Introduction to Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights Retold from Mallory's Mortata by Yu Waldo Cutler The Goodliest Fellowship of Famous Knights We have, from the kind creator, a variety of mental powers to which we must not neglect giving their proper culture in our earliest years and which cannot be cultivated either by logic or metaphysics, Latin or Greek. We have an imagination, before which, since it should not seize upon the very first conceptions that chance to present themselves, we ought to place the fittest and most beautiful images and, thus, accustomed and practiced the mind to recognize and love the beautiful everywhere. Quoted from Veland by Goeth in his autobiography Introduction Among the best-liked stories of five or six hundred years ago were those which told of chivalrous deeds, of joust and tourney and nightly adventure. To be sure these stories were not set forth in printed books for there were no printed books as early as the times of the first three King Edwards and few people could have read them if there had been any. But children and grown people alike were eager to hear these old-time tales read or recited by the minstrels and the interest in them has continued in some measure through all the changing years and tastes. We now, in the times of the Seventh King Edward still find them far more worth our while than many modern stories. For us they have a special interest because of home setting and Christian basis and they may well share in our attention with the legends of Greece and Rome. In these early romances of chivalry Arthur and his knights of the Round Table are by far the most popular heroes and the finding of the Holy Grail is the highest achievement of nightly valor. The material for the Arthur stories came from many countries and from many different periods of history. Much of it is wholly fanciful but the writers connected all the incidents directly or indirectly with the old Brighton King of the Fifth Century who was the model of knighthood without fear and without reproach. Perhaps there was a real King Arthur who led the Brightons against the Saxon invaders of their land who was killed by his traitor nephew and who was buried at Glastonbury, the valley of Avillian of the legends. Perhaps there was a slight historical nucleus around which all the romantic material was crystallizing through the centuries but the Arthur of Romance came largely from the imagination of the early writers. And yet, though our own ideal knight may never have trod the soil of Britain or Roman or Saxon England his chivalrous character and the nightly deeds of his followers are real to us if we read them rightly for the poet's ideal was the truest truth. Though the sacred vessel, the Holy Grail of the Christ's last supper with his disciples has not been born about the earth in material form to be seen only by those of stainless life and character it is eternally true that the pure in heart are blessed for they shall see God. This is what the quest for the Holy Grail means and there is still many a true Sir Galahad who can say as he did my strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure and who attains the highest glory of knighthood as before his clear vision down dark tides the glory glides and star-like mingles with the stars. We call these beautiful stories of long ago stories of chivalry for in the Middle Ages chivalry influenced all that people did and said and thought it began in the times of Charlemagne a hundred years before our own King Alfred and only very gradually it made its way through all the social order Charlemagne was really a very great man and because he was so he left Western Europe a far better place to live in than he found it into the social life of his time he brought something like order and justice and peace and so he greatly helped the Christian Church to do its work of teaching the rough and war-like Franks and Saxons and Normans the gentle ways of thrift and helpfulness Charlemagne's hearbound or call to arms required that certain of his men should attend him on horseback and this mounted service was the beginning of what is known as chivalry the lesser nobles of each feudal chief served their overlords on horseback Acheval in times of war they were called knights which originally meant servants German Necht and the system of knighthood, its rules, customs and duties was called chivalry French chivalry chivalry belongs chiefly to the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries to about the time between King Richard of the Lionheart and Prince Hall there is no trace of ideas peculiar to it in the writings of the old Anglo-Saxons or in the Nibelungen lead of Germany Geoffrey of Monmouth who died, it is said, in the year 1154 is about the earliest writer who mentions customs that belong especially to chivalry the crusades of Geoffrey's century and of the one following gave much opportunity for its growth and practice but in the 15th century chivalrous fashions and fancies began to seem absurd and later, perhaps partly through the ridicule of that old-time book Don Cioti chivalry was finally laughed quite out of existence the order of knighthood was given only after years of training and discipline from his seventh year to his 14th the nobleman's son was a page at the court or in the castle of his patron learning the principles of religion obedience and gallantry at 14 as a squire the boy began a severe course of training in order to become skilled in horsemanship and to gain strength and courage as well as the refinements and graces necessary in the company of knights and ladies finally at 21 his training was complete and with elaborate and solemn formality the squire was made a knight then after a strict oath to be loyal, courteous and brave the armour was buckled on and the proud young chivalier rode out into the world strong for good or ill in limb strong in impenetrable armour strong in a social custom that lifted him above the common people about him when rightly exercised chivalry was a great blessing to the people of its time it offered high ideals of pure-minded, warm-hearted, courtly, courageous Christian manhood it did much to arouse thought, to quicken sympathy, to purify morals, to make men truly brave and loyal of course this ideal of character was not in the days of chivalry ideas are not often now very fully realised the medieval like the modern abused his power of muscle, of sword of rank his liberty as a knight-errant sometimes descended into the licence of a highwayman his pride in the opportunity for helpfulness grew to be the braggadozio of a bully his freedom of personal choice became the insolence of lawlessness his pretended purity and justice proved wanton selfishness because of these abuses that crept into the system it is well for the world that gunpowder at last came to break through the knight's coat of mail to teach the nobility respect for common men roughly to end this age of so much superficial politeness and savage bravery and to bring in a more democratic social order the books of any age for us a record of how the people of that age thought how they lived and what kind of men and women they tried to be the old romances of chivalry gave us clear pictures of the knights and ladies of the middle ages and we shall lose the delight and the profit they may give us if we think only of the defects of chivalry and close our eyes to the really worthy motives of those far-off times and so miss seeing what chivalry was able to do while it lasted to make men and women better and happier before reading the Arthur stories themselves it is well to know something about the way they have been built up as one writer after another has taken the material left by predecessors and has worked it into fresh conceptions of things brave and true first there was the old Latin Chronicle of Neneus the earliest trace of Arthurian fact or fancy with a single paragraph given to Arthur and his twelve great battles this Chronicle itself may have been based on yet earlier Welsh stories which had been passed on perhaps for centuries by oral tradition from father to son and gradually roven together into some legendary history of Oldest England in the local language of Brittany across the English Channel this original book is referred to by later writers but was long ago lost Geoffrey of Monmouth says it was the source of his material for his Historia Britonum Geoffrey's history in Latin prose written some time about the middle of the 12th century remains as the earliest definite record of the legends connected with King Arthur only a little later Geoffrey's Latin history was translated by Wace and others into Norman French and here the Arthur material first appeared in verse form then still later in the 12th century Walter Mapp worked the same stories over into French prose and at the same time put so much of his own knowledge and imagination with them that we may almost say that he was the maker of the Arthur romances soon after the year 1200 a half century after Geoffrey of Monmouth first set our English ancestors to thinking about the legendary Old Hero of the times of the Anglo-Saxon conquest Leamon, parished priest of early Worcestershire, gave to the English language as distinct from the earlier Anglo-Saxon his poem Brut but this was a translation and enlargement of Wace's old French poem having Arthur as hero so these stories of King Arthur of Welsh or Celtic origin came through the Latin and then through French verse and prose into our own speech and so began their career down the centuries of our more modern history after giving ideas to generation after generation of romance writers of many countries and in many languages these same romantic stories were in the 15th century skillfully brought together into one connected prose narrative one of the choices of the older English classics Mort d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Mallory those were troubleous times when Sir Thomas perhaps after having himself fought and suffered in the wars of the roses then in progress found some quiet spot in Worcestershire in which to put together in lasting form the fine old stories that already in his day were classics Mallory finished his book in 1470 and its permanence for all time was assured 15 years later when Caxton, after the simple cunning that God had sent him to use the quaint forms of expression then common under the favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen imprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King Arthur and of certain of his knights after a copy unto him was delivered which copy Sir Thomas Mallory did take out of certain books of French and reduce it into English this hard-headed businessman, this 15th century publisher was rather doubtful about the Brighton King of a thousand years before his day and to those urging upon him the venture of printing Mallory's book he answered Diverse men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur and that all such books as being made of him being feigned and fables by cause that some chronicles make of him no mention nay remember him nothing, nay of his knights but the arguments of those in favour of the undertaking prevailed greatly to the advantage of the four centuries that have followed during which Le Mort d'Arthur has been a constant source of poetic inspiration generation after generation of readers and of writers have drawn life from its chapters and the new delights in Tennyson's Idols of the King almost of our own time shows that the fountain has not yet been drained dry Mallory's Mort d'Arthur is a long book and its really great interest is partly hidden from us by forms of expression that belong only to the time when it was first written besides this the ideas of what was right and proper in conduct and speech moral standards were far lower in Mallory's day than they are now the purpose of this new little volume is to bring the old tales freshly to the attention of young people of the present time it keeps, as far as may be, the exact language and the spirit of the original chooses such stories as best represent the whole and modifies these only in order to remove what could possibly hide the thought or be so crude in taste and morals as to seem unworthy of the really high-minded author of five hundred years ago it aims also so to condense the book that in this age of hurry readers may not be repelled from the tales merely because of their length chivalry of just King Arthur's kind was given up long ago but that for which it stood, human fellowship in noble purpose is far older than the institution of knighthood more than even the traditions of the energetic, brave, true, helpful King Arthur himself it links us with all the past and all the future the knights of the twentieth century do not set out in chain armour to right the wrongs of the oppressed by force of arms but by the best influences of chivalry have been preserved for the quickening of a broader and a nobler world than was ever in the dreams of the knight errant of old modern heroes of the genuine type owe more than they know to those of Arthur's court who saw to reverence the King as if he were their conscience and their conscience as their King to break the heathen and uphold the Christ to ride abroad redressing human wrongs to speak no slander, no, nor listen to it to honour his own word as if his gods to lead sweet lives in purest chastity to love one maiden only, cleave to her and worship her by years of noble deeds until they won her antiquity produces heroes but not gentlemen, someone has said in the days of Charlemagne and Alfred began the training which continued in the days of Chaucer and Sir Thomas Mallory and many, many more has given to this our age that highest type of manhood the Christian gentleman UWC End of introduction Chapter 1 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by U. Waldo Cutler Chapter 1 of The Birth of King Arthur It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon when he was king of all England that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against him a long time and the duke was named the Duke of Tindigill ten miles away from his castle called Terrible there was in the castle Tindigill a grain of Cornwall that King Uther liked and loved well for she was a good and fair lady and passing wise he made her great cheer out of measure and desired to have her love in return but she would not assent unto him and for pure anger for great love or fair grain King Uther fell sick at that time there lived a powerful magician named Merlin who could appear in any place he chose could change his looks as he liked and at will could do wonderful things to help or to harm knights and ladies so to King Uther came Sir Ulfius a noble knight and said I will seek Merlin I shall do you remedy so that your heart shall be pleased so Ulfius departed and by adventure met Merlin in Beggar's Array and made him promise to be not long behind in riding to Uther's Pavilion soon Merlin stood by the king's side and said I know all your heart and promise ye shall have your desire if you will be sworn to fulfil my wish this the king solemnly agreed to do and then Merlin said after ye shall win Igrane as wife a child shall be born to you that is to be given unto me to be brought up as I will this shall be for your honour and the child's avail that night King Uther met in battle the Duke of Tindigil who had protected Igrane in her castle and overcame him then Igrane welcomed Uther as her true lover for Merlin had given him the appearance of one dear to her and the barons being all well accorded and you were married on a morning with great mirth and joy when the time came that Igrane should bear son Merlin came again unto the king to claim his promise and said I know a lord of yours in this land a passing true man and a faithful named Sir Ector and he shall have the nourishing of your child let the young prince be delivered to me at Yonder Privy Poston when I come for him so the babe Arthur Pendragon bound in a cloth of gold was taken by two knights and two ladies to the post turn gate of the castle and delivered unto Merlin disguised as a poor man and by him was carried forth to Sir Ector whose wife nourished him as her own child then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great melody where for all the barons made great sorrow and asked Merlin what council were best for few of them had ever seen or heard of the young child Arthur on the morning all by Merlin's council came before the king and Merlin said Sir shall your son Arthur be king after your days of this realm with all the appurtenance then Uther Pendragon turned him and said in hearing of them all I give him God's blessing and mine and bid him righteously and honourably to claim the crown upon forfeiture of my blessing therewith he died and he was buried as befitted a king and the queen very grain and all the barons made great sorrow End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by Yu Waldo Cutler Chapter 2 Uther's son, right wise king of all England then stood the kingdom in great jeopardy a long while for every lord strengthened himself and many a one thought to be king rather than be ruled by a child that they had never known all this confusion Merlin had foreseen and he had taken the young prince away to keep himself safe from the jealous barons until he should be old enough to rule wisely for himself even Soector did not know that the boy growing up with his own son Kay was the king's child and heir to the realm when now young Arthur had grown into a tall youth well trained in all the exercises of honourable knighthood Merlin went to the archbishop of Canterbury and counseled him to send to all the lords of the realm and all the gentlemen of arms that they should come to London at Christmas time since God of his great mercy would at that time show by miracle who should be right wise king of the realm the archbishop did as Merlin advised and all the great knights made them clean of their life so that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God and when Christmas came they went unto London each one thinking that perchance his wish to be made king should be granted So in the greatest church of the city whether it was St. Paul's or not the old chronicle maker no mention all were at their prayers long ear day when matins were done and they came out of the church there was seen in the churchyard a great square stone in the midst of which was an anvil of steel a foot high with a fair sword naked at the point sticking through it written in gold about the sword were letters that read thus whoso pulleth out this sword from the stone and anvil is right wise king born of all England all the people marveled at the stone and the inscription and some assayed such as would be king to draw out the sword but none might stir it and the archbishop said he is not here that shall achieve this sword but doubt not God will make him known this now is my council that we cause to be chosen ten nights men of good fame to guard this sword until the rightful possessor shall appear so it was ordained and it was proclaimed that every man should assay that wood to win the sword and upon New Year's Day the barons held jousts and a tournament for all nights that would engage all this was ordained for to keep the lords and the commons together for the archbishop trusted that God would soon make him known that should win the sword so upon New Year's Day the barons rode to the field some to jousts and some to turny and it happened that Sir Ekta rode also and with him Sir Kay his son that had just been made knight and young Arthur that was his foster brother as they rode to the joustward Sir Kay suddenly missed his sword which he had left at his father's lodging and he begged young Arthur to ride and fetch it I will gladly said Arthur and he hastened off home but the lady and all the household were out to see the jousting and he found nobody at home to deliver him the sword then was Arthur troubled and said to himself I will ride to the church yard and take the sword that sticketh in the stone for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day so when he came to the great stone Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the stile he then went straight to the tent of the guards but found no knights there for they were at the jousting so he took the sword by the handles and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the anvil then he mounted his horse and rode his way till he came to his brother Sir Kay and delivered him the sword as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword he knew well it was that one of the stone and so he rode away to his father Sir Ekta and said Sir, lo, here is the sword of the stone wherefore I must be king of this land when Sir Ekta beheld the sword Arthur he returned to the church and entered it and non Sir Ekta made Sir Kay to swear upon a book how he came by that sword and Sir Kay answered that Arthur had brought it to him and how get ye the sword said he to Arthur and when Sir Ekta heard how it had been pulled from the anvil he said to Arthur now I understand ye must be king of this land wherefore I said Arthur and for what cause Sir said Ekta for God will have it so for there should never man have drawn out the sword but he that shall be right wise king now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was and pull it out again that is no mastery said Arthur and so he put it into the stone therewith Sir Ekta assayed to pull out the sword and failed then Sir Kay pulled at it with all his might but it would not yield now shall ye assay again said Sir Ekta to Arthur I will well said Arthur and pulled it out easily a second time now was Sir Ekta sure that Arthur was of higher blood than had been thought and that the rightful king had been made known and he told his foster son all how he was not his father but had taken him to nourish at Merlin's request Arthur was grieved indeed when he understood that Sir Ekta was not his father and that the good lady that had fostered and kept him as her own son was not his true mother and he said to Sir Ekta if ever it be God's will that I be king as ye say ye shall desire of me what I may do and I shall not fail you therewith all they went unto the archbishop and told him how the sword was achieved and by whom and all the barons came thither that whoever would might assay to take the sword but there before them all none might take it out but Arthur now many lords became wroth and said it was great shame unto them all and to the realm to be governed by a boy they contended so at that time that the matter was put off till Candlemas when all the barons should meet there again a pavilion was set over the stone and the sword and the ten knights were ordained to watch their day and night five being always on guard so at Candlemas many more great lords came thither to win the sword but none might prevail except Arthur the barons were so aggrieved at this and again put it off and delayed till the high feast of Easter and as Arthur sped a fall so did he at Easter yet there were some of the great lords that had indignation that Arthur should be their king and put it off in a delay till the feast of Pentecost at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the sword yet none might prevail but Arthur and he pulled it out for all the lords and commons that were there wherefore all the commons cried at once we will have Arthur unto our king we will put him no more in delay for we all see that it is God's will that he shall be our king and who that holdeth against it we will slay as traitor and they kneeled down all at once both rich and poor and begged mercy of Arthur because they had delayed so long and Arthur forgave them and took the sword between both his hands and offered it upon the altar where the archbishop was and so was he made night of the best man that was there the coronation made and there Arthur saw unto his lords and the commons to be a true king to stand for justice all the days of his life then he made all the lords that were subject to the crown to come in and to do service as they ought to do and many great wrongs that had been done since the death of King Uther were righted and to lords, knights ladies and gentlemen were given back the lands of which they had been unjustly deprived when the king had thus established justice in all the countries about London he made Sir K. Seneschal of England and other officers he appointed also that should aid in keeping back his enemies and holding his realm in peace and orderliness End of Chapter 2 Chapter 3 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by U. Waldo Cutler Chapter 3 How Arthur Get His Sword Excalibur On a day they came into the court of the young king, a squire on horseback bringing a knight his master, mortally wounded and seeking justice against the murderer then came up Grifflet that was but a squire, a young man of the age of King Arthur to be given the order of knighthood that he might ride out against the knight that had done the evil deed who dwelt by a well in the forest Arthur was loathed to bring this passing brave youth into peril by giving him so high an adventure but at the desire of Grifflet the king at the last gave him the order of knighthood and he rode away till he came to the fountain There he saw the pavilion of the knight and his horse all saddled and bridled and his shield diverse colours and a great spear hanging on a tree hard by Grifflet struck the shield with the butt of his spear so that it fell clattering down to the ground with that the knight came out of the pavilion and said, Fair knight why smote you down my shield for I will just with you said Grifflet it is better you do not said the knight for ye are but a young and late made knight and your might is nothing to mine but Grifflet would have it so and the two ran together with such force that Grifflet's spear was all shattered and horse and rider fell down so wounded when the knight saw the youth lying on the ground he was heavy of heart and he unlaced his helm to give him air and finally setting him on his horse sent him with cheering words back to the court here great dull was made for him because of his wounds and Arthur was passing Roth for the hurt of so Grifflet the next morning ear day the king ordered his best horse and in full armour rode out alone to encounter the knight of the fountain it was a strong battle they had Arthur's spear was all shattered and his horse fell to the ground then they fought with swords with many great strokes and much bloodshed on both sides finally by a mighty blow from his enemy a passing big man of might Arthur's sword was smitten in two pieces and he was called upon to yield himself as overcome and recurrent or die as for death said King Arthur welcome be it when it cometh but to yield me unto thee as recurrent I had rather die than to be so shamed therewith all came Merlin and made known who Arthur was then by enchantment he caused the knight to fall into a deep sleep and bore Arthur away to a hermit to be cured of his wounds when after three days of rest and healing he was riding with Merlin through the forest King Arthur said I have no sword no matter said Merlin there is one nearby that I can perhaps get for you so they rode on till it chanced that they passed a fair and broad lake in the midst of the water Arthur became aware of an arm clothed in white semi-t holding aloft a beautiful sword lo there is the sword of which I speak said Merlin and Yonder is the lady of the lake ready to help you to it if ye speak fair to her a nun came the damsel unto Arthur and saluted him and he her again damsel said Arthur what sword is it that the arm holdeth above the water Yonder I would it were mine for I have no sword Sir Arthur King said the damsel and if ye will give me a gift when I ask it you go ye into Yonder Barge and row yourself to the sword and take it and the scabbard with you so Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to a tree and then they went into the magic boat soon they were beside the sword that the hand held up Arthur took it by the handle the arm and the hand went down beneath the water and the two travellers rode back to the land and went forth as they rode along Arthur looked on the sword which had the name Excalibur that is as much as to say cut steel and he liked it passing well for the handle was all set with precious stones which like you better said Merlin the sword or the scabbard the sword replied Arthur ye are unwise said Merlin the scabbard is worth ten of the sword for while you have the scabbard upon you there is no blood therefore keep well the scabbard always with you in this way Arthur came by Excalibur and many an adventure he was to have with it and was to suffer great danger when by evil interference it was as we shall see for a time stolen from him with it in hand the hardest fight went well in the end for the scabbard kept him from weakness and a mysterious power lay in the strong true blade that none could withstand until the time came for King Arthur to give back the sword to the lady of the lake and to die of the wounds of a traitor so King Arthur and Merlin rode on and when they came back safe to Carlyon and the court the knights were passing glad some wondered that the king would risk himself abroad so alone but all men of Valor said it was merry to be under such a chief that would put his person in adventure as other poor knights did End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by Yu Waldo Cutler Chapter 4 Balan and Balan On a day there came a messenger to King Arthur saying that King Rion's of north Wales a strong man in body and passing proud had discomforted and overcome eleven kings and each of these to do him homage had cut his beard clean off as trimming for King Rion's royal mantle One place of the mantle still lacked trimming wherefore he sent for Arthur's beard and if he did not receive it he would enter England to burn and slay and never would he leave till he had Arthur head and all Well said Arthur to the messenger thou hast said thy message the most insolent ever sent unto a king thou seized my beard as full young yet to make a trimming of it tell thou thy king I owe him no homage but ere long he shall do me homage on both his knees so the messenger departed Among those who at Arthur's call gathered at Camelot to withstand King Rion's invasion of the land was a night that had been Arthur's prisoner half a year and more for some wrong done to one of the court The name of this night was Balan a strong courageous man but poor and so poorly clothed that he was thought to be of no honour but worthiness and good deeds are not all only in arraignment manhood and honour is hid within man's person and many an honourable night is not known unto all people through his clothing This Balan felt deeply the insult of King Rion's and a non-armed himself to ride forth to meet with him and may have to destroy him in the hope that then King Arthur would again be his good and gracious lord The meanwhile that this night was making ready to depart on this adventure they came to Arthur's court the lady of the lake and she now asked of him the gift that he promised her when she gave him his sword Excalibur Ask what ye will said the king and ye shall have it if it lie in my power to give Thereupon she demanded Balan's head and would take none other thing Truly said King Arthur I may not grant this with my honour and Balan was allowed to make ready for the adventure with King Rion's but ere he had left the court he saw the lady of the lake he went straight to her with his sword lightly smote off her head before King Arthur for he knew her as the untruest lady living one that by enchantment and sorcery had been the destroyer of many good nights Alas for shame said Arthur Why have you done so? ye have shamed me at all my court for this was a lady that I was beholden to and hitherto she came under my safe conduct I shall never forgive you that trespass what cause soever ye had ye should have spared her in my presence therefore withdraw you out of my court in all haste that ye may So Balan, called Balan the Wild for his savage and reckless nature departed with his squire and King Arthur and all the court made great mourning and had shame at the death of the lady of the lake then the king buried her richly In sorrow over the evil he had wrought and the disfavor of his king Balan turned his horse towards a great forest and there by the armor he was where of his brother Balan and when they were met they put off their helms and kissed together and wept for joy Anon the night Balan told his brother of the death of the lady of the lake and said Truly I am right heavy of heart that my lord Arthur is displeased with me for he is the most honorable knight that reigneth on earth and his love I will get or else I will put my life in adventure with King Rion's that life now at the castle terrible thither will we ride together in all haste to prove our honor and prowess upon him I will gladly do that said Balan we will help each other as brothers ought to do so they took their way to find King Rion's and as they rode along together they encountered him in a straight way three score knights Anon Balan and Balan smote him down from his horse and slew on the right hand and the left hand more than forty of his men the remnant fled and King Rion's yielded him unto their grace as prisoner so they laid him on a horse-litter for he was fiercely wounded and brought him to Camelot there they delivered him to the porters and charged them with him and then they too returned to further adventure and Balan rode towards the castle of King Pelham to revenge the wrongs of knights and ladies on a treacherous night named Garland he had fifteen days journey thither and the day he came unto the castle they began a great feast Balan was well received and led to a chamber where he laid off his armor they also brought him robes to his pleasure and would have had him leave his sword behind him Ney said Balan that do I not for it is the custom of my country for a knight always to have his weapon with him and that custom will I keep or else I will depart as I came then they gave him leave to wear his sword and so he went unto the hall and was set among the knights of honor soon he saw the false knight Garland and thought to himself if I slay him here shall not escape and if I leave him now I will meet with him again at such a good time and much harm will he do if he live then this Garland aspired that Balan watched him and he came and smoked Balan on the face and said, Knight why watchest thou me so eat thy meat and do that thou camest for then Balan said I will do that I came for and rose up fiercely and clove his head to the shoulders anon all the knights arose from the table to set on Balan and King Pelham himself caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly at Balan but Balan put his sword betwixt his head and the stroke with that his sword was broken in Sunder and he, now weaponless ran into the chamber to seek some weapon and so from chamber to chamber but no weapon could he find and all the way King Pelham came after him at last Balan entered into a chamber that was marvelously well furnished and richly wherein was a bed arrayed with cloth of gold the richest that might be thought and thereby a table of clean gold and upon the table a marvellous spear strangely wrought and when Balan saw that spear he took it in his hand and turned to King Pelham and smote him passing hard with it so that he fell down in a swoon therewith the castle roof and walls break and fell to the earth and also so that he might not stir foot nor hand pull through that dolerous stroke the most part of the castle that was fallen down lay upon him and Pelham after three days Merlin came thither and he took up Balan and get him a good horse for his was dead and bade him ride out of the country Merlin also told him that his stroke had turned to great dole trouble and grief for the marvellous spear was the same dangerous the roman soldier smote our lord Jesus Christ to the heart at the crucifixion then departed Balan for Merlin never to meet him again and rode forth through the fair countries and cities about Pelham castle and found people dead slain on every side and all that were left alive cried oh Balan thou hast caused great damage in these countries for by the dolerous stroke thou gaveest unto King Pelham and all the other countries I destroyed and doubt not but the vengeance will fall on thee at the last when Balan was out of those countries he was passing glad and after many days he came by a cross whereon were letters of gold written that said it is not for any knight alone to ride towards this castle then saw he an old horny gentleman coming towards him that said Balan the wild thou passest thy bounds away therefore turn again and it will avail thee the old gentleman vanished away and then Balan heard a horn blow as if for the death of a beast in the chase that blast said he is blown for me for I am the prize yet am I not dead and on he saw a hundred ladies and many knights that welcomed him with fair semblance and made him pass in good cheer seemingly and led him into the castle where there were dancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy then the chief lady of the castle said knight you must have a do with a knight close by that keepeth an island for there may no man pass this way but he must joust here he go father that is an unhappy custom said Balan that a knight may not pass this way unless he joust but since that is my duty there too am I ready travelling men are oft weary and their horses also but though my horse be weary my heart is not weary sir said the knight then to Balan me thinketh your shield is not good I will lend you a better so Balan took the shield that was unknown and left his own and rode unto the island he put himself and his horse in a great boat and when he came on the other side she said oh knight Balan why hast thou left thine own shield alas thou hast put thyself in great danger for by thine own shield thou shouldst have been known it is a great pity for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no equal living me repenteth said Balan that ever I came within this country but I may not turn now again for shame and what adventure shall fall to me life or death I will take the adventure that shall come to me then he looked on his armour and understood he was well armed for which he was thankful and so he mounted upon his horse then before him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight in red armour and his horse was all trapped in the same colour when this knight in red beheld Balan he thought he was like his brother but because he knew not his shield he was not he and so they couched their spheres and came marvelously fast together and they smote each other in the shields but their spheres were so heavy and their course so swift that horse and man were born down and both knights lay in a swoon Balan was bruised sore with the fall of his horse for he was weary with travel and Balan, for the knight in red was none other was the first that rose to his feet he drew his sword and went towards Balan who arose and went against him but Balan smote Balan first striking through his shield and cleaving his helm then Balan smote him in return with that unhappy sword that had already wrought so great harm and the blow well knife felled his brother Balan so they fought there together till their breaths failed then Balan looked up to the castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies so they went to battle again and wounded each other dolefully then they breathed off-times and yet again went on to battle until all the place there was blood red from the great runes that either had smitten other and their horborgs became unriveted so that naked they were on every side at last Balan, the younger brother withdrew a little and laid himself down then said Balan the wild what knight art thou for ere now I found never a knight that matched me my name is said he Balan, brother to the good knight Balan alas said Balan that ever I should see this day thereupon he fell backward in a swoon then Balan crept on all force to his brother and put off to his helm but he might not know him his visage was so disguised by blood and wounds but when Balan awoke he said oh Balan, my brother thou hast slain me and I thee wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both alas said Balan that ever I saw this day that through mishap I might not know thee because thou hast another shield I deem thou art another knight alas said Balan all this was caused by an unhappy knight in the castle that made me leave my own shield and the destruction of us both then anon Balan died and at midnight after Balan so both were buried together and the lady of the castle had Balan's name written on the tomb and how he was there slain by his brother's hand but she knew not Balan's name in the morn came Merlin and wrote Balan's inscription also in letters of gold here lies Balan the Wild that smote the Dolores stroke soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the Dolores stroke that Balan gave King Pelham and how Balan and Balan fought together the most marvellous battle that ever was heard of and how they buried both in one tomb alas said King Arthur this is the greatest pity that ever I heard tell of two knights for in the world I know not such two knights thus ended the tale of Balan and Balan two brethren born in Northumberland good knights both end of chapter 4 chapter 5 of stories of King Arthur and his knights this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Joy Chan stories of King Arthur and his knights by Hugh Waldo Cutler chapter 5 the noble order of the Round Table Arthur was indeed King but enemies long held out against his just authority when he went into Wales to be crowned at the city of Carlyon he let cry a great feast to be holding at Pentecost unto this feast came the six kings of that region with many of their knights and Arthur thought it was to do him honour and he said he thought it was to do him honour but when he made joy of their coming and sent them great presence the kings would none receive and said they had no joy to receive gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low birth they sent him word that they would come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders but it was a great shame to all of them to see such a boy have rule of so noble a realm as this land was this answer was told King Arthur who now but took himself to a strong tower and five hundred good men with him here the six kings laid siege to him but he was well victoried and soon Merlin came and bade him fear not but speak boldly to his enemies four said he he shall overcome them all whether they will or nil so the king armed himself and all his knights and came out to do battle with his enemies and so good men of the best that were with the kings went straight over to King Arthur which comforted him greatly so he set upon the hosts of the six kings and he and his men did marvellous deeds of arms therewith he put them back and then the commons of Carlyon arose with clubs and staves and slew many of the enemy and so they fled away since the enemy were still passing strong Merlin counseled King Arthur and letters well devised beyond the sea to the two brethren marvellous good men of their hands named one King Ban of Benwick and the other King Bores of Gaul and to say to them that if they would come and help King Arthur in his wars he in turn would be sworn unto them to help them in their wars against King Claudus a mighty man that strove with them for a castle so they were made letters in the pleasantest wise to King Arthur's desire and Ulfius and Brustius the messengers rode forth well hoarse and well armed and so passed the sea and came to the city of Benwick here they had good cheers long as they tarried and received the answer that King Ban and King Bores would come into King Arthur in all the haste they might now those six kings in Wales had by their means gotten unto them five other kings although they would not leave each other till they had destroyed Arthur so their whole host drew towards Arthur now strengthened by Ban and Bores with their followers that had crossed from Gaul to his aid then followed a great battle and they did on both sides great deeds of arms until at the last Merlin counciled Arthur to fight no longer since the eleven kings had more on hand than they were aware of and would soon depart home and tell them that lawless people as well as Saracens forty thousand in number had entered their lands and were burning and slaying without mercy so the great battle was ended and the eleven kings went to their own country now King Arthur, King Ban and King Bores came with their following into the country of Chameleod and there aided King Lyodagrantz against an enemy of that land King Lyodagrantz thanked them for their goodness and made them great cheer ere King Ban and King Bores departed back towards Benwick in Chameleod Arthur had the first sight of Grenovert the king's daughter and ever afterwards he loved her so when peace was once more in his land King Arthur asked council of Merlin about seeking her as his wife for to him she was the most valiant and fairest lady living or to be found Sir said Merlin as for her beauty she is one of the fairest alive but if he loved her not so well as you do I could choose better for you yet when a man's heart is set he will be loathed to change so Merlin was sent forth to King Lyodagrantz and he told him of King Arthur's desire King Lyodagrantz was glad that so worthy a king of prowess and nobleness would wed his daughter and promised him as wedding gift not lands for he had enough and needed none but what would please him much more the table round which Uther Pendragon had given to the king of Chameleod a table made by Merlin at which a hundred and fifty knights might be seated so Grenovert attended by Merlin and a hundred good knights all King Lyodagrantz could spare so many had been slain in his wars with the round table rode with great pomp by water and by land to London there King Arthur made great joy of their coming for he had long loved Grenovert also the gift pleased him more than right great riches and the marriage and the coronation were ordained with all speed in the most honourable wise that could be devised Merlin was sent to spy out in all the land fifty knights of most prowess and honour who should make up the full number for the round table only twenty-eight could he find worthy enough and these Merlin fetched to Arthur's court and Merlin made seizures seats and hundred and fifty in all for the knights and he placed in every knight's siege his name in letters of gold on that same day King Arthur founded the great order of the round table the fame of which was to last for all time and hundred and twenty-eight were then sawn as knights of the table round and every year at the high feast of Pentecost was added as they showed themselves worthy only one siege was long empty the siege perilous for no man should sit therein but one and if any one of unworthy life was so hardiest to sit therein he should be destroyed with great ceremony each one took the vows of true knighthood solemnly promising to do no wicked deed to be loyal to the king to give mercy to those asking it always to be courteous and helpful to ladies and to fight in no wrongful quarrel for worldly gain upon pain of death or forfeiture of knighthood and King Arthur's favour unto this were all the knights of the round table sawn both old and young to dishonour knighthood was the greatest disgrace to prove themselves worthy of knightly honour by strong brave, courteous, loyal bearing under great difficulties was the highest end of living so King Arthur established all his knights and to them that were not rich he gave lands and they rode abroad to right the wrongs of men and to give help to the oppressed with their aid he secured order and justice throughout his realm and then the weakest man might do his work in peace and prosper End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by U. Waldo Cutler Chapter 6 The Lady's Knight The King was wedded under Dame Guinevere at Camelot with great solemnity Just as all were sitting at the high feast that followed the marriage they came running into the hall a white heart followed by a whole pack of hounds with a great cry and the heart went about the table round At a fierce bite from one of the dogs the heart made a great leap and overthrew a night that sat at the table and so passed forth out of the hall again with all the dogs after him When they were gone the King was glad for they made such a noise but Merlin said he may not leave this adventure so lightly let call Sir Gawain for he must bring again the white heart I will, said the King that all be done by your advice So Sir Gawain was called and he took his charge and armed himself for the adventure Sir Gawain was one of King Arthur's nephews and had just been made a knight for he had asked of the King the gift of knighthood on the same day that he should wed So Sir Gawain rode quickly forth and Gawain his brother rode with him instead of a squire to do him service As they followed the heart by the cry of the hounds they came to a great river the heart swam over and they followed after and so at length they chased him into a castle where in the chief courtyard the dogs slew the heart before Sir Gawain and young Gawain came up so they came a night out of a room with a sword drawn in his hand and he slew two of the greyhounds even in the sight of Sir Gawain and the remnant he chased with a sword out of the castle when he came back he said own my heart me repenteth that thou art dead for my sovereign lady gave thee to me and poorly have I kept thee thy death shall be dear bought if I live Anon he came fiercely towards Sir Gawain and they struck mightily together they clothed their shields and broke their helms and hoboaks so that the blood ran down to their feet at the last Sir Gawain smote the night so hard that he fell to the earth and then he cried for mercy and yielded himself and besought Sir Gawain as he was a knight and gentleman to save his life thou shalt die said Sir Gawain for slaying of my hounds I will make amends said the knight unto my power Sir Gawain would no mercy have but unlaced his helm to strike off his head when at that instant came his lady out of the chamber she fell upon her husband just as the blow descended and so Sir Gawain smote off her head by misadventure and the night was saved Alas! said Gaharis that is foul and shamefully done that shame shall never depart from you you should give mercy unto them that ask mercy for a knight without mercy is without honour Sir Gawain was so astonished at the death of the fair lady that he knew not what he did and he said unto the knight arise I will give thee mercy and go thou unto King Arthur and tell him how thou art overcome by the night that went in the quest of the white heart I care not for mercy now said the knight for thou hast slain my lady that I loved best of all earthly things it matters not whether I live or die then Sir Gawain went into the castle and made ready to rest there all night what will ye do said Gaharis will ye unarm you in this country ye may believe you have many enemies here he had no sooner said that word than they came four nights well armed and anon they made Sir Gawain and Sir Gaharis yield themselves as prisoners in spite of the brave battle wherein Sir Gawain was so wounded in the arm early on the morrow they came to Sir Gawain in the prison one of the ladies of the castle and said Sir Knight what cheer not good said he it is your own fault said the lady for ye have done a passing foul deed for the king of the lady which will be great disgrace unto you be ye not of King Arthur's kin yes truly said Sir Gawain my name is Gawain and my mother is King Arthur's sister ah then I ye nephew unto King Arthur said the lady and I shall so speak for you that ye shall have conduct to King Arthur for love of him then anon they delivered Sir Gawain that he should bear the dead lady to the court the severed head hanging about his neck right so he rode forth unto Camelot and Merlin made him tell of his adventure and how he slew the lady and how he would give no mercy unto the night whereby the lady was slain then the king and the queen were greatly displeased with Sir Gawain and by ordinance of the queen they were set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawain and they ordered him for ever while he lived to be with all ladies and to fight for their quarrels and that ever he should be courteous and never refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy thus was Gawain sworn upon the four evangelists that he should never be against lady nor gentlewoman except if he fought for a lady and his adversary fought for another thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawain that he did at the marriage of King Arthur End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by Yu Waldo Cutler Chapter 7 Wise Merlin's Foolishness Arthur was now established as king over all the land the great council hall at Camelot that his Winchester had been built some say by Merlin's skill and the most loyal and the bravest knights of the world had been gathered at Arthur's court to do honour to him and his fair Queen Grenever Merlin was Arthur's wisest helper and most powerful friend as he had before been the helper and friend of his father Uther whom he had made the round table signifying the roundness of the world we have seen how he hid the young Arthur away from the jealousy of the wild barons and how, by his power over men and his knowledge of what would be he had saved the king's life and guided his wise rule the old magician Blaise that dwelt in Nylthumberland was Merlin's master and he it was that wrote down all the battles of Arthur with his enemies word by word as Merlin told him and all the battles that were done in Arthur's days until Merlin was lost as we shall see through his own foolishness on a time Merlin told King Arthur that he should not endure long but for all his crafts he should be put in the earth alive also he told many things that should befall and how the king would miss him so that rather than all his lands he would wish to have him again ah said King Arthur since you know of this provide against it and put away by your crafts that misadventure nay said Merlin it cannot be done for Merlin now grown an old man in his dotage had fallen under the spell of a damsel of the court named Nimue with her he soon departed from the king and evermore went with her where so ever she went of times he wished to break away from her but he was so held that he could not be out of her presence ever she made him good cheer till she had learned from him all she desired of his secret craft and had made him swear that he would never do any enchantment upon her they went together over the sea and to the land of Benwick where Ban was king that had helped Arthur against his enemies here Merlin saw young Lancelot King Ban's son and he told the queen that this same child was a man of great honour so that all Christendom should speak of his prowess so the queen was comforted of her great sorrow that she made for the mortal war that King Claudus waged on her lord and on her lands then afterwards Nimue and Merlin departed into Cornwall and by the way he showed her many wonders and reared her with his desire for her love she would feign have been delivered of him for she was afraid of him almost believing him a devil's son and yet she could not put him away by any means and so on a time it happened that Merlin showed to her a wonderful cavern in the cliff closed by an enchanted stone by her subtle working she soon made Merlin remove the stone and go into the cavern to let her know of the marvels there then she so wrought through the magic he had taught her that the stone was placed back again so that he never came out for all the craft that he could do and then she departed and left him there on a day a certain night rode to see adventures and happened to come to the rock where Nimue had put Merlin and there he heard him make great lamentation the knight would gladly have helped him and tried to move the great stone but it was so heavy that a hundred men might not lift it up when Merlin knew that the knight sought his deliverance he bade him leave his labour for all was in vain he could never be helped but by her that put him there so Merlin's prophecy of his own end was fulfilled and he passed from the world of men Arthur truly missed his old friend and marveled what had become of him afterwards when the last great battle came he would have given everything to have Merlin with him again but it could not be End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8 of stories of King Arthur and his knights this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and his knights by Yu Waldo Cutler Chapter 8 A Staghunt and What Came of It It befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode on hunting into a deep forest and King Arthur King Uriens of Gaul that was the husband of Arthur's sister Morgan Lafay and Sir Aquilon of Gaul followed a great heart so fast that within a while they were ten miles from their fellowship at the last they chased so sore that they slew their horses underneath them then were they all three on foot and ever they saw the heart of four them passing weary and hard bestowed let us go on foot said King Uriens to meet with some lodging then were they way of the heart that lay on a great water bank and a dog biting on his throat and more other hounds came after King Arthur now blew the prize and died the heart but the three knights were in sore straits so far from home and without horses and they began to look about the world then Arthur saw for him in a great lake and little ship all apperelled with silk down to the water coming right under them and it landed on the sands they went on board all three to see what was in the ship soon it was dark night and there suddenly were about them and hundred torches set upon all the sides of the ship boards and it gave great light there with all they came out twelve fair damsels and they set forth for the night a supper of all meats that they could think then they showed them richly besieged chambers for the night and three huntsmen slept marvellously but when they awoke next morning everything had been changed through the sorcery of Morgan Le Fay that were secretly plotting against her brother to destroy him King Oorian's awoke in his own bed in Camelot and Arthur found himself in a dark prison with many woeful knights complaining about him and they soon told him for what cause they were there the lord of the castle where they were prisoners was the falsest night alive a treacherous cowardly man named Sir Dumas he had a younger brother, Sir Ontlake a good night of prowess well beloved of all people from whom he was keeping back unjustly a full fair manner great war had been betwixt these brothers Ontlake was a far better fighter than the cowardly Dumas and yet he could not bring the elder to give over the younger brother's inheritance he offered to fight for it and wished Sir Dumas to find a night to fight in his stead if he himself did not engage but Sir Dumas was so hated that there was never one would fight for him though he had by force taken all the nights of that whole region and brought them to his prison for to make them willing to take up his cause many had died there and the twenty that were yet alive were lean and spent with hunger but no one of them would stand against Sir Ontlake Anon there came a damsel on to Arthur and asked him what cheer I cannot say said he Sir said she if you will fight for my lord you shall be delivered out of prison and else you escape never with life now said Arthur that is hard yet had I left her to fight with a knight there to die in prison and so it was agreed that he should do the battle on this covenant that he should be delivered and all the prisoners with that all the twenty nights were brought out of the dark prison into the hall and set free but they all abode to see the battle now we turn on to Aquilon of Gaul that was with King Arthur and King Uren's on the stag hunt and that fell asleep on the magic ship when he awoke he found himself beside a deep well within half a foot of its edge in great peril of death heaven save my lord king Arthur and king Uren's said he for these damsels in the ship have betrayed us they were devils and no women and if I may escape this misadventure I shall destroy all false damsels that use enchantments wherever I may find them right then they came adorbed with a great mouth and a flat nose and saluted to Aquilon and said he came from Queen Morgan Lafay she greeted you well said he and bideth you be of strong heart for you shall fight to mourn with the night at the hour of prime and therefore she had sent you here Excalibur, Arthur's sword and the Scabbard and she bideth you as you love her that you do the battle to the uttermost without any mercy like as you promised her when you spake together in private he believed he fully understood the message and he said he should keep his promise now that he had the sword just then a knight who was no other than Sir Ontslake himself with a lady and six squires came up on horseback saluted to Aquilon and begged him to come and rest himself at his manor Sir Aquilon mounted upon a spare horse and rode to the manor where he had passing good cheer meantime Sir Damus sent to his brother Sir Ontslake and bade him make ready to fight the next day with a good night who had agreed to do battle for the disputed heritage and it happened through Morgan Lafay's trickery that Aquilon was lodged with Sir Ontslake at the very time when this message came now Sir Ontslake was so troubled at the message for he had been wounded in both thighs by a spear a short time before and was suffering much still wounded as he was taking the battle in hand had not Sir Aquilon offered to fight in his stead because Morgan Lafay had sent Excalibur in the sheath for the battle with the knight on the morrow then Sir Ontslake was passing glad and sent word unto his brother Sir Damus that he had a knight who would be ready in the field by tomorrow at the hour of prime so it was arranged that Sir Arthur and Sir Aquilon, unknown to one another were to fight over the quarrel of the two brothers preparations were made accordingly and all the knights and commons of the country were there to see the encounter just as Arthur was ready upon horseback they came and damsel for Morgan Lafay bringing unto him a sword like unto Excalibur and the Scabbard and said Morgan Lafay, sendeth you here your sword for great love he thanked her not knowing that the sword and Scabbard were counterfeit and brittle and false they went eagerly to the battle and gave many great strokes Sir Aquilon had all advantage on his side for he had the real Excalibur Morgan Lafay having so ordained that King Arthur should have been slain that day King Arthur's sword never bit like Sir Aquilon's and almost every stroke Sir Aquilon gave wounded saw so that it was a marvel that Arthur stood almost from the first it seemed to him that the sword in Aquilon's hand must be Excalibur but he was so full of knighthood that nightly he endured the pain of the many wounds and held out as well as he might until his sword break at the cross and fell in the grass among the blood now he expected to die but he held up his shield and lost no ground nor baited any cheer all men that beheld him said they never saw knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the blood that he bled and they were sorry for him but Aquilon was so bold because he had never seen but Aquilon was so bold because of Excalibur that he grew passing hardy and called upon Arthur to yield himself as Recreant Ne said to Arthur I may not so for I have promised to do the battle to the uttermost by the faith of my body while my life lasted and therefore I had rather die with honour than live with shame and if it were possible for me to die a hundred times I had rather die so oft than yield myself to thee for though I lack weapon I shall lack no honour and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame but Aquilon cared not for shame and would not spare he gave Arthur such a stroke that he fell nigh to the earth yet he pressed upon Aquilon with his shield and with the pommel of his sword in his hand gave such a blow that Aquilon fell back a little now at chance that one of the damsels of the court she that had put Merlin under the stone had come into the field for love of King Arthur for she knew how Morgan Le Fay had determined that Arthur should be slain therefore she came to save his life she saw how full of prowess Arthur was and grieved that so good a knight should be slain through false treason so when Aquilon gave another blow the sword Excalibur fell out of his hand to the earth Arthur lightly leapt to it and got it in his hand and forthwith knew that it was his own Excalibur then he saw the scabbard hanging by Aquilon's side and a non pulling it from him he threw it off as far as he might throw it therewith Sir Arthur rushed upon Aquilon with all his might and pulled him to the earth he then snatched off his helmet for the final blow and the fierce battle was at an end slay me ye may well Aquilon if it please you for ye are the best knight that ever I found and I see well that God is with you but now Sir Arthur thought he must have seen this knight and asked of what country art thou and of what court and when Sir Aquilon told him his name then he remembered him of his sister Morgan Le Fay and of the enchantment of the ship he made Aquilon tell how he came by the sword and of his sister and of Aquilon to have the king slain and herself made queen for the first time Arthur now let Aquilon know against whom he had been fighting the fallen knight cried aloud for mercy when he learned that he had nearly slain the king and said to all the knights and men that were then there gathered together oh lords this noble knight that I have fought with all the best man of prowess of manhood and of honour in the world for it is King Arthur himself the liege lord of us all and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this battle with the king and lord in whose power I am then all the people fell down on their knees and called upon King Arthur for mercy which he forthwith granted the king was sorely hurt and Aquilon's wounds were even worse Arthur made haste to settle the quarrel of the brothers Ser Damus and Ser Oneslake by giving the latter his rights and charging Ser Damus upon pain of death never to distress knights erred that ride on their adventures and then was carried off to a nearby Abbey and Ser Aquilon with him to have their wounds searched within four days Ser Aquilon died from loss of blood during the fight but King Arthur was well recovered when Aquilon was dead the king let sent him on a horse-peer with six knights under Camelot and said bear him to my sister Morgan Lafay and say that I sent him to her as a present and tell her that I have my sword Excalibur again and the Scabbard so they departed with the body End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9 of stories of King Arthur and his knights this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and his knights by Yu Waldo Kirtler Chapter 9 The Treachery of Morgan Lafay The meanwhile Morgan Lafay thought that King Arthur was slain and that she might now be queen of the land with Ser Aquilon as king then came tidings under her that Aquilon was dead and King Arthur had his sword again When Queen Morgan whisked all this she was so sorrowful that near her heart break but because she would not it were known outward she kept her countenance and made no semblance of sorrow but while she whisked if she remained till her brother Arthur came thither there should no gold go for her life then she went under Queen Grenovert and asked her leave to ride into the country You may abide, said Queen Grenovert till your brother the king come home I may not, said Morgan Lafay for I have such hasty tidings that I may not tarry Well, said Grenovert you may depart when you will So early on the morning it was day she took her horse and rode all that day in most part of the night but on the morning by noon she came to the Abbey of Nuns where lay King Arthur Knowing he was there she asked where he was at that time and they answered how he had laid him in his bed to sleep for he had had but little rest these three nights Then she alighted off her horse and thought for to steal away Excalibur his sword so she went straight unto his chamber and no man dost disobey her commandment there she found Arthur asleep in his bed and Excalibur in his right hand naked When she saw that she was passing heavy that she might not come by the sword without awaking him and that she wist well would be her death Then she took the scabbard and went her way on horseback When the king awoke and missed his scabbard he was wroth and he asked who had been there they said his sister Queen Morgan had been there and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone Alas! said Arthur falsely have you watched me Sir! said they all we dost not disobey your sister's commandment Ah! said King Arthur let fetch the best horse that may be found and bid Sir Oneslake arm him in all haste and take another good horse and ride with me So anon the king and Oneslake were well armed and rode after this lady and so they came by a cross Master Cowherd if there came any lady late riding that way Sir! said the poor man right late came a lady riding with forty horses and to yonder forest she rode Then they spurred their horses and followed fast Within a while Arthur had a sight of Morgan Le Fay and he chased as fast as he might When she aspired him following her she rode a greater pace through the forest till she came to a plane She saw she might not escape wherefore she rode into a lake thereby and said Whatsoever be cometh of me my brother shall not have this scabbard and then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water where it sank anon for it was heavy of gold and precious stones Thereupon Queen Morgan rode into a valley where many great stones were and when she saw that she must be overtaken she shaped herself horse and man by enchantment and to great marble stones Anon came Sir Arthur and Sir Oneslake but they might not know the lady from her men nor one night from another Ah! said King Arthur here may ye see the vengeance of God and now I am sorry that this misadventure is befallen and then he looked for the scabbard but it could not be found so he returned to the abbey where he came from When Arthur was gone Queen Morgan turned all into the likeness as she and they were before and said Sirs, now may we go where we will So she departed into the country of Gore and there was she richly received and made her castles and towns passing strong for always she feared much King Arthur When the king had well rested him at the abbey he rode into Camelot and found his queen and his barons right glad of his coming and when they heard of his strange adventures as is afore rehearsed they all had marvel of the falsehood of Morgan Lafay and many nights wished her burned because of her wicked enchantments Well! said the king I shall so be avenged on her if I live that all Christendom shall speak of it On the morn they came a damsel for Morgan to the king and she wrought with her the richest mantle that ever was seen in that court for it was set as full of precious stones as one might stand by another and there were the richest stones that ever the king saw and the damsel said Your sister sendeth you this mantle and desireeth that ye should take this gift of her and in what things she hath offended you she will amend it at your own pleasure When the king beheld this mantle it pleased him much but he said little With that came one of the damsels of the lake unto the king and said Sir, I must speak with you in private Say on, said the king, what ye will Sir, said the damsel Put not on you this mantle till you have seen more and in no wise let it come on you or any night of yours till ye command the bringer thereof to put it upon her Well! said king Arthur it shall be done as ye counsel me and then he said unto the damsel that came from his sister Damsel, this mantle that ye have brought me I will see upon you Sir! said she it will not beseem me to wear king's garment By my head, said Arthur ye shall wear it ere it come on my back or any mans that here is and so the king made it to be put upon her and forthwithall she fell down dead and nevermore spake word after but burned to coals Then was the king wonderfully wroth more than he was beforehand and said unto King Ureens My sister, your wife is always about to betray me and well I what either ye or your son Sir Uain is of counsel with her to have me destroyed But as for you said the king to King Ureens I deem not greatly that ye be of her counsel for she plotted with achalon to destroy you as well as me Therefore I hold you excused But as for your son Sir Uain I hold him suspected and therefore I charge you put him out of my court So Sir Uain was discharged and when Sir Gawain wished that he made himself ready to go with his cousin So they too departed and rode into a great forest and came to an abbey of monks where they were well lodged But when the king wished that Sir Gawain was departed from the court there was made great sorrow among all the estates Now said Gawain's brother we have lost two good nights for the sake of one Please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by Hugh Waldo Cutler Chapter 10 Salantlot of the Lake When King Arthur after long wars rested and held a royal feast with his allies and noble knights of the Round Table they came into his hall he sitting on his throne royal twelve ambassadors from Rome and said to him The high and mighty Emperor Lucius sendeth to the king of Britain greeting commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord and to send the tribute due from this realm unto the empire according to the statutes and decrees made by the noble and worthy Julius Caesar conqueror of this realm and first emperor of Rome and if thou refuse his demand and commandment know thou for certain that he shall make strong war against thee in realms and lands and shall chastise thee and thy subjects so that it shall be warning perpetual unto all kings and princes not to deny their tribute unto the noble empire which dominated the universal world Some of the young knights hearing this message would have run on the ambassadors to slay them saying that it was a rebuke unto all the knights there present to suffer them to say so to the king but King Arthur commanded that none should do them any harm and a nom let call all his lords and knights of the round table to counsel upon the matter and all agreed to make sharp war the Romans and to aid after their power so the messengers were allowed to depart and they took ship at Sandwich and passed forth by Flanders, Al-Main the mountains and all Italy until they came unto Rome there they said to Lucius certainly he is a lord to be feared for his estate is the royalest that ever we saw and in his person he is the most manly man that liveth and is likely to conquer all the world for unto his courage it is too little wherefore we advise you to keep well your marches and straits in the mountains Then Lucius made ready a great host and marched into Gaul and Arthur met him there with his army The old chronicles tell of the great battles that were fought and the brave deeds of knights and lords how Arthur himself with Excalibur cleft the head of Lucius and at length passed over the mountains into Lombardy and Tuscany and so came into Rome On a day appointed as the romance teleth he was crowned emperor by the Pope's hand with all the royalty that could be made After he had established all his lands from Rome unto France and had given lands and realms unto his servants and knights to each after his desert and such wise that none complained rich nor poor all his lords and all the great men of estate assembled before him and said Blessed be God your war is finished and your conquest achieved in so much that we know none so great nor mighty that dare make war against you wherefore we beseech you to return homeward and give us license to go home to our wives from whom we have been long and to rest us for your journey is finished with honour So they all came over the sea and landed at Sandwich where Queen Grenever came and met the king and he was nobly received of all the commons in every city and borough and great gifts were presented to him at his homecoming to welcome him Of all the nights that when Arthur came into England had increased in honour Salon slot of the lake in a special excelled in deeds of arms both for life and death His parents, King Ban of Benwick and his fair Queen Elaine had first named him Gallagherd and as has already been said Merlin, before he disappeared under the stone had foretold that within twenty years he should be known over the whole world as a great and worthy night It is no marvel therefore that Lancelot is the first night that the French book Meketh mentioned of after King Arthur came from Rome He passed with Arthur into England where he was received gladly and was made a night of the round table Queen Grenever had him in great favour above all other nights and in return he was loyal to her above all other ladies and damsels all his life and for love of her he did many deeds of arms and saved her from the fire through his noble chivalry Therefore jealous people spoke evil of Sir Lancelot and the Queen because they were of less prowess and honour than he and thereby great mischief arose in Arthur's court From this came Arthur's overthrow in the end and the downfall of his noble realm But for long years Lancelot was the glory of knighthood and he vied with King Arthur himself in deeds of prowess and of chivalrous courtesy in the tournament and on adventure End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by Yu Waldo Cutler Chapter 11 A Nighttime Adventure of Sir Lancelot In fulfilment of his oath as a Knight of the Round Table Sir Lancelot rode into many strange and wild countries and through many waters and valleys He slew Sir Turkin who watched to destroy knights and he clove the head of another false traitor who attended to destroying distressed ladies damsels and gentlewomen Other wrongs besides these he righted and bravely withstood many a struggle Now on a day at chance that he passed a deep forest where as often before he found straight lodging but he was brave and strong and feared no hardship provided he did nothing contrary to his honour as a worthy Knight As he was riding over a long bridge there started upon him suddenly a passing foul churl who struck his horse upon the nose and asked Sir Lancelot why he rode over that bridge without licence Why should I not ride this way said Sir Lancelot It is the way I choose to ride Thou shall not choose said the churl and began to beat him with his great club shod with iron Sir Lancelot drew his sword and made short work of this rough porter Then he rode right on to the end of the bridge through the fair village where all the people in vain gave him warning and on straight into the green courtyard of the castle which was Tintigal in Cornwall Anon there came upon him two great giants with horrible clubs in their hands with shield and sword he soon laid on the earth one of these giants the other ran away for fear of the horrible strokes and Sir Lancelot entered the hall Here he set free three score gentle women who for seven years had been prisoners of the two giants working all manner of silk works for their food Show me such cheers ye have said Sir Lancelot and what treasure there is in this castle I give you a reward for your grievance Then soon he mounted his horse again and rode away upon further adventure One night he came to the courtyard of an old gentleman who launched him with a good will and there he had good cheer for himself and his horse When time was his host brought him into a fair garret over the gate to his bed There Sir Lancelot unarmed him with his armor beside him and went to bed and a non fell asleep Soon afterward they came one on horseback and knocked at the gate in great haste When Sir Lancelot heard this he rose up and looked out at the window and saw by the moonlight three nights come after that one man all three lashed on him at once with swords and that one night turned on them nightly again and defended himself Truly said Sir Lancelot yonder one night shall I help for it was shame for me to see three nights on one and if he be slain I am partner in his death Therewith he took his armor and let himself down from the window by a sheet to the four nights Turn you nights unto me cried Sir Lancelot aloud and leave your fighting with that night And then they all three left Sir Kay for it was he who was so hard bestowed and turned unto Sir Lancelot and there began great battle for they alighted all three and struck many great strokes at Sir Lancelot and assailed him on every side Sir Kay would have helped him but Sir Lancelot suffered him not and done on within six strokes he had struck all three to the earth Sir Lancelot made them yield themselves to Sir Kay and promised to go next with Sunday to the court as prisoners of Queen Quinevere So they were suffered to depart and Sir Lancelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword The host came and they entered Sir Kay and he Sir said the host I thought you were in your bed So I was said Sir Lancelot but I rose and leapt out at my window to help an old fellow of mine When they came nigh the light Sir Kay knew well that it was Sir Lancelot and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him for all his kindness that he had hoping him from death Sir said Sir Lancelot I have done nothing but that I ought to do and ye are welcome and here shall ye repose you and take your rest So when Sir Kay was unarmed he asked for meat there was meat fetched him and he ate strongly Then they went to their beds and Sir Lancelot and Sir Kay were lodged together in one bed On the morning Sir Lancelot arose early and left Sir Kay sleeping He put on Sir Kay's armour and took his shield and so went to the stable He here got Sir Kay's horse took leave of his host and so departed Then soon afterwards Sir Kay arose He missed Sir Lancelot and then he aspired that his armour and his horse had been taken Now by my faith said he I know well that he will grieve some of the court of King Arthur for my armour and horse will be garl all nights they will believe it is I and will be bold to him and because I have his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride in peace Then soon afterward Sir Kay thanked his host and departed So Sir Lancelot rode into a deep forest and there in a dale he saw four knights standing under an oak and they were of Arthur's court and on as they aspired Sir Lancelot they thought by his arms it was Sir Kay Now by my faith said Sir Sagramour one of the four knights I will prove Sir Kay's might So he got his spear in his hand and came toward Sir Lancelot Therewith Sir Lancelot was where and knew him well and he smote Sir Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell both to the earth Lo my fellows said Sir Ekta another of the four the buffet he hath that knight is much bigger than ever was Sir Kay Now shall ye see what I may do to him So Sir Ekta got his spear in his hand and galloped toward Sir Lancelot and Sir Lancelot smote him through shield and shoulder so that horse and man went to the earth and ever his spear held By my faith said Sir Wayne Yonder is a strong knight and I am sure he hath slain Sir Kay His strength it will be hard to match him Therewith all Sir Wayne got his spear in his hand and rode toward Sir Lancelot Sir Lancelot knew him well and so he met him on the plane and gave him such a buffet that he was stunned and long he whisked not where he was Now see I well said Sir Gawain the last of the four knights I must encounter with that knight Then he dressed his shield and got a good spear in his hand and then they let run their horses with all their might and I the knight smote other in midst of the shield But Sir Gawain's spear break and Sir Lancelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversed up so down Much sorrow had Sir Gawain to get clear of his horse and so Sir Lancelot passed on a pace and smiled and said God give him joy that made this spear for they came never a better in my hand Then the four knights went each one to other and comforted each other What say ye to this deed said Sir Gawain He is a man of great might for that one spear hath felt us four I dare lay my head it is Sir Lancelot I know it by his riding End of Chapter 11 CHAPTER 12 OF STORIES OF KING ARTHER AND HIS NIGHTS This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Stories of King Arthur and his knights by U. Waldo Cutler CHAPTER 12 How Sir Lancelot came into the chapel perilous On a day as Sir Lancelot rode a great while in a deep forest he was aware of an old manor beyond a bridge and he passed over the bridge that was old and feeble and came into a great hall a dead knight that was a seemly man and therewithal came out a lady weeping and ringing her hands and she said O knight, too much sorrow has now brought me Why say ye so said Sir Lancelot I did never this night any harm therefore fair lady be not displeased with me for I am full sore grieved at your grievance Truly sir she said I know it is not ye that have slain my husband for he that did the deed is sore wounded and he is never likely to recover that I assure you What was your husband's name asked Sir Lancelot Sir said she his name was Sir Gilbert one of the best knights of the world and he that have slain him I know not his name God send you better comfort said Sir Lancelot and so he departed and went into the forest again and there he met with the damsel who knew him well and said aloud well are ye come my lord and now I require thee on thy knighthood help my brother that is sore wounded and never ceaseeth bleeding for this day fought he with Sir Gilbert and slew him in plain battle my brother was sore wounded and a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle hard by told me this day that my brother's wounds should never be whole till I could find a knight in the chapel perilous where he should find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was wrapped in a piece of that cloth and the sword should heal my brother's wounds if his wounds were searched with the sword and the cloth this is a marvellous thing said Sir Lancelot but what is your brother's name Sir said she his name is Sir Meliot that me repenteth in a stable round and to help him I will do all in my power then Sir said she follow this highway and it will bring you into the chapel perilous and here I shall wait till God send you again except you I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure so Lancelot departed and when he came unto the chapel perilous he alighted and tied his horse to the little gate of the churchyard and soon he saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shields turned up so down and many of these shields he had seen borne by knights that he had known a foretime then he saw standing there by him thirty great knights taller by a yard than any man that ever he had seen all clad in black armour ready with their shields and their swords drawn they all grinned and gnashed at Sir Lancelot and when he saw their countenances he put his shielder for him and took his sword in his hand ready unto battle he started to go right past the giants and then they scattered on every side and gave him the way therewith he waxed all bold and entered into the chapel where he saw no light but a dim lamp burning and soon became aware of a corpse covered with a cloth of silk Sir Lancelot stooped down and cut off a piece of that cloth whereupon the earth under him seemed to quake a little and at this he feared then he saw a fair sword lying by the dead knight this he got into his hand and hide out of the chapel as soon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the giants specked to him with a grimly voice and said knight, Sir Lancelot lay that sword from thee or else thou shalt die whether I live or die said Sir Lancelot no loud words will get it again but you will then he immediately passed right through their midst and beyond the chapel yard they met him a fair damsel who said Sir Lancelot leave that sword behind thee or thou wilt die for it I leave it not said Sir Lancelot for any entreaties it is well said she if thou didst leave that sword thou shalt never see Queen Grenever again now gentle knight I request one thing of thee kiss me but once nay said Sir Lancelot God forbid that I should do that it is well sir said she if thou hadst kissed me thy life days had been done but now alas I have lost all my labour for I ordained this chapel to win thee once I had Sir Gawain well nigh within my power but he fought with that knight that life there dead in yonder chapel Sir Gilbert and smote off his left hand and so escaped Sir Lancelot I have loved thee these seven years but now I know no woman may have thy love but Queen Grenever ye say well said Sir Lancelot God preserve me from your subtle crafts thereupon he took his horse and so departed from her and soon met the damsel Sir Melliot sister anon she led him to the castle on the way pale as the earth from bleeding Sir Lancelot leapt on to him and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert's sword and then wiped his wounds with a part of the cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in and anon he was as whole a man as ever he had been in all his life and then there was great joy between them they made Sir Lancelot all the cheer that they might and on the mourn he took his leave of Sir Melliot and his sister and rode away Chapter 13 of Stories of King Arthur and His Knights This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Joy Chan Stories of King Arthur and His Knights by U. Waldo Cutler Chapter 13 The Night, the Lady and the Falcon and Sir Lancelot by Fortune came to a fair castle and as he passed by he was aware of a Falcon that came flying over his head toward a high elm as the bird flew into the tree to take her perch the long lines about her feet caught on a bow and when she would take flight again she hung fast by the legs Sir Lancelot saw how the fair Falcon hung there and he was sorry for her meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried aloud oh Lancelot, Lancelot as thou art the flower of all knights help me to get my hawk I was holding my hawk and she slipped from me and if my lord, my husband knows that she is lost he will slay me what is your lord's name said Lancelot Sir, said the lady his name is Sir Filot a Knight of North Gullis well fair lady said Lancelot, since you know my name and request me as a courteous knight I will do what I made to get your hawk and yet truly I am an ill climber and the tree is passing high with few bows to cling to thereupon Sir Lancelot alighted and tied his horse to the elm then the lady helped him to unarm and with might and force he climbed up to the Falcon he tied the lines to a great rotten branch, break it off and threw it and the hawk down and on the lady got the hawk in her hand and thereupon came Sir Filot suddenly out of the grove all armed and with his naked sword in his hand he called up to Sir Lancelot and said oh Knight, now have I found thee as I would and he stood at the foot of the tree to slay him ah lady said Sir Lancelot why have ye betrayed me she had done said Sir Filot but as I commanded her there is no help for it that is come and thou must die it was shame unto thee said Sir Lancelot for thee an armed Knight to slay an unarmed man by treason thou gettest no other grace said Sir Filot therefore help thyself if thou canst alas said Sir Lancelot that every Knight should die weaponless then he looked above and below him and saw a big leafless bow this he broke off then he climbed down with it in his hand and observing how his horse stood he suddenly leapt down to the ground on the farther side of the horse from the Knight then Sir Filot lashed at him eagerly thinking to slay him but Sir Lancelot put away the stroke with the branch and then with it gave Sir Filot such a blow on one side of the head that he fell down in a swoon to the ground then Sir Lancelot took his sword out of his hand and struck his head from his body alas cried the lady why has thou slain my husband I am not the cause said Sir Lancelot for with falsehood ye would have slain me by treason and now it has fallen on you both thereupon Sir Lancelot got all his armor as well as he might and put it on for fear of further attack since the Knight's castle was so near as soon as he might he took his horse and thanking God that he had escaped that adventure he went on his adventures over many wild ways through marsh and valley and forest at Pentecost he returned home and the king and all the court were passing glad of his coming and ever now and now came all the knights back those that had encountered with Sir Lancelot those he had set free from prison and all those that knew of his great deeds of arms and they all bear record of Sir Lancelot's prowess so at that time he had the greatest name of any knight of the world and most he was honoured of high and low End of Chapter 13