Merlin, a Middle-English metrical version of a French romance, by Herry Lovelich, skinner and citizen of London (ab. 1450 A.D.) / edited from the unique ms. 80 in Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, with an introduction, notes, and glossaries, by Dr. Ernst A. Kock ...

Merlin,

BY LOUELICH THE SKINNER.

(MS. 80 in Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.)

Now gyneth the devel to wraththen him sore [leaf 88 c] [Chap. I.] (as aftir scholen ȝe herkene & here wel More), [The devils, angry on account of Christ rescu∣ing Adam and his race from Hell] whanne that oure lord to helle wente, and took owt Adam with good Entente,Line 4 and also Eve, and Ek othere Mo, þat with him he likede forto han tho. and whanne þe develis behelden this, Moche drede and Merveille they hadden, j-wis.Line 8 So, as Aftyrward longe be-Felle, [leaf 88 b] to-gederis they conseilled, the develis, ful snelle, [hold a council.] and token hem to-Gederis Jn parlement, the Maister-develis, be on assent,Line 12 and seiden: "what Mester man Js he, this, [They wonder who he is,] that doth vs here al this distres? we Mown not aȝens him Maken defens, whanne he is owht Jn owre presens,Line 16 and bynemeth vs that we scholde haue, [that thus deprives them of their supposed right.] and for hym non thing mowen we kepen save. For we supposede, ful verrayly, that non Man scholde be born of wommans body,Line 20 that alle owre they weren be Ryht, but he hem benemeth vs be his Myht. Sey, how was this ȝoman bore, be whom owre Ryht js thus forlore?"Line 24 thanne answerede anothir devel, [One of the devils says that the same is the Son of God, who died to save sinners,] and, as him thowhte, he answerede wel: "we hauen herd sein be prophecye that God jn Erthe here Scholde dyeLine 28 Forto saven the Synneris here, that of Adam and Eve come jn fere. [30. and Eve added above the line.]

Anon wenten we thanne hem to prove, [and who, in all trials and tribulations,] and Evere weren they stedfast jn goddis love, [32. they, e corrected from y.] Line 32 and the More turment we diden hem do, Evere the ferthere they weren vs fro, So that Evere jn here moste peyne To hem aperede he, jn certeygne,Line 36 and hem comforted so wondirly wel, [comforts and helps His faithful ones.] that owre tormentes greved hem neuere a del, and Euere jn here Moste distresse he hem deliuerede to Sikirnesse."Line 40

Thus talkydden they þere al jn fere [The devils agree that,] of thinges that befallen were— "That thus from vs hath he taken away thinges that we not kepen ne May.Line 44 wel knowen ȝe alle here wel Everychon that jn water he doth hem waschen anon, [through baptism] jn þe Name of the Fadir and sone & holi gost, [47. MS. þ^e; similarly l. 97 and often; sometimes also þ^edir, soþ^e, and the like.] whiche that ben of Myhtes Most,Line 48 and also hem anoynteth with oynement, [and anoint∣ment,] where-thorwh owre powere js al j-schent, So that oure part of hem, Jt is don, Tyl that owre Servauntes they becom.Line 52 and thus owre power he doth away, [He and His ministers] and so don his Mynestres Everyday, that jn Erthe he hath left here; they don vs ful often wel mochel dere.Line 56 For they, oure Servantes the[y] ben be Ryht, [57. MS. the ben.] ȝit ouer hem han they so gret Myht, that, and they welen oure Servise forsake and onliche to Jesu thanne hem take,Line 60 alle oure powere, than Js it j-don, [annihilate their power over man∣kind.] and thus we lesen hem Everychon. [62. MS. Evey chon with the (e)r-mark twice over ey.] Moche goodnesse schewed he for Man-kynde, that jn this world he wold hym bynde [Born of a woman,] Line 64 of a wommans body to ben j-bore, to Saven Mankynde, that was forlore.

and whanne that he j-boren was, we hym assaieden jn Every plas, [and tempted by the devils,] Line 68 as moche as was jn owre powere, and neuere gilty ne fownden we hym jn non Manere, [He remained without sin,] jn hym of oure werkes neuere Ryht nowht, For al that Evere we to hym wrowht,Line 72 But that he wolde deyen to saven Man, [and died for the love of man.] For jn him hadde we non powere than. Ful Mochel cherte hadde he to Man, [leaf 89 a] that so Mochel peyne suffrede for him than,Line 76 and hym forto wynnen ageyn, and from vs hem be-reven, jn certeyn. Ful Mochel sorwe to vs he wrowhte thorwgh Mankynde, that he bowhte."Line 80 thanne anon Spoken they Jn fere [The devils further speak of the pro∣phets, who were likewise sustained by Christ.] of Swiche thinges as Greved hem there, of hem that proclamed the tydyng Ferst jn the Erthe of his comeng:Line 84 "and whanne we ony tormentes scholde hem do, anon he delyverede hem vs Fro. Therfore wolden we weten ful fayn [Now the devils would like to have, on earth, a child with the same mental powers,] The beste to done, Jn certayn,Line 88 how that jn the Erthe a child to have that the peple wolde aftyr crave. For he scholde hauen alle connenge of thyng þat js past and that is comenge,Line 92 and Encense the peple to oure lore, as he dyde that was þere be-fore, [94. fore, f corrected from b.] To tellen hem of thinges þat hadde be [95. MS. þ^t scholde be.] and befalle scholden, ful Sikerle.Line 96 So scholde he þe peple to vs drawe, [to draw the people to them.] For of hym they wolden ben Ryht fawe." thanne seiden they amonges hem Everichon that swich a child, and they hadden on,Line 100 wel Mochel he scholde hem profyte and torne the peple to here delyte, For fulwel beleved scholde he be For his prophecyes, ful Sikerle.Line 104

thanne stirte there forth a schrewe anon, [One devil declares he can make women conceive,] and seide amonges hem Everichon: "J haue power Seed forto Sowe jn the Erthe on wommen bothe hye & lowe,Line 108 and j haue on Redy at Myn assent, that wil Fulfillen Myn talent." So concentyd they that this ilke schrewe [and they form a plan accordingly,] jnto Erthe scholde gon anon that threweLine 112 Forto Fulfillen that jlke dede, of wheche alle the schrewes token here Rede. Now, grete Foles weren they Everychon, [in foolish ignorance of God's wise intentions.] that amonges hem cowde not knowen onLine 116 how that God knew wel alle thyng, bothe gynneng, Midwardis, and Endyng! thus departyd they from here conseylle this werk to be-gynne, with-owten faille.Line 120 thanne he that seide that he hadde powere [The devil repairs] on women jn Erthe to Engendren there, he taryed there non lengere thanne, but cam jnto Erthe to this wommanne [to a woman,] Line 124 whiche womman that dyde hym Servise. with hire he anon Mette jn prevy Gyse, and anon he tempted hire so, that anon sche concentyd hym to, [who promises to help him.] Line 128 and graunted hym, al that sche cowde oþer Myhte, To don him Servyse bothe day & Nyhte. and hire lord was a worthy Man, [This woman has a rich husband;] & moche more good hadde thanne J telle kan.Line 132

This Riche Man hadde moche of worldly good, More thanne ony man tho vndirstood, of Bestes and of other Richesse, of kamailles, of jewelis, & of oþer worthynesse.Line 136 This worthy Man hadde dowhtren thre, [leaf 89 b] [they have three daughters and one son.] The Fa[y]rest Wommen that Myhte be, [138. MS. ffarest.] and a sone, that scholde ben his Eyr, bothe a gentilmanly child and a fayr;Line 140 and alle he hadde be this womman, that þe devel so mochel part hadde of than.

thanne this devel forȝat non thing, that Rowhte not of Mannes begyleng,Line 144 and axede of this womman anon [The devil asks her for the best means of insnaring her husband.] how that Best he myhte don hire lord to haue to his partye, [147. hir', r' through correction.] hym forto tallen he preyde hire hye.Line 148 sche answerede: "With non thing so sone, j-wys, [She answers: "Make him angry!"] as only be wraththe, with-owten Mys; For Ryht lyhtleche he wile wroth be, as j the telle now ful sikerle;Line 152 and þer-fore wraththe thou myht him sone with the leste thing that thou wilt done." thanne wente forth this cursed schrewe anone, [The devil then kills some of his cattle;] [155. MS. anon̄e.] and slowgh his bestes alle thus sone,Line 156 a gret partye of hem jn a Nyht. [157. MS. agret; similarly l. 212 (aplawncher), and frequently.] and on the Morwen, whanne it was lyht, the pastour aspide that Moreygne, [and when the herd brings the news in the morning,] and to his lord he wente, ful pleyne,Line 160 and told hym of that aventure, how his bestes deiden, J ȝow Ensure. and whanne that the goode lord herde this, Ful wondirly wroth he was, j-wys, [the man is wonderfully wroth.] Line 164 and axede of the pastour tho what Skile his bestes deyden so. the pastour answerede him ageyn: "Sire, j ne can not weten, jn certein!"Line 168 So belefte he stille alle that day. and whanne the devel this knew & say, [Encouraged by the success,] that for so lytel he wolde wroth be, thanne was he joyful, wel Sekirle,Line 172 and thowhte more harm hym to do, be wraththe þe sonnere to drawen hym to. So that he * the nexte Nyht [175. The verb (wente?) is missing; cf. ll. 155, 209, and footnote to l. 1719.] jnto his stable, j Sey ȝow Ryht,Line 176 and there ten of his hors slowgh he, [the devil kills ten of the man's horses;] the beste that weren jn that contre.

and whanne the goodman wiste of this, [and the man angrily exclaims:] that al his good wente so amys,Line 180 anon Ryht angry ful sone he was for tho tydynges jn that plas, and a word of anger spak he thore, wheche after repentyd him ful sore,Line 184 and be-took the devel al the Remnaunt, ["May the devil take the lot!"] That him be-lefte, petyt & graunt.

Whanne that the devel herde him so seyn, thanne was he bothe joyful & fayn,Line 188 and thowhte to Greven him moche More [And so the devil gladly does:] thanne that he dyde ony tyme before. For he made the goode man thanne so wroth, that Eche mannes compenye was hym loth.Line 192 thanne wiste anon the devel ful wel that jn him hadde he part a gret del, and that wel jnowgh he myhte go jnto what partye him lykede tho.Line 196 Thanne cam the devel to his sone & his Eyr, [the son and heir] That was bothe so gentyl & Fayr; Vppon A Nyht, As he in his bed lay, [leaf 89 e] the devel him strangelede, the sothe to say; [is found strangled in his bed,] Line 200 and vppon the Morwen hym fond ded his owne fadir Jn that same sted. thanne was he Ryht a sorweful Man, For that non Recowr ne knew he than,Line 204 Sethen that his faire sone he hadde lost so, thanne jnto disperaunce fyl he tho. and whanne the devel vndirstod al this, thanne was he joyful, with-owten Mis.Line 208 anon thanne wente he to his wyf, [the wife takes her own life in the loft,] that began al this wo and stryf; jnto an hygh soler he dyde hire Go, and abowtes a plawncher a Rope caste tho,Line 212 and Sette a thing thanne vndir hire feet, & þe Rope abowtes hire Nekke teydde askeet; thanne voided sche anon hire stondyng, þat so thike cursed womman þere hyre-self heng.Line 216 whanne the husbonde beheld al this,

that his wyf thus ded was, j-wys, [and the bereft man himself dies with grief.] and also his sone Jn Swich Manere, thanne was he of wondyr hevy chere,Line 220 that there for sorwe he deyde anon, and thus alle thre, thanne weren they gon. Lo, thus the devel doth be hem alle that jn his Servise ony thing don falle.Line 224 thanne caste the cursede schrewe a wyle [Now the three daugh∣ters remain.] how þat he myhte his thre dowhtres begyle; and wel he wyste, Jt Myhte not be but thorwgh som Man of his afynyte.Line 228 So was there a bacheler Jn the town, [One of them is seduced by a young man from the town,] that folwed his werkis bothe vpe and down; and hym to this place he dyde propyne these thre faire Maidenis forto Engyne;Line 232 and so ofte thedyr he gan to gon, that thussone he hadde ouercomen the ton. and whanne be hire he hadde don folye, the devel anon it schewede openlye, [her disgrace is divulged,] Line 236 and disclawndred it al the contre, the More schame to hem þat it scholde be. and jn thyke tyme was tho the lawe, [and according to the law she must die.] that ho so dyde avowtrye, scholde be slaweLine 240 and with stones j-browht to the ded, For that was the lawe Jn that sted; and thus with Stoneng scholden they ben schent, but ȝif sche were comwne to alle Mennes Entent.Line 244

Thanne thus this womman was taken anon, and the Man fledde and was agon; and anon was browht to-forn the justice [The judges, out of pity, decide to let the execution take place in the night.] there forto Resceyven hire jewyse.Line 248 so that of hire they hadden pyte, Swich Maner of jewyse be hire to se, For that hire fadyr was so worthy a man, and Jn so schort tyme was Mischevyd than. [252. Jn, J corrected from s; so added above the line.] Line 252 but Natheles nedis ded Moste sche be, and thanne thus acordid they, Sykerle,

So that for love of hire kynrede be Nyhtes tyme hire stone to dede.Line 256 thanne jn that contre was there a good Man, [A holy hermit, on hearing of all this, visits the grieving sisters,] that of alle these Merveilles herde than, and to the tweyne sostren gan he gon hem forto cownseillen with anon.Line 260 and there anon he spak hem tylle, and axede how this Misaventure befille— [leaf 89 d] [and inquires about their disasters.] "Of ȝowre fadyr And Modyr Jn Fere, of ȝowre brothir and ȝoure Soster dere?"Line 264 "We nete Neuere, Sire, Jn certeyn, but ȝif that God vs hate, ful pleyn, [The girls say that God seems to hate them.] and this torment Suffreth vs to haue; we knowen non othyr, so God vs saue!"Line 268 thanne seide this goodman to hem tho: [The hermit rebukes them,] "Forsothe, ȝe seyn Mys bothe two, For God hatede nevere creature, but Js Misplesid, J ȝow Enswre,Line 272 whanne ony Synnere doth him hate Owthir for ony thing with him debate. For weteth ful wel, as j ȝow telle, that is the werk of the devel of helle; [casts the blame on the devil,] Line 276 and that ȝoure soster thus Js ded, Syker it is be the develys Red." "Sire, so god now be owre helpyng, we knewen neuere of this thyng."Line 280 "thanne kepe ȝe ȝow from jlle werkyng, [and exhorts them to a good life.] and caste ȝow to plese now hevene kyng; for jlle werk bryngeth a man to evele ende and jn-to synne & synneres schende;Line 284 and he that hym wol not kepen from jlle werkyng, to ille ende it bringeth hym at his deyeng." [286. deyeng, the first e corrected from y.] thanne thus prechid hem this good Man, how that they scholden boþe plesen an serven god than. So that the Eldest Soster of hem bothe [The elder sister likes his lore.] Line 289 his teching liked wel, forsothe, and seide that sche wolde potten al hire peyne hys doctryne to kepen, Jn certeyne.Line 292

thanne seide this goodman to hem tho: [The hermit says he will be a father to them,] "ȝif that ȝe welen thus aftyr me do, ȝe scholen ben bothe my loves dere and my dowhtren jn God, bothe jn fere.Line 296 and ȝif ȝe hauen Nede of ony thyng owþer of ony maner of cownseyllyng, Swich helpe and cownseil as j kan do, [ever ready to help and advise.] J schal it for ȝow don Evere Mo.Line 300 and therfore abasche ȝow Ryht nowht, but stedfastly beleveth jn hym that ȝow bowht; and that ȝe comen often-tymes to Me, for fer from ȝow j ne schal not be."Line 304 thus hem cow[n]ceillede this holy Man, [305. MS. cowceillede; cf. the footnote to l. 853.] and forth his weye anon wente he than. whanne that the devel wiste of this, [The devil, annoyed at this,] Moche sorwe he made, with-owten Mys,Line 308 and wiste wel þat Engyned myhten they not be but be som womman, ful Sykerle. So was there on, as j vndirstonde, that jn his Servise hadde dwellid longe;Line 312 and anon it putte jn hire herte, [sends a bad woman] that to thike Maidenis ȝhe scholde gon ful smerte. [314. ȝhe corrected from they.] and so sche dide anon, this wikked womman, wente forto cownseillen with hem than,Line 316 and took the ȝongest Soster on Syde, [to make the younger girl] and anon with hire counseilled that tyde, hire axeng anon how ȝhe did fare, [319. ȝhe, h corrected from e.] and what Maner thing hire soster dyde thare. [320. hir', r' through correction; soster added above the line.] Line 320 "Loueth sche not ȝow wondirly wel?" "ȝis, and Ellis were it aȝens Resown & Skyl; but that sche is other while hevy [dissatisfied with her sister] For this Mysaventure, trewely,Line 324 The wheche jn Schort tyme to vs is befalle of oure fadyr & Modir and Frendis alle, So that with hire is non Manere of chere, Nethir to Me ne to non oþer ellis where,Line 328 but doth al aftyr a goodmannes techyng,

That here faste be-sydes is his dwellyng, So that nothyng sche Wyle do, [leaf 90 a] but ȝif he only consente to."Line 332 "A," quod this olde Bawde tho, "thou knowest of Mochel sorwe & wo, [and with their present mode of life.] and neuere of joye schalt þou knowe, trewlye, as longe as thou art jn hire compenye.Line 336 A, my leve dowghter so dere, ȝif that thou knewe what Mannes compenye were, [She extols the indulg∣ence of lust,] thou wost neuere Resten ne dwelle, Tyl Mannes Feleschepe ȝe comen vntylle.Line 340 For better at Ese Seker ben we, [more desir∣able than anything else,] Jn Mannes compenye whanne that we be, althowgh we haue but on almesse of Bred, thanne ȝe with al ȝoure good jn ȝoure sted.Line 344 Fy of joye of ony womman, but ȝif sche haue joye oþer compenye of Man! My Fayre dowhter, to ȝow this j seye, for that ȝe knowen not Mannes compenye.Line 348 and wete ȝe why J thus to ȝow Seye? [and points out the girl's disadvanta∣geous position, as a younger sister, with regard to in∣heritance and matrimony.] ȝowre Soster is Eldere than ȝe, trewlye, and taketh this here as hire owne good, and the lasse setteth be ȝow, be the Rood,Line 352 So that the joye of ȝoure fayre Body Js ful clene j-lost, j sey ȝow trewely." thanne seide this damysele to hire tho: [The girl is interested, but fright∣ened of her sister's fate.] "how scholde j this thing thus doLine 356 that ȝe to me speken offe pleynly, whanne that my Soster was ded therby?" "jn the name of God," quod this Bawde thanne, "ȝowre Sostyr wrowhte as a folisch wommanne! [The woman says there is a means of avoiding it.] Line 360 but ȝif ȝe wile werken aftyr Me and to my conseille trosten, sekerle, ȝe scholde neuere comen to-fore justice, and ȝit haue ȝoure delytes Jn alle wyse."Line 364 "A," quod this damysele, "how scholde j do? [The girl, for fear of her sister,] that j ne myhte ȝow speken more vnto! [366. After speken another ȝow was added above the line, but erased again.] For j ne dar not for my soster here Line 368

Nethir to ȝow Speke ne Make non chere. [bids the woman to leave for the time.] Line 368 Goth ȝe now hens, tyl that Eftt sone that we Mown Speke to-gederys alone!" whanne that the devel herde hire so seyn, [The devil, however, is now sure of success.] Thanne was the schrewe jn joye, ful pleyn,Line 372 and wiste wel be hire answeryng that sche scholde hoppen vppon hys Rynge. whanne this womman from thens was past, this damysele bethowghte hire atte last [The girl muses on the woman's words,] Line 376 often-tymes of hire wordis, pleyn, that prevyly betwenes hem gonne they seyn. and whanne the devel vndirstod openly that to-Gyderis scholden they speken prevyly,Line 380 thanne sette he this Maydenis herte on fyre aftyr this womman more to desire; that so ferforth, as j ȝow seye, atte laste sche beheld hire fayre Bodye, [and finishes by thinking that she is right.] Line 384 and to hire-Self thus gan sche talke, alone as sche jn hire chambre gan walke: "Ful trewly me this good womman tolde that this Faire Body lost ben Scholde!"Line 388

Thanne aftyr hire sche sente vppon a day, [She then sends for the woman,] and thus to hire anon gan sche say: "Certes, ful trowe now j it fynde, that my soster to me Js vnkynde." [who renews her provok∣ing] Line 392 "that knew j, damysele, tho ful wel, lyk as j ȝow tolde Everydel, and lasse be ȝow wile sche sette, For sche fareth Every Day bette and bette. [leaf 90 b] Line 396 for sche lyveth as sche liketh Best, whiche is to ȝow nethir Ese ne Rest, and ȝe ben ordeygned for Mannes kende, [and tempting speeches.] and therto ben ȝe bothe good and hende."Line 400 thanne seide this damysele anon agayn: "that joye wolde j hauen fulfayn; ȝif that j wiste not To ben ded, [The girl asks again] [403. To, T through correction.] J scholde concenten to ȝoure red."Line 404

"J sey ȝow, damysele, with-owten dwere, and ȝe don as dyde ȝoure soster dere, ded moste ȝe thanne Nedlynges be, but and ȝe welen werken aftyr Me."Line 408 "leve dame, thanne how Scholde J do [for that means of safe indulgence of lust.] My lust to haue, and they not me Slo?" thanne this Bawde answerid hire agayn: "J schal ȝow tellen, Jn certayn: [At length she is told:] Line 412 ȝe scholen ȝow Maken as ȝe weren wroth, and that ȝowre sostres compenye is ȝow loth, and þerfore graunteth to alle Men buxom to be ["Be a prostitute!"] and to leden ȝoure lyf jn lechere;Line 416 thanne hath there powere non justyse ȝow forto putten to non jewyse, and thus al ȝoure lust scholen ȝe haue and from alle peryles to ben Save.Line 420 ȝit thanne myhte there comen som good Man, that for ȝoure Erytage wolde wedden [ȝow] than." [422. MS. weddē than; cf. l. 522.] Thanne thus behyhte ȝe hire forto don, [She follows the advice, stealing away from home.] and from hire Soster sche stal anon,Line 424 and bond hire a comown womman to be, be cownseil of that womman, Sikerle.

Ful Mochel joye Made the devel thanne, whanne he hadde thus geten this wommanne.Line 428 and whanne the Eldest Sostyr knew of this, [The elder sister then goes to the hermit,] that thus hire Soster hadde don amys, anon wente sche to this good Man tho, that to-fore tymes here creaunce tawhte hem so,Line 432 with sory herte and weping chere. [sorrowing and weeping,] Anon this goodman axede what hire were, and of hire hadde ful gret pyte, & to hire Thanne anon Seyde he: [436. Thanne, T through correction.] Line 436 "blesse the jn the Name of the Trenite, and telle me now what Eylleth the." "ha, Sire," sche Seide, "J am ful wo! [and tells of her fresh misery.] My soster from Me js now a-go,Line 440

and is becomen a comown womman. ful wo for hire am j now than!" whanne that this goodman herde of this, [The hermit, grieved and indignant,] Ful sory he was and wroth, j-wys,Line 444 and seide: "The devel Nyl not belynne, tyl that he haue ȝow alle jn his Gynne, but ȝif that God now be thy wardeyn, J seye ȝow, damysele, jn certeyn."Line 448 "Now, leve Sire, how scholde j do That Fals thef to kepen me fro?" thanne seide to hire this good Man anon: [gives her advice how now to protect herself, at least, from the devil:] [451. Erasures after hire and good; the M came out of the muddle apparently with four downstrokes.] "J schal ȝow telle how ȝe schole don.Line 452 ȝif that thou wylt don aftyr Me, he ne schal neuere deceyven the." "Now certes," quod this damysele a-geyn, "aftyr ȝow wyl j don, Jn certeyn,Line 456 what so Evere ȝe bydde me do, whethir it torne me to wele oþer wo." "belevest þou not on fadyr & sone & holigost, [she must have the right faith.] thre persones and on God of myhtes Most,Line 460 and that crist amonges vs cam here For Mannes sowle, that he bowhte so dere, and alle synneris to saven also That his comawndement Wolden do, [leaf 90 c] Line 464 and beleven as holy chirche, and as good cristen folk to wirche?" [and act as a good Christian;] thanne answerid this damysele ageyn: "J wil beleven as ȝe wyle seyn;Line 468 and as wisly as on God j be-leve, so from alle tormentis he mot me Meve!" "thanne More over J charge the [she must beware of anger,] that jn non wyse wroth that thou be;Line 472 For that is on of the Moste thing wherthorwgh the devel doth his werkyng. and loke thow love god over alle thyng [and, in true∣love of God and neigh∣bours,] and thy Neyghbour with-owten grochcheng.Line 476 & so be that Governaunce þou myht the kepe from alle Mischawnse.

and loke that cowpable nevere thou be [keep herself free from all guilt;] aȝens thy god Jn non Manere degre,Line 480 but that thou plese hym vtterly and alle the seintes of hevene generally, That loven god and his Servise; loke thow hem love jn alle wyse.Line 484 and loke, Eche tyme that thou dost Ryse, [she must bless herself in rising and before going to bed,] that thou þe blesse be ony wyse, [486. þe squeezed in afterwards.] and also that thow blesse the Every Nyht, Er that thou jn thy Bed lye down Ryht, [488. E through correction.] Line 488 jn the Name of the Fadyr and sone and þe holygost, which that is on God and of Myhtes Most. and with that loke thou make a cros on the, [making the sign of the cross,] Jn Memorye that he deyde vppon the treLine 492 vs for to beyen from the peynes of helle. loke thou do thus as j the telle! and of that Enemy haue thow neuere non drede, [495. of added above the line.] where Euere thow be Jn ony stede;Line 496 and where so Evere thow lye on Nyht, [and have a light burning in the night.] Loke be ony weyes that thou have lyht, For there as lyht is, he ne wyl not be, For lyht hateth he most, ful Sekerle!"Line 500

Thus this holy Man tawhte this Mayde, that gret drede hadde, as j have ȝow sayde, lest that the devel hire Scholde be-gyle. thus wente sche hom with-jnne a whille [The girl goes home, and follows the hermit's in∣structions.] Line 504 Jn ful beleve ful stedfastly [505. MS. fulbeleve.] and to hire Neyghbours ful Mek and lowly; also Evere hire god hadde sche jn Mynde, that so to god and to þe peple was sche good & kende. the goode Men and the goode Wyves of that contre [She is re∣minded, by her neigh∣bours, of her family troubles,] Line 509 often to that Mayden comen, ful Sekerle, and thus to hire thanne gonnen they saye: "Jt Nis non wondyr thowgh ȝe han FrayeLine 512 of the torment that is ȝow befalle of ȝoure Fadyr & Modyr and frendis alle, whiche that ȝowre brothir and Sostren were. Line 516

here Misaventure, it is to ȝow gret dere, [and of her own position] Line 516 but that ȝe take now som good cownsaille; [517. Cownsaille, a corrected from e: cf. the footnotes to ll. 2051, 3531, 5707, 5855, etc.] For ful Riche ȝe ben and of ful gret availle, and worthy ȝe ben of Erytage, that Som Man that is of hygh parage,Line 520 that fulfayn he wolde be ȝow wedden to wyve, ful Sykerle." [522-524. wedden, seide, Govern̄ partly blotted.] thanne seide this Maiden to hem anon Ryht: "Me Governe and kepe God, þat is Most of Myht, [In prayers to God,] Line 524 and jn his Servise me Governe & kepe at alle tymes, whethir j wake oþer slepe!" and thus tweyne ȝer lyvede sche fully, [she keeps off the devil for two years.] That of hire power neuere hadde the fals Enemy, [528. neuere added above the line.] Line 528 Ne he Myhte nevere Jn non Degre [leaf 90 d] hire Fynden Jn non adversite. [530. adversite, d corrected from v.] And whanne he Sawhe that he ne Myhte [But then the devil, thus balked,] that Mayden Engynen be day ne Nyhte,Line 532 Nether Maken hire to forȝeten jn non degre that the goodman tawht hire, ful Sykerle (For wroth wolde sche ben jn non Manere Ne lyhtles, where so that Evere sche were),Line 536 thanne to hire Soster he wente anon, [contrives to send her fallen sister to her, of a Saturday night,] and to this goode Mayden dyde hire to gon vppon a satirday, whanne it was Eve (tyl sche was forthe, he Nolde not leve),Line 540 hire Soster Jn anger Forto brynge, þat he on hire myhte werken his Engynenge. So that hire Soster thider went & with hire Many knaves, verament. [with a lot of rowdy followers.] Line 544 thanne seide this Maiden jn this Manere: "A, leeve Soster, what do ȝe here, ȝe forto comen jn Swich degre, [547. ȝe on erasure.] and with ȝow to bryngen swich compeyne? [548. ȝow added above the line.] Line 548 Jt schal me Maken blame to have, and þat Nedeth me not, so god me saue!"

thanne spak this cursed damysele ageyn: [She is ac∣cused, by her, of for∣bidden inter∣course with the hermit,] "thow lyvest moche wers than j, jn certeyn!"Line 552 and bar hire good soster on hande vppon that jn folye sche lovede that holy Man. "and ȝif that the peple it wiste, Sekerlye, anon wolden they the distroye!"Line 556 and whanne this Maide herde hire so seyn, be bothe scholdres sche took hire, ful pleyn, [flies into a rage, has a tussle with the disturbers,] and wolde han put hire owt at the ȝate, but that hire knaues wolde hire not late,Line 560 but setten hand on this good Maiden anon, and hire to-beten bothe bak an bon, Tyl atte laste sche brak hem fro, & jnto hire chambre sche gan to go, [rushes into her chamber, locks her door,] [564. MS. his for hir'; cf. the footnotes to ll. 147, 320, 948, 4648.] Line 564 and schitte the dore faste hire vppon, and so there-jnne dwelde al alon. & non More peple with hire gan dwelle but a Man and a Maide, as j ȝow telle,Line 568 and for hem nolden they not Spare, but diden this goode womman moche care. this Maiden alone jn hire chambre was, and ful Mochel Mone Made jn that plas,Line 572 and wept and sorwede mochel of the Nyht, so that jn hire clothes sche leide hire down Ryht. [flings herself on the bed,] Anon as this Enemy this gan aspye, that sche was so angry vttirlye,Line 576 thanne Made he bothe joye and game, whiche torned this Maiden to mochel blame. Thanne of gret deol this Maide hire thowhte, So that of hire-self but litel sche rowhte. [and forgets, in her emo∣tion and grief,] Line 580 sche hire Remembrid of Fadyr and Modyr bothe, and of hire brother and Sostren, forsothe, [582, 586. of, lore added above the line.] and of that grete aventure, So was sche Sorweful, J ȝow Ensure.Line 584 and thus jn Morneng and wrathe sche fyl jn slepe, and al the goodmannes lore sche forȝete: [all about blessing and light.] bothe of hire blessyng and Ek of lyht sche clene forȝat that jlke Nyht.Line 588

thanne was the devel ful of joye, [The devil,] and thowhte fulsone hire to anoye. "now," quod the devel, "tyme it is, [seizing the opportunity,] For sche hath forȝeten hire lore, j-wys,Line 592 Bothe Mynde of God and of Hire Maister Also, [leaf 91 a] therfore it is hygh tyme that j now go. Now myhten we wel don owre dever, Owre Man to putten with-jnnen hire her."Line 596 Anon this devel that hadde Swich Myht with womme[n] To compenyen bothe day & Nyht, [598. MS. wōme.] To this goode Maiden wente he anon, [defiles her in her sleep.] and Redy hym Made that dede to don,Line 600 and on hire he Engendred, as j ȝow telle, a Merveillous child ful schortly and snelle. Anon as that Maiden conceyved was, the devel hym wente owt of that plas;Line 604 and that Mayden tho awook anon, [On awaken∣ing, immedi∣ately after,] whanne that the devel hadde thus j-don. and Evene Jn hire awakyng this goodman hadde sche Jn Remembryng,Line 608 and took vp hire hond and gan hire to blesse, & seide: "o seinte Marye, what is thisse? [she discovers her disgrace,] and what Maner of thing Js me betyd, Sethen that j leide me vppon My bed?Line 612 Me thenkyth, apeyred welsore am J, Sethen j me here leyde, ful trewly. wherfore, blessid lady, j preye to the, [prays to the Virgin,] So that to thy sone thow preye for me,Line 616 that on Me he wolde haven pyte and from the fals Enemy defenden Me." thanne, whanne sche hadde don this dede, vpe sche Ros owt of that stede, [and gets up to look for the perpe∣trator.] Line 620 and wende han fownden that Jche wyht that hire so hadde deceyved thike Nyht. So that to hire chamberdore sche wente anon, [Finding the door still locked,] and it fond fast schet & not vndon,Line 624 lyk as sche hadde schet yt to-fore, and non wyht ne fond sche thore.

thanne furthere to serche cam jn hire thowht, [and the room empty,] but al that avayllede thanne hire Ryht nowht.Line 628 thanne cam jt jn hire Mynde anon [she under∣stands that it must have been the devil.] that the Enemy hire hadde ouergon. thanne ful mochel sorwe gan sche Make, whanne that verraylly sche gan wake.Line 632 sche besowhte God with humble chere that jn this world neuere schamed sche were. and whanne it was the lyht of day, [At daybreak, when the in∣truders have left,] the devel hire Soster thanne ladde away,Line 636 For sche hadde wel j-sped hire arende, wherfore thedyr he gan hire sende. and whanne that hire Sostir thens was gon, owt of hire chambre sche cam anon, [she unlocks her door, sends for two women,] Line 640 and cleped hire Servaunt ful hastelye, and bad hym faste to hire hye. thanne thus to hym tho gan sche telle: [643. tho over struck-out thanne.] "Go jnto towne, and not ne dwelle,Line 644 and bidde swiche two wommen to me hye, & that they to me comen hastelye!" Anon as they comen bothe jn fere, thanne hem cowde sche Maken non chere,Line 648 but Evene with hem took the Ryhte weye [and goes with them to the hermit,] To hire confessour, alle thre, jn feye. [650. thre, r corrected from e.] and whanne hire confessour hire gan beholde, Jn his herte he Merveillede Many folde, [who is sur∣prised at the sight of her.] Line 652 and to that womman thanne gan he to say: "hyderward the aryveth som gret affray." thanne seide this womman to hym aȝe: "Sire, j trowe that it May ful wel be,Line 656 For Me Js be-falle A destyne [leaf 91 b] That neuere fyl to womman but to Me, and am J here comen to ȝow Som good cownseille to taken of ȝow.Line 660 For toforn tymes han ȝe me told, [After re∣minding him of his pro∣mises of forgiveness] thowgh a body Jn synne were neuer so bold, and he be schreven, and Repente also, Line 664

and don the penaunce that longeth þerto, [for those who repent and do penance,] Line 664 his Synnes forȝoven to hym scholen be; Thus tolde ȝe me, Sire, ful Sykerle. Sire, J haue Synned and that Ryht sore, [she acknow∣ledges that she has sinned] as j haue told ȝow ferst before,Line 668 For the Enemy hath deceyved me, as J schal ȝow tellen, ful seker[l]e. [670. MS. sekere.] Jt happed, My Soster cam Me vnto, and me wrowhte bothe care & wo,Line 672 and how that sche wraththed me ful jlle, [by being angry] tyl that to my chambre j wente vntylle al ful wroth and of hevy chere, and faste My dore J schette there.Line 676 and for the grete wrath the that j am jnne, Me forto blessen J gan to blynne, [and forget∣ful,] and forȝat what J scholde do, which aftyr torned me to Mochel wo. [which has led to her being disgraced] Line 680 and whanne that J of my Sleepe awook, and Remembraunce to me took, thanne fond J that defowlyd J was, and my Maydenhot aweye Jn that plas.Line 684 thanne serched j my chambre al abowte, and Non wyht ne fond, with-owten dowte, Ne wiste ho it hadde me do, [by an un∣known creature.] From that owr ȝit hider-to.Line 688 And, Sire, al thus Engyned am J, wherfore to God and ȝow J crye Mercy, that thowgh my body J-tormentyd be, ȝit that my sowle be not lost Jn non degre."Line 692 thanne herkened this good man Everydel [The hermit, incredulous,] al that to hym sche seyde, ful wel, but he beleved it non thyng, For, Sekyr, he held it for a lesing,Line 696 For he ne herde nevere to-fore of swich a thing speken, sethen he was bore. thanne answerid hire this good man agayn: "Ful of the devel thou art, ful pleyn, [rebukes her,] Line 700 and the devel js fer with-Jnne the.

how scholdest thou thanne confessed be [and says that confession and penance are not for liars.] other ony penaunce of Me take, whanne swiche lesinges þou dost me Make?Line 704 owther how scholde j ȝeven the ony penaunce, whanne j knowe wel thou Makest variawnce? For jn that degre was neuere womman jnto this day From hire hire Maydenhot taken away,Line 708 but ȝif sche knew, Felte, other Sye, ho that it hadde don, Sekerlye. and thow Makest Me to beleve Swich a thing as thow myht not preve."Line 712 Thanne answerid this womman ageyn [But the girl protests she has told the truth.] and seide: "So god haue part on me, pleyn, and also kepe my body from torment, as trowthe j haue Seid ȝow, verament."Line 716 thanne answerid this good man to hire tho: [The hermit then] "And it be lyk as thou seyst me vnto, thow schalt wel knowen, and j Jn fere, Er that come fulliche the Ende of þe ȝere.Line 720 But thou hast broken thin obedyence, [lets her stone for her disobedience] and aȝens me don ful gret defense, And broken My comaundement [leaf 91 e] that J comanded the, verament;Line 724 Wherfore penaunce thou schalt haue Jn amendement thy Sowle to Save: Every fryday thow Most Faste [by fasting,] and to the taken but on Repaste.Line 728 & Jn Manere that thou luxvre hast do, [for her incredible commerce] which that myn herte Nyl not concenten therto, how scholde [j] þanne ony penaunce leyn on the, [731. MS. scholde þāne.] but that j knew the certeynte?Line 732 For it were to lytel, al dayes of thy lyve ȝif that algates J scholde the Schryve." thanne seide this woman to hym ageyn: "what Evere ȝe me chargen, Jn certeyn, [(fully re∣signed as she is)] Line 736 J schal it don with ful good wylle, what so Evere to me ȝe putten vntylle." thanne seide this goodman to hire ageyn: Line 740

"To Goddis Mercy thou takest the, pleyn, [by perfect devotion to God and His Holy Church.] Line 740 and axest cownseyl of holy chirche, only goddis comaundement forto wirche, and hym to worschepen with al thy Myht that aȝens the devel for the gan fyht, [744. MS. forthe; thus often.] Line 744 and bowht the with his precious blood, and for the deyde vppon the Rood. [746. deyde, the first e through correction.] thow seist that thou art ful of Repentaunce [He questions her once more.] and forsakest alle Lecherie, with-owten variaunce,Line 748 and that thou neuere dedist amys, but as jn thy sleepe behapped the this wherfrom non wyht May hem defende, but that ȝif god the bettere grace hem sende?"Line 752 and vppon this, chast sche gan hire swere, [and she swears to her innocence.] and to him seide, ȝif it so were, To-Forn God hire borwgh to be, that sche be not dampned jn non degre—Line 756 "For this Synne that j haue do, owt of this world whanne j go fro."

Thus hire penaunce Resceyved sche thanne, that vppon hire leyde this good Manne,Line 760 and Resceyved it ful humblely, as sche that for hire Synnes was sory. tho this goodman hire blessed anon, [The hermit then blesses her,] and forward with hire he gan to gon.Line 764 "and algates in the love of jesu crist loke thou Evere more that thou tryst!" So that he ladde hire forth be the hond [takes her to the Holy Water,] To the haly water stope, J vndirstond,Line 768 and dide hire drynken þer-offen, þat he myhte se, a gret drawht jn the Name of the Trenite, and holy water caste vppon hire there, and bad hire not forȝeten jn non Manere— [repeats his command∣ments,] Line 772 "al that j have now comanded the, loke thou it do, where so thou be. and whanne thou hast ony Nede of Me, here schalt thou me fynden, ful Sykerle!"Line 776

and ȝit he Enjoyned hire more over tho alle þe good dedis that sche scholde do, [778. MS. that sche hadde don & scholde do.] and thus he be-tawht hire to God almyht, [and sends her home.] and hom aȝen sche wente anon Ryht.Line 780 thanne, whanne the devel aspide al this, [The devil rages.] and that his pray he scholde thus Mis, thanne was the cursede schrewe wondir wroth, that he to hire was thanne so loth.Line 784 So dwelled sche there two monthes oþer thre, [After two months,] and ful holy lif ladde, ful Sekerle, Tyl that sche gan to barnysche ryht faste, [her condition is noticed.] And Was Aspied Atte laste, [leaf 91 d] Line 788 where-offen hire Frendes angred ful sore, [Before friends and relations,] and so dyde sche ȝit wel more, & seyde: "so god haue Mercy on Me, [she protests her inno∣cence] J ne kan not weten how it scholde be."Line 792 thanne seiden hire Frendis to hire tho: "why, han there so many men knowen ȝow so, that ȝe ne weten hos Jt is? now Mafey, thanne this goth amys!"Line 796 "thanne preye j god that j neuere deliuered be, [time after time,] ȝif j knew Evere of Manes compeyne, othyr Evere wyste of this aventure, how to me jt is comen, j ȝow Ensure."Line 800 thanne hire Frendis blessid hem Echon, [but they dis∣believe her,] and to hire they seyden anon: "this thyng ne Myhte nevere be be ȝow ne be non womman, Sikirle.Line 804 but on him, j trowe, ȝe troste, that he ȝow Excusen Moste; But, Jn Sekyr, Jt wele not be, werfore vs sore Repentyth, Sekyrle;Line 808 For also sone as the jvge it wot, [and point out her sure fate.] anon, with-owten Faille, deyen ȝe Mot."

Thanne, whanne this woman herde this, Ful sore dismayed Jt was, J-wys,Line 812 and seyde: "So god of My Sowle haue Mercy,

J neuere ne knew ne sawh that Mannes body [When she perseveres,] that me hath don this jlke dede, as jn alle my werkis so god me spede!"Line 816 thanne wenten hire frendis from hire anon, and for a fool these wommen helden hire Echon. [they consider her a fool.] "Now certes, fowle loste is ȝoure bewte, that thus han jt lost jn Swiche degre!"Line 820 whanne that sche herde these wommen thus speke, [The afflicted woman re∣pairs to the hermit,] anon to hire confessour gan sche to Reke, and tolde hym of this wommans answere, as that to hire sche hadde Seyde Ere.Line 824 anon as this good Man Sawh that sche Qwyk with childe was, certeinle, and Mochel he Merveilled of this chaunce, & anon axede hire of that penaunce— [who asks about her penance,] Line 828 "that to-forn tyme the joyned j for this, hast thow it don?" "ȝe, leve Sire, j-wis, that haue j don, Syre, with-owten faille!" "but cam he Evere sethen, the owht to asaille, [and whether the devil has annoyed her again.] Line 832 owthir trespacedest þou Euere ony More, but only that thou hast told me be-fore, Ne neuere but onys jt cam to the?" "No, so me good helpe, Sire, Sikerle!"Line 836

Whanne that the goodman herde hire thus telle Of this aventure, how it befelle, anon a book he took to hym tho, [The hermit takes a book, and writes down all these things.] and þis Mater jn Scripture he let thrynne do.Line 840 "Now be ȝe Sewr what j schal say: anon as this child is born, jn fay, [The truth, he says, shall be known at the birth of the child,] of on thing j schal knowe, certeyn: ȝif þat ony tale ȝe han tolde me jn veyn.Line 844 and ȝif to me ȝe han Mad a lesyng, Ful Siker ȝe ben of ȝoure hyndryng; [and accord∣ingly she shall perish] and ȝif to me the sothe han ȝe told, Jt schal ȝow helpen Many fold,Line 848 For thanne ful Syker Mown ȝe ben that ȝe scholen nethir deth felen ne sen. [or be saved.] but ȝit gret drede ȝe mown hauen a throwe, For anon as the justice doth it knowe,Line 852

Anon they Welen to-Gederys conseylle, [leaf 92 a] [853. The last word was miswritten, blotted out, and written once more.] and ȝow for-juggen for here avaylle, [For the im∣pending trial] and seyn that ded scholen ȝe be, For that ȝe han trespaced Jn avowtre.Line 856 but that anon as they han ȝow take, doth me to wetene for ȝowre owne sake, and j schal comen to ȝow jn Socowrenge, [he promises her his help,] and god schal ben thanne ȝoure helpinge;Line 860 For, Seker, ȝe mown ben þerto bold, and it be as ȝe han me told." thanne seyde this good Man to hire tho: "Aȝen to ȝoure hows hom that ȝe go, [and sends her home again.] Line 864 and loke, good lif that ȝe lede, For to a good Ende jt wyle ȝow spede." [866. MS. fforto.] and thus wente sche hom ageyn, as j ȝow Sey nowe, Jn certeyn,Line 868 and ful benyngnely lyvede there, Tyl that it cam the justice to the Ere. [When the judges are informed,] thanne comen [they] jnto the Same town [871. thāne corrected from and; the pronoun omitted.] onliche for this Wommannes Enchesown,Line 872 and þere sche was taken and to-forn hem browht, to weten ȝif sche cowde Excusen hire owht. Whanne sche was taken and jn preson don, [and imprison her,] sche sent aftyr this good man anon,Line 876 and he thedyr cam jn ful gret hye, as faste as [he] myht gon, Sekerlye; [878. MS. as myht.] and thider cam he Neuere so sone, that to-foren the justice sche was browht anone.Line 880 The justices clepeden this good Man, [the hermit speaks with them.] and tolden hym how that sche seide than, For sche hem tolde, ful certeynly, that sche knew nevere of Mannes compeny.Line 884 "Trowe ȝe," quod the justice thanne, "that this myhte ben with-owten feleschepe of Manne?" thanne seide to hem this goodman ageyn: "j sey not that j thenke now, jn certeyn,Line 888

but and ȝe welen don aftyr Me, [and advises them to put off her trial,] at this tyme juged schal sche not be, Neþer not as longe as gret sche Js, ȝif that ȝe wele don be Myn avys.Line 892 For it were Neyther Skele ne Resown [for the inno∣cent child's sake,] To putten that child to ony distrocciown, that neuere jn non wyse deservyd the ded, ȝif owghtes that ȝe welen don be my Red."Line 896 "Syre, we scholen don as we ȝow say: aftyr ȝow we scholen werken this day." "ȝif that ȝe welen werken aftyr Me," [899. ȝe added above the line.] quod this goodman thanne, "Sykirle,Line 900 jnto a strong warde scholen ȝe hire putte, [letting her stay in a strong tower,] and strong lokes vppon hire Schette, and putte hire jnto a strong towr, and with hire tweyne wommen for hire honour, [with two women to attend her,] Line 904 hire forto helpen at hire deliueraunce and hire to socowren jn that chawnce; and that owt from hire mown they not gon, No more thanne sche may from hem don;Line 908 and that they there to-gederis be, tyl that child be born ful vtterle, [till the child shall he born and be strong enough.] and tyl that it may it somwhat Susteyne; this js my Reed, j sey ȝow certaygne.Line 912 thanne scholen ȝe knowen and sen More thing thanne ȝe owht knowen at this begynneng, and forjuggen Mown ȝe thanne this wommanne as lyk that ȝe fynden Resown thanne.Line 916 This js My conseille, and ȝe welen it do, And ȝif not ȝe Wylen, J parte ȝow fro." [leaf 92 b] thus wrowhten they thanne al jn fere [The judges follow his advice.] aftyr that goodmannes cownseyl there,Line 920 and putten hire jn-to [a] strong towr, [921. MS. jn to strong.] & with hire tweyne wommen for hire honour, Swich as to Mester scholde be That longeth to wommans parturite,Line 924 and a Fenestre open be Enchosown here vyaundes to taken bothe vpe & down,

and what Necessaryes hem belonged also, vpe at that wyndowe to hem taken tho.Line 928 and whanne that thus be this goodmannes conseille jn the towr they weren browht, Sawns faille, thanne spak this good man to hem jn hy, [The hermit recommends immediate baptism,] [931. MS. an hy.] and to this damysele he seide, trewly:Line 932 "Loke that anon as thou delyveryd be, that faste jt be crystened & smartle; and to-fore the justice whanne þou schalt go, [and a mes∣sage to be sent to him before the trial.] Loke anon that thou sende me vnto."Line 936 and thus jn the towr abod sche there, tyl sche was deliuered jn hard Manere, [A male child is born,] and was deliuered of a knave child, that was bothen vnlouely & vn-Myld. [ugly and rough,] Line 940 and whanne this child was j-bore, they Merveilleden gretly that weren thore, For it hadde bothe wyt and knowenge [with its father's wits,] aftyr the schrewed fadris Engendrynge.Line 944 but, for the devel wrowhte so falsly, [but destined to be a serv∣ant of God on account of its mother's repentance,] God to his Evs hath taken jt, trewly, thorwgh the Modris verray Repentaunce, and for fulfylleng of hire penance, [948. hir' corrected from his.] Line 948 and for hire good beleve jn holy chirche, and for the goode dedis that sche dyde wirche, [good deeds,] for that cawse nolde god jn non degre that the devel with hym Meddelid, Sikirle.Line 952 and ȝit the devel Mad his Engendryng, For that of al thinges he scholde haue knowyng, bothe þat js to comen and that js gon, [955. ād corrected afterwards from an.] For Many Merveilles he thowghte be hym to don.Line 956 but oure lord knew the Repentance Of his Modyr, with-owten variaunce, and wiste ful wel that aȝens hire wille [and inno∣cence of the whole thing.] that this aventure cam hire vntylle.Line 960 For the goode lord knew ful wel that be hire wil sche synnede neuere a del, and hym graunted bothe wit and knowenge Of Many thinges that weren comenge;Line 964

thus wolde God that he scholde knowe of Manye thinges vppon a rowe. For ȝif goddis wille it hadde j-be, [Otherwise the devil would have had his share in the child.] the devel schold han had his partye [968. partye, y corrected from e.] Line 968 and to God ȝelden that was his Ryht, but that it likede to this lord of Myht hym to taken jnto his power and holych owt of the develis daunger.Line 972

Thus was there thanne this child j-bore, of wheche these wommen dredden sore, [The women in attendance are fright∣ened at the sight of the infant.] For more Rowghere that child it was thanne Evere they Syen jn ony plas.Line 976 they schewed it thanne to þe Modyr anon, sche took vpe hire hond and blessed hire thusson, and Seyde anon: "so Crist me Spede, [So is the mother.] For this child haue J gret drede."Line 980 Thanne seyden to Hyre these Wommen A-geyn: [leaf 92 c] "So for hym schalt thou suffren ful gret peyn." thanne comanded the Modir there [She has him christened at once,] down it to leten Jn alle Manere—Line 984 "and that j-cristened anon it be, thus j ȝow preye for charyte." thanne axeden these wommen of hire anon what Name they scholden leyn hym vppon.Line 988 anon leten they down this child there, and that anon j-cristened it were, and that jt Named scholde j-be [and calls him by her father's name, Merlin.] aftyr his grauntfadyr, ful sekerle,Line 992 whiche goodman that hyghte Merlyne, that the devel gan so Engyne. and thus this child j-cristened was, and deliuered aȝen to þe Modris plas.Line 996 Thanne thus the Modyr Gan hym Norree, [The child grows very fast.] tyl ten Mounthes old he was, Sekerle; and with-jnne tho x mounthes he was so bold, [999. moūthes afterwards crossed out and replaced by dayes.] Line 1000

that thyke tyme he semede two ȝeres old.Line 1000 and whanne xviij mounthes weren fulliche j-past, [After 18 months the attendants want to go home,] [1001. moūthes afterwards crossed out and replaced by dayes.] To the Modyr seiden thes wommen jn hast: "dame, fulfayn wolde we hennes ben and to owre owne place hom gon aȝen,Line 1004 For certein thinges we han to do; Sykerly, dame, we wylen the fro." thanne spak aȝen the Modyr anon: "ȝif it so be, ȝe from me gon, [but are per∣suaded to stay yet for a while.] Line 1008 anon be jugement j schal ben ded, For j ne knowe non other Red." thanne wepte this Modyr and Made sory chere, and preyde hem with hire abyden ȝit there.Line 1012 thanne ȝit stylle they gonne abyde, and to a prevy wyndowe wente þat tyde. and the Modir this child gan beholde, & there jn hire armes sche gan it folde; [The mother weepingly says to the child in her arms] Line 1016 Anon ful tendirly wepte sche thanne, & thus sche seide to this ȝong Manne: "a, Faire sone," quod sche thanne tho, "for the moste j suffre bothe deth & wo, [that she must die for its sake,] Line 1020 and to me ben j-put ful Mochel hard peyne, the wheche is wrong, god wot certeyne. For there Nis non Man, but god alone, that whot how this cause doth gone;Line 1024 but this non Man wil beleven, certeinle, [as nobody believes her.] wherfore j moste nedis ded now be, and thus with gret wrong j schal suffre ded." Sore wepyng thus seide sche jn that sted.Line 1028 And as the Modyr this Mone Gan Make, hire sone on hire lokede with Eyn so blake, [The child says she shall not.] and seide: "modir, dismaye the nowht, for fore me schalt þou neuere to deth be browht."Line 1032 whanne that the Modyr herde hym so speke, For drede sche let it owt of hire armes Reke, [In her fright, she drops it; the child cries, the women rush thither.] so that for drede the child fyl a-down, and gan to cryen with a gret Sown.Line 1036 thanne comen anon these wommen, certayn,

and wenden, the Modyr tlie child wolde han slayn, and they axeden hire, why the child ferde so. "for, sekerly, j was neuere so wo, [The mother tells them of all,] Line 1040 Nethere j ne hadde neuere so gret fere; That Made hym fallen owt of myn armes here, and that made hym so lowde to crye. But of A Merveyl J sey ȝow, sekerlye, [leaf 92 d] Line 1044 that this child hath spoken to Me; [that the child has spoken,] ȝe wolde han wondred hit forto han se!" "what, spak thanne he the vnto?" [1047. he added above the line.] "ȝe, sekerly, now dyde he so."Line 1048 "what seide he thanne? telle vs now here." "that Schal j doon with Ryht good chere; [and what it has said.] he seide j scholde neuere ded for hym be; thus he me Seyde, ful Sykerle."Line 1052 "but Seyde he ony othir thing?" "Nay, forsothe, with-owten lesyng." thanne gonne they the child to kyssen and brase, [They then try to make it speak to them also, but in vain.] ȝif it to hem wolde speken jn that plase;Line 1056 but non word of him ne cowde they gete, [1057. MS. hem.] thowgh they him kyste neuere so swete. but on a day þe modir calde hem hire vnto, [Later on, the mother ad∣vises them to speak, in her son's presence, of her death for his sake.] [1059. modir added above the line.] and thus to hem sche seide tho:Line 1060 "Manase ȝe me for hym vppon a day, [1061. MS. hyn.] and to hym Make som gret afray, and seith that for hym j schal be brent, be stoned to dethe and al j-schent."Line 1064 For the Modyr desirede ful sore That to-forn hem wolde he speken thore. [So they do,] "a ful gret Rowthe it is of the," Seiden these wommen, "ful sekerle,Line 1068 that so fair a body as thou art on, of hyde, of hewe, of flesch & bon, that thou schalt for this fowle thing ben browht so sone to a fowl Endyng.Line 1072 bettyr it hadde have neuere be bore thanne thy faire body for hym scholde be lore." "Now certes," quod this Merlyne tho, [and Merlin speaks angrily.] Line 1076

"ȝe lyen, false schrewes, bothe two,Line 1076 of that ȝe han my Modyr told, for þerto schal neuere man be so bold." and whanne they syen hym so on take, [They are frightened, and say he must be a devil.] For drede and sorwe they gonne to qwake,Line 1080 and seiden: "This ne May non child be: Jt is the devel, ful Sykirle. that we han seid, doth it vs here telle; we supposen, it be a devel of helle."Line 1084 thanne aposid they him of wordis Mo, and thus to hem he Seide vnto: "ȝe han don wel moche More Synne [He replies by telling them about their secret sins.] thanne my modyr, that is here with-jnne."Line 1088 Anon they Merveylled mochel More, that he cowde tellen thinges, weren don to-fore. "we schole gon tellen to hem that be-Nethe be, how this child doth Speken, Sekyrle."Line 1092 thanne to this wyndowe comen they anone, [They run to the window, and inform the people.] and cleped the peple to hem fulsone, and tolden how þat the child spak there, & howgh that he seyde and jn what Manere.Line 1096 thussone so wyde this tydyng sprong, that to the jugge it cam Er owht long, [The judge hears about it,] where-offen he Merveillede wondir sore, that jn swich Maner the child spak thore.Line 1100 thanne bespak the justice anon: "Now were it tyme, juggement to dou!" and sente anon to that Jayller That jn the towre hem kepte ther, [1104. That through correction at the end.] Line 1104 that at the Ende of xl dawes [and fixes the day for her trial.] to bringen hire forth to han hire lawes. whanne the Modyr of Merlyn herde this, That set was the day of hire, j-wys,Line 1108 Fvl mochel Sorwe made sche thanne, and sente anon aftyr this good Manne, [She sends for the hermit.] That Hire Was Wont to confessen before; [leaf 93 a] aftyr hym sente sche to comen to hire thore.Line 1112 Thus dwelde sche algates stille

the dayes of juggement to fulfille. and whanne they weren past Everichon Except viij dayes, that weren not gon,Line 1116 thanne lyvede sche jn sorwe and care, [During her grief and anguish,] and wiste neuere thanne how sche schold fare, but that sche scholde brend j-be; sche knew non othir, ful Sykerle.Line 1120 and al this tyme wente hire sone, jn feye, [her son is unconcerned.] abowte jn the towr and him gan to pleye. thanne seiden these wommen to him anon: "Ful litel thenkest þou what is to don, [The women reprove him.] Line 1124 and how this wyke, ful Sikerle, thy Modir for the moste nedis brend j-be." Thanne be-spak Merlyn anon [He tells his mother again not to be afraid,] to his Modir there thussone:Line 1128 "Now, faire Modyr, j ȝow praye, For me non thing that ȝe dismaye, for there js non Man on lyve here that ȝow schal demen jn non Manere,Line 1132 Neþer neuere ȝow juggen to þe ded, whiles that j lyve, jn non sted, Ne neuere non deth to suffren, j-wys, [for she shall not die.] Sauf onlich be god, that almyhty js."Line 1136 whanne the Modyr vndirstood this, thanne was sche ful of joye & blis, and seide: "this child moste nedis wys be, [1139. MS. seiden.] Swich thynges to tellen now, Sykerle."Line 1140 thus bod sche tyl the same day [On the appointed day,] that to juggement scholde sche gon, jn fay, that owt of the towr was sche do, and the tweyne wommen with hire also,Line 1144 and hire sone in hyre arm sche bar, tyl to-fore the jugges that sche cam thar. [she appears before the judges, who ask the women if the child had really spoken,] thanne the justice at that tyde thike two women token beside,Line 1148 and of hem axeden, with-owten lak, ȝif it were soth that the child spak. thanne tolden hem tho wommen verrayly Line 1152

how that he to hem Spak apertly.Line 1152 thanne seide the jugge to hem ageyn: [and remark that much wisdom is required to save its mother.] "ful mochel moste he konnen & knowen, certayn, ȝif he schole owht his Modyr Save, Mochel More konneng Moste he have."Line 1156 and be this jlke same tyme, as that it happede the owr of pryme, this goodman to hire was comen ful Ryht, [The hermit, who has arrived in the mean∣time,] that hire thanne scholde cownceillen aryht.Line 1160 thanne seide on of the jugges hire vnto: "hast þou ony cownseil, what wylt thou do? for Martirdom thou most Suffren here; good cownseil to the now profyt were."Line 1164 thanne answerid this womman agayn: "with this good man wolde j speken fulfayn." and they hire ȝoven leve therto. so jnto a chambre they gonne to go, [has a private consultation with his confessant,] Line 1168 and hire sone beleft with-owte amonges the peple, a ful gret Rowte; and with speche they gonnen hym asaylle, but lytel owther nowht it dyde avaylle.Line 1172 and al this while that jt was so, his Modir hire confessour spak vnto. & whanne sche hadde told hym al hire wylle, Thanne spak the confessour Hire vntylle, [leaf 93 b] Line 1176 and axede hire ȝif it certeyn were [during which he also is as∣sured that the child has spoken.] that hire sone spak so there. "ȝe, sire," sche seide, "certeynly, to me hath he spoken, ful verrayly."Line 1180 "Jn goddis Name," quod this good Man tho, "j hope, som Merveilles it wele tornen vnto." thanne comen they owt bothe jn fere, [She reap∣pears in court,] and comen jnto place as þe jugges were,Line 1184 and took hire child jn hire armes two, Ryht so to-fore the jugge sche gan to go. thus stood sche to-forn hem, certaygne. anon the jugge gan hire Refreyne,Line 1188 and axede hire ho þat the fadyr were [is asked about her child's father,] of that child that sche held there. thanne answerid the Modyr with gret pite: Line 1192

"j wot not othir but ded to be; [and declares that she knows not.] Line 1192 but so god on my Sowle haue Mercye, Medlid j neuere with mannes compenye, [1194. MS. comp̄enye.] Ne neuere j wiste ho þat the fadyr was, Neþer neuere knew j Man jn that cas,Line 1196 Ne Neuere obeyed to non Man, Sykerle, that sweche thinges scholde don by me." "ȝe, ȝe," quod this justices tho, [The judges say they cannot believe her,] "we konnen not beleven that it is soLine 1200 as thou dost vs to vndirstonde; Jt was neuere provid jn non londe." thanne tooken the jugges these wommen on side, [ask also the two women on the point,] and axeden ȝif swich a thing myhte be-tyde,Line 1204 that a woman a child scholde bere whiche neuere jn Mannes compeny ne were. thanne seiden they: "Nay, ful sikyrle, with-owten Mannes compenye it myhte not be."Line 1208 Thanne seiden these jugges to hyre ageyn [and declare she must die.] that—" ded nedys most ȝe ben, certayn, for thus wommen seyn, trewely, that with-owten Mannes compenyLine 1212 a child neuere scholdest thou have; thus they me seyn, so god me save!" thanne owt of his Modris armes stirt Merlyne anon, [Then Merlin suddenly intervenes.] and angerlich seide toforn hem Echon:Line 1216 "that schalt þou Nevere, justice, bringen abowte, My Modyr to brennen, with-owten dowte, For sche ne hath not deservid therto. [His mother is guiltless, he says,] and ȝit more J schal sein the also,Line 1220 that ȝif trewe jostice thou schost be To alle that han don avowtre with oþere thanne with here lordis, certeyn, of mo thanne of two partes that is here pleyn, [but more than two∣thirds of the women pres∣ent are guilty.] Line 1224 thow schost hem brennen al jn fere, More than twey partes of wommen that ben here. and my Modyr was neuere ȝit Gylty with non Man jn Swich Maner of foly;Line 1228 but swich a body as hire was take,

sche hath forth browht with gret wrake. and, Sire justice, but thou leve me, axe this good Man here openle."Line 1232 the justices axeden this goodman tho [The hermit is asked, and testifies her inno∣cence,] ȝif it be—" as he seith vs vnto." "ȝe" quod this good man, "ful Sekerly, sche hath me told ful feithfully,Line 1236 ful often & with ful weping chere, that jn Mannes compenye neuere sche were, but that welfowle Encombred sche was [1239. welfowle, w through correction.] with the fals Enemy jn hire owne plas, [the devil being the offender.] Line 1240 hire thus Eucombrede jn slepyng; And vppon My Sowle to taaken this thing. [leaf 93 c] but jn alle my lyf here before herde j nevere of swich thing spoken ore."Line 1244 thanne spak Merlyne aȝen Ryht tho, [Merlin re∣minds the hermit of the book.] and this goodman spak vnto: "ȝe han it don j-wreten Jn a book, My concepsiown, and ȝe wyle lok,Line 1248 and þerby mown ȝe ful wel knowe [1249. ȝe added above the line.] the lyveng of my modir al this throwe." "thou seist soth," quod this good Man, "lytel wot thy Modyr whens þat thou cam."Line 1252 thanne cleped they forth these two wommen, [The women are ques∣tioned,] and axeden hem wheþer it were so then, & also Enqwerede aftyr thengendrure and aftyr his birthe, j ȝow Ensure.Line 1256 ȝif that the goode holy Mannes book [and their testimony agrees with the book.] and they acorden, they wylen look. So that these wommen and the book acordid wel, of the goodmannes wrytyng, Everydel.Line 1260 ȝit thanne seide the justices tho, [Yet the judges are not satisfied.] For this scholde sche be qwyt neuere the Mo.

Thanne Merlyn gan to wraththen hym Sore, [Merlin, growing angry,] and ful angerly to the justice spak thore:Line 1264 "J knowe moche Bettere My fadyr, Jn fay, thanne thou dost thyn, J dar wel Say,

and thy Modyr knoweth bettere, certeinly, [brings an accusation against the chief judge's mother.] ho that the be-gat, j telle þe feythfully, [1268. that, at blurred.] Line 1268 Bettere thanne My modyr, j sey ȝow pleyn, For sche knew neuere my Fadyr, jn certeyn. and therfore, Sire Justice, J telle to the that thy Modyr More worthy Js, brent to be,Line 1272 For sche is fals to hire lord so dere, and so was neuere my modyr jn non Manere." [1274. so added above the line.] thanne was this justice wondyr angry tho, [The irate judge tells him to prove it, and his mother shall be free.] and thus to that child be Spak vnto:Line 1276 "ȝif of my Modir Swich thing thow konne seye, J schal the holden for trewe, jn feye." thanne seide Merlyn aȝen to hym there: [Merlin says he can.] "Ful wel knowe j thy Modrys Manere,Line 1280 that moche More sche hath decerved to be ded thanne Evere dyde my Modyr jn ony sted. and but ȝif thou fynde that j trewe seye, hardylich let Ellis my modyr deye." [1284. modyr, r on erasure.] Line 1284 thanne seide the justyse to hym ageyn: [The judge first renews his promise,] "ȝif thou konne proven that thou seist pleyn, Thy modyr from brenneng schalt thou save, and al thyn owne axeng thou schalt have ...Line 1288 but Natheles, and it be as thou dost telle, [then threat∣ens to burn both the mothers.] thanne schal j don brenne bothe ful snelle, bothe Myn owne Modyr and Ek thyn, and Bryngen hem bothe to a schort fyn."Line 1292 "that schal Neuere lyn Jn thy powere [Merlin defies him.] My Modyr to deth to putten here, whiles that thou lyvest here, ony threwe, [1295. threwe, the first e corrected from o.] For ȝif nede be, mo Skiles j schal the Schewe."Line 1296

Thanne anon Respyt gonnen they take [A summons is sent to the judge’s mother.] For the justices Modris Sake, xv dayes thanne next Sewenge, hire forto bringen to Rekenenge,Line 1300 and diden hire seke bothe fer & Nygh, To hire answere to comen apertly.

and jn the Mene while they Enqwered there [In the mean∣time, Merlin remains silent.] of that child Jn diuers Manere,Line 1304 but Neuere to hem wolde he speken non word, Tyl the day cam of here acord, and whanne this womman comen was, The Justices Modyr, Jnto that plas. [leaf 93 d] Line 1308 thus cam the justices Modyr thedyr jn hye; [On her ar∣rival, Merlin is confronted with her before the people.] thanne Merlyn was after sent, trewlye, owt of preson Jn hasty Manere to-forn the peple to comen there.Line 1312 thanne seide the justice to Merlyn tho: "lo, here my Modir, that thou spoke offen so!" thanne seyde the child to hym ageyn: [He suggests more private proceedings, indoors.] [1315. MS. just crossed out after the.] "thou Ne art ful wys, j telle the pleyn!Line 1316 Tak thy Modyr jnto a chambre anon and of thy beste frendes, and þedir ȝe gon, and þere to-foren ȝow J schal come Jn excuseng of my modyr al & Some, [1320. al, l corrected from c.] Line 1320 which that knoweth god almyhty and also hire confessour, ful sothfastly." thanne abasched weren they Sore, [Nobody objects.] that they ne cowde Speken wordis no more.Line 1324 thanne seide Merlyne to hem Echon: [When in the room, Merlin puts some preliminary questions to the judge,] "ȝif j delyvere my Modir of this cryme anon, schal sche thanne ony more jn warde be for ȝow oþer for ony of this Meyne?"Line 1328 thanne answerid the justice to hym ageyn: "sche schal ben ful qwyt thanne, jn certayn." thanne seide the justyce to Merlyn tho: "Now sey to my Modyr that thou kanst do,Line 1332 be whiche thy Modir qwit scholde be; haue j-do, and sey on here to-fore ME!" "j schal non thing vppon thy Modyr seye [and indicates the connec∣tion of the two cases.] but that schal my Modyr aqwyten, jn good feye. and ȝif sche have forfeted wyllyng, j wile that thou to deth hire bryng. hast not thou Enswred Me and also my Modyr, ful certeinle,Line 1340

ȝif j may hire delyveren here, qwit to Gon jn alle Manere?" "that is ful trewe," quod the justice, "and thou it conne don be ony wyse."Line 1344 "Now, justice," quod Merlyne thanne anon, [Merlin then rehearses the accusation brought against his own mother,] "My Modyr thou acusest to-forn vs Echon, For that j am of hire j-bore, and þat sche Not ho me Engendrid thore.Line 1348 but j kan bettere my Modir telle [1349. telle crossed out after my.] hos sone that j was, ful snelle, thanne thou kanst, j dar wel say, [and his own accusation against the judge's mother.] ho was thy fadyr, be ony way.Line 1352 and also thy Modyr the can tellen bettir, j-wis, ho that the be-gat and thy fadyr Js, thanne My Modyr can tellen Me, oþer Evere cowde jn ony degre,Line 1356 hos Sone that j was, sche cowde neuere tellen jn non plas." Thanne spak þe justice to his Modir dere: [The judge asks his mother, if he is not the son of her late husband.] "hos sone was j, that stond now here? was j not ȝowre sone Jn trewe acord be-twixen ȝow and ȝowre husbonde & lord?" "A ȝis, fayre Syre, ful Sykerle! [She declares he is.] hos sone Ellis scholde ȝe be,Line 1364 but his sone that now ded Is? j sey ȝow, dere sone, with-owten Mys." "dame," quod Merlyne, "ȝow behoveth here [Merlin ex∣horts her to tell the truth,] the Sothe to Seyen Jn alle Manere.Line 1368 For but ȝif thy Sone qwyte now Me and also my modyr, that here ȝe se, [1370. modyr, o corrected from y.] No More Entermeten j ne schal, and ȝit scholen we gon qwyt of al!"Line 1372 "ȝis," quod the justice anon tho, "Sey on now more what þou canst do." "Wel," quod Merlyne, "thanne schal J say: [leaf 94 a] thy fadir is ȝit onlyve thys day [and says that the judge's father is still alive.] Line 1376 be wytnesse of thin owne Modyr here." thanne beheld the justice his Modir there.

"jt be-houeth," quod Merlyne, "that ȝe here telle ho was ȝoure senes fadyr, ful snelle,Line 1380 For wel ȝe weten, his Fadyr he Nas Of hym that he supposith jn this plas." thanne baschet the Lady wondir sore, [The lady is confused.] [1383. baschet, b apparently through correction.] & axede Merlyne hos sone Ellis he wore.Line 1384 "Ful wel knowest thou," quod Merlyn tho, "that thou seist, it Nis not So, but a prestis sone of ȝowre he js; [Merlin states further that the judge's father is a priest,] [1387. of (?) added above the line; ȝ through correction, blurred.] this woste thou wel, with-owten Mys,Line 1388 be this same tokene, j telle the, that thou to hym seidest in prevyte. Ne hadde ȝe but Selde to-gederis leyn, that to hym thou seydest, ful pleyn, [reveals her intimate con∣versation with her lover,] Line 1392 that be hym with childe thou were; and he seide: 'Nay, haue ȝe non fere!' [1394. he, h corrected from s.] thanne seide he, that scholde neuere be, Be hym with childe gon, Sykerle. [1396. childe, d through correction, blurred.] Line 1396 and for this skele thus seide he, trewelye, For thou schost Medlen with non Mannes compenye. and ȝit More dyde he therto: as often as he with ȝow Medlyd so, [his noting down of each coition,] Line 1400 he put jt anon jn Scripture; that j seye, is soth, j ȝow Ensure. thanne was jt told to ȝoure lord of ȝoure Manere, every word,Line 1404 but with fals othes ȝe to hym dyd swere [and her false oaths to her husband.] that it not so was Jn non Manere. thanne vnnethis wolde ȝe abyde, but to þe preest wente anon that tyde,Line 1408 and seiden to hym with-owten wordis Mo: 'Me js be-tyd ful Mochel wo, that thus with childe be ȝow am j, J am ful wo-he-gon now, trewly!'Line 1412 dame, js not this trowthe, that j now say? [He then asks if it is not true.] And here to-fore me sey ȝe other Nay!

and ȝif thow wylt not the sothe beknowe, Mochel wers schal j sein aforn al this Rowe."Line 1416 "Modyr," quod the justice, "is this trewe?" [She still denies it.] "what, sone, levest thou this schrewed hewe?" "A," quod Merlyne, "wylt thou thanne so, [Merlin goes on to state] thanne schal j telle what thou dist Mo.Line 1420 whanne that thou knew certeyn, þou were with childe, thow wentest to purchase, as a womman ful Mylde, [that she bought her husband's silence,] be the same preest, thi pes to have, of thin owne lord, he scholde þe save,Line 1424 and that his owne it was Eche del, the wheche was fals, thou knew ful wel. and sethen that tyme, J sey ȝow here, [continued her adulterous life with the priest,] haven ȝe bothe lyved that lyf jn fere,Line 1428 and ȝit ȝe lyven bothe jn-to this day; Takith this for trowthe, as j ȝow say. and the Nyht to-fore that ȝe scholde gone, [and spent with him the very last night before her de∣parture.] that preest, to ȝow he cam fulsone,Line 1432 and browht ȝow a gret pece on the weye, and thus to ȝow tho gan he seye: 'loke that jn alle thyng ȝe fulfille that my sone to ȝow schal sein vntylle.'"Line 1436

Whanne the justices Modyr herde hym so seyn, and that he seide, was trowthe, ful pleyn, Thanne gan sche Syghen & Maken gret Mone. [leaf 94 b] [Then the judge's mother breaks down,] Thanne thus sche thowhte be hire-selve Alone, [1440. thowhte ht through correction.] Line 1440 that Nedis the trowthe Moste sche Seye oþer elles to ben confowndid vtterlye. thanne hire sone seide to hire ageyn: [1443. seide added above the line.] "hos sone j am, telleth me now pleyn.Line 1444 For wel j wot, J am ȝoure child, & to ȝow j am bothe Mek and Myld. Telle me now trowthe, j ȝow preye, of that this child doth here Seye!"Line 1448 "Now, Swete sone, haue Mercy on Me! [and pleads guilty.] as he Seyth, it is, ful Sekyrle." "ha thanne," quod the justice tho, Line 1452

"Now j se wel how it doth go! [The judge understands that Merlin's mother is innocent,] Line 1452 this child knoweth bettere his fadyr, j-wis, thanne j do Myn, with-owten Mys. Now se j that it were non Resown thy Modir oþer the to don distrocciown.Line 1456 For for goddis love, telle þou me here [and implores him to name his father.] what Maner of wyht thy fadyr were." thanne seide Merlyne to hym ageyn: [Merlin re∣lates] "that schal j gladliche, jn certeyn,Line 1460 More for thy love thanne for thy drede, j sey the certeyn, so god me spede! Syre, j wele that thou knowe, trewely, that on my Mody[r] Me Engendred the Enemy. [that his father is an evil spirit of the order called "Equi∣bedes,"] [1464. MS. than on my mody; in Engendred the e of the second syllable is corrected from r.] Line 1464 For Sweche Spirites as they be, ben j-cleped Equibedes, j telle the; and from the Eyr jnto the Erthe they gon Swich Maner of werkys here forto don. [1468. werkys, r corrected from k.] Line 1468 And knowe thou wel, justice, certeinlye, that j haue bothe here wyt and Memorye, [and that he has the mental capacities of those spirits to know things past, and to come,] and by hem knowe j ful wel thy Modris werkyng Everydel.Line 1472 For thinges that ben past, j knowe, and thinges that ben comeng vppon a rowe. And also it is owre lordis wille that bothe wit & Memorye j schal have þere-tylleLine 1476 on his behalve, More thanne a Naturel Man [on God's behalf,] jn this Erththe knoweth oþer kan, for the love of my modir so dere, [for his pious mother's sake.] that hire penaunce fulfilde here,Line 1480 that the goodman ȝaf hire jn charge (sche it fulfylde bothe fully and large); that so be vertu of hire goodnesse God graunttyd me ȝit more largesse:Line 1484 to knowen thynges that weren comenge, J sey the, justice, with-owten lesynge. and this schalt þou proven Eyht wel [To prove this,] and the sothe to knowen Every del."Line 1488

Anon be took the justice on syde, & thus him told that jlke tyde: [he predicts] "Thy Modyr wil discoueren me anone, come sche hom ones, neuere so sone,Line 1492 and tellen to him that the be-gat, alle that j haue to the seid and what. and whanne that he wot al this, For drede of þe thanne wyle he fleen, j-wys. [the tragic end of the priest.] [1496. MS. os þe, added above the line.] Line 1496 thanne the devel, whos servaunt he hath be, to a water schal leden hym ful pryvyle, and þere he schal hym-self distroye, his owne Sowle to gret anoye.Line 1500 and hereby myhtest þou haue knoweng that j can tellen of thinges comeng." "Now, and it be trewe as thou tellest me, [The judge declares that if that comes true, he will ever believe him.] Evere schal j the trosten ful feith-fulle,Line 1504 and Neuere j schal the Misbeleve For non Man that owht can on þe preve."

Thanne thus owt of cownseyl gonnen they go, [leaf 94 c] and to-fore the peple come they tho, [They go out again to the people,] Line 1508 and there schewed the justice anon, Sykerle, that ful wel aqwit his Modyr hadde he, [and Merlin's mother is released.] bothe be good Resown and be Ryht— "thus hath he his Modyr from the deth now dyht."Line 1512 thanne joyeden the peple Everychon, [The people rejoice.] and thankede god he hadde so don. So thus delyverede Merlyne tho [1515. So, S corrected from a.] his Modyr from Brenneng, peyne, & wo. [1516. MS. Brēnnēēg.] Line 1516 and Merlyne with the justice beleste Stylle, For he thowhte to werkyn aftyr his wylle, [The judge sends two spies to watch his mother.] and sente tweyne Men with his Modir anon, To weten how that cawse scholde goon,Line 1520 also to knowen ȝif it trewe were that this chyld hath told hym there. Assone as his Modyr hom comen was, [Arrived home, she tells the priest every∣thing.] sche tolde the preest al the casLine 1524 of the Merveilles Everychon

that toforn hire sone was seid & don. Anon as the preest herde of this, fulsore thanne was he astoned, j-wis,Line 1528 and supposid the justice wold hym slo. [He is afraid of the judge,] thanne wyste he Neuere what to do, but owt of the town he wente anon, Thanne to a Ryvere he cam thus son, [and drowns himself.] Line 1532 and þere he dyde hym-Self dystroye, For the justice hym schold not anoye. lo, thus the devel with hym wrowhte, tyl that he hadde browht hym to nowhte.Line 1536 and this openly Syen thike twey Men, that hom with that lady comen then; [The spies report it to the judge.] and whanne to the juge they comen ageyn, of alle this aventure they tolden hym, certeyn.Line 1540 & whanne the justice herde al this, anon he Merveillede ful gretly, j-wis, and there to Merlyn told it thus sone; thanne began this Merlyn to lawhen anone.Line 1544 "Now j preye the, justice," quod Merlyn tho, [On Merlin's request,] "that to holy Blase thou wost tellen this vnto, wich that is My Modris confessour, a ful holy Man Jn Everych owr."Line 1548 thanne tolde the justice to Blase, ful pleyn, [the judge tells it to the hermit, the holy Blasy.] how that this aventure befyl, certeyn. thanne wente Merlyn and his Modyr jn fere, the justice and Blase, alle to-gederis there,Line 1552 and wente whider hem likede best, [1533. dystroye, the first y corrected from r.] Jnto what place as hem best lest. This Blasye a worthy clerk he was, [Blasy won∣ders at the child's faculties,] and Mochel Merveille hadde in þat plasLine 1556 that so ȝong a child as was he, Swich wit scholde haue jn ony degre, that but two ȝer and an half he was old, and that he was so wis, so Redy, and so bold;Line 1560 he Merveillede whens it scholde be, & assaied Merlyne jn ful Many degre. [and tests him in many ways.] thanne seide Merlyne to hym ageyn: Line 1564

"þe more that þou me asayeest, jn certeyn, [1564. asayeest, the first a squeezed in afterwards.] Line 1564 ȝif thou wilt me trosten and beleve, [Merlin asks Blasy to trust him.] of the love of god j schal the preve, the whiche to Endeles lyf it schal þe brynge, [1567. Endeles, E partly obliterated.] and thou wilt don aftyr My techinge."Line 1568 thanne answerede this Blasye ageyn: [Blasy re∣minds him of the fact that he is the devil's son.] "what? toforn this tyme j haue herd seyn that only the develis sone thou were, How schost thow thanne swich thynges Don Here?" [leaf 94 d] Line 1572 "lo," quod Merlyne, "a custowme it Js [Merlin re∣proves him,] of alle schrewed hertis, J-wys, that [they] Rathere the Evel thanne good scholen speke, [1575. MS. that Rathere.] on here Em-cristene to ben awreke.Line 1576 thou seist, the develis sone that j am, as þou myhtest han seid, from god þat j cam, [and says he has come from God,] and that he graunted me bothe wit & Memorye; what schold it han greved the thus to seye?Line 1580 For it is goddis wille that j knowe [as God has given him divinatory power,] thinges to-comeng vppon a Rowe, only for the same Enchesown that pe devel hath me forgon.Line 1584 and ȝit haue j not * Myn Engyneng, [1585. A participle (forgon, j-lost, lost?) is missing.] that of kynde j hadde atte begynneng, but of me scholen they Neuere han power, for that han they lost Everywher, [and the devils have lost their share in him.] Line 1588 For me to putten jn so worthy a vessel, of wheche hadde they part neuere a del, and jn Swich a Maner conceyved they Me, For they knew not of goddis prevyte. [1592. they added above the line.] Line 1592 and þerfore alle j-lost they bene; of this be thou Seker and not jn wene. and loke thou beleve that j schal seyn, [He asks him again to be∣lieve in his predictions,] For of Merveilles j schal tellen the, ful pleyn,Line 1596 of whiche thow wylt haue gret Merveyllyng,

how sweche wyttes myhte jnto ony man synk. [1598. man corrected from many.] Blayse, anon that thow Make a book, [and write them in a book.] for here-aftyr many man schal þer-on look."Line 1600 thanne seide Blayse to Merlyne anon: "A book may j do Maken ful sone, but j coniowre þe be on god of Myhtes Most, [Blasy con∣jures Merlin not to deceive him.] [1603. þe squeezed in afterwards.] which is fadir, sone, & holygost,Line 1604 that thou Nowht deceyve Me, Nethir be thy werk Engyned to be, Ne to werkyn non thing aȝens goddis wylle, Ne nothyng to don that scholde plesen hym ylle."Line 1608 "ha, Sire Blayse," quod Merlyne tho, [Merlin pro∣mises to forsake what∣ever Blasy finds wrong.] "and j aȝens goddis wille ony thing do, Loke that þou telle it me anon, and j wele beleven jt thusson.Line 1612 but gete the bothe penne, jnke, and parchemyn, this book to be-gynnen and Bryngen to fyn, and j schal the tellen Every del how that this book þou schalt wryten ful wel."Line 1616

Thanne Blayse anon, so god me save, [Blasy gets his writing materials,] dide ordeynen alle thinges him Nedid to have; and whanne that al thing Redy was, thanne cam Merlyn jnto that plas, [and Merlin tells him] Line 1620 and anon be-gan him telle of cristes deth, how it befelle, [of Christ,] also of Josepe of armathye, [of Joseph of Arimathia,] how of hym it happede, trewelye,Line 1624 and of Aleyn, and of Perown also, & of his compenye, how they departid tho. and thus Endyd he of josepe there & of al his Feleschepe also jn fere,Line 1628 and gan to tellen hym furthere More of þe parlement of þe develis thore, [and of the consultation of the devils.] and how thei conseylled hem be-twen [1631. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] that a child jn tho Erthe jbore schold benLine 1632 that here wyt scholde haue & Ek Memorye,

the peple to deceyven ful falslye. [The history of Merlin's mother did Blasy know already.] "and he my Modir thou hast herd telle how hire deceyveden the fendis so felle,Line 1636 but be here owne fals folye [1637. be added above the line.] They han Me lost, As J the seye." [leaf 95 a]

al this werk thus Began Merlyne, [The work at the book goes well.] and Blasye it Browhte to ful good fyne;Line 1640 and Evere the lengere that Blasye gan wryte, the bettere hym thowhte he cowde Endyte; and euere the More this Mater gan he drawe, Evere the bettere he lykede Merlynes Sawe.Line 1644 thanne Merlyn to Blayse cam anon, [Merlin pre∣dicts diffi∣culties in its continuation,] & þere to hym he seide thus son: "Blasye, thou shalt Suffren gret peyne This storye to an Ende to bringen, certeyne,Line 1648 and ȝit schal j Suffren Mochel More." "how so, Merlyn?" quod Blasye thore. "j schal be sowht," quod Merlyne tho, "Owt from the west, with Messengeris Mo; [seeing that he himself will have to go to a strange land.] Line 1652 and they that scholen comen to seken Me, they han maad Sewrawnce, j telle the, Me forto slen for ony thing; this sewrawnce han they Mad to here kyng.Line 1656 but whanne they me sen & with me speke, Non power they schole han on me to ben awreke; For with hem hens Moste j gon, and thou jnto othir partyes schalt welson, [and Blasy to the regions of the Holy Graal.] Line 1660 To hem that han the holy vessel which that js J-cleped the seynt Graal. [1662. J cleped, J corrected from c.] and wete thow wel and Ek forsothe that thow and Ek this storye bothe,Line 1664 ful wel beherd now schal it be and also Beloved Jn Many contre." and hos that wil knowen jn certaygne [For the early history of Great Brit∣ain,] what kynges that weren jn grete Bretaygne,Line 1668 Sethen that Cristendom thedyr was Browht,

They scholen hem fynde, hos so that it sowht, [the reader is referred to Martin de Beure's "History of Brute."] [1670. it added above the line.] jn the Story of Brwttes book; there scholen ȝe it fynde, and ȝe welen look;Line 1672 which that Martyn de Bewre traunslated here From latyn jnto Romaunce jn his Manere. but leve we now of Brwtes book, and aftyr this storye now lete vs look.Line 1676

Jn Bretaygne somtyme a kyng there was [Chap. II.] That costantyn was clepid jn that plas, [King Costan∣tin of Britain] Wheche that A gret Whyle Regnede there, [leaf 95 b] and was a Man of ful gret powere.Line 1680 and thre sones hadde that same kyng, [has three sons:] [1681. hadde added above the line.] whiche that weren but Bachelerys ȝyng. the Eldest Sone costantyn hyghte; [Costantin,] the secund Awrely Ambros was clepyd Ryhte,Line 1684 Owther Pendragon, whethyr ȝe wylen haue; [Pendragon,] the thrydde hyhte vter, so god me Save! [and Uter.] [1686. The corrected from Te.] this costantyn hadde a Man jn his lond [His greatest vassal is Fortager.] That hyghte Fortager, as j vndirstond;Line 1688 This Fortager was holden a ful wis Man. and happede costantyn an old Man was than, [1690. an, a corrected from o.] So that be Nature of kynde he deyde. [When the king dies,] thanne the cownseyl amonges hem Seyde,Line 1692 and axeden ho scholde ben here kyng. Anon thus becomen they jn Emparlyng. thussone thanne acordid they Everychon the Eldest Sone to Maken kyng anon, [his eldest son, Costan∣tin, becomes king,] Line 1696 whiche that hyghte costantyn (Fulsone of his Regne Made he his fyn); for aȝens Resown hadde it be ony oþer kyng to han Mad, sekerle.Line 1700 To this Emparlyng acordyd fortager [with the good will of For∣tager,] and also alle the Barowns that weren ther. so that alle the cownseylle assented, Sykerle, That this Fortager Styward schold be,Line 1704

bothe the kyng and the Rewm to governen alle, [and under his protection.] what Maner of aventures so Myhte befalle. And thus this Fortager, jn certeyn, of al that Rem his wil he hadde, ful pleyn,Line 1708 Sawf only Constans ocupied the crowne, but More Governaunce ne hadde he, nethir vpe ne downe. So that this Fortager, beloved & dred he was [Fortager is both loved and dreaded.] Ouer al the Rewm, jn Every plas;Line 1712 For bothen wys and witty lie was holde, but ouerprowd wax he Mani folde. For jn that Rewm, jn non degre Myhte non man so Moche don as dyde he.Line 1716 So that hit happede vppon a day [One day, a hostile fleet lands.] that there aryvede a Navye with gret aray. Thanne the kyng wente anon to Fortager, [King Costan∣tin goes to Fortager lor help,] [1719. wente, added above the line.] and anon fulfaire hym preyde therLine 1720 his Lond to helpen forto defende with oþer helpe he wolde aftyr sende. "For we ben alle at ȝowre comandement, bothen j & al this Rewm, verament."Line 1724 "Syre," quod Fortager to the kyng, [but is re∣fused.] "the peple of ȝoure hauen me jn hatyng; therfore let hem helpen now ȝew here, For j ne schal Entermeten jn non Manere,Line 1728 Nethyr for non Man that doth me praye, Ne for non thing that ony man kan saye."

Whanne that kyng costantyn herde this, [The king re∣turns home,] and Ek þe peple þat with him þere was, j-wis,Line 1732 That of hym Socour scholde they han non, homwardis aȝen they gonne to gon, and ordeyned hem jn Eche degre with here Enemyes to fyhten, ful sekyrle. [and is de∣feated by his enemies.] Line 1736 but of here Enemyes Scomfyted they were, [1737. Scomfyted they, d t damaged (hole in the paper).] and anon to the flyht they weren put there, and losten Manye of here Meyne, Of wheche dethes was gret pyte,Line 1740

And seyden that thyke los Hem not scholde Han falle, [leaf 95 c] [1741. not added above the line.] and Fortager hadde ben amongis hem alle. that so towardis the kyng they fillen jn hate, [The people grow dis∣satisfied with the king,] and from hym witdrowen bothe Erly and late,Line 1744 So that of Evel herte they seiden hem be-twene that he non lengere here kyng Schold beene. Thanne to this Fortager comen they anon, and þere to him they seiden thus son: [and ask For∣tager to be king instead.] Line 1748 "Sire, with-owten kyng we be, and that is nowht worth, Sire, parde; So that for goddis love be thou kyng aȝens owre Enemyes jn defendyng.Line 1752 For we knowen non Man jn al this lond That so wel vs scholde governe, as j vndirstond." thanne quod Fortager to hem ageyn: [Fortager says he will not, as long as the king is alive.] "As longe as the kyng lyveth, jn certeyn,Line 1756 Neuere non kyng ne schal j be, Nethyr of non thyng to Entermeten Me." thanne seiden they to him jn fere: [1759. MS. hem.] "jt is vs levere, the kyng ded were." [1760. vs, v corrected from l.] Line 1760 "ȝif he were ded," thanne quod he, "and ȝe liked thanne kyng to Maken Me, thanne wolde j don My powere ȝow to defende bothe fer & Nere." [They under∣stand his meaning,] Line 1764 whanne they vndirstodyn his Meneng, anon from hym they Maden departyng, and tolden here frendis of his answere, how that Fortager to hem seide there.Line 1768 "thanne is it bettere that we þe kyng sle, [and decide to murder the king.] and thanne May fortager oure kyng be, and that be vs kyng he is Mad," thus ech of hem to othir seid.Line 1772 and so wile he thanne fulfillen hire wille— "and to owre cownseyl consentyn vntylle." thanne chosen they anon amonges hem alle [Twelve men are chosen for the pur∣pose.] be whom this aventure Myhte befalle,Line 1776 So that amonges hem weren there twelfe that this aventure token on hem-selve.

So forth this xij wenten anon, [The con∣spirers slay the king in his hall.] and jnto þe kynges halle comen thus son,Line 1780 and so there with here swerdis so kene at his Mete here kyng dyden they slene (and ȝit was there non Man jn the halle tho That ony word hem dorst speken vnto), [1784. hem, e through correction.] Line 1784 and wenten anon to Fortager, [When they tell Fortager of their deed, he pretends to be angry,] & tolden hym how they hadden don ther. thanne Semblawnt of wraththe Fortager gan Make (but oþerwyse jn his herte he gan it Take),Line 1788 and thus to hem he seyde tho: "Evel han ȝe don ȝoure kyng to Slo! [and rebukes them.] and the Beste Men j wende ȝe hadde been that jn al this Rewm a man Scholde seen;Line 1792 & þerfore Riht sore it forthinketh Me that ony swich thing be ȝow scholde be." but algates thus was the kyng ded [However, the people speak of Fortager as the successor to the throne.] be thike xij false Mennes Reed.Line 1796 thanne gonnen they to spekyn hem be-twene how that Fortager here kyng scholde bene. At wheche cownceyl weren two goode Men, [At the meet∣ing there are two men present who have the care of Pendragon and Uter.] that þe tothere tweyne bretheren kepten than, [1800. tweyne, we damaged (cf. footnote to l. 1737).] Line 1800 bothen Awriele and Ek vter, the kynges bretheren that last was ther.

Whanne these tweyne goode Men vndirstood this, [They under∣stand Forta∣ger's under∣hand dealings,] [leaf 95 d] that Fortager scholde ben kyng, j-wys,Line 1804 Thanne knewen they that Mater ful Wel, that be hym this thyng was don Echedel. Anon token they cownceyl betwixen hem two what with theke chyldren Myhten they do.Line 1808 "Sethen that Fortager oure lord hath do slayn, [and the danger which threatens their wards.] So wele he these two children, jn certayn. [1810. he added above the line.] For anon as that he kyng Js, Ful Mochel sorwen he wyle werkyn, j-wis.Line 1812 and we loveden here Fadyr ful wel, [Out of grati∣tude to the father,] For be hym oure goodes we hadden Moche del;

and therfore worthy j-blamed weren we deseysse to sen be hem Jn ony degre."Line 1816 thanne thus token they here cownseyl, [they resolve to flee with the children] that they thennes wolde flen saunȝ fayl, and that the children scholde with hem go, lest that Fortager hem wolde don slo.Line 1820 "So þat therfore, Siker, avised we be Forto Fleen jnto a straunge contre, and towardes wales welen we go, [to Wales.] and ek the children with vs bothe two."Line 1824 So that they wenten forth here weye, thike worthy goode Men bothe tweye; So that jn a cyte dweldyn they thanne [The princes grow up in Bourges.] that Boorges was clepid of Many a manne;Line 1828 and there longe j-Norsched weren they bothe, with these goode Men, j sey ȝow forsothe.

Now thanne scheweth this Storye [After Fortager's coronation,] how that Fortager kyng was, Sekerlye.Line 1832 and whanne that Sacrid he was kyng, thanne to hym these Barowns weren comeng, [the murder∣ers appear before him again.] the same that Slowen kyng costantyn (therfore hadden they ful Evele fyn),Line 1836 and stoden tofor Fortager vppon a rowe, & countenaunce he Made as he cowde not hem knowe, [He at first pretends not to know them,] & lyk as to-Fore he ne hadde neuere hem seyn; this cowntenaunce Made Fortager, jn certeyn.Line 1840 thanne they to hym aproched Neer, [then, when they urge the service they have rendered him,] and thus they seide to kyng fortager: "by vs a kyng J-Mad thow were, & kyng costance we slowen for the here."Line 1844 and whanne kyng Fortager herde this, Anon he leet hem to be taken, j-wis. [has them arrested,] [leaf 96 a] "For ded Moste ȝe Nedys been, For ȝowre owne juggement hauen ȝe ȝoven clen, [sentences them to death,] Line 1848 That seyn ȝe slowen ȝowre owne lord, ȝe Mosten be ded be ȝowre owne word. [1850. ȝe, MS. ȝo.] j se wel, the same wele ȝe don be Me, but j schal ȝow bettere don kepen, Sykerle."Line 1852

and whanne the xij Barowns herde this, Ful sore they weren abasched, j-wys. So that thanne Fortager Ryht anon [and causes them to be drawn asunder by horses.] let hem don drawen Everichon,Line 1856 and to hors hem bond, & so to-drowe, and thus these xij knyhtes he slowe; For of hem non pece with othyr lefte, So that from the Bodyes Jt was Refte.Line 1860 thanne these Men that distroyed were, [Their relatives expostulate,] Moche worthy kynrede hadden they there. and to Fortager comen they anon, and seiden: "Mochel schame hast þou ve don,Line 1864 that thou oure kynrede hast thus slayn and so veleynowsly to deth hem put, certayn. For neuere Servise we scholen the do, [and menace the king.] for þou oure kynrede thus dydest Slo."Line 1868 whanne Fortager herde they gonnen hym Manace, anon angry was he jn that place, [He angrily threatens them with the same fate.] and seide, ȝif they Spoken ony more, [1871. MS. seiden.] the same jewys scholden they han thore.Line 1872 of wheche wordis they hadden gret dyspyt, [They defy him,] as who that ful lytel dowteden jt, and seiden to Fortager there anon: "thow dost vs Manacen Everichon, [1876. Manacen, na on erasure, the a corrected from e.] Line 1876 but we don the to vndirstonde: As longe as we han Frendis oþer Londe, [vow venge∣ance,] Gold other Sylver, owther oþer Entaylle, the schal nethyr faillen werre ne bataylle.Line 1880 and we defyen the what thou kanst do, For falsly the kyngdom ocupiest thou so, [rail at his treachery,] and Falsly & vntrewely ocupyest the crowne, with-owten Ryht Skele owther Resowne.Line 1884 for wete thow wel, Ryht jn good feye, [and predict for him an evil end.] as Evel deth ȝit schalt thou deye." So that thus, jn this Manere degre, [Thus a feud arises;] betwixen the kyng & þe barowns began þe Melle;Line 1888 and gret peple asembled vppon a day, and on Fortager they comen, the sothe to say,

& gret distrocciown diden him there, [the king sus∣tains heavy losses,] and of his token they Many presonere.Line 1892 So that jn this wyse kyng Fortagere that Lond Governede longe there, and hem drof owt of the lond [but gets the upper hand.] as For a whyle, as j vndirstond.Line 1896

Whanne owt of þe lond they were drevyn Echon, Ful spetous to his peple he be-cam anon, [On account of his cruelty, also his own people rise against him.] that amonges hem Suffren it myht they not longe, but aȝens hym to Rysen gonnen they fonge,Line 1900 and benomen hym gret partye of his lond, and with strenkthes on hym comen, j vndirstond. [1902. hym, y corrected from e.] whanne that Fortager vndirstood this, Ful sorweful was he thanne j-wys,Line 1904 and weude his Lond to hauen forgon. thanne abowten Messageris sente he ful son [He then offers reconcilia∣tion,] to alle his Frendis Jn Eche contre, that al abowtes jn his Rewm pes forto be.Line 1908 and whanne they vndirstooden that pes wolde he, [which is gladly accepted.] Ful glad weren they alle, ful sekerle. Thanne cam Augwys to Fortager, [leaf 96 b] and hym Servede ful longe ther, [During these struggles, he has had the help of a heathen man, Augwis, who now gives him his daughter in marriage. The people strongly object to this.] Line 1912 tyl that al his stryf were j-don. thanne Augwis and Fortager to-gederis spoken son, and his owne dowhter he ȝaf hym to wyve, wherfore his peple wraththed as blyve,Line 1916 for þat he lefte a part of his creaunce, benchesown of his wyf, with-owte variaunce, and for that cristened not sche was, his Meynes love lost he jn that plas;Line 1920 and that wyste wel kyng Fortager. and also of costantynes sones he dredde ther, [As danger threatens also from the two exiled princes,] whiche that weren jn strawnge contre, hym wolde owt-seken, ful Sykyrle,Line 1924 Ful wel he wyste, not for his prow, as Sykerly as that j telle it ȝow. thanne thowhte he forto do maken anon Line 1928

a ful strong towr of lym and ston; [Fortager resolves to build a strong tower, where he can be safe. Workmen are sent for,] Line 1928 that forto Maken, he dyde it spede, that he of non Men scholde haue non drede. thanne sente he abowtes jnto Eche contre For Masowns and carponteris, ful sekerle,Line 1932 and hem comanded jn alle Manere a passyng strong towr to Maken there, also strong as they cowden ony devyse, that it were Mad after here Gyse,Line 1936 and anon let ordeynen ston & Morter [building materials are brought,] this forsaid towr to be-gynnen ther. and whanne this werk was thus begonne, [and the work is begun.] & the heythe of fowre Roddis vpe was j-RonneLine 1940 aboven the Erthe be here werkyng, but aftyrwardis fil there a wondyr thing: al that they wrowhten be the day, [But what is built in the day, topples down in the night.] be Nyht it was ouerthrowen, jn fay,Line 1944 and be qwakyng of theke Mowntayn, there as they wrowhten, jn certayn. whanne that Fortager beheld al this, [Fortager, greatly troubled,] that his werk ne wolde not lasten, j-wis,Line 1948 thanne was he bothe jn sorwe and care, til þat he knew why it so gan fare. thanne sent he abowtes jn al the lond [sends for the wisest men in the country.] aftyr alle the wysest, as j vndirstond.Line 1952 and whanne they weren asemblyd Everychon, To hem he Schewede this Merveille anon. and thanne answerid they anon: "Sykerly, Syre, this connen we not don! [These advise him to call in the aid of men of learning.] Line 1956 Ful worthi clerkis they Mosten be, for here-vppon they connen bet than we." thanne seide Fortager to hem ful snelle: "j trowe the sothe that ȝe me telle."Line 1960 Anon Messengeris gonnen gon welfaste [So he does,] [1961. welfaste, l corrected from f.] aftyr þe wisest clerkis anon jn haste that myhte ben fownde jn al his lond, as j do ȝow to vndirstond,Line 1964 and tolde hem of that wondyr thing, [states the case before them,]

of his towr and of the Fallyng. thanne of the wisest clerkes took he anon, and jnto cownseyl gonne they gon,Line 1968 & axede hem, ȝif they knewen ony Resown, [and asks their opinion.] [1969. MS. axedē.] why that his werk fyl so a-down. "For, sekerly, it is j-told To Me that but be ȝow wyst it may not be."Line 1972 thanne answerid they hym jn here Manere [leaf 96 c] [They reply that only astrologers can clear up the matter.] That of sweche Craft knew they not there. "but Somme clerkys here amongis vs ben that of Astronomye konnen, as j wen."Line 1976 thanne quod fortager: "Enqweryth ȝe whiche of ȝoure felesche[pe] that jt be." [1978. MS. felesche;cf. Il. 1628, 2440.] thanne Ech of hem axeden oþer there [It is at first found out that there are two astrolo∣gers amongst them,] whiche of that craft konneng were. thanne of that compenye weren there tweyne that of that craft cowden, certeyne, as Mochel as ony men lyveng; thus was jt Reported to the kyng.Line 1984 that so the clerkes Emparled Jn fere, [eventually seven come forward.] that atte laste of hem sevene there were,Line 1988 and they weren lad anon to-fore the kyng [These, when brought before the king,] Forto tellen hym the aventure of this thing.Line 1988 thanne axede hem the kyng anon ȝif owht of that craft cowde they don, and why that his Towr ne Myhte not stonde, hym forto telle that, myhten [they] fonde. [1992. MS. hym forto that myhtē fonde with telle added above the line.] Line 1992 and they seiden that they cowden wel [boldly under∣take to settle the question,] of that cas tellen hym Every del. [1994. MS. hem.] thanne swoor the kyng, so god hym save, [and are promised great rewards.] they scholde han what good that they wolde have.Line 1996 thanne departyd this cownseille anon of these clerkis there Everychon. and theke same sevene beleften there stylle [They remain,] The kynges Talent there to fulfille,Line 2000 Forto schewen there here konneng, alle the cause of the Towris fallyng.

These clerkis gonnen to stodyen welsore, [set to work,] and Ech of hem there provede his lore;Line 2004 So that the More they stodyed, þe forthere they were. [and get on fairly,] thanne cam the kyng and axede hem there, how that j-scholde stondyn of his thyng.Line 2007 And as ȝit thanne cowden they tellen him non tydyng, [but do not arrive at a definite conclusion. They then obtain a re∣spite of eight days.] but axeden hym viij dayes of Respyt. thanne quod the kyng: "wel me lykyth Jt, but loke that ȝe Otterly be that day of My towr the sothe that ȝe me say."Line 2012 Thanne wenten they to here cownseil ageyn, [After fresh endeavours,] and Eche of hem Gan to oþer seyn: [2014. Gan, G through correction.] "what scholen wee werkyn jn this thing hit Forto Bryngen to a good Endyng?"Line 2016 thanne bespak on of the Sevene there: "let Eche be hym-Selve his wyt schewen here, [each working by himself,] how that jt Semeth hym of this cas, let hym here Schewen jt jn this plas."Line 2020 and Eche there schewede his verdit sone, So that alle they acordid jnto one, [they all agree that they have not found out the cause of the falling of the tower, but that they, instead, have seen in the stars another wonder:] Sawf that of the towr knew they non thyng what was the cause of the Fallyng.Line 2024 But on gret Merveille there they sye, [2025. syc, y corrected from e.] where-offen alle, ful trewelye, Ful sore abasched alle they were, For that Merveille that they syen there,Line 2028 that a child jn this Erthe j-boren was [a fatherless child has been born on earth.] whiche Erthly Fadir hadde neuere jn non plas. [2030. whiche, e stuck on to the preceding h.] thanne eche of hem to othir gan say: "Let vs ben avised be the Morwe of þe day."Line 2032

Thanne vppon the Morwe they sembled Eft sone, and jnto on thing they acordid Echone: So that of this child that there was bore, [To have this child killed, and its blood put into the foundation of the tower—] [leaf 96 d] how that his lyf Scholde be forlore,Line 2036 And his blood j-leyd jn the fundement Of that jlke towr, verament, ȝif that towr scholde Evere abyde. Line 2040

thus they seyden that jlke tyde,Line 2040 Everich a mayster be hym-self alone, and thus alle acordid they jn-to one. [that is what they resolve to advise the king, in order to hide their ignorance and save their own lives.] "and lete vs Maken the kyng thus beleve, oþer ellis of oure lyves he wyle vs depreve;Line 2044 and that theke child he do seken anon, also faste as Messengeris Mown gon." thanne thus Endid they here cownseil there, that anon so to-forn þe kyng j-browht they were,Line 2048 and Eche be hym-self tolde his avis aforn the kyng there and alle his. thanne, whanne the kyng and alle his cownsaylle [The king and his council deem the remedy acceptable.] [2051. Cownsaylle, a corrected from e.] herden hem thus tellen, with-owten faylle,Line 2052 and seiden alle: "it Myhte wel be, Swich a thing, Jn alle degre, ȝif so it be that a man be bore with-Owten Erthly fadyr, ae ȝe seiden before;Line 2056 and thus han ȝe me told Everyechone, Ech of ȝow Maistres be ȝowre one." "and but ȝe it Fynde as we ȝow say, [After the astrologers have repeated their assertion,] Ellis doth be vs what ȝow lyst, jnfay!"Line 2060 thanne seyde the kyng to hem ageyn, he wolde hem jn warde putten, certeyn, Tyl that the sothe he Myhte knowe. thanne seiden they to hym vppon a rowe:Line 2064 "Anon as that he Fownden Js, þat child so ȝyng, [and given instructions as to the bringing of the child's blood,] Loketh that ȝe don hym Slen for ony thyng, and that the blood be to ȝow browht, and for non thyng they leven jt nowht."Line 2068 the kyng hem putte alle sevene anon [they are locked up in a tower, pending the issue.] Jn a ful strong hows of lym and ston, and deliuered hem jn what hem Nede was, therby to ben Sosteyned jn that plas.Line 2072 Thanne ordeyned the kyng Messengeris ful snelle, [Twelve messengers are sent out in search of Merlin;] xij worthy gentyles, as j ȝow telle, that they scholden alle anon forth gon this Fadirles child to seken welson.Line 2076 and these xij Men the kyng Made swere, [they must swear]

that where so Evere j-fownden he were, [to kill him wherever they find him.] that they scholden hym Slen anon— "and that his Blood jn a sawf place ȝe don,Line 2080 and that it Sawfly be browht to Me, thowgh two ȝer owte that ȝe be. and loke that ȝe fynden hym for ony thing, thowgh that ȝe Maken, the lengere taryeng."Line 2084 and thus the Messengeris, forth they gon, [They search, two and two together, in divers countries.] be tweyne & tweyne here weye token they son, and sowhten jn Manye dyvers contre that child to fynde, ȝif hit myhte be.Line 2088 So that atte laste fowre Metten jn fere, [Two of these pairs acci∣dentally fall in with each other,] as that here aventure behappede there.

Thus Ryden these fowre Jn compenye, [and one day ride together through a meadow,] Line 2092 tyl vppon a day jt happede, ful trewelye, Thorwh a fayr Medewe as they gonne Ryde, weren Many children pleyeng jn that tyde. [where some children are at play. Merlin is one of them. Knowing the errand of the messengers, he on purpose strikes a playfellow:] and Merlyne, that knew alle thencheson of tho Messengeris comeng so son,Line 2096 and wiste ful wel that they him sowghte, anon to a Riche Mannes sone he Rawhte. For he wiste ful wel that he wolde wroth be, ȝif that he hym smete, fulle Sykerle;Line 2100 Thanne lefte He vpe His staf Anon [leaf 97 a] and overthwert the Schenys smot him thus son. Anon this child be-gan to crye [the latter begins to cry,] with a lowd voys ful angerlye,Line 2104 and there Reprovyd this Merlyne, and clepid him "fowle false fowndelyne, [and calls him a nasty foundling.] that Nevere Fadyr haddest thow here, thou fowle fowndelyng, thou fals bismere."Line 2108 and whanne þe messengeris herden of this, [The messengers' attention is roused, they question the struck child,] Towardis that child they drowen, j-wys, and hym axede jn here Manere what he was that hym so smot þere,Line 2112 thanne answerid the child anon ageyn: "Jt is a wommans sone here, jn certeyn, that wot neuere ho that the Fadyr was, Nethir ho that him begat, ju non plas."Line 2116

whanne Merlyne herde that he seide so, [and Merlin himself steps forward and tells them that he is the one they seek.] Towardis hem faste he gan to go, and spak to hem with a lawheng chere: "j am he whom that ȝe seken here,Line 2120 And also hos deth that ȝe han swore; lo, here j stonde now ȝow before! For that my blood with ȝow scholde ȝe bere To kyng Fortager jn alle Manere."Line 2124 and whanne that the messengeris herden hym seyn so, [The mes∣sengers are surprised,] anon thanne alle abasched weren they tho, and so tolden hym it was, ful certeynle. "ȝe, that wiste j ful wel longe Er ȝe."Line 2128 thanne seide the Messengeris to hym ageyn: [and say he must go with them.] "with vs Mostest thou gon, Jn certeyn." "that ful gladliche wyl j now do, [He replies that he will gladly do so, if they promise not to kill him.] ȝif it so be that ȝe not me Slo."Line 2132 but ȝit Merlyn wiste Ful wel þat þerto talent hadden they Neuere a del. but Merlyne Seyde this be Enchesown To wyten what they wolden seyn anon,Line 2136 and seide to hem: "ȝif that ȝe wilen grawnten Me that ȝe welen neither me distroyen ne sle, with ȝow wile j gon forto Fonde [He will also tell why the tower cannot stand.] and telle why that þe towr ne may not stonde."Line 2140 & whanne they herden the child tho speken this, thanne mochel more abasched weren they, j-wys, [Still more surprised, they agree rather to be forsworn than slay such a child.] and seiden that—"this child wondris doth speke; Jt were pyte on hym to ben awreke."Line 2144 So that Eche to othyr gan forto seyn: "Rathere forsworn scholen we ben, jn certeyn, thanne jn ony wyse hym Scholde we Sle, Sekyrly, for vs Jt Schal not now be."Line 2148 "Sires," quod Merlyne, "with me scholen ȝe go, [Merlin invites them to stay at his mother's and Holy Blasy's place.] and ȝowre herberwe j schal bryngen ȝow vnto, [ȝowr', r' squeezed in afterwards.] Line 2150 and loggen jn place there as my Modyr js, & also anothir good Man, with-Owten Mys;Line 2152 For with-Owten here leve j ne may not go, Certein, Sires, J sey ȝow vnto."

Thanne answeryd these Messengeris ageyn: [They accept the invita∣tion,] "With the to gon we ben ful faynLine 2156 jnto what place thow wylt vs lede; with the scholen we go with-Owten drede." So wenten they with Merlyn jnto that plas, jnto a nonnerye, there his Modyr was,Line 2160 and Merlyne chargede that Meyne Echon [and Merlin provides good cheer.] Ful good chere the Messengeris to don. Anon as that of here hors they weren lyht adown, To-forn Blasye he dyde hem comen anon. [In front of Blasy, he gives a full account] Line 2164 "Lo, Sire," quod Merlyne to Blasye tho, "behold here tho Men that me seken to slo. And j ȝow preye, sires, now alle jn fere That trewe Witnesse ȝe Welen beren me Here [leaf 97 b] Line 2168 To-forn this goodman that here Js, ȝif that j lye Owther sey owht amys. haue j not Told ȝow the cause why [of the facts:] that ȝe me comen to seken, verrayly?"Line 2172 and they seiden: "ȝis, ful Sykerle!" of wheche they wondrid how it myhte be. thanne seide Merlyn to Blayse there: "now vndirstondith what j schal sein here."Line 2176 To the Messengeris thanne seide he tho: "Kyng Fortager now comen ȝe fro, [king Forta∣ger's tower,] whiche kyng, a gret towr doth he Make onliche for strengthe for his owne sake,Line 2180 the wheche towr ne May not stonde [its falling,] For non werkyng of Mannes honde, but that jn an owr down doth it go, as mochel as they Maken jn a Mounthe oþer two.Line 2184 wherfore that the kyng, ful wroth he js, and aftyr his clergyse hath sent, J-wys, [the consult∣ation of the astrologers,] but of this non Resown conne they telle, of that towr, why that it Felle;Line 2188 Ne non othir thyng ne cowden they se, but that a child born scholde there be that hadde non Erthly fadyr here. and vppon this they acordid jn fere, [their advice,] Line 2192 that swich a child they scholden sle, and the blood to-forn hym j-browht to be,

to leyn that blood jn the fundement, thanne scholde the towr stondyn, verament.Line 2196 and whanne that þe kyng herde of this, thanne Merveillede he Mochel here-offen, j-wys. [the king's surprise,] and so the clerkis comanded him anon that Nedis this thing scholde be don.Line 2200 and anon as they me Fownde, they scholden slen Me that jlke stownde, and My blood forth with hem bere to kyng Fortager, tyl they comen there,Line 2204 and don tempre my blood with that Mortere; thanne seiden [they] the towr scholde stondyn there. [2206. MS. seiden the.] Anon kyng fortager thorwh here Red [the sending of the twelve sworn mes∣sengers,] Sente xij Messengeris jn-to Every sted, [2208. MS. Scntē to added above the line.] Line 2208 of wheche xij these fowre now be that hider ben comen forto seken Me. but ferst alle xij he Mad hem to swere, vppon here Sewraunce, to-forn him there,Line 2212 that be ony weye they scholden me sle the ferste tyme they myhten me Se. and as thorwgh the Medewe they gonne Ryde [the meeting in the meadow,] where as Manye children pleyden that tyde,Line 2216 j knew ful wel here cause anon, and to þe beste of hem alle j gan to to gon, [and the in∣cident with the playmate.] and him there smot j wondyr sore, For that j wyste ful wel beforeLine 2220 that the werste he wolde sein be me that he cowde onne thinken jn ony degre. and that dede j for non othyr thing, but for these men of Me scholden hauen knoweng.Line 2224 Now, Maister Blayse," quod Merlyne, "j preye the, So axe now of hem ȝif this trewe be." "Now certes, Maister," quod the Messengeris, "j-wis, [The messen∣gers confirm his words,] Ryht as he seith, forsothe now it Js.Line 2228 as God vs brynge jnto owre contre, Jt is ful trewe that he telleth the." "Now certes," quod this Maister thanne, [Blasy praises his wisdom,] "& he mot lyve, he wil ben a wys Manne,Line 2232

and therfore pite it were hym to qwelle Forsothe, Lordynges, as J ȝow telle." thanne quod these Messengeris: "certeinle, [leaf 97 c] [and the messengers renew their promise not to kill him.] For vs, be owre Sewraunce, schal he nevere ded be,Line 2236 For we hadden Moche more levere that owre kyng dysherite vs of al owre worldly thyng. [2238. dysherite, s inserted afterwards.] For ful wel knoweth he that wot al this, that talent therto haven we non, j-wis."Line 2240

Thanne this Blayse clepid Merlyne anon [Blasy, still uneasy on this point,] hym for to axen of a prevy qwestion, and axede of Merlyne ful prevyle ȝif they hadden ony wyl hym for to sle.Line 2244 and Merlyn gan to Lawhen & seide: "Nay, [is reassured by Merlin,] Ful wel here wylle j knowe, jn fay, for ȝe scholen comen and ȝoure-self here of here Sewraunce Jn alle Manere."Line 2248 Now quod Merlyne: "J schal with ȝow go, [who lets him hear, once more, the asseveration of the mes∣sengers.] ȝif that ȝe welen Enswren me vnto that ȝe scholen me bryngen to-fore þe kyng with-owten ony harm oþer bodyly hyndryng,Line 2252 and that non harm be don to Me, tyl that j haue hym bothe spoken & se." So that to hym Maden they here Surawnce him there to bryngen with-owten Nosawnce.Line 2256 "Now Se j," quod Blayse to hym anone, [Blasy, seeing that Merlin is to leave him, asks what to do with the book begun.] "That thou wilt me beleven here alone. Now telle thou me thanne what j schal do of this Book that j have be-gonnen so."Line 2260 "that schal j the telle," quod Merlyne anon, [Merlin re∣plies:] "Er that j from the owt this place wil gon. vndirstondist thou not wel this, that God to me hath sent, j-wys, ["God has endowed me with special powers,] Line 2264 bothe wyt, Mynde, and Memorye alle manere of thinges to discrye, [2266. The line was omitted and then written up the margin.] More thanne to ony Erthliche Man? this thow supposyst that J kan.Line 2268 So that they that me supposid to have,

han me forlost, and god wyl me save, and me hath chosen to his Servise, [and chosen me for His service.] Swich forto don as j kan devyse,Line 2272 that non Man neþer kan don but J, J seye ȝow, Maister, ful trewely. and therefore me behoueth to go [Therefore I must go with these men to their country and disclose great things.] thedyr as these Men comen froLine 2276 jnto this contre to seken me here; with hem wyle j forth gon jn fere. and there schal J so moche thing seyn, that þe peple jn me schal beleven, pleyn,Line 2280 and holden me for the wisest Man one that on Erthe Js except god alone. and thider schalt þou come and þere fulfylle [Thou shalt come thither later on;] The werk that j to þe spak of vntylle.Line 2284 but with me thedyr schalt thou not gone, but aftyr thedir schal thow comen alone, [2286. thow, corrected from they.] and axen jnto Northhumberland, [but now thou shalt go to Northumber∣land.] þe whiche is a wilde contre, þou vndirstand.Line 2288 and þere schalt þow knowelichyng haue þere forto dwellen and þere to be save. and thider schal j comen to the [There I will visit thee and help thee on with thy work.] and the Schewen Many diuers secre,Line 2292 & also bryngen to the alle Maner of thyng That behoueth to thy werkyng. and ful wel alowed schalt thou be [Thy reward shall be great,] For thy Travaille, ful Sykerle:Line 2296 jn this world, joye to thy lyf, and aftir, Endles blisse with-Owten stryf. and as longe as jn this world here [and thy book shall be ever loved.] that ony Man lyveth jn goddis Manere,Line 2300 that werk Evere beloved schal be and be herd of the peple ful hertyle. and weteth wel that my gret travaylle [As for my own great labour, it will begin only in the time of the fourth king,] [leaf 97 d] begynneth not ȝit, with-owten Faylle,Line 2304 Ne not ne schal jn non wyse, Tyl that come the fowrthe kyng, a Man of pryse. and jn his tyme myn travaylle Schal be, Line 2308

also the aventures of gret Breteygne, sykirle;Line 2308 hos Name schal ben kyng Arthowr, [whose name shall be Arthur.] a ful worthy kyng and of gret honour. thanne schalt thou comen jnto that contre [Then thou shalt come into the same country,] of whiche that ferst [j] told of the. [2312. MS. ferst told.] Line 2312 and thedyr to the schal J fonge Ful often-tymes, Evere amonge, the forto Maken to vndyrstonde [and I will tell all things about Britain,] alle thynges that ben don jn breteygne londe,Line 2316 and Ek that after scholen befalle, Jn thy book to putten hem alle. For wete thow wel, Jn certeyn, Mochel more schal it be herd, & more pleyn.Line 2320 For there ne schal nothing jn this lond be, Nethir litel ne Mochel, jn non degre, [both small and great,] Nethir don ne wrowht jn non Manere, That to thy book profitable were,Line 2324 anon jn thy Book it schal be do, [for thee to put into thy book,] For knowen schal it be for Evere Mo. and the Name of thy Bok schal be [which shall be called St. Graal."] J-clepyd seint Graal, ful Sykirle."Line 2328 and thus Merlyne to his Maister spak there, [Thus Merlin takes leave of his master—] and hym thus tolde jn dyvers Manere what Maner of thing that he scholde do, Ere that he diparted his Maister fro.Line 2332 and "Maister" he clepid him for this Manere, [so he calls him for his mother's sake—] For Maister to his Modir he was Everywhere. whanne Blayse with Merlyn thus hadde j-spoken, Thanne was his herte jn joye be-loken, [and Blasy is happy] Line 2336 and to Merlyne he seide anon tho: [2337. he added above the line.] "what so thou comandest me to do, [and resigned.] and j Mowe it don jn ony degre, J schal it don, ful sekerle."Line 2340

Thanne anon Merlyne tornede ageyn [After this, Merlin with the messen∣gers] To the Messengeres his weye, ful pleyn, and seide that he wolde nedes go his leve of his Modir to taken tho.Line 2344

Thanne ledde he these Messengeris forth anon, [goes to take leave of his mother.] and to his Modir gonne they gon. "Swete Modyr, j telle now the, [He says that he himself must depart,] here ben comen men from fer contreLine 2348 and of strange place to seken me here, wherfore with hem moste j go jn alle Manere. therfore j come my leve to take, that non Morneng for me ȝe Make;Line 2352 and forto fulfille goddis Servyse [in fulfilment of God's will,] Thider Most j gon jn alle wyse. For j ne may not his wyl fulfylle, Tyl jnto that Lond j come vntylle,Line 2356 whedir so Evere he wil me lede there his wille forto spede. and Blaise, that is ȝoure Maister dere, [and that Blasy must go also.] thedyr schal comen also jn fere;Line 2360 So that bothen vs tweyne moste ȝe forgon, and for vs here behoveth ȝow to dwellen alon." thanne seide to hym his Modir agein: [The mother commends him to God,] "sethen it May non oþer ben, jn certeyn,Line 2364 j comande ȝow to God al-Myht, For it is Nethyr jn My power ne Myht ȝow with-holden aȝens ȝoure wille, what that Evere j seye ȝow vntylle.Line 2368 But siker, sone, and ȝoure willes be, [and only wishes Blasy could stay.] j wolde that Blayse schold leven with Me." "Forsothe, Modir, he ne May not So, For Nedylynges thedyr Moste He go." [leaf 98 a] Line 2372

And thus Merlyne of his Modir took cownge, [Merlin and Blasy depart in different directions.] and forth with the Messengeris wente, ful sikerle. & Blayse wente forthe jnto Northhumberlond, lyk as Merlyn dyde hym to vndirstond.Line 2376 Merlyne and these Messengeris Jn fere, [Merlin and the four mes∣sengers, on their road, overtake a churl who has bought a pair of strong shoes] alle forth to-gederis Riden they there. So that thorwgh a town gonnen they Ryde, where as Market was the same tyde.Line 2380 & whanne the town they were past Everychon, a cherl to-For hem Syen they gon, that him hadde j-bowht a peire stronge schon, Line 2384

and ek strong clowt lethir to sette þere-On. [and leather to mend them with.] Line 2384 and whanne that Merlyne this cherl gan se, he gan anon to lawghen ful prevyle. [Merlin laughs quietly. When asked for the reason,] thanne axeden hym the Messengeris there why he lawghed, & wherfore it were.Line 2388 "Sires, j lawghe," quod Merlyne thanne, "at hym that ȝondir goth, ȝone cherlisch Manne, that hym bowht ful stronge schon and Ek stronge clowtes to setten þer-on.Line 2392 And j ȝow seye, ful certeynly, [he says the man will die before reach∣ing his home.] that he schal dyen ful sodeynly, Er that he come to his owne place; Swich schal ben both his hape & his grace."Line 2396 and whanne they herden hym, that he seide so, Ful Mochel Merveyl hadden they tho. thanne seiden they that fayn they wolde knowe ȝif it scholde happen with-jnne a throwe.Line 2400 and so that tweyne folweden that jlke veleyn, [Two of the men ride after the rustic,] and tweyne with Merlyne Ryden, certeyn. they folwed not this cherl paseyng a Myle, that he ne was ded with-jnne a whyle, [and see him expire on the road.] Line 2404 and Evene a-Myddes the hye weye, there gan this veleyn forto deye. and his schon vndir his arm were, and Ek his clowt lethir also there.Line 2408 Anon as they hadden seyn this syht, To here felawes they wenten with al here Myht, [They return to their comrades, and tell what they have seen.] and tolden hem of that they hadden seyn, and howh that þe veleyn to-forn hem gan deyen.Line 2412 "Now certes," quod these Messengeris aȝen, [These blame the astrolo∣gers, Who have desired such a wise person's death;] "alle theke clerkis, but Folys they been, that wolde don vs this wyse Man to sle, but for non thing jt ne schal not be.Line 2416 For on myn owne Body levere hadde j here To suffren gret peynes jn dyvers Manere, thanne his body ony harm scholde haue, also god Me wysse other Save!"Line 2420 and so they seiden Everychon, alle that with hym gonne forto gon. thanne thankid they hym al jnfere, [they thank Merlin.] Line 2424

of that Merveille he told hem there.Line 2424 and sore a-basched weren they Echon, [The messen∣gers are amazed at Merlin know∣ing whatever they speak or do.] For they cowden non thing nethir speken ne don, but that he knew alle here Entent; thus thanne seiden they, verament.Line 2428 Forth thanne Riden they in here jorne, [Proceeding on their journey,] Tyl that jn Fortageris lond they be, and with-jnnen his strengthe and his powere, alle the iiij Messengeris and Merlyne jn fere.Line 2432 So that Jt happede vppon a day, As thorwgh A town thanne lay here Way, [leaf 96 b] A chyld to-ward Beryeng was there j-bore, [they see a child being carried to the grave.] and Moche ful sore wepyng was there-fore.Line 2436 the prestes and clerkis, ful faste they songe, as lowde as they myhten with here tonge. thanne gan this Merlyn to lawghen anon, [Merlin laughs.] as he with his Feleschepe gan forth to gon,Line 2440 and seide to his felawes: "Merveilles J se." "Now, goode child," quod they, "what Mown tho be?" "Se ȝe not," quod Merlyn, "now here [He points to the man weeping be∣hind the bier,] this goode Man that Folweth the bere,Line 2444 that so sore wepeth and Maketh swich doel?" "ȝis, sekyr," quod they, "we sen hym wel." "and se ȝe not the preest that goth to-fore, [and to the priest singing in front.] That so Meryly now syngeth thore?"Line 2448 "ȝis, child, that don we, ful Sykirly." "ȝe, the Sorwe scholde he Maken, trewly, [The priest ought to weep, says Merlin, for the child is the priest's.] For, be Myn hevyd, the child is his, and non thyng his that folweth, j-wys;Line 2452 & therfore the Sorwe the preest scholde Make that the goodman doth For the childis sake." "what, trowen ȝe [not] that the child his be?" [2455. MS. ȝe that.] "Nay, Sires," quod Merlyne, "ful Sykirle."Line 2456 "Leve child, how Mowen we the sothe knowe?" "Goth forth," quod Merlyne, "on a rowe, [He tells his companions how to ascer∣tain the truth.] and axeth the Modyr the cause why why that hire husbond wepeth so soryly.Line 2460 Anon wele sche sein it is for his chyld, that to hym was bothe Mek and Myld.

and loke that ȝe answeren hire ageyn that it was neuere his, Jn certeyn,Line 2464 but that the prestes child it Js That to-forn goth and syngeth, J-wys."

Forth thanne wente the Messengeris anon, [The messen∣gers go to the woman,] and to this womman there gonnen they gon,Line 2468 & token hire on syde Evene ryht there, aposynge hire thus jn this Manere; [and say to her the same as Merlin has told them.] Every word, Ryht as Merlyne bad, anon to this womman there they sayd.Line 2472 and whanne this womman herde this, Ful sore abasched sche was, j-wys, and to hem seide Jn this Manere: "Me thynketh, to ȝow may j not lyen here, [The woman confeases her guilt,] Line 2476 For trewly, as ȝe seyn now, it Js, j May not the contrarye seyn, j-wys. but lordynges, j preye ȝow for charite [and implores their dis∣cretion.] that to My lord Ne discureth not Me,Line 2480 For owther he wolde me slen anon, owther owt of his compenye j scholde be don." and whanne they knewen that it was so, aȝen to Merlyne Gonnen they to go, [The messen∣gers thank Merlin.] Line 2484 and thankyde hym of his Talkyng, of whiche they hadden gret Merveyllyng. and so jn here jorne gonnen they Ryde, Towardis kyng Fortager þat same tyde.Line 2488 and whanne they comen there the kyng was, [On arriving home, two of the mes∣sengers are to give report to the king.] thanne seiden tweyne of hem jn that plas, and spoken to Merlyne j[n] the plyht, [2491. MS. j the.] that to the kyng wolden they gon ful Ryht,Line 2492 and tellen hym what they han fownde. thanne preyden they Merlyne that jlke stownde [They ask Merlin's advice.] hem forto cownseillen, what they scholde say, lest they weren blamed Jn ony way,Line 2496 For be-cawse they hadden hym not slayn, as they weren comawnded, jn certayn. "For, be aventure, we scholen ben schent, that we ne hadden þe slayn, verament."Line 2500

"Now, leve Sires," quod Merlyne thanne, [leaf 98 c] [Merlin in∣structs the messengers] "and ȝe wil don as J schal ȝow kenne, J-blamed scholen ȝe neuere be Jn non Manere wise, Sires, for Me.Line 2504 Anon to kyng Fortager faste scholen ȝe go, and jn this wyse that ȝe seyne hym vnto: [what to relate to King Fortager,] lik as that ȝe haven Me j-fownde, and that j kan hym tellen with-jnne a stowndeLine 2508 why that his towr ne May not stonde; and that wile j ful sone taken on honde, on covenaunt the clerkis he wil Slen, [and what to demand of him.] lik as they desireden J scholde haue ben.Line 2512 For telleth hym that j knowe the cause why wherfore they wolden me don slen, trewly. and whanne ȝe haven told hym al this, loketh his byddyng ȝe don with-owten Mys."Line 2516 thus departyd the Messengeris from hym, trewelye, [The messen∣gers repair to the king,] and to kyng Fortager anon comen they jn hye. whanne that kyng Fortager gan hem beholde, Ful joyeful he was Jn Many Folde,Line 2520 and axede of hem how they hadden sped of thike arende that he on hem leyd. "Sire," quod these Messengeris, "so as we Myhte, [and describe how they have found Merlin.] we scholen ȝow it tellen anon Ryhte."Line 2524 thanne took hem the kyng Jn cownseyl anon, and they hym tolde there Ryht son how that they hadden Merlyne j-fownde, jn what Manere, and with-jnne what stownde.Line 2528 "and but ȝif it hadde ben his owne wille, we cowde Nevere hauen comen hym vntylle." thanne seide the kyng to hem Ryht tho: [The king asks who this Merlin is.] "what is thike Merlyne þat ȝe speken of so?Line 2532 j bad ȝow seken, ful plenerlye, a Fadirles child, ful vtterlye, that was neuere begeten of Erthly Man; of this Mater telleth me, as ȝe kan!Line 2536 and þerto the blood of hym Me brynge, this was ȝoure charge, with-owten lesynge." "Sire, this same Merlyne Js he [They say, he is that fatherless child,] of whom that ȝe speken, ful sykirle.Line 2540

and therto the wisest Man he is one [and the wisest of mortals,] [2541. MS. therto of the wisest Man, the preposition being added above the line. Cf. Notes.] þat Evere was born, Except God alone. and that oth that ȝe maden vs swere, we han it fulfyld, as ȝe now here." [2544. we han corrected from whan, the e being added above the line.] Line 2544 and ȝit the Messengeris tolden him More, that his clerkis cowden non skele thore him forto tellen the cawse why that his towr Myhte not stonden, trewely.Line 2548 "but anon apertly he wil ȝow telle [able to tell why the tower falls,] why the cause ȝoure towr doth falle. and þerfore he vs hyder to the sente Forto knowen of ȝoure Entente.Line 2552 ȝif that ȝe wolden owht with hym speke, thanne wolde he to ȝow his herte Breke; and of othir Merveilles he wyl ȝow say, [and other marvels besides.] what aftyr schal be-fallen Many a day.Line 2556 and ȝif ȝe welen, we scholen hym Sle, For tweyne felawes of owre with him be." "Nay," quod the kyng, "and it be so, [The king is highly satisfied.] that he cowde syker tellen me vntoLine 2560 the cause of My towris Fallyng, thanne wolde j that ȝe hym slowen for non thing. and ȝif he conne me tellen, certeynle, and that ȝe bryngen hym to Me."Line 2564

Thussone these Messengeris gonne to gon, [The messen∣gers return to Merlin,] and the kyng aftyr hem prekede anon. Anon Whanne Merlyne Sawgh that Messenger, [leaf 98 d] to hem Spak he anon Ryht ther:Line 2568 "ȝowre trowthe to Me haven ȝe now plyht Me not to deren be day ne be Nyht." "thou seist ful trewe," quothen they anon, [and tell him that he is safe.] "For vs, certein, harm getyst thou non,Line 2572 For we hadden levere be aventure to deye thanne the forto slen, certeinlye." "J schal ȝow tellen," quod Merlyne, "Everydel, Line 2576

how that ȝoure trowthe ȝe scholen saven Ryht wel."Line 2576 Thus with Merlyne Ryden they forth Jn fere, [Merlin rides to meet the King.] Tyl that with kyng Fortager Metten they there. and anon as Evere Merlyne hym Say, streyth to the kyng he took his way,Line 2580 and seide: "sire kyng, ful wel thou be! A word jn cownseil wolde j speken with the." Anon took he there the kyng on syde, [takes him and the messen∣gers aside,] and ek clepede the Messengeres at þat tydeLine 2584 That hym forto seken j-charged were the sothe of hym forto Enqwere. "why that the Towr stonden ne Myhte, j schal the tellen, Syre, anon Ryhte,Line 2588 and how þat thow comandedest me to sle [tells up the astrologers' malign advice.] Be the cownseil of clerkys that false be, and my blood al forto take and þer-with thy Morteer for to Make.Line 2592 but ȝit they Fayllen of here art, for of that konnenge hauen they non part. but sire kyng, and þou wilt Enswren me here [demands that the astrolo∣gers shall be punished,] the same Jewyse to don jn alle ManereLine 2596 vppon hem as thou wost hauen don be Me, J schal the tellen, ful sykerle, the cause why þat thy towr doth falle, so openly, that ȝe scholen knowen it alle,Line 2600 and declaren openly alle ȝow be-Fore [and under∣takes, on that condition, to make the tower stand.] how þat it schal lasten for Euere More. ȝif thou wylt don as j the say, telle me now, sire kyng, owther ȝe oþer Nay."Line 2604 thanne answered the kyng ageyn: "ȝif þou do as that þou seist, jn certeyn, the same jewise scholen they have [The king complies.] as þou scholdest han had, so god me save." [2608. scholdest; the first vowel is apparently an a.] Line 2608 "Go we, sire, thanne, "quod Merlyne tho, "thedir that thy towr þou begynnest so, and thike same clerkis brynge with the, thanne there the sothe Mihtest þou se,Line 2612 ȝif they connen owht seyn, amonges hem alle,

whi that thy towr doth so down falle," so wenten they forth alle jn fere, [They all go to the tower.] and the clerkis sent aftyr wereLine 2616 to thike there as the towr was dyht; thedyr comen they alle anon Ryht.

And whanne they weren assembled Everichon, [There Merlin asks the as∣trologers if they can ex∣plain its falling.] Merlyne hem thanne aposede anon,Line 2620 and axede on of the wysest clerkes why that so fyl adown the kynges werkes thanne answerede this clerk him ageyn: [They say; "No,] "we ne connen not it tellen, jn certeyn,Line 2624 but the kyng we tolden jn what degre [but we have told the king a remedy."] wherby his werk Sosteyned scholde be." "ȝe," quod the kyng to the clerkis thanne, "ȝe boden me don seken aftyr swich a manneLine 2628 that Neuere Erthly Fadyr hadde, and hym don Slen, thus ȝe me badde. and Swich a Man j Not where to fynde, For me Wolde thenken Jt Were Al aȝens kynde." [leaf 99 a] Line 2632 and thanne bespak there Merlyne anon, [Merlin re∣plies:] and seide to tho clerkis Everychon: "Lordynges, a fool that ȝe wolden Maken the kyng, ["You deluded the king,] To don hym to seken so wondirful a thyng:Line 2636 a man that Neuere Erthly Fadyr hadde, jnto this world be born and forth bradde. but ȝe non thyng ne dyden Jt for his prow, but what the cause was, j schal tellen yt ȝow: [2640. yt added above the line, y blurred.] Line 2640 For wel ȝe wysten that ȝe scholden deye, [for you feared his anger at your ignorance."] but ȝif that the trowthe ȝe tolden, jn feye. and for that ȝe cowden non othirwyse do, therefore ȝe boden hym Swich a man to slo,Line 2644 and the Blood of hym al forto take, the wheche his Towr stonden Scholde Make. and thus thowghten ȝe that Man to don sle, ȝoure-self to askapen, ȝif it Myhte be."Line 2648 and whanne they herden the chyld thus seyn, [The astrolo∣gers are con∣founded.] Ful sore abasched weren they, certeyn,

and wisten wel thanne forsothe anon that deyen scholden they Everychon.Line 2652 "behold, Sire kyng," quod Merlyne tho, [Merlin con∣tinues:] "Now sen here ȝe how this doth go, that these clerkys ne wilen not me don sle, [the astrolo∣gers' object was not to make the tower stand, but to rid themselves of him.] with My blood ȝowre towr j-Mad to be,Line 2656 but that amonges hem loot is þere cast that for me they Mosten deyen Jn hast. and now axeth hem ȝif it be not so, for sekyr, how so the game now go,Line 2660 Non of hem js here so hardye jn My precense to Maken ony lye. "Seyth he soth?" quod the kyng anon. "ȝe, Sykerly," quod the clerkys Everychon, [The astrolo∣gers confess,] Line 2664 "But we connen not weten, jn Non degre, how that al this thyng knowen scholde he. Sire, we ȝow preyen as oure Soverein lord, [and ask to be spared long enough to see the tower made to stand.] alle we ȝoure clerkes, be on acord,Line 2668 that owre lyves ȝe wolden graunten vs here, tyl that the Sothe we Myhten sen jn Fere, how that he Scholde this towr don stonde be ony werk of Mannes honde."Line 2672 "Now certes, lordynges," quod Merlyne anon, [Their request is granted.] "and tyl that ȝe sen the same thyng don, and why that the towr doth so falle, Erst Schal there non deyen of ȝow alle."Line 2676 thanne thankede they Merlyne Everychon, alle these clerkis be on and be on. thanne quod Merlyne to kyng Fortager: [Merlin ex∣plains all about the tower:] "wylt thou now knowen the sothe herLine 2680 why that thy werk doth so down Falle, j schal openly it tellen amonges ȝow alle. Now herkene, Sire kyng, what j schal say: here vndir this Grownd, j dar wel lay, [under the ground is a great water,] Line 2684 There goth a water bothe sterne & gret, vndyr wheche water ben there ȝet [and under the water two dragons,] Tweyne wondirful Stowte dragowns, þe Moste oryble that ben Jn ony Regiowns,Line 2688 of wheche on Js al whit, anothir is Red, [one white, the other red,] of the dragowns that ben Jn that sted.

Aboven wheche dragowns there ben, certeyn, [with two large flat stones over them;] tweyne grete stones, that ben ful pleyn,Line 2692 that over-whelmen bothe dragowns, whiche that ben so wondirful of faciouns. and whanne thei Felen the water Sore peyse [the dragons, annoyed by the pressure, turn, and make the earth quake.] [2695. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] vppon hem bothe, & doth hem deseyse,Line 2696 thanne tornen they hem bothe with gret Myht, and Meveth al the Erthe Evene vpryht, whiche Meveng that Maketh thy werk to falle; this Scholen ȝe knowen bothe gret and smalle.Line 2700 So that my borwes, aqwyt scholen they be, And thy clerkis beheveded, ful trewle. [leaf 99 b] and therfore asaye ȝif that J soth seye, [Merlin ex∣horts the king to test the truth of his words.] owther be ony weys that J do lye.Line 2704 For of this Mater thy clerkis knowen non thyng, Ful Siker thou be, For alle here werkyng." "Now certes," quod Fortager to Merlyne thanne, "and this be soth, thou art a trewe Manne,Line 2708 and therto the wysest that Evere was bore of Erthlych Men that konnen of lore." "Now, Merlyne," quod kyng Fortagere, [On the king's question con∣cerning the means of re∣moving the earth,] "of on thing that thow wost tellen me here:Line 2712 how that this Erthe Myhte be don away; J preye the, Merlyne, the Sothe Me Say." "with cartes sone May jt be led henne, [Merlin re∣commends carts and carriers.] & vppon the Bakkes of Many Menne."Line 2716 thanne kyng Fortager let ordeynen anon bothe cartes and werkmen Many on. and Merlyne comaunded there jn haste that the clerkys Scholden they kepen wel faste.Line 2720 thus werkmen wrowhten bothe day & Nyht, [Labourers work day and night, till they find the water.] tyl that to this water they comen ful Ryht. and whanne they hadden this water j-fownde, anon they tolden it the kyng that stownde.Line 2724 thanne gan the kyng thedyr to gon [Then the king goes thither with Merlin.] with ful gret joye Ryht anon. and Merlyne with hym thedyr he ladde, For he wrowghte alle thyng as he hym badde.Line 2728

and whanne thider j-come they weren Echon, this Merveillous water they behelden thusson. thanne to hym clepyd he his cownsaylle, and seide: "lordinges, with-owten Faylle, [The king speaks admiringly of Merlin to his council.] Line 2732 this child is wondir wis with-alle, that can thus tellen how it schal falle, and of this water that here now Js; jt Merveylleth Me ful Mochel, j-wys.Line 2736 and seith he that vndir this water so clere ben tweyne dragowns dwellyng jn fere. and ȝit wot j Neuere what j schal do, tyl he som cownseyl ȝeve me therto."Line 2740 thanne cleped he Merlyne to hym anon, [He then asks him about the removal of the water.] of þat water to weten what scholde be don. quod Merlyne: "grete diches we scholen here Make, wherthorwgh this water schal forth Schake,Line 2744 thorwh this Medewe here anon, and thus this water schal forth gon."

Thus weren these diches sone there Mad, [Ditches are dag.] as Merlyne it ordeynede, comaunded, and bad.Line 2748 and this water his cowrs there hadde, and be this craft jnto othire contres ladde. thanne cam Merlyne to kyng fortagere, [Merlin pre∣dicts that the dragons will fight, and that one will be killed.] and thus anon tolde hym thereLine 2752 that—"also sone as the dragouns to-Gyderes fele, be-twixen hem schal be-gynnen a sory Mele, For they to-gederis ful sore scholen fyhte, and the ton the tothyr Schal slen owt Ryhte.Line 2756 and therfore Sende thou thy Messengeris anon [He wants all the barons to see the fight.] To alle thy Barowns now Everychon, to sen this bataylle that schal ben here of these dragowns that scholen fyhten jn fere;Line 2760 For the bataylle of hem and that chawnse Nis not with-owten gret Signyfyawnse." [2762. Signyfyawnse, the first y through correction.] thanne sente kyng Fortager forth anon [Messengers are sent out.] his Messengerys, aȝ faste as they Myhten gon,Line 2764 to warnen bothe Barown, bacheler, & knyht,

and alle othere that gon owther Ryden Myht. and whanne they weren assembled Echon, thanne seide kyng Fortager to hem anon, [The assem∣bled people are informed of Merlin's predictions,] Line 2768 and tolde hem of Manye a wondyr thyng That scholde be-falle be Merlynes talkyng, And How the two dragowns to-gederes scholen fyhte, [leaf 99 c] and the ton the tothyr to slen anon Ryhte.Line 2772 thanne Ech to other seide, certeynle, that this bataylle were ful good to se. thanne axeden they of the kyng ful sone [and wonder which of the dragons is to survive.] which of þe dragowns scholde on lyve gone.Line 2776 than answered hem the kyng ageyn: "that tolde he not Me ȝit, jn certeyn." and whanne that this water owt was past, [The water be∣ing drained, two stones appear to view.] thanne bothe tho stones Syen they jn hast,Line 2780 whiche vppon the dragowns weren there as that they lyen bothe Jn fere. thanne axede Fortager of Merlyne anon [The king asks how these stones can be re∣moved,] how thyke stones a-wey Myhte ben don.Line 2784 "ȝis, ȝis," quod Merlyne, "that Schal be do, and non Man to harmen the worth of a slo. For they scholen Meven Nevere a del, Tyl that Ech other May Felen Ryht wel;Line 2788 and thanne to-gederis Scholen they fyhte, Til the ton moste deyen be Ryhte." thanne axede the kyng which of hem tweyne [and which of the dragons is to die.] whiche ded that scholde ben, certeyne.Line 2792 "Jn here Bataylle there schal be Ful gret Signyfiaunce, J telle the, and that ful gladly j wyle the Schewe aforn thre of thy Barowns on a rowe."Line 2796 thanne clepede Fortager to hym anon [Before three barons, who enjoy the king's par∣ticular con∣fidence,] thre Barowns that he trostyd most vppon. Anon seide Merlyne to hym thanne: "Trostist thow wel on these thre Menne,Line 2800 and ben they trewe of thy cownsaille, what so Evere it May avaylle?" "ȝe, Sekerly, Merlyne," quod Fortager, "Non trewere knowe j neþer fer ne Neer."Line 2804 "thanne May J," quod Merlyne," tellen the

of swich thyng as thow tellest me. J wele that thow knowe here, jn certayn, [Merlin tells that the red dragon shall be slain,] that the Rede be the white schal ben slayn.Line 2808 but fyrst gret peyne Schal he have, Er from the Rede he May gon save. and the deth of the Rede dragown [and that his death is of great signifi∣cance.] Schal Notyse ful gret Significaciown,Line 2812 and the victorye of the dragown so whyt. For the it is ful hard to knowen Jt, but tyl that the Bataylle be alle j-do, of this thing schalt thou knowen no Mo."Line 2816 whanne this peple thidir comen Echon, Ful hastely hadden they vpe the ston. [One of the stones is removed, and the white dragon appears.] thanne Syen they this whyte dragown, that was wondyr oryble of Facyown.Line 2820 and whanne this peple this dragown there say, they weren sore abaschet, alle with-owten Nay. and whanne that thus they hadden J-do, To the tothyr ston wente they tho. [Then they go to the other stone, and find the red dragon, more horrible than the white,] Line 2824 thanne the Rede dragown syen they there, that More oryble was thanne the toþer were. thanne was the peple abasched wel More an hundred Fold thanne they weren to-fore;Line 2828 For more Feers he was & More hydows, also More Egre, & mochel More Spytows, thanne the whyte was Jn ony degre, thus thowghte the peple, ful certeynle.Line 2832 So that thowghte kyng Fortager [and more likely to win the battle.] that the Rede the white scholde scomfyten ther. thanne seide Merlyne to the kyng: "Now haue my borwes Excused for alle thyng!"Line 2836 "Merlyne," quod Fortager, "so they be, Of alle thinges qwyt, ful Sekerle." Thanne to-gederis Ronnen these dragowns tweyne [leaf 99 d] [A terrible struggle begins;] [2839. tweyne, the last letters almost obliterated.] Ful vigerously there, Jn certeyne,Line 2840 with here teeth and here pawes so scharpe, that wondyr Jt is of here Fyhtyng to carpe. Fo[r] Neuere herden ȝe telle jnto this day [2843. MS. ffo.] Line 2844

Of tweyne bestes swich anothir afray.Line 2844 and thus veleynesly gonnen they fyhte al that day, tyl jt was Nyhte, [it lasts a day and a night.] and vppon the Morwen, tyl it was day, So that al the peple that the bataylle say,Line 2848 wenden þat the Rede þe whyte scholde han slayn, so spetowe was þe bataylle betwixen hem tweyn; Tyl atte laste the white dragown [At length the white dragon burns up the red;] caste fyr on þe Rede abowtes jn vyrown,Line 2852 and hym there brende to the ded; So hadde the white victorye in that sted. and the thrydde day aftyr next sewenge [he expires, himself, on the third day.] Deyde the white dragown, with-owten lesenge.Line 2856 So that they seyden thanne Everychon that so gret a Merveille seyn they Neuere non. thanne quod Merlyne to kyng Fortagere: "Now begynne thy towr, and Maket here [The building of the tower can now be continued.] Line 2860 as gret as þou wylt, and also hy, For it schal neuere fallen, trewly." Thanne comanded Fortager anon that jn haste this werk scholde be don.Line 2864 So that this towr they Maden ful hy, Ful large, and Ryht strong, sekerly. thanne of Merlyne often axede þe kyng [Merlin is asked about the significa∣tion of the dragons.] what of the dragouns was þe signefyeng.Line 2868 "Sire kyng, it is forto Signefye thynges þat han ben & scholen ben, trewelye; and ȝif that thou wylt Enswren Me here [On condition of personal safety,] Me not to deseisen Jn non Manere,Line 2872 Ne non Man with-jnne thy kyngdom To don Me non Maner of distroccion, J schal the tellen the Signefyaunce a-forn thy cownseyl, with-owten dowtaunce." [he promises to explain it all.] [2876. thy, h inserted afterwards.] Line 2876 thanne kyng Fortager Ensured hym anon, that Neuere harm to hym scholde be don. "Go thanne faste," quod Merlyne anon, [Councillors and astrolo∣gers are sent for.] "and sende aftyr thy cownseyl Everychon,Line 2880 and also aftyr thy clerkis jn fere,

To heren what that j schal seyen here." thanne dede fortager his comaundement; and whanne they weren comen alle present,Line 2884 thanne seide Merlyne amonges hem alle: [Merlin first reproves the astrologers for under∣taking what they cannot accomplish.] "ȝe clerkis ben folys, what so befalle, to Entermeten ȝow of ony thyng, but ȝif ȝe cowden bryngen it to Endyng.Line 2888 and in as Moche as folys that ȝe be, and fowle han faylled, ful certeinle, ȝe ben worthy to haven ȝowre gwerdon, that ȝe han deservyd be Ryht Reson.Line 2892 wel wot j ȝe syen that j was bore, [He tells of their dark studies, and how the devil has shown them that they must die for Merlin's sake.] but he that schewede it to ȝow thore, schewed ȝow there ful openlye that For me scholden ȝe Nedys deye;Line 2896 and also gret doel he schewed ȝow there, For he hadde me lost jn swich Manere; whiche was ȝoure cause, ful certeynle, to comaunden kyng Fortager me forto sle.Line 2900 but swych a lord j hope that j have, thorwgh goddis helpe, me forto save; and the devel a lyere schal j Make, [He declares he will make the devil a liar, if they promise to follow Mer∣lin's injunctions.] ȝe scholen neuere deyen for My sake,Line 2904 ȝif that Sewrawnce ȝe wylen Me do of thyng that j schal speken ȝow vnto." Whanne that they Herdyn Merlyne so seyn, [leaf 100 a] thanne ful of Joye weren they, ful pleyn, [The astrolo∣gers are delighted.] Line 2908 So of here deth Excused to be, and seiden to Merlyne ful benyngnele: "what Evere thou biddist vs to don, we scholen it Fulfillen Ryht anon.Line 2912 For we knowen wel, with-owten lesynge, that þou art the wysest Man levenge." "ȝe scholen me Ensuren, Er that ȝe gon, [Merlin com∣mands them to give up their prac∣tices,] of this craft neuere to Entermeten Non.Line 2916 and j comande ȝow alle jn fere To ben confessid with herte clere, [to confess,] and ȝoure flesch to putten jn discyplyne [and to do penance.] to strong subiecciown & to gret pyne,Line 2920 that ȝowre Sowles ne dampned be;

doth as j cownseille ȝow, certeinle!" So that they thankyd hym Everychon, [The astrolo∣gers grate∣fully assent.] and grauntyd his comaundement to don.Line 2924

Thus Merlyne deliuered the clerkys Echon, [They are released.] that hym deden seken for this Encheson. thanne to Merlyne spak kyng Fortagere: "thou behyhgtest forto tellen Me hereLine 2928 the signefycaciown of the dragowns tweyne." "The white dragown, j telle the certeyne, [Then Merlin explains that the white dragon signi∣fies Pen∣dragon. Fortager feels confused.] [2930. white, MS. Rede (!).] Signefyeth here the sone of costantyn, That falsly was browht to Evele fyn."Line 2932 and whanne Fortager herde this, Ful sore he was aschamed, J-wys. Thanne seide Merlyne to Fortager aȝe: [Merlin adds,] "and thou wylt konnen Me non Mawgre,Line 2936 j schal the tellen the syngnefyaunce of alle thynges, with-owten dowtaunce." "here Js non Man," quod Fortager thanne, [before the whole council,] "but of My cownseyl Every Manne;Line 2940 where-fore, Sire Merlyne, j preye the the syngnefyaunce that þou wost tellen Me." "The Rede dragown here doth syngnefye [that the red dragon is the king himself.] thyn owne persone, ful trewelye;Line 2944 and why, Sire, and jn what Manere, J schal tellen the anon Ryht here. wel knowest thow, kyng Fortagere, [He reminds him of the three princes,] that kyng costantynes children al jn fereLine 2948 dwelden here aftyr here Fadris ded, that hadden Neyther cownseyl ne Red. and ȝif þou haddest don thy dever, trewely, [whom he ought to have protected;] thou scholdest hem han kept ful tendyrly,Line 2952 and to have ȝoven hem ful trewe cownsaylle, that Myhte ony thyng to the Rewm avaylle. and wel knowest thou jn what Manere [the way he stole the people's hearts;] the hertes of the peple thou hast geten here.Line 2956 and whanne thow knew alle here Entent, and that they loveden the, verament,

thanne, whanne thou knew this, certeynle, [his refusal to help the young king;] From alle Maner of Nedis thou withdrowh the.Line 2960 and whanne that the peple Sowhte socowr of the to haven For here grete langowr, and the desireden kyng forto han ben, thou hem answeredest as þou schalt sen:Line 2964 Ful smotheliche and jn this Manere [his artful manner of rejecting the crown;] To hem thou answeredest, al jn fere, that thow woldest neuere here kyng be, whyles that the kyng lyvede, ful sykerle.Line 2968 Thanne they that thou toldest to this tale, Thowghten the kyng to werkyn Bale, and knewen wel be thy Maner of spekyng that thou desiredest the kynges Mordryng;Line 2972 and so hym they slowen ful falsly. [the murder of King Costan∣tin; the flight of the princes;] thanne fledden bothe his bretheren ful prevyly For the drede that they hadde of the. and thus art thow kyng ful falsle, And thus the Regne thou ocupyest With Wrong, [leaf 100 b] and gret distrocciown dost Evere among. thanne, whanne they comen aȝen to the [and the execution of the regicides.] be whiche the kyng ded was, Sykerle, [2980. ded, the last d through correction.] Line 2980 thanne distroyedest þou hem Everychon, so that on lyve ne lefte not on." thanne seide the cownseil to Fortager there: "Herkene what Merlyne seith now here."Line 2984 "ȝis, Forsothe," quod kyng Fortager, [Fortager acknowledges the truth of Merlin's words,] "He seyth ful soth that he seith her. and j knowe ful wel that thou art a passing wis Man jn Every part.Line 2988 but of on thing, Merlyne, j preye to the [and desires to know about his own death.] the sothe that thow wost tellen to Me: on what deth that J schal deye." "that kan j wel," quod Merlyne, "trewelye. [Merlin applies more distinctly to Fortager what he has said of the red] Line 2992 have j not told to the the signyfiaunce of bothe dragouns, with-owten varyaunce? [2994. varyaūce, v corrected from f.] ȝit j wele that thou knowe be Me that the Rede dragown, Sykerle,Line 2996

Signefyeth thyn owne persone, that was so strong and Myhty of bone; and the whit dragown signefieth, certeinle, [and the white dragon,] the tweyne bretheren that now fled j-be,Line 3000 For drede that thou wost han hem slayn; this js the signyfyaunce, Jn certayn. and why so longe they fowhten so snelle, [their long fight,] the signyfyaunce j schal the telle:Line 3004 jt signyfieth that thou hast so long j-holde wrongfully here Erytage with werkis bolde. and þat the white dragown þe Rede brende so, the same the children scholen the do. [and the burn∣ing of the red one.] Line 3008 and knowe thou wel now, jn certeyn, that thike tyme thy towr stont but jn veyn, and the ne schal waraunte nonthyng, jn feye; and jn this Maner, Fortager, schalt thou deye."Line 3012 thanne, whanne Fortager herde this, [Fortager asks where the princes are.] anon he axede of Merlyne, J-wys, where that thyke tweyne children be. "jn the see," quod Merlyne, "ful Sykerle, [Merlin answers: "On the sea, on their way here,] Line 3016 with ful gret strengthe and gret Navye, jnto this lond to a-ryven, ful Sekerlye, veniance of the to taken here, [to take ven∣geance!"] that slowh here brothir jn swich Manere.Line 3020 and wete þou wel, with-jnne thre Monthis day they scholen aryven, sire, jn good fay!"

Ful sory was kyng Fortager tho, [Chap. III. King Forta∣ger, greatly troubled,] whanne he herde tellen it scholde be so,Line 3024 and axede of Merlyne anon Ryht ȝif that ony othirwyse it myhte ben dyht. "Nay, syker, Fortager," quod Merlyne tho, "Non othirwyse now ne May it go."Line 3028 and whanne that fortager wiste al this, that tho children scholde comen, j-wys, thanne warnede he his peple anon [calls in his forces.] that to hym scholden they comen ful son,Line 3032 aȝens that jlke same day That Merlyne hym of tolde, with-owten Nay.

So that to wynchestre he gan to go, [Fortager goes to Win∣chester.] and al his power with him tho. [3036. and, d, partly obliterated] Line 3036 but the cawse wiste neuere a Man, but they that of his cownseyl weren than. and whanne Merlyne hadde Endyd this Mater, [Merlin goes to Northum∣berland,] thanne took he his leve of kyng Fortager,Line 3040 and thanne forth to blase he gan to gon, and told hym of these Merveilles Echon, So that Blayse gan hem to Wryte, [leaf 100 c] and jnto his Book forto Endyte.Line 3044 So that Merlyne with Blayse dwellede there, [and stays with Blasy.] tyl þe bretheren aftyr hym gonnen Enqwere. and kyng Fortager at wynchestre abod, as he be Merlyne ferst vndirstood.Line 3048 And that same day, with-owten lesynge, the peple of Wynchestre syen comenge [The people of Winchester see a large fleet ap∣proaching.] Fer jn the see a ful gret Navye, where-offen they Merveilled, ful trewelye;Line 3052 jn whiche vesselys weren, certeynle, both costantynes sones, as j telle the. and whanne that Fortager herde of this, [Fortager orders his men to defend the harbour.] Ful sore he was abasched, j-wys,Line 3056 and comaunded his Men to armes anon alle so faste as they myhten gon, and also his port forto defende, therto he bad hem forto atende.Line 3060 & whanne at the port they weren Echon, [They perceive the banners of their right∣ful king.] thanne behelden they jn-to the se anon, and Syen here Ryhtful kynges banere Ful openly displayed Ryht there,Line 3064 wheche weren the armes of costantyn; they knewen the Gonfanouns wele & fyn. thanne Merveillede this peple Everichon how that this thing thus Myhte be don.Line 3068 So that these vesselis aryvede to londe, [The fleet lands.] as J do ȝow to vndirstonde. and whanne to londe a-Ryved they were, thanne axede the peple of hem thereLine 3072

what Manere of peple was there with-jnne. thanne answerid they, & wolde not blynne: [Being told that Pen∣dragon and Uter have come to take vengeance on Fortager,] "They ben the vesselis of Pendragown, that to this Rewm hath good Resown;Line 3076 and also vter, his brothir so dere, jnto his Rewm with him cometh here of Fortager Forto taken veniaunce, that hem hath don ful gret Noysaunce,Line 3080 and as a fals Man, J vndirstond, [the treacherous usurper,] vntrewely & vniostly halt he here lond." and whanne that the peple vndirstod this, that it was here owne lord, J-wys,Line 3084 That with hym browhte so gret Meyne, thanne weren they abasched, ful Sykyrle, [they refuse to fight.] and Nolden non thyng aȝens hem do, Lest aftyr it Myhte hem tornen to Moche wo,Line 3088 and comen and seiden to Fortager, that aȝens hem wolden they not fyhten ther. and whanne Fortager this vndirstood, [Fortager, mad with rage,] thanne for wraththe he was nyhe wood.Line 3092 thanne spak he to his owne Men, [exhorts his adherers.] [3093. he added above the line.] that hym wolde not Forsaken than, the castel wel to kepen ouer alle thyng. so seyden they wolden, with-owten fayllyng.Line 3096 thanne a-Ryvede these schepis there anon, and the peple of the cuntre thider faste gonne gon, [The people receive their lawful prince.] and aȝens hym they wenten be on acord, & there hym Resceyveden as here lord.Line 3100 thanne kyng Fortager with his Meyne, [Fortager flees to a castle.] to his castel wenten they ful hastyle. and there bothe bretheren be on asent [The princes attack it,] hym vigerously asayllede, verament.Line 3104 So that Pandragoun Fyr dede jn caste [and set fire to it.] jnto that castel, that brende Ryht faste, where-jnne this Fortager Syker was brent, [Fortager perishes in the flames.] as this storye scheweth, verament.Line 3108 And thus tooken bothe bretheryn Jn Fere [leaf 100 d] harde veniaunce on here Enemyes there.

thanne the kynnes-Men of Fortager [Fortager's kinsmen (see p. 52) are driven into another castle.] vppon the crystene werreden ther,Line 3112 and the tweyne bretheren gonnen hem asaylle, [3113. MS. him.] and jnto a castel hem droven, Sauns faylle. thanne took pandragon cownseyl there, [The princes confer how to conquer it.] and vter his brothyr, alle Jn fere,Line 3116 how that thike castel they Myhten wynne and Ek the peple that was with-jnne. at whiche cownseyl fyve barouns there were, [Five barons who were present at the dragons' fight,] that to-forn tyme the dragowns syen fyhten there,Line 3120 and herden al the significaciown. how that Merlyne tolde al & Som of tho tweyne dragowns to Fortager, To Pandragown and to his brothir they tolden ther, [tell the princes about Merlin,] Line 3124 and of the Merveylles Everychon that Merlyne hem tolde be on and be on. "and wete ȝe wel, Syres, that he Js on the wysest Man, except god alon."Line 3128 thanne seide Pandragown to these Barowns: "where dwellith that Man & in whiche Regyowns?" [3130. in added above the line.] "we weten Neuere," quod they ageyn, [but do not know where to find him.] "where hym to fynden, Jn certeyn,Line 3132 Neþer jn what contre hym to have, also god oure sowles Moot save! and ȝif he be owht jn this partye, we scholen hym fynde, wel Sekerlye."Line 3136 thanne forth sente pandragown anon [Messengers are sent in search of him.] Messengeris, as faste as they cowde gon, To serchen al the lond owt ryht, ȝif that there cowde ony wyhtLine 3140 hem tellen Merlyne Forto Fynde, [3141. ffynde, n corrected from y.] that holden was so gentyl & kynde. And Merlyne, that knew al this ful wel, [Merlin meets them in a town, where they are taking a meal.] Tolde it to Blayse thanne Everydel,Line 3144 and from Blayse thanne wente anon, & Forth to a town he gan to gon, there as the Messengeris at Mete were. and jn this Gyse to hem cam he there:Line 3148

lik as a schepperde he hadde j-be, [He appears in the shape of a shepherd,] with a staf on his Nekke, ful sekerle, and ek a peyre of ful Boystous schoon, vppon his Feet thanne were they doon,Line 3152 and vppon hym a clowted cote, that heng adown abowten his throte, and therto he hadde a ful gret berd, [with a huge forbidding beard,] þerwith to han Mad Many Men aferd,Line 3156 So that he Semede jn alle degre a man of Evel lykynge, ful sekyrle. and thus to þe same place he cam anon þere as þe Messengeres Eten Everichon,Line 3160 and seide to hem Jn this Manere: [and tells them that they do their duty badly.] "Ful Evel don ȝe ȝoure dever here and ȝoure lordis arende also, Forto Seken Merlyne that ȝe scholden go."Line 3164 and whanne they herde thus hym Seyn, "what jn þe devellis name, be-hold this veleyn! [They are indignant.] [3166. MS. devellisname.] where-offen with sorwe smateryth he of ony thing that to vs longeth forto be?"Line 3168 "jn feith," quod Merlyne thanne ageyn, [He adds that he could find Merlin quicker than they.] "and j hym scholde seken, jn certeyn, J scholde hym Fynde Sonnere thanne ȝe, j telle ȝow, Sires, ful Sykerle."Line 3172 thanne Resen these Messengeris anon, [They then rise and ask if he knows him.] and toward Merlyne they gonne to gon, & him þere axede anon Ryht ȝif he him knew be day oþer be Nyht. [3176. he corrected from they.] Line 3176 "ȝys, Forsothe, J Knowe Hym Ryht Wel [leaf 101 a] ["Yes," says Merlin,] and al his abydyng Every del. but that he tolde Me, Jn certeyn, that ȝowre travaylle was but jn veyn;Line 3180 For thowgh ȝe fownden him jn this contre, with ȝow wolde he not gon, Sykerle. ["but he would not go with you. Tell your lord to leave the castle, till Augwis is dead,] but goth to ȝowre lord now ageyn faste, and that the castel to taken he have non haste,Line 3184 tyl that Augwys be ded other slayn, of wheche castel he js lord, certayn.

and wete ȝe wel that of thyke barownes fyve [—two of those five barons are dead already—] there ben but thre now left on lyve,Line 3188 that Ferst tolden the kyng of Merlyne, whiche that cowde so Mochel of devyne. and þerfore to ȝowre lord that ȝe telle, what Maner aventure so hym befalle,Line 3192 ȝif that Merlyne he wyle with speke, jnto this contre hym-Self Moste Reke, [and to come here him∣self."] and aftyr him Serchen jn Market & town abowtes al this contre Jn vyrown."Line 3196

The Messengeris vndirstoden riht wel [The messen∣gers look at each other in surprise, and Merlin disappears.] what to hem that seide Merlyne Everydel, an ech of hem on other lokede welfaste; thussone Merlyne owt of here syhte was paste.Line 3200 thanne spoken they to-gederes hem be-twene: "with the devel haven we spoken, j wene. what Scholen we don of this Mateer That he to vs spak of now heer?"Line 3204 "Infeyth," quod on of that compenye, [They resolve to return home.] "To owre lord welfaste we scholen vs hye, and aforn hym to Rehersen we scholen ben bolde Every word as this Man hath vs tolde."Line 3208 and forth they Ryden Everychon, Tyl jnto that ost they comen anon There as the kyng was with his Meyne; [Before the king and his retinue,] Streyht to hym comen they, ful Sykerle.Line 3212 whanne þat kyng Pandragoon gan be-holde, For joye he be-gan his armes to Folde, and hem axede anon there presente: "han þe owht Fownde for that þe wente?"Line 3216 "The sothe to tellen we ȝow Enswre, [they tell what has happened.] how it vs happede, and what aventure." That tolden they the kyng, with-owten lak, jn what Maner this veleyn to hem Spak.Line 3220 thanne they that herden hem speken jn this manere, [Those ac∣quainted with Merlin, marvel at the hideous shape of the soothsayer,] that to-forn tyme knewen Merlyne there, Merveyllede that ony so hydows a man to hem swich Materis Scholde Meven than.Line 3224 For they wisten not, with-owten dowtance,

that Merlyne cowde taken ony oþer semblaunce but onlyche his owne Jn properte; Of this Merveyleden they, ful certeynle.Line 3228 but thanne wisten they there ageyn [but under∣stand that no one but Merlin can have told such things.] that no Man ne cowde not, jn certeyn, tellen of tho wondris alle Sauf on[l]y Merlyne, how so befalle. [3232. MS. ony.] Line 3232 thanne axeden [they] þe Messengeris jn hye [3233. MS. areden þe.] jn what Maner of contre that they hym sye. thanne answerede the Messengeris ageyn: "To oure Jn he cam, Jn certeyn, [Hearing that the incident took place in Northumber∣land,] Line 3236 there as we Eten, ȝe mown vndirstond, [3237. there, the first e blurred.] jn the contre of Northhumberlond." thanne seiden they holiche, al that Rowte, that jt was Merlyne with-owten dowte, [all feel con∣vinced.] Line 3240 & that he desirede aftyr here knoweng, [3241. d added in the left margin.] onliche that there him scholde seken the kyng. and whanne they comen jnto Northhumberlond, [The king goes to Northumber∣land in search of Merlin.] [leaf 101 b] as J do ȝow vtterly forto vndirstond, [3244. vtterly, v blurred.] Line 3244 Non tydynges ne cowden they heren ther of Merlyne, the devyn, nethir Fer ne Ner. and as the kyng there gan forth to Ryde Jn his jornes be Eche a syde,Line 3248 and as thorwgh a pleyn he gan to gon [One day they see a herd with a drove of cattle.] and with him his Meyne Everichon, they syen a drove of bestes ful gret and therto an herdeman keping that hepe.Line 3252 so that they axede hym anon whens he was, & whedir he wolde gon, "Sires, j do ȝow to vndirstonde that j am of Northhumberlonde.Line 3256 and Rihtnow a good man cam to Me, [The herd speaks to the king's men about Merlin.] and seide that kyng Pandragon sikerle jn this contre a man scholdo Seke that is bothe wys, good, and Meke."Line 3260 "that is fulsoth," quothen they thanne, "kanst þou vs owht tellen of that Manne?"

thanne answerid this vyleyn ageyn: "ȝe, and J Myhte sen the kyng, jn certeyn, [The herd says he has some news to im∣part to the king privately.] Line 3264 j wolde hym tellen of swich tydyng of wheche to ȝow j ne wele Schewen non thing." "thanne com with Me," quod this good Man, "and to the kyng j wele schewen the anon."Line 3268 thanne quod this vileyn to him ageyn: "My bestes scholde j Evele kepen, jn certein; but ȝif he wele comen hidir to Me, [but is not willing to leave his cattle.] J schal hym tellen, ful certeinle,Line 3272 Where he schal fynde that ilke persone For whom jnto this contre he is gone." thanne departyd he from this vileyn anon, and to the kyng streyht is he gon, [The king is informed,] Line 3276 and tolde the kyng jn Wordis fewe the Wordis of the vilein al on rewe. "Anon lede me thedyr," quod the kyng, "and lete vs Make non lengere taryeng!"Line 3280 thus thanne ladde he forth þe kyng jn hye [and comes quickly to the spot.] to that same herdeman, ful trewelye. thanne seide this goodman to that vyleyn: "lo, Felawe, here is the kyng, certeyn;Line 3284 Now telle him here thy lykyng, For siker þou be, this is the kyng." "Sire kyng, forsothe J telle now the ["Thou seek∣est Merlin," says the herd.] that Merlyne thou sekyst, ful sekyrle.Line 3288 but to fynden he is ful ylle, but ȝif hym-self wile concente þertylle. And therefore jnto the nexte town thou go, ["Go into the nearest town, and he shall come to thee."] and thussone he schal comen the to.Line 3292 with the [to spe]ken þere wil he ful Ryht, [3293-94. Hole burnt in the paper.] J sey the tr[ewe]ly, ful gentyl knyht." "how schal j hym knowen?" quod the kyng, "but ȝif of hym J hadde som tokenyng?"Line 3296 "Sire kyng, ȝif that thou leve not Me, Sey Ellis of Fals cownseyl that j be!" "J Mistroste not," quod the kyng tho, [The king believes him.] "But that it is trewe thou seist Me to." [3300. it, corrected from is.] Line 3300

so paste the kyng thanne forth anon owt of þat forest, to towne gan he gon. And thussone to hym cam there [In the town there comes a seemly man,] a semly Man, arayed jn onest Manere,Line 3304 and seide: "sire kyng, welfownde ȝe be! Merlyne, the devyn, sente me to the, and sente the to seyne, ful sekerlye, that the same was Merleyne, trewelye, [who tells that the herd and Merlin are the same person,] Line 3308 whiche kepte the bestes Jn here pasture, And, sire, be this tokene, J ȝow Ensure, that to towne scholde he comen to the, [that Merlin will visit him in time of need,] [leaf 101 c] whanne þou of hym haddest nede, sikerle.Line 3312 But non gret Mester ȝit Hast thow, and of goode tydynges J schal tellen the now, that Merlyne sente the to say by me, sire kyng, this same day.Line 3316 knowe thow wel, for certeynlye, that kyng haugwis is ded, trewelye, [and that Augwis has been slain.] and þat thy brothir vter hath hym slayn, wite thou wel this, pandragon, jn certayn."Line 3320 and whanne the kyng herde this, Ful Mochel thanne he Merveilled, j-wys. [The king is surprised.] "Js this trewe that thou tellest Me?" "Sire, ȝe, for he wyle not lyen, sykerle,Line 3324 and a fool thou art, but thou it leve, For here-offen the sothe wel schalt þou preve." [3326. preve; before is a crossed-out b.]

Thanne charged the kyng tweyne Messengeris anon [He sends messengers to ascertain the truth.] that Jn alle haste they scholden gon—Line 3328 "to knowen ȝif this thing now trewe be, and doth Me to wetene ful hastyle." so forth Reden the Messengeris anon, and with othir Messengeris Metten they thusson, [They meet other messengers, who bring the news of Augwis' death.] Line 3332 From vter to pandragown, jn that sted, hym forto tellen how haugwys was ded. whanne þe Messengeris thus Metten jn fere, aȝen to-gideris tornede [they] in fayr Manere, [3336. MS. tornede in.] Line 3336 and hym tolden jn cownseyl, certayn,

jn what Maner vter haugwys hadde slayn. thanne charged the kyng hem ful hyghly [The king en∣joins secrecy,] that this thing, algates to kepen Jt prevy,Line 3340 and Merveillede gretliche ouer alle thyng [and is full of wonder.] how Merlyne of this scholde haue knoweng, and Jn his herte Merveilled ful gretle Jn what Maner that haugwys ded scholde be,Line 3344 and thowhte of Merlyne More to Enqwere, ȝif of that Mater he cowde tellen hym there. so that al a day jn that town gan he abyde, and as from the Mynstre he cam þat tyde, [When coming out of church the same day, he is accosted by a seemly man,] Line 3348 with hym there Mette a semly Man, and to kyng Pandragon he seide than: "Sire kyng, al heyl and wel thou be! here jn this town what thyng seken ȝe?"Line 3352 "j abyde Merlyne," quod the kyng, "with hym to haue som Maner of spekyng." "Sire kyng," quod this good Man thanne, "j ne hold ȝow not ȝit so wys a manneLine 3356 Merlyne to knowen, thowgh ȝe hym sye, J sey ȝow, sire kyng, ful sekyrlye. and perfore clepeth hem that him han se, [who says he is Merlin.] and axe of hem ȝif that Merlyne j be."Line 3360 So that the kyng, for hem he sente anon, [The king's followers are summoned;] and toforn hym comen they Everychon. "Lordynges," quod the kyng to hem thanne, "here byden we Merlyne, þat worthy Manne.Line 3364 Js þere ony of ȝow that hym kan knowe, and he here stood jn this Rowe?" "Forsothe, sire kyng, that May not be [they say they would cer∣tainly recog∣nize Merlin, if they saw him.] but ȝif we hym Syen, ful sikerle."Line 3368 thanne seide this goodman to the kyng: "this were now a wondirful thing, how that anothir Man they scholde knowe, whanne þat hem-self they konnen neþer hy ne lowe."Line 3372 thanne answered these lordis ageyn: [3373. answered, the first e corrected from r] "his werkis we knowen not, jn certeyn, but his Semblaunce we knowen ful wel, Line 3376

and we hym syen Everydel."Line 3376 thanne seide this goodman to hem ageyn: "how scholde ȝe ony Man knowen, jn certeyn, but ȝif ȝe knowen his Semblaunce? This Were to Me a Wondyrful chawnce." [leaf 101 d] Line 3380 thanne clepede Merlyne the kyng anon, [Merlin takes the king into a private room,] and jnto a prevy chambre they gonne to gon, and seide: "sire kyng, J am joyful of the and of ȝoure brothyr, sire, ful certeinle.Line 3384 For J am the same persone, with-owten dwere, [repeats who he is,] that ȝe comen forto Seken here. Now goth owt of this chambre anon, and ledeth me toforn hem Echon [and asks to be brought before the retinue again.] Line 3388 that tolden to ȝow they cowde knowen Me, and they alle wylen seyn, ful sykerle, that ȝe haven fownden the same Merlyne whiche that they clepen the goode devyne."Line 3392 thanne wente Pandragown forth anon, and clepid his Meyne Everychon. thanne took Merlyne his owne Semblaunce, [Merlin assumes his natural shape,] that he to-forn hadde, with-owten variaunce.Line 3396 and thanne, anon as they hym Sye, they seiden it was Merlyne, trewlye. [and is recog∣nized by all.] "thanne avyse ȝow wel," quod the kyng, "that it be Merlyne with-owten lesyng."Line 3400 and they seiden: "wel we hym knowe among alle this peple jn this Rowe." "j wolde fayn weten," quod the kyng, [In answer to the king's question,] "ȝif j Evere to ȝow spak ony thyng,Line 3404 Er that j cam jnto this town; of this wolde j fayn knowen þe Resown." "Sire," quod Merlyne to the kyng thanne, "For certeyn, J am the same Manne [he says he is the same as the cowherd,] Line 3408 that walkede ȝondir jn ȝone forestes, kepyng alle tho forseid bestes. also the same Man am J [and the same who told him of Augwis' death.] that told ȝow of haugwys, trewely."Line 3412 thanne seide the kyng to hem ageyn: "Evele knowen ȝe Merlyne, jn certeyn!" thanne axede the kyng of merlyne there Line 3416

how of augwis he knew and jn what Manere.Line 3416 "Sire," quod Merlyne," as it not ben scholde, [Merlin fur∣ther tells how he warned Uter against Augwis,] Augwys vter Mordred han wolde. Anon to thy brothyr j wente jn hye, and told hym al his purpos vtterlye,Line 3420 and how that augwye hym ordeynede to sle; al this j told hym, ful Sykerle. and ȝit he ne wolde not me beleve, tyl that the sothe him-self dede preve.Line 3424 so that ȝowre brothir wook alone al nyht, [how Uter kept awake all night,] tyl that the sothe he preven Myht, and Evere awayted the comenge of Augwis, þat was so crewel a kynge.Line 3428 thanne atte laste cam this haugwis [how Augwis came stealing into Uter's tent with a drawn knife,] jnto vteris pavyloun, þat was of prys. and ȝoure brothir let hym Entren anon, with a scharpe knyf drawen, jnto his won,Line 3432 hym forto hauen slayn, verayment. so þat vter he sowhte al abowtes þe tent, but he ne cowde hym not Fynde, wherfore he Mornede jn his Mynde.Line 3436 and owt aȝen he wolde han gon, but ȝoure brothir Mette with hym anon. So there fowhten they to-gederis, jn certayn, [and how Augwis was killed.] that vter, ȝoure brothyr, hath hym slayn."Line 3440

Whanne that the kyng herde al this, anon he axede of hym, j-wis, jn what Semblance he myhte be, whanne that with his brothir spak he. [Merlin was on that occa∣sion in an old man's shape.] [leaf 102 a] Line 3444 "Sire," quod Merlyne thanne a-geyn, "Jn lykenesse of an old Man, certeyn." "Tolde ȝe Owht hym What Man ȝe Were?" "Nay, sire," quod Merlyne, "jn non Manere;Line 3448 Nethyr he ne schal not it knowen for Me, tyl ȝowre-Self it hym telle, ful Sikerle." Thanne seide to hym Pandragown, the kyng: [The king asks Merlin to go with him.] "Now, dere Frend, j preye ȝow ouer alle thyngLine 3452 that ȝe wylen now gon with Me, For of ȝoure cownseyl have j Nede, parde."

"Sire, thanne sone wyle ȝoure Meyne wroth be, [Merlin re∣plies that the courtiers would object,] ȝif that ȝe Welen owht leven on Me."Line 3456 "Merlyne, ȝe han so Mochel to Me told of vter, My brothir, Many fold, that ȝif it now soth be, For Evere schal j now leven on the."Line 3460 "thanne vndirstonde ȝe, with-owten varyaunce, [but promises to speak again with Uter in that same shape of an old man,] þat J to ȝowre [brothir] schal speken jn the same semblaunce [3462. MS. ȝowr' schal.] that J was, whanne j hym tolde, certeyn, how that haugwys hym wolde han slayn,Line 3464 and that with-jnne this viij dayes it schal be." "thanne preye j ȝow, Merlyne, for charite, that j Moot knowen the same Face, whanne ȝe with hym speken jn ony place."Line 3468 "that scholen ȝe, Sire, with good wille. [and to let the king know.] but of on thyng J Sey ȝow vntille: that ȝif Evere ony love ȝe wyle haven of Me, So that ȝe kepen Jt Jn prevyte."Line 3472

Thus aqweyntyd Merlyne with Pendragown, [Merlin and Pendragon part.] and of hym took leve Jn that town. So Forth to Blasye he gan to gon, [The former goes to Blasy,] and dide hym it putten jn scripture anon,Line 3476 that so be hym knowen we this storye, wheche to vs is put Jn Memorye. And Pandragown held forth his weye, [the latter returns home.] tyl that to his brothyr he cam, jn feye.Line 3480 & whanne that vter his brothyr Say, Ful Mochel Joye he Made that day, and took the kyng anon on side, and þere hym tolde that ilke tyde [Uter relates of Augwis' death.] Line 3484 how that haugwis he had slayn, lik as Merlyne him ferst hadde told, certeyn. "Now, goode brother, what myht he be, [The king inquires about the man who gave the warning.] [3487-88. These two lines were omitted and then written up the margin.] That ferst discured to ȝow þis destyne?"Line 3488 "Now, so me god helpe," quod vter thanne, "j Merveillede neuere so Mochel of Manne. Line 3491

Of that ge me Seyn jn this throwe [Uter is sur∣prised that the king should know anything about this,] Line 3491 whiche j wende neuere but that God and j hadde knowe. [3492. The first j added above the line.] and therfore I preye ȝow, for charyte, how that ȝe jt wiste, ȝow telleth Me." "J seye ȝow sekerly," quod Pandragown, "j Jt now knowe be good Resown.Line 3496 but, brothir vter, what good Man was he that from the deth warawnted the?" "be the oth ȝat j owe to ȝow, My kyng, j schal ȝow trewly seyn, to My knoweng.Line 3500 j not what Maner of Man jt was, but a good Man he semede jn Every plas, [but says that the warner seemed to be a good man.] and therefore the bettere j gan hym leve, For aftyr, the sothe he dede me preve."Line 3504 "Cowde ȝe hym knowen," quod Pandragown tho, "jn ony place and he to-fore ȝow go?" "ȝe, sire, forsothe," quod vter thanne, "J schal hym knowen to-forn anothir Manne."Line 3508 "wel, Sire vter, thanne warne j the [The king tells that on a certain day the same man will call again.] that with-jnne xij dayes he wyle here be, and only with ȝow wil he speke, and to ȝow his herte wyle he breke.Line 3512 but of on thing j preye ȝow, certeinle: that al that day ȝe ben to-forn Me, [Uter pro∣mises to re∣main in the king's pre∣sence the whole of that day.] [leaf 102 b] that j myhte knowen, as wel as ȝe, what Maner of Man þat so he be."Line 3516 And vter be-hyghte that so he Wolde, and not to letten for ȝong neþer olde. and thus bothe the bretheren Jn fere of diuers Materis spoken there.Line 3520 and Merlyne forth to Blasye wente, and tolde hym alle these poyntes, veramente, [Merlin in∣forms Blasy of the last events,] how the tweyne bretheryn of hym gonne speke, & how þat vter of his fo gan hym wreke,Line 3524 and how that Pandragown wolde hym asaye be Many poyntes and Many a waye. thanne axede blasie of Merlyne there [3527. blasie added above the line.] how they lyveden and jn what Manere.Line 3528

thanne seide Merlyne to blasie ageyn that—"bothe ben they ȝonge Men, jn certeyn, [of life and character of the princes,] and gret nede they haven of good cownsaylle [3531. cownsaytt, a corrected from c.] of swich a Man that Myhte hem avaylle.Line 3532 but fyrst jnto Mirthe j wolde hem drawe [and of his own plane for the nearest future.] with lawghenges & boordes to Maken hem fawe. For j wot wel where woneth a fayr lady that vter Loveth, paramours, trewely,Line 3536 and so streyht to hym wyl j gon with a lettre from his love anon. For j knowe alle the wordis preve [3539. prevc, the first e corrected from y.] that betwixen hem to-fore tyme hath be."Line 3540 And þe xj day thanne next Sewenge, [On the fixed day, Merlin comes running to court as a messenger from Uter's lady-love.] To cowrt cam Merlyne faste rennenge jn liknesse of a groom Messenger that from his Love to hym cam ther,Line 3544 and seide: "my lady greteth ȝow wel with herte and Body Everydel, and sente ȝow here a lettre to Rede alone be ȝoure-self jn prevy stede."Line 3548 thanne took vter this lettre, verament, [The delighted prince takes the letter supposed to be sent hy her,] and wende his love hadde it hym sent, and Ryht gret Joye he gan to Make of þe lettre for his loves sake. thanne spak the lettre jn this Manere, þat the Messenger he scholde lestene & here and trowen that he to hym seide, For so on hym hire arende sche leyde.Line 3556 and this Messenger tolde Many prevy thyng [and listens privately to the bearer.] that vter had offen Ryht good knoweng, so that þe bettyr wil hadde he to dwelle For thinges þe Messenger gan hym telle.Line 3560 thus alday taryede kyng Pandragown, [Pendragon wonders at Merlin's delay.] Tyl the lyht of day was Ny agon, and Merveillede of Merlynes taryenge, and why that so Longe was his dwellenge.Line 3564 thussone Merlyne drowh hym on syde, [Merlin calls Uter's attention:] and þere took anothir lyknesse that tyde,

Evene the same fygure and semblaunce [he stands there now in the warner's shape (cf. I. 3446).] as whanne he warned vter of his chaunce.Line 3568 Anon as vter him gan be-holde, he hym knew and jn armes gan folde, [Uter em∣braces him,] and preyede hym for alle cowrtesye with hym to abyden stedfastlye,Line 3572 and that he wolde speken with the kyng with-owten ony More taryeng. thanne tolde vter to Pandragown [and fetches Pendragon.] that this good Man was comen to town.Line 3576 thanne axede the kyng of vter there ȝif it were the same jn alle Manere. "ȝe, sire," quod vter, "with-owten dowte." so forth wenten they bothe jn þat Rowte,Line 3580 and comen bothe to this good Man, [Both princes are full of joy.] and þer of hym gret joye Made than. "wile ȝe þat j to my brothir vter proclame what Man ȝe ben and what is ȝoure name?"Line 3584 "ȝe, sire, J Wyle Wyth Ryht good Wylle [leaf 102 c] that to ȝoure brothyr ȝe seyn it vntylle." thanne seide Pandragown to his brothyr dere: [Pendragon informs his brother that their visitor is the wisest of men,] "knowen ȝe owht this Man that is here?Line 3588 J telle ȝow, brothir, ful certeinlye, that this is the wisest Man, trewlye, that here on lyve May now be, Of whom we han gret Mester, ful sikerle. [3592. MS. Off, through rough correction.] Line 3592 For sweche konneng hath this Man, as here to-forn hym tellen j ȝow kan. for to ȝow cam non other Messengere [and that the warner and the letter∣carrier are the same person.] [3595. MS. fforto.] but only this Man that Js here.Line 3596 and þe lettres tok ȝow this same Man that seide how he from ȝoure love cam." thanne abaecht hym vter ful sore, and of that Man he wondred thore.Line 3600 "how May j beleven this jlke thyng? [Uter is incredulous.] this were to Me gret Merveyllyng!" "As wel Mown ȝe knowen this jlke dede as of oþper thinges þat he to ȝow afore seide."Line 3604

thanne seide vter: "ful certeynle, j kan not beleven that this scholde ben he." the kyng preide Merlyne jn wordis fewe [The king appeals to Merlin.] that som Maner of tokenyng he wold hym schewe.Line 3608 "Goth forth from me," quod Merlyne, "henne, and anon j schal don hym Me kenne. For j wele proven hym þe same semblance Of that Garsown, with-owten varyaunce."Line 3612 And forth he wente thanne anon, and þat same semblance he took thusson. [Merlin ap∣pears again as messenger.] & cam to vter and took his leve, For that þe sothe he scholde preve.Line 3616 "brother, the sothe knowen not now ȝe, that this same verray Man Js he that tolde how haugwis wolde ȝow han slayn?" "ȝis, ful sekyr ȝe ben, brothyr, jn certeyn; [Uter is convinced] Line 3620 For bothe wete ȝo wel and vndirstonde that he knoweth thinges jn dyvers londe, [and praises Merlin's wisdom.] bothe that is to comen and that js gon, For of aventures kan he tellen Mayon.Line 3624 wherefore, brothir, we welen hym preye with vs to dwellen, be ony weye; [3626. dwellen, w corrected from e.] For aftyr his werkynge welen we do of alle thinges that vs longen vnto."Line 3628 thanne bothe bretheren gonnen hym beseche [The brothers ask him to stay] with hem to dwellen, with ful fayr speche. "For so mochel to vs hauen ȝe told of dyvers thinges Manyfold,Line 3632 wherefore that j beleve ȝow wel; and that ȝe wolden Everydel [and be their governor.] Taken Governaunce of My brothir and Me; [3635. My, M roughly corrected from B.] and it ȝow likede, it Myhte so be."Line 3636 thanne answerede hem aȝen Merlyne: "this schal j granten ȝow wel and fyne, [Merlin complies.] but j wile that ȝe knowen, certeinly, of Myn doyng prevyly.Line 3640 For ȝit Most j gon forther mo to the hed of Gret Breteigne, how so j do. [3642. of added above the line.]

but weteth wel that j schal haue knowenge [Merlin pro∣mises his help in all troubles,] Of alle ȝowre nedis, with-owten varienge;Line 3644 and Neuere deseisse schal j be ȝow se, but that j schal helpen ȝow, Sekerle. [3646. MS. help̄en.] and þerfore chargeth not whanne j go, For schortly schal j comen ȝow to. [3648. Schortly, r corrected from l.] Line 3648 and whanne that j come jnto ȝoure howshold, [and wishes to be openly welcomed when he comes to court.] [leaf 102 d] loke þat ȝe joyen Many fold aforn ȝowre Meyne jn My Syht, That there-offen Mowe knowen Every Wyht."Line 3652

Thus belefte Merlyne with the kyng, and with his Brother vter was dwellyng. so atte laste from hem wolde he gon, [He goes] Line 3655 jn swich semblaunce þat they Myhten hym knowen Echon. So that whanne aȝen he cam, [and comes,] of hym Made joye bothe child & Man, and wenten and tolden to the kyng at Eche tyme of Merlynes comyng.Line 3660 and algates whanne þe kyng þere-of herde, Ful Mochel joye of hym he ferde, and algates wente hym forto Mete, [and is always received with joy.] were jt jn feld oþer Jn strete,Line 3664 and gret joye of hym Made. and ek al the Meyne was ful glade, and token the kyng anon on syde, & thore hym tolde þat Jlke tydeLine 3668 that he was the beste devyn, trewly, Except God that is al-Myhtty. "Now preyeth hym, Jn alle wyse, [The people want his advice with regard to the besieged castle.] that he wolde tellen ȝow jn what GyseLine 3672 how that the castel to bryngen to Ende, and how this werre atte laste schal wende, and of his kyn to haven victorye; of this axe ȝe hym, ful certeynlye."Line 3676 the kyng answerede hem ageyn that Ryht gladliche he wolde it seyn. whanne the thrydde day j-comen was, Line 3680

the cownseyl assemblede al jn on plas. [The king's council as∣sembles,] Line 3680 thanne the kyng aforn his cownseil Enqwered of Merlyne wondirly wel: "Now, dere Frend," quod the kyng thanne, [and Merlin is consulted] "J knowe ȝow For Ryht a wys Manne,Line 3684 and for the beste devyn J ȝow knowe jn al this world, owthyr hyghe oþer lowe. that ȝe wolden me tellen, j ȝow preye, of diuers thynges that J schal seye,Line 3688 and how this castel that j schal have, [about the castle.] and Ek My Meyne, to kepen hem save." thanne answeride Merlyne a-geyn: [Merlin replies: "Augwis' kinsmen are now willing to leave the country.] "Syre, j wolde that ȝe wisten, ful fayn:Line 3692 For sethen his kynnes-Men haugwis hadden lost, Sethen that tyme Maden they non bost, Ne Rekken but lytel, the sothe to say, owt of this lond to gon here way;Line 3696 and to Morwe vndir trewe hem besende, [Parley with them!] thanne fulsone schole ȝe knowen the Ende, how they scholen profren to ȝelden ageyn [They will first offer to remain as vassals.] al þat they holden of ȝoure fadyr, certeyn.Line 3700 but ȝit scholen ȝe not don so, [But do not accept this offer!] For whanne here answere cometh ȝow vnto, ȝe scholen ȝow offren hem to conveye be sauf coundit and be Ryht weye,Line 3704 and owt of ȝoure lond hem don lede, [Let them go away!"] and scheping hem ordeynen jnto what stede, jnto what contre that they wylen gon; thus to hem scholen ȝe answeren anon." thanne the kyng Sente forth vlfyn [The king accordingly sends Ulfin cf. II. 4745 ff.) and three other knights as negoti∣ators.] and thre other knyhtes with hym; and Merlyne hem charged with this Massage, as they weren knyhtes of hygh parage.Line 3712

Forth these Messengeris token here way Streyht to the castel, as J ȝow say. and whanne they with-jnne syen hem comenge, [The people in the castle receive them,] aȝens hem they comen with-owten taryenge,Line 3716 and axede of hem ȝif—"Messengeris ȝe be?" thanne vlfyn answerede & seide: "ȝe,

the kyng ȝow sente be vs to seyn [listen to their message,] that thre wykys trwys scholen ȝe hauen, certeyn."Line 3720 "thanne to counseyl scholen we go, To wyten how that we Mown do. Ryht Wondirfully sore Anoyed We be [leaf 103 a] [consider their own helpless condition,] Line 3724 of haugwis deth, ful certeynle;Line 3724 and therto hauen we non vytaylle hire forto abyden, sires, saunsfaylle, Neþer non Refrescheng we Mown have of oure frendis here vs to save;Line 3728 and jnto swich a day ȝe grauntyn vs trewe, but here to abyden, it wolde vs Rewe. For it were ful Evel soiornenge jn a place with-owten vytayllynge.Line 3732 but we hym don to vndirstonde [and offer to yield up the castle] that this castel [we] deliueren jnto his honde, [3734. The pronoun is missing.] and al the lond that longeth therto, and we of hym to holdyn it for Euere Mo,Line 3736 and perto Every ȝer hym forto ȝelde [and pay an annual tribute.] thrytty knyhtes with spere and schelde, an hundryd destreres, & as Many of palfray, and an hundrid fawkowns, the sothe to say."Line 3740 And they acordyd alle Jn on. so with this answere wente pe Messengeres anon, [The negotia∣tors bring back this answer.] and tolden the kyng word and Ende, of this castel how it scholde wende.Line 3744 and whanne the kyng herde here answere, anon he axede of Merlyne riht there what were here-offen best forto do. "ȝe" quod Merlyne, "thow schalt not don so, [Merlin repeats his previous advice.] Line 3748 For gret peryl it Myhte be jn tyme comenge, and stille jn this lond they weren dwellenge. but j schal tellen the what thou schalt do: anon sende aȝen, with-owten Mo,Line 3752 and bidde hem delyveren that castel, For therto anon they scholen ben Lel, For they ne hauen non Maner of vytaylle, J seye ȝow, Sires, with-owten faylle.Line 3756

and behote ȝe hem that they scholen gon sauf with here lyves Everychon; And J ȝow Seye, wyth-owten Noye, that schal ben to hem a passyng joye."Line 3760 thanne the kyng aftyr Merlynes sawe [Messengers are sent once more,] wrowht on þe morwe, whanne the day gan dawe, [3762. MS. onþ^e.] Forth forto beren this answere to hem that jn þe castel weren there.Line 3764 and whan they of the castel herdyn this, thanne Maden they bothe joye and blys, [the king's offer is accepted with joy.] and weren cowndyed thorwgh the Lond, and browht to the se, as j vndirstond,Line 3768 and a Redy Navye hem forth to lede Jnto what lond owþer jnto what stede that hem-selve they wolde to gon. thus weren they Exyled Everychon [and Augwis' kinsmen go into exile.] Line 3772 onliche be the cownseyl of Merlyne, that was holden so good a devyne. thus was Merlyne conseillour and lord of the kyng & his brothyr, at on word;Line 3776 Tyl on an day there was to do of thinges þat scholde come þe kyng vnto, where-offen tweyne Barowns hadden Envye, [Envious barons desire the king to give up Merlin's company.] that with the kyng he spak so prevylye,Line 3780 and seiden: "sire kyng, we merveillen Echon that ȝe so beleven vppon this Man. For wete ȝe wel, sire kyng, in certeyn, that al his werkyng of the devel cometh, pleyn.Line 3784 and þerfore we wolde jn onest Manere that ȝe his compeny lefte here." "that were me loth," quod the kyng, [The king is not willing.] "For j nolde him wraththen for non thyng."Line 3788 "Sire," quod this Barown ageyn, "j wile hym not Noyen, jn certeyn." Now was this Barown ful of Envye and ful of vices, ful trewelye,Line 3792 and to the kynges cowrt cam vppon a day, & there thus of Merlyne gan he to say,

And of hym gret Joye thus he Wrowhte, [leaf 108 b] but Evere anothir was Jn his thowhte.Line 3796 there this barown clepede to-fore the kyng [One of the barons, in the presence of the king and twenty knights,] twenty knyhtes, with-owten leseng. "Now wile ȝe sen," quod this Barown thanne, "Merlyne here, so worthy a Manne,Line 3800 that tolde the kyng howh Fortagere jn his castel scholde brenne riht þere.— and therfore preye j ȝow, for charite, [aske Merlin to foretell his death.] of My siknesse that ȝe wolden tellen Me,Line 3804 & that ȝe welen tellen Me vtterlye [3805. & added in the left margin.] On what Maner of deth that j schal dye."

Thanne answerede Merlyne, that knew ful wel [Merlin, knowing the baron's bitter heart,] his Malencolyvs herte Everydel:Line 3808 "ȝe han me preid that j schal Seye to ȝow of ȝoure deth, trewelye. knowe ȝe wel that þe same day that deyen ȝe scholen, wit-owten Nay,Line 3812 of an hors ȝowre Nekke schal to-breke." [says that the baron will fall off his horse and break his neck.] [3813. an, a through rough correction.] Aforn alle these knyhtes thus gan he speke. thanne seide the Barown to the kyng: "God me defende from his talkyng!"Line 3816 tho wente he hom jn-to his contre, and there a whille dwelled he, and cam aȝen thedir as þe kyng was, [Later on, the baron comes to the king and feigns to be sick.] and Feynede hym sore syk jn that plas,Line 3820 and him forto sen he preyde the kyng, and algates Merlyne with hym bryng, so that Merlyne ne knowe jn Non degre For what Maner cause thedir cometh he.Line 3824 thanne cam Merlyne to the kyng, [Merlin is summoned,] and axede hym what was his willyng, "ȝe Mosten to towne gon with Me, a sik Man j preye ȝow pere forto se."Line 3828 thanne clepid the kyng his prevy Meyne with him to gon that Man to se. [and goes to the baron.] and whanne that thedyr they weren comen Echon, Line 3832

thanne seide to the kyng this sik Man anon: [The baron wants to know if he is to die from his sickness.] [3832. thāne, abbreviation mark in different ink.] Line 3832 "Sire, j preye ȝow, for charyte, that ȝowre devyne May tellen Me ȝyf j schal deyen of this syknesse, oþer ellis to suffren ony More distresse."Line 3836 "Sire kyng," anon quod Merlyne thanne, "of þis siknesse schal not deyen this Manne." ["No," says Merlin,] thanne answerede the syk Man, trewelye: "now, good sire, of what siknesse schal j deye?"Line 3840 "Forsothe, hangenge schalt thow Ende, and hangen þou schalt jnto thin Ende." ["thou shalt hang!"] and with that tornede him Merlyn there, and Made a semblaunce as wroth he were.Line 3844 thus whanne Merlyne was forth gon, this barown to the kyng seyde anon: [The baron points out the inconsist∣ency of the predictions,] "Now mowen ȝe knowen be his spelle, a fool he is swyche thynges to telle,Line 3848 that swyche tweyn dethes me doth devyse [3849. dethef added above the line.] whiche ben not cordyng jn non wyse! And the thrydde tyme ȝit j schal asaye: [and says he will try the third time,] To Morwe wil j gon to on abbeye,Line 3852 and that ȝe wolden thider hye, and Merlyne jn ȝoure compenye, and the abbot ȝow schal seyn that on of his Monkes is Sik, certein, [counterfeit∣ing a sick monk.] Line 3856 and ȝow schal preyen, for charite, thike sike Monk þat ȝe wolden comen se and Merlyne with ȝow forto brynge." the kyng him grantyd his askynge.Line 3860 vppon the Morewen, whanne it was day, [Next morn∣ing, the king and Merlin ride to the monastery.] the kyng him Rod to that abbay, and Merlyne thedyr with hym Rod, So herden they Masse, and þere abod.Line 3864 Atte laste cam the Abbot there, [leaf 103 c] and to the kyng seide jn this Manere: "Ha, Sire kyng, and ȝowre wylle Jt be, [They are solicited to go and see the monk.] that an old syk Monk ȝe wolden com se,Line 3868 and ȝowre devyne with ȝow to brynge,

and it were ȝowre wille, Sire kynge." thanne seide the kyng to merlyne tho: "Sire, with me wile ȝe owht go!"Line 3872 "ȝe, sire," quod Merlyne, "ful gladly!" and took the kyng on syde jn hy:

"Whanne ferst j a-qweynted with ȝow bothe, [Merlin privately reproves the king for being a party to these pre∣tences.] thanne non fool helden ȝe me, forsothe.Line 3876 what, trowen ȝe that J ne knowe, sekerlye, vppon what deth this fool schal deye? For now sore Merveillen scholen ȝe ful snelle of a thing that j schal hym telle."Line 3880 quod the kyng thanne to Merlyne: "May it be trewe he schal have swich fyne?" "Now, Sire," quod Merlyne, "but ȝif it trewe be, Neuere here-aftyr ne leve thow Me!Line 3884 and ȝit Er that j parte from his compenye, [He says, however, he will foretell the baron's death once more.] J shal hym tellen how that he schal dye." So wenten they forth al jn fere, lyk as the abbot hem ladde there.Line 3888 thanne seide the abbot to the kyng: [In reply to the abbot's request,] "Sire, and j dorste preyen ȝow of on thyng: that ȝowre devyn ȝow wolde seye ȝif this Monk of this Maladye schal deye."Line 3892 and Merlyne answerede anon there jn Maner as that wroth he were, and seide to the abbot vntylle: [Merlin says that the man may rise, if he chooses,] "he May arysen, ȝif that he wylle,Line 3896 For siknesse here ne feleth he non, but that he may bothe Rysen & gon. and þerto, abbot, to the J seye that thike day whanne he schal deye, [and that he will break his neck, hang, and drown.] Line 3900 his Nekke he schal breken vnto, and an honged, and be spilt also. Now Nedyth hym to feyne no More, For his herte j knowe bothe here & thore."Line 3904 thanne Ros hym vpe this Jlke Barown, and seide þere to kyng Pendragown: [The baron maintains that Merlin is a fool,] "Now mown ȝe knowen his folye, that seith on swich Maner þat j scholde deye.Line 3908

For this knowe j wel, that May not be of me ne of non othir Man, Sikerle. [3910. me added above the line.] Now devise ȝow, Sire, Ryht wel, [and warns the king against him.] how ȝe this Man leven ony del!"Line 3912 thus thanne this werk gan to Ende; and jnto fer contre jt Gan wende how that Merlyne Gan to Say on what deth he scholde dyen, jn fay.Line 3916 So aftyr on a day not forthan [One day, this baron rides] be-gan to Ryde this good Man, and jn his compenye gret plente Of his owne Meyne, ful sykyrle.Line 3920 So atte laste he cam to a Ryver, where as a brygge of tre was there, [over a bridge.] and þervppon smot he his palfray, that down on knes it fyl, jn fay. [The horse stumbles, the baron falls and breaks his neck,] Line 3924 So that he, whiche aboven was, Fyl a-down there jn that plas, and there his Nekke he brak vnto, And as to the water he scholde han go,Line 3928 So that his leg jn his Robe fastenyd there, [his leg is entangled in his robe, the other parts of his body come into the water.] and alle his oþer lymes jn þe water were. thanne weren there tweyne Men Jn compenye, herden how that Merlyne Gan seye;Line 3932 Jn what Maner he scholde ded be, [leaf 103 d] [Two men relate Merlin's prediction. There is great wailing.] There they Rehersed, ful Sykerle. thanne be-gan there an hidows cry of alle his Meyne, ful trewely;Line 3936 whanne owt of the water they hadden him take, For Sorwe they schoken & gonne to qwake. thanne seiden they: "folys that they be that Merlyn ne leven not, Sykerle!"Line 3940 they Beryeden the cors with honour. [The corpse is buried. Merlin in∣forms the king.] and Merlyn to the kyng kam thike same our, and told bothen hym and to vter how that with the barown it happede ther.Line 3944 the kyng axede whanne it was, certeinle. "with-jnne sixe dayes Messengeres scholen ȝe se. thanne kept j not to ben here, Line 3948

For faste they welen of Me EnqwereLine 3948 of diuers Maters, what so they be, [Merlin says he will avoid further queries,] but answere geten they non, Sikerle, For j wyle no More so openly seye, that the peple schal vndirstonden, jn feye."Line 3952 thanne wende the kyng þat he wroth were, and þerfore weren ful sory there. So wente Merlyne to Blaysye anon, [and goes off to Blasy.] and told him of these thynges Echon,Line 3956 and of oþere, that to comen were; jn this Maner departyd Merlyne þere.

There dwellede Merlyne to þe vj day, [3959-60. MS. xvj, and weren Jn; in the right margin: Nota.] tyl they that at the deth weren, [comen], Jn fay, [Those present at the baron's death arrive at court.] Line 3960 and tolden the kyng how that it stood, howhe þis barown was persched jn that flood, and seiden that Merlyne was þe wysest Man [Merlin's wis∣dom is fully acknow∣ledged.] that Jn al this world was lyveng than.Line 3964 For of hym was neuere thyng seid ne don, but ȝif he jnto Scripture dide it putten anon. and thus began Merlynes prophecye of the kynges of Engelond, certeynlye,Line 3968 and of othere Many thynges also. he dide holy Blasye it wryten tho. [Blasy con∣tinues his book.] thanne axede Blayse of Merlyne there: "wryten they also jn this Manere?"Line 3972 "Nay, certeynly, non of hem alle, but they wryten that schal befalle, [At court, they write down] which thynges they scholen Neuere knowe, Tyl that they be-fallen vppon a rowe."Line 3976 Thanne Retornede Merlyne to cowrt ageyn, and aȝens hym they comen, jn certeyn, and tolden hym of that Jlke tydyng, as thowg þere-offen he ne hadde knowen non thing.Line 3980

Thanne sette on Merlyne and gan to telle Ful dyrke worrdes of prophecyes felle, [his dark prophecies.] where-offen a book they Maden anon. thanne forth to the kyng Merlyne gan gon,Line 3984

and there to hem seyde he ful petowsly: [Merlin pitifully in∣forms the king] "J love ȝoure bothe worschepis Badyly; haven ȝe not now vndirstondyng of haugwys kynnes-Men Exylyng,Line 3988 that owt of this lond ȝe deden don dryve, aftyr that haugwys hadde left his lyve?" "ȝis, this wele knowen we, Jn certeyn; but for what cause do ȝe this seyn?"Line 3992 "J sey," quod Merlyne, "for this Enchesown, [3993. MS. fort this.] That haugwys kynnes-Men Everychon, [that Augwis' kinsmen] with-jnnen hem-Self they don thus speke, that of haugwys deth they welen hem wreke.Line 3996 So that they Maken gret congregacyown of dyvers peple al abowtes Jn verown, and hopen this lond forto conqwere [will attack the country] and Ek forto haven the victorye here."Line 4000 thanne, whanne þe kyng herde this, and also his Brothyr vter, j-wys, Of these tydynges they Merveylled Gretle, And axeden Of Merlyne Howh this Myhte be. [leaf 101 a] Line 4004 "haven they there so gret plente Of Fensable peple Jn alle degre?" "ȝe," quod Merlyne, "with-owten dowte, they haven More peple hem abowte [with superior forces,] Line 4008 thanne ȝe owther ȝowre brothyr, jn feye, For aȝens on of ȝowris they haven tweye; and but ȝif ȝe werkyn Ryht wysly, ȝe scholen ben discomfyt & stroyed, trewely."Line 4012 "we scholen werkyn aftyr ȝowre wylle, what that Evere ȝe welen seyn vs vntylle." thanne axeden they Merlyne anon there whanne they scholden comen and jn what Manere.Line 4016 "Atte the Elleveneth day, ful trewly; [in eleven days. This, how∣ever, is to be kept a secret.] but loke that ȝe kepen this prevy, and j defende ȝow, as J now kan, that there-offen ȝe ne tellen neuere Man.Line 4020 but aftyr my cownseyl that ȝe don, and sendeth aftyr alle ȝoure Men anon, and that they ben here with-owten let Line 4024

the laste wyke of the Mounthe of junet, [Merlin gives instructions with regard to the im∣pending battle.] Line 4024 to assemblen vppon Salisbery pleyn ȝowre Enemyes to withstondyn ageyn. so that on of ȝow with half ȝowre Meyne, be-twixen hem and þe se scholen gon, Sykerle;Line 4028 and so tweyne dayes ȝe scholen abyde, and on the thrydde to fyhten, what so betyde. & ȝif ȝe thus wilen don, trewely, J dar ȝow behoten the victory."Line 4032 thanne seiden the bretheren to Merlyne there: [The brothers inquire if the battle will be fatal to either of them.] "Now, goode Merlyne, telle vs now here ȝif ony of vs jn bataylle schal ded be." thanne answeryd Merlyne: "ful Sykerle,Line 4036 there nas Neuere thyng that hadde begynneng, but of Necescite it Moste hauen Endyng, [4038. MS. Mosten.] Ne neuere Man owghte the deth drede, ȝif he it Resceyue Jn tyme of Nede.Line 4040 and therfore wolde J thanne," quod Merlyne, [Merlin makes them swear, on their relics,] "doth bryngen Me ȝowre Relykes, þat ben so fyne, and þer-vppon bothe scholen ȝe swere that ȝe scholen don as j schal ȝow lereLine 4044 bothen for ȝowre prow and worschepe also, and aftyr that schal j tellen ȝow Mo." thus sworen they bothe at his Byddyng. thanne anon seide Merlyne to the kyng:Line 4048 "ȝe hauen sworen to Me, with-owten faylle, Trewe Men to be Jn this Bataylle [to be true to God and themselves,] aȝens God and ȝowre owne persone, how so that Evere the game doth gone.Line 4052 For to hym-Self May non Man trewe be, but ȝif to god he be trewe, Sykerle. [4054. to added above the line.] and that ȝe confessen ȝow generally Forto fyhten aȝens ȝowre Enemy.Line 4056 and aftyr mown ȝe ben ful Sure [and promises them victory.] hem ouercomen bothe clene & pure, for they beleven not on the Trenite. And now herkene what j sey the:Line 4060 Sethen holychirche cam jnto this lond,

Swich a bataylle was non, as j vndirstond, [The battle, however, will be extraor∣dinarily murderous, and one of the princes is to fall.] Neþer not schal ben be owre daye. therfore, Syker, as j ȝow saye,Line 4064 on of ȝow schal deyen jn this bataylle, as j ȝow seye with-owten Faylle. and þerfore that Ryaly ȝe ȝow araye Forto fyhten, as j ȝow saye, [fighting in honour of the Trinity.] Line 4068 and jn worschepe of the Trenyte, For ȝowre helpe syker wile he be; And for his love arayeth ȝow wel To his plesawnce Everydel!" [leaf 104 b] Line 4072 Lo, this Was Merlynes Cownsaylle, As j ȝow sey wit-owten faylle. these bretheren vndirstoden ful wel his sawe, and of his cownseyl they weren Ryht fawe. [The princes cheerfully send for their men,] Line 4076 Anon thanne senten they thorwgh al here lond For here Retenu, J vndirstond. and whanne they weren asembled Everychon, Grete ȝiftes hadden they thanne anon,Line 4080 and preyden Eche Man Jn his degre [and ask them to be ready at the end of June, near Salis∣bury.] that Redy and arayed he wolde be, and jn the laste wyke of Jvnet, [4083. of added above the line.] on þe pleyn of Salisbery, with-owten let,Line 4084 Next to the cost of the se, that be hem þe Rem defendid Myhte be. thus dwelden bothe bretheren jn Fere, tyl the day of Somowns were comen there,Line 4088 and kepten Merlynes comandement, that he hem bothe bad, verament. So that atte feste of pentecost [At Pentecost they hold court there,] thyder they comen with here Ost,Line 4092 here Ryal cowrt to holden there Fast by the se Jn here Manere. and Manye grete ȝiftes there ȝoven they To dewk, Erl, and to Barown, trewly.Line 4096 and so longe abyden they on that grownde, Tyl þat here Enemyes a-Ryvede Jn þat stownde. [till the enemy arrives.] thanne sente the kyng to prelates anon, Line 4100

that they scholde comen EverichonLine 4100 Forto confessen his peple Jn fere, that they weren clene Jn alle Manere. and so thorwh the ost Everychon [The entire army is confessed] they weren confessed thanne anon,Line 4104 and eche to oþer forȝaf þere his Maltalent, and therto clene asoylled, verament. [and absolved.] thanne seide the kyng to Merlyne there that tydynges he hadde of here powere,Line 4108 and howh they weren aryved Echon, alle his Enemyes, be on & be on. thanne seide Merlyne to hym ageyn: "that is ful trewe, jn certeyn!"Line 4112 thanne axede the kyng of Merlyne tho [Merlin, on the king's question, repeats his former in∣structions,] Jn what Maner that he scholde do. "ȝe scholden to Morwen senden ȝoure brothir vter and half ȝoure Meyne to ben with hym ther.Line 4116 and whanne ȝowre Enemyes ben owt of þe see, thanne betwixen hem and þe water schal he be. and thanne wilen they Resemblen anon here jnto this contre forto gon.Line 4120 and thus tweyne dayes schal he werken there, and þe thridde day jn the Eyr schal apere [adding that a dragon will appear in the air.] a Red dragown, & þanne Mown ȝe fyhte and the victorye to haven, j seye ȝow Ryhte."Line 4124

To this cownseyl acordid ful wel [The plan of operation thus settled,] both pandragown an vter Everydel. and ful gret joye bothen they Made, and of this cownseil they weren ful glade.Line 4128 thanne seide vter to Merlyne anon: "Jnto tho partyes now wyle j gon." "Loke that ȝe thanne ben a good knyht!" and thus departyd they that Jlke Nyht.Line 4132 so that vter took forth his jorne, [Uter goes with half the army to cut off the enemy from the sea.] and with hym half here Meyne. so that be-twene þe see and his Enemyes he abod, and with his Meyne thus forth he Rod.Line 4136 thanne seide Merlyne: "abasche the non thyng For deth ne bataylle, be my cownseyllyng!"

And Whanne that Vter herde this, [leaf 101 e] Ful Mochel his herte was Esyd, J-wys.Line 4140 thanne wente Merlyne Jnto North-humberlond [Merlin goes to North∣umberland.] to Blaysye, his Maistyr, as J vndirstond, and let this putten Jnto Scripture and Many Mo thynges, J ȝow Ensure,Line 4144 thanne Rod vter with his Meyne aftyr Merlynes cownseil, ful Sykerle, and lay be-twene the Schepis & that ost, whiche that they dredden Most.Line 4148 So lay Vter Stylle Ryht there [Uter remains in his ambush for three days.] thre dayes Jn this Manere, and atte the Selve thrydde day [On the third day, the king's force advances,] the kyng Remevyd, the sothe to say,Line 4152 and kam So Nyhe that Meyne, that Eche of hem Myht other se. and whanne the ost beheld al this, that on bothe sides they weren beset, j-wys,Line 4156 and that to here Schipes they Myhte not gon with-owten bataylle of here fon, thanne jn the Eyr aperede that syht [and the dragon ap∣pears in the air.] that Merlyne afore tyme hem tolde ful Ryht,Line 4160 of wheche Syhte the Enemyes of the kyng hadden gret drede, with-owten lesyng. thanne seide the kyng to his Meyne anon: [The king] "To armes and to hors let vs now gon,Line 4164 and also Faste as we Mown Ryde, vppon oure Enemyes this Jlke tyde." and whanne that vter Say the kyng so do, [and Uter attack from two sides,] anon with his Meyne he remevede also,Line 4168 that so on bothe sydes beset they were. thanne began anon strong bataylle there and gret occisiown on bothe syde, and mochel peple ded at that tyde. [4172. at that t through correction, partly on erasure.] Line 4172 but haugwis kynnesmen hadden the werre, [and carry the day.] Not-withstondyng they comen from ferre. but of this bataylle j Reherse no More, whiche of hem that best bar hym thore.Line 4176

but Pandragown the kyng was there ded, [The king falls with many barons,] and Manye of his barowns in that sted. thanne thus Recordith this Storye, that vter hadde there the victorye,Line 4180 and þat of his Enemyes ne sckaped neuer on, [but of the enemies not one escapes.] that ded they weren, other taken, Echon. thus Endid the bataylle of Salisbery there, where pandragown was slayn Jn this Manere.Line 4184 thanne hadde vter the Rem Jn governaunce, [Uter suc∣ceeds his brother.] as was bothe Resown, Ryht, and chaunce. thanne vter dide assemblen his Meyne anon, and let beryen his dede Men Everichon,Line 4188 and on Every tombe wrot the Name, [After raising tomb-stones over the fallen,] what he was, and of what fame. but as towching his brothyr the kyng, vppon his tombe Made he non wrytyng.Line 4192 For a gret Fool he is, with-owten dowte, that a kynges tombe ne kan knowen with-owte, For heyere and Richere thanne ony oþer it was that weren J-beryed Jn that plas.Line 4196 thanne Remevid vter to Logres anon, [he goes to Logres (London),] and with hym his prelacye Everychon; And there was he sacred and crowned kyng, [where he is crowned.] and of alle the Rewm hadde he the Governeng.Line 4200 Thus was vter kyng of the Lond, and alle homages Resceyvede, J vndirstond. thanne the Fyftenethe day aftyr Sewenge cometh Merlyne to the cowrt of the kynge. [Merlin, com∣ing to court,] Line 4204 gret was the joye the kyng of hym Made, and alle the howshold of hym was glade. Thanne seide Merlyne to Vter there: [leaf 104 d] "thy brotheris Name J wolde thou bere; [tells Uter to adopt his brother's name, and to design a dragon like the one seen in the air,] Line 4208 & benchesown of the dragown, J-wis, [4209. & added in the left margin.] that jn the Eyr aperede, with-owten Mys, and aftyr thyke dragowns semblaunce, J wolde thou Madist on, with-owten variaunce."Line 4212 This kyng let Maken this dragown anon of gold, also faste as it Myhte be don, and vppon a lawnce Jt Sette, Sanȝ faylle, Line 4216

with hym to be born Jn bataylle. [to be borne with him in battle.] Line 4216 thus was he clepyd vter Pendragown; his brothir and þe baner was thenchesown. thanne Merlyne with hym gan there dwelle, and on a day to þe kyng gan he to spelle: [Merlin ad∣vises the king to adorn Pendragon's tomb,] Line 4220 "why dost thou non More Reuerence there thy brotheris body lyth jn precense?" "what woldest thow, Merlyne, that j scholde do? Sey what thow wylt, and it schal be so."Line 4224 "Swich a thing to Maken, thow it attende, that Scholde abyden with-owten Ende." [for all ages,] "Sey me thanne," quod the kyng ageyn, "and j wele it don, Jn certeyn."Line 4228 thanne quod Merlyne: "Sende thow anon [with huge stones from Ireland.] Jnto Erlond aftyr gret ston. and j My-Self wile thedyr pase, to schewen where they ben and jn what place,Line 4232 and tellen hem wheche that they scholen brynge Jn thi Schepis hider, with-owten lesynge." thus the kyng schepis thedyr sente, [Ships are sent.] and Merlyne with hem was there presente.Line 4236 "Sen ȝe now these stones here? [Merlin points out the stones,] [4237. MS. Syen.] jn ȝoure Schepis j wolde they were." and whanne these stones they gonne beholde, jn here hertes they Merveylled Many folde,Line 4240 and seiden that Nevere schipe hem Myhten bere, [but the men find them too large,] Ne neuere jnto here Schipe scholde comen there. thanne tornede they thus hom a-geyn, [and return home without them.] and of that Merveylle tolde the kyng, ful pleyn.Line 4244 Anon thanne hem answeryd the kyng: "Abydeth here stylle tyl Merlynes comeng!"

Thanne cam Merlyne to cowrt anon, and of this the kyng told hym thusson.Line 4248 thanne Made Merlyne his Surawnce [Then Merlin himself brings the stones.] hem forto bryngen, with-owten variaunce. and thus Merlyne thorwgh his craft, tyl the stones weren there, he ne laft,Line 4252 and leyde hem on the Sepulture

Of pandragown, J the Enswre. thanne vter Pendragown with gret Meyne [The people are surprised at the size of the stones.] To the pleyn of Salisbery wente hem to se.Line 4256 and whanne they behelden this grete Mervaylle, thanne seide the peple, with-owten Faylle, that alle the world hem ne cowde Meve, thowg that they scholden the sothe preve.Line 4260 thanne seide Merlyne: "j schal hem dresse [Merlin under∣takes to raise them,] Mochel bettere thanne they lyn, J-wysse." "howh Myhte that be?" quod the kyng anone, "that May non Man do but God alone." [4264. do added above the line.] Line 4264 thanne quod Merlyne to hem anon: "Goth ȝe now hennes Everychon, [sends away the people,] and j schal hem dressen, as j have hyht, oþer ellis my covenaunt held j not a-Ryht."Line 4268 So that Merlyne belefte there stylle, [and performs the task.] and his covenawnt he dide fulfille. Thanne cam Merlyne to the kyng as to a Man þat he lovede with-owten feyneng,Line 4272 and seide: "Sire kyng, herkeneth to Me! [Merlin then says to the king, he will reveal to him a great secret.] j Moste to ȝow discure a gret prevyte, [4274. discure, re (?) altered from r'.] on the prevyest that Evere ȝe knewe, And therfore to ȝow J Wele Jt Schewe, [leaf 105 a] Line 4276 Whiche schal ben ryht a strange thing, as j ȝow say atte the begynneng; and that ȝe discure me to non lyveng Man." his axeng anon the kyng grauntid hym than.Line 4280 "J wele that ȝe vndirstonde me, ful pleyn: Al the connenge that J have, certeyn, [He tells him the double source of his skill and divinatory power.] onlych it cometh of the Enemy; and therto God, that is almyhty,Line 4284 Wit and Memorie hath grauntid to Me [4285. MS. graūtdid. gret, g corrected from p.] thynges that ben comeng to knowen, certeinle; and be that Sovereyn vertw the Enemy hath lost, as j telle ȝow,Line 4288 alle the part that he hadde jn Me, thorwh goddis wille, sire, Sykerle. Sire, now have ȝe ful knowlechynge Line 4292

From whens that cometh al My konnenge.Line 4292 Now j wele tellen the what Js goddis wylle, [Merlin fur∣ther relates] and thow wylt herkene and lestene theretyille. and whanne thou knowest of My Menyng, loke that thou Folwe it Jn werkyng.Line 4296 Sire kyng, now vndirstonde thou Me, that God decendid from þe Maieste [of Christ coming to earth to save sinners,] jn-to this Erthe the Synneris to Save, and for that he wolde here sowles have.Line 4300 Also beleve wel that his sene he Made [of His sup∣per with His disciples,] among his disciples to Maken hem glade, and þat he to hem seide Jn this Manere: 'on of ȝow schal betraien me þat is here.'Line 4304 Also, Sire kyng, vndirstonde thou Me, that moche povert and diseise suffrede he [4306. povert, r corrected from p rather indistinctly.] of the jewes, and they falsly him Slowe [of His death.] aȝens the lawe, with fals witnesse j-nowe,Line 4308 and vppon the croys for vs he deyde. thanne cam a knyht, as to-foren ȝe herd seide, [and of Jo∣seph, who buried His body.] and axed the body, For his Gwerdown, of hym that for vs hadde paid Rawnsom.Line 4312

Sire, aftyr that, he Ros from ded [After the resurrection,] [4313. In the right margin: Nota.] Jn scomfiture of the fowle qwed. and happede aftyr his vp-Rysyng, this knyht with his sowdiours was walkyng [this Joseph travelled with his retinue in a desert,] Line 4316 Jn a place of wast and desert, and with hym Many of his lignage, apert. Sire, þere happede, a famyne cam hem vppon, [his provisions ran short,] and to this knyht, here Maister, they compleyned anon. Anon thanne this knyht Made his preyere [and he prayed to God.] Line 4321 that God som Tokenyng wolde schewen hem þere, the cause to suffren Swich deseise, that he myhte it knowen, & it wolde him plese.Line 4324 Anon thanne hadde he comandement [He was com∣manded to make a table, in memory of the Lord's table,] a table forto Maken, verament, jn Mynde of þe table and of swete jesus, at which he sat jn Symon lepres hows,Line 4328

and that table to koueren (& not to lette) [to cover it with a cloth, and place thereon the holy vessel (St. Graal)] with whit cloth, and þer-vppon þe holy vessel sette— 'and that the vessel be kouered also with fair whit cloth, how so Euere ȝe do!'Line 4332 whiche vessel browhte the kyng of blys [which he, when in prison, had received as a comfort from God.] To this knyht jnto presown, j-wys, where as he was two and fowrty ȝer, whiche vessel al his hol comfort was ther,Line 4336 and be this vessel departyd he the goode from the Evel, ful sikerle. and, Sire, at this Table Evere there was [A void place was left at the table,] Jn Memorie of crist kept a voide plas,Line 4340 whiche specyal place doth Signefye [to signify the place once occupied by Judas.] the place that judas jn Sat, trewelye, which he Forsook, whanne god hadde sayd: 'on of ȝow hath me betrayedLine 4344 that with me here doth drynke and Ete.' (Jt hadde ben bettere he dyde it lete.) So Was this place there voyde stylle, [leaf 105 b] tyl that aftyr-ward be goddis wylle [Just as that place was afterwards filled by St. Matthew,] Line 4348 anothir, hyht Mathy, was there-jne j-set, as to hym there Jt cam Be lot, and to fulfille þe nombre of þe postelis twelve, for thus wold God it scholde ben him-selve.Line 4352 and, Sire, this voyde place þat at þe [table] Is, [4353. MS. þe Is.] Signefieth be josepe, Sire, j-wis; and lik as Maththy was chosen therto, Riht so was josepe, wit-owten Mo, [thus Joseph here took the empty seat.] Line 4356 So that these tweyne tables covenable were, and thus pleside crist Mennes hertes there. Sire, this peple clepede this vessel 'the Sank Ryal' oþer ellys 'Seint Graal.'Line 4360 And, sire, ȝif ȝe welen don aftyr Me, the thrydde table, jn worschepe of þe Trenite, [Now the king is exhorted to make a third table.] ȝe scholen be-gynne, as j ȝow schal Say, and ȝow to gret worschepe it schal torne Eche day,Line 4364 and to ȝoure Sowle gret Mede also, and Manye benfettes ȝow schal comen to, and thorwgh this world this word schal springe, Line 4368

as j ȝow Seye with-owten lesenge."Line 4368 Lo, thus Spak Merlyne to the kyng, whiche wordis to hym were gret lykyng. [The king is much pleased,] thanne seide the kyng to Merlyne ageyn: "J Nolde for Non thing, Jn certein,Line 4372 that God non thing ne loste be me whiche that to his plesaunce myhte be. wherfore, Merlyne, ordeyne as thow wylt, [and leaves the arrange∣ments in Mer∣lin's hands.] For vppon me ne schal not lyn the Gylt."Line 4376 "Now," thanne quod Merlyne to the kyng, "where liketh ȝow best to ben abydyng?" "Now certes," quod the kyng ageyn, "where þou wilt it ordeynen, jn certeyn,Line 4380 and where that Most plesyng it Myhte be To God, that Syt anhyghe jn Maieste." thanne answerede Merlyne, þat was ful lel: [Merlin chooses the town of Card∣well in Wales; there a great feast is to be held at Pentecost.] "jn wales, atte þe town of Cardweille,Line 4384 and there schalt thou holden thy feste atte pentecost bothe to Mest and leste. and forth to-foren, Sire, wyl j gon that Table to ordeynen for ȝow Echon;Line 4388 and also hem that there schal Sytte, j wile hem ordeynen, that thow it wyte."

Ryht as Merlyne devisede jn alle thing, [Chap. IV.] Riht so aftyr hym Evene wrowht þe kyng,Line 4392 and there anon Sente proclamaciown [Messengers are sent out.] be Messengeris thorwgh-owt his Regyown, his Ryals hym to Meten, bothe lest and Meste, In cardwel atte pentecost Feste;Line 4396 thus was the kynges proclamaciown. And þanne from the kyng departyd Merlyne anon, [Merlin goes in advance to the place to arrange the table.] and wente to ordeyne that behoven Scholde To that Table bothe for ȝong and olde.Line 4400 and the woke to-Foren pentecost [The king follows.] Thedyr cam the kyng, as he Nedis Most, and axede of Merlyne how he hadde j-do. he seide: "Sire, Riht wel ȝit hyderto!"Line 4404 "hast thow owht ordeyned whiche scholen sitten here?"

"ȝe, sire, to Morwen scholen ȝe sen the Manere [Merlin pro∣mises the king an unex∣pected sight.] and that ȝe wenden neuere forto han seye: Fyfty worthy knyhtes, Sire, jn feye,Line 4408 of the beste that ben with-jnne thi lond, certein j do ȝow to vndyrstond. and þerby myht thou knowen thy worthy Men, that j have chosen be fyve sithes ten.Line 4412 Also the voide place þere schalt thou se, that ȝit fulfyld it May not be." [4414. fulfyld, d squeezed in afterwards.] Thus Merlyne at that Ryal Feste [leaf 105 c] [He chooses fifty knights,] ches there Fyfty knyhtes of the beste,Line 4416 and preide hem to Sitten al jn Fere [and places them round the table.] and there to Eten with Ryht good chere. Ryht so they deden be on an on, and Glad they weren Everychon.Line 4420 thanne Merlyne, that was so ful of craft, abowtes he wente, and not ne laft, and clepid the kyng there forto se [Then he calls the king, and shows him the knights and the empty seat.] how that they Seten Jn here degre,Line 4424 and schewed him also the voide place that thike tyme atte the table wase. but what that place dide signifie, Niste þe kyng ne non of his compenye.Line 4428

And whanne Merlyne thus hadde j-don, [4429. whāne added above the line.] he preyde the kyng to sitten anon. [The king joins the party; the least is continued for a week;] and thus viij dayes contenued þe feste Ryal To lordes and ladyes and damyselis with-al;Line 4432 and there ful grete ȝiftes ȝaf the kyng [handsome presents are given.] bothe to lordis and to ladyes and to damyselis so ȝyng. and whanne this feste gan vp to breke, thanne to þe Fyfty knyhtes þe kyng gan to Reke,Line 4436 and axede how hem likede there, and of here Syttyng jn alle Manere. thanne they the kyng answerid ful sone: [The knights say they would like to stay for ever, in brotherly love.] "Jt Js owre wylle Neuere hens to GoneLine 4440 Neþer Neuere to parten oure compeny onsondyr, For so as we loven to-gederis, it is gret wondir,

For as bretheren we loven to-Gederis jn fere, and, tyl deth vs sondre, neuere to departen Ere."Line 4444 And whanne the kyng herde this, [The king wonders at this;] gret Merveille he hadde þer-offen, j-wys. thanne charged the kyng to hem anon [he exhorts them to be loving and true.] to hym ben loveng and trewe Everychon.Line 4448 thanne departyd al this compenye, Eche Man to his own contre, trewelye. thanne cam the kyng to Merlyne there, [The king aske Merlin about the void seat.] and axede him thanne jn this Manere:Line 4452 "Telle Me ȝif that Goddis wylle jt be this Table fulfylled that J schal Se?" "wyte thow wel certeyn, Sire kyng, [Merlin re∣plies: "It shall not be filled in thy time; its occupier is not yet be∣gotten.] that jn thy tyme it schal neuere haven Endyng,Line 4456 Nethyr he that jt schal fulfylle, js not ȝit be-geten, j sey the tylle. but jn the kynges tyme jt schal be-falle that aftyr the schal Regnen in pured & palle;Line 4460 and he that hym begeten schal, knoweth not what aventure him schal befal. and that same that is to be bore, Schal fulfillen the place thore,Line 4464 lyk as josepe dide jn his Manere the Signefiaunce aftyr Maththy there, and þerfore, Sire, j preye to the [Continue thy feasts here!"] thy festes here to holden, certeinle." [4468. thy, y corrected from e; cf. l. 4604.] Line 4468 "Now certes, Merlyne," quod the kyng tho, "and at thy wille it schal be do." thanne seide Merlyne to the kyng: [Merlin takes leave,] "Sire, it is tyme to Maken a partyng;Line 4472 and knowe ȝe wel now, syre kyng, [and says he will not be back for a long time.] [4473. now added above the line.] that aftyr myn hens departyng of a long tyme ȝe schole not Me se, J Seye ȝou, Sire kyng, ful certeinle."Line 4476 thanne axede the kyng of hym aȝe whethir at his festes he wolde not be. thanne answerede Merlyne jn this Manere: "Atte alle tyme j May not ben here."Line 4480

Thanne wente Merlyne to blasye anon, [Merlin re∣pairs to Blasy.] and þe establementes of þe table told hym Echon [4482. hym, MS. hem.] and of other thynges Manye also That At thyke tyme Were to comen tho. [leaf 105 d] Line 4484 and there dwelde Merlyne two ȝer stylle, that the kynges cowrt he Nolde comen tylle. So happede it at Cardweille vppon a day [In Cardwell, some cour∣tiers murmur at the seat being left empty.] that they whiche lovede not Merlyne, gonne to say,Line 4488 and axeden a qwestiown of the kyng: why that place was voyde of syttyng, and why that som good Man Mihte [not] sytten there, [4491, 4503. The negation is missing.] and thanne the table fulfilled were.Line 4492 thanne answeryd the kyng: "certeynle, [The king tells them of Merlin's prediction;] For a gret Merveyl that Merlyne tolde Me, that it scholde Nevere ben be My day, and thus Merlyne to Me gan say.Line 4496 and ȝit he that him Engendren schal, Nys not ȝit born, More with-al, that this table schal fulfylle." they lawhen wel faste, as men þat weren jlle. [but they scoffingly declare, that there are as good men to be found now as ever will be,] Line 4500 "Sire, beleve ȝe thanne that jn tyme comenge þat better Men scholen ben thanne be now reignenge, and that jn ȝowre loud [not] as goode there be [4491, 4503. The negation is missing.] as Evere here-aftyr scholen comen, sikerle?"Line 4504 "Now certes, j wot Neuere," quod the kyng. "No[w] we reden ȝow to putten jt jn asayeng." [and urge the king to let them try the seat.] [4506. MS. No.] "Certes," quod the kyng, "j drede me þanne sore that Merlyne wolde ben angry there-fore."Line 4508 "Sire, thanne, and ȝe wylen ȝyven vs leve, his Falsnesse forsothe we scholen preve." "and j wiste Merlyne wroth wolde not be, [After some hesitation,] wel fayn wolde j asayen it, ful sykerle."Line 4512 "ȝe, Sire, ȝif that Merlyne know of this, Siker, there wile he ben, j-wys; and þerfore suffreth vs forto asaye, Now, goode Sire kyng, alle we ȝow praye."Line 4516 So that the kyng hem graunted it forto do, [the king gives his consent.] whanne that the feste cam therto.

thanne weren they Glad Everichon that þe kyng hadde graunted þis thing be don.Line 4520 and thus it Taryede jn-to pentecost feste, that eche Ryal þere to be atte the kynges heste. and Merlyne, that knew here thowhtes Echon, [Merlin knows of the cour∣tiers' inten∣tions.] Ryht there to Blayse told jt anon,Line 4524 and of alle here jlle thenkenge, and of hem þat weren þer-offen þe begynnenge. and he wiste wel that provyd jt scholde be, that jlke place, ful certeynle;Line 4528 and sethen algates it scholde ben so, bettere on a schrewe thanne on a good Man to proven it tho. and thus Merlyne dwelled þere stylle [but does no∣thing to pre∣vent them.] [4531. dwelled, w corrected from e.] jnto qwynȝyme of pentecost, here wil to fulfille.Line 4532

Thanne the kyng to Cardweille wente, and with hym Many lordis, veramente. and they that comen to asayen this place, [A rumour is spread that Merlin has been slain.] Seiden there was fallen a wondyr case:Line 4536 that a fals wood cherl, jn certayn, Jn a wode goode Merlyne hadde slayn. and thus so styfly they gonnen it say, that the kyng belevyd it that day, [The king believes it, particularly as Merlin does not ap∣pear.] Line 4540 and More principaly the More for on thing: be Encheson of Merlynes longe abydyng; and also More thanne Supposed the kynge þat he wolde it not were asayed, Merlyne levynge. [4544. After this line there follows, written up the margin: for to þ^e peple it scholde ben agrosche(?). The end is daubed and indistinct.] Line 4544 thanne vppon the Even of pentecost [On the eve of Pentecost,] there was þe semblance, as Nedes Most. thanne axede the kyng of hem anon ho that place asayen scholde don.Line 4548 thanne he that the place assaien wolde, [the courtier appointed] Seide þere to the kyng with wordis bolde: "Sire, j have begonnen this jlke thing, and non but j ne schal have the asayeng."Line 4552 Thanne cam he to the table anon [goes to the table.]

There the fyfty knyhtes Seten Echon. [leaf 106 a] "J am comen forto Sitten here Forto beren ȝow compenye al jn fere."Line 4556 and they to hym Seiden neuer a word, [The intruder is met with silence.] but humblely stille seten at that bord, and behelden what that he wolde do, and so dyde the kyng and Manyon Mo.Line 4560 thanne thussone he hym sette adown [He has searcely taken the seat,] amonges al that peple there jn virown. and assone as he was set jn that sted, he Sank a-down lik a plom of led. [when he sinks down lifeless] Line 4564 Ne non Man wyste how it cam to, Neþer why he Suffrede that deth ful wo, Ne where his body becomen was, [and disap∣pears.] there wiste no Man jn that plas.Line 4568 thanne comanded the kyng anon To thyke worthy Men Everychon that anon they scholden vp Ryse, [All rise.] and so they dyden jn hasty wyse,Line 4572 and Merveillously astoned this cowrt thanne was, and also the kyng Most jn that plas. thus thanne taryede there the kyng [A fortnight later, Merlin comes to court.] tyl Fyftene dayes aftyr, with-owten leseng.Line 4576 and be that tyme Merlyne to cowrt was gon, Of hos comenge weren glad Manyon, and specyaly aboven alle othere the kyng, that aȝens Merlyne wente jn Metyng.Line 4580 Anon as Merlyne the kyng gan beholde, these same wordis to hym he tolde: "certeyn, ȝe haven Ryht Evele j-do [He reproves the king.] ony Man jn þat place to suffren sitten so!"Line 4584 "Now sikerly, Merlyne," quod the kyng, "they jt deden and Me begyleng." [The king ex∣cuses himself.] "certis," quod Merlyne to the kyng than, "Ryht so it fareth be Manye a Man.Line 4588 ho that often desireth to be-gylen anothyr, atte laste on him-self falleth the fothyr. and that, Sire kyng, Myht thou proven here vppon this Man jn alle Manere."Line 4592 thanne aftyrward preide the kyng Merlyne,

that was his owne and worthy devyn, [The king asks Merlin what has be∣come of the dead courtier.] where that Man were, and how be hym it felle, he preide that Merlyne hym wolde telle.Line 4596 thanne answerede Merlyne to him Ryht there: [Merlin gives him no satis∣faction on this point;] "what Nedeth the aftyr hym Enqwere? For thowh thou wistest howh with hym it stood, [4599. thou, MS. the.] Jt scholde don the but litel good.Line 4600 but thenke on hem that there don Sytte, [he tells him rather to mind his people and his feasts,] and how that thow schalt wel Meynteyne jtte and othir thynges that belongen to the, thy cowrt, thy festes, and thy Meyne,Line 4604 that thou hast begonnen jn this town. Now myht þou se, the table js of Renown, of Renown and of dignete Gret; here sixt þou proved, and thow wilt wet.Line 4608 Now, sire kyng, from the wyl j gon, loke thou kepe wel these thynges Echon, [and follow Merlin's in∣structions.] and that thow do aftyr Myn cownsaille, for j suppose it wyle the somwhat avaylle."Line 4612

Thus departyd Merlyne from the kyng tho, [Merlin de∣parts.] and jnto othir contres gan forto go. thanne the kyng, where he scholde holden his feste, [The king erects fine buildings at Cardwell, and appoints general fes∣tivals to be held there regularly.] Faire howses let he Maken aftyr his heste.Line 4616 Thanne dede proclame the kyng anon alle these festes, Everichon, that Eche Man at Cardwel scholde be atte these festes as ȝe scholen se:Line 4620 that is, at the feste of Cristemasse, [at Christmas, Easter, Pen∣tecost, and All Saints' Day.] Esterne, & pentecost, as j gesse, and þe feste of alle halwen also, To Cardweylle they scholde comen to. [leaf 106 b] Line 4624 so that jt happede atte a cristemasse feste, [One Christ∣mas, the ladies are also invited to the feast.] the kyng Somownd his barowns, bothe lest & Meste, and warned hem Jn this Manere, that Eche lady with hire lord scholde ben there,Line 4628 here dowhtres, here Sostren, here Neceȝ also, to Cardweille jn Gales scholden alle go,

and also bothe knyhtes and bachelere, jn alle wises they scholden ben there.Line 4632 Jt were to longe here Names to telle, [Amongst others,] but of certeyn persones j schal ȝow spelle. there was the dewk of tyndagel [there appear the duke of Tyndagel and his wife Ygwern.] and ygwerne, his wyf, that he loved ful wel,Line 4636 where-offen spekyth this storye, and a-forn oþere putteth it jn Memorye. Anon the kyng his love there sette [The king at once falls in love with Ygwern.] (Myht no Man womman loven bette),Line 4640 and cow[n]tenance to hire Made he non, [4641. MS. cowlenance.] but hire beheld Most of Echon. so atte laste sche gan aspye [She notices it,] that the kyng hire lovede prevylye,Line 4644 as sche gan aspyen be his chere. and þerfore sche schoned aforn him to comen there, [and avoids him.] For sche was bothe good and fayr, trewly, and loved God and hire lord Sovereynly. [4648. hir' corrected from his.] Line 4648 and the kyng, for love of this lady fre, [The king distributes costly pre∣sents;] þiftes abowtes sente, ful gret plente of jewelys and Many oþer preciows thynges, Nowches, and broches, and Manye Riche Rynges.Line 4652 and to Ygwerne he sente a precyows jwel, [to Ygwern he sends a precious jewel,] [4653. MS. yGwerne, G corrected from w.] that he supposede scholde plesen here wel. and sche sawh that to alle other ladyes he sente, So dorste sche not Refwsen his presente. [which she dare not refuse.] Line 4656 and in hire herte this lady gan to Remene that for hire love he dyde jt ful clene, and that sche scholde his ȝifte Receyve, that from his love sche scholde not weyve.Line 4660

Thus the kyng there held his Festis with Ryalte, Mynstrales, and Many gestis. and algates he was with-owten wyf, and thus jn love Morneng he ledde his lyf.Line 4664 For so was he set jn love of ygwerne, [The enam∣oured prince,] that from loves dart non Man myht hym werne. [4666. loves, s inserted afterwards.]

thus thanne vp Brak this Ryal feste, [at the end of the feast, orders all to come back by Easter;] and þere the kyng preide both lest & MesteLine 4668 that at Cardweille they scholden alle be atte the feste of Esterne, jn that cyte, and also alle the ladyes there Everychon; thanne they hym graunted Ryht anon.Line 4672 and whanne the dewk of tyndagel departed thenne, [he sees the duke and duchess off with great honour,] the kyng hym conveyed with Manye of his Menne, and hym dide bothe worschepe and honour, & ek to that lady that jn his Eye was flowr.Line 4676 and so of hem his leve there he took, (but Evere for love his herte sore qwook), and torned aȝen, with-owten fable, To the fyfty knyhtes of his Rownde table, [and takes leave of the knights of the Round Table.] Line 4680 and axede hem leve, and wente his way, and betawht hem god and Many good day. that so wente he forth Jn his jorne, tyl the Feste of Esterne cam aȝe.Line 4684 So that at the feste of pask anon thanne [At Easter, all meet again;] at cardweille assembled Manye a Manne; of ladyes, of damyseles, and other Meyne J wot there was Ful gret plente.Line 4688 and Mochel joye there-offe Made þe kyng, whanne þat he say thike fayre assemblyng. and at the feste he wolde not werne, [and the king shows his love as before.] but the dewk hym to-forn and his wyf ygwerne.Line 4692 So that be His ȝyftes and His Entent, [leaf 106 c] sche wyste he hire lovede, verament. so in gret thowht was that lady fre, but al sche suffrede, as Nedis it moste be.Line 4696 and thus with gret ioie contenwed this feste [4697. ioie added above the line.] to alle tho Ryales, bothe lest and Meste. and whanne this feste was j-do, [At the break∣up, he re∣quests them to return at his summons.] Eche lord took his leve hom to go.Line 4700 and the kyng hem preide ouer alle thyng to comen aȝen at his Sendyng. and they grauntyd hym Everichon that his comandement scholde be don.Line 4704

thus departyd this cowrt thanne, and the kyng there lefte an hevy Manne. so al that ȝer jn angwysch lyved he [The king spends a year in yearning.] [4707. lyved, y corrected from e.] for Ygwernes love, ful syker ȝe be.Line 4708 and whanne it cam to thende of the ȝere, he compleyned hym of his angwysch þere, that certeyn, for the love of ygwerne, No Man to Morne ne myhte hym werne.Line 4712 thanne answerid his prevy cownseyl ageyn: [His privy council adv∣ise him] [4713. cownseyl, l squeezed in afterwards.] "what wil ȝe þat we do, telle vs now pleyn!" "j wyle that ȝe wolden Me Rede how that of hire J Myhte spede."Line 4716 thanne seiden they to the kyng anon: "ȝif ȝe owht jnto that contre gon, [not to go into Ygwern's country,] anon discured scholen ȝe be, and þat were non worschepe to ȝow, Sykerle."Line 4720 "cownseilleth Me thanne what j schal do!" and they to the kyng thus answerede vnto: "the beste cownseyl Js, that we can, that ȝe don Somowne Every Man [but to have a feast again at Cardwell,] Line 4724 to ben at cardweille atte ȝowre feste, and here ladyes, bothe lest and Meste, and that xv dayes it schal laste, that eche schal abyde, tyl that be paste,Line 4728 and so with-jnne thike xv dayes with ygwerne Mown ȝe haven bothe dalyaunce & playes." [and there en∣joy Ygwern's society.] this cownseille plesid ful wel the kyng, and he dyde aftyr here cownseilleng.Line 4732 So thanne sente the kyng Messengeris anon To alle his Barowns thanne, Everychon, at Pentecost at cardweille forto be, [At Pentecost, the nobility assemble,] Eche Barown and his lady so fre.Line 4736 So comen they thedyr Everychon the kynges comaundement forto don. At that Feste the kyng Bar corowne [and the king bears his crown throughout the feast.] jn chirche, jn paleys, jn feld and towne.Line 4740 and grete ȝiftes ȝaf the kyng, certeinle, bothe to lordis and ladyes, aftyr here degre.

At that Feste ful joyful was the kyng, whanne that he Sawh that Fayre assemblyng.Line 4744 So that he clepede on of his olde cownseiller, [The king asks the advice of his confidant, Ulfin (cf. l. 3709),] that ful Mochel he trusted jn ther, hos Name vlphyn thanne was, that the kyng clepede jn that plas,Line 4748 and axede of hym how that he scholde do for Ygwernes love, that wrowht hym wo— [with regard to his love∣affair.] "that Nethyr Sleping ne wakyng non reste, certeyne! So that hire love doth me distreyne,Line 4752 and but j haue the bettere cownsaille, j am Siker to deyen, with-owten faylle." thanne spak vlphyn, and lette for non schame: [Ulfin en∣courages the king,] "Now Sekerly, Sire, ȝe ben to blame,Line 4756 that for a wommans love wenen to deye! and it were to Me ward, Sire, be my feye, as pore Man as J am here on, and j lovede so as ȝe now don,Line 4760 j wolde neuere deyen for hire Sake, but som othir Menes thanne wolde j Make, owthyr with faire speche or ȝiftes grete, [leaf 106 d] [recommend∣ing fair words and great presents,] With dalyaunce, and With love hyre threte,Line 4764 and to hem that ben hire abowto gret ȝiftes to ȝyven, al that Rowte. and aȝens this Maner of werkyng herde j neuere wommans cownterpletyng. [which no woman can resist.] Line 4768 and thou thy-self that art a kyng, wherto Makyst thou al this Morneng?" thanne spak the kyng to vlphyn ageyn: "thou seist wondirly wel, jn certeyn,Line 4772 and therto thow knowest what longeth þerto Swich Maner of werkynge forto do. and þerfore, vlphyn, J the preye, [The king charges Ulfin to distribute jewels.] helpe what þou canst be ony weye,Line 4776 and to my cofres thou go anon, & ches what jewelis þou wilt amonges hem Echon, and ȝeve to hem that ben hire abowtes there, of hire that j Myhte haven the better chere."Line 4780 "Now Resteth, Sire," quod vlphyn tho, "and al My deligence j wele now do."

thus vndirtook Sire vlphynes there to helpen the kyng aftyr his powere. [4784. his, s through correction.] Line 4784 thanne was the kyng joyful jn þat stede, [The king lives in joy and bounty.] For wel he hopede that vlphyn scholde spede. and so that alle thike xv dayes the kyng Made gret joye and Many playes,Line 4788 and algates the dewk jn his compenye, and Many grete jewelis ȝaf he, Sekerlye. thanne jn this Mene whille also [Ulfin brings Ygwern many a costly jewel.] vlphyn to ygwerne spak vnto,Line 4792 and manye a Riche jewel he hire browhte, whiche þat hire best scholde plesen him thowhte. but ygwerne Resceyvede non of al this, [The lady refuses the gifts,] For why he it dede, wel thowhte sche, j-wys.Line 4796 so that jt happede vppon a day that ygwerne to vlphyn thus gan say: "sey, vlphyn, what Js the cause and why [and remon∣strates.] Swiche ȝiftes me to profren so prevyly?"Line 4800 "Lady, for ȝowre bewte and ȝowre semblance, [Ulfin praises her high qualities,] For ȝowre discresciown and good dalyawnce, For ȝowre hyghe wyt and ȝowre bownte, alle these Londis Goodis, ȝowre they be,Line 4804 and alle Mennes persones to ȝow scholen obeye as to here owne Sovereyn lady, Sekerlye." "how Myhte this be," quod Ygwerne thanne, "that to Me scholde obeye so Manye a Manne?"Line 4808 "For his herte haven ȝe al only [and tells her that she pos∣sesses the king's heart.] [4809. al added above the line.] to whom alle Men scholen obeien lowly." "O Lord god, ho May that be? j preye the, vlphyn, telle þou now Me!"Line 4812 "the kynges herte," seide vlphyn than. [4813. than, a rendered distincter afterwards.] Anon to blessen sche hire be-gan, [Ygwern con∣demns the king.] and seyde: "how longe hath the kyng a tretour be, that My lord So worschepith to-forn Me,Line 4816 and Me wolde don so fowl a schame, and þerto bryngen me jnto Endeles blame? Therfore, sire vlphyn, j warne the, Line 4820

that neuere More swich wordis þou speke to Me.Line 4820 and ȝif thow it Evere do, jn certeyn, [Ygwern threatens to tell her husband.] j schal jt tellen My lord, ful pleyn. And ȝif there-offen he knowe, trewlye, Ful Syker thou be that thow schalt deye!"Line 4824 thanne answerede Sire vlphyn ageyn: [Ulfin perse∣veres,] "that were non Resown, jn certeyn, that j so for My lord Scholde now deye. Now ȝe ben to blamen, ful trewelye,Line 4828 that ȝe Refusen so Ryal a thyng, to haven bothe the love and þe herte of a kyng, that so ȝow loveth aboven alle erthly creature, [emphasizing the king's love and longing.] So whethir to lyven oþer deyen he not, j ȝow Enswre,Line 4832 but lyveth jn hope as a woful Manne." "ȝe Gabben," quod Ygwerne to vlphyn thanne. "Nay, but that ȝe wele now Mercy have Vppon þowre Kyng, And ȝowre-self to save. [leaf 107 a] Line 4836 and but þe don as j ȝow here say, [and the danger and uselessness of resistance.] gret deseise May fallen with-jnne schort day. For Nethyr ȝowre lord ne ȝe ne mowen non thyng withstonden aþens the wylle of the kyng." [Ygwern weepingly says she will defend her∣self.] Line 4840 thanne seide Ygwerne and answered ageyn, Ful sore wepynge thanne, jn certeyn: "ȝif j Mowe, j schal me defende, j schal him Neuere sen, thowh he for me sende!"Line 4844

Thus departyd they thanne anon, and Sire vlphyn to the kyng is gon, [Ulfin tells the king,] and tolde the kyng Every word thanne.Line 4847 þe kyng seide: "sche answerede as a good wommanne! [who com∣mends the lady's virtue.] Neuertheles, vlphyn, ȝit not thow leve, For a good womman hire-self wyle preve and not so sone ouercomen to be; ȝit forto assayen j preye to the."Line 4852 So it happede that on the xj day [Some time after, the king sits at table with the duke.] [4853. the, h corrected from e.] aftyr pentecost, as j þow say, the kyng at his Mete sat ful lel, and with hym the dewk of tyndagel.Line 4856

a ful Riche cowpe stood to-fore the kyng, and vlphyn, that was to-forn him knelyng: [Ulfin kneel∣ing before the king, suggests that he should send a gold cup to Ygwern.] "Syre, take ȝe this cuppe & sende Ygwerne, and for ȝowre loue to drynken let hire not werne. [4860. loue added afterwards above the line.] Line 4860 preye ȝe the dewk jt Myhte so be, and as hire owne stille it to kepen for the." thanne to this dewk spak the kyng, [The king speaks to the duke,] and him preyde to fulfillen his askyng,Line 4864 that he wolde that cowpe to ygwerne sende— "and for my love to drynken, and me hauen jn Mende; and that sche the cowpe kepe now stylle, to don ther-with at hire owne wylle."Line 4868 thanne answerede that worthy Manne, [who unsus∣pectingly and gratefully tells his con∣fidant Bretel] that non Maner of Evel thowhte he thanne, and clepyd a knyht, that him stood besyde, that with hym was prevy jn Eche tyde:Line 4872 "Tak ȝe this cowpe here Ryht anon, [to take the cup to Yg∣wern.] and to ȝowre lady there-with ȝe gon, and seyth to hire on this Manere, that sche here-offen drynke with ryht good chere,Line 4876 hertylich for love of the kyng, and the cowpe to kepen to hire weldyng." This knyht Bretel wyth þe cowpe wente ful soste, [Bretel goes,] [4879. wyth, y corrected from e.] and the dewk the kyng there-offen thankyde ofte.Line 4880 Forth this Bretel to chambre gan gon, There as these ladyes Eten Everychon, and toforn his lady he knelyd a-down, [and delivers the duke's message.] as to a worthy lady of Renown.Line 4884 "Lady, this cowpe ȝow sendeth the kyng, and my Lord ȝow comandeth ouer alle thing For the kynges love to drynken with good chere, and stille þe cowpe to kepen jn fair Manere."Line 4888

Whanne this lady these wordis herde, [Ygwern grows red for shame, but drinks out of the cup.] ful Red sche wax, and aschamed sche ferde, and dorste not Refusen hire lordis byddyng,Line 4891 and drank of this cowpe, and wolde han sent it the kyng. thanne seide Bretel to that lady fre:

"stille it to kepen My lord comanded the, [Ygwern is requested to keep the cup.] and so the kyng hym faire preide, þerfore doth ȝe as j have ȝow seyde!"Line 4896 thanne say this lady þat for good ne ylle but that thike cowpe sche Moste kepen stylle. and Bretel aȝen to halle was Goeng, [Bretel returns to the king and thanks him on Yg∣wern's behalf, although she has said nothing.] and on Ygwernes be-halve thankyd þe kyng,Line 4900 Not-withstondyng sche seide non word To Bretel, whiles sche sat atte bord. Ful Mochel joye Made the kyng tho, [The king is delighted.] that ygwerne his cowpe Resceyved so.Line 4904 thanne vlphyn anon to chambre þe weye gon take, [leaf 107 b] [Ulfin goes to see Ygwern, whom he finds angry and sad.] To sen what semblaunce Ygwerne dide Make. And þere He Fond Hyre jn pensyfnesse, angry of chere, and ful of hevynesse.Line 4908 and whanne the tables j-drawen were, anon cleped sche vlphyn to hire there, and Seide: "be tresown thy lord the kyng [She com∣plains of treason, and declares she will inform her husband.] Me a cowpe hath sent, aȝens My willyng,Line 4912 but lytel wynnenge to hym schal jt be, For my lord j wele it tellen, Sykerle, what tresown that the kyng and ȝe han purchased aȝens My lord & Me!"Line 4916 thanne answerid here vlphyn ageyn: [Ulfin tells her to beware,] "beth wel war what ȝe don Seyn!" thanne answerede this lady fre: [but cannot deter her.] "blame haue he þat spare for hym oþer theLine 4920 that j ne schal tellen, Every word, the tresown of the and of thy lord!" Thens vlphynes departyd, and cam to halle, There as weren these lordis alle.Line 4924 the kyng hadde whaschen and þe bord j-drawe, [The king, after his meal, goes with the duke to the ladies' room.] and jn herte was the kyng bothen joyful and fawe, and took the dewk be the hond anon: "Sire, jnto chambre now lete vs gonLine 4928 and sen the chere of these ladyes gent." "J graunte," quod the dewk, "Sire, verament." thanne wente the kyng & þe dewk anon, there as Ygwerne Et, þei comen thussone.Line 4932 thanne wiste ygwerne ful witterly

that for here jt was only, [Ygwern knows it is for her sake.] so this sche suffrede al that day with sorweful herte and sore afray.Line 4936 So that at Nyht to hire ostel sche wente [At night, Ygwern retires, weepingly, to her lodgings.] with hevy chere and wepyng, veramente. and whanne the dewk Sawh hire of that chere, he axede hire what that hire Eylede there,Line 4940 and Embracede hire jn his armes two, and axede hire what the cawse was tho. "Forsothe to ȝow non thing wyl j hele, [She tells her husband] but j schal tellen ȝow EverydeleLine 4944 as to my lord that j love Most of alle thing aboven alle creatures jn Erthe leveng. here js the kyng, My lord and ȝowre, [of the king's love,] he loveth Me with gret dishonoure.Line 4948 For alle these cowrtes, and this feste, and þe sonde of these ladyes, bothe lest and Meste, js not for non thing but only for Me, that j with ȝow scholde comen, Sykerle.Line 4952 thus Many ȝiftes he hath Me sente, [his many presents,] and j Non Resceyved, verament. and thus be bretel ȝe sente Me to say the cowpe þat j scholde Resceyve this day, [the ruse with the cup,] Line 4956 and that for his love drynken J scholde, and aftyr to kepen the cuppe of goolde, that Syker j hadde as leef ded forto haue be as jt han Resceyved so, Sykerle.Line 4960 and what for hym and fore vlphyn [and her constant annoyance.] j May non Reste haven, souereyn Myn!" "Thanne se j be ȝoure wordis here, with-owten velonye to remeve, a Maistrye it were."Line 4964 "ȝe, worthy sovereyn, j preye to the [She begs to be taken home to Tyndagel.] To tyndagel that ȝe wolden leden Me, and jn this place non lengere abyden here, but jn owre owne lordschepe þat we were!"Line 4968 and whanne the dewk herde al this, [The irate duke sends for his men,] anon ful wroth he was, j-wys, and sente aftyr his knyhtes faste, that to hym they scholde comen jn haste.Line 4972 and whanne to hym they were comen Echon,

To hem thanne seide the dewk anon: [gives orders for a sudden and secret departure,] "Retorne ȝow faste forto Ryde, and þat non Man þere-offen wyte this tyde,Line 4976 Neþer axeth not of Me the cawse why, for j schal ȝow it tellen ful pleynly." thus the dewk with his Meyne [and returns to his own country.] jnto his contre ladde his lady fre. [4980. Contre,! C corrected from l.] Line 4980

Vppon the Morewen, Whanne Jt Was day, [leaf 107 c] [Next morn∣ing, the king receives the news.] Whanne the kyng Wyste of this affray, how that the dewk thus was agon, the dwchesse, and the Meyne Echon,Line 4984 he sente aftyr his cownseyl jn hye, [He calls in his council, relates what has happened,] and told hem of this velenye, also of the spyt he hadde hym j-don, to hym and to alle his Baronye Echon;Line 4988 where-offen merveillede al that Feste that there beleften, bothe lest and Meste. thus Spoken they alle of this clause, but lytel wisten they what was his cause.Line 4992 "j take witnesse," quod the kyng, "of ȝow in fere [reminds them of the honour he has always shown the duke,] that More worschepe J dede hym here thanne to ony oþer j dede at þe feste present." and that wisten they alle wel, verament.Line 4996 "and ȝow like," quod the kyng, [and says he should like to send orders for him to return with the same company with which he left.] "j schal him sende Newe tydyng, that he come and amendis Make of that he hath aȝens Me take,Line 5000 and that jn the same degre he hennes wente, that he aȝen come with good Entente." and herto acorded his cownsaille, ȝif that it Myhte ony thyng avaylle.Line 5004 and on the kynges behalve, verament, tweyne worthy men weren there sent, and comen streyht Rydynge to Tyndagel. [Two messen∣gers are sent to Tyndagel.] the dewk they fownden & his Meyne Eche del,Line 5008 and seiden as they were charged of the kyng, [5009. wer', r' through correction.] and of the dewk they abyden here answeryng.

Whanne the dewk vndirstood al this, that Nedis he Moste aȝen comen, j-wis,Line 5012 jn the same degre that he was there, thanne moste with hym gon ygwerne, his fere, and that wolde he for non Maner of thyng, and Ryht so sente he to seyne to the kyng, [The duke refuese to return to the court.] Line 5016 and seide: "to cowrt j wele not Gon amongis hem that ben My fon!" thus thanne wente þe Messengeris ageyn, and the answere tolde the kyng, ful pleyn.Line 5020 thanne, whanne these Messengeris weren agon, þe dewk aftyr his cownseille thanne sente anon, [The duke sende for his counsellors, and tells them the cause of his sudden de∣parture.] and tolde hem the cause ful pleynly, the cause of his comeng so hastely,Line 5024 and what schame the kyng gan hym purchase, that cawsed hym to voyden owt of þat plase. and whanne they herden his pleyneng, they ȝoven the dewk good comfortyng, [They promise him their help.] Line 5028 and seiden: "he þat schame to his lige wyle purchase, on hym May be-happen the same grace!" Thanne preyde hem the dewk anon hem of helpe and socour Everichon,Line 5032 and his lond helpen to defende, ȝif þe kyng on hym ony werre wolde sende. so that him they grawntyd, with-owten stryf, To lesen bothe here hedes and lyf.Line 5036 whanne þe Messengeris to Cordwel were comen jn fere, [When the king's mes∣sengers return with the duke's reply,] The kyng they fownden and þe barowns there. and word for word they tolden the kyng what Maner was þe dewkis answeryng.Line 5040 thanne seiden þe barowns that weren there, [the barons are surprised.] they Merveilled Mochel of his answere, For they helden hym a ful wys Man, what that so Evere Eylede hym than.Line 5044 thanne preide the kyng his barowns anon [The king asks them to assist him.] hym helpen to avengen of his fon and of the dispyt he hath him do— "and My feste thus distorbled so."Line 5048 Thanne answerede these barowns ageyn, And preyden the Kyng alle, Ful pleyn, [leaf 107 d]

of fowrty dayes to ȝeven hym warneng; and the kyng hem grauntyd here askyng.Line 5052 thanne sente the kyng Messengeris ful Lel [Word is sent to the duke that the king will visit him on the fortieth day.] to the dewk of tyndagel, and seide, atte the fowrtythe day he wolde him visite, ȝif he May.Line 5056 and þerto he preide his barowns Echon Redy to ben with hym thedyr to gon. and whanne the dewk herde this tydyng, [The duke gathers pro∣visions,] the dewk hym purveyed jn alle thing,Line 5060 and abowtes sente faste to his Meyne hym helpen forto socoure jn that degre. and they senten answere aȝen there, [is promised help by his men,] they wolden jt don to here powere.Line 5064 thanne seide the dewk to his cownseylle, he ne hadde but twey castelis þat myhte avaylle— "whiche nethir of thike two he schal neuere wynne, what he kan do.Line 5068 þerfore jn tyndagel j schal leven Ygwerne, [leaves Yg∣wern in Tyndagel,] and ten knyhtes hire forto Governe, the wheche of non assawt ȝyven cure of non Man lyvenge, J ȝow Enswre.Line 5072 and to the tothyr j wele Go, [and goes himself to the other strong castle that he possesses.] þere to defenden me fro my fo, For of non assawt j ne Rekke, thowh he aȝens me ordeyne neuer so wykke!"Line 5076 and that castel ful strong he gan to Make al only for the kynges Sake. thanne to þe kyng comen þe Messengeres ageyn, [The king is told of the duke's reso∣lute behav∣our.] and tolden þe answere to þe kyng, ful pleyn,Line 5080 that he wolde defenden hym to his Myht, as he was trewe an a gentyl knyht. thanne sente the kyng aftyr his barown [He summons his barons to meet on the border,] thorwh-owt al his Regiown,Line 5084 and Made hem to semblen al jn fere atte the Entre of the dewkis lond þere, beside a Ryver jn a fair Mede; the barowns þere semblede jn þat stede.Line 5088 and whanne they weren assembled Euerichon, [and puts the case before them.] the kyng Rehersed the dispyt anon

that the dewk dyde jn his plas, at his feste there he was.Line 5092 and thus Entred þe kyng with his Meyne [The king invades the duke's land.] jnto þe dewkis lond, ful Sykerle, and there sesede he al his lond, as J do ȝow Now forto vndirstond. [5096. Now, N through correction.] Line 5096 thanne was Jt told to the kyng [He hears about the two castles,] that jn tyndagel, with-owten lesyng, that þere-jnne was Ygwerne þat dewchesse Jn strong hold and jn distresse,Line 5100 and the dewk jn a-Nothyr castel was, that was not allynges so strong a plas. thanne axede the kyng anon cownsaille, whiche castel he scholde ferst assaylle.Line 5104 thanne cownseille they ȝoven hym Everichon that ferst to the dewkys he scholde gon. [and resolves to try to take the duke's castle first.] and þerto the kyng grauntyd as faste, and to that castel anon Ryden they jn haste.Line 5108 thanne spak the kyng to vlphyn tho, [5109. thāne, the n-mark and the top part of e in blacker ink.] and axede hym there what he scholde do. "but ȝif that j Myhte Sen ygwerne, of sore Morneng kan non Man me werne."Line 5112 thanne seide vlphyn to hym ageyne: [Ulfin exhorts him to be patient in the meantime.] "ȝit a while ȝe Mosten Suffren peyne; for a thing þat May not ȝit be, to the Ende moste ben suffred, parde!"Line 5116

Longe lay the kyng At this Castel, [leaf 108 a] but hit avayllede hym Nevere a del, [The castle, however, cannot be taken, and the king frets.] So that he was Jn his gret Morneng, [5119. gret added above the line.] for to that castel he Myhte don non thing, [5120. MS. forto.] Line 5120 and alther Most for love of the dewchesse, whiche browhte his herte jn gret distresse. So that vppon a day, as jt fyl thore, [One day, he is seen weeping in his tent.] jn his pavylown he wepte ful sore.Line 5124 and his Meyne gonnen it to aspye, and thens they wenten ful prevylye.

thanne cam vlphyn and that aspyde, [Ulfin goes to the king, and asks him why he weeps.] and jn to hym goth at that Tyde.Line 5128 Anon whanne he him say wepen thore, hit hym ouerthowhte wondyrly sore, and he axede the kyng why he wepte tho. [5131. MS. axeke.] "what nede is to the to askyn Me so? [The king says that Ulfin knows the reason well.] Line 5132 For weten ȝe wel that j schal deye for ygwernes love, certeynlye, and that is now my destyne, For bothen mete and drynk js benomen Me,Line 5136 and al kende Reste is bereft me fro, that good oþer Ese ony man Scholde do." whanne that vlphyn herde al this: "of Feble herte ȝe ben, j-wys, [Ulfin, after censuring the king for his weskness,] Line 5140 For a wommans love that ȝe scholen deye. let be, for schame, and nowht so seye! but wylen ȝe aftyr My cownseylle wende, anon aftyr Merlyne that ȝe sende, [advises him to send for Merlin,] Line 5144 where that Evere he Mowe be fownde, that he to ȝow come with-jnne a stownde. for he kan ȝeven ȝow ful good cownseylle, that to ȝowre herte it schal wel avaylle. [and to give him anything he shall demand for his help.] Line 5148 and grauntyth hym, so god ȝow save, For his labour what he wyle haue! For he kan Jt Riht ful wel do, and non Man but he, j seye ȝow so."Line 5152 thanne quod the kyng: "that wot j wel, he is ful konneng Everydel, and j wot wel he knoweth al My distresse; but that he be wroth with this, j gesse, [The king fears that Merlin is angry on account of the attempt to fill the vacaut seat,] Line 5156 For the place at the table assayed was at cardweille, jn that Ryal plas; and so then it is now longes ago that he to Me ne cam not to.Line 5160 and j trowe it ouerthenketh him thore [and on ac∣count of the king's unlaw∣ful love.] that My liges wif j loue so sore. but Sertes, j ne May non other do, whethir it torne me to wele oþer wo.Line 5164

and j wot wel he wil me telle Myn Entent, that this was þe cause J fore hym sent." "of on thing," quod vlphin, "J schal ȝow telle: [Ulfin hopes that Merlin will soon arrive.] he is heyl and sownd jn flesch and felle.Line 5168 and ȝif he ȝow love as ȝe suppose he do, he wyl non while now ben ȝow fro, ȝif that he knowe ȝowre distresse owther ony part of ȝoure hevynesse; [5172. hevynesse, y corrected from e.] Line 5172 that sone tydynges scholen ȝe here of hym, and þerfore be of Ryht good chere!"

Thus comforted sire vlphyn the kyng, [Ulfin asks the king to cease fret∣ting, and be merry with his men.] and bad hym to beleven his Morneng,Line 5176 and þere to senden aftyr his Men, and to hem gret joye to Make than; his peyne so scholde he thanne forȝete, and solace and Mirthe there to hym gete.Line 5180 the kyng hym seide, he wolde so do— "but My love may j not forȝeten so." thanne thus the castel the kyng gan assaile, [Renewed attacks prove fruitless.] but lytel oþer nowht jt dede hym avaylle.Line 5184 Jt happede vppon a day that vlphyn Rod [leaf 108 b] [One day, Ulfin rides out, and meets a seemly old man,] thorwh-owt þe ost, and not abod, And Mette there With a semly Man, that this Sire vlphyn knew not than.Line 5188 thanne seide this good Man to vlphyn tho: "Sire, j wolde with ȝow speken a word oþer two." [who desires to speak with him.] [5190. with, w corrected from ȝ.] thanne seide sire vlphyn to hym ageyn: "and with ȝow, Sire, now jn certeyn!"Line 5192 So forth they wenten, ful wel j wot, vlphyn on hors-bak, & þe good man on fot. and there Sire vlphyn alyht a-down [Ulfin alights,] with that good Man to han Som Resown.Line 5196 Sire vlphyn axede what he was. [and asks who he is.] he seide: "as an old Man ȝe sen jn þis plas, and of my ȝowthe wysdom j kan as Mochel as som other Man"—Line 5200 and þere tolde vlphyn of Manye a thyng

that to vlphyn there was wel knoweng, and atte laste tolde hym Jn cownseyl [The old man says he knows of the king's love for Ygwern,] how he hadde j-ben atte Tyndagel,Line 5204 and that but lytel while ago— "where as a good Man Seide me vnto that ȝowre kyng lovede the dewkis wyf, and for hire distressed sore of his lif,Line 5208 and ȝoure kyng hath distroyed his lond, For he ladde ygwerne from cardweill, j vndirstond. [5210. j, MS. jn.] and, Sire, and ȝe wylen vndirstonden Me, [and that he, for a hand∣some reward, will tell of one who can help the king.] ȝif ȝowre kyng wyle ȝeven Me large fe,Line 5212 J knowe where that is a good Man that ȝow with ygwerne schal don speken than, and that ful wel kan cownseillen ȝoure kyng of al his love to haven fondyng."Line 5216 and whanne that vlphyn herde al this, [Ulfin eagerly asks him lo bring the man.] he Merveillede what Man he was, j-wis, and preide hym to leven alle manere of thing, and that Man to bringen to the kyngLine 5220 that of his love him cowde cownseille, the bettere that it hym Myhte avaylle. thanne seide this olde Man ageyn: [The old man wants first to know his reward.] "j wile ferst knowen my wages, certeyn."Line 5224 thanne axede of hym vlphyn there: "where schal j ȝow fynde, telle me now here." "To Morwen ȝe scholen me here fynde [They appoint to meet again next morn∣ing.] betwene this and þe ost, hane þis jn Mynde."Line 5228 and so there departyd they ful snelle, and seide to vlphyn þat he wolde hym telle vppon the Morwen Swiche tydyng— "that to thin herte schal ben gret lykyng."Line 5232 Anon Sire vlphyn to the kyng gan gon, [Ulfin returns home with the good news.] and told hym these wordis Everichon. thanne, whanne the kyng herde al this, he lowhe and Made gret joye and blis. [The king ia delighted, and inquires aboat the man.] Line 5236 thanne seide the kyng to vlphyn aȝe: "knowe ȝe þat Man, and ȝe hym se?" "ȝe, sire, it is Ryht an old Man Line 5240

and feble, as j discryven kan."Line 5240 "Sire vlpbin, whanne hath he behoten the [The king inquires about the appointed meeting.] aȝen to Meten with ȝow, certeinle?" "To Morwen j Moste with hym Mete, and hym to tellen what ȝe him behete."Line 5244 thanne seide the kyng, with-owten drede: "thedyr, vlphyn, j preye thou me lede!" "Sire, gladly," quod vlphyn, "that wyl j do." "and ȝif behynden me ȝe speken hym vnto, [He is willing to give any reward.] Line 5248 So behoteth hym what he wyle have, oþer ony thing that he wyle of ȝow crave!" and thus abyden they al that Nyht, and the kyng was bothe joyful and lyht,Line 5252 Mochel Meriere thanne he was to-fore, that ony of his Men knewen thore.

On the Morwe, aftyr Masse, thanne vlphyn Rod, [Next morn∣ing Ulfin and the king ride forth.] and the kyng aftyr not longe abod,Line 5256 but Rod jnto swich a partye As he Was Gyded, sekerlye. [leaf 108 e] and whanne the ost they gonnen to pase, a lame Man Syen they jn that plase, [They see a blind cripple,] Line 5260 that Nethir ne Myht gon ne Se, thus semed hem, ful certeinle. So that anon they pasten hym by, [5263. anō, the n-mark in blacker ink.] and thussone he sette vpe a lowd Cry. [who calls out that he can help the king.] Line 5264 he seide: "sire kyng, god fulfille thi wille, alle that thin herte desireth vntylle! and ȝif þou wilt ȝeven Me ony thyng, j schal fulfille thyn owne desireng."Line 5268 thanne loked the kyng on vlphin ful snelle, [The king looks at Ulfin and asks if that is the man.] [5269. MS. ōn.] and seide: "is thys he that scholde me telle of Myn desir and of Myn honour? how hast þou, vlphyn, don thyn labour?"Line 5272 "Nay, Sire," quod vlphyn, "jt Nis not he [Ulfin says no.] that j schold hauen, Sire, Sikerle, that scholde me tellen of thy chawnse, jt nys not he, with-Owten variaunce."Line 5276

"knowest thou him that scholde Meten the, and of thing that j Most love, to tellen Me? Go thow to hym, & thus thou say, that j the to hym sente this day, [The king tells Ulfin to go to the man and grant him anything he shall demand.] Line 5280 and þat he schal have that he wyle axen of Me, of that j am jn sesyd, ful Sekerle; he schal it haven at his owne wille, ȝif that my desir he wyl fulfille!"Line 5284 vlphyn this word non thing ne took, [Ulfin sits down with the cripple,] but sette hym down, and þe arende forsook, besides this lame Man sette hym adown. thussone of vlphyn he axede a resown,Line 5288 and axede of hym what he dide there, and for what thing he cam forto Enqwere. he seide: "the kyng sente Me to the, and Me to the hath ȝoveu, ful sikerle."Line 5292 thanne gan to lawhen this Man anon, [who laugh∣ingly says: "The king knows me better than you do.] and seide þat—"þe kyng parceyved Me son, and knoweth me bettere thanne þou dost, and seeth in Me More thanne thou wost.Line 5296 j wile that thou knowe, certeinle, [I am sent by the old man.] that thike old man me sente to the; but of Non thing j wyl the telle of owht þat he to Me of gan spelle.Line 5300 Go thow forth faste to the kyng, and seie hym: and he wil hauen his askyng, [If the king will have his desire, he must give great gifts.] Grete þiftes Moste he þeven, Jn fay, his wil to parforme, ȝif that J May.Line 5304 For fulsone hadde he parceyved Me, þerfore þe bettere with hym schal it be." "Fayn wolde j," quod vlphin, "of ȝow Enqwere, what that ȝe ben, to tellen me here."Line 5308 "Axe thou thy kyng," thanne seide this Man, [Thou mayst ask the king who I am."] "For he ful wel tellen the can." thanne to horsbak wente vlphyn anon, [Ulfin rides to the king.] and faste aftyr the kyng gan he gon.Line 5312 and whanne the kyng Sawh hym comen Rydynge: "vlphyn, wherto comest þou, and for what thinge? whanne to that Man ȝaf j the, [5315. mā added above the line.] Line 5316

wherto comest þou aȝen to Me?"Line 5316 thanne seide vlphyn to hym ageyn: [Ulfin tells the king what the cripple has said.] "he seith ȝe knewen hym, jn certeyn, and konnen Me tellen what that he is; thus to Me, Sire kyng, he seide j-wys."Line 5320 "Sye thou that Man that spak to the [The king declares that the seemly old man and the cripple are the same person:] jn semblaunce of an old Man so feythfulle?— and this Man that thow sye here this day, al it is on, Sire vlphin, with-owten Nay."Line 5324 "A, Sire kyng, how May this be, Sure, that a man him-self scholde disfegure?" "ȝe, Syre, J Hym knowe Wel and fyne, [leaf 108 d] For this same Man, it js Merlyne!" [Merlin.] Line 5328 Aȝen thanne wenten they bothe jn fere anon with Merlyne to speken there. and Merlyne was gon to þe kynges tente [Meanwhile, Merlin has gone to the king's tent in his natural shape.] jn his Ryht Semblaunce, veramente,Line 5332 and axede aftyr the kyng anon. thanne to seken wente Messengeres þusson, and Metten the kyng, and him tolde [The king, being told,] that Merlyne was comen and hym haven wolde.Line 5336 thanne was the kyng so joyful a Man, that on word ne cowde he speken than, but tornede ageyn with al his Myht, [quickly makes for home.] and to hym clepede vlphyn ful Ryht,Line 5340 and seide: "it is as j the seye: Merlyne js comen now, certeinlye!" quod vlphyn: "now that ȝe haven hym at ȝowre wille, [Ulfin com∣mends Merlin's power.] alle ȝoure desire he May fulfylle.Line 5344 and loke þat [ȝe] graunten hym that he wyl have, [5345. MS. þt graūten.] owther of ȝoure good what he wyl krave, For þere nys no Man þat kan so wel as he to ygwernes love ȝow bryngen, sykerle."Line 5348 thanne to hym seide the kyng ageyn: "his wille wile j fulfillen, certeyn!"

Thus Riden they forth to þe kynges tente, [They find Merlin in the bent.] there Fownden Merlyn anon presente.Line 5352

and whanne the kyng hym gan aspye, to hym he Ran ful hastylye, [The king gives him a hearty welcome,] and hym Embraced, and kyste also, and ful gret joye he Made him tho,Line 5356 and seide that Ryht welcomen he was, and often hym kyste jn that plas, and seide: "to ȝow j wolde me compleyne, [and refers to his own sore distress.] but ȝe knowen it as wel as j, certeyne;Line 5360 For was there neuere non Man that me can declaren that ȝe kan; and þerfore j preye ȝow, for charite, of Myn hertly desir to helpen Me!"Line 5364 "j vndirstonde ȝow wel, with-owten Nay, [Merlin says he under∣stands him.] but with-owten [vlphyn] j schal nowht Say." [5366. MS. with owten j.] thanne wenten they alle thre on syde, and jn cownseill spoken that jlke tyde.Line 5368 thanne tolde the kyng to Merlyne anone [The king tells Merlin of his having seen through his twofold disguise.] that to vlphyn he tolde thussone— "that ȝe weren that olde Man, and sethen the toþer þat he beheld than."Line 5372 thanne vlphyn faste beheld him there: [Ulfin is in∣credulous,] "May it so ben jn ony Manere, lyk as the kyng here telleth Me?" [5375. lyk, l through correction.] "ȝe, Sire vlphyn," quod merlyne, "certeinle! [but Merlin confirms the king's words.] Line 5376 For assone as he the to Me sente, thanne wist y wel he hadde knoweliching, veramente." [5378. MS. wisty.] "Now, Sire kyng," quod vlphyn thanne, "Speke ȝe to Merlyne, this good Manue,Line 5380 of Swich thinges as ȝe haven to do, and that he wolde ȝow helpen þerto." thanne seide the kyng to hym ageyn [The king avows that Merlin knows all his thoughts,] that—"j kan neþer non thing don ne seyn,Line 5384 that he ne knoweth myn hole Entent, thowh j scholde Meken lesynges, verament. and sethen that al Myn herte þat he doth knowe and alle myn prevy thowhtes vppon a rowe,Line 5388 wherefore j preye ȝow, for charyte, [and implores his assist∣ance.] To Ygwernes love that ȝe helpen Me.

and what thing that Evere thou biddest me do, J schal it fulfillen with-owten Mo!"Line 5392 thanne seide to hym Merlyne ageyn: [Merlin, on a certain condition, promises to help the king to the possession of Ygwern.] [leaf 109 a] "and thow wilt fulfyllen, jn certeyn, Of thing that j schal axen of the, Ryht Wel thyn Arende J-sped schal be,Line 5396 and jn hire chambre schalt thow Slepe, and jnto hire bed schalt thow lepe, and liggen to-gederis bothe two, body to body, Er that thow go."Line 5400 thanne gan to lawhen Sire vlphyn, [Ulfin rejoices;] whanne he herde that so spak Merlyn. thanne seide the kyng to Merlyne tho: "herkeneth now what j sey ȝow vnto:Line 5404 loke what maner of thing that ȝe wilen crave; [the king la willing to give Merlin anything within his power.] and it Mowe be fownden, ȝe scholen it have!" thanne answeryd Merlyne, ful certeinle: "how þere-offen Myht y Syker now be?"Line 5408 thanne seide the kyng to Merlyne ageyn: "what Sewraunce axen ȝe, sey me ful pleyn, and j schal fulfillen thy wille, what so Evere come Me vntylle!"Line 5412 "j wyle that vlphyn swere to Me [Merlin wants Ulfin to be security for the ful∣filment of the king's promise.] that þere-offen siker schal j be. and whanne to Me hath he sworn Everydel, vppon the Morwen, wete thou Ryht welLine 5416 that al thy wil schalt thow have of me, swich thing as þou dost crave." thanne seide the kyng, he wolde fulfille alle þat Evere he seide hym vntylle.Line 5420 thanne axede Merlyne of vlphyn there ȝif that Sewrawnce he wolde swere. "jt forthenketh me," quod vlphyn, "trewely, [Not without scruples, Ulfin com∣plies.] that oth to swere, Natheles wele j."Line 5424

Whanne Merlyne herde this acord, anon gan he lawhen at that word, and axede whanne þe Surawnce Mad scholde be. [The kind's relics are brought.] thanne anon the kyng let bryngen, Sykerle,Line 5428 alle the Reliques that he hadde there,

and his oþer holy thinges Jn fere; and þere-vppon Sworen they bothe two [First the king and Ulfin swear on the relics after Merlin's dictation;] that Merlyne to hem devisede tho.Line 5432 and they sworen be his Sewrawnce, jt scholde be don with-Owten variawnce, with-owten frawde other Mal-Engyne; this oth Sworen they to Merlyne.Line 5436 and aftyr this, with-owten dowtaunce, the kyng to vlphyn swor, with-owten variaunce, [then the king swears another oath for the secu∣rity of Ulfin.] To kepen sekerly that he hadde hyht, as that he was a trewe knyht.Line 5440 thanne seide the kyng to Merlyne tho: "Now sethen oure Surawnce þat we have do, that ȝe wolden don that ȝe hauen hyht, and therto to putten alle ȝowre Myht,Line 5444 My desir forto don and to fulfille of thyke that j spak to ȝow of vntylle!" thanne seide Merlyne to the kyng: [This being done, Merlin says: "You must act pru∣dently, for Ygwern is a wise and true woman.] "ȝow behoveth over alle maner thingLine 5448 to ben sad Jn ȝowre Governaunce, For sche is wis, with-owten varyaunce, and therto trewe aȝens God and Man. and now the sothe j schal preven ȝow than,Line 5452 what power j haue hyre forto Engyne, ȝe scholen now heren be craft Myne. the semblaunce of ȝe dewk j wyl putten to the, [I will put on you the figure of the duke.] that non Man schal ȝow from hym knowen, sikerle.Line 5456 and thike dewk hath two knyhtes, [The duke has two confidants,] that he trosteth passyng owt-Ryhtes, and to hym they ben Most preve of alle þe Men jn cristyente,Line 5460 and to Ygwerne they ben also the prevyest Men that Mown go. the ton of hem Sire Bretel hyhte, [Bretel (p. 130) and Jordan.] The tothir, jordayns, a Man of Myhte.Line 5464 And Bretelis semblaunce j wil take, [leaf 109 b] [I and Ulfin will take their shapes. Thus we shall all get into Ygwern's castle.] And Vlphyn Jordayns Schal not Forsake. so the castel gates j schal don vndo, and jn to Entren, with-owten Mo,Line 5468 alle thre jn this Semblaunce;

thus scholen we gon, with-owten variaunce. [5470. The line was omitted and then written down the margin.] but whanne we gon alle jn fere, [Meanwhile, let your barons stay quietly out∣side the duke's castle,] ȝoure barowns aȝen ȝat ȝe Retourne þere,Line 5472 and chargeth hem jn alle wyse that to þe castel they Maken non aprise jnto þe tyme that ȝe comen ageyn; that ȝe hem ȝyven warneng ful pleyn.Line 5476 and that to non Man that ȝe sende [and tell no∣body where we are going."] whedyr ȝe schole gon, j ȝow forfende." thanne swor the kyng be his oth, he wold it not don for lef ne loth.Line 5480 "thanne Trosteth me, with-owten variaunces, J schal ȝow delyveren these semblaunces."

Anon the kyng dyde his devere [The king follows Merlin's directions,] of thinges that Merlyne comanded hym þere,Line 5484 and whanne that thus hadde he do, thanne anon to Merlyne gan he go, and seide: "j have fulfild ȝowre byddyng, Now do ȝe Myn ouer alle thyng!"Line 5488 "Lete vs Remeve," quod Merlyne, "welsone, and alle thre to-gederis scholen we gone." So longe alle thre to-gederis paste, [and the three start for Tyndagel.] that to tyndagel they comen atte laste. [5492. tyndagel, dag through correction (probably from gel).] Line 5492 thanne seide Merlyne to the kyng: "betwixen vlphyn and me make ȝore abydyng." and whanne Merlyne hadde wrowht al his thyng, thanne seide he anon to the kyng:Line 5496 "Take ȝe this herbe that is here, [The king is told to rub himself with a herb,] and Frote ȝowre visage al jn fere, ȝoure hondis, ȝore body, ȝoure feet also; jn alle wyse that ȝe thus do."Line 5500 the kyng thanne dide his comaundement. thanne hadde he hol semblaunce, verament, [and is in∣vested with the figure of the duke.] lik as the dewk it hadde j-be, j Seye ȝow, Sires, ful certeinle.Line 5504 thanne cam merlyne to þe kyng:

"be-thenke ȝow now of a thyng: [The king is desired to think of Jordan,] [5506. a added above the line.] ȝif Evere jordayn that ȝe sye." "ȝis," quod the kyng thanne, "Sekerlye!"Line 5508 thussone hadde vlphyn jordayns lyknesse; [and in the same moment Ulfin stands before him in Jordan's shape.] [5509. vlphyn, v corrected from j.] To-forn the kyng he gan him dresse. and whanne the kyng beheld al this, he Merveilled howh it myhte ben, j-wis.Line 5512 thanne axede the kyng of vlphyn there: "how thenkest þou be My semblaunce here?" "Sire," quod vlphyn, "be this day j knowe ȝow not but for þe dewk, jn fay!"Line 5516 and the kyng him tolde, with-owten varyawnce, that Evene hadde he jordayns Semblawnce. and thanne loked they bothe vppon Merlyn tho, [Merlin puts on the ap∣pearnace of Bretel.] and Bretelis semblaunce hem semede bothe two.Line 5520 thanne thus abyden they al jn fere, tyl that the day was past so clere. [5522. was, s corrected from t.] and whanne the day was over past, [In the evening, they all go to Ygwern's castle.] toward the castel they comen jn hast,Line 5524 and comen to the castel gate, and Merlyne, as Bretel, clepid þere-ate. thanne þe Meyne that was þere with-jnne, comen to the ȝate, and wolden not blynne.Line 5528 and whanne they Syen the dewk verrayly, as to here Semeng, ful certeinly: "openeth the ȝate, taketh jn ȝowre lord!" [Merlin tells the garrison to let in their lord,] thus seide Merlyne jn Bretelis word.Line 5532 thanne thowhten alle þat with-jnne weren than, that it was the dewk, Bretel, & jordayn. thanne Bretel charged al that Meyne That jn alle thinges they scholde kepen it preve— [leaf 109 c] [and to keep his arrival secret.] Line 5536 "And telleth non Man of the dukes comenge, J ȝow charge aboven alle thynge." but certein peple jnowe þere were that the dwchesse it tolde to there.Line 5540 and tyl they comen jnto þe jnnere paleys, Er thanne wolde they not Ses.

and Merlyn took the kyng on side, and hym cownseilled that jlke tydeLine 5544 that of lyht chere he Scholde be. and so jnto chambre wenten they alle thre, [The King attended by Merlin and Ulfin, goes into Ygwern's bed-room.] there as Ygwerne on bedde lay; alle thre they weren, the sothe to say.Line 5548 and as hastely as they Myhte, the kyng sone they gonnen vndyhte, tyl that with ygwerne jn bedde he was, where Arthewr was be-geten jn ȝat plas.Line 5552 gret Joye thanne Made that lady, [she is joyful at the arrival of the pre∣tended husband.] that hire lord wende haue had, verrayly, which that sche lovede Jn herte and thowht; but thanne anothir was to hire j-browht.Line 5556 and thus to-gederis they lyen that Nyht, the dwchesse and that gentyl knyht, and tyl on the Morwen, that it was day, [In the monrn∣ing, there arrives news of a battle in which duke has been killed.] that jn the town they gonne to sayLine 5560 that the dewk j-slayn there was, and his styward taken Jn that plas. Anon cam Merlyne ful prevyly [Merlin steals into the bed∣room,] ȝere as the kyng lay the lady by,Line 5564 and seide: "Sire, now Ryseth vp anon, [ and asks the king to rise] [5565. vp added above the line.] For Merveillous tydynges here now gon, that algates ȝe scholden ben ded; ȝerfore Rise vpe owt of this sted!Line 5568 and that ȝe weren at ȝowre castel, [and to hasten home, as his people must think him dead.] For al ȝowre peple weneth ful wel that Sekerly ȝe scholden ben slayn; Swiche wordis ben comen, Jn certayn."Line 5572 "Non wondir," quod the kyng tho, "For so prevyly j gan from hem go, that there-offen ne wyste knyht ne sweyne Sauf onliche J and ȝe tweyne."Line 5576 thanne vpe he Ros, and non lengere abod, and to-forn hem alle that there stod [The king rises,] he took his leve of gentyl Ygwerne, [bids a loving farewell to Ygwern,] and hire often kyste, and wolde not werne,Line 5580

and isswed owt of that castel, [and passes out of the castle.] that be hym Supposede non Man but wel. And whanne that owt they weren j-gon, thanne seide Merlyne to the kyng anon: [Now Merlin reminds him of their agreement.] Line 5584 "J haue the fulfyld Me? covenaunt, that j the Made, and Myn avenant, and þerfore loke that thou holde me Myne," Seide to the kyng thanne Merlyne.Line 5588 "that is ful trewe," quod the kyng tho, "Ful good Servyse ȝe han Me do. bettere neuere Man to oþer don Myhte, as that j am a gentyl knyhte.Line 5592 and therfore thy Mede qwyten J schal, [The king declares he will keep it.] as j am trewe kyng j-kyd oueral. Sey on what thyng that thow wilt crave, and Feithfully thou schalt it haue!"Line 5596 thanne seide Merlyne to hym ageyn: [Merlin demands the fruit of the king's un∣lawful inter∣course: his son and heir, whom Ygwern will give birth to.] "An Eyr thow hast be-getyn, jn certeyn, vppon Ygwerne that dewchesse, [5599. that corrected from the.] which is a sone, jn ful Sekernesse,Line 5600 and that child hast thou ȝoven Me For my gwerdoun, Sire, Sikerle. and loke that thou wryte bothe day and owr That thou hast wrowht this dishonowr;Line 5604 thanne schalt thou knowen in eche weye ȝyf Jt be trowthe that J the seye." [leaf 100 d] [The king assents.] Anon Riht so thanne dede the kyng, and fulfilled al his askyng.Line 5608

So thanne Reden they forth al jn fere, [The three men ride to a river,] Tyl that they comen to on Revere, and there they weschen hem alle thre [wash there,] here owne Semblaunce to haven, sekerle. [recover their natural shapes,] Line 5612 So pasten they forth in gret haste, tyl to here ost they comen atte laste. [and get back to the army.] and whanne that his Meyne? Gan hym aspye, abowtes hym they flokkeden hastelye,Line 5616 and of hem axede he anon

how that the dewk ded was so son. and they hym tolden, ful certeynlye, [The king is told how the duke, when notic∣ing the king's absence from the army,] how that cas befyl, ful openlye:Line 5620 "Jt happede, as sone as ȝe were gon, Ful preve we kepten vs Everychon; and that parceyved the dewk thussone, that owt of the ost ȝe were gone,Line 5624 and dyde armen his Men jn haste, that so on vs they comen welfaste, [made a sally from the castle,] and Mochel harm deden on owre Meyne. anon to armes thanne gonnen we fle,Line 5628 and vppon hem we precede welfaste, tyl to the ȝates we comen atte laste. So there the dewk fawht sore, certeyn, tyl that his hors vndyr hym was Slayn, [and was killed in the ensuring battle.] Line 5632 and there the dewk was beten adown with ȝowre Men abowtes jn virown, whiche that knewen hym non thyng, that so cawhte he there his Endyng.Line 5636 and the Remenaunt of his Meyne fowhten wel sore, whanne that they syen here lord ded thore." Thanne ouerthowhte the kyng ful sore, j-wis, [The king is sorry.] of the dewkys deth, with-owten Mys.Line 5640

Thus, as this Storye Reherseth wel, [Chap. V.] Ended the dewk of tyndagel; and the kyng ouerthowhte welsore of the aventure þat was fallen thore.Line 5644 Anon his cownseyl thanne dide he calle [He summons his council, and wishes to give com∣pensation.] This trespas to a-Menden forth withalle, and that his Meyne hym blamen ne scholde, but that amendis fayn Maken he wolde.Line 5648 thanne be-spak vlfyn, ful certeynle, that with the kyng was ful preve. "Sire," seide vlphyn," sethen jt is now so, Nedly amendis Moste be do." [5652. Nedly, e through correction.] Line 5652 thanne took vlphyne the barowns on syde, [Ulfin takes the barons aside,] and with hem cownseilede at that tyde.

"how Mown we best amendes Make [and asks their opinion.] to this lady for hire lordis sakeLine 5656 and to hire frendes Everychon, that for his deth Maken gret Mon? of wheche the kyng now doth ȝow preye hym to cownseillen jn the beste weye."Line 5660 "that welen we don with good wille, and owre wittes it fulfylle. but, goode vlphyn, alle we ȝow preye, [The barons defer to Ulfin,] the beste cownseille þat ȝe welen vs seye,Line 5664 For ȝe knowen best the kynges Entent, what he thynketh to don, verament." "hopen ȝe thanne that j am so preve with the kyng Jn alle degre?"Line 5668 "Sere, ȝe, we knowen the for a wys Man, [whom they consider a wise man.] and Mochel of good cownseyl thow can." thanne seide vlphyn to hem ageyn: "Myn avis j schal ȝow seyn, certeyn,Line 5672 and thanne ȝif ony bettere ȝe konnen do, that ȝe wolde seyen jt me vnto. J wolde that the kyng wolde don sende [Ulfin proposes general meet∣ing at Tyn∣dagel,] [leaf 110 a] Alle abowtes, jnto Everich EndeLine 5676 Where that the dewk Hath ony Meyne, at Tyndagel to Maken Semble. and thedyr wolde j that the kyng wente there with hem to Meten jn good Entente,Line 5680 and don his Frendis comen hym before, and also the lady that is thore. so that the kyng hym qwyten schal, certeynle, [where the king is to offer satis∣faction.] afore alle the peple that there be;Line 5684 that ȝif they Refusen his proferyng, ȝe scholen holden hem folis ouer alle thing, and the kyng to holden a passyng wys Man, that so Mochel wele proferyn hem than."Line 5688 thanne answerede these barowns ageyn: [The barons approve of this.] "to ȝow we acorden, Jn certeyn!" thanne comen they alle to-fore the kyng, [The proposal is put before the king.] and tolden hym al of here cownseyllyng,Line 5692 and how they cownseilled hem betwen; what therby hym thowhte, now let Sen:

Anon the kyng concentyd therto, [The king consents, and sends messengers to the late duke's kinsmen.] and comanded Messengeris faste forto goLine 5696 with his lettres jnto Eche contre, To the dewkis kennesmen, ful sekerle, and that to hym they scholde comen Echon, Jn pes and trews to comen an gon,Line 5700 and there amendement to Maken, certeyne, of alle thing they wolde compleyne. ȝit thowhte the kyng thanne ful wel Forto Remeve jnto Cardewel.Line 5704 thanne Merlyne to the kyng cam anon, [Merlin in∣forms the king that the advice given him by the barons is in reality Ulfin's.] and to hym tolde there thusson: "weten ȝe hos js this cownsaylle?" [5707. cownsaylle, a corrected from e.] "Nay," quod the kyng, "with-owten faille,Line 5708 but that al My Baronye hath me thus cownceilled, trewelye!" "Nay," quod Merlyne, "jt Nys not so, But vlphynes cownseyl halpe þerto.Line 5712 For he is bothe wis and war, and þe pes amonges hem declarede thar bettere thanne alle they cowden devyse owther it ordeynen Jn ony wyse."Line 5716 thanne axede the kyng of Merlyn what thing it was that thowhte vlphyn. and þere Merlyn declared hym anon [He further reveals to the king Ulfin's secret plan (pp. 160 f.),] alle vlphynes thowhtes Everichon.Line 5720 and whanne the kyng herde al this, Ful Mochel Joye he Made, j-wys. "how thenken ȝe?" quod the kyng tho, "Myht it ony wyse bettere be do?"Line 5724 "Nay," quod Merlyne, "ful Sekerle, Jt is the beste cownseille þat May be; [of which he greatly approves.] thanne hast thow thyn hertly Entent, that thou hast desired, verament. Now from the thanne wele j gon, but with vlphyn and the j wele speken alon. [Finally he wishes to speak with Ulfin and the king to∣gether.] and whanne from ȝow that j am past, thanne Mihtest þou axen vlphyn jn hastLine 5732

how that this pes he gan ordeygne." and ȝe kyng seide he wolde, certeygne.

Anon thanne clepede the kyng vlphyn To come spekyn with hym and with Merlyn.Line 5736 thanne seide Merlyne jn here precense: [In the pre∣sence of Ulfin, Merlin says to the king: "You have granted me the child which is to be born.] "Sere, ȝe me grawntyd, with-owten offense, that j scholde haven, to ȝowre powere, the child which that is ȝow[re] Eyre, [5740. MS ȝow.] Line 5740 whiche ȝe begoten on that dewchesse, that Noble lady, ful of humbelnesse, [5742. of added above the line.] whiche non Resown that jt is [You cannot keep it your∣self,] That ȝe it kepen to ȝowre ews, j-wis.Line 5744 For ȝe han put þat tyme jn Escript, For that the trowthe ȝe scholde Wyt. [leaf 110 b] and Ek also ȝe knowen Ryht wel that by me ȝe Engendred it Everydel;Line 5748 So that the Synne Js Most Myn, ȝif j it not brynge to othyr fyn. and Ek the Modyr aschamed scholde be [and the mother would be ashamed to nourish it.] hyt Forto Norschen, ful Sekerle;Line 5752 For wommen ne haven non wyt therto here owne cownseille to helen so. therefore wolde J that vlphyn here [Let Ulfin write down the night of its engender∣ing.] me wrot a bylle be ony Manere, [5756. me, MS. we.] Line 5756 bothe the Nyht and Ek the owr whanne thou dedest that goode labowr. For no More schalt thou Me Se [Now you shall not see me for some time.] Tyl the day of his birthe, ful sekerle,Line 5760 and that same Nyht he schal be bore. but of on thing j preye the be-fore: that ȝe leven vlphyn, what so he say, [But believe in Ulfin:] be it be Nyht owther be day.Line 5764 For nothing ne wele he tellen the, [his advice will be profit∣able;] but that profit & worschepe to þe schal be. For the Sixe Mownthes aftyr this with the ne schal j speken, j-wys,Line 5768 and with the to speken at that tym,

but onlich schal j speken with vlphyn. [to him I will speak."] and what that Evere to hym j seye, loke ȝe it beleven be ony weye!"Line 5772

Thus wrot vlphyn thengendrynge [Ulfin writes down the en∣gendering of the child. Then Merlin says to the king pri∣vately: "Ygwern shall be thy spouse,] there anon at the kynges byddynge. and Merlyne took the kyng on Syde, [5775. and, d through correction (probably from ō).] and hym there tolde at that tyde:Line 5776 "Syre kyng, Ygwerne thou schalt take, and trostyly sche schal be thy Make. and loke thow be war Jn alle degre [but say no∣thing to her of your previous in∣tercourse.] that sche ne knowe nothing of the, Neþer that thou hast be hire j-leye; j the defende be ony weye. For that schal ben cause, wel ȝou wost, that sche wele offen abaschen hire Most.Line 5784 For ȝif thow axe that lady Mylde [If thou ask who is the father of her child, she shall not be able to answer, and be much ashamed."] be whom that sche goth so with childe, sche schal not konnen the answere ho that is the fadyr, Jn non Manere,Line 5788 So þat gret schame to hire schal be, whanne þou to hire spekyst of swich degre.' Thus took Merlyne his leve there, [The king and Ulfin go to Cardwell;] and the kyng and vlphyn leften jn fere,Line 5792 and gonnen to taken here jornay streyht to cardwell, the sothe to say. and Merlyne forth to Blasye wente [Merlin goes to Blasy.] hym forto tellen his hol EntenteLine 5796 of this aventure and othere MO; Jnto scripture they deden it tho. So now we knowen be that scripture of these aventures, J ȝow Enswre.Line 5800 and whanne the kyng cam to kardweille, [The king speaks of the peace∣making with his counsellors.] anon sente he aftyr his cownseylle, and axede hem what was best to do of this pes-Makyng, with-owten MO.Line 5804 thanne answered they hym anon ageyn: "pes to þe dewchesse Maken, jn certeyn,

and to the dewkes Frendis also, that to tyndagel now ben j-go"—Line 5808 and that they scholde agreen ouer al thing jn Resoun to acordement of the kyng. Thus wenten the barowns to tyndagel, and the kyng abod at cardweille,Line 5812 And took vlphyn there thanne onside, [The king speaks with] And to hym seide there Jn that tyde, [leaf 110 c] and axede hym of that cownseyl there, [Ulfin on the point.] how þerby hym lykede Jn his Manere.Line 5816 and he answerede: "sire, Ryht wel Me liketh therby now Every del." thanne seide the kyng to hym ageyn: "vlphyn, the pes thow hast ordeyned, certeyn, [He says that he knows Ulfin's plan,] Line 5820 and with-jnne thyn herte thou hast it knyt, and what it is, wel knowe Jch Jt!" "thanne, ȝif that the pes be ordeyned by Me, and ȝif ȝe it knowen thanne, Sykerle,Line 5824 thanne connen ȝe the sothe Seye, ȝif that it owht ȝow plese, Jn feye." Anon thanne answerede þe kyng vlphyn, and seide: "it pleseth me now wel and fyn, [and that he is well pleased with it.] Line 5828 and lyk so as thow devised hast here, J wolde it were wrowht Jn alle Manere." "Nou, goode sere, Entermete ȝow non thing, J schal it bryngen to good Endyng."Line 5832 Therto the kyng him preyde ful faste, and that Jt Myhte be don Jn al haste. thus Endyd they here cownsaille, [The king's messengers go to Tyn∣dagel,] and forth wenten the Messengeris, with-owten faille,Line 5836 Tyl that they comen to Tyndagel, where as they fownden that lady Lel and alle the dewkis Frendis also, that to that lady j-comen weren tho.Line 5840 thanne tolde these Messengeres þere anon, Toforn tho lordis Everichon, [and speak before the assembled nobility of the duke's death,] how that worthy dewk of high parage there was slayn be his owne owtrage,Line 5844 and seiden that the kyng ouerthowht Ryht sore of that dede that was don thore,

wherfore gladly he wolde Maken the pes— [and of the king's desire to make peace.] "and therfore vs hider he chesLine 5848 To that lady and his kyn also; This is the cause we comen ȝow to." thanne sien wel the ladyes cownsail [The duchess's counsellors are favour∣ably disposed,] [5851. cownfail, a corrected from e.] that forto stryven, it wolde not avail,Line 5852 and concentyd ful wel hem to. And to that lady they wenten tho, [go to her,] and tolden hire the anewere, as it was, of þe kynges Messengeres jn þat plas,Line 5856 and how he was slayn be owtrage— "ȝowre worthy lord of hygh parage. and wete ȝe wel now, jn certeyn, that aȝens the kyng Mown ȝe not geyn.Line 5860 and þerfore lesteneth and tent that ȝe take [and advise her to listen to the king's offer.] what maner of pes that the kyng wyl Make. and jn swich Manere Mown they seye, that they scholen not ben Refused, jn feye.Line 5864 For of tweyne badde it is good to take the bettere, and jt not forsake. lo, lady, thus to ȝow we Say, now ȝe Mown don as ȝow liketh this day!"Line 5868 Thanne answerid this lady ageyn: [The duchess consents.] "ȝowre cownseyl j Nele forsaken, certeyn, For of My lordis cownseyl ȝe were, and so of Myn ȝe scholen ben here.Line 5872 For j ne knowe non better jn My lond, That j Myhte better trosten, j vndirstond."

Thanne departyd they from here cownseyl anon, [Her counsel∣lors return to the king's messengers,] and to the kynges Meesengeris gonne they gon.Line 5876 thanne [on] of the wisest to hem Spak there, [5877. MS. thāne of.] and thus hem answerede Jn this Manere: "Jt Js My ladyes hol Entent to weten what þe kyng Meneth, verament,Line 5880 of hire lord, that thus ded Js, what his Mendis scholde ben, with-owten Mys." [and ask for particulars.] thanne answerede the Messengeris ageyn: Line 5884

"we knowen not þe kynges wille, jn certeyn, [leaf 110 d] [The messen∣gers reply that they only know of the king's wish to make peace,] Line 5884 But that he ful pes and gryth Wyle Make to this lady for hire lordis Sake, and bad that ȝe scholden vs leve, For as we seyn, he wyl Jt preve."Line 5888 "thanne hopen we þe kyng wyl don wel and a-Menden jt Everydel, and so trewe we holden ȝow therto, so that non otherwyse ȝe wylen do."Line 5892 thus was ajorned jnto the xv day [and propose another meet∣ing, to be held before the king in a fortnight.] thanne aftyr next Seweng, with-owten delay, that the lady and hire cownsaylle to-forn the kyng schold comen, with-owten faylle,Line 5896 To heren there the kynges wylle— "what a-Mendement he wele don ȝow vntylle." thanne seide the ladyes conseil ageyn: "we wilen gladliche, Jn certeyn, [The proposal is accepted on condition of safe-con∣duct.] Line 5900 So that we sauf cowndyt have From tyndagel thedyr to comen save, and from cardweille to tyndagel aȝen; lo, thus acordyd alle we ben."Line 5904 thus knytten they vpe that Ende þere, and hom they wenten jn fair Manere, [The messen∣gers return to Cardwell.] and tolden the kyng Every del how that here Massage was Endyd wel,Line 5908 and that þe lady cowndyt wolde have— "that sche to ȝow Myht comen Save." thanne answerede the kyng a-geyn: "Sche ne axeth but Resown, Jn certeyn!" [The king is pleased.] Line 5912 thus at Cardweylle Soiorned the kyng, and with hym vlphyn Jn cownceillyng, and spoken of Menye dyvers Matere, whiles that they weren bothe jn fere.Line 5916 that so aȝens the fyftenethe day the kyng Sente saufcondit, with-owten delay; [Safe-conduct is given, and the duchess and her coun∣sellors arrive at Cardwell.] So that the lady and hire cownsaille, To Cardweille comen they, sauns faille.Line 5920 and whanne assembled they weren Echon, the kynges conseil and they Jn on, thanne let the kyng of hem Enqwere, Line 5924

what amendis that they wolden asken þere. [The king sends word to know what satisfaction they desire.] Line 5924 thanne answerede the ladyes conseil ageyn: "this was not owre comeng, jn certeyn, Forto asken here ony thyng, but to knowen the wyl of the kyng, [They say they will leave it with the king.] Line 5928 and what pes and what acord he wolde Maken for this worthy lord. and this is owre ladyes Entent, we seye ȝow, sires, now verament."Line 5932 thanne the cownseyl vppon the kynges side anon to the kyng comen that tyde, and tolden hym of the ladyes answere, that be hire conseyl sche seide there.Line 5936 and whanne the kyng herde al this, [The king thinks the duchess a wise lady.] a wys lady he held hire, J-wys. thanne clepyd he his Barowns Everichon, anon to conseyl thanne gonnen they gon,Line 5940 and axede of hem jn what Manere [He asks his barons to settle the peace.] they thowhten forto Maken þe pes þere. thanne answered the cownseyl ageyn: [They want to get out of it,] "we knowen non so wel, jn certeyn,Line 5944 that þe pes kan ordeynen and Make So wel ae ȝe for the dewkis Sake." thanne seide the kyng to hem there: [but the king insists.] "jn ȝowre ordenaunce j have put it here,Line 5948 and what that Evere to Me ȝe do, certeyn, j wele concenten þerto, and Neuere ȝowre ordenaunce j schal with-seye, what so Evere ȝe demen, jn feye!"Line 5952 thanne answerede the cownseil tho: "Sire, a gret charge ȝe putten vs vnto, [After much hesitation,] That we ne doren not vndirtake, But ȝif that Sewraunce ȝe Welen vs Make [leaf 111 a] Line 5956 that what so Evere we granten of the, there-offen to haven non Mawgre." thanne spak vlphyn with-owten taryeng: "j trowe that a fool ȝe holden the kyng,Line 5960 whanne ȝe welen not beleven his word, þat he to ȝow seith be his owne acord!" "ȝis, hym beleven we, ful Sekerlye, [they under∣take the task,] Line 5964

but of on thyng we wolden hym preye: [but desire Ulfin to be their helper and spokes∣man.] Line 5964 that ȝe with vs Myhten be this pes forto Enden feythfulle, and to discuren to the kyng what that Js owre conseillyng;Line 5968 and we after ȝoure conseil wil do, what so Evere belonge þerto."

Whanne the kyng herde hem axen this, [The king gladly] Semblaunce of gladnesse he Made, j-wys,Line 5972 and seide to vlphyn with wordis sadde: "A Riche Man j haue the Made, Ek Norsched, and wis þou art þerto; þerfore with hem schalt þou forth go [tells Ulfin to join the barons.] Line 5976 and conseille hem as thou best can, For j holde the a ful wys man." thanne seide vlphyn to the kyng: [Ulfin passes a remark on princes and their courtiers.] "Sire, j ȝow warne of on thyng:Line 5980 that kyng ne prynce owhte not to be to famulyer with his Meyne, Nethyr to lowliche he scholde hym Make the hertes of his Men forto take."Line 5984 thus wente vlphyn to cownseil anon, [Ulfin goes with the barons.] and alle the Barowns Everichon. and whanne Ensembled they weren jn fere, thanne axeden they of vlphyn thereLine 5988 what hym thowghte best to do. thanne seide vlphyn hem vnto: "wel weten ȝe that the kyng on vs hath put alle Manere of thyng.Line 5992 Now þerfore to the lady let vs now gon, [He wants them first to ascertain whether also the duchess will hold her∣self bound by their decision.] to weten ȝif that sche so wyle don!" thanne wente they forth anon jn hye to þat lady & to hire conseil, trewelye,Line 5996 and tolden hem of the kynges wylle, how he Ensured was hem vntylle and forto holden hym fully agre, what Ende so they Maden, Sykerle—Line 6000 "þerfore we comen to weten of ȝow here ȝif ȝe wylen don jn that Manere."

thanne answereden they, with-owten faille, [The counsel∣lors of the duchess having taken the matter into consider∣ation,] here-vppon it were good to taken consaille,Line 6004 and seiden anon hem be-twene that in better cas Myht it not bene thanne þe kyng to putten it on his lordynges, bothe high and lowh, of. alle Maner of thinges.Line 6008 "what Myhte the kyng bettere do? þerfore, lady, concenteth ȝe þerto!" So that this lady with-owten More [the duchess agrees,] Concented to here conseille thore.Line 6012 thanne was þere Mad Siker assuraunce [and assur∣ances are given on both sides.] on bothe partyes, with-owten variaunce. thanne to conseyl gonne þese barowns gon, and Ech of other enqwered anon;Line 6016 thanne Eche Man his avis gan seyn. Anon of vlphyn axeden they pleyn how him thowhte be here avys. [6019. MS. hem.] "Sires, Riht ful wel, as Men of prys! [Then Ulfin says:] Line 6020 Now myn avis j schal ȝow telle, and ȝe welen lestene to My spelle. [6022. ȝe added above the line.] wel weten ȝe the dewk ded was ["You know that the duke was killed innocently,] [leaf 111 b] [6023. ȝe through correction, daubed.] be the kynges strengthe jn that plas,Line 6024 And trespaced non thyng, As J ȝow seye, jn Non cawse, that he scholde deye, and that the lady Js left with childe, [his wife is left with child,] and þerto hire londis ben Mad bothe bare and wilde,Line 6028 and therto a good womman sche is, Sikerle, welful of wysdom and of Bownte. More over the dewkes Kynnes-Men also [and his kins∣men have suffered great losses; hence com∣pensation must be given.] Ful mochel harm & los han cawht þerto.Line 6032 and þerfore me Semeth Ryht good Resoun that the kyng hem Make Restetucioun, So that here love he Myhte have and jn his lond to dwellen More save. [6036. jn, j through correction.] Line 6036 On the tothir side ȝe knowen Echon, [On the other side, our king has no wife;] that owre kyng ne haveth wyf non, So that me semeth be Myn avys, Line 6040

the kyng ne May not wel Mendyn thys [therefore he ought to marry the duchess.] Line 6040 lasse thanne hire to his wif he take, [6041. wif added above the line.] and thus hire amendis forto Make; the wheche sohal torne hym to honour and of al his Rem to haven favour;Line 6044 For whanne they heren this jlke pes, they welen hym loven, with-owten les. and þat the dewkys dowhter wedden they wolde [Her daughter might be married to the king of Orkney."] To the kyng of orkanye with plente of golde;Line 6048 and alle þe Remenaunt of his Meyne, Ful wel agreed scholen they be, so þat they scholen holden hym for a Ryht wye kyng, and him loven and worschepen aboven alle thyng."Line 6052

"Now haven ȝe J-herde what J kan say; Now Ech Man his avis tellith, j ȝow pray, whethyr that ȝe welen concenten therto as j have here J-seid, owthir oþer-wyse do."Line 6056 thanne answerid they alle anon ageyn: [All consent,] "we concentyn therto, Jn certeyn, For the beste conseille thow hast J-told [and praise his counsel.] that ony Man Myhte Seyn jn this Mold!"Line 6060 "ȝet seyn ȝe not j-now," quod vlphyn tho, "but welen ȝe alle concenten therto, and ȝif ȝe seyn so Everychon, thanne with this answere forth wele j gon.Line 6064 ȝe sen wel þe kyng of orkeneye js here; on hym schal stondyn Mochel of My Matere." Thanne tolde vlphyn his avis [The king, in the presence of his people, it informed of the proposed conditions,] To-Forn the kyng and alle his. [6068. ād, corrected afterwards from an.] Line 6068 whanne the kyng herde this acord, anon he answerede and seide þis word: [6070. seide, MS. herde.] "what that Evere on Me that ȝe seye, [and accepts them.] J schal neuere breken this pes, Jn feye!"Line 6072 and whanne the tothyr partye herden this, they helden hem ful agreed, j-wys, and comen to the kynges tente, Line 6076

and the lady was aftyr sente, [Then all assemble.] Line 6076 and alle tho that at thike conseyl were, anon to-forn the kyng they comen there. thanne, whanne assembled they weren Echon, vlphyn there stood vp Ryht anon, [Ulfin re∣hearses the conditious of peace.] Line 6080 and amonges hem alle declared this pes Jn Every poynt, Er that he wolde ses, and axede of þe barowns, with-owten faylle: "was not this now ȝowre consaylle?"Line 6084 Anon therto they acordeden alle, [These are accepted by the duchess's party,] boþe that weren jn tente oþer jn halle. thanne seide vlphyn to the kyng: "how sey ȝe be this acordyng,Line 6088 thus to Maken these good mennes pes and Ek the ladyes here neuertheles?" "ȝis," quod the kyng anon tho, [avowed by king Uter,] "and the ladyes and here frendis concentyn þerto."Line 6092 "More Over We ben Acorded Jn fere [leaf 111 c] that kyng Loth of orcanye, that Js here, that the dewkis dowhter he schal wedde, and as a qwene to his lond ben ledde."Line 6096 thanne answered kyng loth ageyn, [and support∣ed by king Loth of Orkney.] and seide to hem there ful pleyn: "Sires, non thing scholen ȝe bydden me do, that j wele gladlich concentyn þerto,Line 6100 So that to the kynges honour it be oþer profyt to his crowne, certeynle!" thanne Spak vlphin to þe toþer partye, [The duchess's people] that on þe ladyes Side weren, trewelye,Line 6104 wheche weren ferst pytows & of hevy chere, and aftyr for joye they wepten there. [weep for joy,] and the same that answerede vlphyn thore, vnnethe myhte speken, he wepte so sore,Line 6108 and seide þat þer was neuere kyng ne kayser [praise the amends,] That bettere amendis Myhte Maken ther. thanne wente the cownseil and þe lady jn fere, and amonges hem they seiden thereLine 6112 that ther was neuere non Erthly Man that bettere amendis myht Maken than. [and extol the king's justice and truth.] "For so just and trewe we knowen þe kyng, Line 6116

that we welen acordyn to this Endyng!"Line 6116 and thus thanne was knyt vpe the pes on bothe partyes there, with-owten les. thus wedded vter pendragown [The two royal weddings take place on the 20th day after the king's nightly visit at Tyndagel.] Ygwerne, as tho was Resown,Line 6120 Evene vppon þe twentythe day after that with Ygwerne jn hire chambre he lay. and Ek the same day j-wedded was there kyng loth of orcanye with Merye chere;Line 6124 and vnder on feste bothe weren they holde with Manye knyhtes bothe worthy and bolde.

Thanne thus the kyng Ygwerne hadde, and to bedde with hym was ladde—Line 6128 Tyl that sche barnesched wondir faste. [When Ygwern's condition begins to be noticeable, the king says to her:] so that þe kyng hire axede atte laste, and a Nyht, as the kyng be hire lay, there thus to Ygwerne he gan to say:Line 6132 "hos is this child, My lady Milde, ["Whose is this child?] that ȝe gon with so grete with childe? For Myn ȝe knowen May jt not be, [It cannot be mine,] Sethen j ȝow weddede, ful sikerle;Line 6136 For jn scripture J-put it Js, as often as J ȝow knew, j-wys. And with the dewk with childe not ȝe be, [nor yet the duke's."] For hym Syen ȝe not, ful Sikerle,Line 6140 Many day to-forn that he ded was; with ȝow ne cam he jn non plas." and thus the kyng hire chalanged tho, whiche browht Ygwerne jn Mochel wo.Line 6144 so there anon, ful sore wepyngge, [Ygwern weeps,] answerede Igwerne to the kynge: "Non lesyng Schal j Maken, Sekerle, [declares that she will tell the truth,] what so Evere that ȝe don by Me;Line 6148 and that on Me ȝe haven Mercye, [and mplores his mercy.] For sekerly j ne Schal not lye; and More over forto Ensuren Me that ȝe Me Refusen Jn Non degre!"Line 6152 "seyth on," thanne quod the kyng, "and j wyle graunten ȝow ȝoure askyng;

so what so Evere that ȝe Me telle, [The king promises Ygwern not to reject her.] For nothing ȝow Forsaken j Nylle."Line 6156 Anon whanne that Ygwerne herde this, Ful joyful thanne was sche, j-wys. "Sire, of Merveilles J schal ȝow seyn, and the sothe tellen ȝow ful pleyn!"Line 6160 Thanne Anon gan sche to telle [leaf 111 d] [Ygwern tells of the nightly visit] how that aventure be hyre gan falle. sche seide, a Man, with-owten variaunce, [6163. variaūce, the second a through correction, large.] to hire cam Jn hire lordis Semblaunce,Line 6164 And with hym tweyne of his knyhtes Jn here owne Semblaunce owt-Ryhtes— "jn whiche of alle Men lyvenge My lord thanne trosted ouer alle thynge. [in her bed∣room.] Line 6168 and so jnto My chambre Entred he, that al My Meyne it dyde þere se. And so with Me he lay that Nyht, For My lord j wende it hadde ben Ryht.Line 6172 So that Nyht conceyved J was with this child, swich was My gras; and that same Nyht My lord was slayn, [6175. lord corrected afterwards from lor'.] This wot J wel, Sire kyng, certayn."Line 6176 thanne, whanne the kyng herde hire so telle, [The king re∣quests her to keep the matter quiet,] anon to hire he seyde ful snelle: "loke that ȝe kepen this preve From alle the peple jn cristiente.Line 6180 and ȝif that ȝe that thing discure, to ȝow it is schame, J ȝow Enswre. For wel ȝe knowen, ȝoure lordis jt Nys, Ne Myn Nethyr, with-owten Mys.Line 6184 Therfore J preye ȝow, graunt it to Me, [and to let him have the child, as soon as it is born.] anon as hit is j-born of the; and that ȝe wolde don My comandement, To deliueren hit to whom þat me list, verament."Line 6188 "Sire," quod thanne this lady so fre, "what Evere ȝow list, ȝe mown do be Me, and of Me haven al ȝowre wylle, what that Evere ȝe seyn Me vntylle!"Line 6192

On the Morwe tolde the kyng vlphyn anon [The king telle Ulfin.] of alle these Materis, how it dyde gon.

Thanne answerede vlphyn to the kyng: [Ulfin praises. the truthful∣ness and wis∣dom of the queen,] "now Mowen ȝe knowen Jn alle thingLine 6196 that ȝowre qweene is bothe trewe and wys, for of Brthly wommen sche berith the pris. Now wete ȝe wel sche doth not lye, Ne non blawndise Jn hire konne ȝe spye.Line 6200 and þerto hauen ȝe wel sped the Nede [and the pru∣dent measure taken by the king.] that ȝe hyhte Merlyne Jn othir stede, that thike same child he scholde have, were Jt a Maiden oþer were Jt knave."Line 6204 So Jnto vj Mownthis Jt abod stylle, [After six months, Merlin comes to Ulfin] Tyl that Merlyne cam vlphyn vntylle, and with vlphyn spak Jn prevyte of swiche thinges as desirede he.Line 6208 thanne desirede Merlyne ouer al thyng, Er þat he wente, to speken with the kyng. [and to the king.] And whanne asembled they weren Jn fere, thanne tolde the kyng Jn his ManereLine 6212 to Merlyne the wordis of the qweene, and what Resouns betwene hem hadde bene. thanne answered Merlyne anon ageyn [Merlin is satisfied with what has been done, so far,] To the kyng there, Jn certeyn,Line 6216 & saide þat—"vlphyn hath wel agreed þe pes of the dewkis deth, with-owten les; but of My Gylte am j not clere, [but wishes to expiate his own accom∣pliceship in the deceiving of the lady,] that j hire deseyvede Jn swich Manere,Line 6220 and wot Neuere hos that child Js with wheche sche goth, with-owten Mys!" thanne seide the kyng: "ful Sykerle, Merlyne, J wot, so wys that ȝe be,Line 6224 that ȝow ȝe welen aqwyten ful wel; this knowe j sekerlych Everydel." "ȝe Mosten me helpe," quod Merlyne, "þerto!" [and desires the king's aid to that end.] þe kyng seide: "gladliche that wyl j do,Line 6228 for wel wot j the child Moste ben ȝoure, hit Forto Norsche and to socowre." Anon spak Merlyne to the kyng than: Line 6232

"Jn this contre there Js A passing good Man, [leaf 112 a] ["There is in this country," says Merlin, "a passing good man (called An∣tron, l. 6520, or Ankor, l. 6472), with an excellent wife.] Line 6232 on the beste of thy Region here, and therto a good womman to his fere, the wisest and the Moste discreet, For of alle vertwes sche is Repleet.Line 6236 but hire lord js not þe Moste Richest Man, therefore, sire kyng, Not forthan J wolde that ȝe aftyr hym sente, [Send for the man, and give him of your goods, that his wife, who has just had a son, may take, your child,] and of ȝowre goodis him ȝeven, veramente!Line 6240 For his wyf jn Gesyne doth lye of a knave child, sire, ful Sekerlye. and that ȝe Myhten him so plese, that jn tyme comeng he Myhte ȝow Ese [6244. MS. comēng.] Line 6244 this child to kepe and to Norrye, that hym deliuered schal ben, sekerlye, and þat his wyves mylk Sowkyn hit May, and hire owne child to ben put away [and send her own out to be nursed by another woman."] Line 6248 Forto sowken Som othyr womman." thus seide Merlyne to the kyng than. thanne anon to Merlyne seide the kyng: "As thow wylt, hit schal ben Jn alle thyng!"Line 6252 thanne Merlyne, his leve he took anon, and to blayse his Maister he gan to gon. and the kyng sente aftyr this good Man, [The king sends for the man,] lyk as this Storye tellen ȝow kan.Line 6256 So whanne this goodman to cowrt was gon, the kyng, with hym there Mette he anon, and with hym gret Joye gan Make, [welcomes him heartily,] where-offen Merveille þe good Man gan take,Line 6260 that the kyng of hym so Mochel Made, and why that with hym he was so glade. "Now, goode dere frend," quod the kyng, [and says: "I must tell thee a great secret,] "Herkene now to Myn talkyng.Line 6264 Nedis j Moste discoveren to the a thing that Js of gret prevyte: of an aventure þat js Me befalle, J schal the tellen Ende and alle.Line 6268 and as thow art My lige Man, So be Myn helpe Jn that thou kan, [for I want thy help]

and conseyl to kepen hit to ȝowre powere, [and thy discretion.] and it neuere discuren. fer ne Nere!"Line 6272 To the kyng thanne seide this good Man tho: "Sire, ȝowre comaundement schal j do, and to My powere hit fulfille, what so Evere ȝe sein Me vntylle."Line 6276 "Thus Me dremede this oþer Nyht," [I dreamt the other night that thou art a very good man,] Seyde the kyng thanne to this knyht, "that thow were one the goode Man whiche is dwellyng jn My kyngdam.Line 6280 And so me thowhte on cam to Me, and Merveilles Me tolde, certeynle: Ferst that to Me ȝe been trewe lige Man, and that a child on ȝowre wif Engendred ȝe han, [and that thy wife has just had a child.] Line 6284 the whiche child, J-born it Js, as he me tolde, with-owten Mys. So that Man comaunded Me [Thou wert to send thy own child away,] þat jn alle wyse J scholde preyen theLine 6288 that thy chyld owt scholdest þou do [6289. MS. þ^u owt do, with owt crossed out afterwards.] To som oþer womman and Norschen it so. And thy wyf anothir child kepen scholde, [and let thy wife take another child instead, which will be brought to her."] and there-with to have plente of golde,Line 6292 the wheche child to hire schal ben browht; but there-offen the peple May weten nowht. Now do this, bewsire, j preye to the, and ful wel thy Mede j-qwyt schal be!"Line 6296

Whanne that the goodman herde this, anon to þe kyng he answerede, j-wys: [The man replies that it seems a wonderful thing,] "of a wondyr thyng ȝe axen Me, that Me semeth aȝens Nature scholde be,Line 6300 My chyld to Sowken ony oþer womman but his owne Modyr that bar hym than. ȝyt Nevertheles, Sire, this Wyle J do: [leaf 112 b] [but says he will speak to his wife,] asayen ȝif þat My wyf concente þerto.Line 6304 And ȝit of on thing J wolde ȝow preye: whanne þat child scholde be born, me for to seye, [and inquires when it is to be.] and whanne Jt scholde be browht to Me; of this wolde J knowen the certeinte."Line 6308

than answerede the kyng ful snelle: [The king can give no particulars,] "sire, thereoffen the soþe can j not telle." Anon answerede aȝen this good Man, and to the kyng there seide he than:Line 6312 "what thing jn this world ȝe comaunden Me, J wyle it don, that May plesen the!" thanne ȝaf hym the kyng gret ȝiftes thore, [but makes fine presents.] For whiche this goodman abascht hym ryht sore.Line 6316 And hom to his wyf he goth ageyn, [The man goes home.] and of alle this Mater telleth hire ful pleyn, whiche sche jt thowhte a straunge thyng: [His wife likewise finds the demand strange.] hire owne child owt to putten jn Norscheng,Line 6320 and sche anothir child to susteyne & fynde; this thowhte þe lady it were aȝens kynde. thanne answerede this goodman ful Mildely, [But the man urges their duty to their king,] and seide to his wyf, that was hym by:Line 6324 "there is non thyng that longeth hym to, but Nedis for owre lord we Mosten Jt do. and þerto so Moche tresor and Fe [also the king's pre∣sents] he hath vs ȝoven, dame, certeynle.Line 6328 More ouer vs hath he behoten to do [and promises.] what thyng that vs behoveth also. and þerfore j wele that we fulfylle Jn alle thinges the kynges wylle.Line 6332 and ȝit More ouer j wyle also that certeyn, wyf, ȝe concenten herto!" thanne answerede anon this goode womman, and to hire lord & souerayn seide sche than:Line 6336 "My sovereyn," sche seide, "ȝowre owne am J, [The wife submits implicitly,] and so Js also this chyld, trewly, and there-fore with vs do ȝe ȝowre wylle, For ȝowre comaundement am j Redy to fulfille.Line 6340 for on thing J hote ȝow now certeinle: aȝens ȝowre wille schal j Neuere be, as ferforth as j have wyt oþer konnenge!" thanne Reioysched this goodman Jn alle thynge,Line 6344 and preyde his wyf ful tendirlye [and they make prepar∣ations for receiving the child.] that a Norse to geten hire Jn hye here child to Norschen with honour, So that he Myhte kepen both tyme & owr,Line 6348

that whanne the tothir to hym were sent, he Redy to ben purveyed, verament. thus this goodman thanne purveyed was his child to ben Norsched Jn honest plas.Line 6352 And also the kyng Sawgh be his qwene [The queen's time draws near.] that hire delyveraunce sone scholde bene. And also the day to-forn hire chyldyng thedyr cam Merlyn, with-owten lesyng, [Merlin comes to Ulfin,] Line 6356 and prevyliche spak with vlphyn there, and to hym seyde Jn this Manere: "vlphyn, J alowe ful Mochel the kyng, that so wysly hath ordeyned for this thing."Line 6360 And thanne to the qweene he bad hym go, [and wishes the queen to know that she shall be delivered next day, after mid∣night,] & not to taryen, with-owten wordis Mo, there to ȝeven warneng of hire childyng and ek of hire delyveraunce, with-owten lesyng,Line 6364 that Sekerly deliuered scholde sche be on the Morwen aftyr Mydnyht—"as j telle the; Ek that thow comaunde that lady so bryht [and that she must hand over the child to the first man found at the hall door.] that child to deliueren anon RyhtLine 6368 To the ferst Man that they konnen fynde atte the halle dore there stondynge." And whanne vlphyn herde hym speken so, Ful sone axede of hym vlphyn tho:Line 6372 "Wylt thow not spekyn With the kyng?" [leaf 112 c] "No, sire," quod Merlyne, "with-owten lesyng!" Anon to the kyng vlphyn cam tho, [Ulfin informs the king.] and hym tolde how Merlyne wolde do.Line 6376 Anon as the kyng herde this, wel mochel joye he hadde, j-wys. "Ne wyl not Merlyne with Me speke, Er from this cowrt that he gynne Reke?"Line 6380 thanne answerede vlphyn to hym ageyn, and seide: "sire kyng, no, Jn certeyn; but doth as he hath comanded ȝow, For it wil tornen to ȝoure prow!"Line 6384 Anon the kyng cam to the qwene, [The king speaks to his spouse.] and of prevyte spak hem betwene: "dame, of on thyng J schal warnen the: that Myn comandement fulfyllen ȝe."Line 6388

"worthy lord," quod the qwene tho, "ȝoure comaundement now wyl j do." "To Morwen aftyr the Mydnyht, [The king re∣peats Merlin's prediction] be the helpe of god almyht,Line 6392 thanne delyuered scholen ȝe be, as j ȝow seye now Sykerle. and of on thing J ȝow preye: that whanne Jt is born, be ony weye [and com∣mand,] Line 6396 To on of ȝowre prevyest wommen that anon hyt be delyvered then, and that sche take that chyld so kynde To the ferste Man that sche doth fynde;Line 6400 and that ȝe comaunden that persone [and enjoins secrecy,] that thedyr with that child doth gone, that sche ȝow discure jn non degre, how that of chyld deliuered ȝe be.Line 6404 For thanne the peple wolde seyn [to keep people from talking.] Jt were neuere Myn, Jn certeyn; No more it were lyk so forto be, Faire lady, sethen that j wedded the."Line 6408 "Sire kyng," quod this lady thanne, "Ho hit Engendred, j not what Manne; þerfore wyl j don ȝowre comandement, [The queen promises to obey.] as womman that is schamed, verament,Line 6412 of the grete Mis-aventure that to me is happed, j ȝow Ensure. but of on thyng sore wondryth Me: [She wonders, howerer, at the king knowing so well of her delivery.] to myn deliueraunce ȝe ben so preve."Line 6416 "Now j ȝow preye," quod þe kyng tho, "algates My comandement that ȝe do." "ȝis, worthy lord, with-owten stryf, ȝif so be þat god graunte Me lyf!"Line 6420

Thus departyd bothe kyng and qwene of the conseyl that was hem be-twene, and the qweene abod þere goddis grace. So that on the Morwen, jn that place, [Next evening, the queen feels the throes.] Line 6424 at Evensong tyme of the belle, jn hire wombe felte sche throwes ful snelle, and travailled forth al that Nyht Line 6428

jnto þat owr as the kyng tolde hire Ryht.Line 6428 so that be goddis helpe delyuered sche was aftyr Midnyht, as happed the cas. [After mid∣night the child is born.] And anon as that child was þere bore, a prevy womman clepyd sche to hire thore, [The queen tells a woman] Line 6432 and Seide: "com hydyr, My dere frend, do take this child bothe Faire and hend, [to take the child to the hall door, hand it over to the man whom she shall meet there,] and bere Jt to the halle dore anon, and there a man schole ȝe fynden son.Line 6436 For what Man so Evere he be, this child hym deliuere, j preye the. And that Man that ȝe wel beholde, [leaf 112 d] [and notice carefully what kind of a man he is.] Of What Manere of kynde He ben scholde.Line 6440 goth now and doth as J ȝow preye!" "ȝis, Sikyr, lady!" this womman gan seye. this womman took that child anon, [The woman obeys.] and jnto Riche clothes sche dede it don,Line 6444 and so browht hit to the halle dore, where as a ful old Man fond sche thore, [At the door she finds an ugly old man (Merlin),] that onlovely was of Face & lere, and seide: "Sire, what bydest thou here?"Line 6448 "J abyde that thou hast me browht, [who says he is waiting for what she brings.] For ellis hydyr hadde j comen nowht." "what answere schal j ȝeven My lady so dere, to whom j have be-taken hire child here?"Line 6452 thanne answerede hire this old Man tho: "what that j am, hast thou not to do, [He refuses to give further information,] but do that thou comaunded were: deliuere me the chyld þat thow hast þere!"Line 6456 thanne took sche hym this chyld anon, [and dis∣appears with the child.] and thussone from hire was he gon, that sche ne wyst jnto whiche plase. tho aȝen sche wente as comen sche wase, [The woman returns to the queen and tells her what has happened.] Line 6460 and tolde the lady bothe word and Ende, how sche hadde delyverid þat chyld so hende To Ryht a passyng ful old Man— "but what he was, telle j ne can,Line 6464 For as sone as the child he Nam, Syker, j ne wyste where he becam." thanne was the qwene of hevy chere, [The queen is sad.] Line 6468

and fulsore Mornede & wepte there.Line 6468 but he that the chyld hadde tho, [Merlin goes with the child to its intended foster-father, Ankor (or Antron),] ful faste jn his weye he gan to go, Tyl that he cam to this good Man, that Ankor there was clepyd than.Line 6472 And as to Masse ward as he wente, [who is just on his way to mass.] God to Serven with good Entente, thanne took Merlyne a-nothyr Semblaunce, [Merlin appears to Ankor in another shape: that of a nice old man.] of a fayr old Man, with-owten variaunce.Line 6476 Thanne clepyd Merlyne that good Man þere, and seide: "Ankor, com speke with me here." "j come to ȝow," quod Ankor tho, "with good wille to speken ȝow vnto."Line 6480 quod þis old Man: "j have þe browht a chyld, [He gives him the child.] whiche that Js bothen Mek and Myld; and that thow it kepe as Richely [asks him to keep it well,] and as thin owne þou wost don tendirly.Line 6484 loke that ȝe don as j ȝow say, and gret profyt schalt þou hauen, with-owten delay, [and promises him great rewards.] and Ek thyn Eyres Encresyd scholen be, as j the Seye, Sire, ful certeinle."Line 6488 "A," quod Ankor, "j trowe this be he [Ankor under∣stands that the child is the one spoken of by the king.] that the kyng spak offen to Me." "So is hit, Ankor, with-owten faylle, as j the here telle jn consaylle,Line 6492 For hit js the preyere of the kyng and of goode ladyes, with-owten lesyng." thanne took Ankor this chyld so fre, that was so ȝong and ful of bewte,Line 6496 and axede of this old Man there ȝif that this child owht crystened were. "Nay, but do thow it cristene anon [Merlin tells Ankor to have it christened,] jn this Mynstre, Er thou ferthere gon."Line 6500 thanne axede Ankor of hym tho what Name he scholde ȝeven hym vnto. "Nemne hym Arthewr, j preye to the; [and to call it Arthur.] For mochel worschepe by hym schalt þou seLine 6504 and ful gret Encres to the and thyne, and thow hit worschepe & hit propyne. So thanne vnnethis schalt thou knowe [leaf 113 a] Line 6508

Whethyr þou love him bettere oþer thyn owne."Line 6508 thanne axede Ankor of this good Man [Ankor asks Merlin who he is.] what he was, and whennes þat he cam— "And whom schal j sey that this child took Me? of this, leve Sire, Now preye j the."Line 6512 thanne answerede this olde Man ageyn: [Merlin gives no informa∣tion about himself.] "of me ne knowest thow no More, certeyn!" and so departyd they asondyr Ryht tho; [6515. so, MS. se.] thanne Eche Jn his weye forth gan to go.Line 6516 So that Ankor cristenede that child anon, [The child ia christened,] and Arthewr him clepyd þere thus son. This Man that Ankor here j-clepyd Js, his propre Name Js Antron, with-owten Mys.Line 6520 thanne Antron to his wyf hyede ful faste [taken to Ankor's home,] (that child hire to brynge hadde he gret haste), and seide: "dere wif, lo, this chyld here of which to ȝow j spak Thanne Ere! "Line 6524 thanne answerede this goode lady anon: "To Me, Sire, hit is Ryht welcom." Anon this faire chyld took sche there, [and well received by his wife.] and axede ȝif hit cristened were.Line 6528 he seide: "ȝe, dame," thanne, "certeinly!" thanne took sche the child and leide it hire by, and dyde hit Sowken of hire pappe anon, & hire owne to Norrye putte owt thus son.Line 6532 thanne longe aftyr lyvede vter pendragon [After this, king Uter lives happily for several years. Eventually, he gets the gout,] with Reste and pes Jn that Regyown. So atte laste thanne hit be-fylle that the Gowte cam hym vntylle,Line 6536 and hym held bothen Jn hondis and feet, So þat be non wyse hit Nolde hym leet; Jn whiche Mene while, as j ȝow say, his Enemyes vp aryveden on a day, [and is attacked by enemies.] Line 6540 and jn his lond dyden gret owtrage and Ek to his peple ful gret damage. thanne sente the kyng to his barowns anon, [He summons his barons.] and cownseilled with hem Everychon,Line 6544 preyeng hem with al his Myht

hym to helpe avenge jn his Ryht, and to-Gederis they wolden gon, as trewe lordis for here kyng scholde don.Line 6548 Anon they seiden, with Ryht good wylle [The barons promise their help,] his preyere thanne they wolde fulfylle. thanne Reden these lordis forth anon, and with here Enemyes they Metten thusson, [and encounter the enemies,] Line 6552 that a gret partye of the lond they hadden j-treted jnto here hond. thanne this Meyne vppon þe kynges side with here Enemyes asembled that tyde.Line 6556 Anon thussone j-scomfyt they were, [but are de∣feated.] and Mochel of here peple losten there. whanne this bode was browht to þe kyng, thanne jn his herte Made he Morneng. [The king grieves.] Line 6560 so they that leften of the bataylle, to the kyng they comen, with-owten faille. and the tothir partye Enforsede hem faste, So that furthere jnto the lond ben they paste.Line 6564 Thanne Merlyne, that knew of alle this thyng, [Then Merlin arrives.] Ful faste he hyede hym to the kyng. Anon as Pendragown Merlyne þere say, [The king filled with joy and hope,] Ful Mochel joye Made he that day,Line 6568 and thowhte of Merlyne comfort to haue, be wheche his Rem he hopede to Save. And whanne that Merlyne to-fore hym cam, anon be the hond he hym Nam. [welcomes him,] Line 6572 thanne Merlyne hym axede of his chere, why that he thanne so hevy were— "ȝyt Wel J Wot that syk ȝe be, [leaf 113 b] and fulsore afrayed, as thinketh Me."Line 6576 thanne answerede Pendragoun aȝen tho: "Merlyne, ful good Encheson j haue perto, [and tells him his distress.] For Myn owne Men Mi lond distroye, that j wende wolden me nowht anoye,Line 6580 and slayn My Men þere jn bataylle, that litel j wende wolde me asaylle." "Now," quod Merlyn, "here Mown ȝe se ["Battle with∣out a head cannot be," says Merlin.] þat bataille with-owten hed May not be."Line 6584 "Thanne, for goddis love," quod the kyng,

"Merlyne, conseille me now of this thing!" Anon seide Merlyne to hym ageyn: [Merlin con∣tinues:] "on thing j schal telle the for certeyn,Line 6588 whiche word trewe proved schal be, ȝif that thou now wilt leven Me. Do semblen alle thy peple anon, ["Assemble thy forces,] and that to-gederis that they fast gon.Line 6592 Anon as they ben sembled jn fere, thanne do the ordeyn an hors bere, [go with them on a horse litter,] and to bataylle with hem thou go aȝens thyn Enemyes, þat thou do so.Line 6596 For wete thou now wel, jn certeyne, hem schalt thou ouercomen, ful pleyne. [and thou shalt be victorious.] and whanne thou hast don this bataylle, thanne scha[l]t þou wel knowen, with-owten faille, [6600. MS.schat.] Line 6600 what vaylleth the Lond þat js lordles, whanne hit hath Nede Rankewr to ses. Aȝens the Lond that hath Sovereyn, hit lyte avaylleth, j telle the pleyn.Line 6604 and whanne this bataylle thow hast j-do, [After the battle,] herk me now what j sey the vnto: departe thy good Jn dyvers Manere [distribute thy goods for the benefit of thy soul,] For thi sowle, whiles þat þou lyvest here,Line 6608 and to the pore ȝyve thou thy tresor. & why j seye, wilt thou se wherfor? For j hit knowe wel jn My Mynde that þou Myht not longe lyven be kynde. [for thou canst not live long.] Line 6612 therfore j wele that þou schalt knowe of hem that grete goodis han be Rowe, [Whoever leaves great riches behind,] and deyen, and leven hem behynde, & vppon here Sowles haven [not] Mynde [6616. MS.haven mynde.] Line 6616 that to departen jn here lyvenge to pore jn here Sowles fortherynge, j sey, that good after here departyng, hit nys not here, with-owten lesyng, [gives them up to persons who care but little for his soul.] Line 6620 but here it is, & moche More therto, that for here sowlis litel wil do. For wete þou wel with-owten dwere Line 6624

that þe devel to the schal apere, [The devil will appear to thee. He appears more particularly to rich people who do not give, while they are still alive.] Line 6624 and specyaly to hem that han tresor, that to powre wil not depart to-for, whiles that they ben on lyve here; hit vailleth hem not, with-owten dwere.Line 6628 and þou that Nedis Mostest here deye, j the warne, Sire, now certeinlye, Thy good departe, thy soule to save, Jn hevene blysse the joye to have.Line 6632 For the joye of this world here [The joy of this world is nothing.] aȝens that js nowht, in non manere. and for why, j schal tellen to the, ȝif that þou wylt now lesten to Me:Line 6636 jn this world hath non Man so gret joye, [It falls.] that hit ne schal faylle and hym anoye; [6638. ne crossed out, but dotted underneath.] and jn the tothir js joye Endeles, [But heavenly joy lasts.] that Evere is dureng, & schal neuere ses.Line 6640 and ho that disseise Suffreth here, To him jn hevene js Restored there."

"Thanne Moste Eche Man Jn His Degre, [leaf 113 c] [Each man of property must do something to earn ever∣lasting life. All the more thou, whom God has sent so great wealth.] that God to hath graunted lond oþer fe,Line 6644 loke that he purchase Jn this lyf here the lyf Evere lastyng Elleswhere. than thou, that hast so Mochel Richesse of tresowr, of Goold, an of prowesse,Line 6648 and al God hath sent the by grase, bethenk the in how lytel a spase! J haue the loved ful Many a day, [I have loved thee long;] and ȝit J do, with-owten delay.Line 6652 but ho loveth the so trewelye [but who loves thee so truly as thou oughtat to love thyself?] as thou thy-self owhtest, pleynlye? J have the told hit vndirfonge: aftir this victory lyvest þou not longe.Line 6656 For alle þe thinges that þou kanst Make, [All is in vain, if the end is not good.] Nis but a good Ende forto take. and thowh alle þe good þat þou Myht do, but ȝif thin Ende be good therto,Line 6660

Ellis art thou Jn weye of lesyng, Forsothe j the telle now, sire kyng. and thowgh [thou] alle thy lyve hast lyved Mys [Even after a sinful life,] [6663. MS. thowgh ałł.] and put thy sowle Jn gret distres,Line 6664 thanne, ȝif that thyn Ende good be, [if the end is good, all shall be forgiven.] Forȝevenesse getest thou, sekerle. Also j do the to vndirstonde that nowht berest þou owt of thi londe— [Nothing takest thou with thee from earth except de∣votion and alms-deeds.] [6668. owt, t added above the line.] Line 6668 but onliche worschepe & almesdede, owt of thy lond schalt þou not lede. For almesse with-owten worschepe do aȝens god ne vaylleth not a slo.Line 6672 Now j have declared thy lyvenge; and thi qween Js ded, with-owte lesenge; [Thy queen is dead,] and Neuere oþer schalt thou haue Non, but whanne þou of this world dost now gon,Line 6676 Thy lond with-owten Eyr Most abyde. [thou hast no heir, therefore think of thine own soul.] therefore to thy-self loke at this tyde, and loke, be thy sowle wel that thou do, Er that this world thow passe now fro.Line 6680 thus from the, Sire, wile j now gon, For More with the have j not to don; And Sey to vlphyn that he Me leve, [Tell Ulfin to believe in me."] For here-aftyr he schal it preve!"Line 6684 thanne vter pendragoun spak ageyn: [The king inquires further about the horse∣litter,] "Merlyne, me thowhte J herde ȝow seyn that j jn an hors bere to ben save aȝens Myn Enemys & victorye have.Line 6688 but, Merlyne, j prey the, telle Me here [about the good deeds he is to do,] how god to ȝelden & what Manere." "Syre, j the Sey, Make thou good Ende, and thanne to blysse thy sowle schal wende.Line 6692 Fareth wel, non lengere J tarye with the, but after þe bataylle thou thenk on Me." Thanne axede vter Pendragon [and after his son Arthur.] aftyr ȝonge arthewr, that was his son.Line 6696 Thanne answered Merlyne to hym tho: "Of hym hast thow not now forto do,

For he is become a fair ȝong Man, [Merlin tells the king that Arthur has become a handsome, well-bred young man.] and Mochel Norture forsothe he kan."Line 6700 Thanne axede the kyng hym hertyle ȝif Evere his sone he scholde owht se. "ȝe," quod Merlyne, "ones, Jn fay, and Neuere More aftyr that day! "Line 6704

Thus departyd Merlyne and þe kyng, [After Merlin's departure,] as j ȝow seye with-owten leseng. the kyng let Somowne his ost anon [the king summons his forces,] vppon his Enemyes forto gon,Line 6708 and let hym leggen jn on hore bere, [goes with them in a horse-litter,] as ȝe to-fore herden telle here. thanne there thus sembled batailles two, And Mochel Harm Was there J-do. [leaf 113 d] Line 6712 So that be the cownseyl of here kyng of here Enemyes hadden they conqweryng, [and wins the battle.] and of hem Slowen ful gret plente, that ful gret deol it was to Se;Line 6716 And the Rem was set Jn Reste and pes, & Neuere aftyr jn his tyme non distres. thanne thowhte the kyng of Merlynes Sawe, that to the deth ward scholde he drawe.Line 6720 Anon faste to Londone he gan hye, [He then goes to London,] and sente aftyr his Tresorye, and jn his Rewm he delt jt faste, [and dis∣tributes his goods amongst the poor,] whiles his lif Jn Erthe dyde laste,Line 6724 and gret almesse to powre dyde he with his owne hondis, Ful Sykerle. and the Remnawnt of vn-Mevable good [and by the advice of Holy Church,] that jn his Lond bothe lay and stood,Line 6728 aftyr the cownseille of holy chirche he hit disposede, there-with to wirche. and thus his good departyd the kyng, that to hym-Self he lefte non thyng [keeping nothing for himself.] Line 6732 where-offen he Myhte haven Remembraunce, that he Jt ne delte (swich was his chaunce) For the love of god & his Modyr dere Be Merlynes cownseyl Jn this Manere.Line 6736

Fvl Meek and bonewre was the kyng aȝens God and the world, with-owten lesyng; and also to the peple of holy chirche Evere ful humbely Gan he wirche.Line 6740 So that thus longe Syk he lay, [The king is long sick.] Tyl that hit happede vppon a day that al his peple j-sembled were [His people are assem∣bled about him.] at the cyte of londone alle jn fere,Line 6744 and for his deth Made gret Morneng, that so sone deyen scholde the kyng— For they knewen wel, ful certeynlye, That Nedis the kyng Moste dye,Line 6748 For of thre dayes he ne spak [When he has lain speech∣less for three days, Merlin arrives.] To hem non word, with-owten lak— Thanne cam Merlyne thedyr anon, that alle these thynges knew Echon.Line 6752 thanne comen they to Merlyn alle, [The people say to him that the king is dead.] and tolden hym how it was befalle, & how that the kyng was ded, thus they hym tolde Jn that sted—Line 6756 "whiche that ȝe loveden so wel, and ek to ȝow was so good and lel." "ȝe seyn not wel," quod Merlyne thanne, [But Merlin replies: "A man who has done so much good, cannot die.] "He ne may not deyen, so good a manne,Line 6760 That so good Ende here doth Make, and so moche deleth for goddis Sake. Neþer hym-self nys not ȝit ded, [And king Uter is not dead."] al-thowgh he seme as blw as led."Line 6764 Thanne they hym tolde þat—"he ne spak [The people say that the king cannot speak.] thre dayes non word, with-owte lak, Ne neuere schal speken jn this world!" thus to Merlyne seiden they with on acord.Line 6768 thanne seide Merlyne: "be goddis Myht [Merlin replies that they shall hear him speak once more.] J hym schal don speken this Nyht. Cometh now on, and Seweth Me, and hym speken scholen ȝe heren and se."Line 6772 "thanne js hit the grettest Merveille that Evere we Syen, with-owten faylle!" that jnto the chambre gonnen they gon, [They all go into his room.] and opened the wyndowes Everychon.Line 6776

thanne seiden they to the kyng Jn fere: [The people inform the dying king that Merlin has come.] [leaf 114 a] "Lo, Sire, Merlyne Js comen to ȝow here, That ȝe Weren Wonted to loven so Wel, and he hath ȝow hit qwyt Every del."Line 6780 thanne to hymward tornede the kyng [The king recognises him.] with al his strengthe and his konneng, and contenaunce Made there to Merlyne, so that he hym knew ful wel a[nd] fyne. [6784. MS. afyne.] Line 6784 thanne spak Merlyne to the peple anon, [Merlin asks the people to draw close to the bed∣side.] bothe to temperal & speritwal Everichon, and seide: "Sires, draweth ȝow now Nere that desiren ȝowre kyng to speken to here."Line 6788 thanne axeden they Merlyne howhe that myhte be. "Cometh," quod Merlyne, "and stondyth be Me!"

Thanne wente Merlyne to the beddis hed, [Merlin whis∣pers into the kings's ear:] and there to the kyng spak Jn that sted,Line 6792 Softely Rowneng Jn the kynges Ere: "Sire, a fair Ende hast thow Mad here, ["Sire, a fair end hast thou made."] ȝif hit Jn thy conciense now be as thy Semblaunce here scheweth to Me.Line 6796 And on thyng J telle the Jn certeyne: that be goddis grace aftyr the schal Regne [After thee shall reign Arthur, thy son,] Arthewr, that Js thy sone so fre; of al this Rewm kyng schal he be,Line 6800 and he schal fulfylle the table Rownde, [and he shall fill the round table."] whiche that be the now Js here fownde." And whanne the kyng herde this, Ful sone to hym ward he torned, j-wys, [The king turns round, and asks them all to pray for him.] Line 6804 and preide the peple Everychon To God alle for hym to preyen anon. thanne seide Merlyne anon with-al: "this þe laste word that Evere speken he schal!"Line 6808 thanne wondreden alle that weren there, how that he spak Jn Swich Manere. And so that Nyht he Made his Ende, [The same night, the king dies.] & to hevene blysse his Sowle gan wende.Line 6812 Anon alle the prelacye of that lond

with alle the Baronage, as j vndirstond, [The king is buried.] jn the Most worschepful and Reverent Gyse they hym beryeden as they cowde devyse.Line 6816 So was that lond with-owten Eyr. And on the Morewen to-gederys the[y] gonne Repeir, [Next morn∣ing, the prelates and the barons] [6818. MS. the.] of holy chirche al the prelacye and alle the Baronage, with-owten lye,Line 6820 Jn a paleys that cristene hyhte; there sembleden bothe clerk & knyhte, [assemble to choose a successor,] and token cownseyl hem be-twene how that the peple Governed schold bene,Line 6824 but Jn non wyse acorden they Myhte. [but cannot agree.] thanne be-spak a ful gentyl knyhte: "let vs alle be comowne asent clepen Merlyne to cownseyl, þat js present;Line 6828 For he Js bothen wis and Ek Redy Good cownseil to ȝeven vs, trewely!" So that thus acordid they alle jn fere, [They then resolve to send for Merlin.] and aftyr Merlyne anon senten there.Line 6832

Whanne that Merlyne to-forn hem comen was, [Chap. VI. Merlin arrives before the assembly,] to hym they seyden there jn that plas: "For a wis Man, Sire, we the knowe, and oure kyng hast thou loved a gret throweLine 6836 Ek therto, Sire, thou knowest Ryht wel that Governour han we neuere a del. For a lond with-owten Governour May not Enduren aȝens ony schowr.Line 6840 wherfore, sire Merlyne, we the preye, [and is re∣quested to find them a king.] al this hol cownseille, Sire, Jn feye, vs to chesen swich a governowr the prelacye to plesen, the Rem to honour,Line 6844 and jn Savacyoun of the peple also!" Anon thanne Merlyne spak hem vnto: [He modestly promises to give them his advice.] [leaf 114 b] "J Nam not worthy Jn Non degre Non swich Maner thing to taken on Me,Line 6848 Nethir non Governowr forto chese, but be my wyt J schal don ȝow Ese,

ȝif that ȝe wilen acorden to Me; herketh now what my cownseil schal be!"Line 6852 they seiden to hym the[y] wolden asente, [All declare they will follow Mer∣lin's advice.] [6853. MS. the.] alle the hole cownseyl, veramente. "This Rewm J have loved," quod Merlyn, "and Ek al the peple that Js there-Jn.Line 6856 ȝe knowen ful wel al jn fere that ȝowre kyng now ded Js here, ["Your king died at Martinmas," says Merlin.] which deide atte qwynȝyme of seint Martyn this knowen ȝe alle wel and fyn.Line 6860 And hennes Jnto cristemasse ["Christmas is coming,] we ne haven but Ryht a schort spasse. and ȝif ȝe wilen don aftyr My cownsaille, J schal ȝow Seyen, with-owten faylle, [and I will tell you what to do.] Line 6864 God to worschepen, the world to plese, and to ȝowre hertes bothe joye and Ese." thanne seiden they alle to hym ageyn, to hym they wolden concenten, certeyn.Line 6868 "ȝe vndirstondyn alle ful wel that now cometh the feste of nowel, [At Christmas our Lord was born.] jn whiche the goode Lord was bore, that savede hem þat weren forlore.Line 6872 and as he Js lord over alle thyng, Ek aboven alle oþer he is kyng; and as verrayly as a Maiden hym bere, of good cownceylle preye ȝe him here!Line 6876 For j dar be borewgh, and ȝe him preye [If you pray to Him, with good and humble hearts,] jn this Manere as j ȝow seye, and that Eche Man preye jn his degre with good herte and jn hvmylyte:Line 6880 lik as he was born Jn this feste, ȝowre preieris to heren, of Mest and leste, [to hear your prayers] and as kyng of kynges he was bore, ȝoure Symple preieris to heren thore,Line 6884 and as of alle thynges he is Governour, ȝow a kyng to chesen of honowr, [and to give you a king by some token,] that at this Feste chosen Myhte be be som tokeneng that they Myhten se,Line 6888

the peple to governe and god to plese, and Ek the Rem to setten Jn Ese, So that the peple knewen aryhte [6891. MS. knowē Myhte aryhte, with o corrected into e, and Myhte crossed out.] that the Lecciown were be goddis Myhte—Line 6892 and ȝif ȝe wylen don as J ȝow seye, Som tokeneng scholen ȝe haven, certeinleye! [you cer∣tainly shall have such a token."] thanne seiden they, so god hem Save, Jt was the beste cownseil that they myhten have—Line 6896 "For there Nys non Man Erthliche bore that bettyr cownseille myhte ȝeven þerfore." thanne alle the clergyse there anon [The clergy ordain prayers throughout the kingdom.] thorwgh the Rewm dyde Notyse thus sonLine 6900 that Jn Every chirche and abbeye bothe Riche and powre scholden preye, what thorwgh here preyere and holychirche, God to hem Som Miracle scholde werche.Line 6904 herto acordid they al jn fere, and Merlyne of hem his leve took þere [Then Merlin takes leave.] Jnto othir contres forto gon. thanne axeden they Merlyne anonLine 6908 ȝif that this thyng trewe scholde be. "ȝe, j hope," quod Merlyne, "Sykerle! For no More Nyle j comen ȝow to, Tyl that the Elecciown be j-do."Line 6912 thanne wente Merlyne to blayse jn haste, [Merlin goes to Blasy.] and of these Merveilles told hym faste; And of thinges that to comen Were, [leaf 114 c] To his Maystir Blasye tolde he there.Line 6916 and thereby haven we now knowenge of alle these Materis, with-owten varyenge. thanne anon alle the Barownye [The barons and the prelates go to London] and also forth-with the clergyeLine 6920 To Londone wenten al jn fere there forto Maken here preyere, and there abyden jnto cristemasse [for Christ∣mas.] jn here preyeris, bothe More & lasse.Line 6924 And Antron, that Norsched hadde Arthowr, atte halwentyd with gret honour

his owne sone let dubben a knyht. [Antron, who has had his son (kay) knighted at All-Hallows,] and Arthewr was woxen bothe strong & wyht,Line 6928 and was past Sevene ȝer old, Ek þerto was he bothe wyhte and bold; and his owne Sone he dide hym calle, For so wende Arthewr it hadde befalle,Line 6932 and that his fadyr he hadde j-be, & thus wende Arthewr, ful sikerle. So that Antron to Londone gan go, [also goes to London with his children.] and with hym his children bothe two.Line 6936

Thanne vppon the Even of cristemasse [On Christmas eve, there is a large congregation,] there sembled the peple More and lasse, bothe the clergye and the baronage and Manye a Man of hygh parage,Line 6940 to fulfille Merlynes comaundement, that he hem bad with good Entent. For but Symple lif ledden they there, and fulstedfast weren jn here preyere [praying steadfastly to God for a ruler.] Line 6944 To God for swich a governour the cristene to defende Jn Eueri schowr and cristes lawe to Meingteigne, The lond to Governe and to susteigne.Line 6948 And thus abyden they, tyl Masse was don, gret Multitude of peple and Manion. And Some seiden that Folys they were [some, how∣ever, consider such prayers foolish.] Swich Maner of preieris to Makyn there.Line 6952 "what, wene ȝe," quod somme, "that God almyht here kyng to chesen down wolde alyht? lo, these folis wenen for here preiere be Miracle a kyng to hauen here!"Line 6956 thus the Masse there gan he Synge, a ful holy man, wel faste preyenge. and ȝit Er that he the Masse bigan, [Before mass, a holy man addresses the people: "You are assembled here] To alle that peple spak he than:Line 6960 "Here Jn this plase assembled ȝe ben For thre Skelis, as ȝe schole Sen, and for ȝoure profyt Everywhare, and which they ben, J schal ȝow declare: [for the weal of your souls,] Line 6964 Ferst for the hele of ȝoure sowles alle,

and aftyr for ȝoure worschepe, how so befalle, [for the wor∣ship of God,] The thrydde to knowen oure Lordis Myht, that God to ȝow wile schewen be RyhtLine 6968 of the Eleccyown of oure kyng, [and for the election of a king.] thys to sen be ȝoure preyeng, which schal ben ȝoure gouernowr and lord and holy chirche to sosteyne in good acord,Line 6972 which to vs alle it is Sustenaunce and vs defendith from Manye hard chaunce. Now sethen we ben alle Ensemblyd here [Now, since we are to make this election,] a kyng to chesin Jn this ManereLine 6976 of on of ȝow, which so that it be, but so wise be ȝe not in non degre [and because our own wisdom is insufficient,] to knowen whiche were most profytable owþer this lond to gouerne most were able,Line 6980 and for that we ben Jn nown certein, þerfore to crist let vs preyen, ful pleyn, [let us pray to Christ!"] that is of alle kyngges the kyng, so that vs graunte Owre preieng,Line 6984 Swich A Governowr that We Haue [leaf 114 d] Oure londes to Meinteigne and to Save!" and thus diden the peple, with-owten faille, [The people pray,] lik as this goode Man hem dide cownsaille.Line 6988 thanne to Masse wente he forth anon, [attend mass,] also Faste as he Myhte gon, tyl that the Masse was atte Gospel, and aftyr they offreden wel and lel,Line 6992 and owt of the chirche thei gonne to isswe [and issue out of church at dawn.] Jnto a voide place, this was ful trewe. and be that tyme the day gan dawe, where-offen the peple was Ryht fawe.Line 6996 Anon the peple of this Rowte Ful besyly Lokeden hem abowte, and behelden where that a foure-qwartered ston [Outside, they behold a square stone of unknown description.] that there lay toforn hem Echon.Line 7000 but of what Maner ston that hit was, there knew no Man Jn that plas. Somme there seiden hit was Marbil gray, and Somme seiden oþerwise, with-owten delay.Line 7004

and in þe Middis of this ston behelden they tho [In the middle of the stone is an anvil,] [7005. Small erasure after ston.] a merveillous Stythy, with-owten Mo, as thowgh a smythis Styth it were, half a foote of heythe, with-owten dwere.Line 7008 and jn þe Middis of this Styhthy þer was [in the middle of the anvil is fixed a sword.] a Fayr Swerd pyhte Jn that plas thorwgh the Stythy Jnto the harde ston, that they hit Syen there Everychon.Line 7012

And whanne that they beheldyn this [Those who first behold this sight,] that owt of þe Minstre ferst wente, j-wis, Jnto the Minstre they Entred thanne, [return into the cathedral and tell the archbishop.] and tolde hit anon to this holy ManneLine 7016 that here Masse gan to Synge, which was Erchebischope, with-outen lesinge, Of Orbrice, as tellith this storye, and as hit is put into Memorye.Line 7020 and whanne that the holy Man herde of this, anon holywater thanne took he, j-wys, [The arch∣bishop takes holy water, goes to the stone, bows down devout∣ly and dis∣covers a golden in∣scription,] and wente to the swerd with-jnne a throwe, and therto obeysched hym wondirly lowe;Line 7024 where as lettres of gold beheld he there, that Jn this Manere Endyted were, and seiden openliche declarenge: that swich a man schold ben here kynge [to the effect that he who can draw out the sword, shall be king.] Line 7028 that owt of þe stethy the swerd myhte drawe, [7029. þ^e squeezed in afterwards.] he scholde be governour of lond and lawe; For God wyle that hit so now be, as schewyth be Miracle, & non but he.Line 7032 and thanne this Erchebischope anon [The arch∣bishop tells the people.] amonges the peple schewid it thus son. thussone this ston Jn warde was pyt [Ten layman and five clerks are set to watch the stone.] of x worthy men, to kepen hyt,Line 7036 and to fyve clerkis of hygh clergye with the tothyr Meyne that ston to Gye, and seiden that God ful mochel hadde j-do, that swich myracle wolde schewen hem so.Line 7040 thanne in they wenten anon to Masse [The others to return to mass.]

hit owt to heren, bothe More and lasse, More-ouer to ȝelden god here thankynge, and te deum laudamus thei gonne to synge. [Thanks givings are offered.] Line 7044 And whanne that te devm was j-doon, [After Te Deum, the archbishop again ad∣dresses the people,] From the awter he torned anon, and seide: "sires, now Mown ȝe se that amonges ȝow somme goode men be,Line 7048 that god here now thorwgh ȝoure preyere To vs swich tokenynges hath schewed here. wherfore here J comande ȝow alle [exhorting them not to oppose, on any account, him whom God shall choose;] that, vppon what Man this lot befalle,Line 7052 For love, for hate, neþer for Envye, whethir to pore or to Riche it happe, trewlye, [7054. MS. whethir or pore or to, the last r corrected from t.] that non Man aȝens this Elexioun ne be, Sethen it is goddis wille, as ȝe mown se.Line 7056 For Ho so contrarieth His signefiance, [leaf 115 a] [for such opposition would be avenged.] J drede on him that he wil werke veniance!"

Thanne forth this goodman his Masse gan synge, ȝeving to god bothe lawde and preysinge.Line 7060 and whanne the Masse was al j-don, [After mass, all go to the stone.] alle to that ston they wenten Echon. thanne Ech of other gan to Enqwere whiche that ferst Scholde assayen thereLine 7064 that swerd owt of that styth to drawe, and to ben governour bothe of lond & lawe. thanne acordid they to-gideris Echon [It is decided that only those chosen by the arch∣bisohp shall try the sword.] that of hem ne scholde assayen it nonLine 7068 othir thanne the Erschebischope schold chese, Jn forveture his worschepe forto lese. thanne began there ful gret discord [However, such as con∣sider them∣selves more privileged, are dis∣satisfied.] betwixen comunes, gentyles, and lord,Line 7072 that to ony Enerytaunce hadden Ryht. to that swerd they wenten with al here Myht, which that ferst Myhte wynnen therto vppon that Swerd his Myht to do.Line 7076 thanne seide therchebischope to hem agein: "Amonges ȝow here, in certeyn,

Nis non So wis ne non worthy [The arch∣bishop admonishes the people, saying that no one knows the pre∣ordinance of God,] that goddis wyl here knoweth, trewely,Line 7080 whiche of ȝow that he wyle chese, othir wich of ȝow the stat schal lese. but of on thing J dar ȝow wel say: that Neythir gentrye ne Richesse this day [and that noble birth and wealth avail nothing here.] Line 7084 Ne schal not onlych his wille hauen here, Sauf onliche god be his powere. For, Sires, ȝit j sey ȝow furthermore, J trowe that he ȝit ne be not boreLine 7088 that this swerd here owt schal drawe, To ben ȝowr lord of lond and lawe." thanne acordedyn they alle, with-owten faille, [All quietly withdraw from the stone] anon to that Erchebischoppis cownsaylle,Line 7092 and withdrowen hem thanne Everiehone From that swerd Ryht alle anone. thanne wepe the Bischope for pure pyte, [The arch∣bishop weep∣ingly com∣mends their humility,] thanne jn hem he sawgh swich humylyte,Line 7096 and seide: "this Meknesse jnto ȝow Entred Js be vertw of cryst, with-owten Mys! and j wile thatȝe knowen owt Ryht that aftyr the wylle of god almyhtLine 7100 J wile werken, Sires, ful otterly, Goddis wraththe to eschewen pleynly. [7102. Goddis, G through correction.] Abydeth tyl that this feste be do, [and asks them to wait till after the festival.] and the swerd to assayen schole we gon to."Line 7104 So whanne this feste was J-past, To that swerd they wenten jn hast. [So they do.] "Now, sires, beholdith here goddis Myht, [Then the archbishop says:] that he for vs hath wrowht aryht!Line 7108 For ferst whanne crist ordeyned justise, ["When justice was first in∣stituted, the sword was given to uphold it;] Sires, j ȝow seye, hit was jn this wyse: be the spere and be the swerd he ordeyned to Gouerne al Middillerd.Line 7112 For the swerd was ferst betake, holy chirche to defendyn from wrake. and here be the swerd is oure Eleccioun, [now, by means of the sword, our election shall be made.] this Reem to Governen al and Som. [7116. Som, S through correction.] Line 7116

and therfore good cownseyl that ȝe Make [Let the rich be humble,] ho that this wile on hym take, be he Neuere so hygh, prowd, oþer Riche, and thowgh he seme non Man him liche.Line 7120 loke ȝe pore men ne ben not wroth, [the poor forbearing.] thowgh that the Riche to ȝow ben loth, thowgh they assayen the swerd to-fore, For grettere thanne ȝe they ben & worthiere more.Line 7124 For vnknoweng hit is to ȝow alle [Nobody knows on whom the lot shall fall!"] ȝit on whom the lot schal falle, whethir on Lord, knyht, or sqwyer, On powr, comown, oþer on bacheler, [leaf 115 b] Line 7128 or which of ȝow alle kyng schal be, hit is ȝit vnknowen, ful Sykerle!"

Thus anon acordid alle that Ensemble [All approve of the arch∣bishop's words,] To therchebisschope, ful Sekyrle,Line 7132 with-owten ony Rankewr of herte; there was non word that hem asterte; but ho so wolde, scholde hit asaye, [and make generous concessions.] thus acordid they alle, with-owten delaye.Line 7136 thanne assentyd they Everychon To what lord therto wolde gon, and to whom þat God wolde senden his grace, openly to ben schewyd jn that place.Line 7140 thanne Retorned they al jn fere To therchebisschope anon there, and ij .c. & .L. they chosen anon [First 250 nobles are chosen to try the sword,] of the worthyest, that Myhte gonLine 7144 Forto asayen there here Myht, On whom that god wolde schewen þe Ryht. but amonges hem ne was þere non [but none can move it.] þe swerd to remeve owt of þat ston.Line 7148 So thanne wente alle oþere in fere [Then the others who are present, try it,] of comunes, of powre Men, þat weren there, Forto asayen what they Myhten do. but al availled hit hem not a slo, [likewise in vain.] Line 7152 For Remeved hit myht be for non Man; Swich Miracle God gan schewen than. So that hit was comanded jn hast Line 7156

To .x. worthy men to kepen Jt fast, [Finally, ten men are ap∣pointed to guard the sword, with orders not to prevent anybody from trying it.] Line 7156 and that they Scholde non Man lette hit to asayen, ho that myht it fette and forto taken it owt of þat ston, That he were Markyd Ryht anon.Line 7160 So that thus the swerd asayed was [Fruitless trying goes on for a week.] .viij. dayes to-gederis Jn that plas. and whanne Eche Man hadde asayed his Myht, Thanne seide therchebischope anon Ryht: [Then the archbishop holds forth the power of God.] Line 7164 "Now Mown ȝe alle wel vndirstonde that this is werk of Goddis sonde, For power of this swerd hath non man, pleyn, but hym that God hath chosen, certeyn!"Line 7168 thanne sworen they alle jn that place [The people vow they will not leave the town, till they see the issue.] that owt of thike town they wolde not pace, Tyl they wyste the victorye ho scholde have; thus Sworen they alle, so god hem save.Line 7172 thanne, whanne the Masse thue was j-do, Eche Man to his ostage gan forto go. [All go to their lodgings.] and whanne thei hadden Eten Everychon, [7175. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] to this swerd they wenten alle anon,Line 7176 and þere Eche Man torneyed with oþer, [Then a tournament is got up,] þe sone aȝens fadyr, brothir aȝens broþir. and Evere behelden these .x. worthy Men Ho that the swerd scholde beren then.Line 7180 more ouer thei beheld the gret Tornaye, [and the ten guardians look on] [7181. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] how Eche man his Myht gan there asaye. (So happede that antronys sone þat Tyde knyht was Mad in armes to Ryde,Line 7184 at halewyntyd to-fore þat hygh feste of cristemasse, as hit lyht in geste.) [7186. hit, t ou erasure.] and the sothe to tellen, ful Sekirle, [with the rest.] al that town wente to that torne.Line 7188 and whanne þat tornement begonnen was, that sire kay clepid arthewr jn þat plas. [Sir Kay calls on Arthur to fetch his sword from their hostel.] "dere brothyr," seyde sire kay anon, "That to owre ostage ȝe wolde gon,Line 7192 and that my swerd ȝe bringen to Me,

how so Euere hit happe, j preye to þe." thanne arthewr, þat was ful Servisable, [Arthur rides home to the hostel,] Forth took his weye, with-owten fable,Line 7196 As faste prekende As He Myhte Ryde, [leaf 115 c] hom to his ostage that jlke tyde. and whanne to his ost that he was gon, Nethir Man ne womman fonde he non, [but finds no one at home,] Line 7200 but alle weren they gon, with-owten delaye, Forto Sen that grete Tornaye. [7202. grete, r corrected from e.] So whanne his brotheris swerd he myhte not gete, Ful tendirly the teres he dide down lete, [and, to his great dis∣trees, cannot get at the sword. In returning past the cathedral, he sees the sword in the stone,] Line 7204 and so wepyngly he torned ageyn, Tyl þat to-fore the Mynetre he cam, ful pleyn, and sawgh that swerd where hit stood Faste jn þe ston, & þerto he ȝood,Line 7208 For toforn asaied he neuere that game [7209. MS. ffortoforn.] The Swerd to geten to haven a fame. For ȝif the swerd he Myhte arere, [thinks that he may take that instead,] To his brothir he wolde hit bere.Line 7212 and assone as he gan asaye, [gets it out easily,] the swerd he gat with-owten delaye, and vndir his lappe hit kepte preve, [hides it under his lappet, and hastens to his bro∣ther.] and þer-with to his brothir he gan to fle.Line 7216 and whanne sire kay sawh hym komenge, aȝens his brothir he gan to flynge, [Sir Kay meets him,] also faste as he Myhte Ryde, his swerd to haven at that tyde,Line 7220 and seide: "Brothyr, J ȝow praye, ȝeve me my swerd, & not ȝe delaye!" "now certein, brothir, j ne have hit nowht, but here anothir j have ȝow browht." [receives the sword, recognises it at once,] Line 7224 and from vndir his cote he drowh it owt. Anon he hit knew, with-owten dowt, that the same swerd hit was anon whiche tofore þe Mynstre stood jn þe ston.Line 7228 Anon he thoughte þanne, with-owten lesyng, [and resolves to make a deceitful use of it.] that be that swerd he scholde be kyng. thanne comaunded he his brothir arthewr anon Line 7232

aftyr Antron his Fadyr Forto gon, [Kay sends Arthur to fetch his father.] Line 7232 where þat Evere he Myhte hym gete, and þat for non thing he scholde lete. So longe wente arthewr, that he him fond, and Forth hym þere browhte be þe hond. [When Antron arrives,] Line 7236 thanne, whanne Sire kay his Fadyr beheld, where as he hovede vndir his Scheld: "Lo, be-hold, fadyr, j schal be kyng; [Kay shows him the sword, and says he hopes to be king.] This swerd to Me is good tokenyng.Line 7240 For this same stak Jn the ston, whiche han asayed hyt ful Manyon. So that Thus is now my destene [7243. Thus, T corrected from (a commenced) h.] that Nedis be this swerd kyng moste j be!"Line 7244

And whanne the Fadyr beheld al this, [Antron is surprised,] Ful Mochel Merveille he hadde, j-wys, and axede Sire kay ful pleynly [and asks Kay how he came by it.] how he thike swerd þat he cam by.Line 7248 anon he him answered, & not forsook, [Kay answers that he took it out of the stone.] That owt of the ston he hit took. and whanne that Antron herde this, he hym belevyd non thing, j-wis, [Antron does not believe him.] Line 7252 but seide pleynly he Made Gabbyng, hym forto tellen ony swich thing. So forth they wenten bothe jn fere [Father and son repair to the stone.] To-ward the Mynstre anon Ryht there.Line 7256 and whanne that Antron Sawh the ston, Ek also the swerd awey was Gon, thanne seide Antron To his sone: "sire kay, [Antron ex∣horts Kay to tell the truth,] Loke that the sothe ȝe me now sayLine 7260 how þat ȝe komen now be this swerd; Sey me þe sothe, and be not aferd. And ȝif ony lesyng ȝe to Me Make, [leaf 115 d] [at the peril of being dis∣owned] For ȝoure Fadir je me neuere take;Line 7264 and ȝif ȝe me Maken ony lesyng, J schal hit wel knowen, with-owten fayllyng; and þerto ȝow to loven neuere schal J [and forfeit∣ing his love.] For non Man þat to me speketh, trewely!"Line 7268

thanne to his Fadyr answerid Sire kay: [Kay confesses the truth.] "Certeyn, Fadir, the sothe j schal ȝow say: My brothir Arthewr me hit browhte, whanne for myn he wente & fond it nowhte.Line 7272 but j ne wot how that he jt wan, Neþer howh he it gat, tellen j ne kan." "Take me that swerd, sone, j the praye, [Antron demands the sword from him,] and anon j schal don hyt asaye."Line 7276 This swerd, Sire kay to his fadir it took; thanne Antron ful son behinde hym gan look, & sawh where Arthewr stood besyde. Anon he hym clepede jn that Tyde:Line 7280 "haue this swerd, sone, Jn thin honde, [and tells Arthur to put it back into the stone.] and aȝen to putten hit thou hit Fonde Jnto the same plase there hit ferst was, ȝif that god wil graunte ȝow swich gras."Line 7284 This swerd on honde Arthewr took wel sone, [Arthur does so.] [7285. Arthewr, t through correction.] and toward that ston he gan to gone, and hit aȝen sette Jn the Same place, as faste holdyng as to-forn hit wace.Line 7288 thanne comandid Antron to sire kay, his sone, [Then Antron commands his son to try and take it out.] To assaien that swerd þere Ryht anone. Anon this swerd he gan to asaye, but the grace was not to Sire kaye. [But Kay cannot move it.] Line 7292 thanne to hym spak his Fadir Antron: "this swerd took þou neuere owt of this ston!" [Antron is now sure, embraces Arthur, and asks what reward he shall have, if he makes Arthur king.] thanne Artheur jn his armes Antron gan brace, [7295. ntron on erasure.] and seide: "dere child, and j Mowe the purchaceLine 7296 of al this lond here kyng to be, dere child, what Reward wost þou ȝeven to Me?" "Fadir, ony good that j May haue, hit most ben ȝoures, what ȝe wilen crave,Line 7300 as child to the Fadyr nedis most seyn, ȝoures schal it ben al hol and pleyn!" [7302. MS. þour'es.] "Sire," quod Antron to Arthewr jn hy, [Antron tells Arthur that he is only his foster-father.] "ȝowre Fadyr was j neuere, trewely,Line 7304 but as be the weye of Norture, Ful certein, Sire, j ȝow Ensure.

Neþer ho the be-gat, j hit not knowe, whethir he were Man hy oþer lowe!"Line 7308 and whanne Arthewr this vndirstood, [Arthur weeps with disap∣pointment,] That his Fadyr denoyede his blood, he wepte ful harde teres smerte For tendirnesse with humble herte,Line 7312 and seide: "dere sire, howgh May this be, [and wonders how he, being of ob∣scure birth, can attain each dis∣tinction.] that swich good oþer worschepe scholde turne to me, this or ony othir worldly thing, Sethen ȝe me knowen not of myn E[n]gendryng?" [7316. MS. Egendryng; cf. Esured, l. 5998.] Line 7316 "ȝis, Sire, a Fadyr hauen ȝe be kynde, what so Evere j putte ȝow jn Mynde. but, Sire, and hit be þe wille of God almyht [Antron in∣quires again about his re∣ward, in case Arthur should have that grace.] That to this Grace ȝe comen be Ryht,Line 7320 and ȝif hit Mowe be Fortheryd by Me, Sire, what schal thanne My Mede be?" thanne answerid Arthewr to hym welsone: "What ȝe wilen desiren of ony bone."Line 7324 thanne sette on Antron also blyve, [Antron further re∣lates of his wife's sacri∣fice,] [leaf 116 a] and tolde Arthewr of al his lyve, And How His Norse that His Wyf Was, and Norsched his sone kay Jn othyr plas,Line 7328 and sook the Mylk of a straunge womman— "and my wyf ȝow Fostred, as ȝhe wel can; Therefore to Me, Sire, and to Myn sone ȝe owhten to Sen a good Gwerdone.Line 7332 For ȝow haue j Norsched as tendirly, [and of their joint tender care.] bothe J and my wyf, Sire, trewely, as Euere child Norsched myhte be, j telle ȝow, sire arthewr, ful sikerle!"Line 7336 "thanne preye j ȝow," quod Arthewr thanne, [Arthur im∣plores him] "lik as ȝe bien a worschepful Manne, That ȝe wolden not disnoyen Me, [still to con∣sider him his son.] but J as ȝowre sone Euere forto be.Line 7340 For ȝif that ȝe wyle me thus forsake, thanne wot j not how on to take. and ȝif that God this Grace me sende, to ȝow & to ȝowre sone j wil ben ful kende.Line 7344

For what thing that ȝe desiren of Me, [Arthur is willing to give his foster-father anything he shall choose.] certein, Sire, grauntyd sone schal jt be!" "Sire, "quod Antron, "j ne schal axen non thing That myhte tornen to ȝowre hyndring,Line 7348 Nethyr ȝowre Lond, ne ȝowre Richesse, Ne non thing that ȝow schal distresse. But of on thing J wolde ȝow praye, [Antron de∣sires Arthur to make Kay his steward,] and that ȝe hit Me not with-Naye,Line 7352 but that kay, Me sone, ȝowre steward be alle ȝowre Londes forto over-se; And thowh that he to ȝow forfete, owthir to ony other, Jn Jre or hete,Line 7356 Nethir for non trespas that he May do, From that offys to putten hym fro, [and to forgive his foster∣brother any transgres∣sion,] but as longe as his lyf May Endure, of ȝoure stewardschepe to ben Sure.Line 7360 And thowgh he be vnkurteys or vnkynde, thanne jn ȝoure herte ȝe have jn Mynde [remembering that the latter has had to drink another woman's milk.] That of a-Nothir Me[l]k Norsched was he [7363. MS. Myk.] thanne of his owne Modyr, Sekyrle.Line 7364 and þerfore Suffren him More ȝe Moste Thanne to ony other, as J ȝow troste. wherfore of this bone J preye to the, [7367. bone added above the line.] and that ȝe wylen not wernen it to Me!"Line 7368 Thanne answerid Arthewr ful sone anon: [Arthur gives the promise,] "Alle ȝowre hole askynge j graunt Sone." Thussone Antron took Arthewr anon, and to the hygh awter þanne gonne they gon.Line 7372 there Arthewr Swor on his Surawnce [and confirms it by a solemn oath.] that heste to holden, with-owten variaunce. And whanne he hadde thus his oth Mad, Thanne antron & sire kay weren ful Glad.Line 7376 So toward the Torneye thanne gonne they gon, but homward they comen Everychon; [By this time, the people re∣turn from the tournament, and go to even-song.] And that day fynysched was the gret Torneye, So that toward the Mynstre they comen jn hyeLine 7380 There alle here Evensong forto here,

For ȝit of theleccioun they weren jn dwere. [7382. dwere, the first e added above the line.]

Thanne clepede antron his Frendie anon, [Antron goes with his friends before the arch∣bishop,] and tofore therchebisschope gonne they gon,Line 7384 and Seyde: "Sire, here J ȝow praye, Lesteneth to Me now what j schal Saye. Sire bisschope, j haue a ȝong Sone here [and says that his son would like to try the sword before all the lords.] That Js non knyht, and ȝit wolde he lereLine 7388 To asayen the swerd that Js Jn the ston aforn these Lordynges here Everychon. Sire Bisschope, of this he doth me preye, Therfore the arende here J to ȝow Seye."Line 7392 Thanne clepyd weren alle the Barouns to semble, [The barons are sum∣moned.] aforn that ston to aperen, ful Sykirle. So whanne assembled they weren Echon, Antron to Arthewr thanne seide anon:Line 7396 "GO forth, and asaye this swerd Ryht here, Hyt Owt to drawen ȝyf ȝe konne lere." [leaf 116 b] Anon Arthewr to this swerd wente [In the pres∣ence of all, Arthur pulls out the sword,] aforn alle the peple there presente,Line 7400 and that swerd there pulde owt Ryht sone, anon to the Byschope there-with gan gone, and offryd hit vpe jnto his hond [and offers it to the arch∣bishop,] Toforn alle þe peple þat there dyd stond.Line 7404 The Bysschope Resceyved hit ful blyve, and ful joyful was in his lyve. [who joyfully embraces him.] So that Arthewr jn his armes þere gan he brase aforn al the people Jn that plase,Line 7408 and Te deum lavdamus he gan to Synge, [With song and ringing of bells, Arthur is carried by the clergy into the cathedral.] Therto alle the bellys anon Gonnen Rynge. So thus to the Mynstre they gonne hym bere, The Bysschope with the clergye þat was there.Line 7412 Thanne alle the Baronage that þere was, [But the barons are sad,] Gret sorewe and Morneng Maden jn þat plas, [7414. Maden, M corrected from j.] and Seyden, certein, hit Scholde neuere be, a knave to be set Jn so hygh degre,Line 7416 Neyther to ben here Sovereyn ne kyng; [and disallow the election.] They wolde hit Suffren for non thing.

Anon Therschebisschope wax Ryht wroth, [The arch∣bishop angrily re∣proves the barons.] For here wordis to hym weren ful loth,Line 7420 and seyde: "Lordynges, wylen ȝe vndirstonde Of hym that is kyng of See and Londe, he knoweth bettere what is to done, thanne alle the compenye of ȝow Echone!"Line 7424 Anon Antron and alle the comunes jn fer [The com∣mons as∣semble about Arthur, but the barons still oppose.] [7425. MS. cōunēs.] To Arthewr anon assembleden there, and the Barowns the contrarye helden anon aȝens Arthewr and the comunes Echon. [7428. MS. cōunēs.] Line 7428 Thanne spak Therchebisschope with angry herte [The arch∣bishop cen∣sures them again,] wordys ful bolde, whiche þat hem Smerte: "knowen ȝe wel, Lordynges here present, That this Js holy owre Lordis Entent,Line 7432 how this persone only ȝoure kyng schal be Of his owne Eleccioun, Lordynges, Sykerle! wherfore j schal ȝow schewe, Er ȝe hyt crave, [saying that he will show them God's will.] what affyaunse jn god here-offen that j have.Line 7436 Now go forth, arthewr, My sone so dere, [He tells Arthur to put the sword in its former place.] Goddys wyl to schewen among this peple here. Goth and sette the swerd there as Jt was, Openly to-forn the peple jn this plas. "Line 7440 anon arthewr with good herte and wylle [Arthur obeys,] Therchebisschoppis wyl wente to fulfylle, and pyhte the Swerd Jnto that Ston; and also Faste hit there helde anon [and the sword sticks as firmly as ever.] Line 7444 as Evere hyt dyde ony tyme to-fore, as sad, as Faste, and al so sore. and whanne thus that arthewr hadde don, Thanne to hem seyde therchebysschope anon:Line 7448 "A fayrere Eleccioun Neuere there was Thanne God hath Schewed ȝow jn this plas. Therfore goth now, bothe powre & Riche, jnfaye, [He then tells the others to try.] vppon the Swerd ȝowre Myht al to asaye."Line 7452 anon asayed Every Man jn his degre, but For hem alle hit wolde not be. [But all fail.] Thanne seide to hem Therschebisschope ageyn: [The arch∣bishop then exclaims: "You are fools to op∣pose our Lord's will!"] "Now ben ȝe alle grete Foles, jn certeyn,Line 7456 Oure Lordys wyl to contraryen here,

that jn hevene ne Erthe he ne hath non pere!" "Sire, we ne Erren not aȝens Goddis wylle, [The barons reply that they do not oppose God's will, but are annoyed at Arthur's low birth.] [7459. MS. aȝeng.] but of on thing hyt Greveth vs ylle:Line 7460 that a knave here owre kyng scholde be and over vs to haven the Sovereynte." "Now, lordynges," quod therchebysschope thanne, "he that js bothe God and Manne,Line 7464 knoweth bettyr what js Forto done Thanne Alle the Compenye Of ȝow Echone!" [leaf 116 c]

Anon whanne the Barouns herden al this, Ful sore they weren abasched, j-wys,Line 7468 and besowghten the Byschope alle jn Fere [They there∣fore desire the archbishop to let the sword remain in its place till Candlemass.] That thike swerd myhte stylle abyden there Jnto the Feste Seweng of kandilmasse, hyt there to asayen bothe More & lasseLine 7472 that Neuere the Swerd assayede to-fore, thanne here Myghtes to assayen thore. Thussone therchebisschope hem grauntyd anon [The arch∣bishop assents.] That al here askyng there scholde be done.Line 7476 So whanne this Feste tho comen was, [At Candle∣mass,] The peple Gan semblen jn-to that plas, and hit assaieden there Everychon, [people try the sword again, but ever in vain.] but of al that peple was there not onLine 7480 That the swerd there owt taken Myhte; hit was the lasse wondyr: they hadden non Ryhte. Thanne Seyde the Bysschope anon Ryht to hem alle: "Now knowen ȝe what Ryht to ȝow doth falle,Line 7484 therfore welen we now assayen Goddis wylle." And anon to arthewr he seyde vntylle: [Arthur, at the word of the arch∣bishop,] "Go forth now, Arthewr, My child so dere, To schewen what God wyl don for the here;Line 7488 and ȝyf he wyle that thou here Lord be, the Swerd go take owt, now let se!" Thanne wente forth arthewr Ryht anone, and that Swerd pulde owt thussone, [draws it out as easily as if nothing kept it.] Line 7492 and as lyhtly took hit jn-to his hand, as thowgh non thyng hyt hadde withstand, and took hyt to therchebisschope anon Ryht, Line 7496

Thankynge only God of his grete Myht.Line 7496 Therchebisschope and the clergyes alle [The arch∣bishop and the clergy] beheldyn how this kas be-gan to falle. They wepten alle for joye jn that place, [weep for joy.] and only thankyd God of his grete Grace.Line 7500 Thanne axede the Bysschope hem jn vyrown: "which of ȝow May contraryen this Elecciown?" Anon answerede the Riche Men ageyn, [The barons want another respite,] and preyden the Bysschope, in certeyn,Line 7504 ȝyt forto Suffren that swerd to stonde— "Tyl hyt han assayed Mo Men Jn Londe; that schal ben at Pask now next sewenge, [till Easter,] so longe to abyden, for ony thynge.Line 7508 And ȝyf at that tyme there be non Man [and promise, if nobody else can take out the sword,] that thanne the swerd owt taken ne kan, Ellis, Syre bisschope, be thin comaundement hym wilen we obeyen alle, verament. [then to ac∣knowledge Arthur.] [7512. alle daubed.] Line 7512 And but ȝyf ȝe welen granten vs this heste, Elles Everyman let don his beste!" "wylen ȝe," quod therchebisschope thanne, "with good herte obeyen, Everymanne,Line 7516 and J hyt Suffre jnto that day?" "ȝe, sire," they seyden alle, with-owten delay. Thanne seyde therchebisschope to Arthewr tho: [The arch∣bishop tells Arthur once more to put back the sword.] "dere Syre, to the ston aȝen that ȝe go,Line 7520 and Setteth the swerd there-jnne ageyn. For of on thing j dar Seyen ȝow pleyn: je scholen neuere fayllen of that thyng that ȝow hath behoten owre hevene kyng."Line 7524 Thanne Arthewr styrte hym forth before, [Arthur again obeys.] and the swerd jn his place putte Ryht thore. Anon was ordeyned be comaundement [Men are placed to guard the sword, as before.] That swerd to kepen tho, verament,Line 7528 Ten worthy Men, and clerkys Fyve, and fyve lower men of good lyve. The swerd that tyme as faste there was as Evere to-fore hit stood jn that plas.Line 7532 Thus abod the kynges Arthewr Sacreng

Jnto the feste of Esterne next comeng. Therchebysschope Seyde to Arthewr thanne: [leaf 116 d] [The arch∣bishop ex∣horts Arthur to a good life,] Line 7535 "thou schalt ben here kyng, here governour & Manne, Therfore loke Evere a goodman that thou be From this tyme forward Jn alle degre. and chese now whiche of thy conseyl scholen be, [and advises him to choose his counsel∣lors and retinue.] and jn thin houshold to haven onest Meyne,Line 7540 Evene as this day that thou were kyng alone, lik as thou schalt be helpe of hevene kyng in trone." "Sire," quod arthewr, "j wyle ful wel jn Goddis ordenaunce putten me Echedel;Line 7544 and aftyr ȝoure cownseyl, Syre, wyle j do, [Arthur leaves this with the archbishop] whethir hit me torne to wele oþer wo. and therfore Swich Meyne that [ȝe] me chese [7547. MS. that me.] bothe God and holychirche forto plese.Line 7548 And clepyth my Fadyr to ȝowre counsayl, [and Antron.] For he is a Man that May mochel avayl." Thanne clepyd the bysschope his fadyr Antron, and bad with hym that he scholde gon.Line 7552 thussone he tolde hym Every word, how Artheur and he weren atte acord. thanne anon chosen they tweyne conseylleris [They choose two coun∣sellors,] of worthy Men and gret perys.Line 7556 That so be here counseyl, j vndirstond, sire kay was Mad steward of his lond. [and make Kay steward.] and alle the Remenant abyden stylle jnto the feste of Pask with Ryht good wylle.Line 7560 and whanne that feste was comen than, To Londone they comen Every Man. Vppon Pask Evenen the bisschope forth Sente [On Easter eve the barons are summoned to the arch∣bishop's palace.] aftyr alle the baronage, veramente,Line 7564 Jn his paleys to Maken here Semble; This was his wylle, ful certeinle. Thanne axede he hem of alle here wylle, ȝif to that chyld they wolden consentyn vntylle.Line 7568 Thanne answeryd the Baronage ageyn: "we wyl not contraryen, jn certeyn, The wyl of oure Lord, hevene kyng. Line 7572

But vs Merveilleth of this child so ȝyng [The barons still take exception to Arthur's low birth,] Line 7572 and therto so lowe j-born of degre, That Swich a pore Man oure kyng schold be." "Now certein," quod the bisschope thanne, "j ne holde ȝow none goode crystene MenneLine 7576 To contraryen Goddis owne Elecciown, that to ȝow here is schewed al & Som!" "Syre, that wyl we not jn non partye, aȝens Goddis wyl here not applye.Line 7580 but Sethen ȝe knowen of his degre, [wish for in∣formation on that point,] and of his Byrthe ȝe seyn, sykyrle, Sire, to vs alle hyt Js vnknowe and to alle this Baronye vppon this Rowe."Line 7584 "thanne wylen ȝe letten now hys crowneng, at this tyme forto Maken hym kyng?" "ȝe, Sire Bisschope, tyl we knowen More, [and desire prolonged respite,] and we Scholen Seyn ȝow a skele wherfore.Line 7588 Tyl we knowen bettyr what he Js, and whens he cometh, with-owten Mys, Respyt we preyen of this Sacre, ȝif that ȝowre wylle hit myhte so be."Line 7592 quod therchebysschope to that Baronage: "Now knowe j wel alle ȝowre owtrage!" "Nay, Sire, non lengere thanne Pentecost [till Whit∣sunday.] we hit not axen, with-owten bost;Line 7596 and thus we preyen that ȝe wolden do, ȝif that ȝow lyke to consentyn therto." vppon this quod the Bysschope thanne: "we schole ben avysed Every Manne."Line 7600 So thus departyd there that cownsaylle, [7601. cownsayll, a corrected from e.] Arthewr to worschepe, þe baronage to dysavaylle. So that vppon the Morewe, Aftyr Masse, [leaf 117 a] [On Easter morning, Arthur, as before, takes out the sword,] To the ston Arthewr aȝen gan passe.Line 7604 and that swerd he took owt fulsone, lyk as to-fore tymes he hadde there done. Thanne held they hym only For here kyng with-owten More varyaunce other lettyng,Line 7608 and preyden hym to putten the swerd jn ageyn [and puts it in again]

There as to-fore Jt stood, with-owten leyn, and that to hem he wolde speke [The barons ask Arthur to open his heart to them.] and somwhat of his herte to hem breke.Line 7612 "Sires, that schal j do with good wylle, and ȝe to Me wyl lestene vntylle; and of what thing that ȝe preyen Me, J Schal Jt ȝow grawnten, Sires, certeynle."Line 7616 Thanne ladden they hym to the Mynstre anon [They take him into the cathedral,] To speken with hym there Everychon. "Sire, we vndirstonde Jn owre Entent That ȝe ben owre Lord, verament; [and say that they will ac∣knowledge him as their lord and do him homage,] Line 7620 and what ȝe desiren from this day, we wylen hit performen, with-owten Nay, and therto owre londes of ȝow to holde, and homage to don ȝow ful Manyfolde,Line 7624 of ȝoure Sacryng ȝif Respyt that ȝe do [but want to have the coro∣nation post∣poned.] jnto pentecost, certein, with-owten Mo; and Neuere the lasse kyng scholen ȝe be, and kepen ȝowre stat, worschype, & dignete."Line 7628 "How Schold j," quod arthewr thanne, [Arthur says he will re∣ceive no homage,] "Homage Resceyven of ony Manne, Tyl J-Sacred Fulliche that j be and jn My stat at alle Manere degre? [7632. MS. degr'e.] Line 7632 But of the Respyt that ȝe me preye, [but will grant the postpone∣ment,] j wele not denyen hit Jn non weye. ȝyt, that j schal not Sacred be, Sires, j Sey ȝow now certeinle,Line 7636 That Nethyr kyngdom ne worschepe j desire [desiring no∣thing except by the will of the Heavenly King.] but be wyl of the kyng of the hygh Empyre. And Ek ȝif that ȝe consenten therto, Ful moche the bettere hit May be do."Line 7640 Thanne answeryd the Baronage ageyn, [The barons praise his wisdom.] and of this chyld Seyden, Jn certeyn: "ȝif he Mowe lyven and Enduren May, [he] Schal ben Ryht wys, the sothe to say, [7644-46, 7652-56. The beginning letters were more or less damaged or destroyed through the leaf getting stuck to, and then pulled off from, the strip of parchment used for mending the preceding leaf.] Line 7644 [F]or wondyrly he doth vs answere here

[j]n Every poynt, with-owten dwere!" [The barons repeat their demand.] [7646, 7652-56. See the preceding footnote.] Thanne seide to hym the Baronage ageyn: "Sire, of on thing we preyen ȝow pleyn:Line 7648 Now at this pentecost ȝe Sacred scholen be and Resceyven ȝowre crowne and dignete. and with-jnne this Terme obeyen welen we, To don ȝow homage, Servyse, and Fe, [7644-46, 7652-56. The beginning letters were more or less damaged or destroyed through the leaf getting stuck to, and then pulled off from, the strip of parchment used for mending the preceding leaf.] Line 7652 [a]s owre Erchebisschope wyl vs telle; we wylen werken aftyr his spelle." thanne alle ornementis browht they forth, sykirle, [The barons bring forth all the royal ornaments, to see if Arthur is covetous.] That to a kyng belonged Jn alle degre,Line 7656 Forto assayen Jn here Manere ȝyf owht coveytous that he were. Thanne axede this worthy Arthewr anon of these Estates alle be on & on,Line 7660 and what Eche Man was jn his degre. So that Good departed there anon thanne he, [Arthur liber∣ally distri∣butes clothes, gold, and silver amongst the worthiest.] and ȝaf bothe Riche Robes, gold, and Fe [7663. gold through correction.] To Erl, Barouns, & knyhtes, ful gret plente;Line 7664 and the Gold and þe Sylver that hym browht was, anon he departyd jn that plas To sweche as hym thowhte best weren there, So that Love he gat hym Every where.Line 7668

Thus departed Arthewr His ȝyftes Alle [leaf 117 b] that to hym weren browht, bothe grete and smalle. and whanne they syen hym of alle thinges so gent, [The people express their approval] anon they Seyden Jn here EntentLine 7672 That a worthy Man he Scholde be and Neuere coveytous jn Non degre. [of his liber∣ality] "But verrayly vs semeth Jn his avyse, and he hadde Resceyved his dygnete,Line 7676 that to hym gret grace scholde Resorte, as Evere to ony Man that was of his porte. For Every Man he Rewardyth aftyr his degre, [and discrimi∣nation.] and Every stat Gwerdoneth ful pryncypale!"Line 7680 And Neuere Evel tach jn hym they fownde of alle that tyme Jn thyke stownde.

So thus the Sacreng there gan abyde jnto pentecost, that holy tyde.Line 7684 Thanne Sembled they Echon ageyn [For Whit-Sunday, the people re∣assemble in London, and try the sword,] at londone Eftsones, J Sey ȝow pleyn. There the swerd aȝen they gonne asaye To pullen Jt owt, ho so pullen Maye.Line 7688 but there was non Man jn that plase [in vain, as before.] That swerd to taken, ne hadde non grase. Thanne therchebisschope anon Ryht [The arch∣bishop gets everything ready for the coronation.] alle thinges aparayllede, j ȝow plyht,Line 7692 Bothe corowne, Septre, and the sacrynge, al this he ordeyned, with-owten lesynge.

Vppon the whitsonne Even, satirday at Nyht, [On Whitsun eve, Arthur is knighted.] therehebisschope took cownseyl at Barown & knyht,Line 7696 and that nyht Artheur knyht was Mad, Er ony More dignite that he had. and that Nyht in preyeris lay Everyman, Tyl vppon the Morwen that hit dawen began.Line 7700 So vppon the Morewen, whanne hit was day lyht, [Next morn∣ing, in the cathedral, the archbishop] To the Maister chirche cam bothe barown & knyht. Thanne bespak therchebisschope Ful sone: "Sires, ȝe weten what ȝe han to done.Line 7704 Lo, here this Man of Goddis chesing To ben bothe ȝoure Gonernour & kyng! beholdith here vestures, and Robys Ryal, [displays the royal emblems,] and the corowne of this lond with-al,Line 7708 Be the counseyl of Ryalis and of oþer Mo this coronacioun here forto ben do. ȝit wolde j weten not For than [and inquires if any one opposes the coronation.] ȝif that here be ony Swich ManLine 7712 that this Eleccion here wolde with-seye; of this the sothe wolde j knowen, Jn feye." thanne answerid they alle be on assent: [All acquiesce.] "we wylen he be crowned, verament."Line 7716 "Thanne with this," quod the bisschope thanne, [The arch∣bishop an∣nounces that Arthur for∣gives all that has happened.] "So he haue the hertis here of Euery Manne, what aȝens hym hath be wrowht jnto this day, he it to ȝow forȝevith for Evere and ay."Line 7720 Thanne knelyd they down al jn fere, [The barons kneel,]

and to Arthewr cryden Mercy there. [and cry his mercy. Arthur kneels also,] thussone aȝens hem he knelede vppon his kne, and vppon hem he wepe for pure pyte,Line 7724 Seyeng to hem there, fulsore weping: [and weeping∣ly says he for∣gives them.] "J forȝeve to ȝow alle ȝowre trespasyng, and so j preye to God an hy that he hyt forȝeve, & so wyle J."Line 7728 Thanne Rysen they alle be on assent, [All rise,] and hym Gonne Embracen with good Entent, [they embrace Arthur,] and him vp boren, and there forth ladde there as the Robes the bisschope leyd hadde.Line 7732 So thanne they hym vestured anon, [invest him with the royal robes,] and the bischope thussone to masse ward gan gon. [7734. ward added above the line.] Anon As the Bysschope there Redy Was, [leaf 117 c] To Arthenr there cam he jnto that plas.Line 7736 "Sire, to the Swerd now ȝe Mosten go and hyt vptaken, as tofore ȝe han do, wherwith holychirche defenden as a knyht and also cristendom with al ȝowre Myht."Line 7740 Thanne wenten they forth on procession, [and walk in procession to the place where the sword is.] bothe prelates, lordis, and comunes Echon, Tyl they comen there as the swerd was Stekyng jn the ston jn the forseid plas.Line 7744 Thanne seide therchebisschope to Artheur there: [The arch∣bishop says to Arthur:] "Lesteneth now to Me, and ȝe scholen here. ȝyf hit so be that thow wylt Swere ["If thou wilt swear] and to God avowen & his Modyr dere,Line 7748 Ek to Petyr and Powl, Enswre thou Me, and to alle Seyntes that jn hevene be, holy chirche to susteynen jn hire Ryht [to sustain the Church, uphold peace,] and pes jn thy Lond with al thy Myht,Line 7752 Ek the vnconseylled forto cownseylle, [be a help to thy people,] Thy peple to worschepe and avaylle, To thy Power this schalt thou do, and Ryhtful lawes to Meynteyne also, [and maintain just laws, then come forth, and take up this sword!"] Line 7756 with this com forth, take vpe this Swerd, whom God hath chosen jn this Middilerd!" Anon so Arthew[r] herde al this, [7759. MS. Arthew.] Line 7760

For pite he wepe, & Many mo, j-wys.Line 7760 So that he there Swor be God almyhty [Arthur swears,] althis to susteyne with herte ful trewly— "And be alle thynges that jn Erthe be, J schal hem Sosteyne jn My degre."Line 7764 with this anon Arthewr he knelyd adown [kneels down,] amonges al the peple that was jn vyrown. Anon the Swerd there vpe he took, [takes up the sword,] Seenge Many man that on hym gan look,Line 7768 and as lyhtly took hyt vpe Ryht there, [7769. ād corrected from as.] as Jn the ston hyt not ne were. So bar he the swerd forth jn his hond, [bears it to the altar,] and to thawter they hym ladde, ȝe vndirstond,Line 7772 and there hym Sacryd, with-owten dowte, [and is crowned.] & as to here kyng they gonne to hym lowte. [7774. MS. gōnne.] Ek anoynt he was anon therto, & alle that belonged to a kyng also.Line 7776 Whanne this coronacion j-Endyd was, [After the coronation, the people leave the cathedral.] and the Masse j-Fenysched be goddis gras, owt of the Mynstre alle wenten they anon, and behelden there aftyr this Ston,Line 7780 But they ne wyste where hit was do, [The stone with the anvil is gone!] So sodeynliche aweye was hit hem fro. [7782. was, w corrected from a.] And jn this Maner Arthew[r] kyng chosen was, [7783. MS. Arthew.] as ȝe han me herd Rehersyn jn this plas. [7784. The remainder of the column blank; in the left margin: Coronacō arthur'.] Line 7784

Thus Here-Aftyr the Storye Doth telle [leaf 117 d] [Chap. VII. To Arthur's court come, with hun∣dreds of knights, king Loth of Orkney,] what aftyr in kyng Arthewris cert befelle, that aftyre his coronacioun the ȝer Sewenge [7787. aftyr', r' squeezed in.] To his cowrt Repeyrede bothe knyht & kynge.Line 7788 To that court cam the kyng of orkanye with Fyve hundred knyhtes jn his compenye. Also thedyr kam þe kyng of Gore, þat hyht vryens, [king Uriens of Gory,] with Foure hundred knyhtes Jn his presens.Line 7792 thanne kam the kyng newtris Garlot, [king Newtris of Garlot,]

that kyng Artheuris Sostir weddid, wel j wot, and with him vij hundred knyhtes of pris. And aftyr hym to cowrt þere kam j-wisLine 7796 the kyng that was of Ryht Gorre, [king Carados of Right Gory,] that Carados of brebas hyht, Sykerle; Therto he was knyht of þe table Rownde, and with hym vj hundred knyhtes Sownde.Line 7800

Aftyr hym kam kyng auguysyaax so fre, [king Augwyaas of Scotland,] [7801. See Notes.] that kyng of scotlond was, Sykerle, a ȝong Man, ful hardy, & gret of prowesse, with fyve hundred knyhtes, More ne lesse.Line 7804 Aftyr hym to court kam kyng ydyers [and king Ydiers (of Cornwall).] with fowre hundred knyhtes stowt & Fers, wel j-armed & harneysed owt Ryht, Thowgh anon they scholde gon to fyht.Line 7808 whanne these kynges were Sembled jn fere, [Arthur is much pleased,] of hem gret joye Made kyng Arthewr there, and Many grete festes he hem Made [makes great feasts in their honour, and bestows ample gifts.] with grete presentes & ȝiftes to maken hem glade.Line 7812 Every lord there aftyr his degre, Grete jewelis he hem ȝaf, Sykirle. whanne these Barowns beheldyn al this, [In the barons, however, the old envy and pride are roused.] [7815. MS. beheldyng.] the grete presentes and jewellis of prisLine 7816 and the grete festyng that he hem Made, anon there-offen dysdeyn they hadde, and amongis hem-Self they gonne to say: "we mown ben Sory to abyden this day,Line 7820 To sen a knave of so lowe degre, kyng of this Rem that he scholde be!" Anon his ȝiftes they Refused Echon, [They refuse his gifts,] and streyht to the kyng wenten anon, [7824. wentē, w corrected from g.] Line 7824 and deden hym wel forto vndirstonde [disown him as their king,] they ne held hym non kyng of that londe, and boden hym faste thens to hye owt of that lond Ryht Schortlye,Line 7828 For but ȝyf he wolde the lond forsake, [and threaten his life.] they wolden hym werche bothe tene & wrake,

and but ȝif he thus dede, sekerlye, ellis to the dethward he scholde hye.Line 7832 whanne kyng Arthewr herde here grete manas, thanne owt of strengthe of karlion gan he pas, [King Arthur must fly and be in hiding.] and there logged hym prevyly jn the town, For mochel he dred hym of tresown;Line 7836 where as he abod fyftene dayes, þat but fewe wysten where, þe sothe to saye. [7838. to, MS. ta.] thanne happed it aftyr, as j ȝow telle, [Merlin arrives.] that Merlyn jnto þat town cam, as befelle,Line 7840 and jn his owne Semblawnce aperede openlye, For that of the peple he wolde be seye. And thussone as they hym Sye, Gretly they Merveilled, Sekirlye.Line 7844 Anon the lordis aftyr him gonne sende, [The barons send for him,] and Merlyne ful gladliche to hem gan wende. Anon as these Barowns Syen him comeng, aȝens hym they wenten jn Metynge,Line 7848 and of hym gret joye they Made, and jnto a fair paleys they him ladde, [take him into a palace,] that stood be a reverys syde, & jnto a fair Mede there gonne they byde.Line 7852 Whanne Jn that place that they Were, [leaf 118 a] anon Merlyn they aresownd there, and this to hym was here askyng, [and ask his opinion of the new king.] how that hym likede be here newe kyng—Line 7856 "That therchebisschope of dover hath crowned here aȝens oure leve Jn alle Manere." "Certes, lordynges," quod Merlyne tho, [Merlin great∣ly commends him.] "they myhte non bettere hauen j-do."Line 7860 "what Mene ȝe?" quod the barowns thanne, "how speke ȝe of this jlke Manne? jn this Rem Many worthy lordis there be, More worthy to ocupien that worthy degreLine 7864 thanne a knave that noman doth knowe [The barons urge Arthur's low birth.] whens he cam, of hygh oþer lowe!" "ȝe Seyn as that ȝe thinken," quod Merlyn, [7867. that corrected from the.] "but now wylen ȝe heren of cownseyl Myn,Line 7868 and vndirstondith what j schal Seye:

he is as hygh a born Man, jn feye, [Merlin in∣forms the barons that none of them comes up to Arthur's father, who is not Antron.] as the beste of ȝow that js here, For here to his Fadyr þere nys non pere.Line 7872 For Antronys sone nys non thing he, Nethyr sire kay his brothyr nys, sikerle, that his steward chosen is this day, but only of Norture, as J ȝow say."Line 7876 "where-offen speken ȝe?" quod þe barouns tho, [7877. ȝe added afterwards above the line.] "Moche more Merveyl js this vs vnto." "ȝe doth aftyr me," quod Merlyn thanne, [Merlin fur∣ther advises the barons to send for Arthur,] "and j schal counseillen ȝow as j kanne.Line 7880 Aftyr kyng Artheur that ȝe don sende Jn Ryhtful trews, as ȝe ben hende, and aftyr vlphyn, that worthy Man [for Ulfin,] that cownseyllour was to Pendragon;Line 7884 and aftyr antron that ȝe senden also, [and for Antron,] that kyng Arthewr hath norsched hedirto; and thanne scholen ȝe knowen al this thing, [in order to have matters cleared up.] holiche the begynneng and Endyng.Line 7888 And weteth wel, Lordynges, with-owten leyne, that j Make non lesyng to ȝow jn certeyne." Thanne quod [the] Barowns be on assent: [The barons assent.] [7891. MS. quod Barowns.] "we wylen fulfylle thin comaundement,Line 7892 we wilen hym behoten, ful vtterlye, Sauf to comen & to gon, certeinlye." "Clepe forth Breteaus," quod Merlyn tho, [Breteaus (Bretel, l. 4879) is despatched,] "For this arende he Schal wel mown do."Line 7896 thanne clepyd they forth Breteaus anon, and to hym the Barowns seiden thusson that thys arende he scholde do, this jlke peple to bringen hem vnto.Line 7900 thanne seide Merlyn to Breteaus there: "Ek therchebisschope of dover jn alle Manere, [with orders to bring also the archbishop who crowned Arthur, and the bishop of London.] that he com forth in here compenye, and Ek the bisschope of londone, ful pleynlye."Line 7904 "Sire," quod Breteaus, "this schal be do." he took his leve and forth gan go, and jnto that place he wente anon Line 7908

where as kyng artheur he fond thusson. [Breteaus summons Arthur] Line 7908 "Syre kyng, the Baronage aftyr ȝow doth sende, and therchebisschope of dover with ȝou schal wende, the bisschope of londone, and Antron also." and from thens Breteaus to vlphin gan go, [and Ulfin.] Line 7912 and seide that he Moste come to the Baronye, also faste as he Myhte thanne hye. whanne vlphin of Merlyn herde Speken aryht, [The latter is delighted,] thanne jn his herte he was ful lyht,Line 7916 and ful gret joye he hadde thanne, Sykir[l]e, [7917. MS. Sykire.] for he wyste wel the trowthe discouered schold be, [knowing that the truth will be discovered.] al the Rote and al the Endyng Of the Birthe of Artheur the kyng.Line 7920 Thus Wenten they Forth Alle Jn Fere [leaf 118 b] To the barowns in the paleis there they were; and gret joye vlphyn of Merlyn Made, [Ulfin and Merlin meet with joy.] and Ech of hem Mad othyr glade.Line 7924 Thanne Arthewr and the Bysschoppes also [Arthur, the bishops, and Antron also arrive,] to-ward the paleys Gonnen they go, and with hem Antron jn compenye, also faste as they Myhten hye.Line 7928 vndirstondith that Arthewr armed was ful wel [Arthur with a coat or mail under his clothes.] vndir his Robe with an haberiown of stel. whanne to-fore the Baronage that he cam, on Eche partye stood there Many a ManLine 7932 Merlyne to ȝeven there good awdyence, whyles that he stood jn the kynges presence. and whanne the kyng they Syen comen, trewelye, alle the Baronage aȝens hym gonne hye; [The barons go to meet them.] Line 7936 atte Reverence that Sacred he was kyng, aȝens him they wenten jn Metyng, and jn Reuerence of therchebisschope also Ek aȝens hem gonne they go.Line 7940 Thanne Seten they down Everichon, [All take their seats, save the archbishop.] Sauf only therchebisschope stod alon.

"Now, Lordynges, lesteneth what j schal say, and beth wel avysed alle, J ȝow pray;Line 7944

and Ek for Goddis love and for charyte, what j schal Seye, taketh kepe to Me. J ȝow preye for charyte, of schedyng of blood ȝe hauen pyte, ["Have pity on Christian blood," says the archbishop.] Line 7948 whiche is cristene blood, as ȝe wel knowe, as wel of the hye as of the lowe. and thinketh but on Man that ȝe be, and assone here deyen Schole ȝe, ["Each of you is but one man, and the rich man dies as quickly as the poor."] Line 7952 & assone deyeth the Riche as the pore, and of þe owr of here deth knoweth no More." thanne quod the Barowns to hym anon that tyde: "Sire, we ȝow preye a whyle to abyde, [The barons request the archbishop first to let Merlin give his informa∣tion.] Line 7956 Tyl we han spoke here with Merlyn of certein thinges of his devyn, [7958. thinges, g corrected from h.] and whanne declared to vs hath he a thing that to vs Js vncerteynte,Line 7960 For sethen we comen jnto this lond, of Sweche thingges cowde we neuere vndirstond." the Bisschope Seide: "Seres, with good wylle, [The arch∣bishop agrees.] what that Evere Merlyne seith ȝow vntylle."Line 7964 thanne sat þere therchebisschope a-down, and Merlyne gan speke to hem jn vyrown: [Merlin ad∣dresses the assembly.] "Now, Lordynges that ben here present, what j schal Seyen, take ȝe good Entent.Line 7968 J schal ȝow declaren here ful openly [He tells them of Uter Pendragon's fathership,] hos sone Arthewr was trewely. weteth wel alle, Sires, now jn certeyn that vterpendragones sone he is, pleyn,Line 7972 and on ygwerne he begat hym that Nyht whiles the dewk, hire Lord, was slayn in fyht. And on the Morwen, whanne he cam owt [the king's promise to Merlin] From that Lady, with-owten dowt,Line 7976 a bone j hym axede there anon Ryht of that he hadde begeten on hire that Nyht, For alle the Benfetes and My Servyse [with regard to the begot∣ten child,] that Evere j hym dyde jn ony wyse.Line 7980 and he me graunted there anon That al myn axynge scholde be don,

wher-offen lettres vndir his Sel [the seiled confirmation of the promise,] j haue to Schewen, bothe goode & lel,Line 7984 whiche ȝit kepith vlphyn, that is here, and hym-self there was, wytnesse to bere."

"Whanne that Pendragon hadde weddyd ygwerne, To barnesche with chylde sche wax full ȝerne.Line 7988 And so aftyr, hyt happede as j ȝow Seye: As jn bedde they lyen bothe tweye, [leaf 118 c] [the king's words to his spouse about her pregnancy,] The King Hyre often gan to Repreve, and seyde: 'now, lady, be ȝowre leve,Line 7992 This chyld js Neyther the dewkes ne Myn, how konne ȝe this preven be ony devyn?' [7994. ȝe added afterwards above the line.] Anon thys lady abassched hyre Sore, [the queen's shame] and Euere the lengere More and More.Line 7996 whanne the kyng Sawh hire scomfyture and hire schamfulnesse, J ȝow Enswre, hym forthowht sore hyre hevynesse, [and grief,] that he hadde hire put jn swich distresse.Line 8000 And for so Moche Morneng by hyre he Say: 'dame, of on thing j schal ȝow Say: Sethen hit nys not Myn jn Maryage, kyng may he not ben after Myn age.Line 8004 Therefore anon as that born hyt Js, [their agree∣ment con∣cerning the expected child,] J ȝow cownseylle with-owten Mys, whom ferst ȝe fynde atte the halle dore, The child to ben deliuered with-owten More.'Line 8008 And the goode lady hym grawntyd anon that al his desyr scholde be don, For that sche wolde jn non degre that hire lord with hire wroth scholde be.Line 8012 and thus, certein, whanne hyt was bore, [its delivery first to Merlin,] To me it was delyvered at the halle dore."

"And whanne delyveryd hit was to Me, To Antron j wente, ful certeynle, [then to Antron,] Line 8016 and this chylde there j hym betook, and that of his wyf hyt scholde Sowk, For deliuered sche was half ȝer to-fore Line 8020

of sire kay, hire sone, with-owten More,Line 8020 that jnto anothir place was put to Norrye, and Arthewr here forth sook, ful Sekerlye. [and the bring∣ing up of the child in An∣tron's house.] thus Sire kay Arthewris brothyr Js be his modrys pappe, & non Othyr, j-wys.Line 8024 & this was kyng vter pendragounes preyere, and so dyde sche, as j seye ȝow here, and therto hit crystenede the same day, and arthewr hit Nempned, as j ȝow say.Line 8028 Therfore j seye ȝow, Lordynges, here, ["Therefore," Merlin concludes, "God re∣memebers his servant,] God thinketh on his Man jn alle Manere, that hym doth Servyse oþer ony honowr, he hym forsaketh jn non Maner stowr.Line 8032 More over, atte Reuerence of so worthy a man and of the kynde that he of cam, God wyle here ȝelden his Gwerdon bencheson of the seed, be good Reson.Line 8036 and weteth wel now, Jn certeyn, that God the ston hyder sente, ful pleyn, [and has sent us the stone with the sword.] and the swerd there-jnne, as ȝe Myhten se, To proven the sothe, ho that kyng scholde be.Line 8040 and al this that j have seyd ȝow here, Jt js Ryht trewe, as j ȝow lere. Record of vlphyn, let hym now seye [Now, let Ulfin and Antron say whether I swerve from truth!"] ȝif that j varye jn ony manere weye,Line 8044 and also of Antron, that here js, ȝif that in ony thing j seye amys." thanne axede the Barowns jn þat plase ȝif hyt were trewe that seyd he hase.Line 8048 they answeryd anon: "ȝe, certeinlye; [Ulfin and Antron confirm his words,] Merlyne jn these wordis ne doth not lye. and ȝif ȝe wylen not vs beleven here, lo, here the lettre patentis al jn fereLine 8052 that kyng Pendragon betook to Merlyne vndyr his owne Seal wel and fyne." these lettres they token anon jn hye [and the sealed documents are examined by the archbishop.] to therchebisschope to Reden by & bye;Line 8056 and he hem Radde, as hyt gan falle, on be on there toforn hem alle. And Evene as Merlyne told hadde before, Line 8060

Openly to the Baronage He declared Hyt thore. [leaf 118 d] Line 8060 and whanne the comune peple herde al this, [The people, greatly moved, side with Arthur,] anon for pyte they wepten, j-wys, and cursede alle tho that aȝens hym were Jn ony degre here armes to bere.Line 8064

And whanne the Barowns vndirstoden al this, that the peple so with hym held, j-wys, and seyden that hit was be Goddis chaunce [recognizing God's pro∣vision.] that his Man he wolde so here avaunce,Line 8068 thanne bethowhte hem the Baronye [But the barons declare they will have no bastard for their king.] To speken of here kyng More velonye, that for me Rehersed schal not ben here. but they seyden that a bastard jn non ManereLine 8072 kyng of that Lond ne scholde neuere be, Nethyr that Rem Governe jn non degre. Therchebysschope answeryd hem ful sone: [The arch∣bishop ex∣presses his trust in God.] "sethen that God this Eleccyoun hath done,Line 8076 he wyl hym leten for non Maner of thing, but hym Susteyne as a trewe kyng, bothe jn his werris and his fyht, he wyl hym susteynen as his owne knyht."Line 8080

Whanne therchebysschope and the clergye [Now Arthur's adherents depart to his court,] and the comown peple, Sekerlye, herden the vntrowthe of the Baronage, how Fers they weren and how owtrage,Line 8084 To-Gyderys they helden hem Everychon, and toward Arthewrs court gonne they gon. and alle the Baronage departyd away, [and the barons,] Ful wroth and angry, the Same day,Line 8088 and seyden: "now Every Man hym defende [with threat∣ening words,] that with Arthewr halt jnto the Ende. For oure kyng schal he Neuere be, we hym defye and his progene,Line 8092 and al the helpe that he may haue, be hym we not sette, so God vs save." Thanne to ostage wenten they anon [repair to their lodgings. All arm themselves.] and hem dyde armen there Everichon.Line 8096 And Arthewr jnto þe Mayster towr wente

with Mochel peple with hym, veramente, & there hem armeden jn that plase, Ek al the peple that with hym wase. [8100. Ek added in the left margin.] Line 8100 So whanne that alle assembled they were, [Arthur has 7000 foot∣soldiers,] Sevene thowsend harneyssed weren they there; but of knyhtes hadde he but fewe, [and 350 faith∣ful knights.] Thre hundred and Fyfty jn that Rewe,Line 8104 that Sworen his helpe Forto be, Tyl deth hem departed, ful Sykerle.

So whanne the kyng and his Meyne weren alle j-armed, Ful Sykerle,Line 8108 they comen owt Anon of the towr, here Bodyes to kepen From dolowr. and the Baronage, as j haue told, [The barons] hom to here ostage wenten Manyfold,Line 8112 and harneyssed here Men on hors to Ryde, with the kyng to Meten jn that Tyde. So Eche Man assemblede to his Banere of foure thosend knyhtes that weren there, [have 4000 knights with a huge force on foot.] Line 8116 with Seriauntes and arblasterys and gret foysown of Sqwyers that weren ful fers. whanne that alle assemblyd they were, thanne axede of hem the Baronage there [They deli∣berate on an attack.] Line 8120 ȝyf that the paleys thei wolden assaylle. [8121. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] Somme seiden ȝe, with-owten faylle, and some seyden, to the Baylle they wolden go and that besegen with-owte ony Mo—Line 8124 "that So we Scholen afferen hem with-jnne, that jn non weye they Scholen owt wynne." So that Whyles they Weren Jn this Talkynge, [leaf 119 a] [Merlin visits them,] Towardes hem cam Merlyne faste hyenge,Line 8128 and seyde: "Lordynges, what wyle ȝe do? [and warns them.] [8129. MS. seyden.] thinken ȝe aȝens ȝowre kyng to go? hyt schal be to ȝow More velenye and gret hyndryng and los, ful sekyrlye,Line 8132 and swich veniaunce on ȝow schal falle, that Fowlyche scholen ȝe ben schamed alle,

and of ȝowre londis disheryted to be, For wrong to hym ȝe thinken, sykerle.Line 8136 and of the Eleccion that God hath sent ȝe don gret wrong, Sires, verament." "behold," quod [the] Barouns amonges hem there, [But they scoff at his words.] [8139. MS. quod Barouns.] "what this Enchawntour telleth vs here!"Line 8140 thussone on hym they gonne to lye, Eche of hem to othir, ful Sekerlye. [8142. hem, e corrected from y.] And whanne Merlyne Sawh they tooken on so, [Then Merlin returns to Arthur,] Toward kyng Arthewr faste gan he Go,Line 8144 and seyde: "sire, haue thou non drede, [and encour∣ages him.] For aȝens thyn Enemyes wel schalt þou spede, and aȝens hem as mochel helpe schalt þou haue as alle they conne cryen other crave."Line 8148 So whanne hit woxen was to Eve, [In the even∣ing they have a consultation.] kyng Arthewr took Merlyn be the sleve. Ek therchebisschope, and Antron also, Sire kay & sire Vlphyn to-gederis gonne go,Line 8152 and Sire Bretel with hem jn compenye, these vij in cownseyl to-gederis gonne hye. the kyng clepyd Merlyne to hym tho, So that alle to-Gederys gonne they go. [8156. MS. Sothat] Line 8156

"Dere frend Merlyne," thanne quod the kyng, [The king says to Merlin:] "lesteneth now to My talkyng. J haue herd told, ful certeinle, that with my Fadyr thou were preve.Line 8160 So wolde j ȝow preyen, with-owten faylle, That ȝe wolde ben of Myn cownsaylle ["Be my counsellor,] and cownseyllen me of this thing among, ȝif that this Meyne wylen me ony wrong.Line 8164 wherfore j wolde ȝow hertelyche preye My cownseyl to be & the sothe me seye lyk as to My Fadyr, kyng vterpendragon, [as you were my father's;] ȝe ȝoven hym cownseyl in Many areson.Line 8168 And wete ȝe wel, Sire, jn ful certeyn, that j Wyl neuere don ȝow ageyn, [and I will follow your advice.] ne thyng that schal ȝow mysplese owher, Line 8172

as ferforth as lasteth Jn My power.Line 8172 and sethen ȝe holpen me jn Myn ȝong age, Sosteyne me now aȝens this Baronage [Help me against the barons.] and Ek my lond here to Susteyne. For thorwh goddis helpe and ȝow tweyne, [I trust in God, in you, and in Antron."] Line 8176 thorwh ȝowre help and My fadyr Antron, [8177. r' help added afterwards, r' on, help above the line.] j hope myn Enemyes to ouercomen Echon. therefore, God, thorwh thyn grete Myht So Save my peple and Me aryht!" [8180. MS.pe'ple.] Line 8180

"Syre," quod Merlyn, "drede ȝow non thing [Merlin re∣plies: "Have no fear.] of non of hem, with-owten lesyng. For assone as ȝe deliuered be [When yon have repelled the first attack of the barons,] of these baronage, that ȝe scholen se,Line 8184 whiche that scholen comen ȝow to assaylle, Thanne aftyrward werk be my cownsaylle, [do as I shall tell you.] and alwey aftyr as j schal ȝow lere, doth be my cownseylle Every-where.Line 8188 the knyhtes that weren of the Round table, [The knights of the Round Table have retired to their own country.] [leaf 119 b] That ȝowre fadyr held bothe ferm & stable, Jn-to Here contre J-passed they be For the grete vntrowthe and dysloyalteLine 8192 that they Syen jn this Rem with-jnne, Eche knyht to his owne contre gan he wynne. But there is a Rewm here bysyde [That country is called Tarmelid.] of whiche Leodegan Js kyng this tyde;Line 8196 the Rewm of Tarmelyde j-clepyd hit js, of wheche Rewm the kyng an old Man is, j-wys; [The king, Leodegan, is an old man, his wife is dead, and he has only one daughter and heiress.] And his wyf ded Js Ek therto, and children hath he lyveng no MOLine 8200 But a dowhter, that schal ben his Eyr, to whom al his lond schal Repeyr aftyr his deth, the sothe to Say. but gret werre he hath ȝit be his day [His bitter foe is Rion, king of a wild country.] Line 8204 aȝens the kyng Ryown of Jeawnteȝ and of wildernesse, that fewe men hawnteȝ. And the cause j schal tellen ȝow why: For so Many Merveylles þere ben seyn, trewely,Line 8208

bothe be day and Ek be Nyht, that men Mown feren of that Syht."

"This kyng Ryowns that j of telle, [This Rion] a Myhty Man he js and Felle,Line 8212 and Mochel peple with hym hath he, that myhty ben & ful of crewelte. and conqweryd he hath be his Myht [has con∣quered twenty kings,] twenty corowned kynges jn fyht,Line 8216 and alle here Berdes kut of hath he [whom he has treated dis∣gracefully,] Jn gret dispyt, as ȝe Scholen Se, and closed they ben, with-owten lette, and Eche day to-forn hym at his MeteLine 8220 a knyht hem halt, as ȝe Scholen here, as for gret dispyt, with-owten dwere. And ȝit kyng Ryowns swereth, with-owten faylle, [and he swears he will not cease till he has con∣quered thirty.] neuere to leven werre nethir Bataylle,Line 8224 Tyl that thrytty kynges conqweryd hath he. and this kyng vppon leodegan werreth, Sykerle. Now leodegan Marcheth vppon the, [If your neigh∣bour's land is destroyed, yours will come next;] and ȝyf that his Rem dystroyed be,Line 8228 thy Rewm schalt thow lesen, with-owten faylle, but ȝif thou werke be Myn cow[n]saylle. [8230. MS. cowsaylle.] and so hadde he his Rewm, ful Sykyrle, [and he would have lost his already but for the knights of the Round Table. Go to him,] Nere knyhtes of þe Rownde table hadde j-be.Line 8232 wherfore, and thou wylt don aftyr me, with hym a while schalt thou be, and his dowhter to wyve, with-owten Nay, [and marry his daughter.] and al his Rem aftyr hys day.Line 8236 also therto sche is bothe ȝong and fayr, and of alle his goodis schal ben his ayr, therto the wysest j-cownted that May be. and of thin owne Rewm nothing drede the, [Do not trouble about the barons:] Line 8240 For the Barowns that aȝens the werre, So moche scholen they han to done from ferre, [they will have enough to defend them∣selves.] that lytel whille scholen they abyden there, So mochil here bodyes scholen ben put in fere. [8244. The line was omitted and then written up the right margin, preceded by the crossed-out line: that nethir' to havē mȳds on mōn ne sterre.] Line 8244

but Sore ocupyed Scholen they be hemself to defende, ful Sykyrle. and ȝowre strengthes jn warde scholen ȝe pytte [Put your strongholds in order.] Jn dyvers hondys to kepen hem qwyte,Line 8248 ȝowre cytes and ȝowre castelys bothe with arblasteris and seriawnts, forsothe. and Ek therchebisschope schal therto [and have your foes cursed by the archbishop] acursen hem that ȝow wrong wyl do,Line 8252 and hym-Self schal don this Sentense, To alle tho that to ȝow don ony offens, and to alle the clergye thus schal hyt go thorwh the Rem to ben declared So. [and the clergy.] Line 8256 and ȝe scholen sen, in tyme comenge what schal behappen of al this thinge. thorwh the helpe that j schal ȝow do, they scholen ben affrayed, Er they go. [8260. affrayed, d squeezed in afterwards.] Line 8260 and weteth wel, Sire, jn certeyn, That to ȝow Evere J schal ben ful beyn. [leaf 119 c] and whanne ony Nede that ȝe haue, [I will come whenever you want me;] j schal comen to ȝow, Er that ȝe me crave.Line 8264 And loke, anon whanne j to ȝow crye, that ȝe opene ȝowre ȝates ful Redylye, [then open your gates at once;] and lete hem Entre there Everychon, and thanne that amonges hem ȝe ben anon.Line 8268 thanne So Sore abassched Scholen they be, so þat somme scholen Sone there fle, [8270. The line was omitted and then written down the right margin.] that discomfyt scholen they ben alle; [and your enemies will be discomfited."] Swych aventure on hem þere schal falle."Line 8272

Thanne departyd they there fulson, and vppon to þe walles þe bisschope went anon. [The arch∣bishop goes upon the walls.] and there kyng Arthewr aparayllede his men, an Merlyne a baner to hym Made then, [Merlin makes the king a banner] Line 8276 wherby he hadde gret Sygnyfyaunce, and to his adversaryes ful gret dowtance. vppon a lawnse that Baner was pyht [with a fire∣vomiting dragon set on a lance.] with an oryble dragown in here Syht,Line 8280

that Flawm & Fyr there owt he caste, where-offen the barouns agrysen ful faste; and therto he hadde a ful long taylle, where-offen they Merveylled, with-owten faylle. [8284. they, t inserted above the line.] Line 8284 Thanne kyng Arthewr took this Baner, [The king ap∣points Kay his chief bannerer.] and Syre Kay, his Styward, betook hit ther jn this Manere, as j ȝow Say: that whyles he jn this world lyven May,Line 8288 his chef Banorer forto be, Whiles he May lyven jn prosperyte. Thus arayed weren they with-jnne, and they with-owten to Fyhten wolden not blynne, [The barons pitch their tents outside.] Line 8292 but there they pyhten here pavylouns, with Baners displayed and Gomfanouns. and whanne therchebysschope beheld al this, [The arch∣bishop calls to them.] anon to hem he clepede, j-wys,Line 8296 and bad hem comen here Myhtes to preve, ȝyf the towr they Myhte wynnen Er Eve. they answeryd aȝen, with-owten faylle: "Non Men but we hyt scholen assaylle."Line 8300

Thanne therchebisschope Ryht there anon [He curses all king Arthur's an∣tagonists.] hem cursede alle there Everychon that aȝens kyng Arthewr dyden ony thyng, his Rewm to damage other hyndryng.Line 8304 Thussone the Baronage answeryd ageyn: [The barons defy him.] "of alle thy cursyng we setten not, pleyn, but hym chasen Scholen we ful vtterly, owt of this Lond to dryven hym jn hy.Line 8308 and ȝif we Mown taken hym be ony weye, he schal not asckapen that he Schal deye." Anon whanne Merlyne herde here bobaunce, [Merlin sets their tents on fire,] Fulsone he wrowht hem gret Myschaunce:Line 8312 on hem he caste his Enchawntemens, vppon Tentes and pavylouns, with-owten defens, and alle vppon a fyr there hem Sette, That non of hem ne Myhten hyt lette.Line 8316 So thens they fledden Everychon, [and brings about confu∣sion.]

that non ne wyste of hem whedyr to gon. Thanne kam Merlyne to the kyng anon, [Merlin tells the king to sally.] and Seyde: "Syre, now is tyme ȝe gon;Line 8320 openeth ȝowre ȝates and þat Ryht Faste, and vppon ȝowre Enemyes that ȝe haste." Anon the ȝates faste opened they were, and Every Man owt prekede there,Line 8324 So that to here Enemyes faste gonne they Ryde with Baneris displayed fulsore that tyde, where-offen the Barowns abassched were, [The barons are dismayed] whanne they Syen hem aprochen so Nere;Line 8328 For they Wenden, Ful Certeynle, [leaf 119 d] that swich a peple jn the Towr hadde not be. [by the power∣ful onset,] kyng Arthewr on hem Rod with scheld & spere, and Moche Noysawnce dyde hem there, [8332. MS. dydē.] Line 8332 For astoned they weren of the fer, that but lytel power ne hadden they ther; hem to defende they ne hadde non Myht, So that Moche peple they losten jn fyht. [lose much people,] Line 8336 There ȝonge kyng Arthewr kydde his prowesse, and putte his Enemyes to gret distresse: hors and Men ful faste he Slowh, and alle the Barowns thens they flowh [and fly to a remote place.] Line 8340 Jnto anothyr prevy partye. and there they Seyden tho, pleinlye, a schame hyt were to hem Echon, and he so lyhtly schold from hem gon.Line 8344 thanne spak kyng Newtris of Garlot there: [There king Newtris says that Arthur must be killed.] "alle this werre ful Fenysched were, ȝif that Arthewr here now were ded; j to ȝow kan seyn non better Red."Line 8348 "goth forth," thanne quod the Remnaunt tho, [He is en∣couraged by the others,] "that this thing were thanne J-do. and ȝif that ony Mestere that ȝe haue, [8351. Abbreviation mark in darker ink.] we scholden ȝow helpe that ȝe ben Save."Line 8352 Thanne wente kyng Newtris forth, ful pleyn, [and returns to the attack.] as a ȝong knyht and joly, jn certeyn, and with hym a thryfty compenye Line 8356

of Bacheleris bolde and chevalrye.Line 8356 and Ryht a gret spere kyng Newtres bar, and with kyng Arthewr he mette Ryht thar.

whanne that kyng Artheur hym say comenge, [King Arthur, with a mighty lance, rides to meet him.] aȝens hym fulfaste he gan to flyngeLine 8360 with a gret lawnce, the hed of stel, wherwith he besteryd him Ryht wel. For they that him Syen come prekynge, they Merveyllede that Evere a man so ȝyngeLine 8364 and so sore to-Gederis Gonne they Ryde, that here hors Fowndrede jn that tyde. kyng Newtris Arthewr so sore Mette, [Newtris breaks his spear,] that his spere to-brak, so sore he smette;Line 8368 and kyng Arthewr him smot ageyn, [and Arthur smites him off his horse.] thorwh Scheld & arm hit wente, ful pleyn, Ek thorwh the Scholdere there he hym bar, and down of his hors threw hym Ryht thar,Line 8372 his hed to the grownde, his helys on hye, that al the Erthe denede, ful sekyrlye. but whanne kyng loth of orkanye this beheld, [King Loth hurries to his cousin's assistance.] that his cosyn germayn lay jn the feeld,Line 8376 his hors with his Spores he took anon, and toward kyng Arthewr Rood ful Son his half-brothyr to avengen there (For two sostren hadden they wedded, as j ȝow lere). [8380. MS. fforto; weddē.] Line 8380 and whanne kyng loth he say comen so, [Arthur meets him.] kyng Arthewr aȝens hym gan to go, as ther of hym nothing he ne Rowhte, but fulfaste on hym kyng Arthewr sowhte,Line 8384 Tyl that to-Gederis ful sone they Mette, and ful grete strokes to-gederis they sette. and so sore they cowntred there, [They break their spears,] that bothe here speris to-borsten were,Line 8388 that here hors non ferthere myhte pase. [alight,] thanne sone here swerdis Gonnen they vnbrase, [and take to their swords.] [8390. thānne.]

and so sore strokis to-Gederis they smette, that kyng loth was feld, with-owten lette. [leaf 120 a] [King Loth falls. There is a general rush to assist the kings,] Line 8392 Thanne Began thore A passyng Scry on bothen partyes, ful Sekerly. and a ful gret stowr began there thanne, the kynges to Socowren, of Eche Manne;Line 8396 bothe of knyht and Ek of kyng there was wondyr gret distorbelyng. and kyng Arthewris Meyne cam also hym forto Socowren what they myhten do.Line 8400 thanne be-gan there a ful gret stowr [and a great tumult.] on bothe partyes with grete langowr. But certein, al this jlke stownde bothe kynges lyen atte Grownde.Line 8404

Whanne kyng Arthewr thus anoyed was, his swerd he drowh owt jn that plas, that jn the drawyng hit ȝaf a clerte, [Light flashes from Arthur's sword,] that alle the peple there Myhte hyt se;Line 8408 as thowh xx torches hadden ben lyht, So that there hit semede to alle here Syht; [8410. Abbreviation mark in darker ink.] therto the same swerd, hos wyle hyt look, [the same sword that he took out the stone, and whose name] That kyng Arthewr owt of the ston ferst he took.Line 8412 and abowten the Swerd wreten was ful wel Escalabort, þe wheche was graven in steel. ['Escalabort' is engraven in the steel.] a Name of Ebrew hit was, j-wys, that jn frensch Trawnchefyst j-clepyd Js,Line 8416 that is Englesch Forto telle as Trenchaunt, and scharpe, & cuttyng ful snelle. and that, forsothe, ful trewe hyt Js, as that here-aftyr ȝe scholen heren, j-wys.Line 8420 whanne that kyng Arthewr Recouered was, [Arthur, in the thickest press,] and his swerd drawen jn that plas, jnto the grettest pres he gan to Go, There as Most pres thanne say he tho,Line 8424 and thussone there wyth a knyht he Mette, [kills man and horse,] and swich a boffet there thanne hym sette, the arson of his hors he smot atwo, Line 8428

and the knyht to dethe he wowndyd tho,Line 8428 that bothe hors and Man they fyllen to grownde; and ful gret slawhtre he Mad that stownde, [and causes terror all round.] So that his strok dorste non Man abyde, So Ferd of hym they weren that tyde.Line 8432

Whanne the Sevene kynges Syen this damage, [The seven kings, greatly distressed,] that Arthewr wrowht hem so moche owtrage, thanne ful Sorewful jn herte they were, and alle to cownseyl they drowen hem there.Line 8436 "Let vs assemblen on hym Everychon [agree on a joint attack.] and down to the Erthe bringen hym anon." So that with here sperys, that weren so stronge, Towardys hym faste gonne they fonge,Line 8440 also faste as they Myhte Ryde, hym down to beren jn that Tyde. and alle they grated on hym at onys, [They assail him all at once;] him to han Slayn for the Nonys;Line 8444 but kyng Arthewr was armed so wel, [his armour proves firm;] bothe jn Erne and Ek jn steel; but down they boren hym to the grownde. [but he falls to the ground.] Line 8447 that say vlphyn, Antron, & kay, & Breteaus þat stownde, [Arthur's men rush to his relief.] and so dyde More alle here lynage, To Arthewr thei wente with gret corage. [8450. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] and whanne the vij kynges they Syen this, aȝens this Mayne they wenten j-wys.Line 8452 and þere Syre kay with kyng augwys Mette, [Kay strikes king Augwis,] and thorwh the lefte Scholdere ful sore him smette, More over doun to the Erthe him Bar, thanne as for ded he lefte hym thar.Line 8456 and antron Karados so smot thanne, [Antron, king Carados;] that he to-brosed hym bothe body & panne, and jn ded swowne lefte hym þat tyde, [8459. lefte twice, the latter crossed out.] So that he ne Myhte nethyr gon ne Ryde. [leaf 120 b] [Ulfin en∣counters king Newtris,] Line 8460 And Vlphyn Kyng Newtres Mette Anon, that hors and Man to-gederys gonne gon. and Syre Breteaus & kyng Ydieres [Breteaus, king Ydiers.] theyre swerdis they broken, they weren so fers,Line 8464

Eche on othyr in that place, So strong betwixen hem the skyrmesch wase. and al this whyle the Barownes in fere [All the time King Arthur is sorely vexed.] [8467. in fere added afterwards.] at the Erthe with Artheur, as he lay there,Line 8468 and so on the helm there hym they bete, hym there to Maken his lyf to lete, that so sore astoned kyng Arthewr was, he wende haue deyd jn that plas.Line 8472 and whanne Syre Kay al this beheld, [But now Sir Kay] his Swerd he drowgh owt jn that feld, and thedyr as that kyng Arthewr lay, as faste he hyeth as he kan oþer May.Line 8476 and with kyng Loth there he Mette, [strikes also king Loth,] and swich a strok he on hym Sette, that bothe hors and Man there wente to grownde, So sore he hym smot that ylke stownde.Line 8480 thanne be-gan there a fulstrong Melle [and after great slaughter] bothen partyes to Socowren, ful sykirle, and gret Manslawhtre, with-owten pyte, of Men & hors there myhten they se.Line 8484 but so faste thei besyed hem, þat Meyen there, [8485. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] Tyl that kyng Arthewr aȝen j-horsed were. [King Arthur is remounted.] but gret peyne the[y] hadden therto [8487. MS. the.] and gret los of peple also.Line 8488 whanne that þe comunes Syen Arthewr so fyhte, [The common people, seeing the king's prowess, shout applause,] Fulfaste they cryden anon þere Ryhte, So that the cry there Ros al abowte, and to Arthewr they comen, with-owten dowte,Line 8492 and seyden to Arthewr there as blyve: [8493. MS. asblyve.] "we scholen the helpen, whyles we han lyve; [vow fidelity.] For lyven and deyen we scholen with the here and thin Ryht to Sosteyne al jn fere."Line 8496 thanne this comune peple anon [and join in the battle.] vppon the vj kynges gonne to gon, and þere was bataille wondyr strong, but non Rawnsom wolden they fong,Line 8500

but lyf for lyf and hed for hed, thus pleyden bothe partyes jn that sted.

Thanne kyng Arthewr so ful of Yre [King Arthur] owt sprang on horsbak as spark of fyreLine 8504 To-forn alle his othyr Meyne, and with kyng Ydyers sone Mette he. [encounters king Ydiers,] and vp his swerd he lefte on hy him to han smeten ful grevously.Line 8508 but of his purpos he fayllede tho, and kyng Ydiers hors nekke he smot atwo, [who loses his horse,] that down they fyllen bothe to grownde, bothe hors and Man in that stownde.Line 8512 thanne Retorned kyng Ydiers Meyne [but is relieved by his men.] hym forto Socowre, as hit Myhte be. thanne strengere fyht was jn that plas, [After great fighting,] thanne of alle daye to-forn there was,Line 8516 and More harm & More occisiown there was don that tyme jn vyrown. for kyng Arthewr dyde moche harm jn that pres [in which Arthur has his sword bathed in blood,] bothe of hors and Men, and wolde not Ses,Line 8520 with Trenchefust, his Swerd so good, that bathed was al in Mennes blood; al his harneys and his armure With Mennes brayn was soyled, j the Ensure. [8524. MS. jthe.] Line 8524 So that Ydiers and his Meyne [king Ydiers and the others fly,] as discomfyt fledden, Sykirle. So that ful Longe Lasted this chas [leaf 120 c] [pursued by Arthur,] after these vj kynges jn that plas.Line 8528 and of al the good that they thedyr browhte, the valew of twey pens awey boren they nowhte, that alto-gederis j-lost was there, [and having lost all their property.] what thorwh bataylle and thorwh Fyre,Line 8532 which that Merlyne vppon hem wrowhte; Sauf Gold oþer Sylver Saved was þere nowhte.

Whanne Kyng Arthewr hem hadde conqweryd, [Chap. VIII.] these Syxe kynges, as ȝe haven herd,Line 8536

Be the cownseyl of Merlyne, [Arthur goes to Wales,] To cardeweyl jn wales he turned ageyn, and Sente faste abowtes jn that contre [collects soldiers,] aftyr Sowdyowrs ful gret plente.Line 8540 Bothe Robes and fees he ȝaf hem there, [distributes liberal gifts,] To alle the Sowdeowrs that with him were, bothe to powre, sqwyers, and to knyht, So that they Sworen be God almyht, [wins the love of the people,] Line 8544 with hym they wolden both lyven and deye; thus they hym Enswred be here feye. whanne Kyng Arthewr hadde thus j-sped, & the hertes of þe peple geten jn that sted,Line 8548 and gret love abowtes jn that contre of alle the peple jn here degre, and aftyr he stuffede his cytes echon, [and equips cities and castles.] his castelis, his Garesouns be on & be on.Line 8552 and sethen to logres he wente, j vndirstond, [He then holds his parliament in London,] that now is Clepyd Londone jn Engelond. and there his parlement began he thanne; To hym there Semblyd Many a Manne.Line 8556 This cowrt there began, with-owten delay, In Septembre vppon owre ladyes day. atte that cowrt, with-owten dowte, Many knyhtes he Made, both stronge & stowte. [and makes many new knights,] Line 8560 and to hem he ȝaf bothen grete Rentes & fe, and to hym dyden they homage & fewte. To Every Man he ȝaf swich gwerdon there, So that here degre wel Sosteyned were.Line 8564 and thus he Gat hym love plente [who likewise vow fidelity.] [8565. plente, le blurred.] of knyht, Sqwyer, and comunealte, So that they hym Enswrede here trowthe & feye, [8567. trowthe, o daubed.] with hym to lyven and Ek to deye.Line 8568 and sethen they dyden him Socour, sekyrlye, as aftyr ȝe scholen heren jn this storye.

Aftyr that kyng Arthewr thus hadde j-do, [All this being done,] and j-Mad thre hundred knyhtes & Mo,Line 8572 and al his strengthes j-stuffed ful wel,

bothen cytees, townes, and castel (aftyr Merlynes cownseil þis wrowhte he, and Ek Moche More, ful certeinle),Line 8576 and whanne he hadde al this j-do, kyng Artheur on syde Merlyne took tho, [Merlin with∣draws to have a consulta∣tion with Arthur and Ulfin.] and so to cownseylle to-gederis they wente, and Vlphin with hem they token presente.Line 8580 "Syre kyng, a thing j moste ȝow telle (that ȝe and Vlphyn herkenen My spelle!): There js a good Man jn on forest, [He tells of Holy Blasy,] that jn wildyrnesse lyveth as a best,Line 8584 whiche that Js jn northhumberlond, and an holy Man he is, ȝe vndirstond; and to Me he is bothe leef and dere, For my Modyr he savede and me jn fere." [who saved Merlin's mother (Ch. I).] Line 8588 thanne began he to tellen, verament, how that his Modyr scholde han be brent For A Blame and For A cryme [leaf 120 d] that on hire was put be old tyme,Line 8592 and how Fortager hym dyde seken also, [of king Fortager] Ek how his Modyr veylled a nonne was tho, and how the towr lasteth Jnto this day, [and his tower (Ch. II),] [8595. lasteth inserted above the line, erroneously after (instead of before) Jnto.] and stonden hit schal for Evere and ay,Line 8596 Ek of the dragowns the Signifyance, al this hem tolde, with-owten varyaunce.

Thanne tolde he, aftyr the deth of Fortager [of Merlin's acquaintance with Uter∣pendragon (Ch. III),] how with Vterpendragon he qweynted ther;Line 8600 and of the grete bataylle he tolde also That vppon Pendragon was j-do; and how be the dewchesse he Made hym lye [of the en∣gendering of Arthur (Ch. IV),] jn the castel of Tyndagel, sekyrlye—Line 8604 "Jn wheche place Engendrid ȝe were"; and how Vlphin purposyd the Maryage there— [and the marriage of his parents (Ch. V).] "be-twene ȝowre Fadyr and ȝoure Modyr, the queene"; alle these he tolde hem be-dene;Line 8608 and how fyve dowhtren hadde sche bore [Further he tells of Arthur's sisters and half-sisters,] (what Maryed & ded they weren to-fore),

and tweyne be the dewk hadde sche; [8611. A second and crossed out before be.] of wheche on weddyd king loth, Sykerle; [of whom one is married to king Loth, one to king Newtris,] Line 8612 kyng newtres anothyr hadde to wyve, lyk as aftyr ȝe scholen heren as blyve; [8614. The line was omitted and then written down the right margin.] and the thrydde wedded kyng Vryens; [and one to king Uriens;] and þe fowrthe weddid kyng Bryadens— [the fourth is a widow,] Line 8616 "the wheche that ded now Js he, Fadyr he was to kyng Gwyseans, Serteinle, that js now kyng of Scotlond, as j do ȝow to vndyrstond;Line 8620 and the fyfthe, at londone hyt is, [and the fifth is at school in London.] and there to Scole it is set, jwys, and Moche clergye forsoth hit can, as of þe age doth ony Man."Line 8624 "and wete thou wel, kyng Loth hath here ["King Loth has five sons;] Fyve Sones be his wyf so dere, of whiche on js thyn ful blod, Sykerle, [8627. blod added above the line.] that thou Engendredyst jn londone cyte;Line 8628 and Semly ȝonge Men they ben Echon, of wheche that Gaweyn hyhte þe ton. [one of them, Gawein, shall be the truest knight] and he schal be the trewest knyht, and his Lord loven with strengthe & Myht,Line 8632 Therto þe worthyest that owher may be, and therto Gentelest, Sire, certeinle. and ȝow schal he loven over al thing, and don ȝow worschepe as to his kyng. [a great help to thee.] Line 8636 For wete wel þat he schal be þe same Man, be whom thy lond Geten thou kan. and thy Meyne to hym Mek Scholen be and him don worschepe Jn alle degre.Line 8640 king Newtris, anoþer brothyr hath he, [King Newtris has a brother,] that Galatyns hyhte, ful Sykerle. kyng vriens anothir hath also, [and king Uriens likewise a brother, Iwein.] that yweyn is clepyd, with-owten Mo,Line 8644 that the schal Susteyne with body & herte, þer nis non prowesse schal hym asterte.

and wete þou wel, þat dubbed scholen they not be, [They shall both be dub∣bed by thee, and bring lots of people with them.] Tyl þou hem armes ȝyve, ful Sykyrle.Line 8648 and they scholen bringen the gret compeny, For love of here kyn, certeinlye, [8650. Abbreviation mark in darker ink.] Of Barowns sones & oþer MO; Moche peple with hem cometh the vntoLine 8652 The Forto Don Alle Maner of Servyse, [leaf 121 a] whyles that they lyven as jn here wyse." "also, Sire, jn lytel Bretayngne, [Further, in Little Britain there live two kings,] dwellen tweyn kynges, jn certeyne,Line 8656 the wheche they holden both of the, and cosynes Germayn bothe they be. and tweyne sostres j-weddyd they han þerto, that cosynes Germayns there ben also.Line 8660 These tweyne kynges, chyldren they han, [with children that shall be brave men;] that stalworthe scholen ben and Myhty Men. and so worthy knyhtes they scholen be, theyre pere schal ben jn non contre.Line 8664 The Eldest of the tweyne kynges of fame, [these kings are called Ban and Boors.] kyng Ban of Baynoc js his Name. the tother kyng, of Gawnes Sire Boors hyhte, a worthy werrour and Mochel of Myhte.Line 8668 but a felonus Neyghebour hath that kyng, [They are vexed by a neighbour (king Clau∣das, p. 234).] that hym doth gret Travaylle & hyndryng, and alle he hit doth for Envye, For he ne may hem not justefye.Line 8672 and for they ben so trewe and so stedfast, aftyr hem j wolde thou wost senden jn hast, [Send word for them] and sende hem to seyne, ouer alle thyng that thow wost ben of here aqweyntyng,Line 8676 and with the to ben at al halwen feste. thanne to the moste comen bothe lest and Meste, To thy parlement, and the obeye. [to come to thy parlia∣ment;] Somme comen for good, as j the seye,Line 8680 and somme for Evel jn othyr degre, but these tweyne kynges, as j telle the, [they will come with gentle hearts.] they comen with hertys deboneyrre, here to thy cowrt Forto Repeyrre.Line 8684

For they ben ful good Men and trewe, bettyr of condissiouns fyndest þou but fewe. and þerfore aȝens hem j wyle thou go, [Receive them with honour,] and thy Servyse to hem offren also.Line 8688 and Mochel thank they scholen konnen the, and to þe don homage and fewte. thanne whanne al this js j-do, and thy cowrt they welen gon fro,Line 8692 anon thow hem clepe to thy cownsaylle; [make them your coun∣sellors,] and sey to hem, with-owten Faylle, that jnto Tarmelyde thou wylt Go, There to ben avenged of thy fo,Line 8696 Preyeng hem to Gon with the [and ask them to go with thee to Tarmelid.] (For Ryht Goode men Syker they be), there to abyden with kyng Leodogan, and so preye þou as wel as þou kan;Line 8700 For goode knyhtes ben they bothe, and here lond of the hath Mester, forsothe. [They will want thy help,] [8702. hath, the second h squeezed in afterwards.] For thin Enemyes aȝens the the lond wilen defende, [8703. MS. the þ^e the, with þ^e crossed out.] but they scholen not Therto longe attende,Line 8704 Nethyr Sosteynen non whyle aȝens the, thorwgh helpe of these tweyne kynges, sykerle, [and thou shalt have theirs.] [8706. helpe added in the left margin.] that jn thy compenye scholen abyde." "ȝyt to ȝow More J seye this tyde:Line 8708 a costom J have, j Sey ȝow pleynlye, that to the forest j Moste me hye [I must go to the forest partly on account of my nature,] be Enchesoun of My Nature, [8711. MS. Enchenoū.] thyder j Moste, j ȝow Enswre,Line 8712 bencheson of hym that me dyde gete; this thing at this tyme wyl j not lete. and for anothyr cawse also [partly to speak with Blasy.] to the wylde forest wyl j go:Line 8716 with holy Blase to speken there, For An Holyere Man Knowe J Nowhere. [leaf 121 b] and thou schalt Neuere have Nede of Me, [Whenever you want me, I shall come.] but Sone that J schal ben with the,Line 8720

the to cownseyllen what that j May. but of on thing j schal ȝow say: [But I shall often appear in another shape] often-tymes schalt thow me se jn other semblaunce, ful sykerle,Line 8724 thanne þou sixt me to-forn þe now here, often-tymes toforn þe schal j apere; For j kepte not alle Men knewe [in order to be known only by a few.] whanne j with the spak, but ȝif it were fewe.Line 8728 More over j wylle that thou swere to Me, that be the Neuere discured j be [Never dis∣close what I say to thee."] of non thing that j haue told the, but that thou kepe hit Evere preve. [8732. MS. Evene with an er-mark above.] Line 8732 and ȝif thou do, j schal the Seye: hyt schal the Torne to angyr and treye." and the kyng hym swoor there anon Ryht, [The king pro∣mises secresy] he scholde Nevere discure hym to non wyht,Line 8736 Ne Neuere schold don thing aȝens his wylle; [and implicit compliance.] thus the kyng Seyde hym vntylle. and Merlyne Enswred hym ageyn that he wolde deserven hyt, certeyn.Line 8740

Thus the covenaunt was fenyssched there, [In the city, where the consultation took place, the people rejoice,] be-twene the kyng and Merlyn jn fere. Gret joye Maden they jn that cyte of here kyng so ȝong jn his degre,Line 8744 that so worthy a man of armes he was, and therto so hardy jn Eche a plas. so that for joye of that solempnite the worthy Burgeys of that cyte [and eract a quintain for the knights.] Line 8748 a qwyntyn they Reryd there besyde jn a fayr Medewe that jlke tyde, the ȝonge knyhtes to bowrdeyen there with scheldes hangeng abowten here swere.Line 8752 this Revel lasted Fully viij dayes with grete feste, as this storye sayes. and whanne the feste was al j-do, [After the festival, Arthur returns to London,] To londone ward the kyng gan go,Line 8756 there to abyden his parlement,

at halwenmasse to ben holden present. [and issues a summons to another parliament.] thanne weren they sent fore Everychon that homage and fewte scholden don.Line 8760 So þat som partye comen at his sonde, and som partye hit dyde with-stonde. [Some refuse to come; they are warned by the king.] thanne sente the kyng to hem ageyn that they scholden hit amenden, certeyn,Line 8764 oþer ellis he wolde hym-self ful blyve, ȝif god þerto hym Sente his lyve.

Thus sente kyng [Arthewr] Forth Ryht anon, [Arthur sends Ulfin and Bretel to call] [8767. MS. sente kyng fforth; either the name (cf. footnotes to ll. 11043, 14226) or the definite article is missing.] and bad Sire vlphyn & sire bretel gonLine 8768 To kyng Ban of Baynok ful blyve [king Ban] and sethen to kyng Boors, his brother be wyve: [and king Boors] and Evere they wylen his love crave owther his Frenschepe Forto have,Line 8772 That to hym they comen jnto grete breteygne, [to the same parliament.] at al halewen Masse feste, with-owten leyne. Thanne wenten forth these tweyne knyhtes these two kynges to seken owt-Ryhtes.Line 8776 these kynges Emporyssched weren jn vyrown Jn tyme of Vter Pendragown. thus passeden the knyhtes ouer the se, [The two knights cross over to Little Britain.] Tyl jnto lytel breteygne they comen, certeinle;Line 8780 and thorwh a place of desert they wente, That distroyed and brend was, veramente. [leaf 121 c] [On their way to Bourges in Berry, a city claimed by king Claudas, they find the country laid waste. This is what had happened:] Thanne comen they to Anothir cyte, that boorges in berry is clepyd, Sekyrle,Line 8784 whiche that kyng clawdas of desert hyt kalanged openly and apert. this kyng clawdas of which j ȝow telle, anothyr castel kalanged ful snelle,Line 8788 whiche that kyng ban hadde there sette [king Ban had built a castle;] with-jnnen his lond, with-owten lette. kyng clawdas Gan Evere hym withseye, [his neigh∣bour, king Claudas, disputed his right] and seyde the Lond was his, jn feye,Line 8792 where-vppon the castel stood; he wolde hyt haven for Evel oþer good.

and kyng Ban than answeryd ageyn, and seyde hit was neuere his, jn certeyn.Line 8796 So that thorwh this, grete werre began; [a war began;] but kyng Ban wolde leven hit for non Man, that the castel he dede vpe Make, owther for drede owther for wrake.Line 8800 thus began gret hate, werre, & Envye, betwixen tho two kynges, Sekyrlye. This werre al here lyve dyde laste. So that this clawdas jnto Ban his rem paste, [Claudas invaded the country,] Line 8804 and hym defyede jn Many a d[e]gre, [8805. MS. dgre, g being tampered with, as if a correction had been intended.] and jn that Lond dyde grete adversyte Jn Townes that vnwalled were; Sone on fyre he sette hem there, [burnt and pillaged,] Line 8808 of wheche he took Many grete pelages; the peple he Slowh and dyde Owtrages, For he was with-owten pyte. but as towching to the castel, Sykyrle, [but could not take the castle] Line 8812 that kyng ban hadde areryd there, he ne hadde non myht to don hyt non dere. This castel kyng ban hadde Stuffed wel With Seriauntes and arblasteris Everydel.Line 8816 and þere-jnne hadde he put an old capteyn, [from its defender, an old captain;] hos Name was Gracyen, with-owten leyn. and on of Bannes sones with Gracyen was, that Baynyn was clepyd jn that plas.Line 8820 this Baynyns was sethen of gret worthynesse, a worthy knyht, and of gret prowesse; More thanne at this tyme þe Storye doth [not] spelle. [8823. MS. doth spelle; p squeezed in.] but now of kyng ban j schal ȝow telle, [king Ban] Line 8824 that ful wroth & ful angry was For the harm he hadde jn Many a plas. and whanne he knew the certeynte, To-Gyderis he gaderyd his Meyne [collected an army,] Line 8828 aȝens kyng clawdas forto fyhte, [8829. clawdas, la blurred.] for alle passages he knew ful Ryhte.

Whanne these tweyne ostes scholden Mete, To-gederis to Fyhten they wolden not lete. [gave battle,] [8832. MS. ffyhtēg.] Line 8832 So that there was ful gret Mortalyte on bothe partyes thanne, certeynle. and so Moche peple Slowh this kyng ban, [killed lots of people,] and dissemed the Membres of Many a Man,Line 8836 that a man Myhte han seyn jn the feld hepes as of Swyn oþer of schepe lyn ded. So that Fawht kyng Ban & his Meyne, That kyng clawdas fledde & his compeyne, [and put king Claudas to flight;] Line 8840 and loste al his harneys and his Pelage, that he to-fortymes took be owtrage, and the presoners Rescued weren Everychon. [8843. and, d through correction.] on anothir partye Entryd kyng boors anon, [king Boors, invaded the enemy's own land,] Line 8844 that half-Brothyr was to kyng Ban, jnto kyng clawdas Lond Entrede he than, and þere brende and dyde distrocciown [destroyed it so thoroughly] [leaf 121 d] Abowten Al His Lond Jn VyrownLine 8848 Jnto the cyte of desert; thedyr he brend ful sone and apert, and that lond distroyede al abowte, that nowher for hym non Man Myhte Rowte.Line 8852 So gret distrocciown there he dede, that jn twenty Myle of lengthe & brede [that there was not a house left within twenty miles,] No Man jn that Lond loggen Myhte, To liggen drye be day ne be Nyhte,Line 8856 but ȝif vndir Roche oþer vndir Erthe hit were, cowde No man drye loggen hym there. So was kyng clawdas Emporysched there tho, [and crushed king Claudas entirely.] that he ne wyste what he Myhte do.Line 8860 So on the kynges dorste he non More werre Make, lest hit scholde hym torne to Sorwen and wrake. thus fownden they this lond distroyed & brent, [Thus king Arthur's messengers find the land desolate.] they that on kyng Arthewris Message went,Line 8864 and Merveylled Mochel of this thing as jn the contre they paste Rydyng. So Ryden they forth, with-owten les, Tyl they comen to þe castel of Trebes, [They ride on to Trebes.] Line 8868

That kyng Ban there dyde arere, [8869. Abbreviation mark in darker ink.] From his Enemyes to defenden him Every-where.

Jn this castel Qwene Eleyne was, [They there find Ban's fair young queen, Kleine,] kyng bannes wyf jn that plas,Line 8872 and therto the Fairest Lady was sche that owher was jn ony contre, and but of ȝong age, the sothe to say, but xvj ȝer ȝit be that day,Line 8876 and but lytel whyle wedded was sche [whose sister is married to king Boors,] kyng Boors hire soster wedded, sykerle, a worthy lady jn alle wyse, as ony Man on Erthe cowde devyse.Line 8880 whanne Vlphyn and Bretel comen to trebes, aftyr kyng Ban they axeden, with-owten les. [ask for the king, learn that he is with his brother,] they seyden, he was gon to parlement to his brothyr, kyng Boors, verament.Line 8884 and whanne they wysten he was not there, of qwene Eleyne they token here leve in fere. [and depart again.] So armed Ryden they forth anon, For the contre that they scholde by gon [They now have to pass through a country in∣fested by robbers,] [8888. by, y corrected from e.] Line 8888 was perylows forto passen by, as j ȝow Seye, sires, certeynly, For Mysdoeris jn that contre. and Many Mo Scholden there be,Line 8892 Nere drede of þe two kynges so ryhte [whom the two kings certainly try to put down.] that on hem don Reddure anon with Myhte. For ȝif ony Man that they cowden aspye, And he were taken with felonye,Line 8896 anon to jewyse he Scholde be do and ben distroyed for Evere Mo.

Whanne these knyhtes from Trebees weren gon, Vlphyn and Bretel to-gederys alon,Line 8900 and Er fyve Myles they hadden past, [Before long, they meet seven of king Claudas' knights.] vij knyhtes there they Syen jn hast, that weren of kyng clawdas Meyne, that theke pas they kepten, Sykerle,Line 8904

and weren Repeyred owt of desert tho, there what to geten that they myhten also. and whanne the Sevene knyhtes þat þer were [These agree not to grant free passage] Syen Vlphyn and bretel come Rydyng there,Line 8908 "behold," quod the vij knyhtes thanne, "Se on what hors þat comen these menne; and but we letten hem the weye, we ben but cowardes, be my feye;Line 8912 For they ben not of this contre, [to the strangers,] [leaf 122 a] Nethyr Here Armes We Knowen not, Sekyrle." "Sertes," quod on to anothyr thanne, "they semen bothe welfareng Menne,Line 8916 bothe on horsbak and Ek on foote, [whose fine horses and harness] they seme good Men, wel j woote. and ȝif oþer Mennes Servantes that they be, Thanne a good Man Serven they, Sykyrle.Line 8920 therefore hem to dispoylle let vs now hye, [should be seized.] For þer-of hauen we nede gret, ful Sykirlye. here hors and here harneys bothe vs nedyth to han, ben they neuere so lothe."Line 8924

Thussone on of hem prekyd owt [One of the knights ac∣costs them:] From alle his Felawes (he was so prowd), and aȝens these Messengeris gan he Ryde, jn a gret haste that ylke tyde,Line 8928 and seyde: "lordynges, of whens ben ȝe, ["Where do you come from, and whom do you want?] [8929. MS. seyden.] whom seken ȝe jn this contre? and whethyr that ȝe Serven kyng Ban owther kyng Bors, his brothyr, telle vs now than.Line 8932 and ȝyf with kyng clawdas that ȝe be, [If you be∣long to king Claudas, you may pass, otherwise not.] thanne scholen ȝe passen whyder so wylen ȝe. For Ellis, certeyn, scholen ȝe ben ded, and non furthere to passen jn this sted.Line 8936 For we ben set here, Certeynlye, [For we are set to keep this road.] this weye to kepen ful streytlye, that noman schal passen be this contre, but ȝif þat we wyten what so they be.Line 8940 and ȝif to kyng clawdas wylen ȝe pase,

thanne forth to passen scholen ȝe han grace, and Ellis ȝowre harneys Moste ȝe leven here, [You will have to give up your harness and your horses."] and bothe ȝoure hors to-Gyderis jn Fere.Line 8944 thanne with-owten deth passen scholen ȝe, oþer payeng of Rawnsom, Sykyr ȝe be. therto presonement scholen ȝe non have, but hey[l] & al hol to passen here Save, [8948. MS. hey.] Line 8948 Sauf ȝoure hors and harneys scholen ȝe forgone." thus seide this knyht þat to hem cam alone. Anon as Vlphin this vndirstood, [Ulfin angrily replies:] For anger he lokede as Red as blood.Line 8952 "Sire knyht," he seyde, "hye the not to faste, ["Stop a bit,] For al thy Malyce is nygh j-paste. Mafey, thou spekest ful velenosly! what trowest thou þat j sette þer-by? [8956. MS. whhat.] Line 8956 For nethyr hors ne harneys g[e]tyst þou not here, [you won't get them!"] [8957. MS. gtyst.] For Er thou have, thou beyest hem ful dere. J trowe thow wene hem sone forto gete, and þat schalt thou not, for j schal the lette." [8960. þ^t squeezed in afterwards.] Line 8960

Whanne that Bretealx vndyrstood this, [Bretel seconds his fellow,] [8961. Ornament like a face in the left margin (inside the long flourish of w); similarly ll. 8987, 9265, etc.] that the knyht to Vlphyn so spak amys, he seyde: "sire knyht, þou thinkest ful ylle, but of thy bost j schal the sone felle."Line 8964 with his spores bretel his hors smot blyve [and rushes against the knight.] aȝens that knyht to Ryden wel swythe. and þat beheld thanne this knyht anon, [8967. þ^t squeezed in afterwards.] and Faste aȝens Bretel he gan to gon,Line 8968 and abowtes his nekke he heng his Scheld, there-with to defenden him jn that feld. and there fulsore to-gederys they Mette, [They meet.] So that on Bretel a gret strok he sette,Line 8972 and Bretel ful sore smot hym ageyn that thorwgh the left scholdere he bar hym, pleyn, [Bretel pierces the knight,] Tyl that þe tronchon schewede on þe tothyr syde, hal[f] schaft and More jn that ilke tyde. [8976. MS. hal.] Line 8976

& þere to þe grownde he bar hym ful Ryht, [who falls to the ground;] both hors & man þere jn that fyht. There Swowned this Knyht for Angwysch & peyne, [leaf 122 b] as this Storye here telleth, Syres, jn certeyne.Line 8980 than aȝen sire Bretel his spere owt drowgh thore, [he draws out his spear again,] al hol and as sownd as hit was to-fore, and seide to þe knyht thanne jn þat tyde: [and says:] "here mown now ȝe wel Resten and abyde ["Now you may stay here and keep the road!"] Line 8984 this weye to kepen for Man othir knave, and geten swich avauntage as ȝe Mown haue."

Whanne that Vlphyn beheld al this, [Ulfin greatly approves.] Ful wel hyt lyked hym, þe justis, j-wys,Line 8988 and preysede Bretel for his jorne, For wel had he qwyt hym, ful Sykerle. thanne forth they Reden but a lytel weye, that the vj knyhtes behelden, jn feye, [The six knights] Line 8992 hough that h[er]e lord sore wowndyd was [8993. MS. he.] and jn the Feeld lay jn that plas, and seide that glad scholden they neuere be, [vow venge∣ance.] Tyl here lord venged were, ful certeinle.Line 8996 thanne of these vj, tweyne gonnen Owt Ryde [Two of them ride to attack the messengers] to ouertaken þe Messengeris jn that Tyde, al so faste as here hors Myhte hem bere, [8999. MS. as fo faste.] So that they ouertook hem anon there.Line 9000 and whanne that they weren hem faste bye, anon these Messengeris they gonne ascrye, [with a men∣acing cry.] and therto hem Manacede wondyr sore, but fullytel there-offen they ȝoven thore.Line 9004 and whanne they hem Syen aprochen so Ny, ageyns hem they torneden ful worthyly [The messen∣gers turn on them,] with here scheldis and speris anon Riht there, that with-jnne schort while jsembled they were.Line 9008 so that alle iiij there so sore they Mette, [and there is a fierce eucounter.] and so grete strokis to-gederys they sette, that on peces to-schateryd here scheldis, and the gobettes flowen jnto the feldys,Line 9012 that persched was bothen hauberk & habiriown

of Bothe partyes there jn Vyrown. thanne aftyr, Bretel with his Lawnce [Bretel fells one,] Smot his aduersarye atte owtrawnce:Line 9016 thorwgh hawberk, haberiown, & þorwh þe throte he hym there sone bar, God hyt wote, that ded of his hors þere fyl he down, jnto the Feld ouer his arsown. [9020. ffeld, ld on erasure.] Line 9020 and Vlphyn his aduersarye smot so tho, [Ulfin, the other.] that his spere thorwgh his lyft scholdere gan go, [9022. lyft, t squeezed in afterwards.] and down of his hors fyl he jnto the feeld, [9023. hors added above the line.] where as he lay stylle vndyr his scheld.Line 9024

Thanne of th[e] iiij knyhtes jsswed owt tweyne, [Two more knights ride to attack,] [9025. MS. th iiij.] here felawes to avengen þere, jn certeyne, and Maden there a ful gret scry, [9027. scry, c corrected from r.] and seiden that they wolden deyen, trewly,Line 9028 but that here Felawes avenged were, Er that they pasten ony forthere there. thanne anon the Messengeris tweyne [are met by the messengers,] aȝens hem here hors hedis tornede ageyne.Line 9032 anon Sire Vlphyn dressid hym ful faste aȝens his adversarye, er he forthere paste; and Bretel aȝens the tothyr gan Ryde, So that al fowre Metten jn that tyde.Line 9036 Sire Bretel his felawe th[er]e so smot, [and des∣patched in a similar way.] [9037. MS. the; cf. l. 11379, footnote.] that thorugh the Body the spere hit glot. and Vlphin his felawe there so Mette, and swich a strok on him he sette,Line 9040 that hors & Man to grownde he bar, So that his Nekke asondir barst Ryht thar. thanne spak Bretel to his felawe: [Bretel renews his scoffing speech,] "Syre, of this Jorne ȝe Mown Ben Fawe! [leaf 122 c] Line 9044 and here to Manacen whom that ȝe wylle, and this passe to kepen, and here lyn stylle, Therto good leve, Syre, scholen ȝe have, thys weye to kepen from knyht oþer knaue." [9048. thys, y corrected from e.] Line 9048

And at this lowgh Vlphyn welfaste; [Ulfin laughs,] thanne forth jn here weye to-gederis they paste. [and both set off together.]

Anon jn here jorne Ryden they forth there, as wery Men that forfowhten were.Line 9052 So jn here weye they Reden forth Ryht, that to the cyte of Baynoyc they comen þat nyht, [In the even∣ing they arrive at Bainoik,] wher that they fownden ful gret plente of diuers peple there, ful Sykerle.Line 9056 For bothe kynges there weren jn Fere, and ful gret cownceyl hadden they there. these two knyhtes Ryden forth here weye, Tyl that to þe paleys they comen, jn feye. [ride to the palace,] Line 9060 and of here hors they lyhted adown, and preyden a good Man of the town here hors to kepen and here harneys bothe, and jnto the cowrt they wente, forsothe.Line 9064 There sone axeden they aftyr kyng Ban [ask for kings.] and aftyr kyng Bors, his brother, than. they seiden, jn chambre that they were Jn gret cownseylle to-gederis jn fere. [and learn that they are both in counsel.] Line 9068 thanne þe Messengeris they weren ful gladde, that bothe kynges to-gederis they hadde. So that the Messengeris stylle abyden tho, [The messen∣gers wait.] Tyl that the kynges here counseyl hadden j-do.Line 9072

And whyles they stooden Jn this degre, [In the mean∣time, two knights, Leonces] [9073. MS. Jnthis.] there cam a knyht there forth, Sykerle, that Leownces of Paerne was his name, & with hym kam a knyht of gret Fame,Line 9076 that fulwel he lovede jn alle degre, and Sire Pharens hyhte he, Sykerle. [and Fariens.] [9078. Sykerle, k in darker ink.] These tweyne knyhtes comen jn fere, To axen the Messengeris what they wolden there. [ask them what they want.] Line 9080 they seyden that weten wel they Scholde, ȝyf that they so longe abyden þere wolde, tyl that here Message were don there [9083. there crossed out before werē.] To bothe bretheren that kynges were.Line 9084

and whanne they herden hem bothe thus seyn, [The knights and the mes∣sengers recognize each other as dear old friends.] thanne Eche of hem othyr knew, ful pleyn. anon Eche othyr there Gan forto Embrace, and Mochel joye they Maden jn that place.Line 9088 thanne axeden they ȝif they speken scholde with the tweyne kynges, and what they wolde. and they seyden: "ȝe, sires, ful sekyrly, For therto haven we nede, trewely."Line 9092 anon thanne jn hondis they tooken jn fere, [Hand in hand, they go to the kings.] and so to-gederis jnto chambre wenten there. thanne anon as the kynge[s] these two knyhtes sye, [9095. MS. kynge; cf. ll. 9279, 9788, footnotes.] aȝens hem they wenten ful hastelye,Line 9096 For wel wisten they thanne, with-owten Fayllynge, that they scholden here som newe tydynge. Thanne seyde Leownces to these kynges tho: [The messen∣gers are intro∣duced to the kings,] "Behold these Messengeres that fer comen Fro!Line 9100 For they comen owt of gret Bretaygne [9101. Br'taygne, r' corrected from o.] with ȝow tweyne to speken, jn certeyne." and whanne the tweyne kynges herdyn this, they seyden that they weren welcomen, j-wys. [and welcomed by them.] Line 9104 thanne gret joye to-gederys they Made, and Ech of other they weren Ryht glade. Thanne down they seten alle þere jn Fere. Thanne Axeden the Kynges of Hem there [leaf 122 d] [They are asked about their errand,] Line 9108 what Nede that drof hem jn-to that contre, For ellys hyt Myhte non othirwyse be. thanne forthermore, as j vndirstond, they axeden tydynges owt of here londLine 9112 and ȝyf here Barowns hadden ony kyng [and about the barons and their king.] aftyr here owne wille, with-owten lesyng. For of the Eleccyown knewen they ful wel, and of the swerd and þe ston, Everydel,Line 9116 that on cristemasse day there gan apere aforn the Mynstre and the peple there.

Thanne tolden the Messengeris here tydyng, [The messen∣gers give a full account] [9119. Abbreviation mark perhaps added afterwards.] how that jt was, jnto the Endyng,Line 9120

and of alle the Stryf that was there Of kyng Arthewr & þe Sevene kynges jn fere; [of Arthur's victory] and of the Merveillous Fyr also that Merlyne amonges hem wrowhte tho,Line 9124 and Ek of the grete chevalrye that þe ȝonge kyng Arthewr dyde, Sykyrlye. aftyr they tolden hem word and Ende [and of Mer∣lin's advice,] how Merlyn cownseyllede, for hem wendeLine 9128 that they scholden comen to kyng Arthewr [asking the kings to come to Arthur.] and not Jt to letten for non langowr; where-offen Vlphyn preyde jn haste answere to haven, Er that they paste;Line 9132 For here tyme was schort therto, and here Nede ful gret also. thanne answeryd the kynges ageyn, [These hesi∣tate on ac∣count of king Claudas,] and seiden that—"gret werre we han, certein,Line 9136 aȝens kyng clawdas jn this contre, that Mochel Noysaunce doth to owre Meyne. and ȝyt Emporysched he js jn partye, But ȝyt we dreden vs now, Sekerlye,Line 9140 that and we owt of this contre were, [who might attack the country during their absence.] [9141. were, w blurred.] lest he wolde don vs Mochel dere." thanne seiden the Messengeris to hem ageyn: "That kepten we not, Syres, jn certeyn, [But the mes∣sengers tell them that Merlin sent them word not to fear.] Line 9144 But Merlyne sente ȝow forto say: whiles that ȝe walkyn jn his jornay, ȝe doren not of non damage drede, For he wyl ȝow both wyssen and Rede."Line 9148

Whanne kyng Ban & kyng Boors [Ban and Boors marvel at Merlin's knowledge,] herden of Merlyne so gret a los, and Merveyllede Mochel of his werkyng, that he knew thinges þat weren comeng,Line 9152 thanne seyden they to þe Messengeris anon, [and ask the messengers to stay for three days.] that syker thens Scholden they not gon, but hol thre dayes there to abyde; the Messengeris hym thankyd þat tyde.Line 9156 the kyng comanded disarme hem anon (For furthere, certeyn, scholden they not gon,

but jn his owne place abyden þere stylle), and hem vnarmed and Esed at wylle.Line 9160 whanne that these knyhtes vnarmed were, [When the messengers are disarmed, their friends notice their broken shields,] thussone there comen the two knyhtes there, and beheldyn here harneys and here arMure, [9163. MS. behaldyn.] Where-offen they Merveylleden, j ȝow Ensure,Line 9164 how that here scheldis so to-broken were, and here harneys so forbled was there. they preyden hem, of Gentrye, the sothe to seyne, that al the trowthe to tellen hem, pleyne.Line 9168 thanne begonnen they anon, ful vttyrlye, [are told of the encounter with the seven knights,] alle the trowthe to seyn, ful pleynlye, Of the vij knyhtes, þat weren so bolde, And How that Hem Asayllen they Wolde. [leaf 123 a] Line 9172 "But thankyd be God and owre Ladye, we ben now here jn ȝowre compenye!" and whanne the tweyne knyhtes herden this, That of tho Sevene they weren delyuered, j-wys,Line 9176 thanne of hem Maden they gret preysynge, [and praise the fine exploit.] For they hem knew, with-owten lesynge, that they weren bothe knyhtes worthy, and for goode Men and trewe, certeynly.Line 9180

thanne kyng Ban dyde hem sytten anon, [King Ban gives them good cheer;] and with worthy deyntes Served hem thusson. [9182. with, h squeezed in afterwards.] what Leowneces of Paerrne and Phareens [Leonces and Fariens serve them well,] To hem they dyden al here deligens;Line 9184 of alle tho deyntes that Myhte ben fownde To hem they browhten jn that stownde. For toforn tyme they syen in gret bretaygne [remembering former times in Great Britain.] hem Servyd with alle deyntes, jn certeygne,Line 9188 jn tyme of kyng Vter Pendragown, that kyng Arthewres fadyr was be Resown. Thussone kyng Ban & his brothyr in Fere [Ban and Boors are ready on the third day;] Forward they gonnen to arayen hem there,Line 9192 So that Redy thei weren be th[e] thrydde day [9193. thei, i squeezed in afterwards. MS. th thrydde.] with these Messengeris to gon forth here way, and tooken here londys Jn Governaunce Line 9196

To Leownces of Paerne, with-owten varyaunce, [they leave their lands in the keeping of Leouces, Fariens, and the steward of Bainoik,] Line 9196 For that he was here cosyn Germeyn and therto bothe good & trewe, jn certeyn. Therto Pharens was left jn his compenye, and Ek the steward of Baynoyc, Sykyrlye. [9200. Baynoyc, o blurred.] Line 9200 Thanne seyden the kynges to hem there that—"ȝyf nede be, aftyr helpe ȝe Enqwere." [and ask them, if necessary, to send for help;] For they wysten not thanne, jn certeyn, what tyme that hom they comen ageyn.Line 9204 thanne lefte kyng Ban certein tokenyng [king Ban himself would send a ring in case of great need.] with his Barowns of Many a thing. "and ȝit More over, ȝyf grete Nede be, My Ryng j schal sende ȝow, certeynle."Line 9208 whanne Leownces herde that hyt trewe was That the Messengeres seyden jn that plas, Thussone they Maden hem Redy forto go, [The kings set out on their journey,] Tyl that to the Se they comen vnto.Line 9212 So that Schepyd they weren, bothe lest & Mest, [and have a smooth cross∣ing.] and Esyly over pasten with-owten tempest, of which Mater this Storye Maketh an Ende, and Forth to kyng Artheur now doth hyt wende,Line 9216 that js at londone jn gret Bretaygne, that logres tho was clepyd, jn certaygne. [9218. The remainder of the column blank; in the left margin: obvincō Regum.]

Now Scheweth Forthere this Storye [Chap. IX.] [leaf 123 b] that from Arthewr the Messengeris gonnen hye, [After the de∣parture of the messengers from London (p. 233), cities and castles were furnished with soldiers (cf. ll. 8551 f., 8573 ff.), whom Merlin knew to he trustworthy.] Line 9220 and stuffeden thanne Every Garnesown, Every good cyte, and Every town, with arblasteris and seriawntis also; thus Merlynes comandement dyde they tho.Line 9224 For he knew alle tho that trewe were, lik as this Storye Reporteth here, For Merlyne knew ful wel that compeyne, that be hem Treson scholde neuere non be.Line 9228 and whanne they hadden thus j-don, thanne to hem cam Merlyne anon,

and seide they hadden Ryht wel j-do. [(Context mis∣understood; see Notes).] [9231. MS. seiden.] thanne tolden they to Merlyne vntoLine 9232 how that be the weye assaylled they were, and hou of vij knyhtes they deliuered hem there, Ek with the two kynges j-spoken also, and how here londys they hadde deliuered thoLine 9236 To tweyne barouns of that contre, and the tokene of the Ryng also tolden hee.

Anon seide Merlyne to kyng Arthewr thanne: [Merlin ad∣vises king Arthur to meet the ap∣proaching kings.] "Goth, ordeyne ȝow to Meten these worthy menne,Line 9240 For thin owne Men ful Syker they be, and Born of hygh lynage, ful Sykerle, and Ek here wyves Jn that same wyse hyghe Born as ony Man kan devyse."Line 9244 thanne answeryd the kyng to Merlyne ageyne: "As thou me Redest, j wyl don, certeyne." thanne quod Merlyne jn alle haste: "that the weyes ben clensid ful faste, [The streets are to be decked, girls are to dance and sing,] Line 9248 and þerto alle the Maidenis that þou miht gete hem to Meten dawnsing jn that strete, & thus with songe & dawnsyng with-owten þe town hym so to meten in Merie processiown,Line 9252 and thanne ȝoure-self with alle ȝoure chevalrye [and the whole chivalry to welcome them.] Ek hem to Meten ful worschepfullye." "Now, goode Merlin," quod Artheur the kyng, "whanne Mai j be seker of here comeng?"Line 9256 "a sondai next comeng, Er þe owr of Tyerce, [They will arrive on the Sunday morning.] hidyr scholen thei comen bothe heyl & ferce." whanne that kyng Arthewr vndirstood al this, thanne aftir Merlines wil he wrowhte, j-wys, [Arthur makes pre∣parations accordingly.] Line 9260 and Merline him tawhte what he scholde do, and hou to the kynge he scholde speken vnto, that jn non wise jnterupt scholde he not ben [9263. MS. jnteript.] Jn non thing that he Scholde don other sen.Line 9264

Vppon this him ordeyned Artheur the kyng aȝens these kynges to gon Encowntryng.

thus abyden they stille til vppon the sonday. [On the Sun∣day, Arthur meets the kings in grand pro∣cession,] thanne myht me sen Men there jn good aray:Line 9268 the kyng Artheur & al his Baronye, therchebisschope of dover with his clergye, thus with processioun they hem Metten, sykerle. thanne gret kysseng & joye there men myhten se. [kisses them,] Line 9272 thus toward the cyte passeden they there, [conducts them to the city, where maid∣ens dance and sing,] where as dawnsyng Many Maidenis were with Many karoles & Ryht Merye song, at that tyme was these Maidenis among.Line 9276 and thus thorugh the cyte thei gonne to Ride To the grete towr that ilke tyde. [and to the Tower] Anon as these kynges to þe paleis weren browht, [9279. kynges, s squeezed in afterwards.] grete jewelis and ȝiftis sone weren vpe sowht [where mag∣nificent gifts are dis∣tributed] Line 9280 and to the kinges presentyd there; also cowrseris, palfreyes, & with destrere, Ek Robes, and armures bothe goode & Riche To these kynges he ȝaf and to oþer j-lyche. [both to the kings and to others.] Line 9284 and al this wrowht he be Merlines cownsaille, For aftyr hit dede hym gret availle. So that gret love he gat him there [leaf 123 c] [Arthur thus wins the love of rich and poor;] Of Riche and powre thanne Every-Where,Line 9288 and of hem that neuere hym sye Toforn tyme ne aftyr with here Eye. Ful mochel Merveylleden the peple tho [they wonder where all the jewels come from,] whens that alle tho jewelis comen fro,Line 9292 and jn so schort time hit was j-don, bothe to hye and to lowe þere Riht anon. So that Eche Man jn his degre kyng Artheuris Man swor forto be, [and swear fidelity.] Line 9296 and for nothing hym Neuere to faylle jn pes, in werre, nethir jn bataille.

Whanne that these kynges jn þe cite were, daunsyng of ladies Syen thei there, [Dancing and tournaments are going on.] Line 9300 Torneyeng of Bacheleris ȝonge, [9301. Abbreviation mark in darker ink, between i and s.] that alday lasted jnto Evensonge. More ouer alle the stretis of the cyte Line 9304

with clothis of Sylk weren hanged, sikerle. [The streets are hung with cloths of silk. The weather is fine.] Line 9304 and bothe fayr wedyr and cler hyt was, For Nethyr Rein ne hayl þat day þere nas. and alle the stretys with lampes hanged were, [Lamps filled with balm spread sweet odour all around.] and Euerich lampe ful of Bawm was there,Line 9308 whiche that brenden so Swetely, that al the cyte þere-offen savourede, trewly, [9310. MS. savouredē.] So that the swete odowr smellyd myhte han be half a Myle thanne, ful certeinle.Line 9312 So that the barouns forth wenten in fere [The royal party attend mass,] To the chyf Mynstre anon Ryht there. there met weren they with processioun, with cros, Baneris, and gomfanoun.Line 9316 Therchebisschope the Masse sang, veramente, [which is sung by the arch∣bishop,] and aftyr Masse to paleys they wente, the thre kynges al jn Fere with alle the baronage þat was there,Line 9320 where as Manye worthy viandes weren dyht [and then have a splendid dinner.] þerwith the kynges to serven, as hit was Ryht. and alle thre kynges to-gederis they sete, with hem therchebisschope, as hit was Mete;Line 9324 at on table alle J-Served they were with Rial deyntes whiche weren there, thanne weren there two ȝonge knyhtes [At table serve] that thyke day the halle serveden outrihtesLine 9328 with sire kay, sire Vlphin, and sire Bretel; [Kay, Ulfin, Bretel,] that day they deden wondirly wel. the names of thes knyhtes so ȝonge J schal ȝow declaren Jn Englysch tonge.Line 9332 the ton hyhte Lucans the Botelers, [Lucans the Boteler, and Girfles.] the tothir sire Gyrfles, a knyht ful fers. thus with these knyhtes the halle served was with gret deyntes thike day jn that plas.Line 9336

Aftyr noon was vpe set the qwyntyn, [After dinner, the quintin is raised.] the ȝonge knyhtes þere justed wel and fyn, and Boordeieden there alle theke day, and aftyrward to torneyeng, with-owten Nay.Line 9340

So weren they devyded on partyes tweyne, [The knights are divided in two parties.] on Eche side vij hundred, jn certeingne, of whyche of the Rem of Baynoic, vtterlye, thre hundred weren in that compenye. [9344. jn Comp crossed out before weren.] Line 9344 and whanne these parties assembled were, alle thre kynges weren they there. and mochel of the clergye þere was also, [Clergy and astronomers are present.] and of astronomers that jn þe Rewm was tho.Line 9348 ȝit vndir hem alle cowden they not telle on whiche syde the better befelle, Sauf only Merlyne he cowde declare, whiche side the bettere scholde han thare.Line 9352 Thus the thre Kynges And therchebysschope tho [leaf 123 d] [The kings and the arch∣bishop look on from a window.] at Fenestris and wyndowes lokeden tho, and hou to-gederys they gonnen torneye, Ek hou that here hors gonnen for to Neye,Line 9356 and hou that the Erthe hyt denede also, So faste to torneyeng gonn they to go.

Thanne thus whiles they torneyed there, Jnto a Renge aperyd thanne there [(1) First Gir∣fles jousts] Line 9360 Sire Gyrfleȝ, the sone of cardwelle, vppon a stede that was stowt & felle; jnto that Renge he Rod ful faste. & aȝens hym cam on atte laste:Line 9364 a knyht of Baynoic, that hyht Ladmas, [with Ladmas of Bainoik.] with sire Gyrfles Mette jn that plas; and assone as they to-gederis Mette, Grete strokes on Ech other there sette;Line 9368 with sperys and scheldes toforn here breest To-gedires they Mettyn at here Treest. and so sore to-gederis they Ronnen there, that Ech vppon other barst his spere, [They break their spears,] Line 9372 For worthy knyhtes they weren bothe two, and Eche be hym-self desirede also: the toon desired worschepe, trewelye, The toþer Richesse and Seygnourye.Line 9376 So sore they torneyeden togederis thanne,

that hem thowhte the brayn was owt of h[er]e panne, [9378. MS. he pāne.] and Ek the Eyen owt of here hed, So sore they torneyed jn that sted.Line 9380 and Ech of hem to Erthe oþer there bar, [and bear one another to the earth.] that jn Swowneng stille they lyen thar. So that the peple wenden, þat stoden abowte, that bothe hadden ben ded, with-owten dowte.Line 9384 For so crwel a fyht Syen they neuere Ere be-twixen two men that knyhtes were.

Thussone to-broken the Renges anon; [(2)Then en∣sues a general rush,] to Rescwen these knyhtes wenten they ful son.Line 9388 there on partye with anothyr to-gederis gonne Mete, that on Eyther partye lay jn the strete. Ek so sore to-gederis Metten they there, that Eche man on othyr brak his spere. [spears are broken,] Line 9392 whanne that here sperys to-broken were, anon here swerdis they pulden owt there. [and swords are pulled out.] So that there a melle began ful strong, betwixen tho knyhtes hem among.Line 9396 ȝyt was there thanne anothyr knyht, that ful Merveillously bar hym in fyht, that Lucans le boteler was his Name, [Lucans the Hoteler, Gir∣fles' cousin,] cosin germayn to Gyrfles, a man of fame.Line 9400 This Lucans so on gan taken there, that bothe hors and knyhtes he gan to fere. For so harde he took on thanne, that his strok ne dorsten abyden non Manne. [gives irre∣sistible strokes,] Line 9404 he Rente the helmes of hedis adown, here scheldes caste ouer here arsown, [9406. from crossed out before oú.] and swiche Maistryes werken þere he began, that of hym Merveillede Many a Man. [and excites general admiration.] Line 9408 and so deden these kynges thre, and of hym Merveilleden jn many degre.

Longe lasted the torneyeng that Tyde at Londone faste by temses syde.Line 9412 and ȝit knew non Man the bettyr partye,

ho þe vietorye scholde hauen, Sykyrlye. For so Many goode Men there were here myht to preven on bothe sides þere.Line 9416 whanne Gyrfles and his felawe vpe weren sette [Girfles and his adversary are re∣mounted.] [leaf 124 a] and on horsbak þere, with-owten lette, Whanne they Aventyd Weren Jn that plas, aȝen they torneyeden with-jnne litel spas.Line 9420 thanne sire Gyrfles and sire lwcans jn Fere [Girfles and Lucans] Ful grete Maystryes begonnen they there, and of hem of Baynoic Goten they lond, [gain ground on those of Bainoik.] and from here place Remeved hem, j vndirstond.Line 9424 whanne that this they of Baynoye Sye, that here Feleschepe gonnen so forto flye, they comen to Rescwen hem with alle here Myht, [(3)Fresh jousters join] that toforn not ne hadden comen jn fyht.Line 9428 thanne comen of Arthewris thre hundred knyhtes [on both sides,] aȝens hem of Baynoyc þere anon Ryhtes. and thus they Entermellyd bothe jn fere, tyl that Merveillous werkyng Maden they there;Line 9432 for so sore to-Gederis Gonnen they Ryde, [and there is a powerful encounter,] that here speris to-borsten jn that tyde. and whanne here speres toborsten were, anon Eche Man his swerd drowh owt þere.Line 9436 and þere began ful gret Tornement of tho worthy knyhtes, verament. For a man the sothe myhte knowe, the worthynesse of knyhtes al be Rowe,Line 9440 and Ek of ȝonge knyhtes that þere were, [in which also novices par∣take.] that lerned to torneyen with scheld and spere. but of alle othere jn that plas Sire Gyrfleȝ & Sire lwcans gonne hem pas.Line 9444

Whanne hyt was comen to the owr of Noon, [(4)At noon, Kay enters the lists with 16 comrades;] Syre kay with xvj felawes there cam anon, that ȝit non strok j-smeten they hadde; thussone jnto the Reng þere he hem ladde.Line 9448 So that þe ferste they gonne there Mete, [they fight keenly with spears] down they hem boren a-Myd the strete. So sore they justed vppon that Grownde, that here speris to-borsten þat ylke stownde.Line 9452

and whanne here speris to-broken were, anon here swerdis they pulden owt there. [and with swords.] that so sore they fyhten begonne, and fowhten, whiles they hadden ony sonne,Line 9456 that sire kay on his partye hadde the Gre, [Kay, Girfles, and Lucans excel.] on þe tother side Gyrfleȝ & lwcans, sykerle. thanne wenten these knyhtes tho jn fere [They leave the ground for a while.] Forto aventen hem owt of þe place there.Line 9460 thanne to that Resorted þere anon Ryht of Baynoyc Lordis of Ryht gret Myht, [(5) Several knights of Bainoik] hos Names j schal ȝow telle, and ȝe wylen herkene to My spelle.Line 9464 There was Vsmerawnt of þe Roche, ful prest in age, [(Usmerant, Gawnes de Bloy, Uriens, Graciens, Bliobers, Placides, and others)] and Gawnes de bloy, & Vryens of þe forest savage, also Belyas Amorews of Maydyn castel, and Flawndres le Blans, and Graciens the Lel,Line 9468 and Blyes de la kasse, and Bliobens of desert with Melyadus þe bloys & Madyeus of crispes, apert, and placydas the Gays with hem, trewelye; alle these to torneyeng comen jn compenye. [come to the tournament] Line 9472 whanne this fresch peple cam to tornement, There they so torneyeden, verament, So that non man dorste hem there abyde; [and drive the other party back.] So sore they torneyeden jn that tyde.Line 9476 and whanne Sire kay be-held al this, [(6) Then Kay] that here lond his felawes hadden lost, j-wys, and there aventyng as he was & with hym his felawes jn that plasLine 9480 behelden hem of Baynoyc lond putten his felawes to þe wers, j vndirstond, Thussone þere hasted hym thanne syre kay And His Felyschepe With Hym, Jn Fay, [leaf 124 b] [and his com∣rades return,] Line 9484 and prekeden jnto the grettest pres that he myhte fynden, with-owten les, and with hym his feleschepe in compenye. there gonnen they sore to torneyen, trewelye, [and begin afresh.] Line 9488 So that but a lytel whyle hadden they ben there, that they of Baynoyc Scomfyt they were. [9490. Baynoyc, c squeezed in afterwards.]

thus wrowht Sire kay jn that Turnement, that his Name declared was, verament,Line 9492 as this storye here-after schal declare, hos that there-aftyr wil loken thare.

Syre kay, that of his Modyr neuere Norsched was, [(Kay has a bad habit, taken after his nurse,] but of anothyr womman jn dyvers plas,Line 9496 a tach of his Norse there he cawhte, that of hym geten Myhte hyt be nowhte. ȝit his Modyr a worthy lady was, and Moche worschepe cowde jn Every plas, [9500. Cowde, d immediately corrected from e.] Line 9500 and þerto sche was ful of Bownte and ful of gentrye in Eche degre. but this Sire kay a custom hadde, that he ne Rowhte to speken good oþer badde. [not to care what he says,] Line 9504 ȝyt he ne spak hit for non velonye, but Moche þat he seide was but folye. For often-tymes they that herd hym speke, on lawgheng they musten sone owt brekeLine 9508 Ek for disport and his Folye, that jn his speche they fownden, trewelye. And þerto aȝenward ȝit was he [although he is a good fellow.)] the beste Felawe that Myhte be.Line 9512 whanne sire kay cam to tornement, as to-forn time han ȝe herd present, and Sire Ladmas, that ful wel hadde J-do [Kay sees Ladmas put Arthur's men to flight,] vppon kyng arthewrs Men ȝit thedirto,Line 9516 and Sawh his Felawes put to the flyht, whiche so him grevede anon þere Ryht— [9518. grevede, the second e blurred.] whanne that Sire kay al this beheld, that his Felawes forsaken hadde þe feeld,Line 9520 Ful Sorweful he was thanne jn his herte, and Forth on horsbak he gan to sterte [and rides against him.] To Sire Ladmas jn that pres, and of his Torneyeng he made him ses,Line 9524 and Made him to Meven owt of þat place, there as to-forn tyme ful bold he wace, and so sore smot hym jn the Scheld, Line 9528

that bothe hors and Man fyl jn the feld; [He tilts Ladmas and Graciens off their horses,] Line 9528 and at þe same strok there also Sire Graciens trebens to Erthe gan go. So with that cowrs he brak his spere, and anon his swerd he drowh owt there,Line 9532 and Resewed his felawes Echon. [and relieves his fellows.] thussone his Name discried was anon, how that alle his felawes socowrede he, that Scomfyt they wenden forto han be.Line 9536 thanne torneden they alle aȝen jn fere, and of al that day ne dyden not so wel þere. [9538. MS. sowel, e blurred.]

These jostes beheld wel Artheur þe kyng, [The kings notice his chivalry.] kyng Ban and kyng Boors, with-owten lesyng,Line 9540 and behelden the chevalrye of syre kay, that he there dyde that ylke day, and seiden he was a worthy knyht, vayllaunt & vysable jn Every fyht.Line 9544 and whanne Lwcans the Botelers Sawgh kay so do, [Lucans goes off in another direction;] hym forto helpe hym Nede not to Go. Thanne took He His Hors With His spores Anon, [leaf 124 c] and jnto the grettest pres he gan to gon,Line 9548 and smot Syre Bloys so sore there, [he bears Blois to the ground.] that al on peces to-barst his spere, and to the grownde him bar down Ryht, and his swerd owt drowgh þere forto fyht.Line 9552 thanne began þere gret Torneyenge here felawes to socowr forto brynge. Thanne cam Sire Gyrfleȝ, armed ful bryht, [Girfles, seeing Bliobers and his two com∣rades] as faste prekinge as that he Myht,Line 9556 and Sawgh there Blyobers & his felawes tweye, that abowten Sire kay weren, trewelye. and with here swerdes on hym they leyden faste, [pressing hard on Kay,] that wondyr hit was he myhte hit laste,Line 9560 For grete nede of socour there hadde he, For he was but on aȝens hem thre, and thike thre þe best Men were of Baynoykes Meyne þat was there.Line 9564

thanne Mette he there with placydes, [breaks Pla∣cides' helm,] and his helm to-barst jn that pres. Aftyr Rod he to Blyobers, [and brings both Bliobers] that thike tyme was bothe stordy & fers,Line 9568 and smot evene a-Myddes þe scheld, that he there fyl doun jn the feld, and drowh owt his swerd anon thanne, and smot sire placydes so on þe panne, [and Placides to the ground.] Line 9572 So that sore astoned þere he was, and from his hors fyl down jn that plas. Thanne what tyme Syre kay beheld al this, [Kay rises,] vp ful sone he hym dressed, j-wys,Line 9576 and beheld sire Gyrfleȝ, his socourer, and thowhte that kyndenesse to qwyten owher. [full of grati∣tude.] So from that day Evere aftyr-warde [He and Gir∣fles become friends for life.] they loveden to-gederis ful strong & harde;Line 9580 Al the whyle they leveden here, Myht non Man departin hit fer ne nere.

Whanne S[i]re Gyrfles Sire kay Rescwed hadde, [9583. MS. Sre.] and thens as he lay thanne forth hym ladde,Line 9584 thanne aspyde Sire kay on þat hyht ȝeroas, [Kay strikes Yeroas.] that hym sore anoyede jn that plas. [9586. MS. jnthal.] anon his Swerd Sire kay owt drowghe, and, schortly to seyne, there hym he slowghe.Line 9588 thanne be-gan there gret Noyse & cry [There is an outcry,] on the tothyr partye there, certeinly. thanne comen they thedyr fast prekynge, and Ek on sire kayes syde, with-owten lesinge.Line 9592 So that gret Melle there began, [and a fresh tumult,] that hurt and anoyed was Many a Man, Er alle fyve felawes Resewed were, owthyr Er to-gederis they mo[w]n semblen there. [9596. MS. mō, ō on erasure.] Line 9596 but whanne to-Gederis they weren alle fyve, wel mochel deseyse they wrowhte ful blyve. [in which the five knights] and ȝif ȝe wil knowen whiche fyve they be, J schal ȝou here declaren, ful sekerle:Line 9600 Ferst Vlphyn, Bretel, and Syre kay þere, [(Ulfin, Bretel, Kay,]

Sire Gyrfleȝ, and Sire lwcans þe botelere. [Girfles, and Lucans)] and whom so Evere þese fyve Metten jn place, to therthe they wente, ther nas non oþer grace,Line 9604 For so wel these Fyve gonnen hem be-stere, Merveylleng to alle tho that there were. [are a wonder to all the spectators.] and how they Myhte so longe Endure, These thre kynges Merveilleden, j ȝow Ensure. [9608. Ensure, E corrected from j.] Line 9608 So that thus ther Was Ful strong Melle [leaf 124 d] on bothe partyes there thanne, Sykerle. and gret poyntes of armes þere was j-do, and tyl hyt was Even, hyt lasted tho.Line 9612 thanne comen these thre kynges adown [In the even∣ing, the kings stop the tournament,] this Torneye to breken al and som. So that they comen jn-to the place there as this Torneyeng al day was, [9616. al, l squeezed in afterwards.] Line 9616 and helden bothe partyes parygal. [declaring both sides equal.] Anon thanne comen they jn with-al, For they cowde not wel declare on whiche partye the gre schold fare.Line 9620 and there departed the Torneye anon, So that Eche knyht to his jn hom gan gon. and the kynges wenten forth to Evensong, [They attend evensong, and go to supper.] and aftyr to here Soper gonne they fong.Line 9624 and whanne the Soper was j-do, of this tornement thanne spoken they tho, [Speaking of the tourna∣ment,] and ho that best bar him thar, and whiche of armes þat wysest war.Line 9628 thanne anon hem answerede there kyng Ban, [king Ban says that six∣teen of his knights] & seide: "xvj knyhtes j have here than that jn this Torneyeng bettere han doon thanne alle the Remnaunt Everichon,Line 9632 and on this partye heyhte there were, [stand highest.] For stronge & harde they peyned hem here, [9634. MS. ffol.] and Many merveillous armes dyden they, Mo thanne at this tyme j kan wryte oþer sey."Line 9636 so vppon this long weren they jn talkyng, and þanne atte laste for the gre ȝeveng. [At last the prize is given] So that the los was ȝoven, and the prys, Line 9640

To Sire kay steward aftyr here devys, [to kay,] [9640. Sir' twice, the latter crossed out.] Line 9640 To sire lucans the botelereȝ, and to Sire Gyrfleȝ, [Lucans, and Girfles.] [9641. lucans in the left margin; the insertion mark is errone∣ously placed after (instead of before) the.] To these thre for þe beste, wit[h]-owten les. [9642. MS. wit owtē; cf. l. 9182, footnote.]

Thanne whanne the tables j-drawen were, [After supper, the kings retire into a chamber.] jnto a chambre the kynges wenten there,Line 9644 Therchebisschope and Antron Ek also, whiche chambre on þe Rever stood tho. and with hem these two knyhtes wente, Sire Vlphyn and sire Bretel, veramente. [Ulfin and Bretel are with them.] Line 9648 thanne thus of Manye thinges they spooke, and atte laste kyng Artheur gan loke, and aspyde these two knyhtes with-jnne a whyle. thanne anon kyng artheur be-gan to smyle, [King Arthor smilingly asks the two knights to relate their adventures on the journey.] Line 9652 whanne he bethowhte hym vppon the jorne, as Merlyne hadde hym told, ful Sykerle, whanne that on his Message þey wenten, apert, hou that they thanne spedden jn desert,Line 9656 & hou from vij knyhtes deliuered they were. he preyde hem to þe kynges to tellen hit þere. and thanne the kynges preyden hem also [Ban and Boors echo the wish.] The sothe hem to telle—"er that ȝe go."Line 9660

Whanne they herden the kynges preiden so faste, Bretel on sire Vlphyn lowgh atte laste. [Bretel, with a smile on Ulfin, replies:] thanne answerid sire Bretel to the kyng: "what nedith ȝow vs to axen of swich a thing, ["Why do you ask, as you know it as well as our∣selves?"] Line 9664 whanne that ȝe knowen hyt as wel as we, as Merlyne ȝow hath told, ful certeinle, So that hyt were not but wordis jn veyn of swiche thinges to speken, certeyn?"Line 9668 than answerede anon kyng Ban: [Ban, demand∣ing an ex∣planation,] "Now, leve sires, ho þere-of ȝou telle kan, that ȝoure kyng js therto thus preve?" "ȝis, Sire kyng, quod sire Bretel, sykirle, [is told about Merlin.] Line 9672 The wysest Man of al this Lond

Other of Al crystyndon, J Vndyrstonde." [leaf 125 a] "Now where Js he?" quod the kyng Ban tho, [Ban inquires further,] "and what his Name, telle thou me also."Line 9676 "Syre, hit is Merlyne," quod Sire Bretel thanne, "that we holden Ryht a wys Manne, and jn My chambre he lyth to Reste. [learns that Merlin is in Bretel's chamber,] he is a Man of cownseyl of þe beste,Line 9680 For be his cownseyl we comen for ȝow, wheche we hopen schal ben for ȝoure prow." Thanne spak kyng ban anon thanne [9683. ban added above the line.] To kyng Arthewr there of this Manne:Line 9684 "Now, good Syre, lete ȝe vs now hym se, [and asks to see him.] For gret lust therto we han, parde, For Merveilles that we han herd of seye of that Man jn Manye a weye."Line 9688 kyng Arthewr seide, with Ryht good wylle [Arthur sends Ulfin to fetch Merlin.] That anon he scholde comen hem vntylle. Anon thanne sente he For Sire vlphyn, and preyde hym gon to seken after Merlyn. [9692. MS. gonto.] Line 9692 And as Sire Vlphyn gan forth to gon, Ryht there with Merlyne he Mette anon. [Merlin meets Ulfin,] thanne seide Sire Vlphyn: "welcome ȝe be; the kyng wolde gladliche speken with þe."Line 9696 "j come Ryht anon," quod Merlyne tho, "For j ne Rekke toforn whom þat j go." Thus Entrede Merlyne jnto that pres, [is brought before the kings, and relates of his knowledge and his life.] and Many thinges seide, that was non les,Line 9700 bothen of his konnenge and of his lyf, there he hem tolde, with-owten stryf. thanne hadde kyng Ban a clerk there, [King Ban's clerk, Guine∣bant, ques∣tions Merlin.] a wyser Man ther nas nowhere,Line 9704 and aposyd Merlyne of Many a thyng; his name was Guinebant, with-owten lesyng. And what Evere of Merlyne he gan to freyne, Merlyne hym answerede anon, certeine, [Merlin answers,] Line 9708 For Merlyne knew neuere non Maner of Man, that hym so aposede as he dyde than. And Evere these kynges stodyn ful stylle, [and the kings listen.] Line 9712

tyl bothe clerkes hadden seid here wylle, [9712. hadden, the first d through correction.] Line 9712 and tyl the dispetesoun was al j-do [9713. was, s added afterwards.] Er that ony of hem wolde thennes go. So that there aqweyntawnce they took, [The two wise men become great friends.] and neuere there-aftyr hit forsook.Line 9716 Thanne whanne al this was thus j-don, [Afterwards Merlin asks the visiting kings] Merlyne to these two kynges gan to gon, [9718. MS. ganto.] and seide: "ȝe ben lordis bothe goode & trewe; My Lord kyng Arthewr hath sweche to fewe.Line 9720 beholdeth now My lord and kyng, ful sikerle, For he ȝoure Sovereyn and lord Moste be, [to become Arthur's vassals.] and of hym ȝoure Rem to holden vnder Gage, and him to don bothe Fewte & homage,Line 9724 and he schal ȝoure Socowr and helpe be aȝens alle ȝoure Enemyes, Sykyrle." "Now, Merlyne, telle vs, we preyen the, [These inquire about Ar∣thur's ele∣ction, and if he is really king Uter's son.] jn what Maner he was chosen kyng to be,Line 9728 and ȝif that Antron wyste, verraylly, kyng vter pendragones sone he were, trewely." [9730. sone added above the line.] "ȝe, Sires," quod Merlyne, "with-owten lesyng, [Merlin says he is,] [9731. Merlyne, the final e blurred.] that was þe cawse he is chosen kyng.Line 9732 and of his Elecciown, with-owten dwere, they konnen beren witnesse þat ben here, [and refers to the arch∣bishop and Ulfin.] bothe therchebisschope & vlphyn also; bothe konne they seyn how hyt gan go."Line 9736 "Merlyne," quod the kyng thanne, "We holden the for a ful trewe Manne; þerfore we wolden preyen the for thi lordis sake [The kings want Merlin to make them sure of one thing.] [leaf 125 b] of on thyng vs sewr forto Make;Line 9740 And For A trewe Man We Knowen the, sekyrlye, [9741. we crossed out before Man.] and for non Erthely good thou wylt not lye." "A," quod Merlyne, "ȝe wolden that j swore [Merlin divines that they wish him to swear to his previ∣ous state∣ment.] that hit were trewe þat j tolde ȝow to-fore."Line 9744 thanne gonnen these kynges to lawghen anon: Swyche on knewe they neuere but hym alon.

Thanne seide Merlyne to hem ageyn: [Merlin is willing,] [9747. seide, the first e blurred.] "what ȝe so me axen, j schal tellen ȝow, pleyn."Line 9748 So that Respyt they tooken that Nyht, [but puts it off till the next day.] Tyl vppon the Morwen hit was day lyht. thus they departyd here cownseyl thanne, and to bedde they wenten Every Manne. [All go to bed,] Line 9752 thanne jnto on chambre wente that Meyne: thre kynges, þe bisschope, Guinebant, & Merlin in com∣peyne; [the kings, the arch∣bishop, Guinebant, and Merlin, in the same chamber.] For departen wolden they jn non weye, and namly þis clerk Guinebant & Merlyne, jn feye.Line 9756 For a gret clerk held hym this Merlyne, as aftyr this storye Reporteth wel and fyn. [9758-59. Between these lines there is a blank corresponding to about eighteen lines. Similarly between ll. 10080-81, 10174-75 10258-59, &c.]

Thanne to bedde these kynges wenten ful sone, [Chap. X.] and alle these Meyne Everichone,Line 9760 and slepten on the Morwe tyl hyt was day, [Next morn∣ing, when the bells ring for service,] Tyl that to Servysse they Rongen, jn fay; For abowtes halewen-tyd tho hit was, whanne tyme they weren jn that plas.Line 9764 thanne cam Merlyne to hem anone, [Merlin calls the kings.] & þere two wyndowes he openede thussone, For he wolde som lyhte that there were hem onestely to arayen with there.Line 9768 so that they hem dihte, & gonne to gon [They dress, and go to the cathedral.] to the chef Mynstre thanne anon. there therchebisschope the Masse dyde Synge, and at þat Masse Merlyne, with-owten lesynge, [There Merlin swears on the Sacrament that Arthur is king Uter's son] Line 9772 Swor on the sacrement jn that place that kyng Artheur kyng vterpendragones sone was, and that on Ygwerne begeten was he the same nyht þe dewk was slayn, Sykerle— [9776. The n-mark in darker ink.] Line 9776 "So that he is the moste Ryhtful Eyr [and rightful heir.] That to this lond cowde Repeyr."

the same oth Sire Vlphin swoor, [Ulfin and Bretel take the same oath.] Ek sire bretel, sire kay, that weren thoor.Line 9780

Whanne these two kynges herdyn al this, [Then Ban and Boors do homage to king Arthur,] that this sewrawnce thus was Mad, j-wys, anon to kyng Arthewr they deden homage, as to a worthy kyng of hygh parage.Line 9784 kyng Artheur hem Resceyvede debonowrly, and for Joye he wept ful tendirly, [who weeps for joy and kisses them.] and there he hem kyste ful often-sythe, For of tho kynges he was ful blythe. [9788. kynges, s added afterwards.] Line 9788 Thanne to halle Every Man wente, [All return to the hall,] [leaf 125 c] And thankyd God With good Entente, where as here Mete was Redely dyht, [where a meal is ready.] For kynges, Erlleȝ, barouns, and knyht. [9792. kȳges, ȳ through correction.] Line 9792 and whanne that this Mete was j-don, [After the meal the kings go to counsel.] thanne to cownseyl wenten they anon, Merlyne and the thre kynges jn fere, Vlphyn, Bretel, & ek Sire kay was there.Line 9796 thanne to hem seide there Merline anon: [Merlin, com∣mending the faithfulness of Arthur's counsellors,] "ȝe ben trewe Men þat here ben Echon, For that j knowe as wel as ȝe that Syker alle trewe Men ȝe be.Line 9800 Beholdyth here now ȝoure Lord & kyng, this worthy sire Artheur, that is so ȝyng! and ȝe knowen wel that haterede hath he [and remind∣ing them of the barons' hostility,] of his Baronage, ful Sykerle,Line 9804 that hym Nelen don homage ne Servyse, as that they owhten be Many a wyse, But with hym thus werre they holde. there-fore j preie ȝow Many folde [ask them to follow his advice.] Line 9808 that aftyr my cownseill ȝe wolden don, and good counseille j schal ȝeven ȝow son." and they hym answeryd, with Ryht good wylle [They promise to do so.] what so he seyde they wolden fulfylle.Line 9812

"Thanne, Lordynges, wylen ȝe vndirstonde ["Well then," says Merlin,] that here kyng Arthewr is kyng of this londe,

and that non wyf haueth now he; ["King Ar∣thur here has no wife. I know of a beautiful princess,] wherfore j knowe on, ful sykerle,Line 9816 that is bothe comen of kyng & qwene, and a Fairere Mayden han ȝe not sene, and is dowghtyr to kyng Leodegan [only daughter of the old king Leode∣gan of Tar∣melid(p.217),] of Tarmelyde, Ryht a worthy Man.Line 9820 and no mo children now hath he but only this lady, ful Sykerle. More ouer an old Man js that kyng, and Gonnore hyhte that Mayden so ȝyng; [and called Gonnore.] Line 9824 therto Eyr schal sche ben aftyr his day. [9825. schal twice, the former crossed out in darker ink.] but gret werre he hath, with-owten delay, [Leodegan has a powerful enemy, king Rion of the Giants.] with on kyng Ryoun of Geauntes lynage, a myhty man & a Riche & of gret parage.Line 9828 and he conqwere kyng leodegan, [If Rion con∣quers him, this land will come next,] kyng Artheuris lond next him lyth than. For ȝif that Tarmalide conqwerid be, thanne schal neuere kyng Arthewr, sykerle,Line 9832 his lond jn pes thanne non whyles holde [and have no peace.] For this kyng Ryown that is so bolde. and ȝif þat the knyhtes of þe Rownde table ne hadde be, [Hitherto the knights of the Round Table have saved Leo∣degan.] kyng leodogan his lond hadde lost, ful Sykerle.Line 9836 therfore this were now myn cownsaylle, [9837. cownsaylle, a corrected from e.] that thyder ȝe wente, with-owten faylle, [Now you all ought to go to him, disguised as soldiers, and stay a year or two.] with kyng Artheur jn this Manere as thowh alle Sowdeours þat ȝe were,Line 9840 and there a ȝer oȝer two forto abyde, his aqweyntaunce to geten the same tyde. For non whylle scholen ȝe there not be, [He will love you better than his own men.] that he wel schal ȝow loven, Sekerle,Line 9844 better thanne hem þat with him now ben, and that Ryht sone scholen ȝe now sen. and j vndirtake for kyng artheur here that to him he schal ben so leef & dere,Line 9848 that his dowhter he schal hym ȝyve to wyve [King Arthur will marry his daughter,] and Eyr of that lond aftyr his lyve. For anon as weddyd thanne he js, anon the jeauntes scholen han knoweng, j-wys;Line 9852

and from that day forward, with-owten lye, [and the Giants will be kept in awe for all future."] the jeauntes doren not abyden, trewelye, Not be a gret jorne there abowte; This is ful trewe, with-owten dowte."Line 9856 Thanne Answerede Anon Kyng Ban, [leaf 125 d] [King Ban replies:] and to Merlyne seyde he there than: "My dear friend, how can we leave our own land, "My leve frend, j schal tellen the: what aventure scholde thanne this beLine 9860 Now to forsaken oure owne lond, Lyke jn werre as hit doth stond? [beset, as it is, by enemies?] [9862. doth, d corrected from s.] how scholde we thanne taken on þere, with hem that on vs don so werreLine 9864 and oure londis distroyen & brenne? wers wylen they don, and we ben thenne. [For they will do still more harm if we are absent—] For but þif we jn owre lond abyde, hit wyle vs hyndren jn Every tyde,Line 9868 but ȝif that kyng artheures barowns here [unless Ar∣thur's barons sustain it,] oure londis to sosteyne, & we not there. and ful gret peryl now hit Js, [which, how∣ever, is a perilous thing."] other men oure londes to defendyn, j-wys."Line 9872 "A, Sire," quod Merlyne to the kyng tho, [Merlin as∣sures them that they will gain two hun∣dred times more than they will lose:] "to me ȝe speken, as ȝow lyst forto do. but j þow Enswre, ful certeynlye, that and ȝe there lesen on penye,Line 9874 two hundred therfore scholen ȝe gete, and of this j dar ȝow wel behete. For ther ne schal comen jnto ȝowre contre [none of their towns will be destroyed,] distroccioun nethir to town Ne cyte,Line 9880 whileȝ ȝe ben jn kyng Artheures presens; J schal ȝow waranten ful Syker defens. and there a Ryal Rewm scholen ȝe wynne, [but they will win a king∣dom.] and therto al the Lordschepis þat ben with-jnne,Line 9884 that this Lond defenden schal Evere with-al vndistroyed, and lasten for ay & fynal." [9886. Eve crossed out before ay.] thanne answerede kyng Ban to Merlyn anone, [The kings are convinced,] and there to hym he seyde thus sone:Line 9888 "We the knowen for Man ful wys; J schal the Seyn now Myn avys.

Sethen hit is so as thou dost telle, Aftyr thy cownseylle don we wylle.Line 9892 but telle vs now whanne we scholde wende, [ask when they are to start,] and we scholen þere-offen Maken an Ende. and þerto oure Retenu scholen we calle, [and want to send for their men.] that they mown ben Redy alle."Line 9896 "Al betymes," quod Merlyne tho, ["All be∣times," says Merlin. "It will be at Mid Lent. But first we must have a battle with the barons.] "For hit schal be Midlentone, Er þat ȝe go. and ȝit er that ȝe gon, with-owten faille, here moste we han a gret bataylleLine 9900 aȝens the barowns, that Rysen ben kyng Artheur to werchen treye & teen. there-fore j wolde þat ȝe anon Ryhte [Therefore call your troops,] to gete as Moche Meine as ȝe Myhte,Line 9904 and that ȝe don hem loggen ful prevylye [station them secretly in a plain in the forest of Bredigam,] jn a fayr lawnde here faste bye, that js jn the Forest of Bredygam, there as that Meyne neuer ne cam.Line 9908 and dubblefold harm scholen they haue [and the barons will have the worse."] thanne ony of ȝowre, ȝe Mown ben save." Thanne there anon tho spak kyng Ban, [King Ban asks if it can be done in time.] and there to Merlyne he seyde than:Line 9912 "ȝif þat for men jnto my lond j scholde sende, scholden they be tyme hidere to me wende?" [9914. MS. tome, t corrected from e.] "ȝe, certein, Syre," quod Merlyne tho, [Merlin offers to bring the men] "For Ryht wel hyt May be do.Line 9916 and on this Message, Sire, wyl j wende alle this Mater to bryngen to an Ende. For this Message hastyd most hyt be aȝens the bataylle, sire, Sykerle, [in time for the battle;] Line 9920 the whiche at candel-masse schal be-tyde the forest of Bredygam there be-syde. therefore ȝoure Meyne Moste hasted be Hedyr Betymes to comen, Sekyrle. [leaf 126 a] Line 9924 For they mosten Ryden bothe day & nyht [they will have to ride day and night;] this jorne to spede, and they don Ryht. and wete ȝe wel, the sothe forto preve, [as for him∣self, he will be in Little Britain the next morn∣ing.] that j schal be there to Morewen Er Eve."Line 9928

and whanne the kynges herden this, [The kings marvel.] here-offen they Merveilleden sore, j-wis. thanne clepede Merlyne kyng Artheur anon, [Merlin ad∣vises Arthur to secretly gather his forces,] and bad he scholde ordeygne forto be donLine 9932 bothe arblasteris and Ek worthy seriawns to-gederis assemblen, with-owten varyans, the moste prevyeste wyse—"that they Mown wende, and with hem plente of vitaylle that ȝe sende [and send pro∣visions for a fortnight to the said plain.] Line 9936 jnto that lawnde that j haue ȝow told; among to þe peple departe hit Manyfold. and that eche Man for hym-self have vytailles for xv dayes, to kepen hym save,Line 9940 of Mele and Salt flesch Ek therto besiden oþer vetaylles; do ȝe Ryht so." thanne lwcans the Botelers and sire Gyrfles [Lucans and others start off at once.] anon they pasten owt of that pres,Line 9944 Also Sire Vlphyn and Syre Bretel, whiche þat weren knyhtes bothe trewe & lel. Anon seyde Merlyne to kyng Ban: [Then Merlin asks king Ban for his ring (l. 9208),] "Sire, as ȝe ben kyng and honest Man,Line 9948 ȝoure Ryng to taken me jn this threwe, To ȝoure cosin le-ownces that j Myhte it schewe, that the bettere he myhte leven Me [in order to be believed the better.] of what thing that j hym telle fro the."Line 9952

Whanne the two kynges herden this, [The kings are greatly astonished that their secret should be known,] Of hym they Merveylleden mochel, j-wys, For they wenden, with-owten lesinge, that no man that was thanne levengeLine 9956 hadde knowen that he tolde hem there; so þat sore astoned thanne they were. "Now, Lordynges," quod kyng Ban, [and Ban exclaims: "Marvel no more at this man, for he knows every thing!"] "Merveille now ȝe not of this Man.Line 9960 For he knoweth al thing that js, Be hit wel don oþer Mys; [9962. The line was omitted and then written up the right margin] be hyt neuere don so prevyle, he hit can tellen, ful Sykerle."Line 9964 thanne answerid they sone ageyn: [Then the others say:]

"Sethen hit is so as that ȝe seyn, ["Let him have the ring and be gone.] That ȝe taken hym ȝoure Ryng anon, and that he were forth past & gon.Line 9968 for ȝe scholen heren Merveilleȝ Mo, [You shall hear more wonders when he re∣turns." Merlin con∣firms these words,] whanne that he cometh ȝow aȝen vnto." "Now, be myn hed," quod Merlyne thanne, "ȝe han seyd Ryht as a wys Manne.Line 9972 For more of this scholen ȝe han Encres, thanne oni of ȝow kan seyn, with-owten les." [9974. oni added above the line.] thanne delyverede him þe kyng his Ryng anon, [and gets the ring.] and þer-with forth Merlyne gan to gon, [On his way, he visits Blasy,] Line 9976 and be Blaysie, his Maister, he took þe weye, and of alle thinges tolde him, Sekerlye: that jnto litel Breteignes he scholde go; of the Message Eke he told him also;Line 9980 whiche that Blasye wrot in that throwe; [who writes down all these things.] and Elles how scholde we hit knowe? [9982. MS. wel hit (a begun l after we).]

Thus Merlyne from Blase departed anon, and forth on his Message he gan to gon,Line 9984 and dyde his Message al in good tyme, For he was þere he wolde er the morwen at pryme, [Early next morning, he arrives at Bainoik, and delivers the king's mes∣sage.] and tolde sire Leownces the kynges wylle, and the kynges Ryng took hym vntylle.Line 9988 there they beleved hym anon, and deden al that was forto don, And senten Anon bothe fer and Ny, [leaf 126 b] and faire Retenu to gaderen, trewly. [Troops are gathered from forty miles around,] Line 9992 So that with-jnne fowrty Myles abowte thedyr they gadered with gret Rowte, so that they weren to-forn the cyte viij dayes to-forn cristemasse, Sykerle;Line 9996 thanne good warde putten to þe townes alle [and keepers are set in the cities:] that to the tweyne kynges be riht schold falle. jn that on hold they putten a lady Bryht, [in Gawnes, a fair lady,] that worthy lady was and of gret Myht:Line 10000 the cyte of Gawnes kepte sche thanne and with hyre ful Many a worthy Manne.

Ek Phareens there Merlyne preyde also [assisted by Fariens (cf. Notes);] that al his power he wolde do,Line 10004 and that he hym grawntyd, ful sekerly, jnto al his power, ful vtterly. on the toþer syde, jnto Baynoyc cyte [in Bainoik, sir Raier;] they putten a Man of gret degre,Line 10008 Sire Raier, the Lord of Hawt Mure, a worthy knyht and vaillaunt, j ȝou Ensure. and jn the castel of Trebes [in Trebes, sir Graciens] they putten Sire graciens, with-owten les,Line 10012 the whiche was godsone to kyng Ban. and jn that castel with him hadde he than Two sostren of Raynes, the worthiest [with two ladies;] knyht þat þere was be Est oþer west.Line 10016 For it was the strengest castel of alle þat contre be Many a del. and at Mowntloyr, þe castel of kyng Boors, [and in Mont∣loir, sir Placides.] that was don kept with strengthe & foors:Line 10020 Sire placydes, that was a worthy knyht, That castel he kepte bothe day & Nyht.

And whanne alle these ordenaunces weren jdo, [These ar∣rangements made, Merlin, in a moon∣light night,] Merlyne with his Meyne forth gan to go, [10024. MS. ganto.] Line 10024 and that was be the tyme of Nyht, For theke tyme the Mone schon ful bryht. and Merlyne condeyede hem the weye [conducts the army to the sea.] From alle Enemyes, as he wel kowde, jn feye.Line 10028 and to the se he Browht hem ful sone; there Faste to schepe gonne they gone. and kyng Arthewr, vppon the toþer syde [Meanwhile Arthur makes secret pre∣parations.] To bataille hym arayede the same tyde,Line 10032 also prevyly as he cowde thanne do. So that Moche peple him cam vnto: bencheson of tho ȝiftes grete [His liberality and his fame attract great numbers.] that he hem ȝaf, they wolde not lete.Line 10036 Also oþer peple to hym comen that throwe, For that they wolden kyng Artheur knowe; Ek other peple hym kam forto se Line 10040

For that they herden of his gret bownte.Line 10040 So that whanne to-gederis j-sembled they were, x thousend on horsbak Redy they were; [Ten thousand horsemen,] For foot-men thedyr wolde he non haue, for his Meyne and vytaille þat he wolde save.Line 10044 and on þe toþer syde there comen a-down charyettes with vytaylle alle jn virown [and wagon∣loads of pro∣visions,] [10046. with, h squeezed in afterwards.] Evene aftyr Merlynes ordenaunce; So was hit don, with-owten variaunce.Line 10048 and ful prevyly alle j-logged they were [are quietly brought to Bredigam.] jn a lawnde besyde Bredigan there; For that was on the prevyest place that jn that contre owher wace.Line 10052 and whanne this was al j-do, [All being assembled,] Merveillously wrowht kyng artheur tho, whiche that Merlyne Hyt plesed ful Wel, [leaf 126 e] whanne he hit knew, his wyt, echedel.Line 10056 For anon as that they logged were, alle the weyes be-sette he there, [Arthur sets guards in the roads] that non Man therby Scholde passe jnto his lond, nethir More ne lasse,Line 10060 but ȝif he were taken and to-forn him browht, Er that ony jnto his Rewm forthere sowht. For he kepte that non aspye [to intercept spies] his Rewm scholde Entren, trewelye,Line 10064 For to certefyen his Enemyes what was his ordenaunce oþer his devys. For there kyng Arthewr charged alle tho [and forbids his own sub∣jects to pass that way,] that to hym belonged vnto,Line 10068 that non Man thyke pas scholde Ryde, tyl hyt were aftyr kandelmasse tyde; and ho þat dide aȝens his comandement, To deth he scholde gon, verament.Line 10072 So that stylle they helden hem Every Man, where-offen þe comune peple Merveylleden than. [much to the wonder of the rustics.] So that thus prevyly this was wrowht, & sauf þe kynges cownseille wist non Man nowht.Line 10076 Now leveth this storye of this Mater,

and aftyr of þe vj kynges hit speketh here, [The dis∣comfited kings(p. 226),] that at carliown discomfyted were, as þat to-forn tyme ȝe han herd told here.Line 10080

Thanne here-aftyr Reherseth this Book, ho so wele here there-aftyr look, what Morneng that Maden these vj kynges, [full of sad∣ness] For they hadden so lost alle here thyngesLine 10084 and al the harneis that they hadde, and al that here Meyne with hem ladde. So that they sworen and Maden affyance there-on to ben avenged jnto þe vttrawnce; [and revenge,] Line 10088 For Er glad scholden ney neuere be, Tyl they weren avenged, certeinle, bothe of kyng Artheur & Ek on Merlyn, the wheche they clepeden his devyn,Line 10092 be whom they losten al here good; thus al amased homward they ȝood. [had slowly repaired homewards.] and for that somme Myhten neþer Riden ne go, hom jn a leter weren they lad tho.Line 10096 so that smale Jornes forth they wente, Tyl jnto here lond they comen presente. so that they soiournede, tyl they hol were; [When their wounds were healed, they held a parlia∣ment;] & with-jnne a monthe a parlement hadden they there jn a March that be-twene Engelond wasLine 10101 and scotlond, so that hit stood in þe Middes of þe plas. and this was the Ende of the parlement, [there they resolved to gather forces] that Every man scholde don his EntentLine 10104 And Senden abowte in-to Eche contre [leaf 126 d] To alle here Frenschepis, where so they be, and that [eche] of hem to othyr swere [10107. MS. that of hem.] Redy forto ben with scheld & spereLine 10108 To dryven kyng Artheur owt of his lond, [against Ar∣thur] and hit to Sesyn jnto here owne hond. So that they token day of assemble [and to meet at Bredigam.] that ost to-gederis forto be [10112. MS. te gederis.] Line 10112 Jn a feld besydes Bredygam; thus herto assentyd Every Man.

Thanne thus departyd the parlement. Anon Every Man abowtes faste sent,Line 10116 So that to hem Repeyrede there anon [Now there arrive, with thousands of men, the duke of Cambeny,] the dewk of cambenye & othyr Manyon. Fyve thousende Men he browhte with hym, that jn bataylle weren bothe stowt & Grym.Line 10120 thanne cam there forth Tradelynaws, [the king of North Wales,] that kyng of Northgales tho he was, with vj thousend of Fyhteng Men. and on þe tothyr partye come th[e] kyng clariouns then [king Clarion,] [10124. MS. th kyng.] with thre thousend Men also.Line 10125 thanne þe kyng of .c. knyhtes cam tho, [the king of a hundred knights,] and with hym foure thousende he browhte. thanne the kyng of orkanye owt hem sowhte [the king of Orkney,] Line 10128 wit[h] vij thousend jn his compenye. [10129. MS. wit; cf. footnote to l. 10046.] and aftyr hym carados of strangor faste gan hye, [king Carados of Strangor,] that vij thousend Men of armes hadde . . . . . . . . .Line 10132 thanne cam kyng Newtris, & with hym ladde [king Newtris,] Sixe thonsend men, that weren not badde. [10134. MS. Suxe.] hym Folewede kyng Ydyers of Cornewaylle [and king Ydiers of Cornwall.] with vj thousend Men, with-owten faylle.Line 10136 So that smale jornes they gonne to Ryde [They ride slowly through the country, and send out spies.] The contre to Serchen jn that Tyde. thanne here aspyes abowteȝ faste they ȝood, to weten how hit with kyng Artheur stood.Line 10140 but they that þe March & the weyes kepte, Fulsone to these aspyes they lepte, [But these are captured by Arthur's guardsmen.] and token hem, and to kyng Arthewr sente, & anon to presoun they ful sone wente,Line 10144 So that Tydynges aȝen boren they non. thanne jn here jorne forth gonne they gon, Tyl that they alle j-logged were [The kings arrive at Bredigam.] vndir þe castel of Bredygam ȝere.Line 10148 For thanne they wenden alle han wonne, certein, but hit was alto-gederis jnveyn. thanne senten they here forreyerys jnto þat contre, [Their fors∣gers find the land empty,] but ful lytel fowndyn they, Sekirle;Line 10152

For al that good was lad before [the goods having been brought into safe places.] jnto castelis and jnto cites thore. this was wrowht be cownseyl of kyng Ban and Ek of kyng Boors, a ful wis Man.Line 10156

Whanne that they aspyden al this, [They then begin to burn and destroy.] that the contre thus was warned, j-wis, [10158. warned, w through correction.] anon they Fireden, an gonne to brenne, and al the contre distroied thanne. [10160. MS. distrioed.] Line 10160 So that owt of here owne Lond they hadden vetaylle, [But they must send home for pro∣visions] as hit scheweth here with-owten Faille; So that of vytaylle they hadden plente, as For swich a tyme hit longed forto be. [10164. MS. swwich.—longed, g roughly corrected from d.] Line 10164 and whanne to-Gederis was al this semble, Fowrty thousend weren acounted, certeinle, [for the 40,000 men.] of clene pyked men to fyhte, Ek worthy werrours and of gret Myhte.Line 10168 Thus Endeth here now of here Gaderyng, and speketh how Merlyn browht to Arthewr þe kyng [In the mean∣time Merlin, with his rein∣forcements out of Little Britain (p. 267),] Socour and helpe owt of lytel Bretayngne, as here-after scholen ȝe heren, jn certeigne,Line 10172 and what Meyne þat Merlin with him browhte owt of litel breteigne, where he hem sowhte. [10174-75. On the blank between these lines (at the top of column 127 a) there is written in a later hand: where it is callyd brytō.]

Forthere tellyth this Storye here [leaf 127 a] how jn litel Breteygne Merlyne spedde there,Line 10176 what be Leownces of Paerne, j vndirstond, and Sire Fariens, and Antony of þat lond, that of Baynoyc tho steward was. alle to the port comen they in that plas, [embarks for Great Britain.] Line 10180 and jnto here Schepis they Entred anon; thanne jnto grete breteigne sone gonne they gon. and it is good Reson that ȝe vndirstonde [The origin of the name of Britain is this:] why that hit was clepyd Breteigne Londe.Line 10184 j do ȝow to wetene here Every Man that aftyr þe distroccioun of Troye, as j kan, [After the destruction of Troy,]

hit behapped that two kynges departyd thenne [two kings fled from there] For drede of Greȝois, as this doth kenne,Line 10188 lest they wolden hem han slayn; this caused these kynges forto gon thayn. These tweyne kynges with gret Meyne [with a large retinue.] thens departed ful hastyle,Line 10192 of wheche the ton Brewt he hyhte, [One of them was called Brute.] that was bothe gentyl & worthy knyhte, that jn his lyve he bylte with gret joye [He built a city, and named it New Troy.] [10195. lyve on erasure.] a fair cyte, that was clepid new troye;Line 10196 bencheson that owt of troye cam he, Troye was clepid that jlke cyte. Ek the contre thanne clepyd hit was [The country was called Britain.] after Brewt Breteigne in that plas. [10200. aft^{er}, t^{er} added afterwards.] Line 10200 thanne long aftyr, whanne Brewt was ded, [10201. MS. thanne with an n-mark superscribed.] anon kam there a kyng jn his sted, [One of his successors, Logrius,] that Logryvs was his Ryht name, a worthy man and of gret fame,Line 10204 that mochel amendyd this cyte, [improved the city greatly,] bothe Towres and walles, Sykerle. and whanne thus amended was þat town, thanne wolde he ȝeven hit a Sewrnown, [10208. thāne, ̄ne through correction.] Line 10208 and after Logryvs Logres cald hit he, [and called it Logres.] that jn gret breteigne stont, Sykerle. So that this name dured forth, in feye, long aftyr that Artheur gan deye.Line 10212 thanne aftyr the deth of lawncelot, [After Ar∣thur's time,] that kyng Bannes sone was, wel j wot, hyt happede that a gret Mortalyte [a great plague] jn that-lond was after, certeinle,Line 10216 bothe of Barowns and comunes also, that thike tyme deyden so tho. [10218. This line was omitted and then written up the right margin.] and for þe grete Los that they hadden thanne, [gave rise to the names of 'Blue Britain,'] Bloye breteygne hit was clepyd of Every Manne.Line 10220 and why bloye, j preye now the? leve sires, for this cause, parde: [10222. cause on erasure.]

For here hertes bothe blw and blak they were, [the people's hearts being blue and black with sorrow.] Eche man for here frendis dethis there,Line 10224 that they losten be Mischaunce and be synne; thus Every Frend from othir gan twynne.

Now hauen ȝe herd declared, jn certaygne, why hit was clepyd the Bloye Bretaigne.Line 10228 The tothyr prince that owt of troye cam, [leaf 127 b] [The other Trojan prince was called Corinaus.] Hyghte Corynaws, a Ful Myghty Man. this corinaus was comen of Jeawntes lynage, a worthy knyht and of hygh parage.Line 10232 So that he aryvede fast by that contre, [The country where he landed,] that thike tyme the Name breteigne scholde be. therto he was a Merveyllous knyht, bothe long and strong and of gret Myht.Line 10236 there arered he bothe townes and castel, [and built towns,] Strongly j-bylt & wondyrly wel; and aftyr hym the lond he dide don kalle [he called Cornwall.] Cornwaylle jn breteygne of gret & smalle.Line 10240 So that thorwh hym comen jeauntes Mo, [His descend∣ants did the Britons great harm.] that to Bretouns moche harme diden tho, as that here-aftyr now scholen ȝe here to alle ȝoure wyttes declared more clere. [10224. dethis, d corrected from t.] Line 10244 of the Merveilles that aftyr befalle, [The account of the ensuing events I hope to translate from French into English.] j hope to declaren to ȝow alle, ȝif that God wile granten me grace & Myht, helthe of Body, and myn Eyen syht,Line 10248 owt of Frensch jnto Englysch now wyl j fonde hit to drawen, that ȝe Moun vndirstonde. Therfore for herry Louelyche that ȝe preye, [Therefore pray for Harry Lovelich, that he may live to com∣plate this work.;] [10251. In the right margin, in another hand: J henr' louelicħ skynner' þ^t translated þ^s boke oute of ffrensshe in to englysshe at þe instaunce of harry bartoū.] that til this be Endid, he may not deye,Line 10252 but lyven jn helthe and prosperite; Now, good lord, grante hit Moot so be. [10254. MS. grnte with an ra-mark above the r.] Forth to my mater now wyl j pase of Merlyne & his Meine, þat jn the se wase, [As for Merlin and his army,] Line 10256 the whiche he browhte owt of lytel breteigne, [10257. owt, t squeezed in afterwards.] as here-aftyr declared ȝe scholen here more pleyne.

Thanne anon as a-Ryved they were, [they land in Great Britain,] vppon the se banke he bad hem there.Line 10260 thanne Merlyne comaunded Every Man here harneys al forto trossen than; [truss up their harness,] For that he wolde For non thing that they Maden non taryeng.Line 10264 But they holden here Ryht weye [march straight towards the camp at Bredigam,] Thyder as Merlyn wolde hem gye, Tyl that to kyng Arthewr they comen ful Ryht, there that he lay with al his myht.Line 10268 So that hym they foleweden alle, what so Evere there-of myhte falle. So that be the Fyfthe dayes Ende [and arrive there on the fifth day.] To ȝe Forest of Bredygam gonne they wende, [10272. In the right margin, in a later hand: bredygam forest,] Line 10272 where as logged was Arthewr the kyng, that Made gret joye of his comeng, [10274. MS. Maden.] and logged hem among his ost ful son, and amonges hem Every day gan he to gon.Line 10276 thanne aftyr viij dayes j-Rested they were, [After a week's rest,] and Merlyne here vetaylle departyd there amonges hem, Er that he furthere wente. thanne seide he that he wolde veramente [Merlin says he will visit the three kings (fetch them from London).] [leaf 127 c] Line 10280 Gon visiten the thre kynges, where so they be, and how they ferde, to knowen & to se. Thanne Seyde Syre Vlphyn to Hym Anon: [10283. Vlphyn added above the line; over y there is a tag like the one over an i.] "Merlyn, be war how that ȝe gon, [Ulfin warns him to be∣ware of his enemies.] Line 10284 For they on the tothir syde don ȝow Manace, ȝif they Mown geten ȝow jn ony place, that certeinly ȝe scholen be ded, and they Mown ȝow geten jn ony sted." [10288. ȝow, w squeezed in afterwards.] Line 10288 "ȝe," quod Merlyne, "ȝit wyl j not werne [Merlin reas∣sures him,] that to these kynges j wyl ful ȝerne. For of Me geten they non power. And Ek also amonges hem com j not ther,Line 10292 Tyl that j haue spoken with Arthewr the kyng; j ne schal Maken non taryeng.

and there-fore gouerne ȝe wel this ost, [and asks him to take good care of the army in the meantime,] that non Man Jsswe, nethyr lest ne Most.Line 10296 For kyng Artheures Enemyes jlogged be here vndyr Bredygam, ful certeinle, and Fowrty thousend of hem ben told, [the enemies being 40,000] wel horsed Men, hardy and bold,Line 10300 and but xxv thousend Men we haue; [against 25,000.] there-fore we moste loken to kepen hem saue, and of hem that non j-lost there be, To this Mater vs behoueth to se."Line 10304

"Merlyne," quod Syre Vlphin thanne, [Ulfin still advises Mer∣lin to send somebody else, but Merlin perseveres.] "hit is bette ȝe sende som other Manne." "that schal j not," quod Merlyne tho, "For that arende my-self best kan doLine 10308 and hem to bringen jn Savete, that non of here Enemyes hem schal se." "thanne goth ȝe forth in goddis name, [Ulfin asks him to go with God.] and he ȝow kepe from angyr & blame."Line 10312 thanne from hem he wente ful sodeynlye, [Merlin disappears suddenly.] that they ne wyste whanne, trewelye. so that they hem blesseden Everichon, that so sodeinly he was from hem gon.Line 10316 Aȝen to the ost wenten they thanne, and there they charged Every Manne [The army is ordered to remain in their tents.] that owt of his tente they scholde not pase, but prevyly to kepen hem jn that plase.Line 10320 So that fowre dayes contenued this, & þat of þe iij kynges non word they herden, jwys, Nethir of Merlyn neuere the Mo. For streyht to londone gan he go [Merlin goes straight to London,] Line 10324 and, as this storye Reporteth here, on the Morwe er Evensong was he there, where that he fond the kynges al thre. and they weren ful hevy, Sykyrle,Line 10328 For so sodeinly amongis hem comen he was, [and appears suddenly to the kings.] that they ne wysten owt of wheche plas. and whanne they wisten that hyt was he, Gret joye they Maden, ful certeinle.Line 10332 thanne axeden they hym how he hadde sped,

and seyde: "wel in Every sted!" [10334. in Every st on erasure; dashes before in and after Every to fill the blank.] and bad hem, faste that they scholde hye [Merlin asks the kings to join their army.] To here ost, that hem Bod, trewelye.Line 10336

Thanne seide kyng Ban To Merlyn: "bien owre Socours comen wel & fyn?" "that they ben, Syre, ful trewelye, [He tells them that the auxiliaries have arrived.] [10339. ful, f through correction.] and kyng Artheuris host ben logged faste byeLine 10340 jn the lawnde besydes Bredygam; there ben they logged Every Man. but on the tothyr syde Moche peple there js, [The enemies, although numerous,] Ten kynges corowned, with-owten Mys,Line 10344 and jn here compenye a dewk also, and xl thousend Men they hauen & Mo." "For oure help now be god," quod Antron, [10347. help added above the line.] "For mochel Mischef toward vs gynneth gon."Line 10348 "ȝe," quod Merlyne to hym Ryht thanne, [Merlin assures,] "as that j am now kyng Arthewris manne, and be the oth that j haue hym j-do and Ek to my maister Blasye also: [10352. maist^{er} added above the line.] Line 10352 be goddis helpe, and that j kan don, To Evel Ende schal j hem bringen Echon. [shall be dis∣comfited,] [leaf 127 d] For so Moche to Done J schal Hem Make, that they ne scholen weten how on to take. [10356. MS. Onto.—take, tblurred.] Line 10356 but gret Bataylle schal there be, and gret occisiown, ful Sykerle. but on oure side ne schal not dye [without the kings losing more than eighty men.] Not passing iiij score, vtterlye.Line 10360 and on here syde deyen ther schal be thowsendis & hundredis of gret & smal. [10362. thowsendis, w through correction.] therefore aparaylle ȝow ryht anon, [The kinge must start the same night, with pro∣visions for four days.] that aftyr Sowper we Myhten hens gon,Line 10364 and for Every Man foure dayes vytaylle, For Ellis be the weye scholen ȝe faille."

Anon as they vndirstodyn this, Ful faste they hem ordeyned, j-wys. [The kings get ready.] Line 10368 and whanne this thing was ordeyned & do, thanne anon to Sowper gonnen they go. [and have their supper.] And whanne they Supped hadden Echon, thanne axede kyng Arthewr Merlyne anonLine 10372 ȝif that armen they scholde hem thanne. and Merlyne answered & seide: "neuere a manne, [They are told by Merlin to carry no arms,] For hit wolde ȝow greven ȝoure harneys to bere, Tyl jnto ȝowre ost that ȝe comen there.Line 10376 For ȝe scholen neuere dreden of non Man; [as the way will be a safe one.] swich a weye j ȝow leden now kan."

So whanne that alle j-Supped they hadde, Every Man to chambre wente ful gladde,Line 10380 and warme he lappede for the cold, [Warmly dressed,] that non deseyse ne scholden hem hold. and as hit was the wylle of God almyht, the Mone schon thorwh-owt al the Nyht. [by brilliant moonlight, they start on their journey] Line 10384 thussone alle forth gonne they gon tho, þe thre kinges, Merlyne, & Antron also. and forth they Redyn al that Nyht, [and ride all night.] tyl that hit was aȝens day lyht.Line 10388 So that they comen Jnto a forest, [Then they alight in a forest,] there they alyhteden boþe lest & Mest, and Eten Swich vetaylle as they browhte, [and have breakfast.] So þat eche man be oþer ful Merye thowhte.Line 10392 and whanne that they hadden Eten Echon, the kynges & Merlyne to cownseil gonne gon. [Merlin points out to king Arthur] "Sire, weten ȝe, Artheur, what j wold Mene? But Ryht a ȝong Man of armes ȝe bene,Line 10396 and therto a gret Rewm forto Meynteigne. Now vndirstonde ȝe what j schal seyne: Somme of ȝoure barowns with ȝow they be and also a parcel of ȝowre comunealte;Line 10400 that Maketh ȝowre ȝiftes, ful sekerly, [the import∣ance or great liberality,] whiche ȝe han ȝoven ful plentevosly. and þerfore ȝif that Evere large ȝe were of ȝiftes to ȝeven bothe fer & Nere,Line 10404 J ȝow now charge that large ȝe be

Of alle of ȝoure ȝiftes jn Eche degre. For mennis hertes geten ȝe neuere, trewely, [In order to win the hearts of the people.] So wel as be grete ȝiftes, pleynly.Line 10408 For therto jnowgh now scholen ȝe haue, As Mochel as ȝe wilen axen other crave." [Arthur will have enough to give,]

"weteth wel, Syre, and vndirstond that gret Tresowr js jn this lond; [for there is a treasure hidden close by.] Line 10412 but vnknowen to ȝow schal hit be, Tyl that from bataylle ȝe comen, sikerle. and þerfore that ȝe Marken wel this place, whanne alle thy Bataylle j-don thou hase."Line 10416 thanne ladde he him forth to a welle, [They go to a well, and mark that spot.] where a tokene he Made, as j ȝow telle, So that they Merveilleden, þe kynges Echon, of swich thing as Merlyne hadde þere don,Line 10420 and Ek they Merveilleden þere also of swich thing as Merlyne tolde hem tho. thanne jn here weye they gonne to Ryde, [Then they continue their ride,] [leaf 128 a] For there nolden they non Lengere abyde.Line 10424 So Ryden they forth bothe day and Nyht, that of hem ne Restede neuere a wyht, tyl that they comen to Bredygam, [and eventu∣ally arrive at Bredigam.] where as was logged Many a man.Line 10428 So that kyng Arthewr was logged there [King Arthur encamps near a clear well with abun∣dant water.] be a passyng fayr welle and clere; and So gret foyson the water owt Ran Evene thorwh the Lawnde to Everich a man.Line 10432 therto the wedyr ful cold was there, [The weather is cold.] For hit was jn the Mounthe of jeneuere, viij dayes to-forn the kandelmasse; that tyme schortly forsothe hit wasse.Line 10436 and there Rested they hem two dayes be-dene, [After two days,] here harneis to dressen and Maken clene. thanne to hem kam Merlyne anon, [Merlin advises the kings to pre∣pare a sudden attack,] & seide: "on ȝoure Enemyes now mown ȝe gon,Line 10440 and devyseth now þerfore amonges ȝow here ho þat toforn schal gon ȝowre Meyne to lere. For jn swich a manere scholen ȝe gon, that of hem alle schal weten neuer on,Line 10444

Tyl that Evene on hem that ȝe falle jn þe dirk Morweneng, Er ony man calle. [to be carried out early next morning.] For ȝif that aparceyved there ȝe be, [10447. aparceyved, the second a corrected from e.] aȝens hem mown ȝe not stonden, sikerle.Line 10448 and doth thus, & haueth non drede, For aȝens ȝow scholen they han but lytel spede."

Thanne Eche Man harneysede hym anon [Preparations are made.] Jn armes to Bataylle forto gon. [10452. Bataylle, t blurred.] Line 10452 and the vowarde hadde sire kay [Sir Kay, with king Arthur's banner, takes the vanguard, consisting of many knights] with kyng Arthewris baner, jn fay, and with hym knyhtes bothe stowt & feers: Sire Girfleȝ & sire lucawns the Botelers,Line 10456 Marvg de la Roche & Gwynaus the bloys [10457. Marvg through correction.] with dryaunt of þe forest savage & belyas Amoroys, Ek with hem forth paste Flawndrys the bres; these viij forth pasten, with-owten ony les,Line 10460 and with hem foure thousend jn compenye, [and 4000 men.] the vomwarde to Gouernen, full Sykirlye. The secund warde hadde Sire Bretel, [Sir Bretel takes the sec∣ond division,] a worthy werrowr ful strong and lel; [10464. and, d squeezed in afterwards.] Line 10464 and thre thousend with him he ladde, alle goode men and neuere on badde. The thrydde warde there ladde tho [Sir Ulfin, the third,] Sire Vlphyn, that jn armes mochel cowde do;Line 10468 and in his compenye kyng Arthewr was there [in which is also king Arthur.] with Many a brown vndir that Banere, and with hem fowre thousend jn compenye of worthy Bodyes, an j schold not lye,Line 10472 that neuere here lord nolden faillen there, tyl that to þe deth j-browht they were. thus Eche warde thanne took his way, [They set out,] and forth they wenten, Er hit were day,Line 10476 and Merlyn to-fore, the weye to lede, [Merlin lead∣ing the way.] Rydyng vppon a stalworthy stede.

Aftyr this devisede kyng Ban his Meyne, [After come the forces of Ban and Boors:] Line 10480

and ek his brothir king Boors, ful sekerle,Line 10480 So that to sire pharens tooken they þe ferste warde [Sir Fariens, will king Boors' ban∣ner, com∣mands the first division.] vndyr kyng Boors baner to ben here garde, and with hym that tyme forth þere wente Sire ladmas with Riht good Entente,Line 10484 and sire Moret de laveye forth jn that pres, Syre Graciens the Bloys & pales Trebes with Blyobers & sire Melidyaus in compenye, and with hem Sire Madevs jn Gret hye. [10488. Gret hye on erasure.] Line 10488 So that thre thowsend with him wente Of Ryht goode Bodyes, Veramente. [leaf 128 b] the secunde warde of kyng Ban [Sir Leonces, the second,] Sire Leownces of Paerne ladde than,Line 10492 and with him foure thousend ladde he of goode bodyes jn his compeyne. the thrydde wynge ladde kyng Boors, [king Boors, the third,] that of non werre took he non fors,Line 10496 with fowre thousend j-armed owt Ryht, that Evere weren Redy forto fyht. the Fourthe Bataylle ladde kyng ban, [and king Ban, the fourth,] Jn alle degrees a ful worthy Man,Line 10500 and his baner he took forto bere [Sir Liane, his steward, carrying his banner.] To sire lyawne, his steward, there, and foure thousend jn his compenye with hym bothe forto lyven & dye.Line 10504 and whanne that ałł Redy they were, an Esy pas they pasten forth there. [They ride quietly forth in the still moonlight night.] and hit was tho past the Mydnyht, And þerto þe Mone schon ful bryht.Line 10508 Ek therto þe wedyr was ful stylle, Ful preve & Esy at here owne wylle. Now of this sesyth this storye, and to hem of yrlond hit doth now hye, [In the mean∣time, some Irish kings,] Line 10512 and of the kynges that to hem Marched be, as here-aftyr scholen ȝe heren and se.

Now cometh hit here to Remembraunce, that kyng Brangors, with-owten variance, [Brangors,] Line 10516

and kyng Margans, with hym there was, [Margans, and nine others,] Ek kyng hardybrans jn that plas, and with hem kyng Amynadas, that vncle to kyng Augwys was,Line 10520 whiche vter pendragon browht in bale and him Slowhe, as Reherseth this tale— and whanne they herden telle þat the Barowns [hearing of Arthur's campaign,] here londes hadden left and Garysouns,Line 10524 and to kyng Artheur comen they were [10525. kyng twice, the former crossed out.] jn his werres to helpyn him there, thanne these xj kynges jn fere Moche peple to-gederis gadered there, [gathered an army,] Line 10528 So that they hadden thrytty thousend Men on horsbak with hem to Ryden then, [10530. hors bak, o blurred.] with-owten Footmen gret plente, and the contre distroyede, ful sekerle, [devastated his country,] Line 10532 and slowen the peple, and deden owtrage, and jn that Lond dyden ful gret damage. For Euere as they Reden, they stroyed down Ryht, therto they ne leften on lyve non wyht.Line 10536 and to þe castel vandalyer in Cornewaylle [laid siege to a castle in Cornwall,] they leyden a sege, with-owten faylle; and neuere Remeved myhten they be, [leaf 128 c] [and could not be removed, until Arthur himself came thither after his reconciliation with his opposers (Ch. XXIX).] Tyl thedyr cam kyng Arthewr, ful sikirle.Line 10540 But Whanne Kyng Arthewr Herde of al this, and the kynges that with hym weren, j-wys, So whanne that acordyd they weren Echon, Fulsone on here weye thanne gonne they gon.Line 10544 but no More tellith this Mater now here, Tyl that to kyng Arthewr don we pere, [As for Arthur and his allies] and of Merlyne, and to kyng Ban, and of kyng Boors, how they spedden than:Line 10548 how jnto Bataylle that they gonne gon, Aȝens the xj kynges that weren here fon, that Remeved weren to Bredygan, [at Bredigam,] [10551. Bredygan, r corrected from e.] The wheche atte Sege þere lyen than.Line 10552

Thus here Reporteth this Storye how that kyng Arthewr his ost gan gye [they march to attack,] and the kyng Ban his bataylles also aȝens the xj kynges forto go.Line 10556 But these xj kynges wysten non thyng [unknown to the opposing kings,] of kyng Artheures ordenaunce ne of his comeng; So that Nyht to bedde wente Every Man, For of kyng Arthenr rowhten they not than.Line 10560 but hit happede wel that Nyht, that þe xj kynges to-gederis j-plyht [who all sleep in the tent of the King of a Hundred Knights.] with the kyng of an hundred knyhtes were, For drede of non Man hadden they there.Line 10564 jn the Mene whyle that they Slepten so, [There king Loth dreams of a great wind,] kyng loth jn a wondyr drem fyl tho: hym thowhte that so gret a wynd þere was, so merveillous and boystows, jn that plas,Line 10568 that houses and clochers hit threw adown, and aftyr of thondyr he herde a gret sown, [with thunder,] that hym thowhte al the world, j-wys hit astoned & qwook for drede of this. [earthquake,] Line 10572 and aftyr him thowte, ȝyt say he More: a gret paseyng water that was thore, [and inunda∣tion,] that alle the howseng it bar a-down, and dreynte the peple jn virown;Line 10576 & hym-Self in peryl hym thowhte he was There to ben persched jn that plas. [endangering also his own life.]

Jn this Maner dremede Sire loth, the kyng, and sone after he fyl jn wakyng, [When he awakes, he wonders at his dream,] Line 10588 and of his dreme he wondrede, j-wys; he gan hym blesse, & seide: "what meneth this?" and to his Meyne he wente anon, [and tells his retinue of it.] and tolde hem of his avisyoun.Line 10584 thanne axeden they hym anon Ryht [They ask where he saw the sight.] jnto what party he Say that Syht. and he seide, from the Forest syde, [He says it came from the forest.] that thens hyt kam, him thowhte þat tyde.Line 10588 thanne seiden they, with-owten faylle [Then they declare that it forebodes a battle;] that with-jnne schort tyme to hauen bataylle. thanne Eche Man awok oþer anon, Line 10592

So that to armes faste gonne they gon, [leaf 128 d] [they arm, wake their comrades, and ride out to search the country.] [10592. faste, t almost obliterated.] Line 10592 and awoken alle here compenye, Forto serchen the contre gonnen they hye. with this the bataylles togederes were, [Thus parts of the two armies collide.] the xj kynges and Artheur ju fere.Line 10596 So that Merlyne hastyd forth More Meyne, That to-gederis they Metten, ful Sykirle, they that the contre Serchen scholde and Artheurs Meyne, hos wol oþer nolde,Line 10600 To-gederis they weren, Er they jt wyste, and Merlyn to-fore Rod for truste. and whanne kyng lothis meyne say this, [King Loth's, men call out: "What peo∣ple is this?"] So moche peple þere armed, j-wys,Line 10604 they axeden of him that Rod tofore, what peple it js, was armed thore. Merlyne seide: "Arthewris Meyne; [Merlin replies: "Arthur's men; we come to challenge this land!"] this lond to chalange hider comen weLine 10608 aȝens hem that him don defende his lond to Entren, Er than they wende."

anon as they thanne this worde herde, [Then Loth's men fly back,] aȝen ful faste Bakward they ferde.Line 10612 and whanne to the ost they comen ageyn, Anon thanne they gonnen cryen & seyn: [and alarm the camp.] "Treson, Treson amonges vs now js, [10615. The first r almost obliterated.] and falsly we ben betrayed, j-wys.Line 10616 as armes now bothe bacheler & knyht, For ȝe hadden neuere More nede to fyht." So that Every Man to his harneys Sowhte, [All run for their arms,] but sone jn gret deseisse weren browhte. [10620. gret, g corrected from d.] Line 10620 ȝit of on thing hit happede hem wel: that here hors weren sadelyd Eche del. [their horses standing ready, with the saddles on.] but so sore j-hasted neuere they were, as as theke tyme they weren there.Line 10624 and whanne that harneyssed they weren Echon, a wondir aventure Fyl hem vppon: [Now Merlin sends them a wind,] Merlyne swich a wynd amonges hem sente, Line 10628

that hit down blew bothe pavylown and tente, [which blows down their tents,] Line 10628 and vppon here hedis hit Fyl a-down, So that they weren Encombryd Echon. and þerto the storm so strong there was, that non Man othir sawh jn that plas. [and prevents them from seeing one another,] Line 10632 and this distorblede hem wondyr sere, Er that alle Fullich Redy þey were, [10634. þey added above the line.] which that Tornede hem to gret damage be Artheuris Men, that dedyn owtrage, [whilst Arthur's men slay and destroy.] Line 10636 that Slowen and Maden distrocciown of mochel of the Meyne jn virown. But the xj kynges that departed were, [The hostile kings flee into the field,] and jnto the pleyn feld weren fled for fere,Line 10640 they setten a busch on lyht Fere thenne, [and set a bush on fire to collect their men. Those who can escape the violence of Arthur's men,] [10641. ffer', r' squeezed in afterwards.] therby to hem to gaderen thanne. and so they deden, as they myhten gon, For of hem pyte Artheurs meyne hadde non, [10644. Artheurs, A through correction.] Line 10644 So that Er they knewen the day lyht, thre part of here Meyne weren slayn jn fyht. whanne they of the ost behelden al this, that aȝens hem was so mochel peple, j-wys,Line 10648 Eche man fledde to his Banere, [flee to their banners, where horns are being sounded.] where as þe horn herde he sownen there. [10650. horn added above the line.] For these kynges to-gederis j-gadered were Fast by thentre of the forest there. [10652. MS. ffastby.] Line 10652 So that lytel and lytel they gonne Releve, [Thus 20,000 men re∣assemble;] Tyl xx thousend they myhte preve. and x thousend torned forto fle [10,000 flee,] on dyvers partyes, ful Sykerle,Line 10656 with weping, cryeng, and with gret Mone, For the harm that they hadden Echone. [and 10,000 are lying on the ground,] [leaf 129 a] and x thousend atte grownde lay down Ryht, What Slayn and Maymed Every A Wyht,Line 10660 that non other there Socouren ne May, [unable to help or hurt.] Ne non Man deseisen be Nyht and day. Whanne Artheur beheld, al this herbergerye Line 10664

was thus Remeved, & so sodeynlye, [Then Arthur asks Merlin what to do.] Line 10664 To Merlyn kyng Arthewr cam anon, and axede of hym what he scholde don. "J schal ȝow telle," quod Merlyne thanne, [Merlin replies:] "ȝe moste now werken as a wys Manne.Line 10668 vp to ȝone passe ȝe schole now gon, ["You muat attack those twenty thousand;] where as these Meyne be Rested echon, xx thousend jn on compenye, and aȝens hem that thou fyhte Manlye.Line 10672 and to ȝow schal comen jn Socowreng there [Han and Boors shall help you from the forest side.] kyng Ban and his Brothyr so dere, and from owt of the Forest scholen they gon. and whanne the tothir partye loketh hem vppon, [That will throw them into confu∣sion."] Line 10676 So Sore abawed thanne scholen they be, that lytel defens jn hem Scholen ȝe se." thus Ech from othyr departyd thanne, and took But lytel Reward of ony Manne. [10680. But, B corrected from R.] Line 10680 So whanne they thus to-gederis Mette, [Arthur's divi∣sion Makes a violent attack,] Manye harde Strokes weren there sette with swerdis on helmes, and scheldes to-broke, and sperys al to-schateryd, as seyth the boke. [10684. MS. alto schateryd.] Line 10684 with that cam kyng Ban & kyng Bors also jn socowreng of kyng Arthewr tho. there myhte men Se knyhtes down throwe, [felling and killing.] and ful thykke jn the weye they lyen ful lowe,Line 10688 and al the Feld there Blody was, So moche peple was Slayn jn that plas. thanne Syre kay, that on pas kepte, [Sir Kay comes] Ful angwyssowsly thedyrward he lepteLine 10692 with thre thonsend jn his compenye; [with 3000 men.] aȝens xx thousend than gan he hye. and whanne the xj kynges on a rewe [The hostile kings, ashamed at the small number of the assailants,] [10695. MS. they.] behelden hem-self so Manye & þe toþer so fewe,Line 10696 thanne sore aschamed weren they Echon; thussone began there gret Bataylle anon. Thanne so faste they to-gederis held [hold together firmly,] [10699. thāne crossed out before they.] Bothe with swerd, spere, and scheld,Line 10700

That þe scheltrom onnethis brekyn th[e]y myhte; [10701. MS. thy.] So Sore the xj kynges gonnen to fyhte. but longe myhten they hit not Endure, [but cannot endure long.] the stowr so strong was, j ȝow Ensure.Line 10704 Thanne cam Vlphyn jn ryht gret haste, [Ulfin rides into the press.] and thorwgh that Meyne fulsone he paste.

And whanne with-jnne hem that he was, Fulsore he fawht there in that plas.Line 10708 and so they cryde and so they ferde, that an hol Myle the Noyse was herde. [The din of the battle is heard a mile off.] So that wondir strokes weren there set on scheldis and helmes, whanne they met,Line 10712 and Ek Many man ded there was, and Manye hors to grownde wente jn that plas. So that Mochel harm was there do; and Vlphyn onhorsyd on grownde was tho. [Ulfin is unhorsed,] Line 10716 Thanne Say Bretel his Brothyr on grownde, and ful faste he prekede thedyr that stownde. but thowgh that Vlphyn on grownde were, ȝit he defendid him with his spere, [but defends himself with his spear.] Line 10720 that no man dorste hym there comen Ny; So sore he fawht and so Manly. whanne Sire Bretel sawħ that hit was so, [Bretel comes to his relief,] his hors with the spores thanne took he tho,Line 10724 and him so sore he smot that Tyde, [throwing Ulfins's an∣tagonist off the horse.] hym that on Vlphyn there dide abyde, [10726. ther', r' daubed.] that bothe hors and Man there wente to grownde; So sore he hym smot that ylke stownde.Line 10728 whanne kyng clariouns beheld that chevalrye, [King Clari∣oun rides against Bretel;] Ful angry he was and þerto Ryht sorye, and aȝens Sire bretel he gan to Ryde His felawe to socowren that ylke tyde. [leaf 129 b] Line 10732 Whanne sire Bretel Say hym come Ryding so, [Bretel meets him;] aȝens hym faste he gan to go, and they to-gederis sone Metten jn fere, that bothe here scheldis thorwgh-persched were; [their shields are pierced,] Line 10736 So grete strokis & harde smyten they tho,

For worthy knyhtes weren they bothe two. So sore they fowhten, that hit was wondir, Tyl bothe here speris borsten on sondyr, [their spears burst,] Line 10740 and bothe here scheldes flowen jnto þe feld; Swich strokes there Eche to oþer gan ȝeld. and ȝit Sorrer to-gederis they Mette, for Ech swich strokis on oþer sette, [they give each other heavy strokes with their swords,] Line 10744 here Eyen hem thowhte out of here hedes wente; So sore they fowten there, veramente. and therto so sore they astoned they ben, [10747. ben crossed out before astoned.] and Ek here hors, as they that hyt Syen, [the blood streams from their horses' sides] Line 10748 that they Ronnen al there on blood; So depe jn here syde the spores wood. and therto with fowndryng here hors also on here knes non skyn beleften tho, [and knees,] Line 10752 So that hyt Ran owt blood ful cler, as they in the weye Reden ther. and so longe atte the grownd they lye [and eventu∣ally they lie in a swoon on the ground.] [10755. sore (?) crossed out before longe.] and so fowle astoned there, trewelye,Line 10756 that they ne knewen nethyr day ne Nyht; So stronge to-Gederis they weren jn fyht. So ferforth they wenden that hem beheld, that bothe hadden ben ded þere jn þe feld.Line 10760 So that on bothe partyes they comen ful blyve [Both parties come to rescue:] To Reskwen tho knyhtes and saven here lyve. For they wenden, ded that they hadde ben, on bothe partyes, as they hem Syen.Line 10764 but whanne Sire kay this beheld, [Sir Kay] that Sire Bretel lay jn the feld, Thedyr he gan hym ful faste hye Sire Bretel to Socowren, Trewelye.Line 10768 Thanne thre kynges aȝens hym comen Ryde [is encoun∣tered by three kings;] with gret anger, haterede, & with gret pryde; with these aȝens kyng Arthewr they were what that they cowden with scheld oþer spere.Line 10772 and þe toþer xj kynges, verament, Ful harde they fowhten and with good Entent, amongis whom Sire Gyrfleȝ beten he was [Sir Girfles] Line 10776

and Lwcauns the Botelers jn that plas. [and Lucans are unhorsed;] Line 10776 Thanne kyng Brangors & kyng Ydyers as two kynges bothe stowt and Feers, Ek kyng Augwyseax and kyng Vryens Eche with oþer Rod forth jn presens.Line 10780 So that there began ful strong Melle [there is a general tumult.] bothe partyes to Reskwen, SEkerle. for Ful Merveillous weren the strokes and stronge [10783. for added afterwards in the left margin.] that thike partyes weren there amonge.Line 10784 So that with fyn fors and strengthe there, [Kay puts Girfles on King New∣tris' horse,] [10785. strengthe, r corrected from e.] among alle the Enemyes that þere were, there Reskwed sire kay with strengthe & Myht [10787. MS. the^{er} corrected from he, t being added in front (in the margin), the er-mark at the end.] Sire Girfles, and horsyd hym anon RyhtLine 10788 vppon kyng Newtres, with-owten lye. and þerto kyng loth, ful certeynlye, [and throws down king Loth with a truncheon.] with a tronchon of a spere was so bete, that sothely he wende his lyf to lete.Line 10792

And jn this Mene while there kam anon [The King of a Hundred Knights,] the kyng of an c knyhtes ful son [10794. MS. ful fon.] and with hym xl knyhtes of prys, as he wolde chesen at his devys,Line 10796 the beste that weren jn his compenye amongis alle oþer that he cowde dyscrye. and whanne þat he sawhe sire kay þere present, [seeing Kay's achievement,] [10799. sawħ, w corrected from y.] that kyng loth So hadde beten, verament,Line 10800 Wherfore ful sory He Was that tyde, [leaf 129 c] and faste thedyrward he gan to Ryde, [rides against him,] and toward Syre kay he Rood ful faste, whyles that the breth of his hors myhte laste,Line 10804 and there so sore to hym he Rod, and non lengere there he ne abod, and smot Syre kay so jn the Scheld, [bears him to the ground,] that down he fyl there jn the Feld,Line 10808 and took his hors with-owten More, [and leads his horse to king Loth.] and to kyng Loth he ladde hit thore,

and seide: "syre, where is ȝoure thowht? [He exhorts king Loth in take revenge.] Lo, ȝure Enemyes hors j haue ȝow browht!Line 10812 Now worth vpe here with Ryht good chere, and on ȝoure Enemy ben avenged here. For this day han ȝe lost mochel thyng of worschepe that belongeth to a kyng."Line 10816 So vppon that hors he wente anon, [King Loth rides against Kay.] and toward Sire kay gan he gon. and whanne Sire Gyrfleȝ this beheld, [The Girfles] That Sire kay lay in the feld,Line 10820 and Lwcans Ek dyde also, [and Lucans] how that Sire kay suffrede anger & wo, [10822. kay inserted afterwards above the line erroneously before (instead of after) Sire.] Ful Sorweful they weren thanne, trewelye, and faste thedyrward they gonnen hem hye [also hasten thither,] Line 10824 with two Lawnces bothe stowt and grete; with som of these Meyne there gonne they mete. So sore they cowntreden that jlke stownde, That Ech two knyhtes þere bar to grownde, [bear four knights to the ground,] Line 10828 and took þe best hors be þe Reyne anon, and there-with Sire kay presentyd fulson. [10830. anon crossed out before fulson.] thanne he hym horsede, for Nede he hadde, [and reamount Kay.] For ferst he was ful sore be-stadde.Line 10832 thanne the kyng of an hundred knyhtes [The King of Hundred Knights and King Loth] and kyng loth with hym anon Ryhtes, that with strong forse, Myht, and Mayn kyng Newtres of Garlot they horsede ageyn [reamount king Newtris.] Line 10836 on Morettes hors de la Roche. thanne to kyng ydyers gonne they Reproche, [king Ydiers,] and Sire Gwynaws the bloys hors they took, and þere-onne hym horsede, as seith the book.Line 10840 and the dewk Escan of kambenie [and the duke of Carnbeny.] was horsed also anon, with-owten lye, vppon dryauntes hors of the forest Savage, that toforn jn bataylle dyde gret owtrage.Line 10844 and whanne alle these Meyne j-horsed were, thanne thowhten they to ben avenged there [They are all bent on revenge.] vppon here damages, that they hadden toforn; but Er they wente, al was forlorn.Line 10848

Thanne thowhten the viij kynges tho, that ful wel they wenden hauen j-do, but lyhtly they losten al jn fere. For kyng Arthewr fulsone aspyde there, [King Arthur coming to the assitance of his men,] Line 10852 and kam jn comforteng of his Meyne, Ek thorwh that Meyne paste he, sykerle, and so the hors with his spores he smot, that owt hit sprang the Fyr so hot.Line 10856 And sire Vlphyn fond he growndyd there [and finding Ulfin and Bretel un∣horsed,] with his swerd on hande hym forto were and Sire Bretel at gret Mischef also, that vnnethis to horsbak myhte he go.Line 10860 wherfore ful sory that tyme he was, and forth he prekede jnto that plas: with a spere bothe myhty & strong [rides against the king of North Wales,] jnto the pres there gan he fong, [10864. MS. jnto to the.] Line 10864 and there Mette wyth Tradelamaund, kyng of north wales, as j vndirstond. anon so sore he there with him Mette, And swych a Strok He on Hym sette, [leaf 129 d] Line 10868 and smot hym Evene amyddes the scheld, that over he fyl there jn the feld. [fells him,] therto his left Scholdre he smot a-down, that he fyl there ouer the hors arsown.Line 10872 kyng Arthewr the hors took jn that plas [takes his horse,] be the Brydel, that ful wel Gylt was, and lad hit to Sire Vlphyn anon, [and lends it to Sir Ulfin.] and bad that he scholde faste vp gonLine 10876 on hors-bak to ben avenged there [10877. MS. onhors bak.] vppon his Enemy, that dyde hym dere— "and thenketh vppon the grete velonye that ȝe han Suffred, and gret anoye."Line 10880 thanne horsede hym Sire vlphyn hastely, [Ulfin thanks him.] and Seyde: "sire kyng, now gromessy!" anon he prekede jnto that pres, [He rides forth with king Arthur.] kyng Arthewr & he, with-owten les.Line 10884 thanne there began to strong Melle, that pyte and Rowthe hit was to se.

For there broken they the buschschement that vppon his Meyne there was present,Line 10888 So that they vppon the tothyr partye [They do the enemy much harm.] Ful Mochel harm cawhten, Sekerlye. and ȝit half Meyne More they hadde, thanne kyng Arthewr thedyr with hym ladde.Line 10892 So that gret occision þere thanne was of Many bodyes jn that plas. So that kyng Arthewr Merveilleȝ wrowht þere, [King Arthur fights wonderfully.] that Eche man dradde hym Every where;Line 10896 So that no man dorsten abyden his hond, So spetowsly he took on with his brond; For that tyme dorst hym non Man abyde, So sore he fawht that ylke tyde.Line 10900

Whanne the kyng of an hundred knyhtes [The King of a Hundred Knights, seeing his special friend on the ground,] Sawh Tredelemaunt anon Ryhtes, that at þe Erthe stille he lay, Ful Sory he was that ylke dayLine 10904 (For he lovede hym ful specyaly), and faste ageyn Artheur he gan hym hy, [rides against king Arthur] and his hors with the spores he smot aȝens kyng Arthewr Evene foot hot,Line 10908 and hym ful spetowsly smot jn that plas, [and strikes him.] so þat kyng Arthewr sore astoned was. and whanne kyng Arthewr that strok felte, anon his lyvere abowtes he delte,Line 10912 but ȝit sorye he was, ful trewelye, for sire kay, that was jn his compenye. kyng Artheur left vpe his swerd anon, [King Arthur tries to strike his enemy in return;] and to þe kyng of an hundred knyhtes gan he gonLine 10916 and thorwh the left Scholdere han hym bore. [10917-18. left Schold'e corrected from helm Scholde; the original bore altered into bere; the stressed vowel of the rhyming word (in 10918) might be read either e or o.] that beheld anon the toþer kyng thore; and whanne he sawh the strok comenge, aweyward faste Gan he flynge, [but the latter puts up his shield;] Line 10920 and his scheld vppon his hed he caste. [10921. scheld, d squeezed in afterwards.] but kyng Arthewr to hym þere thraste,

and so sore smot hym vppon the scheld, [the stroke cleaves the shield,] that hit flew half jnto the feld.Line 10924 So that his strok discendid there [descends on the horse's head,] on his hors hed, with-owten dwere; [10926. On, o corrected from h.] So that bothe to grownde they wente. [and makes horse and rider tumble. Sir Kay takes] and þat beheld syre kay, veraymente,Line 10928 and say that hors astray there gon, and to his fadyr Antron he ladde it anon. [the horse to Antron.] So that jn the sadel ful sone he was, and þereof was joyful jn that plas.Line 10932 thanne aȝens Margamur, the kynges stewarde, [Antron rides against Mar∣gamur, the steward;] Sire Antron with his hors Rod ful harde, and badde hym greten wel his lord & kyng, that of an hundred knyhtes hadde governyng— [sends jeer∣ingly his compliments to the king,] [leaf 130 a] Line 10936 "And for his Love j schal the Mete, For For nothyng J ne Wele Hyt Lete." that thorwh the Ryht Scholdere he smot him thanne, [and fells Mar∣gamur.] and to Erthe he Bar hym, hors & Manne;Line 10940 So thanne on hym there barst he his Lawnce. and with that hors sone gan he Bretel avance, [The horse he takes to Sir Bretel.] and to hym hit ladde thorgwh the pres (For tyl he hym fond, he wolde not Ses),Line 10944 of whiche hors Sire Bretel hadde gret nede owther Ellis of sum othyr, so god me spede. thanne was fulsone Sire Bretel on lofte, [Bretel gets up,] and abowtes him he lokede ful ofte,Line 10948 and Syre lwcawnes Ryht sone he say [sees Sir Lucans on the ground,] down vppon therthe there he lay, and vp keuerynge was, and defendid hym faste, [defending himself] whiles ony strengthe jn hym myhte laste;Line 10952 that gret Joye hit was hym forto se, For abowtes hym xiiij there weren, sikerle, [against four∣teen,] and he nas but hym-self al alone; but for al the power that they cowden done,Line 10956 owt of that place hym Remeven ne Myhte; and [this] beheld Sire Bretel anon Ryhte, [10958. MS. and beheld.] and to hym there prekede jn that pres. [and rides to his relief.] So whiche þat ferst he Mette, with-owten les,Line 10960

thorwħ the helm he claf atwo hys hed, [He cleaves the head of one,] [10961. thorwħ, the r-mark added afterwards.] that jn the feeld he fyl down ded. The Secund he smot so in the scheld, [cuts off the arm of another,] that arm and al flew jnto þe feld.Line 10964 and Sire Gyrfleȝ, that Sire lwcawns was by, Sore hym defendyd an ful Myhttyly. ȝit Ek anothyr Sire Bretel Smot, [and throws a third to the ground.] That at his feet he fyl ful hot.Line 10968

Whanne that Sire Gyrfleȝ Sawh he had socour, [Sir Girfles, who has been assisting Lucans, gets new courage.] Ful Manfully fawht he thanne jn that stour, and the ferst that he Mette there, his arm of smot he qwyt & clere,Line 10972 that to the Erthe he Fyl down Ryht. anon Sire lwcawns, that worthy knyht, [Lucans is remounted,] vppon that hors fulsone he was, and sory man & angry jn that plas, [and full of vengeance.] Line 10976 that his schamefulnesse wolde avenge. thanne sone prekede he jnto that Renge, [He rides against the king of Scotland, Sir Morel's adversary,] where as Gwyeher he say, of Scotland kyng, that on Moret, his felawe, was abydyng.Line 10980 Sire Lwcawns his hors there smot so sore, and with Gwycher þe kyng mette he thore, So that thorwhe hawberk and haberiown [and fells him.] Sone jnto the feld there smot hym down.Line 10984 thanne whanne Sire Moret beheld tho this, [Sir Moret jumps into the saddle,] Ful sone jn that Sadel he was, j-wys, and forth he prekede jnto that pres, and for non Man ne wolde he ses.Line 10988 thanne Belyas & Flawndryn say he there, [sees some friends struggling,] that vppon tweyne of his Felawes Rested were, vppon dryawnt and dynas, that with Artheur weren jn that plas.Line 10992 but so gret was there that pres with-jnne, [forces his way through the press,] Er sire Moret to his Felawes myhte wynne, So that so sore there gan he fyhte, that hit was Merveyl to ony Mannes syhte;Line 10996 and so wel there he hym bar jn that fyht, [and relieves them.]

that his felawes he Rescwede anon Ryht. [10998. MS. Rescwedē.] And al this Mene whyle Artheur the kyng [King Arthur encounters one of the hostile kings.] vppon the tothyr side ful sore was bekeryng,Line 11000 and anothir kyng þere hym ageyn, So þat gret noyse gan Rysen, jn certeyn, on partye to Reskwen þere kyng Artheur, [On both Rides the people run to their assistance.] anothyr partye hym to werkyn Langowr.Line 11004 So that anon bataylle began there ful strong betwixen bothen partyes hem among, but Evere bothe kynges on horsbak were. but kyng Arthewr they myhten don no dere,Line 11008 For Kyng Arthewr and His Meyne tho [leaf 130 b] to the partye thanne wrowhten ful wo; and streyht to Rescwen he forth wente [Arthur rides to rescue Sir Girfles and Sir Kay,] Sire Gyrfles and Sire kay, veramente,Line 11012 that with kyng Newtres & with Brangores, with kyng Vryens & with kyng Ydiers [11014. kyng Vryens, MS. kyng Newtris.] and Ek the Fyfthe kyng abygawnt also— these fyve these knyhtes hadden don mocħ wo;Line 11016 hem hadden they so beten and vnhorsed bothe, [who have been beaten and un∣horsed,] that aschamed they weren & of here lyves lothe. and these two knyhtes non oþer Socour hadden there [Sir Lucans being their only helper;] but Goode Syre Lwcawns the Botelere.Line 11020 and there this sire Lwcawns so hym þer bar, that there-offen wondrede kyng Arthewr thar, and beheld the grete Nede that they weren jnne. thanne for non thyng ne wolde he blynne,Line 11024 but jnto that pres prekede as a wood lyown, and on bothe sides dyde he Mochel distrocciown, [Arthur works destruction.] that non Man there dorste his strok abyde; So sore fawht kyng Arthewr jn that tyde.Line 11028 and on bothe his sydes he slowh down Ryht, [11029. on added above the line.] so hydous & angry was he in fyht. and Ek Sire kay and Sire Gyrfleȝ with Arthewr sore fowhten they in that pres.Line 11032 on the toþer syde syre Antron, Vlphyn, & sire Bretel [Antron, Ulfin, and Bretel fight] aȝens dukes & kynges fowhten wondyrly wel,

wyche weren dewk Escam and kyng Tradelyvand, [against duke Escam and several kings.] and aȝens chybret, kyng of Northhumberland,Line 11036 and Ek aȝens kyng karados also, that a worthy werrour was holden tho. and alle these aȝens kyng Artheur gonnen Ryde, [These all turn on king Arthur.] and there sore fowhten they in that tyde.Line 11040 For Eche aȝens oþer so sore justed there, that they to-borsten bothe Scheld & spere. For ne hadde socour to kyng artheur sone þere be, [Arthur is on the point of succumbing.] [11043. artheur added above the line.—MS. þ^{er} e han be.] the wers hadde he had, ful certeynle.Line 11044 For tho kynges and knyhtes on þe toþer side, Ful worthy Men they weren that tyde; Ek dowble they hadden aȝens kyng Artheur, that vnnethe they myhten abyden that stowr.Line 11048 Thanne happede, kyng Ban and kyng Bors [Then (the first division of) Ban and Boors' army comes out of the forest] that owt of þe forest comen with gret fors jn Releveng of kyng Arthewr there; but þe tothyr partye of hem not war were.Line 11052 Anon they gonnen hem askryen so Lowde, [with a mighty war∣cry.] that hit dynede jnto the clowde. Ful fresch they comen owt of that forest as worthy kynges, to fyhten ful prest.Line 11056

Thanne behelden al this these oþer barowns, [The enemies, realizing the danger,] and wisten wel that non distrocciowns Myhte comen but thorwghe theke partye; wherfore to cownseille they gonne hem hye, [withdraw to a meadow,] Line 11060 and to-gederis assemblede jn a Modewe þere, al these Lordynges to-gederis Jn fere, [and have a consultation.] and tooken cownseyl what they myhten do. thanne seide kyng Loth to hem Ryht tho: [King Loth says] Line 11064 "j wot wel that Ech of vs here fyhten Muste, but to on thyng ȝe Mown wel troste: that j my-self aȝens fowre oþer thre, [that he, for his part, will avenge himself on three or four.] be my josteng Ouercomen scholen be.Line 11068 Forto avengen Myn Noysaunce on hem j thenke to don veniaunce. for mochel peple han we lost here, Line 11072

Whiche that they scholen beyen ful dere."Line 11072 And whanne the kyng of an .c. knyhtes [The King of a Hundred Knights praises him,] herde kyng Loth thus Speken owtryhtes, Gret preyseng to hym ȝaf he thanne, as belonged to swich a worthy Manne,Line 11076 And Swor By His creawnce Anon Ryht [leaf 130 c] [and swears to do the same.] that the same wolde he don jn Fyht And kyng karados & kyng Newtres also [So do several others.] the same oth sworen they bothe two.Line 11080 And the dewk Escam of kambenye the same oth there swor, Sekerlye, and Ek kyng clarioun of Northhumberlond the same oth swor, as j vndirstond.Line 11084 "Now schal j seyen ȝow," quod kyng Loth thanne, [King Loth then says that six of them should go against the ambuscade,] "what we scholen don now Every Manne. sixe of owre feleschepe we scholen ordeygne [11087. of twice, the former crossed out.—Ordeygne, the last letters through correction.] aȝene ȝone busschement, jn certeyne;Line 11088 and here scholen beleven othyr fyve [and the other five remain,] aȝens this Meyne to fyhten fnl blyve. for xi kynges here we now be to fyhten aȝens al this Meyne.Line 11092 So that aȝens this busschement welen we go [the former with over 10,000 men,] with .x. thousend fyhtyng men and Mo, and viij thousend scholen we leven here [the latter with 8000 men;] kyng Artheur to anoyen jn alle Manere.Line 11096 and toward þe forest welen we go; tyl aȝens the Nyht lete vs don so. and oure purpos thanne bettere scholen we have [that will be the better plan.] and therto owre Meyne moche bettere Save.Line 11100 For ȝif that we abyden here stylle, they ben ful lyk to werkyn vs ylle." To this cownseyl of kyng loth þere anon [All approve.] thussone concentyd they Everychon.Line 11104 thanne assembled to-gederis they were, and here hol Meyne departed there. So that kyng Loth took with hym [Thus King Loth, with part of the forces,] the kyng of an hundred knyhtes so grym,Line 11108 augwysseaus, & dewk Escam of kambenye,

with xij thousend Men jn here partye, where-offen that vj wynges they hadde and jn Eche wynge ij thousend they ladde.Line 11112 So that forth they Reden an Esy pas, [rides towards the forest;] tyl that they comen jnto þe same plas that kyng Loth þere ordeyned before, for better conseyl myht not han ben thore.Line 11116 thus the .vj. kyngges forth they wente, and .v. abyden thanne there presente [the others remain.] Forto werren vppon Arthewr the kyng hym forto anoyen with sore fyhttyng.Line 11120

Now of the .v. that leften behynde [The five kings who remain are Brangors, Urieus, Newtris, Clarioun, and the king of Northum∣berland.] j schal ȝow tellen, as cometh to Mynde. kyng Brangores & kyng Vryens, kyng Newtres, kyng clariouns, men of defens,Line 11124 whiche was kyng of Northhumberland, and of north wales kyng Tradelyvaund, alle these weren jn on compenye with vij thousend Men, certeynlye,Line 11128 and drowh hem to-gederis jn busschement, [They draw themselves together,] as this storye here Reporteth, verament. For lyk as goode bodyes as they were, Ful Manfully defendid hem there. [and defend themselves manfully] Line 11132 but ful gret harm and damage hit was of the gret werre, was jn that plas be-twene kyng Arthewr & kyng Lothis Meyne. that tyme began there ful strong Melle,Line 11136 whiche that durede, tyl Evensong was don, [till after evensong.] and Many a man to deth there gan gon. vppon the tothyr partye Entrede kyng Ban, [Against those approaching from tlte forest (Fa∣riens with the first division; cf. p. 280)] [leaf 130 d] and kyng Bors kam with hym than,Line 11140 With Leownces and Syre Faryens Also, that the ferste Bataylle ladden tho. So that they comen an Ese pas, tyl they weren alle Ensemblyd jn that plas,Line 11144 and aȝens hem kam kyng ydyers, [goes first king Ydiers.] [11145. hem corrected from kom; the a of kam corrected from o, for original y (thus originally: aȝens kom ky . .).] as he was kyng ful stowt and fers.

And whanne that to-gederis there they Mette, Many sore strokes to-gederis they sette, [He fights well,] Line 11148 So that the Noyse myhte wel han ben herd a long half Myle; so sore they Ferd. Ful gret occisioun thanne there was bothe of Men and hors jn that plas.Line 11152 but certeyn kyng Ydiers Meyne [but is eventu∣ally repulsed.] that storm Miht not suffren jn non degre, but fledden awey for discomfyture To kyng Gwyseawns, j ȝow Ensure, [Another king helps him.] Line 11156 whiche sone hem comforted sothfastly. and a strong bataylle began þere, trewely, So that Sire Faryens and his Meyne [They press hard on Sir Fariens;] at gret Mischef weren, ful Sykyrle. [11160. at, t on erasure.] Line 11160 and whanne leownces of Paerne be-held al this, [but Leonces (with the second divi∣sion) comes to rescue,] Ful sone to Reskews he Rod, j-wys, and so sore Rod vpon that Meyne, that jn that place ne lefte he, Sykerle,Line 11164 Non that dorste hym there abyde; So socowred he Pharyens jn that tyde. and thus drof he forth that compenye [and throws them back on the duke of Cambeny.] Jnto the dewkis ost of kambenye.Line 11168

Whanne the dewk hem Sawh comen so, [The duke pushes for∣ward,] thanne jn his herte he was ful wo, and aȝens hem faste he gan to Ryde that hem so chasede jn that Tyde. [11172. hem, e corrected from y.] Line 11172 and thanne they that flowen to-fore, [makes the fugitives return,] aȝen with the dewk Retorned thore, and there began ful strong Bataylle, [and renews the combat.] whan that Eche partye gan other assaylle.Line 11176 thanne thussone Entrede kyng Bors there [Now king Boors ap∣pears (with the third division),] with his hol Meyne al jn fere, and there so sore they Meten jn same, that betwene tho partyes was non game.Line 11180 and whanne kyng ydyers kyng Bors beheld, [and king Ydiers ex∣claims:] that So kam prekynge jn the feld, thanne to his feleschepe there seide he anon: Line 11184

"God vs defende now everychon ["God defend us from him who comes here!] Line 11184 this day from the peryl of ded of hym that cometh here jn this sted! For hym j knowe be his armure, [I know him by his a mour.] that he is knyht bothe good and sure.Line 11188 For neuere his place he wyle forsake For non dismembrure ne for non wrake. and þerto he is so worthy a knyht, jn al this world non bettere jn fyht. [In all the world there is no one better in fight."] Line 11192 for thowh al the world were hym ageyn, but his owne brothyr hit were, jn certeyn, of prowesse Js there non Man that jn bataylle dar abyden hym than."Line 11196

Anon the kyng of an hundred knyhtes thanne [The King of a Hundred Knights asks who he is, King Loth answers:] askede of kyng ydiers what was that Manne. thanne answerede kyng loth to hym ageyn, & seide hit was kyng Bors of Gawnes, jn certein. ["King Boors of Gawnes. I know not how he came here.] Line 11200 "but, certein, j ne wot how he here kam; and behold, with hym he ledeth Many a man!" "what," quod the kyng of an hundred knyhtes tho, "how jnto this contre scholde he comen so?"Line 11204 "j not, so me god helpe!" quod kyng loth thanne, "but this day behoveth now Every manne [But now it behoves every man to prove himself a worthy knight." King Karmlos says:] [leaf 131 a] to preven hym-self a worthy knyht aȝens this kyng Bors here in fyht."Line 11208 Anon Answerede Kyng Karados thanne: "j not, this day ho þat kan preven hym a manne, Nethyr this day what we scholen do; but j my-self aȝens hym now wile j go. ["I will go against him. If I need help, do not fail me."] Line 11212 and ȝif ony Mester that j haue of Socour, loke ȝe not me Faylle for non langour." therto they graunteden Everychon; he took his leve, and forth gan to gon.Line 11216 thus kyng karados wente forth thanne [He rides forth,] and with hym jn compenye Many a Manne; an Esy pas and sadly they wente, til that kyng Bors they Metten presente. [and meets king Boors.] Line 11220 and whanne that so Ny to-gederis they were, of an archer a bowe drawht there,

bothe parties to-gederis Mette so faste, [There is a fierce encounter.] that Ech on othyr here speres gonne breste,Line 11224 so that on bothe partyes they fyllen a-down, and of karados Meyne gret occisiown. [11226. of, o corrected from k.] thanne drowen they owt here swerdis blyve, and Manye a Man there loste his lyve.Line 11228 thanne kam kyng Bors to an old knyht, [King Boors commands an old knight to hear his banner.] whiche man that Blaaryns hyht, and hym comanded his Baner to bere (and this knyht dorste not Refusen it there),Line 11232 and bad hym gon forth hym be-fore, that the Bretowns his armes myhten sen thore.

Thanne took he a Royde spere anon, [He takes aspear, rides into the press,] and jnto that pres he gan faste to gon,Line 11236 and that Reng he to-barst ful sone, and þere-jnne Entrede amonges hem Echone. and with a knyht he mette schortly there, that thorwh armes and harneys he gan him bere. [and pierces a knight.] Line 11240 So thorwh the body there he hym smot, that down he fyl thanne, god hit wot, and brak his Nekke jn his fallynge tho; Swich destenye that knyht cam vnto.Line 11244 thanne kyng Boors drowh owt his swerd, [Then he draws his sword.] and amonges that Meyne þere so he ferd. and whanne the peple Say hym faren so, Ful faste to flyht thanne gonne they go. [King kara∣dos' men flee.] Line 11248 thus kyng karados loste his Meyne; For kyng Bors they gonnen alle to fle. that beheld the kyng of an hundred knyhtes; [The king of a Hundred Knights comes to succour.] to Socouren karados he kam ful RyhtesLine 11252 with ij thousend knyhtes jn compenye, that bolde werriours weren and worthye. and there fulsone to-gederis they Mette, and many harde strokes to-gederis smette.Line 11256 For there to speken of king Bors prowesse, [Both Boors] how that he fawht there jn that presse! Also Ek on the tothir kynges syde Line 11260

they fowhten ful strongly that ylke tyde,Line 11260 bothe kyng karados and the tothyr kyng, [and his ad∣versaries fight bravely.] that of an hundred knyhtes hath gouernyng. [for] so strong was the Bataylle thanne, [11263. The first word is illegible, the paper being damaged.] that at Mischef there was Many a Manne.Line 11264

Thanne kyng Ban of Baynoyk Entrede anon, [King Ban arrives (with the fourth division),] and with his Meyne he Entrede ful son, and there his steward his armes bar [his steward carrying his gorgeous banner,] with a crowne of Gold and azure tharLine 11268 with two bendis travers, ȝelw & Grene; As ony flowr oþer herbe there was hit sene. and of this Sixe knyhtes jn swte hadde he, [and six knights, in the same colours, attending it.] [leaf 131 b] bothe hors and Man al jn on degre;Line 11272 Bothe trappures and Testerys, Al that þer Was, so was arrayed there jn that plas. and whanne these kynges syen this syht, [Then the hostile kings are greatly discouraged:] wondirly they weren ful sore a-fryht,Line 11276 and seiden they mosten forsaken here place, For they knewen there non othir grace. thanne to hem assembled kyng Loth, [even king loth says that all is lost.] Ful sore wepyng there, wel j wot,Line 11280 and seide there to his compenye: "Now wot j wel, ful Sekerlye, alle is lost that we hauen jdo." So bothe partyes thanne Metten they tho; [Yet there is violent en∣counter.] Line 11284 So sere here lawnces they borsten on sondyr, that al the Erthe qwaked hem vndyr; and out of helmes þe fer owt flew, that Many a man hit Sawh on rew;Line 11288 and with the strokis þat weren hem betwynne, alle that forest hit denede with-jnne, [making the forest re∣sound.] that half a myle Men Myhten hit here, ho that jn that feld tho were.Line 11292 whanne that kyng Ban ful sembled was aȝens the tothere jn that plas, there nolde but fewe there thanne abyde. [Many flee.] Anon vppon þe fyve kynges gan he RydeLine 11296

and Ek vppon here hole Meyne; For þere made kyng Ban gret Mortalyte. [King Ban kills his foes,] For anon as they kyng Ban aspyde, Ful faste they fledden that jlke tydeLine 11300 For the grete occision that kyng Ban made abowtes hym jn virown; and gret Martyrdom he Made also, and thus jn Eche Reng þere gan he go, [and breaks their ranks both right and left.] Line 11304 bothe on lefte syde and ek on þe Ryhte; he kyd hym there as kyng and knyhte. So that j-dowted he was ful sore of alle his Enemyes þat weren thore.Line 11308

Thanne forth cometh kyng Loth tho [King Loth and the King of a Hundred Knights,] and the kyng of an hundred knyhtes also, and Sire Margamur here thridde felawe was, with here Bataylles jn that plas.Line 11312 For thussone the bataylles j-Medlyd were on with-jnne anoþer Ryht sone there. and whanne that they behelden kyng Ban, [seeing, with anger and grief, damage done by king Ban,] that so gret damage dyde there than,Line 11316 kyng Loth there-with was angry tho, and ek the tothyr kyng was ful wo. with here spores smeten they here hors thanne, and bothe they Reden aȝens kyng Banne, [ride against him.] Line 11320 for kyng Loth was a worthy knyht, and that he kydde there in his fyht. For with his spere he smot so kyng Ban, [King Loth cute off a piece of king Ban's shield.] that a cantel of his scheld jnto þe feld flew than.Line 11324 and whanne that kyng Ban felte thys, Fulsore he was amevyd there, j-wys. Anon his goode swerd he lefte on hy, [King Ban smites the King of a Hundred Knights on the helm;] as a Man that was bothe wroth and angry,Line 11328 and to the kyng of an hundred knyhtes he Rod, and hym so smot, there that he stod, vppon the helm; but hit Glawcede adown [the glancing stroke hits the horse.] There vppon his horsis arsown,Line 11332 that Trapped was jn Erne & stel. but ȝit that Strok hyt bot ful wel, For the hors chine asondir there he smot, Line 11336

that bothe to grownde wenten fot hot. [Horse and rider fall;] [11336. bothe crossed out before fot.] Line 11336 And whanne this kyng of an .c. knyhtes Felte hym so feld there jn fyhtes And therto His Hors Vndyr Hym so Ded, [leaf 131 c] thanne was he Ryht of Sory Red.Line 11340 Vpe sone he Rekouerede forto stond, [but the king soon gets up again.] and his swerd took jn his hond, and leyde his Scheld vppon his hed, For fulsore he dowtede of ded. [11344. MS. dowteded.] Line 11344 Whanne that kyng Brangores beheld al this, [King Bran∣gors, noticing his plight,] that þe kyng of an hundred knyhtes, j-wys, was thus feld and leyd on grownde, anon to kyng ban he Rod that stownde, [smites king Ban on the shield;] Line 11348 and smot hym Evene a-Myddes the scheld, there as he hovede jn the Feld. and kyng Ban Sone there tornede ageyn, [king Ban returns the stroke,] and vppon the helm he Rawht hym, ful pleyn,Line 11352 that his coyphe of yrne and Sercle also Evene asondyr smot he tho, that to the Grownde he fyl down Ryht, [and fells his foe.] For lengere to sytten hadde he non Myht.Line 11356

Aftyr, whanne these kynges Rekouered were, [In the ensu∣ing fight,] aȝens kyng ban Sore Fowhten they there. but he dede hem mochel more Grevaunce, [king Ban keeps the upper hand against his wounded enemies;] thanne they hym deden, with-owten dowtaunce.Line 11360 For ȝit nas there non of the kynges two but that mochel of here blood hadden lost tho. what be here hurtes & woundes bothe Ful feynt to fyhten they were forsothe.Line 11364 but ȝit Mochel harm there was j-do [much harm is done to them.] betwixen thike thre kynges tho. and whanne the bataylle Entre-Mellid were, asondyr sone weren they departyd there,Line 11368 whethyr that eyther partye wolde oþer non; but ȝit amonges hem Moche harm was don. Thanne hyt happede that ylke tyde, [King Arthur, coming thither.] that kyng Artheur jnto that pres cam Ryde,Line 11372

and fond kyng Ban fyhtyng on fote, [finds king Ban fighting on foot,] wherfore he was ful wo, god wote. but Evere he fawht So sore there, that non Man ne dorste comen hym nere,Line 11376 and so forth wente thorwh the pres vigerously fyhtyng, with-owten les. but there wolde non Man his strokes abyde, [yet keeping all at bay.] [11379. th^{er}e, the abbreviation mark in darker ink.] So Merveyllous they weren jn that tyde.Line 11380 thanne Entrede kyng Artheur on þe to[thyr] partye [11381. MS. þ^e to ptye.] thorwh al the pres ful Manfullye with his swerd on honde, that Soyled hit was [With his blood-soiled sword,] with hors blood & Mennes jn that plas.Line 11384 For Manye Merveylles wrowhte kyng Arthewr, For jn armes he was bothe Styf & stowr. but whanne he Say kyng Ban at sweche myschef, hym thowhte hit was to hym gret Repref.Line 11388 Anon kyn[g] Arthewr aspyde a knyht, [Arthur rides against a knight,] [11389. MS. kyn.] that Ryaly was arayed forto fyht. with his swerd to hym kyng Arthewr Rod, and non lengere there he abod,Line 11392 but with his swerd smot hym so sore, [cleaves his head,] that jnto the teth he clef his hed thore, that ded to the grounde he fyl anon. And kyng Arthewr be þe Reyne his hors took son, [and takes his horse to king Ban.] Line 11396 and to kyng Ban he ledde hyt ful faste. "My leve frend," he seide, "worth vp jn haste, For amonges ȝoure Enemyes ȝe han j-be; this place to forsaken sone scholen ȝe hem se."Line 11400

Whanne that kyng Ban Recouered was [Joyfully the two turn on their enemies,] Be helpe of kyng Arthewr jn that plas, Gret Joye Bothe to-gederys they Made, [leaf 131 d] and amonges here Enemyes they prekeden ful glade.Line 11404 Anon as they on the tothyr partye kyng Artheur and king Ban dyden aspye, anon so discomfyt weren they tho [who are dis∣comfited,] of the harm þat these two kynges hadden j-do,Line 11408 that they hadden j-lost clene here talent

to fyhten or ony dede don, verament, but Towardis the wode they wente ful faste. [and flee to∣wards the forest.] And Er they myhten hit keueren atte laste,Line 11412 Mochel occisiown was don there [Many are killed be∣tween river and forest.] be-twixen the wode and the Revere there here Stale they Rested & kepte. Anon here Meyne there to hem lepte,Line 11416 and jn peryl of deth Echon, For vnnethis to hem askaped ony on. Whanne kyng Newtris and kyng loth tho [The hostile kings,] and the kyng of an hundred knyhtes also,Line 11420 also kyng karados & kyng ydyors, Ek kyng Vryens & kyng Brangors, that tho was kyng of Northhumberlond, To on partye they drowen, j vndirstond, [drawing to∣gether at one point,] Line 11424 Thanne seyde Maganors to hem anon: "with ȝoure Meyne j Rede that ȝe hens gon [are advised to depart.] For al hit is j-torned to scomfyture and to distroccion, j ȝow Ensure."Line 11428

Thus hem Enchasede kyng Artheur tho, [King Arthur pursues the fugitives,] kyng Ban and kyng Bors also, tyl that they comen to on Rever, that ful wondyrly depe was there; [11432. wondyrly, l through correction.] Line 11432 where as þe fugytyves a brygge diden Make [who make a bridge] there for to passe ouer that lake. So that they pasten ouer Echon, [and cross the river.] and these thre kynges aftyr gonne gon. [11436. these twice, the former crossed out.] Line 11436 thanne Merlyn Seyde to kyng Artheur tho: [Then Merlin advises Ar∣thur to return to his own country] "Sey me now, what thynkest þou to do? thyn Enemyes hast thou ouercomen Echon, therfore jn-to thin owne contre thou gon,Line 11440 and with the thy frendes thou lede, be whom þat þou hast had Ryht good spede, and hem do thou worschepe and honour, [and do hon∣our to his helpers.] For they han holpen the jn Many a stour.Line 11444 For jn-to the Forest moste me go [Merlin him∣self must go to Blasy.] there with my frend Blasye to speken also."

thanne departyd kyng Artheur thens anon, [Thus Aruthur and Merlin depart.] and Merlyn jnto the forest js he gonLine 11448 To speken with Blasye, that hym bod there, that of Many thinges dide hym Enqwere. and Merlyne seide he hadde j-be [Merlin tells Blasy of his intercourse with Arthur,] to conseillen kyng Artheur, Sykerle.Line 11452 "that is wel don," quod Blasye thanne, "hym to counseillen as a wis manne." than tolde Merlyne to blasye anon of al tho thinges that hadden be don, [and of all that has happened.] Line 11456 and hou kyng Arthewr jnto lytel breteyne sente [11457. sente above crossed-out wente.] there socoure to haven, veramente. Sethen he tolde hym Ek also of the grete Bataylle þat was j-do,Line 11460 and of the scomfyture of the xj kynges. So that this Blasye wrot alle these thinges, [Blasy writes it in his books.] and jnto his Book þere wrot he Euery thing, Be whom now þerof haven we knowleching.Line 11464 [B]ut of Al this Bataylle Leven We now talkyng, [leaf 132 a] [11465-90. The beginning of each of these lines is destroyed through the leaves having stuck together. Traces, partly quite distinct, are to be found on the other leaf.] [an]d let vs Speken of anothyr thyng, [Ne]thir of Blasie ne of Merlyne at this tyde [No] More to speken, but let vs forth glyde, [Now let us return to king Arthur.] Line 11468 [an]d to kyng Arthewr & to the tweyne kynges also [tha]t jn his compenye gonen forth to go, [and] ek of other baronage jn compenye, [tha]t with kyng Arthewr weren, Sekerlye.Line 11472

[N]ow here putteth this Jlke Storye [Chap. XI. After the defeat of the eleven kings,] [of t]hese xj kynges Jn Memorye, [and o]f the dewk of Askam also, [11475. lwcawn crossed out before Askam.] [tha]t be Merlynes cownseylle conqwered weren tho,Line 11476 [an]d how joyful from Blasye he cam, [an]d how that kyng Arthewr ordeyned hym than. [th]anne here Pavylouns pyhten they ful faste [tents are pitched,] [an]d Ek here tentes jn Ryht gret haste.Line 11480

[So] that they casten hem there to abyde [an]d Forto Resten hem that jlke tyde.Line 11482 [th]anne Gouernours of þe ost gonne they ordeynen there: [watchmen are ap∣pointed,] [S]ire Leownce, Sire Gyrflet, & Sire Lwcawns the botelere. [th]anne Sire Faryens to sire Leownces j-joyned he was [Towar]dis the wode to kepen jn that plas; [and Si]re Lwcawns and sire Gyrflet [kepte]n the Medewes bothe drye and wet.Line 11488 [and] the Remnaunt to Reste gonnen to gon, [and the others refresh and rest themselves.] ly[k a]s þerto they hadden Nede Everychon. So that they Eten & dronken, & Maden here play, and there hem Restede, tyl hit was day.Line 11492 For j-nowh they hadden of the Beste, bothe Riche and powre, to gladen his geste. Thus they hem Restede, tyl hit was day; [Next morn∣ing, king Aruthur had the spoil brought to∣gether;] And thanne kyng Arthewr comanded, jn fay,Line 11496 that al the good that geten was [11497. geten corrected from gesten.] and Ek al the Rychesse Jnto on plas that to-gederis scholde ben browht, ful pleyn, For he wolde departyn hit þere, jn certeyn.Line 11500 and whanne that they hadden herd here Masse, [after mass, it is distri∣buted amongst the whole army,] they wenten there as al þe trosor wasse. and there on hepis as that hit lay, These thre kynges, with-owten delay,Line 11504 departyd this good þere to Every Man, as that hem thowhte he hadde nede than: [according to need and merit.] on Man lasse and a-nothyr More, as hem thowhte they weren worthy thore,Line 11508 and ek to Many pore knyhtes also, Ek to seriauntes that with hem weren tho; they ȝouen hem of þat good ful largely, Whyles that Hem Last there ony peny. [leaf 132 b] [Money, horses, and precious clothes are all given away.] Line 11512 and sethen departyd they forth in here compenye bothe stedys and palfreyes ful justlye, clothes of Gold & of Sylk also, that nowht to departyn beleft hem tho.Line 11516 So that Every Man gwerdonen he was that with hem was jn that plas. thanne xl knyhtes chosen they tho [(Misunder∣standing] Line 11520

with hem of Tarmelyde forto go, [of the context: see Notes,;] Line 11520 which Meyne Sire Leownce & sire pharyen jn Governaunce hadden & with hem sire Gracien. Thus this peple of Tarmelyde jnto here lond they gonne hem gyde,Line 11524 that kyng clawdas non harm scholde þere do, whyles the two kynges here lond weren fro.

Thanne these Barowns to-fore seid here, [The men, on arriving in their own countries, buy properly with the money.] Jn here owne contres whanne they were,Line 11528 hem purchased bothe londes and fe, Everych a man aftyr his degre, with the grete ȝiftes that they hadde, and with þe tresor þat they out of þe ost ladde,Line 11532 So that Evere Riche men they were, whiles that on Erthe they lyvede here. So soiorned kyng Artheur at Bredygam stylle [The three kings remain at Bredigam,] and with hym bothe kynges at his wylleLine 11536 (that was jn the March of gret Breteyne and Ek of Tarmelyde tho, in certeyne) Merlyne forto abyden there; [waiting for Merlin.] this was Arthenris entent, j sey ȝow here.Line 11540 and vppon the Morwen, whanne this was do, that kyng Arthewr his Meyne hadde departyd so, and at Bredygam hadde Mad gret feste as wel to þe Meste as to the leste,Line 11544 and whanne they hadden Eten Echon, [Going out in the morning.] out of here loggenges gonnen they gon Forto beholden bothe Ryvere and Mede, How þat the flowres dyden springen & sprede,Line 11548 thanne behelden they furthermore: they Syen where a old cherl cam thore [they see all old man com∣ing over the meadows.] ouer alle the Medewes, the sothe to sayn, with his bowe on hande, jn certayn. [11552. On, o corrected from j.] Line 11552 and boltes vndir his Gyrdel bar he, [11553. Gyrdel, d through correction.] and wylde fowl hadde slayn, sekerle, [with wild birds hang∣ing from his girdle.] the whiche vndir his Gyrdel him heng abowte. ȝit anothir bryd aspide he, with-owten dowte;Line 11556

anon his bowe to his Ere he drowh, [and shooting more game as be passed along.] and anon Ryht there that bryd he slowh. ȝit wylde Mathelardes he slowh also, and Evere vnder his Gyrdyl he dyde hem do.Line 11560 Forth a gret pas thanne cam he there [The man comes quickly up to the kings.] jnto place þere as þe thre kynges logged were. [11562. thre, r corrected from e.] tha[nne] these kynges hadden beholden ful wel [11563. The paper is damaged.] the schetyng of this cherl Every del.Line 11564 So towardis here loggeng cam he faste, tyl that thyder he was comen atte laste. thanne King Arthewr axede hym ful snelle [Arthur asks him if he will sell the birds.] ȝif ony of that wylde fowl wolde he selle.Line 11568 "ȝe," quod the cherl, "with good wylle anon [The man says yes.] j wele hem Sellen Everychon." "To what prys?" quod Arthewr the kyng. [The king wants to know the price; but the man is silent.] and thanne the cherl wolde seyn non thing.Line 11572 the aray of this cherl j schal declare, and so wel as þat j hadde ben thare: [11574. þ^t corrected from as.] Whit Russet hosen he hadde vppon [He is dressed poorly,] with a peyre of grete clowted schon,Line 11576 With a cote and Surcote of Blak Burnet [leaf 132 c] vppon his Body ful lewedly j-set, and j-gyrt he was with a schepis skyn, and þerto he was bothen long, stowt, and Grym, [is tall, stout, and grim∣looking.] Line 11580 therto on his hed nethyr coyfe ne hood, but thus al barehed the carl forth ȝood. For lyk a wodman he semed, oþer a felown that hadde don som distrocciown.Line 11584 and to kyng Arthewr he seyde thanne: [He hints at the king being stingy.] "j ne can non skele of sweche maner Menne That Loven so wel here Tresore; hyt js Ryht nowht, j telle the fore.",Line 11588 "but thou ony Servyse cowdest do, [The king retorts.] to avauneen the scholde j wherto?" quod this carl: "haue thou this fowl thanne. [The man says: "Have these birds, thou, the richer man, who givest nothing.] ȝit for me art þou than the Rychere manne,Line 11592 and thou of thy good ȝevest me non thyng, Not the lest part of on ferthing.

and forto ȝeven of þat thou hast geten here, [Yet giving would do thee credit."] Me thinketh for thy worschepe gretly it were."Line 11596

Whanne that the kyng Arthewr vndirstod this, [The kings look at each Other in sur∣prise.] Eche kyng on othyr thanne lokyd, j-wys, and sethen they seiden hem be-twene: "where-of devel spekyth this carl so kene?"Line 11600 thanne þere anon hym clepede kyng Ban, [Ban asks him what he means.] and axede what devel he seyde than. but this carl to hym non word wolde speke, [He answers not, but says to Arthur:] but to king Arthewr he gan for to Reke.Line 11604 "haue þou," he seide, "these Bryddes here, ["Take these birds; for I will depart."] For j wele walken jn Myn Manere." thanne Spak kyng Ban, certeinle: [Ban asks him who he is.] "Sey what maner man that thou be."Line 11608 "Swich a man am here j," quod he, [He replies: "Such a man am I, that Merlin has told me] "that a savage Man thus tolde me, whiche that Merlyne is his name, jn this lond a man of Ryht gret fame—Line 11612 and that same Merlyne tolde to Me that hider wolde he Comen, ful sykerle, [he will come here and speak with you kings."] Forto speken with ȝow kynges present; thus Merlyne me tolde, verament."Line 11616 and jn the tyme of this talkyng [Ulfin, coming out. over∣hears the con∣versation.] cometh Vlphyn owt of a chambre goyng, and herde the pletyng of hem two, hou kyng Ban to Merlyn spak tho.Line 11620 "O," quod kyng Ban," hou May this be, [Ban is in∣credulous.] that Merlyne scholde speken with the?" "what," quod the carl, "þif þou wylt me leve, [The man says he may believe it, or do the other thing.] chese; the. oþer ellis thou beleve."Line 11624 And [whiles] the veleyn hadde seyd al this, [11625. M.S. And the.] Evere stood sire Vlphyn and herkened, j-wys, [Ulfin smiles, knowing that it is Merlin.] and thussone he gan for to Smyle, and knew hit was Merlyne be his wyle.Line 11628 whanne that Merlyne aspyde him so, [Merlin asks him to take more birds to his stingy king.] towardis hym he gan forto go. "haue here mo Bryddis to thy kyng, that Grochcheth forto ȝeven onything."Line 11632

Thanne lowh Vlphyn wonderly sore [Ulfin laughs.] [11633. Vlphyn, MS. þ^e kyng corrected from M^{er}lyne] of the wordis that Merlyne seide thore, and seide: "sire, ȝif hyt thy wylle be, [and asks for a private talk.] wylt þou jnto chambre gon with meLine 11636 For diuers thinges that j haue to seyn betwene the and me þere, jn certeyn." "ȝe, sire, gladly," quod this veleyn tho, [The man con∣sents.] "with the to chambre now wyl j go." [11640. to above the line.] Line 11640 Thanne beheld the kyng sire vlphyn, [Arthur asks Ulfin why he laughs.] and axede to what Ende oþer fyn [leaf 132 d] That so Faste He Lowh there, and why that his Skele were.Line 11644 "Sire," he seide, "jn tyme comeng [Ulfin answers he shall know by and by.] ȝe scholen hit knowen Every thing." there Mette the veleyn with Sire kay, [Now Sir Kay comes;] and thus to him he gan to Say:Line 11648 "Go make Redy this wylde fowl here, [the man asks him to pre∣pare the birds.] that hit be at thy lordis Sopere." "ȝe, sire," quod Vlphyn to that veleyn, "hit nys not the ferste, jn certeyn."Line 11652 and with this cam þere sire Bretel, [Bretel also arrives,] and herde these wordis Everydel. So whanne they hadde ben there a stownde, thanne wyste Bretel he hadde Merlyn fownde, [recognizes Merlin, and laughs in his sleeve.] [11656. thāne, ne through correction.] Line 11656 and vndyr his Mentyl he lawhed anon. thanne axede of hym the kyng thusson: [The king again asks why he laughs.] "Why dost þon lawhen here so sore?" "Sire, and þe carl wyle, j schal tellen ȝow fore."Line 11660 thanne this veleyn there lowh ful faste, [Merlin laugh∣ingly says to Ulfin that he may tell.] and seide to Vlphyn atte laste: "Sey now on what js thy wylle." than Vlphyn seide the kyng vntylle: [Ulfin says: "Do you not know Merlin?"] Line 11664 "Sire," he seyde, "knowe ȝe not Merlyn, whiche that is ȝoure owne devyn?" "ȝis," quod the kyng, "why axen ȝe? [Arthur re∣plies: "Of∣course, if I see him."] hym j wel knowe, and j him se."Line 11668 "Sire," quod vlphyn, "this js now he [Ulfin says:]

that here toforn ȝow now ȝe se, ["Why, this is he?"] that ij or thries ȝow hath serued thus. why not ȝe hym knowe, j merveylle, be jesus."Line 11672

Whan that the kyng herde vlphyn spekyn so, [The king wonders greatly,] wondirly abasched sore was he tho, that he Nyste what forto seyn. [11675. what, h corrected from a.] thanne seid Vlphyn to hym ageyn:Line 11676 "that j haue seyn oftere thanne one, the bettere j schal knowen hyt Eft sone." that seide the kyng to hym ageyn: [and still asks who the man is.] "Sey me now, what js this veleyn?"Line 11680 "Sire, knowe ȝe not Merlin, and ȝe hym se?" [Ulfin says again: "Do you not know Merlin?] "ȝis, what scholde Ellis now Eylen Me?" "thanne beholde ȝe this good Man so hore, ȝif Euere ȝe syen hym owht here before."Line 11684 and the kyng beheld him ful wel, but he hym knew neuere a del. "Now certes," quod sire vlphyn with that, "he may thinken his Servise Evel beset, [He will think his service badly applied."] [11688. may, a through correction.] Line 11688 that ȝow so mochel servyse hath j-do an ȝow j-loved so wel therto and ȝow hath holpen jn alle Manere aȝens ȝoure Enemyes, where so they were."Line 11692 thanne whanne kyng Arthewr herde this, [Arthur crosses himself,] fulsone thanne he hym blessede, j-wys, and the tothyre tweyne kynge[s] also [and the other kings also marvel.] [11695. Cf. l. 9095.] ful Mochel Merveylle hadden tho,Line 11696 and seiden: "Merlyn, how is this be-tyd Now to ben clothed jn swich an abyt?" thanne seide Merlyn to hem ageyn: "hit May ful wel ben, in certeyn."Line 11700 thanne seide Vlphyn: "Sire, basche ȝow not, [Ulfin says that Merlin will show his true semblance.] for his semblawnce he wil schewen, wel j wot, that ȝe to-fore hauen hym jnne seyn; [11703. seyn, n in darker ink.] he wile hit ȝow schewen, jn certeyn."Line 11704 "that wolde we fayn," quod these kynges, [The kings are pleased to hear it.] "To bringen vs owt of distorbelynges."

"Now jnto A chambre go ȝe Wyth Me." [leaf 133 a] [Ulfin takes them into a chamber, and says:] and so they deden, these kynges thre.Line 11708 thanne seyde sire Vlphyn to Artheur the kyng: "Sire, haueth ȝe non Merveylle of this thyng, ["Wonder not! He can show you six or seven differ∣ent shapes] For Many semblances he kan ȝow schewe, vj other vij sone vppon a rewe.Line 11712 For also often as hit js his plesaunce, he wyl sone chongen his semblaunce, and al be craft of Negremauncye; [by means of necromancy,] Sire kyng, this is soth, ful certeynlye.Line 11716 and Gwymebant the clerk witnesseth this, [as testified by Guinebant.] For of clergye he can ful Mochel, j-wys. For often here-aftyr ȝe scholen hym se jn dyvers semblaunce, ful feythfulle.Line 11720 For he doth wel that he do so, [He does well in disguising himself, for he has many foes. Now let us return, and you shall see him in his old shape."] For in this contre he hath Many a fo. Now go we jnto the chambre ageyn, and þere scholen ȝe hym sen, jn certeyn,Line 11724 jn the same semblaunce he was to-fore; there scholen ȝe sen hym thore." Whanne that to þe chomber ward þey wenten ageyn, [They find Merlin in the hall,] jn the halle Merlyn they fownden, ful pleyn,Line 11728 as he was jn his ferste kynde, where-offen they Merveillede jn here Mynde. [marvel,] they gonne Embracen hym anon, [embrace him joyfully,] and gret joye they Maden Echon,Line 11732 as Men that hym lovede with al here herte; Eche Man there to him gan sterte. thanne gonnen they lawhen Everychon [and laugh at his disguise and his word to the king.] of that cowntenaunce that he hadde j-don,Line 11736 and of that he seide to the kyng; Eche man tho took hyt in boordyng. thanne seyde kyng Arthewr to Merlyn: [Arthur says to him: "Now I know that you love me.] "Sire, now j knowe Ryht wel and fynLine 11740 that ȝe me loven now, certeynle, and that these bryddys ȝe han ȝoven to Me. [You have given me the birds,] and for ȝoure love j schal hem Ete, and for non thing j nele hyt lete." [and I will eat them for your sake."] Line 11744 thanne Merlyn gan to lawhen tho, [Merlin laugh∣ingly replies: "Well done, sir!"] and seide: "Sire, hyt js Ryht wel j-do." [11746. seide added above the line.]

Thus they soiourned there Everychon, [Arthur stays at Bredigain till Mid-Lent.] tyl that Mydlentone was al a-gon.Line 11748 So that kyng Arthewr vppon a day [11749. vpp crossed out before Arthewr.] be Merlynes leve, the Sothe to Say, he aqweynted hym with a Mayden so ȝyng; [He makes the acquaintance of a fair maiden called Lysanore;] hym thowhte he sey neuere a fayrere thyng. [11752. he, e corr. from a.] Line 11752 hire Name Lysanore y-clepyd hit was, therles dowhter Sevayn, that deyde be kas. that Mayden homage cam forto do [she and many barons have come thither to pay hom∣age to the victor,] and with hyre Barowns Manye MoLine 11756 anon aftyr the Scomfyture of the xj kynges, j ȝow Ensure. thus for drede they comen to hym tho here londes to holden with-owten wo. [In order that they may keep their lands.] Line 11760 For his bettere neuere j-seyn was; that thus for here londys they sowhten here gras. So that jt happede that this Mayde, of whiche to-forn tyme j ȝow seyde,Line 11764 cam to the castel of Bredyngham, where that sche osteyed hyre than [Lysanore lodges with a rich burge-s.] wit[h] a Riche Burgeys, as j Rohers, [11767. MS. wit.] that was bothe Riche, stowt, and fers.Line 11768 and anon as the kyng hadde cast his Eye [The king desires her,] vppon that Mayden, the sothe to seye, Thanne With Merlyne Spak He Anon, [leaf 133 b] that they to-gederis Myhte speken alon.Line 11772 So be that Mayde that Nyht the kyng lay, [sleeps with her, and begets Loost,] and on hire be-gat, the Sothe to say, On hyhte Loost, as good a knyht as Euere armure scholde bereu jn fyht,Line 11776 which that was after, with-owten fable, On of the knyhtes of the Rownde table. [one of the knights of the Round Table.] This Loost dyde Many a merveyllous thyng, as here-aftyr hit schal come to Rehersyng.Line 11780 whanne that Mydlentone was fully gon, [After Mid∣Lent, the three kings leave lor Tarmelid.] kyng Arthewr of this damysele took leve anon. that so bothe kynges and Ek he jn-to Tarmelyde wenten, certeynle.Line 11784

Now of hem Resteth this Talkyng, [Now the nar∣rative turns to the defeated kings.] and lete vs speken of a-nothyr thyng, and to the xj kynges Retornen ageyn, whyder that they weren chased, jn certeyn.Line 11788

Now begynneth this Tale and telleth here [Chap. XII.] of the xj kynges that conqwered were, [The defeated kings ride all night,] how that they Reden al that Nyht Sorewenge & wepyng, j ȝow plyht, [sorrowing and weeping,] Line 11792 For here grete los and here damage; thus Ryden they Soreweng, bothe knyht & page; Nethyr of al Nyht Rested of Rydyng, which was to hem alle an hevy thyng.Line 11796 For nethir drynk ne Mete was hem among, [thirsty, hungry,] Nethyr of al day whiles þe bataylle was strong, so þat day & thike nyht they weren Meteles, and therto gret passing cold, with-owten les,Line 11800 therto strong frost and Ys there was; [and cold.] So weren they Evel Esed in Eche a plas, thanne Ryden they forth to a cyte [They arrive in a city] ful hungry & ful cold, as j telle the,Line 11804 whiche cyte Sorhant it hyhte, [called Sorhant,] of kyng vryens, that was jn fyhte. So there they weren Resceyved alle [and are well received.] and wel j-Esed, as tho myhte befalle.Line 11808 For there-offen they hadden ful gret Mester, For Many man was hurt and wondyd ther. and Manye there deyden for Noysaunce, [Many die from their wounds.] For at thike tyme swiche was here chaunce.Line 11812 And Skars thre dayes there hadde they be, [News arrives] [11813. dayes, s added afterwards.—they, MS. he.] that hem comen tydynges, ful sykerle, owt of cornewaylle & orkanye of gret distroccioun & of þe felonye [of an inva∣sion of their lands] Line 11816 that to here londes þere weren j-do, and toforn þe castel of Vandeberis Sege leyd also, [and besieging of one of their castles.] [leaf 133 c] And therto the peple is Fled A-Way, that neuere to-fore Remevede, j dar wel say.Line 11820

and whanne these Barowns herden of this, alle here flesch gonnen to tremble, j-wys, [The kings tremble] For that so sodeyn an aventure To hem scholde comen jn that langure.Line 11824 thanne wisten they, with-owten dowte, that they weren distroyed al abowte, and Gonnen thanne to wepen Ryht sore, [and weep.] alle the peple that was thore.Line 11828

So thanne hit happede vppon a day that kyng Brangores this myschef say. [King Bran∣gors sends for the others.] So that he sente Messengeris faste To alle the kynges ostes jn haste,Line 11832 and that to hym they scholde comen anon jn alle the haste that Myhte be don. So that thyder assembled Many Men [They assem∣ble in king Uriens' hall.] jnto the halle of kyng vryen.Line 11836 and aftyr that they hadden herd þis kyng speke, [After listen∣ing to king Uriens, they move off, red-eyed] alle jnto on partye they gonnen forto Reke with Eyen Rede and al for-wept, that longe waked hadden & lytel slept.Line 11840 and amonges hem spoken they word non, [and silent.] but stodyn ful stylle there Everychon. and whanne that kyng claryowns say this, [King Clariouns] that there non Man wolde Speken, j-wys,Line 11844 anon vppon his fet he was there stondyng, and seide openly to Brangore the kyng: [wants to know why Brangors has sent for him.] "Syre, hyder am j comen now to the to weten what thow wylt Seyn to Me.Line 11848 Now telle Me, Sire, what js thy wylle, & to my power j schal hit fulfylle." [11850. power, p corrected from w.] thanne seide sone kyng Brangores ageyn: [Brangors repiles: "I will tell you.] "j schal ȝow schewen, sire, jn wordis pleynLine 11852 the cause why that j for ȝow sente; j schal ȝow tellen, Sire, veramente. Lordynges, hit is not to ȝow vnknowe that the kynrede of kyng Augwys this throwe [King Augwis' kingmen have invaded our lands.] Line 11856 jnto oure londes Entred they ben,

and there don they bothe brennen & slen. Ek to to the castel vandeleris jn cornwaylle they han leyd sege there, with-owten faylle.Line 11860 and therfore cownseyl we mosten take [We must see how we can drive them away.] From that Sege to gon hem Make, Ek hem forto dryven owt of kontre, other Elles alle distroye[d] we be, [11864. MS. distroye.] Line 11864 and alle oure Eyres j-put to Nowht, that jnto this world we han forth browht."

"ȝe, Sire, wyle ȝe vndirstonden now me: aȝens kyng Artheur we han now j-be [In king Arthur's land we have gained nothing.] Line 11868 and non thing Encresyd jn his Lond; this owten ȝe wel forto vndyrstond. Nethyr, Syre, vppon the tothyr syde of the Londes of Tarmelyde, [And no help can be ex∣pected from Tarmelid;] Line 11872 that Somtyme oure socour wolde han be, but power hauen they non now, Sykerle, but the kyng Ryowns, that js Myhty and therto Ryche & of Body worthy,Line 11876 and this two ȝer dede he non werre. Nethyr anothyr kyng, that js nerre: [nor from king Pales,] kyng Pales of lystenois he hyht; also he is a worthy knyht,Line 11880 but that he kepeth his Brothir, trewelye, [who tends his sick brother;] kyng Pelynore, that lyth in Maladye, of whiche he schal neuere Recouered be, Tyl on þyng be don, Sire, ful certeynle: [11884. þȳg added in the left margin.] Line 11884 Tyl that seynt Graal to ende Be Browht; [leaf 133 d] take this forsothe, ȝif ȝe welen owht. Also kyng Aleyn, that Syk lyth also, [nor from king Alein, who is like∣wise sick;] non Rekewr jnto þat tyme may be do,Line 11888 and tyl that a bettere knyht of Breteyne Jnto this lond be comen, certeyne." (anon axede of hym kyng Brangor what Maner of thyng the Graal was thore.)Line 11892 "Nether of Norga, of Sornoleys the kyng, [nor from kins Norga,] Mowen ȝe hauen there non Sucoureng,

For vppon the jeawntes werre halt he, [who defends himself against the Giants;] that Moche Noysaunce hym don, Sykerle.Line 11896 For the jeantes wolden held his lond [11897. held afterwards corrected from he.] al of hem, as j now vndirstond, and he defendyth hym as a Man, as long as that he May & kan.Line 11900 Nethyr of Perdenyan the kyng [nor from perdenian,] [11901. Perdenyan, P roughly corrected from B.] mowen ȝe hauen non helpyng, Nethyr of the kyng Amadonan, [Amadonan,] nethir of kyng clamades, j telle ȝou kan; [and Clamades, who war upon king Galaost.] Line 11904 For they werren vppon kyng Galaost, [11905. Galaost, l squeezed in afterwards.] the wheche is cosyn, wel thou wost, To the kyng of an hundred knyhtes; and aȝens hym they kepen here fyhtes."Line 11908

"But assone as kyng Galaost [And if Gala∣ost ponquers,] hath conqweryd the tothyr ost the wheche he halt werre ageyn, thanne wot j ful wel, jn certeyn,Line 11912 that non thing so sore doth he crave [he will want Uter Pen∣dragon's land.] as þat was vterpendragons Lond to have. So that other cownseyl geten ȝe non of Me but that grete God oure conseil be.Line 11916 and therfore, sethen we ben jn fere, [Now let us consider,] amonges vs lete vs casten here; For neuere so moche nede hadden we as now, and ȝe wylen therto se.Line 11920 For and we distorben now this Matere, [or we shall be all destroyed.] we ben alle distroyed, with-owten dwere. For we knowen wel Everychon that boþe oure good & worschepe is a-gon. [Our good and glory is gone—] Line 11924 For þe damage that we han, wete ȝe wel, Be Merlynes conseyl hit is don Eche del, [all owing to Merlin, who fetched Ban and Boors out of Little Britain,] whanne tho two kynges he fet, certayne, kyng Ban and kyng Boors, out of lytel bretayne, [11928. bretayne, a roughly corrected from e.] Line 11928 that jn al the world bettere knyhtes ne be, and to Arthewr han don homage & fewte.

For wete[t]h wel, as longe as Merly[n] with hem js, [11931. MS. weteh, h in darker ink.—MS. M^{er}ly.] the bettere of hem geten we not, j-wys.Line 11932 For there nys non Man so Myhty here, [and is most powerful and wise,] Nethyr so wys in non Manere, that kan hym kepen from Merlynes wyle, & that he ne schal vs alle begylle. [11936. & added in the left margin.] Line 11936 For he knoweth of alle thyng, [and all∣knowing.] what that is don and what is comeng. and þerfore nethyr with wepyng ne with Mone [It is no use weeping;] we mown not helpen that js to done,Line 11940 Neþer therby wynnen but lytel thyng; For offys of wommen hit is wepyng. [that suits women.Let us do something for our defence;] and þerfore oþerwyse we mosten ordeyne oure londes and peple forto MeynteygneLine 11944 aȝens this that vs don Noysaunce, whiche that not be of owre creaunce. Therfore, goode Lord, for thy gret pyte [and may the Lord save us!"] on vs and oure peple thou haue Merce!"Line 11948 aftyr this word these Barouns Echon [After a long silence,] seten ful stylle, & word spoken they non; And thus a gret whyle this dyden they hawnt. Thus Sone Vpe Ros Kyng Tradelyvaunt, [leaf 134 a] Line 11952 that of northwales was kyng tho; [Tradelivant, king of North Wales, rises:] to thike assemblyng spak he vnto: "the beste cownceille that j now can, that we now vs ordeyne Every Man ["Let us watch the country where the heathens have entered,] Line 11956 vppon that contre to setten keping, there as the hethene hauen here Entring, and that with al oure chevalrye Faste thedirward now let vs hye,Line 11960 and stoppen hem of here vytaylle, [and cut off their supply of victuals.] and of here socour Ek to Faylle. & jn that tyme mowen we than [In the mean∣time we will gather forces,] Gaderen to vs Many a Man.Line 11964 So that whanne we han gadered oure Myht, thanne with hem scholen we fyhte, [and then give battle."] For ellis j ne knowe in none degre From here sege remeved to be."Line 11968

Whanne that the barouns hadden vndirstondyng of the wordis of Tradelivaunt the kyng, [All praise his scheme,] Ful wel they hym preisede Euerichon, & seiden that bettere myhte they not don;Line 11972 and lik aftyr his owne wylle plenerly thei wolde hit fulfille, and axeden into what partyes thei scholden go, and what Meyne ek scholden gon þerto.Line 11976 So that forth they wenten, with-owten faille, [which is afterwards carried out.] with hem that leften of the bataylle Sauf only to kepen that cyte. forth thanne they wenten ful prevyle,Line 11980 and kepten the vitailles of the contre, that non refressching to the hethin scholde be— "thanne with the Meyne that we gaderen Mown [He con∣cludes:] To putten hem to gret distrucciown.Line 11984 and ȝif hit happe hem j-scomfyted to be, ["If they are beaten, our people will be rich.] thanne Rich may ben al oure Meyne. This is the beste counseil that j kan; Now sey his avis here Every Man! [Now let every man say his advice!"] Line 11988 For my counseill at this tyme this js; Now let Every man Sein his beste devys!"

Thanne Ros vpe kyng loth there anon, [King Loth rises,] [11991. MS. Thhāne.] and to that peple he seide Echon:Line 11992 "Lordynges, Sekerly, j ne kan not se how that these Marches kept scholen be, but that we setten good asspye [and recom∣mends mea∣sures of precaution against king Arthur,] vppon kyng Artheuris londis, Sekerlye,Line 11996 bencheson of the kynges that with hym be, and For Merlyn, that is Maister in mani a gre, that al oure conseil knoweth ful wel & al that we don here now Everydel.Line 12000 For ȝif we Ryden the hethen to aspye, [who may seize the opportunity] anon he wyl comen vs to distroye be othir partyes jnto othyr contre; vppon vs Ryden wilen they, ful sykirle.Line 12004 Fore for the hethen they wylen not lette

that vppon vs here men wylen they sette. [to attack and destroy them.] and therfore ȝif we now departyd be, we scholen ben distroyed, ful Sykerle.Line 12008 For ȝif the hethene Entren vs here, thanne of oure socour ben we jn dwere. Neuertheles ȝit scholen ȝe vndirstonde that forth to Ryde now wyl j fonde, [As for him∣self, he is ready to go with the others.] Line 12012 and Redy to gon with ȝou jn fere; now Every man his best avis sey here!"

At that word Ros vp anon Ryhtes [The King of Hundred Knights rises:] the kyng that was of an hundred knyhtes,Line 12016 and seide to tho lordynges Everychon: "of kyng lothes wordes dowte haue ȝe non; ["No fear of king Arthur! He has gone] For kyng Artheur & his helpinge ben owte of londe, with-owten lesynge,Line 12020 To Socouren leodagan the kyng, [to help king Leodagan] that jn his contre hath gret werryng: jn his lond of Tarmelyde he hath werre on ech a sydeLine 12024 of kyng Ryown of Yrlond, [against king Rion,] as it is don me to vndirstond. & as sowdeours they ben forth went Be Merlynes cownseyl, verayment. [leaf 136 b] Line 12028 but alle here strengthis ben kept ful wel, [after leaving all his strong∣holds in safe keeping.] and of oure deseysse they knowen Echedel. and therfore we mown the Savyelere gon Forto defenden vs from oure fon;Line 12032 For of Artheur liath non drede. therfore j wolde, so god me spede, [I wish we could have peace with him,] that pes purchaced were betwixen vs two, als so hastely as hit Myhte be do,Line 12036 that be his socour and strengthe of honde [and his help against the heathen.] To dryve the hethen owt of this londe. therfore let vs werkyn jn alle thing [Let us follow king Tradeli∣vant's advice.] after þe counseil of tradelyvaunt the kyng.Line 12040 but er that we passen out of this contre, [But first for a maiden who dwells here in the neighbour∣hood!] be cownseil be gouerned it is good to be. there is a Mayde here vs be-syde that Asses Roche is cleped this tyde,Line 12044

and jn that Roche dwelleth that May, that ful good cownseil to vs kan say. [she can give good counsel,] For jn that castel sche dwellith, j-wis, that Maiden, that is so mochel of pris,Line 12048 hadegabrantis Sostyr, with-owten lye, [for she is the sister of a necro∣mancer."] that mochel cowde of Negromauncye, wherby often-tyme socoured they be; wherfore be my counseyl, certeinle,Line 12052 with hire to speken is Myn Entent, & ellis greved mow we ben, verament."

Whanne that þe barouns vndirstodyn al this, [The kings marvel at Arthur's departure,] that kyng Artheur was forthe, with-owten Mys,Line 12056 thanne Merveillede the barouns Everichon For what Maner cause he wolde so don. but thanne vndirstoden they alle [but under∣stand that it is due to Merlin, and repent of their anger with him.] that be Merlynes counseil hit gan falle.Line 12060 So that they Repentyd al jn fere that Evere with Merlyn angry they were; but alto late hit was tho hem to repente: he was a-go.Line 12064 So that they acorded alle jn fere [They resolve to have the borderlands watched. Troops are sent,] alle the Marches to don kepen there. Thanne sente they forth be eche partye to kepen the Marches, ful sekerlye,Line 12068 bothe olde & ȝonge that myhte gon & of straunge Sowdiours Manion. [also mer∣cenaries.] So that forth they wenten & wolden not blynne, hoping gret Richesse forto wynneLine 12072 and also to geten hem bothe pris & fame the better to ben beloued of Every dame. but owt of kyng Arthewris lond [From Ar∣thur's land, however, no one comes,] Non sowdiour wolde comen, j vndirstond;Line 12076 For good j-nowgh they hadde be-fore, and for þat cawse they wold not comen thore; For Artheur avaunsed hem Everichon, [on account of the king's liberality.] Er that he owt of his lond gan gon;Line 12080 and ȝit he behyhte hem better to do, whanne that aȝen he come hem vnto.

The fyrste cyte that they dyde kepen tho was toward Cornewaille, with-owten Mo, [(1) King Ydiers marches to Nawtes in Cornwall, the landing∣place of the heathen.] Line 12084 whiche that thike tyme Nawtes hyghte, there as the hethene gonnen alyghte. Thyder gan gon kyng Ydyers with a Meyne bothe prowd & fers,Line 12088 that beleften of his Bataylle, as j ȝow seye with-owten faylle. and whanne kyng ydyers cam to þat cyte, [The inhabit∣ants are joy∣ful,] Ful glad and blithe gonnen they to be.Line 12092 For Every day affrayed they were [having been exposed to the depreda∣tions] of tho hethen that weren comen there, that Everyday there, certeinle, they wenten abowte that cyteLine 12096 and distroyed alle jn virowne abowte the contre there, with-owten dowte. For of hem Sevene thousend there be [of 7000 vikings.] jn this partie aRyved, ful sekerle.Line 12100 so that there dar non Man passen therby with-owten gret strengthe, Sekerly.

The tothyr cyte that they Senten Vnto [leaf 134 c] hindicam hyghte at thyke tyme tho. [(2) King Newtris marches to Hindicam;] Line 12104 Thedir Rod kyng Newtris of Garlot with thre thousend knyghtes, wel j wot, that beleften hym of his bataylle; to that cyte he Rod, with-owten faylle.Line 12108 thanne they of the cyte ful gret joye Made, [its inhabit∣ants likewise rejoice at the relief.] and of his comeng they weren Ryht glade. For with-owten comfort & socour they were aȝens the hethene that aryveden there.Line 12112 for they distroyeden al that contre bothe of corn and of bestes, ful certeinle. but whanne kyng Newtris Entryd that cyte [The king manages well,] that jn cornwaille stood, ful pleynerle, [12116. MS. pleyerre.] Line 12116 he it wel gouernede with al his Myht, lyk as he was bothe worthy kyng and knyht. and alle the strengthes that belonged þerto, [equipping the strongholds,] Line 12120

Ful Manfully he let Stuffen hem tho,Line 12120 and sente aftyr sowdeours jnto Eche contre, [sending for soldiers,] Tyl Sevene thousend he hadde in semble what on hors and what on foote (So Manye he hadde, wel j wote)Line 12124 with-owten tho that weren jn towne that day, Fyve thousend Men sensable, j dar we[l] say. [12126. MS. we.] thanne so wel kepten they that contre, [cutting off the supply of the enemies,] that non of the hethene, ful Sykerle,Line 12128 but lytel Refresschyng cowden they wynne, and euere among was bataille hem betwynne. [and giving battle every now and then.] So that the hethen be aventure losten gret peple, j ȝow Ensure.Line 12132 for kyng Newtris was a worthy knyht, [Newtris has a son,] and a sone he hadde of Ryht gret myht be his wyf, that Soster was sche To kyng Artheur jn alle degre.Line 12136 this ȝong child was xvj ȝer of age, [sixteen years old,] ful of bewte and of gret corage. his Modir qwene Blasine hyghte, [by his wife Blasine, who is a daughter of Ygwern (Arthur's mother) by her first hus∣band, the duke of Tyn∣dagel.] Qwene Ygwernes dowghter, j sey ȝow Ryhte,Line 12140 that vterpendragon hadde to wyve, aforn dewk Tyndagellis wif be his lyve, [12142. Tyndagellis, d corrected from g.] whiche dewk this blasine on Ygwerne be-gat, Er that he deyde, j wot wel that.Line 12144

Vppon this same qwene Blasine thanne begat kyng newtris this worthy Manne. For as here reherseth this storye, [This son, later on a knight of the Round Table, is called Galachim.] a knyht of þe Rownd table he was, sekerlye.Line 12148 his Name was that tyme jn presence Sire Galachim, that tyme dewk of clarence. So whanne this Galachim gan to vndirstonde [When he hears of the war between his father and Arthur,] that Swich a werre there was jn londe,Line 12152 how his fadir kyng Newtris with Arthour gan werre, To his Modyr he wente, & sowhte not ferre, [he asks his mother about her parents,] and seide: "dere Modir, j preie now the, The trewthe of on thing telle thou Me:Line 12156 were ȝe not dewk hoelis dowhter of tyndagel

and of Ygwerne j-born, that men knewen ful wel? [12158. of added above the line.] wheche after wedded kyng vterpendragon, [and about Arthur's birth.] on whom he gat kyng Artheur, Man of Renown,Line 12160 the wheche myn vncle sothly he js and therto a worthy kyng of pris, [This glorious conqueror, he thinks,] that xj kynges scomfyted in bataylle with Ryht fewe peple, with-owten faylle.Line 12164 and therfore, My Modir, j charge now the of this the sothe that ȝe tellen Me. For Evere hit Renneth jn My thowht [would not be so valiant,] that of so worthy prowesse were he nowht,Line 12168 but ȝif he were Vterpendragones sone the kyng, [were he not the son of king Uter∣pendratgon.] that Most worthyest was jn his Reigneng."

Whanne that hie Modir vndirstood al this thing [His mother,] of Galachim hire sone, that was so ȝyng,Line 12172 Anon gan sche to wepen ful sore, [with tears,] as a lady that knew the cause wherfore, And Seide to Galachym Anon Ryht tho, [leaf 134 d] as that tyme hire herte fyl vnto,Line 12176 and ful sore wepinge sche gan to telle [assures him] of al the cas, how hit be-felle, and seide: "myn owne dere sone thanne, thin Em he is, that worthy Manne, [that Arthur is his uncle.] Line 12180 and My brother he is, ful Sekerly, for bothe weren we born of on body, as j haue herd my Modyr say to-forn this tyme ful Many a day, [12184. MS. Manyaday.] Line 12184 that for that child Made gret Mone, [She tells of the sending away of Ar∣thur after his birth,] So sone aftir his birthe awey was done, and deliuered was to on veleyne; that is now soth þat ȝe heren me seyne.Line 12188 and how aftyr hit was discouered Echdel [the eventual disclosure by Antron,] be Antron, that hym Norsched ful wel, of whom Ek that Merlyne the sothe tolde, [Merlin, and Ulfin,] and Ek that witnessid Vlphyn the bolde.Line 12192 and how that Vter pendragon the kyng [her own marriage,] Me Maryed to my lord aboven alle thyng. but j am sory in Mani a degre Line 12196

that the Barouns of this contre [the opposi∣tion of the barons,] Line 12196 Ne welen not Resceyven hym as for here kyng, [12197. hym, y corrected from e.] whiche me sore repentith ouer alle thing. but behold, the grete God of Myht, considering that he is kyng be Ryht,Line 12200 hym ches be Myracle of the ston [and of the miracle of the stone.] & of the swerd aforn hem Echon"— and hym tolde of Mani an aventure that of hym be-fel, j ȝow Ensure.Line 12204

Whanne that Galachim gan vndirstonde [Galachim prays to God to be knighted by Arthur,] the dedis of þat worthy kyng jn londe, anon he besowhte God, certeynlye, that jn this world he scholde neuere dye,Line 12208 Tyl that kyng had mad hym knyht, that holden was so worthy jn fyht. "and ȝif onis with my swerd gyrde he Me, [and vows fidelity.] al my lyve after, ful certeinle,Line 12212 with hym to dwelle, to lyven & to deye, j sey ȝow, Modir, be my feye!" thus from his Modir departed he thanne [He leaves his mother,] as an hevy & a pensyvous Manne,Line 12216 and him be-thouhte thanne Everich owr how he myhte comen to kyng Arthewr. Anon a messenger dide he sende [and sends a messenger to his cousin Gawnehet (or Gawein),] after Gawnenet, his cosin so hende, [12220. aft^{er}, t^{er} added afterwards.] Line 12220 that was kyng lothis Sone, that to hym to brokelond scholde he come [appointing a secret meet∣ing.] also prevyly as he Evere he myhte; the day was set of Metyng Ryhte.Line 12224 and with this the Messenger wente his way To his cosin Gawnenet, þe sothe to say. Now lefe we here of this storye, [Now let us return to the kings at Sorhant.] and to speken of þe kynges now let vs hyeLine 12228 that at Sorhant to-gederis dwelle, and how that of aventuris they don telle.

Now aftyr cometh hit Jnto Memorye [leaf 135 a] hou from Sorhant departyd kyng loth, sekerlye, [(3) King Loth] Line 12232

and wente forth streyht To Garle cyte [marches to Garle,] with ful thre thousend of his Meyne, that weren holden worthy knyhtes & goode, whiche with him out of þe bataille ȝoode.Line 12236 & whanne he was comen to that cyte, the ceteȝeins maden joye and solempnite; [and is wel∣comed by the distressed inhabitants.] for the hethen diden hem ful gret anoye, and al that contre they deden distroyeLine 12240 what with Robberye and brennenge; that contre they wasted jn alle thinge. Anon as kyng loth knew of this, [He sends for soldiers;] For sowdeours he sente, with-owten Mys,Line 12244 Faste abowtes jnto Eche contre to geten as Manye as þanne myhte he. and Er a Mounthe was fully past, [within a month he has 10,000 men.] ten thousend sowdeours he hadde jn hastLine 12248 with-owten hem of that cyte, weren foure thousend, certeinle, To kepen that cyte bothe day & Nyht, whiles þat kyng loth Rod owt to fyht.Line 12252 So that often-tymes he with hem Mette, [He often meets the enemies.] and to-gederis Many strokes they sette. So that his pore bachelerye gat often gret goodis, sekerlye.Line 12256 and al that evere they myhte wynne, [Whatever booty is won, is distributed.] kyng loth hit parded there hem betwynne. and that causede that gret Meyne To kyng loth Repeirede, certeinle,Line 12260 For bencheson of his gentilnesse & fre, [His liberality attracts more people.] Sprang so wyde jnto Eche contre; Thre thousend comen to hym anon Ryht, For that he was holden so fre a knyht.Line 12264 and faire children he hadde be his wyve; worthiere bodyes weren non on lyve.

Soth hit is that kyng lothis wyf [King Loth's wife is also a stepsister of king Arthur's (p. 229).] [12267. In the right margin: the birthe and the Engēdrure of Mordret.] was kyng Artheuris soster, with-owten stryf,Line 12268 Ryht evene fully jn the same degre

as was kyng Newtris wyfe, Sekerle. this lady bar be hire lord, Loth the kyng, [She has four sons by her husband:] fowre worthy childeren, with-owten lesing:Line 12272 Gawnenet, Agravains, & sire Garrers, [Gawnehet (or Gawein), Agravains, Garrers, and Gaheries; and one son by Arthur: Mordret.] Gaheryes, foure knyhtes bothe goode & fers. on the tothyr syde was Sire Mordret hire Eldest sone, with-owten let,Line 12276 whiche that on hire be Artheur Engendrid was, and wyle ȝe now heren be a wondyr cas. For j thenke to tellen ȝow Every del [I will tell you of his generation,] how he was begeten on hire ful snel,Line 12280 So thanne the bettere May this storye ben More alowed, ful Sekerlye. For Mani Men knowen not how þat it was [of which many are ignorant.] of his be-geteng, ne nowht the cas.Line 12284 therfore they preisen it moche the lasse, For they ben vnknoweng of day & plase. hyt behappede, as j ȝow schal say, [The barons were assem∣bled at Car∣diff in Wales] that the Barons alle vppon a dayLine 12288 of þe Rewm of logres assembled were at kerdyf jn wales, with-owten dwere, there forto chesen hem a newe kyng [to choose a new king (p. 181).] aftyr vter pendragoun, with-owten lesyng.Line 12292 so that kyng loth with hym gan lede [Loth and his wife were there;] with hym his wyf jnto that stede; and so dyden oþer barons also, that here wyves dyde with hem go.Line 12296 So that kyng loth j-logged he was and alle his Meyne jn a ful fair plas, jn wheche place Antron jlogged was he [Antron,] and with hym Sire kay, ful certeinle. [Kay,] Line 12300 and artheur ful previly jlogged he was [and Arthur] jn þe kyngges chombre, so fil the cas. And Whanne Kyng Loth to Mete Was Set, [leaf 135 b] aftir Antron he sente, with-owten let,Line 12304 and also anon aftyr Sire kay, that but a ȝong knyht was that day. So þat kyng loth ordeyned there [were to stay in the king's lodgings.] that Antron & Sire kay j-logged wereLine 12308 jn his owne chambre ful prevyly;

and ȝong Artheur was logged faste by [Arthur slept in a corner of the room.] at thentre of the chambre jn a korner, as befyl that tyme for a worthy sqwyer.Line 12312

this Artheur was a faire ȝong Man, [Arthur was handsome and courte∣ous,] and mochel of Norture that tyme he kan. and that lady he was fayn to plese & ek to kyng loth to don him Ese.Line 12316 This lady was both fayr & ȝyng [the queen was young and fair,] and a good womman ouer alle thing, whom that Artheur lovede prevyly. [and Arthur loved her secretly.] but sche ne rowhte sche wiste not, sikerly,Line 12320 for stedfast sche was to hire Lord and him to plese at his owne acord. So hit behappede, as J ȝow say, [One morning the barons were to meet at the Black Cross.] that al the Baronage hadde taken a dayLine 12324 at the Blake cros to Meten jn fere there forto touchen of here Matere. So on the Nyht before hit happede tho, that kyng loth scholde thider go,Line 12328 he charged prevyly his Meyne [The king ordered his men to be ready to start at midnight.] that hors & harneis Redy scholde be at Midnyht with him forto gon; thus prevyly he charged hem Everichon.Line 12332 So that his Meyne, verament, Fulfild jn haste his comaundement vnknowen the lady of alle this thing. [The queen knew nothing about it.] ful prevyly from hire wente he stalkyng,Line 12336 and jn hire bed lefte hire stylle on slepe, for of his goynge took sche non kepe. and Artheur, that wel knew of al this, [But Arthur noticed the departure of the king,] that jn that corner þere lay, j-wys,Line 12340 took good kepe of the kynges goynge, and ful prevyly to here bed wente he stalkynge, [and stole into her bed.] and there he turnede hym bothe to & fro, but ȝit this lady on slepe was tho.Line 12344

So as hit happede this kas gan gon, [The queen embraced him uncon∣sciously,] this lady awok & hire tornede anon, and him Enbraced al jn hire Slepe, Line 12348

that of non othir took sche non kepe [as if it had been her hus∣band.] Line 12348 but of hire owne lord so dere, weneng to hire to ben hire fere. and whanne that Arthewr felte this, [Arthur, understand∣ing how it was,] thanne wiste he wel, with-owten Mys,Line 12352 that of hym sche took non kepe but as a womman that was jn slepe. So that he Embraced hire ageyn, [embraced her in return,] and so be hire he lay, jn certeyn,Line 12356 where-offen the lady ful joyful was; sche wende hire Lord hadde ben jn þat plas. and that Nyht, in certein to say, [and begot Mordret.] was Mordret begeten, with-owten delay,Line 12360 jn this Maner as ȝe now here. And whanne that Artheur his wil hadde there, he ne slepte non Maner thing, [When the queen had fallen fast asleep, he stole away.] tyl that lady was fallen jn Slombring; [12364. Slombring, o blurred.] Line 12364 thanne stalkyd Artheur previliche a-way. For þer-of ne wyste non, the sothe to say, tyl on the Morwe, as hit gan falle, [Next morn∣ing he told her,] that hym-self hit tolde jn the halle,Line 12368 whanne sche was set at hire denere, [whilst serv∣ing her at dinner.] and Artheur as hire kervere knelede there.

So that hit happede tho, this lady gent [She had noticed his long kneel∣ing,] of his long knelyng took good Entent.Line 12372 "leve sevs," sche seide, "ȝong Bacheler, [and made a remark about it.] Ful longe [mow] ȝow thinken that ȝe knelen her." [12374. MS. longe ȝow.] And He Answerede Ful Boldlicħ Ageyn: [leaf 135 c] "to longe may j not knelen, certeyn, [He replied: "I cannot kneel too long.] Line 12376 For j ne May not deserven the grete bownte, Myn owne lady, that ȝe han don for me." [For I cannot deserve the great boon." She axed for an explana∣tion.] thanne axede this lady anon Ryht: "what bowntes ben tho, gentyl wyht?"Line 12380 thanne seide Artheur, certeinle, [Arthur made her promise not to tell anybody,] that for him discouered scholde hit neuere be, Ne non thyng to hire he wolde discrye, but ȝif of trowthe sche wolde hym affyeLine 12384

that neuer sche scholde discouere it to non creature, and also anothir thing sche schold hym Sure: [and not to do him any bodily harm.] that harm to his body scholde sche neuere do, ne be hire to ben purchased nether to ne fro.Line 12388 And sche hire trowthe Ensured hym ful son as womman of that Mater took kepe non. thanne anon Arthewr gan hire to telle [Then he told her how it all had hap∣pened.] prevyly betwixen hem how hit be-felle,Line 12392 and jn what Maner that he be hire lay: al he hire tolde thike same day. Anon this lady gan wexen Red, [The queen, almost dead with shame,] that for pure schame sche was ny ded;Line 12396 but non wyht wiste of here covyne. for at that tyme wolde sche no more dyne [left the table,] but let tables ben drawen, verament, and ful faste to hire chombre sche went. [and hurried into her room.] Line 12400 lo, thus ȝonge Artheur be his soster lay, that kyng Lothis wif was that day; but hit behappede neuere aftyr More. [She never after had such inter∣course with him.] and thus was Mordret of hire body bore,Line 12404 For sche knew wel be tyme & space that be Arthewr with childe sche was.

Whanne that the tydynges gonnen forto springe [When the news of Arthur's exaitation spread, and Mordret was born, she loved him in her heart.] that this ȝonge Artheur scholde be kynge,Line 12408 and this Mordret was tho j-bore, thanne jn herte louede sche him wel more thanne ony man cowde tellen that day, but for hire lord sche dorste nowht say.Line 12412 and mochel sorwe sche hadde jn herte [She was very sorry for the war] for that werre, that was so smerte, and jn that Rewm so Many a schowr betwixen hire lord and kyng Arthowr [between him and her hus∣band.—] Line 12416 and betwixen oþer peple also that in theke Rewm weren tho. So that hit happed vppon a day, [One day, Ga∣wein comes, ready for hunting,] that ȝonge Gaweyn scholde hym go play,Line 12420 and qweyntely was he arayed there jn Manere of a ȝong sqwyere that on huntyng scholde fare Line 12424

to chasen bothe the hert & hareLine 12424 with two les of grehoundis jn þat place, [with many greyhounds.] & besides him stood there ȝit two brace. he was the fairest schapen Man [He is a fine man,] that jn his tyme ony knew than;Line 12428 but this storye not declareth here Sauf of on thing in this Manere: [with one peculiarity: at the dif∣ferent hours of the day,] that he hadde certein tymes of þe day; what that they weren j schal ȝow say.Line 12432 whanne that he Ros on Morwen vpryht, jn the world ne was there a strengere knyht; and at the owr of pryme, with-owten delay, his strenkthe hit doublede Every day; [his strength increases and decreases (cf. Notes).] Line 12436 and at the our of Tiers hit doublede Eft sone, and Eft-sones hit dowbled at the None; and so alle the oures of the Nyht with him it abod jnto day lyht;Line 12440 So that Every Morwenyng thus ferde gawayn, with-outen lesyng. Whanne gaweyn Entrede the chambre there, [He finds his mother by the fire,] as þe hauen herd Rehersed here,Line 12444 His Modyr Lay be on chemene, [leaf 155 d] and there-jn fyr ful gret plente, as a womman that ful pensif was [brooding over the war between the Christians,] For hire brothyr jn that plas,Line 12448 and for the werre, was hem be-twene; thus lay that lady & Morned be-dene; and for schedyng of blood ful gret plente, that was amonges the cristiente, [and the inva∣sion of the heathen.] Line 12452 and for the hethen that Eutred were jnto that Lond amonges hem there.

Whanne that lady Gaweyn beheld, [When she sees him,] that tyme it were to beren armes & scheld,Line 12456 Sche began to wepen Riht sore. [she begins to weep.] Anon Sire gaweyn axede hire wherfore. "certes, sone, j haue now gret Skyl, For ȝe ȝoure tyme ne don but spyl ["You and your brothers waste your time;] Line 12460 and ek ȝoure bretherin, jn certeyn, ȝe don but spillen ȝoure tyme jn veyn,

that worthy knyhtes Myhten be [you might be knights at Arthur's court,] jn kyng Artheurs cowrt, ful certeinle.Line 12464 For ȝoure vncle he is be Ryht, and jn this world not a bettere knyht. with him J wolde ȝe weren jn plase [12467. J corrected from ȝe.] pes betwyxen ȝoure fadir & him to purchase. [and make peace be∣tween him and your father.] Line 12468 for hit is ful gret pyte that be-twixen hem swich distaunce schold be and of othir barouns jn the Rewm, that of here kyng wylen taken non ȝem.Line 12472 and god knoweth the Ryhtwysnesse, [God knows the justice of his cause.] that hath hem browht in gret distresse; For mochel more han they lost thanne wonne. & now this hethen on vs han begonne, [The heathen destroy us;] Line 12476 that scholen distroyen vs Everychon, ȝif goddis help ne come not Son. and of hym helpe geten we non [and we get no help from Arthur,] that scholde vs fende from oure fon,Line 12480 which is ȝoure oncle kyng Artheur, that scholde vs helpe jn Every stour. [who ought to be our defender.] worschepe & los scholde ȝe purchase and pes to Maken jn Every plase,Line 12484 and Namly that ȝoure fadir & he goode frendis that they myhten be. and non other good ȝe don this tyde [No good do you do but going a-hunt∣ing every day."] but Eche day on huntyng forto RydeLine 12488 To chasen the hare in Eche contre, and thus ȝoure tyme lesen ȝe; wherfore ȝe ben alle to blame, that myhten becomen Men of better fame."Line 12492

Thanne to his Modyr spak ȝonge Gaweyn [Gawein inquires] wordis that to hire weren ful pleyn: "telle ȝe this for trewthe to Me, that Arthour be Ryht kyng scholde be, [about Ar∣thur's rights and relation∣ship.] Line 12496 and þat ȝoure brothir he is also, & Ek ȝe seyn oure vncle þerto?" "ȝe, sones, with-owten drede, [His mother gives full information.] he is ȝoure vncle, so god me spede"—Line 12500

& sette on & tolde hem al on Ende holyche hou that Mater gan wende. And whanne that gaweyn herde al this, [Gawein vows to take knighthood only from Arthur,] anon to his Modir he seide, j-wys:Line 12504 "be þe trowthe j owe to God & ȝow, of on thing j schal maken avow: that swerd ne armvre to beren jn fyht, [12507. armvre, v a hybrid of v and u.] tyl that kyng Artheur haue mad me knyht.Line 12508 and we to his cowrt scholen gon [and to help him against his foes.] him forto helpen aȝens his fon, ȝyf ȝe welen helpen vs owht þerto; bothe my bretheren scholen þedir go [The brothers will do the same.] Line 12512 of hym forto ben dubbid knyhtes & after to helpen him jn his fyhtes Aȝens Hem Alle that Hym Wrong Wylen Don; [leaf 136 a] we scholen him gon helpen Everichon."Line 12516 "Now, swete children, as towching Me, [The queen says she will bless the day when Loth and Arthur are good friends again.] Neuere distorbeled scholde ȝe be. For that day wolde j ones abyde, and blessin j wolde that jlke tyde,Line 12520 To sen ȝoure Fadir & ȝoure oncle jn fere as goode frendes as Euere they were; hit were to me as joyful tydyng as to ben lady of alle worldly thing."Line 12524 "Now, leve Modyr," quod Gawayn tho, [Gawein asks her to cease weeping;] "lef ȝe ȝoure weping & doth not so. For on avow j schal here Make: Aftyr that j my leve take,Line 12528 J schal neuere sen ȝow Eft ageyn, [his father and his uncle shall be reconciled, before he sees her again.] tyl my Fadir & Min vncle, certeyn, Ryht goode frendes that they be, Er that Eftsones ȝow, Modir, j se.Line 12532 and Min owne bretheren scholen gon with me aȝens My Fadyr al forto be." "Now swete sone," quod the Modir thanne, [And she re∣plies: "God make you all good men!"] "God Make ȝow alle Ryht goode Menne!"Line 12536

And as Gawayn thus to his Modyr spak, [During this conversation,] jnto the chambre there Entrede, with-owten lak,

bothe Agrevains and Ek Guerrers [Gawein's brothers have entered the room.] and Gaheries, þat weren stronge & fers,Line 12540 and herden there of here talkyng & also of here Modris gret Morneng. thanne seide Agrevains to Gaweyn anon: [Agravains says to him: "You are most to blame for our indo∣lence, for you are the eldest.] "ȝe ben more to blame thanne we Echon,Line 12544 For ȝe ben Eldest of vs alle; therfore to ȝow hit hadde be-falle vs to han lad, knyhtes to han be Mad of him, most of dignite.Line 12548 and him to serve let vs now reke, [Now let us go and serve him whom the whole world praises.] of whom worschipe al the world doth speke. For god forbede but ȝif that we as worthi jn armes scholden beLine 12552 as they sein Ambroy oyselet is, For here he moste kithen his pris. For the hethene ben Entred vs vppon, [The heathen are over us,] & distroyen the contre be on & on,Line 12556 and jn this contre peple non js [and only king Arthur can drive them away.] hem owt to dryven, with-owten Mys, but only be helpe of kyng Arthewr. therfore now let vs gon this owrLine 12560 and armes of hym forto take [Let us take arms of him, and follow him,] and with him to Risen, bothe slepe & wake, and with him to fyhten aȝens his fon, For so is vs mochel better to don.Line 12564 For here non thing ne mown we wynne; therfore lete vs faste hens twynne, Rathere than here to lesen oure Renown [rather than losing here renown and liberty."] and with the hethen ben taken & leid in presownLine 12568 and so to lesen bothe oure tyme & age; this is non of the sevene sage." [12570. MS. is non of nō of the.]

Whanne Gaweyn herde his brothir so sayn, [Gawein, delighted at his brother's words,] thanne was he jn herte ful fayn,Line 12572 and was Ryht joyful of his talkyng, whiche him plesede ouer alle thing. "Now lakketh vs nowht at this Tyde Line 12576

but oure aray wherwith to Ryde; [asks his mother to see to their equipment.] Line 12576 and therfore with-jnne these xiiij dayes, Modyr, ȝe helpen here now to arayen vs." whanne that here Modyr vndirstod this, [She joyfully promises to do so,] a ioyful womman sche was, j-wys,Line 12580 and thanked God ful Many a Sithe. "For ȝow to arayen j schal hyen me blyve, For hors ne harneys scholen ȝe non lakke, Nethir that be-houith to ȝoure bakke."Line 12584 thanne weren the children glad jnowħ [and her sons are as merry as bird on bough.] and also Merye as bryd on bowħ. Now of this leve now we oure talkyng, and let vs forth speken of the kyng,Line 12588 that out of sorham cite ryt ful hevyly bencheson of the hethene þat ben him by.

Now forthermore let vs tellen son [leaf 136 b] [12591. The top of the column blank.] how that these iij kynges ben agon [After the three other kings have left Sorhant,] Line 12592 owt of Sorham, that cyte there, jnto othir contres, with-owten dwere. thanne Rod owt kyng clarioun, j vndirstonde, [(4) king Cla∣riouns starts,] that was kyng of Northhumberlonde,Line 12596 and Rod him to on fair cite, [and rides to Berland] that berland hyhte, certeinle; whiche cite he kepte wondir wel with iij thousend Men bothe goode & lel [with 3000 men.] Line 12600 with-owten hem that jn the town were, of whiche fyve hundred fond he there. So that tho Marches he kepte ful strong, [He holds the border-lands, fights the heathen with varying success,] and Euere with the hethene he fawht among,Line 12604 and often he wan & often he loste, as hit behappeth jn Every oste. thus this kyng anoyed hem sore, for jn that contre vitaille no More [and cuts off their supply.] Line 12608 Mihten they geten to here Refressching; So hit hadde vpe gadered clarioun the kyng.

So that after kyng Clarioun was gon, [(5) Then the King of a Hundred Knights,] the kyng of c. knyhtes isswede anonLine 12612

owt of sorham cite, ful Sekerly, with iij thousend Men of armes him by. [with 3000 men,] to the cyte of Malehant gan he Ryde, [rides to the city of male∣hant,] þere a gentyl lady hym abod that tyde;Line 12616 this cite Marched vppon his lond. and for the hethene, j vndirstond, [which is sur∣rounded by the vikings.] abowtes faste by they lye, that was þe cause þedir gan he hye.Line 12620 and the barouns hym preiden Echon vppon the hethen with hem to gon. this kyng, that was so worthy a Man, fulfilled the barouns wille than.Line 12624 (this kyng Evere kept an c knyhtes, [The real name of the King of a Hundred knights is Aingnignes.] wherby he hadde his name be Ryhtes; but his Name was be his baptesm Aingnignes clept aftir his borntempe.)Line 12628 that [tho] Marches kepte he wel al abowte, [He guards the border∣lands well.] [12629. MS. that Marches.] So that of þe hethen they hadden litel dowte.

Aftyr him past owt Tradelivaunt the kyng [(6) King Tra∣delivant marches to North Wales.] owt of that cyte, with-owten lesyng.Line 12632 and to Northwales he took the way, to on of his cites, as j ȝow say. with iij thousend of armed Men jnto his contre Rod he then.Line 12636 and of his comeng they weren ful glad, [The inhabit∣ants are glad of his coming.] for of the hethen gret drede they had, that dyden ful gret distroccioun al the contre abowtes jn virown.Line 12640 thanne sente this kyng anon riht there [He sends for soldiers,] aftyr sowdiours Every where, So that vij thousend men he hadde [and soon has 7000 men,] with hem that he ferst forth laddeLine 12644 what on hors & what on fote; this was his somme, wel j wote, with-outen hem of þe town, pleinly, [besides the 4000 in the town.] þat weren iiij thousend, sekerly,Line 12648 Wheche Hem Defendyd Jn Every tyde [leaf 136 c] aȝens a chastel there beside. [From a neighbouring castle,]

that a Maiden that carville hyhte, [a maid called Car∣ville assists the heathen.] Socoured the hethen with alle hire myhte;Line 12652 hadagabrantis soster, certein, was sche, that thike castel hadde jn baylle. And be tho Marches, j sey ȝow Ryhte, [They are safe in those barder-lands,] non of the kynges there ne myhte,Line 12656 for non power that they myhten do, Non Noysaunce the hethen don vnto. for bothe viaunde & vytaylle þe hethen hadde out of þe castel ech day to hem ladde.Line 12660 for that castel so strong hit was tho, [and the castle cannot he taken.] that non harm myhte comen hit vnto. (For this carville cowde more of enchantement [(Carville is an enchantress,] than ony oþer womman, verament,Line 12664 Except Morgain, that Sostir was [like Morgain] To kyng Artheur, jn Everi plas, oþer ellis juanne, the love of Merlyn, [and Juanne,] that of enchantement coude wel & fyn;Line 12668 For sche knew more of Merlynes konnyng thanne alle þe creatures that weren levyng, as ȝe scholen heren jn tyme comeng, [of whom more later on.)] whanne ȝe me heren speke of swich a thing.)Line 12672 what so ȝorwh helpe of that castel the hethen ben Refresschid wel, wherfore cast out of londe mow they not be [The expul∣sion of the heathen is reserved to Arthur] but be helpe of kyng Arthour, Sykerle,Line 12676 and be the helpe Ek of kyng Ban, that is holden so worthi a man, also kyng Bors jn here compenye (þe sonere out of þis lond scholen they hye), [12680. son^{er}e, abbreviation mark in darker ink.] Line 12680 and be helpe of oþer MO: kyng Lothis children with hem scholen go, [and king Loth's children.] as here-afte[r] ȝe scholen heren say [12683. MS. here afte.] jn storye j Rad this jlke same day.Line 12684

Than owt of sorhant wente kyng Brangor [(7) King Brangor rides to the city of Strangor,] with iij thousend Men j-armed thor, and to strangore cite he Rod ful faste; Line 12688

For next to the Roche hit was ful preste, [12688. A second Roche crossed out after ful.] Line 12688 there as the hethene j-logged were. and aftyr sowdiours he sent Every where, [and sends for more soldiers.] tyl that assemblyd he hadde the Ryht vj thousend armed & Redy to fyhtLine 12692 with-owten iij thousend he with him browhte, that forto werren on the hethen ne dredden they nowht. this kyng brangores hadde a wif, [King Bran∣gors' wife is a daughter of Andoans (Adrians), emperor of Constanti∣nople.] kyng Andoannes dowhter, with-outen strif, [12696. d crossed out after kyng.] Line 12696 that of costantyn-Noble was Emperovr and therto a man of ful gret honour. and be his wif, that ded was, tweyne dowhtres he hadde jn that plas,Line 12700 of whiche kyng Brangor weddid þe tone, and þe tothir at costantyn beleft alone, [Her sister is married to the king of Hungary.] that weddid was to the kyng of hungrye, as j sey ȝow certeinlye.Line 12704 So that at thende of fyve ȝer, j wen, [These have a son,] a knave child hadden they hem be-twen of the fairest forme that myhte be, [handsome,] that becam bothe worthi & strong, sikerle. [brave, and strong,] Line 12708 at whiche tyme whanne kyng brangor out of Sorhant paste thor, [12710. MS. pasten.] thike child of age that tyme was [old enough to become a knight,] a knyht to ben Mad jn ony plas.Line 12712 and he was clepid be his Ryht Name [and called Sagremour.] ȝonge sagremour, that child of fame, whiche that after dyde gret prowesse, as the lond of logres bereth witnesse,Line 12716 as aftir jn this storye here scholen ȝe fynde, whanne aftyr to this Mater j come be kynde.

The Renown that Sprang Abrod so Wyde [leaf 136 d] of kyng Artheur jn Every syde [When king Arthur's fame spreads throughout the world,] Line 12720 and of his largenesse & of his gentrie, alle the world hit spak of, trewelye. so þat jn alle stronge contres, with-owten lesynge, was non speche but of Artheur the kynge.Line 12724

For his los tho sprange so wyde, that jnto costantynnoble hit cam that tyde; [young Sagre∣mour, at Cons∣tantinople, also hears of him,] that so ferforth hit cam to Ere, so ȝonge sagremour herde þerof there.Line 12728 that nas ȝit but fyftene ȝer old, a fair ȝong Bacheler and a bold. and whanne that he herde this tydyng, [12731. whāne, n corrected from t.] he ne wolde not letten for non thing, [and wants to be knighted by him.] Line 12732 tyl he were Mad knyht of his hond, the sothe j do ȝow to vndirstond. and often to his counseil seide he [He speaks of him to his council,] that a worthy man Moste he nedis be—Line 12736 "whanne that myn ayel, adrians the kyng, of him knyht was mad, with-owten lesing." For that he was þe nexte Eyr that to theke Empire scholde Repeyr.Line 12740 so that Sagremour swor, certein, [and swears never to be a knight ex∣cept through him.] that knyht scholde he neuere be, pleyn, [12742. pleyn, p corrected from s, appearing like a hybrid of those characters.] tyl that kyng Artheur of Breteygne hym knyht hadde Mad, jn certeygne.Line 12744 So that they spoken þer-offen so ofte, that thike noise wax hye on lofte. So that Adrians gan him to hye [Adrians therefore sends his grandson to Britain.] [12747. him twice, the former crossed out.] Sagremours to sende forth, Sekerlye,Line 12748 jn-to breteyne with gold & fe and what thing that to him belonged on lond & se. Now speke we no more ȝit of this Matere, but here-after More scholen ȝe here.Line 12752

ȝyt procedith forth this storye: whanne kyng brangores was past, trewlye, [After Brangor, (8) king Ka∣rados leaves Sorhant,] owt of Sorhant thike cyte, kyng karados aftir wente, sikerleLine 12756 with his Meyne arayed ful Ryht, foure thousend men Redy to fyht. and to strangore cite he wente ful faste [and goes to Strangor.] (alle his Men of armes with him paste)Line 12760

whiche cite he kepte ful wel as a wys worthy werreour & a lel. ȝit sente he abowtes wilde where [He sends about for more sol∣diers,] aftyr mo Sowdyowrs to han hem there,Line 12764 so that atte laste assembled there was vij thousend Men jn that plas wel j-armed with swerd and lawnce, [12767. MS. lawn̄ce.] of stedis & coursers þat cowden wel praunce.Line 12768 ȝit at that tyme non hethen there were, wherfore eche nyht they lyen owt there [keeps a good look-out for the heathen,] jn feldes and jn weyes bothe to aspien whanne þe hethen comen, forsotheLine 12772 and anon as that they myhten aspye that ony of the hethen drow ther Nye, aȝens hem faste the wolden Ryde [and often attacks them with success.] and with hem fyhten jn that tyde.Line 12776 So that often they wonnen gret good, Whanne that the hethen hem withstood.

Aftyr that these vj Kynges Weren gon [leaf 137 a] Out of Sorhant cite Everychon,Line 12780 thanne of Scotlond Agwyseax the kyng [(9) King Aug∣wiseas of scotland] out forth he paste, with-owten lesyng, The Richest kyng of that contre; but as of armes onnethis cowde he.Line 12784 this kyng out forth Rod with v thousend Men, and to þe cyte of corange wente he then, [rides to the city of Corange.] whiche that jn scotlond tho Stood, where as Manye of the hethene abod.Line 12788 For there nas but xx scottysch Myle [Twenty Scotch miles from there, numerous heathen be∣siege a castle.] where as the hethen lyen thyke whyle at the castel of Vaundebers, where as the sege was strong & fers,Line 12792 that non man of hem the nombre cowden telle of the hethen, that weren so felle. whanne this kyng jnto corange j-Entred was, [In Corange are 5000 fighting men.] of the ceteȝeins fond he jn that plasLine 12796 Fyve thousend Redy armed to fyht.

ȝit sente he forth bothe day & Nyht [More soldiers are sent for.] to seken soudeours be Every syde; So that him comen with-jnne a tydeLine 12800 what on hors & what on foote x thousend Saudiours, wel j wote, with-owten alle his owne Meyne and Ek the peple of that cyte.Line 12804 so with the hethen helden they bataille, [They fight the heathen,] & often goodes wonnen, with-owten faille, and repareilled the walles of here cyte, [and repair the walls of the city.] þere as it was most wont feble to be.Line 12808 thus longe durede þe werre tho be-twene thike partyes bothe to.

Thanne aftir this out of Sorhant wente [(10) Duke Escam] dewk Escam of kambenye, veramente,Line 12812 with iiij thousend j-armed ful wel what on hors & on foote Echedel. And forth he Rod bothe day & Nyht, tyl to Cambenie cite he cam ful Ryht, [rides to his city Cambeny,] Line 12816 the whiche of Richesse hadde gret plente and þer-jnne thre thousend men, Sikerle. and whanne they syen þe dewk cambenye, [and is wel∣comed by the inhabitants.] Gret joye they Maden, certeinlye,Line 12820 For þe deseisse they hadde there of the hethen, that weren hem nere, that comeng weren to on castel, For whiche kyng Artheur ordeyned ful wel,Line 12824 Er that he paste ouer the se jnto tarmelyde lond, Sikerle. ȝit sente that dewk al abowte [He sends for more people] [12827. A paragraph mark before this ȝit; it seems to have its right place before the ȝit of l. 12835.] to geten More peple to his Rowte;Line 12828 So that vij thousend he hadde Redy, as this storie witnessith apertly, with-owten hem þat weren jn that cite, which þat kepe weren ordeyned, Sykerle.Line 12832 and with the hethen fowhten they ofte, [and fights the heathen.] for mochel Sorwe was þere on lofte.

ȝit whanne these barouns out of sorhant were gon, thanne lefte kyng Vryens behinde hem Echon, [(11) King Uriens, who remains at Sorhant, sends for plenty of soldiers.] Line 12836 and sent his gold jnto Eche contre aftyr sowdiours ful gret plente: so that viij thousend to him comen ful Ryht, and jn the cyte viij thousend Redy to fyht.Line 12840 For a sege there lay hem faste by [In the neigh∣bourhood, a town is besieged. They fight] but on jorne thennes, Sekerly; so that often they metten jn same [12843. Abbreviation mark in darker ink.] al on Ernest & not on game.Line 12844 som tyme they wonne & losten also, [with varying success,] as the aventure torned bothe to & fro. so that v ȝer, whilles hit dede Endure, was gret Meschef, j ȝow Ensure,Line 12848 That othir levyng was not jn that contre But as Ech of other Hyt tok, Sykerle, [leaf 137 b] the cristene of the hethene som on day, [constantly snatching the food from each other.—] & the hethen of cristene anothir, jn fay.Line 12852 thus was distroyed that contre, that pyte & Rewthe hit was to se.

Jn this Manere the werre dyd laste, that ech aȝens oþer bekeryd ful faste.Line 12856 thens torned the hethen from þat contre [Eventually the heathen invade Ar∣thur's land,] jnto kyng Artheures lond, certeinle. And there diden they gret damage, for there nas non to letten here owtrage,Line 12860 but as it kam be aventure, [where an en∣counter with the young squires,] as gret god wolde, j ȝow Ensure, bothe faire & good of sqwyers ȝonge, as goode as myhte ben Rehersed with tonge,Line 12864 that kepten ful wel that ylke lond, tyl kyng Arthewr cam hom, ȝe vndirstond. [and with king Arthur, is in store for them.] and now scholen heren More of this, how kyng Arthours lond was kept, j-wis.Line 12868

Now telleth this tale ȝit furthermore: [Chap. XIII] whanne that Galachim herde tellen thore,

he took a Messenger Ryht anon, [Galachim sends a mes∣senger to his cousins to ask for a private meet∣ing (cf. II. 12219 ff.).] and to Gaweyn he sent him ful son,Line 12872 that previliche to-gederis scholden they Mete jn a certeyn forest, & not to lete, and his bretheryn with him to brynge, and that he Make non Taryenge,Line 12876 but on the morwe next Pask day there forto Meten with-owten delay. the Messenger Rod bothe day & Nyht, [The messen∣ger arrives in Orkney,] tyl jnto orkanye jn wales he kam ful Ryht,Line 12880 and dide his arende þere Ryht anon [and delivers his message,] To Gaweyn & to his bretherin echon, and seide that—"Galachim sente ȝow to say with him to Meten swich a certein day [fixing day and place.] Line 12884 jn the forest of Brokelond at swich a place, ȝe vndirstond. For þere sekerly he wyl ȝow abyde, ȝif he be heyl, what so be-tyde."Line 12888 whanne that they herden this Messengere, [They gladly] gret joye they Maden amonges hem there, and seiden, with-owten ony lettyng [promise to come,] they wolden ben there be þe day spring.Line 12892 for som Nede þer was, they wisten trewelye, that they were aftir sent jn so gret hye. thanne to this Messenger they ȝoven a steede [and reward the messen∣ger,] and oþer gret ȝiftes to his Meede.Line 12896 thanne spared the Messenger neþer hors ne Man, [who speedily returns home.] [12897. MS. Messeng with an es-mark at the end and an er-mark above it.] tyl that to Galachim ful sone he cam, that jn that place abod stylle there of his cosynes to heren answere.Line 12900

Whanne that this Messenger was comen ageyn, to his lord Galachim he seide, ful pleyn, [Galachim, on hearing the answer of his cousins,] the answere of his cosines dere and that they gretten him al jn fere.Line 12904 "and aftyr Pask the thrydde day they scholen there ȝow meten, with-owten delay." thanne ordeyned him fast this Galachym [gets ready,] Line 12908

and other certein Meyne with hym,Line 12908 & Ryden forth to þe forest of Brokelond. [and rides to the meeting∣place.] but ȝit weren they not comen, j vndirstond, But Abod Galachym there Stylle, [leaf 137 c] tyl that they comen at here owne wylle.Line 12912 whanne Gaweyn and his bretherin comen were, [Gawein and his brothers arrive.] Gret joye amonges hem was thanne there. thanne Gaweyn to Galachym spak vnto: [Gawein says: "You have sent for us.] "cosin, for me ȝe sente," he seide tho,Line 12916 "lo, my bretheren and j jn fere [Here we are, to know your will.] be comen to knowen ȝoure wille here, and elles j ne hadde comen at this tyde, For into oþer contres we casten to Ryde, [Then we will go into other countries."] Line 12920 and þerfore we comen to taken oure leve, For vs were loth ȝow forto greve." "whider wolde ȝe riden?" quod Galachim tho, [Galachim asks where they want to go.] "with-owten Me ȝe owhten not to do.Line 12924 þerfore j preye ȝow that ȝe me telle jnto what contreward ȝe ben so snelle. and aftyr j schal tellen ȝow my wyl, ȝif that ȝe welen owht assentyn þertyl."Line 12928 "Cosin Galachim, wilen ȝe vndirstonde me, [Gawein re∣plies by ex∣tolling the worthiest knight in the world.] of merveillous thinges j schal tellen the: of the largete and of the prowesse, of the fre herte, deboneure, & swetnesse,Line 12932 and of the worthyest knyht þat in þe world is, of whom that j haue herd tydynges, j-wys." "A god Mercy," quod Galachim tho, [Galachim exclaims:"For the same reason I sent for you!"] "leve cosyn Gawayn, ho tolde ȝow so?Line 12936 For that same cause for ȝow j sente, as j ȝow now seye veramente." "Forsothe," quod Gaweyn thanne ageyn, [Gawein con∣tinues: "His name is Arthur.] "his Name owhte to ben knowen ful pleyn. [12940. Owhte, h squeezed in afterwards.] Line 12940 For his name hiht Artheur the kyng, [12941. hiht corrected from hit] . the best body that day may be spryng; and ȝoure oncle and Myn he is [He is our uncle] and þerto the worthiest kyng of prisLine 12944 & Ek þerto oure kyng with Ryht, [and our right∣ful king.]

& with wrong þe barouns aȝens him gonne fyht. [The barons oppose him unjustly.] for weteth wel," quod Gaweyn, "Sekerlye, that knyht j wele ben Mad of his bodye [I will be made a knight only by him."] Line 12948 and neuere Er armes to bere, certein, Galachim, j ȝow swere."

Whanne that Galachym vndirstood al this, [Galachim is delighted,] his herte was ful of joye and blys,Line 12952 and als mochel joye to-gederis they Made [and they all rejoice.] as thouh alle the world they hade, and told hym þat for non othyr thyng for hym he sente, with-owten lesyng.Line 12956 Ek he told hym al jn fere [They tell each other of their mother's words.] hou it kam be talkyng of his Modir dere. thanne to Galachim spak Gaweyn þe bolde: "Ryght Evene the same my Modir me tolde."Line 12960 and whanne that thus they hadden spoken jn fere, anon they acordyd thanne Ryht there [Then after agreeing to meet again in a fort∣night,] whanne they wolden taken here jorne: with-jnne XV dayes, ful Sykerle.Line 12964 thanne wenten they forth Ech jn his way hem forto purveyen alle Maner aray, as behouede to swyche children so goode, that comen weren of so hygh a blode.Line 12968 thanne Rod forth Galachym anon Ryht hym forto ordeyne with al his Myht, tyl ij c. of knyhtes & sqwyers had he [Galachim musters 200 well-armed warriors.] ful wel j-harneised jn alle degre,Line 12972 of the beste that he cowde chese, for be his wyl he wolde non lese.

And thus wente he prevyly forth his way, [He leaves home without telling his father.] that non word to his fadir wolde he say.Line 12976 And streyht to Brokelond thanne Rydeth He, [leaf 137 d] [12977. MS. Rydeht.] and there abydeth with his Meyne, Tyl Gawein & his bretherin comen were; this Galachim abod hem Ryht There.Line 12980 For they hem purchased on here syde [His cousins]

V. .C. Men with hem to Ryde [have 500 noble followers,] what of worthy knyhtes & of sqwiere wel j-horsed & harneysed al jn fere,Line 12984 and lordis children weren they alle and þe most part knyhtes, as hit gan falle. [mostly knights.] but of Galachymmes Meyne nere but xx knyhtes, certeinle.Line 12988 whanne they to-gederis weren j-Met, [When they all meet, there is great joy.] there was gret joye, with-owten let. thanne conseilled they to-gederis tho jnto what partye they wolden go.Line 12992 thanne acorded they Everichon [They decide to go to London.] that to Londone in breteine þey wolden gon, the chyef cyte of Artheur the kyng; For þere scholden þey sonnest heren tydyngLine 12996 boþe of the kyng and þe hethene also, that jn that contre dide mochel wo.

Now, as ȝe me heren boþe Reden & say, jn the begynneng of the Mounthe of May, [In the lovely month of May.] Line 13000 whanne trees & Medwes wexen grene and faire flowres growen hem be-twene, Ek also Bryddis Merly don Synge, also swete dewes jn the Mornenge,Line 13004 and also hertes lyhtenen be kynde, ek thanne is Merye vnder wode lynde, thanne thouhte Gaweyn & Galachim, [Gawein and his cousins start on their journey,] Gaheris & Gwerrers, & Mo with hym,Line 13008 and Agrevayn jn here compenye: faste to Ryde gonne they hem hye, whiles the Morwenyng hit was cold; they thowhten to Ryden, þat weren so bold.Line 13012 for they weren tendre and ȝong of age, hardy, bold, & ful of corage, [full of cour∣age and well armed.] and þerto j-armed wondirly wel bothe jn Erne and Ek jn stel,Line 13016 here swerdis hangyng on here sadelbowe, and thus they Reden al be Rowe. for jn þat contre was gret doute [For the land is infested by the heathen,] of the hethene. that Ryden abouteLine 13020

bothe for pray and Ek vytaylle; [who plunder every where.] alle that contre diden they asaille. whiche contre so ful of good hit was, whanne they Entrede jnto that plas,Line 13024 that gret deol hit is to here what distroccioun they maden there.

The thridde day whanne they gonne Ryde, [On the third day, they meet four viking kings,] ȝe scholen here what hem gan be-tyde:Line 13028 they metten kyng leodegron, verament, [13029. kȳg, g squeezed in afterwards.] Kyng Sonygron, And Kyng Mandelent, [leaf 138 a] Therto kyng Sernagn jn compeyne, that hadde distroyed al that contre;Line 13032 For thens they ladden many gret praye [with im∣mense booty] of wyn, flesch, vytaille, The sothe to saye; and the portis weren aryved with Marchaundise, the Ryalest that ony Man cowde devyse,Line 13036 that v hundred somers weren charged there, [laden on horses and vehicles.] xv chares, & ten .c. charyettes jn Fere. [13038, 13039. c. and so added above the line.] this cariage so wondir gret hit was, that the powdir Ros wondirly jn that plas, [There is blinding dust,] Line 13040 that onnethes ony other Myhte se For dowst, that was so gret plente, therto the Fyr & smoke so strong also, [fire, and smoke,] that non Man Myhte sen where oþer gan go.Line 13044 whanne these ȝonge children herden the cry [and the poor people bewail their losses.] of the powre peple that cam hem by For the harm that the hethen hadden do, [13047. The second the corrected from he.] of whom ther weren ten thousend & MOLine 13048 with-owten hem that weren on foote, that both Robbed & brende, god hit wote—

Whanne the children this dolour Sye [The young squires ask for king Arthur.] of that poure peple to-forn here Eye,Line 13052 they axeden where kyng Arthour was. they ne wiste, they seide, jn non cas— [The people answer: "He must have gone to Tarmelide.] "but he be jnto the lond of Tarmelyde, Line 13056

as we suppose this jlke tyde.Line 13056 but ȝit Er that he forth wente, [But before that, he equipped his strongholds,] [13057. forth, h added afterwards.] alle his strengthes he stuffyd, veramente, that non of these hethen harm May hem do, and therfore, Sekyr, they ben ful wo, [and now the heathen plunder in the country."] Line 13060 and therfore they distroye this contre thus al abowtes, as ȝe Mowne Se." whanne that the children herden this, [The aquires decide to challenge both land and spoil.] that kyng Artheur was owte of lond, j-wis,Line 13064 they wolden chalangen bothe lond & pray that the hethene hadden forreyed that day, and kepen that lond jnto his comeng, that was bothe here vncle & kyng.Line 13068 whanne that these passantes herde hem so say, [The peasants find out who the young men are,] thanne of on thing they gonne hem pray: to tellen what Maner of Men they were. "his kynnes-Men we ben Many of vs here."Line 13072 and whanne the passantes herden this, Ful mochel joye they Maden, j-wys, [and are glad of their help.] For his kynnesmen, they gonne vndirstond, Scholde sosteine & kepen kyng Artheurs lond.Line 13076 whanne that the children al this beheld how thikke the careage kam ouer the feld, [13078. carrage, the first e corrected from a.] here hertes gonnen to Rysen anone, and as armes they cryden thus sone. [The squires cry: "To arms!"] Line 13080 "Now let sen here, worthy sqwyers, whiche of vs schal ben most bold & fers here to defenden oure herytage, jn whiche these paynemis don gret owtrage."Line 13084

Thussone to armes went Every Man [They ride against the enemy,] and to hors-bak hos cowde sonnest than. whanne the passantȝ Sien they hadden socour, [followed by the peasants.] they torned aȝen with-owten dolour;Line 13088 bothe on hors and Ek on foote with these children they wenten foot hote, and the ferste thing was, that they Mette, [First they meet a num∣ber of carts] chariettis with vitailles, with-owten lette,Line 13092

that they ladden toward here ost with thre thousend Paynemis of gret host. [conducted by 3000 heathen.] [13094. bost, t through correction.] and hit was passed the Mydday, as this storye here doth say,Line 13096 Ek wondir hot hit was tho Ryht [It is a very hot day.] both for sqwyer and Ek for knyht. Anon as þe chyldren here Enemyes Sye, aȝens hem faste gonnen they hye,Line 13100 Also Faste As they Myhten Ryde; [leaf 138 b] with here Enemye they metten that tyde, [The squires attack and stay the heathen;] and theke tyme-slowen doun Ryht Euerichon, that thike tyme from hem paste not on.Line 13104 thike day be Gaweyn so Manye weren ded, [Gawein,] that body & hors weren al blood Red. For aȝens the ax that he bar on hond, there myhte non Man his dynt with-stond.Line 13108 Eke his other bretheryn dyden wel tho, [his brothers,] For they slowen that day Mani a fo. and Galachym with gawayn Evere was, [and Galachim doing wonders,] that Mani Merveilles wrowh jn that plas;Line 13112 For al that Euere stood jn his weye, he slowh down Ryht, as j ȝow seye. but of þe Marterdom þat Made gaweyn, [more particu∣larly Gawein.] [13115. Made, d through correction.] hit is wondir to tellen, jn certeyn;Line 13116 For aȝens his strok wolde nowht abyde Nethir harneys ne Man that ilke tyde. So fowhten the children that jlke day with hem þat ladden that Jlke pray,Line 13120 that there ne sckaped but xx Men, [Only twenty heathen escape; ten of them reach the 7000 men who come march∣ing behind.] of whiche ȝit there weren ten that Retorned to hem that comen behynde, of hem socour ȝif they myhten fynde;Line 13124 of wheche vij thousend fully there were, but alle wel armed weren they not there, [Many of these carry no arms on account of the heat.] for hit was trossed hem be-Fore among the chariettis that wenten thore:Line 13128 For the gret hete that was thanne, onharmed ther Rod ful Mani a Manne.

whanne these ten fugytyves comen ageyn [The fugitives tell of their defeat.] to tho vij thousend, they tolden hem pleynLine 13132 how that alle jslayn they were that here cariage cowndyet there.

Whanne that the hethin vndirstodyn al this, [Those who have their weapons at hand, get ready.] anon to here armes they wenten, j-wis;Line 13136 thike that ony armure hadden tho, dyden as wel as they myhten do. so that the thridde partye there [But the third part have their armour lying on the carts] of armure destitewd they were,Line 13140 whiche jn chareettis was trossed be-fore, þat these ȝong sqwyers hadde wonnen thore; [now seized by the squires and sent off to London.] whiche to Londone they senten, with-owten let, be theke passauntes that with hem Met,Line 13144 and let coundie hem be anothir way, lest þat these, hethene scholde hem betray. and sethen they seweden forth the chas, [The aquires, in pursuit of the fugitives, fall upon the heathen force.] til that they comen jnto that plasLine 13148 there as thei to-gederis Mette, bothe hethen & cristen, with-owte lette. thanne there began ful gret bataylle. For there slowhe caweyn, with-owten faille, [Gawein cleaves the body of one of their kings,] [13152. ffor, ff through correction.] Line 13152 kyng Noas the Brun of yrlond. his strokis weren sweche, ȝe vndirstond, that with his ax he clef him vnto, that asondir fyl his Body tho.Line 13156 Galachim so smot tho kyng Sonigran, [Galachim cuts off the head of an∣other,] that jnto the feld his hed fley than; for so took Galachim there vppon, that his strok dorste abyden non. [13160. strok, k blotted.] Line 13160 And Gaheries chased kyng Gwyneband [Gaheries chases a third, Guine∣bant,] [13161. Gwyneband, d corrected from t.] the drawht of an archier, j vndirstand. for he hadde beten his brothir Gwerrers, [who has hit Guerrers with a spear.] þerfore jn herte he was ful fers.Line 13164 (with a spere Gwineband him smot, sikerle, wherfore Gaheries wende ded he hadde be; [(That Guer∣rers was unburt,] but Gwerrers harm cawhte non Line 13168

that ilke tyme of his fon;Line 13168 but that wiste not the sothe Gaheries.) [Gaheries did not know.)] So forth he prekede jn that pres with his swerd j-drawen on hande, as faste as the hors myhte fleande.Line 13172

Whanne Gwynebant Gaheryet tho beheld, [leaf 138 c] that he cam so prekyng jn the feld, [Guinebant flees in terror.] he fledde faste from hym a-way For drede of deth he hadde sein that day. [13176. MS. thay day.] Line 13176 (For he was of Merveillous prowesse, [(For Gaheries has that day made almost as great havoc as Gawein.] and that day Nygh dede as gret dystresse jnto litel partye as dyde Gawayn, and al the sothe now Scholde j sayn.Line 13180 thanne swor Gaheriet anon there [He has sworn an oath] be God & be his blessed modir dere that ȝif euere he myhte armes welde to ben a knyht and beryn a schelde, [13184. and, d corrected from b.] Line 13184 that he scholde neuere jn place abyde [never to rest,] Nethir day ne Nyht, that he nolde Ryde vppon the hethen, avenged til that he be [till he has avenged his brother's death.)] of his brotheris deth, ful certeinle.Line 13188 For he wende Gwerres hadde ben dede Ful Sekerly there jn that Stede.) and Euere he sewed forth ful faste, [Gaheries overtakes Guinebant.] tyl he ouergat him at the laste.Line 13192 So that behindes him weren the hethen Men [Behind him are the heathen men.] an arblastes, j wot wel then. thanne swed hym Gwynebantes Meyne, that from that bataylle gonnen they fle.Line 13196

So that to-gederis they metten jn fere, that Gaheriet so smot Gwynebant there [Gaheries fells his foe,] thorwh the helm (ful Sone hit Glod) that down he fyl with-oute ony abod [13200. oute added above the line.] Line 13200 So that the Ryht qwarter fley away jnto the Feld that same day. thanne torned Gaheriet his hors hed, [and wants to return.] Line 13204

and was ful joyful jn that sted,Line 13204 that he hadde venged his brothers deth; So that to his compenye forward he goth. [13206. The scribe omitted this line; in writing it afterwards up the right margin, he again left out compenye, which was ultimately inserted above (i. e. to the left of) the (vertical) line.] ȝit this Gwynebant, as he lay, [But Guine∣bant cries murder,] Cryde and Made ful gret deray.Line 13208 So that to him they comen be eche partie, [and Gaheries is soon sur∣rounded,] als so faste as they myhte flye, and with here Gleyves comen Gaheryet aboute, [13211. aboute, b corrected from d.] both hym & his hors jn that Rowte.Line 13212 to the Erthe down they there bar [and thrown to the ground.] bothe Gaheryet and his hors Ryht thar and his hors they Slowen vndyr hym. than wax Gaheries wondir Grym,Line 13216 and vppon his feet he stirte ful blyve, [He leaps to his feet,] as Man that thowhte to Saven his lyve. and so he besterid jn that plas, [and defends himself.] that there non of hem so hardy wasLine 13220 ones to leggen vppon hym ony hand. therfore otherwyse they gonne fand: [They attack him with long spears, swords, and knives.] with longe speris & swerdis bothe and with al manere of scharpe knyves, forsothe,Line 13224 that ij or iij on knes was he browht; So that longe Enduren myhte he there nowht [His situation is desperate.] but ȝif that he were taken or ded; he myhte not flen owt of that sted.Line 13228 thanne was there a sqwier, that him say pace [Now a squire, seeing the danger,] to purswen Gwynehant jn that place, kam wringeng his handis with hevy chere, and al to-tar & For-drowh his here.Line 13232 thanne to Gaweyn streyht gan he go, [hastens to Gawein, who has just helped Guer∣rers to a horse.] that Gwerriers hadde j-Rered & horsed tho vppon kyng Sernagnes hors, that this sqwier wan with gret fors.Line 13236

Whanne this sqwier Gaweyn Say tho, [He cries: "What are You thinking of?] ful lowde he cryde: "what thenke ȝe do?

ȝe han lost gaheriet, ȝoure brothir dere, [Your brother Gaheries is lost, unless he gets speedy help.] but he som socour the sonnere haue here,Line 13240 For a cursed hethene he chasede ful blyve, where-thorwh j trowe he hath lost his lyve. For the Hethen He Beet down to grownde, [leaf 138 d] but the paynemys sewed jn that stounde, [He chased and felled a heathen, but was pur∣sued, and lies beaten in yon dark valley!"] Line 13244 and ȝondir jn ȝone dyrke valeye there lyth Gaheriet beten, with-outen delaye. For passing gret los it now were thus forto lesen ȝoure brothir dere."Line 13248 whanne that Gaweyn herde of this tydyng, [Gawein prays to God and the Virgin that he may not lose his brother,] anon he preide to hevene kyng and to blessid Marye, his Modir jn fere, that he scholde not lesen his brother dere.Line 13252 "For ȝif j hym lese jn this degre, [for if he does, he will never be glad,] joyful jn herte schal j thanne neuere be; and ȝif j thus lese hym jn this feld, [nor fight again.] abowtes my nekke neuer hangen schal scheld!"Line 13256 Anon of the Esqwier axede he [He lets the aquire indi∣cate the spot,] [13257. axede, a through correction.] jn what partye that he myhte be. thanne he him tolde: "jn ȝone valeye [13259. MS. than with an abbreviation stroke over an.] vndir ȝone wode, as j ȝow seye."Line 13260 thanne ȝonge Gaweyn ascryed anon [and calls on his men to follow.] that his Meyne scholde with hym gon.

"leve cosyn," quod Galachim tho, [Galachim says: "We have laboured hard to-day, and must labour harder still!"] "For this Nede whom somone ȝe so?Line 13264 we han laboured Sore this day, and ȝit we Mosten sorrer, jn fay." So that they disrenged þere anon, [13267. MS. disregend.] and to-forn hem alle gaweyn gan gon. [Gawein takes the lead, as swift as an arrow,] Line 13268 and also faste he gan forth to Ryde as qwarel of arblast doth owt glyde, with a Ryht good ax jn his hond. and swich Martirdom he made, j vndirstond, [and works his way] Line 13272 that thus they Slowen bothe to & fro a Myle wey, Er Gaheriet they comen to. and atte laste Gaheriet they fownde [to Gaheries,] Line 13276

liggende ful plat to the Grownde. [Gaheries is lying on the ground.] [13276. Grownde, wn on erasure.] Line 13276 (his helm they token of jn that sted, [The heathen have taken off his helm,] for they wolden han smeten of his hed. but they bethouhten hem also blyve, that they wolden han taken hym on lyve, [13280. hȳ, y corrected from e.] Line 13280 and sende him forth to kyng Bernage, [13281. sende d corrected from t.] on of the hethene ful of corage. thanne torned they Gaheriet þere anon [and want to bind his hands behind his back.] to bynden his hondis behinde his bakbon.)Line 13284 thanne cam Gawein Rydyng ful faste, whiles ony breth on him Myhte laste, with a Myhty ax beryng on honde; there-with the hethen he thouhte don schonde.Line 13288 whanne so with his brothir they token vppon, [Gawein breathes vengeance.] he thowhte of hem to sparen not on. Thanne on bothe Sydes he gan on leye, [He attacks the heathen.] that wondir hit is al forto seye,Line 13292 that non Man dorst his strok abyde. thanne behelden they that ylke tyde that his brothir helden hem be-twene, For swiche strokes hadde they non sene.Line 13296 So that non lengere wolde they him kepe, [These must desist,] but ȝif to the deth that they wolde lepe. whanne Gaheriet say his brothir gawayn, [and Gaheries jumps to his feet.] tho vp he Stirte and was ful fayn,Line 13300 and cast his helm vppon his hed ful Rediliche jn that sted and took his swerd & fawht ful faste. Ek Agrevayn his brothir he spide atte laste, [Agrevain brings him a horse,] Line 13304 that him an hors þere browht jn hyghe and seide: "gaheriet brothir, trewely, worth vp faste vppon þis stede. [13307. þ^s squeezed in afterwards.] For ȝe ben to blame, so god me spede, [and chides him for his foolhardi∣ness.] Line 13308 so fer from ȝoure felawes forto gon; So myhten ȝe han lost ȝoure lif anon. Anon as Gaheriet to hors was dyht, the bretheren semblede with al here myht, [13312. MS. alher'.] Line 13312

and Gadered here peple to-gedere jn same, [The squires collect their forces;] For hem was comeng Mochel grame. For the Hethen Wente Faste Abowte [leaf 139 a] here batailles to gaderen jn-to a Rowte. [so do the heathen.] Line 13316 Now let vs Resten of this Talkyng bothe of the hethene and þe children so ȝyng. And of the passauntes let vs now talke, that with the cariage to Londone gonne walke.Line 13320

Now Reherseth forth here this Storye, [In the mean∣time, the peasants hurry on to London with the booty,] that the passauntes gonnen faste hem hye, as Men joyful and glad they were that the cyte they hadde aprochyd so Nere,Line 13324 For but fowre Myles they weren thens; and amonges hem but lytel defens, [anxious to bring it into a safe place.] wherfore they hyed hem wondir faste, tyl jnto þe cyte that they weren paste.Line 13328 for they wisten wel, the hethene wolden asaye ȝif they myhte geten aȝen that praye. whanne they of the cyte behelden that Syht, [The citizens are amazed at the sight,] Sore jn here hertis they weren afryhtLine 13332 of that good & of that Richesse that thike meyne browhte, with-outen distresse. The ceteȝeins axeden the passauntis sone [and ask who have wrought such a brave work.] ho that al that prowesse hadde done.Line 13336 they seiden that—"Gaweyn, kyng Lothis son. [The peasants answer: "Gawein, his brothers,] his bretherin & cosines jn viron, Gaheriet, Gwerres, & Agrevayn, [13339. Agrevayn, r corrected from y.] and Galachim here cosyne, jn certayn, [and their cousin Galachim;] Line 13340 kyng Newtres sone, as j ȝow telle, with the hethene they fyhten ful felle, and leven Londis, Richesse, & alle thyng, [they have left their own lands to help king Arthur.] and comen to helpen Artheur oure kyng;Line 13344 that neuere for joye neþer for wrake oure kyng Artheur Nilen not forsake; but vij hundred felawes in compenye [With 700 men against 3000 they have won this.] aȝens iij thousend this wonnen they, trewlye,Line 13348 and hem they slowen Everychon; that so with this pray gonne we gon.

and now they fyhten with vij thousend Mo, [Now they are fighting against 7000.] that this cariage purswede tho.Line 13352 Openeth the ȝates, this good ȝe take, [Open the gates, take these goods, and send them some help!"] and som Rescus for hem ȝe Make; For hit were bothe Rewthe and pyte but ȝif that they Reskwed now be."Line 13356

Whanne the ceteȝeins vndirstodyn this, [Then the gates are opened,] anon the ȝates thei opened, j-wys, [13358. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] and Resceyved jn that Tresor, [the goods received,] that the passauntes browhten thor.Line 13360 and sethen a Meyne, with-owten lesyng, scholde gon the children jn socouryng. anon to þe Maister tour they wente, [and the fight∣ing men sum∣moned by means of a horn blast from the chief tower.] and an horn they blewen þere, veramente.Line 13364 thanne was þere the custum tho that eche man thanne to armes scholde go. So that there Weren Redy Anon Ryht [leaf 139 b] Sevene thousend men j-armed to fyht. [7000 men assemble; the captain (Doon of Car∣diff) wants to leave some in the town;] Line 13368 thanne seide the captein of that town that hit Nere non good Resown— "that Manye hens scholde go, [13371. henf corrected from hennes.] what Maner of Nede we han hem to.Line 13372 and þerfore me thinketh best hit were that somme of hem abyde how here." so of þat Meyne v thousend forth wente, [he takes 5000 men with him.] and the Remenant to þe cite weren sente.Line 13376

Thus pasten they forth be dalk and dale [They march towards the place of battle.] tyl that they comen jnto the vale where as they fowhten sore jn fereLine 13379 and be þat tyme vij thousand newe hethen comen were, [Meanwhile, 7000 more heathen have arrived; these blame their com∣rades for fighting so long against "beardless boys,"] and whanne they were comen to þat gaderyng, they preisede here felawes Ryht non thing, that aȝens so lytel a Meyne so longe to holden ony chawd melle.Line 13384 "for but ȝonge berdles boyes they ben, [13385. boyes, s squeezed in afterwards.]

but iiij xx knyhtes, as j kan sen, [a small force only.] and but v. hundred of sqwyers, that nethir ne semen prowd ne fers,Line 13388 and xx that not dubbed ne be, [13389. not, t blotted.] and iij c besides thanne, Sykerle." but the hethene Gouernours that þere were, [The chief∣tains of the heathen, Medelans (Mandelent) and Guine∣hans (Guine∣hans, -haut) have their forces divided in two bri∣gades.] Medelans & Guinechans bothe jn fere,Line 13392 hadden departyd here Meyne jnto tweyne bataylles, Sykerle; and jn Every bataylle iiij thouse[n]d was [13395. MS. thoused.] of tho hethene jn that plas.Line 13396 So that this Guinehans cam forth be-fore [Guinehane rides for∣ward;] with a strong spere jn his handis thore; and Gawayn, that to-fore alle oþer was [so does Gawein] . with his ax on honde jn that plas,Line 13400 and boldeliche he Rod him to Mete; for non maner of thing he wolde not lete. this Guinehant with his spores his hors tho smot, [They meet.] [13403. hors added in the right margin.] & Mette with Gaweyn anon foot hot,Line 13404 and aȝens the brest Smot him so sore, [Guinehant breaks his spear on Gawein] . [13405. Smot, S daubed.] that al on peces the spere fleygh thore. for his hauberk was strong jnowgh, of double Mayl bothe good & towgh,Line 13408 and him-Self a worthy Bacheler, that on Enche wolde not Remeven ther for non strok that he cowde Sette. that ȝonge gaweyn ne did him lette, [Gawein hits him on the helmet,] Line 13412 but to hym he Rawhte ful Ryht [13413. ful twice, the former crossed out.] with his ax so trenchaunt as Man of Myht. vppon his helm he smot him so, that Top ouer tail he gan to go, [and throws him to the ground.] Line 13416 and with that his hors fyl to grownde, and this was don jn a lytel stownde.

Whanne that the hethene behelden this, [The heathen are amazed.] of that strok they Merveilleden, j-wys,Line 13420

For they wende here king ded hadde be; hym to socouren faste gonne they fle. [They hasten to his assist∣ance,] and Gaweyn amonges hem gan to Ryde, and they with him fowhten on ech syde,Line 13424 and with here Gleyves slowen his destrer [and kill Ga∣wein's horse.] betwene his thyes, as he Rod ther. thanne thussone he was on foote bothe angry & fers & of herte ful hoote,Line 13428 and on bothe sydes he leyde so vppon, [But Gawein keeps them at bay.] that of hem dorste neghen hym non. [13430. hym, MS. hyn.] thanne cam socour hym abowte, [He gets help.] so þat þere was strong fyht, with-owten dowte,Line 13432 abowtes gawayn jn that stounde, and Euere lay kyng Guinehans atte grounde. For the hethene jn dowte were [The heathen do not know whether to assist Guine∣hant, or turn on Gawein.] whethir to reren guinehant they scholden gon þereLine 13436 Owther Abowtes Gawayn forto Abyde; [leaf 139 c] thus jn dowte they weren that Tyde. but Gawayns felawes Fowhten there sore, and the Melle wax hard Evere More & More.Line 13440

Whanne Gawayn wist where-abowtes they were, [Gawein, in danger of being taken,] that they wolde taken him presonere [13442. they, y squeezed in afterwards.] & an hethen hadde smeten his broþer Agrevayn, wherfore he was sory, in certayn,Line 13444 and stirte him forth jn al that pres [makes a rush into the press,] with his ax on honde (he wolde not ses), and lifte vp his ax þere on hy, þat he thethen to han Smeten, trewly.Line 13448 this hethen ne myhte not wel asterte, but caste vp his Scheld also smerte; & with his ax he smot hit on peces two, [cuts through a heathen's shield,] that jnto þe feld they flowen tho.Line 13452 the strok vppon þe left scholder alyhte, and down to þe girdyl he clef him down ryhte, [cleaves him to the girdle,] that down to þe Erthe he fyl anon, and Gaweyn his hors took ful son. [and throws himself on his horse.] Line 13456 thanne vp he stirte jn Ryht gret haste,

anon to his Felawes he ascriede wel faste: [Encouraging his comrades,] "let se, Eche Man prove his prowesse, that with vs here ben, More oþer lasse.Line 13460 For now scholen ȝe sen þat bothe my strokes & myht this oure ben doubled, j ȝow plyht." thanne amonges the hethene gan he Ryde, [he plunges into fresh combats.] and gret Martirdom he mad that tyde,Line 13464 that the pecis flowen jn-to the feld as wel of Mennes bodies as of scheld. be that tyme Guinehans was vp set [By this time Guinehans is put on horseback;] To asayen ȝif he cowde don ony bet.Line 13468 he took a stowt lawnce, jn certeyn, and faste he Rod aȝens Agreveyn, [he rides against Agrevain,] that his owne cosin hadde j-slayn be-forn his owne Eyen, certayn.Line 13472 So aȝens him he Rod with Mayn & Myht, and sire Agrevaynes he smot ful Ryht, [and throws him to the ground.] that hors & Man to grownde he wente; thanne wenden his bretheryn he hadde be schente.Line 13476

Whanne Gaheriet & galachim this gonne beholde, [There goes a chill through the hearts of the friends.] jn here hertes they woxen ful colde, for siker they wenden he hadde be de[d]; [13479. MS. be de.] him to Reskwe they wente jn þat sted.Line 13480 Galachym was þe ferste tho [Galachim strikes Guinehant on the helm,] þat to Guinehant gan forto go, & vppon the helm so hym smot, that his bak bowede anon fot hot;Line 13484 and Guerreiers smot him thorgwh the arm [Guerrers wounds him in the arm,] (ȝit ere he wente, hadde he more harm), [13486. This line was omitted and then written up the right margin.] and Gaheriet betwene þe nekke & þe scholder bon, [and Gaheries cuts off his head.] that jnto þe feld þe hed flygh anon;Line 13488 and Galachim with his foot that stounde threw down þe Body to the grownde, and took his hors & ladde to Agrevayn, [Galachim takes the horse to Agrevain.] that on foote fawht with strengthe & Mayn.Line 13492 and whanne Agrevayn was vpe j-dyht,

thanne begynne there wondir gret fyht. but of gaweyn wiste they non thing, [Gawein is fighting far∣ther off.] for he was ful harde in bekering [13496. was, s through correction.] Line 13496 amonges the hethene vndir the lynde; so fer hit was, he was harde to fynde.

whanne the hethen saw that Gwinehaut [The heathen, seeing Guine∣haut (Guine∣hans) killed, flee to Mandelent (Medelans).] was so ded thorwh his owne defaut,Line 13500 they torned faste anon to flyht. to kyng Mandelentes ost þey wenten ful tyht, that was here chief Gouernour; to him they wenten for socour.Line 13504 Thanne Gaweyn, that Was So fer Jn gon, [leaf 139 d] whanne tydinges of his bretheren herde he non, [Gawein, hear∣ing nothing from his brothers, begins to retreat.] he wende discomfit that they hadde be, and gan to withdrawen him, certeinle.Line 13508 hym thowhte he say his bretherin comenge, [Then he sees the brothers coming,] which to his herte was gret lyhtynge, [13510. MS. lyhtyn̄ge.] and toward Gawayn they comen that Res, but they ne myhte him neighen for pres. [but Mande∣lent's brigade stands be∣tween.] Line 13512 for kyng Mandelent hadde gret plente, bet than vij thousend hethen, Sykerle, and þat causede that ȝonge Gawayn to his feleschepe miht not come, certayn,Line 13516 whiche that were Ryht gret pite for alle Breteyne, Sykerle. [13518. Breteyne, B corrected from g.] be that tyme weren they of londone there [By this time, the 5000 Londoners appear.] with v thousend wel armed jn fere.Line 13520 whanne the children behelden that siht, and þat here banere was displaied ful Ryht, and knewen hem that wenten hem fro [The young squires recog∣nize them,] with þe cariage to Londone forto goLine 13524 and boden hem to ben lyht of herte— "for socour ȝow cometh also smarte."

Whanne that the children wisten this, that they weren of Londone, j-wis,Line 13528 jn herte they hadden Ryht gret joye, [and rejoice.]

For þe lasse the hethen hem scholde anoye. they torned here hors al jn fere, [They attack afresh;] & vppon þe hethen they Ryden jn there. [13532. there, th on erasure (probably f was erased).] Line 13532 but thanne weren the hethen sory, For kyng Guinehaut lay ded hem by. thussone they gonnen Medlen sone; thanne was þer not a litel to done.Line 13536 here speres schatered jn þe feld, [apears are broken,] & Many hethen ded vndir his scheld. And whanne here speris to-broken were, Eche man to his swerd took there. [swords are drawn,] Line 13540 So ech with-jnne oþer gan to Ryde, So that gret bataylle was þat tyde. bothe of hors & Ek of Men ful strong bloodsched was þere then, [and much blood is shed.] Line 13544 that it Ran down be Eche vale, [13545. that it Ran, the second t and an blotted.] as here Reherseth this ylke tale; þerto þe dost so gret hit was, onnethis ony oþer knew jn þat plas.Line 13548

Ful strong was þanne that Melle [The furious battle] of the children and [hem] of Londone, as ȝe mown se, [13550. MS. and of London̄.] aȝens tho cursed hethen wyhtes, that so longe Endured jn fyhtes.Line 13552 From Morwen jnto Evensong belle, [lasts until evensong.] so longe they fowhten, as j ȝow telle. There dede Gaweyn worthy prowesse amonges the hethene jn that presse,Line 13556 thanne Mette with kyng Mandelent; [Gawein meets with Mandelent,] [13557. Mandelent, nt corrected from is.] with him to fyhte hadde he good Entent. For he hadde smyten on of his kyn, [who has struck one of his kin,] þerfore he thowhte to meten with hym.Line 13560 Doon of kerdyf was his name; [Doon of Cardiff.] a man he was of ful good fame. to þe Erthe he hadde him browht, whiche þat Gaweyn ful sone him sowht. [13564. Gaweyn, G corrected from f.] Line 13564

he wolde han smeten of his hed, but anoþer thowht gawayn jn þat sted. Atte laste ȝit Gaweyn with Mandelent mette, & on strok he on him sette; [Mandelent falls.] Line 13568 thorwh his helm Ran Gaweyns dynt, and at his teth þere hit stynt, & he fil ded doun to þe grownde; thanne sory weren þe hethen þat stonde.Line 13572

Whanne the Hethene Behelden tho [leaf 140 a] that kyng Mandelent was ded so, [Then the heathen take tright,] Ful sore abassched alle they were, So þat Echon they fledden there, [and flee to∣wards Van∣dobers, the besieged city.] Line 13576 and to Vandobers they gonne hem hye, where as the Sege was, Sekerlye. thanne began the chas ful strong [They are pursued;] and ek gret dowst, þat Ros hem among,Line 13580 that non Man oþer myhte knowe, Not þe fadyr the Sone jn that Rowe. So that Sore was that Bataylle, that jn thyke chas weren slayn, sauns faille, [slain are] Line 13584 what be Gaweyn & his Felawis there and with helpe of hem of londone jn fere— xij thousend weren Slayn vpryht, [12000 men;] that onnethe of þat Meyne askapen ne MyhtLine 13588 Not thre thousend of al that Rowte; [scarcely 3000 men escape.] So they were chased bothe jnne & owte. thus the hethene weren scomfyt Echon, & homward ful joyful þe children gonne gon [The young squires return to London] Line 13592 To the cyte of londone ful Rapelye; these children ful faste gonne hem hye. with presoners and pray faste þedir they Ronne, [with prison∣ers and booty.] Line 13595 with the goodis þat tofore tyme þe hethene hadden wonne.

Whanne that these children to Londone weren went, Gret joye the ceteȝeins Maden, verament, [The citizens of London are full of joy.] and to-forn hem they Browhten anon alle the prayes that they hadden don.Line 13600 thanne to Gawayn seiden they there, [They ask Gawein to act as chief lord] jn Maner as chef lord that he were,

that he Scholde Maken distribucion [and distri∣bute the goods.] of this good there al Jn vyrown.Line 13604 Thanne answerede Sire gaweyn anon [But Gawein leaves it to Sir Doon of Curdiff,] that for non thing he nolde hit don. "but let Sire doon of kerdyf cyte departen hit as that he wyl for me.Line 13608 For he knoweth bothe Poure & Riche [who knows the people.] and aftir eche degre to departyn aliche. þerfore at his wille hit Schal be do, For of hit j wele Entermete no mo."Line 13612 and whanne the ceteȝeines herden this, [The citizens praise Ga∣wein's gentle∣ness and modesty.] Ful Mochel gaweyn they preiseden, j-wys, and hym they lovedyn with stedfast herte, For he was gentyl, debonewre, meek, & aperte.Line 13616 thus jn londone Restede that Meyne with Mirthe, Joye, and Solempnite. Now a whille Reste we of this Matere, and of kyng Artheur let vs speken here, [Now we will speak of king Arthur and his followers] Line 13620 of kyng Bors, and of kyng Ban, that thike tyme weren ful worthi Men, and also of here compenie tho, that jnto tarmelide with hem gonne go [in Tarmelide.] Line 13624 with kyng leodegam forto dwelle jn Maner of Sowdiours, as j ȝow telle.

Now Forthere to this Mater Let Vs pace, [leaf 140 b] [Chap. XIV.] ȝif that God wyle graunten vs grace,Line 13628 hou that Arthewr past owt of his lond [King Arthur, with Ban and Boors,] and with hym these kynges, ȝe vndirstond, bothe kyng Ban and eke kyng Bors, that weren Men of Myht and Fors;Line 13632 how that they Riden Jn here jorne, Tyl to Tartaysse they comen alle thre, [arrives at Tartaise (Toraise)] where as lay kyng leodegan, j vndirstond, that was a worthi man of his hond.Line 13636 On palmes-sonne Eve jn gonnen they Ryde [on the eve of Palm∣Sunday,] and with hem Merlyn that jlke tyde. there thus Merlyne Rod hem be-fore [Merlin riding in front.] on a fulfair stede to þe paleis thore,Line 13640

where as was tho kyng leodegan, [Kings Leode∣gan is sitting and in his palace. For king Rion has chased him from place to place.] [13641. was, w corrected from t.] that jn ful gret thowht was he than. For kyng Ryowns hadde Entred his lond with xv oþer kynges, j vndirstond,Line 13644 and hym they hadden chaced so sore and from place to place dryven hym thore. So that these kynges logged hem alle [His enemies are encamp∣ing at Neblaise,] a-Forn Neblaise cite, as gan be-falle,Line 13648 which cite was Riche and plentevous of Goodis & of vitaille delicious. wherfore that tyme kyng Leodegan jn herte was a ful hevy Man,Line 13652 For he Niste how Forto do, [and he does not know how to ward them off.] [13653. fforto do corrected from to do.] Nether how his lond defenden hem fro (For jn his Lond hadde he non Meyne that Sege to remeven, certeinle),Line 13656 Ne how owt of his lond he myhte hem chace; of wheche he axed counseyl jn that place [He is asking the advice of his coun∣sellors.] of knyhtes and of othere Mo, that at thike tyme weren comen hym to. [13660. hym, y corrected from c.] Line 13660

Jn the Mene whyle, whiles here-of they speke, [Now Arthur and his com∣panions enter the hall,] [13661. MS. Jnthe.] kyng Arthewr and his compenie gonnen jn Reke, and cam to-fore kyng leodegan, that with his barowns cownseil held than.Line 13664 be tweyne and tweyne they Entred tho, [two and two,] and jnto his halle they Entreden so, and Merlyne jn here compenye, [being, apart from Merlin, 42 in number.] but xlij vndir alle, with-owten lye.Line 13668 Ful Richely vestured & arayed they were, [They are rich∣ly dressed, and all beard∣less youths except Ban and Boors.] and alle Berdles bacheleris thanne jn fere Sof þe two bretheren kynges þat there weren than, kyng Boors of Gawnes and kyng Ban,Line 13672 whiche that to-forn wenten tho; and Merlyne þe Message þere gan do. but alle the lordis þat with-jnne were, [The lords are surprised.] of this peple hadden Merveil there.Line 13676

and whanne they comen to-fore the kyng, [The strangers bow to the king;] they hym obeyeden jn worscheping. Anon the kyng Ros hem ageyn, [he rises.] as this storye Reporteth certeyn,Line 13680 For they semeden ful worthy Men be here aray that they hadden then. Thus whanne they weren Entred Echon, thanne bespak kyng Ban þere anon, [Ban salutes him;] Line 13684 and Salwede kyng leodegan. anon thussone he ȝald him than, [the king says they are welcome,] and seide that alle welcomen they were— "ȝif that for good ȝe be comen here." [if their inten∣tions are good. Ban replies:] Line 13688 thanne bespak kyng Ban tho, and to kyng Leodegan he seide vnto: "Certein, Sire, with-owten lesyng, ["For no evil do we come,] For non Maner of evel is oure comeng,Line 13692 Ne not we comen owt of oure contre here jn thy lond Forto Noyen the, but as jn Manere of socouryng, [but to help you.] For sothe as j ȝow seye, Sire kyng,Line 13696 and ȝou to don Servise jn swich degre that to ȝoure plesaunce now myhte be. and ȝif ȝe wilen not with vs don so, [If you will not have us,] Owt of ȝoure lond, sire, we scholen goLine 13700 And to Betaken ȝow God Al-Myht, [leaf 140 c] that algates he spede ȝow jn ȝoure Ryht; and we scholen gon jnto an nothir contre, [we will go thither where people are glad of our coming.] theþer as Men of oure comenge glad wylen beLine 13704 and vs Resceyven jn Swich a Manere as we to ȝow oure Servise profren here. but certeinly hit was vs tolde [However, we were told that you keep all manner of mercenaries."] that alle Manere of Sowdiours ȝe with-holde,Line 13708 and þerfore was hedyr oure comeng; Therfore ȝoure wille telle vs, Sire kyng."

Thanne answerede kyng Leodegan [King Leode∣gan consults his council.] that with his counseil speken wolde he than.Line 13712 so þat he axede of hem anon what that were best forto don. [13714. MS. werē.]

and they to him answerid anone [He is advised to keep them all,] that he scholde with-holden hem Echone.Line 13716 "For worthy Men they Semen alle, [13717. they, y squeezed in afterwards.] what so Evere there-of may befalle. and also hastely as ȝe Mown don, [and to find out who they are.] that ȝe knowen here names Echon,Line 13720 and whens they ben & of what contre; al this that [ȝe] knowen jn certeinte." [13722. MS. althis that knowē.] thanne partyd leodegan from his cownsaille, [He says to them:] and to these Barowns he cam, sauns faylle.Line 13724 "J Merveille Mochel of ȝoure askyng, ["I wonder at your demand and at your not telling your names.] & that ȝe wilen not discuren ȝow for non thing, [13726. & added in the left margin.] Ne tellen what ȝoure Names ben; swich anoþer Meyne haue j not Sen.Line 13728 but goode Men me semeth be ȝoure chere; [But you seem to be good men; therefore I will keep you. Be welcome as friends and helpers,] that causeth me to Resceyuen ȝou here. and Ryht welcome Mooten ȝe be bothe to my Barouns and Ek to MeLine 13732 as Frendis and felawes to my Socowr, thus to ȝow troste j bothe day & owr. and to this ȝe scholen don Me affiaunce [and promise to be true to me.] with Me to stonden jnto owttraunce;Line 13736 & as longe as ȝe ben jn My compenye, trewly me to helpen ȝe scholen me affye. but of on thing j wolde ȝow preye: [Tell me who you are.] that what ȝe ben, ȝe wolden Me Seye;Line 13740 and for this cause, ȝe vndirstonde: ȝe Moun ben swich men of oþer londe, [Perhaps it would be a shame for me to accept your service;] that hit myhte ben gret schame to Me of ȝow Servise to taken, certeinle,Line 13744 and that j not of power were ȝoure Mede to qwyten jn non Manere. For j Suppose, ful trewely, [for you may be better men than I."] that ȝe ben grettere Men than am j."Line 13748 Thanne they answered hym ageyn [They promise to please him] that him Misplesen they Nolden, certeyn, but hym to Serve jn Swich degre, Line 13752

that likyngge to hym Scholde hit be.Line 13752 and thus Ensurede kyng Ban, certeinlye, [and to tell their names as soon as possible.] For hym and for al his compenye, and that, as hastely as he Myhte, alle here Names to declaren owt Ryhte.Line 13756

Thanne thus departyd they from the kyng [Then Arthur and his men are conducted by Merlin] jnto the town to taken here loggeng of the beste that they cowden gete. So þat Merlyne hem ladde jnto a streteLine 13760 To Ryht a good ȝong Mannes hous, [to the house of a good young man,] that was bothe Riche and plentevous and Ryht good Esement jn alle degre; thydir ladde hem Merlyn, certeinle.Line 13764 Ek a good womman there was at house, [and his de∣vout wife.] that wel lovede god and Ek hire spouse. and him-Self was curteis Ek also, and of good lif they weren bothen two.Line 13768 therto hym-Self Blaires hyhte, [He is called Blaires, she, Leonel.] his wyves name Leonel be Ryhte. whanne to þat hostel þat they comen there, anon they alyhten al jn fere, [They alight,] Line 13772 and Blayres wente hem ageyn, [are welcomed by the host,] and seyde they weren welcomen, jn certein. Anon they Answerede Hym Ful sone that he scholde han Crystes benysone. [leaf 140 d] Line 13776 they alyhteden, and jn-to halle they wente, [walk into the beautiful hall,] whiche was onestly arayed and Gente. and the ȝomen loggeden here hors anon, [and have their horses put into the stable.] and deden jn stable what was to don.Line 13780 thus there they sojorned viij dayes, [They spend a week in good cheer, serving king Leodegan at his court.] [13781. sojorned, j corrected from i.] Not but Eten & dronkyn, & Merye playes and on Morwe they to court wente and Ek at Even after here talenteLine 13784 so thus they servede kyng leodegan with alle the worschepe they cowden than thanne sente forth this kyng anon [Then the king sends out messen∣gers] be sondry Messengeris Many onLine 13788

that alle thike that myhte armes bere, [to call every fighting man] hem-self to defende, here Enemyes to dere, that jn Toraysse they scholde ben [to Toraise on Ascension Eve,] on ascencioun Even bothe fair & clen.Line 13792 and ho so brak this comandement Jn ony degre be his Entent, lik a man-Mordrere he scholde ded be [on pain of death.] and þerto his good to lesen, ful sikerle.Line 13796

On the tothir syde sente Leodegan [He also hires soldiers] of al his kynrede to Every Man [13798. his added in the left margin; k corrected, daubed.] and al aboutes jnto Eche contre [in various countries.] there he supposede ony sowdiours to be.Line 13800 for he ne sparede for Siluer ne Goold that plente of Sowdiours hauen he woold. So þat with-owten ony more let at assencioun, þe whiche was set, [40,000 men assemble.] Line 13804 xl thousend jn tente and pavyloun weren logged vndir toreyse town what on hors and what on foote with-outen hem of þe town, wel j wote. [13808. wel, l added afterwards.] Line 13808 jn the Mene while that this kyng [Meanwhile,] hadde thus aboutes sent his warneng, happed that vppon the Even of May vppon hym Entrede, with-owten delay, [the country is invaded by four heathen kings,] Line 13812 kyng plariouns & kyng Roallaund, whiche weren bothe of yrland, Ek of assirois kyng Sonigrans, and of þe same Lond kyng Sorohans.Line 13816 these from the ost comen adown jnto Tarmelyde al jn virown with xv thousend armed ful clene For Nede of vytaylle, as that j wene. [who come in search of provision,] Line 13820 So hit happede, as hit hem befelle, that Nygh to toraysse they com ful snelle, where as soiournede kyng leodegan, that his Meyne abod there than.Line 13824 so þat there was gret Noyse & cry [with great noise.]

of these Malfetours, sekerly, that Robbede & stroyede that contre. Anon the citeȝeines aspiden hit, sykerle, [The citizene shut the gates.] Line 13828 and here ȝates they schetten ful blyve, that owt scholde gon non Man on lyve. [13830. scholde corrected from schelde.] anon asarmes they gonne to crye, [All the knights as∣semble.] the cheualrie þat with-jnne was, trewelye,Line 13832 and to-forn the ȝate they semblede anon, knyhtes of þe Rownd table Everychon. and the cheventeyn of hem was [(1) The 250 knights of the Round Table have Hervy of Rivel and Malet le Bruns for leaders,] Line 13836 hervy of Ryvel jn that plas,Line 13836 and Malet le bruns was his felawe, that Many a man browhten of dawe, with cc. & fyfty jn here compenye of worthy Bodyes, with-owten lye,Line 13840 that vndir hevene non bettere Nere thanne tho bodyes that weren there. these be hem-selven weren alone, [and keep to themselves.] For with oþere Meddelen wolden they none.Line 13844

On the tother part they gonnen hem dyhte, the cheualrye of þe towne anon Ryhte, [(2) The knights of the town are 4000.] And of hem iiij thousend ther were, That Myhte Bewelden Bothe Scheld and Spere. [leaf 141 a] Line 13848 this Meyne hadden a cheventeyn [Their leader is Cleodalis,] that cleodalis hyhte, Jn certeyn, [13850. MS. hyhten,] that wont was the kynges baner to bere [who used to carry the king's banner before the arrival of the 230 knights,] bothe jn pes and Ek jn werre. [13852. werre, the second r corrected from e.] Line 13852 but sethen the knyhtes of þe Rownde table that Lond Entreden, with-owten fable, thanne was hervy of Ryvel the kynges banorer Everidel.Line 13856 but he bar a lytel Gomfaynoun & did it sprede [but now car∣ries a small ensign.] with tweyne Langues be Ryht Resoun Rede, the Feld Gold with corowns of ynde. and the grete baner, that cam behynde, [The great banner, carried by Hervy of Rival,] Line 13860 whiche that hervy Ryvel Bar, jn this Maner was araied thar:

with foure langues fayre & pleyne, [has four lozenges with golden crowns.] and there-jnne corouns of gold, jn certeyne,Line 13864 the Feld asure bothe fair and schene; thus this Baner bar he hem betwene. whanne Redy armed that they were, [The knights assemble at the gate;] aforn the ȝate they sembleden there,Line 13868 and abyden the kynges comeng, that ȝit at that tyme was anarmyng. and whanne the kyng j-armed was, [the king joins them,] anon he asemblede jn that plas,Line 13872 and þere drowh to hervyes Baner sytteng vppon a good destrer. and þere he houed with his compenye [and waits there.] To knowen of these jresch more certeinlye.Line 13876 On þe thridde partye was armed than [(3) Arthur and his 42 companions likewise get ready.] kyng artheur, king Bors, & kyng Ban, and his compenye al jn fere, of wheche but xlij ther were.Line 13880 and ful Ryaly they weren adyht, and Merlyn here baner bare in fyht. [Merlin, who carries the banner,] and whanne j-horsed alle they were, thanne to hem Seide Merlyn there [asks all to follow it,] Line 13884 that thyke day bothe gret & smalle to Sewen his baner, what euere befalle. [whatever may happen.] "jn what place that Evere ȝe hit Se, loke ȝe hit Sewe and foleweth Me."Line 13888 and alle they seiden with on cry that So they wolden, ful trewely. thanne so they Reden thorwh þe town, [They ride through the town.] and Merlyn bar here gomfaynown. [13892. h^{er}e, abbreviation mark in darker ink.] Line 13892 but Richere arayed thanne they were, jn that town was neuere seyn there. and here baner was Ryht Merveyllous [Their banner is of strange and grim device: a dragon] Forto beholden and Ryht spetous:Line 13896 his Baner hit was on dragown, and not ful gret hit was jn virown; the tayl a kebyt and an half was long, [with a scaly tail,] al j-Mailled as a serpent ful strong;Line 13900

and his throte so gret & sterne hit was, that hit Semede hem jn that plas [and vomiting fire.—] so that the tonge that stood with-jnne Euere Enflawmeng & wolde not blynne,Line 13904 that thorwh the throte owt fyr hit caste vpe jnto the ayr, hit semede hem faste. and jn the Mene while the jresch Men, [By this time the heathen have come to the town,] that hethen tho weren, as j ȝow ken,Line 13908 with here speres comen to the town, and the ȝates asayllede jn virown. [and assail the gates; then they go into the meadows, and seize the grazing cattle.] and sethen jnto þe Medewes they wente, & alle the bestes they token, veramente,Line 13912 that abowtes the town jn pasture weren tho; with hem they Maden hem forto go. For þere nas non Man hem to defende, Tyl that God sone grace gan sende.Line 13916 thorwgh þe town paste Merlyne anon, [Merlin] There As the peple Weren sembled Echon, [leaf 141 b] and thorwgh that pres Redily he paste, tyl to the ȝate he cam atte laste [arrives at the gate with his troop.] Line 13920 and with hym there al his Meyne. [13921. al added above the line, after his.] Anon to the porter thanne seide he: [He says to the gate∣keeper: "Let us pass out."] "let vs now, porter, here owt pace, Fore hit is tyme to comen on place."Line 13924 and þe porter answered hem ageyn [The keeper replies: "Not with∣out the com∣mand of the king."] that they Scholden not passen hit, Jn certein, with-owten comaundement of the kyng, and thus ȝaf he hem to answeryng.Line 13928 "that is be Misaventure," quod Merlyn tho, [Merlin says: "That's bad,] "that thou þe ȝate ne schalt vndo, whanne that j am as strong as thou, [as I am as strong as you."] and that Schal j sone preven now."Line 13932 Anon kam Merlyne to the ȝate, [He pulls out the gate with his hand,] and with his hond pulled there-ate, and pulde þe ȝate owt from the ston. thanne owt they wenten there Echon, [and out they ride.] Line 13936 ho so wolde or ho so Nolde; owt they Riden al glytered jn goolde.

Whanne that the two an fowrty Men owt of þe cyte weren passed than,Line 13940 the ȝate closed aȝen also faste [The gate closes behind them.] as hit ne hadde neuere ben vnwraste. For whiche Merveille thanne anon [All marvel.] these thre kynges blessed hem Everichon,Line 13944 and so diden al that companye. but faste forward Merlyn gan hym hye, [Merlin first overtakes 2000 heathen] And ouertook of that Meyne two thousend hethen jreseh, certeinle,Line 13948 and ladden with hem a ful gret praye. [with plenty of booty,] thanne anon as Merlyne hem saye, anon he Sewede with his Banere, and his compenye holy folewede him there.Line 13952 betwene hem þere was gret bataille, [attacks them,] that certeinly, with-owten faylle, be half a Myle Nygh hem was non but the xlij there al alon,Line 13956 and token the pray, & lad it ageyn [and brings the booty back to the city.] aforn the ȝates tho, jn certein. and they ne hadden not Ryden but a stounde, [Then he sees the four heathen kings with 15000 men,] that they Sien vppon the GrowndeLine 13960 the foure kynges Rehersed be-fore with xv thousend Men j-armed thore, that with hem ladde so gret plente [likewise laden with spoil,] of kariage & of pray to-ward the se,Line 13964 that they hadde Robbed jn that lond, as j do ȝow here to vndirstond. [13966. here, he through correction.] Anon as Merlyn Sawh al this, thanne to his feleschepe he cryde, j-wys: [and cries to his company "Follow me, and you shall see a good joke."] Line 13968 "Seweth me now for ony thyng, and ȝe scholen Sen a good boordyng." there they hym seweden Everichon, but Euere to-fore Merlyne gan gon.Line 13972 and swich a wynd he gan to arere [He raises such a wind amongst the enemies] with wondir blastes of tempest þere, that swich a powdir amonges hem þere was, amonges here Enemyes jn that plas, [13976. h^{er}e, abbreviation mark in darker ink.] Line 13976

that non of hem oþer Myhte Se; [that they can∣not see one another.] So Merveillous dowst hit was & gret plente.

Anon as these two and fowrty Men [The 42 fel∣lows attack the heathen.] with-jnne these hethen weren Entrid than,Line 13980 they beten and slowen so Many a-down, that ded abowtes they lyen jn virown. Anon comanded kyng leodegan [Now king Leodegan orders the gates to be opened;] that the ȝates anon opened weren than;Line 13984 and so they weren jn Ryht gret haste, So that thike Meyne owt þere paste. There the Steward Rod forth Be-fore [leaf 141 c] with iiij Thousend men wel armed thore, [Cleodalis, with 4000 men, sallies out,] [13988. T through correction.] Line 13988 and they founden the ȝate schet ful faste, there as Merlyne and his Meyne owt weren paste. with xv thousend they fowhten that whyle þere [13991. þere added afterwards.] Ful Merveillously a ful gret tyde in fere. [13992. whylle crossed out, and tyde in fere added, at the end of the line.] Line 13992 Thanne forth cam cleodalys tho, [and joins in the battle.] and to that pres faste gan he go. So that the Noyse of speris that þere were, the brekyng of hem, jnto the cyte was herd there.Line 13996 there was thanne so gret distroccioun [Great de∣struction is wrought;] of Men dede & hors slayn j[n] viroun, [13998. MS. j viroū.] So that hit Semede be here gruntyng [the din resembles thunder.] [13999. h^{er}e, abbreviation mark in darker ink.] that hit hadde ben a Merveyllous thondryng,Line 14000 but Merveillously wrowhte these xlij Men that vndir Merlynes Banere weren than. Whanne that the iiij kynges Syen al this, [The four heathen kings divide their army:] that with the cristene they weren thus Mellid, j-wis,Line 14004 they departed her Meyne anon vntwo, of wheche vij M^ł to þe cyte gan go [7000 go against the approaching banner of king Leo∣degan,] [14006. MS. M with t at the top (= Milia).] aȝens the baner of kyng leodegan. whanne they aspide hym comeng than, [14008. MS. Comēng.] Line 14008 Ech of hem aȝens oþer gan forto Ryde, also faste as they myhten that Tyde.

and þe toþer viij thousend fowhten ful faste, [8000 remain.] whilles that here strengthe Myhte laste.Line 14012 but leodegan and this othir Meyne, [The fight With king Leodegan is fierce;] betwixen hem gret bataylle was, Sikerle, that bothe helmes & hauberkes j-borsten they were, Neþer non Mail of steel lasten Myhte not there,Line 14016 that down they fillen al blody to grownde, For þere was ȝoven Many a dethes wounde. [many are killed.] And whanne here speris j-borsten they were, anon here swerdis they drowen owt there.Line 14020 thanne began there gret Bataylle, that Merveille to beholde hit was, sauns faylle. and namly the knyhtes of þe Rownd table [The knights of the Round Table excel,] Merveillously they fowhten, with-owten fable,Line 14024 of wheche weren but two hundred & fyfty, and of the tothere vij thousend, ful sekerly. but at gret Mischef they weren there, [but are in great dis∣tress.] that here bodyes gonnen tremblen for fere; [14028. h^{er}e abbreviation mark in darker ink.] Line 14028 and whethir they wolde other none, [14030. grow̄d added in the left margin.] here grownd to forsaken Mad weren they sone. but they helden hem so faste jn fere, [They keep close to∣gether.] that no Man with-jnnen hem Entren Myhte there;Line 14032 Nethir litel ne Mochel, lasse ne More, with-jnnen hem Entren cowde not thore. whanne Plareouns & kyng Roallaunt [The heathen leaders of the 7000 men] To-Gideris swich a Meyne gonnen se haunt,Line 14036 and of hem so lytel peple there was aȝens so gret Meyne jn that plas, Ful gret dispit hadden these kynges bothe, [viciously vow that none of them shall escape.] and sworen ful bitterly Many a gret otheLine 14040 that of hem askape scholde not on, as ferforthly as they Myhten don.

Thussone they Maden an ordenance Forto han wrowht this Meyne Mischance.Line 14044 So that xl of that litel compenye [Forty of the knignts are overthrown;] weren sore defowlid, with-owten lye. And euer this jresch hethen peyned hem fulsore Line 14048

hem to han de-fowlid ful Mochelis MoreLine 14048 and hem to han Maymed, ȝif hit Myhte han be; but they myhte not thanne for here compene. [still they keep the assailants off.] For with-jnne hem þere non Man there paste, as fer as ony of here dyntes of swerdis myhte laste.Line 14052 And jn this Mene whille, as j ȝow telle, vppon kyng leodegan they fowhten ful felle, [King Leo∣degan in captured,] So that fulsore beten he was jn that place, and there with his Enemyes j-taken he wasLine 14056 and lad forth there anon tho Ryht [and led away 500 men] with v hundred Redy armed to fyht. So Hym Forth they Ladden, As J Vndyrstond, [leaf 141 d] towardis kyng Ryown of jrlond, [towards king Rion.] Line 14060 And with gret joye they forth hym ladde, for they wenden the werris Ended ben hadde. So thus they hyede hem wondir faste, Tyl owt of the ost that they weren paste.Line 14064 And whanne that kyng leodegan Say this, [When he realizes his plight,] that with his Enemyes he was taken, j-wys, and him forth ladden Moche Maugre his hed, For sorwen he swownede jn that sted, [he is faint with grief.] Line 14068 and wepe ful Sore, & Made gret pyte, that jn swich a maner j-taken was he. they hym forth ladden vppon the weye two Skottysch Milles, the sothe to seye.Line 14072 but Evere the Noyse ful gret hit was [The battle is continued.] of the vij thowsend jn that plas and of the cc. and fyfty knyhtes, that aȝens þe vij thousend held fyhtes, [The knights bemoan the loss of king Leodegan;] Line 14076 that Maden gret sorwe & gret Mone, For kyng leodegan was so gone. and whanne they syen, hit wolde non oþer be, that non Reskeus was there, sekerle,Line 14080 they dresseden here bakkes al jn fere, [they defend themselves in compact body,] and jn Maner of a scheltrom they stoden there, [14082. ād corrected from an (in darker ink).] and there thanne so sore they fowhte, that non Man deren hem ne Mowhte.Line 14084 but they Maden gret occisioun [and kill many] of Men & hors aboutes hem jn virown

with-owten Remevyng of ouy place; [without mov∣ing from the spot.] ful Mochel peple be hem j-slayn þere wace.Line 14088 So that they swetten for gret peyne, so hydous the storm was & so sodeyne, that they that atte wyndowes gonnen loke [The lookers∣on in the city weep with anguish,] out of the cyte, as Seith the boke,Line 14092 wepten for angwysch & for pyte for the sorewe that they be these knyhtes gonnen se, and Merveilled gretly jn here Mynde [and marvel at their bravery.] Line 14095 how swich hertis with-jnnen hem Myhten they fynde. but whanne gonnore beheld hire fadir dere, [Gonnore bewails the fate of her father.] that with his Enemyes forth lad was he there, Ful gret deol sche gan to Make, and Riht gret Sorwe to here gan take.Line 14100 Now a whille lete vs here dwelle, [14101. here, h corrected from d.] and of kyng Artheur lete vs now spelle [Now we will return to Arthur and his 42 followers,] and also of his compenye, sauns faylle, how that they spedden jn bataylleLine 14104 Aȝens viij thousend forto fyhte, [14105. Aȝens, A corrected from] thike xlij Men of gret Myhte, and with hem the steward of Tarmelyde, [together with Cleodalis the steward] that cleodalis hyht that tyde.Line 14108

Now Reherseth this Storye Ryht here of the xlij whiche þat there were, & of the iiij thousend that cleadalis [and his 4000 men,] vndir his Baner browhte, j-wys,Line 14112 whiche with viij thousend j-Medled were, [in melée with the 8000 heathen under Soni∣grens and Sorohans.] that kyng sonigrenx & Sorohanx cowndiet there; of whiche weren Manye defoulyd & slayn, as this storye Reherseth here jn certayn. [14116. Certayn, a corrected from e.] Line 14116 And Whanne they Hadden Longe Fowhten Jn Fere, [leaf 142 a] Merlyne with his Banere owt prekede there, [After a long fight, Merlin calls on his com∣pany to follow him;] and to his Meyne he cryede Jn gret haste that they hym Scholden folwen faste.Line 14120 and so they dyden Ryht Swyftly tho, [they ride swiftly,] as faste as here hors cowden Renne oþer go,

tyl that they comen jnto on valey, [and overtake the prisoners' convoy.] where as these v hundred ladden aweyLine 14124 kyng leodagan, here presoner. And anon Merlyn ascryed hym ther: [Merlin cries:] "Now, barouns, let Se, kythe here ȝoure Myht ["Rescue the king,] To Reskwen the kyng here with ȝoure fyht.Line 14128 and but ȝif ȝe don, he goth his way." [or he goes his way!"] And Evere he cride: "Tray, tray, tray!" So that these knyhtes Sewede on faste, Tyl they hym ouertoken atte laste.Line 14132

Thussone they Entred hem betwene [They rush into the con∣voy,] with manye gret strokis, as hit was sene, and slowh & Maymed al that þer were, [slay, and maim.] that nowht on his hele hadde there.Line 14136 there þese xlij Maden swich Martyrdom, of Men & hors a ful gret Som, [14138. of, o corrected from a.] that vnnethes askaped ony away [Of the 500 escape only five.] of thike v hundred, the Sothe to say,Line 14140 Sauf only fyve, that fledden be-fore, anon as kyng leodagan they hadden forlore. [14142. leodagan, the first a corrected from e.] And thus Reskwed was Leodagan the kyng, [King Leo∣degan marvels,] whiche to hym was ful gret Merveyllyng,Line 14144 To sen Swich Martirdom Jn that plase as of thyke lytel peple j-Mad there wase. and whanne he beheld the dragown þat Merlyn bar, thanne wiste he wel his frendis weren thar. [14148. wiste he twice, the former crossed out.] Line 14148 thanne thankede he God of that dede, [and thanks God for such soldiers.] that so his Sowdeours with him dyden spede. Anon Merlyn there to hym wente, and þere hym sesede anon presente.Line 14152

Whanne Vlphyn beheld kyng Leodegan, [Ulfin and Bretel alight,] anon of his hors alyhte he than, and sire Bretel jn the same wyse, anon he alyhte to þat kyng of pryse,Line 14156 and him vnbownden, & armed hym wel, [unfetter the king,]

and sette hym on a destrer bothe good & lel. [and put him on a good horse.] whanne Bretel & Vlphyn horsid hym hadde jn þat wise, he thankede hem ful hyhly of here Servise.Line 14160 thanne Merlyne began to ascryen Eft sone: [Now Merlin again asks them to fol∣low him,] "Now thynketh, Barouns, what ȝe han to done. Seweth now me, what Euere ȝe do, and be non wyse partyth not me fro."Line 14164 he took his hors with the spores welfaste, and toward the cyte he prikede jn haste, [and sets off towards the city,] [14166. welfaf (s not completed) crossed out before jn haste.] where that the knyhtes of the Rounde table at gret Mischef weren, with-owten fable,Line 14168 of wheche two hundre[d] and fyfty knyhtes [where of the 250 knights only 20 are still on horseback.] [14169. MS. hundre.] there nere but xx on hors owt-Ryhtes, and al the Remnant on foote were, and ful Manfully fowhten there. [14172. MS. ful Manfulmanly; cf. l. 14298.] Line 14172 thanne Merlyne prikede so faste to-fore, [He rides fast;] so faste hym Sewede his feleschepe thore, [14174. so, s corrected, in a fashion, from T; the character still looks like a T.] that here hors on swot they weren Echon; So faste thyderwardis dyden they gon.Line 14176 And the dragoun þat Merlyn Bar, [the dragon vomiting so much fire] Swiche plente of fyr hit cast owt thar, that tho whiche weren jn the cyte, large half a Myle they myhten hit se, [that it can be seen at fully half a mile's dis∣tance.] Line 14180 the clernesse of that Fer so bryht, how jnto the Eyr hit wente vp ryht. [14182. ryht, r corrected from R.]

Whanne that the ceteȝeins of that cite [When the citizens see the little troop coming] behelden that jlke litel Meyne,Line 14184 thanne wisten they wel, the xlij it were, that jn feleschepe weren jn fere, and with hem was kyng leodagan, [with king Leodegan,] that these xlij hadde reskwed than.Line 14188 wherfore gret joye they gonne to Make, [they rejoice.] and so dede Gonnore for here fadris sake, [So does Gon∣nore, and wonders who these knights are] merveilleng sore what these knyhtes were, Line 14192

That so Vygoursly fowhten there. [leaf 142 b] Line 14192 For lyk as thondyr here dyntes ferde, [that fight so marvellously.] that jnto the Eyr hit myhte ben herde; [14194. MS. myhtē.] For so Merveillous was here fyhtyng, that alle that weren jn here stondyngLine 14196 they Slowen down Ryht as they come, that to-gederis they lyen on Many a throme. [14198. they, t (very small) inserted afterwards.] and whanne the xlij jn fere [They fall upon the heathen.] amonges tho jeawntis weren Eutred þere,Line 14200 thanne began the fyht so strong, that wondir passyng noyse was hem among. so that Gonnore, with-owten Nay, that hydows Noyse Myhte heren, Jn fay.Line 14204 there dyde kyng Ban of Baynok, [Ban gives irresistible strokes,] with correcense, his swerd, ȝaf Many a strok. For whom that Evere þere-with he smot, to grownde they wenten anon foot hot,Line 14208 that neyther helm, hauberk, ne haberjon withstondyn his dyntes Myhten nouht on. and thus took he on jn that Bataylle, þat downryht slowh Man & hors, with-owten faille. [slaying man and horse.] [14212. downryht, w corrected from o (and something else).] Line 14212 so there nas non, myhte with-stonden his dynt, Tyl of here lyveȝ that they weren stynt. and jn the same Manere ferde kyng bors, [So does Boors,] that of alle the Enemyes gaf he non fors.Line 14216 and whanne the hethene behelden this of þe Merveillous strokys they Syen, j-wys, and how kyng Artheur with kalybrond [and so does Arthur.] Merveillous strokis þaf with his hondLine 14220 (aȝens weche swerd, the sothe to say, [14221. weche, w corrected from s.] Myhte there non armure lasten that day, For Evere he vsede to smyten so sore, that non Man his strok abyden Myhte thore)—Line 14224

Thanne, whilles they fowhten Jn this Manere, [In the course of the battle,] happede, kyng artheur ȝit neyghede hym Nere, [14226. artheur added afterwards above the line.]

and Mette with on that hyhte caunlent, [Arthur meets with one who is called Caunlent;] that hem of þe Round table anoyede, verament, [14228. that corrected from the.] Line 14228 and þerto dide he his power tho. but Artheur, as hit happede so, Mette with this caunlent, j ȝou Ensure, whiche chef was of passyng Mesure: [this chieftain is 14 feet long.] Line 14232 xiiij fote long he was, j wene, of swich Maner feet as now þere bene. And whanne kyng Artheur there him Mette, a wondirful strok þere on him he sette: [Arthur, with a stroke from the side,] Line 14236 besides his Scheld be smot hym so, that thorwh bothe scholdres calibrand gan go. [cuts through both his shoulders.] And anon he fyl a-down, with-owten les, and his hors forth Ran thorwh-out þat pres.Line 14240 So they that jn the Castel were, behelden how Arthour gan him bere; Also Gonnore, þe dowhter of kyng Leodagan, [Gonnore and the others who see him, are full of wonder.] Merveillede mochel what was that Man;Line 14244 and so dyden þe peple Everychon that hym behelden be on & on.

Ful strong was þe stowr and þat Melle, [Violent is the fight of the] that thike tyme was to-fore the cyteLine 14248 where as þe .cc. knyhtes & fyfty [230 knights] and the two and fourty felawes, sekerly, [and the 42 fellows against the 8000 heathen.] aȝens viij thousend helden here fyht as worthy persones of power & Myht.Line 14252 but what thorwh the strokis þat þere weren deld, [Of these now only 5000 remain.] Ne left but fyve thousend jn the feld, whiche weren ful Soreweful jn here degre, that kyng Cavnlent was ded, sekerle.Line 14256 thanne happede, kyng Ban cam ful blyve, [Ban hits a gigantic chieftain] as worthy a knyht as ony on lyve, and with his good swerd, þat was so Brown, anon there Rawhte he to kyng plarioun,Line 14260 that þe grettest jeawnt was he of þat ost; but þere kyng ban thouhte to fellen his bost. [14262. ban added above the line.] vppon the helm So he him there Rawhte, [on the helm,] Line 14264

that Ryht ful sone gret harm he cawhte;Line 14264 The Strok thorwh the panne Hit gothe [leaf 142 c] and thorwh the left scholdere Evene, for sothe, [slitting him from fore∣head to girdle.] and jnto the gyrdelstede Evene down Ryht, that ded down he fyl for fawt of Myht.Line 14268 Thanne kyng Bors þere smot so Sarmedoun, [Boors cuts off the banner∣bearer's arm.] that bar these jeauntes Gomfanown, that bothen arm, Baner, and scheld ful fer hit fley jnto the feld.Line 14272 these strokes beheld kyng leodagan, [King Leo∣degan says to himself:] and to him-self jn his herte seide than: "there nas neuere kyng, so god me spede, ["Never king had better help!"] that better socour hadde atte Nede."Line 14276 and whanne the jeauntes syen here lordes ded, [Now the heathen turn to flight.] and here banerer was slayn jn that Sted, anon they Tornede hem to the flyht, Eche man be hym-Selve, hos gon Myht.Line 14280 thanne that Syen they of the cyte, [A party out of the city pursue them.] & owte þere comen a praty Meyne, wel two thousend j-armed ful bryht, and folwed that chas þere anon Ryht.Line 14284 but Merlyn wente not that contre, [But Merlin returns to Cleodalis (p. 377).] For sone to cleodalis thanne turned he, where as he with his iiij thousend Men aȝens vij thousend fawht he then,Line 14288 whiche Sonygrenx hadde jn gouernaunce and kyng Sorohaunx with Mischaunce.

Whanne Merlyne cam to that Bataylle, [He finds him unhorsed,] he fond Cleodalis, with-owten faylle,Line 14292 vnhorsed and at the Erthe, jn certein, but on his fet he was Rekeuered ageyn, [but standing upright with his banner,] and the baner kepte, with-owten lesyng, For that wolde he not leven for non thyng.Line 14296 and abowtes him stoden his compenye, [and defended by his men.] that him defendid ful Manfullye, but they weren at gret Mischef. Natheles Merlyn gan sone hem Relef,Line 14300 and amonges hem Entrede with his baner, [Merlin and his party] & þe xlij felawes him folwede ther.

thanne jn they flyen as stordyly [dash upon the enemy;] as Evere dide tempest out of þe sky,Line 14304 and so worthily they fowhten there, thyke xlij felawes þat weren jn fere, that neuere men myghte bettere do than thyke compenye diden tho. [14308. than, MS. that.] Line 14308 but Evere this kyng leodagan [king Leo∣degan is ever with them.] here felesehepe nolden not forsaken than. whanne these xlij amonges the jeawntes were, Swich a noyse amonges hem was þanne there, [The din is tremandous.] Line 14312 as of alle þe world the carponteris [14313. þ^e squeezed in afterwards.] jn wodes hadde hewen stowt & fers.

This was ȝit the angriest stour [The struggle is the fiercest that day.] that thike day they suffreden be ony our,Line 14316 and þe most dolorowse and angwisschous, but Evere hem socourede swete jesus. For there a man myhte beholde bothe men & hors fulmanifolde [Men and horses fall as thick as moths in the field] Line 14320 as thikke fallen vnder here scheld as that Motes flen jn the feld. There myhten ȝe sen hors walken astray, [horses run about with empty,] that non Man of hem took kepe, jn fay,Line 14324 of wheche the Sadelis ful blody were [bloody sad∣dles] of þe knyhtes that vppon hem weren slayn there. and swich a noyse amonges hem was, [the noise resembles thunder.] For lyk as thondring hit ferde jn that plas.Line 14328 So that theke xlij persones [The heroism of the 42 was spoken of long after their death;] Merveillously boren hem for þe nones, that aftyr the deth of hem, j vndirstond, [14331. j, MS. jn.] hit was of hem longe spoken jn that lond,Line 14332 and, as this storye Reporteth now here, that So Manye Bodyes weren slayn there. Beheueded, qwartered, dislemed Also, [leaf 142 d] that Many day aftyr men Myhten go [and the traces of the battle were visible many a day after.] Line 14336 jnto þe places as the batailles were be men dede & hors that lyen there thorwh the conqwest, as J ȝow telle. Line 14340

hos Names here-aftyr J schal ȝou spelle, [Here follows] Line 14340 For so wyle here this storye, aforn goode men to Rehersen hem, vtterlye. [the list of]

The ferste kyng Ban of Baynoc hyhte, [the] the secunde kyng Bors, a man of Myhte,Line 14344 the thridde kyng Artheur that tyme was, the fourthe was Antron jn that plas, the fyfthe was vlphyn, as j ȝow tel, the sixthe was goode sire Bretel, [forty∣] Line 14348 the seventhe that tyme hihte sire kay þe fers, the viijthe sire lucauns the botelers, the ixthe, the sone of kerdif, hihte þan doo, the xthe Moret le Roche cleped was tho, [two] Line 14352 the xjthe dryauns of þe forest sauage, j vndirstonde, the xijthe hyhte lorgelons de la launde, the xiijthe, j kan tellen ful wel, hihte belias Amoreus of Mayden castel, [heroes] Line 14356 the xiiijthe Flaundris ly breȝ, wel j wot, the xvthe hihte ladmas of Baynot, the xvjthe hithe Amoreus ly brews, the xvijthe Anchalanx ly Rows, [who] Line 14360 the xviijthe bloys of casel, fel & fers, [14361. of, MS. os.] the xixthe hihte goode Bliobers, The xxthe hihte canodes þat tyme be vois, the xxjthe hihte Melyadon de bloys, [had] [14364. xxjthe, j corrected from t.] Line 14364 the xxijthe Aladank le crespe, þis storye says, the xxiijthe hihte placides ly Gays, the xxiiijthe Lampadys Plangwye, the xxvthe Geroas lenches in compenye, [come] Line 14368 the xxvjthe cristofre de la Roche Byse. the xxvijthe Engelyn desuans, a man of prise, the xxviijthe calogrenaunt the fre, the xxixthe Agwysale le desyrre, [to] Line 14372 The xxxthe thanne hyhte Good Agravel, the xxxjthe hihte thanne claryel, the xxxijthe Gryves de lambele, [14375. Gryves, r corrected from y.] Line 14376

the xxxiijthe Qweodyn, þat was fayr & lele, [Tarmelide] Line 14376 the xxxiiijthe hyhte than Merangus, the xxxvthe Gornayns karadus, the xxxvjthe hihte clariaunt of Ban, the xxxvijthe layȝ hardis, a worthi Man, [as] Line 14380 the xxxviijthe Amayndan the stowte, the xxxixthe hihte oȝenan jn that Rowte, the xlthe hyhte Galet cownde, the xljthe Gales the chans, parde, [soldiers.] Line 14384 the xlijthe was bleene, kyng bors godsone, the xliijthe, Merlyne, gan with hem wone, [With them were Merlin and Leo∣degan.] the xliiijthe was the kyng leodegan, that here Feleschepe wolde leven for non Man.Line 14388 alle these worthi Men jn fere To Resku cleodalis wenten there, [Cleodalis who was re∣lieved by them,] that steward was of Tarmelyde. as a worthy man he prevyd him that tyde: [was a man of rare no∣bility of soul:] Line 14392 ȝit for non wrong kyng leodagan hadde hym j-do, Neuere from hym departen wolde he not tho. [he never for∣sook his king,] And ȝit so wolde not Many a Man don þere as cleodalis dyde than,Line 14396 but he dede that Many a man wolde not do; For the cause ȝe schole knowen also. and ȝit wolde he neuere his lord forsake For al the wrong he suffrede & wrake, [notwith∣standing all the wrong he suffered from him.] Line 14400 but euere be him stood in al myschef, as þowh to hym he hadde ben good & lef.

This is the trowthe, As J ȝow telle, [leaf 143 a] how that cleodalis the steward hit befelle. [This is what had hap∣pened: king Leo∣degan wedded a noble lady.] Line 14404 hit behapped that kyng Leodegan a lady of hygh parage wedded had than, and therto she was of gret Bewte, [14407. therto, o blotted.] and jnto Tarmelyde browhte hire heLine 14408 owt of hire faderis owne lond, as j do ȝow to vndirstond. & with hire sche browhte a Mayden ful gent [She brought with her a maiden of wonderful beauty.] of wondir gret bewte, verament,Line 14412

whiche Mayden cleodalis lovede ful derne, [Cleodalis loved this maiden,] For there-of myhte non Man hym werne. So that he preyde leodagan, verament, [and asked the king's permission to marry her.] [14415. See footnote to l. 14142.] that he Myhte wedden þat Mayden gentLine 14416 For alle his goode longe Servise; he axede no More to his apryse. the kyng hym graunted with riht good wylle, [The king con∣sented.] For þat he was Mochel beholden him tylle.Line 14420 and whanne j-wedded hire that he hadde, and from cherche as sche was ladde, and browht was jnto the kynges paleys, [At the wed∣ding least,] and down at Mete was set on deys,Line 14424 therto apparaylled ful Ryaly aboven alle ladyes that seten hire by, thanne hadde sche moche more bewte [she surpassed all in beauty.] thanne ony oþer lady, Sykerle;Line 14428 wherthorwh þe kyng on hire his herte caste, [The king fell in love with her,] that for non thing aȝen Myht he hit wreste. So that stylle Leodagan the kyng [but said no∣thing at the time.] [14431. c crossed out before Leodagan.] a gret whylle dwellede jn Morneng,Line 14432 For sche was the fairest creature jn ony londe, as this Storye doth me to vndirstonde; and thus at that tyme seyde he no more than. but as hit happede that kyng leodagan [One Mid∣summer, he sent Cleodalis on an expedi∣tion against his enemies.] Line 14436 at an hygh feste of seynt Johne, Leodagan Cleodalis owt he sente anon a certeyn chevachye forto do vppon his Enemyes, þat hym Noyede tho,Line 14440 and his faire lady behinde lefte there [The wife stayed at home, keep∣ing the queen company.] the qwene compenye forto bere (For bothen they loveden as paramour, the qweene & sche, with-owten langour)—Line 14444

hit behappede vppon a Nyht, [One night Leodegan lay by his wife,] Leodagan be his qwene lay, as wile Ryht. that Nyht on hire he be-gat tho [and begot a daughter.] a fair dowhter, with-owten Mo,Line 14448 that jn hire age Gonn[or]e hit hyhte, [14449. MS. Gonne.]

whiche that was a wondir fair wyhte. this qweene sche was of gret bownte [The queen, who was very plous,] [14451. was crossed out before sche.] and an holy lyuere, certeinle;Line 14452 and on costom hadde this qweene: þat but fewe Nyhtes hit scholde bene [and regularly attended matins,] that sche ne wolde to Mynstre go hire Matynes & servise to heren tho.Line 14456 that same Nyht þat sche conceyved was, [went also this time,] To Matynes sche Ros ful gret pas, and be the stewardis wyf sche cam ful stille, [14459. wyf added above the line.] and fond hire Slepyng, & thowhte non ylle.Line 14460 thanne forth sche wente, & wook hire nowht, [without waking the steward's wife.] To serven hire God, as sche hadde thowht, and lefte this lady there stylle on slepe, that of non creature took sche kepe.Line 14464 Forth wente þe qweene alone with hire sawtyere to þe Mynstre, that faste by was there. Anon this kyng leodagan tho this lady thowhte to werken wo.Line 14468 and whanne þat the qweene to Mynstre was, anon vp he Ros jn that plas, [rose,] and qweynte alle the lyhtes þat weren wyt[h]-jnne, [put out the lights,] [14471. MS. wyt jnne.] For Er wolde he þat tyme not blynne.Line 14472 Sethen to the bed he goth ful Ryht, [and went to that lady's bed.] there cleadalis wif lay jnne that nyht. Whanne the Lady Felte On Jn Hyre Bed, [leaf 143 b] sche axede ho was there Jn that sted. [She asked who was there. The king told her to be silent, or else he would kill her.] Line 14476 "hold thou thi pes," quod kyng leodagan; "and þou discure me to ony Man, vppon my swerd thou schalt deye, j the Swere, dame, be my feye."Line 14480

This lady defended hire with al hire Myht, [Her resist∣ance availed little;] but non noyse dorste sche Make owt Ryht. but lytel avayllede there hire defens, For be hire he lay there jn presens, [the king begot on her another daughter.] Line 14484 and that same Nyht begat on hire tho anoþer dowhter Ryht also.

hit happede, whanne this qweene deliuered was [Both were born in the same night.] The same Nyht of a dowhter jn that plas,Line 14488 the same Nyht, with-owten ony faylle, the stewardis wif gan forto travaille, and anoþer dowhter hadde of gret bewte; a fairrere creature myhte non be.Line 14492 thanne so lyk bothe children they were, [They were so like each other, that they could be dis∣tinguished only by a peculiar birth-mark.] that on from anothir knowen myhte not þere, Sauf gonnore þat þe qwenes dowhter was, a wondir Mark hadde sche jn prevy plas:Line 14496 vppon the Reynes that child behynde hadde þe fygure as a corowne of a kynge. and but hit were be thike Mark, cowde non Man hem disseuere jn lyht ne derk.Line 14500 and ech of hem Gonnore hyhte, [Both were called Gon∣nore,] as be here baptem j-named he Ryhte. And Evere weren they Norsched bothe jn fere, [and brought up together.] tyl that the qweene after deide there.Line 14504 and the kyng aftyr hire deth anon [After the death of the queen,] aftyr cleodalis wif sente ful son, and al aȝens that ladyes wylle [the king con∣fined the steward's wife in a castle.] jn a castel he closede hire ful stille,Line 14508 bencheson that his steward of prise with hire scholde speke jn non wyse. and thus he contenuede v ȝer, [Five years later,] that cleodalis his wif ne say not ther;Line 14512 til on a day þe frendis of þe steward than [the steward's friends re∣monstrated with the king,] there-of spoken to kyng leodagan, and hem answerede: whille he hadde werre, he scholde hire not hauen nethir Nyh ne ferre.Line 14516 that ȝit kepte he hire Stylle jnto the comeng, [but in vain.] that jnto his lond Entrede artheur the kyng. Now ȝit, behold, for al this distresse [Yet Cleodalis remained faithful.] the steward þe kyng Servede neuere the lasse.Line 14520 but ȝit torneth this Storye ageyn, [Now we will return to the battle;] and of this Steward speketh, certein, how with the jeauntes he fawht on foote, that him and his felawes helden Ryhte hote.Line 14524 and after, as processe cometh and tyme, [more of the Gonnores later on.] of bothe Gonnores scholen ȝe here jn Ryme.

Evere the bataylle ful gret hit was, [In the battle where Cleo∣dalis and the 42 fellows fight,] there as cleodalys was jn plas.Line 14528 And assone as these xlij Men amonges þat peple weren Entred then, they fowhten faste on Eche a syde, and moche peple was Siayn that tyde. [great de∣struction is wrought.] Line 14532 Many speres to-borsten weren there, helmes j-cloven & scheldes jn fere; dede bodyes fillen faste adown, Eche Man on othir jn vyrown.Line 14536 So that jn þe feldes al abowte [Many horses run about riderless;] Stedis þere wenten a ful gret rowte, [14538. al abowte crossed out, and a ful gr't rowte added, at the end of the line.] here Reynes hangeng betwene here feet, that Eche Man forth hem passen let. [14540. Man, M corrected from an uncompleted f.] Line 14540 and euere þe steward defendid him faste, tyl he was Reskwed atte laste. there many a lady was husbondles, [many women become hus∣bandless, brotherless, or childless.] and Many a sostyr brothirles,Line 14544 and Many a Modir was childles, Thorwh strokis of cleoda[li]s jn þat pres. [14546. Thorwgh, T corrected from a.—MS. Cleodas.]

Whanne Sonygranx And Kyng Sorpharouns [leaf 143 c] beheldyn al tho Grete distrocciouns [Sonigrans and Sorfarina (p. 382) assemble their people by sound or trumpets and timbrels.] Line 14548 and the grete slawhtre that there was, anon kyng Sonigranx jn that plas his trompes let Blowen, his tymbers let bete here Mene there forto gaderen to hepe.Line 14552 And anon as assembled they were, Sire kay amonges hem Entrede there, [Kay, Lucans, and Girfles ride against them.] Sire Lucans and Ek Sire Gyrflees amonges hem prekede jnto þat pres.Line 14556 Ech of hem hadde a gret Stowr lawnce, þer-with amonges hem they gonnen preken & praunce. Anon sire kay kyng Sonygranx Mette, [Kay throws Sonigrans to the ground;] and swich a boffet þere he him sette,Line 14560 that tope ouer tayl he goth to grownde,

where as he lay a ful long stownde, [where he long lies motion∣less] . that neuere remevede foot ne hand, as j do ȝow here to vndirstand.Line 14564 Ryht tho sire Lucauns and sire girfles [Lucans Girfles kill two men.] slowen tweyne stark ded jn that plas. Whanne kyng Sonygranx to grownde was leyd, anon these hethen maden a gret Breyd [The heathen try to rescue Sonigrans;] Line 14568 hym to Reskwe with alle here Myht, but that the xlij felawes anon Ryht [but the 42 follows sur∣round him.] abouten Sonygranx assemblid Echon, that thike tyme nyhe hym myhte come non.Line 14572 So that gretly defoulyd he was, as he lay there jn that plas, Er that he myhte Recoueren ageyn; the hethen abowtis semblede, certeyn.Line 14576 and Merline, that bar the Banere, [Merlin, carrying his banner,] the cccc he cam to Refreschen there, and the xlij felawes jn his compenye jn þat bataylle weren sprad, ful Sekerlye.Line 14580 and cleodalis Sormowntyd was [and Cleoda∣lis, remount∣ed on a good courser,] & on a good destrer sette jn þat plas, and his Baner Evere held he stylle. Thanne ascryen he gan with good wille,Line 14584 that tyme assembleden they ful faste, [at the head of a party,] and ho so myhte to-fore gon, they gonne haste. Anon there be-gan a Merveillous stour, [make a fierce attack] that was ful of angwis & of dolour.Line 14588 there knyhtes feld men Myhten se betwixen hors legges ful gret plente. but of the hethene so gret peple was, [on the com∣pact mass of the heathen.] that hard it was to Entren jn that plas.Line 14592 and so they fowhten Evere than & then, tyl atte theke v thousend Men [Now arrive the 5000 fugitives from Toraise (pp. 381 f.).] that fledden from Torayse atte þe bataylle, aȝen retorneden, with-outen faille. [14596. This line was omitted and then written down the right margin.] Line 14596 they Repeyrede anon to kyng Sorpharins [14597. Sorpharins, o daubed.] and to kyng Sonigranx, with-owten lesinges.

But these xlij goode Saudioures, [Notwith∣standing the 42 fellows,] that jn that Bataylle weren stout & fers,Line 14600 wolde not Remeven non foot of lond there as Sonigranx was beten, j vndirstond. Atte laste this Sonigranx remounted was [Sonigrans is at last remounted.] with gret sorwe & peyne jn that plas.Line 14604 thanne began there anon newe bataylle, For avenged wolde he be, with-owten faylle. [He wants to take revenge. The 42 are surrounded.] Anon the kyng sonigranx & his Meyne the xlij they hadden Envyrownd, Sekerle.Line 14608 thanne Entrede Merlyne with his baner [Merlin comes to their re∣lief;] with al þe myht that he Myhte ther. and the cc & .l. knyhtes of þe Rounde table, [the 250 knights, now remounted (cf. l. 14170), arrive (cf. l. 14249), and join him.] they weren Sourmontyd, with-owten fable,Line 14612 and a ful gret pas they comen Rydand to þe banere þat Merlyne bar on hande, and to that part they gonnen drawe, where-offen Merlyne was Ryht fawe.Line 14616

Whanne that these cc & .l. knyhtes [There is a wonderful fight.] to the bataylle weren sembled jn Ryhtes, Amonges Here Enemyes they gonne to Reke, [leaf 143 d] there Many a spere gonne they to-breke.Line 14620 and whanne here Speres to-broken were, anon here Swerdis they drowen owt there. So strong was the bataille, certeinle, that hit was wondir to behold & se. [14624. was added above the line.] Line 14624 On the tothyr partye þe steward cleodalys [In the mean∣time, Cleo∣dalis' force is driven by Sorfarins towards the city.] with his Meyne ful sore fauht, j-wys. but for non power that was hem among, here a stale Myhten they not kepen ful long,Line 14628 but sorpharynis to the cyte ward wente Ryht velonusly with his Entente. thanne cam þe two thousend of þe cyte, [They meet the 2000 pur∣suers (l. 14283).] that toforn tym jn the chas hadden be.Line 14632 and whanne they syen the stywardis banere and with him gret compenie there, anon they torneden jnto that partye. Line 14636

and jn here goynge thedirward, sekerlye, [These at once slay a thou∣sand hea∣then;] Line 14636 they slowen a thousend jn here comeng, and thanne with cleodalis they maden Restyng. thanne there began a newe bataylle, [and there begins a new boisterous battle] as j ȝow seye with-owten faylle,Line 14640 that the Noyse wel herd myhte haue ben passeng a ful long Myle then. this kyng Sorpharyn hadde on his side [against Sor∣farin and his force.] x thousend Men that jlke tyde,Line 14644 and cleodalis hadde on his partye but fyve thousend, certeynlye.

On the tothir partye was gret fyhtyng [The 250 knights and the 42 fel∣lows, who fight against Sonigrans,] of hem of þe Round table, with-owten lesyng,Line 14648 and the xlij sowdiours jn fere aȝens kyng Sonigranx fowhten there, that aȝens viij thousend helden bataylle, and weren at gret Mischef, with-owten faylle; [are in great distress.] Line 14652 For they myhten not long Endure aȝens swich a Meyne, j ȝow Ensure. thanne Merlyne clepede kyng ban anone, [Merlin says to Ban they must destroy the five lead∣ers of the hostile army.] and to hym he seide ful sone:Line 14656 "barouns, bachelers, bothe fre & bolde, what stonde ȝe stille & so beholde? here ben but fyve Geauntis in this stede that thus this Meyne doth ouer-lede.Line 14660 weren theke fyve distroyed sone, thanne were al this bataylle done." "what partye ben they," quod kyng ban tho, [Ban asks where they are.] "ȝondir jn bataylle boþe to & fro?" [14664. This line was omitted and then written down the right margin.] Line 14664 "certes," quod Merlyn, "j schal ȝow telle: [Merlin says that Ulfin and others struggle with them:] Vlphines, Gyrfles, & bretel the snelle, Sire kay, & Sire lucauns also, with hem they fyhten & suffren wo.Line 14668 and behold & seweth now aftyr me, ["Now follow me, and we will see who does best!"] thanne the sothe there scholen we se, wich of this compenye best doth him bere; the sothe thanne scholen we preven there"Line 14672

thussone Merlyne faste forth Rod, [Merlin rides ahead: the others follow.] and these knyhtes non lengere abod, but forth they Entrede jnto þat bataylle, vj knyhtes aȝens xx jeauntis, saun faylle,Line 14676 that weren passeng owt of Mesure. kyng Ban to-fore Rod, j ȝow Ensure, [Ban meets king Soni∣grans] , and þe ferst Man he mette that day tho, was kyng Sonygranx, with-owten Mo.Line 14680 kyng Ban jn honde his swerd held, that al forsoylled was jn that feld of mennis blood & Mennes brayn, as j ȝow declare Jn certayn.Line 14684 þerwith vppon the helm he smot him there, [hits him on the helm,] that thorwh the Sercle hit wente ful clere and thorwh the vysage Evene down Ryht, that vppon the left scholdre hit alyht,Line 14688 that hit fley jnto the feld [and cuts off his left arm.] bothe the left arm & Ek the Scheld. Thanne Made He gret Noyse, & Fowle He ferde, [leaf 144 a] that fer jnto the Ost hit was herde.Line 14692 And kyng Bors smot Marganaus, for soth, [Boors splits Maiganaus' head.] that thorwh the panne hit wente jnto þe teth.

On the tothyr partye kyng Arthour [Arthur kills one giant,] Ful wel he bar hym jn that Stowr.Line 14696 he smot a jeaunt thorwh hauberk & scheld, that he fyl ded down jn the feld and vlphyn anothir Geaunt slowhe, [Ulfin, an∣other,] Balaater, a strong thef and a towhe.Line 14700 And Bretel slowh Gordaunt, & kay dendonart; [Bretel, a third, and so forth,] [14701. Gordaūt, o (?) blotted, illegible.] these jeawntes Slowen they jn here part. Lucauns slowh Maleeȝ, & Gyrfles Manadape; these jeaw[n]tis slowen they, hit was here hape. [14704. MS. jeautis.] Line 14704 And Meraungis slowh Sadut jn that plas, and Gornauns kadrus Slowh dolas. Anon as the hethene Syen these thus slayn, [Now the heathen yield,] To flen ful faste they waren ful fayn.Line 14708 For they seyden hit wolde not avaylle [despairing of success] . aȝens the cristene to holde bataylle.

Avaunt knyhtes of the table Rownde and þe two and fourty Soudiowrs jn þat stownde!Line 14712 Anon the hethene sore abasched they were, [14713. hethene, eth on erasure.] For of hem we[r]en slayn Mochel peple there. [14714. MS. weē.] So that faste they gonne forto fle, [They flee to king Sorfa∣rins,] that alle the Sowdyours hit Myhte se,Line 14716 tel to kyng Sorpharyns they comen, j-wys, that bataylle held with Cleodalis. [who is fight∣ing with Cleodalis, dash through the place of battle,] thanne borsten the hethen Jnto that pres, that non man there ne myhten hem ses,Line 14720 So harde, that they whiche jn þe place were, Forsoken here place Maugry here. and Neuere they wolden astynte ne abyde, [and press on to the city.] tyl that to-fore toraysse they comen that tyde. [14724. MS. tylthat.] Line 14724 Anon thanne the peple of the cyte [The citizens are greatly alarmed,] wondir Sore affrayed weren, Sykyrle, that the Banere Syen they not than [seeing neither the king's banner,] of here owne worthy kyng leodagan, [14728. worthy, w corrected from k.—leodagan, see footnote to l. 14142.] Line 14728 wherby thei thowhten thanne anon [14729, 14736. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] that taken or dede they weren Echon. On þe tothir partye they syen not here kyng, [nor the king himself,] that the Sowdeoures hadden be Reskewyng;Line 14732 wherfore they weren abasched wel sore, For that here kyng they syen not comen thore. and whanne they comen to-fore the town, [only the enemies be∣fore the gates.] thanne alle lost thei wende hadde ben jn virown. [14729, 14736. thei, i squeezed in afterwards.] Line 14736 For but vj thousend of cristen ther were [The 6000 Christians,] and jresch hethen xij thousend, as ȝe mown here. Nedis the Sowdeoures weren at gret Mischef, [in great trouble, fall back to the town.] So that to the cyte they gonnen Relef.Line 14740 and euere the ceteȝeins, the soþe to say, of þe Sowdeours weren sore aferd, in fay. whanne the Sowdeours and here compenye [They collide afresh,] among the hethen weren Entrid, Sekyrlye,Line 14744 there began a ful gret stowr [fight desper∣ately,]

Ful of angwysch & of dolowr; the wheche Endured ful longe than, For there was slayn Ryht Many a Man:Line 14748 For a thousend there fyllen jn that pres [and kill a thousand men.] atte ferste Entre, with-owten les, that neuere Recouerede aftyr ageyn, as j ȝow Seye now jn certeyn.Line 14752

On the tothir partye, whanne þe knyhtes of the rounde table [As for the knights of the Round Table and the 42 fellows,] and the xlij Sowdeoures, with-owten fable, hadden discomfyt Sonigrenx the kyng, and to flyht was put, with-owten lesyng,Line 14756 they wolden non lengere aftyr hym chase; For Merlyne hem withheld jn that plase, [they are told by Merlin not to pursue the enemy,] and drowh hem jnto on partye of that feld, ful Sekyrlye,Line 14760 and to hem alle seide Ryht anon: "herkeneth now, Lordynges Everichon, ȝe scholen non ferthere Sewen hem here, but doth now as j schal ȝow Lere: [but to alight and test their horses,] Line 14764 Alyhteth of ȝoure hors jn this tyde Hem to Refreschen, there to Abyde; [leaf 144 b] For ȝowre hors ful wery they be, [which are weary, and with sweat and blood.] al be-swet and be-bled, as ȝe Mown se."Line 14768 and they deden anon his comandement, as j ȝow Seye, with ful good Entent.

So that there they alyhten alle anon, [They all do so.] and Refresched hem thanne Everichon,Line 14772 for therto they hadden ful gret Mester, alle the compenye of hem jn fer. Anon ther spak kyng leodagan, [King Leoda∣gan suggests to Merlin that the 250 and the 42 should be together.] and vnto Merlyne Seyde he than:Line 14776 "Sire, wylen ȝe that these goode Men here with ȝoure xlij Myhte ben alle jn fere?" "ȝe certis, Sire," quod Merlyne thanne, [Merlin says that every good man is welcome to them.] "to vs js welcomen Every good Manne. [4780. js, apparently jo.] Line 14780

For mochel the bettere scholen we do al jn on wynge to-gederis forto go." Anon thanne clepyd kyng leodagan [The king tells Hervy of Rivel to join the 42.] hervy the Ryvel, his banorer, than,Line 14784 and preyde hym thanne forto comen Ner jn compenye with these goode men to dwellen her— "and ȝoure Feleschepe with ȝow also, For jn on compenye now scholen we go."Line 14788 "Ful gladliche, sire," quod hervy Ryvele, [Hervy gladly obeys:] "For Of here compenye vs lyketh ful wel, ȝif that so here wylle now be." "ȝis," quod kyng leodagan, "certeinle,Line 14792 For from this day hens forward but on compenye to ben both styf & hard." "depardeux," quod Sire hervy thenne, ["For good is the fellow∣ship of good men."] "For good is the Feleschepe of Ryht good Menne."Line 14796

Thanne to-gederis weren they alle jn on compenye, as gan be-falle. and Merlyne to-fore be-gan to Ryde; [They start for the city,] thanne alle they hym seweden þat ilke tyde.Line 14800 And whilles they Reden thus jn fere, as ȝe han me herd Rehersen here, Al the whille the steward Cleodalis [where Cleo∣dalis is up∣holding the battle against king Sorfa∣rins' men.] [14803. MS. Althe.] with vj thousend jn his compenye, j-wis,Line 14804 aȝens kyng Sorpharynes fawht he tho, that with hym hadde xij thousend Men & Mo. [14806. hym added in the left margin.] but Enbataylled non thing they were, [These fight dispersedly,] but ay fyhtyng they weren here & there,Line 14808 for they wendyn han Mad an Ende [ever thinking the Chris∣tians will suc∣cumb.] of Cleodalis Meyne, & so thanne they wende, [14810. they added in the right margin.] For at gret Mischef, certeyin, they were, they that with Cloadalis weren there,Line 14812 For jn poynt to ȝelden they weren Echone and Ek here place to forsaken welsone. thanne they lokede hem beside [Now Merlin's banner is sighted.] and Syen Merlynes Baner that tyde,Line 14816 the dragon that the feer blew so hygh,

as hit hem Semede, jn-to the Skyhe, that al the Eyr semede on fyire there; Swich wondris they syen that þere were.Line 14820 And whanne that the ladyes vppon þe cyte walle [The ladies on the city wall] behelden Merlynes Bancre alle, anon they cryden to Cleodalys, [cry to Cleo∣dalis:] that vndir the walles fawht, j-wys:Line 14824 "ha, Cleodalis, of good comfort thou be, ["Be of good cheer; for help is coming'"] For here cometh socour anon to the!"

And whanne Cleodalis herd hem so crye that on the walles stooden an hye,Line 14828 he loked anon toward the valeye, [Cleodalis looks towards the valley,] and beheld where thanne comen theye. Thanne wyste he wel that jn tyme comenge that sone scholde he hauen Socourenge,Line 14832 and thankede God omnipotent, [thanks God,] that thider Socour hath hym sent. thanne clepede he his Men jn vyrown, [calls his men,] that abowtis hym comen wel son:Line 14836 "now mowen ȝe ben bothe glad & save, For here comen they þat we desired haue." thanne Cleodalis for gret joye of herte Amonges the hethene than gan he sterte, [and makes another rush.] Line 14840 And His Meyne Forth With hym; [leaf 144 c] thanne wax the bataylle wondir Grym. with that cam on this othir Meyne, [Merlin's companions arrive,] and of hem Slowen ful gret plente:Line 14844 .ccc. they Slowen atte ferste set [slay at once 300,] Jn here ferst comenge, with-owten let, that neuere to lyve Restored ageyn More thanne they that jn helle ben, certeyn;Line 14848 Ne non departeson they Maden, j-wys, [and straight make their way to Cleodalis.] til they comen to þe steward Cleodalis.

Whanne they weren Entred alle jn fere anon Merlyne gan forto ascryen there: [Merlin ex∣horts every∣one to do his best.] Line 14852 "haa, lordynges, knyhtes, & bachelere, [14853. haa corrected from and (h added in the margin, d erased).] let se how ȝe konne beren ȝow here.

For ȝe ben comen now to ȝoure asay; therfore let now se how ȝe konne play."Line 14856 whanne that kyng Artheur herde this, [Arthur laughingly calls this fight a good joke.] To kyng Ban & kyng Bors he seyde, j-wys, Ryht hertely lawghenge jn his Manere, to tho two kynges thanne seide he thereLine 14860 that—"neuere a bettere boorde was thanne now is be-gonnen jn this plas." thanne seide Merlyne to hem anon: [Merlin asks them to stop joking; there will be time enough for that all the week.] "beleve ȝoure boordyng now Everichon,Line 14864 For al this wyke ȝe Mown jn fere bothe Lawghen & boorden & Make good chere." whanne they vndirstod Merlyne So speke, [They dash against the enemies.] amonges here Enemyes gonne they RekeLine 14868 welful of jre and Maultalent. there began a gret Stour present: the sorrest that was of al theke day, at that tyme there began, jn fay.Line 14872 There began Arthewr a Merveyllous thing [Arthur excels.] be his owne handis as jn werkyng, as Merlyne hym cownseyllede at that tyde, that al the world of hym spak so wyde.Line 14876 and Gonnore, that on the walles was than, [Gonnore] the dowhter of kyng leodagan, [14878. See footnote to]. 14142] alle the ladyes and þe Maydenis also, [and the other ladies] to hevene ward here hondis heldyn tho,Line 14880 and preyden for Artheuris Savaciown, [weepingly pray for his saving,] that with Enemyes was be-set jn virown, and wepten for Rowthe and for pyte. So Manye hethene aȝens crystyente [the Chris∣tians being so few and so young.] Line 14884 Merveille to suffren there hit was, So ȝonge as they weren jn that plas. but kyng Arthewr amongis hem Echon distroyede most of alle here fon.Line 14888 For [with] his swerd, that hyhte Calybrond, [With his sword Cali∣brand,] [14889. MS.ffor his.] whiche that he bar þere jn his hond, bothe on þe Ryhte syde & on the lefte Manye hedis & scholderis he hem berefte, [he kills] Line 14892

legges, armes, & thyes also; [and maims,] bothe knyhtes & hors to grownde gonne go. he Made here helmes fleen jnto þe feld and knyhtes ded fallen vndir here scheld.Line 14896 Ek the Sercles, that weren Mad of Stel, [cutting even through steel.] aȝens his strok holden Myhten non del. but Evere abowtes hym good warde þere was hym forto saven there jn that plas.Line 14900 For aþens kyng Bors and kyng Ban [Boors and Ban are irre∣sistible;] Non Maner of armure Myhte duren than. thanne so they wrowhten there jn fere, that here strokis dorste non Man abyden there,Line 14904 what of hem of the Rownde table [so are their companions.] and of the xlij Sowdiowrs, with-owten fable. For amongis hem was forȝeten non thyng, whanne that they comen to here bekeryng.Line 14908

Ful strong was þe bataylle and the stowr [The violent battle outside the city walls] that to-forn þe cyte of Torayse was þat owr (and Every knyht Jn his owne degre Ful boldly there hym bar, ful Sykirle),Line 14912 and dured al the day, as j ȝow telle, [lasts all day.] tyl that hit Rang with Evesong belle. that So Nygh they weren to the cyte, Not thens A stones cast, Sykerle. [leaf 144 d] Line 14916 but whanne hit cam to þe owr of Noon tho, [At the ninth hour, 3000 foes are fallen.] of al that day fowhten they not So, that xij thowsend Jnto Nyne was browht; at that tyme so sore the crystene þere fowht.Line 14920 Whanne Sorpharynes Sawhe that hit wente so, [Sorfarins swears he will be avenged;] anon be his creaunce Swor he tho that he wolde neuere from that grownd Gon, tyl that he were venged of his fon.Line 14924 Anon he clepede his kynnes-Men than, [he calls his kinsmen,] Sire Gaydone & also Sire Sotybran, Sire Senebant & Sire Claryown, Sire Mallors & sire Freellent jn virown;Line 14928 They weren knyhtes bothe goode & bolde, [14929. They, y squeezed in afterwards.]

as jn this Storye here hit is tolde. they dressed hem forth alle jn fere [makes an attack,] amonges theke worthy Sowdyowrs there.Line 14932 hit happede kyng Sorpharyn to Meten tho [and throws down Hervy of Rivel,] Sire hervy the Ryvel, as hit gan go. and Sire Ryvel he smot so sore that tyde, [14935. smot, m blotted (corrected from no?).] that down to þe Erthe gan he glyde.Line 14936 and aftyr Ancor he smot also, [Ankor (An∣tron),] that down to grownde thanne gan he go. Sethen Sire Gyrfles smot he there, [and Girfles.] that hors & Man to grownd he bere.Line 14940 and Ech of his felawes smot a knyht, [Each of his followers unhorses an adversary.] that to the grownde he fyl anon Ryht; thanne Ech of his felawes bar hym so, and Maden here aduersarye to grownde go.Line 14944 but there nas non wondid to þe ded that felden were jn thyke sted. Sire Lucans þe botelers happed thanne thus, [Thus Lucans, Kay, Bretel, and several others] Sire Meraungis & sire Gorvayns Caradus,Line 14948 Sire blyobers, sire Galeys luchauns, as telleth this tale, Sire kay þe steward & sire Guniret of lambale, Ek Sire Godam and Sire staungot, the Nithe was sire Bretel, wel j wot:Line 14952 alle these jn the feld j-feld they were. [are thrown to the ground.] but non man wyste the sothe there, whethir be strok of lawnce hit was or be defawt of here hors jn that plas.Line 14956 thanne a ful gret noysse there began [There is great din and blinding dust.] and a wondir gret dowst forsothe than, that non of hem othir Myhten se, as this storye Reherseth certeynle.Line 14960 but Evere the hethene peynede hem faste the cristene to distroyen Jn alle haste. Anon these worthy Nyne knyhtes [The unhorsed knights defend them∣selves on foot,] vppon here Feet keuerede anon Ryhtes.Line 14964 with here Naked swerdis on honde Styfly to-gederis gonne they stonde, and Fowhten with hem with alle here Myht Line 14968

For there began thanne a ful strong fyht.Line 14968 but lytel hit avayllede at that Tyde, [but cannot do much.] For the jeauntes on hem ful sore gonnen abyde. thanne cam Merlyne to here socour [Merlin ap∣proaches.] with his Baner on hande jn that stowr.Line 14972 Anon kyng Sorpharynes, that jeaunt, tho [Sorfarins rides against Leodegan,] To kyng leodagan thanne gan he go, and smot hym Evene amyddis the scheld, that hors and Man Fyl jn the Feld. [and fells man and horse.] Line 14976 So lowe bar Sorpharynes his spere there: kyng leodagan[s] hors Slowh he there, [14978. MS. leodagan hors.] So that bothe they lyen atte Grownde, kyng leodagan & his hors, that stownde.Line 14980 whanne they of the cyte behelden this, [The people in the city lament, thinking that the king is dead.] Gret sorwe they Maden & cryden, j-wys, For they wendyn kyng leodagan hadde be ded; [14983. See footnote to 1. 14142.] So sore he Fyl there jn that sted.Line 14984 thanne to here Reskews Eche Man wente, and sore they fowhten with good Entente. whanne that kyng Artheur herde this [Arthur, hear∣ing of the giant's ex∣ploits,] of that stowt jeawnt & Grym, j-wys,Line 14988 That feld hadde fowre so worthy Men, kyng Artheur swor anon Ryht then [swears to have a try with him,] that on þeke jeaunt hym-self wolde asaye To Weten Whethyr of Hem Bettere cowde playe. [leaf 145 a] Line 14992 Jnto that Reng kyng arthewr wente [and rides forth spear in hand.] with a boystous spere on honde, veramente, the hed ful Scharpe and wel j-grownde, and forth he Rod jn that Stownde.Line 14996 hit happede that aȝens hym cam kyng ban, [Ban meets him,] and to kyng Artheur there seide he than: [14998. to, MS. two.] "with whom thenken ȝe to josten here? [dissuades him,] Not with this jeaunt jn non Manere!Line 15000 For to ȝow he is to strong jn this Felde, For ȝe ben ȝit but of ȝong Elde. but let now Me aȝens him go [and offers to go in his stead.] Forto asayen what j May do.Line 15004 For j am Eldere of age than ȝe

and ek, j trowe, strengere, certeinle." "Now God Forbede," quod kyng artheur tho, [But Arthur perseveres.] "that Evere ony Man but j hym go to.Line 15008 For the More þat dowted the jeaunt Js, the sonnere asayen hym j schal, j-wys. For Elles My-selve j scholde neuere knowe [15011. MS. My selvel.] what j Myhte don anothyr throwe."Line 15012

Whanne Merlyne Sawh Arthewr Taryen So, [Merlin, see∣ing the delay, harshly tells Arthur to hurry.] wondirly he aseryede hym anon tho: "what Taryest thou here, þou fowle coward? dredyst thou the jeaunt jn this part?Line 15016 Go, coward, and do as thou scholdest do." [15017. and, a corrected from d.] and whanne kyng Artheur herde Merlyne speken so, [Arthur feels ashamed,] and that coward he clypede hym thanne, Ful sore aschamed was þat worthy Manne.Line 15020 Anon he prekede jnto that pres, [and rides on.] that for non thing ne wolde he ses. thanne anon bespak kyng Ban, [Ban remon∣strates with Merlin.] and þere to Merlyne seyde he than:Line 15024 "Me thynketh hit is not Ryht wel do to Chargen Artheur forto don so, So ȝong a Man as Arthewr now js aȝeus that gret devel to josten, j-wys."Line 15028 "there-offen non warde," quod Merlyn tho, [Merlin tells him not to mind, but to follow after with Boors and Ulfin.] "but tak ȝoure spere and aftyr hym ȝe go, and ȝowre brothir and Vlphyn jn compenye; aftyr hym faste that ȝe don hye."Line 15032 his comandement they fulfylden in haste, [15033. haste corrected from hye.] also swithe as here hors Myhten laste. whanne kyng Sorpharynes Sawh Arthewr there, [When Sor∣farins sees Arthur, he rides against him.] anon aȝens hym he gan forto bere.Line 15036 And whanne they of the Reng behelden this, thanne hoveden they alle stylle, j-wys. [All look anxiously on.] For of Arthewr they hadden gret drede, lest that the jeawnt hym scholde ouer-lede.Line 15040 So sore to-Gederis they Metten atte laste, [The apears burst.] that bothe here speres there al to-barste. [15042. MS. alto barste.]

Sorpharynes Arthewr jn þe flanke hyrte, [Arthur is slightly hurt in the side;] that a lytel hit gan hym smerte.Line 15044 and Artheur smot him so sore ageyn thorwh Scheld and hauberk, jn certeyn, that thorwgh the chyne the spere owt glod [Sorfarins is pierced,] an arme lengthe behynde, Er hit with-stod,Line 15048 that bothe hors and Man to grownde they wente [and falls.] Evene tope ouer tayl thanne, veramente.

These Justes beheld this lady Gonnore, [Gonnore, watching the combat,] the dowhter of kyng Leodegan, þat was thore,Line 15052 as sche atte a fenestre wyndowe lay; sche beheld al theke bataylle that day, and Merveyllede what this Bacheler was, [marvels at the young man] that there so wel bar hym jn that plas.Line 15056 Non wyht his Name cowde tellen that owr, [whose name nobody knows.] but that hit was on a worthy Sowdyowr— "that ȝoure fadyr hath now with-holde; what so Evere he be, he is a Man ful bolde."Line 15060 "Sertes," quod the Mayden tho, [She says he must needs be of high descent,] "From goode men nedis cam he fro. For but ȝif of hygh blood that born he were, [15063. but added above the line.] he cowde neuere so handelen neþer scheld ne spere." So that al thyke day jnto the Ende [and keeps on speaking of the soldiers.] Line 15065 of the sowdiours to speken sche wolde not lende. Anon kyng Bors and kyng Ban [Ban and Boors ap∣proach;] Jnto that Reng anon Entred than,Line 15068 Eche of Hem With a spere Bothe Myhty and strong, [leaf 145 b] with hedis scharpe j-grownden, bothe stordy and long. There kyng Bors smot Sortybran, [they strike two enemies;] and kyng ban smot Claryel than;Line 15072 Vlphynes smot Sire Gaydon jn þat plas, [Ulfin kills a third.] that of his lyf bereft he was. so that these jeauntes to dethe weren browht; thanne Eche Man his Enemy owt þere sowht.Line 15076 ȝit forthere these thre gonnen to Ryde, [Each of the three slay one more.] So that eche of hem anoþer slowhe that tyde. the ton slowh Moras, the tother Laundon, the thrydde senebawnt he slowh anon,Line 15080

So that stylle they leften there, tyl that awey they were born on bere. Anon kyng Artheur his swerd gan drawe, [Arthur attacks Mallore] For Eft to fyhten he was ful fawe.Line 15084 Sire Mallore there he smot that day thorwh-out the helm, the sothe to say, For that he lay vppon kyn[g] Ban; [15087. MS. kyn.] ful bytterly he smot hym than,Line 15088 and so he dede Sire Freelent, [and Freelent, who try to slay Ban.] that bothen purposeden with good Entent For to han had kyng bannes hed Evene from the body jn that sted.Line 15092 For the ton his helm wolde han of drawe, the toþer with a Mas wold han hym Slawe. thanne lefte not kyng Artheur for non of this, but welsone Malloreȝ hed he hadde, j-wys, [Mallore's head flies off.] Line 15096 and Mad hit flen jnto the feld bothe from body and Ek from scheld.

Whanne Freelent Sawh his felawe ded, [Freelent] that was his cosyn, jn that sted,Line 15100 his Mas he gan lyften ful hye [lifts his mace;] kyng Artheur to han smeten, Sekerlye. Artheur his scheld threw vpe anon, [Arthur throws up his shield.] that þe strok hym scholde not lyhten vppon.Line 15104 and so sore he smot jn that tyde, [The blow makes the shield drop,] that jnto þe feld þe scheld gan glyde and vppon the lefte scholdere decendyd adowne, [and descends on Arthur's shoulder.] that on þe hors Nekke hit stynte wel son.Line 15108 and vpe aȝen freellent wolde han rekured his Mas; [Freelent tries another blow; but Arthur evades,] anothyr thowhte Artheur jn that plas. he smot his hors with his speres tho, and aȝen to Freellent gan he go, [makes a fresh attack, and slits Freelent's head.] [15112. freellent, r corrected from e.] Line 15112 and vppon the helm hym hytte þere jn hy, [15113. MS. an hy.] that Jnto the Gorget hit wente ful Ny. thanne the hethene Gonnen forto crye, [The heathen cry out in dismay.] For sore aferd weren they, sekerlye.Line 15116 For socowr non hadden they thar

but only of Raundolk, þat the baner bar. [Their banner∣bearer is dis∣limbed by Ban.] to hym Rod kyng Ban wel swithe, and a good strok hym Rawhte ful blythe,Line 15120 that bothe the arm and baner also jnto the feld bothe flowen tho. thussone welfaste þese theves gonne crye, [Then they flee;] and aweyward faste they gonne hem hye. [15124. hem, MS. hym.] Line 15124 hanne the chas so longe dyde laste, [the others pursue.] yl thyke day was al apaste. So that Many men j-slayn ther were, that of th[e] ix thowsend þat weren there, [15128. MS. th ix.] Line 15128 Nas left but .v. thousand, þe sothe to say, [Only 5000 escape;] whiche that faste gonnen flen here way. and to kyng Ryown they wenten ful faste, [they repair to king Rion, at the be∣sieged city (II. 13648), and tell him what has happened.] where as at þe sege he was ful preste, [15132. þ^e daubed.] Line 15132 and tolden kyng Ryown Everydel how that be hem hit be-fyl, [15134. hem, e corrected from y.] and of the grete Mortalite that amonges hem was, ful sekerle.Line 15136 hanne swor kyng Ryown be his Sewrte [He swears not to leave the country, till he has captured king Leodegan.] þat he wolde not owt of that contre, Tyl he hadde taken kyng Leodagan And Jn His presown to Hauen Hym than. [leaf 145 c] Line 15140

Thanne sente kyng Ryown jnto his lond [King Rion sends to Denmark for more people] aftyr More Meyne, as j vndirstond, thorwh-owt denmark, al that contre, bothe high & lowgh, of Eche degre,Line 15144 and viaunde jnowh with hem to brynge, [and two years' pro∣vision] that May two ȝer to-gederis ben durenge For cc thousend of Fyhtyng Men; [for 200,000 men.] that vytaylle mowe Sufficen than. [15148. MS. mowē.] Line 15148 For that werre he wolde begynne wel strong and vigerously werren hem among. So that they sembleden Every day, [Within a month 250,000 men are assembled,] that with-jnne a Mounthe, [the sothe] forto say, [15152. MS. moūthe forto say.] Line 15152 cc thousend and Fyfty Men

with-jnne that Mounthe weren sembled than, of wheche xx kynges ther were [amongst whom 20 kings,] To kyng Ryown comen there.Line 15156 Gret karyage they browhten with hem also [with plenty of wine and food,] of wynes, of vytaylle, as was forto do. So that here ost they kepten jn fere, [so as to render forays unnecessary.] that for non vyaunde feneyen scholden they there,Line 15160 but ȝ if hit be jn-to on partye; For plente of viaunde hadden they, Sekerlye. Faste they asaylleden the cyte there, [The city is assailed vigorously.] but they with-jnne of hem hadden non fere,Line 15164 For the cyte was bothe byg and strong. [But it is big and strong:] But skars of vetnylle was hem among, that was here drede for Enfamyneng, [only famine la threaten∣ing.] lest the Sege were longe dureng.Line 15168 thus cam Socour thanne Every day To kyng Ryown, the sothe to Say. For welsore agreved he was of the Meyne he hadde lost jn that plas.Line 15172 Now leveth of this Mater here, [Now we will leave this,] Of kyng Ryown & of his ost jn fere and of hem with-jnne the cyte. And of kyng Arthewr speke now we [and speak of king Arthur and his com∣panions.] Line 15176 and of his felawes jn compenye; Now to that Mater let vs faste hye.

This Storye here declareth a newe tale, how these hethene jeauntes weren browht in bale,Line 15180 and how glad that they of the Cyte [The people of Toraise are full of joy to see the heathen dis∣comfited by so small a body of men.] and joyful weren, whanne they gonnen fle, Ek that so lytel a compenye hem hadde j-scomfyted, certeinlye,Line 15184 that jn al but vj thousend an ccc were; aȝens xv thousend they fowhten there. and the scomfyture only hit was be Merlynes helpe and goddis gras.Line 15188 whanne the hethen they hadde chased jnto þe Nyht, [The pursuers return to Toraise.] thanne to Torayse they torneden anon Ryht, where as was kyng leodagan; Ful joyful and Merye weren they than.Line 15192

For leodagannes Men hadden hym vp take, whilles the Sowdiours wrowhten the hethen wrake. And whanne Leodegan wiste the Sowdiowrs comenge, [King Leo∣degan goes to meet them.] aȝens hem he wente jn cowntrynge. [15196. hem, e corrected from y.] Line 15196 Wondir gret joye thanne Made the kyng, whanne they to-gederis comen jn Metyng. But Whanne Sire Antron And Girflet they fownden þere, [leaf 145 d] Sire kay & Sire Lucawns the Botelere, [15200. lucawns, c more like an s. At the end of the there is something like a daubed a.] Line 15200 and alle here oþer Feleschepe, bothe hol & sownd, [All rejoice.] thanne weren [they] joyful vppon that grownd. [15202. MS. werē joyful.] For they wenden, ded that they hadden be oþer ellis taken presoner, certeyinle.Line 15204 and they hadden wonne good gret plente; [The rich spoil is sent to the sol∣diers.] Anon kyng leodagan, Sekerle— anon to the Sowdeowrs hit was to sent, [15207. The first to added above the line.] with that good hem forto present.Line 15208 For better he wolde, and he bettere myhte do, but natheles that thedyr sent he tho.

Whanne they seyen the grete curtesye [The soldiers thankfully] that kyng leodegan dede openlye,Line 15212 they hym thankede a thouse[n]d Sythe, [15213. MS. athoufed.] and to that Messenger seyden as blythe: "we thanken the kyng of his gret sonde; let hym depart yt forth Jn his londe! [decline the gift] [15216. MS.departyd.] Line 15216 and anothyr tyme, whanne we hauen Nede, we wylen Resecyven that he vs bede." thanne cam Merlyne Faste anon, [But Merlin asks them to accept it.] and to the thre kynges gan he gon,Line 15220 and bad hem Resceyven ouer alle thyng [15521. MS. boden hem Resceyved.] the presentes that to hem sente þe kyng. So they hit took, as Meriyn hem bad, [Then they do so, and distri∣bute it amongst the people.] and amonges þe peple distrebucioun they Mad,Line 15224 and leften not the valw of on peny To here owne partis, ful Sekerly.

So that alle Men of that contre [All praise the soldiers;] Tho Sowdyowrs preyseden ful hertele. [15228. hertele, the last e corrected from y.] Line 15228 So that the contre Repleynsched was abowte of þe goodis þat they ȝoven, with-owten dowte. For hem that the Sowdeours neuere Sye, [even such as never saw them.] Mochel worechepe hem spoken, certeynlye,Line 15232 and al for here largenesse & here good dede thorwh-owt the Rem of hem gan sprede. And al this was be Merlynes cownsaille, as j ȝow Seye with-owten faylle.Line 15236 Artheur to his ost he ȝaf that day [Arthur gives his host and hostess money, clothing, and horses.] bothe Richesse, and Robes, and Many palfray; that alle the dayes aftyr of here lyve Moche bettere Myhten they bothen thryve.Line 15240

Whanne that kyng Arthour hadde thus j-do, [After the distribution of the spoil,] and alle the Richesses departyd so, that vppon the hethene they hadden gete (hit was departyd, Er he wolde lete),Line 15244 thanne they gonnen Entren jnto þe town [the soldiers enter the town.] with al here feleschepe jn virown. thanne seide kyng Leodegan tho [King Leode∣gan invites them to his palace,] [15247. thāne corrected from that] . to alle the Sowdiowrs, as they gonne go,Line 15248 and wolde non Suffren with al his Myhte Jn that town there Forto alyhte Sauf only at his owne paleys; he hem besowhte, with-owten les.Line 15252 Nether neuere owt of his compenye [to stay with him and the knights of the Round Table.] he ne wolde not Suffren hem, trewelye, but with the knythes of the Rownde table with hem jn compenye to ben, with-owten fable.Line 15256 And whanne vnarmed that they were, [They unarm.] kyng leodagan his dowhter to hem sente there [The king sends his daughters with rich garments] [15258. dowhter, r corrected from t.] with the Richest Robes that he hadde, dame gonnore, his dowhter, to hem ladde,Line 15260 and hot water to waschen hem Jn jn bacenis of gold bothe goode & fyn. [and hot water for washing] .

but Arthewr of hem wolde taken non Servyse, [Arthur will accept no service, but Leodegan and Merlin persuade him.] Tyl kyng leodagan comaunded jn alle wyseLine 15264 and Merlyne Bad hem there also The Servyse of hem to taken tho. So that the gentyl damysele anon [Gonnore washes and wipes the three kings.] whisch tho thre kynges be on and on, [15268. & crossed out before and.] Line 15268 bothe Artheuris Body and his Nekke also and face, & with a towaylle wypte hem tho. And Ek both kynges jn the Same Manere that Gentyl Gonnore wesch Ryht There.Line 15272 and the tothyr Gonnore, þat begeten was [Her half∣sister and other damsels serve the rest of the company.] on cleodalis wyf with-jnne his plas, Servede al the tothyr compenye With Helpe of othere Damyselys, certeynlye. [leaf 146 a] Line 15276 whanne that Gonnore Leodaganes dowhtyr, J-wys, [Gonnore also washes her father,] these thre kynges hadde Servyd thus, thanne hire owne fadyr, kyng leodagan, hym forto waschen this Mayden gan than.Line 15280 and whanne that thus j-waschen they were, [and brings each one a mantle.] Gonnore to Ech of hem a Mentyl took there. kyng Arthewr was a Man ful of Bewte, [She notices Arthur's beauty,] and that beheld this Mayden, ful certeynle.Line 15284 And kyng Artheur beheld hyre also; [and Arthur sees hers.] So Mochel of Bewte hadde sche tho. thanne so they spoken betwixen hem tweyne, that to Arthour this damysele gan SeyneLine 15288 that glad jn herte sche was, Sekerle, [She would fain be loved by such a man.] of swich a worthy body beloued to be.

Thanne whanne al this was J-do, on the Morwe to Mete scholden they go. [At table,] Line 15292 So that they weschschen & seten a-down, these worthy thre kynges & amonges hem non. And alle the knyhtes of þe Rownde table [the knights are placed beneath the soldiers.] benethen the Sowdiours seten, sauns fable.Line 15296 but bothe kyng Bors and kyng Ban [Arthur sits between Boors and Ban.] betwixen hem bothe setten Artheur than. For they deden hym ful gret honour, Line 15300

For he was a Man of gret valour.Line 15300 kyng leodagan took gret kep tho [King Leode∣gan notices the respect paid to Arthur.] of the Reuerence they gonne hym do, and vndirstood wel be here Servyse [15303. wel, w corrected from an uncompleted b.] that here souereyn he was jn alle wyse,Line 15304 and Merveyllede gretly what he scholde be, [He wonders who he is,] For fayn wolde he han wyst, Sykerle. and to hym-Self he thowhte Ryht there [and wishes that he would marry his daughter.] that he hadde weddid his dowhter gonnore.Line 15308 For he sawh neuere Man of swich Entaylle, but of hygh blood he were, saunȝ faille. "Oþer ellis the goode Lord jn Maieste ["Or perhaps the Lord has sent me a spirit in man's like∣ness,] thys man for socour hath sent to Me, [15312. thys, y corrected from e; man added above the line.] Line 15312 a spiryt to ben jn Mannes lyknesse this Rewm to defenden from distresse, j wot wel, not only for the loue of Me, but for the Sustenaunce of crystyente [for the sus∣tenance of Christi∣anity."] Line 15316 and Ek holy chirche Forto Meynteyne." thus to hym-Self kyng Leodagan gan seyne.

At that Mete Mochel thowhte than [Leodegan muses on his wonderful rescue] this worthy kyng LeodaganLine 15320 how that he Reskewed was, jn feye, with xlij felawes jn the valeye, that hym Reskewed of .v. hundred Men, [from impri∣sonment,] whiche that to preson ward ladden hym then,Line 15324 and browhten hym a-geyn with gret Richesse, and Slowen alle tho that weren jn that prese. So that for thowht that he was june ther, Nothyng he Ete at his dener. [and eats nothing. Hervy of Rivel] Line 15328 Thanne that aspyde hervy the Revelle, and þere-offen hadde Merveylle Euerydelle. Anon to the table to hym he wente, [goes to the king,] and there hym aresoned, veramente.Line 15332 he seide that neuere sethen he was bore— [and asks him] "Say j ȝow neuere of swich chere before, Ne neuere abasched So, jn good fay, as ȝe ben here this jlke day.Line 15336

For ȝe owhten gret joye to Make [to be cheerful for the guests' sake.] only for these goode mennis sake; and ȝe faren wondirly for the Nones, as thowgh ȝe weren not of these wones."Line 15340 Anon kyng leodegan hym bethowhte, [Leodegan explains why he is so pensive,] how Merveillously this Man hadde wrowhte, and Seyde: "hervy, my dere Frende, J thenke here of a wondyr Ende,Line 15344 of the beste dede of on worthy Man, that of al the world now tellen j kan. wherfore j ne May not with-holden Me, [and says he cannot help it.] but on hym to thenken, certeynle.Line 15348 and therfore, goode Sire, so blame me nowht, For this day for me hath he Sore wrowht." "Sire, ȝit May j that leven Ryht wel, [leaf 146 b] [Hervy asks him to put away all pensiveness for the time.]] [15351. ȝit added in the left margin.] But At this time ȝe Most Leven hit Eche del.Line 15352 and whanne tyme cometh, thenk what ȝe lyst, For what now ȝe thenken, May not be wyst. but to hem Maketh joye and Ek Solas, For ȝe han gret cause here Jn this plas.Line 15356 therfore abaschscheth non thing ȝoure chere, For aȝens hem ȝe Mistaken ȝow here." "Sauf vostre grace," quod kyng Leodagan tho, [Leodegan promises to do so.] "jn non wise that wil j now do.Line 15360 Now goth and Sittyth down to ȝoure Mete, and al pensifnesse now schal j lete."

Thanne Sette hym sire hervy down to Mete [Hervy re∣turns to his seat.] amonges his felawes, with-owten lete,Line 15364 and the kyng to tho Barowns spak ful Meryely. [The king speaks merrily. Gounore serves him with wine.] thanne Gonnere Leodagans dowhter, trewely, of wyn Servyd hire fadir jn a cowpe of goold and kyng Artheur on knees; þat lette sche nold. [In serving Arthur, she kneels.] [15368. MS. kyyng.] Line 15368 kyng Artheur here beheld Ryht wel, [He admires her features.] [15369. here, the first c corrected from y.] and of alle hyre fetures hym lykede Eche del. hym thowhte sche was the fairest lady of that Lond or of al breteygne, sekerly.Line 15372 that Mayden al dischevele sche wente, [Her dis∣hevelled hair,]

with strawht Sydes, & Myddel ful gente. [her figure,] On hire hed a chapelet of gold was set Ful of precyous stones, with-owten let.Line 15376 hyre vysage was bothe Bryht and schene, [her com∣plexion.] [15377. hyre, y corrected from e.] Entermellyd whyt and with Red betwene Ful Naturely, as hit Scholde be, Neþer More ne lasse he qwantyte;Line 15380 hire scholderis wel large, hyre armes ful gent, [her arms] [15381. hyr', h corrected from a.] bothe longe and smale, verament; with a Merveillous faire Schapen Body and ȝerto Fayre schapen loynes, Sekerly; [and legs.] Line 15384 with smale feet wel schapen & gent: [her feet] Fairere cowde non Man devysen, verament; hire handis white, fyngres longe and smale: [and hands,] of hire bewte joye hit is to tellen ony tale. [are delight∣ful.] [15388. is added above the line.—Ony, o corrected from a.] Line 15388 ȝif that this Mayde hadde al this Bewte, [And yet her virtues are still greater than her beauty.] ȝit hadde sche dubble fold moche more bownte, bothe prowesse, largenesse, & kurtesye, of gret wyt and valour, Sekerlye.Line 15392

Whanne kyng Artheur thus beheld this Mayde, [Arthur,] as tofore this tyme j haue ȝow sayde, [15394. MS. tyme this tyme, the former tyme crossed out.] he beheld hire pappes smale & gent, [seeing her delicious breasts] bothe harde & Rownde, verament;Line 15396 as two smale apples Semed they there. hire Flesch was whyt and wondirly clere; [and her flesh, white as snow] there nas neuere snow, þat snew on grownde, whittere thanne hire flesch that stownde;Line 15400 and as bryht coloured forto se [and red as drops of blood,] as dropes of blod jn snow, certeinle. So that kyng Artheur, verament, that Mayden coveytede with al his Entent, [covets her with all his desire.] Line 15404 and anon for love he tornede his chere; but that parceyved not the two kynges there. This lady hym profered the wyn Ryht thanne: [She offers him the wine, and says: "Drink, Sir Bachelor!] "drynketh, Sire Bacheler, and as a worthi Manne!Line 15408

Sire, blameth me not of My Servyse, [Excuse me for not saying your name: I know it not.] For ȝowre name knowe j not jn non wyse, but oþer Name of ȝow knowe j non, and ȝif that j dede, j wolde Rehersen son. [15412. that, the second t blotted.] Line 15412 Nomore abaschsched be ȝe of ȝoure Mete [Now be as brave at your meat as be∣fore in the fight."] thanne ȝe ben ȝoure armure to lete, whiche was wel sene ȝisterday vppon the .v. hundred jn þe valay,Line 15416 From whom ȝe reskewede my fadyr dere. Sire, drynketh, j preye ȝow, & Maketh good chere!" he hym tornede anon Gentylmanly wyse, [Arthur re∣plies: "Many thanks! May I be able to requite you."] and seide: "damysele, graunt Mercy of ȝoure Servyse, and graunt me grace, Er that J dye,Line 15421 ȝoure Gwerdoun to qwyten, as ȝe ben worthye." "sire, ȝe han me qwyt a thousend fold more [Gonnore says: "You have done so, more than I can tell.] [leaf 146 c] thanne j can Rehersen ȝow before.Line 15424 For What mown ȝe More Don For Me [15425. mown added above the line.] thanne My fadir to Reskewen from his Enyme? what thorwgh ȝow & ȝoure compenye [You have saved my father from prison.] From preson ȝe deliuered hym, trewelye,Line 15428 and ȝit More, sire Bacheler, dyden ȝe [and rescued him when he was felled,] My fadyr, that whanne feld was he aforn the ȝates of this towne, Sone hym recouered with Renowne.Line 15432 For ȝe slowhen hym that him so bet, that he lay ded there at his fet, and putten ȝoure-seluen jn aventure [staking your own life,] of ȝoure lyf, J ȝow Ensure.Line 15436 For so Sore ȝe wrowhten jn that bataylle, [and putting all to flight."] that alle they fledden, with-owten faylle."

Jn this Maner spak this Maydyn ȝyng To that ȝonge bacheler, Artheur the kyng.Line 15440 but non word he ne spak ageyn, [Arthur silently takes the cup and drinks.] but took the cowpe & drank, certeyn, and sethen that damysele to sitten comaunded he, [He asks the kneeling damsel to sit: but her father does not allow it.] that so longe to-forn hym kneled on hire kne;Line 15444 but that hire Fadyr ne wolde not so,

For with alle Reuerence that he Myhte do, he wolde that Bacheler Servyd had be; For his name knew he not, certeinle.Line 15448 And whanne that the clothes J-drawen were, [At the end of the meal,] and Ek that they hadde waschen there, thanne anon be-spak kyng Ban [Ban asks king Leodegan] To that kyng there, Leodagan.Line 15452 thanne kyng Ban be-gan to spelle, [15453. leo crossed out before Ban.] and to kyng leodagan he gan to telle: [15454. telle, the first e corrected from an uncompleted h.] "Sire, j me Merveille Mochel now, trewelye, [why he has not married his daughter] of on thyng that j se with Myn Eye,Line 15456 and of ȝow that ben so wys a Man, that ȝoure dowhter Maryen ȝe ne kan. For sche hath age, wit, and discressioun to ben weddid to ony hygh Man of renown, [to a man of renown, who could help him to defend his land.] Line 15460 that ȝoure lond Myhte helpe to defende, Sethen god no mo children doth ȝow sende, ȝoure Eyr to ben aftyr ȝoure day, [and be his heir.] ȝoure lond to gouernen and hauen for ay."Line 15464 "Now certis," seyde kyng Leodagan tho, [Leodegan says he has been pre∣vented by the war.] "Ne hadde þe werre j-ben, hit hadde be do; For hit ful sore hath greved Me. kyng Ryown of Yrlond, Sykerle,Line 15468 and of denmark also, the bolde, thys vij ȝer werre with me hath he holde, [which has lasted seven years;] and neuere j ne kan Bryngen hit to an Ende. for sethen þat tyme non Man hidir cam wendeLine 15472 to whom that j myhte my dowhter take Me to defenden, Myn Enemyes to wrake. but so me god helpe, ful wytterly: [but if he could find a worthy bachelor.] and ony worthy ȝong bacheler fynden Myhte j,Line 15476 that jn armes were goode and Sure, and that with travaylle he myhte Endure and my werres forto Meynteyngne, Swych on j wolde my dowhter hadde, certeyngne, [he should like his daughter to have him,] Line 15480 and al my Lond aftyr My deces, that j myhte lyven jn Reste & pes; al thowh he were of non hygh lynage, [even if he were not of high birth.] Line 15484

of hygnesse of Lordschepe, ne of gret parage.Line 15484 and wolde god hit were now fullyche j-wrowht, [Could he have his wish,] as that j now thynke jn My thowht, Er that thre dayes fully don wende, [the matter would be quickly settled] that Mater wolde j bryngen to an ende,Line 15488 To Ryht a fair ȝong Bacheler; [with the best of bachelors.] boþe the beste and þe worthiest this is owher. For j knowe ful wel, Certeynly, that he is a Mochel More heyghere Man than j."Line 15492 Anon toward kyng Bors loked Merlyn than, [Merlin gives Boors a sign that Leodegan is alluding to Arthur] and to hym a signe sone Make he be-gan that for kyng Artheur spak he tho; And certeynly so gan he do.Line 15496

Thanne gonnen they to speken of othyr thyng, [leaf 146 d] where-offen Sory was Leodegan the kyng, [Then they begin to talk of other things, much to the regret of the king] that he ne spak no more of that Matere; Neþer of whens they weren, cowde he not lere.Line 15500 And Euere he beheld with herte wel sadde what joye þe sowdeours of Artheur Made, whiche that Maden hym to smerte and forto ben Ryht hevy jn herte.Line 15504 For so worthy men these xlij Sowdiours were, but abouen hem alle Artheur hadde most chere. wherfore the kynges dowhter dame gonnore [Gonnore is greatly in love with Arthur.] Fulsore hire loue on hym caste thore,Line 15508 and desired jn herte ful pryvyle, to hym j-weddid that sche myhte be aboven alle tho that Evere sche say; thus this storye Reherseth jn fay. [15512. thus corrected from this.] Line 15512 Furthermore telleth ȝit this storye that the fairest & wysest sche was, vtterlye, [In beauty, wisdom, and popularity,] of alle the ladyes of Bloye bretayngne and best beloved, Jn certeygne,Line 15516 the fairest, the bryhtest of al that lond Sauf Elayne Saunȝ pere, j vndirstonde, [she is sur∣passed only by Elaine.] whiche was Pereyes wif of þe Rous, and sche þe dowhtyr of kyng Pellous, [daughter of king Pellous.] Line 15520

and aftyr was sche wyf to kyng Alayn, that hurt was with þe veniable spere, certayn. Ek this Pellenors, that pellous callen we, [or Pellenors.] thorwgh bothe thyes j-Maymed was he, [with the maimed thighs,] Line 15524 as the seint Graal schal Maken Mynde, lyk as here-aftyr jn this storie scholen ȝe fynde.

This Mayden, of whiche ȝe vndirstond, was the fairest thorwh-owt ony Lond.Line 15528 Now sesen we now of this Matere, [15529. here crossed out after we.] and til Eftsones non more to speke þerof here, [whereof more in the story of the Holy Graal.] tyl that thaventuris of seint Graal holy discuren hit Somme an al.Line 15532 and speken we forth of this Meyne oure fille, that jn kyng leodagannes court abyden stylle.

Ryaly at here Soper weren they dyht, as hit belongede to Men of Myht.Line 15536 And whanne that the tables j-drawen were, [After supper, Merlin takes the three kings aside,] the thre kynges on syde Merlyn took there, and openly he seide there to hem alle: "wilen ȝe now heren what is jn breteyne befalle?" "ȝe certes," quod kyng Artheur tho,Line 15541 "that wolde j weten, Er that J go." "wile ȝe weten," quod Merlyn, "with-owten faylle, [and tells them what has happened in Britain: the invasion of the heathen,] Line 15544 aforn Londone hath ben ful gret Bataylle aȝens the hethene, that there j-Entrid Js and þat lond dispoillid ban & Robbed, J-wys. So that with the pray that they hadden take, [their great transport of prey,] Towardis douer here weye gonne they MakeLine 15548 jnto the ost to leden that cariage with ten thousend Men of gret parage. thanne so hit behapped jn that tyde, that fyve of thy Nevews comen þere Ryde, [the arrival of Arthur's five nephews,] Line 15552 that from here Moderis departyd were and vnknoweng of ony of here fadris dere. thanne how these forreyeris that they Mette, j schal ȝow tellen, with-owten ony lette.Line 15556