Book: Le Morte Darthur

T >> Thomas Malory >> Le Morte Darthur




So they departed, and Sir Galahalt did great deeds of
arms. And right so came Dinadan and encountered with
Sir Galahalt, and either came to other so fast with their
spears that their spears brake to their hands. But
Dinadan had weened the haut prince had been more weary
than he was. And then he smote many sad strokes at the
haut prince; but when Dinadan saw he might not get
him to the earth he said: My lord, I pray you leave me,
and take another. The haut prince knew not Dinadan,
and left goodly for his fair words. And so they departed;
but soon there came another and told the haut prince
that it was Dinadan. Forsooth, said the prince, therefore
am I heavy that he is so escaped from me, for with his
mocks and japes now shall I never have done with him.
And then Galahalt rode fast after him, and bade him:
Abide, Dinadan, for King Arthur's sake. Nay, said
Dinadan, so God me help, we meet no more together this
day. Then in that wrath the haut prince met with Meliagaunce,
and he smote him in the throat that an he had
fallen his neck had broken; and with the same spear he
smote down another knight. Then came in they of
Northgalis and many strangers, and were like to have put
them of Surluse to the worse, for Sir Galahalt, the haut
prince, had ever much in hand. So there came the good
knight, Semound the Valiant, with forty knights, and he
beat them all aback. Then the Queen Guenever and Sir
Launcelot let blow to lodging, and every knight unarmed
him, and dressed him to the feast.



CHAPTER XLIII

How Sir Archade appealed Sir Palomides of treason, and
how Sir Palomides slew him.


WHEN Palomides was unarmed he asked lodging for
himself and the damosel. Anon the haut prince commanded
them to lodging. And he was not so soon in his
lodging but there came a knight that hight Archade, he
was brother unto Goneries that Palomides slew afore in
the damosel's quarrel. And this knight, Archade, called
Sir Palomides traitor, and appealed him for the death of
his brother. By the leave of the haut prince, said Palomides,
I shall answer thee. When Sir Galahalt understood
their quarrel he bade them go to dinner: And as
soon as ye have dined look that either knight be ready in
the field. So when they had dined they were armed both,
and took their horses, and the queen, and the prince, and
Sir Launcelot, were set to behold them; and so they let
run their horses, and there Sir Palomides bare Archade
on his spear over his horse's tail. And then Palomides
alighted and drew his sword, but Sir Archade might not
arise; and there Sir Palomides raced off his helm, and
smote off his head. Then the haut prince and Queen
Guenever went unto supper. Then King Bagdemagus
sent away his son Meliagaunce because Sir Launcelot
should not meet with him, for he hated Sir Launcelot,
and that knew he not.



CHAPTER XLIV

Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with Sir
Lamorak, and other things.


NOW beginneth the third day of jousting; and at that
day King Bagdemagus made him ready; and there came
against him King Marsil, that had in gift an island of Sir
Galahalt the haut prince; and this island had the name
Pomitain. Then it befell that King Bagdemagus and
King Marsil of Pomitain met together with spears, and
King Marsil had such a buffet that he fell over his horse's
croup. Then came there in a knight of King Marsil to
revenge his lord, and King Bagdemagus smote him down,
horse and man, to the earth. So there came an earl that
hight Arrouse, and Sir Breuse, and an hundred knights
with them of Pomitain, and the King of Northgalis was
with them; and all these were against them of Surluse.
And then there began great battle, and many knights
were cast under horses' feet. And ever King Bagdemagus
did best, for he first began, and ever he held on. Gaheris,
Gawaine's brother, smote ever at the face of King Bagdemagus;
and at the last King Bagdemagus hurtled down
Gaheris, horse and man.

Then by adventure Sir Palomides, the good knight,
met with Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis' brother.
And either smote other with great spears, that both their
horses and knights fell to the earth. But Sir Blamore
had such a fall that he had almost broken his neck, for
the blood brast out at nose, mouth, and his ears, but at
the last he recovered well by good surgeons. Then there
came in the Duke Chaleins of Clarance; and in his
governance there came a knight that hight Elis la Noire;
and there encountered with him King Bagdemagus, and
he smote Elis that he made him to avoid his saddle. So
the Duke Chaleins of Clarance did there great deeds of
arms, and of so late as he came in the third day there was
no man did so well except King Bagdemagus and Sir
Palomides, that the prize was given that day to King
Bagdemagus. And then they blew unto lodging, and
unarmed them, and went to the feast. Right so came
Dinadan, and mocked and japed with King Bagdemagus
that all knights laughed at him, for he was a fine japer,
and well loving all good knights.

So anon as they had dined there came a varlet bearing
four spears on his back; and he came to Palomides, and
said thus: Here is a knight by hath sent you the choice
of four spears, and requireth you for your lady's sake to
take that one half of these spears, and joust with him in
the field. Tell him, said Palomides, I will not fail him.
When Sir Galahalt wist of this, he bade Palomides make
him ready. So the Queen Guenever, the haut prince, and
Sir Launcelot, they were set upon scaffolds to give the
judgment of these two knights. Then Sir Palomides and
the strange knight ran so eagerly together that their
spears brake to their hands. Anon withal either of
them took a great spear in his hand and all to-shivered
them in pieces. And then either took a greater spear,
and then the knight smote down Sir Palomides, horse and
man, to the earth. And as he would have passed over
him the strange knight's horse stumbled and fell down
upon Palomides. Then they drew their swords and lashed
together wonderly sore a great while.

Then the haut prince and Sir Launcelot said they saw
never two knights fight better than they did; but ever
the strange knight doubled his strokes, and put Palomides
aback; therewithal the haut prince cried: Ho: and then
they went to lodging. And when they were unarmed
they knew it was the noble knight Sir Lamorak. When
Sir Launcelot knew that it was Sir Lamorak he made
much of him, for above all earthly men he loved him best
except Sir Tristram. Then Queen Guenever commended
him, and so did all other good knights make much of him,
except Sir Gawaine's brethren. Then Queen Guenever
said unto Sir Launcelot: Sir, I require you that an ye
joust any more, that ye joust with none of the blood
of my lord Arthur. So he promised he would not as at
that time.



CHAPTER XLV

Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms.


HERE beginneth the fourth day. Then came into the
field the King with the Hundred Knights, and all they of
Northgalis, and the Duke Chaleins of Clarance, and King
Marsil of Pomitain, and there came Safere, Palomides'
brother, and there he told him tidings of his mother.
And his name was called the Earl, and so he appealed
him afore King Arthur: For he made war upon our
father and mother, and there I slew him in plain battle.
So they went into the field, and the damosel with them;
and there came to encounter again them Sir Bleoberis de
Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris. Sir Palomides encountered
with Sir Bleoberis, and either smote other down. And in
the same wise did Sir Safere and Sir Ector, and the two
couples did battle on foot. Then came in Sir Lamorak,
and he encountered with the King with the Hundred
Knights, and smote him quite over his horse's tail. And
in the same wise he served the King of Northgalis, and
also he smote down King Marsil. And so or ever he
stint he smote down with his spear and with his sword
thirty knights. When Duke Chaleins saw Lamorak do
so great prowess he would not meddle with him for
shame; and then he charged all his knights in pain of
death that none of you touch him; for it were shame to
all good knights an that knight were shamed.

Then the two kings gathered them together, and all
they set upon Sir Lamorak; and he failed them not, but
rushed here and there, smiting on the right hand and on
the left, and raced off many helms, so that the haut
prince and Queen Guenever said they saw never knight
do such deeds of arms on horseback. Alas, said Launcelot
to King Bagdemagus, I will arm me and help Sir
Lamorak. And I will ride with you, said King Bagdemagus.
And when they two were horsed they came to
Sir Lamorak that stood among thirty knights; and well
was him that might reach him a buffet, and ever he smote
again mightily. Then came there into the press Sir
Launcelot, and he threw down Sir Mador de la Porte.
And with the truncheon of that spear he threw down
many knights. And King Bagdemagus smote on the left
hand and on the right hand marvellously well. And then
the three kings fled aback. Therewithal then Sir Galahalt
let blow to lodging, and all the heralds gave Sir Lamorak
the prize. And all this while fought Palomides, Sir
Bleoberis, Sir Safere, Sir Ector on foot; never were there
four knights evener matched. And then they were departed,
and had unto their lodging, and unarmed them,
and so they went to the great feast.

But when Sir Lamorak was come into the court Queen
Guenever took him in her arms and said: Sir, well have
ye done this day. Then came the haut prince, and he
made of him great joy, and so did Dinadan, for he wept
for joy; but the joy that Sir Launcelot made of Sir
Lamorak there might no man tell. Then they went unto
rest, and on the morn the haut prince let blow unto the
field.



CHAPTER XLVI

Of the Fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him.


HERE beginneth the fifth day. So it befell that Sir Palomides
came in the morntide, and proffered to joust thereas
King Arthur was in a castle there besides Surluse; and
there encountered with him a worshipful duke, and there
Sir Palomides smote him over his horse's croup. And
this duke was uncle unto King Arthur. Then Sir Elise's
son rode unto Palomides, and Palomides served Elise in
the same wise. When Sir Uwaine saw this he was wroth.
Then he took his horse and encountered with Sir Palomides,
and Palomides smote him so hard that he went to
the earth, horse and man. And for to make a short tale,
he smote down three brethren of Sir Gawaine, that is for
to say Mordred, Gaheris, and Agravaine. O Jesu, said
Arthur, this is a great despite of a Saracen that he shall
smite down my blood. And therewithal King Arthur
was wood wroth, and thought to have made him ready to
joust.

That espied Sir Lamorak, that Arthur and his blood
were discomfit; and anon he was ready, and asked Palomides
if he would any more joust. Why should I not?
said Palomides. Then they hurtled together, and brake
their spears, and all to-shivered them, that all the castle
rang of their dints. Then either gat a greater spear in
his hand, and they came so fiercely together; but Sir
Palomides' spear all to-brast and Sir Lamorak's did hold.
Therewithal Sir Palomides lost his stirrups and lay
upright on his horse's back. And then Sir Palomides
returned again and took his damosel, and Sir Safere returned
his way.

So, when he was departed, King Arthur came to Sir
Lamorak and thanked him of his goodness, and prayed
him to tell him his name. Sir, said Lamorak, wit thou
well, I owe you my service, but as at this time I will not
abide here, for I see of mine enemies many about me.
Alas, said Arthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de
Galis. O Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown
I shall never fail thee: and not so hardy in Gawaine's
head, nor none of his brethren, to do thee any wrong.
Sir, said Sir Lamorak, wrong have they done me, and to
you both. That is truth, said the king, for they slew
their own mother and my sister, the which me sore
grieveth: it had been much fairer and better that ye
had wedded her, for ye are a king's son as well as they.
O Jesu, said the noble knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur,
her death shall I never forget. I promise you, and make
mine avow unto God, I shall revenge her death as soon as
I see time convenable. And if it were not at the reverence
of your highness I should now have been revenged
upon Sir Gawaine and his brethren. Truly, said Arthur,
I will make you at accord. Sir, said Lamorak, as at this
time I may not abide with you, for I must to the jousts,
where is Sir Launcelot, and the haut prince Sir Galahalt.

Then there was a damosel that was daughter to King
Bandes. And there was a Saracen knight that hight
Corsabrin, and he loved the damosel, and in no wise he
would suffer her to be married; for ever this Corsabrin
noised her, and named her that she was out of her mind;
and thus he let her that she might not be married.



CHAPTER XLVII

How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and
how Palomides slew Corsabrin.


SO by fortune this damosel heard tell that Palomides did
much for damosels' sake; so she sent to him a pensel,
and prayed him to fight with Sir Corsabrin for her love,
and he should have her and her lands of her father's
that should fall to her. Then the damosel sent unto
Corsabrin, and bade him go unto Sir Palomides that was
a paynim as well as he, and she gave him warning that
she had sent him her pensel, and if he might overcome
Palomides she would wed him. When Corsabrin wist
of her deeds then was he wood wroth and angry, and
rode unto Surluse where the haut prince was, and there he
found Sir Palomides ready, the which had the pensel.
So there they waged battle either with other afore
Galahalt. Well, said the haut prince, this day must
noble knights joust, and at-after dinner we shall see how
ye can speed.

Then they blew to jousts; and in came Dinadan,
and met with Sir Gerin, a good knight, and he threw
him down over his horse's croup; and Sir Dinadan overthrew
four knights more; and there he did great deeds
of arms, for he was a good knight, but he was a scoffer
and a japer, and the merriest knight among fellowship
that was that time living. And he had such a custom
that he loved every good knight, and every good knight
loved him again. So then when the haut prince saw
Dinadan do so well, he sent unto Sir Launcelot and bade
him strike down Sir Dinadan: And when that ye have
done so bring him afore me and the noble Queen
Guenever. Then Sir Launcelot did as he was required.
Then Sir Lamorak and he smote down many knights,
and raced off helms, and drove all the knights afore
them. And so Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Dinadan,
and made his men to unarm him, and so brought him to
the queen and the haut prince, and they laughed at
Dinadan so sore that they might not stand. Well, said
Sir Dinadan, yet have I no shame, for the old shrew, Sir
Launcelot, smote me down. So they went to dinner, [and]
all the court had good sport at Dinadan.

Then when the dinner was done they blew to the
field to behold Sir Palomides and Corsabrin. Sir Palomides
pight his pensel in midst of the field; and then they
hurtled together with their spears as it were thunder, and
either smote other to the earth. And then they pulled
out their swords, and dressed their shields, and lashed
together mightily as mighty knights, that well-nigh there
was no piece of harness would hold them, for this Corsabrin
was a passing felonious knight. Corsabrin, said
Palomides, wilt thou release me yonder damosel and the
pensel? Then was Corsabrin wroth out of measure, and
gave Palomides such a buffet that he kneeled on his knee.
Then Palomides arose lightly, and smote him upon the
helm that he fell down right to the earth. And therewith
he raced off his helm and said: Corsabrin, yield thee
or else thou shalt die of my hands. Fie on thee, said
Corsabrin, do thy worst. Then he smote off his head.
And therewithal came a stink of his body when the soul
departed, that there might nobody abide the savour. So
was the corpse had away and buried in a wood, because
he was a paynim. Then they blew unto lodging, and
Palomides was unarmed.

Then he went unto Queen Guenever, to the haut
prince, and to Sir Launcelot. Sir, said the haut prince,
here have ye seen this day a great miracle by Corsabrin,
what savour there was when the soul departed from the
body. Therefore, sir, we will require you to take the
baptism upon you, and I promise you all knights will set
the more by you, and say more worship by you. Sir,
said Palomides, I will that ye all know that into this land
I came to be christened, and in my heart I am christened
and christened will I be. But I have made such an avow
that I may not be christened till I have done seven true
battles for Jesu's sake, and then will I be christened; and
I trust God will take mine intent, for I mean truly
Then Sir Palomides prayed Queen Guenever and the
haut prince to sup with him. And so they did, both Sir
Launcelot and Sir Lamorak, and many other good knights.
So on the morn they heard their mass, and blew the field,
and then knights made them ready.



CHAPTER XLVIII

Of the sixth day, and what then was done.


HERE beginneth the sixth day. Then came therein Sir
Gaheris, and there encountered with him Sir Ossaise of
Surluse, and Sir Gaheris smote him over his horse's croup.
And then either party encountered with other, and there
were many spears broken, and many knights cast under
feet. So there came in Sir Dornard and Sir Aglovale,
that were brethren unto Sir Lamorak, and they met with
other two knights, and either smote other so hard that
all four knights and horses fell to the earth. When Sir
Lamorak saw his two brethren down he was wroth out of
measure, and then he gat a great spear in his hand, and
therewithal he smote down four good knights, and then
his spear brake. Then he pulled out his sword, and
smote about him on the right hand and on the left hand,
and raced off helms and pulled down knights, that all
men marvelled of such deeds of arms as he did, for he
fared so that many knights fled. Then he horsed his
brethren again, and said: Brethren, ye ought to be
ashamed to fall so off your horses! what is a knight
but when he is on horseback? I set not by a knight
when he is on foot, for all battles on foot are but pillers'
battles. For there should no knight fight on foot but
if it were for treason, or else he were driven thereto by
force; therefore, brethren, sit fast on your horses, or else
fight never more afore me.

With that came in the Duke Chaleins of Clarance,
and there encountered with him the Earl Ulbawes of
Surluse, and either of them smote other down. Then
the knights of both parties horsed their lords again, for
Sir Ector and Bleoberis were on foot, waiting on the
Duke Chaleins. And the King with the Hundred Knights
was with the Earl of Ulbawes. With that came Gaheris
and lashed to the King with the Hundred Knights, and
he to him again. Then came the Duke Chaleins and
departed them.

Then they blew to lodging, and the knights unarmed
them and drew them to their dinner; and at the midst
of their dinner in came Dinadan and began to rail. Then
he beheld the haut prince, that seemed wroth with some
fault that he saw; for he had a custom he loved no fish,
and because he was served with fish, the which he hated,
therefore he was not merry. When Sir Dinadan had
espied the haut prince, he espied where was a fish with a
great head, and that he gat betwixt two dishes, and
served the haut prince with that fish. And then he said
thus: Sir Galahalt, well may I liken you to a wolf, for
he will never eat fish, but flesh; then the haut prince
laughed at his words. Well, well, said Dinadan to
Launcelot, what devil do ye in this country, for here may
no mean knights win no worship for thee. Sir Dinadan,
said Launcelot, I ensure thee I shall no more meet with
thee nor with thy great spear, for I may not sit in my
saddle when that spear hitteth me. And if I be happy I
shall beware of that boistous body that thou bearest.
Well, said Launcelot, make good watch ever: God
forbid that ever we meet but if it be at a dish of meat.
Then laughed the queen and the haut prince, that they
might not sit at their table; thus they made great joy
till on the morn, and then they heard mass, and blew to
field. And Queen Guenever and all the estates were set,
and judges armed clean with their shields to keep the
right.



CHAPTER XLIX

Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being disguised
like a maid, smote down Sir Dinadan.


NOW beginneth the seventh battle. There came in the
Duke Cambines, and there encountered with him Sir
Aristance, that was counted a good knight, and they met
so hard that either bare other down, horse and man. Then
came there the Earl of Lambaile and helped the duke again
to horse. Then came there Sir Ossaise of Surluse, and he
smote the Earl Lambaile down from his horse. Then
began they to do great deeds of arms, and many spears
were broken, and many knights were cast to the earth.
Then the King of Northgalis and the Earl Ulbawes
smote together that all the judges thought it was like
mortal death. This meanwhile Queen Guenever, and the
haut prince, and Sir Launcelot, made there Sir Dinadan
make him ready to joust. I would, said Dinadan, ride
into the field, but then one of you twain will meet with me.
Per dieu, said the haut prince, ye may see how we sit here
as judges with our shields, and always mayest thou behold
whether we sit here or not.

So Sir Dinadan departed and took his horse, and met
with many knights, and did passing well. And as he was
departed, Sir Launcelot disguised himself, and put upon
his armour a maiden's garment freshly attired. Then Sir
Launcelot made Sir Galihodin to lead him through the
range, and all men had wonder what damosel it was. And
so as Sir Dinadan came into the range, Sir Launcelot, that
was in the damosel's array, gat Galihodin's spear, and ran
unto Sir Dinadan. And always Sir Dinadan looked up
thereas Sir Launcelot was, and then he saw one sit in the
stead of Sir Launcelot, armed. But when Dinadan saw a
manner of a damosel he dread perils that it was Sir Launcelot
disguised, but Sir Launcelot came on him so fast that
he smote him over his horse's croup; and then with great
scorns they gat Sir Dinadan into the forest there beside,
and there they dispoiled him unto his shirt, and put upon
him a woman's garment, and so brought him into the
field: and so they blew unto lodging. And every knight
went and unarmed them. Then was Sir Dinadan brought
in among them all. And when Queen Guenever saw Sir
Dinadan brought so among them all, then she laughed
that she fell down, and so did all that there were. Well,
said Dinadan to Launcelot, thou art so false that I can
never beware of thee. Then by all the assent they gave
Sir Launcelot the prize, the next was Sir Lamorak de Galis,
the third was Sir Palomides, the fourth was King Bagdemagus;
so these four knights had the prize, and there was
great joy, and great nobley in all the court.

And on the morn Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot
departed unto King Arthur, but in no wise Sir Lamorak
would not go with them. I shall undertake, said Sir
Launcelot, that an ye will go with us King Arthur shall
charge Sir Gawaine and his brethren never to do you hurt.
As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir Gawaine
nor none of his brethren; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot,
an it were not for my lord King Arthur's sake, I should
match Sir Gawaine and his brethren well enough. But to
say that I should trust them, that shall I never, and
therefore I pray you recommend me unto my lord Arthur, and
unto all my lords of the Round Table. And in what place
that ever I come I shall do you service to my power: and
sir, it is but late that I revenged that, when my lord
Arthur's kin were put to the worse by Sir Palomides.
Then Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Launcelot, and either
wept at their departing.



CHAPTER L

How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament
for to have been slain, and how he was put in prison.


NOW turn we from this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram,
of whom this book is principally of, and leave we
the king and the queen, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak, and
here beginneth the treason of King Mark, that he ordained
against Sir Tristram. There was cried by the coasts of
Cornwall a great tournament and jousts, and all was done
by Sir Galahalt the haut prince and King Bagdemagus, to
the intent to slay Launcelot, or else utterly destroy him
and shame him, because Sir Launcelot had always the
higher degree, therefore this prince and this king made
this jousts against Sir Launcelot. And thus their counsel
was discovered unto King Mark, whereof he was full
glad.

Then King Mark bethought him that he would have
Sir Tristram unto that tournament disguised that no man
should know him, to that intent that the haut prince
should ween that Sir Tristram were Sir Launcelot. So
at these jousts came in Sir Tristram. And at that time Sir
Launcelot was not there, but when they saw a knight
disguised do such deeds of arms, they weened it had been Sir
Launcelot. And in especial King Mark said it was Sir
Launcelot plainly. Then they set upon him, both King
Bagdemagus, and the haut prince, and their knights, that
it was wonder that ever Sir Tristram might endure that
pain. Notwithstanding for all the pain that he had, Sir
Tristram won the degree at that tournament, and there
he hurt many knights and bruised them, and they hurt
him and bruised him wonderly sore. So when the jousts
were all done they knew well that it was Sir Tristram de
Liones; and all that were on King Mark's party were glad
that Sir Tristram was hurt, and the remnant were sorry of
his hurt; for Sir Tristram was not so behated as was Sir
Launcelot within the realm of England.

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