyght , and here to begyn agayne their
evyll custom . ' (CMMALORY,648.4231)

' What woll ye that I do ? ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,648.4232)

' Sir , ' seyde the jantillwoman , ' that ye sende aftir all the
knyghtes hydir that holde their londys of thys castell , and make hem
all to swere for to use the customs that were used here of olde tyme .
' (CMMALORY,648.4233)

' I woll well , ' seyde sir Galahad . (CMMALORY,648.4234)

And there she brought hym an horne of ivery boundyn with golde rychely
, (CMMALORY,648.4235)

and seyde , ' Sir , blow thys horne whiche woll be harde two myles
aboute . ' (CMMALORY,648.4236)

Whan sir Galahad had blowyn the horne he sette hym downe uppon a bedde
. (CMMALORY,648.4237)

Than com a pryste to Galahad (CMMALORY,648.4238)

and seyde , ' Sir , hit ys past a seven yere agone that thes seven
brethirne com into thys castell and herberowde with the lorde of the
castell that hyght the dyuke Lyanowre , (CMMALORY,648.4239)

and he was lorde of all this contrey . (CMMALORY,648.4240)

And whan they had aspyed the dyukes doughter that was a full fayre
woman , than by there false covyn they made a bate betwyxte hemselff .
(CMMALORY,648.4241)

And the deuke of hys goodnes wolde have departed them ,
(CMMALORY,648.4242)

and there they slew hym and hys eldyst sonne . (CMMALORY,648.4243)

And than they toke the maydyn and the tresoure of the castell ,
(CMMALORY,648.4244)

and so by grete force they helde all the knyghtes of the contrey undir
grete servayge and trewayge . (CMMALORY,648.4245)

So on a day the deukes doughter seyde to them , <P_649> ' " Ye have
done grete wronge to sle my fadir and my brothir and thus to holde oure
londys . (CMMALORY,649.4246)

Natforthan , " she seyde , " ye shall nat holde thys castell many yerys
, (CMMALORY,649.4247)

for by one knyght ye shall all be overcom . " (CMMALORY,649.4248)

Thus she prophecyed seven yerys agone . (CMMALORY,649.4249)

' " Well , " seyde the seven knyghtes , " sytthyn ye sey so , there
shall never lady nother knyght passe thys castell but they shall abyde
magre their hedys other dye therefore tyll that knyght be com by whom
we shall lose thys castell . " (CMMALORY,649.4250)

' And therefore hit ys called the Maydyns Castell , (CMMALORY,649.4251)

for they have devoured many maydyns . ' (CMMALORY,649.4252)

' Now , ' seyde sir Galahad , ' ys she here for whom thys castell was
loste ? ' (CMMALORY,649.4253)

' Nay , sir , ' seyde the pryste , ' she was dede within three nyghtes
aftir that she was thus forsed , (CMMALORY,649.4254)

and sytthen have they kepte their yonger syster whych enduryth grete
payne with mo other ladyes . ' (CMMALORY,649.4255)

By thys were the knyghtes of the contrey com , (CMMALORY,649.4256)

and than he made hem to do omage and feawte` to the dukes doughter
(CMMALORY,649.4257)

and sette them in grete ease of harte . (CMMALORY,649.4258)

And in the morne there com $one (CMMALORY,649.4259)

and tolde sir Galahad how that sir Gawayne , sir Gareth and sir Uwayne
had slayne the seven brethirne . (CMMALORY,649.4260)

' I supposse well , ' seyde sir Galahad , (CMMALORY,649.4261)

and toke hys armoure and hys horse , (CMMALORY,649.4262)

and commaunded hem unto God . (CMMALORY,649.4263)

HERE LEVITH THE TALE OF SIR GALAHAD (CMMALORY,649.4264)

AND SPEKITH OF SIR GAWAYNE . (CMMALORY,649.4265)

Now seyth the tale , aftir sir Gawayne departed he rode many journeys
both towarde and frowarde , (CMMALORY,649.4266)

and at the laste $he com to the abbey where sir Galahad had the whyght
shylde . (CMMALORY,649.4267)

And there sir Gawayne lerned the way to sewe aftir sir Galahad ,
(CMMALORY,649.4268)

and so he rode to the abbey where Melyas lay syke . (CMMALORY,649.4269)

And there sir Melyas tolde sir Gawayne of the mervaylous adventures
that sir Galahad dud . (CMMALORY,649.4270)

' Certes , ' seyde sir Gawayne , ' I am nat happy that I toke nat the
way that he wente . (CMMALORY,649.4271)

For and I may mete with hym I woll nat departe from hym lyghtly ,
(CMMALORY,649.4272)

for all mervaylous adventures sir Galahad enchevith . '
(CMMALORY,649.4273)

' Sir , ' seyde one of the munkes , ' he woll nat of youre felyship . '
(CMMALORY,649.4274)

' Why so ? ' seyde sir Gawayne . (CMMALORY,649.4275)

<P_650>

' Sir , ' seyd he , ' for ye be wycked and synfull ,
(CMMALORY,650.4277)

and he ys full blyssed . ' (CMMALORY,650.4278)

So ryght as they thus talked there com in rydynge sir Gareth ,
(CMMALORY,650.4279)

and than they made grete joy aythir of other . (CMMALORY,650.4280)

And on the morne they harde masse (CMMALORY,650.4281)

and so departed , (CMMALORY,650.4282)

and by the way they mett with sir Uwayne le Avowtres .
(CMMALORY,650.4283)

And $there sir Uwayne tolde sir Gawayne that he had mette with none
adventures syth he departed frome the courte . (CMMALORY,650.4284)

' Nother yet we , ' seyd sir Gawayne . (CMMALORY,650.4285)

And so ayther promysed othir of tho three knyghtes nat to de-parte
whyle they were in that queste but if suddayne fortune caused hyt .
(CMMALORY,650.4286)

So they departed (CMMALORY,650.4287)

and rode by fortune tyll that they cam by the Castell of Maydyns .
(CMMALORY,650.4288)

And there the seven brethirn aspyed the three knyghtes
(CMMALORY,650.4289)

and seyde , ' Sytthyn we be flemyd by one knyght from thys castell , we
shall destroy all the knyghtes of kyng Arthurs that we may overcom ,
for the love of sir Galahad . ' (CMMALORY,650.4290)

And therewith the seven knyghtes sette uppon hem three knyghtes .
(CMMALORY,650.4291)

And by fortune sir Gawayne slew one $of the brethren ,
(CMMALORY,650.4292)

and ech one of hys felowys overthrew anothir , (CMMALORY,650.4293)

and so $slew all the remenaunte . (CMMALORY,650.4294)

And than they toke the wey undir the castell , (CMMALORY,650.4295)

and there they loste the way that sir Galahad rode .
(CMMALORY,650.4296)

And there everych of hem departed from other . (CMMALORY,650.4297)

And sir Gawayne rode tyll he com to an ermytayge , (CMMALORY,650.4298)

and there he founde the good man seyynge hys evynsonge of oure Lady .
(CMMALORY,650.4299)

And there sir $Gawayne asked herberow for charite` ,
(CMMALORY,650.4300)

and the good man graunted hym gladly . (CMMALORY,650.4301)

Than the good man asked hym what he was . (CMMALORY,650.4302)

' Sir , ' he seyde , ' I am a knyght of kynge Arthures that am in the
queste of the Sankgreall , (CMMALORY,650.4303)

and my name ys sir Gawayne . ' (CMMALORY,650.4304)

' Sir , ' seyde the good man , ' I wolde wete how hit stondith betwyxte
God and you . ' (CMMALORY,650.4305)

' Sir , ' seyd sir Gawayne , ' I wyll with a good wyll shew you my lyff
if hit please you . ' (CMMALORY,650.4306)

There he tolde the eremyte how a monke of an abbay ' called me wycked
knyght ' . (CMMALORY,650.4307)

' He myght well sey hit , ' seyde the eremyte , (CMMALORY,650.4308)

' for when ye were made first knyght ye sholde have takyn you to
knyghtly dedys and vertuous lyvyng . (CMMALORY,650.4309)

And ye have done the contrary , (CMMALORY,650.4310)

for ye have lyved <P_651> myschevously many wyntirs .
(CMMALORY,651.4311)

And sir Galahad ys a mayde (CMMALORY,651.4312)

and synned never , (CMMALORY,651.4313)

and that ys the cause he shall enchyve where he goth that ye nor none
suche shall never attayne , nother none in youre felyship ,
(CMMALORY,651.4314)

for ye have used the moste untrewyst lyff that ever I herd knyght lyve
. (CMMALORY,651.4315)

For sertes , had ye nat bene so wycked as ye ar , never had the seven
brethirne be slayne by you and youre two felowys : (CMMALORY,651.4316)

for sir Galahad hymself alone bete hem all seven the day toforne ,
(CMMALORY,651.4317)

but hys lyvyng ys such that he shall sle no man lyghtly .
(CMMALORY,651.4318)

' Also I may sey you that the Castell of Maydyns betokenyth the good
soulys that were in preson before the Incarnacion of oure Lorde Jesu
Cryste . (CMMALORY,651.4319)

And the seven knyghtes betokenyth the seven dedly synnes that regned
that tyme in the worlde . (CMMALORY,651.4320)

And I may lyckyn the good knyght Galahad unto the Sonne of the Hyghe
Fadir that lyght within a maydyn and bought all the soules oute of
thralle : (CMMALORY,651.4321)

so ded sir Galahad delyver all the maydyns oute of the woofull castell
. (CMMALORY,651.4322)

Now , sir Gawayne , ' seyde the good man , ' thou muste do penaunce for
thy synne . ' (CMMALORY,651.4323)

' Sir , what penaunce shall I do ? ' (CMMALORY,651.4324)

' Such as I woll gyff the , ' seyde the good man . (CMMALORY,651.4325)

' Nay , ' seyd sir Gawayne , ' I may do no penaunce ,
(CMMALORY,651.4326)

for we knyghtes adventures many tymes suffir grete woo and payne . '
(CMMALORY,651.4327)

' Well , ' seyde the good man , (CMMALORY,651.4328)

and than he hylde hys pece . (CMMALORY,651.4329)

And on the morne than sir Gawayne departed frome the ermyte
(CMMALORY,651.4330)

and bytaught hym unto God . (CMMALORY,651.4331)

And by adventure he mette wyth sir Agglovale and sir Gryfflet , two
knyghtes of the Rounde Table , (CMMALORY,651.4332)

and so they three rode four dayes withoute fyndynge of ony adventure .
(CMMALORY,651.4333)

And at the fifth day they departed (CMMALORY,651.4334)

and everych hylde as felle them by adventure . (CMMALORY,651.4335)

HERE LEVITH THE TALE OF SYR GAWAYNE AND HYS FELOWYS (CMMALORY,651.4336)

AND SPEKITH OF SIR GALAHAD . (CMMALORY,651.4337)

So whan sir Galahad was departed frome the Castell of Maydyns he rode
tyll he com to a waste forest , (CMMALORY,651.4338)

and there he mette with sir Launcelot and sir Percivale .
(CMMALORY,651.4339)

But they knew hym nat , (CMMALORY,651.4340)

for he was new dysgysed . (CMMALORY,651.4341)

Ryght so hys fadir , sir Launcelot , dressed hys speare
(CMMALORY,651.4342)

and brake hit uppon sir Galahad , (CMMALORY,651.4343)

and sir Galahad smote hym so agayne that he bare downe horse and man .
(CMMALORY,651.4344)

And than he drew his swerde (CMMALORY,651.4345)

<P_652>

and dressed hym unto sir Percyvall (CMMALORY,652.4347)

and smote hym so on the helme that hit rooff to the coyff of steele ,
(CMMALORY,652.4348)

and had nat the swerde swarved sir Percyvale had be slayne .
(CMMALORY,652.4349)

And with the stroke he felle oute of hys sadyll . (CMMALORY,652.4350)

So thys justis was done tofore the ermytayge where a recluse dwelled .
(CMMALORY,652.4351)

And whan she saw sir Galahad ryde she seyde , ' God be with the , beste
knyght of the worlde ! (CMMALORY,652.4352)

A , sertes , ' seyde she all alowde , that sir $Launcelot and Percyvall
myght hyre , ' and yondir two knyghtes had knowyn the as well as I do ,
they wolde nat have encountird with the . ' (CMMALORY,652.4353)

Whan sir Galahad herde hir sey so he was adrad to be knowyn ,
(CMMALORY,652.4354)

and therewith he smote hys horse with his sporys (CMMALORY,652.4355)

and rode a grete pace toward them . (CMMALORY,652.4356)

Than perceyved they bothe that he was sir Galahad , (CMMALORY,652.4357)

and up they gate on their horsys (CMMALORY,652.4358)

and rode faste aftir hym . (CMMALORY,652.4359)

But within a whyle he was oute of hir syght , (CMMALORY,652.4360)

and than they turned agayne wyth hevy chere (CMMALORY,652.4361)

and seyde , ' Lat us spyrre som tydynges , ' seyde Percyvale , ' at
yondir rekles . ' (CMMALORY,652.4362)

' Do as ye lyst , ' seyde sir Launcelot . (CMMALORY,652.4363)

So whan sir Percyvale com to the recluse she knew hym well ynoughe and
sir Launcelot both . (CMMALORY,652.4364)

But syr Launcelot rode overthwarte and endelonge a wylde foreyst
(CMMALORY,652.4365)

and hylde no patthe but as wylde adventure lad hym .
(CMMALORY,652.4366)

And at the last he com to a stony crosse whych departed two wayes in
waste londe , (CMMALORY,652.4367)

and by the crosse was a stone that was a marble , (CMMALORY,652.4368)

but hit was so durke that sir Launcelot myght nat wete what hyt was .
(CMMALORY,652.4369)

Than sir Launcelot loked bysyde hym (CMMALORY,652.4370)

and saw an olde chapell , (CMMALORY,652.4371)

and there he wente to have founde people . (CMMALORY,652.4372)

And anone sir Launcelot fastenyd hys horse tylle a tre ,
(CMMALORY,652.4373)

and there he dud of hys shylde (CMMALORY,652.4374)

and hynge hyt uppon a tre , (CMMALORY,652.4375)

and than he wente to the chapell dore (CMMALORY,652.4376)

and founde hit waste and brokyn . (CMMALORY,652.4377)

And within he founde a fayre awter full rychely arayde with clothe of
clene sylke , (CMMALORY,652.4378)

and there stoode a clene fayre candyllstykke whych bare six grete
candyls therein , (CMMALORY,652.4379)

and the candilstyk was of sylver ; (CMMALORY,652.4380)

and whan sir Launcelot saw thys lyght he had grete wylle for to entir
into the chapell , (CMMALORY,652.4381)

but he coude fynde no place where he myght entir . (CMMALORY,652.4382)

Than was he passyng hevy and dysmayed , (CMMALORY,652.4383)

and returned ayen (CMMALORY,652.4384)

and cam to hys horse , (CMMALORY,652.4385)

and dud of hys sadyll and brydyll (CMMALORY,652.4386)

and leete hym pasture <P_653> hym , (CMMALORY,653.4387)

and unlaced hys helme (CMMALORY,653.4388)

and ungerde hys swerde (CMMALORY,653.4389)

and layde hym downe to slepe uppon hys shylde tofore the crosse .
(CMMALORY,653.4390)

And so he felle on slepe ; (CMMALORY,653.4391)

and half wakyng and half slepynge he saw commyng by hym two palfreyes ,
all fayre and whyght , whych bare a lytter , and therein lyyng a syke
knyght . (CMMALORY,653.4392)

And when he was nyghe the crosse he there abode stylle .
(CMMALORY,653.4393)

All thys sir Launcelot sye (CMMALORY,653.4394)

and behylde hit , (CMMALORY,653.4395)

for he slepte nat veryly , (CMMALORY,653.4396)

and he herde hym sey , ' A , sweete Lorde ! Whan shall thys sorow leve
me , (CMMALORY,653.4397)

and whan shall the holy vessell com by me wherethorow I shall be heled
? (CMMALORY,653.4398)

For I have endured thus longe for litill trespasse , a full grete whyle
! ' (CMMALORY,653.4399)

Thus complayned the knyght (CMMALORY,653.4400)

and allways sir Launcelot harde hit . (CMMALORY,653.4401)

So with that sir Launcelot sye the candyllstyk with the $six tapirs cam
before the crosse , (CMMALORY,653.4402)

and he saw nobody that brought hit . (CMMALORY,653.4403)

Also there cam a table of sylver and the holy vessell of the Sankgreall
which sir Launcelot had sene toforetyme in kynge $Pescheors house .
(CMMALORY,653.4404)

And therewith the syke knyght sette hym up , (CMMALORY,653.4405)

and hylde up both hys hondys , (CMMALORY,653.4406)

and seyde , ' Fayre swete Lorde whych ys here within the holy vessell !
take hede unto me , that I may be hole of thys malody ! '
(CMMALORY,653.4407)

And therewith on hys hondys and kneys he wente so nyghe that he towched
the holy vessell and kyst hit , (CMMALORY,653.4408)

and anone he was hole . (CMMALORY,653.4409)

And than he seyde , ' Lorde God , I thanke The , (CMMALORY,653.4410)

for I am helyd of thys syknes ! ' (CMMALORY,653.4411)

So whan the holy vessell had bene there a grete whyle hit went unto the
chapell with the chaundeler and the lyght , so that sir Launcelot wyst
nat where hit was becom ; (CMMALORY,653.4412)

for he was overtakyn with synne , that he had no power to ryse agayne
the holy vessell . Wherefore aftir that many men seyde hym shame ,
(CMMALORY,653.4413)

but he toke repentaunce aftir that . (CMMALORY,653.4414)

Than the syke knyght dressed hym up (CMMALORY,653.4415)

and kyssed the crosse . (CMMALORY,653.4416)

Anone hys squyre brought hym hys armys (CMMALORY,653.4417)

and $asked hys lorde how he ded . (CMMALORY,653.4418)

' Sertes , ' seyde he , ' I thanke God , ryght well !
(CMMALORY,653.4419)

Thorow the holy vessell I am heled . (CMMALORY,653.4420)

But I have mervayle of thys slepyng knyght that he had no power to
awake whan thys holy vessell was brought hydir . ' (CMMALORY,653.4421)

' I dare well sey , ' seyde the squyre , ' that he dwellith in som
dedly synne whereof he was never confessed . ' (CMMALORY,653.4422)

<P_654>

' Be my fayth , ' seyde the knyght , ' whatsomever he be , he ys
un-happy . (CMMALORY,654.4424)

For as I deme he ys of the felyship of the Rounde Table whych ys entird
in the queste of the Sankgreall . ' (CMMALORY,654.4425)

' Sir , ' seyde the squyre , ' here I have brought you all youre armys
save youre helme and youre swerde , (CMMALORY,654.4426)

and therefore , be myne assente , now may ye take thys knyghtes helme
and his swerde . ' (CMMALORY,654.4427)

And so he dud . (CMMALORY,654.4428)

And whan he was clene armed he toke there sir Launcelottis horse ,
(CMMALORY,654.4429)

for he was bettir than hys , (CMMALORY,654.4430)

and so departed they frome the crosse . (CMMALORY,654.4431)

Than anone sir Launcelot waked and sett hym up (CMMALORY,654.4432)

and bethought hym what he had sene there and whether hit were dremys or
nat . (CMMALORY,654.4433)

Ryght so harde he a voyse that seyde , ' Sir Launcelot , more harder
than ys the stone , and more bitter than ys the woode , and more naked
and barer than ys the lyeff of the fygge-tre ! (CMMALORY,654.4434)

Therefore go thou from hens , (CMMALORY,654.4435)

and withdraw the from thys holy places ! ' (CMMALORY,654.4436)

And whan sir Launcelot herde thys he was passyng hevy
(CMMALORY,654.4437)

and wyst nat what to do . (CMMALORY,654.4438)

And so departed sore wepynge (CMMALORY,654.4439)

and cursed the tyme that he was $borne , (CMMALORY,654.4440)

for than he demed never to have worship more . (CMMALORY,654.4441)

For tho wordis wente to hys herte , tylle that he knew where-fore he
was called so . (CMMALORY,654.4442)

Than sir Launcelot wente to the crosse (CMMALORY,654.4443)

and founde hys helme , hys swerde , and hys $horse away .
(CMMALORY,654.4444)

And than he called hymselff a verry wrecch and moste unhappy of all
knyghtes , (CMMALORY,654.4445)

and there he seyde , ' My synne and my wyckednes hath brought me unto
grete dis-honoure ! (CMMALORY,654.4446)

For whan I sought worldly adventures for worldely de-syres I ever
encheved them (CMMALORY,654.4447)

and had the bettir in every place , (CMMALORY,654.4448)

and never was I discomfite in no quarell , were hit ryght were hit
wronge . (CMMALORY,654.4449)

And now I take uppon me the adventures to seke of holy thynges ,
(CMMALORY,654.4450)

now I se and undirstonde that myne olde synne hyndryth me and shamyth
me , that I had no power to stirre nother speke whan the holy bloode
appered before me . ' (CMMALORY,654.4451)

So thus he sorowed tyll hit was day , (CMMALORY,654.4452)

and harde the fowlys synge ; (CMMALORY,654.4453)

than somwhat he was comforted . (CMMALORY,654.4454)

But when sir Launcelot myssed his horse and hys harneyse than he wyst
well God was displesed with hym . (CMMALORY,654.4455)

And so he departed frome the crosse on foote into a fayre <P_655>
foreyste , (CMMALORY,655.4456)

and so by pryme he cam to an hyghe hylle (CMMALORY,655.4457)

and founde an ermytage and an ermyte therein whych was goyng unto masse
. (CMMALORY,655.4458)

And than sir Launcelot kneled downe (CMMALORY,655.4459)

and cryed on oure Lorde mercy for hys wycked workys .
(CMMALORY,655.4460)

So whan masse was done sir Launcelot called hym , (CMMALORY,655.4461)

and prayde hym for seynte charite` for to hyre hys lyff .
(CMMALORY,655.4462)

' With a good wylle , ' seyde the good man , (CMMALORY,655.4463)

and asked hym whethir he was of kyng Arthurs and of the felyship of the
Table Rounde . (CMMALORY,655.4464)

' Ye , forsoth , sir , (CMMALORY,655.4465)

and my name ys sir Launcelot du Lake , that hath bene ryght well seyde
off . (CMMALORY,655.4466)

And now my good fortune ys chonged , (CMMALORY,655.4467)

for I am the moste wrecch of the worlde . ' (CMMALORY,655.4468)

The ermyte behylde hym (CMMALORY,655.4469)

and had mervayle whye he was so abaysshed . (CMMALORY,655.4470)

' Sir , ' seyde the ermyte , ' ye ought to thanke God more than ony
knyght lyvynge , (CMMALORY,655.4471)

for He hath caused you to have more worldly worship than ony knyght
that ys now lyvynge . (CMMALORY,655.4472)

And for youre presumpcion to take uppon you in dedely synne for to be
in Hys presence , where Hys fleyssh and Hys blood was , which caused
you ye myght nat se hyt with youre worldely yen , (CMMALORY,655.4473)

for He woll nat appere where such synners bene but if hit be unto their
grete hurte other unto their shame . (CMMALORY,655.4474)

And there is no knyght now lyvynge that ought to yelde God so grete
thanke os ye , (CMMALORY,655.4475)

for He hath yevyn you beaute` , bownte` , semelynes , and grete
strengthe over all other knyghtes . (CMMALORY,655.4476)

And therefore ye ar the more beholdyn unto God than ony other man to
love Hym and drede Hym , (CMMALORY,655.4477)

for youre strengthe and your manhode woll litill avayle you and God be
agaynste you . ' (CMMALORY,655.4478)

Than sir Launcelot wepte with hevy harte (CMMALORY,655.4479)

and seyde , ' Now I know well ye sey me sothe . ' (CMMALORY,655.4480)

' Sir , ' seyde the good man , ' hyde none olde synne frome me . '
(CMMALORY,655.4481)

' Truly , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' that were me full lothe to discover
, (CMMALORY,655.4482)

for thys fourtene yere I never discoverde one thynge that I have used ,
(CMMALORY,655.4483)

and that may I now wyghte my shame and my disadventures . '
(CMMALORY,655.4484)

And than he tolde there the good man all hys lyff , and how he had
loved a quene unmesurabely and oute of mesure longe .
(CMMALORY,655.4485)

' And all my grete dedis of armys that I have done for the moste party
was for the quenys sake , (CMMALORY,655.4486)

and for hir sake wolde I do batayle were hit ryght other wronge .
(CMMALORY,655.4487)

And never dud I batayle all only $for <P_656> Goddis sake , but for to
wynne worship and to cause me the bettir to be beloved ,
(CMMALORY,656.4488)

and litill or nought I thanked never God of hit . ' (CMMALORY,656.4489)

Than sir Launcelot seyde , ' Sir , I pray you counceyle me . '
(CMMALORY,656.4490)

' Sir , I woll counceyle you , ' seyde the ermyte , ' $yf ye shall
ensure me by youre knyghthode ye shall no more com in that quenys
fely-ship as much as ye may forbere . ' (CMMALORY,656.4491)

And than sir Launcelot promysed hym that he nolde , by the faythe of
hys body . (CMMALORY,656.4492)

' Sir , loke that your harte and youre mowth accorde , ' seyde the good
man , (CMMALORY,656.4493)

' and I shall ensure you ye shall have the more worship than ever ye
had . ' (CMMALORY,656.4494)

' Holy fadir , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' I mervayle of the voyce that
seyde to me mervayles wordes , as ye have herde toforehonde . '
(CMMALORY,656.4495)

' Have ye no mervayle , ' seyde the good man , ' thereoff ,
(CMMALORY,656.4496)

for hit semyth well God lovith you . (CMMALORY,656.4497)

For men may undirstonde a stone ys harde of kynde , and namely one more
than another , (CMMALORY,656.4498)

and that ys to undirstonde by the , sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,656.4499)

for thou wolt nat leve thy synne for no goodnes that God hath sente the
. (CMMALORY,656.4500)

Therefore thou arte more harder than ony stone , (CMMALORY,656.4501)

and woldyst never be made neyssh nother by watir nother by fyre ,
(CMMALORY,656.4502)

and that ys the hete of the Holy Goste may nat entir in the .
(CMMALORY,656.4503)

' Now take hede , (CMMALORY,656.4504)

in all the worlde men shall nat fynde one knyght to whom oure Lorde
hath yevyn so much of grace as He hath lente the , (CMMALORY,656.4505)

for He hathe yeffyn the fayrenes with semelynes ; (CMMALORY,656.4506)

also He hath yevyn the wytte and discression to know good frome ille .
(CMMALORY,656.4507)

He hath also yevyn prouesse and hardinesse , and gevyn the to worke so
largely that thou hast had the bettir all thy dayes of thy lyff
where-somever thou cam . (CMMALORY,656.4508)

And now oure Lorde wolde suffir the no lenger but that thou shalt know
Hym whether $thou wolt other nylt . And why the voyce called the
bitterer than the woode , (CMMALORY,656.4509)

for wheresomever much synne dwellith there may be but lytyll swetnesse
; wherefore thou art lykened to an olde rottyn tre .
(CMMALORY,656.4510)

' Now have I shewed the why thou art harder than the stone and bitterer
than the tre ; (CMMALORY,656.4511)

now shall I shew the why thou art more naked and barer than the
fygge-tre . (CMMALORY,656.4512)

Hit befelle that oure Lorde on Palme Sonday preched in Jerusalem ,
(CMMALORY,656.4513)

and there He founde in the people that all hardnes was herberowd in
them , (CMMALORY,656.4514)

and there He founde in all <P_657> the towne nat one that wolde
herberow Hym . (CMMALORY,657.4515)

And than He wente oute of the towne (CMMALORY,657.4516)

and founde in myddis the way a fygge-tre which was ryght fayre and well
garnysshed of levys , (CMMALORY,657.4517)

but fruyte had hit none . (CMMALORY,657.4518)

Than oure Lorde cursed the tre that bare no fruyte ;
(CMMALORY,657.4519)

that betokenyth the fyg-tre unto Jerusalem that had levys and no fruyte
. (CMMALORY,657.4520)

So thou , sir Launcelot , whan the Holy Grayle was brought before the ,
He founde in the no fruyte , nother good thought nother good wylle ,
and defouled with lechory . ' (CMMALORY,657.4521)

' Sertes , ' seyde sir Launcelot , ' all that ye have seyde ys trew ,
(CMMALORY,657.4522)

and frome hensforewarde I caste me , by the grace of God , never to be
so wycked as I have bene but as to sew knyghthode and to do fetys of
armys . ' (CMMALORY,657.4523)

Than thys good man joyned sir Launcelot suche penaunce as he myght do
and to sew knyghthode , (CMMALORY,657.4524)

and so assoyled hym , (CMMALORY,657.4525)

and prayde hym to abyde with hym all that day . (CMMALORY,657.4526)

' I woll well , ' seyde sir Launcelot , (CMMALORY,657.4527)

' for I have nother helme , horse , ne swerde . ' (CMMALORY,657.4528)

' As for that , ' seyde the good man , ' I shall helpe you or to-morne
at evyn of an horse and all that longith unto you . '
(CMMALORY,657.4529)

And than sir Launcelot repented hym gretly of hys myssededys .
(CMMALORY,657.4530)

HERE LEVITH THE TALE OF SIR LAUNCELOT (CMMALORY,657.4531)

AND BEGYNNYTH OF SIR PERCYVALE DE GALIS . (CMMALORY,657.4532)

<heading>

III . (CMMALORY,657.4534)

SIR PERCEVAL (CMMALORY,657.4535)

</heading>

Now seyth the tale that whan sir Launcelot was ryddyn aftir sir Galahad
, the whych had all thes adventures aboven seyd , sir Percivale turned
agayne unto the recluse where he demed to have tydynges of that knyght
that sir Launcelot folowed . (CMMALORY,657.4537)

And so he kneled at hir wyndow , (CMMALORY,657.4538)

and the recluse opened hit (CMMALORY,657.4539)

and asked sir Percivale what he wolde . (CMMALORY,657.4540)

' Madam , ' he seyde , ' I am a knyght of kyng Arthurs courte
(CMMALORY,657.4541)

and my name ys sir Percivale de Galis . ' (CMMALORY,657.4542)

Whan the recluse herde his name she had grete joy of hym ,
(CMMALORY,657.4543)

for mykyll she loved hym toforn passyng ony other knyght ;
(CMMALORY,657.4544)

she ought so to do , (CMMALORY,657.4545)

for she was hys awnte . (CMMALORY,657.4546)

And than she commaunded the gatis <P_658> to be opyn ,
(CMMALORY,658.4547)

and there he had grete chere , as grete as she myght make hym or ly in
hir power . (CMMALORY,658.4548)

So on the morne sir Percyvale wente to the recluse (CMMALORY,658.4549)

and asked her if she knew that knyght with the whyght shylde .
(CMMALORY,658.4550)

' Sir , ' seyde she , ' why woll ye wete ? ' (CMMALORY,658.4551)

' Truly , madam , ' seyde sir Percyvale , ' I shall never be well at
ease tyll that I know of that knyghtes felyship and that I may fyght
with hym , (CMMALORY,658.4552)

for I may nat leve hym so lyghtly , (CMMALORY,658.4553)

for I have the shame as yette . ' (CMMALORY,658.4554)

' A , sir Percyvale ! ' seyde she , ' wolde ye fyght with hym ?
(CMMALORY,658.4555)

I se well ye have grete wyll to be slayne , as youre fadir was thorow
outerageousnes slayne . ' (CMMALORY,658.4556)

' Madam , hit semyth by your wordis that ye know me . '
(CMMALORY,658.4557)

' Yee , ' seyde she , ' I well oughte to know you , (CMMALORY,658.4558)

for I am your awnte , allthoughe I be in a poore place .
(CMMALORY,658.4559)

For som men called me somtyme the Quene of the Wast Landis ,
(CMMALORY,658.4560)

and I was called the quene of moste rychesse in the worlde .
(CMMALORY,658.4561)

And hit pleased me never so much my rychesse as doth my poverte` . '
(CMMALORY,658.4562)

Than Percyvale wepte for verry pite` whan he knew hit was hys awnte .
(CMMALORY,658.4563)

' A , fayre nevew , ' seyde she , ' whan herde you tydynges of youre
modir ? ' (CMMALORY,658.4564)

' Truly , ' seyde he , ' I herde none of hir , (CMMALORY,658.4565)

but I dreme of hir muche in my slepe , (CMMALORY,658.4566)

and therefore I wote nat whethir she be dede other alyve . '
(CMMALORY,658.4567)

' Sertes , fayre nevew , youre modir ys dede , (CMMALORY,658.4568)

for aftir youre departynge frome her she toke such a sorow that anone
as she was confessed she dyed . ' (CMMALORY,658.4569)

' Now god have mercy on hir soule ! ' seyde sir Percyvale .
(CMMALORY,658.4570)

' Hit sore forthynkith me ; (CMMALORY,658.4571)

but all we muste change the lyff . (CMMALORY,658.4572)

Now , fayre awnte , what ys that knyght ? (CMMALORY,658.4573)

I deme hit be he that bare the rede armys on Whytsonday . '
(CMMALORY,658.4574)

' Wyte you well , ' seyde she , ' that this ys he , (CMMALORY,658.4575)

for othirwyse ougth he nat to do but to go in rede armys .
(CMMALORY,658.4576)

And that same knyght hath no peere , (CMMALORY,658.4577)

for he worchith all by myracle , (CMMALORY,658.4578)

and he shall never be overcom of none erthly mannys hande .
(CMMALORY,658.4579)

' Also Merlyon made the Rounde Table in tokenyng of rowndnes of the
worlde , (CMMALORY,658.4580)

for men sholde by the Rounde Table undirstonde the <P_659> rowndenes
signyfyed by ryght . (CMMALORY,659.4581)

For all the worlde , crystenyd and hethyn , repayryth unto the Rounde
Table , (CMMALORY,659.4582)

and whan they ar chosyn to be of the felyshyp of the Rounde Table they
thynke hemselff more blessed and more in worship than they had gotyn
halff the worlde . (CMMALORY,659.4583)

' And ye have sene that they have loste hir fadirs and hir modirs and
all hir kynne , and hir wyves and chyldren , for to be of youre
felyship . (CMMALORY,659.4584)

Hit ys well seyne be you , (CMMALORY,659.4585)

for synes ye departed from your modir ye wolde never se her , ye founde
such felyship at the Table Rounde . (CMMALORY,659.4586)

' Whan Merlyon had ordayned the Rounde Table he seyde , " By them whych
sholde be felowys of the Rounde Table the trouth of the Sankgreall
sholde be well knowyn . " (CMMALORY,659.4587)

And men asked hym how they myght know them that sholde best do and to
encheve the Sankgreall . (CMMALORY,659.4588)

Than he seyde , " There sholde be three whyght bullis sholde encheve
hit , (CMMALORY,659.4589)

and the two sholde be maydyns (CMMALORY,659.4590)

and the thirde sholde be chaste . (CMMALORY,659.4591)

And one of thos three shold passe hys fadir as much as the lyon passith
the lybarde , both of strength and of hardines . " (CMMALORY,659.4592)

' They that herde Merlion sey so seyde thus : (CMMALORY,659.4593)

" Sitthyn there shall be such a knyght , thou sholdyst ordayne by thy
craufftes a syge , that no man sholde sytte in hit but he all only that
shold passe all other knyghtes . " (CMMALORY,659.4594)

Than Merlyon answerde that he wold so do , (CMMALORY,659.4595)

and than he made the Syge Perelous <em> in the </em> whych Galahad sate
at hys mete on Whyttsonday last past . ' (CMMALORY,659.4596)

' Now , Madam , ' seyde sir Percyvale , ' so much have I herde of you
that be my good wyll I woll never have ado with sir Galahad but by wey
of goodnesse . (CMMALORY,659.4597)

And for Goddis love , fayre awnte , can ye teche me $where I myght
fynde hym ? (CMMALORY,659.4598)

For much I wolde love the felyship of hym . ' (CMMALORY,659.4599)

' Fayre nevew , ' seyde she , ' ye muste ryde unto a castell , the
whych ys called Gooth , where he hath a cousyn jermayne ,
(CMMALORY,659.4600)

and there may ye be lodged thys nyght . (CMMALORY,659.4601)

And as he techith you , sewith afftir as faste as ye can ;
(CMMALORY,659.4602)

and if he can telle you no tydynges of hym , ryde streyte unto the
castell of Carbonek where the Maymed Kyng ys lyyng ,
(CMMALORY,659.4603)

for there shall ye hyre trew tydynges of hym . ' (CMMALORY,659.4604)

Than departed sir Percivale frome hys awnte , aythir makyng grete sorow
. (CMMALORY,659.4605)

And so he rode tyll aftir evynsonge , (CMMALORY,659.4606)

and than he herde <P_660> a clock smyte . (CMMALORY,660.4607)

And anone he was ware of an house closed well with wallys and depe
dyches , (CMMALORY,660.4608)

and there he knocke at the gate . (CMMALORY,660.4609)

And anone he was lette in , (CMMALORY,660.4610)

and <em> he alyght (CMMALORY,660.4611)

and </em> was ledde unto a chamber and sone onarmed .
(CMMALORY,660.4612)

And there he had ryght good chere all that nyght . (CMMALORY,660.4613)

And on the morne he herde hys masse , (CMMALORY,660.4614)

and in the monestery he founde a preste redy at the awter ,
(CMMALORY,660.4615)

and on the ryght syde he saw a pew closed with iron ,
(CMMALORY,660.4616)

and behynde the awter he saw a ryche bedde and a fayre , as of cloth of
sylke and golde . (CMMALORY,660.4617)

Than sir Percivale aspyed that therein was a man or a woman ,
(CMMALORY,660.4618)

for the visayge was coverde . (CMMALORY,660.4619)

Than he leffte of hys lokynge (CMMALORY,660.4620)

and herd hys servyse . (CMMALORY,660.4621)

And whan hit cam unto the sakarynge , he that lay within the perclose
dressyd hym up (CMMALORY,660.4622)

and uncoverde hys hede , (CMMALORY,660.4623)

and than hym besemed a passyng olde man , (CMMALORY,660.4624)

and he had a crowne of golde uppon hys hede , (CMMALORY,660.4625)

and hys shuldirs were naked and unhylled unto hys navyll .
(CMMALORY,660.4626)

And than sir Percyvale aspyed hys body was full of grete woundys ,
both-1 on the shuldirs , armys , and vysayge . (CMMALORY,660.4627)

And ever he hylde up hys hondys agaynst oure Lordis Body
(CMMALORY,660.4628)

and cryed , ' Fayre swete Lorde Jesu Cryste , forgete nat me ! '
(CMMALORY,660.4629)

And so he lay nat downe , (CMMALORY,660.4630)

but was allway in hys prayers and orysons , (CMMALORY,660.4631)

and hym semed to be of the ayge of three hondred wynter .
(CMMALORY,660.4632)

And whan the masse was done the pryste toke oure Lordys Body
(CMMALORY,660.4633)

and bare hit unto the syke kynge . (CMMALORY,660.4634)

And whan he had used hit he ded of hys crowne (CMMALORY,660.4635)

and commaunded the crowne to be sett on the awter . (CMMALORY,660.4636)

Than sir Percyvale asked one of the brethirn what he was .
(CMMALORY,660.4637)

' Sir , ' seyde the good man , ' ye have herde much of Joseph of
Aramathy ; how he was sent <em> by Jesu Cryst </em> into thys londe for
to teche and preche the holy Crysten faythe , (CMMALORY,660.4638)

and therefor he suffird many persecucions the whych the enemyes of
Cryst ded unto hym . (CMMALORY,660.4639)

And in the cite` of Sarras he converted a kynge whos name was Evelake ,
(CMMALORY,660.4640)

and so the kyng cam with Joseph into thys londe , (CMMALORY,660.4641)

and ever he was bysy to be $there $as {TEXT:thereas} the Sankgreall was
. (CMMALORY,660.4642)

And on a tyme he nyghed hit so nyghe that oure Lorde was displeased
with hym , (CMMALORY,660.4643)

but ever he folowed hit more and more tyll God stroke hym allmoste
blynde . (CMMALORY,660.4644)

Than thys $kynge cryed mercy (CMMALORY,660.4645)

and seyde , ' " Fayre Lorde , lat me never dye tyll the good knyght of
my blood <P_661> of the ninth degre` <em> be com </em> , that I may se
hym opynly that shall encheve the Sankgreall , and that I myght kysse
hym . " (CMMALORY,661.4646)

' Whan the kynge thus had made hys prayers he herde a voyce that seyde
, " Herde ys thy prayers , (CMMALORY,661.4647)

for thou shalt nat dye tylle he hath kyssed the . (CMMALORY,661.4648)

And whan that knyght shall com the clerenes of youre yen shall com
agayne , (CMMALORY,661.4649)

and thou shalt se opynly , (CMMALORY,661.4650)

and thy $woundes shall be heled , (CMMALORY,661.4651)

and arst shall they never close . " (CMMALORY,661.4652)

' And thus befelle of kynge Evelake , (CMMALORY,661.4653)

and thys same kynge hath lyved four hondred yerys thys holy lyff ,
(CMMALORY,661.4654)

and men sey the knyght ys in thys courte that shall heale hym .
(CMMALORY,661.4655)

Sir , ' seyde the good man , ' I pray you telle me what knyght that ye
be , and if that ye be of the Rownde Table . ' (CMMALORY,661.4656)

' Yes , forsoth , and my name ys sir Percyvale de Galis . '
(CMMALORY,661.4657)

And whan the good man undirstood hys name he made grete joy of hym .
(CMMALORY,661.4658)

And than sir Percyvale departed (CMMALORY,661.4659)

and rode tylle the owre of none . (CMMALORY,661.4660)

And he mette in a valey aboute twenty men of armys whych bare in a
beere a knyght dedly slayne . (CMMALORY,661.4661)

And whan they saw sir Percyvale they $asked hym of whens he was ,
(CMMALORY,661.4662)

and he seyde , ' Of the courte of kynge Arthur . ' (CMMALORY,661.4663)

Than they cryed at onys , ' Sle hym ! ' (CMMALORY,661.4664)

Than sir Percivale smote the firste to the erth and hys horse uppon hym
, (CMMALORY,661.4665)

and than seven of the knyghtes smote uppon hys shylde at onys
(CMMALORY,661.4666)

and the remenaunte slew hys horse , that he felle to the erth ,
(CMMALORY,661.4667)

and had slayne hym or takyn hym , had nat the good knyght $sir Galahad
with the rede armys com there by adventure into tho partys .
(CMMALORY,661.4668)

And whan he saw all tho knyghtes uppon one knyght he seyde , ' Save me
that knyghtes lyve ! ' (CMMALORY,661.4669)

And than he dressed hym towarde the twenty men of armys as faste as hys
horse myght dryve , with hys speare in hys reaste , (CMMALORY,661.4670)

and smote the formyste horse and man to the erth . (CMMALORY,661.4671)

And whan his speare was brokyn he sette hys honde to hys swerde
(CMMALORY,661.4672)

and smote on the ryght honde and on the lyffte honde , that hit was
mervayle to se ; (CMMALORY,661.4673)

and at every stroke he smote downe one (CMMALORY,661.4674)

or put hym to a rebuke , so that they wolde fyght no more ,
(CMMALORY,661.4675)

but fledde to a thyk foreyst , (CMMALORY,661.4676)

and sir Galahad folowed them . (CMMALORY,661.4677)

And whan sir Percyvale saw hym chace them so , he made grete <P_662>
sorow that hys horse was away . (CMMALORY,662.4678)

And than he wyst well hit was sir Galahad , (CMMALORY,662.4679)

and cryed alowde (CMMALORY,662.4680)

and seyde , ' Fayre knyght , abyde (CMMALORY,662.4681)

and suffir me to do you thankynges , (CMMALORY,662.4682)

for much have ye done for me . ' (CMMALORY,662.4683)

But ever sir Galahad rode fast , that at the last he past oute of hys
syght . (CMMALORY,662.4684)

And as fast as sir Percyvale myght he wente aftir hym on foote , cryyng
. (CMMALORY,662.4685)

And than he mette with a yoman rydyng uppon an hakeney which lad in hys
ryght honde a grete steede blacker than ony bere` . (CMMALORY,662.4686)

' A , fayre frende , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' as ever y may do for you
, and to be youre knyght in the first place ye woll requyre me , that
ye woll lende me that blacke steed , that I myght overtake a knyght
which $rydeth before me . ' (CMMALORY,662.4687)

' Sir , ' seyde the yoman , ' that may I nat do , (CMMALORY,662.4688)

for the horse is such a mannys horse that <em> and I lente hit you or
ony man that </em> he wolde sle me . ' (CMMALORY,662.4689)

' Alas , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' I had never so grete sorow as I have
for losyng of yondir knyght . ' (CMMALORY,662.4690)

' Sir , ' seyde the yoman , ' I am ryght hevy for you ,
(CMMALORY,662.4691)

for a good horse wolde beseme you well , (CMMALORY,662.4692)

but I dare nat delyver you thys horse but if ye wolde take hym frome me
. ' (CMMALORY,662.4693)

' That woll I nat , ' seyde sir Percivale . (CMMALORY,662.4694)

And so they departed , (CMMALORY,662.4695)

and sir Percivale sette hym downe under a tre (CMMALORY,662.4696)

and made sorow oute of mesure . (CMMALORY,662.4697)

And as he sate there cam a knyght rydynge on the horse that the yoman
lad , (CMMALORY,662.4698)

and he was clene armyd . (CMMALORY,662.4699)

And anone the yoman com rydynge and pryckyng aftir as fast as he myght
(CMMALORY,662.4700)

and asked sir Percivale if he saw ony knyght rydyng on hys blacke
steede . (CMMALORY,662.4701)

' Ye , sir , forsothe . Why aske ye me , sir ? ' (CMMALORY,662.4702)

' A , sir ! that steede he hath benomme me with strengthe ,
(CMMALORY,662.4703)

wherefore my lorde woll sle me in what place somever he fyndith me . '
(CMMALORY,662.4704)

' Well , ' seyde sir Percyvale , ' what woldist thou that I ded ?
(CMMALORY,662.4705)

Thou seest well that I am on foote . (CMMALORY,662.4706)

But and I had a good horse I sholde soone brynge hym agayne . '
(CMMALORY,662.4707)

' Sir , ' seyde the yoman , ' take my hakeney (CMMALORY,662.4708)

and do the beste ye can , (CMMALORY,662.4709)

and I shall sew you on foote to wete how that ye shall spede . '
(CMMALORY,662.4710)

<P_663>

Than sir Percivale bestrode the hakeney (CMMALORY,663.4712)

and rode as faste as he myght , (CMMALORY,663.4713)

and at the last he saw that knyght . (CMMALORY,663.4714)

And than he cryde , ' Knyght , turne agayne ! ' (CMMALORY,663.4715)

And he turned (CMMALORY,663.4716)

and he set hys speare ayenst sir Percivale , (CMMALORY,663.4717)

and he smote the hackeney in myddis the breste , that he felle downe
$dede to the erthe . (CMMALORY,663.4718)

And there he had a grete falle (CMMALORY,663.4719)

and the other rode hys way . (CMMALORY,663.4720)

And than sir Percivale was wood wrothe (CMMALORY,663.4721)

and cryed , ' Abyde , wycked knyght ! (CMMALORY,663.4722)

Cowarde and false-harted knyght , turne ayen , (CMMALORY,663.4723)

and fyght with me on foote ! ' (CMMALORY,663.4724)

But he answerd nat , (CMMALORY,663.4725)

but past on hys way . (CMMALORY,663.4726)

Whan sir Percivale saw he wolde nat turne he kest away shylde , helme
and swerde , (CMMALORY,663.4727)

and seyde , ' Now I am a verry wreche , cursed and moste unhappy of all
other knyghtes ! ' (CMMALORY,663.4728)

So in thys sorow there he abode all that day tyll hit was nyght ,
(CMMALORY,663.4729)

and than he was faynte (CMMALORY,663.4730)

and leyde hym downe (CMMALORY,663.4731)

and slepte tyll hit was mydnyght . (CMMALORY,663.4732)

And than he awaked (CMMALORY,663.4733)

and saw before hym a woman whych seyde unto hym ryght fyersely , ' sir
Percivale , what dost thou here ? ' (CMMALORY,663.4734)

' I do nother good nother grete ille . ' (CMMALORY,663.4735)

' If thou wolt ensure me , ' seyde she , ' that thou wolt fulfylle my
wylle whan I somon the , I shall lende the myne owne horse whych shall
bere the whother thou wolt . ' (CMMALORY,663.4736)

sir Percivale was glad of hir profer (CMMALORY,663.4737)

and ensured hir to fulfylle all hir desire . (CMMALORY,663.4738)

' Than abydith me here , (CMMALORY,663.4739)

and I shall go fecche you an horse . ' (CMMALORY,663.4740)

And so she cam sone agayne (CMMALORY,663.4741)

and brought an horse with her that was $inkly black .
(CMMALORY,663.4742)

Whan sir Percyvale behylde that horse he mervaylde that he was so grete
and so well apparayled . (CMMALORY,663.4743)

And natforthan he was so hardy (CMMALORY,663.4744)

he lepte uppon hym (CMMALORY,663.4745)

and toke none hede off hymselff . (CMMALORY,663.4746)

And anone as he was uppon hym he threst to hym with hys spurres ,
(CMMALORY,663.4747)

and so rode by a foreste ; (CMMALORY,663.4748)

and the moone shoone clere , (CMMALORY,663.4749)

and within an owre and lasse he bare hym four dayes journey thense
untyll he com to a rowghe watir whych rored , (CMMALORY,663.4750)

and that horse wolde have borne hym into hit . (CMMALORY,663.4751)

And whan sir Percivale cam nye the brymme he saw the watir so boysteous
he doutted to passe over hit , (CMMALORY,663.4752)

and than he made a sygne of <P_664> the crosse in hys forehed .
(CMMALORY,664.4753)

Whan the fende felte hym so charged he shooke of sir Percivale ,
(CMMALORY,664.4754)

and he wente into the watir cryynge <em> and rorynge </em> and makying
grete sorowe , (CMMALORY,664.4755)

and hit semed unto hym that the watir brente . (CMMALORY,664.4756)

Than sir Percivale perceyved hit was a fynde , the whych wolde have
broughte hym unto perdicion . (CMMALORY,664.4757)

Than he commended hymselff unto God , (CMMALORY,664.4758)

and prayde oure Lorde to kepe hym frome all suche temptacions .
(CMMALORY,664.4759)

And so he prayde all that nyght tylle on the morne that hit was day ,
(CMMALORY,664.4760)

and anone he saw he was in a wylde mounteyne whych was closed with the
se nyghe all aboute , that he myght se no londe aboute hym whych myghte
releve hym , but wylde bestes . (CMMALORY,664.4761)

And than he wente downe into a valey , (CMMALORY,664.4762)

and there he saw a serpente brynge a yonge lyon by the necke ,
(CMMALORY,664.4763)

and so he cam by sir Percivale . (CMMALORY,664.4764)

So with that com a grete lyon cryynge and $roryng aftir the serpente .
(CMMALORY,664.4765)

And as faste as sir Percivale saw thys he hyghed hym thydir ,
(CMMALORY,664.4766)

but the lyon had overtake the serpente (CMMALORY,664.4767)

and began batayle with hym . (CMMALORY,664.4768)

And than sir Percivale thought to helpe the lyon , (CMMALORY,664.4769)

for he was the more naturall beste of the two , (CMMALORY,664.4770)

and therewith he drew hys swerde (CMMALORY,664.4771)

and sette hys shylde afore hym , (CMMALORY,664.4772)

and there he gaff the serpente suche a buffett that he had a dedely
wounde . (CMMALORY,664.4773)

Whan the lyon saw that , he made no sembelaunte to fyght with hym
(CMMALORY,664.4774)

but made hym all the chere that a beest myghte make a man .
(CMMALORY,664.4775)

Whan sir Percivale perceyved hit he kyst downe his shylde whych was
brokyn , (CMMALORY,664.4776)

and than he dud of hys helme for to gadir wynde , (CMMALORY,664.4777)

for he was gretly chaffed with the serpente ; (CMMALORY,664.4778)

and the lyon wente allwey aboute hym fawnynge as a spaynell ,
(CMMALORY,664.4779)

and than he stroked hym on the necke and on the sholdirs
(CMMALORY,664.4780)

and thanked God of the feliship of that beste . (CMMALORY,664.4781)

And aboute noone the lyon toke hys lityll whelpe (CMMALORY,664.4782)

and trussed hym (CMMALORY,664.4783)

and bare hym there he com fro . (CMMALORY,664.4784)

Than was sir Percivale alone . (CMMALORY,664.4785)

And as the tale tellith , he was at that tyme , one of the men of the
worlde whych moste beleved in oure Lorde Jesu Cryste ,
(CMMALORY,664.4786)

for in tho dayes there was but fewe folk at that tyme that beleved
perfitely ; (CMMALORY,664.4787)

for in tho dayes the sonne spared nat the fadir no more than a
straunger . (CMMALORY,664.4788)

And so sir Percivale comforted hymselff in oure Lorde Jesu
(CMMALORY,664.4789)

and besought Hym that no temptacion sholde brynge hym oute of Goddys
servys , but to endure as His trew champyon . (CMMALORY,664.4790)

Thus whan sir <P_665> Percyvale had preyde he saw the lyon com towarde
hym (CMMALORY,665.4791)

and cowched downe at his feet . (CMMALORY,665.4792)

And so all that nyght the lyon and he slepte togydirs .
(CMMALORY,665.4793)

And whan sir Percivale slepte he dremed a mervaylous dreme ; that two
ladyes mette with hym , and that one sate uppon a lyon , and that other
sate uppon a serpente ; and that one of hem was yonge , and that other
was olde , and the yongist , hym thought , seyde , ' sir Percyvale , my
lorde salewith and $sendeth the worde thou aray the and make the redy ,
for to-morne thou muste fyght with the $strongest champion of the
worlde . (CMMALORY,665.4794)

And if thou be overcom thou shalt nat be quytte for losyng of ony of
thy membrys , (CMMALORY,665.4795)

but thou shalt be shamed for ever to the worldis ende . '
(CMMALORY,665.4796)

And than he asked her what was hir lorde , (CMMALORY,665.4797)

and she seyde ' the grettist lorde of the worlde ' .
(CMMALORY,665.4798)

And so she departed suddeynly , that he wyst nat where .
(CMMALORY,665.4799)

Than com forth the tothir lady , that rode uppon the serpente ,
(CMMALORY,665.4800)

and she seyde , ' sir Percivale , I playne unto you of that ye have
done unto me , (CMMALORY,665.4801)

and I have nat offended unto you . ' (CMMALORY,665.4802)

' Sertes , madam , ' seyde he , ' unto you nor no lady I never offended
. ' (CMMALORY,665.4803)

' Yes , ' seyde she , ' I shall sey you why . (CMMALORY,665.4804)

I have norysshed in thys place a grete whyle a serpente whych pleased
me much <em> and served me a grete whyle </em> . (CMMALORY,665.4805)

And yestirday ye slew hym as he gate hys pray . (CMMALORY,665.4806)

Sey me for what cause ye slew hym , (CMMALORY,665.4807)

for the lyon was nat youres . ' (CMMALORY,665.4808)

' Madam , I know well the lyon was nat myne , (CMMALORY,665.4809)

but for the lyon ys more of jantiller nature than the serpente ,
therefore I slew hym , (CMMALORY,665.4810)

and $me $semyth {TEXT:mesemyth} I dud nat amysse agaynst you .
(CMMALORY,665.4811)

Madam , ' seyde he , ' what wolde ye that I dud ? ' (CMMALORY,665.4812)

' I wolde , ' seyde she , ' for the amendis of my beste that ye becam
my man . ' (CMMALORY,665.4813)

And than he answerde (CMMALORY,665.4814)

and seyde , ' That woll I nat graunte you . ' (CMMALORY,665.4815)

' No ? ' seyde she . ' Truly , ye were never but my servaunte syn ye
resseyved the omayge of oure Lorde Jesu Cryste . (CMMALORY,665.4816)

Therefore I you ensure , in what place that I may fynde you withoute
kepyng , I shall take you as he that somtyme was my man . '
(CMMALORY,665.4817)

And so she departed fro sir Percivale (CMMALORY,665.4818)

and leffte hym slepynge , <P_666> whych was sore travayled of hys
avision . (CMMALORY,666.4819)

And on the morne he arose (CMMALORY,666.4820)

and blyssed hym , (CMMALORY,666.4821)

and he was passynge fyeble . (CMMALORY,666.4822)

Than was sir Percivale ware in the see where com a shippe saylyng
toward hym , (CMMALORY,666.4823)

and sir Percivale wente unto the ship (CMMALORY,666.4824)

and founde hit coverde within and without with whyght samyte .
(CMMALORY,666.4825)

And at the helme stoode an olde man clothed in a surplyse , in lyknes
of a pryste . (CMMALORY,666.4826)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' ye be wellcom . ' (CMMALORY,666.4827)

' God kepe you , ' seyde the good man . (CMMALORY,666.4828)

' And of whense be ye ? ' (CMMALORY,666.4829)

' Sir , I am of kynge Arthurs courte and a knyght of the Rounde Table ,
whych am in the queste of the Sankgreall , (CMMALORY,666.4830)

and here I am in grete duras and never lyke to ascape oute of thys
wyldernes . ' (CMMALORY,666.4831)

' Doute ye nat , ' seyde the good man , (CMMALORY,666.4832)

' and ye be so trew a knyght as the Order of Shevalry requyrith , and
of herte as ye ought to be , ye shold nat doute that none enemy shold
slay you . ' (CMMALORY,666.4833)

' What ar ye ? ' seyde sir Percyvale . (CMMALORY,666.4834)

' Sir , I am of a strange contrey , (CMMALORY,666.4835)

and hydir I com to comforte you . ' (CMMALORY,666.4836)

' Sir , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' what signifieth my dreme that I
dremed thys nyght ? ' (CMMALORY,666.4837)

And there he tolde hym alltogydir . (CMMALORY,666.4838)

' She which rode uppon the lyon , hit betokenyth the new law of Holy
Chirche , that is to undirstonde fayth , good hope , belyeve and
baptyme ; (CMMALORY,666.4839)

for she semed yonger $than that othir hit ys grete reson ,
(CMMALORY,666.4840)

for she was borne in the Resurreccion and the Passion of oure Lorde
Jesu Cryste . (CMMALORY,666.4841)

And for grete love she cam to the to warne the of thy grete batayle
that shall befalle the . ' (CMMALORY,666.4842)

' With whom , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' shall I fyght ? '
(CMMALORY,666.4843)

' With the moste douteful champion of the worlde , (CMMALORY,666.4844)

for , as the lady seyde , but if thou quyte the welle thou shalt nat be
quytte by losyng of one membir , (CMMALORY,666.4845)

but thou shalt be shamed to the worldis ende . (CMMALORY,666.4846)

And she that rode on the serpente signifieth the olde law ,
(CMMALORY,666.4847)

and that serpente betokenyth a fynde . (CMMALORY,666.4848)

And why she blamed the that thou slewyst hir servaunte , hit betokenyth
nothynge $aboute the serpente ye slewe ; (CMMALORY,666.4849)

that betokenyth the devyll that thou rodist on to the roche .
(CMMALORY,666.4850)

And whan thou madist a sygne of the crosse , there thou slewyst hym
(CMMALORY,666.4851)

and put away hys power . (CMMALORY,666.4852)

And whan she asked the amendis and to becom hir man , than thou saydist
nay , (CMMALORY,666.4853)

that was to make the beleve on her and leve thy baptym . '
(CMMALORY,666.4854)

So he commaunded sir Percivale to departe , (CMMALORY,666.4855)

and so he lepte over <P_667> the boorde , (CMMALORY,667.4856)

and the shippe and all wente away (CMMALORY,667.4857)

he wyste nat whydir . (CMMALORY,667.4858)

Than he wente up into the roche (CMMALORY,667.4859)

and founde the lyon whych allway bare hym felyship ,
(CMMALORY,667.4860)

and he stroked hym uppon the backe (CMMALORY,667.4861)

and had grete joy of hym . (CMMALORY,667.4862)

Bi that sir Percivale had byddyn there tyll mydday he saw a shippe com
saylyng in the see as all the wynde of the worlde had dryven hit ,
(CMMALORY,667.4863)

and so hit londid undir that rocche . (CMMALORY,667.4864)

And when sir Percivale saw thys he hyghed hym thydir
(CMMALORY,667.4865)

and founde the shippe coverde with sylke more blacker than ony bere` ,
(CMMALORY,667.4866)

and therein was a jantillwoman of grete beaute` , (CMMALORY,667.4867)

and she was clothe rychly , (CMMALORY,667.4868)

there myght be none bettir . (CMMALORY,667.4869)

And whan she saw sir Percivale she asked hym who brought hym into thys
wylderness ' where ye be never lyke to passe hense ,
(CMMALORY,667.4870)

for ye shall dye here for hunger and myscheff . ' (CMMALORY,667.4871)

' Damesell , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' I serve the beste man of the
worlde , (CMMALORY,667.4872)

and in Hys servyse He woll nat suffir me to dye , (CMMALORY,667.4873)

for who that $knockith shall entir , (CMMALORY,667.4874)

and who that askyth shall have , (CMMALORY,667.4875)

and who that sekith Hym , He hydyth Hym not unto Hys wordys . '
(CMMALORY,667.4876)

But than she seyde , ' Sir Percivale , wote ye what I am ? '
(CMMALORY,667.4877)

' Who taught you my name ? ' now seyde sir Percivale .
(CMMALORY,667.4878)

' I knowe you bettir than {that_I_know_you} ye wene :
(CMMALORY,667.4879)

I com but late oute of the Waste Foreyste where I founde the Rede
Knyght with the whyghte shylde . (CMMALORY,667.4880)

' A , fayre damesell , ' seyde he , ' that knyght wolde I fayne mete
withall . ' (CMMALORY,667.4881)

' Sir knyght , ' seyde she , ' and ye woll ensure me by the fayth that
ye owghe unto knyghthode that ye shall do my wyll what tyme I somon you
, and I shall brynge you unto that knyght . ' (CMMALORY,667.4882)

' Yes , ' he seyde , ' I shall promyse you to fullfylle youre desyre .
' (CMMALORY,667.4883)

' Well , ' seyde she , ' now shall I telle you . (CMMALORY,667.4884)

I saw hym in the Waste Foreyste chasyng two knyghtes unto the watir
whych ys callede Mortayse , (CMMALORY,667.4885)

and they drove into that watir for drede of dethe . (CMMALORY,667.4886)

And the two knyghtes passed over , (CMMALORY,667.4887)

and the Rede Knyght passed aftir , (CMMALORY,667.4888)

and there hys horse was drowned , (CMMALORY,667.4889)

and he thorow grete strenghte ascaped unto the londe . '
(CMMALORY,667.4890)

Thus she tolde hym , (CMMALORY,667.4891)

and sir Percivale was passynge glad thereoff . (CMMALORY,667.4892)

Than she asked hym if he had ete ony mete late . (CMMALORY,667.4893)

' Nay , madam , truly I yeete no mete nyghe thes three dayes ,
(CMMALORY,667.4894)

but <P_668> late here I spake with a good man that fedde me with hys
good wordys <em> and holy </em> (CMMALORY,668.4895)

and refreyshed me gretly . ' (CMMALORY,668.4896)

' A , sir knyght , that same man , ' seyde she , ' ys an inchaunter and
a multiplier of wordis , (CMMALORY,668.4897)

for and ye belyve hym , ye shall be playnly shamed and dye in thys
roche for pure hunger and be etyn with wylde bestis .
(CMMALORY,668.4898)

And ye be a yonge man and a goodly knyght , (CMMALORY,668.4899)

and I shall helpe you and ye woll ' (CMMALORY,668.4900)

' What ar ye , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' that proferyth me thus so
grete kyndenesse ? ' (CMMALORY,668.4901)

' I am , ' seyde she , ' a jantillwoman that am diseryte , whych was
the rychest woman of the worlde . ' (CMMALORY,668.4902)

' Damesell , ' seyde sir Percivale , ' who hath disheryte you ?
(CMMALORY,668.4903)

For I have grete pite` of you . ' (CMMALORY,668.4904)

' Sir , ' seyde she , ' I dwelled with the grettist man of the worlde ,
(CMMALORY,668.4905)

and he made me so fayre and so clere that there was none lyke me .
(CMMALORY,668.4906)

And of that grete beawte` I had a litill pryde , more than I oughte to
have had . (CMMALORY,668.4907)

Also I sayde a worde that plesed hym nat , (CMMALORY,668.4908)

and than he wolde nat suffir me to be no lenger in $his company .
(CMMALORY,668.4909)

And so he drove me frome myne herytayge (CMMALORY,668.4910)

and disheryted me for ever , (CMMALORY,668.4911)

and he had never pite` of me nother of none of my counceyle nother of
my courte . (CMMALORY,668.4912)

And sitthyn , sir knyght , hit hath befallyn me to be so over-throwyn
and all myne , (CMMALORY,668.4913)

yet I have benomme hym som of hys men and made hem to becom my men ,
(CMMALORY,668.4914)

for they aske never nothynge of me but I gyff hem that and much more .
(CMMALORY,668.4915)

Thus I and my servauntes $werre ayenste hym nyght and day ,
(CMMALORY,668.4916)

therefore I know no good knyght nor no good man but I gete hem on my
syde and I may . (CMMALORY,668.4917)

And for that I know that ye ar a good knyght I beseche you to helpe me
, and for ye be a felowe of the Rounde Table , wherefore ye ought nat
to fayle no jantillwoman which ys disherite and she besought you of
helpe . ' (CMMALORY,668.4918)

Than sir Percivale promysed her all the helpe that he myght ,
(CMMALORY,668.4919)

and than she thanked hym . (CMMALORY,668.4920)

And at that tyme the wedir was hote . (CMMALORY,668.4921)

Than she called unto her a jantillwoman (CMMALORY,668.4922)

and bade hir brynge forth a pavilion . (CMMALORY,668.4923)

And so she ded (CMMALORY,668.4924)

and pyghte hit uppon the gravell . (CMMALORY,668.4925)

' Sir , ' seyde she , ' now may ye reste you in thys hete of thys day .
' (CMMALORY,668.4926)

Than he thanked her , (CMMALORY,668.4927)

and she put of hys helme and hys shylde . (CMMALORY,668.4928)

And there he slepte a grete whyle . (CMMALORY,668.4929)

<P_669>

And so he awoke (CMMALORY,669.4931)

and asked her if she had ony mete , (CMMALORY,669.4932)

and she seyde ' yee , ye shall have inowghe . ' (CMMALORY,669.4933)

And anone there was leyde a table , (CMMALORY,669.4934)

and so muche meete was sette thereon that he had mervayle ,
(CMMALORY,669.4935)

for there was all maner of meetes that he cowde thynke on .
(CMMALORY,669.4936)

Also he dranke there the strengyst wyne that ever he dranke , hym
thought , (CMMALORY,669.4937)

and therewith he was chaffett a lityll more than he oughte to be .
(CMMALORY,669.4938)

With that he behylde that jantilwoman , (CMMALORY,669.4939)

and hym thought she was the fayryst creature that ever he saw .
(CMMALORY,669.4940)

And than sir Percivale profird hir love (CMMALORY,669.4941)

and prayde hir that she wolde be hys . (CMMALORY,669.4942)

Than she refused hym in a maner when he requyred her , for cause he
sholde be the more ardente on hir . (CMMALORY,669.4943)

And ever he sesed nat to pray hir of love . (CMMALORY,669.4944)

And when she saw hym well enchaffed , than she seyde , ' Sir Percivale
, wyte you well I shall nat fulfylle youre wylle but if ye swere frome
henseforthe ye shall be my trew servaunte , and to do nothynge but that
I shall commaunde you . (CMMALORY,669.4945)

Woll ye ensure me thys as ye be a trew knyght ? ' (CMMALORY,669.4946)

' Yee , ' seyde he , ' fayre lady , by the feythe of my body ! '
(CMMALORY,669.4947)

' Well , ' seyde she , ' now shall ye do with me what ye wyll ,
(CMMALORY,669.4948)

and now , wyte you well , ye ar the knyght in the worlde that I have
moste desyre to . ' (CMMALORY,669.4949)

And than two squyres were $commaunded to make a bedde in myddis of the
pavelon , (CMMALORY,669.4950)

and anone she was unclothed and leyde therein . (CMMALORY,669.4951)

And than sir Percivale layde hym downe by her naked .
(CMMALORY,669.4952)

And by adventure and grace he saw hys swerde ly on the erthe $naked ,
where in the pomell was a rede crosse and the sygne of the crucifixe
$therin , (CMMALORY,669.4953)

and bethought hym of hys knyghthode and hys promyse made unto the good
man tofornehande , (CMMALORY,669.4954)

and than he made a sygne in the forehed of hys . (CMMALORY,669.4955)

And therewith the pavylon turned up-so-downe (CMMALORY,669.4956)

and than hit chonged unto a smooke and a blak clowde .
(CMMALORY,669.4957)

And than he drad sore (CMMALORY,669.4958)

and cryed alowde , ' Fayre swete Lorde Jesu Cryste , ne lette me nat be
shamed , which was nyghe loste had nat Thy good grace bene ! '
(CMMALORY,669.4959)

And than he loked unto her shippe (CMMALORY,669.4960)

and saw her entir therein , which seyde , ' Syr Percivale , ye have
betrayde me . ' (CMMALORY,669.4961)

And so she wente with the wynde , rorynge and yellynge , that hit semed
all the water brente after her . (CMMALORY,669.4962)

<P_670>

Than sir Percivale made grete sorow (CMMALORY,670.4964)

and drew hys swerde unto hym (CMMALORY,670.4965)

and seyde , ' Sitthyn my fleyssh woll be my mayster I shall punyssh hit
. ' (CMMALORY,670.4966)

And therewith he rooff hymselff thorow the thygh , that the blood
sterte aboute hym , (CMMALORY,670.4967)

and seyde , ' A , good Lord , take thys in recompensacion of that I
have myssedone ayenste The , Lorde ! ' (CMMALORY,670.4968)

So than he clothed hym (CMMALORY,670.4969)

and armed hym (CMMALORY,670.4970)

and called hymself wrecche of all wrecchis : (CMMALORY,670.4971)

' How nyghe I was loste , and to have lost that I sholde never have
gotyn agayne , that was my virginite` , (CMMALORY,670.4972)

for that may never be recoverde aftir hit ys onys loste . '
(CMMALORY,670.4973)

And than he stopped hys bledyng wound with a pece of hys sherte .
(CMMALORY,670.4974)

Thus as he made hys mone he saw the same shippe com from the Oryente
that the good man was in the day before . (CMMALORY,670.4975)

And thys noble knyght was sore ashamed of hymselff ,
(CMMALORY,670.4976)

and therewith he fylle in a sowne . (CMMALORY,670.4977)

And when he awooke he wente unto hym waykely , (CMMALORY,670.4978)

and there he salewed the good man . (CMMALORY,670.4979)

And than he asked sir Percivale , ' How haste thou done syth I departed
? ' (CMMALORY,670.4980)

' Sir , ' seyde $he , ' here was a jantillwoman (CMMALORY,670.4981)

and ledde $me into dedly synne . ' (CMMALORY,670.4982)

And there he tolde hym $all $togidirs {TEXT:alltogidirs} .
(CMMALORY,670.4983)

' Knew ye nat that mayde ? ' seyde the good man . (CMMALORY,670.4984)

' Sir , ' seyde he , ' nay , but well I wote the fynde sente hir hydir
to shame me . ' (CMMALORY,670.4985)

' A , good knyght , ' seyde he , ' thou arte a foole ,
(CMMALORY,670.4986)

for that jantill woman was the mayster fyende of helle , which hath
pouste` over all other devyllis . (CMMALORY,670.4987)

And that was the olde lady that thou saw in thyne avision rydyng on the
serpente . ' (CMMALORY,670.4988)

Than he tolde sir Percivale how oure Lord Jesu Cryste bete hym oute of
hevyn for hys synne , whycch was the moste bryghtist angell of hevyn ,
(CMMALORY,670.4989)

and therefore he loste hys heritaige . (CMMALORY,670.4990)

' And that was the champion that thou fought withall , whych had
overcom the , had nat the grace of God bene . (CMMALORY,670.4991)

Now , sir Percivale , beware (CMMALORY,670.4992)

and take this for an insample . ' (CMMALORY,670.4993)

And than the good man vanysshed . (CMMALORY,670.4994)

Than sir Percivale toke hys armys (CMMALORY,670.4995)

and entirde into the shippe , (CMMALORY,670.4996)

and so he departed from thens . (CMMALORY,670.4997)

SO LEVITH THYS TALE (CMMALORY,670.4998)

AND TURNYTH UNTO SIR LAUNCELOT . (CMMALORY,670.4999)

