Book: Le Morte Darthur

T >> Thomas Malory >> Le Morte Darthur




When Sir Tristram understood that Alisander was
made knight, anon forthwithal he sent him a letter,
praying him and charging him that he would draw him to the
court of King Arthur, and that he put him in the rule and
in the hands of Sir Launcelot. So this letter was sent to
Alisander from his cousin, Sir Tristram. And at that time
he thought to do after his commandment. Then King
Mark called a knight that brought him the tidings from
Alisander, and bade him abide still in that country. Sir,
said that knight, so must I do, for in my own country I
dare not come. No force, said King Mark, I shall give
thee here double as much lands as ever thou hadst of thine
own. But within short space Sir Sadok met with that false
knight, and slew him. Then was King Mark wood wroth
out of measure. Then he sent unto Queen Morgan le
Fay, and to the Queen of North-galis, praying them in his
letters that they two sorceresses would set all the country
in fire with ladies that were enchantresses, and by such that
were dangerous knights, as Malgrin, Breuse Saunce Pit,
that by no mean Alisander le Orphelin should escape, but
either he should be taken or slain. This ordinance made
King Mark for to destroy Alisander.



CHAPTER XXXVI

How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and of
Morgan le Fay: and how he fought with Sir Malgrin,
and slew him.


NOW turn we again unto Sir Alisander, that at his departing
his mother took with him his father's bloody shirt.
So that he bare with him always till his death day, in
tokening to think of his father's death. So was Alisander
purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram,
to Sir Launcelot. And by fortune he went by the
seaside, and rode wrong. And there he won at a tournament
the gree that King Carados made. And there he
smote down King Carados and twenty of his knights, and
also Sir Safere, a good knight that was Sir Palomides'
brother, the good knight. All this saw a damosel, and
saw the best knight joust that ever she saw. And ever as
he smote down knights he made them to swear to wear
none harness in a twelvemonth and a day. This is well
said, said Morgan le Fay, this is the knight that I would
fain see. And so she took her palfrey, and rode a great
while, and then she rested her in her pavilion. So there
came four knights, two were armed, and two were unarmed,
and they told Morgan le Fay their names: the first
was Elias de Gomeret, the second was Cari de Gomeret,
those were armed; that other twain were of Camiliard,
cousins unto Queen Guenever, and that one hight Guy,
and that other hight Garaunt, those were unarmed. There
these four knights told Morgan le Fay how a young
knight had smitten them down before a castle For the
maiden of that castle said that he was but late made knight,
and young. But as we suppose, but if it were Sir Tristram,
or Sir Launcelot, or Sir Lamorak, the good knight, there
is none that might sit him a buffet with a spear. Well,
said Morgan le Fay, I shall meet that knight or it be long
time, an he dwell in that country.

So turn we to the damosel of the castle, that when
Alisander le Orphelin had forjousted the four knights,
she called him to her, and said thus: Sir knight, wilt thou
for my sake joust and fight with a knight, for my sake,
of this country, that is and hath been long time an evil
neighbour to me? His name is Malgrin, and he will not
suffer me to be married in no manner wise for all that I
can do, or any knight for my sake. Damosel, said Alisander,
an he come whiles I am here I will fight with him,
and my poor body for your sake I will jeopard. And
therewithal she sent for him, for he was at her commandment.
And when either had a sight of other, they made
them ready for to joust, and they came together eagerly,
and Malgrin brised his spear upon Alisander, and Alisander
smote him again so hard that he bare him quite from his
saddle to the earth. But this Malgrin arose lightly, and
dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade him alight,
saying: Though thou have the better of me on horseback,
thou shalt find that I shall endure like a knight on foot.
It is well said, said Alisander; and so lightly he avoided
his horse and betook him to his varlet. And then they
rushed together like two boars, and laid on their helms
and shields long time, by the space of three hours, that
never man could say which was the better knight.

And in the meanwhile came Morgan le Fay to the
damosel of the castle, and they beheld the battle. But
this Malgrin was an old roted knight, and he was called
one of the dangerous knights of the world to do battle on
foot, but on horseback there were many better. And ever
this Malgrin awaited to slay Alisander, and so wounded
him wonderly sore, that it was marvel that ever he might
stand, for he had bled so much blood; for Alisander
fought wildly, and not wittily. And that other was a
felonious knight, and awaited him, and smote him sore.
And sometime they rushed together with their shields,
like two boars or rams, and fell grovelling both to the
earth. Now knight, said Malgrin, hold thy hand a while,
and tell me what thou art. I will not, said Alisander, but
if me list: but tell me thy name, and why thou keepest
this country, or else thou shalt die of my hands. Wit
thou well, said Malgrin, that for this maiden's love, of this
castle, I have slain ten good knights by mishap; and by
outrage and orgulit of myself I have slain ten other
knights. So God me help, said Alisander, this is the
foulest confession that ever I heard knight make, nor
never heard I speak of other men of such a shameful
confession; wherefore it were great pity and great shame
unto me that I should let thee live any longer; therefore
keep thee as well as ever thou mayest, for as I am true
knight, either thou shalt slay me or else I shall slay thee,
I promise thee faithfully.

Then they lashed together fiercely, and at the last
Alisander smote Malgrin to the earth. And then he raced
off his helm, and smote off his head lightly. And when
he had done and ended this battle, anon he called to him
his varlet, the which brought him his horse. And then
he, weening to be strong enough, would have mounted.
And so she laid Sir Alisander in an horse litter, and led
him into the castle, for he had no foot nor might to stand
upon the earth; for he had sixteen great wounds, and in
especial one of them was like to be his death.



CHAPTER XXXVII

How Queen Morgan le Fay had Alisander in her castle, and
how she healed his wounds.


THEN Queen Morgan le Fay searched his wounds, and
gave such an ointment unto him that he should have died.
And on the morn when she came to him he complained
him sore; and then she put other ointments upon him,
and then he was out of his pain. Then came the damosel
of the castle, and said unto Morgan le Fay: I pray you
help me that this knight might wed me, for he hath won
me with his hands. Ye shall see, said Morgan le Fay,
what I shall say. Then Morgan le Fay went unto Alisander,
and bade in anywise that he should refuse this lady,
an she desire to wed you, for she is not for you. So the
damosel came and desired of him marriage. Damosel, said
Orphelin, I thank you, but as yet I cast me not to marry
in this country. Sir, she said, sithen ye will not marry
me, I pray you insomuch as ye have won me, that ye will
give me to a knight of this country that hath been my
friend, and loved me many years. With all my heart,
said Alisander, I will assent thereto. Then was the knight
sent for, his name was Gerine le Grose. And anon he
made them handfast, and wedded them.

Then came Queen Morgan le Fay to Alisander, and
bade him arise, and put him in an horse litter, and gave
him such a drink that in three days and three nights he
waked never, but slept; and so she brought him to her
own castle that at that time was called La Beale Regard.
Then Morgan le Fay came to Alisander, and asked him
if he would fain be whole. Who would be sick, said
Alisander, an he might be whole? Well, said Morgan le
Fay, then shall ye promise me by your knighthood that
this day twelvemonth and a day ye shall not pass the
compass of this castle, and without doubt ye shall lightly be
whole. I assent, said Sir Alisander. And there he made her
a promise: then was he soon whole. And when Alisander
was whole, then he repented him of his oath, for he might
not be revenged upon King Mark. Right so there came
a damosel that was cousin to the Earl of Pase, and she was
cousin to Morgan le Fay. And by right that castle of La
Beale Regard should have been hers by true inheritance.
So this damosel entered into this castle where lay
Alisander, and there she found him upon his bed, passing
heavy and all sad.



CHAPTER XXXVIII

How Alisander was delivered from Queen Morgan le Fay
by the means of a damosel.


SIR knight, said the damosel, an ye would be merry
I could tell you good tidings. Well were me, said
Alisander, an I might hear of good tidings, for now I
stand as a prisoner by my promise. Sir, she said, wit you
well that ye be a prisoner, and worse than ye ween; for
my lady, my cousin Queen Morgan le Fay, keepeth you
here for none other intent but for to do her pleasure with
you when it liketh her. O Jesu defend me, said Alisander,
from such pleasure; for I had liefer cut away my hangers
than I would do her such pleasure. As Jesu help me, said
the damosel, an ye would love me and be ruled by me, I
shall make your deliverance with your worship. Tell me,
said Alisander, by what means, and ye shall have my love.
Fair knight, said she, this castle of right ought to be
mine, and I have an uncle the which is a mighty earl, he is
Earl of Pase, and of all folks he hateth most Morgan le
Fay; and I shall send unto him and pray him for my sake
to destroy this castle for the evil customs that be used
therein; and then will he come and set wild-fire on every
part of the castle, and I shall get you out at a privy
postern, and there shall ye have your horse and your
harness. Ye say well, damosel, said Alisander. And then
she said: Ye may keep the room of this castle this
twelvemonth and a day, then break ye not your oath.
Truly, fair damosel, said Alisander, ye say sooth. And
then he kissed her, and did to her pleasaunce as it pleased
them both at times and leisures.

So anon she sent unto her uncle and bade him come
and destroy that castle, for as the book saith, he would
have destroyed that castle afore time had not that damosel
been. When the earl understood her letters he sent her
word again that on such a day he would come and destroy
that castle. So when that day came she showed Alisander
a postern wherethrough he should flee into a garden, and
there he should find his armour and his horse. When the
day came that was set, thither came the Earl of Pase with
four hundred knights, and set on fire all the parts of the
castle, that or they ceased they left not a stone standing.
And all this while that the fire was in the castle he abode
in the garden. And when the fire was done he let make
a cry that he would keep that piece of earth thereas the
castle of La Beale Regard was a twelvemonth and a day,
from all manner knights that would come

So it happed there was a duke that hight Ansirus, and
he was of the kin of Sir Launcelot. And this knight
was a great pilgrim, for every third year he would be
at Jerusalem. And because he used all his life to go in
pilgrimage men called him Duke Ansirus the Pilgrim.
And this duke had a daughter that hight Alice, that was
a passing fair woman, and because of her father she was
called Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And anon as she heard of
this cry she went unto Arthur's court, and said openly in
hearing of many knights, that what knight may overcome
that knight that keepeth that piece of earth shall have me
and all my lands.

When the knights of the Round Table heard her say
thus many were glad, for she was passing fair and of great
rents. Right so she let cry in castles and towns as fast on
her side as Alisander did on his side. Then she dressed
her pavilion straight by the piece of the earth that
Alisander kept. So she was not so soon there but there
came a knight of Arthur's court that hight Sagramore le
Desirous, and he proffered to joust with Alisander; and
they encountered, and Sagramore le Desirous brised his
spear upon Sir Alisander, but Sir Alisander smote him so
hard that he avoided his saddle. And when La Beale
Alice saw him joust so well, she thought him a passing
goodly knight on horseback. And then she leapt out of
her pavilion, and took Sir Alisander by the bridle, and
thus she said: Fair knight, I require thee of thy knighthood
show me thy visage. I dare well, said Alisander,
show my visage. And then he put off his helm; and she
saw his visage, she said: O sweet Jesu, thee I must love,
and never other. Then show me your visage, said he.



CHAPTER XXXIX

How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how he
jousted with two knights; and after of him and of Sir
Mordred.


Then she unwimpled her visage. And when he saw her
he said: Here have I found my love and my lady.
Truly, fair lady, said he, I promise you to be your
knight, and none other that beareth the life. Now, gentle
knight, said she, tell me your name. My name is, said
he, Alisander le Orphelin. Now, damosel, tell me your
name, said he. My name is, said she, Alice la Beale
Pilgrim. And when we be more at our heart's ease, both
ye and I shall tell other of what blood we be come.
So there was great love betwixt them. And as they thus
talked there came a knight that hight Harsouse le Berbuse,
and asked part of Sir Alisander's spears. Then Sir
Alisander encountered with him, and at the first Sir
Alisander smote him over his horse's croup. And then
there came another knight that hight Sir Hewgon, and Sir
Alisander smote him down as he did that other. Then
Sir Hewgon proffered to do battle on foot. Sir Alisander
overcame him with three strokes, and there would have
slain him had he not yielded him. So then Alisander
made both those knights to swear to wear none armour in
a twelvemonth and a day.

Then Sir Alisander alighted down, and went to rest
him and repose him. Then the damosel that helped Sir
Alisander out of the castle, in her play told Alice all
together how he was prisoner in the castle of La Beale
Regard, and there she told her how she got him out of prison.
Sir, said Alice la Beale Pilgrim, meseemeth ye are much
beholding to this maiden. That is truth, said Sir
Alisander. And there Alice told him of what blood she
was come. Sir, wit ye well, she said, that I am of the
blood of King Ban, that was father unto Sir Launcelot.
Y-wis, fair lady, said Alisander, my mother told me that
my father was brother unto a king, and I nigh cousin unto
Sir Tristram.

Then this while came there three knights, that one
hight Vains, and the other hight Harvis de les Marches,
and the third hight Perin de la Montaine. And with one
spear Sir Alisander smote them down all three, and gave
them such falls that they had no list to fight upon foot.
So he made them to swear to wear none arms in a twelvemonth.
So when they were departed Sir Alisander
beheld his lady Alice on horseback as he stood in her
pavilion. And then was he so enamoured upon her that
he wist not whether he were on horseback or on foot.

Right so came the false knight Sir Mordred, and saw
Sir Alisander was assotted upon his lady; and therewithal
he took his horse by the bridle, and led him here and
there, and had cast to have led him out of that place to
have shamed him. When the damosel that helped him
out of that castle saw how shamefully he was led, anon
she let arm her, and set a shield upon her shoulder; and
therewith she mounted upon his horse, and gat a naked
sword in her hand, and she thrust unto Alisander with all
her might, and she gave him such a buffet that he thought
the fire flew out of his eyen. And when Alisander felt
that stroke he looked about him, and drew his sword
And when she saw that, she fled, and so did Mordred
into the forest, and the damosel fled into the pavilion.
So when Alisander understood himself how the false
knight would have shamed him had not the damosel been
then was he wroth with himself that Sir Mordred was
so escaped his hands. But then Sir Alisander and Alice
had good game at the damosel, how sadly she hit him
upon the helm.

Then Sir Alisander jousted thus day by day, and on
foot he did many battles with many knights of King
Arthur's court, and with many knights strangers. Therefore
to tell all the battles that he did it were overmuch to
rehearse, for every day within that twelvemonth he had
ado with one knight or with other, and some day he had
ado with three or with four; and there was never knight
that put him to the worse. And at the twelvemonth's
end he departed with his lady, Alice la Beale Pilgrim.
And the damosel would never go from him, and so they
went into their country of Benoye, and lived there in
great joy.



CHAPTER XL

How Sir Galahalt did do cry a jousts in Surluse, and Queen
Guenever's knights should joust against all that would
come.


BUT as the book saith, King Mark would never stint till
he had slain him by treason. And by Alice he gat a child
that hight Bellengerus le Beuse. And by good fortune he
came to the court of King Arthur, and proved a passing
good knight; and he revenged his father's death, for the
false King Mark slew both Sir Tristram and Alisander
falsely and feloniously. And it happed so that Alisander
had never grace nor fortune to come to King Arthur's
court. For an he had come to Sir Launcelot, all knights
said that knew him, he was one of the strongest knights
that was in Arthur's days, and great dole was made for
him. So let we of him pass, and turn we to another tale.

So it befell that Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, was
lord of the country of Surluse, whereof came many good
knights. And this noble prince was a passing good man
of arms, and ever he held a noble fellowship together.
And then he came to Arthur's court and told him his
intent, how this was his will, how he would let cry a
jousts in the country of Surluse, the which country was
within the lands of King Arthur, and there he asked leave
to let cry a jousts. I will give you leave, said King Arthur;
but wit thou well, said King Arthur, I may not be there.
Sir, said Queen Guenever, please it you to give me leave
to be at that jousts. With right good will, said Arthur;
for Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, shall have you in
governance. Sir, said Galahalt, I will as ye will. Sir,
then the queen, I will take with me [Sir Launcelot] and
such knights as please me best. Do as ye list, said King
Arthur. So anon she commanded Sir Launcelot to make
him ready with such knights as he thought best.

So in every good town and castle of this land was
made a cry, that in the country of Surluse Sir Galahalt
should make a joust that should last eight days, and how
the haut prince, with the help of Queen Guenever's
knights, should joust against all manner of men that
would come. When this cry was known, kings and
princes, dukes and earls, barons and noble knights, made
them ready to be at that jousts. And at the day of
jousting there came in Sir Dinadan disguised, and did
many great deeds of arms.



CHAPTER XLI

How Sir Launcelot fought in the tournament, and how Sir
Palomides did arms there for a damosel.


THEN at the request of Queen Guenever and of King
Bagdemagus Sir Launcelot came into the range, but he
was disguised, and that was the cause that few folk knew
him; and there met with him Sir Ector de Maris, his
own brother, and either brake their spears upon other to
their hands. And then either gat another spear. And
then Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Ector de Maris, his
own brother. That saw Sir Bleoberis, and he smote Sir
Launcelot such a buffet upon the helm that he wist not
well where he was. Then Sir Launcelot was wrothy and
smote Sir Bleoberis so sore upon the helm that his head
bowed down backward. And he smote eft another buffet,
that he avoided his saddle; and so he rode by, and thrust
forth to the thickest. When the King of Northgalis saw
Sir Ector and Bleoberis lie on the ground then was he
wroth, for they came on his party against them of Surluse.
So the King of Northgalis ran to Sir Launcelot, and brake
a spear upon him all to pieces. Therewith Sir Launcelot
overtook the King of Northgalis, and smote him such a
buffet on the helm with his sword that he made him to
avoid his horse; and anon the king was horsed again.
So both the King Bagdemagus' and the King of North-galis'
party hurled to other; and then began a strong
medley, but they of Northgalis were far bigger.

When Sir Launcelot saw his party go to the worst he
thrang into the thickest press with a sword in his hand;
and there he smote down on the right hand and on the
left hand, and pulled down knights and raced off their
helms, that all men had wonder that ever one knight
might do such deeds of arms. When Sir Meliagaunce,
that was son unto King Bagdemagus, saw how Sir
Launcelot fared he marvelled greatly. And when he
understood that it was he, he wist well that he was
disguised for his sake. Then Sir Meliagaunce prayed a
knight to slay Sir Launcelot's horse, either with sword or
with spear. At that time King Bagdemagus met with a
knight that hight Sauseise, a good knight, to whom he said:
Now fair Sauseise, encounter with my son Meliagaunce
and give him large payment, for I would he were well
beaten of thy hands, that he might depart out of this field.
And then Sir Sauseise encountered with Sir Meliagaunce,
and either smote other down. And then they fought on
foot, and there Sauseise had won Sir Meliagaunce, had
there not come rescues. So then the haut prince blew to
lodging, and every knight unarmed him and went to the
great feast.

Then in the meanwhile there came a damosel to the
haut prince, and complained that there was a knight that
hight Goneries that withheld her all her lands. Then the
knight was there present, and cast his glove to her or to
any that would fight in her name. So the damosel took
up the glove all heavily for default of a champion. Then
there came a varlet to her and said: Damosel, will ye do
after me? Full fain, said the damosel. Then go you unto
such a knight that lieth here beside in an hermitage, and
that followeth the Questing Beast, and pray him to take
the battle upon him, and anon I wot well he will grant
you.

So anon she took her palfrey, and within a while she
found that knight, that was Sir Palomides. And when
she required him he armed him and rode with her, and
made her to go to the haut prince, and to ask leave for
her knight to do battle. I will well, said the haut prince.
Then the knights were ready in the field to joust on
horseback; and either gat a spear in their hands, and
met so fiercely together that their spears all to-shivered.
Then they flang out swords, and Sir Palomides smote Sir
Goneries down to the earth. And then he raced off his
helm and smote off his head. Then they went to supper,
and the damosel loved Palomides as paramour, but the
book saith she was of his kin. So then Palomides disguised
himself in this manner, in his shield he bare the
Questing Beast, and in all his trappings. And when he
was thus ready, he sent to the haut prince to give him
leave to joust with other knights, but he was adoubted of
Sir Launcelot. The haut prince sent him word again that
he should be welcome, and that Sir Launcelot should not
joust with him. Then Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, let
cry what knight somever he were that smote down Sir
Palomides should have his damosel to himself.



CHAPTER XLII

How Sir Galahalt and Palomides fought together, and of Sir
Dinadan and Sir Galahalt.


HERE beginneth the second day. Anon as Sir Palomides
came into the field, Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, was at the
range end, and met with Sir Palomides, and he with him,
with great spears. And then they came so hard together
that their spears all to-shivered, but Sir Galahalt smote
him so hard that he bare him backward over his horse,
but yet he lost not his stirrups. Then they drew their
swords and lashed together many sad strokes, that many
worshipful knights left their business to behold them.
But at the last Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, smote a
stroke of might unto Palomides, sore upon the helm; but
the helm was so hard that the sword might not bite, but
slipped and smote off the head of the horse of Sir
Palomides. When the haut prince wist and saw the good
knight fall unto the earth he was ashamed of that stroke.
And therewith he alighted down off his own horse, and
prayed the good knight, Palomides, to take that horse of
his gift, and to forgive him that deed. Sir, said Palomides,
I thank you of your great goodness, for ever of a man of
worship a knight shall never have disworship; and so he
mounted upon that horse, and the haut prince had another
anon. Now, said the haut prince, I release to you that
maiden, for ye have won her. Ah, said Palomides, the
damosel and I be at your commandment.

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