LAYAMON Brut (c. 1205)

From Roger Sherman Loomis and Rudolph Willard, Medieval English Verse and Prose

(New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc., 1948).

(vss. I-67)

There was a priest in the land; Layamon was he called.

He was Leovenath's son; the Lord be gracious to him;

He dwelt at Earnley, at a noble church,

Upon Severn shore,-good there he thought it,-

Quite near to Redstone; he read there his service book.

It came to his mind and into his serious thought,

To relate of the English their noble deeds,

What they were called and whence they had come,

Who first did possess the land of the English,

After the flood, which came from the Lord,

And did destroy all things that it found alive,

Except Noah and Shem, Japhet and Ham,

And their four wives who were with them in the ark.

Layamon did travel widely among the people,

And got him those noble books that he set as his pattern.

He took that English book that Saint Bede had made;

Another he took, in Latin, that Saint Albin had made

And the fair Augustine, who brought baptism hither;

A third book he took, and laid it alongside,

Which a French cleric had made, well learned in lore;

Wace was his name, he knew well how to write,

And he then did give it to the noble Eleanor,

Who was Henry's queen, that high king's.

Layamon laid these books out, and he turned the leaves;

With love he searched them, the Lord be to him gracious.

He took feathers in his fingers, and he composed on parchment;

And these three books he condensed into one.

Now Layamon prayeth each noble man,

For the love of Almighty God and of his gracious heart,

Who will read these books and learn these runes,

That some true words he will say together

For his father's soul, who did beget him,

And for his mother's soul, who bore him as man,

And for his own soul, that it be the better for them. Amen.

The birth of Arthur

There was an earl Gorlois, bold man full truly—-knight he was good, he

was Uther's man,—-Earl of Cornwall, known he was wide—-he was a very

wise man, in all things excellent. To him said Uther, sorry in heart:

"Hail be thou, Gorlois, lord of men! Thou art mine own man, and very

well I thee treat; thou art knight good, great is thy wisdom, all my

people I put in thy counsel, and all we shall work after thy will."

Then hung he his brows down, the King Uther Pendragon, and stood him

full still, and bade Gorlois say his will. Then answered Gorlois, who

was courteous full truly, "Say me, Uther Pendragon, why bowest thou

thy head down? Knowest thou not that God alone is better than we all

clean? He may to whomsoever he will give worship. Promise we him in

life that we will not him deceive, and let we counsel us of our

misdeeds. Each man forth-right take shrift of all his sins, each man

shrive other, as if it were his brother, and every good knight take on

him much shrift, and God we shall promise to amend our sins. And at

the midnight prepare us to fight, these heathen hounds account us all

here bound. Octa, Hengest's son, weeneth that we are all taken, they

he in these fields covered in their tents, they are very weary of

carrying their weapons, now anon they shall slumber, and afterwards

sleep; of us they have no care, that we will march against them. At

the midnight we shall forth-right go exceeding still, down from this

hill, be no knight so mad, that he ask any word, nor ever any man be

so mad, that he blow horn. But we shall step to them as if we would

steal, ere they are aware, we shall destroy them, we shall approach to

them, and tell them tidings. And let every brave man strongly lay on

them, and so we shall drive the foreigners from the land, and with the

might of our Lord, win our rights." All this host did as Gorlois had

bid them, each man forth-right put him under shrift promised to do

good, and Uther Pendragon foremost went down, and all his knights,

exceeding still, and smote in the wealds, among all the tents, and

slew the heathens with great strength, slew over the fields the yellow

locks, of folk it was most wretched, they drew along their bowels,

with much destruction they fell to the ground.

And there was forth-right captured Octa, Hengest's son, and his

wed-brother Ebissa, and his comrade Ossa. The king caused them to be

bound with iron bands, and delivered them to sixty knights, who were

good in fight, fast to hold over the weald. And he himself drove him

forth, and made much din, and Gorlois the fair, forth on the other

side, and all their knights ever forth-right slew downright all that

they came nigh. Some they crept to the wood on their bare knees, and

they were on the morrow most miserable of all folk. Octa was bound,

and led to London, and Ebissa, and Ossa--was never to them such woe.

This fight was all done, and the king forth marched into

Northumberland with great bliss, and afterwards to Scotland, and set

it all in his own hand. He established peace, he established quiet,

that each man might journey with from land to land, though he bare

gold in his hand, of peace he did such things, that no king might ever

ere, from that time that the Britons here arrived. And then, after a

time, he proceeded to London, he was there at Easter, with his good

folk, blithe was the London's town, for Uther Pendragon. He sent his

messengers over all his kingdom, he bade the earls, he bade the

churls, he bade the bishops, and the book learned men, that they

should come to London, to Uther the king, into London's town, to Uther

Pendragon. Rich men soon to London came; they brought wife, they

brought child, as Uther the king commanded. With much goodness the

king heard mass, and Gorlois, the Earl of Cornwall, and many knights

with him; much bliss was in the town, with King Uther Pendragon. When

the mass was sung, to the hall they crowded, trumpets they blew,

boards they spread, all the folk ate and drank, and bliss was among

them.

There sate Uther the king in his high chair; opposite to him Gorlois,

fair knight full truly, the Earl of Cornwall, with his noble wife.

When they were all seated, the earls to their meat, the king sent his

messengers to Ygaerne the fair, Gorlois the earl's wife, woman fairest

of all. Oft he looked on her, and glanced with his eyes, oft he sent

his cup-bearers forth to her table, oft he laughed at her, and made

glances to her, and she him lovingly beheld--but I know not whether

she loved him. The king was not so wise, nor so far prudent, that

among his folk he could his thoughts hide. So long the king this

practised, that Gorlois became him wrath, and angered him greatly with

the king, because of his wife. The earl and his knights arose

forth-right, and went forth with the woman, knights most wrath. King

Uther saw this, and herefore was sorry, and took him forth-right

twelve wise knights, and sent after Gorlois, chieftain of men, and

bade him come in haste to the king, and do the king good right, and

acknowledge his fault, that he had disgraced the king, and from his

board had departed, he, and his knights, with mickle wrong, for the

king was cheerful with him, and for he hailed (drank health) to his

wife. And if he would not back come, and acknowledge his guilt, the

king would follow after him, and do all his might, take from him all

his land, and his silver, and his gold. Gorlois heard this, lord of

men, and he answer gave, wrathest of earls: "Nay, so help me the Lord,

that formed the daylight, will I never back come, nor yearn his peace,

nor shall he ever in life disgrace me of my wife! And say ye to Uther

the king, at Tintateol he may find me, if he thither will ride, there

will I abide him, and there he shall have hard game, and mickle

world's shame." Forth proceeded the earl, angry in his mood, he was

wrath with the king wondrously much, and threatened Uther the king,

and all his thanes with him. But he knew not what should come

subsequently, soon thereafter.

The earl proceeded anon into Cornwall; he had there two castles

inclosed most fast, the castles were good, and belonged to the race of

his ancestors. To Tintateol he sent his mistress who was so fair,

named Ygaerne, best of all women; and he inclosed her fast in the

castle. Ygaerne was sorry, and sorrowful in heart, that so many men

for her should there have destruction. The earl sent messengers over

all Britain, and bade each brave man, that he should come to him, for

gold and for silver, and for other good gifts, that they full soon

should come to Tintateol, and bade his own knights to come

forth-right. When they were together, the good thanes, then had he

full fifteen thousand, and they fast inclosed Tintateol. Upon the

sea-strand Tintateol standeth, it is with the sea cliffs fast

inclosed, so that it may not be won, by no kind of man, but if hunger

come therein under. The earl marched thence with seven thousand men,

and proceeded to another castle, and inclosed it full fast, and left

his wife in Tintateol, with ten thousand men. For it needed the

knights, day or night, only to guard the castle gate, and he careless

asleep; and the earl kept the other, and with him his own brother.

Uther heard this, who was king most stark, that Gorlois, his earl, had

gathered his forces, and would hold war, with much wrath. The king

summoned his host over all this territory, over all the land that

stood in his hand, people of many kind marched them together, and came

to London to the sovereign. Out of London's town fared Uther

Pendragon, he and his knights proceeded forth-right, so long, that

they came into Cornwall, and over the water they passed, that Tambres

hight, right to the castle, where they knew Gorlois to be. With much

enmity the castle they besieged, oft they assaulted it with fierce

strength; together they leapt, people there fell. Full seven nights

the king with his knights besieged the castle, his men there had

sorrow, he might not of the earl anything win, and all the se'nnight

lasted the marvellous fight. When Uther the king saw that nothing sped

to him, oft he bethought him what he might do, for Ygaerne was so dear

to him, even as his own life, and Gorlois was to him in the land of

all men most loathsome; and in each way was woe to him in this world's

realm, because he might not have anything of his will.

Then was with the king an old man exceeding well-informed; he was a

very rich thane, and skilful in each doom, he was named Ulfin, much

wisdom was with him. The king drew up his chin, and looked on Ulfin,

greatly he mourned, his mood was disturbed. Then quoth Uther Pendragon

to Ulfin the knight: "Ulfin, say me some counsel, or I shall be full

soon dead, so much it longeth me after the fair Ygaerne, that I may

not live. This word hold to me secret; for Ulfin the dear, thy good

counsels, loud and still I will do them." Then answered Ulfin to the

king who spake with him: "Now hear I a king say great marvel! Thou

lovest Ygaerne, and holdest it so secret, the woman is to thee dear,

and her lord all loath, his land thou consumest, and makest him

destitute, and threatenest himself to slay, and his kin to destroy.

Weenest thou with such harm to obtain Ygaerne? She should do then as

no woman doth, with dread unmeet hold love sweet. But if thou lovest

Ygaerne, thou shouldest hold it secret, and send her soon of silver

and of gold, and love her with art, and with loving behest. The yet it

were a doubt, whether thou mightest possess her, for Ygaerne is

chaste, a woman most true; so was her mother, and more of the kin. In

sooth I thee say, dearest of all kings, that otherwise thou must

begin, if thou wilt win her. For yesterday came to me a good hermit,

and swore by his chin, that he knew Merlin, where he each night

resteth under heaven, and oft he spake with him, and stories him told.

And if we might with art get Merlin, then mightest thou thy will

wholly obtain."

Then was Uther Pendragon the softer in his mood, and gave answer:

"Ulfin, thou hast well said counsel, I give thee in hand thirty

ploughs of land, so that thou get Merlin, and do my will." Ulfin went

through the folk, and sought all the host, and he after a time found

the hermit, and in haste brought him to the king. And the king set to

him in hand seven ploughs of land, if he might find and bring Merlin

to the king. The hermit gan wend in the west end, to a wilderness, to

a mickle wood, where he had dwelt well many winters, and Merlin very

oft sought him there. So soon as the hermit came in, then found he

Merlin, standing under a tree, and sore gan for him long, he saw the

hermit come, as whilom was his custom, he ran towards him, both they

rejoiced for this; they embraced, they kissed, and familiarly spake.

Then said Merlin--much wisdom was with him--"Say thou, my dear friend,

why wouldest thou not say to me, through no kind of thing, that thou

wouldest go to the king? But full quickly I it knew anon as I thee

missed, that thou wert come to Uther the king, and what the king spake

with thee, and of his land thee offered, that thou shouldest bring me

to Uther the king. And Ulfin thee sought, and to the king brought, and

Uther Pendragon forth-right anon, set him in hand thirty ploughs of

land, and he set thee in hand seven ploughs of land. Uther is desirous

after Ygaerne the fair, wondrously much, after Gorlois's wife. But so

long as is eternity, that shall never come, that he obtain her, but

through my stratagem, for there is no woman truer in this world's

realm. And nevertheless he shall possess the fair Ygaerne; and he

shall beget on her what shall widely rule, he shall beget on her a man

exceeding marvellous. So long as is eternity, he shall never die, the

while that this world standeth, his glory shall last, and he shall in

Rome rule the thanes. All shall bow to him that dwelleth in Britain,

of him shall gleemen goodly sing; of his breast noble poets shall eat;

of his blood shall men be drunk; from his eyes shall fly fiery embers;

each finger on his hand shall be a sharp steel brand, stone walls

shall before him tumble; barons shall give way, and their standards

fall! Thus he shall well long fare over all the lands, people to

conquer, and set his laws. These are the tokens of the son, that shall

come of Uther Pendragon and of Ygaerne. This speech is full secret,

for yet neither it knoweth, Ygaerne nor Uther, that of Uther Pendragon

such a son shall arise; for yet he is unbegot, that shall govern all

the people. But, Lord," quoth Merlin, "now it is thy will, that forth

I shall go to the host of the king; thy words I will obey, and now I

will depart, and proceed I will for thy love to Uther Pendragon. And

thou shalt have the land that he set thee in hand."

Thus they then spake: the hermit gan to weep; dearly he him kissed;

there they gan to separate. Merlin went right forth south, the land

was well known to him; forth-right he proceeded to the king's host. So

soon as Uther him saw, so he approached towards him; and thus quoth

Uther Pendragon: "Merlin, thou art welcome! Here I set thee in hand

all the counsel of my land, and that thou must me advise, at my great

need." Uther told him all that he would, and how Ygaerne was to him in

the land dearest of women, and Gorlois, her lord, most odious of all

men.--"And unless I have thy counsel, full soon thou wilt see me

dead." Then answered Merlin: "Let Ulfin now come in, and give him in

hand thirty ploughs of land, and give to the hermit what thou him

promisedest, for I will not possess any land, neither silver nor gold,

for I am in counsel most skilful of all men, and if I wished for

possessions, then should I become worse in craft. But all thy will

well shall come to pass, for I know such leech-craft, that shall be to

thee lief, so that all thy appearance shall become as the earl's; thy

speech, thy deeds among thy people; thy horse and thy weeds

(garments), and so shalt thou ride. When Ygaerne shall see thee, in

mood shall it be well to her; she lieth in Tintateol, fast inclosed.

There is no knight so well born, of no land chosen, that might with

strength unfasten the gates of Tintateol, unless they were burst with

hunger and with thirst. But that is the sooth that I will say to thee,

through all things thou shalt be as if thou wert the earl, and I will

be every bit as Britael he is, who is a knight most hardy, he is this

earl's steward, Jurdan is his chamber-knight, he is exceeding well

dight, I will make Ulfin anon such as Jurdan is. Then wilt thou be

lord, and I be Britael, thy steward, and Ulfin be Jurdan, thy

chamber-knight. And we shall go now to-night, and fare thou shalt by

counsel, whither soever I lead thee. Now to-night shall half a hundred

knights with spear and with shield be about thy tents, so that never

any man alive come there near, and if ever any man come there, that

his head be taken from him. For the knights shall say--thy good

men--that thou art let blood, and restest thee in bed."

These things were forth-right thus dight. Forth went the king, it was

nothing known, and forth went with him Ulfin and Merlin, they

proceeded right the way that lay into Tintateol, they came to the

castle-gate, and called familiarly: "Undo this gate-bolt; the earl is

come here, Gorlois the lord, and Britael his steward, and Jordan the

chamber-knight; we have journeyed all night!" The gateward made it

known over all, and knights ran upon the wall, and spake with Gorlois,

and knew him full surely. The knights were most alert, and weighed up

the castle gate, and let him come within--the less was then their

care,--they weened certainly to have much bliss. Then had they with

stratagem Merlin there within, and Uther the king within their

possession, and led there with him his good thane Ulfin. These tidings

came quickly unto the lady, that her lord was come, and with him his

three men. Out came Ygaerne forth to the earl, and said these words

with winsome speech: "Welcome, lord, man to me dearest; and welcome,

Jordan, and Britael is also;--be ye in safety parted from the king?"

Then quoth Uther full truly as if it were Gorlois: "Mickle is the

multitude that is with Uther Pendragon, and I am all by night stolen

from the fight, for after thee I was desirous, woman thou art to me

dearest. Go into the chamber, and cause my bed to be made, and I will

rest me for this night's space, and all day to-morrow, to gladden my

people." Ygaerne went to chamber, and caused a bed to be made for him,

the kingly bed was all overspread with a pall. The king viewed it

well, and went to his bed; and Ygaerne lay down by Uther Pendragon,

Now weened Ygaerne full truly, that it were Gorlois; through never any

kind of thing knew she Uther the king. The king approached her as man

should do to woman, and had him to do with the dearest of women; and

he begat on her a marvellous man, keenest of all kings, that ever came

among men, and he was on earth named Arthur. Ygaerne knew not who lay

in her arms, for ever she weened full surely, that it were the Earl

Gorlois.

There was no greater interval but until it was daylight, there

forth-right the knights understood, that the king was departed out of

the host. Then said the knights, sooth though it were not, that the

king was flown, filled with dread, but it all was leasing that they

said of the king, they held hereof much converse upon Uther Pendragon.

Then said the earls and the highest barons; "Now when Gorlois shall

know it, how it is passed, that our king is departed, and has left his

host, he will forth-right weapon his knights, and out he will to

fight, and fell us to ground, with his furious thanes make mickle

slaughter; then were it better for us, that we were not born. But

cause we the trumpets to be blown, and our army to assemble; and Cador

the brave shall bear the king's standard; heave high the Dragon before

this people, and march to the castle, with our keen folk. And the Earl

Aldolf shall be our chief, and we shall obey him, as if he were the

king; and so we shall with right with Gorlois fight, and if he will

speak with us, and yearn this king's peace, set amity with soothfast

oath, then may we with worship go hence; then our underlings will have

no upbraidings, that we for any timidity hence fled." All the

nation-folk praised this same counsel. Trumpets they blew, and

assembled their host; up they heaved the Dragon, by each standard

unmatched; there was many a bold man, that hung shield on shoulder,

many a keen thane, and proceeded to the castle, where Gorlois was

within, with his keen men. He caused trumpets to be blown, and his

host to assemble; they leapt on steed, knights gan to ride. These

knights were exceeding active, and went out at the gate; together they

came soon, and quickly they attacked, fell the fated men, the ground

they sought; there was much blood shed, harm was among the folk;

amidst the fight full certainly men slew the Earl Gorlois. Then gan

his men to flee, and the others to pursue after, they came to the

castle, and within they thrust. Soon it came within, both the two

hosts; there lasted the fight throughout the daylight; ere the day

were all gone, the castle was won; was there no swain so mean, that he

was not a well good thane.

The tidings came into Tintageol in haste, forth into the castle

wherein Uther was, that the good earl their lord Gorlois was slain

full truly, and all his soldiers, and his castle taken. The king heard

this, where he lay in amorous play, and leapt out of bower, as if it

were a lion. Then quoth the King Uther, of this tiding he was ware:

"Be still, be still, knights in hall! Here I am full truly, your lord

Gorlois; and Jordan, my chamberlain, and Britael, my steward. I and

these two knights leapt out of the fight, and in hither we are

arrived--we were not there slain. But now I will march, and assemble

my host; and I and my knights shall all by night proceed into a town,

and meet Uther Pendragon, and unless he speak of reconciliation, I

will worthily avenge me! And inclose ye this castle most fast, and bid

Ygaerne that she mourn not. Now go I forth-right, have ye all good

night!" Merlin went before, and the thane Ulfin, and afterwards Uther

Pendragon, out of Tintageol's town; ever they proceeded all night,

until it was daylight.

When he came to the spot where his army lay, Merlin had on the king

set his own features through all things, then his knights knew their

sovereign; there was many a bold Briton filled with bliss; then was in

Britain bliss enow; horns there blew, gleemen gan chant, glad was

every knight, all arrayed with pall! Three days was the king dwelling

there; and on the fourth day he went to Tintaieol. He sent to the

castle his best thanes, and greeted Ygaerne, noblest of women, and

sent her token what they spake in bed; and ordered her that she should

yield the castle quickly--there was no other counsel, for her lord was

dead. Yet Ygaerne weened that it were sooth, that the dead earl had

sought his people, and she all believed, that it were false, that the

King Uther had ever come down. Knights went to counsel, knights went

to communing, they resolved that they would not hold the castle any

longer, their bridge they let down and delivered it to Uther

Pendragon. Then stood all this kingdom eft in Uther's own hand.

There Uther the king took Ygaerne for queen; Ygaerne was with child by

Uther the king, all through Merlin's craft, before she was wedded. The

time came that was chosen, then was Arthur born. So soon as he came on

earth, elves took him; they enchanted the child with magic most

strong, they gave him might to be the best of all knights; they gave

him another thing, that he should be a rich king, they gave him the

third, that he should live long; they gave to him the prince virtues

most good, so that he was most generous of all men alive. This the

elves gave him, and thus the child thrived. After Arthur, the blessed

lady was born, she was named Anna, the blessed maiden; and afterwards

she took (married) Loth, who possessed Leoneis (Lothian), she was in

Leoneis lady of the people. Long lived Uther with mickle bliss here,

with good peace, with much quiet, free in his kingdom.

When that he was an old man, then came illness on him; the illness

laid him down, sick was Uther Pendragon, so he was here sick seven

years. Then became the Britons much emboldened, they did oft wickedly,

all for absence of dread.

Death of Uther and Arthur’s selection

Then happened it on a time, the rain it gan to pour; then called there a leech, where he lay in the chamber, to a chamber-knight, and ordered him forth-right to run to the well, that was near the hall, and set there a good swam, to keep it from the rain.--"For the king may not enjoy no draught in the world but the cold well stream, that is to him pleasant; that is for his sickness best of all draughts." This speech forth-right heard these six knights--to harm they were prompt--and went out by night forth to the well--there they harm wrought. Out they drew soon fair phials, filled with poison, of all liquids bitterest; six phials full they poured in the well; then was the well anon with poison infected. Then were full blithe the traitors in their life, and forth they went; they durst not there remain. Then came there forth-right two chamber-knights; they bare in their hands two bowls of gold. They came to the well, and filled their bowls; back they gan wend to Uther the king, forth into the chamber, where he lay in bed.--"Hail be thou, Uther! Now we are come here, and we have brought thee, what thou ere bade, cold well water; receive it with joy." Up arose the sick king, and sate on his bed; of the water he drank, and soon he gan to sweat; his heart gan to weaken, his face began to blacken, his belly gan to swell, the king gan to burst. There was no other hap, but there was Uther the king dead; and all they were dead, who drank of the water. When the attendants saw the calamity of the king, and of the king's men, who with poison were destroyed, then went to the well knights that were active, and destroyed the well with painful labour, with earth and with stones made a steep hill. Then the people took the dead king--numerous folk--and forth him carried the stiff-minded men into Stonehenge, and there buried him, by his dear brother; side by side there they lie both. Then came it all together, that was highest in the land, earls and barons, and book-learned men; they came to London, to a mickle husting, and the rich thanes betook them all to counsel, that they would send messengers over sea into Britanny, after the best of all youth that was in the worlds-realm in those days, named Arthur the strong, the best of all knights; and say that he should come soon to his kingdom; for dead was he Uther Pendragon, as Aurelie was ere, and Uther Pendragon had no other son, that might after his days hold by law the Britons, maintain with worship, and rule this kingdom. For yet were in this land the Saxons settled; Colgrim the keen, and many thousands of his companions, that oft made to our Britons evil injuries. The Britons full soon took three bishops, and seven riders, strong in wisdom; forth they gan proceed into Britanny, and they full soon came to Arthur.--"Hail be thou, Arthur, noblest of knights! Uther thee greeted, when he should depart, and bade that thou shouldest thyself in Britain hold right laws, and help thy folk, and defend this kingdom, as good king should do, defeat thy enemies, and drive them from land. And he prayed the mild Son of God to be to thee now in aid, that thou mightest do well, and the land receive from God. For dead is Uther Pendragon, and thou art Arthur, his son; and dead is the other, Aurelie his brother." Thus they gan tell, and Arthur sate full still; one while he was wan, and in hue exceeding pale; one while he was red, and was moved in heart. When it all brake forth, it was good that he spake; and thus said he there right, Arthur the noble knight: "Lord Christ, God's Son, be to us now in aid, that I may in life hold God's laws!" Arthur was fifteen years old, when this tiding was told to him, and all they were well employed, for he was much instructed. Arthur forth-right called his knights, and bade every man get ready his weapons, and saddle their horses very speedily, for he would go to this Britain. To the sea proceeded the good thanes, at Michael's mount, with a mickle host, the sea set them on the strand, at Southampton they came ashore. Forth he gan ride, Arthur the powerful, right to Silchester; there it seemed good to him; there was the host of Britons boldly assembled. Great was the bliss when Arthur came to the burgh; then was blast of trumpets, and men most glad; there they raised to be king Arthur the young. When Arthur was king--hearken now a marvellous thing;--he was liberal to each man alive, knight with the best, wondrously keen! He was to the young for father, to the old for comforter, and with the unwise wonderfully stern, wrong was to him exceeding loathsome, and the right ever dear. Each of his cupbearers, and of his chamber-thanes, and his chamber-knights, bare gold in hand, to back and to bed, clad with gold web. He had never any cook, that he was not champion most good; never any knight's swam, that he was not bold thane! The king held all his folk together with great bliss, and with such things he overcame all kings, with fierce strength and with treasure. Such were his qualities, that all folk it knew. Now was Arthur good king, his people loved him, eke it was known wide, of his kingdom. The king held in London a mickle husting; thereto were arrived all his knights, rich men and poor, to honour the king. When that it was all come, a numerous folk, up arose Arthur noblest of kings, and caused to be brought before him reliques well choice, and thereto the king gan soon to kneel thrice,--his people knew not what he would pronounce. Arthur held up his right hand, an oath he there swore, that never by his life, for no man's lore, should the Saxons become blithe in Britain, nor be landholders, nor enjoy worship, but he would drive them out, for they were at enmity with him. For they slew Uther Pendragon, who was son of Constance, so they did the other, Aurelie, his brother, therefore they were in land loathest of all folk. Arthur forth-right took his wise knights, were it lief to them were it loath to them, they all swore the same oath, that they would truly hold with Arthur, and avenge the King Uther, whom the Saxons killed here. Arthur sent his writs wide over his land, after all the knights that he might obtain, that they full soon should come to the king, and he would in land lovingly maintain them; reward them with land, with silver and with gold. Forth went the king with a numerous host, he led a surprising multitude, and marched right to York.

The formation of the Round Table

Here man may tell of Arthur the king, how he afterwards dwelt here

twelve years, in peace and in amity, in all fairness. No man fought

with him, nor made he any strife; might never any man bethink of bliss

that were greater in any country than in this; might never man know

any so mickle joy, as was with Arthur, and with his folk here!

I may say how it happened, wondrous though it seem. It was on a

yule-day, that Arthur lay in London; then were come to him men of all

his kingdoms, of Britain, of Scotland, of Ireland, of Iceland, and of

all the lands that Arthur had in hand; and all the highest thanes,

with horses and with swains. There were come seven kings' sons, with

seven hundred knights; without the folk that obeyed Arthur. Each had

in heart proud thoughts, and esteemed that he were better than his

companion. The folk was of many a land; there was mickle envy; for the

one accounted himself high, the other much higher. Then blew men the

trumpets, and spread the tables; water men brought on floor, with

golden bowls; next soft clothes, all of white silk. Then sate Arthur

down, and by him Wenhaver the queen; next sate the earls, and

thereafter the barons; next the knights, all as men them disposed. And

the high-born men bare the meat even forth-right then to the knights;

then toward the thanes, then toward the swains, then toward the

porters, forth at the board. The people became angered, and blows

there were rife; at first they threw the loaves, the while that they

lasted, and the silver bowls, filled with wine, and afterwards with

the fists approached to necks. Then leapt there forth a young man, who

came out of Winetland; he was given to Arthur to hold as hostage; he

was Rumareth's son, the King of Winet. Thus said the knight there to

Arthur the king: "Lord Arthur, go quickly into thy chamber, and thy

queen with thee, and thy known relatives, and we shall decide this

combat against these foreign warriors." Even with the words he leapt

to the board where lay the knives before the sovereign; three knives

he grasped, and with the one he smote the knight in the neck, that

first began the same fight, so that his head on the floor fell to the

ground. Soon he slew another, this same thane's brother; ere the

swords came, seven he felled. There was fight exceeding great; each

man smote other; there was much blood shed, mischief was among the

folk!

Then approached the king out of his chamber; with him an hundred

nobles, with helms and with burnies; each bare in his right hand a

white steel brand. Then called Arthur, noblest of kings: "Sit ye, sit

ye quickly, each man on his life! And whoso will not that do, he shall

be put to death. Take ye me the same man, that this fight first began,

and put withy on his neck, and draw him to a moor, and put him in a

low fen, there he shall lie. And take ye all his dearest kin, that ye

may find, and strike off the heads of them with your broad swords, the

women that ye may find of his nearest kindred, carve ye off their

noses, and let their beauty go to destruction; and so I will all

destroy the race that he of came. And if I evermore subsequently hear,

that any of my folk, of high or of low, eft arear strife on account of

this same slaughter, there shall ransom him neither gold nor any

treasure, fine horse nor war-garment, that he should not be dead, or

with horses drawn in pieces—-that is of each traitor the law! Bring ye

the reliques, and I will swear thereon; and so, knights, shall ye,

that were at this fight, earls and barons, that ye will not it break."

First swore Arthur, noblest of kings; then swore earls, then swore

barons; then swore thanes, then swore swains, that they nevermore the

strife would arear. Men took all the dead, and carried them to

burial-place. Afterwards men blew the trumpets, with noise exceeding

merry; were he lief, were he loath, each there took water and cloth,

and then sate down reconciled to the board, all for Arthur's dread,

noblest of kings. Cupbearers there thronged, gleemen there sung; harps

gan resound, the people was in joy. Thus full seven nights was all the

folk treated.

Afterwards it saith in the tale, that the king went to Cornwall; there

came to him anon one that was a crafty workman, and met the king, and

fair him greeted:—-"Hail be thou, Arthur, noblest of kings' I am thine

own man; through many land I have gone; I know of tree-works

(carpentry) wondrous many crafts. I heard say beyond the sea new

tidings, that thy knights gan to fight at thy board, on a midwinter's

day many there fell; for their mickle mood wrought murderous play, and

for their high lineage each would be within. But I will thee work a

board exceeding fair, that thereat may sit sixteen hundred and more,

all turn about, so that none be without; without and within, man

against man. And when thou wilt ride, with thee thou mightest it

carry, and set it where thou wilt, after thy will, and then thou

needest never fear, to the world's end, that ever any moody knight at

thy board may make fight, for there shall the high be even with the

low." Timber was caused to be brought, and the board to be begun; in

four weeks' time the work was completed.

At a high day the folk was assembled, and Arthur himself approached

soon to the board, and ordered all his knights to the board

forth-right. When all were seated, knights to their meat, then spake

each with other, as if it were his brother; all they sate about; was

there none without. Every sort of knight was there exceeding well

disposed, all they were one by one (seated), the high and the low,

might none there boast of other kind of drink other than his comrades,

that were at the board. This was the same board that Britons boast of,

and say many sorts of leasing, respecting Arthur the king. So doth

every man, that another can love; if he is to him too dear, then will

he lie, and say of him more honour than he is worth; no man is he so

wicked, that his friend will not act well to him. Eft if among folk

enmity areareth, in ever any time between two men, men can say leasing

of the hateful one, though he were the best man that ever ate at

board, the man that to him were loath, he can him last find! It is not

all sooth nor all falsehood that minstrels sing; but this is the sooth

respecting Arthur the king. Was never ere such king, so doughty

through all things! For the sooth stands in the writings how it is

befallen, from beginning to the end, of Arthur the king, no more nor

less but as his laws (or acts) were.

But Britons loved him greatly, and oft of him lie, and say many things

respecting Arthur the king that never was transacted in this

worlds-realm! Enow may he say, who the sooth will frame, marvellous

things respecting Arthur the king. Then was Arthur most high, his folk

most fair, so that there was no knight well esteemed, nor of his

manners (or deeds) much assured, in Wales nor in England, in Scotland

nor in Ireland, in Normandy nor in France, in Flanders nor in Denmark,

nor in ever any land, that on this side of Muntgiu standeth, that were

esteemed good knight, nor his deeds accounted (brave or aught), unless

he could discourse of Arthur, and of his noble court, his weapons, and

his garments, and his horsemen, say and sing of Arthur the young, and

of his strong knights, and of their great might, and of their wealth,

and how well it them became. Then were he welcome in this

worlds-realm, come whereso he came, and though he were at Rome, all

that heard of Arthur tell, it seemed to them great marvel of the good

king!

And so it was foreboded, ere he were born; so said him Merlin, that

was a prophet great, that a king should come of Uther Pendragon, that

gleemen should make a board of this king's breast, and thereto should

sit poets most good, and eat their will, ere they thence departed, and

wine-draughts out draw from this king's tongue, and drink and revel

day and night; this game should last them to the world's end.

And yet said him Merlin more that was to come, that all that he looked

on to his feet to him should bow. The yet said him Merlin, a marvel

that was greater, that there should be immoderate care (sorrow) at

this king's departure. And of this king's end will no Briton believe

it, except it be the last death, at the great doom, when our Lord

judgeth all folk. Else we cannot deem of Arthur's death, for he

himself said to his good Britons, south in Cornwall, where Walwain was

slain, and himself was wounded wondrously much, that he would fare

into Avalon, into the island, to Argante the fair, for she would with

balm heal his wounds,--and when he were all whole, he would soon come

to them. This believed the Britons, that he will thus come, and look

ever when he shall come to his land, as he promised them, ere he hence

went.

Arthur was in the world wise king and powerful, good man and peaceful,

his men him loved. Knights he had proud, and great in their mood, and

they spake to the king of marvellous thing, and thus the assemblage

said to the high king: "Lord Arthur, go we to the realm of France, and

win all the land to thine own hand, drive away all the French, and

their king slay; all the castles occupy, and set (garrison) them with

Britons, and rule in the realm with fierce strength" Then answered

Arthur, noblest of kings "Your will I will do, but ere (previously) I

will go to Norway, and I will lead with me Loth my brother-in-law, he

who is Walwain's father, whom I well love. For new tidings are come

from Norway, that Sichelm the king is there dead, his people has left,

and he hath ere bequeathed all his kingdom to Loth. For the king is of

all bereaved, son and eke daughter, and Loth is his sister's son—-the

better to him shall it befall—-for I will make him new king in Norway,

and well instruct him to govern well the people. And when I have done

thus, I will afterwards come home, and get ready my army, and pass

into France, and if the king withstandeth me, and will not yearn my

peace, I will fell him with fight to the ground"

The Final Confrontation with Rome

When Easter was gone, and April went from town, and the grass was

rife, and the water was calm, and men gan to say that May was in town,

Arthur took his fair folk, and proceeded to the sea, and caused his

ships to be assembled, well with the best; and sailed to this land,

and came up at London; up he came at London, to the bliss of the

people. All it was blithe that saw him with eyes; soon they gan to

sing of Arthur the king, and of the great worship that he had won

There kissed father the son, and said to him welcome; daughter the

mother, brother the other; sister kissed sister; the softer it was to

them in heart. In many hundred places folk stood by the way, asking of

things of many kind; and the knights told them of their conquests, and

made their boast of mickle booty. Might no man say, were he man ever

so skilled, of half the blisses that were with the Britons! Each fared

at his need over this kingdom, from burgh to burgh, with great bliss;

and thus it a time stood in the same wise—bliss was in Britain with

the bold king.

When Easter was gone, and summer come to land, then took Arthur his

counsel, with his noble men, that he would in Kaerleon bear on him his

crown, and on Whitsunday his folk there assemble. In those days men

gan deem, that no burgh so fair was in any land, nor so widely known

as Kaerleon by Usk, unless it were the rich burgh that is named Rome.

The yet many a man was with the king in land, that pronounced the

burgh of Kaerleon richer than Rome, and that Usk were the best of all

waters. Meadows there were broad, beside the burgh; there was fish,

there was fowl, and fairness enow; there was wood and wild deer,

wondrous many; there was all the mirth that any man might think of.

But never since Arthur thither came, the burgh afterwards thrived, nor

ever may, between this and dooms-day. Some books say certainly that

the burgh was bewitched, and that is well seen, sooth that it be. In

the burgh were two minsters exceeding noble; one minster was of Saint

Aaron; therein was mickle relique; the other of the martyr Saint

Julian, who is high with the Lord; therein were nuns good, many a high

born woman.

The bishop's stool was at Saint Aaron; therein was many a good man;

canons there were, who known were wide; there was many a good clerk,

who well could (were well skilled) in learning. Much they used the

craft to look in the sky; to look in the stars, nigh and far;--the

craft is named Astronomy. Well often they said of many things to the

king; they made known to him what should happen to him in the land.

Such was the burgh of Kaerleon; there was much wealth; there was much

bliss with the busy king.

The king took his messengers, and sent over his land; bade come earls;

bade come barons; bade come kings, and eke chieftains; bade come

bishops, bade come knights; bade all the free men that ever were in

the land; by their life he bade them be at Kaerleon on Whitsunday.

Knights gan to ride exceeding wide, rode toward Kaerleon from lands of

many kind. At the Whitsunday there came the King Angel, King of

Scotland, with his fair folk; many was the fair man that followed the

king. Of Moray King Urien, and his fair son Ywam; Stater, King of

South Wales, and Cadwal, the King of North Wales; Cador, Earl of

Cornwall, whom the king loved; Morvith of Gloucester; Maurm of

Winchester; Gurguint, Earl of Hereford, and Beof, Earl of Oxford;

Cursal the bold, from Bath there came riding; Urgent of Chester;

Jonathas of Dorchester; Arnalf of Salisbury, and Kinmare of

Canterbury; Bahen of Silchester; Wigen of Leicester; Argal, Earl of

Warwick, with folk exceeding strange (or numerous); Dunwale, son of

Apnes, and Kegem, son of Elauth; Kineus, that was Coit's son, and

Cradoc, Catel's son, Ædlem, Cledauk's son; Grimarc, Kinmark's son;

Run, Margoit, and Netan; Clofard, Kincar, and Aican; Kenn, Neton, and

Peredur; Madoc, Trahern, and Elidur. These were Arthur's noble earls,

and the highest thanes brave of all this land, without (besides) the

nobles of Arthur's board, that no man might ken, nor all the folk

name. Then were archbishops three in this country; in London, and in

York; and in Kaerleon, Saint Dubrich--he was a man exceeding holy,

through all things excellent! At London lay the archbishop's stool,

that to Canterbury was subsequently removed, after that Englishmen had

won to them this land.

To tell the folk of Kaerleon, no man might it do! There was Gillomar

the king, of Irish men the darling; Malverus, King of Iceland;

Doldanet, King of Gutland; Kinkalin of Frisland; and Æscil, King of

Denmark. There was Loth the keen, who was king by the North; and

Gonwais, King of Orkney, of outlaws the darling. Thither came the

fierce man, the Earl of Boulogne, who was named Laeyer, and his people

with him; of Flanders the Earl Howeldin; of Chartres the Earl Geryn.

This man brought with him all the French men; twelve earls most noble,

who ruled over France. Guitard, Earl of Poitiers; Kay, Earl of Angers;

Bedver, Earl of Normandy — the land then hight Neustne;—-of the Mans

came the Earl Borel; of Britanny the Earl Howel. Howel the earl was

free man, and fair were his weeds. And all the French folk were

clothed fair, all well weaponed, and horses they had fat. There were

besides fifteen bishops. Was there no knight nor any swain, nor good

man that were thane, from the ports of Spain to the towns of Alemaine,

that thither would not have come, if he were (had been) invited; all

for Arthur's dread, of noble race. When all this folk was come; each

king with his people, there men might behold, who were there beside,

many a strange man, who was come to the burgh, and many kind of

tidings (novelties) with Arthur the king There was many a marvellous

cloth (garment); there was many a wrath knight; there were lodgings

nobly prepared; there were the inns, built with strength; there were

on the fields many thousand tents; there came lard and wheat, and oats

without measure; may no man say it in his tale, of the wine and of the

ale; there came hay, there came grass; there came all that was good!

When all this folk was assembled by the good king, when the Whitsunday

came, as the Lord it sent, then came all the bishops before their

king, and the archbishops three, before Arthur; and took the crown,

that was to him by right, and set upon his head with great bliss; so

they gan him lead, all with God's counsel. Saint Dubrich went before--

he was to Christ chosen;--the Archbishop of London walked on his right

hand, and by his left side the same of York. Fifteen bishops went

before, of many lands chosen; they were all clothed with garments most

rich, that were all embroidered with burning gold. There walked four

kings before the kaiser; they bare in their hands four swords of gold.

Thus hight the one, who was a most doughty man, that was Cador the

king, Arthur's darling; the second of Scotland, he bare sword in hand;

and the King of North Wales and the King of South Wales.

And thus they gan lead the king to church; the bishops gan sing before

the monarch, trumpets there blew; bells there rung; knights gan ride,

women forth glide. In certainty it is said, and sooth it is found,

that no man ever ere saw here with earthly men half so great pomp, in

ever any assembly, as was with Arthur, of noble race.

Into church came Arthur the rich man; Dubrich the archbishop—-the Lord

was to him full good; of Rome he was legate, and prelate of the

people—-he sang the holy mass before the monarch. Came with the queen

women fair; all wives of the rich men that dwelt in the land, and

daughters of the noble men the queen had sought (or selected), all as

the queen had ordered, on pain of their paying full penalty. In the

church, in the south half, sate Arthur the king himself; by the north

side Wenhaver the queen. There came before her four chosen queens;

each bare in the left hand a jewel of red gold, and three snow-white

doves sate on their shoulders; who were the four queens, wives of the

kings who bare in their hands the four swords of gold before Arthur,

noblest of kings. There was many a maid-child with the noble queen;

there was many a rich garment on the fair folk; there was mickle envy

from land of many kind; for each weened to be better than other. Many

knights anon came to the church; some for gain; some for the king;

some to behold the women that were noble. Songs there were merry, that

lasted very long; I ween if it had lasted seven years, the yet they

would more, that were thereat. When the mass was sung, from church

they thronged; the king with his folk went to his meat, with his

mickle folk—-joy was among the people. The queen on the other side

sought her lodging; she had of women wondrous many.

When the king was set, with his men to his meat, to the king came the

bishop Saint Dubrich, who was so good, and took from his head his rich

crown; on account of the mickle gold the king would not it bear; and

placed a less crown on the king's head; and afterwards he gan do to

the queen also (likewise). In Troy this was the custom in their

elders' days, of whom Brutus came, who were excellent men; all the men

at their meat sate asunder by themselves, that to them seemed well

done; and also the women their station had.

When the king was set with all his people to his meat, earls and

barons, at the king's board, then came stepping the steward, who was

named Kay, highest knight in land under the king, of all the

assemblage of Arthur's folk. Kay had before him many a noble man

chosen; there were a thousand bold knights wondrous well told, that

served the king and his chiefs; each knight had a cloth on, and

adorned with gold, and all their fingers covered with gold rings.

These bare the things sent from the kitchen to the king. On the other

side was Beduer, the king's high cup-bearer, with him were earls' sons

of noble race born, and the noble knights' sons, who were thither

come; and seven kings' sons, that with him moved. Beduer went

foremost, with golden bowl; after him a thousand pressed towards the

folk, with drink of all the kinds that men could think of. And the

queen at her end, women most fair attended; a thousand walked before

her, rich and well choice, to serve the queen, and them that were with

her.

Was he never born, of any man chosen, clerk nor layman, in ever any

land, that could tell it in speech of any kind, of half the wealth

that was in Kaerleon, of silver and of gold, and good weeds; of high

born men that dwelt among the folk; of horses, and of hawks, of hounds

for deer, and of rich weeds, that were among the people. And of all

the folk that dwelt there in land, the folk of this land was accounted

the fairest of people, and also the women, comely in hue, and most

nobly clothed, and best of all educated. For they all had in

declaration, by their quick lives, that they would have their clothes

of one hue. Some had white, some had red; some had eke good green; and

variegated cloth of each kind was to them wondrous odious; and each

ill-usage they accounted unworthy.

Then had English land the best fame of all; and this country-folk eke

was dearest to the king. The high born women that dwelt in this land

had all declared in their sooth words, that none would take lord

(husband) in this land, never any knight, were he nought (never) so

well formed, unless he were thrice tried in combat, and his courage

made known, and himself approved; then might he boldly ask him a

bride. For that usage the knights were brave, the women excellent, and

the better behaved; then were in Britain blisses enow.

When the king had eaten, and all his people, then proceeded out of the

burgh the thanes most bold; all the kings, and their chieftains; all

the bishops, and all the clerks; all the earls, and all the barons;

all the thanes, and all the swains, fairly clad, spread over the

fields. Some they gan to ride; some they gan to race, some they gan to

leap, some they gan to shoot, some they wrestled, and contest made;

some they in the field played under shield; some they drove balls wide

over the fields. Games of many a kind there they gan to play; and

whoso might win honour of his game, men lead him with song before the

sovereign, and the king for his game gave him gifts good. All the

queens, that there were come, and all the ladies, leaned over the

walls, to behold the people, and the folk play. This lasted three

days, such games and such plays.

Then on the fourth day, the king gan to speak, and gave his good

knights all their rights; he gave silver, he gave gold; he gave

horses, he gave land; castles eke and clothes; his men he

pleased—-there was many a bold Briton before Arthur. But now came to

the king new tidings! Arthur the bold king sate at a board; before him

sate kings, and many chieftains; bishops and clerks, and knights most

brave.

There came into the hall marvellous tales!—-there came twelve thanes

bold, clad with pall; noble warriors, noble men with weapon; each had

on hand a great ring of gold, and with a band of gold each had his

head encircled. Ever two and two walked together; each with his hand

held his companion; and glided over the floor, before Arthur, so long

that they came before Arthur, the sovereign. They greeted Arthur anon

with their noble words: "Hail be thou, Arthur king, darling of

Britons; and hail be thy people, and all thy lordly folk! We are

twelve knights come here forthright, rich and noble; we are from Rome.

Hither we are come from our emperor, who is named Luces, who ruleth

Rome-people. He commanded us to proceed hither, to Arthur the king,

and bade thee to be greeted with his grim words, and saith that he is

astonished, wondrously much, where thou tookest the mood in this

middle-earth, that thou darest of Rome oppose any doom (will), or

heave up thine eyes against our ancestors; and who dared it thee to

counsel, that thou art so doughty become, that thou darest threaten

the lord of dooms, Luces, the emperor, highest of men alive! Thou

boldest all thy kingdom in thine own hand, and wilt not serve the

emperor of the land; of the same land that Julius had in hand, who in

former days won it with fight; and thou it hast retained in thy power;

and with thy bold knights deprivest us of our rights. But say us,

Arthur, soon, and send word to Rome; we shall thine errand bear to

Luces our emperor, if thou wilt acknowledge that he is king over thee,

and if thou wilt his man become, and acknowledge him for lord, and do

right to the emperor on account of Frolle the king, whom thou slewest

with wrong at Paris, and now holdest all his land with un-right in thy

hand. If thou within these twelve weeks turn to the right, and if thou

wilt of Rome any doom suffer, then mightest thou live, among thy

people. And if thou wilt not do so, thou shalt receive worse, for the

emperor will come here, as king shall to his own, king most keen; and

take thee with strength, lead thee bound before Rome-folk;--then must

thou suffer what thou erst despisedest!"

At these words the Britons leapt from the board; there was Arthur's

court exceedingly enraged; and swore mickle oath, upon our mighty

Lord, that they all were (should be) dead, who this errand bare; with

horses drawn in pieces, death they should suffer. There leapt towards

them the Britons exceeding wrath; tore them by the hair, and laid them

to the ground. There were (would have been) the Romanish men pitifully

treated, if Arthur had not leapt to them, as if it were a lion; and

said these words--wisest of all Britons!--"Leave ye, leave quickly

these knights alive! They shall not in my court suffer any harm; they

are hither ridden out of Rome, as their lord commanded them, who is

named Luces. Each man must go where his lord biddeth him go; no man

ought to sentence a messenger to death, unless he were so evilly

behaved, that he were traitor of his lord. But sit ye down still,

knights in hall; and I will me counsel of such need, what word they

shall bear to Luces the emperor."

Then sate all down, the folk on their benches, and the clamour ceased

before the monarch. Then stood him up Arthur, noblest of kings, and he

called to him seven sons of kings, earls and barons, and those that

were boldest, and all the wisest men that dwelt in the folk, and went

into a house that was fast inclosed, of old stone work--strong men it

wrought--therein they gan to commune, his wise councillors, what

answer he would give to Luces the emperor. When all the nobles were

come to bench then was it all still that dwelt in the hall; there was

great awe with the mighty king; durst there no man speak, least the

king would it punish.

Then stood there up Cador, the earl most rich here, and said these

words before the rich king: "I thank my Lord, who formed the daylight,

to abide (have abode) this day, that is arrived to the folk, and this

tiding that is come to our king; so that we need no more lie here

inert! For idleness is evil in each land; for idleness maketh man lose

his manhood; idleness maketh knight lose his rights; idleness causeth

many wicked crafts; idleness destroyeth many thousand men; through

idle deeds little men well-speed. For long we have lain still; our

honour is the less! But now I thank the Lord, who formed the daylight,

that the Romanish folk are so fierce, and make their threat to come to

our burghs, our king to bind, and to Rome him bring. But if it is

sooth that men say, as people it tell, that the Romanish people are so

fierce, and are so bold, and so mischievous, that they will now come

into our land, we shall prepare for them rueful tales; their

fierceness shall turn to themselves to sorrow. For never loved I long

peace in my land; for through peace we are bound, and well nigh all in

swoon."

That heard Walwain, who was Arthur's relative, and angered him much

with Cador, who said these words; and thus answered Walwain the good:

"Cador, thou art a powerful man; thy counsels are not good; for good

is peace and good is amity, whoso freely therewith holdeth, and God

himself it made, through his divinity; for peace maketh a good man

work good works, for all men are the better, and the land is the

merrier."

Then heard Arthur the dispute of these knights; and thus spake the

mighty man with his fierce folk: "Sit ye down quickly, my knights all,

and each by his life listen my words!" All it was still that dwelt in

the hall. Then spake the bold king to his noble folk: "My earls, my

barons, my bold thanes, my doughty men, my dear friends; through you I

have conquered under the sun, so that I am man most powerful, and

fierce against my enemies; gold I have and treasure; of men I am

ruler. I won it not alone, but we did, all clean. To many a fight I

have led you, and ever ye were well skilled, so that many kingdoms

stand in my hand. Ye are good knights, brave men and active; that I

have proved in well many lands" The yet spake him Arthur, noblest of

kings: "But now ye have heard, my noble thanes, what the Romanish men

counsel them between, and what words they send us here, into our land,

with writ and with words, and with great wrath. Now we must bethink

how we may with right defend our country and our great honour, against

this powerful folk, against this Rome-people, and send them answer

with our good words; with much wisdom send our writ to Rome, and learn

at the emperor, for what thing he us hateth; for what thing he greets

us with threat and with scorn Exceeding sorely it incenseth me, and

immoderately it shameth, that he reproaches us our loss that we before

have lost. They say that Julius Caesar won it (Britain) with combat in

fight. With strength and with fight men do many wrongs; for Caesar

sought Britain with bold strength. The Britons might not against him

defend their land, but with strength they went in hand, and delivered

him all their land; and thereafter soon all became his men. Some of

our kin they had slain, and some with horses drawn to pieces; some

they led bound out of this land; and thus this land won with wrong and

with sin, and now asketh by right tribute of this land! All so we may

do, if we it do will, through right of Belin king, and of Brenne, his

brother, the Duke of Burgundy. These were our ancestors, of whom we

are come; these belay Rome, and the realm all conquered, and before

Rome the strong their hostages up hung, and afterwards they took all

the land, and set it in their own hand, and thou ought we with right

to besiege Rome. Now will I let remain Belin and Brenne, and speak of

the caiser, Constantine the strong, he was Helen's son, all of Britons

come (descended), he won Rome, and possessed the realm. Let (leave) we

now of Constantine, who won Rome all to him, and speak of Maximian,

who was a man most strong, he was King of Britain, he conquered

France. Maximian the strong he took Rome in hand, and Alemaine

(Germany) he won eke, with wondrous great strength, and all from Rome

into Normandy. And all these were my ancestors, my noble progenitors;

and possessed all the lands that unto Rome lay; and through such

authority I ought to obtain Rome. They yearn of me in hand tribute of

my land; all so will I of Rome, if I have counsel. I desire in my

thoughts to possess all Rome; and he desireth in Britain to bind me

most fast, and slay my Britons, with his evil attacks. But if my Lord

grant it, who formed day and night, he shall sorely pay for his bold

threat, and his Rome-people shall therefore perish; and I will be

bold, wherein he now ruleth! Dwell ye now all still, I will say my

will, no man shall do it otherwise, but it shall stand thereon. He

desireth all, and I desire all that we both possess; have it now and

ever who may it easier win, for now we shall prove to whom God will

grant it!"

Thus spake the bold king, that had Britain under his rule, that was

Arthur the king, Britain's darling! His warriors sate, and to his

words listened; some they sate still, a great while; some they made

much communing between them; some it seemed to them good; some it

disturbed their mood.

When they had long listened to the king, then spake Howel the fair,

noble man of Britanny, and said these words before the fierce king:

"Lord king, hearken to me, as I ere did to thee. Thou hast said sooth

words—may fortune be given to thee!--For it was of old said, what we

now shall learn, in the years before what is now here found. Sibeli it

said; her words were sooth, and set it in book, for example to folk,

that three kings should go out of Britain, who should conquer Rome,

and all the realm, and all the lands that thereto lie. The first was

Belin, who was a British king; the other was Constantine, who was king

in Britain; thou shalt be the third, that Rome shalt have. And if thou

wilt it begin, thou shalt it win, and I will thereto help, with great

strength, I will send over sea, to my good thanes, to my bold

Britons—-the better we shall proceed,--I will command all, the nobles

of Britain, by their limbs and by their lives, over all my lands, that

they be ready soon with thee to march to Rome. My land I will set in

pledge for silver, and all the possessions of my land for silver and

for gold, and so we shall proceed to Rome, and slay Luces the emperor,

and for to win thy rights, I will lead to thee ten thousand knights."

Thus spake Howel, noblest of Britanny.

When that Howel had said what seemed good to him, then spake Angel the

king, Scotland's darling, and stood upon a bench, and both his

brothers, that was, Loth and Urien, two most noble men. Thus said

Angel the king to Arthur the keen: "Lord Arthur, I say to thee through

my sooth words, the same that Howel hath spoken, no man shall it

avoid, but we shall perform it by our quick lives! And, lord Arthur

the noble, listen to me a while, call to thee to counsel thy earls

rich, and all the highest that are in thy folk, and bid them say to

thee with their sooth words, in what they will help thee thy foes to

destroy. I will lead to thee knights of my land, three thousand

champions brave, all chosen, ten thousand men on foot, to fight most

good, and go we to Rome, and conquer the realm. Full greatly it may

shame us, and full greatly it may us anger, that they should send

messengers after tribute to our land. But so help us the Lord that

formed the daylight, they shall pay for it with their bare life! For

when we have Rome, and all the realm, we shall seize the lands that

thereto he, Poille (Apuha?) and Alemaine, Lumbardy and Britanny,

France and Normandy--then it hight Neustrie--and so we shall tame

their immoderate mood (pride)." When the king had said then answered

all. "Disgraced be that man that will not help thereto, with goods and

with weapons, and with all his might!"

Then was Arthur's folk sternly incensed, knights were so enraged, that

all they gan to be agitated. When Arthur had heard the clamour of his

folk, then gan he call--the king was angry--"Sit ye down still,

knights in hall, and I will you tell what I will do. My writs I will

make, that shall be well indited, and send to the emperor minds sorrow

and mickle care, and I will full soon fare into Rome. I will not

thither any tribute bring, but the emperor I will bind, and afterwards

I will him hang; and all the land I will destroy, and all the knights

put to death, that stand against me in fight!"

Arthur took his writ in hand, with hostile words, and delivered it to

the men, that had brought the errand, and afterwards he caused them to

be clothed with each pomp, with the noblest garments that he had in

bower, and bade them fare soon to Luces of Rome, and he would come

after them as quickly as he might.

These twelve went their way toward their land; were in no land knights

so bedecked with silver and with gold, nor through all things so well

arrayed as these were by Arthur the king. Thus Arthur them treated,

all for their words! These twelve knights proceeded until they came to

Rome; they greeted their emperor, their sovereign: "Hail be thou,

Luces, thou art highest over us! We were with the fierce man, with

Arthur the king, we have brought thee writs, words exceeding great

Arthur is the keenest man that we ever looked on, and he is wondrous

powerful, and his thanes are bold, there is every knave as if he were

knight, there is every swain as if he were rich thane, there are the

knights as if it were kings, meat there is most abundant, and men most

bold, and the fairest women that dwell alive; and Arthur the bold

himself fairest over all! By us he sendeth word to thee, that he will

come to this land, no tribute he will bring, but thyself he will bind,

and afterwards he will thee hang, and this land all destroy, and take

Alemaine and Lumbardy, Burgundy, France, and Normandy. And Frolle he

slew, his foe, so he will to us all do, and possess himself alone the

land that we own all clean, hereto he will lead kings, earls, and

chieftains. And here we have in hand the writs that he thee sendeth

that telleth thee what he will do, when he cometh in hither."

When the errand was said, the emperor was a full sorrowful man, and

all the Rome-folk were stirred with strong wrath. Oft they went to

counsel, oft they went to communing, ere to them might be determined

what they would do. Nevertheless at the end a counsel they found, that

was through the senator, who held the senate, the emperor they

counselled that he should write letters, and send his messengers over

many kingdoms, and bid them all come soon to Rome, from every land,

who loved them aught, and all that willeth with fight obtain land or

goods. Folk there came soon to the burgh of Rome, so mickle as there

never ere any man assembled! They said that they would march over

Muntgiu, and fight with Arthur, wheresoever they him found, and Arthur

slay or hang, and his host all destroy, and possess for the emperor

Arthur's realm.

The first king that there came, he was a man exceeding keen, Epistrod,

king of Greece; Ethion, Duke of Boeotia, came with a great force;

Irtac, King of Turkey; Pandras, King of Egypt; of Crete the King

Ypolite; of Syria the King Evander; of Phrygia the Duke Teucer; of

Babylon, Maptisas; of Spain the Caiser Meodras; of Media the King

Boccus; of Libia the King Sextorius; of Bitunia, Pollidices; of Ituria

the King Xerxes; Ofustesar, King of Africa; was there no king his

like; with him came many an African; of Ethiopia he brought the

black-men. The Rome-people themselves marched them together, that were

at nearest, of Rome the noblest; Marcus, Lucas, and Catel, Cocta,

Gaiut, and Metel; these were the six, who the Senate all ruled.

When this folk was assembled, from lands of many kind, then caused the

emperor all the host to be numbered. Then were there told right, to

fight most bold, four hundred thousand knights in the heap

(assemblage), with weapons and with horses, as behoveth to knights.

Never was he born, in every any burgh, that might tell the folk, that

there went on foot! Before harvest-day forth they gan to march, ever

right the way that toward Muntgiu lay.

Let us now leave this host a while, and speak we of Arthur, noblest of

kings, when that he had besought his good thanes, and each had gone

home where he had land. And soon again came the knights in assemblage,

with weapons well provided, through all their might, of Scotland, of

Ireland, of Gutland, of Iceland, of Norway, of Denmark, of Orkney, of

Man; of these same lands are a hundred thousand brave thanes, all well

weaponed in their country's wise. They were not all knights, nor in

this wise arrayed, but they were the keenest men that any man knew,

with great battle-axes, and with long saexes. Of Normandy, of Anjou,

of Britain, of Poitou, of Flanders, of Boulogne, of Lorraine, of

Lovaine, came a hundred thousand to the king's host, knights with the

best, completely provided with weapons. There came the twelve

companions that France should obey; twelve thousand knights they

brought forthright; and of this land Arthur took in hand fifty

thousand knights, keen and brave men in battle. Howel of Brittany led

ten thousand of his land-folk, knights with the best. Of footmen; when

they forth marched, through no kind of speech could any man them

number!

Arthur then ordered, noblest of kings, the folk to be assembled at a

set time, by their bare life, at Barbefleote; and there he would

gather his good people. This land he delivered to a famous knight; he

was Walwain's brother, there was no other; he was named Modred,

wickedest of men; truth he had none to ever any man; he was Arthur's

relation, of his noble race; but knight he was wondrous good, and he

had very much pride; he was Arthur's sister's son; to the queen was

his resort--that was evilly done—-to his uncle he did treachery. But

it was all secret, in host and in hall, for no man it weened, that it

should be, but men in sooth weened him, because Walwain was his

brother, the truest man of all that came to the folk; through Walwain

was Modred by men the more beloved, and Arthur the keen full well was

pleased with him. He took all his kingdom, and set it to Modred in

hand, and Wenhaver, his queen, worthiest of women, that then in this

nation dwelt in land. Arthur gave to them all that he possessed, to

Modred and the queen--that to them was pleasing. That was evilly done,

that they were (should have been) born; this land they destroyed with

numerous sorrows; and themselves at the end the Worse gan disgrace (or

destroy), so that they there lost their lives and their souls, and

ever afterwards became odious in every land, so that never any man

would offer a good prayer for their souls, on account of the treachery

that he did to Arthur, his uncle. All that Arthur possessed he gave to

Modred, his land and his people, and his dear queen; and afterwards he

took his army of folk most fair, and marched full soon toward

Southampton.

There came numerous ships soon sailing over the wide sea, to the

king's folk; the king distributed the folk over the long ships; by

thousands and by thousands to the ships they thronged; the father wept

on the son, sister on the brother; mother on the daughter, when the

host departed. The weather stood at will, the wind waxed in hand;

anchors they up drew, joy was among the folk. The thanes wondrous

blithe wound their way into the wide sea, the ships thereforth

pressed, the glee-men there sung; sails there they hoist, ropes there

they right; weather they had softest of all, and the sea slept. For

the softness (calm) Arthur gan to sleep; as the king slept a dream he

dreamt; marvellous was the dream, the king it alarmed!

When the king him awoke, greatly he was frightened, and began to groan

with loud voice. Was there none so bold knight under Christ, who durst

ask the king of his welfare, ere the king himself spake, and

discoursed with his barons there, and thus Arthur him said, when he

awoke from his sleep: "Lord governor Christ, ruler of dooms, protector

of middle-earth, comforter of men through thy merciful will, ruler of

angels; let thou my dream turn to good!" Then spake Angel the king,

Scotland's darling: "Lord, say us thy dream, for prosperity is given

to us" "Blithely," quoth the king, "to bliss may it turn! Where I lay

in slumber, and I gan for to sleep, methought that in the welkin came

a marvellous beast, eastward in the sky, and loathsome to the sight;

with lightning and with storm sternly he advanced; there is in no land

any bear so loathly. Then came there westward, winding with the

clouds, a burning dragon; burghs he swallowed, with his fire he

lighted all this land's realm; methought in my sight that the sea gan

to burn of light and of fire, that the dragon carried. This dragon and

the bear, both together, quickly soon together they came; they smote

them together with fierce assaults, flames flew from their eyes as

firebrands! Oft was the dragon above, and eftsoons beneath;

nevertheless at the end high he gan rise, and he flew down right with

fierce assault, and the bear he smote, so that he fell to the earth;

and he there the bear slew, and limbmeal him tore. When the fight was

done, the dragon back went. This dream I dreamt, where I lay and

slept."

The bishops heard this, and book-learned men; this heard earls, this

heard barons; each by his wit said wisdom, and this dream they

interpreted, as to them best seemed. There durst no knight to evil

expound no whit, lest he should lose his limbs that were dear to him.

Forth they gan to voyage exceeding quickly; the wind stood to them at

will, weather best of all; they had all that to them was need; to land

they came at Barbefleot. To Barbefleot, at Constantin, therein came a

mickle multitude, from all the lands that Arthur had in hand. So soon

as they might, out of ship they moved, the king ordered his folk to

seek lodging, and the king would rest, until his folk came. He was not

there but one night, that a fair knight came to him; he told tiding to

Arthur the king, he said that there was arrived a monster, westward

from Spain; a fiend well loathsome; and in Britanny was busy to harm.

By the seaside the land he wasted wide--now it hight Mount Saint

Michel--the land he possesseth every part.--"Lord king," quoth the

knight, "in sooth I make known to thee right here, he hath taken away

thy relative, with great strength, a nobly born woman, Howel's

daughter choice, who was named Helen, noblest of maidens. To the mount

he carried her, noblest of maidens; now full a fortnight the fiend

hath holden her there right; we know not in life whether he have her

not to wife. All the men that he seizeth, he maketh to him for meat,

cattle, horses, and the sheep, goats, and the swine eke; all this land

he will destroy, unless thou allay our care, the land and this people;

in thee is our need." Yet said the knight to the monarch: "Seest thou,

lord, the mount, and the great wood, wherein the fiend dwelleth that

destroyeth this people? We have fought with him well many times; by

sea and by land this folk he destroyed; our ships he sank, the folk he

all drowned, those that fought on the land, those he down laid. We

have driven (suffered) that so long, that we let him alone, to act how

so he will, after his will, the knights of this land dare not with him

any more fight."

Arthur heard this, noblest of all kings; he called to him the Earl

Kay, who was his steward and his relative; Beduer eke to him he

called, he who was the king's cup-bearer. He bade them forth-right be

all ready at midnight, with all their weapons, to go with the king, so

that no man under Christ should know of their journey, except Arthur

the king, and the two knights with him, and their six swains, brave

men and active; and the knight that counselled it to the king should

lead them. At the midnight, when men were asleep, Arthur forth him

went, noblest of all kings. Before rode their guide, until it was

daylight; they alighted from their steeds, and righted their weeds.

Then saw they not far a great fire smoke, upon a hill, surrounded by

the sea-flood; and another hill there was most high; the sea by it

flowed full nigh, thereupon they saw a fire that was mickle and most

strong. The knights then doubted, to whether of the two they might go,

that the giant were not aware of the king's movement. Then Arthur the

bold took him to counsel, that they should go together near the one

fire; and if they there him found, kill him to death. Forth went the

king, so that he came near; nought he there found but a mickle fire

there burning. Arthur went about, and his knights by his side; nought

they found alive upon earth but the great fire, and bones innumerable;

by estimation it seemed to them thirty fother. Arthur then knew not

any good counsel, and began him to speak to Beduer, his earl:--

"Beduer, go quickly down from this hill, and pass thee over the deep

water, with all thy weeds; and with wisdom advance to the fire; and go

thou aside, and behold diligently, if thou mayest find ought of the

fiend. And if thou mayest him perceive, in wise of any kind, go down

still, until thou come to the water, and say me there soon what thou

hast seen. And if it so befalleth, that thou come to the fire, and the

fiend thee perceive, and proceed toward thee, have my good horn, that

all with gold is adorned, and blow it with strength, as man shall for

need. And advance thee to the fiend, and begin to fight, and we shall

come to thee, as most quickly we may do it. And if thou findest him

near the fire and thou all unperceived back mayest go; then forbid I

thee, by thy bare life, that thou ever with the monster begin fight."

Beduer heard what his lord said to him; his weapons he put him on, and

forth he went, and ascended up the mount that was immense. He bare in

his hand a spear exceeding strong; a shield on his back, ornamented

all with gold; a helm on his head, high, of steel; his body was

covered with a fair burny; he had by his side a brand all of steel;

and forth he gan step, the powerfully strong earl, until he arrived

near the fire; and he under a tree gan him tarry. Then heard he one

weep, wondrously much, weep and whine with piteous cries. Then the

knight weened that it were the giant, and he became incensed as if it

were a wild boar, and soon forgot what his lord said to him. His

shield he drew on his breast, his spear he grasped fast, and near gan

wend toward the fire; he thought to find the stern fiend, that he

might fight, and prove himself. Then found he there a woman shaking

with her head, a hoary-locked wife, who wept for her wretchedness; she

cursed her lot that she was alive; that sate by the fire, with piteous

cries, and sat and ever she beheld a grave, and said her words with

plaintive voice: "Alas! Helen; alas! dear maid; alas! that I thee fed,

that I thee fostered; alas! that the monster hath thee here thus

destroyed; alas! that I was born; my limbs he hath broken in pieces!"

Then looked the woman about, where the giant should arrive; and looked

on the Earl Beduer, who was come there. Then said the woman hoar,

where she sate by the fire: "What are thou, fair wight? art thou

angel, art thou knight? are thy wings hung with gold? If thou art from

heaven, thou mayest in safety go hence, and if thou art earthly

knight, harm thou wilt have forth-right. For now anon cometh the

monster that all thy limbs will draw in pieces; though thou wert all

steel, he would thee destroy, every bit. He went to Britanny, to the

best of all mansions, to Howel's castle, noble man in Britanny; the

gates he all brake in pieces, and within he gan wend. He took the hall

wall, and pulled it to ground; the chamber's door he cast down, so

that it burst in five; he found in the chamber the fairest of all

maids; Helen she was named, of noble race; Howel's daughter, noble man

of Britanny, Arthur's relative of most noble lineage. I was her

foster-mother, and fair her fostered. There the giant took us forth

with himself, fifteen miles, into this wild wood, hither to this same

place; thus he us treated to-day a sen'night. So soon as he hither

came, so he took the maid; he would have carnal intercourse with the

maiden. Age had she no more but fifteen years; the maiden might not

endure his force; anon so he lay with her, her life she lost soon! And

here he her buried, fairest of all maids, Helen, mine own foster,

Howel's daughter! When he had this done, so myself he took; on the

ground he me laid, and lay with myself. Now hath he all my bones

loathsomely broken; my limbs all dismembered; my life to me is odious!

Now I have thee told, how we are led here. Flee now quickly, least he

thee find; for if he cometh enraged, with his direful onsets, was he

never born that may stand thee before!"

Even with these words that the woman said, Beduer gan to comfort her

with fair words: "Dear mother, I am a man, and knight am brave; and I

will say thee through my sooth words, that no champion was born of

ever any lady, that man may not with strength stoop him to ground; and

serve thee an old woman--very little are thy powers. But have now very

goodday, and I will go my way."

Down went him Beduer to his sovereign, and told him how he had care,

and all how he had fared, and what the old woman told him of the

maiden, and how the giant each day by the old woman lay. There they

them between held their communing, how they might take on, so that the

fiend were destroyed.

The while arrived the giant, and proceeded to his fire; he bare upon

his back a great burthen, that was twelve swine, tied together, with

withies exceeding great wreathed altogether. Adown he threw the dead

swine, and himself sate thereby; his fire he gan mend, and great trees

laid thereon; the six swine he drew in pieces, and ever he to the

woman smiled, and soon by a while he lay by the woman. But he knew not

of the tiding that came to his lemman. He drew out his embers; his

flesh he gan to roast; and all the six swine he gan eat ere he arose

from his seat, all besmeared in the ashes—-evil were the viands; and

afterwards he gan to roar, and vociferated much, and down lay by the

fire, and stretched his limbs.

Let we now the giant be, and go to the king. Arthur at the water took

his weapons in hand, and the Earl Beduer, good knight, wise and wary;

and the third was Kay, the king's steward and his relative. Over the

water they came, weaponed with the best, and ascended up the hill with

all their strength, until they arrived near the fire, where the giant

lay and slept, and the woman sate and wept. Arthur drew him beside and

spake to his companions; forbade them by their limbs and by their bare

life, that none were so keen that they should come near, unless they

saw that it were need. Beduer tarried him there, and Kay, his

companion.

Arthur gan step forth, sturdy-mooded warrior, until he came to the

floor, where the fiend lay and slept. Ever was Arthur void of fear;

that was manifest therein, wondrous though it seem; for Arthur might

there have hewed the giant in pieces, slain the monster where he lay

and slept; then would not Arthur no whit touch him in his sleep, lest

he in future days should hear upbraiding. Then called Arthur anon,

noblest of kings: "Arise, fiend-monster, to thy destruction! Now we

shall avenge the death of my relative!"

Ere the king had this fully said, the giant up started, and grasped

his mickle club, and weened with the blow to dash Arthur all in

pieces; but Arthur drew his shield high above his helm; and the giant

smote thereon above, so that all it gan to shiver. And Arthur struck

at him in haste with his sword, and smote off him the chin, with all

the hair, and started him behind a tree, that there stood near; and

the giant smote after quickly, and hit him not, but he smote the tree,

so that his club brake all in pieces. And Arthur quickly ran round

about the tree; and so Arthur and the monster ran round it thrice

about. Then was the giant exceeding heavy, and Arthur was the swifter,

and overtook the giant, and up heaved his good brand, and smote from

him the thigh; and the giant down fell.

And Arthur stopt and beheld; then gan the fiend to speak: "Lord, lord,

give me peace; who is it that fighteth with me? I weened not that any

man in this world's realm might me thus lightly defeat in fight,

except it were Arthur, noblest of all kings; and nevertheless was I

never of Arthur sore afraid." Then said Arthur to him, noblest of

kings: "I am Arthur the king, Britain's darling. Tell me of thy race,

and where is their habitation; and who should be to thee father or

mother accounted on earth; and from what land thou art hither arrived;

and why thou hast destroyed with murder my relative?" Then answered

the fiend, where he lay and beheld: "All this I will do, and thy troth

receive, on condition that thou let me live, and heal my limbs."

Arthur him wrathed, wondrously much; and he called Beduer, his bold

champion: "Go near, Beduer, and take off from him here the head; and

carry it forth with thee, down from this mount." Beduer came near, and

deprived him of his head; and so they proceeded thence down to their

companions. Then sate the king down, and gan him rest; and said these

words Arthur the good: "Never fought I any such fight, upon this land,

but when I slew the King Riun, upon the mount of Ravin!"

Afterwards they forth went, and came to the host; when that they the

head saw, wondrous it seemed to them, wherever under heaven were such

head begotten! Howel of Britanny came to the king, and the king said

to him all of the maiden. Then was Howel sorry, and sorrowful

therefore in heart; and took all his companions, and fared to the

mount where the British maid lay buried in earth. He caused there to

be areared soon a church most fair, in Saint Mary's name, the Lord's

mother; and afterwards he gave a name to the hill, ere he thence

departed, and named it Helen's Tomb,--now it hight Mount Saint Michel.

Then was Arthur's host numerously collected; from Ireland, from

Scotland, thither were they come. Then caused the king the trumpets to

be blown in the host, and marched from Britain, busy men and keen,

throughout Normandy, that then hight Neustrie. They proceeded

throughout France, and the folk marched after them; they went out of

France into Burgundy. His spies there came, and held his companions;

and made known to the king, there in the country, that Luces the

emperor, and all his Romanish host, thitherward they came, out of

their land, and so they would march in toward France; and all the land

conquer; and afterwards proceed hither, and kill all the Britons,

quick that they found, and Arthur the keen led bound to France. Then

was enraged the boldest of all kings, and ordered all his tents to be

pitched in the fields; and there he would abide until he the sooth

knew, where he might the emperor certainly intercept (or hostilely

engage). The water hight Albe, where the bold king lay. A wise knight

there came riding to the king's host, who was all wounded, and his

folk greatly felled; the Romanish men had bereaved him of all his

land. He told to the king new tiding, where the emperor lay, and all

his Romanish army, and where he might him find, if he him would with

him fight, or make peace with the Romanish men. "But, lord Arthur,"

quoth the knight, "I will shew to thee here right, that better for

thee is it to have friendship, than for to fight; for against thy two

they have twelve; so many kings, so many chieftains! He is in no land

who may it make known to thee, for all the folk, that followeth the

emperor, without (besides) the Rome-people, of his own territory, and

without the folk that yearn the king's favour."

When the tales were all told, and Arthur had them understood, then

called the king forth-right his dearest knights, and they counselled

them between a castle to arear, beside the water that Albe was named.

On a spot exceeding fair it was built full soon, there helped many a

hand, in haste was it done; for if Arthur mis-fared, when he came to

the fight, or his folk fell, or set to flight, then thought he to

remain in the strong castle. Then called he earls twain, noble men and

wise; high men born, to the king exceeding dear; the one was of

Chartres, and hight Gerin--much wisdom dwelt with him; the other hight

Beof of Oxford--well wide sprang the earl's fame. The yet the king

called Walwain, who was his dearest relative; for Walwain understood

Romanish; Walwain understood British; he was nurtured in Rome well

many winters. The king took these three knights fair, and to the

emperor them sent, and bade him with his army go back to Rome, and

that he never into France his host should lead. "And if thou thither

marchest, and leadest thine host, thou shalt be received to thy

destruction! For France is mine own land, and I won it with fight; and

if thou wilt not relinquish, that thou wilt not hither come, go we two

to the fight, and fall the worst; and let we the poor folk dwell in

quiet. For whilom the Rome-people conquered all the land, and

afterwards they losed the land with fight; and I with fight it won,

and with fight will hold."

Forth the knights went, goodly champions; that was, Gerin, and Beof

the fair, and Walwain the bold, cuirassed and helmeted on their noble

steeds; and each carried on his shoulder a shield exceeding good; they

bare in their hands spears most strong. Forth they gan ride, noble

men, from the host; much of the folk that with Arthur dwelt, with

Walwain went, and earnestly prayed him, that he should raise some

dispute with the Rome-folk:--"That we may with fight prove ourselves;

for it is many years that (since) their threats came here; and their

menace they make, that they will us behead. Now is it much folk-shame,

if it thus shall allay, unless there be some strife ere we become

reconciled; shafts broken in pieces, burnies torn, shields shivered,

warriors hewed, and swords bathed in the red blood." Forth the earls

proceeded through a great wood, and marked a way that over a mount

lay, so that they came soon to the folk of Rome; worthily weaponed

they rode on their horses. There men might behold, the man who were

beside, many thousands throng out of the tents, all to behold these

three bold knights, and beheld their steeds, and beheld their weeds,

and hearkened tidings from Arthur the king. And next forthright

questioned the knights, and if the king had sent them to the emperor,

for to speak with the emperor, and to yearn his peace. But for never

any speech these three noble earls would abide, ere they came riding

before the tent's door, wherein was the emperor. Down they gan alight,

and delivered their steeds; and so they weaponed with all advanced

into the tent, before the emperor that Luces was named. Where he sate

on his bed their errand they to him made known; each said his say as

to him seemed best, and bade him go back to his land, so that he never

more with hostility should seek France. The while that these three

earls said their errand, the emperor sate as if he were dumb, and

answer never any gave to these earls; but he listened eagerly, wicked

in his thought. Then Walwain became angry, as a thane enraged; and

said these words Walwain the keen: "Luces the mighty, thou art emperor

of Rome! We are Arthur's men, noblest of Britons. He sendeth to thee

his messengers, without greeting; he bids thee march to Rome, that is

thine own realm, and let him hold France, that he won with fight; and

hold thou thy realm, and thy Rome-folk. Whilom thy ancestors invaded

France; with fight they there won immense possessions; so awhile they

there lived, and afterwards they it lost. With fight Arthur it won,

and he it will possess. He is our lord, we are his warriors; he

ordered us to say sooth to thyself, if thou wilt not back march, thy

bane he will be. And if thou wilt not back turn, but execute thy will,

and thou wilt win the kingdom to thine own hand, now to-morrow is the

day, have it if thou it may obtain"

Then answered the emperor, with great wrath: "I will not back march,

but France I will win; my ancestors it held, and I will it have. But

if he would become my man, and acknowledge me for lord, and truely

serve me, and hold me for master, I will make peace with him, and all

his men; and let him hold Britain, that Julius had awhile in his hand,

and many other lands, that Julius had in hand, that he hath no right

to, though he possess the realm, that he shall all lose, unless he

make peace."

Then answered Walwain, who was Arthur's relative: "Belin and Brenne,

both the brothers, Britain they possessed, and France they conquered;

and afterwards they marched soon, and won Rome, and there they dwelt

afterwards well many years. When this was all done, then was Brenne

emperor, and ruled Rome, and all the people. And thus is Rome our

right, that thou holdest in hand, and if we may live, we will it have,

unless thou wilt acknowledge that Arthur is king over thee, and each

year send him tribute of thy land; and if thou goest to him in amity,

thou mayest live the quieter!"

Then sate by the emperor a knight of his kin, named Quencelin; noble

man in Rome. This knight answered before the emperor, and thus him

said--the knight was wicked:--"Knights, return you back, and make

known to your king, that the Britons are bold, but they are accounted

worthless; for ever they make boast--their honour is little!" More he

thought to say, when Walwain drew his sword, and smote him upon the

head, so that it fell in two, and he hastily anon ran to his horse;

and they up leapt with grim countenance; and these words said Walwain

the good: "So help me the same Lord, that formed the daylight, if ever

any of your men is so keen, that after us he pursue, I will him kill,

he shall be cut in pieces with my broad sword!" Even with the same

speech then called the emperor: "Hold them! hold! They all shall hang

upon high trees, or with horses be drawn in pieces!" Even with this

saying that the emperor said, the earls gan to ride, and spurred their

steeds; they shook in their hands spears exceeding long; bare their

broad shields before breast. Soon gan to ride the bold earls, and ever

the emperor loud gan to Call: "Seize them! slay them! They have us

disgraced!" There men might hear, who were there beside, thousands of

the people call: "Hither, hither, weapons! Go we after them! Hither

our shields; the men will escape!" Soon after them went weaponed

warriors; there six, there seven, there eight, there nine. And ever

the earls rode quickly, and ever awhile looked behind them; and ever

the knights of Rome quick after came.

And there came near a knight, riding swiftest of all, and ever he

called most keenly: "Turn again, knights, and defend you with fight!

It is to you much shame, that ye will fly." Walwain knew the shout of

the Romanish men; he turned his steed, and to him gan ride; and smote

him through with the spear, as if he were spitted, and drew to him the

spear--the man died soon--and these words said Walwain the keen:

"Knight, thou rodest too fast; better were it to thee (haddest thou

been) at Rome!" Marcel hight the knight, of noble lineage. When

Walwain saw that he fell to ground, soon his sword he out drew, and

smote from Marcel the head; and these words said Walwain the good:

"Marcel, go to hell, and there tell them tales, and dwell there for

ever, with Quencelin, thy companion; and hold there your

communing,--better it were to you in Rome; for thus we shall teach you

our British speech!"

Gerin saw how it fared, how that the Romanish lay there down; and

spurred his horse, and met another, and smote him throughout with his

spear, and these words spake: "Ride now so, Roman, and sink thee to

hell, and thus we shall sink you, if God will us help! Threat is worth

nought, unless there be deeds eke!" Beof saw, the brave man, how his

comrades had done; and turned his horse wondrously quick, and with all

his might advanced to a knight, and smote him above the shield, so

that his good burny burst, and throughout the neck the spear drove

full soon. And thus the earl gan to call keenly to his companions:

"The Britons will us destroy, if we hence go, unless we the better

begin ere we hence depart!" Even with the speech that the earl said,

they turned them soon, wondrously prompt; and each drew his sword

quickly, and each slew his Roman; and afterwards their horses they

turned, and held their way. And the Romanish men rode ever after them;

oft they smote on them, oft they them reproached; oft they said to

them: "Ye shall pay for the deed!" but they might not through anything

any of them down bring, nor any harm there do to them in the

conflicts. But ever awhile the earls back turned, and ere they

separated, the worse was to the Rome-folk.

Thus they proceeded fifteen miles, until they came to a place under a

fair wood, hard by the castle where Arthur lay fast. Three miles

therefrom to the wood thronged nine thousand bold Britons, whom Arthur

thither sent, who best knew the land; they would learn the sooth, of

Walwain the keen, and of his companions, how they had fared; whether

they were alive, or they lay by the way. These knights proceeded

through the wood wondrously still, upon a hill, and eagerly beheld.

They caused all the horsemen to alight in the wood, and get ready

their weapons, and all their weeds (garments), except an hundred men,

that there should look out, if they might descry through thing of any

kind. Then saw they afar, in a great plain, three knights ride with

all their main. After the three knights there came thirty; after the

thirty they saw three thousand; thereafter came thronging thirty

thousand anon, of Romanish folk, clad in armour. And ever the earls

before them quickly rode, ever the right way that toward the wood lay,

where their comrades were well hid. The earls rode to the wood; the

Romanish men rode after; the Britons attacked them on their rested

steeds, and smote in front, and felled an hundred anon. Then weened

the Rome-folk that Arthur came riding, and were very greatly afraid;

and the Britons pursued after them, and slew of the folk fifteen

hundred. Then came them to help sixteen thousand of their own folk,

whom Arthur had thither sent, bold Britons, with burnies clad.

Then came there riding one that was a rich earl, named Petreius, a

noble man of Rome, with six thousand warriors, to help the Romanish

forces; and with great strength they leapt to the Britons, and few

there they captured, but many they slew. The Britons fled to the wood;

the others pursued after them; and the Britons on foot firmly against

them stood, and the Romanish men fought riding; and the Britons

advanced to them, and slew their horses, and many there took, and into

the wood drew. Then was Petreius wrath, that his force was there the

worse; and he with his host retreated from the wood; and the Britons

followed them, and slew them behind. When the Britons were out of the

wood, come out in the field, then withstood the Rome-folk with fierce

strength. Then began the mickle fight!—there fell earls and many a

good knight; there fell in that day fifteen thousand of noble men, ere

it were even. There might he find, whoso would prove his strength,

hand against hand, the strong against the strong, shield against

shield, knights there fell! The paths ran with bloody streams;

goldcoloured shields lay over the fields; all the day long they held

the strong fight. Petreius on this side his folk held together; then

it soon happened that the Britons had the worse. The noble Earl of

Oxford, who was named Beof, a noble British man, saw that, that in no

wise might it be, that the Britons should not fall, unless they had

counsel. The earl then called to him noble knights, of the best of

all, the Britons, and of the keenest of all, that there were alive,

and drew him in the field, near the host; and thus him said—in heart

to him was uneasiness: "Knights, hearken now to me; the Lord us help!

We are hither come, and have undertaken this fight, without Arthur's

counsel who is our chief. If to us good befalleth, we shall please him

the better, and if to us befalleth evil, he will hate us. But if ye

will do my counsel, then shall we ride all merry. We are three hundred

knights, helmed thanes, brave men and keen, nobly born; shew ye your

courage—-we are of one kith--ride ye when I ride, and follow my

counsel. Advance ye all to him, to the knight that I do; take ye no

steed, nor any knight's weed, but every good knight slay ever

downright!"

Even with the words that the knight of Oxford said to his companions

beside, then gan he to ride, even all they rode then as swift as hound

driveth the hart, and his comrades after, with all their might,

throughout the mickle fight, all the troop; they flew on their steeds;

the folk they there killed. Woe was to them born, that were in the way

before them, for all they it trod down, with horses and with steeds;

and so they came near, and Petreius they captured. Beof rode to him,

and with arms him clasped, and drew him off his steed, and on earth

him stretched; he knew beside him were his bold knights. The Britons

down smote; Petreius they drew along; and the Rome-folk fought boldly;

and at the last man might not know who smote other; there was much

blood shed, mischief was in the conflict! Then saw Walwain truly,

where he was beside; with seven hundred knights he gan thither move,

and what he found in his way, all he it destroyed. And riding he took

Petreius, on his good steed; and led forth Petreius, loath though it

were to him, until they came to the wood, where he well knew surely to

hold the noble man of Rome; and eft out in the field proceeded, and

began to fight. There men might see sorrow enough! shields break;

knights fall; helms dropping; noble men dying; bloody fields; paled

faces! The Britons rushed towards them; then the Rome-folk fled; and

the Britons them slew, and many they took alive; and when the day

ended woe was to the Rome-folk, woe! Then bound men fast the Romanish

knights, and led them to the wood, before Walwain; twenty hundred

knights watched them in the night.

When it was day on the morrow, the folk gan to stir; forth they gan

march to their sovereign, and brought him such offering, that was lief

to him to have. Then spake him Arthur thus: "Welcome, Petreius! Now is

one here that will teach thee British speech. Thou boasted before the

emperor, that thou wouldest me kill; take all my castles, and my

kingdom; and much good should be to thee of that thou desiredest to

have. I will give thee, full truly, my castle in Paris; and there thou

shalt dwell, as to thee will be most loathsome of all; shalt thou

nevermore thy life thence lead!" Arthur took the knights that there

were captured, three hundred riders he took eke anon, who all were

comrades, knights most brave, and keen men in fight, and bade them on

the morrow manly arise, bind the Romanish men with strong chains, and

lead Petreius to the burgh of Pans. Four earls he commanded to bring

them forth; Cador, Borel, Beduer, and Richer; he ordered them to be

companions, so that they were secure, and to come again soon to their

sovereign.

This was all thus spoken, but it was soon known. Spies went over the

king's host, and heard say sooth words, whither Arthur would send the

knights that he had in bonds; and the spies forthright proceeded forth

by night, until they came soon to the emperor of Rome, and told all

their tale, how these four earls should march, and lead forth Petreius

to the burgh of Paris; and all they told the way that in to Paris lay,

and where men might them intercept in a deep valley, and take from

them Petreius the noble man, and the four earls conquer, and fast them

bind. Luces heard this, the emperor of Rome, and he leapt to weapon as

it were a lion; and ordered ten thousand chosen knights to horse and

to arms, quickly forwards to march. He called Sextonus, of Lybia he

was king, of Turkey duke; he sent after Evander, who from Babylon was

come there; he called to the senators Bal, Catel, and Carnus,--these

were all of royal birth, and these were all chosen,—-promptly to ride,

and to liberate Petreius.

Anon as it was even forth they marched; twelve knights them led of the

people that were exceeding wary, and knew the ways. When the Rome-folk

rode, resounded burnies; they set on their heads high helms; shields

on their backs—-the valiant Rome-folk. They marched all night,

exceedingly fast, until they came in the way that into Paris lay; then

were they before, and the Britons behind. But alas! that Cador the

keen knew it not, that the Rome-folk had before rode them! They came

in a wood, in a spot exceeding fair, in a deep dale, dark on the

sides; they swore between them, that there they would engage. There

they lay still a little while; and it gan to dawn, and the beasts gan

to stir. Then came Arthur's men advancing by way, right the same way

where the other host lay; they rode singing—the men were blithe!

Nevertheless Cador was there, most wise and most wary; he and Borel

the earl rich, advanced them together, and took between them five

hundred knights, and marched before, weaponed champions. Richer and

Beduer came behind them there, and led the knights, whom they had

captured, Petreius and his companions, who were taken. Then came they

riding upon the Rome-folk; and the Rome-folk rushed towards them with

fierce strength, and smote on the Britons with exceeding bitter blows;

brake the Britons' ranks--mischief was among the folk--the wood gan

resound, warriors there fell! The Britons withstood them, and strongly

defended themselves. Richer heard that, and the earl Beduer, how their

comrades before them fought. Petreius they took, and all their

prisoners, and with three hundred swains sent them into the wood. And

they themselves advanced toward their comrades, and smote on the

Rome-folk with fierce strength; there was many a blow given, and many

a man there was slain. Then perceived Evander, who was a heathen king

most wary, that their folk gan wax, and the Britons gan wane; and his

best knights approached them together, and advanced upon the Britons,

as if they would them bite. The Britons then were weakened, and theirs

was the worse; they (the Romans) slew, they took all that they came

nigh.

Woe was there to the Britons without Arthur! Their remedy was too

little there, at their great need. There was Borel slam, and deprived

of life-day. Evander the king him killed with his wicked craft, and

three Britons eke, high men born. There were slain three hundred of

their companions; and many they took alive, and fast them bound;—-then

knew they not any good counsel, for they all weened to be dead;

nevertheless they fought as bravely as they might.

Then had out marched from Arthur's host the king of Poitou, hardy man

renowned; Guitard he hight; Gascony he possessed; he had for

companions five hundred riders, three hundred archers, keen men to

fight, and seven hundred on foot that were prompt for harm. They were

gone in to the land to obtain fodder, both fodder and meat, to carry

to their host. The clamour they heard of the Rome-folk, their deeds

they relinquished, and thitherward gan ride the strong mooded men and

swift, of sloth devoid, until they came soon near to the fight.

Guitard and his knights there right forthright grasped their shields,

knights most bold; and all the archers pressed them beside; and the

men on foot gan advance; and all together they on smote, with their

smart blows. At the first onset the Romanish men fell; fifteen hundred

to the ground; there was slain Evander, who was ere king full stern;

Catellus of Rome forgot there his decrees! Then made they there

flight, who ere held conflict; the Rome-folk turned the backs, and

fled. The Britons pursued after them, and greeted them with mischief;

and so many there they took, and so many there they slew, that the

Britons' host might not fell any more! And the Romanish men, that

there might escape, rode full soon to the emperor, and told him tiding

of Arthur the king,--for they weened in sooth that Arthur thither were

come; then was the emperor and his host greatly afraid, whom the

Britons had slain--that to them seemed good. Backward they (the

Britons) then went, with bold booty, and came again to the place where

the fight had been, and buried the dead, and the alive they gan forth

lead. And they sent after Petreius, whom they previously captured, and

after his companions, that were previously taken, and sent them all

full truly in to the burgh of Paris, and filled three castles, and

fast them inclosed, after Arthur's command, noblest of all kings. All

the Britons loved Arthur; to all of them stood dread of him that dwelt

in the land, so did it to the emperor, of Arthur he had mickle care;

and all the Rome-folk of Arthur were afraid.

Then was it in sooth found, what Merlin whilom said, that Rome should

for Arthur fall in fire, and the walls of stone quake and fall. This

same token should be of Luces the emperor, and of the senators, who

with him came from Rome; and in the same wise, they there gan fall;

what Merlin in fore-days said, all they it found there, as they did

ere, and subsequently well everywhere; ere Arthur were born, Merlin it

all predicted.

The emperor heard say sooth words, how his men were taken, and how his

folk was eke slain. Then were in his army manifold sorrows; some

lamented their friends; some threatened their enemies; some got ready

their weapons—-mischief was given to them! Then saw Luces, that evil

was befallen to him, for each day he lost of his people, but he the

harm felt, his noble men he lost. He became then afraid wondrously

much, and betook him to counsel and to some communing, that he would

march to Aust, with all his host; forth by Lengres he would

proceed,—-of Arthur he had mickle care!

Arthur had his spies in the army of the emperor, and they soon caused

him to know whither he (the emperor) would go. Arthur caused soon his

host to be assembled, stilly by night his best knights; and forth the

king marched with his good folk. On his right hand he let Lengres

stand, and proceeded forward in the way that Luces would pass. When he

came in a dale, under a down, there he gan halt, keenest of all

kings,—-the dale is in sooth named Sosie. Arthur there alighted down,

and ordered all his people that they in haste should get ready their

weapons, and prepare them to fight, as brave knights should; so that

when the Rome folk there should come riding, that they should attack

them, as brave knights should do. All the swains, and the impotent

thanes, and of the small (base) folk many thousands, the king set them

on a hill, with many standards,--that he did for stratagem; thereof he

thought to boast, as it afterwards happened, thereafter full soon.

Arthur took ten thousand of his noble knights, and sent on the right

hand, clad in armour, he caused other ten thousand to march on his

left hand; ten thousand before; ten thousand behind, with himself he

held sixteen thousand; aside he sent into a fair wood seventeen

thousand good knights, well weaponed men, the wood to guard, so that

they might fare thither, if to him were need. Then was of Gloucester

an earl with the best, Moruith he was named, a man exceeding keen; to

him he committed the wood and the host. "And if it befalleth, as the

living God will, that they be overcome, and begin to flee; pursue ye

after them, with all your might, and all that ye may overtake deprive

it of life-day; the fat and the lean, the rich and the poor. For in

never any land, nor in any nation are knights all so good as are with

myself, knights all so brave, knights all so powerful, knights all so

strong, in ever any land! Ye are under Christ knights keenest of all,

and I am mightiest of all kings under God himself. Do we well this

deed, God us well speed!" The knights then answered, stilly under

heaven: "All we shall well do, and all we shall undertake; nuthing be

the knight, that sheweth not his might here right!" Then sent they on

both sides, all the men on foot; then caused he the Dragon to be set

up, the matchless standard, delivered it to a king who well could it

hold. Angel, King of Scotland, held in hand (commanded) the foremost

troop; Cador, the Earl of Cornwall, held the troop behind; Beof had

one, the Earl of Oxford; the Earl of Chester, Gerin, the fourth troop

held with him. The force upon the down held AEscil, King of Denmark.

Lot held the one, who was dear to the king, Howel of Britanny held

another. Walwain the keen was by the king. Kay commanded one, who was

steward of the king; Beduer another, who was the king's cup-bearer.

The Earl of Flanders, Howeldin, had a troop with him. A mickle troop

had Gwitard, the King of Gascony land. Wigein, Earl of Leicester, and

Jonathas, Earl of Dorchester, they commanded the two troops that there

were on foot. The Earl of Chester, Cursaleyn, and the Earl of Bath,

who hight Urgein, they commanded both the troops that were there

beside; these should on two sides advance to the fight, with these two

earls, that brave knights were,--Arthur had troth the earls were true.

When all the troops were set as Arthur thought good, then called to

him the King of Britain all his councillors, that were skilfullest in

judgment; and thus said Arthur anon to his noble men: "Hearken now

towards me, my dear friends; ye have twice attacked the Romanish men,

and twice they are overcome, and slain, and captured, because they all

with wrong covet our land. And my heart saith to me, through our high

Lord, that yet they shall be overcome, both slain and captured. Ye

have overcome Norwegians; ye have overcome Danes, Scotland and Ireland

ye have all won to your hand; Normandy and France ye have conquered

with fight. Three and thirty kingdoms I hold in mine own hand, that ye

have won for me under the sun! And these are the worst men of all men

alive; heathen people! To God they are loathsome; our Lord they

desert, and to Mahoun they draw. And Luces, the emperor, of God's self

hath no care, who hath for companions heathen hounds, God's enemies;

we shall them destroy, and lay them to ground, and ourselves be safe,

with the Lord's will, that ruleth all deeds!" Then answered the earls

there: "All we are ready, to live and to lie with our dear king!"

When this army was all prepared, then was it daylight; and Luces at

Langres moved, and all his Rome-folk; he commanded his men to blow his

golden trumpets, get ready his host, for forth he would march from

Lengres to Aust, as his way right lay. And forth gan ride the Romanish

people, until they came a mile near to Arthur.

Then heard the Rome-folk hard tidings; they saw all the dales, and all

the downs, and all the hills covered with helms; high standards,

warriors them held, sixty thousand waving with the wind; shields

glitter, burnies shine; gold-coloured vests, men most stern; steeds

leap—-the earth stirred! The emperor saw the king fare, where he was

by the wood-shaw; then said he Luces, the lord of Rome, and spake with

his men with loud voice: "What are these outlaws, that have preceded

us in this way? Take we our weapons, and march we to them; they shall

be slain, and some alive flayed, they all shall be dead, with torment

destroyed!" Even with the words they seized their weapons. When they

were arrayed with their good weapons, then spake soon Luces, the lord

of Rome: "Quickly advance we to them; we all shall do well!" There

were come with him five and twenty kings, heathen folk all, that held

of Rome, earls and eke dukes, of the eastern world. "Lordings," quoth

Luces then, "Mahoun be gracious to you! Ye are powerful kings, and

obey unto Rome. Rome is my right, richest of all burghs; and I ought

to be highest of all men alive. Ye see here on the field those who are

our foes; they think to rule highly over our realm; hold us for base,

and themselves become rich. But we shall oppose them with bold

strength; for our race was highest of all men alive, and won all the

lands that they looked on; and Julius the strong marched into Britain,

and won to his hands many kingdoms. Now would our underlings be kings

over us, but they shall buy it with their bare backs; never again

shall they return to Britain!"

Even with the words then moved the army; by thousands and by thousands

they thronged together; each king prepared host of his folk. When it

was all formed, and the army appointed, then were there right told

full fifteen hosts; two kings there were ever comrades; four earls and

a duke disposed them together, and the emperor by himself, with ten

thousand champions. When the folk gan to stir, the earth gan to din;

trumpets there blew; hosts were arrayed; horns there resounded with

loud voice, sixty thousand blew together. More there sounded of

Arthur's companions than sixty thousand men with horns; the welkin gan

to din, the earth gan to tremble! Together they charged as if heaven

would fall! First they let fly, exceedingly quick darts all as thick

as the snow down falleth; stones they let afterwards sternly wind

through the air. Then cracked spears; shivered spears,—-helms rolled,

noble men fell; —-burnies brake in pieces, blood outflowed;—-the

fields were discoloured, standards fell! Wounded knights over all

wandered over the weald, and sixty hundred there were trodden to death

by horses! Knights there perished, blood out ran;—-flowed by paths

bloody streams,—-woe was among the folk,—-the harm was without bounds!

So all as say the writings that skilful men made, that was the third

greatest battle that ever here was fought, so that at the last no

warrior knew on whom he should smite, and whom he should spare; for no

man knew other there, for the quantity of blood!

Then removed the fight from the place where they ere fought, and they

began widely to rush together; and a new conflict began, narrowly

contested;—-there were the Rome-people grievously treated! Then came

there three kings, of heathen land; of Ethiopia was the one; the

second was an African; the third was of Lybia, of heathen land. They

came to the host at the east end, and brake the body-of-troops that

the Britons there held, and anon felled fifteen hundred bold thanes of

Arthur's folk; then the Britons turned the backs soon. But then came

there riding two keen earls, that was, Beduer and Kay, Arthur's

cup-bearer and his relative; their Britons they saw hewed in pieces

with swords. There became enraged the earls most bold, and with ten

thousand knights pressed to the fight, amid the throng, where they

were thickest, and slew the Rome-folk very grievously; and went over

the fight, after their will. Then were they too daring, and ruled them

too evilly; alas! alas! that they were not then wary; that they could

not guard themselves against their enemies! For they were too keen,

and too presumptuous, and fought too rashly, and too far advanced, and

spread too widely over the broad conflict. Then came the King of

Media, the mickle and the broad; a heathen chief,—-there he harm

wrought; he led for companions twenty thousand riders; he held in his

hand a spear exceeding strong. The spear he forth thrust with his

strong might, and smote the Earl Beduer before in the breast, so that

the burny soon burst, before and behind, and his breast was opened;

the blood came forth lukewarm. There fell Beduer anon, dead upon the

ground; there was misery and sorrow enow! There Kay found Beduer lie

him dead there, and Kay would carry away the body with himself; with

twenty hundred knights he approached thereabout, and strongly fought,

and felled the Rome-folk, and slew there many thousand men of Media;

the fight was exceeding strong, and they were thereat long. Then

arrived there a king most hateful, with sixty thousand good men of his

land; Setor the keen, who came him from Lybia. There the strong king

gan him fight with Kay, and wounded Kay sorely in the strong fight, to

the bare death—-grievous was the deed!

His knights there right carried him from the fight, with mickle

strength through the fight they pierced. Woe was to Arthur the king

for the tiding! That saw the rich thane, who was named Ridwathlan,

Beduer's sister's son, of noble Britons he was descended, that Boccus

with his strong spear had slain Beduer. Woe was to him alive, when his

uncle was dead; for he of all men most him loved. He called knights

most good of his kindred, and of the dearest of all that he knew

alive; five hundred by tale advanced together. Then said Ridwathlan,

noble man of Britain: "Knights, ye are of my kindred, come ye here to

me, and avenge we Beduer, mine uncle, who was best of our race, whom

Boccus hath slain with his strong spear. Go we all together, and fell

our foes!"

Even with the words he forth pushed, and all his noble companions with

him anon; and Boccus the king they knew, where he was in the combat;

with his spear and with his shield many a knight he killed. Ridwathlan

drew out his sword soon, and struck at him, and smote the king on the

helm, so that it severed in two, and eke the burny-hood, so that it

(the sword) stopt at the teeth; and the heathen king fell to the

ground, and his foul soul sank into hell! Ridwathlan then said--cruel

he was in mood--"Boccus, now thou hast bought dear that Beduer thou

slew; and thy soul shall now be companion of the Worse!" Even with the

words, as if it were the wind, he pressed to the fight; as a whirlwind

doth in the field, when it heaveth the dust high from the earth, all

so Ridwathlan rushed on his enemies. All they it slew that they came

nigh, the while that they might wield their noble weapons; in all the

fight were no knights better, the while that the life lasted them in

their breasts. Boccus the king they slew, and a thousand of his

knights; then was Beduer avenged well with the best!

There was a brave earl, of noble race, who was named Leir, lord of

Boulogne; he beheld in the fight an enemy advance, that was an

admiral, of Babylon he was prince; much folk he felled down to the

ground. And the earl that perceived; in heart was to him uneasiness;

he drew to his breast a broad shield, and he grasped in his hand a

spear that was most strong, and spurred his horse with all his main,

and hit the admiral with a smart blow under the breast, that the burny

gan to burst, so that the spear pierced through there behind him full

a fathom; the wretch fell to the ground! That saw soon the admiral's

son, who is named Gecron; and grasped his spear anon, and smote Leir

the earl sore on the left side, throughout the heart,--the earl down

fell. Walwain perceived that, where he was in the fight; and he

wrathed him wondrously much; that saw Howel, noble man of Brittany,

and he thither advanced, with fifteen hundred men; hardy warriors with

Howel went; and Walwain before them man most stern of mood; he had for

comrades five and twenty hundred bold Britons,--then began they to

fight!

There were the Rome-folk grievously treated; Howel them attacked,

Walwain them met; there was wondrous cry, the welkin resounded; the

earth gan to tremble, the stones there shivered! Streams of blood ran

from the wretched folk, the slaughter was immense, then were the

Britons weary! Kinard, the Earl of Striguil, left the King Howel, and

took with him Labius, Rimarc, and Boclovius. These were the keenest

men that any king had, these were among men earls mighty strong! They

would not, for their mickle mood (pride), follow Howel the good, but

by themselves they slew all that they came nigh. That saw a powerful

man of the Rome-people, how Kinard the keen killed there their folk,

and the knight gan him alight from his dear steed, and took him in his

hand a spear made of steel, and bathed it in blood; and he aside went,

until he came to the spot where Kinard the strong fought. Kinard's

burny he up raised, and he the earl there slew. Then shouted loud all

the Rome-folk, and turned to the Britons, and brake their troops; and

felled the standards, the folk down sank; shields there shivered,

warriors there fell; there fell to ground fifteen thousand bold

Britons--mischief there was rife! So lasted long the fight exceeding

strong.

Walwain gan pass over the mickle slaughter, and assembled all his

knights, where he found them in the fight. There near came riding

Howel the mighty; they assembled their fair folk anon, and forth they

gan wend, and rode to the Rome-folk with strong wrath, and quickly

approached them, and brake their French ranks. And Walwain forth

right, there he found Luces the emperor live under shield, and Walwain

struck at him with the steel sword, and the emperor struck at him, who

was man exceeding stern; shield against shield, the pieces there flew;

sword against sword clashed well often, fire flew from the steel; the

adversaries were enraged! There was fight most strong--all the host

was stirred! The emperor weened to destroy Walwain, that he might in

after days boast for the deed. But the Britons thronged towards them,

most angrily, and the Romanish men liberated their emperor; and they

charged together as if heaven would fall! All the daylight they held

afterwards the fight, a little while ere the sun went to ground.

Arthur then called--noblest of all kings: "Now go we all to them, my

brave knights! And God himself aid us our enemies to fell!"

Even with the words then blew men the trumpets; fifteen thousand anon

thronged together to blow horns and trumps; the earth gan to tremble

for the great blast, for the mickle clamour! The Rome-folk turned

backs to the fight; standards fell,--noble men perished,--those fled

who might,--the fated there fell! Much man-slaughter was there; might

it no man tell, how many hundred men were there hewed in pieces in the

mickle throng, in the man-slaughter! The emperor was slain in strange

manner, so that no man of ever any country afterwards ever knew it to

say, who killed the emperor. But when the fight was all done, and the

folk was all in joy, then found men the emperor pierced through with a

spear.

Word came to Arthur, where he was in his tent, that the emperor was

slam, and deprived of life-day. Arthur caused a tent to be pitched,

amidst a broad field, and thither caused to be borne Luces the

emperor, and caused him to be covered with gold coloured clothes, and

caused him there to be watched three full days, the while he caused to

be made a work exceeding rich, a long chest; and it to be covered all

with gold. And he caused to be laid therein Luces of Rome, who was a

most doughty man, the while his days lasted. The yet did Arthur more,

noblest of all Britons, Arthur caused to be sought all the powerful

men, kings and earls, and the richest barons, who in the fight were

slain, and deprived of life-day; he caused them to be buried with

great pomp. But he caused three kings to bear Luces the emperor, and

caused a bier to be made, rich and exceeding lofty; and caused them

soon to be sent to Rome. And greeted all the Rome-people with a great

taunt, and said that he sent them the tribute of his land, and eft

would also send them more greeting, if they would yearn of Arthur's

gold; and thereafter full soon ride into Rome, and tell them tidings

of the King of Britain, and Rome-walls repair, that were of yore

fallen down;--"And so will I rule the fierce Rome-folk!" All this

boast was idly done, for otherwise it fared, all otherwise it

happened: the people he left, through wicked tiding, all through

Modred his relative, wickedest of all men!

In the mickle fight Arthur lost of his knights, five and twenty

thousand, hewed in pieces on the ground, of Britons most bold,

bereaved of life. Kay was wounded sore, wondrously much; to Kinun he

was carried, and soon thereafter he was dead. He was buried there

beside the castle, among hermits, who was the noble man. Kay hight the

earl, Kinun the castle, Arthur gave him the town, and he thereat was

entombed, and set there the name after himself; for Kay's death he

named it Kain (Caen); now and evermore so it hight there. After Beduer

was slain, and deprived of life day, Arthur caused him to be borne to

his castle Baeios (Bayeux), and there he was buried, in the burgh;

without the south gate in earth men him laid. Howeldin was floated

forth into Flanders; and all his best knights there floated

forth-right into the earldoms whence they there came. And all the dead

in earth men them laid; in Terouane they lie all clean.

Leir, the earl, men carried into Boulogne; and Arthur then thereafter

dwelt in a land in Burgundy, that to him seemed best; the land he all

ruled, and all the castles appointed; and said that he would himself

hold the land. And afterwards he made his threat, that he would in

summer march into Rome, and acquire all the realm, and himself be

emperor where Luces ere dwelt. And many of the Rome folk would that it

so should be, for they were adread to their bare death, so that many

away there fled, and their castles abandoned; and many sent messengers

to Arthur the strong; and many spake with him, and yearned Arthur's

peace; and some they would against Arthur hold, and hold Rome against

him, and defend the realm. And nevertheless they were afraid for their

destruction, so that they knew not under Christ any good counsel. Then

was it there come to pass, what Merlin said erewhile, that Rome-walls

should fall down before Arthur; that was fulfilled there by the

emperor, who fell there in the fight, with fifty thousand men; there

sank to the ground the rich Rome-people! Then Arthur weened in sooth

to win all Rome, and dwelt in Burgundy, noblest of all kings.

Then came there on a time a brave man riding, and brought tiding to

Arthur the king, from Modred, his sister's son; to Arthur he was

welcome, for he weened that he brought news most good. Arthur lay all

the night long, and spake with the young knight; so never would he say

to him sooth how it fared. When it was day on the morrow, and people

gan to stir, Arthur then up arose, and stretched his arms; he arose

up, and sate down, as if he were exceeding sick. Then asked him a fair

knight--"Lord, how hast thou fared to-night?" Arthur then answered--in

mind he was uneasy: "To-night in my sleep, where I lay in chamber, I

dreamt a dream--therefore I am full sorry. I dreamt that men raised me

upon a hall; the hall I gan bestride, as if I would ride; all the

lands that I possessed, all I there overlooked. And Walwain sate

before me; my sword he bare in hand. Then approached Modred there,

with innumerable folk; he bare in his hand a battle-axe strong; he

began to hew exceeding hardily; and the posts all hewed in pieces,

that held up the hall. There I saw Wenhaver eke, dearest of women to

me; all the mickle hall roof with her hand she drew down; the hall gan

to tumble, and I tumbled to the ground, so that my right arm brake in

pieces,--then said Modred, 'Have that!' Down fell the hall; and

Walwain gan to fall, and fell on the earth; his arms both brake. And I

grasped my dear sword with my left hand, and smote off Modred his

head, so that it rolled on the field. And the queen I cut all in

pieces with my dear sword, and afterwards I set her down in a black

pit. And all my good people set to flight, so that I knew not under

Christ, where they were gone. But myself I gan stand upon a weald, and

I there gan to wander wide over the moors, there I saw gripes, and

grisly fowls! Then approached a golden lion over the down;—-a beast

most fair, that our Lord made;—-the lion ran towards me, and took me

by the middle, and forth gan her move, and to the sea went. And I saw

the waves drive in the sea; and the lion in the flood went with

myself. When we came in the sea, the waves took her from me; but there

approached a fish, and brought me to land;—-then was I all wet, and

weary from sorrow, and sick. When I gan to wake, greatly gan I to

quake; then gan I to tremble as if I all burnt with fire. And so I

have all night of my dream much thought; for I wot with certainty,

gone is all my bliss, for ever in my life sorrow I must endure! Alas!

that I have not here Wenhaver, my queen!"

Then answered the knight: "Lord, thou hast wrong; men should never a

dream with sorrow interpret. Thou art the mightiest man, that reigneth

in land, and the wisest of all that dwelleth under heaven. If it were

befallen—-as will it not our Lord!—-that Modred, thy sister's son, had

taken thy queen, and set all thy royal land in his own hand, that thou

to him committedest, when thou thoughtest to go to Rome; and had he

done all this with his treachery, the yet thou mightest thee avenge

with weapon worthily, and eft thy land hold, and govern thy people,

and thine enemies fell, who did evil to thee, and slay them all clean,

that there remain not one."

Arthur then answered, noblest of all kings: "So long as is ever,

weened I that never, that ever Modred, my relative, who is man dearest

to me, would betray me, for all my realm, nor Wenhaver, my queen,

weaken in thought; would it not begin, for any worldly man!"

Even with the words forth-right then answered the knight: "I say thee

sooth, dear king, for I am thy underling. Thus hath Modred done; thy

queen he hath taken, and thy fair land set in his own hand. He is

king, and she is queen; of thy coming is there no expectation, for

they ween not ever in sooth, that thou shalt come back from Rome. I am

thine own man, and saw this treason; and I am come to thyself, to say

thee sooth. My head be in pledge, that I have said thee sooth, without

leasing, of thy loved queen, and of Modred, thy sister's son, how he

hath taken Britain from thee."

Then sate it all still in Arthur's hall; then was there sorrow with

the good king; then were the British men therefore exceedingly

dispirited. Then after a while voices there stirred; wide men might

hear the Britons' clamour, and gan to tell in speeches of many kind,

how they would destroy Modred and the queen, and slay all the people

that held with Modred.

Arthur then called, fairest of all Britons: "Sit ye down still,

knights in hall, and I will you tell strange discourse. Now to-morrow,

when it is day, and the Lord it sendeth, forth I will march in toward

Britain; and Modred I will slay, and burn the queen; and all I will

destroy, that approved the treachery. And here I will leave the

dearest of men to me, Howel, my loved relative, noblest of my kin; and

half my army I will leave in this land, to maintain all this kingdom,

that I have in my hand. And when these things are all done, back I

will come to Rome, and deliver my fair land to Walwain my relation;

and afterwards perform my threat, by my bare life; all my enemies

shall be destroyed!"

Then stood him up Walwain, who was Arthur's relative, and said these

words,--the earl was incensed: "Almighty God! ruler of dooms, guardian

of all middle-earth! Why is it befallen, that my brother Modred this

sin has wrought? But to-day I forsake him here, before this assembly;

and I will him destroy with the Lord's will; myself I will him hang,

highest of all wretches; the queen I will, with God's law, draw all in

pieces with horses. For may I never be blithe, the while I am alive,

until I have avenged mine uncle with the best!"

Then answered the Britons with bold voice: "All our weapons are ready;

now to-morrow we shall march!" On the morrow when it was day, and the

Lord it sent, Arthur forth him moved, with his good folk; half he it

left, and half it forth led. Forth he marched through the land until

he came to Whitsand; ships he had soon, many and excellent; but full a

fortnight there lay the host, abiding the weather, deprived of wind

(becalmed).

Now was there some wicked knight in Arthur's army, anon as he heard it

determined of Modred's death, he took his swain quickly, and sent to

this land; and sent word to Wenhaver, how it had happened, and how

Arthur was on his march, with a great host, and how he would take on,

and all how he would do. The queen came to Modred, who was to her

dearest of men, and told him tiding of Arthur the king, how he would

take on, and all how he would do.

Modred took his messengers, and sent to Saxland, after Childrich, who

was king most powerful, and bade him come to Britain--thereof he

should have possession. Modred bade Childrich, the strong and the

rich, to send messengers wide, on the four sides of Saxland, and bid

all the knights that they might get, that they should come soon to

this kingdom; and he would to Childrich give part of his realm, all

beyond the Humber; because he should him help to fight against his

uncle King Arthur. Childrich proceeded soon into Britain. When Modred

had assembled his host of men, then were there told sixty thousand

hardy warriors of heathen folk, when they were come hither, for

Arthur's harm, and to help Modred, wickedest of men! When the army was

gathered of each people, then were they there in a heap an hundred

thousand, heathens and christians, with Modred the king.

Arthur lay at Whitsand; a fortnight seemed to him too long; and Modred

knew all what Arthur there would; each day came messengers to him from

the king's army. Then befell it on a time, much rain it gan to rain,

and the wind it gan to turn, and stood from the east end. And Arthur

proceeded to ship with all his host, and ordered that his shipmen

should bring him to Romney, where he thought to come up into this

land. When he came to the haven, Modred was opposite to him, as the

day gan light, they began to fight, all the day long; many a man dead

there lay! Some they fought on land, some by the strand; some they let

fly sharp spears out of the ships. Walwain went before, and cleared

the way; and slew there soon eleven thanes; he slew Childrich's son,

who was come there with his father. To rest went the sun; woe was then