BOOK VII.
CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and
demanded three petitions of King Arthur.
WHEN Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it
fortuned that he commanded that the high feast of Pentecost
should be holden at a city and a castle, the which in those
days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon the sands that marched
nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that at the feast
of Pentecost in especial, afore other feasts in the year, he
would not go that day to meat until he had heard or seen of
a great marvel. And for that custom all manner of strange
adventures came before Arthur as at that feast before all
other feasts. And so Sir Gawaine, a little to-fore noon of
the day of Pentecost, espied at a window three men upon
horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three men
alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the
three men was higher than the other twain by a foot and an
half. Then Sir Gawaine went unto the king and said, Sir, go
to your meat, for here at the hand come strange adventures.
So Arthur went unto his meat with many other kings. And
there were all the knights of the Round Table, [save] only
those that were prisoners or slain at a recounter. Then at
the high feast evermore they should be fulfilled the whole
number of an hundred and fifty, for then was the Round Table
fully complished.
Right so came into the hall two men well beseen and
richly, and upon their shoulders there leaned the goodliest
young man and the fairest that ever they all saw, and he was
large and long, and broad in the shoulders, and well
visaged, and the fairest and the largest handed that ever
man saw, but he fared as though he might not go nor bear
himself but if he leaned upon their shoulders. Anon as
Arthur saw him there was made peace and room, and right so
they yede with him unto the high dais, without saying of any
words. Then this much young man pulled him aback, and easily
stretched up straight, saying, King Arthur, God you bless
and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the fellowship
of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither, to
pray you and require you to give me three gifts, and they
shall not be unreasonably asked, but that ye may
worshipfully and honourably grant them me, and to you no
great hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift I will ask
now, and the other two gifts I will ask this day
twelvemonth, wheresomever ye hold your high feast. Now ask,
said Arthur, and ye shall have your asking.
Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye
will give me meat and drink sufficiently for this
twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask mine other two
gifts.
My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for
this is but a simple asking; for my heart giveth me to thee
greatly, that thou art come of men of worship, and greatly
my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a man of right
great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as it be may, I have
asked that I will ask. Well, said the king, ye shall have
meat and drink enough; I never defended that none, neither
my friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I would wit? I
cannot tell you, said he. That is marvel, said the king,
that thou knowest not thy name, and thou art the goodliest
young man that ever I saw. Then the king betook him to Sir
Kay the steward, and charged him that he should give him of
all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he
had all manner of finding as though he were a lord's son.
That shall little need, said Sir Kay, to do such cost upon
him; for I dare undertake he is a villain born, and never
will make man, for an he had come of gentlemen he would have
asked of you horse and armour, but such as he is, so he
asketh. And sithen he hath no name, I shall give him a name
that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into the
kitchen I shall bring him, and there he shall have fat brose
every day, that he shall be as fat by the twelvemonths' end
as a pork hog. Right so the two men departed and beleft him
to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mocked him.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth
because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which
desired a knight to fight for a
lady.
THEREAT was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir
Launcelot bade Sir Kay leave his mocking, for I dare lay my
head he shall prove a man of great worship. Let be said Sir
Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as he is, so he hath
asked. Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the good
knight Brewnor, Sir Dinadan's brother, a name, and ye called
him La Cote Male Taile, and that turned you to anger
afterward. As for that, said Sir Kay, this shall never prove
none such. For Sir Brewnor desired ever worship, and this
desireth bread and drink and broth; upon pain of my life he
was fostered up in some abbey, and, howsomever it was, they
failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come for his
sustenance.
And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to
meat; so Beaumains went to the hall door, and set him down
among boys and lads, and there he ate sadly. And then Sir
Launcelot after meat bade him come to his chamber, and there
he should have meat and drink enough. And so did Sir
Gawaine: but he refused them all; he would do none other but
as Sir Kay commanded him, for no proffer. But as touching
Sir Gawaine, he had reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and
drink, for that proffer came of his blood, for he was nearer
kin to him than he wist. But that as Sir Launcelot did was
of his great gentleness and courtesy.
So thus he was put into the kitchen, and lay nightly as
the boys of the kitchen did. And so he endured all that
twelvemonth, and never displeased man nor child, but always
he was meek and mild. But ever when that he saw any jousting
of knights, that would he see an he might. And ever Sir
Launcelot would give him gold to spend, and clothes, and so
did Sir Gawaine, and where there were any masteries done,
thereat would he be, and there might none cast bar nor stone
to him by two yards. Then would Sir Kay say, How liketh you
my boy of the kitchen? So it passed on till the feast of
Whitsuntide. And at that time the king held it at Carlion in
the most royallest wise that might be, like as he did
yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the Whitsunday,
until he heard some adventures. Then came there a squire to
the king and said, Sir, ye may go to your meat, for here
cometh a damosel with some strange adventures. Then was the
king glad and sat him down.
Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted
the king, and prayed him of succour. For whom? said the
king, what is the adventure?
Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown,
and she is besieged with a tyrant, so that she may not out
of her castle; and because here are called the noblest
knights of the world, I come to you to pray you of succour.
What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she, and who is
she, and what is his name that hath besieged her? Sir king,
she said, as for my lady's name that shall not ye know for
me as at this time, but I let you wit she is a lady of great
worship and of great lands; and as for the tyrant that
besiegeth her and destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red
Knight of the Red Launds. I know him not, said the king.
Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is one of the
perilloust knights of the world; men say that he hath seven
men's strength, and from him I escaped once full hard with
my life. Fair damosel, said the king, there be knights here
would do their power for to rescue your lady, but because
you will not tell her name, nor where she dwelleth,
therefore none of my knights that here be now shall go with
you by my will. Then must I speak further, said the damosel.
William Morris
Tristram and Isolde at King
Arthur's court
CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how
it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight
of Sir Launcelot.
WITH these words came before the king Beaumains, while
the damosel was there, and thus he said, Sir king, God thank
you, I have been this twelvemonth in your kitchen, and have
had my full sustenance, and now I will ask my two gifts that
be behind. Ask, upon my peril, said the king. Sir, this
shall be my two gifts, first that ye will grant me to have
this adventure of the damosel, for it belongeth unto me.
Thou shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then,
sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du
Lake to make me knight, for of him I will be made knight and
else of none. And when I am passed I pray you let him ride
after me, and make me knight when I require him. All this
shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel,
shall I have none but one that is your kitchen page? Then
was she wroth and took her horse and departed. And with that
there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse and
armour was come for him; and there was the dwarf come with
all thing that him needed, in the richest manner; thereat
all the court had much marvel from whence came all that
gear. So when he was armed there was none but few so goodly
a man as he was; and right so as he came into the hall and
took his leave of King Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir
Launcelot, and prayed that he would hie after him, and so
departed and rode after the damosel.
CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of
Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir
Launcelot.
BUT there went many after to behold how well he was
horsed and trapped in cloth of gold, but he had neither
shield nor spear. Then Sir Kay said all open in the hall, I
will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to wit whether he
will know me for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir
Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir Kay made him ready and
took his horse and his spear, and rode after him. And right
as Beaumains overtook the damosel, right so came Sir Kay and
said, Beaumains, what, sir, know ye not me? Then he turned
his horse, and knew it was Sir Kay, that had done him all
the despite as ye have heard afore. Yea, said Beaumains, I
know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and therefore
beware of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest,
and ran straight upon him; and Beaumains came as fast upon
him with his sword in his hand, and so he put away his spear
with his sword, and with a foin thrust him through the side,
that Sir Kay fell down as he had been dead; and he alighted
down and took Sir Kay's shield and his spear, and stert upon
his own horse and rode his way.
All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And
then he bade his dwarf stert upon Sir Kay's horse, and so he
did. By that Sir Launcelot was come, then he proffered Sir
Launcelot to joust; and either made them ready, and they
came together so fiercely that either bare down other to the
earth, and sore were they bruised. Then Sir Launcelot arose
and helped him from his horse. And then Beaumains threw his
shield from him, and proffered to fight with Sir Launcelot
on foot; and so they rushed together like boars, tracing,
rasing, and foining to the mountenance of an hour; and Sir
Launcelot felt him so big that he marvelled of his strength,
for he fought more liker a giant than a knight, and that his
fighting was durable and passing perilous. For Sir Launcelot
had so much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be
shamed, and said, Beaumains, fight not so sore, your quarrel
and mine is not so great but we may leave off. Truly that is
truth, said Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your
might, and yet, my lord, I showed not the utterance.
CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name,
and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after
overtook the damosel.
IN God's name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by
the faith of my body, I had as much to do as I might to save
myself from you unshamed, and therefore have ye no doubt of
none earthly knight. Hope ye so that I may any while stand a
proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea, said Launcelot, do as ye
have done, and I shall be your warrant. Then, I pray you,
said Beaumains, give me the order of knighthood. Then must
ye tell me your name, said Launcelot, and of what kin ye be
born. Sir, so that ye will not discover me I shall, said
Beaumains. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, and that I promise you
by the faith of my body, until it be openly known. Then,
sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and brother unto Sir
Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I
am more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye
should be of great blood, and that ye came not to the court
neither for meat nor for drink. And then Sir Launcelot gave
him the order of knighthood, and then Sir Gareth prayed him
for to depart and let him go.
So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay,
and made him to be borne home upon his shield, and so he was
healed hard with the life; and all men scorned Sir Kay, and
in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot said it was not
his part to rebuke no young man, for full little knew he of
what birth he is come, and for what cause he came to this
court; and so we leave Sir Kay and turn we unto Beaumains.
When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What
dost thou here? thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy
clothes be bawdy of the grease and tallow that thou gainest
in King Arthur's kitchen; weenest thou, said she, that I
allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay truly,
for thou slewest him unhappily and cowardly; therefore turn
again, bawdy kitchen page, I know thee well, for Sir Kay
named thee Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk and a turner
of broaches and a ladle-washer? Damosel, said Beaumains, say
to me what ye will, I will not go from you whatsomever ye
say, for I have undertaken to King Arthur for to achieve
your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end, either
I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt thou
finish mine adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that
thou wouldest not for all the broth that ever thou suppest
once look him in the face. I shall assay, said Beaumains.
So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying
all that ever he might. Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains. O
lord, he said, help me, for here by in a slade are six
thieves that have taken my lord and bound him, so I am
afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither, said
Beaumains. And so they rode together until they came thereas
was the knight bounden; and then he rode unto them, and
struck one unto the death, and then another, and at the
third stroke he slew the third thief, and then the other
three fled. And he rode after them, and he overtook them;
and then those three thieves turned again and assailed
Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned
and unbound the knight. And the knight thanked him, and
prayed him to ride with him to his castle there a little
beside, and he should worshipfully reward him for his good
deeds. Sir, said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I was
this day made knight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I
will no reward have, but God reward me. And also I must
follow this damosel.
And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For
thou smellest all of the kitchen: weenest thou that I have
joy of thee, for all this deed that thou hast done is but
mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a sight shall make thee
turn again, and that lightly. Then the same knight which was
rescued of the thieves rode after that damosel, and prayed
her to lodge with him all that night. And because it was
near night the damosel rode with him to his castle, and
there they had great cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir
Beaumains afore the damosel. Fie, fie, said she, Sir knight,
ye are uncourteous to set a kitchen page afore me; him
beseemeth better to stick a swine than to sit afore a
damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her
words, and took him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set
himself afore him, and so all that night they had good cheer
and merry rest.
CHAPTER VI. How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at
a passage.
AND on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and
thanked the knight, and so departed, and rode on their way
until they came to a great forest. And there was a great
river and but one passage, and there were ready two knights
on the farther side to let them the passage. What sayest
thou, said the damosel, wilt thou match yonder knights or
turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not turn again
an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed into the
water, and in midst of the water either brake their spears
upon other to their hands, and then they drew their swords,
and smote eagerly at other. And at the last Sir Beaumains
smote the other upon the helm that his head stonied, and
therewithal he fell down in the water, and there was he
drowned. And then he spurred his horse upon the land, where
the other knight fell upon him, and brake his spear, and so
they drew their swords and fought long together. At the last
Sir Beaumains clave his helm and his head down to the
shoulders; and so he rode unto the damosel and bade her ride
forth on her way.
Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that
fortune to destroy such two doughty knights: thou weenest
thou hast done doughtily, that is not so; for the first
knight his horse stumbled, and there he was drowned in the
water, and never it was by thy force, nor by thy might. And
the last knight by mishap thou camest behind him and
mishappily thou slew him.
Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but
with whomsomever I have ado withal, I trust to God to serve
him or he depart. And therefore I reck not what ye say, so
that I may win your lady. Fie, fie, foul kitchen knave, thou
shalt see knights that shall abate thy boast. Fair damosel,
give me goodly language, and then my care is past, for what
knights somever they be, I care not, nor I doubt them not.
Also, said she, I say it for thine avail, yet mayest thou
turn again with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art
but slain, for I see all that ever thou dost is but by
misadventure, and not by prowess of thy hands. Well,
damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever ye go I
will follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till
evensong time, and ever she chid him, and would not rest.
And they came to a black laund; and there was a black
hawthorn, and thereon hung a black banner, and on the other
side there hung a black shield, and by it stood a black
spear great and long, and a great black horse covered with
silk, and a black stone fast by.
William Morris
The birth of Tristram
CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the
Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and
died.
THERE sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his
name was the Knight of the Black Laund. Then the damosel,
when she saw that knight, she bade him flee down that
valley, for his horse was not saddled. Gramercy, said
Beaumains, for always ye would have me a coward. With that
the Black Knight, when she came nigh him, spake and said,
Damosel, have ye brought this knight of King Arthur to be
your champion? Nay, fair knight, said she, this is but a
kitchen knave that was fed in King Arthur's kitchen for
alms. Why cometh he, said the knight, in such array? it is
shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannot be
delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre
mine head: God would that ye should put him from me, other
to slay him an ye may, for he is an unhappy knave, and
unhappily he hath done this day: through mishap I saw him
slay two knights at the passage of the water; and other
deeds he did before right marvellous and through
unhappiness. That marvelleth me, said the Black Knight, that
any man that is of worship will have ado with him. They know
him not, said the damosel, and for because he rideth with
me, they ween that he be some man of worship born. That may
be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye say that he be no
man of worship, he is a full likely person, and full like to
be a strong man: but thus much shall I grant you, said the
Black Knight; I shall put him down upon one foot, and his
horse and his harness he shall leave with me, for it were
shame to me to do him any more harm.
When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir
knight, thou art full large of my horse and my harness; I
let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether it liketh thee
or not, this laund will I pass maugre thine head. And horse
nor harness gettest thou none of mine, but if thou win them
with thy hands; and therefore let see what thou canst do.
Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight, now yield thy lady
from thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ride
with such a lady. Thou liest, said Beaumains, I am a
gentleman born, and of more high lineage than thou, and that
will I prove on thy body.
Then in great wrath they departed with their horses, and
came together as it had been the thunder, and the Black
Knight's spear brake, and Beaumains thrust him through both
his sides, and therewith his spear brake, and the truncheon
left still in his side. But nevertheless the Black Knight
drew his sword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great
might, and hurt Beaumains full sore. But at the last the
Black Knight, within an hour and an half, he fell down off
his horse in swoon, and there he died. And when Beaumains
saw him so well horsed and armed, then he alighted down and
armed him in his armour, and so took his horse and rode
after the damosel.
When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen
knave, out of the wind, for the smell of thy bawdy clothes
grieveth me. Alas, she said, that ever such a knave should
by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done, but all
this is thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall pay thee
all thy payment, and therefore yet I counsel thee, flee. It
may happen me, said Beaumains, to be beaten or slain, but I
warn you, fair damosel, I will not flee away, a nor leave
your company, for all that ye can say; for ever ye say that
they will kill me or beat me, but howsomever it happeneth I
escape, and they lie on the ground. And therefore it were as
good for you to hold you still thus all day rebuking me, for
away will I not till I see the uttermost of this journey, or
else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on
your way, for follow you I will whatsomever happen.
CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was
slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he
was yielden.
THUS as they rode together, they saw a knight come
driving by them all in green, both his horse and his
harness; and when he came nigh the damosel, he asked her, Is
that my brother the Black Knight that ye have brought with
you? Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath
slain your brother through unhappiness. Alas, said the Green
Knight, that is great pity, that so noble a knight as he was
should so unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave's hand,
as ye say that he is. Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight,
thou shalt die for slaying of my brother; he was a full
noble knight, and his name was Sir Perard. I defy thee, said
Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly and not
shamefully.
Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was
green, and it hung upon a thorn, and there he blew three
deadly motes, and there came two damosels and armed him
lightly. And then he took a great horse, and a green shield
and a green spear. And then they ran together with all their
mights, and brake their spears unto their hands. And then
they drew their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and
either of them wounded other full ill. And at the last, at
an overthwart, Beaumains with his horse struck the Green
Knight's horse upon the side, that he fell to the earth. And
then the Green Knight avoided his horse lightly, and dressed
him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithal he
alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a
long while, and sore they bled both. With that came the
damosel, and said, My lord the Green Knight, why for shame
stand ye so long fighting with the kitchen knave? Alas, it
is shame that ever ye were made knight, to see such a lad to
match such a knight, as the weed overgrew the corn.
Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed, and therewithal he
gave a great stroke of might, and clave his shield through.
When Beaumains saw his shield cloven asunder he was a little
ashamed of that stroke and of her language; and then he gave
him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell on his knees.
And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the ground
grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and
yielded him unto Sir Beaumains, and prayed him to slay him
not. All is in vain, said Beaumains, for thou shalt die but
if this damosel that came with me pray me to save thy life.
And therewithal he unlaced his helm like as he would slay
him. Fie upon thee, false kitchen page, I will never pray
thee to save his life, for I will never be so much in thy
danger. Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy,
thou bawdy knave, said the damosel, that thou slay him.
Alas, said the Green Knight, suffer me not to die for a fair
word may save me. Fair knight, said the Green Knight, save
my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother,
and for ever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold
of me for ever shall do you service. In the devil's name,
said the damosel, that such a bawdy kitchen knave should
have thee and thirty knights' service.
Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not,
but if my damosel speak with me for thy life. And
therewithal he made a semblant to slay him. Let be, said the
damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not, for an thou do thou
shalt repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your charge is to
me a pleasure, and at your commandment his life shall be
saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir knight with the green
arms, I release thee quit at this damosel's request, for I
will not make her wroth, I will fulfil all that she chargeth
me. And then the Green Knight kneeled down, and did him
homage with his sword. Then said the damosel, Me repenteth,
Green Knight, of your damage, and of your brother's death,
the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister, for I
dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you not, said
the Green Knight, for ye shall lodge with me this night, and
to-morn I shall help you through this forest. So they took
their horses and rode to his manor, which was fast there
beside.
CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and
would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him
kitchen boy.
AND ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him
to sit at her table, but as the Green Knight took him and
sat him at a side table. Marvel methinketh, said the Green
Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke this noble knight as ye
do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble knight, and
I know no knight is able to match him; therefore ye do great
wrong to rebuke him, for he shall do you right good service,
for whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shall prove at the end
that he is come of a noble blood and of king's lineage. Fie,
fie, said the damosel, it is shame for you to say of him
such worship. Truly, said the Green Knight, it were shame
for me to say of him any disworship, for he hath proved
himself a better knight than I am, yet have I met with many
knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no
knight his match. And so that night they yede unto rest, and
all that night the Green Knight commanded thirty knights
privily to watch Beaumains, for to keep him from all
treason.
And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass
and brake their fast; and then they took their horses and
rode on their way, and the Green Knight conveyed them
through the forest; and there the Green Knight said, My lord
Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always at
your summons, both early and late, at your calling and
whither that ever ye will send us. It is well said, said
Beaumains; when that I call upon you ye must yield you unto
King Arthur, and all your knights. If that ye so command us,
we shall be ready at all times, said the Green Knight. Fie,
fie upon thee, in the devil's name, said the damosel, that
any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen knave. So
then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she
said unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen
boy? Cast away thy shield and thy spear, and flee away; yet
I counsel thee betimes or thou shalt say right soon, alas;
for wert thou as wight as ever was Wade or Launcelot,
Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not
pass a pass here that is called the Pass Perilous. Damosel,
said Beaumains, who is afeard let him flee, for it were
shame to turn again sithen I have ridden so long with you.
Well, said the damosel, ye shall soon, whether ye will or
not.
CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight,
jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains
overcame him.
SO within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow,
well matchecold all about, and double dyked. And over the
tower gate there hung a fifty shields of divers colours, and
under that tower there was a fair meadow. And therein were
many knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions;
for there upon the morn should be a great tournament: and
the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked out at a
window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at
all points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight
will I joust, for I see that he is a knight-errant. And so
he armed him and horsed him hastily. And when he was on
horseback with his shield and his spear, it was all red,
both his horse and his harness, and all that to him longeth.
And when that he came nigh him he weened it had been his
brother the Black Knight; and then he cried aloud, Brother,
what do ye in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it
is not he; this is but a kitchen knave that was brought up
for alms in King Arthur's court. Nevertheless, said the Red
Knight, I will speak with him or he depart. Ah, said the
damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay
named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thy
brother's, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the
Green Knight overcome of his hands. Now may ye be revenged
upon him, for I may never be quit of him.
With this either knights departed in sunder, and they
came together with all their might, and either of their
horses fell to the earth, and they avoided their horses, and
put their shields afore them and drew their swords, and
either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, rasing,
tracing, foining, and hurling like two boars, the space of
two hours. And then she cried on high to the Red Knight,
Alas, thou noble Red Knight, think what worship hath
followed thee, let never a kitchen knave endure thee so long
as he doth. Then the Red Knight waxed wroth and doubled his
strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the blood
ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see that
strong battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to
the earth, and as he would have slain the Red Knight, he
cried mercy, saying, Noble knight, slay me not, and I shall
yield me to thee with fifty knights with me that be at my
commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite that thou
hast done to me, and the death of my brother the Black
Knight. All this availeth not, said Beaumains, but if my
damosel pray me to save thy life. And therewith he made
semblant to strike off his head. Let be, thou Beaumains,
slay him not, for he is a noble knight, and not so hardy,
upon thine head, but thou save him.
Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank
the damosel now of thy life. Then the Red Knight prayed him
to see his castle, and to be there all night. So the damosel
then granted him, and there they had merry cheer. But always
the damosel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof
the Red Knight had great marvel; and all that night the Red
Knight made three score knights to watch Beaumains, that he
should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn they
heard mass and dined, and the Red Knight came before
Beaumains with his three score knights, and there he
proffered him his homage and fealty at all times, he and his
knights to do him service. I thank you, said Beaumains, but
this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come afore
my lord King Arthur, and yield you unto him to be his
knights. Sir, said the Red Knight, I will be ready, and my
fellowship, at your summons. So Sir Beaumains departed and
the damosel, and ever she rode chiding him in the foulest
manner.
Ford Maddox Brown
The death of Tristram
CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of
the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.
DAMOSEL, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke
me as ye do, for meseemeth I have done you good service, and
ever ye threaten me I shall be beaten with knights that we
meet, but ever for all your boast they lie in the dust or in
the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me no more; and
when ye see me beaten or yielden as recreant, then may ye
bid me go from you shamefully; but first I let you wit I
will not depart from you, for I were worse than a fool an I
would depart from you all the while that I win worship.
Well, said she, right soon there shall meet a knight shall
pay thee all thy wages, for he is the most man of worship of
the world, except King Arthur. I will well, said Beaumains,
the more he is of worship, the more shall be my worship to
have ado with him.
Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich
and fair. And betwixt them and the city a mile and an half
there was a fair meadow that seemed new mown, and therein
were many pavilions fair to behold. Lo, said the damosel,
yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his custom is,
when the weather is fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and
tourney. And ever there be about him five hundred knights
and gentlemen of arms, and there be all manner of games that
any gentleman can devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains,
would I fain see. Thou shalt see him time enough, said the
damosel, and so as she rode near she espied the pavilion
where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonder pavilion that
is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner of thing that
there is about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields
and spears were all of the colour of Inde, and his name is
Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest knight that ever
thou lookedst on. It may well be, said Beaumains, but be he
never so stout a knight, in this field I shall abide till
that I see him under his shield. Ah, fool, said she, thou
wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains, an he be such
a knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all
his men, or with his five hundred knights. For an there come
no more but one at once, I shall him not fail whilst my life
lasteth. Fie, fie, said the damosel, that ever such a
stinking knave should blow such a boast. Damosel, he said,
ye are to blame so to rebuke me, for I had liefer do five
battles than so to be rebuked, let him come and then let him
do his worst.
Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin
thou art come; boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou hast
done, that have I seen; therefore I pray thee save thyself
an thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had great
travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the siege, for
it is but hence seven mile, and all perilous passages we are
passed save all only this passage; and here I dread me sore
lest ye shall catch some hurt, therefore I would ye were
hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this strong
knight. But I let you wit that Sir Persant of Inde is
nothing of might nor strength unto the knight that laid the
siege about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be it
as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I
will prove his might or I depart from him, and else I shall
be shamed an I now withdraw me from him. And therefore,
damosel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I shall so
deal with this knight that within two hours after noon I
shall deliver him. And then shall we come to the siege by
daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said the damosel, what
manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that
ye be come of a noble blood, for so foul nor shamefully did
never woman rule a knight as I have done you, and ever
courteously ye have suffered me, and that came never but of
a gentle blood.
Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may
not suffer a damosel, for whatsomever ye said unto me I took
none heed to your words, for the more ye said the more ye
angered me, and my wrath I wreaked upon them that I had ado
withal. And therefore all the missaying that ye missaid me
furthered me in my battle, and caused me to think to show
and prove myself at the end what I was; for peradventure
though I had meat in King Arthur's kitchen, yet I might have
had meat enough in other places, but all that I did it for
to prove and assay my friends, and that shall be known
another day; and whether that I be a gentleman born or none,
I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done you gentleman's
service, and peradventure better service yet will I do or I
depart from you. Alas, she said, fair Beaumains, forgive me
all that I have missaid or done against thee. With all my
heart, said he, I forgive it you, for ye did nothing but as
ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; and
damosel, said Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus
fair unto me, wit ye well it gladdeth my heart greatly, and
now meseemeth there is no knight living but I am able enough
for him.
CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of
Inde, and made him to be yielden.
WITH this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they
hoved in the field, and knightly he sent to them whether he
came in war or in peace. Say to thy lord, said Beaumains, I
take no force, but whether as him list himself. So the
messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him all his
answer. Well then will I have ado with him to the utterance,
and so he purveyed him and rode against him. And Beaumains
saw him and made him ready, and there they met with all that
ever their horses might run, and brast their spears either
in three pieces, and their horses rushed so together that
both their horses fell dead to the earth; and lightly they
avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and
drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that sometime
they hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the
ground. Thus they fought two hours and more, that their
shields and their hauberks were all forhewen, and in many
steads they were wounded. So at the last Sir Beaumains smote
him through the cost of the body, and then he retrayed him
here and there, and knightly maintained his battle long
time. And at the last, though him loath were, Beaumains
smote Sir Persant above upon the helm, that he fell
grovelling to the earth; and then he leapt upon him
overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slain him.
Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With
that came the damosel and prayed to save his life. I will
well, for it were pity this noble knight should die.
Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and damosel. For
certainly now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother the
Black Knight at the black thorn; he was a full noble knight,
his name was Sir Percard. Also I am sure that ye are he that
won mine other brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir
Pertolepe. Also ye won my brother the Red Knight, Sir
Perimones. And now since ye have won these, this shall I do
for to please you: ye shall have homage and fealty of me,
and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to
go and ride where ye will command us. And so they went unto
Sir Persant's pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices,
and afterward Sir Persant made him to rest upon a bed until
supper time, and after supper to bed again. When Beaumains
was abed, Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter of
eighteen year of age, and there he called her unto him, and
charged her and commanded her upon his blessing to go unto
the knight's bed, and lie down by his side, and make him no
strange cheer, but good cheer, and take him in thine arms
and kiss him, and look that this be done, I charge you, as
ye will have my love and my good will. So Sir Persant's
daughter did as her father bade her, and so she went unto
Sir Beaumains' bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid
her down by him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked
her what she was. Sir, she said, I am Sir Persant's
daughter, that by the commandment of my father am come
hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said, I am
a clean maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil
you to do Sir Persant such a shame; therefore, fair damosel,
arise out of this bed or else I will. Sir, she said, I came
not to you by mine own will, but as I was commanded. Alas,
said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful knight an I would do
your father any disworship; and so he kissed her, and so she
departed and came unto Sir Persant her father, and told him
all how she had sped. Truly, said Sir Persant, whatsomever
he be, he is come of a noble blood. And so we leave them
there till on the morn.
CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir
Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was
Sir Gareth.
AND so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard
mass and brake their fast, and so took their leave. Fair
damosel, said Persant, whitherward are ye way-leading this
knight? Sir, she said, this knight is going to the siege
that besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous. Ah, ah,
said Persant, that is the Knight of the Red Laund, the which
is the most perilous knight that I know now living, and a
man that is without mercy, and men say that he hath seven
men's strength. God save you, said he to Beaumains, from
that knight, for he doth great wrong to that lady, and that
is great pity, for she is one of the fairest ladies of the
world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister: is not
your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my
sister's name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said
Sir Persant, this Red Knight of the Red Laund hath lain long
at the siege, well-nigh this two years, and many times he
might have had her an he had would, but he prolongeth the
time to this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to do
battle with him, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis,
or Sir Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so long at the
siege.
Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet,
I require you that ye will make this gentleman knight or
ever he fight with the Red Knight. I will with all my heart,
said Sir Persant, an it please him to take the order of
knighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said Beaumains,
I thank you for your good will, for I am better sped, for
certainly the noble knight Sir Launcelot made me knight. Ah,
said Sir Persant, of a more renowned knight might ye not be
made knight; for of all knights he may be called chief of
knighthood; and so all the world saith, that betwixt three
knights is departed clearly knighthood, that is Launcelot du
Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak de Galis:
these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as
Sir Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also
Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir
Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Percivale de
Galis; these and many more be noble knights, but there be
none that pass the three above said; therefore God speed you
well, said Sir Persant, for an ye may match the Red Knight
ye shall be called the fourth of the world.
Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of
knighthood. And I let you wit I came of good men, for I dare
say my father was a noble man, and so that ye will keep it
in close, and this damosel, I will tell you of what kin I
am. We will not discover you, said they both, till ye
command us, by the faith we owe unto God. Truly then, said
he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot was my father,
and my mother is King Arthur's sister, her name is Dame
Morgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine
and Sir Gaheris, and I am the youngest of them all. And yet
wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what I am.
CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word
from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for
her, and what battles he had achieved.
SO the book saith that the lady that was besieged had
word of her sister's coming by the dwarf, and a knight with
her, and how he had passed all the perilous passages. What
manner a man is he? said the lady. He is a noble knight,
truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a young man, but he is
as likely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he? said the
damosel, and of what kin is he come, and of whom was he made
knight? Madam, said the dwarf, he is the king's son of
Orkney, but his name I will not tell you as at this time;
but wit ye well, of Sir Launcelot was he made knight, for of
none other would he be made knight, and Sir Kay named him
Beaumains. How escaped he, said the lady, from the brethren
of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight should. First,
he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she,
they were good knights, but they were murderers, the one
hight Gherard le Breuse, and the other knight hight Sir
Arnold le Breuse. Then, madam, he recountered with the Black
Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and so he took his
horse and his armour and fought with the Green Knight and
won him in plain battle, and in like wise he served the Red
Knight, and after in the same wise he served the Blue Knight
and won him in plain battle. Then, said the lady, he hath
overcome Sir Persant of Inde, one of the noblest knights of
the world, and the dwarf said, He hath won all the four
brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet he did more
to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and left him nigh dead upon
the ground; also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot,
and there they departed on even hands: and then Sir
Launcelot made him knight.
Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings,
therefore go thou in an hermitage of mine hereby, and there
shalt thou bear with thee of my wine in two flagons of
silver, they are of two gallons, and also two cast of bread
with fat venison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of gold
here I deliver thee, that is rich and precious; and bear all
this to mine hermitage, and put it in the hermit's hands.
And sithen go thou unto my sister and greet her well, and
commend me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to eat and
to drink and make him strong, and say ye him I thank him of
his courtesy and goodness, that he would take upon him such
labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy. Also
pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall
meet with a full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty,
courtesy, nor gentleness; for he attendeth unto nothing but
to murder, and that is the cause I cannot praise him nor
love him.
So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he
found the damosel Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told
them all as ye have heard; and then they took their leave,
but Sir Persant took an ambling hackney and conveyed them on
their ways, and then beleft them to God; and so within a
little while they came to that hermitage, and there they
drank the wine, and ate the venison and the fowls baken. And
so when they had repasted them well, the dwarf returned
again with his vessel unto the castle again; and there met
with him the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and asked him
from whence that he came, and where he had been. Sir, said
the dwarf, I have been with my lady's sister of this castle,
and she hath been at King Arthur's court, and brought a
knight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for
though she had brought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram,
Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawaine, I would think myself good
enough for them all.
It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath
passed all the perilous passages, and slain the Black Knight
and other two more, and won the Green Knight, the Red
Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he one of these four
that I have afore rehearsed. He is none of those, said the
dwarf, but he is a king's son. What is his name? said the
Red Knight of the Red Launds. That will I not tell you, said
the dwarf, but Sir Kay upon scorn named him Beaumains. I
care not, said the knight, what knight so ever he be, for I
shall soon deliver him. And if I ever match him he shall
have a shameful death as many other have had. That were
pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that ye make such
shameful war upon noble knights.
Arthur Hughes
The departure of Tristram and La Belle
Isoude from Ireland
CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the
siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew
a horn, and then the Knight of the
Red Launds came to fight with him.
NOW leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of
Beaumains, that all night lay in the hermitage; and upon the
morn he and the damosel Linet heard their mass and brake
their fast. And then they took their horses and rode
throughout a fair forest; and then they came to a plain, and
saw where were many pavilions and tents, and a fair castle,
and there was much smoke and great noise; and when they came
near the siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees, as he
rode, how there hung full goodly armed knights by the neck,
and their shields about their necks with their swords, and
gilt spurs upon their heels, and so there hung nigh a forty
knights shamefully with full rich arms.
Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What
meaneth this? Fair sir, said the damosel, abate not your
cheer for all this sight, for ye must courage yourself, or
else ye be all shent, for all these knights came hither to
this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the
Red Knight of the Red Launds had overcome them, he put them
to this shameful death without mercy and pity. And in the
same wise he will serve you but if you quit you the better.
Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a
villainous death and shenship of arms. For rather than I
should so be faren withal, I would rather be slain manly in
plain battle. So were ye better, said the damosel; for trust
not, in him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the death or
shameful murder, and that is pity, for he is a full likely
man, well made of body, and a full noble knight of prowess,
and a lord of great lands and possessions. Truly, said
Beaumains, he may well be a good knight, but he useth
shameful customs, and it is marvel that he endureth so long
that none of the noble knights of my lord Arthur's have not
dealt with him.
And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double
dyked with full warlike walls; and there were lodged many
great lords nigh the walls; and there was great noise of
minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one side of the walls,
where were many ships and mariners' noise with "hale and
how." And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there
hung an horn, the greatest that ever they saw, of an
elephant's bone; and this Knight of the Red Launds had
hanged it up there, that if there came any errant-knight, he
must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready and
come to him to do battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the
damosel Linet, blow ye not the horn till it be high noon,
for now it is about prime, and now increaseth his might,
that as men say he hath seven men's strength. Ah, fie for
shame, fair damosel, say ye never so more to me; for, an he
were as good a knight as ever was, I shall never fail him in
his most might, for either I will win worship worshipfully,
or die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his
horse straight to the sycamore tree, and blew so the horn
eagerly that all the siege and the castle rang thereof. And
then there leapt out knights out of their tents and
pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the walls
and out at windows.
Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily,
and two barons set on his spurs upon his heels, and all was
blood red, his armour, spear and shield. And an earl buckled
his helm upon his head, and then they brought him a red
spear and a red steed, and so he rode into a little vale
under the castle, that all that were in the castle and at
the siege might behold the battle.
CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of
their talking, and how they began their battle.
SIR, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye
be glad and light, for yonder is your deadly enemy, and at
yonder window is my lady, my sister, Dame Lionesse. Where?
said Beaumains. Yonder, said the damosel, and pointed with
her finger. That is truth, said Beaumains. She beseemeth
afar the fairest lady that ever I looked upon; and truly, he
said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to do battle, for
truly she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight. And
ever he looked up to the window with glad countenance, and
the Lady Lionesse made curtsey to him down to the earth,
with holding up both their hands.
With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir
Beaumains, Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and behold me, I
counsel thee; for I warn thee well she is my lady, and for
her I have done many strong battles. If thou have so done,
said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour, for she
loveth none of thy fellowship, and thou to love that loveth
not thee is but great folly. For an I understood that she
were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or I did
battle for her. But I understand by the besieging of this
castle she may forbear thy fellowship. And therefore wit
thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red Launds, I love her,
and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou that? said
the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be ware by
yonder knights that thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie
for shame, said Beaumains, that ever thou shouldest say or
do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself and knighthood,
and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee that
knoweth thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest that the
sight of these hanged knights should fear me. Nay truly, not
so; that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and
hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against
thee an thou wert a well-ruled knight. Make thee ready, said
the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and talk no longer with
me.
Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then
they put their spears in their rests, and came together with
all their might that they had both, and either smote other
in midst of their shields that the paitrelles, surcingles,
and cruppers brast, and fell to the earth both, and the
reins of their bridles in their hands; and so they lay a
great while sore astonied, that all that were in the castle
and in the siege weened their necks had been broken; and
then many a stranger and other said the strange knight was a
big man, and a noble jouster, for or now we saw never no
knight match the Red Knight of the Red Launds: thus they
said, both within the castle and without. Then lightly they
avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and
drew their swords and ran together like two fierce lions,
and either gave other such buffets upon their helms that
they reeled backward both two strides; and then they
recovered both, and hewed great pieces off their harness and
their shields that a great part fell into the fields.
CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame
the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of
the lords he saved his life, and
made him to yield him to the lady.
AND then thus they fought till it was past noon, and
never would stint, till at the last they lacked wind both;
and then they stood wagging and scattering, panting, blowing
and bleeding, that all that beheld them for the most part
wept for pity. So when they had rested them a while they
yede to battle again, tracing, racing, foining as two boars.
And at some time they took their run as it had been two
rams, and hurtled together that sometime they fell
grovelling to the earth: and at some time they were so
amazed that either took other's sword instead of his own.
Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none
that beheld them might know whether was like to win the
battle; and their armour was so forhewn that men might see
their naked sides; and in other places they were naked, but
ever the naked places they did defend. And the Red Knight
was a wily knight of war, and his wily fighting taught Sir
Beaumains to be wise; but he abought it full sore or he did
espy his fighting.
And thus by assent of them both they granted either other
to rest; and so they set them down upon two mole-hills there
beside the fighting place, and either of them unlaced his
helm, and took the cold wind; for either of their pages was
fast by them, to come when they called to unlace their
harness and to set them on again at their commandment. And
then when Sir Beaumains' helm was off, he looked up to the
window, and there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and
she made him such countenance that his heart waxed light and
jolly; and therewith he bade the Red Knight of the Red
Launds make him ready, and let us do the battle to the
utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then they laced
up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped
together and fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red
Launds awaited him, and at an overthwart smote him within
the hand, that his sword fell out of his hand; and yet he
gave him another buffet upon the helm that he fell
grovelling to the earth, and the Red Knight fell over him,
for to hold him down.
Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains,
where is thy courage become? Alas, my lady my sister
beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth, that maketh
mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her say so, he
abraid up with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and
lightly he leapt to his sword and gripped it in his hand,
and doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and there they
fought a new battle together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled
his strokes, and smote so thick that he smote the sword out
of his hand, and then he smote him upon the helm that he
fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him, and
unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him
and asked mercy, and said with a loud voice: O noble knight,
I yield me to thy mercy.
Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he
had made to be hanged shamefully, and then he said: I may
not with my worship save thy life, for the shameful deaths
that thou hast caused many full good knights to die. Sir,
said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your hand and ye
shall know the causes why I put them to so shameful a death.
Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair
damosel, and she had her brother slain; and she said it was
Sir Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed
me as that I loved her heartily, that I would make her a
promise by the faith of my knighthood, for to labour daily
in arms unto I met with one of them; and all that I might
overcome I should put them unto a villainous death; and this
is the cause that I have put all these knights to death, and
so I ensured her to do all the villainy unto King Arthur's
knights, and that I should take vengeance upon all these
knights. And, sir, now I will thee tell that every day my
strength increaseth till noon, and all this time have I
seven men's strength.
CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how
Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's court, and to
cry Sir Launcelot mercy.
THEN came there many earls, and barons, and noble
knights, and prayed that knight to save his life, and take
him to your prisoner. And all they fell upon their knees,
and prayed him of mercy, and that he would save his life;
and, Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take
homage and fealty, and let him hold his lands of you than
for to slay him; by his death ye shall have none advantage,
and his misdeeds that be done may not be undone; and
therefore he shall make amends to all parties, and we all
will become your men and do you homage and fealty. Fair
lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to slay
this knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and
shamefully; but insomuch all that he did was at a lady's
request I blame him the less; and so for your sake I will
release him that he shall have his life upon this covenant,
that he go within the castle, and yield him there to the
lady, and if she will forgive and quit him, I will well;
with this he make her amends of all the trespass he hath
done against her and her lands. And also, when that is done,
that ye go unto the court of King Arthur, and there that ye
ask Sir Launcelot mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will
ye have had against them. Sir, said the Red Knight of the
Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command, and siker
assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the
assurance was made, he made his homage and fealty, and all
those earls and barons with him.
And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and
unarmed him and searched his wounds, and stinted his blood,
and in likewise she did to the Red Knight of the Red Launds.
And there they sojourned ten days in their tents; and the
Red Knight made his lords and servants to do all the
pleasure that they might unto Sir Beaumains. And so within a
while the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede unto the castle,
and put him in her grace. And so she received him upon
sufficient surety, so all her hurts were well restored of
all that she could complain. And then he departed unto the
court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight of the
Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir
Gawaine, and there he told openly how he was overcome and by
whom, and also he told all the battles from the beginning
unto the ending. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur and Sir
Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is
a noble knight. Have ye no marvel, said Sir Launcelot, for
ye shall right well wit that he is come of a full noble
blood; and as for his might and hardiness, there be but few
now living that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of
prowess. It seemeth by you, said King Arthur, that ye know
his name, and from whence he is come, and of what blood he
is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I would not
have given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such
charge at that time that I should never discover him until
he required me, or else it be known openly by some other.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Tristram and Morholt
CHAPTER XIX How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he
came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of
the words that the lady said to
him.
NOW turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that
he might see her sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would
fain ye saw her. Then Sir Beaumains all armed him, and took
his horse and his spear, and rode straight unto the castle.
And when he came to the gate he found there many men armed,
and pulled up the drawbridge and drew the port close.
Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter.
And then he looked up to the window; and there he saw the
fair Lionesse that said on high: Go thy way, Sir Beaumains,
for as yet thou shalt not have wholly my love, unto the time
that thou be called one of the number of the worthy knights.
And therefore go labour in worship this twelvemonth, and
then thou shalt hear new tidings. Alas, fair lady, said
Beaumains, I have not deserved that ye should show me this
strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good
cheer with you, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and
well I am sure I have bought your love with part of the best
blood within my body. Fair courteous knight, said Dame
Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty; for wit you well
your great travail nor good love shall not be lost, for I
consider your great travail and labour, your bounty and your
goodness as me ought to do. And therefore go on your way,
and look that ye be of good comfort, for all shall be for
your worship and for the best, and perdy a twelvemonth will
soon be done, and trust me, fair knight, I shall be true to
you, and never to betray you, but to my death I shall love
you and none other. And therewithal she turned her from the
window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle,
making great dole, and so he rode here and there and wist
not where he rode, till it was dark night. And then it
happened him to come to a poor man's house, and there he was
harboured all that night.
But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed
for the love of the lady of the castle. And so upon the
morrow he took his horse and rode until underne, and then he
came to a broad water, and thereby was a great lodge, and
there he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon the
shield, and betook his horse to the dwarf, and commanded him
to watch all night.
Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought
much upon Beaumains, and then she called unto her Sir
Gringamore her brother, and prayed him in all manner, as he
loved her heartily, that he would ride after Sir Beaumains:
And ever have ye wait upon him till ye may find him
sleeping, for I am sure in his heaviness he will alight down
in some place, and lie him down to sleep; and therefore have
ye your wait upon him, and in the priviest manner ye can,
take his dwarf, and go ye your way with him as fast as ever
ye may or Sir Beaumains awake. For my sister Linet telleth
me that he can tell of what kindred he is come, and what is
his right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will ride
unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf.
And then when ye have brought him unto your castle, I will
have him in examination myself. Unto the time that I know
what is his right name, and of what kindred he is come,
shall I never be merry at my heart. Sister, said Sir
Gringamore, all this shall be done after your intent.
And so he rode all the other day and the night till that
he found Sir Beaumains lying by a water, and his head upon
his shield, for to sleep. And then when he saw Sir Beaumains
fast asleep, he came stilly stalking behind the dwarf, and
plucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode away with him
as fast as ever he might unto his own castle. And this Sir
Gringamore's arms were all black, and that to him longeth.
But ever as he rode with the dwarf toward his castle, he
cried unto his lord and prayed him of help. And therewith
awoke Sir Beaumains, and up he leapt lightly, and saw where
Sir Gringamore rode his way with the dwarf, and so Sir
Gringamore rode out of his sight.
CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his
dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.
THEN Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his
shield, and took his horse, and rode after him all that ever
he might ride through marshes, and fields, and great dales,
that many times his horse and he plunged over the head in
deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took the gainest
way in that woodness, that many times he was like to perish.
And at the last him happened to come to a fair green way,
and there he met with a poor man of the country, whom he
saluted and asked him whether he met not with a knight upon
a black horse and all black harness, a little dwarf sitting
behind him with heavy cheer. Sir, said the poor man, here by
me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with such a dwarf
mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him,
for he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his
castle is here nigh hand but two mile; therefore we advise
you ride not after Sir Gringamore, but if ye owe him good
will.
So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and
speak we of Sir Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf
was come to the castle, Dame Lionesse and Dame Linet her
sister, asked the dwarf where was his master born, and of
what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me, said Dame
Lionesse, thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here
to be prisoner. As for that, said the dwarf, I fear not
greatly to tell his name and of what kin he is come. Wit you
well he is a king's son, and his mother is sister to King
Arthur, and he is brother to the good knight Sir Gawaine,
and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney. And now I have told
you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to my
lord again, for he will never out of this country until that
he have me again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or
that he be stint, and work you wrack in this country. As for
that threatening, said Sir Gringamore, be it as it be may,
we will go to dinner. And so they washed and went to meat,
and made them merry and well at ease, and because the Lady
Lionesse of the castle was there, they made great joy.
Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, well may he be a
king's son, for he hath many good tatches on him, for he is
courteous and mild, and the most suffering man that ever I
met withal. For I dare say there was never gentlewoman
reviled man in so foul a manner as I have rebuked him; and
at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again.
And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at
the gate with an angry countenance, and his sword drawn in
his hand, and cried aloud that all the castle might hear it,
saying: Thou traitor, Sir Gringamore, deliver me my dwarf
again, or by the faith that I owe to the order of
knighthood, I shall do thee all the harm that I can. Then
Sir Gringamore looked out at a window and said, Sir Gareth
of Orkney, leave thy boasting words, for thou gettest not
thy dwarf again. Thou coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring
him with thee, and come and do battle with me, and win him
and take him. So will I do, said Sir Gringamore, an me list,
but for all thy great words thou gettest him not. Ah! fair
brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf again,
for I would he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all
my desire I keep no more of the dwarf. And also, brother, he
hath done much for me, and delivered me from the Red Knight
of the Red Launds, and therefore, brother, I owe him my
service afore all knights living. And wit ye well that I
love him before all other, and full fain I would speak with
him. But in nowise I would that he wist what I were, but
that I were another strange lady.
Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I
will obey now unto him. And right therewithal he went down
unto Sir Gareth, and said: Sir, I cry you mercy, and all
that I have misdone I will amend it at your will. And
therefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such
cheer as I can make you in this castle. Shall I have my
dwarf? said Sir Gareth. Yea, sir, and all the pleasaunce
that I can make you, for as soon as your dwarf told me what
ye were and of what blood ye are come, and what noble deeds
ye have done in these marches, then I repented of my deeds.
And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there came his dwarf and
took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have had
many adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took him
by the hand and led him into the hall where his own wife
was.
CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains,
came to the presence of his lady, and how they took
acquaintance, and of their love.
AND then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a
princess, and there she made him passing good cheer, and he
her again; and they had goodly language and lovely
countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought many times,
Jesu, would that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so
fair as she was. There were all manner of games and plays,
of dancing and singing. And ever the more Sir Gareth beheld
that lady, the more he loved her; and so he burned in love
that he was past himself in his reason; and forth toward
night they yede unto supper, and Sir Gareth might not eat,
for his love was so hot that he wist not where he was.
All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after
supper he called his sister Dame Lionesse into a chamber,
and said: Fair sister, I have well espied your countenance
betwixt you and this knight, and I will, sister, that ye wit
he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make him to abide
here I will do him all the pleasure that I can, for an ye
were better than ye are, ye were well bywaryd upon him. Fair
brother, said Dame Lionesse, I understand well that the
knight is good, and come he is of a noble house.
Notwithstanding, I will assay him better, howbeit I am most
beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath had great
labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.
Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said,
Sir, make ye good cheer, for ye shall have none other cause,
for this lady, my sister, is yours at all times, her worship
saved, for wit ye well she loveth you as well as ye do her,
and better if better may be. An I wist that, said Sir
Gareth, there lived not a gladder man than I would be. Upon
my worship, said Sir Gringamore, trust unto my promise; and
as long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn with me, and this
lady shall be with us daily and nightly to make you all the
cheer that she can. I will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have
promised to be nigh this country this twelvemonth. And well
I am sure King Arthur and other noble knights will find me
where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I shall be
sought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble
knight Sir Gareth went unto the Dame Lionesse, which he then
much loved, and kissed her many times, and either made great
joy of other. And there she promised him her love certainly,
to love him and none other the days of her life. Then this
lady, Dame Lionesse, by the assent of her brother, told Sir
Gareth all the truth what she was, and how she was the same
lady that he did battle for, and how she was lady of the
Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she caused her
brother to take away his dwarf, for this cause, to know
the certainty what was your name, and of what kin ye were
come.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Tristram and La Belle Isoude
drink the love potion
CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and
fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh,
smote off the knight's head.
AND then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel
that had ridden with him many wildsome ways. Then was Sir
Gareth more gladder than he was to-fore. And then they
troth-plight each other to love, and never to fail whiles
their life lasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that
they were accorded to abate their lusts secretly. And there
Dame Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in none other
place but in the hall. And there she promised him to come to
his bed a little afore midnight.
This counsel was not so privily kept but it was
understood; for they were but young both, and tender of age,
and had not used none such crafts to-fore. Wherefore the
damosel Linet was a little displeased, and she thought her
sister Dame Lionesse was a little over-hasty, that she might
not abide the time of her marriage; and for saving their
worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts. And so she
let ordain by her subtle crafts that they had not their
intents neither with other, as in their delights, until they
were married. And so it passed on. At-after supper was made
clean avoidance, that every lord and lady should go unto his
rest. But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go no farther
than the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient
for an errant-knight to take his rest in; and so there were
ordained great couches, and thereon feather beds, and there
laid him down to sleep; and within a while came Dame
Lionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with ermine, and laid
her down beside Sir Gareth. And therewithal he began to kiss
her. And then he looked afore him, and there he apperceived
and saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him;
and this knight had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim
countenance to smite him. When Sir Gareth saw him come in
that wise, he leapt out of his bed, and gat in his hand his
sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And when the
knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote
him with a foin through the thick of the thigh that the
wound was a shaftmon broad and had cut a-two many veins and
sinews. And therewithal Sir Gareth smote him upon the helm
such a buffet that he fell grovelling; and then he leapt
over him and unlaced his helm, and smote off his head from
the body. And then he bled so fast that he might not stand,
but so he laid him down upon his bed, and there he swooned
and lay as he had been dead.
Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir
Gringamore heard, and came down. And when he saw Sir Gareth
so shamefully wounded he was sore displeased, and said: I am
shamed that this noble knight is thus honoured. Sir, said
Sir Gringamore, how may this be, that ye be here, and this
noble knight wounded? Brother, she said, I can not tell you,
for it was not done by me, nor by mine assent. For he is my
lord and I am his, and he must be mine husband; therefore,
my brother, I will that ye wit I shame me not to be with
him, nor to do him all the pleasure that I can. Sister, said
Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit it, and Sir Gareth
both, that it was never done by me, nor by my assent that
this unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched his
bleeding as well as they might, and great sorrow made Sir
Gringamore and Dame Lionesse.
And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in
the sight of them all, and anointed it with an ointment
thereas it was smitten off; and in the same wise she did to
the other part thereas the head stuck, and then she set it
together, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And the
knight arose lightly up, and the damosel Linet put him in
her chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse,
and so did Sir Gareth; and well he espied that it was the
damosel Linet, that rode with him through the perilous
passages. Ah well, damosel, said Sir Gareth, I weened ye
would not have done as ye have done. My lord Gareth, said
Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I have
done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all.
And so within a while Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed
light and jocund, and sang, danced, and gamed; and he and
Dame Lionesse were so hot in burning love that they made
their covenant at the tenth night after, that she should
come to his bed. And because he was wounded afore, he laid
his armour and his sword nigh his bed's side.
CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next
night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of
Pentecost all the knights that Sir Gareth
had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.
RIGHT as she promised she came; and she was not so soon
in his bed but she espied an armed knight coming toward the
bed: therewithal she warned Sir Gareth, and lightly through
the good help of Dame Lionesse he was armed; and they
hurtled together with great ire and malice all about the
hall; and there was great light as it had been the number of
twenty torches both before and behind, so that Sir Gareth
strained him, so that his old wound brast again a-bleeding;
but he was hot and courageous and took no keep, but with his
great force he struck down that knight, and voided his helm,
and struck off his head. Then he hewed the head in an
hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took up all those
pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of
the castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes
he might stand for bleeding. And by when he was almost
unarmed he fell in a deadly swoon on the floor; and then
Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir Gringamore heard; and when
he came and found Sir Gareth in that plight he made great
sorrow; and there he awaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a drink
that relieved him wonderly well; but the sorrow that Dame
Lionesse made there may no tongue tell, for she so fared
with herself as she would have died.
Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she
had fetched all the gobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had
thrown out at a window, and there she anointed them as she
had done to-fore, and set them together again. Well, damosel
Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not deserved all this despite
that ye do unto me. Sir knight, she said, I have nothing
done but I will avow, and all that I have done shall be to
your worship, and to us all. And then was Sir Gareth
staunched of his bleeding. But the leeches said that there
was no man that bare the life should heal him throughout of
his wound but if they healed him that caused that stroke by
enchantment.
So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his
sisters, and turn we unto King Arthur, that at the next
feast of Pentecost held his feast; and there came the Green
Knight with fifty knights, and yielded them all unto King
Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight his brother, and
yielded him to King Arthur, and three score knights with
him. Also there came the Blue Knight, brother to them, with
an hundred knights, and yielded them unto King Arthur; and
the Green Knight's name was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight's
name was Perimones, and the Blue Knight's name was Sir
Persant of Inde. These three brethren told King Arthur how
they were overcome by a knight that a damosel had with her,
and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I marvel what
knight he is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me
a twelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was fostered,
and Sir Kay in scorn named him Beaumains. So right as the
king stood so talking with these three brethren, there came
Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that there was come
a goodly lord with six hundred knights with him.
Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the
feast, and there came to him this lord, and saluted the king
in a goodly manner. What will ye, said King Arthur, and what
is your errand? Sir, he said, my name is the Red Knight of
the Red Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside; and sir, wit ye
well, here I am sent to you of a knight that is called
Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle hand for hand, and
so did never no knight but he, that ever had the better of
me this thirty winter; the which commanded to yield me to
you at your will. Ye are welcome, said the king, for ye have
been long a great foe to me and my court, and now I trust to
God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend. Sir,
both I and these five hundred knights shall always be at
your summons to do you service as may lie in our powers.
Jesu mercy, said King Arthur, I am much beholden unto that
knight that hath put so his body in devoir to worship me and
my court. And as to thee, Ironside, that art called the Red
Knight of the Red Launds, thou art called a perilous knight;
and if thou wilt hold of me I shall worship thee and make
thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be no
more a murderer. Sir, as to that, I have promised unto Sir
Beaumains never more to use such customs, for all the
shameful customs that I used I did at the request of a lady
that I loved; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot,
and unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil
will I had unto them; for all that I put to death was all
only for the love of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Gawaine. They
be here now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to
them what ye will. And then he kneeled down unto Sir
Launcelot, and to Sir Gawaine, and prayed them of
forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had against them.
CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and
demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.
THEN goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and
we do, and pray you that ye will tell us where we may find
Sir Beaumains. Fair lords, said Sir Ironside, I cannot tell
you, for it is full hard to find him; for such young knights
as he is one, when they be in their adventures be never
abiding in no place. But to say the worship that the Red
Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother
said of Beaumains, it was marvel to hear. Well, my fair
lords, said King Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour
for the love of Sir Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet
with him I shall make you all upon one day knights of the
Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde, thou hast
been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever been
thy three brethren called. But I marvel, said the king, that
I hear not of the Black Knight your brother, he was a full
noble knight. Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir
Beaumains slew him in a recounter with his spear, his name
was Sir Percard. That was great pity, said the king, and so
said many knights. For these four brethren were full well
known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights, for
long time they had holden war against the knights of the
Round Table. Then said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the
king: At a passage of the water of Mortaise there
encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that ever for
the most part kept that passage, and they were two deadly
knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in the water,
and smote him upon the head such a buffet that he fell down
in the water, and there he was drowned, and his name was Sir
Gherard le Breusse; and after he slew the other brother upon
the land, his name was Sir Arnold le Breusse.
CHAPTER XXV. How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast
of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask
her blessing.
So then the king and they went to meat, and were served
in the best manner. And as they sat at the meat, there came
in the Queen of Orkney, with ladies and knights a great
number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, and Gaheris
arose, and went to her and saluted her upon their knees, and
asked her blessing; for in fifteen year they had not seen
her. Then she spake on high to her brother King Arthur:
Where have ye done my young son Sir Gareth? He was here
amongst you a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen knave of
him, the which is shame to you all. Alas, where have ye done
my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dear mother, said
Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that now
me repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worshipful
knight as any is now living of his years, and I shall never
be glad till I may find him.
Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto
Sir Gawaine, and to all her sons, ye did yourself great
shame when ye amongst you kept my son in the kitchen and fed
him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said King Arthur, ye shall
right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine,
nor his brethren; but sithen it is so, said the king, that
he is thus gone from us all, we must shape a remedy to find
him. Also, sister, meseemeth ye might have done me to wit of
his coming, and then an I had not done well to him ye might
have blamed me. For when he came to this court he came
leaning upon two men's shoulders, as though he might not
have gone. And then he asked me three gifts; and one he
asked the same day, that was that I would give him meat
enough that twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked
that day a twelvemonth, and that was that he might have the
adventure of the damosel Linet, and the third was that Sir
Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him. And so
I granted him all his desire, and many in this court
marvelled that he desired his sustenance for a twelvemonth.
And thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he was not come of
a noble house.
Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her
brother, wit ye well that I sent him unto you right well
armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of his body, and
gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be, said the King,
but thereof saw we none, save that same day as he departed
from us, knights told me that there came a dwarf hither
suddenly, and brought him armour and a good horse full well
and richly beseen; and thereat we all had marvel from whence
that riches came, that we deemed all that he was come of men
of worship. Brother, said the queen, all that ye say I
believe, for ever sithen he was grown he was marvellously
witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his promise.
But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn
him, and gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said
the queen, named him more righteously than he weened; for I
dare say an he be alive, he is as fair an handed man and
well disposed as any is living. Sir, said Arthur, let this
language be still, and by the grace of God he shall be found
an he be within this seven realms, and let all this pass and
be merry, for he is proved to be a man of worship, and that
is my joy.
Edward Burne-Jones
The marriage of Tristram and
Isoude Les Blanches Mains
CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady
Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle,
whereas came many knights.
THEN said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir,
an ye will give us leave, we will go and seek our brother.
Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that shall ye not need; and so said
Sir Baudwin of Britain: for as by our advice the king shall
send unto Dame Lionesse a messenger, and pray her that she
will come to the court in all the haste that she may, and
doubt ye not she will come; and then she may give you best
counsel where ye shall find him. This is well said of you,
said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the
messenger sent forth, that night and day he went till he
came unto the Castle Perilous. And then the lady Dame
Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was with Sir Gringamore
her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood this
message, she bade him ride on his way unto King Arthur, and
she would come after in all goodly haste. Then when she came
to Sir Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how
King Arthur had sent for her. That is because of me, said
Sir Gareth. Now advise me, said Dame Lionesse, what shall I
say, and in what manner I shall rule me. My lady and my
love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye aknowen
where I am; but well I wot my mother is there and all my
brethren, and they will take upon them to seek me, I wot
well that they do. But this, madam, I would ye said and
advised the king when he questioned with you of me. Then may
ye say, this is your advice that, an it like his good grace,
ye will do make a cry against the feast of the Assumption of
our Lady, that what knight there proveth him best he shall
wield you and all your land. And if so be that he be a
wedded man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a
coronal of gold beset with stones of virtue to the value of
a thousand pound, and a white gerfalcon.
So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where
she was nobly received, and there she was sore questioned of
the king and of the Queen of Orkney. And she answered, where
Sir Gareth was she could not tell. But thus much she said
unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a tournament that shall be
done before my castle at the Assumption of our Lady, and the
cry shall be this: that you, my lord Arthur, shall be there,
and your knights, and I will purvey that my knights shall be
against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir
Gareth. This is well advised, said King Arthur; and so she
departed. And the king and she made great provision to that
tournament.
When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that
was the same isle thereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt,
then she told them all how she had done, and what promise
she had made to King Arthur. Alas, said Sir Gareth, I have
been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came into this
castle that I shall not be able to do at that tournament
like a knight; for I was never thoroughly whole since I was
hurt. Be ye of good cheer, said the damosel Linet, for I
undertake within these fifteen days to make ye whole, and as
lusty as ever ye were. And then she laid an ointment and a
salve to him as it pleased to her, that he was never so
fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send you
unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights
to be here with you as they have promised. Also, that ye
send unto Sir Ironside, that is the Red Knight of the Red
Launds, and charge him that he be ready with you with his
whole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able to match
with King Arthur and his knights. So this was done, and all
knights were sent for unto the Castle Perilous; and then the
Red Knight answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir
Gareth, Madam, and my lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand
that I have been at the court of King Arthur, and Sir
Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there we have done our
homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, I have
taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to
hold part against my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of
that court. And this have I done for the love of my lady
Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir Gareth. Ye have well
done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall be full
sore matched with the most noble knights of the world;
therefore we must purvey us of good knights, where we may
get them. That is well said, said Sir Persant, and
worshipfully.
And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland,
Ireland, Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in Brittany
and in many countries; that at the feast of our Lady the
Assumption next coming, men should come to the Castle
Perilous beside the Isle of Avilion; and there all the
knights that there came should have the choice whether them
list to be on the one party with the knights of the castle,
or on the other party with King Arthur. And two months was
to the day that the tournament should be. And so there came
many good knights that were at their large, and held them
for the most part against King Arthur and his knights of the
Round Table and came in the side of them of the castle. For
Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king's son of
Northumberland, and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another,
and Sir Safere his brother, and Sir Segwarides his brother,
but they were christened, and Sir Malegrine another, and Sir
Brian de les Isles, a noble knight, and Sir Grummore
Grummursum, a good knight of Scotland, and Sir Carados of
the dolorous tower, a noble knight, and Sir Turquine his
brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good
knights of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and
with him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this
Sir Tristram was not at that time knight of the Table Round,
but he was one of the best knights of the world. And so all
these noble knights accompanied them with the lady of the
castle, and with the Red Knight of the Red Launds; but as
for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him more but as other
mean knights.
CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament
with his knights, and how the lady received him
worshipfully, and how the knights encountered.
AND then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine,
Agravaine, Gaheris, his brethren. And then his nephews Sir
Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir
Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis. Then came Sir
Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and cousins,
as Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and
Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many more of Sir Launcelot's
blood, and Sir Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile, his brother,
a good knight, and Sir Sagramore, a good knight; and all the
most part of the Round Table. Also there came with King
Arthur these knights, the King of Ireland, King Agwisance,
and the King of Scotland, King Carados and King Uriens of
the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son Sir
Meliaganus, and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these
kings, princes, and earls, barons, and other noble knights,
as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir
Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea,
Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur, and more that
cannot be rehearsed.
Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak
of the great array that was made within the castle and about
the castle for both parties. The Lady Dame Lionesse ordained
great array upon her part for her noble knights, for all
manner of lodging and victual that came by land and by
water, that there lacked nothing for her party, nor for the
other, but there was plenty to be had for gold and silver
for King Arthur and his knights. And then there came the
harbingers from King Arthur for to harbour him, and his
kings, dukes, earls, barons, and knights. And then Sir
Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of the Red
Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,
that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name,
and make no more of him than of the least knight that there
was, For, he said, I will not be known of neither more nor
less, neither at the beginning neither at the ending. Then
Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I will lend you a
ring, but I would pray you as you love me heartily let me
have it again when the tournament is done, for that ring
increaseth my beauty much more than it is of himself. And
the virtue of my ring is that, that is green it will turn to
red, and that is red it will turn in likeness to green, and
that is blue it will turn to likeness of white, and that is
white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it will do of
all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall
lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring.
Gramercy, said Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is
passing meet for me, for it will turn all manner of likeness
that I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not be
known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bay courser
that was a passing good horse; also he gave him good armour
and sure, and a noble sword that sometime Sir Gringamore's
father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus every knight
made him ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come
two days to-fore the Assumption of our Lady. And there was
all manner of royalty of all minstrelsy that might be found.
Also there came Queen Guenever and the Queen of Orkney, Sir
Gareth's mother.
And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were
done, there were heralds with trumpets commanded to blow to
the field. And so there came out Sir Epinogrus, the king's
son of Northumberland, from the castle, and there
encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either
of them brake their spears to their hands. And then came in
Sir Palamides out of the castle, and there encountered with
him Gawaine, and either of them smote other so hard that
both the good knights and their horses fell to the earth.
And then knights of either party rescued their knights. And
then came in Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides, brethren to Sir
Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with Sir
Safere and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So
Sir Safere smote down Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother; and
Sir Segwarides, Sir Safere's brother. And Sir Malegrine, a
knight of the castle, encountered with Sir Uwaine le
Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a
fall, that he had almost broke his neck.
Edward Burne-Jones
The tomb of Tristram and
Isolde
CHAPTER XXVIII. How the knights bare them in the battle.
THEN Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum,
knights of the castle, encountered with Sir Aglovale, and
Sir Tor smote down Sir Grummore Grummursum to the earth.
Then came in Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, and Sir
Turquine, knights of the castle; and there encountered with
them Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Lamorak de Galis, that
were two brethren. And there encountered Sir Percivale with
Sir Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands,
and then Sir Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them
smote down other's horse and all to the earth, and either
parties rescued other, and horsed them again. And Sir Arnold
and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle, encountered with Sir
Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights encountered
mightily, and brake their spears to their hands. Then came
in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, and Sir Dinas, knights of the
castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir
Bedivere, and there Sir Bedivere was smitten to the earth
both horse and man. And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir
Petipase, and there Sir Sadok was overthrown. And there
Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal.
Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle,
and there encountered with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and
there he smote Sir Persant, horse and man, to the earth.
Then came Sir Pertolepe from the castle, and there
encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir Pertolepe,
the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother to Sir
Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare
him best, and their names.
And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red
Knight, Sir Persant's brother, that was a knight of the
castle, and he encountered with Sir Ector de Maris, and
either smote other so hard that both their horses and they
fell to the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of the
Red Launds, and Sir Gareth, from the castle, and there
encountered with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Bleoberis,
and there the Red Knight and Sir Bors [either] smote other
so hard that their spears brast, and their horses fell
grovelling to the earth. Then Sir Bleoberis brake his spear
upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis fell to
the earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth
keep him, and Sir Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir
Galihud gat a spear to avenge his brother, and in the same
wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinadan and his brother,
La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir
Dodinas le Savage. All these he bare down with one spear.
When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he
marvelled what he might be that one time seemed green, and
another time, at his again coming, he seemed blue. And thus
at every course that he rode to and fro he changed his
colour, so that there might neither king nor knight have
ready cognisance of him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of
Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth
smote him from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King
Carados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and
man. And in the same wise he served King Uriens of the land
of Gore. And then came in Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth
smote him down, horse and man, to the earth. And Bagdemagus'
son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily and
knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on
high: Knight with the many colours, well hast thou jousted;
now make thee ready that I may joust with thee. Sir Gareth
heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so they encountered
together, and there the prince brake his spear; but Sir
Gareth smote him upon the left side of the helm that he
reeled here and there, and he had fallen down had not his
men recovered him.
So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with
the many colours is a good knight. Wherefore the king called
unto him Sir Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with
that knight. Sir, said Launcelot, I may well find in my
heart for to forbear him as at this time, for he hath had
travail enough this day; and when a good knight doth so well
upon some day, it is no good knight's part to let him of his
worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done so
great labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his
quarrel is here this day, and peradventure he is best
beloved with this lady of all that be here; for I see well
he paineth him and enforceth him to do great deeds, and
therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall
have the honour; though it lay in my power to put him from
it I would not.
Edward Burne-Jones
The madness of Tristram
CHAPTER XXIX. Yet of the said tournament.
THEN when this was done there was drawing of swords, and
then there began a sore tournament. And there did Sir
Lamorak marvellous deeds of arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak
and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds,
there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and
Bleoberis there was a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir
Tristram met, and there Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he
pulled Sir Gawaine from his horse, and there he was long
upon foot, and defouled. Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he
smote Sir Turquine, and he him; and then came Sir Carados
his brother, and both at once they assailed him, and he as
the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully fought
with them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir
Launcelot. And then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was
Sir Launcelot that fought with the two perilous knights. And
then Sir Gareth came with his good horse and hurtled them
in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir Launcelot.
That espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good
knight Sir Gareth: and then Sir Gareth rode here and there,
and smote on the right hand and on the left hand, and all
the folk might well espy where that he rode. And by fortune
he met with his brother Sir Gawaine, and there he put Sir
Gawaine to the worse, for he put off his helm, and so he
served five or six knights of the Round Table, that all men
said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his
devoir. For when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first
jousted and after fought so well with a sword, then he rode
unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant of Inde, and asked
them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder knight
that seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth,
said Tristram, that he putteth himself in great pain, for he
never ceaseth. Wot ye not what he is? said Sir Ironside. No,
said Sir Tristram. Then shall ye know that this is he that
loveth the lady of the castle, and she him again; and this
is he that won me when I besieged the lady of this castle,
and this is he that won Sir Persant of Inde, and his three
brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and of what
blood is he come? He was called in the court of King Arthur,
Beaumains, but his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney,
brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head, said Sir Tristram, he is
a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if he be young he
shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they all
said, and of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he
is mickle the better, said Tristram. And then Sir Tristram,
Sir Ironside, Sir Persant, and his brother, rode together
for to help Sir Gareth; and then there were given many
strong strokes.
And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his
helm; and then said his dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye
lose it not while that ye drink. And so when he had drunk he
gat on his helm, and eagerly took his horse and rode into
the field, and left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf
was glad the ring was from him, for then he wist well he
should be known. And then when Sir Gareth was in the field
all folks saw him well and plainly that he was in yellow
colours; and there he rased off helms and pulled down
knights, that King Arthur had marvel what knight he was, for
the king saw by his hair that it was the same knight.
CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds,
and how he escaped out of the field.
BUT before
he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour;
that is yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers
heralds, and ride about him, and espy what manner knight he
is, for I have spered of many knights this day that be upon
his party, and all say they know him not. And so an herald
rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written about
his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney. Then
the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with
him:—This is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; wherby all kings and knights of Arthur's beheld
him and awaited; and then they pressed all to behold him,
and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of Orkney,
King Lot's son. And when Sir Gareth espied that he was
discovered, then he doubled his strokes, and smote down Sir
Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine. O brother, said Sir
Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.
So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and
so with great pain he gat out of the press, and there he met
with his dwarf. O boy, said Sir Gareth, thou hast beguiled
me foul this day that thou kept my ring; give it me anon
again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he took it
him. And then they all wist not where he was become; and Sir
Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir Gareth rode, and then
he rode after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth,
and rode lightly into the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not
where he was become. And when Sir Gareth wist that Sir
Gawaine was passed, he asked the dwarf of best counsel. Sir,
said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye are
escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her
ring. It is well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here
and bear it to her, and say that I recommend me unto her
good grace, and say her I will come when I may, and I pray
her to be true and faithful to me as I will be to her. Sir,
said the dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he
rode his way, and did his errand unto the lady. Then she
said, Where is my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam, said the dwarf,
he bade me say that he would not be long from you. And so
lightly the dwarf came again unto Sir Gareth, that would
full fain have had a lodging, for he had need to be reposed.
And then fell there a thunder and a rain, as heaven and
earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little
weary, for of all that day he had but little rest, neither
his horse nor he. So this Sir Gareth rode so long in that
forest until the night came. And ever it lightened and
thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune he
came to a castle, and there he heard the waits upon the
walls.
CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he
was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.
THEN Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and
prayed the porter fair to let him into the castle. The
porter answered ungoodly again, and said, Thou gettest no
lodging here. Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight of
King Arthur's, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle
to give me harbour for the love of King Arthur. Then the
porter went unto the duchess, and told her how there was a
knight of King Arthur's would have harbour. Let him in, said
the duchess, for I will see that knight, and for King
Arthur's sake he shall not be harbourless. Then she yode up
into a tower over the gate, with great torchlight.
When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high:
Whether thou be lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no
force so that I may have harbour this night; and if it so be
that I must needs fight, spare me not to-morn when I have
rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary. Sir knight,
said the lady, thou speakest knightly and boldly; but wit
thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur,
nor none of his court, for my lord hath ever been against
him; and therefore thou were better not to come within this
castle; for an thou come in this night, thou must come in
under such form, that wheresomever thou meet my lord, by
stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner.
Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his
name? Sir, my lord's name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well
madam, said Sir Gareth, I shall promise you in what place I
meet your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good
grace; with that I understand he will do me no harm: and if
I understand that he will, I will release myself an I can
with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, said the duchess;
and then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into
the hall, and there he alighted, and his horse was led into
a stable; and in the hall he unarmed him and said, Madam, I
will not out of this hall this night; and when it is
daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall find
me ready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good
dishes. Then Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly he
ate his meat, and eagerly; there was many a fair lady by
him, and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well
of eating. Then they made him passing good cheer, and
shortly when he had supped his bed was made there; so he
rested him all night.
And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and
took his leave at the duchess, and at them all; and thanked
her goodly of her lodging, and of his good cheer; and then
she asked him his name. Madam, he said, truly my name is
Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then knew
she well it was the same knight that fought for Dame
Lionesse. So Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a
mountain, and there met him a knight, his name was Sir
Bendelaine, and said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt not pass this
way, for either thou shalt joust with me, or else be my
prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so they
let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him
throughout the body; and Sir Bendelaine rode forth to his
castle there beside, and there died. So Sir Gareth would
have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine's castle.
Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had
slain their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came
out and assailed Sir Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his
sword, and put his shield afore him; and there they brake
their spears upon him, and they assailed him passingly sore.
But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a knight.
Edward Burne-Jones
The recognition of Tristram
by La Belle Isoude
CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that
held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.
SO when they saw that they might not overcome him, they
rode from him, and took their counsel to slay his horse; and
so they came in upon Sir Gareth, and with spears they slew
his horse, and then they assailed him hard. But when he was
on foot, there was none that he fought but he gave him such
a buffet that he did never recover. So he slew them by one
and one till they were but four, and there they fled; and
Sir Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, and
rode his way.
Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle,
and there he heard much mourning of ladies and gentlewomen.
So there came by him a page. What noise is this, said Sir
Gareth, that I hear within this castle? Sir knight, said the
page, here be within this castle thirty ladies, and all they
be widows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily upon this
castle, and his name is the Brown Knight without Pity, and
he is the periloust knight that now liveth; and therefore
sir, said the page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir Gareth, I
will not flee though thou be afeard of him. And then the
page saw where came the Brown Knight: Lo, said the page,
yonder he cometh. Let me deal with him, said Sir Gareth. And
when either of other had a sight they let their horses run,
and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote
him throughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground
stark dead. So Sir Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed
the ladies that he might repose him. Alas, said the ladies,
ye may not be lodged here. Make him good cheer, said the
page, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then they all
made him good cheer as lay in their power. But wit ye well
they made him good cheer, for they might none otherwise do,
for they were but poor.
And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the
thirty ladies kneel, and lay grovelling upon divers tombs,
making great dole and sorrow. Then Sir Gareth wist well that
in the tombs lay their lords. Fair ladies, said Sir Gareth,
ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be at the court of
King Arthur, and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you thither.
We shall do this, said the ladies. So he departed, and by
fortune he came to a mountain, and there he found a goodly
knight that bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me.
What are ye? said Sir Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke
de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye are the same knight that I lodged
once in your castle; and there I made promise unto your lady
that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art thou
that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights;
therefore make thee ready, for I will have ado with you. So
they let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote the
duke down from his horse. But the duke lightly avoided his
horse, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade
Sir Gareth alight and fight with him. So he did alight, and
they did great battle together more than an hour, and either
hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to
the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him
to him. Then must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my
lord at the next feast, and say that I, Sir Gareth of
Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be done, said the duke,
and I will do to you homage and fealty with an hundred
knights with me; and all the days of my life to do you
service where ye will command me.
CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought
each against other, and how they knew each other by the
damosel Linet.
SO the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone;
and there he saw an armed knight coming toward him. Then Sir
Gareth took the duke's shield, and mounted upon horseback,
and so without biding they ran together as it had been the
thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir Gareth under the
side with his spear. And then they alighted and drew their
swords, and gave great strokes that the blood trailed to the
ground. And so they fought two hours.
At the last
there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the
damosel Savage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule;
and there she cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine,
leave thy fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth. And when he
heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword, and
ran to Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen
kneeled down and asked him mercy. What are ye, said Sir
Gareth, that right now were so strong and so mighty, and now
so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your brother Sir
Gawaine, that for your sake have had great sorrow and
labour. Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down
to him, and asked him mercy. Then they rose both, and
embraced either other in their arms, and wept a great while
or they might speak, and either of them gave other the prize
of the battle. And there were many kind words between them.
Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of
right to worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have
worshipped King Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent
him more worshipful knights this
twelvemonth than six the best of the Round Table have done,
except Sir Launcelot.
Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet,
that rode with Sir Gareth so long, and there she did staunch
Sir Gareth's wounds and Sir Gawaine's. Now what will ye do?
said the damosel Savage; meseemeth that it were well done
that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses are so
bruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said Sir
Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle, King
Arthur, and tell him what adventure is to me betid here, and
I suppose he will not tarry long. Then she took her mule,
and lightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile
thence. And when she had told him tidings the king bade get
him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade the
lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was
saddling and bridling of queens' horses and princes' horses,
and well was him that soonest might be ready.
So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir
Gawaine and Sir Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then
the king avoided his horse. And when he came nigh Sir Gareth
he would have spoken but he might not; and therewith he sank
down in a swoon for gladness. And so they stert unto their
uncle, and required him of his good grace to be of good
comfort. Wit ye well the king made great joy, and many a
piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as
he had been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of
Orkney, Dame Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily
in the visage she might not weep, but suddenly fell down in
a swoon, and lay there a great while like as she had been
dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his mother in such
wise that she recovered and made good cheer. Then the king
commanded that all manner of knights that were under his
obeissance should make their lodging right there for the
love of his nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of
purveyance purveyed, that there lacked nothing that might be
gotten of tame nor wild for gold or silver. And then by the
means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth were
healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned eight days.
Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel
that your sister, Dame Lionesse, cometh not here to me, and
in especial that she cometh not to visit her knight, my
nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so much travail for her
love. My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good
grace hold her excused, for she knoweth not that my lord,
Sir Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said King Arthur, that
we may be appointed what is best to be done, according to
the pleasure of my nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall
be done, and so she rode unto her sister. And as lightly as
she might she made her ready; and she came on the morn with
her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty knights. And
so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be
done, both of the king, and of many other kings and queens.
Edward Burne-Jones
The attempted suicide of La
Belle Isoude
CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they
loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of
their wedding.
AND among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and
peerless. Then when Sir Gawaine saw her there was many a
goodly look and goodly words, that all men of worship had
joy to behold them. Then came King Arthur and many other
kings, and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of Orkney. And there
the king asked his nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he would have
that lady as paramour, or to have her to his wife. My lord,
wit you well that I love her above all ladies living. Now,
fair lady, said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King,
said Dame Lionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth,
is to me more liefer to have and wield as my husband, than
any king or prince that is christened; and if I may not have
him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord
Arthur, said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love,
and he shall be the last; and if ye will suffer him to have
his will and free choice I dare say he will have me. That is
truth, said Sir Gareth; an I have not you and wield not you
as my wife, there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice
me. What, nephew, said the king, is the wind in that door?
for wit ye well I would not for the stint of my crown to be
causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot
love so well but I shall rather increase it than distress
it. And also ye shall have my love and my lordship in the
uttermost wise that may lie in my power. And in the same
wise said Sir Gareth's mother.
Then there
was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the
king's advice it was provided that it should be at
Michaelmas following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for
there is a plentiful country. And so it was cried in all the
places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent his
summons to all these knights and ladies that he had won in
battle to-fore, that they should be at his day of marriage
at Kink Kenadon by the sands. And then Dame Lionesse, and
the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode to their castle;
and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth, and he
gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of
beads of gold; and so she departed; and King Arthur and
his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir Gareth
brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again
and rode with him. Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot
made of Sir Gareth and he of him, for there was never no
knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir
Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir
Launcelot's company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir
Gawaine's conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother,
Sir Gawaine's, fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where
he hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hated Sir
Gareth.
CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers
were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at
the feast.
SO it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame
Lionesse, the lady of the Castle Perilous, and her sister,
Dame Linet, with Sir Gringamore, her brother, with them for
he had the conduct of these ladies. And there they were
lodged at the device of King Arthur. And upon Michaelmas Day
the Bishop of Canterbury made the wedding betwixt Sir Gareth
and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity. And King Arthur
made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet;
and King Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse's
niece, a fair lady, her name was Dame Laurel.
And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the
Green Knight, Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and there
he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and these knights to
hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolepe said: I pray
you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain. With a
good will, said Sir Gareth sith it liketh you to take so
simple an office. Then came in the Red Knight, with three
score knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and
fealty, and all those knights to hold of him for evermore.
And then this Sir Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him
to be his chief butler at that high feast. I will well, said
Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it were better.
Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights
with him, and there he did homage and fealty, and all his
knights should do him service, and hold their lands of him
for ever; and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his
sewer-chief at the feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that
ye have it and it were better. Then came the Duke de la
Rowse with an hundred knights with him, and there he did
homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands
of him for ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might
serve him of the wine that day of that feast. I will well,
said Sir Gareth, and it were better. Then came in the Red
Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir Ironside, and he
brought with him three hundred knights, and there he did
homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands
of him for ever. And then he asked Sir Gareth to be his
carver. I will well, said Sir Gareth, an it please you.
Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they
seemed widows, and those thirty ladies brought with them
many fair gentlewomen. And all they kneeled down at once
unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and there all those
ladies told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from the
dolorous tower, and slew the Brown Knight without Pity: And
therefore we, and our heirs for evermore, will do homage
unto Sir Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens,
princes and earls, barons and many bold knights, went unto
meat; and well may ye wit there were all manner of meat
plenteously, all manner revels and games, with all manner of
minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was great
jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth
to joust, because of his new bride; for, as the French book
saith, that Dame Lionesse desired of the king that none that
were wedded should joust at that feast.
So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for
he overthrew thirty knights, and did passing marvellously
deeds of arms; and then King Arthur made Sir Persant and his
two brethren Knights of the Round Table to their lives' end,
and gave them great lands. Also the second day there jousted
Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and did there
marvellous deeds of arms. And there King Arthur made
Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, a
Knight of the Table Round to his life's end, and gave him
great lands. The third day there jousted Sir Launcelot du
Lake, and he overthrew fifty knights, and did many
marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on him. And
there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight of the
Round Table to his life's end, and gave him great lands to
spend. But when these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir
Tristram departed suddenly, and would not be known, for the
which King Arthur and all the court were sore displeased.
And so they held the court forty days with great solemnity.
And this Sir Gareth was a noble knight, and a well-ruled,
and fair-languaged.
Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded
Dame Lionesse of the Castle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris
wedded her sister, Dame Linet, that was called the Damosel
Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded Dame Laurel, a fair lady
and great, and mighty lands with great riches gave with them
King Arthur, that royally they might live till their lives'
end.
Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first
book of Sir Tristram de Liones, and who was his father and
his mother, and how he was born and fostered, and how he was
made knight.
