King Arthur - of Breton and The White Knight

Go to> The Holy Grail - King Arthur

XV: The Knight and The Damsels - lead Lancelot Into The Palace then make him be disarmed.

They Hear Presently How - The Greatest Joy in The World.

Is Being Made - In many parts of The Forest that was nigh The City.

Sir Say The Damsels - Now May You Hear The Joy That Is Made of Your Coming.

These Are The Burgesses - and dwellers in The City.

That Already Know Of - The Tidings.

Lancelot Leaneth - at The Windows of The Hall and seeth The City.

Peopled Of The Fairest Folk in The World - and Great Songing in the broad streets and The Great Palaces and

The Clerks and The Priests - coming in a Long Procession.

Praising God and Blessing Him - for that They May Now Return To Their Church.

Giving Benison To The Knight - Through Whom They Are Free to repair thither.

Lancelot Was Much Honoured - throughout The City.

The Two Damsels - are at Great Pains to wait upon Him and Right Great Worship had He of all them.

That Were There Within - and them that came thither both The Clerks and The Priests.

BRANCH XXI - TITLE I

There With All The History - is silent of Lancelot and

Speaketh Word Of The King and Messire Gawain - that are in sore misgiving.

As Concerning Him - For Right Gladly Would They have heard Tidings of Him.

They Met a Knight That Was Coming All Armed - Messire Gawain asketh him whence he came

He Said That He Came From - The Land of The Queen Of The Golden Circlet.

To Whom A Sore Loss Hath Befallen For - The Son of The Widow.

The Lady Had Won The Circlet Of Gold - for that he had slain the Knight of the Dragon and

She Was To Keep It Safe For Him - and Deliver It Up To Him At His Will.

Now Hath Nabigant Of - The Rock - reft her there of and a Right Outrageous Knight is he and puissant

Wherefore Hath He Commanded The Damsel - That She Bring It to an

The Assembly of The Knights - that is to be held on

The Meadow of The Tent of the Two Damsels

There Where - Messire Gawain - did away the evil custom.

The Damsel That Will Bring The Golden Circlet - will give it to The Knight.

That Shall Do Best - at The Assembly.

Nabigant Is Keenly Set Upon Having it - maketh the more sure

For That Once Afore Time - he hath had it by force of arms.

I Am Going To The Knights - That Know Not These Tidings.

In Order - That When They Shall Hear Them

They Shall Go To The Assembly - there withal the Knights departeth.

The King and Messire Gawain Have Ridden So Far - that they come to The Tent.

Where Messire Gawain Destroyed the evil custom - by slaying the two Knights.

He Found The Tent Garnished Within and Without - in like manner as it was when He was there.

Messire Gawain - Made The King Be Seated On a Quilted Mattress of Straw right costly and there after be disarmed of a Squire.

He Himself Disarmed Him - they washed their hands and faces for the rust where with both of them were besmuttered.

Messire Gawain Found The Chests Unlocked - that were at The Head of The Couch and

Made The King Be Apparelled - of White Rich Stuffs He Found and a robe of cloth of silk and gold.

He Clad Himself In The Like Manner - neither was The Chest not a whit disfurnished thereby

For The Tent - Was All Garnished of Rich Adornments.

When They Were Thus Dight a Man - might have sought far or ever He should find so comely Knights.

II: - Thereupon Behold You - The Two Damsels of The Tent coming.

Damsels Saith Messire Gawain - Welcome May You Be.

Sir Say They - Good adventure may you have both twain.

It Seemeth Us That You Take Right Boldly - that is ours

Yet Never For Neither Of Us - Would You Do a Thing where of you were beseeched.

Messire Gawain Saith The Elder - No Knight is there in this Kingdom

Would Be Right Joyous - he supposed that I loved Him.

I Prayed You Of Your Love On A Day That Is Past - for The Valour of Your Knighthood.

Yet Never Did You Grant It Me - How durst you have affiance in me of aught and take the things that are mine own so boldly when I may not have affiance in you?"

Damsel For Your Courtesy and The Good Custom of The Land -

For You Told Me - When The Evil Customs Were Overthrown -

That All The Honours - and all The Courtesies

That Are Due To The Knights - Should Ever Be Ready Within -

For All Them - that should come hither .. for harbour.

Messire Gawain - You Say True of Right Might One.

Let The Courtesy Tarry and Pay Back Churlishness - by churlishness.

III: - The Assembly Of The Knights - Will Begin Tomorrow in This Land That Is So Fair.

There Will Be Knights in Plenty - The Prize will be The Circlet Of Gold. Now shall we see who will do best.

The Assembly - Will Last Three Whole Days.

Of One Thing At Least - You May Well Make Boast

Between You and Your Comrades - That You Have The Fairest Hostel and

The Most Pleasant and The Most Quiet - of any Knights at The Assembly.

The Younger Damsel Looketh at King Arthur - you saith she What will you do?

Will You Be as Strange Toward Us - as Messire Gawain is friendly with others?"

IV: - Damsel Saith The King - Messire Gawain will do his pleasure and I mine.

Strange Shall I Not Be in Respect of You - nor toward other damsels rather shall they be honoured on my part so long as I live and I myself will be at your commandment."

Sir Saith She Gramercy Greatly - I pray you therefore that you be my Knight at The Tournament."

Damsel This Ought I Not To Refuse You - and right glad at heart shall I be and I may do aught that shall please you

For All Knights - Ought To Be At Pains For The Sake of Dame or Damsel. "Sir" saith she "What is your name ?"

V: Damsel Saith He - "My Name is Arthur and I am of Tincardoil."

Have You Nought To Do - With King Arthur ?"

Damsel Already Have I Been Many Times at His Court - if he loved me not nor I him I should not be in Messire Gawain's company.

In Truth - He Is The King In The World That I Love Best."

The Damsel Looketh at King Arthur - but wotteth not a whir that it is he and full well is she pleased with the seeming and countenance of him.

As For The King - lightly might he have trusted that he should have her as his Lady love so long as he remained with her

There Is Much To Say Betwixt His Semblant and His Thought - for he showeth good semblant toward the Damsel .. that hath over much affiance ..

Therein His Thought Is On - Queen Guenievre - in what place soever he may be.

For Nought Loveth He So Well as Her.

VI: The Damsels Made Stable The Horses - and purvey the bodies of the Knights right richly

At Night They Lay in Two Right Rich Beds - in the midst of The Hall and their arms were all set ready before.

The Damsels would not depart until such time as they were asleep.

The Harness of The Knights - that came to The Assembly came on the morrow from all parts.

They Set Up Their Booths - and stretched their Tents all round about The Launde Of The Forest.

King Arthur and Messire Gawain - were risen in the morning and saw the Knights come from all parts.

The Elder Damsel Cometh To Messire Gawain and Saith To Him - Sir Saith She

I Will That You Bear Today Red Arms - that I will lend you for the love of me.

Take Heed That They Be Well Employed - I desire

That You Should Not Be Known By Your Arms - rather let it be said that

You Are The Red Knight - and You Shall Allow It accordingly.

Damsel Gramercy Greatly - Saith Messire Gawain I Will Do My Endeavour In Arms - the best I may for love of you.

The Younger Damsel Cometh - to King Arthur.

Sir Saith She - My Sister hath made her gift and I will make mine.

I Have A Suit Of Arms Of Gold - The Richest That a Knight May Wear that I will lend you for me thinketh they will be better employed on you than on ever another Knight.

So I Pray You That You Remember Me at The Assembly - in like manner as I shall oft times remember you.

VII: Damsel Saith The King - Grant mercy !

No Knight Is There That Should See You - but ought to have you in remembrance in his heart for Your Courtesy and Your Worth.

The Knights - were come about The Tents.

The King and Messire Gawain - were armed and had made caparison their horses right richly.

The Damsel That Should Give The Golden Circlet - was come.

Nabigant Of The Rock - had brought Great Fellowships of Knights together with him.

An Ordinance Was Made - for The Assembly.

VIII: The Younger Damsel Saith - to King Arthur.

Well May You Know That No Knight That Is Here This Day - hath better arms than are yours.

Wherefore Take Heed - That You Show You To Be The Good Knight for love of me.

Damsel Saith King Arthur - God grant that I be so.

So They Laid Hold On Their Reins - and mounted their horses that made great leaping and went away a great gallop.

Saith The Younger Damsel To Her Sister - What think you of my Knight doth he not please you ?

Yea Saith The Elder - sore misliketh me of Messire Gawain for that he is not minded to do as I would have him.

He Shall Yet - a by it dear.

King Arthur and Messire Gawain - Strike Into The Midst of The Assembly like as it were two lions unchained.

At Their First Coming They Smite Down Two Knights - to the ground under the feet of their horses.

Messire Gawain Taketh The Two Horses - and sendeth them by a squire to The Damsels of The Tent that made much joy thereof.

After That Were They Not Minded To Take More Booty - as of horses or arms.

Searched The Fellowships On One Side And The Other - nor was there no Knight that came against them.

They Pierced His Shield - or bore him to the ground in so much as none was there that might endure their buffets.

Nabigant He Spieth Messire Gawain and Cometh Toward Him - and Messire Gawain toward him again they hurtle together either on other so strongly that Messire Gawain beareth Nabigant to the ground him and his horse together all in a heap.

King Arthur Was Not Idle For No Knight Durst Come Against Him - he overthrew him so as that all withdrew them back and avoided King Arthur's buffets.

Many Knights Did Well That Day At The Assembly - none might be the match of either of them twain in deeds of arms for save it were Lancelot or Perceval were no Knights on live that had in them so much hardiment and valour.

After That It Was Even Song - the Knights drew them back to their Tents they say all that The Knight of The Golden Arms and The Knight of The Red Arms had done better than they all at The Assembly.

King Arthur and Messire Gawain Come Back To The Tent of The Damsels - that make disarm them and do upon them the rich robes and make Great Joy of them.

Thereupon Behold You a Dwarf That Cometh Damsels make Great Joy !

For All They of The Assembly - say with one accord that Your Knights have done best this day."

King Arthur and Messire Gawain Sat To Eat - right well were they served of every kind of foods of great cups of wine and sops in vine.

King Arthur Bade The Younger Damsel Sit Beside Him - and Messire Gawain the elder in like manner.

When They Had Eaten - They Went to Lie Down and Fell on Sleep for right sore weary were they and forespent of the many buffets they had given and received and they slept until the morrow.

IX: When The Day Appeared - They Rose Up.

There Upon Behold You The Younger Damsel - where she cometh and saluteth King Arthur.

And You Damsel ! Saith King Arthur - God give you joy and good adventure !

Sir Saith She - I will that you bear today these White Arms that you see here and that you do no worse today than yesterday you did sith that better you may not do.

Messire Gawain Saith The Elder Damsel - Remember you of The King.

There Where His Land Was Compassed About - of a Wall of Stone.

You Harboured One Night - in His Castle.

What Time You Went - to seek for The Sword.

Where With John The Baptist - was beheaded when he was fain.

To Take Away The Sword From You - where of you had so sore mis liking ?

Natheless He Yielded You Up The Sword - upon The Covenant.

That You Should Do - That The Damsel Should First Ask You To Do there after and

You Promised Him Loyally - That So Would You Do ?

Certes Samsel Saith Messire Gawain - Well Do I Remember the same.

Now Therefore Saith The Damsel - Would I fain prove Whether You Be Indeed So Loyal as Men say and

Whether You Will Hold Your Covenant - That You Made.

Wherefore - I Pray and Beseech You That This Day.

You Shall Be He That Doth Worst - Of All The Knights at The Assembly.

That You Bear None Other Arms Save Your Own - so as that you shall be known again of all them that are there present.

So You Will Not Do This - Then will you have failed of Your Covenant and myself

Will Go Tell The King That You Have Broken The Promise - That You Made to Him Right Loyally.

Damsel Saith Messire Gawain - Never Yet Brake I The Covenant with none so it were such as I might fulfil or another on my behalf.

King Arthur Made Arm Him Of The White Arms - that the younger Damsel had given him and Messire Gawain of his own.

Sore It Irked Him Of This - that The Damsel hath laid upon him to do sith that needs must he lose worship.

He Hold To His Covenant - albeit not for nought that is in The World will he fail of The Promise he hath made.

So They Come Into - The Assembly.

X: King Arthur Smiteth With His Spurs Like a Good Knight - and overthroweth two Knights in his onset.

Messire Gawain Rideth Aandon Betwixt The Two Fellowships - to be the better known.

The Most Part Say See - There is Messire Gawain The Good Knight that is King Arthur's nephew.

Nabigant Of The Rock Cometh Toward Him - as fast as his horse may carry him lance in rest.

Messire Gawain Seeth Him Coming Toward Him - right furiously.

He Casteth His Shield Down on The Ground - and Betaketh Him To Flight as swiftly as he may.

They That Beheld Him - Some Two Score or More Marvel thereof and say

Did Ever One See - the like overpassing cowardize !

Nabigant Saith That He Never Yet Followed A Knight - that was vanquished nor never will follow one of such conditions for no Great Prize would it be to take him and win his horse.

Other Knights Come To Joust With Him - but Messire Gawain fleeth and avoideth them the best he may and

Maketh Semblance That None Is There - he durst abide. He draweth toward King Arthur for safety.

The King Hath Great Shame Of This - that he seeth him do and right sore pains hath he of defending Messire Gawain.

For He Holdeth As Close To Him - as the pie doth to the bramble when the falcon would take her.

In Such Shame and Dishonour Was Messire Gawain - as long as The Assembly lasted and the Knights said

That He Had Gotten Him Off With Much Less - than he deserved.

For That Never Had They Seen So Craven A Knight - at The Assembly or Tournament as was he

Nor Never Hence Forth Would They Have Dread Of Him - as they had here to fore.

From This Day Forward - may many lightly avenge themselves upon him of their Kinsfolk and friends that he hath slain by The Forest.

The Assembly Brake Up In The Evening - whereof the King and Messire Gawain were right well pleased.

The Knights Disarm Them At Their Hostels - and the King and Messire Gawain at the damsels' tent.

XI: With That Behold - You The Dwarf That Cometh.

By My Head Damsels Your Knights Go From Bad To Worse - Of him in The White Arms one may even let pass.

Messire Gawain is The Most Coward Ever Saw - I yet and so he were to run upon me tomorrow and I were armed like as is he I should think me right well able to defend me against him.

'Tis The Devil Took Him To A Place - where is such plenty of Knights.

For The More Folk That Are There The Better - May One Judge of His ill conditions.

You Sir Saith He To The King - Wherefore do you keep him company ?

You Would Have Done Best Today - had he not been there.

He Skulked As Close By You To Be Out Of The Buffets - as a hare doth to the wood for the hounds.

No Business Hath Good Knight To Hold Company - with a coward.

I Say Not This For That I Would Make Him Out Worse - that he is

For I Remember The Two Knights He Slew - before this Tent.

The Damsel Heareth The Dwarf Talking - and smileth there at for she understandeth that blame enough hath Messire Gawain had at The Assembly.

The Knights Said At Their Hostels - that they knew not to whom to give The Circlet Of Gold.

Sith That The Knight Of The Golden Armour - and he of The Red Armour were not there.

For They Did The Best The First Day Of The Assembly - and much they Marvelled.

That They Should Not Come - when it was continued on the morrow.

Gawain Saith The King - Sore blame have you had this day and I myself have been all shamed for your sake.

Never Thought I - That So Good a Knight As You.

Might Ever Have Known How To Counterfeit - a bad Knight as you did.

You Have Done Much - For The Love of The Damsel and

Right Well Had She Avenged Herself Of You - and you had done her great annoy.

How Be It - and Tomorrow Your Cowardize be such as it hath been today

Never Will The Day Be - When You Shall Not Have Blame thereof.

XII: By My Faith - saith Messire Gawain

Behoveth Me Do The Damsel's Pleasure - sith that we have fallen by ill chance into her power.

They Went To Bed At Night and Took Their Rest - as soon as they had eaten on the morrow The Damsel came to Messire Gawain.

I Will Saith She - that you be clad in the same arms as was your comrade on the first day right rich that I will lend you and I will moreover that you be Knight so good as that never on any day were you better.

I Command You By The Faith You Pledged Me The Other Day - to obey this caution that you make yourself known to none and so any Man in the World shall ask your name.

You Shall Say - That You Are The Knight Of The Golden Arms.

Damsel Saith Gawain - Grant mercy I will do your pleasure.

The Younger Damsel Cometh Back To The King - Sir saith she I will that you wear new arms.

You Shall Bear Them Red The Same as Messire Gawain Bore - the first day I pray you be such as you were the first day or better.

XIII: Damsel I Will Do My Best To Amend Myself - and my doings and right well pleased am I of that it pleaseth you to say.

Their Horses Were Caparisoned - and the Knights mounted all armed.

They Come Together To The Tournament - with such an onset as that they pass through the thickest of The Press and overthrew Knights and horses as many as they encountered.

King Arthur He Spieth Nabigant - that came right gaily caparisoned and smiteth him so passing strong a buffet in the midst of his breast that he beareth him down from his horse in such sort that he breaketh his collar-bone and

Presenteth The Destrier By His Squire - to The Younger Damsel that maketh Great Joy thereof.

Messire Gawain Searcheth The Fellowships - on all sides so well did he search that scarce was one might endure his blows.

King Arthur Is Not Idle But Pierceth Shields - and beateth in helms the while all look on in wonderment at him and Messire Gawain.

The Story Saith That The King - Would Have Done Still Better but

That He Put Not Forth His Full Strength - in deeds of arms.

For That Messire Gawain Had Done So Ill - the day before now he would fain that he should have The Prize.

XIV: The Damsel That Held The Golden Circlet - was in the midst of The Assembly of Knights and

Had Set It In A Right Rich Casket of Ivory - with precious stones right worshipfully.

When The Damsel Saw That The Assembly Was At An End - she made all the Knights stay and

Prayed Them They Should Speak Judgment True - concealing nought who had best deserved of arms and ought therefore of right to have The Golden Circle.

They Said All - That of Right Judgment The Knight of The Golden Arms and he of the Red Arms ought to have The Prize above all the others but

That Of These Two He Of The Golden Arms - ought to have The Prize for so well did he the first day that no Knight might do better.

On The Last Day - likewise that if he of the Red Arms had put forth his full strength on the last day he would have done full as well or better.

The Circlet Of Gold Was Brought To Messire Gawain - it was not known that he and Messire Gawain would fain.

That It Had Been Given To King Arthur - The Knights departed from The Assembly.

The King and Messire Gawain Came Back To The Tent - and brought The Golden Circlet whereof The Damsels made Great Joy.

Thereupon Behold You - The Dwarf that cometh back.

Damsels Better Is It To Lodge Knights - such as these than Messire Gawain the coward the craven that had so much shame at The Assembly! You yourselves would have been sore blamed had you lodged him.

This Knight Hath Won The Golden Circlet - by force of arms and Messire Gawain nought but shame and reproach.

The Damsel Laugheth At This - that The Dwarf saith and biddeth him on his eyes and head begone !

XV: The King and Messire Gawain - were disarmed.

Sir Saith The Damsel - What will you do with The Golden Circlet ?

Damsel Saith Messire Gawain - I will bear it to Him that first won it in sore peril of death and

Delivered It To The Queen - that ought to have kept it safe of whom it hath been reft by force.

The King and Messire Gawain Lay The Night In The Tent - The younger Damsel cometh to the King.

Sir Many Feats Of Arms Have You Done At The Assembly - as I have been told for love of me and I am ready to reward you.

Damsel Right Great Thanks - Your reward and your service love I much and your honour yet more

Wherefore I Would That You Should Have All The Honour - that any Damsel may have for in a Damsel without honour ought none to put his affiance.

God Grant You - To Preserve Yours.

Damsel Saith She - To The Other That Sitteth Before Messire Gawain. This Knight and Messire Gawain have taken Counsel together. There is neither solace nor comfort in them.

Let Us Leave Them To Go To Sleep - and ill rest may they have.

God Defend Us - ever hereafter with such guests.

By My Head Saith The Eider Damsel - were it not for The Golden Circlet That He Is Bound of Right.

To Deliver Again To The Queen - That Had It In Charge who is my Lady.

They Should Not Depart From This Land - in such sort as they wil.

Messire Gawain Still Be Nice As Concerneth Damsels - at least I Now Know Well That He Is Loyal.

In Another Wise - So As That He Will Not Fail of His Word.

XVI: Sith That - The Damsels Departed.

As Did Likewise The King and Messire Gawain - as soon as they saw The Day.

Nabigant That Was Wounded At The Tournament - was borne away on a litter.

Meliot Of Logres - was in quest of Messire Gawain.

He Met The Knights and The Harness - that came from The Assembly.

Asked Of Many If They Could Tell Him Tidings of King Arthur's Nephew Messire Gawain - the most part answer. Yea and right bad tidings enough. Then they ask him wherefore he demandeth.

Sir's Saith He - His Liege Man am I and

He Ought Of Right To Defend My Land - against all Men that Nabigant hath taken from me without right nor reason

Whom They Are Carrying - from thence in a litter.

Wherefore I Am Fain To Beseech Messire Gawain - that he help me to recover My Land."

In Faith Sir Knight - say they We know not of what avail He may be to others.

That - He May Not Help Himself.

Messire Gawain Was At The Assembly - we tell you for true it was he that did worst there at.

Alas Saith Meliot Of Logres - Then have I lost My Land and he hath become even such an one as you tell me.

You Would Readily Believe Us - say they had you seen him at The Assembly !

Meliot Turneth Him Back - right sorrowful.

XVII: King Arthur and Messire Gawain Depart From The Tent - and come a great pace as though they fain would escape thence.

To Come Nigher To The Land - where they would be and great desire had they of the coming of Lancelot.

They Rode Until That They Came One Night To The Waste Manor - whither the brachet led Messire Gawain when he found the dead Knight that Lancelot had slain.

They Lodged There The Night and Found There - Knights and Damsels of whom they were known.

The Lady Of The Waste Manor - sent for succour to her Knights saying

That She Held There King Arthur That Slew Other Knights - that his nephew Messire Gawain was also there within.

Dearly Would She Have Loved - That Lancelot Had Been With Them that slew her brother.

Knights In Plenty Came To Her - To Do Hurt to King Arthur and Messire Gawain she had at least so much courtesy in her that she would not suffer any of them to do them ill within her hold.

Albeit She Kept Seven Of Their Number - full of great hardiment to guard The Entrance of The Bridge.

So That King Arthur and Messire Gawain - Might Not Depart Thence save only amidst the points of their spears.

XVIII: This High History Witnesseth Us - that Lancelot was departed from The Waste City

Wherein He Was Much Honoured - and rode until that he came to a Forest.

Where He Met Meliot Of Logres - that was sore dismayed of the tidings he had heard of Messire Gawain.

Lancelot Asketh Him Whence He Cometh - he saith from seeking Messire Gawain of whom he had tidings whereof he was right sorrowful. How saith Lancelot Is he then otherwise than well ?

Yea Saith He - As I have heard tell for he won't to be The Good Knight and hath now become evil.

He Was At The Assembly Of Knights - whereof I met The Harness and The Fellowships.

They Told Me That Never Yet Was Such Cowardize - in any Knight.

That A Knight Who Was With Him - did right well.

How Soever He May Have Borne Himself Right Fain Am I - to find him for maugre what any may say

I May Scarce Believe That He Is So Bad - after all.

Sir Saith Lancelot - I will seek him for you and you can come along with me and it seemeth you good.

Meliot Of Logres - betaketh him back with Lancelot.

They Ride Until They Happen By Chance Upon The Waste Manor - where the King and Messire Gawain were lodged.

They Were Armed - and were minded to go forth from thence.

The Seven Knights Guarded The Issue - all armed.

The King and Messire Gawain Saw That No Good Would It Do - them to remain there.

Withinth Them From Time To Time - with a Great Rod so that the blood ran down their faces.

Ha Sir Knight Saith Perceval - What ask you of these two Damsels that you entreat so churlishly ?

Sir Saith He - They have disherited me of mine own hold in this Forest that Messire Gawain gave them.

Sir Say They To Perceval - this Knight is a robber and none other but he now wonneth in this Forest.

For The Other Robber Knights - were slain by Messire Gawain and Lancelot.

Another Knight That Came With Them - for the sore suffering and poverty that Messire Gawain and Lancelot saw in us aforetime.

In The House Of My Brother In Whose Castle They Lay - were they fain to give us this hold and

The Treasure - they conquered from the robber Knights.

For This Doth He Now Lead Us Away To Slay and Destroy Us - and as much would he do for you and all other Knights

So Only He - Had The Power.

Sir Knight Saith Perceval - let be these Damsels for well I know that they say True.

For That I Was There - When The Hold was given them.

Then You Helped To Slay My Kindred Saith The Knight - Therefore you do I defy !

Ha Saith The Knight Coward To Perceval - Take no heed of that he saith and wax not wroth but go your way !

Certes Saith Perceval This Will I Not Do - Rather Will I Help to Challenge The Honour of The Damsels.

VII: Ha Sir Saith The Knight - Coward Never shall it be challenged of me !

Perceval Draweth Him Back - Sir saith he See here my Champion that I set in my place.

The Robber Knight Moveth Toward Him - and smiteth him so sore on the shield that he breaketh his spear but he might not unseat the Coward Knight that sat still upright as aforehand in the saddle bows.

He Looketh At The Other Knight That Hath Drawn His Sword - The Knight Coward looketh on the one side and the other and would fain have fled and he durst.

Perceval Crieth To Him - Knight do your endeavour to save my honour and your own life and the honour of these two Damsels !

The Robber Knight Dealeth Him A Great Buffet Of His Sword - so as that it went nigh to stun him altogether.

Howbeit The Coward Knight - moveth not.

Perceval Looketh At Him In Wonderment - and thinketh him that he hath set too craven a Knight in his place and now at last knoweth well that he spake The Truth.

The Robber Knight Smiteth Him All Over His Body - giveth him so many buffets that the Knight seeth his own blood.

By My Head Saith He - You have wounded me but you shall pay therefor for I supposed not that you were minded to slay me !

He Draweth His Sword That Was Sharp and Strong - smiteth his horse right sore hard of his spurs and catcheth the Knight with his sword right in the midst of his breast with a sweep so strong that he beareth him to the ground beside his horse.

He Alighteth Over Him Unlaceth His Ventail and Smiteth Down - his coif then striketh off his head and presenteth it to Perceval. Sir saith he Here give I you of my first joust.

By My Head Said Perceval - Right dearly love I this present !

Now Take Heed That You Never Again Fall Back Into The Cowardize - wherein you have been.

For It Is Too Sore Shame - to a Knight !

Sir Saith He - I will not but never should I have believed that one could become hardy so speedily or otherwise long ago would I have become so and so.

Should I Have Had Worship and Honour Thereof - for many a Knight hath held me in contempt herein that elsewise would have honoured me.

Perceval Answereth That Right and Reason It Is - That Worshipful Men Should Be More Honoured than the other.

I Command These Two Damsels To Your Protection - lead them to their hold in safety and

Be At Their Pleasure And Their Will - and so say everywhere.

That You Have For a Name The Knight Hardy - for more of courtesy hath this name than the other.

Sir Saith He - You Say True and you have I to thank for the name.

The Damsels Give Great Thanks To Perceval - and take leave of him and so go their way with right good will toward the Knight that goeth with them.

On Account Of The Knight - he had slain so that thereof called they him the Knight Hardy.

The Black Knight Of The Dragon and Perceval

VIII: Perceval Departeth From The Place Where The Knight Lieth Dead - and rideth until

That He Draweth Nigh - to Cardoil where King Arthur was and

Findeth The Country - round in sore terror and dismay.

Much He Marvelleth - wherefore it may be and demandeth of some of the meaner sort

Wherefore They Are In So Sore Affright - "Doth The King then live no longer ?"

Sir Say The Most Part Yea He Is There Within This Castle - never was He so destroyed nor so scared as he is at this present.

For a Knight Warreth Upon Him - against whom no Knight in the World may endure.

Perceval Rideth On Until He Cometh Before The Master's Hall - and is alighted on the mounting stage.

Lancelot and Messire Gawain Come To Meet Him and Make Much Joy of Him - as do The King and Queen and all they of The Court they made disarm him and do upon him a right rich robe.

They That Had Never Seen Him Before - looked upon him right fainly for the worship and valour of His Knighthood.

The Court Also Was Rejoiced Because Of Him - for sore troubled had it been.

So As The King Sat One Day - there came four Knights into The Hall each one of them bore before him a dead Knight.

Their Feet and Arms Had Been Stricken Off - their bodies were still all armed the habergeons thereon

Were All Black - as though they had been blasted of lightning. They laid the Knights in the midst of The Hall.

Sir Say They To The King - Once more is made manifest this shame that is done you that is not yet amended.

The Knight Of The Dragon Destroyeth You - Your Land and slayeth your Men and cometh as nigh us as he may and

Saith That In Your Court Shall Never Be Found A Knight So Hardy - as that he durst abide him or assault him.

Right Sore Shame Hath The King Of These Tidings - and Messire Gawain and Lancelot likewise.

Right Sorrowful Are They of Heart - for that The King would not allow them to go thither.

The Four Knights - turn back again leave the dead Knights in The Hall.

The King - maketh them be buried with the others.

IX: A Great Murmuring - Ariseth Amongst The Knights in The Hall.

The Most Part Say Plainly - that they never heard tell of none that slew Knights in such cruel sort.

Nor So Many As Did He - that neither Messire Gawain nor Lancelot ought to be blamed for that they went not thither

For No Knight In The World - might conquer such a Man.

God Did For He Casteth Forth Fire and Flame From His Shield - when soever him listeth.

While This Murmur Was Going On Between The Knights - all round about The Hall.

Behold You There Withal - the Damsel that made bear the Knight in the horse bier and cometh before The King.

Sir Saith She - I pray and beseech you that you do me right in your Court.

See Here Is Messire Gawain That Was At The Assembly - in the Red Launde where were many Knights.

Among Them Was The Son Of The Widow Lady - that I see sitting beside you.

He and Messire Gawain Were They That Won The Most Prize - of The Assembly.

This Knight Had White Arms They Of The Assembly Said - that he had better done than Messire Gawain

For That He Had Been First - in The Assembly.

It Had Been Granted Me - Before The Assembly Began.

That He That Should Do Best There At - should avenge The Knight.

Sir I Have Sought For Him - until I have now found him at your Court.

Wherefore I Pray and Beseech You - that you bid him do so much herein as that he be not blamed for Messire Gawain well knoweth that I have spoken true.

The Knight Departed So Soon From The Assembly - that I knew not what had become of him.

Messire Gawain Was Right Heavy - for that he had departed for he was in Quest of him but knew him not.

X: Damsel Saith Messire Gawain - Truth it is.

That He It Was That Did Best At The Assembly - in the Red Launde and

Moreover Please God Well - Will He Fulfil His Covenant Towards You.

Messire Gawain Saith Perceval - Meseemeth you did best above all other.

By My Faith Saith Messire Gawain - You speak of Your Courtesy.

How Soever I Or Other - may have done.

You Had The Prize Therein - By The Judgment of The Knights.

Of So Much May I Well Call Upon - The Damsel to bear witness.

Sir Saith She Grant mercy - He ought not to deny me that I require of him.

For The Knight That I Have So Long Followed About - borne on a bier was son of his uncle Elinant of Escavalon.

XI: Damsel Saith Perceval - Take Heed That You Speak Truth.

I Know Well That Elinant Of Escavalon Was Mine Uncle - on my father's side but of his son know I nought.

Sir Saith She - Of his deeds well deserved he to be known.

For By His Great Valour and Hardiment Came He - by his death and he had to name Alein of Escavalon.

The Damsel Of The Circlet Of Gold Loved Him - of passing great love with all her might.

The Comeliest Knight - That Was Ever Seen of His Age Was He.

Had He Lived Longer - would have been one of The Best Knights known.

Of The Great Love She Had In Him - made she his body be embalmed.

When The Knight of The Dragon Had Slain Him - he that is so cruel

And Maketh Desolate All The Lands - and all The Islands.

The Damsel Of The Circlet Of Gold Hath He Defied - in such sort that already hath he slain great part of her Knights.

She Is Held Fast In Her Castle - so that she durst not issue forth in so much that all the Knights that are there say of The Lady of The Castle.

Also That He That Shall Avenge This Knight - Shall Have The Circlet Of Gold that never before was she willing to part with all.

The Fairest Guerdon - Will That Be That Any Knight May Have.

XII: Sir Saith She - Well behoveth you therefore to do your best endeavour to avenge your Uncle's Son and

To Win The Circlet Of Gold - for and You Slay the Knight.

That He Threateneth To Make Desolate All The Lands - that march with his own.

You Will Have Saved The Land - of King Arthur.

For No King Hateth He So Much As King Arthur - on account of the head of the Giant where of he made such joy at his Court.

Damsel Saith Perceval - Where Is The Knight of The Dragon ?

Sir Saith She He Is In The Isles of The Elephants - that want to be the fairest land and the richest in the World.

Now Hath He Made It All Desolate - they say in such sort that none durst inhabit there and

The Island Wherein He Abideth - is over against The Castle of The Damsel Of The Golden Circlet.

So That Every Day She Seeth Him Carry Knights Off Bodily - from The Forest.

That - he slayeth and smiteth limb from limb whereof hath She right sore grief at heart.

XIII: Perceval Heareth This - that the Damsel telleth him and marvelleth much thereat and

Taketh Thought Within Himself - sith that the adventure is thus thrown upon him.

That Great Blame Will He Have Thereof - and he achieveth it not.

He Taketh Leave Of The King and Queen - and so goeth his way and departeth from The Court.

Messire Gawain Departeth and Lancelot With Him - and say they will bear him company to the piece of ground and they may go thither. Perceval Holdeth Their Fellowship Right Dear.

The King and Queen Have Great Pity Of Perceval - and say all that never until now

No Knight Went Into Jeopardy So Sore - and that

Sore Loss To The World - will it be if there he should die.

They Send To All The Hermits and Worshipful Men - in The Forest of Cardoil and

Bid Them Pray For Perceval That God Defend Him - from this enemy with whom he goeth forth to do battle.

Lancelot and Messire Gawain Go With Him - by The Strange Forests and by The Islands and

Found The Forests All Void and Desolate - and wasted in place after place.

The Damsel Followeth Them - Together With The Dead Knight.

So Far Have They Wandered - that they come into the plain country before the forest.

So They Looked Before Them and Saw A Castle - that was seated on The Plain without The Forest.

They Saw That It Was Set In A Right Fair Meadow Land - and was surrounded of great running waters and girdled of high walls and had within Great Halls with windows.

They Draw Nigh The Castle - and see that

It Turneth All About - faster than the wind may run.

It Had At The Top - archers of crossbows of copper.

That Draw Their Shafts So Strong - that no armour in the World might avail against the stroke thereof.

Together With Them Were Men Of Copper - that turned and sounded their horns so passing loud that the ground all seemed to quake.

Under The Gateway Were Lions and Bears Chained - that roared with so passing great might and fury that all the ground and The Valley resounded thereof. The Knights draw rein and look at this marvel.

Sir's Saith The Damsel - Now may you see the Castle of Great Endeavour.

Messire Gawain and Lancelot Draw You Back - come not nigher the archers for otherwise ye be but dead Men.

You Sir - saith she to Perceval

You Would Enter Into This Castle Lend Me Your Spear - and shield so will I bear them before for warranty you come after me and make such countenance as The Good Knight should and so shall you pass through into The Castle.

Your Fellows May Well Draw Back - for now is not the hour for them to pass.

None May Pass Thither Save Only He That Goeth To Vanquish The Knight - and win The Golden Circlet and

The Graal - and do away the false law with its horns of copper.

XIV: Perceval Is Right Sorrowful - when he heareth the Damsel say

That Messire Gawain and Lancelot May Not Pass - in thither with him albeit

They Be - The Best Knights in The World.

He Taketh Leave Of Them Full Sorrowfully - they also depart sore grudgingly they pray him right sweetly.

So God Allow Him Escape Alive From The Place - whither he goeth that he will meet them again at some time and place and at ease in such sort as that they may see him without discognisance.

They Wait A While To Watch The Good Knight - that hath yielded his shield and spear to the Damsel.

She Hath Set His Shield - on the bier in front then pointeth out to them of The Castle all openly The Shield that belonged to The Good Soldier.

After That She Maketh Sign That It Belongeth To The Knight - that is there waiting behind her.

Perceval Was Without Shield In The Saddle Bows - and holdeth his sword drawn and planteth him stiffly in the stirrups after such sort as maketh them creak again and his horse's chine swerve awry.

After That He Looketh At Lancelot and Messire Gawain - Sir's saith he

To The Saviour Of The World - Commend I You.

They Answer - May He that endured pain of His Body on The Holy True Cross protect him in his body and his soul and his life.

With That He Smiteth With His Spurs - and goeth his way to The Castle as fast as his horse may carry him toward The Turning Castle.

He Smiteth With His Sword At The Gate - so passing strongly that he cut a good three fingers into a shaft of marble.

The Lions and The Beasts That Were Chained To Guard The Gate - slink away into their dens and The Castle stoppeth at once. The Archers cease to shoot.

There Were Three Bridges Before The Castle - that uplifted themselves so soon as he was beyond.

XV: Lancelot and Messire Gawain - Departed Thence.

When They Had Beholden - the marvel they were fain to go toward The Castle.

When They Saw it - Stop Turning.

A Knight Cried Out To Them From The Battlements - Lords and you come forward

The Archers Will Shoot and The Castle Will Turn - and the bridges be lowered again wherefore you would be deceived herein.

They Draw Back and Hear - made within the greatest joy that ever was heard and they hear how

The Most Part There Within Say That Now Is He Come - of whom they shall be saved in twofold.

Wise Saved As Of Life and Saved As Of Soul - God Grant Him.

To Vanquish The Knight - that beareth the spirit of the devil.

Lancelot and Messire Gawain Turn Them Back Thoughtful - and all heavy for that they may not pass into the Castle for none other passage might they see than this.

So They Ride On Until That They Draw Nigh The Waste City - where Lancelot slew the Knight.

Ha Saith He To Messire Gawain - Now Is The Time at Hand that behoveth me to die in this Waste City and God grant not Counsel herein.

He Told Messire Gawain All The Truth - of that which had befallen him therein.

So Even As He Would Have Taken Leave Of Him - behold you The Poor Knight of The Waste Castle !

XVI: Sir Saith He To Lancelot - I have taken respite of you in The City.

Within There Of The Knight That You Slew - until forty days after that The Graal shall be achieved.

Nor Have I Issued Forth Of The Castle - wherein you harboured you until now.

Nor Should I Now Have Come Forth - had I not seen you come for fulfilling of Your Pledge.

Nor Never Shall I - Come Forth Again Until Such Time.

As You Shall Return Hither On The Day - I Have Named To You.

So Gramercy To You and Messire Gawain - for the horses you sent me that were a right great help to us and for The Treasure and The Hold you have given to my sisters that were sore poverty stricken.

I May Not Do Otherwise Than Abide in My Present Poverty - until such time

As You Shall Be Returned - On The Day.

Where Unto I Have Taken Respite For You Sore - against the will of your enemies for the benefits you have done me.

Wherefore I Pray Yon Forget Me Not - For The Saving of Your Loyalty.

By My Head Saith Lancelot - That will I not and gramercy for having put off The Day for love of me.

They Depart From The Knight - and come back again toward Cardoil where King Arthur was.

BRANCH XVIII TITLE I - Here the story is silent of Lancelot and Messire Gawain and

Saith That Perceval - Is In The Turning Castle.

Whereof Joseus - recounteth The Truth.

To Wit That Virgil Founded It - In The Air By His Wisdom.

In Such Fashion - when The Philosophers went on

The Quest Of The Earthly Paradise

It Was Prophesied - That The Castle Should Not Cease Turning until such time as.

The Knight Should Come Thither - that should have a Head of Gold the look of a Lion a Heart of Steel the navel of a virgin Maiden conditions without wickedness The Valour of a Man and Faith and Belief Of God.

That This Knight Should Bear - The Shield Of The Good Soldier

That Took Down The Saviour Of The World - from hanging on the rood.

It Was Prophesied Moreover - That All They of The Castle and all other Castles.

Where Of This One - Was The Guardian.

Should Hold The Old Law - until such time as The Good Knight should Come By Whom Their Souls Should Be Saved and their death respited.

For So Soon - As He Should Be Come.

They Should Run To Be Baptized - and Should Firmly Believe The New Law.

Wherefore Was The Joy Great In The Castle - for that their death should now be respited.

That They Should Be Released Of All Terror Of The Knight - that was their foe whom they dreaded even to the death.

Of The Sin Of The False Law - whereof they had here to fore been attaint.

II: Right Glad is Perceval When He Seeth The People of The Castle.

Turn Them To The Holy Faith Of The Saviour - and the Damsel saith to him

Sir Right Well Have You Speeded Thus Far - on Your Way.

Nought Is There Now To Be Done - Save To Finish That Which Remaineth.

For Never May They That Are Within - Issue Forth.

So Long As - The Knight of The Dragon is on live. Here May You Not Tarry.

For The Longer You Tarry - the more Lands will be desolate and the more Folk will he slay.

Perceval Taketh Leave Of Them Of The Castle - that make much joy of him but

Sore Misgiving Have They Of Him - on account of the Knight with whom he goeth to do battle.

They Say That If He Shall Conquer Him - never yet befell a Knight so fair adventure.

They Have Heard Mass Before That He Departeth - made rich offerings for Him in honour of The Saviour and His Sweet Mother.

The Damsel Goeth Before For That She Knew The Place - where the evil Knight had his repair.

They Ride Until - They Come Into The Island of Elephants.

The Knight Was Alighted Under An Olive Tree - and had but now since slain four Knights that were of The Castle of The Queen of The Golden Circlet.

She Was At The Windows Of Her Castle - and saw her Knights dead whereof made she great dole.

Ha God Saith She - Shall I never see none that may avenge me of this evil doer that slayeth my Men and destroyeth my Land on this wise ? She looketh up and seeth Perceval come and the damsel.

Sir Knight - and you have not force and help and valour in you more than is in four Knights come not nigh this devil !

Howbeit and You Feel That You May So Do Battle - as to overcome and vanquish him.

I Will Give You The Golden Circlet That Is Within - and will hold with The New Law that hath been of late established.

For I See Well By Your Shield That You Are A Christian - and

So You May Conquer him - then ought I at last to be assured that

Your Law availeth more - than doth ours and that God was born of the Virgin.

III. Right Joyous is Perceval - of This That He Heareth Her Say.

He Crosseth and Blesseth Him - and Commendeth him to God and His Sweet Mother and is pricked of wrath and hardiment like a lion.

He Seeth The Knight Of The Dragon Mounted - and looketh at him in wonderment for that he was so big that never had he seen any man so big of his body.

He Seeth The Shield At His Neck - that was right black and huge and hideous.

He Seeth The Dragon's Head - in the midst thereof that casteth out fire and flame in great plenty so foul and hideous and horrible that all the field stank thereof.

The Damsel Draweth Her - Toward The Castle and Leaveth The Knight on The Horse Saith.

IV: Sir - Saith She to Perceval

On This Level Plot Was Slain - whom here I leave for I have brought him far enough.

Now Avenge Him As Best You May - I render and give him over to you for so much have I done herein as that none have right to blame me. With that she departeth.

The Knight Of The Dragon - Removeth and Seeth Perceval Coming All Alone wherefore hath he great scorn of him deigneth not to take his spear rather cometh at him with his drawn sword that was right long and red as a burning brand.

Perceval Seeth Him Coming and Goeth Against Him Spear in Rest - as hard as his horse may carry him thinking to smite him through the breast.

The Knight Setteth His Shield Between The Flame - that issued from the Dragon burnt the shaft thereof even to his hand.

The Knight Smiteth Him On The Top Of His Helmet - but Perceval covereth him of his shield where of had he great affiance that the sword of the foeman Knight might not harm it.

Josephus Witnesseth Us That Joseph Of Abarimacie - had made be sealed in the boss of the shield some of the blood of Our Lord and a piece of His garment.

V: When The Knight Seeth That He Hath Not Hurt Perceval's Shield.

Great Marvel Hath He There Of - for never afore time had he smitten the a Knight he had dealt him his death blow.

He Turneth The Head of The Dragon - towards Perceval's shield but

The Flame That Issued From The Dragon's Head - turned back again as it had been blown of the wind so that it might not come nigh him.

The Knight Is Right Wroth Thereof - and passeth beyond and cometh to the bier of the dead Knight and

Turneth His Shield With The Dragon's Head - against him.

He Scorcheth and Burneth All To Ashes - the bodies of the Knight and the horses.

Saith He To Perceval - Are You Quit as for this Knight's burial ?

Certes Saith Perceval - You Say True and much misliketh me thereof but please God I shall amend it.

VI: The Damsel That Had Brought The Knight - was at the windows of The Palace beside The Queen.

She Crieth Out - Perceval fair Sir Saith The Damsel

Now Is The Shame The Greater - and the harm the greater and you amend them not.

Right Sorrowful Is Perceval Of His Cousin - that is all burnt to a cinder - and

He Seeth The Knight - that beareth the devil with him but knoweth not how he may do vengeance upon him.

He Cometh To Him Sword Drawn - and dealeth him a great blow on the shield in such sort that he cleaveth it right to the midst thereof where the Dragon's head was and

The flame leapeth forth so burning hot on his sword that it waxed red hot - like as was the Knight's sword.

The Damsel Crieth To Him - Now Is Your Sword of The Like Power as his.

Now Shall It Be Seen - What You Will Do !

I Have Been Told Of A Truth - That The Knight May Not Be Vanquished.

Save By One Only - and at one blow but how this is I may not tell whereof irketh me.

Perceval Looketh and Seeth That His Sword is All in A Flame Of Fire - where of much he marvelleth.

He Smiteth The Knight So Passing Sore - that he maketh his head stoop down over the fore saddle bow.

The Knight Righteth Him Again - sore wrath that he may not put him to the worse.

He Smiteth Him With His Sword A Blow So Heavy - that he cleaveth the habergeon and his right shoulder so that he cutteth and burneth the flesh to the bone.

As He Draweth Back His Blow Perceval Catcheth Him - and striketh him with such passing strength that he smiteth off his hand sword and all.

The Knight Gave a Great Roar - and The Queen was right joyous thereof.

The Knight Natheless Made No Semblant That He Was Yet Conquered - but turneth back toward Perceval at a right great gallop and launched his flame against his shield but it availeth him nought for he might not harm it.

Perceval Seeth The Dragon's Head That Was Broad and Long - and horrible and aimeth with his sword and thrusteth it up to the hilt into his gullet.

As Straight As Ever He May and The Head Of The Dragon Hurleth Forth A Cry - so huge that forest and fell resound thereof as far as two leagues Welsh.

VII: The Dragon's Head Turneth It - Toward his lord in Great Wrath and scorcheth him and burneth him to dust and thereafter departed up into the sky like lightning.

The Queen Cometh To Perceval and All The Knights - and see that he is sore hurt in his right shoulder.

The Damsel Telleth Him That Never Will He Be Healed Thereof - save he setteth thereon of the dust of the Knight that is dead. They lead him up to The Castle with right great joy.

Then They Make Him Be Disarmed and Have His Wound Washed - and tended some of the Knight's dust that was dead set thereon that it might have healing.

She Maketh Send To All The Knights of Her Land - "Sir's" saith she "See here the Knight that hath saved my land for me and protected your lives.

You Know Well How It Hath Been Prophesied - that

The Knight With Head of Gold Should Come - through him should you be saved.

Now Behold - hath he come hither.

The Prophecy May Not Be Belied - I Will That You Do His Commandment.

They Said - that so would they do right willingly.

She Bringeth Him There - where The Circlet of Gold is and she herself setteth it on his head.

After That She Bringeth His Sword - and delivereth it to him wherewith he had slain the giant devil both the Knight that bare the devil and the devil that the Knight bare on his shield.

VIII: - Sir Saith She -

May All They That Will Not Go To Be Baptized

Nor Accept Your New Law .. Be Slain -

Of This Your Sword - and Here of I Make To You .. The Gift.

She Herself Made Her Be Held Up - and Baptized first and all the other after.

Josephus Maketh Record That in Right Baptism - she had for name Elysa and a good life she led and right Holy she died a virgin. Her Body Still Lieth in The Kingdom of Ireland - where she is highly honoured.

Perceval Was Within The Castle - until that he was heal.

Tidings Spread Throughout The Lands That The Knight of The Golden Circlet -

Had Slain The Knight of The Dragon and Great Everywhere Was The Joy - thereof.

It Was Known at The Court of King Arthur - much marvelled they that it was said The Knight of The Golden Circlet had slain him.

For They Knew Not - Who Was The Knight of The Golden Circlet.

IX: - When Perceval Was Whole He Departed From

The Castle of The Queen of The Golden Circlet - all of whose Land was at His Commandments.

The Queen Told Him That She Would Keep The Golden Circlet - until He should will otherwise and in such sort he left it there for he would not carry it with him sith that he knew not whither ward he might turn.

The Castle of Copper

The History Telleth Us That He Rode On - until one day he came to The Castle of Copper.

Within The Castle Were a Number of Folk That Worshipped The Bull of Copper - and believed not in any other God.

The Bull of Copper Was In The Midst of The Castle - upon four columns of copper and bellowed so loud at all hours of the day that it was heard for a league all round about and there was an evil spirit within that gave answers concerning whatsoever any should ask of it.

X: - At The Entrance to The Gateway of The Castle Were Two Men Made of Copper - by art of nicromancy.

They Held Two Great Mallets of Iron - they busied themselves striking the one after the other and so strongly they struck that nought mortal is there in the World that might pass through amongst their blows should be all to crushed thereby. On the other side was The Castle so fast enclosed about that nought might enter thereinto.

XI: - Perceval Beholdeth The Fortress of The Castle - and

The Entrance - that was so perilous .. whereof he marvelleth much.

He Passeth a Bridge That Was Within The Entry - and cometh nigh them that guard The Gate.

A Voice Began To Cry Aloud Above The Gate - that he might go forward safely and that he need have no care for the Men of copper that guarded The Gate nor be affrighted of their blows.

For No Power Had They To Harm Such a Knight - as was he.

He Comforteth Himself Much Of That The Voice - saith to him.

He Cometh Anigh The Serjeants of Copper - they cease to strike at once and hold their iron mallets quite still.

He Entereth Into The Castle - where he findeth within great plenty of Folk that all were misbelievers and of feeble belief.

He Seeth The Bull of Copper in The Midst of The Castle - right big and horrible that was surrounded on all sides by Folk that all did worship thereunto together round about.

XII: - The Bull Bellowed So Passing Loud - that right uneath was it to hear aught else within The Castle besides.

Perceval Was There Within - none was there that spake to him for so intent were they upon adoring The Bull that and any had been minded to slay them what time they were yet worshipping the same they would have allowed him so to do and would have thought that they were saved thereby and save this had they none other believe in the World.

It Was Not of Custom Within There To Be Armed - for The Entrance of the fortress was so strong that none might enter but by their will and commandment .. save it were the pleasure of God.

The Devil Had Deceived Them - in whom they believed.

God - gave them such great abundance there within of everything they could desire that nought in the World was there whereof they lacked.

When He Perceived That They Held No Discourse With Him - he draweth himself on one side by a Great Hall and so called them around him. The more part came thither but some of them came not.

The Voice Warneth Him - that he make them all pass through The Entrance of The Gateway there where the Men with the iron mallets are for there may he well prove which of them are willing to believe in God and which not.

The Good Knight Draweth His Sword - and surroundeth them all and maketh them all go in common before him would they or nould they. They that would not go willingly and kindly might be sure that they should receive their death.

He Made Them Pass Through The Entrance - there where the serjeants of copper were striking great blows with their iron mallets.

Of One Thousand Five Hundred - that there were scarce but thirteen were not all slain and brained of the iron mallets.

Thirteen Had Firmly Bound Their Belief in God - wherefore the serjeants took no heed of them.

XIII: - The Evil Spirit That Was In The Bull of Copper - issued forth thereof as it had been lightning from Heaven ..

The Bull of Copper Melted All In a Heap - so as that nought remained in that place thereof.

Then The Thirteen That Remained - sent for a Hermit of The Forest and made themselves be held up and Baptized.

After That They Took The Bodies of the Misbelievers - and made cast them into a water that is called the River of Hell.

This Water Runneth Into The Sea - so say many .. that have seen it .. and

There Where It Spendeth Itself In The Sea - is it most foul and most horrible.

So That Scarce - may ship pass that is not wrecked.

XIV: - Josephus Maketh Record - that The Hermit that Baptized the thirteen had the name of Denis.

The Castle - was named The Castle of The Trial.

They Lived Within There - Until - The New Law - was assured - and

Believed In Throughout - all The Kingdoms and a Right Good Life .. led they and a Holy.

Nor Never Might None Enter With Them - there into but was slain and crushed save he who firmly believed in God.

When The Thirteen That Were Baptized ..

in The Castle - issued forth - there of - they scattered themselves ..

On Every Side - among Strange Forests .. and

Made Hermitages and Buildings - and Put Their Bodies to Penance

For The False Laws - They Had Maintained and

To Win The Love Of - The Saviour Of The World.

Go to> Perceval's Uncle

Go to> The Holy Grail - or - King Arthur