Book: Le Morte Darthur

T >> Thomas Malory >> Le Morte Darthur




And then, after this, King Pelles with ten knights, and
Dame Elaine, and twenty ladies, rode unto the Castle of
Bliant that stood in an island beclosed in iron, with a fair
water deep and large. And when they were there Sir
Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle; and there was he
called none otherwise but Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the
knight that hath trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let
make him a shield all of sable, and a queen crowned in
the midst, all of silver, and a knight clean armed kneeling
afore her. And every day once, for any mirths that all
the ladies might make him, he would once every day
look toward the realm of Logris, where King Arthur and
Queen Guenever was. And then would he fall upon a
weeping as his heart should to-brast.

So it fell that time Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting
fast by his castle, within three leagues. Then he called
unto him a dwarf, and he bade him go unto that jousting .
And or ever the knights depart, look thou make there a
cry, in hearing of all the knights, that there is one knight
in the Joyous Isle, that is the Castle of Bliant, and say
his name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that will joust against
knights that will come. And who that putteth that knight
to the worse shall have a fair maid and a gerfalcon.



CHAPTER VII

Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir
Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale
fought with him.


SO when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew
knights to the number of five hundred; and wit ye
well there was never seen in Arthur's days one knight
that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did
three days together; for as the book maketh truly
mention, he had the better of all the five hundred
knights, and there was not one slain of them. And
after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast.

And in the meanwhile came Sir Percivale de Galis
and Sir Ector de Maris under that castle that was
called the Joyous Isle. And as they beheld that gay
castle they would have gone to that castle, but they
might not for the broad water, and bridge could they
find none. Then they saw on the other side a lady
with a sperhawk on her hand, and Sir Percivale called
unto her, and asked that lady who was in that castle.
Fair knights, she said, here within this castle is the
fairest lady in this land, and her name is Elaine. Also
we have in this castle the fairest knight and the mightiest
man that is I dare say living, and he called himself Le
Chevaler Mal Fet. How came he into these marches?
said Sir Percivale. Truly, said the damosel, he came
into this country like a mad man, with dogs and boys
chasing him through the city of Corbin, and by the
holy vessel of the Sangreal he was brought into his
wit again; but he will not do battle with no knight,
but by underne or by noon. And if ye list to come
into the castle, said the lady, ye must ride unto the
further side of the castle and there shall ye find a vessel
that will bear you and your horse. Then they departed,
and came unto the vessel. And then Sir Percivale
alighted, and said to Sir Ector de Maris: Ye shall
abide me here until that I wit what manner a knight
he is; for it were shame unto us, inasmuch as he is
but one knight, an we should both do battle with
him. Do ye as ye list, said Sir Ector, and here I
shall abide you until that I hear of you

Then passed Sir Percivale the water, and when he
came to the castle gate he bade the porter: Go thou
to the good knight within the castle, and tell him here
is come an errant knight to joust with him. Sir, said
the porter, ride ye within the castle, and there is a
common place for jousting, that lords and ladies may
behold you. So anon as Sir Launcelot had warning he
was soon ready; and there Sir Percivale and Sir
Launcelot encountered with such a might, and their
spears were so rude, that both the horses and the knights
fell to the earth. Then they avoided their horses,
and flang out noble swords, and hewed away cantels
of their shields, and hurtled together with their shields
like two boars, and either wounded other passing sore.
At the last Sir Percivale spake first when they had
foughten there more than two hours. Fair knight, said
Sir Percivale, I require thee tell me thy name, for I
met never with such a knight. Sir, said Sir Launcelot,
my name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet. Now tell me your
name, said Sir Launcelot, I require you, gentle knight.
Truly, said Sir Percivale, my name is Sir Percivale de Galis,
that was brother unto the good knight, Sir Lamorak
de Galis, and King Pellinore was our father, and Sir
Aglovale is my brother. Alas, said Sir Launcelot,
what have I done to fight with you that art a knight
of the Round Table, that sometime was your fellow?



CHAPTER VIlI

How each of them knew other, and of their great courtesy,
and how his brother Sir Ector came unto him, and of
their joy.


AND therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his
knees, and threw away his shield and his sword from
him. When Sir Percivale saw him do so he marvelled
what he meant. And then thus he said: Sir knight,
whatsomever thou be, I require thee upon the high
order of knighthood, tell me thy true name. Then he
said: So God me help, my name is Sir Launcelot du
Lake, King Ban's son of Benoy. Alas, said Sir Percivale,
what have I done? I was sent by the queen for to
seek you, and so I have sought you nigh this two
year, and yonder is Sir Ector de Maris, your brother
abideth me on the other side of the yonder water. Now
for God's sake, said Sir Percivale, forgive me mine offences
that I have here done. It is soon forgiven, said Sir
Launcelot.

Then Sir Percivale sent for Sir Ector de Maris,
and when Sir Launcelot had a sight of him, he ran
unto him and took him in his arms; and then Sir
Ector kneeled down, and either wept upon other, that
all had pity to behold them. Then came Dame Elaine
and she there made them great cheer as might lie in
her power; and there she told Sir Ector and Sir
Percivale how and in what manner Sir Launcelot came
into that country, and how he was healed; and there
it was known how long Sir Launcelot was with Sir
Bliant and with Sir Selivant, and how he first met with
them, and how he departed from them because of a
boar; and how the hermit healed Sir Launcelot of his
great wound, and how that he came to Corbin.



CHAPTER IX

How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore,
and how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of
Sir Launcelot.


NOW leave we Sir Launcelot in the Joyous Isle with
the Lady Dame Elaine, and Sir Percivale and Sir Ector
playing with them, and turn we to Sir Bors de Ganis
and Sir Lionel, that had sought Sir Launcelot nigh
by the space of two year, and never could they hear
of him. And as they thus rode, by adventure they
came to the house of Brandegore, and there Sir Bors
was well known, for he had gotten a child upon the
king's daughter fifteen year to-fore, and his name was
Helin le Blank. And when Sir Bors saw that child it
liked him passing well. And so those knights had
good cheer of the King Brandegore. And on the
morn Sir Bors came afore King Brandegore and said:
Here is my son Helin le Blank, that as it is said he
is my son; and sith it is so, I will that ye wit that I
will have him with me unto the court of King Arthur.
Sir, said the king, ye may well take him with you,
but he is over tender of age. As for that, said Sir
Bors, I will have him with me, and bring him to the
house of most worship of the world. So when Sir
Bors should depart there was made great sorrow for
the departing of Helin le Blank, and great weeping was
there made. But Sir Bors and Sir Lionel departed,
and within a while they came to Camelot, where was
King Arthur. And when King Arthur understood
that Helin le Blank was Sir Bors' son, and nephew
unto King Brandegore, then King Arthur let him make
knight of the Round Table; and so he proved a good
knight and an adventurous.

Now will we turn to our matter of Sir Launcelot.
It befell upon a day Sir Ector and Sir Percivale came
to Sir Launcelot and asked him what he would do,
and whether he would go with them unto King Arthur
or not. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that may not be by no
mean, for I was so entreated at the court that I cast
me never to come there more. Sir, said Sir Ector,
I am your brother, and ye are the man in the world
that I love most; and if I understood that it were
your disworship, ye may understand I would never
counsel you thereto; but King Arthur and all his
knights, and in especial Queen Guenever, made such
dole and sorrow that it was marvel to hear and see.
And ye must remember the great worship and renown
that ye be of, how that ye have been more spoken of
than any other knight that is now living; for there is
none that beareth the name now but ye and Sir Tristram.
Therefore brother, said Sir Ector, make you ready to
ride to the court with us, and I dare say there was never
knight better welcome to the court than ye; and I wot
well and can make it good, said Sir Ector, it hath cost
my lady, the queen, twenty thousand pound the seeking
of you. Well brother, said Sir Launcelot, I will do
after your counsel, and ride with you.

So then they took their horses and made them
ready, and took their leave at King Pelles and at Dame
Elaine. And when Sir Launcelot should depart Dame
Elaine made great sorrow. My lord, Sir Launcelot,
said Dame Elaine, at this same feast of Pentecost shall
your son and mine, Galahad, be made knight, for he is
fully now fifteen winter old. Do as ye list, said Sir
Launcelot; God give him grace to prove a good knight.
As for that, said Dame Elaine, I doubt not he shall
prove the best man of his kin except one. Then shall he
be a man good enough, said Sir Launcelot.



CHAPTER X

How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came
to the court, and of the great joy of him.


THEN they departed, and within five days' journey they
came to Camelot, that is called in English, Winchester.
And when Sir Launcelot was come among them, the king
and all the knights made great joy of him. And there
Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began and
told the whole adventures: that Sir Launcelot had been
out of his mind the time of his absence, and how he called
himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the knight that had trespassed;
and in three days Sir Launcelot smote down five
hundred knights. And ever as Sir Ector and Sir Percivale
told these tales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever wept as
she should have died. Then the queen made great cheer.
O Jesu, said King Arthur, I marvel for what cause ye, Sir
Launcelot, went out of your mind. I and many others
deem it was for the love of fair Elaine, the daughter of
King Pelles, by whom ye are noised that ye have gotten a
child, and his name is Galahad, and men say he shall do
marvels. My lord, said Sir Launcelot, if I did any folly
I have that I sought. And therewithal the king spake no
more. But all Sir Launcelot's kin knew for whom he
went out of his mind. And then there were great feasts
made and great joy; and many great lords and ladies,
when they heard that Sir Launcelot was come to the court
again, they made great joy.



CHAPTER XI

How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the
court, to the great feast of Pentecost.


NOW will we leave off this matter, and speak we of Sir
Tristram, and of Sir Palomides that was the Saracen
unchristened. When Sir Tristram was come home unto
Joyous Gard from his adventures, all this while that Sir
Launcelot was thus missed, two year and more, Sir
Tristram bare the renown through all the realm of Logris,
and many strange adventures befell him, and full well and
manly and worshipfully he brought them to an end. So
when he was come home La Beale Isoud told him of the
great feast that should be at Pentecost next following, and
there she told him how Sir Launcelot had been missed two
year, and all that while he had been out of his mind, and
how he was holpen by the holy vessel, the Sangreal. Alas,
said Sir Tristram, that caused some debate betwixt him
and Queen Guenever. Sir, said Dame Isoud, I know it
all, for Queen Guenever sent me a letter in the which she
wrote me all how it was, for to require you to seek him.
And now, blessed be God, said La Beale Isoud, he is whole
and sound and come again to the court.

Thereof am I glad, said Sir Tristram, and now shall
ye and I make us ready, for both ye and I will be at the
feast. Sir, said Isoud, an it please you I will not be there,
for through me ye be marked of many good knights, and
that caused you to have much more labour for my sake
than needeth you. Then will I not be there, said Sir
Tristram, but if ye be there. God defend, said La Beale
Isoud, for then shall I be spoken of shame among all
queens and ladies of estate; for ye that are called one of
the noblest knights of the world, and ye a knight of the
Round Table, how may ye be missed at that feast? What
shall be said among all knights? See how Sir Tristram
hunteth, and hawketh, and cowereth within a castle with
his lady, and forsaketh your worship. Alas, shall some
say, it is pity that ever he was made knight, or that ever
he should have the love of a lady. Also what shall queens
and ladies say of me? It is pity that I have my life, that
I will hold so noble a knight as ye are from his worship.
So God me help, said Sir Tristram unto La Beale Isoud,
it is passing well said of you and nobly counselled; and
now I well understand that ye love me; and like as ye
have counselled me I will do a part thereafter. But there
shall no man nor child ride with me, but myself. And so
will I ride on Tuesday next coming, and no more harness
of war but my spear and my sword.



CHAPTER XII

How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir
Palomides, and how they smote each other, and how Sir
Palomides forbare him.


AND so when the day came Sir Tristram took his leave at
La Beale Isoud, and she sent with him four knights, and
within half a mile he sent them again: and within a mile
after Sir Tristram saw afore him where Sir Palomides had
stricken down a knight, and almost wounded him to the
death. Then Sir Tristram repented him that he was not
armed, and then he hoved still. With that Sir Palomides
knew Sir Tristram, and cried on high: Sir Tristram, now
be we met, for or we depart we will redress our old sores.
As for that, said Sir Tristram, there was yet never
Christian man might make his boast that ever I fled from
him; and wit ye well, Sir Palomides, thou that art a
Saracen shall never make thy boast that Sir Tristram de
Liones shall flee from thee. And therewith Sir Tristram
made his horse to run, and with all his might he came
straight upon Sir Palomides, and brast his spear upon him
an hundred pieces. And forthwithal Sir Tristram drew
his sword. And then he turned his horse and struck at
Palomides six great strokes upon his helm; and then
Sir Palomides stood still, and beheld Sir Tristram, and
marvelled of his woodness, and of his folly. And then
Sir Palomides said to himself: An Sir Tristram were
armed, it were hard to cease him of this battle, and if I
turn again and slay him I am ashamed wheresomever that
I go.

Then Sir Tristram spake and said: Thou coward
knight, what castest thou to do; why wilt thou not do
battle with me? for have thou no doubt I shall endure all
thy malice. Ah, Sir Tristram, said Palomides, full well
thou wottest I may not fight with thee for shame, for thou
art here naked and I am armed, and if I slay thee,
dishonour shall be mine. And well thou wottest, said Sir
Palomides to Sir Tristram, I know thy strength and thy
hardiness to endure against a good knight. That is truth,
said Sir Tristram, I understand thy valiantness well. Ye
say well, said Sir Palomides; now, I require you, tell me
a question that I shall say to you. Tell me what it is, said
Sir Tristram, and I shall answer you the truth, as God me
help. I put case, said Sir Palomides, that ye were armed
at all rights as well as I am, and I naked as ye be, what
would you do to me now, by your true knighthood?
Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand thee well, Sir
Palomides, for now must I say mine own judgment, and
as God me bless, that I shall say shall not be said for no
fear that I have of thee. But this is all: wit Sir
Palomides, as at this time thou shouldest depart from me, for
I would not have ado with thee. No more will I, said
Palomides, and therefore ride forth on thy way. As for
that I may choose, said Sir Tristram, either to ride or to
abide. But Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, I marvel of
one thing, that thou that art so good a knight, that thou
wilt not be christened, and thy brother, Sir Safere, hath
been christened many a day.



CHAPTER XIII

How that Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which
was hurt, and how he overthrew Sir Palomides.


AS for that, said Sir Palomides, I may not yet be christened
for one avow that I have made many years agone; howbeit
in my heart I believe in Jesu Christ and his mild
mother Mary; but I have but one battle to do, and when
that is done I will be baptised with a good will. By my
head, said Tristram, as for one battle thou shalt not seek
it no longer. For God defend, said Sir Tristram, that
through my default thou shouldst longer live thus a
Saracen, for yonder is a knight that ye, Sir Palomides,
have hurt and smitten down. Now help me that I were
armed in his armour, and I shall soon fulfil thine avows.
As ye will, said Palomides, so it shall be.

So they rode both unto that knight that sat upon a
bank, and then Sir Tristram saluted him, and he weakly
saluted him again. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I require
you tell me your right name. Sir, he said, my name is
Sir Galleron of Galway, and knight of the Table Round.
So God me help, said Sir Tristram, I am right heavy of
your hurts; but this is all, I must pray you to lend me
all your whole armour, for ye see I am unarmed, and I
must do battle with this knight. Sir, said the hurt knight,
ye shall have it with a good will; but ye must beware,
for I warn you that knight is wight. Sir, said Galleron,
I pray you tell me your name, and what is that knight's
name that hath beaten me. Sir, as for my name it is Sir
Tristram de Liones, and as for the knight's name that
hath hurt you is Sir Palomides, brother to the good knight
Sir Safere, and yet is Sir Palomides unchristened. Alas,
said Sir Galleron, that is pity that so good a knight and
so noble a man of arms should be unchristened. So God
me help, said Sir Tristram, either he shall slay me or I
him but that he shall be christened or ever we depart in-
sunder. My lord Sir Tristram, said Sir Galleron, your
renown and worship is well known through many realms,
and God save you this day from shenship and shame.

Then Sir Tristram unarmed Galleron, the which was
a noble knight, and had done many deeds of arms, and he
was a large knight of flesh and bone. And when he was
unarmed he stood upon his feet, for he was bruised in the
back with a spear; yet so as Sir Galleron might, he armed
Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram mounted upon his
own horse, and in his hand he gat Sir Galleron's spear;
and therewithal Sir Palomides was ready. And so they
came hurtling together, and either smote other in midst
of their shields; and therewithal Sir Palomides' spear
brake, and Sir Tristram smote down the horse; and Sir
Palomides, as soon as he might, avoided his horse, and
dressed his shield, and pulled out his sword. That saw
Sir Tristram, and therewithal he alighted and tied his
horse till a tree.



CHAPTER XIV

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together,
and after accorded, and how Sir Tristram made him to
be christened.


AND then they came together as two wild boars, lashing
together, tracing and traversing as noble men that oft had
been well proved in battle; but ever Sir Palomides dread
the might of Sir Tristram, and therefore he suffered him
to breathe him. Thus they fought more than two hours,
but often Sir Tristram smote such strokes at Sir Palomides
that he made him to kneel; and Sir Palomides brake and
cut away many pieces of Sir Tristram's shield; and then
Sir Palomides wounded Sir Tristram, for he was a well
fighting man. Then Sir Tristram was wood wroth out of
measure, and rushed upon Sir Palomides with such a might
that Sir Palomides fell grovelling to the earth; and
therewithal he leapt up lightly upon his feet, and then Sir
Tristram wounded Palomides sore through the shoulder.
And ever Sir Tristram fought still in like hard, and Sir
Palomides failed not, but gave him many sad strokes.
And at the last Sir Tristram doubled his strokes, and by
fortune Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides sword out of
his hand, and if Sir Palomides had stooped for his sword
he had been slain.

Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with
a sorrowful heart. How now, said Sir Tristram unto
Palomides, now have I thee at advantage as thou haddest
me this day; but it shall never be said in no court, nor
among good knights, that Sir Tristram shall slay any
knight that is weaponless; and therefore take thou thy
sword, and let us make an end of this battle. As for to
do this battle, said Palomides, I dare right well end it,
but I have no great lust to fight no more. And for this
cause, said Palomides: mine offence to you is not so great
but that we may be friends. All that I have offended is
and was for the love of La Beale Isoud. And as for her,
I dare say she is peerless above all other ladies, and also
I proffered her never no dishonour; and by her I have
gotten the most part of my worship. And sithen I offended
never as to her own person, and as for the offence that
I have done, it was against your own person, and for that
offence ye have given me this day many sad strokes, and
some I have given you again; and now I dare say I felt
never man of your might, nor so well breathed, but if it
were Sir Launcelot du Lake; wherefore I require you,
my lord, forgive me all that I have offended unto you;
and this same day have me to the next church, and first
let me be clean confessed, and after see you now that I be
truly baptised. And then will we all ride together unto
the court of Arthur, that we be there at the high feast.
Now take your horse, said Sir Tristram, and as ye say so
it shall be, and all thine evil will God forgive it you, and
I do. And here within this mile is the Suffragan of
Carlisle that shall give you the sacrament of baptism.

Then they took their horses and Sir Galleron rode
with them. And when they came to the Suffragan Sir
Tristram told him their desire. Then the Suffragan let
fill a great vessel with water, and when he had hallowed it
he then confessed clean Sir Palomides, and Sir Tristram
and Sir Galleron were his godfathers. And then soon
after they departed, riding toward Camelot, where King
Arthur and Queen Guenever was, and for the most part
all the knights of the Round Table. And so the king
and all the court were glad that Sir Palomides was
christened. And at the same feast in came Galahad and
sat in the Siege Perilous. And so therewithal departed
and dissevered all the knights of the Round Table. And
Sir Tristram returned again unto Joyous Gard, and Sir
Palomides followed the Questing Beast.


drawn out of French into English. But here is no
rehersal of the third book. And here followeth the
noble tale of the Sangreal, that called is the Holy
Vessel; and the signification of the blessed blood of
our Lord Jesus Christ, blessed mote it be, the which
was brought into this land by Joseph Aramathie.
Therefore on all sinful souls blessed Lord have thou
mercy.

Explicit liber xii. Et incipit Decimustercius.>



BOOK XIII


CHAPTER I

How at the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost entered into the
hall before King Arthur a damosel, and desired Sir
Launcelot for to come and dub a knight, and how he
went with her.


AT the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the
Round Table were come unto Camelot and there heard
their service, and the tables were set ready to the meat,
right so entered into the hall a full fair gentlewoman on
horseback, that had ridden full fast, for her horse was all
besweated. Then she there alighted, and came before the
king and saluted him; and he said: Damosel, God thee
bless. Sir, said she, for God's sake say me where Sir
Launcelot is. Yonder ye may see him, said the king.
Then she went unto Launcelot and said: Sir Launcelot, I
salute you on King Pelles' behalf, and I require you come
on with me hereby into a forest. Then Sir Launcelot
asked her with whom she dwelled. I dwell, said she,
with King Pelles. What will ye with me? said Launcelot.
Ye shall know, said she, when ye come thither. Well,
said he, I will gladly go with you. So Sir Launcelot bade
his squire saddle his horse and bring his arms; and in all
haste he did his commandment.

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