Book: Le Morte Darthur

T >> Thomas Malory >> Le Morte Darthur






CHAPTER XIII

How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying,
and how he overthrew Dagonet and other knights.


SO King Mark rode by fortune by a well, in the way
where stood a knight-errant on horseback, armed at all
points, with a great spear in his hand. And when he
saw King Mark coming flying he said: Knight, return
again for shame and stand with me, and I shall be thy
warrant. Ah, fair knight, said King Mark, let me pass,
for yonder cometh after me the best knight of the world,
with the black bended shield. Fie, for shame, said the
knight, he is none of the worthy knights, and if he were
Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram I should not doubt to
meet the better of them both. When King Mark heard
him say that word, he turned his horse and abode by
him. And then that strong knight bare a spear to
Dagonet, and smote him so sore that he bare him over
his horse's tail, and nigh he had broken his neck. And
anon after him came Sir Brandiles, and when he saw
Dagonet have that fall he was passing wroth, and cried:
Keep thee, knight, and so they hurtled together wonder
sore. But the knight smote Sir Brandiles so sore that
he went to the earth, horse and man. Sir Uwaine came
after and saw all this. Jesu, said he, yonder is a strong
knight. And then they feutred their spears, and this
knight came so eagerly that he smote down Sir Uwaine.
Then came Ozana with the hardy heart, and he was
smitten down. Now, said Sir Griflet, by my counsel let
us send to yonder errant-knight, and wit whether he be
of Arthur's court, for as I deem it is Sir Lamorak de
Galis. So they sent unto him, and prayed the strange
knight to tell his name, and whether he were of Arthur's
court or not. As for my name they shall not wit, but
tell them I am a knight-errant as they are, and let them
wit that I am no knight of King Arthur's court; and
so the squire rode again unto them and told them his
answer of him. By my head, said Sir Agravaine, he is
one of the strongest knights that ever I saw, for he hath
overthrown three noble knights, and needs we must
encounter with him for shame. So Sir Agravaine feutred
his spear, and that other was ready, and smote him down
over his horse to the earth. And in the same wise he
smote Sir Uwaine les Avoutres and also Sir Griflet.
Then had he served them all but Sir Dinadan, for he
was behind, and Sir Mordred was unarmed, and Dagonet
had his harness.

So when this was done, this strong knight rode on
his way a soft pace, and King Mark rode after him,
praising him mickle; but he would answer no words,
but sighed wonderly sore, hanging down his head, taking
no heed to his words. Thus they rode well a three mile
English, and then this knight called to him a varlet, and
bade him ride until yonder fair manor, and recommend
me to the lady of that castle and place, and pray her to
send me refreshing of good meats and drinks. And if
she ask thee what I am, tell her that I am the knight
that followeth the glatisant beast: that is in English to
say the questing beast; for that beast wheresomever he
yede he quested in the belly with such a noise as it had
been a thirty couple of hounds. Then the varlet went
his way and came to the manor, and saluted the lady, and
told her from whence he came. And when she understood
that he came from the knight that followed the
questing beast: O sweet Lord Jesu, she said, when shall
I see that noble knight, my dear son Palomides? Alas,
will he not abide with me? and therewith she swooned
and wept, and made passing great dole. And then also
soon as she might she gave the varlet all that he asked.
And the varlet returned unto Sir Palomides, for he was
a varlet of King Mark. And as soon as he came, he
told the knight's name was Sir Palomides. I am well
pleased, said King Mark, but hold thee still and say
nothing. Then they alighted and set them down and
reposed them a while. Anon withal King Mark fell
asleep. When Sir Palomides saw him sound asleep he
took his horse and rode his way, and said to them: I
will not be in the company of a sleeping knight. And
so he rode forth a great pace.



CHAPTER XIV

How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides
making great sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud.


NOW turn we unto Sir Dinadan, that found these seven
knights passing heavy. And when he wist how that they
sped, as heavy was he. My lord Uwaine, said Dinadan, I
dare lay my head it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. I promise
you all I shall find him an he may be found in this
country. And so Sir Dinadan rode after this knight;
and so did King Mark, that sought him through the
forest. So as King Mark rode after Sir Palomides he
heard the noise of a man that made great dole. Then
King Mark rode as nigh that noise as he might and as he
durst. Then was he ware of a knight that was descended
off his horse, and had put off his helm, and there he made
a piteous complaint and a dolorous, of love.

Now leave we that, and talk we of Sir Dinadan, that
rode to seek Sir Palomides. And as he came within a
forest he met with a knight, a chaser of a deer. Sir,
said Sir Dinadan, met ye with a knight with a shield
of silver and lions' heads? Yea, fair knight, said the
other, with such a knight met I with but a while agone,
and straight yonder way he yede. Gramercy, said Sir
Dinadan, for might I find the track of his horse I should
not fail to find that knight. Right so as Sir Dinadan
rode in the even late he heard a doleful noise as it were
of a man. Then Sir Dinadan rode toward that noise;
and when he came nigh that noise he alighted off his
horse, and went near him on foot. Then was he ware of
a knight that stood under a tree, and his horse tied by
him, and the helm off his head; and ever that knight
made a doleful complaint as ever made knight. And
always he made his complaint of La Beale Isoud, the
Queen of Cornwall, and said: Ah, fair lady, why love I
thee! for thou art fairest of all other, and yet showest
thou never love to me, nor bounty. Alas, yet must I
love thee. And I may not blame thee, fair lady, for
mine eyes be cause of this sorrow. And yet to love
thee I am but a fool, for the best knight of the world
loveth thee, and ye him again, that is Sir Tristram de
Liones. And the falsest king and knight is your husband,
and the most coward and full of treason, is your lord,
King Mark. Alas, that ever so fair a lady and peerless
of all other should be matched with the most villainous
knight of the world. All this language heard King
Mark, what Sir Palomides said by him; wherefore he
was adread when he saw Sir Dinadan, lest he espied him,
that he would tell Sir Palomides that he was King Mark;
and therefore he withdrew him, and took his horse and
rode to his men, where he commanded them to abide.
And so he rode as fast as he might unto Camelot; and
the same day he found there Amant, the knight, ready
that afore Arthur had appealed him of treason; and so,
lightly the king commanded them to do battle. And by
misadventure King Mark smote Amant through the body.
And yet was Amant in the righteous quarrel. And right
so he took his horse and departed from the court for
dread of Sir Dinadan, that he would tell Sir Tristram and
Sir Palomides what he was. Then were there maidens
that La Beale Isoud had sent to Sir Tristram, that knew
Sir Amant well.



CHAPTER XV

How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore
King Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to
King Arthur.


THEN by the license of King Arthur they went to him
and spake with him; for while the truncheon of the spear
stuck in his body he spake: Ah, fair damosels, said
Amant, recommend me unto La Beale Isoud, and tell her
that I am slain for the love of her and of Sir Tristram.
And there he told the damosels how cowardly King Mark
had slain him, and Sir Bersules, his fellow. And for that
deed I appealed him of treason, and here am I slain in a
righteous quarrel; and all was because Sir Bersules and I
would not consent by treason to slay the noble knight, Sir
Tristram. Then the two maidens cried aloud that all the
court might hear it, and said: O sweet Lord Jesu, that
knowest all hid things, why sufferest Thou so false a
traitor to vanquish and slay a true knight that fought in
a righteous quarrel? Then anon it was sprung to the
king, and the queen, and to all the lords, that it was King
Mark that had slain Sir Amant, and Sir Bersules afore
hand; wherefore they did their battle. Then was King
Arthur wroth out of measure, and so were all the other
knights. But when Sir Tristram knew all the matter he
made great dole and sorrow out of measure, and wept for
sorrow for the loss of the noble knights, Sir Bersules and
of Sir Amant.

When Sir Launcelot espied Sir Tristram weep he went
hastily to King Arthur, and said: Sir, I pray you give me
leave to return again to yonder false king and knight. I
pray you, said King Arthur, fetch him again, but I would
not that ye slew him, for my worship. Then Sir Launcelot
armed him in all haste, and mounted upon a great horse,
and took a spear in his hand and rode after King Mark.
And from thence a three mile English Sir Launcelot over
took him, and bade him: Turn recreant king and knight,
for whether thou wilt or not thou shalt go with me to
King Arthur's court. King Mark returned and looked
upon Sir Launcelot, and said: Fair sir, what is your name?
Wit thou well, said he, my name is Sir Launcelot, and
therefore defend thee. And when King Mark wist that it
was Sir Launcelot, and came so fast upon him with a spear,
he cried then aloud: I yield me to thee, Sir Launcelot,
honourable knight. But Sir Launcelot would not hear
him, but came fast upon him. King Mark saw that, and
made no defence, but tumbled adown out of his saddle
to the earth as a sack, and there he lay still, and cried Sir
Launcelot mercy. Arise, recreant knight and king. I
will not fight, said King Mark, but whither that ye will
I will go with you. Alas, alas, said Sir Launcelot, that I
may not give thee one buffet for the love of Sir Tristram
and of La Beale Isoud, and for the two knights that thou
hast slain traitorly. And so he mounted upon his horse
and brought him to King Arthur; and there King Mark
alighted in that same place, and threw his helm from him
upon the earth, and his sword, and fell flat to the earth of
King Arthur's feet, and put him in his grace and mercy.
So God me help, said Arthur, ye are welcome in a manner,
and in a manner ye are not welcome. In this manner ye
are welcome, that ye come hither maugre thy head, as I
suppose. That is truth, said King Mark, and else I had
not been here, for my lord, Sir Launcelot, brought me
hither through his fine force, and to him am I yolden to
as recreant. Well, said Arthur, ye understand ye ought
to do me service, homage, and fealty. And never would
ye do me none, but ever ye have been against me, and a
destroyer of my knights; now, how will ye acquit you?
Sir, said King Mark, right as your lordship will require
me, unto my power, I will make a large amends. For he
was a fair speaker, and false thereunder. Then for great
pleasure of Sir Tristram, to make them twain accorded,
the king withheld King Mark as at that time, and made a
broken love-day between them.



CHAPTER XVI

How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between
Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristam.


NOW turn we again unto Sir Palomides, how Sir Dinadan
comforted him in all that he might, from his great sorrow.
What knight are ye? said Sir Palomides. Sir, I am a
knight-errant as ye be, that hath sought you long by your
shield. Here is my shield, said Sir Palomides, wit ye
well, an ye will ought, therewith I will defend it. Nay,
said Sir Dinadan, I will not have ado with you but in good
manner. And if ye will, ye shall find me soon ready.
Sir, said Sir Dinadan, whitherward ride you this way? By
my head, said Sir Palomides, I wot not, but as fortune
leadeth me. Heard ye or saw ye ought of Sir Tristram?
So God me help, of Sir Tristram I both heard and saw,
and not for then we loved not inwardly well together, yet
at my mischief Sir Tristram rescued me from my death;
and yet, or he and I departed, by both our assents we
assigned a day that we should have met at the stony grave
that Merlin set beside Camelot, and there to have done
battle together; howbeit I was letted, said Sir Palomides,
that I might not hold my day, the which grieveth me
sore; but I have a large excuse. For I was prisoner with
a lord, and many other more, and that shall Sir Tristram
right well understand, that I brake it not of fear of
cowardice. And then Sir Palomides told Sir Dinadan the
same day that they should have met. So God me help,
said Sir Dinadan, that same day met Sir Launcelot and Sir
Tristram at the same grave of stone. And there was the
most mightiest battle that ever was seen in this land
betwixt two knights, for they fought more than two
hours. And there they both bled so much blood that all
men marvelled that ever they might endure it. And so
at the last, by both their assents, they were made friends
and sworn-brethren for ever, and no man can judge the
better knight. And now is Sir Tristram made a knight
of the Round Table, and he sitteth in the siege of the
noble knight, Sir Marhaus. By my head, said Sir Palomides,
Sir Tristram is far bigger than Sir Launcelot, and
the hardier knight. Have ye assayed them both? said
Sir Dinadan. I have seen Sir Tristram fight, said Sir
Palomides, but never Sir Launcelot to my witting. But
at the fountain where Sir Launcelot lay asleep, there with
one spear he smote down Sir Tristram and me, said
Palomides, but at that time they knew not either other.
Fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, as for Sir Launcelot and
Sir Tristram let them be, for the worst of them will not
be lightly matched of no knights that I know living. No,
said Sir Palomides, God defend, but an I had a quarrel to
the better of them both I would with as good a will fight
with him as with you. Sir, I require you tell me your
name, and in good faith I shall hold you company till that
we come to Camelot; and there shall ye have great worship
now at this great tournament; for there shall be the
Queen Guenever, and La Beale Isoud of Cornwall. Wit
you well, sir knight, for the love of La Beale Isoud I will
be there, and else not, but I will not have ado in King
Arthur's court. Sir, said Dinadan, I shall ride with you
and do you service, so you will tell me your name. Sir,
ye shall understand my name is Sir Palomides, brother to
Safere, the good and noble knight. And Sir Segwarides
and I, we be Saracens born, of father and mother. Sir,
said Sir Dinadan, I thank you much for the telling of
your name. For I am glad of that I know your name,
and I promise you by the faith of my body, ye shall not
be hurt by me by my will, but rather be advanced. And
thereto will I help you with all my power, I promise you,
doubt ye not. And certainly on my life ye shall win
great worship in the court of King Arthur, and be right
welcome. So then they dressed on their helms and put on
their shields, and mounted upon their horses, and took
the broad way towards Camelot. And then were they
ware of a castle that was fair and rich, and also passing
strong as any was within this realm.



CHAPTER XVII

How Sir Lamorak jousted with divers knights of the castle
wherein was Morgan le Fay.


SIR PALOMIDES, said Dinadan, here is a castle that I know
well, and therein dwelleth Queen Morgan le Fay, King
Arthur's sister; and King Arthur gave her this castle, the
which he hath repented him sithen a thousand times, for
sithen King Arthur and she have been at debate and
strife; but this castle could he never get nor win of her
by no manner of engine; and ever as she might she made
war on King Arthur. And all dangerous knights she
withholdeth with her, for to destroy all these knights that
King Arthur loveth. And there shall no knight pass this
way but he must joust with one knight, or with two, or
with three. And if it hap that King Arthur's knight be
beaten, he shall lose his horse and his harness and all that
he hath, and hard, if that he escape, but that he shall be
prisoner. So God me help, said Palomides, this is a
shameful custom, and a villainous usance for a queen to
use, and namely to make such war upon her own lord,
that is called the Flower of Chivalry that is christian or
heathen; and with all my heart I would destroy that
shameful custom. And I will that all the world wit she
shall have no service of me. And if she send out any
knights, as I suppose she will, for to joust, they shall have
both their hands full. And I shall not fail you, said Sir
Dinadan, unto my puissance, upon my life.

So as they stood on horseback afore the castle, there
came a knight with a red shield, and two squires after
him; and he came straight unto Sir Palomides, the good
knight, and said to him: Fair and gentle knight-errant,
I require thee for the love thou owest unto knighthood,
that ye will not have ado here with these men of this
castle; for this was Sir Lamorak that thus said. For I
came hither to seek this deed, and it is my request; and
therefore I beseech you, knight, let me deal, and if I be
beaten revenge me. In the name of God, said Palomides,
let see how ye will speed, and we shall behold you. Then
anon came forth a knight of the castle, and proffered to
joust with the Knight with the Red Shield. Anon they
encountered together, and he with the red shield smote
him so hard that he bare him over to the earth. Therewith
anon came another knight of the castle, and he was
smitten so sore that he avoided his saddle. And forthwithal
came the third knight, and the Knight with the Red
Shield smote him to the earth. Then came Sir Palomides,
and besought him that he might help him to joust. Fair
knight, said he unto him, suffer me as at this time to have
my will, for an they were twenty knights I shall not doubt
them. And ever there were upon the walls of the castle
many lords and ladies that cried and said: Well have ye
jousted, Knight with the Red Shield. But as soon as
the knight had smitten them down, his squire took their
horses, and avoided their saddles and bridles of the horses,
and turned them into the forest, and made the knights to
be kept to the end of the jousts. Right so came out of
the castle the fourth knight, and freshly proffered to joust
with the Knight with the Red Shield: and he was ready,
and he smote him so hard that horse and man fell to the
earth, and the knight's back brake with the fall, and his
neck also. O Jesu, said Sir Palomides, that yonder is a
passing good knight, and the best jouster that ever I
saw. By my head, said Sir Dinadan, he is as good as
ever was Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, what knight
somever he be.



CHAPTER XVIII

How Sir Palomides would have jousted for Sir Lamorak
with the knights of the castle.


THEN forthwithal came a knight out of the castle, with
a shield bended with black and with white. And anon
the Knight with the Red Shield and he encountered so
hard that he smote the knight of the castle through the
bended shield and through the body, and brake the horse's
back. Fair knight, said Sir Palomides, ye have overmuch
on hand, therefore I pray you let me joust, for ye had
need to be reposed. Why sir, said the knight, seem ye
that I am weak and feeble? and sir, methinketh ye proffer
me wrong, and to me shame, when I do well enough. I
tell you now as I told you erst; for an they were twenty
knights I shall beat them, and if I be beaten or slain then
may ye revenge me. And if ye think that I be weary,
and ye have an appetite to joust with me, I shall find you
jousting enough. Sir, said Palomides, I said it not
because I would joust with you, but meseemeth that ye have
overmuch on hand. And therefore, an ye were gentle,
said the Knight with the Red Shield, ye should not proffer
me shame; therefore I require you to joust with me, and
ye shall find that I am not weary. Sith ye require me,
said Sir Palomides, take keep to yourself. Then they two
knights came together as fast as their horses might run,
and the knight smote Sir Palomides sore on the shield
that the spear went into his side a great wound, and
a perilous. And therewithal Sir Palomides avoided his
saddle. And that knight turned unto Sir Dinadan; and
when he saw him coming he cried aloud, and said: Sir,
I will not have ado with you; but for that he let it not,
but came straight upon him. So Sir Dinadan for shame
put forth his spear and all to-shivered it upon the knight.
But he smote Sir Dinadan again so hard that he smote
him clean from his saddle; but their horses he would not
suffer his squires to meddle with, and because they were
knights-errant.

Then he dressed him again to the castle, and jousted
with seven knights more, and there was none of them
might withstand him, but he bare him to the earth. And
of these twelve knights he slew in plain jousts four. And
the eight knights he made them to swear on the cross of
a sword that they should never use the evil customs of the
castle. And when he had made them to swear that oath
he let them pass. And ever stood the lords and the
ladies on the castle walls crying and saying: Knight with
the Red Shield, ye have marvellously well done as ever
we saw knight do. And therewith came a knight out of
the castle unarmed, and said: Knight with the Red Shield,
overmuch damage hast thou done to us this day, therefore
return whither thou wilt, for here are no more will have
ado with thee; for we repent sore that ever thou camest
here, for by thee is fordone the old custom of this castle.
And with that word he turned again into the castle, and
shut the gates. Then the Knight with the Red Shield
turned and called his squires, and so passed forth on his
way, and rode a great pace.

And when he was past Sir Palomides went to Sir
Dinadan, and said: I had never such a shame of one
knight that ever I met; and therefore I cast me to
ride after him, and to be revenged with my sword, for
a-horseback I deem I shall get no worship of him. Sir
Palomides, said Dinadan, ye shall not meddle with him
by my counsel, for ye shall get no worship of him; and
for this cause, ye have seen him this day have had
overmuch to do, and overmuch travailed. By almighty
Jesu, said Palomides, I shall never be at ease till that I
have had ado with him. Sir, said Dinadan, I shall give
you my beholding. Well, said Palomides, then shall ye
see how we shall redress our mights. So they took their
horses of their varlets, and rode after the Knight with the
Red Shield; and down in a valley beside a fountain they
were ware where he was alighted to repose him, and had
done off his helm for to drink at the well.



CHAPTER XIX

How Sir Lamorak jousted with Sir Palomides, and hurt
him grievously.


THEN Palomides rode fast till he came nigh him. And
then he said: Knight, remember ye of the shame ye
did to me right now at the castle, therefore dress thee,
for I will have ado with thee. Fair knight, said he to
Palomides, of me ye win no worship, for ye have seen this
day that I have been travailed sore. As for that, said
Palomides, I will not let, for wit ye well I will be revenged.
Well, said the knight, I may happen to endure you. And
therewithal he mounted upon his horse, and took a great
spear in his hand ready for to joust. Nay, said Palomides,
I will not joust, for I am sure at jousting I get no prize.
Fair knight, said that knight, it would beseem a knight to
joust and to fight on horseback. Ye shall see what I will
do, said Palomides. And therewith he alighted down
upon foot, and dressed his shield afore him and pulled
out his sword. Then the Knight with the Red Shield
descended down from his horse, and dressed his shield
afore him, and so he drew out his sword. And then they
came together a soft pace, and wonderly they lashed
together passing thick the mountenance of an hour or
ever they breathed. Then they traced and traversed, and
waxed wonderly wroth, and either behight other death;
they hewed so fast with their swords that they cut in down
half their swords and mails, that the bare flesh in some
place stood above their harness. And when Sir Palomides
beheld his fellow's sword over-hylled with his blood it
grieved him sore: some while they foined, some while
they struck as wild men. But at the last Sir Palomides
waxed faint, because of his first wound that he had at the
castle with a spear, for that wound grieved him wonderly
sore. Fair knight, said Palomides, meseemeth we have
assayed either other passing sore, and if it may please
thee, I require thee of thy knighthood tell me thy name.
Sir, said the knight to Palomides, that is me loath to do,
for thou hast done me wrong and no knighthood to proffer
me battle, considering my great travail, but an thou wilt
tell me thy name I will tell thee mine. Sir, said he, wit
thou well my name is Palomides. Ah, sir, ye shall understand
my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son and heir unto
the good knight and king, King Pellinore, and Sir Tor,
the good knight, is my half brother. When Sir Palomides
heard him say so he kneeled down and asked mercy, For
outrageously have I done to you this day; considering
the great deeds of arms I have seen you do, shamefully
and unknightly I have required you to do battle. Ah, Sir
Palomides, said Sir Lamorak, overmuch have ye done and
said to me. And therewith he embraced him with his
both hands, and said: Palomides, the worthy knight, in
all this land is no better than ye, nor more of prowess,
and me repenteth sore that we should fight together. So
it doth not me, said Sir Palomides, and yet am I sorer
wounded than ye be; but as for that I shall soon thereof
be whole. But certainly I would not for the fairest castle
in this land, but if thou and I had met, for I shall love
you the days of my life afore all other knights except my
brother, Sir Safere. I say the same, said Sir Lamorak,
except my brother, Sir Tor. Then came Sir Dinadan,
and he made great joy of Sir Lamorak. Then their
squires dressed both their shields and their harness, and
stopped their wounds. And thereby at a priory they
rested them all night.

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