Book: Le Morte Darthur

T >> Thomas Malory >> Le Morte Darthur






CHAPTER XI

How King Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many
other knights of the Round Table


THEN King Arthur looked upon Sir Urre, and the king
thought he was a full likely man when he was whole;
and then King Arthur made him to be taken down off
the litter and laid him upon the earth, and there was laid
a cushion of gold that he should kneel upon. And then
noble Arthur said: Fair knight, me repenteth of thy hurt,
and for to courage all other noble knights I will pray thee
softly to suffer me to handle your wounds. Most noble
christened king, said Urre, do as ye list, for I am at the
mercy of God, and at your commandment. So then
Arthur softly handled him, and then some of his wounds
renewed upon bleeding. Then the King Clarence of
Northumberland searched, and it would not be. And
then Sir Barant le Apres that was called the King with
the Hundred Knights, he assayed and failed; and so did
King Uriens of the land of Gore; so did King Anguish
of Ireland; so did King Nentres of Garloth; so did King
Carados of Scotland; so did the Duke Galahad, the haut
prince; so did Constantine, that was Sir Carados' son of
Cornwall; so did Duke Chaleins of Clarance; so did the
Earl Ulbause; so did the Earl Lambaile; so did the Earl
Aristause.

Then came in Sir Gawaine with his three sons, Sir
Gingalin, Sir Florence, and Sir Lovel, these two were
begotten upon Sir Brandiles' sister; and all they failed.
Then came in Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Mordred,
and the good knight, Sir Gareth, that was of very knighthood
worth all the brethren. So came knights of Launcelot's
kin, but Sir Launcelot was not that time in the court,
for he was that time upon his adventures. Then Sir
Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamore
de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihodin,
Sir Menaduke, Sir Villiars the Valiant, Sir Hebes le
Renoumes. All these were of Sir Launcelot's kin, and all
they failed. Then came in Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir
Dodinas le Savage, Sir Dinadan, Sir Bruin le Noire, that
Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Kay le
Seneschal, Sir Kay de Stranges, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir
Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion
of the Mountain, Sir Cardok, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres,
and Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy.

Then came in Sir Astamor, and Sir Gromere, Grummor's son,
Sir Crosselm, Sir Servause le Breuse, that was
called a passing strong knight, for as the book saith, the
chief Lady of the Lake feasted Sir Launcelot and Servause
le Breuse, and when she had feasted them both at sundry
times she prayed them to give her a boon. And they
granted it her. And then she prayed Sir Servause that he
would promise her never to do battle against Sir Launcelot
du Lake, and in the same wise she prayed Sir Launcelot
never to do battle against Sir Servause, and so either
promised her. For the French book saith, that Sir
Servause had never courage nor lust to do battle against
no man, but if it were against giants, and against dragons,
and wild beasts. So we pass unto them that at the king's
request made them all that were there at that high feast,
as of the knights of the Table Round, for to search Sir
Urre: to that intent the king did it, to wit which was
the noblest knight among them.

Then came Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, Sir Tor, that
was begotten upon Aries, the cowherd's wife, but he was
begotten afore Aries wedded her, and King Pellinore begat
them all, first Sir Tor, Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, Sir
Lamorak, the most noblest knight one that ever was in
Arthur's days as for a worldly knight, and Sir Percivale
that was peerless except Sir Galahad in holy deeds, but
they died in the quest of the Sangreal. Then came Sir
Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedevere
his brother, Sir Brandiles, Sir Constantine, Sir Cador's son
of Cornwall, that was king after Arthur's days, and Sir
Clegis, Sir Sadok, Sir Dinas le Seneschal of Cornwall, Sir
Fergus, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Clarrus of Cleremont,
Sir Cloddrus, Sir Hectimere, Sir Edward of Carnarvon,
Sir Dinas, Sir Priamus, that was christened by Sir
Tristram the noble knight, and these three were brethren;
Sir Hellaine le Blank that was son to Sir Bors, he begat
him upon King Brandegoris' daughter, and Sir Brian de
Listinoise; Sir Gautere, Sir Reynold, Sir Gillemere, were
three brethren that Sir Launcelot won upon a bridge in
Sir Kay's arms. Sir Guyart le Petite, Sir Bellangere le
Beuse, that was son to the good knight, Sir Alisander le
Orphelin, that was slain by the treason of King Mark.
Also that traitor king slew the noble knight Sir Tristram,
as he sat harping afore his lady La Beale Isoud, with a
trenchant glaive, for whose death was much bewailing of
every knight that ever were in Arthur's days; there was
never none so bewailed as was Sir Tristram and Sir
Lamorak, for they were traitorously slain, Sir Tristram
by King Mark, and Sir Lamorak by Sir Gawaine and his
brethren. And this Sir Bellangere revenged the death of
his father Alisander, and Sir Tristram slew King Mark,
and La Beale Isoud died swooning upon the corse of Sir
Tristram, whereof was great pity. And all that were
with King Mark that were consenting to the death of Sir
Tristram were slain, as Sir Andred and many other.

Then came Sir Hebes, Sir Morganore, Sir Sentraile,
Sir Suppinabilis, Sir Bellangere le Orgulous, that the good
knight Sir Lamorak won in plain battle; Sir Neroveus
and Sir Plenorius, two good knights that Sir Launcelot
won; Sir Darras, Sir Harry le Fise Lake, Sir Erminide,
brother to King Hermaunce, for whom Sir Palomides
fought at the Red City with two brethren; and Sir Selises
of the Dolorous Tower, Sir Edward of Orkney, Sir Ironside,
that was called the noble Knight of the Red Launds
that Sir Gareth won for the love of Dame Liones, Sir
Arrok de Grevaunt, Sir Degrane Saunce Velany that
fought with the giant of the black lowe, Sir Epinogris,
that was the king's son of Northumberland. Sir Pelleas
that loved the lady Ettard, and he had died for her love
had not been one of the ladies of the lake, her name was
Dame Nimue, and she wedded Sir Pelleas, and she saved
him that he was never slain, and he was a full noble
knight; and Sir Lamiel of Cardiff that was a great lover.
Sir Plaine de Fors, Sir Melleaus de Lile, Sir Bohart le
Cure Hardy that was King Arthur's son, Sir Mador de la
Porte, Sir Colgrevance, Sir Hervise de la Forest Savage,
Sir Marrok, the good knight that was betrayed with his
wife, for she made him seven year a wer-wolf, Sir Persaunt,
Sir Pertilope, his brother, that was called the Green
Knight, and Sir Perimones, brother to them both, that
was called the Red Knight, that Sir Gareth won when he
was called Beaumains. All these hundred knights and
ten searched Sir Urre's wounds by the commandment of
King Arthur.



CHAPTER XII

How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his
wounds, and anon he was all whole, and how they
thanked God


MERCY Jesu, said King Arthur, where is Sir Launcelot du
Lake that he is not here at this time? Thus, as they
stood and spake of many things, there was espied Sir
Launcelot that came riding toward them, and told the
king. Peace, said the king, let no manner thing be said
until he be come to us. So when Sir Launcelot espied
King Arthur, he descended from his horse and came to
the king, and saluted him and them all. Anon as the
maid, Sir Urre's sister, saw Sir Launcelot, she ran to her
brother thereas he lay in his litter, and said: Brother,
here is come a knight that my heart giveth greatly unto.
Fair sister, said Sir Urre, so doth my heart light against
him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, for my
heart giveth unto him more than to all these that have
searched me.

Then said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot: Ye must do as
we have done; and told Sir Launcelot what they had
done, and showed him them all, that had searched him.
Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, when so many kings
and knights have assayed and failed, that I should presume
upon me to enchieve that all ye, my lords, might not
enchieve. Ye shall not choose, said King Arthur, for I
will command you for to do as we all have done. My
most renowned lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye know well
I dare not nor may not disobey your commandment, but
an I might or durst, wit you well I would not take upon
me to touch that wounded knight in that intent that I
should pass all other knights; Jesu defend me from that
shame. Ye take it wrong, said King Arthur, ye shall not
do it for no presumption, but for to bear us fellowship,
insomuch ye be a fellow of the Table Round; and wit you
well, said King Arthur, an ye prevail not and heal him,
I dare say there is no knight in this land may heal him,
and therefore I pray you, do as we have done.

And then all the kings and knights for the most part
prayed Sir Launcelot to search him; and then the
wounded knight, Sir Urre, set him up weakly, and prayed
Sir Launcelot heartily, saying: Courteous knight, I
require thee for God's sake heal my wounds, for methinketh
ever sithen ye came here my wounds grieve me
not. Ah, my fair lord, said Sir Launcelot, Jesu would
that I might help you; I shame me sore that I should be
thus rebuked, for never was I able in worthiness to do so
high a thing. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down by the
wounded knight saying: My lord Arthur, I must do
your commandment, the which is sore against my heart.
And then he held up his hands, and looked into the east,
saying secretly unto himself: Thou blessed Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost, I beseech thee of thy mercy, that my
simple worship and honesty be saved, and thou blessed
Trinity, thou mayst give power to heal this sick knight
by thy great virtue and grace of thee, but, Good Lord,
never of myself. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir
Urre to let him see his head; and then devoutly kneeling
he ransacked the three wounds, that they bled a little, and
forthwith all the wounds fair healed, and seemed as they
had been whole a seven year. And in likewise he searched
his body of other three wounds, and they healed in
likewise; and then the last of all he searched the which was
in his hand, and anon it healed fair.

Then King Arthur and all the kings and knights
kneeled down and gave thankings and lovings unto God
and to His Blessed Mother. And ever Sir Launcelot
wept as he had been a child that had been beaten. Then
King Arthur let array priests and clerks in the most
devoutest manner, to bring in Sir Urre within Carlisle,
with singing and loving to God. And when this was
done, the king let clothe him in the richest manner that
could be thought; and then were there but few better
made knights in all the court, for he was passingly well
made and bigly; and Arthur asked Sir Urre how he felt
himself. My good lord, he said, I felt myself never so
lusty. Will ye joust and do deeds of arms? said King
Arthur. Sir, said Urre, an I had all that longed unto
jousts I would be soon ready.



CHAPTER XIII

How there was a party made of an hundred knights against
an hundred knights, and of other matters


THEN Arthur made a party of hundred knights to be
against an hundred knights. And so upon the morn they
jousted for a diamond, but there jousted none of the
dangerous knights; and so for to shorten this tale, Sir
Urre and Sir Lavaine jousted best that day, for there was
none of them but he overthrew and pulled down thirty
knights; and then by the assent of all the kings and
lords, Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine were made knights of the
Table Round. And Sir Lavaine cast his love unto Dame
Felelolie, Sir Urre's sister, and then they were wedded
together with great joy, and King Arthur gave to everych
of them a barony of lands. And this Sir Urre would
never go from Sir Launcelot, but he and Sir Lavaine
awaited evermore upon him; and they were in all the
court accounted for good knights, and full desirous in
arms; and many noble deeds they did, for they would
have no rest, but ever sought adventures.

Thus they lived in all that court with great noblesse
and joy long time. But every night and day Sir Agravaine,
Sir Gawaine's brother, awaited Queen Guenever and Sir
Launcelot du Lake to put them to a rebuke and shame.
And so I leave here of this tale, and overskip great books
of Sir Launcelot du Lake, what great adventures he did
when he was called Le Chevaler du Chariot. For as the
French book saith, because of despite that knights and
ladies called him the knight that rode in the chariot like
as he were judged to the gallows, therefore in despite of
all them that named him so, he was carried in a chariot a
twelvemonth, for, but little after that he had slain Sir
Meliagrance in the queen's quarrel, he never in a twelvemonth
came on horseback. And as the French book
saith, he did that twelvemonth more than forty battles.
And because I have lost the very matter of Le Chevaier
du Chariot, I depart from the tale of Sir Launcelot, and
here I go unto the morte of King Arthur; and that
caused Sir Agravaine.

And hereafter followeth the most piteous history of the
morte of King Arthur, the which is the twentieth book.>



BOOK XX


CHAPTER I

How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir
Gawaine for to disclose the love between Sir Launcelot
and Queen Guenever


IN May when every lusty heart flourisheth and bourgeoneth,
for as the season is lusty to behold and comfortable,
so man and woman rejoice and gladden of summer
coming with his fresh flowers: for winter with his rough
winds and blasts causeth a lusty man and woman to cower
and sit fast by the fire. So in this season, as in the month
of May, it befell a great anger and unhap that stinted not
till the flower of chivalry of all the world was destroyed
and slain; and all was long upon two unhappy knights
the which were named Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that
were brethren unto Sir Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine
and Sir Mordred had ever a privy hate unto the queen
Dame Guenever and to Sir Launcelot, and daily and
nightly they ever watched upon Sir Launcelot.

So it mishapped, Sir Gawaine and all his brethren were in
King Arthur's chamber; and then Sir Agravaine said thus
openly, and not in no counsel, that many knights might
hear it: I marvel that we all be not ashamed both to see
and to know how Sir Launcelot lieth daily and nightly by
the queen, and all we know it so; and it is shamefully
suffered of us all, that we all should suffer so noble a king
as King Arthur is so to be shamed.

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: Brother Sir Agravaine,
I pray you and charge you move no such matters
no more afore me, for wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, I
will not be of your counsel. So God me help, said Sir
Gaheris and Sir Gareth, we will not be knowing, brother
Agravaine, of your deeds. Then will I, said Sir Mordred.
I lieve well that, said Sir Gawaine, for ever unto
all unhappiness, brother Sir Mordred, thereto will ye grant;
and I would that ye left all this, and made you not so
busy, for I know, said Sir Gawaine, what will fall of it.
Fall of it what fall may, said Sir Agravaine, I will disclose
it to the king. Not by my counsel, said Sir Gawaine, for
an there rise war and wrack betwixt Sir Launcelot and us,
wit you well brother, there will many kings and great
lords hold with Sir Launcelot. Also, brother Sir Agravaine,
said Sir Gawaine, ye must remember how ofttimes
Sir Launcelot hath rescued the king and the queen; and
the best of us all had been full cold at the heart-root had not
Sir Launcelot been better than we, and that hath he proved
himself full oft. And as for my part, said Sir Gawaine, I
will never be against Sir Launcelot for one day's deed,
when he rescued me from King Carados of the Dolorous
Tower, and slew him, and saved my life. Also, brother
Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, in like wise Sir Launcelot
rescued you both, and threescore and two, from Sir
Turquin. Methinketh brother, such kind deeds and kindness
should be remembered. Do as ye list, said Sir Agravaine,
for I will lain it no longer. With these words came to
them King Arthur. Now brother, stint your noise, said
Sir Gawaine. We will not, said Sir Agravaine and Sir
Mordred. Will ye so? said Sir Gawaine; then God
speed you, for I will not hear your tales ne be of your
counsel. No more will I, said Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris,
for we will never say evil by that man; for because, said
Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot made me knight, by no manner
owe I to say ill of him: and therewithal they three
departed, making great dole. Alas, said Sir Gawaine and
Sir Gareth, now is this realm wholly mischieved, and the
noble fellowship of the Round Table shall be disparpled:
so they departed.



CHAPTER II

How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur,
and how King Arthur gave them licence to take him


AND then Sir Arthur asked them what noise they made.
My lord, said Agravaine, I shall tell you that I may keep
no longer. Here is I, and my brother Sir Mordred,
brake unto my brothers Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and to
Sir Gareth, how this we know all, that Sir Launcelot
holdeth your queen, and hath done long; and we be your
sister's sons, and we may suffer it no longer, and all we
wot that ye should be above Sir Launcelot; and ye are
the king that made him knight, and therefore we will
prove it, that he is a traitor to your person.

If it be so, said Sir Arthur, wit you well he is none
other, but I would be loath to begin such a thing but I
might have proofs upon it; for Sir Launcelot is an hardy
knight, and all ye know he is the best knight among us
all; and but if he be taken with the deed, he will fight
with him that bringeth up the noise, and I know no
knight that is able to match him. Therefore an it be
sooth as ye say, I would he were taken with the deed.
For as the French book saith, the king was full loath
thereto, that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and
his queen; for the king had a deeming, but he would not
hear of it, for Sir Launcelot had done so much for him
and the queen so many times, that wit ye well the king
loved him passingly well. My lord, said Sir Agravaine,
ye shall ride to-morn a-hunting, and doubt ye not Sir
Launcelot will not go with you. Then when it draweth
toward night, ye may send the queen word that ye will lie
out all that night, and so may ye send for your cooks,
and then upon pain of death we shall take him that night
with the queen, and outher we shall bring him to you
dead or quick. I will well, said the king; then I counsel
you, said the king, take with you sure fellowship. Sir,
said Agravaine, my brother, Sir Mordred, and I, will take
with us twelve knights of the Round Table. Beware,
said King Arthur, for I warn you ye shall find him wight.
Let us deal, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.

So on the morn King Arthur rode a-hunting, and sent
word to the queen that he would be out all that night.
Then Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred gat to them twelve
knights, and hid themself in a chamber in the Castle of
Carlisle, and these were their names: Sir Colgrevance, Sir
Mador de la Porte, Sir Gingaline, Sir Meliot de Logris,
Sir Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir
Melion of the Mountain, Sir Astamore, Sir Gromore
Somir Joure, Sir Curselaine, Sir Florence, Sir Lovel. So
these twelve knights were with Sir Mordred and Sir
Agravaine, and all they were of Scotland, outher of Sir
Gawaine's kin, either well-willers to his brethren.

So when the night came, Sir Launcelot told Sir Bors
how he would go that night and speak with the queen.
Sir, said Sir Bors, ye shall not go this night by my counsel.
Why? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors, I dread me
ever of Sir Agravaine, that waiteth you daily to do you
shame and us all; and never gave my heart against no
going, that ever ye went to the queen, so much as now;
for I mistrust that the king is out this night from the
queen because peradventure he hath lain some watch for
you and the queen, and therefore I dread me sore of
treason. Have ye no dread, said Sir Launcelot, for I
shall go and come again, and make no tarrying. Sir, said
Sir Bors, that me repenteth, for I dread me sore that your
going out this night shall wrath us all. Fair nephew,
said Sir Launcelot, I marvel much why ye say thus, sithen
the queen hath sent for me; and wit ye well I will not be
so much a coward, but she shall understand I will see her
good grace. God speed you well, said Sir Bors, and send
you sound and safe again.



CHAPTER Ill

How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen's chamber, and
how Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve
knights to slay him


SO Sir Launcelot departed, and took his sword under his arm,
and so in his mantle that noble knight put himself in great
Jeopardy; and so he passed till he came to the queen's
chamber, and then Sir Launcelot was lightly put into the
chamber. And then, as the French book saith, the queen
and Launcelot were together. And whether they were
abed or at other manner of disports, me list not hereof
make no mention, for love that time was not as is now-a-days.
But thus as they were together, there came Sir
Agravaine and Sir Mordred, with twelve knights with
them of the Round Table, and they said with crying
voice: Traitor-knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake, now art
thou taken. And thus they cried with a loud voice, that
all the court might hear it; and they all fourteen were
armed at all points as they should fight in a battle. Alas
said Queen Guenever, now are we mischieved both
Madam, said Sir Launcelot, is there here any armour
within your chamber, that I might cover my poor body
withal? An if there be any give it me, and I shall soon
stint their malice, by the grace of God. Truly, said the
queen, I have none armour, shield, sword, nor spear;
wherefore I dread me sore our long love is come to a
mischievous end, for I hear by their noise there be many
noble knights, and well I wot they be surely armed, and
against them ye may make no resistance. Wherefore ye
are likely to be slain, and then shall I be brent. For an
ye might escape them, said the queen, I would not doubt
but that ye would rescue me in what danger that ever I
stood in. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, in all my life thus
was I never bestead, that I should be thus shamefully
slain for lack of mine armour.

But ever in one Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred cried:
Traitor-knight, come out of the queen's chamber, for wit
thou well thou art so beset that thou shalt not escape.
O Jesu mercy, said Sir Launcelot, this shameful cry and
noise I may not suffer, for better were death at once than
thus to endure this pain. Then he took the queen in his
arms, and kissed her, and said: Most noble Christian
queen, I beseech you as ye have been ever my special good
lady, and I at all times your true poor knight unto my
power, and as I never failed you in right nor in wrong
sithen the first day King Arthur made me knight, that ye
will pray for my soul if that I here be slain; for well I
am assured that Sir Bors, my nephew, and all the remnant
of my kin, with Sir Lavaine and Sir Urre, that they will
not fail you to rescue you from the fire; and therefore, mine
own lady, recomfort yourself, whatsomever come of me,
that ye go with Sir Bors, my nephew, and Sir Urre, and
they all will do you all the pleasure that they can or may,
that ye shall live like a queen upon my lands. Nay,
Launcelot, said the queen, wit thou well I will never live
after thy days, but an thou be slain I will take my death
as meekly for Jesu Christ's sake as ever did any Christian
queen. Well, madam, said I-auncelot, sith it is so that
the day is come that our love must depart, wit you well I
shall sell my life as dear as I may; and a thousandfold,
said Sir Launcelot, I am more heavier for you than for
myself. And now I had liefer than to be lord of all
Christendom, that I had sure armour upon me, that men
might speak of my deeds or ever I were slain. Truly,
said the queen, I would an it might please God that they
would take me and slay me, and suffer you to escape.
That shall never be, said Sir Launcelot, God defend me
from such a shame, but Jesu be Thou my shield and mine
armour!



CHAPTER IV

How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in
his harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve
of his fellows


AND therewith Sir Launcelot wrapped his mantle about
his arm well and surely; and by then they had gotten a
great form out of the hall, and therewithal they rashed
at the door. Fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, leave your
noise and your rashing, and I shall set open this door, and
then may ye do with me what it liketh you. Come off
then, said they all, and do it, for it availeth thee not to
strive against us all; and therefore let us into this
chamber, and we shall save thy life until thou come to
King Arthur. Then Launcelot unbarred the door, and
with his left hand he held it open a little, so that but one
man might come in at once; and so there came striding a
good knight, a much man and large, and his name was
Colgrevance of Gore, and he with a sword struck at Sir
Launcelot mightily; and he put aside the stroke, and
gave him such a buffet upon the helmet, that he fell
grovelling dead within the chamber door. And then Sir
Launcelot with great might drew that dead knight within
the chamber door; and Sir Launcelot with help of the
queen and her ladies was lightly armed in Sir Colgrevance's
armour.

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