Merlin, a Middle-English metrical version of a French romance by Herry Lovelich ... (AB. 1450 A.D.), edited from the unique ms. 80 in Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, with an introduction, notes, and glossaries by Dr. Ernst A. Kock |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. | [Chapter X] |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
 | [Chapter X] Merlin, a Middle-English metrical version of a French romance |  |
[Chapter X]
Thanne to bedde these kynges wenten ful sone,and alle these meyne everichone,
and slepten on the morwe tyl hyt was day,
Tyl that to Servysse they rongen, jn fay;
For abowtes halewen-tyd tho hit was,
whanne tyme they weren jn that plas.
thanne cam merlyne to hem anone,
& þere two wyndowes he openede thussone,
For he wolde som lyhte that there were
hem onestely to arayen with there.
so that they hem dihte, & gonne to gon
to the chef mynstre thanne anon.
there therchebisschope the masse dyde Synge,
and at þat masse merlyne, with-owten lesynge,
Swor on the sacrement jn that place
that kyng Artheur kyng vterpendragones sone was,
and that on Ygwerne begeten was he
the same nyht þe dewk was slayn, Sykerle—
“So that he is the moste ryhtful eyr
That to this lond cowde repeyr.”
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Ek sire bretel, sire kay, that weren thoor.
Whanne these two kynges herdyn al this,
that this sewrawnce thus was mad, j-wys,
anon to kyng Arthewr they deden homage,
as to a worthy kyng of hygh parage.
kyng Artheur hem resceyvede debonowrly,
and for Joye he wept ful tendirly,
and there he hem kyste ful often-sythe,
For of tho kynges he was ful blythe.
Thanne to halle every man wente,
And thankyd God With good entente,
where as here mete was redely dyht,
For kynges, erlleȝ, barouns, and knyht.
that this sewrawnce thus was mad, j-wys,
anon to kyng Arthewr they deden homage,
as to a worthy kyng of hygh parage.
kyng Artheur hem resceyvede debonowrly,
and for Joye he wept ful tendirly,
and there he hem kyste ful often-sythe,
For of tho kynges he was ful blythe.
Thanne to halle every man wente,
And thankyd God With good entente,
where as here mete was redely dyht,
For kynges, erlleȝ, barouns, and knyht.
and whanne that this mete was j-don,
thanne to cownseyl wenten they anon,
merlyne and the thre kynges jn fere,
Vlphyn, Bretel, & ek Sire kay was there.
thanne to hem seide there merline anon:
“ȝe ben trewe men þat here ben echon,
For that j knowe as wel as ȝe
that Syker alle trewe men ȝe be.
Beholdyth here now ȝoure Lord & kyng,
this worthy sire Artheur, that is so ȝyng!
and ȝe knowen wel that haterede hath he
of his Baronage, ful Sykerle,
that hym nelen don homage ne Servyse,
as that they owhten be many a wyse,
But with hym thus werre they holde.
there-fore j preie ȝow many folde
that aftyr my cownseill ȝe wolden don,
and good counseille j schal ȝeven ȝow son.”
and they hym answeryd, with ryht good wylle
what so he seyde they wolden fulfylle.
thanne to cownseyl wenten they anon,
merlyne and the thre kynges jn fere,
Vlphyn, Bretel, & ek Sire kay was there.
thanne to hem seide there merline anon:
“ȝe ben trewe men þat here ben echon,
For that j knowe as wel as ȝe
that Syker alle trewe men ȝe be.
Beholdyth here now ȝoure Lord & kyng,
this worthy sire Artheur, that is so ȝyng!
and ȝe knowen wel that haterede hath he
of his Baronage, ful Sykerle,
that hym nelen don homage ne Servyse,
as that they owhten be many a wyse,
But with hym thus werre they holde.
there-fore j preie ȝow many folde
that aftyr my cownseill ȝe wolden don,
and good counseille j schal ȝeven ȝow son.”
and they hym answeryd, with ryht good wylle
what so he seyde they wolden fulfylle.
“Thanne, Lordynges, wylen ȝe vndirstonde
that here kyng Arthewr is kyng of this londe,
and that non wyf haueth now he;
wherfore j knowe on, ful sykerle,
that is bothe comen of kyng & qwene,
and a Fairere mayden han ȝe not sene,
and is dowghtyr to kyng Leodegan
of Tarmelyde, ryht a worthy man.
and no mo children now hath he
but only this lady, ful Sykerle.
more ouer an old man js that kyng,
and gonnore hyhte that mayden so ȝyng;
therto eyr schal sche ben aftyr his day.
but gret werre he hath, with-owten delay,
with on kyng Ryoun of Geauntes lynage,
a myhty man & a riche & of gret parage.
and he conqwere kyng leodegan,
kyng Artheuris lond next him lyth than.
For ȝif that Tarmalide conqwerid be,
thanne schal neuere kyng Arthewr, sykerle,
his lond jn pes thanne non whyles holde
For this kyng Ryown that is so bolde.
and ȝif þat the knyhtes of þe rownde table ne hadde be,
kyng leodogan his lond hadde lost, ful Sykerle.
therfore this were now myn cownsaylle,
that thyder ȝe wente, with-owten faylle,
with kyng Artheur jn this manere
as thowh alle Sowdeours þat ȝe were,
and there a ȝer oþer two forto abyde,
his aqweyntaunce to geten the same tyde.
For non whylle scholen ȝe there not be,
that he wel schal ȝow loven, Sekerle,
better thanne hem þat with him now ben,
and that ryht sone scholen ȝe now sen.
and j vndirtake for kyng artheur here
that to him he schal ben so leef & dere,
that his dowhter he schal hym ȝyve to wyve
and eyr of that lond aftyr his lyve.
For anon as weddyd thanne he js,
anon the jeauntes scholen han knoweng, j-wys;
and from that day forward, with-owten lye,
the jeauntes doren not abyden, trewelye,
not be a gret jorne there abowte;
This is ful trewe, with-owten dowte.”
that here kyng Arthewr is kyng of this londe,
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wherfore j knowe on, ful sykerle,
that is bothe comen of kyng & qwene,
and a Fairere mayden han ȝe not sene,
and is dowghtyr to kyng Leodegan
of Tarmelyde, ryht a worthy man.
and no mo children now hath he
but only this lady, ful Sykerle.
more ouer an old man js that kyng,
and gonnore hyhte that mayden so ȝyng;
therto eyr schal sche ben aftyr his day.
but gret werre he hath, with-owten delay,
with on kyng Ryoun of Geauntes lynage,
a myhty man & a riche & of gret parage.
and he conqwere kyng leodegan,
kyng Artheuris lond next him lyth than.
For ȝif that Tarmalide conqwerid be,
thanne schal neuere kyng Arthewr, sykerle,
his lond jn pes thanne non whyles holde
For this kyng Ryown that is so bolde.
and ȝif þat the knyhtes of þe rownde table ne hadde be,
kyng leodogan his lond hadde lost, ful Sykerle.
therfore this were now myn cownsaylle,
that thyder ȝe wente, with-owten faylle,
with kyng Artheur jn this manere
as thowh alle Sowdeours þat ȝe were,
and there a ȝer oþer two forto abyde,
his aqweyntaunce to geten the same tyde.
For non whylle scholen ȝe there not be,
that he wel schal ȝow loven, Sekerle,
better thanne hem þat with him now ben,
and that ryht sone scholen ȝe now sen.
and j vndirtake for kyng artheur here
that to him he schal ben so leef & dere,
that his dowhter he schal hym ȝyve to wyve
and eyr of that lond aftyr his lyve.
For anon as weddyd thanne he js,
anon the jeauntes scholen han knoweng, j-wys;
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the jeauntes doren not abyden, trewelye,
not be a gret jorne there abowte;
This is ful trewe, with-owten dowte.”
Thanne Answerede Anon Kyng Ban,
and to merlyne seyde he there than:
“my leve frend, j schal tellen the:
what aventure scholde thanne this be
Now to forsaken oure owne lond,
Lyke jn werre as hit doth stond?
how scholde we thanne taken on þere,
with hem that on vs don so werre
and oure londis distroyen & brenne?
wers wylen they don, and we ben thenne.
For but ȝif we jn owre lond abyde,
hit wyle vs hyndren jn every tyde,
but ȝif that kyng artheures barowns here
oure londis to sosteyne, & we not there.
and ful gret peryl now hit Js,
other men oure londes to defendyn, j-wys.”
and to merlyne seyde he there than:
“my leve frend, j schal tellen the:
what aventure scholde thanne this be
Now to forsaken oure owne lond,
Lyke jn werre as hit doth stond?
how scholde we thanne taken on þere,
with hem that on vs don so werre
and oure londis distroyen & brenne?
wers wylen they don, and we ben thenne.
For but ȝif we jn owre lond abyde,
hit wyle vs hyndren jn every tyde,
but ȝif that kyng artheures barowns here
oure londis to sosteyne, & we not there.
and ful gret peryl now hit Js,
other men oure londes to defendyn, j-wys.”
“A, Sire,” quod merlyne to the kyng tho,
“to me ȝe speken, as ȝow lyst forto do.
but j ȝow enswre, ful certeynlye,
that and ȝe there lesen on penye,
two hundred therfore scholen ȝe gete,
and of this j dar ȝow wel behete.
For ther ne schal comen jnto ȝowre contre
distroccioun nethir to town ne cyte,
whileȝ ȝe ben jn kyng Artheures presens;
J schal ȝow waranten ful Syker defens.
and there a ryal rewm scholen ȝe wynne,
and therto al the Lordschepis þat ben with-jnne,
that this Lond defenden schal evere with-al
vndistroyed, and lasten for ay & fynal.”
“to me ȝe speken, as ȝow lyst forto do.
but j ȝow enswre, ful certeynlye,
that and ȝe there lesen on penye,
two hundred therfore scholen ȝe gete,
and of this j dar ȝow wel behete.
For ther ne schal comen jnto ȝowre contre
distroccioun nethir to town ne cyte,
whileȝ ȝe ben jn kyng Artheures presens;
J schal ȝow waranten ful Syker defens.
and there a ryal rewm scholen ȝe wynne,
and therto al the Lordschepis þat ben with-jnne,
that this Lond defenden schal evere with-al
vndistroyed, and lasten for ay & fynal.”
thanne answerede kyng Ban to merlyn anone,
and there to hym he seyde thus sone:
“We the knowen for man ful wys;
J schal the Seyn now myn avys.
Sethen hit is so as thou dost telle,
Aftyr thy cownseylle don we wylle.
but telle vs now whanne we scholde wende,
and we scholen þere-offen maken an ende.
and þerto oure retenu scholen we calle,
that they mown ben redy alle.”
and there to hym he seyde thus sone:
“We the knowen for man ful wys;
J schal the Seyn now myn avys.
264
Aftyr thy cownseylle don we wylle.
but telle vs now whanne we scholde wende,
and we scholen þere-offen maken an ende.
and þerto oure retenu scholen we calle,
that they mown ben redy alle.”
“Al betymes,” quod merlyne tho,
“For hit schal be midlentone, er þat ȝe go.
and ȝit er that ȝe gon, with-owten faille,
here moste we han a gret bataylle
aȝens the barowns, that rysen ben
kyng Artheur to werchen treye & teen.
there-fore j wolde þat ȝe anon ryhte
to gete as moche meine as ȝe myhte,
and that ȝe don hem loggen ful prevylye
jn a fayr lawnde here faste bye,
that js jn the Forest of Bredygam,
there as that meyne neuer ne cam.
and dubblefold harm scholen they haue
thanne ony of ȝowre, ȝe mown ben save.”
“For hit schal be midlentone, er þat ȝe go.
and ȝit er that ȝe gon, with-owten faille,
here moste we han a gret bataylle
aȝens the barowns, that rysen ben
kyng Artheur to werchen treye & teen.
there-fore j wolde þat ȝe anon ryhte
to gete as moche meine as ȝe myhte,
and that ȝe don hem loggen ful prevylye
jn a fayr lawnde here faste bye,
that js jn the Forest of Bredygam,
there as that meyne neuer ne cam.
and dubblefold harm scholen they haue
thanne ony of ȝowre, ȝe mown ben save.”
Thanne there anon tho spak kyng Ban,
and there to merlyne he seyde than:
“ȝif þat for men jnto my lond j scholde sende,
scholden they be tyme hidere to me wende?”
“ȝe, certein, Syre,” quod merlyne tho,
“For ryht wel hyt may be do.
and on this message, Sire, wyl j wende
alle this mater to bryngen to an ende.
For this message hastyd most hyt be
aȝens the bataylle, sire, Sykerle,
the whiche at candel-masse schal be-tyde
the forest of Bredygam there be-syde.
therefore ȝoure meyne moste hasted be
Hedyr Betymes to comen, Sekyrle.
For they mosten Ryden bothe day & nyht
this jorne to spede, and they don ryht.
and wete ȝe wel, the sothe forto preve,
that j schal be there to morewen er eve.”
and whanne the kynges herden this,
here-offen they merveilleden sore, j-wis.
and there to merlyne he seyde than:
“ȝif þat for men jnto my lond j scholde sende,
scholden they be tyme hidere to me wende?”
“ȝe, certein, Syre,” quod merlyne tho,
“For ryht wel hyt may be do.
and on this message, Sire, wyl j wende
alle this mater to bryngen to an ende.
For this message hastyd most hyt be
aȝens the bataylle, sire, Sykerle,
the whiche at candel-masse schal be-tyde
the forest of Bredygam there be-syde.
therefore ȝoure meyne moste hasted be
Hedyr Betymes to comen, Sekyrle.
For they mosten Ryden bothe day & nyht
this jorne to spede, and they don ryht.
and wete ȝe wel, the sothe forto preve,
that j schal be there to morewen er eve.”
265
here-offen they merveilleden sore, j-wis.
thanne clepede merlyne kyng Artheur anon,
and bad he scholde ordeygne forto be don
bothe arblasteris and ek worthy seriawns
to-gederis assemblen, with-owten varyans,
the moste prevyeste wyse—“that they mown wende,
and with hem plente of vitaylle that ȝe sende
jnto that lawnde that j haue ȝow told;
among to þe peple departe hit manyfold.
and that eche man for hym-self have
vytailles for xv dayes, to kepen hym save,
of mele and Salt flesch ek therto
besiden oþer vetaylles; do ȝe ryht so.”
thanne lwcans the Botelers and sire Gyrfles
anon they pasten owt of that pres,
Also Sire Vlphyn and Syre Bretel,
whiche þat weren knyhtes bothe trewe & lel.
and bad he scholde ordeygne forto be don
bothe arblasteris and ek worthy seriawns
to-gederis assemblen, with-owten varyans,
the moste prevyeste wyse—“that they mown wende,
and with hem plente of vitaylle that ȝe sende
jnto that lawnde that j haue ȝow told;
among to þe peple departe hit manyfold.
and that eche man for hym-self have
vytailles for xv dayes, to kepen hym save,
of mele and Salt flesch ek therto
besiden oþer vetaylles; do ȝe ryht so.”
thanne lwcans the Botelers and sire Gyrfles
anon they pasten owt of that pres,
Also Sire Vlphyn and Syre Bretel,
whiche þat weren knyhtes bothe trewe & lel.
Anon seyde merlyne to kyng Ban:
“Sire, as ȝe ben kyng and honest man,
ȝoure Ryng to taken me jn this threwe,
To ȝoure cosin le-ownces that j myhte it schewe,
that the bettere he myhte leven me
of what thing that j hym telle fro the.”
Whanne the two kynges herden this,
“Sire, as ȝe ben kyng and honest man,
ȝoure Ryng to taken me jn this threwe,
To ȝoure cosin le-ownces that j myhte it schewe,
that the bettere he myhte leven me
of what thing that j hym telle fro the.”
Of hym they merveylleden mochel, j-wys,
For they wenden, with-owten lesinge,
that no man that was thanne levenge
hadde knowen that he tolde hem there;
so þat sore astoned thanne they were.
“Now, Lordynges,” quod kyng Ban,
“merveille now ȝe not of this man.
For he knoweth al thing that js,
Be hit wel don oþer mys;
be hyt neuere don so prevyle,
he hit can tellen, ful Sykerle.”
thanne answerid they sone ageyn:
266
That ȝe taken hym ȝoure ryng anon,
and that he were forth past & gon.
for ȝe scholen heren merveilleȝ mo,
whanne that he cometh ȝow aȝen vnto.”
“Now, be myn hed,” quod merlyne thanne,
“ȝe han seyd Ryht as a wys manne.
For more of this scholen ȝe han encres,
thanne oni of ȝow kan seyn, with-owten les.”
thanne delyverede him þe kyng his ryng anon,
and þer-with forth merlyne gan to gon,
and be Blaysie, his maister, he took þe weye,
and of alle thinges tolde him, Sekerlye:
that jnto litel Breteignes he scholde go;
of the message eke he told him also;
whiche that Blasye wrot in that throwe;
and elles how scholde we hit knowe?
Thus merlyne from Blase departed anon,
and forth on his message he gan to gon,
and dyde his message al in good tyme,
For he was þere he wolde er the morwen at pryme,
and tolde sire Leownces the kynges wylle,
and the kynges ryng took hym vntylle.
there they beleved hym anon,
and deden al that was forto don,
And senten Anon bothe fer and Ny,
and faire retenu to gaderen, trewly.
So that with-jnne fowrty myles abowte
thedyr they gadered with gret rowte,
so that they weren to-forn the cyte
viij dayes to-forn cristemasse, Sykerle;
thanne good warde putten to þe townes alle
that to the tweyne kynges be riht schold falle.
jn that on hold they putten a lady Bryht,
that worthy lady was and of gret myht:
the cyte of gawnes kepte sche thanne
and with hyre ful many a worthy manne.
267
that al his power he wolde do,
and that he hym grawntyd, ful sekerly,
jnto al his power, ful vtterly.
on the toþer syde, jnto Baynoyc cyte
they putten a man of gret degre,
Sire raier, the Lord of Hawt mure,
a worthy knyht and vaillaunt, j ȝou ensure.
and jn the castel of Trebes
they putten Sire graciens, with-owten les,
the whiche was godsone to kyng Ban.
and jn that castel with him hadde he than
Two sostren of Raynes, the worthiest
knyht þat þere was be est oþer west.
For it was the strengest castel
of alle þat contre be many a del.
and at mowntloyr, þe castel of kyng Boors,
that was don kept with strengthe & foors:
Sire placydes, that was a worthy knyht,
That castel he kepte bothe day & Nyht.
And whanne alle these ordenaunces weren jdo,
merlyne with his meyne forth gan to go,
and that was be the tyme of Nyht,
For theke tyme the mone schon ful bryht.
and merlyne condeyede hem the weye
From alle enemyes, as he wel kowde, jn feye.
and to the se he Browht hem ful sone;
there Faste to schepe gonne they gone.
merlyne with his meyne forth gan to go,
and that was be the tyme of Nyht,
For theke tyme the mone schon ful bryht.
and merlyne condeyede hem the weye
From alle enemyes, as he wel kowde, jn feye.
and to the se he Browht hem ful sone;
there Faste to schepe gonne they gone.
and kyng Arthewr, vppon the toþer syde
To bataille hym arayede the same tyde,
also prevyly as he cowde thanne do.
So that moche peple him cam vnto:
bencheson of tho ȝiftes grete
that he hem ȝaf, they wolde not lete.
Also oþer peple to hym comen that throwe,
For that they wolden kyng Artheur knowe;
ek other peple hym kam forto se
For that they herden of his gret bownte.
So that whanne to-gederis j-sembled they were,
x thousend on horsbak redy they were;
For foot-men thedyr wolde he non haue,
for his meyne and vytaille þat he wolde save.
and on þe toþer syde there comen a-down
charyettes with vytaylle alle jn virown
evene aftyr merlynes ordenaunce;
So was hit don, with-owten variaunce.
and ful prevyly alle j-logged they were
jn a lawnde besyde Bredigan there;
For that was on the prevyest place
that jn that contre owher wace.
and whanne this was al j-do,
merveillously wrowht kyng artheur tho,
whiche that merlyne Hyt plesed ful Wel,
whanne he hit knew, his wyt, echedel.
For anon as that they logged were,
alle the weyes be-sette he there,
that non man therby Scholde passe
jnto his lond, nethir more ne lasse,
but ȝif he were taken and to-forn him browht,
Er that ony jnto his rewm forthere sowht.
For he kepte that non aspye
his rewn scholde entren, trewelye,
For to certefyen his enemyes
what was his ordenaunce oþer his devys.
For there kyng Arthewr charged alle tho
that to hym belonged vnto,
that non man thyke pas scholde ryde,
tyl hyt were aftyr kandelmasse tyde;
and ho þat dide aȝens his comandement,
To deth he scholde gon, verament.
So that stylle they helden hem every man,
where-offen þe comune peple merveylleden than.
So that thus prevyly this was wrowht,
& sauf þe kynges cownseille wist non man nowht.
To bataille hym arayede the same tyde,
also prevyly as he cowde thanne do.
So that moche peple him cam vnto:
bencheson of tho ȝiftes grete
that he hem ȝaf, they wolde not lete.
Also oþer peple to hym comen that throwe,
For that they wolden kyng Artheur knowe;
ek other peple hym kam forto se
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So that whanne to-gederis j-sembled they were,
x thousend on horsbak redy they were;
For foot-men thedyr wolde he non haue,
for his meyne and vytaille þat he wolde save.
and on þe toþer syde there comen a-down
charyettes with vytaylle alle jn virown
evene aftyr merlynes ordenaunce;
So was hit don, with-owten variaunce.
and ful prevyly alle j-logged they were
jn a lawnde besyde Bredigan there;
For that was on the prevyest place
that jn that contre owher wace.
and whanne this was al j-do,
merveillously wrowht kyng artheur tho,
whiche that merlyne Hyt plesed ful Wel,
whanne he hit knew, his wyt, echedel.
For anon as that they logged were,
alle the weyes be-sette he there,
that non man therby Scholde passe
jnto his lond, nethir more ne lasse,
but ȝif he were taken and to-forn him browht,
Er that ony jnto his rewm forthere sowht.
For he kepte that non aspye
his rewn scholde entren, trewelye,
For to certefyen his enemyes
what was his ordenaunce oþer his devys.
For there kyng Arthewr charged alle tho
that to hym belonged vnto,
that non man thyke pas scholde ryde,
tyl hyt were aftyr kandelmasse tyde;
and ho þat dide aȝens his comandement,
To deth he scholde gon, verament.
So that stylle they helden hem every man,
where-offen þe comune peple merveylleden than.
So that thus prevyly this was wrowht,
& sauf þe kynges cownseille wist non man nowht.
Now leveth this storye of this mater,
and aftyr of þe vj kynges hit speketh here,
that at carliown discomfyted were,
as þat to-forn tyme ȝe han herd told here.
269
that at carliown discomfyted were,
as þat to-forn tyme ȝe han herd told here.
Thanne here-aftyr Reherseth this Book,
ho so wele here there-aftyr look,
what morneng that maden these vj kynges,
For they hadden so lost alle here thynges
and al the harneis that they hadde,
and al that here meyne with hem ladde.
So that they sworen and maden affyance
there-on to ben avenged jnto þe vttrawnce;
For er glad scholden ney neuere be,
Tyl they weren avenged, certeinle,
bothe of kyng Artheur & ek on merlyn,
the wheche they clepeden his devyn,
be whom they losten al here good;
thus al amased homward they ȝood.
and for that somme myhten neþer riden ne go,
hom jn a leter weren they lad tho.
so that smale Jornes forth they wente,
Tyl jnto here lond they comen presente.
so that they soiournede, tyl they hol were;
& with-jnne a monthe a parlement hadden they there
jn a march that be-twene engelond was
and scotland, so that hit stood in þe middes of þe plas.
and this was the ende of the parlement,
that every man scholde don his entent
And Senden abowte in-to eche contre
To alle here Frenschepis, where so they be,
and that [eche] of hem to othyr swere
redy forto ben with scheld & spere
To dryven kyng Artheur owt of his lond,
and hit to Sesyn jnto here owne hond.
So that they token day of assemble
that ost to-gederis forto be
Jn a feld besydes Bredygam;
thus herto assentyd every man.
ho so wele here there-aftyr look,
what morneng that maden these vj kynges,
For they hadden so lost alle here thynges
and al the harneis that they hadde,
and al that here meyne with hem ladde.
So that they sworen and maden affyance
there-on to ben avenged jnto þe vttrawnce;
For er glad scholden ney neuere be,
Tyl they weren avenged, certeinle,
bothe of kyng Artheur & ek on merlyn,
the wheche they clepeden his devyn,
be whom they losten al here good;
thus al amased homward they ȝood.
and for that somme myhten neþer riden ne go,
hom jn a leter weren they lad tho.
so that smale Jornes forth they wente,
Tyl jnto here lond they comen presente.
so that they soiournede, tyl they hol were;
& with-jnne a monthe a parlement hadden they there
jn a march that be-twene engelond was
and scotland, so that hit stood in þe middes of þe plas.
and this was the ende of the parlement,
that every man scholde don his entent
And Senden abowte in-to eche contre
To alle here Frenschepis, where so they be,
and that [eche] of hem to othyr swere
redy forto ben with scheld & spere
To dryven kyng Artheur owt of his lond,
and hit to Sesyn jnto here owne hond.
So that they token day of assemble
that ost to-gederis forto be
Jn a feld besydes Bredygam;
thus herto assentyd every man.
270
Thanne thus departyd the parlement.
Anon every man abowtes faste sent,
So that to hem repeyrede there anon
the dewk of cambenye & othyr manyon.
Fyve thousende men he browhte with hym,
that jn bataylle weren bothe stowt & grym.
thanne cam there forth Tradelynaws,
that kyng of Northgales tho he was,
with vj thousend of Fyhteng men.
and on þe tothyr partye come th[e] kyng clariouns then
with thre thousend men also.
thanne þe kyng of .c. knyhtes cam tho,
and with hym foure thousende he browhte.
thanne the kyng of orkanye owt hem sowhte
wit[h] vij thousend jn his compenye.
and aftyr hym carados of strangor faste gan hye,
that vij thousend men of armes hadde
[OMITTED]
thanne cam kyng Newtris, & with hym ladde
Sixe thousend men, that weren not badde.
hym Folewede kyng Ydyers of Cornewaylle
with vj thousend men, with-owten faylle.
Anon every man abowtes faste sent,
So that to hem repeyrede there anon
the dewk of cambenye & othyr manyon.
Fyve thousende men he browhte with hym,
that jn bataylle weren bothe stowt & grym.
thanne cam there forth Tradelynaws,
that kyng of Northgales tho he was,
with vj thousend of Fyhteng men.
and on þe tothyr partye come th[e] kyng clariouns then
with thre thousend men also.
thanne þe kyng of .c. knyhtes cam tho,
and with hym foure thousende he browhte.
thanne the kyng of orkanye owt hem sowhte
wit[h] vij thousend jn his compenye.
and aftyr hym carados of strangor faste gan hye,
that vij thousend men of armes hadde
[OMITTED]
thanne cam kyng Newtris, & with hym ladde
Sixe thousend men, that weren not badde.
hym Folewede kyng Ydyers of Cornewaylle
with vj thousend men, with-owten faylle.
So that smale jornes they gonne to ryde
The contre to Serchen jn that Tyde.
thanne here aspyes abowteȝ faste they ȝood,
to weten how hit with kyng Artheur stood.
but they that þe march & the weyes kepte,
Fulsone to these aspyes they lepte,
and token hem, and to kyng Arthewr sente,
& anon to presoun they ful sone wente,
So that Tydynges aȝen boren they non.
thanne jn here jorne forth gonne they gon,
Tyl that they alle j-logged were
vndir þe castel of Bredygam þere.
For thanne they wenden alle han wonne, certein,
but hit was alto-gederis jnveyn.
thanne senten they here forreyerys jnto þat contre,
but ful lytel fowndyn they, Sekirle;
For al that good was lad before
jnto castelis and jnto cites thore.
this was wrowht be cownseyl of kyng Ban
and Ek of kyng Boors, a ful wis man.
The contre to Serchen jn that Tyde.
thanne here aspyes abowteȝ faste they ȝood,
to weten how hit with kyng Artheur stood.
but they that þe march & the weyes kepte,
Fulsone to these aspyes they lepte,
and token hem, and to kyng Arthewr sente,
& anon to presoun they ful sone wente,
So that Tydynges aȝen boren they non.
thanne jn here jorne forth gonne they gon,
Tyl that they alle j-logged were
vndir þe castel of Bredygam þere.
For thanne they wenden alle han wonne, certein,
but hit was alto-gederis jnveyn.
thanne senten they here forreyerys jnto þat contre,
but ful lytel fowndyn they, Sekirle;
271
jnto castelis and jnto cites thore.
this was wrowht be cownseyl of kyng Ban
and Ek of kyng Boors, a ful wis man.
Whanne that they aspyden al this,
that the contre thus was warned, j-wis,
anon they Fireden, an gonne to brenne,
and al the contre distroied thanne.
So that owt of here owne Lond they hadden vetaylle,
as hit scheweth here with-owten Faille;
So that of vytaylle they hadden plente,
as For swich a tyme hit longed forto be.
and whanne to-gederis was al this semble,
Fowrty thousend weren acounted, certeinle,
of clene pyked men to fyhte,
ek worthy werrours and of gret myhte.
that the contre thus was warned, j-wis,
anon they Fireden, an gonne to brenne,
and al the contre distroied thanne.
So that owt of here owne Lond they hadden vetaylle,
as hit scheweth here with-owten Faille;
So that of vytaylle they hadden plente,
as For swich a tyme hit longed forto be.
and whanne to-gederis was al this semble,
Fowrty thousend weren acounted, certeinle,
of clene pyked men to fyhte,
ek worthy werrours and of gret myhte.
Thus endeth here now of here gaderyng,
and speketh how merlyn browht to Arthewr þe kyng
Socour and helpe owt of lytel Bretayngne,
as here-after scholen ȝe heren, jn certeigne,
and what meyne þat merlin with him browhte
owt of litel breteigne, where he hem sowhte.
and speketh how merlyn browht to Arthewr þe kyng
Socour and helpe owt of lytel Bretayngne,
as here-after scholen ȝe heren, jn certeigne,
and what meyne þat merlin with him browhte
owt of litel breteigne, where he hem sowhte.
Forthere tellyth this Storye here
how jn litel Breteygne merlyne spedde there,
what be Leownces of Paerne, j vndirstond,
and Sire Fariens, and Antony of þat lond,
that of Baynoyc tho steward was.
alle to the port comen they in that plas,
and jnto here Schepis they entred anon;
thanne jnto grete breteigne sone gonne they gon.
how jn litel Breteygne merlyne spedde there,
what be Leownces of Paerne, j vndirstond,
and Sire Fariens, and Antony of þat lond,
that of Baynoyc tho steward was.
alle to the port comen they in that plas,
and jnto here Schepis they entred anon;
thanne jnto grete breteigne sone gonne they gon.
and it is good reson that ȝe vndirstonde
why that hit was clepyd Breteigne Londe.
j do ȝow to wetene here every man
that aftyr þe distroccioun of Troye, as j kan,
hit behapped that two kynges departyd thenne
For drede of greȝois, as this doth kenne,
lest they wolden hem han slayn;
this caused these kynges forto gon thayn.
These tweyne kynges with gret meyne
thens departed ful hastyle,
of wheche the ton Brewt he hyhte,
that was bothe gentyl & worthy knyhte,
that jn his lyve he bylte with gret joye
a fair cyte, that was clepid new troye;
bencheson that owt of troye cam he,
Troye was clepid that jlke cyte.
Ek the contre thanne clepyd hit was
after Brewt Breteigne in that plas.
thanne long aftyr, whanne Brewt was ded,
anon kam there a kyng jn his sted,
that Logryvs was his ryht name,
a worthy man and of gret fame,
that mochel amendyd this cyte,
bothe Towres and walles, Sykerle.
and whanne thus amended was þat town,
thanne wolde he ȝeven hit a Sewrnown,
and after Logryvs Logres cald hit he,
that jn gret breteigne stont, Sykerle.
So that this name dured forth, in feye,
long aftyr that Artheur gan deye.
thanne aftyr the deth of lawncelot,
that kyng Bannes sone was, wel j wot,
hyt happede that a gret mortalyte
jn that lond was after, certeinle,
bothe of Barowns and comunes also,
that thike tyme deyden so tho.
and for þe grete Los that they hadden thanne,
Bloye breteygne hit was clepyd of every manne.
and why bloye, j preye now the?
leve sires, for this cause, parde:
For here hertes bothe blw and blak they were,
eche man for here frendis dethis there,
that they losten be mischaunce and be synne;
thus every Frend from othir gan twynne.
why that hit was clepyd Breteigne Londe.
j do ȝow to wetene here every man
that aftyr þe distroccioun of Troye, as j kan,
272
For drede of greȝois, as this doth kenne,
lest they wolden hem han slayn;
this caused these kynges forto gon thayn.
These tweyne kynges with gret meyne
thens departed ful hastyle,
of wheche the ton Brewt he hyhte,
that was bothe gentyl & worthy knyhte,
that jn his lyve he bylte with gret joye
a fair cyte, that was clepid new troye;
bencheson that owt of troye cam he,
Troye was clepid that jlke cyte.
Ek the contre thanne clepyd hit was
after Brewt Breteigne in that plas.
thanne long aftyr, whanne Brewt was ded,
anon kam there a kyng jn his sted,
that Logryvs was his ryht name,
a worthy man and of gret fame,
that mochel amendyd this cyte,
bothe Towres and walles, Sykerle.
and whanne thus amended was þat town,
thanne wolde he ȝeven hit a Sewrnown,
and after Logryvs Logres cald hit he,
that jn gret breteigne stont, Sykerle.
So that this name dured forth, in feye,
long aftyr that Artheur gan deye.
thanne aftyr the deth of lawncelot,
that kyng Bannes sone was, wel j wot,
hyt happede that a gret mortalyte
jn that lond was after, certeinle,
bothe of Barowns and comunes also,
that thike tyme deyden so tho.
and for þe grete Los that they hadden thanne,
Bloye breteygne hit was clepyd of every manne.
and why bloye, j preye now the?
leve sires, for this cause, parde:
273
eche man for here frendis dethis there,
that they losten be mischaunce and be synne;
thus every Frend from othir gan twynne.
Now hauen ȝe herd declared, jn certaygne,
why hit was clepyd the Bloye Bretaigne.
The tothyr prince that owt of troye cam,
Hyghte Corynaws, a Ful myghty man.
this corinaus was comen of Jeawntes lynage,
a worthy knyht and of hygh parage.
So that he aryvede fast by that contre,
that thike tyme the name breteigne scholde be.
therto he was a merveyllous knyht,
bothe long and strong and of gret myht.
there arered he bothe townes and castel,
Strongly j-bylt & wondyrly wel;
and aftyr hym the lond he dide don kalle
Cornwaylle jn breteygne of gret & smalle.
So that thorwh hym comen jeauntes mo,
that to Bretouns moche harme diden tho,
as that here-aftyr now scholen ȝe here
to alle ȝoure wyttes declared more clere.
why hit was clepyd the Bloye Bretaigne.
The tothyr prince that owt of troye cam,
Hyghte Corynaws, a Ful myghty man.
this corinaus was comen of Jeawntes lynage,
a worthy knyht and of hygh parage.
So that he aryvede fast by that contre,
that thike tyme the name breteigne scholde be.
therto he was a merveyllous knyht,
bothe long and strong and of gret myht.
there arered he bothe townes and castel,
Strongly j-bylt & wondyrly wel;
and aftyr hym the lond he dide don kalle
Cornwaylle jn breteygne of gret & smalle.
So that thorwh hym comen jeauntes mo,
that to Bretouns moche harme diden tho,
as that here-aftyr now scholen ȝe here
to alle ȝoure wyttes declared more clere.
of the merveilles that aftyr befalle,
j hope to declaren to ȝow alle,
ȝif that god wile granten me grace & myht,
helthe of Body, and myn eyen syht,
owt of Frensch jnto englysch now wyl j fonde
hit to drawen, that ȝe moun vndirstonde.
Therfore for herry Louelyche that ȝe preye,
that til this be endid, he may not deye,
but lyven jn helthe and prosperite;
Now, good lord, grante hit moot so be.
j hope to declaren to ȝow alle,
ȝif that god wile granten me grace & myht,
helthe of Body, and myn eyen syht,
owt of Frensch jnto englysch now wyl j fonde
hit to drawen, that ȝe moun vndirstonde.
Therfore for herry Louelyche that ȝe preye,
that til this be endid, he may not deye,
but lyven jn helthe and prosperite;
Now, good lord, grante hit moot so be.
Forth to my mater now wyl j pase
of merlyne & his meine, þat jn the se wase,
the whiche he browhte owt of lytel breteigne,
as here-aftyr declared ȝe scholen here more pleyne.
of merlyne & his meine, þat jn the se wase,
the whiche he browhte owt of lytel breteigne,
as here-aftyr declared ȝe scholen here more pleyne.
274
Thanne anon as a-ryved they were,
vppon the se banke he bad hem there.
thanne merlyne comaunded every man
here harneys al forto trossen than;
For that he wolde For non thing
that they maden non taryeng.
But they holden here ryht weye
Thyder as merlyn wolde hem gye,
Tyl that to kyng Arthewr they comen ful ryht,
there that he lay with al his myht.
So that hym they foleweden alle,
what so evere there-of myhte falle.
So that be the Fyfthe dayes ende
To þe Forest of Bredygam gonne they wende,
where as logged was Arthewr the kyng,
that made gret joye of his comeng,
and logged hem among his ost ful son,
and amonges hem every day gan he to gon.
vppon the se banke he bad hem there.
thanne merlyne comaunded every man
here harneys al forto trossen than;
For that he wolde For non thing
that they maden non taryeng.
But they holden here ryht weye
Thyder as merlyn wolde hem gye,
Tyl that to kyng Arthewr they comen ful ryht,
there that he lay with al his myht.
So that hym they foleweden alle,
what so evere there-of myhte falle.
So that be the Fyfthe dayes ende
To þe Forest of Bredygam gonne they wende,
where as logged was Arthewr the kyng,
that made gret joye of his comeng,
and logged hem among his ost ful son,
and amonges hem every day gan he to gon.
thanne aftyr viij dayes j-rested they were,
and merlyne here vetaylle departyd there
amonges hem, er that he furthere wente.
thanne seide he that he wolde veramente
Gon visiten the thre kynges, where so they be,
and how they ferde, to knowen & to se.
Thanne Seyde Syre Vlphyn to Hym Anon:
“merlyn, be war how that ȝe gon,
For they on the tothir syde don ȝow manace,
ȝif they mown geten ȝow jn ony place,
that certeinly ȝe scholen be ded,
and they mown ȝow geten jn ony sted.”
“ȝe,” quod merlyne, “ȝit wyl j not werne
that to these kynges j wyl ful ȝerne.
For of Me geten they non power.
And ek also amonges hem com j not ther,
Tyl that j haue spoken with Arthewr the kyng;
j ne schal maken non taryeng.
and there-fore gouerne ȝe wel this ost,
that non man Jsswe, nethyr lest ne most.
For kyng Artheures enemyes jlogged be
here vndyr Bredygam, ful certeinle,
and Fowrty thousend of hem ben told,
wel horsed men, hardy and bold,
and but xxv thousend men we haue;
there-fore we moste loken to kepen hem saue,
and of hem that non j-lost there be,
To this mater vs behoueth to se.”
and merlyne here vetaylle departyd there
amonges hem, er that he furthere wente.
thanne seide he that he wolde veramente
Gon visiten the thre kynges, where so they be,
and how they ferde, to knowen & to se.
Thanne Seyde Syre Vlphyn to Hym Anon:
“merlyn, be war how that ȝe gon,
For they on the tothir syde don ȝow manace,
ȝif they mown geten ȝow jn ony place,
that certeinly ȝe scholen be ded,
and they mown ȝow geten jn ony sted.”
“ȝe,” quod merlyne, “ȝit wyl j not werne
that to these kynges j wyl ful ȝerne.
For of Me geten they non power.
And ek also amonges hem com j not ther,
Tyl that j haue spoken with Arthewr the kyng;
j ne schal maken non taryeng.
275
that non man Jsswe, nethyr lest ne most.
For kyng Artheures enemyes jlogged be
here vndyr Bredygam, ful certeinle,
and Fowrty thousend of hem ben told,
wel horsed men, hardy and bold,
and but xxv thousend men we haue;
there-fore we moste loken to kepen hem saue,
and of hem that non j-lost there be,
To this mater vs behoueth to se.”
“merlyne,” quod Syre Vlphin thanne,
“hit is bette ȝe sende som other manne.”
“that schal j not,” quod merlyne tho,
“For that arende my-self best kan do
and hem to bringen jn Savete,
that non of here enemyes hem schal se.”
“thanne goth ȝe forth in goddis name,
and he ȝow kepe from angyr & blame.”
thanne from hem he wente ful sodeynlye,
that they ne wyste whanne, trewelye.
so that they hem blesseden everichon,
that so sodeinly he was from hem gon.
Aȝen to the ost wenten they thanne,
and there they charged every manne
that owt of his tente they scholde not pase,
but prevyly to kepen hem jn that plase.
So that fowre dayes contenued this,
& þat of þe iij kynges non word they herden, jwys,
Nethir of merlyn neuere the mo.
“hit is bette ȝe sende som other manne.”
“that schal j not,” quod merlyne tho,
“For that arende my-self best kan do
and hem to bringen jn Savete,
that non of here enemyes hem schal se.”
“thanne goth ȝe forth in goddis name,
and he ȝow kepe from angyr & blame.”
thanne from hem he wente ful sodeynlye,
that they ne wyste whanne, trewelye.
so that they hem blesseden everichon,
that so sodeinly he was from hem gon.
Aȝen to the ost wenten they thanne,
and there they charged every manne
that owt of his tente they scholde not pase,
but prevyly to kepen hem jn that plase.
So that fowre dayes contenued this,
& þat of þe iij kynges non word they herden, jwys,
Nethir of merlyn neuere the mo.
For streyht to londone gan he go
and, as this storye reporteth here,
on the morwe er evensong was he there,
where that he fond the kynges al thre.
and they weren ful hevy, Sykyrle,
For so sodeinly amongis hem comen he was,
that they ne wysten owt of wheche plas.
and whanne they wisten that hyt was he,
gret joye they maden, ful certeinle.
thanne axeden they hym how he hadde sped,
and seyde: “wel in every sted!”
and bad hem, faste that they scholde hye
To here ost, that hem Bod, trewelye.
and, as this storye reporteth here,
on the morwe er evensong was he there,
where that he fond the kynges al thre.
and they weren ful hevy, Sykyrle,
For so sodeinly amongis hem comen he was,
that they ne wysten owt of wheche plas.
and whanne they wisten that hyt was he,
gret joye they maden, ful certeinle.
thanne axeden they hym how he hadde sped,
276
and bad hem, faste that they scholde hye
To here ost, that hem Bod, trewelye.
Thanne seide kyng Ban To merlyn:
“bien owre Socours comen wel & fyn?”
“that they ben, Syre, ful trewelye,
and kyng Artheuris host ben logged faste bye
jn the lawnde besydes Bredygam;
there ben they logged every man.
but on the tothyr syde moche peple there js,
Ten kynges corowned, with-owten mys,
and jn here compenye a dewk also,
and xl thousend men they hauen & mo.”
“For oure help now be god,” quod Antron,
“For mochel mischef toward vs gynneth gon.”
“ȝe,” quod merlyne to hym ryht thanne,
“as that j am now kyng Arthewris manne,
and be the oth that j haue hym j-do
and ek to my maister Blasye also:
be goddis helpe, and that j kan don,
To evel ende schal j hem bringen echon.
For so moche to Done J schal Hem make,
that they ne scholen weten how on to take.
but gret Bataylle schal there be,
and gret occisiown, ful Sykerle.
but on oure side ne schal not dye
Not passing iiij score, vtterlye.
and on here syde deyen ther schal
be thowsendis & hundredis of gret & smal.
therefore aparaylle ȝow ryht anon,
that aftyr Sowper we myhten hens gon,
and for every man foure dayes vytaylle,
For ellis be the weye scholen ȝe faille.”
“bien owre Socours comen wel & fyn?”
“that they ben, Syre, ful trewelye,
and kyng Artheuris host ben logged faste bye
jn the lawnde besydes Bredygam;
there ben they logged every man.
but on the tothyr syde moche peple there js,
Ten kynges corowned, with-owten mys,
and jn here compenye a dewk also,
and xl thousend men they hauen & mo.”
“For oure help now be god,” quod Antron,
“For mochel mischef toward vs gynneth gon.”
“ȝe,” quod merlyne to hym ryht thanne,
“as that j am now kyng Arthewris manne,
and be the oth that j haue hym j-do
and ek to my maister Blasye also:
be goddis helpe, and that j kan don,
To evel ende schal j hem bringen echon.
For so moche to Done J schal Hem make,
that they ne scholen weten how on to take.
but gret Bataylle schal there be,
and gret occisiown, ful Sykerle.
but on oure side ne schal not dye
Not passing iiij score, vtterlye.
and on here syde deyen ther schal
be thowsendis & hundredis of gret & smal.
therefore aparaylle ȝow ryht anon,
that aftyr Sowper we myhten hens gon,
and for every man foure dayes vytaylle,
For ellis be the weye scholen ȝe faille.”
277
Anon as they vndirstodyn this,
Ful faste they hem ordeyned, j-wys.
and whanne this thing was ordeyned & do,
thanne anon to Sowper gonnen they go.
And whanne they Supped hadden echon,
thanne axede kyng Arthewr merlyne anon
ȝif that armen they scholde hem thanne.
and merlyne answered & seide: “neuere a manne,
For hit wolde ȝow greven ȝoure harneys to bere,
Tyl jnto ȝowre ost that ȝe comen there.
For ȝe scholen neuere dreden of non man;
swich a weye j ȝow leden now kan.”
Ful faste they hem ordeyned, j-wys.
and whanne this thing was ordeyned & do,
thanne anon to Sowper gonnen they go.
And whanne they Supped hadden echon,
thanne axede kyng Arthewr merlyne anon
ȝif that armen they scholde hem thanne.
and merlyne answered & seide: “neuere a manne,
For hit wolde ȝow greven ȝoure harneys to bere,
Tyl jnto ȝowre ost that ȝe comen there.
For ȝe scholen neuere dreden of non man;
swich a weye j ȝow leden now kan.”
So whanne that alle j-Supped they hadde,
every man to chambre wente ful gladde,
and warme he lappede for the cold,
that non deseyse ne scholden hem hold.
and as hit was the wylle of god almyht,
the mone schon thorwh-owt al the Nyht.
thussone alle forth gonne they gon tho,
þe thre kinges, merlyne, & Antron also.
and forth they redyn al that nyht,
tyl that hit was aȝens day lyht.
So that they comen Jnto a forest,
there they alyhteden boþe lest & mest,
and eten Swich vetaylle as they browhte,
So þat eche man be oþer ful merye thowhte.
every man to chambre wente ful gladde,
and warme he lappede for the cold,
that non deseyse ne scholden hem hold.
and as hit was the wylle of god almyht,
the mone schon thorwh-owt al the Nyht.
thussone alle forth gonne they gon tho,
þe thre kinges, merlyne, & Antron also.
and forth they redyn al that nyht,
tyl that hit was aȝens day lyht.
So that they comen Jnto a forest,
there they alyhteden boþe lest & mest,
and eten Swich vetaylle as they browhte,
So þat eche man be oþer ful merye thowhte.
and whanne that they hadden eten echon,
the kynges & merlyne to cownseil gonne gon.
“Sire, weten ȝe, Artheur, what j wold mene?
But ryht a ȝong man of armes ȝe bene,
and therto a gret rewm forto meynteigne.
Now vndirstonde ȝe what j schal seyne:
Somme of ȝoure barowns with ȝow they be
and also a parcel of ȝowre comunealte;
that maketh ȝowre ȝiftes, ful sekerly,
whiche ȝe han ȝoven ful plentevosly.
and þerfore ȝif that evere large ȝe were
of ȝiftes to ȝeven bothe fer & Nere,
J ȝow now charge that large ȝe be
Of alle of ȝoure ȝiftes jn eche degre.
For mennis hertes geten ȝe neuere, trewely,
So wel as be grete ȝiftes, pleynly.
For therto jnowgh now scholen ȝe haue,
As mochel as ȝe wilen axen other crave.”
the kynges & merlyne to cownseil gonne gon.
“Sire, weten ȝe, Artheur, what j wold mene?
But ryht a ȝong man of armes ȝe bene,
and therto a gret rewm forto meynteigne.
Now vndirstonde ȝe what j schal seyne:
Somme of ȝoure barowns with ȝow they be
and also a parcel of ȝowre comunealte;
that maketh ȝowre ȝiftes, ful sekerly,
whiche ȝe han ȝoven ful plentevosly.
and þerfore ȝif that evere large ȝe were
of ȝiftes to ȝeven bothe fer & Nere,
J ȝow now charge that large ȝe be
278
For mennis hertes geten ȝe neuere, trewely,
So wel as be grete ȝiftes, pleynly.
For therto jnowgh now scholen ȝe haue,
As mochel as ȝe wilen axen other crave.”
“weteth wel, Syre, and vndirstond
that gret Tresowr js jn this lond;
but vnknowen to ȝow schal hit be,
Tyl that from bataylle ȝe comen, sikerle.
and þerfore that ȝe marken wel this place,
whanne alle thy Bataylle j-don thou hase.”
thanne ladde he him forth to a welle,
where a tokene he made, as j ȝow telle,
So that they merveilleden, þe kynges echon,
of swich thing as merlyne hadde þere don,
and ek they merveilleden þere also
of swich thing as merlyne tolde hem tho.
that gret Tresowr js jn this lond;
but vnknowen to ȝow schal hit be,
Tyl that from bataylle ȝe comen, sikerle.
and þerfore that ȝe marken wel this place,
whanne alle thy Bataylle j-don thou hase.”
thanne ladde he him forth to a welle,
where a tokene he made, as j ȝow telle,
So that they merveilleden, þe kynges echon,
of swich thing as merlyne hadde þere don,
and ek they merveilleden þere also
of swich thing as merlyne tolde hem tho.
thanne jn here weye they gonne to ryde,
For there nolden they non Lengere abyde.
So Ryden they forth bothe day and nyht,
that of hem ne restede neuere a wyht,
tyl that they comen to Bredygam,
where as was logged many a man.
So that kyng Arthewr was logged there
be a passyng fayr welle and clere;
and So gret foyson the water owt ran
evene thorwh the Lawnde to everich a man.
therto the wedyr ful cold was there,
For hit was jn the mounthe of jeneuere,
viij dayes to-forn the kandelmasse;
that tyme schortly forsothe hit wasse.
and there rested they hem two dayes be-dene,
here harneis to dressen and maken clene.
thanne to hem kam merlyne anon,
& seide: “on ȝoure enemyes now mown ȝe gon,
and devyseth now þerfore amonges ȝow here
ho þat toforn schal gon ȝowre meyne to lere.
For jn swich a manere scholen ȝe gon,
that of hem alle schal weten neuer on,
Tyl that evene on hem that ȝe falle
jn þe dirk morweneng, er ony man calle.
For ȝif that aparceyved there ȝe be,
aȝens hem mown ȝe not stonden, sikerle.
and doth thus, & haueth non drede,
For aȝens ȝow scholen they han but lytel spede.”
Thanne eche man harneysede hym anon
For there nolden they non Lengere abyde.
So Ryden they forth bothe day and nyht,
that of hem ne restede neuere a wyht,
tyl that they comen to Bredygam,
where as was logged many a man.
So that kyng Arthewr was logged there
be a passyng fayr welle and clere;
and So gret foyson the water owt ran
evene thorwh the Lawnde to everich a man.
therto the wedyr ful cold was there,
For hit was jn the mounthe of jeneuere,
viij dayes to-forn the kandelmasse;
that tyme schortly forsothe hit wasse.
and there rested they hem two dayes be-dene,
here harneis to dressen and maken clene.
thanne to hem kam merlyne anon,
& seide: “on ȝoure enemyes now mown ȝe gon,
and devyseth now þerfore amonges ȝow here
ho þat toforn schal gon ȝowre meyne to lere.
For jn swich a manere scholen ȝe gon,
that of hem alle schal weten neuer on,
279
jn þe dirk morweneng, er ony man calle.
For ȝif that aparceyved there ȝe be,
aȝens hem mown ȝe not stonden, sikerle.
and doth thus, & haueth non drede,
For aȝens ȝow scholen they han but lytel spede.”
Jn armes to Bataylle forto gon.
and the vowarde hadde sire kay
with kyng Arthewris baner, jn fay,
and with hym knyhtes bothe stowt & feers:
Sire girfleȝ & sire lucawns the Botelers,
Marvg de la roche & Gwynaus the bloys
with dryaunt of þe forest savage & belyas Amoroys,
ek with hem forth paste Flawndrys the bres;
these viij forth pasten, with-owten ony les,
and with hem foure thousend jn compenye,
the vomwarde to gouernen, ful Sykirle.
The secund warde hadde Sire Bretel,
a worthy werrowr ful strong and lel;
and thre thousend with him he ladde,
alle goode men and neuere on badde.
The thrydde warde there ladde tho
Sire Vlphyn, that jn armes mochel cowde do;
and in his compenye kyng Arthewr was there
with many a brown vndir that Banere,
and with hem fowre thousend jn compenye
of worthy Bodyes, an j schold not lye,
that neuere here lord nolden faillen there,
tyl that to þe deth j-browht they were.
thus eche warde thanne took his way,
and forth they wenten, er hit were day,
and merlyn to-fore, the weye to lede,
Rydyng vppon a stalworthy stede.
Aftyr this devisede kyng Ban his meyne,
and ek his brothir king Boors, ful sekerle,
So that to sire pharens tooken they þe ferste warde
vndyr kyng Boors baner to ben here garde,
and with hym that tyme forth þere wente
Sire ladmas with riht good entente,
and sire moret de laveye forth jn that pres,
Syre graciens the Bloys & pales Trebes
with Blyobers & sire melidyaus in compenye,
and with hem Sire madevs jn gret hye.
So that thre thowsend with him wente
Of Ryht goode Bodyes, Veramente.
the secunde warde of kyng Ban
Sire Leownces of Paerne ladde than,
and with him foure thousend ladde he
of goode bodyes jn his compeyne.
the thrydde wynge ladde kyng Boors,
that of non werre took he non fors,
with fowre thousend j-armed owt ryht,
that evere weren redy forto fyht.
the Fourthe Bataylle ladde kyng ban,
Jn alle degrees a ful worthy man,
and his baner he took forto bere
To sire lyawne, his steward, there,
and foure thousend jn his compenye
with hym bothe forto lyven & dye.
and whanne that all redy they were,
an esy pas they pasten forth there.
and hit was tho past the mydnyht,
And þerto þe mone schon ful bryht.
ek therto þe wedyr was ful stylle,
Ful preve & esy at here owne wylle.
280
So that to sire pharens tooken they þe ferste warde
vndyr kyng Boors baner to ben here garde,
and with hym that tyme forth þere wente
Sire ladmas with riht good entente,
and sire moret de laveye forth jn that pres,
Syre graciens the Bloys & pales Trebes
with Blyobers & sire melidyaus in compenye,
and with hem Sire madevs jn gret hye.
So that thre thowsend with him wente
Of Ryht goode Bodyes, Veramente.
the secunde warde of kyng Ban
Sire Leownces of Paerne ladde than,
and with him foure thousend ladde he
of goode bodyes jn his compeyne.
the thrydde wynge ladde kyng Boors,
that of non werre took he non fors,
with fowre thousend j-armed owt ryht,
that evere weren redy forto fyht.
the Fourthe Bataylle ladde kyng ban,
Jn alle degrees a ful worthy man,
and his baner he took forto bere
To sire lyawne, his steward, there,
and foure thousend jn his compenye
with hym bothe forto lyven & dye.
and whanne that all redy they were,
an esy pas they pasten forth there.
and hit was tho past the mydnyht,
And þerto þe mone schon ful bryht.
ek therto þe wedyr was ful stylle,
Ful preve & esy at here owne wylle.
Now of this sesyth this storye,
and to hem of yrlond hit doth now hye,
and of the kynges that to hem marched be,
as here-aftyr scholen ȝe heren and se.
and to hem of yrlond hit doth now hye,
and of the kynges that to hem marched be,
as here-aftyr scholen ȝe heren and se.
Now cometh hit here to Remembraunce,
that kyng Brangors, with-owten variance,
and kyng margans, with hym there was,
ek kyng hardybrans jn that plas,
and with hem kyng Amynadas,
that vncle to kyng Augwys was,
whiche vter pendragon browht in bale
and him Slowhe, as reherseth this tale—
and whanne they herden telle þat the Barowns
here londes hadden left and garysouns,
and to kyng Artheur comen they were
jn his werres to helpyn him there,
thanne these xj kynges jn fere
moche peple to-gederis gadered there,
So that they hadden thrytty thousend men
on horsbak with hem to ryden then,
with-owten Footmen gret plente,
and the contre distroyede, ful sekerle,
and slowen the peple, and deden owtrage,
and jn that Lond dyden ful gret damage.
For euere as they reden, they stroyed down ryht,
therto they ne leften on lyve non wyht.
and to þe castel vandalyer in Cornewaylle
they leyden a sege, with-owten faylle;
and neuere remeved myhten they be,
Tyl thedyr cam kyng Artheur, ful sikirle.
But Whanne Kyng Arthewr Herde of al this,
and the kynges that with hym weren, j-wys,
So whanne that acordyd they weren echon,
Fulsone on here weye thanne gonne they gon.
that kyng Brangors, with-owten variance,
281
ek kyng hardybrans jn that plas,
and with hem kyng Amynadas,
that vncle to kyng Augwys was,
whiche vter pendragon browht in bale
and him Slowhe, as reherseth this tale—
and whanne they herden telle þat the Barowns
here londes hadden left and garysouns,
and to kyng Artheur comen they were
jn his werres to helpyn him there,
thanne these xj kynges jn fere
moche peple to-gederis gadered there,
So that they hadden thrytty thousend men
on horsbak with hem to ryden then,
with-owten Footmen gret plente,
and the contre distroyede, ful sekerle,
and slowen the peple, and deden owtrage,
and jn that Lond dyden ful gret damage.
For euere as they reden, they stroyed down ryht,
therto they ne leften on lyve non wyht.
and to þe castel vandalyer in Cornewaylle
they leyden a sege, with-owten faylle;
and neuere remeved myhten they be,
Tyl thedyr cam kyng Artheur, ful sikirle.
But Whanne Kyng Arthewr Herde of al this,
and the kynges that with hym weren, j-wys,
So whanne that acordyd they weren echon,
Fulsone on here weye thanne gonne they gon.
but no mare tellith this mater now here,
Tyl that to kyng Arthewr don we pere,
and of merlyne, and to kyng Ban,
and of kyng Boors, how they spedden than:
how jnto Bataylle that they gonne gon,
Aȝens the xj kynges that weren here fon,
that remeved weren to Bredygan,
The wheche atte Sege þere lyen than.
Tyl that to kyng Arthewr don we pere,
and of merlyne, and to kyng Ban,
and of kyng Boors, how they spedden than:
how jnto Bataylle that they gonne gon,
Aȝens the xj kynges that weren here fon,
that remeved weren to Bredygan,
The wheche atte Sege þere lyen than.
282
Thus here Reporteth this Storye
how that kyng Arthewr his ost gan gye
and the kyng Ban his bataylles also
aȝens the xj kynges forto go.
But these xj kynges wysten non thyng
of kyng Artheures ordenaunce ne of his comeng;
So that nyht to bedde wente every man,
For of kyng Artheur rowhten they not than.
but hit happede wel that nyht,
that þe xj kynges to-gederis j-plyht
with the kyng of an hundred knyhtes were,
For drede of non man hadden they there.
how that kyng Arthewr his ost gan gye
and the kyng Ban his bataylles also
aȝens the xj kynges forto go.
But these xj kynges wysten non thyng
of kyng Artheures ordenaunce ne of his comeng;
So that nyht to bedde wente every man,
For of kyng Artheur rowhten they not than.
but hit happede wel that nyht,
that þe xj kynges to-gederis j-plyht
with the kyng of an hundred knyhtes were,
For drede of non man hadden they there.
jn the mene whyle that they Slepten so,
kyng loth jn a wondyr drem fyl tho:
hym thowhte that so gret a wynd þere was,
so merveillous and boystows, jn that plas,
that houses and clochers hit threw adown,
and aftyr of thondyr he herde a gret sown,
that hym thowhte al the world, j-wys,
hit astoned & qwook for drede of this.
and aftyr him thowte, ȝyt say he more:
a gret passyng water that was thore,
that alle the howseng it bar a-down,
and dreynte the peple jn virown;
& hym-Self in peryl hym thowhte he was
There to ben persched jn that plas.
Jn this maner dremede Sire loth, the kyng,
kyng loth jn a wondyr drem fyl tho:
hym thowhte that so gret a wynd þere was,
so merveillous and boystows, jn that plas,
that houses and clochers hit threw adown,
and aftyr of thondyr he herde a gret sown,
that hym thowhte al the world, j-wys,
hit astoned & qwook for drede of this.
and aftyr him thowte, ȝyt say he more:
a gret passyng water that was thore,
that alle the howseng it bar a-down,
and dreynte the peple jn virown;
& hym-Self in peryl hym thowhte he was
There to ben persched jn that plas.
and sone after he fyl jn wakyng,
and of his dreme he wondrede, j-wys;
he gan hym blesse, & seide: “what meneth this?”
and to his meyne he wente anon,
and tolde hem of his avisyoun.
thanne axeden they hym anon ryht
jnto what party he Say that Syht.
and he seide, from the Forest syde,
that thens hyt kam, him thowhte þat tyde.
thanne seiden they, with-owten faylle
that with-jnne schort tyme to hauen bataylle.
thanne eche man awok oþer anon,
283
and awoken alle here compenye,
Forto serchen the contre gonnen they hye.
with this the bataylles togederes were,
the xj kynges and Artheur jn fere.
So that merlyne hastyd forth more meyne,
That to-gederis they metten, full Sykirle,
they that the contre Serchen scholde
and Artheurs meyne, hos wol oþer nolde,
To-gederis they weren, er they jt wyste,
and merlyn to-fore rod for truste.
and whanne kyng lothis meyne say this,
So moche peple þere armed, j-wys,
they axeden of him that rod tofore,
what peple it js, was armed thore.
Merlyne seide: “Arthewris meyne;
this lond to chalange hider comen we
aȝens hem that him don defende
his lond to entren, er than they wende.”
anon as they thanne this worde herde,
aȝen ful faste Bakward they ferde.
and whanne to the ost they comen ageyn,
Anon thanne they gonnen cryen & seyn:
“Treson, Treson amonges vs now js,
and falsly we ben betrayed, j-wys.
as armes now bothe bacheler & knyht,
For ȝe hadden neuere more nede to fyht.”
So that every man to his harneys Sowhte,
but sone jn gret deseisse weren browhte.
ȝit of on thing hit happede hem wel:
that here hors weren sadelyd eche del.
but so sore j-hasted neuere they were,
as as theke tyme they weren there.
and whanne that harneyssed they weren echon,
a wondir aventure Fyl hem vppon:
merlyne swich a wynd amonges hem sente,
that hit down blew bothe pavylown and tente,
and vppon here hedis hit Fyl a-down,
So that they weren encombryd echon.
and þerto the storm so strong there was,
that non man othir sawh jn that plas.
and this distorblede hem wondyr sere,
er that alle Fullich redy þey were,
which that Tornede hem to gret damage
be Artheuris men, that dedyn owtrage,
that Slowen and maden distrocciown
of mochel of the meyne jn virown.
aȝen ful faste Bakward they ferde.
and whanne to the ost they comen ageyn,
Anon thanne they gonnen cryen & seyn:
“Treson, Treson amonges vs now js,
and falsly we ben betrayed, j-wys.
as armes now bothe bacheler & knyht,
For ȝe hadden neuere more nede to fyht.”
So that every man to his harneys Sowhte,
but sone jn gret deseisse weren browhte.
ȝit of on thing hit happede hem wel:
that here hors weren sadelyd eche del.
but so sore j-hasted neuere they were,
as as theke tyme they weren there.
and whanne that harneyssed they weren echon,
a wondir aventure Fyl hem vppon:
merlyne swich a wynd amonges hem sente,
284
and vppon here hedis hit Fyl a-down,
So that they weren encombryd echon.
and þerto the storm so strong there was,
that non man othir sawh jn that plas.
and this distorblede hem wondyr sere,
er that alle Fullich redy þey were,
which that Tornede hem to gret damage
be Artheuris men, that dedyn owtrage,
that Slowen and maden distrocciown
of mochel of the meyne jn virown.
But the xj kynges that departed were,
and jnto the pleyn feld weren fled for fere,
they setten a busch on lyht Fere thenne,
therby to hem to gaderen thanne.
and so they deden, as they myhten gon,
For of hem pyte Artheurs meyne hadde non,
So that er they knewen the day lyht,
thre part of here meyne weren slayn jn fyht.
whanne they of the ost behelden al this,
that aȝens hem was so mochel peple, j-wys,
Eche man fledde to his Banere,
where as þe horn herde he sownen there.
For these kynges to-gederis j-gadered were
Fast by thentre of the forest there.
So that lytel and lytel they gonne releve,
Tyl xx thousend they myhte preve.
and x thousend torned forto fle
on dyvers partyes, ful Sykerle,
with weping, cryeng, and with gret mone,
For the harm that they hadden echone.
and x thousend atte grownde lay down ryht,
What Slayn and maymed every A Wyht,
that non other there Socouren ne may,
Ne non man deseisen be Nyht and day.
and jnto the pleyn feld weren fled for fere,
they setten a busch on lyht Fere thenne,
therby to hem to gaderen thanne.
and so they deden, as they myhten gon,
For of hem pyte Artheurs meyne hadde non,
So that er they knewen the day lyht,
thre part of here meyne weren slayn jn fyht.
whanne they of the ost behelden al this,
that aȝens hem was so mochel peple, j-wys,
Eche man fledde to his Banere,
where as þe horn herde he sownen there.
For these kynges to-gederis j-gadered were
Fast by thentre of the forest there.
So that lytel and lytel they gonne releve,
Tyl xx thousend they myhte preve.
and x thousend torned forto fle
on dyvers partyes, ful Sykerle,
with weping, cryeng, and with gret mone,
For the harm that they hadden echone.
and x thousend atte grownde lay down ryht,
What Slayn and maymed every A Wyht,
that non other there Socouren ne may,
Ne non man deseisen be Nyht and day.
Whanne Artheur beheld, al this herbergerye
was thus remeved, & so sodeynlye,
To merlyn kyng Arthewr cam anon,
and axede of hym what he scholde don.
“J schal ȝow telle,” quod merlyne thanne,
“ȝe moste now werken as a wys manne.
vp to ȝone passe ȝe schole now gon,
where as these meyne be rested echon,
xx thousend jn on compenye,
and aȝens hem that thou fyhte manlye.
and to ȝow schal comen jn Socowreng there
kyng Ban and his Brothyr so dere,
and from owt of the Forest scholen they gon.
and whanne the tothir partye loketh hem vppon,
So Sore abawed thanne scholen they be,
that lytel defens jn hem Scholen ȝe se.”
285
To merlyn kyng Arthewr cam anon,
and axede of hym what he scholde don.
“J schal ȝow telle,” quod merlyne thanne,
“ȝe moste now werken as a wys manne.
vp to ȝone passe ȝe schole now gon,
where as these meyne be rested echon,
xx thousend jn on compenye,
and aȝens hem that thou fyhte manlye.
and to ȝow schal comen jn Socowreng there
kyng Ban and his Brothyr so dere,
and from owt of the Forest scholen they gon.
and whanne the tothir partye loketh hem vppon,
So Sore abawed thanne scholen they be,
that lytel defens jn hem Scholen ȝe se.”
thus ech from othyr departyd thanne,
and took But lytel reward of ony manne.
So whanne they thus to-gederis mette,
manye harde Strokes weren there sette
with swerdis on helmes, and scheldes to-broke,
and sperys al to-schateryd, as seyth the boke.
with that cam kyng Ban & kyng Bors also
jn socowreng of kyng Arthewr tho.
there myhte men Se knyhtes down throwe,
and ful thykke jn the weye they lyen ful lowe,
and al the Feld there Blody was,
So moche peple was Slayn jn that plas.
thanne Syre kay, that on pas kepte,
Ful angwyssowsly thedyrward he lepte
with thre thousend jn his compenye;
aȝens xx thousend than gan he hye.
and whanne the xj kynges on a rewe
behelden hem-self so manye & þe toþer so fewe,
thanne sore aschamed weren they echon;
thussone began there gret Bataylle anon.
Thanne so faste they to-gederis held
Bothe with swerd, spere, and scheld,
That þe scheltrom onnethis brekyn th[e]y myhte;
So Sore the xj kynges gonnen to fyhte.
but longe myhten they hit not endure,
the stowr so strong was, j ȝow ensure.
Thanne cam Vlphyn jn ryht gret haste,
and thorwgh that meyne fulsone he paste.
and took But lytel reward of ony manne.
So whanne they thus to-gederis mette,
manye harde Strokes weren there sette
with swerdis on helmes, and scheldes to-broke,
and sperys al to-schateryd, as seyth the boke.
with that cam kyng Ban & kyng Bors also
jn socowreng of kyng Arthewr tho.
there myhte men Se knyhtes down throwe,
and ful thykke jn the weye they lyen ful lowe,
and al the Feld there Blody was,
So moche peple was Slayn jn that plas.
thanne Syre kay, that on pas kepte,
Ful angwyssowsly thedyrward he lepte
with thre thousend jn his compenye;
aȝens xx thousend than gan he hye.
and whanne the xj kynges on a rewe
behelden hem-self so manye & þe toþer so fewe,
thanne sore aschamed weren they echon;
thussone began there gret Bataylle anon.
Thanne so faste they to-gederis held
Bothe with swerd, spere, and scheld,
286
So Sore the xj kynges gonnen to fyhte.
but longe myhten they hit not endure,
the stowr so strong was, j ȝow ensure.
Thanne cam Vlphyn jn ryht gret haste,
and thorwgh that meyne fulsone he paste.
And whanne with-jnne hem that he was,
Fulsore he fawht there in that plas.
and so they cryde and so they ferde,
that an hol myle the Noyse was herde.
So that wondir strokes weren there set
on scheldis and helmes, whanne they met,
and ek many man ded there was,
and manye hors to grownde wente jn that plas.
So that mochel harm was there do;
and Vlphyn onhorsyd on grownde was tho.
Thanne Say Bretel his Brothyr on grownde,
and ful faste he prekede thedyr that stownde.
but thowgh that Vlphyn on grownde were,
ȝit he defendid him with his spere,
that no man dorste hym there comen ny;
So sore he fawht and so manly.
whanne Sire Bretel sawh that hit was so,
his hors with the spores thanne took he tho,
and him so sore he smot that Tyde,
hym that on Vlphyn there dide abyde,
that bothe hors and man there wente to grownde;
So sore he hym smot that ylke stownde.
Fulsore he fawht there in that plas.
and so they cryde and so they ferde,
that an hol myle the Noyse was herde.
So that wondir strokes weren there set
on scheldis and helmes, whanne they met,
and ek many man ded there was,
and manye hors to grownde wente jn that plas.
So that mochel harm was there do;
and Vlphyn onhorsyd on grownde was tho.
Thanne Say Bretel his Brothyr on grownde,
and ful faste he prekede thedyr that stownde.
but thowgh that Vlphyn on grownde were,
ȝit he defendid him with his spere,
that no man dorste hym there comen ny;
So sore he fawht and so manly.
whanne Sire Bretel sawh that hit was so,
his hors with the spores thanne took he tho,
and him so sore he smot that Tyde,
hym that on Vlphyn there dide abyde,
that bothe hors and man there wente to grownde;
So sore he hym smot that ylke stownde.
whanne kyng clariouns beheld that chevalrye,
Ful angry he was and þerto ryht sorye,
and aȝens Sire bretel he gan to ryde
His felawe to socowren that ylke tyde.
Whanne sire Bretel Say hym come ryding so,
aȝens hym faste he gan to go,
and they to-gederis sone metten jn fere,
that bothe here scheldis thorwgh-persched were;
So grete strokis & harde smyten they tho,
For worthy knyhtes weren they bothe two.
So sore they fowhten, that hit was wondir,
Tyl bothe here speris borsten on sondyr,
and bothe here scheldes flowen jnto þe feld;
Swich strokes there eche to oþer gan ȝeld.
and ȝit Sorrer to-gederis they mette,
for ech swich strokis on oþer sette,
here eyen hem thowhte out of here hedes wente;
So sore they fowten there, veramente.
and therto so sore they astoned they ben,
and ek here hors, as they that hyt Syen,
that they ronnen al there on blood;
So depe jn here syde the spores wood.
and therto with fowndryng here hors also
on here knes non skyn beleften tho,
So that hyt ran owt blood ful cler,
as they in the weye reden ther.
and so longe atte the grownd they lye
and so fowle astoned there, trewelye,
that they ne knewen nethyr day ne nyht;
So stronge to-gederis they weren jn fyht.
So ferforth they wenden that hem beheld,
that bothe hadden ben ded þere jn þe feld.
Ful angry he was and þerto ryht sorye,
and aȝens Sire bretel he gan to ryde
His felawe to socowren that ylke tyde.
Whanne sire Bretel Say hym come ryding so,
aȝens hym faste he gan to go,
and they to-gederis sone metten jn fere,
that bothe here scheldis thorwgh-persched were;
So grete strokis & harde smyten they tho,
287
So sore they fowhten, that hit was wondir,
Tyl bothe here speris borsten on sondyr,
and bothe here scheldes flowen jnto þe feld;
Swich strokes there eche to oþer gan ȝeld.
and ȝit Sorrer to-gederis they mette,
for ech swich strokis on oþer sette,
here eyen hem thowhte out of here hedes wente;
So sore they fowten there, veramente.
and therto so sore they astoned they ben,
and ek here hors, as they that hyt Syen,
that they ronnen al there on blood;
So depe jn here syde the spores wood.
and therto with fowndryng here hors also
on here knes non skyn beleften tho,
So that hyt ran owt blood ful cler,
as they in the weye reden ther.
and so longe atte the grownd they lye
and so fowle astoned there, trewelye,
that they ne knewen nethyr day ne nyht;
So stronge to-gederis they weren jn fyht.
So ferforth they wenden that hem beheld,
that bothe hadden ben ded þere jn þe feld.
So that on bothe partyes they comen ful blyve
To reskwen tho knyhtes and saven here lyve.
For they wenden, ded that they hadde ben,
on bothe partyes, as they hem Syen.
but whanne Sire kay this beheld,
that Sire Bretel lay jn the feld,
Thedyr he gan hym ful faste hye
Sire Bretel to Socowren, Trewelye.
Thanne thre kynges aȝens hym comen ryde
with gret anger, haterede, & with gret pryde;
with these aȝens kyng Arthewr they were
what that they cowden with scheld oþer spere.
and þe toþer xj kynges, verament,
Ful harde they fowhten and with good entent,
amongis whom Sire Gyrfleȝ beten he was
and Lwcauns the Botelers jn that plas.
Thanne kyng Brangors & kyng Ydyers
as two kynges bothe stowt and Feers,
ek kyng Augwyseax and kyng Vryens
eche with oþer rod forth jn presens.
So that there began ful strong melle
bothe partyes to reskwen, Sekerle.
for Ful merveillous weren the strokes and stronge
that thike partyes weren there amonge.
So that with fyn fors and strengthe there,
among alle the enemyes that þere were,
there reskwed sire kay with strengthe & myht
Sire girfles, and horsyd hym anon ryht
vppon kyng Newtres, with-owten lye.
and þerto kyng loth, ful certeynlye,
with a tronchon of a spere was so bete,
that sothely he wende his lyf to lete.
To reskwen tho knyhtes and saven here lyve.
For they wenden, ded that they hadde ben,
on bothe partyes, as they hem Syen.
but whanne Sire kay this beheld,
that Sire Bretel lay jn the feld,
Thedyr he gan hym ful faste hye
Sire Bretel to Socowren, Trewelye.
Thanne thre kynges aȝens hym comen ryde
with gret anger, haterede, & with gret pryde;
with these aȝens kyng Arthewr they were
what that they cowden with scheld oþer spere.
and þe toþer xj kynges, verament,
Ful harde they fowhten and with good entent,
amongis whom Sire Gyrfleȝ beten he was
288
Thanne kyng Brangors & kyng Ydyers
as two kynges bothe stowt and Feers,
ek kyng Augwyseax and kyng Vryens
eche with oþer rod forth jn presens.
So that there began ful strong melle
bothe partyes to reskwen, Sekerle.
for Ful merveillous weren the strokes and stronge
that thike partyes weren there amonge.
So that with fyn fors and strengthe there,
among alle the enemyes that þere were,
there reskwed sire kay with strengthe & myht
Sire girfles, and horsyd hym anon ryht
vppon kyng Newtres, with-owten lye.
and þerto kyng loth, ful certeynlye,
with a tronchon of a spere was so bete,
that sothely he wende his lyf to lete.
And jn this mene while there kam anon
the kyng of an c knyhtes ful son
and with hym xl knyhtes of prys,
as he wolde chesen at his devys,
the beste that weren jn his compenye
amongis alle oþer that he cowde dyscrye.
and whanne þat he sawhe sire kay þere present,
that kyng loth So hadde beten, verament,
Wherfore ful sory He Was that tyde,
and faste thedyrward he gan to ryde,
and toward Syre kay he rood ful faste,
whyles that the breth of his hors myhte laste,
and there so sore to hym he rod,
and non lengere there he ne abod,
and smot Syre kay so jn the Scheld,
that down he fyl there jn the Feld,
and took his hors with-owten more,
and to kyng Loth he ladde hit thore,
and seide: “syre, where is ȝoure thowht?
Lo, ȝoure enemyes hors j haue ȝow browht!
Now worth vpe here with ryht good chere,
and on ȝoure enemy ben avenged here.
For this day han ȝe lost mochel thyng
of worschepe that belongeth to a kyng.”
the kyng of an c knyhtes ful son
and with hym xl knyhtes of prys,
as he wolde chesen at his devys,
the beste that weren jn his compenye
amongis alle oþer that he cowde dyscrye.
and whanne þat he sawhe sire kay þere present,
that kyng loth So hadde beten, verament,
Wherfore ful sory He Was that tyde,
and faste thedyrward he gan to ryde,
and toward Syre kay he rood ful faste,
whyles that the breth of his hors myhte laste,
and there so sore to hym he rod,
and non lengere there he ne abod,
and smot Syre kay so jn the Scheld,
that down he fyl there jn the Feld,
and took his hors with-owten more,
and to kyng Loth he ladde hit thore,
289
Lo, ȝoure enemyes hors j haue ȝow browht!
Now worth vpe here with ryht good chere,
and on ȝoure enemy ben avenged here.
For this day han ȝe lost mochel thyng
of worschepe that belongeth to a kyng.”
So vppon that hors he wente anon,
and toward Sire kay gan he gon.
and whanne Sire Gyrfleȝ this beheld,
That Sire kay lay in the feld,
and Lwcans ek dyde also,
how that Sire kay suffrede anger & wo,
Ful Sorweful they weren thanne, trewelye,
and faste thedyrward they gonnen hem hye
with two Lawnces bothe stowt and grete;
with som of these meyne there gonne they mete.
So sore they cowntreden that jlke stownde,
That ech two knyhtes þere bar to grownde,
and took þe best hors be þe reyne anon,
and there-with Sire kay presentyd fulson.
thanne he hym horsede, for nede he hadde,
For ferst he was ful sore be-stadde.
and toward Sire kay gan he gon.
and whanne Sire Gyrfleȝ this beheld,
That Sire kay lay in the feld,
and Lwcans ek dyde also,
how that Sire kay suffrede anger & wo,
Ful Sorweful they weren thanne, trewelye,
and faste thedyrward they gonnen hem hye
with two Lawnces bothe stowt and grete;
with som of these meyne there gonne they mete.
So sore they cowntreden that jlke stownde,
That ech two knyhtes þere bar to grownde,
and took þe best hors be þe reyne anon,
and there-with Sire kay presentyd fulson.
thanne he hym horsede, for nede he hadde,
For ferst he was ful sore be-stadde.
thanne the kyng of an hundred knyhtes
and kyng loth with hym anon ryhtes,
that with strong forse, myht, and mayn
kyng Newtres of Garlot they horsede ageyn
on morettes hors de la Roche.
thanne to kyng ydyers gonne they Reproche,
and Sire Gwynaws the bloys hors they took,
and þere-onne hym horsede, as seith the book.
and the dewk Escan of kambenie
was horsed also anon, with-owten lye,
vppon dryauntes hors of the forest Savage,
that toforn jn bataylle dyde gret owtrage.
and whanne alle these meyne j-horsed were,
thanne thowhten they to ben avenged there
vppon here damages, that they hadden toforn;
but er they wente, al was forlorn.
and kyng loth with hym anon ryhtes,
that with strong forse, myht, and mayn
kyng Newtres of Garlot they horsede ageyn
on morettes hors de la Roche.
thanne to kyng ydyers gonne they Reproche,
and Sire Gwynaws the bloys hors they took,
and þere-onne hym horsede, as seith the book.
and the dewk Escan of kambenie
was horsed also anon, with-owten lye,
vppon dryauntes hors of the forest Savage,
that toforn jn bataylle dyde gret owtrage.
and whanne alle these meyne j-horsed were,
thanne thowhten they to ben avenged there
vppon here damages, that they hadden toforn;
but er they wente, al was forlorn.
290
Thanne thowhten the viij kynges tho,
that ful wel they wenden hauen j-do,
but lyhtly they losten al jn fere.
For kyng Arthewr fulsone aspyde there,
and kam jn comforteng of his meyne,
ek thorwh that meyne paste he, sykerle,
and so the hors with his spores he smot,
that owt hit sprang the Fyr so hot.
And sire Vlphyn fond he growndyd there
with his swerd on hande hym forto were
and Sire Bretel at gret mischef also,
that vnnethis to horsbak myhte he go.
wherfore ful sory that tyme he was,
and forth he prekede jnto that plas:
with a spere bothe myhty & strong
jnto the pres there gan he fong,
and there mette wyth Tradelamaund,
kyng of north wales, as j vndirstond.
anon so sore he there with him mette,
And swych a Strok He on Hym sette,
and smot hym evene amyddes the scheld,
that over he fyl there jn the feld.
therto his left Scholdre he smot a-down,
that he fyl there ouer the hors arsown.
kyng Arthewr the hors took jn that plas
be the Brydel, that ful wel gylt was,
and lad hit to Sire Vlphyn anon,
and bad that he scholde faste vp gon
on hors-bak to ben avenged there
vppon his enemy, that dyde hym dere—
“and thenketh vppon the grete velonye
that ȝe han Suffred, and gret anoye.”
thanne horsede hym Sire vlphyn hastely,
and Seyde: “sire kyng, now gromessy!”
that ful wel they wenden hauen j-do,
but lyhtly they losten al jn fere.
For kyng Arthewr fulsone aspyde there,
and kam jn comforteng of his meyne,
ek thorwh that meyne paste he, sykerle,
and so the hors with his spores he smot,
that owt hit sprang the Fyr so hot.
And sire Vlphyn fond he growndyd there
with his swerd on hande hym forto were
and Sire Bretel at gret mischef also,
that vnnethis to horsbak myhte he go.
wherfore ful sory that tyme he was,
and forth he prekede jnto that plas:
with a spere bothe myhty & strong
jnto the pres there gan he fong,
and there mette wyth Tradelamaund,
kyng of north wales, as j vndirstond.
anon so sore he there with him mette,
And swych a Strok He on Hym sette,
and smot hym evene amyddes the scheld,
that over he fyl there jn the feld.
therto his left Scholdre he smot a-down,
that he fyl there ouer the hors arsown.
kyng Arthewr the hors took jn that plas
be the Brydel, that ful wel gylt was,
and lad hit to Sire Vlphyn anon,
and bad that he scholde faste vp gon
on hors-bak to ben avenged there
vppon his enemy, that dyde hym dere—
“and thenketh vppon the grete velonye
that ȝe han Suffred, and gret anoye.”
thanne horsede hym Sire vlphyn hastely,
and Seyde: “sire kyng, now gromessy!”
anon he prekede jnto that pres,
kyng Arthewr & he, with-owten les.
thanne there began so strong melle,
that pyte and rowthe hit was to se.
For there broken they the buschschement
that vppon his meyne there was present,
So that they vppon the tothyr partye
Ful mochel harm cawhten, Sekerlye.
and ȝit half meyne more they hadde,
thanne kyng Arthewr thedyr with hym ladde.
So that gret occision þere thanne was
of many bodyes jn that plas.
So that kyng Arthewr merveilleȝ wrowht þere,
that eche man dradde hym every where;
So that no man dorsten abyden his hond,
So spetowsly he took on with his brond;
For that tyme dorst hym non man abyde,
So sore he fawht that ylke tyde.
kyng Arthewr & he, with-owten les.
thanne there began so strong melle,
that pyte and rowthe hit was to se.
291
that vppon his meyne there was present,
So that they vppon the tothyr partye
Ful mochel harm cawhten, Sekerlye.
and ȝit half meyne more they hadde,
thanne kyng Arthewr thedyr with hym ladde.
So that gret occision þere thanne was
of many bodyes jn that plas.
So that kyng Arthewr merveilleȝ wrowht þere,
that eche man dradde hym every where;
So that no man dorsten abyden his hond,
So spetowsly he took on with his brond;
For that tyme dorst hym non man abyde,
So sore he fawht that ylke tyde.
Whanne the kyng of an hundred knyhtes
Sawh Tredelemaunt anon ryhtes,
that at þe erthe stille he lay,
Ful Sory he was that ylke day
(For he lovede hym ful specyaly),
and faste ageyn Artheur he gan hym hy,
and his hors with the spores he smot
aȝens kyng Arthewr evene foot hot,
and hym ful spetowsly smot jn that plas,
so þat kyng Arthewr sore astoned was.
and whanne kyng Arthewr that strok felte,
anon his lyvere abowtes he delte,
but ȝit sorye he was, ful trewelye,
for sire kay, that was jn his compenye.
kyng Artheur left vpe his swerd anon,
and to þe kyng of an hundred knyhtes gan he gon
and thorwh the left Scholdere han hym bore.
that beheld anon the toþer kyng thore;
and whanne he sawh the strok comenge,
aweyward faste gan he flynge,
and his scheld vppon his hed he caste.
but kyng Arthewr to hym þere thraste,
and so sore smot hym vppon the scheld,
that hit flew half jnto the feld.
So that his strok discendid there
on his hors hed, with-owten dwere;
So that bothe to grownde they wente.
and þat beheld syre kay, veraymente,
and say that hors astray there gon,
and to his fadyr Antron he ladde it anon.
So that jn the sadel ful sone he was,
and þereof was joyful jn that plas.
Sawh Tredelemaunt anon ryhtes,
that at þe erthe stille he lay,
Ful Sory he was that ylke day
(For he lovede hym ful specyaly),
and faste ageyn Artheur he gan hym hy,
and his hors with the spores he smot
aȝens kyng Arthewr evene foot hot,
and hym ful spetowsly smot jn that plas,
so þat kyng Arthewr sore astoned was.
and whanne kyng Arthewr that strok felte,
anon his lyvere abowtes he delte,
but ȝit sorye he was, ful trewelye,
for sire kay, that was jn his compenye.
kyng Artheur left vpe his swerd anon,
and to þe kyng of an hundred knyhtes gan he gon
and thorwh the left Scholdere han hym bore.
that beheld anon the toþer kyng thore;
and whanne he sawh the strok comenge,
aweyward faste gan he flynge,
and his scheld vppon his hed he caste.
but kyng Arthewr to hym þere thraste,
292
that hit flew half jnto the feld.
So that his strok discendid there
on his hors hed, with-owten dwere;
So that bothe to grownde they wente.
and þat beheld syre kay, veraymente,
and say that hors astray there gon,
and to his fadyr Antron he ladde it anon.
So that jn the sadel ful sone he was,
and þereof was joyful jn that plas.
thanne aȝens margamur, the kynges stewarde,
Sire Antron with his hors rod ful harde,
and badde hym greten wel his lord & kyng,
that of an hundred knyhtes hadde governyng—
“And for his Love j schal the mete,
For For nothyng J ne Wele Hyt Lete.”
that thorwh the ryht Scholdere he smot him thanne,
and to erthe he Bar hym, hors & manne;
So thanne on hym there barst he his Lawnce.
and with that hors sone gan he Bretel avance,
and to hym hit ladde thorgwh the pres
(For tyl he hym fond, he wolde not Ses),
of whiche hors Sire Bretel hadde gret nede
owther ellis of sum othyr, so god me spede.
Sire Antron with his hors rod ful harde,
and badde hym greten wel his lord & kyng,
that of an hundred knyhtes hadde governyng—
“And for his Love j schal the mete,
For For nothyng J ne Wele Hyt Lete.”
that thorwh the ryht Scholdere he smot him thanne,
and to erthe he Bar hym, hors & manne;
So thanne on hym there barst he his Lawnce.
and with that hors sone gan he Bretel avance,
and to hym hit ladde thorgwh the pres
(For tyl he hym fond, he wolde not Ses),
of whiche hors Sire Bretel hadde gret nede
owther ellis of sum othyr, so god me spede.
thanne was fulsone Sire Bretel on lofte,
and abowtes him he lokede ful ofte,
and Syre lwcawnes ryht sone he say
down vppon therthe there he lay,
and vp keuerynge was, and defendid hym faste,
whiles ony strengthe jn hym myhte laste;
that gret Joye hit was hym forto se,
For abowtes hym xiiij there weren, sikerle,
and he nas but hym-self al alone;
but for al the power that they cowden done,
owt of that place hym remeven ne myhte;
and [this] beheld Sire Bretel anon ryhte,
and to hym there prekede jn that pres.
So whiche þat ferst he mette, with-owten les,
thorwh the helm he claf atwo hys hed,
that jn the feeld he fyl down ded.
The Secund he smot so in the scheld,
that arm and al flew jnto þe feld.
and Sire gyrfleȝ, that Sire lwcawns was by,
Sore hym defendyd an ful myhttyly.
ȝit ek anothyr Sire Bretel Smot,
That at his feet he fyl ful hot.
and abowtes him he lokede ful ofte,
and Syre lwcawnes ryht sone he say
down vppon therthe there he lay,
and vp keuerynge was, and defendid hym faste,
whiles ony strengthe jn hym myhte laste;
that gret Joye hit was hym forto se,
For abowtes hym xiiij there weren, sikerle,
and he nas but hym-self al alone;
but for al the power that they cowden done,
owt of that place hym remeven ne myhte;
and [this] beheld Sire Bretel anon ryhte,
and to hym there prekede jn that pres.
So whiche þat ferst he mette, with-owten les,
293
that jn the feeld he fyl down ded.
The Secund he smot so in the scheld,
that arm and al flew jnto þe feld.
and Sire gyrfleȝ, that Sire lwcawns was by,
Sore hym defendyd an ful myhttyly.
ȝit ek anothyr Sire Bretel Smot,
That at his feet he fyl ful hot.
Whanne that Sire Gyrfleȝ Sawh he had socour,
Ful manfully fawht he thanne jn that stour,
and the ferst that he mette there,
his arm of smot he qwyt & clere,
that to the erthe he Fyl down ryht.
anon Sire lwcawns, that worthy knyht,
vppon that hors fulsone he was,
and sory man & angry jn that plas,
that his schamefulnesse wolde avenge.
Ful manfully fawht he thanne jn that stour,
and the ferst that he mette there,
his arm of smot he qwyt & clere,
that to the erthe he Fyl down ryht.
anon Sire lwcawns, that worthy knyht,
vppon that hors fulsone he was,
and sory man & angry jn that plas,
that his schamefulnesse wolde avenge.
thanne sone prekede he jnto that renge,
where as gwycher he say, of scotland kyng,
that on moret, his felawe, was abydyng.
Sire Lwcawns his hors there smot so sore,
and with Gwycher þe kyng mette he thore,
So that thorwhe hawberk and haberiown
Sone jnto the feld there smot hym down.
where as gwycher he say, of scotland kyng,
that on moret, his felawe, was abydyng.
Sire Lwcawns his hors there smot so sore,
and with Gwycher þe kyng mette he thore,
So that thorwhe hawberk and haberiown
Sone jnto the feld there smot hym down.
thanne whanne Sire moret beheld tho this,
Ful sone jn that Sadel he was, j-wys,
and forth he prekede jnto that pres,
and for non man ne wolde he ses.
thanne Belyas & Flawndryn say he there,
that vppon tweyne of his Felawes rested were,
vppon dryawnt and dynas,
that with Artheur weren jn that plas.
but so gret was there that pres with-jnne,
er sire moret to his Felawes myhte wynne,
So that so sore there gan he fyhte,
that hit was merveyl to ony mannes syhte;
and so wel there he hym bar jn that fyht,
that his felawes he rescwede anon ryht.
Ful sone jn that Sadel he was, j-wys,
and forth he prekede jnto that pres,
and for non man ne wolde he ses.
thanne Belyas & Flawndryn say he there,
that vppon tweyne of his Felawes rested were,
vppon dryawnt and dynas,
that with Artheur weren jn that plas.
but so gret was there that pres with-jnne,
er sire moret to his Felawes myhte wynne,
So that so sore there gan he fyhte,
that hit was merveyl to ony mannes syhte;
and so wel there he hym bar jn that fyht,
294
And al this mene whyle Artheur the kyng
vppon the tothyr side ful sore was bekeryng,
and anothir kyng þere hym ageyn,
So þat gret noyse gan rysen, jn certeyn,
on partye to reskwen þere kyng Artheur,
anothyr partye hym to werkyn Langowr.
So that anon bataylle began there ful strong
betwixen bothen partyes hem among,
but evere bothe kynges on horsbak were.
but kyng Arthewr they myhten don no dere,
For Kyng Arthewr and His meyne tho
to the partye thanne wrowhten ful wo;
and streyht to rescwen he forth wente
Sire Gyrfles and Sire kay, veramente,
that with kyng Newtres & with Brangores,
with kyng Vryens & with kyng Ydiers
and ek the Fyfthe kyng abygawnt also—
these fyve these knyhtes hadden don moch wo;
hem hadden they so beten and vnhorsed bothe,
that aschamed they weren & of here lyves lothe.
and these two knyhtes non oþer Socour hadden there
but goode Syre Lwcawns the Botelere.
and there this sire Lwcawns so hym þer bar,
that there-offen wondrede kyng Arthewr thar,
and beheld the grete nede that they weren jnne.
thanne for non thyng ne wolde he blynne,
but jnto that pres prekede as a wood lyown,
and on bothe sides dyde he mochel distrocciown,
that non man there dorste his strok abyde;
So sore fawht kyng Arthewr jn that tyde.
and on bothe his sydes he slowh down ryht,
so hydous & angry was he in fyht.
and ek Sire kay and Sire Gyrfleȝ
with Arthewr sore fowhten they in that pres.
vppon the tothyr side ful sore was bekeryng,
and anothir kyng þere hym ageyn,
So þat gret noyse gan rysen, jn certeyn,
on partye to reskwen þere kyng Artheur,
anothyr partye hym to werkyn Langowr.
So that anon bataylle began there ful strong
betwixen bothen partyes hem among,
but evere bothe kynges on horsbak were.
but kyng Arthewr they myhten don no dere,
For Kyng Arthewr and His meyne tho
to the partye thanne wrowhten ful wo;
and streyht to rescwen he forth wente
Sire Gyrfles and Sire kay, veramente,
that with kyng Newtres & with Brangores,
with kyng Vryens & with kyng Ydiers
and ek the Fyfthe kyng abygawnt also—
these fyve these knyhtes hadden don moch wo;
hem hadden they so beten and vnhorsed bothe,
that aschamed they weren & of here lyves lothe.
and these two knyhtes non oþer Socour hadden there
but goode Syre Lwcawns the Botelere.
and there this sire Lwcawns so hym þer bar,
that there-offen wondrede kyng Arthewr thar,
and beheld the grete nede that they weren jnne.
thanne for non thyng ne wolde he blynne,
but jnto that pres prekede as a wood lyown,
and on bothe sides dyde he mochel distrocciown,
that non man there dorste his strok abyde;
So sore fawht kyng Arthewr jn that tyde.
and on bothe his sydes he slowh down ryht,
so hydous & angry was he in fyht.
and ek Sire kay and Sire Gyrfleȝ
with Arthewr sore fowhten they in that pres.
on the toþer syde syre Antron, Vlphyn, & sire Bretel
aȝens dukes & kynges fowhten wondyrly wel,
wyche weren dewk escam and kyng Tradelyvand,
and aȝens chybret, kyng of Northhumberland,
and ek aȝens kyng karados also,
that a worthy werrour was holden tho.
and alle these aȝens kyng Artheur gonnen ryde,
and there sore fowhten they in that tyde.
For eche aȝens oþer so sore justed there,
that they to-borsten bothe Scheld & spere.
For ne hadde socour to kyng artheur sone þere be,
the wers hadde he had, ful certeynle.
For tho kynges and knyhtes on þe toþer side,
Ful worthy men they weren that tyde;
ek dowble they hadden aȝens kyng Artheur,
that vnnethe they myhten abyden that stowr.
aȝens dukes & kynges fowhten wondyrly wel,
295
and aȝens chybret, kyng of Northhumberland,
and ek aȝens kyng karados also,
that a worthy werrour was holden tho.
and alle these aȝens kyng Artheur gonnen ryde,
and there sore fowhten they in that tyde.
For eche aȝens oþer so sore justed there,
that they to-borsten bothe Scheld & spere.
For ne hadde socour to kyng artheur sone þere be,
the wers hadde he had, ful certeynle.
For tho kynges and knyhtes on þe toþer side,
Ful worthy men they weren that tyde;
ek dowble they hadden aȝens kyng Artheur,
that vnnethe they myhten abyden that stowr.
Thanne happede, kyng Ban and kyng Bors
that owt of þe forest comen with gret fors
jn releveng of kyng Arthewr there;
but þe tothyr partye of hem not war were.
Anon they gonnen hem askryen so Lowde,
that hit dynede jnto the clowde.
Ful fresch they comen owt of that forest
as worthy kynges, to fyhten ful prest.
that owt of þe forest comen with gret fors
jn releveng of kyng Arthewr there;
but þe tothyr partye of hem not war were.
Anon they gonnen hem askryen so Lowde,
that hit dynede jnto the clowde.
Ful fresch they comen owt of that forest
as worthy kynges, to fyhten ful prest.
Thanne behelden al this these oþer barowns,
and wisten wel that non distrocciowns
myhte comen but thorwghe theke partye;
wherfore to cownseille they gonne hem hye,
and to-gederis assemblede jn a medewe þere,
al these Lordynges to-gederis Jn fere,
and tooken cownseyl what they myhten do.
thanne seide kyng Loth to hem ryht tho:
“j wot wel that ech of vs here fyhten muste,
but to on thyng ȝe mown wel troste:
that j my-self aȝens fowre oþer thre,
be my josteng ouercomen scholen be.
Forto avengen myn noysaunce
on hem j thenke to don veniaunce.
for mochel peple han we lost here,
whiche that they scholen beyen ful dere.”
And whanne the kyng of an .c. knyhtes
herde kyng Loth thus Speken owtryhtes,
gret preyseng to hym ȝaf he thanne,
as belonged to swich a worthy manne,
And Swor By His creawnce Anon Ryht
that the same wolde he don jn Fyht.
And kyng karados & kyng Newtres also
the same oth sworen they bothe two.
And the dewk escam of kambenye
the same oth there swor, Sekerlye,
and ek kyng clarioun of Northhumberlond
the same oth swor, as j vndirstond.
“Now schal j seyen ȝow,” quod kyng Loth thanne,
“what we scholen don now every manne.
sixe of owre feleschepe we scholen ordeygne
aȝens ȝone busschement, jn certeyne;
and here scholen beleven othyr fyve
aȝens this meyne to fyhten ful blyve.
for xi kynges here we now be
to fyhten aȝens al this meyne.
So that aȝens this busschement welen we go
with .x. thousend fyhtyng men and mo,
and viij thousend scholen we leven here
kyng Artheur to anoyen jn alle manere.
and toward þe forest welen we go;
tyl aȝens the Nyht lete vs don so.
and oure purpos thanne bettere scholen we have
and therto owre meyne moche bettere Save.
For ȝif that we abyden here stylle,
they ben ful lyk to werkyn vs ylle.”
To this cownseyl of kyng loth þere anon
thussone concentyd they everychon.
thanne assembled to-gederis they were,
and here hol meyne departed there.
and wisten wel that non distrocciowns
myhte comen but thorwghe theke partye;
wherfore to cownseille they gonne hem hye,
and to-gederis assemblede jn a medewe þere,
al these Lordynges to-gederis Jn fere,
and tooken cownseyl what they myhten do.
thanne seide kyng Loth to hem ryht tho:
“j wot wel that ech of vs here fyhten muste,
but to on thyng ȝe mown wel troste:
that j my-self aȝens fowre oþer thre,
be my josteng ouercomen scholen be.
Forto avengen myn noysaunce
on hem j thenke to don veniaunce.
for mochel peple han we lost here,
296
And whanne the kyng of an .c. knyhtes
herde kyng Loth thus Speken owtryhtes,
gret preyseng to hym ȝaf he thanne,
as belonged to swich a worthy manne,
And Swor By His creawnce Anon Ryht
that the same wolde he don jn Fyht.
And kyng karados & kyng Newtres also
the same oth sworen they bothe two.
And the dewk escam of kambenye
the same oth there swor, Sekerlye,
and ek kyng clarioun of Northhumberlond
the same oth swor, as j vndirstond.
“Now schal j seyen ȝow,” quod kyng Loth thanne,
“what we scholen don now every manne.
sixe of owre feleschepe we scholen ordeygne
aȝens ȝone busschement, jn certeyne;
and here scholen beleven othyr fyve
aȝens this meyne to fyhten ful blyve.
for xi kynges here we now be
to fyhten aȝens al this meyne.
So that aȝens this busschement welen we go
with .x. thousend fyhtyng men and mo,
and viij thousend scholen we leven here
kyng Artheur to anoyen jn alle manere.
and toward þe forest welen we go;
tyl aȝens the Nyht lete vs don so.
and oure purpos thanne bettere scholen we have
and therto owre meyne moche bettere Save.
For ȝif that we abyden here stylle,
they ben ful lyk to werkyn vs ylle.”
To this cownseyl of kyng loth þere anon
thussone concentyd they everychon.
thanne assembled to-gederis they were,
and here hol meyne departed there.
So that kyng Loth took with hym
the kyng of an hundred knyhtes so grym,
augwysseaus, & dewk escam of kambenye,
with xij thousend men jn here partye,
where-offen that vj wynges they hadde
and jn eche wynge ij thousend they ladde.
So that forth they reden an esy pas,
tyl that they comen jnto þe same plas
that kyng Loth þere ordeyned before,
for better conseyl myht not han ben thore.
thus the .vj. kyngges forth they wente,
and .v. abyden thanne there presente
Forto werren vppon Arthewr the kyng
hym forto anoyen with sore fyhttyng.
the kyng of an hundred knyhtes so grym,
augwysseaus, & dewk escam of kambenye,
297
where-offen that vj wynges they hadde
and jn eche wynge ij thousend they ladde.
So that forth they reden an esy pas,
tyl that they comen jnto þe same plas
that kyng Loth þere ordeyned before,
for better conseyl myht not han ben thore.
thus the .vj. kyngges forth they wente,
and .v. abyden thanne there presente
Forto werren vppon Arthewr the kyng
hym forto anoyen with sore fyhttyng.
Now of the .v. that leften behynde
j schal ȝow tellen, as cometh to mynde.
kyng Brangores & kyng Vryens,
kyng Newtres, kyng clariouns, men of defens,
whiche was kyng of Northhumberland,
and of north wales kyng Tradelyvaund,
alle these weren jn on compenye
with vij thousend men, certeynlye,
and drowh hem to-gederis jn busschement,
as this storye here reporteth, verament.
For lyk as goode bodyes as they were,
Ful manfully defendid hem there.
but ful gret harm and damage hit was
of the gret werre, was jn that plas
be-twene kyng Arthewr & kyng Lothis meyne.
that tyme began there ful strong melle,
whiche that durede, tyl evensong was don,
and many a man to deth there gan gon.
j schal ȝow tellen, as cometh to mynde.
kyng Brangores & kyng Vryens,
kyng Newtres, kyng clariouns, men of defens,
whiche was kyng of Northhumberland,
and of north wales kyng Tradelyvaund,
alle these weren jn on compenye
with vij thousend men, certeynlye,
and drowh hem to-gederis jn busschement,
as this storye here reporteth, verament.
For lyk as goode bodyes as they were,
Ful manfully defendid hem there.
but ful gret harm and damage hit was
of the gret werre, was jn that plas
be-twene kyng Arthewr & kyng Lothis meyne.
that tyme began there ful strong melle,
whiche that durede, tyl evensong was don,
and many a man to deth there gan gon.
vppon the tothyr partye entrede kyng Ban,
and kyng Bors kam with hym than,
With Leownces and Syre Faryens Also,
that the ferste Bataylle ladden tho.
So that they comen an ese pas,
tyl they weren alle ensemblyd jn that plas,
and aȝens hem kam kyng ydyers,
as he was kyng ful stowt and fers.
And whanne that to-gederis there they mette,
many sore strokes to-gederis they sette,
So that the noyse myhte wel han ben herd
a long half myle; so sore they Ferd.
Ful gret occisioun thanne there was
bothe of men and hors jn that plas.
but certeyn kyng Ydiers meyne
that storm miht not suffren jn non degre,
but fledden awey for discomfyture
To kyng gwyseawns, j ȝow ensure,
whiche sone hem comforted sothfastly.
and a strong bataylle began þere, trewely,
So that Sire Faryens and his meyne
at gret mischef weren, ful Sykyrle.
and whanne leownces of Paerne be-held al this,
Ful sone to reskews he rod, j-wys,
and so sore rod vpon that meyne,
that jn that place ne lefte he, Sykerle,
Non that dorste hym there abyde;
So socowred he Pharyens jn that tyde.
and thus drof he forth that compenye
Jnto the dewkis ost of kambenye.
and kyng Bors kam with hym than,
With Leownces and Syre Faryens Also,
that the ferste Bataylle ladden tho.
So that they comen an ese pas,
tyl they weren alle ensemblyd jn that plas,
and aȝens hem kam kyng ydyers,
as he was kyng ful stowt and fers.
298
many sore strokes to-gederis they sette,
So that the noyse myhte wel han ben herd
a long half myle; so sore they Ferd.
Ful gret occisioun thanne there was
bothe of men and hors jn that plas.
but certeyn kyng Ydiers meyne
that storm miht not suffren jn non degre,
but fledden awey for discomfyture
To kyng gwyseawns, j ȝow ensure,
whiche sone hem comforted sothfastly.
and a strong bataylle began þere, trewely,
So that Sire Faryens and his meyne
at gret mischef weren, ful Sykyrle.
and whanne leownces of Paerne be-held al this,
Ful sone to reskews he rod, j-wys,
and so sore rod vpon that meyne,
that jn that place ne lefte he, Sykerle,
Non that dorste hym there abyde;
So socowred he Pharyens jn that tyde.
and thus drof he forth that compenye
Jnto the dewkis ost of kambenye.
Whanne the dewk hem Sawh comen so,
thanne jn his herte he was ful wo,
and aȝens hem faste he gan to ryde
that hem so chasede jn that Tyde.
and thanne they that flowen to-fore,
aȝen with the dewk retorned thore,
and there began ful strong Bataylle,
whan that eche partye gan other assaylle.
thanne jn his herte he was ful wo,
and aȝens hem faste he gan to ryde
that hem so chasede jn that Tyde.
and thanne they that flowen to-fore,
aȝen with the dewk retorned thore,
and there began ful strong Bataylle,
whan that eche partye gan other assaylle.
thanne thussone entrede kyng Bors there
with his hol meyne al jn fere,
and there so sore they meten jn same,
that betwene tho partyes was non game.
and whanne kyng ydyers kyng Bors beheld,
that So kam prekynge jn the feld,
thanne to his feleschepe there seide he anon:
“god vs defende now everychon
this day from the peryl of ded
of hym that cometh here jn this sted!
For hym j knowe be his armure,
that he is knyht bothe good and sure.
For neuere his place he wyle forsake
For non dismembrure ne for non wrake.
and þerto he is so worthy a knyht,
jn al this world non bettere jn fyht.
for thowh al the world were hym ageyn,
but his owne brothyr hit were, jn certeyn,
of prowesse Js there non man
that jn bataylle dar abyden hym than.”
with his hol meyne al jn fere,
and there so sore they meten jn same,
that betwene tho partyes was non game.
and whanne kyng ydyers kyng Bors beheld,
that So kam prekynge jn the feld,
thanne to his feleschepe there seide he anon:
299
this day from the peryl of ded
of hym that cometh here jn this sted!
For hym j knowe be his armure,
that he is knyht bothe good and sure.
For neuere his place he wyle forsake
For non dismembrure ne for non wrake.
and þerto he is so worthy a knyht,
jn al this world non bettere jn fyht.
for thowh al the world were hym ageyn,
but his owne brothyr hit were, jn certeyn,
of prowesse Js there non man
that jn bataylle dar abyden hym than.”
Anon the kyng of an hundred knyhtes thanne
askede of kyng ydiers what was that manne.
thanne answerede kyng loth to hym ageyn,
& seide hit was kyng Bors of Gawnes, jn certein.
“but, certein, j ne wot how he here kam;
and behold, with hym he ledeth many a man!”
“what,” quod the kyng of an hundred knyhtes tho,
“how jnto this contre scholde he comen so?”
“j not, so me god helpe!” quod kyng loth thanne,
“but this day behoveth now every manne
to preven hym-self a worthy knyht
aȝens this kyng Bors here in fyht.”
Anon Answerede Kyng Karados thanne:
“j not, this day ho þat kan preven hym a manne,
nethyr this day what we scholen do;
but j my-self aȝens hym now wile j go.
and ȝif ony mester that j haue of Socour,
loke ȝe not me Faylle for non langour.”
therto they graunteden everychon;
he took his leve, and forth gan to gon.
askede of kyng ydiers what was that manne.
thanne answerede kyng loth to hym ageyn,
& seide hit was kyng Bors of Gawnes, jn certein.
“but, certein, j ne wot how he here kam;
and behold, with hym he ledeth many a man!”
“what,” quod the kyng of an hundred knyhtes tho,
“how jnto this contre scholde he comen so?”
“j not, so me god helpe!” quod kyng loth thanne,
“but this day behoveth now every manne
to preven hym-self a worthy knyht
aȝens this kyng Bors here in fyht.”
Anon Answerede Kyng Karados thanne:
“j not, this day ho þat kan preven hym a manne,
nethyr this day what we scholen do;
but j my-self aȝens hym now wile j go.
and ȝif ony mester that j haue of Socour,
loke ȝe not me Faylle for non langour.”
therto they graunteden everychon;
he took his leve, and forth gan to gon.
thus kyng karados wente forth thanne
and with hym jn compenye many a manne;
an esy pas and sadly they wente,
til that kyng Bors they metten presente.
and whanne that so ny to-gederis they were,
of an archer a bowe drawht there,
bothe parties to-gederis mette so faste,
that ech on othyr here speres gonne breste,
so that on bothe partyes they fyllen a-down,
and of karados meyne gret occisiown.
thanne drowen they owt here swerdis blyve,
and manye a man there loste his lyve.
thanne kam kyng Bors to an old knyht,
whiche man that Blaaryus hyht,
and hym comanded his Baner to bere
(and this knyht dorste not refusen it there),
and bad hym gon forth hym be-fore,
that the Bretowns his armes myhten sen thore.
Thanne took he a Royde spere anon,
and with hym jn compenye many a manne;
an esy pas and sadly they wente,
til that kyng Bors they metten presente.
and whanne that so ny to-gederis they were,
of an archer a bowe drawht there,
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that ech on othyr here speres gonne breste,
so that on bothe partyes they fyllen a-down,
and of karados meyne gret occisiown.
thanne drowen they owt here swerdis blyve,
and manye a man there loste his lyve.
thanne kam kyng Bors to an old knyht,
whiche man that Blaaryus hyht,
and hym comanded his Baner to bere
(and this knyht dorste not refusen it there),
and bad hym gon forth hym be-fore,
that the Bretowns his armes myhten sen thore.
and jnto that pres he gan faste to gon,
and that Reng he to-barst ful sone,
and þere-jnne entrede amonges hem echone.
and with a knyht he mette schortly there,
that thorwh armes and harneys he gan him bere.
So thorwh the body there he hym smot,
that down he fyl thanne, god hit wot,
and brak his Nekke jn his fallynge tho;
Swich destenye that knyht cam vnto.
thanne kyng Boors drowh owt his swerd,
and amonges that meyne þere so he ferd.
and whanne the peple Say hym faren so,
Ful faste to flyht thanne gonne they go.
thus kyng karados loste his meyne;
For kyng Bors they gonnen alle to fle.
that beheld the kyng of an hundred knyhtes;
to Socouren karados he kam ful Ryhtes
with ij thousend knyhtes jn compenye,
that bolde werriours weren and worthye.
and there fulsone to-gederis they mette,
and many harde strokes to-gederis smette.
For there to speken of king Bors prowesse,
how that he fawht there jn that presse!
Also ek on the tothir kynges syde
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bothe kyng karados and the tothyr kyng,
that of an hundred knyhtes hath gouernyng.
[for] so strong was the Bataylle thanne,
that at mischef there was many a manne.
Thanne kyng Ban of Baynoyk entrede anon,
and with his meyne he entrede ful son,
and there his steward his armes bar
with a crowne of gold and azure thar
with two bendis travers, ȝelw & grene;
As ony flowr oþer herbe there was hit sene.
and of this Sixe knyhtes jn swte hadde he,
bothe hors and man al jn on degre;
Bothe trappures and Testerys, Al that þer Was,
so was arrayed there jn that plas.
and whanne these kynges syen this syht,
wondirly they weren ful sore a-fryht,
and seiden they mosten forsaken here place,
For they knewen there non othir grace.
thanne to hem assembled kyng Loth,
Ful sore wepyng there, wel j wot,
and seide there to his compenye:
“Now wot j wel, ful Sekerlye,
alle is lost that we hauen jdo.”
So bothe partyes thanne metten they tho;
So sere here lawnces they borsten on sondyr,
that al the erthe qwaked hem vndyr;
and out of helmes þe fer owt flew,
that many a man hit Sawh on rew;
and with the strokis þat weren hem betwynne,
alle that forest hit denede with-jnne,
that half a myle men myhten hit here,
ho that jn that feld tho were.
whanne that kyng Ban ful sembled was
aȝens the tothere jn that plas,
there nolde but fewe there thanne abyde.
Anon vppon þe fyve kynges gan he ryde
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For þere made kyng Ban gret mortalyte.
For anon as they kyng Ban aspyde,
Ful faste they fledden that jlke tyde
For the grete occision
that kyng Ban made abowtes hym jn virown;
and gret martyrdom he made also,
and thus jn eche reng þere gan he go,
bothe on lefte syde and ek on þe ryhte;
he kyd hym there as kyng and knyhte.
So that j-dowted he was ful sore
of alle his enemyes þat weren thore.
Thanne forth cometh kyng Loth tho
and the kyng of an hundred knyhtes also,
and Sire margamur here thridde felawe was,
with here Bataylles jn that plas.
For thussone the bataylles j-medlyd were
on with-jnne anoþer ryht sone there.
and whanne that they behelden kyng Ban,
that so gret damage dyde there than,
kyng Loth there-with was angry tho,
and ek the tothyr kyng was ful wo.
with here spores smeten they here hors thanne,
and bothe they reden aȝens kyng Banne,
for kyng Loth was a worthy knyht,
and that he kydde there in his fyht.
For with his spere he smot so kyng Ban,
that a cantel of his scheld jnto þe feld flew than.
and whanne that kyng Ban felte thys,
Fulsore he was amevyd there, j-wys.
Anon his goode swerd he lefte on hy,
as a man that was bothe wroth and angry,
and to the kyng of an hundred knyhtes he rod,
and hym so smot, there that he stod,
vppon the helm; but hit glaweede adown
There vppon his horsis arsown,
that Trapped was jn erne & stel.
but ȝit that Strok hyt bot ful wel,
For the hors chine asondir there he smot,
that bothe to grownde wenten fot hot.
And whanne this kyng of an .c. knyhtes
Felte hym so feld there jn fyhtes
And therto His Hors Vndyr Hym so Ded,
thanne was he ryht of Sory red.
Vpe sone he rekouerede forto stond,
and his swerd took jn his hond,
and leyde his Scheld vppon his hed,
For fulsore he dowtede of ded.
and the kyng of an hundred knyhtes also,
and Sire margamur here thridde felawe was,
with here Bataylles jn that plas.
For thussone the bataylles j-medlyd were
on with-jnne anoþer ryht sone there.
and whanne that they behelden kyng Ban,
that so gret damage dyde there than,
kyng Loth there-with was angry tho,
and ek the tothyr kyng was ful wo.
with here spores smeten they here hors thanne,
and bothe they reden aȝens kyng Banne,
for kyng Loth was a worthy knyht,
and that he kydde there in his fyht.
For with his spere he smot so kyng Ban,
that a cantel of his scheld jnto þe feld flew than.
and whanne that kyng Ban felte thys,
Fulsore he was amevyd there, j-wys.
Anon his goode swerd he lefte on hy,
as a man that was bothe wroth and angry,
and to the kyng of an hundred knyhtes he rod,
and hym so smot, there that he stod,
vppon the helm; but hit glaweede adown
There vppon his horsis arsown,
that Trapped was jn erne & stel.
but ȝit that Strok hyt bot ful wel,
For the hors chine asondir there he smot,
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And whanne this kyng of an .c. knyhtes
Felte hym so feld there jn fyhtes
And therto His Hors Vndyr Hym so Ded,
thanne was he ryht of Sory red.
Vpe sone he rekouerede forto stond,
and his swerd took jn his hond,
and leyde his Scheld vppon his hed,
For fulsore he dowtede of ded.
Whanne that kyng Brangores beheld al this,
that þe kyng of an hundred knyhtes, j-wys,
was thus feld and leyd on grownde,
anon to kyng ban he rod that stownde,
and smot hym evene a-myddes the scheld,
there as he hovede jn the Feld.
and kyng Ban Sone there tornede ageyn,
and vppon the helm he rawht hym, ful pleyn,
that his coyphe of yrne and Sercle also
evene asondyr smot he tho,
that to the grownde he fyl down ryht,
For lengere to sytten hadde he non myht.
that þe kyng of an hundred knyhtes, j-wys,
was thus feld and leyd on grownde,
anon to kyng ban he rod that stownde,
and smot hym evene a-myddes the scheld,
there as he hovede jn the Feld.
and kyng Ban Sone there tornede ageyn,
and vppon the helm he rawht hym, ful pleyn,
that his coyphe of yrne and Sercle also
evene asondyr smot he tho,
that to the grownde he fyl down ryht,
For lengere to sytten hadde he non myht.
Aftyr, whanne these kynges rekouered were,
aȝens kyng ban Sore Fowhten they there.
but he dede hem mochel more grevaunce,
thanne they hym deden, with-owten dowtaunce.
For ȝit nas there non of the kynges two
but that mochel of here blood hadden lost tho.
what be here hurtes & woundes bothe
Ful feynt to fyhten they were forsothe.
but ȝit mochel harm there was j-do
betwixen thike thre kynges tho.
and whanne the bataylle entre-mellid were,
asondyr sone weren they departyd there,
whethyr that eyther partye wolde oþer non;
but ȝit amonges hem moche harm was don.
aȝens kyng ban Sore Fowhten they there.
but he dede hem mochel more grevaunce,
thanne they hym deden, with-owten dowtaunce.
For ȝit nas there non of the kynges two
but that mochel of here blood hadden lost tho.
what be here hurtes & woundes bothe
Ful feynt to fyhten they were forsothe.
but ȝit mochel harm there was j-do
betwixen thike thre kynges tho.
and whanne the bataylle entre-mellid were,
asondyr sone weren they departyd there,
whethyr that eyther partye wolde oþer non;
but ȝit amonges hem moche harm was don.
Thanne hyt happede that ylke tyde,
that kyng Artheur jnto that pres cam ryde,
and fond kyng Ban fyhtyng on fote,
wherfore he was ful wo, god wote.
but evere he fawht So sore there,
that non man ne dorste comen hym nere,
and so forth wente thorwh the pres
vigerously fyhtyng, with-owten les.
but there wolde non man his strokes abyde,
So merveyllous they weren jn that tyde.
thanne entrede kyng Artheur on þe to[thyr] partye
thorwh al the pres ful manfullye
with his swerd on honde, that Soyled hit was
with hors blood & mennes jn that plas.
For manye merveylles wrowhte kyng Arthewr,
For jn armes he was bothe Styf & stowr.
but whanne he Say kyng Ban at sweche myschef,
hym thowhte hit was to hym gret repref.
Anon kyn[g] Arthewr aspyde a knyht,
that ryaly was arayed forto fyht.
with his swerd to hym kyng Arthewr rod,
and non lengere there he abod,
but with his swerd smot hym so sore,
that jnto the teth he clef his hed thore,
that ded to the grounde he fyl anon.
And kyng Arthewr be þe reyne his hors took son,
and to kyng Ban he ledde hyt ful faste.
“my leve frend,” he seide, “worth vp jn haste,
For amonges ȝoure enemyes ȝe han j-be;
this place to forsaken sone scholen ȝe hem se.”
Whanne that kyng Ban Recouered was
that kyng Artheur jnto that pres cam ryde,
304
wherfore he was ful wo, god wote.
but evere he fawht So sore there,
that non man ne dorste comen hym nere,
and so forth wente thorwh the pres
vigerously fyhtyng, with-owten les.
but there wolde non man his strokes abyde,
So merveyllous they weren jn that tyde.
thanne entrede kyng Artheur on þe to[thyr] partye
thorwh al the pres ful manfullye
with his swerd on honde, that Soyled hit was
with hors blood & mennes jn that plas.
For manye merveylles wrowhte kyng Arthewr,
For jn armes he was bothe Styf & stowr.
but whanne he Say kyng Ban at sweche myschef,
hym thowhte hit was to hym gret repref.
Anon kyn[g] Arthewr aspyde a knyht,
that ryaly was arayed forto fyht.
with his swerd to hym kyng Arthewr rod,
and non lengere there he abod,
but with his swerd smot hym so sore,
that jnto the teth he clef his hed thore,
that ded to the grounde he fyl anon.
And kyng Arthewr be þe reyne his hors took son,
and to kyng Ban he ledde hyt ful faste.
“my leve frend,” he seide, “worth vp jn haste,
For amonges ȝoure enemyes ȝe han j-be;
this place to forsaken sone scholen ȝe hem se.”
Be helpe of kyng Arthewr jn that plas,
Gret Joye Bothe to-gederys they made,
and amonges here enemyes they prekeden ful glade.
Anon as they on the tothyr partye
kyng Artheur and king Ban dyden aspye,
anon so discomfyt weren they tho
of the harm þat these two kynges hadden j-do,
that they hadden j-lost clene here talent
305
but Towardis the wode they wente ful faste.
And er they myhten hit keueren atte laste,
mochel occisiown was don there
be-twixen the wode and the revere
there here Stale they rested & kepte.
Anon here meyne there to hem lepte,
and jn peryl of deth echon,
For vnnethis to hem askaped ony on.
Whanne kyng Newtris and kyng loth tho
and the kyng of an hundred knyhtes also,
also kyng karados & kyng ydyors,
ek kyng Vryens & kyng Brangors,
that tho was kyng of Northhumberlond,
To on partye they drowen, j vndirstond,
Thanne seyde maganors to hem anon:
“with ȝoure meyne j rede that ȝe hens gon
For al hit is j-torned to scomfyture
and to distroccion, j ȝow ensure.”
Thus hem enchasede kyng Artheur tho,
kyng Ban and kyng Bors also,
tyl that they comen to on rever,
that ful wondyrly depe was there;
where as þe fugytyves a brygge diden make
there for to passe ouer that lake.
So that they pasten ouer echon,
and these thre kynges aftyr gonne gon.
kyng Ban and kyng Bors also,
tyl that they comen to on rever,
that ful wondyrly depe was there;
where as þe fugytyves a brygge diden make
there for to passe ouer that lake.
So that they pasten ouer echon,
and these thre kynges aftyr gonne gon.
thanne merlyn Seyde to kyng Artheur tho:
“Sey me now, what thynkest þou to do?
thyn enemyes hast thou ouercomen echon,
therfore jn-to thin owne contre thou gon,
and with the thy frendes thou lede,
be whom þat þou hast had ryht good spede,
and hem do thou worschepe and honour,
For they han holpen the jn many a stour.
For jn-to the Forest moste me go
there with my frend Blasye to speken also.”
“Sey me now, what thynkest þou to do?
thyn enemyes hast thou ouercomen echon,
therfore jn-to thin owne contre thou gon,
and with the thy frendes thou lede,
be whom þat þou hast had ryht good spede,
and hem do thou worschepe and honour,
For they han holpen the jn many a stour.
For jn-to the Forest moste me go
there with my frend Blasye to speken also.”
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thanne departyd kyng Artheur thens anon,
and merlyn jnto the forest js he gon
To speken with Blasye, that hym bod there,
that of many thinges dide hym enqwere.
and merlyne seide he hadde j-be
to conseillen kyng Artheur, Sykerle.
“that is wel don,” quod Blasye thanne,
“hym to counseillen as a wis manne.”
than tolde Merlyne to blasye anon
of al tho thinges that hadden be don,
and hou kyng Arthewr jnto lytel breteyne sente
there socoure to haven, veramente.
Sethen he tolde hym ek also
of the grete Bataylle þat was j-do,
and of the scomfyture of the xj kynges.
So that this Blasye wrot alle these thinges,
and jnto his Book þere wrot he euery thing,
Be whom now þerof haven we knowleching.
[B]ut of Al this Bataylle Leven We now talkyng,
[an]d let vs Speken of anothyr thyng,
[Ne]thir of Blasie ne of merlyne at this tyde
[No] more to speken, but let vs forth glyde,
[an]d to kyng Arthewr & to the tweyne kynges also
[tha]t jn his compenye gonnen forth to go,
[and] ek of other baronage jn compenye,
[tha]t with kyng Arthewr weren, Sekerlye.
and merlyn jnto the forest js he gon
To speken with Blasye, that hym bod there,
that of many thinges dide hym enqwere.
and merlyne seide he hadde j-be
to conseillen kyng Artheur, Sykerle.
“that is wel don,” quod Blasye thanne,
“hym to counseillen as a wis manne.”
than tolde Merlyne to blasye anon
of al tho thinges that hadden be don,
and hou kyng Arthewr jnto lytel breteyne sente
there socoure to haven, veramente.
Sethen he tolde hym ek also
of the grete Bataylle þat was j-do,
and of the scomfyture of the xj kynges.
So that this Blasye wrot alle these thinges,
and jnto his Book þere wrot he euery thing,
Be whom now þerof haven we knowleching.
[B]ut of Al this Bataylle Leven We now talkyng,
[an]d let vs Speken of anothyr thyng,
[Ne]thir of Blasie ne of merlyne at this tyde
[No] more to speken, but let vs forth glyde,
[an]d to kyng Arthewr & to the tweyne kynges also
[tha]t jn his compenye gonnen forth to go,
[and] ek of other baronage jn compenye,
[tha]t with kyng Arthewr weren, Sekerlye.
| [Chapter X] Merlin, a Middle-English metrical version of a French romance | |