下载掌阅APP，畅读海量书库
立即打开
King Arthur proclaimed a great just and a tournament that should be held at Camelot, that is, Winchester; and the King said that he and the King of Scots would just against all that would come against them. And when this proclamation was made, thither came many knights.
So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these justs, but Sir Lancelot would not ride with the King, for he said he was suffering from a grievous wound. And so the King departed toward Winchester with his fellowship,and by the way he lodged in a town called Astolat.
And upon the morn early Sir Lancelot departed and rode until he came to Astolat, and there it happened in the evening he came to the castle of an old baron, who was called Sir Bernard of Astolat. As Sir Lancelot entered into his lodging. King Arthur saw him and knew him full well.
“It is well,” said King Arthur unto the knights that were with him. “I have now seen one knight that will play his play at the justs to which we are going. I undertake he will do great marvels.”
“Who is that, we pray you tell us?” said many knights that were there at that time.
“Ye shall not know from me,” said the King, “at this time.”
And so the King smiled and went to his lodging.
When Sir Lancelot was in his lodging and had unarmed him in his chamber, the old baron came to him and welcomed him in the best manner,but the old knight knew not Sir Lancelot.
“Fair sir,” said Sir Lancelot to his host, “I would pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known.”
“Sir,” said his host, “ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be one of the likeliest knights of the world and therefore I shall show you friendship. Sir, I have two sons that were but late made knights, and the elder is called Sir Torre and he was hurt that same day he was made knight,that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have, for that is not known,I dare say, but here, and in no place else. And my younger son is called Lavaine and if it please you, he shall ride with you unto the justs and he is of age and strong and brave; for much my heart giveth unto you that ye be a noble knight. Therefore, I pray you tell me your name,” said Sir Bernard.
“As for that,” said Sir Lancelot, “ye must hold me excused at this time,and if God give me grace to speed well at the justs, I shall come again and tell you. But, I pray you, in any wise, let me have your son. Sir Lavaine, with me, and let me have his brother’s shield.”
“All this shall be done,” said Sir Bernard.
This old baron had a daughter that was called at that time the fair maiden of Astolat, and her name was Elaine. So this maiden besought Sir Lancelot to wear upon him at the justs a token of hers.
“Fair damsel,” said Sir Lancelot, “if I grant you that, I will do more for you than ever I did for lady.”
Then he remembered him he would go to the justs disguised. And because he had never before that time borne the token of any lady, then he bethought him that he would wear one of hers, that none of his blood thereby might know him. And then he said, “Fair maiden, I will grant you to wear a token of yours upon mine helmet and therefore what it is, show it me.”
“Sir,” she said, “it is a sleeve of mine, of scarlet, well embroidered with great pearls.”
And so she brought it him. So Sir Lancelot received it and gave the maiden his shield in keeping, and he prayed her to keep that until he came again.
So upon a day, on the morn, King Arthur and all his knights departed,for the King had tarried three days to abide his noble knights. And so when the King had gone, Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine made them ready to ride and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeve Sir Lancelot carried with him. So they took their leave of Sir Bernard, the old baron, and of his daughter, the fair maiden of Astolat.
And then they rode till they came to Camelot, and there was a great press of Kings, dukes, earls, and barons and many noble knights. But there Sir Lancelot was lodged by means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess so that no man in that town knew who they were. And so they reposed them there till the day of the tournament.
So the trumpets blew unto the field, and King Arthur was set on a high place to behold who did best. Then some of the Kings were that time turned upon the side of King Arthur. And then on the other party were the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights and the King of Northumberland and Sir Galahad, the noble knight. But these three Kings and this knight were passing weak to hold against King Arthur’s party, for with him were the noblest knights of the world.
So then they withdrew them, either party from other, and every man made him ready in his best manner to do what he might. Then Sir Lancelot made him ready and put the red sleeve upon his head and fastened it fast; and so Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of Winchester and rode into a little leaved wood behind the party that held against King Arthur’s party, and there they held them still till the parties smote together.
And then came in the King of Scots and the King of Ireland on Arthur’s party and against them came the King of Northumberland, and the King with the Hundred Knights smote down the King of Ireland. So there began a strong assail upon both parties. And there came in together many knights of the Table Round and beat back the King of Northumberland and the King of Northgalis.
When Sir Lancelot saw this, he said unto Sir Lavaine, “See, yonder is a company of good knights and they hold them together as boars that were chased with dogs.”
“That is truth,” said Sir Lavaine.
“Now,” said Sir Lancelot, “if ye will help me a little, ye shall see yonder fellowship that chaseth now these men on our side, that they shall go as fast backward as they went forward.”
“Sir, spare not,” said Sir Lavaine, “for I shall do what I may.”
Then Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine came in at the thickest of the press and there Sir Lancelot smote down five knights and all this he did with one spear;and Sir Lavaine smote down two knights. And then Sir Lancelot got another spear and there he smote down four knights, and Sir Lavaine smote one.
And then Sir Lancelot drew his sword and there he smote on the right hand and on the left hand and by great force he unhorsed three knights; and then the knights of the Table Round withdrew them back, after they had gotten their horses as well as they might.
“Oh,” said Sir Gawain, “what knight is yonder that doth such marvelous deeds of arms in that field?”
“I know well who he is,” said King Arthur, “but at this time I will not name him.”
“Sir,” said Sir Gawain, “I would say it were Sir Lancelot by his riding and the blows I see him deal, but ever meseemeth it should not be he, for that he beareth the red sleeve upon his head, for I know he never wore token of lady at a just.”
“Let him be,” said King Arthur; “he will be better known and do more before he depart.”
Then the party that was against King Arthur was well comforted and then they held them together that beforehand were sore pressed. So nine knights of Lancelot’s kin thrust in mightily, for they were all noble knights;and they, of great hate that they had unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Lavaine, for they knew them not. And so they came charging together and smote down many knights of Northgalis and Northumberland.
And when Sir Lancelot saw them fare so, he took a spear in his hand and there encountered with him all at once, Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel,and all they three smote him at once with their spears.
And with force of themselves they smote Sir Lancelot’s horse to the earth, and by misfortune Sir Bors smote Sir Lancelot through the shield into the side, and the spear broke and the head was left in his side.
When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie on the ground, he ran to the King of Scots and smote him to the earth; and by great force he took his horse and brought it to Sir Lancelot, and in spite of them all he made him to mount upon that horse. And then Sir Lancelot took a spear in his hand and there he smote Sir Bors, horse and man, to the earth. In the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel.
And then Sir Lancelot drew his sword, for he felt himself so sore and hurt that he thought there to have had his death. And he smote down three knights more, but by this was Sir Bors horsed and then he came with Sir Ector and Sir Lionel and all they three smote with swords upon Sir Lancelot’s helmet.And when he felt their buffets and his wound, which was so grievous, then he thought to do what he might, while he might endure.
And then he gave Sir Bors such a buffet that he made him bow his head passing low; and therewith he smote off his helmet and might have slain him; and so pulled him down, and in the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel. For he might have slain them, but when he saw their faces his heart might not serve him thereto, and he left them there.
And so afterward he hurled into the thickest press of them all and did there the most marvelous deeds of arms that ever man saw or heard speak of, and ever Sir Lavaine, the good knight, with him. And there Sir Lancelot with his sword smote down and pulled down more than thirty knights, and the most part were of the Table Round; and Sir Lavaine did full well that day, for he smote down ten knights of the Table Round.
“I marvel,” said Sir Gawain, “what knight that is with the red sleeve.”
“Sir,” said King Arthur, “he will be known before he depart.”
And then the trumpets blew, and the prize was given by heralds unto the knight with the white shield that bore the red sleeve. Then came the King with the Hundred Knights and the king of Northgalis and the king of Northumberland and Sir Galahad, the noble prince, and said unto Sir Lancelot, “Fair Knight, God thee bless, for much have you done this day for us; therefore, we pray you that ye will come with us: that ye may receive the honor and the prize, as ye have honorably deserved it.”
“My fair lords,” said Sir Lancelot, “if I have deserved thanks, I have sore bought them; and that me repenteth, for I am like never to escape with my life; therefore, fair lords, I pray you that ye will suffer me to depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt. I care for no honor, for I would more gladly repose me than to be lord of all the world.”
And therewithal he groaned piteously and rode away from them until he came to a wood. And when he saw that he was from the field nigh a mile,that he was sure he might not be seen, then he said, “O gentle knight, Sir Lavaine, help me that this spear were out of my side, for it slayeth me.”
“O mine own lord,” said Sir Lavaine, “I would fain do that might please you,but I dread me sore, if I pull out the spear, that ye shall be in peril of death.”
“I charge you,” said Sir Lancelot, “as ye love me, draw it out.”
And therewithal he descended from his horse and right so did Sir Lavaine; and forthwith Sir Lavaine drew the spear out of his side, and he gave a great shriek and so swooned, pale and deadly.
“Alas,” said Sir Lavaine, “what shall I do?”
And so at the last Sir Lancelot cast up his eyes and said, “O Lavaine, help me that I were on my horse, for here is fast by within this two miles a gentle hermit,that sometime was a full noble knight and a lord of great possessions. But for great goodness he hath taken him to poverty, and his name is Sir Baudwin of Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon. Now help me up that I may go there, for ever my heart telleth me that I shall never die of my cousin’s hands.”
And then with great pain Sir Lavaine helped him upon his horse. And then they rode together and so by fortune they came to that hermitage,the which was in a wood and a great cliff on the other side and fair water running under it. And Sir Lavaine beat on the gate, and there came a fair child to them and asked them what they would.
“Fair son,” said Sir Lavaine, “go and pray thy lord, the hermit, to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded; and this day, tell thy lord, I saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any man did.”
So the child went in lightly and then he brought the hermit, the which was a passing good man, When Sir Lpvaine saw him, he prayed him for succor.
“What knight is he?” said the hermit. “Is he of the house of Arthur or not?”
“I know not,”said Sir Lavaine, “what is he or what is he or what is his name? but well I know I saw him do marvelously this day, as of deeds of arms.”
“Of whose party was he?” said the hermit.
“Sir,” said Lavaine, “he was this day against King Arthur, and there he won the prize from all the knights of the Round Table.”
“I have seen the day,” said the hermit, “I would have loved him the worse because he was against my lord, King Arthur, for sometime I was one of the fellowship of the Round Table, but I thank God, now I am otherwise disposed. But where is he? Let me see him.”
And when the hermit beheld him, he thought that he should know him,but he could not bring him to knowledge because he was so pale.
“What knight are ye?” said the hermit.
“My fair lord,” said Lancelot, “I am a stranger and a knight adventurous,that laboreth throughout many realms for to win honor.”
Then the hermit saw by a wound on his cheek that he was Sir Lancelot.
“Alas,” said the hermit, “mine own lord, why conceal you your name from me? Forsooth, I ought to know you of right, for ye are the noblest knight of the world, for well I know you for Sir Lancelot.”
“Sir,” said he, “since ye know me, help me if ye can, for I would be out of this pain at once, either to death or to life.”
“Have ye no doubt,” said the hermit, “ye shall live and fare right well.”
And so the hermit called to him two of his servants and they bore him into the hermitage and lightly unarmed him and laid him in his bed. And then anon the hermit stanched his blood and soon Sir Lancelot was well refreshed and knew himself.
Now turn we unto King Arthur and leave we Sir Lancelot in the hermitage. So when the Kings were come together on both parties and the great feast should be held. King Arthur asked the King of Northgalis and their fellowship where was that knight that bore the red sleeve.
“Bring him before me, that he may have his praise and honor and the prize as it is right.”
Then spake Sir Galahad, the noble prince, “We suppose that knight is injured and that he is never like to see you nor any of us all, and that is the greatest pity that ever we knew of any knight.”
“Alas,” said Arthur, “how may this be? Is he so hurt? What is his name?”
“Truly,” said they all, “we know not his name, nor from whence he came nor whither he went.”
“Alas,” said the King, “this be to me the worst tidings that came to me this seven year, for I would not for all the lands I possess know that that noble knight were slain.”
“Know ye him?” said they all.
“As for that,” said Arthur, “whether I know him or not, ye shall not know from me what man he is, but God send me good tidings of him.”
“If it so be that the good knight be so sore hurt,” said Sir Gawain, “it is great damage and pity to all this land, for he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw in a field handle a spear or a sword; and if he may be found,I shall find him, for I am sure he is not far from this town.”
Right so Sir Gawain took a squire with him and rode all about Camelot within six or seven miles, but so he came again and could hear no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and all the fellowship returned unto London again.
And so as they rode by the way, it happened that Sir Gawain lodged with Sir Bernard where Sir Lancelot had lodged. And Sir Bernard and his daughter, Elaine, came to him to cheer him and to ask him who did best at that tournament.
“There were two knights,” said Sir Gawain, “that bore two white shields,but one of them bore a red sleeve upon his head and certainly he was one of the best knights that ever I saw just in field. For, I dare say, that one knight with the red sleeve smote down forty knights of the Table Round and his fellow did right well and honorably.”
“Now I thank God,” said Elaine, “that that knight sped so well.”
“Know ye his name?” said Sir Gawain.
“Nay, truly,” said the maiden, “I know not his name, nor whence he cometh.”
“Tell me, then, how had ye knowledge of him first?” said Sir Gawain.
Then she told him as ye have heard before, and how her father intrusted her brother to serve him, and lent him her brother’s shield, “And here with me he left his shield,” she said.
“For what cause did he so?” said Sir Gawain.
“For this cause,” said the damsel, “for his shield was too well known among many noble knights.”
“Ah, fair damsel,” said Sir Gawain, “please it you let me have a sight of that shield.”
So when the shield was brought. Sir Gawain knew it was Sir Lancelot’s shield.
“Ah,” said Sir Gawain, “now is my heart heavier than ever it was before.”
“Why?” said Elaine.
“I have great cause,” said Sir Gawain; “the knight that owneth this shield is the most honorable knight of the world.”
“So I thought ever,” said Elaine.
“But I dread me,” said Sir Gawain, “that ye shall never see him in this world, and that is the greatest pity that ever was of earthly knight.”
“Alas,” said she, “how may this be? Is he slain?”
“I say not so,” said Sir Gawain, “but he is grievously wounded and more likely to be dead than to be alive and he is the noble knight, Sir Lancelot, for by this shield I know him.”
“Alas,” said Elaine, “how may this be and what was his hurt?”
“Truly,” said Sir Gawain, “the man in the world that loved him best, hurt him so, and I dare say, if that knight that hurt him knew that he had hurt Sir Lancelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever came to his heart.”
“Now, fair father,” said Elaine, “I require you give me leave to ride and to seek him and my brother. Sir Lavaine.”
“Do as it liketh you,” said her father, “for the hurt of that noble knight sore grieveth me.”
Then on the morn Sir Gawain came to King Arthur and told him how he had found Sir Lancelot’s shield in the keeping of the fair maiden of Astolat.
“All that I knew beforehand,” said King Arthur, “for I saw him when he came to his lodging full late in the evening.”
So the King and all came to London, and there Sir Gawain openly disclosed to all the Court that it was Sir Lancelot that justed best.
And when Sir Bors heard that, he was a sorrowful man and so were all his kinsmen. And Sir Bors said, “I will haste me to seek him and find him wheresoever he be, and God send me good tidings of him.”
And so we will leave Sir Bors and speak of Sir Lancelot that lay in great peril. So as Elaine came to Winchester she sought there all about, and by fortune, Sir Lavaine rode forth to exercise his horse. And anon as Elaine saw him she knew him, and she called to him. When he heard her, he came to her, and then she asked her brother how did his lord. Sir Lancelot.
“Who told you, sister, that my lord’s name was Sir Lancelot?”
Then she told how Sir Gawain by his shield knew him. So they rode together until they came to the hermitage. So Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Lancelot and when she saw him so sick and pale she said, “My lord Sir Lancelot, alas, why be ye in this plight?”
But Sir Lancelot said, “Fair maiden, if ye be come to comfort me, ye be right welcome; and of this little hurt that I have, I shall be right hastily whole by the grace of God. But I marvel who told you my name.”
Then the fair maiden told him all, how Sir Gawain was lodged with her father, “And there by your shield he discovered you.”
So Elaine watched Sir Lancelot and cared for his wound and did such attendance to him that the story saith that never man had a kindlier nurse. Then Sir Lancelot prayed Sir Lavaine to make inquiries in Winchester for Sir Bors and told him by what token he should know him, by a wound in his forehead.
“For well I am sure that Sir Bors will seek me,” said Sir Lancelot, “for he is the same good knight that hurt me.”
Now turn we to Sir Bors that came unto Winchester to seek after his cousin Sir Lancelot. And so when he came to Winchester, anon there were men that Sir Lavaine had made to watch for such a man, and anon Sir Lavaine had warning; and then Sir Lavaine came to Winchester and found Sir Bors and there he told him who he was and with whom he was and what was his name.
“Now, fair knight,” said Sir Bors, “I require you that ye will bring me to my lord. Sir Lancelot.”
“Sir,” said Sir Lavaine, “take your horse and within this hour ye shall see him.”
And so they departed and came to the hermitage. And when Sir Bors saw Sir Lancelot lie in his bed, pale and discolored, anon Sir Bors lost his countenance and for kindness and pity he might not speak but wept tenderly for a great while.
And then, when he might speak, he said thus, “O my lord, Sir Lancelot,God you bless and send you. hasty recovery; and full heavy am I of my misfortune and mine unhappiness, for now I may call myself unhappy. And I dread me that God is greatly displeased with me, that He would suffer me to have such a shame for to hurt you that are our leader and our honor, and therefore I call myself unhappy. Alas, that ever such a miserable knight as I am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the noblest knight of the world!Where I so shamefully set upon you and overcharged you, and where ye might have slain me, ye saved me; and so did not I, for I and your kindred did to you our uttermost. I marvel that my heart would serve me, wherefore, my lord Sir Lancelot, I ask your mercy.”
“Fair cousin,” said Sir Lancelot, “ye be right welcome; and much ye say which pleaseth me not, for I have the same I sought; for I would with pride have overcome you all, and there in my pride, I was near slain and that was my own fault, for I might have given you warning of my being there. And then would I have had no hurt; for it is an old saying, there is hard battle when kin and friends do battle, either against other, for there may be no mercy, but mortal war. Therefore, fair cousin, all shall be welcome that God sendeth; and let us leave off this matter and speak of some rejoicing, for this that is done may not be undone; and let us find a remedy how I may be whole.”
Then Sir Bors leaned upon his bed and told him how Sir Gawain knew him by the shield he left with the fair maiden of Astolat and so they talked of many more things. And so within three or four days Sir Lancelot was well and strong again.
Then Sir Bors told Sir Lancelot how there was a great tournament and just agreed upon between King Arthur and the King of Northgalis.
“Is that the truth?” said Sir Lancelot. “Then shall ye abide with me still a little while, until that I be whole, for I feel myself right well and strong.”
Then were they together nigh a month and ever this maiden Elaine did her diligent labor for Sir Lancelot, so that there never was a child or wife meeker to her father or husband than was that fair maiden of Astolat;wherefore Sir Bors was greatly pleased with her.
So upon a day, Sir Lancelot thought to try his armor and his spear. And so when he was upon his horse, he stirred him fiercely, and the horse was passing strong and fresh, because he had not been labored for a month. And then Sir Lancelot couched his spear in the rest. That courser leaped mightily when he felt the spurs, and he that was upon him strained him mightily and kept still the spear in the rest and therewith Sir Lancelot strained himself with so great force to get the horse forward that his wound opened, and he felt himself so feeble that he might not sit upon bis horse.
And then Sir Lancelot cried unto Sir Bors, “Ah, Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine,help me, for I am come to my end.” And therewith he fell down to the earth as if he were dead.
And then Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine came to him with sorrow. Then came the holy hermit, Sir Baudwin of Brittany, and when he found Sir Lancelot in that plight, he said but little, but know ye well that he was wroth; and then he bade them, “Let us have him in.”
And so they all bare him into the hermitage and unarmed him and laid him in his bed and evermore his wound bled piteously, but he stirred no limb. Then the knight hermit put a little water into his mouth, and Sir Lancelot waked of his swoon, and then the hermit stanched his bleeding.
And when he might speak he asked Sir Lancelot why he put his life in jeopardy.
“Sir,” said Sir Lancelot, “because I thought I had been strong and also Sir Bors told me that there should be great justs betwixt King Arthur and the King of Northgalis and therefore I thought to try it myself, whether I might be there or not.”
“Ah, Sir Lancelot,” said the hermit, “your heart and your courage will never be done until your last day, but ye shall do now by my counsel. Let Sir Bors depart from you and let him do at that tournament what he may. And by the grace of God, by the time that the tournament be done, and ye come hither again, Sir Lancelot shall be as whole as ye, if so be that he will be governed by me.”
Then Sir Bors made him ready to depart from Sir Lancelot; and then Sir Lancelot said, “Fair cousin, Sir Bors, recommend me unto all them unto whom I ought to recommend me. And I pray you, exert yourself at the justs that ye may be best, for my love; and here shall I abide you at the mercy of God till ye come again.”
And so Sir Bors departed and came to the court of King Arthur and told them in what place he had left Sir Lancelot.
“That grieveth me,” said the King, “but since he shall have his life we all may thank God.”
And then every knight of the Round Table, that was there at that time present, made him ready to be at the justs and thither drew many knights of many countries. And as the time drew near, thither came the King of Northgalis, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and Sir Galahad, the noble prince, and thither came the King of Ireland and the King of Scots.So these three kings came on King Arthur’s party.
And that day Sir Gawain did great deeds of arms and began first. And the heralds numbered that Sir Gawain smote down twenty knights. Then Sir Bors came in the same time, and it was numbered that he smote down twenty knights and therefore the prize was given betwixt them both, for they began first and longest endured.
Also Sir Gareth did that day great deeds of arms, for he smote down and pulled down thirty knights. But when he had done these deeds he tarried not,but so departed, and therefore he lost his prize. And Sir Palomides did great deeds of arms that day for he smote down twenty knights, but he departed suddenly, and men thought Sir Gareth and he rode together to some adventures.
So when this tournament was done, Sir Bors departed, and rode till he came to Sir Lancelot, his cousin; and then he found him on his feet and there either made great joy of other; and so Sir Bors told Sir Lancelot of all the justs, like as ye have heard.
“I marvel,” said Sir Lancelot, “at Sir Gareth when he had done such deeds of arms, that he would not tarry.”
“Thereof we marvel all,” said Sir Bors, “for except you, or Sir Tristam,or Sir Lamorak, I saw never knight bear down so many in so little a while as did Sir Gareth, and anon he was gone, we knew not where.”
“By my head,” said Sir Lancelot, “he is a noble knight and a mighty man full of honor; and if he were well tried, I would think he were good enough for any knight that beareth the life; and he is a gentle knight, courteous, true,bounteous, meek, and mild, and in him is no manner of evil, but he is plain,faithful, and true.”
So then they made them ready to depart from the hermit. And so upon a morn, they took their horses, and Elaine with them, and when they came to Astolat, they were well lodged and had great cheer of Sir Bernard, the old baron, and of Sir Torre, his son. And upon the morrow. Sir Lancelot took his leave and came unto Winchester.
And when King Arthur knew that Sir Lancelot was come whole and sound the King made great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawain and all the knights except Sir Agravaine and Sir Modred.
Now speak we of the fair maiden of Astolat, that made such sorrow day and night that she never slept, ate, or drank because she grieved so for Sir Lancelot. So when she had thus endured ten days, she became so feeble that she knew she must die.
And then she called her father, Sir Bernard, and her brother, Sir Torre,and heartily she prayed her father that her brother might write a letter as she did tell him, and so her father granted her. And when the letter was written,word by word as she said, then she prayed her father, saying, “When I am dead, let this letter be put in my right hand and my hand bound fast with the letter, and let me be put in a fair bed with all the richest clothes that I have about me, and so let my bed be laid with me in a chariot and carried unto the Thames. And there let me be put within a barge and but one man with me, such as ye trust to steer me thither. And let my barge be covered with black samite over and over; thus, father, I beseech you let it be done.”
So her father granted it her faithfully, all things should be done as she asked. Then her father and her brother made great sorrow, for they knew she was dying. And so when she was dead her body was placed in a barge and a man steered the barge unto Westminster, and there he rowed a great while to and fro before any saw him.
So by fortune, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were speaking together at a window and as they looked out on the Thames, they saw this black barge and marveled what it meant. Then the King called Sir Kay and showed it to him.
“Go thither,” said the King to Sir Kay, “and take with you Sir Brandiles and Sir Agravaine and bring word what is there.”
Then these knights departed and came to the barge and went in; and there they found the fair maiden lying in a rich bed, and a poor man sitting in the barge’s end and no word would he speak. So these knights returned unto the King again and told him what they had found.
And then the King took the Queen by the hand and went thither. Then the King made the barge to be held fast and then the King and Queen entered with certain knights with them, and there they saw the fairest maiden in a rich bed, covered with many rich clothes and all was cloth of gold, and she lay as though she smiled.
Then the Queen saw a letter in her right hand and told the King. Then the King took it and said, “Now I am sure this letter will tell what she was and why she is come hither.”
So then the King and the Queen went out of the barge, and so when the King was come within his chamber, he called many knights about him, and said he would know openly what was written within that letter. Then the King opened it and made a clerk read it, and this was the letter:
“Most noble knight. Sir Lancelot, I was called the Fair Maiden of Astolat. Pray for my soul and give me burial at least. This is my last request.Pray for my soul, Sir Lancelot, as thou art a peerless knight.”
This was all the substance of the letter. And when it was read, the King,the Queen, and all the knights wept for pity. Then was Sir Lancelot sent for;and when he was come King Arthur made the letter to be read to him.
And when Sir Lancelot heard it word by word, he said, “My lord, King Arthur, I am right sorrowful because of the death of this fair damsel. She was both fair and good, and much was I indebted to her for her care. I offered her,for her kindness that she showed me, a thousand pounds yearly, whensoever she would wed some good knight, and always while I live to be her own knight.”
Then said the King unto Sir Lancelot, “It will be to your honor that ye see that she be buried honorably.”
“Sir,” said Sir Lancelot, “that shall be done as I can best do it.”
And so upon the morn she was buried richly, and all the knights of the Round Table were there with Sir Lancelot. And then the poor man went again with the barge.
So time passed on till Christmas and then every day there were justs made for a diamond, who that justed best should have a diamond. But Sir Lancelot would not just, but if it were at a great just. But Sir Lavaine justed there passing well and best was praised, for there were but few that did so well. Wherefore, all manner of knights thought that Sir Lavaine should be made Knight of the Round Table at the next feast of Pentecost.
So after Christmas, King Arthur called unto him many knights and there they advised together to make a great tournament. And the King of Northgalis said to Arthur that he would have on his party the King of Ireland and the King with the Hundred Knights and the King of Northumberland and Sir Galahad, the noble prince. And so then four kings and the noble knight Sir Galahad took part against King Arthur and the other Knights of the Table Round.
And the proclamation was made that the justs should be at Westminster, and so the knights made them ready to be at the justs in the freshest manner. Then Queen Guinevere sent for Sir Lancelot and said thus, “I forbid you that ye ride in justs or tournaments, unless your kinsmen know you. And at these justs that be, ye shall have of me a sleeve of gold, and I charge you that ye warn your kinsmen that ye will bear that day the sleeve of gold upon your helmet.”
“Madam,” said Sir Lancelot, “it shall be done.”
When the time came nigh. Sir Lancelot told Sir Bors that he would depart, and have no one with him but Sir Lavaine, unto the good hermit that dwelt in the forest of Windsor, and there he thought to repose him and take all the rest that he might, so that he would be fresh at that day of justs.
So Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine departed, that no creature knew where he was gone but the noble men of his blood. And when he was come to the hermitage he had good cheer. And so daily Sir Lancelot would go to a well,fast by the hermitage, and there he would lie down and see the well spring and bubble, and sometimes he slept there.
So when the day was come Sir Lancelot planned that he should be arrayed, and Sir Lavaine and their horses, as though they were Saracens,and so they departed and came nigh to the field.
The King of Northgalis brought with him a hundred knights, and the King of Northumberland brought with him a hundred good knights, and the King of Ireland brought with him a hundred good knights ready to just, and Sir Galahad brought with him a hundred good knights, and the King with the Hundred Knights brought with him as many, and all these were proved good knights.
Then came in King Arthur’s party, and there came in the King of Scots with a hundred knights, and King Uriens brought with him a hundred knights, and King Howel of Brittany brought with him a hundred knights, and King Arthur himself came into the field with two hundred knights and the most part were knights of the Table Round, that were proved noble knights, and there were old knights set in a high place, to judge with the Queen who did best.
Then the heralds blew the call to the field, and then the King of Northgalis encountered with the King of Scots and then the King of Scots had a fall; and the King of Ireland smote down King Uriens, and the King of Northumberland smote down King Howel of Brittany. And then King Arthur was wroth and ran to the King with the Hundred Knights, and there King Arthur smote him down; and after, with that same spear. King Arthur smote down three other knights. And when his spear was broken, King Arthur did exceedingly well; and so therewith came in Sir so Gawain and Sir Gaheris, Sir Agravaine and Sir Modred, and there each of them smote down a knight, and Sir Gawain smote down four knights.
Then began a strong battle, for there came in the knights of Sir Lancelot’s kindred and Sir Gareth and Sir Palomides with them, and many knights of the Table Round, and they began to press the four kings and the mighty duke so. hard that they were discomfited; but this Sir Galahad was a noble knight,and by his mighty prowess he held back the knights of the Table Round.
All this saw Sir Lancelot and then he came into the field with Sir Lavaine as if it had been thunder. And then anon Sir Bors and the knights of his kindred saw Sir Lancelot, and Sir Bors said to them all, “I warn you beware of him with the sleeve of gold upon his head, for he is Sir Lancelot himself.”
And for great goodness Sir Bors warned Sir Gareth. “I am well satisfied,”said Sir Gareth, “that I may know him.” “But who is he,” said they all, “that rideth with him in the same array?”
“That is the good and gentle knight. Sir Lavaine,” said Sir Bors.
So Sir Lancelot encountered with Sir Gawain and there by force Sir Lancelot smote down Sir Gawain and his horse to the earth, and so he smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris and also he smote down Sir Modred,and all this, was with one spear. Then Sir Lavaine met with Sir Palomides and either met other so hard and so fiercely that both their horses fell to the earth. And then they were horsed again, and then met Sir Lancelot with Sir Palomides and there Sir Palomides had a fall; and so Sir Lancelot, without stopping, as fast as he might get spears, smote down thirty knights and the most part of them were knights of the Table Round; and ever the knights of his kindred withdrew and fought in other places where Sir Lancelot came not.
Then King Arthur was wroth when he saw Sir Lancelot do such deeds,for he knew not that it was Sir Lancelot; and then the King called unto him nine knights and so the King with these knights made ready to set upon Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine.
All this saw Sir Bors and Sir Gareth.
“Now I dread me sore,” said Sir Bors, “that my lord Sir Lancelot will be hard matched.”
“By my head,” said Sir Gareth, “I will ride unto my lord Sir Lancelot, to help him; for he it is that made me knight.’’
“Ye shall not do so by mine counsel,” said Sir Bors, “unless that ye were disguised.”
“Ye shall see me disguised,” said Sir Gareth.
Therewithal he saw a Welsh knight who was sore hurt by Sir Gawain,and to him Gareth rode and prayed him of his knighthood to lend him his green shield in exchange for his own.
“I will gladly,” said the Welsh knight.
Then Sir Gareth came driving to Sir Lancelot all he might and said,“Knight, defend thyself, for yonder cometh King Arthur with nine knights with him to overcome you, and so I am come to bear you fellowship for old love ye have showed me.”
“I thank you greatly,” said Sir Lancelot.
“Sir,” said Gareth, “encounter ye with Sir Gawain and I will encounter with Sir Palomides and let Sir Lavaine match with the noble King Arthur.”
Then came King Arthur with his nine knights with him, and Sir Lancelot encountered with Sir Gawain and gave him such a buffet that Sir Gawain fell to the earth. Then Sir Gareth encountered with the good knight Sir Palomides, and he gave him such a buffet that both he and his horse fell to the earth. Then encountered King Arthur with Sir Lavaine and there either of them smote the other to the earth, horse and all, so that they lay a great while.
Then Sir Lancelot smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Modred, and Sir Gareth smote down Sir Kay, Sir Safere, and Sir Griflet.And then Sir Lavaine was horsed again and he smote down Sir Lucan and Sir Bedivere, and then there began a great press of good knights. Then Sir Lancelot dashed here and there and smote oflf and pulled off helmets, so that none might strike him a blow with spear or with sword; and Sir Gareth did such deeds of arms that all men marveled what knight he was with the green shield, for he smote down that day and pulled down more than thirty knights.
And Sir Lancelot marveled, when he beheld Sh Gareth do such deeds,what knight he might be. And Sir Lavaine pulled down and smote down twenty knights. Also Sir Lancelot knew not Sir Gareth, for if Sir Tristam or Sir Lamorak had been alive, Sir Lancelot would have thought he had been one of the two.
So this tournament continued till it was near night, for the Knights of the Round Table rallied ever unto King Arthur, for the King was wroth that he and his knights might not prevail that day. Then Sir Gawain said to the King, “I marvel where all this day Sir Bors and his fellowship of Sir Lancelot’s kindred have been. I marvel all this day they be not about you. It is for some cause,” said Sir Gawain.
“By my head,” said Sir Kay, “Sir Bors is yonder all this day upon the right hand of this field and there he and his kindred have won more honor than we have.”
“It may well be,” said Sir Gawain, “but I believe this knight with the sleeve of gold is Sir Lancelot himself. I know it by his riding and by his great strokes. And the other knight in the same colors is the good young knight. Sir Lavaine. Also, that knight with the green shield is my brother, Sir Gareth, and he has disguised himself, for no man shall ever make him be against Sir Lancelot, because he made him knight.”
“Nephew, I believe you,” said King Arthur; “therefore tell me now what is your best counsel.”
“Sir,” said Gawain, “ye shall have my counsel. Let the heralds blow the close of the tournament, for if it be Sir Lancelot and my brother, Sir Gareth,with him, with the help of that good young knight, Sir Lavaine, trust me, it will be no use to strive with them, unless we should fall ten or twelve upon one knight, and that were no glory, but shame.”
“Ye say truth,” said the King; “it were shame to us, so many as we be, to set upon them any more; for they be three good knights and, best of all, that knight with the sleeve of gold.”
So the trumpets blew and forthwith King Arthur sent to the four Kings and the noble Sir Galahad, praying them that the knight with the sleeve of gold depart not from them, but that the King might speak with him. Then King Arthur unarmed him and rode after Sir Lancelot. And so he found him with the four kings and Sir Galahad, and the King prayed them all unto supper and they said they would, with good will.
And when they were unarmed, then King Arthur knew Sir Lancelot, Sir Lavaine, and Sir Gareth.
“Ah, Sir Lancelot,” said the King, “this day ye have heated me and my knights.”
And so they went unto King Arthur’s lodging all together, and there was a great feast and the prize was given unto Sir Lancelot; and the heralds announced that he had smitten down fifty knights, and Sir Gareth, five and thirty, and Sir Lavaine, four and twenty knights.
Then King Arthur blamed Sir Gareth, because he left his fellowship and held with Sir Lancelot.
“My lord,’’ said Sir Gareth, “he made me a knight and when I saw him so hard pressed, methought it was my duty to help him, for I saw him do so much and so many noble knights against him; and when I understood that he was Sir Lancelot, I was ashamed to see so many knights against him alone.”
“Truly,” said King Arthur unto Sir Gareth, “ye say well, and manfully have you done and won for yourself great honor, and all the days of my life I shall love you and trust you more and more. For ever it is an honorable knight’s deed to help another honorable knight when he seeth him in great danger.’’
So then there were great feasts and games and play, and all manner of noble deeds were done; and he that was courteous, true, and faithful to his friend was that time honored.
token : keepsake, sign
burgess : a freeman who could vote
buffet : blow
hermit : one who lives apart from society
discomfite : driven back and almost defeated
A) Answer the following questions.
1) What was Arthur’s purpose in founding the Order of the Round Table?
2) What just was proclaimed by King Arthur?
3) Why was training in strength and bravery necessary?
4) What important things happened in the tournament in Westminster?
5) What was Lancelot’s plan for disguising himself?
6) What were his reasons for this plan?
7) What can we tell about Lancelot’s personality?
8) Which of Lancelot’s qualities do you admire most? Why?
B) Wrong sentences — Each sentence contains an error. Correct them.
1) Sir Lancelot left a day later than the other knights. _______
2) At the tournament, Sir Gawain smote Sir Bors. _______
3) Penny grieved over Sir Lancelot. _______
4) A big tournament was held at Canterbury. _______
5) Lancelot smote 300 knights. _______
C) Summary — Write a brief summary of this story.