Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1

Morgan le Fay delivered to him. GLOSSARY BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE The Morte D’Arthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninth year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1...

Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again. It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in...

how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur. Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to King Uther Pendragon, and told him he had m...

Then Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after within half a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by the faith she owed to him, whose was the...

Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in the meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon his men, and slew many of his people. S...

sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur. Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that was mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have be...

for to pray. And when matins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the churchyard, against the high altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and in mids...

Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Art...

And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the sword that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and pulled it out afore all the lords and commons ...

feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast. Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it should be holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him ...

field. Then King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain...

King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war. So after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and so by the counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons ...

Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea. And King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights in two parties. And there were three hundred knights of the re...

Arthur. And so within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereof they had great joy, an...

So by Merlin’s advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the country, and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made them to tell which way the host came, and then they ...

and his host, and many great feats of the war. Then King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthr...

Then Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche, and Lucas ran to him with a short spear that was great, that he gave him such a fall, that the horse fell down...

By then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of green and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited, for yonder I see the most valiant kn...

Merlin. When Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their knights, they praised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for the hardiest fighters that ever they...

Leodegrance, and other incidents. And then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with their fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days into the country of...

he saw the questing beast. Then after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode into Carlion. And thither came to him, King Lot’s wife, of Orkney, in manner of ...

Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur. Sir knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me to have it, and I will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah, fool, said the...

treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his master revenged. Right so came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear that were feasted that...

Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir, said Merlin, it were great pity to l...

this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight. When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was passing heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and the...

on King Pellinore and made him to sleep. Therewithal came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ...

of the Lady of the Lake. Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good ...

eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur’s beard to trim his mantle. This meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and king he was of all Ireland, and of many is...

May-day, and how Mordred was saved. Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day, begotten of lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur that he that ...

of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard. After the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the which had great war in his days for to get all England into his hand....

sword, which afterward was the cause of his death. Then fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur, that had been prisoner with him half a year and more for sla...

had won the sword, or the maiden’s head. The meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart, there came into the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake. And she ...

At that time there was a knight, the which was the king’s son of Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous knight, and counted himself one of the best of the cou...

how he jousted and slew him. And so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she brought with her, and told there should no man pull it out of the sheath but if he be on...

love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan. Then he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding full fast as the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when sh...

how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them. Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile as they talked, there came a dwarf from the city of...

world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram. The meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and seeing all his doing, said, Here shall be i...

King Rience and brought him to King Arthur. Then Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and took off the bridles of their horses and put them to grass and l...

Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings were slain. Then King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready in the field afore the Cas...

Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke. So at the interment came King Lot’s wife Margawse with her four sons, Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there ca...

fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible. Within a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his pavilion in a meadow, and there he laid h...

likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle. So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a knight that had been a-hunting, and that kni...

and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of his host. Then they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by hap they were lodged with a ...

and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke. Anon all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and said, ...

would have slain himself for love. Then Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse, for his was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. I would have my d...

and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode toward a castle where he lost his life. And when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and n...

them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death. Then afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his horse trapped all red, and himself in the same colour...

sword. In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin’s name on the tomb with letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight with the Two Swords, and he that sm...

to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had the Round Table. In the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and by grace; for the most part ...

sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury. When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for her ...

to make his son knight. Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean mare; and the poor man ...

Gawaine was made knight. So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his son, and how he had made h...

white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a brachet pinched the hart which was taken away. Then was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at Ca...

two brethren fought each against other for the hart. Sir Gawaine rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode with him instead of a squire to do him service. So as the...

how Sir Gawaine slew a lady. Then Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart, and let slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so they chased the hart ...

how they were overcome, and their lives saved at request of four ladies. And Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there all night, and would have unarmed hi...

his adventure by the way. When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after the knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly that smote ...

assailed him for the said brachet. Therewith Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so he came to the white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it, on one pallet,...

at the request of a lady. With that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might drive, and cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye with me? said Sir Tor. I ...

led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first stroke. Then King Pellinore armed him and ...

Camelot to the court of King Arthur. And then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But when he saw the other’s buffet, he would not fight, but kneeled down an...

a valley, and of their adventures. And therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met two knights, the one came froward Camelot, and the other from the north, and eithe...

tell the truth of his quest. And therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the lady lay with a fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore passingly sore when he loo...

the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died. So after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it fell so that Merlin fell in a dotage on...

Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them. And as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast with mirth and joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and...

slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee. Unto this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth with their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur b...

founded an abbey where the battle was. Therewithal came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore was within three mile with a great host; and he said, Go unto him, and...

Bagdemagus was displeased. Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my son. But bec...

chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures. Then it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting into a great forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, ...

prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison. What are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here twenty knights, prisoners, said they, and some of us...

to do battle against Arthur. Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found himself by a deep well-side, within half a foot, in great peril of death. And there came...

And then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their horses run so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield with their spear-heads, that both horse...

he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his enemy. Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou art overcome, and mayst not endure, a...

Arthur’s sister, and how she would have done slay him. Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by it have I got my death. It may well be, said the king...

twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died. Then all the people fell down on their knees and cried King Arthur mercy. Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see what adventur...

how Sir Uwaine her son saved him. The meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. So on a day she espied King Uriens lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called unt...

Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur. Then came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his body brought unto the church, and how King Arthur had...

drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again. Then said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her knights, right well, and that ye should have found an we might have st...

that should have burnt him. With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I must speak with you in privity. Say on, said the king, what ye will. Sir, said t...

damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus. Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why they did that despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels,...

and overthrew them both. And then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled, and said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for her love that gave me this ...

damosels, and each of them took one. Now shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir Uwaine, I am the youngest and most weakest of you both, therefore I will ...

And therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the other side saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and made them ready with their shields and spears against...

because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised him to get to him the love of his lady. And so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love other...

Pelleas found them sleeping. And therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true and faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to other, and so they cha...

Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after. Sir knight Pelleas, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse and come forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a la...

the Duke of the South Marches. Now turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of thirty winter of age, southward. And so they came into a deep forest, and by fortune the...

made them to yield them. Then came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their spears, and so did the other two. And all this while Sir Marhaus touched them not. Then Sir...

age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying. Now turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel of three score winter of age, and she brought him thereas was a tourn...

them. So was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason should be wrought on neither party; so then the knights departed and made them ready, and that night Sir Uwaine h...

three damosels met at the fountain. Right so at the twelvemonths’ end they met all three knights at the fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine had could say...

demand truage for Britain. When King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal feast and Table Round with his allies of kings, princes, and noble knights all of the Round...

help against the Romans. Then answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to be above all other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in Christendom, of knight...

ordained the realm should be governed in his absence. Now leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur, that commanded all them of his retinue to be ready at the uta...

marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof. And as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a slumbering and dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a dreadful dr...

and how he fought and conquered him. Then came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how there was in the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great giant which h...

how they were assailed and escaped with worship. Then the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir Bedivere, and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius, an...

taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted. Now turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these prisoners should be sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie...

also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius. Now leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the field, and had brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we ...

Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy. Now turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after the great battle achieved against the Romans, entered into Lorrai...

after was yielden and became Christian. Then they took their spears and ran each at other with all the might they had, and smote each other through their shields into their should...

beasts, and of a great battle. Then Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred knights, and drove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him seven hundred men of ar...

prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor. Now thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner man is he that standeth by himself, him see...

and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken. Soon after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then all the knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, an...

he was taken by Sir Turquine. When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of the court to seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made him ready to seek...

enchantment he was taken and led into a castle. Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even about th...

Right so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and asked him what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in my life days never so ill. Sir, she said, that...

and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight. Then within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion ought, and he weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so he la...

daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father. And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement...

met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris. With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spe...

And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their shields, that both their horses...

Gaheris deliver all the prisoners. Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and bare his shield low for weariness. That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt ...

distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge. Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a fair highway. Sir, said the damosel, here by this way ...

Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put his shield afore him and put the stroke a...

how he smote down a knight. Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest, and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and meadows. And...

Round Table and overthrew them. So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade, he saw four knights hoving under an oak, and they were of Arthur’s court, one was...

he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to heal her brother. Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while in a deep forest, whe...

there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword. Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse unto a lit...

falcon, by which he was deceived. And so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes and valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed be...

to have slain her, and how he said to him. So Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild ways. And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a lady, ...

there were recounted all his noble feats and acts. Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore the Feast of Pentecost; and the king and all the court wer...

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, th...

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...

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 ...

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. ...

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 sa...

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 an...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, 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 damose...

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, an...

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...

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 si...

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 st...

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...

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. ...

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, ...

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 ...

Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight’s head. For this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and of what kin ye were come. And then she let fetc...

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 no...

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 ...

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 t...

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...

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 nephe...

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...

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 Iro...

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 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 ungoodl...

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 upo...

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 Gare...

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 ...

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, w...

at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram. It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the country of Liones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any ...

to have poisoned Sir Tristram. Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would have been lords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair speech of th...

govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt. And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught, his name was Gouvernail; and then he ...

Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore. Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall for his truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And al...

of Cornwall, and how he was made knight. Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him counsel what was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. F...

battle with Sir Marhaus. So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island he looked to the farther side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to th...

his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship. And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight, Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of th...

of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram was hurt. Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon as he came to the king, his brothe...

first for to be healed of his wound. Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his daughter’s ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when she had ...

and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in a year. Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he said, I came hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made...

brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was. Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the queen, and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upo...

out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall. Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father’s name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother hight Elizabeth, ...

love of a knight’s wife. So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall; and when King Mark was whole in his prosperity there...

fought with Sir Tristram. And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and so she let put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him. And so they...

court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with. Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis, brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good...

Table. Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely knights. Sir, said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you not to have ado with them, for they ...

and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go. Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken him. Then spake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight o...

Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband. So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir Tristram: Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but la...

Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England. Then when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself ...

Arthur’s court for treason. Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were brethren, they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to Arthur’s cou...

Gouvernail told him of King Anguish. The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir Tristram smote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the ear...

adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him. Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in your quarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no dou...

Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took appointment. Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and th...

and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink. Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon, for whatsomever he had promised him he should have ...

fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady’s head. Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a knight and a lady came unto them where they were, to ...

smote off his head. Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I may. Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the thunder; and Sir Tri...

Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot. Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him; and this Sir Galahad proffered to fight with...

Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine. And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the sea. And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Si...

Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides. And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the French book saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together...

after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud. Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame Bragwaine that she had lost, upon this covenant, that she sho...

him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased. Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La Beale Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides...

debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram. And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram took the queen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there ma...

Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse down. The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that forest beside a river, and there was daily hunting a...

Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel. So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a knight that was sent from Morgan le Fay unto K...

Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt. So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir Sentraille de Lushon, that were Sir Tristram’s me...

and slew his adversary in the field. There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon the king, and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a time ...

defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak. Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found Sir Tristram, and told him that he had been in King...

how he met there with Sir Lamorak. Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget, and his wife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to p...

him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle. In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all the people of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day...

with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot. So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur’s court, and Sir Tristram’s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Britt...

fighting with Sir Belliance his brother. Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well sleeping, and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir Gawain...

Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile. At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and he was richly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of th...

take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised. Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought with her a great black shield, with a white hand...

fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel. Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, to follow after La Cote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir ...

and how he escaped by the mean of a lady. And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and when he saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his h...

Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile was prisoner. That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell of the young knight La Co...

Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners. Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I rescue or else I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he ...

and named her the Damosel Bienpensant. So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir Launcelot. And within two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and thanke...

rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren. This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth, what for-wounded and what for-bled he...

Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table. And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles, and anon they fellowshipped with them. And ...

Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram. Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud un...

they fought, and after accorded never to fight together. Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said the other knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Gal...

down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear. And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following the Questing Beast that had in shape a head like a serpen...

together for the beauty of Dame Guenever. Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir Launcelot came riding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted him...

spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted. Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he rode he met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir...

how Sir Tristram saved his life. Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the Forest Perilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her name was...

began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found. And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and then they took Kehydius at the forester’s h...

sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind. Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that he was there; wherefore he drew him to th...

Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with King Mark. And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, came into Cornwall with two squires with him; and as t...

Beale Isoud would have slain herself. Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that was his paramour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram o...

borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet. Then the knight took up the giant’s head and bare it with him unto King Mark, and told him what adventure betid hi...

Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years. Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and therewithal came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and baye...

thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them. And at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors ...

they must joust with two knights. Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came to the shepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked them if they knew...

le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le Fay. But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of Cornwall, then wist he well that it wa...

with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the malice of these thirty knights. Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ...

and how she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud. And then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands, and so he fell asleep. In the meanwhile came a damos...

Launcelot overthrew two knights. Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And within a while after there came a squire of the castle, that told Sir Pellounes...

him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights. Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him of jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, tell me thy l...

tournament, and there he had the prize. Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance t...

because he saw Sir Palomides on that party. Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis, and rode to King Arthur’s side, where was King Carados, and the ...

him with him to his lodging. Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all this while, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon Sir Tristram with a ...

jousted with King Arthur, and other feats. So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they two encountered with King Carados and with the King of Ireland; an...

Tristram smote down Sir Palomides. Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat a great spear in his hand and came towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot c...

Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram. Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot great worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristr...

and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram. And when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring and crying as a man out of his min...

taken and put in prison. Now will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came riding to the same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he came in none other intent ...

Tristram. Some of King Arthur’s knights jousted with knights of Cornwall. Now will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan in prison, and speak we of othe...

him down and Andred his cousin. Then there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he had good cheer showing outward. Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove any ad...

Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered. Now leave we off this tale, and speak we of Sir Dinas that had within the castle a paramour, and she loved another knight bett...

and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay. So as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole. What aileth you? said Sir Dinadan. Sir knight, said th...

slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay. So then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield with him. Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name wa...

Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin. Now leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was wounded to the death. Then his varlet alighted, and took off hi...

Morgan le Fay delivered to him. Then the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King Arthur’s knights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir Tristram and did ...