Book: Le Morte Darthur

T >> Thomas Malory >> Le Morte Darthur






CHAPTER LXI

How Palomides went for to fight with two brethren for the
death of King Hermance.


NOW will we leave them merry within Joyous Gard, and
speak we of Sir Palomides. Then Sir Palomides sailed
evenlong Humber to the coasts of the sea, where was a
fair castle. And at that time it was early in the morning,
afore day. Then the mariners went unto Sir Palomides
that slept fast. Sir knight, said the mariners, ye must
arise, for here is a castle there ye must go into. I assent
me, said Sir Palomides; and therewithal he arrived. And
then he blew his horn that the mariners had given him.
And when they within the castle heard that horn they put
forth many knights; and there they stood upon the walls,
and said with one voice: Welcome be ye to this castle.
And then it waxed clear day, and Sir Palomides entered
into the castle. And within a while he was served with
many divers meats. Then Sir Palomides heard about him
much weeping and great dole. What may this mean?
said Sir Palomides; I love not to hear such a sorrow, and
fain I would know what it meaneth. Then there came
afore him one whose name was Sir Ebel, that said thus:
Wit ye well, sir knight, this dole and sorrow is here made
every day, and for this cause: we had a king that hight
Hermance, and he was King of the Red City, and this
king that was lord was a noble knight, large and liberal of
his expense; and in the world he loved nothing so much
as he did errant knights of King Arthur's court, and all
jousting, hunting, and all manner of knightly games; for
so kind a king and knight had never the rule of poor
people as he was; and because of his goodness and gentle
ness we bemoan him, and ever shall. And all kings and
estates may beware by our lord, for he was destroyed in
his own default; for had he cherished them of his blood
he had yet lived with great riches and rest: but all estates
may beware by our king. But alas, said Ebel, that we
shall give all other warning by his death.

Tell me, said Palomides, and in what manner was
your lord slain, and by whom. Sir, said Sir Ebel, our
king brought up of children two men that now are
perilous knights; and these two knights our king had so
in charity, that he loved no man nor trusted no man of
his blood, nor none other that was about him. And by
these two knights our king was governed, and so they
ruled him peaceably and his lands, and never would they
suffer none of his blood to have no rule with our king.
And also he was so free and so gentle, and they so false
and deceivable, that they ruled him peaceably; and that
espied the lords of our king's blood, and departed from
him unto their own livelihood. Then when these two
traitors understood that they had driven all the lords of
his blood from him, they were not pleased with that rule,
but then they thought to have more, as ever it is an old
saw: Give a churl rule and thereby he will not be
sufficed; for whatsomever he be that is ruled by a villain
born, and the lord of the soil to be a gentleman born, the
same villain shall destroy all the gentlemen about him:
therefore all estates and lords, beware whom ye take about
you. And if ye be a knight of King Arthur's court remember
this tale, for this is the end and conclusion. My
lord and king rode unto the forest hereby by the advice
of these traitors, and there he chased at the red deer,
armed at all pieces full like a good knight; and so for
labour he waxed dry, and then he alighted, and drank at
a well. And when he was alighted, by the assent of these
two traitors, that one that hight Helius he suddenly smote
our king through the body with a spear, and so they
left him there. And when they were departed, then by
fortune I came to the well, and found my lord and king
wounded to the death. And when I heard his complaint,
I let bring him to the water side, and in that same ship I
put him alive; and when my lord King Hermance was in
that vessel, he required me for the true faith I owed unto
him for to write a letter in this manner.



CHAPTER LXII

The copy of the letter written for to revenge the king's death,
and how Sir Palomides fought for to have the battle.


RECOMMENDING unto King Arthur and to all his knights
errant, beseeching them all that insomuch as I, King
Hermance, King of the Red City, thus am slain by felony
and treason, through two knights of mine own, and of
mine own bringing up and of mine own making, that
some worshipful knight will revenge my death, insomuch
I have been ever to my power well willing unto Arthur's
court. And who that will adventure his life with these
two traitors for my sake in one battle, I, King Hermance,
King of the Red City, freely give him all my lands and
rents that ever I wielded in my life. This letter, said
Ebel, I wrote by my lord's commandment, and then he
received his Creator; and when he was dead, he commanded
me or ever he were cold to put that letter fast
in his hand. And then he commanded me to put forth
that same vessel down Humber, and I should give these
mariners in commandment never to stint until that they
came unto Logris, where all the noble knights shall
assemble at this time. And there shall some good knight
have pity on me to revenge my death, for there was
never king nor lord falslier nor traitorlier slain than I
am here to my death. Thus was the complaint of our
King Hermance. Now, said Sir Ebel, ye know all how
our lord was betrayed, we require you for God's sake
have pity upon his death, and worshipfully revenge his
death, and then may ye wield all these lands. For we all
wit well that an ye may slay these two traitors, the Red
City and all those that be therein will take you for their
lord.

Truly, said Sir Palomides, it grieveth my heart for to
hear you tell this doleful tale; and to say the truth I saw
the same letter that ye speak of, and one of the best
knights on the earth read that letter to me, and by his
commandment I came hither to revenge your king's death;
and therefore have done, and let me wit where I shall find
those traitors, for I shall never be at ease in my heart till
I be in hands with them. Sir, said Sir Ebel, then take
your ship again, and that ship must bring you unto the
Delectable Isle, fast by the Red City, and we in this castle
shall pray for you, and abide your again-coming. For
this same castle, an ye speed well, must needs be yours;
for our King Hermance let make this castle for the love
of the two traitors, and so we kept it with strong hand,
and therefore full sore are we threated. Wot ye what ye
shall do, said Sir Palomides; whatsomever come of me,
look ye keep well this castle. For an it misfortune me
so to be slain in this quest I am sure there will come one
of the best knights of the world for to revenge my death,
and that is Sir Tristram de Liones, or else Sir Launcelot
du Lake.

Then Sir Palomides departed from that castle. And
as he came nigh the city, there came out of a ship a
goodly knight armed against him, with his shield on his
shoulder, and his hand upon his sword. And anon as he
came nigh Sir Palomides he said: Sir knight, what seek
ye here? leave this quest for it is mine, and mine it was
or ever it was yours, and therefore I will have it. Sir
knight, said Palomides, it may well be that this quest was
yours or it was mine, but when the letter was taken out
of the dead king's hand, at that time by likelihood there
was no knight had undertaken to revenge the death of
the king. And so at that time I promised to revenge his
death, and so I shall or else I am ashamed. Ye say well,
said the knight, but wit ye well then will I fight with you,
and who be the better knight of us both, let him take the
battle upon hand. I assent me, said Sir Palomides. And
then they dressed their shields, and pulled out their
swords, and lashed together many sad strokes as men of
might; and this fighting was more than an hour, but at
the last Sir Palomides waxed big and better winded, so
that then he smote that knight such a stroke that he made
him to kneel upon his knees. Then that knight spake on
high and said: Gentle knight, hold thy hand. Sir Palomides
was goodly and withdrew his hand. Then this
knight said: Wit ye well, knight, that thou art better
worthy to have this battle than I, and require thee of
knighthood tell me thy name. Sir, my name is Palomides,
a knight of King Arthur's, and of the Table
Round, that hither I came to revenge the death of this
dead king.



CHAPTER LXIII

Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two brethren
that should fight with him.


WELL be ye found, said the knight to Palomides, for
of all knights that be alive, except three, I had liefest
have you. The first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, and
Sir Tristram de Liones, the third is my nigh cousin,
Sir Lamorak de Galis. And I am brother unto King
Hermance that is dead, and my name is Sir Hermind.
Ye say well, said Sir Palomides, and ye shall see how I
shall speed; and if I be there slain go ye to my lord Sir
Launcelot, or else to my lord Sir Tristram, and pray them
to revenge my death, for as for Sir Lamorak him shall ye
never see in this world. Alas, said Sir Hermind, how
may that be? He is slain, said Sir Palomides, by Sir
Gawaine and his brethren. So God me help, said Hermind,
there was not one for one that slew him. That is
truth, said Sir Palomides, for they were four dangerous
knights that slew him, as Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir
Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, but Sir Gareth, the fifth
brother was away, the best knight of them all. And so
Sir Palomides told Hermind all the manner, and how they
slew Sir Lamorak all only by treason.

So Sir Palomides took his ship, and arrived up at the
Delectable Isle. And in the meanwhile Sir Hermind that
was the king's brother, he arrived up at the Red City, and
there he told them how there was come a knight of King
Arthur's to avenge King Hermance's death: And his
name is Sir Palomides, the good knight, that for the
most part he followeth the beast Glatisant. Then all the
city made great joy, for mickle had they heard of Sir
Palomides, and of his noble prowess. So let they ordain
a messenger, and sent unto the two brethren, and bade
them to make them ready, for there was a knight come
that would fight with them both. So the messenger went
unto them where they were at a castle there beside; and
there he told them how there was a knight come of King
Arthur's court to fight with them both at once. He is
welcome, said they; but tell us, we pray you, if it be Sir
Launcelot or any of his blood? He is none of that blood,
said the messenger. Then we care the less, said the two
brethren, for with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we
keep not to have ado withal. Wit ye well, said the
messenger, that his name is Sir Palomides, that yet is
unchristened, a noble knight. Well, said they, an he be
now unchristened he shall never be christened. So they
appointed to be at the city within two days.

And when Sir Palomides was come to the city they
made passing great joy of him, and then they beheld him,
and saw that he was well made, cleanly and bigly, and
unmaimed of his limbs, and neither too young nor too old.
And so all the people praised him; and though he was
not christened yet he believed in the best manner, and was
full faithful and true of his promise, and well conditioned;
and because he made his avow that he would never be
christened unto the time that he had achieved the beast
Glatisant, the which was a full wonderful beast, and a
great signification; for Merlin prophesied much of that
beast. And also Sir Palomides avowed never to take full
christendom unto the time that he had done seven battles
within the lists.

So within the third day there came to the city these
two brethren, the one hight Helius, the other hight
Helake, the which were men of great prowess; howbeit
that they were false and full of treason, and but poor men
born, yet were they noble knights of their hands. And
with them they brought forty knights, to that intent that
they should be big enough for the Red City. Thus came
the two brethren with great bobaunce and pride, for they
had put the Red City in fear and damage. Then they
were brought to the lists, and Sir Palomides came into the
place and said thus: Be ye the two brethren, Helius and
Helake, that slew your king and lord, Sir Hermance, by
felony and treason, for whom that I am come hither to
revenge his death? Wit thou well, said Sir Helius and
Sir Helake, that we are the same knights that slew King
Hermance; and wit thou well, Sir Palomides Saracen, that
we shall handle thee so or thou depart that thou shalt
wish that thou wert christened. It may well be, said Sir
Palomides, for yet I would not die or I were christened;
and yet so am I not afeard of you both, but I trust to God
that I shall die a better christian man than any of you
both; and doubt ye not, said Sir Palomides, either ye or I
shall be left dead in this place.



CHAPTER LXIV

Of the battle between Sir Palomides and the two brethren,
and how the two brethren were slain.


THEN they departed, and the two brethren came against
Sir Palomides, and he against them, as fast as their horses
might run. And by fortune Sir Palomides smote Helake
through his shield and through the breast more than a
fathom. All this while Sir Helius held up his spear, and
for pride and orgulit he would not smite Sir Palomides
with his spear; but when he saw his brother lie on the
earth, and saw he might not help himself, then he said
unto Sir Palomides: Help thyself. And therewith he
came hurtling unto Sir Palomides with his spear, and
smote him quite from his saddle. Then Sir Helius rode
over Sir Palomides twice or thrice. And therewith Sir
Palomides was ashamed, and gat the horse of Sir Helius
by the bridle, and therewithal the horse areared, and Sir
Palomides halp after, and so they fell both to the earth;
but anon Sir Helius stert up lightly, and there he smote
Sir Palomides a great stroke upon the helm, that he
kneeled upon his own knee. Then they lashed together
many sad strokes, and traced and traversed now backward,
now sideling, hurtling together like two boars, and that
same time they fell both grovelling to the earth.

Thus they fought still without any reposing two hours,
and never breathed; and then Sir Palomides waxed faint
and weary, and Sir Helius waxed passing strong, and
doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Palomides overthwart
and endlong all the field, that they of the city when they
saw Sir Palomides in this case they wept and cried, and
made great dole, and the other party made as great joy.
Alas, said the men of the city, that this noble knight
should thus be slain for our king's sake. And as they
were thus weeping and crying, Sir Palomides that had
suffered an hundred strokes, that it was wonder that he
stood on his feet, at the last Sir Palomides beheld as he
might the common people, how they wept for him; and
then he said to himself: Ah, fie for shame, Sir Palomides,
why hangest thou thy head so low; and therewith he bare
up his shield, and looked Sir Helius in the visage, and he
smote him a great stroke upon the helm, and after that
another and another. And then he smote Sir Helius with
such a might that he fell to the earth grovelling; and
then he raced off his helm from his head, and there he
smote him such a buffet that he departed his head from
the body. And then were the people of the city the
joyfullest people that might be. So they brought him to
his lodging with great solemnity, and there all the people
became his men. And then Sir Palomides prayed them
all to take keep unto all the lordship of King Hermance:
For, fair sirs, wit ye well I may not as at this time abide
with you, for I must in all haste be with my lord King
Arthur at the Castle of Lonazep, the which I have
promised. Then was the people full heavy at his
departing, for all that city proffered Sir Palomides the
third part of their goods so that he would abide with
them; but in no wise as at that time he would not
abide.

And so Sir Palomides departed, and so he came unto
the castle thereas Sir Ebel was lieutenant. And when they
in the castle wist how Sir Palomides had sped, there was a
joyful meiny; and so Sir Palomides departed, and came
to the castle of Lonazep. And when he wist that Sir
Tristram was not there he took his way over Humber,
and came unto Joyous Gard, whereas Sir Tristram was
and La Beale Isoud. Sir Tristram had commanded that
what knight errant came within the Joyous Gard, as in
the town, that they should warn Sir Tristram. So there
came a man of the town, and told Sir Tristram how there
was a knight in the town, a passing goodly man. What
manner of man is he, said Sir Tristram, and what sign
beareth he? So the man told Sir Tristram all the tokens
of him. That is Palomides, said Dinadan. It may well
be, said Sir Tristram. Go ye to him, said Sir Tristram
unto Dinadan. So Dinadan went unto Sir Palomides,
and there either made other great joy, and so they lay
together that night. And on the morn early came Sir
Tristram and Sir Gareth, and took them in their beds, and
so they arose and brake their fast.



CHAPTER LXV

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce
Pit, and how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went
unto Lonazep.


AND then Sir Tristram desired Sir Palomides to ride into
the fields and woods. So they were accorded to repose
them in the forest. And when they had played them a
great while they rode unto a fair well; and anon they
were ware of an armed knight that came riding against
them, and there either saluted other. Then this armed
knight spake to Sir Tristram, and asked what were these
knights that were lodged in Joyous Gard. I wot not
what they are, said Sir Tristram. What knights be ye?
said that knight, for meseemeth ye be no knights errant,
because ye ride unarmed. Whether we be knights or not
we list not to tell thee our name. Wilt thou not tell me
thy name? said that knight; then keep thee, for thou
shalt die of my hands. And therewith he got his spear
in his hands, and would have run Sir Tristram through.
That saw Sir Palomides, and smote his horse traverse in
midst of the side, that man and horse fell to the earth.
And therewith Sir Palomides alighted and pulled out his
sword to have slain him. Let be, said Sir Tristram, slay
him not, the knight is but a fool, it were shame to slay
him. But take away his spear, said Sir Tristram, and let
him take his horse and go where that he will.

So when this knight arose he groaned sore of the fall,
and so he took his horse, and when he was up he turned
then his horse, and required Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides
to tell him what knights they were. Now wit ye well,
said Sir Tristram, that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,
and this knight's name is Sir Palomides. When he wist
what they were he took his horse with the spurs, because
they should not ask him his name, and so rode fast away
through thick and thin. Then came there by them a
knight with a bended shield of azure, whose name was
Epinogris, and he came toward them a great wallop.
Whither are ye riding? said Sir Tristram. My fair lords,
said Epinogris, I follow the falsest knight that beareth
the life; wherefore I require you tell me whether ye saw
him, for he beareth a shield with a case of red over it. So
God me help, said Tristram, such a knight departed from
us not a quarter of an hour agone; we pray you tell us
his name. Alas, said Epinogris, why let ye him escape
from you? and he is so great a foe unto all errant
knights: his name is Breuse Saunce Pit. Ah, fie for
shame, said Sir Palomides, alas that ever he escaped mine
hands, for he is the man in the world that I hate most.
Then every knight made great sorrow to other; and so
Epinogris departed and followed the chase after him.

Then Sir Tristram and his three fellows rode unto
Joyous Gard; and there Sir Tristram talked unto Sir
Palomides of his battle, how he sped at the Red City, and
as ye have heard afore so was it ended. Truly, said Sir
Tristram, I am glad ye have well sped, for ye have done
worshipfully. Well, said Sir Tristram, we must forward
to-morn. And then he devised how it should be; and
Sir Tristram devised to send his two pavilions to set
them fast by the well of Lonazep, and therein shall be
the queen La Beale Isoud. It is well said, said Sir
Dinadan, but when Sir Palomides heard of that his heart
was ravished out of measure: notwithstanding he said
but little. So when they came to Joyous Gard Sir
Palomides would not have gone into the castle, but as
Sir Tristram took him by the finger, and led him into
the castle. And when Sir Palomides saw La Beale Isoud
he was ravished so that he might unnethe speak. So they
went unto meat, but Palomides might not eat, and there
was all the cheer that might be had. And on the morn
they were apparelled to ride toward Lonazep.

So Sir Tristram had three squires, and La Beale Isoud
had three gentlewomen, and both the queen and they
were richly apparelled; and other people had they none
with them, but varlets to bear their shields and their
spears. And thus they rode forth. So as they rode they
saw afore them a rout of knights; it was the knight
Galihodin with twenty knights with him. Fair fellows,
said Galihodin, yonder come four knights, and a rich and
a well fair lady: I am in will to take that lady from
them. That is not of the best counsel, said one of
Galihodin's men, but send ye to them and wit what they
will say; and so it was done. There came a squire unto
Sir Tristram, and asked them whether they would joust
or else to lose their lady. Not so, said Sir Tristram,
tell your lord I bid him come as many as we be, and
win her and take her. Sir, said Palomides, an it please
you let me have this deed, and I shall undertake them
all four. I will that ye have it, said Sir Tristram, at
your pleasure. Now go and tell your lord Galihodin,
that this same knight will encounter with him and his
fellows.



CHAPTER LXVI

How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and after
with Sir Gawaine, and smote them down.


THEN this squire departed and told Galihodin; and then
he dressed his shield, and put forth a spear, and Sir
Palomides another; and there Sir Palomides smote
Galihodin so hard that he smote both horse and man to
the earth. And there he had an horrible fall. And then
came there another knight, and in the same wise he
served him; and so he served the third and the fourth,
that he smote them over their horses' croups, and always
Sir Palomides' spear was whole. Then came six knights
more of Galihodin's men, and would have been avenged
upon Sir Palomides. Let be, said Sir Galihodin, not so
hardy, none of you all meddle with this knight, for he
is a man of great bount and honour, and if he would ye
were not able to meddle with him. And right so they
held them still. And ever Sir Palomides was ready to
joust; and when he saw they would no more he rode
unto Sir Tristram. Right well have ye done, said Sir
Tristram, and worshipfully have ye done as a good
knight should. This Galihodin was nigh cousin unto
Galahalt, the haut prince; and this Galihodin was a king
within the country of Surluse.

So as Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and La Beale Isoud
rode together they saw afore them four knights, and every
man had his spear in his hand: the first was Sir Gawaine,
the second Sir Uwaine, the third Sir Sagramore le Desirous,
and the fourth was Dodinas le Savage. When Sir Palomides
beheld them, that the four knights were ready to
joust, he prayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to have
ado with them all so long as he might hold him on horseback.
And if that I be smitten down I pray you revenge
me. Well, said Sir Tristram, I will as ye will, and ye are
not so fain to have worship but I would as fain increase
your worship. And therewithal Sir Gawaine put forth
his spear, and Sir Palomides another; and so they came
so eagerly together that Sir Palomides smote Sir Gawaine
to the earth, horse and all; and in the same wise he served
Uwaine, Sir Dodinas, and Sagramore. All these four
knights Sir Palomides smote down with divers spears
And then Sir Tristram departed toward Lonazep.

And when they were departed then came thither
Galihodin with his ten knights unto Sir Gawaine, and
there he told him all how he had sped. I marvel, said
Sir Gawaine, what knights they be, that are so arrayed
in green. And that knight upon the white horse smote
me down, said Galihodin, and my three fellows. And so
he did to me, said Gawaine; and well I wot, said Sir
Gawaine, that either he upon the white horse is Sir Tristram
or else Sir Palomides, and that gay beseen lady is Queen
Isoud. Thus they talked of one thing and of other.

And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram passed on till that
he came to the well where his two pavilions were set; and
there they alighted, and there they saw many pavilions
and great array. Then Sir Tristram left there Sir Palomides
and Sir Gareth with La Beale Isoud, and Sir
Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to Lonazep to hearken
tidings; and Sir Tristram rode upon Sir Palomides' white
horse. And when he came into the castle Sir Dinadan
heard a great horn blow, and to the horn drew many
knights. Then Sir Tristram asked a knight: What
meaneth the blast of that horn? Sir, said that knight,
it is all those that shall hold against King Arthur at this
tournament. The first is the King of Ireland, and the
King of Surluse, the King of Listinoise, the King of
Northumberland, and the King of the best part of Wales,
with many other countries. And these draw them to a
council, to understand what governance they shall be of;
but the King of Ireland, whose name was Marhalt, and
father to the good knight Sir Marhaus that Sir Tristram
slew, had all the speech that Sir Tristram might hear it.
He said: Lords and fellows, let us look to ourself, for
wit ye well King Arthur is sure of many good knights,
or else he would not with so few knights have ado
with us; therefore by my counsel let every king have a
standard and a cognisance by himself, that every knight
draw to their natural lord, and then may every king and
captain help his knights if they have need. When Sir
Tristram had heard all their counsel he rode unto King
Arthur for to hear of his counsel.

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