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Lancelot-g rail
The Old French Arthurian Vulgate and
Post-Vulgate in Translation

Volume I

I
Introduction
The History of the Holy Grail
The Story of Merlin

II
Lancelot, part I
Lancelot, part II
Lancelot, part III

III
Lancelot, part IV
Lancelot, part V
Lancelot, part VI

IV
The Quest for the Holy Grail
The Death of Arthur
The Post-Vulgate, part I

V
The Post-Vulgate, part II
Chapter summaries
Index of names

Garland Reference Library of the Humanities

(Vol. 941)
 “Merlin and Nimue (Viviane) With Harps.”
London, British Library, MS. Add. 38117, fol. 185.
Lancelot-grail
THE OLD FRENCH ARTHURIAN
VULGATE AND POST-VULGATE IN
TRANSLATION

Norris J. Lacy, General Editor

Volume I

Introduction
by E. Jane Burns

The History of the Holy Grail

translated by Carol J. Chase

The Story of Merlin

translated by Rupert T. Pickens

Garland Publishing, Inc. ❖ New York and London ❖ 1993

 <&5

/■I

© 1993 Norris J. Lacy

All rights reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Lancelot (Prose cycle). English

Lancelot-Grail: the Old French Arthurian Vulgate and post-Vulgate
in translation / Norris J. Lacy, general editor
p. cm. — (Garland reference library of the humanities; vol.
941)
Includes bibliographic references.
ISBN 0-8240-7733-4
Contents: v. 1. The History of the Holy Grail / Carol J. Chase,
translator. The Story of Merlin / Rupert T. Pickens, translator.
1. Lancelot (Legendary character)—Romances. 2. French prose
literature—To 1500—Translations into English. 3. Merlin—
Romances. I. Lacy, Norris J. II. Title. III. Series.
PQ1489.L2E5 1993
843’. 1—dc20 92-1674
CIP

Printed on acid-free, 250-year-life paper

Manufactured in the United States of America
 Contents
Preface by Norris J. Lacy ix
Introduction by E. Jane Burns xv

THE HISTORY OF THE HOLY GRAIL

1. Prologue 3
2. Joseph of Arimathea Lays Christ’s Body in a Sepulcher and Is Imprisoned. 9
3. Vespasian Is Healed; Joseph of Arimathea is Liberated. 11
4. Joseph and His Followers Depart; Joseph Preaches Before Evalach in Sarras. 14
5. Evalach’s Vision. 20
6. Joseph Prays for Evalach’s Conversion. 22
7. Josephus’s Investiture. 23
8. Josephus Preaches Before Evalach; Evalach Battles Tholomer. 29
9. Evalach and Tholomer Join in Battle Again. 34
10. The White Knight. 38
11. The Story of Sarrasinte’s Conversion. 42
12. Evalach’s and Seraphe’s Conversion. 46
13. Josephus Is Healed; the Grail Quest Is Announced. 49
14. King Mordrain’s Vision. 53
15. Nascien’s Imprisonment. 55
16. The Rock of the Perilous Port. 56
17. The Silver Ship and the Black Ship. 59
18. Nascien’s and Celidoine’s Liberation. 69
19. Flegetine Sets out to Seek Nascien. 72
20. Description of the Turning Isle. 74
21. The Tree of Life. 78
22. Nascien’s Lack of Faith. 85
23. Celidoine Converts King Label. 87
24. Celidoine’s Adventures at Sea. 95
25. Messengers Set out to Seek Nascien. 97
26. The Story of Hippocrates: His Powers, His Trouble with Women, and His
Downfall. 101
27. The Messengers Are Tested and Reunited with Nascien. 107
28. Nascien Departs for Britain; His Adventures on Land and Sea. 113
29. Flegetine Has the Towers ofjudgment Built. 118

v
vl Contents

30. Josephus and Some of His Followers Cross the Sea Without a Ship and Arrive in
England. H9
31. Nascien Arrives in Great Britain With the Rest of Josephus’s Followers. 121
32. Duke Ganor’s Conversion; The First Christian Victory over the Saracens in
England. 124
33. King Crudel Imprisons the Christians; Mordrain Defeats Crudel and Liberates
Them. 130
34. King Agrestes Becomes a False Christian; Moses Sits at the Grail Table; Bron’s
Son Alan Is Named Future Guardian of the Grail. 136
35. Joseph Converts Matagran; The Christians Cross a Deep River, Then Visit Moses;
Canaan and Simeon Sin. 140
36. Canaan’s Burial and Peter’s Illness. 147
37. Peter’s Healing and King Orcant’s Conversion. 149
38. Josephus’s Brother Galahad Is Made King of Hoselice; He Lightens Simeon’s
Torment. 165
39. Josephus Makes a Cross on the Shield Mordrain Used in Battle Against
Tholomer and Then Dies. 156
40. The Holy Vessel Is Passed on to Alan. 157
41. Nascien’s Death; Celidoine’s Lineage. 160

THE STORY OF MERLIN

1. Merlin’s Conception and Childhood Deeds. 167

2. Merlin Explains Why Vortigern’s Tower Will Not Stand. 177
3. Uther Pendragon and the Round Table; the Perilous Seat. 185
4. Uther’s Love for Ygraine; Arthur’s Conception and Birth. 199
5. The Youth of King Arthur; the Sword in the Stone. 212
6. The Brother Kings, Ban and Bors, Pay Homage to Arthur. 223
7. The Six Kings’ Renewed Forces; the Brother Kings, and Arthur’s Victory over the
Saxons. 227
8. Merlin as a Bird Catcher. 233
9. Rebels’ Defenses Against the Saxons. 235
10. King Lot’s Young Sons; Mordred’s Parentage. 237
11. Young Sagremor; Dispersal of the Routed Rebel Leaders. 238
12. Young Galescalain and King Lot’s Sons; Battle with the Saxons. 239
13. Gawainet and His Brothers Defeat the Saxons. 242
14. Arthur’s Support of King Leodagan Against the Saxons. 243
15. Guenevere Witness to the Battle Below Carhaix; the Two Gueneveres. 246
16. Rout of the Saxons at Carhaix. 248
17. The Victorious Arthur Falls in Love with Guenevere. 252
18. News of the Young Heroes; the Battle Before Arundel. 254
19. King Urien’s Sons and Nephew; King Neutres Against the Saxons. 256
20. Dodinel the Wildman. 260
21. The Plight of the Saxons; King Clarion Opposes the Saxons. 262
Contents vii

22. King Clarion of Northumberland and Duke Escant; Sagremor’s Arrival in

Britain. 264
23. Merlin and the Young Heroes Against the Saxons. 265
24. The Victory of King Clarion and Duke Escant; Bylas Attacks Urien’s Sons. 269
25. Merlin as Messenger Boy; King Yder and the Exploits of Arthur’s Nephews. 271
26. Ascendancy of the Young Heroes; Growth of the Heroic Circle. 274
27. Help from a Mysterious Knight. 277
28. Merlin Warns Leonce of Payerne, Then Meets Viviane and Teaches Her His
Magic. 280
29. Arthur Weds Guenevere; Battle Against Rion. 283
30. Victory of Leodagan and Arthur over Rion. 289
31. Arthur Fights the Saxons. 297
32. Bors Kills Amant; Gawain and his Brothers Knighted. 301
33. Arthur’s Forces Battle Claudas’s at Trebes. 309
34. Victory of Arthur’s Forces; Elaine’s Dream. 315
35. Merlin and the Emperor of Rome. 321
36. The Saxons Defeat the Rebellious Princes. 329
37. The Tournament at Carhaix; the False Guenevere. 332
38. Bertelay Condemned; Arthur to Hold Court. 340
39. Lot Surrenders to Arthur, and Gawain Becomes the Queen’s Knight; News of the
Grail. 342
40. Arthur to Propose a Truce with the Remaining Rebellious Princes. 353
41. Gawain and His Brothers Battle the Saxons. 355
42. The Children of Pelles; Galahad Predicted. 359
43. Agravain and Gaheriet Discuss Love; the Saxons Routed. 361
44. Agravain Quarrels with his Brothers; Gawain and Eliezer Rescue a Lady. 365
45. The Saxons Again Routed; The Rebellious Princes Agree to a Truce. 369
46. Merlin Visits Blaise; the Queen’s Knights Battle Knights of the Round Table. 374
47. Eliezer Knighted by Gawain; Further Battles Against the Saxons. 380
48. A Great Victory over the Saxons. 384
49. The Castle of the Fens. 389
50. Arthur’s Mid-August Court; King Rion’s Challenge. 392
51. The Battle Before Carhaix. 395
52. King Flualis’s Dream and Roman Claims Against Britain. 398
53. The Expedition to Gaul and the Giant of Mont-Saint-Michel. 403
54. Battles with the Romans; Arthur’s Victory. 406
55. The Devil Cat of the Lake of Lausanne; King Claudas’s Men Routed. 410
56. The Birth of Hector; Merlin’s Imprisonment. 413
57. Merlin’s Imprisonment. 415
58. Evadeam, the Dwarf Knight. 417
59. Gawain, Merlin, and the Dwarf Knight. 420
60. The Birth of Lancelot and the Loss of Benoic. 423
 '

kl M
 Preface
Norris J. Lacy

THE VULGATE AND POST-VULGATE places the Grail in Corbenic Castle and begins
Cycles the wait for the arrival of the chosen Grail
Knight. The Story of Merlin depicts the role of the
During the second half of the twelfth century, seer and magician in Arthur’s conception and
Chretien de Troyes developed and fixed the birth, in his designation as king following the
form of the Arthurian episodic romance. In the Sword in the Stone revelation, and in the estab¬
process he popularized King Arthur in French, lishment of the Round Table, a replica of the
as Geoffrey of Monmouth had done in Latin, Grail Table (itself modeled after the table of the
but he also contributed to the legend new char¬ Last Supper). Merlin also directs Arthur’s major
acters and themes unknown to Geoffrey. These victories over his rebellious barons.
include in particular the love story of Lancelot These two romances are followed chronolog¬
and Guenevere and the quest for the Grail. ically (but preceded in order of composition) by
Several texts, notably the works of Robert de the Lancelot Proper, La Queste del saint Graal (The
Boron, from the end of that century, trans¬ Quest for the Holy Grail), and La Mort Artu (The
formed the mysterious Grail into the “Holy Death of Arthur). The first of these, constituting
Grail,” the Chalice of the Last Supper and the fully half of the entire cycle, presents Lancelot’s
vessel in which Christ’s blood was collected after youth, his love for Guenevere, and a long series
the crucifixion. of exploits that he performs in her service. The
Then, between 1215 and about 1235, an second depicts the Grail Quest undertaken by a
anonymous author or group of authors com¬ number of knights (Gawain, Bors, Perceval, and
posed the Lancelot-Grail Cycle (also called the others) but finally accomplished by the chosen
Vulgate Cycle, the Prose Lancelot, or the Pseudo- hero, Galahad. Concluding the cycle, The Death
Map Cycle) of Arthurian romance. This cycle of of Arthur traces the tragic decline and dissolution
five imposing romances can only be termed of the Arthurian world, due in large part to the
monumental, owing in equal measure to its sin of Lancelot and Guenevere, and closes with
enormous length, its complexity and literary an account of the death of the king.
value, and its influence. The romances run to The Vulgate Cycle was soon followed by an
several thousand pages of text, and they offer anonymous Post-Vulgate, based on the earlier
many hundreds of characters and countless ad¬ cycle but characterized by the omission of the
ventures intricately interlaced with one another. Lancelot Proper and, consequently, of the emphar
Most important, they constitute the most ex¬ sis on Lancelot and Guenevere. The second cy¬
tended attempt to elaborate the full story of the cle thus focuses squarely on the Grail quest and
Arthurian era and to set that era in a framework related pious themes. It includes versions of the
of universal history. other four romances represented in the Vulgate
The two romances that stand first chronolog¬ and even borrows the text of the Merlin intact;
ically were actually composed after the other on the other hand, the Post-Vulgate Death of
three. The Estoire del saint Graal (translated in Arthur romance is a significantly abridged
this set as The History of the Holy Grail) opens the adaptation of its model. Without a Lancelot
cycle by tracing the early history of the Grail, Proper, the second cycle is far shorter than the
from Joseph of Arimathea to his son Josephe, first, but it remains daunting nonetheless in its
who becomes the first Christian bishop, and dimensions and in its complexity.
eventually to Alain, the first Fisher King, who

ix
X Preface

The Post-Vulgate Cycle is further compli¬ cerpts of the other romances are available in
cated for modern scholars and readers—and English. These volumes thus present the full cy¬
this is a complication almost beyond cles to modern readers for the first time. Malory
resolution—by the fact that some portions of the scholars, whose need provided the initial impe¬
Old French text have long since disappeared, tus for this translation, will now have access to
whereas others have survived only in fragments texts that are crucial to their work; they and
or in translations into Portuguese and Spanish. others will also discover fascinating romances,
Extraordinary scholarly efforts, especially by each one distinctive in focus and narrative
Fanni Bogdanow, have made it possible to re¬ method but intricately linked to the others by
constitute significant portions of the texts. themes that are continued, in interlaced form,
The importance of the Vulgate Cycle and, to from one romance to the next.
a only slightly lesser extent, of the Post-Vulgate is The full set will comprise five volumes, in
almost incalculable. Portions of them (most which the material is divided as follows:
often the Vulgate Lancelot-Quest-Death of Arthur)
I. a. Introduction, by E. Jane Burns.
were translated or adapted into a number of
b. The History of the Holy Grail, translated by
other languages. Authors rendered much of the
Carol J. Chase
Vulgate narrative into German and Dutch, while
c. The Story of Merlin, translated by Rupert
the Quest was translated into Irish and Welsh.
T. Pickens
Italian and Hispanic authors too translated it or
II. a. Lancelot, part I translated by Samuel N.
drew on it, although, as suggested, the Post-
Rosenberg
Vulgate proved more influential on the Iberian
b. Lancelot, part II translated by Carleton
Peninsula than did the Vulgate.
W. Carroll
But for English-speaking readers, the impor¬
c. Lancelot, part III translated by Samuel N.
tance of the Vulgate is indicated most clearly by
Rosenberg
its influence on Sir Thomas Malory, who took
III. a. Lancelot, part IV translated by Roberta L.
the cycle as the principal of his numerous
Krueger
sources: although each part of his work has mul¬
b. Lancelot, part V translated by William W.
tiple sources, his first, third, sixth, seventh, and
Kibler
eighth tales were drawn largely or principally
c. Lancelot, part VI translated by Carleton
from the Vulgate Cycle. He even gave his work,
W. Carroll
Le Morte Darthur, a title that indicates his indebt¬
IV. a. The Quest for the Holy Grail, translated by
edness not only to related English romances like
E. Jane Burns
the Alliterative Morte Arthure and the Stanzaic Le
b. The Death of Arthur, translated by Norris
Morte Arthur but to the final component of the
J. Lacy
Old French cycle.
c. The Post-Vulgate, beginning, translated
E. Jane Burns’s introduction offers a much
by Martha Asher
more detailed presentation of the cycles, con¬
V. a. The Post-Vulgate, continued, translated
centrating on content, authorship, techniques,
by Martha Asher
and meaning. (A separate introduction to the
b. Chapter summaries for both cycles
Post-Vulgate will be included in Vol. IV.)
c. Index of proper names in the Vulgate
and Post-Vulgate, compiled by
NOTES CONCERNING THE Samuel N. Rosenberg
TRANSLATIONS The fact that the nine translators are affili¬
ated with nine separate institutions has naturally
Owing in large part to the cycles’ length
complicated the process of discussing and resolv¬
(and to no small degree to the inadequate edi¬
ing editorial and translation problems. That
tions of some of the texts), until now only a
process was materially aided by a major grant
small fraction of the material has been trans¬
from the National Endowment for the
lated. The only romances to have been trans¬
Humanities, which, in addition to providing re¬
lated in their entirety are the two shortest: the
leased time and other assistance, enabled the
Quest and the Death of Arthur. A few scattered ex¬
entire team to meet for several days on two occa-
Preface xi

sions. Most of the translators were also able to the thirteenth century surely took them as a
gather for discussions during three different highly fictionalized account of a remote past that
meetings of the Medieval Institute of Western may or may not have existed. The translators’
Michigan University. A good deal of the work, problem in such a situation is thus to walk a thin
however, had to be done by mail, electronic line between a style and vocabulary that tend to
mail, phone, and fax. update the texts and cast them in a pseudo-real¬
The translator whose name is attached to istic mold and a style that, conversely, situates
each text retains final responsibility for that por¬ the romances clearly in a “fairy tale” world. We
tion of the work, of course. In addition, at least have therefore avoided modern colloquialisms,
one other member of the translation team has although we have not hesitated to use direct,
read each part for accuracy, and the general edi¬ matter-of-fact translations when they accurately
tor has read and edited the entire text to ensure render the flavor of the original.
reasonable consistency of approach from text to Other stylistic features of the romances re¬
text and, especially, within the Lancelot Proper, quire comment. First of all, the Old French texts
the only romance that is the work of a number tend to offer sequences of personal pronouns
of translators. with little regard for noun referents. An example
To make the Vulgate romances accessible to from the Merlin reads, in literal translation, “He
our audience, we have divided them into num¬ had come so close to him that he could not get
bered and titled sections or chapters. Summaries away from him, and he saw such a great number
of all romances, keyed to the chapter divisions, of men coming behind him that the whole field
are included in the final volume. Notes give in¬ was clothed with them, and he saw clearly that if
formation about textual and cultural matters he stood his ground against him, he would put
and offer a kev to internal cross-references. The
/
himself in great danger of being killed.”
first note in each section indicates which pages Although Old French style, unlike that of
of the translator’s principal source or sources English, permits such a construction, the refer¬
are included in that section. Locating a ents are occasionally obscure. Whenever the
particular passage in the Old French is made English translation is unclear, or even when such
even easier by the insertion of a bracketed page sentences are clear but nonetheless distracting,
number every time the translator begins a new we have substituted the appropriate nouns for
page of the original. one or more pronouns.
Each text, of course, has a distinct style and Thirteenth-century narrative style tends to be
thus presents its own problems for translators. highly redundant. Texts often double or triple
Writing of the last three romances of the Vulgate adjectives that present little or no distinction of
Cycle, Alfred L. Kellogg (in Chaucer, Langland, meaning: typical examples, drawn from the
Arthur, Rutgers University Press, 1972, p. 11), de¬ History of the Holy Grail, include “he was fright¬
scribes the Lancelot Proper as “immense and ened and afraid,” “nothing could make her joy¬
brightly colored,” underlines the “emphatic pi¬ ful, happy, or content,” and “he could not see or
ety” of the Quest, and characterizes the Death of perceive. . . .” We have retained a number of
Arthur as “compact, sober.” We have made every these expressions, for they convey the flavor of
effort to respect and translate stylistic differences the original, but since English tolerates them far
from romance to romance. less well than does Old French, we have elimi¬
We have also taken as our common purpose nated a good many examples.
the need to respect both the medieval originals Some of the Vulgate texts, and especially the
and the demands of contemporary English style. History of the Holy Grail, are redundant in another
We have thus made a reasonable attempt to sense as well: passages have a tendency to
avoid archaism, except where the Old French “double back” on themselves, emphasizing nar¬
passage itself is archaic. The qualification here, rative progression and consequence by struc¬
indicated by “reasonable,” reflects our convic¬ tures such as “He opened the book. After he had
tion that, without being intentionally archaic, opened the book . . . .” We have greatly reduced
the Old French romances were recognized by the number of such repetitions, since they
their readers as being fundamentally “unreal.” quickly become intrusive and tiresome in
That is, the audiences who read these texts in English. Again, however, as they are a pervasive
xii Preface

and characteristic feature of the History of the As indicated above, the translators have tried
Holy Grail, we have kept as many of them as to steer a middle course. Our primary concern
English style will support. was to present a reliable and readable text to
We have dealt freely with a number of Old modern readers, but we have also made an effort
French rhetorical devices, such as typical state¬ to retain a certain number of the stylistic fea¬
ments of the kind, “He was so strong that no one tures of the Old French romances, provided
could have been stronger.” We have reduced those features were reasonably compatible with
that, in most cases, to “he was the strongest man the characteristics of modern English usage.
in the world” or “no one could have been
stronger than he” or “he was as strong as could
be.” Such modifications we have taken as noth¬
THE HISTORY OF THE HOLY GRAIL AND
ing more than the normal procedures required THE STORY OF MERLIN
to move a composition from one language to
another. The History of the Holy Grail, far more than
On the other hand, there are some expres¬ most texts of the period, has a convoluted, dense
sions and structures that we have taken as essen¬ style that, at times, can only be described as
tial elements of the authors’ rhetorical texture turgid. In the Vulgate Cycle, only the Quest ap¬
and have consequently retained. One is the ex¬ proaches it in terms of stylistic density and re¬
pression, very common in Old French narrative, dundancy; moreover, if the Quest, as Kellogg
“then you could have seen/heard . . .”; for ex¬ suggested, demonstrates “emphatic piety,” the
ample, “when Lancelot rode into battle, you History of the Holy Grail is more emphatic and
could have seen knights struck down left and scarcely less pious, though considerably less
right.” Although the sense of the passage is ren¬ graceful and subtle. The author appears to be
dered equally well by “when Lancelot rode into far more concerned with substance and symbol¬
battle, knights fell left and right” or “Lancelot ism—everything possesses symbolic meaning,
rode into battle and struck down knights left and and everything is explicated in detail—than with
right,” neither translation retains the original’s concision and grace. At times, the text advances
sense of a relationship between a narrator and with acceptable ease, but often it frankly plods.
his audience. Although, by necessity, the translator has in
Some of the geographical locations cited in some cases presented a text that is clearer and
the text are real; thus, Norhomberlande or more accessible than the original, we have
Norhombellande indisputably refers to thought it important to retain enough of the
Northumberland; in this and similar cases, we characteristics of the Old French to give a clear
have used the familiar modern form of the notion of the style and, particularly, of the stylis¬
name. On the other hand, a number of such lo¬ tic distinctions between the History of the Holy
cations are obviously imaginary. In a few cases, Grail and the texts that follow it.
there is serious doubt about the reference: In one crucial way, the two texts translated in
Carduel is often taken as Carlisle, for example, this volume present common problems: neither
and Taneborc may be Edinburgh, but the identi¬ translator was able to work from a single, author¬
fications are by no means certain. In such in¬ itative critical edition. Rupert Pickens has based
stances, we have generally retained the Old his translation of the Merlin primarily on the
French form rather than risk misleading the Sommer text, emending where necessary from
reader. manuscript variants and from Micha’s edition
We have dealt with characters’ names by (which covers roughly the first eighty pages of
translating their descriptive element. For exam¬ the Sommer text). With the History of the Holy
ple, we might have kept the form “Wain le Grail in particular, the translator must deal with
Grand,” which sounds perfectly acceptable. But textual difficulties: the early Hucher edition has
in fact, “le Grand” means something specific, been the standard text, but it is entirely unreli¬
and we have preferred to present that meaning able; Sommer offers little improvement, while
to our readers; the character in question is thus the recent and generally superior Ponceau edi¬
“Wain the Tall.” tion is still unpublished. Thus, to a good extent,
Carol Chase has found it necessary to establish a
Preface xiii

text as she translates the work. She worked pri¬ Geneva; Editions Slatkine (Champion-Slatkine),
marily from Hucher but emended that text Geneva.
freely by referring to Sommer, to manuscript A large and complex project, such as this is,
variants given by Hucher, and to the Ponceau owes a great deal to many persons who provided
thesis. Because our translations are intended to advice, philological expertise, and material or
meet the needs of scholars as well as students editorial assistance. Because we have preferred
and more general readers, notes offer informa¬ to think of the Vulgate translation as a single col¬
tion not only about cultural and literary matters laborative undertaking rather than a group of
but, especially for the History of the Holy Grail, discrete volumes, we have chosen to list our
about textual questions and the process of text debts here, rather than divide them among vol¬
construction. umes; additional acknowledgments will be
added, as appropriate, in subsequent volumes.
We are happy to express our appreciation to the
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS following: Clifford Chase; James F. Jones, Jr.,
Southern Methodist University; Edward D.
The editor and translators wish to acknowledge
Kennedy, University of North Carolina, Chapel
the assistance of a number of institutions and
Hill; Elspeth Kennedy, St. Hilda’s College,
individuals.
Oxford (Emerita); Sherron Knopp, Williams
The translation of the Vulgate Cycle has
College; Jay Paul Mann, Knox College
been supported by a generous grant from the
(Emeritus); Michele Perret, Universite de Paris
National Endowment for the Humanities, an in¬
X-Nanterre; Anson C. Piper, Williams College
dependent federal agency. We are indeed grate¬
(Emeritus); Claude Roucard; Thomas Scott,
ful for the agency’s support.
Knox College; Mary Springer and Norman
We also owe a particular debt to the Indiana
Springer, St. Mary’s College; John Strassburger,
University Foundation, for generous financial
Knox College; Lois Hawley Wilson, Eagle Point,
and administrative support.
Oregon.
For offering released time and/or financial,
For their technical and other assistance, we
editorial, and clerical assistance to some of the
gratefully acknowledge the efforts of Faith
translators, we are pleased to acknowledge as
Burdick, Tracy Calvert, Louisa Dixon, Daniel
well the following institutions: Washington
Golembeski, Chad Langford, Anne P. Longley,
University in St. Louis; the Sterling and Francine
Constantinos Takles, and Jackie Uhlmann. The
Clark Art Institute; Hamilton College; Knox
general editor wishes to thank in particular
College; the University of Kentucky; the
Donna Nix, whose generous assistance and ex¬
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill;
traordinary editorial skills contributed substan¬
Oregon State University; the University of Texas,
tially to the completion of this first volume.
Austin; the Camargo Foundation.
Finally, we are grateful to Gary Kuris, of
We are grateful also to publishers who ac¬
Garland Publishing, for the enthusiasm with
corded us rights to critical editions of the prin¬
which he received the initial suggestion for this
cipal texts from which we translated: Max
project and the support he has provided
Niemeyer Verlag, Tubingen; Librairie Droz S.A.,
throughout.
 ,

’ ' i

• I

'
 Introduction
E. Jane Bums

The Arthurian Vulgate Cycle lacks focus, ram¬ (1215-20), a protracted story of the chivalric
bles, gives you a headache, and puts you to exploits undertaken by the quintessential knight-
sleep. Such were the observations of the seven¬ lover whose adulterous liaison with Guenevere
teenth-century epic poet Chapelain, one of the will subsequently cost his success on the Grail
cycle’s earliest commentators.1 These remarks quest. This account prepares us for the Queste del
come from a reader who expects to find in the Saint Graal (“Quest for the Holy Grail,” 1220-25)
Arthurian prose romance of the thirteenth cen¬ in which Perceval and Bors undertake the Grail
tury a post-Cartesian logic wholly foreign to lit¬ adventure alongside the chosen hero Galahad,
erary works of the High Middle Ages. But if who is Lancelot’s spiritually pure son. But
Chapelain’s remarks can be dismissed as the Lancelot’s continued adultery with the queen
naive product of an era long past, echoes of unleashes an inexorable chain of tragic events—
them ring loudly in the assessments of more narrated in La Mort le Roi Artu (“The Death of
contemporary critics. Many literary historians in King Arthur,” 1225-30)—that culminate in a
our own century have mistakenly sought in final holocaust on Salisbury Plain, where King
Arthurian romance a recognizable ancestor text Arthur and his bastard son Mordred kill each
for the modern novel since the same French other. These three tales are preceded in terms of
word, roman, designates extended narratives of narrative chronology by two others that were
both periods. Disappointment at not finding in actually composed after the initial Lancelot-Grail
the Vulgate Cycle a viable precursor for nine¬ trilogy. The Estoire del Saint Graal (“The
teenth-century literary sensibilities is often regis¬ Story/History of the Holy Grail,” after 1230) tells
tered in comments decrying the cycle’s lack of of the transfer of the Grail vessel from the Holy
unity, claims that these prose romances consti¬ Land to Great Britain and subsequent miracles it
tute one of the most disjointed European literary performs there, and the Estoire de Merlin (‘The
works ever written,2 or that their highly Story/History of Merlin,” after 1230) chronicles
repetidve narrative structure creates a monotony the marvelous feats of the prophet-enchanter
bordering on the offensive.3 responsible for Arthur’s conception, his rise to
It is certainly true that the complex amalgam power, and his exceptional military victories.
of five Arthurian tales constituting the Vulgate The unwieldy mix of spiritual and chivalric
Cycle does not present the modern reader with modes that crisscross unevenly throughout this
an easily definable “text.” The corpus can be protracted prose narrative mark the Vulgate
sectioned, on one level, into independent tales Cycle as a product of the emergent social and
that begin chronologically with the Prose Lancelot political tensions in thirteenth-century France.
The rise of French vernacular literature in the
1Albert Pauphilet, Le Legs du Moyen Age (Melun: mid-twelfth-century that had popularized chival¬
Librairie d’Argences, 1950), 30. ric tales about King Arthur and the knights of
2J.D. Bruce, The Evolution of Arthurian Romance the Round Table underwent a significant shift
(Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1923), 410. around 1200 as the standard Arthurian adven¬
3Ferdinand Lot, Etude sur le “Lancelot en prose” (Paris, ture story was infused with Biblical allusion and
1918, rpt. Paris: Champion, 1954), 63-64. This statement is
the religious mystery of the Holy Grail. As verse
especially significant since it comes from one of the cycle’s
accounts of courtly love and prowess, once de¬
most ardent defenders. But after great effort to prove unity
for the entire cycle, even Lot concedes reluctandy that livered orally, were recast into prose narratives,
coherence does not prevail. See also p. 262. possibly destined to be read, appeal was made

xv
XVI Introduction

simultaneously to two authoritative written tradi¬ for themselves among the competing interests of
tions: historical chronicle and the Divine Book. the higher, landed aristocracy on the one hand
Latin prose previously had been the medium for and the Church on the other. But what the
Geoffrey of Monmouth’s pseudo-history of the Vulgate Cycle charts more than synthesis is the
British kings, which featured, among many ongoing struggle of an impossible task. Through
monarchs, the legendary King Arthur. its seemingly endless proliferation of chivalric
Vernacular prose had formerly been used for re¬ adventures, its repeated narrative expansions
ligious purposes—in sermons, psalters, transla¬ and extensions, its elaborate genealogies of
tions of Ladn religious texts, and indeed the ancestors, origins, and putative authors, this
Bible itself (first translated into Old French at wandering, disjointed narrative records a
the beginning of the thirteenth century). Prose struggle without resolution, a struggle—
thus carried for many medieval authors a truth¬ characteristic of many literary and philosophical
telling value absent from the rhetorical artifice texts of the thirteenth century in France—to
of purely literary verse accounts that by the thir¬ give a comprehensive account on an enormous
teenth century were sometimes condemned as scale, the very size of which might somehow tie
“vain pleasures.” Lady readers, in particular, competing and disparate elements together.
were exhorted after 1200 to abandon the decep¬ Known by many titles, the Arthurian Vulgate
tive tales of Arthurian knights in favor of texts Cycle derives its most common name from the
that would provide a more accurate and edifying first—and the only complete—edition of the
truth.4 cycle, undertaken by H. Oskar Sommer between
If the Christianization of Arthurian legend 1908 and 1912.5 French scholars speak typically
was encouraged by Church officials who, in the of the Lancelot-Grail Cycle, although this
spirit of Thomas Aquinas’s Summa theologica later appellation does not include the Merlin and
in the century (1274), sought to harmonize the sometimes omits the Estoire.6 Attribution of the
sacred and secular worlds within totalizing Lancelot, the Queste, and the Mort Artu to Walter
systematic interpretations, that Christianization Map has fostered occasional reference to the
of a distant Arthurian past also served the politi¬ whole corpus as the Pseudo-Map Cycle. The
cal aspirations of the new Norman dynasty. King titles hold one key word in common; all refer to
Henry II of England who first sought to legiti¬ a “cycle” of tales, depicting thereby an expansive
mate his power by proclaiming the historical narrative structure that generates a textual
King Arthur as a revered ancestor, may also have corpus of uncertain dimensions. Unity does not
cultivated around 1191 claims issued by the rank high on this compositional agenda. As we
monks of Glastonbury that the tombs of Arthur move from the episodic verse romances of the
and Guenevere had been “discovered” in the twelfth century, which tend to focus on the
abbey church and that the Holy Grail had, exploits of an individual knight such as Lancelot
according to their reading of Robert de Boron’s or Perceval, to the voluminous prose cycles of
Joseph of Arimathea (ca. 1200), been transferred
from the Holy Land to Glastonbury. Initially, the 5H. Oskar Sommer, The Vulgate Version of the Arthurian
myth of a Christianized Arthur would have Romances, vols. 1-7 (Washington, D.C.: The Carnegie
provided the Norman kings with a heroic Institute, 1908-12). Using British Museum Additional
manuscripts 10292-10294, Sommer provides a text of
ancestor figure to rival that of Charlemagne on
L’Estoire del Saint Graal (vol. 1), L’Estoire de Merlin (including
the Continent. But by the time of the Vulgate
the Livre dArtus as its continuation, vol. 2), LEstoire de
Cycle’s composition, the Arthurian prose Lancelot du Lac (vols. 3—5), La Queste del Saint Graal (vol. 6),
romances offered a model of comportment to La Mort le Roi Artus (vol. 7). Sommer includes in notes
the feudal aristocratic class, one that attempted variant readings from other manuscripts, often without
to combine the irreconcilable interests of earthly citing their source. Corrections are also made in the text
based only on consultation of London manuscripts and
chivalry and military conquest with the spiritual
without consistent documentation. For these reasons,
quest for peace. That attempt may reflect the subsequent editions of all texts have been undertaken (see
struggle of the lesser nobles to carve out a place bibliography).
6Ferdinand Lot uses the term to refer to the Vulgate
4Daniel Poirion, Precis de la litterature frangaise du Moyen Lancelot, Queste del Saint Graal, Mort Artu, and Estoire del Saint
Age (Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1978), 94. Graal.
Introduction XVII

the thirteenth century, which chronicle the proposed by scholars attempting to establish
deeds of whole generations of knights across unity in the Vulgate corpus.
numerous volumes of text, it becomes Varied efforts by Ferdinand Lot, Albert
increasingly difficult to discern where one tale Pauphilet, Jean Frappier, and most recently
ends and another begins.7 Just where the text of Alexandre Micha to demonstrate textual unity
the Vulgate Cycle is to be located, or what rely ultimately on the belief that a coherent con¬
constitutes any one textual unit that may or may ceptual plan preceded the composition of the
not be judged as unified remains in debate. Are prose romances—a plan thought to derive from
we dealing with one composite work or a set of the well-ordered mind of a hypothetical au¬
relatively autonomous and individualized tales? thor.10 * * Whether in positing the existence of a
And who or where is the author responsible for single masterly creator for the entire cycle, an
their composition? ideologically inspired writer for one volume, a
The cycle’s earliest commentators struggled governing architect whose initial project was
tirelessly with just such questions. Indeed, their later faithfully executed by a number of autho¬
frustration with the Vulgate’s rambling narrative rial hands, or a literary composer who fashioned
style was often exacerbated by an uneasiness in words the equivalent of a symphony in three
concerning the anonymous status of these and movements, these theories help to explain away
so many other Old French texts. Chapelain’s or effectively obscure the lapses in textual in¬
exasperated assessment of the Vulgate Cycle as a tegrity that so bothered Chapelain.
literary “dungheap” in which one might locate a When Ferdinand Lot states emphatically that
few textual diamonds, led to the inevitable the enormous bulk of the Vulgate Cycle only
conclusion that the work’s author must have appears to be incoherent but is actually as “well-
been a barbarian.8 Later critics, who more composed as a tragedy in five acts” (p. 74), we
accurately attributed the Vulgate’s lack of focus find an appropriately exaggerated answer to
to an unmonitored succession of authors and Chapelain’s overblown “dungheap.”11 And when
redactors,9 expressed an equally acute dismay at
the absence of a known author’s governing 10Lot, 7-8; Jean Frappier, Etude sur “la Mort le roi Artu”
hand. The pronounced predilection for single (Geneva: Droz, 1961): 144-146; Alexandre Micha, Essais sur
le cycle du Lancelot-Graal (Geneva: Droz, 1987), 297—313. See
authorship even structured counterarguments
also Rosemund Tuve, Allegorical Imagery: Some Medieval Books
and Their Posterity (Princeton: Princeton University Press,
7For a discussion of intertextuality in Old French 1966), 369-370; Eugene Vinaver, The Rise of Romance
romance that addresses the difficulty in defining the (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1971), 80; Myrrha Lot-Borodine,
parameters of a medieval text, see Matilda T. Bruckner, Trois Essais sur “Le Roman du Lancelot du Lac” et de “La Queste
“Intertextuality,” The Legacy of Chretien de Troyes, ed. Norris J. del Saint Graal” (Paris: Champion, 1919), 3.
Lacy, Douglas Kelly, Keith Busby (Amsterdam: Rodopi,
11 More recently, claims to unity in the Prose Lancelot
1987), 2:224-265. Other essays in this volume help situate
have been advanced by Charles Mela, La Reine et le Graal
the Vulgate Cycle in relation to twelfth- and thirteenth-
(Paris: Seuil, 1984), for whom a network of thematic echoes
century romance. See especially Norris J. Lacy, “The
creates “un tout indissociable, con^u et redige par un
Typology of Arthurian Romance,” 33—56; Colette-Anne Van
meme auteur, dans un meme esprit” (“an indissociable
Coolput, “La Reaction de quelques romanciers
whole, conceived and composed by a single author, of a
posterieurs,” 91-114; Roberta L. Krueger, ‘The Author’s
single mind” 343), and Alexandre Micha, whose thorough
Voice: Narrators, Audiences and the Problem of
study of allusions to previous textual moments,
Interpretation,” 115-140; Emmanuele Baumgartner, “Les
announcements of events to come, repetition of thematic
Techniques narratives dans le roman en prose,” 167-190;
analogues, interlocking quests (85-127), leads him to agree
and in vol. 2 of the same study Jean-Charles Huchet, “Le
with Mela that the Prose Lancelot is “un, de conception et de
Nom et l’image. De Chretien de Troyes a Robert de facture” (“one, in conception and structure” 16). For more
Boron,” 1-16; Rupert T. Pickens, “Histoire et commentaire on the repetition of thematic analogues, see also E. Jane
chez Chretien de Troyes et Robert de Boron: Robert de
Burns, Arthurian Fictions: Rereading the Vulgate Cycle
Boron et le livre de Philippe de Flandre,” 17-40; Carol J. (Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University Press, 1985, chap.
Chase, “Double Bound: Secret Sharers in Cliges and the 3; Micha 227-250). Mela’s findings are elaborated by
Lancelot-Grail,” 169—186. Francois Suard, “Lancelot et le chevalier enferre,” and
8Pauphilet, Le Legs du Moyen Age, 30. Marie-Luce Chenerie, “L’aventure du chevalier enferre, ses
9Albert Pauphilet, “Etudes sur le Lancelot en Prose," suites et le theme des geants dans le Lancelot,” both in
Romania 45 (1918-19): 514-534; J.D. Bruce, p. 399, n. 55; Approches du Lancelot en prose, ed. Jean Dufournet (Paris:
A. Jeanroy, Histoire de la nation frangaise, 2:371. Champion, 1984).
xtmi Introduction

Lot asserts subsequently that each page, indeed The fact that Lot’s case for entrelacement and
almost every line, of the “Agravain” attests to a consistent chronology in the Prose Lancelot does
consummate art of careful narrative not hold for other texts of the Vulgate Cycle
“preparations” for events yet to come (pp. 71- weakens considerably his arguments for unity
74), he implies the existence of a purposeful and single authorship. But even the calendar of
creator, a competent craftsman who stands in interlaced events that so carefully maps the
clear opposition to Chapelain’s negligent terrain of the Prose Lancelot gives us only part of
“barbarian.” the picture. It neglects the more elusive and
The critical positions of the Vulgate’s de¬ certainly more problematic portions of the tales,
tractors and defenders are less radically opposed those that stubbornly resist the confines of the
than they might first appear. Whereas Chapelain literary-historical map.
rejects the cycle as formless, concluding that this The task of accounting for these more
literary voyage is not worth the trip, Lot and his anomalous but very prominent features of the
followers provide a map for effectively charting Vulgate Cycle has fallen to scholars in the past
the unwieldy romance terrain. Through the fifteen years. Redirecting the illusory search for
theories of entrelacement (or narrative interlace) absent authors, origins, and textual unity, they
and consistent chronology advanced in his Etude have begun interrogating instead the complex
sur “le Lancelot en prose, "for example, Lot makes relations between author and text as they appear
the disparate landscapes of the Vulgate Cycle on the pages of the lengthy prose cycle.14
navigable for the uninitiated or skeptical reader Accepting digression in narrative development,
(pp. 17-28, 29-64).12 He shows in essence how repetition of stock motifs, the plurality of autho¬
the seemingly random mingling of individual rial voices, self-contradiction, and ellipsis as
chivalric adventures actually follows a consistent givens of the prose romances, some recent stud¬
and logical plan. As the conte, the “story” or ies embrace head-on the issues of narrative re¬
narrative line, switches furtively from detailing casting and discontinuity as essential aspects of
the exploits of Lancelot to following the thirteenth-century prose composition. Examin¬
adventures of Bors or describing the deeds of ing linguistic fragmentation and interruption,
Gawain, the apparent narrative chaos is analyzing the thematization of textual genealogy
anchored in a clear chronology of dates and and paternity of literary characters, and invoking
times. We follow the principal characters day by processes of intertextuality and rewriting,
day and hour by hour along twisting paths that scholars have formulated new questions that set
actually conform to a surprisingly rigorous the prose romance squarely within the context
calendar of events. The precise correlation of of medieval manuscript transmission while
names and dates supplies a tangible record of underscoring simultaneously its theoretical
the author’s mindful participation in the tale. modernity. Scholars have recently rethought the
They serve as footprints leading us back to his persistent tendency to seek in the medieval
former and formative presence. Lot’s analysis French prose romance a relatively stable and
attenuates and legitimates the randomness of coherent text whose literary worth could—for
the adventure story by attributing it to a
hypothetical author deemed as conscientious as so doing, he invokes an argument similar to the one we
a Beaumarchais, Scribe, or Sardou (p. 28). In have brought to bear on the Vulgate texts: “When modem
the move from Chapelain’s outraged literary scholarship seeks to rehabilitate a literary
masterpiece it invariably resorts to the favourite classical
denunciation of no unity to Lot’s concerned if
criterion of perfection which is, of course, unity . . . ,” ‘The
exaggerated imposition of perfect unity, we can
Problem of ‘Unity,’” The Works of Sir Thomas Malory, ed.
chart a constant preoccupation with origins, an Eugene Vinaver, 2nd ed. (1967), l:xliv.
unspoken desire to validate the literary artifact 14A pioneering article by R. Howard Bloch appeared
by returning to its authorial source.13 in 1975: ‘The Text as Inquest: Form and Function in the
Pseudo-Map Cycle,” Mosaic 8, 4 (1975): 107-119. Book-
length studies by Alexandre Leupin, Le Graal et la litterature
12For a recent treatment of the phenomenon of
interlace, see Micha, Essais, 94-122. (Lausanne: L’Age d’Homme, 1982), and E. Jane Bums,
Arthurian Fictions: Rereading the Vulgate Cycle, are
13It is curious that Vinaver accepts Lot’s theory of unity
accompanied by a range of pertinent articles to be
for the Vulgate Cycle but finds it inapplicable to Malory. In
discussed below.
Introduction xix

the Romantic imagination at least—be vouch¬ Lancelot, we learn that Lancelot is in fact
safed by the signature of a verifiable historical Galahad’s father, having engendered the Grail
author.15 hero during a visit to King Pelles’s daughter at
Corbenic. The son far surpasses the more
courtly Lancelot in spiritual achievement.
THE UN-UNIFIED TEXT Galahad represents the ideal conjunction of re¬
ligious and chivalric modes, and of past and fu¬
Standing behind current attempts to reformu¬
ture epochs. Descending from King David on his
late the problematic notions of authorship and
father’s side and from Joseph of Arimathea and
textual coherence is an implicit recognition that
the Grail kings on his mother’s, he is the embod¬
the Old French prose romance, shrouded in the
iment of Biblical history destined to cure the ills
anonymity that so often accompanies literary
of the Arthurian world. His success at the task is
works of the High Middle Ages in France, forms
ultimately undermined by events in the Mort
part of a manuscript tradition that allowed texts
Artu that lead inevitably to the downfall of King
to be constantly recast and rewritten in many
Arthur, the end of his realm, and the twilight of
variants. Such works derive ultimately from the
Arthurian chivalry previously established by
cumulative efforts of successive authors, scribes,
Merlin’s creadon of the Round Table.
and reader/reciters.16 The result in the case of
This concerted interweaving of individual
the Vulgate Cycle is a corpus of five tales whose
narrative strains suggests that we should perhaps
interdependence is both obvious and difficult to
read all of the Vulgate tales together as a whole.
pinpoint.
But must we do so? And to what extent? Must we
Taking as their subject the entire history of
read the Mort Artu as deriving from and
the Grail from its origin in the Passion of Christ
inextricably tied to the Queste? Do we risk seri¬
to the successful accomplishment of the quest by
ously misreading the Queste if we isolate it from
the chosen hero, the prose texts adopt the
later developments of the Mort? Alternatively,
comprehensive scale of literary and theological
should we consider the Estoire or Merlin to be
summae of the thirteenth century: Jean de
discrete textual entities, and can we justify read¬
Meun’s Roman de la Rose, Vincent de Beauvais’s
ing the more lengthy Lancelot independently of
Speculum Naturale, and Thomas Aquinas’s Summa
its companion tales?
Theologica. Like these structural analogues, the
A look at the extant manuscript tradition
Vulgate’s summa arthuriana knots its component
shows that neither option we have been dis¬
parts together in a relatively seamless whole.
cussing—whether taking the composite of all
Potential boundaries separating the standard
five tales as a textual whole or isolating individ¬
courtly narratives of love and chivalry found in
ual tales as independent works—reflects me¬
the Lancelot, Mort Artu, and the Merlin from the
dieval practice. Surviving manuscript evidence
Grail legends of the Queste and Estoire are skill¬
indicates that individual volumes of the cycle
fully obscured by an elaborate matrix of cross-
appeared only occasionally alone; they were ac¬
references that tie the whole together. The
companied more commonly by some or all of
Lancelot announces at its beginning that
the companion tales, and in a surprising way.
Lancelot was given the baptismal name of
Grouping all five tales together was frequent but
Galahad, thus forging a crucial link between the
not the rule. Only nine out of some ninety-six
archetypal knight-lover and the chosen hero of
surviving manuscripts contain the entire cycle.
the Queste del Saint Graal In the last third of the
The corpus is most commonly sectioned into
three groupings that regularly split apart one of
15For a theoretical discussion of authorship that can be
what we would consider to be the cycle’s indi¬
applied fruitfully to medieval texts, see Michel Foucault,
“What Is an Author?” Textual Strategies, ed. Josue Harari
vidual “texts”: the Lancelot. In the manuscript
(Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1979). tradition as we now perceive it, the Estoire, the
16Gerald Bruns, “The Originality of Texts in a Merlin, and the continuation of the Vulgate
Manuscript Culture,” Comparative Literature 32 (1980): 113- Merlin (termed the Vulgate suite) most often fall
129; C.S. Lewis, “The Genesis of the Medieval Book,” Studies
in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, ed. Walter Hooper
(Cambridge: University Press, 1966), 18-40.
 XX Introduction

together as one unit.17 The first two parts of the Montreuil’s thirteenth-century texts. Two pro¬
lengthy Prose Lancelot form another segment. logues to the cycle, the Elucidation and the
And the last third of the Lancelot joins the Queste Bliocadran, were composed subsequently. The
and Mort Artu in a final grouping. Of the extant process of narrative elaboration attested by these
manuscripts containing all or part of the Vulgate continuations constitutes an accumulation of
romances, none offers the entire Prose Lancelot materials that remain nonetheless fragmentary.
intact.18 And the array of variation in textual From them we get a clear sense that the desire
presentation across the corpus is maximal. If the for a conclusion to the tale becomes an excuse
V Queste appears at times alone, at times with the
Lancelot and Mort Artu or alternately as part of a
for narrative amplification. No matter how many
lines are added to Chretien’s base text, they can
five-volume corpus as we have said, it also com¬ never produce a single finished or unified work.
bines in some instances with the Lancelot alone, And the problem is not simply that only a por¬
and in others with only the Mort. At least one tion of the original manuscript corpus survives.
manuscript joins the Estoire with the Queste and For even if we had access to all the manuscripts
Matt19 that once existed for the Perceval material, or
These groupings suggest that a variety of for any Old French text, we would not necessar¬
possible readings were built into the highly flex¬ ily be better able to define the precise parame¬
ible narrative structure of the long and rambling ters of that text. Rather, we would be reminded
Vulgate tales and that textual boundaries as we all the more of the extent to which there was
know them actually varied from one read¬ generally no definitive version of the medieval
ing/performance to the next. There is, then, no tale. This is the phenomenon of mouvance as
single definitive text of the Vulgate romances, Paul Zumthor has described it, a kind of textual
and this not by oversight. Editors of Old French variability that consistently undermines the au¬
texts are well aware that the literary artifact in thenticity of any Old French text.21
the High Middle Ages lies somewhere between
the plurality of manuscript versions available to
us on the one hand, and the lack of complete THE ELUSIVE AUTHOR
textual genealogy for any one tale on the other.
As verifiable textual fixity recedes before our
If we are plagued by the loss of documentation
modern eyes, so too does the medieval writer’s
through the years, by the absence of manuscript
potential authority. Indeed, recent work on
versions that could potentially tell us a good deal
Provencal lyric has shown that, for certain au¬
about the historical transmission of an individual
thors at least, the presumed existence of a single
text, we must also recognize that any text in the
holograph of a particular poem is doubtful. It
High Middle Ages was, in an important sense,
appears for example that Jaufre Rudel authored
fragmentary.20
several distinct versions of a given poem, and
This is perhaps best illustrated by the verse
that he did so not as an attempt to supplant an
continuations of Chretien de Troyes’s Perceval
early version by a more accomplished or defini¬
(1189-91). Within fifty years of the composition
tive successor, but simply as a means of expand¬
of Chretien’s unfinished Grail romance, there
ing, elaborating, and diversifying the text at
appear four continuations: the Gawain
hand.22 We have no reason to believe that this
Continuation and the Perceval Continuation both
process did not also inform the composition of
written before the end of the twelfth century,
Old French works, including texts in prose as
followed by Manessier and Gerbert de
well as in verse. In the case of the Vulgate Cycle,
1 *7 it is entirely possible that two interdependent
1'A discussion of the various Merlin texts is offered
below. phenomena served to blur the potential bound¬
18Alexandre Micha, ed. Lancelot: roman en prose du 13e
aries of a discrete text: the scribe could add sec¬
siecle, vol. 1 (Geneva: Droz, 1980), ix-xxiii. tions to the text he copied, becoming in a sense
10Albert Pauphilet, ed. La Queste del Saint Graal (Paris:
Champion, 1921), iii-xiv. ^Essai de poetique medievale (Paris: Seuil, 1972), 73.
20Paul Zumthor, “Le Texte fragment,” Languefrangaise 22Rupert Pickens, The Songs of Jaufre Rudel (Toronto:
40 (1978): 75-82. The Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies, 1978), 23.
Introduction xxi

an author in his own right as he recast his model Credited with composing the Lancelot, Queste,
into an “original” version of the tale,23 and the and Mort, the historical Walter Map was a jurist
author could redo his own work without clearly and a man of letters at the court of King Henry
distinguishing the original from the rewrite.24 II of England. An influential court figure, Map
The Vulgate Cycle then provides us with a was also an author in his own right. Drawing on
text that is not a text in the modern sense of the his experience as a canon and precentor,
term, a text that is always fragmentary but always chancellor of Lincoln from 1186, and
a composite of more than one text, a text archdeacon of Oxford from 1197, Walter Map
located somewhere and uncertainly in the com¬ composed a satiric work about life at King
plex relation between many narrative versions Henry’s court called posthumously the Courtier’s
created by many authorial if not authoritative Trifles (De Nugis Curialium). The epilogue to the
hands. The literary map accurately representing Vulgate’s Queste casts Walter Map as an author in
this cycle of tales would contrast starkly with another capacity, making him responsible for
Lot’s set calendar. It would be a map that transcribing official court records of Arthurian
changed continually as we move through the adventure from Latin into French. ‘When they
narrative terrain it charts. Although it might in¬ had dined, King Arthur summoned his clerks
corporate on one level and for the text of the who were keeping a record of all the adventures
Prose Lancelot in particular the existence of a undergone by the knights of his household.
predictable calendar of events, a map detailing When Bors had related to them the adventures
the whole of the Vulgate Cycle would have to re¬ of the Holy Grail as witnessed by himself, they
flect a much looser and more flexible narrative were written down and the record kept in the li¬
structure. It would be a map with no fixed brary at Salisbury, whence Master Walter Map
perimeter, and no set or authorized format, a extracted them in order to make his book of the
map that could shift and reshape itself at succes¬ Holy Grail for the love of his lord King Henry,
sive moments and with successive readings. who had the story translated from Latin into
This is precisely the kind of map that the French.”25
Vulgate Cycle provides through its own overt But Walter Map’s purported role in
references to textuality and authorship. composing the Vulgate Cycle can be readily
Signaling us at every turn not to look for textual dismissed. He died in 1209, approximately five
unity or single authorship among these pages, to ten years before the composition of the first
the cycle offers numerous literary signposts to tale that bears his name.26 Scholars have specu¬
guide our path in other directions. The clearest lated that the anonymous authors of the Vulgate
example is found in the elusive figure of the Cycle chose to append Map’s name to their Ac¬
text’s putative author, a man whose actual role tive tales of knights and ladies in order to lend
in the composition of the Vulgate Cycle remains an air of historical veracity to the world of
as uncertain as the boundaries of the text he is Arthurian wonder. Map’s association with Henry
reputed to have penned. This author’s name is II’s court was well established. And Henry en¬
itself a map: Walter Map. But in stark contrast to joyed a legendary association with King Arthur.
Lot’s calendar, this map does not deliver reassur¬ What better way to assert the historicity of
ing proof of an author’s controlling presence. Arthurian adventure than to make it flow from
the pen of a master storyteller who had rubbed
23Roger Dragonetti, La Vie de la lettre au Moyen Age shoulders with the very king reputed to have
(Paris: Seuil, 1980), 48. launched the discovery of Arthur and
24Emmanuele Baumgartner notes that by the end of Guenevere’s graves at Glastonbury?
the fourteenth century there existed five or six clearly Yet even Map’s name as it appears in the
distinct versions of the Prose Tristan: Version I, a short
Vulgate texts presents a curious anomaly. Some
version that preceded the Vulgate Cycle; Version II, the
longest and most popular; Version III, a mix of versions I
and II plus an interpolation of a fragment from the Prose 25Queste, ed. Pauphilet, 279-280.
Lancelot, Version IV, which combines Versions I, II, III and 26For extended discussions of the Vulgate Cycle’s
additional interpolations; and other interpolated versions. dating, see F. Lot, Etude sur le Lancelot en prose, 126-140, and
Le Tristan en Prose: Essai d’interpretation d’un roman medieval “Sur la date du Lancelot en prose,” Romania 57 (1931):
(Geneva: Droz, 1975), 85-87. 137-46, and J. Frappier, Etude sur La Mort le roi Artu, 20.
xxii Introduction

think that “Walter Map” was a kind of joke, a THE ESTOIRE DEL SAINT GRAAL AND
nickname derived from the Welsh vab or mab or THE MERLIN
ap meaning “son of,” a tag used by the English to
denote their Welsh friends on the border.27 In The titular author of the Estoire and the Merlin,
this case, the signature “Walter Map” that ap¬ one Robert de Boron, provides similarly suspect
pears in the Vulgate Cycle would translate non¬ clues. Thought to have composed an early Grail
sensically as “Walter son of,” an unfinished epi¬ story in verse, Joseph d'Arimathie (ca. 1200),
thet, a name that gives the illusion of identifying Robert de Boron is also credited with subse¬
a historical author without doing so in fact. quent prose elaborations of this tale known as
Repeated allusion to this name that does not re¬ the Roman du Graal (“Romance of the Grail”)
ally name reminds us pointedly that individual and with their later development in the Vulgate
authorial contributions to the Vulgate Cycle are texts. The Vulgate’s Estoire cites Robert as a scrip-
as difficult to discern as the boundaries separat¬ tor who translated the tale we read from Latin
ing one narrative “text” of the cycle from an¬ into French, “et mesire Robers de Borom, qui
other. ceste estoire translata de latin en franfois.”28
Map’s potential authority is diluted further The closing lines of the Merlin cite Robert de
by repeated reference to the textualized voice of Boron as the teller of a tale derived from a book
li contes (“the story”) throughout the tales in the vernacular, the Livre dou Graal, “And I
attributed to him. The epilogue citing Walter Robert de Boron who retell this book according
Map as the author of the Queste also cites li contes, to the teaching of the Livre dou Graal [‘The Grail
a sort of inanimate narrative protagonist, as the Book”], it is fitting that I speak and recount the
official teller of the tale. The story ends not story just as the book tells it.”29
when Map stops speaking but when li contes has But Robert’s actual contribution to the
nothing more to say about the Grail adventures, composition of volumes of the Vulgate Cycle
we are told. Map’s authoritative written record that bear his name remains as nebulous as the
comes to us then only through a wholly fictive fictive genealogies advanced for these tales. If
voice that speaks from the pages of Arthurian the Merlin were merely a copy of a single Grail
romance. If the authority we might attribute to story (Li Limes dou Graal), as the text states, it
the signature of this author is attenuated by the would not contain the deeds of Merlin and
circumstances of his death and the uncertain Arthur’s knights that it does in fact record. But
status of his name, the potential force of his how do these narrative strains come together?
presence in the text is reduced all the more by Merlin explains that the book he dictates to his
the voice of li contes that accompanies and scribe Blaise—an account of the reign of Uther
encloses it. The invocation of Walter Map as and Pendragon—will be joined to the Grail story
author of the Vulgate Cycle undermines the very (‘Joseph’s book”) when Blaise meets with the
purpose of citing an author as guarantor of a Grail people. But this crucial event in the devel¬
text’s worth. By taking us back to a reputed ori¬ opment and transfer of the story we read never
gin that it then withholds and obscures, this map takes place. Merlin’s book predicts one set of
turns us away from the empirical search for an events—Blaise passing on his narrative to the
original historical author and allied efforts to “gens du Graal” (“Grail followers”)—but nar¬
establish a coherent literary work where one rates another—Merlin being seduced by Ninane
clearly does not exist. And it is not the only sig¬ and dying without ensuring that the book he
nal guiding us in that direction. wrote with Blaise’s help ever merged with a sep¬
arate Grail narrative. Alongside the genealogy
27Walter Map, De Nugis Curialium: Courtier’s Trifles, ed.
and trans. M.R. James, rev. C.N.L. Brooke and R.A.B.
28Eugene Hucher, ed., Le Saint Graal (Le Mans:
Mynors (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1983).
Monnoyer, 1875), 3:194, 269. Whereas Sommer’s edition
provides a short version of the Estoire, Hucher’s text based
on Cange MS. BNP 748 and Le Mans 354 offers a more
elaborate narrative rendition.

29Alexandre Micha, ed., Merlin: roman du Xllle siecle

(Geneva: Droz, 1979), 290-291.
Introduction xxiii

that posits Robert de Boron as an au¬ inal text whose voice has been translated into
thor/ translator of a text deriving from a mixture French—and if so whom does this “I” represent?
of an authoritative Grail book and pseudo-histor¬ Or has the original “I” been appropriated by the
ical accounts of the Arthurian past, we find an¬ new author? The trio formed by Robert, “I,” and
other genealogy establishing the Active character the estoire is grounded in the same authorial am¬
Merlin as the only possible author for all the biguity that characterizes the group of voices
texts in question. If Merlin’s composite work that recount the other Vulgate narratives: Map,
remains distinct from the Livres dou Graal that li contes, and Arthur’s knights whose depositions
Robert retells, then Robert’s exact contribution are recorded by scribes and later retrieved by
to the Merlin as we know it remains in doubt.30 Walter Map to “make his book.”
We are left wondering how to reconcile the roles If the Vulgate’s textual genealogies
of two authors, Merlin and Robert de Boron, demonstrate an obsession with origins that par¬
and how to weld together two fragments of a tex¬ allels that shared by Chapelain and Lot, they re¬
tual genealogy that do not fit together logically. veal simultaneously how, in the case of these
The proposed genealogy for the Estoire is narratives, the preoccupation with origins leads
equally incomplete. This romance claims that its consistently to no verifiable authorial source. We
author, who figures as a character in the tale, are left rather with a plurality of authorial voices
transcribes a book that was previously written by and competing subtexts that cannot be aligned
Christ.31 As Christ hands the inscribed author a in logical sequence. Credit for narrative inven¬
book containing the story of the Holy Grail, he tion falls on a cohort of Active authors that
directs him specifically to copy its contents, range from the chivalric heroes who speak their
thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of the sacred adventures at King Arthur’s court to the Active
text that becomes the Grail story we read (2:38). dictator Merlin and his vernacular scriptor Blaise,
What then is the relation between Robert de to the bogus author/translator Walter Map, the
Boron, the inscribed author, and the original storyteller Robert de Boron, and the oracular
creator, Christ? When Robert de Boron is said to voice of Christ. Amid all these references to cre¬
have translated the estoire from Latin into French ators and their sources, both written and oral,
it appears that the estoire furnished the subject no mention is made, curiously, of the actual tex¬
matter or source material for Robert’s French tual antecedents for the Vulgate Cycle. Yet there
text. However, the term estoire is also used in this are many.
tale to refer to the current narration, Robert’s The Vulgate Estoire is preceded historically by
French translation as well as to the textualized a prose Joseph attributed to Robert de Boron
voice that recounts it (3:269). The estoire is here (alternatively called Le Grand Saint Graal), which
said to tell the tale of the Grail story much as li derives in turn from Robert’s verse Joseph (Le
contes does elsewhere in the cycle. This coupled Petit Saint Graal, Le Roman de L'Estoire du Graal).
with the fact the Robert’s text is called alter¬ To this oldest known ancestor text for the Estoire
nately the Estoire dou Saint Graal (3:269) and Li are appended 504 extant verses of a fragmentary
Contes dou Saint Graal (3:194) makes it impossible Merlin that remains unsigned. Different from
to establish a clear distinction between the Latin subsequent reworkings for which there is a
“source” and the subsequent French relatively rich extant manuscript tradition, these
“translation.” Furthermore, it is unclear whether seminal texts in verse appear in a single
Robert de Boron, the purported translator of manuscript edited by William Nitze as Le Roman
the Estoire, is to be identified with the au¬ de VEstoire dou Graal (Paris: Champion, 1927). As
thor/narrator who appears in the tale. Is the “I” Robert’s original tales were recast into prose
who addresses us merely the narrator of the orig- beginning around 1210, they emerged
sometimes in a trilogy, Le Roman du Graal, that
30Larry Crist, “Les Livres de Merlin,” Senefiance 7 recounts the history of the Grail vessel (Joseph
(1979): 197-210. d’Arimathie), its arrival in Great Britain along
31 On the function of the medieval scribe as an author with the discovery of the future king Arthur
of disjointure in the Estoire, see Douglas Kelly, “Invention (Merlin), the quest for the Holy Grail, and the
dans les romans en prose,” The Craft of Fiction, ed. Leigh
subsequent demise of Arthur’s world (Perceval,
Arrathoon (Rochester, Mich.: Solaris Press, 1984), 119-142.
known widely as the Didot Perceval).
XXIV Introduction

The assumption that Robert also penned a from the prose Tristan (and the Suite du
verse Perceval that served as a model for the later Merlin).34
prose trilogies has recently been challenged. Of The compositional system charted here is
the fifteen surviving texts of the prose Joseph and one of extensive rewriting. The Vulgate Cycle
fifty-five of the prose Merlin, only two expands the prose Perceval into two separate sto¬
manuscripts contain the prose Perceval These ries: the Queste del Saint Graal, which draws addi¬
manuscripts are the best known because they tional material from Chretien de Troyes’s Conte
have been edited: the Modena manuscript (E. du Graal and the Perceval Continuations, and the
39 from the Bibl. Estense in Modena) edited Mort Artu, which recasts source material from the
most recently in its entirety by Bernard chronicle tradition—Geoffrey of Monmouth’s
Cerquiglini and previously for the Joseph and Vita Merlini and Wace’s Roman de Brut—by
Perceval segments only by William Roach.32 But it adding the love story of Lancelot and Guenevere
is highly probable that the texts of the prose from Chretien de Troyes’s Chevalier de la charrete
Perceval, which do not bear Robert’s name, were (“The Knight of the Cart,” 1178-80). Unlike its
composed from a combination of Chretien de predecessors, the Vulgate Cycle devotes a full
Troyes’s Perceval, the Second Continuation, and half of its narrative to developing a lengthy ren¬
Robert’s Joseph and Merlin.33 dition of Chretien’s Lancelot story, perhaps us¬
The verse Merlin too spawned serial prose ing a predecessor of the Middle High German
rewrites. Having itself descended from Geoffrey Lanzelet by Ulrich von Zatzikhoven (ca. 1200) to
of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae and fill in details of the hero’s childhood. The prose
Vita Merlini, passing into the French tradition Joseph and Merlin are similarly recast into the
through Wace’s Roman de Brut and other Estoire del Saint Graal and the Estoire de Merlin re¬
vernacular translations of Geoffrey’s Historia, the spectively. Rewriting of this material continues
prose Merlin appears in fifty-five extant when authors of the Post-Vulgate Roman du
manuscripts, including Modena and Didot. It is Graal, the prose Tristan, and the Palamedes (late
recast again in the Vulgate Merlin and somewhat thirteenth century) pick up where the Vulgate
later in the Huth Merlin. The Modena Merlin authors left off.
represents the first stage of this elaborate Not unique to the Vulgate material, the
prosification and offers the shortest version, de¬ process of rewriting characterizes the majority of
void of a suite. The Vulgate Merlin expands Old French texts. Most vernacular authors in the
Robert’s narrative by detailing Arthur’s military High Middle Ages based their writing on some
campaigns against rebellious barons in what is preexisting materia in either Latin, French, or
known as the Vulgate suite; and the Huth Merlin another language. Their texts also contain fre¬
(sometimes referred to as the Suite du Merlin) quent comment on the very process of literary
supplies a series of elaborate romance episodes. borrowing, explaining how their work either
This rendition forms part of the post-Vulgate copies dutifully or diverges purposefully from its
Roman du Graal (ca. 1230-40), formerly known base text.35 Whereas the earliest French ro¬
as the pseudo-Robert de Boron Cycle, which is mancers build their narratives on Latin
composed of a remodeled Vulgate Estoire, Queste, sources—on Statius’s Thebaid, Virgil’s Aeneid, an
and Mort Artu, portions of the Vulgate Lancelot account of the Trojan War by pseudo-Dares and
(taken from the “Agravain” section), segments pseudo-Dictys, or various accounts of the life of
Alexander the Great—Marie de France turns to
32Bernard Cerquiglini, ed., Le Roman du Graal: Breton lais, explaining that she wants to recast
manuscrit de Modern par Robert de Boron (Paris: Union them in French. Both Marie and authors of the
Generale d’Edition, 1981); William Roach, ed., The Didot
French romances of antiquity see their literary
Perceval According to the Manuscripts of Modena and Paris
(Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1941); ‘The
Text of the Modena Prose Joseph d’Arimathie,” Romance 34For a detailed study of the Roman du Graal, see Fanni
Philology 9 (1955-56): 313-342. Bogdanow, The Romance of the Grail (Manchester:
Manchester University Press, 1966).
33Rupert Pickens, “Mais de cou ne parole pas crestiens
de troies . . . : A Re-examination of the Didot Perceval,” 35Douglas Kelly, ‘Theory of Composition in Medieval
Romania 105 (1984): 492—510. Narrative Poetry and Geoffrey of Vinsauf s Poetria Nova,"
Medieval Studies 31 (1969): 117-148.
Introduction XXV

task as one of adapting a previous text, of trans¬ meet, under what circumstances Kay and
forming an existing narrative into something Meleagant fight together, and how Lancelot and
only partially new. Meleagant do battle on two occasions, thereby
This practice, which had the widest currency providing answers to questions that Chretien’s
in the Middle Ages, effectively blurred potential richly ambiguous text leaves open. In the prose
distinctions between original and copy, author Lancelot, scenes are often displaced from their
and impersonator. In the medieval system of original narrative sequence and expanded
rewriting, a reformulated text becomes to a through a process of doubling: the cart episode
degree the author’s own invention without ever repeats with Bors and other knights stepping
really losing its former character. The literary aboard after Lancelot’s fateful move and the
work resides in a continuum of transformations, cemetery scene features two tombstones necessi¬
each different from but as valid as its pre¬ tating two tests for the initiate knight.38
decessor. But even this thorough absorption of
Chretien’s text into the Vulgate’s narrative does
not create a clearly unified whole. The prose
THE PROSE LANCELOT redaction seems to have existed in at least two
major narrative versions. Although the Vulgate
A particularly apt illustration of the process is
Lancelot is generally called the Prose Lancelot,
provided by the Vulgate Lancelot The longest of
one must distinguish between the Vulgate ver¬
the five Vulgate romances, the Lancelot alone ac¬
sion of the tale and the noncyclic Prose Lancelot, a
counts for half of the cycle, occupying three
shorter version designed possibly to stand in¬
volumes of Sommer’s seven-volume edition. It is
dependently of the Queste and the Mort ArtuA9
built around a central core supplied by Chretien
Both cyclic and noncyclic Lancelots, recount the
de Troyes’s Chevalier de la charrete. But Chretien’s
hero’s childhood, education, and knightly ad¬
contribution to this narrative is thoroughly
ventures up to his installation as a knight of the
obscured; no clues indicate where his portion of
Round Table. The shorter version then offers a
the tale begins or ends. And rather than heading
brief account of the journey to Sorelois and
the narrative sequence, as is the case with
False Guenevere episodes with no narrative
Chretien’s Perceval in the verse continuations,
bridge to the Queste and Mort Artiu The longer,
the Charrete is embedded in the middle of a
cyclic version elaborates those same episodes to
narrative scenario that radiates out from it.36
prepare the reader for the Grail material that
The “Galehaut” portion of the prose text—
will follow in subsequent texts. The two prose
which includes the reworking of Chretien’s
Lancelots thus reflect two stages of narrative de¬
tale—appears in volume 3 of Sommer’s edition,
velopment within the prose rewrite itself: the
the “Suite de la Charrete” in volume 4, and the
first stage exalting earthly love and chivalry be¬
“Agravain” in volume 5.37
tween Lancelot and the queen, the second cast¬
In elaborating Chretien’s 7,126 lines of verse
ing those very practices as highly problematic
into roughly 2,500 pages of prose, the Vulgate
and dangerous.
Lancelot does not simply add new narrative
Certainly one of the major shifts as we move
material to its base text. Certain key scenes in
from courtly romance of the twelfth century to
the Charrete—the mounting of the cart and the
the cyclic Grail material of the thirteenth is the
tournament at Pomeglai for example—are
shift from a secular quest for the Arthurian lady
actually reduced in the prose version, while de¬
to the spiritual search for the venerated if
tails are provided to flesh out other scenes left
mysterious Grail object. As the Vulgate Lancelot
enigmatic and vague in Chretien’s text. The
enlarges the legendary biography of its hero by
prose romancer tells us how Kay and Lancelot

38 Bruckner, “Intertextuality,” 242-243.

36For a detailed discussion of narrative elaboration in
39Elspeth Kennedy, Lancelot and the Grail: A Study of the
the Prose Lancelot see Bruckner on “Intertextuality.”
“Prose Lancelof (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986), and
37Alexandre Micha’s edition begins in medias res so that
Elspeth Kennedy, ed. Lancelot du Lac: The Non-Cyclic Old
to read the Lancelot story chronologically in this edition French Prose Romance (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1980); and
one must begin with volumes 7 and 8 and then proceed to Micha, Essais, 31-83.
volumes 1 through 6.
 XXVI Introduction

adding a long series of highly stylized adven¬ in bed and tomb, suggesting that the bond
tures, its central character becomes simultane¬ between Lancelot and Galehaut is in fact
ously more glorified and more marginalized. He stronger than the tie holding Lancelot to the
is displaced ultimately by Galahad, the chosen queen.43
quester whose chastity and purity allow him to The tension between male and female
overcome terrestrial limitations of the flesh protagonists that is suggested in so many of
along with the temptation of fleshly women.40 Chretien’s texts now comes into fuller relief, en¬
Chretien’s classic tale of courtly love, which abling us to perceive more clearly what is really
followed the erotic model of troubadour lyric, at stake in courtly love. In the Prose Lancelot,
has now assumed an antierotic and antifeminist Lancelot’s interest in the queen appears at times
pose.41 In positing the love of women as a to be more political than personal. If he is at¬
substantiaTTundrance to male chivalric success, tracted to Galehaut emotionally, and perhaps
I this text allows us to glimpse more readily than sexually, he favors Guenevere as a conduit to
ever before how courtly love, even in the earliest another powerful man, the king. When
Arthurian texts, introduced more problems than Chretien’s phrasing about mutual love and en¬
solutions to the charged interaction between joyment between Lancelot and the queen is re¬
male and female protagonists. In the Prose placed by a discourse of explicit seduction be¬
Lancelot, the troublesome scene from Chretien’s tween Lancelot and Galehaut, the classic config¬
text in which Guenevere rejects Lancelot’s love uration of courtly love takes on a new dimen¬
service in a disturbingly uncourtly gesture sion. As Galehaut transforms his original plot to
remains relatively unchanged. But the steal Guenevere from Arthur into a plan of cap¬
companion scene of reconciliation between the turing Lancelot’s love and attention, he invokes
lovers in which Chretien has Lancelot kneel the standard discourse of courtly love to express
down and venerate the queen before spending undying affection for another knight, not a lady:
the night in her bed is severely truncated in the “It would be worth having my great honor
Prose Lancelot. Amid an abbreviated narrative of turned to shame, if I could be as sure of him
the couple’s amorous embraces we find [Lancelot] as I would wish him to be of me.”44
Guenevere narrating to Lancelot the death of The apparently passionate and abiding union
his friend and companion at arms, Galehaut.42 that links Lancelot to Guenevere is here shown
The insinuation of Galehaut between the lovers to be fraught with substantial dissonance and
in this scene would be of little consequence if it disunion.
were not for the concerted emphasis earlier in If rewriting the tale of Lancelot and
the work on the intimate friendship between the Guenevere has made it longer, fuller, and more
two men. Lancelot, it has been pointed out, abundant in words, it has also explored the
wants to sleep with Galehaut, to lie next to him cracks between these amplified segments of nar¬
rative. That we have more of a story does not
40 As far as we know, Galahad had no prior existence mean that we have more synthesis, resolution, or
in Arthurian legend and was invented for the Vulgate controlled structure. In fact, the opposite is true.
Cycle.
The protracted process of recasting and elabo¬
41 For an analysis of how the femininity and female
rating fragments of preexisting literary texts that
sexuality that structure the beginning of the Prose Lancelot
generates the Vulgate Cycle as we know it creates
are displaced to allow for the development of the chivalric
hero, see Fran^oise Paradis, “La Triple Mise au monde d’un a narrative that spreads in many contradictory
heros, ou trois images d’une femininite maitrisee dans le directions across the manuscript page. To chart
debut du Lancelot en prose," Approches du Lancelot en prose, ed. this spread accurately, we would need a literary
Jean Dufoumet (Paris: Champion, 1984), 157-176. map devoid of clear directional bearings. Taking
42 “When Lancelot entered the bed, the queen felt the
blood dripping from him; it was from his hands that had
43Jean Frappier, “La Mort Galehot,” Histoire, mythes et
been tom by the sharp bars. But she thought it was sweat
symboles: Etudes de litterature franfalse (Geneva: Droz, 1976),
and neither of them noticed it. And then she told him
137-147; Christiane Marcello-Nizia, “Amour courtois,
about Galehaut’s death, of which he knew nothing. He
societe masculine et figures du pouvoir,” Annates, economies,
would have lamented it greatly but it was not the place for
societes, civilisations 36 (1981): 969-982.
that. Then they shared great joy with each other” (Micha
75-76). 44Lancelot du Lac, ed. Elspeth Kennedy, 1:333-334.
Introduction xxvn

us forward and backward simultaneously, these contes as the principal teller of the tale we read.
tales range over the narrative landscape with the When we hear constantly that “the tale tells
changing vision of a moving camera as opposed us . . . ,” “the tale speaks . . .,” or “the tale now
to the frozen frame of a cartographer’s sights. turns from one hero to recount the deeds of
From the former vantage point, images are another”—a rhetorical technique used widely in
distorted, accuracy is accompanied by exag¬ the Vulgate narratives themselves—the
geration, directional control gives way to flux. predominance of the narrator’s “I” is
The three-dimensional whole, while still com¬ significantly diluted and diffused.47 In both
posed of the sum of its parts, no longer possesses cases, the illusion of full-bodied and unmediated
the artificially imposed completeness of its two- speech—generated either between literary
dimensional representation, though it claims to characters or between author and audience—is
do just that.45 fractured by incessant reminders of the textual,
written medium that records that seemingly
plentiful voice.
THE WHOLE AND ITS PARTS The chronology of the Vulgate romances
reinforces this sensation of nonlinear time, re¬
It is this anomalous condition of fragmentation
turning us constantly to sources and origins of
posing as wholeness that some recent studies
characters and the narratives they inhabit only to
have attempted in different ways to capture.
reveal all too cogently that those origins are irre¬
Linguistic analyses have shown how the very
trievable and artificially constructed.48 As a text
prose style of the Vulgate romances creates a vi¬
written late in the development of the Vulgate
sion composed of many isolated and atomized
Cycle but positioned near the head of the liter¬
details, suggesting that the story we read is more
ary series, the Merlin offers a richly atemporal
realistic than its enigmatic twelfth-century pre¬
view toward past and future narrative events.
cursors. Yet the numerous indications of time
While exploiting factual antecedents already re¬
and place in the Prose Lancelot, for example,
lated in the Lancelot, it announces them as events
form part of a succession of fixed images that
to be recounted subsequently. The text stands in
resist any final comprehensive synthesis. The
the Vulgate corpus as a predecessor of the
Vulgate’s abundance of precise detail does not
Lancelot-Grail trilogy but a predecessor curi¬
contribute in the end to a fuller or more realistic
ously cognizant of its own future development.
picture of the whole.46 Similarly, repeated
The apparent linear sequence we follow from
reference to the speech act, which would seem
the Estoire to the Merlin, Lancelot, Queste, and Mort
to prioritize the communicative role of speech in
Artu is actually predicated on a narrative circu¬
the prose Joseph, actually calls attention to the
larity that allows later texts to influence their
ephemeral or questionable status of speech in
seeming precursors. The elaborate genealogical
the prose setting. The uninterrupted flow of
trees attesting to the sources and origins of indi¬
direct discourse between interlocutors that
vidual characters in the corpus are structured
characterizes the earlier verse composition of
similarly so as to turn in circles. In the Merlin,
Robert de Boron is replaced in the prose rewrite
Sagremor the Unruly offers an especially cogent
by a constant, rhythmic reference to the fact that
illustration of the instability of paternal rela¬
the speakers are speaking. Direct address is
tions. His incestuous origins label him alter¬
typically prefaced by remarks to the effect that
natively as the son, the grandson, or the nephew
“this person now speaks,” or “that one now
of the emperor of Constantinople. And the long
responds.” And the stream of narrative events in
list of names that evoke his genealogical roots
twelfth-century romance, often punctuated by
cannot be arranged into a logical or consistent
direct authorial intervention, is here replaced by
repeated allusion to the textualized voice of U
47Bernard Cerquiglini, La Parole medievale (Paris:
Minuit, 1981), 77, 112.
45On the distinctive way that certain prose narratives
48For a detailed study of the obsession with origins in
emphasize their material character, see Michele Perret, “De Old French literature, see R. Howard Bloch, Etymologies and
l’espace romanesque a la materialite du livre,” Poetique 50
Genealogies: A Literary Anthropology of the French Middle Ages
(April 1982): 17-37. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1983).
46 Baumgartner, “Les Techniques narratives,” 186.
xxviii Introduction

family tree.49 Appearing so full in its detail, this when he has no authoritative source to validate
character’s genealogy is composed ultimately his remarks. But the Vulgate Cycle’s particular
only of fragments. The incompleteness of version of this pervasive medieval tendency to
Sagremor’s lineage, like that of Galahad and so cite invented sources can perhaps best be
many other protagonists in the Vulgate Cycle, understood in relation to the complex shift from
goes hand in hand with the discontinuous ro¬ verse to prose that shaped the evolution of
mance narrative. It has in fact been suggested Arthurian romance from the twelfth to the
that the very objective of the Huth Merlin is to thirteenth century.
reveal how paternity—whether that of the son
owing his existence to his father or that of the
literary text dependent on a textual origin—val¬
VERSE AND PROSE
idates the potential importance of origins while
Just why prose emerged around 1210 as a viable
also undercutting their absolute worth.50
medium in the writing of Arthurian romance is
For all its talk of origins and sources, when
not yet fully understood. But this crucial stage in
emphasizing the details of a character’s identity
the development of Old French narrative calls
or history, the source of a speaker’s voice, a
up questions of oral versus written delivery, fan¬
text’s words, or a character’s lineage, the Vulgate
tasy versus truth telling, fictive elaboration versus
Cycle demonstrates vividly how those sources are
historical documentation. These fundamental
necessarily superseded by elements in the
questions address the very role and function of
narrative that hark back to them: the text we
vernacular textuality in the High Middle Ages
read then becomes both an image or repre¬
and raise in yet another way the question of ori¬
sentation of its purported sources and a renun¬
gins. Prior to the thirteenth century, vernacular
ciation of them. One is led by these false ge¬
prose, like its Latin counterpart, had been re¬
nealogical clues to wonder why the Vulgate
served largely for recording legal and religious
Cycle insists so actively on spurious, fictive ori¬
truths. It appeared in juridical texts, charters, re¬
gins, obscuring all the while its actual debt to
ligious writings, translations of the Bible, and
tangible literary sources. Why do these tales
sermons. Prose was used in the thirteenth cen¬
evoke the names of Walter Map and his archival
tury to document historical events in the chroni¬
record, Robert de Boron and his livre, the oral
cles of Villehardouin, Robert de Clari, Henri de
deposition of Arthur’s knights, Merlin’s oral dic¬
Valenciennes, and, in the fourteenth century,
tation to Blaise, Christ’s instructive and creative
the Histoire de Saint Louis by Joinville. But obvi¬
word, while never mentioning Chretien de
ously fictive tales of Arthurian knights that were
Troyes or Geoffrey of Monmouth? Of course,
probably delivered orally to a listening public
the invocation of false authors and fake textual
had previously appeared only in verse. As prose
genealogies was common practice in medieval
became an acceptable means of telling stories of
text production generally. Geoffrey of
love and adventure in the early thirteenth cen¬
Monmouth himself claims, in the Historia Regum
tury, the polarity between orally delivered ver¬
Britanniae, to be translating a Breton text given
nacular tales and more erudite writings in Latin
to him by one Walter, archdeacon of Oxford.
began to collapse. The scope of the courtly nar¬
Layamon purports to have derived his Brut from
rative became simultaneously more historical
an unattested text by Augustine and Albin.
and more religious, as the Vulgate Cycle readily
Much later, Chaucer cites as his source for
attests. The newly cast prose romances began to
Troilus and Criseyde a Latin author Lollius instead
incorporate within their narrative structure fre¬
of crediting Boccaccio. And Malory typically
quent claims to authenticity and veracity de¬
refers to his “French book” at those moments
signed, it would seem, to obscure their fictive
origins.
49Claude Roussel, “L’ art de la suite: Sagremor et
l’intertexte," Annates, economies, societes, civilisations 41
The closing lines of the Mort Artu present
(1986) : 27-42. Walter Map as the author of an accurate and
50Kate Cooper, “Merlin Romancier: Paternity, truthful written document: “And now Walter
Prophecy and Poetics in the Huth Merlin,” Romanic Review Map has no more to say about the Story of
77 (1986): 1-24. Lancelot, because he has brought it to an end
Introduction XXIX

and told everything that happened; his book semble as closely as possible those feats of hero¬
ends here, and anything else that might be ism already undertaken, told aloud and written
added would be a lie.”51 down at Arthur’s court. The source of their oral
This assertion combined with the allusion to narrative could not be more literary. For Walter
Walter Map’s task as author/translator of the Map, the privileged intertext is found in the writ¬
Queste discussed above reflects a mode of ten record of chivalric deeds housed in the
composition that mimics the writing of chroni¬ archive at Salisbury, an invented record deriving
cle. Purporting to offer a truthful, authoritative ostensibly from those same oral accounts that
record of past events, the system outlined in the draw in turn on the Arthurian adventure story.
Queste and Mart Artu moves from an eyewitness Blaise composes his text from the dictation of a
oral account of what are posited as actual fictive character Merlin, and Robert de Boron
events—the adventures of Arthur’s knights—to a draws on a “Livres dou Graal” that cannot be
recording of those events in writing, and a sub¬ traced to any verifiable source. The Estoire's au¬
sequent retrieval and translation of the archival thor rewrites a story that has been written previ¬
document. The Estoire evokes a different avenue ously by Christ; we read a secularized, chivalric
to establishing a truthful narrative: by capturing version of a tale transformed. In all cases, the
words from the mouth of the divine Creator, set¬ supposed copy of an original source proves to be
ting them down in writing and producing exact an original text itself, a wholly literary text whose
copies that preserve their valued essence. The claims to greater authority both mask and reveal
veracity of the final text, here obviously a prod¬ its implicit project. What we hear in the Vulgate
uct of a nonsacred and vernacular tradition of Cycle’s claims to possessing the authority of
storytelling, is guaranteed by repeated allusion chronicle or the truth of Scripture is not an evo¬
to the tale being true, as true as Scripture, as ac¬ cation of actual sources, but a subtle appropria¬
curate as the apostles’ tales (2:388, 428, 439). tion into the literary sphere of the legitimacy
If these textual genealogies attest to an that those sources traditionally provide. While
overwhelming desire to legitimate the fanciful stating so emphatically that their narratives
Arthurian stories of knights and ladies by an¬ derive from historical and scriptural sources, the
choring them in the apparent accuracy of histor¬ Vulgate romances say at the same time: these are
ical chronicle or the acclaimed Truth of wholly literary texts, as accurate as history, as
Scripture, they reveal at the same time how ver¬ true as Scripture, as legitimate as any truth¬
nacular romance is incapable of both tasks. God telling narrative. But the truth told here is obvi¬
and King Arthur are equally removed from the ously of a different sort. It is a truth not of events
realia of thirteenth-century existence. It is as dif¬ or revelations, but a truth anchored solidly in
ficult to represent the transcendental signified the pleasurable, rhetorical use of words.52
in tales of adventure as to revive the historical Herein lies the answer to critical objections
past in Arthurian prose. What the Vulgate tales raised by Chapelain and Lot. For the insistent
offer as an alternative is the fictional creation of repetition of too many words that put Chapelain
both God and Arthur ex nihilo, a kind of repre¬ to sleep and offended the aesthetic sensibilities
sentation that does not depend on the meaning¬ of Ferdinand Lot lies at the very heart of the
ful Truth of Scripture or the truth of historical Vulgate’s project to validate the literary text over
document, but on fictional intertexts that are and above its more erudite predecessors.
more present and “real” than God or Arthur Repetition serves in many ways as the hallmark
could ever be. It is these intertexts that structure of the Vulgate romances: repetition of authorial
the cycle’s elaborate textual genealogies. voices, of stock motifs and thematic material, or
For Arthur’s knights, the antecedent story of whole segments of narrative lifted from the
that guides the creation of their tales lies in Queste and relocated in the Estoire. And that
those episodes previously recounted at King repetition draws attention to the specifically
Arthur’s court. They seek pointedly for adven¬ literary character of the Vulgate romances, un¬
tures that are “worth telling,” adventures that re¬ dermining their professed pretentions to more
lofty theological or historical expression.
51 La Mort le roi Artu, ed. Jean Frappier (Geneva: Droz,
1964), 263. 52Bums, Arthurian Fictions, chap. 1.
 -) A
XXX Introduction

In the Neoplatonic Christian tradition of the venture as it occurs. Does this mean that the
Middle Ages, repetition is conceived of primarily vernacular adventure story has successfully
in a vertical dimension; repetition of an event is escaped the limitations of earthly speech and
a further concretization of the abstract Idea or narrative fabrication, acceding to the status of a
Christian Ideal that precedes it.53 In transposing religious tract, as Albert Pauphilet thought?56 Or
repetition to a horizontal plane, the Vulgate should we more accurately read this narrative as
romances recast the process of theological a romance text whose Arthurian paternity has
representation into a literary system of inter- traditionally been denied by an overly
textual rewriting and narrative reprise. In Christianized interpretation?57 When we look
Augustinian terms, this would constitute an overt closely at exactly what is altered by the hermits’
and extreme case of textual idolatry, since pref¬ presence in the Queste, we can see how this most
erence is given clearly to the letter not the spirit, religious of the Vulgate narratives joins its com¬
to the proliferation of words at the expense of panion tales in cultivating the horizontal repeti¬
the Word of God.54 The Vulgate Cycle cultivates, tion of rewriting rather than offering a vertical
above all else, the seductive verbal trap that the representation of transcendent meaning.
Church Fathers warned against. Augustine’s Although the hermits are asked typically to pro¬
denunciation of literature as fables, falsehoods, vide the verite or truth of a preceding adventure
and lies that delight men instead of leading or to relate the senejiance or meaning of chivalric
them beyond the text to the Word, may have exploits, they most often simply recast the initial
been taken to heart by believers like St. Peter event in another narrative register, evoking a
Damian, who during the eleventh century took parallel tale from the Biblical or chivalric past.
Christ as his “literature.”55 But the medieval lay Rather than providing interpretive glosses in ab¬
audience was apparently harder to convince. stract language, the hermits’ pronouncements
Thirteenth-century clerical pronouncements tend to disperse the core of the adventure story
deplore the falsehoods and lies written about into a series of intertexts, which, like the plural
Perceval and the Holy Grail, lamenting those authorial voices in the Estoire and the Merlin, re¬
who have abandoned religious truth in sult in an anomalous combination of prolifera¬
preference for stories about Lancelot and the tion and repetition.58
secularized holy relic. If the Grail material is the Meaning in the Queste is not first hidden and
most religious component of the Vulgate corpus, then revealed, but rather it is systematically
it appeared as most irreligious to medieval displaced from one textual segment to the
Church authorities. next.59 In recasting tales from Scripture into the
vernacular and placing them squarely within the
world of Arthurian adventure, the hermits’ re¬
LA QUESTE DEL SAINT GRAAL marks subtly collapse the crucial distinction be¬
tween sacred and secular narrative, legitimizing
Of all the Vulgate romances, the Queste del Saint
the vernacular enterprise under the guise of al-
Graal goes the farthest in attempting to mask the
literariness of vernacular romance by imposing
56A. Pauphilet, Etudes sur la “Queste del Saint GraaT;
upon it a grid of religious interpretation. Within
Etienne Gilson, “La Mystique de la grace dans la Queste del
its narrative of chivalric exploits, the Queste, Saint Graal,” Romania 51 (1925): 321-347; Pauline
thoughtJb^ some to reflect the dogma and prac¬ Matarasso, The Redemption of Chivalry (Geneva: Droz, 1979).
tice of the Cistercian order, embeds a host of 57The latter case is argued persuasively by Emmanuele
resident hermits who explain each knightly ad- Baumgartner, L’Arbre ei le Pain: Essai sur “la Queste del Saint
Graar (Paris: SEDES, 1981), and Nancy Freeman Regalado,
“La Chevalerie celestielle: Spiritual Transformations of
53Peter Haidu, “Repetition: Modem Reflections on
Secular Romance in La Queste del Saint Graal,” Romance:
Medieval Aesthetics,” Modem Language Notes 92 (1977):
Generic Transformation from Chretien de Troyes to Cervantes, ed.
875-887.
Kevin Brownlee and Marina Scordilis Brownlee (Hanover,
54On Christian Doctrine, trans. D. W. Robertson
N.H.: University Press of New England, 1985), 91-113.
(Indianapolis: The Bobbs Merrill Co., 1958), Book One 4:4,
58Leupin, Le Graal et la Utterature, chap. 3.
Book Two 23:36, 25:39, Book Three 5:9, Book Four 4:31.
59Jean-Charles Huchet, "Les Deserts du roman
55Epistle 8, Patrologiae: Cursus Completus, Series Latina,
medieval: le personnage de Termite dans les romans des
ed. J.P. Migne, 144, 476.
12e et 13e siecles,” Litterature 60 (1985): 89-108.
Introduction xxxi

legory. If the hermit here poses as the official land. The finality of the words inscribed on
and final voice of Arthurian romance, the influ¬ Arthur’s tombstone are thus undermined by the
ence his Active presence exerts on the composi¬ enduring possibility that the legendary king may
tion of the vernacular tale is no more religious indeed return.61
than Walter Map’s participation in that same en¬ This miraculous gesture implies that the
terprise is historical. story is not yet over and that the romance tradi¬
tion has not yet died. The very moment of liter¬
ary closure is here cast in a mode of open-end¬
la mort artu edness that puts the status of inscription in
doubt. We see elsewhere in the Mort Artu how
The most chronicle-like of the Vulgate narratives
Arthur’s court writes its history on the tomb¬
is perhaps the Mart Artu, which exhibits less of
stones of knights that lie in cemeteries, the in¬
the repetition so common in the other Vulgate
scriptions appearing to stand as a durable testa¬
tales.60 But the Mort Artu effects a narrative
ment to events that took place. But it is revealed
sleight of hand analogous to that of the Queste,
in certain cases that these funerary inscripdons
allowing in the end for the most fundamental
are not wholly accurate.62 And as their status is
narrative repetidon of all. Evoking the finality of
called into question, so too the status of that
historical events and the chronicles that record
other inscription—the writing down of
them as a model of narradve composition, this
Arthurian adventure from the knights’ oral de¬
last volume of the Vulgate Cycle announces at
position—loses even more of its potential au¬
the same time how, despite these pretensions, its
thoritative force. When read against the tenuous
own narrative remains essentially ahistorical.
finality of Arthur’s tombstone, the Mort Artu's
Offering a chilling and brutal finale to the seem¬
claim to truthful finality sounds a hollow note. If
ingly interminable tales of adventure that pre¬
the text’s bold contention that Walter Map here
cede it, the Mort Artu lays out an inexorable
provides a complete and accurate record of ev¬
chain of cause and consequence in which the
erything that actually happened to King Arthur’s
continued love affair between Lancelot and
knights lends an air of historical veracity to the
Guenevere rekindles a clan vendetta between
Vulgate tales, it exposes at the same time the fal¬
Arthur’s family and Lancelot’s that eventually
libility of Arthurian claims to historical accuracy.
draws the king away from his kingdom and
Recent studies of the Vulgate Cycle have
makes his bastard son Mordred’s treason possi¬
made two things especially clear. They explain, if
ble. A final battle on Salisbury Plain, where King
without meaning to do so, the compulsion of so
Arthur and Mordred kill each other, brings the
many earlier scholars to discern systems of co¬
cycle to a definitive close. As the Arthurian fam¬
herence in the Vulgate corpus. They demon¬
ily line dies out, romance adventures come to an
strate, in an unexpected way, how early argu¬
abrupt end. With the seeming precision of his¬
ments for narrative unity or authorial control
torical documentation, this tale records the end
were not conditioned by the critical predilec¬
of an era. Or so it seems.
tions of their practitioners alone. Current work
When King Arthur dies, his grave is marked
has amply revealed how the Vulgate corpus is¬
by a tombstone proclaiming his might and fame:
sues a host of false clues to the unsuspecting
“Here Lies King Arthur Who by His Valor
reader. Mention of named authors, allusion to
Conquered Twelve Kingdoms” (La Mort Artu,
authoritative textual paternity, a concerted em¬
251). Prior to assuming this final resting place,
phasis on the genealogy of characters, claims to
however, Arthur is seen striding gallantly aboard
possess the historical veracity of an eyewitness
a fairy ship, his horse and armor in tow, as if to
account, alignment with authoritative Biblical
continue his chivalric deeds forever in another
predecessors, and invocation of meaningful

60For a detailed analysis of the compositional processes

61Leupin, Le Graalet la litterature, chap. 6.
at work in this text, see Jean Rychner, L’articulation des
62Helen Solterer, ‘“Conter le terme de cest brief:
phrases narratives dans “La Mort le roi Artu” (Geneva: Droz,
l’inscription dans La Mort le roi Artu,” Actes du 14e congres
1970). On the “linear perspective “ of the Mort Artu, see
international arthurien (Rennes: Presses Universitaires de
Norris J. Lacy, “Spatial Form in the Mort Artu,” Symposium
Rennes, 1984), 558-568.
31,4 (1977): 341,343.
XXXll Introduction

prophecy all lend an air of accuracy and believ- and textual unity has so often marginalized or
ability to these otherwise obviously ficdve tales. effaced.
But these leads, often embraced unques-
tioningly by scholars who find in them comfort¬
able echoes of their own critical predilections,
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
do not reflect the whole narrative picture.
For further explanation of texts and authors
Indications of authorship and authoritative ori¬
cited in this essay, see The New Arthurian
gins are countered at every turn in the complex
Encyclopedia, ed. Norris J. Lacy et al. (New York:
and richly varied prose texts by narrative strate¬
Garland Publishing, 1991). More detailed bibli¬
gies that undermine and question the very pos¬
ography can be found in the Bulletin bibli-
sibility that narrative coherence and authorial
ographique de la Societe Internationale Arthurienne.
mastery might prevail in a literary text. On the
strictly material level, elaborate narrative repeti¬
tion, interruption, and fragmentation Editions
undermine the wholeness of purported textual
genealogies, or characters’ established paternity. Bogdanow, Fanni, ed. La Folie Lancelot: A Hitherto
These ruptures lead to larger but related Unidentified Portion of the Suite du Merlin Contained
questions that the Vulgate narratives invite us to in MSS B.N. fir. 112 and 12599. Beihefte zur
pursue. What does it mean when obviously Ac¬ Zeitschrift fur Romanische Philologie. Tubingen:
tive tales call their fabrication true? When they Max Niemeyer, 1965.
create false signatures, sources, and origins for Frappier, Jean, ed. La Mort le roi Artu: roman du XHIe
themselves? Or claim to possess the historical stecle. Geneva: Droz, 1964.
truth of chronicle or the sacred truth of Hucher, Eugene, ed. Le Saint Graal. Vols. 1-3. Le
Scripture? How does the function of authorship Mans: E. Monnoyer, 1875.
change along with the passage from verse to Kennedy, Elspeth. Lancelot do Lac: The Non-Cyclic Old
prose at the turn of the thirteenth century? French Prose Romance, 2 vols. Oxford: Clarendon
What happens when secular romance poses as Press, 1980.
allegory (as it does in the Queste)? Or as chroni¬
Magne, Augusto, ed. A Demanda do Santo Graal 3 vols.
cle, as in the Mort Artu? And what becomes of Rio de Janeiro: Imprensa Nacional, 1944.
courtly love that provided the mainstay of
Micha, Alexandre, ed. Lancelot: roman en prose du XHIe
twelfth-century romance? These are some areas
siecle. Vols. 1-8. Geneva: Droz, 1978-82.
of inquiry that the Vulgate Cycle explores, not in
a predictable way that could be charted on a -. Merlin: roman du XHIe siecle. Geneva: Droz,
1979.
definitive map but by wandering across the un¬
even and evocative terrain of Arthurian ro¬ Paris, Gaston, and Jacob Ulrich. Merlin: roman en prose
mance. du XHIe siecle. Paris: Societe des Anciens Textes
In their narrative wandering, the thirteenth- Franfais, 1886.
century prose tales of love and adventure remind Pauphilet, Albert, ed. La Queste del Saint Graal Paris:
us that when analyzing them we need not look Champion, 1921.
for a reassuring map to guide our literary Ponceau, Jean-Paul, ed. L’Estoire del Saint Graal
voyage. And that in taking this trip we need not Doctoral thesis (Paris IV-Sorbonne), 1989, vol. I.
choose necessarily between unity and disunity, Sommer, H. Oskar, ed. Die Abenteuer Gawains, Ywains
coherence and incoherence, between the inge¬ und le Morholts mil den drei Jungfrauen, . . . nach der
nious author’s masterpiece and the barbarian’s allein bekannten HS Nr. 112 der Pariser National
literary dungheap. These excessively polarized Bibliothek herausgegeben. Beihefte zur Zeitschrift fur
options are perforce limiting and exclusionary Romanische Philologie, 47. Halle: Max Niemeyer,
in their own way. Possessing all the apparent 1913.
fullness of a Mercator map, they necessarily dis¬ -, ed. The Vulgate Version of the Arthurian
tort the world they represent. But that very dis¬ Romances. Vols. 1—7. Washington, D.C.: The
tortion can lead us to ask more productive ques¬ Carnegie Institute, 1908-16.
tions, in particular questions about those sectors
of the literary terrain that the quest for authority
Introduction xxx m

English Translations Bums, E. Jane. Arthurian Fictions: Rereading the Vulgate

Cycle. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University
Cable, James, trans. The Death of King Arthur. Press, 1985.
Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1971. Frappier, Jean. Etude sur La Mort le roi Artu. Geneva:
Carman, J. Neale, trans. From Camelot to Joyous Guard: Droz, 1961.
The Old French “La Mart le roi Artu. ”Ed. with intro, Kennedy, Elspeth. Lancelot and the Grail: A Study of the
by Norris J. Lacy. Lawrence: University Press of Prose Lancelot. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986.
Kansas, 1974.
2 vols. Ed. Norris J.
The Legacy of Chretien de Troyes,
Corley, Corin. Lancelot of the Lake, with an intro¬ Lacy, Douglas Kelly, Keith Busby. Amsterdam:
duction by Elspeth Kennedy. Oxford: Oxford Rodopi, 1987, 1988.
University Press, 1989.
Leupin, Alexandre. Le Graal et la litterature. Lausanne:
Matarasso, Pauline, trans. The Quest of the Holy Grail L’Age d'Homme, 1982.
Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1969.
Lot, Ferdinand, Etude sur le Lancelot en prose. Paris,
Paton, Lucy Allen, trans. Sir Lancelot of the Lake: A 1918; rpL Paris: Champion, 1954.
French Prose Romance of the Thirteenth Century. New
Micha, Alexandre. Essais sur le cycle du Lancelot-Graal
York: Harcourt, Brace, 1929.
Geneva: Droz, 1987.
-. Etude sur le Merlin de Robert de Boron. Geneva:
Critical Works Droz, 1980.
Pauphilet, Albert. Etude sur la Queste del Saint Graal
Approches du Lancelot en prose. Ed. Jean Dufournet. Paris: Champion, 1921.
Paris: Champion, 1984.
Szkilnik, Michelle. LArchipel du Graal. Etude de lEstoire
del Saint Graal Geneva: Droz, 1991.
'

'
The History of the Holy Grail

translated by Carol J. Chase

 The History of the Holy Grail

1. Prologue.1 Seven hundred seventeen years after the Passion of

Jesus Christ it happened that I, the most sinful of all
The one who, by order of the Great Master, is setting2 in sinners, was lying in a small hut, at the [6] hour called the
writing the high and noble story of the Grail first sends vigil of the night. The place where I was lying, as God
greetings to all those men and women [II: 2]3 who believe knows (who knows all thoughts), was far away and remote.
in the glorious Holy Trinity, that is, the Father and the Son And I can say this much: it was in a wilder place than there
and the Holy Spirit—the Father, who creates [3] and gives is in all of fair Britain.8 Nevertheless, it was very delightful
life to all things; the Son, who [4] delivers all those who and pleasant, for when Our Lord wants to work His way in
believe in Him from perpetual pain and brings them to the one of His Christians, He has soon prepared him so that all
high joy without end; the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies and the things the world despises please him, and all those the
purifies good things. world prizes annoy him. That night, I was lying down as you
The name of the writer of this story is not divulged at have heard—it was the night between Maundy Thursday
the beginning. However, the words that will be said herein and Good Friday—and may it please Our Lord, I had done
will permit you to know a great deal about his name,4 his the matins9 service called Tenebrae.10 And then there came
life, and his ancestry. But he does not wish to reveal his over me a great desire to sleep, so I began to doze in my
name at the beginning, for three reasons. First, if he gave bed where I lay.
his name and said that through him God had revealed such Hardly had I begun to doze when I heard a voice that
a noble and lofty story as that of the Grail, the foundation called me three times by name and said, “Wake up and
of all stories, the treacherous and envious might interpret it listen: three things are the same as one, and one is the same
as boastfulness. The second reason is that someone who as three;11 [7] one can do as much as the three, and they
knows him might hear his name, and thus might prize the are naturally none other than one.” At these words I awoke
story less, because it had been written down by such a and looked around me and saw such brightness that
humble person—for he holds himself to be the most nothing so great could issue from any earthly light. After
humble and despised person ever created. The third reason that I saw a man standing in front of me, so handsome and
charming that his beauty could not be described by any
is that if there were anything improper in the story,
through either the omissions or the [5] naivete of writers mortal man’s tongue. And when I saw him, I was so awed
that I did not know what on earth to say or do.
who later transmit it from one place to another, all the
He looked at me and said, “Did you understand
blame would be placed on him. For there are now in our
times more mouths that recount evil than good,5 and a anything at all of the words I spoke to you?”
man6 is blamed more for doing a single bad deed than he is Trembling, I answered him, “My Lord, I am not at all
certain.”
praised for one hundred good ones. For these three
He spoke again. “I have brought knowledge about the
reasons he does not wish his name to be completely
Trinity.” He said this12 because I had been in doubt about
revealed, even though no matter how much he may wish to
how the Trinity could have three persons and yet only one
cover it up and hide it, it will be better known7 than he
deity and only one power. Nor had my faith ever allowed of
would like. However, he will clearly reveal how the high
doubts on any other point but this. Then He said to me,
history of the Holy Grail was confided to him and when,
“Do you know who I am yet?”
and who gave it to him.

8The adjective “fair” was chosen to approximate “bloie,” an

1 Corresponds to Hucher II: 1-39; Sommer I: 1-12; Ponceau
adjective used here and elsewhere to qualify Britain.
§1-15. Because Ponceau’s edition is presently unpublished,
paragraph numbers are cited instead of page numbers. 9Times of day in the Middle Ages were based on the
canonical hours laid out in the rule of St. Benedict. Since these
2Verb corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
hours were regulated by the sun, the exact time varied according
3Henceforth, all page numbers refer to Hucher, volume II, to locality and season, but the following approximations can be
until the point in Chapter 24 where volume III begins, where the given: prime, or first hour, was at sunrise; tierce fell at mid¬
same system will be used for that volume. morning (about 9:00 A.M.); sext, at midday; nones, at mid¬
4“His name” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau. afternoon (about 3:00 P.M.); vespers, at sunset; complin was at
Here and in following notes, “Hucher variants” are those reported about 9:00 P.M.; matins, at midnight; and lauds, at about 3:00 A.M.
at the bottom of the relevant page of Hucher’s edition. lf>The office of matins and lauds sung on the last three days
5Apparent lacuna in text; "than good” supplied from Hucher of Holy Week.
variants and Ponceau. 11 “Are the same . . . three” supplied from Hucher variants
6"A man” supplied from Ponceau. and Ponceau.
7“Known” supplied from Ponceau. 12“About the Trinity.... this” supplied from Ponceau.

3
4 The History of the Holy Grail

And I replied, “My Lord, my eyes are mortal and thus no mortal man, no matter how distressed, if he can see* 1'
do not have the power to look direcdy at the Light of all inside sincerely, as he should, whose heart will not be
Lights, nor does my mouth have the strength to say what delivered at that moment of all anguish and filled with all
would confound all sinning tongues.” the joys a mortal heart can have, so pleasant and delightful
He leaned down toward me and blew upon my face, are the words within; this is the joy of the body. And on the
and then it seemed to me [8] that my eyes were one other hand, his soul will be gradually illuminated by
hundred times clearer than ever before, and I felt in my spiritual love, so that if he desires earthly things, it will be to
mouth a great marvel of tongues. And He said to me, “Do put them to work [11] for his Creator; nor will anyone who
you know who I am yet?” has held and seen this little book one time die a sudden
When I opened my mouth to answer, I saw a fiery death, no matter what sin he has committed in this life.
brand leap from my body, just like burning flames. I was so This is the joy of the soul.”18
terribly afraid when I saw it that I could not say a word. And When He had said this, a voice cried out like a
when He saw my fright, He said, “Be not afraid, for the trumpet; then came such a loud noise from on high that it
fountain of all certainty is here before you, and be assured seemed to me that all the firmament had fallen and that
that I have come here to teach you the truth about the earth had plunged into an abyss; and if the light had
everything you question, for I hold the true teachings been very bright before, it was one hundred times brighter
concerning13 all doubts. I am He through whom all good then, for I was so overcome by it that I thought I had lost
knowledge is learned, for I am the Great Master through my sight. And so I fell to the ground as if in a faint. After
whom all earthly masters know all the good they have quite some time, I regained my senses and opened my eyes,
learned; yet masters are they not, for none can be master but I saw nothing living around me, nor did I know what to
except Him who has all knowledge. I am the Master to think about what I had seen; rather I would have
whom Nicodemus said, ‘Master, we know drat you came considered it all to be a dream, had I not found the little
from God.’14 I am He about whom the Scripture said, ‘All book in my hand, just as the Great Master had given it to
knowledge comes from God Our Lord and is with Him and me.
always has been since before the beginning of time.’15 [9] I arose at once, very happy and joyful, and, holding
Because I am the perfect Teacher, He who is the fountain [12] all the while the little book with both hands, I fell into
of all knowledge, I have come to you, for I want to teach prayers, until God brought the day, which I had been
you about all the things that puzzle you; thus I will make longing for. When it was light enough for me to make out
you certain and wise about something about which no the letters, I began to read. At the beginning I found a tide
mortal man was ever certain, and through16 you, it will be that said: “This is the beginning of your lineage." When I
plain and clear to all those who ever hear it told.” saw this, I was very happy, for there was nothing on earth I
At these words He took me by the right hand and put desired so much as hearing about my lineage. After I had
in it a small book no longer or wider than the palm of a looked at it so long that the hour of prime had passed, it
man’s hand. As I held the book, He said to me, “Do you seemed to me that I had read nothing, since so much
want to know what I have given you?” I replied that I would remained to be read. For I saw there so many words that I
very much like to know, and He said, ‘This is the book in was completely baffled how they could be amassed in such a
which you will find greater marvels than any mortal heart litde book, since it seemed to be no larger than the palm of
could conceive. Nor will you ever have any doubts that will a man’s hand. I marveled so much that I myself would have
not be set straight by this book. Inside are My secrets, which doubted even as I looked at it, if it had not been given to
I Myself put there with My own hand, that no man might me by the One who can put a great many words in a small
see if he be not purged beforehand by confession and by place, and who can fill a large place with very litde. Thus I
three days of fasting with bread and water; and after that he looked at the book until about the hour of fierce, fill I had
must speak in such a way that he speaks the language vof the learned a great part of my lineage. [13]
heart and not that of the mouth. For these secrets cannot There I saw the names and lives of so many valorous
be named by any mortal tongue, lest [10] all the four men that I hardly dare say or acknowledge that I am
elements be disturbed: it will rain blood, and there will be descended from them. For when I saw their good lives and
other marvels; the air will be troubled, the earth will shake the great travails that they had suffered on earth for their
visibly, and water will change its color. All this will happen Creator, I could not imagine how I could better my life in
by the power of the words that are written in this book. order that it be worthy of being remembered19 with theirs.
“And there is more: any man who looks often inside Nor did it seem that I was a man compared with them, but
this litde book, as one should, will win the two greatest joys a mere imitation of a man and a disgrace. I dwelled on
that exist: joy of the soul and joy of the body. For there is these thoughts for a long time, but returned finally to the
book and read to the end of my lineage. Then I found a
1^ tide that said: “The book of the Holy Grail begins here.”
Tor I hold . .. concerning” supplied from Hucher variants
and Ponceau.
14SeeJohn III, 2. 17
''“See,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
15See the Apocrypha, Ecclesiasticus, I, 1. Reference given by “enter”).
I Q
Ponceau. This is the joy of the soul” supplied from Hucher variants
16<Through,” as in Hucher variants and Sommer (Hucher has and Ponceau.
“pour,” “for your sake’?). 19“Remembered,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
(Hucher has “maintained”).
The History of the Holy Grail 5

When I had read until past noon and it was probably the Thus it ceased. I began to think intently about the
hour of nones, I found another that said: “This is the marvel I had heard for so long. And then came a voice from
beginning of the fears.” [14] I began to read what came on high that said to me, “Stop thinking, get up, and go
after this, seeing things that were terribly fearsome and return to God what you owe Him, for it is certainly time.” At
frightful, and God knows I saw them with great fear, nor these words I got up, looked around me, and saw that it was
would I ever have dared to continue if He by whose already past the hour of nones. Seeing this, I marveled at
commandment all living things are moved had not directed how quickly the day had gone by, for I thought it was still
me to do so. After having seen a number of marvelous matins, so much had the reading of the litde book pleased
things, I found the fourth title, which said: “This is the me. Upon arising, I put it in such a place that it was always
beginning of the marvels.” And then I began to think very before my eyes. After that I sang my hours, the way they are
hard. to be said on that day. And when I had said them, [18] I
As I was thinking, a ray like burning fire descended began the sweet and pious service of the death of Jesus
from the sky and came before my eyes, as loud as thunder. Christ, for on this day did He truly die. Because of this, His
It seemed very much like a flash of lightning, except that body is not symbolically sacrificed on this day, for when the
the light lasted longer and was brighter and more truth comes forward, its figuration must be set aside. On all
fearsome. And it descended before me so suddenly that my the other days, the Sacrament is celebrated as a sign that
eyes flashed in my head, and it seemed to me that my brain He was sacrificed for us, but on the day that He was truly
was stunned, so that I fell to the ground in a dead faint. But crucified—this day, Good Friday—it is not, for there is no
the daze did not last very long; as it pleased Our Lord, it sign, since the day has come when He was truly crucified.
passed, and then I lifted my head, opened my eyes, and saw When, with God’s help, I had finished the service up to
that all the [15] firmament was turning dark20 and that the the point where the priest performs the three parts of the
sun was losing all its brightness, so that it was as dark as a Sacrament, and I was about to receive my Savior,22 an angel
deep winter night. And when this darkness had lasted long came before me, took me by both hands, and said, “These
enough for someone to go one hundred steps, it pleased three parts are forbidden to you, until I have shown you
God to end it clearly why you have used only one substance and assured
Then it began to grow bright, litde by litde, so that the you about all these things.” At these words, I was raised on
sun returned in its former brightness. And now in the place high, not in body but in spirit, and I was carried to one of
where I was, there descended a scent so sweet and pleasing the most delightful places that man has ever seen, to my
that if all the spices in the world were compared with it, I knowledge, for no matter how much joy any heart could
do not think they would render the thousandth part of its think of, or any tongue could speak of, or any ear could
sweetness or pleasing perfume. Then I heard around me hear of, [19] one hundred thousand times as much would
such a sweet song of praise that all the instruments and all be found there. And if I said that this was in the third
the melodies one could hear on earth would be nothing heaven, where Saint Paul was carried by the Holy Spirit,
compared with it, for there were so many voices that I do perhaps I would be telling the truth; but it would soon be
not think anything [16] mortal could ever count the considered boastfulness and lies. Yet I will say this much:
number. And it seemed to be so near that if these were there I was shown what Saint Paul says no tongue of mortal
visible things, I could have touched them with my hand; but man should reveal. After I had looked at the marvels for a
no matter how much I looked, I could not see even one of long time, which were more numerous than any mouth
all those who were singing. I was able to hear that their could say, the angel called me and said, “Have you ever
song praised Our Lord and that it always ended with: “May seen such great marvels?”23 I replied that I never thought
honor, glory, power, and force forever be with the anything so great could exist, and the angel told me he
destroyers of death and the restorers21 of eternal life.” I would show me a greater thing yet.
understood this refrain of praise, but I could not Then he took me and led me to another level, which
understand the rest of the song. But above all, it was sweet was a hundred times clearer than glass and so preciously
and pleasing to hear. After they had thus sung, there rang colored that no man could describe with certainty the
out on high a great marvel of I know not what instruments color, so artful and astonishing it was. There he showed me
resembling small bells, and when they ceased ringing the the power of the Trinity, for [20] I saw the division of the
voices started again. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit so that I could
They sang this way seven times, and when it came to distinguish one person from another; and I saw clearly how
the eighth time they broke off their song so suddenly that it these three persons belong to one substance and one deity
appeared that they [17] had fallen into an abyss. Then it and one power. Nevertheless, if I said that I saw the three
seemed to me that the wings of all the birds in the air flew persons divided one from the other, may neither the
past me. Once the song had stopped, so did the wonderful envious nor the traitorous reproach me, they who serve
fragrance I had smelled for a long time, which had pleased only to accuse and blame others. Nor may they say to me
me so much that I would never have sought to be otherwise that I have spoken against the authority of Saint John the
than I was, as long as it pleased Our Lord. great Evangelist, for he said that no man ever saw the

20‘Turning dark,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau 22This seems to contradict the preceding paragraph.
(Hucher has “vercissoit,” “turning green”?). 23“Which were more numerous . . . marvels” supplied from
21“Restorers,” as in Hucher variants, Sommer, and Ponceau Hucher variants and Ponceau.
(Hucher has “destroyers”).
6 The History of the Holy Grail

Father or can see Him,24 and I agree with him. All those how to contain myself, and I fully believed that I would
who have heard this do not know that when he spoke, he never be happy again. So I began to think how it could have
meant mortal men, for as long as the soul is in the body, been taken from this place, for I had found27 it closed the
man is mortal.^5 And it is only the flesh that dies, but once way I had left it, and I had taken the key. [24]
man has shed his body, then he is spiritual, and once he is While I was thinking about this, I heard a voice say to
spiritual, [21] he can certainly see spiritual things. me, ‘Why are you so astonished, and what do you fear? Do
Therefore, you can admit that Saint John meant that no not marvel if the book has been removed without the chest
mortal man can see the majesty of the Father. having been opened. In such a way did Jesus Christ leave
While I was intent on these great marvels and curious the sepulcher without moving the stone. But be comforted,
to see them, something rang out just like a crack of and go eat, for before you see the book, you must undergo
thunder, and it seemed to me that all the firmament shook. great difficulties.” When I heard this, I considered myself
At once so many celestial beings came that the number was well rewarded.
countless. As I looked, all of them fell backwards around Then I went to eat; after that, I returned to the chapel
the Majesty, as if they had all fallen in a faint. When I saw and prayed to Our Lord, in His sweet pity, to guide me
this, I was terribly afraid, and the angel took me and led me toward what I desired so much. At once a voice came again
back whence he had taken me. But before he put my spirit that said to me, “The Great Master sends you this message:
in my body, he asked, “Have you seen great marvels?” I said after you have celebrated Mass in the morning, you will
they were so great that if anyone were permitted to recount have breakfast, and then you will depart on a task, going
them to people on earth, no man, no matter how saindy or where I tell you. When you have left here, you will enter a
close to God, would be believed. Above all, no mortal heart path leading to the main road; this will take you to the
could have the courage or the strength to maintain it, nor Stone of the Capture. There you will take a path28 to the
tongue to tell it. And he said to me, “Are you certain yet right leading to the Crossing of the Seven Roads, in [25]
about the things you questioned so much?” I answered that the plain of Post Valley. When you come to the Fountain of
there was no man on earth so disbelieving that, if he wished Tears, where the great killing happened long ago, you will
to listen to me with good will, I could not make him find an animal such as you have never seen. Take care that
understand the points of the Trinity, because I had seen you follow it where it leads you. And when you have lost it,
and learned them. you will enter the land of Norwegia.29 There you will finish
Then he said to me, “Now [22] I will put you whence I your quest, and then you will learn for what task the Great
took you, and then you will receive your Savior more Master sends you there, because before then you will not
certainly than you did before, for you should not receive a know.” Thereupon, the voice stopped speaking.
guest you do not know. And if you have seen great marvels, The next morning I arose very early, and after singing
you will find some in this little book that you will not hold Mass, I breakfasted. When I went outside, I made the sign
to be any less marvelous; but you will not look at it again of the cross on myself and my lodging. Then I traveled
before you have celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ along the way just as the voice had described it; after
your Savior.” Thereupon, he put my spirit back in my body, passing the stone, I continued until I came to a valley called
and I felt just like someone who has slept and who awakens; the Valley of the Dead. I know this valley well, for long ago I
and I thought I would see the angel, but he had gone. I had seen a duel there between the two best knights in the
looked and saw my Savior—the Eucharist—before me as it world. After leaving the valley, I went a good half league, till
was when the angel carried me away; I took it, received it, I came upon the crossroads. I looked before me and saw a
and took communion with good will and great devotion. cross above the edge of a fountain; below this cross lay the
When the service was over, I took the litde book and animal the voice had spoken to me about. As soon as it saw
placed it in a small chest where the box containing the host me, it got up, began to look at me, and I at it. But the
was kept. After that I locked the chest tighdy with a key, as I longer I looked at it, the less I knew what kind of animal it
wanted26 to protect it, and I knew no better place to put it, was. I would have you know that it was variegated in every
for it was a very beautiful and pure spot. When I left the way: it had the head and neck of a sheep, and these were as
chapel, I saw that it was already so late [23] that it was white as new snow; and it had the feet, legs, and thighs of a
getting dark; I entered my litde house and ate such food as dog, and all this was as black as coal; and it had the breast
Our Lord had given me. Thus I spent this day and the next, and body [26] and rump of a fox and the tail of a lion.
until the day of the Resurrecdon of the Savior came. And Thus it resembled various animals.
when it pleased Him that I perform the service of the day, After I had looked at it for a long time, and it at me, I
which is as holy as Our Savior, who sancdfied the day, I raised my hand and signaled that it should go before me;
entered with certainty and ran immediately to the book to and it went straight to the crossroads. There it set out
see the holy words, for they were so sweet and pleasant to direcdy on the first road it saw on the right; and I followed
hear that they made me forget all the hunger of the body. as quickly as I could, but I moved slowly, for age and
But when I opened the chest where I had put the book, I
did not find it. This made me so upset that I did not know
27“Found” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
28“A path leading .. . path” supplied from Hucher variants
24SeeJohn 1,18. and Ponceau.
25“For as long... mortal” supplied from Hucher variants and 29Norwegia was the territory in Scodand occupied by the
Ponceau. Vikings; that is, the western part of the country north of the Clyde
26Negadve omitted here, following Ponceau. and the islands.
The History of the Holy Grail 7

feebleness kept me back. When we had gone along until He also set out a cask full of barley beer and a litde lidded
the hour of vespers, the animal left the road and entered a goblet. I ate very willingly, for I was very hungry because the
very thick hazel-wood and advanced, with me following, journey had tired me out. After having eaten and drunk, I
until it began to get dark. And then we left the wood and gathered up the remains and told the young man that he
entered a very deep valley, filled by a very tall, thick forest. should thank his lady and that God would reward her.
Once I was at the bottom of the valley, I saw before me a Thereupon the young man left, and the animal and I
lodge. In front of the door was a very old man of religion, set out again. We went along all day, never leaving the wood
dressed in religious robes. And when I saw him, I was very until it began to get on toward vespers, when we arrived at
happy and thanked Our Lord for giving me company. As the crossroads where a wooden cross stood. There the
soon as he saw me, he took off his hood and fell at my feet. animal stopped, and I began to listen. I heard horses
He requested my blessing, and I beseeched him to arise, for coming at a great pace, then I saw a knight approaching on
I was a sinful man and thus could not give it. a palfrey, accompanied by two32 others. As soon as he saw
Why go on any longer? Despite my plea, he would not me in my religious robes, he jumped down from his horse,
get up until I had blessed him, which [27] troubled me, for as did the others,33 and said [30] that I was very welcome.
God knows I was not worthy of doing it. When he stood up, After I had returned the knight’s greetings, he took me by
he led me by the hand into his dwelling. After we had sung the hand and said he would take me to his house, where he
all our hours, we ate such food as God had given the holy offered hospitality; I wished that God would reward him.
man.30 Once we had supped, the good man asked me He immediately called his squire, and ordered him to lead
about my way of life. I answered the best I could, in such a away their horses and prepare the dwelling as beautifully as
way that, as God knows, he believed there was more good in possible. The squire departed, while the other one, who was
me than there was, for good men usually do not know how a knight and the son of a lord,34 remained with us.35 Thus
to believe anything but good of the people they see. all three of us rode along. I have never seen anyone more
He received me joyfully and companionably that night. greatly honored than I was by him and his fine retinue. But
Never in my life have I seen a man who seemed so worthy one thing went wrong for me: he recognized me because of
while showing it as little as possible. In the morning the a mark I had, and said he had seen me in the past and
good man asked me to celebrate Mass; afterwards, I took named the place. Nevertheless, no matter how much he
my leave, and he said he would accompany me. When we questioned me, I never admitted anything, and when he
were [28] outside the gate, I saw the animal that was saw that it displeased me to be asked, he let things be. But
guiding me. I had not seen it since the night before, when I that night he honored me and made me welcome in every
met the good man. Thus the good man accompanied me to possible way.
the road, and then we parted. He urged me to remember In the morning, I departed, bidding them all farewell.
him in my prayers and in my good deeds and prayed that And when I came out the door, I found the animal waiting.
God grant he remain in this religion31 until the end. We After the lord had accompanied me a bit, I asked him [31]
bestowed this favor on one another. Then we embraced to return home. He then bade me Godspeed and I, him.
and commended each other to God. We traveled through the forest, the beast and I, until it was
The animal and I wandered all morning long in the nearly the hour of tierce. Then we found a road leading out
forest, without ever encountering man or woman until it of the forest; we continued along on that road until I saw a
was certainly noon, and then we entered a very beautiful very beautiful church and a splendid lodging in a large
heath. In the middle of this heath there was a pine tree plain on a lake called the Queen’s Lake. At the church, I
called the Pine of Adventures; under it was a spring, the discovered a convent of nuns, very good ladies, who were
most beautiful any man might ever see, so I believe. It was singing the hour of tierce very well and very nobly. When
unlike any other spring I had ever heard of, for the gravel they found out that I was a priest, they asked me to
was red like blood and hot like fire, while the water was as celebrate Mass, which I did. After the service, the ladies
cold as ice; and three times a day it turned as green as an gave me breakfast; then they pressed me to stay until the
emerald and as bitter as the sea, the bitterness lasting as next day. Saying that this was not possible, I took my leave
long as the green. and departed.
When the animal came to the pine, it lay down under Thus I went along with the animal until we re-entered
it and made as if to rest. As I started to sit down, I saw a the forest. Once we had done so, we wandered the entire
young man on a horse coming across the heath at a trot, day without ever encountering any earthly being. When it
[29] straight toward me. When he arrived at the spring, he began to get on toward vespers, I looked beyond the road;
dismounted and pulled a napkin from inside his shirt, knelt on a stone I saw a folded letter. After taking it and
before me, and said, “My lord, my lady greets you, she who unfolding it, I found this written at the beginning: “The
was rescued by the Knight of the Golden Circle on the day Great Master sends you this message: tonight you will finish
that the person you know saw the great marvel; and she
sends you such food as she has to eat.” Then he opened the 32‘Two,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “many”).
napkin and pulled out eggs and a very white cake, still hot. 33“The others,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “one of the
others”).
30“After we had sung ... holy man” supplied from Hucher 34“The other one,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
variants and Ponceau. (Hucher has “the others”); “who was a knight. . . lord” supplied
from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
31“Religion,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“region”). 35“Us,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “me”).
8 The History of the Holy Grail

your quest.” I looked to see what the animal was doing, but be afraid, that I had come to help him. He said he would
I did not see it, for it had left. When I saw [32] this, I eat such food as he was accustomed to. I asked him what
looked at the letter and saw that it told me everything I had that was, and he swore that he had been a hermit for thirty-
to do. Then I continued along the road; after going a long four years and a half, and that nine years and three months
way, I found a well-beaten path that led to the right, amidst and a half had passed since he had eaten anything but grass
the most beautiful forest I think I had ever seen. I turned and fruit and roots; nor would he ever eat any other food as
this way, and after I had traveled a long way by this path, long as he lived, unless God sent it to him. [35]
the forest began to thin out. Thereupon I left him lying39 as weak as someone who
I looked and saw on a knoll, on a rock, a very beautiful had eaten no food since the enemy first began to work on
little chapel, a good half league away. As I began to him. I said my hours and then put on my robes and sang
approach, I heard a cry from there. It was so horrible that Mass. After it was sung, and I had returned to the good
one could not ask for anything more hideous or man, I found him sound asleep. Since I had neither eaten
frightening. But I never became afraid, for the letter had nor slept but little all night long, I sat down next to him on
prepared me well. When I came up to the chapel, I found a stool and began to doze. Then a vision came to me in
the door open; at the threshold a man lay in a faint, just as which I was at the foot of a knoll above a spring; an old
if he were dead. Upon seeing him, I ran toward him with man passed carrying in the pouch of his tunic apples and
great faith in God, who had taught me what to do. His eyes pears in abundance and poured them into my lap.
were turned in his head; thus I knew he had the devil in his At that moment I arose, went up the knoll, and found
body. I made the sign of the cross over his face. He sat up, just what I had seen in the vision. After putting the fruit in
[33] then began to speak marvels. I adjured the devil to my lap, the worthy man said to me, “Each day you will find
leave, in Jesus Christ’s name. He replied that36 it was your food here, set out by the Great Master.” When I
through Jesus Christ that he had entered, and only through returned, I found the brother awake. I gave him some of
Him would he leave, and I said He had sent me to throw the fruit, which he ate very willingly, like someone who had
him out. He responded that he did not yet see the opening fasted so long that he could not stand up for anything in
through which he could leave. I knew very well he was the world. I remained in his company until he was
telling the truth, so I entered the chapel. On the altar I completely [36] cured. Each day, we found our food set out
found the little book I was seeking. at the spring, the way the Holy Spirit gave it to us. And on
I knelt, took the book, and when I came out, I never the ninth day, which was the Thursday after Easter week,40 I
heard anything cry out as the enemy did, saying, “Do not departed. When I took leave of the good man, he began to
come closer, for you can see very well that I must come cry, saying he was very afraid now that I was leaving. Then
forth, nor is there anything on earth except this that could he recounted how it happened that the devil had worked
force me out.” But when he wished to issue forth by the on him and governed him in this way. It was because of a
mouth, he could not because of the sign of the cross I had sin that mortal flesh cannot resist committing; since
made. And he began to speak again, crying out, “If you donning the religious habit, he had sinned only this one
want me to come out, open up the way.”37 I asked him how, time. After he had confessed, he beseeched me to pray to
and he said that he would not come out as long as the book Our Lord, in His pity, to keep him from committing a sin
was so close. I replied that he would not leave through the that might cause His anger. And I said I would willingly
mouth; rather he would have to go through the bottom. pray to Jesus Christ.
When he heard that, he began to cry out so loudly that it Thereupon we embraced each other and took leave,
seemed to me he must be heard throughout the land. weeping and in great distress. If one can truly judge a man,
Immediately there arrived such a large company of devils I do not believe there could be more goodness in any man
that I did not believe there were so many in all the world. than I saw in him. Now consider how God is a cruel judge
When they saw [34] the words of the little book' I was and a generous [37] rewarder. For if someone who has
holding open, you never saw a whirlwind move away so always served Him ends his life with a misdeed, all his
quickly or hideously as they did. I approached the senseless service will be forfeited, and he will be judged for this
man and put the little book before his mouth, and right misdeed. And if someone who has always done wrong
away the devil came out from below and departed, making toward Him ends his life in His service, all the misdeeds will
such a great storm that it seemed to me he uprooted the be wiped out, and his services will be rewarded a hundred
entire wood where he passed. times. Thus he who served his Lord most of his life lost His
The man remained as if dead, and I took him in my love because of a misdeed done while serving Him, while he
arms and carried him, with God’s help, before the altar. who had always fled the Lord gained His love because of
There I watched over him38 all night long, until daybreak. one good work. It is certainly good to serve Him and bad to
When it was light, I went to him and asked if he would like anger Him.
to eat. He asked who I was, and I replied that he should not At that moment I took my leave. When the good man
escorted me to the gate, we saw the animal that had led me,
36‘To leave. . .. that” supplied from Hucher variants and and he asked me what this could be. I told him I had no
Ponceau.
4Q
37“Way,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has “Lying,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“mouth”). “living").
38‘There all day and” omitted, as in Hucher variants and 40“After Easter week” supplied from Hucher variants and
Ponceau. Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 9

other guide, and that it was sent by God. He said it was who sought the stubble remaining in the field after
good to serve such a Lord, who knew so well how to guide harvest,”5 that is to say, by His death He had redeemed [47]
people in His work. [38] During my entire journey I never only the thief, who was nothing compared to the other
met anyone else who could see the animal. I took leave of people, as the stubble is nothing compared to the other
the worthy man and returned the way I had come, arriving grain.
on Saturday evening at my dwelling. I did not leave the Nevertheless, there were already many who had begun
litde book behind but brought it with me, for I yearned too to believe, but they did not dare do it openly because they
much for the company of the holy words therein. After were afraid of the Jews.6 Of all the secret believers,7 the
placing it in the spot where I had first put it, I celebrated holy writing of the Grail speaks of a noble knight who lived
vespers and complin. Afterwards, I ate what pleased Our at that time, whose name was Joseph of Arimathea.
Lord, and then I went to bed, for I was extremely tired. Arimathea was a city in the land of Ramathaim, beyond the
That night a vision came to me: the Great Master came river Jordan, and the text says it belonged to Elcan,8 [48]
before me dressed in the same clothes as the first time and Samuel’s father. In this city Joseph was born, but he had
said, “On the first workday of the week that begins come to Jerusalem seven full years before Jesus Christ was
tomorrow, you are to begin copying the book I gave you crucified. He was very pious, gentle, and devout and had
elsewhere, in order to finish it before Ascension, for it will converted to Jesus Christ’s faith, but he did not dare show
no longer be seen on earth once the time comes that marks it, for the Jews would have killed him. Joseph possessed all
My ascent to heaven. You will find all the things you need to the good qualities that mortal man can, for he loved and
write in the cupboard behind your altar. Do not be afraid of feared God and was pious and gracious toward his fellow
the fact that you have never done such work, for no work men. He honored and revered those above him and was
can be badly done that is undertaken for Me.” [39] Then peaceable and amicable toward his relatives. He neither
He left. wronged nor harmed those beneath him and was full of
In the morning, after arising, I went to the cupboard to compassion for those who suffer. Such were his good
see if my vision was true, and found all the things a writer qualities. The first psalm of the Psalter speaks of him when
needs. Once Sunday had passed, and I had sung Mass on it says, “Happy is the man who does not agree with or follow
Monday, I took the little book and the parchment and the advice of the wicked and who does not wish to follow
began to write straightaway. It was the second Monday after the road sinners take.”9
Easter, and the writing began with the story of the This man Joseph was in Jerusalem with his wife and a
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as you will hear, and I will begin son named Josephus, not the one10 the [49] Scripture
in this way. relies upon so often as a witness, but another one who was
no less lettered. This Josephus brought his father’s lineage
across the sea to fair Britain, which is now called England,
crossing without oars or a tiller, and with no other sail than
2. Joseph of Arimathea Lays Christ’s Body in
the length of material in his under-tunic, as the story attests
a Sepulcher and Is Imprisoned.1
farther along.11
When the day came that Jesus was put on the cross,
On the day that the Savior of the world suffered death—
Joseph, who had placed all his love in Him, was very
which confounded our death and restored* 2 eternal life to
sorrowful. And he thought he would willingly glorify and
us—[46] there were still very few people who believed in
honor all the things that had belonged to Him, for the
Him: only the glorious Virgin, His sweet mother, and His text12 says that “no adversity can divide loyal love.”13 When
disciples, who at this time were called His brothers. And
Joseph saw on the cross the One whom he believed to be
though there were others who believed in Him, they were
the Son of God and the Savior of the world, he was neither
few, so that when the Scripture says He prayed,3 “Dear
Father, if it can be, let Me not undergo this Passion,”4 He
5Ponceau suggests that this may refer to the words of a
was distressed not so much about the body’s anguish as
prophet, as in Micah VI, 1 (note to §16,14).
about the fact that He saw His death had not yet redeemed
6“Because they were afraid of the Jews” supplied from
anyone, and that He had not won anyone over by His death
Ponceau.
other than the thief who asked for mercy on the cross.
7“Secret believers,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
Because of this, the Scripture says, “I am just like the one (Hucher has “infidels”).
8“Elcan,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has “el
Corresponds to Hucher II: 45-77; Sommer I: 12-15; tans,” “in the time of’).
Ponceau §16-19. (Hucher II: 39-45 contains an addition from the 9See Psalm I, 1
prose Joseph d’Arimathie describing the Redemption, which appears
19“Not the one” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
in only three manuscripts.) Robert de Boron’s version in verse, Le
Roman de VEstoire dou Graal, ed. by William A. Nitze (Paris, 11See Chapter 30.
Champion, 1927), also begins with these events. Here another secdon from the prose Joseph is inserted in
2“Death and restored” supplied from Hucher variants and Hucher’s text; the secdon relates the events of the Crucifixion in a
much longer version than that found in most manuscripts. We
Ponceau.
therefore follow Ponceau’s version until the end of the
3"When” and “He prayed” supplied from Hucher variants and interpolation (§17-18, 34), which is found in Hucher II: 49-68.
Ponceau.
12Literally, the “letters.”
4See Matthew XXVI, 39 and 42; Mark XIV, 36; and Luke
13Perhaps a reference to Proverbs XVII, 17 (see Ponceau,
XXII, 42.
note to §17, 8).
10 The History of the Holy Grail

frightened nor led to lose his faith because of seeing Him place where so noble a thing lay as the body of the Son of
die, but waited for His holy Resurrection, believing in it God.
with certainty. And because he could not see Him alive, he But when the Jews saw that Joseph had taken down
thought he would do what he could to obtain some of the from the cross the One whom they had sentenced to death
things He had touched while He was alive. and damned, and that he had buried Him so nobly, they
So he went to the house where Jesus had held the Last were very angry and said that it was right that Joseph pay for
Supper, where He ate the Paschal lamb with His disciples. what he had done against God and their faith. So they
Upon arriving, Joseph asked to see the place where He had decided to seize him at night as soon as he had fallen
eaten. He was shown a room set up for dining, on the top asleep and take him to a place where he would never be
floor of the house. There Joseph found the dish14 from heard of again. All of them agreed upon this plan.
which the Son of God and two others had eaten, before He That night, once people were asleep, they set out, and
gave the twelve disciples His flesh and blood to take in one of them knocked on the door. When it was opened,
communion. Very pleased, Joseph took the dish to his they all entered at once and seized Joseph, who was sound
house and put it in an honored and beautiful place. asleep, and led him15 a good seven leagues away from
When Joseph learned that the Savior of the world was Jerusalem to [69] a stronghold belonging to the bishop
dead and that those who had found Him dead intended to Caiaphas. This house was in a big marsh, and it had a
break His thighs just as they did to other thieves, he did not hollow pillar16 which seemed to be solid.^ Inside this pillar
want to wait until the cruel and traitorous men who did not was the most hideous and filthy prison ever seen. Nor
believe in Him took Him down from the cross with their would any man ever have realized it was there, had he not
vile and filthy hands. So he went to Pilate, whose liege been told about it beforehand, so subdy crafted was it. After
knight he was, for he had been in his service for seven they had led Joseph out of Jerusalem, he was turned over to
whole years. When he came before Pilate, he beseeched two of them who had sworn that no one would ever hear
him, as a reward for all the services he had done, to grant news of him from them. They took him to the prison and
him a gift that would cost him very litde. And Pilate, who forbade the jailer to give him anything to eat other than a
liked him and his service very much, agreed, for he owed piece of bread and a cup of water. They immediately
him much greater riches than he had requested. Joseph returned to Jerusalem, arriving before daybreak, where they
asked for Jesus’s body, and Pilate gave it to him, not heard a great tumult and lamentation for Joseph, who was
knowing what he was giving him, for he thought he was gone.
giving the body of a poor fisherman, while he was actually When Pilate found out about it, he was very sorrowful.
giving him the Giver of all great gifts and the Resurrection He did not know what to do, for he strongly suspected that
of all flesh created in human form. This was the richest gift the Jews had done this at the prompting [70] of the Master
any mortal man ever gave. But because Pilate was not aware of their faith. Thus he did not know what to do. And when
of what he was giving, it should be called a humiliation the Sunday came when Jesus was risen, and the guards had
rather than a gift, for if he had believed in the great glory told the Jews how they had lost Him, they said they would
and power of the One whose body he was giving, he would make Joseph pay dearly18 for their loss. Thus Caiaphas sent
not have taken all the riches and power in the world in a message to the jailer,19 to give him nothing to eat and to
exchange. Once it was granted to him, Joseph, who knew let him die of hunger. But the Lord, for whom the Jews
very well the great glory of the gift, was very joyful, and he sought his death, did not intend to abandon him in his
considered himself to be well rewarded, much more so affliction; rather He rewarded him one hundred times over
than Pilate considered himself to have rewarded him. for his service. For once His body had left the sepulcher,
Upon reaching the cross where He still hung, Joseph He came to Joseph in prison, bringing the holy dish Joseph
began to weep very tenderly because of the great pain He had hidden in his house, with the blood in it that he had
had suffered. After he had taken Him down, sighing and gathered, to provide him comfort and company.20 Seeing
weeping bitterly, he laid Him in a sepulcher he had had cut this made Joseph very joyful, and then he truly knew this
out of the rock, where he himself was to be put at his death. was God. Thus he did not regret [71] his service but was so
Then he went to his house to seek the bowl. Returning to joyful that he did not care that he was in prison, since he
the body, he used it to gather as much of the blood that had the comfort, life, and company of his Lord.
dripped out as he could. Then he brought the dish back to Thus the Savior of the world appeared to Joseph
his house. Since then, through this dish God has performed before anyone else and comforted him gready. And He said
many miracles in the Promised Land and many other lands. He was certain that Joseph would not die in prison but
After putting the bowl in the purest place he knew of, would leave safe and sound; nor would he suffer pain or
Joseph took the richest cloth and returned to the
sepulcher, where he wrapped the body of his Lord as richly
15The interpolation ends here; we return to Hucher II: 68.
and honorably as he could. Once he had done this, he laid
16Corrected to singular following context and Ponceau.
it in the sepulcher and put a very big and heavy rock at the 17
“Solid,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
entrance, because he did not want anyone to enter the “marchies,” which seems to be a lapsus).
18“Dearly” supplied from Ponceau.
14The dish was in feet a bowl (“escuele’j; both words will be 19“Caiaphas sent a message to the jailer,” as in Ponceau
used henceforth. Medieval people usually ate from a bowl, which
(Hucher has “they sent a message to Caiaphas, the jailer”).
two people shared. on
‘To provide him comfort and company” supplied from
Hucher variants and Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 11

chagrin, for he would always be in His company. And when

3. Vespasian Is Healed; Joseph of Arimathea
he left, all who saw him would consider it a miracle. After
that he and his descendants would carry His name to
Is Liberated.1
foreign places. But it was not yet the time for him to leave;
rather, Joseph would remain there until everyone believed The first year Titus was emperor, it happened that his son

him to be dead. And after his departure His name would be Vespasian became so ill with leprosy that no one could go

glorified and praised, and many people would believe in near him. This distressed Titus so much that he could not

Him.21 be comforted. And so he caused it to be known throughout

Thus Joseph remained in prison so long that he was all the lands that the one who could cure his son of leprosy

completely forgotten, and no one spoke of him anymore. would have whatever gift he might request. Though the

His wife, who was still a young woman, remained behind, emperor had made this known everywhere, he found no

distraught, with her son Josephus, who was not yet a year one who could cure his son until it happened that a knight

and a half old on the day his father was imprisoned. The who came to Rome from Capernaum heard about it. When

lady was often urged to remarry, but she said she would he came before the emperor, he said he would willingly
speak to his son for his benefit. The emperor had him
never have a carnal relationship with a man before [72] she
knew for certain the truth about her lord, whom she loved taken to a window of a room where Vespasian was all alone.

more than any other living thing. When the child came of It was through this window that they spoke to him, for

age to marry, his relatives exhorted him to do so, but he was otherwise they could not bear the stench coming from him.

so in love with Jesus Christ because of his mother’s After Vespasian had put his head out the window, the
knight looked at him and saw that he was sicker than
guidance that he said he would never marry any other but
anyone could imagine.
Holy Church, for he believed in God and had been
baptized by the hand of Saint James the Minor, who was Vespasian asked at once if he knew of anything that

bishop of Jerusalem for a long time after Jesus Christ’s could help him. And the knight answered, “My lord,
certainly, I came to see you because I once had leprosy in
death.
my childhood.”
Joseph remained in prison, as you have heard, until
“Oh, dear sir,” said Vespasian, “how were you cured of
forty-two years had passed. And then Vespasian, the
it?”
emperor of Rome, freed him, and you will hear how this
“Indeed,” said he, “by a Prophet who was in Judea,
came about Joseph was in prison for forty-two years without
whom the Jews wrongly killed.”
ever leaving, nor was he ever given anything other to eat
“How did he cure you of it?” asked Vespasian.
than bread and water, and very little of that, about every
‘Truly,” he replied, “all He did was touch me, and at
three days.
once I was completely cured.”
On the day that Jesus Christ was crucified, [73]
“What!” said he. “Was he so powerful that he cured
Tiberius Caesar was emperor of Rome, and he remained in
leprosy?”
power for ten more years. Afterwards reigned his nephew
“Indeed, my lord,” said the knight, “He did even more,
Gaius, who lived [74] only one year. And then Claudius
for He raised the dead.”
ruled the Roman empire for fourteen years; then Nero [75]
And he asked why he had been killed.
who held the empire fourteen22 years. Following Nero
“Certainly, my lord,” said the knight, “because He
came Titus and his son,23 Vespasian, who was ill. In the [76]
preached the truth and reproached the Jews for their
third year of Titus’s reign,24 Joseph was freed from prison.
wickedness. And I believe that if you had something He had
This is indeed forty-two years, counting from the [77]
touched, you would be immediately cured.”
Crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus Christ up to Joseph’s
When the young man heard this, he was oveijoyed. He
liberation, and you will hear how he was freed. [78]
sent for his father and had this told to him, for he could
barely speak. And Titus said he would send a messenger to
21"Would believe in Him,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
see if something could be found that He had touched.
(Hucher has “would inquire in that place”).
“My lord,” said Vespasian, “ask this knight to go, since
22“Fourteen,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher
he is from the land, and give him whatever riches he needs
has “four,” which fails to add up).
to take this message, for my heart tells me I will be cured.
23“Son,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
And if I can be healed, I promise the Prophet to take
“father").
vengeance for the shameful thing the Jews did to Him.”
24‘Vespasian inherited the empire and held it thirteen years”
omitted, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau. Titus implored the knight until he said he would take
his message. And he gave him splendid equipment and his
seal, so that all those the letter reached would do what he
commanded.

Corresponds to Hucher II: 78-123; Sommer I: 15-20;

Ponceau §20-26. The text in Hucher II: 78-111 contains the last of
three additions from the prose Joseph, it recounts the healing of
Vespasian in a longer and slightly different version than most
manuscripts. We therefore follow the shorter redaction, which
Ponceau presents (Ponceau §20-22, 23).
12 The History of the Holy Grail

Then the knight went to Judea. In Jerusalem he found When Joseph’s wife heard this news, she and her son
a Roman whose name was Felix, and who was at that time in came before him. She asked for justice for her lord, whom
charge of Judea and Syria, for the Romans placed guards they had taken from her, and whom she had had no sign of
over the lands they had conquered. The knight gave him 3ince. He asked her why they had done this.
the emperor’s seal. After reading the letter, the Roman told The lady said, “Because he removed Jesus from the
him to speak his pleasure, and it would be done. And the cross and put Him in his sepulcher.”
knight told him to have it announced throughout the land Upon hearing this, he swore that he would bum them
that anyone who had anything Jesus had touched should all if they did not tell him where Joseph was. They replied
bring it forward, and that anyone who hid anything would that he could burn them, for they could not return him,
not escape death for it, if it were discovered. nor did they know what had become of him. And they were
What he commanded was announced, in Jerusalem telling the truth, for they did not know what had really
first of all. But no one came forward except a very old happened. Of the two who had put him in prison, only one
woman whose name was Veronica.2 She came to Felix, was alive, for the other one had been beheaded within a
bringing a piece of cloth she had venerated since Jesus’s week after imprisoning Joseph. And the jailer had fallen
crucifixion. And she said to him, “My lord, on the day that from the windows of the tower to the ground the day after
the Holy Prophet was led away to be crucified, I passed they stopped giving Joseph food. Therefore, only one
before Him carrying a piece of cloth to sell. He called me person was still alive; this was Caiaphas, who was the bishop
and beseeched me to lend Him this cloth to wipe His face, of the Jews the year that Jesus Christ died.* 4
which was dripping with sweat. After He had done so, I When they saw that all of them were to die, they said
folded the cloth and took it home. And when I unfolded it, he could do as he wished with them, for it was true that
I found Jesus’s face as clear as if it had been painted on a they had seized Joseph, but they had handed him over to
wall. Since then I have kept it, and no matter how sick I two of their number because they did not want everyone to
have been, once I looked at it, I was completely healed.” know where he was imprisoned. Caiaphas was one of these
She opened the cloth, which seemed to be newly woven, two;5 if he knew nothing, no one could ever give Vespasian
and the figure appeared as clearly as if it had been any news. So Vespasian asked to see Caiaphas; once he had
imprinted on it. come before him, he had him well guarded while all the
The knight brought this cloth to Rome. The night others were burned. After they were [112] burned, he told
before his arrival, Vespasian dreamed that a man came Caiaphas he would punish him more severely than any man
from the heavens and scratched him all over with his nails. had ever been if he did not return Joseph. Caiaphas
After that, he looked in a mirror to see if he recognized answered that he could punish him in whatever way he
himself. And everyone on earth ran after him, saying, pleased, for even if all the men in the world had sworn to
“Come see the dead man who lives again!” return Joseph alive, they6 could not, unless God Himself
In the morning after arising, his father came to him, were to do so. But he would show him where Joseph had
for he loved him more than anything. When Vespasian saw been imprisoned, for he did not know whether he was still
him, he said, “My lord, be happy, for I know truly that I will alive. Vespasian said that he asked for nothing better. And
be healed.” And then he told him his dream. Caiaphas said that he would do so, provided that he not be
At these words, the knight arrived. When Vespasian, slain or burned. Vespasian assured him of this, promising
who was still at the window, saw him, he felt all his limbs that he would not have him killed by fire or sword.
lighten. Upon seeing him in the distance, he began to Then Caiaphas took him to the tower where the pillar
shout, “You are welcome, for you bring my health!” The was and said, “My lord, he was put in this pillar right after
knight immediately unfolded the cloth without saying a Jesus was crucified, and I was not yet thirty-three7 years old,
word. As soon as Vespasian saw the imprint of the face, he who now am aged, as you can see.”
was more handsome and healthy than he had ever been Vespasian said to him, “Do not be afraid; the One for
before. And when his father and the other people saw him, whom he was imprisoned there is powerful enough to keep
the rejoicing was so great that anyone who had not seen it him safe and sound, and even more, for He healed me,
would not believe it. who had never served Him, from the most vile disease that
And then Vespasian took the imprinted face and put it ever was. ”
away as honorably as he could, saying that he would not be Vespasian then ordered Caiaphas to enter the jail, and
satisfied until he had avenged the shame of the Lord who if he did not find Joseph alive, to bring out the bones.
had restored his health. He prepared his baggage at once Caiaphas said he would not go in, even if he were
and set out to go to Judea, taking the knight with him. And threatened with dismemberment. And Vespasian replied
he made him lord of all his household. Upon arriving in that he was right, for such a vile and perfidious a sinner
Jerusalem, he sent for Veronica.s And she named all those [113] as he should not enter a place where such a worthy
who were still living by whose power and advice Jesus had man as Joseph was; nor did reason advise it, for he had
been put to death. Vespasian had them all seized and had a
great fire made, saying that he would bum them all.
4The interpolated material ends here; we follow Hucher from
here on (Hucher II: 111).
9
4 “Veronica,” as in Sommer and the longer version in Hucher 5,Two,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “three”).
(Ponceau has “Mary the Venetian”).
Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau.
*7
^Corrected to “Veronica” for logic (Ponceau has “Mary the
‘Thirty-three,” as in Hucher variants, Sommer, and Ponceau
Venetian”).
(Hucher has “thirty-two”).
The History of the Holy Grail 13

taken the Savior of the world down from the cross. Then he said he would not believe it unless she gave him some true
said that he himself would go in. Thus he had himself private sign.
lowered into the cell by those he trusted the most. Once he Vespasian asked, “Joseph, how long do you think you
reached the bottom, he saw such a great light around him remained in this prison?”
that even if one hundred candles were lit, it would not be Joseph replied, “My lord, I think I remained here from
so great He remained on one side, silent and astonished at Friday until today, and I believe it is Sunday today. Friday, I
the brilliant light. After he had been there for some time, took the true Prophet down from the cross, and for that I
he called Joseph. was put in prison.”
And Joseph answered, “Good Lord God, who is calling After he had said this, everyone who was around began
me?” to laugh, for they thought he had come out dazed. But
“I am Vespasian,” he said, “the son of die emperor of Caiaphas marveled most at the fact that he had [116] lived
Rome, who have come to deliver you from prison.” so long without eating or drinking.
Joseph wondered who this Vespasian could be, who And Vespasian said to Joseph, “By my faith, they lead
was the son of the emperor, for he thought he had me to understand that forty-two years have passed since the
remained in prison only from Friday until the Sunday when Prophet was put on the cross, and that you have been in
Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared before him. Therefore he prison forty-two years. When you were imprisoned, Tiberius
did not realize that so much time had passed, nor did he Caesar was emperor of Rome; since then there have been
think the emperor would have changed in such a short three emperors, and my father is the fourth."
time, for the light Jesus Christ brought him when He When Joseph heard this, he was amazed. Vespasian
appeared had never failed; so he thought nightfall had brought Caiaphas before him and asked him whether he
never come. Then he asked Vespasian what he wanted to recognized him. He did not, so he asked who he was. And
do with him, and Vespasian answered that he had come to he said he was10 Caiaphas and that he and another man
deliver him and to avenge his Lord for the great shame had imprisoned him. To prove it, he told him that when he
[114] that had been done to Him. And when Joseph heard and the other man had led him to the foot of the tower,
this, he was oveijoyed. Then Vespasian had himself pulled they dropped him on the ground so hard that he had a
up first of all, to recount the wondrous marvels of the great wound on the eyebrow. Joseph acknowledged this and
joy in the cell below.8 showed them his injury.
Meanwhile, a voice came to Joseph saying, ‘Tear not, When they came to Jerusalem, his relatives and all his
but be assured, for earthly vengeance has come. This man friends came to meet him, as well as many other people, all
will avenge you physically against your enemies; spiritual together. But he recognized very few, either among his
vengeance will be more grievous. After you have seen what family or among the others. And Vespasian had his men
vengeance has been taken, I will show you what great seize all those who Joseph said had helped or supported the
difficulties you must undergo to carry My name into strange crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and had them burned right away
lands.” without taking ransom. After he had burned everyone who
And Joseph replied, “My lord, Your servant9 is ready to was alive that Joseph was able to recognize, then Caiaphas’s
undergo everything that Your mouth wishes to command. trial was held. Vespasian called Joseph and the members of
But, Lord, what will I do with Your holy dish, for I would his household and asked what he should do about
very much like it to be hidden so that no one might ever Caiaphas, without breaking his promise [117] neither to
see it.” slay nor to bum him. There were those who judged that he
The voice responded, ‘Tear not about the dish, for should be put in the prison where Joseph had been, so that
when you arrive in your house, you will find it. Now go with he would die of hunger there. Others said that he could
certainty, for I am watching over you.” [115] very well cause his death without breaking his promise, for
With that the voice was silent, and Vespasian, who was he was not obliged to protect him except against being
already above ground, had Joseph pulled up. When burned or slain. If he had him drowned, he would be killed
Caiaphas saw him, it seemed to him that he had not aged at neither by sword or fire.
all. Rather, he said he had never seen him so handsome as Joseph said, “My lord, you have the power and the
he was now. And when Joseph saw Caiaphas, he did not authority to do this, but for God’s sake do not act in this
recognize him, so aged and frail was he. Nor did he way, for perhaps he will yet change his ways and believe in
recognize his own son, when he came to kiss him, but asked the One who kept me safe and sound for so long and
who he was. Those who were around him told him this was delivered me from his hands and those of my other
his son, and he did not believe it. After that, his wife ran to enemies. Perchance Our Lord will be served so well that He
embrace and kiss him. He began to look at her, and it would not want him to die at this time.”
seemed to him that her face resembled that of his wife, but Vespasian replied, “Since this is what you wish, I will
he could not believe it was she, so changed was she. take your advice, and I will not bring about his death; but I
And she said, “My lord, don’t you recognize me? I am must take vengeance in some way for the death of the Lord,
Elyab, your wife, and this is Josephus, your son.” And he whom he wrongly caused to die. And if it pleases the Lord
that he live, he will live; but when I came to this land, I
promised the Lord that I would not return before having
8“Which was so black and dark and full of vermine” omitted
here, following Hucher variants, Ponceau, Sommer. avenged Him as well as I could for the wrong and shame

9The Old French is “sergans,” which could also be translated

as “soldier." 10“He said he was” supplied from Ponceau.
14 The History of the Holy Grail

done to Him in this city. I must avenge Him, for He healed baptized. But I do not want anyone in your company to
me of the worst leprosy a man’s body ever suffered, to my bring money, for you and those with you who serve Me
knowledge. [118] Those who hold to Him, I will save, to the loyally will have all [121] the riches their hearts could
best of my ability; and those who go against Him, I will conceive and desire. When you want to leave, send for your
destroy, to the best of my ability. relatives and friends and your wife’s relatives, and proclaim
“When I came to this city and had the first Jews My faith to them. Then you will see which ones want to
burned, through Veronica’s11 advice, I learned about the believe you and follow you. When you leave Jerusalem, you
complaint lodged against the Jews who had imprisoned will go along the road that goes to the Euphrates.15 And I
you, and Caiaphas told me he would show me the place will teach you at that time what you should do and how you
where you had been imprisoned, on condition that I should go preach in the world and proclaim My name.”
promise that he would be neither burned12 nor slain. And The next day Joseph arose early in the morning and
I, who wished to see you more than anyone else, agreed to was baptized by Saint Philip. When Vespasian heard about
it, for I hoped that the Lord, for whom you had been it, he sent for him and asked what this meant. Joseph
imprisoned, had not rewarded you so ill that He would answered that it symbolized Jesus Christ’s salvation, without
have let you die in the filth of this prison. Because I agreed, which no man could be saved. Upon hearing this,
I must keep my promise, so I will not cause him to die. But Vespasian said he would convert to this faith, so he had
because I must avenge the noble Lord somehow, I will tell himself baptized. And he had Joseph be his main sponsor;
you what I will do. I will have him put out to sea in a boat, but he had all those in his household swear not to tell his
and after I have had him taken far from land in another father about this, for he did not want [122] his father to
ship, he will be left to drift, as God pleases. If God wants learn of it until he himself could ask him if he would like to
him to live, he will live, and if it pleases Him that he die, he receive this faith. Nevertheless, he had his entire
will not escape it. Thus I will be able [119] to keep my household baptized with him, and it was not discovered
promise. And if it pleases Our Lord that he die by means of that he had been baptized until he and his father came to
this torment that I will put him through, He will be lay Jerusalem waste in the great devastation that took place
avenged; if it pleases Him that he escape, it will not be before Christianity was established in the land of Agrippa,
because of me, but through His grace." Herod’s son.
Thus the discussion ended. Vespasian had Caiaphas It was dien that the great devastation took place. But
put in a rowboat, taken out to sea by sailors, and set adrift. the city was not as completely destroyed by Titus and
Thus Vespasian avenged Jesus Christ physically against His Vespasian as it was another time, when no two stones stayed
enemies, but it was not he alone, but also13 Jesus Christ who together. The story does not say any more except that16
avenged Himself, through Vespasian. And this was to make Titus and his son Vespasian besieged Jerusalem during the
an example of the Jews’ perfidy, for those whom He had year following Joseph’s liberation from prison. And it
called dogs14—the pagans—showed Him more love than happened that Vespasian, who was very valiant, was
those whom He called His sons—the Jews. It was the Jews attacking fiercely, when a clerk who had been baptized with
who crucified Him, and the pagans who avenged Him. him recognized him and began to shout, “Vespasian,
After that, Vespasian was obliged to return to Rome. perfidious Saracen and traitor who has abjured his faith,
The night before he departed, as Joseph lay in his bed, a why are you warring against the One who cured you of
vision came to him: Jesus Christ appeared before him and leprosy and in whose name you were baptized?” At these
said, “Joseph, the time has [120] come when you shall go words, Vespasian ceased his attack; his father became so
preach in My name. You must leave earthly riches for Me. angry [123] that he rebuked him for what the Christian had
You will never return to this land; rather, your seed will be said to him and drove him away for a long time, but this is
spread throughout such faraway lands that you could not not recounted in the Chronicle of the Emperors. This will
believe or imagine it, for I must fill the foreign lands with no longer be spoken of here, for now the story will return
your seed—not that which you have engendered here, but to the point where Vespasian leaves Joseph in Jerusalem,
that which you will engender. For carnal fruit will never where he was baptized.
issue from your son Josephus, because he has promised Me
everlasting chastity. Now take care to have yourself baptized
tomorrow. And you will now leave Jerusalem, never to
4. Joseph and His Followers Depart; Joseph
return. You will leave without gold, silver, or money, and
without shoes. Nor will you take anything of value except Preaches Before Evalach in Sarras.1
My bowl—this much you will take with you. And you will
receive into your household and company all those men At this point the story says nothing more about Vespasian
and women who want to follow you and want to be and begins telling about Joseph, who sent for all his
relatives and friends. He began to teach them the faith just
11Corrected to “Veronica” for logic (Hucher has “Mary the
Egyptian”). 15“Euphrates,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher
12“Bumed,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has has “France”).
“hanged”). 16The city was not as completely destroyed. . .. except that”
13“Physically . . . also” supplied from Hucher variants and supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
Ponceau. Corresponds to Hucher II: 123-155; Sommer I: 20-27;
14“Dogs” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau. Ponceau §27-35.
The History of the Holy Grail 15

as Our Lord had commanded, and he preached to them and I care not about death. Because I want you to confer
about Jesus Christ until he converted a good seventy-five,2 My mercy on the sons of the evil fathers, I have chosen you
some of whom had already been baptized but whose faith to carry My name and My faith throughout foreign lands.
had grown cold. And those who had not been baptized And you will be the leader of a greater multitude than you
immediately received baptism. Then Joseph and his think. Through you they will have My love and My help.
followers left the city; and it was already past the hour of And if they wish to consider Me as Father and Lord, they
nones. Once he was beyond the city, Joseph took the road will profit and advance. Now go to your people, and have
leading to the Euphrates,3 just as Our Lord had them take lodging in this wood, and they will have all the
commanded. And when he arrived in Bethany, it began to food and everything they want, each in his lodging. Before
grow dark. you leave this wood, you shall make an ark for My bowl, and
Then his people said to him, “Dear lord, where shall you shall say your prayers in order to have the love of your
we spend the night? If we pass this city, we won’t find a Lord God. And when you wish to speak to Me, open the
place to lodge today.” ark, wherever you may be, so that only you and your son
And Joseph replied, “My lords, brothers and sisters, Josephus see the bowl. Now go and prepare your people
don’t be afraid; God the all-powerful, for whose love we and do as I have commanded.”
have all left our land, [124] will help us so that neither Thereupon Joseph left and came to his people. He had
lodging nor food will be lacking. But take care not to them [128] prepare lodgings in the wood with branches
despair of His great mercy, for if you serve Him loyally, as a and leaves. After that, they went to pray. And when they
good Christian should, there is nothing your heart could returned from prayers, each one found in his hut what he
conceive of in the morning that it would not receive before desired to eat. They ate and drank as much as they pleased,
nightfall. Nor did He ever show so much love to our and they were more comfortable that night, at their meal
ancestors in the desert as He will show us, if we serve Him and sleeping on the grass, than they had ever been before.
as the father should be served by his children. But if we In the morning Joseph had the ark made, just as Our Lord
serve Him like stepsons, as our fathers did in the desert, He had commanded; inside it he put the Savior’s dish. After all
will not act toward us as a father but as a stepfather, for He the people had prayed before the ark, they left the wood
will not help us but will fail us when our need is greatest." and set out on their way, traveling until they arrived at a city
Thereupon Joseph left off speaking, and they traveled called Sarras, between Babylon9 and Salamander.
until they arrived at a wood called the Wood of the From this city came the first Saracens. Those who say
Ambush, half a league from Bethany.4 It was called by that that the Saracens are named after Abraham’s first wife are
name because in this wood [125] Herod the Tetrarch5 was not to be believed, for this was falsely invented, nor does it
ambushed when the Jews delivered him over to Areta, the seem reasonable. It is not unknown that Sarah was a Jew,
king of Damascus, because Herod had abandoned Areta’s and her son Isaac was a Jew, as were all those who were
daughter when he took his brother Philip’s daughter as Isaac’s issue. Because the greatest part is considered to
wife.6 [126] represent the whole, and since Jews descended from Sarah,
When they reached this wood, Our Lord called Joseph: it does not seem reasonable that the Saracens took their
‘Joseph, I am your God, your Savior, your Defender. I am name from her. But they were called Saracens after this city
He who delivered your ancestors from the hand of Pharaoh named Sarras, because this was the first city where they
with signs and portents. I had them cross the Red Sea on became certain of what they worshiped. And in this city was
dry ground and led them to the desert where their hearts founded and established the [129] sect that the Saracens
had everything they desired. There they angered Me in maintained until the coming of Mohammed, who was sent
various ways, at the Water of the Quarrel and by the calf to save them, though he damned himself first, and them
they made to worship.7 Nevertheless, I helped them and afterwards, by his gluttony. Before the founding of the sect,
defended them against everyone, so that I put their the people of Sarras had no faith, but worshiped everything
enemies under their feet.8 Despite all this, they neither that pleased them, so that what they worshiped one day was
remembered nor acknowledged [127] that I had done not worshiped the next. But then they established the
good things for them, nor did they serve Me. Rather, in the worship of the sun and the moon and the other planets.
end they rewarded Me cruelly by damning Me on the On the eleventh day after leaving Jerusalem, Joseph
wooden cross. But even if the fathers served Me ill, I will came to this city with his followers. Upon their arrival at the
not hate the sons, for I want them to repent of their sins, city’s entrance, Our Lord called him and said, ‘Joseph, you
shall go into the city and preach My name, and baptize all
those who receive the faith, in the name of the Father, the
2“Seventy-five,” as in Ponceau and text further on (Hucher
has “sixty-five”). Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

3“Euphrates,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has Trance”). Joseph then replied, “Lord, how will I know how to
preach so well, I who have never undertaken such a thing?”
4“Bethany,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“Britain”). And Our Lord said to him, ‘Tear not about this, for

5,Tetrarch,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has you have only to open your mouth, and I will put into it a
“des traitres,” which would give “Herod was ambushed by the great abundance of words. Nor will you ever find any man,
traitors”). no matter how valiant or learned, who can resist the words I
6See Hucher II: 125-6, note, for the historical facts.
7See Exodus XVII and XXXII. 9Babylon is the name by which Cairo was generally known
8See Psalms CX, 1 and Matthew XXII, 44. during the Middle Ages.
16 The History of the Holy Grail

will deliver from your mouth. And I will make you like My seek peace10 with the Egyptians, if he could, for they
apostles, through [130] the miracles and prodigies that I themselves dared not undertake war.
will perform through your hands. But take care that your This frightened the king so much that he did not know
faith does not become cold, for as long as you are a true what to say. Then Joseph came before him; seeing him so
believer, anything you dare to ask for will be granted in sad, pale, and pensive, he said, “Evalach, do not be so
your need. Now go and think about doing my work, so that afraid, for if you believe my advice, you will have joy and
you may be paid as a loyal servant. And whatever menace victory over your enemies, and glory that will never end.”
you may receive, be not afraid, for I will watch over you and When Evalach heard this, he looked at him haughtily
defend you, wherever you may go.” and said, “Who are you who can give me victory over my
Joseph left at once and entered the city with his enemies and eternal joy?”* 11
followers. When the inhabitants of the city saw so many To these words Joseph responded, “By my faith, King
people together—for they numbered at least seventy-five— [133] Evalach, I did not promise that I would give you
and saw that they were barefoot, they began to wonder who victory or eternal joy. But I tell you that if you believe me,
these people were. Joseph and his disciples did not stop you will have victory and joy without end, through the gift
until they came before the Temple of the Sun, the most and the grace of the One who is powerful over all things.”
beautiful temple in the city. The Saracens honored and Evalach answered, “I will gladly listen to your advice.
revered it more than all the others, because it was a temple But if you give advice that cannot be believed, the harm will
to the sun, the noblest of all the planets. At the entrance to be turned against you.”
this temple there was a very high, beautiful chamber that Joseph replied, “King, this will be advice that will bring
had been built and established for the peers of the city to honor to the body and profit to the soul, for you will be
hold their courts of justice and business assemblies. This honored throughout your life, and your soul will be saved
room was called the Seat of Judgment. after your death.”
Joseph and the seventy-five I told you about who were “Indeed,” said the king, “this advice is not to be
in his group entered this room. They were followed by a refused. Now you can tell me what it is, for if it is as you
large number of the Saracens, [131] who marveled at their have said, there is no man in my house I would prefer to
strangeness, having never seen such unusual people. Upon listen to. Rather, all the advice you want to give me will be
entering the room, Joseph found a large number of heard.”
Saracens, including the lord of the city himself, who was “King,” said Joseph, “listen then to what I advise. First,
called Evalach the Unknown. He was called the Unknown you must destroy and break the idols you worship, for you
because no man knew in what country he was born, nor say they are your gods, and you ask them for counsel and
where he came from; nor had they ever had news from help, but they have no power to help you or to injure
anyone who had seen or heard of him in the land. But he others. Indeed, you can be sure that they deceived and
was so valiant that through his feats of chivalry he had tricked all your ancestors, for all those who believe these
conquered all the land up to the border of Egypt. And he images can help are lost forever if they are still fooled by
was still very valiant and courageous, but he was so old that them on the day of their death. No man should believe that
he could not endure the effort of bearing arms. Thus he a piece of wood or stone worked by man’s hand could
was no longer as feared or dreaded as he had been in his protect him against death or harm; [134] but he should
youth. Rather, the Egyptians were warring against him and worship the One who suffered the anguish of death on the
had already won a good part of his land that bordered on cross by His own will in order to save and deliver the world
theirs. No more than three days earlier, they had defeated from the eternal pain of hell.”
him in battle, routing him from the battlefield. Because of “What!” said the king. “Are you telling me that He who
this, he had sent for all the wise men in his domain, for he suffered the anguish of death, just as you yourself have
wanted to ask their advice about how he might avenge the borne witness, is powerful enough to save me after death,
shame the Egyptians had done to him. and grant worldly honor? It doesn’t seem to me that He is a
At this point, Joseph arrived and heard them true God if He is subject to the anguish of death and even
discussing the king’s defeat and misfortune. After hearing led to die; this can’t be right or true. I cannot see how He,
the truth of the matter, he rejoiced, for he [132] thought who cannot protect Himself, can protect me from death,
that the time had come for his words to be heard and put for he who cannot help himself can hardly save another.”
to work, because of the great need King Evalach had of Our Then Joseph replied, “King, the Savior of the world
Lord’s help. So he began to thank Our Lord, his Creator, suffered death so readily that when the Jews’ false witnesses
for bringing him there at such a favorable moment. The accused Him before Pilate, and Pilate himself asked if what
king had spoken to all his noblemen, and was unable to they said were true, He did not say a word.”
find help. Rather, they had all failed him, saying they would To this the king replied, “Now tell me, good friend, do
never again combat the Egyptians, for the latter were far you really mean that He is God because He suffered death
more numerous, and thus only misfortune could befall in this way?”
them. And this was clear, they said, for things had already
gone so badly that they did not think it was possible to
10“Peace,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “c’el plaist,” “an
recoup. As you can hear, they all failed him, urging him to agreement’?).
11 “When Evalach heard this . . . joy” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 17

And Joseph answered, “Not at all. That is not why I say throughout the land of Egypt whose idols did not fall to the
He is God, nor did He win His divine nature in that way. ground, and all were broken.
Rather, He was God before all ages and will always be God, “Such were the signs the true God gave in His
and His reign will never end.” childhood. After He was brought back from Egypt and grew
And the king said to him, “How can you prove that the up, [139] reaching the age of thirty, He was baptized. And
[135] world was saved by His death?” then He began to perform miracles openly: He gave sight
“This I will surely tell you,” said Joseph, for he knew it to the blind; He healed the sick of all infirmities; He made
well. “And you can be sure that I won’t tell you anything I the paralyzed stand up and walk in health; He made the
don’t know about.12 Now listen, and you will hear how it deaf hear clearly; He brought the dead back to life. Such
happened. miracles were performed openly by the true God, before
“In the time of Augustus Caesar, the good emperor the eyes of all the people. After He had done all this in
[136] of Rome, who ruled the empire forty-two years, it many places, many times over, the Jews became envious and
happened that twenty-seven years after13 his coronation persuaded one of the disciples to take thirty deniers and
God sent His angel to a city of Galilee called Nazareth, to a sell Him. And they seized Him and crucified Him on the
maiden whose name was Mary. And when the angel came wooden cross. Once His soul left His precious body, it
before her, he said, ‘May God save you, Mary.’ Then he said descended to Hell and delivered those who had served Him
that she was full of grace and added, ‘May God be with you. on earth, since the beginning14 of the world.
You are blessed above all other women, and the fruit of ‘The third day after He had been put in a sepulcher,
your womb is blessed.’ When the maiden heard these where I myself put Him after taking Him down from the
words, she was afraid and began to think about how this cross, He was resurrected and left the sepulcher in body
salvation could be. And the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not and in spirit; and the guards who had been set to keep
be afraid, for the Lord of Heaven has looked at you and watch were unable to keep Him from leaving. The
given you His grace; and be assured that you will give birth sepulcher remained closed just as the Jews had left it when
to a son who will be called Jesus. This [137] child will be they had it guarded, [140] for they had put a large stone on
very powerful, for He will be the Son of God.’ And the it, which was found in place. After He was resurrected, He
maiden asked, ‘Dear lord, how can this happen, for I have appeared several times to His friends, who were very
never known any man carnally?’ The angel replied, ‘Mary, sorrowful and fearful because of His death. And He
the Holy Spirit will descend in you, and the power of God performed several miracles before them that convinced
on high will be incarnated in your body.’ And the maiden them that He was the true God. Having been on earth
said, ‘May God Our Lord do His will with me as His following His Resurrection, on the fortieth15 day He
handmaiden, for I am ready to do His pleasure and His ascended to Heaven in the sight of His disciples. And the
will.’ As soon as she had said this, the Holy Spirit descended eleventh day after His ascension, He was sent by the Holy
within her, and she conceived. When she had carried the Spirit to be seated on His Father’s right, next to Him,
fruit to its proper term, she gave birth to a boy whose name where He will remain forever."
was Jesus, just as the angel had told her. This child was of To this Evalach responded, “What! You thus maintain
such great glory and power that three kings from the East that this God whom you hold to be so powerful that you call
came to worship Him on the third day after His birth, each Him Lord of all things had a father and a mother?”16
one bringing the richest treasure he could find in all his ‘Truly,” said Joseph, “I say it and bear witness that it is
land. And all they had to lead them was a star that appeared true He had both parents.”
as soon as He was born, and that had never been seen “Since He had both father and mother,” said Evalach,
before. “He was not bom without the union of man and woman,
“When Herod, who was King of Judea, learned that for a child cannot be born of a woman if he is not
such a child had been bom, who would be King and Lord engendered in her through [141] relations with a man.
of the Jews, he was afraid that He would disinherit him. So And if a child were conceived otherwise than through
he had all the children in the land [138] of Bethlehem carnal relations, it would be against nature and custom.”
under two and a half years old killed, so that one hundred “King,” said Joseph, “I will show you clearly and teach
forty-four thousand were killed. In this way Herod thought you how He was conceived without carnal relations and
he would avenge himself against the child. But the Lord on how He was bom to the maiden without harming her
high, who is all-powerful, was well aware of Herod’s evil maidenhead.”
thoughts, and He kept Himself out of the hands of His “This proof,” said the king, “will I hear willingly.”
cruel enemies, who were unable to seize Him. Rather, the “It happened,” said Joseph of Arimathea, “that the
Virgin maiden, His mother, took Him to Egypt, where He Savior of the world saw the ills that were multiplying on
remained until after Herod’s death, through the counsel of earth. And He saw that the bad and the good had the same
an angel. And when He was brought to Egypt, He gave
proof of His arrival in the land, for there was not a temple 14“Beginning,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “ordering”).
15“Fordeth,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
12“As I know the way of and faith in Jesus Christ’s high and “fifteenth”).
holy work and that of the glorious Virgin maiden His mother, for I 16“And a mother” supplied from Hucher variants and
would be wrong if I undertook something I could not finish” Ponceau.
omitted, as in Hucher and Ponceau variants.
^‘Twenty-seven years after” supplied from Ponceau and
Sommer.
18 The History of the Holy Grail

reward,17 for those who had always done good went to hell bom. Nor was the Son ever made or created,20 but He was
in the same way as those who had committed every evil. engendered, as you have heard and I have told you, by
And the sweet Lord thought that it was not right that the spiritual means. And then He was bom to the Virgin, but
bad be equal to the good, nor that worthy men pay for the this birth was not as a god but as a human. By this you can
folly of the bad. Thus He said that He would redeem man and should understand that the birth through His mother
from the pain of hell. So He sent His Son to earth to was carnal, but the birth through His Father was spiritual.
experience everything that belongs to human nature, Through His mother He was mortal, for the part that was
except sin. And though He was clothed in carnal and taken from the mother died. But through the Father He
mortal flesh, He remained [142] God, just as He had always was eternal, for the part He had from His Father never
been, but He took on what He had never had: mortality. suffered death; this is the divinity that will never fail Him
Because the Father saw that He could not redeem everyone but will endure without end.
except18 through a man who seemed like other men, He “Now you have heard how the Son was engendered
sent His Son, who was pure and free of sin, with which all and born to the Father spiritually, and how He was bom
others were defiled and sullied, for it was not reasonable or carnally to the mother. Next, you will hear how the
right that a sinner redeem the other sinners; once they maidenhead of the glorious Virgin maiden who was His
were defiled, how could they protect or deliver another? mother remained as intact afterwards as before, without
But because the Son of God was pure and clean of all sin being harmed or broken. But first I will tell you about a
and all baseness, He had the power to redeem man’s person who comes from those two and who was the same as
everlasting death by the death of19 His glorious body.” and equal to the two other people. This is the Holy Spirit.21
“My word,” said Evalach, “I think you are drunk, [145]
because you admit one thing and then deny it afterwards. “The Holy Spirit was never made or created or
For you still affirm that your God had a father, and yet you engendered by the Father or the Son or any other, but
say that He was not engendered through carnal relations. came from both of them. The Holy Spirit is a comfort, a
This cannot happen, and it does not seem either right or counselor, and a purifier of the heart and of the mind. The
true.” Holy Spirit made the prophets speak what they said about
“King," said Joseph, “you have agreed to listen to me God. They did not know what they were saying, any more
prove how He could be born of a woman’s body without than an insane man can control all the words that fly out of
uniting with a man, and without [143] harming the his mouth; and the Holy Spirit worked all these things in
maidenhead of His mother, who remained a maiden both them. He who is a true believer believes in and worships the
before and afterwards; and how He could have a father Holy Spirit, just as he does the Father and the Son.
without having been engendered carnally.” “The Father is a perfect God in and of Himself and has
‘1 must listen to all this without fail,” declared the king, perfect, complete, and eternal divinity, without end and
“and I will gladly listen to it if you can explain it, but you do without beginning. The Son is also a perfect and eternal
not seem to be learned enough to be able to prove God and is the same as the Father in all things through His
something of such great importance, for it is against nature divinity, but through His humanity He is lower than the
and custom, and it has never been heard of before.” Father. For the Father is eternal, through and through, but
“King,” said Joseph, “listen now, and I will show you dirough His humanity the Son is mortal. The Holy Spirit is
how He was bom of the maiden without carnal relations a perfect God complete in itself, and through its divinity it
with a man. I will show you this, but first you will hear how is equal to the Father and the Son. Thus the Father is God,
He had a father and whose son He was without carnal and the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.
procreation. It is true that there is only one God, who made Nevertheless, they [146] are not three Gods, for though
everything out of nothing. He was always God and will they are three things as persons, they are still not three
always be God, for He never had a beginning, nor can He Gods, but one. Though the Father and the Son and the
ever have an end. Those who are true believers and believe Holy Spirit are three persons, nevertheless they are only
with all their hearts call Him the Father. But even if they one thing in nature and divinity and power. The Father is
call Him Father, they are not true believers if they do not as powerful as22 the Son and the Holy Spirit; and the Son is
believe it in their heart just as the mouth says it; because no as great in divinity as the Father and the Holy Spirit; and
matter how the mouth may speak, it is in the heart that the Holy Spirit is of equal greatness to the Father and the
good and bad faith arise. This God is called Father because Son.28 Thus these three persons come from one God, and
the One I am telling you about is [144] His Son, for He they go back to one God. The one can do as the three, and
engendered Him before the beginning of all time. He did the three are naturally none other than one. True believers
not engender Him carnally, but spiritually. The Father was call the three persons the Trinity, and God alone the Unity.
never made or created or engendered, nor was He ever
90
“Nor . . . created” supplied from Hucher variants and
17
'“Had the same reward,” as in Ponceau and Sommer Ponceau.
(Hucher has “were shamed”). 21This is the Holy Spirit,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
18“Except” supplied to clarify the sense. (Hucher has “But now listen, and I will tell you”).
19“By the death of” supplied from Hucher variants and 22“Powerful as” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
Ponceau.
“And the Holy Spirit is of equal greatness... Son” supplied
from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 19

In one they worship the three persons as one God alone was not conceived by union between a man and a woman,27
and the one God as three persons. but by the incarnation of the Holy Spirit, who descended
“These three were kept in mind at the beginning of through the maiden’s ear into the glorious vessel of her
the world, when the Father created all things, saying, ‘Let blessed womb. In this vessel that the Holy Spirit came to
us make man in Our semblance and image.’ The Father purify, the Son of God was lodged, and thus He was bom in
said these words to His dear Son, for He knew very well, as so holy a way that the maidenhead of the glorious mother
the One who has all things before His eyes, that the Son was never harmed, either at entry or departure. Just as the
would undergo the anguish [147] of death in order to sunbeam shines through clear water so that it is seen down
redeem man from the great sorrows into which he would to the bottom, without either dividing or parting the nap of
fall by his misdeed. Because of this, the Father called on the the water, which remains as clear as it was before, likewise
person of the Son to become the noble thing that man the Son of God entered the maiden’s womb without
should be—man, whom He wished to create only in order breaking or damaging her maidenhead.28
to replace the tenth legion of angels, who had been exiled In His conception there were three things that had
from Heaven because of their pride. never been heard of before in any conception by man and
“When man broke His Creator’s commandment by woman.29 [150] The first is that He was conceived without
eating the fruit on the advice and counsel of the woman, sin. The second is that He was conceived without carnal
whom the devil deceived, he was immediately exiled from relations. The third is that His mother, who was a maiden,
paradise. And his Lord, who had made him in His never lost her maidenhead, either at conception or at birth.
semblance, rebuked him with cruel words for the great Rather, He who chose her to be His mother left it as
happiness that he had possessed and had now lost through healthy and as whole as He had found it. At His birth was
his misdeed. He announced the great harm he would broken the malediction put on the first woman, when it was
suffer, saying to him, ‘Because you obeyed your wife, whom said, ‘You will give birth to your children in pain,’ for when
I gave to you, more than Me, who made you, you and your He was bom, there was never any pain or anguish. The Son
descendants will always suffer pain, for henceforth you will of God was conceived and bom in this marvelous way.
eat your bread in travail and in sweat.24 And you,’ he said to “However, when He was bom, He had not yet
the woman, ‘will give birth to your children in sorrow and redeemed man, as He had come to do; rather, He lived on
in pain.’25 Since then He has kept this promise to every earth for thirty-three years in the form of man among other
man and woman, as well as to all those [148] who men. After thirty years,30 He was the first to receive our
descended from the man, for no one will ever enter this salvation, that is, baptism, for He had Himself baptized by a
world, no matter how powerful, who will be free from man He considered to be the closest to God of all those
travail and pain from the very hour of his entry, until the bom of deflowered woman; this was Saint John the Baptist.
hour he leaves. And woman will always give birth with more The third year after His baptism He underwent the anguish
pain than her heart could imagine or her tongue express. of death, for He wished to experience everything belonging
“The sin of the first man was paid for so severely by his to human nature, with the sole exception of sin. After [151]
descendants that no matter how much good anyone did in undergoing the great anguish of death, for the love of man,
his life, his soul went to hell as soon as it left the body, until He Himself descended to hell and delivered all those men
the Son of God no longer wished to allow this great sorrow. and women who had done His works during their lives.
Considering that man had paid enough for his offense and Such great love did God show man, for He did not wish to
that henceforth it was high time to call him back in pity and redeem him from the sorrows he suffered by anyone’s
mercy, He descended to earth in order to free man from death but His own. Now you have heard how He had a
the terrible fate he suffered because of his misdeed. When father without being engendered carnally, and how He was
He descended to earth, He did not want to seek man in hell born of the maiden without damaging or mining her
immediately or take him out by force without explanation. maidenhead."
Rather, for his sake, He entered a prison that was very small Then Evalach spoke and said to him, “You tell me
and narrow26 to lodge a man as noble and important as He things that neither you nor anyone else can prove. Nor do
who was Lord of all things; this was the womb of the Virgin they seem in any way reasonable, for you say that He was
maiden. not engendered in the woman who gave birth to Him and
“After He had been in this prison for nine months, that she was a maiden and that her maidenhead was never
[149] He left at the right time to be born, just as human harmed. Next you say that the Father and the Son and the
nature required. Nevertheless He was neither conceived Holy Spirit are only one God, and yet each of the three is
nor born as human nature required. Human nature God by Himself.”
requires, without fail, that man be conceived and bom. By
being conceived and bom, He fulfilled human nature. But 27“In this way .. . woman” supplied from Hucher variants and
human nature requires more. It requires that man be bom Ponceau.
in pain and sorrow and that he be conceived by man and 28“And without relations between a man and a woman”
woman. In this way He did not fulfill human nature, for He omitted here following Hucher variants and Ponceau.
^“In His conception . . . woman” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
24“And in pain, because of the commandment you
trespassed” omitted, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau. 30“In the form of man. . . . years” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
25See Genesis III, 16-17.
26“Narrow,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “estoit,” “was”).
20 The History of the Holy Grail

“King,” said Joseph, ‘You have remembered it well, just who could die one hundred times over, with the
as I told it to you, and I still maintain it.” understanding that his death would be at the pleasure and
“Indeed,” said the king, ‘You maintain what you want, will of the glorious Lord, so that He considered His
but you tell me nothing that, it would seem, can be true." goodness well rewarded, would be fortunate.”
Thereupon, the king sent for all the learned men in When the king heard the young man speak so well, he
the city. Once they had come, Joseph began to speak to asked Joseph who he was and what his name was. And
them, setting forth all the forceful articles of faith from Joseph told him, “My lord, he is my son, and his [155]
Scripture, so [152] that everyone was astounded. Finally name is Josephus.” The king then asked if he knew how to
they said they would not respond to him further until31 the read and write.35 Joseph replied that no clerk of his age
next day. knew more than he did and that he spoke eloquently, as he
Thus the meeting ended. The king called Joseph and had heard. Then the king called one of his officers and
asked his name. And he said he was called Joseph of ordered him to have Joseph and his group lodged at the
Arimathea. The king looked at his bare feet; seeing that most comfortable hostel in town and to see to it that
they were very handsome, it struck him that this was a man neither he nor his followers lacked anything.
who had lived in great comfort. He thought to himself that Thus they separated that day, and Joseph and his
he was of noble birth; so at once he took great pity on him. group were taken to36 a splendid inn. That night they had
Then he addressed him, saying, “Joseph, from tonight on I very good food in great plenty, and very good beds, which
will give you lodgings and everything you ask for to make they had gready desired, for they had not slept in beds
you comfortable. And tomorrow you will speak to me. I since leaving their homes.
have very willingly listened to you tonight, and I will listen
to you more willingly tomorrow, for I will have more time
than I have had today."
5. Evalach’s Vision.1
“My lord,” said Joseph, “I am not alone in this city. I
have seventy-five men and women with me, and you can be
Here I will leave off speaking to you of Joseph and his
sure that there is not one who, for the love of Jesus Christ,
companions, and we will tell you about King Evalach, who
has not left worldly riches behind. Thus, as you can see,
lay in his room, pensive and troubled by two thoughts. The
they follow me [153] without gold or silver, in poverty.
first was the defense of his land against the Egyptians, who
Nevertheless, though they travel in poverty, they will not die
had ravaged it terribly and who had defeated and routed
of hunger, for the richness of the glorious Lord in whom
him. He was so worried about this that he did not know
they believe satisfies them so that they have their fill of any
what to do. He was very much afraid of losing his land and
worldly food their hearts desire.”32
all his worldly honor, because his nobles had all failed him.
Therefore, the king said that he wanted to see them.
The other thing that troubled him was what Joseph had
Joseph called to them where they had stopped and
told him—that he [156] would cause him to overcome all
gathered outside and had them come before the king.
his enemies and win great and everlasting joy, if he trusted
When they king saw them all barefoot and so poorly
his advice. But nothing, no matter how much he thought
dressed, he took great pity on them, in the terms of his
about it, could make him understand how the Father and
faith. He addressed them, asking why they endured such
the Son and the Holy Spirit were three persons and yet only
great suffering as to go barefoot and be so poorly and so
basely dressed. one. Nor could he believe that the Virgin had conceived
and given birth without harming her maidenhead. He
Then Joseph’s son, who was called Josephus,
could not understand either of these two things. While he
responded, saying, “King, we endure this suffering for love
was thinking about these two things2 —first one and then
of the glorious Son of God, who suffered such great
the other—a vision came to him.
anguish for us that His body and its members were pierced
basely and shamefully, and who was spat upon and In die middle of his house he saw the trunk of a tall
mistreated and crucified between two thieves. He suffered tree, but he could not perceive what kind of tree it was, nor
all this for us, of His own free will and [154] volition. What of what nature. From it grew three very large, high, straight
limbs, all three of the same size, height, and type, the only
service could we give Him in return?33 If we underwent
crucifixion as He did, we would not have repaid Him difference being that the middle one was covered with an
enough, because He initiated goodness. Surely it is right ugly, dark bark, while that of the other two was as clear as
crystal.
that the One who initiates goodness, passing it from the
highest to the lowest, that is, from God to man, be Under the first limb, on the right, there were people of
rewarded doubly. Thus, we would have to die twice for all sorts. Two left this group, went up to the ugliest and
Him, if we wished to reward His goodness.3,1 Certainly, he blackest pit anyone could imagine, and jumped in. [157]

oc
oi n

“Until” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and ‘The king then asked . . . write” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
Sommer. or
40

*The text is confused here. A literal translation would give OD‘The most comfortable hostel. ... taken to” supplied from
Hucher variants and Ponceau.
“they will not die of hunger, but are so satisfied by the
richness....” Corresponds to Hucher II: 155-162; Sommer I: 27-29;
33 “In return” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau. Ponceau §36-40.

34 "Doubly. ... goodness” supplied from Hucher variants and 2“How the Father. ... two things” supplied from Hucher
Ponceau. variants and Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 21

Once these two were in it, all the others had to follow, Looking up, the king saw that each of the trees6 had
despite themselves; they all went and jumped in and letters written on it, some in gold and others in azure. The
disappeared, one after another. After more than half of letters on the first tree said, THIS ONE CREATES. Those on the
them had jumped in, some of those who remained ran to second one said, THIS ONE SAVES, and those on the third
the tree3 4 5 with the ugly bark and began to cut it all around. tree said, THIS ONE PURIFIES. When the king looked, he saw
Once they had done this, they did not stop, but cut into its that all three trees came from a single stem, so artfully that
four branches with augers. After they had dius mutilated it no one could distinguish the beginning, no matter how
with the wounds cut all around and the holes made with thoroughly he examined it. And the stem was so tall that no
the augers, a stream of blood came forth so great that man could see the top, no matter how good his eyesight or
everyone who was there could bathe in it, until the tree how hard he tried. And the interlacing of the three trees
broke apart. Once it had fallen, nothing was left of it except was so artful that just when the king thought [160] he had
the outer bark, which remained in a pile. But the wood distinguished each of the three from the others, it seemed
inside, which was more beautiful, noble, and clear than I to him diat he saw only one kind of leaves and wood and
could tell or imagine, fell with such force that it flung itself fruit and that the three trees he had taken to be three
inside the pit where the people had jumped. As the king separate things were in fact only one thing. Thus he denied
watched, he saw the tree flung back out of the pit, pulling what he had decided earlier and was so frightened and
with it many of the people from the pit, who were holding puzzled that he did not know what to hold as truth: that it
onto the branches all around. was all one tree or that the entire tree was actually three.
After this, the tree returned to its place and put back While he was thinking about this thing that he was
on the bark it had had before. But it [158] became thoroughly unable to understand, he looked toward a wall
completely transformed, turning so clear and resplendent in one of his rooms, where a marble door was set into the
diat no man who had looked at it before could believe it wall so artfully diat it was barely possible to perceive there
was the same bark. Next, the king saw that some of the was a door or an entrance,7 no matter how attendvely one
people who had not jumped into the pit were taking the looked. He did not think that anyone in his household
blood that had flowed onto the ground and were washing knew about it other than himself. As he looked at the door,
their bodies. Once they had done so, their appearance and he saw a small child, who was very handsome and blond,
their faces completely changed. Meanwhile, others were entering, without opening® the door, which remained
taking the branches and leaves of the tree and breaking up closed, just as it was before he entered. After a short time
some and burning some. This marvel captured the king’s he went back out quickly, just as he had entered, without
attention for a long time. It was so wonderful diat he was opening the door. Nor was there any evidence [161] that
awestruck and believed he was truly asleep and that he had either entered or departed.
everything he saw was a dream. Finally he turned over again The king was more astonished by this marvel than he
and again, and realized that in reality he was awake and not had been by all the others, for he believed that neither God
dreaming. Then he was even more overwhelmed than he nor anyone else could enter through such a strong door or
had been before and wondered even more what this marvel such strong walls without it being apparent in some way.
could be. Then the king began to think very intently. The
After pondering it for a long time, he woke up one of chamberlain who was with him was so frightened that he
his chamberlains who was sleeping before him and whom did not dare utter a word, but lay overwhelmed on the
he trusted, thinking that he would show this to him alone floor, as if he were dead. The king went to him, lifted him
and that no one else would ever learn about it if he could up with his right hand, and asked him if he had seen all
help it. Once he had awakened him very quiedy, so that the these marvels and what he thought of them.
others who were lying nearby might not hear, he took him The man looked at the king as best he could, and
aside and led him to the trees.4 When he saw them, he was when he was able to speak, he said, “Have mercy, my lord!
[159] so overwhelmed that he could not speak for a long Don’t speak to me about anything, but take me someplace
time. where I won’t see any other marvels like these, for I could
Seeing the man’s fear, King Evalach took him by the not go on living if I saw them.”
hand and began to comfort hirn, telling him that he should Thereupon the king took him and led him into a room
not be afraid, for no evil could come to him from this. to go to bed. And all the while he kept thinking about the
Then he moved toward the trunk, took two candles that marvel he had seen—the child who had entered and left
were burning before his bed and carried them to the three the room through the wall. As he went along thinking
trees to examine them. At that moment he realized5 that about this and marveling in his heart about how this could
there were three of them and that the middle one widi the have happened, he heard a voice say to him, “Evalach, what
ugly bark grew out of the first tree, while the third one are you marveling at? Just as the child entered the room
issued from both of the other two. before your eyes, and just as he left without opening or
breaking down the door, thus did the Savior of the world
enter the womb of the Virgin Mary without damaging her
3The text purposely shifts from singular to plural the word
used to designate the tree(s). maidenhead, and thus did He leave.”
4‘Trees,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“room”). 6,Trees,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “branches”).
5Corrected to singular, as in Sommer and Ponceau. 7“Entrance,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “window”).
®“Or closing” omitted, as in Ponceau.
22 The History of the Holy Grail

Upon hearing the voice speak, the chamberlain sound from the prison where I remained for forty-two years
became so frightened that he could not stand up. [162] He without ever tasting any earthly food; glorious Lord, full of
fell to the floor in a faint, thinking that the entire palace pity, who saved King David, Your servant, from Goliath the
had certainly fallen on him, so great a noise did the voice giant, who had done so much harm to Your people; Lord
make when it spoke. The king himself was so frightened God everlasting, without beginning and without end, who
that it is impossible to describe. Nor was there anyone in all protected Daniel Your prophet in the pit where he was put
the palace—whether man, knight, or servant—who did not among the lions; who pardoned glorious Mary Magdalene
wake up,9 so much noise and din was there throughout the for her sins in the house of Simon the leper; who kept
palace. And when they had asked the king, whom they Susannah, Joachim’s wife,2 safe against the false witness that
found up and around, what this could be, the king the two elders3 bore against her; Lord, glorious spiritual
answered that it had been a thunderbolt. He said this Father, who delivered the sons of Israel from Pharaoh’s
because he did not want any of them to know about his slavery [165] and led them across the Red Sea on dry land
vision other than the man to whom he had showed it. With and into the desert, where You did more for them than
that the king went back to bed, as did all the others. But he they deserved, for You filled them with everything their
did not close his eyes; he was eager for the day to come, for hearts desired, while they did not keep from committing
he wished to speak to Joseph about the vision that had every act of perfidy before You,4 but angered You several
appeared to him. times, and nevertheless, You delivered them from all their
tribulations and put their enemies under their feet; Lord,
full of mercy, just as we believe truly that You did these
things and that there is no other God than you alone, verily
6. Joseph Prays for Evalach’s Conversion.1
send counsel quickly to King Evalach, who is a sinner so lost
that he cannot be brought back to the way of truth if You in
Now let us leave the king, and we will tell about Joseph, who
Your great power do not send him the desire and the will,
was lying in his bed very pensive and anxious about how he
by filling him with Your Holy Spirit, who counsels and
might convert King Evalach to Jesus Christ’s faith. He
comforts the lost.
thought that if the king was not now on the verge of
“Lord, who told me, I who am Your servant, when I left
believing, he never would be, for he desperately needed
my native land by Your command, that You would refuse
Jesus Christ’s help and wise men’s advice, because he was
nothing that I asked of You in good faith, as long as I
about to [163] lose the best part or all of his land, most of
wished to do Your will loyally, now hear therefore the
his noblemen having failed him in his great need. Joseph
prayer that Your servant requests of You here, and answer it
was thinking so intently about this that he could not sleep;
according to Your mercy and Your great power. Do it not
all he did was think. After lying there a long time, neither
for me, good Lord God, but to glorify and raise Your name
sleeping or resting, he jumped out of bed. He dropped to
and to show the people that You alone are the very Holy
the ground on his bare knees; sighing deeply from the
[166] God who has power and authority over all creatures.
heart and weeping, he began a prayer, as you will hear.
Glorious Lord God, now it is right that You return to Holy
“Good Lord God, all-powerful Father, source of
Church what You promised her, for You must glorify her
comfort and abundant mercy, who, through the mouth of
and make her grow throughout the world. It is now the
Moses, Your holy minister, spoke this phrase to the people
time and die place for her to be glorified and increased;
of Israel: ‘Israel, if you wish to do what I ask of you, you will
and may Your holy name be exalted in this beautiful lost
neither establish a new God nor worship a foreign God, for
city diat sorely needs counsel and help.”
I am your God, whom you must worship, who delivered you
Thus Joseph was in tears and prayers during much of
from the authority of Pharaoh, who held you in slavery’;
the night, on his knees, completely nude. After finishing his
good Lord God, just as it is true that there is no other God
prayer, he heard a voice say, ‘Joseph, get up, for your words
than You, and that one should worship no other, [164]
have been heard and received by your Creator. You may be
truly demonstrate Your great power and Your great mercy
sure that King Evalach will soon receive My faith, for
here to this sinner king and to the others of this city, who
tonight he has seen some of My proofs—marvelous ones—
have gone astray from the truth so that they do not know
and he will send for you in the morning so that you can
their Creator, but worship images of stone and wood that
explain what he saw and heard during the night. In the
cannot help them. They have put their faith in them,
morning, as soon as dawn appears, you and your followers
believing that they will defend them from evil, while in fact
are each to come to pray to Me, and you will see a new rule
they lead them to everlasting death in hell, which will be
that I have not yet given to you, for I will consecrate your
eternal if they do not return to the right way and die right
son Josephus and make him a high minister—a priest. I will
faith and come back to Your mercy.
give him My flesh and My blood to watch over, and thus I
“Good Lord, glorious King of all things, who, in order
will give as much [167] to him as to you when you took Me
to save the world that was perishing, deigned to undergo
the anguish of death on the cross where I saw You nailed;
Lord, who by Your great power, delivered me safe and 2“Joachim’s wife,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
(Hucher has “andJoachim”).
Q

“Elders,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has

9“Did not wake up,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau “young men”).
(Hucher has “was not astonished”).
4“For You filled them . . . You” supplied from Hucher variants
Corresponds to Hucher II: 162-168; Sommer I: 29-30; and Ponceau.
Ponceau §41—43.
The History of the Holy Grail 23

down from the cross and carried Me to the sepulcher in Hebrew letters written on the door in charcoal that said this
your arms, after removing Me from the humiliadon where palace was spiritual. It was the custom to use this name; it
they had put Me. This authority will I give to your son never changed, and as long as the palace stands it will be
Josephus. And all those who receive such orders from now called spiritual. But before Joseph stayed there the people
on will receive them from him throughout all the lands of the city had never known or heard why it was called this,
where I lead you and your seed.” and then they learned how and for what reason.
Thereupon the voice left off speaking and became Immediately after the ground had trembled beneath
silent, and Joseph remained very happy and joyful about the Christians who were praying in the palace, just as you
what he had heard. After a while he went back to bed with have heard, the Holy Spirit descended before each one of
his wife Elyab. However, they did not lie together in the way them, in the semblance of8 a flash of fire. They looked at
of lustful people, but as people full of religion, for they had one another, marveling, and saw the flash of fire enter one
never lain together since leaving their country by Jesus other’s mouth. None of them said a word; rather, [170]
Christ’s order. Such frailty, from which the entire human they thought they were all bewitched because of the fire
lineage was conceived, never inflamed them, so that they they saw entering their bodies. Thus they remained awhile
were never led to suffer the misery of the body and have a without saying a word, so afraid were they, until something
carnal reladonship together as nature requires. This way came4 through there just like a soft and gentle breeze,
was not theirs; rather, they were both so alight with the giving off such a wonderful fragrance that it seemed to
supreme love of the Savior that no desire could come from them they were amidst all the good spices in the world.
this quarter. Nor did they have this desire when they After the arrival of this good wind, they heard a voice
engendered* 4 5 Galahad, their last child, by the command¬ speak aloud to them, just as you will be able to hear, saying,
ment [168] of Our Lord God, who ordered them to “Listen to Me, My new sons, I am God, your Lord5 and your
prepare with their seed a new fruit with which He would fill heavenly Father, who have fought for you and won you
the land where He wished to lead them. against all the world through My flesh, which I suffered to
By this commandment Galahad was engendered. be broken in order to redeem you, and through My blood,
When this came about, they did not unite through lustful which I was willing to shed. Because I have shown you such
desire, but to accomplish the commandment of Our Lord, great love as to redeem you with My flesh and blood, which
who had ordered Joseph to sow his seed. From Galahad no earthly father would ever have done for his son, you owe
issued the holy lineage, many of whom were holy and Me, it would seem, greater love than any earthly son has
religious men during their lives, and who glorified the ever given his father. Now listen therefore to what God your
name of our Lord Jesus Christ as best they could and Lord and Father will say to you.
honored the land of fair Britain, which is now called6 “Listen to this, Christians, you who are the new people
England, and the other countries around, with their of the True Crucified One. I have loved you so much and
precious bodies that repose there, just as this chronicle will held you so dear that I have put in you My Holy Spirit,
recount in the words that come after this.7 Now we will which for love of you I sent to earth, from on high where it
speak of Joseph; therefore, we will leave his descendants was in the glory of My dear Father, who will never die. I
until the time and place comes when one should tell about [171] have granted you higher honor and nobility than
them. your ancestors in the desert, where for forty years I gave
them everything their hearts desired. But I have satisfied
you more than them, for I have given you My Holy Spirit,
which I never gave them. Take care therefore not to fall
7. Josephus’s Investiture.1
into their wickedness, for I did only good to them and they
did only evil. Though they honored Me with their mouths,
The story says that in the morning, as soon as Joseph saw
they never loved Me with their hearts. And in the end they
dawn appear, he and his people arose and came to worship
made this clear, for when I came to summon them to My
before the ark. When they were all kneeling2 before it, they
great feast and to the great joy of the wedding I wanted to
heard a loud noise from above; at the same time they felt
celebrate between Holy Church and Me, they did not deign
the earth tremble forcefully beneath them. The place
to come, nor did they ever wish to acknowledge Me, who
where they were lodged and were worshiping was a [169]
had done only good to them. Because I came among them
palace, called the Spiritual Palace. Daniel the prophet had
humbly, they said that I was not their God. And they had
given it this name, when he returned from battle with King
such great contempt for the fact that I dared to tell them I
Nebuchadnezzar, who had captured him along with other
was their God that they seized Me then like a thief in hiding
Jews and taken him to Babylon. As he returned, Daniel
and broke My flesh and pierced My limbs and My body. In
went through this city; when he came to the palace, he saw
return for the great honors I had done them they rewarded
Me with spite and disdain, and for the sweet drinks I had
6“That no desire. . . . engendered” supplied from Hucher given them in the desert they gave Me on the cross the
variants and Ponceau. vilest and most agonizing drink they could find. [172] After
6 “Britain and” omitted, as in Ponceau.
7See Chapter 38. ^“Spirit” omitted, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau.
Corresponds to Hucher II: 168—197; Sommer I: 30—42;
4“Something came,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
Ponceau §44-57. (Hucher has “they saw”).
2“A11 kneeling," as in Ponceau (Hucher has “venut,” “had
5“God, your Lord” supplied from Ponceau.
come”).
24 The History of the Holy Grail

all this, they gave Me death, though I had given them point where the angel grasped it. The fourth angel held
earthly life and promised them eternal life. Thus I found right before the face of the red man a sponge that was also
them, to whom I had always been a gentle Father, to be thoroughly tinted with blood. [175] And the fifth angel
through and through cruel and terrible stepsons. held in his hand a kind of whip, which was all bloody and
‘Take care not to resemble that cruel lineage, for it is seemed to be made of twisted wands tied together.
your duty to change your ways from those of your former Each one of these angels held a scroll with writing that
life.6 If you act toward Me as My loyal sons, I will act toward said, These are the arms by which the judge who is here
you7 as your loyal and gracious Father, and I will do more VANQUISHED AND OVERCAME DEATH. And the man around
for you than I did for My prophets who served Me in the whom the angels were standing had white letters in Hebrew
past with good hearts and minds. If they had My Holy Spirit written in the middle of his forehead that said, IN THIS
with them, you too will have it. And you will have yet SEMBLANCE I WILL COME TO JUDGE ALL THINGS ON THE CRUEL
another thing, for you will have My body in your company AND TERRIBLE DAY. This is what the writing said. And it
every day, just as I was bodily on earth8 with My aposdes seemed that red bloody dew flowed from his feet and hands
who loved Me greatly. Now hold firmly to your faith, for I all the way down to the ground.
will watch over you and guide you wherever you may go, It seemed to Josephus that the ark was four times wider
[173] with the difference that I was seen on earth, but now dian it had been before,11 for the man he saw was inside as
you will no longer see Me in such a semblance. well as the five angels. He was so astonished at the marvel
“Now come forward, Josephus, My servant, for you are he saw that he did not know what to say, so he bent his
worthy of being a minister, and of having such a high thing head toward the ground and began to think very intendy.
in your keeping as the flesh and blood of your Savior. I As he pondered with bowed head, the voice called him. He
have tested you and found you to be purer and cleaner of9 looked up and saw the man crucified on the cross that the
all natural sins than any mortal flesh could conceive. angel held; the nails he had seen held by the other angel
Because I know you and what you are better than you do were on the man’s feet [176] and hands, while the sponge
yourself—for I know you to be untouched by greed, free of was pressed against His chin, and he seemed to be a man
pride, and pure of all wickedness, without any share in lust who was surely in the anguish of death.
and Filled with chastity—because of this I wish you to After that Josephus saw that the lance he had seen in
receive from My hand the greatest dignity any mortal man the hand of the third angel was embedded in the side of
can have. None other will receive it from My hand; rather, the crucified man; down the handle dripped a stream
henceforth those who have it will receive it from you.” composed neither completely of blood nor of water, and
Thereupon Josephus stepped forward, trembling and yet it seemed to be of blood. Under the feet of the crucified
fearful. He began to shake and weep very hard and thank man he saw the bowl that his father Joseph12 had placed in
his Creator, who called him to receive such a great honor, the ark; it seemed to him that the blood from the feet of
which in his opinion no mortal man could be worthy of or the crucified man was dripping into this bowl, and that it
deserve through anything he had ever done, unless God was already nearly full. It appeared to Josephus that it was
alone granted it through His grace. When he came [174] about to run over and that the blood would spill. Then it
up to the ark, Our Lord said to him, “Open the door, and seemed to him that the man was about to fall to the
be not afraid of what you will see.” ground; that the two arms had already slipped from the
In dread and fear Josephus opened the door of the nails, so that the body was falling, with the head down.
ark. Upon doing so, he saw a man dressed in a robe a Seeing this, he tried to run forward to lift Him up. But
hundred times redder and more hideous than fiery when he was about to step inside the ark, he saw the five
lightning, and whose feet, hands, and face were exacdy the angels with their swords at the entrance of the door. Three
same. Around this man were five angels all dressed in the of them held the points of the swords out against his
same kind of robe and with the same appearance. Each of coming, while the other two lifted theirs on high and made
them had six wings that seemed to be made of burning fire, as if to strike him. Despite this, he still tried to go past, so
and each held in his left hand a bloody sword. The first much did he desire to raise up Him who he believed was his
held in his right hand a large bloody cross, but it was God and his Savior. But when he tried to put the other foot
impossible to tell of what wood it was made. And the inside, he could not, but was obliged [177] to stop, for he
second held in10 his right hand three bloody nails, from was held so strongly from behind by his arms that he could
which red blood still seemed to be dripping. The third not go forward. He looked and saw that two angels were
angel held in his right hand a lance whose iron tip and holding him, each with one hand, while with the other
wooden shaft were likewise covered with blood up to the hand one held an ampulla, and the other,13 a censer and a
box.
e

The text is unclear here; a literal reading would be: “it is When his father Joseph saw him look back, he was
your duty to change the ways of those whose lives you change.” astonished that he had been so long at the door of the ark
“As My loyal sons. . . you” supplied from Hucher variants without saying or doing more and wondered what he could
and Ponceau.
O
“Just as . . . earth” supplied from Hucher variants and 1 ^‘Had been before,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “seemed”).
Ponceau.
12“Joseph,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
9“Of,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has “than”). Josephus”).
10“Held in his left hand a bloody sword... . And die second 1%
“One held an ampulla, and the other," as in Ponceau
held in” supplied from Hucher variants.
(Hucher has “each held an ampulla, and in the other [hand] .. .”).
The History of the Holy Grail 25

have been looking at so long. And then Joseph rose from them came three others carrying three burning candles,
where he was in prayer and went toward his son. which were of all the colors that mortal tongue could name.
When Josephus saw him nearby, he put out his hand After that Joseph looked and saw Jesus Christ come forth in
and began to cry, “Ah, good father Joseph, do not touch the same form as He had appeared to him in the jail where
me, lest you take me away from the great glory where I am, he had been imprisoned, when He left the sepulcher in
for I am so illumined with spiritual revelations that I am no body and in spirit on the day of the Resurrection.
longer on earth." In this semblance Joseph saw Him come forth, except
Hearing these words, Joseph was so full of anguish and that now He had put on the vestments that a priest must
so eager to see this marvel that he paid no attention to any wear when he intends to celebrate the Sacrament of Our
warning, but fell on his knees before the door of the ark Lord. And the first angel, who was carrying the aspergillum,
and looked. Inside the ark he saw a small altar covered with dipped into the water and [180] went along sprinkling it on
white cloths; on top of all of them was a splendid red cloth, the Christians who were there. None of them saw the one
which was as beautiful as satin. On13a this red cloth, at one who was sprinkling the water, except Joseph and his son
end of the altar, Joseph saw three nails dripping with blood Josephus. These two saw him clearly.
and a bloody lance-tip.14 At the other end was the dish he Then Joseph took his son by the hand and said to him,
had brought; and in the middle of the altar, there was a “Dear son, do you know yet who this man is who leads such
splendid gold vessel, in the form of a chalice with a gold a beautiful retinue with him and who walks in such honor?”
cover on top. He could not see the cover very well, nor what And Josephus replied, “Dear father, I know truly that
was on it,15 for it was covered with a white cloth so that only this is the One about whom David said in a verse in the
[178] the front was visible. Beyond the altar he saw a very Psalter, that God ordered His angels to watch over Him
beautiful hand holding a completely red cross, but he did wherever He might go; no man could be served and
not see the person to whom the hand belonged. And honored by angels as He is.”19
before the altar he saw two hands holding two candles, but At that moment the entire group passed before them.
he did not see the body to which the hands belonged. It went all around the interior of the palace, and
While he was looking inside, he listened and heard the everywhere it went, the angel sprinkled water from the
door of a room fly open. He turned his eyes toward the aspergillum. When it came to the ark, all of them knelt
room and saw two angels come forth, one of whom held a before Jesus Christ, and then before the ark.20 After going
stoup full of water, and the other an aspergillum in his around the entire interior of the house, the group returned
right hand. After these two came two others carrying in to the ark.
their hands two large gold vessels just like basins. Around Then Our Lord called Josephus. And Josephus
their necks they had two beautiful16 stoles like none any responded, “Lord, here is Your servant ready to do Your
mortal man had ever possessed. Once the two had come will."
out of the room, three others came after them, carrying And Our Lord said to him, “Do you know what the
three gold censers shining with rich precious stones so that water that you have seen sprinkled here symbolizes? It is the
they seemed to be on fire. And with the other hand each purification of the places the evil spirit has frequented, for
one held a box full of incense and myrrh and many other this house has always been the devil’s lodging. It must
precious spices, which gave off such a sweet scent that the therefore [181] be purified and cleansed before My service
house seemed to be filled with the sweetest fragrance any can be performed here. And yet it was cleansed and
man had ever smelled. purified as soon as the Holy Spirit, which I sent to you,
Next, he saw another one come forth with writing on descended. But I have sprinkled it with this water because I
his [179] forehead, saying, I AM CALLED THE POWER OF THE want you to do likewise in all the places where My name is
SUPREME LORD. This one carried over his hands a cloth as to be called and My service performed.”
green as emeralds. And under this cloth was the holy dish. And Josephus said to Him, “Lord, how can the water
To the right of this angel there was another one carrying17 purify if it is not purified beforehand?”
a book of Gospels. Such a rich and beautiful book would “You will bless the water of purification and the water
never have been seen by the eyes of any earthly man, if this of baptism in the same way,” said Our Lord, “by making
one did not exist. And on the left there was an angel over it the sign of the great redemption, that is, the sign of
carrying a sword whose pommel was gold and whose hilt the true cross, and you will say that this shall be in the name
was18 silver, while the entire blade was as red as a flame of of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And for him
burning fire. Once these three had come forth, behind who believes in the power of this benediction, no evil spirit
will ever reside in a place where this water is sprinkled,
because all the devil fears is hearing the conjuration of the
13a“On,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “under”).
Holy Trinity and seeing the sign of the cross. That is how
14“Lance-tip,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “iron
his power was destroyed, and that is why I am teaching it to
lance”).
you and telling you to act in this way.
15“On it,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “under it”).
“Henceforth,” said Our Lord to Josephus, “I want you
16“Beautiful,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
to receive the honor I promised you, which is the
“good”).
17“One carrying” supplied from Hucher variants and
Ponceau. 19See Psalm LXXXXI, 11.
18“Whose hilt was” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, 20“Before the ark,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
and Sommer. “the other”).
26 The History of the Holy Grail

sacrament of My flesh and blood. And all My people will see saw it clearly. The unction with which he was anointed was
it openly, for I want them to bear witness before kings and taken from the ampulla25 the angel was carrying—the angel
[182] counts that they have seen the holy unction21 I have who had taken him and held him by the shoulders when he
placed on you in order to establish you as sovereign pastor, tried to enter the ark, as you heard about earlier. And with
after Me, to watch over My new sheep, that is, the sovereign this same unction were anointed all the kings from the time
bishop to keep My New Law, Christianity. Just as Moses, My Christianity came to England until the time of Pendragon,
new servant, was22 minister and leader of the sons of Israel, who was King Arthur’s father. Nor do those who recount
through the power I gave him, in the same way you will be the adventures [185] know very well why he was called
the guardian of this people, for they will learn from your Pendragon, for it is well known that he was given the name
mouth how they should serve Me, and how to maintain the Uther in baptism, but the chronicle of this book will tell
New Law and keep to My faith.” farther on very clearly why he was called this, and how this
Then Our Lord took Josephus by the right hand and unction was lost when he was about to be crowned.26
pulled him close to Him, so that all the Christians there saw Once Josephus was anointed and consecrated, just as
clearly His appearance and the angels who were around you have heard, Our Lord put the crosier in his hand and
Him. Then a white-haired man came before the ark, the miter on his head. And on his finger He put a ring no
wearing on his shoulders the richest vestments any earthly mortal man could imitate, nor could he describe the power
man had ever worn. After him came forth another who was of the stone. Once He had prepared all these things, as you
marvelously handsome and young, carrying a crosier in one have heard, He called him and said, “Josephus, I have
hand and in the other a pure white miter. The crosier was consecrated and anointed you as a bishop, in such dignity
also white, while the handle was red. After these two had as you and My other people who are here have seen. Now I
come forth, they dressed [183] Josephus in all these will tell you what these vestments you have put on mean, for
vestments: first the sandals, and then the other things a no one should wear them if he does not do what the
bishop should have. Once he was dressed, they sat him on a meaning requires. This shoe you have put on means that
throne that was ready there through the will of Our Lord, you must take no step in vain; you should keep your feet
who wanted to make him comfortable23 in every way. from taking the way of wrongdoing, but should go praying,
This throne was so noble that no man who saw it could preaching, and helping the helpless—this is the way you
say for sure of what it could be made. All those who made must make your feet work, for I want you to keep to the
splendid things, many of whom later came to see it, said Scripture, which says, ‘Blessed is the man who does not
that in all the world there were no rich stones like those in follow the advice of the wicked and who does not [186]
the throne. And those who see it now say the same thing, take his feet where the traitorous and the sinful go and who
for it has never left the city, but has been kept as a relic does not sit on the throne of destruction, but puts his will
since Josephus left. Nor has any man ever sat in it since and strength into accomplishing the commandments of the
then without dying upon standing up, or without being law of Our Lord, keeping all his thoughts on this night and
wounded before standing up. And later a wonderful day.’27 Your feet should walk in this way, for they should
miracle occurred, when the city was taken by a Saracen king not take any step in vain.
who was making war on the land. After finding the throne “Next I will tell you about the other vestments. The
and seeing it to be so splendid, he said that he prized it one you have put on over your tunic symbolizes chastity, for
more than the entire city and that he would take it to this is a virtue through which the soul, when it leaves the
Egypt, the land where he was king. There [184] he would body, departs white and clean and pure, thus harmonizing
sit on it every day that he wore his crown. But when he tried with all the good things of the soul, that is, with all the
to carry it away, he was not able to, for neither he nor any qualities it contains. Thus, you must first have chastity
man could move it from the place where it was. And he said inside you, in order to make of it the foundation on which
that he would sit on it anyway, even if he could not carry it to establish all the other virtues. The other vestment on top
away. As soon as he was seated, Our Lord took such great of it, which is just as white, symbolizes virginity. Just as
vengeance that both of his eyes flew out of his head. Thus virginity cannot be in any place unless chastity be in its
Our Lord showed that this was not a throne or chair for any company, likewise no priest should put this one on top
mortal man except for the one for whom He had prepared before putting on the one underneath. This other
it. And He performed many other miracles there that the vestment, which covers the head, symbolizes humility,
story does not speak about here, but will when the time and which is contrary to pride, for pride always goes proudly,
place come, farther along.24 with its head raised, but humility goes gendy and sofdy,
When Josephus was seated on the throne, all the angels with head bent. The priest should go this way, in great
came before him. And Our Lord anointed and consecrated humility, with head bent28—not like the Pharisee in the
him in the way a bishop should be, so that all the people temple when he said in prayer, ‘Good Lord God, I thank
you for not making me as treacherous as my neighbors,’ but
21“And the service” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
22“Was” supplied from Ponceau. 25“Ampulla,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
23“Make him comfortable,” as in Hucher variants and “lamp”).
Ponceau (Hucher has “esfalchier,” perhaps a lapsus for 2&The origin of Uther Pendragon’s name is explained in the
“essalchier,” “to honor”?). Merlin, see Chapter 3.

24Despite this announcement, the throne is mentioned only 27See Psalm 1,1-2.
once more, briefly (see Chapter 13).
28‘The priest. .. with head bent” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 27

like [187] the Publican who did not even dare look up, so the sinner and urge him to confess and lead him by words
afraid was he that God might become angry because he was so that he causes him to confess his sins, to God’s honor
so full of sin; and he was far away from the altar, beating his and the devil’s shame. Once he has anointed him with his
chest with his fist, saying, ‘God, Lord, have mercy on this words, so that he has led him to mercy, then he must prick
sinner.’29 He who would accomplish the works of humility him with the bottom of the staff, that is to say that when the
should take care to act in this way. priest has softened the sinner enough to make him
“Now I will tell you what this next thing, which is acknowledge his Creator and deny the devil, then he must
green, symbolizes. Neither this one nor the one on top prick him, for he must impose the burden of great
should be put on by a priest unless he is a bishop. The penitence. It is pointed and sharp in order to make him
green object symbolizes patience, which will never be expiate in sorrow what was done in joy. Thus the top serves
vanquished but is always verdant and has the same power at to call to mercy, and the bottom to take vengeance.
all times. It always wins victory and honor if anyone besets “Now I will tell you what the ring on your finger
it, for no one can vanquish his enemy as well as through symbolizes. It symbolizes marriage, for when the bishop is
patience. consecrated, he is joined to Holy Church in marriage, and
“This other vestment on top of the one that is so white henceforth he must keep it in health and in sickness as his
symbolizes justice, for all those who wish to protect Holy loyal spouse. [190] And once he has accepted marriage, he
Church faithfully uphold justice. Justice is a virtue of such must not abandon it, either in prosperity or in adversity,
nobility that through it all things are maintained as they that is to say, either in good times or in bad times. If Holy
should be. Nor will it ever change. And to each one will be Church suffers tribulations or misfortunes, he must share in
rendered what he has deserved; justice favors no one out of them, for the Gospel says, ‘Blessed are they who bear
love, nor does it disfavor anyone out of hate. Whoever troubles and difficulties in order to uphold justice.’36 He
wishes to uphold justice must behave this way. who wishes to be a loyal spouse to Holy Church must act in
“This band hanging on your left arm signifies this way. And he who acts otherwise is not a loyal spouse but
abstinence, for the body should be tied to abstinence30 just adulterous, for he belies his marriage, which he should
as [188] the arm is tied with this band. One of the great watch over faithfully.
virtues is to be abstinent in the midst of great abundance. “Next you should know what this horned hat on your
This virtue is thus one of the limbs of justice. And if you head signifies. It symbolizes confession; that is why it is
want to know why this band is on the left arm rather than completely white, for confession is the whitest thing that
on the right, I will tell you. It is because the right arm exists, since it is the purest. No man is ever so filthy or so
should serve only to dispense, and the left to hold back.31 poisoned with sin that true confession will not make him
“Now I have told you about the armband. Next I will completely white and pure. And do you know why it has two
tell you about the one around the neck. The one around horns? Because there are two parts in a confession. The first
the neck signifies obedience, for just as the ox bears the is repentance, and the second is satisfaction. Repentance is
plowman’s yoke, you must bear Our Lord God’s yoke, and when a man comes to the priest and confesses his sin,
you must obey His commands just as the ox obeys the completely abandoning it, so that he no longer returns to
plowman.32 This last vestment on top of all the others it. This man comes to repentance, but he is not truly [191]
symbolizes charity, for it is completely red. He who is confessed until he makes satisfaction. Satisfaction is when a
charitable is warm and red, just like a burning coal, and is sinner recognizes his sin, does the penance the priest
desirous and concerned to hold dear what he must, that is, charges him with, and undergoes the suffering sincerely
to love God his Lord with all his heart and all his mind, and and with good will. This means that no one can be
next, to love his neighbor as himself.33 Charity places the confessed if he does not have the head and the two limbs of
same value on all things and loves all things equally. [189] confession: the head is to confess his sin; one of the limbs is
It considers nothing foreign and likes the neighbor’s things to keep from sinning, while the other is to complete the
as its own. He who wishes to hold to charity lives in this way. penance imposed. Nor can any man be truly confessed if he
‘This crosier you are holding in your hand symbolizes fails in any one of these three things. Because confession is
two34 tilings, vengeance and mercy: vengeance, because it is the highest thing that exists—the one that repairs37 in one
pointed at the bottom; mercy, because it is curved on top. stroke all the injuries and losses—it is symbolized by this
For the top part—that is, the bishop35—must first of all call hat, which crowns all the vestments.
“Now you are anointed and consecrated, and I have
given you the order and rank of bishop to teach My people
29See Luke XVIII, 9-14.
and honor My New Law. I want you to watch over their
30“For the body . . . abstinence” supplied from Hucher
souls. I will ask you about any I lose through your failings
variants and Ponceau.
and lay the blame on you, on the great and terrible day
31“And the left to hold back” supplied from Hucher variants
and Ponceau. when I take vengeance and do justice for every misdeed,

32“You must bear . . . plowman” supplied from Hucher when everything hidden in the [192] heart is revealed. And
variants and Ponceau. if I find you to be a loyal servant of this small new people,
33“As himself,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher whose souls I entrust to you, I will give you a domain a
has “a estroit conseil,” “secretly”?).
34‘Two,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer 36See Matthew V, 10.
(Hucher has “three”).
37“Repairs,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
35‘That is, the bishop” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. (Hucher has “receives”).
28 The History of the Holy Grail

hundred times better, just as the Gospel promises those When he stood up again, all he saw before him on the
who leave their property38 for My love.39 Because I paten was a piece in the semblance of bread. He took it,
commend these souls to you and make you their shepherd, raised it on high, and after giving thanks to his Creator,
I want you to be their spiritual guard. And I am confiding opened his mouth to put it inside. He looked and saw that
to Joseph40 the care of the body, for I want him to provide it was still an entire body. When he started to pull it back,45
and dispense those things the body needs. Now come he could not, for he felt that it was being put inside his
forward, and you will celebrate the sacrament of My flesh mouth before he could close it. After he had eaten it, it
and My blood, so that all My people will see it clearly.” seemed to him that all the sweet and delectable things
Thereupon Our Lord led Josephus up to the ark so one’s tongue could name had entered his body. Next he
that all the people saw him enter it. And they all saw it grow received part of the holy consecrated drink that was in the
and become larger so that all were comfortably inside. And chalice. Once he had done this, he saw an angel take the
they saw the angels come and go before the door. There paten and the chalice and put them both on the holy dish,
Josephus celebrated the first sacrament ever done for this one on top of the other. On the paten he saw several pieces
people, but it was completed very quickly, for he said only that looked like bread. After the angel had taken the dish,
these words, which Jesus Christ said to his disciples at the another one came and raised the paten on high along with
Last Supper: “Take41 this and eat it; this is My flesh, which what was on top of it, and carried it with both hands outside
for you and many other people will be delivered over to of the ark. And the third angel took the chalice and carried
agony and torment.” Likewise, he said about the wine, it away in the same way after him, while the one carrying
‘Take this and drink it all, for this is the blood of My New the holy dish was last of all. [195]
Law, My very own, [193] which will be shed for you, in When all three of them had left the ark, so that all the
remission of your sins.”42 These words were said by people saw them, a voice spoke and said, “My small people,
Josephus over the bread he found prepared on43 the paten newly reborn in spiritual birth, I send you your salvation,
covering the chalice; and the bread immediately became that is, My body that suffered physical birth and death for
flesh, and the wine, blood. Then Josephus saw clearly that you 46 Now take care therefore that you have true faith to
he was holding between his two hands a body just like that receive and eat such a lofty thing, for if you believe
of a child, and it seemed to him that the blood he saw in perfecdy that this is your Savior, you will receive it to the
the chalice had fallen from the child’s body 44 Seeing this everlasting salvation of the soul. And if you do not believe it
frightened him so much that he did not know what to do. completely, you will receive it to the everlasting damnation
So he remained silent and began to sigh and weep in great of the soul and the body. He who eats of My body and
anguish because of his great fear. drinks of My blood and is not worthy of it, will eat and
Then Our Lord said to him, “You must break apart drink his destruction. Nor can anyone be worthy of it if he
what you are holding so that there are three pieces.” is not a true believer. Now take care therefore that you
Josephus replied, “Oh, Lord, have mercy on your believe it.”
servant, for my heart could not bear to break apart such a Then the angel who was carrying the paten came
beautiful figure.” before Joseph, who knelt and received with joined hands
And Our Lord said to him, “If you do not obey My his Savior in visible form, as did each of the others, for it
commandment, you will have no part in My heritage.” seemed to each one that when the piece in the semblance
Then Josephus took the body and, putting the head to of bread was put in his mouth, he saw a completely formed
one side, broke it off from the trunk as easily as if the flesh child enter his mouth. After they had all received the
of the child were cooked like meat when it has been sacrament,47 the three48 angels went back inside the ark
forgotten on [194] the fire; next, fearfully, he broke the and put the vessels they were carrying on the altar.
rest into two parts. As he began to separate the parts, all the Then Our Lord called Josephus and said, “Josephus,
angels before the altar fell to their knees on the ground. [196] you shall serve Me in this way every day from now on,
They remained there until Our Lord spoke and said to you and all those whom you invest with the order of priest
Josephus, “What are you waiting for? Take what is before and bishop. And if you ordain a priest, you will put your
you and eat it, for this is your salvation.” When Josephus hand on his head and make the sign of the cross in the
heard Him, he knelt and beat his chest and cried for mercy, name of the Trinity. But to consecrate a bishop, you must
weeping about all his sins. do everything I did to you, for a bishop should be above a
priest. And all those who are invested with this honor will
38‘Those . . . property” supplied from Hucher variants, have the same power to condemn and absolve as My
Sommer, and Ponceau. apostles had on earth. Henceforth you shall establish a
39See Matthew XIX, 29, and Mark XX, 30. bishop in each city where My name is received through
40'Joseph," as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
“Josephus”).
45“When he started to pull it back” supplied from Ponceau
41“Take,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “come”). and Sommer.
42See Matthew XXVI, 26; Mark XIV, 22; Luke XXII, 19; First 46“I send you ... for you” supplied from Hucher variants and
Corinthians XI, 23. Ponceau.
AT
43“On,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer “Sacrament,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher
(Hucher has “under”). has "faith”).
44“And it seemed . . . body” supplied from Hucher variants, 48‘Three,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
Ponceau, and Sommer. (Hucher has “two”).
The History of the Holy Grail 29

your word, and he shall be anointed with this holy unction, therefore be three deities. No one could reasonably dispute
as shall all the kings who come to My faith through you. this, for any man who did could not reasonably prove or
Now the time is approaching when King Evalach will turn establish as truth that one of the three persons was a
from the wrong road of the idols to faith in the glorious complete deity in itself, once either of the others was
Trinity, for the knights are nearby who are coming to seek mentioned. If it were said that the Holy Spirit was a perfect,
Joseph to explain to him a great marvel that I showed him complete God, and that the three were only one deity, it
last night in a vision. Take off your vestments, and you and would be clear that one was worth as much as the three.
Joseph shall go together, and you shall make him certain of Thus it is true that the two are nothing when the third is
all the things he will ask you. Be not afraid if you see all the [199] honored; because the two persons lose their power
good clerks of their faith come against you, for you shall through the third, everyone can clearly see and recognize
vanquish all of them, so that they will not be able to contest that none of the three is a perfect and complete deity.”
your words. And I will give you such good grace in the eyes After the man had spoken so harshly3 against the
of King Evalach49 that you will tell him part of what is to Trinity, Joseph was very fearful about defending and
come, through the power of My Spirit. And all those who proving it. He did not know how to answer right away to
have received or who will receive My Spirit will have the show that what the other had said was wrong, for it did not
power to chase forth the bad spirits wherever they appear.” please Our Lord.
Thereupon Josephus went to take off his vestments, At once Josephus stood up and, speaking loudly
leaving them all [197] in the ark on the altar. Then he enough for everyone to hear him clearly, said to the king,
called one of his first cousins who was in the group, whose “King, listen to what I will tell you. This is sent to you by the
name was Lucan. Josephus assigned him to guard the ark, God of Israel, the Creator of all things. He says to you,
day and night. In our time this custom is still maintained in ‘Because you have brought your false advocates against My
the high churches, for the one who guards all the treasure faith, I have decided to take such great vengeance on you
of the church is called the treasurer. At that time it had that before the third day has passed, you shall fall into such
never been done, but then Josephus invested Lucan, just as great misfortune that you will not believe any living
you have heard; nor was Lucan chosen because he was his creature could keep you from losing all earthly honor first
cousin, but because he knew him to be more religious than and then your life.’ God will punish you this way because
any of the others. you do not want to accept the faith in His glorious name;
rather you have scorned and spurned the demonstration
He made last night of His secrets and miracles, which He
revealed to you in a vision. Because of this, the God of the
8. Josephus Preaches Before Evalach;
Christians sends you this message through the mouth of
Evalach Battles Tholomer.1 His4 servant who is speaking to you: He will give [200] your
mortal enemy glory and honor and victory over you for
At that point the king’s messenger came and told Joseph three days and three nights. Your power will be unable to
that the king was sending for him. Joseph and his son went sustain against him, nor will you dare await the man who
before him; upon leaving the palace, they crossed has always been unable to confront you in force until now,
themselves and commanded the others to pray that God, when he will defeat you through the betrayal of your
who is the guide of those who have lost their way, might counselors, who have gone over to him because of his great
lead King Evalach to the way of truth. When they came gifts.
before the king, he ordered them to be seated. And he told “Thus the God of the Christians will show you that no
Joseph^ to prove to him what he had said about the Father creature can survive who is not prepared to follow His
and the Son and the Holy Spirit—how they could be three commandment, nor will you ever recover the great honor
persons and only one God; and how the maiden had given you are beginning to lose, unless you recover it through His
birth without damaging her maidenhead; and how the Son help. If you consider me to be a liar about this thing, you
could be conceived without carnal relations between a man will soon hear news by which you will know that Our Lord
and a woman. [198] has shown me something about your adventures. You can
When the king had said this, Joseph stood up and said be sure that Tholomer5 the Fugitive, who is king of
the same words he had said earlier, and in this very way Babylonia, has prepared his entire army and is moving
proved it. After he had spoken, a clerk stood up, who was against you very rapidly. The God of the Christians also
held to be the wisest and the most instructed in their faith. says, ‘I will deliver the Unknown King into the hands of the
He spoke against Joseph, saying he said nothing, “for if the terrible Egyptians, because he fled from Me and did not
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit were only one God, recognize Me. He who has always fled will pursue the one
none of the three was a complete, perfect God, or else the who has always pursued him and will lead him to the fear of
persons of the Son and of the Holy Spirit had no part in death, for I want to make him recognize that I alone am the
God. And if they were both completely divine, there would King of Kings and the Fortress of all peoples.’” [201]

49“In the eyes of King Evalach” supplied from Ponceau. 3“Against the deity and” omitted here, as in Ponceau and
Corresponds to Hucher II: 197-222; Sommer I: 42—51; Sommer.
Ponceau §58-72. 4“His,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “your”).
^“Joseph,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has 5‘Tholomer” may be a variadon of “Ptolemy.”
Josephus”).
30 The History of the Holy Grail

Then Josephus turned to the man who had spoken so “What!” said Evalach, “Is it true then that Tholomer
harshly against the Trinity and said, “Listen, you who have the Fugitive will lead me up to the fear of death and have
been against and spoken against the Trinity and the holy power over me for three days and three nights?"
belief in the Christian God; now hear what He tells you “Certainly,” said Josephus, “it is true, and there is no
through His6 servant who is speaking to you. ‘You,’ He says, living man who can change this.”
‘who are My creature, and who should obey My The king asked him how he could know this.
commandments everywhere, have condemned My faith and “Then you have not heard,” said Josephus, “how the
dishonored My name. Because I want you to know7 that you Spirit of the Christian God is so powerful that it causes the
have spoken against the One who has power over you and mute to speak and the blind to see clearly? That is, all those
all things, I will make you feel My earthly justice strike, so who have had no instruction will know all the power of the
that you will suffer from it. And the others will take warning Scripture through the grace of the Holy Spirit.” [204]
from what happens to you, for you have always had earthly “By my faith," said the king, “if it comes about as you
knowledge, but you have never wished to know the have related, I would rather be dead than alive, but I
spiritual, nor could you ever see it. And if you ever wished cannot believe any of it. Nevertheless, if I saw one of your
to speak of it, you would not be able to speak the truth. predictions come true, I would believe you better.”
Because you have been mute and blind in spiritual “King,” said Josephus, “when you see this happen to
knowledge, to which you should address all your words and you, you will believe me.”
clear sight, I will show you that earthly knowledge is “Can I avoid it?” asked the king.
powerless against the spiritual. In the sight of everyone “Yes, certainly," said Josephus, “but in only one way.”
here, I will take away from you [202] earthly speech and “And what is that?” said the king.
sight, for My Spirit is of such power that it will cause good “I will tell you,” said Josephus. “If you receive Jesus
speakers to become mute and the clear-sighted to go blind; Christ’s faith, and if you believe in it perfectly from the time
and it will cause the mute to speak well and the blind to see you receive it, you will have help and deliverance. But you
dearly.’” can be sure that whatever the mouth may say, if the heart is
As soon as Josephus had said this, his interlocutor lost not in it, you will not be delivered, for God is not someone
the power of speech. When he wished to speak, he felt in who can be tricked or deceived by appearances. Rather, He
his mouth a hand holding his tongue, but he could not see is of such deep wisdom that He knows everyone’s thoughts
it. He stood up in order to make a better attempt to speak, and sees everything hidden in the heart.”
but as soon as he had risen, he could see nothing. Feeling Then the king asked his name, and he said he was
this, he began to bellow so loudly that he could be heard called Josephus. And the king said, “Josephus, tell me
clearly as far away as one could shoot an arrow. And it whether the man who lost his speech and sight will ever
seemed to everyone who heard him that it was a bull. When recover them.”
the others saw this marvel, they were very wrathful. They all “King,” said Josephus,11 “have him taken before the
rushed upon Josephus and would have tom him to pieces8 gods in whom you believe, and you will hear what they reply
as best they could, but King Evalach jumped to his feet and, about the healing and the battle.”
taking a naked sword, swore by the power of Jove9 that he The king had him taken to the temple, and he himself
would have all those who put their hands on him massacred went as well, with Josephus and his father. The pagan
and put to death. [203] For they would have betrayed him priests made an offering at the altar of Apollo, whom they
if they had murdered Josephus under his safe-conduct, had called [205] the god of wisdom, and asked the image above
he not protected him against them. the altar how the man could be cured of his infirmity, or
Thus a tumult was raised throughout the entire hall. whether he would ever be cured. But no matter what they
The king called Josephus and asked him who he was. asked the idol, they could never get a word out of it. The
Josephus came forward and told him he was the son of king came forward and asked it what would be the outcome
Joseph. The king said to him that he spoke well and of the war, but he could not get an answer, any more than
truthfully about many things. Then he asked how he had the others. And the devil, who was in the statue of Mars,
taken away the power of speech and sight from the man whom they called the god of war, began to cry out, ‘Toolish
who had spoken against him. And Josephus replied that it people, what are you trying to do? There is a Christian
was not he who had taken away his power of speech, but the among you, who has so bound Apollo through the
Christian God, against whom he had spoken. It was He who commandment of Jesus Christ his God that he has no
had taken away his power of speech and his sight, “for this power to respond, nor will any god, wherever he may be,
is the God whose word can never be changed by anyone. As dare or be able to give a response once he has exorcised
He commands,10 so it must be.” him.”
As soon as the devil had said this, he began to cry out

“His,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has “your”). so loudly that it seemed to everyone in the temple12 that he

“Want you to know,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau was in a burning fire. And he said to Josephus, “Bishop of
(Hucher has “I see”). Jesus Christ, leave off what you are saying, for you are
8“And would have tom him to pieces” supplied from Hucher causing me to burn, and I will flee from here and go where
variants, Sommer, and Ponceau.
9‘Jove,” as in Hucher variants (Hucher has ‘Juise,” “the Last ^‘Josephus,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
Judgment”). Joseph”).
10“Commands" supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau. 12“In the temple” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 31

you command." Thus the devil who was in Mars’s image city will remain in all the land that can withstand him, for
cried out, because of the exorcism Josephus had that is the strongest fortress you have. And he has made a
performed, for the latter so constrained and punished him vow before all his people and his nobles that he will never
that he left the image, in the sight of everyone in the [206] return to his land undl he has worn a crown in the city of
temple. He knocked the statue to the ground and broke Sarras.”
it13 into small pieces. Once he had done that, he took a When the king heard this message, he was very
very large golden eagle from the altar to the Sun and hit frightened, and even more so because Josephus had told
the image of Apollo with it in the face so forcefully that he him his enemy would have the upper hand for three days
broke the nose and the right arm. Then he went past all the and three nights and that he would reach the point of
idols of the temple, striking each one with the eagle until fearing death. But he had been so valiant that he dared not
he had broken a limb. appear to be afraid; thus he swore that if he could find him
The people were very frightened by this, for they saw at the siege, he would rather die in batde than be forced to
the marvels the eagle was doing, but they could not see who flee in a base manner. The king immediately had all his
was holding it, and this was the thing that scared them the forces summoned and sent a message to all his vassals that,
most. Then the king called Josephus and asked him what as they cherished his honor and their lives, they were to be
this could be that was breaking the images in this way. on the sixth day [209] completely armed at Tarrabel, a
Josephus replied that he should14 go ask at Mars’s altar. castle nine leagues from Sarras and six leagues from
The king went there and wished to sacrifice, but Josephus Evalachin, where Tholomer lay at siege. And he made
would not let him. Rather, he told him that if he made such known by his seal that anyone who had the power to defend
a sacrifice, he would die a sudden death. When the king himself and who did not, would never hold land from him
asked for a response at the altar, the devil said he dared not if he were a knight; and if he were a peasant, he would have
speak to him because of Josephus. The king asked him if he him dragged by horses before all his nobles.
had such great power over the gods, and the devil said that The next day when the king wished to set forth,
none of them [207] could speak in front of him if he did Josephus came to him and said, “King, you are leaving, and
not give them leave. The king beseeched Josephus to give you know not how, for you are not sure whether you will
him leave to speak, which Josephus did. ever return or whether you will die there. Now I will tell you
The devil said to the king, “King, do you want to know what to do. This is what the God of the Christians tells you:
why he has such great power? He has two angels with him you are to remember who you are and how you came to
who guide him and protect him everywhere he goes; one of such great dignity as you have had until today. And you
them holds a naked sword, and the other a cross. These two believe that no one knows who you are, or of what lineage.
held me so tightly, by his command, that they made me But I know it well, by the grace and power of the great Lord
break these images, just as you see. Nor will any of them from whom no secret can be kept.
ever be able to give an answer wherever this man may be, “You were bom, as the Holy Spirit showed me, in a very
because of the power that has been given to him by Jesus old city of France called Meaux. [210] You were the son of
Christ, his God.” a poor man, who mended old shoes, just as you yourself
Next the king asked him if the man who had lost his truly know. After Augustus Caesar had ruled the Roman
eyesight and speech would ever regain his health. And the empire for twenty-seven years, word spread that a man
devil replied, “King, if he recovers, it will not be through would be bom who would conquer the whole world. And it
our power, for we have none. He must be healed by the was true, for Jesus Christ, the God of gods and the King of
One whose commandment brought him the trouble. If not, kings, was bom in that year. When Augustus Caesar heard
he will never be cured.” the word, as the wise clerks had spread it, though they did
Then the king asked again what would happen to him not know who this would be, he feared that the lands under
if he fought the Egyptians, and the devil told him he had the domination of Rome would rise up and overthrow the
no power to tell it as long as God’s man was there. Josephus empire. Because of the certainty of this news, he sent word
quickly stepped forward and said to him, “I adjure you by through all the lands under Roman domination15 that
the power of the Holy Trinity to tell the truth about it.” And every man and woman should pay a denier16 in recognition
the devil replied that he knew nothing about what was to that they were subject to Rome. And since France had
happen. prouder people than the other lands, [211] he said that
At these words, a messenger arrived in great haste. He from that land they had to send as tribute one hundred
knelt before the king and said, [208] “King Evalach, I bring knights; one hundred maidens, all daughters of knights;
you very bad, disagreeable, and dangerous news. Tholomer and one hundred male children, five years old or younger.
the Fugitive has entered your land with all of his troops and “When the order arrived in France, each city chose
has already taken your rich city, Onage, by force, and all according to its status. And this selection was done by lot.
the land around up to the casde of Evalachin, which he has Thus it happened that the city of Meaux sent two maidens
besieged with thirty thousand cavalrymen and seventy who were the daughters of Count Sevain. Sevain was count
thousand foot soldiers. If he can conquer it, no casde or of Meaux and of the surrounding lands. Once the lot fell to

13“Statue” and “it” corrected to singular, as in Hucher 15“Because . .. domination” supplied from Hucher variants
variants and Ponceau. and Ponceau.
14Corrected to singular, as in Hucher variants, Sommer, and 16The denier was a small coin current in France in the
Ponceau. Middle Ages.
32 The History of the Holy Grail

them, it was absolutely necessary that it be honored. And After the king had listened to him very graciously, he
the lot fell to you, who were nearly five years old. These two said, “Master, now tell me what the vision was and what it
maidens took you with them and held you dear. And when means.”
you were in Rome, you were looked upon with wonder by “No,” said Josephus, “you will not find out about it
many and all, for they thought you were of nobler lineage until you have broken the images you worship and have
than all the other children, so very handsome were you.17 come to the faith in the High Lord by whose
“When you reached the age of twenty, the two maidens commandment every living thing is established.”
had died, for the one lived only two months after the “I must say,” said the king, “I dread this batde. You and
other’s death, and then you were retained by Tiberius your father are promising to give me advice that, if I trust it,
Caesar, who was emperor of Rome after Augustus Caesar. will give me victory [214] over my enemies and the great
He put you into the service of Count Felix, whom he made joy21 that will never end.”
count of Syria. Felix went to protect Syria, taking you with “Indeed,” said Josephus, “I will give you this advice, if
him. And he held you dear and loved you until one day you wish to trust it and put it to work. But if you do not
there was a quarrel between you and one of his sons, [212] intend to receive it as a true believer and a loyal worker,
whom you killed. Thus you fled to Tholomer Ceraster,18 take care not to promise, for you would be destroyed, in
who was at that time king of Babylonia. And this Tholomer body and in soul, by the One who will be the judge of all.”
was at war against Holofemes, who at that time was king of “By my faith,” said the king, “I swear to you that if you
this realm that you hold. When you came to him, you said advise me so that I see I will gain victory, I will no longer
that you were a knight; and he loved you well and increased hold to my present faith but will immediately receive
your wealth. You found such great favor with him that he yours.”
put his trust completely in you in regard to his war, because “King,” said Josephus, “listen then to what you shall do.
of the great prowess he saw in you. And you did well, for Have your shield brought to me.” And he did so. Once it
you conquered all the land, and you turned his enemy over was brought, Josephus asked for a piece of rich red silk.
to him as a prisoner. You killed him, and Tholomer gave The king had this brought; Josephus22 then took the cloth,
you all the land, and you became his liegeman. cut it, and made a cross that was a good foot long and a
“Now you can see whether I know anything about you. half-foot wide. He pulled it over the straps of the shield and
Because you know very well that you rose from such poverty attached it securely with small nails. After [215] that, he
to such high rank and from such a lowly condition to such said, “King Evalach, do you see this sign?”
great honor, the God of the Christians sends you this “Yes,” said the king.
message through me: may you remember yourself, may you “Surely," said Josephus, “for anyone who fully believes
always have in mind that you came from nothing to in this sign, there is no earthly peril from which he will not
something. Because of this, even if you see that you have escape, as long as he calls on it sincerely. And do you know
such a large number of lands and people in your power, what you shall do? You shall cover it with white canvas, and
you should not take great pride in it, for it is not inalienably when you are in great need, when you fear death, uncover
yours; you are only the guardian of it all. One of these days it and23 call upon Him for whom we hold it dear and honor
you must leave it, for you are only a man, and perhaps you it sincerely. Every time you uncover the sign of God, you
will soon die as the poorest man in your kingdom. Because shall say, ‘God, who with this visible sign killed death, lead
of this, you should be humble and compassionate and me safely and honorably to receive Your faith.’ You may be
acknowledge your Creator, without whose commandment sure that if you call on Him sincerely you will not die, but
you [213] cannot live. And you should not consider will receive victory and honor. And I will tell you how to
yourself a king,19 for you will not hold your kingdom know whether this sign has protected you from death and
forever, but will abandon it sooner than you think. He who imprisonment and if it has given you victory.
will always reign without end should be called King,' for His “It is a proven inevitable fact that your enemy
reign will never end at any time, but He will be King forever Tholomer the Fugitive will have power over you for three
and ever. This is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Virgin Mary. days and three nights, for He who sends you this message
He sends you this message through me because He20 wants through me has never lied and never will lie. Now take care
you to know that He knows all the thoughts and secrets of not to look at the sign until you fear so much for your life
the heart: He will put you in the hands of your mortal [216] that you think you will never escape. If you uncover it
enemy, and you will acknowledge Him and know that one at that time, you will escape. Then you can be sure that it is
should believe in and worship no other God but Him. And because of the sign. Remember too that if your faith is firm,
He will torment you in this way because you have refused you will conquer anything you desire through the sign, for
His faith and scorned the vision He showed you.” it is the salvation of believers and the ruin of the devil and
all unbelievers.”
17 Then the king said to Josephus, “Pray to your God that
Corrected to singular following Hucher variants, Ponceau,
and Sommer. He remember me, for if He does what you have promised, I
18This may be Ptolemy Soter, a ruler of Egypt and founder of
the Ptolemaic dynasty.
21“J°y,” as *n Hucher variants, Sommer, and Ponceau
19“And you should not... king” supplied from Hucher (Hucher has “glory”).
variants and Ponceau. oo

^‘The king .. .Josephus” supplied from Ponceau.

20“Sees you and” omitted here, as in Hucher variants and QQ
“And do you know . .. and” supplied from Hucher variants
Ponceau.
and Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 33

swear to you loyally that I will receive your faith from your fortified, so that it did not fear attack by any man alive.
hand as soon as I return." Then he called one of his Because he had never seen such a defendable piece of land,
officers, the one he trusted the most among his bailiffs, and King Evalach had had it constructed. And he had given it
ordered that the Christians be honored and have anything the name Evalachin because he wanted all those who would
Josephus ordered. use its name to remember his name and what he had done.
Then the king left with a large company of knights and When the king was one league away from the castle, he
men-at-arms. They traveled until they reached Tarrabel, entered a beautiful forest he possessed there and ordered
where the king waited until his army arrived on the his men to arm themselves. While they were doing this,
seventh24 day. There were more men than had ever been along came a spy who had been sent to the enemy camp in
seen together before, and yet none of his leading the morning. He recounted that the enemy was seated at
noblemen came, for they had failed him, as the book dinner; and it was very close to the hour of nones. As soon
recounted earlier.25 as die king’s men were armed, they moved out. Leaving the
On the eighth day the king set out from Tarrabel very forest, they entered a deep valley. And after they had
early in the morning with his entire army. They rode at a climbed the next knoll, they had a clear view of the enemy
rapid pace straight to Evalachin, where Tholomer lay at and the casde. Upon seeing them, the enemy began to cry
siege. This castle [217] called Evalachin had been built by out, “We are betrayed! Betrayed!” and those who were not
Evalach, and it sat on the most easily defended piece of armed ran to arm themselves. But there were few who were
land any man had ever seen, for it could not be taken by not fitted out in their armor, for they thought Evalach
any kind of force other than starvation. It had a gate that would not allow for long the siege around the casde. Thus
no attacking army could control and thereby prevent those they kept their arms near them, for they thought there
on the inside from entering or leaving, for it was26 above might be a surprise attack.
the level of dry ground, and underneath it flowed a rapid Evalach’s men rushed upon them, giving the horses
and torrential river as wide as a bow could shoot an arrow. their head and going as fast as the horses could carry
This gate could not be destroyed by those outside unless them—so fast that never before had anyone come more
they blockaded the city with ships first. But the city could precipitously. And the enemy received them as fiercely as
not be blockaded because no fleet hostile to the city’s they could, those on foot killing a great number of their
inhabitants could hold out at close distance for long. horses as they arrived [220] with such haste. Evalach’s men
The castle was situated in such a way that the charged them fiercely, killing a great number of those on
foundation was entirely of stone as high as one could throw foot, many of whom were unarmed. Great losses of men
a rock, with only one gate. At this gate there was enough and horses occurred there, so that there were certainly
flat ground so that two carts could enter at once. The flat fifteen thousand dead on both sides. King Evalach lost so
part was no more than thirty feet long. Thus no man or many of his men there that he could not continue the
[218] siege could hold out there, for it was too near the battle, but turning his back, fled toward a castle of his
gate, and there was too litde room. And the castle above called La Choine, which was less than two leagues away.
was neither weak nor open, but was completely surrounded When Tholomer saw him flee, he was delighted, and he
by a splendid wall, made entirely of green, beige, and white pursued him hody. But night, which fell rapidly, separated
marble. The tower was four times as high as the walls, and them.28 Tholomer lost many of his knights in the pursuit,
the rock it sat on was the best placed and most unassailable for those who were fleeing knew the gorges and defiles of
ever seen. the region very well, so they fled where they knew it was
On top of this outcrop sat the marble tower, so high safe, while the others pursued in wild disorder.
that from it one could see the walls of Baghdad gleaming So Tholomer gave up because29 it was night and
and the river Nile flowing in Egypt. Of such strength and returned to the shelters where he had left his equipment
beauty was the castle. And no matter how hot it got in the when the pursuit began. Meanwhile, those inside Evalachin
summertime, the castle’s inhabitants had sweet and cold had come out and fought with the men guarding the
water from a beautiful and delightful spring that emerged equipment and had defeated them and seized it all. When
at the foot of the tower. From this spring the27 stream Tholomer returned to his posidon before the casde, he
flowed through a beautiful flat area between the walls of found his tent tom to shreds and the pavilions ripped and
the castle and the tower. It flowed into this area through a knocked down. [221] This grieved him so much that he
copper pipe connected to a marble basin, from which the nearly went out of his mind. Then he swore he would never
casde’s residents took the water they needed. This area into leave the casde, unless half of his men stayed behind, until
which the water flowed through the pipe was the drinking he had starved die inhabitants out. Thus he remained that
place for the castle’s horses, and it was completely paved night.
with marble and was enclosed by a wall about fifteen feet After a while a spy came to him and said, “My lord,
high. Thus was the castle richly appointed and [219] things have never gone so well for any man, if you do not
lose your advantage by sinning. ”
“How is that?” said Tholomer.
24“Seventh,” as in Ponceau, Sommer, and context (Hucher
has “fifteenth”).
25See Chapter 4. 28“Which fell rapidly. . . them,” as in Hucher variants and
Ponceau (Hucher has ‘Tholomer charged them”).
26“Was” supplied from Ponceau.
29“Because,”as in Ponceau (Hucher has “par,” “at [night]”).
27“Beautiful and delightful spring. . . . spring the” supplied
from Ponceau.
34 The History of the Holy Grail

“My word,” said the spy, “King Evalach has withdrawn He took it right away and read it, for he knew how to
into La Choine with as many men as he could gather from read; and he saw that the queen, his wife, greeted him and
the battle, and you can capture him there with a very small asked him, by the faith he owed her, to leave La Choine
force. Then you will have concluded your war successfully.” immediately, for Tholomer was going to besiege it. This
“How do you know this for sure?” said Tholomer. letter astounded him; he called the messenger and said,
“I know it,” said the spy, “because I saw him enter the “Say there, how did my lady know I was at La Choine?”
casde. And if you had pursued him that far, you would have “My lord,” said the youth, “she had news of it last
captured him, for he remained at the gate as long as it takes night."
to travel a good league, before those inside would let him “Do you know,” asked Evalach, “who told her the
enter.” news?”
“As you hold your life dear,” said Tholomer, “take care “By my faith,” he said, “I don’t know for certain, but I
to tell me the truth.” saw her speaking privately with a man who is called the
“My lord,” said he, “if it is not as I have told you, hang master of the Chrisdans. After they had talked for a while, I
n
me. saw2 her crying very softly. Then she called me and ordered
At once Tholomer called his knights and revealed me to carry her letter as fast as this horse could go.”
everything30 the messenger had told him. And he said he Then the king called his knights and recounted the
wanted to go besiege the casde with half of his men, leaving marvel of Josephus, who had told the queen about the rout
the other half at Evalachin so that the equipment he had as soon as it had happened, as well as how he had fled to La
lost could not be turned against him. [222] Choine, and that Tholomer was coming to besiege it. As he
All the knights approved this, and he called his was saying this, along came a man-at-arms riding after the
seneschal, whose name was Nabur, and ordered him to company,3 carrying a bow in [224] his hand, and riding as
remain before the castle with half of his knights and men- fast as the horse could go. When he reached the king, he
at-arms, on horseback and on foot. The seneschal did what said to him, “My lord, your castellan of La Choine greets
Tholomer ordered and retained half of all his men. And you and asks that you think about what action to take in
Tholomer set out with the other half well before daybreak, order to avenge yourself, for Tholomer has come to besiege
because he wanted to reach La Choine Casde at dawn. Now La Choine, believing he will capture you inside. He has
we will leave off speaking of Tholomer and tell you about brought only half of his men; the others have remained
King Evalach. before Evalachin.”
When the king heard this, he called his knights and
said to them, “Lord knights, have you heard how the
Christian told the truth in everything, so that I have not yet
9. Evalach and Tholomer Join in Battle
found him in a single lie? Now you can hear that Tholomer
Again.1 is lying at siege just as Josephus told my lady the queen.”
Thereupon the king turned and headed straight for
Now the story says that after Evalach had entered La Sarras. After the company had traveled about two short
Choine to protect himself, he called one of his men-at-arms leagues, those at the tail end of the army looked and saw a
and ordered him to leave the casde and find out whether large company of men on horseback and on foot, all of
Tholomer was nearby or whether he had returned to whom were armed, coming out of the thick forest. There
Evalachin. The man followed the enemy long enough to could well have been four thousand men or more. They
see them dismount and returned to tell Evalach. He also pointed them out to the king, who immediately ordered all
told him about the great booty the men of Evalachin had his men to arm themselves. As they were doing so, one of
won from those guarding Tholomer’s equipment. When the men from the other side rode out. He came toward the
Evalach heard this news, he was very pleased and swore that army riding at a rapid pace, with his helmet on his head, his
even if he were to be cut to pieces in batde, he would fight shield hanging from his neck, and grasping his spear in the
Tholomer; as soon as he reassembled his men, he would go middle. When the king saw him [225] coming, being
to lay siege more fiercely than anyone before. already armed (as he dared not ride without his arms), he
He left the castle at once, taking with him four went himself to meet him. And when they met, the other
thousand seven hundred knights and men-at-arms and man came forward, removed his helmet, and told the king
nineteen hundred foot soldiers. [223] Before daybreak they that he was welcome. The king looked and saw that it was
had gone five leagues from the castle. When day came, as his brother-in-law, one of the men in the world who he
the company followed its way, along came a messenger on a thought hated him the most.
big draft horse, riding as quickly as the horse could carry The man said, “My lord, I heard that you were defeated
him. Upon seeing the king, he greeted him, saying, “My and that Tholomer had besieged you at La Choine. The
lord, my lady the queen greets you and sends you this queen, my sister, sent a message to me during the night, at
letter.” midnight, telling me that if I ever loved her, and if I did not
wish to see her delivered over to shame, that I should come
^“Everything,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “aiant,” which to help you with all my forces. I was coming to help you
seems to be a lapsus).
Corresponds to Hucher II: 222-244; Sommer I: 51-58; o
“I saw” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
Ponceau §73-87.
“Company,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“queen”).
The History of the Holy Grail 35

with all the forces I could gather in such haste, but it seems believe there were one-fourth as many men in the city as
to me that things are much better than she told me.” they saw come out. Nevertheless, they received them well,
The king thanked him warmly and said, “My dear for they were more confident, having defeated the king and
brother-in-law, since you have thus undertaken the matter, pursued him twice.
you must help me to the end. One cannot know his friend In this first melee Tholomer’s men lost a great deal,
very well until the need arises, for the distress of great for they had ridden all night without resting and thus were
necessity reveals great friendship and makes it known. exhausted. And Evalach’s men had rested and slept all
Because my need is so great and so distressing, like that of night, so they were stronger and more alert. [229] Evalach’s
someone who is losing his land and who has been twice men fought well, but he himself fought so well that no
routed from the batdefield, I pray and beseech you to help other man of his age could undertake what he did. And
me defend your sister’s land and avenge my shame. And I Seraphe, his brother-in-law, also fought so fiercely that for
promise you, as king, that I will [226] honorably his feats he earned such a great reputation and such great
compensate the hatred I had for you by setting things right, honor that it was talked about ever after, all the days of his
on my knees, within a week after I return to Sarras, life and many a day after his death.
provided I return in honor; and this will be in your house, Nevertheless, Tholomer’s men withstood a good deal,
in the sight of your nobles.” till, overcome and no longer able to resist, they turned and
“My lord,” the other said, “many thanks. I’ll tell you fled. And King Evalach and his men pursued them hotly
what we will do. We will all go to your city, Orcaut, for it is until they came to the defile of a very high cliff, the most
the richest city in your land. There we will wait for your perilous pass in the land. This rock was as high as one could
men, whom we will convoke, and we will hear news of King throw a stone by hand, and it stretched on the right side up
Tholomer more quickly than we would at Sarras.” to a river called Cordaniste that flowed through Orcaut.
The king followed this advice. Thus they headed And on the left side, it went all the way to the clearing4 of
direcdy for Orcaut, taking all their men. When they arrived, Babel. In all of this outcrop there was only one pass, and it
it was already past the hour of nones. The king sent his was so narrow that there was no way in the world that ten
messengers throughout the region to announce that men could enter at once. Up to this pass came Evalach’s
anyone who wished to hold land or honor from him should and Tholomer’s men. Such a great massacre occurred
help him in this need. As a result, before the hour of prime there, and so much blood was shed, that the color still
the next day there were seventeen thousand men, some on appears in the rock and will show until the end of the
foot and some on horseback, at Orcaut, in addition to world.
[227] those that he and Seraphe, his brother-in-law, had At this pass Tholomer’s men defended themselves as
brought. As soon as it turned dark, the king left the city and well as they could; some of them kept up the fight [230]
rode with his men straight toward La Choine. His knights while the others traversed the pass until most of them had
told him that it would be foolish to attack Tholomer with so gone through. But there were many dead and killed on
few men as he had; that he should wait for his men for both sides. Since then the rock has been called the Rock of
three or four days more; “then, when you have all your Blood because of the blood that was shed there.
forces, you will be able to combat him more easily.” When they had all been pursued beyond the pass and
Because of his noblemen’s advice and counsel, the had fled about a half league, with Evalach’s men close
king returned to the city. When daybreak came, his men behind, they looked and saw their lord, Tholomer, who was
began to cry out, “Betrayed, betrayed! To arms!” The king coming at the back of the army, for he had not yet come to
leapt up, and the knights climbed up on the walls of the the siege. Rather, he had sent his men ahead, for he did
tower. They saw Tholomer’s entire army coming not think King Evalach had as many people at Orcaut as he
precipitously across the fields, already attacking the city on had. When he saw from a distance those who were fleeing,
all sides. When the king saw this, he was very angry, not so he ordered those in his retinue who were not armed to take
much because of the siege as because of his men, for he up their arms. He himself came first of all to meet the
knew that no matter how many came to him, they would be fleeing men, asking what had happened to them. They
captured by those outside. Then the king ordered all his replied that they had found King Evalach at Orcaut with all
men to arm themselves quickly; once they were armed, he his forces and that he had killed so many of them at a
ordered them to go forth more fiercely than any men ever difficult pass that they could not be counted.
did from a castle [228] or a city. And when they were ready, “What!” said Tholomer. “Did he then come out from
they did so. the city?”
Next he sent word to the city watchman, ordering him “Indeed,” said they, “you’ll be able to see him soon, for
that if he held his life dear, the city should be closed as he is coming after us5 as fast as the horses can go, bringing
soon as they were all outside, so that no man might then set a great and handsome troop of knights.”
foot therein unless he himself ordered it. When Tholomer heard this, he ordered his men [231]
With that they went forth, led by Seraphe, the king’s to stop and to lower his banner. Then he said to all his
brother-in-law, who had the first battalion. Once they met knights that, as they held their lives and their honor dear,
in battle, no rein was held in; rather, the king and all the
others charged together, holding their shields before their 4“Clearing,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
chests and their lances stiff under their arms. When “bed”).
Tholomer’s men saw them advance so boldly, they were 5“Us,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
frightened that so many had spurred forth, for they did not >u”).
36 The History of the Holy Grail

as well as his, not one of them should rush forward until he had lost a good number of his men at the pass in the
they saw him move out first. He himself was a very good rock, which the story spoke about, just as you have heard.
knight, and he had a great deal of experience in war as the Then Evalach called his knights and said to them,
young bachelor that he was, for he was not yet more than “Lord knights, you see very well how important it is for you
twenty-seven years old. to be brave today, as they have two or three men for each
When Evalach saw the men stop, he reasoned, as one one of us. But there is something that should give us
who had seen many similar situations, that the place where comfort and courage: we are in our own territory, and they
they had stopped was not lacking in armed strength. Then have attacked us wrongfully,14 as you all know. You may be
he called his knights and told them to go forward sure, truly, that if you are valorous and strong today, you
carefully,6 for he realized that Tholomer was not far away. will win honor and victory in the battle, and the [234]
They closed ranks7 and immediately moved forward at a Egyptians will never again confront you15 in batde or on a
walk until they were less than two bowshots away from their field. Do you know what you will do? I pray and beseech
enemy. Then Evalach divided his men into four battalions, you to endure a great deal in the beginning. If you16 can
giving the first to Seraphe, his brother-in-law, who fought resist two or three attacks, you can be sure that as soon as
very well in the battle, as you will hear farther on. The you charge them, you’ll see them fight quite differently
second battalion was put in the hands of his seneschal, who from the way they do at the beginning. If we can defeat
was very bold and valiant.8 A nephew of his named them, let us now consider what great honor we will have,
Archimedes had the third battalion, while he himself, who for we can see that they have twice as many men as we have.
was very capable of leading it, had the fourth. [232] After I don’t know what else to say, but we should all know very
he had thus divided them, he called one of his knights, a well what honor is and what shame is. Therefore, let us be
valiant and loyal man called Jecoine of the Clearing. sure that fear of death or imprisonment will not cause us to
Evalach ordered him to return to guard the pass in the rock do anything that would dishonor us forever or be a source
so that Tholomer’s men could not traverse it if they arrived of reproach to our children after our death.”
there safely. And he ordered all those who had remained in After saying this, he looked and saw two battalions
the city to go with him, leaving no more than one hundred coming from the other side, all ready to join battle. When
to defend the town, should an ambush occur by chance. Seraphe, his brother-in-law, who had the first battalion, saw
Jecoine left at once and did as his lord had commanded. them move out, he rode out to meet them just as if he
When Tholomer saw that Evalach had set up his expected to find them unarmed. Once the two had come
battalions, he did the same. Dividing his men into eight within a bowshot of each other, they rushed headlong
battalions, he said9 that the first two would join battle together as fast as the horses could carry them. And when
against Seraphe’s battalion and the next two would go [235] King Evalach, who had remained behind,17 saw
against the seneschal’s battalion.10 And he ordered that the Seraphe, whom he had often treated unjustly and hated
next two should join battle with that of Evalach’s nephew, without cause, attack his enemies so boldly, risking death or
whose name was Archimedes, for it was he who led the captivity for his sake,18 he felt such great pity that he began
third battalion. He himself would meet Evalach in battle to sigh from the depths of his heart and shed soft tears.
with the seventh battalion.* 11 The eighth would form the Seeing him advance on the strong warhorse, his
rearguard, which would attack when the battle had been helmeted head bent forward, the thick shaft of his lance
going on for a long time, and would rush against the enemy under his arm, and his shield pressed to his arm, quick and
so fiercely that they would leave defeated.12 [233] So he ready to fight well, he said, “Ah! Alas! Woe! He who has
decided that all his battalions would join in battle, two by kept such a friend from me has killed and betrayed me!”
two, for he had half again as many men as did Evalach. And dien he said, “My dear friend, Seraphe, I cannot die
Thus the battalions were organized on both sides. In until you have been well rewarded, for you are doing more
each of Evalach’s battalions there were ten thousand three for me than you should, for, truly, I have not deserved it. It
hundred men, some on foot and some on horseback. And is certainly true that a noble heart never flags. Now, go in
in each of Tholomer’s, there were five thousand13 or more; the keeping and protection of Him whose sign I carry, for if
He is a true God, as [236] has been affirmed, may He keep

“Carefully,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has you safe from shame and danger tonight, and may He send
“with confidence”). you the greatest honor you could have.”
'“Closed ranks,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher Now consider how gracious and compassionate is Our
has “stopped”). Lord, who deigns to listen to sinners so closely that He
Q
In the battle, as you will hear. . . . valiant” supplied from grants their prayers and requests when they are asked
Hucher variants and Ponceau. sincerely. As soon as Evalach had prayed to Our Lord as you
9Corrected to singular, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau. have heard, his prayer was immediately granted, for
10“Against Seraphe’s . . . against” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
14“Wrongfully,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
11 “With the seventh battalion” supplied from Ponceau. “with all their strength”).
12Literally, “under cover.” 15“You,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “us”).
1^The numbers seem to contradict the statement that 16“You,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “we”).
Tholomer had half again as many men as Evalach. One of 17
“Behind,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
Hucher’s variants reads “twenty thousand or more,” while two of
“with them”).
Ponceau’s variants read “ten thousand.” Numbers are one of the
most unstable elements in the manuscript tradition. 18“For his sake,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “his enemies”).
The History of the Holy Grail 37

Seraphe never fell into the hands of his enemies, nor did for a while. The enemy came on precipitously, as fast as
he receive any mortal wound. Rather, he won so much their horses could go, and they were so eager to fight that
earthly honor that all those who saw the battle said that if they were unable, and did not deign, to keep in order.
he alone had not been there, Evalach would certainly have Seraphe’s men did not move, but received them silently,
lost his life and his land forever that day, without recourse. letting them break their lances on them and slash their
But now let us return to the straight road of the story, shields and helmets. And they remained motionless under
which says that when Seraphe was joined in batde with the their blows while the enemy became tired. But with the two
two battalions, so great was the clash of lances on both sides battalions that had been defeated and the two that had
that anyone who heard it without seeing19 it would have attacked afterwards, their opponents were too numerous.
thought a great amount of wood was falling. Once the So Seraphe’s men suffered a great many blows, and the
lances were broken, and the knives and fauchards20 and the enemy23 began to push them back. When Seraphe saw that
big sharp steel battle-axes were drawn, there was such a his men were beginning to lose ground and were departing
great batde there, and the melee was so deadly on account so basely, he cried out and, firmly planted in his stirrups,
of the swords, batde-axes, and other metal arms with charged, grasping his batde-ax, and began to cut and slice
which21 helmets, shields, and hauberks were struck that it shields, helmets, and hauberks so fiercely that no armor the
seemed [237] to be a great marvel of blacksmiths. So many batde-ax struck well could withstand it.
limbs were cut off there that no tongue on earth could tell When Evalach’s seneschal, who had the second24
the truth of it unless the One who knows everything battalion, saw him recover so thoroughly that it seemed he
revealed it through His Spirit Now you will hear how this had arrived completely fresh and [240] new, he was
batde ended. astounded, for he was only waidng to see him dre before
Seraphe’s men fought very well at the beginning, but coming to his aid. In his great surprise he said, “Good
no feat of arms could be compared to his prowess, Lord! This man will never tire, even if everyone were to
performed with his hands, for he held a marvelously strong attack him. If I waited until he fell from the fatigue of
and sharp batde-ax in both hands. And he was tall and big fighting, I would never strike a blow! May I be damned if I
and strong-limbed, with broad shoulders. His arms were wait any longer! ”
large and muscular, while his hands were thin and square. Thereupon the seneschal and his companions rushed
He could spread his legs wide, so he sat very well on forward, straight to the two other battalions that had been
horseback. Everywhere he turned with his batde-ax, having formed to join25 batde with Evalach’s nephew. When the
thrown his shield into the press and with the reins over his men saw them coming, they charged them with great ardor,
arms, those he reached were struck so fiercely that they just as the two battalions had done to Seraphe’s men. The
could not recover. That day he struck many a blow, none of seneschal called his knights and told them to keep close
which [238] failed to cut an arm, hand, head, or body, ranks, “for if we can break through them,” said he, “I will
either a man’s or a horse’s; he did nothing but marvels. Not never stop undl I have gone to strike Tholomer among his
much had ever been said about his prowess, so that all men, even if there were [241] yet again as many men as
those who were watching him marveled. He himself there are.” His men stayed together as he had ordered, and
marveled no less than the others, but more, for it did not the enemy came on precipitously, assailing them fiercely,
seem to him that such marvelous prowess could come from for they outnumbered his forces. But no matter how hard
such a body as his. And he did not think it came from the they attacked, the enemy could not push them back the
One who gave it to him because of Evalach’s prayer, but length of the shaft of a lance. Rather, the seneschal broke
from the strength of his gods, not realizing they could not through and plunged among them all and, with no more
help him. He and his men fought well, pushing back the than three hundred knights, went to join battle with
two battalions to where Tholomer was, who was so grieved Tholomer’s battalion, where there could well have been
at seeing his men withdraw that he nearly went out of his five thousand men, on foot and on horseback. Upon
mind.22 King Evalach, who was very happy, pointed out to reaching them, he and his companions rushed among
his knights the wonders Seraphe was performing, saying he them and were as lost as if they had fallen26 into the sea.
was the one knight in all the world whose prowess he most The seneschal went into the middle of the entire battalion
wanted to have. and struck Tholomer so fiercely that he and his horse fell to
When Tholomer saw his men making way for Seraphe the ground all in a heap. And when the seneschal thought
and losing more and more ground, he was full of sorrow he could hold him by force, along came a knight who
and shame and sent in two more battalions. Seeing the struck him from behind with a lance between the
enemy’s impetuous charge, Seraphe ordered his knights to shoulders, just as he was leaning over Tholomer to strike
remain in close ranks and [239] undergo the devastation him with his sword. The blow was so strong that he fell on
top of Tholomer, flat on the ground. The seneschal’s men

19“Heard it without seeing” supplied from Hucher variants

and Ponceau. 23‘The enemy” supplied from Ponceau.
20A sort of shafted weapon. Originally, it was nothing more 24“Second,” as in Ponceau and context (Hucher has “third”).
than a scythe with a handle coming straight out of a shaft, used by
25“Had been formed to join” supplied from Ponceau and
peasants called to fight for their lords.
Sommer.
21“Hips and” omitted, as in Ponceau.
26“Had fallen,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
22“But from the strength of his gods. . .. out of his mind” (Hucher has “were”).
supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
38 The History of the Holy Grail

gathered around them, in an effort to hold or kill directed to, regardless of what he might see.29 But let us
Tholomer, while his own men rushed forward to free him. leave him now; we will no longer speak of him but will tell
When King Evalach saw the melee in three places— about Seraphe’s men, who are still on the battlefield.
between Seraphe’s men and Tholomer’s first four
battalions; between [242] the seneschal’s men and the two
other battalions; and the seneschal against Tholomer’s
10. The White Knight.1
battalion—he was very anxious and ordered his nephew to
go to the aid of the seneschal’s men, while he went to
Here the story says that Seraphe’s men, who were engaged
rescue the seneschal.
in combat with the four battalions, as you have heard,
At these words, both battalions charged the enemy. As
conducted themselves marvelously and defended
soon as Archimedes attacked the two battalions that were
themselves vigorously. No men ever held out more bravely
fighting the seneschal’s men, those on the other side could
against such a fierce attack. [245] Those on horseback and
no longer resist, but turned and fled straight to Tholomer.
those on foot fought very well, but despite their feats and
King Evalach, who had joined combat with Tholomer,
prowess,2 they could not have resisted had it not been for
looked and saw his seneschal being led quickly away by men
Seraphe’s deeds. For he performed marvelous feats;
with great pointed iron maces. And he had three arrow
everything he did was worthy of being remembered. He
wounds in his body that foot soldiers had given him. When
found no knight so bold who, seeing3 Seraphe turn in his
the king saw him being led away so odiously, his
direction, would not willingly make way if he could.
companions cut to pieces and killed, he was so upset that
Battle-ax in hand, he cleared the ranks where he was
he nearly went out of his mind. He charged as fast as the
able to advance; he cut strong shields, sliced thick
horse could carry him, with all the knights [243] after him,
hauberks, cleaved helmets4 and visors; he slashed feet, legs,
and caught up with them at the slope of a knoll. There he
and arms; chests,5 heads, ribs, and thighs; he bathed his
found that they had already thrown the seneschal to the
battle-ax up to the shaft in the blood of men and horses. He
ground and were unlacing his helmet, while Tholomer was
alone sustained all his men and thwarted all the opposing
holding a naked sword to cut off his head, for this was the
forces, whose fear was focused on him. Not once did his
knight he hated most in the world. When Tholomer saw
strength diminish. All day he maintained such strength and
Evalach approaching so rapidly, he thought he could not
vigor that he himself was amazed, and he thought he would
hold the seneschal for long, for he would be rescued, so he
never tire of bearing arms. Where he saw the greatest press
pulled out a fauchard and struck him in the body from
and the largest mass of the battle, he rushed quickly and
below. Then he jumped on a horse27 and charged Evalach,
[246] willingly, desiring nothing else. And if he saw his
lance in hand. Evalach did likewise, and they met so
companions pull back and lose ground, he took charge of
furiously that the lances they held flew into pieces.
them all alone and recovered as vigorously as if his limbs
The melee broke out all around, and when the lances
possessed all their strength and power. Had it not been for
broke, the swords were drawn. A great and fierce battle
his deeds, his men could not possibly have resisted their
occurred there, and many men and horses were felled.
marvelous foe, but would all have left, defeated and routed.
King Evalach attempted to push the enemy back to where
Thus, his feats lasted all day long until past the hour of
the seneschal lay, but they put up such a strong defense
nones.
that it was impossible to break through or take any ground
And then a messenger came to Tholomer where he
from them until the two battalions that Archimedes had
was fighting and said, “My lord, upon my word, there is a
met in battle were defeated, as you have heard, and came
knight down there who is doing wonders, for all day he has
fleeing toward Tholomer’s battalion, which was fighting
withstood the melee and fray against four of our battalions.
hard. Archimedes and his men gave hot pursuit until they
If it were not for him, his men would have been defeated a
ran into Tholomer’s battalion28 and Evalach’s, who were
while ago, since for each one of their knights, we have two
[244] engaged in fighting pell-mell. When Tholomer saw
or more. He alone is holding out against them, so that all
them come fleeing, followed by those pursuing, he called
your men are fleeing before him.”
out his battlecry and charged Evalach’s men fiercely. And
When Tholomer heard this news, he wondered who
when those who were fleeing heard it, they turned their
the knight could be. “Now,” he said to the messenger, “go
horses back against their enemy, while those on foot shot
forward to Manatur, my brother, who is leading that
numerous poisoned arrows, killing a great number of
Evalach’s men.
The melee was great, and the fray was fierce, and many 29“See,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
(Hucher has “come”).
men were lost on both sides. But this time Evalach’s men
took great losses. When Tholomer saw that he was winning, Corresponds to Hucher II: 244-264; Sommer I: 58-66;
Ponceau §88-99.
he sent a messenger to the leader of the eighth battalion,
2“Prowess,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
ordering him, if he valued his life, not to attack until he was
“pourete,” “ordeal”?).
3“Seeing,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “voloit,” which would
27“On a horse” supplied from Sommer and Ponceau. give “wanting”).
28“Which was fighting hard. . . . battalion” supplied from 4The order of “helmets” and “hauberks” is reversed, as in
Ponceau and Sommer. Ponceau.
5“Chests,” as in Ponceau (Hucher repeats “feet”).
The History of the Holy Grail 39
battalion, and tell him I order him to attack them so holding the shield. The blow descended on the side, slicing
fiercely that no man will remain in the field.” the ribs and side all the way down to the waist, [250] and he
The messenger did what Tholomer ordered, and fell to the ground, dead.
Manatur was elated, for he was eager to fight. He and his When the others saw this blow, they were so frightened
men immediately charged [247] precipitously, assaulting that even the boldest retreated. Seraphe grabbed the dead
Seraphe’s men so fiercely that they made them fall back the knight’s horse and jumped into the saddle as lightly as if he
distance of a crossbow shot. This was a great and dangerous were unarmed and freshly arrived, then turned the horse
misfortune, for Seraphe had no more than twenty thousand toward them. Exposing his body to danger, he charged all
men, while the others numbered more than thirty alone, taking them on to the right and to the left so rapidly
thousand, for there were at least fifteen thousand men in that no one saw him stay in any one place; rather, it seemed
the last battalion. Unable to resist any longer, for no he was everywhere.
exploits could help, they were obliged to turn their backs. At that point the others who had carried out the
When Seraphe saw that defeat was imminent, he was so pursuit up to the pass returned, having captured and killed
upset that he nearly went mad. He began to brood and as many as they wished. When they saw the men who had
then to weep, saying, “Alas! What sorrow when I leave safe tarried there, they thought the knight had a number of
and sound yet vanquished! Nothing kills me except death’s Evalach’s men, and they rushed forward so fiercely that
long delay.” With these words, he grasped his batde-ax they pushed the melee back more than a stone’s throw by
again and cried out his battlecry to rally his men; but they the force of their arrival. Thus Seraphe was thrown to the
were so intent on fleeing that no admonition on his part ground, and his horse killed beneath him. Before he could
could make them turn back. Defeated, they all fled straight get up, more than two [251] hundred horses trampled his
toward the rock that Jecoine of the Clearing was guarding. body; he lay in a faint longer than it would take to go a half
When Seraphe saw them leaving thus, without rallying, league. They believed him to be dead, which made the
he and eleven of his knights turned their horses and good knights who had seen him perform so many marvels
charged where they saw the greatest press. It happened that very sad, for they would have preferred to take him alive if
he came upon Manatur, who was leading the large possible.
battalion, and he struck him with the battle-ax with both Thus Seraphe lay in a faint for a long time. When he
hands so fiercely that he cleaved him down to the regained his senses, he jumped up and grabbed the batde-
shoulders. The body fell to [248] the ground, and he went ax behind him where it had fallen. Meeting a knight, he
on so fiercely that anyone he met on his way was killed or struck him with the battle-ax he was holding with both
struck down wounded. hands, slicing through his left thigh and the saddlebow
Manatur lay dead on the ground, and his knights, who down to the saddle bands.7 The latter fell, and Seraphe
saw him fall, began to lament so loudly that their shouts grabbed the horse by the reins, put his foot in the stirrup,
and cries were clearly heard in the midst of the battle, and immediately jumped on it. Then he charged them,
carrying to the field where Evalach was fighting; it was a trampled and beaten as he was. When the knights who had
wonder to hear them. But Seraphe, who did not recognize felt sorry for him8 saw him mounted, they began to point
him, did not know whom he had killed. When he saw so him out to each other, for they had believed [252] he
much grieving over the body, he turned back and rushed would never get up from where he lay. He addressed
upon the men so fiercely that they all took fright. With the himself toward the main force and the thickest ranks he
few men he had, he drove them back. When they saw that could see, his batde-ax in hand. As he did so, he was struck
their opponents numbered only twelve, they were greatly so hard by an arrow in the left shoulder that half of the
ashamed that they had fled because of them, and they point appeared on the other side. Feeling that he was
angrily returned. wounded, he attacked as quickly as he had in the
Seraphe took heavy losses in this engagement, for they beginning, and the enemy began to shoot so many javelins
killed his horse and seven of his knights. Now Seraphe was and arrows that he and his horse were wounded in several
on foot on the field with four knights, and the enemy, who places.
numbered at least two thousand, charged.6 Here Seraphe Seeing that he could not withstand their shots, but
performed [249] marvelous exploits: he killed and felled feeling that he was not yet wounded to death, he plunged
horses, he slashed shields and helmets, he kept up the outside the press on his horse, which was strong and light-
melee so long that liis four companions were killed and cut footed, and headed straight for the melee where Evalach
down before his eyes. He had felled so many men and was, for he was more concerned about him than any other
horses, making a deep pile around him, that no one could living creature. When his opponents saw him leave, they
touch him except by throwing things. Seeing his spurred after him. He did not stop until he pushed
companions dead, he put his feet together, jumped over headlong into the press where he recognized Evalach’s
the fallen around him, and charged with his battle-ax banner. He saw Evalach’s men, who were very frightened
against a knight who had thrown a good many fauchards, and were being defeated because they did not see their
axes, and knives at him. When the latter saw him coming, lord. Crying out the royal battlecry again, he rallied and
he tried to dodge; as he did so, Seraphe hit him so hard on regrouped the men and charged Tholomer’s men. [253]
the left shoulder that the arm flew to the ground, still
7 Metal bands that linked the pommel to the cande.
6“Now Seraphe ... charged” supplied from Hucher variants 8“Who had felt sorry for him,” as in Hucher variants and
and Ponceau. Ponceau (Hucher has “who had seen him”).
40 The History of the Holy Grail

He began to perform such wondrous feats of arms that all Once he was nearby, he grabbed Tholomer’s reins® and
those on his side took heart and courage. Because of this, headed below the city. As they approached the battle,
their rout was less serious, so that they were more Tholomer heard the blows [256] clearly, closer than he
numerous on the field than Tholomer’s men. thought. And Seraphe was fighting so fiercely that all his
But they had lost Evalach and had no sign or news of assailants marveled even more than before, for it seemed to
him. Tholomer held him in a melee a good bow’s shot away them that he kept getting stronger.10 Then he cried out
from his people. Seraphe, who heard the noise, spurred Evalach’s batdecry so loudly that Evalach heard it.
that way and found him on the ground, his sword in hand, Tholomer said then, “Now, let’s think about returning
for his horse had been killed. Seeing Evalach defending soon, for I think they have seen us and have begun the
himself with no more than eleven knights against more pursuit.” They all spurred on together, the White Knight
than five hundred, Seraphe cried out to them and pushed leading by the reins Tholomer, who thought he still saw the
headlong among them, with the entire battalion that was forest before him.
following him on one side and another. They went along until they came to the pass in the
Seraphe rescued Evalach forcefully, snatching him and rock. No one saw the White Knight except King Evalach.
mounting him on a horse. When his pursuers arrived and When they reached the passage, it was opened for them as
saw Evalach mounted, they were grief-stricken. Enraged at soon as the men guarding it saw Evalach. They went
his pursuers’ arrival, Seraphe left Evalach and, taking the through without any of the men who were guarding the
battle-ax in both hands, he attacked them, slicing and pass seeing the White Knight. Once through, the White
killing everyone he encountered on his way. But when he Knight left Tholomer and, dashing into11 the middle of the
thought he would return to Evalach, the enemy had field, began to cry out, “Strike! Strike!” When Tholomer
surrounded him so that more than a thousand men and his men heard this, they were very frightened. The
separated them, and Seraphe was unable to learn anything White Knight charged straight for Tholomer, his lance
about him. Realizing [254] he could not find Evalach, under his arm, and hit him so hard on the shield that he
Seraphe swore that he preferred to die in the battle rather fell flat on the ground. Upon seeing this, Evalach drew his
than lose him in that way. So he plunged into the press with sword and charged. When the men [257] guarding the pass
all the men he had, thinking to break through by force, but saw their lord charge the others, they rushed upon them,
this was impossible, for there were too many troops and too with lances lowered, bringing all but twelve to the ground
great a mass of men. There the fray was so great and die on the first assault. When the enemy saw themselves thus
melee so cruel that it was a wonder to see. taken by surprise, they did not know what to do;
As Seraphe was trying to break through the press and nevertheless, they defended themselves as well as they
the others were intent on stopping him, elsewhere Evalach could, but it was useless, for it pleased Our Lord that they
was wounded by three lances in his body, and Tholomer be taken prisoner.
had taken the reins of his horse and was leading him King Evalach had stopped over Tholomer where the
rapidly away, accompanied by one hundred knights. Widi White Knight had struck him down, and his men had
him they were taking away fifteen of his knights, still already wounded him badly; upon seeing Evalach, he gave
mounted, who were so exhausted that they could no longer him his sword, and Evalach took it and then made him
defend themselves. Thus they were leading Evalach away, swear to be his prisoner. After Tholomer had sworn this,
and they had already beaten him so much that blood was Evalach called Jecoine of the Clearing, who was guarding
flowing from his mouth and nose. And he had already lost the rock, and ordered him to take him into the city and
so much blood from his wounds that he saw no hope for his have him guarded honorably as a king. And then Jecoine
life. They had already gone a good half league away from took him and led him into the city along with ninety-nine
the batde, in order to disarm him and his followers, for other men. Evalach remained on the field until all the
they were still completely armed. Seeing himself far from enemy were captured.12 As they took prisoners, they sent
the batde, [255] he thought that all hope was now lost and them into the city one after the other. Once Evalach had
that he was dead if they could take him to the wood. Then captured them all, he returned to the battle, straight to
he tore off the cloth covering the sign of the cross on his where Seraphe was, taking with him all but one hundred of
shield, looked, and saw the image of a man who was those who had been guarding the pass. When he was
crucified inside the sign, and it seemed that bright blood beyond it, he13 looked ahead and saw the White Knight
dripped from the hands and feet. When he saw this, his carrying in his hand a banner with his insignia. Thereupon,
heart softened, and he began to weep very tenderly, saying Evalach spurred after him until he came to the batde where
between his teeth, “Ah, good Lord God, the sign of whose
death I carry, bring me back safe and sound to receive Your
®“Reins” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
faith, to show the others, through me, that You are the true Sommer.
God, powerful in all things.” 10“Stronger,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
As soon as he had said these words, he looked before (Hucher has “worse”).
him and saw a fully-armed knight come out of the forest, ^“Dashing into,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “les laisse,” “left
with his helmet on his head and a white shield with a red them,” which may be a misreading).
cross hanging from his neck, riding a horse as white as a 12“Evalach remained . . . captured” supplied from Sommer
flower. This knight came at a very fast pace toward them. and Ponceau.
I 9 t f

“He” and “he” corrected to singular following Hucher

variants and Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 41

Seraphe was performing the most marvelous feats [258] they had seen Tholomer leading Evalach away as a prisoner
ever done by a knight. and now they19 saw him riding [260] his horse. Nabur,
The White Knight plunged into the press and found Tholomer’s seneschal, took a horn and blew it to rally his
Seraphe, who was being held by seven knights—two were men and regroup them. Seeing them closing ranks, Evalach
holding him by the reins and two by the helmet, his head cried out his battlecry very clearly and drew his men aside.
completely bent forward, while three14 were striking his Once they had reassembled, he divided them into two
chest and arms with large iron maces, so that they had battalions. He issued orders to Seraphe to charge with the
broken the flesh through the hauberk. Seeing this, the second battalion from behind, in order to surround the
White Knight rushed upon them and struck the first so enemy,20 as soon as he himself was engaged with the first
hard that his lance went through his body along with the battalion.
banner. Next he quickly took his sword in hand and struck With that he spurred the horse and charged.
another, making his head fly into the field. Then he Everywhere he went, the White Knight went before him, his
charged the two holding the reins, striking the first so hard banner in his hand and his sword drawn and at the ready.
that his hand flew into the field. The other one let go and Evalach cried out, “Surely, you will all be captured! No one
turned in flight. When the two who were holding Seraphe will escape, for you have lost Tholomer!" When they heard
by the helmet saw the wonders the White Knight was doing, him speak in this way, they did not know what to do: it
they let go of their prisoner, and one of them drew a knife, seemed to be true because Evalach was riding Tholomer’s
thinking to strike him in the face through the opening in horse, but they were not so much afraid that Tholomer had
the helmet. But Seraphe was so dazed15 from the blood he been taken prisoner as that he was dead. Evalach’s men
had lost and the blows his assailants had given him that he attacked them fiercely. And they, in their dismay, reacted
could not stand up; he had already fainted, and as soon as with fear. Once Seraphe saw them engaged in fierce
he was released, he fell to the ground, over the crupper of combat, he attacked with the other battalion, surrounding
the horse. them from behind, challenging and striking them
Thus the one who wished to strike him failed,16 and energetically. [261]
both of them then plunged into the press. When Evalach, A savage battle ensued, and Tholomer’s people
who was [259] spurring after, saw the press and Seraphe’s suffered greatly, for they were without their lord and in a
fall, he thought he was dead and cried out, “Alas! All is foreign land where they did not know the roads or passes,
lost!” and then he fainted. The White Knight ran to him should they have to flee. And even if they wanted to flee,
and held him up so that he would not fall to the ground. they could not, for their enemies had surrounded them. It
Recovering from the faint, he saw Seraphe, who had is clear indeed that when the head fails, the limbs fail, for
already regained his feet, but was still so dazed that he did never had people who had begun as well as they come to
not know where he was. Rather, he truly believed that his such a bad or ugly end. They had at least four times as
enemies had captured him and made him their prisoner. many men as their opponents but were unable to defend
When Evalach saw him standing, he rushed into the press themselves except as men who cannot flee.
and struck a knight under the throat, bringing him to the Here Seraphe performed wonders, and King Evalach
ground. He immediately took the horse in hand and led it fought so fiercely that no man of his age ever did better.
directly to his brother-in-law, Seraphe, saying, “My friend, And the White Knight did what no one could believe a
take this present; never was a gift so dearly paid for.” single man could do: he struck shields down from their
When Seraphe saw this, he was so happy that he forgot necks,21 he felled knights and horses, he sent heads flying
all his pains. He jumped onto the horse at once and said, with the helmets still on, he slashed chests and legs and
“Certainly, if I had a battle-ax, any man I met could not arms. Why should I go on describing to you all the feats of
resist me.” arms and chivalry that he performed? Evalach and his men
Then he saw the White Knight bringing him one, fought so well that they placed the enemy between
saying, “Here, Seraphe, this is sent to you by the True themselves and die rock; [262] once they had done so, they
Crucified One.” rushed upon them fiercely. And the latter turned in flight
Taking it, he felt that it was lighter than the one he straight toward die pass, thinking that if they could reach it,
had carried all day. Thus, he knew it was not his. Evalach would never traverse it, but that they could thus
Thereupon he plunged into the press, followed by all take the city by force, since one hundred men could hold
the others. Evalach was riding the horse that Tholomer had the rock against everyone, for the story says that only ten
been on when the White Knight17 felled him. When men could enter abreast. Believing that Evalach had not
Tholomer’s men18 saw him, they were frightened because placed a guard there, they went to the rock with
confidence. It was already getdng very dark, which pleased
them, for they were exhausted and they thought they would
14‘Three,” as in Sommer (Hucher has “two”).
find repose and rest there.
15‘Trom the helmet and” omitted, as in Ponceau.
16“Failed,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has “sailli,”
‘jumped up,” which is probably a misreading). 19“Had seen Tholomer . . . and now they” supplied from
Ponceau and Sommer.
17"When the White Knight felled him,” as in Hucher variants,
Ponceau, and Sommer (Hucher has “when he [Evalach?] felled 20‘To charge . .. the enemy” supplied from Ponceau.
the knight”). 21“Necks,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
18‘Tholomer’s men,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher “bodies”).
has ‘Tholomer and his men”).
42 The History of the Holy Grail

But it did not go as they thought, for as they came Josephus, because he had told Evalach that he would be in
along rapidly, the one hundred men who were guarding Tholomer’s power for three days and three nights; that he
the pass cried out to them so loudly that it seemed to them would not be able to hold out against him during that time;
there were more than a thousand of them. Upon hearing and that Tholomer would go so far as to make him fear
them, they took such fright that they retreated headlong, death. That is why the lady sent for Josephus, and he came
and those pursuing them ran onto them, taking prisoners with his father Joseph. Once he was before her, she
and killing as many as they wished. Meanwhile, the men beseeched him to tell her the truth about how her lord
who were guarding the pass shot a great many arrows, would fare in the batde.
killing a large number of their horses and men, which Josephus replied,2 “Sarrasinte, this is the message to
created the greatest sorrow ever seen in such a short time. you from the Chrisdan God, the beginning and end of all
They killed so many that the only thing visible was things, the Judge and Savior of all: ‘Because earthly kings
blood, and [263] there was such a great massacre that it was do not deign to recognize or receive Me, I will give their
impossible to recognize or describe the color of the shields enemies power over their lives, and I will [265] distribute
or the arms, so covered with blood were they. Here Nabur, their lands among foreign peoples, for I want them to
Tholomer’s seneschal, was felled. King Evalach stopped acknowledge that I am the sovereign King and the true God
over him, and the man gave him his sword, saying that he against whom no kingdom can be held. I kill the wicked
was surrendering to him to save his life and limbs. When and the proud with the breath from My mouth. Therefore,
Evalach was about to take his sword, he remembered his I shall remove the strong and powerful from high posidons
seneschal, who had died in the battle, and he swore that his and great domains, and I shall lift the weak and scorned
life would not be saved. Nabur fell at his feet, asking for and raise them on high. The flesh of the kings will be given
mercy, and Evalach said he would take no other exchange to birds of prey to be devoured, and the flesh of the weak
but seneschal for seneschal. Then he took him by force and and the humble will be buried honorably, because they
had him disarmed there, and was about to cut off his head know the straight ways and receive the commandments of
himself when Seraphe dashed between them, saying,22 “Ah, the very high Lord with simple hearts and good faith.’”
my lord, what are you about to do? If you have lost your After saying this, Josephus sat down. The lady was very
seneschal, Tholomer has lost his brother, whom he loved frightened, so she began to weep sofdy, and she said to
no less than you did23 your seneschal.” Thus Seraphe Josephus that if he prayed to his God so much that Evalach
calmed the king and protected the seneschal’s life. returned in honor, she would believe in Him, and she
Great was the defeat at the passage of the rock, and would bring Evalach to the faith. Josephus asked her how
there were many dead and many captured. But night came, he could be sure of this, and she said that she would swear
which was disadvantageous to Evalach’s men, and yet they to it and take a solemn oath. Josephus replied that he cared
captured and killed so many that not two thousand little about an oath made upon her idols, for they could
escaped, between the wounded and unscathed, whereas neither harm nor help her; and that he cared little about
they had numbered at least sixty thousand at the beginning her faith, for she had none, since she did not believe in the
of the batde. faith, that is, in Jesus Christ, [266] who is all faith and all
Thus the Egyptians were vanquished by the power of belief. He then began to tell her the articles of faith and of
Jesus Christ. Evalach returned to Orcaut with his men, who the Trinity. She looked at him and asked him his name,
had won so much booty that even the poorest and weakest and he said he was called Josephus by his baptismal name.
expected it would make them rich and comfortable. And ‘Josephus,” she said, “the fact is there isn’t any man
when he entered the [264] city, he found it so full of bound who can teach me about this.” Then she ordered everyone
prisoners and the men guarding them that no one could to withdraw, and immediately began to ask Josephus if he
take a step. He came back out and had tents and pavilions wished to discuss it.
set up in the beautiful meadow outside the city. There he He said, ‘Yes, willingly.”
and his men camped. But now we will leave off speaking to Right away, she began to set forth all the articles of
you about King Evalach and his prisoners, and we will speak faith and the Trinity, just as clearly as the wisest clerk of the
about the Christians who were in the city of Sarras. world would do, until Josephus3 began to wonder and
asked her where she had learned this. She replied, “Indeed,
Josephus, my mother was a believer in this faith for ten
11. The Story of Sarrasinte’s Conversion.1 years. She was a Christian without the knowledge of my
father, or of anyone in her lineage except me, and I will tell
you how it happened. [267]
The story says that Evalach’s wife was a very beautiful, wise,
“My mother was the duchess of Orberica, a very good
and honorable lady named Sarrasinte. When Evalach left
and honorable lady, and my father was very proud and
with his army, the lady was very fearful for him, since he was
cruel. Twenty-seven years ago it happened that in our
the person she loved most in the world. So she sent for
country, in a hermitage, there was a good man, very saintly
and religious, for whom God performed many a wonderful
22“Saying” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
miracle. This good man was named Salustes. And my
Sommer.
23 “You did,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer o
(Hucher has “he did”). *‘Josephus replied” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
3«
Corresponds to Hucher II: 264-284; Sommer I: 66-73; “Her companion” omitted, as in Hucher variants and
Ponceau §10(>-l 11. Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 43

mother had an illness that no one but a woman suffers, an get6 me and those who had come with her, outside the litde
illness called blood loss. She had been so sick with this for house where I was waiting for her. She7 took me by the
nineteen months that she had lost all blood and color and hand and led me before the hermit. Then my lady said to
strength in all her limbs. When she heard about the me, ‘Dear sweet daughter, I am completely healed, and I
miracles that Our Lord was working through the hand of want you to do what I shall order.’ I replied, trembling, that
this saintly man, she thought she would go to speak to him, I would do her pleasure. And I wondered what she wanted
to find out whether she might find help for her illness, me to do. She said, [270] ‘Dear daughter, I want you to
which was so grave that she thought she would more easily believe in the One who healed me.’ Being silly and childish,
die than survive. I thought she was talking about the good man, so I told my
“When she came before the worthy man, she fell at his lady that I would not dare. When she asked me why, I said
feet crying; she beseeched him for mercy, and to take pity because his beard was so long. The good man began to
on the great anguish she was suffering. He looked at her laugh at what I had said about him, and he said to me,
and said, ‘Woman, woman, why are you asking me about ‘Dear child, it is not I, but another who is full of all beauty
your illness? Certainly, if you are a mortal and sinful woman and joy.’ I asked where he was and that he show Him to me,
and I am a mortal and sinful man, I have no power to give and if He was more handsome than my brother, I would
health to man or to woman. But Jesus Christ, the true God, believe in Him.
gives it to those whom He wishes.’ And she replied, “This brother about whom I spoke was so handsome
weeping, ‘My dear [268] lord, pray to your Lord to look at that I did not believe it was possible to make a face so
me in pity, and I know in truth that He will not deny you.’ beautiful. As soon as I had said this, the hermit answered,
“The good man said to her, ‘My lady, one should not ‘Dear child, in time you will see the One I have told you
come to the doctor with empty hands when one asks to be about, who is so handsome, or else your brother.
cured.’ And she said, ‘My lord, I have not come with empty Whichever may be the one you see first, after that you will
hands, for I bring with me great riches, which I will leave never see the other.’ Right after he said this, I saw a great
for your God, if He heals me.’ He replied, ‘God has no light outside the chapel. It seemed that all the sweet odors
need of your riches if the heart is not with them, for no one’s mouth could name were diffused there. Then out of
sacrifice pleases Him as much as true repentance.’ And she the chapel came8 the face of a very beautiful man, so bright
said to him, ‘Lord God’s servant, there is nothing in this that in this [271] world there are no eyes sharp enough to
world I would not do at your command, if I can be healed look at him perfectly. This man held in his right hand
of this great pain.’ He replied, ‘If you will believe in Jesus something the hermit called a cross, which was entirely red.
Christ, the true God, I promise that He will heal you before His eyes gave off two rays as red as burning coal. After
you leave here.’ She ran at once to his feet, kissed him, and coming forth, He stopped, and I was so frightened by the
said, ‘My lord, if He sends me health, I will believe in Him great marvel that I could no longer look at Him. Rather, I
all the days that I live.’ And the good man said to her, ‘In dropped to the ground in a faint. After I had been that way
faith, if you truly believe that He is the true God, you will be awhile, the hermit took me by the chin and raised me up,
healed right away, for nothing is difficult for those who and then I looked and saw nothing except him and my
believe in Him.’ ‘My lord,’ said she, ‘I believe in Him as the lady. The good man asked me, ‘Dear child, what is your
true God, who has the power to free me from this illness.’ impression?’ And I answered right away, by God’s will, that
“The good man took a book and, as he told us later, I would willingly receive this One’s faith, and he baptized
read from the Gospel at the place where Jesus Christ healed me right away in the name of the holy Trinity.
the woman who had had this very same illness for twenty- “Afterwards, he taught us die faith: how Jesus Christ
eight years.4 [269] After that he said to her, ‘Arise, in the had been conceived and born of the Virgin without
name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.’ My harming her maidenhead, and how He had suffered death
lady now felt that she was as healthy as she had ever been, in order to redeem the world from everlasting sorrow; how
and she soon recovered strength in her body and in all her on the third day He was resuscitated and delivered His
limbs. Feeling herself to be thus healed, she said to him, friends from hell, and how He ascended to heaven forty
‘Ah, my lord, now I see that one should believe in none but days later, and how on the eleventh day after that, He sent
this God who healed me of my great anguish. Since this His spirit to His disciples in Jerusalem, and how He taught
illness came upon me, I have given more titan ten thousand them to consecrate His body when He ate with them the
bezants5 to the doctors, none of whom could ever heal me. day before He was crucified. Once he had taught us all
I believe in this One and will believe in Him all the days of these things, he celebrated before us this holy Sacrament,
my life.’ giving it to my mother and then to [272] me. When he put
‘Then the good man told her that she should be it in my mouth, he told me that I should believe this was the
baptized, and she asked him what baptism was. He told her body that had been lodged in the Virgin Mary. I was afraid
that it was the salvation of the Christian, and she replied and thus slow to answer. It seemed to me at once that it was
that she would therefore be willingly baptized. The good
man baptized her in the name of the Father and the Son 6“Get” supplied from Hucher variants, Sommer, and
and the Holy Spirit. After that, my mother came back to Ponceau.
7Corrected to singular following Ponceau.
4“At the place ... years” supplied from Sommer and Ponceau. ®“It seemed. . . . came” supplied from Hucher variants,
See Matthew IX, 20-22; V, 25-34; Luke VIII, 43-48. Sommer, and Ponceau.
5The bezant was a gold coin used in Byzantium.
44 The History of the Holy Grail

the figure I had seen come out of the chapel, so I told him anguish. After she had been in this attitude10 * for a long
right away that I believed it, having seen Him clearly. time, she ordered me to put the box down and asked me to
“Thereupon we parted, and he urged us not to return bring her water to wash her hands. Once she had done so,
to the belief in our images, for in them lay only destruction. she took the box, opened it, and [275] pulled out our Holy
And he told us that we should be assured that God would Savior in the form of bread and received it with a great
not forget us, but would soon send us comfort, and He number of sighs and tears. Once she had done this, she said
would send the high acclaim of His name throughout the that now she was completely reassured and did not fear the
far lands whose people He wished to win over to the holy devil at all, since she had received health that could
faith. withstand all sickness and protection against all the enemy’s
“Thus he taught us to keep Jesus Christ’s law. We took tricks and assaults.
leave of him, and when we came to Orberica, we heard a “After that, she said to me, ‘My beautiful daughter, I
great hue and cry about a wild beast that was in the country am leaving you, and I do not know whose protection to put
and that the people had begun to hunt. This beast was so you under, if not that of the One who will never abandon
bizarre that no matter how long any man looked at it he those who hold to Him. My dear daughter, this is the One
could not say what it was, but it was so redoubtable and whose holy law you have received and held for some time.
cruel that it was ravaging the entire region. It was Be sure that you keep it as it was confided to you, and be
destroying the green wheat, killing men and horses, tearing sure that you do not return to the old perfidy. Worship only
down houses, taking small children from the cradle, and one God in three persons, and three persons in one God.
crushing good pregnant women when it found them alone. Keep from angering Lord God in every way nature makes
“The day we returned from seeing the good man it possible; be ready and willing to keep His commandments.
happened [273] that the people were attacking the beast. ‘“Always remember how He deigned to be born of
My brother, who was so handsome and bold, was in the woman and live in the filth of the treacherous sinful world,
forefront, on a big horse, completely armed, as he had just and how He underwent and suffered all those things that
become a knight. Nor should any man who was not armed belong to human nature, with the sole exception of sin, of
have attacked the beast, for on its forehead it had three which He was always free and pure. And you should always
horns so sharp and keen that no armor, no matter how well keep before your eyes His deep graciousness when He
struck, could resist them. Thus my brother pursued it suffered the [276] great marvelous anguish of having His
before all the others, and it had already killed three horses hands and feet pierced, by His own will, in order to protect
from beneath him, as it darted back and forth in flight. those who wish to hold to Him and deliver them from the
“It dodged and turned so much, so I was told—for I pain of hell. You should remember all these things in your
did not see it—that it could no longer remain, nor did it heart, beautiful sweet daughter, for where you find such
dare, but it turned and fled straight for a nearby forest. And high memory, you will lose all will and desire to sin.
my brother spurred after, as fast as the horse could go, “‘Henceforth, I wish and command you to have your
plunging into the forest after the beast. We never saw him Savior with you at all times, and you must do so as I have
after that, nor did we learn with certainty whether he was since the time I received the holy faith. For ever since you
dead or alive. Thus my mother and I realized that the and I received Jesus Christ’s baptism by the hand of the
hermit was a holy man and a friend of Jesus Christ, since he holy man, I have constandy had with me the body of the
had made us wise and certain about things which were to One who deigned to undergo bodily torment for you and
come, because he had told me that if I first saw the One he me. I have always kept this body, and there has never been
had promised me, I would never again see my brother. And a day since, thanks be to God, when I have not seen it,
he told the truth, for I never saw my brother again after though I’m not worthy of it. And nevertheless, my lovely
these words were spoken. [274] daughter, you never knew that I kept it, for I was reluctant
“My mother held to this faith as long as she lived, nor to show it to you because I was committing too great a sin
did she ever, by the grace of God, return to the infidel law. by holding it and yet refusing it. I kept it in case you should
And the glorious Son of God gave her such grace that it was leave this world before I did, for I would have given it to
never perceived. When the time came for her to leave the you to take communion; and if I were to leave before you, I
world, she ordered everyone except me to leave the room would receive it just as you have seen me do. [277]
where she lay. After everyone was gone, my lady ordered “‘Dear, beautiful daughter, I am leaving you now, so I
me9 to close the door. Once I had returned to her, she said beseech you and command that once I am dead, you go to
to me, ‘Dear daughter, I know truly that I shall leave this the saintly man from whom we received the holy faith and
world tonight. Now, dear, sweet daughter, go to my case ask him to think about remembering this sinner’s soul in
where my precious stones, rings, and other jewels are, and his prayers. And if you beseech him, for the blessed love of
bring me a white box you will find there.’ the Lord he serves, to give you the company of11 this Lord,
“I did as she ordered; when I had brought the box to it means that you will not leave this sorrowful life without
her bed, she raised herself as well as she could, so that she receiving your enduring salvation. I am certain that he will
was on her knees in her bed, and then she began to sigh
deeply from the heart and to weep and beat her chest in
10“Attitude,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
“faith”).
9“Everyone except me. . . . ordered me” supplied from 11‘To give you die company of,” as in Ponceau (Hucher, who
Hucher variants, Sommer, and Ponceau. seems to have misread the manuscript, has an incomprehensible
passage here).
The History of the Holy Grail 45

give it to you willingly. Be sure, as you hold your life dear, And I said to him, ‘My lord, I have just now left him, and he
not to put it in a place that any earthly thing has was still alive, but certainly, he is very sick.’
frequented, but take this white box, for he himself gave it to “‘What!’ said the worthy man, ‘Dear child, didn’t you
me, and put inside it what the good man will give you. Look hear [280] Our Lord’s angels, who are just now carrying
at it each day, and convince Him with sighs and tears that away the soul from his glorious body, before the face of
in His pity He should keep you from wanting to believe in Our Lord Jesus Christ?’ When I heard this, I was in despair,
or worship any other, for there is no other in whom one and I began to weep very softly. I called two of my servants
should put his belief or thoughts.’ who had come with me, in whom I had great confidence,
“In this way my mother instructed and taught me to do for I had bought them as small children and had raised
all those things that she knew would be profitable to my them until they were grown and well-trained and well suited
soul, and to avoid all those things that could be harmful to to serve in a good house. These two were with me, along
me. After she had finished speaking, she ordered me to with no one but a cousin of mine, who was a maiden and
open the door to the room. I did, and the ladies and still is, for she never wished to have a husband; rather, she
maidens came forward, in great numbers. Once they had said that she would never have carnal relations with a man,
done so, she called me and, whispering in my ear, asked me and she is still here.
whether I saw anyone [278] around her bed. I looked “Thus the four of us returned with the good man, and
immediately and saw a man who was holding His hand out when we reached the hermitage, we discovered that the
to her, and He was just like the One I had seen in the saintly hermit had passed away. When the good man saw12
chapel, the One the hermit showed me. When I saw Him, I this, he fell from his full height onto the dead man and
was so amazed that I was very frightened. She asked me began to lament and grieve deeply for him. After he had
what I saw, and I replied that this was our Savior. She said lamented and wept a great deal, he stood up and went
that He should be worshiped and thanked because He directly behind the altar, and when he came back, I saw a
deigned to show Himself to me, for now she knew very well place fit for burying a body. Then [281] he himself went
that He wished to demonstrate somediing. and dug out the earth right in front of the altar, until he
“Then she said to me, ‘Fair, sweet daughter, I had made a trench large enough for a man’s body. Once he
commend you to God. Now kiss me, for this Lord is going had done this, he raised his hand and made the sign of the
to lead me into the eternal and most delightful house that holy cross on the body. Taking the body by the head to put
ever was, and I see it with my eyes.’ These were the last it in the grave, he had me come forward and ordered me to
words my lady said to me; as soon as she had said them, her take it by die feet. I said, ‘Ah, how do I dare touch him, I
soul immediately left her body. who am a sinner! It seems to me that it’s not right for me to
“Thanks be to God, I did exacdy as she had told me. I touch such a holy thing.’ He replied at once, ‘Don’t
went to the holy man, and he entrusted me with the hesitate to come forward, for you are carrying a holier and
glorious body of our Savior Jesus Christ. After he had higher filing than this.’ And then I knew indeed that he was
spoken to me awhile about the frailties and perils that a good man when he spoke in this way of hidden things, for
occur in this unhappy world and admonished me about the he spoke of Jesus Christ’s holy body that I carried in the
works and commandments of Our Lord, he commended box. Then I went forward, took the body by the feet, and we
me to the protection of the Father and the Son and the put it in the grave between the two of us, for he did not
Holy Spirit, and ordered me to return, for he could hardly want anyone else to touch it.
speak, so burdened was he with the illness that gripped “When it was completely covered with earth, and the
him. As soon as I had taken leave of him and left his good man had said everything he should, he began to
enclosure, clasping the box [279] that held my Savior, I speak to me about Our Lord. Then he began to look at my
heard the greatest and sweetest song ever heard, I believe, two13 servants and my cousin, and he said to them, ‘Say
and this song went from the chapel straight up toward the there, what are you seeking in Jesus Christ’s14 holy places,
clouds. you who are not worthy of even seeing His house? You are
“After going about a half league from die hermit’s so bold that you enter within, you who are in the filth and
house, I encountered a man dressed in a completely black sin of the devil, whom you worship and serve day and
robe. He was very thin and pale and had long, white hair night.’ He spoke to them so long about Our [282] Lord
and a similar beard. The man was dressed in such a way, and His works that all three of them fell at his feet and
and he was hurrying along so quickly that he was dripping asked to be baptized right away, for they would never
with sweat, and he was saying I know not what between his remain in the evil faith where they had been for so long.
teeth. As soon as he saw me, he began to weep very hard, When he heard them speak in this way, he was overjoyed;
and he said to me, ‘Ah, Christian, you are too hasty to he himself ran inside the litde house, took a jug, and filled
return, when you have not been with our brother Salustes it with water from a cistern dug by the holy man who had
long enough for the spirit to leave his blessed body.’ When died. Then he came back and baptized all three of them in
I heard him call me a Christian, I jumped immediately the name of the Holy Trinity, beseeching and exhorting
down from my palfrey and asked him very softly what kind them to hold to Jesus Christ’s holy faith and to avoid the
of man he was. And he responded, weeping, that he was idols that cannot help, but rather harm. Then he showed
Jesus Christ’s servant, that he desired greatly to see me, and
he had come from very far away at the admonition of the 12“Saw,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “heard”).
Holy Spirit, to bury this good man who had passed away. 13“Child” omitted, as in Ponceau.
14‘Jesus Christ’s” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
46 The History of the Holy Grail

them the articles of the faith and beseeched me, for God’s from. But no one he [285] spoke to could give him any
sake, to teach them as much good as I could. information. The night after returning from battle and the
“Thereupon he commended us to God, and we left, next day, the king had a search made for him and inquired
while he stayed there. He said that he would never leave as about him. When he saw that he could not be found, he
long as he lived, for he had very litde time left to work on was very sad and distressed, and he was surprised that he
earth. Thus he remained. After that, through his hands, was unable to hear any news.2 That night the king ate
Jesus Christ worked many beautiful miracles and many nothing; he and3 his brother-in-law, Seraphe, spoke
great wonders, but he did not live much longer. He was incessantly about the White Knight, and he said he would
called Hermoine the Hermit; and God, in His grace, gave never4 be happy or satisfied until he learned true news
me the wonderful gift of being at his burial, just as I had about him.
[283] been at the other one. Ever since, I have held to the Thus they talked about him all night long, and the
Christian faith, never, thanks be to God, returning to the king said they should cherish him, for he knew that
disloyalty of worshiping wood or stones.” through him he had recovered his honor. Thus the king
After Josephus had listened to her account from spoke that night about the White Knight, and his feats of
beginning to end, he said, “My lady, since you have received arms were often called to mind until he, Seraphe, and the
faith in Jesus Christ, why don’t you act like His loyal others went to bed, for that day they had exhausted
handmaiden? Why didn’t you free your lord a long time diemselves. They were thus5 worn out and badly needed
ago from this great filth in which he has lain so long?” rest.
“Indeed," said the lady, “I was waiting for Jesus Christ, When morning came and the king had arisen, he went
in His pity, to send me the proper moment to speak to him to see Tholomer. And when the latter saw him arrive, he
about it. But the time has never come, for my lord is a very fell at his feet and begged for mercy, being very much
cruel man, and he would have left or abandoned me or afraid that he would kill him. The king took him by the
destroyed me right away if I had spoken to him about hand and raised him [286] up; because he was a king, he
something that did not please him, and perchance he did not want him to lie before him on the ground for long.
would always have suspected me. Now Our Lord, through After that Tholomer called Evalach’s nobles and beseeched
His pleasure, has led him to the point where he can be diem to speak to their lord about peace. When they came
turned away from the bad way and brought back to the to Evalach and did so, he replied that he would not listen to
right way, which leads, for whoever believes, to eternal life, anyone who spoke about this before he had returned to
that is, Jesus Christ. And I beseech you, glorious servant of Sarras. The discussion therefore broke off.
Our Lord, to ask the True Crucified One, in His great The king went to Sarras, taking with him his brother-
mercy, to defend him from the peril of death and bring in-law Seraphe, who was very badly wounded. Seraphe said
him back healthy and in great honor to the true faith in His he would rather go to his land, where he would be more
holy name. If he could be brought in, he would be a very comfortable than elsewhere, if the king did not object. The
loyal and strong servant, [284] for he would be won over king replied that he wanted him to come to Sarras, for he
first and then all of his land. And if I saw that he believed, I would show him the greatest marvel that any man could
would be so happy that there is nothing in this world that believe: a man who had told him, when he set out,
could distress me, nor would I care when I might die. But it everything that actually happened to him in the batde. And
has frightened me terribly that you told him he would be in Seraphe said he would gladly see diis man.
the power of his mortal enemy for three days and three Thus they headed straight toward Sarras. As soon as
nights.” die king had given them leave, the others departed, each
Josephus replied that it was true, and that it could not one going to his own country. When Evalach reached
be changed by any living man. And the lady said to him, Sarras, and the queen saw him and her brother Seraphe
‘Josephus, surely you can tell me at least if your Lord has riding together, she rejoiced over them. And all the other
shown you whether he will escape from this batde.” She people were overjoyed, for no one had thought [287] there
asked him so often, inquiring again and again, diat he told would ever be peace or concord between them, since they
her everything, as it occurred from day to day. The lady had hated each other so long.
held him dear and honored him and very willingly listened As soon as the king had dismounted, he asked for news
to him speak and say the good words that he drew from the about die Chrisdans. And the queen asked if there was any
Scriptures. Thus Josephus and the other Christians were trudi or faith in their words. The king told her that of all
honored and served in the city of Sarras by Queen the words Josephus had said, every one had turned out to
Sarrasinte and the members of her household. be true. The queen was very happy about this. She sent for
Josephus, and he came right away.
When the king saw him coming, he stood up to meet
12. Evalach’s and Seraphe’s Conversion.1 him and said that he was welcome as the most truthful of all
die prophets. Then he had him sit down next to him and

The story says that King Evalach was at Orcaut, very happy
and joyful. He had inquiries made about what became of 2‘Thus they spoke all that night about him” omitted here, as
in Ponceau.
the White Knight, who he could be, and what land he came
“His wife and" omitted, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau.
4“Cease searching or” omitted, as in Ponceau.
Corresponds to Hucher II: 284-301; Sommer I: 73-77;
Ponceau §112-121. 5“Were thus” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 47

said to Seraphe, who was lying on a couch, wounded and has such great power as you affirm, may He show it now. If
exhausted, “Seraphe, my dear brother-in-law, I want all my He returns to this man his hand that has been cut off, so
people to know that it is through the prayers and counsel of that it is just like the other one, then I will really say that He
this man and by your valiance that I recovered my land and is the true God, and I swear to you that I will believe in Him
all earthly honor and won victory.” without further admonition."
Josephus replied, “King, it was neither my prayers nor “Indeed,” said Josephus, “I will tell you even more,
Seraphe’s valiance that kept you from losing your land and because I do not want you to think that I am working spells
gave you victory, but the high Lord, whose sign you were or charms. Have the man come to the sign on this shield
carrying and whom you called upon sincerely in your great and touch it with his arm. If he is not healed right away,
need, who delivered you and returned your land and have me destroyed without further ado.”
honor." Then the wounded man came forward and touched
Then [288] Seraphe asked him who this Lord was, who the cross with his arm. As soon as he had done so, his arm
had such great power and of whom he spoke so was as whole and complete as the other one. And another
confidently. Josephus replied, “Listen, Seraphe, and I will tiling happened: the cross, just as it was, stuck to the arm
tell you who He is, just as He Himself tells you through me. and9 no longer appeared on the shield. [291] Everyone in
This is what the Christian God says:® ‘I command you, the palace was more astonished by this than by the healing
Josephus, to tell Seraphe when he asks who I am, that I am of the arm.
the True Crucified One. You will tell him that I am the When Seraphe saw this, he said that he would wait no
beginning and end of all things. I am the One who rescued longer, but would become a Christian henceforth, for one
you from the seven knights when you were in such a state should believe in the One who had the power to perform
that the blood was streaming from your nose and mouth openly such wondrous miracles. He stood up, sick and
and from your* 7 ears and eyes. I rescued you from death wounded as he was, came to Josephus and fell at his feet,
there. And if you think you performed the marvels you did telling him to make him a Christian right away. [292] Then
in the battle through your power alone, you are wrong. The Josephus baptized him, in the name of the Father and the
prowess you showed before will bear witness, as well as you Son and the Holy Spirit, and he was given the baptismal
yourself, who wondered at your great feats,8 for you did not name Nascien. As soon as he was baptized, a great light
believe, nor did it seem reasonable to you, that any man descended on him so that it seemed to everyone there that
could have the strength to do such great deeds. You know all his clothes were on fire, and they saw openly a brand of
this very well. At the beginning, as soon as you set forth to burning fire entering his mouth. After that they heard a
plunge into the batde, Evalach, the king who is here, said as voice that said very loudly and frightfully, “The last have
he saw you move out, “Ah, Seraphe, dear friend, go now taken the body’s honor from the first by the quickness of
under the protection of this Lord whose sign I am carrying; their faith.”
if He is the true God, as has been attested, [289] may He As soon as the voice had spoken, Nascien felt that he
protect your body from shame and peril today, and may He was healed and cured of all his wounds and injuries. His
send you the greatest honor you could have.” I protected body was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit, and he
you from peril because of the prayer of this man, who began to tell things that were to come, and he set forth the
called My name sincerely and appealed to Me and strong words of the Scriptures as well as—and even better
remembered Me. And I gave you a great deal of worldly than—the wisest clerk of the world. He said to King
honor, for never was any prowess spoken of so much as Evalach, “Ah, king, why are you waiting to request baptism?
yours, and if you wish, I will give you even more, for you will The Holy Spirit of Our Lord is showing me all the secret
have the great honor of heaven and the joy that will never things, and the Holy Spirit says, ‘Why are you waiting to
end. But take care to conquer it wisely.’” wash your hands? The tables [293] are set; go and sit down
After Josephus had said this, Seraphe was astounded to eat.’ This message is sent to you by the true Lord, the
because he spoke of things that he thought no man could True Crucified One, through my mouth: ‘The lazy worker
know. And King Evalach said that indeed he spoke the will receive his pay lazily.’ In order that King Evalach may
truth; and that he had been led so far as to fear death, know diat he should not consider me crazy or out of my
when he uncovered the sign and when he called on the senses, the Holy Spirit has just shown me that Tholomer the
Lord who had been placed there, just as Josephus had Fugitive is now dead and passed away from this world.”
taught him. Then Josephus asked to see the shield where Nascien spoke so much10 about God and told them so
the sign was portrayed. The king had his shield brought in; much that King Evalach hurried to be baptized, as did the
once it was uncovered, they saw clearly a red cross, and on man whose arm and body had been cured by the sign of the
it a crucified person who seemed to have just been cross. As soon as each one was baptized, he found his name
crucified. written in the middle of his forehead, exactly as he should
While they were looking at it, it happened that a man be christened. The name that King Evalach bore was
entered who had just had his hand cut off in a melee. Mordrain, which is a Chaldean word that means “late to
When Seraphe saw him carrying his [290] left hand in his
right, he called Josephus and said, ‘Josephus, if your God 9‘Just as it was, stuck to the arm and” supplied from Hucher
variants, Sommer, and Ponceau.

®“Says,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “is”). 10“So much,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “right away”).

7 “Nose and mouth and from your” supplied from Ponceau.

8‘You showed before ... feats” supplied from Ponceau.
48 The History of the Holy Grail

believe,”11 and the name given to the man with the cross on following him. It bellowed so loudly13 that it was heard
his arm was Clamachides, which means “Standard-bearer to clearly throughout the city, so that a great [296] many
the glorious Lord." people ran there. Then the king asked him why he was
After that the king12 called Sarrasinte and ordered her punishing it so, and what wrong it had done to him.
to be baptized, and she replied that it was not permitted for Josephus replied that he would hear about this in time, and
her to receive baptism twice. The king asked her what this he began to ask the devil why he had caused Tholomer to
meant; she replied that she was a Christian, and had [294] fall from the windows to the ground. He replied, ‘Josephus,
been for seventeen years, and she recounted how this had you are the servant of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Let me go a
occurred just as she had told Josephus. And she told him little, and I will tell you.” Josephus removed his belt and
that the good man who baptized her did not want to took him by the hair. Then he ordered16 him to tell him
change her name, but said that it suited her well, for it quickly what he had asked.
meant “full of faith.” The devil said, “Josephus, I saw the marvels that God
Once they were thus baptized, the others came in such did for you and for your father when you caused the man
a hurry that they would not have gone more quickly, it whose hand was cut off to be healed at Sarras by touching
would seem, to gather up a great pile of deniers, if they the sign of the cross; and I saw that you had Seraphe and
were spilled out. Nor did they want to let anyone other than King Evalach baptized, so I feared that you might do
Josephus baptize them, for they did not believe they would likewise17 with Tholomer. Therefore, in the form of a man,
be well baptized by another man’s hand. Josephus held a I brought him news. I told him that Evalach had ordered
large silver basin and poured it over the head of each one, that the next day he be dragged by the tails of horses and
in the name of the Holy Trinity; that day he succeeded in then hanged. After I had told him this, he was very
baptizing at least five thousand three hundred fifty-nine frightened about what to do. I told him that if he rewarded
people. me well, I would deliver him from prison, for I knew more
The next day Nascien left the king and his sister, about spells than everyone in the world. And he replied
taking Joseph with him, to baptize the people throughout that he not [297] only promised me his entire fortune, but
the land and teach them to keep the law and the faith. would become my vassal for all the days in the world, nor
Meanwhile Josephus remained in Sarras and had the would he ever do anything that would harm or bother me if
statues knocked down and the altars13 broken into pieces; I could deliver him from there. Then I changed before him
he had new altars made, and he purified the temples just as into the shape of a griffin and had him get on me; once I
Jesus Christ had taught him to do, with holy water. After he had climbed on high, I dropped him so that he broke his
had received and converted all the people of Sarras, he neck and one of his arms.”
went throughout the land around, as far as the kingdom Then Josephus took him again, put his belt back
extended, accompanied by all the Christians who had come around his neck, and led him through all the streets so
from Jerusalem with him except for [295] three, who openly that everyone saw him. And he said to the people,
remained to watch over the ark where the holy dish was. “Wretched people, with foolish thoughts, devoid of sense
These three were called Anascor, Manathes, and Lucan. It and faith, here is the figure of the god in whom you have
was they whom Josephus had made the main guardians of always believed and through whom you thought you lived
the ark, as the story recounted earlier, when it spoke about on earth.” Then he asked the devil what he was called, and
his consecration.14 the devil told him his name was Selaphas, and that it was his
Thus these three stayed, as well as all the women, while charge to spread fear in the people through the bad news
all the others went throughout the country baptizing the he brought them. When the people heard these words, a
people and preaching the name of the True Crucified One. great many of them hurried to be baptized. Josephus
There was not one among them in whom the Holy Spirit entered the king’s palace from the city and baptized them
did not appear so openly that they spoke all languages and right away, purifying them with holy water. Then he let the
prophesied everything. And they numbered forty-nine, devil go, adjuring him [298] never to bother anyone who
apart from Josephus and his father. had the sign of having received the faith.
When Josephus reached Orcaut, he went first of all to Then the king’s ban18 was cried throughout the city,
the temple; once inside, he began to think very intendy. that all should come to the palace to hear his order. Once
After reflecting for a long time, he undid his belt; then he they were at the palace, inside the enclosure, Josephus
ran straight to one of the altars, holding his belt, and began climbed up to the windows and announced Jesus Christ’s
to pronounce exorcisms and make the sign of the cross word. After he had preached to them for a long time, he
over an image on the main altar, undl a devil came forth, had the king issue the order that they all go to be baptized.
the ugliest and most hideous thing that could be found. Those who did not want to do so were given leave by the
Josephus threw his belt around its neck and dragged it out king to quit the land, never to return.
of the temple before the king and all the people who were

13“It bellowed so loudly” supplied from Hucher variants,

11 “Which is a Chaldean word that means ‘late’” supplied from Sommer, and Ponceau.
Hucher variants and Ponceau. 16“Ordered,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “began”).
12“King,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “rains,” “queen”?). 17
“Likewise,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “autre dolour,”
1 4
“Altars,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has which would give “some other harm to [Tholomer]”).
“statues”). 18“Ban,” as in Hucher variants, Sommer, and Ponceau
14See Chapter 7. (Hucher has “baptism”).
The History of the Holy Grail 49

Upon hearing this speech, a great number of the carried the lance to the palace. Many people looked at it,
people ran to be baptized. But there were quite a few who, but no man who saw it was ever able to say what kind of
as soon as they heard the order, said they would rather wood it was made of.
leave the land than change the faith and belief they had
always held. That day there were a great many men and
women who received Jesus Christ’s faith. And when those
13. Josephus Is Healed; the Grail Quest Is
who did not wish to receive it left the country, they fell dead
of sudden death as soon as they had passed through the last Announced.1
gate. There were some who went out of their senses; there
were some who were struck in the body so that the wound Josephus returned to the palace, very frightened and afraid,
was seen [299] but not the one who did it; and others who not so much because of his wound but because he feared
did not have these ills were injured either in the limbs or in that Our Lord was angry with him. Even though he had
the thigh, or their necks were broken. But none of those bandaged his wound, it did no good, for it continued to
who were baptized was hurt. There were so many dead and bleed, which astonished the king and the others and made
wounded that the news came to Josephus where he was them marvel. He told them not to be astounded, for2 it had
baptizing the people. When he heard this, he ran there, happened to him because he had tried to rescue the
very frightened. Upon approaching the gate, he looked unbelievers from the hands of the devil, to whom they
ahead and saw the devil he had just released, holding in his belonged.
hand a bloody sword. As soon as he saw Josephus from afar, When the people heard this news, those who were
he began to shout, “Now look, Josephus, how I take19 baptized were very happy, and those who had not yet
vengeance on the enemies of your God!” received baptism immediately ran to Josephus and
Josephus asked him why he was doing this requested baptism for fear of the devil, who had treated the
extraordinary thing and who had ordered him to do it. The others so badly. Thus they received Jesus Christ’s faith in a
devil replied that he was doing it by Jesus Christ’s order. great crowd. [302] Josephus was in the city of Orcaut for
“Coward,” said Josephus, “I certainly never ordered you to three days with all the people that he and his father Joseph
do this!” Then he ran toward him, intending to tie him up. had led out of Jerusalem. And Our Lord worked so well
As he ran, he looked ahead and saw an angel whose face through them that by the third day they had baptized all
was [300] as red as a burning thunderbolt, as were his feet the men and women in the city. They converted both
and hands, while his clothes were as black as pitch. When humble and great to Jesus Christ’s faith through the true
Josephus saw him in these clothes, he was very frightened words they spoke and through the great miracles God did
and wondered what this angel could signify. for them. And the others who went through the
At that moment, the angel approached him and surrounding countryside succeeded so well that all the land
released a lance he was holding, which struck him in die contained in the kingdom was led to the holy blessed
left thigh so hard that the tip hit the bone. As soon as die religion that had newly begun. And the images in all the
angel had struck him, he dropped the lance without pulling temples and places where diey could be found were burned
it out, and said, “This attests to my people that you have and smashed.
stopped baptizing in order to rescue those who scorned my Before returning to Sarras, Joseph3 converted
faith. This reproach will endure all the days of your life, Nascien’s entire land to the Christian belief. After that, he
and do not be surprised if you pay for it elsewhere.” returned, very happy because it seemed to him that he had
Thereupon the angel turned away. Josephus pulled out accomplished well Our Lord’s faith and task. Nascien came
the lance20 very easily, and it did not seem to hurt as he did with him; once they had arrived, when Josephus heard the
so. After pulling it out,21 he saw that the dp had stayed in news, he was very joyful. He chose some of his companions
the wound, yet he never felt any pain, any more than if it and gave them the orders and dignity of priests. Then he
had all been a dream. But he realized all the more keenly decided that some of them would go to Nascien’s land,
that the angel had told the truth in his reproach, for there while the others would remain in King Mordrain’s land, so
was never a day as long as he lived that he did not [301] that there would be some in each city.
limp from having been struck in the thigh22 by the lance. Thus Josephus divided them until only [303] sixteen
Nor could he ever stanch the bleeding of the wound as remained in his company, while thirty-three were sent into
long as the tip was in it. And he paid for it further in the two lands. But before they took leave of him, he made
another place, as the angel had said should not surprise them bishops, just as Our Lord had done with him,4 so that
him, and the story will recount this later, when the time there were thirty-three bishops, while the sixteen who
and place come.23 But here the story stops speaking about remained with him all received the order of priest. Once
the wound and the lance, except to say that Josephus the land was completely brought over to the holy faith and
the pastors were all established in each city, Josephus

19‘Take,” as in Hucher variants, Sommer, and Ponceau

(Hucher has “prove”). Corresponds to Hucher II: 301-321; Sommer I: 77-84;
Ponceau §122-133.
20“Lance” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
2“He told them not to be astounded, for” supplied from
21“Pulling it out” supplied from Ponceau.
Ponceau and Sommer.
22“In the thigh” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
3‘Joseph,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has Josephus”).
23Despite this announcement, nothing more is recounted
4Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
about this.
50 The History of the Holy Grail

decided not leave the rich city of Sarras without a holy he had never seen anything earthly in his life that did not
body. Through the advice of good Queen Sarrasinte, he displease him in some way. But now he saw something he
went to seek the bodies of the two holy hermits where she had always desired, for what he saw pleased and satisfied
told him they lay. When he got there with his followers, he him beyond anything he had ever seen.
prayed that Our Lord, in His sweet mercy, would deign to “Now I see very well," he said, “that all my thoughts
show him their names and merits. have been fulfilled. For it happened that when I was a
After this prayer, he dug them up; in each grave he squire, as I rode through a great forest, I lost all my
found a litde book in which the life story of the worthy man companions and then all my dogs, who were following a
was written, with his name at the beginning. The first book large stag I was pursuing. After losing them from hearing
said, “Here lies Salustes, Jesus Christ’s loyal servant,” and and sight, I happened to fall into a reverie, which I did not
his biography said that he had been in the hermitage for soon leave, but in which I remained for a long time,
thirty-six years without ever tasting any earthly food brought holding it dear at heart. While I was thinking so intendy, I
to him by the hands of any mortal man or woman. In the heard someone—I know not whom—speak. But I never saw
other [304] book it was written, “Here lies Hermoine,” and anyone, and yet I clearly heard this voice say to me,
his biography said that he had been in the hermitage for ‘Seraphe, what are you seeking and thinking about? You are
twenty-nine years and six months without ever removing his thinking for naught, since this thought in which you are
shoes or his clothes; when the first shoes wore out, he did plunged will never be fulfilled before the time when the
not put on any others, and once the first robe wore out, he marvels of the Grail will be revealed to you.’ That is why I
never put on any other than that sent by Our Lord. And his am sure that this is the Grail, for all my thoughts were
biography also said that he was born in Tarsus, while fulfilled as soon as I saw what agrees8 with me and pleases
Salustes was from the city of Bethlehem. me in every way.”
Thus Josephus learned the life stories of the two After saying this, what he had seen was not enough for
worthy hermits and the names of these blessed holy bodies, him, but he stepped forward and raised a flat plate, the
and he took them to Sarras. Nascien beseeched Josephus to paten, covering the glorious vessel. When [307] he had
give him Saint Hermoine, which was granted.5 And Nascien looked inside, he stepped back and began to tremble, as if
had the body taken to Orberica. Upon arrival, he had the his entire body had been taken with fever. He sat down;
body placed in a very rich vessel, and he founded a rich and once seated, he realized he could not see anything, and
honorable church. And for Saint Salustes a very beautiful then he was very frightened. When the king saw him sit
church was founded in the city of Sarras. In each of the two down, trembling, he marveled and asked him what9 he had
churches twelve priests were invested to celebrate the seen.
service and advise the people under the bishop, for the Nascien replied, “Certainly, my lord, I can tell you this
bishop could not advise so many people by himself, since much: he who seeks his Lord’s secrets is miserable and
they were still too recendy [305] converted to the faith. The false, for he wins His anger and hatred.”
bishop who was established in Sarras was called Anathites, “What!” said the king. “What have you seen that makes
and the one in Orberica was called Juvenal. Thus Josephus you so afraid of10 having brought on Our Lord’s hatred?”
the blessed6 honored the two cities with the two blessed “By my faith,” said Nascien, “I know He is truly angry
holy bodies, which were so high and holy, for the glorious with me because I saw by my offense what no mortal man
Son of God performed great miracles for love of them and should see."
will do so until the end of the world. When the king heard this, he was very frightened and
In the way you have heard, the kingdom of Sarras was asked Josephus11 what this could be.
conquered and won over to the service of Jesus Christ’s Then Nascien said, “What12 is this? Josephus, do you
glorious body. After that the king told Josephus that he and intend to look inside? I tell you that if you do, you will
Nascien wished to see the holy object they carried,, and never be healed of the lance tip that remained in your
where they said their prayers. Josephus led them to the ark thigh at Orcaut, where the angel struck you. Because of the
and showed them and the queen, and no one else, what was great offense I have committed, I have lost my eyesight,
inside. When they saw the vestments in which Jesus Christ which I will never recover until the tip [308] is removed
had ordained Josephus, they prized them gready, and even from your thigh by die very one who drove it in."
more so the throne on which he had sat, and they said that Josephus remained silent, and the king began to
this was the richest and most beautiful chair they' had ever inquire about this, asking him whether he could say
heard of. But when they saw the holy dish, Nascien said that anything about what he had seen.
everything they had seen was naught compared to this holy Nascien said that he would tell him as much as a
vessel. Once he had looked at it closely from the outside, mortal tongue could or should reveal. “I have seen,” said
with more sincerity and deeper understanding than the
others, [306] he called it by its name, which has never
®The word “agrees” was chosen in order to reflect the folk-
fallen into disuse since then. He told the king and Josephus etymology relating the Old French words “agree” and “Graal.”
9“What,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
C
°'Nascien beseeched . . . granted” supplied from Ponceau “which man”).
and Sommer. 19“Seeing and” omitted here, as in Ponceau.
“Josephus the blessed,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has Josephus 1 ^Josephus,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
[honored] the blessed hermits”). Joseph”).
'Corrected to plural, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau. 12“What,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “who”).
The History of the Holy Grail 51

he, “the beginning of the bold endeavor, the occasion of “This is,” said he, “the beginning of the marvelous
the great exploits, the search for13 the great knowledge, the adventures that will take place in the land where God
founding of the great religion, the separation of the great intends to lead you. There the great marvels will occur, and
sins, the proof of the great marvels, the end of goodness the great deeds will be demonstrated. And then the true
and true kindness, the marvel of all marvels."14 earthly feats of chivalry will be shown and revealed. Then
After these words, they remained awestruck by the the false will be separated from the company of the true,
marvels he had thus named. The king asked him if he was for earthly chivalric exploits will become heavenly. No one
telling the truth about the loss of his eyesight. Nascien will be informed about these adventures or be certain of
replied that he would not have wanted to retain his sight if when they will occur ahead of time. But when they are to
that meant he would not have seen this great marvel. Then begin, it will happen that this lance will bleed, as you have
the king began to question him again about what this [309] seen it just now. Not a single drop of blood will fall from
marvel could be, and Nascien said that nothing more could now until the time when the adventures are to take place,
be known for certain except that he had seen something just as you have heard. And then the marvels will begin to
that could not be explained by any tongue. occur throughout all the lands where this lance is, and they
Everyone who heard this wondered about it. Josephus will be so great and so frightening that everyone will be
remained before the ark, pensive, without saying a word, terrified. All these marvels will happen only because the
for a long time. While he was thinking in this way, a voice good who will exist at this time will so desire knowledge of
cried out inside the ark very loudly and said in the hearing the Holy Grail and this lance that they will undertake to
of all, “After my great vengeance, my great remedy, and suffer the difficult burden of earthly exploits of chivalry in
after my fury, my calm."15 As soon as the voice had thus order to learn about the marvels of the Holy Grail and the
spoken, an angel came out of the ark, completely dressed lance. And then will take place its adventurous marvels, to
in a white robe, holding a white box in his left hand. Once which the truly [312] courageous will abandon themselves,
outside the ark, with his right hand he took the lance that and through this it will be known who possesses prowess.
had struck Josephus in the thigh and that Josephus himself You may be sure that the marvels inside the Grail will be
had brought from Orcaut when he departed, leaving seen by only one mortal man, and he will be full of all the
behind the priests he had ordained—-just as you have qualities that can or should be in man’s body and heart, for
heard—and that he had leaned against the wall next to the he will be good to God as well as to the world. On earth he
ark. [310] will be very good, for he will be filled with every prowess,
The angel took this lance so that the king and queen beauty, and bravery; he will also be good to God, for he will
and everyone there saw it clearly. After that they all saw him be filled with charity and great religion, and he will be the
come straight toward Josephus and strike him16 with the master key of all chastity.
tipless lance in the very same spot where he had struck him ‘This lance with which you were struck will strike only
before, when the tip stayed in. And when he pulled the one man, who will be a king descended from your lineage,
lance out, everyone saw that the tip had come out with the and he will be the last of the good. He will be struck
lance. The angel took the box in his left hand, put it on the between the two thighs and will never be healed until the
ground,17 and placed the lance tip on top of it. Many large marvels of the Holy Grail are revealed to the one who will
drops of blood began to fall and were collected in the box be filled with all goodness. The one who will see these
underneath, until it was completely full. Everyone there saw marvels will be the last man in Nascien’s lineage. Just as
this marvel clearly, and they were frightened by the blood Nascien was the first man to see the [313] marvels of the
that ran down from the lance head in large drops. The Grail, he will be the last to see them, for the True Crucified
angel took the box in his hand, came to Josephus, and One said this: ‘I18 promised to demonstrate My marvels to
washed and anointed the entire wound with the blood that the first and last of the precious lineage.’ He also said, ‘I
had flowed into the box from the lance head. Then he will spread the vengeance of My adventurous lance on the
came to Nascien and washed his eyes with the same blood; first and the last of My new ministers who are anointed and
as soon as he had done so, Nascien saw as clearly as ever. consecrated at My pleasure, because I want these two to be
The angel said to Josephus, “Look!” Josephus did so and loyal witnesses to Me, for it was through the blow of My
saw that his wound was completely healed, so that all that lance that My death on the cross was sought and approved
appeared was a mark where it had been. by the evil Jews.’ You can be sure, Josephus,19 that the
Then the angel stepped forward, took the lance, and marvelous adventures in the land where God will lead you
asked, “Do you know what this lance symbolizes?” and guide you to settle your descendants will last as many
Josephus answered, [311] “No, my lord.” years as the number of days you carried the tip of the lance
in your thigh. It is now time for you to go, for you have
remained so long in this country that you have
13“Of the great exploits, the search for” supplied from
Ponceau. accomplished a great part of the task and will of your
14‘The marvel of all marvels” supplied from Ponceau. Creator."
15“Calm” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
16‘The angel took this lance.... strike him” supplied from 18“I,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “aage” [for ge,
Hucher variants and Ponceau. “I”?], which would give “last age” instead of “last of the precious
lineage”).
l7“On the ground,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
Sommer (Hucher has “ariere,” “behind”). 19“Josephus,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has
‘Joseph”).
52 The History of the Holy Grail

Thereupon the angel turned away. Those who had beginning of the world. Once He returned from hell, He
listened to his words were astounded by the marvels he had took up His body again, but He changed it, for He left
spoken about. And there was great rejoicing over Nascien, behind all mortality and became heavenly.
who had recovered his sight, for he had been very ‘The branches and the leaves of the tree, which you
frightened. Josephus began right away to count how long saw people taking, some of whom were cutting them and
he had carried the tip of the lance in his thigh, and he some burning them, symbolize Jesus Christ’s limbs. These
discovered by true count that it had been twenty-two whole are the loyal ministers, some of whom were killed, while
days. others were burned and yet others stoned, in order to
They departed at once, and the king led all the [314] glorify His name and spread His faith. Thus by the three
Hebrew20 Christians into his palace,21 except three who trees you can understand the Trinity: three persons in one
remained to guard the ark. When they were in his palace, God, and God in three persons of the same importance and
he called Josephus and asked him to explain to him and power, none less or more than the other.”
Nascien the vision he had seen in his palace the night “Indeed,” said the king, “I have understood all this very
before he had set out with his army. “And nevertheless,” well. But explain to me the writing, which said, ‘This one
said he, “I know very well what one part means, but I want creates,’ ‘This one saves,’ and ‘This one purifies.’”
Nascien to leam it from your own mouth.” ‘This,” said Josephus, “can easily be understood. The
Then Josephus began to speak. In the hearing of One who creates is the Father, for the Scripture says that
everyone there, he said, “King, you saw three trees in your the Father created everything from nothing. At the
palace, and it was right here in this place. These three trees beginning of the world, knowledge about the Son had not
were of the same girth and height and appearance, except been set forth, and the first people did not know anything
that the one in the middle was covered with a very ugly, about Him; because of this, the creation of all creatures
black bark. The one with the black bark was die symbol of belongs to the person of the Father. And because the
the Son of God, that is, Jesus Christ, who covered Himself person of the Son came down to earth to redeem man,
on earth with ugly mortal flesh, and the other two man’s salvation belongs to the person of the Son. And
symbolized the Father and the Holy Spirit. The kind of because the Holy Spirit came to earth [317] on the day of
people who were under the Father symbolized the Pentecost to purify and purge the disciples’ bodies—
beginning of the world, for at this time the Trinity was not though it was not only on this day but on many other days
yet known. The two who left the company of die odiers and and nights—the purification of the body and the heart
jumped into the pit symbolized the first man and woman, belongs to the person of the Holy Spirit. Now you have
who went to hell as soon as they died. All the others heard the properties of the three persons who are only one
followed, for after that there was no one, no matter how power and one God.”
much good he did during [315] his life, who did not go to “You would have made us very certain about all these
hell as soon as the soul left the body, undl die time came filings,” said the king, “if you had gone so far as to tell us
when the Son of God suffered death. The people who file truth about the child I saw enter my room where I
remained and who chopped the tree and pierced die four thought no living creature could know the entrance.”
branches and the trunk symbolized the Jews who pierced “I see that your faith is still imperfect,” said Josephus,
the hands and feet and the side22 of the Son of God with a “for this is something that you should understand by
lance, which made His death apparent, just as the angel yourself, but I will tell you. This child who entered your
told me just now before you. room and left it without opening or damaging the door
‘Then the tree came and fell so that all the bark symbolizes the Son of God, who entered and left the body
remained in a pile, and it flung itself into die pit where all of file Virgin without damaging her maidenhead.”
the people had jumped earlier. After it had been diere for “Now tell me,” said file king, “who the child was, for I
some time, it flung itself out, pulling widi it a large number have understood the meaning, and a voice said these very
of23 the people who had been in the pit. Then it returned words to me after I had seen it.”
to its place and put back on the ugly bark it had left Josephus began to think how to answer this; he soon
behind; when it had done so, the bark was not as it had replied, “King, now understand that He who entered and
been before, but had completely changed and was a left the room in die form of a child was the Holy Spirit of
hundred times clearer and more beaudful than crystal. Our Lord, from whose [318] mouth these words came:
“I will tell you the meaning of this. After the Son of ‘Nothing is hidden that is not known, and nothing is
God died on the cross, His body was put in the sepulcher covered that is not uncovered.’ So that you may not24
like a mortal thing, and my father can be a loyal witness to consider this a lie, He tells you through me to go remove
this, for he laid Him in the sepulcher with his own [316] the traitorous figure that you have always kept in the
hands. When the body was buried, the spirit went basement of this very room. If you do not remove it and
immediately to hell and pulled out all those men and burn it in the sight of everyone, the Spirit of Our Lord
women who had been in His service on earth since the orders me to reveal the great wonder about why you have
kept it, and then you will see that nothing is so hidden that
20“Hebrew” supplied from Ponceau. it is not known.”
21“Into his palace” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau,
and Sommer. 24“Not” supplied from Ponceau.
22Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
23“A large number of’ supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 53

This image was a wooden statue23 of marvelous beauty they would never leave him. And he retained [321] two
in the form of a woman, and it was dressed in a splendid hundred seven of them. Josephus took leave of the king
robe—the richest and most precious the king could find. and his retinue, beseeching diem to glorify Holy Church to
With this image the king lay carnally, and he had loved it the best of their power and to keep to the holy religion of
for at least fifteen years with greater love than any man Jesus Christ. Thereupon he left them, and the king
could have for any mortal woman. Nor did any man, no returned very pensive and in tears, like those who think
matter how close he was to him, ever know anything about they have lost everything, since Josephus was leaving. And
this, for the king had had an iron door made, so subtly you will hear how events were played out through God’s
crafted that he believed no mortal could see it, no matter commandment.
how closely he looked. When Josephus had [319] spoken to Josephus and his followers left, through Our Lord’s
him thus, the king was very frightened and said that truly pleasure and commandment, but the story does not speak
nothing could be covered nor hidden from Lord God. here of all their days of traveling, all their adventures, or
He immediately called Nascien, his brother-in-law, and each place where they were lodged. Rather, the straightway
the queen and told them that he would show them the of the chronicle returns to King Mordrain and his rednue,
shame he had indulged in for so long. Then he ordered a who remained in the city of Sarras.
great fire made in the middle of the palace; once it had
caught well, he ordered all his household to leave except
for Josephus, Joseph, and the queen. Then the king led
14. King Mordrain’s Vision.1
them to the door, which was sealed in the wall with a
marble stone. The entire wall was painted and very well
Here the story tells us that that night, after the king had
tinted in different colors.
gone to bed, he fell into deep thought; he was so absorbed
This door was so subdy crafted and sealed that as soon
tliat no one could get a word out of him. He was plunged in
as it was closed, an iron device in the form of a bar fell
thought for a long time, as you have heard, and he was
inside so that the door was so firmly shut that no matter
crying so bitterly2 and sighing so deeply that the queen,
how much one pushed it, it would not move; rather, one
who lay next to him, was very frightened. But no matter
would have to break it down in order to enter. When the
how often she asked, he would not tell her anything, and
king wanted to open it, he used a small iron key,
she did not dare to insist against his will, for he [322] had
marvelously thin; as soon as he pushed it into the joints
been very cruel to her, so she gready feared his wrath and
between the colors, where the keyhole was the least visible,
anger.
a copper device in the form of a hammer fell onto the first
Thus the king remained plunged in painful and
bar at the top, behind, lifting the top in front and moving it
distressing thought until it was probably midnight. And
out of the hook that held the bar. In this way the king
then it happened that he fell asleep, fatigued from the
entered [320] when he wanted to go to the statue to
thought that had been troubling him. As he slept, he fell
commit his sin and shameful act.
into a perilous dream, for it seemed to him that he was
After he had shown them the subdety of the door, he
holding a splendid and honored court in the city of Sarras.
led them into the room. Upon reaching the basement, he
All the knights and ladies of the country came to this court.
took the statue himself and carried it to the fire before all
After leaving a very lovely church that he had never seen
of them. Once the robe it wore as well as the wood was
before, he entered his palace and sat down to eat, as well
endrely burned, the king said that God Our Lord, who had
and richly as was right and customary for a king. As he was
inspired this decision, was very powerful, for he had not
seated at his meal, and was taking the first bite to put in his
believed his heart could ever be delivered from this by any
mouth, lightning descended from the sky and caused the
means.
morsel to fly out of his hand and his crown to fall from his
After that, he himself acknowledged his sin so that
head to the ground. When he tried to pick his crown up,
everyone heard, and they marveled a great deal, for they
intending to put it on his head, a great whirlwind picked
had never heard of such a thing. Thus, through Our Lord’s
him up and carried him to a strange place very far away. It
pleasure, Josephus turned the king and his land away from
seemed to him that he remained in this place for a long
unbelief26 and led him to the faith of Our Lord Jesus
time, and that a lion and a wolf came to him. The lion
Christ. The day after the king had burned the statue,
brought him all the good foods and riches of the world,
Josephus left Sarras, taking leave of the king and Nascien
while the wolf took so much away that only a very poor
and the queen. And they escorted him and his followers a
subsistence remained. Finally, when he saw that the wolf
long way. When they parted, there were deep sighs of
was robbing him in this way, he decided he would no
anguish and many tears shed between them. And when die
longer endure it, [323] but would combat it. One day he
people learned they were leaving, a great many followed,27
fought the wolf,3 vanquishing it with great difficulty. Thus
saying that if Josephus wanted them to accompany him,
the wolf fled and never again took his food.

26“In this image and semblance” omitted, as in Sommer and

Corresponds to Hucher II: 321-331; Sommer I: 84-86;
Ponceau.
Ponceau §134-138.
26“And from the great mischance that was to happen”
2“Bitterly,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “softly”).
omitted here, as in Hucher variants and Ponceau.
3“He fought the wolf” supplied from Hucher variants,
27“Deep sighs of anguish. . . . followed” supplied from
Ponceau, and Sommer.
Ponceau.
54 The History of the Holy Grail

After that it seemed to him that he found his crown wanted him to tell him what he had thought so much about
again, but when he started to put it on his head, he found it all night long.
to be completely changed, for he thought it was of the When the king heard tins, he knew right away that the
brightest and most beautiful stone any man had ever seen. queen [326] had informed on him, but he immediately
Once he had put it back on his head, he saw a large bird in recounted his entire vision to Nascien, describing what he
the form of an eagle take his nephew—his brother-in-law had seen about him and his nephew. “But I have still not
Nascien’s son—and carry him across the sea into a strange told you the reason why I was so pensive,” he said, “and this
land, where the eagle put him down. When he was on the is the favor you requested. I would be dishonest if I did not
ground, all the people of the country came to him and tell you the truth, since I promised it to you. It is true that I
knelt before him. After they had all done this and rejoiced lay next to the queen and began to think in my heart that I
over him, he saw a large lake come forth from his stomach, had sinned a great deal in the past, and I should indeed
and from the lake sprang nine beautiful, large rivers. Eight suffer because of it. My conscience reproached me for
of them were of equal width and depth, but the last was continuing to lie in shame, but I could not understand why.
wider and deeper than all the others in appearance, and it I searched my heart to try to find the reason, but I did not
was so rapid and noisy that no one could endure it. drink I had betrayed anyone except you; and this is the
This river was as murky and as thick as mud at its filing in the world that made me the most sorrowful, for
source, while in the middle it was as clear and pure as a you are the one living man toward whom I should least act
precious stone, and it was as rapid and noisy as you have wrongly. And I will tell you what this betrayal is.
heard. Yet it was different at the end, for it was one “It is true that after I was routed at Tarrabel and you
hundred times clearer and [324] more beautiful than in came to rescue me as I came from La Choine, we pardoned
the middle, and it was so sweet to drink that no one could each other, and I, who had done you a number of injuries,
get his fill. And besides all this, it flowed so smoothly that promised you as [327] king, without your having asked for
no sound or loud noise came from it; rather its course was anything, that within a week6 of my return, I would go to
so calm and peaceful that everyone who saw it thought that make things right with you at your house, before my nobles
it was not moving. Then the king looked and saw a man and yours. I have not kept this promise, nor does the shame
coming from the heavens bearing the sign of the true lie with you or anyone else except me. And no doubt
Crucifix. When he reached the lake, he washed his feet and because of the anguish of this thought, I fell into the vision
hands in it, as well as in each of the eight rivers. Upon I have recounted to you, which partly makes me very happy,
coming to the ninth, he went all the way in and washed his but partly very frightened. And I don’t know how to find
feet, his hands, and his whole body very well. out the meaning of this dream, now that Josephus has
The king saw this vision in his sleep, and it lasted so gone, for if he were still here, he would have revealed the
long that it was very close to daybreak. Thereupon the king truth to me right away.”
awoke, very frightened and thoughtful about the marvel he As he said this, he began to think very intently, and
had seen. And the queen, who had seen him4 pensive and Nascien said to him, “My lord, leave off thinking about this
distressed all night,5 was very frightened and did not know firing. For we have entered a realm we were not in on the
how to make him divulge his thoughts. As soon as she could day you made this promise; just as we have changed the life
see daylight, she arose; once she was dressed and [325] we led then, we must change our desires and abandon our
ready, she went to her brother Nascien’s bed, sighing and bad intentions, for otherwise, we would go against the
weeping very hard. When Nascien saw her crying, he was commandment of Him in whose guard and in whose
very afraid, for he loved her dearly. He took her in his arms authority we have put our bodies and souls. But I would
and asked her quickly why she was crying so. The queen sat willingly know the meaning of the dream you have
down next to him and recounted her husband’s adventure recounted, for according to my understanding, it seems to
and his sighs and tears during the night. me there should be no menace [328] of evil. And yet I
“My dear brother,” she said, “because of this, I fear that suggest that you ask the advice of the pastors of Holy
he may have fallen into evil thoughts, and I beseech you, Church whom Josephus left in his place to guard and advise
for the love of the high Lord in whom you have placed your our souls, for you know very well that he told us we should
faith, to go to him and ask for a boon. When he has always seek the counsel of Holy Church in case of any need,
promised, on his faith, to give you one, ask him to tell you be it of file body or of the soul.”
what he thought about so long last night, for this is the After he had said this, they both left the palace and
thing in the world that I would most like to know.” went to the spiritual house that was founded to perform the
Then Nascien arose and went straight to the king; office and service of Holy Church. Once there, they heard
when he arrived, the king was already up. Nascien greeted the glorious service first and then took7 the holy sacrament
him and requested a boon. The king answered that he just as Josephus had established it, by Our Lord’s order, to
knew very well that there was no boon so great in the world be accomplished every day.
that he would not give it to him without protest or delay. After they had taken communion and heard the
After Nascien had got him to swear his faith, he told him he service, the king called all the priests of the church and told

4“And the queen, who had seen him” supplied from Ponceau. A week," as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
5 “And he was very frightened and did not know how to act. (Hucher has “two weeks”).
And Queen Sarrasinte, his wife” omitted, as in Ponceau. "Took,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
‘beard”).
The History of the Holy Grail 55

them his dream just as he had dreamt it, but none of them 15. Nascien’s Imprisonment.1
was able to tell him anything about it for certain. Rather,
they answered that there was no mortal man who could tell
Here the story recounts that when the king was raised from
the truth about such® things unless God Himself by His
the bed where he lay beside Nascien, Nascien remained in a
grace showed it to him. With that the king and Nascien left,
faint as if he were dead. This great calamity that happened
no less frightened or pensive than before, and the king said
inside the palace was neither heard nor seen outside;
he would never be [329] happy until he knew whether this
though people in the city heard the thunder crash and the
vision carried any truth and if it had been sent9 by God.
horn sound, they neither heard nor saw the other
Thus they returned to the palace pensively. When they
adventures.
were both seated on a couch without any company, they felt
Then the queen happened to return from seeing a
the palace tremble from its foundation up to the main
church she had founded in the name of the Virgin Mary.
vaulting. Then lightning began to flash so intensely that the
When she entered the palace, she found all the servants
sky seemed to be crisscrossed with burning brands. After
lying on the ground in a faint. Believing they were asleep,
that such great and frightening cracks of thunder began to
she passed through, until she found a large company of the
resound that they both thought the end of everything had
king’s knights, who were in the same plight as the servants.
come. Along with all this a wind so dangerous and strong
Wondering what this could be, she had them called. But
was blowing that all the windows and doors in the palace
they had lost their hearing and sight, so they had no sense
were broken, and the palace itself cracked so loudly that it
or memory of anything, and they were so pale and wan that
seemed it would be completely destroyed and fall into an
they seemed to have just left the sickbed. When the queen
abyss. Amidst all these things such great darkness fell there
saw them thus, she was so frightened that she nearly fell to
that anyone who saw it thought he would never see light
the ground in a faint. [332] Seeing that it was impossible to
again. Nor did anyone in the city except those inside the
get a word out of them, she turned back through the large
palace see these marvels. However, the latter heard nothing
court straight toward the main room, which was called the
but the thunderbolts that came from the heavens and [330]
royal chamber.2
saw only the flashes of lightning that struck through the
Upon reaching the door, she looked inside and saw
openings in the doors and the windows. And if they wanted
her brother Nascien sitting on the couch from which the
to leave the palace, they could not, for they could not see
king had been lifted. Nascien was crying bitterly, and he was
the way, and even if they could see, they could not move, so
addressing a man who seemed to be in front of him from
frightened were they by the great marvels they saw.
the words she heard them speaking to each other, but she
Thus, they remained in this sorrow and anguish for
could not be sure of anything else. Only the voice could be
quite a while, until they heard a sound like a trumpet
heard; nothing could be seen of the person from whom it
blowing; and it was so loud that it seemed to the king and came—only Nascien speaking to him.
Nascien that everyone could hear it as clearly as in the Hearing the voice and seeing no one frightened the
palace. After the trumpet had sounded, a voice spoke that queen, for she feared a bad spirit had attacked Nascien,
said, “Here begin the fears.” When they heard the voice wishing to remove him from the holy faith. She entered
speak in this way, they fell in a faint from fear and lay there immediately, ran to her brother, embraced him, and asked
in a daze just as if they were dead. And then were fulfilled him why he was crying so bitterly.3 When he saw her, he
the words that the prophet spoke: “They will be two in a began to weep again and cry out harder than before. Upon
bed; one of them will be raised, and the other left seeing this, the queen cried out and then fell to the ground
behind,”10 for as soon as the voice had said, “Here begin in a faint. Nascien took her in his arms, lifted her up, and
the fears,” the king was immediately raised from the bed, began to kiss her on the mouth, calling her his sweet sister.
and the Spirit of Our Lord carried him far away from his When she came to and opened her eyes, Nascien, who was
land, the distance it would take seventeen days to go. It was on his knees before her, began to call her name. She sighed
indeed the hour of tierce at the time he was taken from the deeply and asked for the king. When Nascien heard this, he
palace and lifted from the bed. And when the Holy Spirit could not answer, but wept, his tears flowing as thickly as if
put him [331] down, it could well have been the hour of water were being poured over his head with a goblet.4
nones, but the story no longer speaks of him now; rather, it [333]
ceases to speak of him and speaks about Nascien and the When the queen saw him crying thus, she asked him
queen, who remained in Sarras. what he had done with the king. She was very frightened
and fainted again immediately. Then they all were afraid
®“Such,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “these”). that she might lose5 her senses and her memory because of
9“Sent,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“perceived”). Corresponds to Hucher II: 331-338; Sommer I: 86-88;
10See Luke XVII, 34. Ponceau §129-143.
2“Room .. . chamber” supplied from Hucher variants and
Ponceau.
3“Bitterly,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has "softly”).
4“Upon seeing this, the queen cried out. .. . with a goblet”
supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
5“Body and soul and” omitted, as in Hucher variants and
Ponceau.
56 The History of the Holy Grail

the anguish of her faint. When she came to, she began to everything fiercely and offered to undergo any trials if
weep and cry out, “Dear brother Nascien!” Then Nascien anyone came forward [336] to accuse him of the king’s
came before her, and she cried out to him, like a woman death. But all this was of no use; he was put in prison. He
who has lost her senses, to tell her why he had looked so offered to put up his land as ransom while he searched for
terrible. He told her the truth right away, how the king had the king, until he brought him back, if he were alive in a
come to be lifted from beside him and carried he knew not land where mortal people lived. They took his land as
where; and that this was the reason he had been lamenting ransom, but when they wished to free him, this was
as she had seen. opposed by Galaffe, who had advised that he be seized.
At these words the noise in the room became very This Galaffe pretended to be a Christian, but he was
loud; the queen kept fainting, and the king’s men—the not, for when the other people throughout the land were
knights and the men-at-arms—began to cry out. The baptized, he did not want to be, and he hid. And he hated
laments began to increase throughout the palace;6 the the Christians more than any creature. He came to the
queen grieved so much and fainted so often that she could nobles who held Nascien and told them that they should
not pay attention to anything but her grief. Nascien took know in truth that, if they let him go, war would evermore
her in his arms, doing his best to comfort and calm her, be theirs. “And you can be sure, my lords" said he, “that he
saying [334] she should be assured that the king was safe will never rest until he has taken all the land back, and then
and sound where he was, for the person with whom he was everyone who resisted him in this will be destroyed."
talking when she entered the room had given him true By his advice, Nascien was held and imprisoned; thus
news. She asked him who this was, and he said it was a they held his person and his land. When Queen Sarrasinte
messenger of Our Lord Jesus Christ. saw that she had lost her lord and that her brother was
The queen grieved deeply. No mortal man could imprisoned, one need not ask whether she was afraid [337]
relieve her sorrow. The news was spread throughout the and sorrowful in her heart, for he was the person she held
country that the king had disappeared in such a way that no most dear after the king. She grieved deeply and often, and
one knew anything about him. The nobles assembled and would willingly have freed him from prison if she had had
asked one other’s advice about what this could mean, and the power, but she was a woman alone and thus could not
what could have happened to the king. At this council prevail against her noblemen.
there was a knight who had been in the king’s household Thus Nascien was in prison. Despite the pain and
for a long time. He was called Galaffe, and he was more sorrow Nascien experienced, the devil was unable to lead
cruel and traitorous than a mortal heart could imagine. He him to be angry at God or to despair. He constantly begged
stepped forward and said in the hearing of all the others for mercy from Our Lord for his sins, saying, “Dear Lord
that he had searched so long that he had learned that God, I do not complain about this torment in which I find
Nascien had killed the king treacherously, because he myself and which I suffer, for I deserved it when I was
wanted to have the kingdom; for it was proven truth that in foolish enough to dare to look at the great wonder of Your
the place where he disappeared there was no one but him secrets, which neither I nor any other man conceived or
and Nascien, and Nascien himself did not know what to say engendered by human frailty is worthy to see unless Your
about what had become of him. To this they all responded Grace alone cleansed and purified him beforehand.”
that if it were true that Nascien had been in the place In this state of mind Nascien suffered great torment in
where the king vanished and did not know what to say, it prison, night and day; nor could he be moved from this
would indeed seem that there had been treachery. If he was state of mind. But now the story ceases to speak about him
certain of this and if Nascien was deemed guilty, it would be and his works and returns7 [338] to King Mordrain, who
right to guard him for a [335] while until they heard news was believed to be lost because no news could be heard
of the king. They all agreed to this decision and swore on about him, and it speaks of him in the following way.
holy relics that all of them would help to seize Nascien as
soon as they were summoned.
Thereupon they went to court, where they found
16. The Rock of the Perilous Port.1
Nascien and the queen grieving so deeply that no living
man could calm them. It was the third day after the king
had disappeared. When they came before the queen, they The story says here that King Mordrain was carried
inquired about what had truly happened. And Nascien seventeen days’ travel away from his kingdom. After the
recounted it all to them, from beginning to end, just as he king had seen all the splendors of the lands below, which
had heard and seen. After that he told them the dream the the Holy Spirit showed him, he was put down on the
king had had the night before this happened. They ground at the hour of nones. Once on the ground, he
questioned him at length about everything, and he told began to look around, afraid and worried, for he found
them the truth about it all, admitting that only the two of himself alone in a strange land, from which he thought he
them were in the room when the king vanished. At these would never escape. It was not surprising that he was afraid,
words, they seized him from all sides. He asked why they for he was not very reassured about the great marvels that
were doing this, and they replied that it was because they had happened to him in his palace, and it seemed to him
were suspicious about the king’s death, and no one but him
-7
was suspected. Since he was not guilty, Nascien denied “And his works and returns" supplied from Hucher variants
and Ponceau.
Corresponds to Hucher II: 338-353; Sommer I: 88-93;
6‘Throughout the palace” supplied from Ponceau.
Ponceau §144-152.
The History of the Holy Grail 57
they would never stop, because of the great anguish he had prepared and supplied with good foods, bold knights, and
suffered. And besides all this, he did not know how he had splendid arms.
come to the place where he was, or what could have carried When he had readied his cargo, he set out to sea. He
him. After having looked around for a while, he was even had provided forty of the strongest men on his ship with
more frightened than before, for he saw nothing but the twenty large iron hooks to hold the galleys when they
clouds above^ him and the sea around him, except for attacked his ship at sea. Pompey and his men voyaged until
[339] the space taken up by part of the rock. This is the they saw the high and marvelous rock, and then they cast
place where he was. anchor to wait for night. After a good part of the night had
This rock lay in the ocean, along the direct passage passed, they set out and went along until they came close
from Babylon to Scotland, Ireland, and other Western enough to the rock to throw a stone by hand. When the
parts. The rock was on this route, and it was so high that pirates heard them coming, they boarded their galleys and
one could survey the entire Western sea* 3 as far as those prepared to assault them. The men steering Pompey’s ship
places where land could be found. And in the other knew the narrows of the rock, so they did not try [342] to
direction, to the right, toward Galeme, one could see the head straight toward the fire but went to the side of it, thus
land of Cordova and the entire tip of Spain. The rock was blocking a galley between them and the rock and causing it
as high as you have heard, and it was in the wildest and least to run against the rock so hard that it broke up completely
frequented place that exists among habitable sites at sea. and flew into pieces. The men in it began to cry out.
This place was so uncultivated and unpleasant that there Thinking the big ship had been broken up, the men in the
was no earthly sustenance there at all, not even a handful of other galleys attacked immediately, assaulting them with
friable soil. Rather, it consisted entirely of raw stone, up to five galleys. As soon as the pirates came on, impatient to
the edge of the sea. Because the rock sat in such a wild and attack, the men inside the big ship threw their hooks out at
perilous place, the people living around there called it the them and held them tight until the others had boarded,
Rock of the Perilous Port.4 And long ago [340] a pirate their swords and knives drawn.7 Meanwhile, the boatmen
called Foucaire built a very proud house there. and the men-at-arms lit great brands of fire, which were
This pirate was unusually large and so strong that no plentiful in the ship.
man could hold out against the strength of his limbs. The When the pirates saw that they had been surprised and
pirate came to this rock, and he made his home out of the could not resist, they defended themselves fiercely in the
rock itself, which he dug out until he had a house that face of defeat.8 Realizing they could not hold out, they
could lodge twenty men. In this lodging he and his withdrew little by little toward the rock; those who could
numerous companions stayed, but they could not all5 sleep raced within. Upon seeing them run to safety, Pompey
inside the rock, for they numbered a good ninety, and called out to his knights and swore that they would regret
sometimes there were one hundred or more. So they slept letting a single one get away. Thirty of the best knights
beyond the rock in their galleys, which were at all times rushed after them. The pirates had already occupied the
prepared for them. During the night when it was very dark, top of the rock, where they defended themselves9 so
they put great brands of burning fire on the rock. Often fiercely that they could not be overcome. Those attacking
those who came there, such as merchants or other people outside numbered thirty, while inside they numbered only
passing by, did not escape without peril, for it often nineteen, for all the others had been killed or thrown into
happened that the ships ran up against the rock so hard the sea. The robbers defended themselves for a long time.
that they broke up,6 and the pirates were ready to attack When they began to grow tired, they dropped a large beam
them with their galleys. that came from the side of a ship that had [343] broken up
Thus they fell upon two dangers, for some were on the rock. The beam, which was large and heavy, fell onto
drowned, while others were killed when they thought they those who were attacking, killing everyone it touched and
had reached safety. For a long time the pirate led his knocking them into the sea.
disgraceful life in this way, until it happened that the great With this blow Pompey lost eleven of his knights. This
Pompey, who [341] was the Roman emperor at that time, grieved him so much that he nearly went out of his mind.
crossed the sea of Greece and came into the land of Syria. Then he himself sprang out after those who were assaulting
After he had gone throughout the lands of the East and the pirates, swearing that he would rather die in an assault
captured the defended fortresses as far as Babylon, he than fail to avenge the knights he had lost. When one of his
heard about these pirates who thus killed everyone who knights saw him take it to heart so, he thought that he was
passed there. And then he said that everything he had done placing himself in great danger, for no man’s assault could
was for naught if he did not rid the land of this pirate. succeed. And if he were killed in this way, the empire would
Right away he found the finest ship possible and had it be gready dishonored by the fact that the pirates had killed
the emperor. Then he called Pompey and said, “My lord, if
you are willing to trust me, I will tell you how you can
^“Above,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “below”).
capture all those inside, without putting your honor in
3‘The rock was . . . sea” supplied from Hucher variants and
Ponceau.
4The descripdon here suggests this might be the Rock of 7“Drawn” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
Gibraltar; however, the text later places the rock in the middle of 8‘That they had been surprised . . . defeat” supplied from
the ocean. Geography in this romance tends to be imprecise. Ponceau.
5“A11” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. 9“Where they defended themselves” supplied from Hucher
6 “So hard that they broke up” supplied from Ponceau. variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
58 The History of the Holy Grail

danger or losing your knights.” Pompey, who was very Thus Pompey followed them up the path, holding in
distressed, asked him how. “My lord,” said the knight, “have both hands a battle-ax with which he gave great blows to
the assault stopped today, and tomorrow when daylight those he could reach, as they continued to flee straight
comes, you will see better where you can attack them and toward the cave. Those below shot arrows and threw stones,
harm them the most.” [344] wounding a number in their flight. And Pompey himself
He and the others advised this so strongly that Pompey was wounded in three places. Once the brigands reached
had the assault stopped. But he was very distressed and the cave, they found that they were unable to enter freely.
sorrowful because of the knights he had lost and because The men below harmed them a great deal with the arrows
he considered it shameful to remain there to capture a and stones they were throwing, while the smoke had
band of robbers. Thus the assault stopped until the next somewhat troubled their vision, so that they could not enter
day when it was broad, clear daylight. And then Pompey saw the cave fast enough before Pompey had cut off the heads
that the rock was so impregnable that those within feared of three of them and thrown two10 into the sea with the
the attack of no living man. Rather, he said it was a great blows he was dealing with the batde-ax.
wonder that all his knights had not been killed in the Thus Pompey killed five of them with the battle-ax,
assault. leaving only fourteen, six of whom were so badly wounded
He called his knights and asked their advice about how that they could do litde to defend themselves. When the
to take the rock more rapidly without remaining there. But knights saw Pompey undertake such a bold action, they
not one of them could advise him about this, for they did trooped after him up the length of the path. Pompey was
not think it could be captured without starving the enemy already at the entrance of the cave behind the pirates, who
out. When he saw that they were unable to give any good had all gone in, except for11 their leader. When the latter
advice, he reflected on it and then said he believed he had saw that Pompey was alone and that [348] a single man had
found a solution. “I have decided,” said he, “to destroy forced his men to flee so ignobly, he considered it very
them by setting a fire at the foot of the rock so that the shameful and humiliating. Ready to enter the cave after the
flames will reach the entrance of the cave. And then they others, he changed his mind and turned back. Pompey
will have to die, for they won’t be able to put the fire out, raised the batde-ax in both hands, thinking to strike him on
since we will prevent it from down here with [345] arrows the head, but Foucaire dodged the blow, and the ax struck
and big stones, while those above will prevent it with lances the slope of the rock so hard that the entire blade
and swords. If we cannot take them in this way, I don’t see shattered, and the handle flew into pieces.
how we can capture them without starving them out.” At this blow, Foucaire threw out his hands and grabbed
They all agreed to this decision. Pompey sent forty Pompey by the shoulders with the intent of throwing him
knights forward and had them light the fire with pieces of onto the fire below them. But Pompey’s knights had
ships that had broken up on the rock, which were plentiful. reached the place where Foucaire and Pompey were
When the fire had caught well, the flames shot up to the engaged in hand-to-hand batde; the first to arrive struck
entrance of the cave where the pirates were, and much of Foucaire with his lance so fiercely that he made him
the smoke went in. Upon seeing this, the pirates took fresh stagger, and his feet flew out from the path. The pirate was
water, which they had in abundance, went out, and poured tall and big and heavy; as he fell, he struck Pompey in the
it onto the fire, which became so full of smoke that it was chest and head so hard that he caused him to lose his
nearly extinguished. However, those below shot numerous footing, and they both fell, holding on to each other, into
arrows and threw stones at the pirates, wounding four of tlie fire below. Pompey’s knights raised a cry, and the men
them. When the thieves saw the injuries inflicted on their in the ships came out and hurried to the fire, spurring
side, they withdrew into the cave, but there they were more there rapidly. Finding [349] their lord lying in it in a faint,
uncomfortable than outside, for so much smoke filled the as if he were dead, they pulled him out at once, removed
cave that they could not see a thing. Realizing they could his helmet, and opened his visor. Once they had uncovered
not endure it, they all went out and did what they could to his face, they saw he was as pale as if he were dead and that
put the fire out. The knights attacked them, fighting them he was not moving his legs, feet, or hands. Very much afraid
boldly, and the thieves defended themselves fiercely, [346] for him, they put him on his shield and carried him into
despite having been injured and wounded. the ship to put him to bed, while the others seized
The melee lasted a long time, and many were wounded Foucaire. They discovered that his right arm had been
on both sides. When Pompey saw that the enemy were broken when he fell under Pompey and that he was also
holding out so long, he was grieved; he immediately ran up badly wounded and injured from the fire into which he had
to the fire, where the thieves had already descended to put fallen. They captured him easily,12 for they found him lying
it out, and he himself pursued them so fiercely that they in a faint. Then they took him and tied him up securely
did not dare to wait for him. They fled back up into the until Pompey could order what he wanted done.
cave, with Pompey rushing after them, along a narrow path
cut into the rock, for there was no other way to go. The
10‘Three of them” supplied from Hucher variants and
cave was in such a steep place that no one could reach it Ponceau; “two,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
except by the path, which was cut into the solid rock. And “of them”).
yet the cave was not at the highest point on the rock, but on n‘Two men and” omitted here, as in Hucher variants,
one of the sides, in the widest part. And the entrance was so Ponceau, and Sommer.
low and narrow that only one man could enter at a time, 12“Easily” supplied from Ponceau.
and he had to do so sideways. [347]
The History of the Holy Grail 59
After that the fire was lit again. There was so much wet senses. Then he said, “Oh, Pompey, it seems indeed that
wood that an extraordinary amount of smoke came out, you have fought Foucaire, for you have taken on so many of
nearly killing the men in the cave. No matter how much his habits that you have stopped being Pompey and have
pain or distress they suffered, they would not come out, and become Foucaire. We believed that Pompey had killed
those outside marveled at how much they could suffer. Foucaire, but Foucaire has killed Pompey, for16 if Foucaire
During these events Pompey came out of his faint. He had put this city under his authority just as you have, he
opened his eyes and saw that he was lying in his bed, and he would not have committed a greater act of perfidy than
wondered how he came to be there, he who had just been you, who stabled your horses in the noblest and most
in batde.13 Then he jumped up and asked for his batde-ax. honored house that ever was. And do you know whom you
When his men saw him, they rejoiced and said it had been have dishonored? He who will dishonor you, that is, the
shattered, and they recounted how. Then14 they turned omnipotent Lord who made everything, whose house you
Foucaire over to him. He [350] asked them how he had have defiled.”
been captured, and they showed him how his right arm had Thus the worthy man spoke to Pompey, who
been broken when he fell and how the fire had burned his considered it all to be senseless ravings. And yet the man
face and body. Then he ordered that he be well guarded, said nothing that did not eventually happen: thereafter,
and he grabbed a sword, left the ship, and asked the men Pompey, who had always been the most renowned and
watching the fire where the other brigands were. They told lucky knight in his time, left17 every field he entered to
him about the great anguish they had suffered, and that fight [353] vilely and shamefully. And when he left
since then none of them had shown himself. Jerusalem, he forbade all his household ever to speak of
Then Pompey ordered the fire broken up, after which Foucaire, for he did not wish to be reproached for having
he climbed up to the entrance of the cave, sword in hand. used all his power and forces to attack and capture a
When his men saw him go there, they ran after him, as they robber. Thus this feat was kept silent, for it was not put in
were very afraid for him. He went straight to the entrance writing among his other deeds. The fact that he and his
of the cave and listened. After listening a while at the door, household kept it secret prevented it from being renowned,
not hearing a word, he did a very bold thing, for he entered although it was the greatest deed he had ever done and for
the cave and struck the first of the pirates in the body with which he would have been remembered best. But now the
his sword. Once he had done this, he saw that the others story stops speaking about Pompey and returns to the king
neither spoke nor moved. Wondering about what this could on the rock.
be, he stepped forward until he saw very well that they were
all dead. He lifted them [351] and threw them out, one by
one, in the sight of his knights, who considered it to be a
17. The Silver Ship and the Black Ship.* 1
great folly. And they were not wrong, for this was the
boldest and most foolish thing he had ever done, he who
Now the story says that King Mordrain was very frightened
had done great deeds. When he came down from the rock,
and worried about the fact that he did not know where he
he had all the robbers’ bodies thrown into the sea. Then he
was or how he had got there. He looked around, but he saw
had Foucaire’s left arm and thighs broken, after which he
nothing but sea and sky—nothing that might bring help or
had him thrown into the sea with his companions. Thus
sustenance. The rock was high and in a wild place, and the
Pompey delivered the country of the pirates. This was one
only lodging was ugly and hideous and dark. He went all
of the most honorable feats he ever did. But it was the least
around the base of the rock as far as he could find a way,
remembered of all his feats and courageous deeds, and I
until he entered the path cut into the rock, which led him
will tell you why.
to the cave. When he reached the entrance, he found it so
It happened that on his way back to Rome, he came to
ugly and black that he refused to enter. [354] Realizing he
Jerusalem, where he had his horses stabled in the temple of
would find2 no comfort, he sat down and began to weep
Our Lord, causing the Jews great sorrow. In the city there
and sigh deeply, thinking in his heart that he had lost
was a very worthy and religious old man, the father of Saint
everything if Our Lord had forgotten him and did not care
Simon, who presented Jesus Christ in his arms at the
about him.
temple on the day of the Purification of the blessed Virgin
As he suffered this sorrow and anguish, weeping and
Mary. When he found out about the great violation Pompey
thinking these things, he indistinctly heard a crashing of
had committed by stabling his horses in Our Lord’s holy
the waves. He raised his head, looked up, and saw a ship
house, he said that he had lived too long, for he saw15 sons
coming, bearing a very handsome man, who was all alone in
thrown out of their houses and dogs eating at the tables.
the ship. He sat in the front, facing all the while toward the
How could his heart [352] see and endure filthy dogs
rock. The ship was very small, and it was made entirely of
making private rooms out of the glorious place that Our
Lord had sanctified for His service?
16“Foucaire has killed Pompey, for” supplied from Hucher
He went straight to Pompey; once he was before him,
variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
he began to shout and cry out just as if he had lost his
l7“Left” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
Sommer.
13“He who had just been in batde” supplied from Hucher 1Corresponds to Hucher II: 353—404; Sommer I: 93-107;
variants and Ponceau. Ponceau §153-179.
14“Then” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. 2“Nothing and” omitted, as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
15Corrected to singular following Ponceau. Sommer.
60 The History of the Holy Grail

silver. The mast was gold, and the sail was as white as fallen he said to someone who blamed him, ‘Dear sir, do you want
snow, with a large red cross in the middle. When it reached me to rely on God for everything I need? Do you believe He
the rock, it seemed to the king that every good scent one has all His thoughts on me? He has enough to think about
could enumerate among herbs, trees, and all other things elsewhere.’ He falls into despair when he thinks this
were brought together in the ship. And when he saw the perfidious thought, for he considers the Deity to be mortal
sign of the holy [355] cross3 on the sail, he was somewhat when he says He has enough to think about elsewhere.4 It is
reassured, for he thought that nothing accompanied by the just as if he were to say, ‘If God wished to think about me
cross would result in evil. and all the other people and He wished to bring everything
Then the handsome man disembarked. When the king to its conclusion, all His thoughts must come to naught, for
saw him coming, he stood up to meet him, welcomed him, He could not bring everything to a proper conclusion.’ You
and bowed. The handsome man began to ask him who he can be sure that [358] he who has such thoughts has no
was, and he replied that he was a Christian. Next the man faith, but is worse than a publican. Solomon, who had
began to ask how the king had come there, and he said that greater wisdom than nature can give any mortal man, said
in truth he did not know—only that he had somehow to his son, ‘Dear son, if you want profitable advice, I will
found himself there. Then the king asked the handsome give it to you; you must not reject it, but hold it at all times
man who he was and, if it pleased him, to tell the truth. The enclosed and sealed in your heart. Be sure to let Lord God
handsome man replied that he was an artisan and had a decide about everything; never rely on anything else.’”
craft never heard of before; no man could know anything The words the man from the ship spoke were so
or work anything except through him. Then the king asked pleasing to the king that he lost himself in thought while
what this craft was. And he said that he could change an listening to him. He thought neither about himself nor
ugly man or woman into a beautiful one, when it pleased about anything else; he remembered only what he heard.
him, and he also knew how to make a foolish person wise, a What he was listening to pleased him so much that for a
poor one rich, and a lowly one high, when he willed it. long time he remained just like someone to whom a vision
“Certainly,” said the king, “this craft surpasses those appears in the night, who does not know for sure if he has
any mortal man could learn by himself. Please tell me what seen it while sleeping or waking, and who believes at one
you are called.” He replied that his name was All-in-All. and the same time that he is asleep and awake.
[356] The king said he had a very beautiful name and The king remained thus, knowing nothing for certain
profession, and then he said, “My lord, because of the sign about himself—whether he existed or not. When he came
of the cross you carry with you, it seems to me that you out of this reverie and his memory returned as before, he
belong to the faith of Jesus Christ.” began to look around, [359] but he saw neither the ship
The other replied, ‘That is why I carry this sign with nor the man who had come in it. He stood up and began to
me, for without it one cannot do any good work perfectly. look out to sea in all directions. And when he realized he
As long as you have this sign with you, you can be certain could not see it in any direction, he sat down again. Then
that nothing will harm you, provided you have perfect faith. he began to think very intently again, wondering in his
Take care not to keep company with any man who does not heart about who this could be who had spoken to him so
carry this sign, for he who does not carry it is not with God.” long, for he had brought him great comfort. Finally he
The man from the ship spoke for a long time with the realized that the man to whom he had talked could only
king. He uttered so many words of solace and comfort that have come from God, which made him very joyful. For if he
he made him forget all his sorrows, nor was he hungry for were opposed to the faith in Lord God, he would not have
any earthly food. And the king asked him for advice about carried the sign of the cross with him, nor would he have
what he should do, whether he advised him to remain there spoken so willingly of God and His commandments. And if
longer or depart. he were a mortal man, he could not have gone away so
“What!” said the man. “Didn’t you tell me you have quickly without being seen in some way.
placed all your faith in Jesus Christ?” The king replied that For a long time the king remained in these thoughts,
truly, he believed completely in Jesus Christ, and the man until he looked to his left toward Galeme and saw a richly
from the ship said to him, “Then you can truly be sure that draped ship. The ship was splendidly appointed, and it was
He has not forgotten you, for He will never forget anyone very beautiful. It was completely covered with a very rich
who relies on Him and remembers Him at all times. And silk cloth, all in black, [360] and the sail and the mast
where man fears what may happen to him, there, I say matched it exacdy. The ship was covered in the same way
[357] in truth, he is beyond faith. Once he has placed his inside and outside down to the edge where the waves struck
body and heart in the belief of Lord God, then it is right it.5 Thus the ship came splendidly on, as you have heard,
that he rely on Him for all the things he needs, for such is though no man or woman appeared to steer it. In this way
Our Lord’s custom that He loves man more and holds him it came straight to the rock, and when the king saw it arrive,
dearer than man himself does. Thus it is right and he began to wonder what this could mean and what the
reasonable that man not take any pains about what is fitting ship had come to seek. Then he stood up and began to
for him, but allow Him to decide, who loves him more than
he could love himself. And where man does not trust in
4“Into despair,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
God for himself or his needs, he falls into despair, just as if (Hucher has “from hope in God”); “when he thinks this perfidious
thought... elsewhere” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau,
4 and Sommer.
"Which was completely red and when” omitted, as in Hucher
variants, Ponceau, and Sommer. 5“Struck it,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“were”).
The History of the Holy Grail 61
look at the ship intently. As he did so, he saw disembark The lady spoke again.7 “King Evalach, if you wish to
one of the most beautiful and appealing women he had believe me and do my will, I will even do what is necessary
ever seen. He was astounded to see her; nonetheless, he for you to recover all your land. You can be sure that you
said that she was very welcome, and the lady replied® that will never recover8 it through any living man or woman but
doubtless she had well come, since she had found the man me. Nor will you ever leave this place where you are now if I
she most desired to see in the world. do not deliver you; rather, you will have to stay here so long
“King Evalach,” said she, “all the days of my life I have that you will die of hunger, for this is the wildest place that
desired to speak to you, but I have never had the exists in any part of the sea. And you will often see such
opportunity. Since you have come here, now I will have the marvels come that [363] you will soon lose your senses. Do
chance to speak to you, and unless you refuse, I will take you know who this is who knows how to make ugly men
you to the most delightful house you have ever entered.” handsome and poor men rich? He is a sorcerer. You should
The king replied, “Certainly, my lady, I came here and know that long ago he loved me,9 but I did not deign to
do not know how, for I never saw the one who brought me love him.10 And if you remain here for long, he will
here, but found myself on this rock. Nor do I ever seek to eventually kill you because he will realize that I love you, I
leave if I am not taken away by the One who commanded who do not care to love him. Thus, do what you wish and
that I be brought here.” [361] what you think best. If you remain here, you will die, and if
“By the command of the one who brought you here,” you come with me, I will make you richer than you ever
said she, ‘You will leave, for I brought you here through my were, as long as you do my pleasure.”
knowledge, because I wished to have a place and the time At these words, the king began to think about what to
to be in your company, which I have always so desired. If do—whether he should go with this lady who told him that
you do not refuse such lovely company as mine, I will take she loved him so, and who was so full of wisdom that she
you with me and make you lord of all my land, which I told him what had happened to him and what was yet to
possess in great abundance.” come. After a long time he called the woman back and said,
“What!” said he. “My lady, are you so powerful that you “My lady, explain to me where I am and how far away my
can thus carry those you wish anyplace?” land is.”
“Indeed,” said she, “I am so powerful and so wise that I She replied, “This I will indeed tell you. Now be
can take all those I wish and carry them wherever I please.” assured first of all that you are on a rock [364] called the
“My lady,” said he, “then you are very powerful and Perilous Port because it is the place in the sea where the
wise. I did not believe that any man or woman in the world most treacherous and perfidious things have been done.
had as much wisdom as I have heard from a certain man And if you wish to know how far away you are from your
and from you. But this man is still more powerful than you, land, you can be sure that it is a good seventeen days of
for he can make ugly men handsome, poor men rich, and travel from here where you are to the beginning of your
fools wise. And he told me that no one can make a perfect land. For no matter how good a wind might be
or lasting work if he does not carry the sign of the holy encountered, no ship could cross the sea from here in less
cross.” than eight days; and from the edge of the sea up to the
“Ah, King Evalach,” said the lady, “you have been boundary of your kingdom, it would take anyone at least
deceived, for I will tell you how you have abandoned the nine days. Thus you can see that between here and your
faith through which you have always been honored. As long land there are indeed seventeen days of travel, nor could
as you hold to this faith that you have received, you will you ever go in your lifetime, if I did not take you and guide
never have a day of honor or peace. You can already see you.”
very well the beginning of this, for since [362] you When the king heard that he was so far away from his
converted, you have had nothing but ills and sorrow, such kingdom, he was even more dismayed than before, and
as the marvels that happened to you in your country, where then he began to think again, in great anguish.
your brother-in-law Seraphe remained in such a terrible The lady said, “King, why are you thinking so much? If
state that he will escape only through death.” you wish to be led to safety, come with me. I will take you to
“Ah, my lady,” said the king, “for God’s sake, how do the most delightful place in the world, where you are the
you know that he is as sick as you say?” most desired, but if you don’t want to come, I [365] will
“Certainly,” she answered, “I know it truly for having leave. You can be sure that you will see so many troubles
seen it with my own eyes, after you were raised from the bed and vexations happen to you that there is no place in this
where you were seated together.” world so poor or indigent that you wouldn’t rather go there
Then the king was very frightened, and he believed she than remain here.”
was telling the truth—that his brother-in-law was dying, The king was so distressed and overcome by his
because of the other true signs she gave, which he thoughts that he could not respond to what she had said;
recognized very well. He was so heartsick about this news
that he nearly fell into despair, and he believed for certain 7 "The lady spoke again” supplied from Hucher variants,
that Our Lord had forgotten him and did not care about Ponceau, and Sommer.
him. 8“Recover,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“deliver”).
°“Long ago he loved me,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “he
®“She was very welcome, and the lady replied” supplied from
never loves for long”).
Hucher variants and Ponceau.
10“Him,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “anyone”).
62 The History of the Holy Grail

indeed, he was so worried that he was completely amazed who is in a faint and has lost feeling, hearing, and sight.
and silent. When she saw that he would not reply, she When it pleased Our Lord to spread the light of His day
turned away. After putting off from shore in her ship and across the countryside and the lands, and the rays of His
setting out on her way, she said so softly that the king could sun warmed the world, the king, who still lay on the steps
barely hear her, “Ah, it is a marvel that no tree was ever so before the opening of the cave, just as you have heard, felt
fruitful as the one that begins to bear in its old age.” The the warmth of the sun, whose rays struck him on the face.
king heard this phrase clearly, and then he lifted his head Then he opened his eyes, just like someone who awakens,
and saw that she was already quite far out to sea and that and began to look around. When he saw the sea and the
such a great storm followed her that it seemed to him the rock on which he lay, he immediately raised his right hand
entire sea was about to leave its bed. The ship ran along in on high and made the sign of the holy cross on himself. At
the thickest of the storm so quickly that no wind, it seemed, once he recovered all his senses and his memory, just as
could go faster. And the king stood on the rock, watching before. So he got down on his [369] bare knees12 and
the tempest for a long time and wondering who this woman began to pray to Jesus Christ, in the following way.
could be who was followed by such a great and ugly marvel. “Dear Lord God, You who are the true advisor and
The king thought a great deal about this woman and comfort to those in peril, who call on You and on Your holy
was very sorry [366] that he had not asked her more about glorious name with good and simple hearts, I worship You
who she was, what she was called, and what land she held. and give thanks to You for protecting me and delivering me
He would have gladly asked until he found out the truth. from the great misfortunes and shame I would have had to
But this could not be, so it troubled him, for he thought he suffer if Your graciousness did not exist. Lord, I am Your
would never see her again. And what she had said about his creature, to whom You showed such graciousness and
never having joy or peace as long as he believed in this faith mercy that You helped me in my need, for my soul was
worried him so much that he did not know what to do. approaching the road to hell, when You, in Your great
Then he began to remember the great riches he had long sweetness and pity, pulled it and called it back to the
possessed and the great comfort he had always had and the straight road of fearing and knowing and worshiping You.
great honors he had received because11 he had been so “Glorious Lord Father, however I may have come here,
feared and dreaded and esteemed. may You be adored. I would have come here through my
He remembered all these things. Then in his heart he own will, by Your grace and Your commandment, for more
recounted the difficulties he had suffered since receiving lightly would I suffer the difficulty and torment and travail.
Jesus Christ’s baptism, and he was so troubled in his mind Lord, I am here ready to suffer Your commandment and
that he fell into deep despair. He remained in this torment Your pleasure, but may Your sweet pity protect me from
of mind until night, and then he began to reflect about [370] being deceived by the temptation of the devil, whose
how he could act. He realized the barren and [367] works and counsel I have left.”
hideous rock was in an extremely wild place, off the route Upon finishing his prayer, the king stood up; then he
of any travelers, unless chance were to bring a ship there. looked out to sea toward the East and saw again the
Then the king climbed the steps to the cave. He came beautiful silver ship that he had seen the day before, when
to the entrance, which he found to be very black and dark, the handsome man had come who had spoken to him for
for many days had passed since any living man had been so long. When he recognized it, he was greatly reassured
there or slept there. Remaining at the entrance for a long because of the good words the man had spoken to him,
time, he said to himself that he would not lie down outside which had made him forget all his sorrows. Then he began
in the open. Then he hastened to enter, but when he tried to blame his state of mind of the night before, crying out to
to set foot inside, he fell backwards in a faint, for he felt two God for mercy. Seeing the ship approach, he descended
hands holding him by his hair. In this way he fainted; when from above; he went down to the foot of the rock and
he came to, he was completely in a daze, and he saw that gazed. Inside the ship he saw in splendid abundance all the
the entrance to the cave was blocked. He listened and foods fit for man. When he saw the master of the ship, to
heard such a great storm coming from the sea toward the whom he had spoken so long the previous time, he greeted
rock that it seemed to him the depths would rise up to the him and told him he was welcome. The man then
sky and knock down the entire earth and firmament. After disembarked and asked the king how he had managed
that came such great darkness that he could not see since he had left him. The king told him, “Certainly, I have
anything at all, any more than if he had descended into an had nothing but sorrow and worry since you left me.” And
abyss. And when he saw that he had lost sight of everything, then he recounted the entire adventure just as it had
he was so frightened that no one could [368] recount how happened: the woman who had come [371] in the ship and
great his fear was, except the one who had comforted him the other marvels he had seen and suffered all night long.
after his great fear. After he had been in this darkness for a The lord of the ship replied, laughing, “Oh my, man of
long time, because he was so afraid, he lost his senses and poor faith! Sin and covetousness and the ties of despair
his memory so that he did not know where he was, and he bound you. You should not be sorrowful or regret suffering
did not remember all the things that had happened to him. any discomfort, since you suffered it for the love of your
All night long the king remained this way, unaware of Creator, for He does not forget anyone who strives to do
himself or anything else; rather, he was just like someone

12The text has “on his elbows and bare knees.” At times the
11 “And the great comfort... because” supplied from Hucher position for prayer must have been similar to that of modern
variants and Ponceau. Muslims.
The History of the Holy Grail 63

His service. David the true prophet said this, when he spoke “How does He raise up the wounded and the crippled?
of the graciousness of the Creator. ‘Our Lord,’ said he, ‘is There are many men in this world whose limbs are very well
always ready to help those who call on Him with sincere formed and yet who are so crippled that they cannot move.
hearts and in truth.’13 I know no one more crippled than someone who has lost
“You should put your trust in this, for if you believe it the limbs of the soul, that is, the good riches of the heart,
perfectly, you will have everything your heart requests like religion, pity, reverence, concord, innocence, and
without fail. Being bound and imprisoned should not cause compassion. These virtues are the limbs of the soul, for
you fear, for if you put yourself completely under His through them the soul is guided, kept on its way, and
protection and abandon yourself to His will, you will have sustained. These are the soul’s hands and feet, and the soul
greater and richer help from Him than your heart would that lacks these virtues is sure to have no limbs; thus it is
dare to imagine. This is what David said in the psalm where true that [374] it is crippled. But as soon as the soul can
he himself calls upon us to praise God. ‘Our Lord,’ said he, recover these virtues, it is raised up, for the body is well
‘unties the imprisoned. Our Lord returns the heart’s vision sustained when the limbs are healthy and whole. Thus the
to those blinded through earthly frailty. Our Lord heals the All-powerful raises and heals those who because of the
wounded and raises up the injured. Our Lord loves and body’s filth are crippled and wounded in the soul.”
holds dear the just. Our Lord watches over strangers. He These were the words the master of the ship spoke. His
upholds and guides orphans and [372] widows.’14 words and advice comforted the king, who asked if he knew
“Now you can understand that he who has lost the the lady who had come to him and wanted to take him
heart’s vision, that is, the knowledge of his Creator, has away.
nevertheless not lost his Creator, for as soon as he returns He replied, ‘You saw her as very beautiful and very
to His true knowledge, the One who refuses no one is ready richly dressed and adorned. You may be sure, truthfully,
to receive him and will immediately give him the ability to that formerly she was a hundred times richer and more
understand His commandments. This is the heart’s vision. beautiful than she is now. And in this great beauty she was
That of the eyes is different, for the eyes are not permitted so comfortable and so much the lady of my house that
to know any spiritual thing; all their knowledge resides in anything she wanted was done. But when she saw that I had
earthly things. Thus you can understand that the eyes have glorified and raised her so much that my entire house was
the body’s sight, while the heart has the soul’s sight.15 Yet it at her disposition, she became proud and thought she
sometimes happens that the heart sins. Despite this, you would not suffer this any longer, but would make herself as
should not believe that is its nature, but it happens because much the lady as I was the lord, so that I would have no
of the great weakness of the flesh with which it is burdened. power over her. Thus she thought she would act, and as
For flesh is mortal and thus naturally cannot think of soon as she had [375] thought it, I knew it, for I am certain
anything that is not mortal, but the heart is spiritual and to know every thought. When I saw she was thinking such
must be attentive to spiritual things. Now you must learn folly toward me, I did not want to permit her to be in my
what the heart is, since I have told you16 it is spiritual. The company any longer but immediately threw her out of my
heart is nothing but the knowledge of good and evil; that is house, pledging that she would never again be so beautiful
why it must be called the sight of the soul. Thus the very or comfortable. Since then she has willingly put all her
high Lord gives [373] the heart’s sight to those who have shrewdness and pains to work to make anyone she thought
been blinded17 by mortal things, when they wish to seek18 I loved angry with me until he left me. Because I came to
His medicine and counsel. visit you and took pity on you, she tried to see whether she
“How does He untie the prisoners David spoke of, as I could move you to turn away to her will and separate you
have said? It is true that as long as man is in sin, he is in from your Creator by her evil teachings. Since you have
prison, for he is bound with the devil’s ties. But as soon as placed yourself completely under your Creator’s
he comes to the fountain of counsel, that is, the way of protection,19 think therefore so much about Him that no
confession, the devil loses what he possessed, and then man promise of comfort or riches may cause you to bend or
is untied. For as soon as he gives up and denies what he yield, and be ready at all times to obey His
held from the devil, he is free of his homage. Henceforth commandments.”
nothing can claim him or hold him in its bonds, unless he The man from the ship spoke this way to the king for a
returns to the devil’s works. In this way the Savior unties long time, telling him how the good words could hold his
those who are bound with the ties of hell. faith firm, far from the ways of the devil. The king listened
to him most willingly and attentively. What he said pleased
him greatly, and [376] he was marvelously happy. Then the
13See Psalms CVL, 18.
lord of die ship came forward, took him by the right hand,
14See Psalms CXXXXVI, 7-9.
called him by his baptismal name, and asked him if he was
15"The body’s sight,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau
hungry. The king replied that however great his afflicdon
(Hucher has “have lost the heart’s sight”); “while the heart has the
soul’s sight” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau. might be, he would forget it if he could be in his company

16“You,” as in Ponceau (Hucher transcribes “ne,” which for long. The lord took him and led him to the ship and
would make the phrase negative). showed him the great array of beaudful foods, which were
17“Blinded,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
(Hucher has “anules,” probably a misreading of “avules,” 19“By her evil teachings. . . . protection” supplied from
“blinded”). Ponceau.
18“Seek,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
(Hucher has “believe”).
64 The History of the Holy Grail

plentiful in all the varieties that a heart could imagine or a His will. If you are promised great gifts and riches to do
tongue relate. something that is against His pleasure, remember21 that
Then he said, “I place all these foods you see here at earthly gifts [379] cannot compare to heavenly ones, for
your disposal, so that you may take whatever you wish to earthly ones are fragile, while heavenly ones are whole and
eat.” enduring. And if you weigh them against each other, so
Simply by looking at this great wonder, the king was that you know how to choose the most profitable ones and
sated, so that he felt no more hungry than if he had just reject the harmful ones, the eternal enemy’s evil
eaten, and he said, “My lord, I want you to know that I am temptations will thus be driven away from you forever, and
now so restored by your good words and by seeing these you will have approached eternal counsel.”
beautiful foods here that if the disposition that holds me The man spoke to the king in this way for a long time,
now continues, I will never again want to eat or drink. But and his words pleased him greatly and comforted him. At
since you have comforted me so much, please advise me last the king asked him, “Lord, tell me if I will remain on
about what I should do, for as the true knower of all this rock for long."
thoughts, you know mine, and you should advise me [377] And he replied, “You will remain here until the devil
about the subject of my thoughts.” delivers you with his left hand. You will not leave before
And the lord answered. “I know indeed,” said he, “what then.” Thereupon he ceased speaking.
it is. You are thinking about your brother-in-law Nascien, The king was very frightened by what he had said
about whom the woman gave you news last night. Do not be about the devil freeing him with his hand. Then he looked
afraid for him, for the One you saw in your vision descend down toward the ground and began to think very intently.
from heaven and bathe His entire body in the ninth river, While he was deep in thought, the lord returned to his ship
which was bigger than all the other eight, will not forget and set out to sea22 without saying anything more. After the
him.” king had been plunged in thought so long that he had
When the king heard these words, he was astonished followed his thoughts through, [380] he began to look
and wondered in his heart who this man could be, for he around, but he saw nothing, neither the man nor the ship.
did not believe any mortal man could know the things he He climbed back up all the steps to the entrance of the cave
said. Because of this, he thought in his heart that he was and looked for a long time out to sea. But he could not see
not a mortal man, but he was not bold enough to enquire anything, and then he remembered that he had left in the
further. After waiting for a long time, nevertheless, he said same way the previous time.
to him, “Dear lord, for God’s sake, tell me the meaning of Then the king sat down and began to think very
this vision you spoke about, for I have been frightened by it intently about what could have become of this man who
for a long time.” had told him about the things that had happened to him
The man replied, “You will not find anyone to explain and that were to happen. He blamed himself greatly for not
this until you have vanquished20 and chased away the wolf having inquired more and for not having asked him
that will try to take your good food. Then you will know for whether he was God or not. With that he affirmed in his
certain who this wolf is and why he wishes to take your food. heart that he would ask him right away if he lived long
After that you will know what the entire vision means from enough to see him again.
beginning to end. But I enjoin you not to be frightened by Thus the king spoke to himself, until he heard the
anything you see, for you can be certain you will see great waves of the sea ringing out and making a loud noise. Then
wonders. That is why, when you and Nascien lay [378] in he stood up and looked toward the West. He saw coming
the bed where you fell in a faint, the voice in your palace from the West the ship in which he had seen the lady once
said, ‘The fears begin here.’ That means that after these before. Seeing the ship frightened him, for he feared that
words the True Crucified One would show to those He the lady in it was from an evil place, and that she had come
wishes such things as would surpass any terrible marvels to trick and seduce him. Then he began to pray to God
that have occurred before. And if you, in good faith and [381] to watch over his soul, whatever might happen to his
stout heart, might wish to hold firm against everything you body, and that the flesh not act in such a way that the body
see, you will gain this: whatever marvel you see will occur be turned away from the good intent he had undertaken.
not to harm you, but to make the devil more hateful and After this prayer, he turned toward the East and knelt
remove him to a distance, and to strengthen and reinforce in this direction with heartfelt emotion, in the name of the
you in the holy faith. If it happens that any man or woman glorious city of Jerusalem, where the blessed Son of God
wishes to deceive you through promises or gifts, in order to had been crucified in order to deliver His friends from
separate you from the company of the Creator, be sure eternal misery. At that moment the ship arrived, as
always to keep in mind how Adam, the first man, was beautiful and splendid as before. The lady stepped out, but
deceived because he consented to the devil’s counsel the king neither greeted her nor said a word to her. Seeing
through the advice of a woman. this, she addressed him first, asking him how he had fared
“Always keep this in mind. By this you will be able to since she last saw him.23 He replied that it was not her affair
know which advice is given for your salvation and which for
your peril. Because you depend on the will of your Lord for
21“Remember,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher
everything, you should not believe any advice that is against has “agree”).
ao

To sea” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.

QQ
20"Vanquished,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher “She last saw him” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau,
has “veeut,” “seen”?). and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 65

and that he should not answer her, since she was not of great precious honor25 of the holy faith in the true Savior
Jesus Christ’s faith, as he was. he had received. Since then he had prized it gready and
When she heard him speak this way, she began to would rather continue in earthly poverty than have the
laugh just like someone making fun of another and great riches that the devil used to give him, through which
mocking him, and she said, “King Evalach, now I see very he would go to everlasting ruin.
well that you have lost your senses and the greater part of When she realized that she could not move or bend
your memory. For you know truly that [382] since you him from his intent, she turned away as angrily as she had
received this faith you speak of, no good or honor has the previous time. Immediately after her followed a storm,
come to you. Rather, since then you have had all the greater and more terrible than the one that had occurred
sorrows and troubles a man can have, and yet you do not before. And the king remained there pondering about who
learn from it at all but are as proud as if all the honors and this woman could be who had shown him such great riches
good things of the world had come to you from this. Now I and who had come from his country in so litde time, and
will give you news that I know to be true, for I will not tell yet testified that it was seventeen days away from [385] this
you anything that I have not seen with my own eyes. It is rock. When he saw such a great and hideous tempest, he
proven truth that I have just arrived from your kingdom, was again terrified. It began to thunder and lighten, and
and I have been to Sarras since I left you yesterday. You can the sky became so dark that the king could hardly see
be sure that Seraphe, your best friend, is dead, and you will anything because of the brightness: all he could see was the
never see him or your wife Sarrasinte again.” lightning and the light of the sea. After the thunder and
When the king heard this, all his blood drained away lightning had continued for a long time, a loud noise came
because of his great anguish, and yet he did not really from on high. The king was so dazed that he could not
believe this news. But because he cherished his brother-in- stand up or use his limbs, though he managed to grasp the
law and his wife, he was fearful and suspicious. Thus the steps cut in the rock with both hands and keep his grip.
woman troubled and distressed him with these words and While he held on in this way, lightning descended
others that she spoke, all of which were designed to vex and from on high and struck the highest part of the rock so
hurt him. And yet no matter what she said to him, she hard that it split it down to the bottom of the sea. It split
could not make him change his mind and go in her straight down the middle so that half of it remained
company, or leave the rock. When she saw she could not24 standing just as it had been before; on this part the king
lure him away, she told him to come see [383] the riches remained. And the other half, which broke off from it, fell
and beauty in the ship. The king replied that he would not into the depths of the sea so that it was never seen again by
enter the ship or leave the rock, despite anything he saw or any living man. On the half that remained, the king lay in a
heard. faint, just as if he were dead, for a long time. When he
The lady immediately removed the black cloth came to, through Our Lord’s pleasure, the storm had
covering the ship and said, “Now look, Evalach!” The king passed. He opened his eyes and saw the quiet and peaceful
looked inside and saw that it was full of what appeared to sea but nothing of what he had heard and seen before.
be precious stones and the richest materials he had ever When he had come out of the daze, he began to look
seen. And she said to him, “King Evalach, you believe that I around and saw that the rock was split from the summit
am not from a good place because I do not believe in your down to the bottom of the sea. He was so frightened that he
foolish faith. Is it your opinion that such great riches and nearly fell into the sea, completely lost in fear and despair.
precious treasure come from an evil place? All these riches, Then he made the sign of the holy cross on his head, limbs,
which you have never seen in such plenty, would be yours if and body and prayed to the glorious Savior of the world to
you followed my advice and counsel.” give him, in His mercy, a serene and whole heart so that he
The lady admonished the king a great deal through might be firm and strong against diese marvels and fears.
words and promises, but nothing she said to him could Thereupon the king sat down again. He was overtaken
bring him to her will. Nevertheless, she troubled his mind by such a great desire to sleep that finally he slept perforce
with the news about his wife and his brodier-in-law and with at the foot of the rock in the litde space he had. When he
other words with which she assailed him harshly and often. awoke, he was so terribly hungry that he thought he would
But she found him to be so firm and steady in the escape only by death. After bemoaning his misery for a long
commandments of his Creator that when she called him time, he looked behind him26 and saw [386] lying on top of
Evalach, he said [384] he would never respond to this a step a very black loaf of bread. He joyfully got up right
name, for he had left it to the devil, from whom he had away to get it, for he was overwhelmed by hunger. Once he
always held it. And she laughed mockingly and said that held it, not wanting to wait to break27 it, he put the entire
under this name of Evalach, he had won all the honors and loaf to his mouth to bite into it. As soon as he had opened
high positions he had held, but under the name he had his mouth and was about to bite into the bread with his
now, he had never won anything but sorrow and trouble teeth, he heard a great noise come from the sky, so that it
ever since he had received it, and as long as he held it, he
would never be without great affliction or sorrow. 25Corrected to singular following Ponceau.
The discussion between them lasted a long time, for 26“So that half of it remained standing just as it has been
she reproached him regarding the great honors and before; on this part the king remained. ... he looked behind him”
comforts he had always had, and he retorted by evoking the supplied from Ponceau.
27“Break,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
“saw it”).
24“Could not” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
66 The History of the Holy Grail

seemed to him that all the wings of all the birds of the air inside hatch, which otherwise would have died of cold.
were all around him. Because he was terribly afraid, he When the mother is completely burned and turned to
raised his head and looked up. Thus he saw a very large and ashes, the birds gather around and are nourished by these
marvelous bird descend straight toward him. The bird was ashes,31 which they eat until they have a litde strength in
so bizarre that he had never seen or spoken of or heard of their bodies and limbs. Once they have eaten the mother’s
anything like it. ashes, they will never taste any other food.
This bird had a head as black as pitch and eyes as red Then come forth the two males, who have become
as burning coal. [387] Its teeth were similar, and the head proud and so arrogant that neither can tolerate the other.
was marked like a homed serpent. Its neck was like that of a Once they have reached dreir great strength, they are so
dragon, the chest just like a lion’s, and its feet were exactly full of pride that each of them [390] wants to be lord over
like those of an eagle.28 Where the chest and the shoulders the third bird, which is female. Because of this there arises
joined, it had wings as noisy as thunder, as hard as steel, between them32 great hatred and a great melee so that the
and as sharp in the front as a well-tempered lance. Behind, two males fight and kill each other. Only the female
at the loins, there were other wings as white as snow and as remains, who is called Serpilion; and the stone from which
noisy as a storm of hail when it falls in a strong wind in the she bums is called Pirasdte.
midst of many branches. And the tip of the tail was as sharp Such was the bird that descended to the king on the
as a sword and as fiery as a descending thunderbolt when it rock after he put to his mouth the bread he had found on
strikes. the steps. When he heard the bird descending so noisily, he
The bird was such as you have heard. And divine was afraid. With all the strength with which it had
Scripture testifies that it never flies except to frighten those descended, the bird struck the bread he held so hard that it
in whom the Savior of the world wishes to [388] spread flew out of his hand and fell into the sea. After doing this,
fear. So much is it feared by all creatures that no other bird the bird rapidly mounted on high and then returned
or beast will show itself when it flies; rather they flee before noisily. Finding the king lying flat on the ground, it
it as darkness does before the light of the sun. By nature dropped its right wing forward so that it struck him,
only three of them can be together, for as the true cropping all his hair close to the head and tearing all his
Scripture says, they are bom of the female without mating clothes to the skin. Then the bird left so noisily that no one
with a male. When they are ready to be born and hatch could tell the truth of it had he not seen it.
from the eggs, they are so cold that nothing could bear it The king lay in a faint on the ground for a long time.
except the mother. And even the mother cannot bear it He did not get up or move or come out of his faint before it
entirely,29 for when she has endured it so much that she was nearly nightfall. A good part of the day had already
can no longer continue, she leaves the eggs and flies until passed at the time when he [391] fainted, and it could well
she finds a kind of stone that is always in the valley called have been early evening. When he came to, he was weak
Ebron. and dazed so that he could not see anything, and though
This stone is by nature so hot that if anything mbs he had been very hungry before, he felt as if he had eaten
against it, it immediately catches fire. Nevertheless, if it is all the foods his heart desired.
not rubbed, it can be held in someone’s hand without the Thus he remained that night until morning came, and
hand catching fire. But as soon as it is rubbed against he saw day break. Seeing the daylight made him very happy
anything, the color changes at the point of contact, for it is compared to how he had felt all night, for he had been
naturally completely white, but as soon as it is rubbed, it afraid and in danger. And when he remembered that he
becomes completely red,30 like blood at the place where a had been very hungry and that the bird had taken the
person is rubbed. And then the entire thing it has touched bread, he began to sigh deeply and weep softly, saying,
catches fire without being destroyed and without a flame “Dear Lord God, the true Redeemer, who saved me from
ever appearing. [389] Once the mother of the birds has eternal destruction, I worship You and thank You for
found this stone, she mbs against it and strikes it with her making me see that the sin I wanted to commit displeased
beak until she feels it warm up. Even so this heat is not You, and for sending me so many words of solace and
enough, for she seems to be very small to have suffered comfort that I should indeed forget the body’s hunger in
such great cold, so she mbs more and more until she feels order to satisfy that of the soul. Now I know that he
the great heat, and then she takes flight and returns to her through whom the bread was sent and prepared for me did
eggs. When she arrives, the fire has burned inside her body not do it for my benefit but [392] to harm me by leading
so that she can no longer do anything about it. Because she me to death. Because You have made such a clear
feels the great heat in her body, which she cannot cool demonstration, my mouth will never taste of any food while
down, she knows that the eggs will bum if she sits on them. I am in this peril, no matter how distressed the body might
Then she flies a litde above the eggs, and the great be, unless You, through Your graciousness, send it to me.
heat emanating from her warms the eggs so that the birds Nor will I set foot outside of this rock unless You, through
whose will I believe I came here, remove me.”
28‘Those of an eagle” supplied from Hucher variants and
o 1
Ponceau.
“Ashes,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
29“Except the mother. And even the mother cannot bear it (Hucher has “stone”).
entirely” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
^“Between them,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “among the
30“It immediately catches fire-completely red” supplied three of them”).
from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 67

The king remained on the rock in this way for six33 thunderbolts. But despite all these discomforts, he could
days. Each day the man from the ship came first and then not be induced to board the ship and leave the rock.
the lady. The man from the ship spoke all the good words After the storm had continued for a long time, the sky
that could bring him comfort and solace, while the woman began to clear, and sun’s rays spread brightness everywhere.
spoke all those words that could be harmful to his soul and Noticing the change in the weather, the king was very
body. On the seventh34 day, the man from the ship happy. The warmth of die sun struck him. He began to
returned and comforted him greatly. He told him that the shake the water out of his clothes; the weather warmed up,
time of his deliverance was now approaching, if he could and he was quickly dry. Then it became so hot that he
guard himself against the devil’s traps. The king asked how, thought the entire earth would bum to a crisp and that the
and the other replied, “If you can keep from angering your sun [395] had descended on earth to turn everything into
Lord all day long today, you will soon be delivered from all ashes. The king felt this great heat, and if he had been
the fears and earthly troubles that have happened to you. If uncomfortable before, his pain and his discomfort now
you have not angered Him, if you keep from believing increased a hundred times. Suffering from the heat, he saw
advice (such as to leave this rock) that might go against His the ship ready before him, where he could go if he wished
will, you will have overcome marvelously great sorrows and to avoid the sun. But he feared the anger of his Lord, for he
fears; and you will have many such sorrows if you do not was ready to suffer death rather than leave the rock.
deign to keep watch, for it is with great difficulty that you For a long time he suffered this painful heat—so long
will see yourself delivered.” [393] that his strength of heart failed him, and he was so weak
Thereupon the man departed, and the king remained, diat he could no longer bear up. So he fainted, falling face
very happy and joyful, affirming in his heart of hearts that down and lying for a long time on the ground like someone
whatever he might see, he would not leave the rock. Thus who has lost his hearing, his feeling, and his sight. When he
he stayed for a long time, until it could well have been past came to, he lifted his head a little to find out if the heat was
the hour of nones. He looked far out to sea and saw a very still as great as before. And when he saw that the day had
large, rich ship coming, but he saw neither man nor woman become temperate and the air sweet and mild, as it should
in it. The ship was very beautiful, and it was furnished with between the hours of nones and vespers, and that the heat
splendid, beautiful decks. After it had traveled across the had dissipated, he was very happy. Then he tried to see if
sea for a long time, it headed toward the rock. Suddenly a he could stand up, despite the weakness of his head. As he
great storm began to come up at sea.35 The ship came started to get up, he felt no pain in his head or any of his
closer and closer to the rock, while the storm, which was so other limbs.
great and hideous that there was nothing alive that would Thereupon he sat up and began to marvel at the great
not have been frightened had it seen it, began to build up. adventures that had befallen him, wondering what they
The ship went along downwind so long, tacking one way could mean, for it seemed to him that he had undergone
and then the other, that it came at last to shore at die rock. extremely great pain and then felt nothing. [396] He
The wind held it pressed so close to the rock in the marveled so much that he thought it was a dream, and yet
direction from which it came that it could not move off. at the same time he remembered all the adventures that
The weather was terrible. It rained and hailed; thunder and had happened to him, just as you have heard.
lightning crashed. It seemed that the entire firmament Thus he thought and reflected in his heart. Meanwhile
must fall to pieces. Anyone who saw it would have believed the day passed so that it began to get dark. Then he looked
that the end of everything had come. far out to sea, and saw a ship coming. It was so beautiful
The king was seated on the rock. The rain struck him and impressive that never in his life had he seen one so
from all directions. He had no place to hide, for the part of richly and beautifully appointed. The ship came on very
the rock where the cave was had fallen into the sea when rapidly and noisily; once it had come closer to him, he saw
the thunderbolt struck it, just as the book described earlier. two shields hanging at the two windows of the beautiful
The king looked long and hard at [394] the large, tall, litde forecastle at the prow. He recognized the two shields:
splendid ship, but he neither saw nor heard anyone inside one was his and the other belonged to his brother-in-law
it. The weather steadily worsened; lightning continued to Nascien. At that moment all his blood drained away, so
flash violently, and thunder struck around him so often that frightened was he. And he began to think so intently that
he could not count the times. The peril was so great that he he completely lost himself in thought.
did not even wish to escape it; rather, having given up all While he was plunged in thought, the ship
hope, he thought he would never escape. Thus the king approached; in it a horse began to whinny and neigh and
suffered the anguish of this terrible weather in both body stamp its feet so violendy that it seemed to him the entire
and mind. For in his body he suffered the rain and the hail ship would break apart and capsize. The king listened to
and the dreadful wind, while in his heart he suffered the the horse and recognized it by the whinnying. He knew for
lightning and the thunder and the striking of the sure that it was his horse, the one he had won from
Tholomer in the battle at Orcaut. He was able to recognize
it because [397] its whinny was different from that of any
33“Six,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
(Hucher has “eight”). other horse, and it was also different in other ways.
He wondered how the horse and the shields had thus
34“Seventh,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
(Hucher has “ninth”). come to a foreign place. The ship then reached the rock,
35“It headed. . . . sea” supplied from Hucher variants, and the king stood up to see what kind of people were
Ponceau, and Sommer. inside. As he looked, he saw a great many very handsome
68 The History of the Holy Grail

people; then he saw a man who seemed to be a knight always a wolf against Jesus Christ’s sheep, that is, against His
come forth. When he was nearby, the king recognized him people. This is the wolf in your vision that took all the good
as one of his knights, the brother of his seneschal, the one foods the lamb had brought you. You will learn yet more
who had been killed in the batde against Tholomer. When about what this lamb [400] symbolizes, not now, but later.
the knight saw him, he greeted him, looking very unhappy. And then the meaning of your vision will be revealed to
The king ran quickly to embrace him and asked him why you. You should know that the devil who took you from the
he looked so sad. rock by the hand was the woman who came to you every day
The knight answered, “Oh, my lord, because I bring and who said the evil things and unprofitable words. Now
you terrible news, which will make your heart grieve, and it go and be sure to keep watch better3^ than you have until
will not be surprising if you are saddened and chagrined by now, for you will often see things that will soon bring you
it. And be assured that we have had many difficulties and eternal death if you do not take care." Thereupon he
travails in our search for you since we left your land.” became silent and spoke no more. Rather, he disappeared
‘What!” said the king. “What have I lost then?” and was no longer seen.
‘Indeed, my lord,” said he, ‘You have lost the best of all Thus die king remained alone on the ship, and the
your friends, your brother-in-law Nascien, [398] who is wind struck the sail and carried it some distance before he
lying dead in this ship.” found land. He drifted all day long and all night in this way,
Upon hearing this, the king fainted, falling flat on the until it was about the hour of nones the next day. Then the
ground. When he came to, he asked to see Nascien, crying king sat on the main deck of the ship; he looked ahead and
out terribly, like a man who has lost his senses. The man saw very far away at sea a man coming across on top of the
who had told him the news raised him up, took him by the water just as if he were on foot. When he approached, he
left hand, and led him into the ship, while he grieved so saw two birds under his feet bearing him more rapidly
much that he nearly killed himself. [401] than any bird could fly. Once the man reached the
Once on board, the king saw the bier and ran straight ship, he stopped and made the sign of the true cross over
to it. He lifted the rich cloth covering it and saw Nascien’s the sea; he took water from the sea in both hands38 and
face and appearance as clearly as ever. He fainted again, sprinkled the entire interior of the ship without saying a
losing consciousness so completely that those who saw him word. The king watched and wondered who he might be
did not think he would escape without dying or being and why he was sprinkling the ship.
wounded. When he stood up, wishing to ask the knight how After the man had sprinkled the entire ship, he spoke
this had happened, he looked back toward the rock and to the king and said, “Mordrain.”
saw he was so far away that he could hardly see it. The king was astonished when he heard himself called
Thereupon, he was so grief-stricken that he could not utter by his baptismal name, and he replied, “My lord.”
a word, but fell back into a faint before the bier. When he The good man said to him, “Do you know who I am?”
came to, he crossed himself. At once he saw no man or And he said no. And the good man said,39 “I am your
woman, nor the bier in the ship. And then he began to sob defender, your protector after Jesus Christ. I am Salustes, in
bitterly, saying, “Oh, dear Lord God, I have so badly kept whose name and honor you founded the splendid church
watch! [399] I can see that You are angry with me, and I in the city of Sarras, and I have come to advise and comfort
have indeed deserved it.” you. The lamb sends you this message through me, the
Suddenly, he saw at the prow of the ship the man from lamb who in your vision brought you the good foods that
the beautiful ship who had spoken the good words to him the wolf took away from you: he tells you through me so
all week. He despaired, saying, "Oh, my lord, I have been you may know better that you have vanquished the wolf.
tricked by the one you told me to watch out for! You And this was through the sign of the cross you made when
certainly told the truth when you said that the devil would you saw you were so far away from die rock. Then the wolf
take me from the rock with his left hand.” And then he left you; this was the devil who fled, who earlier took from
began to cry and grieve. you all the good foods that the lamb had brought you.
The man said to him, “Don’t cry so much. Be quiet and These were the good words that the man from the ship
avoid doing worse, for you certainly need to.” spoke to you every day. This man was the lamb who in your
And the king said, “Oh, dear sir, you who know all vision brought you the good foods. You should know that it
things, for God’s sake, tell me what I should do and how I is this lamb who was crucified for the human lineage, Jesus
should act.” Christ, the Son of the Virgin, who came to comfort you
The man replied, “A number of terrifying adventures every day.40 He [402] sent me here to counsel you and
will befall you. Do not drink or eat anything until you see reveal your vision just as He showed it to you, so that you
Nascien, your brother-in-law, come to you as a good and may know what it means.
true Christian. As soon as you see him acting as a Christian
should, you can be sure that your deliverance has come. 37*< „
“Better,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
And I will tell you the truth about the wolf, which I told you “ne . .. mie,” which would make the sentence negative).
OQ
this morning you would vanquish before you could “In both hands” supplied from Ponceau.
understand36 your vision.
39“‘Do you know who I am?’ And he said no. And the good
“The one who told you today that Nascien was lying man said” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
dead in the ship was the wolf, for this was the devil, who is
40‘The lamb who in your vision brought you the good
foods.. .. every day” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
36“Understand,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “see”).
The History of the Holy Grail 69

“You saw a great lake come forth from your nephew, be sanctified and cleansed and purified of all filth. And
and from this lake came nine rivers. Eight of them were wherever it is sprinkled in good faith, the devil will not
alike in size and appearance, while the ninth, which sprang remain; no matter how bold he may be, he will immediately
forth last of all, was as big and beautiful as all the others flee. Once it has been sprinkled, he will not approach it but
together.41 The lake was very clear and beautiful. You will go away from it. Do this, and you will be safe, for
looked up and saw a man who looked like the True wherever you may do so, the devil will not have the power
Crucified One come down to earth; he then stepped into to do anything to your body through which your soul might
the lake barefoot and washed his feet, hands, and legs in be damned.”
the lake, as well as in all eight rivers. Once he had done this Thereupon the holy man stopped speaking and left,
in all eight, he came to the ninth, where he completely while the king remained in die ship as you have heard.
undressed and bathed himself.42 Here the story stops speaking about him and turns to
“This lake, which sprang from your nephew, symbolizes Nascien. [405]
a son who will come from him. In him Jesus Christ will
bathe His feet and His hands; that is, he will lead such a
good life that he will be true sustenance and a pure dove of
18. Nascien’s and Celidoine’s Liberation.1
the true Savior’s holy faith. From him will issue the nine
rivers; these are nine men who will descend from him. They
Here the story says that Nascien was imprisoned the way
will not all be his sons, but will descend43 direcdy from him,
you have heard and taken under guard by the perfidious
engendered one by the other. All the other eight will be
and traitorous infidel knight called Galafre. This knight
equally good, but the ninth will be nobler, of greater merit.
took Nascien and all of his land under his guard. Once he
Because [403] he will surpass the others in goodness, Jesus
held him under his domination, in prison, he was very
Christ will bathe Himself in him completely. He will not
happy, acting haughtily and making2 Nascien’s
bathe clothed, but completely nude, for He will undress
imprisonment hard and cruel.
before him in such a way that He will reveal His great
Nascien was placed in the depths of a dangerous,
secrets to him—what He has never revealed to any mortal
black, very dark cell, removed from the company and solace
man. This one will be full of all those qualities that man’s
of any people. He ate and drank litde. He could not use any
body or heart can or should bear, and he will surpass all
of his limbs, for his hands and feet were in chains; at all
those who have come before him44 and all those who come
times he was in the same state, never taking off his clothes
after him and who undertake to bear arms. He is the one
or shoes but lying day and night in them. Once Galafre had
the angel spoke about at Sarras, when he struck Joseph with
imprisoned Nascien in such a terrible place, he sought to
the avenging lance and said the marvels of the Grail would
torment him further and succeeded in imprisoning one of
never be revealed to any mortal man but one. He will be
Nascien’s young sons, who was only seven years and five
the ninth of those who descend from your nephew’s son,
months old.
and he will be such as you have heard. But the great
This child was very handsome and seemed to be
miracles that will happen on earth through him, where his
descended from a noble family and high lineage. [406]
body will lie, will not be attributed to him, because at this
When he was baptized, he was named Celidoine, a name
time very few will know the true sign of his sepulcher.
that suited him because of the life he led after that, for
“Now I have spoken to you enough about your vision,
Celidoine means “given to heaven” in Latin. He was indeed
and I will speak to you about why I sprinkled the ship, as
given to heaven, for during his entire life his heart and
you saw. This ship belonged to the devil, who was chased
desire were intent on heavenly works, and he knew as much
away when you made the sign of the holy cross. Because it
about astronomy as any man could through proper and
was his, he would perforce [404] return sometime if it were
well-intended study.
not purified. But now through the sprinkling of the water,
At his birth a great and unusual marvel occurred in the
which was purified and sanctified by the sign of the holy
city of Orberica. He was born on a beautiful summer day,
cross, and through the invocation of the Holy Trinity, it is
around noon, on the second day of the month of June. At
purified of the filth and wickedness that clung to it. No evil
the time he was bom, the sun, which should have been at
spirit will ever enter, for evil spirits fear nothing as they do
its brightest and hottest, suddenly appeared just as clearly
the holy cross and its sign, which is sanctified, and the
as in the morning when it rises, while the moon and the
invocation of the holy faith. If you wish to enter a fearsome
stars were seen as clearly as if it were night. This certainly
place, take water and purify it first by the sign of the holy
meant that he would probe and learn3 all the properties of
cross and then by the invocation of the Father and the Son
the heavens. This [407] sign marked the child’s birth, and
and the Holy Spirit By thi3 holy benediction, the water will
it was indeed right, for his life after that was such as the
symbol announced, and the words that come hereafter will
41“While the ninth . . . together” supplied from Hucher illuminate its truth.
variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
42“His limbs” omitted, as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
1Corresponds to Hucher II: 405-418; Sommer I: 107—111;
Sommer.
Ponceau §180-185.
43*They will not all be his sons, but will descend” supplied
2“Making,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “[Nascien’s
from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
imprisonment] was”).
44“A11 those who have come before him” supplied from
3“And learn” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
70 The History of the Holy Grail

Galafre held this child prisoner with his father mind, and he began to lament bitterly. Seizing a lance, he
Nascien, who remained a good seventeen days in the prison jumped onto one of his horses and ordered all his men-at-
you have heard about. On the seventeenth night Nascien arms to follow Nascien, each one taking his own route. He
was in bed, in a seated position, for he could not be down, himself took a path that led to the main road.
and he began to doze. As he dozed, he felt a hand grasp The moon was shining beautifully and clearly, and the
him by the arm. He needed to sleep so much that he night was rather peaceful and balmy. After having gone
pushed it away. The hand took him again, and he pushed it along the road a good half league, as fast as the horse could
away4 again. The hand took him a third time, and he carry him, Galafre looked ahead and saw Nascien.
pushed it away a third time. Thinking he would continue to Recognizing him, for he had seen him often, he spurred
sleep, which he had a great desire to do, he felt the hand after him.
, take him again by the hair and pub him up despite himself. When Nascien saw him coming, he was very
Feeling this, he tried to cry out, but he could not utter a frightened. The hand continued to hold him, and then the
word; astounded, he wondered what this could be. Once he cloud spread out over him so diat he saw clearly the body to
was standing, he felt that his hands and feet were which the hand belonged. It seemed to him that it was so
unbound;5 as he took his first step, he felt his chains lying large that no tongue could describe it accurately, and it was
before him. Then he was happy and rebeved. And when he so full of such wondrous light that the sun, when it is at its
was at the foot of the black, dark cell, he saw a light appear brightest and hottest in the summertime, does not have a
just as if it came out of the wall. [408] He looked up and hundredth part of the light the body had. He was so
saw something like a red cloud. Out of this cloud appeared astonished and overwhelmed that he lost all his senses and
the hand that was holding him, white as snow, and die6 did not know where he was. He remained thus in a faint,
forearm, in a sleeve as red as burning fire. neither seeing or feeling anything.
Thus the hand, which held him by the hair, and the When Galafre came to the place where he had seen
sleeve above it appeared clearly, as you have heard. But he Nascien, he looked all around but saw nothing alive except
could see nothing more of the body to which the hand die cloud going along the road, just like a wave of fire
belonged—only the form, which was enveloped in the blown by the force of the wind. [411] This red flaming
cloud, just as the form of a body appears when wrapped in thing he saw frightened him so thoroughly that he could
a shroud, though the body is not seen clearly because it is not remain in the saddle but fell to the ground in a faint.
covered. In this way Nascien saw the body and the hand The cloud passed over his body where he lay stretched out
that held him and Ufted him. He felt his feet leaving the on the ground, and the one who was in the cloud put his
ground; this marvel frightened him so much that he did hand on the right side of his face and his foot on the left.
not dare show anything of what he saw or felt. Thus the Thus Galafre lay in a faint. His horse turned and fled
hand bfted him up. He saw it clearly, and the hand holding as fast as it could go, straight to die dwelling from which it
him by the hair did not hurt him at all. Once he was in the had come. Those in the house who saw it come without
air [409] at the top of the vault covering the cell, he saw their lord were very frightened. Galafre’s household
open before him an iron door through which one entered lamented gready, believing he was dead because they had
the cell and lowered its prisoners. After going through this seen his horse return without him.
door, still being led by the hand, he went right past the bed At dawn the next day, they went to seek him, but they
where Galafre lay. Upon reaching the entrance of the did not know for certain which route he had taken to follow
house, he saw the gates open before him. And the cloud Nascien. They searched high and low undl they finally
still passed before, with him after. As soon as he was outside found Galafre in the middle of the road where he still lay
the main gate, he heard a sound like a man spitting.7 Once just as if he were dead. They took him and raised him up,
they had gone a small stone’s throw from the gate, Nascien but he was in such a state that even the threat of having his
looked back and saw that it had caught fire and was head cut off could not have made him stand up. They
burning. looked and saw on the right side of his face the mark of the
The fire was large and made a great deal of noise; hand diat had touched him and on die left the mark of the
those in the house noticed it and began to cry out loudly. foot. [412] The mark of the hand was as red as iron when
When Galafre heard the cries, he jumped out of bed. As die smith pulls it out of the furnace, while the mark of the
soon as he saw the open entrance through which Nascien foot was as black as pitch. The black mark was as cold as ice,
had left, he ran to the iron door; seeing it open, he was so and die red as hot as burning fire, as he himself recounted
astonished that he did not know what on earth to do or say. when he returned home. When the men who had found
Then he had a servant lowered into the cell. The man him raised him and saw him in such a state, they were very
searched the entire cell and said that Nascien was not much afraid, for he could not say a word or open his eyes,
there. When Galafre heard this, he nearly [410] lost his so they believed in truth that he was dead.
In this way they carried him up to the house, without
4‘The hand took him again, and he pushed it away” supplied his uttering a word, opening his eyes, or moving his feet or
from Hucher variants and Ponceau. hands. Once inside, they laid him in a bed, while his wife
“Unbound,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has and children and the rest of the household lamented
“bound”). loudly around him. At the hour of nones, he let out a loud
6“Nude” omitted, as in Ponceau. cry. His wife ran to him in a fright. He stank so badly that
7“Spitting,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has she nearly fainted from anguish. He opened his eyes,
“cachier,” which is probably a lapsus). looked all around, and asked for water to put out the fire
The History of the Holy Grail 71
that was burning him. His servants ran hurriedly for water. Crucified One flee immediately, for the vengeance against
After [413] they had thrown the water on both sides of his His enemies approaches.”
face, they saw that the flesh on the right side was gone, so As soon as the voice had said this, it began to thunder
that the cheekbone appeared completely white, while the and lighten so terribly that it seemed it was the end of the
flesh all around was as red as fire. They looked at the left world. All of Galaffe’s men-at-arms turned and fled out of
side and saw that it was full of worms, and it stank so that the tower, [416] leaving their lord lying in a faint. Fire
they could barely stand it. As soon as they had thrown the immediately descended from die heavens, striking the left
water on him, he began to cry out again, and he fainted so part of the tower so fiercely that it toppled half the
dead away that anyone who saw him would believe he was in batdements from the top down to the middle floor. In the
fact dead. When he came to, he opened his eyes and began part that fell lay Galafre, who died so vilely that he was
to complain bitterly, saying he felt death was very near. smashed into dny pieces before falling to the ground. None
Then he began to get very angry; he said that it grieved him of the other people suffered any harm except fear, for Our
terribly to die in such a way and to fall into such suffering at Lord had put them there so that they would see this,
the best moment he had ever known. Because of his great because He had chosen them for His service. For they had
grief, he cursed Him who had caused him to be bom, when all received the law and had been baptized in the name of
he was to die so soon and in such a way. the Trinity. Thus the True Crucified One saved those who
Next he asked for news of Nascien, but the people in had turned to His faith and delivered over to death the
the house replied that they knew nothing at all about him. man who had revolted against His glorious name, for He is
When he heard thiL, he fainted again. As soon as he came the One against whom all power is mortal.
out of his faint, he ordered Nascien’s son Celidoine In the way we have heard, Galafre passed from
brought before him. Once the child was there, Galafre said temporal life to eternal death. The news of his death soon
he would take ven§ eance on Celidoine for his anger with spread throughout the kingdom and the land, as did that of
his father, who had fled, and for the death he had received Nascien’s escape and the way his son was carried away.
[414] because he had pursued Nascien. Then Galafre When Queen Sarrasinte learned the news, she was very
ordered the child killed right away. His wife fell happy and much comforted, for she believed truly that
immediately at his feet, beseeching him not to do that; if he Jesus Christ’s power had unbound them and that wherever
wished to cause the youth’s death, he should make him they might be, they were there because of Him.
starve so that he might die in prison or in some other way. When the nobles of the kingdom through whose
But Galafre, who had more evil in his heart than a tiger or advice Nascien had been seized learned the truth about
lion or other wild beast, replied that he did not want the [417] his deliverance and Galafre’s death, they were very
child to live on after him, but rather to see him die with his much afraid—some8 because of the vengeance God had
own eyes. Then he called his men-at-arms and ordered taken, and some because of the valor they knew Nascien
them to carry him, sick as he was, up to the battlements of possessed.9 Thus even the boldest wished that they had
the tower on high. never thought of it. Then they all came to the queen and
They did as he ordered. Once he had been carried begged for mercy for having consented to the great
there, he ordered Nascien’s son Celidoine brought up. injustice done to her brodier; surely she knew all this had
When the child was there, Galafre called his men-at-arms been done through Galafre’s advice, and God had taken
and ordered them to throw him from the batdements of the great vengeance he deserved. Having seen clearly His
the tower down to the ground before his eyes, for he true demonstration of this as well as Nascien’s innocence,
himself wished to see justice done, after which he did not they were there to cry mercy to her.
care when he died. The men were very upset for love of the “My lady,” said they, “send someone to find your
child, but they did not dare refuse to obey their lord. They brother, and have him sought until he is found. We will
took the child and lifted him up above the batdements of place ourselves and our lands in his mercy, to do what he
the tower. [415] When Galafre saw him up there, he pleases and finds good.”
ordered them to throw him down. The tyrant had himself When Queen Sarrasinte heard them speak thus, she
raised up, for he wished to see him die, so cruel was he, and was overjoyed. She immediately chose five messengers;
the men dropped the child. When the child reached the giving them great riches and splendid horses, she ordered
middle of the tower, the men above looked, believing that them, as they held their lives dear, to seek Nascien
he had already fallen to the ground, smashed to pieces. But throughout all the lands as long as the riches and the
as soon as they looked, they saw nine hands that seemed horses lasted. In order that he might not disbelieve
whiter than snow holding him—two by one of his hands, anything they told him, [418] she gave them a letter sealed
two by one of his feet, two by the other foot, and two by the with her seal. With this she put the proof of what she had
other hand, while the ninth was holding him by the chin. said to him: die anguish and torment that her lord the king
In this way the nine hands carried die child without had suffered all night before he disappeared. Thus the
touching ground until they had taken him far away. When queen charged her messengers, and they set out10 as she
Galafre saw him borne away in this manner, he grieved so ordered until they finished their quest, just as the story will
in his heart that he fell back in a faint. At once there
descended on the tower such great darkness diat die men 8“Some” supplied from Ponceau.
could barely see each other. Then a voice spoke so loudly 9“And were very sad” omitted, as in Hucher variants and
that they all heard, “Let anyone who is a friend of the True Ponceau.
10“Set out,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “came”).
72 The History of the Holy Grail

tell farther on.11 At this point the story stops speaking knew she possessed, heard the news of her great sorrow and
about the queen and the five messengers and speaks about of the grieving she did day and night. She asked Flegetine
another quest, which it will bring to an end before this one. to come to her so that they might comfort one another. But
Flegetine did not want to go; she said that she sought no
company in her grief, but wanted to have the bad all alone
since she had had the good alone.
19. Flegetine Sets out to Seek Nascien.1
When the queen saw that Flegetine did not want to
come to her despite any message she might send, she went
Now the story says that after Nascien was put in Galafre’s
to seek her herself. As soon as they saw each other, their
prison, and his son was imprisoned with him and all his sorrow was renewed all day long. [421] The queen and the
land seized, his wife, who was a young and very noble
duchess grieved more than anyone has ever seen. Their
woman—the daughter of the king of the Midians—was
tears and cries of grief and anguish lasted for a long time.
exiled from her land. The lady was so beautiful that
The queen, who was a good and wise lady, was the first to
everyone who saw her considered the beauty of her figure
speak, comforting the duchess and taking great pains to
and face sovereign over that of all women. Besides being
calm her. After she had spoken many words and pointed
beautiful, she also possessed good traits, for she was
out several things, she beseeched her at last to go with her,
generous toward God, gracious to people on earth, and
but the duchess did not wish to put into action anything
simple, faithful, and chaste toward her husband. And she
that was said to her.
loved him so much that nothing could make her heart
Rather, she said, “My lady, I have come to the home of
joyful unless she knew first that her husband’s heart was
a man whom I have found the most loyal in the world. He is
content. [419]
one of my vavasors, and be assured that his heart would be
The lady was such as you have heard, and her name
very chagrined if I were to give up his company at this
was Flegetine. When she learned that her husband and lord
point. I will not leave him, my lady, for since he
was in prison, you can be sure that she lamented and
accompanied me at the beginning of my exile, I should
grieved. In the midst of her great sorrow, the nobles of the
indeed accompany him when God grants the restoration of
kingdom sent word to her to relinquish all her land. On
my joy and my rank. And I will suffer less chagrin and
that day she was at Orberica, the main seat of the duchy.
sorrow here than I would if I were with you, for each time
She relinquished it willingly because she thought her lord
we saw each other, our sorrow would immediately be
would thereby be released from prison, but Galafre’s
renewed.”
counsel did not allow this, just as the story recounted
The queen took great pains to try to find a way to take
earlier. When she saw that the affair had gone so far that
her sister-in-law with her, but Flegetine did not want to
she would have neither her lord nor her land, she was more
leave the vavasor despite any of her prayers. Thus, in sorrow
sorrowful than before.
and distress, the queen departed, and Flegetine remained,
Then the lady went to the home of a vavasor, an old
grieving unceasingly. Indeed, her tears and sorrows grew
man of great loyalty, who had always been her son’s tutor.
deeper each day.
The lady had always had great affection for him and had
For a long time the lady led [422] this life without
often given him and his wife gifts. It seemed to her that she
anyone being able to comfort her until the day came when
would find greater love in him than in any other because
Nascien, her lord, escaped, and her son also. When she had
she had raised him from great poverty to great riches, and
news of that, she began to be a little comforted and
so she had greater confidence in him. The duchess
appeared more cheerful than before. On the seventh
Flegetine went to this vavasor’s home, very sorrowful and
night** after Nascien escaped from prison, it happened that
distraught. And he to whom she had given great gifts and
she lay slumbering in her bed, not having slept in a long
high honors received her with great honor and [420]
time, and she was now beginning to rest.
rejoicing, if it were possible for her to be joyful, and if
As she slumbered, a vision came to her in which
people who had so many worries and sorrows could be
Nascien appeared before her and said, “Dear sweet sister,
joyful.
follow me, for I am going to the sweet land in the West that
The vavasor’s joy at the arrival of his lady was as great
God has provided; it is to be increased3 and honored with
as his heart could show her. But she had hardly arrived
my seed and yours. ”
when her son was taken to be imprisoned with his father.
When she awoke in the morning, she remembered this
Then the lady was so full of anguish that all the sorrow she
dream and wondered what it could mean. And yet it
had felt in her heart was nothing compared to what she felt
seemed to her it could not have any truth in it. That
now. She lamented so deeply that anyone who saw her
morning she went first of all to Holy Church to worship. At
would think that she could not possibly escape alive, for
that time Holy Church was still very tender and young, as it
there was no one alive, either man or woman, who could
was then just beginning in that country. As soon as she had
comfort her in her chagrin.
listened to the service, she recounted the vision to the
Queen Sarrasinte, her sister-in-law, who held her dear
for love of her brother and because of the great good she o

^ “Night," as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer

(Hucher has “day”).
1 * *See Chapters 25 and 27. 3« it
‘Increased,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
* Corresponds to Hucher II: 418-427; Sommer I: 111-114; (Hucher has “known”).
Ponceau §186-192.
The History of the Holy Grail 73
priest and asked him, in holy charity, to pray to Our Lord was accustomed to do, in order to worship. The vavasor had
[423] Jesus Christ to give her guidance soon. told his wife that the lady wished to go see5 her sister-in-law
Thereupon the lady returned to the dwelling of the the queen, and he had already had the horses saddled and
vavasor, who took pains to comfort and console her in every everything prepared to leave. As soon as the lady returned
way he could. The lady called him aside in private and from church, she mounted, as did the vavasor and his
related the entire truth about her thoughts and her vision, eldest son, who the story says was called Elicanor, while his
just as it had happened. And the vavasor said, “My lady, may father was named Corsapin. With that the duchess took
it please God, this vision signifies only good. Whatever you leave of the vavasor’s wife, as did her lord and her son, but
have to do and wish to undertake and venture to command, her lord never let on that he was to go farther than to the
I am ready to do.” queen, for he did not want his wife to be aware of anything,
When the lady heard him offer to do her wishes so since his lady had forbidden it.
readily, she began to cry very hard and said that he was to Thus all three departed. They took four horses, three
go with her, where she wished to go. of which they rode, while the fourth was a packhorse,
“My lady,” said the vavasor, “I do not know what you completely laden with deniers [426] struck in gold, silver
want to do, but whenever you wish to set out, command it, ingots, and rich and beautiful dishware. Once they were
for your baggage is all ready—horses, companions, and outside the city, they turned onto the direct route to the
possessions.” city of Sarras. The vavasor did this so that it would be
“In faith,” said the lady, “I wish no company but yours, believed they were going straight to the queen. They
for I wish to leave so secretly that no one alive will know a traveled more than a league along this road.
word about it except you and me.” Then the vavasor addressed his lady, saying, “My lady,
“My lady,” said he, “may everything be as you now tell me where you recommend seeking my lord, for I
command. But if it pleases you and if it seems that I speak don’t believe you really know what land he is in. Because we
wisely, we will take my oldest son with us, for I never saw a don’t know with any certainty, we must go where we will by
lad who could endure greater suffering than he, and he will chance.”
be a great help to us, if your will is that he come. You can “Indeed,” said the lady, “it is true that I don’t know the
be sure, truly, that I’m not saying it because I am unwilling truth about it, but because my lord told me in my vision
to bear all the suffering that any man of my age could, but that he was going to the land of the West, my heart draws
no lady [424] of your position should be attended as she me more in that direction than toward any other land, and
travels by the service of only one man. If you and I left I recommend we go that way by the most direct route we
n
without anyone else and something happened to me, you can.
would be completely forsaken, in a foreign land where you Then they turned onto a road on the right and crossed
do not know anyone. And even if my son comes with us, I a river called Arecuse that ran through Orberica. After that
will not go as a knight but as your servant, for no affliction they traveled rapidly until at nightfall they arrived at the
that I might suffer for you could be disagreeable or painful edge of Nascien’s land. They took lodging at a very late
to me. Now tell me your will and when you wish to leave. hour, staying in a castle called Hemelian situated on the
And if the company that I have suggested pleases you, tell border of the duchy.
me what your pleasure is, for I do not dare to inquire of you The next day they arose very early; the [427] lady did
the reason for this trip, and yet this is something I would not wish to be seen in the city because she was traveling so
willingly know." poorly. And there was also another reason, for the people
Then the lady said that since he recommended it, she in the castle and the entire country around were Saracens,
would be happy to have his son go. And she said, “I would who bitterly hated the people of Sarras and Orberica
very much like you to know the reason for the trip. It is true because they were Christians. After traveling five leagues
that I will never be content until I see4 my lord. This is the from the castle, they entered Calamine Valley in a land in
trip I want to take. But I don’t want any living person to which nard, cinnamon, and balsam were very plentiful.
know about it because people whose company I would not They traveled until, on the third day, they arrived in a
like might wish to come with me.” very rich city named Nuisance, which was the main seat of
“My lady,” said the vavasor, “this is the one voyage in the king of Meochide’s realm.6 But now the story stops
the world that I will most willingly take. [425] And be speaking about the Duchess Flegetine and her companions
assured that as soon as I knew that Nascien had escaped, I and returns to the messengers about whom I had begun to
would have advised you to go, but I feared you would not tell you, who had left at Queen Sarrasinte’s behest to seek
wish to take me with you. But since you have undertaken it her brother Nascien. And yet before it tells about the
in this way, we have only to depart in the morning without messengers, it will recount how Nascien came to the place
any further delay. ” where the messengers found him and how he found his son
Thereupon their discussion ended. The vavasor Celidoine, whom he had left in Galafre’s prison and about
prepared gold and silver, which he had in plenty, for whom his heart was more uneasy than about any living
Nascien and the duchess had enriched him for love of their thing.[428]
son, whom he was raising. The next day the duchess arose
early in the morning and went to Holy Church, just as she 5“See” supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
6“Realm” supplied from Ponceau.
4“See” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
Sommer.
74 The History of the Holy Grail

20. Description of the Turning Isle.1 Once He had cleaned and purified heaven of all
earthly slag and watery rust, and shaken earth and water out
of5 heaven’s burning heat, this earthly slag and watery rust
Now the story says here that after the cloud2 had carried
could not naturally rejoin the earth and water from which
Nascien to the place where Galafre had overtaken him, as
they had come. Nor could the heavenly heat and burning
you heard described earlier, and Galafre had fallen in a
that were recovered from the earth and the water
faint, frightened by the red cloud, and the body inside the
honorably repair to such a noble or pure thing as heaven,
cloud had marked Galafre on both cheeks with the mortal
for they had gained no purity from earth and water, which
seal—after that the cloud carried Nascien to a very remote
are a mass of every kind of filth, while heaven, as [431] you
place. This was an island in the Western Sea, thirteen days
have indeed heard, is full of everything pure. Because none
distant from the place where Nascien had been imprisoned,
of them could rightly return whence it came—neither the
and the local people called it the Turning Isle. This island
earthly iron slag to the earth, nor the watery rusty matter to
was rightly called turning because it is true that it turned.
the water—since they had retained some lightness and heat
But everyone who has heard about it does not know how it
from heaven; and because the burning heat could not
turns, and it is right that this story show the truth, for if it
return to heaven, since it was sullied with the baseness of
did not clearly show the reason and knowledge about every
earth and water, all these three things had to stay in one
doubtful thing it mentions, it would only be words
mass.
interlaced together, just like some people who speak many
Someone might say, “Air was p led up in the same way
words, claiming their truth, but who cannot cite any
as these three; why doesn’t this story speak about it? It is
support, except that they have heard it from others. This
proven truth that along with these three things that were
story eschews this bad way, for it does not set forth any
amassed, there was a bit of air as well.” The story agrees
doubtful statement [429] without explaining it with utter
with this, but it says that there was so little that it is not
clarity. That is why it is rightly called the Chronicle of
necessary to speak about it.
Chronicles.
Just as you have heard, the four parts that had been
Now the chronicle stops to recount the true ways of the
shaken free remained in one mass. And because this mass6
island where Nascien was carried, which the local people
could not naturally return to any of these four elements for
call, as I told you, the Turning Isle. It is proven truth that at
the reason the story has explained, it had to fight against
the beginning of all things, when the Founder of the world
itself, and so it did without fail, for insofar as there was fire
divided and parted the four elements, which had all been
in it, which is from heaven, it was light and pulled upward;
piled up in one mass, and separated3 heaven, which is full
and insofar as it contained earth, it bore down; and [432]
of all light and purity, and which the Scripture calls fire,
insofar as there was water, it was wet and quivering and
from the other three, He established it in the highest place,
clammy. But there was so little air that it drew no property
for He made it cover and enclose all the others. Because
from it. And because all the weight of the four elements is
heaven and air and earth and water had once been a single
in earth and water—since these two collected all heavy
mass, each one, even though they were all of clashing
natures, was inevitably4 bound up with die others and things—die weight remained with them, in the way you will
hear.
linked according to its particular properties, heaven being
by nature hot and light, and earth by nature cold and It was proven truth that by the will and pleasure of the
heavy. And so anyone can understand that heaven felt to One whom all things obey, this mass fell into the sea, and
some extent the cold of the earth or water, and these two because it tended in part to be light, in accordance with
likewise felt to some extent heaven’s great heat. [430] what it felt from heaven, which is very light, it floated lightly
Thus you can understand the clashes among them; and could not go to the bottom. In this way it floated for a
they were harmful to one other and could not bear one long time in the sea without being able to stop anywhere,
another. Because the earth, which is heavy and cold and a until it came into the Western Sea between Oragrine Island
mass of filth, touched heaven, which is light and hot and and the Port of the Tigers. In a sector of this sea, which lies
the source of all purity, it happened that heaven gathered between this island and this port, there is a great deal of
up filth in the form of masses of iron slag from earth as well lodestone, or magnetic iron ore, down on the bottom. You
as rusty matter from water. But when the Sovereign Father, heard earlier that the story says the earth in the mass was
who is the source of all knowledge, had separated one from iron slag; now this stone called lodestone has the property
the other and disjoined them, He placed heaven in its true of liking iron above all and readily pulls it close. Once the
honor and led it to purity, for He made it clear and shining iron is next to it and can join its force to it, it is not easy to
and light and full of all warmth, while He left the earth cold separate it; the strength of the stone pulls the iron so much
and heavy, making it a mass of every heavy thing. that it makes it touch it, unless there is more iron than
stone or some other tiling that can overcome the force of
the magnet. [433]
1 Corresponds to Hucher II: 428-452; Sommer I: 114-124;
Ponceau §193-205. When the mass about which I spoke to you came
o floating up to the place where the lodestone was, it
■‘“Cloud,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
(Hucher has “hand”).
3“Separated,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has 5“And shaken earth and water out of” supplied from
“deseure,” “on,” probably a misreading of “desevre,” “separated”). Ponceau.

4The word “ne” supplied here from Ponceau and Sommer in 6‘That had been shaken free" and “And because this mass”
order to give this reading. supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 75
stopped, for the strength of the lodestone held it because it aching, he lay down on the ground with a tremendous
was ferrous, just as you have heard. But the force of the desire to sleep.
lodestone could not pull it enough to make it join to it, not Once he was lying on the ground in one of the parts of
because it had more iron than there was lodestone, but the island that seemed the coolest to him, for it was
because the heavenly heat it held caused it to stay lighter, summer—the ninth day of the month of June—and so the
and that made it perforce pull upwards. island was especially hot, he raised his right hand and made
In this way, the mass remained in this place in the sea. the sign of the holy cross over himself, so that it might be
Since then it has been called an island by the local people, his shield and defense against the eternal deceiver, that is,
because all the masses of land that appear in the sea and the devil, who seeks only to deceive those who are
other waters, wherever they may be, are called by this name. illuminated with and desirous of Lord God’s love and faith.
And because it partook greatly of heaven’s nature, it Thereupon Nascien fell asleep from his fatigue and travails.
happened that no plants or trees ever grew there, nor could The moon shone very clearly, for it was nighttime, and he
any animal or bird live there. And along with this quality, it slept for a long time and very well, since he needed to sleep
has yet another one that comes from the nature7 it derives a great deal.
from heaven, which is that every time the firmament turns, Thus Nascien slept until about daybreak, when a vision
the island turns in the same way as the firmament, that is, came, in which it seemed to him that he saw a very great
heaven. In the way you have heard, the island turns. Now plain. In this plain there were a great many very beautiful
the story has told you why the local people call it the birds, and it seemed to him when he looked at them that
Turning Isle. they [436] flew very high. There were some who flew very
The cloud carried Nascien to this island and put him low and others that could not fly, but stayed on the ground.
down. He was in a faint, having [434] so completely lost his Then came the most beautiful and the largest one, which
senses because of the marvels he had seen that he did not seized him with its claws and carried him up in the air very
know whether he was living or dead. After the cloud had high and then said, “Fly!” When Nascien looked at himself,
put him down, it left, and Nascien lay on the ground for a he saw that he had very large, fight pure white wings, and
long time, just as if he were dead. When he came out of the he flew as lightly as if he were walking on his feet.
faint and regained his senses and consciousness, opening Then the big bird, the one that had taught him to fly,
his eyes, there is no need to ask whether he was frightened. came after him and asked him to give it something to eat,
If his heart had not been firm toward his Savior, who had for it was dying of hunger.
tested him in many ways and8 who intended to test him Nascien replied, “What do you want me to give you to
further, he would not have held to his faith, for every eat?11 I will give you what you ask for and what I can
misfortune and sorrow had happened to him since he had obtain.”
converted, and all joy9 had left him. However, despite the The bird said, “I won’t be satisfied unless you give me
disappearance of joy and despite any misfortune that might your heart.” Nascien took it at once and gave it to the bird,
befall him, he did not deviate from his faith enough to which carried it away, rejoicing, and saying in its language,
require repentance. Just as Job, who had had so many “Now I am completely satisfied, since I am carrying away
beautiful treasures in his life, suffered willingly and wisely what I wanted to have and what no one knows: this is the
all his misfortunes, including lying in such a vile and awful little mouse from which the big lion, who will vanquish all
thing as dung, without ever speaking a single evil word the earthly beasts through the power of his heart and limbs,
against his Creator, in the same way Nascien suffered will escape. Once he has vanquished them and made them
graciously and willingly his numerous ordeals and subject to him through his great valor, and has [437]
misfortunes, without becoming angry with God or anyone surpassed all earthly feats, he will think he has done
else except himself, saying that he had deserved it.10 nothing unless he also sees what is done in heaven. Then
When Nascien found himself on the Turning Isle in wings will come to him, and he will learn to fly in his old
the way you have heard, with nothing but sky and water to age, and he will fly over the top of all the mountains,
see, he was very troubled, for he did not know how he had through the thickness of the clouds, into heaven through
come there. All around him he saw the ugly, barren island, the main gate.”
[435] which was so hot that it was cruel and grievous to This is what it seemed to Nascien the white bird was
bear. He saw that he was alone and lost, and he did not saying to him. With that his dream and vision ended, and
know in what part of the sea he could be. He did not he awoke. As he was waking, he felt the island move and
remember how he had escaped. He did not know what had turn according to the turning of the firmament.12 Mystified
become of his son Celidoine; this was what worried him the and frightened, he raised his head and began to look
most. Tired and exhausted, his hands, feet, and sides around.
As he looked here and there, he heard such a great
and marvelous battle and struggle at the bottom of the sea
7‘That comes from the nature” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau. that it seemed to him that the entire island was about to
8“Who had tested him in many ways and” supplied from sink and fall into an abyss. The tumult was so violent that
Ponceau.
9To him," as in Ponceau (Hucher has “which”); “since he 1 ^‘Something to eat, for he was dying of hunger. . .. eat”
had converted, and all joy” supplied from Ponceau. supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
10“Except himself, saying that he had deserved it” supplied 12“He awoke. .. . firmament” supplied from Hucher variants,
from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer. Ponceau, and Sommer.
76 The History of the Holy Grail

no mortal man could see it without taking great fright, for do with her, He said, “Let him who is without sin cast the
throughout the island, from one end to the other, there first stone.”15 He said this because the Jews had a law, which
was no place that did not tremble as violendy as a leaf in a Moses himself had established, that stated that if a married
strong wind. This was because of the struggle at the bottom woman was caught in adultery (that is, lying with another
of the sea caused by the lodestone’s effect on the ferrous man than her husband), she should be lapidated without
earth. [438] The island had to turn at the command of the ransom (that is, she should be [441] killed with stones).
firmament whose nature it had kept in part, while the Because Jesus Christ, who knew16 all things, knew very well
lodestone whose force held the ferrous earth tighdy did not that they were saying this only to wrong Him, if they could,
want to allow it to move. But compared to the power of the He responded with these words. And He immediately
firmament, that of the lodestone was like a little spring in began to write in the dirt, with His thumb, a phrase
comparison to the sea. And so you can be sure that it could reproaching the great baseness and filth from which the
not be held very well by the strength of the lodestone, for human lineage was created, for these words appeared: “Oh,
the firmament was more powerful. For this reason, the earth! Wiry are you so bold that you dare to accuse the
island turned despite the force of the lodestone, the weight earth?” This meant, “Look, man who is made of such a base
of the earth, and the surrounding water.13 Thus, the thing as mud, how can you be so presumptuous that you
contest was so great between the earth and the lodestone dare to recall another’s misdeed, while you hide your own
that at times the island sank into the sea until the water evil works, which sully you!”
covered the shoreline. According as cold or heat was more We find that Jesus Christ, the true Son of God, wrote in
abundant, the island litde by little drew closer to the these two places you have heard recalled here before He
lodestone or farther from it, so that sometimes it almost suffered death on the glorious cross. But however He may
completely floated on the water. have acted while He was wrapped in mortal flesh, you will
When Nascien heard this battle, he was very never find a clerk bold enough to say that He ever wrote
frightened, but no matter how much he thought about it, anything after the Resurrection other than the high writing
he could not perceive why this was happening. Then he of the Holy Grail. Anyone who wished to say that after the
stood up straight; feeling the island tremble beneath him, Resurrection He wrote anything else with His own hand
he looked and saw that one of the ends was sinking, [439] could not find any divine authority to back him, and so
while the other was rising. And yet the island was not small. would be considered a liar. Thus, I say indeed that it would
Rather, the truth attests it was twelve hundred eighty stadia be a very foolishly bold thing for anyone to try to append a
long and nine hundred twelve stadia wide. The stadium is a lie [442] to such a noble story as this one, which the true
measure of land that equals one-sixteenth of a league. Thus God wrote with His own hand after laying down His mortal
you can calculate that this island was exacdy eighty leagues body and clothing Himself again in celestial majesty.
long. But now it is right that the story be brought back to the
But even if the island were longer, the story is not main line of the chronicle, which it left for a while in order
lying, for it does not guarantee its words against there being to speak about these things that it called to mind and
anything more, but against anything less. For the story placed among the words of the chronicle and yet are not in
testifies, just as you will hear told later, that all the it. The straight way returns to the island whose length and
adventures of tire Grail will not be known by any mortal width were told by the story. And it says next that Nascien
man. Many must be left in silence. But in the holy story that was at the Western end of this island; yet he was not right at
was sent to earth by the Mouth of Truth, that is, by Jesus the shore but at a distance of six score stadia, which
Christ, one will never find a false word, for anyone who amounts to seven and a half leagues. When he saw day
would dare to add lies to such a noble history as the one the break, he was very happy, since he strongly desired to find
True Crucified One wrote with His own hand would be too out in what part of the sea he could be, and because he was
full of foolish daring. This story should therefore be held in more comfortable during the day than at night, for he still
greater honor, for we do not find as we read in any divine hoped that in the day chance might bring him solace and
Scripture that [440] Jesus Christ, the true Son of God, the company.
very sweet Lord, ever wrote with His own hand except in Thereupon Nascien got down on his knees, turned his
two places. face toward the East, and prayed to Our Lord Jesus Christ
The first writing He did was the high prayer the that through His mercy, as truly as he believed that He
Scripture calls the Lord’s Prayer. This is the Pater Noster. alone was God and that there was no other God in whom
He wrote it with His thumb on the stone, when He taught one should believe, He would send him help soon, which
His disciples how they should pray. The second writing He might succor him to the honor of his body and the
did14 was when the Jews brought Him the woman who had salvation of his soul. After his prayer, he stood up and made
been caught in adultery, in order to test how He would the sign of the [443] cross before his face. Then he turned
judge her, and He began to write in the dirt before Him. straight in the direction where he saw that the sea was
After they had urged Him to tell them what He wanted to closest. After going a half league, he looked far out to sea
and saw something that seemed to be no bigger than a swan
13“Water” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and coming straight toward the end of the island where he was.
Sommer. He increased his pace as much as he could, but this was not
14“He did was the high prayer the Scripture calls... . second
writing He did” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
15SeeJohn VIII, 1-8.
Sommer.
16“Knew” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 77

much, for his feet hurt because of the chains he had worn began to look all around, saying to himself that he did not
in prison, so that he could not walk very well. And there was think one could find another ship of such great [446]
another reason why he could not walk17 well; it was because beauty or splendor as this, either on sea or land. After
he was not used to doing it often. looking it over everywhere and searching out all the angles
He walked until he saw clearly this thing that he had underneath and above, he returned to the main part of the
seen at sea since morning. Realizing that it was a very ship, where he saw a pure white cloth stretched like a
beautiful and splendid ship, he was very happy, so he tried curtain over a large bed. He approached and lifted the
to walk fast. Finally he reached the shore with some cloth; then he looked underneath and saw the most
difficulty. As he arrived, he discovered that his feet were beautiful bed he had ever heard of.
split open because of the heat of the island and the The bed was very large, sumptuous, and marvelously
difficulty of walking. By now it was probably the hour of beautiful. At the head there was a gold crown, while at the
nones. [444] He was tired and exhausted and famished. foot there was a magnificent sword. It was laid across the
Then he looked out to the right, in the near distance, and bed, pulled out of the scabbard a full palm’s length. This
saw that a ship had arrived. It seemed to him it was the one sword was very unusual, for the pommel was made out of a
he had seen all day,18 and he turned in that direction. He stone that had in it all the colors found on earth. The stone
went up to the ship; seeing its beauty and splendor, he was of all these colors, and it had other unusual
wondered where such a beautiful ship could have come characterisUcs, for each of the colors had a quality that the
from.19 After looking at it awhile, he marveled even more story will certainly tell about when it speaks more of its
than before, for he saw no man or woman in it. He thought power and strength than here.20
that it would be unfortunate if he did not see more. Then Next, the story says that the hilt of the sword was made
he went a litde closer, thinking he would go inside, to see if of two ribs that came from two different animals. [447] The
he would find anyone and if the ship was as beautiful inside first was from a kind of serpent that lives in Caledonia21
as out. more than in any other land, and is called Papagustes. The
As he was about to board, he looked at the bow of the power of this serpent is such that if any man holds one of its
ship. There he recognized golden letters written in ribs or any of its other bones, he has no fear of feeling great
Chaldean which said a very frightening and fearsome thing heat, either from the sun’s strength or from the heat of
to all those who would enter. These were the words: TAKE work; rather, as long as he holds it, he is always moderately
NOTE, YOU WHO WISH TO ENTER ME, WHOEVER YOU MAY BE; warm. The first rib is like this, and has this power.
TAKE CARE THAT YOU ARE FULL OF FAITH, FOR MY NATURE IS The other rib is from a fish that is not very large, and
SUCH THAT THERE IS NOTHING BUT FAITH IN ME. THEREFORE, that lives in the Euphrates River and no other waters. This
TAKE CARE BEFORE YOU ENTER THAT YOU ARE NOT SULLIED, FOR fish is called Cortenans. Its ribs possess such power that if
FAITH IS BELIEF. AS SOON AS YOU TURN AWAY FROM YOUR BELIEF any man takes one, as long as he holds it, he will not
IN ANYWAY, I WILL TURN AWAY FROM YOU IN SUCH A WAY THAT remember any of the joys or sorrows he has had except the
YOU WILL HAVE NO SUCCOR OR HELP FROM ME; RATHER, I WILL one thing that caused him to take the rib. As soon as he
FAIL YOU IN ALL THINGS, WHEREVER [445] YOU MAY BE GUILTY puts it down, he will think again just as he is accustomed to,
OF DISBELIEF, AND TO WHATEVER EXTENT. according to human nature. The two ribs in the sword’s hilt
Then Nascien stopped and began to think very intendy have these powers and these qualities.
about what the writing said. After a while, he said to himself The hilt was covered with a [448] splendid red cloth
that he wanted to enter the ship, but the words, which were widr gold writing that said, I AM MARVELOUS TO SEE AND MORE
so troublesome, made him afraid. After this, he said to MARVELOUS TO KNOW, FOR NO MATTER HOW LARGE THE HAND, I
himself that he would board the ship. Then he thought of CANNOT BE GRASPED. NO ONE WILL EVER GRASP ME EXCEPT ONE
something else and said, “Dear Lord God, this writing says PERSON WHO WILL SURPASS IN HIS CRAFT ALL THOSE WHO HAVE
that there is only faith in this ship. If it is true, then I know BEEN BEFORE HIM AND WHO WILL COME AFTER HIM.22 This is
very well, without fear, that the ship came from You. And if what the letters on the hilt said. As soon as Nascien had
it has come from You, then no harm or anything that might read them (for he knew Chaldean well), he wondered what
be contrary to Your glorious holy name can come from it to this could mean. Then he looked at the blade of the sword,
him who truly believes in You. I believe in You and worship which was pulled out of the scabbard as far as you have
You with my whole heart, just as I learned from Your heard. There he saw more writing, in letters as red as blood.
servant’s mouth that You want to be believed in and He stepped forward a litde and began to read them. He saw
worshiped. Trusting in Your holy name, I will enter, for they said that no one should be so bold as to draw the
faith in You saves all those who have their thoughts in You, sword unless he was to strike better and more boldly than
whatever danger their bodies may be in.” anyone else; and that anyone else who drew it would be the
Thereupon Nascien raised his right hand and crossed first to die from it, and this had already been proven.
himself, and then he entered the ship. Once inside, he After having read the writing, Nascien wondered about
it more than anything else, for dr is was the thing he desired

l7“And there was another reason why he could not walk”

supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, Sommer. 20Despite this announcement, there is no further mention of
18“Day” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. the virtues of the colors.

19“Where such a beautiful ship could have come from,” as in 21Scotland.

Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “such a beautiful one had 22This prophecy is realized in The Quest for the Holy Grail, by
never been seen”). Lancelot’s son, Galahad; see Chapter 72.
78 The History of the Holy Grail

the most23—to draw the sword from the scabbard and see thought at one moment, and it seemed to him to be the
what it was like—and the marvels indicated by the writing truth, that it was made out of wood. And the next moment
made him desire this even more. he swore that it was leather, but he could not say what
Then Nascien began to look at the scabbard, but no animal it came from. And yet the next minute he said it
matter how much he [449] looked it up and down, he did was2^ of iron or some kind of metal, and he wished to find
not know how to describe in his heart nor say with his out the truth for himself because he had never seen
mouth what it could be made of. But he knew for sure that anything of its size that weighed so much.
it was as red as a rose petal. And it had letters on it, some of Thus Nascien debated with himself about the
which were gold, while the others were azure. It did not scabbard, so that at one and the same time he affirmed one
have a sword-belt that suited such a splendid sword or thing and denied it, and he could not draw any conclusion
scabbard, for it was of such a poor and lowly matter as without immediately questioning it. And the story does not
hemp waste, and it was so humble, small, and weak in tell here what it was made of, for neither the time nor the
appearance that it did not seem it could hold the sword a place has come when it should tell it, nor how and where
single minute without breaking. the sword was forged, nor what the scabbard was made of,
The writing on the scabbard said such words as you will nor whence it was brought to the place where the sword was
hear: HE WHO WILL BEAR ME SHOULD BE MORE VALIANT, BRAVE, first placed inside it. Nor does it tell here the great power of
AND CONFIDENT THAN ANY OTHER, IF HE BEARS ME AS THE the scabbard, nor what it was made of, nor the great
WRITING ON THE SWORD SAYS, FOR THE BODY AT WHOSE SIDE I marvels that happened after that in the kingdom of Logres
WILL HANG CANNOT BE SHAMED ON THE FIELD AS LONG AS IT IS and in many other places in Great Britain. [452]
GIRDED WITH THE SWORD-BELT FROM WHICH I HANG. NOR WILL All these things are not revealed by the story in this
ANYONE BE SO BOLD AS TO REMOVE THE SWORD-BELT THAT IS part. But the time and place will come to show clearly the
HERE, FOR THEREBY HE WOULD BE SO UNFORTUNATE, AND SUCH ways and the qualities of the scabbard and the sword-belt
GREAT MISFORTUNES WOULD COME FROM IT, THAT NEITHER HE when the glorification of the sword comes. Then it will be
NOR ANY MORTAL MAN COULD MAKE AMENDS. NOR IS IT known and called by its right name, just as the writing on
GRANTED TO ANY MAN WHO EXISTS NOW OR WHO MAY EXIST IN the scabbard28 says. But now the story stops speaking about
THE FUTURE THAT HE BE THE ONE TO REMOVE IT. RATHER IT the scabbard and the sword and speaks about something
SHOULD BE REMOVED BY THE HAND OF A WOMAN, THE else.
DAUGHTER OF A KING AND A QUEEN, AND IN THE PLACE OF THE
BELT THAT IS THERE, SHE WILL MAKE ANOTHER ONE FROM
SOMETHING SHE HAS THAT SHE HOLDS [450] DEAREST, AND SHE
21. The Tree of Life.1
WILL PUT IT IN PLACE OF THIS ONE. AND THIS WOMAN WILL CALL
THE SWORD BY ITS RIGHT NAME, AND ME BY MINE. BEFORE THAT,
Here the story says that a spindle2 was placed upright in the
NO ONE WILL KNOW HOW TO NAME OR CALL US BY OUR RIGHT
middle of the front side of the bed. Before anything else,
NAMES.”24
you should know that the bed was made of wood from the
Nascien looked at the scabbard for a long time. After
trunk, not from any other part of the tree. And this spindle
looking at one side of it for a while, he thought he would
I am telling you about3 was fitted into the wood that ran the
not fail to look at the other side, whatever might happen to
length of the bed, on the front, so that it was standing
him. Then he took it very gently and turned it over, but he
upright. On the opposite side, fitted into the back of the
was unable to turn it gently enough to keep the bed from
trembling from one end to the other. After turning it25 bed, stood another one. It was also upright, and it was
across from the one in front. These two spindles were
over, he saw that the sword was as red as blood on the other
separated by the width of the bed; on top of them there was
side, and it had letters as black as charcoal that said, HE
[453] another small square spindle, which was fitted into
WHO PRIZES ME MOST WILL FIND THE MOST TO BLAME IN ME AT
both of the other two.
THE MOMENT OF GREAT NEED, AND I WILL BE THE MOST CRUEL
TO THE ONE TO WHOM I SHOULD BE THE MOST GRACIOUS, AND
There would be a great deal to recount about these
THIS WILL HAPPEN ONLY ONCE, FOR THUS IT MUST BE WITHOUT
three spindles if everything about them were told, but the
FAIL.26 These were the words spelled out by the letters on
story says only that the first one, which stood on the near
this side of the sword. side, was as white as new-fallen snow, and the one on the far
Nascien looked at the scabbard and saw that on this
side it appeared to be blacker than pitch. And if he had 4 And yet the next minute he said it was” supplied from
been [451] astounded when he had first looked at the Hucher variants and Ponceau.
OQ

other side, because he could not think or say what it could “And on the sword” omitted, as in Ponceau.
be made of, he was even more astounded now, for he 1 Corresponds to Hucher II; 452-484; Sommer I: 124-136;
Ponceau §206-223. The description of the bed, the origin of the
spindles, and the construction of the ship are also found in The
23‘This was the thing he desired the most” supplied from Quest for the Holy Grail, see Chapters 67-71. The two texts are
Hucher variants and Ponceau. nearly identical.
24This prophecy is realized in The Quest for the Holy Grail, 9
The word “spindle” was chosen in order to maintain the
when Perceval’s sister changes the sword-belt and names the sword connection to weaving imagery inherent in the Old French
and scabbard; see Chapter 72. “fuseau.”
25That is, the scabbard with the sword inside.
9 .
“And this spindle I am telling you about” supplied from
26The sword fails Nascien himself; see Chapter 24. Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 79
side was as red as a drop of natural blood, while the one When He who knows all thoughts and all intentions7
that lay across the other two was as green as an emerald.4 learned that they had sinned in this way, He came to them
The three spindles on the bed were of these three and called Adam first. It was right that he be charged more
colors. You should know that they were natural colors, not than the woman, for the woman was of a poor and weak
painted, for they had not been put there by any mortal man constitution, [456] having been made from the man’s rib,
or woman. And because some people who heard about it and it was right that she obey the man, not the man her.
might be doubtful and consider themselves deceived if they That is why He addressed Adam first. After saying the cruel
knew nothing more, the story turns aside from the straight words, “You will eat your bread in sweat,” not wanting the
road of its material in order to reveal the truth and put woman to get off scot free, with no share in the sorrow,
doubt to rest. This is something that is not to be glossed since she had shared in the misdeed, He said to her, ‘You
over but is very delightful to hear, for in the knowledge will give birth to your children in pain and sorrow.” Then
about the three spindles lies all the knowledge about the He threw them both out of paradise, which the Scripture
ship. calls the Garden of Delight.
It happened that when Eve the sinner, who was the Once they were outside, Eve still held the small branch
first woman, had taken advice from the eternal mortal in her hand, having forgotten about it and not having let
enemy—the devil, who began then to trick the human race go of it despite everything. Then she looked at it and saw
in order to lead them astray—and he had beguiled her so that it8 was beautiful and green, as if it had just been
much that he inflamed her with the mortal sin [454] that picked, and she knew that the tree from which the branch
had caused him to be thrown out, exiled, and hurled down had been picked was the reason for her disinheritance9 and
from the glory of heaven (this was cupidity), he had her trouble. Then she said that in memory of her great loss,
carry out his treacherous desire by making her pick the which happened because of this tree, she would keep the
deadly fruit from the tree, which had been forbidden by the branch as long as she could, and she would put it some
Mouth of her Creator. place where she would see it in remembrance of her great
The true story says that when she picked it, she broke misadventure. Realizing she did not have a chest or any
off from this same tree a little branch along with the fruit, other case where she could put it, for at that time [457]
just as it often happens that the twig comes away with a fruit there was not yet any such thing, she took it right away and
when it is picked. As soon as she had brought it to her stuck it in the ground so that it stood straight up, saying
husband Adam, whom she advised and urged to eat it, that thus she would see it often.
Adam took it in such a way that he broke it from the little The litde branch was stuck in the ground by the will of
branch and ate it, to our great sorrow and his,5 and to his the Creator, whom all things obey. It grew, sprouted, and
great ruin and ours. took root in the ground. This branch, which Eve, the first
After he had broken it from the twig as you have sinner, took out of paradise, was charged with meaning.
heard, it happened that the twig remained in his wife’s The fact that she carried it in her hand meant great
hand, just as it often happens when one holds something in happiness, as if she were speaking to her descendants who
one’s hand without realizing it. As soon as they had eaten were yet to come, for she was still a virgin, and it was as if
the deadly fruit, which should indeed be called deadly, for she were saying to them, ‘Tear not if we have been expelled
through it death came, first to them and then to all their from our10 heritage, for we have not lost it forever. Here is
descendants, [455] all the qualities they had possessed the sign that we will yet enter at another time.”
before changed. Then they saw that they were made of And to anyone who would like to ask the story why the
flesh and naked, for before this they had been only spiritual man did not carry this litde branch out of paradise rather
beings, even though they had bodies. Nevertheless, the than the woman, since man is a higher thing than woman,
story does not affirm that they were completely spiritual, for the story responds that the bearing of the branch did not
something created from such a base thing as mud cannot belong to the man but to the woman. For the fact that the
be spiritually pure. But they were just like spiritual beings, woman carried it meant that by woman life was lost, and by
since they were created to live forever, if they always woman it would be restored. This meant that by the Virgin
refrained from sinning. Mary the glorious heritage that was lost would be
And when they looked at each other and saw they were recovered.
naked and recognized one another’s shameful limbs, they But now the story returns to the litde branch, which
were ashamed, so much did they already feel the had sprouted and taken [458] root in the ground. And it
consequences of their misdeed. Then both of them covered says that it grew and multiplied gready, so that in a short
their ugliest parts with both hands.6 But Eve still held in her time it was a large tree. When it was big and gave shade, the
hand the little branch that had remained from the fruit trunk, the branches, the leaves, and the bark were all as
Adam had eaten; she had not let it go, either before or
after. 7See Psalm VII, 9, and Revelations II, 23.
8“In her hand, having forgotten. ... and saw that it” supplied
following Ponceau and Sommer, the order of the two last from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
colors is reversed. ^‘Disinheritance,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
5“His,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer (Hucher “inheritance”).
has “joy”). 10Here the manuscript Hucher and Ponceau use is missing
6 "With both hands” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. several folios. Hucher uses BN 2455; Ponceau, BN 770. Our
translation continues to rely on Hucher’s version, with corrections
from Ponceau and Sommer.
80 The History of the Holy Grail

white as snow. And this symbolized virginity, for virginity is transgress Our15 Lord’s commandment, for the result of
a quality through which the body is kept pure and the soul the first transgression instructed them. So they began to
white. The fact that it was white throughout meant that she look at each other very shamefully.
who planted it was completely virginal at the time she Then Our Lord saw their great shame and took pity on
planted it, for at the time that Eve and Adam were thrown them. Because it is impossible to avoid His will, which was
out of paradise, they were both still virgins and pure of all that with this couple He wished to estabhsh the human race
base lust. in order to replace the tenth legion of angels, which had
You must understand that maidenhood and virginity been thrown out of heaven because of their pride, He sent
are not the same thing, but there is a great difference them great comfort in their shame, for He covered them in
between them, for maidenhood cannot by any means be such a way that they could not see each other.
compared to virginity, and I will tell you why. Maidenhood They were both frightened by the way this darkness
is a quality that everyone has who has not yet lain with had descended so suddenly between them. They called out
another or been touched by carnal lust. But virginity is a and touched each other blindly; and because all things
higher and more virtuous thing, for no one can have it, must be done according to Our Lord’s will, their two bodies
neither man nor woman, if he desires carnal union. Eve still had to come together carnally, as the sovereign Father had
possessed this virginity at the time she was thrown out of commanded. When they lay together, they sowed a new
paradise. At the time she planted the branch she had not seed, which lightened their sin somewhat, for Adam begot
yet lost her virginity. But after that God commanded Adam and his wife conceived Abel the Just, who was the first to
to know his wife, that is, he lay with her carnally, just as law serve his Creator by loyally giving his tithe.
and nature require man to be with his wife and woman with In this way Abel the Just was begotten under the Tree
her husband. Then she lost virginity and knew carnal union of Life, on a Friday, as you have [461] indeed heard. And
from that time on. then they saw each other just as they were accustomed to,
Quite some time after Adam had known his wife, as for the darkness disappeared, and then they realized that
you have heard, it happened [459] that they were sitting Our Lord had done this to cover their shame. They were
together under the tree. Adam began to look at her and very happy about this, and soon a very great marvel
bemoan his sorrow and exile, and then they both began to occurred: the tree, which had been as white as snow
weep very tenderly for each other. Eve said that it was not throughout, became as green as grass in a field. And the
surprising if they remembered their11 sorrow and affliction bark, wood, and leaves of all those that descended from it
there, for the tree contained it, and no one could stay after16 this union also became green.
underneath it, no matter how happy he might be, without Thus the tree changed color from white to green. But
leaving in sorrow; and it was only right that all those who those that were already descended from it never changed
ever stayed beneath it12 should be sorrowful, for it was the their original color. It was only the first tree that became
tree of death. green, and it was completely green from top to bottom.
As soon as she had said this, a voice spoke, saying to And henceforth it began to flower and bear fruit, which it
them, “Wretches, why do you predict and pronounce death had never done before. The loss of the color white and the
thus to each other? Do not predict things anymore through taking on of green meant that the virginity of the person
despair, but be comforted, for you can be sure there is who had planted it was gone. The green it took on, and the
more life than death in the tree.” flowers and the fruit, symbolized the blessed seed that had
Thus the voice13 spoke to the two unhappy people, been sown under it, which would always be green in Lord
and then they were both very much comforted, and ever God, that is, in good and loving thoughts toward his
afterward they called it the Tree of Life because of the good Creator. And the flower meant that this creature who had
news they had heard beneath it. And because of their great been engendered under this tree would be chaste and pure
joy, they planted many other trees that all descended from and clean of body. And the fruit meant that he would
this one, for as soon as they broke off a small branch and vigorously engage in good words and give evidence of
planted it in the ground, it sprouted right away and took religion and goodness in all things.
root easily, keeping the color and characteristics of the The tree was green for a long time, and all those that
original tree. The latter continued to grow and send down descended from it were alike until Abel had grown up.
roots. [462] He was gracious17 toward his Creator, and loved Him
From that time on Adam and Eve often went to sit14 so that he gave Him his tithes and the first fruits18 of the
under the tree. One day it happened that they sat together most beautiful tilings he had. However, Cain, his brother,
there, and the True Mouth of the Great Master says it was a did not act in this way, but took the most base and despised
Friday. After they had sat there for a long time, they heard things he had and offered them.19 And God rewarded
a voice speak, [460] commanding them to join in carnal generously the one who offered the beautiful things, and
union. They were both so ashamed that they could not bear who did it with good heart,20 so that when he was on top of
to see each other doing such a base thing, for the man was
as ashamed as the woman. But they did not dare to
15“Our,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “their”).
16“After,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “because”).
11‘Their” supplied from Ponceau. 17
'“Gracious,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has "very good”).
12“Stayed beneath it,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “saw it”).
18“First fruits,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “promises”).
13“Of the king” omitted, as in Ponceau.
19“However, Cain .. . them” placed here, as in Ponceau.
14“And rest” omitted, as in Ponceau.
20“And who did it with good heart" supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 81

the knoll where he was accustomed to bum his offerings, as most for this very thing, since he would have seen that He
Our Lord had commanded, the smoke from his sacrifice was just as he felt himself to be.
went straight up to heaven. But Cain’s smoke spread out In the Psalter Our Lord speaks about Cain’s betrayal of
over all the fields and was ugly and black and rank, while Abel, through the mouth of David, the good king who said
that which rose from Abel’s sacrifice was white and clear a very cruel thing, though without knowing why, for he
and sweet smelling. speaks as if he were saying to Cain, “You were plotting and
When Cain saw that his brother Abel was more blessed saying perfidious things against your brother, and you were
in his sacrifice than he was, and that God received it with preparing a betrayal and ambush against your mother’s
more pleasure than his, he was very upset, and because of it son. This you did, and I was silent. Because I did not speak,
he conceived strong hatred toward his brother. He began you thought I was like you, but I am not.23 Rather, I will
to ponder in his heart how he could be avenged, until he reprimand24 and chastise you thoroughly.”25
said to himself that he would kill him, for otherwise he did This threat had already been carried out [465] before
not see how he could have vengeance. David guessed it, when Our Lord came to Cain and said,
Thus Cain harbored his hatred in his heart for a long “Where is your brother?”
time, never showing it in any expression or manner that And he felt guilty for his treachery, having covered his
might make Abel notice it. This hatred was concealed until brother with leaves from the tree so that he would not be
one day when Abel had gone out into the fields, far away found. So when Our Lord asked him where his brother was,
from his father’s house. Their house was somewhat distant he said, “Lord, I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
from the tree, where the sheep were that he tended. The And Our Lord said to him, ‘What have you done? The
day was getting hot, and the sun was beating down.^' voice of your brother Abel’s blood complains to me that
Because he could not bear the great heat, [463] he went to you have killed him there where you stretched him out on
sit under the tree. Overcome by a desire to sleep, he lay the ground. Because you have done this, you will be cursed
down under the tree and began to doze. His brother, who on earth, and the earth will be cursed in all the works you
had planned the great perfidy, had spied on him for a long do, because it has received the blood of your brother that
time. He followed him until he saw him lying under the your hands shed on it for no reason.”26
tree. He came after him, thinking he would kill him Thus Our Lord cursed the earth, but He did not curse
without being seen. But Abel heard him come and looked the trees, neither the one under which Abel had been
up. When he saw it was his brother, he stood up to greet killed, nor the others that descended from it, nor those that
him, for he loved him a great deal, and he said, “Welcome, were created after that on earth by His will. But a marvelous
my brother.” The other returned his greeting and had him thing happened to this tree, for as soon as [466] Abel had
sit down again. As he did so, Cain fell on him with a curved met death under it, it lost the green color and became
knife he was holding, striking him first under the breast. completely red. This was in memory of the holy blood that
Thus Abel met death at the hand of his traitorous had been shed under it. And henceforth no tree could
brother in the very place where he had been conceived by grow from the slips taken from it; rather, all the branches
his father and mother’s faithful union. And just as he had died, and the plants made from them did not thrive. But
been conceived on a Friday, as the True Mouth puts it, this the tree grew and became so marvelously beautiful that it
same witness states that likewise he died on a Friday.22 was the most beautiful tree and the most delightful to look
The death Abel met through betrayal, at the time when at that any man has ever seen since then.
there were still only three men on earth, symbolized the For a long time the tree kept this color and its beauty,
death of the True Crucified One. Abel symbolized Him, as you have heard the story tell, without getting old or dried
while Cain symbolized Judas, through whom He received out or suffering in any way except that it never flowered or
death. Just as Cain greeted Abel and then killed him, Judas bore fruit once Abel’s blood had been shed beneath it. But
greeted his Lord, having sought His death. Thus these two the others that were descended from it flowered and bore
deaths indeed correspond to each other, not in level, but in fruit just as the nature of a tree27 requires. And it remained
symbolic meaning, for just as Cain killed Abel on [464] that way until men had increased and multiplied on earth.
Friday, Judas killed Our Lord on Friday, not with his hand, All those who descended from Adam and Eve held it in
but with his tongue. And Cain symbolized Judas very well in great reverence and honored it greatly, and from
every way, for there could be no reason why Judas, who was generation to generation they told one another how the
Jesus Christ’s disciple, should hate Him. However, there first mother had planted it and in what way. And they said
was an unwarranted cause for his hatred, for he did not this was like a witness and proof that they would yet come
hate him because of any evil he had ever seen in Him, but into their original blessed inheritance, from which the first
because he saw only good in Him, for it is customary that all mother had removed them. Because they hoped to recover
bad men always hate and make war on the good. If Judas, this [467] blessed place, from which the enemy had ousted
who was so perfidious and traitorous, had seen as much them by his ruse, they returned to this tree whenever they
perfidy in Jesus Christ as he knew to be in himself, he
would not have hated Him, but would have loved Him the 23‘T am not,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “I do not dare”).
24“Reprimand,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
21“Was beating down,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “had “respond”).
risen”). 25See Psalms L, 9-21.
22Here ends the section missing from the Mans manuscript. 26See Genesis IV, 9-12.
27“A tree” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
82 The History of the Holy Grail

had troubles, and the wisest took comfort in their misery, intelligence can, but in all these travels I could not find one
and they called it the Tree of Help'*® and Comfort. good woman.”32 He said this because he could not guard
As this tree grew and became more beautiful, so did all against his wife’s trickery, and he wondered how it came to
those descended from it—the green ones and the white be that woman was so ingenious and devoted to malice,
ones. And they became so much more beautiful than all until he began to despise woman, saying that she was not a
others that the people considered it to be a great wonder. spiritual thing, but a true enemy.
They remained just as beautiful until Our Lord sent His One night as he lay in bed very pensive, he said
deluge down to earth, in which the base and evil people sorrowfully, “Wretched and woeful man, despicable and
perished so utterly that on all the earth there remained no miserable person,33 do not marvel if woman has brought
man or woman except Noah and his household, whom Our you sorrow and torment. For our first3"* mother would not
Lord had found to be more fitting than all the others, so rest until she was thrown out of the Garden of Delight, so
that through [468] them He wanted to repair the los^9 that she cast herself out of the place where she was [471] in
that had occurred. And when it happened that the waters, absolute bliss and entered into absolute misery, which all
which had been high, contrary to their custom, returned to her descendants still feel so much that they eat their bread
their original state through the will of the Sovereign in sorrow and misery.”
Master, the earth was so ravaged that since then it has not A voice responded,35 “Solomon, do not hold woman in
produced such good, natural, or benefic fruit as it did such contempt, for if it is through woman that man first
before. Rather, after that everything produced turned suffered, in the place of this woman there will come
bitter, and the trees themselves that had existed before felt another one who will bring man joy greater than the misery
it so much that they lost the savor of their first fruit and has been. Thus woman will repair woman’s misdeed, and
clearly knew the venom and bitterness of the deluge that this woman will come from your lineage.”
had covered the world. But a marvel was seen in this tree When he heard this, he considered himself foolish for
called the Tree of Life, and those descended from it, for having blamed his wife so much. Then he began to exercise
they changed neither in beauty nor in the flavor of their his wits and to seek what he could leam from the Scripture
fruit. Rather, they remained in the same state as they had and divine secrets. Through his learning he sought until he
been. Because of this, those who saw them said this was found out about the arrival of the blessed Virgin Mary, who
truly the [469] Tree of Life and not of Death, for when conceived the Son of God in her blessed vessel.
other trees nearly perished, they did not fear death. He sought the truth of this so diligently that he
These trees remained beautiful until Solomon reigned learned truly that from this Virgin, who would be called
after King David, his father. And to Solomon God granted woman, as great a good would come on earth [472] as the
knowledge and discretion beyond what human30 nature misery that had come from the first woman. Thus he said
aspires to. He possessed great wisdom in every domain of that one should be called mother and the other step¬
knowledge. He knew all the properties of precious stones, mother. Then he began to think each day about this
the power of herbs, and the course of the firmament and blessed woman to learn whether she would be a mother
the stars, so that earthly man could not teach him anything. and die end of his line, for he would have liked, if possible,
Yet he was tricked and deceived by woman’s beauty, and that the end of his line be marked by such a blessed thing.
thus he did so many things against God that it could be And he thought about this matter so often that the divine
considered shameful. response came to him one night when he was resting alone
His wife, who was with him, did her best to trick and in his room, saying, “Solomon, the blessed Virgin will not
deceive him, but he loved her more than he could love be the end of your lineage. Rather the end will be a knight
anyone else. He protected himself as much as he could who will surpass in goodness and chivalry all those who
against being deceived by her, but it was of no use; she come before him, all those who bear arms in his lifetime,
shamed and debased him every time she could,31 no matter and all those who come after him, just as the sun surpasses
how well he protected himself. And this should not be the moon in brightness and as Joshua surpasses in prowess
considered surprising, for without fail when woman puts all those who exist now.” At that time Joshua was the best
her heart and her mind to deceive, no mortal man’s knight in the world.
wisdom can do anything against it, and this does not begin When he heard that such a man [473] would mark the
with us, but with our original family. end36 of his lineage, he was very happy and said, “Oh, God,
When Solomon saw that he could not protect himself anyone who might see this blessed person, adorned with so
against his wife’s trickery, he wondered how [470] this many good graces, would be so happy!37 I won’t see Him,
could be. He was very angry, but he dared not do anything
more. Thus he says in his book called Parables, “I have
32Perhaps a reference to Proverbs XXX, 10, and Ecclesiastes
gone all around the world and searched as mortal VII, 28.
so
“Where does this come from?’ While he was in this state, he
2®“HeIp,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer heard a voice say to him, Wretched man, full of misery, despicable
(Hucher has “Life”). and miserable person’” omitted here, as in Ponceau.

29“Loss," as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “land”). 34Woman, our” omitted, as in Ponceau.
oc

30“Human,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “A voice responded,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher
“doune,” which would give “nature gives”). has “the voice spoke again”).
oc

31“Against being deceived .. . every time she could” supplied °“End,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “goodness”).
o'y
from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer. “Anyone who might see . .. happy” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 83
for it is is too far away in time from now until then. should thus prepare it for his coming, and it should be
Certainly if there were some way to tell him how I knew the marvelous beyond all other weapons, just as he will be
truth about Him long before His birth, I would do so. But I marvelous beyond all other knights.”
don’t see how, for the time is two thousand years and more ‘Tell me,” said he, “what this weapon could be, and if I
away.” see that it is fitting and I have it, I will prepare it.”
Solomon thought for a long time about this, so much “I will tell you,” said she, “what weapon would suffice
so that his wife noticed that he was thinking about for him. In the temple you have made in honor of Our43
something he could not get out of his mind. She was very Lord is the sword of King David, your father, the richest
troubled, for she feared right away that he wanted to hurt and most marvelous sword ever forged, and the sharpest
her. One night it happened when they were together that ever found or wielded by a knight’s hand. Take it and [476]
he was a little more joyful and animated than usual. When remove the pommel and44 the hilt. Once you have removed
she saw38 him in such a good humor, she adjured him by the blade and set it aside, you who know the properties of
the faith between them to tell her what he had thought stones and the power of trees and herbs and the nature of
about for so long. And Solomon, who knew her to be more all earthly things, make a handle of precious stones so
ingenious in evil and deception than any man could be, subtly joined that no earthly gaze after yours might separate
thought that if any mortal heart could help in what he was one from the others, so that everyone who sees it will think
thinking about, she could do so. [474] Therefore, he it is made of a single stone. After that, make a hilt so
thought he would tell her, for he could see no harm in marvelous that no one has ever seen one so lovely and rich.
simply telling it. And then he revealed to her what he had Then, make a scabbard as wondrous45 in its own way as the
thought about for so long. sword will be. When you have done all this, I will attach the
After he had told her everything, she replied, sword-belt that pleases me."
“Certainly, my lord, I cannot advise you about this yet, but He who knew more than anyone else about the
within a short time, I believe I will advise you well.” properties of stones and the power of herbs took his
“We shall see,” said he. father’s sword, which he treasured as much as he would a
The third night after that, it happened that they were reliquary, from the temple. Then he did everything she had
together, and she said to him, “My lord, I have thought how described, except that he put a single stone in the pommel,
the knight who will end your39 line will learn how you knew but it was of all the colors one could find or speak of. And
the truth about His birth." then he put his thought and care into making the scabbard
‘Truly," he said, “this pleases me greatly; tell me how.” for the sword, but the story does not tell what he made it
“Willingly,” she said. “Send throughout your kingdom from here, for it is not really necessary now. Then he made
for all the carpenters you can find. When they have all the rich and beautiful pommel, as the story has already
gathered, order them to make you a ship of a wood that told, putting great thought into it. [477]
cannot rot from water or any other thing for four thousand After he had fitted the sword with the handle and the
years. While they are preparing the ship, I will prepare the scabbard, as you hear, he put the sword inside the scabbard
other things, as you will see.” and began to look at them and clap his hands. He saw that
Solomon believed what she said to him. Things were this equipment was so splendid that it did not seem to him
left that way that night.40 that any as splendid or worthy as this had ever been
The next day, as soon as day broke, Solomon sent his prepared for a knight. Thus he said that if it was possible,
messengers far and wide, to seek the carpenters. So many he would like anyone who ever pulled the sword out of the
came in such a short time that it was a wonder. And when scabbard to repent of it until the good knight for whom it
they were all assembled before him, he ordered them to was prepared put his hand on it. Then the voice that had
make him a [475] wooden ship so good and so tightly spoken to him before came and said, “Solomon, no one will
sealed that it would not rot after being in the water for four ever draw this sword without repenting of it until the one
thousand years. They said they would do their best. They for whom you have prepared it draws it." When Solomon
toiled and worked so hard that the ship was ready within heard this, he was very happy. Right away he inscribed with
half a year.41 his own hand the letters the story has already told of.
When the ship was ready 42 his wife, who had ordered After he had done this, he wanted to attach a sword-
this to be done, said to Solomon, “My lord, since the one belt that was in his opinion worthy of it. But his wife did not
you told me about will surpass in goodness and chivalry all wish this; rather she brought one that was ugly and poor,
those who have gone before him and who will come after made of hemp, and that looked so weak that it could not
him, it seems to me that it would be right for him to have a hold the sword up.
precious weapon to carry in remembrance of you. You “What’s this?” said Solomon. “Do you want to put this
on?”
“Yes,” she said, “there will be none other in our time,
38“Saw,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has “came”).
but if it pleases God, there will come a time when a young
39“Your,” as in Ponceau (Hucher transcribes “notre,” “our”).
woman will change it and put in place of it another so
40,Things were left that way that night” supplied from
Ponceau and Sommer.
41“Half a year,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “a 43“Our,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “your”).
short time”). 44“And” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
42“When the ship was ready” supplied from Ponceau and 45‘That no one has ever seen one.... scabbard as marvelous”
Sommer. supplied from Hucher variants and Ponceau.
84 The History of the Holy Grail

beautiful and so splendid that [478] it will be marvelous to end of my line, if you wish to be in peace and a wise man in
see. Thus you can see in this sword the image of the two all things, protect yourself from woman’s ruse, for there is
women I heard you speak about, for just like the Virgin who nothing that can do harm like a woman.49 And if you do
is to come, as you said, and repair what our first mother did not believe it, neither wisdom nor prowess nor chivalric
wrong, likewise this maiden will repair what I have done actions will protect you from being dishonored in the end.
wrong with this sword, for she will fit it with a beautiful and This message is sent to you by Solomon so that you may
rich sword-belt made from the thing that she likes best on protect yourself in remembrance of him.” This was the
herself.” beginning of the letter that Solomon composed for the
Solomon considered these words to be ingenious and knight who later performed such fine chivalric feats in the
wondered about where they came from. When the ship was kingdom of Logres and brought to an end the adventures
finished and rigged out as richly as the story has told, he that occurred in the country called the Land Beyond and in
had a wooden bed, as beautiful and marvelous as the story many other countries through the power and force of the
has told, made in the ship.46 He put the sword at the foot of Holy Grail, just as the story will tell farther on.
the bed, and at the head, his crown, the one that King After that he wrote the truth about the ship, how the
David had worn many a day, saying that he was leaving it to woman had it made, and the splendor of the sword50 [481]
the knight because he did not see that it could be so well and the bed, and about the spindles, how the first one was
employed in any other place. white, the second one red, and the third green, without
When all this was done, the woman said that the ship being painted. Rather, these were their natural colors, just
was missing something. Then she took the carpenters and as they had been taken from the trees.
led them to the Tree of Life, under which Abel had been Once he had written the letter, he put it at the head of
killed, and said to them, “My lords, from this red tree and the bed underneath the crown. When he had prepared the
these others, some of which are white and others green, ship in this way, he had it put into the sea51 close to shore.
you must take three spindles, one red, one white, and one After that he said to his wife, “My lady, the ship is finished
green, with which the bed will be framed, as I will tell you.” and completely prepared, but I do not see yet how the
They said they were very frightened about cutting into the knight will know how I learned the truth about his coming.”
Tree of Life, because no one had been so bold as [479] to And she replied, “You will be reassured about this in
harm it in any way. And she replied that she would have time. But now have two pavilions pitched on the shore in
them all dishonored if they did not do everything she which you and I and part of our rednue may stay undl we
ordered. have seen what happens to this ship.”
At once they struck it with their axes, but at first they Right away he ordered tents and pavilions pitched on
were very frightened, for they saw47 clearly that drops of the shore, for he wanted to stay there undl fortune had
blood came out of the tree as thickly48 as from a man whose taken the ship away. And those to whom he had issued
arms had been cut off. Seeing this frightened them very orders immediately did what was asked.
much, and so they wanted to leave off what they had That day they ate on the shore [482] joyously, and that
undertaken, and they repented deeply for what they had night52 they slept in the pavilions. Around midnight, while
done. But she would not allow this; rather, she pressed they slept, it happened that Solomon saw in his sleep a man
them so hard that they did everything she ordered. come from the heavens with a great retinue of angels
After they had brought the three spindles to the ship, carrying different instruments in their hands. He did not
planed them, and prepared them the way she had know how to describe what they were, and yet he saw that
described, they put them on the sides of the bed, one on the one whom the angels accompanied descended into the
the near side, another on the far side, and the third one on ship and took water and went around the ship sprinkling
top, bolted into both of the others. This had a symbolic everywhere, saying, “This ship is the symbol53 of my new
meaning, just as the story itself will tell later on. house.” After that he came to the side of the ship, where he
When they were placed thus, she said to Solomon, “Do had one of the angels inscribe letters. Once written, they
you see these three spindles?” said this: ONLYA MADMAN WILL PASS BEYOND THIS INSCRIPTION.
“Yes," said he. In his sleep Solomon saw the one who commanded
“Now you may be sure, truly," said she, “that no one this, and he was so beautiful that neither mortal heart nor
will ever see them without remembering Abel’s death.” mouth could describe it. He was in such wonderment from
While they were speaking thus about the three [480] it in his sleep that he awoke. He opened his [483] eyes and
spindles, news came to them that those who had cut into looked toward the ship, where he saw the group clearly, as
the Tree of Life had gone blind, which grieved Solomon he had in his sleep. But when he tried to speak and call out
more than his wife. to those before him, he was powerless to speak or move.
Then Solomon prepared a letter to put in the ship. At
the beginning of the letter, he wrote, as the thought
49“For there is nothing . .. woman” supplied from Ponceau.
uppermost in his mind, “Oh, blessed knight who will be the
50“Sword,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “ship”).
Cl
“Sea,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “ship”).
46“He had a wooden bed ... in the ship” supplied from co

z“That night,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has

Ponceau.
j<7 “until the next day”).
* “Saw,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “came”). C9
^“Symbol,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
48‘Thickly,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has (Hucher has “faith”).
“espressement,” “expressly”).
The History of the Holy Grail 85
Then he heard a voice say, “Solomon, your desire is nothing but faith. He realized at once that he had fallen
fulfilled, for the knight who will be the end of your line will into sin through lack of faith.
enter this ship and have this sword you have prepared for Then he began to blame and condemn himself, saying,
him and know the truth about you. Nor will anyone ever “Oh, man of litde faith, lacking any sense, why were you
enter if he is not such as he should be.” After these words, more easily convinced to believe lies about this ship rather
the group left the ship in such a way that Solomon did not than the truth? Do you lose faith so easily when Our Lord
know what became of them. When he was able to get up, he has shown you part of His marvels?"4 He started lamenting
arose, called his followers, and went to the ship. But when and grieving bitterly. He cried out to Our Lord for mercy,
he started to board it, the voice said to him, “Step backl If asking pardon for his sin of lack of belief, in a state of
you enter the ship, you will perish. Let the ship go where fearful anxiety lest Our Lord be angry with him.
chance will take it, and be assured truly that it will yet be Nascien remained thus on the seashore, as long as the
seen in many strange countries, far and wide." day lasted. And at night, when evening spread throughout
He stepped back and looked at the letters on the side, the world and day turned dark and black, he said the
which said, Oh man who would enter me, whoever \ou prayers and orisons he knew. After praying for a good part
MAY BE, TAKE CARE NOT TO ENTER UNLESS YOU ARE FULL OF of the night, [486] with great devotion and sincerity, for he
FAITH, FOR THERE IS NOTHING BUT FAITH AND BELIEF IN ME. FOR was terrified, he lay down on the bare ground and fell
THIS REASON, YOU MAY BE SURE THAT IF YOU TURN AWAY FROM asleep, not awakening until the next day.
YOUR BELIEF IN ANY WAY, I WILL TURN AWAY FROM YOU IN SUCH In the morning, when day brightened and5 the rays of
A WAY THAT YOU WILL HAVE NEITHER SUSTENANCE NOR HELP the sun began to spread across the highest mountains,
FROM ME, WHEREVER YOU MAYBE WHEN YOU ARE GUILTY OF LACK Nascien awoke. He opened his eyes and looked out to sea,
OF FAITH. When he saw this, he stepped back far from the where he thought he would see the ship he had seen the
ship, for he knew very well that he was not worthy of day before, but it was nowhere in sight This saddened
entering it him,6 for looking at it would have brought him great
While he was with his household, awestruck, the wind comfort But because there was nothing he could do about
struck the ship and quickly pushed it away from the bank, it, he bore it the best he could.
carrying it out to sea so that neither Solomon nor his wife, He raised his hand and crossed himself and said. True
[484] who had built it, ever saw it again. Now the story stops Father of Jesus Christ who in Your pity and mercy have
speaking about this, for it has clearly told how the ship was delivered me from the hands of Galafre, my earthly enemy,
constructed and in what way and how the spindles were of a Lord, since I have escaped the hands of this enemy, do not
natural color without any paint Thus it returns to tell about let me fall into the power of the other enemy. But if he is
Nascien, about whom it has been silent for a long time. such that he comes to attack me and wishes to deceive me
through his evil snares. Lord, be my champion and protect
me against him, so that I may keep this treasure [487] safe
that You gave me to watch over, that is, my soul. And if I am
22. Nascien’s Lack of Faith.1
so weak a shepherd, with such little foresight that I cannot
keep watch completely alone, dear Lord, be my own
Now the story says that Nascien looked for a long time at
Shepherd, and come to watch over my soul as Your sheep,
the three spindles framing2 the bed to see whether he
so that the eternal treacherous adversary might not find me
could discover what made them colored, for he found it
out of Your keeping. For I know very well that if he finds
hard to believe the colors were natural. This caused him to
me alone, far from Your mother, who is called Holy
say something to himself that he deeply regretted
Church, this enemy, who is so powerful, will be able to
afterwards. “By my faith,” he said, “I cannot express how
strangle such a poor weak sheep as I am.”
much the marvels of this bed deceive me, for I would not
While Nascien was praying the way you have heard, he
have thought there would be a grain of falseness in such a
looked out to sea toward the East and saw a small boat
great thing as this.” coming. In it was a very old man, who headed straight
The moment he said this, he saw the ship open up
toward Nascien, approaching to within two lance-lengths of
right where it was, [485] and he found himself in the sea,
the shore, but no closer. The boat was so splendid that
where he could easily have drowned, if Our Lord had not Nascien did not believe that in all [488] the world, on land
helped him. When he realized he was in the water, in
or sea, such a splendid one could be found. On the outside
danger of dying, unless he were rescued, he was very it was covered with so many precious stones that Nascien
frightened and did not know whether he was sleeping or
did not think the richest man or prince in the world could
awake. Nevertheless, he was not slow to help himself, but
pay for half of them. And the boat had another adornment
began at once to swim. As soon as he reached shore, he
that made Nascien marvel no less: on the edge on both
jumped up on land and looked at the ship and the words sides there were some twelve arrows made completely of
written on the side3 saying that in this ship there was
silver, except for the points, which were of the finest gold

1Corresponds to Hucher II: 484-496; Sommer I: 136-141;

4“‘You should be so much the firmer in His faithl’ When he
Ponceau §224-230. heard this, he became afraid” omitted, as in Ponceau.
2 “Framing” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
5“Day brightened and” supplied from Hucher variants,
Sommer. Ponceau, and Sommer.
3“Written on the side” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
6This saddened him” supplied from Ponceau.
86 The History of the Holy Grail

that could be found and which were so sharp that it would side attested, there is nothing but faith and truth in Holy
be difficult to find any sharper ones. Nascien was in awe of Church, for she was first bom from and founded on these
all this. two things.
When Nascien saw the worthy man nearby, he noticed ‘The words prohibiting anyone from entering who is
that the boat had stopped. Thinking it would not come any not full of faith in every way stand for Holy Scripture, which
closer, he stood up, greeted the worthy man, and told him prohibits anyone from entering Holy Church unless he is
he was welcome. The worthy man returned his greeting and first cleansed of his sins by confession and heartfelt
asked him about himself and how he had come to this repentance. And no matter how full of faith and belief he
foreign place, so far away from any people. may be, let him not be changeable, like the [491] pennant
“Certainly, dear sir,” said Nascien, “I’m not sure who that turns where the wind blows it. The Christian should be
brought me here, for it was through Our Lord’s will, and I just like the strong tower, built sturdily on a good
am much better off here than in the prison of Galafre, who foundation, fearing no siege or assault by its neighbor. The
did me a great deal of harm all the while he held me.” Christian should hold just as firmly to the virtues of Holy
“You need no longer fear Galafre,” said the worthy Church, so that the devil, who watches day and night to
man, “for he has left the world as terribly as a Christian snatch man away from good thoughts and works, happens
[489] who has denied his faith should.” by chance to approach him, he may find him strong,
“Oh, my lord! How do you know this?” asked Nascien. holding firm, and well established on the good rock called
“I saw him dead today,” said the worthy man. Jesus Christ.
“Dear sir,” said Nascien, “if what you say is true, and if ‘Just as ships were first built so that one might cross the
you are a mortal man, I can’t be as far away from people as water without danger and come ashore safely, in the same
you led me to believe. Since it’s still morning, I can see way Holy Church was built to sustain the Christian in this
clearly that you have not come from afar today, unless you world, which is symbolized by water, so that he may not
travel faster than any earthly man.” perish while he wanders in this earthly life, which is poor,
“I tell you,” said the worthy man, “that I saw him dead sorrowful, and full of suffering. By the ship you should
today, and that you are far away from your country, farther understand Holy Church, and by the sea, the world. And
than you think, and if you do not believe me about any of just as the ship carries man on the sea without danger and
this, you will repent of it as much as or more* * 7 than you did bears him on the water, thus Holy Church bears her servant
yesterday, when you spoke the words about the ship for among the filth and sins of the world, [492] so that he may
which you found yourself immediately in the water.” not be sullied, debased, or stained with mortal sin. Holy
When Nascien heard him remind him of the words he Church makes her good servant, her good minister, rise
had spoken about the ship, which no one could have heard above all sins, clean and purged of all baseness, just as gold
except God alone, he thought that Our Lord had revealed that is refined seven times emerges pure above all other
them to this man, and that He had sent him to comfort him metals, and just as the sun appears in splendor above all the
and keep him company. Then he replied, “My lord, I stars.
believe everything you say, but tell me news about this ship “Now that I have told you what the ship symbolizes and
you have reminded me of, if you know what became of it, or what you should understand by it, I will tell you what the
if fortune will ever bring it to a place where I might be, so bed inside the ship symbolizes. The bed, which was so
that I might see it as easily as I did only recently.” splendid and well adorned with marvelous and excellent
“You [490] will see it even better equipped than when things, symbolizes the holy table where the Son of God is
you saw it before,” said the worthy man, “for it grows and consecrated every day, when the wine changes into blood
improves every day, and will do so as long as the world and the bread into true flesh through the high and holy
lasts.” words commemorated there by the mouth of the blessed
“My lord,” said Nascien, “since you tell me it grows person who undertakes this office. By the bed you should
every day, therefore it’s not like any other ship.” understand the Holy Cross, where the Son of God, in [493]
“You speak the truth,” said the worthy man. “It is not His graciousness, allowed Himself to suffer, in order to
like other ships but is a sign from the High Master, who redeem the human race from eternal sorrow, for by sinning
brought you here, and it should be called a symbol rather mortally, day after day, more and more, humanity had
than a ship.” fallen into the darkness of hell. You should understand the
“Certainly, my lord,” said Nascien, “I believe you are bed as the sign of solace and rest; in this way the bed should
telling the truth; that is why I beseech you, for God’s sake, be compared, though unequally, to the cross, as a similar
to comfort me, by telling me what it means. I ask this of you thing. In the same way that, after the fatigue of work, every
in the name of charity.” earthly man seeks rest in a bed, likewise you should
“And I will tell you,” said the worthy man. “The ship understand that after the fatigue and travail of the great
you saw that was so beautiful and splendid that you had anguish of hell, the human race took rest and solace in the
never seen anything like it, symbolizes Holy Church, which generous gift the Son of God made of Himself, on the True
is the most beautiful and delightful house8 in the world. Cross, on the very day He suffered death in order to
Just as the ship had nothing but faith, as the writing on the remove sinners from the sorrowful prison.
“I have explained the symbolism of the ship and the
•n
Than you think, and as much as or more than” omitted, bed you saw inside. Now I will tell you what the three
following Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer. spindles symbolize, for it is not without deep meaning that
8 “House” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. the bed was enclosed by the three spindles I speak of, just as
The History of the Holy Grail 87

you yourself saw them, one as white as snow, the second as power came to help him. As soon as the serpent saw the
red as a drop of blood, and the last as green as an emerald. litde worm come to Nascien’s aid, it dared not stay, but fled
So I will tell you what this means. far away. This vision came to Nascien in his sleep, troubling
“By the white spindle enclosing the bed, you should him so much that he awoke and opened his eyes, [496]
understand that both before and afterwards virginity was thinking he was still fighting the serpent. Once awake,
truly and perfectly kept in the flesh covering the Son of remembering that he had fallen asleep while the worthy
God. As long as He dwelled among us as a mortal man, man from the boat was telling him the good words,11 he
virginity was kept in Him9 so perfectly that when He was so grief-stricken that he said to himself that he was truly
appeared in the blessed Virgin, neither as He left nor a wretched man, lacking in sense; if he had any good in
entered was virginity ever corrupted [494] or harmed. him, sleep would never have taken away what the worthy
Rather, He entered and left so perfectly, as if through a man had begun with him. Now the story stops speaking
closed door, that it was never harmed or damaged. about him and returns to Celidoine, his son, to tell this
“By the spindle whose natural color was red, you next part of the story, which belongs here.
should understand charity, which was so great and
marvelous in the Son of God that He delivered His body
over to death and suffering in order to redeem man from
23. Celidoine Converts King Label.1
mortal bondage. By the high gift He made of Himself when
He, who was life without root or death’s stain, delivered the
In this part the story says that after the nine hands had
mortal flesh covering Him over to death, you may
carried Celidoine out of Galafre’s domain, in a short time,
understand that the source of charity and pity was housed
as it was learned, he was as far away from that country as
in Him.
one can go in two days travel. And he was left, as it pleased
“By the spindle that was green like an emerald, you
the High Master, on the seashore six days travel from the
should understand patience. Patience is symbolized by the
island where his father was—not exacdy in the same area,
emerald, which is green in all seasons. And this stone
but in another.2 At that time he was a young child, only ten
rightly symbolizes this quality, for just as it is always green,10 *
years old.3 Finding himself in such a foreign place,
likewise you can see that patience is always verdant and
surrounded by a wild forest on one side and high and
forceful so that it cannot be moved either by adversity or
marvelous rocks on the other—something he was not used
misfortune once it is well rooted in the Christian’s heart.
to seeing unless he was [497] with many other people—he
Similarly, he in whom it is housed achieves victory, for you
was very frightened. Then he began to lament deeply.
know very well that one cannot vanquish one’s enemy so
Meanwhile, the weather began to change. It got dark,
well as by forbearance.
and the weather became so terrible that it was marvelous to
‘The bed was encompassed and enclosed by these
behold. The wind began to blow, and it began to rain and
three things, the first of which is called virginity, the second
thunder so loudly that it seemed as if the entire world were
charity, and the third patience. And well it should be, since
about to end. The child, who saw such a marvelous storm
it is the symbol of the True Cross, where the Son of God
and such big, frightening waves at sea that anyone there
was struck with the anguish of death. It is clear that He did
would fear death, was scared that the big waves would reach
not lack these three things, for it is well known and truth
him. So he left the shore, heading toward an opening in
attests that the three virtues—virginity, charity, and
the rocks. He went inside, so frightened that he did not
patience—kept Him [495] company during the anguish He
know what to do. All the while he looked out to sea, as far
suffered. Thus endowed with these three qualities, He
as he could see. He was intent on this because not far away
vanquished our death and brought life back to the world.”
he saw two ships being driven down the sea by the storm.
While the worthy man related in this way the meaning
The men inside were crying out to the captains, “We must
of the ship and the objects within it, Nascien was so
put to shore, or we will all die; no one will escape!”
comforted by listening to him, and he found the words so
While they were crying out in this way, the two ships
sweet, that he fell asleep on the shore, content in his heart
managed to arrive safely at the rock where Celidoine was.
with their sweetness. As he thus fell asleep, it seemed to him
Once they had landed, [498] an old sailor, who knew the
that the worthy man was still telling him what he had begun
different countries and foreign lands better than all the
to say. And when the man from the boat saw that Nascien
others, told them, weeping, “My lords, how unlucky we are!
had fallen asleep, he departed and went away; in a short
Though we have escaped the danger of the sea, where we
time he was so far away from shore that he could not be
feared4 death, it has been our misfortune to come to a
seen near or far.
place where there is nothing except lions and serpents and
After the worthy man had left the rock, Nascien, who
had fallen asleep on shore, continued to sleep. As he slept,
it seemed to him that a large and marvelous serpent ^Corrected to plural following Ponceau and Sommer;
“good” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
approached; menacingly, it attacked, nearly wounding him
1Corresponds to Hucher II: 496-533; Sommer I: 141-158;
in the left side. He defended himself vigorously, but in the
Ponceau §231-249.
end it was of no avail until a little worm of seemingly small
2“But in another” supplied from Sommer and Ponceau.
^This contradicts the age given in Chapter 18, where
9“In the flesh covering the Son of God. . .. was kept in Him” Celidoine is described as being seven years old.
supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
4"Of the sea, where we feared” supplied from Ponceau and
10“And this stone ... is always green” supplied from Ponceau. Sommer.
88 The History of the Holy Grail

wild beasts, which will quickly devour us as soon as they see astray, and since you belong to me somewhat, I will keep

us.” you with me and instruct you in order to reconvert you

“Dear sir,” said one of those to whom he had spoken, from this folly10 that you have entered upon. Now tell me
“there is no need to be afraid, for you can see very well that what adventure brought you to this rock, in such a wild
there are five5 hundred knights here who can take a stand place, so far away from any people that no one comes here
against a great horde of all the wild beasts from this land. except wretches who by chance escape the perils of the
n
So we needn’t fear, for it seems to me that if we are sea.
attacked by strange wild beasts, we will defend ourselves Celidoine recounted how he and his father had been
well.” prisoners in Galafre’s house; how his father had escaped
While the sailor was speaking, Celidoine came out of with the help of Our Lord; and how, after his father’s
the rock and headed toward the men on the shore, escape, Galafre had had him carried up to the batdements
thinking they were Christians just as he was. However, they of the tower in order to throw him down. [501] “He did
were not; they were pagans, bom in the kingdom of Persia, such a cruel thing that I, who was an innocent and guileless
and they were going to war in Syria, against King Fanoyel, child, would have died from the fall from the tower;
who had killed the king of [499] Persia’s brother after however, Jesus Christ, who does not abandon His ministers,
finding him lying dishonorably with his wife. Among them but comes to help them when they need it, came to help
was the king of Persia, who was called Label, and he was a me and carried me to this rock. I don’t know if I am near or
young man and a good knight, but extremely cruel. No far from my country, but thanks be to Him, who helped me
man hated Christians as mortally as he did. thus.”
After their arrival, having seen that the weather had When King Label heard this, he smiled maliciously and
cleared up toward evening, King Label ordered his pavilion said to the men with him, “My word, what a marvel! This
pitched amidst the rocks, for he wished to lie down in it. child already knows how to lie!”
And the man to whom he had given this order said he “My lord,” said a knight before him, “such is the
would do so shortly. custom of the Christians. You will never find such great liars
Once the men had left6 the ship and its provisions, as they are, and they always want to establish and affirm
Celidoine, who had descended from the rock, came and their lie just as if it were the ultimate truth.”
greeted them and asked who they were. The latter, “Don’t worry,” said the king. “We will easily get this one
wondering about him and where he had come from, to return from the folly he has entered upon.”
replied that they were7 from Persia. They seized him at That night King Label and some of his knights slept in
once and brought him before King Label. Seeing such a the pavilion he had had pitched on the seashore. Others
beautiful, richly clothed child, he assumed he was nobly slept in the ships, while the rest were armed with lances and
bom. He welcomed him graciously and had him sit down swords and hauberks to keep watch over the king all night,
next to him so he could inquire about his situation, for he so that if wild beasts happened to come out of the forest,
was eager to know him. He began to ask him where he was they would not be able to harm the king or those sleeping
from, and the child, who knew more for his age than any in the tents. The king had Celidoine honored and served in
other child, told him immediately the truth about his every possible way, and at night he had him lie near him as
lineage and family, and what land he had to govern. And he splendidly as if he had fathered him.
recounted how [500] his family had recendy converted to Once the child was asleep, the king did not go to bed
the New Law—Christianity—and that all their land had right away but asked his men what he could do with this
become Christian. ‘Thus I myself am a Christian, my lord,” child. ‘Tor I want him to abjure Christianity and return to
said he, “and I received baptism from the hand of Josephus our faith,” he said, “and I want to give him my daughter as
himself, the sovereign bishop of the Christians, whom Our his wife. Do you know [502] why I want this so much? I
Lord Jesus Christ consecrated with His blessed hand.” know very well that he is descended on both sides from
When Label heard this, he was more sorrowful than such good knights that he cannot help but be a good
anyone ever was, for he knew King Evalach well, and he knight, if nature does not fail him.11 Because of this hope,
should indeed, for Evalach himself had made him a if it happened that he lived longer than I and if my
knight.8 Thus he said to Celidoine, “Child, I have known daughter were his wife, I would leave him all my land and
your family9 for a long time. That is why the news that they all my kingdom after my death.”
have turned to the evil law and faith and that they want to “My lord,” said his men, “it shall be as you wish.”111
undergo sorrow and unhappiness in this world distresses After the king had gone to bed and the watch was15
me deeply. Since you are such a handsome child and can turned over to those with this duty, the king fell asleep. At
yet come to great honor, if wickedness does not lead you once it seemed to him that he was in a large, wide, beautiful
green field. In this field there was a new earthen pot full of
c
“Five,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher transcribes clods of earth. On the outside, the pot was surrounded by
“where”).
e
Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau. 10“Folly,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “faith”).
'The latter ... they were” supplied from Hucher variants ^‘That he cannot help . .. fail him” supplied from Hucher
and Ponceau. variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
Q
The referents in this sentence are unclear; it could also be 19
‘“My lord . . . wish’” supplied from Hucher variants,
interpreted to mean that Label knighted Evalach. Ponceau, and Sommer.
9“Family,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “father”). ‘^“Mounted and” omitted, as in Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 89
flowers that grew out of it just as branches and leaves grow To them the world is so pleasing that they think they’ll
naturally from a tree. The king looked at the pot, amazed at never die but will always live and be at full strength and that
the flowers he saw growing out of it. And then he saw a their unhappy belly will always have whatever it desires.
large serpent come alongside the pot, spitting fire and [505] But he who looks according to the truth can see
flames. It immediately destroyed the pot and the flowers clearly that the world is, rather, like the field, which in the
and whatever was inside, so that in a short time everything morning is verdant and full of flowers, but in the evening
the king had seen returned to nothing. when the sun’s heat has stayed a bit, is wilted and dead and
In the morning, when the king awoke, [503] the men dry. Man’s body is just like this when his soul has left. By
who had kept watch during the night came to him and said this interpretation that I have given you, you can
that at daybreak they had captured, by means of various understand what the field symbolizes.
snares, the largest and most marvelous lion they had ever “Next you should understand16 the meaning of the
seen anywhere. Upon hearing this news, the king ordered pot, which is a weak, evil thing, made of such poor material
them to put the lion in a cage;14 he thought he might take that it can immediately be broken. What the potter made
it with him to the land where he was headed. out of the alluvium of bad earth symbolizes man, who is a
Then the king had Celidoine awakened, for he was still poor thing, bom from such poor seed, as fragile and weak
sleeping, having stayed awake that night thinking about his as the pot that is easily broken. Man is as fragile, for he
father. Once the child was dressed and ready, the king had exists awhile, and then he is gone. The pot you saw in your
him come before him and sit at his feet. Then the king dream symbolizes you, King Label.
called for all the wisest men in his retinue. And when they “But you will hear marvels about the flowers that
were assembled in his presence, he said to them, “My lords, surrounded it. Now consider the truth about flowers.
last night there came to me in my sleep a marvelous vision. Neither you nor I ever saw a flower17 that does not fade and
I will never be happy until I know the truth of it and what it whose beauty does not disappear in a short time, with the
means. Therefore, I have sent for you, for I want you to tell sole exception of the flower called the Virgin Mary. But the
me what you think may happen to me.” Then he told them beauty of this flower was never marred or impaired, for
his dream just as it had come to him while he slept, and he when all women are by nature deflowered and violated, that
beseeched them to tell him what it meant. is, in conceiving and giving birth, this blessed lady
The latter began to think; after a long time they preserved the flower so nobly that the whiteness of virginity
replied that they did not understand anything about it for was never impaired or marred. This flower, whose verdant
certain. beauty lasts forever, you did not see in your dream, for you
“I swear,” said the king, “this distresses me, for I know saw flowers that faded in a litde heat. [506]
that such a vision always has great significance.” “All around you are the flowers that fade in a little
“Indeed,” they said, "we won’t say any more, for we heat, and you know what they are called. One is called
don’t want to make you believe something we don’t really beauty, the second prowess, and the third courtesy and
know.” other virtues you have heard about many times, which
And he said that he would be ask no more, since make some men appear more gracious and worthy than
nothing more was to be known. others. You are certainly as endowed with them as an
When the child, who was sitting15 at the king’s feet, unbeliever can be, for you are handsome to the enemy,
heard the dream [504] the king had related to his advisors whom you have served all the days of your life, and not to
and saw that no one could say anything certain about it, he God. You are a most valorous, courteous, and good knight;
stood up right away and spoke to the king loudly enough along with that you have so many qualities that you are the
that everyone heard him well. “King Label, since the men most gracious unbeliever I know.
you have asked to advise you cannot do so, I will advise you, “Now that I have showed you,” said the child, “what the
just as the Great Master, to whom I am subject, has taught pot and the flowers around it symbolize, I will tell you what
me. In your dream you saw a beautiful, verdant field, and in the clumps of earth mean.18 The earth piled up inside the
this field there was a pot surrounded with flowers and filled pot symbolizes the great sorrow of mortal sins that unhappy
with clumps of earth. Next, you saw a serpent bum the pot man piles up each day inside himself, more and more, by
and the flowers and everything inside. I will tell you what erring against his Creator, when he does not want to make
this means. I have not learned it by using my knowledge, himself better despite any advice or words that might be
for I am still too small a child and too young to know such said to him. As soon as you left your mother’s womb, you
great things, but you may be sure that the Holy Spirit, won this treasure and this pile, for ever since you were bom
which shows its great secrets to its ministers and servants, you have done nothing in word or deed that was not against
has revealed it to me in its sweet pity. Thus I will show it to your Creator’s will. Because you have constantly sinned and
you clearly, if you wish to listen. piled up inside yourself evil upon evil, and sin upon sin, in
“The verdant field you saw symbolizes the world in
which we live. That is, it pleases all who are in it, and they 16“You should understand” supplied from Ponceau and
take delight and are happy here, for they are sinners who Sommer.
lie in great mortal sin and who do wicked and filthy things. 17“Neither you nor I ever saw a flower” supplied from
Ponceau and Sommer.

14“By means of various snares. . . . cage” supplied from 18“And the flowers. ... mean” supplied from Hucher variants,
Ponceau. Ponceau, and Sommer.

15"Was sitting” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.

90 The History of the Holy Grail

your dream the pot must appear full of earth, for [507] you matter how close a family member or acquaintance. And
are truly filled with that. they said no one would; they had everyone leave the
“Now that I have described what the piled-up earth pavilion and hurried to close it up completely so that the
symbolizes, I will tell you what you should understand by bght would not hurt the king.
the serpent. The serpent symbolizes death, which is such The king went to bed all alone. When he was about to
cruel and terrible company to the soul that as soon as it go to sleep, he began to think very intently about what the
comes to see the soul, it takes away everything it has—the child had told him. As he thought, he began to weep
delight, solace, and joy19 of the world. And if it does not bitterly,20 lamenting more than you will ever see and calbng
find the soul endowed with good qualities, which lead man himself unhappy, lost, and alone. He said to himself, “Poor,
to the joy of the heavens—that joy that never ends—he is unhappy wretch, with very little sense and deprived of
thrown down into the dark house called hell. anything good, now you will die just like the poorest man
“Now you can see, through the interpretation of your on earth! What will become of you when your soul has left
dream that I have given you, just as the High Master taught the body? Where will you go? Will you take your crown and
me, that you are not to be esteemed in all your baseness, scepter with you? Wib you have such a domain where you
any more than the pot full of earth. And in order that you will go as you have on this earth? [510]
may believe me better, tonight I will tell you something you “Oh, poor, unhappy, lost king, now for the first time
did, not long ago, for you think that no one knows about it you really know that you are poor and miserable. Oh,
except yourself. But this is not true, for the One from wretched king, poor in every way at this moment called
whom nothing can be concealed knows it. And He has told death, neither friends nor relatives, nor anyone you know
me, you may be truly sure of this.” can help you, for you won’t find anyone who can tell you
When the king heard this, he was astounded and where you will go when you leave this earth, nor whether
turned red with shame. “Well,” he said, "what did I do that I you will be poor or rich, comfortable or miserable. Oh,
think no one knows but myself?” king, deprived of any help, you who wib now leave the great
Then Celidoine said to him, “I will tell you, but only games and festivities you have had on this earth to go
you and I must be there. However, first I want to tell you somewhere, not knowing whether it will be in joy or in
something in the presence of your nobles. It is a message to sorrow; now consider on your own and according to reason
you from the High Master, the One who knows everything if you can, which one you are more likely to find on your
that is to come. The serpent you saw in your dream road when you leave this earth: joy or sorrow. You have
symbolizes the moment of death, which has come for you.” enjoyed more joy in this world21 than any man of your age.
“Death!” said the king. ‘Will I die then?” [508] But they say, and wise men testify to it, that the joy of this
“Yes, truly,” replied Celidoine, “in only four days from world turns to sorrow, and that all this joy must inevitably
today you will have left this world. Now think carefully come to an end, and that end is called sorrow and chagrin.
about the decision you must make regarding yourself, and I Therefore, I can see by myself that my joy turns to sorrow.
will offer you good signs, which will make you believe me “Oh, wretched king, now22 you are poor within
more.” Then he drew him aside, away from his nobles, and yourself, for you will find sorrow when you leave this world.
said to him, “King, the High Master says you should become Yet, unless someone wiser than you tells you, you do not
a Christian and convert to the New Law, by these signs: on know, nor can you see, whether this sorrow will have an end
the first day of May you killed your sister because she did or be eternal. Oh, king, you who have come to the end of
not wish to let you be with her. And when you saw that she your life and found the beginning of your sorrow, if only
would not do your will, you cut off her head and threw her you could23 somehow find again the One who created
body and then her head into the sea. You committed this everything and to whom even the most hidden things are
murder without question, so secretly that no one knows revealed and who knows everything that is to come, He
about it except Him who sees all and from whom nd secret would tell you the truth about the sorrow [511] you will
can be kept. And He made it known and revealed it to me, find, whether it will end or last forever.”
may He be thanked.” Amidst these thoughts and words, grieving more
When the king heard this news, he replied, “Child, you deeply than anyone in the world, the king fell asleep, ciying
have told me wondrous things. Either you are not an so much that his whole face was wet with tears. Once he
earthly man, or you are wiser than any mortal man could had fallen asleep, it seemed to him that he entered a
be, for I know of no one who could explain my dream as highway. This road was large and wide and trodden by so
clearly as you have, nor did I think any man knew about many people that it was a wonder. But it was so dolorous
what I did with my sister.” and terrible that everyone who stepped onto it was
Then he ordered his household to make up his bed, so captured, carried off, and imprisoned, thus losing both
he could be down, as he was feeling a btde unwell. They did their lives and their wealth. After setting out on the road,
[509] what he ordered. And he commanded his nobles to he saw next to him a man of very great beauty who told him
take care of the child and to seek anything he requested.
They said they would do so. And the king, who was very
20“About what the child. . . . weep bitterly” supplied from
disturbed and overwhelmed by the news the child had Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
brought him, lay down in his bed. He ordered his
21“In this world” supplied from Ponceau.
chamberlains not to let anyone approach him anymore, no
22“Now,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “and”).
23“If only you could,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher
19“Solace, and joy” supplied from Ponceau. has “think [how to] ”).
The History of the Holy Grail 91

he would keep him company until he had traversed the awoke with a start, and as he watched to make sure he was
road. Thus they went along together, the king following the not thrown in, he cried out in his fear, “I am dead." He said
man. The king was very much afraid as he traveled, for he it so loudly that all the lords about his pavilion heard him
saw that the road was surrounded on all sides by robbers and were afraid for him. They quickly entered the pavilion
and thieves who did nothing but watch to see if they could and found him lamenting in his bed more loudly than you
get their hands on him. After he had gone along this way will ever hear, which worried them, for they were
for a good piece, he noticed that the person who had accustomed to seeing him happier and more joyful than
protected him from the thieves had disappeared. anyone else.
Then he found a narrow path, the most beautiful and The man among them who knew him best came to him
delightful in the world, full of bushes bearing fruit and and said, “My lord, what’s the matter?”
verdant on all sides. After entering it, he heard a voice say Realizing that what had frightened him had been a
to him, “Come [512] and wash,24 people of all faiths, and dream, the king said to those around him, “I saw the
go eat in the High City, for the tables are set and the sweet greatest marvels a mortal king ever saw, in my opinion, and
foods prepared. This message comes from the One who I will never be completely happy until I know the whole
knows everything, who holds this court.” truth about them. Now bring me Celidoine, who told me
When the king, who desired so much to meet the One the meaning of my other dream, and if he can interpret
who knew everything, in order to ask him if his sorrow this one as well as the other, I will do anything he orders.”
would ever end, heard that He was to hold court, he They went at once to the child, who was sleeping in the
thought he would go. He set out on the road, wandering pavilion, just as one sleeps sometimes on long summer days,
until he came to the highest mountain he had ever seen. around the hour [515] of nones. They awoke him and told
On this mountain was the most beautiful spring he had him to come quickly, for the king had sent for him. The
ever seen, where everyone who was to eat in the High City child got up immediately and came before the king, who
was washing. The king did not go to the spring or cleanse was still lamenting. But as soon as he saw the child, he was
himself, but set out to follow the others. When he reached comforted. He had Celidoine sit down before him and said,
the gates of the High City, everyone who had washed went “Wise and provident teacher, advise me about what I will
in and came to the great joy and the great wedding feast tell you; advise this unhappy king, this poor person, and
those inside were celebrating. The king wanted to go inside teach me what I will ask you.”
with all the others, but it was not permitted, and he could “King,” said Celidoine, “in so much as I tell you good
not. Indeed, the man guarding the gate said to him, things and teach you—not through my knowledge, but
“Because you did not care to wash at the spring, you will not because the High Master has revealed it to me in His
enter here, for no one enters unless he has cleansed graciousness—so much will you be shamed and destroyed,
himself first.” if you do not put into action the words He sends you
The king, who was terribly saddened by these words, through His small person. This very Prophet and High25
looked inside through the opening in the gate and saw his Lord whom you saw led so vilely to His death through the
sister, whom he had killed. She was at the large [513] table city of Jerusalem a long time ago, and who you yourself said
where the other people were seated, and she had a wreath did not deserve death, as did Pilate, your relative—thanks
of flowers on her head. She was so beautiful that it seemed be to this sweet Lord, this piteous One called Jesus Christ,
to the king, as he looked at her, that she was now a who has revealed so many of His secrets to me that I know
hundred times more beautiful than ever before. And when clearly what you saw in your sleep—He tells you through
she saw him looking at her, she said to him, “Earthen vessel, me that if you wish to enter the High [516] City you saw in
full of dirt clods, go cleanse yourself and wash. Then you your sleep, first you must do what I will counsel and teach
will eat with us amidst this great joy where you see us.” you. And if you refuse, He promises to give you the
Realizing there was nothing else he could do, the king dangerous, dark house, which is full of tears and cries.”
left and turned back to the road. He had not gone far when Upon hearing this, the king fell to his knees before the
people seized him so violently that he was afraid he was child and said, weeping and fearful, “Good and loyal
going to die. He asked them why they were laying their servant of your New Law, wondrously endowed with flowers,
hands on him. “Because," said they, “you are ours, and we leaves, and fruit, I recognize these words you speak to me,
will put you where we wish.” Then they led him quickly for you are so highly endowed with the grace of Jesus Christ
away, dragging him by the feet and hair, to a house in a that I am completely ready to do whatever you command,
wild and ugly valley. This house was so hideous and once you have explained the marvels I saw in my dream.”
frightful to look at that even the boldest man in the world “I will explain them to you,” said the child, “so that you
would be frightened if he saw it. This house was so black will see the meaning clearly. And I will tell you just as it
and hideous and so full of weeping and crying that upon happened, so that you may believe me better; nor could any
seeing it in his dream, the king was filled with sorrow and man explain it to you unless Our Lord had revealed it to
fear. [514] him, for you haven’t yet told your dream to any man. The
What this meant was that those who had seized him in wide road you saw in your dream, where so many people
his sleep wanted to throw him inside with the others, who have trod, symbolizes the Old Law, where such great
were there in great numbers. He was so afraid that he multitudes and so many people have passed, as you have

24“Wash,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has 25“High,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
“eat”). “handsome”).
92 The History of the Holy Grail

heard from all those who were like [517] masters and well that you have been on this road for a long time, but
pastors. There were not many who understood it well, so now you have come to the point that He who can deliver
that they saw only the outer covering where they should you—and He is the only one who can—will do so at this
have seen the marrow.26 Therefore, they abandoned time, if you wish.
themselves to every mortal sin and iniquity and, as a result, “Now I will tell you what the other road symbolizes, the
fell into such sorrowful bondage and deep misery that the one that was verdant and full of trees. The verdant road
enemy—that is, the devil—carried them away alive, in flesh symbolizes the New Law, which gets stronger, better,
and bone, straight to hell, the good as well as the bad. livelier, and greener every day. The fact that it was narrow
These devils about whom I speak, who formerly fell from means that those who set out on it do not have permission
the heavens because of their pride, and who were so to walk at their will. Rather, they must not leave the
powerful before the Passion of Jesus Christ that they took commandments of Holy Church. And do you know what
everyone, good and bad, in common judgment, are the commandments are? They are such that no son of Holy
symbolized by the robbers and thieves who, along the side Church should err against his Creator, sin mortally, or be
of the road, kept watch to capture the passersby, just as you lustful. Rather, he should live according to God and truth;
saw in your dream. By the road you saw, you should he should not stumble into sin by various thoughts but
understand the Old Law; and by those who kept watch 27 follow the straight road and the straight path that lead man
the devils who are always on the lookout to surprise and in the company of the angels. And he should go along just
deceive man in order to cast him from the blessed heritage like a straight line that does not turn for anything that may
from which they were formerly cast because of their pride. happen. And truth commands everyone who wishes to do
“The handsome man who kept you company and took well to act in this way. [520]
you out of the frightful road was Jesus Christ. Because you ‘The trees along this road symbolize the apostles and
took pity on Him when you saw Him in distress, He took prelates of Holy Church, who preach the truth of the
pity on you, protecting you in your sorrowful life so Gospel every day throughout the entire world. The voice
carefully that the enemy had no power to put his hands on that called the people of every faith symbolizes Jesus
you. Because you pitied Him when you saw Him28 at such a Christ’s great mercy, the great sweetness that calls sinners
time—even though you did not know what pity was—He and the just to Him, promising to give them sweet and
returned goodness for [518] goodness, for ever since then good foods.
He has always looked upon you with such pity that never, in “By the spring you saw on the mountain, you should
this filthy and wicked life you have led, did He allow you to understand Jesus Christ, the High Master and High Lord,
perish or be surprised by the devil; instead He has who through His good life and through the miracles and
protected you as you wish and delivered you from the great visible prodigies He worked as long as He was among us in
bondage of hell. this world as a mortal man, appears taller and higher than
“Now I have shown you who the man was who kept you any other, as the great mountains appear higher than the
company in the wide road that was full of thieves and middle lands. For this reason, therefore, what is called the
robbers. And there is yet another reason why this wide road holy water of baptism cannot exist without Jesus Christ, nor
is called so large and wide, and I will tell you. You know very does Jesus Christ exist without it. In the middle of the
well that once a man boards a ship where there is no mountain you saw the spring, that is, you saw Jesus Christ in
captain to guide it, nor any oar, rudder, or29 mast to sail, as the middle of the holy water of baptism.
soon as he is far from shore and he is thrown about and “By die High City that was so beautiful and gay and
buffeted by the winds that torment and oppose him in festive and joyful, you should understand Paradise, the
many ways, since he is in the middle of the wide sea, there blessed High City above, where the angels and Jesus
is no one who can deliver him from this danger, if Our Christ’s blessed servants lead a joyful, festive, gay existence,
Lord Himself does not do so. This is how yoii must and [521] will do so without end. The fact that you were
understand the road of sin, for as soon as the Christian told you would not enter, because you had not washed at
leaves the road of his Creator, he has broken his ties and the spring, means that you cannot be Jesus Christ’s servant
finds no one to keep him from doing whatever he desires. or a son of Holy Church until you have been washed and
And then he is incited and encouraged to sin, both openly purified in the holy water of baptism.
and secretly; then he has permission and license to do as he “Not long ago in a dream you saw some of these very
wishes; then [519] he finds his road wide, so that nothing things I am speaking about. And I will tell you what the
turns him aside, and he does absolutely everything his dream was, so that you may believe me better. It seemed to
unhappy flesh desires and everything the devil advises. This you that in a wild and uncultivated heath you saw a large
road is indeed wide and terrible. King Label, you know very and marvelous serpent; though it could not see, it flew until
it reached the Red Sea, where it bathed itself in the water.
“So that they saw only . .. marrow” supplied from Ponceau But as it came out, you marveled as you looked, for you saw
and Sommer. clearly that it had changed into a white pigeon.
27“The Old Law. . . watch” supplied from Ponceau and “You saw all this in your dream, King Label, and you
Sommer. never revealed it to any man because you didn’t think
28“In distress, He took pity on you.. .. when you saw Him” anyone could tell you the meaning, but I will.30 I’ll tell you
supplied from Ponceau.
29“Rudder, or,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher QA

“I will,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “you

has “to guide”).
will”).
The History of the Holy Grail 93

exactly what [522] the High Master has revealed to me. By “I’ll tell you,” said Celidoine. “You may be sure, truly,
the wild, uncultivated heath, you should understand the that your sister died a Christian. She received baptism from
evil works and disloyal acts in which you persisted from the the hand of Seraphe himself, the hermit who lives in a
very moment you left your mother’s womb. By the serpent forest called Naube. This forest used to be inhabited
you should understand yourself, for you are undoubtedly a wondrously by serpents who killed people, but for five years
true serpent and true enemy, since you did nothing, or very none has been seen there. And do you know when she was
litde, that pleased Our Lord. The fact that it could not see [525] baptized? On the day you fought King Galien. On
anything means that you were blind, for if you really saw, that day the vermin left the forest, because it was then that
you would not have remained in sin as long as you have. the wordiy man came to live there.”
And the fact that the serpent flew to the Red Sea means “Certainly,” said the king, “you have interpreted my
that you will fly, that is, you will enter into the holy and dream marvelously, and marvelous is the Lord who has
blessed water called baptism and be Jesus Christ’s heir and revealed it to you. Surely, if He were not more powerful and
son, just like the others who have come to holy baptism. knowledgeable than any other lord, He could not know
“By the Red Sea, which Our Lord parted for the sons this, nor could He have revealed it to you or any other.
of Israel, you should understand baptism, where Jesus Therefore, I put myself completely in His command and
Christ’s servants are purified and taken out of the hands of am ready to do everything you advise.”
the eternal enemies, just as the sons of Israel were delivered “King,” said Celidoine, “now I will tell you what to do.
from the hands of the Egyptians by the Red Sea. By the red It has been revealed to me by the High Master, whose
of the sea, you should understand the blessed blood, that servant I am, that nearby, in this forest, lives a worthy
came out of the blessed side of the Prophet311 am speaking hermit who leads a very saindy life and who is a priest. Let
about. us go to him, and you will have him baptize you and wash in
‘Just as the sons of Israel were nourished and sustained the holy water I spoke to you about, so that purged and
by the manna Our Lord sent in the desert until they clean, you may enter the great wedding feast and the High
reached the Promised Land, likewise the sons of Jesus City called Paradise whenever the Great Master comes to
Christ, the servants of Holy Church, are sustained and summon you."
satisfied, from [523] day to day in this life—which is “Certainly,” said the king, “I am [526] completely
therefore called a desert—by the grace of Our Lord, by the ready to do this.” Then the king asked those around him,
holy food He will give them until they come to the “My lords, what do you think about what he has said to me?
Promised Land. That is, they will come to the joy of heaven, Are you prepared to do as I will? I assure you that I will
which will never end, and this is the joy that is promised to never be happy until I am baptized.”
them. The fact that the serpent changed into the form of a But they said they would not get involved in this, nor
dove stands for the change that will take place in you, if you abandon their religion or the faith they held from their
are baptized, for in this holy ablution, you will be changed fathers.
from an enemy into a friend of Jesus Christ—from a serf “My lords,” said Celidoine, “leave things as they are
into a free man, for then32 you will be freed from serfdom then, for if you were converted by force, it would be of little
and from the bonds of the deadly deceiver. value to you. You will remain the enemy’s servants—people
“Now I have revealed to you, King Label, the dream full of poor sense and bad judgment. And the king will
you never revealed to any mortal man, and you know that leave as Jesus Christ’s son and heir. I can truly tell you that
the One who showed it to me knows all about your affairs. Our Lord, in His great mercy, has removed the sheep from
Now I will tell you what the dark house you saw in your among the wolves35 without their strangling him.”
other dream symbolizes. This dark house, which is full of They asked at once who were the wolves.
tears and cries, [524] symbolizes hell, where traitorous “You are the wolves,” said the king, “and I am the
unbelievers stay and where they will be cast down on sheep.”
Judgment Day. On this fearsome day33 you will be lodged in Then Celidoine had King Label undress and remove
the frightening, hideous dwelling you marveled at, unless all his garments and put on a poor and humble robe,
on this earth you do something to cause you to be delivered telling him that he did not want him to come before the
from it and placed in the other.”34 worthy man in pride, but with signs of humility and
“Can one arrive in the High City where I saw the great patience. And the king did exacdy what he ordered.
joy without being baptized?” asked the king. Then they left the pavilions and went into the forest,
“Certainly not,” said Celidoine. where they wandered together until night fell upon them in
“What!" said the king. “Did I really see my sister a great valley. And yet they had gone so far before nightfall
rejoicing as much as the others?” that they came by chance, or because Our Lord was [527]
guiding them, straight to the hermitage where the worthy
man had been bring for quite some time. They called at the
31“By the red of the sea . . . Prophet,” as in Sommer and
Ponceau (Hucher has a garbled passage here). door, and the hermit, who was not asleep, opened the door
32‘Then,” as in Sommer and Ponceau (Hucher has “il loet,” at once, wondering36 who these people were and what they
which has no meaning here).
33“Day,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “place”). 35“Among the wolves,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher
34“Without receiving baptism, no one can arrive there” has “from the wolf, which was with them”).
omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer. 36“At once, wondering,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has
“wondering at once”).
94 The History of the Holy Grail

were seeking in this place so far from any people, for accompany him? Who will answer for him about everything
sometimes he spent an entire month or more without he had on earth, everything he knew,39 and everything he
seeing a man or a woman. could do? He won’t bring anything before this rich man
Once the hermit heard Celidoine speak and except a charter where he has written whatever he did,
recognized him as a Christian, he was so overjoyed that good or bad. If there is more good than evil, the good will
words could hardly express it. He embraced him and kissed raise him up and deliver him from all the things that will be
him many times and said, “Dear son, you who will yet be a asked of him; and if there is more evil than good, the evil,
pillar and vessel of true knowledge, what need has brought which always weighs man down and brings him to earth,
you to these parts?” will pull him down, and he will tumble into the dark house
He told him at once why they had come. When the of hell. King Label, now I have told you the meaning of
worthy man heard this, he was oveijoyed and said he would your dream, as I believe it to be. Now tell me if it seems to
gladly do as they asked as soon as day came.37 That night you that I have told the truth.”
they spoke about many things, and the worthy man taught “Certainly,” said the king, “I don’t think there is any
King Label a great deal about the Christian faith and the man on earth who could have told me better, unless the
commandments of Holy Church. One called Jesus Christ Himself did so. Now there is no one
Finally the king said to him, “My lord, for God’s sake, on earth, if he heard it as I have, who would not be worth
[528] tell me the truth about a vision that came to me not more all the days of his life. And there is no other God than
long ago, if you are certain of it.” the One you worship, for He alone knows the truth about
‘Tell me,” said the worthy man, “and I will tell you everything, and in my opinion no one else knows anything
what Our Lord has taught me about it.” unless it is revealed to him by the [531] power of this High
“My lord,” he said, “it seemed to me that I was Lord.”
summoned to trial before a very rich man, charges having “Certainly,” said the hermit, “this is the truth.”
been brought against me by I know not whom. When it was That night the three of them spoke for a long time
time to go to the trial, I summoned all my friends and those about things pertaining to the holy faith. The worthy man
I had served to come help me, but all of them failed me preached to the king throughout the night, and he
except three. One of the three lent me a mantle to put on, recounted the lives of the worthy men who, because of
so that no one would recognize me. The second led me to a Jesus Christ’s death, had borne so many sorrows and
house such as I had never seen before and left me inside. troubles that mortal man could hardly tell the number.
And the third came with me before the rich man and And the king wept the whole time he preached, so much
presented a written charter that acquitted me of all the did the sweet words he related please him.
charges brought by the rich man, so that my peace was The next day, as soon as the worthy man had sung
made with the man before whom I was accused. My lord, matins, he had a hollowed-out stone prepared and cleaned
such was the vision that came to me not long ago; now I and brought into his little chapel and filled with water.
beseech you to tell me the meaning if you know it.” Then he had the king undress and step into it, and he
“Certainly,” said the worthy man, “willingly. The baptized him and gave him all the sacraments of Holy
mantle that was lent to you, King Label, symbolizes the Church, as befits a Christian. But his name was not changed
poor clothing and last garment given to a man to wear because it seemed beautiful to him.
when he is put into the ground. We call this last mande and After the king was baptized, the hermit called the
garment a shroud; [529] it should be called mortal others who had come with him and asked them if they
clothing. Often this garment is given more for those who wished to do as the king had done. And they said they
remain than for the one who is put into the ground. The would never change their faith but would be like their
second friend, who led you to the house you did not know, fathers.
symbolizes the relatives of the one who has passed away, “I will suffer it,” said the worthy man.
who take the body of the dead person to the grave. The Then the king put on a white robe that the worthy man
grave should righdy be called an unknown house, like none had prepared for him. Once he was dressed, he said to
anyone has ever seen. King Label, the third friend, who [532] Celidoine, “Dear friend, you have threatened me with
kept you company in your need and showed the charter the body’s death. Now I no longer care when I may die, for
acquitting you of all the charges the rich man had brought I know that I have become so much better that mortal man
against you, stands for the good works that man does in this could never express it. It seems to me that I am in that very
earthly world as long as he lives here. The good things that city where I saw the feast and great joy, where I was not
man does, as long as he is alive, are38 just like the good law permitted to enter because I had not washed at the spring.”
clerk who boldly defends his friend’s cause and brings it to And then he said to those who had come with him,
a successful issue. The son, the daughter, and the other “My lords, you who have kept me company in my evil life,
relatives leave the one whom they considered a friend in since you do not wish to keep me company in the one
the grave and no longer keep him company. where I am now, which is full of good and truth, I release
“Now he must come before the rich [530] man, before you from my service; henceforth I will consider you to be
the presence of the High Judge. What will he do? Who will my enemies rather than my officers. Leave this place, and I
will never again enter any place where I know you to be.”
07
“And said . . . day came” supplied from Ponceau and
Sommer.
39“Knew,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “had”).
38“Are” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 95

Upon hearing this, they were as grief-stricken as of it: let’s put the lion we captured the day before yesterday
possible and said that they had lost everything when their with him. As soon as it’s in the boat, it won’t need food, for
lord turned to the Christian faith. Thus they left, discussing it will devour him, and thus we will be avenged.”
among themselves what to do, for they did40 not want to They all accepted this suggesdon. They seized
leave their lord in this way among those who had deceived Celidoine and put him in the boat, and the lion with him.
him. “What use is it to implore him?” asked one of them. When Celidoine saw himself with this fierce and
[533] “You can be sure, truly, that he will not abandon the frightening beast, he made the sign of the holy cross over
faith he has accepted, whatever anyone might do, but we his face and commended himself to Our Lord. Then he
should make the one who advised him to do this pay dearly turned to those who had put him there and said, “Cursed
for what he has taken from us.” people, enemies of Jesus Christ, do you think you will cause
Then they returned to the hermitage and seized my death like this? I will escape if it pleases my Savior. But
Celidoine, in spite of the king. He tried to stop them as best you will perish as soon as you set out to sea, and you can be
he could, and he would have done more, but Celidoine said very sure that you will never return to the kingdom of
to him, “King Label, don’t worry about what they do to me. Persia, which the king had you leave. You will suffer a
Stay here with this worthy man, who will give you advice to violent death in the sea where you have put me to die; you
go to your Creator. If your officers take me away, I am not will be drowned and tortured, and you will enter the
afraid, for He whose service I have entered will protect and torments of hell in the dark house, where all sorrow and
defend me from all danger.” misery dwell. King Label will not enter this house, [536] for
At Celidoine’s advice the king remained at the he has delivered himself from it; rather, he will enter the
hermitage, and the next day he passed away from the world sovereign house and the joy called Paradise. And do you
through the will of the Sovereign Master and went to his know when this will be? It will be tomorrow, for you can be
Creator. Since then Our Lord has worked many beautiful sure that tomorrow he will leave this earth.”
miracles for his sake, which the story is silent about, Thereupon the wind struck the litde boat, and it was
because this material does not at all belong to this book, soon taken out to sea, so far from shore that the men who
but to the one that tells the story of the king of Persia. had put him in the boat3 could not see him. For three days
the child drifted this way in the company of the lion, which
never touched or harmed him, either because it was
frightened and saw itself in danger, or because Our Lord’s
24. Celidoine’s Adventures at Sea.1
mercy worked in it.
On the fourth day, in the middle of the sea, Celidoine
Now the the Story of the Holy Grail says here that after
came upon the beautiful and splendid ship in which the
King Label’s men had seized Celidoine, they took him
sword lay that Nascien had looked at so long. It happened
among the rocks [534] to their pavilions. Once the news
that the little boat came alongside the ship. When the
had spread through the army that the king had converted
child, who knew several languages, saw the writing on the
and become a Christian, then you would have seen great
side and realized what it meant, he entered the ship right
sorrow and weeping on the part of one and all, as if each
away, leaving the lion in the little boat. Once he was inside
one saw his whole family dead before him. And when they
the ship and had found the beautiful, sumptuous bed and
realized they could do nothing else, they said to each other
the crown and the marvelous spindles, he looked at them
that since they had in their power the one who had caused
gladly, having never [537] seen anything that pleased him
them this sorrow, they would take their revenge on him.
so much, and he was aware of nothing else until night fell.
Some of them thought they should kill Celidoine, while
When he saw the darkness of night spreading
others said he was still too young a child and that they
throughout the world, he returned to the ship’s side, but
should be avenged2 some other way. And then they
he saw neither the boat nor the lion he had left, which
discussed among themselves different torments and means
grieved him, for the silent animal would have given him
of causing the child’s death, but they could not agree on
great comfort if he could have seen it. He looked in every
any one. direction as far as he could,4 but he could not see what he
This continued until one of the king’s relatives stood
sought. And when he realized that he would see nothing
up and said, “I will tell you how we can be avenged without
more, he returned to the middle of the ship and lay down
laying a hand on him, and with greater honor than if we
on a wooden pallet, since he did not dare get into the bed,
were to kill him. Take a small boat, of which we have and immediately fell asleep from fatigue and exhaustion.
several, in addidon to our barks. Put him inside all alone All night long the child slept in this way. The next day,
without a rudder or anything else, and have him put out to when day broke, he arose5 and went to the side of the ship.
sea. If he doesn’t perish before the next day, I will never Seeing that he had arrived before an island, he looked
believe that a man who is a Chrisuan can die.” above shore and saw someone lying there asleep. Realizing
“If you approve,” said someone [535] else, “you can
cause his death in a better way yet, and we will be more sure
3“Perished so that they never again [saw him]” omitted, as in
Ponceau.
40Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau. 4 “He looked in every direction as far as he could” supplied
1 Corresponds to Hucher II: 533—539 and III: 1—10; Sommer I: from Ponceau.
158-164; Ponceau §250-255. 5“And when he was awake” omitted, as in Sommer and
2“Some of them . .. they should be avenged” supplied from Ponceau.
Ponceau.
96 The History of the Holy Grail

that it was a man, he left the ship and went toward him. As he said this, they saw the largest and most marvelous
[538] When he came up next to him and looked at him giant in the world—larger than Nascien had ever heard of
well, he recognized Nascien, his father, which caused him in all the days of his life—coming out of the castle.
such great joy that no greater could be told. He awoke him Upon seeing the ship’s occupants, the giant cried out,
gently, and the latter started, as if he were frightened, and “You will regret having come [3] to my island without my
opened his eyes. When he saw the child, he jumped up leave! You must die!”
quickly, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him When Nascien saw the enormous, awful monster, he
over and over. Embracing him and weeping over him with did not know what to do, for he had neither lance nor
joy, he said, “Dear son, sweet creature, who brought you to shield nor helmet, nor any arm with which he might defend
this island, which is so far away from people and Christian himself. He looked all around, in greater distress and
homes?” He showed him the ship and replied that he had anguish than anyone ever was. Realizing that he would not
come in it; when Nascien saw it, he said he had seen the find anything with which he might defend himself7 and
ship before. fearing for his life, he ran to the rich sword and pulled it
Father and son rejoiced heartily over each other, and out of the scabbard. After doing so, he looked at it a long
each asked the other about himself, until Nascien asked the time, finding it to be so splendid and beautiful in
child how he had escaped from Galafre’s prison. And he appearance that he had never seen an arm he prized so
recounted how that had happened and how he had been much. Because of the great goodness he believed it
left among the rocks in the sea, where King Label arrived possessed, he raised it on high and began to brandish it. As
with his men, during the storm at sea that brought them he did so—I do not know if this was because of the poor
there. Then he described King Label’s dream and its quality of the sword, or because of Our Lord’s anger at
meaning, and how King Label received the faith [539] Nascien for drawing the sword, which appeared to be so
through the proof Our Lord gave him in his sleep. After good and beautiful—it broke in two near the hilt, which
that he described all the adventures that had happened to remained in Nascien’s hand, while the blade fell to the
him since he last saw his father. And when he had heard ground. This adventure frightened him even more, so he
this news, Nascien blessed his Creator and wept tenderly stood still, lost in thought [4] and troubled.
over how He had brought everything to such perfection. When he had come out of his reverie, he said, “By
Then they left the island and came to the sea and God, this is the greatest marvel I have seen in a long time.”
boarded the ship, where they remained until the hour of Then he put the handle of the sword back on the bed and
tierce. And then it happened that the wind rose furiously, said that he would put himself completely under God’s
and a storm came across the sea, so great and horrible that protection—his own life and his son’s—against the monster
anyone who saw it would be frightened. The wind, which that came so impetuously toward him.
had stiffened cruelly, struck the ship full abreast and At once he jumped out of the ship, saying, “Dear
carried it away from the island in so little time that Nascien, Father, Jesus Christ, be my shield and defense against this
who was at the ship’s side, looking at the heavy sea, did not enemy.” Then he looked down and saw a sharp, honed
see land anywhere. He thanked God and worshiped Him sword that had been left there by chance by men from the
for whatever He might send and said the prayers and tower.8 Very happy, he seized it at once and turned
orisons he knew. [ID: l]* * 6 immediately to the monster, striking him so forcefully and
This storm lasted three days. Their lives were with such great strength that he pierced him right through
constantly in danger, and all they did was wait for the the ribs so that the sword-tip appeared on the other side.
moment when the ship would capsize. On the fourth night, Feeling himself struck so violently, the monster did not
as day was about to break, the wind died down and they have strength enough to remain standing but fell to the
could see land again, and the sea, which had been so ground, overcome with the anguish of death. He fainted,
furious and cruel, became calm and peaceful. This made and when he came to, he let out a loud and terrifying cry.
those in [2] the ship happier than they had been, and When Nascien saw that he need no longer fear him, he
reassured them. still did not go to the castle, thinking there were
When day had come, with beautiful, clear weather, unbelievers, but returned to the ship. As soon as he had
they looked ahead and saw a small island where there was a boarded it, the wind struck it, and it went away so quickly
castle that looked very beautiful. But they did not know in that in a short time they had lost sight of the casde and the
what land or country this island might be, which frightened island. And when Nascien saw that he had escaped the
them somewhat, for they were afraid of falling into evil giant, he went to the sword and began to look at it, saying
hands. The ship arrived at the shore directly before the to himself, so that Celidoine [5] could hear him clearly,
castle, and they went to the gate and listened. Inside, a blow “Ah, sword, you are the thing I prized most except for the
rang out very loudly, so that it could be heard from some Holy Vessel called the Grail. But I have wrongly praised
distance away. you.9 Now, it seems to me that you have so failed me in my
“My lord,” said Celidoine to his father, “now you can need that I wonder what this can mean."
be sure there are people there.”
‘Truly,” said Nascien. *1

'“He looked all around . . . himself’ supplied from Hucher

variants and Ponceau.
Q
^Henceforth, all page numbers refer to Hucher, volume III. ‘Tower,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “court”).
9“And rightly blamed you” omitted, following Ponceau and
Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 97

“My lord,” said Celidoine, “this is not a marvel, nor is it you are marvelous to see and look at, for you are more
the poor quality of the sword, but it is because of some sin beautiful than any other.”
with which you are stained or because of some sign from Then the king took the hilt in one hand and the blade
Our Lord." in the other and brought them together. As he joined
And he replied that this could well be. them, there occurred a wonderful adventure: the steel of
As they were speaking about this, they were looking the one immediately took hold of the other, and they held
across the sea. Seeing a ship coming straight toward them, so firmly together that the sword was never again unjoined.
Celidoine said to his father, “My lord, here’s a ship coming Upon seeing this, he said to Nascien, “By my faith, the
to us. We are sure to have news; may God grant that it be power of Jesus Christ is miraculous, when He so easily
good.” breaks and welds this sword, for as you can see, it is
“So be it,” said Nascien. rejoined as easily as it was broken.”
As they spoke, the ship had approached them enough Then he put it back in the scabbard from which
so that they could recognize one another. Nascien came to Nascien had taken it. After having done this, they heard a
the side of his ship and looked at the prow of the other. noise as loud as thunder, which stunned them. And then a
There he saw King Mordrain, who was sitting very pensive, voice came down, saying to them, “Christians, leave the
awaiting whatever adventure God would send him. When ship, for you are falling into sin."
Nascien recognized him, he cried out, “My lord, may God As soon as the king heard these words, he leapt out of
be with you.” the ship into his own, as did Celidoine. But it happened
At once the king came out of his reverie and greeted that as Nascien, who was a litde slower11 than the others,
Nascien. He was so joyful that he [6] could barely say a left the ship and grabbed the other one to get in, a flaming
word. He leapt into Nascien’s ship, which was right beside sword came down and struck him in the left shoulder,
his, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him more making a very large wound. He fell face forward into the
than a hundred times, saying, “My dear friend, how have ship. And then he heard someone speaking to him, [9] but
you fared since I last saw you, and what adventure has he did not know who, saying, “This is the vengeance for
brought you here?” having drawn the sword, which you were unworthy of. Take
Nascien, who was as happy as could be about finding care not to offend your Creator again.”
him, recounted the difficulties and travails he had suffered The king heard the voice distinctly, and Nascien did
since he had left him: how he was put in Galafre’s prison also, but he was so wounded by the blow that he fell to the
because the people of the land accused him of killing the ground as if he were dead. The king ran to raise him up
king; how he remained there for several days, but at last was and take him in his lap, weeping bitterly for fear that he was
delivered through Jesus Christ’s power and pity and was mortally wounded. And Celidoine did likewise. Nascien lay
carried in a cloud to Western parts, far from any people for a long time in a faint without saying a word. When his
and habitable land, to an island so ugly and hideous that he strength returned and he could speak, seeing the king
had never seen any place10 so [7] frightening. He never crying for him, he said, “Oh, my lord, what are you doing?
learned what the island was called, and yet he remembered You should not cry but rejoice, for now you can be sure that
very well that it shook and turned every day and every night. Our Lord holds me dear for some reason, since He
Then he told him how the ship he was in had come; how he punishes me and makes my sin known. I should thank and
had entered it; and how it opened up because of a single worship Him as a Father, for now I see indeed that he
word he said, so that he all but drowned. Then he punishes me like a son.”
recounted the meaning of the ship and how he had been so Nascien spoke these words when he was wounded. He
pleased by the words spoken by a worthy man who had never showed that anything bothered him but, like a man
come to comfort him that he fell asleep to the sweetness of full of patience and humility, suffered the anguish and pain
the words. After that he related that, since the worthy man of the wound as long as it lasted. They were in the ship this
had told him the meaning of the ship and he had fallen way for four days. But at this point the story leaves off [10]
asleep because of the sweet words, he had not seen the speaking of them and returns to the messengers that the
worthy man or the ship he had come on. queen sent throughout the land to seek her brother
The king marveled at the wondrous and strange words Nascien, for she did not know where he was.
he recounted and at the island that he said turned.
Next Nascien related in order everything else that had
happened to him. After he had recounted everything, the
25. Messengers Set out to Seek Nascien.1
king asked him which one of these things he considered
the most marvelous.
Now the story says that after2 the five messengers, who were
“Certainly,” said Nascien, “the breaking of the sword,
mounted on horseback, left their lady, Queen Sarrasinte,3
for it did not break because it was poorly made, but was a
they rode through many a country for a long time,
sign from Our Lord."
“Indeed,” said the [8] king, “this is certainly possible.”
Then he went to see the sword and move it. After he ^“Slower,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “taller”).

had looked at it for a long time, he said, “Certainly, sword, Corresponds to Hucher III: 10-29; Sommer I: 164—170;
Ponceau §256-265.
2“After” supplied from Ponceau.
10“Any place,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “anyone”).
3See Chapter 18.
98 The History of the Holy Grail

sometimes in one direction and sometimes in the other, as so marvelous and so high that he*’ could see all the people
chance led them. Everywhere they went they asked for news in the world who lived on earth, and all the seas where
of Nascien, but they never found anyone who could give boats could navigate. Joseph asked him, ‘What do you see?”
them information, and that frightened them. When they “My lord, I see all the lands where mortal people live and
had long been in foreign countries, in pagan as well as all the waters where boats can go.” And Joseph showed him,
other lands, it seemed to them that they would not hear far away, a ship in the Greek sea, saying, “Do you see that
news of Nascien, either near or far, and that they had left ship?” “My lord," he replied, “I see it [13] clearly.” “Now
their country for naught, for they would not find what they you may be sure,” said he, “that your lord is in this ship with
were seeking. company he loves well.” Then they parted, and Joseph left
One night it happened that they were lodged at the so abruptly that the messenger did not see which way he
home of a pagan vavasor, a very worthy man in his religion. went.
In the evening after they had eaten, their host asked them In the morning after they were up and before they
where they were from and where [11] they were going. departed, the young man said to his companions, “Last
They said they were from Sarras and were seeking their night a very beautiful vision came to me in my sleep." They
lord, who was called Nascien and who had disappeared asked what it was, and he told them. When they heard it,
through the most marvelous adventure in the world. they said this was a lovely adventure and that Our Lord had
“What!” he exclaimed. “You are Christians?” not forgotten them since Joseph, their minister, came to
They replied that this was true. tell them where they could find their lord.
“And how is it,” he asked, “that you were so bold as to “What do you suggest we do about this?" asked the
hurry straight into the land of the Saracens, knowing very youth who had had the vision. The others said the only
well that they hate you mortally, since you oppose their thing to do was to go to the sea as quickly as they could and
faith and belief?” rent a ship, board it, and sail back and forth across the sea
“Dear sir,” said one of them, “distress and anguish to until God granted that they find the ship in which their
find what we are seeking made us forge ahead, for we don’t lord Nascien was.
know if our lord is among pagans or Christians. That is why The five of them agreed on this. They went to their
we go into pagan lands as well as Christian, to see if God host and took leave of him, and he told them in private,
will lead us where we can find him.” “My lords, I advise you not to make yourselves known
“It was great folly to come among us without leave,” wherever you may go, for I tell you truly that if you are
said the host, “for I believe you will repent of it before you recognized as Christians in this land where Christians are
depart.” hated more mortally [14] than in any other place, you will
And they replied that they did not know whether that not escape alive.” And they said they would hide their
would be the case. identity as best they could.
That night the messengers were sumptuously served, Thus the messengers left Tosqueham. Once they were
and they had a great variety of spices, for there were many beyond the city, they headed straight toward the sea as fast
in that land, which was very well endowed with all as they could, riding all day in great anguish and travail, for
commodities everywhere. And if someone should come it was so outrageously hot in this land that some people had
forward4 to ask what country they were in, I would answer to go completely nude during the month of August, which
that they were in Egypt in a city called Tosqueham. In this is hotter and more torrid than other months. The day they
very city was bom the forebear of the holy lady called Saint left Tosqueham the heat was so intense and blazing that
Mary the Egyptian. because of it, one of the five companions died, either from
That night [12] after their host had put the heat stroke or thirst, and he was buried in the main city of
messengers to bed in a hall by themselves and they had Egypt, the city called Alexandria.
fallen asleep, the youngest one had a vision. It seemed to Two days later the messengers set out again and rode
him that Joseph of Arimathea came before him and asked, until they reached the sea, where they found a ship that
“What are you seeking?” And he responded, saying, “Good had recently landed. In it there were some one hundred
sir, I am seeking Nascien, my lord, who disappeared eighty men who had been killed. They boarded to find out
through the most marvelous adventure in the world,” and what had happened; in one section of the ship, under a
he recounted how. Joseph asked him, “Do you think you plank, they found a young lady hiding. They pulled her out
will find him in this country?” And he replied, “My lord, I of her hiding place and beseeched her to tell them about
don’t know where I might find him; that is why I am the death of these men—why they were killed and how.
seeking him throughout all the lands where people live.” “If [15] you promise,” she said, “that I will not be
“You will not find him in this land,” said Joseph, “for he is killed, I will tell you die truth about it.”
not here. Come with me, and I will show him to you.” And they said she need have no fear and that they
Then Joseph led the way, with the youth following, would do nothing that would displease her.
until they came to a mountain—the largest and highest in “Then I’ll tell you what you have asked. Be assured
the world. Once they were on the mountain, he saw a place truly that those who lie dead here were from the city of
Label, and were men of King Label, who was my father.
4“Someone should come forward,” as in Ponceau (Hucher Some time ago King Melian said he would go to Syria to see
has “if there were a soul”).
c

“A place so marvelous and so high that he,” as in Ponceau

(Hucher has “a high place on this hill”).
The History of the Holy Grail 99

a son who lives there and governs part of the land.6 After ‘1 don’t know,” she said, “for I am far from my country,
he put to sea with a large retinue and naval force, the king among foreign people who do not know me at all, and who
of Tarsus, who had hated him7 mortally for a long time, would not do anything for [18] me. But advise me
learned that he was traveling by sea to the kingdom of generously, if you can, for I certainly don’t know what to
Syria. He sent for as many knights and men-at-arms as he do.” Then she began to weep very softly.
could assemble, boarded his ships, and attacked my father, Seeing this, they took great pity on her. Then they
who was sailing before a castle that sits on the sea, and who conferred among themselves and said that it would be good
went to meet him with all his men. to take her with them until they found their lord. Then
"Thus they met in batde at sea.8 And the melee began they would make her a Christian. This seemed like a good
between our men and the king of Tarsus. In a short time decision to them. So they all agreed upon it and told the
the killing was so great that I saw more than9 10 a thousand girl they would take her with them if she wished, in such a
men die on both sides, all of whom were considered worthy way that she would not be shamed or dishonored as long as
men and good knights. But the men from Tarsus, who were diey could defend her. When she heard these words, she
more accustomed to bearing arms and suffering pain and fell at their feet and said she would put herself completely
who outnumbered our forces, attacked our men so fiercely under their protection.
from every direction that my father [ 16] lost nearly all his Then they all did their best to find a man who knew
men. He himself would have been killed, but he got in a how to sail the ship. But they found no one, which made
litde boat with some knights—I’m not sure how many—and them very unhappy. That evening they furnished the ship
set off; since then I have heard no news of him. All those with everything they needed, such as food. And when night
who remained on the ship were killed, and many were came they lay down to sleep in the ship. The sail was still
drowned in the sea. And they would have killed me, but set, having never been struck [19] since the ship’s arrival.
because they saw I was a maiden and a weak thing, they did Around midnight, therefore, it happened that the wind
not deign to touch me but left me with my relatives and the rose, great and marvelous and strong, and drove the ship
men they had killed. Now I have told you the truth about away from shore, so that when daybreak came and they
what you asked me." looked around, believing themselves to be still at shore,
They said that this had been a serious battle and that they did not see land anywhere. Rather, they saw that they
they believed everything she had told them, for the ship still were at high sea. Then they were very frightened, for they
showed clear true signs of it. Then they discussed what to saw they were amidst huge, very high waves, without a
do, for they had this sea-faring ship as booty, and there was captain or helmsman, and the sea was not calm, but
no one to dispute it. whipped up by the cruel and violent wind that was blowing
“I’ll tell you what we can do,” said one of them. from all sides. The wind struck the sails full on, and the
“Because those who lie dead here are created in our ship ploughed through the waves as quickly as a small
semblance, though they may not be Christians, we should falcon chasing its prey before it.
have pity on them, and it seems to me we should not allow When diey saw themselves in such danger that they
bears or lions or any other wild beasts to eat their flesh. Let were only awaiting the hour when they would perish at sea,
us send for people nearby so that they may be buried. And and they knew that they could not escape without Our
once we have emptied the ship, let us seek a knowledgeable Lord’s mercy, they knelt down in the ship and prayed to
captain who can take us where God will lead us.” Our Lord for mercy—that in His pity, He might look upon
They all agreed [17] to this and said that it was a good them in this danger into which they had fallen, so that they
thing to do. Then they went where they thought they would might not die or perish, but be taken to a safe port. [20]
find people; after doing so, they promised them enough so For three days and three nights the messengers were in
that before the day was over, many came to the ship to such a state that they neither ate nor drank. During this
help. And they gave them a great deal of gold and silver. time they had sailed so far across the sea, as a result of the
They worked so hard that before the day was over, they had good strong wind they had had, that they said among
buried everyone from the ship. Then they placed a large, themselves, in the midst of the danger they were in, that
marvelous stone there and had Greek letters chiseled into it they must not be very far from Egypt. And indeed they were
that said,*6 once they were done, HERE LIE THE MEN FROM not, for the ship had run along as if all the winds in the
Label who were killed bythe people of Tarsus; they were world were chasing it across the sea.
BURIED HERE OUT OF PITY FOR THEIR HUMAN LIKENESS BY THE On the fourth day at the hour of prime, an awful and
MESSENGERS WHO WERE SEEKING THEIR LORD, NASCIEN. grievous ordeal happened to them: their ship headed
Nascien’s messengers—the men seeking him—had this straight for a very high, large, rocky island. They began to
inscription placed where they had buried the men from fret, for the wind was carrying them at full sail in that
Label, so that those who saw it might know the truth. After direction. So it happened that the ship struck the rock so
doing this, they asked the young lady what she planned to hard that it broke up into four pieces, and two of the four
do. messengers perished. The other two escaped, while the girl
who was with them was thrown into the sea. And when she
saw those who had escaped and were out of danger, she
6“Of the land” supplied from Ponceau.
began to cry out to diem tearfully for mercy, and to pray
7 Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
very softly that for the sake of God and the holy faith they
8 “At sea” supplied from Ponceau.
held, they would come to help her. Then one of them
9“More than” supplied from Ponceau.
looked at her, [21] and taking great pity, jumped at once
10“Greek letters” and “that said” supplied from Ponceau.
100 The History of the Holy Grail

into the water. He crossed himself and commended himself more comfortable in the shade of this wall than on the
to Our Lord, and then he swam to the young woman and shore where they had been all day. So they set out in that
brought her straight back to shore with great difficulty, for direction, walking [26] until they reached the wall, after
he suffered a great deal before returning. When the youth deep night had already fallen.
reached shore with the girl, she thanked Our Lord sweedy, They remained there all night, alone and lost and not
with all her heart, for saving her from death, which had knowing what to do, for they were sorely afraid that Our
been so near. Lord Jesus Christ might forget them. Thus they slept and
In this way two of the messengers who had left their rested very little that night, for all night long they never
country to seek Nascien perished. And when those who stopped thinking about the fact that they could only be
remained with King Label’s daughter saw that they had lost saved by the grace of Our Lord. And they prayed to Him
all their food and the supplies to sustain them, they were very tenderly to come to see them and help them.
very frightened, for [22] they were in a foreign place far The next day, as soon as day broke and they had said
away from people, and on a rock where they would never their prayers, asking that Our Lord in His sweet pity might
find any food for sale, even if they had all the gold in the comfort them, they stood up quickly and said they would go
world. And it was no wonder they were frightened, for they see what was within the walls. So they climbed up the rock
saw they were in such a foreign place that they thought they until they came to an entrance. It was a door of red marble
would never escape alive, if Our Lord did not succor them [27] that had been so splendid and pleasing that it would
by His worthy commandment. Therefore, the two put be difficult to make its equal in beauty12 or splendor. They
themselves under Our Lord’s protection and cried out entered and looked all around; they realized that it had
tearfully for mercy, saying again and again, ‘Tor pity’s sake, once been such a beautiful, sumptuous lodging, as if the
dear Lord God, look upon us in mercy so that we may not most powerful13 man in the world had made it his home,
fall into despair or mortal sin through the enemy’s ruse or for there were pillars of marble worked very richly on the
trick. Dear Lord, if you [23] send us temptation to test us, outside, encrusted with gold and azure and silver, with such
in Your sweet pity grant us the strength to bear it so that the mastery that it seemed almost a work of enchantment.
troubles the body undergoes in this life will not be counted At the far end14 of this house, in a vaulted arch, was
as evil, Lord, but so that the souls will be seated in eternal the richest, most beautiful and pleasing bed they had ever
glory when they leave our bodies.” seen in their lives, for the four bedposts were of pure
Both messengers repeatedly prayed in such words, and refined gold worked richly and well with precious stones.
the young lady wept very tenderly and cursed Fortune for And all the other parts were of ivory made so richly15 and
having led her from bad to worse, so it seemed. The subdy that many who saw it might consider it [28] a dream.
messengers comforted her greatly and told her not to fear, Above the bed there was a splendid tombstone worked so
for “Our Lord,” said they, “will help us soon.” She asked marvelously that it was a wonder to see. On the large end of
them the truth about their faith, and they told her what the stone there were letters written in Greek that said, HERE
they had learned from the mouth of Joseph of Arimathea lies Hippocrates, the sovereign of physicians, who died
and the other prelates of Holy [24] Church. And they THROUGH HIS WIFE’S TRICKERY, AND WHO WAS BROUGHT
explained to her that the Lord of the faith they held was here by Anthony, the king of Persia.
very powerful,11 “for He always helps His servants and His After having read these words, the messengers spoke
friends and those who have faith in Him, wherever they about them for a long time together, saying that
may be, as long as they serve him with good and true hearts, Hippocrates was a very wise man whom they had often
as well as with their mouths, as Holy Scripture commands.” heard about. They looked at the house from one end to the
“Indeed,” said the girl, “since He is like that and is as other and saw so many beautiful things—all of which had
powerful as you say, I promise right now, with a good and fallen into ruin—that they said that this had once been a
true heart and with my mouth, that if He comes to help and veiy rich manor, one of the most beautiful in the world,
succor us in this danger, so that I can escape to live a since no earthly man could acquire even the great worldly
healthy life, I will hold to and truly invoke His law, and I splendor that remained there [29] unless he was extremely
will believe in Him henceforth, just as His ministers advise rich.
me.” But now the story leaves off speaking about them for a
“Young lady,” they said, “then you can be sure that He while, in order to tell the true story about this house that
will soon send us [25] help, much sooner than if you had Hippocrates had built as his manor: how and in what way it
not made this promise." was constructed and decorated so richly; who the person
In this way the three of them waited together, filled was who built it and why; and how he who once had been
with fear, for they were not used to suffering such great such a great lord and was so rich fell into ruin.
troubles, difficulties, or afflictions as they had found at sea.
In the evening, when night was near, they looked up at the
12“Beauty,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “goodness”).
rocks where there was an ancient wall of a house that had
13“Powerful” supplied from Ponceau.
been built long ago through great pride. It had been long
14‘Tar end,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “chiel,” perhaps a
since knocked down, and yet a good part remained, so that
misreading for “chief,” “far end”).
five or six people could certainly sit in its shelter and rest.
15“And all the other parts . . . made so richly” supplied from
They headed there, saying that in any case they would be
Ponceau.

11 Towerful," as in Ponceau (Hucher has “fearful”).

The History of the Holy Grail 101

26. The Story of Hippocrates: His Powers, tower of Rome, so that everyone who came would see them
clearly. Above these two statues he had a vaulted arch
His Trouble with Women, and His
made, artfully worked in silver and gold, so that it would
Downfall.1 never rain on the statues. Underneath Hippocrates, the
emperor had letters made that said, THIS IS HIPPOCRATES,
Now the story says it is true—and the Chronicle of the THE PARAMOUNT DOCTOR OF THE PHILOSOPHERS, WHO
Philosophers attests to it—that Hippocrates was the THROUGH HIS WISDOM BROUGHT FROM DEATH TO LIFE THE
foremost practitioner of the art of medicine, of all the men nephew of Augustus Caesar, the emperor of Rome, the
who were dominant in his time and who had worked long VERY ONE WHOSE FIGURE IS BESIDE HIM. When the inscription
and diligendy at this science. Because of something he did was done, the emperor said he never wanted the two statues
in Rome his knowledge was recognized and tested, and moved from where they had been placed, and this was
since then he has been [30] held in great esteem by accorded willingly.
philosophers and called paramount2 doctor. And I will tell After this Hippocrates was very well served in Rome by
you how this happened. the emperor3 as well as [34] others, especially those who
It is proven truth that in the time of the good emperor had seen what he had done for the emperor’s nephew. He
Augustus Caesar, Hippocrates came to Rome. At the took care of the people in that country and did so much
moment he entered the city, it happened that he found good that he restored to health anyone who fell ill. He did
great sorrow there, on all sides, as if everyone saw his child so much in so litde time that the poor, who were quite
dead before him. He was astounded when he saw everyone ignorant, called him a demi-God, while others4 who were
mourning so deeply, so he asked a child he met to tell him more learned, called him the paramount of the wise,
the reason for this grief. because of the great wisdom they found in him. Because of
The child replied, “We are grieving because the this, his statue was honored as gready as if it were the statue
emperor’s nephew, who was healthy last night, is now dead. of one of dieir gods.
He was such a beautiful child and so valorous that all Rome They held this statue in such honor that it would never
is diminished by his death. This is the reason for our have been moved from its position, if it were not for5 an
sorrow.” adventure that happened, and I will tell you what it was. At
‘Where is the body?” asked Hippocrates. the time that Hippocrates was in Rome and the Romans
“My lord," said the [31] child, “it is in our emperor’s honored [35] and revered him as much as the story tells
hall.” you, it happened that a lady born in Gaul came to the
After hearing this, Hippocrates left the child and emperor. She was so beautiful that anyone who saw her
headed for the palace, thinking that if he could arrive in would say she was of noble lineage and would consider her
time, before the soul had left, he had learned enough to to be the most beautiful woman on earth. And she was as
bring him back to health through his medicine. Upon elegandy dressed as she would be if the emperor were to
arriving, he pushed through all the people until he came to take her as his wife.
the body. They were all so intent on their grief that no one When the emperor saw her beauty and lovely clothes,
attempted to keep him away. When he came to the body, he asked who her people were and was told she was of
he began to inspect, that part where he might learn whether noble birth. He immediately placed her in one of his
the child was dead. Thus it happened that as soon as he households, gave her ladies and young women to keep her
had put his hands on the body, he knew the soul was still in company, and ordered that she be served as well and as
it. Then he opened the mouth and put inside it a liquor splendidly as the nobility of her lineage demanded. It was
made from herbs of such great power and strength that the done as he [36] ordered, and she was made as comfortable
child immediately got up [32] as healthy and well as ever. as she could wish.
When the emperor saw this, he ran to Hippocrates to After she had been in Rome for two months and had
embrace him and welcome him, and the others did seen the statues on top of the tower, she asked the people
likewise. As a reward for his service, the emperor offered what they meant. They told her, and when she heard it, she
him whatever he requested, if it was something he could began to smile and said that he who could make a dead
give. The emperor asked him his name, and he said it was man live again had not yet been bom. “I say,” she said, “that
Hippocrates. those who made these statues in memory of what you told
“I know very well,” said the emperor, “by the fact that me were foolish.6 No matter how wise you may consider
you have the power to bring a dead man to life, that you are him, I tell you that if I could spend one day with him, I
the wisest clerk and the best philosopher who has ever would make him seem crazy and foolish, for he certainly
existed. I will therefore do you such honor that it will be
talked about forever.” 3Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
Then he had a golden statue made, as tall as a man
4“Others,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “the elders”).
and as similar as one could make it to Hippocrates’s form.
5‘That it would never ... if it were not for” supplied from
After that he had a figure made [33] in the shape of his Ponceau.
nephew, and he had them placed on top of the highest
6“‘I say,’ she said ... foolish,” as in Sommer (Hucher has ‘“I
say,’ she said, ‘that they were made to commemorate what you told
_ » »»\
me ).
Corresponds to Hucher III: 29—73; Sommer I: 171-182;
Ponceau §266-282.
2“Christian” omitted, as in Ponceau.
102 The History of the Holy Grail

lies when he praises himself by saying he can make a man since I am so closely watched that no one could come to me
return from death to life, and I won’t believe him, whatever without the emperor’s knowledge, unless there were a great
he may say.” ruse. That is why I don’t know what to advise you, though
These words were spoken by the lady about on my part, I would gladly consent9 to you rather than have
Hippocrates, and they were repeated before the emperor you die for me, for your death would be a very great loss
and known [37] up and down the land, until Hippocrates and sorrow, not only for you but for the people whom you
learned about them. He was indignant and said to the often help.” [41]
emperor that he would never be content until he saw the When Hippocrates heard the lady say that she would
woman who considered him crazy. gladly do as he wished, if she could, he believed she was
“You shall see her,” said the emperor sincere. But she was not, for her only desire was to deceive
“When, my lord?” asked Hippocrates. him and cause him shame in the people’s eyes. What is to
‘Tomorrow at the hour of prime, in the temple,” be said about this? There is no trick that woman would not
replied the emperor.7 devise in order to achieve what she desires, nor was there
That night Hippocrates thought a good deal about ever a man so wise that a woman could not deceive him,
what the lady had said about him. The next day at the hour once she put her mind to it. Solomon, who was the wisest of
of prime Hippocrates waited until the lady arrived, with a the fathers, was unable to protect himself from a woman
large retinue of ladies and young women. When she went and was deceived. Samson the Strong died because of a
to the altar, she asked which one was Hippocrates, and was woman, and Absalom, the most handsome man in the
told enough so that she recognized him easily. She began world, was destroyed by one. Why should Hippocrates, who
to look at him more than any of the others. He was a rather was not so wise, not be deceived by one? I will tell you how
young and handsome man, and he noticed that she was this happened.10
looking at him. She was [38] more wondrously beautiful The very day the lady spoke to him, he found himself
than any woman he had ever seen, so he fell at once into so restored from his sickness that he arose and went to
foolish thoughts about her, for he had never loved a court to see the ladies and young women. When they saw
woman. He turned toward her to see her better and began him [42] arrive, they rejoiced a great deal over him and
to look at her. The more he looked, the more he was received him very well. But the lady rejoiced over him more
seduced, and he became so absorbed in thinking about her than anyone else.11
that he could not stop. Hippocrates climbed to the top of the tower until he
After the lady left the temple, he went to his lodging reached the battlements alongside of which he saw a long,
and found himself so ill that he lay down at once. And so thick rope. As soon as the lady saw it, before he said a word,
Hippocrates fell in love with the lady. But because he could she thought at once of a great trick by which it seemed to
not see her or have her when he wished and was too her she could deceive Hippocrates. And then she said to
ashamed to dare to request it of the emperor, he went to him, “Master, do you see this rope?”
bed sick, and was so ill that the other masters who knew “Yes,” he said, “very well.”
medicine said they thought surely he [39] would die, “Do you know its purpose?”
though they did not know what illness he had. “No,” he replied, “not unless you tell me.”
The emperor, noblemen, and knights came to see him, “And I will tell you,” she said. “Gatus, the son of the
and after that the ladies and young women. When he saw king of Babylon, is imprisoned in this tower, and when he is
the one for whom he was so sick, whom he loved so to eat, his food is not brought through the door. [43]
passionately that he was as good as dead, he decided to tell Instead, below there is a wooden vessel in which it is placed
her everything openly. Then he had all the others withdraw and then pulled up by this rope. Now I will explain, dear
except her for whom he suffered. At once he confessed he master, why I am telling you this. If you can see that it is to
loved her so much that he would die if she did not grant your advantage, and want me to do as you wish, and you
him her love. want to come up here secredy once night has fallen,12 I will
When she who was intent on deceiving Hippocrates, if dirow down one of the ends of this rope to you, and I will
she could,8 heard that he loved her in such a way, she hold the other end up here. You should attach your end as
replied at once in order to trouble him more, “Certainly, if best you can to the vessel; once you have done so and are
your great wisdom were to perish because of such a woman inside it, a cousin of mine and I will easily pull you up.
as I, it would be too great a shame. As far as I’m [40] Then you will be able to speak to me in secret, for there
concerned, you can be sure I would not want this, nor won’t be a soul to prevent us from doing as we wish. And
would I allow it in any way. I would rather do everything when day18 approaches, we will easily lower you. Thus you
you wish to prevent it. But even if I loved you as much as will be able to speak to me quite often [44] without anyone
you say you love me—I don’t know whether you say it in noticing it, as long as you take good care when you arrive
mockery or in truth—I still would not know how I could that no one sees you.”
proceed, for you know very well that I cannot come to you,

9“Consent,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has

7
‘“When, my lord?’.... replied the emperor,” as in Ponceau “advise”).
(Hucher has “‘[You shall see her] when you wish,’ said the 10“I will tell you how this happened” supplied from Ponceau.
emperor. And Hippocrates replied, ‘Tomorrow at the hour of
prime.’”). ^The text lacks a transition here.
19
8“Who was intent... if she could,” as in Ponceau (Hucher *“Once night has fallen” supplied from Ponceau.
has “who had deceived Hippocrates”). 13“Day,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “the king”).
The History of the Holy Grail 103

Hippocrates suspected no evil when he heard this, for thus deceived him. The next day it happened that the
he did not believe she would ever wish to deceive him. He emperor arose so early to go hunting that before day broke
replied that he was very happy about this idea and would be he and all his men were already in the forest, leaving no
ready as soon as night came. She said to him, “Come then one in the palace.14 In the morning, when the Romans
as soon as the emperor has gone to bed,” and he said he arose and left their dwellings, they looked at the tower and
would come without fail. saw there was a man in the wooden vessel. They
He left at once, bidding good-bye to all the ladies he immediately thought that it was one of the criminals of
found there. He returned to his lodging oveijoyed because Rome who had been caught and sentenced to death. They
he thought he had arranged things very well. looked until they recognized Hippocrates. And when they
Just as you have heard, the young lady had led him to discovered [49] that it was truly he, they were astonished.
understand that the vessel was used to lift [45] food to die “Now what can he have done?” they asked. “You can be very
son of the king of Babylon, who was imprisoned there. But sure that he has committed a worse offense than any other
she was lying about this, for the emperor’s son was not man; otherwise, the emperor would not have had him
imprisoned there, nor was the vessel used to bear food. It placed in the Vessel of Judgment.”
served another purpose, which was very shameful, for when That day they repeatedly asked why he had been put in
a man was sentenced to death, he was immediately put in such a place. But he was so grief-stricken and ashamed that
the vessel and pulled up on high by this very rope, until he he did not dare look at them, nor did he have the courage
was nearly as high as the batdements, where he was left to respond. And they truly believed that the emperor
without being moved for a day and a night, until the himself had had him put there and that Hippocrates had
Romans and people from all around had seen him. Once committed such a crime that he had been sentenced to
he had been there long enough to serve this purpose, he death by the court’s common assent, for if they had not
was lowered and was then beaten throughout the city. Thus thought this, he would not have remained there so long. All
the vessel was commonly called the Vessel of Judgment. Nor day long Hippocrates stayed in this way in the vessel that
was anyone ever put in it for [46] any reason, unless he had was only used to hold criminals. All the Romans went to see
been convicted of thievery or murder or some other base him and [50] look at him more than they would any other
crime. man who was put there, because he was so close to the
That day Hippocrates ate at the emperor’s table, where emperor and considered to be so wise. Those in the tower
no one ate unless he was a very noble man or a very good were not bold enough to remove him, for they truly
clerk. There he was served and highly honored by the believed the emperor had had him placed there. Thus he
emperor. In the evening, after night had fallen and those remained there all day.
who were there wanted to send him to his lodging, he said In the evening, when the emperor returned from the
he would not leave that evening, leading them to forest and dismounted, he saw that the vessel contained15 a
understand he was unwell. Then he had his bed made in a man. He asked who it was and for what misdeed he had
room near the tower. After they had gone to bed and he been put there.
thought everyone was asleep, he opened a window in the “My lord,” said those with him, “that is Hippocrates,
room. As soon as he was dressed, he went out and found the philosopher whom you have honored so much and
that the young woman had already come to the battlements whom you used to love so much.”
of the tower, where she was waiting, having thrown down “What has he done wrong?” asked the emperor.
part of the rope. This made him very happy; he took [47] “My lord, we don’t know.”
the rope and attached it firmly to the vessel, got in, and “Who put him there?” said the emperor.
made a sign to the young woman to pull him up. Right away “My lord, we don’t know,” they replied.
she began to pull the rope, along with her cousin, to whom “Have him removed at once,” said the [51] emperor.
she had revealed what she wanted to do—how she wanted “If the philosophers put him there without my leave, I will
to deceive Hippocrates because he made himself out to be make them repent it.”
a philosopher. When he had reached the top, near the Those to whom he had given orders went immediately
battlements, the lady took the rope and attached it to an to the tower and lowered the vessel; they removed
iron ring inside the tower, so that the vessel could move Hippocrates and brought him before the emperor. Once
neither back and forth nor up and down. And she said, he had come, the emperor asked who had put him there.
“Lord Hippocrates, you who state you are a philosopher, And he said he did not know who did it.
now we shall see what your philosophy can do for you and “No?” said the emperor. “You know nothing about it?"
how you will use it, for if it does not free you, you will “My lord,” said he, “no.”
remain there.” “When were you put there?” asked the emperor.
When Hippocrates saw that she had thus deceived him, “My lord, I don’t know.”
he was more [48] grief-stricken than anyone ever was, and The emperor did not know what to think about this, so
if he had not thought that it would be known by others, he he said no more, nor did Hippocrates. Then everyone was
would have let himself fall to the ground. The lady left at silent about it, once the emperor had ordered it.
once with her cousin to go to bed, having done this thing
so cleverly that no one had seen her either going or 14“So early” and “before day broke. ... in the palace”
coming. supplied from Ponceau.
All night long Hippocrates remained in the vessel, 15“Contained,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “vis,” “alive’?).
sorrowful and chagrined about the fact that the lady had
104 The History of the Holy Grail

When the young woman who had done this saw that he “I can do all this too,” said Hippocrates, who was
would do nothing further, she and her cousin acted as if listening to these words.
nothing had happened. Then secretly she had [52] painted “Indeed,” said the knight, “you can do this?”
on a silver table two ladies pulling a man in a wooden vessel “Yes,” he replied.17
up to the top of a tower.16 She had the figure made to look “He can do even more, for He makes the mute speak
as much like Hippocrates as she could and the other figures and gives understanding to those who never had any.”
made to resemble the ladies who had done this deed. The “You have not yet told me anything,” said Hippocrates,
table was beautiful and splendid, and after it had been “that I cannot do also.”
painted just as you have heard, the lady had it placed “I [56] will tell you,” he said, “such a thing that I saw
during the night in front of the two statues that the Him do that you could not do also, no matter what might
emperor had had placed on high in honor of Hippocrates. happen. I say that He brought Lazarus back from death to
In the morning when the emperor arose, he looked at life, and it is said he had been buried three days and three
the table and asked Hippocrates, who was before him, what nights and more. And he rose from the sepulcher healthy
this could mean. and well as soon as this man called him, for it was done
“My lord,” said Hippocrates, "you can clearly see my solely by the power of His word.”
shame and [53] dishonor there.” “In God’s name,” said Hippocrates, “if He can do this,
“Since your shame and dishonor can be seen there,” He can do more than any man I have ever heard about.”
said the emperor, “it will no longer be there, and I want it “I saw Him do it,” said the knight, “just as I have
removed.” described it to you.”
The lady who had done this was with the emperor at “What do they call Him?” asked the emperor.
that moment. When she heard this, she said, “Certainly, my “My lord,” the knight replied, “He is called Jesus of
lord, it can be removed if you wish, but it is more just that it Nazareth, and everyone in the country who knows Him
be before the gaze and view of the Romans than these considers Him to be a prophet.”
other images, because what the statues bear witness to “By my faith,” said Hippocrates, “since He is as
never really happened, and I know very well that powerful as you [57] say, I won’t rest until I have been to
Hippocrates, whom you consider to be a philosopher, die land of Galilee. Once I am there and have found Him,
cannot bring a dead man to life. In these images that are if He knows more than I do, I want to be His minister, and
painted on the table, there is nothing but truth, for die if I know more than He, I want Him to be mine.”
thing is portrayed just as it happened. Ask Hippocrates This was the occasion of Hippocrates’s departure from
himself if this is true or not.” Rome, in order to test his learning against Him who was the
He did so. source of knowledge, that is, Jesus Christ Himself, who at
“Yes, my lord,” Hippocrates replied. [54] “And she has that time was performing many wonderful miracles and so
done and said so much that if you do not have these statues many prodigies among the Jews that it was inevitable that
you had made for love of me removed, I will leave you and the renown of such great authority spread throughout the
depart from Rome.” whole world.
“Is this true?” asked the emperor. Hippocrates left Rome accompanied by a large retinue
“My lord, yes, truly, if you do not have them removed, I and traveled undl he and those who were with him came to
will leave you utterly.” the sea. At the port18 they found Anthony, the king of
Then the emperor had the table removed and the Persia, with a large company of knights, [58] who were
statues pulled down that would never have been taken grieving so much for King Anthony’s son, whom they
down if it had not been for the young lady’s cleverness. believed to be dead, that you will never see such great
Thus Hippocrates lived in Rome for a very long time sorrow.
and was gready honored by the emperor and the Romans. When Hippocrates saw this, he asked a young man who
At the time when he was held in such esteem, it happened was in the king of Persia’s service, ‘Triend, for whom are
that a knight who was a very worthy man and well known by these people grieving so? Tell me, may God protect you.”
the Romans came to Rome to see the emperor, with whom “My lord,” he said, “they are grieving for Dardendes,
he was acquainted. After he had dismounted and eaten, the the son of the king of Persia. ”
emperor asked him where he came from, and he said [55] “And what is wrong with this Dardendes?” asked
from Jerusalem and that he had been in the land of Galilee. Hippocrates.
“What news do you bring?” he asked. “My lord, he died two days ago, and the people of the
“I bring,” said he, “the most amazing news you have country loved him so much that they are still watching over
ever heard about a man of that country.” the body, and they will continue to do so today and
‘What man is that?” said the emperor. tomorrow, it seems to me.”
“My lord, He is a poor man, but he has such great Upon hearing this, Hippocrates dismounted at once
power that anyone who did not see it could scarcely relate from his mule and went where he thought the body was.
it, for He makes the blind see clearly and the deaf hear and After arriving and finding the king grieving, [59] he did
the lame walk straight”
17
‘These words.... ’Yes,’ he replied,” as in Ponceau (Hucher
16“And the man was made in the semblance of a clerk. There has “Hippocrates then said, ‘Indeed, good sir, can the man you
they left him, without showing it was they who had put him there. speak of do this?”’).
And when the lady saw this” omitted, as in Ponceau. 18“Port,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “bridge”).
The History of the Holy Grail 105
not turn toward him, but went straight toward the body. much in love with her that he did not [63] know what to
Once there, he looked it over from head to toe. Not finding do. Then he went to King Anthony and the king of Sur;
any sign of life in it, he believed the boy really was dead. once he had brought them together, he said, “Each of you
But he had a litde color in his face and lips, which showed*® owes me as a reward whatever I wish to request.”
that he still had life in his body. Then Hippocrates returned And they replied, “Ask; we are ready to grant it if we
n
to one of his servants and asked for a little wool. The latter can.
gave it to him right away, and he took a clump and put it Then he said to the king of Sur, “I ask for your
before the young man’s nostrils. In this way he knew at daughter as my wife. And I ask you,” he said to King
once the truth about his state, for the boy’s breathing was Anthony, “to cause me to have this, in order to keep your
so weak that it could not be seen by a man’s eyes as he vow.”
inhaled and exhaled. But Hippocrates saw the clump of The two kings were astounded by this request, and they
wool20 move slightly, and then he knew that the soul had discussed what they should do. “Upon my word,” said the
not yet left the body and that the boy was still alive. Then king of Sur, “I would never do such a dishonorable thing as
Hippocrates took a good balm [60] that he thought would to break my vow toward master Hippocrates for the sake of
help, opened the mouth, and put it inside. Very shordy my daughter.”
after this, the young man let out such a loud cry that all “I advise you to give her to him,” said King Anthony,
those near him heard it. Then they all gathered around “because if you don’t, I will give her to him in order to keep
him, and Hippocrates said to the king, “King, if you will my vow, even if I have to kidnap her [64] from you.”
give me the first boon I ask of you, whatever it may be, I In the way you have heard, Hippocrates obtained the
promise that by tomorrow^1 I will make your son daughter of the king of Sur. The wedding was big and
completely healthy.” splendid. This was not considered a great marvel, for at that
The king swore on his faith and everything he held time all clerks had wives, even those who were called
from his gods that he would give him whatever he might philosophers because of the wisdom they had sought on
ask for, if he had it, to make his son healthy. And earth, and they were as honored and as high in rank as if
Hippocrates said he would make him healthy and well by they were crowned kings of a large realm.
the next evening. The king swore on his gods and on his Hippocrates sent far and wide for all his relatives,
faith that he would give him everything he would ask for. including all those who were the richest. When they had
And Hippocrates [61] set out to cure the youth in such a come to him, he asked24 his close family members where he
way that he was completely healthy and well the next day might best live, someplace at sea, on a beautiful and
before the hour of nones, so that all the people said delightful island. Finally a sailor25 who was his relative told
immediately that Hippocrates had made him return from him about an island in the Western parts and said that if he
death to life. And they said among themselves that could [65] live on this island, he would be better off than
Hippocrates should not be called a mortal man but equal anywhere else, for in all seasons the climate was more
to22 God, since he performed such miracles. temperate than any place known.
Thus Hippocrates became acquainted with the king of Hippocrates was very powerful and possessed a great
Persia.23 He remained with him in this way an entire week many riches, which he had loaded onto barks and ships.
until the desire came over the king to go see one of his Then he left the king of Sur, taking his wife and his
daughters, who was the wife of the king of Sur. This king relatives with him to the island that he had learned about.
lived on an island in the sea called the Island of Giants, After arriving there safely, without losing anything at sea,
because formerly the largest and most marvelous giant in he sent for carpenters and had a strong and well-situated
the world had lived there. This giant was killed by Hercules castle built on the island. When it was completed, he had a
the Strong, who was a relative of Samson the Strong. [62] house made inside for his dwelling—the most beautiful and
King Anthony set out to sea with his men, taking splendid ever made by man, for the front doors were of
Hippocrates with him. When they were on the Island of gold and silver worked with precious, rich, miraculous
Giants, which was five days journey long and two days wide, stones, while the pillars supporting the house inside were of
with a very honorable and splendid city called Corinth and [66] marble, but the marble could not be seen, for the
several castles, the king of Sur came to meet King Anthony, pillars were entirely covered26 with gold and silver.
receiving him with great honor. And when he met Wonders could be recounted to you about the beds he
Hippocrates and heard about the great marvel that was told had made to sleep in because of the miraculous stones he
about him, he offered to give him anything he requested if put here so that no matter how sick anyone might be when
he would remain with him part of the time. The latter said he lay down, he was immediately cured. What more can I
he would remain under the conditions stated. tell you? Hippocrates made this house so beautiful and so
Thus Hippocrates remained with the king of Sur, who splendid that no mortal man could make one like it. And
had a twelve-year-old daughter, the most beautiful creature because he feared that his wife might trick him with poison
known in any land. Hippocrates, who saw her often, fell so or venom, he made a cup so marvelous that any poison in
the world lost its power once it was inside it; as a result one
could drink whatever was in it with assurance. Hippocrates
*®“Which showed” supplied from Ponceau.
20‘The clump of wool” supplied from Ponceau.
21 “By tomorrow,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “in a month”). 24“Asked,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “ordered”).

22“Equal to,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “related to”). 25“Sailor,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “man”).

23“Persia,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “Greece”). 26“Covered,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “worked”).
106 The History of the Holy Grail

made so many beautiful things on the island that it took on “Yes, it is true," he said.29
his name. Because of him, it was called Hippocrates Island, Upon hearing this, she arose from next to him and
and its name will never be [67] changed. went to her cook and said to him, “Come here.”
His wife, who was very proud because of her noble The latter said, “Gladly, my lady."
lineage and who deeply regretted the fact that he had taken “Do you see that animal?” she asked, and she showed
her as his wife, hated him so mortally that she would gladly him the sow.
seek his death if she could. She prepared venom from ‘Yes, indeed, I see it well," [71] he said.
snakes and other poisonous animals. Because she was afraid “Go now and kill it for me,” she said, “for I wish to eat
the poison might not cause a man’s death, she put some on some of it tonight. Do not fail to obtain it for me.”
a piece of bread and gave it to a dog to eat. The dog died as The cook followed her orders immediately. He went to
soon as he had tasted it. When she saw that the poison had the animal and killed it, carried it away, and started cooking
such power, she gave some to Hippocrates in order to kill it. When it was cooked, the lady had the water in which it
him. She had it brought to him in the evening and placed was cooked thrown into a dung heap so that it could not be
on the table, but she was disappointed in this, for she did recovered in any way.
not know the truth about the cup. After she had put the In the evening, she had the animal’s head brought to
poison in it, Hippocrates took it and drank [68] without its the table and gave some of it to Hippocrates to eat. As soon
ever causing him any harm. When she saw this, she was as he had eaten of it, he caught his breath and said, “My
astounded. Then she took the cup and began to look at it lady, this flesh will kill me if I do not have some of the water
long and hard. And Hippocrates, who did not suspect in which it was cooked.”
anything, asked her why she was looking at it. She pretended to know nothing about this matter and
“I am looking at it,” said she, “because it’s very called the cook and said to him, “Bring me some of the
beautiful and splendid.” water in which the meat was cooked.”
“Certainly, my lady,” said he, “you may consider it so “My lady,” he said, "we have thrown it out.”
splendid that no man in the world could acquire it, for it And Hippocrates said, ‘Take me where you threw it.”
has such great power that if you filled it full of poison, die The latter took him [72] to a dung heap. Realizing he
poison would lose its strength so that you could drink it could not recover any of it, Hippocrates said to his wife,
with assurance without hurting yourself.” “My lady, you have truly killed me. No one can protect
When she heard the power of the cup described, she himself from woman’s guile.” And then he said to the king,
knew27 for certain that this was how he had escaped death, who was before him, “My lord, I beseech you, as soon as I
which upset her. Then she thought that as long as he had have died, to have me taken to my home, where my
this vessel, he would have no reason to fear her, so she relatives are.”
watched for a moment when he was not there. At once she The king willingly granted this.
took the [69] cup and threw it into the sea, with the result Hippocrates died at once in the way I have told you,
that after that Hippocrates was never able to have such a and the king had the body taken where his relatives were,
good and marvelous one. Hippocrates was distressed by this accompanying it until it arrived. They buried it that day and
and often asked his household who had taken it from the had an inscription put on the tomb, just as the story has
house, but he never could find out the trudi about it. described.
One day, the desire came over him to go see the king Hippocrates’s family remained there and multiplied,
of Persia, for he was one of his dearest friends in the world. for the place was splendid and beautiful, the land fertile,
So he had a ship prepared, and he boarded with his wife and the climate temperate.30 But the king of Babylon,
and part of28 his household, while his other relatives whom chance brought there, destroyed everything and
remained in his dwelling. After setting out to sea, he ravaged Hippocrates’s house, [73] for he hated him
traveled until he came where the king of Persia was staying, mortally. In the way I have told you, the house was first
in a casde called Mastic. When the king learned of his built, as splendid and beautiful as I have recounted. Then it
arrival, he came to greet him, receiving him joyfully, and he was devastated, as I will tell you,31 but this is not the place,
retained him for a long time with him, for he held him [70] for the story stops speaking about it, since it has spoken
as dear as if he were a close relative. enough about it, and returns to the messengers you have
One day it happened that Hippocrates was leaning out heard about.
a window with his wife. In the courtyard below they saw a
wild sow in rut. Hippocrates pointed the animal out to his
29A different version of this story is supplied by Hucher in the
wife and said to her, “My lady, do you see that animal?” notes; this version provides additional dialogue here explaining
“My lord,” she said, “yes, I see it well. Why do you ask?” that the only thing that could save anyone who ate this animal
“I asked,” he replied, “because it would be a dangerous would be to drink some of the water in which it was cooked.
Of)
and deadly thing to eat of it now when it is in such great “And the climate temperate” supplied from Ponceau and
heat. Anyone who ate of it today would die.” Sommer.
“Is this true?" she asked. J1Despite this announcement, nothing more is told about
this.

27“Knew,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “felt”).

28,Tart of’ supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 107

27. The Messengers Are Tested and whipping up the sea and making a storm all around it. And
it seemed as if all the inhabitants of hell were there.
Reunited with Nascien.1
“Look!" said one of the messengers. “Do you see what I
see? It seems to me that the entire sea is on fire and that it’s
The story says here that after the two messengers and the
burning, especially right where I see the flame.”4
young lady who was with them had looked at Hippocrates’s
“In God’s name,” said the other messenger, “I don’t
house for a long time and discovered through the writing
agree at all. I think it’s a ship with many people inside. It
on the tomb how the wise philosopher Hippocrates had
also seems to me it’s approaching and that it is moving
met his death through his wife’s guile, they began to discuss
rapidly.”
it among themselves. They said this had been a great loss
“My word,” said the girl, “God willing, we will soon
and that there is a devilish and very redoubtable thing in
hear news; may God grant that it be good.”
woman, for a man’s wisdom can never protect him against
While they were talking, the flame had come so close
her guile. Once they had looked the house over, [74]
[78] to them that it had reached the foot of the rock,
deploring and regretting the loss of such a beautiful place,
stopping right where they had arrived.
which had been destroyed and devastated, they climbed to
“Let’s go down, my lords,” said the young woman, “and
the very top of the rock. It was after noon, and they began
see what this can be, for doubtless it is what we have been
to look out to sea to discover whether they might perhaps
speaking of all along.”
see a ship or galley, for the fact that no one came there
They went down the rock; when they reached the
worried them the most. In this way they waited all day on
flame they had sighted, it had gone out, so they no longer
top of the rock, more frightened than anyone had ever
saw it. At the foot of the rock they found an old, ruined
been, for nowhere did they see salvation or any way to leave
ship. Inside there was a huge man, terrifying to see, for he
the rock—this deserted land where they were.
was bigger than any man they had ever seen. He was as
When night2 came, so dark and black that they could
black as ink, and his eyes were red and inflamed. When he
barely see one another, they returned to the wall of the
saw the girl and the youths with her, he greeted them. They
house and hid beneath it. With night so black and dark and
looked at him by the light of the moon, which had already
nothing to comfort them (for [75] they were far from any
risen,5 and returned his greeting, but they were very
people or inhabitable land, with no food to sustain their
frightened by his terrifying, [79] ugly appearance.
bodies), they were so frightened that they had no hope for
He asked them, “Dear lords, who brought you here, so
their lives, but believed they would surely die there if the
far from people?”
grace of the Holy Spirit did not comfort and succor them
The girl replied that Fortune, who was perverse and
soon.
contrary to them, had brought them there, without any
The girl, who was young and tender and had not
goods or food, so that they would die of hunger if a ship
learned to suffer hardship, fretted to those with her and
did not rescue them.
complained about her discomfort, saying, “My lords, how
“By my faith,” said the man, “I came to deliver you
will you take care of me? The wretchedness I’ve suffered
from this danger;6 I will take you at once, if you wish, and if
since you first saw me has brought me to the point of death,
you will do homage to me.”
since I cannot find any help, either from you or anyone
When the young men heard he wanted them to be his
else. For love of the One you serve, please find some way to
liegemen, they asked him, “My lord, who are you, who
relieve my hunger; otherwise I will now die among you, for
requests this of us? For we won’t do homage to you or any
I am more miserable [76] than I have ever been. This
other person until we know him.”
should not surprise3 you, dear lords, for it’s been three days
“I am,” he said, “a man who lives far from this kingdom
and three nights since I last ate.”
and this realm, and yet my domain encompasses so much of
When they heard this, they did not know what to say
the land and sea that most people serve me and consider
except, “My lady, stop complaining, for it won’t do any
me their lord. My power and knowledge are so wonderful
good, but with a good heart and mouth call on Him who, in
that there is no man in the world whose power extends as
all troubles and dangers, helps those who call on Him from far as mine. I am so powerful that as soon as anything is
their hearts.” done in the world, I know about it. [80] Now you have
“I don’t know when this help will come,” she answered.
heard what I can do.”
There is no man on earth whose will I would not do utterly,
“In faith, my lord,” said the youths, “if what you say is
if he delivered me from this danger, for I’m on the verge of
true, there is no man in the world as powerful as you, with
death here, with no aid. That is why I’m asking for help the sole exception of Our Lord Jesus Christ. No one can
from those who can help me, either through God or any compare to Him in power or knowledge.7 But now please
other. I assure you truly, I am so miserable that I cannot
tell us your name and how we may know you better.”
endure any more.” [77]
As she said this, they looked far out to sea and saw in
4'The flame” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
the midst of the water a great and marvelous flame
5“Looked at him . . . risen,” as in Ponceau and Sommer
(Hucher has “already frightened by his head, which he had raised,
^Corresponds to Hucher III: 73—103; Sommer I: 182-196; they returned his greeting ... ”).
Ponceau §283-297. 6“By my faith ... danger” supplied from Ponceau.
2“When night,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “And a cloud”). 7“Knowledge,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
3“Or anger” omitted, as in Ponceau. “mouvoir,” “the ability to put into motion”?).
108 The History of the Holy Grail

“Indeed,” he said, “I will certainly tell you my name, appeared to be on fire. And they heard such ugly and
and I won’t lie. I am called the Wise Serpent.” terrifying voices in the sea, as if they came directly from
Upon hearing this, they replied, “My word, this is a hell. They dreaded and feared this and would have been
marvelous name; we have never heard of one more even more terrified if it had not been for the sign of the
wonderful.” cross they made, which gave them great comfort and hope
Then he said to the girl, “My lady, I came here for your of [84] returning yet to joy.
sake, to take you away from this danger you are in. If you When they had completely lost sight of the ship, they
will do homage to me, I am ready to deliver you and take climbed up above the sea to the walls of Hippocrates’s
you to safety in my ship.” house. There they sat and began to speak among
She replied, “In faith, my lord, why should I hide from themselves about the man who wanted to take them off the
you the fact that your name and your gaze fill my heart with rock. “By my faith,” said the girl, “I have never seen a man
such dread and fear that nothing could convince me to go whom I have been so afraid of as him, and you can be sure
with you? Though I have been and am still in danger [81] that I have completely forgotten my hunger because of
of dying on this rock, leaving with you would cause me him.” One of the others said he did not believe this was a
greater trouble than I have had so far. So I tell you I will man like any other human, but a devil who had come in
stay, and you will go where you wish, for I won’t accompany this way to deceive and shame them and to lead them away
you, so help me God.” from the true faith.
When he heard the young lady’s response, he said After they had spoken about this for a long time, they
spitefully, “Ah, foolish, contemptible, ignorant woman, you fell asleep, completely tired and exhausted. And once they
certainly love your trouble more than your good! Truly, you were asleep, they were so weak from not having eaten that
are woman, for you seek your destruction and refuse your they did not awaken until the sun began to shine9 on their
salvation. Since you do not like my company, I will depart heads, which were uncovered. The sun was hot and torrid,
and leave you here, where you will die of hunger and as it is around Saint John’s feast.10 They awoke from their
misery, for it is certain you will never find a soul in the sleep as soon as they felt the great heat. Once they [85]
world who will come to comfort you. You will regret that were awake, they commended themselves to Our Lord and
you did not do what I ask. But this regret will come too late. began to pray to the King of Kings, weeping and crying,
“And you,” said he, “dear lords, who are seeking help, that in His great sweetness and His sweet pity, He come to
will you let yourselves perish as this poor thing is doing, for comfort and visit them in this place where they feared they
whose salvation I came and who now only wishes her death? would die.
What a shame it would be for you to lose the pleasures of After their prayers they waited there until the hour of
this world [82] so early in life. You have reached the point prime, when they saw a small boat land at the foot of the
between life and death. If you remain here, you will die of rock, with a man inside.
hunger and misery, and your bodies will not be buried or “Look!” said the messengers. “A man has landed. If it
placed in a sepulcher, but the wild birds will eat their fill of pleases God, we will now hear some news that will comfort
your flesh.” us.”
“My lord,” said they, “you have promised us such great Then they descended the rock; upon reaching the
things that we believe you can deliver us from the peril we small boat, they saw that it was an old man inside, and yet
are now in and that you came here in order to do so. We he was handsome in his old age. They greeted him, and as
also believe that you are a very rich and powerful man, but soon as they approached, he returned their greeting and
our will power leads us to think that we would rather die asked what they were doing there and who had brought
here than leave with you, for your gaze alone makes us so them to such an isolated place, so far from any people.
afraid that we have nearly lost our bodies’ strength and our They replied that chance, which is very perverse and [86]
hearing and sight. We are so overwhelmed by your words8 cruel, had brought them there, with so few goods or
that we don’t believe there can be a trace of life left in us. supplies to sustain them that they did not see how they
Rather, we truly believe that you are man’s death. could escape alive, if Our Lord Himself did not help them
Therefore, we refuse your company utterly. So you may in His sweet mercy.
leave when it pleases you, and [83] we will await the mercy When the worthy man heard this, he replied, “In faith,
of Our Lord, who does not forget His servants, but comes if you continue this way, holding to this faith as you have
to help them, wherever they may be.” stated it, hope will free you. Always keep such hope and
When the man heard that they would do no more and trust diat He will deliver you, and I tell you truly that He
that they would not do anything he asked, he put out to sea will deliver you soon, for He does not forget those who
without another word. At once the wind struck the ship, place their hope in Him.”
driving it from the rock. And when it had gone a short “All, my lord,” said the young lady, “you speak the
distance, those watching from the rock saw that in the sea truth, but He is taking a long time, and we are longing for
and all around the ship a storm arose, so great and His help. We are about to die, for we have no sustenance
marvelous that the entire sea seemed to be rolling. And if through which we can live a single day.”
there had been tall flames all around it before, now they
were even taller, so tall and marvelous that the entire sea
9“Shine,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “ausier,”
“exert [itself]”?).
8“By your words,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has 10June 15.
“our words to you”).
The History of the Holy Grail 109

“Don’t be afraid,” said the worthy man, “for you will quickly, for as soon as he began to look at us, my thirst and
not be forgotten if you do not forget Him who does not hunger were satiated, and all my misery has left me. That is
forget anyone.” why I truly believe, dear lords, that this was the one called
“Dear lord,” said one of the youths, “for God’s sake, Jesus Christ or one of His ministers.”
explain to us something we want to ask you.” They said13 they did not know what to believe except
‘Tell me what it is," he said. that they thought Jesus Christ had indeed sent him to
“My lord, around midnight, [87] a man came to comfort them in this adventure “that Fortune has sent us.
beseech us to leave this rock and go away with him. He told What can we say?” they asked. “However much we were
us he had come to us for our earthly salvation, to free us discomforted last night by the one who wished to take us
from the peril of death; that his power stretched away, it has been offset by the way we have been reassured
throughout all regions, on land and sea; and that his name by the sight of this man. Thanks be to God, he came at a
was the Wise Serpent. He was the ugliest man we had ever good time, for after our great fear, comfort has returned to
seen, either on land or sea. For God’s sake, if you know us.”
him, tell us who he is, for we would really like to know.” All day they spoke this way, saying that things had
“I know indeed how to answer this,” said he. “You may turned out well for them in that the worthy man had
be sure that this is the one who is always intent on deceiving comforted them so. They remained thus on the shore until
man and turning him away from the straight road. He evening. When night came, [90] as it pleased the Savior of
wTorks with all his power to this purpose so that he leads the world, they climbed the rock and returned to the house
those who were created11 in the semblance of the High where they were accustomed to rest, and the three of them
Master to perdition of the body and the soul. My lords, this huddled there until midnight.
was truly the enemy who came to visit you last night, to Around midnight, it happened that the young men
make you perish. You can be sure that if you had agreed to had fallen asleep, but as chance would have it, the maiden
accompany him, he would have drowned you in the sea, for was not asleep, for she was thinking intently about herself,
where he was seemed to be a ship, but it was not; rather, it because she saw no salvation anywhere. As she was thinking
was another devil he was riding, whom he caused you to see in this way, she listened and heard such a great and
in the form of a ship so that you would board it. But if you terrifying cry that she was overcome with fear. It seemed to
had boarded, you would not have been safe, for [88] his her that the one who had cried out was nearby. Then she
word is so disloyal that as soon as he felt your weight, he stood up and went to the highest part of the rock to see
would have dropped you in the sea. And so you would have what this could be, for she thought it was certainly a man or
perished. Mistreating you thus, he would have taken you a woman who had caused her such fear. When she reached
away and placed you in the cruel travails and miseries of the summit, she saw a great light on the seashore at the foot
hell. Now I have told you who he is, so if he comes to visit of the rock. So she went to the two young men, woke them,
you again, you may watch out for him so that he cannot and said, “I bring news, good sirs. At the foot of this rock
deceive you.” there is a very great light; let’s go see what it is.”
“My lord,” said one of the young men, “for God’s sake, They arose at once, saying they would be glad to go.
if you know the answer to what I am going to ask, tell me.” They descended the rock, and when they reached the
“Gladly,” said he. “Ask me what you wish.” shore, they found a very beautiful and elegant ship,
“My lord, for God’s sake, will we ever leave this rock? seemingly surrounded with burning candles and torches,
Will the One who will deliver us come?” and it was full of every sort of riches that one could
‘Yes,” he replied, “you will leave. He won’t delay long if imagine.
only you can defend your body from the enemy’s first On board there was a young lady, the loveliest one
assault. The only thing you need to leave is hope in Him in could find, or that you have ever seen, and dressed so
whom you believe, and He will deliver you if He finds you splendidly that you would marvel at seeing her. When they
to be good and loyal servants.” saw her, they greeted her; and she returned their greeting,
As soon as he had said this, he disappeared so that they asking them what they were doing there. They said they
did not know what became of him or his little boat, any were waiting [91] until an adventure came that would
more than if both had fallen into an abyss. [89] But such deliver them.
great sweetness remained among them once he had ‘Tor heaven’s sake,” said the woman from the ship, “it
departed that if all the spices in the world had been there, will be quite an adventure14 if you ever escape healthy and
they would seem nothing to you, compared with this good alive, for no one will ever come to seek you so far away, and
odor. the person who might know you are here is not yet born.
Those who remained on shore spoke among And yet, because you have been created in human form, I
themselves, saying, “In faith, this worthy man has gready take pity on you, so I will take you with me and let you
calmed and comforted us by his words.” board my ship. I will lead you to safety, if you do what I ask.
“I tell you,” said the young lady, “that I am so And do not believe that I will ask anything of you other
completely filled from his visit that I don’t believe there is than what other people do for me.”
any food in the world that could have satisfied me12 so

13‘They said” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.

^“Created,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has 14“‘For heaven’s sake . . . adventure” supplied from Ponceau
“crucified”). and Sommer.
12“Me,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “us”).
110 The History of the Holy Grail

They said they would gladly do what she commanded, abandoned your original faith, you have not been in
as long as it was reasonable. comfort one day, but always in difficulty and suffering.”
“I will tell you what I ask of you,” said she. “But first, I ‘We should not be blamed for this,” said one of the
will tell you that I am from Athens. The city is mine and all youths, “for Jesus Christ is an example of suffering for us.
the people thereabout, and my hold is so firm over many He has taught us to suffer. He showed this to us clearly
other places that I don’t believe there is any man richer when He came to earth as a mortal man, for He did not stay
than I in the world. Besides this, I know so many things here without difficulty or suffering, but underwent so much
about the world that nothing is done without my knowing that through His suffering He conquered death and
right away that it has been done. If anyone is joyful and brought our life back to the world. Therefore, anyone17
content, I know it. And so when I see people in danger of who wishes to be Jesus Christ’s servant will never desire
death and running the risk of losing their lives, I succor anything other than to undergo and suffer troubles, so that
them at once, if they have no help, as long as they agree to the misery of this world turns to joy, delight, and comfort
give themselves up to me and believe my advice and do that [94] will never end. For this reason, my lady,” said the
homage to me. And if they resist, I leave them at once, and youth,18 “we should be more intent on the travail of this
they will never have my help, no matter how noble or world than on its comforts, for thus we will follow our
powerful they may be; rather, I will seek to hurt them as Master.”
best I can. [92] I have told you this so that if you wish to do When the lady heard this, she replied very angrily,
homage to me, as the others have, I will receive you in my ‘Wretched people, since you would rather suffer than be
ship and take you safely to a place where you will enjoy all comforted, I will go away and leave you on this rock, with
the bodily comforts and joys possible in the world.” the result that never, as long as you live, will you be seen
When they heard her promise such a great thing, they again. Rather, you will die here of hunger and misery, and
immediately began to look at one another and ask what die birds of the air will eat you.”
they should do. “My word,” said one of the youths, “if she She set out to sea at once without saying another word.
were of our faith and all we had to do was do homage to And they remained on shore and watched as long as they
her, I would recommend that we put in with her and let her could see her. When they had lost sight of her, they went to
take us in her ship.15 But if she is of another faith than ours where Hippocrates’s house had been, and all three lay
and we do homage to her, she would make us abandon our down next to one another and slept until dawn the next
religion as soon as we have done homage, and this is the day. And when the hour of prime came and they had
thing we should resist the most." awakened, they got up. Commending themselves to Our
The others agreed that what he had said was right. Lord, they knelt facing the East. They beat their breasts in
Then they asked the woman from the ship, “My lady, tell us penitence and prayed to the High Master in His great
what faith you hold and what we must do if we become your mercy to come to help and comfort them in this peril and
men." not to forget them, but help them as a father should help
“I will certainly tell you all this,” said she. “You can be his son, and deliver them at His pleasure, and give them
sure that I am the richest and most powerful pagan you eternal life.
have ever seen. I will take you with me as soon as you have After praying, they began to look far out to sea in the
done homage to me.” direction where the sun set. It seemed to them that they saw
“By my faith,” said the messengers, “since you are not a small object in the sea, but it was so far away that they
of our religion, and you are not a Christian, we won’t pay could not discern what it was. However, before the hour of
homage to you, for [93] even though we could help tierce had come, the object had approached enough that
ourselves by keeping company with a man or woman who is they knew it was a small boat. And [95] by chance it
opposed to us, any good that might come of it would cause happened to come to the foot of the rock where ships
us one thousand times as much trouble in the end.” v landed. They descended at once, hurrying to get there to
“What!” she exclaimed. “Will you let me leave like this? see what was inside the boat. When they reached the shore,
Certainly, if I depart without taking you with me, you will they saw19 that inside was a man who seemed very old, and
never find anyone who will come to see you again, for you with him was a large and marvelous lion, the same one that
are too far away from people. And so you will die here of had been put with Celidoine, and it was the very same small
hunger and misery.” boat. Upon seeing this, they began to look at one another,
The messengers said they would rather die16 than keep for they were more astonished about the fact that the lion,
her company or do anything that might cause the High which seemed large and cruel, had not long ago devoured
Master to become angry with them, “for when it pleases die man, than about anything they had seen for a while.
Him, He will deliver us at once from this peril and lead us The man asked them what had brought them to such
to safety.” an isolated place, so far from people. And they replied that
When she heard them speak in this manner, she did chance had brought them there, and that they would be
not delay to reply, “Wretched, unhappy people, consider delivered when it pleased Our Lord Jesus Christ, for they
why you make such an effort to hold to the Christian faith. did not see how they would leave otherwise.
See what good comes to you from it! Ever since you
17
“Anyone,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “we”).
15“But we don’t know what faith she holds” omitted, as in 18
Corrected to singular following Ponceau.
Ponceau.
19“Saw,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “were”).
16,The messengers . .. die” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 111

“By my faith,” said the worthy man, “if you wish to Once they had embraced and rejoiced over one
enter this boat, I will get out and leave it to you for love of another, Nascien asked how they had left their country.
this Lord. I believe that, with God’s help, this boat will take And they recounted how they had been shipwrecked and
you where you will find Nascien and King Mordrain, for had landed on a rock where they found Hippocrates’s
whom you left your country.” tomb. On that rock they would surely have died, so they
When they heard this, they were overcome with believed, but a man whom they did not know came to see
happiness and said, “Oh, my lord, it seems to us that you them and remained on the rock in their place, and had
know us and our masters well. For God’s sake, tell us who them board a small boat. “And he said that what he was
you are, and tell us if you know whether our masters are doing for us was not such a great kindness as what he had
safe and sound.” once done for man”; so they should not be surprised. He
“I am,” said he, “a different sort of man from what you said that their lords were safe and sound, “and he told us
think. I tell you truly that the king, Nascien, and his son that we would find all three together.”
Celidoine are together in a ship at sea in Western parts. “In truth,” said Nascien, “the worthy man was quite
[96] If you want to go to see them, you must enter this ship, right in what he told you,22 and it has worked out well for
which will take you where you will find them faster than you you and for us, for we would soon have departed and gone
think.” far away from one another. However, He who [98]
“My lord," said the young men, “do you advise us to do commands all things—that is, the High Lord—has reunited
this? You seem to us to be a very worthy man, and we us. For, thanks be to Him, He has protected us and
believe you would not advise something that was not good.” delivered us from all dangers.”
“I advise it in good faith,” he replied. Then they began to ask the girl who she was, what land
“Since it pleases you, then we will embark,” they said. she was from, and what23 adventure had brought her with
“And we will not be put off by this large and marvelous them. And she recounted everything to them word for
animal. But it seems to us that it would be folly for you to word, how it happened and from what people she was
stay on this wild and isolated rock rather than coming with descended, just as the story has told. After she had told
us, for once we have left, I don’t think anyone will ever them what they asked, Nascien asked the messengers for
come to these parts to look for you. ”20 news of his sister and his wife. The messengers said they
“I want you to enter this boat and leave me on this had left them safe and sound in their country, but they
rock,” said he. “Do not marvel, my lords, if I do you such a were very afraid and frightened for them because they had
kindness, for be assured that long ago I did a much greater had no news.
kindness than this for man. Now enter in my place, and I “Oh, God,” said the king, “my heart would be
will remain on the rock for you. And do not fear at all for comforted so much if I knew in what part of the sea we are
me.” and how near our country.”
Then he left the ship, and they boarded, along with “My lord,” said Nascien, “it is not fitting to talk about
the girl. And the worthy man said to her, ‘Young lady, if this now. When God wishes, we will be certain of it, and if it
you have lost an earthly king, who was your father, do what pleases Him, we will yet come to our land safe and sound. It
you should to have as your father the King of the heavens, is completely up to Him, so we should pray to none but
who is the King of Kings, and deliver yourself from the Him.”
bondage and serfdom you are still in, that is, the power of Thus Our Lord gathered together His servants, whom
the enemy.” And she said that she would do so, if God led He had so wondrously separated and distanced from one
her to a true port of salvation. another. They were together in this way for two nights. On
After these words, the wind struck the litde boat, and the third night the moon had risen, beautiful and clear,
in a short time it was driven far from the rock so that they and the sea was calm and serene and very peaceful, though
were out of sight of land. In this way the small boat raced all earlier they had had a good strong wind. Around midnight
day and [97] all night long, faster than any bird could fly. they saw before them a castle called Baruch, which
And it continued the next day and night. belonged to one of Mordrain’s sons and which was at the
On the third day, at the hour of prime, they looked out head of his land near the sea. When they had come close
across the sea and saw a ship coming; it was the very one21 enough to the castle to be sure it was Baruch, they blessed
carrying King Mordrain and Nascien. When they were near the King of the heavens and gave [99] thanks to Him for
enough to recognize one another, they exchanged having delivered them safely from all dangers and brought
greetings, wishing one another joy and good luck. As soon them back to the land they so desired to see.
as the small boat was close enough to the large ship that As they approached the port, so that all they needed to
they could reach one another, they hurried to embrace. do was land, they began to look around and saw a man
The young men and woman boarded the large ship, and coming after them dressed in a white robe, in a habit like a
the small boat with the lion in it turned away as quickly as if priest. This man was coming across the sea on foot24 as if it
all the winds in the world were chasing it, so that in a short were flat ground, as fast as any bird could fly. When he had
time they had lost it from sight and did not know whether it come so close to the ship that they could hear what he said,
was nearby or far away. he greeted them on behalf of the High Master. Very

20“You,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “us”). 22“You,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “us”).
2^‘The very one” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. 23“And what” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
24“On foot” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
112 The History of the Holy Grail

frightened, they returned his greeting. They were fearful those inside could have heard them if they had not been
and in dread because they were afraid this was the enemy, sleeping. At once King Mordrain began to cry out to those
who had come in such dress in order to take them away in the castle, “Open up! Open up!" They immediately
from the true faith and the straight road of truth. jumped up, went to the batdements, and asked who wanted
He said to them, “My Lords, be not afraid; I have not to enter. And the king said enough to them that they
come for your harm but for your good.” Then he said to recognized him and knew he was their lord. Thus they
Nascien, “You were wounded because you deserved it. The descended quickly, lit candles and torches, and received
Great Master has sent me to heal you. Come to me, and you the king and those with him as joyfully as if he were God
will be healed.” Himself.
When Nascien heard this, he came quickly to the side That night they rejoiced over the king and honored
of the ship and knelt before the one who had promised to him as best they could, for they loved him dearly. And
heal him. The latter raised his hand and made the sign of before day broke, several messengers set out to recount
the holy cross, then said, “Nascien, arise; you are healed.” throughout the land the arrival of the king and Nascien.
And he stood up, as healthy and sound as he had ever Upon hearing this news and learning that King Mordrain
been. When he realized he was healed through the sign of had arrived safe and sound, the lords of the country
the cross made by this worthy man, he knelt before him hurried to the castle where he was. They feted their lord as
and said, “Oh, my lord, holy man, God’s person, tell me for much as possible. Thus everyone in the country came to the
holy charity’s sake, where you are from and how you can castle, [102] assembling there within a week. After that the
walk on top of this water without sinking.” queen, the king’s wife, came to the casde. She was so happy
“Nascien,” [100] said the worthy man, “I will tell you. I to see her husband and her brother that no greater joy
want you to know that I am Hermoine,25 in whose honor could be told or recounted.
you founded a church in your capital city. The High Master As soon as Nascien was rested, having heard that his
has sent me to you to heal you and to forbid you to break wife had left his land to seek him, he sent his messengers
His commandment again if you wish to enjoy His love, for I far and wide to bring her back. It happened that she was
assure you that worse can happen to you in the future than found in the kingdom of Meochide. She was overjoyed
this. And be assured in truth that just as I can walk easily on when she learned that her husband had returned safe and
this water and go26 my straight way without sinking, Joseph sound and returned at once. Upon arriving in King
of Arimathea and his son Josephus, the first bishop of the Mordrain’s land, she found the king and her husband in
Christians, will cross the sea tonight, with Jesus Christ’s the city27 of Sarras. She joined them, happier than any
other people, just as I did, without oars and without a ship, woman could ever be, but when she did not see Celidoine,
and they will arrive direcdy in Great Britain, for it pleases her child, a great part of her joy disappeared. And yet, at
the Great Master that by this lineage the land shall be the urging of her husband and the king, she took some
populated and increased.” comfort, once they had told her the marvels that had
While they were speaking, they saw a small boat happened to him.
coming across the sea, running toward them as quickly as if The very day that Nascien’s wife came to Sarras, King
all the winds in the world were driving it. It came on so fast Label’s daughter became a Christian and received baptism
that it struck the ship head on, so that those who saw it from the hand of Petrone, the blessed holy man who was a
thought it would be smashed to pieces. Inside there was no relative of Joseph of Arimathea. In honor of Mordrain’s
one. The worthy man came to Celidoine and said, “Dear wife, she was called Sarrasinte. She later became a holy
son, board this boat, and go where chance takes you. The woman and Celidoine’s wife, as is attested by this very
One who delivered you from the hands of Galafre tells you chronicle,28 as well as by my lord Robert of Boron, who
to do this." translated it from Latin into French, after Our Lord first
As soon as the worthy man had given the order, the gave it to this holy [103] hermit.29
child left the large ship and entered the small boat, The two ladies marveled and considered it a great and
commending his father and the others in the ship to God. beautiful adventure that things had turned out so well in
The small boat immediately left again, so quickly that in a every way and that it had pleased Our Lord to deliver their
very short time they had lost it from sight. And the worthy husbands from the numerous temptations they had so
man, who [101] saw that Nascien was frightened, said to often experienced, which they had recounted.30 However,
him, “Nascien, do not worry about your son or be afraid. I they31 were never proud or arrogant because of these
assure you that in time you will see him clearly, safe and adventures, but were more humble than before, and with
sound, in the land God has promised you and your lineage. heads lowered, they thanked Our Lord for having helped
Go now to your country, to your wife and your people. As them so.
soon as you are summoned to follow your son, don’t be
slow; be quick, for you can be sure that this will be Our 27«
“City,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “land”).
Lord’s commandment”
28See Chapter 33.
After these words, the worthy man disappeared, so that
29Robert de Boron was the author of the verse Roman du
they never knew what became of him or where he went.
Graalor Joseph d’Arimathie. The attribution of the transladon of this
Then they landed before the gate of the castle, so close that
text to him is undoubtedly meant to lend authority to it.
‘Recounted,” as in Ponceau.
25“Hermoine,” as in Sommer (Hucher has “Emgines”). 31
It is unclear whether “they” refers to the two women, the
20“Easily and” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer. men, or the two couples.
The History of the Holy Grail 113

28. Nascien Departs for Britain; His Thus, [105] most of them wanted to set out. They mounted
their best horses, saying they would go after him, and if
Adventures on Land and Sea.1
they found him, they would bring him back whether he
wished or not.
Nascien and his wife sent far and wide for news of Joseph of
They left right away, each one taking a different path,
Anmathea and his followers, thinking Celidoine was with
since they were familiar with the false turns that existed.
them. But at this point they heard nothing, despite the
One of them looked at the ground ahead; seeing the hoof-
efforts of the men they sent.2 It grieved them, and several
prints of Nascien’s horse, he followed the trail. The man
times when they were together they said that Jose Ph3
who did this was called Nabor. He was a tall, strong knight,
should come visit them or request words of comfort that
who had been a slave in capdvity for a long time. Nascien,
might make them more hopeful and content. They were
through his graciousness, had bought him from the king of
downcast and silent all the time, waiting to see whether
the Indies because Nabor said he was the son of a king. But
God might send them news of their child.
he was not; rather, he was the son of a vile peasant,
They went about day and night with such sad faces that
descended from a bad line and bad seed. This knight was
Nascien became withdrawn, completely losing his desire to
aged, for he was seventy years old, and he was the most evil
eat or drink, day or night. He was intent only on praying to
in the world.
Our Lord, in His sweet pity, to make some sign that he
Having set out to follow the track of the hoof-prints,
knew where Josephus and Celidoine were; “and, dear Lord
Nabor rode for a long time in order to take advantage of
God, I pray to you not to let me die except where they will
the daylight. He rode a strong and fast horse that carried
pass away and in the very land that our household is to
him so swiftly that he was soon more than seventy leagues
multiply and increase." His wife Flegetine had told him the
away from Bellic.6 He had ridden so rapidly all along that
dream she had had: how she was told she should go to the
he knew he had not lost the hoof-prints he was following.
land that would be increased by her household.4 [104]
When it was the hour of vespers, at the foot of a mountain
Nascien made this prayer day and night. He made it so
he encountered a Saracen who could well have been over a
many times that one winter night as he slept, a great light
hundred years old. Realizing he was an unbeliever, he did
descended into the room where he lay, and a voice said to
not greet him but asked him directly whether he had met
him so loudly that he marveled at it, “Nascien, arise, and go
anywhere a knight riding alone.
straight to the sea, where you will find a ship. Enter it, and
The man replied, “My lord, I have not seen anyone on
do not be afraid of anything you see, for you can be sure it
horseback today except a knight I just saw fighting Faran
will take you where5 you will hear news about what you are
the Giant on a mountain. I don’t know for sure whether
seeking.” That is what it said.
this was a knight or a man-at-arms, but [106] I do know that
When the brightness had ceased and the voice had left
the giant is from the Foreign Port.”
off speaking, Nascien rose from his bed and thanked Our
When Nabor heard this, he thought it was indeed
Lord for deigning to send him after Celidoine to populate
Nascien who was fighting the giant, so he left the Saracen at
the land that was full of unbelievers. Then he dressed and
once and started up the knoll as rapidly as he could make
got ready and went to the stable, where he took a good
the horse go. When he arrived at the summit, he saw the
strong horse. He managed to lead it out of the stable so
cruel and terrible melee between the two. It had already
quiedy that no one noticed it.
reached the point where Nascien, who was weaker than the
Once he was beyond the gate, he mounted and set out
giant, was so exhausted and drained that he could not
on his way toward the sea as direcdy as he could. At the
stand up. He had fallen on his face, and the giant lay on
time he left the casde it was very cold, and it was snowing so
top of him, so exhausted that he did not have strength
hard that the ground was completely covered with snow, so
enough to hurt him. Thus, one was underneath and the
that he would not have known how to hold to his path if it
other on top, waiting only to catch their breath in order to
had not been for the moon, which was shining clearly and
begin the fight again.7
serenely. Thus Nascien left the castle, never to return. All
Though Nabor was bold, when he recognized his lord
night long he rode as straight as possible toward die sea, in
underneath such a monster, he became frightened and
order to leave his land and reach the sea. drew his sword. But first he dismounted and tied his horse
The next day, when his wife awoke and did not find
to an olive tree. Then he went quickly toward the melee.
her husband beside her, she began at once to grieve so
When the giant saw him coming with his sword drawn, he
bitterly that everyone gathered to ask what they could do.
tried to jump up but could not, for Nascien, who
They agreed to go seek him far and wide throughout die
recognized Nabor, held the giant with all his strength. And
country, for they believed he could not yet be very far away. Nabor, who had his full energy, struck the giant in the head
with all his strength, so hard and straight that he cleaved
1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 103-123; Sommer I: 196-207; him down to the teeth. The giant fell flat on the ground, in
Ponceau §298-311. the throes of death. And Nascien jumped up quickly, happy
2“Of Joseph of Arimathea . . . they sent” supplied from about this adventure and the rescue that God had sent at
Ponceau and Sommer. such an opportune moment.
3 Joseph,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has Josephus”).
4See Chapter 19.
^he text has “Lambis,” a variant of Bellic.
5“You will find a ship.... where” supplied from Ponceau and
7“Which would have lasted a long time, had it not been for
Sommer. Jesus Christ’s grace” omitted, as in Ponceau.
114 The History of the Holy Grail

When Nabor saw his lord safe and sound, he [107] Then Nascien tried with all his strength to pull his arm
said, “My lord, you have been delivered from death, thanks free, but he was so exhausted from fighting the giant that
be to God, who led me here at such an opportune moment he was powerless against [109] the man holding him. And
that I delivered you from this enemy. Now I want to beg Nabor, who was cruel and traitorous and descended from
you, in return for this service I’ve done, to return to the an evil lineage, pulled so hard that he nearly broke his arm
place you left last night. Truly, you can be sure that and neck. He made Nascien fall to the ground so hard that
otherwise your people will never be joyful or at peace. his forehead and nose were scraped and blood poured out
Especially my lady, your wife, is grieving so much and so of his mouth. He was so stunned from the fall that he lay on
bitterly that joy will never enter her heart until she sees you the ground in a faint.
again. Therefore, I beseech you, for God’s sake and mercy’s Nabor did not take pity, for he was all toughness and
sake, to return. Otherwise you will cause us to die of treachery. When he saw Nascien regain consciousness, he
misery.” cried out that he would kill him immediately if he did not
“Nabor, my dear friend,” said Nascien, “I assure you in return without further resistance. And Nascien, who was
truth that I will not return until I have seen the One I have deeply anxious about two things—that Nabor was
left you for. Do not beseech me, for prayers are of no use.”8 mistreating him and that he wished to make him return,
“No, my lord?” said Nabor. “You won’t return for me which would keep him from accomplishing the
or anyone else?” commandments of Our Lord, his High Master—answered,
“Certainly not,” Nascien replied. “Kill me if you want, for I certainly won’t return at this
“By my faith,” said Nabor, "when I left my companions, time.”
who are seeking you just as I am, I promised to do all I “In truth,” said Nabor, “by refusing, you bring grief to
could to bring you back if I found you anywhere and if I your men and your family, who will never be joyful until
had the strength. [108] Now that I have found you, I will you return! May God help me if I don’t kill you right away
take you back whether you wish it or not.” unless you return with me.”
“In fact, Nabor,” said Nascien,”you will not have the “Kill me,” said Nascien. “I pardon you for my death.”
strength, if it pleases God.” Nabor raised his sword and braced to strike him in the
“I will,” said Nabor, “for I would rather fight you than head. When Nascien saw the blow coming, he raised his
not bring you back.” hands toward the heavens and said, “Dear Father, Jesus
“What!” he exclaimed. “You are my liegeman, and yet Christ, be my shield and defense against this enemy.” As
you will fight me? This cannot be!” soon as he had said this, Nabor fell dead before him,
“Indeed,” Nabor replied, “I must fight if you refuse to holding his sword in his hand. This adventure made
return peacefully, for I won’t break my oath in order to let Nascien both happy and sad: happy that he had escaped,11
you do as you wish.” but sad that the knight had died in such a way that Nascien
“By my faith,” said Nascien, “the battle wouldn’t be thought his soul was surely lost.
equal between us, for you’re fresh and just arrived, while Then he looked toward the sea and saw [110] a great
I’m tired and exhausted; and you’re armed, while I’m number of men coming on horseback straight toward him.
completely unarmed. And even if I wanted to fight, you He looked all around to see where he might hide, for he
shouldn’t allow it, for you are my liegeman, and I am your was very much afraid that if they recognized him, they
lord, and I made you a knight with my own hand. would make him return. But seeing nowhere to hide, he
Therefore, you shouldn’t lay your hands on me, no matter fretted until they came upon him. As soon as they saw him,
what might happen, unless I were to commit an offense9 they were overcome with joy, for they were his men. They
that made you fear death.” held land from12 one of his castellans, who was Nascien’s
‘What can I say?” said Nabor. “You must return, liegeman. This man was present, and he had recendy
whether you want to or not.” become a Christian for love of Nascien.13 When they saw
“Certainly,” said Nascien, “I won’t, God willing, in spite each other, they rejoiced as much as if they were brothers
of all your strength. Go back, and I will go where adventure who loved one another dearly.
takes me.” My lord of Karrabel11 asked Nascien how the knight
Then he set out on his way, heading quickly toward the who lay on the ground had died. Nascien drew him aside
sea. But Nabor leapt to block him and, taking him by the and told him what had happened—how Nabor wanted to
arm,10 said he would go no farther, if he had the strength kill him, “but Our Lord, in His sweet pity, did not allow it.
to stop him. Rather, He took such vengeance upon him as you can see.
“No?” said Nascien. ‘Will you hold me by force and It certainly grieves me,” said he, “that he is dead, but since
prevent me from seeing the thing in the world I love the it pleased Our Lord, nothing can be done to make it
most? By my faith, this cannot be!” otherwise. We must keep the commandment and will of
Our Lord.”
o (
“‘That is why I’m telling you not to beseech me. But return
and greet my lady and all my friends and tell them that I will
1 '“Happy that he had escaped” supplied from Ponceau and
return when it pleases Our Lord, and that they should not be
Sommer.
discomfited because of me.’ When Nabor heard this, he was very 19
upset and said” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer. ‘‘“Him and from” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
1^
9“Commit an offense,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher This man was present... Nascien” supplied from Ponceau.
has “use force”). 14“Karrabel,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
10Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau. “Darrabel”).
The History of the Holy Grail 115
“By my faith," said the lord of Karrabel, “this They said they would gladly do this. Tearfully, they
vengeance was just, and it seems right to me that he died so buried the bodies at once, remaining there all night. As
badly, for a man can never commit a greater act of soon as night fell, Nascien mounted the best horse there
disloyalty than wanting to kill you, his lord.” and departed at once. And he told them everything about
As he spoke these words, a voice came among them the giant that the story does not tell here, for it will speak of
that said, “Oh, man of Karrabel, enemy of Jesus Christ, false it elsewhere.20
and treacherous Christian, why do you judge a man, you Once Nascien had mounted, he left the knoll as
who committed a more traitorous act than he last night quickly as he could push the horse and went as far away
when you killed [111] your father in order to inherit his from his country as he could. He rode so fast that early in
land? God will wreak such great vengeance15 that it will be the morning he came to the sea. Upon arriving, he [113]
talked about forever after. ” As soon as the voice had spoken found the good ship where he had once seen the good
these words, they saw that16 the weather had changed, and sword and the splendid bed with the three spindles.
it became so dark that they could barely see one another. Before it, at the entry, was a young lady, the most
And a thunderbolt so terrifying flashed among them that beautiful and elegantly dressed he had ever seen. When she
they were all stunned. Not one of them who was there saw Nascien, she stood up to greet him, saying, ‘Welcome,
could remain standing; rather, they all lay17 as if they had Jesus Christ’s servant, the best of the Christian knights! Ah,
died. When they got up again, they found the lord of noble man,” said she, “by the faith you owe the Lord whose
Karrabel dead from the thunderbolt that had struck him. religion you hold, I beseech you to grant me a boon that
He was completely burned and charred and stank so will hardly cost you a thing.”
terribly that it was overwhelming to smell the stench that “Gladly,” he replied, “if it is something that I can or
came from him. might give without harming myself."
They were frightened by this and did not know what to “You can indeed,” she said, “if you are such a knight as
say except that they began to lament bitterly, crying out so I believe you to be."
loudly that they could have been heard a half league away. ‘Tell me what it is,” he said.
As they grieved,18 a man dressed in the white robes of a “Gladly,” she replied. “I request that you carry me into
religious appeared. When he saw Nascien, who was this ship, for I cannot enter as I wish because I am tired and
especially sad because he knew the dead man better than worn out from the traveling I have done.”
any of the others, he asked what had happened, and He said he would do this willingly, if he could. So,
Nascien told him the truth, just as it had occurred. taking her in his arms, he came to the water’s edge. But
“By my faith,” said the worthy man, “I have never heard when he tried to board the ship, he could not, for it kept
of a greater marvel. May it please God to have mercy on moving away as he approached. When he saw this, he put
their souls.”19 the young woman down, so astounded that he did not know
“My lord, for God’s sake,” said Nascien, “advise us what what he should do. He raised his hand and made the sign
to do. Should we put them in holy ground or somewhere of the cross on his forehead. Then he looked and saw that
else?” the lady had changed into the form of the devil, which in
“I will tell you what to do,” said the worthy man. ‘We fact she was. He began to cross himself over and over,
can certainly see that this [112] is the vengeance of God saying to die one he saw before him, “Ah, mortal traitor,
Himself; therefore, we should want everyone to know what how marvelously you sought to trick me by coming to me in
happened, since one and all should take this as an a woman’s shape! [114] This trick will never work, may it
example. I therefore advise not to move them but to bury please God, nor will it allow you to take me from the way of
them here, and on each tombstone let us put an inscription Holy Church.”
about how they died, so that those who see them might Then he commended himself to Jesus Christ and
remember it. This is the best advice I can give.” immediately boarded the ship. Once aboard, he looked at
Nascien said it would be done as he advised. Then he the shore and saw nothing but his horse. But all around he
called those with them and said, “Dear lords, this is how it heard such ugly, hideous, terrifying voices that they seemed
is. I have stayed too long, it seems to me, and I must go. to come from the very mouth of hell, and doubdess they
Bury these bodies, one on either side of the road, and the did. When he heard these devils and realized they were
giant in the middle. When they are buried, go to my castle enemies who were watching in order to capture him, he
Bellic, and tell the Duchess Flegetine to come here and commended himself to Our Lord and said the prayers he
have three towers built, one above each tomb, so that this knew. After a while he fell asleep, for he needed sleep,
will be remembered by us and our descendants, and all having suffered all night long and the day before.
those who will come after us, and cannot be forgotten.” As soon as he had fallen asleep, a vision came to him: it
seemed to him that a man dressed in a red robe came
before him and admonished him to do well. Nascien asked
15“God will wreak ... vengeance,” as in Ponceau and Sommer
(Hucher has “As soon as the voice had spoken, God wreaked such him who he was, and he said he was21 a man who knew
vengeance”). whatever one did and part of what was to come. Nascien
16‘The voice” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer. asked him if he knew where his son was, and he said he was
17“Lay,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “saw”). in the land that was promised to them.
18“As bitterly and loudly as you have heard” omitted, as in
Ponceau and Sommer. 20See Chapter 33.
19That is, the souls of both Nabor and the lord of Karrabel. 21“And he said he was” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
116 The History of the Holy Grail

“Dear lord,” said Nascien, “who is in his company?” happy as anyone can be because of the sign Our Lord had
He replied that there were a great many people with given him. He thanked Him with all his heart, for he knew
him who were rejoicing over him and who considered him it was through his Creator’s will that he happened to see
to be their lord. Nascien asked him about Joseph,22 these things.
Josephus, and the relatives who had left Sarras. He opened the letter right away and discovered all the
The worthy man replied, “They have crossed the sea wondrous things that were written there, some in Hebrew
without a ship and without oars and are in the land that was and others in Latin. And it said clearly, “Nascien is the first
promised to their descendants and you." and Celidoine the second of the ministers24 and knights of
“Dear lord,” said Nascien, “since you know part of what Jesus Christ. The first of Celidoine’s issue will be a king and
is to come, you can certainly tell me, if it [115] pleases you, a good knight, and his name will be Narpus.25 The one
if I will ever return to my country.” after him will bear [117] the name Nascien. The third will
And he replied, “Neither you nor this ship will ever be be called Alan the Fat; he will be a good, religious knight
seen in your country except in dreams. Rather, you will and will wear a crown. The fourth will have the name
remain in the land I told you about. And this ship will be Isaiah, and the fifth, Jonah, and he will be a valiant and
nearby until the time when the last man in your lineage bold knight and will glorify Holy Church. The sixth will
enters it to come to Sarras with the holy vessel called the bear the name Lancelot and will be crowned on earth and
Holy Grail. Before this time this ship will not leave this in the heavens, for pity and charity will be housed in him.
country I am speaking of, and this time is so distant that it is The seventh will have the name Ban. And the one who
more than three hundred years away.” issues from him will be the eighth and will be named
“Oh, my lord," said Nascien, “who will be the last man Lancelot. He will be the one who will endure suffering such
in my lineage? I would gladly know it if possible, as well as as none other before or after him. He will truly be a dog,
what kind of man he will be, since such a long time is yet to since in the end, from him will issue the ninth, which will
pass.” be a turbid river, thick like mud at the beginning; clear and
And the worthy man replied, “You will not know it pure in the middle; while at the end it will be a hundred
now; you will learn it very soon, but I want you to know this times clearer and purer than at the beginning. And it will
much: he will be a worthy man in God’s and the world’s be so sweet to drink that one can barely get one’s fill of it.
eyes, and the best knight who will exist in his time.” In it I will bathe myself completely. He26 will bear the name
Thereupon the worthy man went away without saying Galahad.27 He will surpass in goodness and chivalry all
anything more. And Nascien remained asleep, and he slept those who come before him and after him. He will put an
and rested for a long time, for he had tired himself out and end to the adventures that will happen on earth where
suffered for a long time. After the worthy man whom he chance and his will lead him.”
had seen in his sleep had departed, he seemed to return as This is what was written in the letter Nascien found in
Nascien slept, bringing him a letter, which he put in his his hand. Once he had seen his lineage from the beginning
hand, saying, “Here is the noble branch of your lineage, not to the end, and he knew that this worthy man called
the one from which you are descended, but the one that Galahad would be full of all goodness and chivalry and that
will henceforth descend from you.” he would mark the end of his lineage, he began to weep
Then he left. At once Celidoine came before him, with joy and to thank Our Lord for this sign He had given
bringing with him, one after the other, nine male persons, him, which should please and inspire him.
all in the guise of kings, except the eighth. This one had As long as daylight lasted, Nascien looked at the
changed into the form of an ugly, evil dog that devoured writing; he could not keep from looking at it, [118] for it
[116] what he had vomited from his belly. The one who pleased him so much that he could turn his eyes only in
appeared in the form of a dog was more untiring and that direction. He would not have been so happy if the
unflagging than any other, and yet he was so weak in the entire world had been placed in his hand as he was by the
loins that it was a marvel he could stand up. prophecy he saw before him, for he knew truly that it would
The first one fell at Celidoine’s feet; after him the happen just as it was written there.
second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and then the When he could no longer see or make out the letters
eighth did so. But the ninth,23 who came to him after all because of the dark, black night that had joined with the
the others, changed his form and returned in the shape of day, he put the letter in his bosom against his chest and
a lion, with no crown. And when he passed away from the began to clasp it to himself just as a mother sometimes
world, it seemed to Nascien that everyone in the world clasps her child, in pity and love. And then he began to say
gathered around him, lamenting his loss and mourning die prayers and orisons he knew to Our Lord, and he
him. This vision came to Nascien as he slept in the ship at prayed to Him, in His sweet pity, to keep him in His service
sea. and watch over him as a father should watch over his son,
When he awoke, around the hour of nones, he found whom He should place in the true faith and belief.
in his hand the letter that the worthy man had given him in
his sleep. Then he did not consider what he had seen in his
24“And companions” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
dream to be an illusion or a trick, but was as joyful and nr
4 “Narpus,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
“Varpus”).
22‘Joseph” supplied from Ponceau. “Will be a crowned king” omitted, as in Sommer.
23,The eighth. . .. ninth,” as in Sommer (Hucher has “the 57
* This announcement regarding Galahad’s birth will be
ninth did so. The eighth one”). fulfilled in the Lancelot; see Chapter 149.
The History of the Holy Grail 117

After this prayer he went to the ship’s side and leaned tell you. But what are you doing with this letter you are
on it.28 When he had been there for a long time, looking holding in your hand?”
out to sea, he fell into deep, anxious thoughts. For he “I like to look at it,” said Nascien, “for just looking at it
began to consider why the eighth one in his lineage would brings me such great delight and pleasure that as long as I
be changed into the form of a dog.29 And he began to keep it in mind, I have no desire to drink or eat. But it
think about why the ninth one appeared as a lion and as a would please me even more if I knew the truth about two
river that was so cloudy and thick at the beginning and so things I see there and cannot understand.” Then he told
marvelous and so sweet to drink at the end. what they were and how he was in such great torment that
He thought so intently about this that he neither slept he could not stop dwelling on them.
nor rested, but remained at the ship’s edge all night long. The worthy man looked at him and said, “Nascien,
And after he had stayed there so long that day appeared to isn’t it folly to make oneself better than one should in his
the world, he raised his hands toward the heavens and said, Lord’s eyes, and isn’t he false who wishes to draw closer to
“Dear Lord Father, Jesus Christ, in Your pity, assure me the secrets of his Lord than he should?”
about what I have longed to know, and [119] show me, “My lord,” Nascien replied, “truly, he is false.”
Lord, why this one has the shape of a dog, and why this “By my faith,” said the worthy man, “I’m saying it for
river is so turbid at the beginning, and so marvelous and so your sake, you who are so naive that when the High Master,
sweet to drink at the end. Lord, I have never desired to in His graciousness, showed you some of the things that are
know anything as much as this. In your mercy, set30 me to come in your lineage, that is not enough for you. You
straight, for otherwise, I will never be content.” want to know even more and inquire about things32 that a
After this prayer he took up the letter again, opened it, mortal heart cannot know or discover, unless it is through
and began to look at it. What he saw pleased him so much the grace of the Holy Spirit. At this time Our Lord has
that he had no desire to eat or do anything other than look [121] been so gracious as to tell you what no mortal man
at it constantly. At the hour of nones he looked toward the can know now, except you alone. And you want to seek yet
East and saw a ship running very fast in his direction. Once more! Do you believe that He who gave you this power is
it had approached so close that it was alongside his own pleased? Now take care that it never happens that you seek
ship, he came to the side to see what was in it. He looked the secret things of Our Lord more than you should,33 for
up and down, but he saw no living thing. Because he did you can be sure that through this you could win His
not believe that it could be entirely empty, he left his own hatred.”
boat and boarded the other one, searching high and low When Nascien heard the worthy man’s words, he knew
until he found, next to the rudder, a man who seemed very very well that he spoke only the truth. So he felt very guilty
old and who had fallen asleep there. Approaching, he woke and sinful because of what he sought, and he said,
him up.31 The man opened his eyes and asked what he “Certainly, one should not be surprised if I sought this, for I
wanted. am an ignorant sinner and did not know what I was
“Dear lord,” said Nascien, “I wanted to know if you requesting.34 You know very well that a sinner seeks to
were sleeping.” accomplish his will more than to follow God or reason;
“I was not sleeping,” said the worthy man. “But therefore, do not be surprised.”
whether I was asleep or awake, what concern is it of yours? “Do you want to know the meaning of the eighth one
This is not the first time you have bothered me, and yet I in your lineage, who appears in the form of a dog, and the
certainly pardon you this misdeed.” ninth one, who is symbolized by a river, looking as cloudy
“Dear lord,” said Nascien, “when did I harm you? and thick as mud at the beginning and changing
Certainly, I believe it only because you say so. Whether I miraculously at the end?” asked the worthy man.
knew it or not, if I have harmed you, I will make it up to you “My lord,” said Nascien, “if I knew this, I believe that all
in the way you [120] wish, if I can.” my desires would be accomplished.”
The worthy man said he considered himself well repaid “And I will tell you,” said the worthy man. “Now listen!
by this offer. He had Nascien sit down next to him and The ones who appeared to you in the semblance of a lion
began to question him about himself. And he told him the will be virtuous and strong, filled with the grace of Our
truth. After he had answered everything the worthy man Lord. They will be loyal, worthy men, the pillars and
asked, Nascien began to ask him about himself and what foundations of faith. Because they will lead noble lives, they
country he was from. will be symbolized by the lion for many reasons,35 for just as
“I am,” said the worthy man, “from a country where the lion lords it over all the other animals and makes them
you have never been, and where you will never go as long as subject to him, in the same way the worthy man has the
you live. Therefore, it can scarcely matter to you if I don’t sinner sent away. The worthy man is strong, so that he does
not easily fall into mortal sin; [122] if he falls into it by
some misadventure, he loses the hope he has always placed
28“Leaned on it,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
‘lay on it”). in Jesus Christ’s love. However, by the grace of the Holy
29“While at another time he had the shape of a lion” omitted,
as in Sommer. 32“More than” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
30Verb corrected to second person singular, as in Ponceau. 33“More than you should” supplied from Ponceau.
31“He woke him up,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher 34“For I am an ignorant sinner ... requesting” supplied from
has "he woke up”). Ponceau and Sommer.
35In the actual vision only one appears as a lion.
118 The History of the Holy Grail

Spirit that rises in him, he gets up again, stronger and more 29. Flegetine Has the Towers of Judgment
vigorous than he used to be. The sinner does not do this;
Built.1
rather, he always lets himself fall farther and farther into sin
so that there is no way he can get up again.
Now die story says that after Nascien had left Bellic, just as
“The fact that the eighth one appears in the form of a
you were told earlier, his wife Flegetine, not knowing where
dog means that the eighth descendant of this branch will
he could have gone or whether he could be found far or
be vile and filthy. Rightfully does he appear in the form of a
near, remained grief-stricken and chagrined, for she loved
dog, for just as the dog, after fasting, runs immediately to
him a great deal more than many ladies love their
food and eats it without savoring it, the sinner does likewise
husbands. And yet in her sorrow, she was never one to act
when he fasts from good works; that is, when he does no
foolishly or blame God for sending her such great
good, sooner or later he takes up sin and devours it. And
tribulation. But like a wise [124] and gracious woman, she
once he has swallowed it, he has savored nothing,36 for if he
cheerfully endured all the calamities that befell her,
savored it and smelled the great bitterness enveloped in it,
thanking the High Master for what He sent her, be it
he would no longer have courage enough to taste or
sadness or joy, and praying very sweetly to Him, in tears, to
approach it, since he would then know what evil and sorrow
protect her son and her husband in such a way that,
can happen to man by sinning mortally. That is why I say
whatever might happen to their bodies, their souls might
that the eighth will be a sinner. Therefore, he appears in
be in peace and in the sweetness2 of Paradise.
the form of a dog, while the others appear in the
All day long the lady was very frightened and deeply
semblance of a lion. Now I have shown you why they appear
worried about what had become of her husband and her
as lions and he appears as a dog.
child. When night came and she saw that several of the
“Now I will tell you why the ninth one in your lineage,
messengers who had gone to seek Nascien had returned
who resembles a river, appears as cloudy and as thick as
without bringing any news, then she was more frightened
mud at the beginning and clearer than any other at the
than before. And yet she suffered and endured her great
end. The turbid, thick appearance at the beginning
and heartfelt grief so patiently that she did not appear to be
signifies that he was conceived and engendered in mortal
half as upset as she was.
sin by the eighth, who will be hot and lustful. And his birth
Thus she suffered inside until day appeared, beautiful
will be concealed because he will be engendered, not by a
and clear, throughout the world. That morning, before she
mother who is married or according to the commandment
went to a chapel that Nascien was having built in the castle
of Holy Church, but vilely, as in fornication and in other
in honor of the Mother of God, the men of Karrabel came
mortal sin. That is why the river appears muddy and thick.
before her, greeted her, and said, “My lady, Duke Nascien,
[123] But in the middle of his life he will begin to reign.
our lord and yours, greets you.” And they told her3
Then the river will become rapid and fast-running; that is
straightway what had happened to the lord of Karrabel and
to say, then he will be so full of great knighthood and
prowess that he will surpass all others and his entire lineage to Nabor, before their4 eyes, and about the giant from the
in earthly prowess and bodily goodness, for he will be a Foreign Port. Then they told her everything that Nascien
wanted done, just as the story recounted earlier.
virgin all the days of his life, and his end will be more
marvelous than that of any mortal knight of his time. None After hearing the news about her lord and listening to
will be seen again like him, for he will be more gracious his message, the lady went to die mountain as quickly as she
toward God and the world than any others, and yet he will could, taking gold and silver with her. Right away she sent
pass away before the one from whom he will be descended. far and near for workers [125] and had the towers begun,
Now I have told you what you were so eager to know.” just as Nascien had specified, so that before three months
As soon as he had said this, he disappeared so that had gone by, they were completed, so high and marvelous
Nascien did not know what became of him. And when that on any day they could be seen. Once they were
Nascien saw that he had left, he thanked God sincerely for finished, before Easter came, she had beautiful, splendid
letting him know the meaning of the thing that astounded tombs placed on top of each of the graves, and on each
him so. But the story leaves off speaking about him here tombstone she had written how the man who lay
and turns back to speak of Flegetine, his wife, who was underneath had passed away. When the towers were
grief-stricken and distressed because she had had no news completed, she gave them a name that will never change
of him and because of the way he had departed. but will always last as long as there are people in the
country. She called them the Towers of Judgment, and they
oc are between Varrachin and Karrabel, right at the border of
°‘The sinner does likewise. ... he has savored nothing"
supplied from Sommer.
Egypt, in the direction of the empire of Babylonia.

Corresponds to Hucher III: 123-125; Sommer I: 207-208;

Ponceau §312.
2“Sweetness,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has ‘birth”).
Q

“And they told her,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “he told

us”).
4‘Their,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has ‘bis”).
The History of the Holy Grail 119

Once they were finished, she returned to her country, wandered2 until Our Lord guided them to the sea, arriving
to the castle of Bellic, saying that she would await her lord just as night fell, on a Saturday evening. When they reached
there, since he had departed from there. No matter what the sea, they found neither ship nor galley by which they
might happen, she would never leave until he returned or might cross. They were terribly afraid of remaining there.
sent her a true sign to go where he was. So they began to weep bitterly and cry for mercy to Our
Thus the lady remained in Bellic, in her country, from Lord, praying in tears that, in His sweet pity, He would
around Christmas until after Easter. King Mordrain and come to succor and help them in this need, for they were in
Queen Sarrasinte often came to see her and would willingly greater need than they had ever been since leaving their
have taken her to Sarras with them if she had wished. But country. Then they went to Josephus, their bishop, and
she said she would never leave, no matter what might began to cry for mercy, weeping very softly, saying,3 “My
happen, unless she saw her lord or he sent her a sign that lord, what shall we do? We must remain on this side, for we
she would know to be true. With that the story now leaves have neither ship nor galley with us to take us across. For
off speaking about the lady and about King Mordrain, God’s sake, tell us if we will remain on this side, or whether
Nascien, and Celidoine and this lineage, and returns to we will cross over, and if this is the land that is promised to
Joseph and Josephus, for it has been silent about them for a us and our descendants, where we are to spend the rest of
longtime. [126] our lives and do Our Lord’s service.”
Seeing their fear, Josephus took heartfelt pity on them,
because they had departed from their country, leaving their
lands and riches and beautiful households, and besides,
30. Josephus and Some of His Followers
[128] most of them were his relatives. Then he said to
Cross the Sea Without a Ship and Arrive in them, “Dear lords and ladies, do not be afraid before you
England.1 know why. I tell you that He who has been your guide until
now will lead us across in safety, but He will not take all of
Now the story says that when Joseph left Sarras, he you, and I will tell you why.
wandered with his companions for many days, going where “When you departed from your countries, leaving your
chance took them, until they crossed the river Euphrates lands and the comforts of this world for the love of the
and many lands. Many people stopped them and tried to sovereign Crucified One, you promised to serve Him as
hold them prisoners because they were Christians. But sons should serve their father, that is to say that henceforth
whenever they were imprisoned, Our Lord delivered them you would keep yourselves from sinning, whatever you
and freed them from all earthly subjection. might have done before. And He promised to give you
One night during the winter they lay in a wood, in whatever your heart conceived and to deliver you from the
lodges they had made themselves, after having eaten food hands of all those who wished to harm you. It seems to me
in as much abundance as their hearts dared to conceive or He has kept His promise, for since then you have never
their mouths describe. That night Joseph was next to his asked for anything that He did not immediately give you,
wife, a good lady in God’s and the world’s eyes, and praised and many times since then you were held prisoner by many
by everyone who knew her. And then there descended a a prince from whom He delivered you. Thus4 He has
voice that said to Joseph, “The High Master, at whose order indeed repaid your promise.
you left your country with the large group you took with “But you have badly repaid Him, for when He spoke to
you, makes this command: tonight you are to know your you at the entrance of the Wood of the Ambush, each of
wife carnally. May such seed issue that will keep and you5 vowed to hold to chastity and keep his flesh pure until
maintain the land that is promised to you. And when this he had permission to hold his wife. You know very well that
child, who will be a male, is born, he shall be called you made this promise. Now look how you have acted. You
Galahad. Thus the Arbiter of all things commands.” have kept your promise so well that many are in vile and
To this, Joseph replied, “I am ready to do His filthy lust, while others are already so cool and indifferent
command, but I am old and so frail that I don’t know how to doing well that many regret leaving their country. Thus
this can be, except that He has said it.” some are sullied with regret and [129] others with lust,
‘Tear not, Joseph,” said the voice, “for thus it is to be, because of what they did and because in their hearts they
since the High Master wishes it.” Then it became silent and forgot what they had promised.
said no more. “But whatever they have done,6 truly, the others, whose
That night Joseph knew his wife and fathered Galahad, bodies and hearts still belong to Our Lord, and are still as
who was later such a worthy man that one should certainly hot and burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit and the
recall his deeds and {127} the nobility of his life in the ardor of charity as they were in the beginning, and who
hearing of all worthy men, so that the wicked will abandon have since then kept their flesh pure and held to chastity, as
their folly, and worthy men, who hold the order of chivalry,
may better themselves toward the world and God. 2“Wandered,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
Every day they prayed before the Holy Vessel before “spoke”).
eating anything, praying to Our Lord to guide them safely 3“Saying” supplied from Ponceau.
to the land that had been promised to them. They 4 “He has delivered you” omitted, as in Ponceau.
5“You," as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “us”).
1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 126—133; Sommer I: 208—212; 6“And whatever they have left” omitted, as in Ponceau and
Ponceau §315-317. Sommer.
120 The History of the Holy Grail

they had promised—these will truly cross without a ship carrying with them the Holy Vessel called the Grail. When
and without oars, and they will be held up by the sea, that Josephus saw that they had all set out in this way, he
is, the world, because they have in them neither dirt nor removed his under-tunic from his back and put on his robe,
filth nor stain nor baseness. These people will cross without telling his father to step onto the length of cloth. He was
a ship, for their faith and belief and great purity will carry already on top of the sea, having spread his under-tunic on
them across. the water just as if it were land. Joseph came forward and
“And you who have fallen into sin, and who have not stepped onto it. He called another relative, whose name was
watched over yourselves as well as you should have, will Bron,9 and who already had twelve handsome, grown
have ships and galleys, and you will follow us. Do you know children. When he called him, the latter stood on the
why Our Lord does not want us to separate? He does not length of cloth of the tunic, just as Joseph had. Then
want the death of a sinner. Rather, He wants him to live Josephus called all the one hundred fifty, and as each one
and better himself and to recognize and return to the stepped on the length of cloth, it grew and became bigger,
straight path of truth. I have told you this so that you might just as the High Master willed it.
recognize your folly, once you have confessed the fact that An evident miracle occurred, so that all one hundred
you have erred toward Our Lord, and no longer remain in fifty stood on the length of cloth of the under-tunic except
it, whatever you may have done in the past.” two whom Our Lord did not consider fit for His service, as
When those who felt guilty of the sins of which they they should have been. One was the father of the other,
were accused heard this speech, they drew back from and the father was called Simeon. When these two tried to
Josephus and began to carry on the greatest and most set foot on the length of cloth, after having entered the
wondrous lamentations that you will ever hear, calling water, they sank like a piece of lead. Upon seeing this,
themselves miserable, wretched, and unhappy. This group Joseph, who knew very well who they were, said, ‘You acted
could have numbered four hundred sixty. And the others, badly by deceiving us. Now it is indeed clear how little faith
who had not committed the sins they were accused of, you have.”
approached Josephus, knelt [130] before him, and said, Once they had sunk to the bottom of the water, they
“My lord, how can it be that we will cross without ships or struggled because they were afraid of dying and therefore
galleys, while our companions won’t cross with us?” And he had to reach shore. Those who had remained behind ran
said that they would see. In this group there were some one to help them, grabbing them and pulling [132] them to
hundred fifty by count, and most of them were Josephus’s land.
relatives. And Josephus, who was holding his under-tunic by the
The night was quiet and serene, and the sea beautiful sleeves, began to go forward,10 pulling it after him across
and peaceful, without a storm. The moon shone very the water. They had all commended themselves to Our
brightly, and the weather was pleasant, just as in April, and Lord, putting themselves in His hands and in His command
this was the Saturday before the Resurrection of Our Lord. and placing themselves and all their hope in Him.
Josephus came to his father, kissed him, and said, “Follow Everything went so well for them that before daybreak they
me." And then he went to those before him and kissed had arrived in Great Britain and saw the land and the
them all, one after another, saying to each one what he had country that was completely peopled with Saracens and
said to his father. unbelievers.
He was about to step into the sea when a voice said to After their arrival, once Josephus had put his under¬
him, “Josephus, do not enter thus, but put7 those who tunic back on, they all knelt on the seashore and began to
watch over and carry the Holy Vessel in front. Then remove thank Our Lord and praise Him greatly for having shown
your under-tunic8 from your back, and tell your father to them such a wonderful sign of pity* 11 that night. And
put his foot on the length that extends to the knee; after Josephus, who had gone aside a little from the others,
that, call all those you have kissed and have each one do began to pray to Our Lord, asking Him in tears, in His
likewise. If they have indeed done what they promised their sweet pity, to lead those who had remained behind safely to
Savior, they will all be able to stand on the length of cloth, the place where they had arrived.
and it will suffice for all. But those who have not kept their As soon as he had made this request, a voice replied,
promise will not be able to stay there. This cloth will be ship saying, “Josephus, your request has been heard, for those
and galley and will carry them across this sea before day you want to see will arrive soon. And you can be sure, truly,
breaks.” that this land where you have come is promised to your
Josephus did what the voice told him: he called the descendants, who are to increase and to fill the country
men carrying the Holy Vessel and had them enter the sea, with people more fitting than those who are there now.
saying, “Go with assurance, for the power of the Holy Vessel Take care henceforth to be strong and ardent in preaching
will guide you.” Jesus Christ’s name and the truth of the Gospel everywhere
Fearlessly, they entered the water at once and began to you go. Continue as long as you can, for you can be sure
walk on top [131] just as if they were on flat ground, that no matter how much you hurry, you must suffer before

*1
‘Yourself’ omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer. 9“Bron,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “Dro”).
Q

The principal medieval undergarment was the “chemise,” 10“Began to go forward” supplied from Ponceau and
worn by both men and women. On the male it came about to the Sommer.
knees. Though one was not considered improperly attired in only a
11 “Such a wonderful sign of pity,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has
“chemise,” a tunic or robe was usually worn over it; that is why we
“and full of pity”).
have chosen the word “under-tunic.”
The History of the Holy Grail 121

the Christian faith is spread throughout this land. Now able to follow Josephus4 across the sea.” This is what
stand up, and do as I have told you." [133] happened to Nascien in his sleep.
After hearing this, Josephus stood up, looked toward In the morning when day appeared, clear and
the heavens, and said, “Lord, your servant is here, ready to beautiful, throughout the world, he awoke and
do what you command." Then he turned toward his father remembered very well what he had seen in his sleep. And
and his relatives and said, “My lords, I have wonderful news then he began to look high and low for the letter. Unable
for you. This is the land that is promised to us and our to find it anywhere, he realized right away that the man he
descendants.12 It is therefore fitting that it be planted with had seen in his sleep had taken it. He would have been very
new trees: since unbelief and false religion are firmly held upset, had he not thought that this would displease Our
here, it is fitting that Jesus Christ’s faith, which is good and Lord. But because he saw that this matter was done more
right for eternal life, be planted and raised and rooted through Our Lord’s will than for any other reason, he was
here, and that the Saracen faith, which is cultivated and not overly disturbed, but was easily comforted.
upheld here, be removed.” That day he happened to encounter a ship from the
Those who were before Josephus responded, “My lord, city of Cordova; in it was the [135] emir with a large
our hearts and bodies are prepared to do what you number of knights and other men. They were armed and
command. We are ready to die or live in order to glorify the were going to war in Greece against the king of
faith of the True Crucified One. Command, and we will Salamander. Upon seeing Nascien alone in the ship, they
obey your commandments to the best of our ability.” were very surprised because he was a man, in every way like
He said he would not command anything before he them. They would gladly have taken him with them, had he
had certain news about their companions who had wished it, but he did not. When they saw this, they
remained on the other side of the sea. But with that the considered him crazy and said they had never seen anyone
story leaves off speaking about Josephus and his so foolish. Thus, in pity they let him be; and their lord
companions and returns to Nascien, in order to bring his ordered them to give him some of their food, enough to
story to an end. last him half a year. Then they departed, saying that they
had never seen a man go to sea alone as he was, for he had
no rudder or helmsman, or anything that might guide him.
And Nascien remained at sea, drifting as chance led
31. Nascien Arrives in Great Britain with the
him, sometimes forward and sometimes backward. Often
Rest of Josephus’s Followers.* 1 he landed in a strange place, far from people, and often he
was imprisoned by unbelievers, when chance occasionally
Now the story says that after the worthy man who had told brought him to shore. And yet, no matter how often he was
Nascien the meaning of the letter had left the ship, so that held, Our Lord always delivered him.
Nascien did not know what had become of him, Nascien Thus he drifted at sea all winter long, until the
went to the ship’s side, happy and joyful about the beginning of summer, when he came one evening to port,
adventure. Once there, he thought he would board the as it pleased God. It was around midnight, and he was
ship2 he had left—the one with the rich sword—but he did sleeping so soundly that he did not awaken upon landing.
not see it anywhere. [134] This made him very sad, for the And if anyone should come forward to ask where he
three spindles on the bed comforted him because of the landed, I would reply that the History of the Holy Grail says
beautiful words and meanings the worthy man had that he landed5 direcdy at the very port where Josephus’s
recounted about the boat. But when he realized that he companions were—those who were unable to follow him
would not see any of these things and that there was no because of their sins—and they had already [136] waited a
man or woman there who could tell him anything, he long time.
resigned himself to it, comforting himself with his letter. Once the boat had come to port, so that they could
At nightfall he3 lay down in the ship and fell asleep. board it, a voice said to them, “Enter, sinners! This ship will
Once he was asleep, it seemed to him that the worthy man take you to the land that is promised to you. But
who had given him the letter took it out of his hand and henceforth, keep from sinning and live better lives if you
said, “You will not see this letter again before you pass from do not want to be destroyed in body and soul.”
this world, and you will never leave this ship before the day Upon hearing these words, they replied, “My Lord,
of the Resurrection. At that time you will arrive in the hencefordi we will be Yours, in such a way that we will never
country where you will find your son Celidoine; with you trespass Your commandments.”
will arrive the sinners who, because of their sins, will not be In the ship there was a sail that was not set, so they set
it. Once all of them had boarded and the wind, which was
12“Descendants,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has good and strong, struck die sail, the ship had soon gone so
“ancestors”). far they they did not see land on any side. Then they
1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 133—146; Sommer I: 212-219; commended themselves to Our Lord and began to pray to
Ponceau §318-324. Him very urgendy that, in His sweet pity, He would lead
2“Once there .. . board the ship” supplied from Ponceau and them where their companions had landed.
Sommer.
3“Listened and” omitted, as in Ponceau. 4‘Josephus,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has Joseph”).
5“I would reply... he landed” supplied from Ponceau and
Sommer.
122 The History of the Holy Grail

While they were praying, they looked around the ship And he replied that he would tell them indeed at the
and saw Nascien, who was sleeping so soundly that despite proper place and time, but this would not be before they
their arrival, he never awoke or moved. Upon seeing him, a had joined Josephus’s group.
good many of them gathered around him, saying among Everyone on the ship rejoiced over Nascien when they
themselves that they would wake him to ask where they learned who he was. They ran to embrace and kiss him, and
were. “Yes,” said someone, “let’s wake him.” One of them he, them. This rejoicing lasted until they saw day break;
put his hand on his head and shook him. He awoke and then they got down on their knees in the ship and prayed
crossed himself. When he saw so many people around him, to Our Lord not to consider their sins, but in His mercy to
Nascien was surprised, because when he had fallen asleep, guide them safely until they found Josephus and Jesus
there had been no one. Startled, he stood up, greeted Christ’s other ministers. [139] They prayed this way from
them, and asked them what country they were from and daybreak until the hour of prime. After this prayer they all
what [137] adventure had brought them to him, they who made the sign of the cross, stood up, and began to look
had not been there a while ago, when he had fallen asleep. ahead. They saw land nearby, and a number of men on
They told him that some of them were from Jerusalem, shore, but they did not know who they were.
some from Galilee, and some from the surrounding lands, Seeing land so close, they were so oveijoyed that it can
and that they had left their lands because of the scarcely be told. So they all thanked Jesus Christ. When the
commandment of the King of Kings, that is, Jesus Christ, to ship had come closer to land and they could more clearly
go to a land, they knew not where, but that was promised to see those on the shore, they recognized their companions
them and their descendants. who had left them on the other side of the sea and were
While they were telling Nascien who they were and the more joyful than before. And when those on shore saw
truth about their country, he looked among them and saw a their companions,^ whom they had awaited a long time,
knight whom he thought he had seen in the past. After they cried out from afar that they were welcome and hoped
looking at him carefully, he realized that it was that God might grant them joy and good luck. And those in
Clamachides, whose arm had been cut off and who had the ship did likewise.
been cured as soon as he touched the cross on the shield In this way those on shore recognized their
that King Mordrain had carried in the battle against companions. After the ship reached land and they
Tholomer.6 Once Nascien recognized him and knew for disembarked, those awaidng them ran to embrace and kiss
sure it was he, he could no longer hide from him, but them, weeping with joy as hard as if they believed they had
called him by his proper baptismal name, and said, lost them forever. When Nascien saw Josephus among the
“Clamachides, are you the one who used to hold land from others, he went to him and made himself known. And when
me?” Josephus recognized him, he rejoiced over him greatly, for
When Clamachides heard his name, he stared until he he loved him dearly. He asked him all about himself and
recognized Nascien, the lord from whom he used to hold how he had fared since he last saw him, and he did not
all the land he had. Then he embraced hirn and kissed him forget to ask about King Mordrain. And Nascien told him
and wept over him with joy and pity, saying, “My lord, for everything that had happened to him [140] since he had7 8
God’s sake, what adventure has brought you here, outside left him and about all the adventures that Our Lord had
of your country? For God’s sake, tell me!” sent him. He told him so much that everyone who heard
“And you, Clamachides,” asked Nascien, “what has him considered it to be a great marvel.
brought you here?” All those who had come with Josephus remained thus
“As soon as Josephus, our bishop, and Joseph, his on die shore that day, giving thanks to Our Lord for having
father, left Sarras, as you saw,” said Clamachides, “I left led diem there in safety. That day they ate no food, except
behind all the land and riches I had in the [138] worlij, and that each one received Our Lord’s body at the table of the
my household and children, to follow Josephus and his Holy Grail. The next day they all ate whatever food was
group, until we reached the sea, which we could not cross available, and the third day as well. They stayed in this way
because of our sins. There we all remained, just as you see.” for four days on the shore, with enough of what they
“What became of Josephus and his companions?” requested and needed. On the fifth day they set out,
“My lord, they crossed on top of the sea.” Then he told traveling the entire day through a forest, so that they found
him how and through what miracle. “After diey had left, we nothing to drink or eat, which dismayed them gready.
had to stay on shore until God came to help us. Now tilings The following day an adventure happened to them
have turned out so well for us, thanks be to God, that this that should be heard in a story. After they had traveled for
ship came to shore with you, and we boarded it, for we some dme—undl it was certainly noon—and were suffering
wanted nothing more than to follow our companions.” from hunger, they found a poor hut, in which a poor old
“Now tell me,” said Nascien, “if eveiyone with you is woman was baking her bread. She had twelve loaves,
from Josephus’s group.” diough they were small. Desperate for the bread, they
“My lord, yes, we all are, but because of our sins, they bought it. Once they had it, great strife and shouting broke
had to leave us when they crossed the sea. Now that I have out among them, for they could not agree upon how each
told you the truth about us, tell me how you have fared one would have his share of the bread, since there were
since we left you at Sarras.”
7
“And recognized their companions, whom they had left at
6See Chapter 12. the sea” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
Q
“Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 123

only twelve loaves and [141] more than five hundred men They entered at once, barefoot as they were. Upon
and women in the group. There was such a fight that they entering the streets, they found that the castle was beautiful
all would have killed one another if calm had not been and strong and well constructed, as castles were at that
restored. time. But they saw no men or women anywhere, which
The leaders went to Joseph and said that these people surprised them very much. Because they saw no one inside,
would kill one another over a little bread if he did not they said they believed that God had prepared this
intervene. beaudful, good castle for them to stay in. So they went up
“Certainly,” said Joseph, “it is not because of the bread, to the main fortress and entered it, for they found no man
but because of their sins, and they are incited by the enemy, or woman anywhere to forbid it.
who still holds them in his power.” When they had reached the middle of the town, right
Then he went to his son Josephus and told him that in front of the main tower, they stopped to listen. It seemed
the people were quarreling over a little bread. When to them that they heard a great number of people in the
Josephus heard this, he was very angry, for he was fortress, so they entered right away. Once inside, they went
convinced that it was the devil’s power that had caused such into a small courtyard and they found a hall; in this hall
an angry dispute to break out among them. He went to they found all the people of the castle and all the wise men
them and ordered them all to sit down on the ground, of the country and the good clerks who were well versed in
some on one side, and some on the other. And they did so. die Saracen religion. And the lord of Galafort himself was
After that he took the twelve loaves and had each one diere in a silver chair, having called this assembly on
broken in three parts. Then he had the Holy Vessel called account of Celidoine. The lord of the castle, whose name
the Grail brought before the tables. Our Lord performed a was Ganor, had promised Celidoine that if he could prove
great miracle; because of the presence of the Holy Vessel, to his people that the Christian religion was worth more
the twelve loaves multiplied so that they who numbered five than the Saracen, they would immediately receive baptism
hundred had bread in such plenty that they could not eat it and become Christians. And Celidoine was to be there to
all. Indeed, so much was left that it seemed to them that debate this.
there was even more than the original twelve loaves. All the high masters of [144] the land and good clerks
Our Lord showed such a miracle to those in Josephus’s were assembled there. And yet Celidoine had already led
company who dwelt in [142] mortal sin. And this miracle them to the point that they did not know how to respond to
occurred in Great Britain, a half day’s journey from what he had said. They wanted him to give them time to
Oxford. That day the people were very content. After they reply and set a date, but Celidoine told them they would
had eaten, Josephus began to preach to them and set forth not have their day and that they should respond right
the articles of faith of the Gospel, telling them that this away,10 which was the custom. Nevertheless, because the
famine had happened to them because of their sins and the duke of the castle had requested it, Celidoine had given
devil’s provocation, for they were not yet strong enough to them until the next day, with the understanding that they
resist his power. “And you can be sure, truly, that if you act would all reassemble there. If Celidoine could not prove
as I advise in every way, you will never ask for anything that what he had promised, he would be destroyed. And if the
you won’t have, just like your companions who followed me others could not prove themselves and their religion
through the sea when you remained behind. They have through reason, the duke would wreak justice on them in
everything they want, since they serve their Creator, such a way that it would be talked about forever after. Thus
according to His will, but you serve Him so badly that He is those who were assembled there were about to depart. As
not grateful for anything you do for Him." they did so, each one heading for his lodging, they began
Josephus frequently spoke such words to them, to look at Josephus and his group, who had come among
admonishing them so often to do good that they should diem in poor clothes. And when the others saw they were
indeed have changed. However, they changed very little, for barefoot, they wondered who these people were.
the poison that did not allow them to do any good was When Nascien saw his son Celidoine, who was near the
enclosed within them. duke, he certainly recognized him. He was so overjoyed
That night the people slept9 in a wood, on leaves and that scarcely could anyone describe it. He ran to him at
branches from the wood itself. In the morning, after day once, with open arms, and began to embrace him and kiss
appeared, beautiful and clear, and they had come before him, rejoicing more than anyone in the world and crying
the Holy Vessel, where they said their prayers and orisons, with happiness. When the others with Nascien saw
they set out on their route and traveled until the hour of Celidoine, they were filled with joy and gathered around
prime, when they came to a casde called Galafort. When him. And he embraced them all, one after the other.
they reached the entrance, they looked above the gate and When Duke Ganor saw their joy, he wondered [145]
saw a red cross. This surprised them, for they did not what this could mean. Totally astounded, he looked at
believe there was a symbol of Holy Church anywhere in the them for a long time before he spoke. He had them step
country, since they thought there were only pagans in all back from Celidoine and asked, “Who are these people
the land. [143] When Josephus saw the cross on the castle, whom you are so happy to see? Your behavior makes it clear
he said the castle was marked with such a good sign that that you love one another more than just a little.”
they could all enter there with confidence. “My lord,” said Celidoine, “this is my father,” pointing
out Nascien. “And this is the master and minister of Holy

9“Slept,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “were”).

10“Right away” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
124 The History of the Holy Grail

Church,” showing him Josephus. “And there is his father,” finally he fell asleep. As soon as he was asleep, it seemed to
pointing to Joseph. “All of them are worthy and holy men, him that he came to the clearest and most beautiful body of
as are all the others who are barefoot. Despite their poor water he had ever seen, and he stopped to look at it. After
clothing and denuded state, they are nevertheless rich men [147] looking at it for a long time, he saw people whiter
in their country. But they have left everything for love of than snow emerge and leave on a path that he did not
Jesus Christ, who appeared just as poor and denuded while know. But he knew this much very well: a cloud descended
He was in this world. May your clerks who wish to defend onto some of them, making them become very ugly and
the false religion be prepared, for they will all be shamed spotted, while the others never changed color. After they
and confounded before you, as they will never be so bold as had gone along for a while, he saw the spotted ones come
to tell lies before this high person,” said he, speaking of to a black and dark valley, where they were taken prisoner
Josephus. “Rather, they will all be mute and silent.” and forced to stay, while the others passed through safely.
"Celidoine,” said Ganor, “since you love them so, go up The duke saw this in his sleep and was so troubled and
into my palace yourself and have them served and made as anguished that he woke up. Unable to fall asleep again all
comfortable as you wish today. And tomorrow bring them night long, he thought a great deal about what he had seen
with you at the time of the trial, for it pleases me gready in his sleep.
that they are here to help you. And I promise you on my The next day, once day had broken, he arose and sent
word of honor that if the masters of our faith cannot for all the master clerks of the castle. Once they had all
defend themselves against you, I will wreak such come before him and he had related his dream just as you2
punishment on them that it will be spoken of forever have heard it, not one of them could interpret it. Rather,
more.” they all responded that they did not know what this meant.
Then he ordered his servants to take Celidoine and the “Ask the Christians, my lord,” said they. “We think that they
Christians to the great palace11 [146] and serve them as will tell you, if anyone can.”
best they could, and to bring them back the next day at the The Christians were summoned to come at once
hour of prime to the trial. The men took the Christians to before die duke. They came willingly and humbly and sat
the beautiful and splendid great palace and served and down on the ground. After the duke had recounted his
honored them that night as best they could. Thus dream to them, he began to implore them to tell him what
Josephus’s companions were received and made its meaning could be.
comfortable, for love of Celidoine, and that night they had Then Josephus stood up and said, so that all could
all they needed to drink and eat. hear, “Ganor, I will tell you the meaning you have asked
That night Nascien asked Celidoine what adventure about.”
had brought him there. And he said that the little boat he ‘Tell us then, my lord,” said the duke, “and I will listen,
had boarded when he last left him had brought him there. [148] for I would certainly like you to explain it to me.”
“Have you been in this land a long time?” Nascien Then Josephus turned to his companions and said,
asked. “My lords, this vision that came to the duke should be a
“Yes,” said Celidoine, “four months or more.” warning to you, for it is clearly a sign for you, and I will tell
“Where did you stay all this time?” you in what way. The river and the water the duke saw in his
“My lord,” said Celidoine, “I stayed in a forest with a sleep symbolize baptism, from which you emerged clean
hermit, a very worthy man leading a holy life, who kept me and purged of all sins and baseness as soon as you were
with him since my arrival and gladly listened to me speak washed, for in this holy water you were cleansed and
about Jesus Christ’s ministers as opposed to those of the purged of any sin you had committed before baptism. But
Saracen faith.” afterwards, once we had departed and left our country to
That night they spoke at length with Celidoine, asking come to this land, which Our Lord had promised us, the
him a great deal about himself and how he had fared. But cloud and the darkness fell upon some, so that we became
now the story leaves off speaking of him and returns to black and spotted; that is, the enemy struck within us,
Duke Ganor. leading us to sin mortally, so that the whiteness—that is, the
purity, the perfection of good works—was erased3 in us,
and we became black and spotted4 —that is, base and filthy
32. Duke Ganor’s Conversion; The First and stained with mortal sin. And this was evident at the
crossing of the sea, when many of us had to stay behind.
Christian Victory over the Saracens in
Each of you should be afraid of the valley where the duke
England.1 saw part of the people stay,5 while part of them passed
through, for this dark, deep valley no doubt symbolizes the
Here the story says that after the duke had gone to bed, he deep valley from which no one can emerge. In this valley,
began to think very intendy about the marvels he had heard my lords, some will remain—these are the sinners—while
Celidoine describe that day. That night he was so pensive the others, the worthy and just, will pass through.”
and doubtful that he did not know what to think, until
2“You,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “we”).
11 “Which was beautiful and nice” omitted, as in Ponceau and ^“Erased,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “placed”).
Sommer.
4“Spotted,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “escarchiet,” ?).
1Corresponds to Hucher III: 146-169; Sommer I: 219-231; C

‘The valley ... stay” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.

Ponceau §325-341.
The History of the Holy Grail 125

After he had spoken these words, he asked Duke ‘You say you were not bom when this happened to me,
Ganor, “Do you believe I have given a true [149] account of and yet you know it well,” he said. “So I ask you how this
your dream?” could [151] be."
“Certainly,” said the duke, “I think so, and just hearing “By my faith,” said Josephus, “it is no wonder that I
it told, whether it is the truth or a lie, has comforted me know it, for He who knows everything has revealed it to me,
more than anything I have ever heard.” Then he said to the and I will make it known to you. If He did not know
masters of the Saracen faith, “My lords, you are to6 speak everything, He could not reveal what you have done, for no
against Celidoine, to prove that man could not be bom mortal man saw it, nor did you ever reveal it to anyone on
from the one whom the Christians call the Virgin Mary, earth. And yet I will tell you everything word for word, just
mother of Jesus Christ, in such a way that she would be a as it happened to you.
maiden before and afterwards. Now we will see what proof “It is true that you were bom in Galilee, and you were
you will offer so that the Christians will be unable to begotten by a poor cowherd, who set you to watch over the
respond." animals as soon as you were four years old. In the summer,
Immediately, one of the masters of the faith stood up, in die month of May, it happened that you were watching
the wisest of their clerkly order in all the land. Because of over your animals in a field called Tarcis Field. It was a
his knowledge, he was called Lucan the Philosopher. When Tuesday, and you had gone under a rosebush to escape the
he turned toward Josephus to speak against him, Josephus hot weather. Once you were seated there resting, you saw a
said right away, “Oh, Lucan, be careful not to tell a lie tall and wondrous lily beside you. After you had looked at it
about this lady called the Blessed Mother of Jesus Christ, for a while, it seemed to you that the rosebush stemmed
for you can be sure that if you do, you will repent of it from it, just as one tree can stem from another. There were
before you leave here." many roses on the rosebush, but they weren’t very
“I won’t say anything,” said the latter, “that I do not beautiful. You began to look all around to see why they
know for a fact or see clearly, for no one can deny that no were so ugly. You saw that the lily was the reason, for from
woman ever carried a child without being deflowered at the lily there emerged a thick reddish dew,8 which spread
conception and suffering great pain at childbirth.” over the rosebush so that the roses fell to the ground,
“In the name of God,” said Josephus, “in this rotten and withered. Once they had fallen and none
beginning you have basely lied; thus I pray to this lady remained, you saw another one emerge, so beautiful and
whom you are slandering with your lies, trying to turn them marvelous that you had never seen its equal. This rose
into the truth, that if she was a virgin at conception and at stayed on the rosebush for nine days,9 constandy growing
childbirth, may she not let you speak another word against and getting larger and more beautiful. Because of the great
her.” [150] wonder it caused in you, you came to the rosebush every
After he had said this, the man called Lucan began day and looked at the rose as long as you could, watching
immediately to bray and bellow just like a bull and to die in over it so [152] that no animal or any other thing could
the most hideous way possible. He took hold of his tongue carry it off. And you know very well that it was never in full
with both hands and began to tear it apart with his nails bloom, but always tightly closed, just like a rosebud. And
and pull it out of his mouth. After this terrible thing, he fell the fact that it never bloomed was the thing that astonished
dead on the ground, never moving again. you more than anything else.
Upon seeing this, Ganor was so frightened and filled “On the ninth day10 you happened to be next to the
with dread that he could no longer bear to see the man rosebush, wounded in your thigh by a boar and so sick that
before him, so he had him thrown out of the palace. And you could move only with great difficulty. When it was
then he said to Josephus, “Master of Holy Church, your noon, you began to look at the rose, and you saw that it was
words have frightened me so much that I don’t know what a hundred times redder than any other, and that it was
to say except that if you wish to show me clearly how diis larger than a hundred roses11 in full bloom. As you looked
Virgin could conceive and give birth while remaining a at it, you saw something emerging from the rose; you could
virgin at all times, I will do whatever you advise.” not easily tell what, and yet it had the form and shape of a
“Certainly,” said Josephus, “I will show you clearly, by man. However, you know very well that the rose never
telling you about something you saw7 when you were a opened, despite what emerged, but stayed closed at all
child. I was not yet conceived, and would not be for a long times. After the emerging figure had moved a little on the
time. You never revealed this anywhere, for you were more ground, suddenly a serpent appeared before him and tried
afraid of it than you ever were of anything, and you still to devour him. But he fought until he killed the serpent,
remember it, just as if it had happened to you yesterday.” then quickly went to the lily and the flowers that had fallen,
At these words the duke began to laugh, and Josephus took them, and carried them away with him.
looked at him and asked him why he was laughing. “This astonished you so much that you forgot about
“I am laughing,” he said, “because you are telling tales your wound. You arose and said that you did not know
as boldly as if I were not here.” whether what you had seen was true or an illusion, and you
“How am I telling tales?” asked Josephus.
8“Dew,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “large rose”).
6 “Know and” omitted, as in Ponceau and Sommer. 9“Days,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “months”).
7“By telling you about something you saw” supplied from 19“Day,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “month”).
Ponceau and Sommer. ^“And that it was was larger . . . roses” supplied from
Ponceau and Sommer.
126 The History of the. Holy Grail

thought you would go to the rose to see what was inside. So worthy men who, because of the first mother’s sin,16 were
you went and picked it from the rosebush and began to kiss thrown down into hell as soon as they left the world. And
it. As soon as you had kissed it, [153] your wound was they remained in this sorrowful prison until the True
healed, and you felt whole; and you were filled with great Flower, the Flower of Flowers—that is. Our Lady—came to
sweetness and delight, as if you were not a mortal man. As the rosebush. She was more beautiful than any other
you held the rose and tried to open it, a man descended maiden; by His great goodness He was incarnated in her in
from the heavens as if in flames. He came before you faster such a way that her virginity [155] was neither harmed nor
than anyone could imagine, took the rose from you, and damaged. Thus it happened that He emerged just as
said you should not keep the symbol of the Virgin, since effortlessly as He entered, so that she was neither debased
you were not of her faith. These words made you more nor violated at childbirth any more than at conception.
afraid than you had ever been since the moment you were Thus she was a maiden before and afterwards; she was
bom, and this was the fear I spoke to you about. Now I have exacdy the same at conception as at childbirth,1^ just like
told you what happened to you, when you were a small the rose you saw on the rosebush.
shepherd, only five years old.” “After He was bom—He who was the King of Kings,
When the duke heard this, he fell at Josephus’s feet and who is and always will be—He lived for thirty-two years
and said, “Oh, minister of Holy Church, now I recognize in such apparent poverty that the enemy did not recognize
indeed by what you have told me that you are the wisest Him, but believed He was a mortal man like any other and
man in the world. In the name of the One in whom you tested Him in three ways. But he found Him so set against
believe, tell me what this can mean, for certainly nothing I him that he could not bend Him at all. Finally, thinking he
have seen has caused me such great wonder or such great could win Him over, he had Him put on the cross to suffer
desire to comprehend as this. For God’s sake, reveal the the anguish of death by his machinations. But because He
truth to me, if you know it.” was God, He was not afraid; rather, He rose again on the
“Duke Ganor,” said Josephus, “I will tell you, but if you third day and descended to hell, delivered those who had
do not act upon what I tell you, you will repent of it more been wrongly put in this sorrowful prison, and led them to
than of anything you have ever done. Now listen to me, and His glory. This was the figure you saw emerge from the rose
I will tell you the meaning of the lily and the rose. and fight the serpent, by which you should understand the
“The lily you saw before the rosebush, from which the enemy against whom He fought so much on earth. Or if
rosebush12 stemmed, symbolizes Eve, our first mother, who you wish, by the serpent you can understand death, against
was the beginning and root of our lineage and of this which He fought on the cross, when He vanquished it by
world. The sin she committed as soon as she was in the dying. For by dying18 he vanquished death and brought joy
Paradise of Delight, through which all sorrow and misery back to the world.
were given as an inheritance to her lineage [154] and the ‘Thus, as I have said, the blessed lady who carried the
branch that descended from her, is symbolized by the sweet Son of God is called the Virgin Mary, for she was whole and
water that fell from the heavens13 and made the roses closed before and afterwards, just like the rose you saw,
wither on the rosebush. Our first mother was rightly where all other women must be open. And to convince you
represented in the semblance of a lily, for she was a virgin more [156] about this, the voice said to you, ‘This is the
and pure in body without corruption, and she fell into sin symbol for the blessed Virgin Mary, which you should not
through14 disobedience. have with you because you have not been washed in the
“By the roses you should understand the prophets, the holy river or in the sweet water called baptism.’ Duke
worthy men who lived before the Passion of Jesus Christ, Ganor, now I have told you the meaning of what you saw.
who paid for our original mother’s sin15 by being thrown Tell me if you think I have told the truth.”
down into hell and into the devil’s power, just as if they “Certainly,” said the duke, “you have told me so much
were the most traitorous men in the world. By the rosebush that I see very well that the wise men of our faith, whom we
you should understand the world, for just as the rosebush call philosophers, are gathered here to discomfit truth and
pricks and scratches those who grasp it, so does the world, put forward perfidy and falsity. You have put great joy in my
for it pricks and scratches those who grasp it so tightly that heart by telling me what I had an inexpressible desire to
they delight only in the things of the world. Those who know.”
think only about delights and worldly things, so that they Then he turned to his clerks and said, “Do you wish to
forget the glorious inheritance of the heavens, are indeed say that this lady called Mary, who carried the prophet
pricked deeply and are tied and bound with the enemy’s called Jesus Christ, could not conceive and give birth to
bonds. Those who do not wish to keep the rich stone, but Him while remaining a virgin?”
look to the swine’s garbage and left-overs, are quite blind. “My lord,” said they, “we wouldn’t dare deny it. What
“By the roses that fell from the rosebush and dried out you clearly saw leads us to certainty and forces us to believe
and withered, you should understand the prophets and it. Your words and his have led us to the point that we no

12“Rosebush,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has ‘lily"). 16“Because of the first mother’s sin,” as in Ponceau and
lsThough this does not correspond to the vision, all the Sommer (Hucher has “who paid so dearly for the first mother’s
edidons have this reading. sins that they”).
17
14‘Through,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has '“For she was never deflowered or violated, but” omitted, as
“without”). in Ponceau.
IQ

15Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau and Sommer. ‘Tor by dying” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 127

longer wish to be subject to the pagan religion, but to the The next day, as soon as the duke had risen, a
Christian faith. Thus you can do with us what you wish, frightened youth brought news that did not surprise21 him.
because even if we were threatened with death, we would The youth came before him, saying, “My lord, I have
never again worship anything other than one God, the One marvels to tell.”
who is called Jesus Christ.” “What is it?” asked the duke. ‘Tell me."
Then they went down on their knees at Josephus’s19 “By my faith, all those who left here last night, not
feet and requested baptism. When he heard them speak wishing to be converted to Christianity, lie drowned and
this way, he wept with pity and joy. He raised them up and dead on shore under the castle’s tower.”
granted what they asked. [157] When the duke heard this news, he left his palace and
Then he spoke to Duke Ganor, “Good Duke Ganor, do went down to the shore [159] to find out whether this was
you wish to do as the masters of the faith have?”20 the truth or not. Upon arriving, he found the castle’s
“My lord,” said he, “even if they had refused baptism, I inhabitants gathered there to see the marvel. When they
would have requested it, for I don’t need to do so for their saw him coming, they made way for him and welcomed him
sake, but for mine. I ask it of you with Christian mouth and respectfully, telling him about those who lay dead on the
heart, and I would do so even if my men did not wish to do shore.
it.” After examining them and realizing that a great many
At these words, a great hue and cry arose in the palace, had died, the duke asked those who were there how many
because most of those who had heard Josephus speak people had left, “who did not want to do as we did.”
wanted to be baptized, which made him very happy. At “My lord,” said a knight who was next to him, “I heard
once Josephus had a large tub prepared and filled with from people in the group that they numbered one hundred
water, and blessed it with his hand. Then he baptized the fifty.”
duke and everyone who requested it, so that before the “Have someone see how many there are,” said the
hour of nones had passed, a thousand or more men and duke.
women had been baptized. They counted them right away and found that no one
When evening came, the duke had all those who did was missing—that all one hundred fifty were there. And
not wish to become Christians removed from his court. with them were two of the sailors, still holding the oars in
Those in his court and castle who refused Christianity their hands.
numbered no more than one hundred fifty. The duke, who Because of this marvel, the duke summoned Josephus,
did not want to change his name because it seemed going in person to seek him and his companions. Josephus
beautiful to him and because his father had had the same and his companions came immediately; after they had seen
name, told those who did not want to be Christians to leave those who had perished in this way, with no survivors, the
his land. And they said they would gladly do so. They went duke asked Josephus what this could be.
to the Humber, which flowed around the castle. When they “What is this?” said Josephus. “It is as it should be. You
reached the shore, they found a ship with sailors in it who will never see a sinner better rewarded for serving the devil.
were awaiting those who wanted to cross. They boarded the When he has served him all his life and thinks he has
ship to cross, persuading the sailors to take them to another gotten the better of him, then the devil comes and kills
land. him, causing him to die in mortal sin, so that his body and
Once they were on board and the sailors had taken soul are lost.”
them out a short distance from shore, a [158] strong wind “My lord,” said the duke, “what do you advise us to do
came up, capsizing the ship, so that everyone perished— [160] with the bodies?”
both those who had refused to be Christians and the sailors “I will indeed tell you,” Josephus replied. ‘We will have
who were on board. them buried in this plain next to shore. Once they are
That night Ganor rejoiced and feasted with Josephus buried, you will have a high and marvelous tower built over
and all those who were with him. They spoke at length the bodies. When the tower is done, it will be called the
about those who had left, refusing Christianity. Tower of Marvels. Do you know why? I will tell you.
The duke asked Josephus, “My lord, what do you think “In this land, which is called Great Britain, there will
will become of those who left?" be a king whose name will be Arthur, who will be so valiant
“I tell you,” replied Josephus, “that they will all be back and full of chivalry that it will be a wonder. At this time, by
in your land tomorrow. I also tell you that what happened the blow of a single sword, adventures so great and
to them today will be of great comfort to you and will make marvelous will happen that everyone will consider them
your faith firmer. You have never seen a greater wonder wondrous. These adventures will last twenty-four years, and
than what will happen tomorrow when you see them.” they will end only through the last person in Nascien’s line.
The duke was frightened by this and would gladly have As long as these marvels that I am telling you about last, this
asked Josephus what adventure was to come, had he not tower will remain standing, so marvelous and fit that no
thought it would annoy him, but because of this, he let the knight from the court of this King Arthur will ever come
matter drop. When the light of day gave way to the darkness asking to joust or do batde without meeting with a knight as
of night, they went to bed and rested until the next day. good as he is. And however many knights may come from
outside, just as many will come from within, without anyone
knowing where they come from, until the one who will put
19“And the king’s” omitted, as in Ponceau.
20“As the masters of the faith have” supplied from Ponceau.
21Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
128 The History of the Holy Grail

an end to the adventures pursues them. That is why the Father and Lord and from whom you will hold your land
tower will be called the Tower of Marvels. henceforth; nor do you want to hold it from anyone else.
“Now have them buried just as I have told you, and And if he does not agree to this,24 but is so foolhardy and
have the tower begun and completed. I tell you truly that I presumptuous as to march against you with an army, do not
have not said anything that will not happen just as I have be afraid, for you can be sure that Our Lord will help you
predicted.”22 and give you victory over him, no matter how many
The duke said he would have it built immediately. He unbelievers come. And if it came to death, it would be
had the bodies buried at once and sent for carpenters and better for you to die defending the faith of Our Lord
masons and had work begun on the tower. When it was against the unbelievers than to five and be with those who
finished, he had it called the Tower of Marvels, a name are worse than dogs. This is my advice, and you will follow it
which it kept until [161] Lancelot breached the tower and [163] if you wish to be Jesus Christ’s heir and a son of Holy
knocked it down because of Mordred’s two sons, who were Church. And if you do otherwise, Jesus Christ will have
driven there with all their army, just as the Chronicle of the gained a bad knight and servant in you.”
House of King Arthur tells.23 “My lord,” said the duke, “I will do as you have advised,
While they were building this tower, the duke had a for it will not be otherwise.” The king then returned to the
chapel founded in honor of Our Lady, in the middle of the messengers and said, “My lords, you can tell your king that I
casde. Before the chapel was completed, Joseph’s wife’s will not go to him; if he wants to speak to me, he should
term came. When she was delivered of the fruit of her come here, for I will do nothing for him as long as he holds
womb, they saw it was a boy, and they called him Galahad. to the pagan faith.”
Everyone in his family rejoiced over his birth, as did the “What!” said the messengers. “Don’t you hold your
inhabitants of the casde and everyone else. And because he land from him? And you won’t go to him!”
was bom in this casde, they called it Galafort. “I hold nothing from him or any other man except
When the duke’s neighbors found out that he had Jesus Christ," the duke replied. “But from Him I hold and
gone over to the Christian religion, they were very want to hold everything I have, and for His love, I have
surprised. Many began to make war on him and sent denied all other authority.”
messengers to tell him they would not leave him a foot of “By my faith,” said the messengers, “if you don’t come,
land. And he replied to the messengers who brought this you can be sure that you will see before this casde great
news that he would maintain his land as best he could numbers of armed men, all of whom will be your mortal
against those who wished to hurt him, for he would never enemies.”
return to the pagan religion, even if they were to kill him. “If they are my enemies,” said the duke, “and God is
When those around him heard this, they told the king my friend, I have no reason to fear their power or their
of Northumberland, from whom they held their fiefs and forces.”
their lands. Coming before this noble, they told him that Thereupon the messengers left and came to their lord.
the duke deserved to lose his land and be dishonored, for After diey had told him everything they had learned from
he had left the pagan faith to become a Christian. This the duke, he was more than a little chagrined. And he
made the king of Northumberland very angry, for he knew made it clear by sending his messengers throughout all the
that Duke Ganor was [162] a good knight, the most feared lands, telling his men far and wide to assemble with as
of all the knights one could find in all of Great Britain. many forces as they could, equipped with arms and horses,
Therefore, he asked his lords what to do. at a city called Escose.
They said, “My lord, send for him to come to you. If he On the day he had set, his men came to the place he
comes and refuses anything you want, we advise that he be had specified. The king set out immediately with five
killed. If he doesn’t come, march against him with your thousand men, on foot and on horseback; they traveled
army and destroy him and the Christians, so that until they reached the [164] Humber. They crossed over
Christianity cannot take root in this country.” and went along the plain straight to Galafort.
The king did as they advised. He sent a message to the On the day they came before the casde Josephus and
duke summoning him as his liegeman to come to speak to his followers were not there, for they had gone a half day’s
him without fail; if he refused, he could be sure he would travel away to a castle called Caleph. When the duke saw
be shamed and destroyed. the king setting up camp25 near his castle, he was not
When the duke heard this order, he was very happy, but very sorrowful, as he had never been besieged
frightened because he was well aware that the king was a without being able to go forth to meet the enemy, for he
powerful man, with both friends and land. He went to had been and still was one of the best knights in the world,
Josephus and asked his advice. and one of the most confident, fearless, and daundess.
“I will tell you what to do,” said Josephus. “Send him a The casde was well supplied with men, for as soon as
message straightway that you are not his liegeman, for you the Chrisdans had learned that the king intended to start a
have renounced his subjection and all other authority war against the duke, they thought that, whatever the
except that of Jesus Christ, whom you have made your outcome, be it peace or war, they would be safer inside the
castle, since it was a stronghold, than outside. They were
22 “That will not happen . . . predicted” supplied from
Ponceau.
^4“And if... this” supplied from Ponceau.
23For the battle between Lancelot and Mordred’s sons, see
“Setting up camp,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
The Death of Arthur, Chapter 25.
“was following him”).
The History of the Holy Grail 129

much comforted by this thought. When the Christians had who had the time to arm themselves did so quickly. The
come, bringing what they could to equip the casde, the king of Northumberland himself threw a hauberk on his
duke felt more confident. back and put on his helmet, arming himself as best he
Once the king had come before the castle, he began to could. Fearing for their lives, all the others did likewise.
set up camp as if he thought those inside would never issue The king and all his retinue and his most trusted men
forth. The duke leaned out the window and began to look mounted. “Follow me,” he said, “for if I can find Ganor, the
at the men, thinking very intently. After some time, he Christian God won’t keep me from killing him!” Then he
looked up and saw Nascien. Having heard many good rushed among the Christians, wherever he found them, and
things about him, including his prowess, he cherished him began to deal such great blows all around and inflict harm
and held him dear. Then he said to him, “My lord, what with all his might, that it was [167] a marvel to see. The
shall we do? Will we let this wretched people, these enemies king went back and forth through the thick of the battle,
of Jesus Christ, camp so close to us?” looking until he saw Nascien, who was performing wonders.
“Certainly not,” said Nascien, “if you don’t want to.” He was slaughtering so many to the right and left that
[165] anyone who saw him would be afraid. No matter how great
“If you advise me that it would be a good thing to do,” the press of pagans and despite their resistance, Nascien
said the duke, “I will have my men arm themselves quickly, rushed in among them, dealing such mighty blows—I do
mount up, and engage them in battle before they have not know whether it was because of his strength or Jesus
finished setting up camp. Most important, I think we’ll find Christ’s grace—that he pierced with his sword every man he
them less prepared now, for they don’t expect us to sally found, no matter how hard his helmet or how strong his
forth now.” hauberk. Everywhere he went, he performed such marvels
“Certainly, my lord,” Nascien answered, “I advise that that only the strongest waited for his blow. After watching
we do this. Let us go forth in Jesus Christ’s name; may He Nascien’s deeds, the king said this was not a mortal man
be our protection and defender against His enemies. And but the enemy.
we should be even more confident on this occasion than And Nascien, who was pursuing the pagans to left and
any other, for if we were to die in this battle, our souls right, did not refuse to face any knight, no matter how
would be saved, since we would be martyred for Jesus Christ bold. He rode forward, striking his enemies before him
and for defending His faith and maintaining Holy Church. until he met the king of Northumberland,26 whom he
I have great faith that Our Lord will help us against this recognized by his priceless armor. When he saw the king in
cursed people. If we are victorious over them, it will be to front of him, he did not refuse to fight, but turned his
the glory and honor of Our Lord, while we should be horse’s head that way. Once before him, he raised his sword
considered terrible cowards and cravens if we let them set to strike. When the king, who had already seen the kind of
up camp in peace.” blows he gave, saw the sword raised to strike, he was not
When the duke heard this, he was as happy as could bold enough to wait for the blow but threw himself to the
be. He cried out at once to his men, “To arms! Let’s go ground as fast as he could. And Nascien, who could not
forth!” As soon as the order was issued, the men ran hold back his blow, struck the horse so hard in the
immediately to arm themselves, and they brought good shoulders that it fell in a heap. Then he ran to the king,
strong arms to the duke and Nascien. Once Duke Ganor who had already gotten back up, and struck him on the
and Nascien were armed, they went down from the palace, helmet so diat he [168] fell to his knees, unable to get up
mounted their horses, which were ready in the courtyard, again.
and rode through the city until they reached the castle’s When Nascien saw that the king had fallen in a faint,
gate. The duke ordered the gate opened so they could go he jumped down from his horse amidst his enemies and
out. [166] Once it was open, he went out first, followed by put his sword back in its sheath. Grabbing the king by his
all the others. And he himself was at the forefront, with helmet, he pulled so hard that he broke the laces and tore
Nascien beside him, both mounted more splendidly than it off his head. Feeling his head bare and unprotected and
anyone else. himself defeated and in the hands of a man who would kill
Seeing that they were free to charge wherever they him if he did not plead for mercy, the king did not know
wished, they spurred toward their enemies, who were intent what to do. Meanwhile Nascien cried out to him to give
only on setting up camp so that they were not on dieir himself up or he would kill him, so help him God.
guard. The men defending the castle did this in order to “Kill me,” said the king, “for I prefer to die a pagan
take the enemy more completely by surprise. Once upon than to live as a Christian.” Upon hearing this, Nascien no
them, they began to fell and strike down the enemy so longer sought to convince him but drew his sword from the
mercilessly that in short order they left more than two scabbard and gave him such a great blow that he severed
hundred dead, wounded, or bleeding. Meanwhile, the the head from the trunk. Then he went back to his horse
other knights who had followed them out of the castle and mounted it, despite his enemies. And he began once
began to fight so fiercely, once they had come upon the again to strike down all those he met, fighting as well as
enemy, that they injured and killed a great many of the before or better.
men from Northumberland. Thus began such a great and wondrous battle between
Throughout the enemy army, a hue and cry rang out the men besieging the castle and those defending it that
so loudly from those who were fighting, those who lay
wounded to death, and those who saw themselves in peril of ^“Northumberland,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher
death that one could not have heard God’s thunder. Those has “North Wales”).
130 The History of the Holy Grail

you would surely have seen more than a thousand dead and men soon succeeded in carrying out this order, bringing
wounded on the ground. The battle would have lasted a Josephus and his father and his followers before the king.
long time, since the besiegers outnumbered the castle’s When the king saw them in such poor clothes—
defenders, but as soon as the men from Northumberland27 barefoot and badly dressed—he had so litde respect for
learned that their king was dead and that they were fighting them that he barely deigned to look at them, and he said
without a lord or leader, they were terrified, and they had they were not worthy of consideration. He immediately had
no more prowess or strength to fight, even though they them thrown in prison, all together in one room on the
could have defended themselves as well as they had before. ground, ordering the members of his household not to
At once most of them turned and fled through the Humber release them for at least forty days. Nor was anyone who
on horseback, where [169] many drowned and perished. valued his life to make so bold as to give them anything to
Those who could cross were safe, but they were few, for the eat, “for,” said he, “I want them to have to live from the
men from Galafort pressed them so hard that they knocked grace of their lord or the grace of their vessel, since they
down in the water those they were able to overtake. But you claim, so I am told, they do not live from anything else. So
can be sure that they would never have performed such a this grace will have to be strong, for by the god in whom I
great feat of arms had it not been for the great grace of Our believe, they will have no other food as long as they are in
Lord God, who gave them courage and strength beyond my prison.”
what was normally theirs. When they saw they had The traitorous pagan gave this order, [171] thinking
vanquished all their enemies, they set fire to the tents the he could get them to abjure Christianity and return to the
latter had set up, saying they preferred all their things to be faith of the infidels by duress. But they did not, for
burned, for they did not want to have any benefit or throughout the first night Our Lord Himself came to
comfort from them. comfort them, telling them not to be afraid, for anything
Thus the Christians won victory and honor in the first their hearts desired would be granted. “Be not afraid,” said
battle against the Saracens in the land of Great Britain. And He, “if you stay here, for in time I will send you the earthly
when they learned they had been so few against so many avenger, who will destroy these perfidious dogs who have
pagans and yet had won, they said to one another that they imprisoned you. And I will destroy him and all those who
had not won this honor through their prowess but through seek2 to torture you.” The voice spoke to them thus,
the grace of Jesus Christ, who had helped them in this comforting and reassuring them.
battle. This therefore strengthened their faith and proved That very night it happened that King Mordrain lay in
that Jesus Christ’s power was great and wondrous. They bed in Sarras with his wife. And they wondered why they
were all more humble toward Jesus Christ because they had had not heard any news about Nascien, Celidoine,
won such great honor on this occasion. But thereupon the Josephus, or any of the others. This grieved the king, for he
story leaves off speaking of them and returns to Joseph and would have liked very much to know how they were faring.
his followers. As the king slept, it seemed to him that Our Lord came
toward him, in great anguish and suffering, for He had
been wounded on the cross, and His hands and feet were
pierced with nails. When the king saw Him suffering so, he
33. King Crudel Imprisons the Christians;
said, weeping, “Oh, Lord, who did this to you?” And He
Mordrain Defeats Crudel and Liberates replied at once, “This was done by King Crudel, the lord of
Them.* 1 North Wales, who has crucified Me thus. It was not enough
for him that I was put on the cross once, but he has done it
Now the story says that when Josephus left Galafort with his again. Get up and take your armor and your wife, Nascien’s
father, he took one hundred fifty of his ministers with him. wife, and King Label’s daughter, and go to the sea and
But Celidoine and Nascien and several of his other relatives cross over to Great Britain. There, avenge Me against King
stayed behind to protect Joseph’s wife. When Joseph and Crudel, who has thus [172] tortured Me." And the king
his companions left Galafort, they took with them the Holy replied that he would do so gladly.
Vessel called [170] the Grail and went to preach here and In the morning, when he awoke and remembered what
there, until they arrived in North Wales. he had seen in his sleep, the king was very happy3 that Our
At this time the lord of the land was King Crudel, the Lord wanted him to avenge His anger. He went to matins at
crudest and most traitorous pagan ever known. When he the church and afterwards heard Mass. Then he told the
heard that people had just arrived in his land who were not priest about Ins vision. After he had done so, the priest said,
of the pagan faith, but the Christian, and who were bearing “My lord, you must not delay. Send for your men, summon
with them a holy vessel full of such grace that they lived your army, and go to avenge Jesus Christ’s shame and
nearly completely from it, he considered this to be a lie and wrath. You can truly be sure that no more beautiful sign
a tall tale. He said they were treacherous thieves, who could come to you than the one you have told me about.”
deceived people with their words, and he ordered those The king believed the worthy man’s advice, and rightly
with him to bring them to court, so he could see them. His so. First he sent for Nascien’s wife and King Label’s
daughter, and then for his men, far and near, informing
^“Northumberland,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher them that they should come to him equipped with arms
has “North Wales”).
o
1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 169-195; Sommer I: 231-244; 4Tense corrected following Ponceau and Sommer.
Ponceau §342-359.
“What he had seen . .. happy” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 131

and horses. As soon as they heard his message, his men Once they were at high sea, such a fierce and
came to the city of Sarras as quickly as possible, equipped as wondrous storm came up that everyone was afraid of dying.
was proper. The storm was so horrible and the sea so terrifying that it
When Nascien’s wife came before the king, he took was a wonder. Those who saw themselves in such peril were
her aside to speak to her privately, avowing what he had so afraid6 that they did not know what to do, so they wept
seen in his sleep. “Because I know it pleases Our Lord,” said and lamented, crying out to Our Lord for mercy. They all
he, “we will take you with us, for our ships are equipped cried out, “Lord, please don’t let us die here, but save our
and furnished with everything we need. We will take King lives and give us time7 to make amends to You for our
Label’s daughter and the queen, my wife, with us; and I will misdeed. Lord, in Your pity, come and help us!”
leave my land in the care of Aganor, the best knight in this While they were lamenting to Jesus Christ and His
country. We will entrust the land to him with the sweet Mother, a voice came among them and said so loudly
understanding that if neither we nor our heirs return, the that they all heard it, “Remove the devil from among you,
land will be his since there would be no nearer relative. or you will perish immediately! ”
And if it pleases God that we return, we will have the land Hearing this, the king realized [175] at once that the
as freely as we do now.” [173] enemy was lodged among them, but because he could not
It was done exacdy as the king had said, for he had all immediately see him, he ran to the holy water and had it
those who remained take an oath on the saints that, as long sprinkled from one end of the ship to the other. While they
as he and his family were outside the land, they would were doing this, they heard, in a room at the front of the
consider Aganor their minister and lord. And if anyone ship, a cry so ugly and hideous that everyone was sorely
came forward to wrong Aganor, by removing him from his afraid. After that it was not long before they saw a devil
position and taking the land, they would help him as they come through the doorway of the room in the form of a
would their liege lord. And if by chance the king died or young woman, who was carrying a living man and who said
remained in the country where he was going, he wanted in the hearing of all, “He is mine, and therefore I am taking
Aganor to be crowned as lord of all the land and invested him away.” Right after saying this, the devil jumped in the
with everything, for he did not know of any man in the sea, and they quickly lost sight of him.
country who was more worthy of having the kingdom than This frightened everyone in the ship so much that they
he. Those who were to remain in Nascien’s land and King did not know what to say. The king called to one of his
Mordrain’s kingdom swore this oath. chaplains who was nearby and told him to enter the room
In the morning, as soon as the king had arranged the enemy had come from, for he believed it was indeed
things to the best of his ability, he left Sarras with the men the enemy, and he wanted to see what was in the room. The
he had. There could well have been three hundred shields worthy man took his stole and the holy water and entered
in his company, besides the squires and the foot soldiers. the room, followed by the king. The stench was so strong
After they had gone a league from the city, the king told that they thought they would faint from it. The worthy man
Aganor that he had forgotten something important. began to sprinkle holy water high and low, but they found
“My lord,” said he, "what?” nothing more. Then the king asked those around him if
“I4 did not bring the white shield with me,” said he, there was a knight or man-at-arms missing. They began to
“the one that helped me so much in the battle against look at each other and discovered that the castellan of La
Tholomer.5 I won’t leave the shield behind, for I could not Choine was missing.
bear not having it and not seeing it every day in “By my faith,” said the king, “you’ll be sorry if you
remembrance of the Crucifix, which helped me so much in don’t believe me! It’s the devil who has carried him away!”
the batde.” While they were talking about this, a lady said to the
At once the seneschal had a squire return for the king, “My lord, [176] a remarkable thing can be seen: the
shield, which had been left in the king’s room. The squire worthy man you brought with us is asleep before the helm
hurried so that [174] before the king had arrived at the and was not awakened by the storm we went through.”
port, he came back. And when the king saw the shield, he The storm had ceased, and the sea had become calm
rejoiced over it, for he loved it a great deal, and he had it as soon as the devil had left the ship. The king went to the
placed in the ship where he was. helm, where he saw the worthy man, who was still asleep. In
Then the queen—his wife—and the duchess and King his sleep he was weeping as hard as a person who was awake
Label’s daughter boarded, followed by all the others. When could have. When the king saw him crying in his sleep, he
the king left his men, there was a great hue and cry. The wondered what this could mean. He made a sign to those
sail was set, and the captain sat at the helm, while the others around him to be silent, and they obeyed. Once they were
attended to their jobs, spreading out throughout the ship. quiet, they heard the worthy man say in his sleep, “Oh,
Each one went to do what he was supposed to. And when it traitorous creature! Why did you commit such a terrible
pleased God that they set forth from their country, the wind murder and perfidy, betraying and killing him thus?” Then
filled the sail, and the three ships loaded with men, women, he began to lament as much as before or more.
and everything necessary, left port, and in a short time they The king remained there for a long time to see if the
were so far away that they could no longer see land. worthy man would awaken. He stayed so long that the man
did wake up, opening his eyes. When he saw the king and

4“Forgot my shield and” omitted, as in Ponceau.

5For the role of the shield in the battle, see Chapter 10. 6“Were so afraid” supplied from Ponceau.
7‘Time” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
132 The History of the Holy Grail

the others looking at him, he was not frightened, but wiped The ships sailed across the sea day after day, as chance
his eyes,8 which were still full of tears, and said to the king, led them and the sailors guided them, until they arrived in
“Oh, my lord! What are you doing here?” Great Britain, at a castle called Caleph, which was near the
“Indeed, my lord,” said he, “we have been watching kingdom of North Wales. Once they had arrived and had
you a long time, because you were crying in your sleep. You unloaded their provisions,10 arms, and horses from the
slept through a great storm; we were in such danger that we ships, the king looked toward a tall mountain and saw two
thought we would all be drowned, and you never awoke! knights coming. The [179] king was mounted on a horse,
And besides that, you spoke so many words in your sleep completely armed, except for his lance. Seeing the knights
that we are completely amazed.” approaching, he turned his horse in that direction and
Then the worthy man got up and said to the king, went to meet them to find out who they were. They said
“Certainly, my lord, it’s no wonder if I was crying and that they were Christians. “And who are you, dear lord?”
lamenting, for [177] I saw something in my sleep that made they asked the king. He said he was also a Christian, like
me very unhappy.” them, that his baptismal name was Mordrain, and that he
“What could that have been?” asked the king. “Can it was king of Sarras.
be told?” Upon hearing this news, they jumped down from their
“My lord, yes, certainly,” he said, “for in my sleep I saw horses and ran to embrace the king, saying, “My lord, you
one of your knights, the castellan of La Choine himself, and are very welcome! We were searching for you."
I will tell you how it came about. It happened that the “Me?” he asked. “Who are you then?”
castellan of La Choine loved Nascien’s wife very much, but “My lord, we are knights of your brother-in-law
he could never succeed with her, no matter what he did. Nascien, who sent us here to meet you.”
He loved her for a long time and sought so much to do his ‘To meet me?” said the king. “Who gave him news of
will that the enemy appeared to him the other day in the my arrival?”
city of Sarras in the shape of this woman, and told him that “Indeed,” said they, “we don’t know, but this much we
if he became his liegeman, he would let the castellan have can tell you: six days ago he knew you were to come to this
Nascien’s wife; he would be able to lie with her carnally and country, arriving today or tomorrow at this port.”
do what he wished. Today at noon he became the enemy’s “And who are you?” asked the king. “Remove your
liegeman and abjured Our Lord. helmets so I can see whether I know you.”
“As soon as I fell asleep here, the devil appeared to They did so; when he saw them bareheaded, he
him in the room below in the semblance of Nascien’s wife. recognized one as Clamachides, whom the story spoke
And the castellan, who desired nothing so much as to have about earlier,11 while the other’s name was Naron, a good
his way with the woman he loved, ran to the devil as soon as and marvelous knight who was the son of a king and queen.
he saw he resembled the woman he loved so much, in When the king saw them, he was so happy that it could
order to indulge his wretched lust with her. That is why the barely be recounted. He removed his helmet, dismounted,
terrible and wondrous storm you saw began. Once the and ran to embrace and kiss them. And he rejoiced over
wretch had had his way, the enemy showed himself in his them as much as if he had begotten diem from his own
right person and [178] told him he was going to carry him flesh.
off as his own. Upon seeing how ugly and terrifying the When the other knights on shore saw the merriment
devil was, the knight became so frightened that he forgot and rejoicing between the king and the men [180] he had
God and His Mother and lost his mind. The devil met, they hurried to them as quickly as possible to see who
immediately took him and loaded him on his shoulders, they were. Once they recognized them, the rejoicing
just as you heard. I, who remained here, saw this in my became even greater than before.
sleep, as it pleased Our Lord. When the Duchess Flegetine heard that these knights
“When I saw the enemy carrying off the sinner, I began who were making so merry were Duke Nascien’s men, she
to grieve, as you saw, until I awoke. Nor is it over yet, for was so joyful that no woman’s heart could be happier. Then
though I’m not crying now, nevertheless it distresses me, she ran and kissed them for love of her lord and asked
for it grieves me that through such ruse and misfortune his them if they knew anything about Celidoine.
soul and body are lost. And that is why I slept as long as the “Certainly, my lady,” said the messengers, “you will
storm lasted and why I wept in my sleep.” soon be able to speak to your husband and your son, both
“By my faith,” they said,9 “this is a most extraordinary of whom are safe and sound, for not long ago we left them
thing.” nearby with a large number of men, coming this way as
“My lord,” said the king, “what you saw is exactly what quickly as they could, since they had been told you would
happened to the castellan. May God have mercy on his arrive tonight or tomorrow. Nor will you need to move in
soul.” order to see them, for we tell you truly that they will soon
This adventure was revealed to Nascien’s wife and to be here.”
those in the ship, and it was an exemplum to teach them to The king and all of his companions were very happy
keep from sinning and to improve their lives in the service about this; there was not one who did not rejoice.
of their Creator.

10“Provisions,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “estoire,” “army’?).

8“When he saw .. . wiped his eyes” supplied from Sommer.
1 Clamachides is among the Christians who join Nascien in
9Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau. the boat in Chapter 31.
The History of the Holy Grail 133

The king ordered his tents and pavilions to be set up in middle of the garden there was a beautiful and delightful
a plain along the shore so that when Nascien came, he and fountain, lovely to look at. When we got there, we found
his retinue could lodge with them, as well as Duke Ganor, Duke Ganor, in whom the enemy had entered that
who had a large number of knights with him. The men morning and already taken his senses away, for he held a
carried out his orders so happily that they seemed to fly. small child of his above the fountain with the intent of
They had not yet finished preparing everything that had drowning it. When the worthy man who was with me saw he
been ordered when they saw Nascien and his large and was about to cause the child’s death,14 he went forward,
splendid retinue suddenly appear on a mountain. removed it from his hands, and blew on the duke’s [183]
When the king saw them coming, he and his knights face. At once the duke returned to his right senses.
mounted [181] and hurried to meet Nascien as fast as they “The worthy man began to make the sign of the cross
could get the horses to go. You should have seen them over the fountain. Then he put the child in it, taking him
meet; it was extraordinary how drey embraced and kissed out as soon as he was completely wet. Then he said to Duke
and wept when they saw each other. But nothing could Ganor, ‘Now you can be sure that this child has been
compare to the tears shed by the duchess over her husband removed from the devil’s servitude, for he has received
and her son, for she was so happy that she fainted more Christianity. Henceforth, you and Celidoine will protect
than a hundred times. She fainted so often that those who him. I am leaving Celidoine with you so that he can teach
saw her said it was a wonder she did not die of joy. you how you should put your heart and belief in the
That night the king and his companions rejoiced a Creator who made all creatures.’ Thus the child was
great deal over Nascien, for it had been a long time since baptized by the hand of the worthy man who made the sign
they had seen each other. After they had supped as of the cross on the castle gate.
sumptuously as was fitting for such men, King Mordrain “He left me in Duke Ganor’s hands, who was so
began to ask Nascien how he had found Celidoine, and in friendly to me that thereafter he wouldn’t go anywhere
what country. He replied that he had found him in Galafort without me. And without fail I began henceforth to exhort
Castle, where he was debating against the master him daily about the truth of the Christian faith and the
philosophers of the pagan faith, “but I can’t tell you how he Gospel, just as I had heard it told. I taught him a great deal
came there, nor how it happened that Duke Ganor was on of what the prelates of Holy Church had told me, so that he
such close terms with him.” said he would never be content until he knew by true
The king asked Celidoine how he had come there, and reasoning which faith it was better to hold to and believe—
he replied, “My lord, since it pleases you, I’ll tell you. Now the Christian or the pagan. Then he had all the pagan
listen to me, you and all those with you. It is true that when masters assemble against me to hear how they would debate
I left you and got in the little boat as directed by the man me about the Christian faith. Thus they met several times
who told me that Jesus Christ’s people would cross the sea for this reason until one day our friends who are assembled
that very night with dry feet, I drifted at sea for a long time here came to the debate. Now I have told you what I have
without the company of any earthly thing except a bird, done and what has happened to me since I left you. Now
which brought me something to eat every day. I drifted please tell your adventures.”
until it pleased Our Lord that chance bring me before The king asked Nascien to tell what had happened to
Galafort Castle. [182] But before that I was at sea for a long him since he [184] had left.
time. When the ship reached land, so that I could “My lord,” said Nascien, “with all due respect, I won’t
disembark if I wished, a man I did not know said right away, tell you now, for many things happened to me that should
‘Leave the ship and follow me.’ be concealed and not recounted unless they were told in
“I left the boat at once and did as he ordered, because confession.”
he seemed to be a worthy man. He went quickly toward the “At least tell us the truth about the giant—the one you
castle; upon reaching the entrance, he put his finger on the killed on the mountain when you ordered the three towers
gate and made a cross that truly became red. He looked at made.”
me and said, ‘Do you know what this means?’ ‘My lord,’ I “I will tell you this," said Nascien. “It is true that when I
replied, ‘no, not at all.’ ‘Now you can be sure,’ he said, ‘that left Bellic, I rode until I came to the mountain, where I
I have placed this castle under the sign of Holy Church, found the giant under an elm he often visited. The giant
because here Holy Church will be more honored and used to come every day from a seaport where his manor was
glorified than in any other place in this country. You should and watch for passersby, immediately killing anyone who
know that this cross I have made here will henceforth be so came by. And if he didn’t kill him, he carried him off to his
important to this castle that as long as it is left there, no lodging and put him in prison. Throughout the country
Christian who stays12 here will ever die a terrible or awful everyone who had heard about him feared him, for he had
death, nor will the lord of the castle ever fall under the done them a lot of harm.
domination of anyone who displeases him.’ “When he saw me coming, he attacked at once. And so
“Thus spoke the worthy man who made the cross on the combat began between us, and it lasted so long that I
the gate. And he took me by the hand and led me inside, was near death, when Nabor, one of my knights who was
through the castle up near the fortress13 until we came to a seeking me, came along and killed the giant. But then he
large, marvelous garden, right underneath the tower. In the wanted to exact a high price for this good deed by killing
me outright because I did not want to return. However,

12“Stays,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “shows”).

13“Fortress,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “castle”). 14“When . .. death” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
134 The History of the Holy Grail

Our Lord did not wish to allow this, but intervened so that When the Christian army met the pagans in batde, you
Nabor fell dead at my feet." would have heard a great outcry and seen many knights fall
Next he recounted the death of the lord of to the ground. Then Nascien began to perform such
Karrabel15—how he was struck by a thunderbolt. But he prodigious feats of arms that anyone who saw him would
refused to recount the other adventures that had happened have been amazed [187] and considered him the best
to him. [185] And yet he would have told them, but he did knight in the world. As for Duke Ganor, he also performed
not dare, for he did not want things to become common such feats that anyone who saw him held him to be a worthy
knowledge before16 they had happened. man.
Thus they spoke among themselves and were Thus the battalions met in battle. Once everyone was
comforted by the fact that Our Lord had brought them on the battlefield, many knights fell and died. As soon as
solace and that He had brought them back together after King Mordrain, who was a good knight, entered the melee,
having separated them so far away from one another. The he began to deal blows right and left with a sharp sword. As
king asked Nascien the truth about Josephus, and he he went along, separating the press to right and left19 and
replied that King Crudel held him in prison. King wreaking havoc on the enemies of the Christian faith, he
Mordrain could no longer remain silent but said he would happened to rush before King Crudel, the lord of North
go with an army against King Crudel to disinherit and Wales, who saw how King Mordrain was killing his men.
dishonor him because of his perfidy, if he did not return Perceiving him ahead, he cried out to his men, “Capture
those he held in prison. Everyone there agreed to this. this man for me! Take care he doesn’t escape, but kill him
The next day, when day had come, the king ordered at once!” Upon hearing their lord’s orders, the men rushed
his tents and pavilions struck and set out with his army, at King Mordrain, some striking him with their lances and
riding until he reached the land of North Wales. Then he others with their swords, wounding him in so many places
sent a message to King Crudel to return the Christians he that it was a wonder they did not kill him. And he defended
held in prison; if he did not, he could be sure that King himself so marvelously that no one on the field, especially a
Mordrain would take all his land and imprison him in a man of his age, could do half as well. And yet they would
place that he would never leave as long as he lived. When17 certainly have killed him if chance had not brought Duke
King Crudel heard this message, he considered it to be Ganor there.
prideful folly and replied to King Mordrain that he would When he saw the enemy already holding King
do nothing of what he asked, but that King Mordrain Mordrain on the ground amidst the horses’ hooves, about
should leave his land. Upon hearing that Crudel would not to kill him, he charged the king of North Wales at full
honor his request, King Mordrain began at once to ravage speed, striking him on the helmet so hard with his sword
the land of North Wales, burning cities, casdes, and houses. that no armor could protect him from a mortal wound. He
When King Crudel heard this news, he sent far and could not stay in the saddle, but flew to the ground in such
wide for his [186] men until great numbers assembled in pain that he thought he would never see [188] nightfall.
one of his cities called Longtown. Once they were gathered At the moment when King Crudel was struck from his
and everyone was armed, they saw that they numbered at horse by Duke Ganor’s blow, Nascien came up and rushed
least five thousand knights, men-at-arms, and simple among those holding King Mordrain. He began to deal
soldiers. The next day, at the hour of prime, they left to great blows, dispersing his opponents as savagely as a wolf
launch an attack against the Christians. When they were a does sheep. When the men from North Wales saw their
day’s travel from the city, a pagan came to the king and lord unable to get up, they were so frightened that they
said, “My lord, you must take up your arms quickly! The stopped defending themselves and turned and fled as fast
Christians who have come against you are here! You can as they could drive their horses.
already see more than one hundred banners coming.down Just as you have heard, the men from North Wales
the knoll!"18 were defeated. When the king saw them fleeing, he said to
At the time this news reached the king of North Wales, his men, “After them! Take care they don’t escape! Follow
it was near the hour of prime. When he heard the them up into the city!”
Christians were coming against him, he asked if they were King Mordrain’s men did exactly as he told them to
numerous. do, for they pursued the men from North Wales into the
“Yes indeed, my lord,” said the messenger. city, rushing in with them. The slaughter of pagans in the
Then the king had his men arm themselves, and he streets was so great that everything in the street was
formed his battalions, placing the leaders he knew each completely covered with blood. The battle lasted a long
one needed. Before the battalions were fully organized, time, and they fought so hard that that evening no pagan
they saw the Christians surge down a mountain, completely or unbeliever remained, for all had been killed.
armed, helmets on their heads, with Nascien at the In the evening, when King Mordrain came to the
forefront, for King Mordrain had given him the first castle, the men of his household who placed their trust in
battalion to lead. him said, “My lord, no man of your age ever performed
such marvelous feats of arms as you did today.”
15“Karrabel,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has Then he replied, “My lords, rest assured that I did not
“Mirabiel”). do this. He in whom all power and goodness reside brought
16“Before," as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “some”).
17“When” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. 19“With a sharp sword. . . . right and left” supplied from
18“Down the knoll” supplied from Ponceau. Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 135

this work to an end. And if you [189] believe I did it Thus spoke the voice [191 ] to the king, promising that
through my own strength, you would be foolish.” he would see the coming of the knight he so much wanted
Then his men hurried to remove his armor. Once he to see. The words spoken by the voice were heard only by
was stripped of his armor, they began to look him over. four people: Josephus, his father Joseph, Nascien, and the
They were horrified to discover that he had so many man they addressed.
wounds that any other man would have died. They asked After they had done the service as usual and had put
how he felt, and he replied that he felt none of his wounds the Holy Vessel in its proper place, they returned to the
or injuries. king and asked how he was. He replied that he had
Then they had Josephus and his companions freed certainly lost his sight and the strength of his limbs because
from prison. Once the prisoners had come to the palace, of the offense he had committed in wanting to see22 what
die king ran and embraced Josephus, rejoicing over him, he should not. “This is the vengeance Our Lord has taken
for he loved him dearly. And Josephus asked what had against me. And I swear to you,” he said, “that nothing has
brought him there. The king took him aside, far away from ever happened to me that pleases me as much as this, for
the others; when they were alone, he recounted what he now I see that Our Lord considers me His son, when He
had seen in his sleep, which was the reason he had come. punishes me so quickly for my sin.”
“Where is King Crudel, who imprisoned us?” asked Then everyone who had heard this began to weep
Josephus. because of the king’s repentance. They asked him what he
“My lord,” said King Mordrain, “he was killed today in wanted diem to do with him. And he told them to take him
the batde.” Then he told him how he had fought the to Galafort, because he wanted the marriage between
pagans and won victory. Celidoine and King Label’s daughter to be celebrated, for
Upon hearing this news, Josephus said to King Our Lord had planned it thus. And they said they were
Mordrain, “My lord, God has truly shown His power!” ready to do as he wished.23
because so few Christians had defeated the king of North When King Mordrain’s wife, Queen Sarrasinte, learned
Wales in batde. that her lord had lost his sight and the strength of his
That night the Christians were made as comfortable as limbs, she began to lament bitterly. And all the high lords
possible in the city. The next day it happened that they and ladies who were there did likewise. The lords and ladies
came before the table of the Holy Grail to thank Our Lord lamented gready over King Mordrain; Nascien and Duke
for having helped them so much against the king of North Ganor wept. And yet amidst the grieving, Nascien had the
Wales. They began their prayers and orisons. After king and the other lords mount. And when they saw [192]
Josephus, their master, had put on his vestments to go that the king could not24 ride a horse because he had lost
before the Holy Vessel and had begun [190] Mass, as he his bodily strength, they had a beautiful and elegant litter
was accustomed to, King Mordrain, who had longed if made, put him in it, and carried him thus to Galafort
possible to see the Holy Vessel20 clearly ever since he first Casde, where they put him down.
glimpsed it, came up closer than he should. A voice That day Nascien gave King Label’s daughter to his son
descended among them, saying to the king, “King, you Celidoine and invested them both with the kingdom of
should not go any closer!” But he had already gone so close North Wales. A week later the wedding was celebrated. The
that no tongue could name what he saw21 nor mortal heart rejoicing and feasting were great and would have been
conceive it. He wanted so much to see it that he stepped more so if the king had been as healthy as before, for his
farther and farther forward. At once a cloud descended and sickness, which distressed them, took away a good part of
took away his sight and his bodily strength, so that he could their happiness.
barely move. Once the children were joined in marriage, as it
When the king saw that Our Lord had taken such great pleased Our Lord, they conceived an heir who later was
vengeance against him because he had transgressed His valorous and powerful and was king of the Land Beyond.
commandment, he said in the hearing of the people, “Dear And he was called by his grandfather’s name, Nascien, just
Lord God, Jesus Christ, now you have shown me what folly as the divine voice had told Nascien, and as he had found it
it is to break Your commandment! I am truly pleased to in the letter given to him on the ship, which the story spoke
accept this scourge You have sent me, dear Lord, and ask about earlier.25
only that You grant me in reward for my service that I will Once the wedding was celebrated, King Mordrain said
live until the good knight, the ninth in Nascien’s line, he to his lords that he no longer wanted to remain among
who is to see the marvels of the Holy Grail, comes to visit them.
me, so that I can embrace him and kiss him.” ‘What do you want us to do with you, my lord?”
As soon as the king had made this request of Our “I will know what to advise you,” said the king. “Send
Lord, the voice responded, saying, “King, fear not, for Our Josephus to me.”
Lord has heard your prayer. Your wish has been granted,
for you will live until the knight you have asked about 22“In wanting to see” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
comes to see you. At that time your sight will return, so that 23“And they said . . . wished” supplied from Ponceau and
you will see him clearly, and then your wounds will be Sommer.
healed, but not before then.” 24“Stand up or” omitted, as in Ponceau.
25See Chapter 28. The heir’s name, however, is given as
20‘The Holy Vessel” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. Narpus in Chapters 28 and 41.

21 “What he saw” supplied for sense.

136 The History of the Holy Grail

They sent for Josephus, telling him the king wanted to the Holy Grail will clearly tell it.28 And my lord Robert of
see him. He came right away; once before the king, he Boron, who translated this chronicle from Latin into

asked what he wanted. French by order of Holy Church, affirms that since the day
“My lord,” said the king, “I would like you to advise me when die king [195] became a monk in Nascien’s time, he
where I can be alone, away from these people who think lived on for two hundred years after Nascien’s death, and as
more about the pleasures of this world than I will and who the true chronicle testifies, the worthy man lived until he
will therefore only perturb me." saw the ninth knight, who was called Galahad.
“My lord,” said Josephus, [193] “I can easily advise you, Thus the king remained in the abbey, and Nascien
for nearby, in this forest, a very worthy hermit has recently stayed in Galafort Casde with Duke Ganor. With them there
settled, and his company will be good and fitting for you.” were a great number of Christian knights and worthy men
When the king heard this, he was marvelously happy, who bravely dared to expose their bodies to death and
and he said to Josephus, “My lord, you who are my danger in order to defend Jesus Christ’s faith against the
shepherd and my master, and who should guide me as your unbelievers.
sheep, lead me to this place you promise me. There I will
spend the rest of my life serving my Father in heaven to the
best of my ability. This will be with my tongue alone, for 34. King Agrestes Becomes a False Christian;
thanks be to Him, He has divested me of all other power.
Moses Sits at the Grail Table; Bron’s Son
He will restore it when it pleases Him, but this will not be
for a while, for this will not happen in our time.” Alan Is Named Future Guardian of the
That night the king spoke at length to his lords. He Grail.1
took leave of them, telling them he would leave them the
next day. He admonished them to do good and told them When Josephus saw that the king had become a monk and
to remember above all to avoid angering their Creator. “If diat Nascien intended to stay with the duke, he left Galafort
you do as I tell you, you can be sure that whenever you go with his relatives, to preach2 and announce the truth of the
onto a field, you will be victorious; and if there is any Gospel. After they had left Galafort, taking leave of Nascien,
danger, He will deliver you, for He never allows those who the queen, and the other knights, they wandered far and
hold to Him to perish, but keeps them and guides them as wide throughout foreign countries, until they came to a city
His sons.26 I beseech you to protect Queen Sarrasinte, who
called Camelot. It was the richest of the Saracen cities in
is such a valiant and worthy woman, as your earthly lady,
Great Britain, and it was so important that the pagan kings
and cherish her as you should, [194] for you are held to it
were crowned there, and its mosque was larger and taller
by your oath.
than in any other city.
“Nascien, my dear friend, whom I have loved more
At the time when the Christians came to Camelot, its
than any other knight, and righdy so, I beseech you to hold
lord and king was the crudest man in the world, and his
dear my wife the queen, your sister, and love her as a
name was Agrestes. When Josephus came to the city and
worthy and valiant woman. And if you have ever loved me, I
began to preach the name of the High Lord, there were
beseech you to keep this shield that I carried in batde the
only unbelievers in all the country around Camelot. That
day we were victorious over Tholomer. I give you this shield
day, as it pleased Our Lord, it happened through
to keep like your heart in your chest. You can be sure that
Josephus’s words that one thousand fifty Saracens
any worthy man who carries it in batde will have honor and
converted and turned to the Christian faith, abandoning
victory. Therefore, I tell you, dear friend Nascien, to keep
the evil belief they had held before.
the shield, for many miracles will certainly come from it
When King Agrestes saw [196] his people converting in
here and elsewhere.” v
such great numbers, he was deeply chagrined, for he was
Thus the king left his wife, the queen, and his shield in
absolutely the crudest and most traitorous man in the
Nascien’s keeping, and the next day he went to stay in the
world. So he thought of a great deception, saying to
hermitage with the worthy man Josephus had spoken so
himself, “By my faith, if I wanted to turn these people who
highly of. Because of the king, the place grew and
have converted back to our religion, I could not, for they
flourished so much that before the year had ended there
have as many men on their side as I do, if not more.
was a large and beautiful abbey there—and it was an abbey
Therefore, it is good for me to pretend to convert now. But
of white monks—for since the king had entered it, a great
once Josephus has gone, I’ll use prayers, threats, and fear of
many of his lords, those who were the highest and most
death to make all our people return to their original
worthy knights, began to become monks. This abbey was
belief."
thus established27 by King Mordrain, who remained there
He did as he said, for the next day he received
in great authority until Perceval of Wales saw him clearly
baptism, to his soul’s destruction, since he only desired
and Galahad, the ninth in Nascien’s line, the one who was
faithlessness and perfidy. His people were overjoyed, for
such a good knight, came to visit him, just as the Story of

28A reference to events in The Quest for the Holy Grail. For
26The Mans ms. is missing two folios here. Both Hucher and Perceval’s visit, see Chapters 24-25; for Galahad’s visit, see Chapter
Ponceau follow Paris, BN fr. 770. 80.
27“Established” supplied from Ponceau.
Corresponds to Hucher III: 195-209; Sommer I: 244-252;
Ponceau §360-368.
2“Preach,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “treat”).
The History of the Holy Grail 137

they believed the king had become a good Christian. found a wooden cross at the edge of a cemetery. He
However, he had not, but remained at all times a false ordered it burned, after first having it dragged through all
Christian, for in his heart he had enfolded the devil, who the streets of the city. As soon as this was done, he went out
would not let him do good works. The people did not of his mind and began to eat his hands. Coming upon one
realize he intended to trick and deceive them, and so of his small children, he took him by the throat and
everyone in the country, poor and rich alike, became a strangled him; he did the same thing to his wife and a
Christian. brother. Then he went down through the city, shouting and
After remaining in the city for a week, Josephus screaming. At the head of the main street, he found an
departed, leaving twelve of his relatives to preach and to oven where a fire had been started. Having gone
exhort the city’s residents every day. Josephus knew the completely mad, he immediately jumped inside it, and
world’s frailty to be so great that he was afraid the enemy there he died.
might take great pains to deceive them and make them The people in the country were so frightened by this
return to their original unhappiness. That is why he left that they did not know what to do. They sent a messenger
behind his relatives. to Josephus, telling him what had happened and asking
One Friday morning after Josephus and his father had him to come as soon as he could, for they needed him
gone toward parts in Scotland, King Agrestes got up and gready. Hearing this made him very unhappy, and he came
sent for all the noblemen in the country. He knew enough to them in tears. He had the bodies of the twelve martyrs
about [197] them to be sure they were false Christians. taken from before the cross and buried in a chapel. Then
Then he went to a cousin of his and said, “Landoine, you he ordered the cross washed. It was blackened with blood,
must help me accomplish what I have undertaken.” for it is well known that blood gets blacker and blacker as
“My lord,” he replied, “tell me your pleasure, for I am the days go by.4 However, God worked [199] a great
ready to do whatever you wish, be it wise or foolish.” miracle here, for the stone of the cross did not change
“Then I will tell you what I want to do,” said the king. color, but remained black in memory of the blood that was
“What I have in mind is to make our people return to our shed there. For this reason those who knew the truth about
original faith, for the one I have just accepted doesn’t it called it the Black Cross, and this name never changed
please me; rather, I hate it more than anything in the until King Arthur’s reign, at the time when the adventures
world. Because I know I can’t convert my people except of the Grail were brought to an end.
through force, I will send for all my noblemen and take Once the bodies of the worthy men who had been
them into my room, one after the other. And I will have our martyred in this way were buried, Josephus ordered the
gods put on one side, and on the other, the Christian cross, pagan temples that had been built in the city of Camelot
winch they say saves them.3 You and I will kill all those who knocked down, the idols burned, and all the edifices of the
want to worship the cross, while all those who wish to pagan religion completely destroyed. In the middle of the
worship our gods will be free once they swear to help us do city he had the Church of Saint Stephen the Martyr built
our will.” Then, seeing that the people in the country had calmed
Landoine said this plan was very well conceived and down and returned to the Christian faith, he left the city.
that he would gladly agree to it. So they sent for the After he had traveled for about two days, he and all his
noblemen of the country, and the king did as he had followers reached a large knoll called5 the Giant’s Knoll. It
planned. Anyone who did not want to worship their gods was a Friday, and that day Bron was sitting next to Josephus
immediately lost his head. Most reconverted because their at the table of the Holy Grail. Between them, at the very
faith was tender and new, returning to their original folly middle of the table, there was easily enough space to put a
for fear of death. The common people were also forced to man’s chair. When Peter, a relative of Josephus, saw this
revert to Islam by force and were unbelievers as they had empty space, he said to Josephus, “My lord, why don’t you
been before. call someone to sit there? There are so many worthy men
After doing this, the king had Josephus’s twelve crowded together at this table eating in discomfort. It
companions arrested, and he said he would kill them if they seems to me that it would be a good thing if you called one
did not agree to worship the gods the people did. They of them, for the empty space is of no benefit to us.”
replied they would not do so, in spite of his strength. When “Peter, my good friend,” said Josephus, “this place is to
the king heard this, he had them stripped naked and [198] stay6 empty. No one may sit here who is not worthier than
dragged through the city behind horses. Then he had them all others. It is not for nothing that it’s empty: it serves as an
taken to a cross Josephus had had placed at the entrance to important symbol, for you should understand that it
the forest. He had the first man attached to the cross, then symbolizes [200] the place where Jesus Christ sat at the holy
had him struck in the head with a big mace, spilling his table on the day of the Last Supper when He ate with His
brains out onto the cross. The twelve companions were disciples. This place is empty because it awaits its master,
martyred in this way. And the blood that spurted in all Jesus Christ, or someone He will send. That is why I don’t
directions from their brains turned the cross completely want anyone to sit here now.”
red.
Considering himself well avenged, the king left them 4“And buried in a chapel. ... as the days go by” supplied from
before the cross and departed. Upon reaching the city, he Ponceau and Sommer.
5“A large knoll” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
3“And I will have our gods. . . saves them” supplied from 6‘To stay,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “a bed”).
Ponceau and Sommer.
138 The History of the Holy Grail

Those at the table, and especially the ones in mortal and Bron were sitting, pretending to be so humble and full
sin, considered these words proud and presumptuous. of piety that it was a wonder. And he seemed to be a very
Once they had eaten, some said that Josephus was only worthy man.
telling a tall tale and a lie, “for doubtless one can sit in this When Josephus saw Moses coming, he said, “Moses,
seat as surely and as easily as in any other place, without don’t sit here unless you are worthy of it, for otherwise you
greater danger.” Twenty-four people were at this discussion, can be sure you will regret it. Don’t think this place was
all from the land of Jerusalem, and the two who had said prepared for a sinner, for it is the symbol of the place
the most were called Simeon and Moses. These two said to where Our Lord sat on the day of the Last Supper.
the others, “My lords, what do you think about your bishop Therefore, don’t sit here unless you are the worthiest man
and what he said today at the table about the empty place? of us all, for I believe this will lead to the destruction of
Does it seem to you that he is telling the truth—that anyone your body and eternal torment for your soul.”
who sat there would be doing a foolish thing and that it is When Moses heard this, he was very frightened, and
forbidden to all except the one Our Lord will send?” yet he replied, “My lord, I believe I’m worthy of sitting
“Certainly,” said the others, “we believe it is more of a there and that Our Lord will not be angry.”
lie than the truth, but it isn’t fitting for us to reproach him “Come forward, then,” said Josephus, “and sit down,
with everything he tells us. Nevertheless, we would like to for if you are what you should be, it will soon be made
have someone sit there, for then we would be sure whether clear.”
he told us the truth.” Then Moses came forward and sat between Josephus
“In God’s name,” said Moses, “if you want to ask him to and Bron. But he had not been there long when those at
let me sit there, I will do so tomorrow and take the risk. I the table saw seven hands come down from the heavens, all
believe I have served Our Lord so well since leaving our of them burning and in flames. They could not see the
country that I don’t think I need to worry.” bodies the hands belonged to, but they could see that they
“In God’s name,” said the others, “we will gladly ask were casting® fire and flames onto Moses so that he caught
him, if you swear you will sit there.” [201 ] fire and began to bum as brighdy as if he were a dry bush.
And he swore it. Once he had caught fire and was burning fiercely, they saw
Then they came to Josephus and said, “My lord, there the hands take him and raise him from where he was sitting
is an empty place at your table, which amazes us. And we and carry him through the air to a large and remarkable
have found among us a religious man, leading a holy life, forest nearby. When those sitting at the table [203] saw this,
who is worthy of sitting there. We beseech you, my lord, for they were all very frightened.
God’s sake and for your honor and his, to let him sit there.” They all began to talk about it and said to Josephus,
Josephus asked who this was who was worthy of sitting “Oh, my lord, now we know indeed that you were telling us
in the place where he did not dare sit. the truth about this seat. Those who advised him9 to sit
And they replied, “My lord, it’s Moses, your relative there in spite of your having forbidden it sinned and did
and ours.” evil. For God’s sake, tell us, if you know, where he was taken
“My God,” said Josephus, “he already stayed behind and whether he has been saved or has perished.”
with his father when we crossed die sea. They could not “You will be certain about this in time,” said Josephus,
follow us, but remained with the others who had sinned “for I will show you the place where he has been put, so that
against their Creator. And now you tell me he is such a you will be able to see10 him clearly. Then you will know
worthy man that he wants to sit in this place? Certainly, it’s whether he is comfortable or not. After that I will tell you
hard to believe you, except that Our Lord quickly makes a whether he has perished or been saved.”
worthy man out of a sinner.” After these words no one asked him anything more, for
“My lord,” said they, “whatever you say, we know he is they were very frightened by what they had seen.
such a worthy man that it is fitting for him to sit there. Once they had eaten, Bron said to Josephus, “My lord,
Therefore, we implore you to allow it in order to learn give me your advice about something I’m going to ask.”
whether God will grant him this honor.” ‘Tell me what it is,” Josephus replied.
He replied that he would be pleased if Moses were “I have twelve sons, all close relatives of yours. I
such that it would please Our Lord for him to sit there. beseech you to send for all of them. Once they have come
“But I don’t believe he is. And yet I will let him sit there, before you, ask them how they intend to act from now on
since you wish it.” and whether they will marry or not.”
They thanked him, returned to Moses, and told him he Twill certainly do this,” said Josephus.
had permission to sit in the empty seat.* 7 * And he said they Then he sent for all of Bron’s children. When they had
could therefore be sure he would sit there. That night come before him, Josephus took them aside, far from the
things were left at that and were discussed no more. others, and asked each one what kind of person he wanted
The next day, at the hour of prime, when they were to be and whether he wished to marry. Eleven said they
sitting at the table of the Holy Grail, they [202] came to would marry, just as the rest of their line had done. The
Moses and said, “Moses, now you may go sit where you said
yesterday that you would, for you have permission.” And he Q
They were casting,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher
said he would do so in that case. He went where Josephus has “from their hands issued”).
9“Who advised him” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
7‘To sit in the empty seat” supplied from Ponceau and l°“\yill be able to see him” supplied from Ponceau and
Sommer. Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 139

twelfth did not accept this, but stated forcefully that he wide valley. In the middle they found a large pond; at the
would never have a wife and would remain a virgin all the far end there was a small boat and a fishing net. When they
days of his life and serve the Holy Vessel called the Grail as reached the pond, they sat down to rest, and some of them
long as he had life in his body. The twelfth of Bron’s took their robes off because it was hot.
children chose to keep holy virginity and to serve [204] the Then the Holy Vessel was brought out, and Josephus
Holy Vessel, while the others all chose to have a wife. and his ministers began the service they offered every day.
When Josephus saw the son who had vowed to keep Those in the company who were worthy men leading good
virginity and serve the Holy Vessel, he began to embrace lives and those who were not ordained for this service
him and kiss him, rejoicing more than anyone in the world. stepped forward a little and said their prayers, asking Our
And he said to the eleven who had asked for wives, “You will Lord in His sweet pity to lead them safely wherever they
have what you have requested, for I will find brides for all of might go and to send them enough grace to sustain their
you. May God grant that you keep yourselves as true as one bodies. That day the Christian ministers served the Holy
should in marriage. And you,” he said to the twelfth, “have Vessel humbly.
requested two things: to remain a virgin and to be a After doing this as they should, they sat down in the
minister of the Holy Vessel. I grant you the one, and Lord middle of the field, and some began to spread tablecloths,
God grants you the other. May He grant that you be a virgin while others lay folded cloths on the grass, for they wanted
all the days of your life, in mind and in deed, so that your to eat at the dinner hour, and they had no other tables.
flesh might not be sullied by the sin of lust. May God give Once they were ready to eat, Peter, one of Josephus’s
you this, my dear friend, for I gladly grant that you be a relatives, carried the Holy Grail before the ranks. It
minister of Holy Church and of the Holy Vessel. Because happened that at the coming of the Holy Vessel all the
you have chosen such a high thing as virginity, I grant that tablecloths where the religious worthy men sat were
after me, you be invested with the guardianship of the Holy covered with the most beautiful food a mortal heart could
Vessel you have requested, so that you will be its guardian conceive. But where the sinners were sitting, no one could
after my death.11 And when you have passed from this see any sign of the grace of the Holy Grail. Rather, that
world, the one you give it to and his descendants will be its time the sinners had nothing to eat.
lords. The grace of the Holy Vessel will be so important that After the others had eaten and stood up, the sinners
if their lands are ever devastated, they will receive food in [207] came to Josephus and began to say, “Oh, my lord,
abundance as long as they live. I give you this gift, dear what will we do? If you don’t help us, we will be destroyed,
friend, because of the high gift you have requested.” for the grace of the Holy Vessel did not give us food as it
The boy knelt before Josephus and, in tears, thanked used to. Therefore, you must take care of us, if you don’t
him. And Josephus invested him with the Holy Vessel after want us to die of hunger.”
his death. Then he did for the other brothers what he had Hearing this, Josephus replied, “My lords, it grieves me
promised, for he saw that they were all married well, as they that things are so. Now your faith is apparent: you have
wished. [205] abandoned God, and He has abandoned you. As long as
After taking care of Bron’s children in this manner, you were good sons, He was a good Father, for as long as
Josephus began to wander through Great Britain with his you served Him loyally, He gave generously whatever you
followers, as chance led him. Not a day passed without his needed. But now you have begun to serve Him like
group growing by twenty or thirty men who followed him, stepsons, and He will give you food like a stepfather. So you
barefoot and in humble pilgrim’s woolens, leaving their can clearly see that no good comes from abandoning Him,
riches and inheritance in order to keep him company. Nor for if you still held to Him, you would still have whatever
did he go anywhere without converting a great number of your hearts conceived. And yet, because I see you are so
people to the Christian faith and taking them away from unfortunate, I will advise you as best I can. I would not do
unbelief, for his words were so powerful and full of ardor, this if I saw you had something to eat nearby.”
through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, which was Then Josephus called Bron’s twelfth son, the one he
at work in him, that he found hardly anyone so unbelieving had chosen to be a minister of the Holy Grail; and this
that he was not easily converted once he heard Josephus. As child was called Alan the Fat. Do not think this was the Alan
a result, his group increased12 daily. who was descended from Celidoine’s line, for he was never
One day it happened that they came to an uncultivated a king, nor did he ever wear a crown, while the other was a
and barren land where they could not easily find food. Do king who wore a crown13 and held beautiful, rich lands.
not think that everyone in Josephus’s group lived from the When Alan came before him, Josephus said in the presence
grace of the Holy Vessel; but some did—those who were of everyone there, “Alan, you who will be one of the most
worthy men leading good lives. And the others, who were in gracious of our lineage, as I believe, go to the pond and get
mortal sin and lust, and who did not want to mend their in the litde boat; throw the net you will find there into the
ways, despite any prayers or sermons, did not live from it, water [208] and catch a fish, which these people will live on
but from what they found or what people gave them. tonight, for they need it.”
The day they entered this wasteland I have mentioned The child did as Josephus14 commanded. He went to
to you, it happened that they descended into [206] a deep, the water, got in the little boat, took the net, and threw it in

11‘You have requested . .. death” supplied from Ponceau and 13“Who wore a crown” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
Sommer. 14‘Josephus,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
12The Mans ms. picks up again here. ‘Joseph”).
140 The History of the Holy Grail

the water and dragged it to shore. When he got there, those 35. Joseph Converts Matagran; The
who were waiting looked in the net and found only one
Christians Cross a Deep River, Then Visit
fish, though it was undoubtedly a large one. They told him
to go after more, for this one would not suffice for a tenth Moses; Canaan and Simeon Sin.1
of those who had had no food. Josephus15 said he would
not go back, and he ordered the fish taken out and cooked. Joseph left his companions and wandered all alone until he
Once it was cooked, he ordered those who had not eaten to came to the forest of Broceliande, on a Friday at the hour
sit down. They did so, for they needed to eat. Then of prime. As he rode along a narrow path, a Saracen who
Josephus said to Alan, “Alan, take this fish and make three was fully armed and mounted on a big horse came up
parts. Put two of them at the two ends of the table, and the behind him. When he caught up with Joseph, he greeted
third in the middle. And pray to Our Lord to show you in him, and Joseph did likewise. After they had traveled along
His sweet pity—not as a favor to you, but through His together for a while, the Saracen asked [210] Joseph what
grace—how generous He is toward you and how gracious country he was from.
He will be to you once you are entrusted with the Holy “I was bom in Arimathea,” said Joseph.
Vessel.” “Arimathea?”2 said the Saracen. “What brought you
Then Alan began to weep very tenderly, and he came here?”
before the Holy Vessel, where he remained in prayer for a ‘The One who knows all ways and who is the Way and
long time. After completing his prayer, he did what the Life brought me here,” said Joseph, “the One who led
Josephus had ordered, dividing the fish into three parts and the people of Israel through the Red Sea, when Pharaoh
putting them in three places. As soon as he had done so, pursued them to kill them; this very One led me here.”
Our Lord worked such a beautiful miracle for him that, in “What kind of minister are you?” asked the Saracen.
honor of the child and as a sign of the goodness that was to “I am,” said Joseph, “a doctor.”
be in him, He multiplied the fish until all those who had “A doctor?” replied the Saracen. “Do you know how to
had no food [209] were filled as if all the good things in the heal wounds?”
world had been set out in abundance. And after everyone “Yes, truly,” said Joseph.
had eaten, what was left over was greater than the original ‘Then you will come with me,” said the Saracen, “to a
fish. casde of mine that lies ahead of us, where my brother has
Because of the great plenty they had had from the gift been sick for over a year with a wound in his head. And I
of the fish Alan had caught, they gave him a name that was haven’t been able to find a doctor who could heal him.”
never abandoned, for they called him the Rich Fisherman. “In God’s name,” said Joseph, “if he will believe me, I
Thereafter he was called more often by that name than by will heal him with God’s help.”
his right name. And in his honor and because of that day’s “With the help of what God, do you say?” asked the
grace, all those who were invested with the Holy Vessel were Saracen. ‘We already have four gods: Mohammed, Jupiter,
called Rich16 Fishermen. Without a doubt all those who Tervagant, Apollo. Not one of these can help him. How will
were invested by him had more grace in the world than he you be able to do so? Which one of these gods will give you
did, for all were17 crowned kings, whereas he was not. But the power to heal him?”
in remembrance of this, the pond was henceforth called ‘Which one?” Joseph said. “None of these four will
Alan’s Pond. And this adventure brought such great joy to help me, for their help is worthless. And if you believe they
those to whom it happened that I could recount none can help you, you have been shamed and deceived.”
greater. “Deceived!” exclaimed the Saracen. “Certainly not. I
While they were talking about this, Joseph said to his will never be deceived, since I believe firmly they can help
son Josephus, ‘The desire has come over me to leave you me, for they are powerful, reigning gods, and they will be as
and go where chance will lead me. My desire to do this is so long as the world lasts.”
strong that I think some good will come of it. You can be When Joseph heard the Saracen’s words, he became
sure I will come back to you as quickly as I can, for once I incensed, and his face turned red with anger. He replied at
have left you, 1 will want to see you again soon.” once, [211] “What is this? Are you saying that the images
men make out of wood and other things are gods and that
15‘Josephus,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “he,” they have more power over you than you have over them?”
which is ambiguous here). “Yes,” replied the Saracen, “truly, I say that the images
16“Rich” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. have power, not by themselves, but from those whose
17 semblance they have, that is, those in whose semblance they
“Invested by him .. . were” supplied from Ponceau.
are made and in whose honor we adore and worship them,
for I know very well that the images alone cannot help, but
each one can, through the force of the one in whose form
it is made: the image3 of Mohammed can, through the one

1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 209-235; Sommer I: 252-266;

Ponceau §369-386.
2 “Arimathea” supplied from Ponceau.
Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 141

in whose honor it is made, and so can each image through Then Joseph began to smile and said to the Saracen,
its god.” “How can you make me rich? You are so poor that you have
“In God’s name,” said Joseph, “if you take me to your nothing.”
castle, I will show you by tonight that they’re worthless— “I have enough gold, silver, and precious stones, and
they can neither help, harm, take away, nor give by [213] a great many silk cloths and gold and silver dishes, so
themselves or others—and that you have been deceived as many that I don’t want more,” said the Saracen. “Aren’t
long as you have believed in them.” these great riches?”
“I will take you there,” said the Saracen. “But I swear “No, not at all," said Joseph. “This is poverty. And you
that if you have bed about anything, you will not escape can see it yourself. Tell me: if your gold and silver and
abve.” precious stones and dishes were before you now and
They rode all morning, talking in this way. When the someone else came forward who could give you health,
hour of tierce4 came, they approached a casde that sat on a wouldn’t you give him your fortune just to be healthy?”
mountain. This casde was called The Rock, and it was “Certainly,” repbed the Saracen. “I would wibingly give
enclosed on all sides by walls and deep moats, and it was him everything.”
very well fitted out with everything a good castle should “Thus you can see that you are poor,” said Joseph,
have. After Joseph had entered the gate with the Saracen, “when you would give everything to have one thing, and
they met an unchained bon running down the main street. that gold, silver, and precious stones don’t make a man as
Upon seeing the armed Saracen, it jumped on him from rich as health does. Since you can’t buy health with your
the height where it was, knocked him off his horse, and riches, you must obtain it in some other way, if you want it.”
strangled him. When the men from the casde who were “This is true,” said the Saracen, “and if I knew how I
running after the bon saw the dead Saracen, [212] they could obtain it, I would seek it to the best of my abibty.”
began to grieve bitterly, for he was their liege lord. They “In God’s name,” repbed Joseph, “if you want, I will
seized Joseph immediately and tied his hands behind his seek it for you.”6
back. As they were taking him to prison, the seneschal from “How?” asked the Saracen.
the casde drew his sword and struck Joseph in the thighs so “If you wib bebeve in God,” said Joseph, “I will make
that half of the sword remained in his thighs. you heal quickly.”
This is how Joseph was wounded. And those who had “I believe in god,” said the Saracen; “not in one, but in
ded him up led him off to prison. When they reached the four.”
tower entrance, he spoke to them, asking, “My lords, why “In four!” said Joseph. “Are there then four gods?”
are you taking me here?” ‘Yes," said the Saracen. “Mohammed, Apollo, Jupiter,
“Because we want to,” they repbed. Tervagant. And I believe in each one of these four.”
“You have no other reason?” asked Joseph. ‘You are so much the more shamed," said Joseph, “for
“We have enough of a reason,” they said. these gods you speak of cannot help you or anyone else.
“Where are you putdng me?” asked Joseph. And you can easily test it.”
“We are putting you somewhere that you will never “How?” the Saracen asked.
leave,” they replied. “I will tell you,” Joseph repbed. “Have the man the bon
“Oh, my lords,” said Joseph, “before putdng me there, strangled brought before your gods. If he revives, you can
bring me all the sick from this casde." indeed say that they are powerful gods, for they make men
“Why?” they asked. return from death to life. And if [214] he doesn’t move,
“So that I may heal them,” said Joseph.5 you can see clearly that you are shamed and deceived by
“Are you a doctor?” believing in them.”
‘Yes,” said he, “and with such powers that before “Indeed," said the Saracen, “reviving him won’t be
tonight I will heal them ab if they believe me.” easy,7 for I never heard of gods who could bring a dead
“My word,” said they, “we’d bke to see this.” man back to life. And yet I will try, since you want me to.”
First, they brought the lord’s brother, who had a Then the Saracen had Joseph unbound. None of them
wound in his head that no one could heal. When Joseph knew anything yet about the sword wound he had in his
saw him coming, he asked when he was wounded. thigh. Then they went to the mosque. When the Saracen
“More than a year ago,” he replied, “and I have not had his brother carried before Mohammed, all the other
been able to heal since then. When I was wounded, I pagans knelt and prayed to their god to take pity on the
sought a doctor and had all the best ones who could be dead man.
found searched for, but none of them did anything for me. After they had prayed for a long time, with Joseph
If you know how to heal me, I will make you a rich man looking on, he cried out to them, “Oh, unhappy, deceived
forever.” people, why are you so wretched that you believe in these
images,® which cannot do you any good or help you? Don’t
4‘Tierce,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “prime”).
you know that they cannot move, speak, answer, or hear?
Now look how they ab revive this dead man!”
5“Joseph,” as in Ponceau and according to context (Hucher
has “Joseph”). Throughout this section Mans often subsdtutes
‘Josephus” for “Joseph,” which we have corrected without noting 6“For you” supplied from Ponceau.
each change.
'“Reviving him won’t be easy,” as in Ponceau and Sommer
(Hucher has ‘1 don’t believe in resuscitation”).
®Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
142 The History of the Holy Grail

Then Joseph knelt and said, “Oh, dear Father of Jesus Then Joseph stood up. After that it was not long before
Christ, who brought me to this country to preach Your holy the dead man arose, sound and healthy. He ran to where
name, I beseech You—not for me, but to glorify Your he saw Joseph, kissed his feet, and said so loudly that
faith—to demonstrate now before this wretched people everyone heard him clearly, “Here is Jesus Christ’s servant,
how they are deceived by worshiping and believing in these who took the Son of God down from the Holy Cross, and
monsters.” whom God has sent among us to baptize us, for otherwise
Joseph kissed the ground, then stood up and said in we cannot escape the eternal torment of hell."
everyone’s hearing, “My lords, now you will see the power When Joseph saw the dead man revived, he wept with
of your gods.” After these words, it was not long before loud pity and thanked Our Lord with a sincere heart. He said to
thunder began, and the heavens began to flash with those around him, “My lords, now you know that the One I
lightning and the earth to shake, and the heavens and the spoke to you about is God without peer and is more
air grew dark. The Saracens thought they were about to die powerful than any other god.”
there. And then lightning struck the images, burning [215] “Certainly,” said Matagran, “this is true. I will never
and shattering them all on the ground. The smoke that believe in any other god but Him, for I know very well,
came forth had such a terrible odor that those who smelled since He raised Argon, my brother, that He is God without
it thought that their hearts were about to burst. Everyone peer.”
except Joseph fainted. Thereupon everyone fell at Joseph’s feet and said
After a while, when they were somewhat reassured and aloud, “My lord, we put ourselves completely in your mercy
had regained their senses, Joseph spoke, saying, “My lords, and [217] keeping. If we have done foolish things in the
now you can see how powerful your gods are. You can be past because of our lack of belief, we are ready to make
sure that just as they help each other, they can help you. I good on them, as you advise. We will never do anything
tell you that the One who shattered and burned them will against your will, but teach us what faith we should hold
destroy you, if you don’t mend your ways and change your and how we should do so.”
lives and your faith.” Thus the people in the casde were converted and
After Joseph had spoken, Matagran, the dead man’s baptized. When the seneschal who had struck Joseph in the
brother,9 the one who had the wound in his head, spoke. thigh saw everyone becoming a Christian, he admitted
“My lord, tell me your name.” before them all how he had struck Joseph and how the
“My name is Joseph of Arimathea,” he replied. sword had broken. “And I believe,” said he, “that if you
“Aren’t you a Saracen?” asked Matagran. look, you will find half of it in his thigh.”
“No, not at all,” said Joseph. “I am a Christian, and I Then Matagran had someone look, and they found the
believe in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” piece of10 * sword, which astounded them. And then
“Then you believe in three gods?” said Matagran. Matagran said, “My lord, how will you be healed?”
“No,” Joseph replied, “only in one, for the Father and “Easily, if it pleases God,” said Joseph. “But the wound
the Son and the Holy Spirit are only one God. And He is so on your head will be healed first.”
powerful that He can raise the dead. He can make the evil Then he had the rest of the sword brought, including
and perfidious into good and just men. He can make any the pommel, where the hilt was. He made the sign of the
sinner who reconciles with Him overcome all his enemies. true cross on Matagran’s wound, and it was immediately
He has demonstrated before all of you that He is more healed. Then he pulled the piece of11 sword out of his
powerful than all other gods. No one can compare to His thigh. Those who saw this marveled a great deal, for as it
power, no matter how powerful he may be. You can see this was pulled out, not a drop of blood came out of the wound,
very well by these images you call gods and in which you and the sword was so clean and bright that it seemed it had
believe, which He has shattered and struck down by never gone into flesh.12 The people were astonished by this.
lightning and burned to ashes.” When Joseph saw the two13 halves of the sword, he
“Certainly,” said Matagran, “I see He is much more said, “Oh, sword, you will never be rejoined before the one
[216] powerful than I thought. And if He can make my who is to achieve the high adventures of the Holy Grail
brother revive and speak to me, I will never believe in any holds you in his hands. But as soon as he holds you, you will
other god but Him.” be rejoined.14 And the part that entered my flesh will never
When Joseph heard Matagran’s words, he immediately be seen without blood coming forth until the one who will
knelt down on the ground and prayed, “Dear Lord God, rejoin it [218] holds it.”
who created the world; who made the moon, the sun, and Thus Joseph addressed the sword. And then
the four elements; who deigned to be bom of the Virgin throughout the casde everyone became a Christian. Argon
maiden and who was hung on the Holy Cross, allowing lived a week after that. And when Joseph left the casde, they
Yourself to be beaten and struck and spat on by the cruel kept the sword there, holding it dear.
Jews; and who wished to suffer the anguish of death to
redeem Your people and bring them back from the
10“Piece of’ supplied from Sommer.
torments of hell; Lord, as truly as You rose from the dead
11 “Piece of’ supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
and returned to life, work the same miracle on this dead
12“Gone into flesh,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
man, in the sight of everyone who is here.”
“become worse”).
13‘Two,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “three”).
9“Matagran, the dead man’s brother” supplied from Ponceau
14“You will be rejoined,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “he will
and Sommer. rejoin it”).
The History of the Holy Grail 143

Joseph set out on his way, just as before, traveling many ground they found was a road and a bridge for them to
days as quickly as he could in the direction where he cross the deep and rapid river. Thus they all crossed over.
thought he would find his followers. Chance led him Everyone crossed this river together except for one
toward the forest of Damantes, where he approached a person called Canaan. This Canaan was born in the city of
river called Celice, which was wide and dangerous to cross. Jerusalem, and he had twelve brothers, with the same father
When he arrived at the shore, he found his companions, and mother, who were all in the group and had crossed the
who had stopped there to see whether they could find a river with Josephus. [220] Once they were on the other
place to cross the river, for it was so rapid and deep that side, and the twelve brothers noticed that their brother
they did not dare enter it. Canaan had remained behind, they were grief-stricken.
When they saw Joseph coming, they were oveijoyed; They went to Josephus and said, “My lord, for God’s sake,
they went to meet him, receiving him very happily. Then tell us why our brother Canaan remained behind while all
they turned to15 Josephus and said, “My lord, how can we the others crossed with us.”
cross this river? Shall we go across or stay here? We don’t “I will certainly tell you this,” said Josephus. “Those of
know what to decide, for there is no ship or galley, and the you who are here, who crossed with us, unburdened
water is so deep that we would soon die if we went in.” yourselves of your sins some time ago, insofar as you could.
“I will tell you what we will do,” said Josephus. “Let us But he has not yet done so.21 Therefore, if he had gone in
all go down on our knees and pray to Our Lord, by whose the water, the burden of his sins would have pulled him
commandment we came to this country, in His sweet pity, down to the bottom, and he would have drowned. Feeling
to send some sign that will give us the courage to go in. ” guilty, he stayed behind because he knew he could easily
They did as he said. They went down on the ground on perish where we all went safely. Now I have told you the
their bare knees; weeping, they began to beseech Our truth about why he stayed behind.”
Lord, in His sweet pity,16 to send them a sign or symbol Then the brothers began to weep very softly, and they
through which they17 might cross this deep, dangerous said to Josephus, “Oh, my lord, will he stay there thus, never
river. After they had been there from the hour of prime to come with us? How can we leave him behind, outside his
until18 noon, waiting for [219] Our Lord to bring them land and far from his nation? He is our oldest brother. We
some answer to their prayer, they suddenly saw a stag whiter should watch over him as we would ourselves. My lord, for
than snow, with a gold chain around its neck, come out of a God’s sake, please do whatever you can so that he will be
small wood. With it were four lions—one in front, another with us, for we will die of sorrow if we depart without him.”
behind, and two at its sides, one on the right and the other Then they lay down at Josephus’s feet and wept so hard
on the left. The four lions seemed to be leading and that he took great pity on them, for they were worthy men
protecting it as dearly as a mother would her child. When in the sight of God and Holy Church, and valorous and
the stag approached the Christians, it passed among them, bold knights. So he replied, “For love of you, I will see that
as did the lions. Seeing that the lions did no harm to he comes across, but I believe [221] that greater harm will
anyone, Josephus19 let them go by. And the stag went come to you from his company22 than should, and it would
straight toward the river and leapt in, as did the lions. be better for you and for him if he stayed there rather than
Upon seeing this marvel, Josephus said to the people come over here to you.”
who were with him, ‘Tollow me; you can be sure you will They still implored him to have their brother with
cross this river without danger, for Our Lord has sent us them, for otherwise they would die of sorrow. And Josephus
this sign.” said he would do as they asked, since they were so anxious.
Then he followed the animal, as confidendy as if he He went back to the river he had crossed, went in, and
were on a rock, for he had placed all his hope in his crossed as easily as before. When he reached Canaan, he
Creator. As soon as he and the people following him went said, “Canaan, now your lack of faith is apparent. If you had
in the water, Our Lord showed him such graciousness that kept to your faith as loyally as your brothers did, you would
they found ground beneath their feet less than two cubits20 not have remained here.” Then he took him by the hand,23
below the surface, so that they hardly got wet at all. This saying, ‘Tollow me.”
After he had led him to the shore, Canaan looked at
15,They were overjoyed. . . . turned to” supplied from
the rapid, black, deep water and said, “My lord, you can
Ponceau. return confidently, but nothing will make me go into this
16“In tears” omitted, as in Sommer, and “By whose water without a ship and risk death."
commandment we came . . . His sweet pity” supplied from Josephus replied, “If you don’t have enough faith in
Sommer. God,24 it is no wonder, for you yourself know very well that
17‘Them” and ‘They,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher some time ago you failed to do something that Our Lord
has “us” and “we”). would have been grateful for. Therefore, you don’t dare
18“From the hour of prime until” supplied from Ponceau and put yourself under His protection. Now stay here, and I will
Sommer.
19‘Josephus,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has Joseph”). There is
21“Who crossed with us” and “of your sins. . . . not yet done
some confusion in the Mans ms. in this chapter between the two
so” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
characters; throughout the following episode Mans frequently has
Joseph” instead of Josephus”; we have corrected, as in Ponceau ^“His company,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “his
and Sommer, without noting every correction. companion").
20The cubit is an ancient unit of linear measure, originally 23“By the hand” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
equal to the length of the forearm. 24“If. .. God” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
144 The History of the Holy Grail

go back to your brothers. Don’t worry about staying here a age to27 youth, which is like returning from death to life. In
long time, for I assure you that some fishermen will soon this same way Jesus Christ, the sweet Lord, the blessed
come by who will take you across.” Prophet, came back from death to life when He left His
Thereupon Josephus crossed back over, and Canaan skin at the agony of the Cross, that is, the mortal flesh He
stayed on the far side. When Canaan’s brothers saw that he had taken on in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary.
was not coming, they began to lament again as much as Because there was never a spot of sin in this Lord, He
before. But this sorrow did not last long, for after Josephus appeared to us as a stag without spots.
had crossed back over, it was not long before some sailors “By the whiteness covering him you should understand
passed by in a small ship. [222] When Canaan saw them, he virginity, which was so nobly housed in Him that one could
beseeched them to take him across in their ship, which they never see a sign or spot of lust in Him. By the chain around
did. There was never so much rejoicing as that of his his neck you should understand humility. By the four
brothers once they were reunited. They loved him so much animals that kept him company, you should [224]
that otherwise they would have died of sorrow. understand the four Evangelists, the four chaste holy men
When Josephus saw that Canaan had crossed, he said, who put into writing part of the works Jesus Christ did while
“Canaan, do you know what the men who took you from He was among us as an earthly man. Thus you should
one side to the other have gained? Your burden will be so understand Jesus Christ by the stag; virginity by the
sorrowful for them, and the fact that they welcomed you on whiteness; humility by the chain; and the four Evangelists
their ship will be so badly rewarded that they will perish by the four animals.26 For this reason you should
immediately before your eyes even though they are pagan understand and realize that Jesus Christ came dressed in
unbelievers. Do you know why this will happen to them? the sign of virginity and humility to lead us across the water.
Because they did something that displeased Our Lord, for it Therefore, you should rejoice when you had such a noble
did not please Our Lord for you to keep our company Leader to take you through this danger.
henceforth. That is why He left you on the other side. And “I will tell you yet another thing that should make you
the reward for those who brought you over will be that the very happy, for just as Our Lord appeared in this form for
water will engulf them. Now you will see whether what I your bliss, He will appear for their despair to the two
have said is true." wretches in the time of the king who will be called Arthur.
As soon as Josephus had spoken, a great wind arose, And the names of the two wretches will be Lancelot and
with a crack of thunder, and began to agitate the water Mordred. Before this time Our Lord will not show Himself
from one shore to the other so wondrously that it would in this form, but then without fail He will show Himself to
have seemed to you, because of the huge, high waves, that these sinners, just as you saw today.”29
the river would flood the entire country. After that a great They conversed in this way until they came to the
whirlwind came from the forest and struck the ship, forest of Damantes. After they had entered and wandered
overturning it. It sank at once, so that no one saw the ship two leagues30 in the tall and ancient forest, Josephus, who
or those in it again. Rather, they all perished and drowned was in front, turned off the road. Seeing him leave the main
just as Josephus had promised. road, those behind him followed. He traveled31 until he
When Josephus’s words came true, just as they were came to a valley, where he found a large, strong, sumptuous
spoken, and those on the bank of the river saw they had lost castle, which was nevertheless not very easy to defend.
sight of the ship and the men [223] in it, they asked When they [225] reached the entrance, they found the gate
Josephus, “My lord, what will we do? Will we stay here or go open. They went in, finding no man or woman to oppose
on?” their entry or departure. Once inside, they considered the
‘We will go into this forest,” he replied, “and then I will castle very beautiful, except that it was quite old and falling
show you Moses, as I promised the day before yesterday.” into ruin. Josephus led them to a great hall on ground level
“Oh, my lord,” they said, “will we really see Moses?” next to32 a courtyard. After entering the palace, they saw a
‘Yes,” said he, “I will show you25 what I can that is big and marvelous fire burning with huge flames, as
good.” brighdy as if all the logs in the world had been set on fire.
Then they left, going toward the forest of Damantes. Upon seeing this fire, they asked Josephus what it was.
And Alan the Fat, who was called the Rich26 Fisherman, At that very moment they heard a voice say loudly enough
Bron, and Peter came to Josephus and said, “My lord, for for everyone to hear, “Holy man, Josephus, filled with the
God’s sake, tell us what the stag and the four lions grace of the Holy Spirit, blessed creature, pray for me to
symbolize, if you can.” the High Master, whom you serve night and day, to make
“My lords,” he said, “this is a symbol of the High this anguish I suffer, which is so great that no mortal heart
Master, who sometimes shows Himself obscurely to His could imagine it, lighter and easier to bear, so that it is less
disciples. And yet if you are not in mortal sin, you can easily
understand that He should show Himself in the form of a
4 “He becomes young ... old age to” supplied from Ponceau.
stag, and I will tell you why. You know very well that when 2ft
4 “Four animals” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
the stag reaches old age, he becomes young again by 2Q
4 A reference to events in the Lancelot, see Chapter 167.
shedding part of his hair and skin, thus returning from old ®o ,
‘Leagues,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has
“days”).
25“Moses, as I promised. ... I will show you” supplied from
‘Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
Ponceau.
32“Next to,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “inside”).
26“Rich” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 145

than what I deserve to suffer.” The voice that said this “Oh, Alan,” said Moses, “I am Moses, your close
clearly came from the fire. relative, who am thus put in fire and flames because of my
Josephus replied to the voice at once, “I would pray to misdeed when I sat in the seat before all of you. I ask you to
Our Lord if I did not think I would anger Him.” pray to the High Master for me, to lighten my pain a little. I
“Ah," said the voice, “I beseech you to pray to Him firmly believe that if you pray to Him, He will listen to your
anyway, because I know that my torment will be lightened.” request, for He willingly grants the requests of the just.”
‘Tell us how things have gone for you—whether you When Simeon, who was next to Josephus, heard that
are lost or saved,” said Josephus, “and if you will ever find this was Moses, he cried out aloud, “Oh, Moses, are you the
mercy from your Creator.” one who is suffering this great travail and pain?”
“I believe,” he replied, “that my misdeed was not so “Father, it is really I. And I would be even worse off if I
great that I cannot still find mercy, for the mercy of the were in the dark house of hell, where I would have been
High Master is so sweet toward sinners that they easily find put if it had not been for the prayer of the holy hermit, who
[226] pardon as long as they do penance. But I committed delivered me from the devils’ hands. Simeon, my father,
too great an offence when I sat in the seat that was not [228] this happened to me because of what I did, and I
granted to me or to any mortal man. It is undoubtedly a would have been eternally damned if it hadn’t been for the
spiritual seat, for the High Master rests there in the holy man’s prayer. I tell you and Canaan this, so that you
company of His ministers, although we don’t see Him. will protect yourselves better in the future than you have
“Because of the great offense I committed when I sat done so far, for you can be sure that by sinning against your
there, I who was an old and sullied sinner, such great Creator, you can fall into even greater pain than I am
vengeance was taken on me that I was lifted from the table suffering.”
before your eyes, by the ministers of hell, who carried me “God!” said Simeon. “Moses, how can I protect myself?
away to take me to the dark house. They went along, tossing For I would not want to endure this anguish for any
me back and forth to each other, until we got here. While reason.”
they were passing through the forest faster than the wind ‘Father,” said Moses, “you have with you the doctor
blows, it began to thunder and lightning began to flash, who will heal you of the deadly venom, if you believe him.
and the greatest storm in the world blew up right at this You have with you Jesus Christ’s minister, Josephus, the
time. This storm lasted a long time. At the moment when holy bishop. Ask for his help, and do as he advises, and I
they were carrying me, it happened that a worthy religious tell you truly that you will never know what pain is.”
of holy life, who had been in a hermitage in this forest for While die son and father were speaking thus, Josephus
thirty-two years, was passing by. When he saw them carrying and Alan, the Rich Fisherman, went down on their knees to
me away, sure of having won me completely, he adjured pray to Our Lord for Moses, that in His sweet pity He
them until they stopped and put me down on the ground lighten Moses’ pain in some way, if it seemed fitting. While
precisely where I am now. they were praying to Our Lord, they saw clearly that from
‘This worthy man came forward and said to them, the heavens water fell into the fire in the form of rain,
‘Leave him, for you don’t have the right to him. He is not putting out a large part of the fire so that the flames were
yours, nor has he committed such a great sin that he is only half as big as they had been before. And when this
completely lost.33 Rather, he will yet find mercy, though he happened, Moses cried out so loudly that everyone in the
will pay for his offense by being consumed in a burning group heard him, “Oh, Josephus, now you can stop praying
fire, as a symbol of his lust, until the good knight [227] who when you wish, for you have cut my pain in half. God led
will bring the great adventures of Great Britain to an end you here for my good, for I felt all the torment and [229]
comes to visit him to learn about the marvel of this thing. pain that mortal heart could conceive. But, thanks be to
Once this knight has come—he in whom there will be no God, now it seems to me that my pain has ceased, so much
fire of lust or stain of base sin or carnal burning—the fire has it been lightened because of you.”
that will have lasted until then will cease. And then this man Josephus replied that he was pleased he had found a
will find mercy and pardon with the help of this holy remedy for his pain.
knight.’ This is what the worthy man said about me and Then Simeon spoke to Moses again, “Moses, my son,
about the punishment I must suffer because I committed do you think this fire, which has diminished, will last a long
an offense when I sat in the seat. time?”
“Upon hearing what he said, the devils left me “It will last, father, but it won’t be as long as I deserve,
completely and went on their way. But they harmed the for if Jesus Christ considered my fault, it would last forever.
people living here, who were pagans, by strangling them all. But it won’t, thanks be to Him, for in His pity and mercy
And I remained here in such torment and heat as you can He has prepared the end of this pain. This fire will stop
see.” when chance brings Galahad, the good knight, the one who
Then Alan the Fat said to the one who was speaking, will put an end to the adventures of the Holy Grail and will
“Say, creature, whatever you may be—man or woman—tell complete34 the adventures of Great Britain. Father, at that
me who you are, so that I may be more certain, for I want time my punishment will end, and I will find rest from my
very much to know you.” pain. And you, my lord,” he said to Josephus, “for God’s
sake, don’t stay here long, but go throughout this land,
33“Lost,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “pardons,”
“pardoned”?). 34‘To the adventures . . . will complete” supplied from
Ponceau and Sommer.
146 The History of the Holy Grail

preaching the name of the True Crucified One. It is much entered, had not forgotten the perfidy he had in mind. He
needed, for in this country35 there are only unbelievers, took his sword, which was very sharp, and went where his
and they are the most unbelieving and traitorous people twelve brothers lay. Having recognized them in the
you have ever seen. Go in the grace of Jesus Christ. May He moonlight shining on them and seen that they were asleep,
guide you wherever you go. And I will stay here until the he drew his sword and struck the first one so hard that he
one whose human goodness will put this fire completely out made his head fly off. Then he began to kill them one after
comes.” another, until every one of the twelve had paid for his
Then Josephus departed with his followers, leaving despair. When he saw they were all dead, he left them and
Moses in the fire. They wandered all that day and the next went to find Simeon. As soon as he saw him, he told him
until they came out of the forest of Damantes and entered what he had done to his brothers.
the kingdom of Scott. It was not called that because it was “Is this true?” asked Simeon. “You have acted as I wish.
Scotland, but because that was the king’s name. That I swear to you that I will do the same to my cousin Peter.
evening [230] they spent the night in a great, wide plain. Wait for me until I’ve killed him and returned.”
After they were seated for supper it happened that “You will find me under that tree,” said Canaan,
everyone in the group was filled so completely with pointing to a fig tree in the middle of the field.
everything their hearts conceived that it was miraculous— He went to the tree, and Simeon [232] went where
except for two, Canaan and Simeon. These two had Josephus was, thinking Peter would be nearby. He carried
nothing from the grace of the Holy Vessel, but were hungry in his hand a keen, sharpened knife whose blade was easily
and wretched for two whole days. a foot long. The knife was greatly to be feared for two
Seeing that everyone in the group was more blessed reasons: it was strongly poisoned, and it cut better than any
than they, they discussed it, saying, “This misfortune that other that then existed. Upon arriving where Peter slept
has happened to us is not because of our deeds or acts but and recognizing him, Simeon raised the knife to strike him
doubdess because of our relatives, who pretend to fear God in the trunk. But it happened, either for Peter’s salvation,
but don’t. And I know that God punishes us more easily or because it did not please God that he die in such a way,39
than them, because we are old, while they are young.” or because Simeon was afraid, that he failed to strike Peter
“Indeed,” said Simeon, “I know36 that Peter, my cousin in the chest, but struck him in the shoulder so hard that he
and Josephus’s,37 who pretends to serve his Creator, does sank the point of the knife in up to the hilt.
not suffer on this road as I do, nor has he done as much Feeling himself wounded, Peter cried out, “Oh God, I
good or given as much for God’s sake as I have. So I believe am dead!” and the others awoke. Seeing that Peter, the one
his sins have been turned against me. And I am convinced they loved the most in the group, was wounded, they asked
that Our Lord is not angry with me because of my him, weeping, who had done this. He said Simeon had
misdeed.” wounded him. They seized Simeon and led him before
“Certainly,” said Canaan, “I agree with you fully, and I Josephus and asked, ‘What shall we do with the man who
say the same thing about my brothers.38 They are so killed Peter?”
perfidious that in no way should they follow our bishop’s As they spoke these words, they heard a loud and
group. And I believe I am shamed by their disloyalty, just as piteous cry and great weeping, for those who had found the
you see, and that Our Lord hates me. Tell me what I can twelve brothers dead were grieving as if everyone they knew
do.” lay dead before them. And when Bron, who was there, saw
‘1 don’t know,” replied Simeon. “But I will avenge them dead like this, he came to Josephus and told him,
myself against my cousin Peter before the hour of prime weeping, “Oh, my lord, come see the greatest sorrow and
tomorrow in a way [231] that will be spoken of here and harm you will ever see—Canaan’s twelve brothers, who have
elsewhere.” just been killed, I don’t know how.”
“And if I don’t deal with my brothers in such a way that When Josephus heard this, he was [233] shocked. He
it will be spoken about,” said Canaan, “I don’t ever want the went there as quickly as he could. Upon arriving, he saw
grace of the Holy Spirit to give me sustenance.” them lying on the ground all covered with blood and said
Thus these two were in despair because they saw that angrily, “Oh, enemy, your traps are so cruel, and you are so
Our Lord did not take care of them as He had before. clever in trickery and deceit! Oh, dear Lord God, I have
Their anger made them do such a treacherous thing that kept such poor watch over those whom you commanded
the entire world spoke about it, and everyone knew about me to protect!” Then he had Simeon brought before him
it. And the chronicle tells what that treacherous act was, and asked, “Simeon, do you know who killed these twelve
how great it was, and its manner. brothers?”
In the evening, once they had gone to bed in the large, Not wanting to hide it, Simeon replied, “My lord, their
beautiful plain, Canaan, into whose heart the enemy had brother Canaan killed them.”
“Where did he go?” asked Josephus.
35“Country” supplied from Ponceau. “My lord, he is there, under that fig tree, where he is
36“I know” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. hiding while he waits for me to return.”
37“Josephus’s,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “Joseph”). Then Josephus ordered those with him to go to the fig
Throughout this section Mans often has ‘Joseph” instead of tree, seize Canaan, and bring him before him quickly. They
“Josephus.” We have corrected, as in Ponceau and Sommer,
without nodng each correction. 4Q((
Or because ... in such a way” supplied from Ponceau and
38Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau and Sommer. Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 147

did what he ordered as fast as they could, and went to as a burning log, flying through the air as easily as two
where Canaan was waiting for Simeon. They seized him birds. They came straight toward them as fast as the wind
despite himself and brought him before Josephus.40 When blows, seized Simeon in spite of them all, lifted him from
Josephus saw him, he asked him, weeping, “Oh, Canaan, the ground, and carried him off in the direction they had
why did you do this? Why did you kill your brothers, who come from.
were such worthy men and such good knights on earth?” But here the story does not tell where they took him,
He replied that if he killed them, he was glad about it nor does my lord Robert of Boron undertake at this point
and did not repent of it, and that Simeon had advised him to tell where they put him or in what place they left him.
to do it But when it is time, he will tell it clearly, so that no one
“Where did this desire come from?” asked Josephus. should have any reason to blame him.44 Now the story
“By my faith,” said Canaan, “it was because I saw that leaves off speaking about Simeon and returns to speak of
they seemed to be more blessed than I was, for every day Canaan.
they were filled with the grace of the Holy Vessel,41 while I
was dying of hunger.”
‘What!” said Josephus. “Because Our Lord loved them
36. Canaan’s Burial and Peter’s Illness.* 1
better than you and showed them greater love, you hated
them mortally so that you killed them like this? Never has
Now the story says that at this point Simeon was carried
any man done a greater act of treachery. Therefore, I pray
away, just as I have told you, so that all those who saw it
to Our Lord to give us a sign by which we might know
were very frightened. They watched as long as they could
whether [234] we should take earthly vengeance for this or
see him2 to find out where he would go, but he was soon so
whether we should wait until Our Lord shows us His
far away that they could no longer see him anywhere.
vengeance.”
Realizing they had lost him completely from sight, they
Then a voice came among them, saying so that they all
came back to the pit they had started for Canaan. They
could hear, “You must pass judgment on both of them, for
made it deep enough [236] to hold a man’s body. Once
divine vengeance is all ready.” Upon hearing this, they said
they had done this, they put Canaan in it, his hands tied
this was a very good sign, since Our Lord agreed that they
behind his back, then threw soil down on him until he was
ought to die, because of what they had done.
covered up to the shoulders.
When the beautiful, clear day had spread out over the
Seeing himself in such a state, Canaan thought he was
world, and the sun, which had already risen, began to
truly going to die. Pitying himself, he began to lament
evaporate the dew, Josephus said to his followers, ‘Judge
bitterly. He turned his head toward Josephus and said as
these two men as you know you must, for it seems to me
best he could, weeping, “Holy creature, Josephus, I have
they deserve it."
sinned against what I shouldn’t have, but because there is
They replied, “My lord, you know better than we what
no sin for which a sinner cannot be pardoned by his
should be done. Therefore, we won’t say anything; it is you
Creator, I pray for mercy with a good, repentant heart.
who will say it.”
Thus, [237] I pray to Him, in His great pity, to have mercy
“I will never undertake to judge them,” said Josephus.
on me so as not to lose what He put in me, that is, my soul.
“You who have been valorous and bold knights on earth 42
And you, Josephus, whom I know to be such a worthy man
who know about the world, and who have now become
and such a holy creature that your prayer can help me, I
Jesus Christ’s knights, judge this in the way of the world.”43
beseech you to pray to Him that if He ever had mercy on a
When they heard they must do this, they stepped back
sinner, He have mercy on me.”
and began to ask one another what they thought they
After that he said to everyone there, ‘Tor God’s sake,
should do. They discussed it, offering many different
untie my hands, so that I can extend them toward my
opinions and suggesting different judgments and means of
Creator before I die. And for God’s sake, before I leave this
death, until they agreed that the two men deserved to be
world in your sight, please do what I ask: bury each of my
buried alive and thus put to death. When they had reached
brothers, whom I killed so treacherously, as you know, in a
this judgment by common assent, they came to Josephus
grave by himself around mine, so that I will be surrounded
and told him what they had decided.
by them all. Do you know why I ask this of you? Because I
He replied, “Do what you have decided upon, for I will
want everyone who comes after us and who sees my
not [235] stop you.”
brothers’ tombs and hears the story of my great treachery
They took the two, tied their hands behind their backs,
from everyone in this land to pray for me. And I ask all of
then ordered two huge pits to be dug where they would be
you here, as my brothers in God,3 [238] to pray for me, that
put. This was done; while they were putting them in as
quickly as possible, they looked toward the kingdom of
Wales and saw two men glowing with burning flames, as red 44See Chapter 38.
1Corresponds to Hucher III: 235-245; Sommer I: 266-269;
Ponceau §387-390.
40“Quickly. .. .Josephus” supplied from Ponceau and
2Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
Sommer.
3“God,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “faith”).
41‘Vessel,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “Spirit”).
42‘Valorous and bold” and “on earth” supplied from Ponceau
and Sommer.
43“And who ... world” supplied from Ponceau.
148 The History of the Holy Grail

He take such vengeance on me in the present time4 that on saw a wonder: it was burning on all sides as brighdy as if it
Judgment Day my great misdeed will be pardoned. were a very dry log when it is put in a great fire. Upon
After he had made this request, those before him, seeing this wonder, they asked Josephus, “My lord, do you
seeing him weeping, took great pity on him and did exactly believe this fire will last a long time? Is it eternal?”8
as he implored, for they untied his hands and buried all his “I tell you,” said Josephus, “that it will not bum forever
brothers around him, each one alone, putting over each a but will cease. However, this will not happen soon; it will
marble tombstone, the most beautiful and splendid they bum until a sinful and lustful9 knight, who will nevertheless
could find in the country. They also put one over Canaan, surpass all his companions in goodness and chivalry, comes.
who was still alive when it was put in place, as they knew Upon his arrival this fire will be extinguished, not because
very well. After that they put the proper name on each of his goodness, but to show that man should direct his
tomb, but on Canaan’s they put words that said, HERE LIES knightly grace in some way. This knight will be called
Canaan, born in the land of Jerusalem, who killed his Lancelot, and he will beget the good knight, to whom Our
TWELVE BROTHERS THROUGH ENVY. Lord will give His blessed grace, and who, because of his
After having done this, they asked Josephus if they holy [241] and religious life, will accomplish all of the
would set out from this place that day. adventures and marvels of Great Britain, where other
“No,” he said, “we will not set out from here today, but knights will fail. Simeon and Moses will be delivered from
I will tell you what to do—something you have forgotten their great suffering by the one I am telling you about,
and which is appropriate in this instance. You know very whose baptismal name will be Galahad, while Canaan will
well that these were worthy and brave men. Put a sign that be delivered by Galahad’s father. And all these things will
[239] will show they were knights.” happen in the time of a king who will be called Arthur.”10
They asked him what symbol he wanted. And he told Thus Josephus told his companions a great part of the
them, “Put on each tomb the sword belonging to the man things that were to come, just as the divine secret had
who lies beneath, and I believe no one who comes here will revealed it to him.
be able to bear those swords.” And they did exacdy that. On the very day he told them this, one of their
That night the group slept in the very place where the companions named Parent, who was a priest, decided to
twelve brothers had been killed. And they looked at Peter’s remain behind. He said he would stay there all the days of
wound. After examining it carefully, they agreed that they his life and, with God’s help, build a chapel, where he
could cure him, so they put in the wound what they would sing Mass every day as long as he lived and where he
thought would heal it.5 But in this they were badly would pray to Our Lord to have mercy on11 Canaan. He did
deceived, for they did not notice that the wound was all this because he saw that Canaan had truly repented of
poisoned. Because they did not use anything to remove his sins before the tomb had been put over his head.
poison, they did more harm than good to Peter, for as soon Thus, Parent stayed there, in order to pray for Canaan.
as they had put on their salve and herbs, which were not He founded a chapel, which Count Balaan, who was the
antidotes to poison, the flesh began to fester, and the lord of the land, caused to be built. Through Parent’s
illness began to torment him more than before, so that it advice, Count Balaan was later converted [242] to the
soon seemed to Peter he would die from the pain he Christian law.
suffered. Thus he said to Josephus, “My lord, you can be The next day all of Josephus’s group departed except
sure that I am now sicker than before,"6 and that the herbs for Parent, who remained there. And Peter remained with
were only harming him. him, because he was wounded and could not follow the
And he replied, “Peter, dear friend, fear not, for if it others. Before long Peter, who was wounded so badly that it
pleases God, Our Lord will tend to your illness.” Thus was thought he would die, began to get much worse, for the
Josephus comforted Peter, because he saw he was poison in the wound made him swell up so much within the
frightened. He and the entire group remained that day and first three days that anyone who had seen him before would
night before the tombs. They had worked so hard that day hardly recognize him.
making the graves, [240] burying the bodies, and carrying Parent knew quite a lot about healing wounds, but he
the tombstones that they rested that night better than they was not clever enough to know the poison in this wound,
had before. which frightened him immensely. When he saw that the
The next day, upon arising, they looked at the tombs wound was only getting worse from day to day, he was very
and marveled over something they had never seen before, sad. And when Peter, who was suffering as much pain as a
for they saw clearly that the swords they had placed on7 man can from a wound, saw that Parent was unable to cure
each tomb were standing upright with the points down and him, he began to weep with self-pity, because he saw he
the handles up, without any mortal man having set his hand would die for lack of a doctor. Then he said, weeping,
on them, as far as they knew. And at Canaan’s tomb they
Q
“Is it eternal?” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
4“In the present time” supplied from Hucher variants, Sommer.
Ponceau, and Sommer. 9“And lustful” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
5 “So they .. . heal it” supplied from Ponceau and Hucher 10The only one of these prophecies to be fulfilled in the
variants. Lancelot-Grail cycle is the deliverance of Simeon; see The Quest for
6“So that it soon seemed to Peter. ... before” supplied from the Holy Grail, Chapter 80.
Ponceau, Hucher variants, and Sommer. lluHim and” omitted, as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
7“On,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “under”). Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 149
“Parent, my dear friend, I see very clearly that I won’t be
37. Peter’s Healing and King Orcant’s
healed in this place, for [243] it does not please Our Lord.
But because I think that with God’s help I can yet do some
Conversion.1
good that would remain undone if I were to die now, I beg
you to take me to the nearby sea. I feel certain that when we Here the story says that after the boat Peter was in had gone
get there, we will find something that will help me more some distance from shore, so that Parent had completely
than if I were to stay here; you can see very well that I am lost sight of it, and was at high sea, a stiff, strong wind [246]
merely getting worse from day to day.” began to push it forward at a fast pace—faster than a bird
When Parent heard Peter’s request, he said he would could fly. For four days Peter traveled at sea in the boat in
do his best to take him to the sea. His search was so this way, eating or drinking but little. On the fifth day,
successful that day and the next that he got a donkey. He around prime, it happened that he fell asleep from fatigue
had Peter, who was very sick, mount it, and led him on it and exhaustion, for he had suffered a great deal of pain in
until they reached the sea. Once there, they found nothing a short time. As he slept, as thin and wretched as he could
but a small boat whose sail was set and which was prepared be, he happened to arrive at an island where there was a
just as if to depart right away. Upon seeing the boat, Peter wondrously splendid, beautiful stronghold. This castle was
thanked Our Lord, for he thought indeed that Our Lord full of pagans, and the lord, who was a king named Orcant,
had sent it only for him. Then he said to Parent, “My dear was one of the good knights in the world, among those who
friend, help me dismount and get in this boat, and I will go did not believe in God at that time.
by sea to a place where I will find a cure for my illness, if it When Peter arrived at the castle, King Orcant’s
pleases God." daughter, a lovely girl, esteemed for her beauty more than
Then Parent began to weep bitterly and said, “What is all the women in the country, had gone to play on the
this, Peter? Will you leave me thus, and do you want to go seashore with several of her companions. While [247] she
to a place from which you may never return? How [244] was amusing herself on shore, she came upon Peter’s boat
can you leave all alone, without any company, as sick as you It was so terribly hot that Peter had taken off his tunic and
are? I implore you to let me at least go with you.” under-tunic so that he was almost nude. When the girl
“Put me in this boat,” said Peter. “Once you have done came toward him and found him sleeping, she began to
so, I will tell what I would like you to do.” stare at him, for he seemed to be very sick. Seeing his large,
Parent immediately took Peter and carried him to the hideous wound, she said to her companions, “Do you know
boat Once he had put him inside, as gently as he could, why this man is so thin and weak? It’s because of this
Peter said, “Now leave, Parent, my dear friend, for you have wound, which is so dangerous that it’s a wonder he’s not
fulfilled my desire. I will remain alone, and you will return already dead. In my opinion it would be a great shame if he
to your chapel and pray every day to God to guide me to a were to die from it, for he had a beautiful body when he
place where I can find a cure. If you see my lord Josephus was sound and healthy. That’s why, if it were possible, I
before I do, greet him for me and tell him that I must do would like the Christian who is in my father’s prison—the
this, for otherwise I would not be healed of my wound. And one who knows so much about how to heal wounds—to be
here, for I know veiy well that if any mortal man can do
I think that God will indeed lead me to a place where I will
something about this, he can.”
find a cure.”
As she spoke these words, Peter woke up; when he saw
Thereupon Parent left the boat, weeping [245] softly,
before him the sumptuously dressed girl and the others
for he felt great pity for Peter, whom he was leaving so ill.
And Peter was also weeping tenderly, for he was very much with her, he wondered who they were. And when she2 saw
afraid of dying. They bade each other Godspeed. After they that he was awake, she asked who he was. He said he had
been bom in Jerusalem, that he was a Christian, and that
had kissed each other, Peter told Parent not to forget him
he was not well and badly needed to find a worthy man who
in his prayers, and Parent did likewise, for each knew the
would know [248] what to do about his illness, for he was
other was a worthy man in God’s sight.
dying for lack of a doctor.
As soon as Parent had left the boat, while he was still
looking at Peter, weeping, the wind struck the sail, and the “What!” she said. “You’re a Christian?”
He replied he was indeed a Christian.
boat left shore and was soon so far out to sea that Parent
“And are you a knight?” she asked.
could no longer see either Peter or the boat. Then Parent
“Yes,” he said, “I am a knight.”
mounted the donkey and returned to his chapel, grieving
“My word,” said she, “since you’re Christian, you have
bitterly over Peter, who had left him in such a way. But now
not arrived at a good place, for in this country and on this
the story leaves off speaking about Parent and returns to
island there are only pagans, who will soon kill you if they
Peter, to tell what happened to him and how he was cured
learn you are Christian. And yet, because you are alone and
of his wound.
sicker than I have ever seen any man, I will see that you are
healed, if I can do it so secredy that my father doesn’t learn
anything about it.”

Corresponds to Hucher III: 245-271; Sommer I: 270-281;

Ponceau §391-405.
2“Sumptuously dressed. . . . she” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
150 The History of the Holy Grail

“My lady,” he said, “do you think you or someone else because he shared his religion. Then he asked Peter how
can try to do this?” long this illness had lasted. He replied that sixteen days
“By my faith,” she replied, “my father is holding previously, as he could see, he had been wounded, and that
prisoner a Christian whom I believe to be a very worthy since then his wound had grown steadily worse; that he had
man in his faith. I am sure that if he were free to come to gone to several doctors, who should know about it, “but it
you, he would cure you, if mortal man’s knowledge can do was no use. And this is what frightens me the most”
so. Certainly, I wish you were in my room now without The prisoner said to the girl, “If you please, I would
anyone knowing about it except my ladies. I swear I would like him to be carried into the meadow, where I will see the
figure out by tonight how to get you in this worthy man’s wound better than in this room.”
hands.” She had Peter carried to the meadow, in the sun. The
“Ah, my lady,” said Peter, “in the name of God and prisoner began to examine the wound carefully, until he
nobility—not for love of me, but for love of yourself and realized it was poisoned, and the reason it could not heal
out of nobility and kindness— [249] take pity on me so that easily was that the poison had not been removed. Then he
I might speak to this worthy man.” said to Peter, “Dear friend, you are badly poisoned, and this
When she heard him implore her so gently, she looked is why you cannot heal. But since I have recognized the
at her companions and said, “What shall we do with this poison, I assure you that I will heal you within a month,
Christian? It seems to me that the person who healed him with God’s help.”
of his illness would be doing a good deed. There seems no Then he began [252] to seek herbs in the meadow and
doubt that he would be a good knight if his health elsewhere, in order to remove the poison. He set himself to
returned.” the task so well that before the month had passed, he
“My lady,” said the others, “if you feel as you seem to, returned Peter to the girl sound and healthy. And if Peter,
he will certainly be healed, for we can easily put him in your who was one of the most handsome men on earth, was
room. We’ll tell you how: we will take him from shore up to handsome when he left Jerusalem, he was now even more
the garden, and from the garden we will take him to the so.
courtyard, and from there to your room. Once we have put During this time it happened that the king of Ireland,
him there, you can easily do as you wish, and the man in who was called Marahant, came to see King Orcant, his
your father’s prison will come to talk to him.” relative. He brought with him one of his sons who was a
“By my faith,” she said, “I would like you to do that.” new knight and who was a very strong man. That night in
Then they took him as gently as they could out of the the castle there was a great festival. But in the evening a
ship and, bearing him up on all sides, led him to the traitorous wine steward in King Orcant’s service3 poisoned
garden. From the garden they led him to the courtyard, the son of the king of Ireland, who died at the very table
and from there to the room of the king’s daughter. Once where he was eating.
they had taken him to her room, they put him to bed so he When the king of Ireland saw that his son had been
could rest, if possible. [250] But this was not possible, for poisoned, he truly thought it had been done on King
he was in too much pain. The girl asked him how he was. Orcant’s advice. So he went straight to Great Britain to see
And he replied that he was dying and that he did not think the king, who was called Luce, since both he and King
he would see the next day. Hearing this, she took pity on Orcant held their lands from him. After Marahant came
him and said, “Now don’t be afraid, for I will soon find help before Luce and charged King Orcant with poisoning his
for you, if I can.” son, Orcant was immediately summoned. When he reached
Then she went to the cell, where she succeeded with London, where King Luce stayed [253] more often than
some difficulty in freeing the man who was imprisoned anywhere else, Marahant immediately accused Orcant of
there. After she had removed his chains, he asked her, “My treachery, stating that by an act of perfidy he had killed his
lady, what do you intend to do with me? Certainly, you will son in his casde. And King Orcant4 immediately pledged to
gain nothing from my death.” He said this because he really defend himself against this accusation, either personally or
believed she wanted to have him killed. through someone else. He did not tender this pledge
And she replied, “Don’t worry. Just follow me to my because he dared enter into combat against Marahant, for
room, and I will show you why I have taken you out of he knew5 Marahant was one of the strongest and best pagan
prison." knights in the world, but he wanted one of his brothers who
Then the girl set off, and he followed. When they was a very good knight to fight for him. Thus the battle was
reached the room, she showed him Peter, who was so sick sworn on both sides. They gave good hostages,6 and then
that there is no man so hardhearted that he would not be the date of the battle was set.
moved to take pity on him. And she said, “Here is a When King Orcant returned home, he asked his
Christian whom we found on shore. If you can cure him, I brother to do battle for him against King Marahant. And he
will deliver you from the prison you are in and send you replied, “Certainly, my lord, no one would advise me to do
both out of this country as splendidly equipped as you can
imagine, and [251] you will go wherever you please. Do you
3“Who was his relative” omitted, as in Ponceau.
know why I’m doing this? It’s only because I was overcome
4‘That by an act of perfidy. . . . Orcant” supplied from
with pity, as he is suffering such great pain.” Ponceau and Sommer.
When the prisoner heard that the man was a Christian, c
“He knew” supplied from Ponceau.
he was overjoyed and said to the girl that he would gladly
When a battle was set for some future time, the combatants
undertake this, both because she had implored him and
offered hostages to ensure their return.
The History of the Holy Grail 151

what you are asking—do batde against King Marahant for the ground that he did not have the strength to get up, for
you—unless he wanted my death, for we know very well that he was crushed in the fall.
no man’s prowess can compare with Marahant’s. Therefore, Once the knight was on the ground, the king charged
there is no way, for life or death, that I will enter a field the next one, bearing him to the ground as fiercely as the
against him in single combat.” first. And he was badly wounded in the fall. Then he felled
When King Orcant heard this, he was very frightened, the third and the fourth ones in like manner. Thus he
for since he had failed to enlist his brother, he did not dispatched all twelve; there was not a single one whom he
know where to turn. He had tested Marahant so many times did not fell. As he knocked each knight down, he took his
in battle that he knew he was really the most valiant knight horse by the reins and returned it to the knight who had
[254] he had ever met. That is why he did not dare to enter fallen.
a field against him. Once all twelve were felled and had remounted, the
Then he sent for twelve of the best knights in his land, king said to them, “My lords, you know that by the custom
having planned how he would learn who was the best one. of this country you are my prisoners, and I can do with you
He pretended to be sick. When they saw him lying in bed, what I want, except take your lives.” And they said this was
they really believed he was ill, so they asked him what was true. “Since you are my prisoners, I order you,” said he, “to
wrong. He said he was distressed by some news that had go to King Orcant and give yourselves up to him on my
come to him, and they asked him what this was. behalf.” They asked what his name was, and he said, “Don’t
“King Marahant has sent into this land a knight who worry about my name, but give yourself up to the man I
boasts that he alone will fell twelve of the best knights of my told you to, for I am certain that when he hears about this
land. And to test this, he is to be at the Round Pine exploit, he will know me well, because I have been with him
tomorrow at the hour of prime. Now decide what you will in many battles.” They said they would indeed do this in
do, for the only reason I have sent for you is so that you will order to obey his command, but they were sorrowful and
go and humble his pride, for I don’t want him to be able to dejected because they had been defeated by a single knight.
boast in his country that he had no one to joust with.” [257]
Thus spoke the king, telling them lies, for no foreign With that the knights departed, returning to their
knight had come. But he himself wanted to test whether homes. And the king immediately struck out into the
among these twelve there was a worthy man he would dare nearby forest, because he did not wish to be seen by any
to put in a field against Marahant. man who might follow7 him. He remained all day in the
The knights said to the king, “My lord, do you know forest. And in the evening, once night had fallen, he
indeed that the knight will come to the Round Pine returned to his garden under the tower, where the
tomorrow at the hour of prime?” seneschal was awaiting him. He dismounted and gave the
“Yes,” the king replied. seneschal his arms and his horse. Once he was stripped of
“We will go to him,” they said, “and joust in such a way his arms, he went into his room; from there he entered the
that we should not be blamed.” hall, where he pretended to be very ill. Seeing him arrive,
Thereupon the twelve knights left [255] the king and those in the hall stood up to greet him, asking how he was.
went to their lodgings. And the king remained lying in his He told them he thought he would be cured, and he forced
bed until evening. Once night had fallen, he called his himself to be joyful, putting on a good face.
seneschal and said, “Bring me arms, but disguise them, and The next day, at the hour of prime, all twelve knights
cover my horse with a blanket to disguise him, for I want to he had felled came before him and gave themselves up in
leave, and I will return tomorrow evening. If anyone asks the name of a knight they did not know. They recounted
for me tomorrow, say that I am unwell, and don’t let how he had felled them without a single one of them being
anyone enter my room, no matter how close he may be to able to move him from his saddle.
me.” “Ah,” said the king, “I know very well who the knight is.
The seneschal did exactly as the king told him. When Certainly, you did badly by letting him escape.” And then
day was near, the king arose, armed himself, and mounted he pretended to be very upset.
his horse. He made his seneschal swear that, no matter He immediately sent word throughout his land by
what news he heard, he would not tell anyone that the king messengers to all the knights renowned for great prowess,
had gone out. Then the king crossed the bridge and rode that they should come joust against the Knight of the Pine.
until he reached the Round Pine, where he waited until the If anyone could defeat him through his prowess,8 he could
hour of prime. be sure to have whatever gift [258] he requested from King
At this very moment, before the hour of prime had Orcant, if it was something the king could and should give.
passed, all twelve knights arrived, but they did not bring any But if he was defeated, he would lose as much, for he would
lances with them, for in all seasons, night and day, the pine be disinherited for a year and a day. When the king’s
was surrounded with lances, because the people of the countrymen heard this news and learned the truth about
country who engaged in arms often came there to test
themselves against one another. When the twelve knights 7“Follow,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “see”).
saw the knight who had come to joust under the pine, 8‘That they should come joust. ... prowess” supplied from
[256] each of them took whatever lance came to hand. The Hucher variants and Ponceau.
king took one and charged the first of the twelve knights,
striking him so fiercely under the armpit that he made a
large and terrible wound, and knocking him so roughly to
152 The History of the Holy Grail

the twelve knights who had been felled, few came, for they preparing them as best he could, he quickly remounted
feared being disinherited if they were defeated.9 and returned to the pine, greeting the king in his language.
Once Peter, who was with the king’s daughter, was Then he took a lance, telling the king he must joust. And
healed and regained his health from the wound he had the king said this pleased him greatly.
received, he was more pensive than he had been. The girl With that they12 charged each other, approaching as
asked him, “Peter, what’s the matter? You are more pensive fast as the stag fleeing before the dogs. They struck one
than you used to be, and so it seems to me you aren’t as another with such great blows that the shields did not
happy. Tell me what’s the matter, and if I can put your protect the tender flesh from being pierced by the sharp
heart at ease, you can be sure I will.” iron points, and they gave each other gaping, deep wounds.
“My lady,” he said, ‘You can do it easily, if you wish.” The king shattered his lance, while Peter struck him so
"Tell me,” she replied, “and I will do it if I can.” fiercely [261] that he flew over the horse’s crupper to the
“Then I’ll tell you,” he said, “since you give me this ground, so wounded that he could barely get up from the
assurance. What has set me to thinking is the prowess of the place where he fell.
knight whom your father has had proclaimed throughout When Peter saw him fall to the ground, he dismounted
his land. There was a time, not long ago, when if I heard and drew his sword. The king had got up, distressed and in
about a knight in our country, as esteemed in arms as he is, pain. And Peter said to him, “My lord knight, you have lost
not even the promise of a kingdom would keep me from your joust; now try to see if you can win anything in a sword
going to joust with him. Nor would I hold back for anything fight.” Then he drew his sword from the scabbard and put
in the world, even here in this foreign land, if I had arms his shield over his head. When the king saw it had come to
and a horse. But having neither, I am as sad and pensive as hand-to-hand combat, he prepared himself to show his
you now see me.” [259] greatest prowess. He immediately drew his sword and
When the king’s daughter heard this, she thought at covered himself with his shield as best he could. And yet he
once that if he did not feel capable of great prowess, he was so badly wounded that he needed to rest more than to
would not have the heart or courage to speak of such a fight.
great undertaking as to joust with the knight no one could Then the melee began again between them, so cruel
defeat. Then the girl said to him, “Peter, don’t be uneasy and dangerous that blood was streaming profusely from
for lack of a horse or arms, for I will furnish you with all this both of their bodies in more than a hundred places. Each
by tonight as splendidly as if you were a king’s son. But was surprised by how brave he found his opponent. The
certainly, my advice would be not to go joust against this king never thought he would find someone who could hold
knight at this time, for I don’t think you can hold out out against him as long as this man had, nor did Peter think
against him.” he would find in any kingdom a knight as good as the king,
“My lady,” he answered, “lend me what you have whom he found to be tough and strong. However, in the
promised anyway, and don’t be afraid, for I don’t think end the king could put up no more resistance, for Peter was
he’ll be able to knock me from my saddle now.” so valiant that before the fight was over the king could no
When she heard him speak so confidently, she was longer stand up, [262] but fell on his face before Peter, so
happy. So she obtained good arms and a good horse for wounded and grief-stricken that any man who saw him
him. And once night had fallen, she took him out through would take pity on him.
the courtyard and led him up to a garden, where she Peter, who never imagined it was the king, pulled at his
explained how to find the pine. helmet and tore it from his head, saying he would kill him
He left the young woman at once and rode until he if he did not give himself up. The king raised his eyes,
neared the pine. He went into10 the forest to rest until the looked at him, and said as best he could, “You can certainly
next morning, dismounting under an oak tree and kill me if you wish, for you have indeed defeated me.”
removing his helmet. Then he took off the horse’s reins “By my faith,” said Peter, ‘You will certainly die if you
and saddle, letting it graze until daybreak, for he did not don’t give up.”
want to go any farther until day had dawned [260] clear “I would rather die,” said the king, “than do what you
and bright ask of me or say such shameful words of cowardice, for I
The next day at daybreak Peter awoke and went to his and all earthly kings would receive too much shame.
horse. He put on the saddle and reins and laced his helmet, Because of this, I would rather die thirteen times over, if I
took up his shield, mounted his horse, and left the forest. could die that often, than say something that would cause
Reaching the forest’s edge on the side near the casde, he shame and reproach to so many worthy men.”
looked toward the pine and saw King Orcant, who had When Peter heard he was a king and not the simple
already come to see whether anyone would come forward knight he thought, he said, “Oh, my lord, for God’s sake,
to joust. Peter dismounted to see to his arms,11 making sure tell me who you are, because from your words it seems to
nothing was missing. After looking them over carefully and me you are a king!”
“Certainly,” said the king, “lord knight, I am a king,
9“Few came . . . defeated” supplied from Hucher variants, and my name is Orcant.”
Ponceau, and Sommer. When Peter realized he was King Orcant, he became so
10“Went into,” as in Hucher variants (Hucher has “stopped grief-stricken and upset about having done him so much
outside”). harm that he did not know what to do. He tendered his
^“His arms” supplied from Hucher variants, Sommer, and
Ponceau.
12Corrected to plural, as in Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 153

sword to him, saying, “Oh, my lord, for God’s sake, pardon The girl said she was very happy about this turn of
me for the wrong I have done you. [263] Truly, I did not events and that if she had served him before, now she
recognize you. Here is my sword, which I tender to you, and would serve him doubly.
I surrender13 my body to you to do with as you wish to Then they sent for the doctor, to look at their wounds,
avenge the wrong I have done.” for they had quite a few, both small and large. Once the
When the king heard his offer, he said, “Say, who are doctor had examined them and seen where they were
you, who have defeated me and yet request mercy from me? wounded, he told them not to be afraid, for he would
I’ve never heard of such a thing—the winner requesting restore them completely to health within five days, before
mercy from the loser!" the date set for the combat. Thus Peter became acquainted
“My lord,” said Peter, “I am a man bom in a faraway with King Orcant and was served and honored by one and
land, in the city of Jerusalem. My name is Peter, and I am a all as sumptuously as the king was.
Christian. The truth is that not long ago chance brought When the day of the combat approached, King Orcant
me to your castle, mortally wounded. But, thanks be to had Peter mount and took him to London, along with a
God, your daughter’s pity, and a Christian you are holding large retinue. When he came before King Luce, they found
in prison, my wound, which had made me lose all hope of Marahant, who had already proposed to the king to take up
living, has been healed. Once I was healed, through the the accusation he had made. Upon seeing King Orcant, the
help of God and this worthy man, I heard you say that you king asked him if he would do battle or if someone would
had proclaimed throughout all your land a joust with the fight for him. Peter, who seemed to be a good knight and a
Knight of the Pine. And I came as soon as your daughter worthy man, stepped forward and tendered his gage against
loaned me arms and a horse. But you can be sure that I Marahant for Orcant. And King Luce took both of them.
would not have come for anything in the world, if I had Then people in the palace began to ask who this was
thought it was you, for I would have abandoned the project who was to fight Marahant, but no one at court knew the
because of the good things I’ve had in your home and that answer, except that they said he was truly one of King
your daughter has done for me. However, because I Orcant’s knights. [266] “In faith,” said those looking at
harmed you through ignorance, I beg you to pardon me.” Peter, “this knight has done a foolhardy thing in
The king pardoned him willingly, [264] on condition undertaking to combat Marahant, the best knight in this
that he enter the field against Marahant for him. Peter said land. I think it would be better for him to desist.” This is
that in order to win the king’s love, he would gladly put how they spoke about Peter, not knowing his merits.
himself at risk. And the king granted that afterwards he When the time came for Marahant and Peter to meet,
would have anything he requested, even his kingdom. the combat between them was without a doubt fierce and
“But,” he said, “until the battle you must stay hidden, so cruel and remarkable to watch, for both knights were full of
that no one will know more about you than they do now. prowess. And this combat lasted from the hour of prime
Do you know why I say this? Because if Marahant knew you until the hour of nones, for Marahant began to defend
were a Christian, he could legally refuse to fight against himself extraordinarily well when he recognized Peter’s
you, since you aren’tof his faith.” great valor. And yet in the end16 his defense was worth
Peter swore that he would not reveal his presence to nothing to him, for Peter killed him, cut off his head, and
anyone. With that they put their swords back in the brought it before King Luce. And he said to him, “My lord,
scabbards and went to rest under the pine until deep night, have I cleared King Orcant of the treachery he was accused
uncomfortable and wounded as they were. Once night had of?”
fallen, they took up their arms again, mounted their horses, “Certainly, my lord,” said the king, “he is cleared, and
and returned to the castle they had14 left that day, so because of what you have done before my lords, I recognize
secretly that no one saw them enter except the seneschal, in you the best knight I have ever seen. That is why, if it
who was faithfully waiting for the king in the garden. When pleases you, I wish to be your friend.”
he saw them coming, he ran to their stirrups and helped Peter said he would very much like to be his friend, but
them dismount. And the king took Peter with him and had that at that time he could not stay in the country. When
his armor removed. King Luce saw he could not detain Peter, he pulled King
Then the king sent for his daughter; once she had Orcant aside and said to him, “Make the necessary
arrived, he said to her,15 “Child, do you know this knight?” arrangements so that in a week I can find you in your castle
pointing to Peter. She was afraid, so she wanted to hide it with this knight and be able to speak with him and get to
from him. And he said, “Dear daughter, you don’t need to know him, for [267] I greatly desire his companionship,
hide it, for you have done well. Now I implore you to do a friendship, and love.” And King Orcant said he would find
hundred times more than you have, for I can assure you them there without fail.
that he is the best knight [265] in the world, having Thereupon they left London, and King Orcant
vanquished and beaten me today. And he has even returned to his castle. The king was happy to have resolved
promised to combat Marahant for me." his difficulty so well at court. Once he had returned to his
casde, you never saw so much rejoicing as that made over
13“I surrender” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
Peter by the people of the king’s land, for they all shouted,
‘Welcome to the best of the good knights!”
14“Once night had fallen . .. had” supplied from Hucher
variants and Ponceau.
15“Her,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “them”). 15“In the end,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher
has “the next day”).
154 The History of the Holy Grail

On the third day, when they were somewhat rested, company and loving him more than anyone except his own
King Orcant said to Peter, “Peter, you have served me so relatives.
well that I could never reward you. And yet I’ll do my best Thus King Luce and his men became Christians
to do so. Ask, and I will give you what you request, if I can. ” through Peter’s exhortation. And my lord Robert of Boron,
“My lord,” said Peter, “I want only one thing. I would who translated this chronicle from Latin into French,
ask for it if I thought you would give it to me. And you can agrees with this, as does the Old Chronicle, which attests
be sure that there is more honor in it for you than you that it was thus. And yet the Chronicle of Brutus does not
think.” say this, nor does it agree with this at all, for doubtless the
The king replied that there was nothing Peter could one who translated it into vernacular French did not know
request that he would not do. anything about the High History of the Holy Grail.
“Then I ask you,” he said, “to become a Christian and Therefore, no one should be surprised if he does not
leave the false religion you have held to until now.” He mention Peter. And because he did not know anything
began to show him in what way he should realize that his about it, he excused himself through others by lying and
religion was false. After that he showed him the articles of saying, ‘Thus say some people.”19
faith of the Gospel and the root of the true faith. Within For a long time Peter lived this way, strong and
two days he exhorted the king and his countrymen so much powerful. And he fathered an heir whose name was Herlan,
that they agreed to receive baptism and abjure the Saracen who was a valiant knight when he began to bear arms.
faith. Immediately he sent someone into the forest to seek a When Peter died, his son ordered that he be buried in
hermit, who baptized them all. The king, who was called [270] Orkney, in a church he had founded and had built in
Orcant, was named Lamet in baptism, and his daughter honor of Saint Philip.
took the name Camille. And for love of him who [268] was His son inherited the land and was thus crowned king
called Orcant before, the people of the country made his of it. A worthy man and faithful to God, he married the
castle1 ^ into a beautiful and rich city, which was henceforth daughter of the king of Ireland, and they had a brave and
called Orkney. valiant son named Meliant. From Meliant descended
Once everyone in the country had become a Christian, another king called Argistes, who was very wise and whose
King Lamet said to Peter, “Peter, my dear friend, I have wife was a young woman from Saxony, a gentlewoman of
done what you asked of me. Now I’m asking you to do what high lineage. With this lady he fathered an heir named
I’ll ask of you.” The latter said he would gladly do so, if he Hedor, who later became king.
could. “I’m asking you,” said King Lamet, “to take my This Hedor was one of the best knights who ever
daughter Camille, a gendewoman descended from kings entered Orkney. His wife was the daughter of the king of
and queens, as your wife, with the understanding that I will North Wales, and they had an heir named King Lot of
invest you with all my land. I assure you that if she pleases Orkney, whose wife was King Arthur’s sister,20 a beautiful
you, nothing has ever happened that would make me as and pleasant young woman with whom he had four sons,
happy as I would be18 if I saw you two joined together in one of whom was named Gawain, who was a good and
marriage.” valiant knight, but too lustful. And the second, who was not
“My lord,” said Peter, “you have done as I asked in the a good knight and whose name was Agravain, was overly
thing I most desired. Because you did as I wished, I will do proud. The third was named Guerrehet, a very good knight
as you wish.” who was valiant and brave and who underwent great travails
The king thanked him profusely and kissed him as a as long as he lived. But in the end he died basely by the
sign of fidelity and love. The maiden, who was called hand of Bors of Gaunes or Lancelot. The fourth was named
Camille by her baptismal name, was immediately sent for. Gaheriet. A good, valiant, and loyal knight, he was without
Peter pledged his faith and took her as his wife. doubt esteemed as the best of his four brothers; he was
On the day of the wedding, King Luce came, surprised worth no less than Sir Gawain, whatever the Chronicles of
that Peter was a Christian. And yet he wanted so much to Great Britain [271] may say.
see Peter and be his friend that, even though he was a And may all those who have heard of Mordred and
Christian, King Luce would not leave his company, but think he was King Lot’s son know that he was not; without a
loved him deeply. doubt he was King Arthur’s son. And the king fathered him
The wedding was celebrated grandly and lavishly in the with his sister one night, when he thought he was lying with
city of Orkney, and King Luce stayed there for a week [269] the beautiful woman from Ireland. When he recognized his
to keep Peter company, for he esteemed him for his beauty sister and realized21 he had lain with her, both of them
and chivalry above any other man he had ever seen. During were grief-stricken and repentant. And all of this happened
the week that King Luce remained in Orkney, Peter and before King Arthur knew Guenevere.
others taught him so much about Jesus Christ’s religion
that he became a Christian, on condition that Peter would
9 “Did not know anything about it. .. people,” as in Hucher
henceforth be his companion in arms and knighthood as variants and Ponceau (Hucher has “because of this, he did not
long as he lived. Peter promised this willingly and faithfully, excuse himself about Peter, and people lie if they speak of it").
on
and he kept his promise as long as he lived, keeping him “King Arthur’s sister” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
Although she is not named here, Arthur’s sister who married Lot is
traditionally called Morgause.
*^“His castle” supplied from Ponceau. 91
“And realized” supplied from Ponceau.
18“As I would be” supplied from Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 155

Thus you can see that Gawain, who was considered was sorry that they had stayed out of the country for so
such a good knight, descended through the generations long. Once Josephus was settled, he [273] inquired about
directly from Joseph of Arimathea. And yet many people do his brother Galahad’s qualities. And Duke Ganor told him
not believe it But now the story leaves off speaking of this that6 Galahad was undoubtedly the best knight in all the
lineage and returns to the chronicle it started, that is, the land and the worthiest man known. Josephus was very
Chronicle of Josephus,22 for if it did not return to it, all happy about this news and held Galahad dearer than he
those who listened to the chronicle could consider it would have if he had heard bad things about him.
foolish. That is why it returns to Josephus and begins the During the first month7 after Josephus’s arrival in
chronicle and his story again, as follows. Galafort, news came from the people in the kingdom of
Hoselice—which was later called Wales—that they had no
lord, for the king had recently died. Therefore, they
38. Josephus’s Brother Galahad Is Made beseeched him to send them a lord who would be worthy of
wearing a crown and who could rule over the land as a king
King of Hoselice; He Lightens Simeon’s should; he must not fail to do so, for otherwise the land
Torment.* 1 could quickly be devastated. Upon hearing this message,
Josephus discussed with Duke8 Ganor and Nascien what to
Now in this part the story says that when Josephus left Peter do, “for if the land remains without a lord," he said, “it will
and the man who remained with him, he and2 his certainly go to rack and ruin. That is why I implore you, for
companions wandered many a day without finding anything God’s sake and your souls’ salvation, to recommend a
but forest and wild animals. The country was full of worthy man I could send them, one worthy of having such a
animals, and they harmed many of the people who passed great land as Hoselice under his authority.”
through there, for at that time Great Britain did not have “Let us discuss it,” said they, “and we will tell you
many inhabitants, especially in the parts near Scotland and tomorrow.”
Ireland.3 In all the places Josephus and his followers went, The next day they came to Josephus and said, “My
they preached [272] Jesus Christ’s true faith. And wherever lord, upon our souls and everything we hold from God, we
Josephus found large groups of unbelievers, in all the tell you that neither in this land nor any other do we know
foreign lands he came to, he was able to convert4 them of any man9 as worthy of having a great [274] kingdom as
because of the skills God granted him. In this way Josephus your brother Galahad. So do what pleases you, for we are
worked in foreign lands until he had been to Scodand, not saying it only for love of him but for God and right."
Ireland, and Wales. “Now keep this to yourselves,” said Josephus, “for I’ll
Finally, after he had traveled so much, scattering his ask other people about this same thing.”10
relatives throughout the foreign lands, some here and Then he sent for the twelve most worthy men he knew
others there, in order to preach and announce Jesus of in all the country. Once they had come before him, he
Christ’s faith, he was overcome by the desire to return to told them exacdy what he had told Ganor and Nascien.
Galafort. As he approached it, he saw that the castle was And they said they would discuss it and have an answer the
twice as large as it had been when he left. This was not next day. The next day they came before him and said the
surprising, for he had been gone for more than fifteen very same thing as the others had.
years. And around the casde there were several abbeys that Once they had spoken, Josephus called his brother
worthy men had founded since his departure. Galahad before him and said, “Dear brother, I am investing
When he reached Galafort, he learned that his mother you with the kingdom of Hoselice, on the advice of the
had died and was buried in an abbey next to the casde. He worthy men in this land, for I have not made this decision
found that his brother Galahad, who had been a small child alone, since you are my brother. And yet I thought there
when he left, was a grown man, strong and valiant and were certainly enough good qualities in you to merit such a
brave, and a wondrous knight who had received the order great honor." And Galahad knelt before him and received
of chivalry from Nascien’s own hand. Josephus marveled at the gift.
seeing him so grown-up. The third day after that Josephus, Nascien, Ganor, and
The people of Galafort rejoiced over Josephus and his Galahad left Galafort, taking with them a large party of
father and his companions and received5 them with great knights. They rode until they came to Hoselice, where they
honor. But no one rejoiced as much as Duke Ganor, for he were received with all the joy imaginable. On Pentecost,
[275] in a city called Palagre, which was the best in the
kingdom, Galahad was11 crowned, anointed, and
22‘That is, the Chronicle of Josephus” supplied from
Ponceau. consecrated by the hand of his brother Josephus. After the
1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 271-279; Sommer I: 281-284;
coronation festivities had ended, Galahad remained in the
Ponceau §406-410.
2“In whose keeping .. . and” supplied from Hucher variants, 6“Ganor told him that” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
Ponceau, and Sommer. 7“Month,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “year”).
3‘Ireland,” as in Ponceau (Hucher has “Brittany”).
8“Duke,” as in Sommer (Hucher has “King”).
4 “Convert” supplied from Ponceau. 9“Or woman” omitted, as in Ponceau.
5“And the lord of the casde received” omitted, as in Ponceau
10“About this same thing,” as in Sommer (Hucher has “about
and Sommer; “received” (plural) supplied from Ponceau and
some things I won’t ask you now”).
Sommer.
^Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau.
156 The History of the Holy Grail

land. Ever after he was such a worthy man, and he was loved soul18 every day, I will ask to be buried here as soon as I
so much by his lords that after his death they changed the have passed from this world. This will lighten your soul’s
name of the kingdom and called it Wales12 in his honor. burden, for I know that this place will be enhanced because
This name was never changed, nor will it ever be, as long as of me, as soon as I am put here.”
the world lasts. Simeon thanked him profusely. Then he said, “You can
Galahad took as his wife the daughter of the king of be sure that this pain will not last forever but will cease as
the Distant Isles and fathered Lyanor,13 who ruled after soon as the good knight, who will be called Galahad by
Galahad. And from Lyanor14 issued in direct descent King name,19 comes to visit me in this land. As soon as he enters
Urien, from whom Wain was bom, the very Wain15 who this pit the fire will be extinguished, and this will be a sign
performed so many valorous deeds in the time of King that in him there was never any fire of lust or burning of
Arthur, for he was a companion of the Round Table, and the flesh. And at that time the adventures [278] that will
he died on Salisbury Plain in the great battle that took happen in this country through the great marvels of the
place between Mordred and King Arthur, when Mordred Holy Grail will end.”
was killed and King Arthur was mortally wounded.16 Thereupon Simeon left off speaking and said no more.
One day Galahad was riding across a great plain, King Galahad continued to address him, but he could not
having been hunting all day long, and it happened that he get a word out of him. Seeing that he would learn no more,
lost his men and all his dogs, for he had left the forest the king set out on his way again, wandering until by
[276] after nightfall, and he could only see his road by the chance he came to20 the road he had left the day before.
light of the moon.17 Therefore, he lost his way and began When he got there, he found his household greatly
to cross a wasteland. After riding that way until about discomfited for love of him, for they feared that some
midnight, always going farther away from what he thought mishap had befallen him. Their happiness at seeing him
he was approaching, he looked and saw a fire burning in a arrive safe and sound was as great as the depth of their
wide pit, as if a great many logs were alight. He approached previous unhappiness.
the fire and stopped, for he wondered who had lit it. While The next day the king had masons and carpenters sent
he was thinking about this, he heard a voice say to him, for throughout the land, and he had an abbey founded in
“Galahad, I am your close relative, and if I had been good, I honor of the Trinity there where Simeon was. Then he
would not have been delivered over to such torment. Have sought all the provisions for sixty monks. Once this was
you ever seen a man tormented as much as I am?” done, he placed there those he thought fitting to pray for a
When Galahad heard him call himself his cousin, he sinner’s soul. He honored and glorified the place as long as
was astounded, and yet he said, “Say there, creature that he lived. And when he died, his body was prepared in such
talks to me, saying that I am a relative, tell me who you are a way so that it would last two hundred years before it would
and why you are subjected to the torment of fiery pain, for I begin to decay. Then his body was clad with a hauberk and
would very much like to know.” iron leg coverings and was put in a golden casket. His
“I am Simeon,” said he, “a relative of yours whom I helmet and sword were placed next to him, while his crown
know you have heard spoken of many times. My body has was placed at his head. Then they put over him a very
been placed in this torment to expiate a wrong I once did beautiful, rich tombstone, which could not be raised [279]
to Peter, one of my relatives. [277] You have certainly heard by any man until Lancelot of the Lake came and raised it
what this was; therefore, I won’t tell you. But for God’s sake, with difficulty.1 Now the story leaves off speaking about
in order to lighten my burden somewhat, do what you can King Galahad and returns to Josephus, to tell how he left
to establish a religious community here, where people will Joseph and his brother Galahad.
pray to Jesus Christ in His sweet pity to have mercy on me
in some way."
“Simeon,” said Galahad, “truly, I have heard about you
39. Josephus Makes a Cross on the Shield
often enough. You are my close relative. But tell me if your
torment will ever end.” Mordrain Used in Battle Against Tholomer
“I will tell you,” he replied, “if you promise to do what I and Then Dies.2
ask of you.”
“I promise,” said Galahad. “And I will do still more, Now the story says that when Josephus left, after having
since you are my relative: after I have built a richer abbey crowned Galahad, he traveled until he returned to Galafort.
here than you imagined, where people will pray for your Upon arriving, he was distressed to learn that King

io
‘“Galles” in French; this of course is suggestive of “Galahad.” 18“Your soul,” as in Ponceau. (Hucher has “my soul and
14
Lyanor,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “an yours”).
heir”).
19A reference to the other Galahad (Lancelot’s son); for the
14“Lyanor,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer accomplishment of this prophecy, see Pauphilet, The Questfor the
(Hucher has “lineage”). Holy Grail, Chapter 80.
OA

15“From whom Wain ... Wain” supplied from Ponceau. “Wandering . .. to” supplied from Hucher variants and
Ponceau.
16These events are recounted in The Death of Arthur, Chapter
23. ^his prophecy is accomplished in the Lancelot, Chapter 108.
l7“Moon,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has 2Corresponds to Hucher III: 279-282; Sommer I: 284-285;
“night”). Ponceau §41 i—412.
The History of the Holy Grail 157

Mordrain had asked for him,3 wanting very much to see Then the king took the shield and began to kiss it very
him and speak to him. Joseph had already died and was tenderly, and he said, weeping, “Oh, God, blessed be You
buried in Scotland in an abbey called the Abbey of the who have taken from me the power of seeing this cross.”
Cross, which made Josephus very unhappy, for he loved his Then he said to Josephus, “My lord, since you are leaving
father dearly. He himself was very weak from fasting and me such a good thing to remember you by, tell me, please,
lack of sleep and from the hardship he had suffered. So he where I can put [282] this shield and keep it, for I would
went, ill and suffering, to see King Mordrain in the abbey, very much like to put it where the good knight will find it.”
the very one the king had had built. “I will tell you what to do," said Josephus. “Have the
Once Josephus arrived, the king, who could not see shield placed where Nascien will have himself put after his
anything, said after greeting him, “My lord, you are most death, for the good knight will come there on the fifth day
welcome, for I have longed to have you near me, because after receiving the order of knighthood.”
you have stayed away from this [280] country for so long. The king said he would do this. Then he had the
That is why I would like very much to know how you are.” shield put back where it was usually kept.
“I am better than I was before," said Josephus, “for it The next day Josephus died, just as he had said the day
has been a long time since I have been as joyful as I am before, and was buried in this very abbey. But later
now." Scotsmen came and carried the body away to the kingdom
“Over what, my lord?” asked the king. “Is it possible for of Scotland, because of a great famine there. It is proven
me to know?” truth, and the Chronicle of Scodand itself attests that upon
“Yes,” said Josephus, “I will tell you. You can be sure the arrival of this holy body, so many good things and such
that I will pass away tomorrow at the hour of prime, for the a great blessing in everything came to the land, that they
Sovereign Master has told me this." said Our Lord had truly done this for love of the body that
When the king heard this, he began to weep bitterly. had been brought there, to the Abbey of Urglay. But now
As he wept, he said to Josephus, “Oh, my lord, since you are the story stops speaking about him and returns to Alan, the
leaving me, I will stay here all alone, I who for love of you son of Bron.
and because of the good qualities I found in you, left my
land and the sweetness of my nation. For God’s sake, since
you must quit the world so soon, I beseech you to leave me
40. The Holy Vessel Is Passed on to Alan.1
some sign of yourself at your passing to comfort me and
remember you by.”
Now the story says that when Josephus saw he was about to
Josephus said he would certainly do so. Then he began
die and that his payment of the natural debt could not be
to think about what he could leave him. After thinking for a
postponed, he saw Alan before him, weeping night and day.
long time, he said, “Ah, King Mordrain, have the shield I
This troubled him, [283] and he asked, “Alan, why are you
gave you when you went to battle against Tholomer
crying?”
brought to me.”
“My lord,” he said, “I am crying like the sheep that
And the king said he would gladly do so. He had the
should grieve when it is left without a shepherd. The wolf
shield brought at once. It was near at hand, because he
can easily attack and strangle it. My lord, I am saying all this
loved it so much that no day passed without his having it
because of you, who are a shepherd, while I am your sheep.
brought before him and kissing it two or three times. At the
You are going away now and leaving me alone. Who will
moment when the shield was brought, Josephus’s nose
watch over me?2 Who will be my shepherd from now on?"
happened to be bleeding so profusely that it could not be
“God will watch over you and be a good and loyal
stanched. He [281] took the shield at once and made a
shepherd—not a bad one, who leaves his sheep in a
cross in the middle with his own blood. After having done
dangerous place,” said Josephus. “He is a true shepherd
this, he gave the shield to King Mordrain, saying, “Here is
who, in order to bring the sheep back from exile, let His
what I leave you to remember me by.”
body be delivered over to death. This shepherd, my dear
“What is it?” asked the king.
friend, will protect you from the wolf, for He takes care of
“My lord, I have made a cross on the shield out of my
you so that the enemy cannot lay a hand on you.”
own blood, so that whenever you hold the shield you will
Then he had the Holy Vessel brought before him and
remember me, for the cross I made will always last, as fresh
said to Alan, “Alan, I entrust you with this, as Jesus Christ
and new and red as it is now, as long as the shield lasts. And
entrusted my father. When you pass from this world, you
it will last a long time, because henceforth any knight who
can invest the person you wish. And henceforth he will be
hangs it around his neck will repent of it, until Galahad, the
entrusted with it in this kingdom, and you will be the one
very good knight, the last in Nascien’s line, comes and
who will invest him.”
hangs it around his neck. Therefore, may no one be so bold
Alan took the Vessel, very happy and joyful about the
as to hang it around his neck except the one for whom God
gift he had received. As soon as Josephus died, Alan left
has destined it. And there is a very good reason, my lord
Galafort, taking with him his brothers, who were all married
king, why it cannot be otherwise: just as this shield has
except one called Joshua. He was not yet married, and he
performed greater marvels than any other shield, likewise
Galahad will perform more marvelous deeds of prowess and
higher chivalric exploits than any other knight.” 1Corresponds to Hucher III: 282-296; Sommer I: 286-291;
Ponceau §413-420.
2“And leaving me alone. .. . me?” supplied from Ponceau.
3“Had asked for him” supplied from Ponceau.
158 The History of the Holy Grail

was one of the good knights in the world, and he was the When the king, who longed to be healed, heard Alan’s
one whom Alan loved the most of all his brothers. When promise, he marveled and said, “I will do what you
Alan left Galafort, his relatives began [284] to ask where he command, but you can be sure, truly, that if I am not
was going. “Certainly," he said, “I don’t know, except where healed as you promise, I will punish you so severely that no
God and chance take me.” one will ever forget it. But now be sure4 that you aren’t
Then he and his brothers left, taking with them one lying to me or telling me anything you can’t accomplish.”
hundred other relatives. And he said that with this lineage “King,” said Alan, “if you are not cured the day you
he would populate some uncultivated land if he found one, become a Christian, do with me as you wish.”
and there he would have Jesus Christ honored and served At once the king had the temples knocked down where
to the best of his ability. the gods were worshiped and adored. After that he had the
He wandered in this way until chance brought him to a idols broken into pieces and burned. Once all the things
foreign kingdom where there were many humble people connected to the pagan religion were broken and knocked
who knew little except how to cultivate the land. This land down, he said to Alan, “Do you want me to do [287]
was called the Land Beyond, and the king of the country anything else?”
was so leprous that hardly anyone had the heart to look at “Yes,” said Alan. “You must become a Christian.”
him or keep him company. This king was called Calafes, Then Alan5 had a tub filled with water; once it was
and he usually stayed in one of his cities called Malta. And blessed and sanctified, and the cross made over it as it
this king and all of his countrymen were pagans. should be, King Calafes got in and received baptism from a
When Alan came to the city called Malta, the priest whose name was Alphasan, a worthy and holy man.
unbelievers who saw him and his companions wondered After being baptized, the king was named Alphasan for love
who these people were, because they were barefoot and of the worthy and holy man who had baptized him.6
poorly dressed. And when Calafes, to whom the news was When the king came out of the water, Alan brought
soon brought, heard there were new people in his city, he the Holy Vessel and uncovered it. As soon as the king saw it,
ordered them brought before him in order to see them. a wonderful thing happened to him, through Jesus Christ’s
His orders carried out, he began to ask them about will, for he was healed and cleansed so completely of the
themselves. And they said they were Christians [285] from leprosy that had sullied him that no one would have
the land of Jerusalem. He then asked who their lord was, thought he had ever had it. When he saw he had been
and they pointed Alan out to him. And he asked, “Alan, can cured—something he never thought would happen—he
you advise me about my illness?” said, ‘This vessel is truly holy,” and that it was blessed with
“My lord,” said Alan, “yes. If you do what I tell you, I Jesus Christ’s qualities.7 That is why he became such a
think I’ll restore you to health within three days.” worthy man and strong believer that he had all those who
“Can it be possible that I’ll be cured somehow?” asked did not want to become Christians killed. [288] The land
the king. was converted to God in less than a week, when people saw
“My lord,” answered Alan, “if you follow my advice, I the beautiful miracle that Our Lord had worked for the
assure you that you will be cured.” king. And this was what made them become Christians so
“Then I swear to you, as a king,” said Calafes, “that I quickly.
will do whatever you command.” After the kingdom of the Land Beyond was thus
“How can I believe you?” asked Alan. converted in this way to Our Lord, the king said to8 Alan,
“You can believe me with certainty,” he replied, “for “My dear Alan, I ask you for God’s sake9 to do something
there is nothing I wouldn’t do to3 regain my health.” for me.”
“By my faith,” said Alan, “I will tell you then what you “My lord,” said Alan, “tell me, and if I can, I will do it.”
must do to be healthy. And if you don’t do it, you can be “Alan, my dear friend, I am asking you to leave the
very sure that you will never be healed.” Holy Vessel, with which you are entrusted, here forever.
‘Tell me then,” said the king, “and you can be sure You can be sure that if it pleases you to do so, in its honor I
that I will do it.” will build the most splendid and best-situated stronghold
So Alan said, “If you ever want to be cured, you must possible. And I will do even more10 for love of you,
first abandon your Saracen faith [286] and have the idols something that should honor you, for I will give my
that you have worshiped for so long knocked down. Once daughter to your brother Joshua as his wife and leave him
you have abjured the devil, whose servant you have been for
such a long time, you will receive Jesus Christ’s religion and
4“Be sure,” as in Hucher variants and Ponceau (Hucher has
be baptized, for otherwise you cannot be a loyal Christian. “tell me”).
Once you are a Christian, I will show you a holy vessel;
5“Alan,” as in Sommer (Hucher has “the king”).
simply by looking at it, you will be so completely cured and 6 (rp
‘The king was named . . . baptized him” supplied from
cleansed of the leprosy you have that it will seem that you Hucher variants and Ponceau.
never had it. And if I don’t do what I have told you, and if
'This clause is ambiguous; it could also mean “and that its
you aren’t immediately cured, I want you to have my head powers came from Jesus Christ Himself.”
o
cut off, as well as those of my companions.” Mans has lost a folio here; both Hucher and Ponceau use
Paris, BN 770.

3“How can I believe you. ... do to” supplied from Hucher 9“God’s sake” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
variants, Ponceau, and Sommer. 10“Most splendid” and “possible.. .. more” supplied from
Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 159

all my land, crowning him during your lifetime, with the can be sure that anyone who stays here will die or leave in
agreement that this vessel will stay in this land.” shame, unless he is definitely a good knight.”
Alan said he would be pleased for it to remain, for it Then he pulled his lance out and left at once. The
was his intent to entrust Joshua with it after his death. The king fainted from the pain and lay the rest of the night in
king had his daughter brought at once and gave her to such distress that he thought he was certainly going to die
[289] Joshua and invested him with all his land. Then the before day came.
king had a beautiful stronghold built above rapid-running The next day, when the lords came to the palace and
water.11 He had many sumptuous palaces and large houses saw the king so badly wounded, they were more than a little
built, as well as a manor as splendid as any that existed. frightened, and they asked him how this had happened. He
Once it was finished and prepared, they found on one of told them, “Ah, for God’s sake, don’t ask me to talk, but
the gates a miraculous inscription in Chaldean saying, THIS take me quickly out of this palace, for the place is so
CASTLE SHOULD BE CALLED CORBENIC. And in that language praiseworthy because of the [292] Holy Vessel’s presence
“Corbenic" means the same as “Holy Vessel.” When they that no knight should stay here, especially at night, when
saw the name in writing, they said it did not please Our the Holy Vessel is brought in. You can be sure that the
Lord that it be called by any other name, so they called it palace has a nobler name than any I have ever seen."
that right away. And they had people come at once to They asked him what its name was, and he said it was
inhabit the castle. Once this was done, they brought12 the the Palace of Adventures, because greater adventures and
Holy Vessel and put it in a high room next to the main marvels would happen there than anywhere in the world.
palace. Thus the king taught the name of the palace to those who
The Sunday after the Vessel was brought to the palace, did not know it before. And henceforth it was always called
the king ordered the wedding celebrated between his this. Because of the adventure that befell the king, many
daughter and Joshua. This was done, and the people of the knights came and stayed there at night, but none stayed
country did homage to Joshua. He was crowned that day in who was not found dead in the morning, until Arthur’s
Corbenic Castle [290] and married King Alphasan’s nephew Gawain came. He did not die, and yet he was so
daughter. That day everyone who ate was filled with the shamed and injured that he would not have wished15 to
grace of the Holy Vessel,13 so that there was no one who did undergo this in return for all the kingdom of Logres.16
not have whatever he could describe to eat. That night King Alphasan lived ten days after being wounded, sick
Joshua and his wife lay in a room below and conceived and unable to be healed. He and Alan passed away on the
Aminadap, who was king after Joshua and held the same day and were buried next to each other in the Church
kingdom of the Land Beyond. of Notre Dame at Corbenic. Thus the Holy Grail remained
That night King Alphasan slept in the main palace; in in Corbenic Casde.
the middle a very beautiful, sumptuous bed was made up. King Joshua ruled his land with a firm hand. After him
During the night, around midnight,14 he awoke, and reigned his son Aminadap, who married one of the
looking before him, he saw the Holy Vessel sitting on a daughters of Luce, the king of Great Britain. [293] This
silver table; in front of it was a man he did not know, who young man17 and woman had a son named King Carcelois,
looked like a priest when he is saying Mass. Around him a valiant and brave knight and a worthy man in God’s and
there seemed to be more than a thousand voices, giving the world’s eyes. King Carcelois fathered King Manuel, and
thanks to Our Lord. He did not see the bodies from which he fathered King Lambor. They were all kings and held
the voices came, and yet he heard around him the noise of land and were called the Rich Fishermen.
feathers and beating of wings as loudly as if all the birds in This Lambor was a good knight who loved God so
the world were there. [291] much that it was believed there was no more worthy man
Once the song of praise was over and the Holy Vessel than he in all of Great Britain, either in a religious house or
was carried back into the room it had come from, a man any other place. He had a neighbor called Varlan, a rich
who seemed to be enveloped in flames came to King king18 whose lands bordered on his. He was a Saracen
Alphasan and said, “King, no man should lie in this recently converted to Christianity, and the two were at war
palace—neither you nor anyone else—for scarcely could against one another with all of their forces.
any man, through a good life, be worthy of remaining in One day it happened that King Lambor and King
the place where the Holy Vessel was honored as you saw. Varlan had assembled their men above the seashore, and a
You did a very foolhardy thing in coming to sleep here; Our great and wondrous batde had begun between them. In it
Lord wants vengeance taken.” King Varlan was defeated, and all his men were killed, so
Then he released a lance he was holding and struck that he fled alone toward the seashore. When he reached
the king through both thighs so that the lance appeared on shore, he found a ship that had just landed. This ship was
the other side. And he said to the king, “Now may others the most beautiful and sumptuous he had ever seen or ever
refrain from staying in the Palace of Adventures, for they would see in all his life. And if anyone should come forward

11 “Above ... water” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. 15Mans picks up here again.
12“Brought,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has 16For the realization of this prediction, see Lancelot, Chapter
“prepared”). 137.
13“Holy Vessel,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer 17“Man,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “woman”).
(Hucher has ‘Jesus Christ”). 18“Called Varlan” supplied from Ponceau; “king” supplied
14“Around midnight” supplied from Ponceau. from Ponceau and Sommer.
160 The History of the Holy Grail

to ask what ship this was, I [294] would reply at once that it worthy men from whom he was descended,26 and his good
was the one Nascien saw at the Turning Isle. life, and the good purpose he had in life. So He granted
Upon reaching shore, the king jumped into the ship. him in His graciousness so much grace that he brought to
After looking at the sword, he drew it from the scabbard an end all the adventures the other knights had failed in or
and turned back. Finding King Lambor in his path, he were unable to finish. The story now stops speaking about
struck him on the helmet. The sword was so sharp that it Alan’s branch, for it has very well told what it should, and
split the king from the top of his helmet, through the turns back to speak about Celidoine and his lineage.
horse, right down to the ground. This was the first19 blow of
the sword in Great Britain.20 There resulted such great
persecutions to both kingdoms—the kingdom of the Land 41. Nascien’s Death; Celidoine’s Lineage.* 1
Beyond and that of the land of Wales—to avenge King
Lambor, whom God loved so much, that for a long time
Now the story says that when Josephus left this world,
afterwards the lands that should have been cultivated were
Nascien, Celidoine, and Narpus, King Celidoine’s son, who
not. Nor did wheat, oats, or anything else grow, nor did the
was already a tall and handsome young man, were present.
trees bear fruit, nor were any fish to be found in the waters
After Josephus was buried, Nascien remained with King
except very litde ones. And for this reason, the land of the
Mordrain to keep him company. And it so happened that
two kingdoms was called the Waste Land.
Nascien and his wife and King Mordrain’s wife all died on
When Varlan saw that the sword cut so well, he decided
the same day. The two ladies were buried [297] in the same
to go back and take the scabbard. So he returned to the
abbey where King Mordrain was. But it did not please
ship and put the sword into the scabbard. As soon as he had
Nascien to be laid there; rather he was put in another abbey
done so, he fell dead [295] before the bed. All those who
far from there. The king had the shield carried with him
saw21 this then said that he died because he had drawn the
and left in the abbey; since then many knights have come,
sword. He remained there until a maiden removed him, for
wishing to carry the shield away with them. But none of
there was no one in the country brave enough to board the
them hung it around his neck without repenting of it, for
ship because of the forbidding words on the side, which the
some of those who put it on died a cruel death, while
story told about earlier,22 for those who knew them were
others did not go far before they were wounded by
very frightened. Through this adventure that I have told
happenstance or some other thing. Thus the shield stayed
you, the two kingdoms that bordered on each other were
in the abbey until Galahad, the very good knight, hung it
completely devastated and destroyed.
around his neck.2 But now the story leaves off speaking
After King Lambor, his son Pellehan23 reigned, who
about the shield and returns to Celidoine.
was wounded in both thighs in a battle in Rome. Because of
Now the story says that when Celidoine left his father,
the wound he received in this battle, everyone who knew
he went with Narpus to the land King Mordrain had given
him called him henceforth the Maimed King, since this
him. That same year he made his son a knight. And he lived
wound could not be healed until Galahad, the very good
twelve years, holding his land so peacefully that he never
knight, came to visit him. And then without fail he healed
had a neighbor who dared make war on him. He loved and
it.24
feared God more than any man around him. He was so
From Pellehan descended a king named Pelles, a very
charitable and gave so gladly for God’s sake that he would
handsome, brave knight, and a worthy man. The latter had
have given the whole world to the poor if it had been his.
a daughter whose beauty surpassed that of all the women
He knew a remarkable amount about the course of the stars
who [296] ever lived in Great Britain, except Queen
and astronomy, and so he was able to foresee a great many
Guenevere, King Arthur’s wife. With this young woman,
of the things that were to come. [298]
who was so beautiful and noble, Lancelot fathered Galahad,
As a result, a marvelous adventure happened to him.
the good knight who brought the adventures of Great
One evening when he was looking at the course of the stars
Britain to an end 25 Although he was conceived in sin, Our
and the firmament, he saw clearly that such a great famine
Lord did not consider this, but rather the high branch of
would come to Great Britain that many people would die of
hunger. Then he said to his seneschal, “Go take all my
19“First” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
riches and buy wheat wherever you can with all of it”
Sommer.
“My lord,” said the seneschal, “you already have twice
20This blow corresponds to what will elsewhere be called the
as much as you need.”
Dolorous Stroke. In Malory, for example, Balin wounds Pellam
with the spear of Longinus, resulting in the infertility of the Waste “Don’t fret about it,” the king said,3 “for it is my
Land. pleasure that you do this.”
21“Saw” supplied from Hucher variants, Ponceau, and
Sommer.
“From whom . . . descended” supplied from Hucher
22See Chapter 20. variants, Ponceau, and Sommer.
23“His son Pellehan,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher 1 Corresponds to Hucher III: 296-308; Sommer I: 291-296;
has “Pellehan and his son”). Ponceau §421-428.
24See The Quest for the Holy Grail, Chapter 80. 2A reference to events in The Quest for the Holy Grail; see
25Galahad’s conception is described in the Lancelot, Chapter Chapter 10.
o
149. To himself’ omitted, as in Ponceau.
The History of the Holy Grail 161

The seneschal did what the king had told him, will attack from two directions, some from the front and
arranging to buy and store all the wheat he could find, far some from behind, so that they can’t return to their ships,
and near. while those remaining here will attack from the castle.
The people of that land talked quite a lot about what Then you will see them become so frightened and lost that
the king had done, saying among themselves, ‘This king they won’t be able to defend themselves. In this way, we’ll
thinks he’s going to die of hunger!” And they joked about it be able to overcome them easily.”
a great deal in private. But later they considered4 They all agreed to this plan, saying that Narpus had
themselves fools, and him wise, for before the year had spoken well and that they did not see how they could save
passed, a great famine came to all of Great Britain, with themselves any other way.
such a lack of all commodities that nearly half the In the evening as soon as night fell, they took up their
population died. arms and, wearing full armor, left the castle and settled
Then a messenger came to the Saxons5 and said, “If [301] in the forest as close to shore9 as possible, leaving
you care to go to a land in Great Britain ruled by King part of their men in the casde. A litde after the time when
Celidoine,6 you’ll find commodities and food in great people fall asleep, the Saxon ships landed direcdy in front
plenty.” [299] Hearing this, they discussed among of the casde. Once the Saxons had disembarked and set
themselves what to do, until they agreed to go, armed and foot on land, they headed toward a large plain below the
in strength, to this kingdom, where they would destroy the castle, ordering their men to bring their arms. The latter
country, its men and women, and take7 all the goods they returned to the ships to fetch them. When the men who
found. Having decided this, they set out to sea with a large were in the forest, only waiting for their moment, saw they
number of armed men and horses. could harm their enemies, they charged on their horses,
The very night they put to sea, it happened that assailing them on all sides with lances and swords so
Celidoine, who was looking at the stars, saw by the signs savagely that they threw them to the ground. Caught by
that the Saxons8 were coming against him with an army to surprise, the Saxons tried to return to their ships but could
disinherit him and take his land. Then he quickly sent word not, for they found others who came upon them, dealing
everywhere, summoning all the barons and knights who such great blows with their sharp swords that they quickly
held land from him to meet him in three days at one of his sent many a head flying.
casdes on the sea, where he thought the ships would land. Seeing this, they headed for the castle, for they
They could not imagine what the king wanted, so they rode thought the casde’s inhabitants were outside. Approaching
hastily, arriving on the given day at the hour of prime at the the gate, they encountered still others, who came forth fully
castle where the king, who had come there the day before, armed. And the moon was shining clearly, allowing them to
was awaiting them. see one another well. So the Saxons, having been caught
Once they were all assembled, he said to them, “My unarmed and frightened, were so completely routed that
lords, do you know why I have sent for you in such great not one remained undefeated. Thus Celidoine’s land was
haste?” protected by his wisdom [302] from two things: famine and
“My lord, we don’t,” they replied, “but you’ll tell us if it enemies.
pleases you.” When Celidoine died, he was buried at Camelot.
“I will tell you,” he said. “You can be sure that tonight, Narpus was crowned after his father and held the land. He
around the time when people first fall asleep, the Saxons had a son called Nascien in bapdsm, in memory of the first
will arrive [300] at this castle in such great numbers and Nascien, and who reigned after his father. Our Lord was so
with so much strength that if they can reach land safe and wonderfully housed in him that in his time no more worthy
sound, I tell you that they will waste and devastate our land man was known than this Nascien. From him was born a
in very little time, for they have three men for every one of king named Alan the Fat. If his father was a worthy man in
ours. Now consider what we should do, for defeat or victory God’s eyes, the son was even more so. Alan would rather
lies in the balance.” have been dead than do anything against Our Lord’s will.
When Narpus, who did not yet know anything about The next king, who descended from Alan, was named
this, heard his father’s words, he replied, “My lord, it’s easy Isaiah. He was a loyal, worthy man who honored his Creator
to advise you. Before us is a huge and wondrous forest, and never angered Him knowingly. The fifth king, who
where we will withdraw, completely armed, as soon as night descended from Isaiah, was named Jonah, a good knight,
falls, and wait for them until their ships land. Once they are more valiant and brave than any man. He honored Holy
at port, I know they won’t wait to arm themselves, but will Church and glorified her to the best of his ability. He left
take their things out of the ships, because they don’t think Great Britain, giving his land to one of his brothers,10 and
we know anything about their landing. Once they have went to Gaul, where he took as wife the daughter of
disembarked and are a certain distance from their ships, we Maronel, from whom he obtained the kingdom of Gaul. He
lived for a long time and had a son named Lancelot. The
4“Considered,” as in Hucher variants, Ponceau, and Sommer
latter left Gaul and came to Great Britain, where he took as
(Hucher has “became”). wife the daughter of the king of Ireland, and he held the
5“Saxons,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “the
seneschal”). 9"As close to shore” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
6“Ruled ... Celidoine” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer. 10“Giving . .. brothers” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
7‘Take” supplied from Sommer.
®‘That the Saxons,” as in Hucher variants and Sommer.
162 The History of the Holy Grail

land that had been her11 father’s. This king called Lancelot into the spring. When he saw the head in the spring, it
had two sons, both kings, one named Ban and the other seemed to him that he would be fully avenged only if he
[303] Bors. Ban of Benoic had two sons, one of whom was a made the head and body unrecognizable.
bastard child named Hector, while the other was named Then he put his hands in the spring to pull the head
Lancelot. And Bors, who was king of Gaunes, also had two out. At once a miracle happened: the water, which had
sons, one named Lionel and one named Bors. A great been cold before, began to boil hard, becoming so hot that
marvel happened to this Lancelot who was King Ban’s the duke’s hands were burned all over before he could pull
father, one which should not be forgotten, but is good to them out. Seeing this, he knew he had acted badly and that
remember. And I will tell you what it was, for it is good to God was angry with him for having killed the worthy man.
hear. So he said to those with him, “Bury this body quickly, for if
It is true that in God’s eyes Lancelot was the most it were known that I killed him, no one could save me from
worthy man in all his kingdom. Below the city where he dying.”
lived was Bellegarde Castle, and in it a lady who was the wife After hearing this, they buried the body at once before
of one of Celidoine’s first cousins. She was the most the hermitage and returned to their castle. Once they were
beautiful lady known in Great Britain. Besides that, she was nearby, they met a child fleeing, who said to the duke, “My
such a good, pious woman and led such a noble life that lord, I have wondrous news for you: such darkness has
she always wore a hair shirt next to her skin. Just as the light come over your castle [306] that nothing can be seen, and
of a candle cannot be hidden from sight when it is in the this happened just now at the hour of noon.”
candlestick, the lady’s goodness could not be hidden for Hearing this, the duke said, ‘Truly, I have acted badly.”
long from the knowledge of those who had placed their “My lord,” said his companions, “let’s go away
hearts in Jesus Christ. Thus King Lancelot met her and somewhere.”
[304] became acquainted with her. The king loved the lady The duke replied, “I will go see if this is true.”
deeply, and she reciprocated his love. And they often went Then he went straight to his castle; there he saw the
to see one another, until foolish people, full of bad will, great darkness diffused inside. As he came through the
noticed this and put it in the worst possible light, saying gate, a great many of the stones fell on him, crushing him
that the king loved the lady passionately. They spoke so completely, along with those who had been with him when
much about this that the lady’s husband, who was a cousin the wicked deed was done. Thus Our Lord avenged King
of the king’s, heard about it. And one of his brothers said, Lancelot against the duke, who had killed him
“My lord, you are wrong to allow King Lancelot to dishonor treacherously. And the fountain boiled for a long time,
you with your wife. Certainly, if I were in your situation, I until Galahad, Lancelot’s son, came there.14
would avenge myself.” Another miracle occurred as a result, and it was no less
“Surely,” said the duke,12 “I would be very surprised if beautiful: once a tomb had been placed over15 King
the king were doing this, and if I truly thought he was Lancelot, every day at the exact hour of his death, drops of
seeking my shame, as people say, I would never rest until I blood came from the tomb with such great power that any
had avenged myself." wounded knight who could touch them with his wounds
‘Then you can certainly avenge yourself,” said his was immediately healed. This marvel was announced
brother, “for I am telling you truly that it is so.” throughout the country so that whenever knights were
“And I tell you in truth,” said the lord, “that I will take wounded, they all came, poor and rich alike, and were
vengeance, as soon as I find the time and the place.” healed as soon as they touched the blood.
Things were left this way. One day it happened that a lion chased a stag past the
It was Lent, and Easter was so near that the time of the tomb. The lion captured the stag and killed it. But when it
Passion had come. And then the king came to see the lady wanted to eat the stag, a second ravenous lion came along
every day, and if he did not, the lady came to him. They and tried to take the quarry away. The lion that had come
took such pleasure in the service of Our Lord that it was earlier did not want to allow this, but defended its food with
remarkable. On the day of the Holy Cross13 it happened all its strength. A fight began at once [307] between the two
that the king went into the Perilous Forest barefoot and in lions. The battle lasted a long time, as the two so beset each
humble woolens with two companions to hear the service other with their claws and teeth that both had more than
given by a hermit. [305] When they reached the hermitage, ten wounds in their bodies. Once they had wounded each
the duke was following them with two companions, other badly and fought as long as they could, one of the
completely armed, planning to avenge himself for the evil lions went to the tomb, from which drops of blood were
he thought was being done. And it happened that the king flowing at the time, for it was around noon. When it came
had confessed to the hermit and had heard the day’s to the tomb, it began to lick the blood and touch its
service. He left and, intending to take a drink, turned wounds, for it was badly injured. So it happened that the
toward a spring in front of the hermitage. As he leaned bon was immediately healed and as healthy and sound as it
over to drink, the duke came up behind him with his sword had been before. And when the other16 lion saw this, it
drawn and struck him so fiercely that he made his head fly immediately did the same thing as its companion had done

nThe referent is ambiguous; it could be his father’s, but the 14A reference to events in The Quest for the Holy Grail, see
context suggests that it is hers. Chapter 80.
12“Duke,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “king”). 15“Over,” as in Ponceau and Sommer (Hucher has “under”).
1 fi
13That is, Good Friday. °“Other” supplied from Ponceau and Sommer.
The History of the Holy Grail 163

and, like the first one, was quickly healed. And then the And this marvel of the two animals lasted until Lancelot of
lions made a compact between them, so that they never the Lake came and killed them both, just as the story will
fought again. One of them lay at the foot of the tomb and tell clearly later on.18
the other at the head, guarding the tomb as if they were Now the story is silent about all the lineages that [308]
afraid that someone would move it or take it away. came from Celidoine and returns to a branch called the
Many a time it happened that when a knight came17 to Story of Merlin, which should be joined carefully to the
heal a wound, he could not touch the tomb because of the History of the Holy Grail because it is a branch of it and
two lions guarding it. And when some knight tried to force belongs to it. And my lord Robert of Boron begins the
his way there, the lions would quickly kill him. The tomb branch in the following way.
was never without one of the lions, night or day, for when
they were hungry, one of them went hunting, while the The End. Walter of Kayo wrote this book.19
other remained to guard the tomb, just as you have heard.

l7Corrected to singular, as in Ponceau. -

18A reference to events in the Lancelot, see Chapter 164.
19‘The End ... book” in Latin in the text.
 ■

■#•4
*
 The Story of Merlin

translated by Rupert T. Pickens

 The Story of Merlin

1. Merlin’s Conception and Childhood fleshly lust of a man or a woman, though we saw Him and
assailed Him in every way we could. When we had put Him
Deeds.1 II
to the test and seen that we could not find any of our works
in Him, He was willing to die to save human creatures. He
[3] In this part the story says that the devil grew very angry
loved them gready indeed, [4] since He wanted to undergo
after Our Lord had gone to Hell and freed Adam and Eve
such great suffering to have them for Himself and take
and as many others as He pleased, so that when the devils
them from us.
saw it they were very much afraid and they were greatly
“And we must work very hard to get them back,2 so
astounded by it
that He will not have taken anything from us that is ours by
So they met and said, “Who is this who so overwhelms
right, and we must trick Him and work our way so that they
us that no power we have can stop Him from doing
cannot find their way back or even speak with those
whatever He pleases? We did not believe that any man bom
through whom they might have forgiveness.”
of woman could fail to belong to us, yet He overwhelms us!
Then they all said together, ‘We have lost everything,
How can He have been bom? For we have not seen in Him
since He can forgive sins until the end of humankind, if He
any leanings for earthly delights such as we have seen in all
can find people doing His works, whereby they are His. And
other people.”
even though they do our works all the time, they will be lost
Another devil then answered them and said, “He has
to us if they repent. Thus, we have lost everything!”
been able to harm us because we thought that we could
Then they began talking all at the same time and said,
overcome Him. Remember, the prophets said that the Son
“The ones who have hurt us most are those who tell the
of God would come to earth to save sinners, descendants of
news of His coming down to earth: they are the ones
Eve and Adam, as many as He pleased. And we went and
through whom the great harm has come to us. The more
took those who said this and tormented them more than
they said it, the more we tortured them, so it seems that He
the others. Yet, it seemed that our torture did not hurt
came all the more quickly to help them and to save them
them, rather they brought solace to the other sinners by
from the torments we worked on them. But how can we
telling them that the One who would deliver them would
have someone who might speak out and tell about our
come down to earth. aims, our deeds, and our ways of life—who might have the
“What the prophets said has now happened, and He
power, like us, to know things done and said and past? If we
has taken from us all those we had won for ourselves, so
had someone who had that power and who knew those
that we cannot lay claim to any of them, and He has also
things, and if he were on earth with other folk, then he
taken away all the others with such might that we cannot
could help us trick them just as the prophets who were with
understand it. Don’t you know that He washes them in us tricked us, those who told us what we did not believe
water in His own name and that they are baptized in that could happen. And he could also foretell things that were
water in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy to come about and be said soon and far in the future, so
Ghost? By this we should know that we have lost them, and
that he would be believed by everybody. Anyone who can
we have no power over them until they come back to us
bring about such a thing will have worked wonders!”
through their own deeds. So our strength fails, for He has Then one of them said, “I don’t have the power to
taken it from us. What’s more, He has left ministers on conceive or to cause a woman to conceive. But if I had that
earth who will go on saving souls, so long as they do not do
power, I would do it well! For I know of a woman who
our works, if they are willing to repent and give up our gladly does everything I want. And there is among us,” he
works and do what their teachers command. This is how
went on, “one who can take on the likeness of a man and
they are utterly lost to us. lie with a woman, so long as he does it as secretly as he can."
“He has indeed provided spiritual substance who came They undertook to engender a man who would teach the
down to earth to save humankind and lowered Himself to others. The devils were mad for thinking that Our Lord did
be bom of a woman and suffer the torments of the world.
not know this plan.
He came without our knowledge and not through the

^Avoir (“to have") in Sommer’s text (4, 1. 1), ravoir (“to get
1 Corresponds to Sommer II, 3-20. This translation is based back”) in Micha (1,1. 47).
primarily on the second volume of Sommer’s edition of the
Vulgate (see bibliography following introducdon), but it also
makes use of Micha’s edition of Merlin, which includes the material
contained in approximately the first eighty-eight pages of Sommer.
The main source is cited in the notes simply as “Sommer,” with vol.
II understood.

167
168 The Story of Merlin

Thus the devil undertook* 3 to engender a man in his death. In the morning she was found hanging, and when
likeness and mind in order to ensnare the people4 of Jesus the worthy man learned that he had lost his wife as well as
Christ. We can be very certain that the devil is evil and his son, his sorrow was so great that he was stricken with an
deceitful. illness that killed him.
So the council ended, and all of them agreed to the The devil does such things to those whom he wants to
plan. The one who said that he had power over the woman trick into doing his will. And when he had done all that, he
did not tarry, but came to where she was as fast as he could, was quite gladdened, and he began thinking how he might
and he found her just as he had hoped. She granted the beguile the three daughters who were left. There was a
devil what belonged to him: everything she had and all she young squire who very often did this devil’s bidding. He
did. She was the wife of a very rich man who had a great took him to where the maidens were, and he became
plenty of livestock and other goods. He had three acquainted with one of them. He spent so much time with
daughters and one son by the woman of whom the devil her that, by his deeds and words, he was at last able to
had his share. seduce her. When he had done so, he was very happy. And
The devil did not forget what he was about. He the devil did not want to hide his victory; rather, he wanted
yearned to trick the man, so he went to the fields. He had to flaunt it openly before people so the shame would grow;
asked the woman how he might ensnare him, and she said thus the devil made known what he had done by his efforts
that he could not do so in any way unless he upset him: “If alone, and many people found out about it.
you take what belongs to him, he will be distraught.” In that time it was a custom that a woman taken in
The devil then went straight to the fields where the adultery would be brought to justice unless she yielded
good man’s cattle were, [5] and he killed quite a lot of herself fully to all men. And because the devil always wants
them. And when the herdsmen saw the livestock dying in to shame those who belong to him, he made what had
the fields, they were quite astonished, so they went to their happened known far and wide. The squire fled, and the
lord and told him about their livestock’s sickness. And woman was seized and brought to trial before the judges.
when the gentleman heard that, he was bewildered that his The judges were filled with sorrow because of the love they
animals were dying, and he asked the herdsmen if they bore the worthy man whose daughter she was, and they
knew why this was, but they did not. said, “You can be amazed at what has happened to the good
Thus ended what happened that day. And when the man whose daughter this was, how she has fallen in such a
devil saw that the man was so upset for so little, it seemed to short time! Not long ago he was one of the wealthiest men
him that if he could do him such great harm that he was in this country, and what dreadful things have befallen
truly distraught, then he could do with him as he wanted. him!”
So he came back to the livestock. There were ten beautiful They said that they would have her buried [6] alive at
horses belonging to the worthy man; he killed them all at night for the shame she had brought to her friends. This is
once. And when the good man saw that things were going how the devil treats those who consent to do his will.
so badly for him, he was deeply shaken, and, overcome with In that land there was a good confessor, a worthy man,
grief, he said something very foolish, for he commended to who heard about those wonders. He came to the two sisters
the devils all he had owned and all he had left. who were left, the eldest and the youngest, and he
When the devil learned that he had bestowed such a comforted them and told to them how what had happened
gift, he was very happy. And he tried all the more to do him to their father, their mother, their brother, and their sister
worse harm, so that the worthy man was bereft of all his had come about. And they answered that they did not know
livestock and became utterly distraught. And in his great anything about it, only that "we believe God hates us, so He
anger, he fled human fellowship and cared nothing for allows us to undergo this torment.”
anyone. , And the worthy priest said to them, “What you say is
When the devil saw that he had taken from him the not true or fitting. God hates no one, rather He is sorry
companionship of his fellows, he knew that he could do when sinners hate themselves. You must understand that
with him what he wanted. Then the devil visited the good what has happened came about through the devil’s work.
man’s most fair son and strangled him in his bed, and when And did you know that your sister, whom you have lost so
morning came he was found dead. When the father saw shamefully, was as she was?”
that he had lost his little boy, he lost all hope and went They answered, “We knew nothing about it.”
grievously awry in his beliefs. The devil then saw that the The good priest said to them, “Keep yourselves from
gentleman had lost his faith and that he could not get it evil works, for evil works take the sinner to a bad end.”
back, and he was very glad about it. The good man taught them a great deal and instructed
And the devil made the woman through whom he had them in many things. The youngest daughter wanted him
won everything climb upon a chest in her cellar. She lashed to be burned to ashes, but what the worthy priest had said
a rope about the joist and tied it around her neck; she then meant a great deal to the eldest. He taught her the creed
jumped down, hanging herself and strangling herself to and how to believe in the powers of Jesus Christ. She put
great stock in it and bent her mind to what the good man
Supplied from Micha (1, 1. 89); Sommer’s text has aprinst taught her. He said to her, “If you believe truly what I teach
(‘learned, taught”) (4,1. 29). you and tell you, many good things will come to you. You
4Sommer’s text, along with several manuscripts consulted by will be my daughter and my friend in God. As long as you
Micha, has lomme ihesu crist (“the man Jesus Christ” or “the man of behave in accordance with my advice, I’ll never fail to help
Jesus Christ”) (4,1. 30), while Micha’s text bears leJhesu Crist (1,11.
you in any hour of need, with the aid of Our Lord. Don’t be
90-91), unusual because of the article “the.”
The Story of Merlin 169

afraid, for God will help you if you stay with Him. Come to Then she answered, ‘Tell me and I will believe your
me often, for my abode will not be far from here.” counsel."
Thus the wise priest counseled the two daughters; he The woman said to her, ‘You will give yourself up to all
set them on the right path, and they put their faith in him men, this is how you will avoid your worries. And you will
because of the good words he spoke to them. And when the say that you can’t live with your sister any longer. You will
devil became aware of this, he was sorely grieved and feared do what you will with your lovely body; no judge can say
that he might lose the two daughters. So he worked out a anything about it, and you will be out of harm’s way. But
way to ensnare them. Nearby lived a woman who many after you have led such a life for a while, you will find a
times had done what he wanted. The devil took that woman good man who will be very glad to have you because of your
and sent her to the youngest daughter—the woman did not great inheritance. Thus you will have every kind of
dare speak to the eldest because she saw that she behaved enjoyment in this world.”
so humbly. She took the younger sister aside to speak to her The girl promised her that she would do just as she
and asked her a great deal about the way she lived and what said, and she did. She left her sister and gave her body up
she did. She also asked her, “What kind of life does your to all men at the bidding of that woman, and the devil was
sister lead? Is she happy or sullen?” very gleeful about it.
And she answered, “My sister is so worried about the When her sister found out that she was behaving so,
misfortunes that have befallen us that she does not show a she went to the wise priest, sure that he would tell her what
cheerful face to me or to anyone else. And a good priest to think about it, for she was quite worried and felt great
who always speaks to her about God has so turned her to sorrow for her sister whom she had lost in such a way.
his ways that she does nothing but what he wishes.” When the good man saw how sorrowful she was, he felt
The woman then said to her, “What a waste that your great sadness and said to her, “Cross yourself and commend
fair body was ever bom! For it will never know delight as yourself to God, for I see that you are very much afraid.”
long as you are with your sister. God! if you only knew, dear She said, “I have a right to be, for I have lost my sister.”
friend, the joy that other women have, you would scorn She told him what she knew and said to him outright
what you are now! For we have such joy when we are with that her sister had given herself up to all men. When the
our lovers that, if we lived only on handouts, we would be good man heard this amazing news, he grew frightened and
happier than you are even if you had all the wealth in the said to her, “The devil is still around you, and he will not
world. God! a woman’s pleasures are worthless if she does stop until he has ensnared both of you, unless God takes
not have a man’s company. Dear friend,” she went on, “I care of you.”
tell you this because otherwise you will never [7] have that She asked him, “Sir, how could I avoid it? There is
or know what it’s like to take delight from a man. And I will nothing in this world that I fear more than being tricked by
tell you why. Your sister is older than you, and she will have him.”
a man first. And when she has one for herself, she won’t The good man said to her, “If you believe me, he will
care about you. So you have lost all chances of knowing the not trick you.”
pleasures of your lovely body, and that’s a shame!” She answered, “I will believe everything you [8] tell
When the maiden understood the meaning of what the me.”
woman had told her, she answered, “How would I dare do And he said, “Then don’t you believe in the Father and
what you say? My sister was put to death!” the Son and the Holy Ghost? Don’t you believe that these
And she answered, ‘Your sister behaved very foolishly. three Beings are one and the same in God and in the
But if you trust me, you will know your body’s every delight Trinity? And that Our Lord came to earth to save the
and not be condemned for it.” sinners who wanted to believe in baptism and in Holy
“I don’t know how,” said the maiden, “nor would I ever Church’s and her ministers’ other sacraments that He left
dare talk about it” on earth to save those who would believe in His name and
When the devil heard this, he was glad indeed; he was to keep them on the right path?”
sure that he would have her just as he wanted, so he sent his She said, “Just as you have taught me, so I believe it,
woman away. When the woman had gone, the girl thought and may He truly protect me so that no devil can entrap
about what she had said. That night, as she was going to me.
bed, she looked at her lovely body and said, “The good The good man said, “If you believe it as truly as you say,
woman indeed told me the truth when she said that I was no kind of devil or evil thing can harm you. And I bid you,
being wasted.” do not let yourself be wrathful, for the devil likes most to be
In the morning, when she got up, she did not dally, for where wrath is. This is why you must guard against evil
the devil had taken hold of her, and she sent for the deeds and all stumbling blocks that come your way, and
woman. When she came, she said to her, ‘You told me the against every kind of anger. My dear friend, come to me
truth when you said that my sister doesn’t care about me.” and tell me everything, just as it happens to you, that makes
And she answered, “I was sure of it, and she will care you guilty before Our Lord, before all saints, and before all
even less about you when she has fulfillment. We women creatures who believe in God. And every time you go to bed
are made for just one thing: taking our delight from men.” and get out of bed, cross yourself in the name of the Father
Then the girl said, “I would very willingly do so if I and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and in the name of that
were not afraid of being put to death.” cross where He suffered death, because of the devil, to keep
“They would do that only if you behaved as foolishly as sinners from the death of Hell.
your sister. But I will teach you how to do what you want.”
170 The Story of Merlin

“If you do this,” said the good man, ‘You will not have recalled all these things, she began to weep and to show her
to worry about any devil. And make sure that there is light deep sorrow and great anger, and in this distress, she fell
wherever you lie down, for a devil does not willingly come asleep. When the devil was sure that she had forgotten
where light is.” everything the good priest had told her, he said, “Now has
Thus the wise priest taught the maiden, who was very this woman been led away from her teacher’s watchful eye.
much afraid that the devil would ensnare her. Afterwards Now we can put our man into her.”
the young woman went away to her house, strongly This one devil had the power to lie with a woman and
believing5 and lowering herself before her Creator and get her with child. Then he was all ready, and he lay with
before the poor of the land. her carnally as she slept, and she conceived. After this had
And the good men and women came to her and said, been done, the young woman awoke. As she was awakening,
“In faith, dear friend, you must truly be worried about your she remembered the wise priest, so she crossed herself and
dead brother and the torment that has befallen your father said, “Holy Lady Mary, what has happened to me? I feel so
and mother and sisters. But take our counsel to heart, for much worse than when I went to bed. Fair, glorious Mother
you are a very wealthy woman and you have a very good of God, pray your dear Son to keep my soul and defend my
inheritance, and some gentleman will be very glad to have body from torment and from the might of the devil.”
you.” Then she got up and began looking for the one who
And she answered them, “May Our Lord uphold me had done this thing to her, for she thought she could find
according to what He knows I need.” him. She ran to the door of the room, but found it locked;
This is how the young woman behaved for two good she looked everywhere in her room, but found no one. It
years or more, so that the devil could not trick her, nor did was then that she understood that she had been tricked by
he learn of any evil thing she might have done, and he was a devil. She began wailing, sofdy calling out to Our Lord
most distraught. He knew that he could not entrap her and entreating him not to allow anyone to shame her in
unless he made her forget what the worthy priest had this world.
taught her and become upset, for she did not care about Night went by and day came. As soon as it was light, the
doing such things. devil took the younger sister away, for she had done well in
Then it happened that on a Saturday night her sister what he had brought her there to do. When she and the
went into the house where she was in order to upset6 her young men had gone, the elder sister came out of her room
and to see if she could ensnare her for the devil. And it was in great distress. She called her manservant and told him to
very late in the night when she came, and she brought with bring two women. As soon as they had come, she left and
her a crowd of lowborn young men, and they all came into made her way until she found her confessor.
the house. When the elder sister saw her, she grew very When he saw her he said to her, “You are in trouble,
angry and said to her, “Dear sister, as long as you want to for I see that you are very frightened.”
lead this kind of life, you must not come here, for people “Sir,” she told him, “something has happened to me
would cast blame on me, and I don’t need that.” that has never happened to any other woman. I come to
When the younger heard her sister say that she would you so that you’ll tell me what to do, for you have said to
be blamed because of her, she grew angry in turn [9] and me that people cannot commit such a great sin that, if they
spoke like a woman in whom the devil dwelled. She confess it and repent of it and do whatever their confessor
threatened her sister, and she said that the good priest tells them, it will not be forgiven. Sir,” she went on, “I have
loved her in sin and that, if people found out about it, she sinned, and you should know that I’ve been ensnared by a
would be burned alive. devil.”
When the elder heard her sister accuse her of such Then she told him how her sister came to the house,
devilry, she grew even angrier and told her to leave the how she grew angry with her, how she and the young men
house, but the younger said that she was as much her beat her, how she went to her room binning with wrath and
father’s daughter as her sister was and she would not leave. closed die door against her, and how, because of her great
The elder saw that she refused to leave, so she took her by anger and the distress she felt, she forgot to cross herself
the shoulders, meaning to throw her out, but she defended “and all the commands you gave me as well. When I awoke I
herself, and the young men who had come with her took found myself shamed and deflowered. My room was closed
hold of her sister and beat her dreadfully. But as soon as as fast as when I locked it myself, and I did not find a soul
she could get away, she ran into a room all by herself, lay there, [10] so I do not know who did this to me. Sir, I have
down on her bed with all her clothes on, and wept bitterly. been betrayed, and I beg you, have pity. If my body suffers
When the devil saw her alone and so upset, he was very torment, please pray for my soul so that it will not be lost.”
glad and said, “Now this woman has turned out well!" When the good man had heard everything she had to
And he reminded her of time before the deaths of her tell him, he was gready astounded, and he did not believe
father and mother and sister7 and brother. When she anything she told him, for he had never heard tell of such a
wonder. So he answered her8 and said to her, “You are all
5Supplied from Micha (5,11. 51-52), not in Sommer’s text (8, full of devils and devils dwell in you! From what you tell me,
1. 23). how can I hear your confession and give you penance, since
^ Concheuoir ("conceive”) in Sommer’s text (8,1. 26), couroucier
(the reading adopted) in the other manuscripts.
Supplied from Micha (7, 11. 22-25); Sommer’s text omits
7The text has the plural ses suers (9, 1. 11), but the death of everything after “heard” (10,1. 3).
only one sister is actually depicted.
The Story of Merlin 171
I truly believe that you are lying?9 For never was a woman Again he blessed her with the sign of the cross and
deflowered when she did not know by whom, unless she commended her to God, and she set out on the way back to
could not see the man who did it to her. And you want me her house. And she led a very good and simple life. When
to believe that such a wonder happened to you!” the devil saw that he had lost her—and he did not see that
She answered, “May God keep me from torment, I’ve she was behaving otherwise than she always had—he
told you the truth.” became very angry.
And the worthy priest said to her, “If it is as you say, So she was until the seed she bore in her body could
you will find out well enough. Yet you did a great sin when no longer be hidden. She grew so big that the other women
you broke the vow I gave you to take. And because you noticed it and stared [11] at her belly. They asked her if she
transgressed, I will impose a penance on you today: that for was with child and who the man was that had done it to her.
as long as you live you will eat only once on Fridays. And for She answered, “May God bring me into joy, but I don’t
what you tell me about lustful behavior, although I do not know and I never knew.”
believe you, I must impose another penance for all the days They said to her, “Have so many men lain with you that
you will live henceforth, if you are willing to accept it just as you don’t know which one to accuse?”
I say.” But she answered, “May it not please God that I give
She said, “Sir, you will never order me to do anything birth to the child if ever to my knowledge anything
that I won’t do my utmost to do.” happened to me that should bring me to this."
And he answered, “God grant it to you. Do you mean,” When they heard this they crossed themselves and said,
he went on, “to abide in the counsel of God and Holy “Dear friend, that could not be, nor did that ever happen to
Church and in the mercy of Jesus Christ, who redeemed us you or anyone else. Perhaps you love the man who did this
with the worthy ransom of His own precious blood and to you so much, as much as or more than you love yourself,
death? Is this a true confession and a sincere repentance, so that you’re not willing to name him. But what a shame
sworn to on your body and soul—everything you have told for you that, as soon as the judges learn about it, you will
me by your own mouth? Do you hold it in your heart and have to die!”
body to be true in every way, in word and in deed?”10 When she heard that she would have to die because of
She answered, “I will very willingly hold to everything it, she was filled with great dread, and she said, “God save
just as you have said it, God willing.” my soul, but I never saw or knew the one who has done this
“As I believe in God,” he said, “I believe that if what to me. ”
you have told me is true, you need not be afraid.” The women laughed at her11 and thought she was
“Sir," she said, “what I have said to you is true, may crazy, and they said, “What a shame about your lovely
God keep me from an unworthy death and from any homestead, its good land and fine buildings, for it will soon
rebuke.” be lost.”
And the good man answered, ‘You have sworn to me When she heard this she was greatly frightened, and
to do your penance and to avoid sin.” she went off to her confessor and told him what the women
“Sir, that is true.” had said to her. The good man saw that she was pregnant
And he said to her, “Then you have forsworn with a living child, and he was quite amazed. “Dear sister,”
lasciviousness, and I forbid you for all time to engage in it, he said to her, “have you faithfully kept the penance I
except for that which comes while you are asleep; no one imposed on you?”
can keep from that. Now see if you can.” ‘Yes, sir,” she answered, “and I have done nothing
She answered, “Yes, indeed I will. If you pledge wrong.”
yourself as a guarantee that I am not damned for that one “And did this wonder ever happen to you more than
time, then never will any other overwhelm me.” one time?”
‘Tor this,” he answered, “I will stand as your pledge She answered no, and he was astounded and wrote
before God by His command, just as surely as He put you down the hour and the night just as she had told to him,
on this earth.” and he said that she had to be quite sure about it:
The woman accepted her penance just as he imposed “And when the child who is in you is bom, I am bound
it, and she wept because she repented mightily. The worthy to know if you have lied to me. And I have strong faith in
priest made the sign of the cross and blessed her, and he God that, if it is just as you have told me, you will not have
sent her on her way as he knew best, in the love of Christ to fear death. But you will have reason to be afraid when
Jesus. And he worried about how what she had told him the judges find out, for they will arrest you just to have your
could be true, and at last he understood that she must have buildings and your good land, yet they will say that they are
been ensnared by the devil. So he called her and took her bringing you to justice. And when you have been arrested,
to the holy water and had her drink of it in the name of the let me know and I will come to comfort you and help you if
Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost; he also sprinkled it I can. God will help you: He will be with you if things are as
on her and said, “Do not forget the commandments I have you say.”
given you. And any time you need me, come back.” Then he said, “Go home and don’t worry; lead a good
life, for a good life helps bring people to a good end.”
9Supplied from Micha (7,11. 27-28); Sommer’s text omits the
reference to lying (10,1. 5). ^Supplied from Micha (8, 11. 27-28); instead of s’en rient
19The last sentence is supplied from Micha (7,11. 48-50), not (“laughed at her about it”), Sommer’s text has sen vont (11,1. 12):
in Sommer’s text (10,1. 19). “go away.”
172 The Story of Merlin

So the young woman went back home that night and ought. And when she cried out, she put herself under the
lived very quietly until the judges came to the region. And mercy and the commandments of the Lord God and Holy
when they found out what had happened to her, they sent Church. This is why God did not want the child to lose,
men to her house to get her; they arrested her and took her because of the devil, anything that belonged to him; rather
away with them. As soon as she was taken prisoner, she sent He allowed the child to have what was his by right.
for the same good priest who had always counseled her; Therefore, He bestowed on him the devils’ art of knowing
and when he found out about her, he came to her as fast as things that are done, said, and past—all this he knew. And
he could. Our Lord, who is all-knowing, knew, by the mother’s
When he had come there, they called for him, and he repentance, by her good confession, by the cleansing of
found that the judges had already had the young woman confession, and by the true repentance he knew to be in
brought before them. The good man gave them the young her heart, that she had not wanted or willed what had
woman’s testimony, and he said that she did not believe she happened to her. By the power of the baptism with which
needed to fear anyone. But the judges said to him, “Do you the child was washed in the font, Our Lord willed that the
think a woman can become pregnant and have a child sin of the mother should not harm him. And He also gave
without lying with a man?” him the sense and the power to know the future.
The good man answered, “I won’t tell you everything I This is the reason why he knew the things that were
know about it, but I can certainly tell you this: if you will done, spoken, and past: he inherited this from the devil.
believe me, you won’t bring her to justice until she has had Moreover, he knew things that were to come; Our Lord
the child. It would not be right or just otherwise: the child willed that he should know things contrary to those he
has not deserved death, since it did not commit the sin, and knew from the other side. Now he could turn to whichever
the child has done nothing wrong in the sins of the side he wanted, for if he wished, he could give the devils
mother.” their due, or else His to God just as well.
The judges answered, “We will do as you advise.” Thus was he bom. And when the women had received
And the good man said, “If you follow my advice, you him, they were all deeply frightened, for they saw that he
[12] will keep her well guarded and locked in a tower was hairier than they had ever seen any other child. After
where she cannot do anything foolish. Lock two women up they had shown him to his mother she crossed herself and
with her to help her give birth when she needs it, and don’t said, “This child frightens me very much.”
let them out either. My advice is to leave her there until she And the [13] other women said, “And we are so afraid
has the child and until the child can eat by itself and ask for of him that we can scarcely hold him.”
what it needs. And then, if you are bent12 on doing She said to them, “Send him down and have him
something more, do what you please. If you have faith in baptized.”
me, you will do as I advise; if you want to do otherwise, I They asked her, “What do you want him named?”
can’t do any more about it.” And she answered, “The same as my father’s name.”
And the judges answered, “It seems to us that what you Then they put him into a basket and sent him down
say is right.” with a rope, then they gave orders to have him baptized:
They did everything just as the good man had set it “let him bear the name of his grandfather on his mother’s
forth. They put the young woman in a very strong stone side; that good man was called Merlin by his father.”
house and had all the doorways walled up. And they locked Thus the child was baptized and named Merlin after
up two women with her, the most skilled they could find for his grandfather. He was then given to his mother to be
doing what had to be done. High up they left one window nursed, for no other woman dared do so. His mother
open through which they could pull up whatever they nursed him until he was nine months old. The women who
needed. When the good man saw this, he spoke to the were with her told her many times that they were quite
young woman through the window and said to her, “When amazed that the child, who was so hairy, was only nine
your child is bom, have it baptized as soon as you can. And months old, yet he looked as if he were two years old or
when you are put outside, the judges will want to try you, so more.
send for me.” Then, some time later, after the child was eighteen
So she stayed a long time in the tower. The judges took months of age, the two women said to the mother, “Lady,
care of everything she needed and had it brought to her. we must leave this place; it seems to us that we have been
She was inside there so long that at last she had her child as here long enough.”
it pleased God. And when he was bom, he unavoidably had And she answered, “As soon as you are gone they will
the power and the mind of a devil, and the cunning, bring me to trial. ”
because he was sired by one. “We can do no more, and we can’t stay here forever.”
But the devil had behaved most unwisely, for Our Lord She wept and cried out for mercy: for God’s sake,
had bought true repentance with His death. The devil had could they not bear to stay awhile longer?
ensnared the young woman through deceit and trickery They went off to a window while the mother held her
while she was asleep. As soon as she felt that she had been child in her arms and sat and wept very bitterly and said,
beguiled, she confessed and cried out for mercy where she “Dear son, I will be put to death because of you, and I
haven’t deserved it; no one knows the truth, yet I am not
12In Sommer’s text (12, 1. 5), vaer/veer (“to forbid") is believed, so I will have to die.”
confused with baer/beer (“to strive, be intent”). Sommer needlessly She spoke these words to her son and said that it was a
negates the verb (see his n. 1, and Micha, 9,1. 28, and note). great shame that God had allowed him to be bom.
The Story of Merlin 173

And while she wept and wailed to Our Lord, the child He answered, “Dear mother, they are lying. No one will
looked at her and said with a smile, “Never will you die for ever be so bold as to dare lay a hand on you as long as I am
what has happened to you because of me.” alive, much less put you to death—except God.”
When the mother heard him, her heart nearly stopped When his mother and the women heard him, they
beating, and she became frightened. Her arms went limp were very glad and said, “The child who can say this will in
and she dropped him; he fell to the floor and screamed. time be very wise.”
The women who were at the window ran to her, for they So it was until the day that had been set. The women
were afraid she wanted to kill the child. When they came to were taken out of the tower, and the mother carried the
her, they both asked her, ‘Why did your child fall? I think child in her arms. The judges talked to the two women away
that you want to kill him! ” from the others. They asked them if it was true that the
She answered, “I never meant to do that, but he fell child could speak, and they told them everything they had
out of my arms because of a great wonder. He spoke to me; heard him say. When the judges heard this, they were very
my arms grew weak, and my whole body too, and that is why greatly amazed and said that he would have to know many
he fell.” words to save his mother. So they came back to where the
They asked her, "Then what did he say to you?” others were. And the young woman’s confessor had come.
“He told me that I would never be put to death Then one of the judges said to Merlin’s mother, “Get
because of him.” yourself ready, for you must be put to death.”
Very shaken, they answered her: “He will say yet other She answered, “Sir, please, I would like to talk alone
things.” with this good man.” And they gave her leave to do so.
Then they took him with them and began to speak to She and the wise priest went into a room while the
him in order to fmd out whether he would talk, but it did child stayed outside (and many people tried to get him to
not seem that he would. He uttered not a word, until at speak, but he would have nothing to do with it). The
length the mother said to the two women, “Threaten me mother spoke very pitifully to her confessor and wept. And
and say that I will be burned because of my son, and I will the good man asked her, “Is it true that your child talks, just
hold him in my arms and you will hear whether he is willing as they say?”
to speak.” ‘Yes, sir,” she said, and she told him everything she had
Then his mother took him, for she yearned for him to heard him say.
speak so that the women could hear him, and she began to After the good man had listened to her, he said,
weep and cry out. The women said, “It will be a great shame “Something wonderful will come of this.”
for you who are so beautiful to be burned because of this Then they came out and went over to the judges, and
creature; it would have been better if he had not been the young woman wore nothing but her shift, which had a
bom.” mantle. She found her child outside the chamber, took him
And he answered, “You are lying. My mother has made in her arms, and went before the judges. When the judges
you say this.” saw her, they asked her, “Who is the father of this child? Be
When they heard him speak, they ran away very careful not to hide anything.”
frightened and said, “He is not a child, but a devil who And she said, “I see full well that I am condemned to
knows what we have said.” die! May God never take pity on me or grant me mercy if I
Then they began to ask him things and tried to get ever saw the father or knew him, or if ever I gave myself to
him to speak, but he only said to them, “Leave my mother any man so that I should have a child by him.”
in peace, for [14] you are foolish and more sinful than she The judge answered, “We don’t think that could be
is.” true, so we’ll ask the other women if what you would have
When they heard this, they were greatly amazed and us believe could be true. For no one has ever heard such a
said, “This wonder cannot be hidden. We will tell the wonder!”
people down there that he talks.” The judges drew to one side and called the women
They then went to the window, called the people, and over to meet with them (and there were many of them
told them what they had heard. And when they heard this there that day), and one of the judges spoke out and said,
wonder, they said that it was high time for the woman to be ‘You ladies who [15] have come here, has it ever happened
brought to trial. So they had letters written and summoned to any of you, or to any other woman you have ever heard
every judge to be there within forty days to hold court. about, that a woman could conceive and have a child
When the letters had been sent out, and the mother knew without being with a man?”
the day of her execution, she became very frightened and And they said that no woman could have a child or get
sent word about it to the good man who was her confessor. pregnant unless she had known a man carnally. When the
And so things were until seven days before the time she judges heard that, they went back to Merlin’s mother and
was to be burned, when the child was walking about the told what they had found out from the other women and
tower and saw his mother weeping. He began to smile and said that justice should be done. For what she would have
to look very happy. And the women said to him, “Now you them understand did not seem just or right.
care very litde that she weeps because within the week she Then Merlin sprang forward and said that she would
will be burned on your account. It was a cursed hour, unless not be burned so soon, “for if all those who have been with
it was God’s doing, when you were ever born, for she is someone other than their husbands or wives were brought
being put to death because of you.” to justice,” he went on, “then he would already have burned
174 The Story of Merlin

half13 or more of the men and women who are here. I judge’s mother came, they brought them out of prison and
know about their behavior just as well as they themselves took them before the people.
do. If I wanted to talk about it, I would have everything Then the judge said, “Here is my mother, about whom
brought out into the open right here. You can be sure that you must speak.”
my mother is not guilty of what you accuse her of. The guilt The child answered, ‘You are not nearly as clever as
she did have in it this good man took upon himself. If you you think you are. Go, take your mother into a house by
do not believe me, ask him." yourselves and call your most intimate counsellors, and I
The judges then called the wise priest and asked him will call the counsellors of my mother, that is, the almighty
whether it was true “that she told you that it had happened God and her confessor."
to her in such and such a way.” Those who heard him were so astonished that hardly
He answered that she had done nothing in the world anyone could find an answer, but the judge recognized that
wrong: “She herself told me how she was tricked, and she he spoke wisely. Then the child asked one and all, “If I free
told me about the wonder of this child with whom she my mother from this man jusdy, need she fear the others?”
became pregnant. It happened to her while she was asleep And they all answered, “If she is freed by him, no one
and with no feelings of pleasure, nor does she know by else will ever hold her accountable for anything concerning
whom the child was fathered. She confessed everything and this.”
has been repentant for so long that it cannot by rights harm Then they went into a room: the judge took his mother
her, if her conscience is clear, before God or before the there and two men among his closest friends, and the child
world.” took his mother’s confessor. After they had gathered, the
The child then went forward and said to the good judge said, “Now say what you will about my mother
man, ‘You have written down the hour and the night when whereby your mother will be acquitted."
I was conceived, and you can reckon when I was born and The child answered, “I will never say anything about
at what time. By this you can show most of the things my your mother whereby mine should be acquitted—I will not
mother has done.” say whether she has done any misdeed—for I am not willing
And the good priest said to him, “I don’t know how to defend my mother against what is wrong. Rather, I mean
you happen to know more than all of us together.” to uphold the right of the Lord God—and hers. You can be
The two women were called, and they told before the sure that my mother has not deserved the torment you wish
judges when the conception happened, how long the to give her; if you will believe my advice, you will acquit my
pregnancy lasted, and when the birth took place. By this14 mother and let yours be tried.”
and what the good man had written down, they found it to The judge answered, ‘You won’t get away from me like
be as Merlin had said. But the judge answered that she that, for you must say more.”
would not be acquitted unless she said who the father was The child said, ‘You promised me and my mother too
“in such a way that we can believe it.” that I could defend her.”
The child grew angry and said to the judge, “I know my “This is true,” answered the judge, “and we are
father better than you know yours, and your mother knows gathered here to hear what you will say concerning my
better who sired you than mine knows who fathered me.” mother.”
The judge grew angry and said, “If you have anything ‘You want,” said the child, “to bum my mother and me
to say about my mother, I will certainly hold it to be the as well because she will not say and does not know who my
truth!” father is. But if I wanted her to, she could say that better
He answered, “I can say enough about her so that, if than you can say who your father is.”
you made the right judgment, she would deserve death And the judge said, “Dear mother, was I not the son of
more than my mother. And if I make you admit this, you your lawful husband?”
must leave my mother in peace, for she is not guilty of what The mother answered, “For God’s sake, dear son,
people blame her for, and everything she said about my whose son would you then be but my husband’s who is now
conception was true.” dead?”
And when the judge heard this, he became very angry “Lady, lady, you must tell the truth,” said the child.
indeed, and said, ‘You have truly rescued your mother from “Nevertheless, if your son were willing to acquit my mother
being burned! You can be sure that if you cannot say and me, I would be satisfied.”
enough about my mother to make me believe you and leave But the judge answered, “/will not be satisfied!”
your mother in peace, I will bum you with her!” “What you’ll learn from your mother’s testimony,” said
Then they set a day to meet again in two weeks, and the child, “is that your father is still alive.”
the judge sent for his mother. And he had the child and his When those who were there heard him, they were
mother guarded well; he himself went with the guards amazed. Then the child said to the judge’s mother, “You
many times, and many times he tried to get the child to talk must tell your son whose son he is.”
about his mother, but [16] never during the whole two The lady crossed herself and said, “The devil Satan,
weeks could they draw a word out of him. And when the and I never told him!”
The child answered her, “You know it’s true that he is
13Sommer’s text reads .**. pars (15, 1. 11): “two parts”; the not the son of die man he thinks.”
intent in the expression is to suggest a very significant portion. The lady was abashed and asked him, “Whose then?"
14Not in Sommer’s text (15, 1. 27), where the comparison is And he said to her, “By these signs you know very well
only implicit indeed that he is the son of your priest: that the first time
The Story of Merlin 175

you had intercourse with him you said that you were afraid mother. Know also that one kind of devil is called incubi,
of getting pregnant, that he told you you would never have and they live in the air. God allowed me to have their
a child by him, that he said he would write down all the intelligence and their memory, so I know things that are
times he lay with you because he was himself afraid that you done, said, and past; this is how I know what your mother
might go to bed with another man, and that your husband has done. And Our Lord has permitted and wills me to
was estranged from you at the time. And when your son*5 have this in my memory because of my mother’s goodness.
was conceived, hardly any time passed before you told And because of her holy and true repentance, the penance
him16 that you were pregnant by him. Now say whether it is that this worthy man imposed on her, and the commands
true just as I have told you. And if you don’t admit it, I will of Holy Church which she believed, God has given me such
tell you [17] still other signs." power that I know the things that are to come. And this you
The judge was very angry, and he asked his mother can see by what I’m about to tell you.”
whether what he had said was the truth. The mother was Then he took him aside so that they were by
terrified, and she said, “Dear son, do you believe that themselves, and he said to him, “Your mother will go off
devil?” and will tell what I have said to her to the man who
But the child said, “If you don’t admit this thing, I will fathered you. And when he hears that you know it, he will
tell you yet another that you well know is true.” be so frightened that his heart will not be able to bear it,
And the lady fell silent. and he will run away out of fear of you. And the devil,
The child said, “I know everything that happened. It is whose works he has always done, will lead him to a spring,
true that when you felt that you were pregnant, you begged and he will drown himself. This way you can prove that I
the priest to make peace between your husband and know the things that are to come.”
yourself17 in order to hide that you were already pregnant. And the judge answered, “If it happens thus, I will
He did his best, until in the end he got you two to lie never doubt you."
together. You led your husband to believe that the child was Then they left their private meeting and went back
his, and many people thought it was so, and your son, the before the people, and the judge said within the hearing of
very one who is here, thought it was true. From then until everyone that the child had indeed justly saved his mother
now you have led this life and you still do. The night you from being burned: all those who would see him should
left to come here the priest18 lay with you. In the morning know that “to my mind they will never see so wise a man.”
he rode along with you quite a way, and before leaving you And they answered, “Praise God!”
he said to you alone, smiling, ‘Take care to do and say This is how Merlin’s mother was saved and the [18]
whatever my son wishes,’ for he well knows that he is his son judge’s mother found guilty. Merlin stayed with the judges
because of what he had written down.” while the judge sent two men with his mother to find out
When the lady heard him out, she knew well that whether what the child had said would turn out to be true.
everything he said was true, so she sat down and was very As soon as she reached her house, she spoke to the priest
distraught She knew full well that she had to tell the truth. and told him about the wonder she had heard. When he
Her son looked at her and said to her, “Dear mother, heard this, he was so terrified that he could not utter a
whoever my father may be, I am your son and I’ll treat you word. In his heart he imagined that the judge would kill
as a son should. Tell me whether or not he spoke the truth him as soon as he came there. Thus brooding, he went out
about what we have heard here.” of the town, saying to himself that it would be better for
The lady answered, “For God’s sake, dear son, have him to drown himself than for the judge to give him an
mercy! Surely I cannot hide it: everything happened just as unworthy death. The devil, whose works he had done,
he has said.” egged him on until he made him jump into a pond and
When the judge heard her, he said, “This child told drown himself. The men who had been sent with the lady
the truth, for he knew better who his father was than I saw it.
mine. Therefore, it is not right that I should bring his This is why this story forbids anyone ever to flee other
mother to justice when I do not condemn my own. But for people, for the devil abides more often with a man by
God’s sake, for your honor, and so that I might prove you himself than in a crowd.19
innocent before the people, you and your mother, please Those who saw this wonder went back to the judge and
tell me who your father is.” told him what had happened just as they had seen it. The
He answered, “I will tell it more for your love’s sake priest had drowned the third day they were there. When
than because I fear your power. I want you to know and the judge heard it, he was astounded; he came to Merlin
believe that I am the son of a devil who ensnared my and told him.
When Merlin heard it, he smiled and said, “Now you
15The text has an ambiguous il (“he”).
can know whether I say the truth. And I bid you, tell it to
Blaise.” (This Blaise was the good man who was his
16It is unclear whether lx (“him”) refers to the lady’s husband
or her lover; however, the insistent “by him” (de lui) suggests it may mother’s confessor.) So the judge told him the wonder just
have been the priest. as it had happened to the priest.
17From Micha’s text (15,11. 84-85). In Sommer’s text, Merlin
says that the mother made her husband make peace with the priest 19It is worthwhile to recall that Merlin’s grandfather, in his
(17,1.6). despair, fled human company and that, having driven him to this,
18The text again has the ambiguous il (“he”), which would the devil pursuing him knew that he could work his will on him.
logically, according to context, refer to the lady’s lover-priest, as is
translated, but which has as an implicit antecedent the husband.
176 The Story of Merlin

Then Merlin went away with his mother and Blaise had been, and to tell about Joseph and his offspring and
while the judges went their separate ways elsewhere. This those people who had the vessel called the Grail and all
Blaise was a very good, sharp-witted clerk. When he heard their accomplishments, just as they had been, of Alan and
Merlin saying those things, he was greatly amazed that such his companions, how he left his father’s house, how Petrus
keen intelligence should come to one so young, less than had departed, how Joseph disposed of his vessel, and how
two and a half years old. So he undertook with great he died.2* Afterward he told him about the devils, how they
earnestness to test him in many ways, until Merlin said, had gathered together because they had lost the power they
“Blaise, stop testing me. The more you test me the more had enjoyed over humanity before, and he told him how
astonished you will become. But do what I’ll ask, and the prophets had done them harm and how, for this
believe as much as you can20 of what I’ll tell you. I will teach reason, they had conspired to make a man. “And they said
you easily how to have the love of Jesus Christ and they would make me. You heard all about it and you
everlasting joy. ” learned from my mother and other people about their
Blaise answered, “I have heard you talk, and I really deeds and tricks—and then the foolishness they are all so
believe that you are the devil’s son, so I am afraid that you full of, for they have lost me and every other advantage.”
will trick me.” Thus did Merlin set out the plan for the work that he
Merlin said, “Evil hearts usually recognize evil rather ordered Blaise to undertake. And Blaise was amazed at the
than good. Just as you heard it said that I was sired by the wonders that Merlin told, but they seemed to be
devil, so you heard me say that Our Lord had given me nonetheless true and good and beautiful, so he devoted
knowledge and memory of the things that were to come. himself to writing them down, so much so that one day
So, if you are clever, you should try to find out which one I Merlin said to Blaise, “You must suffer a great deal for this
would claim. You can be sure that since Our Lord willed undertaking, and I will suffer more than you.”
that I should know these things, the devils have lost hold of And he asked him how that was.
me, but I have not lost their craft or their artifice, rather I “People will come from the west to seek me out. And
hold from them what I ought. those who will come to find me will have promised their
“I do not claim this to further their cause. They were lord that they would kill me and bring him my blood. But
unwise, when they sired me, to put me in a vessel that was when they see me and hear me, they won’t want to kill me.
never to be theirs, for the good life of my mother has hurt But when I go away with them, you will go to the place
them a great deal. If they had begotten me in my where the people are who possess the holy cup, the Grail.
grandmother, then I would not have the power to Forever thereafter, your work and your book will be told
recognize that God exists, for she led a very evil life— about, and your book will be gladly heard everywhere. But
through her came all the suffering my mother had because it will not have authority, because you cannot be among the
of her father and the other wrongs you have heard about. apostles, who never put anything down in writing about
But believe what I’ll tell you about the creed and the faith, Our Lord that they had [20] not seen or heard, and you do
and I’ll tell you something that no one but God could tell not put down what you have seen or heard except as I tell
you. Make a book out of it so that the many people who you to. And just as I will remain obscure except concerning
hear it will be the better for it and will all the more keep those things wherein I wish to reveal myself, so will your
from sinning. Thereby you will do an act of charity, and you book remain hidden. In a short while it will come about
will put [19] your work to good use.” that no one will thank you for it, and you will take it away
Blaise answered him, “I will do what you say, and I’ll with you when I go off with those who are to come for me.
gladly make the book, but let it be done in the name of the “You will go to Western parts, and the book of Joseph
Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost—for just as truly I will be put together with yours. And when you have fulfilled
believe and know these three parts to be a single thing in your task, and when you are, as you should be, in the
God—and in the name of the blessed lady who bore the company of the Grail, then your book will be joined to
Son of God, all the holy apostles, all the angels and Joseph’s book, and everything will have been proved true
archangels, all the saints, all the prelates of Holy Church, concerning my labors and yours, and God will bless it if it
all good men and women, and all creatures who love and pleases Him. And those who hear it will pray to Our Lord
honor God, so that you will not be able to deceive me or on our behalf. And when the two books are put together,
trick me or do anything that would displease Our Lord.” there will be one beautiful book, and the two will be one
Merlin answered, “May all these creatures you have and the same thing, except that I cannot say or recount the
mentioned damn me before God if I have you do anything intimate words between Jesus Christ and Joseph.
that is against the will of Jesus Christ my Savior.” “In England there had not yet been a Christian king,
“Now tell me what you will,” said Blaise, “for from now and about those who had come before, I do not care to tell
on I’ll do everything good you order me to do.” anything except what has bearing on this story.”
And Merlin said to him, “Now run get ink and
parchment quickly, for I will tell you many things that you
21The preceding lines, beginning with “Joseph and his
would not think anyone could tell you.” offspring,” are supplied from Micha’s text (16, 11. 65-71).
Then Blaise went to get what he needed. And after he Sommer’s text truncates.
had looked for it and found it, Merlin began to recount the
love between Jesus Christ and Joseph of Arimathea, just as it

2^The text reads croi grant partie (“believe a large part”).

The Story of Merlin 177

2. Merlin Explains Why Vortigem’s Tower please be our king; govern us and keep us. For there is no
man in this land who could or should do this as you can.”
Will Not Stand.1
And he answered, “I cannot and I must not, not as long
as my lord is alive.”
In this part the story says that there was a king in England
And they said that they would rather he were dead.
named Constant, and this Constant ruled for a long time.
Vortigem said to them, “If he were dead and if you and
He had children. One son was named Maine,2 the second
the others wanted me to be king, I would gladly do so, but
Pendragon, and the third Uther.3 This Constant had a
as long as he lives I cannot and must not.”
liegeman on his land called Vortigem; he was very shrewd
They listened to Vortigem’s words and understood
in the ways of the world, clever, and a good knight.
them as they saw fit. They took leave of him and went away
Constant was quite old, and in time he died. And when he
into their country. And when they had got there, they sent
was dead, the folk of the land asked whom they should
for their friends and told them how they had spoken to
make lord and king of the country. Many agreed that they
Vortigem and the answer he had given them. When they
would make the son of their overlord king. He was young,
had heard it, they said, “It is best for us to kill the king, and
but it was not right to make anyone else king and leave him
then Vortigem will be king as soon as we have killed him.
aside. Vortigem himself agreed to this, and they all
Ever after he will do just what we will: thus we will find a way
deliberated until they made him king.
to make ourselves lords over him!”
After Maine became king, war broke out, and
They then agreed which among them should kill
Vortigem was his seneschal. It was the Saxons who made
Maine. They chose twelve, and those twelve went to the
war against Maine, and those who were of the pagan
place where King Maine was, while the others stayed behind
Roman religion also came often to fight against the
in town to learn whether anyone meant to hurt their cause
Christians. Vortigem, who was seneschal of the land, did
or harm them, so that they might help their friends. And
there as he pleased. The old king’s son and his brothers, all
those twelve came to the place where they found King
of whom were quite ignorant, were not so wise or worthy as
Maine; they ran upon him with knives and swords and
they needed to be. Vortigem had taken for his own use
killed him.
much of the land’s wealth, and he had the hearts of the
After they had killed him, they found no one who
people. He knew that they held him to be worthy and wise,
would talk about it very much at all. And they came to
so pride rose up in him, and he said that, because he saw
Vortigem and said to him, “Now you will be king, for we
that no one could do what he could do, he would no longer
have killed King Maine.”
take care of the king’s land, so he would withdraw from it.
And when Vortigem heard that they had killed him, he
When the Saxons saw that he meant to leave, they
seemed to be greatly distraught. And he then said to them,
gathered together and came upon the Christians in a great
“You have done an evil deed in killing your lord. I advise
horde. The king went to Vortigem and said, “Dear friend,
you to flee because of the worthy men of the land, for if
help defend the land, and I and all those who belong to it they find you they will kill you. I am sorry that you have
will do as you will.” come here.”
Vortigem answered, “Sir, let others go defend it, for I
And they went away.
cannot now go there, as there are people in your [21] Afterward it happened that the folk of the kingdom
service who hate me. I want them to have this battle, for I gathered together and talked about whom they would make
will never commit myself to it." their king. Vortigem had the hearts of many of the folk in
When King Maine and those who were with him heard the kingdom, and they agreed all together that he should
that they could accomplish nothing more, they left and be king. At this gathering were two worthy men who were in
made ready to fight the Saxons. And the Saxons moved charge of the other two boys, Pendragon and Uther. These
against them and routed them. After they had been two boys were sons of Constant and brothers of King Maine.
defeated, they gathered and said that they had lost a great When they heard and learned that Vortigem would be
deal, but they would not have suffered this loss if Vortigem king, they began to suspect that he had had King Maine
had been there. The boy stood there, unable to defend the killed.
land as he needed to, so they greeted him with shouts of The two men who protected the boys took counsel and
scorn and said that they would no longer put up with him. said, “Since Vortigem has had our lord killed, as soon as he
Then they came to Vortigem and said to him, “Sir, we is king he will have these two boys in our charge killed. We
have no king or lord, for he is worthless. For God’s sake, dearly loved their father, for he did us [22] many great
favors, and thanks to him we still have what we have. We
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 20-35. would be wicked to allow those under our protection to
2Named Constant like his father in Geoffrey of Monmouth come to grief. We are sure that when Vortigem is king he
(6, 5-8), he had withdrawn from the world as a monk (Old French will have them killed, because he knows full well that the
moine/maine). Apparently an epithet such as “the Monk” attached
kingdom should be theirs.”
to his name (cf. Geoffrey of Monmouth, 6, 6) became confused, in
The two worthy men agreed that they would flee and
the French tradition, with a proper name.
take the two boys to a faraway land to the east; their
3In Geoffrey of Monmouth (6, 5) the sons are, in addition to
Constant the Monk, Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon. In forebears had come from there, and they would save them
the French tradition the second name is dropped and the third in this way. And they did just as they had planned.
divided. Vortigem was chosen and proclaimed king. After his
crowning, the twelve who had killed King Maine came to
178 The Story of Merlin

him, and when Vortigern saw them, he did not make any that kingdom to say “Wassail!”4 I must not recount to you
signs of having ever seen them before. They rushed to him everything about Hengist and his deeds and estate, but all
and rebuked him, for it was thanks to them that he was Christians grieved when Vortigern took Hengist’s daughter,
king, since they had killed King Maine. When Vortigern and it was quite often said that Vortigern ignored a great
heard that they had killed their lord, he ordered them to part of his religious belief because of the woman, who did
be taken prisoner, and he said to them, “You have judged not believe in Jesus Christ.
yourselves in admitting that you have killed your lord, After all this, Vortigern knew that he was not well loved
whom you could not have a right to kill. You would do the by his liegemen. He learned as well that Constant’s two sons
same to me if you could, but I’ll know how to protect myself had been taken away to faraway lands and that they would
against you." come back as soon as they could; he was sure that if they
And when they understood what he was saying, they did come back, it would be for his downfall. He therefore
were aghast and said, “Sir, we did it for your good and decided to build a tower so big and so strong that he need
because we thought you would love us all the more for it.” not fear anyone. Then he sent for all his master masons,
When Vortigern heard them he said, “I will show you ordered limestone and mortar, and began building the
clearly how one must love people like you.” tower. When they had worked up to twenty or so feet above
Then he had all twelve of them taken, tied to the tails the ground,5 it all fell down. And the same thing happened
of twelve horses, and pulled and dragged about for so long again three or four times.6
that litde was left of them. They were of noble stock and And when Vortigern saw that his tower7 could not hold
had many kinsmen who said to Vortigern, “You shamed us up, he became very distraught and said that he would never
mightily when you killed our kinsmen and friends so be happy if he could not find out why his tower kept falling.
unworthily. We will no longer serve you willingly as our So he sent throughout all his land for all the wise men who
overlord.” could be found. When they had gathered together, he told
And when Vortigern heard them threatening him, he them the wonder of his falling tower, which would not
grew angry and told them that if they did not hold their stand no matter what he did. And he asked them all their
tongues, he would do the very same thing to them. When advice about it. When they heard the wonder and saw the
they heard that he was threatening them, their scorn for tower fallen down in the midst of the place, they were
him grew, and they answered very angrily that they had greatly amazed, and said, “It is our opinion that no one but
little fear of his authority: “King Vortigern, threaten us all a learned man, a clerk, can find out why this building keeps
you will, but we say this to you: as long as we have one falling down, for clerks know a great deal about things,
friend left on earth you will surely have war. From this thanks to their clerkly learning and training, that the rest of
moment on we break our faith with you; you are not our us are ignorant of. So if you want to find out why, you can
lord and you do not hold this land lawfully, for you have it do so only through them.”
against the will of God and Holy Church. You can be sure And Vortigern said, “It indeed seems to me that you
that you will die the same death you gave our kinsmen.” speak the truth.”
They then went away. And when Vortigern heard them Then he called together all the learned clerks in his
threatening him with death, he grew even angrier than he land. And when they had gathered, he showed them the
had been before. wonder; and when they had seen it, they were greatly
Thus ill will was bom among them, and the killers’ amazed, and they said to one another, “This is a very great
kinsmen gathered together some men-at-arms and invaded wonder the king has told us about!”
the land. Vortigern fought against them a great number of And then the king summoned his wealthiest vassals. He
times until he drove them back out of the country. And took them aside and said to them, ‘Will you be able to
after they had been driven out, he behaved so wickedly advise me by yourselves or in consultation with others? I
toward his people that they rose up against him. When he would bid you, make every effort so that I might learn why
saw that, he was very frightened that they would drive him the tower falls down, for I have been told that I cannot
from the land. He then sent his messengers to hunt out the know it unless you tell me.”
Saxons, and when they heard that he was suing for peace,
they were very glad.
4The translation follows Micha’s text (17,11. 18-19), a reading
One of them was named Hengist; he was more Sommer gives as a variant (23, n. 1). Sommer’s manuscript reads,
fearsome than any of the others. This Hengist had served illogically, “that it was she who first held the kingdom.” The story
Vortigern for a very long time, and he served him so well in of the bride’s contribution to English culture is amplified in
Geoffrey of Monmouth (VI, 12).
the war that he led the triumph. When the war was over,
Hengist told Vortigern that his own people sorely hated 5Sommer’s text reads “three or four toises" (23, 1. 13), a toise
being a measure of about six feet. Micha’s text, however, speaks of
him. I have heard so much said about this that I cannot
the length of time they had worked: “twenty days or three weeks”
[23] tell you everything, but I can tell you this much, that (19,11.33-34).
Hengist spoke for so long and so persuasively that ^he translation combines Sommer’s text—“and thus it fell
Vortigern took Hengist’s daughter as his wife. And all those back down” (23,1. 15)—and Micha’s—“and thus it happened” (19,
who hear this story should know that she was the first in 1. 35).
*7
'Micha’s text bears the doublet sa tors ne s’euvre (“his tower
and his work”) (19, 1. 35), while the scribe of Sommer’s base
apparently garbled the second element: sa tor ne sere (“his tower
and ?”) (23, 1. 16). As editor, Sommer draws attention to the
apparent error, but does not correct it.
The Story of Merlin 179
When they heard that the king was asking them so saw a boy seven years old who had been born with no man
eamesdy, they said, “Sir, we know nothing about it, but it on earth as his father, yet conceived in a woman, who
may well be that there are clerks right here who can learn would tell about the tower. Every one of the six10 told him
about it through an art called astrology,8 and there are this same thing.
clerks here who know it.” And when he had heard everyone’s opinion, he said to
And the king said, “You clerks know who you are, so them, “Come back all of you.” And they did so. And when
get together and talk about the matter. Find out which ones they were all together, he said to them, “You have all told
among you know how to work astrology, and let them come me one thing and hidden one thing.”
forward boldly. And they will never ask me for anything, if They answered, ‘Tell us now what we said to you and
they can tell me what I want to know, that will not be what we hid from you.”
theirs.” And he said, “You all told me that you know nothing
Then they drew aside and asked one another if they about that tower, but you see a boy seven years old bom
knew anything about that art. Two of them stepped forward with no man on earth as his father, yet conceived in a
and said that they knew enough about it [24] to find out woman, but you told me nothing more. I will tell you this:
the answer. believe me, there is not one among you who has not seen
“We have here two clerks who know about it.” that he is to die because of that boy. I myself have seen it
And the wealthy men said, “Go find your fellow just as plainly as any of you. But if you will believe me, we
astrologers and come talk to us all together.” will come to grips with this since we know about it so long
They said they would do so gladly, so the two looked before our deaths. Do you know what we’ll do? We will all
about until there were seven of them; and among these agree on one thing and say that the tower cannot stand and
seven was not one who did not believe that he was the never will, unless some of the blood of the boy born
master of the others. So they went before the king, and the fatherless is put into the mortar in the foundation: if
king asked them if they could say why his tower kept falling anyone could take some of his blood and put it into the
down. mortar, the tower would stand, and it would be good and
And they answered, “Yes, if it can be known by strong forever. Let everyone say this each in his own way
anyone.” [25] so that the king will not find out what we really saw.
The king told them that if they could tell him, he This is how we can save ourselves from death by the death
would give them all they wanted. of the one by whom we have seen we are to die. Let us also
This is how the king engaged his clerks. And after they convince the king to order those who will go out looking
entered his service, they worked hard to find out why that for him to kill him on the spot as soon as they find him and
tower was falling down and how it could be made to stand. to bring away his blood.”
Each and every one put forth his greatest efforts. But the Thus they agreed on what to say. And when they came
more they worked, the more they wasted their effort, for before the king, they said that they would not speak their
they found out just one thing, and that had nothing to do minds all together, but each one separately: then he would
with the tower, it seemed to them, so they were terrified. At know who spoke best. And they pretended that no one
last the king called them before him and asked them, “Why knew anything about the others.
do you not tell me news about my tower?” And so each one told the king what his reckoning had
They answered, “This is a very great thing you are been, and he heard five men, each one by himself. When
asking of us, and we still need nine more days.”9 The king the king and his men had heard these wonders, they were
answered, “We grant you the respite, but make sure that gready amazed and said, “How can a man be bom without a
you can tell me at the end of the nine days.” father?”
Then the clerks went away to take counsel together, The king then called all the clerks together before him
and each one asked the others, “What do you say about this and said to them, “You all say the same thing, yet each one
thing the king asks of us?” says it in his own way."
So they asked one another, but not one of them would They said to him, “Sir, now tell us what it was.”
tell the others what he had found out. In the end, there was And he told word for word just what they had said.
one who knew more than the others, and he said, “You will They all said to him, “If what we have told you is not true,
do well to tell me privately, each without the others, what then do with us as you will.”
you have found out. I will not reveal anyone’s secret unless And the king asked them, “Can it be true that a man
all of you give me leave to do so.” was bom without conception by a father?”
And they said that they were willing to do that. Then They answered, “Sir, we have never heard it said of
he took each one aside privately and asked them in turn anyone except this boy. But we can assure you of this: he
what they had found out about the tower. And they all said was bom fatherless and he is seven years of age.”
that they knew nothing about it, nor could they see how it And the king said, “I will have you put under a strong
could happen. But they all saw another wonder, for they guard, then I’ll send people to fetch some of the boy’s
blood."
801d French astrenomie (Sommer, 23, 1. 35). As proved by
They said all together, “Sir, we are very willing for you
ensuing events, the clerks do not practice astronomy in the to have us guarded, but you should not talk to the boy or
modem sense, but are seers. Cf. 73,1. 26, and 102,1. 28. even see him; rather, order him to be killed and his blood
9Sommer’s text twice reads .xj., perhaps a printing error for
.ix., since his summary speaks of a “respite of nine days” (24,11. 16-
1(>rhus Micha’s text; Sommer repeats .vij. (24,1. 28).
17). Micha prints the preferred reading (20,11. 27, 29).
180 The Story of Merlin

to be brought back to you. This way, your tower will stand, And he said to the messengers, “Please admit to this
if it is to stand, without fail.” good man, without lying, the truth in what I am going to
The king had all seven put into a very strong house say about what you have undertaken. I want you to know
and provided them with everything they needed. He then that if you lie, I am sure to know it.”
gathered his messengers and sent them out two by two. “We will never lie to you,” they said. ‘Just make sure
There were twelve in all, and the king had them swear on that you do not lie to us.”
saints’ relics that the one who found the boy first would kill And Merlin said to Blaise, “Now listen closely to what
him and bring his blood to him; they also swore not to we are about to tell you. I say,” said Merlin to the
come back before he had been found. messengers, “that you are King Vortigem’s men. That king
Thus the king sent people out to look for the boy, and wants to build a tower, but when they have gone up twenty
his messengers left two by two. And they looked for him in feet or so,11 the tower cannot stand, and everything that has
many lands, until two messengers came upon two of their been finished crumbles in an hour’s time, and the king gets
fellows and they agreed to go along together for a while. very angry because of it.
One day they happened to pass by a big field at the “He has summoned clerks, but not one of them could
entrance to a town, and in that field a band of children figure it out. They told him they would explain to him why
were playing ball. And Merlin, who knew all things, was the tower could not stand and how to get it to hold. They
there. He saw those who were looking for him, so he drew cast their lots, but they saw nothing about the tower. But
up to one of the wealthiest boys in the town, because he was they did find out that I had been born, and it seemed to
sure that he would say ugly things about him, raised the them that I could hurt them, so they agreed to have me
stick he was holding, and struck the boy in the leg. The boy killed. They would tell the king that the tower would stand
burst into tears and began to call Merlin names, accusing if some of my blood were in it. And they told him so. When
him of being born fatherless. And when the messengers Vortigem heard it, he took it for a great wonder and
heard this, they went all four to where the boy was weeping. believed it to be true. They advised him to send out men to
They asked him, “Who is the one that struck you?” look for me, but they should kill me when they found me
He said to them, “He is the son of a woman who never and bring him my blood to put into the tower, in the
knew who sired him, and he has never had a father.” mortar for the foundation, and this is how, they said, the
When Merlin heard this, he came to them smiling and tower would stand. And Vortigem chose twelve messengers
said to them, “I am the one you are looking for, the one and made them all swear on holy relics that they would kill
you have sworn to kill, and you must take my blood to King me and bring him my blood. So he sent these twelve out,
Vortigem.” [26] and four of the twelve came here, to the big field where
When they heard the boy speak they were other children and I were playing ball. And knowing that
dumbfounded, and they asked him who had told him that. they were looking for me, I struck one of the boys because I
And he answered, “I know for a fact that you swore to kill knew for certain that he would say the worst things about
me.” me he could think of and that he would scold me for being
They asked him, ‘Will you come with us if we carry you bom fatherless. I did it because I wanted these worthy men
on horseback?” to find me, and so they have found me. And so I bid you,
And he answered, “I would be afraid you’d kill me.” He dear Master [27] Blaise, ask them if I have spoken the
knew that they did not want to, but he said it to worry them truth.”
all the more. And he said to them, “If you will promise not And he asked them whether the wonder he had told
to harm me, I will go away with you and I will also tell you was true. They answered diat everything had happened just
why the tower for which you want to kill me cannot stand.” as he told it, “and he did not lie to you in a single word.”
When they heard this, they were utterly amazed and The master crossed himself and said that Merlin would
asked him who had told him that. And he answered, “I be most wise if he lived long enough, “and it would be a
know it for a fact, since you swore to kill me.” very great shame if you killed him.”
And they said to one another, “This boy tells us They answered, “Sir, we would sooner be perjurers all
wonders, and whoever killed him would commit a grievous our days—we would sooner the king seized all our
sin.” Each one of them said, “I would rather break my oath possessions—than kill him. And he himself, who knows all
than kill him.” other things, knows full well whether we wish to.”
Then Merlin said to them, “You will come take lodging And Blaise said, “You speak the truth. And I will ask
where my mother lives. I could not go with you without her him this and other things in front of you, and you will be
leave or that of a worthy man who lives in my mother’s greatly astounded by what he will say."
house.” Then they called him back, for he had left them earlier
‘We will go where you wish. ” because he wanted them to speak privately. And when he
Thus Merlin took the messengers who had come to kill had come back, Blaise asked him, “Now tell me, Merlin, do
him to his mother’s house in a community of nuns where these messengers want to kill you?”
the good priest had sent her to retire. When they came And Merlin flashed a smile and said, “I know surely,
there, Merlin ordered those within to give them a warm thanks be to God and to them, that they do not wish to at
welcome. And after they had got down from their horses, aU.”
Merlin took them before Blaise and said to him, “Look,
here are the ones I told you were looking for me to kill
nHere Micha’s text (22, 1. 15) agrees with Sommer’s (26, 1.
25): “three or four toises." See above, n. 5.
The Story of Merlin 181

And they said to him, “You have spoken the truth.” not have you write down.13 You should also know that never
Then they asked him, “Will you come with us?” have the lives of royal personages or the righteous been so
And he answered, “Yes, without fail, if you swear a gladly listened to as will be those of King Arthur and the
binding oath to me that you will take me before the king people who in that time will live and rule. When you have
and that you will allow no harm to come to me before I finished everything and recounted their lives, then you will
have talked to him, for I am sure that after I spoken to him, deserve the joy they have who are in the company of the
I will have no need to fear.” holy vessel called the Grail. And your book that you have
And they promised him. made will be called The Book of the Grail for as long as the
Then Blaise spoke and said, “Now I see clearly that you world lasts. And people will hear it gladly.”
wish to leave me. Tell me then what you want me to do with Thus spoke Merlin to his master, and he showed him
this work you have had me begin." what he had to do. (He called him Master because he had
And he answered, ‘What you ask me, I will tell you been his mother’s teacher.) And when the good man heard
aright. For you see that Our Lord, who rightly and justly him say those things, he was very glad and said, “If I can, I
endowed me with such intelligence and memory that the will do everything you order me to do.”
one who thought he could have me for his own use has lost This is how Merlin instructed Blaise. And he spoke to
me—so God has chosen me to work in His own service, for the messengers who had come for him, and said, “Come
no one but I can do it and no one knows things as I know with me, for I want you to hear my mother’s and my leave-
them. And I must go to that land which they left to come taking.”
look for me. I will do and say such things that more people Then he took them to the place where his mother was,
will believe me than any man who has ever been on this and he said to her, “Dear mother, I have been summoned
earth except God. from faraway, foreign lands, but I will go only by your leave.
“And you will go away to bring to an end the work you I must render to Jesus Christ the service for which He gave
have undertaken; you won’t come with me, but you’ll go off me the power, and I cannot accomplish this unless I go to
by yourself and ask the way to a land called the land where these men want to take me. Your master
Northumberland. That land is full of great forests, and it is Blaise also has to leave, so you must let go of both of us.”
forbidding even to those who belong there, for there are And his mother said to him, “Dear son, I commend
places where no one has yet been. And you will live there. you to God, for I am not so clever that I would dare hold
And I’11 come to you and tell you the things you will need to you back. But please, I would truly like Blaise to stay here.”
make the book you have begun. You must work hard at it, But Merlin said that could not be.
for you will have great rewards from it: during your life you Thus did Merlin take leave of his mother, and he left
will have a full heart, and at the end, everlasting joy. And with the messengers. Blaise went off another way, toward
the story will forever be told and gladly heard for as long as Northumberland, where Merlin had ordered him to go.
the world lasts. Merlin rode with the messengers until they went
“Do you know where this grace will come from? It will through a town that had a market, and after they had left
come from the grace that Our Lord accorded Joseph from the town, they came upon a peasant who had bought a pair
the cross. And when you finish laboring for Joseph’s sake of stout shoes, and he carried with him the leather to mend
and all his descendants and kindred, and have done such his shoes with when he wore holes in them, for he meant to
good work that you deserve to be their companion, then I go on a pilgrimage. When Merlin drew close to the peasant,
will show you where they are, and you will see the glorious he began to laugh, and the men leading him asked him
vessel and the glorious services that Joseph performed for why he had laughed. And he said to them, “Because of the
the body of Jesus Christ which was given to him. peasant you see here. Now ask him what he means to do
“And I want you to know, to make you more [28] with that leather he’s taking with him, and he will say that
certain, that God has given me such intelligence and such he will need to mend his shoes. Then follow him, for I tell
memory that I will make the whole kingdom where I am you truthfully [29] that he will be dead before reaching
going, the worthy men and noble women, suffer grief along home.”
with the one who is to be of that kindred so beloved of When they heard this, they took it for a great wonder,
God12 Oh, God! I’ll have so much to do! But I truly want and they said, ‘We will try to see whether or not that is
you to know that the great troubles will not come before true.” So they went over to the peasant and asked him what
the fourth king. That king because of whom my great he meant to do with that leather, and he said that he
troubles will come about will be named Arthur. wanted to go on a pilgrimage and would need to mend his
“And so you will go to the place I have told you, and I’ll shoes when he wore holes in them.
come to you often and bring you the things I want you to And when they heard him say just what Merlin had
put into your book. And you should know that your book told them he would, they were greatly astounded and said,
will be much loved and gready prized by many people. And ‘This man looks hale and hardy. Two of us will follow him
when you finish it, you will bring it into the company of and the other two will take the straight road and wait for us
those good folk who have the glorious services I have told where they’ll spend the night, for it would be good to know
you about. There will be no noble man or worthy woman in all about the wonder the boy has told."
the place where I am going some part of whose life I will
1^The final clause is supplied from Micha’s text (23, 11. 51-
12The epithet is supplied from Micha’s text (23,1. 39). 52).
182 The Story of Merlin

And two of them followed the peasant and had not And when they heard her, they came back to their
gone more than a league when they found the peasant companions and recounted [30] to them what the woman
dead right in their path, with his shoes in his arms. And had told them. Then they said among the four of them that
when they saw this, they turned about and caught up with never in the world had there been such a good seer.
their companions and told them what they had seen. And So they rode until they were a day’s journey from
when the others heard it, they said, “Our clerks behaved where Vortigem was. Then the messengers asked Merlin to
like complete fools when they ordered this clever litde boy advise them what they could say to their lord, because they
to be killed.” had not killed him as soon as they found him as he had
And the first ones said that they would rather suffer ordered them to do. When Merlin heard them talk in that
great harm to their persons than kill him; they said this way, he knew that they wanted what was best for him, so he
among themselves in secret, for they did not think that said to them, “You will do just as I advise you and you will
Merlin would know it. When they came to where Merlin never be blamed for it. Go to King Vortigem and tell him
was, he thanked them for what they had said, and they that you have found me, and tell him the truth about what
asked him, “What have we said that you should thank us for you have heard me say. And tell him that I’ll show him truly
it?” why his tower falls down and why it cannot stand—provided
He repeated what they had said word for word, and that he do to those who wanted to have me killed just what
when they heard it they were astonished and said, ‘We can’t they wished done to me. And tell hirn that I will explain to
say or do anything that this boy doesn’t know about.” him why they want to have me killed. And when you have
So they rode many days until they came to Vortigem’s said all this, do confidendy what he orders you to do.”
kingdom. Then the messengers turned away from Merlin and
One day they happened to be going through a town, went to the king. And when he saw them, he was very glad
and people were taking a child to be buried. There were all and asked them what they had done with his mission. And
about the body men and women wailing bitterly. And when they answered, “The best we could.”
Merlin saw the sorrow and the priests and clerks chanting Then they asked him to see them alone, and they told
and bearing the body to be buried, Merlin stopped at once him everything just as it had happened, just how they found
and began to laugh. The men who were leading him asked Merlin. “If he had wished, we would never have found him,
him why he was laughing, and he said, ‘Tor a great wonder and he comes to you very willingly.”
that I see." And the king said to them, “What Merlin are you
And he told them, “Do you see that good man over telling me about? Is he the boy who was born fatherless
there who is mourning so and that priest who is chanting?” whose blood you were to have brought me?”
And they said, “Yes, of course.” One of them said, “He is the very Merlin we are telling
So Merlin said, “The priest ought to be doing the other you about. And you can be sure that he is the wisest and
man’s grieving. I want you to know that the child was his best seer who ever was in the world, but for God. Sir, he
son, yet the man to whom he did not belong at all mourns told us exacdy how you made me swear and gave your
so much for him. And the one whose son it is, is singing! orders, and he said outright that the clerks know nothing
That’s why this seems to me to be a great wonder.” about why your tower keeps falling, but he will tell you why
And the messengers asked him, “How can we find this and show you, if you want, before your very eyes. And he
out?” told us other wonders, very great ones, and he has sent us
And he answered them, “Go to the woman over there to you to leam whether you will speak to him. If not, we’ll
who is mourning so much and ask her why she is weeping. kill him right where he is, for two of our companions are
She will tell you, for her son who is dead. And you will with him guarding him.”
answer her, ‘I know just as well as you that this is not your And the king answered, “If you will pledge to me that
husband’s son, but the son of that priest who has chanted he will show me why my tower keeps falling, then it is not
over him so much today. And the priest himself is aware of my will to have him killed.”
it, for he told you himself and reckoned the day when he And they said, “We do indeed pledge this.”
was conceived.’” The king said, “Go fetch him, for I truly wish to speak
When the messengers had understood clearly what to him”
Merlin had said, two of them14 approached the woman and Then the messengers left, and the king himself rode
said to her just what Merlin had told them.15 And when she after them. And when Merlin saw the two messengers, he
heard it, she was very much afraid and said to them, “My said to them, “You have vouched for me with your lives."
lords, by God’s mercy, I know that I can’t hide it from you, “You have told the truth,” they said. “We would rather
so I’ll admit the whole truth. It is just as you have said, but put ourselves in jeopardy than kill you, and we must do one
for God’s sake, do not tell my husband, for he would kill or the other.”
Merlin answered, “I will be your guaranty against this
peril.”
14Supplied from Micha (25, 1. 29); Sommer’s text does not Then they rode until they met the king. And when
specify the number, which is necessary because not all four go to Merlin saw him, he greeted him and said, ‘Vortigem, speak
speak to the woman. with me in private.”
15Supplied from Micha (25, 1. 30); Sommer’s text reads K And he took him aside and called those who had
(“him”) (29,1. 39).
brought him. And when they were together by themselves,
The Story of Merlin 183

Merlin said,16 “Sir, you had me sought out because of your And they thanked him profusely.
tower that cannot stand, and you ordered me to be killed Then Merlin said to Vortigem, “Do you want to know
on the advice of your clerks, who said that the tower would why your tower will not stand and who knocks it down? If
hold up with my blood, but they lied. Yet if they had said you will do what I tell you, I will show you plainly. Do you
that it would stand by my intelligence, they would have told know what is beneath this tower? There is a great pool of
the [31] truth. And if you promise me to do to them what water. And beneath that great pool there are two dragons
they wanted you to do to me, then I will show you why the that can’t see a thing.19 One of them is red and the other
tower keeps falling down. And I will show you, if you are white. They are under two great rocks. Each senses the
willing to do it, how it will stand up.” other’s presence,20 and they are very big. And when they
And Vortigem answered, “If you show me what you say, feel the water growing heavier above them and the work
I will do with the clerks what you wish.” going on, they turn over, and the pool makes such a great
And Merlin said to him, “If one word of what I say is a uproar that whatever is built over it must fall down. So your
lie, do not believe me ever again. Let’s go and call the tower falls because of the dragons. Take a look for yourself,
clerks together, and you will hear that they themselves can’t and if you don’t find it just as I have said, then have me
explain.” burned to death. And if you find it to be so, then let my
So the king took Merlin to the place where the tower guarantors21 be absolved and the clerks proved guilty since
had been started and kept falling down. And the clerks they know nothing about all this.”
were sent for and came before Merlin; and when they got And Vortigem answered, “If what you tell me is true,
there, he had one of the messengers who had brought him I’ll hold you to be the wisest man in the world.” [32]
ask them, saying, “Sir clerks, what is the reason you say that Then the king said to Merlin, “Now show me how I can
the tower falls down?” have the earth taken away.”
And they answered, “We know nothing about its falling And Merlin told him, “With horses and carts and men
down, but we have told the king how it will stand.” with yokes to carry things a long way.”
The king said to them, “You have told me wonders. For And the king ordered workmen to be put to the task
you advised me to summon a fatherless man, but I don’t and called together as many as were needed for the job.
know how he will be found.” The people all around took this to be a great wonder and a
Merlin began to speak to the clerks and said to them,17 great folly. And Merlin recommended that the clerks be
“Sirs, do not take the king for a fool. You had him seek the well guarded.
boy bom fatherless not out of concern for him, but because So the king had the work underway for a long time to
you foresaw that by the boy bom fatherless you would die. take out all that dirt, and the people worked at it until they
It was because you were afraid he would kill you that you found the pool. And after they had found it, they
made the king believe that he should have him killed and uncovered it and sent word to the king that they had found
put his blood in the mortar in the tower’s foundation, and it. And the king came there gladly to behold the wonder,
then the tower would hold up and never give way. So you and he took Merlin with him. And when they came there,
brooded about how you could have the one killed by whom they found the pool to be very large. The king called two of
you would die, according to your forecasts.” his advisers and said to them, ‘Very wise indeed is this man
And when they heard that the boy was telling this who knew that this pool was under the ground. And he also
wonder, which they thought no one but they knew, they said that beneath this pool there are two very great rocks
were terrified and knew that they would have to die. And and beneath these two rocks are two dragons! From now
Merlin said to the king, “From now on you can be sure that on, anything he tells me to do I’ll do.”
these clerks wanted to have me killed not for the sake of Then he called Merlin and said to him, “You have
your tower, but because they had foreseen that they would spoken the truth about this thing, for the workmen have
die because of me. Please ask them if this was so, for they found the pool. But I do not yet know whether you told the
will never be so bold as to dare lie to you in front of me.” truth about the two rocks and the two dragons.”
The king asked them whether he was telling the truth. And Merlin answered, ‘You can’t know it before you
“Sir,” they said, “may God save us from our sins as truly see it.”
as he has spoken the truth. But we do not know by whom The king asked him, “How can we be rid of that
he knows these wonders. We ask you as our rightful water?”
overlord, please let us live so long that we may see whether And Merlin said, ‘They will drain it away in good
he will tell the truth about the tower and whether it will ditches.”
stand because of him.” Then ditches were ordered dug and the water drained
Then Merlin spoke and said to them, ‘You need not away. And Merlin said to Vortigem, “Those dragons that
fear dying18 until you have seen why the tower falls down.” are beneath the pool, as soon as they smell each other, they
will fight until they kill each other. Send for all the
16Thus Micha (27,1. 4). Sommer’s text adds lor (30,1. 39): “to
them”; however, the remarks are addressed to the king alone. 10That is, are asleep (as in Geoffrey of Monmouth)?
l7Supplied from Micha (27, 1. 29). Sommer’s text reads lors 20Supplied from Micha (28, 1. 7): sentent [sic] bien li uns
("then”) for lor (“to them”) (31,1. 14). I’autre, where Sommer’s text reads seit (for sent ? or for sait? ) (31,1.
18Supplied from Micha’s text (27, 1. 52): Vos n'avez garde de 37).
morir. In substituting m for «, Sommer’s text provides a meaning 21That is, the messengers who have staked their lives on
inappropriate for the passage (31,1. 31): Vous manes garde de morir Merlin’s truthfulness.
("You have kept me from dying”).
184 The Story of Merlin

foremost men in the land to see the fight, for the battle uglier than the other one and even more fearsome. So it
between those two will have a very great meaning.” seemed to the king that this one would defeat the other.
And Vortigem said that he would. Then he sent out Merlin said to Vortigern, “Now my guarantors should
through all his land for the great men, both clerics and be absolved.”
laymen. And when they had gathered together, Vortigern And he said that they were indeed.
recounted to them all the wonders that Merlin had told Then they dragged one dragon near the other, and
and how the two dragons were to fight. Then they said to they smelled each other’s backsides. As soon as one smelled
one another, “That will be very good to see!” the other, they both turned about and grabbed each other
They asked the king if he had said which one would with their teeth and feet. Never have you heard of two
win, and the king answered, “Not yet." animals fighting so fiercely. They fought in this way all that
Then the water was drained away, and they could see day and all that night and the next day until midday. And
the two rocks that were at the bottom of the pool. And all the people who were watching them truly believed that
when Merlin saw them, he said, “Do you see these two great the red one would kill the white one. But in the end, fire
rocks?” and flames shot out of the white dragon through its nose
And the king answered, “Yes.” and mouth, and he burned the red one up. And when the
“Sir,” he said, “beneath these two rocks are two red one was dead, the white one withdrew, lay down, and
dragons.” lived no more than three days longer. And those who saw
And the king asked, “How will the dragons be got out?” that said that no one had ever seen such a wonder.
Merlin said to him, “Very easily, for the dragons will And Merlin said to Vortigem, “Now you can build your
not move before they smell each other, and as soon as they tower as high as you wish, and it will never be so high that it
smell each other, they will fight until one of them must will fall down.”
die.” Then Vortigem ordered his workmen to go to work,
And the king said to him, “Merlin, will you tell me and he built it as high and as strong as he could.
which one will be defeated?” And he asked Merlin many times to tell him the
Merlin answered, “In their fight and in their victory meaning of the two dragons and how it could be that the
there is very great meaning. And what I can tell you I’ll tell white one killed the red one, since the red one had had the
you in private before three worthy men who are your close better of the fight for such a long time. And Merlin
advisors.” answered, “These things are all signs of what is to come. If I
Then Vortigern called three of the liegemen in his told you what you ask me to, you would grow angry with
kingdom he most trusted, and he told them what Merlin me. But you will assure me that you will not harm me.”
had said to him. And they advised him to ask when they And Vortigem answered that he would give him all the
were alone which of the two dragons would be defeated: he assurance he could wish.
should say it before he saw them and before the fight And Merlin said to him, “Go now and send for your
began. council, and have the clerks come before me who have
And he said to them, “You have spoken well and I left23 this tower and who wanted to have me killed.”
agree. After the fight he could make people think whatever Vortigem did as Merlin advised. And when the council
he wanted.” [33] and the clerks had come, Merlin spoke to the clerks and
Then he called Merlin and asked him which one of the said to them, “You are very foolish when you think you can
two dragons would win. And Merlin asked him, ‘Those work with the occult arts and not be so good or pure or
three22 liegemen of yours, are they in your confidence?” noble as you ought. And because you are foolish and
And Vortigem said to him, “Yes, more than anyone wicked, what you tried to find out eluded you; and because
else I know of.” of the other art, the art of first principles, you did not see
“Then can I indeed say in front of them what you ask what you were asked about. You are not ones to see it. But
me?” you saw better that I had been born. And the one who
And the king said, “Yes, indeed.” showed me to you made it seem that you [34] were to die
And Merlin told them, “I want you to know that the because of me—and he did it out of sorrow that he had lost
white one will kill the red one. And be assured that he will me so that you would have me killed. But I have a Lord who
have a great deal of trouble before he kills him. That he will will guard me against devils’ tricks, if it pleases Him. And I
kill him will have very great meaning for him who will know will show them to be liars, for I will do nothing whereby you
how to recognize it But I will not tell you any more about it might die, if you will swear to me what I order you to.”
until after the fight.” And when they heard that they could be reprieved
Then the people were brought together, and they from dying, they said, “We will do anything you ask us to
came to the two rocks; they broke them and dragged out do, for we see plainly that you are the wisest man in the
the white dragon. And when they saw that it was so large world.”
and ugly and fearsome, they became frightened of it and And Merlin said to them, “You will swear to me that
drew back. Then they went to the other one and brought it you will never traffic in this art. And because you have
out. And when the people saw this one they were more already practiced it, I order you to confess it to a priest, for
terrified than they had been before, for it was larger and

23Supplied from Micha’s text (29, 1. 74): sortirent. Sommer’s

22Sommer’s text has.iiij. (33,1. 2). text introduces an irrelevant meaning by shifting a letter, sortirent
(33,1. 35): “cut, adjusted.”
The Story of Merlin 185

whoever repents of a sin and does not give it up is lost. So And Merlin said to him, “I want you to know that the
put your flesh into such subjection that your souls will not great red dragon stands for your wicked heart, and that its
be damned. If you will promise me this, I will let you go.” body was so huge means your great power. And the white
And they thanked him many times over and swore to dragon stands for the birthright of the youths who have fled
him that they would do as he ordered. because they fear your rule. That they fought for such a
This is how Merlin freed the clerks who had had him long time means that you have long held their kingdom.
sought out. And all those who saw that he had proved That you saw the white one burn the red one with fire
himself so well were most thankful to him. And Vortigem coming out of its body means that the youths will burn you
came to him with his council and said to him, “You must with their fire. And so I do not think that your tower or any
tell me the meaning of the two dragons, for you have other stronghold will keep you from dying."
spoken the truth to me about all the other things, and I When Vortigem heard him, he was terrified. He asked
consider you the wisest man in the world. This is why I beg Merlin where the youths were. And Merlin said to him,
you to tell me the meaning of the two dragons.” “They are at sea, and they have gathered a great army to
And Merlin answered, “I will tell you. The red dragon invade their kingdom and to bring you to justice. And they
stands for you, and the white one represents the sons of say in truth that you had their brother murdered. I will tell
Constant" you that they will come ashore three months24 from now in
And when Vortigem understood his meaning, he was the port of Winchester.”
ashamed. Merlin took note of this and said to him, “If you Gready distraught was Vortigem when he heard this
wish, I’ll stop telling you this thing; please do not hold it news and found out that those people were coming. So he
against me.” asked Merlin if it could not be otherwise. And he answered,
And Vortigem answered, “There is no one here whom “No, it is not possible for you not to die from the fire of
I do not trust, and I want you to tell me the meaning Constant’s children, just as you saw the white dragon bum
plainly, and spare me nothing that has to do with it.” the red one.”
And Merlin said, “I have told you truly that the red Thus Vortigem spoke to Merlin, who told him the
dragon means you, and I’ll tell you why. You certainly know meaning of the two dragons. On the day Merlin told him,
that Constant’s sons were left alone, after their father’s he called together all his people to go against the youths
death; and you must admit that if you behaved as you who were at sea, and Vortigem led his men-at-arms to
ought, you should protect them and counsel them and Winchester, where the youths were to land.
defend them against all men on earth. And you also And after they had all gathered, Merlin went off to
recognize that it is with their landholdings and their Northumberland where Blaise was, and he told him that he
liegemen that you won the allegiance of the people of the had indeed done what he had been sent to do. And Blaise
kingdom. As soon as you saw that the people of the put everything into his book, which is how we still know it.
kingdom loved you, you withdrew from their doings
because you understood that they would have troubled
times. And when the people of the kingdom came to you to
3. Uther Pendragon and the Round Table;
say that Maine should not be king and to ask you to take his
place, you answered them like a weakling and said that you
the Perilous Seat.* 1
could not be king as long as Maine was alive.
“So you hid behind your misleading words. And those Here the story says that Merlin stayed for a long time with
to whom you spoke them understood that you truly wanted Blaise, until Constant’s sons sent for him.
Maine dead, and so they killed him. After they had killed And Vortigem was at the port with a great host of men,
him, two more were left, but they fled the country because and he waited for the day Merlin had told him about. And
they were afraid of you, so you were made king and you still that very day the folk in Winchester saw on the sea the sails
hold their birthright. of the boats that Constant’s sons were leading. As soon as
“When those who had killed King Maine came before Vortigem saw them, he ordered his men to take their arms
you, you had them killed to make it seem that you were and defend his port. They came to the port to defend it,
sorry about his death; but this was not true sorrow, for you while Constant’s sons came there to go ashore. And when
took the kingdom and you still hold on to it. And you have those who were on land saw the banners of King Constant,
built your tower for your own protection and to safeguard they were greatly amazed. And when the boat carrying
yourself against your foes. But the tower cannot save you Constant’s sons touched shore, the men on land asked
because you do not want to save yourself.” them, “Whose boats are these?”
Vortigem clearly heard what Merlin told him, and he Those on board answered, “They belong to Pendragon
understood that he had spoken the whole truth. So he said and his brother Uther, Constant’s two sons who are coming
to him, “I acknowledge that you are the wisest man in the back to their land, which Vortigem, a false and unfaithful
world, [35] and I beseech you to counsel me as to what I man, took from them a long time ago. He had their
can do in the face of these things and to tell me how I will brother killed, and they have come to bring him to justice.”
die.”
And Merlin answered, “If I were not telling you how 24Supplied from Micha (30, 1. 66): d’ui en .III. mois (“three
you would die, I would not be telling you the meaning of months from today”); Sommer’s text has .iij. iors (“three days”).
the two dragons.” 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 35-58.
So he begged him to tell him without hiding anything.
186 The Story of Merlin

And when the men by the harbor heard [36] that it Then he called for his messengers and sent them
was the sons of Constant their rightful lord who were throughout the whole land to seek Merlin. And Merlin,
leading such a great host, they saw clearly that they had lost who had known that the king was summoning him since he
the contest and that if they fought them, great harm could spoke to Blaise, went as quickly as he could to the town
come to them, and they told Vortigem so. And when he saw where the messengers were who had gone out looking for
that most of his men were deserting him and that they were him. And he came like a woodsman into the town, with a
already going over to Pendragon’s and Uther’s side, he was great axe at his neck and stout shoes on his feet, dressed in
afraid; and he told his men who would not desert him to a short tunic tom to shreds; his hair was standing out and
fortify the tower, and they did. his beard was quite long. He looked very much indeed like
The boats came to port, and when they had touched a wildrnan. He came so to the house where the messengers
shore, the horses came out, covered with armor, and all the were eating, and when they saw him they stared at him in
men-at-arms as well; and when they had all left the boats, wonder.
they went toward the castle. Some of the people, when they They said to one another, “This one looks like a very
saw their rightful lords, came over to them and their men- bad man.”
at-arms, and welcomed them as their lords.2 And those who And he went forward and said to them, “You are not
stayed with Vortigem had fled into the casde and defended doing your lord’s work very well. For he ordered you [37]
themselves, for the men outside were storming them. to look for the seer named Merlin.”
Thus the ones attacked and the others defended When they heard it, they said to one another, “What
themselves, until Pendragon set fire to the castle on one of devil has told that to this peasant, and what business is it of
the great assaults, and as soon as the fire had overtaken his?”
them, a great part of the castle was burned up. And And he answered, “If it had been my job to look for
Vortigem was burned in that fire. him, I would have found him sooner than you have.”
This is how the boys came back to their land, and they Then they stood all around him and asked if he knew
let it be known throughout the kingdom that they had who Merlin was and if he had ever seen him. And he
returned. And when the people learned of the arrival of answered, “I have seen him and I know where he lives. He is
their lords, they were overjoyed and came to them and aware that you are looking for him, but you will not find
greeted them as their rightful lords. So the two brothers him unless he is willing. And he ordered me to tell you that
came back to what was theirs by birthright. you are wasting your effort looking for him, and even if you
Pendragon was made king, and he was a very good and did find him, he would not go with you. Say to the men who
faithful lord to the people. And the Saxons whom told your lord that he was in this country that they spoke
Vortigem had brought to the land held on to their castles, the truth. And when you come to your lord, tell him that he
which were very strong,3 and every day they waged war will not take the castle that he is besieging until Hengist has
against Pendragon and the Christians, and they fought for died.
so long that sometimes they lost and sometimes they won. “You should also know that it was only five men from
At last Pendragon laid siege to the casde of Hengist,4 and the army who told your lord to send people to look for
he stayed there for most of the year. Merlin, but when you go back you will find only three of
At last he took counsel, and on the council were many them. And tell your lord and these three that if they came
men, and they deliberated as to how they could take the to this land and looked for Merlin in these woods, they
casde. Five of them had been privy to the meeting where would find him. But if the king himself does not come, he
Merlin had explained to Vortigem the meaning of the will find no one to bring Merlin to him.”
dragons and had told him about the boys and his death. They understood very well what he had told them.
They called Pendragon and his brother Uther aside and Merlin turned about, and as he turned they lost him from
told them the wonder that Merlin had recounted, and said sight. And they crossed themselves and said that they had
that he was the best seer who ever was, and if he was willing, spoken to a devil. “What shall we do about what he has told
he would say plainly whether this casde would be taken. us?”
When Pendragon heard this, he asked where the good seer They agreed among themselves that they would go
could be found. back and tell this wonder to their lord and those who had
And one of them answered, “We don’t know where. sent them there. ‘Then we will find out whether those two
But we do know veiy well that when someone talks about have died, and we will tell the king what we have seen and
him, he knows it, and if he wanted to, he would surely heard.”
come, for I know that he’s in this country.” So they rode back until, after many days, they came to
“Then I will find him,” said Pendragon. the army where the king was. And when the king saw them
he asked them, “Have you found the man you went to look
2In the text references to the overlords are in the singular. for?”
Later, before one of the brothers is named king, the text reverts to And they answered, “Sir, we will tell you something
the plural. that has happened to us. Call for your council and those
4
Supplied from Micha (31, 11. 58-59). Sommer’s text refers who told you about the seer.”
imprecisely only to le chastel, car moult estoit fors (36, 1. 20): “the
And the king sent for them. When they had come, they
casde, for it was very strong.” See following note.
drew aside to meet privately. The messengers told the
Supplied from Micha (31,1. 62). Sommer’s text continues to
wonder that had happened to them and all the things the
refer without specifics to le chastel (36,1. 23): “the castle."
peasant had told them, including the two men he said
The Story of Merlin 187

would be dead before they came back. And they asked Then the king said, “How will I know that you are
about them and were told that they had indeed died. When telling me the truth?”
the men who had told about Merlin heard this, they were And he answered, “If you don’t believe me, don’t do
very amazed at the loathsome man they spoke about, and anything I tell you, for it is madness to believe bad advice.
they wondered who he could be. They did not know that But you should know this much: I give you better advice
Merlin could take on a likeness other than his own, yet it than anyone else could."
seemed to them that no one could say that but Merlin And the king said, “Then I’ll believe you.”
himself. So the king rode off to his town nearest the forest.
So they said to the king, “We truly believe that it was After he had settled in there, it happened one day that a
Merlin himself who spoke to your messengers. No one else highborn man, well dressed and well shod, came to his
could have told about the two who have died, and no one lodging. And he said to those he found inside, ‘Take me
but Merlin would have dared talk about Hengist’s death.” before the king."
Then they asked the messengers in what town they had And diey did. When he came before the king, he said
found that man, and they said that they had found him in to him, “Sir, Merlin sends me to you. And he declares that
Northumberland, “and he came to our lodging." he was the herdsman who spoke to you in the woods, and
Then they said very plainly that it had been Merlin. the proof is that he told you he would come to you when it
“And he said,” the messengers went on, “that the king was his will. He told you the truth, but you still do not need
himself should come for him.” him, and he has never wanted to see any great man unless
Then the king said that he would leave his brother that man had something for him to accomplish."
Uther at the siege, and he would go off to Northumberland The king said, “Dear friend, I would very gladly see
and take with him those who he thought knew Merlin. And him now.”
he did as he said he would. And when they came to And he said to him, “Since you have said this, he sends
Northumberland, he asked news [38] of Merlin, but he you some very good news by me: Hengist is dead, and Uther
found no one who could tell him anything. So he said that your brother has killed him.”
he would go look for him deep in the forest. And he rode When the king heard this, he was greatly amazed, and
through the forest looking for Merlin. One of the king’s he said, “Can what you tell me be true?”
men5 happened to find a great herd of cattle and a very And he answered, ‘You are behaving like a fool if you
ugly, misshapen man who kept them. do not believe it before you prove otherwise. Now send
The one who found him asked him where he was from, there to find out whether or not what I told you is true. And
and he said that he was from Northumberland and worked if it is true, believe it yet again.”
for a gentleman “who told me that the king would come And the king replied, ‘You speak well.”
looking for him in the woods today.” Then the king took two messengers and sent them on
And the king’s man said to him, “It is true that the king the two best horses he had, and he ordered them not to
is looking for him. Could you tell me about him?” stop riding, on the way there or back, until they knew for
He answered, “I would tell the king things I wouldn’t certain whether Hengist was dead. And they left and went
say to you." as fast as they could, and after they had ridden a day and a
And he said to him, “Come along. I will take you where night, they met Uther’s messengers who were coming with
the king is.” the news of Hengist’s death. When the messengers met,
The herdsman replied, ‘Then I’d be doing a bad job they gave their messages, and they all went back to the king.
keeping my livestock! I have no need of him! But if he The man who had brought Merlin’s message [39] to
came to me, I would surely tell him where he’d find the the king had left. And the king’s and Uther’s messengers all
man he’s looking for.” went before the king and told him in private how Uther
And he said, “I’ll bring him to you.” had killed Hengist. When the king heard it, he ordered
Then he left him and went looking for the king until them, if they valued their lives at all, not to speak of this
he found him, and he told him what he had found. And the thing, and so it was. And the king was gready astounded
king said, ‘Take me to him now.” because Merlin had known about Hengist’s death.
And he took the king to the place where he had found So the king began waiting for Merlin in his town to
the peasant, and he was still there. And he said to the find out whether he would come, and he thought in his
peasant, “Here is the king whom I bring to you. Tell him heart that if he did come, he would ask him how Hengist
what you told me just now. ” had been killed, for few people even knew about his death.
And he said, “I know for a fact that you are looking for Thus the king waited for Merlin; then one day the king
Merlin, but you can’t find him until he himself wishes you happened to be leaving the church when a very handsome,
to. But go off to one of your towns near here, and he will well-dressed man came along who certainly looked like a
come to you as soon as he knows you are waiting for him.” gendeman.
And he came straight before the king and said to him,

5The first part of the sentence is supplied from Micha (33,11. “Sir, whom are you waidng for in this town?"
5-6, and his note). Sommer’s text (38, 11. 2-3), like that of most And the king answered, “I was waidng for Merlin to
manuscripts, including Micha’s base, omits the reference to the come speak to me.”
other man and presents Pendragon as coming upon the hideous “Sir,” he said, “you are not so clever that you can
herdsman; this is illogical, as the man who finds the herdsman
recognize him when he is talking to you! Now, call those
wants to take him back to the king and eventually brings the king
to him.
188 The Story of Merlin

you have brought who should know who Merlin is and ask told him so, and he believed me, thanks be, and he was on
them if I could ever be this Merlin." the alert. I also told him about all Hengist’s strength and
And when the king heard him, he was amazed. He sent bravery and what could come from them. And Hengist stole
for the ones who ought to recognize Merlin and said to into the midst of your army, in front of your brother’s
them, “My lords, we are waiting for Merlin, but there is no pavilion, to kill him. Your brother could hardly believe all
one here among us who, to my knowledge, knows what he that I told him, but, thanks be, he did stand watch that
looks like. If you know him, tell me.” night all alone without telling anyone, and he put on his
“Sir,” they said, “it would be impossible for us not to armor without anyone knowing it. At last Hengist came
recognize him, if we saw him.” carrying the knife to kill him with. When Hengist went into
And the gendeman who was with the king spoke and the tent, your brother began to stalk him; then, when he
said, “My lords, how can people who don’t know themselves did not find him there, he went to the tent’s opening.
know another?” There your brother fell upon him and fought with him. He
And they answered, “We do not see him here, and if we had him quickly; he was wearing armor and Hengist was
did, we would know him by his looks.” not, for he had come only to kill your brother and then to
The gendeman said to them, “I’ll show him to you.” get back out as quickly as possible.”
Then he called the king into a room all by themselves When the king heard this wonder, he asked him,
and said to him, “Sir, I want very much to be friends with ‘What shape did you take when you talked to my brother?
you and your brother Uther. And you should know that I For I am amazed that he believed you.”
am that Merlin whom you have come looking for, but those “Sir, I took the likeness of an old wretch, and I talked
who think they know me do not know anything about me. I to him alone. I told him plainly that unless he was very
will show you this soon. Go out there and bring me the much on his guard that night, he would have to die. ”
ones who say they know me well. And as soon as they see And the king asked him, “Did you tell him who you
me, they will tell you that you have found me and that if I were?”
had willed it so, they would never have found me.” He answered, “He does not yet know who spoke to
When the king heard this he was very glad, and he said him, and he will not know until you tell him yourself. And
to him, “I’ll do whatever you want.” this is why I sent you word that you would not take the
So he went out of the room as quickly as he could and castle before Hengist died.”
brought those who he thought would recognize Merlin. And the king said to him, “Dear friend, will you come
And when they were there, Merlin took on the likeness in away with me? For I have great need of your counsel and
which they had seen him. As soon as they saw him, they said your help.”
to the king, “Sir, it is indeed true that you have found “The sooner I go, the sooner your barons will be upset
Merlin.” about it. But if you can see what is worthwhile for you, and
When the king heard it, he smiled and said, “Be sure if you are wise, you will never, because of them, stop
you know who he is.” believing me,6 and it will be for your own good.”
They answered, “We know in truth that it is he.” And the king said, “You have already done enough for
And Merlin said, “Sir, they are telling the truth. Now me and told me enough, if what you have showed me is
tell me what you will. ” true—that is, that you have saved my brother’s life—so that
The king said to him, “I would beseech you to be my I should never doubt your word.”
faithful friend, if that can be, and to let me be your friend Merlin said to him, “Sir, you will go ask your brother
in return, for worthy men have often told me that you are who told him what I have said to you, and if he cannot tell
very learned and wise.” you, do not ever disbelieve me on any subject. What is
And Merlin answered him, “Sir, you will never* ask me more, I want you to know how to recognize me when I
for anything, advice or anything else, that I will not tell you speak to your brother. I will have the character and likeness
if I know it” I had when I told him to beware of Hengist”
The king said, “Would you please tell me whether I The king said to him, “Please let me know when you
ever spoke to you after I came to this town [40] looking for will speak to my brother.”
you?” And Merlin answered, “I will gladly tell you. But as you
And he answered, “Sir, I am the man whom you found hold my love dear, be careful not to tell anyone else, for if I
keeping the livestock, and I am he who told you that ever learned that you have betrayed me, I would never
Hengist was dead.” again have faith in you, and you would be hurt far worse
When the king and those who were with him heard than I.”
this, they were astonished. And the king said to the others, “If I ever lie to you one time, never believe me again,
“You knew Merlin badly when he came before us and we and I will test you in [41] many ways7—this I tell you
could not recognize him.” plainly.”
And they answered, “Sir, we never saw him do such
things, but we believe that he can say and do what we other
6Word supplied from Micha (35,1. 37).
mortals could not.”
7The passage follows Micha (35, 11. 53-57). Sommer’s text
Then the king said to Merlin, “How did you know
attributes this clause to Merlin: Et merlins li dist ie vous assaierai (40,
about Hengist’s death?” 11. 41-43): “And Merlin said to him, ‘I’ll test you... .’’’Accordingly,
“Sir, I knew when you came here that Hengist wanted the rejoinder is attributed to the king: & li rois respont ore masscdes
to murder your brother, and I went to your brother and en toutes les manieres que vous uoldres (41, 11. 1-2): “And the king
answers, ‘Now test me in all the ways you wish.”’ In Sommer’s text
The Story of Merlin 189

Merlin answered, “I am glad for you to test me in as become their true friend, and they will be all the more
many ways as you like. And I want you to know that I will grateful to me.”
speak to you and your brother on the eleventh day after you Merlin did as he said he would. And he came on the
come to him." eleventh day to the city where the brothers were. He took
Then Merlin took leave of King Pendragon and went on the likeness of one of the serving boys in the lady’s train,
off to Blaise, and he told him these things. And Blaise put and so he came to the place where he found the two
them all in writing, and this is how we still know them. brothers. And he said to Uther, “Sir, my lady greets you and
Pendragon rode until, after many days, he found his sends you this [42] letter."
brother Uther. When each saw the other, they were And Uther, to whom the letter gave great joy, took it.
overjoyed. And Pendragon took his brother to one side and He truly thought that the lady had sent it to him, so he had
told him about the death of Hengist just as Merlin had it read to him. The letter said that he should believe what
recounted it to him, and he asked him if it had been so. the boy had to say. And Merlin told him what he knew he
And Uther answered, “Sir, God help me, you have said would be most glad to hear. And so, on that day until the
something that I never thought anyone could know but evening, he was before the king, and Uther was oveijoyed.
God and an old man who told me in secret, and I did not And when evening drew near, the king was amazed at
think that any other man could know it. So I bid you, tell Merlin, who had promised him that he would come that
me who told you this, for I am amazed that you could know day to speak with Uther. When evening had finally fallen,
it.” the two brothers talked together and said that Merlin had
Pendragon said to him, “You can acknowledge fully lied to them. But Merlin withdrew a litde and took on the
that I truly know. But I beg you, tell me if you know who the likeness in which he had spoken to Uther, and he came
old man is who saved you from death, for it seems to me before Uther and his brother. And when the king saw him,
that if it hadn’t been for him, Hengist would have killed he asked Uther whether he was the gentleman who had
you.” saved him from death, and Uther recognized him and
And Uther answered, “Sir, by the faith I owe you as my showed him how glad he was to see him, and he spoke to
brother and my lord, I do not know who he was, but he him about many things.
seemed to me to be a very worthy and wise man. And And he said, “Sir, you have saved me from death and
because he seemed so, I believed him. He told me from much else, but I am very astonished that you should
something that was not to be believed, for Hengist behaved say what I did after you had left me. And my brother told
foolishly when he tried to kill me in the midst of our army me that you would come today to speak to me. He asked
and in my own tent." me, if you spoke to me, to let him know. And I am amazed
Pendragon asked him, “Would you ever know this man that my brother should have known what you told me.”
if you saw him again?” Merlin answered, “He could not know it if someone
And he answered, “Yes, sir, I think so.” hadn’t told him.”
Pendragon said to him, “I assure you—and you can be The king had gone out of the pavilion, and Merlin told
certain of this—that he will speak to you eleven days from Uther, “Now go look for your brother and bring him here,
now. But for the love of me, do all you can to be with me all and ask him what he said in my presence.”
that day until the day is over, so that I can see all those who And Uther went out of the tent and ordered those who
speak to you, that is, so I can see whether I can recognize were outside to take care that no one went in. As soon as he
him.” was outside, Merlin took on the likeness of the serving boy
So the two brothers swore their oath one to the other. who had brought the letter. When they came back, they
And Merlin, who knew all these things, brought this about found the boy, and when they saw him they were greatly
so that they might be friends, and so that he might have taken aback.
their companionship. Uther said to the king, “Sir, I see wonders, for just now
And he told Blaise how the two brothers had spoken I left the gentleman here I had told you about, and now I
about him and how the king wanted to test him. Blaise find here only this serving boy. Now, stay here and I’ll ask
asked him, “What do you mean to do about this?” my men-at-arms out there whether they saw the gentleman
And Merlin said to him, “They are young and fickle, so leave and the boy come in.”
I could hardly draw them into friendship with me* * * 8 except So Uther spoke to his men outside the pavilion. And
by telling them at least a part of what they crave to know. the king began to laugh out loud. Uther asked those
And to give them joy and smiling faces, I know about a lady outside if they had seen anyone go in or out “after I went to
whom U ther loves. I’ll go to him and bring on behalf of the fetch my brother.”
lady a letter that you will write for me, so that he may And they said, “After you left, no one went in but the
believe me in what I tell him. We will talk about these king and you.”
things on the eleventh day, when they’ll see me and not Then Uther came back and said to the king, “Sir, I do
know who I am. And when the following day comes, I will not know what can have happened.” And then he asked the
serving boy, “And you, when did you come in here?”

the last sentence in Merlin’s reply is correctly attributed to him. He answered, “I was already here when you spoke to
Later Merlin tells Blaise that the king wishes to test him (41,11. 29- the gentleman.”
30), contrary to what Sommer’s text affirms here. And Uther raised his hand and crossed himself and
8Supplied from Micha: m'amor (“love for me”) (37, 1. 8), said, “God help me, I am utterly bewitched; nothing like
where Sommer’s text reads amor (“love, faith”) generally (41,1. 32). this has ever happened to anyone but me.”
190 The Story of Merlin

The king took great delight in this, and he was sure in And Uther answered, “Sir, if it is your pleasure, this
his heart that it was Merlin who had done these things. man could be very useful to us.”
Then he said, “Dear brother, I wouldn’t have thought that Then both brothers begged him to stay with them for
you could lie!" the love of God and because they would believe whatever
He answered, “Sir, I am so amazed I don’t know what he wanted them to.
to say.” And Merlin answered, “You must both know that I
And the king asked him, “Who is this boy?” know everything I want to know. And you, sir,” he said to
And Uther said, “This is the boy who brought me the the king, “are you still not sure whether or not what I have
letter today 9 right in your presence!” told you about the things you asked me is true?”
The king asked, “Did you recognize him?” And the king said, “I have never caught you in a lie.”
And he said, ‘Yes, very well.” “And you, Uther, did I not tell you the truth about
And the king said to him, “Does it seem to you that this Hengist and about your love for a lady?”
could be the gendeman who told you to come fetch me?” Uther answered, ‘You have told me so much that I will
He said, “Sir, this could not be he!” never disbelieve you. And because I know you are so worthy
And the king said to him, ‘Well, let’s go along outside, and clever, I would like you always to be with my brother.”
and if he wants us to find him, we’ll soon find him.” “I will very gladly stay,” he said. “But I want you to
Then they went outside and stayed there a little while. know, just the two of you, about my ways. I must, by the
Then the king said to [43] a knight, “Go inside to see who force of my nature, be away from people at times. But you
is there.” can be sure that everywhere I am, I will be mindful of you
And he went in and found the gentleman sitting on a more than anyone else and of what you do. And just as soon
bed; then he came back to the king and told him. as I know that you are in any kind of trouble, I will come to
When Uther heard it, he was struck with wonder, and help you and give you counsel. If you want to keep me as a
he said, “Thank God! now I see what I did not believe friend, you must not be upset whenever I go away, and
anyone could know. Here is the very gentleman who whenever I come, show everyone how glad you are to have
warned me that Hengist would kill me!” me back, so that the worthy people who love you will love
When the king heard this, he was greatly delighted, me all the more. The evildoers and those who hate you will
and he welcomed the gendeman. Then he asked him, “Sir, hate me, but if you show me a cheerful face, they will not
do you want me to tell my brother who you are?” dare do otherwise. And you can be sure [44] that I will not
Merlin answered, ‘Yes, indeed.” change my shape for long except in private with you. I’ll
Then the king, who knew much about the things always come to your lodging in my right likeness, and those
Merlin did, said, “Dear brother, where is the serving boy who have seen me before will run to tell you that I have
who brought you the letter?” come. As soon as you hear this, show how happy you are,
And Uther answered, “Sir, he was here just now. What and diey will tell you what a good seer I am! In all trust, ask
do you want him for?” whatever your mind bids you ask, and I will counsel you in
The king and Merlin began to laugh and to share everything.”
delight in what was happening. Merlin took the king aside So Merlin stayed with Pendragon and his brother
and told him what he had said to Uther about his Uther, and he became fast friends with them. He asked
sweetheart, and he told him to repeat it in front of him. their permission to take back10 the likeness in which the
Then the king, laughing all the while, called his brother people knew him. And when he came before those who
and said to him, “Dear brother, you have lost the boy who had seen him with Vortigem, they were very happy and ran
brought you a letter from your sweetheart. ” to tell the king that Merlin had come. And when the king
“And how do you know,” said Uther, “what letter he heard it, he went out to greet him, welcomed him joyfully,
brought me and from whom?” and took him to his lodging.
And the king answered, “I’ll tell you if you want to hear As soon as he came inside, the king’s advisers took him
what I know.” aside and said to him, “Sir, there is Merlin, who we know
He replied, “I do,” for he thought that no one on earth for a fact is the best seer there is. Ask him to tell you how we
would know it. will take this castle and how the war between you and the
And the king told him everything word for word that Saxons will end. You know that if he wants to, he will surely
Merlin had said to him. tell you.”
When Uther heard it he was greatly amazed and said, And the king said that he would very gladly ask him.
“How could I believe that you knew so much about it unless Then they let the matter drop because the king wanted to
the boy told you?” honor Merlin beforehand. When the third day came, the
And the king said to him, “In God’s name, this king’s council was gathered together, and the king said to
gentleman told me! And you can be sure that he was the Merlin, “Dear friend, I have heard it said that you are very
serving boy who let you know that Hengist was about to kill wise and a very good seer, so I beg you, so that I may be11
you. This is Merlin, whom I went to look for in always in your good graces, please tell me how I can take
Northumberland, and this man has such power that he
knows everything done and past, and of all the things that
10Verb supplied from Micha: revenir en (“to come back into”)
are to come he knows a great deal.” (39,1. 68); Sommer’s text has reveoiren (“to see again in”) (44,1. 8).
"Sommer’s text has sour estre for pour estre (“in order to be,
9Sommer’s text has iui (42,1. 38) for hui (“today”). that I may be”) (44,1. 20).
The Story of Merlin 191

this castle and, as for the Saxons who have invaded my land, king’s council. He was there a long time, until one day he
whether I can ever drive them out.” spoke to the king about a matter of great import.
And Merlin answered, “Now you can test me to see how One of the king’s barons grew very troubled about
clever I am! I want you to know that ever since the Saxons Merlin, and he went to the king and said to him, “Sir, it is a
lost Hengist, all they want is to give up your land and flee. wonder how you can trust this man so much, for all the
Find this out for yourself tomorrow: you will send wisdom in what he tells you and all the intelligence he has
messengers to them seeking a truce, and you will call on come from the devil. If you like, I will test him,14 and you
them12 to leave you the land that belonged to your father; will see very clearly that he knows nothing on his own.”
you will give them passage out, and you will give them boats And the king said to him, “I advise you to leave this
in which they can leave.” alone, for I would not like at all for him to get upset.”
The king answered, “You have spoken well, and I will He said, “Sir, I would never touch him, nor would I
do what you say.” ever say anything to him that could bother him.”
Then the king sent them Ulfin, one of his counselors, And the king granted him what he asked. When he
and other knights with them. He entrusted his message to had the king’s leave, he was very happy. He was, in the eyes
them, and they left for the casde. When those within the of the world, a very clever man, deceitful and full of
casde saw them, they came out to meet them and asked wickedness, and a wealthy man, powerful and well bom.
what they wanted. One day he came to Merlin. He seemed to be
Ulfin said to them, “The king seeks a truce with you for delighted to see him and looked very cheerful. He called
three months.” Merlin before the king for private counsel and took him
“We will talk about it among ourselves,” said the aside with a gathering of only four men, and he said to the
Saxons. king, “Sir, here is one of the wisest men in the world and
Then they drew to one side and took counsel together: one of the most trustworthy, for I have heard that he told
‘We are in a bad way because of Hengist’s death, and we Vortigem about his death and said that he would die from
don’t have the food to hold out here for as long as the king your fire, and so he did. Sir, I therefore entreat you and all
is giving us. But we’ll tell him that if he lifts the siege and who are here, for God’s sake, since you see clearly that I am
leaves us the casde, we will hold it as a fief from him, and ill, please to ask him to tell me what my death will be, if he
we will give him each year ten13 knights, ten maidens, ten knows. I am sure that if he is willing, he will indeed tell
falcons, a hundred greyhounds, a hundred warhorses, and me.”
a hundred palfreys.” They all begged Merlin, and he answered them; and,
They all agreed to everything. So they came back to the speaking to the man who was testing him, for he knew well
messengers and told them, and the messengers went back the jealousy and ill will he bore him, he said, “You have
to the king and told him. And [45] the king asked Merlin asked me to tell about your death, and I will tell you. You
what he would do about it. Merlin answered that the king can know for a fact that on the day you die, you will fall
should not become entangled in such a truce, for great from a horse and break your neck. This is how you will
harm would yet come to the country because of it, “but tell leave this life on that day."
them straightway, without waiting any longer, that they And when he heard this, he said to the king, “Sir, you
must withdraw from the castle. And they will do it very well know what this man has said, God keep me!”
willingly, for they have nothing to eat. And tell them that He then called the king aside and said to him, “Sir,
they will never come to terms with you if they do not come now remember well what Merlin has told me, and I’ll test
out, but you will hand boats over to them so that they can him in yet another way.”
leave. And if they are not willing to do this, then every one And he went off to his own lands, dressed himself in
of them you take prisoner will die a dreadful death. And I different clothing as fast as he could, came back to the town
pledge my life that if you let them go with their lives, they where the king was, and made out to be ill. He secretly sent
will be overjoyed as never before, for they think they are word to the king to come see him and bring Merlin with
doomed to die.” him in such a way that he would know [46] nothing. And
The king did just as Merlin had set it out. He sent his the king said that he would go very gladly and that Merlin
messengers to them in the morning to deliver his terms. would not find out anything from him.
And when the Saxons heard that they could leave safe and Then the king came to Merlin and said to him, “Let us
sound, they were happier than they had ever been since go, just the two of us, to see a sick man in the town, and we
they had lost Hengist. So the Saxons withdrew from the will take along with us whomever you will.”
casde. The king had them taken to the harbor, and he gave And Merlin answered, “My lord, a king must not go
them boats. Thus King Pendragon sent them out of his anywhere alone or so privately that he does not have twenty
land on Merlin’s advice. Merlin stayed on as head of the men with him.”
Then the king called those whom he wanted, and he

12Supplied from Micha’s text, which reads et lor faites querre went to see the sick man. And when they came there, he
que (“and you will entreat them to”) (40, 1. 25-24); Sommer’s text had got his wife ready to fall at the king’s feet, and she did
has Urrs vous requerront (“then they will call on you”) (44, 1. 26). In so. And she said to him, “Sir, for God’s sake, have your seer
the latter tradition, the text became garbled as, apparently, it was
truncated.
14Supplied from Micha (41, 1. 7). Sommer’s text has iel
13Supplied from Micha (40, 1. 42); Sommer’s text reads .ij.
laisseroie (“I would let him”) (45, 1. 19) for iel assaieroieor essaieroie
(44,1.38).
(“I would test”).
192 The Story of Merlin

say about my husband here, whom I care for in his sickness, And I will tell him today another death than the other two
whether he will some day get well.” he has asked me for twice.”
And the king had a very pitiful look on his face, and he The king answered, “Can it be true that a man can die
looked at Merlin and said to him, “Could you know as you have said?”
anything about what this woman asks concerning her “If he does not die that way,” said Merlin, “then never
husband’s death and whether or not he will get well?” believe me in anything I say to you. I truly know what his
And Merlin said, “I truly want you to know that the sick death will be and yours, too. When you have seen his death,
man lying here cannot die in this bed from this illness." you will ask me about your own. And I say to Uther right
And the sick man tried hard, so it seemed, to speak now that I will see him king [47] before I am separated
and said, “Sir, for God’s sake, what will be my death when I from his company.”
leave this bed?" Then they went to the sick man, and the abbot said to
‘The day when you die,” said Merlin, “you will be the king, “Sir, for God’s sake, have your seer tell me
found hanging, and you will be hanging in the place where whether this worthy man can get well.”
you die.” And Merlin looked as if he were upset and said, “He
Then Merlin turned about and made a look as though certainly can get up, for he isn’t sick at all. He is testing me
he were upset, and so he left the king in the house. He did for nothing, for he will indeed have to die in both the ways
this because he wanted those inside to speak to the king. I have told him, and I will tell him the third way even
When Merlin had gone, the baron said to the king, stranger than the other two. He should know for a fact that
“Sir, if you know anything, you must know that he is mad, on the day he dies, he will break his neck, hang, and
and there is nothing in what he has told me, for he has set drown.17 Whoever is alive then will see his death and will
out for me two kinds of death that cannot go together. I’ll see these things happen, and you can surely test me to see
test him yet a third time before you. I’ll go off tomorrow to whether I arn telling the truth! He can stop pretending
an abbey, and I’ll play the sick man. I’ll send the abbot to from now on, for I know all his ill will, and I know what his
find you, and he’ll tell you that I am one of his monks, I am foolish heart thinks.”
in a dreadful state, and he is very much afraid that I will die. The baron got up and said, standing, “Sir, now you can
He will beseech you, for the sake of God and for your own plainly recognize his madness, for he does not know what
good, to come there with your seer,15 and I swear to you he’s saying. How can he possibly say that on the day I die I
that I will test him harder than today.” will break my neck and I will drown and I will hang, and
And the king promised that he would go there and that all that will happen on the day I die? I know very well
bring Merlin with him. that this could not happen to me or anyone else. Now look
So the king left that man and went off with Merlin. at how wise you are to believe such a man, to make him
And the baron went straight to the abbey and did lord over you and head of your council!”
everything he had told the king he would do. He sent the And the king answered, “I will never forsake him for
abbot for the king, and the king went there and took this and certainly not before I know how you have died.”
Merlin. Before the king had heard Mass,16 the abbot came Then the baron grew angry when he heard that the
to him with a good twenty-five monks and entreated the king would not oust him from the council until after his
king to come see one of his brother monks who was very ill death.
and to bring his seer so that they might know if the efforts This is how things stayed for a while, and everyone in
they were devoting to him would be worthwhile. The king the land learned what Merlin had said about this man’s
asked Merlin if he would go with him, and he said that he death, and they were all eager to know how Merlin could be
would gladly do so, but he first wanted to talk to Uther his telling the truth about it.
brother in his presence. One day a long time afterward, the man who was to die
And Merlin called both of them privately to an altar, as Merlin had foretold was riding with a great crowd of
and he said to them, ‘The better I know you, the madder I people, and he came to a stream. Over the stream was a
think you are. Do you believe that I do not know how this wooden bridge, and his palfrey stumbled on the bridge and
madman who is testing me will die? Yes, I truly do know. fell to its knees. The baron who had been on the horse was
thrown forward and fell on his neck and broke it, and his
15The last phrase is elaborated on the basis of Micha’s text body twisted and fell into the water in such a way that it was
(42, 1. 11): que vos i amenez vostre devin (“that you bring your seer caught by his mantle on one of the old uprights that had
there”); the clause in Sommer’s text is truncated (46, 1. 25): que been on the bridge: his backside was up in the air, and he
vous i soies (“that you be there”).
kept hanging with his head and shoulders in the water.
16Other manuscripts, as in Micha’s text (42, 11. 17-20), add He had three gentlemen with him who saw that he had
that they rode to the abbey, arriving there early in the morning
fallen in this way, and the cry rose up so that all the people
before Mass was sung; after the king had heard Mass, the abbot
came, etc. Apparently, a rewriter in the tradition of Sommer’s heard it18 and came as fast as they could across the bridge
manuscripts (assuming that his text does not reflect the original) or by boat in the water. When they had all come there, the
responded to a certain logic in the context developing from the
fact that in the original plan, which the text says was followed, the
abbot was to tell the king about the ill monk from the very 17The order of the last two is supplied from Micha (43,11. 47-
beginning; moreover, subsequent details might seem redundant if 48); they are reversed in Sommer’s text (47,1. 7).
the king were already at the abbey so close to the presumably dying 1 ft
Supplied from Micha, 43, n. 14 (omitted in Micha’s text).
man. In this light, the details constitute a kind of amplified Sommer’s text, along with other manuscripts, reads le uirent (47,1.
repetition of the previous summary statements. 30): “saw it.”
The Story of Merlin 193

three gentlemen said to those who pulled him from the had said they would write down his every utterance, he told
water, “Look carefully to see if his neck is broken.” Blaise. And Blaise asked him if they would make another
They looked and said, “It is broken beyond any doubt.” book like the one he was to make.
And when they all heard it, they were amazed, and they And Merlin answered, “No. They will write down only
said, “Merlin indeed spoke the truth when he said that this what they can come to know after it has happened.”
man would break his neck, hang, and drown. Anyone who Merlin came back to the court. And when he was
does not believe Merlin in everything he says is mad, for it there, he told them the news as though they knew nothing
seems to us that all his words are true.” about it. And then Merlin began to speak those murky
Then they did with his body what was Fitting. And words from which was made The Book of Prophecies, the ones
Merlin, who knew all these things, went straight to Uther, that cannot be understood until after they have come
whom he greatly loved, and told him about that man’s about. And after that, Merlin came to Pendragon and
death, just the way he had died. He asked him to tell the Uther, and he told them with great feeling that he loved
king, and he did. When the king heard it, he was quite them very much and wanted what was good for them and
amazed and said to him, “Who told you this?” for their honor. And when they heard it, they were
And he said, “Merlin.” awestruck, and they told him to tell them in trust as much
The king told him to ask him when19 this had as he was willing to say and to hide nothing from them that
happened. And when Uther came to Merlin, he asked him had to do with them.
when it had happened, and he said, “It happened And Merlin said, “I will never hide from you anything
yesterday. And [48] those who will tell the king about it will that I am bound to tell you. And I’ll tell you a great wonder.
come six days from now. I am going away, for I do not want Do you recall the Saxons whom you threw out of the land
to be here when they come. They would make20 many after Hengist’s death?"
speeches to me and ask me things I would not want to And they answered that they did indeed. And he said
answer. From now on, I will not speak within the hearing of that the ones who left were telling in Saxony the news of
the people except so obscurely that they will not Hengist’s death. He was of very noble stock, and his
understand what I have said before they see it happen.” kinsmen were saying that they would never find happiness
This is what Merlin said to Uther, and Uther came until they avenged Hengist’s death. And they thought they
straight to the king and told him. The king believed that could overpower this land and the whole country.
Merlin was upset, and he was very sorry about it, and he When the brothers heard this, they were astonished.
said, “Where has he gone?” They asked, “Have they then such a great army that they
And Uther said, “I don’t know. But he said that he did can bear up against ours?”
not want to be here when the news came.” And he answered, ‘Tor every man you have ready to
So the king was left alone. And Merlin went off to fight they will have two. And if you do not act cleverly, they
Northumberland, to Blaise, to tell all these things to will destroy you and win your kingdom from you.”
provide material for making his book. And they said, “We will do everything you tell us to do,
And the king waited until the sixth day, when those and with your help we’ll never fail to do anything you
bringing the news about the baron came. And when they order."
were there, they told the king the wonder they had seen And he [49] said to them, “You must know that the
happen to that man. Then the king and all those who had enemy horde will come against you on the eleventh day of
heard Merlin’s words said that there had never lived such a June. No one in your kingdom will know about it unless you
wise man as he. Then they said that they would write down send them word, and I forbid either of you two to utter a
everything they ever heard him say would come about. word about it. But do as I tell you. Send for all your
This is how they all ordained it, and thus was begun liegemen and all your knights, rich and poor, and show
The Story of the Prophecies of Merlin from what he said about them the best time you can, for it is a wise thing to be
the kings21 of England and all the other things he spoke mindful of a man’s well-being, so keep them nearby you.
about afterwards. This is why that book does not say who Then call them all together and bid them do their utmost
Merlin is or who he was,22 for they put23 down in writing to be with you the last week of June at the gates of Salisbury.
only the things he said to them. And there gather all your forces on the riverbank so that
And this is how the king was for a long time. you can defend yourselves.”
In that time Merlin was like a lord over Pendragon and “What?” said the king. “Shall we then let them come
his brother Uther. And when Merlin found out that they ashore?”
And Merlin said, “Yes, take my word for it. And you will
let them get a long way in from the water, and they will not
19Supplied from Micha (43, 1. 31). Sommer’s text reads
comment (“how”) (47,1. 41). yet know that you have gathered your forces. After they

20Supplied from Micha (43, 11. 35-36): me metroient (“would have gone in quite a way, you will send some of your men to
put”). Sommer’s text has me croient (‘believe me”) (48,1. 2). their boats to make it seem that you want to stop them from
21Supplied from Micha (44,1. 12); Sommer’s text reads del roi getting back. When they see that, they will be disheartened.
in the singular (48,1.16). Then one of you two must go there with your army, and you
2^The reference to Merlin as a character is supplied from will move so near them that you will force them to camp
Micha (44,1. 14).
23Supplied from Micha (44,1. 15). Sommer’s text has the verb
in the conditional (48,1.17).
194 The Story of Merlin

away from the water.24 When they have set up their burial ground he can with my help, and I swear to you to
encampment, they will suffer from a lack of water, and the work so hard that what I build there will be seen as long as
boldest among them will be distraught. You will hold them Christendom lasts.
there two days, then on the third you will fight them. And if “I have told you that one of you must die. Now strive to
you do just this, then I tell you truly that the people of your be worthy men who can in heart and in body carry through
kingdom will have the victory.” with what I have said. May each of you be clothed in
Then the two brothers said to him, “For God’s sake, greatest honor when he goes before his Lord. One of you
Merlin, please tell us if we will die in that batde." two will come back. I will not tell you which one will die,
And Merlin answered, “Everything that has a because I want both of you to be strong-hearted and
beginning must come to an end, and no one may run away upstanding, as you both need to be. Now both of you,
from death, but all accept it as they have to. All people alive remember to show a happy, cheerful face, and treat each
must leam that they will die, and you two surely know that other in good faith for the love of Jesus Christ.”
you will die and that no amount of wealth can save you.” This is how Merlin ended his speech. They understood
And Pendragon said to him, ‘You told me one time thoroughly what he told them and what in good faith he
that you knew about my death just as you knew that of the advised them to do, and they did so with resolve. They
man who was testing you. As for his, I was sure that you called for their liegemen and their barons in every land.
were telling the truth about it. This is why I beseech you, When they had come together, Uther and Pendragon gave
please tell me about my death.” them of their great wealth, and they gladdened the barons’
And Merlin answered, “I want both of you to have the hearts. And they entreated each one to bid26 those under
very most holy things and the most powerful relics you own him to take arms and horses and to send word throughout
brought out, and I want both of you to swear by the saints the land that the last week of June all should gather at the
that you will do everything I tell you for your welfare and head of Salisbury Plain on the banks of the Thames in
for your honor. And when you have done this, I can tell you order to defend the kingdom. All who heard the news said
in greater trust the things I know that you will need to they would be there most willingly.
know.” Time went by and the day of the summons came. The
And they did everything that Merlin set out. And when two brothers had personally taken care to do everything
they had sworn their oath, they said to him, “Merlin, we that Merlin told them. And so they came to hold their
have done what you ordered. Now please tell us why you Whitsuntide court on the riverside, and the whole people
made us do it.” gathered there. Much wealth was given out there, and there
And Merlin answered the king: ‘You asked me about were many cheerful faces. And they waited there until they
your own death and what will come of this battle. I’ll tell heard that the boats had landed. When Uther found out
you enough about it so that you won’t need to ask any more. that they had landed right on the eleventh day of June, he
“Do you two know what you have sworn? I’ll tell you: knew for a fact that Merlin had told him the truth. So he
you have sworn that in this batde you will be worthy men sent word to his bishops and to other leaders of Holy
and faithful to yourselves and to God, and you may be sure Church that every man in the host was to confess and that
that no man can be upright and faithful to himself if he is each was to forgive the other his anger and ill will; and if
not so first to God. I will show you how to be faithful and there was a piece of chattel over which any were in
worthy men. Confess to a priest; you must do so now more disagreement, it would be given back to the rightful owner.
readily than at any other time, because you know that you The orders were given throughout the army.
have to go into batde against your foes. If you are as I have And the Saxons had left their boats and gone ashore,
told you to be, they will be beaten, for they do not believe and they camped for a week. The next day they rode out.
in the Trinity or in the trials that Jesus Christ suffered on King Pendragon knew very well what they were about.
earth, and you will be defending your birthright, which is He had his spies in their army and knew that they would
yours by law and by religion. All who [50] die so upholding ride out, so he went to Merlin and told him, and he said it
their rights will be reconciled to the law of Jesus Christ by was true. He then asked him what he had in mind for him
the authority of Holy Church, and they need hardly fear to do.
death. I want you both to know that since holy Chrisdanity And Merlin answered, ‘You will send your brother to
was brought to this island there has never been, nor will them tomorrow with a great many men-at-arms. And when
there be again in our time, such a great batde as this one. he sees that they have got far away from the river and the
“Each of you has sworn that he will work for the other’s sea, and have come to the middle of the plain, then he
welfare and honor. I want you to know something that I will must keep his troops so near them that he forces them to
tell you openly:25 one of you two must leave this world. And halt and make camp. And when [51] the Saxons have
the one who will come back alive will make, on the spot encamped, then your brother and his men should draw
where the batde will take place, the handsomest and richest back. Next morning, when they want to go on, he should
hem them in so tightly that they cannot ride forth. Then
^Supplied from Micha (44, II. 76-77), where the locadon of there will be none among them so bold that he wouldn’t
the Saxon encampment at a distance from a water source is stated wish to be back where he came from. Your brother should
more clearly—on plain sanz riviere (“in the plain without a
stream”)—than in Sommer’s text (49, 1. 15): ensus de la rive
(“above,” even “adjoining the bank”). ^The subordinate que il comendassent (“that they bid”) is
lacking in Sommer’s text (50, I. 21) and is supplied from Micha
25Thus Micha (45,1. 28), whereas in Sommer’s text (50, 1. 6)
(45,1.50).
the verb is negated.
The Story of Merlin 195

keep them there for two days. And on the third day, with troops. Uther had his brother’s body taken there along with
your own army, as soon as it is daylight, you will see a red the others. And he had written on his headstone who each
dragon moving in the air, and it will run from the sky to the one was. [52] Uther had his brother buried higher up than
earth. When you see the embodiment of your own name, all the others, but he said that he would not have his name
you can safely begin to fight, for the victory will belong to written above him, for anyone would be mad to see his
your men." grave and not recognize that it belonged to the lord of all
At that meeting there were only Pendragon and Uther, the others who lay there.
and when they heard it they were struck with wonder, and And when he had done this, he went to London and
they were very glad. called together28 all his chief vassals and all the prelates of
Then Merlin said, “I will go away now. Trust what I Holy Church who were under him, and he had himself
have told you, and be worthy men and good knights.” crowned and anointed king; and he wore the crown and
So they went their ways. Uther got his equipment and ruled as king after his brother. And after he had been
his men-at-arms ready to march between the river and the anointed and given the crown, Merlin came to him two
Saxon army. weeks later. And the king was very glad to see him.
Merlin took Uther aside and told him, “Strive to prove And Merlin said to him, “I want you to tell your people
your worth, for you need not fear death in this battle.” about the signs I told you would come to this land and the
When Uther heard this, his heart was Filled with pledge you and your brother made to me and the oath that
gladness. each of you swore to the other.”
Merlin went away to Northumberland, to Blaise, to So Uther told his people everything, how the brothers
work this story out and make it just right. had tried to do everything Merlin had told them about,
And the two brothers did just as Merlin had set it out. except the dragon, which he knew no more about than any
Uther came between the boats and the Saxon army and of the others. Then Merlin explained the meaning of the
drove them into the plain far from the water. And he and dragon and said that the dragon had come to signal the
his men ran against them so forcefully that they made them death of Pendragon and Uther’s survival, and he told what
pitch camp, like it or not, right in the middle of the plain ill fortune had befallen the king because of his brother’s
far from any water. U ther held them there for two days, and death and the meaning ascribed to the batde. And because
they could not ride out. And on the third day King of the dragon’s wondrous appearance, the new king bore
Pendragon came with his army. When they saw those in the for evermore the name Uther Pendragon, and thereafter
encampment lined up in battalions to fight Uther, the king that was the name he wanted all to call him.
ordered his battalions to form. This was done quickly, for And thus everyone knew that the things Merlin had
each man knew beside whom he was to fight, and shown the two brothers how to do, and the things he
Pendragon’s army drew near to the encampment. counseled them to do, were good.
When the Saxons saw both armies, they were stricken So Merlin stayed for a long time: he was King Uther
with fear, for they saw plainly that they could not get back Pendragon’s chief adviser, and the king confided in him. At
to their boats without a fight. Then the wondrous thing last, a long time later, Merlin called Uther Pendragon and
appeared up in the sky—a red dragon that breathed fire said to him, “Why don’t you do more for your brother
and smoke from its nose and mouth, so it seemed to those Pendragon, who lies on the Plain of Salisbury?”
in the army. The Saxons were disheartened and overcome And he answered, “What do you want me to do with
with dread. him? I will do whatever you advise me to do.”
Pendragon and Uther said to their men, “Let us attack And Merlin said, “You swore to do as I wish, and I
them!” (And they did so, because the Saxons were utterly promise you that we will build something that will be seen
undone.) “For we have seen all the signs Merlin told us as long as this world lasts. Do as you have promised, and I
about.” will keep my word."
Then Pendragon’s men27 ran against them as fast as And Uther Pendragon answered, “Tell me what I can
their horses could go. And when Uther saw that his do and I will very gladly do it.”
brother’s men had engaged in batde, he fell upon the And he said to him, “Now learn how to do something
Saxons with his men. Thus began the Battle of Salisbury. I that no one has ever known before, and it will be spoken of
cannot tell you everything, who fought well there and who ever hereafter.”
poorly, but I can tell you this much: King Pendragon was Uther Pendragon answered, “I will do so very gladly.”
killed there and many other barons. And the story says that “Now send someone for great stones that are in
Uther won the battle and that many of his liegemen rich Ireland, and send along two boats in which to bring them,
and poor died there. But of the Saxons who were there, we and they will not be able to bring so many back that I
find none that got out alive; they died right there or were cannot set them all up. And I will go to show them which
drowned at sea. Thus ended the Batde of Salisbury. ones I want so they can bring them back.”
After Pendragon died, Uther was left lord of the And the king said that he would very gladly send them
kingdom. He had all the bodies of the Chrisdans brought there, and he sent a great many boats. And when they got
together on one plot of ground, and there all the men took there, Merlin showed them some great stones, long and
their friends’ bodies and laid them near the others by

2^The verb, supplied from Micha (46, 1. 84), lacks in

27Thus Micha (46,11. 58-60); Sommer’s text does not specify Sommer’s text (52,1. 4).
whose men attack first (51,11. 30-31).
196 The Story of Merlin

wide. And he said to them, “Here are the stones we came to not say it to your courtiers or your knights, for I mean for
find.” all the worth and honor and thanks to be yours.”
When they saw them, they thought it was all madness, And the king said that he would never talk about it
and said that all together they could hardly turn one of except through him alone.
them over, “and we will never put such stones on our boats He then said to the king, “Sir, you must take it as truth
at sea.” that I know everything that is past, gone by, and spoken,
And Merlin said, “If you don’t wish to do this, then you and I want you to know that this skill came to me from a
have come for nothing.” devil. Sir, Our Lord, who is powerful over all things, has
They turned about and went back to the king and told given me the intelligence and the knowledge to recognize
him the wonder Merlin had ordered them to perform, and to know things that are to come. And thanks to that
which they knew no man on earth could do. And the king sovereign power, the devils lost me, for I will never, God
said to them, “Now wait until he comes.” [53] willing, be subject to their will. Sir, now do you know where
When Merlin came, the king told him the story his my power to do the things I do comes from?
men had brought back to him. And Merlin answered, “I will tell you what I know Our Lord wants you to do.
“Since they have all let me down, I will do what I have And when you know it, be sure to honor Him according to
promised all by myself.” His will. Sir, you must believe that Our Lord came to earth
Then by the power of magic he had the stones brought to save the world and that He sat down at the Last Supper
from Ireland which are still in the burial ground at and said to His disciples, ‘There is one of you who will
Salisbury.^9 And when they had come, the king went to see betray me.’ Sir, everything was true just as He said, and the
them and took many of his people to see the wonder of the one who did Him wrong left His fellowship, just as He said
stones. When they saw them, they said that all of them he would.
together could not move one of them, and they wondered “Sir, after this it happened that Our Lord [54] suffered
at how he got them there, for no one had seen it or heard death for our sake. And a knight30 asked to take Him down
about it. And Merlin said that someone should set them from the cross, and He was given to him in place of his
upright, for they would be more beautiful standing straight wages. Sir, this hired soldier loved Our Lord very much, for
up than lying down. he wanted Him and agreed to have Him given to him. Sir,
And the king answered that no man could do diat but His disciples bore many hardships and many fearsome
God, “unless you did it.” things afterwards. And it happened a long time after Our
And Merlin said to him, “Now you go away and I will Lord was raised from the dead that the knight was in a
set them up, and I will have fulfilled my pledge to wilderness along with some of his kin and a great many
Pendragon; otherwise, I would have begun something for others who had gone along after him. Sir, a very great
his sake that can never be brought to an end.” famine overcame them, and they complained to the knight,
So Merlin stood the stones up. They are still in the who was their leader. And he prayed to Our Lord to give
burial ground at Salisbury and will be there as long as the them a sign telling them why He wanted them to suffer this
world lasts. And so this work was over, and Merlin came trial.
back to King Uther Pendragon; he served him a great deal “Our Lord ordered him to make a table in the name of
and loved him. A long time had gone by since he had come the table that was at the Last Supper and to put a cup he
to understand in whom he had put his love, and he knew had on that table31 after he had covered it with a white
that he would believe him in everything he said. cloth, and he was to cover the vessel fully as well. Sir, Jesus
One day it happened that Merlin came to the king and Christ gave that cup to him, and with this cup He divided
said to him privately, “I must talk to you about the highest the fellowship of the good from the wicked. And, sir,
secrets I know. For I see that all this land is yours; you are anyone who could sit at that table could fulfill his heart’s
firmly in command of it as lord, and no one could rule it desires in every way.
better. It is because I love you that I want to tell you “Sir, at that table there was always an empty seat that
something. Don’t you remember that Hengist would have stood for the place where Judas sat at the Last Supper when
killed you if it hadn’t been for me? Thus it seems to me that he understood what Our Lord was saying on his account
you ought well to believe me and love me.” and he left the fellowship of Jesus Christ. And his seat was
Uther Pendragon answered, “There is nothing that you left empty until Our Lord put another man there to take
would say that I would not believe and do all in my power his place to bring the count to twelve. And the empty seat at
to bring about” the new table stands for that place. Thus these two tables
“Sir, if you do this, it will all be for your own good, for I are very much alike, and Our Lord perfects men’s hearts at
will teach you something that will hardly distress you, and the second table. And they call the cup, from which they
you could never do anything whereby you might so easily have that grace, the Grail.
have the love of God.”
And the king answered, “As surely as you say it, if it can
30That is, Joseph of Arimathea.
be done by any man, I will do it.”
31The text beginning “in the name .. .” supplied from Micha
Then Merlin said, “What I will tell you will be a very
(48, 11. 57-58), a scribe in the source of Sommer’s text (54,1. 10)
strange thing to you, and I bid you, keep it hidden and do having telescoped it (see Micha 184, n. to 11. 57-58).

^°The reference, clearly, is to Stonehenge.

The Story of Merlin 197

“If you will believe me, you will set up the third table32 And die king answered, ‘That I will very gladly do.”
in the name of the Trinity, and by these three tables will the And the next day Merlin did just as he had said. It was
Trinity be signified in its three Persons, the Fadier, the Son, Whitsunday, and Merlin chose fifty knights, and he bade
and the Holy Ghost. I promise you that if you do this, great them, and had others do likewise, to sit at that table and eat
good will come to you from it and great honor to your soul the food diat was there, and they did so very willingly. And
and your body, and in your time will happen things that will then Merlin, who was full of powerful craft, went among
utterly amaze you. If you will do this, I will help you, and I them and called to the king, when they had sat down, and
promise you that if you do, it will be one of the most talked showed him the empty seat. Many others saw it, but they did
about things ever. For Our Lord has indeed granted grace not know what it meant or why it was empty, except for the
to those who will know how to speak well of it. And I tell king and Merlin. When he had done this, Merlin told the
you also that this cup and the people who keep it have king to go take his seat. And the king said that he would not
drawn westward, by the will of Jesus Christ, to these parts. sit until he had served all who were at the table, and when
And even those who do not know where the cup is have he had done this he went to sit down. So they were for a
come here, and Our Lord, who brings good things to pass, whole week, and during the season of that feast the king
led them. If you believe me, you will do what I advise you to gave away much wealth and many lovely jewels to ladies and
do about these things. If you do this, and if you will believe unmarried gendewomen.
me, you will be very glad indeed.” And when it came time for leave-taking, the king went
Thus spoke Merlin to Uther Pendragon, and the king to his worthy companions and asked them how they were.
was very glad about it. And he answered, “I do not want Our And they answered him, “We have no wish ever to leave
Lord to lose, because of me, any part of the thing diat must here, and we want always to be at this table at the hour of
be done according to His will. Indeed, I want you to know terce, so we will have our wives and children come to this
that I love Him. I put it all onto you, and I will do anydiing town. And so we will five here at our lord’s pleasure, for this
you order me to do, if I can.” is what our hearts tell us to do."
So King Uther Pendragon put the whole burden onto The king asked, “Do you all feel this way?”
Merlin, who was very glad to bear it. And Merlin said, “Sir, And they all said, “Yes indeed! And yet we wonder at
now look to the place where you would like most to do what how this can be. For many of us have no bonds with any
you must” among us; others have not seen one other before, and few
And the king answered, “I want it to be done where of us were friends before. And now we all love one other as
you would most like it done, where you know it can best be much as a son should love his father, or more, and it does
done according to the will of Jesus Christ.” not seem to us that we will ever be parted unless it is by
Merlin replied, “We will do it at Carduel in Wales, so death."
have your people gather there to meet you on Whitsunday, When the king heard them speak in this way, he took it
and you will be ready to give out great gifts and to be of for a very great wonder, as did all those who heard it. And
good cheer. And I will go before you and have the table the king was most glad and ordered everyone in the town to
built, and you will give me silver and [55] men who will do love, believe, and honor them just as they would his own
what I order them to do. And when you get there and your self. And so Uther Pendragon founded that table in his own
people are gathered, I will pick out the ones who are to stay time.
there.” Then he came to Merlin and said to him, after [56] the
As Merlin set it out the king ordered it done, and he crowds had gone, “You told me the truth indeed, and now I
sent word throughout his kingdom that he would hold his really believe that Our Lord wills this table to be founded,
court at Whitsuntide at Carduel in Wales, and all knights but I wonder at the empty seat. I would like you please to
and all ladies were to be there to meet him. This is what the tell me, if you know, who is the one that will sit there.”
king made known everywhere. Merlin went off and had the And Merlin answered, “I can tell you only that the
table built and everything done there that needed to be place will not be taken in your time, and the one who will
done. And so it was until the week before Whitsunday, sit diere has not yet been conceived. The one who will take
when the king came to Carduel. diat seat must fulfill the adventures of die Grail. This will
And when he had got there, he asked Merlin how he not be in your Ume, but in the time of die king who will
had fared, and he answered, “Very well.” rule after you. And I bid you, hold all your gatherings and
So the people gathered that Whitsuntide at Carduel, a all your high courts in diis town, and I ask you please to stay
great many knights and ladies and other folk. here and hold your court here diree times every year.”
Then the king said to Merlin, “Which ones will you And the king told him that he would gladly do this,
choose to have sit at that table?” and Merlin said to die king, “Sir, I will go away, and you will
And he said, ‘Tomorrow you will see happen what you not see me again for a very long time,"
never thought you would see. For I will seat there the The king asked him where he was going. “Then you
worthiest men in your kingdom, and never, once diey have will not be in diis town for all die feast days I will keep
sat there, will they want to leave Uiis place to go back to here?”
their lands and domains. Then you will see for yourself who And he answered, “I will not. I do not want them to
the worthiest are.” believe what diey will see happening, for I want no one to
say diat I have brought about what will happen.”
So Merlin left Uther Pendragon and came into
32It is not explicit until much later that the third table is the
Round Table. Nordiumberland to Blaise, and he told him these things,
198 The Story of Merlin

the founding of that table and many other things which you The king went off to Carduel and took a great crowd
will hear in his book. And so Merlin stayed more than two with him. And the ones who came to try the seat spread the
years, when he did not go to court. word everywhere that Merlin was dead and that peasants
And those who did not love him, or only put on a show had killed him in a wood where they said they had found
of loving him, came one day to the king, who was at him behaving like a wildman. And they told the story so
Carduel to hold his Christmas court. And they asked him often and had it repeated so much that the king himself
about the empty seat. Why could a worthy man not sit there believed it, because Merlin had taken so long to come and
and so fill up the table? seemed not to care about the test for the seat. And when
And he answered, “Merlin told me a great wonder the evening before Whitsunday came, the man who wanted
about the empty seat: no man could take it in my time, and to try the place came forward.
he who is to sit there has not yet been bom.” He was a highborn and very wealthy man, and he said
And they smiled scornfully, for they were falsehearted, to the king, “Sir, we must try the seat.”
and said to the king, “Sir, you don’t believe that any man And the king answered, ‘Who is the one to do it?”
could ever be better than we are! Or even that there is any “No one but I will sit there," he said.
in your land as good as those who sit there already!” Then he came to the table where the fifty worthy men
The king said, “I do not know. But he told me as were sitting, and he said to them, “I come to sit with you to
much.” share your fellowship."
And they said, “Now you are worth nothing if you do And these men did not answer a single word, but bore
not try it” themselves in a kindly way and watched what he wanted to
“I will not try it now,” said the king, “for I would fear do. And the king was there with a great crowd of people
doing a great wrong, and Merlin would be angry.” gathered about.
They answered, “We are not telling you to try it now. The man went forward to the place, moved in between
But you say that Merlin knows what people do. If he does, two of the gentlemen, and sat down. He had just the time
then he knows well enough that we are talking about him to put his thighs onto the seat when he melted away just
and what he does. And if he knows it, he will come here, if like a ball of lead, and was lost from sight right before
he is alive, and he will not allow that place to be filled everyone, so that they did not know what had become of
because of the great lie he has told you about it. And if he him. And when they saw that he had thus perished,
doesn’t come between now and Whitsunday, please let us everyone else wanted to sit in the place. But the king
try it, and we will do so very willingly, and there are many ordered the worthy gendemen to stand up, so that after
worthy men among your kinsmen who will be very happy to they had got up from the table no one would know which
undergo the test, if you want, and you will see whether they was the place, and they all rose straightway.
can stand it there!” The sorrow in the court was great, and the court was
And the king answered them, “If I did not think it utterly distraught by this wonder. The king was more aghast
would disturb Merlin, there is nothing I would do more than anyone else, and he thought he had been made a fool
gladly.” of. He said for all to hear that34 Merlin had plainly told him
“If Merlin is alive,” they said, “and if he knows about it, before that no one should take that seat, and that that man
he will come without fail before anyone can try it. But did not want to believe him; the king himself had forbidden
please, when it’s Whitsunday, if he doesn’t come, let us test it, but the man would not give up just for that—so did the
it" king explain himself.
And the king granted them what they asked for, and And when, two weeks later, Merlin came to court, and
they were very glad and thought they had done very well after the king had been told that he was there, the king was
indeed. most happy and went out to greet him. As soon as Merlin
So it was until Whitsunday. And the king let it be saw the king, he said that he had behaved most unwisely
known throughout all the land that everyone should meet about the place, for he had allowed someone to sit there.
him at Carduel, for he would hold his Whitsuntide court And the king said to him, “He tricked me.”
there. And Merlin, who knew all these things, told Blaise “So has it happened to many who mean to trick others
about the wicked [57] thoughts of those who had and trick themselves instead,” said Merlin. “You know this
undertaken this business, and he said he would not go because he spread the word that peasants had killed me.”
there, since he knew that they would try the seat. He had The king said, “It is true that he said so.”
rather they do it for their evil reasons than for good, and if And Merlin said to him, “You ought now to have
he went there, they would say that he had come to upset learned your lesson not to try the seat anymore, and I warn
the court. And the ones who had brought this plan to a you that if you do, you could be badly hurt. For the place
head would in no way understand what they needed33 to and the table have great meaning; they are very high and
about it. This is why Merlin said that he would not go there, most worthy, and they will bring great good to those who
so he bore up and waited until the eleventh day after are in this kingdom.”
Whitsunday. The king asked him please to tell him what had
happened to the man who sat at the place, “for I am
33Supplied from Micha. Sommer’s text has quil ni mistreat .j. awestruck."
(“that they did not put one there”) (57, 1. 5) for tant com lor est
mesher (“as much as they need”) (Micha 50,1. 49).
34Supplied from Micha (50,1. 92), not in Sommer’s text (57,
1. 27).
The Story of Merlin 199

And Merlin answered, “It is not your place to ask, and people left, the king entreated all his barons to be with him
it would be worthless to you even if you knew. Think again on Whitsunday as they had been at that time, and he
instead about those who still sit at the table and how to asked them to bring their wives as they had just done. And
keep up [58] in the most honorable way you can what you they all swore they would.
have started. Come hold all your high feasts and joyful That was the end of it. And when the duke of Tintagel
celebrations in this town in honor of this table. For you left court, the king rode along with him and did him great
know without doubt, thanks to the test you have seen, how honors. The king then said to Ygraine, the duke’s wife, that
worthy it is, for you cannot honor it too much. So I will she was taking his heart away with her, but she did not show
leave you. Be careful to do just as I have told you.” that she had understood him. So the duke went off and
The king said that he would very willingly do so. took leave of the king, as did his wife. The king stayed in
Carduel and gladdened the worthy men of the table who
were left behind, and he brought cheer to the table, but his
heart belonged wholly to Ygraine, and he pined for her
4. Uther’s Love for Ygraine; Arthur’s
until Whitsuntide.
Conception and Birth.1 Then the barons [59] gathered again and their wives
too, and the king was very glad when he knew that Ygraine
So the king and Merlin parted company. And when the had come. At that feast he gave many gifts to the knights
king knew that Merlin was gone, he ordered handsome and ladies, and the king had the duke and Ygraine sit with
buildings and houses to be built in the town, for he would him to eat. The king gave so many gifts and looked at her
henceforth hold his courts and his other gatherings there. in such a way that Ygraine knew in truth that he loved her,
And he sent word throughout all his land that all in his and she was sorely distressed; as all could see, she was
kingdom should know that he would be in Carduel on all deeply worried, but she dared not talk about it. So the king
feast days, such as Christmas, Whitsunday, and All Saints, was very cheerful at the feast, and he took delight in his
and they should come there without being summoned barons. But when the holiday was over, all wanted to go
again. So for a long time the king by custom held all his back to their lands and took their leave. And the king
courts in Carduel. begged them to come back to court and bring their wives
At length the king happened, one certain time, to wish when he sent for them, and they said they would.
to call his barons together, and, for the honor and love of So the people in the court scattered, and all year the
him, he wanted them to bring their wives and noble vassals king bore the misery of his love for Ygraine. At the end of
and knights. He had them summoned and sent his letters the year he could hide it no longer, and he told two of his
everywhere, and they did everything the king had asked. So closest friends about his distress and the agony he felt
there were a great many married and unwed ladies, and because of Ygraine.
many knights. And they said, ‘What do you want us to do about it?”
I cannot begin to tell you who all the people at that And the king asked them, “How could I be with her
court were. But I must tell you about those my source story more often?”
speaks of one after the other. And I want you to know in They told him that if he went to the land where she
truth that the duke of Tintagel was there and Ygraine his was, he would be blamed because people would take note
wife. And when he saw Ygraine,2 the king loved her deeply, of it.
but he did not show it, except that he more willingly looked So he asked, “What advice will you give me?”
at her than any of the other women. And she herself took And they said to him, ‘The best advice we know is for
note of it and knew in her heart that the king did indeed you to call together a great court at Carduel. Send word to
love her. When she fully understood this, she was slow in all who will come there that they must not leave for two full
coming before him, and avoided it if she could, for she was weeks, and everyone must come ready to stay for the two
very beautiful and utterly faithful to her husband. And the weeks. Tell all your barons to bring their wives. So you will
king, for love of her, but so that no one3 would take notice, have a long time to spend with Ygraine, and you can take
sent jewels to all the ladies at the feast; he sent Ygraine delight in your love.”
some she was sure to like. She knew that he had sent them When the king heard this, it seemed to him that they
to all the ladies, and she did not want hers, but she dared were giving him good advice, so he did as they had told
not refuse them; instead she took them, and she knew in him. He sent word to his barons to be at Carduel on
her heart that the king had given jewels to the other ladies Whitsunday, to bring their wives, and to come all ready to
only because of her, but she made no sign of this. stay two weeks. And they came there and brought their
Thus King U ther Pendragon held his court, and every wives, just as the king had ordered.
man was there with his wife, but he did it all for love of On that Whitsunday the king was of a mind to wear his
Ygraine, who had so overwhelmed him that he did not crown, so he did, and he had many handsome gifts
know what to do. The holiday court ended, but before the bestowed on his barons and wherever else he thought it
worthwhile. On the day the king gave the feast he spoke to
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 58-80. one of his advisers, named Ulfin, whom he very much

2Supplied from Micha (52,1. 14), not in Sommer’s text (58,1. trusted, and he asked him what to do, for love of Ygraine
21). was killing him and he could neither sleep nor rest. He was
3Supplied from Micha (52, 1. 22); the verb is not negated in at his wits’ end, for he thought he would die, and he would
Sommer’s text (58,1. 25). be utterly unable to live without some kind of help.
200 The Story of Merlin

And he answered him “Sir, you are very silly if you would tell my husband, and if he knew it, you would have to
think you will die of craving a woman. I am a poor man die! I will hide5 it from him just this one time.”
beside you, but if I loved her as you do, I would never And Ulfin answered, “It would be an honor for me to
believe I would die. I’ve never heard tell of a woman, if she die for my lord. Never has a lady ever forbidden such a
was entreated and sought after enough, and if a man gladly thing as you have when you forbid the king to love you, the
did everything he could to give jewels to all the men and king who loves you more than all things that can live and
women about her, to love and honor them by doing, and die. But perhaps you are jesting with us! Please, lady, for
telling each one of them, what they want and what pleases God’s sake, take pity on the king your lord and on yourself!
them—I’ve never heard tell of a woman who, in face of For if this is something in which you cannot be merciful,
that, could forbid the man to talk to her! And you who are then great harm could yet come from it. Neither the duke
a king are terrified! This is happening to you because you your husband nor you could stand up against his will.”
are fainthearted.” Ygraine answered, weeping, “God willing, I’ll protect
The king answered, “Ulfin, you speak very well, and myself: I’ll never be anywhere he can see me.”
you certainly know what has to be done in these matters. So Ulfin and Ygraine parted. And Ulfin came straight
And I beg you, help me in all the ways you can. Please take to the king and told him everything Ygraine had said.
from my room everything you will and give it to all the men And the king said, “That is how a worthy lady should
and [60] women about her. Strive to do whatever pleases answer, so I will not stop beseeching her, for a good lady
her, and speak to Ygraine in ways you know will be useful to was never won over so quickly.”
n
me. On the eleventh day after Whitsunday, the king was
“Now let it be,” said Ulfin, “and I will do what I can.” sitting at table, and the duke of Tintagel was sitting very
This is how the king spoke to Ulfin, and Ulfin close by. The king had in front of him a very handsome
answered, “Sir, love has no regard for reason when reason golden goblet. Ulfin knelt before the king and said to him,
works against love’s will. As for yourself, be careful to win “Send this goblet to Ygraine, and tell the duke to bid her
the duke’s good will and to be with him as much as you can. take it and drink from it for love of you. Have one of his
I will do my best to find a way to speak to Ygraine.” knights take it to her full of good wine.”
The king told him that he would surely know how to The king said that he would very gladly do so, and he
do that, and so they set to work. The king regaled the duke said to the duke what [61] Ulfin had advised.
and was his companion for a full week, and he said to him The duke thought there was no harm in it, so he
and did whatever might please him, and he endowed him answered, “Sir, many thanks! She will very gladly take it.”
and his companions with many a lovely jewel. And Ulfin And the duke called a knight of his with whom he was
spoke to Ygraine: he told her things he believed would very friendly and said to him, “Bretel, take this goblet to
please her the most, and many times he brought her your lady on behalf of the king and tell her I bid her drink
beautiful jewels. But Ygraine turned them down and from it for love of the king.”
refused to take any. Bretel took the goblet and came to the table where
At length it happened one day that Ygraine was talking Ygraine was sitting, and he knelt before her and said, “Lady,
privately with Ulfin and said to him, “Ulfin, why do you the king sends you this goblet, and my lord asks you to take
want to give me these jewels and these lovely gifts?” it and drink from if for love of the king.”
And Ulfin answered, ‘Tor your great beauty and for the When she heard this, she was deeply shamed and she
beautiful way you look. And I cannot give you anything, blushed, but she dared not refuse her husband the duke’s
since all the wealth in the kingdom of Logres4 is yours and order. She took the goblet and drank from it, then she told
every worthy gentleman is at the mercy of your will and Bretel to take it back to the king.
pleasure.” v But Bretel said, “My lady, my lord orders you to keep it,
And Ygraine said to him, “How?” and the king himself asked him to do this.”
Ulfin said to her, “Because you have the heart of the When she heard this she understood clearly that she
one to whom everyone else swears fealty. This heart belongs would have to accept it, and Bretel went back and thanked
to you and obeys you. This is why all the other hearts are the king for it on behalf of Ygraine, who had not said a
under your sway.” word about it. The king was very happy that she had kept
Ygraine asked him, “What heart are you telling me the goblet. And Ulfin went to the table where Ygraine was
about?” sitting to see what look she had, and by the look of her he
“The king’s.” thought she was most upset and brooding in thought.
And she raised her hand and crossed herself and said, After the tables had been taken down, she called him
“God! what a traitor the king is to make a show of loving my and said to him, “Ulfin, it was most unfaithful of your lord
husband and me, yet he means to shame him! Ulfin,” she to send me a goblet. But you may be certain that he will win
went on, “take care not to let it happen that you should nothing by it, for before daylight tomorrow I will bring
ever say such words to me! For I want you to know that I shame down on him. I will tell my husband about the
treachery the king and you are trying to bring about.”
4The traditional name of the kingdom, but in the Merlin
Logres is a city from which the kingdom takes its name, as is clear
Supplied from Micha (54, 1. 27): celerai (“I will hide”). In
in Sommer’s text (79,11. 6-9). Eventually (Sommer, 96) the city is
Sommer’s text (60, 1. 25) the future has become a preterite with
identified with London.
the loss of die interior syllable: chelai (‘1 hid”).
The Story of Merlin 201

Ulfin answered, “You are not so mad you do not know together and showed them the shameful thing the duke
that, once a woman tells her husband such a story, he will had done to him, and they said that they were amazed that
never believe her again! This is why you will keep it to he had done it, and he had done a very foolish thing. And
yourself.” the king asked them to advise him as to how the duke could
And she answered, “A curse on any woman who does.” be made to make amends.
Ulfin left Ygraine straightway. They did not know why the duke had left, so they said,
And the king, who had eaten and washed his hands, “Sir, you will have your payment in any way you please.”
was very cheerful. He took the duke by the hand and said to The king told them how he had honored the duke
him, “Let’s go see the ladies.” more than any of his other barons, and they said that was
And the duke said he would very gladly. true, and they were amazed that he should have done him
They went into the room where Ygraine had eaten such a great outrage.
along with all the other ladies. As soon as Ygraine saw the And the king said to them, “I will order him, if you say
king, she was certain that he had come there only for her. so, to come make amends for the wrong he has done me.
The king talked and enjoyed himself for a while with the And as he went back home, so let him come back here to
ladies, and Ygraine stayed there until nightfall. And when be brought to justice."
night had come, she went off to her lodging, and the duke And the whole council agreed to this.
went after her and found her weeping bitterly. When he Two worthy men went on behalf of the king to take this
saw her tears he was greatly amazed. He took her in his message, and they rode until, after many days, they came to
arms, because he loved her very much, and asked her what Tintagel, where they found the duke. And they gave their
the matter was. She told him she wanted to die, and the message just as they had been ordered to. And when the
duke asked her why. duke heard that he had to go back to court with his wife
And she said to him, “Husband, I will not hide the Ygraine, he told the messengers that he would not.
reason from you, for I love you more than anything.” ‘Tor the king and his people,” he said, “have done
“Sir,” she went on, “the king says he loves me. And all such a wrong to me that I can no longer trust him, nor
these courts you see him holding with these other ladies should I go to his court under his protection, nor will I ever
whom he orders to come here—he says he does this only speak otherwise about it. As God is my witness, he did
for love of me and to have a reason for you to bring me everything in his power to make me lose faith in him.”
here. I have known this since the last court; that day I And the messengers left the duke when they could not
refused his gifts, and I took nothing from him until today. find any other arguments. After they had gone, the duke
Now you made me take his goblet, and you ordered me sent for the worthy gentlemen of his private council and
through Bretel to drink from it for love of him! This is why told them why he had left Carduel, and he recounted to
I would like to be dead, for I cannot hold out against him them the king’s treachery and the dishonor he sought to
or his friend Ulfin. Now I am sure, since telling you this, bring him when he wanted to shame his wife.
that he cannot for long keep himself from doing something When they heard about these matters, they were
harmful. So I beg you as my husband, please take me back amazed, and they said that, God willing, it would never be
[62] to Tintagel, for I don’t want to stay in this town any allowed to happen, and misfortune should come to anyone
more!” who would try to do such a thing to his liegeman.
When the duke heard this, he was deeply angered, for Then the duke said, “I beseech all of you, for God’s
he loved his wife very much, more than anyone could. sake and for your honor, and because it is your duty, to
Then he sent through the town for his knights, and when help me defend my land if he attacks me.”
they had gathered, they saw him and recognized how angry And they said that they would, even if it meant they
he was. would lose their heads.
He said to them, “Get ready to ride out in secret, and So the duke took counsel with his liegemen. And the
let no one know a thing about it. I am leaving, and don’t messengers went back to Carduel, where they found the
ask me why6 before I tell you.” king, and they told him and his council what they had
And they said, “Just as you order.” found out. Then they all said together that they were
And the duke said to them, “Leave behind all your astounded by the duke’s madness, for they held him to be a
gear except for your armor, and your horses will follow you very shrewd man.
out in the morning, for I don’t want the king or anyone And the king [63] asked them, as his liegemen and
else to know that I am leaving." friends, to help him avenge the shameful filing the duke
The duke’s knights did just as he ordered. The duke, had done to him. They answered that they could not refuse
his wife, and their household got on their horses and went him that, but they begged him all of one voice, so that he
back toward his country. In the morning, when they found might keep the law, to defy him forty days beforehand.
out that the duke had left, there was much ado about it The king did this, and he asked them to come back
among those who were still with the king. together at die end of the forty days. They said that they
And when the king found out that the duke had gone would very gladly do so.
off, he was sorely distressed and upset that he had taken And the king straightway sent his messengers to
Ygraine away with him. He called the barons of his council challenge the duke of Tintagel, and when the duke heard
that he was being defied for forty days, he answered that he
would defend himself if he could. He sent word to his
6The sentence to here, apparently telescoped in Sommer’s
text (62,1. 5), is supplied from Micha (56,1. 29). liegemen telling them about the breech of faith the king
202 The Story of Merlin

had declared. He entreated them to help him, for he had When Ulfin heard this, he answered, “You are very
very great need of it. And they told him that they would fainthearted to think that you will die for love of a woman.
very willingly help him. But I will give you some good advice. Send word to Merlin
Then the duke took stock, and he said that he had only to come to you, and he cannot fail to give you counsel, and
two casdes that might be defended against the king, and he you will do to the utmost whatever his heart wills and not be
would not lose these two, he said, as long as he lived. So he stubborn about it."
made a plan to leave his wife in Tintagel along with ten And the king answered, “I would do anything that
knights, for he knew that the castle did not have to fear an anyone told me to do. But I know already that Merlin is
attack from any man, and those ten knights and the aware of my distress, and I am afraid that I made him angry
townsfolk would keep the gate well guarded. And they did when the seat at the table was tested, for it has been a very
as he had ordered. long time since he has come anywhere I was, or perhaps he
And he went off to the other castle that would be is bothered because I love the wife of my liegeman. But I
harder to take, and he said that he could not defend the certainly can’t do anything more, for I cannot stop my
rest of his land against the king. heart from loving her. And I am well aware that he forbade
This is how the duke behaved. And the messengers me to send for her.”
who had delivered the breech of faith came back to the Ulfin answered, “I am certain of one thing: that if he is
king and told him that the duke was preparing to defend hale and hardy, if he still loves you as he has, and if he
himself against any who would attack him. knows the distress you are in, he will not be slow in letting
When the king heard his messengers, he was very you hear from him.”
happy. And he sent word throughout his whole kingdom This is how Ulfin comforted the king, and he told him
calling his barons together, and he had them gather on the to look cheerful and be glad; if he sent for his men and
border of the duke’s land in a meadowland beside a great spent some time with them, he would forget much of his
river. And when his army and all his barons had gathered, distress. And the king answered that he would very willingly
the king told them about the shame, the scorn, and the do so, but he could never forget his pain or his love. So the
outrage against the court that the duke had inflicted, and king was consoled for a while, and he renewed the assault
the barons said that it was indeed right that he should make on the castle, but could not take it.
amends. One day Ulfin happened to be riding in the midst of
So the king invaded the duke’s country, and he took the army when he met a man he did not know.
his casdes and his towns and laid waste his lands. Then he And this man said to him, “My lord Ulfin, I would like
was told that the duke was in one of his casdes and his wife very much to speak with you away from here.”
was in the other. The king spoke to his council and asked And Ulfin answered, “And I with you.”
them which of the two casdes he should storm, and his Then they went off outside the encampment, the man
council advised him to attack the duke where he was, for if on foot and Ulfin on horseback. The man was old, and
he could take the duke, he would have the whole Ulfin got down to talk to him and asked him who he was.
countryside and all his lands. And the king agreed, and And he answered, “I am an old man, as you can see for
they rode there. yourself. Once, when I was young, I was thought to be wise,
The king called Ulfin and said to him, “Ulfin, what but now people say about many things I say that I am
shall I do, now that I cannot see Ygraine?” driveling. But I will tell you just between us that I was in
And he answered, ‘What a man cannot have he must Tintagel not long ago, and I came to know a worthy man
do without. But you must make every effort to take the who told me that your King Uther Pendragon loved the
duke, for if you had taken him prisoner, all would have duke’s wife, and he is laying waste the duke’s lands because
come to a good end; but if you had gone first to the place he took her away from the court at Garduel. If the king and
where Ygraine is, your doings would have come out into the you want to give me a little reward, I know of a man who
open all too soon.” could bring you to talk to Ygraine and advise the king about
So the king besieged the duke in his castle, and he his love life.”
launched a heavy attack. The duke held out for a long time, When Ulfin heard the worthy man speak in this way,
and the king could never take the casde. The king was sorry he wondered about where he had got what he had said, and
and distraught, and he was most upset because of his love he asked him kindly to point out the one who might advise
for Ygraine. At length he was in his pavilion one day and the king about his love life.
began to weep very bitterly. When his men-at-arms saw him And the old man answered, “I will hear first about the
weeping, they took themselves far off and left him alone. reward the king would like to give me.”
And Ulfin, who had been outside, went into the tent when Ulfin said to him, “Where will I find you again after I
he learned of the king’s state and found him in tears. have spoken to the king?”
So he asked him [64] why he was weeping, and the The old man answered, ‘Tomorrow you will find either
king answered, “You should know why, for you are well me or my messenger on the way between here and the
aware that I am dying for love of Ygraine. And I see plainly army.”
that I will have to die because of it. I have lost the will to And he commended him to God and went away, saying
drink, to eat, to sleep, to rest—this is how I know I will die, that he would talk to him the next day without fail and tell
for I can see no other way out of this. And so I am sorry for him something that would gladden him.
myself. ” Ulfin left and came straight to the king [65] as fast as
he could, and he told him all about how he had spoken
The Story of Merlin 203

with that man. When the king heard what he had to say, he The king answered, “You can be sure that it is Merlin
asked Ulfin when he had seen the man. playing tricks on us, and when he wants to, he will let us
And he answered, “I saw him just now, and he told me know who he is.”
that I would talk to him again tomorrow, and I had to be With that, they let the matter drop and rode down
able to tell him what reward you wished to give him.” through the encampment.
The king said, “You will take me when you go to speak And Merlin came straight to the king’s tent in his true
to him.” And Ulfin said he would very gladly do so. “And if likeness, so that people would know him for who he was,
you speak to him without me,” said the king, “offer him and [66] he asked where the king was. A messenger came
everything of mine he wants and more.” in to the king and told him that Merlin was asking for him.
So they dropped the matter until the next day. When the king heard this, he was happier than anyone, and
That evening the king was happier than he had been he came straightway to Ulfin.
in a long time. And the next day, after Mass when Ulfin was He said to him, “Now you will see what I was telling
ready, he rode with the king through the encampment to you, for Merlin has come. And I was sure that they were
the place where Ulfin thought he would find the old man. looking for him in vain!”
After they had gone forward a little, they saw a cripple who Ulfin answered, “Now we’ll see whether you can honor
also seemed to be blind. him and do what he wants, for no man alive could better
And when the king passed in front of him, he said, help you in your love for Ygraine."
“May God fill your heart with the thing you most long for. And the king replied, “You speak the truth, and I will
Give me something I can thank you for.” do everything he orders.”
The king looked at him and said to Ulfin smiling, So they rode to the king’s tent, where diey found
“Ulfin, will you do what I order as a service to me, for love Merlin. And when the king saw him, he was filled with joy
of me, and to do what I will?” and said that Merlin was welcome indeed.
Ulfin answered, “I want nothing more than to do your He took him in his arms, embraced him tenderly, and
will.” said, “Why should I tell you of my suffering, when you know
And he asked him, “Did you hear what this cripple said just as well as I how I am? I have never been so eager for
and what he asked me for? He has reminded me of the any man to come! And I beseech you, in God’s name, for
thing in the world that I love most and crave most. Go sit myself and on behalf of what you know my heart craves!"
beside him and tell him that I have given you to him and And Merlin answered, “I will never listen to anything
that there is nothing I own that I love more.” you have to say without Ulfin.”
Ulfin did not answer him, but went to sit down beside Then the king had Ulfin summoned. He took him
the cripple and gave himself to him. aside so that they could talk alone, and said, “Here is the
And when the cripple saw Ulfin, he asked him, “What old man you saw yesterday and the cripple.”
have you come looking for?” Ulfin looked very hard at Merlin and said to him,
And he said, “The king sends me to you so that I may “Could what the king told me be true?”
be of service to you.” And Merlin said, “Yes indeed! And as soon as I saw that
When he heard this, he smiled and said, ‘The king has he sent you to me, I was sure that he had understood
taken note and recognized me better than you have. I everything.”
would like you to know that the old man you spoke to Ulfin said to the king, “Sir, now you should talk to
yesterday has sent me to you here. But I will not tell you Merlin about your troubles, and not shed tears when you
what he told me. Instead, go to the king and tell him that I are alone.”
see clearly that he would do great harm if he had his way, And the king answered, “I do not know what to say or
and I advise him that the sooner he understands this the what to ask him, for he knows my whole heart and my
better off he’ll be.” feelings, and I could not lie to him without his finding it
Ulfin said to him, “Could I dare ask you about out. But I beg him for God’s sake please to help me so that
yourself?” I can have Ygraine’s love. And I will do anything that he sets
And he answered, “Ask the king and he will tell you.” out for me to do.”
And Ulfin got on his horse and rode after the king. Merlin answered, “If you dared give me what I asked of
When the king saw him, he turned aside, called Ulfin you, I would arrange it so that you could have her love and
and said to him, “How can you have come here after me? I lie in her room naked beside her in her bed.”
just gave you to the cripple.” When Ulfin heard this, he smiled and said, “I’ll now
“Sir, he wants you to know that you are more observant see what a man’s heart is worth!”
than I am, and he wants you to tell me about him, for he And the king answered, “Anything you ask me for that
would not, but said that you would. ” can be found, you will have it.”
When the king heard this, he turned about and rode “I will be sure of it,” said Merlin.
back very fast until they came to the spot where they had And the king said, “Let everything be as you propose.”
found the cripple. “Will you swear by the saints, and will you make Ulfin
Then the king said to Ulfin, “Do you know who talked swear, that what I ask you for the morning after you have
to you yesterday in the likeness of an old man? It is the lain with her all night and done with her all you will—that
same man whom you saw crippled today.” you’ll give me what I ask you for and not take it back?”
And Ulfin said, “How could a man disfigure himself so? And the king said to him, “Yes, very willingly.”
And who is he?” Merlin asked Ulfin if he would swear likewise.
204 The Story of Merlin

And he said, “I am sorry that I have not already sworn And Merlin showed him Ulfin in the likeness of
so.” Jordan.
When Merlin heard what they said, he smiled and said, When Ulfin saw the king, he said, “Good Lord God!
“When the oath is taken, I will tell you how this can how can any man be changed to look like another?”
happen." And the king asked him, ‘What do you think about
Then the king had relics brought in and the holiest me?”
things he had, and he swore to him just what he had laid Ulfin answered, “I recognize you as no one but the
out. And he agreed to give Merlin in good faith, and with duke.”
no deceit, what he would ask him for. After the king, Ulfin And the king told him that he looked just like Jordan.
swore that, with the help of God and all the saints, the king After they had spoken thus for a while, Merlin came, and it
would hand over to him what he had said and sworn in seemed to them that he was Bretel. So they talked together
good faith that he would. Thus were the oaths made, and and waited until night came. Just after darkness began to
Merlin accepted them. fall, they came straight to the gate of Tintagel. Merlin, who
Then the king said to Merlin, “Now I beg you to tell looked just like Bretel, knocked at the gate, and the
me about my business, for I am the man in the world who gatekeeper and those who guarded the gate came out to
most needs to have it over and done with, and I have the him.
strongest will to satisfy my yearning.” [67] And he said, “Open the gate. See, this is the duke
Then Merlin told the king, “You will have to go there coming!”
very boldly, for she is a most honorable lady and very They opened the gate and saw clearly, so it seemed to
faithful to God and her husband. But soon you will see what them, Bretel, the duke, and Jordan, and they let them in.
power I have to deceive her. I will bestow on you the And Bretel forbade them to tell anyone that the duke had
likeness of the duke, and it will be so good that all people come.
there will take you for their lord. The duke has two knights Several of them ran to tell the duchess that the duke
who are closer to him, and to Ygraine as well, than anyone had come. And they rode until they came to the great hall,
could be. One is called Bretel and the other Jordan. I will and they got down from their horses. Merlin told the king
make Ulfin look like Jordan, and I will take Bretel’s shape. I privately that he should behave like the duke, cheerfully.
will have the gates opened for you, and thanks to these Then all three went up to the room where Ygraine was
shapes, I will get you inside there to go to bed, along with already lying in bed. [68]
Ulfin and myself. But you will have to leave there very early As fast as they could, they had their lord’s boots taken
in the morning when Ulfin and I go out, for we will hear off, and they put him to bed with Ygraine. This is how the
very strange news there. Get your army ready to leave your good king called Arthur was conceived. The lady took great
barons in charge,^ and give orders forbidding anyone to go delight in the king, for she thought that he was surely her
toward the casde before we get back. And be careful to tell husband the duke, whom she loved very much, and they lay
no one where you are going but the two of us who are together until daylight the next morning.
here.” Then news came to the town that the duke was dead
The king and Ulfin answered that they would do and his casde taken. When the two companions, who had
everything he ordered. Merlin made things ready for what got up, heard the news, they went straight to their lord
he had to do. where he lay and said to him, “Sir, get up and go to your
And he said to them, “I will give you your new casde, for news has come to your people that you are dead.”
likenesses on the way.” And he jumped up and said, “It is no wonder they
And the king hurried to do as fast as he could what think so, for I left the casde and no one knew it.”
Merlin had ordered. When he had done, he came straight Then he took leave of Ygraine and kissed her in plain
to Merlin and said to him, “I have done what I had to do. sight of all who were there when he left. And the three of
Now tend to your business.” them went out of the casde as quickly as they could, and no
Merlin said to him, “The only thing left to do is to one recognized them. When they were outside, they were
leave.” very happy.
They got on their horses and rode until they came to And Merlin came up to the king and said, “Sir, I have
Tintagel. done all I promised you. Now be sure to keep the oath you
Then Merlin said to the king, “Now wait here a little, swore to me.”
and Ulfin and I will go over there.” The king answered, “You have made me far happier
He and Ulfin went to one side, separated, and went and served me far better than any man ever did another,
straight back to the king. Merlin brought a herb, and the and I will certainly hold to our bargain.”
king took it and rubbed himself with it; and after he put it And Merlin said to him, “I am laying claim to my
on himself, he looked unmistakably just like the duke. reward, and I want you to give it to me. You should know
And Merlin said then, “Do you recall ever having seen that you have fathered a male child in Ygraine: this is what
Jordan?” you have given me, and you must not have him. Any power
The king answered, “I know him very well.” you have over him you have yielded to me. Have the hour
and night you sired him written down, and you will know
<7
Supplied from Micha (64, 1. 18): a laissier a voz barons (“to whether I am telling the truth.”
leave to your barons”). Sommer’s text reads (67, 1. 11) a loisir, & “And I swear to you,” said the king, “that I will do
vos barons (“at leisure, and your barons”).
everything you have told me, and I surely owe it to you.”
The Story of Merlin 205

So they rode as far as a river, and Merlin had them Ulfin answered, “I will tell you what I think, and if you
wash in that river. After washing, they lost the shapes they know anything better, say so. I would advise the king to
had taken on, and they looked as they had at first. Then the send word everywhere that the lady’s friends are to come to
king rode as fast as he could and came straight to his army. Tintagel. The king should be there, and he should call the
As soon as he had got there, his liegemen and his men-at- lady and her friends to come before him. After they have
arms gathered around him and told him how the duke had gathered, the king should make so much ado about the
been killed. duke’s death that people would think that any there who
They said that the day after he had gone, the army refuse to make peace are mad, and they would say that the
grew very still and quiet. “And the duke noticed that you king is an upstanding and faithful man of honor and that
weren’t in the encampment. So he had his men put on we his counselors are, too. This is how anyone who wants to
their armor and had his foot soldiers come out through make peace should do so. ”
one gate and his knights through another. They ran against And the worthy barons said, “We will hold to your
us and did us great harm before our men could get their counsel, and there will be no other.”
arms. The cry was raised and the din grew louder. Our So they came to the king and gave him the counsel
people armed themselves, ran against them, and pushed they had decided upon, but they did not say to him that
them back to their gate. There they turned about and Ulfin had given it to them.
fought very hard until the duke’s horse was killed beneath After they had proposed it all to the king, he answered,
him and he was struck down. There the duke was killed “I willingly agree to this, and I want it to be just as you have
among your foot soldiers, for they did not recognize who said.”
he was. And we broke through after the others inside the So the king sent word by letters to all the duke’s
gate: they defended themselves very poorly after losing the kinsmen that they should come to Carduel under a truce,
duke.” for he wished to make amends for everything they held
And the king answered and told them that he was very against him.
sorry about the duke’s death. And Merlin came straight to the king and said to him,
This is how the duke was killed and his castle taken, “Do you know who has given that counsel?”
and the king spoke to his liegemen and told them that he And the king answered, “No, just that all my worthy
was very sorry about the duke’s ill luck, and he asked their barons advised me to do this.”
advice as to how he could make up for such a loss so that Merlin said, “They did not dare make such a
his vassals would not blame him. For he did not hate the recommendation by themselves, but Ulfin, who is very
duke so much that he wanted him dead, and he was quite shrewd and faithful, thought out in his heart the best and
distraught about the mishap that had befallen him, “so I most honorable peace there could be. I do not believe
will make up for it as best I can.” anyone knows this but me,” he went on, “and I have now
Then Ulfin, [69] who was very close to the king, spoke told you.”
and said, “Since this thing is over and done with, amends And the king asked Merlin please to tell him just how
must be made in the fairest way we can.” Ulfin worked it out, and Merlin told him all Ulfin’s train of
Then Ulfin took a great many barons aside,8 and he thought. When the king heard this, he was very gladdened
said to them, “How do you advise the king to take news of in his heart and very happy.
this death to the lady and to the duke’s friends? He begs And the king said to Merlin, ‘What would you have me
you to give him counsel, and you must advise him as best do about this?”
you can, because he is your overlord.” “I could not give you,” said Merlin, “better or more
And they answered, “We will very gladly advise him. faithful advice. This way, you will have everything your heart
And we bid you, tell us the thing it would be most yearns for. I want to go away, but first I want to talk to you
worthwhile to ask for, so that the king will not refuse us, for with Ulfin there. After I am gone, you can surely ask Ulfin
we know that you are his dear friend.” how he came up with this peace.”
And Ulfin answered, “Since I am a friend of the king, if And the king said he would do so.
I knowingly counseled something behind his back that I Then Ulfin was called before them, and when he had
would not want said to him in front of everyone, then you come before them, Merlin spoke and [70] said to the king,
would take me for a traitor, and I would be. Now if it were “Sir, you have sworn to me that you will give me, insofar as
up to me to give counsel about the lady’s friends and9 you can, the heir you have begotten, and you have written
peace, I would advise something that you would not dare the hour and the date he was conceived. You know for a
think about." fact that you fathered him thanks to me. So the sin would
They answered all together, “We believe everything you fall on me if I did not help him, for his mother may yet be
say and we yield to you, for we are well aware that you are a shamed because of him: she has no way to hide from the
wise man and a trustworthy adviser. So we entreat you, help world. So I want Ulfin to write out the documents, and he
us to make up our minds about this matter.” should put there10 the time, the hour and the night, when
he was conceived. You will not see me before the hour and
day he is bom. And I entreat you, as my overlord, to believe
8Supplied from Micha (67, 11. 9-10); in Sommer’s text the
barons come and take Ulfin aside (69,11. 2-3). Ulfin in what he tells you, for he loves you, and he will

9The conjunction is not in Sommer’s text (69, 1. 11), where

the punctuation suggests that a scribe may not have understood 10Sommer’s text has quit oie (70,1. 6): “let him hear” (?), while
the exemplar. Micha reads queilait (68,1. 34): “let there be.”
206 The Story of Merlin

never say anything to you or advise you in anything that is truth: we cannot hold out against the king. Listen to them
not for your welfare and for your honor. and find out what kind of peace the king wishes to make
“I will not speak to you or to him again for six months, with you and your liegemen. They can offer peace in such a
and I will talk first to Ulfin. What I tell you to do through way that it cannot be refused: one must choose the lesser of
him, please believe in it and do it,11 if you want to be my two evils—we advise you to do this.”
friend and his and if you mean to safeguard from now on And the lady answered and said, “I never shunned my
what is lawfully yours.” husband’s counsel, nor will I ever forgo anything you advise
So Ulfin recorded the child’s conception. me, for I do not know anyone whom I should believe better
And Merlin took the king aside by himself and said to than you.”
him, “Sir, you will take Ygraine as your wife,12 and you will Then they came straight out, and one of the worthiest
be careful not to let her know that you have lain with her or and wisest of the gendemen spoke and relayed the lady’s
that she is with child by you. It is with respect to this that words to the king’s messengers.
you will most have her at your mercy, for if you ask her “My lady has taken counsel,” he said, “and wishes to
about her pregnancy and try to find out by whom she is know what amends the king will make to her for her dead
with child, she will be unable to name the father, and she husband.”
will feel ashamed toward you. This is how you can best help The messengers answered, “Dear sir, we do not know
me have the fruit she is bearing.” the king’s will, but he clearly said that he will take counsel
So Merlin left the king and Ulfin and came straight to with his barons and will make everything up to her as they
his master Blaise; he told him these things and had him dare judge fit.”
write them down, and it is through the writing that we still And they replied, ‘Then he will make amends fairly, if
know them. that is the case, and we need not ask any more of him. You
And the king and his barons went off toward Tintagel. are all such worthy gendemen that you will grant her just
And when he had come there, he sent for his liegemen and redress, if it is God’s will, and you will urge him to do what
his council and asked them what to do about the things is good and what is honorable for him.”
that had happened. So they set a day at the end of two weeks when the lady
They answered, “We advise you to make peace with the and her friends would come before the king to hear what
duchess and the duke’s friends, and you will have great he wanted to say. If he had nothing to say that suited the
honor in it.” lady and her friends, then they would have safe conduct to
The king ordered them to go straight to Tintagel to go back to Tintagel. So the day was set, and the messengers
speak to the duchess and show her that she could not went straight back to the king and told him what they had
defend herself against him, and tell her that if she and her found and the counsel the lady had taken. And the king
liegemen throughout her land wanted peace and her said that she and all her people who came with her would
advisers counseled it, he would gladly work it out just as she be very well taken care of, and that he would gladly hear
wished. So the barons went to Tintagel, and the king stayed them out if they sought from him what was right.
behind and took Ulfin aside privately and asked him what So the king bided his time for two weeks, and he and
he advised about the peace. He led him to understand that Ulfin spoke together of many things. And when the
he was well aware who had urged it. appointed day came, the king sent an escort for the lady.
“Then you surely know, sir,” he said, “whether or not After she had come into his encampment, the king called
you like it.” all his liegemen and counselors together, and he sent word
The king answered, “I like it very much indeed, and I to the lady and her counselors asking them what they
would like even better for it to be brought about just as you meant to request with respect to the peace.
thought it through in your heart.” And the lady’s counselors said, “Sir, the lady has not
And Ulfin said to him, “All you need do is grant it, and come here to ask for anything, but to find out what she will
I will bring it about.” be offered in amends for her husband’s death.”
And the king bade him to do so. So their talk ended. And the messengers went straight to the king and told
And messengers came to Tintagel and found the him. When the king heard this, he held them to be very
duchess there and the duke’s friends, and they showed how shrewd, and he took his council to one side and asked them
the duke had died because of the wrong he did. They said what they would advise in this case.
that the king was very sorry about it, and he would gladly They answered him, “Sir, no one can know better than
make peace and come to terms with the lady and all the you what kind of peace you want to make with them or what
duke’s friends. The duke’s wise barons clearly saw that they you mean to offer.”
could not hold out against the king, so they advised the lady “I have already told you my thoughts and feelings on
and her friends to make peace with the king. And the lady the matter.” said the king. ‘You are all my liegemen and we
and her friends said that she would take counsel about it, are friends, so I put myself wholly in your hands. Anything
and they withdrew to a room together. [71] you advise me I will do. ”
When they gathered in private, the lady’s and die And they answered, “No one could ask more of you.
duke’s friends said, “Lady, those gendemen are telling the But sir, this is a very weighty case, and we would not dare
undertake it unless we were sure that you would not hold a
^Supplied from Micha (68, 1. 42); the verbs are reversed in grudge against anyone.”
Sommer’s text (70,11. 11-12). And Ulfin spoke up: “It seems that you take the king
12The clause is supplied from Micha (68,1. 46). for a madman, and you don’t believe anything he tells you.”
The Story of Merlin 207

The barons answered, “Ulfin, you are right. But we beg who is right here, and do for the lady’s other friends what
you to join us in our deliberations, and the king to allow it. he must so that each and every one will take him as their
You will report our finding to the king, and you yourself lord and lawful king.
will do your best to show us what to do, for you know how “Now you have heard my advice,” said Ulfin, “and you
by your worth and by right.” [72] may say something else if you cannot agree to it."
When the king heard what they asked Ulfin, he looked And they answered all together, “You have spoken the
happy, and he said to him, “Ulfin, I have raised you up and boldest counsel that any man could think of. And if you
made you a wealthy man, and I know that you are clever. dare report it just as you have said it here, and if we see that
Go counsel them, on my orders, the best you know how.” the king agrees, then we will very willingly agree to it.”
And Ulfin answered, “I will do so since you send me And Ulfin said, ‘You don’t say very much at all, but if
there, but I want you to know that no king or any ruler can you agree to it plainly and openly, then I will report our
be loved too much by his liegemen, nor can he lower words to the king. Here is King Lot of Orkney, about whom
himself too much to them to win their hearts.” I have said a great deal. Let him say what he thinks.”
This is what Ulfin told the king when he went to the “Never, whatever you may have said about me,”
council of the barons, and they withdrew by themselves. answered the king, “would I want to put off making peace."
They asked Ulfin what he would have them do in this When the others heard that, they all agreed as one to
matter. Ulfin’s counsel. [73]
And Ulfin answered, “You hear that the king is leaving Then they all went straight to the tent where the king
it all up to us. Let us go to the lady and her friends and ask was staying. And the lady was called along with the
them if they will defer to us as well.” gentlemen of her council, and when they had all gathered,
And they answered that he had spoken well, like a they all sat down. Ulfin stood and reported the terms of the
learned man. peace just as they had talked them out.
So they went to speak to the lady and her council, and And when he had said everything, he asked the barons,
when they came before her, they told her that in everything “Do you not advise what I have just said and agree to it?”
the king had put himself into their hands, that he would And they all answered that they did.
keep the peace and do what they told him, “and we have Ulfin turned toward the king and said to him, “Sir,
come to you to ask you and your council if you will also what do you say? Do you agree to these gentlemen’s terms?”
yield to us.” And the king answered, ‘Yes, Ulfin, if the lady and her
They answered, “We should take counsel on this.” friends agree to them and if, for my sake, King Lot will take
So they deliberated and said that the king could not the duke’s daughter as his wife.”
make a better offer than to leave everything up to his King Lot said, “Sir, you will never ask me to do
barons. anything for the sake of your love and peace that I would
Thus the lady and her counselors and all the dead not do very gladly.”
man’s kin agreed to yield to them, and everyone on both Then, within earshot of everyone, Ulfin spoke to the
sides took heart. man who had reported these words to the lady and asked
Then the king’s barons withdrew to deliberate by him if he recommended this peace. And he answered like
themselves, and they asked one another what they advised. the able, learned man he was. He looked at his lady and her
After they had spoken among themselves and everyone had council, who were so sad and wretched that the water from
given his views, they all asked Ulfin what he would have the their hearts had welled up in their eyes, and behind him
king do. they were weeping from sorrow and said through their tears
And Ulfin answered, “I will tell you what I think, and that never had a lord made such an honorable peace with
what I say here I would say anywhere else. You are well his liegeman. So he asked the lady and the duke’s kinsmen
aware that the duke was killed by the king and his army. if they recommended the terms.
Whatever wrong he may have done the king, he did The lady did not speak, but her kinsmen spoke and
nothing against him for which he deserved to die. Isn’t said all together, “Everyone should agree to them, and we
what I’m telling you true? And you should know that the do indeed. For we know that the king is such a worthy and
duke’s wife has been left with child, while the king has faithful man that we put ourselves into his hands.”
utterly laid waste her lands. You may also be sure that she is Thus it was sworn to on both sides, and the king took
the best lady in the world, the fairest and the most Ygraine, and King Lot of Orkney wed her daughter.
honorable. And you should know that the duke’s kinsmen The wedding of the king and Ygraine was on the
have lost a great deal through his death, so it is right and thirtieth day after he had lain with her in her room.
just that the king should give back to them a large measure And of the lady’s elder daughter and King Lot were
of their losses, according to what they are, so that he may born Sir Gawain, Agravain, Guerrehet, Gaheriet, and
win their love. Mordred.13 And King Neutres of Garlot took the other
“On the other hand, you know that the king has no daughter, a bastard14 named Morgan. On the advice of his
wife. So I say in my judgment that the king cannot make up
for her loss unless he weds her, and it is my view that he 13On these sons, see below, Sommer, 96.
should do so to make amends and win your friendship and
14Supplied from Micha (72, II. 6-7). Sommer’s text
for the sake of all those in this kingdom who will have introduces a third daughter as Neutres’s wife and does not
restitution. And when he has granted all this, he should as mention that Morgan was a bastard (73, 1. 23). Later, the text
soon wed the duke’s elder daughter to King Lot of Orkney, explicidy mentions five daughters (96,11. 27-30), none of whom is
singled out as a bastard.
208 The Story of Merlin

kinsmen, Neutres put her in a nunnery to learn to read and So the king waited until the sixth month, when Merlin
write, and she learned so much so well that she mastered had promised him to come. And he did come, and he
the arts. She became wonderfully skilled in an art called spoke to Ulfin in private and asked him to tell him about
astrology,15 and she worked hard all the time and knew a many things, and Ulfin told him the truth as he knew it.
great deal about the healing arts. For her mastery of Then he came to the king, and the king told him how he
knowledge,16 people called her Morgan the Fay. The king had spoken with Ygraine, how Ulfin had negotiated the
behaved justly toward all the other children, and he loved peace, and how he had accepted it.
all the duke’s kinfolk. And Merlin answered, “Ulfin has to a degree atoned
So the king took Ygraine, and at length it showed that for his sins in abetting your love-making. But I have not
she was with child. The king lay one night beside her and atoned for my sin in helping to deceive the lady about the
put his hand on her belly. He asked her by whom she was child fathered in her womb and she does not know by
pregnant, for she could not be carrying his child: since he whom.”
had married her, he had not lain with her without having it The king answered, “You are so learned and so worthy
written down; and she could not be pregnant by the duke, that you will know how to atone for this.”
for she had not seen him since a long time before his And Merlin replied, “You will have to help me.”
death. The king said that he would help him in any way he
And as the king kept heaping guilt on her, she grew could. “And the child,” said the king, “I will see that you
frightened and ashamed, so she said, weeping, “Sir, I have him.”
cannot deny what you already know. For God’s sake, please And Merlin said, “In the nearby country there is one of
take pity on me, for I will tell you things that are amazing the worthiest men in your kingdom, the best endowed with
but true, if you promise me that you will not leave me.” all good traits. He has a wife who has just given birth to a
The king said, “Speak confidendy, for I will not leave son, and she is very worthy and faithful. This good man is
you for anything you might say.” not at all wealthy, so I want you to send for him and tell him
When she heard this she was gready cheered, and she that you will give him of your own wealth if he and his wife
said to him, “Sir, I will tell you amazing things.” swear on saints’ relics that a child who will be brought to
So she told him how a man had lain with her in her them will be nursed with the woman’s very milk, that they
husband’s shape, and he had brought two men with him raise him as their own and give their son over to another
who looked like the two men her husband most loved in all woman to be nursed.”
the world. “Thus he came into my room in front of all [74] The king answered, “I will do just as you have said.”
my liegemen, and he lay with me, but I thought certainly Then Merlin took leave and went off to Blaise.
that he was my husband. That man fathered this child with And the king had the worthy gendeman sent for, and
whom I am pregnant, and I know for a fact that he was when he had come, the king welcomed him with great
conceived on the very night my husband was killed. And gladness. He was quite amazed that the king was so happy
when the news came to me the next morning, that man was to see him.
still lying in my bed. He gave me to understand that he was And the king said, “Dear friend, I must reveal to you a
my husband and that his men didn’t know what had wonder that has happened to me. You are my liegeman,
become of him, and he left right away.” and I would ask, by the faith you owe me, that you help me
When she had given her account, the king answered in what I am about to tell you and do your best to keep it
and said, “Dear friend, take care to hide this from every hidden.”
man and woman you can, for you would be shamed if And he answered, “Sir, you could order me to do
anyone knew it. And I want you to know that this child you nothing I wouldn’t do [75] if I could. And if I cannot do it,
are carrying is neither yours nor mine by rights. Neither I will keep it a secret.”
you nor I will have him, nor will we keep him near us. And the king said to him, “A wondrous thing
Rather I beg you to hand him over to the one I’ll happened to me. While I was asleep, a gentleman came to
recommend you give him to, so that we will never hear of me and told me that you were the worthiest man in my
him again.” kingdom, the most upright and faithful to me. He told me
And she answered, “Sir, you may do what you will with that you have a newborn son by your wife. He also told me
me and all that is mine. I am at your beck and call.” to ask you to take your son from your wife and give him to
The next morning the king came to Ulfin and another woman to be nursed, and to ask your wife, for love
reported to him all his and the queen’s words. of me, to suckle and raise a child who will be brought to
When Ulfin had heard them, he said, “Now you can her.”
see clearly how honorable and faithful my lady is, for she The good man answered, “Sir, this is a very weighty
did not dare lie to you even about such an upsetting matter. thing, for you are asking me to cut my child off and disown
You have carried out very well what Merlin gave you to do, him, and to have him nurse on milk that is not his. Sir, I
and he could not have it any other way.” will get my wife to agree if I can, so I beg you, tell me when
this child will be brought.”
15On astrology/astronomy, see ch. 2, n. 8. And the king answered that, God help him, he did not

16Supplied from Micha (72, 1. 12). Instead of clergie (“book know.

learning”), Sommer’s text repeats fusique/fisique (“medicine,” And the gendeman said to him, “Sir, I would do
“medical arts,” “natural science”) but goes on to mention as well anything in the world you ordered me to do, if I could.”
her great intelligence (sens) (73,1. 27).
The Story of Merlin 209
Then the king gave him such a handsome gift that he her. She gave birth right at that hour, after midnight and
was dumbfounded. And he left the king and came straight before daybreak.
to his wife and told her what the king had said. And when As soon as the child had been bom, she called one of
she heard it, it seemed a very strange thing to her. her women, whom she most trusted, and said to her, “Dear
“How could I stop nursing my son,” she said, “to nurse friend, take this litde boy and carry him to the door to the
another?” hall, and if you find a man who asks for him, hand him over
And the good man answered, “There is nothing we to him. And you will look carefully to see who this man is.”
should not do for our lord. He has done so much for us She did just as the queen had ordered. She wrapped
and given us so much, and he promises to do so much, that the child in the richest and best clothes she had and carried
we should do as he wills, and I want you to swear to me that him to the door to the hall. When she had opened it, she
you will." saw a man who seemed very old and weak.
And she replied, “I am yours and so is the child, so do So she asked, “What are you waiting for?”
with us as you will. And I grant what you want, for I ought He answered, “The thing you are bringing me.”
in no way to be against you.” And she asked, ‘What kind of man are you? To whom
Then the gentleman was very gladdened that his wife shall I tell my lady I have given her litde boy?”
would do whatever he wanted. He told her to find a woman He replied, ‘That is none of your business. Just do
who could nurse her child so that they might be ready what you have been ordered to do.”
when the other one was brought to her. And she held the child out to him, and he took it.
This is how the worthy man spoke to his wife. And it What became of him after he took the child she never
happened that the queen was ready to give birth. The day knew. She came straight back to her lady and told her that
before she gave birth, Merlin stole back to court and spoke she had handed the child over to an old man “but
to Ulfin. nevertheless, I do not know who he is.”
He told him that he was proud of the king because he And the queen began to weep because she was filled
had spoken wisely to Antor ‘just as I asked him to. Now tell with great sorrow.
him to go tell the queen that she will have a child tomorrow The man to whom she had given up her child went off
after midnight and that she must hand him over, or have as fast as he could to Antor, and he found him just as he
someone else give him, to the first man they find on the was leaving to go hear Mass. He had taken on the likeness
way out of the hall.” of an old man, so he called Antor and said to him, “Antor, I
And Ulfin said, “Then you will not speak to the king?” want to talk to you.”
Merlin said, “I will not speak to him at this time.” And Antor looked at him, and he seemed to be a
Then Ulfin came to the king and told him what Merlin wonderfully worthy gendeman, so he said to him, “Sir, I
had bidden. would very gladly speak with you.”
And when the king heard him, he was very happy, and “I bring you a litde boy, and I bid you have him nursed
he rejoiced with great gladness. He said to Ulfin, “Will he in as loving a way as if he were your own. You can be sure
not then speak to me?” that if you do this, many good things will happen to you
And Ulfin answered, “No, but do as he orders.” and your children, such that if anyone told you now what
The king then came to the queen and said to her, they were, you would not believe it.”
“Lady, I will tell you something. Believe me and do as I ask “Is this the child the king asked me to have my wife
you.” And he went on, “Lady, tomorrow night, after nurse,” asked Antor, “the one I disowned my own son for?”
midnight, you will give birth to the child that is inside you. And he answered, “In truth, it is he. And the king and
And I beg, I beseech, I order you to have one of the women all worthy gendemen and noble ladies should entreat you
closest to you give him, just as soon as he is bom, to the first to take him, just as I do myself. You can be sure that my
man she will find on the way out of the hall. And let none entreaty is not worth less than a wealthy man’s.”
of your maids tell anyone that you have had a child, for it Then Antor took the child and saw that he was most
would bring great shame to me and to you if anyone knew handsome, and he asked him if he had been baptized. He
that you had borne a child so soon, and many people would answered that he had not been and begged him to have
say that he was not mine, nor does it seem to me that he him baptized at once in that church. And Antor said that
could be.” [76] he would.
When the lady heard her husband, she said to him, Then he took him and asked the man who had handed
“Sir, what I told you a while ago is true, for I don’t know him over to him, “What do you want his name to be?”
who fathered him. I will do with him whatever you order, And he answered, “If you want to have him baptized as
since I am very much ashamed of the mishap that has I would have it, his name will be Arthur. Now I am going
befallen me. But I am utterly astounded that you know the away, for I have nothing more to do here. You can be sure
time of the birth.” that great good will come to you because of this, and after
And the king answered, “I beg you, please do what I you and your wife have had this child for just a litde while,
have said." you will not know whether you love him or your own son
“Sir, I will indeed, God willing.” better.”
Thus the king’s and queen’s meeting ended. And she And Antor asked him, “Who shall I tell the king gave
waited as long as it pleased God until the next evening, him to me?”
after the hour of vespers, she was stricken with the birth He answered, “You won’t know any more about me
pains. And she was in labor until the hour the king had told now." [77]
210 The Story of Merlin

Then each went his own way. And An tor had the child left behind after them, who are hardly at all charitable
baptized. Then he took him to his wife and said to her, toward those who have depended on them.18 It would be
“Lady, this is the child I have asked you to care for.” better [78] for a wealthy man to have had nothing than not
“He is very welcome indeed,” she said. to share his gifts, as it is fitting, in this earthly life. The
She asked him whether he had been baptized, and he wealth and favors that people have in this world are a
said he had and that his name was Arthur. Then the lady hindrance to the soul only if they do not share them as they
took him and nursed him, and she put her own little boy in should. And since you know beforehand that you are to die,
the care of another woman. you must share them well and in such a way that you will
King Uther Pen dragon held the land for a long time not lose the bliss of the other world. For happiness in this
afterwards. At length he happened to fall gravely ill with a world is worthless, and I will tell you why in a single word:
crippling of his hands and feet, and then upheavals broke in this world there is no happiness that does not come to an
out in many places throughout the land, and the rebels17 end, but the joys you earn in the other world cannot end or
were so bothersome to him that he appealed to his barons. grow wearisome or turn bad. And whatever people have in
His barons advised him to strike back against them if he this mortal world, God allows them to have it in order to try
could. But the king then entreated them, for God’s sake them for the next world.
and for love of him, to go together without him, as worthy “Now, it is therefore fitting that, if a man wishes to be
liegemen should do for their lord, and they said that they sensible with the things God has lent him, he should strive
would very willingly do so. So they went and found the for everlasting life. And you, who have had so many of the
king’s foes, but they saw that they had already drawn much good things in this world, what have you done for Our
of the land over to their side. The king’s men moved as a Lord, who has graciously lent them to you? I have loved you
body against them, but they were an army without a leader, a great deal, and I still do, but you should know that no one
so they were overwhelmed and the king lost many of his can or should love you better than you yourself, and no one
liegemen. can hate you more than you yourself.191 tell you truly that,
When the news that his men had been routed was after you have won this battle, you cannot live for very
brought to the king, he was most distraught. Those who long.20 And I want you to know that all the works a man
had got away from the battle came straight to him, but the does in his lifetime cannot be better for him than a good
numbers of those who won had grown many times. And the end. If you had done all the good things in the world and
Saxons who had been left in the land in a wretched state all came to a bad end, you would be at risk of losing
drew together and greatly strengthened their ranks. And everything, and if you had done many evil things and came
Merlin, who knew all these things, went straight to Uther to a good end, you would have forgiveness. I want you to
Pendragon, who was dreadfully weakened by his illness, and know that you cannot take anything away from this world
his time had almost run out. but honor and works of charity. And because I know that
When the king found out that Merlin had come, he there can be no honor without good works and no charity
was very glad, and thought in his heart that he would yet without honor, I have explained to you where you are and
have solace. And Merlin came straight to him, and the king what you must do.
turned a cheerful face to him. “You know that Ygraine your wife is dead and you
Merlin said to him, “Sir, you are very frightened.” cannot have another, so your land will be left without an
And the king answered, ‘That is right, for you well heir because you must strive to do the right thing. I will go
know that my own liegemen, without my taking notice of away, for I have nothing more to do here, but please tell
them, have destroyed my kingdom and killed my people Ulfin to believe me when he must.”
and routed them in battle.” And the king said to Merlin, “You said dreadful things
And Merlin replied, “Now you can see that no one is to me when you told me that I would defeat my enemies
worth anything without a good overlord.” and what I must do to repay Our Lord.”
‘Tor God’s sake, Merlin,” said the king, “advise me as Merlin answered, “Only to a good end. I am going
to what to do!” away, but I implore you to keep in mind what I have said
“I will tell you something meant for you alone that I would happen to you after your battle.”
want you to believe. Have your army called together. And The king then asked for news of the little boy he had
when they are all gathered, have yourself put on a horse- taken away, and Merlin said to him, “You needn’t ask
drawn litter and go out to fight your foes. I can assure you
that you will defeat them. And after you have won the
18Thus Sommer’s text (77, 1. 37-38). In Micha, and the
batde, you will understand what it means to say that a land majority of manuscripts he consulted, it is a question of a single
without an overlord is worth less than a land that has one. survivor, who is explicitly identified with Satan (78,11. 18-19): ainz
When you have done that, in the name of God and for your est a celui qui nul bien n’m laisse faire: et tu saiches que ce est U deables
(“rather it belongs to the one who allows no good to be done with
soul’s sake, share your wealth, for I want you to know that
it—you may know for a fact that this is the devil”).
you will not have long to live.
19Supplied from Micha (78, 11. 38-40). Sommer’s text
“You must understand this: people who have great
substitutes mais bien saces que nus ne sepuet miex hounir que U horns hii
wealth and die with it whole cannot then share it to save misme (78,11. 13-14): “but you should know that no one can bring
their souls, for it is no longer theirs, but belongs to those shame to a man better than he himself.”
20Supplied from Micha (79,11. 40-42); the sentence is not in
Sommer’s text.
l7Implicit in Micha’s text (77,11. 4-5). In Sommer, the Saxons
are responsible for the initial threats (77,1. 8).
The Story of Merlin 211

anything about that, but I will tell you that the child is When the king heard this, he pulled toward him and
handsome and big and well fed.” said, “For God’s sake, bid him pray21 to Jesus Christ for
The king asked Merlin, “Will I ever see you again?” me.”
And Merlin said, “Yes, one more time.” Then Merlin said to those who were there, “Now you
So Merlin left the king. And the king had his men-at- have heard what you did not believe could be. And you may
arms summoned and said that he would go against the be sure that these are the last words the king will ever say.”
enemy. When his army had gathered, he had himself put Then Merlin went away along with all the others, who
on a litter, and he moved out with his troops. And the had been amazed that the king had spoken, and not even
others moved against them forthwith and fought with the one of them could hear what the king had said except
king’s army, and the king’s men routed them thanks to the Merlin.
king’s encouragement. So the victory was the king’s, and his The bishops and archbishops held for him the most
land was then left in peace. beautiful service they knew how. And the next day, after the
And the king recalled what Merlin had told him, so he king had been buried, all the barons gathered and took
went back to Logres. When he had got there, he called for counsel as to how the kingdom would be ruled, but they
his hoards and his treasures and then sent for his worthy could never come to terms. Then they said by common
gentlemen and noble ladies and the poorest people in his agreement that they would seek Merlin’s advice, for he was
kingdom, and he gave them of his wealth and did acts of a trustworthy counselor, and they had never heard it said
charity. And what was left over he distributed according to that he had misguided them. So they sent for him.
the counsel and will [79] of the ministers of Holy Church And when he had come before them, they said to him,
and his confessors. Thus did the king share what belonged “Merlin, we know very well that you are very learned, and
to him, and there was none of his wealth that he could you always loved the king. The land is left without an heir,
think of that he did not give away on God’s behalf because and a land without an overlord is almost worthless.
of the advice Merlin had given him. And he humbled Therefore, we beg you for God’s sake to help us choose a
himself so meekly before God and His ministers that all of king who may rule the kingdom for the good of Holy
his people were moved to tears. Church and the welfare of the people.”
So he was for some time, when at length his illness Merlin said, “I am not one who should give advice in
grew more painful. And his people gathered in Logres, this matter or choose a man to rule. But if you are willing to
because they were distraught over his death, for they saw agree [80] with my view, I will tell you; and if I do not speak
plainly that he would have to die; and he was so ill and well, then do not agree with what I say.”
weakened that he could not talk and had not spoken for They said, “God grant that we bring about what is good
three days. Then to the town came Merlin, who knew all and profitable for the people.”
these things. And Merlin said, “I have greatly loved this kingdom
And when the gendemen of the land saw him, they and all who are in it. If I said that you should choose a
said, “Merlin, now the king has died whom you loved so certain one I know about who is capable, I would be taken
much.” at my word and he would straightway be king. But a most
And Merlin answered, “You are not saying it right. No wondrous thing has happened to you, if you would only
one dies who has come to such a good end as he has. In recognize it: the king died two weeks after St. Martin’s
fact, he is not even dead yet.” day,22 and it is not long before Christmas. If you believe
They said that he would never speak, but Merlin said me, I will give you then good and faithful counsel, following
he would indeed, if it was God’s will. “Come with me now the will of God and following reason.”
and I will soon have him talking to you.” They answered all of a voice, “We will do what you
They said that it would be the greatest wonder in the wish.”
world, so they went with Merlin to the room where the king And he said to them, “You are aware that the holy day
lay, and they had all the windows opened. The king looked is coming when He who is Lord of all things was born. And
at Merlin, and when he had caught sight of him, he turned I stand as your pledge, if you pray to Him and have the
toward him as best he could and gave a look of recognition. people one and all do the same,23 since they need a rightful
And Merlin said to the barons who were there and to lord and ruler, that God, in His mercy and His great and
the prelates of Holy Church, “Anyone who wishes to hear noble goodness, on that feast day that is called Christmas,
the last words the king will speak, let him draw near.” when He condescended to be born, will choose for us as
They all asked him, “How do you think you’ll get him
to speak?” 21Supplied from Micha (79, 1. 51). Sommer’s text has prieche
And he answered, “You will see.” (79,1. 25): “preach.”
Merlin then turned around to the head of the king’s 22The feast of St. Martin of Tours is observed November 11.
bed and whispered quiedy in his ear, “You have come to a Micha’s text, in agreement with the manuscripts he consulted, has
au cinquieme jor (“on the fifth day” [80, 1. 28]) and not des la
very beautiful end, if your conscience is as your looks say it
quinzaine saint martin (“on the fifteenth [day] of St. Martin,” i.e., a
is. And I tell you that your son will be head of your
fortnight afterward [Sommer, 80,1. 6]).
kingdom after you through the power of Jesus Christ, and
23Supplied from Micha (80, 11. 35-36). Sommer’s text, which
he will perfect the Round Table you have founded.” appears to be somewhat confused, reads se vous le faites otroier al
pueple communaument quil attendront iusques dont que diex vous
consdllera se chascuns prie (80, 11. 10-12): “if you allow the people
one and all to wait undl then, when God will give you counsel, if
each one prays.”
212 The Story of Merlin

king and lord;24 just as truly as He did condescend to be when they had all come together, a holy man from the
bom that day and is King of Kings and Lord of the whole countryside got ready to sing the Mass.
world, he will be a man by whom the people will be ruled But before he began the service, he spoke to the
according to His will. And he will be chosen in such a way people and said to them, ‘You are gathered here for three
that they will themselves see and recognize that he is king things that are for your welfare, and I’ll tell you what they
by God’s choice and no one else’s. And you should know are: to save your souls, first and foremost; to bring honor to
that if you do as I have said, you will see a sign that he is the your lives;2 and to see the wonders and amazing displays of
choice of Jesus Christ ” His might that Our Lord will bring about among you this
Then they all said one to another, “This is the best day, if it is His will to give you a king and leader to
counsel anyone could have given us.” safeguard and keep Holy Church and to uphold all folk.
So they agreed to it. Then they asked the bishops to We are gathered here to choose a king, but we don’t know
have orders sent out to the common folk and throughout which man would be best for our well-being, and we cannot
all of Holy Church that everyone will make prayers to God know this by ourselves, so let us pray the King of Kings to
and swear to keep the commandments of Holy Church and show us His will as truly as He was bom this day, and this
all that God manifests therein. This is how they agreed to each one of us will pray as best we know how.”
Merlin’s counsel. They did just as the good man had bidden them, and
And Merlin took leave of them, and they entreated he went on to sing the Mass. And after he had sung as far as
him to come back to them, if he would, so that they might the offertory, certain people went to the open space outside
know whether what he had told them was true. But Merlin the church. Dawn had broken, and they saw a huge stone in
said, ‘You will not see me until after the king has been front of the church, and they could not tell what kind of
chosen.” rock it was. In the middle of the stone was an iron anvil at
So Merlin left them and went straight to Blaise. He told least half a foot high, and a sword was sticking through the
him these things which were yet to come. And it is because middle of the anvil down into the rock.
he told it to Blaise that we still know it. When those who had left the church saw it, they were
Then the barons and the prelates of Holy Church sent amazed, so they ran to the archbishop and told him. When
word out that all the gentry in the kingdom should come to he had heard it, he took some holy water, went to the stone,
Logres at Christmas. and sprinkled it with the water. Then he leaned down and
And Antor had raised the child named Arthur until he saw on the stone writing that was all of gold, and he read it.
reached the age of sixteen, and he was handsome and big, The writing said that the one who pulled this sword out
and he had had no other milk than that of Antor’s wife, would be king of the land by the choice of Jesus Christ. And
while her own son had been nursed by a peasant girl. And when he had read the writing, he told the people. Then the
Antor did not know which he loved better, Arthur or his stone was entrusted to ten worthy knights to be guarded,
own son. He had never called Arthur anything but his son, and everyone said that God had given them a great sign.
and Arthur truly thought that he was. Antor had had his And they went back inside the church to hear Mass, and
own son, Kay, knighted on All Saints’ Day, and he took him they thanked Our Lord.
to Logres25 with him, and Arthur, too. When the good man had come before the altar, he
turned toward the people and said to them, “My dear lords,
now you can see that there is something good among us,
5. The Youth of King Arthur; the Sword in since by your prayers and entreaties Our Lord has given
you a sign. And I beseech you, by all wonders that Our Lord
the Stone.* 1 has wrought on earth, that no one go against God’s choice
for any high rank or wealth that God may have endowed
On Christmas Eve, all the clergy in the kingdom and all the him with. For Our Lord who has given us a sign will show us
barons of worth were gathered in Logres, for they had very the way to do the rest.”
well sent out the orders and done all else Merlin had told Then the worthy archbishop sang his Mass. And when
them to do. After they had all come, they lived very humbly he had sung all of it, they went to the stone, and each one
and [81] very uprightly, and they waited there for the asked the other who should try it first. Then they all agreed
midnight Mass, and they prayed Our Lord to give them an that no one would try it unless the ministers of Holy
overlord who was worthy to uphold the religion of Church allowed it. With these words, there was a very great
Christendom. But there were many men who said that they uproar, [82] because the highest-born and wealthiest men
were mad to believe that Our Lord meant to choose their who had the strength to do so said that they would try it
king. first. Many a word was then spoken that must not be
As they were talking, they heard the bells ringing for remembered or set down.
the first Mass of the day, so they went to the service. And And the archbishop spoke so loudly that they all could
hear him, and said, “My lords, you are not so wise or so
24SuppIied from Micha (80,1. 41). Sommer’s text, losing sight worthy as I thought. I want you to know this: that Our Lord,
of the fact that God is the subject of the verb, reads que vous puissies
auoir (80,1. 16): “that you will have.”
2Supplied from Micha (82, 11. 17—18). The second is missing
25Supplied from Micha (81, 1. 22). Here (80, 1. 38) and
in Sommer’s text (81,1. 9).
elsewhere in this vicinity, Sommer’s text replaces Logres with
London.
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 80-101.
The Story of Merlin 213
who8 knows and sees all these things, has"* chosen one man, And they all said that they would not leave the town
but we do not know who he is. I can tell you for the truth before knowing on whom Our Lord wanted to bestow His
that wealth and high rank and nobility will have nothing to grace.
do with it, but only the will of Jesus Christ. And I have such When Mass had been sung, all the barons went to their
trust in Him that, if® the one who is to draw the sword out lodgings to eat. After eating, the knights went jousting, as
were not yet bom, it would never be drawn out until he was they usually did, outside the town, and many people went
bom and he himself drew it out.” out to see [83] the games. When the knights had fought for
The worthy nobles and the learned men were all of a long time, they gave their shields to their serving men and
one mind that he spoke the truth, and they swore to abide began to joust again. And they fought among themselves so
by the agreement they had made with the bishop. And hard that a free-for-all broke out, and everyone from the
when he heard this, he was very glad, and he wept with town, armed and unarmed, ran there.
feeling. An tor’s son Kay, who had been knighted earlier, on All
And he said to them, “I mean for you all to know that I Saints’ Day, called his brother Arthur and said to him, “Go
will do my utmost to work according to the will of Jesus get me my sword at our lodging.”
Christ for the welfare of Christendom, so that I will have no Arthur was always willing to be helpful, so he answered,
blame, God willing.” ‘Very gladly!”
He then showed the people the great wonder that Our He then spurred his horse and rode to their lodging.
Lord had wrought for them as a sign that there would be a He looked for his brother’s sword or another one, but he
true election of a king, “for when Our Lord established law could not find any, because the lady of the house had
and order on the earth, He set them in the sword. The rule hidden them all in her room and gone off to see the
that was over the laity must come from a layman and must fighting with the other ladies. When Arthur saw that he
be by the sword, and the sword6 was, at the beginning of could not find a sword, he turned back and went by the
the three orders, entrusted to knighthood7 to safeguard church where the stone was. The thought came to him that
Holy Church and uphold true law and order. And by this he had never tried the test, and if he could pull the sword
sword Our Lord has ordained for us this election. out he would take it to his brother. So he came straight
“You can all be sure that He has kept in His sight the back, and, still on horseback, he took the sword by the hilt,
one He wills to rule. High-ranking men should not boast drew it out, and covered it with the bottom of his tunic. But
that the sword will be drawn out by wealth or pride, but the the men who were to guard the sword had run to the
poor should not be upset if the highborn try it before they melee.
do, for it is fitting that the wealthy should go first. There is Kay ran up to meet his brother and asked him for his
no one here who would not, if he knew how, choose the sword. He answered that he could not find it, but that he
worthiest one among us to make him king.” had brought him another, so he gave him the sword from
They said all of one voice that they would agree to the anvil. Kay asked him where he had found it, and he told
whatever he advised. The archbishop went on to sing a him that it was the sword from the stone. Kay took it and
solemn Mass. After it was sung he chose two hundred and hid it under his tunic, and went looking for his father.
fifty of the worthiest gentlemen he knew of, and he had When he found him, he said to him, “Sir, I will be
them try pulling the sword out, but it was all for nothing. king. Here is the sword from the stone.”
When they had tried it, he then ordered the others to put When his father saw it, he was thunderstruck, and he
themselves to the test. asked him how he had got it. Kay answered that he had
Then they all tried it one after the other, but there was taken it out of the stone. When Antor heard this, he did not
no one who could ever move that sword. They then believe him, but said to him that he knew very well that he
entrusted ten worthy knights to guard it, and they were told was lying about it. Then they both went to the church, and
to let anyone undertake the test who wanted to and to the lad followed after them.
watch carefully to see the one who would draw the sword Antor said to his son, “Dear son, don’t lie to me. Tell
out. The sword held fast for a week, when all the barons me how you came to have this sword. If you lie to me, I’ll
went to High Mass on the Feast of the Circumcision.8 And know it and I will not love you for it.”
the archbishop said to them, “My lords, I told you so: you And he answered, for he was very much ashamed, “I
would all in time come to try pulling the sword out. Now won’t lie to you. My brother Arthur brought it to me when I
you can truly understand that no man will ever draw it out told him to bring me mine, but I do not know how he got
* i *»
but the one whom Our Lord wills to be king." it.
When Antor heard this, he said to him, “Give it to me,
for you have no right to it."
^Supplied from Micha (84, 1. 8), not in Sommer’s text (82,
1.5). And Kay gave it to him. Antor looked around and saw

4Supplied from Micha (84, 1. 9), not in Sommer’s text (82, Arthur. He called to him and said, “Come here, dear son.
1. 6). Take this sword and put it back where you took it.”
5Supplied from Micha (84, 1. 13), not in Sommer’s text (82, He took it and put it into the anvil, and it held there
1. 8). just as fast as before. Antor ordered his son Kay to take it,
6The text beginning “from a layman” supplied from Micha and he leaned down, but could not get it out. Then Antor
(84,11. 34-35); not in Sommer (82,1. 17). went into the church and called both of them inside.
7Supplied from Micha (84, 1. 35): au chevalier (“to the
knight”); not in Sommer’s text (82,1. 18).
8The iour des estraignes (82,1. 25), that is, New Year’s Day.
214 The Story of Merlin

He took Arthur in his arms and said to him, “Sir, if I Antor and his kinsmen stood by Arthur, and the
could see to it that you were king, what advantage would common folk did too, but the barons were against him.
there be for me?” Then the archbishop made a bold speech. “If everyone in
And Arthur answered, “Sir, I cannot have that or any this world," he said, “wished to stand against this election
other worthwhile thing and not have you as my lord, for and God alone wanted it to be, it would be.9 And I will show
you are my father.” you what faith I have in God.”
Antor answered him, “I am your father for having Then the archbishop said to Arthur, “Dear son, go put
raised you, but in truth I do not know who sired you or who the sword back into the stone."
your mother was.” And he took it in plain sight of all, and after he had
When Arthur heard the man he believed to be his put it back, the archbishop spoke and said, “Never has a
father disown him as his son, he was grief-stricken and more perfect election been carried out or witnessed. Now
began to weep. And he said, “Dear Lord God, how shall I go, my wealthy lords, and see if you can pull it out again.”
ever have anything when I am fatherless?” And they went and tried the test [85] one after the
Antor said to him, “Sir, you are not fatherless, for you other, but they could not draw it out.
must have been sired by a father. Now, dear [84] sir, if Our And the archbishop said, “Anyone who wants to go
Lord means you to have His grace, and if I help you against the will of God is a madman. Now you understand
become king, what advantage will there be for me?” the will of the Lord God!”
And Arthur said, “Sir, whatever you please.” And they answered, “Sir, we do not go against His will,
Then Antor told him about the favor he had done for but it is very strange to us that a mere boy should be lord
him and how he had raised him. He had his own son taken over us.”
away from his mother and given to another woman to be The archbishop said to them, ‘The One who chose
nursed, while Arthur had his wife’s milk. “Thus you should him knows him better than we do and better than we know
return the favor to me and my son, for never was a child ourselves.”
reared more lovingly than I have reared you. So I entreat The barons begged the archbishop to leave the sword
you, if God bestows this grace on you, and if I can help you in the stone until Candlemas, when many others might try
out, please reward my son.” it who had not yet done so, and the archbishop allowed it.
And Arthur said, “I beg you not to disown me as your So the sword stayed there until Candlemas. Then the
son, for I would not know where else to go. And if God people were all gathered, and all who wanted underwent
grants me this honor, I will give you anything you ask.” the test. When they had all tried it, the archbishop said, “It
An tor said, “I will not ask you for any of your land. I ask would be right for you to do the will of Jesus Christ. Go,
only that my son Kay be your seneschal for as long as he dear son Arthur. If Our Lord wills you to be king and
lives and that he never lose his stewardship for anything he guardian of this people, show us."
might do to any man or woman of your land or to you And he went forward and pulled out the sword and
yourself. If he is wicked and foolish, you will have to bear gave it to the archbishop.
with him, for his ways of thinking and behaving must have When they saw it, the common folk wept for joy, and
come to him from the peasant girl who nursed him. So that they all asked, “Is there anyone who means to go against
you might be reared properly, he lost his birthright. This is this election?”
why you must humor him more than others. So I beg you, And the barons answered, “Sir, we beg you, please
please give him what I ask.” leave the sword until Easter. If between now and then no
Arthur said, “I very willingly grant you this.” one but he draws it out, we will submit to him as you have
Then they took him to the altar, and he swore that he ordered. And if you mean to do otherwise, then each of us
would faithfully keep his word. And when he had so sworn, will do the best he can.”
they came back out in front of the church. By then the The archbishop said to them, “Will you all submit to
melee had come to an end, and the barons came back to him wholeheartedly if I let it go until Easter and postpone
the church to hear vespers. Antor then called his friends crowning him?”
and told them that Arthur had drawn the sword out, and And they all said together that they would and that he
they told the archbishop. could always do with the kingdom what he wanted.
“Sir, this is one of my sons,” said Antor. “He is not a And the archbishop said, “Arthur, brother, put the
knight, but he begs me to let him try the test of this sword. sword back, for, God willing, you will not go without the
Please call the barons togedier.” favor God has promised you.”
And he did. Then they all gathered at the stone. And He went forward and put the sword back. And when it
when they had come togedrer, Antor ordered Arthur to was back in its place, it held just as fast as it ever had. And
take the sword and give it to the archbishop, and he did. the archbishop, who had taken the young man under his
And when the archbishop saw diis, he took him in his arms own care, said to him, “You can be sure that you will be
and began to sing the Te Deum very loudly. Then they took king and lord over this people. Put your heart and mind
him into the church. always to being a worthy man. And from now on, keep your
The barons who had seen it were most upset and eye on people and choose some with whom you want to
distraught, and they said it could not be that an upstart boy share your private thoughts and words. Give out your
was their king. But the archbishop grew angry and said,
“Our Lord knows better than we what everyone is!”
^he main clause is supplied from Micha (87, 1. 49), not in
Sommer’s text (84,1. 35).
The Story of Merlin 215

honors and choose those who will be of your household, we bid you as our lord, please put off your coronation until
just as though you were already king, for you will surely be Whitsuntide, and you will not be any the less lord over us
king, with God’s help."10 and this kingdom. And we mean you to answer according to
And Arthur answered, “Sir, I entrust myself and your will and without counsel from anyone."
everything God gives me to the care and counsel of Holy And Arthur said to them, “From what you say, I am to
Church. Please, you be the one to choose and watch over accept your homage and bestow honors on you, and you
such people as will be best for me in doing God’s will for will hold everything from me. I cannot do this, nor should
the welfare of Christendom, and please call my father into I. For I cannot bestow honors on you or anyone else, nor
your confidence.” can I rule, before I come into my own honor. You tell me
Then the archbishop called An tor and told him about diat I am to be lord of the kingdom, but that cannot be
the seemly words that Arthur had spoken. They chose all before I am anointed and given the crown and the honors
such11 counsellors as he wanted, and they made Kay of the empire. But the delay you request [87] before the
steward of the land, as the archbishop advised. So things coronation I will grant very gladly, for I do not mean to
were until Easter. have anointment or honors but by God’s will and yours.”
When Eastertide came, everyone came together in Then the barons said among themselves, “If this one
Logres on Easter Eve. And the archbishop called them all lives long enough, he will be very wise and reasonable, and
into his great hall for a meeting. When they had gathered, he has answered us very well.”
he told them what he saw the will [86] of Jesus Christ to be, Then they said to him, “Sir, it would be good for you to
and it was that the lad should have the kingdom; and he be anointed and crowned on Whitsunday."
told them about the good qualities he had seen in him And he said that he was very willing to do what they
since he had known him. ‘We must not be against the will wanted. Thus was the delay until Whitsunday agreed upon,
of God,” he said. and in the meantime they would all submit to the
And the barons answered, “It is very distressing to us archbishop.
that such a young man, and one of such low birth, will be Then they had everything of worth brought out, all
our overlord.” kingly things and things that a man might lust after or love,
And the archbishop said to them, “You are not good to test whether his heart was greedy or grasping. And he
Christians if you mean to go against the will of Jesus Christ.” asked those who were close to him the value of each thing,
They answered, “Sir, we do not mean to go against the and he followed their counsel. When he had accepted
will of Our Lord. But please do in part what we want. You everything of worth they had, he gave it all out just as the
have seen this lad to be upstanding and learned in many book tells it. He gave horses to the good knights, and to
things. We have not got to know him, and we know nothing those who were light-hearted, cheerful, and in love, he gave
about him or his ways. There is someone among us who jewels and coins and silver. As for worthy gendefolk and the
would recognize whether or not he will be worthy.” learned, he asked people from their countries what they
The archbishop replied, “Do you then mean for us to liked best, and he gave it to them. Thus he shared the gifts
postpone proclaiming his election and crowning him?” bestowed on him by diose who wanted to test what kind of
They said, “Sir, in truth we would like to postpone the man he was. And when they saw that he had borne himself
election until tomorrow. And if he is not such that he so well, there were none who did not esteem him in their
should not be elected king, we ask you to put off his hearts. They all whispered behind their hands that he was
coronation until Whitsuntide. And we beg you to do it.” surely of high birth, for they found no greed in him: as
And the archbishop answered, “I would not lose your soon as anything of worth came his way, he put it to good
allegiance for such a thing.” use, and all his gifts were fair according to what each one
So they left this meeting. And the next morning, after deserved.
Mass, they came back to the election of the lad, and he This is how they tested Arthur, and in no way could
drew the sword out again just as he had done other times. they find any bad traits in him. So they waited until
And they took him and raised him up and recognized him Whitsuntide. Then all the barons gathered at Logres, and
as their overlord. Then they all begged him to put the all who wanted tried the sword-test, but no one could draw
sword back and afterwards to speak to them, and he said he it out. And the archbishop had made the crown ready for
would do this very willingly, and there was nothing they the coronation. On Whitsun Eve, following everyone’s
could ask him to do that, unless it was to his dishonor, he wholehearted counsel and all the barons’ agreement, the
would refuse them. Then he put the sword back, and the archbishop made Arthur a knight. And Arthur kept watch
barons took him into the church for a meeting. in the church all that night until day broke the next
And they said, “Sir, we know well, and we see it, that morning.
Our Lord wills you to be lord over us, and since that is His When the barons had come to the main church, the
will, it is ours also. So we now hold, and will hold, you to be archbishop spoke to them and said, “My lords, here is a
our overlord, and from you we wish to hold our fiefs and worthy knight whom Our Lord has chosen for us in the
what is ours by birthright and the honors that are ours. So election you have witnessed again and again since
Christmas. Here are the kingly raiment and the crown.
Now, in this royal meeting with you, I want to know whether
10Wording after “household” supplied from Micha (88,11. 36-
37), not in Sommer’s text (85,1. 29). there is any of you who means to oppose the election. If so,

^Supplied from Micha (88, 1. 45); Sommer’s text specifies let him speak.”
two (85,1. 35).
216 The Story of Merlin

Then they all answered aloud, “We agree to it, and we was a young knight and skillful at arms, and he brought five
wish him to be crowned, in the name of God! In case there hundred knights. And when they had all come together,
are any among us toward whom he has any ill will because King Arthur gave them a fitting welcome and showed that
they have been against his election and coronation until he was very glad to see them. Because they were men of
now, may he forgive them all together at one time!” high estate, he bestowed on them beautiful gifts and costly
They all knelt down and cried for his mercy. And jewels that he had stored up for them beforehand.
Arthur wept with deep feeling and knelt down to them and When the barons saw the rich gifts and costly jewels
said to them in his loudest voice, “I earnestly and faithfully that King Arthur was giving them, they looked on him with
forgive you all, and I pray the Lord who has willed to very great scorn. Some who were there said that they were
bestow this honor on me that He may forgive you.” mad to have made such a lowborn man king and lord over
They then rose in a body and took Arthur in their arms them and so wealthy a land as the kingdom of Logres, and
and led him to the place where the kingly raiment was, and they said that they would not tolerate him at all. They
they attired him with it. And when he was dressed, the refused the gifts that the king meant them to have, so that
archbishop was ready to sing Mass. he would understand that they did not take him for a king
And [88] he said to him, "Arthur, go get the sword— and they wanted him to leave the land forthwith and make
the justice with which you will defend Holy Church and sure that they never saw him again. If he did not leave the
Christendom in every way as best you can.” country, they promised him death if they could get their
Then the procession went to the stone. And when they hands on him.
had come there, the archbishop said, “Arthur, if you are When King Arthur heard these threats, he withdrew
willing to swear and promise all the saints that you will from the main [89] stronghold of Carlion, where they were,
safeguard the rights of Holy Church, keep lawful order and for he was very much afraid of their treason. And the other
peace in the land, give help to the defenseless as best you kings stayed in the town of Carlion for two weeks, but no
can, and uphold all rights, feudal obligations, and lawful one did any wrong to anyone else. Then it happened that
rule, then step forward and take the sword with which Our Merlin came into the town and showed himself to all the
Lord has shown that you are His elect.” people, for he meant them all to recognize him.
When Arthur heard this, he wept for joy, and many When the barons heard that Merlin had come, they
others wept for him. sent word to him to come before them, and he came there
And he said, “As truly as God is Lord of all things, may all happy and smiling. And when they saw him coming, they
He give me the strength and the might to do what is right all rose to meet him and were very glad to see him. They
and to uphold all the things that you have told me and I took him to a great hall that sat beside the River Thames,
have heard.” and when the barons were gathered there, they spoke to
He went down on his knees and took the sword in both Merlin and asked him what he thought of the new king
his hands. He raised it out from the anvil as easily as if the whom the archbishop had crowned without their leave or
sword had not been held fast by anything. He bore the the assent of the common folk of the land.
sword upright in his hands, and they took him to the altar ‘To be sure, dear lords,” said Merlin, “he did well, and
and set him down there. And when he was seated, they it was the right thing, for you should know in truth that he
anointed him and crowned him and did everything that is higher-bom than any of us. He is not the son of Antor or
must be done to a king. And when he was crowned and the the brother of Kay, whom he has made steward over
Mass sung, they all left the church; and when they looked, everything but food.”
they did not see the stone, nor did they find out what had “What?” said the barons. “Merlin, what you are telling
become of it. us now troubles us more than we were before.”
This is how Arthur was made king, and he held the “I tell you,” said Merlin, “that you should send for King
land and the kingdom of Logres in peace for a long time.12 Arthur. You will call him to come before you by right of
At length he sent word one day throughout his land truce. You will also summon Ulfin, who was counsellor to
that he would hold a high court. To that court came King King Uther Pendragon, and Antor, who raised King Arthur.
Lot of Orkney, who held the land of Loonois and part of Then you will hear the truth about what happened from
the land of Orkney. He came with five hundred knights of beginning to end. You can be sure that I would not lie to
great worthiness. From another direction came King Urien you about anything.”
of the land of Gorre. He was a young knight of great worth, And the barons said that they would gladly send for
and he came with five hundred others. Afterwards came King Arthur and that they would grant him safe conduct,
King Neutres of Garlot, who had married Arthur’s sister, “since you have asked us to. But who will go get him for us?”
with seven hundred knights. After that came King Caradoc They sent Bretel on Merlin’s advice, and they
Shortarm, who was one of the knights of the Round Table. entrusted him with the message. And Merlin told him to
He brought six hundred knights. After that came King tell the king that he should bring along with him the
Aguisant, very well fitted out, who was king of Scotland. He archbishop of Brice and the archbishop of Logres. Bretel
answered that he would very gladly tell him.
12The Merlin proper attributed to Robert de Boron ends at Right away Bretel left and came straight to the king
this point, where the so-called Merlin Continuation (the remainder and told him everything just as it had been entrusted to
of Sommer’s vol. 2) begins as a link to the Prose Lancelot. Micha’s him. And the king said that he would go very willingly.
text continues with a “bridge” linking the prose Merlin to the
Then Bretel left and came straight to Ulfin’s lodging and
Didot-Perceval (91, 11. 59-69), an anonymous prose Perceval
romance that is not part of the Vulgate Cycle. told him that the barons and Merlin were summoning him.
The Story of Merlin 217
When Ulfin heard that Merlin had come, he was very happy went straight, to this worthy man named Antor. I entrusted
and filled with joy, for he knew then that the truth about the child to him and told him to have him nursed by his
the king would be disclosed and spread far and wide. So he own wife, who had a little boy of her own barely half a year
went to the great hall. He and Merlin were very glad to see old, and he did it. And he made his own son Kay go to
each other, and they talked just between themselves about another woman for nursing. So Kay, Arthur’s brother, was
many things. tom from his mother’s breast,13 for Arthur nursed at the
Very soon King Arthur came with the archbishop of breast of Antor’s wife. For King Uther Pendragon, before
Brice and Antor, and King Arthur had put on a good, short the child was brought to him, had implored Antor to do as
hauberk over his tunic before he left the keep in the main I had ordered, and so he did, and I thank him for it. And
stronghold. When they had come before the barons, they he had the child baptized and named him Arthur.
found a great many other people who had come to hear “This is why I tell you, my dear lords, Our Lord does
what Merlin would say publicly. When the barons saw King not forget the sinner, provided he wishes to serve Him with
Arthur coming, they got up to meet him because he was the a good heart. Our Lord means to give back to the son what
anointed king and for love of the archbishop of Brice, a is rightfully his by the seed that issued from his father,14 for
holy man who led a good life. he sent the stone and the sword, as you saw, to show in the
Then everyone sat down but the archbishop, who trial before all the people that he was and is the lawful heir.
continued to stand and spoke to them thus: “My dear lords, You may know in truth that everything is just as I have told
I want to convince you for God’s sake to take pity on you, and you may ask Antor, who reared Arthur, and Ulfin
Christendom, lest it fall into decline because of you and be too, if you don’t believe me.”
put to shame, for that would be a great loss! Every one of Then they asked Antor if he had spoken the truth, and
you is just a man, and the wealthy man will die soon enough he said, God help him, that he had not bed in one word.
just like the poorest of this town, if it is God’s will.” And Ulfin sprang forward and said, “Look, here is the
“Sir,” said the [90] barons, “wait awhile until we have sealed letter that Uther Pendragon had [91] Merlin draw
spoken to Merlin. Then you can take up your speech again. up about the agreement.”
For Merlin has told us something that has bewildered us The barons took the document and read it, and they
more than we were when we came here.” found it to be word for word just as Merlin had told it. And
And the archbishop said that he would yield to them, when the common people in the land heard this, they
so he sat down. began to weep all around, and they cursed those who
And Merlin rose to his feet and said to them, “My dear sought to harm Arthur.
lords, I had started to tell you whose son King Arthur was. When the common folk saw that the clergy were taking
You may know for a fact that he was the son of King Uther Arthur’s side, they said that they would, too. But the barons
Pendragon, who fathered him with Queen Ygraine on the said that it was nothing but a cover. They also said that, God
very night her husband was killed on the bridge when he wilhng, they would never have as their overlord a man who
stormed King Uther Pendragon’s army. The next morning, was not lawfully conceived; never would there be a bastard
when King Uther Pendragon went back to his army, I asked whom, God willing, they would allow to hold a land or so
him for the child he had sired with the duchess in return high a kingdom as the kingdom of Logres. And the
for the favors and services I had done him. And he agreed archbishop answered them and said that Arthur would be
to have him handed over to me as soon as he was bom. He king, and he would hold the kingdom and all the land of
had me write this down in a letter bearing his seal. Ulfin Logres, regardless of who was upset, for Our Lord willed it.
still has it, and he himself was witness to the contract, as he For, since he had become involved in the election, he
can testify. would not fail to help Arthur keep the land.
“And when it happened afterwards that the king When the archbishop and the common people saw the
married Ygraine, she grew very big with the child the king barons’ faithlessness, they stood together of one accord
had sired in her before they were wed. When the king with King Arthur. And the barons walked out in anger and
found out that she was with child, he told her that it was not said, for any who cared to listen, that they did not hold
his or the duke’s, for it couldn’t be. The lady was taken Arthur to be their lord and that thenceforth their faith with
aback, and she admitted diat the child had been conceived him and those who upheld him was broken. They went off
on the night the duke was killed. When the king heard that to their lodgings, put on their own armor, and armed their
she had disclosed the truth to him, he loved her more for it begemen.
than he had before, because he saw her great faithfulness. And King Arthur went straight to the keep and had as
“And he said to her, ‘Lady, the child is therefore not many of his men as he could find arm themselves. When
mine, so it would not be right for him to inherit this land or they had all got together, there were a good seven
be king after I die. This is why I ask you, as you hold me thousand, clerics and commoners, but very few knights
dear, that as soon as he is bom, please have him handed indeed. Such knights as were there were poor men to
over to the first man who will be found on the steps to the whom Arthur had given horses and money, and all told
great hall.’ And the lady swore to him that she would very there were about three hundred and fifty who said they
gladly do this, since he wanted it to be so, and she would would fight to the death to help Arthur. When King Arthur
have it done just as he had set it out, for she did not wish in
any way to be at odds with him. 13The participle is missing in Sommer’s text (90,1. 32).
“I tell you the truth. The child was given over to me on
14Sommer’s text has que de lui issi (90,11. 37-38): “that issued
the very night he was born. And as soon as I had him, I from him.”
218 The Story of Merlin

and his men-at-arms had been fitted out on their horses, “This King Rion is very powerful, wealthy in land and
they rode into the bailey, the walled yard around the keep, people, and he is skilled at arms and a ruthless man as well.
and they were all ready to fight for their lives. He has defeated twenty-five crowned kings, and, out of
And the barons, all in their armor, had mounted their spite, he had their beards tom off with their skin and made
horses on the other side, and they had gathered about their into a coat which he has a knight always hold before him
banners. There were a good four thousand knights, not every day he holds court, and he says that he will not stop
counting squires, serving men, and crossbowmen, who were until he has defeated thirty kings. This king is waging war
there in great numbers. And when they had come together, against King Leodagan, and he is wreaking havoc in his
they talked about whether they should storm the castle land.
where King Arthur was, and there were some who thought “Now, Leodagan’s land borders on your kingdom, and
so, but others said that they should lay siege to the bailey you can be certain that if he loses his land you will lose
and starve to death those who were inside. “No one," they yours soon after. And he would have lost his land some time
said, “will dare come out of the keep.” ago had it not been for the companions of the Round
While they were so deliberating, Merlin came up to Table, who have kept up the war for him, for he is very old.
them and said to them, “My dear lords, what are you trying This is why I advise you to go serve King Leodagan for a
to do? You should know that if you mean to ruin the king, while, and he will give you for a wife his daughter, who
you will lose more than you win. Our Lord, who is all- stands to inherit the kingdom. She is very beautiful and
powerful, will take such vengeance that you will all be young, and she is one of the cleverest women in the world.
brought to shame, for you are wrong to go against the “Don’t be afraid, for your land will not be in danger.
election Our Lord made as you have witnessed it.” The barons who are now waging war against you will have
“How well the wizard has just spoken!” said the barons, so much trouble for themselves that they will bring but litde
and they began to mock him. harm to you in your land, unless they do it by unlawful
And when Merlin saw that they were laughing at him, encroachment. But before you go, you will stock the main
he told them that they had behaved wickedly. He went strongholds in every city and castle with food and arms.
straight to the king and told him not to be frightened of And the archbishop of Brice15 will have all those who do
anything and not to be worried about any of the barons, for any wrong to you in your lands excommunicated in every
he would help him yet that very day in such a way that even church. And he will himself pronounce the excommuni¬
the bravest one of all his enemies would wish to be back in cation of all barons in the land, and he will order the
his own country stripped naked. [92] knights to shun them likewise.
Then King Arthur took Merlin by the hand, and they “And today you will see such a strange thing happen,
went off to one side, along with the archbishop, Antor, when I give you my help, that the boldest of men will be
Ulfin, Kay, and Bretel, to a private meeting. And die king utterly frightened. And you can be sure [93] that whenever
said for all of them to hear, “My very dear friend Merlin, I you need me, you have my services and you will want for
have heard it said diat you were very close to my father as nothing. And just as soon as I cry out to you ‘Now at them!’
long as he lived, so I would beseech you, for God’s sake, have your gates opened, let your horses run toward the
please advise me what to do about this matter, for you barons, and storm into their midst. I tell you, they will be so
certainly know what I need to do, and you see clearly that astounded that they will run away bewildered in utter
the people of this country are doing me wrong. I would like defeat!”
very much for you to be my friend just as you were my “Sir,” said King Arthur to Merlin, “many thanks!”
father’s, if you will. You can be sure that I would strive to So they left their meeting. And the archbishop of Brice
my utmost not to do anydiing that would displease you. You climbed high up on the walls and excommunicated all
helped me when I was young, so you should help me now those outside who were doing any kind of wrong to King
to hold on to my land. It is with God’s help, and yours and Arthur and were seeking his ruin. And King Arthur had his
the archbishop’s and Antor’s who reared me, that I have men armed and fitted out with armor, and they waited in
come to where I am now, so please take pity on me and the readiness. And Merlin gave King Arthur a banner that was
folk who will be ruined if God is not mindful of them!” full of meaning. There was a dragon on the banner, which
“Now, don’t be afraid, dear sir,” said Merlin, “for you he had fixed on a lance; it seemed to breathe out fire and
needn’t worry about them. But as soon as you are rid of the flames through its mouth, and it had a very long, twisted
barons who come to attack you, you must do as I advise. tail. That dragon I have just told you about was made of
“It is true that the knights of the Round Table, which brass, and no one ever knew where Merlin had got it; it was
was founded in the time of your father Uther Pendragon, wonderfully light in weight and easy to handle. And Arthur
have gone away to stay in another land because of the handed it over to Kay the Seneschal to carry, and such was
faithlessness they saw springing up in this country. And they the custom that ever afterwards, all the days of his life, he
went to the kingdom of King Leodagan of Carmelide. His was the head standard-bearer to the kingdom of Logres.
wife is dead, he is an old man, and his only child is a Thus did Merlin outfit King Arthur’s household. And
daughter to whom the kingdom will go after her father. they waited before the gate, at the ready on horseback.
King Leodagan is fighting a very great war with King Rion, And the barons outside had their pavilions set up in
who is king of the Land of Grasslands and Giants, where no the meadow below, which was very wide and beautiful.
one dares dwell because so many strange things happen Merlin climbed high up in the keep and cast a spell on
there day and night.

15Sommer’s text has brete (“Britain’?) for brice (92,1. 39).

The Story of Merlin 219

them, so that all their tents caught fire, and they were so way. So the great and wondrous slaughter began on both
bewildered that they ran back out into the middle of the sides, and both kings were put back on their horses.
meadow. But by the time they got there, there were many After King Arthur had been brought back to his senses,
injured and burned. he drew his sword from its scabbard, and it cast a great
And Merlin came straight to the king and said to him, light, as though two tapers had been lit. This was the sword
“Sir, now at them!” And they opened the gates and rode he had pulled out of the stone. And the letters that were
out as fast as their horses could run, holding their lances written on the sword said that it was named Excalibur—this
under their arms and their shields before their chests, and is a Hebrew word that means in French “cuts through iron
as many as could get there drove into the midst of the and steel and wood,”16 and the inscription told the truth, as
barons. And they were so astounded and frightened that you will hear in the story a little farther along. When the
even the bravest would not have wanted to be there for all king had drawn the sword, he struck out into the greatest
the gold in the world, for they had not known that so many part of the throng and hit one knight between the
people were inside. And Arthur’s men attacked them with shoulders so hard that he cut his body in two. The blow was
their lances; they brought down a great number of them great, and the good sword cut through the saddle blanket
and killed many, for they were so dazed from the heat of and sliced through the horse’s backbone from one end to
the fire that had struck them that they defended themselves the other, so that knight and horse fell down into one
poorly. heap. Then he struck right and left and stirred up such an
When those outside saw the great damage that awful fracas that all who saw him were terrified. They did
Arthur’s men were doing to them, they all gathered on one not dare face up to him, but fled and yielded the ground to
side and said that they would be greatly shamed if Arthur him.
got away from them. They were very good knights, skilled When the six kings saw the damage and loss they had
and brave, and they were fast friends. King Neutres of borne because of King Arthur, they grew very distraught
Garlot said that he would free them from Arthur very soon. and sorrowful. They said to one another, “Now let’s get
For if King Arthur were killed, the war with the others him! Let’s drive him to the ground. Otherwise, we won’t
would be quickly ended. defeat him.”
“Then go right now,” said the other barons, “and if you They all agreed, and they took strong, straight lances,
need help, we will come quickly to save you.” and they rode against him as fast as they could drive their
King Neutres left his companions at once. He was very horses. They struck him on the shield and on his hauberk,
tall and very brawny, a good knight and wonderfully strong. but it was so strong that [95] not one link broke. And they
He took a short, thick lance with a sharp iron tip, and he drove against him so hard that they bore him and his horse
rode straight out to meet King Arthur. When King Arthur to the ground, and they fell in a heap.
saw him coming, he reigned in his horse, holding a short, When Kay, Bretel, Antor, Ulfin, and their kinsmen saw
thick lance of ash with a [94] sharp steel tip; he spurred his that King Arthur had been thrown down, they spurred their
horse and ran against him so fast and with such an uproar horses to help him. And the six kings rode to where he was
that all the barons who saw him riding so were amazed: he in order to block the way. But Kay struck King Aguisant of
stood so solidly in the stirrups that his horse reared under Scotland, who had stopped right next to King Arthur, and
him. As they met riding very fast, they traded such hard he broke through his shield and hauberk right at his left
blows that their shields flew into splinters. King Neutres shoulder, and he drove his lance all the way through and
broke his lance on King Arthur, but King Arthur struck him brought him from his horse to the ground. He was impaled
so hard when he came alongside him that he drove King by the lance, and the ground shook with the sound of his
Neutres’s shield into his arm and his arm into his side. The falling.17 Kay struck King Caradoc and his horse so hard
blow was so hard that it brought King Neutres to the that he brought him to the ground head over heels. Ulfin
ground over his horse’s rump, and the ground shook with and King Neutres knocked each other down, so that their
the sound of his falling. But he hurt him no more than horses fell on top of them, but King Yder and Bretel broke
that. their lances on each other’s shield without doing any more
When King Lot of Orkney saw him thrown to the harm.
ground, he was very upset and sorrowful, for they were first The barons had stopped right next to Arthur, who was
cousins and their wives were sisters. He spurred his horse to still lying on the ground, and they rained harsh blows down
ride against King Arthur, whose lance was still whole. When on his helmet. When Kay saw them attacking him so
King Arthur saw him coming, he rode very boldly to meet dreadfully, he drew his sword and rode to where King
him, as if he did not fear him at all. They traded such Arthur lay beaten down. He struck King Lot on his helmet
strong blows that when each one’s lance struck the other’s so hard that he thrust him forward over his saddle horn,
shield, their lances broke apart. And when they meant to go then he hit him again and again, put him in such a state
on by, their bodies and shields crashed together so hard that he did not know where he was, and knocked him
that King Lot was stunned. He flew back over his horse’s
rump and fell to the ground. Then a great hue and cry rose 16Lacy relates the name Excalibur to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s
up from both sides, and a very great and awesome battle Caliburn (9: 4) derived from Latin and Greek chalybs (“steel”); see
began, for King Neutres’s men struggled hard to come to Norris J. Lacy, ed. The New Arthurian Encyclopedia (New York:
his rescue, and King Lot’s did likewise, while King Arthur’s Garland, 1991), s.v. Excalibur.

men made every effort to help him and block the others’ 17In Sommer’s text the reference to the ground’s shaking is
missing; however, the full expression occurs earlier (94,1. 10).
220 The Story of Merlin

senseless from his horse to the ground. There the fighting Northumberland, in the wildest place there is, and he is a
was fierce, and many men were slain on both sides. hermit and my very dear friend, because he once saved my
King Arthur’s men struggled until they got him up mother from being burned to death, and I will tell you
from the ground and back on his horse. Then the common how.”
folk came out of the city carrying axes, cudgels, and sticks. So he began to tell his life’s story and his mother’s and
The cry rose up all around the countryside, and they killed how she was almost burned for a crime she had been
and brought down as many as they could reach. They all accused of; how Vortigem sent people out looking for him;
said that they would rather die on the spot than that King how his mother took the veil in a nunnery where he left
Arthur should be harmed when they could have defended her; how the tower that Vortigem had built stood up and
him. They struck such blows against the six kings’ men that the meaning of the two dragons that killed each other;
they killed or wounded many of them, so they sent them on how, after Vortigern’s death, he became a friend of
their way whether they wanted to go or not. The Pendragon and Uther, Arthur’s father; how he foretold to
townspeople said that they would not be satisfied until they them the great battle in which Pendragon was slain; how
had taken their revenge, and the only ransom they would afterwards he was very close to U ther; how he helped him
take would be their heads. lie with the duchess Ygraine in the castle of Tintagel (“And
And King Arthur, who had become enraged, angrily there,” he said to the king, ‘You were conceived”); how
charged after them ahead of all the others. He happened to Ulfin thought up the way Uther could wed the duchess
come upon King Yder. He raised his sword and meant to Ygraine, who had five daughters, three by her husband the
strike him on the helmet, but his horse carried him farther duke and two by her first husband, one of whom King Lot
forward than he wanted, so the blow fell on the neck of took as his wife, King Neutres another, King Urien the
Yder’s horse and cut it all the way through just above the third, and Caradoc, who was father of King Aguisant of
chest armor, so that he brought both rider and horse to the Scotland, the fourth, who had died, while the fifth was in
ground in a heap. Yder’s men were afraid to see him school in Logres.18
wounded, so they turned around to come help him. There “And you should know that King Lot has five sons by
the fighting and the uproar were wondrously fierce, for the his wife, one of whom you sired in London when you were a
ones were struggling to help King Yder, while the others squire. They are handsome young men, and the eldest is
tried to block the way, and more harm was done there than Gawainet,19 the second Agravain, the third Guerrehet, the
in the battle just before. For King Arthur inflicted great fourth Gaheriet, and the youngest Mordred. You can be
damage on men and horses with his sword Excalibur, and sure that, of all knights ever bom, Gawainet will be the
he was covered with so much blood and gore and dirt that most faithful to his lord, and he will be one of the best in
none of the paint or varnish on his armor showed through. the world. He will love you the most of any, and, as long as
Nevertheless, Yder’s men could at last put him back on his he lives, he will raise you up above everyone else, even his
horse, and they rode away in defeat. own father. There can be no doubt that through him you
The pursuit lasted for a long time, and the six kings will have all your lands back, and out of fear of him all your
lost a great deal. Of all the goods they had brought there, liegemen will bow down to you and yield to your will.
they took back with them scarcely two pence worth, for “King Neutres has a son, a very handsome lad, named
everything had been burned up in the fire that Merlin Galescalain. Urien has one named Yvain the Great, whose
brought down on their tents, except for their gold and heart will be filled with every kindness, [97] and he and
silver dishes and their coins. [96] Gawainet will love you and serve you until they die. They
When King Arthur had routed the six kings with will not be dubbed knights by any man before you do so
Merlin’s help, just as you have heard, he went back to yourself, and they will bring over to you many sons of
Carduel in Wales. He sought out fighting men everywhere highborn barons who will serve you for love of them and
he knew them to be and bestowed on them clothing, their fellowship.
money, and horses, and the poor knights throughout the “Across the water in Little Brittany are two kings who
country took him in such love that they swore never to fail are brothers, and their wives are sisters. Those two kings
him even in the face of death. And King Arthur had the will have sons, and they will be good knights, no one could
main strongholds in cities and casdes well fortified. find better anywhere. The elder of the brothers who are
It happened one time that he held court in the city of kings is called King Ban of Benoic, and the other’s name is
Logres, which is now called London in England, on the Bors of Gaunes. They have a very wicked neighbor, also a
feast of Our Lady in September. At that court King Arthur king, who will yet bring them trouble and grief out of envy
made many a new knight with his own hand. All of them and because he cannot overpower them.
paid him homage and swore fealty to him, and he gave “Since they are such worthy and faithful men, I would
them incomes from lands and such other gifts that they had like very much for you to send them word that you wish to
the means to live. They accepted him in such love that see them and that you beg them to be here on All Saints’
never afterwards did they fail him even for fear of death,
and the king later had very great help from them, as you
18Earlier (Sommer, 73), only two (or three) daughters are
will hear me tell. mentioned. See also above, ch. 4 n. 14.
After this, Merlin took King Arthur aside, along with
19The form is a diminudve, which obviously reflects Gawain’s
Ulfin, and said to him, “Sir, there is something I want to youth and inexperience. Similar diminutive endings are attached
show you and teach you about myself and what I do. In for a time to the names of "Wain and Sagremor but then dropped,
truth, there is a worthy man in the forest of whereas with rare exceptions the Merlin uses it for Gawain until the
end.
The Story of Merlin 221

Day, because you will hold court in Logres and are sending kings they were going to find, for they had come to love
for all throughout the land who mean to swear fealty to one another in the time of Uther Pendragon. They crossed
you. Some will come for the sake of good, others for ill, but the sea and went straight to Litde Brittany. They made their
those two will come for their inborn kindness, because they way through Little Brittany and rode through a land laid
are worthy and faithful men. So you will become their waste where they found many a town burned to the ground.
friend and offer to serve them, and they will think At length they came to a city named Benoic, which is now
themselves rewarded and will be most grateful for it, and called Bourges in Berry, and it had belonged to King
they will gladly swear fealty to you. Claudas of the Land Laid Waste.
“And when it is time for your court to end, you will tell This Claudas I am telling you about was laying claim to
them in trust that you are set on going to Carhaix in a castle that King Ban had had built on his own land, and
Carmelide to serve King Leodagan. Take them with you, for he contested the claim by saying that the piece of land
they are very worthy men and good knights, and they will where he was strengthening his hold belonged to him,
prove to be very useful to you when you are ready to come while King Claudas said that it did not. This is how the war
back into your land, for your enemies will do their utmost began between them, for King Ban did not stop building
to keep you from coming back in, but they will not be able the stronghold when Claudas had forbidden it. So Claudas
to withstand you, because of the help you will have from the overran King Ban’s land without even challenging him. He
two kings who will be your companions.20 inflicted great damage, taking plunder throughout the
“And I want you to know that I want to keep going land, and he set fire to the towns he found without walls
back to the woods, and this is by the nature that came to me and left charred ruins. But he could do nothing to harm
from the one who sired me, for he does not seek out any the stronghold that King Ban had had built, because it was
companionship that might come about from God. But I do well fortified with soldiers and crossbowmen whom King
not go into the woods for fellowship with him, but to keep Ban had put in the keep. He had also posted there one of
company with Blaise, the holy man. You can be sure that his stewards, a very worthy man named Gratian, whom King
you will never have need of me but that I will come to Ban had made his fellow godfather of a little boy21 he had
counsel you. But you will very often see me in another had baptized, and the child’s name was Banin. This Banin
likeness from what you see now, for I don’t want everybody was afterwards well known for his very great prowess in King
to know who I am every time I come to talk to you. But I Arthur’s court, but the story does not tell about him right
want you to swear to me that you will reveal to no one here, but rather it speaks of King Ban, who was very
anything I tell you, for if you gave me away, more harm sorrowful and distraught at the harm Claudas had done
than good would come to you.” him without first challenging him. So he rounded up a
King Arthur swore this very willingly, for he truly great army and went against him as quickly as he could, for
wanted to have his love and friendship, and he swore never he knew very well how to get through the countryside all
to say anything, if he could help it, that went against about.
Merlin’s will. And Merlin assured him of his love, and he When the two armies had gathered, each one ranked
said that he would help Arthur so well that he would be against the other, there was a very great battle with fierce
forever grateful. fighting and many slain on both sides. King Ban killed so
This is how the pact was made between the king and many with his own hand that the heaps lay scattered
Merlin. And the people rejoiced throughout the city for through the fields as though they were sheep or swine. King
their new king, who was such a good knight at arms, for Ban did so much on his own and with the help of his men
they had never seen in his time such a good knight for so that King Claudas turned in flight and lost all his
young a man. The burghers had a dummy set up in the equipment and plunder, and the prisoners who were being
middle of the meadow for a target, and the new knights taken away were brought to safety.
tilted at it for a long time, their shields at their necks. The Furthermore, King Bors, who was King Ban’s brother,
merrymaking lasted a good, full week. moved into the land of Gaunes, and he burned a great deal
When it was over, the king began preparing for the of King Claudas’s land and set fire to many of his towns,
great festival he was to lead on All Saints’ Day. He sent and he took as much booty as he could, for he laid waste
orders to all who were to hold lands from him to come the country so that you could not find shelter under cover
swear fealty and pay him homage. [98] Some of them came anywhere within fifteen leagues other than beside rocks or
and some stayed away, and the king made known to the in cellars below ground. And King Claudas had been
ones who did not come that they would have to make brought so low and made so poor that he kept quiet. He
amends. did not dare move into King Ban’s land for a long time
And King Arthur sent Ulfin and Bretel for King Ban of afterwards, but then he brought very grievous harm to the
Benoic and his brother King Bors of Gaunes, and he bade two brothers, as you will hear in the story farther along.
them, if they held his love dear and wanted to be his friend This is why [99] King Arthur’s two messengers found
forever, come to him in Logres in Great Britain on All that the land had been laid waste, and they were amazed
Saints’ Day. Ulfin and Bretel were very friendly with the two that it could be so and wondered how it could have
happened. They rode until they came to Trebe, which was

20The phrase beginning “because of” represents an

incomplete sentence in Sommer’s text (97, 11. 21-22) consisting 2*The words dung petit enfant (“of a litde child”) are missing
only of a subordinate clause introduced by car (“for”). A variant in Sommer’s main text (98,1. 22) and are supplied from the Harley
reading supplied by Sommer from the Harley manuscript is not manuscript as quoted in Sommer’s note.
helpful in correcting the apparent scribal error.
222 The Story of Merlin

the castle King Ban had had built. It was very strong, and it his horse to the ground impaled on his lance, and the
sat on a high piece of land. In this stronghold was Queen knight fainted from the pain. Bretel withdrew his lance still
Elaine, King Ban’s wife, who was a very worthy lady of great all in one piece, then he said to the knight, “Now you can
beauty, and she was not yet twenty-six years old; King Bors stay here as long as you like and guard the road so that no
had wed her sister, who was a very noble and worthy lady. one passes from whom you don’t get the toll that is
When Ulfin and Bretel had come to Trebe, they asked rightfully yours! ”
for King Ban. And they were told that he had gone to With that, he galloped away after Ulfin, giving free rein
Benoic to take counsel with his brother, King Bors. After to his horse and brandishing his lance. Ulfin had seen the
they heard this, they took leave of lady Elaine and left fight between the two men; he was very glad, and he held
Trebe wearing their armor, for the land they had to go Bretel in higher esteem than he had before.
through was not at all safe, for there were many outlaws When the other knights saw their leader fall down
roving about the land. And when they had ridden about wounded, they were very distraught, and they said that they
five leagues, they saw seven knights of the household of would never be happy until they had avenged him. Two of
King Claudas who were coming from the wilderness, and them broke away from the others and took off after Bretel
they were going about looking out for anything they might and Ulfin as fast as their horses would go. And when the
win for themselves, but the countryside had been so messengers caught sight of them, they turned their horses’
stripped of anything of worth that they found nothing to heads and bent down behind their shields like the good,
take, for all the folk had fled into the cities and strongholds fearless knights they were, and when they met they traded
with everything they owned. hard blows with their lances. Bretel, who bore his weapon
When the seven knights saw the two messengers, they high, drove his lance through the other man’s throat and
said to one another, “Look at those two horses they are knocked him down dead from his horse. Ulfin hit his man
riding! We would be bad indeed if we let them take them so that the tip of his lance went through his hauberk and
away!” came out the other side between his shoulder blades; he
“It doesn’t seem to me,” said one, “that they are from brought him down to the ground from his horse with the
this country, for they are not wearing armor like what is lance still in him.
made in this kingdom." After Uiis two of the four knights who were left broke
“In truth, whoever they are,” said another, “they look away from the others and shouted to the messengers that
like worthy men-at-arms. If they have served someone else, they would avenge their companions or die trying. When
it certainly must have been a very noble man.” the messengers saw them coming, they turned their horses’
“What do I care whom they served?” said a third. “Let’s heads, and each urged the other to do well. Ulfin rode to
go take their arms and horses from them, for we could meet the one who came in front, and Bretel met the other
surely use them!” one. The two knights broke their lances on the messengers.
Straightway one of them spurred his horse and rode Bretel struck his man and drove his lance through his
away from his companions after the messengers, shouting, shield and hauberk right into his body, and he bore him
“Stand still! Don’t go on, or you are dead, if you belong to down from his horse and left him laid out on the ground
King Ban or his brother Bors. But if you are King Claudas’s dead and covered with blood. Ulfin came against his man
men, you needn’t worry, for we guard the roads and ways so hard that he brought both the rider and his horse down
through this borderland, so that none may pass who serves in one heap; the rider broke his neck in the fall. And when
anyone else. This is why we ask for your toll. You haven’t the last two knights saw what had happened to their
paid it yet, so you must leave your arms and horses! What’s companions, they turned tail and took to their heels.
more, we mean for you to be grateful that we are letting Then Bretel said to the dead men words that were
you go without killing you or taking you prisoner.” heard far and wide: “My lords,” he said, “go ahead and
When Ulfin heard him shouting at them and threaten us! Now we give you leave to guard the roads! ”
threatening them, he said to him, “Now, don’t be in such a The two messengers then made their way until the
hurry. I don’t know who you are, but by your speech, you evening, when they came to the castle of Benoic, where
are a loud-boasting blockhead! Curses on a low-life knight they saw a good many people whom the two kings had
who asks for a toll from a knight errant! And you don’t ordered to come. The two messengers came straight to the
even ask courteously! ” main hall, got down from their horses, and gave them to be
When Bretel heard Ulfin speaking in this way to the looked after by a squire they had brought with them. Then
knight, he said, “Knight, you’ll be sorry for even thinking they went up into the hall and asked for King Ban and his
that!” brother. They were told that they were in another room in
And he spurred his horse toward him, and when the a private meeting. When the messengers heard this, they
knight saw him coming, he fastened his shield on his arm were very glad to know that they had found them together,
with the armbands and fixed his lance in its holder. They so they stayed there until the meeting ended.
traded such hard blows on their shields that they broke While they were waiting, a knight named Pharian came
through them, so that the knight’s lance came to a stop on up to them, and when he saw who they were, he welcomed
Bretel’s hauberk. And Bretel spurred his horse forward and them joyfully. He asked them if they wanted to speak to the
dealt him such a great blow that he drove the iron tip of his two kings, and they said they did. Then he took them by the
lance right through his left shoulder, so that the broken hand and led them into the room where the brother kings
pieces of his shield came out the other side [100] more were.
than a yard, and he hit him so hard that he bore him from
The Story of Merlin 223
When the two kings saw them coming, they rose to
6. The Brother Kings, Ban and Bors, Pay
meet them. With them was a knight named Leonce of
Payeme. They all embraced the messengers and welcomed
Homage to Arthur.1
them. Then they went to sit down on a bed, and King Ban
asked them [101] what business had brought them there, Here the story says that when the messengers had left King

for surely they had come there for an important reason. Arthur, the king fortified all his strongholds with fighting

The messengers then told them the whole truth from men and crossbowmen. Then Merlin went to the king and

beginning to end: they told them what had happened told him that he was happy that his messengers had done

between King Arthur and the six kings, the awful havoc their job well. And Merlin told him everything that had

Merlin had wreaked on them with the fire, and the young happened to them along their way and how they had rid

king’s awesome feats of arms. One of them told them that themselves of the seven knights. He said that the two kings

King Arthur was summoning them on Merlin’s advice and had already started across the sea, “so think about how to

said that they should make up their minds very soon. do them honor and welcome them in a fitting way. Go out

The two kings answered that they were sorely distressed to meet them, for, although they are your liegemen, they

by a war they were waging against King Claudas. “And we are of higher birth than you, and their wives are as well. So

are afraid,” they said, “that when we leave this country they I recommend that you have all the streets of Logres

will storm us and we will suffer very great harm.” overhung with damask and samite wherever they are to go,

“My lords,”22 said the messengers, “we would not want and have the maidens and young ladies of this town go out

that to happen. But Merlin sends word that you will not to meet them dancing and singing. [102] And you will go

have to worry while you are away.” out yourself with a throng of knights. They will get here
Sunday before the hour of tierce.”
When the two kings heard what the messengers told
them, they were gready astonished that Merlin would know And when King Arthur heard Merlin, he said that he

things that had yet to happen. Then they promised the would do everything as he had explained it.
Then King Arthur prepared to welcome the two kings,
messengers that they would go with them three days later
and he waited until Sunday. Then the king, his barons and
without delay, and they thanked them wholeheartedly. And
household, and the archbishop of Brice mounted their
King Ban had a servant take their armor off, for he would
horses and went out to meet them in a grand procession.
not allow them to take lodging anywhere but with him.
Then the two kings asked them where their shields had got When they met, they traded kisses and showed how glad

so beat up, and they entreated them, on their allegiance to they were to see each other, and they came back into the
city with all kinds of dancing and with great merrymaking.
King Arthur, to tell the truth. They told them how they had
When they had come to the main hall, King Arthur
been set upon by seven knights and how it had all gone.
bestowed gifts of great worth on those in the two kings’
And when the two kings heard how they had rid themselves
households according to their rank, and he gave them
of the seven knights, they held them in very high esteem.
warhorses, saddle horses, and beautiful, costly arms. The
They were very well served with many good things to eat,
king did diis all on Merlin’s advice, and he did so much for
and Leonces of Payeme and Pharian were at pains to care
everyone around him that they all loved him and held him
for them because they had done them great honor in Great
in great esteem, and they swore that they would never, ever
Britain in the time of King Uther Pendragon.
in their lives, let him down.
King Ban got himself ready to leave in three days, and
That day the archbishop of Brice sang Mass, and when
King Bors did, too. They entrusted Leonces of Payeme to
it was over, they all went up into the main hall, where a
keep their lands—he was their first cousin, a faithful,
great meal, rich and bountiful, was ready. The three kings
worthy man—and Pharian stayed behind with him, along
sat at one table, and the archbishop of Brice and Antor,
with the stewards of Benoic and Gaunes. And the two kings
who had reared King Arthur, were with them. And Kay
told them to send for them if they needed to, for they did
served at the tables, as was right. Two new knights served
not know what would happen, and King Ban gave him his
with him. They were very skilled and worthy young men,
ring as his token. Then they took to the road and made
sons of two castellans: one was named Lucan the Wine
their way for many days until they reached the sea, where
Steward, and the other Girflet, son of Doon from Carduel,
they took a boat and crossed to the other side, and they had
who had been Uther Pendragon’s woodman; and they
no trouble or disturbance.
served with Kay the Seneschal, with Ulfin, and with Bretel,
But now the story stops talking about them for a while
all of whom were very capable. Everyone there was served
and will tell about King Arthur.
with the highest courtesy, and they had rich, plentiful food.
After the meal a target dummy was set up, and the
^Sommer's text has the singular, as though only one of the
young knights held a tilting match. Later they put together
kings were being addressed (101,1. 9).
a tournament with some knights on one side and others on
another, and each side had about seven hundred. Three
hundred from the kingdom of Benoic alone fought on one
side. As the tourney was getting underway, King Ban and
King Bors came to a window to see,2 along with one of their

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 101-9.

2The verb phrase is lacking in Sommer’s text (102,1. 27).
224 The Story of Merlin

brothers, a very learned clerk who knew more about falcon or hawk swoops down on starlings, and they bore the
astrology3 than anyone except Merlin; and King Arthur was first ones they met to the ground. After their lances had
leaning at the window with them and the archbishop of been broken, they drew their swords and began to fight so
Brice and An tor. They watched the tournament take shape skillfully that Kay won the tourney prize along with Girflet
on each side, the banners waving in the wind, the warhorses and Lucan the Wine Steward. And just below them came
prancing about and whinnying beneath their riders, so that Duke Malruc of the Rock, Guinan the Pale, Drians of the
the mountains and valleys resounded with the din. Wild Forest, Belias the Amorous from the Castle of the
When the two sides were close enough to meet, one Maidens, Flandrin the White, Gratian the White the
knight left the formation. He was named Girflet, son of Castellan, Drulios of the Hamlet, Blioberis of the
Doon of Carduel, and he sat on a great gray warhorse that Wilderness, Meliaduc the Pale, Median the Curly-Haired,
ran wonderfully fast. On the other side, a knight from and Placides the Merry. These did so well that after they
Benoic rode to meet him. His name was Ladinas, and he began fighting, no one in the tournament could withstand
was very skilled at arms. They traded such hard blows that them.
they broke their lances, for they were both strong and But later King Ban’s companions were able to push the
brave, and they were good knights. One was eager to win whole throng back to where everyone had started out, for
acclaim, and the other wanted his fame to spread, so each the companions of the kingdom of Logres had withdrawn
landed such smashing blows on the other’s shield and body to change their helmets, which had been broken in and
that they thought their eyes would fly out of their heads. smashed to bits. When they saw that the tide had turned
They took each other’s horses to the ground on top of against them, they hurried to take up new lances and rode
them, and they lay in a faint [103] without moving, so that straight back into the throng as fast as their horses could
everyone believed they were dead. They all said that they run, and they rushed into the thickest fray they saw there.
had never seen such a hard-fought combat between two Kay came spurring his horse ahead of all his companions,
knights. for he was very eager to do well, and he came into the ranks
With that, knights broke out of the formation on each [104] brandishing his lance. He was a wondrously good
side to come rescue their companion. They fought with one knight—if only he had been a man of few words! He spoke
another and jousted so beautifully that all were glad to too much, and his slanderous speech kept him from the
watch. Some unhorsed one another and broke their lances good graces of his companions and strangers who heard
without falling, and after their lances were broken they about him and later refused to go with him on the
drew their swords and began the wondrously violent battle. adventures of the kingdom of Logres, as the story will
One knight worked wonders all by himself, and he was explain farther on.
known for this far and wide throughout the country. His Kay received the bad trait, which the story says he had,
name was Lucan the Wine Steward, and he was the cousin from the nurse who suckled him, and not from his mother,
of Girflet the son of Doon, who had been in the hard- who was a good lady, wise and faithful. But those who knew
fought single combat. Lucan brought knights and horses his ways did not mind what Kay said, for he did not do it
down, and he began to wield his weapons so well that none out of any ill will he harbored toward anyone; it was his way
could withstand his blows. He tore helmets from heads and that, when he started to say something, he did not know the
shields from necks, and at last he was able to get Girflet on words he was going to speak before they flew out of his
his horse, while the other knight got back on his. When mouth. Those who knew him would very often laugh about
they had got their wind and cleared their heads, they went it, for his speech could be quite witty; furthermore, he was
back into the fray. Then Girflet began to fight alongside of the best fellowship that anyone could have.
Lucan the Wine Steward, and they did so well that they won And when he came to the tournament, as you have just
ground from the knights from Benoic. heard, he met Ladinas. Ladinas had fought very well that
Then three hundred knights came in; they were all day, and he and his companions tried very hard to drive the
fresh and had not yet struck a blow. The battle was men of Logres off the field, and they had already distressed
awesome and hard-fought! When lances were broken, them somewhat. And when Kay saw this, he was very
knights grabbed their swords, and the fighting started yet sorrowful. He drove his spurs into his horse and lowered his
again and lasted a very long time. They saw many a fine lance, and struck Ladinas so hard in his shield that he went
example of knightly skill on both sides, for there were many all the way through it, and the tip of his weapon came to a
good bachelor-knights who fought well. Girflet the son of stop against his hauberk. Then he thrust at him again very
Doon and Lucan the Wine Steward were clearly the best of fast and knocked him down to the ground, where he lay all
all who were there. stretched out, and in the same bound Kay rode on and
When the hour of nones came, the tournament had struck Gratian of Trebe and brought him and his horse
died down somewhat. And Kay the Seneschal, who had not down in a heap, and he broke his lance. Then he put his
yet struck a blow there, sprang out with five or so hand to his sword and shouted “Clarence!" (the king’s
companions from where they had been lying in wait. They battlecry). And those of the side of Logres took heed and
were riding horses of great worth and had their shields at saw that they were being helped by their companions, all of
their necks and their lances in their grasp. When they drew whom they believed they had lost, and they found their
near the formation, they rushed in headlong, just as the strength again and began to fight better than they had all
day.
sThe Old French word is astrenomie (Sommer, 102,1. 28). See King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors saw Kay’s joust
above, ch. 2, n. 8. clearly, and they said that the seneschal was a very skilled
The Story of Merlin 225

knight, and they gladly watched him. And when Lucan the night came. The three kings went down from the great hall
Wine Steward saw that Kay was fighting so well, he said that and came straight to the field where the tourney was, and
he would hold himself to be unworthy if he did not go help they saw that everyone was showing himself to be as good as
him. Then he drove his spurs into his horse and rushed the others, so that no one knew which one would prevail.
into the thickest fray, and he struck Blioberis so hard that So they separated the two sides and said that it was high
he brought him to the ground and laid him out, and his time to stop, since it was very late for fighting. So they left
lance flew into bits. Then he drew his sword and jumped the field, and each one went back to his lodging to rest,
into the midst of them and began to fight so well that he which they all needed badly.
was praised for it by many people, and he began to push And the three kings went to hear vespers, and
the throng back in order to rescue his companions. afterwards they went to supper. After supper talk grew
Then Girflet came, his lance in its holder, as fast as his lively, and they asked one another who it seemed to them
horse could run, and he saw three* 4 knights who were had done the best. They said that King Ban had sixteen
bringing Kay up short in a sword fight, and he needed help, knights who had done better than all the others, and these
for there were three of them and Kay was all alone, and sixteen had fought wonderfully and should be highly
those three were the best knights on the other side. praised. But all of a voice they awarded the top prize to Kay
Placides had already hit him so hard on his helmet that he the Seneschal, Lucan the Wine Steward, and Girflet the son
had bent him down over his saddlebow. And when Girflet of Doon; these three had done the best of all.
saw that, he was filled with dread, so he went to strike When the tables had been taken away, the three kings
Blioberis and rained such blows down on him that he got up, along with the archbishop, Antor, and the clerk
brought him and his horse down in a heap. Girflet’s lance Guinebal, and they went into some side rooms off the main
flew into bits, then he drew his sword and struck Placides hall that looked out over the garden along the river, and
on his helmet so hard that he leaned [105] over his they talked together about many things. Then the king
saddlebow, and he hit him again and again until he was so looked at Ulfm and Bretel, and he began to laugh out loud
stunned that he fell to the ground head over heels. And because he recalled what Merlin had told them when they
Kay, who was in great danger, got up again and was able to went on their mission and how they had been attacked by
see that it was Girflet who had helped him, and he deemed seven knights in the wilderness and fought them off. Then
that he should reward this good deed if he could, and so he he called the two knights over and implored them by the
did, and he did not tarry long, just as the story will set it faith they owed him to tell him how they had done on their
down. This is how they first became companions, and they mission. When they heard this, they were certain that the
loved each other with great love ever afterward all the days king knew it already from [106] Merlin, so they answered
of their lives. him, “Sir, why should we tell you what you already know?
When Girflet had freed Kay, as you have heard, he Our words would be wasted for nothing.”
looked all around and saw Geroas, who had sorely bothered ‘What?” said King Ban. “Who told you this?”
him throughout the fight that day. He then drew his sword “In truth, sir,” said Bretel, “the wisest man in the
and rode against him in great anger. He dealt him such a world.”
hard blow on his helmet that the blade5 flew off and hit the “And what is his name?” asked King Ban.
ground, and if his sword had not twisted in his grasp, he “Sir,” answered Bretel, “his name is Merlin, and he is in
would have killed him. The sword went down onto his left this room, right over there resting. By his advice my lord
shoulder so hard that his hauberk broke and the mail came sent for you.”
apart, and it cut the strap of his shield. He drove the sword “Ah! sir,” said King Ban to King Arthur, “let us see him,
down to his shoulder blade, and he flew to the ground all for we have wanted to for a very long time because of the
covered with blood. Then there arose a hue and cry, wonders we have heard about him.”
because those who saw the blow thought that he had been And he said he would gladly do so. He sent Ulfm, and
killed with no chance to recover. Then his companions as soon as Ulfin moved away to go get him, he met him.
came to the rescue. And from the other side came Kay the Merlin told him to go back to the king and ask him why he
Seneschal’s companions, and there began such a dreadful was sending for him, and he did so. And King Ban crossed
tumult that many men were unhorsed or wounded before himself for the wonder he felt. Then Merlin went in and
they could come to help their companions and get them told him not to worry that he was bewildered. Then he
back on their horses. And when the six companions I told began to tell him a part of his life’s story and some of his
you about before saw the fray, they drove to that side so ways.
hard that the first six knights they met flew to the ground. The clerk Guinebal stepped forward and asked him
Then they rushed in and started such a good fight that many things, for he was very learned, and Merlin answered
those who saw it wondered how they could hold out so everything he asked. The disputation between the two of
long. them lasted a long time, until at last Merlin told him that
There the tournament heated up on both sides, and there would be no end to his endeavors: the more he asked
the six6 and the others as well fought long and hard until about, the more he would find out! And Merlin told those
all around that he had never found a clerk who had talked
to him on so high a level; not even Blaise, who was a very
^Sommer’s text has .ij. here (104, 1. 35), but .«*/'. and the
number spelled out (trot) two lines below. learned and holy man, could ever ask him so much for so

5Sommer’s text has fits (“hilt”) (105,1. 10). long.

6Sommer’s text has .vij. (105,1. 23).

226 The Story of Merlin

Why should I go on telling any more? The two of them giants, and he is a very wealthy and very powerful man. If he
talked together and became fast friends. Then Merlin went should happen to defeat the kingdom of Carmelide, which
up to the two kings who were brothers and said to them, borders on King Arthur’s kingdom, you can be sure that
“My lords, you are very worthy and faithful men indeed. King Arthur will never again hold his kingdom in peace, so
Look, here is King Arthur. He is my lord and he should be many wars will he have on so many sides. And if it weren’t
yours. You must hold your two kingdoms from him, and he for the knights of the Round Table who are helping King
must uphold you and help you against all men, if need be.” Leodagan defend his land against the giants, he would
They asked him to tell them how he had been chosen already have lost his land some time ago. So I beg you, take
king. They also asked whether Antor knew that Arthur was King Arthur there as your leader in battle, and stay there
the son of Uther Pendragon, and he answered, “Yes, with him a year or two until you have got to know him well,
indeed.” Then Merlin told them the truth about the results and it will not be long before he loves you more than those
of the sword test, and the archbishop of Brice and Ulfin who are with him now. And you should know for a fact that
bore witness to it. Leodagan will bid King Arthur to take his daughter as his
“Merlin,” said King Ban, “we would like you to assure wife; thereby he will be able to hold his kingdom free and
us of one thing we ask. We know that you are such a worthy clear.”
man that you would not lie for all the land that belongs to Then King Ban said to Merlin, “Dear, kind friend, if we
the crown.” go to faraway lands and leave our own lands as they are,
“Ah! sir,” said Merlin, “you want to have my oath that what will happen to them? Right now we have ruthless
what I have told you is true.” neighbors who lay waste our lands, and the very country
And they began to smile and said that, indeed, no one where we are now is not very safe, for the barons who ought
was more learned than Merlin. And Merlin told them that to be the king’s liegemen are waging war against him. It is
he would very gladly swear it if they waited until the next very dangerous to leave one’s lands to go off to defend
day. With that, they went their own ways to go to sleep. The another’s.”
three kings lay in one room. Merlin and Guinebal became “Ah! sir,” said Merlin, “you are speaking from the way
better and better acquainted: Merlin taught him many a things seem to you. But one must back up before taking a
fine trick, and Guinebal remembered them all like the long jump. And you can be sure that for every penny you
intelligent clerk he was; he worked some of them many lose over here, you will earn a hundred over there. And for
times later, and people talked about it for a long time all your outriders who come over here, you will not lose a
afterwards, as the story will spell it out. [107] single castle or [108] city, and you will win over there a
The next morning they all got up and heard Mass. kingdom which will forever defend this kingdom as long as
After Mass Merlin swore them the oath that King Arthur King Arthur is alive.”
was the son of Uther Pendragon and that he had fathered “I don’t know,” said King Ban, “what to say, but I’ll do
him on Queen Ygraine the night the duke was killed, and everything you advise, for you are more clever than all of us
Ulfin swore the same thing. When the two kings had put together. Now all we have to do is get ready, and we will
accepted these two men’s oaths, they swore fealty to Arthur set out when you wish.”
very graciously, as was fitting, and King Arthur, in tears, “We have time,” said Merlin, “to get everything ready,
received their homage very kindly. Then there was such for we will not set out before we have fought a battle against
rejoicing as there had never been before, and they went to the barons of this land, for they are gathering a great army.
eat and were very well served with all things befitting the And you will summon all the men you can find as stealthily
highborn. as you can, and you will set up their camp in a heath within
After they had eaten, King Arthur, the two brother Bredigan Forest. Don’t be afraid, for you will do far more
kings, and Merlin went to confer by themselves, an<j Ulfin, harm to our enemies than they will to you.”
Bretel, and Kay the Seneschal were there as well. Then “Merlin,” said King Ban, “if my brother and I sent for
Merlin said to them, ‘You are all very worthy gendemen, men in our country, could they get here in time?”
and I know you as well as you know yourselves. Here is King ‘Yes,” said Merlin, “you can be certain.”
Arthur your lord, who is a very young man, and he will be “Then we will send out the call,” said King Ban.
quite a good knight in his own right, and he already is. You “That is good,” said Merlin. “And I will go myself, for I
are aware that he is having trouble with the barons of his can get there faster than any messenger you might send.
land, for they will not accept him as their lord or swear We must hurry, for the battle will be fought on Candlemas
fealty to him as they ought, but mean to do him as much in the Bredigan meadows. Your army will have to ride day
harm as they can, if diey ever can. Therefore I beg you, do and night to come fast enough. You can know for a fact that
as I advise.” I will be in Gaunes by tomorrow night.”
And they all said that they would very gladly do so. And when the two kings heard this, they were utterly
And Merlin said to them, “My lords, you know very well astounded. They threw their arms around his neck and
that King Arthur has no wife. I know of a maiden who is the showed him how glad they were.
daughter of a king and a queen. She is highborn and Then Merlin said to King Arthur, “Sir, now, as quietly
beautiful, and no maiden could be more worthy. She is the as you can, send for as many knights, men-at-arms, and
daughter of King Leodagan of Carmelide, who is an old crossbowmen as you can find, then have a great plenty of
man and has no other children than this girl, whose name food taken to the heath I have told you about, and have it
is Guenevere. His land must fall to her. But he is now divided among the people, for they will be in dire need of
waging war against King Rion, who comes from a line of it, and you will give each man enough food for forty days.
The Story of Merlin 227

And you, sir,” he said to King Ban, “entrust me with your And throughout King Arthur’s land it was forbidden for
ring, and I will carry it to your cousin Leonce of Payeme so anyone who owed him fealty to ride down the countryside
that he may believe me when I talk to him.” until after Candlemas had passed: if anyone disobeyed, he
When the two brothers heard Merlin talking that way, could be taken captive, and all should know that they would
they were quite bewildered, for they did not believe that lose life or limb, for the king had ordered it so. Everyone in
any man alive could know what he was telling them. his land kept still and did not move, and the common folk
“What is wrong, my dear lords?” said King Arthur. were amazed that it could happen. Thus the movements
“Don’t be amazed or troubled about what he told you, for were so well hidden that no one ever found out where the
you should know that he knows everything he wants at a horses were going, excepting only those who were privy to
single word, and nothing can be hidden from him.” the king’s counsel.
And they said to him, “Since this is so, we will entrust But here the story falls silent about them and comes
the ring to him, and may he do what is right for us and for back to the six kings and their companions, all of whom
you, for we are well aware that he loves you more than were routed at Caerlion, just as you have heard it told
anything.” before now in the story.
“By my head,” said Merlin, “you have spoken like
shrewd and learned men. And you will win enough to know
how much I love you.”
7. The Six Kings’ Renewed Forces; the
With that, King Ban gave him the ring. He took it and
commended them to God, and he left that place and went
Brother Kings’ and Arthur’s Victory over the
off, as I have told you. And he came straight to Blaise and Saxons.1
told him all those things, and Blaise put them all down in
writing, and this is how we still know them. Here the story says that the six kings were most upset that
And Merlin left Blaise and went the next morning at they had been routed and had lost all their equipment, so
the hour of prime to the city of Gaunes. He told Leonce they swore all together that they would never be happy
what the two brother kings had sent him to do, and he until, if they could, they had taken vengeance on King
showed him the king’s ring with his seal, and he believed Arthur and his wizard, through whom they had suffered
everything Merlin told him. He sent far and wide for so such harm. So the six kings went away filled with sorrow
many men that, a week before Christmas, fully ten and downcast about the misfortune that had befallen them;
thousand came to the city of Benoic all armed, riding their because of that, they would be worse off for the rest of their
horses. Then they set up guards in the towns, as was lives. Some of them had themselves carried in a litter if they
needed. One of the guards was Lambegue, a young could not bear riding, so they made the trip at a slow gait
nobleman [109] who was faithful and valiant of body. He until they got back to their lands, and they stayed there
was posted in the main stronghold of Gaunes, and Pharian, until they had been healed and brought back to health.
whose nephew he was, entreated him to do his job well, and At the end of a month, they held a meeting in a
he said he would do the best he could. And in the city of borderland between the kingdom of Gorre and the
Benoic they posted the Lord of the High Wall, who was a kingdom of Scotland, and there everyone [110] swore that
tall man and good knight with his first growth of beard. he would send for as many friends and kinsmen as he had,
And in the city of Trebe they left Banin, son of Gratian, and then they would move against King Arthur; they would
who was King Ban’s godson, and the two sister queens were take away his land and dispossess all his liegemen before
there because it was the best and strongest castle in the two driving him out. And they set a day when their army would
kingdoms. And in Montlair, a stronghold that belonged to gather in the meadows of Bredigan, and they summoned
King Bors, they posted Placides, one of Leonce’s nephews, their liegemen and friends.
who was a good knight, wonderfully skilled, brave, and Duke Escant of Cambenic came to help them with five
faithful. thousand armed men. Furthermore, King Tradelmant of
When they had thus fortified all the land and North Wales came with six thousand men, as did the King
countryside, they started out and made their way to the sea, of Northumberland, whose name was Clarion, with three
where they took boats. On the other side of the sea, King thousand, the King of the Hundred Knights, King Lot of
Arthur made ready just as Merlin had ordered him to do, Loonois and Orkney with seven thousand, King Caradoc
and at length he gathered a good ten thousand fighting Shortarm of the land of Estrangorre with eight thousand,
men all mounted on good horses, for he did not want to King Neutres of Garlot with six thousand, and King Urien
call in footsoldiers. Furthermore, wagons from throughout came with six thousand. They all rode short distances each
the land made up a train that carried the food. And the day because they meant to plunder the countryside, and
king had the army led as stealthily as he could to the heath they sent out their spies throughout the land to find out
within Bredigan Forest, for it was one of the most out-of- what King Arthur was up to. But the guards, who were
the-way places anyone knew about. And Arthur did what everywhere in the land, took them all and sent them to
Merlin held to be very wise: as soon as the army and the King Arthur, and they were shut up in prison, never to
wagon train had moved into the heath, he had good guards come out again, nor were they ever heard from.
posted on every road throughout his land so that no one And the armies rode on and eventually encamped
might pass by who was not taken and led before the king, beneath the castle of Bredigan, and they were gladdened
because they did not want any spy to go in there who might
tell the enemy anything about what the king was doing. * Corresponds to Sommer, 109-121.
228 The Story of Merlin

because they believed they had won everything. They sent Then he took them2 to the spot where the treasure
their raiders throughout the countryside, but they found was. They put a marker there, and the three kings were
little there to take, since everything that could be gready amazed at what he had told them. Then they went
plundered had been taken away to the castles and cities. back to the army.
When they saw that nothing was left, they set fire King Arthur’s tent was beside a most beautiful, clear
everywhere and laid waste the land wherever they went. So spring. The weather was very cold, for it was the month of
they had to supply food from their own lands, and at length January, a week before Candlemas, and they had been
they had got a great deal. When the armies at last came encamped there for two days. On the third day Merlin
together, they were more than forty thousand strong. came to the three kings and told them that it was then time
But here the story falls silent about them for a while, to go against their enemies and to tell their men-at-arms
and we will tell you about Merlin and the help he brought, who would go in front and who behind. “For you will go,”
for he had gone to sea, as the story will set it forth from he said, “in such a way that the enemies will not know a
here on. [Ill] word about it before you are on top of them. You have two
Here the story says that when Merlin set out on the sea leagues to go before daylight. If they catch sight of you too
along with the company he had brought from the land of soon,3 there are so many of them that you can’t hold out
the two brother kings, they sailed until they landed in Great against them. But don’t worry, for they won’t be able to
Britain. After they had come ashore, Merlin ordered all hold out against you!”
their equipment to be packed away in trunks, for he did not Then the three kings put on their armor and got
want them to encamp, but they made their way day and ready, so that all they would have to do was get on their
night until they came to the place where they wanted to be, horses. They split their army into battalions and gave Kay
and they made camp on Merlin’s orders. So they rode on the Seneschal the king’s standard to bear, and he led the
until, on the fifth day, they came into Bredigan Forest, first battalion, and Girflet, Lucan the Wine Steward, Malruc
where they found King Arthur’s army, and the two armies of the Rock, Guinan the Pale, Drians of the Wild Forest,
greeted each other joyfully when they saw each other. Then Belias the Amorous, and Flandrin the Noble4 were also
they settled in in tents and pavilions, and they rested until leaders in the first battalion, which was four thousand
the next morning. They stayed there for a full week. strong. The second battalion was led by Bretel, a man of
Merlin was with the kings, and they were making very great worth, faithful, and skilled with his hands, and he
merry. Ulfin said to him in jest, “Merlin, beware of the men had three thousand men all well armed and riding good
on the other side, for they have slandered you dreadfully.” horses. Ulfin led the third battalion, and King Arthur was in
“I am well aware,” said Merlin, “that they don’t like me this battalion with four thousand worthy men who would
very much, and they are right! But they will never get their never forsake their lord even if it meant their death. The
hands on me! And they have no worse enemy than I or one battalions formed as they had been chosen, and they all left
who will do them as much harm, as long as they keep riding at a slow gait, in tight formation, just as Merlin, who
bothering King Arthur—and I won’t have to start this fight! led them riding in front on a great black horse, had
“But be careful not to let anyone leave this army, for ordered them to.
we could never make up for the loss. The king’s enemies Next King Ban split up his and his brother’s men. He
are encamped in the meadows beneath Bredigan, and gave Pharian the first battalion to lead and his brother King
there are at least forty thousand men-at-arms on horseback. Bors’s standard to carry, for he was a very worthy man,
We must work with very great intelligence, otherwise we will clever and wise, and a good knight, and with him were
all be killed by them.” Ladinas, Moret of the Way, Palet of Trebe, Gratian the Pale,
Then Merlin took the three kings aside by themselves Blioberis, and Meliaduc the Black,5 and three thousand
and said to King Arthur, “Sir, now listen to what I have to knights all on horseback were with them. The second of
tell you. You are a very young man, and you have a very big King Ban’s battalions was led by Leonce of Payeme, a very
kingdom to keep up, and the barons have no regard for good and worthy knight, and it was a good four thousand
you at all. The common folk would have dire misgivings men strong. King Bors of Gaunes led the third battalion; he
about you if it [112] weren’t for the huge gifts you have was a skilled leader, and at least four thousand men all on
bestowed on them. This is why I tell you to be more horseback were with him. The fourth battalion was led by
generous from now on than you have ever been before, for King Ban of Benoic, who was the best knight in the whole
you cannot ever enjoy your people’s high praise or win army, and he gave his standard to his seneschal Alelme, a
their hearts if you are not unstinting in giving. You will have very good knight, to carry; there were four thousand men
everything you need in return, and I will tell you how that with them, [113] wonderfully mounted on horseback, and
will be, if you wish to hear it. they would not forsake him even if it meant their death.
“I want you to know that this piece of ground holds the And when they were all on horseback, they set out on their
greatest treasure there ever was, but you won’t take any of it way riding at a slow gait, keeping their ranks in order. It was
until you come back from the battle. For you will have a
great many other things to share among yourselves. You will
^Sommer’s text has the singular (112,1. 9).
take a hard look at the lie of the land so that you will know
3Not in Sommer’s text (112, 1. 18), but the urgency of “too
how to get back here again.”
soon” is implicit.
4Called Flandrin the White above (Sommer, 103).
5Called Meriaduc the Pale above (Sommer, 103).
The Story of Merlin 229

almost midnight; the moon was shining very bright, and it And Merlin [114] ordered King Arthur’s army to
was still and calm. hurry, for he knew what was happening in the enemy camp.
Here the story falls silent about them and speaks about And Arthur’s men moved so fast that before they knew it,
the Saxons from Ireland and the Irish, whose lands they were rushing against them. Merlin was the first one the
bordered the lands belonging to the kings who were waging enemy knights met, and they asked him who was attacking
war against King Arthur. them. And Merlin answered that they belonged to King
When King Brandegorre, King Margarit, and King Arthur, who was coming to claim the land of anyone who
Hargadabran, who were the nephews of Aminaduc, king of harbored anything against him.
the Saxons, uncle of Hengist, whom King Arthur’s father When they heard what he said, they turned about,
killed, just as the story tells it earlier—when they heard that spurring their horses, and they came back to their army
the six kings had left their lands and gone against King and began shouting, “We’ve been betrayed! Lord knights!
Arthur, they gathered an army from far and wide, until get your armor on! You’ll need it now more than ever
there were a good thirty thousand men all riding horses, before, for the enemy is coming!”
not counting the footsoldiers, and there were a great many They sprang from their beds and ran to get their arms
of them. So they moved into the lands of the kings who first and not their clothes. Luckily, their horses were
were waging war against King Arthur, and they took saddled, but, for all their rushing, they could not get
plunder, burned towns, and laid waste the countryside themselves armed and ready before the enemy was at their
everywhere they went, and they killed many people. They throats. They were hampered all the more by a great wind
besieged a castle named Vandalior in Cornwall, and they and storm that Merlin sent against them, for all their tents
were there for a very long time, and the siege could not be fell in on their heads, and a fog came down on them so
broken by the forces that the ten barons had after King thick that they could not see one another without great
Arthur had driven them out, when the barons reached an effort, and it hindered them so much as they tried to arm
agreement against him with the Saxons.6 themselves that they suffered great harm. For King Arthur’s
Now the story falls silent about them and does not say men rushed headlong into their midst and brought down
anything more right here; rather we will tell you about King or killed as many as they got to.
Arthur and Merlin and their companions, how they fared in But the six8 kings had got away and come back
the battle against the six7 kings, who were in the meadows together in the open field beyond the tents. They had a
before the castle of Bredigan. trumpet blown loud and clear to rally their men so that
Here the story says that after King Arthur and King they might get away from the enemy, who were merciless
Ban had put their battalions in order—and the story has against them; and many of them had been slain, and the
told before just how they had started out on their way to enemy had done away with about a third of them before
meet their enemies—the six kings never mounted watches they could tell one man from another in daylight.
to guard their army that night, but everyone went to sleep. And when enough light came for them to recognize
In fact, it happened that all the chief leaders slept in the each other and see that the enemy had a very great army,
tent of the King of the Hundred Knights, and they did not they turned about and fled toward their standard, where
believe that they had to be on the lookout for anyone. they heard the horn blowing; for the kings had stopped at
As they were sleeping, it happened that King Lot had a the edge of the forest beside a small stream, and all who
very vivid, fearsome dream. It seemed to him that he saw a could slip out of the enemy’s hands gathered there. Their
wind rising so great and so strong that it brought down all numbers grew little by little until there were about twenty
their houses and the church bell tower. Afterward thunder thousand, while the others who could not get to where the
and lightning came so strong that everyone shook with fear. standard was fled here and there in utter disarray; they
After that a great, loud flood came that swept all the houses were distraught and upset, bewailing their losses and the
and a great many people away downstream, and he himself harm that had come to them.
was in danger of drowning in the flood. And while the king When King Arthur saw that the whole camp was left to
was in such a fright, he awoke and crossed himself, for he them, he came straight to Merlin and asked him what he
was terrified by his dream. should do. “I will tell you what you’ll do,” said Merlin. “You
He got up, dressed, and went to his companions, woke will go along this side of the stream to a ford, where more
them, and told them his dream just as it had happened. than twenty thousand men have stopped. And you will fight
They asked him what direction he had seen the water there with them, and you will make them come to terms
coming from, and he told them that the whole storm came with you. King Ban and his brother will cut through the
from the forest, so it seemed to him. They told him that forest and storm them from behind when you hit them
they knew for a fact that soon they would surely fight a from the front. And they will be so bewildered that they will
great and fearsome battle, so they got up and woke all the no longer have it in them to defend themselves.”
knights who were there, and ordered them to mount their With that, each went his own way, and King Arthur
horses and ride out through all the countryside. And the found that the six9 kings had stopped. They thought they
king himself put on his armor and arrayed himself very had nothing to fear from anyone and that they could
well. defend themselves well against a bigger army than theirs.

6An allusion to the aftermath of the Battle of Salisbury? 8Sommer’s text has .x. (114,1. 18).
7Sommer’s text has .x. (113, 1. 20), carried over from the ^Sommer’s text has .x. (114,1. 37).
recent discussion of the ten barons.
230 The Story of Merlin

And King Ban turned to go through the forest, while King himself worthless if he let him get away after that. He then
Arthur rode until he came to the place where the barons sped to where Kay was and struck him so hard that he bore
had blown the horn. When King Arthur got to the ford, he him from his horse to the ground, where he lay motionless,
and his men struck helter-skelter into their midst. There and he took his horse, led it to King Lot, and said, “Sir, take
you would have seen shields and lances shattered, knights’ this horse, and set your mind to taking vengeance for our
heads lying in the ford so that the water was all red from distress, for you have lost a great deal today.” And King Lot
their blood. And Kay struggled so hard [115] with the got on the horse.
standard he was carrying that his men went on beyond him. And when Girflet and Lucan saw Kay on the ground,
And the six10 kings saw that very few men had broken they were most distressed. They had found new lances, so
through them and put them to flight, for they were only they spurred their horses and struck two of the enemy
three thousand against their more than twenty thousand; down to the ground. They took one of the horses and gave
they were deeply ashamed and began to defend themselves it to Kay to ride. And the King of the Hundred Knights and
very forcefully. They held together so tighdy that no one King Lot fought for so long that the three enemy kings and
could break through. King Arthur’s men could not hold Escans of Cambenic had time to get back on horseback.
out for long, but Ulfin brought help and comfort to his [116]
companions, and they rushed across the ford. When these kings had got back on horseback, they said
When they got to the other side, they rushed into the that they would bring grief and harm to the enemy around
enemy so hard that people could hear the din more than them or die trying, so they spurred their horses and sped all
half a league away. The fighting there was ruthless and together toward the fray, and the eight worthy fighters on
fierce, with hammer blows on helmets and shields; many King Arthur’s side rode them down. But they might soon
brave knights lay dead and wounded, and the loss was huge. have suffered dreadful losses, had King Arthur not arrived
King Arthur’s men were becoming exhausted, when Bretel to bring them welcome help, for as soon as he had crossed
came bringing them help. He saw that Ulfin had fallen in the ford he spurred his horse and found Bretel on foot and
the midst of the throng, but he was still brandishing his Ulfin grievously wounded on a horse, and he was sorely
sword and defending himself forcefully. When Bretel saw distressed. So he grasped his lance hard and held it
him he let his horse run, and he struck the man he was straight, and he flew against the formation wherever he saw
fighting so hard that he bore him from his horse to the the thickest fighting. He met Tradelmant, king of North
ground. Wales, who had come fresh into the battle, and he struck
When King Clarion saw him lying on the ground, he him so hard through his shield and hauberk that he
was sorely distressed, and he said that he would avenge him grievously wounded him in the left side, and he bore him to
if he could, so he spurred his horse to that part of the the ground so fiercely that he broke all his bones, and his
battlefield. And when Bretel saw him coming, he spurred own lance flew into pieces. And King Arthur took his horse
his horse to meet him, and they struck each other’s shields by the gilded reins and handed him to Ulfin. He very gladly
so hard that they broke through them, for the worthy mounted the horse and said to King Arthur, “Sir, thank you
knights were strong, healthy, and full of anger, and they very much.”
shattered their lances as they went past. Then they traded As soon as he had got back on horseback, he rushed
such mighty blows with their shields, bodies, and helmets into the fray and began to strike out and fight so hard that
that they were stunned; they were so dazed that they flew he broke up the press. Meanwhile,11 King Ban and his men
down from their horses onto the ground, and they did not had come fresh from their march through the forest, and
know whether it was night or day. those on the other side were quite distraught, although
The men who were looking on thought they had killed they were half again as numerous, so they attacked them all
each other, so they rushed to the rescue from both sides. in a body, and the fighting grew all the harder and more
When Kay the Seneschal came to help out, his side could dangerous. There King Arthur wrought wonders on his
not suffer very great loss. The three kings came from the own, and even those who had never seen him before
other side. The fighting was fierce when they came recognized who he was, and even the bravest gave him wide
together, for those from King Arthur’s side numbered berth, for they did not dare face up to him.
eight, and there were twelve from the other side. Girflet was When the King of the Hundred Knights saw King
struck down and Lucan the Wine Steward, King Tradelmant thrown to the ground, he was filled with awful
Brandegorre, King Yder, King Aguisant, and King Urien. sorrow, for he loved him a great deal. He spurred his horse
Then the struggle to rescue them grew so mighty and and met King Arthur, who was wonderfully seated on his
fearsome that no one would believe it! Kay did a wondrous horse, and he struck him so hard on his helmet that he
thing there when, with his sheer strength, he brought dazed him. When King Arthur felt the blow, he was very
Girflet up onto King Neutres’s horse, and he struck King worried indeed, and Kay, who was with him, was as well.
Lot with the stump of a lance so hard that he wounded And the king rode against the King of the Hundred Knights
him. first, grasping his sword, and he raised his arm to strike him
Into the fray came the King of the Hundred Knights, on his helmet. When the King of the Hundred Knights saw
and with him he had forty knights he had chosen. When he him, he thrust his shield between them, but King Arthur hit
saw that Kay the Seneschal had struck down King Lot, he him so hard that half of it flew into the middle of the field,
was very distraught and said to himself that Kay would think and the blow bore down on his helmet, shattering it utterly,

10Sommer’s text has .x. (115,1. 2). ^Not in Sommer’s text (116,11. 14-15).
The Story of Merlin 231
then glanced down onto his horse’s head and cut him just raging like a lion. He struck blows to the right and the left
behind the ears, and horse and rider fell to the ground. and killed as many as he hit, until at last they gave way to
Kay looked about and saw a horse running riderless, so him. Kay and Girflet spurred to the king, who was fighting
he gave it to his father, An tor, who was on foot. And he got fiercely. Furthermore, Ulfin, Bretel, and Antor were
on, took hold of a lance, and struck Marganor, the fighting against the duke of Cambenic, against Tradelmant,
seneschal of the King of the Hundred Knights, so hard that and against the king of Northumberland, and they brought
he lodged the iron tip between his shoulders and sent him them down right where King Arthur was fighting and
to the ground spit on the lance; then his lance split. He working wonders of knightly skill.
took the horse and handed it by the rein to Bretel, who was There was much jousting, for the main batde was being
very glad to have it, and he mounted quickly. When he was fought there. But for the single-handed help that King
on the horse, he looked in the middle of the fray and saw Arthur gave, his men would have been cut to bits, for those
Lucan the Wine Steward being trampled beneath the on the other side were very good knights, and there were
horses’ hooves, and Girflet had stopped near him and was more of them by half. And they were not far from suffering
defending him so fiercely that Lucan found him most dreadful harm when King Ban of Benoic and his brother
worthy and praised him, for there were still fourteen men King Bors took the enemy by surprise from the forest.12
on top of him and he was fighting all alone, yet they could They were then spreading out along the edge of the forest,
not take him or drive him away despite their strength. where they did not believe they needed to be on their
When Bretel saw him in such distress, he spurred his guard against anyone. When the brother kings’ men saw
horse over to where he was and hit the first man he came to them, they let out such a loud yell that the whole forest and
so hard on his helmet that he split his head down to his riverside resounded with it, and when the enemy heard this
teeth; he struck off the second man’s arm and sent it flying they knew that they would have to suffer the brunt of a
still strapped to his shield, and then he hit [117] the third dreadful attack.
man so hard on his left shoulder that he tore it off his body. Then the rebellious barons gathered at the edge of the
And when Girflet saw that he was helping him, he struck meadow, and they worked out among themselves what they
one man so hard that he split his head open down to the could do. “I don’t know,” said King Lot, “what each one of
neck, and he fell down dead on the ground. Then Girflet you [118] will do, but I am sure of what I’ll do as long as I
took his horse and gave it to Lucan, who was very upset can find four or five men to joust against: I’ll take
about being shamed and was very eager to avenge it. vengeance for the trouble and harm that have come to me,
He then took a strong, hard lance and headed toward for I have lost everything.”
King Aguisant of Scotland, who had run down Malruc of When the King of the Hundred Knights heard what
the Rock, and with all his might he struck him so hard on King Lot said, he was very sorrowful, and he said that he
the collar of his hauberk that he sent him to the ground all would do likewise. And King Caradoc, King Neutres, Duke
in a daze. When Malruc saw that he was freed, he quickly Escant of Cambenic, and King Clarion of Northumberland
got on his horse, and ran headlong into the throng, where said the same thing.
the fighting only got more heated, and found Belias and “Now I’ll tell you,” said King Lot, "what we will do. Six
Flandrin, who were in dire straits because they were having of us should go to meet those who have come fresh from
trouble getting two of their companions onto their horses, the march through the forest, and five will stay in the
and the press was so great there that they could not do it. fighting here. Let the battle last as long as they can hold
So they fought and landed blows so hard that it was nothing out. Half of our men will go against the ones who are
short of awesome, and they both struggled until at last they coming in just now, and the other half will stay here. We
had put their two companions back on their horses. will keep fighting close to the wood, near this river, until
Elsewhere King Arthur and his men were also fighting, nightfall, so that they can’t close in on us. This way, we will
and a great hue and cry went up for the two kings they had be able to mount a better assault than we could now, for if
brought down. Knights spurred their horses in from both we took to the road and fled right now, we would lose more
sides, the ones to rescue the two kings and hamper King than if we stood our ground.”
Arthur, and the others to hamper the two kings and help All the barons agreed to do what King Lot had said.
King Arthur. There was hard fighting there in the fray, and They drew aside and then split their army in two. King Lot,
they killed and maimed one another. Nevertheless, the two the King of the Hundred Knights, King Aguisant, and Duke
kings were able to get back on their horses, but not before a Escant of Cambenic took twelve thousand men with them,
very hard struggle, for King Arthur held them pinned down and they made up six battalions with two thousand men in
and they could not throw him back. Had it not been for a each one, and they rode out at a slow gait, all drawn up
stroke of luck that befell him, they could never have got tight together, until they came to the narrow place between
him away from them for all their strength. But he the forest and the river that King Lot had told them about.
happened to run to help Kay the Seneschal and Girflet, And his was the best advice that anyone could have given
whom King Lot, King Neutres, King Brandegorre, and King them. Six barons got ready to defend them.
Urien had thrown off their horses and were trampling And the other five were locked in batde and were
dreadfully; only Lucan the Wine Steward was there to forcefully defending themselves against King Arthur’s men.
defend them, and they were so hard-pressed that they were Among the five barons who had been left behind were King
very badly off.
When King Arthur saw that they needed help, he 12Sommer provides the predicate in a note completing the
turned toward where they were and rushed into their midst sentence from the Harley manuscript (117, n. 1).
232 The Story of Merlin

Brandegorre, King Urien, King Neutres, King Clarion of And they said that they would do so. “Go with God,
Northumberland, and King Tradelmant of North Wales, and may He keep you from harm."
and they had with them seven thousand men. They all held Then King Caradoc left the others, and he avoided all
themselves a little hunched over, and they defended the battalions and went off at a slow gait right up to King
themselves very fiercely against men who were most worthy. Bors’s company. And when they were as near to each other
What a great shame that such ill will came between them as a bowman could shoot an arrow, they began running at
and King Arthur! There the hand-to-hand fighting was each other as fast as their horses could go. They broke their
dreadful, and it lasted until the hour of vespers. lances when they met, and it looked as if they might have
On the other side came King Ban, King Bors, Leonce inflicted deadly wounds on each other,14 then they drew
of Payerne, and Gratian, who led the first battalion, and their swords and began to fight with wondrous fierceness.
they rode close together at a slow gait, and they could Then King Bors went to a godson of his whose name
hardly wait to meet the enemy in combat. From another was Blaris, and entrusted his standard to him; he was a good
direction King Yder rode out against them, and when the knight and did not dare refuse. And the king said that he
two sides drew near to each other, they ran against each wanted to know how well the British could fight on
other so hard that you could have heard the blows from a horseback. Then he took a lance and rushed into their
half league away. The fighting was wondrous there and the midst so hard that the whole formadon shuddered. He
fray was dreadful, and there was a great slaughter of men struck one knight so fiercely that all his armor could not
and horses. King Yder’s men could not withstand the keep the dp and shaft of the lance from going straight
onslaught, and in the rout they were driven back into the through his body and bearing him to the ground so that he
troop of King Aguisant of Scotland, who rescued them. broke his neck and the weapon flew into bits. Then King
The fighting was hard and fearsome to behold. Bors took hold of his sword, drew it out of the scabbard,
Pharian’s battalion was charged again and again, and they and began to fight with such strength that all who saw him
would have come to a bad end if Leonce of Payerne had were amazed, and they ran out of his way when they saw
not come to help them. They joined forces and hit the him coming toward them. King Caradoc would have lost
enemy so hard that not one of them could keep his ground, everything, but the King of the Hundred Knights came to
and they drove them back into the duke of Cambenic’s his rescue with two thousand very worthy knights who were
men, [119] who helped them out very well indeed. When very skilled at bearing arms. As soon as they gathered, they
he saw the enemy coming in pursuit, he let out his batdecry held themselves to be more than King Bors’s equals, but his
and ran hard against them, and those who had been fleeing prowess surpassed that of all others, and he worked
recovered, turned about against those who were routing wonders there. On the other side, King Caradoc and the
them, and struck back, fighting without stopping until both King of the Hundred Knights matched him very well, but
sides were utterly tired out, and the fray lasted for so long they suffered a great deal of damage on each side, and the
that the blows they were trading had little effect. fighting went on for a very long time without stopping.
All at once King Bors came brandishing his lance, and [120]
his standard was indigo with little red diagonal bands edged All at once came King Ban of Benoic, who was very
in gold as finely wrought as anyone could do, and it had eager to join the fray. The standard in the hands of his
streamers that blew against him as far down as the horse’s steward had crowns of gold and indigo, with bands going
neck.13 And when King Yder saw him coming, he said, “Ah! across of green like meadow grass, and its six tails blew
my lord duke, defend yourself so that God may keep us this against Alelme the Seneschal down to his wrists and flew
day from death and harm. I see plainly that we are all in over the ears of his horse and all around its neck. And
danger of dying, for I see over there the standard of the when the barons saw King Ban’s standard, it was very plain
man who is the least willing in all the world to yield ground to them that soon they would have to fall back or die if they
for fear of being slain; moreover, he is such a good knight held out for too long; indeed, as soon as the fight began,
that all our men are like footsoldiers beside him, except his they never held their ground, and then King Lot came to
brother, whom no one can match in knightly skill, and this the fight with tears in his eyes, for he saw plainly that they
man is a very good and bold knight.” had lost everything. Then you would have seen lances
When the King of the Hundred Knights saw and heard broken on both sides, shields driven through, and the
King Yder’s speech, he asked him who it was. And he said ground shaking beneath the warhorses, and the woods
that it was King Bors of Gaunes, “and I don’t know when he resounded with the blows they traded, which could be
came to this land.” heard clearly for half a league.
“So help me God,” said King Lot, “I don’t know, but When King Ban came into the fight, the barons held
today it will be clear who is a good knight or not.” out for only a short time, and he drove them back on the
“I don’t know what each of you will do,” said King six kings15 and their companies. There was very great
Caradoc, “but I am going out to meet him. And if I need anguish and slaughter on both sides, for King Ban began to
help, please give it to me.” kill so many fighting men that they fled in all directions,
and he rode through the ranks with his sword in his hand
13The clause describes a heraldic ensign in the form of a and struck right and left, meaning to cut down the whole
pennant which has long tails (langhes) with ends (baligot) (119, 11.
6-8). Compare with the description of King Ban’s standard just
below. 14As Sommer notes (119, n. 1), his text is unclear.
15Sommer’s text has .v. (120,1. 14).
The Story of Merlin 233

company of troops. Then came King Lot, the King of the and the stream that they were almost utterly routed. There
Hundred Knights, and Marganor, and they moved against they stopped and made a stand, for they knew that if they
King Ban, and their troops rushed into the fray and became ran any farther they would all be killed.
mixed up with each other. When King Neutres and all the other kings saw this,
When the barons saw that King Ban was dealing them they drew aside together, and Marganor told them, “Hold
great harm, they were highly upset. Then the King of the out until nightfall; otherwise we are all as good as dead.”
Hundred Knights spurred his horse, his sword in his hand; And they said that was the plain truth.
he was a very good and bold knight, and he struck King Ban Thus King Ban and King Arthur, riding ahead of all
across the top of his shield with such a mighty blow that he the others, ran after them, until they came to a thundering
sent a piece of it flying to the middle of the field. When torrent, where the fleeing army had built a bridge out of
King Ban saw that, he was most distraught; then he lifted branches and logs and crossed over in droves. King Arthur
his sword in anger and raised it high to strike the King of and King Ban came to the bridge and wanted to set out
the Hundred Knights through his helmet; but the man, after them. But Merlin came to them and said, “King
who feared this blow, leaned down and hit his horse with Arthur, what are you trying to do? Isn’t it enough that you
his spurs, and King Ban struck the horse on the mail have thoroughly beaten your enemies? Go back to your
blanket that covered it and cut it all the way through, land, take your friends with you, serve them and do them
sending it to the ground all in a heap. And when the King honor as best you can. I must go away into the woods to do
of the Hundred Knights found himself on the ground, he what I must to be in the company of my master Blaise, who
sprang up at once, his sword in his grasp and his shield over is also my very dear friend.”
his head. And when King Brandegorre saw the King of the He suddenly left King Arthur and went away into the
Hundred Knights hit the ground, he ran against King Ban forest, where he found Blaise, who had been waiting and
and struck him across the shield with such a fierce blow wishing for him for a long time. And he asked him where
that he split it in two and knocked a big piece to the he had been for so long, and Merlin told him that he had
ground, and King Ban struck him back on the helmet with been with King Arthur in order to give him counsel. And
such a strong blow that he sliced through the metal band Blaise told him that he was mad not to stay there with him,
and die mail coif, right flat against the head. If his sword unless it was simply good for him to counsel the new king.
had not glanced off, he would have killed him, but he sent Then Merlin told him everything that happened since he
him sprawling to the ground. had left him, and he told how the Saxons had invaded the
After the two kings had got back up, the great fight barons’ lands and how they were fighting them. And Blaise
began against King Ban, but King Ban defended himself so put it all down in writing, and thanks to him we still know it.
well that he brought worse harm to them than they did to But now the story falls silent about Merlin and Blaise
him, and both of the other kings lost a great deal of blood, and speaks of King Arthur and the other kings who were
and both of them would have been grievously hurt, but the their companions.
general batde moved into their midst and separated them
in spite of their efforts.
Then King Arthur happened to find King Ban afoot,
8. Merlin as a Bird Catcher.1
because they had killed his horse, and he was defending
himself so fiercely that no one dared face up to him, for he
Here the story says that when King Arthur had routed the
was a large, uncommonly strong knight. [121] He rushed
six kings^ and the duke of Cambenic on Merlin’s advice,
on them right in the middle of the fray, but they gave him
just as you have heard, King Arthur started back gladly,
wide berth and let him go past, so much did they fear his
heartened that Our Lord [122] had given him victory over
blows, and there was none so bold that he waited for them
his enemies. And he made his way back to Logres, and they
to fall.
all encamped in the meadow outside and set up their tents
And when King Arthur saw him, he went to the side
and pavilions. They posted the watch and slept until
where he was, his sword in his hand smeared with the blood
daybreak.
of men and horses, for he was making awesome shows of
And when it was daylight, they heard Mass and then
fighting. And King Arthur reached one knight who was
went to eat. After they had eaten, King Arthur had all the
richly armed on a horse of great worth. He struck him
goods and other spoils of war they had taken put into a
through his helmet with such a fierce blow that he split him
heap, and the three kings divided it up among those they
down to his teeth, and he fell down dead to the ground.
knew needed it the most, more to some, less to others,
King Arthur took his horse by the rein, led him to King
according to their standing, and they gave it out to the poor
Ban, and said to him, “Here, my friend, get on. Our
knights and poor men-at-arms, and not one penny was left.
enemies are having a bad day, and soon you will see them
Then they divided up the riding horses and warhorses and
give way.”
silk cloth, and gave out everything until there was nothing
King Ban quickly got on the horse, and he and King
more to be given. Then they sent all of their knights and
Arthur rushed headlong into the enemy formation. And
men-at-arms back home, except for only forty, who were to
when they saw the great damage they were doing to their
go with them to the kingdom of Carmelide. Pharian and
fighting men, they were so amazed and bewildered that
they lost all will to fight, and they turned their backs and
ran to the woods. But there many of them were slain or 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 121-124.

wounded, and they were pressed so hard between the army ^Sommer’s text has .x. (121,1. 38).
234 The Story of Merlin

Leonce of Payeme took their armies back to their country When Ulfin heard him, he began smiling, for he knew
to protect their lands and see to it that King Claudas did right away that it was Merlin. And when the freeman saw
them no wrong. The knights who had got generous gifts Ulfin, he said to him, “Steward, take these birds and give
bought fiefdoms and holdings back in their lands, and they them to your king to eat tonight. He doesn’t have the heart
lived very honorably from them all the days of their lives. to make a rich man from a poor man who could still reward
And King Arthur stayed with the two kings at Bredigan, him well! You may be sure that today he has spoken to a
which was the chief city of Great Britain and Carmelide, man to whom wealth means very little, even though he is
and there they awaited Merlin, who was to come to them. among the greatest on earth!”
The day after King Arthur had come, and he had Then Ulfin began to laugh out loud, and he said to
eaten, there was great merry-making. The three kings went him, “Sir, if you like, I would very gladly talk with you.”
into the galleries that stood by the river in order to look at And he said that he would very willingly do so. The
the meadows and gardens. Then they looked downstream king looked at Ulfin and saw him smiling broadly, and he
and saw a huge peasant, a lowborn freeman, coming asked him why he was laughing, and he answered that he
through the meadows along the river; he carried a bow in would know in time.
his hands, and he had arrows. There were wild ducks on a And the freeman went inside dressed as he was and
brook bathing, as their nature bids them to do, and the said to Kay, “Here, my lord seneschal, now you can have
freeman strung his bow and shot one of them, breaking its these birds plucked, and may your king eat them as gladly
neck. Then he let fly another arrow and killed a mallard. as I give diem to him.”
Then he picked them both up, hung them by dieir necks “Sir,” said Ulfin, “diis is not the first gift you have given
on his belt, and went off toward the galleries where die him!”
three kings were looking out, and they had watched his At these words came Bretel, who had heard what Ulfin
shooting. had told him, and he recognized straightway that it was
When he had got within an arrow shot of the pavilions, Merlin. So he began smiling, and the king asked him why
he called King Arthur, and as he drew still nearer die king he had smiled, and he answered that he would indeed tell
asked him if he wanted to sell the birds he had killed, and him if the freeman wanted him to. And the freeman said
the freeman said, “Yes, very gladly.” diat he did. Then Ulfin said to the king, “Sir, don’t you
“And how much are they worth to you?” asked the know your friend Merlin? And wasn’t he to talk to you
king, and he did not answer a word. today just like this freeman?”
The freeman had great cowhide shoes on his feet and “Yes,” said the king. “Why do you say diis?”
was dressed in a tunic and coat of burlap and a cape, and “Sir,” said Ulfin, “I say it because you do not know him
around his waist was a knotted sheepskin belt. He was big so well as I would like. You can see people two or three
and tall, black, and hairy, and he looked ruthless and evil, times and not recognize them, and I am amazed!”
and he said, “I do not respect a king who loves his treasure When the king heard Ulfin, he was so bewildered that
too much and brings sorrow. Curses on a woebegone king he did not know what to say, except to entreat him to tell
who does not make a poor man wealthy when he can! I’ll him who the freeman was if he knew. “Sir,” said Ulfin,
give you the birds,” he said, “for I have nothing else that is “don’t you know Merlin?”
worth anything, as you can see. You don’t have the heart to “Of course Ido,” said the king.
give a third of your wealdi, which, in any case, will rot in the ‘Then look closely at this good man,” said Ulfin, “and
ground before you can dig it up! You can be sure that this see if you have ever laid eyes on him. But he can well say to
weakens your honor and glory.” you that he has wasted his time serving you, for this is
When King Arthur heard the freeman’s speech, he Merlin who has served you and loved you and helped you as
looked at the other two kings and said to them,, “What much as he could against all those who wished you ill.”
devils have told this freeman that I have buried treasure?” And King Arthur crossed himself, and the other two
Then King Ban called the freeman over and asked him kings were greatly astounded, and they asked him, “Merlin,
who had told him that. He answered not a word, but told is this you then? We never saw you in such garb!”
King Arthur to have someone take the birds and he would And he answered that it might well be so.
go away. “My dear lords,” said Ulfin, “don’t be astonished. He
“Now [123] tell us,” said King Ban, “for the sake of will surely show you tire likeness he had when you saw him
your soul, who told you that the king had buried treasure?” the first time.”
And the freeman answered, “A wildman named Merlin And they said diat they would like that.
told me, and he said that he would come today to talk to “Now come into this room,” said Ulfin, and they went
the king.” in with him. And Ulfin said, “Dear lords, don’t be
While they were talking, Ulfin came out of a room and bewildered by die things Merlin does. He’ll show you many
went straight to where the king was pleading with the likenesses. Whenever he wants to he changes himself by the
freeman. powers of the art of necromancy, which he is full of.”
“Say, now,” said the king, ‘how could I ever believe that And Guinebal, who was there, bore witness to die fact.
you have spoken with Merlin?” And then Ulfin said that Merlin changed shape because
“If you want to,” said the freeman, “believe me; if you there were many people in the country who wanted him
don’t want to, don’t believe me! I have got nothing from dead. “Now let’s all go [124] to him and see him in his true
you, so let’s say we’re even.” likeness.”
The Story of Merlin 235

And they went out and found Merlin in the hall in his they have besieged die casde of Vambieres. This is why we
true likeness. Then they ran to him and showed him that must quickly decide how they might be thrown out of the
they were glad to see him because they loved him, and they country. You know very well that we have lost in our march
began to laugh at the way he had looked and die words he against King Arthur. We do not look for any help from him
had spoken to the king. Then King Arthur said to Merlin, or his lands, any more dian we do from King Leodagan of
“Now I am certain that you love me, for you willingly gave Carmelide, who would very gladly help us if he could, but
me your birds, and I will eat them for love of you!” King Rion, who is so strong, has been fighting a war against
And Merlin said that he would like that very much. him for two years. We do not hope for help from King
So they stayed together, gladdened and finding solace Pelles of Listenois, for he is watching over his brother
in their companionship, until mid-Lent. And it happened Pellinor, who lies stricken with a sickness he will never be
that King Arthur, following Merlin’s advice, became friends cured of until the one comes there who will put an end to
with a maiden, the most beautiful ever bom. Her name was die adventures of the Holy Grail. Nor do we look for any
Lisanor, and she was the daughter of Earl Sevain, and she help from King Alan, who lies ill, before the best knight in
was bom at the casde called Quimper-Corentin. die world comes to him and asks him where his sickness
This maiden came to swear fealty to King Ardiur, and came from and what die Grail is diat he is served from.
other barons came with her, because they feared that he “So we cannot decide what to do by ourselves unless
might take their lands away, so they came to him of their Our Lord in His mercy helps us. What we need very much
own free will. And as soon as King Ardiur saw die maiden, to do is to look to ourselves and see what we can do. You
he liked her very much, and, thanks to Merlin, he could at can be sure that the damage that was our lot when we
last talk to her alone, and they lay togedier all night. There fought against King Ardiur happened because of Merlin’s
Loholt was conceived: he was later a good knight and a sway, for he went to get King Ban of Benoic and his brodier
companion of the Round Table. When it was mid-Lent, the King Bors, who are die best knights in the world, and they
king took leave of the young lady and got ready to go into have become King Arthur’s liegemen. And you should
the kingdom of Carmelide along with a body of forty know that as long as Merlin is against us, we can never hold
knights. out against King Arthur; no one, no matter how strong or
But the story does not tell any more about diem right clever he is, can make himself safe against him, for he
here, but it goes back to speaking about the six3 kings who knows all diings that are to come and diat are done, said,
had been driven from the field of batde, and we will tell and past.
what became of them and where they went.4 “This is why it behooves us to take care of our lands by
ourselves and to see how we might strengthen diem against
diose headien enemies.”
And when he had said this, he sat back down, and it
9. Rebels’ Defenses Against the Saxons.1
was a very long time before any of the barons uttered a
single word.
Here the story says that the barons were sorely distressed by
Then King Tradelmant of North Wales rose and said,
their loss. They rode all night bewailing their losses and die
like the wise man he was, “My lords, the best advice I can
harm that had come to them, and they suffered from
give you is that we should go fortify die lands bordering the
hunger and cold. The next day they came to a city called
country where the Saxons are coming from. Let us send
Sorhaut, which belonged to King Urien, and he welcomed
diere as many of our knights as we can gather, and we will
them most joyfully. They rested and took dieir ease, which
guard the roads and tracks so diat no supplies or any kind
they very much needed to do, and die sick and wounded
of help can reach diem. In the meantime, let us summon
stayed there undl they were brought back to health. But
our friends, kinsmen, and men-at-arms from every land,
they had been there only three days when messengers came
and we will fight them as soon as we are all gadiered
from Cornwall and Orkney telling their lords about the
together. I don’t see any other way to break the siege.”
damage and destrucdon the Saxons were wreaking in dieir
When the barons heard King Tradelmant’s speech,
lands; they had laid siege to the castle of Vambieres, and
they found it praiseworthy, and diey agreed to do what he
they had settled so many of their own people in the
had advised. Then diey asked which border lands they
countryside that they would never be driven out of the
should fortify. And he told them diat as many men as [126]
land. diey had left would go to die city of Wissant and to Nantes,2
When the barons heard this news, none was so bold
which is a great, strong city, but diey would send the first
that his flesh did not crawl from fear. They spent two weeks
ones they could bring togedier to the city of Garles, which
there in all. [125] was not to be forgotten. “And if we can dishearten them
After one week, diey all gathered in King Urien’s great
and starve die besiegers, dien we will win wealth and land.”
hall, and King Brandegorre said to them, “My lords, you
And King Lot stood up and said to diem, “Certainly,
have heard that the Saxons have invaded your lands. They
my lords, I do not see how we can fortify the border lands
have plundered and laid waste a great part of them, and
dirough which they come and go unless we take into
account King Arthur and die help he gets from die two
^Sommer’s text has .*. (124,1. 18).
4Sommer’s text summarizes ou il deuindrent (124, 1. 19): 2Sommer’s text has natanc (126,1.1), which is later corrected
“where they became.” to nantes en bertaigne (127, 1. 1).
* Corresponds to Sommer, 124-128.
236 The Story of Merlin

kings and Merlin, who knows so much about what we do diousand, on foot and on horseback, not counting the
and say.” burghers, who could have been as many as five thousand.
And the King of the Hundred Knights got up and said, They guarded the border land around them so well
“My dear lords, King Lot says that he is afraid of King diat hardly any supplies got through to the Saxons, and
Arthur and those who help him running up and down the diey very often fought the Saxons in batdes where they lost
countryside, but we don’t have to fear them! Yesterday a more than they won, for King Neutres was a very good
messenger came to me and said that King Arthur, King knight, bold and resourceful. And he had by his wife a son
Ban, and King Bors were getting ready to go into the who was sixteen years old, and he was wondrously
kingdom of Carmelide to help King Leodagan against King handsome. King Neutres’s wife was the half-sister of King
Rion who is waging war against him. They are going to fight Arthur, from his mother Ygraine, who had been daughter
under King Leodagan’s command, and you can be sure of Duke Hoel of Tintagel, and her name was Blasine. By her
that they are doing this at Merlin’s behest. They have well King Neutres had a son who was later a companion of the
fortified the strongholds throughout his land, and they are Round Table; his true name was Galescalain, and he later
aware of the great trouble that has overcome us, which is became Duke of Clarence, which King Arthur granted him
why they are going off all the more boldly. If King Arthur after marrying Guenevere, his wife.
weren’t leaving, I would advise making peace between us That Galescalain I am telling you about heard the news
and him so that he might strengthen our numbers to help diat King Neutres had fought against his uncle, King
us drive the Saxons out, for they will never be thrown out Ardiur, and he had heard about the great worth that was in
unless God sees to it. And we must yet take a very strong King Ardiur. So he came to his mother and said to her,
castle the Saxons have in this land which they call Saxon “Dear mother, weren’t you the daughter of the Duke of
Rock: its lady is a maiden who is very courtly, and she is the Tintagel and Queen Ygraine? Her second husband was
sister of King Hargadabran, who will surely help them out if King Uther Pendragon, who fathered on her, as I have
we don’t take the casde quickly.” heard it told, his offspring whose name is King Ardiur. He
When the barons heard that King Arthur was going is so wordiy and such a good knight diat he routed eleven
away and leaving his kingdom, they thought long and hard princes with just a few men, as I have heard it told. For
about why this was, but the only reason they were able to God’s sake, tell me the truth! Is he the son of Uther
think of was that it could only be because of Merlin. At last Pendragon, who was in his time die worthiest knight in die
they agreed to fortify the border lands of Galone and Gorre world?”
and the ones near Cornwall and Orkney. Then they sent for When the modier heard her son talking to her in diis
all their men who could bear arms and as many men-at- way, her eyes began to fill widi tears, and she spoke, all the
arms from other countries as they could gather, and all who while weeping because her heart was breaking for the
were eager for the spoils of war drew together little by little. brother whom her son had brought to mind. “Dear, son,”
But not a single one came from the lands belonging to she said, “you can be certain diat he is my brodier and your
King Arthur and those who held them from him; they did uncle, and he is your fadier’s close kinsman on King Uther
not want their wealth, for their lord had given them very Pendragon’s side, as I have heard my modier say many
much of his own and promised them still more. [127] times. The barons of this country did not want to accept
The very first city the barons fortified was Nantes in him as their king, but Our Lord, who is so gentle and
Brittany, near Cornwall, because it was in the land where noble-hearted, showed in a miracle diat he had chosen
the Saxons had come to dwell. King Yder went there with him.”
three thousand men, all fitted out with iron armor, who Then she told him the adventure of the stone that had
had got away from the rout. And when King Yder came appeared widi die sword, and she told him everydiing as it
there, the people in the castle were very glad, for they had had happened. When Galescalain heard his mother’s
been quite frightened by the Saxons, who were words, [128] he said that he bore no good will toward any
overrunning the country. And King Yder recruited so many who were against King Arthur. “And may God never let me
men that he had eight thousand or more following his die,” he said, “before King Arthur has made me a knight.
standard, and they kept watch very well all around the And it is a fact diat, if I can do so well that he should be
countryside. They often fought with the Saxons, and they willing to gird my sword on me, I will never leave him as
won a great deal. Their fame even reached the army of die long as I live, provided he wants to keep me as his
Saxons, who did not dare ride out where they were widiout companion.”
a great company of men. Then he left his modier and went into a room to diink
The other city which they sent out to fortify was called about what he might do to get to King Arthur, and he
Wissant. King Neutres of Garlot went there, and he took decided to send word to his cousin Gawainet asking him to
with him three thousand men of those who had come come speak to him at New Castle in Broceliande3 and
through the rout with him. When he got diere, die people telling him to come as secredy as he could and take care to
welcomed him joyfully, for they had been gready distressed be there widiout fail on the third day after Easter. Then
by the great army of Saxons whom they had seen ride by in Galescalain left the room, went to find a messenger, and
front of the city, taking away with them die plunder diey
had won thereabouts, for diey had burned and laid waste
3In Sommer’s text, la noeve ferte de borcelxande (128,1. 7; cf. 133,
all the cities. And as soon as King Neutres got diere, he 1. 28): “the new stronghold of die Forest of Broceliande.” Sommer
stocked the city well with foodstuffs; dien he called in men- translates as “the New Ford” (133, marginal summary).
at-arms, freemen as well as serfs, undl he had over eight
The Story of Merlin 237

sent him to his cousin Gawainet to tell him what you have It happened that the barons had agreed to set a day
just heard. when they would come to court, conferring together at
But now the story falls silent about him right here, and Black Cross. And the night before he was to leave in the
we will tell you about the kings who stayed behind at morning, King Lot told his household, as quietly as he
Sorhaut. could, to saddle their horses at midnight and to get their
arms ready. They did as they were bidden, keeping what
they did under wraps as best they could; the king did not

10. King Lot’s Young Sons; Mordred’s even speak to his wife about it, but got up as quiedy as he
could at midnight so that she never knew what was
Parentage.1 happening. So the king went off to Black Cross, and his wife
stayed behind all alone in her bed.
Here the story says that after King Neutres had left the And Arthur, who had noticed that the king had gone
barons at Sorhaut, just as you have heard, King Lot took2 away, got up and went to the lady’s bed and lay down with
three thousand fighting men who had survived the battle in her. And after he had got in bed with her, he turned his
which he had been routed, and came straight to the city of back to her, for he did not dare do anything else. And it so
Orkney, where he was welcomed very joyfully, for everyone happened that the lady awoke and, still half asleep, turned
had been afraid of the Saxons, who had the run of the toward him, for she truly thought that he was her husband,
countryside and were burning the towns. And King Lot sent and she put her arms around him. When Arthur saw that
orders to as many as he could muster and raised an army she had embraced him, he understood that she had not
more than ten thousand strong, with foot soldiers and noticed who he was, so he put his arms around her and lay
knights, not counting the burghers, of whom there were a with her fully, and the lady gave him much pleasure, and
good four thousand. So King Lot was able to protect the she did it willingly, for she thought that he was her
city and the countryside all about, and he very often fought husband. And this is how Mordred was conceived.
the Saxons when he got word that they had come on raids, And when Arthur had done to the lady what gave him
and the poor, young knights won a great deal in spoils; they such great delight, he did not have to wait a very long time
needed it sorely, and he let them keep everything they before she went back to sleep. He went back to his own bed
took. This is why his fame spread far and wide and his very quiedy, so that no one realized what he had done until
honor grew. die next day, when he happened to tell it himself when he
It is also true that his wife was one of King Arthur’s was serving the noonday meal, cutUng meat on his knees.
half-sisters, his mother’s daughter. This lady gave birth to And die lady happened to say to him, “Get up, my dear
Gawainet, Agravain, Guerrehet, and Gaheriet, who were all young man; you have knelt long enough.”
King Lot’s sons. Furthermore, she also bore Mordred, who And he told her in a low voice that he could never
was the offspring whom King Arthur fadiered. And I will deserve the good things she had done for him, and she
tell you how, for the history will be more worthwhile if I asked him what that was all about. He told her that he
make you understand how Mordred was sired by him, for would not say unless she swore to him that she would not
many people would find King Arthur less worthy because of tell anyone or try to find a way to cast blame on him or do
it if they did not know the truth. anydiing harmful to him. She answered that no harm could
As it happened, when the barons of die kingdom of come to her from diat, and she very willingly swore to what
Logres were gathered at Carduel to choose a king after die he asked, for she had no reason to worry. And he told her
death of Uther Pendragon, King Lot brought his wife with how he had lain widi her die night before, and die lady was
him, and many other barons had brought theirs as well. deeply ashamed and blushed, but no one knew what their
King Lot happened to have a very beautiful hall for himself secret was. So that is how Ardiur lay with his sister, and it
and his household. An tor, his son Kay, and Arthur had a never happened again, but die lady knew diat she was with
part of that very same house off by themselves, as far from child by him.
the others as they could get. But when King Lot learned When it was time for the child to be bora, the news
that An tor was a knight, he asked him to eat widi him, and had spread through die country that the one who was
he had him sit at his own table with his son Kay, who was Udier Pendragon’s son would be king. And in her heart die
newly knighted. And King Lot had a room made up where lady loved him better for it dian anyone could ever say, but
he slept with his wife, while Antor slept in the hall with his she did not dare show it because of her husband King Lot,
son Kay. Arthur had set up his bed [129] in a comer near and the war between King Ardiur and those of her country
the door to King Lot’s room, for squires should sleep away sorely distressed her.
from knights. One day it happened that Gawainet came home from
Arthur was a very handsome lad, and he was very the hunt. He was finely dressed in a homespun robe that
clever. He had noticed everything about the lady. He had was lined with ermine, and he was holding onto three
seen that she was beautiful and plump; he strongly desired greyhounds by the leash, and he was leading two hunting
her in his heart and loved her for it. But the lady did not dogs behind him. Everything he did suited him very well,
heed this, for she was very faithful to her husband. for he was the most handsome and best-shaped man for his
size that anyone had ever seen. When he got up in the
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 128-131. morning, he had die strengdi of the best knight in the
2Sommer's text has sen ala a xme cite a (128, 11. 14—15): “went world; by the time the hour of prime came, [130] it had
to a city with/that had. ’’ grown twofold; at tierce, the same diing. At midday, he
238 The Story of Merlin

went back to the strength he had at first, and at nones and trouble, [131] just like die bird caught in a trap.3 The
all the nighttime hours, he always still had his first strengdi. Saxons, who have laid waste the whole country, are a day’s
When Gawainet went into the hall, looking just as I ride away from here, and diere is no army hereabouts and
have told you, his mother was lying down in a room by a no way to drive them out except by the knighdy valor of
hearth where there was a great roaring fire. When the lady King Arthur. So let’s go and ask him to give us our arms,
saw Gawainet, who was a big, handsome lad, and it was high and we will help him defend his land against his enemies.
time for him to be knighted, she began to weep. The lad This is die best thing I see for us to do, and here die game
was very sorry for her, so he asked her what was wrong. And is so rich that we can win nothing.”4
she answered, “Dear, sweet son, I am right to weep, for I see When Gawainet heard his brother’s speech, he
you and your brothers w’aste time doing foolish things, diought him all the more worthy, and he praised him and
when you should already be knights at King Arthur’s court. told him that he would do just that. “Now all there is to do
He is your uncle and the best knight in the world, they say, is get ready, for we’ll leave within the next two weeks.”
and you should serve him and work for peace between him When their mother saw what they were undertaking,
and your father. What a great shame it is for there to be she was most glad, and she told them not to worry about
such hatred between those two and between him and the anything, for she would fit diem out with horses and armor,
other barons who should be serving him and loving him. In and they were very happy.
their pride they do not deign to recognize him as their But here the story falls silent for a while about them
overlord, and it certainly seems that Our Lord is grieved by and their mother, and we will tell you about die kings who
it because they have lost more in the warfare than they have had stayed behind at Sorhaut.
won. Furthermore, the Saxons have invaded diis country.
They will utterly destroy us if God does not show us a way
out, and we will not have help from tire man who could
11. Young Sagremor; Dispersal of the
drive them out, that is, King Arthur, who will have a hard
time loving your father and the other barons! And you and
Routed Rebel Leaders.1
your brothers are much to blame, for right now you should
be working for peace between your uncle and your father, In diis part the story says that the three kings had left
so that they might be good friends, but all you do every day Sorhaut to fortify strongholds, just as you have heard. King
is play around with these greyhounds! You are wasting your Clarion left after they did and came to Belande, one of his
time and your youth, and I tell you that you ought to be cides, and he took three thousand knights with him. After
ashamed of yourselves!” diat the King of die Hundred Knights left and took three
When Gawainet heard his modier, he said to her, thousand armed men with him and went off to the city of
“Lady, are you telling me the truth? This King Arthur who Malehaut, where there was a noble lady. This city bordered
is so worthy, is he your brother and my uncle?” on his land, but he with drew there because it was closer to
“Dear son,” she said, “there is no doubt about it. He die way die Saxons were coming in: this is what die barons
truly is your uncle.” begged him to do. He did for them what they wanted, and
Then she told him from beginning to end how it had he protected the border land around them very well.
all happened. And when Gawainet had heard it, he said After him King Tradelmant left the city of Sorhaut,
very courteously, “Dear mother, now don’t you worry. By and he went off to his stronghold, North Wales,2 with diree
the faith I owe you, I will never wear a sword at my waist or thousand men outfitted with armor, and his liegemen were
a helmet laced on my head before King Arthur girds me very glad to welcome him, because they were along the way
with arms, if he finds me worthy of being a knight. And we to Saxon Rock, which had done them great harm.
will go to court and help him defend his land against all And after him King Brandegorre left with three
those who would do him harm.” thousand armed men and went straight to Estrangorre, his
“Dear son,” said the lady, “I will not keep you from main stronghold, because it was close to Saxon Rock. He
that, for I would be very glad to see the day when you could called in knights and men-at-arms from far and wide until
do that. And may Our Lord grant that your father and your he had gadiered together a great many of them. This King
uncle also become friends.” Brandegorre had a wife, a very noble woman, who was the
“Lady,” said Gawainet, “Let it be for now. You can be
sure that I will never come back into my father’s house, s Agravain *
s wording is nous . . . serons pns ausi comme U oisiaus
once I have left to go to King Ardrur’s court, until he and au brai (130,1. 43-131, 1. 1): “we’ll be caught like the bird in glue.”
my father have come to terms widi each other, even if I The use of glue was a common means of trapping small birds. The
should have to go against my own father.” reference to a bird caught in a trap is proverbial: A tart crie li oisiaus
quand il est pris (‘The bird cries out too late when it is already
While he and his modrer were talking, his diree
caught”). See Joseph Morawski, Proverbes franfais anterieurs au XVe
brothers came in and saw that their mother was weeping. siecle (Paris: Champion, 1925), no. 147.
And Agravain said to Gawainet, when he found out why,
4 Another indication of Agravain’s tendency to use proverbial
“You are more to blame than the rest of us, for you are die language. Cf. Morawski, no. 646: Endementres que U geus est biaux le
eldest, and you should have taken us to serve the one who fait bon laissier (“While the game is rich, it is well to leave it”).

makes all those around him better dian they were before. 'Corresponds to Sommer, 131-133.
Here we do nothing but waste our time in foolishness, and 2In Sommer’s text, treated as the name of his city (131,1. 21).
we are not looking ahead to a time when we’ll be in See also 160,11. 32-33.
The Story of Merlin 239

daughter of Hadrian,3 emperor of Constantinople. This Aguisant and the other princes won and lost many dmes
lady had formerly had a husband who was king of Vlask4 diere, but they held out for a very long time.
and Hungary, but he died only five [132] years after he had And after the kings, the Duke of Cambenic left
wed the lady and left a son, the most handsome child ever Sorhaut with four thousand armed men, on [133] foot and
to be bom of a man. This lad was handsome, worthy, and on horseback. He made his way until at last he got to
intelligent, and he was at the age when he should become a Cambenic, his stronghold, which was wealdiy and well
knight. People called him Sagremor. Afterwards he did stocked with all kinds of goods. There were a good four
many highly worthy deeds in the kingdom of Logres, which diousand of his men in the city, and they were very glad
the story will tell you about farther on. Now I will tell you when they saw their lord. And the duke sent far and wide
what happened to this Sagremor. for fighting men, and he got at least eight thousand, not
Renown, who runs everywhere, went throughout the counting those who were garrisoned in the city. So the
land and countryside, and people talked about no one but duke lived very well indeed.
King Arthur and his openhandedness. And the stories And so, just as you have heard, the eleven leaders left
spread as far as Constantinople, so that Sagremor heard and fought many times against the Saxons. The countryside
about him. He was no more than fifteen years old, and he grew ever poorer, for no wheat had been harvested for five
was the most handsome boy in the world, strong of limb years, and there was none anywhere except that which the
and trim of body. When he had heard the news about King Saxons and Christians took from each other, unless by
Arthur, he yearned for the time when he would be made a chance a merchant ship came; and this is how they got
knight by his hand. And he often said to himself that only through it all.
the very worthiest of men could be given the order of And the Saxons overran King Arthur’s land, and they
knighthood. His grandfather, King Hadrian, who was dien inflicted great damage until God sent help there in the
still alive, wanted him to become a knight,5 for he was the form of handsome, noble, young men. I will tell you who
next male heir who would hold die empire after his deadi, they were who held King Arthur’s land until he came back
but he told him that he would never be a knight until King from the kingdom of Carmelide. And the barons, as well as
Arthur made him one with his own hand. They talked the Saxons, lost a great deal more than King Arthur, but
about it from day to day undl at last King Hadrian had his the barons were angry with the king because he did not
baggage made ready and sent him very richly off to Britain. defend his land himself.
But here we will stop talking about him for a while, But now the story falls silent for a while about them all,
undl it is the right time, and we will tell about the kings and it comes back to Galescalain, son of King Neutres of
who left Sorhaut to protect the border lands. Garlot.
Here the story says that, after King Brandegorre had
left Sorhaut, King Caradoc had his baggage made ready
and left Sorhaut with diree thousand armored men, and he
12. Young Galescalain and King Lot’s Sons;
went straight to Estrangort,6 his main stronghold, and very
boldly set up garrisons there, for he was a worthy, fearless
Battle with the Saxons.1
fighter. After him left King Aguisant of Scotland, and he
was richer in lands than any other king in those parts, and Now the story says that when Galescalain had learned the

he was the youngest, but he knew less about fighting than news about King Arthur, just as the story has spelled it out,

the others. He went off to Corentes in Scodand, which was he sent a messenger to his cousin Gawainet telling him to

a very great and wealthy city, and it was very much bothered come confer with him as secretly as he could and to bring

by the Saxons, for they often went back through that his brothers with him; he should take care to be there the

neighborhood; it was only twenty Scottish leagues from third day after Easter. And the messenger made his way for

there to the casde of Vambieres, where diere were so many long days at a time until he came to Wales, in the border

laying siege that the fighting men who gadiered diere every land of Orkney, and at last he found the means to talk to
Gawainet and his brothers and to tell diem that Galescalain
day were beyond coundng.
As soon as King Aguisant had set himself up in die city had sent for them.

of Corentes, the burghers, of whom there were five When they heard the messenger’s speech, they were

thousand, were very glad. And he sent throughout die land very glad indeed, and they said that they would be there

for knights, mounted men-at-arms, and footsoldiers to without fail, for they were well aware that he would not

come defend the stronghold, and about ten thousand, not send for them unless diey were needed. So they gave the

coundng the burghers, gadiered diere. They fought die messenger a good horse, and he made his way back to

Saxons who ran up and down the countryside, and King Galescalain and told him die answer of his four first cousins
on his modier’s side. And he equipped himself and, the day
after Easter, went straight to New Casde in Broceliande.2
3Sommer’s text has audeans here (131, 1. 27) and andeaus
When he got diere, Gawainet and his brothers had not
elsewhere (132,1. 15).
yet come. So he waited for diem, and when he did see diem
4Sommer’s text has blasque (131,1. 28).
coming, he greeted diem heartily. And Gawainet said to
5The clause is not in Sommer’s text (132, 1. 13). Supplied
him, “Dear cousin Galescalain, you sent a messenger to ask
from the Harley manuscript, as quoted in his n. 2.
®Not to be confused with Estrangorre, the city belonging to
King Brandegorre (131,1. 24; etc.), or the birthplace of Goswain of 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 133-137.
Estrangot (153,1. 39). 2See above, ch. 9, n. 3.
240 The Story of Merlin

my brothers and me to come confer with you. But I want still young and unhardened against discomfort. They were
you to know that, if I hadn’t wanted to ask your leave, I fully armed and wore iron helmets on their heads like foot
would have gone to a place where I have much to do; I soldiers, and they had their swords hanging from their
yearn for nothing more than to be there.” saddle horns, for the countryside was unsafe because of the
“Sir,” said Galescalain, “where do you need to go?” Saxons who rode about plundering to get food, which was
‘You should know,” said Gawainet, “that I am on my plentiful at that time, and it was a great shame to see such a
way to see the embodiment of all worthiness, all [134] rich land destroyed so wrongfully. [135]
wondrous things, all noble generosity in the world; I have On the third day they had been riding, just as you have
never heard more good things said about anyone else.” heard, they met King Leodebron, King Senigran, King
‘Tor God’s sake,” said Galescalain, “who is this then? Maldalet, and King Servagat of the Land of the Irish, who
God grant that it be the one for whom I have asked you to had laid waste the countryside, and they were bringing back
come.” much booty and plenty of food, enough so that the army
“In truth,” said Gawainet, “his name should not be would be well stocked with bread, wine, and meat for a long
hidden, but declared before all worthy men. His name is time to come, for they had stripped the countryside and the
King Arthur, and he is our uncle and yours. But all the ports where ships came to dock, and there was so much
barons of this land have done him wrong by fighting him, food diat five hundred pack horses and seven hundred
yet they are the ones who should most love him and hold carts were all loaded with it, and the train was so long and
him dear. As God is my witness,” he went on, “I will never die dust they raised wherever they went was so amazing that
have a sword at my side before he girds it on me himself.” one man could not tell who another was without looking
When Galescalain heard him, he had never been into his face. And the fire and smoke were so thick
happier. He ran to him with open arms, and he showed diroughout the countryside that people a half day’s ride
him as much joy as if the whole world belonged to him. He away could see that a fire was burning.
said to him that he had sent for him for no other reason! When the youths had got close to the train, diey could
And he told him word for word how his mother had hear die common folk weeping and wailing because of the
encouraged him, and Gawainet told him in return what his harm the Saxons had done diem. And there were fully ten
own mother had said to him. Then they made their plan to thousand Saxons on horseback, not coundng those on foot,
set out together within two weeks’ time. who ran up and down setting fire to all the towns and
And they all hurried back home to get their armor and mistreadng everyone.
horses ready, as was fitting for young men who were the When the youths saw the sorrow and bereavement,
sons of kings. Why should I say any more about it? they asked the peasants, who they saw were very frightened,
Galescalain worked until he had mustered two hundred of where King Arthur was. And diey said that he had gone off
the best-armed knights and squires he could have chosen to to die kingdom of Carmelide in mid-Lent, and he had
his liking, and he left without his father knowing anything fortified die border lands and die strongholds in his own
about it, and they rode, taking die most out-of-the-way land so that no one could harm diem. “But the Saxons are
roads they knew, until they came to New Castle in so distressed by the hindrances diat they have laid waste the
Broceliande. Galescalain stayed there undl Gawainet and whole country, as you can see.”
his brothers came. And they had been able to muster five When the youdis heard that the king was away, they
hundred men on horseback, knights and squires, who were said diat diey would fight die Saxons for his land and the
all sons of earls and knights. But they had only nine plunder diat they were taking off, and they would keep die
knights, and of the men Galescalain had brought, there country undl the king had come back. When die peasants
were only twenty. heard diem saying diese things, they asked them who they
When they came together, they greeted each odier were, and they told them, and when they heard who they
very joyfully, then they talked about where they would go. were, they were very glad to know them; they truly thought
They agreed to go to Logres in Britain, King Arthur’s chief that King Arthur would win back his lands dianks to diem
city, “and we will hear news there sooner dian anywhere and, dirough the sons who had come there out of noble
else, and we can avoid the Saxons who are about in the generosity, he would have back die love of the fadiers.
countryside, for if we met them, we would suffer great Then the peasants joined them. And as soon as the
harm.” youths saw the great harm the Saxons were doing
It was at the beginning of May, in the springdme when diroughout die country, dieir hearts grew heavy, and diey
the birds sing clear and sweet and all things are kindled cried out, ‘To arms now, noble squires! We’ll soon see who
with joy, when the woods and gardens are in bloom and the is wordiy, for we are fighdng for what belongs to us. We
meadows turn green again with new grass shoots and all must defend our rights against all who lay waste what is ours
kinds of sweet-smelling flowers among them, when smooth and plunder it.”
waters again flow in their beds and newly-awakened love Right away the squires ran to put dieir armor on. They
gladdens youths and maidens whose hearts are made merry got on their horses and lined up by rows and then squeezed
and gay by the sweetness of this time of renewal. Then it tight together, just as die knights showed them to do. There
happened that Gawainet, Agravain, Guerrehet, Gaheriet, were about eighty3 who were good, faithful knights, and the
Galescalain, and those who had come with diem got up peasants who had come along numbered more than five
early because the weather would be very hot at midday and
they wanted to ride during the morning when it was 4
Previously, Sommer’s text gives the total number of knights
wondrously cool and calm and the air was soft. They were as 29 (134,1.22).
The Story of Merlin 241

hundred, on horseback and on foot, and diey went off farther away from him, he swore to God and His Mother
together like a flock of starlings. that he would not fail, in woods or on the plain, to avenge
The first thing they did was fall on the foodstuffs the his brother. So he spurred his horse to a full speed and ran
Saxons were having driven back to their army, and there after Guinebal until he had left his own men behind him
were more than three thousand who were to lead the train. farther than a crossbow could shoot, and he caught up with
And the story says that it was well after midday, and it was so him in a convoy of Saxons. Gaheriet hit him so hard right
hot and the dust had been raised so high that the men on his helmet that he knocked off a big piece of it and sent
could not see each other a stone’s throw away. And as soon him slumping over his horse’s neck; then he sliced between
as the youths saw their enemies, they ran their horses over his body and his shield right through the shield’s straps and
them; they hit, struck down, and wounded as many as they cut his arm off, sending it flying to the middle of the field.
reached, so that none might get away from them. That day And when Guinebal saw that he was so dreadfully wounded,
Gawainet killed more of them than all the odiers, and he he fell to the ground in a faint.
and his horse were all covered with blood. He wielded an Then Gaheriet twisted his head out of his helmet, for
axe, and right away, any man he went after could do he was very [137] glad to have avenged his brother, and he
nothing to avoid [136] being split open down to his bowels. prepared to go back, but die Saxons who saw him strike the
And his brothers fought so well that none dared face up to blow would not allow it. King Guinebal shouted, “Now at
them. And Galescalain was always with Gawainet, and he him!” And straightway hundreds and then thousands of
fought wonderfully; he killed or struck down all he met in diem broke dieir formadon and closed in around him on
his path, and no one got away from him without having a all sides, and they struck at him with lances and brought
foot or a hand or a leg or his head or some other part of him and his horse down in a heap. Gaheriet sprang to his
the body cut off. But above them all, it was awesome to see feet after the lances had been broken, for he was very
the death and destrucdon that Gawainet meted out, for no strong and he still had his wind, and he defended himself
iron or steel or man’s body, no matter how strong, could fiercely. None of the Saxons was so bold as to dare face up
withstand his blows. to him or take him, but diey stood back and direw lances,
They fought so long up and down the train that of the spears, and sharp knives at him undl diey had brought him
three thousand who were taking the plunder back toward to his knees two or three times.
the army, barely twenty got away. Ten of these fugitives He was close to being killed or taken prisoner when a
turned back toward their cavalry, which was following squire who had seen him run after the Saxon shouted to
behind. There were more than eight thousand of them, but Gawainet, “What are you doing here? You will soon lose
they were not well armed, for they had had the squires pack your brother Gaheriet unless you help him right away! He
their armor away because of the heat that was bothering had given chase to a Saxon and he caught him in that
them. And the ten runaways came in and shouted to them valley, where that fighting is, and they have brought him
that everyone taking the plunder had been killed. down and killed his horse. What a shame it would be to lose
When the Saxons heard that they had lost their him like that!"
plunder, those who had arms ran to get them. They put on When Gawainet heard him, he said, “Ah! Lady Mary,
their armor and made themselves ready as best they could. Holy Virgin, maiden Mother of Jesus Christ, please don’t let
But a good third of them could not get to their armor, my brother be lost to me! I would never again have joy in
because their squires had gone off with the wagon train my heart if I lost him.” Then he shouted to his companions
which the youths had taken, and they were having it taken to follow him. “Now we’ll see who loves me!”
back to Logres, driven by the very peasants who had joined “Dear cousin,” said Galescalain, “why do you go on
them. Then the youths had followed the runaways and at preaching? When there is such need, we shouldn’t wait!
last stormed them headlong. There they fought a fierce Ride out fast, for I am afraid that diey may kill him before
battle, harsh and wicked, that was a wonder to see and you can get to him!”
hear! There Gawainet killed King Thoas of Ireland, striking Then the youdis broke out of their formation all
him hard with his axe, which he held two-handed, right togedier and rode off as fast as their horses could carry
through the helmet and splitting him down to his teeth. diem. Gawainet ran ahead of diem and took his axe in both
And Galescalain struck King Segrain so hard that he sent hands, just as he had done in die slaughter before, when
his head flying to the middle of the field. And Agravain die whole field was covered with gore, and he looked undl
rushed into the midst of the fray and began striking left and he had found Gaheriet lying sprawled on he ground. The
right. And Gaheriet had run after Guinebal an arrow shot Saxons had knocked his helmet from his head, and they
away from his companions, because he had struck his tried to pull his mail coif away in order to cut off his head,
brother Guerrehet down with his lance (he had not looked but dien they thought diat diey could take him alive if diey
closely, and Gaheriet thought he was dead); he ran on him, could bring him to die Saxons’ army. They had laid him
with his sword drawn, as fiercely as if he were a wild boar. out on the ground and were trying to de his hands behind
When Guinebal saw Gaheriet coming, he turned in his back when Gawainet came spurring his horse, wielding
flight, for he did not dare face up to him because of the his axe, and he rode headlong into their midst as fast as he
wonders and the slaughter he had seen him do, and could make his horse run. He struck left and right and
without doubt he was of very wonderful prowess. For the quickly killed or wounded every one he hit.
account of the histories says that he applied himself just as When those who were holding his brodier saw the
tirelessly as his brother Gawainet when he was old enough wonders he did, diey did not dare face up to him, and diey
to be a knight. And when he saw the Saxon who was fleeing took flight. And when Gaheriet saw his brodier, he jumped
242 The Story of Merlin

to his feet and quickly put his helmet back on his head; he them only eighty knights, five hundred squires, and twenty
picked his sword up and made ready to defend himself. who had not yet been dubbed, along with three hundred
And Agravain brought him a horse and said to him, “Dear men on foot and on horseback who were from the
brother, get on! You were unwise to go so far away from us.” countryside and had joined them, and in truth, they all said
And Gaheriet climbed on the horse, happy and smiling. that, for as long as they lived, they would rather die than let
And the Saxons gathered their forces over the whole diem down.
countryside, and they formed their battalions. But now the But Medelant and Guinemant had split their army into
story falls silent about the youths and the Saxons, and it two companies with four thousand men in each one, for
speaks about the peasants whom the youths had sent back the Saxons who lived on the land had joined the invaders.
to the city of Logres with the plunder and the wagon train The first to come was Guinemant, brandishing his lance,
they had won back. and he was large and strong and very bold. And Gawainet
came out ahead of his companions; he held his sharp¬
cutting axe, and he rode against them. Guinemant spurred
his horse toward him and hit him in the chest with his lance
13. Gawainet and His Brothers Defeat the
so hard diat the weapon flew into splinters, for his hauberk,
Saxons.1 which was strengthened with double mail, saved him. And
die brave youth, so worthy and bold, did not move from the
Here the story says that the peasants who were to take the blow he had dealt him, but he made straight for him and
food the youths had won back from the Saxons went gave him such a blow with his axe below his helmet that he
straight to the city of Logres, and they had a very hard time sent him head over heels over his horse’s backside, and
getting there safely, even though the city of Logres was only with the stroke glancing off his helmet, Gawainet cut the
four Scottish leagues away from the place where die food horse from one end to the other down across its back, so
had been won back. [138] When the burghers saw the diat man and horse spilled down together in a single heap.
valuable plunder and the foodstuffs, they asked to whom When the Saxons saw the blow, they shook with dread
they belonged. And the peasants told them that Gawainet, all around, for they were afraid that King Guinemant had
King Lot’s son, and his three brothers, along with their been killed. Then all die men from one side spurred to his
cousin Galescalain, the son of King Neutres of Garlot, had rescue, [139] and Gawainet flew headlong into dieir midst.
come to help King Arthur, and they had left their own They hurled their weapons at him and killed his horse
lands and countries, and they said diat they would not let under him. But he jumped up very fast and struck left and
King Arthur down a single day of their lives. They had come right. He was so lively, and twisted and turned so fast, diat
with seven hundred companions, “and they met three no one dared face him. Help came to him from every side,
thousand foragers who were taking this plunder, and they and the fray began all about Gawainet; it was very great and
fought with them until they had killed them all and cut lasted for a long dine, for the Saxons were eager to get
them to pieces, and the Saxons had taken the goods from Guinemant back on a horse and to hold Gawainet and take
us to feed their army. And they fought with seven thousand him prisoner.
Saxons who were taking this plunder away with them. Open When Gawainet saw that diey were bent on taking him,
the gates and take it back, and we’ll go help them, for it he said they would not take him “any time today” if he
would be a great shame if they were cut off before their could help it. Then he came brandishing his lance toward a
prime, for we think they are very worthy and valiant Saxon who was holding his brother Agravain hunched over
fighters.” his horse’s neck and trying hard to cut off his head. When
And they opened the gates and welcomed them into Gawainet saw that, he almost went mad. He put his feet
the city. Afterward they all agreed that some of diem would togedier, leapt through the fighdng toward the Saxon, and
go help the youths, and they had a horn blown atop die raised his axe to strike him. When the Saxon saw diat he
highest tower. It was their custom that as soon as diey heard could not get out of the way, he thrust his shield out, but
the horn, throughout the town the)' would all put on their Gawainet struck him so hard diat he split the shield in half,
armor, so they all took up their arms and went out dirough and die blow came down on his left shoulder and sliced
the main gate. Then they waited for die castellan, Doon of him down to the waist, and he fell to the ground. Gawainet
Carduel, who was a very worthy man and faithful to his lord. took his horse and very quickly sprang into the saddle, and
And when he came out, he found that up to seven he shouted to his companions, “Now we’ll see who is
thousand men had gone out of the town. Then he came to
wordiy! As for me, I won’t let them get away in die woods or
them and said to them, “Dear sirs, it would not be well for on the plain.”
the town to be left stripped of all fighting men, for we do Then they charged into dieir midst, and diey began
not know what is to come of us or where we might find
such a slaughter diat diey left heaps of Saxons lying in the
others.” And they answered that he had spoken well.
fields like piles of dung. Even so, the Saxons were at last
Then he chose five thousand, and two diousand stayed
able to get Guinemant back on a horse, and when he was
to keep the town from being overtaken by anyone. Then
dressed in his armor, he took a stout, straight lance and
they took to the road in the direction where the youths
drove toward Agravain, who had killed one of his nephews
were and rode undl they saw the batde raging wonderfully
right before his eyes, and with his lance he struck him a
hot, but the youths were in great distress, for diey had with
very hard blow below die armpit, and it went between the
two layers of mail, grazing his side, so that the dp and shaft
* Corresponds to Sommer, 137-141.
The Story of Merlin 243

stuck out an arm’s length on the other side. And he There Gawainet fought so well that the men of Logres
brought man and horse down in a heap. looked at him in wonder, for he struck down and killed
When Gaheriet and Galescalain saw Agravain fall, they men and horses so hard and fast that no one dared at all to
were very much afraid that he would be killed, so they very face up to him. Then he happened to meet King Medelant,
quickly rode over to help him. Galescalain was ahead, and who had struck down Doon of Carduel. He was down on
with his sword he hit Guinemant so hard on the helmet the ground, and he was holding Doon by the helmet trying
that he made him hunch forward over the saddle horn. to cut his head off, but Gawainet rode over and struck King
Gaheriet struck him on the arm so hard that he sent it Medelant right through the helmet with his axe, which he
flying to the middle of the field, then he hit him again, wielded with two hands, and the blow was so hard that he
going between his neck and his shield, and sent his head split him open down to his teeth, and he fell dead to the
flying to the middle of the field, and Galescalain kicked his ground.
body off the horse onto the ground. Then he took the When the Saxons saw King Medelant dead, they were
horse and led it to Agravain, who was fighting hard to so aghast that they turned in flight, scattering here and
defend himself on foot, and he got on the horse as fast as there, but they headed straight for Vambieres, where the
he could. great siege was. Then the pursuit began, and the dust was
Then they began fighting wondrously well together, so thick that one man could not see another. The clatter
but of Gawainet they knew nothing, for he had fought his was very great, for as soon as Doon had got back on his
way into the midst of the Saxons, and it would not be an horse, he rode after them with all his might, but still the
easy thing to find him. But when the Saxons saw King youths were out ahead, and they used their weapons so
Guinemant dead, they were quite taken aback, and they hard that the beating lasted for five leagues. Doon and the
rode in flight into King Medelant’s division. There others struck down so many of the twelve thousand there
Gawainet was taken along with them.2 He had been coming had been at the beginning that not even three thousand
and going so much that he had lost track of his brothers, got away. This is how the Saxons were routed.
but when he saw that the Saxons were being routed, he The pursuit lasted until nightfall, and then they
stopped until he saw his companions, and they gathered in happily turned back toward Logres. There they took
order around him. winnings wonderful to behold, for the Saxons had brought
Medelant was riding with a great many men, a good together everything they had plundered and stolen from
eight thousand all drawn tighdy together. He could only the countryside; so they took it all back to Logres with
inflict great harm, which would have been grievous for the them. And when they got there, those inside welcomed the
kingdom of Great Britain. But help came from the city of youths very joyfully when they recognized them. The men
Logres: there were a good five thousand of them riding then brought out all the goods they had won and said to
good horses and well armed, for they had equipped Gawainet, whom they held to be lord over them all, that he
themselves very well. [140] should divide them as he willed. And he told them that he
When the young men saw help coming from Logres would not put his hand to it ahead of Doon of Carduel, “for
and the standard that Doon of Carduel was bearing, the he can divide it up and distribute it better than I can, for he
peasants who had joined with the youths said to them, knows better than I do who the leading men are and the
“Now you can be safe and glad and joyful, for soon you will worthiest. So let him do it as he sees fit.”
have help! Here come the men of Logres bringing you When they heard him speaking this way, they held him
help!” in high esteem; they praised him and said that he could not
They tightened their horses’ saddles again, mounted, fail to be a worthy man, and they began to love him all the
fell into order, and rode in close formation. And the more for the great noble qualities they found in him. So
Saxons rode on toward them full of anger because of King the youths stayed and rested in the city of [141] Logres,
Guinemant, who was dead. Then they all began striking and the Saxons did them no harm.
one another, shattering their lances on bodies and shields, Now the story falls silent about the youths right here
and the batde began great and fearsome! The young men and about their companions, and it goes back to King
were having the worst of it, when the reinforcements came Arthur, King Ban, King Bors, and their companions, who
and rushed headlong into the Saxons as fast as their horses are going into the kingdom of Carmelide to serve King
could take them. There so many lances splintered against Leodagan.
one another that people could hear the pounding for half a
league. And when the lances were broken, they drew their
swords and began a great and wondrous fray. There so
14. Arthur’s Support of King Leodagan
many men and horses were slaughtered, so many feet and
hands cut off, so many arms split away from bodies, that the
Against the Saxons.1
blood ran down through the valley, and the dust was raised
so thick that one man could hardly see or recognize Now the story says that when King Arthur and his two kings

another. And the fighting lasted all day, from first light had left Bredigan, along with their companions, they rode
for many days until they came to Carhaix in Carmelide,
until evening.
where King Leodagan was staying, on Easter Eve. And when

2Sommer’s text is unclear in light of what follows (139,11. 37-

38): iluec rechurent li fuiant gauainet (“there the fleeing men * Corresponds to Sommer, 141-145.
received Gawain”).
244 The Story of Merlin

they got to the city, they rode until they came to the high he would tell him their names when the time was right.
hall, and they found King Leodagan. Then they all swore to King Leodagan that they would help
He was very frightened because King Rion had invaded him in his war faithfully and well.
his land with fifteen crowned kings; they had already routed Afterward they left King Leodagan and went off into
him and driven him from his defenses. And they had laid die town to take the best lodging they could find. And
siege to Aneblayse, which was a great, wealthy city. King Merlin took them to the house of a vavasor, a very worthy
Leodagan could not think of a way to drive them out, for he man, a wealthy young knight, and their lodgings were
did not have enough fighting men in his lands. So he luxurious, beautiful, and pleasant. And the knight had a
sought advice from the barons from his lands and those beaudful wife, good in things heavenly and worldly. The
from the kingdom of Logres who had stopped there, and vavasor was a very worthy man, and he led a good life. His
he asked them how he should go about driving King Rion name was Blair, and his wife’s was Leonelle.
out. And while he was talking this way with his knights, King When they came to the door of his house, Blair ran
Arthur came into the hall with his companions. They all outside to meet them, and he said that they were very
took one another by the hand and came before King welcome. They asked God to grant him good fortune. Then
Leodagan one after the other; King Arthur was the forty- diey got down from their horses and went up into the hall,
first in line, with Merlin. They were all very richly dressed, which was beaudful and elegant, while boys fed and stabled
young knights with their first growth of beard, except for dieir horses. They stayed there for a full week, but they did
the two brother kings, who had gone first and were nothing there that should be recalled in the book.
somewhat older. The knights were big and handsome, and And King Leodagan sent messengers to his people and
all who were there looked at them with wonder, for diey summoned all those who could bear arms to be at Carhaix
were so finely attired. And when they had come in and King on Ascension Day without fail, armed and ready to fight as
Leodagan had seen them, he got up to meet them, for it though their lives depended on it. And any who did not
seemed to him that they were important men of high birth. come put themselves and their wealth in jeopardy, for they
King Ban spoke first, and he greeted King Leodagan as would be brought to justice like murdering thieves. So he
courteously as he could. And the king told him that he was sent for his friends and kinsmen and as many men-at-arms
welcome, if he meant him no wrong. ‘To be sure,” said as he could buy for gold and silver, and a great many of
King Ban, “we did not leave our lands to harm you, rather both kinds came there, and there were a good forty
we have come to serve you, and we will ask nothing of you thousand of them on foot and on horseback; diey were
that you will find burdensome. We beg you not to bother lodged in tents and pavilions. And in the town were more
asking us our names or who we are before we tell you of our than six thousand, all in full armor.
own free will. If you do not find this agreeable, then we will While King Leodagan was sending word to his people,
commend you to God, may He keep you from shame and it happened, on a Tuesday, in the evening before the first
distress! And we will very soon find someone who will take day of May, that King Roolant, King Plarion of Ireland,
us on our terms, but we have heard that you accept any King Sornegrieu of the Land of the Irish, and King Sorhalt
fighting men who come to you. Now all together, we had left the main army with fifteen diousand armed men,
implore you to tell us what it will please you to do with us. ” and they were running down through the land foraging for
Then King Leodagan answered that he would take food, which they sorely needed. So it happened that they
counsel, if they did not object, and they said they did not. came laying waste die countryside about Carhaix, where
Then he called the knights of the Round Table in private King Leodagan of Carmelide was lodged waidng for his
and asked them their thoughts about what that knight had men whom he had summoned. Then a hue and cry went
asked him for, and they said that there could be no harm in up against those taking [143] plunder and robbing and
engaging them, for to them they seemed to be brave men, stealing throughout die countryside. When diose in die city
“So please accept them, for God’s sake. And beg them for found out what was happening, they closed die gates so that
love of [142] you to tell you who they are, as soon as it is no one could get in who wished them harm. Then the
time and place, and to let you get to know them.” knights who were staying there ran for dieir arms. They put
With that, the king left them and came straight to die on dieir armor, mounted dieir horses, and gathered just
place where the barons were awaiting him, and he said to inside die main gate.
them, “Dear sirs, I am amazed that you have asked me to let Then the knights of the Round Table came out all
no one know your names; I have never heard such a thing. armed, and Hervi of Rivel and Males the Dark were dieir
But to me you seem to be worthy gen demen, by die looks of leaders, and there were two hundred and fifty of them by
you, and I would in no way deny you what you ask. So, I count, all of whom were good, faidiful knights, and they
welcome you, and I engage you as fellow noble lords and as were so skilled at fighting diat there was no need to look for
my companions, but you must swear to me diat you will better knights. They made up a company all by themselves,
help me faithfully and lawfully for as long as you are in my for they did not want to be with the knights of the country.
company. But I also ask you by your mercy please to tell me The knights who lived in the city also got ready, and
who you are as soon as you can, and I will tell you why I diere were at least four thousand of diem. The seneschal
ask—you could be such diat I might be ashamed for not led Uiese, for he was a wordiy man, and his right name was
having served you as fitdngly as you deserve. For perhaps Cleodalis of Carhaix. It had been his duty to carry the
you are higher men than I am." king’s great standard, but ever since the knights of the
And they said that they would never do anything diat Round Table had come there, no one but Hervi of Rivel
would not be to his liking, and King Ban swore to him diat had ever borne it. But Cleodalis carried a small, red banner
The Story of Merlin 245
with two long red bands in an indigo field with golden and dust storm blew from die direcdon of die city, and it
crowns. And the great standard that Hervi bore had four came down on the heads of the Saxons and giants so thick
streamers of gold on an azure field. and fast that they hardly knew each other. And the forty-
And when everyone was fully armed, they gathered in one companions rushed headlong into them and killed or
order at the gate and waited for the orders of the king, who brought down so many that it was amazing.
was still putting on his armor. When King Leodagan was Then die king ordered die gates opened, and it was
ready, he mounted a big warhorse of great worth and rode done, and the seneschal went out first with four thousand
up to the standard borne by Hervi of Rivel, and they all men in armor, and they found the gate closed behind the
waited until they saw a good seven thousand Saxons coming men who were fighdng the Saxons outside so hard that it
well mounted on good horses. was a wonder. Then came Cleodalis with the banner, and
Elsewhere, King Arthur and his companions were also he rushed hard into them. There lances banged together
on their horses, arrayed in rich armor. Merlin carried the and swords rang down on helmets and shields, and the
standard that day, and he told them that if they held their burghers in the city heard the noise as clearly as if they
lives dear, they should always follow his banner wherever he were in the middle of the batde. There was such a din of
went; and they said they would. With that, they made dieir men and horses that no one could have heard God Himself
way down through the city, and they were more handsome thundering. And King Arthur and his companions did
and more richly armed than anyone else, and there were wonders.
forty of them, not counting Merlin, who carried the When the four kings saw diat they had been attacked,
standard, which one and all beheld that day with great they split their army into two halves, and eight thousand
amazement. The banner had on top a fairly small dragon stayed in that fight and the other eight thousand moved out
with a twisted tail a yard and a half long; its mouth gaped against King Leodagan’s banner, which they saw coming
open so wide that you would think its tongue always closer. They rode until they met them in a fierce battle. On
quivered inside, and fiery sparks shot out of its throat into both sides, diey lowered their lances and traded hard blows
the air. on their shields; diey knocked holes in them, they went
Just then, the giants and the Saxons came, and they dirough hauberks and broke the links of mail. Some were
struck at the gates of the town with their lances, then they knocked from dieir horses and brought to dieir knees by a
turned about and rode into the meadows, where they lance blow, and odiers came through unscadied. When the
gathered up the catde that were near the town, for no one lances were worn out, diey drew dieir swords, and die great
was there to defend them. And Merlin got away from those and fearsome fray began. The companions of die Round
who were in the streets of the town, and he put himself Table did wonders, and there were only two hundred fifty
between them and one of the gates along with his whole of diem fighdng against seven thousand or more who came
company. He then went to the gatekeeper and said to him, to grief. They had to waver, in spite of themselves, and give
“Let’s go out from here, for it is high time.” ground. But they held themselves dghtly togedier, and no
And he said that they would not go out before the king one could break through them at all.
had ordered it. And when King Roolant and King Plarion2 saw that so
“Then may it be your bad luck,” said Merlin, “to lord it few fighdng men were holding up such a great crowd as
over us about something I understand better than you!” diey were, they grew very bitter. Then they shouted their
Then he went to the bar on the gate, put his hand on batdecries and said that dieir opponents would be damned
it, and pulled it off. And immediately, the gate moved away if diey got away. Then they mounted a great and dreadful
from the wall as if it did not have a lock. Then they rode attack, and on one dirust they brought down [145] more
out of the city, whether anyone liked it or not, and took off dian forty of die enemy, and they did all they could to
after the Saxons. [144] wound and maim them. But dieir companions stayed near
When the forty-one companions were outside the city, diem, for they were loath to leave them as long as they
the gate closed behind them as though it had never been could fight with their swords. Then it happened diat King
opened, and King Ban and King Bors crossed diemselves. Leodagan was struck down very dreadfully, and diey took
And Merlin rode at great speed until he caught up with a him and led him off to be imprisoned. They entrusted him
company of Saxons a good two thousand strong, and they to five hundred of their own who would take him to the
were taking away a great lot of plunder. And as soon as army of King Rion of Ireland, and they carried him off
Merlin saw them, he rushed into their midst, carrying his gleefully, for they believed diey had put an end to their war
banner, along with his companions. They struck and against King Leodagan, and so they took him away in
brought down as many as they came to, and in no time at defeat, and they rode hard to get there as fast as diey could.
all they had routed them before they had ridden half a When King Leodagan saw diat so dire a stroke had
league. befallen him diat his foes had taken him and were leading
But they had gone only a litde fardier when diey saw him off against his will, he kept fainting away for the
the four kings coming with fifteen thousand men all in distress he felt from his wretched, woeful state. And they
armor who were leading a great wagon train widi a great made their way far from die city, two leagues or more.
deal of plunder they had stolen, and it was astounding how Very great indeed was die hue and cry from die seven
much they had. When Merlin saw them, he said to his men, diousand fighting men and the weeping and wailing from
“Follow me.” And they did so. the two hundred fifty knights of the Round Table
It happened that as soon as Merlin had let out a
whisde, the wind rose, and a mighty and amazing whirlwind ^Sommer’s text has placiens (144,1. 40).
246 The Story of Merlin

mourning for King Leodagan, whom they had lost. And This is how they rescued King Leodagan. And when
they said among themselves that, since they had lost the king saw the killing and the slaughter that so few men
everything, they could not find help anywhere, and they had done against so many, he was deeply puzzled as to who
promised to avenge their own deaths before they died. So they could be. Then he looked about and saw that Merlin
they drew tightly together, the ones up against the others, was carrying the dragon standard. He recognized it and
and began defending themselves wondrously, and they knew for certain that these were the men he had engaged,
slaughtered a great many men and horses all about them and he praised God and thanked Him for the help that He
without even changing places. But they suffered such strife had sent him. And Merlin rode up to him and stopped at
and hardship that the people who saw them from the his side, and Ulfin and Bretel got down from their horses,
windows of the great hall wept hot tears from the pity they untied him, and gave him arms. Then they had him mount
felt for them. a strong, fast warhorse, and Ulfin and Bretel got back on
And when Guenevere, King Leodagan’s daughter, saw their own horses, and the king thanked them for the service
her father being taken away by his enemies, she was so they had done him. Then Merlin shouted, “Noble knights,
stricken by the sorrow in her heart that she nearly killed what are you doing? Now follow me quickly, for I am off!”
herself. With that, Merlin spurred his horse around and rode
But right now, for a while, the story falls silent about back toward the city, where the knights of the Round Table
her and her sorrow, and it will tell you about King Arthur were having a bad time of it, for of the two hundred fifty,
and his companions and how they fared in the battle only twenty were still on their horses, while the others were
against the seven thousand men. defending themselves on foot just like wild boars. And
Merlin was ahead of the others with the standard, and he
and his companions rode at full speed, so that dieir horses
were dripping with sweat. And the dragon he was carrying
15. Guenevere Witness to the Battle Below
kept throwing out such huge flames from its throat that
Carhaix; the Two Gueneveres.1 they rose high into the air, and those standing on tire walls
of the city saw the light from half a league away and more,
Now the story says that the fighting was fierce and dreadful it seemed to them. And when they looked and saw that it
where King Arthur and his forty companions were, and the was the forty-one companions the king had engaged, and
four thousand who were the companions of Cleodalis tire that King Leodagan, whom drey had rescued, was coming
Seneschal had attacked the eight thousand Saxons whom with them, drey were gladdened mighdly.
Sornegrieu and Sapharin were leading, and there were When Guenevere, the daughter of King Leodagan, saw
many dead and wounded. King Arthur’s companions had who they were, she leapt with joy, and she was greatly
been fighting together for a long time, when Merlin rode amazed at who the knights were in that fellowship. And
away from them with the standard at a full gallop and drey came along roaring like drunder and rushed headlong
shouted to them, “Follow me!” And they did so as fast as into the enemy, and they struck down as many as they
their horses could carry them, and they rode until they had found in dreir path. As soon as dre forty-one companions
all got away from the fray. They rode faster and faster and King Leodagan had fought their way through the
straight for the siege, where the Saxons and giants were giants, dre hammering sound of the sword fight grew so
already. They rode until they came to a great, deep valley, loud that the maiden leaning at one of the windows of the
and there they caught up with the five hundred who were great hall could hear the blows very plainly.
taking King Leodagan away. There King Ban of Benoic landed many a fine blow
And as soon as Merlin saw them, he shouted, “Now' at with his sword Fury;3 he always went against dre first man
them, noble knights! For you are as good as dead if a single he saw, and no matter how strong his shield, hauberk, and
one gets away!”
helmet, he could not keep King Ban from slicing through
And Arthur’s men charged them at full speed and
drem in a single stroke. And King Ban struck there many
struck them like worthy warriors. They brought down and
dmes such fierce blows drat he would cut through a knight
killed as many as were in their path, and there every one of and his horse and send drem down in a heap. His brother
them killed or maimed his man. There you would have
King Bors did likewise. And dre Saxons held them in high
seen the forty-one companions2 making such a slaughter of
esteem for the wonders drey did. And King Ardrur also did
men and horses that it was hard for any to get away without
wonders with Excalibur, his good sword: against drat sword,
being overtaken and brought to a frightful end, except for
I tell you in truth, no kind of armor could withstand, for its
five who took to their heels [146] in flight.
time was all used up as soon as he hit it with dre right blow.
While he was bent on breaking his way drrough the
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 145-149. fray, King Arthur happened to meet King Caelenc, who was
2Sommer’s text has .xl. (145, 1. 39), the first instance of striving mightily to rout the companions of the Round
confusion about the number of companions. There are in fact Table. As soon as King Arthur saw him, he ran at him. He
forty knights including Arthur and not counting Merlin (124,1. 17,
was very big and strong, and the story says that he was
and especially 143, 1. 27 [.xl. sans merlin]). Just above, the group
“King Arthur and his forty companions” includes Merlin (145, 1. fourteen feet tall, in dre feet drey used then to measure.
26), and the number forty obviously excludes Arthur. Later And King [147] Arthur bore down on him and landed a
Sommer’s text compounds the confusion by referring to the forty- fearsome blow widr his sword between his shoulders right
two companions, as though the original number had been forty
excluding both Merlin and Arthur (147, 11. , 32, and especially
148). 301d French coreuseuse (146,1. 29): “Wrathful.”
The Story of Merlin 247
above his shield, and he struck him so hard with his sword that people in the countryside and throughout the land
Excalibur that he split hurt through down to the navel, and talked about it long after they were dead, and the history
his horse turned in fright and flew away with the body. The says that they slaughtered and cut up so many that anyone
onlookers at the casde saw the stroke, and King Leodagan’s could follow the trail for a whole day without having to ask
daughter Guenevere, who was standing high up at the where they had been heading, so clearly was it marked by
windows of the great hall, saw it very plainly. They all talked the bodies of men and horses that died where they fell.
about it to each other, and they wondered who he was. [148]
The battle was very fierce in the meadows below So it is right and just that the story should tell you the
Carhaix, where the two hundred fifty and the forty-one4 names of the forty-one and who they were, for it is fitting to
companions gathered against eight thousand Saxons, and name them ahead of all other worthy men:
they fought so well that the eight thousand were reduced to The first was King Ban of Benoic,6 the second King
five thousand, who were so upset that they had lost King Bors his brother, the third King Arthur, the fourth An tor,
Caelenc that they almost went out of their minds. the fifth Ulfin, the sixth Bretel, the seventh Kay, the eighth
And then it happened that King Ban made for King Lucan the Wine Steward, the ninth Girflet, son of Doon of
Clarion,5 the biggest man in the army of the giants. And the Carduel, the tenth Malruc of the Rock, the eleventh Drians
story says that King Ban was big and strong, quick and bold, of die Forest, the twelfth Belias die Amorous, the thirteenth
and he held fast to his good sword Fury and struck King Flandrin the Short, the fourteenth Ladinas of Benoic, the
Clarion so hard through his helmet that he sliced through fifteenth Amores the Swarthy, the sixteenth Alcalec the
him all the way from his ear down; his sword fell on his left Red, the seventeenth Whitehead of the Hamlet, the
shoulder and cut down along his side to his waist, so that eighteenth Blioberis of Gaunes, die nineteenth Canodes,
his liver and lungs showed. And King Bors struck the twentieth Melaldon of Blois, the twenty-first
Sarmedon, their standard-bearer, and cut off his arm Jesmeladant, the twenty-second Placides the Merry, the
holding his shield, and the flag fell to the ground. King twenty-diird Lampades of the Fladand, the twenty-fourth
Leodagan of Carmelide saw the stroke and said, “Now all Gervais the Slender, the twenty-fifth Christopher of the
their knights who are left will have to help themselves out Gray Rock, the twenty-sixth Aiglin of the Vales, the twenty-
of dire trouble.” seventh Calogrenant, the twenty-eighth Agusale the Long-
When the giants saw their lord dead and their flag on Awaited, the twenty-ninth Agraveil, son of the Wise Lady of
the ground, they turned in flight, some here, some there. the Forest of No Return, the thirtieth Cliacles the Orphan,
Then rode out from the city knights and men-at-arms, as die thirty-first Kehedin die Fair, the thirty-second7 Meralgis
many as three thousand all wearing armor; thus began the of Pordesquez, the thirty-third Gornain Cadrus, the thirty-
pursuit of those who were fleeing. But Merlin did not go fourdi Clariet of Gaul, die thirty-fifth the Ugly Worthy,8 the
where they were running, but he went straight to where diirty-sixth Amadan the Proud, the thirty-seventh Osenain
Cliodalis, the seneschal of Carmelide, was fighting very the Stouthearted, the thirty-eighth Galesconde, die thirty-
fiercely with four thousand men against seven thousand led ninth Gales the Bald, the fortieth Blaris, godson of King
by the two kings Somegrieu and Sapharin. And when Bors of Gaunes, and the forty-first Merlin, who led them;
Merlin came to the battleground, he found Cleodalis and King Leodagan was with them, and he did not in any
unhorsed and back on his feet, and he was holding the way want to leave them.
standard straight up, for he would not willingly let go of it These worthy men went all together to rescue
or lose it. And his men were in place around him, and they Cleodalis, the seneschal of Carmelide, who was a very
defended themselves very well like the worthy knights they worthy gendeman, a faidiful and fearless knight, and it was
were, but they were in great distress. They were about to very clear that, for any base deed his lord the king may have
suffer great losses, and that would come very soon, when wrongfully done against him, he would not willingly forsake
Merlin rushed in among them with his standard and die him, whatever trouble he might be in; rather, he bore
forty-one companions who were with King Arthur. They himself in such a way diat others did not leave him who
came in thundering like a storm, such very good horses did odierwise might have done so. And I will tell you why.
they ride. And King Leodagan was still with diem because In truth, King Leodagan’s wife was a very highborn
he never wanted to leave them after they had rescued him. lady of great beauty. When he had taken her from her
There was such bellowing there, such hammering, and fadier’s house and married her, the lady took one of her
such a din, just as if they were all carpenters working on maidens with her who was very beautiful. This maiden
wood. There you would have seen knights and horses gready loved the seneschal, so that at last he asked her to be
falling thick and fast; there you would have seen horses his wife. The king liked her a great deal because she had
running, dragging their reins between their legs because
there was no one willing to take hold of them or stop them; ^The list is set off in Sommer’s text by a section change (148,
there you would have heard such an uproar and such 1. 3).
shouting that no one could have heard God Himself 7Extending the confusion as to the number of companions,
thundering. There the forty-one companions fought so well Sommer’s text continues to insist on the number forty-two;
however, the list skips from the thirty-first to the thirty-third knight
before going on through the “forty-second.” The apparent error is
4Sommer’s text has .xlij. here (147,1. 8) and elsewhere. The corrected in the translation.
new count may include King Leodagan, but his name is not
801d French U lais hardis (148, 11. 19-20): “the disagreeable
included in the list below.
bold man.”
5Not to be confused with King Clarion of Northumberland.
248 The Story of Merlin

served him wholeheartedly; she was faithful in her service, 16. Rout of the Saxons at Carhaix.1
and the king gave her to him most willingly.
When the seneschal married her, she was sitting at Now the story says that where the seneschal Cleodalis was
table among the ladies eating. She was dressed very richly, on his feet, there was a great and awesome fight. There you
and the king found her to be very beautiful; he fell so would have seen one dead man falling over onto another
deeply in love with her that he could not get her out of his and many a good, running warhorse flying through the
heart. Without any doubt, she was one of the most beautiful fields with their reins between their legs because their
ladies in the world. But he put off doing anything about it masters lay dead on the ground, and many noble ladies
right then. At length, one Saint John’s Day, the king wept for their brothers, their sons, and their husbands. And
happened to have sent Cleodalis to ride against the Irish, all the while the giants were being thrown back, like it or
who were waging war against him at that time. And the lady
not, by Merlin’s powers.
had stayed with the queen to keep her company, for they When Somegrieu and Sapharin saw the great damage
loved each other very deeply. and slaughter that so few men were wreaking on them, they
King Leodagan had fathered on his wife a little girl were very angry, for they had many times more men than
whose name was Guenevere, who [149] later grew to be the others. They blew their trumpets and beat their drums
very beautiful. And King Leodagan’s wife was a very good
to rally their men, and Somegrieu kept his men about him.
lady who lived a very holy life, and there were very few
And while he was getting them together, Kay the Seneschal,
nights indeed when she did not get up and go to matins
Girflet, and Lucan the Wine Steward broke out of the
and listen to the service until after Mass. On the very night
formation and ran headlong into their midst, for each one
her daughter Guenevere had been conceived, she went to
had got a new lance, good and strong. And Kay the
matins and came to find the seneschal’s wife, but she found
Seneschal struck Somegrieu so hard that he bore him from
her sleeping and did not want to awaken her, so she left her
his horse to the ground, [150] where he lay for a long time
alone and went off to the church, which was nearby. And
sprawled out without moving a foot or a hand, and Girflet,
King Leodagan, who had for a long time yearned to lie with
and Lucan struck two others down dead and bleeding.
that lady, got up as soon as the queen had gone, put out the
When the Saxons saw Somegrieu on the ground, they
candles, then went to lie with the seneschal’s wife.
turned and rode that way to rescue him, but the forty-one
When the lady felt him getting into bed with her, she
companions stopped near him with their swords drawn.
asked him fearfully who he was. He said that it was he, and
The Saxons came there to put him back on his horse, but
he told her to keep quiet: if she shouted a single word, he
the companions defended themselves so well that the
would kill her with his sharp sword, or if she thrashed about
Saxons could not get him out. And the king was trampled
in the least. The lady defended herself with words as much
upon many times before he could get back on his horse,
as she could, but she did not dare speak out loud, so her
because the great throng of Saxons was gathering so close
arguments availed her very litde. The king lay with her and
by.
fathered a daughter on her, and it was the very night his
And Merlin, who bore the standard, came to help the
daughter was conceived by his wife.
three companions who might soon have come to harm.
And it happened that, when the queen had given
The midst of the batde came to be there. Cleodalis had got
birth, she found a litde mark in the small of her daughter’s
back on a big gray horse, and he held the king’s banner in
back that looked like a king’s crown. And as soon as she was
his hands and very fiercely let out his battlecry. He and his
bom, the seneschal’s wife began to scream from the pain in
men struck out into the fray as fast as their horses could
her belly, and she gave birth to a very beautiful daughter
carry them. There they fought a wondrous battle, hard and
who looked like the queen’s daughter, and no one could
fierce, but there were so many Saxons that they could not
tell the one from the other but for the mark of the crown
break through their formation, so they struck blows and
the queen’s daughter had on her back. And each one was
fought endlessly.
baptized Guenevere, and they were always nursed together.
And then it happened that the eight thousand who
And until his wife the queen died, King Leodagan
had been routed before Carhaix fled back to where
never cooled of his love for the wife of his seneschal
Somegrieu was and came in among Sapharin’s troops. The
Cleodalis. He took her and locked her up in a castle
men stopped their flight and began to drive the king’s men
because he did not want the seneschal to speak to her, and
back, so that Somegrieu was able to get back on his horse;
he held her for more than five years, until the seneschal’s
he was so racked with pain and so battered by the blows he
friends came to speak to him about it. He told them that
had taken that every part of his body hurt, and his men
the seneschal would not have her as long as he was
were keen to avenge the shame the others had brought
unfriendly toward the king, yet for all that, the seneschal
him. And he and his men ran against them and struck them
never stopped serving him.
so hard with their lances and swords that they did them
But now the story falls silent from talking about this,
great harm.
and it begins speaking again about Cleodalis the Seneschal
Then Merlin dashed headlong into the fray, carried by
and how he was on foot in the midst of the giants and the
the strength of his horse, holding the standard in his hand.
forty-one companions had stopped near him.

^Corresponds to Sommer, 149-156.

The Story of Merlin 249

And the two hundred fifty knights of the Round Table, all was a big knight and bold, came in ahead of the others, and
of whom had got fresh horses and armed themselves anew, he happened to meet Somegrieu first of all. King Ban held
rode slowly back into the battle, drawn tightly together, up his sword, which was filthy with blood and gore, and
never breaking their formation. And when they saw ahead struck him right on top of the helmet and cut through the
of them the dragon standard Merlin was carrying, they steel ring; the stroke came down along his face, and the
swung over to follow it, for it had been of very great help to blade sliced through his lips, and it was so strong that the
them when their lives were in jeopardy. Then they rode blade went on down to cut the strap of his shield along with
headlong into the fray so hard that they struck to the the left wrist that held it, and his hand went flying into the
ground as many as blocked their way, and when their lances middle of the field. And when Somegrieu felt himself so
had broken, they drew their swords, and the fighting badly wounded, he swung about and took flight; he let out
became so fierce and so bloodthirsty it was a wonder to a loud, dreadful bellow and went away moaning in agony.
behold. King Bors struck Marganant through the helmet, so
Meanwhile, Cleodalis the Seneschal and his men were that he split him down to the teeth. King Arthur hit
keeping up their fight But strong as they were, they could Sinelant so hard that he knocked off a fourth of his helmet,
not hold their ground, and Sapharin was ruthlessly driving and his sword slid down to his left shoulder and cut all the
them back toward the city. The three thousand^ from the way through, and he flew from his saddle to the ground.
city came to help them—those who had driven the fleeing And Ulfin struck Balanc so that he brought him down dead
Saxons back into Sapharin’s battalion, where they stopped and bleeding. Bretel hit Cordant, and Kay Candenart, and
their flight. And when they saw the seneschal’s standard Lucan Malec; Girflet slew Mendamp, and Meralgis Sardup,
and the great, crowd of men running after it, they turned and Gomain Cadrus Dorilas.
toward it and struck out into the fray so hard that they As soon as the Saxons saw them brought down, they
brought down more than a thousand right at the first. Then were so thunderstruck that for a long time they did not
Cleodalis’s men stopped giving ground, and the renewed move from where they had been making their stand, and
fighting was so fierce that the din could be heard for half a they said among themselves that anyone was a fool to keep
league, and on both sides they fought so hard that no one on fighting, “for those are not people, but devils come from
could tell which were better; although on King Sapharin’s Hell. No armor we have can hold up under their blows, no
side there were many more than on the other, they behaved matter how strong or tightly made.”
as though they were the same. When the knights of the Round Table and the forty-
Elsewhere, the knights of the Round Table were one companions saw that the Saxons were so bewildered,
fighting alongside the forty-one companions, against they began slaying them and cutting them up, and all the
Somegrieu’s men, who were a good eight diousand strong, Saxons whose horses could carry them away took flight and
and they were in very great jeopardy because they were only rushed into the fray where King Sapharin was fighting
three hundred eight* * 3 men against eight thousand. They Cleodalis the Seneschal. And they came in so hard and fast
could not last much longer when Merlin called to [151] that they drove everyone from the battlefield right up to
King Ban and said to him and the other knights, “What are the gate of the city of Carhaix. And the men from the city
you waiting here for? Why don’t you send them on their were very frightened when they saw their people being
way?” treated so ruthlessly, for they did not see the standard of
“Sir, how would we do that?” they asked. King Leodagan, which the knights of the Round Table were
“I’ll tell you,” said Merlin. “On the batdefield are only carrying; they truly believed that they had lost him for
ten4 giants who can keep you in at all, and I tell you that, if good, for they thought that he had been killed or taken
you can rid yourselves of them, you will soon see the rest of prisoner. Furthermore, they did not see the dragon that the
them gone from the field.” knights had been carrying, and that filled them with very
‘Where are they?” asked King Ban. great dread indeed. Since they saw their foes at the gate, it
“In truth,” said Merlin, “Ulfin, Bretel, Lucan, Girflet, was no wonder that those from the city took flight, for their
and Kay have already started fighting them. Now follow me, lives were in jeopardy, and there were only seven thousand
and soon we will see who can do the best in this company.” of them and twelve thousand Saxons. They were also very
Then Merlin spurred his horse, which carried him much afraid for the knights of the Round Table, about
away forthwith, and he flew headlong into the fray, which whom they [152] had no news.
was very fierce, with six knights fighting against ten giants And that is why they came across to the gate that was
who were big and strong beyond belief. And King Ban, who right at the first bridge; then they drew tight together,
closing their ranks, and the Saxons swept upon them very
boldly. There was an awesome fight there, and the fray
^Sommer’s text has .iiij. with a superscript m (150,1. 31), but
earlier, when the company leaves the city to engage the Saxons, lasted a very long time. And you should know that about a
they number three thousand (147,1. 22). Confusion arises because thousand fell in the fray and the throng, and they could
these are knights and men-at-arms summoned by Leodagan from never get up again. And so the fighting was dreadful and
all over his kingdom who are lodged in the city, of whom there are
ruthless.
six thousand in all (142, I. 37), while Cleodalis’s four thousand
men, also de la cite(“from the city”), actually live there (143,1. 10). When the knights of the Round Table and the forty-
one5 companions had routed Somegrieu and his army and
3The official count is, of course, two hundred ninety-one,
since the knights of the Round Table number two hundred fifty.
^Sommer’s text has .v. here (151, 1. 3), but .x. occurs just ^he nuntber in Sommer’s text has increased to forty-three
below (1. 10), and ten in all are named just afterward. (.*«*/.; 152,1. 6).
250 The Story of Merlin

sent them flying, Merlin drew them to one side of the field they brought down more than three hundred who would
and said to them, “Dear lords, let them go now, and don’t never get up again, and they drove so deeply into them that
bother about running after them, for you can do that in they were as lost as if they had fallen into a bottomless pit,
due time. But withdraw and dismount from your horses. but they went on boring their way through them until they
Get your harness straightened out and let your horses rest, came to Cleodalis’s standard. And when they had come
then saddle them again.” And they did as he ordered. together with them, Merlin shouted, “Now we’ll see how
When the knights of the Round Table saw that they you will fight, for now you are all put to the test! ”
had stopped, Hervi of Rivel said that they would not go on When King Arthur heard Merlin shouting, he smiled
until they could go with them. They got off their horses and and said to King Ban and King Bors that there was never
got their gear in order, for they very badly needed to. And one better to wake you up.6 And Merlin yelled to him,
King Leodagan came to Merlin and said to him, “Sir, are “Now stop making fun! You’ll be able to joke and laugh
you willing to keep company with those good men?” soon enough!”
“Certainly, sir,” said Merlin, “we truly are, and they are And when they heard him, they rushed in among their
very welcome, for we would be worth all the more if we enemies, wild and full of anger. There the fighting was
were in an echelon together.” fierce and awesome, and the fray was more ruthless than
“Sir,” said the king, “many thanks! ” any other had been all day. There King Arthur worked
Then King Leodagan went up to Hervi of Rivel, who wonders all by himself, for he made such efforts because of
was carrying the standard, and said to him, “Dear friend, Merlin’s banter that everyone looked at him in amazement.
come along with us, you and your companions; you will be And King Leodagan’s daughter and all the ladies and
the companions of those good men, and you will be much maidens raised their hands up to Heaven and prayed the
worthier for it.” Savior of the world to keep him from death and danger.
“Sir,” said Hervi, ‘Very gladly, if they are willing.” And they wept in pity for him and his companions and the
“In truth,” said the king, “they want very much to be torments of warfare they were suffering, for they were
peers and companions with you from now on.” astounded that he could take so much for so young a lad as
“May it so please God,” said Hervi. “Fellowship with King Arthur was. For he struck left and right with his sword
such worthy men should not be refused.” Excalibur. He cut off arms, hands, and heads, he struck
Then they all got on their horses and gathered down knights and horses, and he worked wonders all by
themselves into a single body. And Merlin set out ahead of himself. And he had taken notice of all those round about
them, and they followed him everywhere he went. him who were helping him and keeping him out of all
While they were riding as you have heard, Cleodalis kinds of trouble, for the two kings who were his
the Seneschal was fighting with six thousand men in his companions were very worthy men. Against all of them no
company against King Sapharin, who had more than twelve armor could hold up, nor were they ever hemmed in so
thousand in his. Cleodalis’s men were in disarray and struck badly that they could not cut their way through with their
out here and there, wherever they thought their blows sharp swords. All the renowned knights who had come with
might fall the best, so they had been brought to grief and him fought very well indeed, and the knights of the Round
suffered great harm; they had already undergone so much Table are not to be forgotten.
that some of them were being put to rout, and they were all When Sapharin saw that he had lost so much and that
on the verge of leaving the battlefield, for their bold so many of his men had been slain, he swore on his faith
fighting availed them little, and they yearned for nothing that he would never leave until he had hurt them in return.
better than to flee. Then he called Sortibran, Clarion,7 Iguedon, Senebalt,
And then they saw the dragon coming that Merlin was Malore, and Freelenk—these were all his kinsmen, and they
carrying. It threw smoke and fire out of its throat, from were worthy and bold. And he said to them, “Now we’ll see
time to time, in such great billows that the air was all red. who the real knights are!”
And when the ladies who stood on the walls saw it all, they Then twenty knights, big and brawny, rode out and ran
said to Cleodalis, “Put your mind to fighting well! Look into the fray as fast as dieir horses could go, and Sapharin
toward the shadowy valley and see the help they are struck Hervi of Rivel so hard that he bore him sprawling
bringing you!” from his horse to the ground, and afterward he gave Antor
When Cleodalis heard what the ladies told him, he such a stinging blow that he brought him and his horse
looked and saw what he longed for so much, and then he down in a heap. Then he hit Girflet in the side and
knew for certain that in time he would be helped, and he knocked him flat on the ground. And each of his
praised God for it. Then he called his men back together, companions struck down his man, but there was not one
gathered them in order, and said to them, “Now take heart, among those who fell who was killed or wounded. Lucan
for you see the help coming to us that we have longed for the Wine Steward was one, Meralgis another, Gomain the
so much!” third, then Blioberis, Gales the Bald, Guiret of Lambale,
And when they saw help coming, no one had to ask
whether they were overjoyed. Then they ran against [153]
6. . . oncjues mais si boins viellars nefu (153,1. 10). Simply calling
the Saxons and stormed into their midst, and another great Merlin a viellars (“old man”) might not elicit Arthur’s smile (or
and fearsome battle began. And all this time, Merlin rode at laughter) or Merlin’s retort. Perhaps Arthur is playing on Old
a slow gait, keeping his companions in order, until they French vieilUirt (“old man”) and veillier (“watch, be vigilant, stay
awake”).
came within a stone’s throw of the batde. Then he led his n

companions charging into their formation so fiercely that 'Not to be confused with the Christian king Clarion of
Northumberland.
The Story of Merlin 251
Goswain of Estrangot, and Bretelwas the eighth8 —all these had thrust so hard, when he came at him at such great
fell because they were struck by a lance or because their speed, that he bore him sprawling from the horse to the
horses were hit. ground already dead and broke his lance as it went through
There was a most dreadful din. And the Saxons all him.
stopped near the fallen men and tried their best to kill That joust was seen by Guenevere, the daughter of
them, but they were worthy fighters and strong of heart, King Leodagan, who was standing by the windows of the
and they sprang to their feet holding their naked swords, great hall, which was somewhat close to the walls of the
[154] and they fought hard to defend themselves. But their town. They all praised the young lord and held him in high
efforts were coming to naught, when Merlin came to help esteem, and they asked those who were with him who he
them bearing the dragon standard in his hand. And was, but they could not tell them except to say that he was
Sapharin, who was striving to hurt them, let loose and one of the knights her father had engaged. “In truth,” said
struck King Leodagan through his shield, and he bored the maiden, “whoever he is, he comes from good stock. For
right through him; then he lowered his lance and struck his no man [155] of low birth would dare undertake such a
horse in the side through the blanket, and he brought the batde unless he had a very noble heart. He and those
king and his horse to the ground in a heap. When those worthy gendemen over there have all done wonders with
from the city saw the king struck down, they started to their fighting!”
quake because they were afraid he had been killed, so they The maiden spoke of the knights at great length.
rode very hard to the rescue. King Ban and King Bors had ridden into the
When King Arthur saw the giant who jousted so hard formation, and each had a strong, stout lance, and they
that he brought down three worthy knights, he swore that spurred their horses on. King Ban struck Sortibran, King
he would test himself against him. Then he left the Bors struck Clariel, and Ulfin attacked Iguedon, and each
formation and went to get a stout lance with a sharp iron one unhorsed his man and brought him to the ground
tip, then came back at a fast gallop. King Ban came to meet dead. And in the same charge, one hit Morat, another
him and said to him, “Sir, what do you mean to do? Whom Landon, and the third Senebalt so hard that they died
do you want to joust against? Don’t fight that giant, he’s too before they could be taken from the batdefield.
strong for you! You are too young to try such a thing! Let King Arthur had drawn his sword, and he struck
me go against him. I am older than you are, stronger and Malore very hard on his helmet, for he had stopped right
bigger.” on top of King Ban along with Freelenk, who was trying to
“May God never help me,” said King Arthur, “if I send chop off his head, for one was holding him by the helmet
in someone besides myself. The more he does to make and the other was pounding him between the shoulders
everybody dread him, the more gladly will I pit myself with a huge cudgel. When the king saw them, he spurred
against him! I’ll never know my worth if I don’t pit myself his horse toward them, grasping his sword. And he hit
against each and every one of them!” Malore so hard that he sent his head flying to the middle of
When Merlin saw him he shouted, “Who is this the field. When Freelenk saw his cousin and companion
coward? Why don’t you do quickly what you’ve started out slain, he raised his cudgel high in the air to hit King Arthur
to do? Everyone can see that you are afraid!" on the head, but the king thrust his shield to ward off the
When Arthur heard Merlin calling him a coward, he blow and struck him so hard that he flew to the ground. It
was deeply ashamed, and he spurred his horse toward the was a mighty blow, and it had come down so hard on his
enemy formation. And King Ban said to Merlin that he was left shoulder that he hunched over his horse’s neck; but he
wrong to send a man as young as King Arthur to fight had raised his cudgel again and meant to strike again, but
against such a huge devil. “He has nothing to worry about,” King Arthur, who was lively and quick, spurred his horse,
said Merlin, “but take a lance and go after him with your went past him, grasping his sword, then swung around
brother and Ulfin.” And they did what he said and rode off toward him and struck Freelenk so hard that he split him
after King Arthur with all the speed they could get from down to his teeth.
their horses. The Saxons’ yelling and shouting grew louder, for this
When King Sapharin saw King Arthur coming, he rode attack frightened them mightily, and they saw that their
hard to meet him. And when those in the formation saw only hope for help was Randol,9 who bore their standard.
him riding toward the young lord, who was so youthful and And King Ban went straight for him and struck him so hard
small compared to him, they were very frightened for him, that he sliced his arm off still holding the standard, and he
and they rode out as fast as their horses could run against went flying to the ground.
the enemy and split their shields with their lances. The iron Then the hue and cry went up that all should turn in
tips of the lances stopped against their hauberks, which had flight, and the pursuit began that lasted for a long time,
very tight mail diat held together. Sapharin broke his lance from before vespers until nightfall. There were many killed
and wounded King Arthur a little on his left side, but and wounded; of the fifteen thousand there had been at
Arthur hit him so hard that he broke through his shield the start of the battle, only five thousand got away, and they
and his hauberk and drove the tip of his lance right went straight to King Rion and the siege. They told him
through his body from one side to the other, so that the tip
and an arm’s length of the shaft stuck out his back; and he 9Sommer’s text has ralidol here (155,1. 23), but randolin 1. 24.
West prefers the form Ralidol (259a-b); see G.D. West, An Index of
Proper Names in French Arthurian Prose Romances. (Toronto: University
®Sommer’s text has ti noefismes (“the ninth”) (153, 1. 40), but
Press, 1978).
only eight names are listed.
252 The Story of Merlin

about the harmful losses they had taken and the killing they they would take nothing from him and would make up for
had suffered. And when King Rion heard the news, he it another time, if they took enough plunder and earned
swore his oath that they would never leave that land until enough gifts. And King Leodagan said that, since he
they had taken vengeance on King Leodagan and led him wanted none of the spoils, they should split them up and
away as their prisoner. give them out wherever they saw fit.
Then he sent word to the land of Denmark that all Then Merlin came to the three kings and told them to
men high and low should come to him and bring enough take their winnings, and they took them and gave them out
food to last two hundred thousand men for two whole where Merlin told them to, keeping nothing for themselves
years, for now he wanted, he said, to pursue this war even worth a single penny, and they praised Merlin and held
more vigorously than they had done before. And they all him in greater esteem. And they stayed in the land for so
began coming, and more and more gathered every day, long that thanks to their generosity—and Merlin’s
until before the month was out two hundred fifty thousand urgings—people throughout the countryside spoke of no
had come together there, with twenty crowned kings not one else but them. And Arthur gave his host and his host’s
counting King Rion. And they had a great wagon train wife riding horses and palfreys, robes, and so many goods
bringing their food from everywhere, and the army was so that for all the days of their lives they were wealthier and
well supplied that they never again rode out to forage for more powerful thanks to him. King Leodagan would not
food, for they had a great plenty coming from the lands of allow them to take lodging anywhere but with him, and
the twenty kings who were in the army, and the weather was thereafter he would never let them be without
[156] good for them. And attacks against the city of companionship, above all with the knights of the Round
Aneblayse came thick and fast, but it was so strong that it Table.
had nothing to fear but being starved out. They asked King And when their armor had been taken off, King
Leodagan many times to come help them because they Leodagan had his daughter brought in arrayed in the
were in a great deal of trouble. richest clothing she owned, and he had her take the hot
But now the story falls silent about King Rion and his water in silver basins, bring it before the kings, and serve
siege, which was very harsh, and about those who were them. But Arthur would not allow her to serve him until
inside the city of Aneblayse, and it begins speaking again King Leodagan and Merlin bade him to. Then the young
about King Arthur and his companions. lady herself washed his face and neck and very gendy dried
him with a towel, and then she did the same to the two
kings; afterwards, King Leodagan had the other Guenevere,
daughter of the seneschal’s wife, and the rest of the
17. The Victorious Arthur Falls in Love with
maidens serve the other companions. [157]
Guenevere.1 When King Leodagan’s daughter had served the three
kings, she served her father; and when they had all washed,
In this part, the story says that those of the kingdom of the young lady dressed each of them in a mantle tied at the
Carmelide were very glad and joyful about the Saxons, who neck. King Arthur was filled with great beauty, and the
were routed, as you have heard, and driven from the maiden stared at him and he at her. And she said softly to
battlefield by as few men as were there. For at the herself that a lady had reason to be very happy if such a
beginning, they numbered no more than six thousand good and handsome knight as he asked her for her love,
three hundred, and there were more than fifteen thousand and shame on her who refused him.
Saxons, and they were routed thanks to the wisdom of No sooner had the tables been set up than the food
Merlin, who helped out a great deal, and the help of the was ready, and the knights all sat down. But the knights of
knights of the Round Table and the forty-one fighting men tire Round Table sat side by side at a table off to themselves
engaged by King Leodagan. with the knights whom the king had engaged, and King
And the story says that after they had run after the Bors and King Ban seated Arthur between themselves, for
Saxons until nightfall, they came back rejoicing to Carhaix they did him the highest honors they could. And King
and found the king, whose men had got him back on his Leodagan took notice of who was sitting beside whom at
horse. And when he found out that the men he had taken that table, and in his heart he thought, from the honor they
on were coming back, he went out to meet them and bore Arthur and the service they did him, that he was lord
offered them the greatest feast in the world. They found over them all, and he wondered mightily who he could be;
Antor, Girflet, Kay the Seneschal, Lucan the Wine Steward,
he would have given anything to know who he was. “And
and all their other companions safe and sound, and they
may it please you now, Lord God,” he said, “that he should
had been very much afraid that they were dead or in wed my daughter! In truth, I would not have believed that
prison. There they were all awarded winnings wonderful to such a young lad could have the worthy knighthood there is
behold that the king gave out to the knights he had
in him, and he could not have it at all unless he were a very
engaged. For he could not put it to better use, he said, for
highborn man indeed! And I might just as well believe that
they were the ones who had won it all, and “as for myself,
he is a spiritual being whom Our Lord has sent to me to
they rescued me from certain death and imprisonment.”
fight for this kingdom and keep it safe, not for love of me,
When they saw the great honors the king was
but to raise up Christendom and Holy Church and keep
bestowing on them, they thanked him heartily and said that
them, and that is how they were able to leave this city
against the gatekeeper’s will.”
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 156-159.
The Story of Merlin 253

This is what King Leodagan thought to himself long know what else to call you. You should not be shy at table,
and hard as he was eating, and he brought to mind how the for you indeed are not on the battlefield, and that was clear
forty-one companions had saved him in the deep valley today when you were being watched by five thousand
against five hundred knights when they were taking him people who did not know you except by sight.”
away as their prisoner, and he recalled all the worthy deeds And he turned toward her and said to her, “Dear
he had seen him do. He pondered so hard that he half maiden, I was glad to do that. Many thanks for your fair
forgot himself and stopped eating, and Hervi of Rivel took service, and God give me the strength and the ability to
notice of this and was greatly distressed by it. He went reward you.”
angrily up to the head of the table, moved in beside King “Sir,” she said, “you have already given me back a
Leodagan, and told him that he had never seen him do hundredfold, more than I could ever deserve; you gave it to
anything so discourteous, and he had never been so upset, me when you and your companions rescued my father
“for you should be bringing gladness to those worthy men, when they were taking him away as their prisoner.” And the
but instead you are worried and lost in thought, and I king fell silent.
wonder what has happened to your mind.” ‘There’s still more,” she said. “Before the gate, at the
And the king came to his senses, looked at him, and foot of the bridge, you showed that you were sorry for his
said to him, “Hervi, I was thinking about something having troubles when he was struck down in the midst of his
to do with myself and about the worthiest man in the world, enemies and his horse was slain under him, for you killed
and I couldn’t keep from it. If you knew what my mind was the one who had brought him down. You risked your life to
on, you wouldn’t blame me at all.” save him, and you did everything to get him back on his
And he answered, “Sir, that could well be. But for now, way.”
let it be, and think about it when and where you ought to, This is how King Leodagan’s daughter spoke to King
for this is not the right time or place; you should be Arthur, but not a word came out of his mouth. Instead, he
showing these gentlemen a good time and enjoying took the goblet and drank very gladly. And he told the
yourself. In truth, right now you are behaving wrongly young lady to sit, for she had been kneeling for a very long
toward them.” time, but her father the king would not allow it; rather, they
“I beg you, dear friend,” said the king, “please go take were served in all the ways tongue could tell. When it was
your seat. I am ashamed of myself.” Then Hervi went time to take away the tablecloths, King Ban asked King
straight back to sit with his companions, and the king Leodagan, who was sitting beside him, “Sir, I am quite
began talking to this one and that one. amazed that you, whom everyone takes to be such a worthy
King Leodagan’s daughter served King Arthur wine in man, have not wed your daughter a long time since to some
her father’s goblet, and King Arthur looked at her long and highborn man. She is well brought up, and clever, and you
hard, and he very much liked what he saw before him. For have no other children your land could go to after your
she was the most beautiful woman in all Britain at that time, death; yet you could have given yourself heirs long before
and she was endowed with a very fine [158] body.2 On her now wherever you put her.”
head she wore a golden coronet with precious stones. Her “In truth, sir,” said King Leodagan, “I have put it off
face was clear and so naturally made up with white and red only because of the war, which has lasted so long and done
that she needed not more nor less. Her shoulders were me so much harm. King Rion of Denmark and Ireland has
straight, and the skin lustrous, and her body was very well not stopped waging war against me for more than seven
put together, for her waist was slender and her hips low, years, and never since then has any man come into my land
and they suited her wonderfully. Her feet were pale and to whom I might give her, and no one has sent me word
well arched, her arms were long and rounded, and her asking for her. But, God help me, if I [159] could find a
hands were white and plump. Why should I go on telling worthy knight who could stand toil and hardship, and who
you about the maiden’s great beauty? If she was indeed would keep up my war for me, I would give him my
beautiful, then she was endowed with even greater daughter and all my land, if he wanted to have it after my
goodness, generosity, courtesy, sense, worthiness, sweetness, death, and I would not care about his birth or his wealth.
and nobility. Please God, if such a man as I have in mind, and in my
When King Arthur saw the maiden, who was of such heart, were here right now, in truth not three days would
great beauty, kneeling before him, he was very eager to go by before she would be wed to a young knight,
look at her, first of all because her breasts were firm and handsome and worthy, and I truly believe that he is of
hard like little apples, and her skin was whiter than new- higher birth than I.”
fallen snow, and she was neither too plump nor too thin. And Merlin began to smile, and he looked at King Bors
And King Arthur so yearned for her that he lost himself in and gave him a sign that he had said these things about
thought and stopped eating, and he turned his face away King Arthur, and indeed he had. Then they all began to
because he did not want the two kings or anyone else to speak about many things, but steered their talk away from
notice anything. And the maiden bade him drink and said what King Leodagan had said, for they did not wish to
to him, “Young lord, sir, drink up! And please don’t be speak furdier of it at that time. King Leodagan understood
bothered if I do not call you by your right name, for I don’t that they were unwilling to hear about it, although he
would very much have liked them to draw him out on the
subject, so he fell silent and tried to see if he could learn,
^Sommer’s text seems somewhat garbled, and he notes that it
“is not clear" (158, n. 1). The text of the Harley manuscript, from anything in their looks and behavior, where they came
reproduced in that note, is translated. from. And he was heedful of their merriment and the joy
254 The Story of Merlin

they took in Arthur, and this was what bothered him the celebration the burghers made with the youths, and how
most, and the two worthy gendeman and their companions the boys had said that they would not be made knights
were so happy to be with him that all who saw them were “until you yourself armed them with your own hand. Now
amazed and bewildered. you don’t have to worry about defending your own lands,
And Arthur loved and yearned for the daughter of for they will be safeguarded until you come back.
King Leodagan, and he was daydreaming so about her that “Now be happy and make merry, and think about
he forgot where he was; he very much wanted to have her as doing right, for the help that is coming to you is growing
his wife and helpmeet, if he could. And the story says that stronger all the time. The grandson of the emperor of
she was the wisest woman in Great Britain, the fairest and Constantinople is coming into your land with three
best loved who was in that whole land, excepting only hundred squires, sons of princes and high barons, to serve
Elaine the Peerless, wife of Persides the Red of the Castle of you so that you will make them knights. ”
Gazevilte and daughter of King Pelles of Listenois of the “Merlin,” said the king, “who are those boys who have
Castle of Corbenic; she was the niece of the Fisher King and come to Logres, and what are their names?”
the king ailing from his wounds. The first was called Alan of “Sir,” said Merlin, “King Lot has four sons. The eldest
the Isle in Listenois. The second was ill and had been is named Gawainet, the next Agravain, the third Guerrehet,
wounded with the Avenging Lance, which is why he was and the fourth Gaheriet. Those four are your nephews,
called the Maimed King, and he had been wounded sons of your sister and King Lot. And there is another one
through both his thighs; his right name was King Pellinor called Galescalain, and he is the son of King Neutres of
of Listenois. King Alan and Pellinor were brothers. The Garlot and another of your sisters.2 And the grandson of
maiden I told you about was their niece and the daughter the emperor of Constantinople is called Sagremor; he will
of King Pelles, who was the brother of the two I have just be of wondrous prowess. And still others will come very
named for you. That maiden was the most beautiful woman soon who will have your well-being at heart and be your
who had ever been in any land, and the noblest, and she friends.”
kept the Most Holy Grail until Galahad was conceived. While Merlin was saying these things, all of their
But now the story falls silent about her and says no companions came around him, and when they had heard
more about her for a while, but you will be enlightened as the news Merlin told, they were very glad and very joyful.
to how it was taken away from her and why, and how the With that, all the knights left there and went straight, to
adventures of the Holy Grail drew to an end; rather it will their lodgings and went to bed for a good rest. And they
speak about the companions of the Round Table seated at stayed in the town for a very long time and did nothing but
supper in the city of Carhaix in Carmelide in the great hall eat and drink. Meanwhile, their armies were gathering.
of King Leodagan. But now the story stops speaking about King Leodagan
and the fighting men he engaged, all of whom were
heartened and gladdened and oveijoyed by the news that
Merlin told them about the young men who had gone into
18. News of the Young Heroes; the Battle
the kingdom of Logres as he said; and it begins speaking
Before Arundel.* 1 again about King Tradelmant of North Wales.
Here the story says that when King Tradelmant had
Now the story says that they had sat relaxed at supper and come into North Wales, his fortified city, he called so many
had been served meats and wines. And when the high and men together that they numbered fully ten thousand, and
low tables had been taken away, Merlin took the three kings with them he held the land and the countryside as best he
by the hand and led them aside and said to them, “Do you could. And one evening a spy who had gone close to Saxon
want me to tell you what has happened in Great Britain?” Rock came to him and said that at least ten thousand
“Of course,” said King Arthur, “I would like very much Saxons had invaded his land, and they were driving a very
to know, if you will.”
long wagon train with food supplies. And the king asked
“In truth,” said Merlin, “there has been a great battle, him where they could be. And he told him that they were
hard and wondrous, in the plain before Logres against the between the Rock and Arundel. Then the king ordered his
Saxons, who had plundered the countryside and laid waste men to get their armor on quickly, and he told them to be
the whole [160] seaside and the ports as far as Dover. And
on their horses right after the bedtime hour and to ride out
when they were coming to the stronghold of Logres, they
of the town fully armed as though their lives depended on
had a huge wagon train that was being driven along with it, and they did as he said. [161]
the army, and there were ten thousand Saxons on
And when they were in the fields, they were a good ten
horseback. And as they were riding, they met with five
thousand strong, and they rode in tight formation, keeping
young men, who are your nephews.”
their ranks straight, until they came upon the Saxons. Then
And he told them how the youths had come there, how
they split their army in two. And Pollidamas, who was the
they had left their mothers without their fathers’ knowing
king’s nephew, led one part; he was a young knight, worthy
anything about it, how they had met the foragers, just as
and bold. And as soon as the army had been split, the main
you have heard in the story, and how the battle had been
division made straight for Arundel, which King Arthur had
when the Saxons were put to flight, the rich spoils they had
garrisoned before he left the country.
won, the rout they had dealt the Saxons, the joyful
o
‘Sommer's text reads, ambiguously, & de uostre seror ausi (160,
* Corresponds to Sommer, 159-164. 1. 20): "and of your sister as well.”
The Story of Merlin 255
After Pollidamas’s division had broken away from his of the Hundred Knights came into the battle, for they felt
uncle s, they both found themselves close to the Saxons’ great sorrow for King Tradelmant and his men, because
tents, and they rode headlong into the midst of them as fast they were so overwhelmed; and without a doubt, if they had
as their horses could run. That day the Saxons’ lookouts not gone out to help him, King Tradelmant would have
served them badly, for they were aware of nothing before been killed or taken prisoner.
their enemies were on top of them. There many Saxons And when the King of the Hundred Knights had come
were brought down and many were slain, for they were set there, the shouting, the screaming, and the uproar grew to
upon from two sides; they were unarmed and sleepy, for be so loud that the Saxons were dumbfounded, so much so
they were weary from riding, so there was a great slaughter that they stopped defending themselves, for they saw that
of them. And Tradelmant’s men knocked down and they could not hope for a rescue, so far were they from the
toppled tents and pavilions. The Saxons did not have time Valley of Vambieres, where help was. And they were well
to take up their arms, but turned in flight toward the Castle aware that in the Castle of the Rock there were not left even
of the Rock on foot and on horseback, setting out through two hundred men who could defend themselves, for they
the nearby forests. Tradelmant’s men brought down and had all come out when the cry was raised. So they saw
killed as many as they caught up with, so that at least fifteen clearly that they could not do anything to help themselves
thousand of them were slain before they could get to their but flee.
stronghold. When the King of the Hundred Knights, his seneschal
And when the knights inside saw the great rout, the Marganor, King Tradelmant, and Pollidamas saw that the
men fleeing everywhere, and the great slaughter of the Saxons were withdrawing, they rode hard against them. The
Saxons, they shouted “Now to arms!” And all in the castle Saxons did not dare make a stand, but made their way
armed themselves as well and strongly as they could, and toward Saxon Rock. But before they could get there, they
they rode out as quickly as they could. They made a huge were being pursued so closely diat not four thousand of
army, and they were all highborn men and powerful, and their men got away without being killed or wounded. And
they were on very fine horses. And when they were outside when those from the castle of Arundel saw that the Saxons
the stronghold, they numbered a good fourteen thousand. were routed and had taken flight, they withdrew from the
All at once, they let their horses run against pursuit on the counsel of a young man who was named
Tradelmant’s army, and each side struck out very fiercely Wonet of the White Hands, and went back to where the
against the other. And there was a wild and wondrous fighting had been. And they took horses and coins, gold
slaughter of men and horses. While they were fighting, all and silver, food and armor, all they wanted of the best they
the men in Arundel who belonged to King Arthur rode out, could find. And they provided themselves so well with
and there were a good five hundred of them, all of them everything that they lacked for nothing as long as diey were
strong and swift young men. They seized the foodstuffs, of in the stronghold.
which they found a good lot in the army, and they won a And when they had gone back inside, they closed the
great deal of booty. Then they rode back into die casde and gates and raised the bridges. Then they climbed high up on
shut the gates and watched to see what would happen. So die walls to see how the others would fare. And the Saxons
they had withdrawn to one side. fled to the Casde of the Rock, and they rushed inside where
And Pollidamas and King Tradelmant kept fighting they knew the entrance was. But before they could all get
fiercely, but they suffered great hardship because the [163] in, many were killed and wounded. And when they
fleeing Saxons had drawn together, and there were at least had gone inside, the two kings saw that they had got away
seven thousand of them mounted and armed very richly; from them, and they drew back, for they were afraid of the
meanwhile, fourteen thousand had come out of the Casde arrows the crossbowmen inside were shooting down on
of the Rock. So the Saxons ran hard against diem, for they them.
were very sorrowful about the harm they had done them, And when they had put about half a league between
and they drove them back hundreds of yards, and King themselves and the stronghold, the two kings greeted each
Tradelmant’s men did not stop withdrawing undl diey had other joyfully, and they took off their helmets and kissed
come below Arundel, where they had to hold their ground and embraced each other. When they had spent a long
by main force or die trying. There they started to defend time delighting in each odier’s company, King Tradelmant
themselves mightily, and there a great many men and said to the King of the Hundred Knights, “Sir, I am gready
horses were brought down and slaughtered on both sides. amazed at how you came here today! And I can thank God
And King Tradelmant lost a great deal in that attack, for of for it! For if you had tarried the slightest bit, I could not
the ten thousand men he had at the beginning, he lost at have avoided being killed or taken prisoner, and all my
least three thousand; and the Saxons lost a good four men with me.”
thousand of their men who had ridden out of die Casde of “Sir,” said the King of the Hundred Knights, “our Lord
the Rock. God, who is so loving and noble-hearted, will not forget His
It would not have taken long for King Tradelmant and friends wherever they may be. But it sometimes happens
his companions to be utterly routed, when the King of die that the ills and griefs we suffer please Him mightily, and
Hundred Knights came to help him; he had heard the news we undergo such hardships in order to raise up His true
f 162] that the Saxons were riding about throughout the religion. This is why He has sent the Saxons to us in this
land and plundering everything. And his men came straight country, and they do nothing but grow stronger and more
into the batde, and they struck hard. And die knights from plentiful every day, so that we see plainly that they will
the stronghold at Arundel had ridden out before the King never be driven out of the country by any army we can
256 The Story of Merlin

raise; and for as long as we live, let us avenge our dead. This 19. King Urien’s Sons and Nephew; King
is the best I can make out of what is happening; and if
Neutres Against the Saxons.1
anyone believes me, we should do just as I say, and we will
come out of it better than any other way.”
Here the story says that when King Aguisant had come to
“How?” said King Tradelmant. “What do you have in
his citadel at Coranges, he brought together knights, men-
mind?”
at-arms, and crossbowmen, on foot and on horseback, until
“I’ll tell you,” said the King of the Hundred Knights.
he had at least fifteen thousand under arms. And it
“My advice would be to send word to our companions that
happened on a Monday morning that the Saxons had more
every one of them should come with his armed men, as
than fifteen thousand men on horseback, and they were
secredy as he can, to the Castle of Lindesores in
riding between Coranges and Lanvemis, and King Aguisant
Broceliande, and then we should call together as many of
was going after the plunder that Oriel, Meliaduc, Sorbares,
our people as we can. And then let us ride against the
Maglory, Braidon, Pignoras, Pincenar, and Salebrun were
Saxons and fight them in God’s name. And to whomever
taking away in their army that was before the city of
God grants a good outcome, let him have it. For it is far
Vambieres. As they came, they laid waste all the land, and
better to die in good faith and with honor than to live in
they leveled villages, towns, and castles, and set fire to
shame, lose everything, and then die dishonored.”
everything, for they meant to reduce the whole countryside
‘Tor the love of God,” said King Tradelmant, “what are
to nothing; as they took plunder, they carried it off with
you saying? We know very well that there are so many of
their army. And they committed such dreadful slaughter
them that for every one of us they number thirty. And you
throughout the land that, no matter how hard or wicked
can be sure that what you advise us to do will not work.
your heart, you would have been moved to pity for the
Nevertheless,3 as for myself, I am ready to do whatever you
ladies and young women whose children they so grievously
and the other barons are willing to undertake.”
and wrongfully killed in their arms. And when the common
“Indeed,” said the King of the Hundred Knights, “I will
folk hid in caves or any other place of refuge, they threw
send out my messengers right away, and I will tell the
firebrands inside and burned them up. So the news ran so
barons in my own name just what I have said to you, and
fast throughout the countryside that King Aguisant heard
they are to let me know whether or not they are willing to
it, and he ordered all his barons to take up arms. And so
do it.”
they did.
‘Then may it be as God wills,” said King Tradelmant.
They got on their horses and rode two leagues before
“As for me, I will do what you and the others want. I am but
daybreak. They went at a slow gait until after the hour of
a single man, no less than you, but you cannot suffer any
prime, when they looked down the road toward Lanvemis.
harm that I do not share in.”
They saw the air billowing and thick with dust and red with
With that, they took to the road and went straight
the fire the Saxons had set to the countryside, and they
toward Arundel, to the spot where the first battle had been.
heard the uproar, the howls and screams the common folk
There they found a very great wealth of everydiing a man
uttered over their losses, the harm that had come to them,
needs for his well-being, and each one took his fill of what
and their friends, whom they saw going to their doom. King
he wanted, for they did not need to split the booty into
Aguisant and his men were filled with sorrow and agony,
shares. So the wealth and the foodstuffs were enough for
and they began riding faster. They were a good fourteen
everyone. And the two kings parted company and did
thousand strong, and King Aguisant put himself in the
nothing more at that time.
King Tradelmant went straight to North Wales, his vanguard with eight thousand men, and Waldin of the
Fearsome Vale2 led the rearguard with seven thousand
stronghold, with seven thousand armed men who were left
knights who were all young men, worthy and skilled at
from the fighting. And the King of the Hundred .Knights
arms, and they rode good, strong, swift horses.
went to Malehaut with eight thousand men. Then he chose
his messengers and sent them to the [164] barons, of whom This Waldin was King Aguisant’s cousin on his father’s

there were ten by count, and he relayed to them the words side, and he later did many beautiful feats of arms before

he had spoken to King Tradelmant. the stronghold for love of the maiden Lady of Branlang,

But here the story falls silent about him and his whom he wanted to take by force to be his wife, and before

messengers and begins speaking again about Aguisant of the wealthy town of the Narrow Wood, which was so

Scotland, who had come straight to his own lands when he praiseworthy until Waldin won it by his prowess, just as the

left Sorhaut. story will yet set forth, if there is anyone who can tell it to
you, but it is not yet time or place. For now it is right to tell
9 you about King Aguisant of Scotland, who rode with his
Sommer’s text appears to be garbled. The sentence begins
6? par cent It di iou nut tpie (163, 11. 28-29): “And I am not saying companions until they came upon dte wagon train and the
this so that...”; but it continues as follows. plunderers, about which nodiing more was said or done.
But as soon as they saw each other, each side struck out
against the other as fast as their horses could take them.
There was a very great slaughter of men and horses there,
and right from the start the Saxons took very great losses in

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 164-171.

2
In Sommer’s text, gaudins de val esfroi (164,1. 29).
The Story of Merlin 257

men because they were not ready to fight, for they had called Wain the Bastard.6 And the other Wain, who was the
spread [165] throughout the land, some here, others there, king’s son and was to be the rightful heir to the land
and King Aguisant and his men killed more than six through his mother, they called him Wain the Great when
thousand of them. But when the king of the Saxons got to they used his right name. This Wain was wondrously
the place where the battle was being fought, King Aguisant handsome; he was worthy and bold. But never, after they
and Waldin suffered great losses, for he had more than had heard tell of King Arthur, did either Wain want his
forty thousand men on horseback and ready to defend father to make him a knight; rather, they often said to each
themselves, while they were only fourteen thousand strong, other when they were alone together—for they gready
and they did not believe they could keep up the fight. loved one another—that they would never be knights
And they could not hold out for long, for the Saxons before King Arthur made them so. And Wain the Bastard
only grew in number, and there were only ten Scottish was younger dian his brother Wain the Great. [166]
leagues between them and the main Saxon army, and the Those young men I have told you about were in the
ten kings3 I have told you about were all riding back and town to protect it, and King Urien and Bademagu had
had their armor on, and they had so many men that the managed to come straight to the batde in which King
whole countryside was covered with them everywhere, and Aguisant was routed, and he and his army were fleeing to
they had sent them on their way, willing or not. And King Coranges the citadel. When King Urien saw that King
Aguisant suffered there very great losses in men-at-arms and Aguisant had been so put to flight, he was wondrously
knights, for before the hour of nones had gone by the sorrowful, and he looked it very much indeed. As soon as
Saxons struck hard at them and harried them, for the he came upon the pursuit, he struck the Saxons harder
Saxons could see on two sides just the fourteen thousand than anyone else could. He was riding a horse worthy of
men, riding good horses and able to fight, whom King such a man, and he had ten thousand men with him, fully
Aguisant had with him; in the end, there were left not six armed and all on good horses. And they ran into the
thousand of them whom he could gather together who Saxons so hard that many were killed or wounded. There
were not killed or wounded. the fighdng was fierce and awesome, for die household of
And you should know in truth that, if it had not been King Urien was most valiant. They fought all day long, and
for a stroke of luck that happily befell them, not one of they underwent such hardship that no one could have
them, however many they might have been, would have got suffered more. And King Urien himself did wonders.
away, for they would all have been killed or taken prisoner. King Aguisant had turned back because of the help
But King Urien had come out that morning to the fields that had come to him, and there was a great slaughter of
along with his nephew Bademagu, who was a good knight, men and horses, but King Urien could not have held out
skillful and bold, and they had left behind in the city any longer if night had not fallen and put a stop to the
Wonet,4 who was a good and worthy lad, and another one; fighdng, for there were too many Saxons against him. So he
he had fathered Wonet5 with Brimesent, King Arthur’s went back into the city of Sorhaut, dred and w'eary from the
sister, who was a very good lady. blows he had given and taken, but the Saxons stayed
With Wonet was Meleagant, who on that day was a very behind in the plot of land that had been the battleground,
young boy, and he was the son of King Bademagu with his and they lay there that night sdll wearing their armor.
first wife. Those boys guarded the city very well, but they But there befell King Urien a beautiful stroke of good
were not yet knights, for they were too young. And with luck that should not be forgotten in the story, for he and
them was Wain the Bastard, who was also the son of King his army met a company of Saxons in a heath, and they had
Urien with his seneschal’s wife, who was so beautiful that he rich stocks of food, arms, and other supplies.7 A good three
cast his own wife aside for more than five whole years and thousand of them were driving this wealth in a train, and
kept her in his casde against his seneschal’s will, and with they had stopped and were sitting down to take food, of
her he had a son. When the boy was born, such a great which they had a great plenty. They did not think they
interdict was raised against the land that he had to let her needed to be on guard against anyone, since they knew
go, like it or not, but he had the boy taken away with him, about the withdrawal of King Urien and the rout of King
and he reared him until he was big and handsome and Aguisant’s army, so they split off from die main army in
could ride a horse. And the king, who loved him veiy much, order to come more quickly to the army that stood before
gave him a share of his lands so that he could have an the city of Vambieres, as you have heard earlier in the story,
income to keep up his household. and they believed they were safe in the place where they
That Wain, who was called the Bastard, was handsome were.
and skilled at arms, courtly and bold, and for the great love When King Urien and his nephew Bademagu saw the
the king bore him, he made his companion his son Wain Saxons stopped as they were, and the tents and pavilions
the Great. And because he was sired in adultery, he was they had had set up, and the bright light burning inside the
pavilions, diey sent to ask who those people were. And
those inside the pavilions answered right away that they
3Only eight are named in Sommer’s text (164,11. 9—11).
4The name Wonet is a diminutive of Wain. In die immediate
context, the forms are used interchangeably. 6In Sommer’s text, yvains li auoutres (165, etc.): “Wain, the
5The syntax in Sommer’s text (165, 11. 20-21) makes it offspring of adultery.”
ambiguous as to whether Wonet or the “other one” (i.e., either 7Sommer’s text abbreviates sesnes isf hamois (166, 1. 20):
Meleagant, who is mentioned next, or the other Wonet/Wain, the “Saxons and armor.” Sommer provides the fuller reading from the
Bastard) is the son of Brimesent. Harley manuscript, 166, n. 2.
258 The Story of Merlin

belonged to King Brandegorre8 of Saxony. When King w'ould sooner lose it all than not go after my cousins to
Urien and Bademagu heard that they were Saxons, they serve my uncle. Now get my things ready so that I can leave
shouted to their men that they “would now see who was in a way befitting my honor! Come what may, I mean to go,
worthy!” And they rode headlong into the midst of them, for I would rather die in honor than live in shame in this
and they found them utterly unarmed, so they could hardly prison where we are.”
defend themselves. So the Christians began to bring the When the lady heard Wonet talking that way, she could
tents and pavilions down on their heads. There you would not keep from weeping, for she was fully aware that his
have seen a filthy jumble of tables overturned, cups and heart bore the traits of high nobility, from which he had
goblets spilled, and what they had held strewn about and come. So she answered him, “Dear son Wonet, where does
trampled under the horses’ hooves! There was a great the feeling that you must leave your father and go serve
slaughter of the Saxons there, for our men hated them with someone else come from?”
deadly hatred! And he said, “Lady, for God’s sake, everyone can vouch
And the Christians numbered eight thousand, and for the fact that King Arthur is your brother and my uncle,
they were fully armed, riding strong, swift horses, and there and my heart tells me this is so. My cousins have already
were only forty9 thousand Saxons, and they were unarmed gone to his lands, and I would be very cowardly indeed if I
because they had been sitting at supper and did not believe stayed behind where I couldn’t do anything worthwhile and
they had to be on guard against anyone. And the night was help him keep his lands as my cousins are doing. And you
beautiful and bright, and it was very clear, for the month of can be very sure that if you do not give me your leave, I will
April had just begun, so the stoiy says. And the Saxons were go just the same. Now do what you must, if you do not want
so badly slaughtered that no more than six diousand out of to lose me, so that I can go to court in a way befitting my
forty thousand of them were left who had not been [167] honor.”
killed or cut up. And the ones who got away fled into the “Dear, sweet son,” said his mother, “bear with me, and
great, deep woods and forests, and they felt the greatest I will put your gear together so stealthily that your father
sorrow that anyone could conceive. will not know anything about it, for if he did, you would
And King Urien and his nephew took all the wealth lose him utterly. You must seek out the companions you
they had won from the Saxons, who were so well supplied, can and wish to take with you, and I will get the clothing,
and they rode straight to Sorhaut, and they were bothered arms, and horses you will need.”
by nothing else. And the city was again fully stocked with “Lady,” he said, “thank you very much!”
every kind of goods, and they took their ease, happy and Then Yvonet stirred himself and came straight to his
gladdened by the good fortune that had befallen them in brother, whose name was Yvonet the Bastard, [168] and he
that land. disclosed to him what was on his mind. When he had told
After King Urien and his nephew Bademagu had left him everything, his brother answered that never, God
the batde, just as you have heard, news came to the city of willing, would he go into a strange land without him, and
Sorhaut about King Lot’s sons and Galescalain, how they he was ready to leave whenever he wanted. “I want us to set
had left their fathers without their permission and gone off out,” said Yvonet, “in a week’s time.”
to be given their arms by King Ardiur. They had not found They put their gear together, and Wonet die Bastard
him, for he was away in the kingdom of Carmelide, but they sought out companions befitting one so worthy and keen
had stayed in Logres and were doing very well protecting until he had a hundred, and Wonet the Great found two
the borderland; the)' were waidng for King Arthur to come hundred, and his mother got robes, money, and armor in
back to his country, and they had taken the most wealth in great plenty. So they went, with the lady’s leave, one night
booty that anyone had ever won. after supper, in the middle of the night after bedtime, and
So the news spread, and at length Yvonet, the son of Fragient, a noble youth who knew all the byways of the
King Arthur’s sister, heard it. And when he had heard it country, led them all the way to Logres.
relayed, he spoke to his mother privately and said to her, But with that die story falls silent about all of diem and
“Dear mother, my cousins have gone to King Arthur’s court King Urien, and it does not talk about diem anymore right
to serve him and to be given their armor by him, and they now, but it begins speaking again about King Neutres of
know him as their uncle. We could not be in worse straits Garlot.
than we are right now, yet I am happy widr my lot so long as Here the story says that when King Neutres saw diat he
you are willing that it be so. Now tell me what you want, had lost his son Galescalain, he was very sorrowful and
what you would like for me to do, for I would never do upset, and he said wicked diings to his wife and blamed her
anything to hurt you. You are well aware diat my father has very harshly; he was so angry diat he did not want to speak
given his land over to his nephew Bademagu, but there is to her for another month. Then, one Thursday evening in
nothing else he can take away from me except my life, April, it happened that a messenger came to tell him the
which I hold from him, for your lands, which come to me great disaster that had befallen King Aguisant, how the
from you alone, I can never lose, unless it is your will. But I Saxons had routed him, and how he would have been killed
or taken prisoner had it not been for King Urien, who
8Sommer’s text has brangoire (166,1. 30). came to the rescue in time to halt the pursuit of King
9Sommer’s text has .tty. with a superscript m (166, 1. 38): Aguisant. After him came another messenger who told
“four thousand”; however, a few lines later, the text speaks of forty about the defeat of the Saxons diat King Tradelmant and
thousand (.xL with superscript m), of whom six thousand survive the King of the Hundred Knights had brought about
(166,1.42).
The Story of Merlin 259

between Saxon Rock and Arundel, where they won a great pavilions. It was past the hour of nones, and when the
deal of wealth. Saxons saw them rushing in, they hurried to get their arms.
When King Neutres heard this news, he was sorely But they could not run to them before five hundred of the
grieved for King Aguisant, and he resolved in his heart to tents had been brought down about their heads and more
go patrol the borderland near the Welsh Causeway between than a thousand of their men slain.
North Wales and Sorelois, where the strait was wondrously Then the Saxons blew a horn at the tent of King
far across. But he had hardly made up his mind to lead the Maragond, and he gathered together such a great number
mounted patrol when he heard such an uproar raised of men that they came to more than thirty thousand. And
throughout the countryside that you would have thought then the four kings rode out, and King Galescin came
the land had sunk into a bottomless pit, and he saw the stealthily to meet them with a thousand men; then they all
common folk running in flight on every side, so he asked stood against Dorilas, King Neutres’s nephew, who was
the fleeing people what was wrong. They told him that all doing all he could to harm the Saxons, and he had fought
the Saxons in the world had invaded the country and were very well throughout the whole day; then Mahaglant the
burning, tearing down, or killing everything they met with. Saxon came in. As soon as the enemies took note of each
They were coming in by every way in such great numbers other, they rode against each other, their lances lowered,
that so large an army had never been seen. And they had and they hit so hard that their shields flew into splinters,
dug in before the stronghold of Broceliande,10 on the river but their coats of mail were so strong that not one link
Severn,11 in the midst of the meadows, where they were broke. They shattered their lances as they made their
awaiting the great wagon train that was coming with their passes, but they had struck so hard that they were all
foodstuffs. And their leaders, they said, were King brought to the ground. Men on both sides ran to their
Maragond, who was Hengist the Saxon’s cousin, King rescue, and a great, wild fray broke out; the fighting was so
Braolant, and King Pignoras. “And the plunderers come to fierce and so awesome that many were slain on both sides,
more than twenty thousand. They have spread out through but the Saxons lost more than the Christians.
the midst of our land, which they are burning and And King Neutres had ridden toward the pavilions on
pillaging, and they kill everything in their path. And if you the other side, between the woods and the river, and he
don’t believe me, you can hear it and see it for yourself.” and his men brought down a great many pavilions and
When King Neutres heard this speech, he made up his tents. The Saxons lost a great deal there, for they lacked
mind that he could not stay there without great hardship. somewhat for supplies, and there were many killed and
Then he shouted in a loud voice, “Noble knights, now wounded before they could get to their gear and tack. And
to arms! Now we’ll see who’s worthy! For there is no knight they would have lost a good deal more, when King Falsabre
who does not defend his land against his mortal foes!” attacked King Neutres with seven thousand Saxons, and
Then a great many knights and men-at-arms ran to put they fought very hard.
on their armor, [169] and when they were fully armed When King Neutres saw the huge number of Saxons
there were at least twelve thousand of them. King Neutres who were coming against him, he rode to meet them like
took seven thousand of them and gave them to Dorilas to the good, skilled knight he was. He ran in among them and
lead, and he entreated him to fight boldly. He was a very fought so well, along with all his men, that he put the seven
good knight, a kinsman of the king. He went in the thousand to flight in a rout. He drove them, despite their
direction from where he saw the common folk fleeing, and resistance, into King Pignoras’s company, [170] with eight
he rode until he came to the place where people were thousand Saxons, which gave them help and comfort. And
being killed and maimed. The Saxon advance force was a King Pignoras struck hard among King Neutres’s men, and
good five thousand strong, but they were not together in a with the sheer strength of his numbers, he threw them back
formation, but spread out up and down the river, burning more than a crossbow’s shot, beyond the tents between the
and plundering. woods and the river.
When Dorilas saw them wreaking such harm, not And when King Neutres saw his men being driven
believing in God, His religion, or His commandments, he back, he let out his batdecry and shouted to them, “Noble
let his men run on them as fast as their horses could go, knights, where are you going? Please turn around and fight
and they struck them with sharp lances that cut them back for as long as you are alive, for you will never have a
through; a great many Saxons were brought down and better chance! You must remember who you are, for it is
slaughtered, for they had been taken unawares and had not better to die fighting than fleeing shamefully! We are still as
seen them before they were running them dirough. They good as dead, I think, wherever we might run.”
had killed more than two thousand of them before King And when they heard their lord’s speech, they turned
Neutres got there, and those who were left turned in flight about and drew together in a body so thick and tight that
toward the castle of Broceliande, where the four kings were not another man would have fit in, and they held their
encamped, but King Neutres and his men followed hard on ground without moving, and they bore up and withstood
them, brought them down, and killed them, and they the attack until the others had broken their lances on them
pursued them until they had driven them into the tents and and rested beneath their shields to catch their breath. And
then they bore the blows they gave them and withstood the
attack until they rested for a while and stopped raining
1(1Sommer’s text has briolande (168,1. 33).
blows down on diem. And when diey saw that die Saxons
^Sommer’s text has riuiere daisume here (168, 1. 33), but
elsewhere riuiere de sume (172,11. 5—6), riuiere desaueme (175,1. 11), were somewhat dred, they let dieir horses run against diem
and even riuiere darsoune (173,1. 8).
260 The Story of Merlin

and began to fight so well that the Saxons were amazed by 20. Dodinel the Wildman.1
the wonders they saw them doing against them.
Meanwhile, Dorilas was fighting Mahaglant’s men and Here the story says that when King Brandegorre had left
put them to flight in a rout, and he drove them, despite Sorhaut and come to his citadel Estrangorre, he stocked it
their resistance, into Falsabre’s company and that of with food and knights and men-at-arms, until there were
Pignoras, who was fighting very hard against King Neutres’s some fifteen thousand men fully armed, and for a long time
men. So they all ran into each other in the fray. There was he held the borderland fast against the Saxons, who did
wondrous fighting there and fearsome combat, and each them hardly any harm. At length, it happened one day that
side held out as long as the other until it was near the hour the Saxons had invaded his land and the borderland of
of vespers. South Wales, where King Belinant was lord, the brother of
At once King Maragond moved out, and he had more King Tradelmant of Wales. That Belinant had a fair, rich
than fifteen thousand Saxons with him. He was very bitter land, and his wife was beautiful, wealthy, and young; her
that so few men had stood their ground against so many name was Eglantine, and she was the daughter of King
Saxons, for he saw clearly that there were less than half as Machen of the Lost Island. And Belinant had a son with his
many Christians as Saxons. Then he shouted to his men niece, who was of very great beauty, and he was fourteen
and ordered them to fall upon them so hard that not one years old. He was rightly named Dodinel the Wildman, and
would be left in his saddle, and they did so, for it seemed to I will tell you why they called him that:2 it was because he
them that they could utterly defeat them just as they were sought to do nothing but hunt boars, deer, and bucks with
coming at them. But when King Neutres saw such a great bow and arrow through those great, wild forests, and it was
number of Saxons coming, he drew his men in around because he liked to be there so much that they called him
himself thick and tight and withdrew litde by little toward Dodinel the Wildman. And King Neutres was Eglantine’s
the woods. The Saxons rushed on him and drove hard after
brother on their mother’s side, so Dodinel the Wildman
him, for they believed they could take diem, and diey hit
was the cousin of Galescalain, and afterwards, in the
them so hard that their lances flew into bits.
household of King Arthur, he3 won great renown, and he
King Neutres and his men struggled backward to reach
was so skillful at feats of arms that he became one of the
the woods, which were very deep, by a narrow way where a most highly esteemed knights of the Round Table.
path was. And the woods were high on both sides of the
But here the story does not speak of him, but of King
path and so thick that nothing could get in but wild beasts.
Brandegorre and the Saxons who had come into his land
And through the middle the path went deep into the
sorrowful and stirred up because of their friends whom they
woods, but it was so narrow that it would be a wonder if you
had lost between the Rock and the stronghold of Arundel.
could throw a stone any way down the path.12 King Neutres
And the Saxons took to the road that led beneath the
and Dorilas backed down the path until all dieir men had
Castle of the Narrow Way. There were a great many of
got into the woods. Then they put die hilts of dieir weapons
them, and they burned the whole countryside and
into the ground and turned the dps upwards; diey began to
plundered as they went along; they harmed the Lord of the
wait for their enemy, and they were ready to defend
Narrow Borderland, the castellan of Lindesores, King
themselves. And the enemy came upon them full of wrath
Belinant of South Wales, and King Brandegorre more than
and sorrow for the harm they had done them, and they
all the others. And when King Brandegorre found out
attacked. The Christians defended themselves mightily, and
about them, he summoned all his liegemen, and after they
they kept fighting until one man could hardly see the other
had gathered, fully armed, they set out to avenge the
because of the darkness, for night had fallen. Then the
damage and hurt that were theirs. The Saxons came so
Saxons withdrew. They lost there more than they won.
numerous and so thick that the whole land was covered
When King Neutres saw that the Saxons wereTeaving,
with them, and they set fire throughout the whole
he and his men set out, [171] and they rode until they
countryside. Meanwhile, King Belinant had raised a very
came to Wissant. And it was plain by the look of their armor
great army, and they rode until they saw die Saxons who
that they had not had a restful trip, for their shields were
were bringing shame and ruin to the country; they were
full of holes, their mail was undone and the links broken,
leading such a great slaughter that their wails and screams
their helmets were bashed in and the nose-plates filthy with
could be heard two leagues away, and the air was red and
blood and gore. And die people throughout the town
billowing with the dust, so that the whole sky was blackened
looked at them in wonder, and they said to one another,
with it, and the sun had lost its brightness and its light.
“Those men have not had a lot of rest!” So they went to
When King Brandegorre saw the ruin and the
their lodgings, took off their armor, and took their rest, for
slaughter, he was sorely stricken with grief, and tears
they had toiled for a very long time.
streamed from his eyes. Then he entreated his liegemen to
But now the story falls silent about them and begins
speaking again about King Brandegorre.
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 171-174.
2Sommer’s text has only dodynel (171, 1. 18), but the
12In Sommer’s text, the sentence ends abruptly with a
comments explain only the surname “Wildman,” not the Christian
merveille (170,1. 36): “it would be a wonder.” The translation adapts
name, which recalls dodin (“deceiving”).
the text from the Harley manuscript supplied by Sommer in a
note. 3Sommer’s text has the relative qui (171,1. 22), which appears
to refer to Galescalain, but the sense of the passage seems to
require continued reference to Dodinel.
The Story of Merlin 261

set their minds to fighting hard and defending Holy so loud that people could hear the sound half a league
Christendom. away.
And the Saxons rode [172] hard and fast, their Now look! King Belinant of South Wales came up with
standard raised, and they were more than fifty thousand four thousand men who had good horses worth a great deal
strong, and they were led by Baramal, Caroman, Lidras, and good, strong lances with sharp tips, and they were well
Hardiant, and Kinkenart. Those five kings were wealthy and stocked with all kinds of armor. They rushed into the fray
powerful, and each one had with him ten thousand men so hard that they drove everyone back. Then the fighting
well armed one and all; and all five of them were kinsmen was fierce and awesome, [173] for King Belinant’s
of Hengist, whom Uther Pendragon killed. And King companions were very worthy men, for he was the lord of
Brandegorre was waiting for them to cross a bridge over the Lindesores and lord of the Narrow Borderland. And the
river Severn, which was very wide and deep, and as soon as lord of Glocedon was there, and the castellan of Galenice,
they drew near, they let their horses run against them, and and those of the Marshlands, Roestoc, Camugnes, and
they hit them so hard it was a wonder to behold. There was Blakestan; so too were Caradoc, lord of the Dolorous
a great shattering of lances there, a dreadful slaughter of Tower, and Drian the Merry of the Perilous Forest. Each
men and horses, a loud hammering together of cudgels one had two hundred knights with him, the worthiest
and swords, and the fighting was great and mighty; men anyone could find, and they killed as many as they came to,
from both sides fell into the water, which swept them and the slaughter was such that the great stream of blood
downstream, for it flowed swifdy, and it was not yet the flowing from the bodies made the river Severn, which had
hour of prime. been clear, run red. And if night had not fallen, which,
That river flowed before the city of Estrangort, which against all their wills, broke up the battle, not one of the
King Caradoc held in his sway. And he was leaning out of Saxons, who had been at least fifty thousand strong, would
one of the windows of his great hall, gazing at the meadows have got away; yet the Christians did not number more than
and river, and he looked into the water, which was clear but thirty thousand.
turbulent, for the river ran fast, and he saw shields and But night fell, which broke up the battle, and one side
lances floating downstream in great numbers. And he drew away from the other, until morning, when they meant
looked toward where they were coming from and saw the to start fighting again. But the five kings of Saxony took
sky red and burning with the fire the Saxons had set in the counsel and ordered the Saxons to go all night and take the
borderland of Estrangorre, and he saw coming down straightest way they could back to Saxon Rock, but they lost
through the water the gear of knights and the trapping of a good deal of their armor, for they hurried to leave the
horses that had drowned. Now it dawned on him that King country and did not carry with them half of their
Brandegorre was fighting with the Saxons. equipment. So it was until day broke the next morning.
Then he quickly jumped to his feet and shouted to his When it was light, King Caradoc, King Belinant, King
men, “Now to arms, worthy men! For any knight would be Brandegorre, and all the barons of their lands got
valiant and bold in this time of need!” themselves ready and mounted their horses, for they were
There was a highborn youth there who was valiant and very much afraid that, for lack of prowess, they might lose
bold. He brought the king his armor, and his name was Kay their advantage and Holy Christendom would be brought
of Estral. King Caradoc had called him many times to down and shamed. So they gathered their battalions
become a knight, but he answered that he did not yet want together, got their men into formation, and put their
to be one, and he said this because he yearned to be made companies in order, and went where they thought they
a knight by the hand of King Arthur. And when the king would find the Saxons. But when they saw that their
was armed, he asked whether the other knights were ready, enemies had left, they were very distraught that they had
and he was told that they were all on their horses waiting got away from them, for it was clear to them that they had
for him before the gate. The king mounted his horse and gone toward the Castle of the Rock.
led his men out of the city, and they rode hard and fast And when they saw that there was nothing else they
until they came to the batde, and it was right at the hour of could do, they turned back. The barons began to make
nones. merry together, and they split up the equipment the Saxons
And as they drew nearer, they heard the uproar and had left behind in such a way that each one got what he
the sword fight going on at the bridge crossing, which King wanted, for there was so much that it made every man
Brandegorre was very fiercely contesting with fifteen wealthy. And when the time came to leave, each of the
thousand men against the Saxons. The Saxons were so kings4 offered his service to the others: whenever anyone
many, and so thick, that by their sheer numbers they drew needed it, he should let them all know. Then they parted
them away from the bridge into the open field, and King company. King Caradoc went to one of his cities, and King
Brandegorre would have suffered great hardship, but King Brandegorre went to Estrangorre, which was filled with all
Caradoc came along, his banner raised, with ten thousand kinds of goods.
men, and they rushed headlong into the fray as fast as they Then word spread that King Lot’s sons had gone off
could spur their horses. The fighting grew dreadfully more and left their father, as had die sons of King Neutres and
fierce, and there was a great slaughter of Saxons, for their
armor was not so strong as they needed it to be; and they 4The word is not in Sommer’s text (173, 1. 29), but it seems
struck blows and kept cutting until well past the hour of reasonable, as Sommer suggests in a margin note, that the
nones. Then the Christians began to waver, for there was a promises of mutual service should be made by the kings alone
rather than all of the barons.
great horde of Saxons, and the shouts and the uproar grew
262 The Story of Merlin

King Urien. And when Dodinel heard the news, he said he 21. The Plight of the Saxons; King Clarion
would do likewise, and he told his father that he would go
Opposes the Saxons.1
to court, but he got his gear together in secret. And he sent
word to Kay of Estral at the stronghold of his uncle, King
Here the story says that when King Clarion had left
Caradoc, and he entreated him to come confer with him at
Sorhaut,2 * he called up as many knights and men-at-arms as
the Castle of the Thom and please not to fail to come for
he could Find, and he garrisoned the city of
any reason; and he should bring with him his little nephew
Northumberland and stocked it with foodstuffs. Then he
Kehedin. And the messenger rode until he came to
sent word throughout his land and ordered those who
Estrangort,5 and he spoke to Kay and told him in private
owned cattle, sheep, or any other livestock to lead them
what Dodinel had sent him to say, that he should come
into the great forests, wild, deep, and very old, until they
confer with him at the Castle of the Thorn and that he
found safe pasture. Then he sent orders for all men who
should come ready to travel. And Kay sent word back that
could bear arms, until there were at least fourteen
he would be there within three days’ time, but he told
thousand. And King Clarion also thought about how to
Dodinel that he himself should make ready to leave, for he
protect the countryside. He lay down to sleep only in the
had already got his things together. [174]
woods,^ in a tent or pavilion, or on the wayside, and he
With that, the messenger took leave of Kay of Estral
found no spy whom he did not hang or take away a
and went back to Dodinel the Wildman and told him Kay’s
prisoner.
answer. When he heard it, he knew very well what Kay had
At length it happened one night that the Saxons were
in mind, so he got himself ready and summoned his
gathered at the tents of King Bramangue4 and King
companions; and when they had gathered, there were a
Mahaglant, the wealthy king of Ireland who was first cousin
good seventy of them, all young squires from twenty-two to
to the king of Denmark and brother of King Ammaduc, the
twenty-four years old. Dodinel and his companions went
wealthy king of Hoselice; and Bramangue was lord of part
straight to the Castle of the Thom with rich clothing and
of Denmark and Ireland. And he sadly mourned his losses
very valuable housewares of gold and silver, and they waited
at the Castle of the Rock and the great harm the men from
there until Kay of Estral came with his companions, forty
the countryside were doing him every day. At the same
worthy young men with their first growth of beard. When
time, he was deeply worried about the stocks of food, which
the young men saw one another, they rejoiced mightily, for
grew smaller and smaller in [175] the army and had
they had not been together for a long time.
become very scarce. Then a young knight, who was very
And after they had celebrated a good deal, Dodinel the
worthy and bold, sprang to his feet. He spoke loudly
Wildman spoke and said to Kay, “Dear fair friend, I sent for
enough for all to hear him, and he said to Bramangue,
you and you have come, and I thank you very much; now it
“Dear uncle, if you will let me go plundering in a land I
is only right that I should tell you why. A short time ago
know of, I will bring back food enough, for the land is
news came to me that King Lot’s sons, along with
wealthy and full of all kinds of goods. Entrust me with as
Galescalain and Yvonet, have gone to court to be given
many of your men as I may choose, if Minaduc, my father, is
their arms; and because they have gone there, I want to go
willing for me to go, for I would not without his leave. You
too. And I love, and have loved, you so much that I don’t
should know in truth that if anyone is to strive for such a
wish to do anything without your leave. I strongly desire to
deed, it should be I.”
follow my cousins. Now tell me whether you will go with
“Dear nephew,” said King Bramangue, “I have nothing
me. I would in no way go back to my father’s household, for
but good things to say about what you mean to undertake.
I have gathered my belongings together and I am on my
way!” But tell me first, what land are you bent on going to?”
“I will tell you truly,” said Oriel, “I want to go to
“Sir,” said Kay of Estral, “that is why I have tome to
Northumberland, following the river Severn, and then to
you, for I knew just about what you had in mind, and I too
come back by the river Humber before a castle named the
have all my gear and everything I need, and I have forty
highborn youths with me, all worthy and bold, and this one Dolorous Tower, and you can know for a fact that it is the

is Kehedin,6 my nephew. Now let us set out when you will.” most bountiful land in the whole world. If we should ever

“You speak very well,” said Dodinel. “We’ll move out need provisions, send to that land for them, and we will
have them plentifully.”
tomorrow morning.”
So the young men stayed the night there, and in the “I grant you what you ask, dear nephew,” said

morning they took to the road and set out for Logres. Bramangue. “Go pick out the men you want and take

But now the story falls silent about all of them and them.”

begins speaking again about King Clarion of “Sir,” said Oriel, “many thanks!”

Northumberland.
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 174-178.
5Sommer’s text has estrangoire (173,1. 39). 2From ch. 11 (Sommer, 131).
4

6Sommer’s text has hedins (174,1. 21), but this is Kehedin the Sommer’s text has son fores non (174, 1. 34), which may be
Small (cf. 178,1. 27). read as s’en fores non (“except in forests”).
4Banaigue (175, 1. 8), but bonegue here (174, 1. 37), bauaigne
(for banaigu£) (175, 1. 3), bermagne (198,1. 30), bramangue (175, 1.
15), brangue (175, 1. 41) bramague (176, 11. 21, 28; 340, 1. 12),
branmague (395, I. 4). The form chosen is the one of the variants
preferred by G.D. West (47a)
The Story of Merlin 263

Then Oriel left and chose the men he wanted, until two pairs of great moats, wide and deep, and beyond that
they were a good sixty thousand strong, not counting the was a great marsh wide as an arrow could be shot from a
foot soldiers who went along after them for the booty. They crossbow and a good four leagues long.
took to the road and went straight to Norhaut, and diey So the kings went to see how they might go about
plundered and burned the whole countryside. taking the town, and they held a great meeting, and they
And King Mahaglant, who had stayed with the army asked each other what they could do, for they saw clearly
before Vambieres, called his nephew Soriondes forward that it could be taken only by starving the people out.
and said to him, “Dear nephew, what are you doing that There was a king there named Maragond. He came to his
you don’t go anywhere? Take my men, as many as you want, feet and said to King Bramangue, “Sir, I think that we must
and go to the land of King Yder. Take as much plunder as stay in this land long enough to starve the city out. And
you find. If you find him fighting you for it, take care to while we are before this town, we could starve out and take
have enough men with you to help you avenge yourself." another, so we would have two at the same time.”
When he heard his uncle saying this, he sprang to his “By my head,” said King Mahaglant, “you do not lie!
feet happy and gladdened, for he was of very great prowess, And if you want my advice, we should send a third of our
and he said to him, “Sir, many thanks!” men before the city of Clarence, and any others who come
Then he left him and chose as many men as he from our land will go to the siege with them. For there are
wanted, until he had a good forty thousand all on not so many people in this country that we can’t throw
horseback, and they set out for Cornwall, and they them out with a fourth of our forces.”
plundered the countryside wherever they went, laid it waste, “Dear sir,” said King Bramangue, “which ones would
and burned it. you agree to let go there?”
But the story does not say any more about them at this “I will certainly tell you that,” said Aminaduc. “King
time; rather we will tell you more about the Saxons’ Hargadabran will go there, and King Sinaglorre, King
meeting. Sorbares, King Maragond, King Mysenes, King Pignoras,
Now the story says that Soriondes, nephew of King King Sapharin, King Thoas, King Satiphus, King Plantamor,
Mahaglant, had left the army, just as you have heard, and King Somegrieu, and King Mathamas. And let each one
King Minaduc called his nephew Arrant5 and said to him, have twenty thousand men at his banner, and they should
“Dear nephew, you must go to Loonois and Orkney, the besiege the city so harshly that none may go in or come out
lands of King Lot. Take as many of my men as you want. without being killed or maimed!”
And take care to see this through in such a way that I may So they ended their meeting, and all agreed that they
be thankful to you.” should go straight to die city of Clarence. They did so, and
He sprang to his feet and said, “Many thanks, sir!” encamped all around the city and stayed diere for a very
And he left and took such companions as he wished, long time. But now the story falls silent about the siege, and
and when they had got on their horses, there were at least we will tell you about the Saxons who invaded the land of
forty thousand of them. So they left and rode until they King Clarion of Northumberland.
came into the lands of King Lot, and they began to pillage When King Clarion saw that the Saxons were laying
in the worst way they could. waste his land, he was highly distraught, so he chose a spy
But here the story falls silent about them for a while, and sent him out to learn whether it was a big force. When
and we will tell you about Bramangue and Mahaglant, for the spy had seen them, he came back to the king very
when Soriondes, Oriel, and Arrant, those three cousins, frightened and told him that there were forty thousand or
had left the main army, [176] all the kings in the army held more of them, and they were stripping [177] the
a meeting to decide how they could take the city of countryside. When King Clarion heard what he said, he
Vambieres, for it was wondrously strong. picked a messenger to send to Duke Escant of Cambenic,
And the story says that Vambieres stood on flat ground, and he told him to meet with him at die narrows of Margot
and there was no hill or mountain within two leagues on all Rock on the river Severn widi as many men as he could
sides. All around the town were great moats, wide and full muster, for the Saxons had invaded his land and were
of very deep water, and a6 great marsh stretching as far as laying it waste.
an arrow could be shot. Beyond the water and the moats When the duke heard diis news, he ordered up all his
were the walls and fortified stone turrets one after the men and brought them together in a force of twelve
other, only four yards apart. There were only two ways into thousand, then he rode off with them to the Rock. And
the town, and each of the gates had two portcullises; the when they got there, they found King Clarion with thirteen
gates were shut with two iron locks and great, stout bars thousand armed men, and as soon as diey saw one another
held crosswise. Why should I go on laying out die town for diey began to rejoice mightily. They had been diere for just
you and telling you how strong it was? For not only was it a short time when they saw die smoke and fire rising up
strong, but above all it was a town of rivers, for flowing diroughout the land and the dust flying so diick that the air
water beat against the walls on two sides. Dry land and quivered with it. And when the king and the duke saw it,
wedands were all around everywhere else, so that no one one need not ask whether diey were sorrowful or upset
could mount a siege except on one side, where there were about it. Then they set out toward where they saw the fire
billowing up, and they met the people fleeing from it
wailing and moaning over their losses and the harm that
5The form here (175, 11. 33, 42) is hertant, elsewhere in the
Merlin (340,1. 12) occurs the form airant. had come to them, so that the king was overcome with

^Sommer’s text has the definite article (176,1. 5). great pity for them.
264 The Story of Merlin

So they rode until they met those they wanted to meet; 22. King Clarion of Northumberland and
they tarried no longer, but rode against them very fast.
Duke Escant; Sagremor’s Arrival in Britain.1
There they led a great slaughter of men and horses, and
the Saxons lost very many of their men because they were
In this part the story says that they celebrated and feasted in
spread out down the river and were bringing plunder back
the city of Carhaix because of the victory they had won over
to the main army. There were more than fifteen thousand
their enemies and the booty they had taken from them.2
plunderers, and King Clarion and Duke Escant gave them a
They brought their people together from far and wide, and
great fight; they fought from the hour of prime until
King Arthur was greatly honored and handsomely served by
midday, and the story says that they killed at least ten
King Leodagan and his daughter, who was eager to do as
thousand of the foot soldiers. But when the body of knights
her father bade her.
came in, our men were very frightened, for it was a large
It happened one day that Merlin took the three kings
force with many good knights, although with our men was
aside and said to them, “My lords, I must go to the kingdom
the lord of the Dolorous Tower with a hundred worthy
of Logres, for there they are in dire need of help and
knights, valiant and bold. And Christopher was there, along
advice, not because the country is still worried about being
with Sansadoine, a castellan from Norhaut, and a thousand
rescued from outlaws, which is not true, but because, as you
men wearing full armor (Sansadoine held his stronghold in
should know, the barons are being grievously harassed by
the deep woods of Northumberland). Brun die Rudiless of
die Saxons, for there are very many of them in the land,
Salerno was there, and Sanebron was there with Duke
and they have, in their great pride, burned two cities in the
Escant and three thousand knights riding good horses, and
land, one being Vambieres and the other Clarence. They
so was Mares, lord of Roestoc, who led a fair, rich company
have gathered together men from more than forty
of two thousand all wearing good armor, and the lord of
kingdoms, and their numbers are growing every day.”
Camengues with three thousand companions worthy and
Next he told them how the Saxons had spread
bold. And there was the lord of die White Tower, who was
throughout the land, with one part going against King Yder
very worthy and bold, with six hundred knights, and
in Cornwall, the second against King Lot in Orkney and
Waldin, King Arthur’s nephew, who was wearing very cosdy
Loonois, and the third against King Clarion of
armor, with three hundred companions. And Gravadain of
Northumberland and the duke of Cambenic. Afterwards he
the Strong Casde was there with four hundred knights all
told about the harassment and all the battles there had
riding strong, swift warhorses.
been, what had happened between the Saxons and their
When they came together, there were more dian thirty-
kings, die great meeting they had held that led them to
five thousand of them all told, and they stood beside a
besiege the two cities, how Wonet the Great and Yvonet the
wooded spot near the narrows made by a great rock in die
Bastard had left the castle of their father King Urien, and
river Severn. And the Saxons came upon them in such
how Dodinel, Kay of Estral, and Kehedin the Small3 had left
forces that they would not have withstood for long if it had
their country and gone to Logres, with Gawainet, and they
not been for the narrows where they found themselves. The
would not let themselves be made knights until Arthur had
fray was dreadful, for those on the Saxons’ side were proud,
girded their swords at their sides. “And you should know
wealthy, and powerful, among the best knights in die whole
that they cannot succeed on their own, and this is the true
army. With this, they were so strong and they came in such
reason why I am going there. Now, be careful to take your
great numbers that they feared nothing, and when diey saw
ease and get your rest, and don’t go anywhere until you see
the Christians, they fell upon them very hard. But the
Chrisdans defended themselves so well that they could do me again; it will take me only a short while, and this I say in
truth.”
nothing to throw them out of the place where they were,
“Ah, Merlin!” said King Ban, “don’t be gone for long!
and they could not get at them except with weapons diat
We would soon be dead or in dreadful trouble if you left us
could be hurled. So they threw [178] spears and sharpened
on our own! And we would say that you had forsaken us—
pikes at them, and the men on both sides inflicted very
or betrayed us.”
fearful wounds on one another. The fray lasted diis way for
three whole days, from morning until night, and no one “What?” said Merlin. “Dear lords, do you then believe

took off his hauberk or his helmet undl nightdme, when that I won’t be back? Take care never to think of such a

they all ate what litde there was to eat. tiling, or you will lose my love.”

But now the story falls silent about them, undl it is time “Sir,” said King Ban, “I do not think that at all, except

and place to tell more about them, and it begins speaking for your companionship, which I hold so dear.”

again about King Arthur and his companions, who were in ‘Then let it be,” said Merlin. “You will have me back

the city of Carhaix in Carmelide, taking their ease and with you in time, before there is a battle in this kingdom.

highly honored by King Leodagan. And I commend you to God, [179] for I cannot tarry.”
Then he left them so quickly that they did not know
what had become of him. And that same evening he went
straight to Blaise, his master, in Northumberland, who was
very glad to see him because he loved being with him. And

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 178-180.

2From ch. 17 (Sommer, 59).
3Called Kehedin die Fair, 148,11. 17-18, and 198,1. 38.
The Story of Merlin 265

Merlin told him all the adventures that had happened in [180] we can put ourselves between them and Camelot,
the kingdom of Carmelide since he had left him, and then we’ll be well away thanks to our horses’ strength if we
afterwards he told him everything that had happened in the must.”
kingdom of Logres, until there was nothing left to be told. Then the squires dismounted and dressed in their
He put it all in writing, word for word, and it is through armor. They put their hauberks on their backs, fine and
him that we still know what we do know about those things. bright, and they shone like polished silver. They were
When he had written this all down, Merlin told him why he handsomely armed and ready for the fight, for they were
needed to leave the three kings in the kingdom of worthy, bold, and stouthearted. They had good steel war
Carmelide. And on the very evening that Merlin spoke to hats, and they tied them on their heads over their iron
Blaise, Oriel’s company encamped on the river Humber, coifs, and they got on their horses, which were covered with
for they had just invaded the land. iron armor that was so strong that none better could be
But now the story stops talking about Merlin and Blaise found in any land. Then they formed their ranks and drew
and the Saxons, and we will tell about Sagremor, who had tightly together like a flock of starlings, and they rode out
left Constantinople with three hundred companions and to meet the Saxons, whom they saw coming.
gone to King Arthur’s court to be newly made a knight.4 But now the story stops talking about them and begins
Here the story says that Sagremor made his way, after speaking again about Merlin, who was in Northumberland
he had left the wealthy city of Constantinople, until he with his master Blaise.
came to the port of Wissant. There they took to tire sea and
sailed with a good, light wind, until they came ashore at tire
port of Dover. After they had crossed over, they were very
23. Merlin and the Young Heroes Against
glad. Then they packed up their gear, climbed on their
horses, and started out on their way to Camelot. And they
the Saxons.1
wandered about because they did not know the roads, nor
did they find anyone they could ask for news of King Here the story says that when Merlin had told Blaise all the
Arthur, for they found the countryside burned and laid adventures of the land, just as they had happened after he
waste, since the Saxons had wreaked destruction there, but had left him, he got up in the morning and departed, and

those youths knew nothing about that. he came straight to the city of Camelot. And he took on the

At length they came upon the great company of likeness of an old man, and he was wrapped in a tattered,

Saxons that Oriel had broken off from the main army, and old burlap cloak with its hem ripped off. Before, he had

they were a good twenty thousand strong. They were been tall and brawny; now he was short, stooped, and old,
posting lookouts around Norhaut, lest someone should and his hair was unkempt and his beard long and stringy.

steal any of the plunder they had taken. As the young men He was holding a club at his neck, and he was driving a

drew within a league of the Saxons, they met the people great herd of catde. And when he was before the city, he

running from them. The youths asked them what was began to moan and wail so loudly that all the people atop

wrong, and they told them that they were fleeing because of the walls heard him clearly, and they heard him saying,

the Saxons, who were laying waste the whole countryside. “Dear Lord God, what a great shame about such handsome

And Sagremor asked them, “Where, then, is King Arthur?” young men who will be killed and hacked up so wrongfully!

And they said that he was in the kingdom of Ah, King Arthur, sir! What fast friends you will lose today!

Carmelide. They would have helped you, if they could have reached

“And who, then, is watching out for this country?” the right age, in winning your lands back from your

asked Sagremor. enemies. Ah, Sagremor, highborn squire, noble and

And they answered, the sons of King Lot of Orkney, courteous man who has borne the agony of death for us,

who had come to serve the king so that he would give them may God keep your body from death and maiming! And if
you have died, may He keep your soul in His holy paradise
their arms.
“And where are they?” asked Sagremor. and let it not be tormented in the trials of Hell. Just as truly

“They are in Camelot,” they said. “But for God’s sake, as He is true God and all-powerful, may he watch over you

young lords, don’t go on, for you will all be killed or and your companions!”
Merlin uttered these words, and Gawainet and his
wounded.”
“Now tell me,” said Sagremor, "which way to Camelot?” brothers heard them. They had gone up on the wall of the

“In truth, dear friend,” they said, ‘You are on the right town, fully armed, and they were watching the red from the
fires the Saxons had set round about the land, for they had
road, if only it weren’t for the oudaws who are coming this
way. But get away from here, or you are all dead!” come to Camelot to protect the town as soon as they knew

“And how far is it to Camelot?” said Sagremor. die Saxons had invaded the country, and they had climbed

“Sir,” said one of them, “at least ten Scottish leagues.” up to see whether the Saxons were coming to storm

When Sagremor heard that it was only ten leagues, he Camelot. And Gawainet called to the peasant, “Farmer,

shouted to his companions, “Noble men, now to arms! Now come here and speak to us. Tell us what’s wrong with you
and why you are wailing so. And tell us who he is whom you
we’ll see who is worthy! Make sure that those heathens, who
are laying waste this country, take nothing of ours that they are mourning so deeply.”

do not pay for dearly. If we can fight our way through them,
* Corresponds to Sommer, 180-186.

4From ch. 11 (Sommer, 132).

266 The Story of Merlin

And he turned a deaf ear to him, and he beat the When Gawainet heard the words of the peasant who
ground with his club as if he were out of his mind and his was calling him a coward, he was very deeply shamed, so he
heart heavy with sorrow. Then he leaned on his club and shouted, “Now to arms, noble companions! Get on your
began to wail again very loudly, and after he had let out his horses and follow me, for I am going there!”
sorrow, he began to drive his cattle back around, as if he As soon as he had said this, he mounted his horse,
meant to rush into the woods. Then he said in a loud voice, followed by all his companions, and they rode out of the
“Ah, knighthood of Logres! what has become of you? It was city. And when they were outside the city, there were at
already being said less than [181] a week ago that the least four thousand of them. Gawainet rode out in front of
wonder of the whole world had come into this land, and them, and he came to the peasant and told him to get on a
our salvation! They said that King Arthur’s nephew was horse and lead him to where the youths were fighting; and
protecting this country, but he seems to be doing very badly he did what he was ordered, for he sought nothing else,
indeed, since he2 is allowing the wonder of the whole world and he rode out in front to where they were fighting.
to be slain!” As they drew near the battle, they found that the
When Gawainet heard this speech, he was most eager youths were fighting very hard, and they had slain more
to find out why the peasant had said these things and why than three hundred Saxons, but there were so many of
he was so sorrowful. He called to him again and again, them that they could not break through. And Sagremor was
three or four times, very forcefully: “Countryman, fighting with greater prowess than any had ever seen, for he
countryman! Speak to me, tell me what is wrong with you!” was holding an axe in both hands and was out in front of
But he turned his face away and looked as if he had not his companions on a warhorse that was wondrously strong
heard him. He called to him once more, and the man [182] and swift, and when he went into the fray, he struck
raised his head, which was very ugly, with hair shooting out so hard that he became lost among the Saxons, as if he had
all over, and looked at him with one eye open and the fallen into a bottomless pit and his companions along with
other shut, and he gritted his teeth like a man looking into him. And they closed in about them on all sides, for they
the sun, and answered, “What do you want?” thought they could take them prisoner.
“I want you to speak with me for a while,” said But they were so worthy and quick that none was so
Gawainet. “Come over this way.” bold as to put his hand out to take them prisoner, for
And he drew nearer, until he came to the edge of the Sagremor, who had his axe, was in front of all his
moat, at the foot of the wall, outside the city. “Now you can companions, and he was striving to break through the
say to me what you will,” he said. throng, so he landed such uncommonly hard blows left and
“I want you to tell me,” said Gawainet, “why you are right that he killed in one swing as many as came within his
weeping and who it is you are mourning. And why have you reach. All who had seen his blows fled to every side, and
cast blame on the knights of this country?” there was none so bold as to dare face up to him. So they
And the peasant said to him, “If you were willing to began hurling sharpened swords at him, until Sagremor
strive to free him, I would tell you.” and his companions could hardly hold out any longer, and
“I promise you faithfully as a squire,” said Gawainet, they were all close to being killed or taken prisoner, when
“that I will try as hard as I can.” Gawainet arrived with all his men.
When the countryman heard that Gawainet was so When Gawainet came into the fray, the youths were in
eager to know why he had come there, he said to him, dire straits, and he and his men rushed in so hard that they
“Dear sir, who are you?” brought down more than two thousand Saxons on their
“My name is Gawainet,” he answered, “and I am King first attack. And Oriel was greatly distraught by this, for
Arthur’s nephew.” never had he seen, he said, so few men hold up so well. He
“Then I will tell you,” he said. “Indeed, I am full of took a stout, sharp lance, and rode into the heat of the fray,
sorrow because of a company of young men of high birth and he said that he would like to pit himself against a man
who are fighting against the Saxons at the borders of this whom he would mightily upset. And Gawainet and his
land. They are fighting harder than such a small band has companions fought their way in until they found the young
ever fought, for there are only three hundred of them men, who were shaken and weary, and he saw Sagremor,
against more than three thousand Saxons." who was at the very front wielding a Danish axe with both
“Who are they,” asked Gawainet, “and what are they hands, with which he struck uncommonly mighty blows. He
looking for?” was tall and big, one of the sturdiest youths anyone could
‘They say,” said the peasant, “that their leader is ever hope to find, and as many as came within his reach,
named Sagremor. He is the grandson of the emperor of nothing could keep diem from being split open or having
Constantinople, and he has come into diis country to take an arm or a leg cut off. He could only do wonders all
his arms from King Arthur. Now I have told you all I know around. And when Gawainet saw him, he asked the peasant
about him. But if I told you that you should go to rescue who he was, and he told him that it was Sagremor the
him, I would be wasting my words, for I know very well diat Unruly, grandson of die emperor of Constantinople, “but
you do not have the heart or the boldness to go. spur your horse right now, and run help him, for he needs
Nevertheless, if you did go, you could rescue him, and you it sorely.”
could brag that you won booty worth a great deal.” Then Gawainet and all his companions broke ranks
and rode headlong into the Saxons so hard that they
2Sommer’s text has a generalized third plural (181,1. 3). brought down two thousand or more, dead and wounded,
and there was a wondrous fight and a great hue and cry.
The Story of Merlin 267

But the young men were holding out at a very great cost, And he told him that his name was Sagremoret,3 and he
for on Gawainet’s side there were only four thousand, along was the emperor of Constantinople’s grandson. “And you,
with the three hundred the young men had brought with sir," he said, “who are you who have helped me when I
them, while the Saxons were more than twenty thousand needed it so much?”
strong, not counting the ones spread up and down the “Sir,” he said, “my name is Gawainet, and I am the
countryside who were burning and plundering, who nephew of King Arthur and son of King Lot of Orkney. My
brought the number to at least forty thousand. brothers and I are protecting my uncle’s land until he
When Oriel saw that so few men were doing them such comes back from Carmelide, and the only reason I have
harm, he grew very bitter, and he said and swore that they come here is to help you, for this very morning I was told
would never get away. He picked up a lance and rode that you and your companions were being attacked by the
toward Agravain, who had struck down his nephew and Saxons.”
killed him, which had greatly upset him, and he let his Just then the knight who had spoken to Gawainet came
horse run and struck Agravain on his shield so hard that he forward and shouted to him, “Ah, Gawainet, dear brother!
drove his weapon beneath his armpit and cut through the What are you waiting for? Why don’t you get on the road?
two layers of his hauberk, so that the tip showed through on Don’t you see all those men riding hard toward you? They
the other side; he hit him so hard that he bore him to the won’t be willing to let you get away if you wait for them.”
ground over his horse’s backside. When Gawainet heard him giving him a lesson and
When Gawainet saw his brother fall, he was afraid that trying to get back to safety, he looked around and saw the
he had been killed. He took up a sharp axe and came Saxons coming in such great numbers that the whole field
toward the Saxon who had brought his brother down, and was covered with them, and they were wearing good iron
he meant to strike him through the helmet. When Oriel armor. They were riding headlong, hard and fast, and they
saw the stroke coming, he grew wary and thrust his shield were raising such an uproar that people could have heard
out to fend it off, but the blow was so strong that the shield them a league away. And when Gawainet saw them bearing
split in two. It was a mighty blow! Oriel kicked his horse down so wildly and in such numbers, he said to Sagremoret,
forward, and Gawainet’s axe glanced down off his helmet so “Sir, let us go, please! Look at all those Saxons riding this
that it sliced off a [183] fourth of the helmet and cut way, may God damn them!”
through the mail on his back. And Gaheriet struck And Sagremor answered, “Sir, very willingly! ”
Solunant through the head so hard with a cudgel that he They immediately took to the road straight to Camelot,
brought him down dead to the ground, and Guerrehet and they rode together in such a tight formation that you
struck Malubre through the helmet and split him down to could have thrown a glove onto their heads, and it would
the teeth, and Galescalain hit Swiados so that he sent his not have hit the ground before they had ridden a whole
head flying into the middle of the field. league.
When the Saxons saw Oriel lying on the ground, they The Saxons turned their thoughts back to their
were afraid that he had been killed, so they spurred their mourning, but after a while Oriel came to his senses; he
horses to where he was to rescue him, and they came from looked around and saw them all about him [184]
every side and gathered all around him. He was merely mourning very sorrowfully, and he asked them for a shield,
dazed from the blow he had been given so that he could lance, and helmet. He was most stouthearted, a good, bold
not get to his feet or move any part of his body, but his face knight, and he said that if he could meet the man who had
looked so ghastly and he was laid out in such an unsighdy given him such a hard blow that knocked him senseless, he
way that all who saw him thought he must be dead. And would reward him handsomely!
they mourned him so sorrowfully that all the fighting Then he got on a strong, swift charger and rode to
stopped. where he thought he would find the Christians, but by then
Meanwhile, the young men had got Agravain up, on they were more than a league off. Then Oriel let out his
the spot where he had been struck down, and put him back batdecry and said that they were cursed if they got away,
on his horse. And the peasant who had brought Gawainet and the Saxons spurred their horses and raised their
had taken the shape of an armed knight, and he came to screams and shouts in such a loud uproar that people could
Gawainet and his companions and said to them, ‘Tor God’s have heard them for more than a league. And the dust rose
sake, my lords, if you were to take my advice, you would get from the horses’ hooves so dark and thick that the air,
yourselves on the road back to Camelot while the Saxons which had been clean and clear, billowed with it. Then the
have their minds on their mourning.” Saxons came so near to them that they almost caught up
When Gawainet heard his speech, he understood that with them.
his advice was right and just. So he rode straight to When the knight who had advised the Christians to
Sagremor and told him that he and his companions were ride away saw that the Saxons had come so near, he began
indeed welcome, and Sagremor returned his greeting like to urge the young men to get going and ride faster, and
the highborn, courteous, and noble knight he was. Then before they came to Camelot, they were at a very great
Gawainet said to him, “Sir, if you like, it might well be time speed. But the worthy Gawainet, Gaheriet, Guerrehet,
now for us to go and take with us our men who are left, for Agravain, Galescalain, and Sagremoret were riding last, and
we have won a great deal as long as we get back safe and
sound.” 3Sommer’s text has the diminutive form here (183,1. 24) and
Then Gawainet asked Sagremor who he was, for he elsewhere (186, 1. 27) that compares with Wain/Wonet and
had spoken to him so courteously; yet he did not know him. Gawain/Gawainet (see ch. 5 n. 19 and ch. 19 n. 4).
268 The Story of Merlin

the six of them were driving their men and equipment just see the three companions, they wondered what had
like the old man who drove his cattle to market from become of them, and no one knew what to say. When
behind; they allowed the Saxons to break their lances on Guerrehet, Agravain, and Gaheriet heard that their three
them, and when they saw their companions overwhelmed young lords had got lost, they said they would not stop
with blows, they did all they could to allow them to break looking for them until they had found them. Then they set
free, for they could withstand a great deal. And they fought out at a fast gallop the same way they had come.
so fiercely that no Saxon was bold enough to face up to They had not gone far when they met the peasant,
them. sitting on the warhorse Gawainet had given him; he was the
Then Oriel rode out before the others brandishing the very one who had told the news about Sagremor. And when
great standard, and he had his sharp, well-honed sword; he he saw die three brothers, he asked them where they were
saw the one who had struck him down and recognized him, going, and they said they were looking for their brother
and he swore to his god that he would avenge himself. Gawainet, their cousin Galescalain, and the emperor’s
Then he struck his horse with his spurs, and the young man grandson, for they did not know what had become of diem.
saw him coming, but he did not look worried. When he got ‘Then you have not been looking hard enough,” said
near enough to strike, Gawainet avoided the blow and let die peasant. ‘Those worthies are in plain sight right where
him go by, for Oriel could not hold his horse back. And diey are. Look, here they come! And they don’t have you to
Gawainet, who was very valiant and nimble, brought his diank for their lives, for you left them behind like cowards,
horse around, ran upon him, and hit him right on top of and they stayed for your sake and for die sake of the others
the helmet, but it was with the flat of his sword, for he had who are safe and sound. Then they did many a beautiful
been in such a hurry to strike that he could not take aim. deed of knighthood and struck many a handsome blow, for
Nevertheless, it was such a mighty blow that sparks flew into which everyone should hold them in high esteem—and
the sky, and it stunned Oriel and sent him sprawling to the take you for what you are! And you showed clearly that you
ground. would forsake any companion of yours, as if he meant
Sagremor struck another one and sliced off his arm at nothing to you, when you left your brother in a time of
the shoulder, and Galescalain struck Placides and sent his need; yet he would not forsake you even if he were risking
head flying. Agravain, Gaheriet, and Guerrehet had each his life! And so all worthy men who hear stories about you
taken a sharp, stout spear; the first struck Guinebal, the should rightly and justly blame you and forevermore
second Taurus, and the third Favel, and each one knocked mistrust you in times of need, and you can be sure that you
his man dead to the ground; on the same pass, they will be most rudely taken to task for it.”
brought down three others. Gawainet, Galescalain, and With that, the peasant left, for he was unwilling to say
Sagremor had stopped near Oriel, and they were doing anything more to them, and they went on their way,
their best to take him prisoner, but the Saxons would not shamed and upset by the harsh words the peasant had
let them; they bunched together and ran upon the three spoken to them. And they had not ridden far when they
companions. These three killed so many of them that their met the three companions, who, by the look of their armor,
arms and legs and the heads and manes of their horses seemed to have come from a most evil place. When they
were dripping with blood and gore, and they fought so well had met, rejoiced, and were gladdened, die companions
that none was brave enough to face them. asked die whereabouts of their other friends, and the diree
But so many Saxons had swarmed in around them that brothers told them that they had left them outside
they had to leave Oriel. Then they trampled him under the Camelot, where they were waidng for them. With that, the
feet of their [185] horses until they had utterly crushed six young noblemen rode away togedier, rejoicing in dieir
him; after trampling and beating him, they still had not new companions, [186] who had come to help them, and
killed him, so they rode off down the road after their happy that they had rescued diem safe and sound.
companions, who they diought would already be near They had not gone far before they met the peasant’s
Camelot, for after the three had stayed behind, the others horse, very frightened, which came running toward them,
were not pursued, but rode away freely. and they saw that his saddle was covered with blood. When
When the three companions saw that dieir army had die companions whom the peasant had upbraided saw him,
made its way into the city, diey were very happy and joyful, they looked at one another and began to smile. Galescalain
so they took to the road at a slow gait. The Saxons stayed caught sight of diis and asked them why they were smiling,
where they were for the sake of their lord, whom diey but diey were loath to speak. He entreated diem a second
found badly beaten and broken, and they were woefully time, and Gaheriet told them everything the countryman
sorry for him. And when he came to his senses, he was so had said to them. When diey heard this, diey were amazed
upset that the three had got away that he nearly went crazy; and wondered who he could be. Then Gawainet rode over
and he swore that if he could get his hands on one of diem, to die horse, took hold of him, and saw diat the saddle was
he would have him skinned alive or ripped apart by horses. covered with blood, and thought that the peasant had been
“Sir,” said his men, “the one who brought you down twice killed. Then he asked Agravain if diey had met with any
today is a wicked coward.” Saxons after they left Camelot, and they all said that they
“That is true,” said Oriel, “but if I can get hold of him, had not seen anyone, man or woman, “except the peasant,
no one can keep him from being maimed!” who was sitting on that horse.”
Thus did Oriel threaten Gawainet, who rode along “You can see,” said Gawainet, “that he is dead or very
with his companions until they reached Camelot, where badly wounded. Let’s go look for him and not stop undl we
they stopped. When those who had ridden ahead did not have found him. If he is alive, we will take him to Camelot,
The Story of Merlin 269

for it would be a great shame for him to die comfortless out their livestock for safe keeping; many were taken unawares
in the open.” before they could put anything away, and the Saxons came
With that, they got down from their horses and began down on them, took everything they had, killed or put to
looking for him up and down, in fields and woods, but they flight as many as they found, and set fire to the whole
would have looked for a long time before they found him, countryside, so that King Clarion and Duke Escant clearly
for he had already come into their army in the likeness of a saw the fire from where they were at the narrows.
foot soldier, carrying the stump of a lance. And when the And Duke Escant said to King Clarion, “Sir, I don’t
young men saw that they could not find him, they went think we will win a great victory if we stay here, for the
back to Camelot, where they found their companions still Saxons are laying waste all the land hereabouts. To give you
waiting for them at the head of the bridge, and they were faithful counsel, I would advise that we go out to them and
very gladdened to see them coming safe and sound. Then fight them and hurt them as much as we can.”
they all went into the city. King Clarion answered, “And what if we lost this
After the bridges were raised and the gates shut, they crossing? From here they would get through to die whole
climbed high on the walls to see whether or not the Saxons land and lay all of it waste!”
were coming to storm the city, but the Saxons did not have “I will tell you what we’ll do,” said the duke. “We will
the will, and they were not eager to tarry there. Then the leave some of our men at the crossing to protect it. You and
young men took off their armor, went to their lodgings, I will go over to Breckham Forest, and we will hide there in
and delighted in everything befitting a man. And they the woods until we see that the men we mean to fall upon
rejoiced in Sagremoret and merrily sang his praises when have gone by, then we will fight with them. And the lord of
they knew who he was and he had told them why he had Paleme, who knows the narrows very well, will take the
come from Constantinople to King Arthur to be given his booty we’ll have won to a safe place and then come back to
arms, and they held him in high esteem. In the two days’ help us with the fighting, so we will do as much damage to
time they rested there, no news came to them from diem as we can.”
anywhere, except that the Saxons had gone on to “God’s mercy!” said King Clarion. “Why do you say that
Northumberland and the duke of Cambenic’s land, and we should go fight diem? There are so many of them that
they had been left in peace. we wouldn’t even have enough men to give them
So the story now stops talking about the young men communion!”
who were in the city of Camelot, and it begins speaking “Don’t you see, then,” said the duke, “that they are
again about King Clarion of Northumberland and Duke spread throughout the whole land? They are in disorder,
Escant of Cambenic, who were still fighting Oriel’s men and they lack supplies. Their greatest strength lies right
very fiercely at the narrows of Margot Rock on the river here in front of us by the river, and they have come here
Severn. only to guard the crossing. They all wander safely
throughout the land and are not afraid to go anywhere.”
“I did not say that for anything having to do with me,”
said King Clarion, “but only for the sake of the good men
24. The Victory of King Clarion and Duke
who are with us, for I would not want to lead them madly
Escant; Bylas Attacks Urien’s Sons.1 anywhere they might be harmed.”
When those worthy men heard King Clarion’s speech,
Here the story says that King Clarion’s and Duke Escant’s diey held him in great esteem, for they knew he had said
armies suffered great harm when Oriel came into the fray. that only for the sake of the common folk, for he would
He tried to hurt them as badly as he could, for he was quite very much have liked to keep them safe. So they said to
distraught over the treatment Gawainet had given him in him, “Noble king, have no fears for that. But let’s go take
the meadows beneath Camelot, and he would very gladly vengeance for our shame and our suffering, for we can see
wreak his vengeance, if he could, on those he had found. what they are doing to us before our very eyes!
He called his men together and swore that not one would Furthermore, we would by rights be in far worse straits if
get away. Then the fighting grew hard [187] and awesome. what has befallen us happens to you, for, but for your
Spears were hurled and arrows shot, and many were crown and your sovereignty, we are what you have at stake
wounded and maimed, but never could the Saxons, try as in this.”
they might, drive the Christians from the crossing at the When King Clarion heard what his men said, he began
narrows; and when they saw that they could not break to weep with feeling beneath his helmet, and his men saw
through, they withdrew and dug in by the river Severn, tliis and said to him, [188] “Ah, sir! do not weep, but let’s
saying that they would post guards near the crossing and go fight them! For it would be a great deal better for you to
keep them from getting out to forage in the countryside. die honorably than to live bereft of what belongs to you.”
“By God," said Oriel, “if we can keep them hemmed in, they “Let us go, then, in the name of God!” he said. “I am
won’t hold out against us.” ready to go right now, but first we must choose the ones we
Then the Saxons’ foragers spread throughout the want to leave here.”
countryside, set fire to everything, took a great deal of And they chose the lord of Norhaut, the lord of the
livestock and other plunder, for the land was very wealthy Dolorous Tower, and Brun the Ruthless, and they had with
and the people thereabout had only just begun to lock up them many fully armed men. These would protect die
crossing, and die odiers left that night after midnight and

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 187-191. rode toward Breckham Forest. And when they had come
270 The Story of Merlin

there, they found a very beautiful heath. It was a beautiful, they had not been backed up against the Forest of
lovely-smelling morning, such that no one would have Breckham, but the Saxons could not boast of [189] winning
wished to leave because of the sweetness of the birds’ songs. anything there, for more than ten thousand of them died
They tarried there until after the hour of tierce. Then they there. Our men were also in dreadful trouble, for they had
saw cattle, swine, and sheep coming, and horses heavy- been forced to fall back into the forest when King Oriel
laden with salt meat, wheat, and every kind of food, and the came, and he bore down on them so hard that they would
herd lasted for a whole league and more. all have been killed or cut to bits if nightfall and the woods
After King Clarion and Duke Escant saw that the herd had not separated the two armies.
had gone by, they set out to storm the ones who were When King Oriel saw that the Christians had got away,
leading it away, and they and their men numbered at least and that they had done him so much damage, he was most
five thousand; they all wore armor and were riding horses. angry and upset; nevertheless, he drew back a little way
And after the lord of Palerne saw that the livestock had from the forest. And die Christians rode much of the night
gone by, he left where he had been waiting with seven and did not want to take off their armor, and they came
thousand knights; they also fell upon the men leading the very late to Cambenic Castle and lay there for the night.
drove. King Clarion, Duke Escant, the lord of Palerne, and The next day King Clarion left, and the lord of Cambenic
their companions2 killed all of them, and not one got away. promised to send him his share of the booty as soon as the
The lord of Palerne rounded up the wagons and livestock Saxons had gone away. So they parted company, and no
and took everything to Cambenic, which was two leagues more harm came to them at that time.
away, and after he had put them in a safe place, he rode The next morning, as soon as it was light, the Saxons
back with his companions. got on their horses and went looking throughout the
When the Saxons saw that the drove had been countryside to see where the Christians had gone. The
snatched away from them, they were upset and angry, and messengers came straight back to Oriel and told him that
they rode out to attack the enemy, and they struck their die Chrisdans had gone to the casde of Cambenic, and
shields very hard with their lances. So a fierce and when he heard this, he was very sorry. He had his horns
wondrous fight began, and there was a frightful slaughter of blown and his timbrels and drums beaten, and set out for
men and horses. The fray lasted from the hour of tierce Cambenic. The Saxons had sent out before them three
until the hour of nones. Then the Saxons wavered and thousand plunderers to set fires throughout the
turned tail in flight toward their main army. There the countryside, to burn and lay waste the whole land. In the
Christians killed more than seven thousand, and they vanguard, there were many wagons in the train and a great
pursued the fleeing men, but they very nearly lost many cattle, with ten thousand Saxons to drive diem. So
everything, for they had not the least inkling that diey were diey rode until they came to Cambenic, and the plundering
riding into the huge mounted guard that Oriel had left at men-at-arms were setdng fire everywhere.
the crossing of Margot Rock. When Duke Escant saw the destruction of his land, he
The Saxons flew headlong into the cavalry. When Oriel was filled with sorrow. He ordered his men to put on their
saw them he asked them why they were running so hard, armor; they did so straightway and got on their horses lined
and they told him about the great harm the Christians had up in formation, and they were a good two thousand
done them. When he heard that they were so near, he strong. They came upon the plundering men-at-arms who
ordered the Saxons to ride after them, and no sooner had were setting fires, and they followed them into a dell, where
he uttered his command than they struck out very wildly diey ruthlessly rode down on them. When they saw them
after them. The Christians had withdrawn toward the coming, they turned in flight, but they had taken diem
woods, but they needed to ride hard and fast before they unawares very close at hand, because their horses were
could get there. In a very short while the Saxons had caught strong and fresh; diey put them to the slaughter and killed
up with them and attacked them with their lances, which so many that of the three thousand there had been at first,
they broke on them. not even forty got away with their lives.
The Christians withstood the onslaught and dien went These fled into the vanguard and screamed, “Filthy
on toward the woods, where they would be protected. They sons of whores! What are you waiting for? Can’t you see we
had drawn together so tightly that the Saxons could not have been slaughtered? Shame on Oriel if he does not hang
break through them, and when they saw that they had got you like any odier diieves, for you have brought shame to
near the forest, they turned their horses around and him! Have all these men maimed or killed!”
attacked the Saxons with their sharp spears, and they left “Be still,” said Nabin. “You are talking rashly. I would
many dead and mortally wounded. The fighting was radier you were brought to this dian that all of us had gone
ruthless and deadly, and there was a great slaughter on into such a place to be beaten so badly that we could not
both sides. Our men would have lost more than they did if get away, try as we might. But all that aside, where are die
ones who have done diis to you?”
2According to the letter of Sommer’s text, the two sorties— “By God,” said the plunderers, “they’ve already gone.”
the one led by King Clarion and Duke Escant, the other led by the And they were telling the truth, for as soon as they had
lord of Palerne—are entirely separate actions; the lord of Palerne routed them, they went back to Cambenic without
alone is credited with the attack in which the Saxons are killed and
lingering.
the drove liberated. Not only do the other two leaders figure in the
plan for the attack, however, but King Clarion, Duke Escant, and And the Saxons went on by and left that place, and
their men are also included in the victorious contingent that later they never again did diem harm. And they rode until they
spends the night at Cambenic. came to die city of Clarence, which Hargodabran had laid
The Story of Merlin 271

siege to, along with twenty other kings. And when Oriel made up the vanguard, for the Saxons had heard that a
came into the army, Hargodabran bade him welcome, and great many fighting men had come to the castle of
they all greeted him joyfully, for Oriel resupplied the army Bredigan, and they were afraid of being taken unawares.
with foodstuffs he had brought in, and for this he was held When those within the castle found out that the
in great esteem. Saxons had gone into the land of King Yder of Cornwall,
Meanwhile, as soon as Duke Escant saw that the Saxons they did not think that any would be left between the casde
had gone by, he sent King Clarion, by the lord of Palerne, of Arundel and Bredigan. And when the two sons of King
his share of the booty [190] they had won from the Saxons Urien heard it said that the Saxons had all gone through,
before Breckham Forest. they did not believe they had anything to worry about, so
But now the story falls silent about them and says no they fully armed themselves and left the castle of Arundel,
more about them, but begins speaking again about Wonet at least four hundred [191] of them by count, all on good
the Great and his brother Wonet the Bastard, the two sons horses. They rode until they came to the bridge that was
of King Urien who had left Sorhaut. four leagues away from Bredigan. After they had crossed
Now the story says that when the two brothers had left over, Bylas took them unawares and stormed them with
Sorhaut, they rode through woods and across open lands fourteen thousand armed men, and this was Soriondes’s
until they came to Arundel. And they heard it said that vanguard that was keeping watch at the crossing so that no
Soriondes, son of Maglahant,3 was encamped in the one might come out of Bredigan to harm the rearguard
meadows of Bredigan and was resting there with his army, when they went to plunder.
for he was tired and weary from burning King Yder’s lands. When the young men saw them coming, they were very
And the young men heard the news that they would have to frightened. Nevertheless, they made a stand at the head of
go into the midst of the Saxons’ host, but it was not an easy the bridge and fought hard to defend themselves.
thing to do, so they withdrew into Arundel. Meanwhile, King Yder also attacked them, and he
The Saxons ran hard straight through the land of succeeded in putting twenty thousand of them to rout.
Bredigan, and came very near to Carduel. And Gawainet None would have got away, but Soriondes came back
and his companions heard the news that the Saxons were around with his huge army, and if he had not happened to
encamped in the fields below Bredigan and were laying fall back upon King Yder, King Urien’s sons and their
waste the land all about. Then Gawainet sent out companions would have held the day, and no Saxon would
messengers and summoned men and supplies from have got away from them.
everywhere throughout the kingdom, and he gathered But now the story stops talking about all of them, so we
together thirty thousand men, for they all loved Gawainet’s will tell you about Merlin, who had gone to Camelot in the
companionship. And they rode until they came to Carduel, likeness of a foot soldier when Sagremoret was rescued.
where they stayed two whole days. And the youths were
most distressed that they had not come in time, for
otherwise they would have fought the Saxons who had gone
25. Merlin as Messenger Boy; Kin^ Yder and
through. After two days they left Carduel and rode until
they came to Bredigan, where they were welcomed joyfully.
the Exploits of Arthur’s Nephews.
The Saxons had spread out throughout King Yder’s
land and burned and plundered it, and they came back Here the story says that when Merlin saw that Gawainet and

along the river and through the woods and meadows below his companions had gone to Bredigan, he was very glad, for

the stronghold of Arundel, and they numbered, so the story he was well aware that the two brothers Yvonet the Bastard1 2

says, more than forty thousand, all on horseback, and there and Wonet the Great had left the casde of Arundel, and he

were more than ten thousand men-at-arms plundering and knew that they were in grave danger of being killed or

setting fire everywhere they went, for they meant to do as taken prisoner. Then he took on the likeness of a young

much harm to the land as they could. When King Yder saw man who was running,3 and he bore sealed letters in a

the harm they were doing to him, he was greatly upset, so shield painted with the arms of King Urien. He kept

he mounted with as many men as he had, and there were a running until he got to Bredigan, and he was weary from

good fourteen thousand, all on horseback, and he began to

pursue the hordes until he reached them going across a 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 191-195.
causeway. King Yder fought with them very hard, for he was 2Sommer’s text does not have the epithet (191,1. 17).
a good knight, skilled and bold, and that day he did many a 3Here Sommer’s text reads garchon a pie courant (191, 1. 19).
wondrous feat, for he had many other good knights with Previously, Merlin had appeared in the army near Camelot as a
him who helped him; and they fought all day with the end garchon a piet (186, 1. 18), properly understood as a common foot
soldier, all the more so since he was carrying a broken weapon.
of the army, where there were a good twenty thousand
The reference just above to Merlin en guise de garchon (191, 1. 13)
men. And the others, in the main body, rode all day until seems to be meant to recall that earlier transformation. The same
they came to within a half-league of Arundel, and they were pejorative expression recurs here; yet the long description that
at least forty thousand strong, while a good ten thousand follows is hardly that of an ordinary infantryman; however, the
term garchon recurs later in the same context (192, 1. 13). The
following note marks an apparent truncation in Sommer’s text
3Not to be confused with King Mahaglant of Ireland, whose where a second transformation may have occurred in an original.
nephew Soriondes is (175, 11. 20-21). Maglahant is reintroduced
below (197, 11. 15-16), where, however, he does not seem to
address Soriondes as a father might his son.
272 The Story of Merlin

the race. He had4 a garland of flowers on his head and held the others at a slow gait, all drawn tightly together—and
a long staff in his hand. He wore low buckled shoes and each leader carried a banner around which his men would
black silk5 hose and was dressed in a cotton robe,6 black rally when they fought the Saxons. Sagremor led the fourth,
with gold threads and gold bindings that were on die hood and he too had three thousand men;7 Galescalain,
and sleeves, too, and at his waist was a white belt worked Gawainet’s cousin,8 led the fifth, and Gawainet strongly
with iron and brass. He was tall and swarthy and had no urged him to fight well and to go carefully, and there were
beard, and between his shoulders a felt hat was hanging also three thousand with him following after the others;
from his neck. He went straight to the great hall and and Gawainet himself led the sixth company, and he knew
climbed the steps that went up to it. And when he had gone well how to put things in order. He carried a blue standard
up, he asked for Gawainet, and they showed Gawainet to of fine silk, with a diagonal band bearing a silver lion, and
him. He went straight to him, fell to his knees, and greeted he had five thousand men with him all wearing armor, and
him on behalf of his cousin, the son of King Urien. he rode after the others at a slow gait with his men tighdy
Gawainet raised him up, and the youth gave him a letter drawn together.
and told him that his cousin Yvonet had sent it. But now the story falls silent about the Saxons who
As soon as Gawainet heard him speak of his cousin, he were riding toward the Diana bridge and begins speaking
sprang up and read the letter; it was not hard for him to do again about King Yder, who was fighting very hard.
this, for he had learned to read when he was a child, so he In this part the story says that King Yder fought the
found what the letter said: “I, Yvonet, son of King Urien, twenty thousand Saxons so hard that he put all of them to
send greetings to Sir Gawainet, my cousin, and to my other flight. There was a fearsome rout with dreadful bloodshed;
friends. Next, I want you to know that I am gone from men and horses fell to the ground dead or wounded. And
Sorhaut without my father’s leave, but my brother Yvonet when Soriondes saw fleeing Saxons, he asked them what
the Bastard and I did take leave of my mother, and we have was wrong with them, and they told him that King Yder had
made our own way. We have just left Arundel and come to done them great harm in the rearguard, “for he has routed
the bridge over Lake Diana, where we have found ten us all.”
thousand Saxons who are now fighting us above the bridge, Then Soriondes turned back angry and upset, and he
and there are only three hundred of us. At the same time, rode with his army until he caught up with his enemies on
King Yder is also fighting them, but he has only fourteen the road to the bridge. There they were still fighting the
thousand men, while the Saxons on the road below followers of Margalant, a most awesome and wicked Saxon
Arundel are at least forty thousand strong. As soon as King who sorely hated the Christians; and he was feared so much
Yder [192] leaves the fight, those Saxons will fall upon us, that no one dared come a step closer to him or get onto the
and they will take us, if God and you do not find a way to road, but they hurled well-honed spears that hailed down
help us. If we are slaughtered or taken prisoner, die shame on him. Soriondes came up with his great army and put
will be yours, though we will be the ones who are hurt; all himself on the other side of the roadway; then they ran
the days of your life you will be called to task for it, for upon them as hard as their horses would go. There they
everyone who hears about it will say, ‘Look, there goes waged a fearsome, deadly fight, and King Yder’s men had a
Gawainet, who through his cravenness lost his cousin, very hard time of it; they lost a great deal in this onslaught,
although it was in his power to rescue him!’ For God’s sake, but the Saxons paid dearly for each one of them. You do
turn your mind to mercy, nobility, and courtesy!” not [193] have to ask whether King Yder was sorry and
When Gawainet had grasped what the letter said, he upset. He cursed the hour and the day that he ever grew
shouted in a loud voice, “My lords! Now to arms faster dian angry with King Arthur, “for through the sin we have on us
ever before! Never will he be praised who is notwordiy!” because of that,” he said, “all these mishaps have befallen
When the squires heard Gawainet, they ran to get dieir us. But things have gone on for so long that it is too late for
armor, happy and gladdened, for they wanted very dearly to us to repent.”
be in a place where they could strike a mighty blow, for So King Yder withdrew, for he had lost too much. And
which they would be praised, in order to win higher Soriondes went back to fetch his booty, which lay in
esteem. As soon as they had their armor on and were on abundance on the roadway; then the Saxons went on freely
their horses, they rode out of the town; they were led by die and made their way until they came to the Diana bridge.
same youth who had brought the letter, and they were a He put sixteen thousand men in his vanguard and twenty
good twenty thousand strong. They split their men into six thousand in the main body to take his booty, and he was in
companies. Agravain led the first, and he had three die rearguard with fifteen thousand men. And they rode on
thousand men; Guerrehet led the second, and he too had until those in the vanguard saw the young men at the
three thousand men; Gaheriet led the third, and he also bridge fighting against ten thousand Saxons who had been
had three thousand men well fitted out, and diey rode after guarding the crossing. And as soon as they had seen diem,

4Sonruner’s text lacks the verb and reads fit en cars escorcies .j. Sommer’s text does not mention the fourth division, but
chapelet (191,1. 21): ‘be was tired from the race a crown.” The text skips from the third (192, 11. 17-19) to the fifth (11. 19-21). Later
seems to be truncated (see n. 3). Sagremor leads a company into battle following Gaheriet (195, 1.
5The word in Sommer’s text is sinbrun (?) (191,1. 23). 32).
Q

6The word in Sommer’s text, fustane (191,1. 23), names only Sommer’s text has son cousin (“his cousin”) (192, 1. 20),
the cloth from which the garment is made: a cotton fabric that which appropriately follows Gaheriet, but not the inserted
could have metal threads. reference to Sagremor; however, the subsequent elaboration
suggests Gawain might more properly entreat him to fight well.
The Story of Merlin 273
they did their utmost to ride as fast as they could, for they not come to rescue them with three thousand men in
were very eager to take them. armor. And they ran into the fight so hard that they sent all
And when the youths saw them coming, they were die ranks reeling, for not a single one in Guerrehet’s
sorely frightened. But then Yvonet looked toward Bredigan company failed to bring his man to the ground when they
and saw Agravain coming to bring him help, and he went to met. Then all the Saxons staggered back toward the bridge,
his companions and told them to take heart, for he had and the Christians did not stop until they had driven them
seen Christians riding their way. And his companions back into the king’s vanguard, which was by the river at the
answered, “Sir, how can we take heart? Look here! Saxons head of the bridge.
are coming at us front and back, and there is no way for us And when Wonet the Great and Wonet the Bastard saw
to get away without being killed or taken prisoner!” the Saxons falling back, each one said to the other, “Good
“I’ll tell you what we’ll do,” said Yvonet the Bastard. Lord God! who can they be that have come to help us? I
“We will all draw tightly together; we will look as if we would very much like to know them.”
wanted to take them on in a fight, but then we will spur our A young nobleman was there whose name was Aces of
horses down along the river, and the Christians will still be Beaumont. He came to them and said to them, “Dear lords,
coming. If we wait for them to come to us here, the Saxons did you come into this land to look at tournaments and
will have killed us or taken us before help has got to us.” skillful blows traded by knights? If you want to know who
All the companions agreed to the trick that Yvonet the they are, ride over to them and fight so well that they ask
Bastard had set forth, so they squeezed together; but before you who you are! For it is by their valiant feats of arms that
they could line up in formation, the Saxons had come so people know who the worthies are. Here, you are whiling
near that you could have shot an arrow from one side to the away all your time in foolishness. But ride over there and
other. The Christians spurred their horses and set out help them put these heathens to flight, for whoever they
across the bridge straight through the ten thousand Saxons, are, they are worthy men (and I am amazed at where so
and they brought down more than two hundred as they many Saxons can have come from!). Now the best warriors
came. But when the Saxons thought they could hem them will show who they are, and I entreat you to fight against
in, they veered to the side down along the river where they your enemies who have so badly hurt your friends and your
saw Agravain coming. And King Soriondes’s vanguard flew forebears. If we die in this effort, we cannot die more
after them because they were getting away; they were more honorably than in raising up the love of Jesus Christ and
than fifteen thousand strong, and they spurred across the upholding His religion.”
bridge, then drew so tighdy together that they came close When the young men heard Aces speaking as he did,
to knocking one another to the ground or into the water. they were gready ashamed and said that no one would ever
And the ten thousand who had been guarding the crossing take them for cowards. And Aces spurred to the front and
rode after the youths until they caught up with them in a said, “Now the best warrior will show who he is!” And they
meadow between two rivers. broke ranks all together and rushed in headlong among
Such harm would have been done there, and such woe the Saxons. They began to strike them down, and they
come to the kingdom of Logres, that things could never fought so boldly that word of their praiseworthy deeds
have been put aright, had not Agravain come riding hard; reached Agravain and Guerrehet, who were fighting very
he had seen the pursuit begin as soon as they had got off fiercely. And when these heard the news, they knew very
the bridge. And Agravain led his men against them as fast well that those were King Urien’s sons. And they drew to
as their horses would go, and they ran headlong into the the side and did such wonders and caused such a slaughter
midst of the Saxons so hard that the whole river and the that it was a wonder to behold, and they had to fight hard,
woods all about resounded with the blows. After they had for the fifteen thousand had come to help out the ten
broken their lances, they drew their swords from their thousand.
scabbards, and the fierce and deadly slaughter began. Agravain asked [195] Aces who those youths were, and
Never have so few men gained the upper hand so fast. They he told him that they were King Urien’s sons, “who have
drew the Saxons to themselves, and at length they drove come to this land to serve King Arthur so that he will make
them back farther than an arrow shot. The youths sorely them knights, and here you see all their household."
needed this, for Wonet the Great and his brother Yvonet “Which ones are they?” asked Agravain.
[194] had been brought to the ground most dreadfully. “Sir,” said Aces, “there they are with those shields half
They were fighting hard on foot, and more than a hundred white and half red. And who are you who want to know
of their companions had also been struck down and were such things about them?”
very gravely wounded.9 But the two brothers were soon “Indeed,” said Agravain, “we are King Arthur’s
back on their horses, and they struck out at the Saxons nephews, the sons of King Lot of Orkney and Loonois. My
most fiercely. name is Agravain, and that other young man over there is
And the company of fifteen thousand Saxons came to my brother; his name is Guerrehet. God be praised that we
help the ten thousand as soon as they had crossed the have found each other safe and sound!”
bridge, and they spread out down along the river and Then they greeted each other with great gladness. But
rushed into the fray. Our men could not have held out for they had not been thus for long when they saw Gaheriet
long, and they would all have been killed, if Guerrehet had coming with three thousand companions; diey then fell
upon the Saxons, and the slaughter was so great that they
brought down more than four thousand of them as they
9This sentence is not in Sommer’s text and is supplied from
an extensive variant (194, n. 1).
274 The Story of Merlin

came in. They killed and wounded so many that10 they held great slaughter of men and horses that of the twenty
them at a standstill for a very long time, but at length the thousand Saxons they had numbered, our men killed more
Saxons gained ground over them. than seven thousand before they could reach the bridge,
So the story falls silent for a while about them and will and if help had not been so nearby, not one of them would
talk about Soriondes. have got away alive.
But Margalant and Pignoras came to rescue them with
twenty thousand men in armor, and as soon as they had
ridden across the bridge, they ran headlong into the fray,
26. Ascendancy of the Young Heroes;
letting their reins loose, and struck down many as they
Growth of the Heroic Circle.* 1 came. There they fought wondrously, and the Christians
were indeed in dire straits, and they lost a great deal, for
Now the story says that they fought at the head of the the Saxons still numbered thirty thousand or more and the
bridge for so long that the wagon train with the booty and Christians only fifteen thousand, all told. So they were
supplies got there, and those who drove it were a good forced to fall back as far as a crossbow could shoot, and
twenty thousand strong or more. And the chief leaders Galescalain, Guerrehet, Gaheriet, Agravain, Sagremor,
were Margalant and Pignoras. And when they reached the Wonet the Great, his brother Wonet the Bastard, Aces of
bridge, they said that they would not cross until they knew Quimper-Corentin,3 and their companions underwent
what the outcome of the battle would be, “for on this side great trials, and they performed great feats of prowess
we needn’t worry that a great force of men will fall upon us, against the whole horde, but in the end they could not long
and if any come against us from the other side, we can hold out.
make our stand at the head of the bridge and defend Then, behold Gawainet who came to help them with
ourselves so well that they won’t have anything of ours.” five thousand men in armor! Great was the fighting there
So they pitched their tents, set up their pavilions, and when they rode hard into the fray, for as soon as Gawainet
camped there. And Soriondes rode until he came to the got there, he began to fight so well that he made all the
bridge, and he asked them why they were encamped there, Saxons fall back and yield ground. He struck down and
and they said that they were safer there than on the other slaughtered men and horses with blows from his lance and
side of the river, “for we don’t know who is over there.” from his sword, then he brought out a very well-made axe
“Now take care,” said Soriondes, “to be fully at die and put his sword back into its scabbard, which hung from
ready, so that you can help our men if need be.” his saddle, grasped the axe with both hands, and began
And they said that they would. striking and wounding all who came within his reach, and
And Gaheriet was fighting with nine thousand three no iron or wood or armor of any kind could save them. By
hundred men against the Saxons, who numbered twenty himself he kept the battle going, for the Saxons were
thousand and more; both sides lost a great many, and the fleeing from him on every side, and none dared stand up to
Saxons more than the Christians. But our men could not him, and he bore down upon them so hard that, by the
hold out for long, because the youths were very young and time it was just after the hour of nones, his strength had
untried, so they had to fall back. And they were about to doubled three times. It was not wise to stand up against
lose a great deal, when Sagremoret came spurring with them one by one, for they were too bloodthirsty, so he kept
three thousand armed men who were most eager to come bearing so hard against them that in the end he threw them
into the batde. They rushed in so hard that they stopped back across the Diana bridge, where they crowded so
the pursuit by their sheer strength. Then the fray grew thickly against one another that more than a thousand fell
more fearsome, and there was a great shattering of lances into the water and could not get out, and so they drowned
and a hard beating of swords against helmets and hauberks, and went floating downstream.
and Sagremoret and his men fought so fiercely that many When Soriondes saw the frightful harm they were
Saxons were struck down there. doing him, he was so distraught that he almost went mad.
But for all the great deeds Sagremoret and his [196] He wanted very much to get across the bridge, if he could,
men did there, it could not last, for the Saxons had so to fight, but the crowds were so thick on the bridge and
invaded the roadway that his and the others’ feats of arms down the river than no one could get through. Even if the
availed them little. Then came Galescalain with three bridge had been open, it would not have been easy to go
thousand fully armed men, and they rode upon the Saxons across, for he was very much afraid of Gawainet,
so hard that none stood before their lances. They shouted Galescalain, [197] Sagremoret, Agravain, Guerrehet,
“Clarence!” very loudly—that was King Arthur’s battlecry— Gaheriet, Wonet the Great, Wonet the Bastard, and their
and they met the Saxons2 so fiercely that they made them companions, who were standing against them on the other
all stagger backwards, and the shouting and the uproar rose side and keeping them away, for none was so bold that he
loud above them. With their blows they drove them back dared go across. They were slaughtering so many Saxons
without stopping to the Diana bridge, and there was such a that great heaps of them built up, so that one could not get
to the other.
10The adjective phrase and conjunction are not in Sommer’s The fighting lasted all that day until nightfall, when
text (195,1.12). both sides withdrew. And Gawainet and his men went off to
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 195-202. Bredigan, happy about the young men they had rescued
2Sommer’ s text has U seme les encontrerent (196, 1. 3): “the
Saxons met them.”
3Called Aces of Beaumont, 194,1. 14.
The Story of Merlin 275
when they were in trouble. They celebrated all that evening “What, dear cousin?” said Gawainet. “Are you indeed
and enjoyed everything befitting a man. Afterwards they telling me that you never sent me a letter?”
went to bed and rested, for they were tired, and they slept “Sir,” he answered, “I am telling you the truth, and not
until daybreak. a word of it is a lie.”
And at nightfall, as soon as they had left the bridge When Gawainet understood that YVonet had never sent
where the fighting had been, Soriondes sent for the him a letter or any other message, he was struck with
highest-ranking men in all his army to seek their advice as amazement, and all those who heard it wondered where the
to what he could do. When he saw that the barons had letter could have come from. Then they sent people out to
gathered together, he asked them how he could go on, for find the boy who had brought the letter and see if he was
he had found the Christians to be very bloodthirsty and still in the city, but they could not find him or anyone who
wicked, and he was very much afraid of them, for they had knew anything about him, and they wondered what might
done him dreadful harm. And then Maglahant rose to his have become of him.
feet, a great, wicked giant who had a very keen mind So they stayed in the city for a full week, until news
indeed, and he spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear came to them, and it was said that the young men who were
him. in the garrison at Arundel were having a very hard time of
“King Soriondes," he said, “if you accepted my advice, it, for the Saxons were fiercely storming the stronghold
the wagon train would set out right now, and it wouldn’t every day, and they knew that sooner or later they would be
stop until it had met our main army. Our knights should taken. And when Gawainet had heard the need that those
ride out first, and Pignoras should lead the vanguard with in the stronghold of Arundel were in, he was most
ten thousand men, and we should be in the rear with as distraught.
many men as we can put together. And even if the Then he called his companions and told them that
Christians did pursue us, they could not prevent the wagons they would do well to go into the borderland of Scotland to
from getting through. This is the best advice I know how to the castle of Arundel to rescue the young men, who needed
give.” help, “and all the sooner we will hear news about my father
Then all who were there shouted that his advice was King Lot and how he is faring.”
good. And Soriondes ordered all their equipment to be And they said that they would do as he wished.
loaded into the wagons at once, and he had the vanguard Then the young men busied themselves getting ready,
cross the bridge with ten thousand Saxons or more. And and they set out on the road. There were ten thousand of
when the train had crossed over, he himself followed it with them, without all the best-equipped men in the land, for
thirty thousand Saxons riding at a slow gait in the they did not want to strip the countryside of men. So they
rearguard. They rode day and night, and nothing bothered rode through the most out-of-the-way places until they
them, until they came to the valley of Vambieres, where the came within a half-league of Arundel. There they heard a
siege was very harsh. They were welcomed with great great uproar, for Haram, the son of Brarnangue, had
gladness; they had been eagerly awaited for their food, for invaded the land of Loonois and laid waste everything as he
the besiegers were in dire want. They had brought enough came in. He was attacking the stronghold of Arundel very
to supply the whole army again. fiercely, and he had burned down the whole town outside.
But the story stops talking about them here and starts And then a troop of highborn young men happened to
speaking again about the youths who were in the city of come nearby from the land of Estrangorre, and there could
Bredigan celebrating and resting. have been a good seven thousand of them; but they had
Now the story says that the youths were happy and taken no heed of King Haram, who had spent all day
gladdened when King Urien’s sons came, and they storming the stronghold of Arundel. But those within had
celebrated and feasted until they went to take their rest. defended themselves so well that they lost nothing but the
And when it was light the next morning, Gawainet sent out town the Saxons had set fire to. Then the Saxons pulled
a spy to find out how the Saxons were behaving whom they back in disorder, and as they withdrew, they met the seven
had left at the Diana bridge. When he got there, he found thousand squires, whom Kay of Estral and Kehedin the
that they had left the night before, so he went back and Fair4 were leading together. And as soon as the Saxons saw
told Gawainet what he had seen, and Gawainet was most them coming, they let out their yell and overran them from
unhappy that they had got away. But [198] since he could this way and that, for they recognized at once that they were
not do otherwise, he let it go, and they all rested there and Christians; and the Christians defended themselves so well
waited for news to come to them from somewhere. that never have so few men done better. And when those
One day, before time to eat, the youths happened to within the casde of Arundel saw the fight begin in the
be in pavilions by the river. And Gawainet came to Yvonet meadows by the river, they recognized at once that they
the Great and said to him, “Dear cousin, how did you find were Christians, and they watched them [199] for a long
out that we were gathered here? Who advised you to send time. But there were so few of them that they barely stood
me a letter the other night?” out among the Saxons, though they fought very hard. They
‘What letter?” asked YVonet. “Indeed, I have never sent could not last for long, however, for they had too many
you a letter in my life, nor did I have any news at all about men against them. And those who had been in the
you before God Our Lord sent you to me in the state you stronghold rode out, and there were still four hundred who
saw me in, for we would all have been killed or taken and
held prisoner if you had not come as soon as you did.” 4Called Kehedin the Small, 178,1. 27.
276 The Story of Merlin

were very worthy and bold, for they had taken pity on the they told them that if they wanted to come with them, they
youths because they were Christians. would always be faithful to them, and they would all wait for
And they ran headlong into the fray and rode so hard King Arthur until he came: “then we will all go together to
that they broke through the Saxons as far as the place ask for our arms, for we have also come to be given our
where they were squeezed together so thickly that they arms by him.”
could not go beyond. And when the Christians came And they answered that they were very glad about that.
together, they recognized one another or found out who [200]
the other was. Then the fighting grew stronger and became While they were talking together, the wagon train from
very bitter; many a blow was given and taken, which made the Rock drew near; there were twenty thousand men out
the Saxons distraught and upset, and this showed plainly in front who were leading the train and twenty thousand in
when they began to blow their horns and trumpets and the rear. And as they came closer to Arundel, they saw the
beat their drums, which meant they needed help. So the battle between the youths and the Saxons. When they
Saxons began to come together from all sides, for they had found out that it was King Haram’s vanguard, they rushed
spread out up and down the river Arun,5 and those from in at breakneck speed, surrounded the young men, and
Saxon Rock6 were going toward the city of Clarence with a gave them a very tough fight. The young men struggled
great wagon train with supplies that had been sent to them hard to turn back toward the stronghold, but the Saxons
from Saxony, and the ones who had brought diem over swarmed so thick that they could not break through.
were driving the train, and there were a great many of It would not have taken long for them all to be killed
them, all fully armed. And the story says that they were or taken prisoner, and for the castle to have been taken
more than forty thousand strong, not counting those who along with them, when Gawainet and his companions got
had spread out through the countryside to plunder; and there with ten thousand men in armor, and as soon as they
these had so laid waste the land in four days’ time that you got to the fray, they ran in headlong. There the fighting was
would not have found a cottage or a house where a man fierce, wondrous, and hard, and many a hauberk was cut
could shelter himself or his horse, nor could you have through or broken apart, so that the fields were covered
found enough to eat to feed anyone one meal. with the dead and wounded. There the Saxons suffered
But now we will leave them and tell you about the very great losses, about which they were sorely distraught,
young men in the meadow below Arundel who were in for they killed so many that they hurled them back toward
great distress and fearsome danger, for there were only the wagon train they had been leading.
seven score of them along with the four hundred who had And when Gawainet saw the youths, he asked diem
come out of the castle of Arundel. They were all worthies, who they were. Yvonet of the White Hands told him that
for out of the stronghold had ridden Wonet of the White they were King Arthur’s men, “and we had come out of the
Hands, Wonet of Lionel, Yvonet the Shining, and Gaswain stronghold to rescue those young men,” and he showed
of Estrangort, and they had stayed there to await King them the ones the Saxons had fallen upon.
Arthur, for they were not willing to be dubbed knights by “And who are you, dear friend, who ask about them
any but the hand of King Arthur. They were all men of high and were so helpful to us in our need?”
birth and very powerful, for they were the sons of kings, Wonet gave him his name and said that he had come
earls, and dukes, and they were close kinsmen of King Lot there with his companions to help him out. And when
of Orkney and King Brandegorre, and they had all left their Gawain heard that, he was happier than anyone could be,
homelands as stealthily as they knew how. They had come and praised God and thanked Him for the help that had
in groups of twenty, and they had all stopped there as come to them. Then they all spurred their horses together
hirelings to win booty, for they had brought very little and called out King Arthur’s battlecry; they overran the
wealth from their homelands, and they had many times Saxons and wounded and slaughtered so many that the
been quite successful in taking their winnings from the fields were strewn with them, for they tried to harm them as
Saxons. much as they could. There Gawainet did wondrous
When the youths came into the battle, the uproar and fighting, as did his three brothers, and Galescalain,
the shouts grew stronger, for they were four hundred Sagremor, and Wonet the Great and his brother, and King
worthy, very bold young men who had ridden out of the Urien’s two sons. They worked wonders, and over here,
stronghold, and when they came up to the seven score, Dodinel the Wildman, Wonet of the White Hands, Wonet
Wonet of the White Hands, who was the most eloquent, of Lionel, Gaswain of Estrangort, Kay of Estral, and
asked who they were. And Kay of Estral told them that they Kehedin the Small fought very well too. These fourteen7
were squires who were going to ask King Arthur for their were out in front of everyone, and they wreaked such havoc
arms, and they were close kinsmen of the two kings of that no one dared stand up to them, and all the other
Estrangort. When the youths heard that they were squires, companions fought so well drat they put them all to rout,
and they threw them back onto die twenty thousand who
5Sommer’s text has riuiere darsone (199,1. 12). were driving the supplies in the wagon train.

Sommer’s text has cil du chastel misme qui estoient issu hors Then an old man came riding a horse, unarmed, and
(199, II. 12-13): “those from the castle itself who had come out”; he called Gawainet, who wanted to storm the Saxons again,
however, it cannot be a question either of the Christians from the and said to him, “Gawainet, Gawainet, if you will take my
stronghold who have just left to come to the aid of their friends, to
advice, you ought to turn about. Take your companions
be sure, nor of the Saxons who have left the siege and are already
engaged in batde. The convoy is later mentioned as orisrinatinc at
n
the Rock, 200,1. 2. 'Sommer’s text has .xvij. (200,1. 28).
The Story of Merlin 277
back to Arundel. Look at the Saxons riding here. You will going. And they all rode out through a little gate hidden by
not hold out for long, there are too many of them.” the garden, took to the trail, and rode all night and the
When Gawainet heard the worthy man’s words, he next day until after the hour of nones. Nothing had
looked at him. He looked so old and so feeble that bothered them until then, but right at that time King Lot
Gawainet was amazed that he could keep himself on the became very frightened because he met King Taurus with
horse. He saw that his beard was so long that it came down three thousand men. He was coming back from Arundel
to the knot of his girdle, and it was all white. He had a and was bringing plunder to King Haram.
garland of flowers on his head and wore a black robe. He As soon as he and his men had seen King Lot, they ran
grasped the saddlebow with his hand and said to Gawainet, over to fight him, but the match was not even. There the
“Dear friend, you would be wise to believe me, for your fighting was hard and fierce, and King Lot and the five
companions do not all have your strength and skill. You hundred knights who were with him fought very well. But
should love their welfare [201] and their lives as much as skillful fighting did them litde good, for they were put to
your own. You would commit a deadly sin if they were flight and routed from their encampment, and King Lot’s
brought to ruin by your foolishness, for they can yet come wife [202] was taken and held prisoner. And one of the
into their full strength and do great good, and they will be knights flew toward Arundel as fast as his horse could carry
of very great help to your uncle King Arthur in his need, him.
when he has come back from Carmelide.” But now the story stops speaking about King Lot and
When the worthy old man had had his say, he took to goes back to Gawainet, who was happy and joyful in the
the road for Loonois in Orkney as fast as his horse could stronghold of Arundel.
carry him. And Gawainet stopped and called his
companions around him and held them back, for he
readily believed the advice the worthy had given him. So
27. Help from a Mysterious Knight.1
they left the pursuit and rode back toward Arundel at a slow
gait. When they came to the stronghold, they went inside
Here the story says that the youths were very happy that
and climbed up to the top of the walls. They watched the
night in Arundel when they had got to know one another.
Saxons gather in formation and ride toward Arundel, but
And as they were celebrating so heartily, a knight in well-
they were going after King Haram, who had laid waste all of
made armor came riding a great dappled warhorse that was
King Lot’s land. They were a great horde, and nothing
soaked in sweat. His shield was dented and full of holes,
could hold them back. King Lot fought against them many
and his hauberk was broken through and the links had
times, and he lost many of his men. He was most distraught
come undone in many places. He came galloping up before
over this, and in the end he had to take his wife to the
the casde, brandishing his lance, and when he got to the
casde of Glocedon because it was strong.
gate, he stopped and saw the youths high up on the walls
When the king saw that the Saxons had laid waste his
having such a very good time together. When he caught
land and utterly ruined it, and had killed and wounded so
sight of them, he began to shout: was there any squire there
many of his liegemen that he could no longer stand up to
so bold as to follow him wherever he went and to swear that
them, he was sorely distressed and worried. And he cursed
he would give heed to no man but him? And when
the hour and the day he had run afoul of King Arthur, “for
Gawainet heard him, he asked him where he would take
because of him,” he said, “I have lost all my people and my
him.
children, and my city is so weakened that those within are
“And you,” asked the knight, “who are you who have
doomed to be taken!”
spoken to me?”
For the walls had been broken down in many places,
“I am,” he answered, “Gawainet, son of King Lot.”
and King Haram was encamped all around, and King Lot
“Then I’ll tell you,” he said, “for the adventure has to
did not have enough men with him to hold out for very
do with you more than any of the others. In this forest
long. King Haram meant to rest awhile before he attacked.
there happens to be such an adventure! It is one of the
He could have starved them out quite soon, but he did not
most honored adventures in the whole world! And you will
wish to; instead, he waited for his men, who were burning
be better thought of if you can achieve it. But you don’t
and laying waste the land.
have the heart; you aren’t bold enough to dare go through
When King Lot saw himself in such a state, he sought
with it. And you can know for a fact that if you don’t go
advice from such counselors as he had. And this is what was
diere, I will.”
decided: late that night, he would ride out, along with his
When Gawainet heard him call him a coward, he was
wife and litfle son Mordred, who was not yet two years old,
very upset, and he said that even if he should die, he would
and take them to Glocedon, and bring along five hundred
go with him. And the knight, who knew Gawainet’s heart
knights all in armor, while the others, still six thousand
and mind so well, turned to go, but Gawainet called him
worthy, bold men, stayed behind; and they promised him
back and said to him, “Sir knight, wait for me! Look here,
faithfully that they would defend the city, for it would not
I’m all ready to go with you. But you ought to swear to me
be lost as long as they were alive.
that you don’t mean to lead me into any danger and that
That night, the king and his knights mounted dieir
you’ll do all you can to help me against all who might wish
horses at midnight, along with his litde son Mordred, whom
to hurt me.”
King Arthur had begotten, just as the story has recounted it
(a squire took him in a cradle which he carried in front of
him); and the lady mounted a palfrey, very strong and easy¬ * Corresponds to Sommer, 202-206.
278 The Story of Merlin

When the knight heard this, he stopped and a sneer were holding her by the hair and dragging her behind
began to spread on his lips, and he said that nothing could them, and the long dress she had on kept making her
keep him from swearing such an oath. And Gawainet asked stumble, so that she could not stand upright. And she wept
for his armor and put it on forthwith, and the knight waited and wailed and cried aloud, “Holy Mary, Our Lady, Mother
for him, but tried to hurry him. of God, help me!”
And his companions came to Gawainet and asked him, Every time she called on Our Lady, Taurus slapped her
“What is this? Where do you mean to go? Don’t go with that full in the face with his hand gloved in iron. At length, he
knight unless we go too, for you don’t know whether it’s for knocked her senseless to the ground, and when he saw her
good or ill.” lying there, he picked her up and put her in front of him
And Gawainet answered that he was willing for them to on his horse. But she fell to the ground again, and she
go along, if it suited the knight. “We will ask him,” said howled and wailed like a woman under torture. She said
Galescalain. that she would rather they had killed her; never, for as long
Then Sagremor came straight to the knight and said to as she lived, would she swear faith to Taurus, however
him, “Sir knight, there are men in there who would very strong he might be. When he saw that he could not hold
gladly go with you, if you are willing, as long as you don’t sway over her, he took her by her locks and led her
think you’ll lose anything by their company. They entreat alongside his horse, beating her and dragging her along
you to let them be your companions.” until the blood flowed down all over her. And he had
And he said that he would be glad for all to go who beaten her and jerked her about so much that she could
wanted to, “for the adventure is such that no one who not help but howl, and she was so badly hurt that she could
undertakes it will fail.” not keep herself on her feet.
When Sagremor heard this, he was very happy. So all When the knight saw the lady being so maltreated, he
who were there made much ado about putting on their said to Gawainet, “Do you know this lady? If you ever loved
armor. There were at least eight thousand, for they did not her at any time, set your mind to avenging her.”
want to take more; but they were all the most noteworthy, And as soon as Gawainet had seen her, he recognized
and they had the best horses. And when they rode out of her at once, and he was so [204] filled with anguish that he
the castle, [203] Gawainet took the knight’s oath that he nearly lost his mind. He did not think he could catch up
had not come seeking him to do him any harm and that with her in time, but he spurred his horse and took a stout
they had no one else to fear, and he swore it. and sturdy spear with a sharp tip. It was after midday, and
Then they left and rode all one day and the next night the sun was high; the iron on the spear sparkled in the
until daybreak. All at once they heard at the edge of a sunlight and shone very brightly indeed. And Gawainet
heath very loud shouting and a great uproar, and it seemed shouted, “You son of a Saxon whore, you thieving heathen,
to them that a great many people were there. Then they let go of that lady! You will rue the beatings you have given
saw a squire riding away at breakneck speed on a big, strong her, and you can be sure that you’ll never have paid so
horse, and he was carrying in front of him a child in a dearly for any foolishness you have done before!"
cradle. Gawainet asked him why he was fleeing and where When Taurus saw him coming at him so fast, yelling at
he had come from. He looked at them and saw that they him so harshly and threatening him, he dropped the lady
were Christians, so he said that he served King Lot, whom in the middle of the field, fitted himself out with armor,
the Saxons had routed at the edge of that heath by the and took a stout and sturdy lance with a sharp, well-honed
woods as he was going to Glocedon. He was taking his wife tip. He let his horse run toward Gawainet and rode upon
with him, but they snatched her away from him and drove him so hard that he was screaming like an eagle. When they
him from the field, “and I fled just as you see, and I won’t came together, the shock was so great that their weapons
stop until I have brought this child safely out of the Saxons’ flew into bits, but Gawainet’s aim had been so good that he
reach, for he is the youngest of the five sons King Lot had put his iron tip into Taurus’s chest and right out the back,
with his wife. For God’s sake, my lords, don’t go on, for you and he brought him to the ground so hard that he broke
will find there such a great horde that you can’t hold out!” his neck clear through. Agravain, Guerrehet, and Gaheriet
“I’ll tell you what to do,” said Gawainet. “Go hide in got off their horses: one cut off Taurus’s head,2 the second
those woods until you see how we have fared in this battle. ran his body through with his sword, and the third sliced
Afterwards, come away with us, and we will take you to a off both his arms, for what Gawainet had done to him was
place where you and the little boy need not be afraid.” not yet enough for them, so they cut him into small bits.
And the man agreed to do so, since Gawainet had Then Gawainet and his companions ran headlong into
asked him to. the Saxons and brought about such a slaughter that they
With that, the squire went his way. And the knight killed more than ten thousand of them before they left
begged Gawainet to hurry and follow him without tarrying. them alone. Gawainet killed so many that he was befouled
He went first, and Gawainet and his companions rode until with blood.
they had gone through the forest. They saw that the pursuit When the Saxons saw the great havoc that had been
of King Lot had already begun; he was flying toward wreaked against them, those who could get away took to
Glocedon with as many people as were left after the battle. their heels and fled through woods and across open land.
Elsewhere, Gawainet saw in the meadows a most comely And Gawainet rode back to where he had seen his mother
lady; she would have been of very great beauty were it not
for the great sadness that had overcome her. Her hair was
2Sommer’s text has the plural (204,1. 14), but the subsequent
undone and all unruly; indeed, two Saxons on horseback construction seems to demand this introduction.
The Story of Merlin 219

lying. He got down from his horse, took her in his arms, at Arundel to safeguard the town and had taken the lady
and began to weep most tenderly; then he wailed and and her little son Mordred along with them. And the four
wrung his hands, and he was so deeply sorrowful that his brothers swore that King Lot would never have his wife
companions gathered about him, and they felt so sorry for back before he had made peace with King Arthur.
him that there was not one of them who did not weep hot What the young men said made the lady very happy.
tears for him. And when Gawainet’s brothers got there, the And when they got to Logres, they were very warmly
wailing began all over again, more deeply felt than anyone welcomed by one and all. Then Gawainet sent people
could say or describe. everywhere to see if anyone knew the knight who had taken
At length the lady heard the youths weeping and them to rescue their mother, but they found no one who
wailing all about her, and she opened her eyes and saw could say anything about him. The news spread near and
Gawainet, who was holding her in his arms, and she far, and Doon of Carduel, who was a most worthy and
recognized him at once. She raised her hands to Heaven clever man, heard all about it, and he thought deeply about
and thanked Our Lord for the help He had sent her. Then who that knight might be. At once he went straight to
she began to speak as best she could and said, “Dear son Gawainet and said to him, “Dear friend, did you ever find
Gawainet, do not weep, for I have no wounds I’ll die of, out who the man was who first brought you news about
though I am very badly hurt.” Sagremoret?” And he said he had not.
Then she asked him where his brothers were, and they “And did you ever know,” he said, “who brought to you
came before her, wailing so sorrowfully that it was a great in Bredigan tire letter from your cousin Wonet?”
pity to see, and they said to her, “Lady, here we are.” “I never found out who he was,” said Gawainet.
And when she saw them, she thanked Our Lord. But “Did you ever learn who the man was who told you
after a while she said, “Alas, I have lost my son Mordred and about your mother?”
my husband, your father, who tried so hard to rescue me “No,” said Gawainet.
today. After he had lost all his men, I saw him fighting five Then Doon began to think about who it could have
hundred Saxons, and he held out longer than it would take been, and he started to smile. And when Gawainet saw him,
someone to walk half a league, but I am sorely afraid that he wondered why he had asked him, and he begged him, in
he is wounded and will die, for I saw knives and javelins the name of his lord the king, to tell him why he had smiled
being thrown at him as thick as rain. He would not leave my and why he had asked him those things. And Doon said to
side until I myself entreated him, for the sake of the thing him, “Gawainet, Gawainet, you have asked me repeatedly, I
he loved most in the world, to get away, and he was yet as must tell you. But be careful to tell no one else what I am
sorrowful as any man could be.” about to say to you.”
“Lady,” said Gawainet, “I can tell you what has And Gawainet said that he would sooner have his
happened to my brother Mordred. You can be sure that he tongue cut out.
has not been hurt in any way, [205] for the squire who was “Now you can know,” said Doon, “that the man who
carrying him has taken care of him like the keen and brought you the news is called Merlin, and he is the best
worthy man he is;* * 3 he is waiting for us in the forest over seer5 there ever was or ever will be." [206]
there. But we know nothing whatsoever about the king our “What, Sir Doon?” said Gawainet. “Are you talking
father.” about that Merlin who was such a good friend of King
When the lady heard what he had said, she heaved a Uther Pendragon? who was conceived in a woman by a
sigh from her heart, then she fainted in Gawainet’s arms. devil?”
He kissed her over and over again and wept bitterly. And “He is the very one without a doubt," said Doon.
when she came to her senses, she heaved a sigh, then the “By God’s mercy,” said Gawainet, “how can it be that I
coloring came back into her face. Gawainet asked for water have seen him look so many ways? For I have seen him in
so that he could wash her face, which was filthy with blood, three likenesses!”
and they brought it to him in great plenty, so he washed “You can be sure,” answered Doon, “that however you
her face as gendy as he could. Afterwards, they made a litter may have seen him, it is he. For he knows so much about
tied to two palfreys and put on it a great deal of fresh grass, the arts that he can change into whatever likenesses he
then they laid her there as gently as they could. After that, wants.”
they gathered up their booty and took to the road for Then Gawainet crossed himself in great wonder, and
Arundel drawn up in tight formation. They had ridden but he said that he would very much like to be his friend, if he
a litde way when the squire came to meet them with the could. “For now I am sure,” he said, “that he indeed loves
little boy. When Gawainet saw him, he was most glad us, since he is willingly drawn into our doings.”
indeed. They rode until they came to Arundel, where they “You can be sure,” said Doon, “that if he wishes it, you
rested for a whole week, until the lady had been restored to will be friends, for we can say or do nothing that he doesn’t
health. Then they left there and headed for Logres, King know about.”
Arthur’s chief city. They4 had left two hundred men-at-arms So they stayed in Logres, happy that Our Lord had
brought them together, and they kept such a close watch
over the countryside round about that the Saxons lost more
^Sommer’s text has the redundant comme sages 6s sages (205,1.
1): “like a wise and wise [man].” Sommer provides the Harley than they won.
variant in n. 1, as translated: comme saige et preux.
4Sommer’s text has the conjunction mes que (205, 1. 15): 5The word is not in Sommer’s text (205,1. 39).
“except that,” “although,” etc.
280 The Story of Merlin

But now the story falls silent about them, and it will say “Now tell me, then,” said Blaise, “how can a wolf
no more about them at this time; rather, it begins to speak overpower a lion?”
again about the knight who brought Gawainet to rescue his “You will learn no more right now,” answered Merlin,
mother. “but I’ll tell you this much: this prophecy befalls me, and I
know very well that I cannot keep myself from it.”
Blaise crossed himself because of the wonder he felt,
and he started to say to Merlin,5 “Now tell me this much: if
28. Merlin Warns Leonce of Palerne, Then
you go to Gaul, what will become of this land, which the
Meets Viviane and Teaches Her His Magic.1 Saxons are so bent on laying waste?"
“Don’t worry about that,” answered Merlin. “King
In this part the story says that after Gawainet and his Arthur will not yet have come to the head of his nobles
companions had taken on Taurus in batde, and Merlin saw before the Saxons are soundly beaten, and you can be sure
that Gawainet had rescued his mother, Merlin left so fast that very soon they will be driven out. I would not go away
that they did not know what had happened to him. He went were it not for the love of the wondrous leopard that will
into Northumberland, to Blaise his master, and he told him come out of the kingdom of Benoic so great, so strong, and
all the adventures that had happened in the kingdom of so fearsome that he will overcome all the beasts in his
Logres, and Blaise wrote it all down; and thanks to his land—and out of Great Britain will come a great lion to
book, we still know it And when he had stayed there as whom all the other beasts will bow down and at whose
long as he wanted, he said that he wished to go off to the glance the heavens will open. But it would be a sin for me
kingdom of Benoic, for the two kings might have trouble to avoid what Our Lord has given me such wisdom and
there, “King Ban and King Bors, who are in Carmelide, and such insight for—to help in fulfilling the adventures of the
it would be a deadly sin, for they are both very worthy men. Holy Grail, which must be accomplished and brought to an
For King Claudas of the Land Laid Waste2 has sworn faith end in the time of King Arthur. But don’t bother asking me
to the king of Gaul and has given his land over to him. And any more, for you will yet know how that can come to pass;
King Claudas has provided for himself in other ways as well, you will see it yourself with your own eyes before you die,
for he has gone to Rome, and both he and the king of Gaul and that’s the truth.”
have sworn faith to the Emperor and become his vassals. After Merlin had spoken, thus hiding his meaning, and
The emperor Julius Caesar has sworn to send them help, Blaise had heard what he had to say, he thought long and
for he wishes to seize the two kingdoms of Gaunes and hard about his words; anyway, he wrote them down just as
Benoic. So they have got together and sent for men far and Merlin had spoken them.
wide, and the Romans have already moved out in a great Then Merlin left and went to the kingdom of Benoic.
army. The leader is Pontius Anthony, a senator3 of Rome He came straight to Leonce of Payeme, drew him aside,
who is very wealthy and powerful. For love of them, Frollo, and told him enough about himself that he knew who he
emperor of Germany, is coming back there. He is a man of was, for he had seen him before. Leonce was very glad, for
very high standing, powerful in lands, holdings, and he was a very worthy man, a cousin of King Ban and King
friends, and he is Pontius Anthony’s first cousin. He is Bors. And Merlin spoke to him in the likeness in which
leading twenty thousand men under his banner. And the Leonce had seen him the other times with the three kings,
people of the kingdom of Benoic know nothing about this. but it was so stealthily that no one knew a word that was
They would be utterly destroyed before they knew it, and it being said, and Leonce believed everything he told him.
would be a very bad thing if they did not find out, for great After they had recognized each other, Leonce said to
harm would come from it.” Merlin,6 “I am gready bothered by something I want to ask
When Blaise heard him, he began to weep, and he told you about, but don’t get upset.”
him for God’s sake to keep Christendom from shame and “I know what you are thinking,” Merlin answered, “and
destruction. And Merlin said that as long as he lived he I don’t mind at all. But say to me whatever you wish.”
would put his whole mind to it as best he could. “But this is ‘Tell me yourself,” said Leonce, “since you know it
the country,” said Merlin, “that I should hate the most, for already.”
the wolf4 has already come into the land who is to bind the And Merlin very gladly said to him, “All for your sake
lion with rings that are not of iron or wood or silver or gold whom I love so much. You want to ask me why I left the
or lead, [207] and the lion will be bound so tightly that he three kings and why I have come here.”
cannot move.”
“Yes indeed,” said Leonce, “you are speaking the truth!
‘Tor the love of God,” said Blaise, “what are you saying?
And I would truly like to know, if you will.”
Is not a lion stronger than a wolf and more to be feared?”
“Of course,” said Merlin. “I’ll be glad to tell you
“You speak the truth,” answered Merlin.
everything right now, for you can be sure that I have no
reason to tarry here. Leonce, it is the truth, and prophecy
4 Corresponds to Sommer, 207-212. says so, that the serpent will drive out of the old Wild Forest
^Sommer’s text omits terre (206,11. 24-25) “land.” the leopard who once was so strong, so fierce, and so
3 Consdlliers de romme (206,11. 30-31, cf. 208,1. 4). awesome that all die beasts round about bowed down to
4The word is omitted in Sommer’s text, which implies “the
one” (206, 1. 40). The context suggests that a female wolf is
According to Sommer’s text, merlins is the subject (207,1. 7).
intended (cf. 207,1. 3). g
According to Sommer’s text, it is Merlin who speaks to
Leonce: si U dist merlins (207,11. 29-30).
The Story of Merlin 281
him and lowered their heads to the ground. You have a at the edge of the Forest of Briosque, which was most
most evil neighbor, named Claudas of the Land Laid Waste, delightful, good for hunting, and full of all kinds of deer.
who has sworn faith to the king of Gaul and given his lands The maiden I am telling you about was the daughter of
over to him, in return for the king’s oath [208] to keep up a vavasor of very high birth named Dyonas. When he was
his lands and uphold him in warfare. They have sworn an young,8 quite often Diana, goddess of the wood, came to
alliance together, and now they both hold their kingdoms talk with him and spent many a day with him, for he was
from the Emperor of Rome. And Claudas himself has gone her godson. Once,9 as she [209] left, she gave him a gift
to Rome and arranged for Pontius Anthony, one of the that proved to be of great worth to him. And she said to
senators of Rome, to lay waste this countryside. He is him, “Dyonas, I trust you. And may the God of the moon
coming to this land with Frollo, his first cousin, a leader and stars grant that, after my death, when Vortigem of
from Germany, who is very wealthy and powerful and Great Britain begins to reign, your first girl-child be sought
outstanding in battle; and they mean to lay waste this after by the wisest, most learned man on earth, that he may
countryside; but it will not be as they think. For I have come show her the greatest part of his learning, and that he may
here to this land to tell you to call together, from far and teach her everything she asks—all through the power of
wide, friends, kinsmen, and foot soldiers; send for as many necromancy, so that he might be so much under her sway
as you can. Stock your casdes and towns and bring together from the moment he sees her that he lacks the power to do
all the game you have and all the grain and put them where anything against her will.”
no one can get at them. Get ready so that when they Thus Diana gave her gift to Dyonas, and as soon as she
overran the land—and they will run over you very harshly— had given it, it was granted. And when Dyonas was grown
they will find nothing to take; and if they fall upon casdes up, he became a very good knight, handsome and full of all
or towns, defend yourself so stoutly that you cannot be manly traits. He was large and strong and for a long time
blamed. But as you love yourself and the honor of the two served a duke of Burgundy who gave him one of his nieces
kings, hold yourself back from going out to do batde with as his wife, a fair and well-bred maiden. Dyonas had loved
them, or the loss will be great. You should know that you the delights of wood and river in the time of his youth, and
will have all the help you need on the Wednesday before St. die duke of Burgundy owned a share of the Forest of
John’s Day, when there will be a batde before the castle of Briosque, so that one half of it belonged to him outright
Trebe, between the Loire and the Arsonne, before daylight, and the other to King Ban. So when the duke wed his
two leagues from where the Romans, the Gauls, and the niece, he granted to Dyonas his share of the forest and a
Germans will be encamped. You will withdraw to that side great deal of land he owned round about.
with as much armor as you can carry, and you will hide in When Dyonas went to see it, he was so gready pleased
the forest near Damantes. Watch out where you go, and be and taken with everything about it that he had one of his
careful to move so stealthily that none of your companions dwellings built diere, which was quite beautiful and rich,
will know it, however much they may be your friends, but beside a pond that was also quite rich and beaudful. And
for Gradan and Farien: tell these two in private, for they are when it was built, he came to live there for the hunting and
very worthy, noble men. And have the roadways so well fishing in the woods and on the river that were nearby. He
watched by your knights that no spy may take to them to go stayed there a long time and often went to the court of
tell those on the other side anything about your doings, for King Ban. He served him many times, as was his duty as a
you would soon come to harm.” knight,10 and he helped him in many a time of need
And he said that, when it came time to leave, he would against King Claudas, to whom he did great harm. At last
do that so well that Merlin would praise him for it. King Ban and King Bors welcomed him with great love
“I don’t know what else to tell you,” said Merlin, “but because they knew him to be a worthy man and a faithful
I’m leaving, for I’ve much to do elsewhere.” and brave knight. King Ban granted his own part of the
“Where will you be going?” asked Leonce. forest to him and his heirs forevermore, and he gave him
And Merlin said to him, ‘When I leave this country I lands and endowments in great plenty in exchange for the
will go to Carhaix in Carmelide, where the three kings are. knightly faithfulness he found in him. And Dyonas was so
And I’ll tell them how the giants and the Saxons will be likable that all who came around him treated him as a
hiding outside the country, and the batde on the Thursday friend.
after Whitsunday will be so great and so wondrous that Thus Dyonas dwelt in that land for a very long time,
none such has ever been seen in the land of Carmelide.” and at last he fathered with his wife a daughter, who was
“Sir,” said Leonce, “greet my uncles and my cousin most lovely. She was baptized Viviane, a name in Welsh that
King Arthur on my behalf ” sounds in French as if she said, “I will do nothing”; and
“I will do so very gladly,” said Merlin. “Now set your hardship befell Merlin, as the story will tell later. That
mind on doing good, and I commend you to God.”
And he answered, “God bless you and bring you 8Not in Sommer’s text, but required for clarity; cf. Et quant
*7
salvation. Dyonas fu grans, “And when Dyonas was grown up” (209,11. 8-9).
And as soon as Merlin had left Leonce, he went 9Not in Sommer’s text, but the switch from the iterative (si
straight to a maiden of very great beauty who lived in a very vint maintes fois a lui parler [208,1. 42]) to the definite (si li donna ,j.
beaudful and rich casde that sat beneath a round mountain doun [209,1. 1]) implies such an emphasis.

10Sommer’s text has lui (?) disime de cheualiers (“the knight’s

‘tithe’”) (209,1. 21), which suggests service owed as to an overlord.
^In indirect discourse in Sommer’s text; & si U dist que diex le
conduie et maint a saluete (208,1. 36).
282 The Story of Merlin

maiden grew in body and mind until she reached the age of maiden and sat down again at the spring. But it was not
twelve. long before the maiden looked and saw ladies, knights,
When Merlin left Leonce of Payeme, he made his way maidens, and squires in great number coming out of the
until he came to the Forest of Briosque. He took on the Forest of Briosque. They were holding hands and came
shape of a most handsome youth and drew near a spring singing and making merry as no one had ever seen, and
that fed a pond, very beautiful and very clear, with sand that tumblers, dancers, and musicians passed before the maiden
shone so brighdy that it seemed to be of fine silver. Viviane and gathered all around the ring that Merlin had drawn.
often came to this spring to play and enjoy herself, and she And after they had gone inside, there began such
was there on the very day that Merlin came. And when wonderful singing and dancing that no one could tell a
Merlin saw her, he looked at her for a long time before he fourth of the merriment there. And Merlin raised up a
said a word. And he said to himself11 that he would be most castle fair and strong, and beneath it an orchard with all
unwise to fall asleep in sin and lose his mind and his the good smells in the world; the blossoms and fruit gave
knowledge just to know the delights of a young lady, to off such a sweet smell that it is wonderful to tell about. The
shame her and to lose God. [210] maiden, who heard and saw all of this, was so astounded by
After Merlin had long been deep in thought, he went the wonder she beheld and so happy looking at it that she
forward and greeted her nevertheless. And when she saw was speechless; and she was so bewildered that she did not
him, she answered, like the well-bred girl she was, “May the know what song they were singing unless they sang it
Lord who knows all thoughts bestow on you the will and the again.14 Truly, love begins in happiness and ends in grief!
heart to treat me well, and may He bestow on me as well the Their merrymaking went on thus from the ninth hour until
worth and honor that are my due.”12 vespers; people heard the noise far away, and it was [211]
When Merlin heard the maiden speak, he sat down at loud and clear and delightful to listen to.
the edge of the spring and asked her who she was. She told There seemed to be a great many people, so all who
him that she had been bom in that country, the daughter were in Dyonas’s manor came out, men and women in very
of a vavasor there, “a noble man,” she said, “who fives in this great numbers, and they looked and saw what they thought
manor. And who are you, fair, dear friend?” asked the was the beautiful orchard, the castle, the ladies, and the
maiden. dancing outside that was so mirthful that they had never
“Lady," he said, “I am a wandering apprentice, seeking seen fairer merrymaking, and they looked in wonder at the
my master; he used to teach me my trade, which is most castle and orchard they saw there, which were more
praiseworthy.” beautiful than any they had ever seen. Moreover, they
“And what trade is that?” she asked. wondered where so many ladies and maidens, so finely
“In truth, lady,”13 he said, “he has taught me so well arrayed in dresses and jewels, had come from. After the
that I could raise a castle right here and have a great many dancing had gone on for a long while, the ladies and
people take refuge inside and others fall upon it from maidens sat down on the cool green grass. The squires set
without. And I could do something else just as well: I could up a target dummy15 in the middle of the orchard, where
walk across that pond without getting my feet wet. And I the young knights began jousting, while elsewhere noble
could make a river flow over there where no water has ever young men went jousting against the squires; they did not
run before.” stop tilting until vespers.
“Indeed,” said the maiden, “this is a worthy trade! I Then Merlin went to the maiden, took her by the
would give a great deal to learn to do such fine tricks.” hand, and said to her, “Lady, what to you think of this?”
‘To be sure, lady” he answered, “I know many others “Dear friend,” answered the maiden, “you have done
that are even better than these are and more delightful for enough to make me yours! ”
entertaining highborn men. For no one could suggest any “Lady,” he said, “keep the promise you have made me.”
kind of trick that I couldn’t do or continue doing as long as “Of course I will, gladly,” she said, “but you haven’t yet
Hike.” taught me anything.”
“In truth,” said the young lady, “if you don’t mind, I’d “So I’ll tell you about my tricks,” said Merlin, “and
like to find out about your tricks, and I would swear to be you’ll write it all down, for you know your letters well
your lady love and your friend forever, without any enough, and I will teach you more wonders than any
wrongdoing or baseness, for as long as I five.” woman has ever known.”
“Indeed, lady,” he said, “you seem to me so gentle and “What?” said the maiden. “How do you know that I can
of such noble bearing that for your love I would show you a read and write?”
few of my tricks, on your oath that your love will be mine, “Lady,” he answered, “I know it for a fact, for my
for I ask you for nothing else.” master has taught me so well that I know everything that
She granted his wish without seeing or understanding everyone does.”
his cunning. And Merlin went off and drew with a staff a In truth, said the maiden, “this is by far the fairest
ring in the middle of a heath; then he came back to the learning I ve heard about, and the most useful anywhere,

^Not in Sommer’s text (209,1. 39). Sommer s text reads fors que tant quit dient au refrait de lor
12In indirect discourse in Sommer’s text (210,11. 2-4). chant (210, 1. 41): “except until they told [it] in the repetition of
their song.”
13The word here is dame (“married lady”) (210,1. 10), not the
15
usual (and expected) damoisele (cf. 210, 1. 8). Dame occurs La quintaine (211, 1. 10), a dummy used for target practice
elsewhere in 9, 12, 17, etc. with the lance.
The Story of Merlin 283
and I would know it most gladly. And things that are yet to
29. Arthur Betrothed to Guenevere; Battle
come," the maiden went on, “do you know anything about
that?”
Against Rion.1
“Yes, of course, my fair friend,” he said, “a great deal.”
‘Tor God’s sake,” said the maiden, “what do you go on Now the story says that the messengers of the King of the

looking for? In truth, you would put up with a great deal if Hundred Knights rode fast until they had given to all the

you got some pleasure out of it!” kings the summons entrusted to them. The kings answered

While the maiden and Merlin were talking together, that they would talk together on Whitsunday at Lancaster,2

the ladies and maidens gathered together and went off where they would gather as secredy as they could, and there

dancing toward the wood, along with the knights and they would take counsel as to what they should do; and so

squires. And when they got to the edge, they rushed in so they would inform one to another. Time and the seasons

fast that they did not know what might become of them. went by until Whitsuntide came, when the barons came

Indeed, the castle and everything had all faded into together at Lancaster, each with only three companions.
Everyone was most glad to see the others, and they told one
nothing, but the orchard stayed some time afterwards
because of the maiden, who sweetly entreated Merlin. And another about their anger, their troubles, and the harm the

the orchard was called “The Haven for Joy and Happiness.” Saxons had done them. They found out that King Aguisant

And when Merlin and the maiden had been together for a had lost more than all the others, and King Lot mourned
his wife and children whom he had lost, and said that he
long time, Merlin said to her, “Fair maiden, I am going
would rather die than live.
away, for I have much to do elsewhere.”
Then spoke the King of the Hundred Knights, on
“What?” said the maiden. “Fair dear friend, won’t you
whose advice they were gathered together, and he said to
teach me anything about your tricks?”
them, “Dear lords, would we not all do better to go forth
“Lady,” said Merlin, “now don’t get into a hurry, for
and gladly die for Our Lord, to avenge our deaths and
you will know everything soon enough, and you will need a
those of our friends and kindred, than to go on living
great deal of time and a long stay in the same place.
wretchedly and cravenly and in such grief as we are every
Meanwhile, you have not yet given me any pledge of your
day? For the Saxons are pressing us so hard that we cannot
love.”
find food unless it is what they bring in from their own
“Sir,” she said, “what pledge would you have me give
country and their own lands. And when we have bought it
you? Tell me and I will do it.”
we have paid dearly for it, for we are losing a great deal, our
“I want you to swear,” he said, “that your love will be
kin and our friends, and every day we weaken and become
mine, and you along with it, to do whatever I wish whenever
fewer while our enemies only grow in numbers and
I will.”
strength. Thus they will strike us down and drive us litde by
And the maiden thought awhile and then said, “Sir, I
litde from our land, and we will do very litde indeed to hurt
will do this if, afterwards, you swear to teach me everything
them. But now let us go out and fight them all together,
I ask you, so that I will know how to do it.”
and let us do to them the worst harm we can, so that
He [212] told her that that suited him. And the
forevermore people will talk about it after our deaths!”
maiden pledged that she would keep her oath just as she
When the barons heard the king, they held him in
had sworn, and he took her pledge. Then he taught her a
high esteem and praised what he had said, for they knew
trick that she worked many times afterwards, for16 he
that he spoke only out of the great prowess there was in
taught her how to make a river appear wherever she
him, and they talked about it among themselves and said
wished, and it stayed there as long as she wanted, and many
that they heardly agreed to [213] what he had told them.
other tricks the words of which she wrote down on
Among themselves they then set a day for gathering
parchment just as he told them, and she knew how to bring
together with as many men as they could muster: a week
about many things. And after he had stayed until vespers,
before the Feast of Mary Magdalene3 in the meadows by
he commended her to God, and she him. But first, the
Suret, a casde belonging to die duke of Cambenic which
maiden asked him when he would come back, and he told
had bountiful goods and was very rich. With that they
her the eve of St.John’s Day. Then they parted company.
parted and went straight back to their lands. They called for
Merlin went to Carmelide, where the three kings made him
and brought together all the men they could gather,
feel very welcome when they saw him. But here the story
friends and kinsmen close and distant, some convoked by
stops talking about him and goes back to the King of the
entreaty and others by force, and they made their way until
Hundred Knights, who had sent his messenger to speak
they came to the meadows by Suret. They set up their tents
with the princes on the advice of King Tradelmant of North
and pavilions between two branches of a very great river
Wales.
that sprang from the sea and flowed back into the sea, and
the story calls it the Severn, beside a forest called
'^Sommer’s text has ear for car (212,1. 3). Breckham, which is very bounteous and rich with every

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 212-222.

2In Sommer’s text, lincestre (212, 11. 16, 19). Earlier, the King
of the Hundred Knights summons the council at Lindesores in
Broceliande (163,1. 21).
3July 22, so the assembly is set for the 15th.
284 The Story of Merlin

kind of game. There they awaited one another, working on your cousin, who sends you greetings by me, and I have told
their armor and getting it ready; so they had their hauberks him what those who are heading toward the kings’ lands
reworked with mail, their helmets and swords cleaned, and have done.”
their lances fitted with sharp tips. But the story falls silent When the two kings heard Merlin speak, they were so
about them and says no more about them right here; rather astounded and so bewildered that they did not know what
it goes back to talking about Merlin and how he left to do or say. When King Arthur saw them so stricken, tears
Viviane. began to fall from his eyes and he said to Merlin, “Dear
Here the story says that when Merlin had left the friend, take pity on them and their lands. Talk with them
maiden who had granted him her love, he came in the and tell them what you know they need to do. For I am
evening to Carhaix in Carmelide, where the three kings convinced that if you fail them, they have lost everything,
were very glad when they saw him, for they had wished for and I would never know happiness as long as I live.”
him a great deal. And King Leodagan had bestirred himself “In truth,” said Merlin, “they need not worry about
until all his men had come, and they could hardly wait for being defeated or driven from their lands as long as I have
the armies to gather and make their way to drive King Rion my powers. But you may well know that hardship is growing
from where he was at the siege of Aneblayse. Then the every day for you and for them. For the great dragon, thus
three kings drew Merlin aside to talk, and they said to says the prophecy, will come to drive the great crowned lion
Merlin, “What shall we do, for the armies will move out very out of Great Britain utterly, with help from twenty-nine
soon?” serpents who are wonderfully big and strong, unless the
“I will tell you what you will do,” said Merlin. “Go tell great leopard, so big and strong, stops him in part by the
King Leodagan to get his men ready for battle and to group love he has for the crowned serpent,8 to whom all the
them into echelons. Be on your way the day after beasts of Great Britain and the kingdom of Carmelide will
Whitsunday, one echelon after the other. Be so wise as to bow down, and in part by his great fierceness and prowess.
have ten knights all on horseback always going before the But the great leopard is not yet bom by whom that great
main body, and they will scout the countryside as they go lion will be so upheld that the great dragon will not have
along. They should take all the spies from thereabouts, of the power to drive him out of his habitat.”
whom there will be many throughout the countryside, in When the three kings heard Merlin speaking this way,
order to learn how the people are faring, and they should they were greatly astounded, for they had never heard him
kill them straightway or take them prisoner, so that they use such shadowy language, so they asked him what it
might say nothing to the people of the country. Always ride meant. He told them that they would not know any more
at night through the most out-of-the-way places you know. about it at that time, “But King Arthur should know now
And I myself will lead you to the front lines, for you and that the great undertaking rests on his shoulders.” And so
your companions, along with the knights of the Round they dropped the subject.
Table, will be in one echelon with no other men. Then King Ban asked Merlin what advice he would
After they had talked thus for a long time, King Arthur give him to save his land. And he answered that as soon as
asked Merlin for news from his lands and how Iris men had they had helped drive the invaders9 out of the countryside,
fared since he had last heard.4 He told5 6 all the adventures ‘You must set out with as many men as you can muster out
that had happened in the kingdom of Logres after he had of this kingdom. We will go past the great city of Logres and
left it, how King Lot’s sons had rescued their mother and the castle of Bredigan, and we will take the great treasure
how they had sworn that never would King Lot count them5 that lies in the forest, where there are twelve of the best
among his companions, and never would he be their swords in the whole world. And King Ardiur will knight his
friend, “until he has made peace with you.” nephews who, to serve him, have left their fathers, their
When King Arthur heard these words, he was so happy mothers, their kinsmen and their friends, and we will lead
that he smiled from joy, and he thanked him heartily for them into the kingdom of Benoic, for the men from there
his service. Afterwards Merlin went straight to King Ban and will make a wondrously great horde. And when the batde is
King Bors, and he said to them, “Dear lords, how shall we over, and during our stay in the land, the great leopard will
do what we have to do?7 For you are faced with a growing be fathered who will be so fierce and full of pride, and for
threat from which you will have much grief and hardship.” fear of whom die Great Dragon from the Distant Isles will
[214] draw back from die Great Crowned Lion of Great Britain so
Then he told them everything that Claudas of the that he cannot harm him, although he will have the
Land Laid Waste had done and how Frollo and Pontius strength to do so; but in the end die leopard will overcome
Anthony were coming with an army they had called him and make him kneel before die lion to beg his mercy.”
together to take the kings’ lands and strip them bare. “I “Sir,” said King Ban, “do you know the outcome of the
have since spoken,” he went on, “with the earl of Payeme, thing we have come here to do?”
“Have no fear,” answered Merlin, “for before you leave,
4Sommer’s text reads & comment si homme lauoient puis fait the whole kingdom will be in King Arthur’s hands, God
(213, 1. 35): “and how him men had done since.” willing.”
5Not in Sommer’s text (213,1. 35).
o
6Sommer’s text bears the singular: ne laura (213,1. 38). In the feminine: la serpente coronee (214,1. 16).
^Sommer’s text has quel le ferons nos (213,11. 41-42), “what will 9Sommer’s text has only cels (214,1. 26): “them.”
we do?” but the Harley manuscript reads comment le ferons nous
(213, n. 2): “how will we do it?”
The Story of Merlin 285
"Sir,” said King Ban, “will you tell us anything about this way, those on the other side cannot find out what you
those murky words which, as you remind us, we cannot are up to. And then you will divide your men into echelons,
understand?” and you will make ten of them, no more, and put eight
“No,” answered Merlin, “but King Arthur should know thousand men into each one. Monday morning we will
that all of this will happen in his [215] lifetime.” march two leagues before daybreak, one echelon after the
With that a messenger came in and asked the host other, without disorder, so that we can be there on
where the men-at-arms were and whether10 the meeting Wednesday, a little before light. And you may know for a
had ended, and he came straight in. He was very well-bred, fact that we’ll find them all asleep, for their army has got a
worthy, a fine speaker, and a great knight; he was a cousin great deal of grain, meat, and other [216] goods, and they
of King Letodagan, his name was Guiomar, and he was are drinking and eating so much each evening that they
twenty-six years old. He was the one on whose behalf the forget themselves and do not post guards around the army.
knights of the Round Table went through such hardship But they have succeeded in raising up a defensive wall
for the harm Queen Guenevere did him because of the toward the flatlands with wagons and carts, so that little
great love Morgan, King Arthur’s sister, had for him; she harm can be done to them on that side. And toward the
loved him so much that Guenevere cast much blame on woods, they have set up walls of sharpened stakes from trees
her, just as the story will tell you later. But now we will stop they have cut down, so that no one could do them any
talking about that until another time, when the story takes harm from that side. So we must make our way very craftily,
us there, and we will tell you how Guiomar came into the for I know a spot that they do not worry about, and that is
room where the three kings and Merlin were. where they will be found all asleep, and, if God wills, we can
Here the story says that Guiomar went straight to the do with them what we want. And we will put them to rout so
three kings and greeted them on behalf of King Leodagan, soundly that they will never have the heart to take this land
and he said to them, “My lord asks that you come meet with or the strength to lay it waste.”
him.” And they answered that they would very willingly do When King Leodagan heard Merlin say this, he was
so. deeply puzzled at to who he could be, and he looked at him
Then they called for their horses, mounted, and rode so fixedly that his eyes never left him. And then he looked
straight to court. And as soon as they had got there and at his companions, who were so still that they said not a
climbed down the steps of the great hall, King Leodagan word, for they were watching the man who had spoken.
came forward to meet them and took their hands, so that After looking at them for a while, he heaved a great sigh,
they went into the hall hand in hand. They went into a and he thought that they were men of even higher and
room to take counsel together. Then King Leodagan spoke nobler stock than he had believed. And then his heart was
like the wise and learned man he was, and there were just struck with such tenderness that his whole face was flooded
the five of them. with tears that welled up from his heart to his eyes, and his
And he said to them, “Dear lords, I hold you to be heart was so full of feeling that he could not utter a word.
most worthy men and most faithful, and you should know He fell down at their feet as though he were dead, and he
that I love you with greater love than you think; indeed I cried out to them to have mercy and, for God’s sake, to take
should, for you have saved my lands, my honor, and my life. pity on him and his land, “for I know for a fact,” he said,
But I do not know who you are, and this bothers me; there “and my heart tells me, that I’ll lose everything unless God
is nothing in the world that I long so much to know; yet I’ll and you stand behind me.”
know it only when you want me to and when the time is When King Arthur saw him down on his knees before
right. Now I would like to ask you what we will do. You him, he was moved to great pity, as were the other two
know that King Rion has come into my lands and has kings, so they took him into their arms, lifted him up, and
besieged one of my best cities with the strength of twenty soothed him as best they could. Then all five of them went
crowned kings, each one of whom has twenty thousand11 over to a couch and sat down together like the good and
men in his company. My men have gathered on the other faithful companions they were.
side, but there are so few of them that they cannot take Then Merlin began his speech and said to King
them on. So I ask you, for the sake of God, to advise me as Leodagan, “Sir, you would very gladly know who we are and
to what we can do, for in everything I seek to work with you our kindred.”
and your counsel.” And he said that there was nothing he would rather
Then Merlin spoke forcefully and said to the king, “Sir, know.
don’t be dismayed. For by the faith I owe you, before King “I will first tell you,” said Merlin, “what we have come
Rion gets away from you, he would rather be in his own looking for. See here one of our young lords, a young man,
country utterly naked, even had he lost the best city he has! and a very good knight, as you know. And you may know for
You are not yet in such dire need that you do not have forty a fact that he is a man of higher birth than you and higher
thousand men-at-arms and more, and I’ll tell you what to in any other way, although you are crowned a king. But he
do. You will send ten of the best knights you have to scour does not have a wife betrothed to him, so we go about
the countryside12 so that there is no spy left or scout who is through the countryside seeking adventures until we find a
not laid hold of, brought before you, and put into prison; highborn man who would give him his daughter as a wife.”
“Oh, God have mercy!” said King Leodagan. “Why go
on looking? I have die most beaudful daughter in this land,
10Sommer’s text has on (215,1. 2): “where.”
the most nobly behaved and the best taught anywhere! She
^Sommer’s text has .xx. hommes (215,1. 26).
could lack nothing in breeding or good lands. If it is to
12Sommer’s text has la contre (215,1. 35) for la contree.
286 The Story of Merlin

your liking, and his, I would give her to you. Take her as better, and more than anyone else, Guenevere was happy
your mate and wife. I have no other heirs to bequeath my with her betrothed.
lands to but her.” And that evening Merlin made himself known to the
And Merlin said that he would not turn him down, companions of the Round Table, but no others. When King
God willing, and the four companions thanked him Leodagan saw who he was, he said that God had granted
heartily. him good fortune in this world to have given him the love
Then the king himself went to find his daughter, and and friendship of such a worthy man. “And above all else,
he had her dressed and adorned the most beautifully and dear Lord God,” he said, “it does not bother me that you
the most richly he could, and he led her by the hand into have made me your agent, since my daughter and my land
the room where the four companions were waiting for her. are bound over to the worthiest man in the world. ”
A great crowd of knights [217] followed him in. All the Thus spoke King Leodagan, and they all went to sleep
knights of the Round Table were there, and the forty about and rest. And in the morning the king sent ten knights to
whom the story has told you earlier, and other highborn the places Merlin told him about where King Rion’s men
men who had come to the army to help King Leodagan. were to gather. They then made up their echelons, so that
And when the king and his daughter came into the hall, there were ten of them, just as Merlin had ordered. [218]
which was large and beautiful, the four companions came King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors led the first
to meet him. echelon,14 where the dragon banner15 was, with16 the forty-
Then King Leodagan spoke so loudly that he was two companions, the knights of the Round Table, and
heard and understood by all, and he said, “Noble young enough others to bring the count to eight thousand. In the
lord, I do not know what name to call you by. Come second echelon was Guiomar, nephew of King Leodagan,
forward and take my daughter as your betrothed, who is so who knew well how to lead a company with eight thousand
lovely, wise, and courdy, and all the honor that she brings well-armed men. Elinadas, a young lord and nephew of the
with her after my death, for I could not give her to one wise Lady of the Forest of No Return, led the third echelon;
more worthy, as all the nobles here well know.” he had eight thousand men with him. Blias, lord of
He stepped forward and gave Leodagan his thanks, Bleodas, a wonderful castle, led the fourth echelon, and
and the king gave her to him with his right hand, and each there were eight thousand armed men on horseback.
pledged his assent to the other with very noble bearing. Audolus, a knight of great renown, led the fifth echelon,
And the bishop of Carhaix, who had been sent for, blessed and there were also eight thousand in it. Beleis the Blond,
them with his right hand. Then the joy and merrymaking who was very wealthy and powerful, led the sixth echelon,
were as great as they could be. and there were seven thousand men on good horses. Yder
Then Merlin came forward and spoke, and he said to of the Land of the Northmen led the seventh echelon; in
the king, within hearing of all who were there, “Sir, King Arthur’s court he had tire wonderful adventure of the
wouldn’t you very much like to know who we are and to five rings which he took from the finger of the dead knight
whom you have given your daughter?” who asked to be avenged, for no knight in King Arthur’s
And the king, who longed so much to know that he court could pull them off,17 just as the story will tell you
never thought he would find out very soon, answered that later. And I tell you truly that there were seven thousand
he would very much like to know. men with him. Landreas, nephew of the seneschal of
“Now, may all who will hear it,” said Merlin, “know that Carmelide, led the eighth echelon; he was a wondrously
you have given your daughter to King Arthur of Britain, the good, stout-hearted knight, and he had with him the seven
son of Uther Pendragon, and you must swear faith to him, thousand men he had brought there. Sir Pearmuzzle18 led
and all those of this kingdom who wish to do him honor the ninth; he was a good knight, but his nose was no bigger
must do so as well without delay. And then we will go all the than a cat’s; he had seven thousand men, and he could
more gladly and all the more confidently to fight the trust them. King Leodagan and Cleodalis his seneschal led
bearded king13 who means to take and hold this land, but it
will go otherwise than he thinks. And you should know that
14Sommer’s text has bataille (218, 1. 1; cf. 228, 1. 8), which
these two worthy men here are brothers, and both have could mean “battle” or “battalion, muster.” Elsewhere in this
been crowned king. One is named King Ban of Benoic and passage the word esc(h)iele (“echelon”) is used (cf. 218,11. 4, 5, etc.).
the other King Bors of Gaunes, and they were bom of the 15Not in Sommer’s text (218,1. 1).
highest stock anyone knows. And the other companions are 16Not in Sommer’s text (218, 1. 3), which, unlike die parallel
sons of kings and queens or earls or castellans.” descriptions, makes no distinction between the leaders and the
When King Leodagan and the other barons heard that men constituting the echelon.
he was King Arthur, they were happier than they ever had 17Sommer’s text has nelpot traire ne auoir (218, 1. 15): “could
been. The companions of the Round Table were die first to not pull it off or get possession of it”
I Q

come before him, and they swore faith to him, for Uiey had Sommer’s text has groingpoire mele (218,1. 19), and he notes
a variant in the Harley manuscript, groin poire molle (218, n. 5).
long wished to do so, and afterwards came King Leodagan
Both groin (“snout”) and poire (“pear”) occur in Modern French as
and then all his companions all together. Then the
slang or familiar terms for face; poire mele (for poire melee [“honeyed
betrothal was celebrated, so grand that none had seen pear”]?) and poire molle (’soft pear”) may be varieties of pears (cf.
poire de mollart and molard in Cotgrave). In any case, as the text
continues by noting the abnormally small size of this knight’s nose,
13The Harley manuscript has le Roy Rion (217, n. 1; cf. 1. 21):
die term “pear” may denote an unusually rounded or featureless
“King Rion.”
face; the humor in the name is of course stressed by die opposite
trait suggested by the term “snout.”
The Story of Merlin 287
the tenth, which they knew how to put to good use; and “It is, sir,” answered Merlin, “a kiss, if the lady wishes it
there were a good ten thousand men, each as worthy and as and would like it.”
stout-hearted as the other, and they would not fail him for “Indeed,” said the king, “I’ll never let that keep me
loss of life or limb. from becoming a new knight! ”
When the ten echelons had broken off each from the “In God’s name," said the maiden, “then, God willing,
others, each one was lined up off by itself, and the leaders*® it will not be long before you are mine and I yours. Why
talked about when they would move out. They agreed in should I make you beg me? It pleases me as much as you.”
the end that they would set out early in the night on the When the king heard what the maiden said to him, he
Monday after Whitsunday, so they rested all that day and ran to her and took her in his arms, and she put her arms
the next. On Whitsunday King Leodagan held court for the around him too, and they embraced and kissed each other
sake of the barons who had gathered there. The three kings sweedy, holding each other tightly, for they were youthful
and Merlin sat all together at the head of the high table. In and very much in love. And after they had kissed for some
front of them sat the two Gueneveres, each of whom looked time, the horses were made ready and the men20 mounted.
very much like the other, except that King Arthur’s The maiden gave her betrothed a very wonderful helmet
betrothed was a little taller and darker than the other and put it on his head; then they parted and each
Guenevere; she was better-spoken, for of all die ladies in commended the other to God.
the world, she was the best trained in eloquence and Then the echelons set out on the road one after the
speech, and her hair grew much thicker, but in every other other, their banners folded and their lances lowered. They
way they were so much alike that people could hardly tell were riding at a slow gait, just as Merlin led them; he rode
one from the other, unless it was a lucky guess. out ahead because he knew all the ways and byways. And
Next were seated die knights the king had brought die ten knights who had ridden out before had taken forty
along with the knights of the Round Table; he did diis out oudaws who were all King Rion’s spies; they had been tied
of friendship and love, for Merlin and Guinebal die clerk up and taken prisoner. And die way was so well guarded
wished it. And when they had eaten, drey went to bed to that no one in King Rion’s army ever had any news about
rest, but they slept only a short while, for they had to get up what they were doing.
early in the night and put on their armor. King Ardiur’s Why should I go on telling about it? Merlin, who was
armor was brought in, and Guenevere was very deft at leading the first echelon, made his way until, early
helping him put it on, for she knew very well how to go Wednesday night, they came upon King Rion’s army. The
about it, and she herself girded on his sword at his side. night was sdll and quiet, and the moon shone somewhat
And when the king was armed except [219] for his helmet, weakly, so the men in the army went to sleep very sure of
she herself brought his spurs and, kneeling, fastened them themselves, because it was so sdll, and it had been quite hot
on his feet. And Merlin, who was watching this, began to during the day and they had eaten and drunk well.
smile, and he showed the two kings how she endeavored to Merlin went between the wood and the river and
serve the king. The two kings held her in high esteem, and ordered that no one should ride into the army before
in the end she had a rich reward, when she lost the king hearing a horn blow. And just as the echelons came by one
through her mishap because of the traitor Bretelai, just as after the odier, each one lined up off by itself far from the
the story will tell you later. others; [220] and Merlin waited for diem all to come and
While Merlin was looking at the young lady serving her dien linked them all up.
betrothed, he began to smile. He said to die king laughing, Then Merlin rode out with the banner and blew a
as he wanted to poke fun at him, “Sir, you have never been horn so loudly that the whole forest resounded, and the
so fit a knight as you are now, but you need just one thing horn’s blast was heard very far away. Then Merlin shouted,
to make you a new knight again, and you will have a right to “Holy Mary! Lady, entreat your dear Son to help us! Spur
say that the daughter of a king and queen has made you a your horses, noble knights!” he went on. “Now we’ll see
new knight! ” who the knights are! It is the truth dial you are all in this
“Sir,” said the king, “now tell me what is the thing I for life or death, and there is not a man alive here who will
need, and I will have her do it, unless it is so unseemly diat not have to defend his head!”
she would be ashamed to do it.” When they heard die horn blowing, they gave their
“In truth," die well-bred, well-taught young lady said to horses free rein and struck them widi dieir spurs, and diey
Merlin, “I could never find shame or dishonor in anything I went flying in as fast as diey could make dieir horses run.
might do for you, for I know that you are so wordiy and so There you would have seen tents and pavilions overturned
courtly that, for the best casde you might have, you would and falling to the ground. And Merlin raised such a great
not ask me to do anything that might turn out to be whirlwind that not a tent was left standing, but every one
disgraceful or blameworthy and make people rebuke me in fell on the heads of the men lying inside. And they stormed
my lifedme or in yours.” into the army from every side and killed or maimed as
“Lady,” said Merlin, “you speak wisely, and you will many as they came to. There was a very great slaughter
never be ashamed because of anything I have said, nor will before the men in the army knew who was overrunning
anyone cast blame on you that you might find shameful.” diem, but at last they heard the dreadful screams and
“And what is it, sir,” said Arthur, “that I need? Tell me, wailing when men were being killed or wounded. Then die
if you will.”
20Not specified in Sommer’s text, where the subject could still
*®Not in Sommer’s text (218,1. 25). be Arthur and Guenevere (219,1. 27).
288 The Story of Merlin

highborn men ordered their squires to round up the which was stout, went through an arm’s length. And King
army’s horses, which they did; then the knights ran to their Arthur struck him so hard that he drove the sharp dp of his
arms and hurried to put on their armor as fast as they lance through his shield and hauberk and into his shoulder
could. As soon as they were armed, they gathered at King and out the other side. But he was a Saxon of great pride
Rion’s tent, and they blew horns and sounded trumpets and of such great strength that he never showed that he
very loudly. But the others had stormed in so many times, had anything wrong with him. Rather, their horses and they
striking up and down, that more than twenty thousand of themselves clashed so hard that they brought their horses
the enemy would never be able to go back to their down on top of themselves, and they lay there for a long
homeland, and they drove the survivors to King Rion’s tent, time so stunned that they neither saw nor heard each other.
where they stood their ground. There they gave battle, for Then knights from both sides rode to their rescue; there
the men were very strong and powerful, and those who was a great shattering of lances and a great rain of blows on
were not already armed had time to get their armor on. helmets and shields, and there the giants lost more than
Then daylight came fair and bright, and the other echelons the ChrisUans. Nevertheless, they struggled so hard on both
drew up and one and all were made ready. Then Merlin sides that the two kings got back up, and the batde started
raised up his ensign again and rode into the giants so hard over again mighty and fearsome.
that he left them shaking. And the sun, which had risen, There the knights of the Round Table and the forty-
beat down on the helmets and made them shine, so that two companions did wonders. No company of men could
one league away people could have seen them sparkling bear up against them, so close did they stand together; in
like stars. fact, they drove them back into the town that was their
When King Rion saw the harm that they had done to stronghold,2^ and Solinas’s household was so utterly
him, he was very angry, and he almost went mad from the frightened that they thought only of fleeing. And those who
sorrow he felt. He was seated on a wonderfully strong and were on their heels struck so hard in their midst that they
fast horse, and he held in his hand a heavy bludgeon that made all the streets shake. Then the fighdng began to be so
was so big that a peasant would have been loaded down fierce that deadlier has never been seen or heard of. There
with it, and he went about telling which men would ride the companions of the Round Table and King Arthur’s
before him and which after him. companions fought very well indeed.
Then he called Solinas, a most worthy and bold knight But above all others stood out a young lord about
who was his nephew, and he said to him, “Solinas, come whom the story must in truth speak, for he should not be
forward! You will lead the first echelon with a hundred skipped over, but it must indeed be brought to mind where
thousand men of your choice, and we will avenge the he came from and what his name was. For as long as he was
shame and harm done to us.” able to follow knighthood, he was one of the best knights
And he said that he would do it in such a way that he diere were in the time of King Uther Pendragon or in King
should not be blamed for anything. Then Solinas, who was Arthur’s time. The stories taken from the histories24 say
so worthy and sturdy, rode away. And as soon as Merlin saw that he was the first cousin of Perceval die Welshman, on
him coming, he rode against him with the dragon in his his modier’s side, about whom the story will speak later, for
hand, and he changed shape so that no one but the three now is not the place. For he was the son of Havingues, sister
kings could see who was bearing the dragon. of Joseph, and she was the wife of Bron, who had seventeen
When Merlin saw21 him drawing nearer, he said to sons with whom the land of Britain shone. He was a close
King Arthur, “Arthur, now we’ll see what you can do here kinsman of Celidoine, son of Duke Nascien of Bedca, who
today. See to it that the kiss that your lady gave you is dearly first saw the great wonder of the Grail, and he was a
paid for, so that it will be talked about all the days of your kinsman of King Pelles of Listenois and his brothers; his
life.” name was Nascien. This Nascien later had Lancelot of the
He answered that he would be quick to do so, and then Lake, son of King Ban of Benoic, in his service—the story
said no more to him. will tell you their histories one after the other just as diey
Then the two echelons [221] drew so close to one happened from day to day. This Nascien about whom I am
another that everyone could recognize everyone else. Then telling you was named after Duke Nascien, who was such a
they all broke ranks, holding their lances straight, and worthy man, and he lived such a good life that, after he had
when they came together, they struck one another so hard, forsworn knighthood, he became a hermit. And Our Lord
with the sharp tips splitting through their shields, diat men endowed him with such grace diat he later became a priest
everywhere were wounded and borne to the ground. There who could sing Mass. [222] And he was a virgin and was
King Arthur did a feat that many a one witnessed. For when chaste for as long as he lived. Then the Holy Ghost took
he saw the giants getting close to his echelon,22 he struck this Nascien and brought him away to the Third Heaven,
his horse with his spurs and met Jonap, a wondrously large where he openly beheld the Father, the Son, and the Holy
and strong giant. When Jonap saw him coming, he feared Ghost. Afterwards he was entrusted with the Holy Story, and
him very litde because he looked like a child to him. And
they rode hard and fast toward each other. And King Jonap
2^The Old French word is estandart (221, 1. 22), a wooden
struck King Arthur so hard on his shield that his lance, fortification that serves as a rallying point His estandart is so large,
however, that it has streets (1. 24).

21Sommer’s text has vint (“came”) for vit (“saw") (220,1. 39). 24The text has li conte des estoires (221, 11. 31-32); conte
(“account,” “story”) is the term used to describe the Merlin text;
22Sommer’s text has si pres les vns des autres (221, 1. 6): “so
explicitly, here, the (Latin?) estoires (“histories”) are texts from
close to each other.”
which eowtesare made. See also 230,1. 33 (below, ch. 30 n. 23).
The Story of Merlin 289

he wrote it down at the behest of the Holy Master. And he behind him, and they3 could not reach him. It was then
wrote until he fit it to the book of Blaise, who did what he that he happened to meet King Rion, who was wondrously
did for Merlin’s sake. He later gave fruitful advice to King riding fast with the strength of eighteen crowned kings, and
Arthur when he was in danger of losing his lands at the he urged his men to do [223] their utmost. King Rion went
time when Galehaut, lord of the Distant Isles, was waging straight out ahead of his army as far as a small stone can be
war against him with the strength of thirty kings, all of thrown; he was gripping his great bludgeon, made of heavy
whom he had defeated. But now the story stops telling copper, and was astride a strong, swift warhorse; and he met
about these things and goes back to telling word for word King Bors, who had been hard on the heels of King
what happened in the battle against King Rion. Falsaron and was putting so much pressure on him. He
struck him such a hard blow on the helmet that he sent him
crashing forward over his saddlebow. He wanted to carry

30. Victory of Leodagan and Arthur over through with the other blow to cut off his head, and when
the horse he was riding had taken the bit in its teeth, it took
Rion.1
him farther along on this pass than he wanted to go, but
King Bors had already begun the stroke and could not hold
The story says here that the battle was heated, and, on the
it back, and it fell where he did not mean to strike, for it cut
Thursday after Whitsunday, the fighting between the army
off the head of King Falsaron’s horse even with the ears,
of King Rion of Ireland and the army of King Leodagan of
and it stumbled to the ground in a heap. Then he rode
Carmelide was rough. The knights of the Round Table
right on top of him, and he would have liked very much to
performed great feats of arms, but above all the others
get down from his horse if he could have, but King Rion,
Nascien and Adragain the Dark shone. They did wonders,
who was riding an arrow-shot ahead of his men, shouted to
and they tore their swordbelts apart from the strain,2 and
him, “Sir knight, you have gone so far afield that it is too
King Arthur was there with them. These three fought so
late for you to change your mind. For this man belongs to
hard that they left all their companions behind; wherever
me, and I have come to challenge you for him, and you will
they went King Arthur’s ensign showed them the way. Their
soon know whether there is any love between him and me.”
companions tried hard to follow the banner, but they fell so
Then he spurred his horse so hard that blood spurted
far behind, and the fighting was so thick, that they could
out from both its flanks in great gushes, and he ran upon
not break their way through and they had to give up, like it
him so unbelievably fast that the whole field, which was
or not. And the three companions tried as hard as they
strewn with tiny stones, resounded from it, and sparks flew
could to get to the stronghold where King Rion’s banner,
so thickly from the rocks that the horses’ shoes were being
borne by four elephants, waved in the wind.
chipped away.
Meantime, King Ban and King Bors saw that they had
King Bors looked, and it seemed as if a devil were
lost King Arthur and that the giants had closed them out,
riding his way. He had got so close to him that he could not
so they spurred their horses, left their companions behind, get away from him, and he saw such a great number of men
and flew into the press with their swords drawn, and they coming behind him that the whole field was clothed with
killed and cut down as many as they reached, nor did they them, and he saw clearly that if he stood his ground against
stop driving through before they came to Merlin, who was him, he would put himself in great danger of being killed.
holding the dragon before King Arthur. And when the five Nevertheless, he said, “Dear Lord God, if I leave here, I will
companions came together, they had their standard-bearer never have honor in my lifetime, for I would always be
who showed them the way, and the fighting began so fierce rebuked and called a coward. I would much rather die with
and so fearsome, and it was a wonder to behold. And King honor than live in shame. Now may the Lord God do with
Rion happened to come to that side with his bludgeon in me as He will, for I will take a stand against him.”
his hand, and he was the largest and brawniest man in the Then he made the sign of the True Cross and grasped
world, as far as anyone knew. As it happened, he met first his sword, which was of very great worth, and stood against
King Bors, who was pursuing King Falsaron, holding his the one who was riding toward him with his bludgeon4 held
sword drawn. This was following a wonderful blow to the ready. And when King Rion got to King Bors, he dealt him
shield he had dealt him with his lance, so that he had a blow that was so grievous and so remarkable that he very
nearly brought him down, for he had bent him over his nearly killed him, but he took the blow on his shield, which
saddlebow and would doubtless have unhorsed him if his flew into splinters, so hard did Rion hit it; and King Bors
lance had not broken; and when his lance broke, King Bors struck him a blow on his helmet, as he was going by, that
stood upright and fixed himself in his stirrups so fiercely was so hard that it sent him forward over his saddlebow.
that the iron bent. He wielded his naked sword and held When the giant saw that he had missed him, he grew
his shield tight against his chest, and he rode hard after the deeply angry, and he turned around with his bludgeon
giant had dealt him the wonderful blow. When the giant raised high. And King Bors, who saw the great throng of
saw him coming, he turned in flight, for he did not dare men coming, thought to himself that he would be most
stand against him. And King Bors rode after him burning to unwise to take a stand against them, so he stood up again in
avenge the blow he had dealt him. But it was very unwise his stirrups and flew back into the press. And he saw that
for him to do, for he had left his companions an arrow-shot King Aroans of Betinia was holding Hervi of Rivel down

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 222-236. 3ln Sommer’s text the verb is in the singular (222,1. 41).
implicit in Sommer’s text (222,1. 14). 4Sommer’s text has here hache (223,1. 29): “battle-axe.”
290 The Story of Merlin

with his foot on his helmet, and that he and his men had down to the boss. And the king raised his bludgeon again
beaten Hervi so badly that blood was pouring out of his and was bent on striking him on his helmet. And Hervi
mouth and nose. And he would have cut off his head a long drew on his reins in order to fall back, for he was very much
time before had it not been for Adragain the Dark, who was afraid of the blow, and the giant missed him, but struck his
shielding him against more than forty knights who were horse on the breast and broke its neck crosswise, and the
craving only to cut off his head (that would have been a horse stumbled to the ground and took the knight with
great shame); and they were about to kill him when King him. When Adragain saw his companion down, no one had
Bors rode up. And when he saw Hervi in such dire straits, to ask whether he was sorrowful. He rode over gripping his
he was deeply grieved, so he spurred his horse [224] toward sword, and he struck King Rion with it so hard on his
Aroans and hit him so hard on the helmet with his sword helmet that he sent him spilling over his horse’s neck, and
that he struck him from his horse to the ground so dazed if he had not grasped it, he would have fallen sprawling to
that he could not hear or see. And when Hervi saw that he the ground. And if Adragain had had time to strike again,
was thus freed, he took the king’s horse and readily jumped he would have taken his vengeance without stopping.
on, and he let it run into the fray, which was growing ever When the giants saw King Rion in such danger, they
rougher, for all of King Leodagan’s echelons had thrown grew very angry, and there was a most proud king who was
themselves against King Rion’s stronghold.5 King Rion’s cousin; his name was Celinas, and he was quite
And King Rion6 rode after King Bors until he caught saddened in his heart when he saw King Rion being so
up with him where he had brought down King Aroans, and badly mishandled. He was holding a lance in his hand, and
as soon as he saw him he ran upon him with his bludgeon7 he struck his horse with his spurs and hit Adragain so hard
in his hand. He meant to strike him on the head, but when between his shoulders that he bore him down sprawling to
he saw the blow coming—and he did not have a shield—he the ground, but Adragain sprang back to his feet right
spurred his horse, and King Rion missed him and hit the away. When the three companions saw that they were being
horse so hard between the back saddlebow and its rump dealt with so roughly, [225] they drew closer together and
that he broke its spine and brought the king and his horse began defending themselves so hard that no one dared get
to the ground all in a heap. When King Bors saw that his near them to take them, but their foes threw spears and
horse had fallen, he sprang back to his feet, for he was very feathered halberds at them, and they wounded them in
strong and tough and brawny, and daring above all knights. many places; but they were men of such great heart that
And the press was so great all around him that he could they cared nothing for what the others did, but killed and
hardly turn around, for so many men were following King brought down as many as they got to. But King Rion bore in
Rion that no one could have told the number. And the on them so close that they would have been hemmed in
ones rushed in so hard that they drove the others back into there and taken prisoner, but Nascien came in holding a
the middle of the field as far as an arrow could be shot. bloody spear in his hand.
There King Bors was very badly wounded, for King Rion was When Nascien saw King Bors in such dire straits, along
doing all he could to kill him. And when Hervi of Rivel saw with the two companions he loved so much, and King Rion
the worthy man in such straits, for he had seen him fall to so eager to do them harm, he spurred his horse over to
his hands and knees four times and get back up, he spurred them so fast that he sent everyone he met sprawling to the
over to help him out. And he took a strong, straight lance ground, and he wielded his sword and struck King Rion so
which he had taken out of a giant’s hands, and he struck hard right on his hauberk, close to his right side, that he
King Rion right on the shield so hard that he broke threw him to the ground head over heels and so dazed that
through it and cut through his hauberk on the left side, but he did not know where he was, and Nascien rode back and
not as far as his flesh, nor by any blow that he dealt him did forth past him two or three times. When King Rion’s men
the king come to harm in any way, but he kept wielding the saw him they spurred to his rescue. Knights were fighting
bludgeon with which he had killed many a Christian. He thickly crowded together, and there was a great clanging of
was bent on smashing Hervi on the head, but he threw up swords. Nascien’s horse was killed under him, and the four
his shield against the blow, and it landed so hard that it knights were hard-pressed.
knocked a fourth of the shield to the ground. The king was Very soon there might have such woeful harm that it
about to strike again, for he was a man of great strength, could never be undone, but Merlin, who knew all these
but Hervi had drawn his sword and meant to hit him right things, called King Arthur, King Ban, and all the other
on the head. The king threw up his shield against die blow, companions of the Round Table, and said to them, “Now
but Hervi landed such a great blow that it split his shield follow me, for King Bors is fighting along with three
companions of the Round Table, and they are in very great
5Sommer’s text has al estandart que U rois rions conduisoit (224, danger. For King Rion is bearing down on diem so hard
11. 5-6): “against the estandart that King Rion was leading.” The that they could be killed at any moment.”
sense of the word estandart may have shifted from that of When King Ban heard Merlin’s speech, his heart
fortification (above, ch. 29 n. 23; see also 222,11. 20-21, where it is trembled with fear, and he said to Merlin, “Oh, sir! Tell me
a place where a banner waves) to that of a group of men, in whose where this is, for if my brother dies there I will never be
midst the standard is borne, whom the king leads (cf. also 227, 1. happy for as long as I live.”
25).
“Follow me, then,” said Merlin, “for we cannot be
^Sommer’s text has il (224,1. 6): “he.” slow.”
^Sommer's text has hache (224, 11. 7-8): “battle-axe” (see Then Merlin cast a most wonderful spell. He raised up
above, n. 45). a great dust storm with winds so strong that all the dust
The Story of Merlin 291

rained over the giants in such a way that they could hardly head flying right before King Rion; the other companions
tell themselves one from the other, and the hue and cry rushed in headlong among them so hard that each one
rose so loud that you could not have heard God bore his man to the ground dead. And when King Bors saw
thundering. Then Merlin turned about, waving the dragon, the help they were getting, the men who were with him put
which was breathing fire out of its mouth, so that the air their feet together and jumped over the heaps of dead men
glowed red, for never had it thrown so much fire. And the and horses they had slaughtered. All of them took horses,
fire fell onto the giants’ banners, which caught fire and put their helmets back on as fast as they could, and
burned brightly. All who saw this dreadful wonder were outfitted themselves with shields, and when they were
stricken with fright. ready, they struck out into the fray again with their swords
While Merlin worked to break up the press and get drawn. There the fighting grew fiercer, and the echelons11
through, King Rion’s companions rode up, and there was were broken apart and split into pieces everywhere. The
such a big crowd of them that no one could tell how many men on one side took after those on the other, hitting
there were; but from the other side King Leodagan’s them, killing them, and cutting them down, and the
echelons came back around, and they ran headlong into fighting lasted all day until the hour of low vespers. Then
one another. There the fighting was wondrous and rough, the Christians pulled back toward the city of Aneblayse,12
and very many of the Christians would have come to a bad and the weeping and wailing grew so loud that the people
end, and they could not have held out for long, had it not in the city climbed up to the batdements and saw that the
been for Merlin’s knowledge, which is all that saved them. Christians had had by far the worst of it.
For every man King Leodagan had there were three Then Sadoine the Castellan saw his uncle in such a
belonging to King Rion; even so, the Christians were more plight, for he and his men would have been driven from
worthy, better armed, and more orderly, and they fought the battlefield had it not been for King Arthur and his
and struck down as many as they found before them to companions, who numbered almost three hundred; these
fight against. [226] men were upholding the whole battle, for they always won
The uproar was very loud, and the fighting was deadly wherever they went in the batde.
before the city of Aneblayse,8 for all on one side were doing And when Sadoine saw the danger that had befallen
their utmost to bring harm to those on the other. There the his uncle and his companions, he shouted out, “Noble
companions of the Round Table made great efforts to knights, now run quickly to arms! For this has to be done, I
follow Merlin’s banner wherever they saw it go, even see it very well, for today we must lose everydiing or win
though the crowd of men was so great that they could everything back. So let us defend our lives and our
hardly get through. There King Ban did wonders all by birthright against the enemies of Jesus Christ. And those
himself, for he was deeply afraid for his brother. And who will die defending holy Christendom will be safe and
wherever Merlin went, King Arthur, the forty companions, sound. We will never need greater honor than we must find
and the companions of the Round Table were always there [227] right now. Look over there at King Arthur, our
also. There no body of men could hold them back before rightful earthly lord, with that dragon! He is the best knight
they found King Bors on his feet, and his companions were in the world, and in order to help us he has put himself in
in such bad shape that their helmets were split open or cut danger of being killed. And when he puts himself at risk for
into pieces or falling down over their eyes so that they were our sakes, we should risk ourselves for him. We should feel
blinded, and their hauberks were broken and tom, but as great pity for him and his men, for they are suffering a
yet none had been wounded so badly that it hurt them to great deal and have undergone much; we should be
bear their arms. And they wielded their swords with both frightened that they have been driven back so. And we who
hands and defended themselves wonderfully, for they had are so many do nothing to help them! For there are more
killed many men and horses, and the heaps were so high all than ten thousand of us in here, and we see plainly that
about them that the giants could reach them only with their there are only three hundred of them who are holding out
lances.9 And King Rion did his very best to take them and so strongly that they will not be driven back farther13 or
hold them prisoner, for he thought, judging from their yield their ground, but all day long they have suffered and
great skill at defending themselves, that they were highborn endured fighting and beating that have not let up. For
and powerful men. Then he thrust at them, so that they God’s sake, noble knights, let us strike out to help them,
could well have been lost if help had not come to them. and you can be sure that if the Saxons14 are hit hard in the
When King Ban saw his brother in such a plight, he first onslaught, then we can send them on their way.
well understood, that unless he and the companions with Whatever happens, it is better for us to die with honor than
him came in fast, he could not come out of it hale and to be shamed and stripped of our lands through cowardice.
hardy. Then he gave free rein to his horse and struck King Furthermore, we should be gready cheered because we are
Minap10 through the head so hard that he split him down
to the chest, and King Arthur hit a Saxon so that he sent his "Sommer’s text has bataiUes (226,1. 30): ‘battalions.”
12Sommer’s text has la cite de daneblaise (226,1. 32); see above,
8Sommer’s text reads la cite de danebloise (226,1. 1); cf. la cite de n. 8.
daneblaise (226,1. 32; 300,1. 16). 13Not in Sommer’s text (227, 11. 8-9), but implicit in that
9Sommer’s text reads com ne pot mais a aus auenir sen lanchant Sadoine has just pointed out (11. 5-6) that they have been pushed
non (226,11. 14-15): “that no one could ever get to them except by back.
using a lance [or throwing something].” 14Sommer’s text has sil sont bien encontre (227, 1. 11): “if they
10Sommer, 226,1. 22; forjonap (above)? are well met.” The idiom recurs 227,11. 41-42.
292 The Story of Merlin

defending our birthright and holy Christendom, which our there be such a king, and with great feeling they entreated
Lord God has newly founded among us! ” God to keep him from danger.
Then the men in the castle readied themselves and When Merlin drew near the echelon,18 he shouted to
mounted their horses and rode out of the city. the men, “Now at them!” And he drove so hard into their
And when King Leodagan saw them, he shouted very midst with the dragon banner that he struck to the ground
loudly, “Now to them, highborn knights! Here comes the everyone he ran after, so that nothing was left standing
help that my nephew Sadoine brings us. In the name of before him. And King Arthur, who held a wonderful
God, spur your horses and uphold your honor and ours!" lance,19 struck King Clariel so hard that it went right
“Sir,” said Guiomar, “why do you preach to us when through his side, and he knocked him from his horse to the
every one of us is ready to defend our lives? For we have eround so hard that he had no need of a doctor. Then he
gone so far that we will all die or we will win the victory, and caught sight of King Rion, whose clothing and armor^
each one of us is as good as a king in fighting for his life. were decorated with sheaves of grain and crowns, and he
But let us ride all together against our enemies,15 and let drew his sword and rode toward him as fast as his horse
them be struck so hard that they will be utterly could go, and he drove straight through the press with his
overwhelmed!" good horse, so that nothing held him back, but he knocked
Then they drew tightly together and rode toward the to the ground as many as he came to. And when he got to
stronghold16 where King Arthur, King Ban, King Bors, and King Rion, he struck him hard with his sword, which went
the companions of the Round Table were doing such through his shield and hauberk, and if it had not been for
wonders that never had greater been seen. And when King the snake skin shirt he was wearing beneath his hauberk, he
Leodagan and his men drew nearer the stronghold, they would have killed him; the snake skin was so hard that he
ran into the crowd so hard that they were all rocked and could not break it or cut through it, but he still kept hitting
shaken. There the fighting was so wondrous and so deadly him so forcefully that he sent him spilling head over heels
that the giants lost many of their men, and King to the ground.
Leodagan’s men were so greatly heartened that they made When the giants and Saxons saw their lord fall, every
the giants yield their ground and drove them back to where one of them began to quake, because they were afraid that
their army was encamped, and there they gave them a very he would be killed, so they ran King Arthur down and fell
rough and most wondrous fight. upon him and struck him from all sides, so that they bore
Merlin had withdrawn from the fray, and he gathered him and his horse to the ground in a heap. When Merlin
the companions of the Round Table about him and made saw King Arthur fall, he had the six thousand fly to his
them saddle and harness their horses anew and give out rescue. There they fought fiercely, the ones striving to
shields and helmets to those who needed new ones, and he rescue King Arthur; and the others, to avenge King Rion,
put back together as many as he could of those who had whom he had struck down so dreadfully. King Ban began
been in the echelon, and there were more than six working wonders, for with main force he got King Arthur
thousand of them; each one took a strong, sturdy lance back up in the midst of his enemies, and he slaughtered so
with a sharp tip. And after they had taken the fresh air, and many giants that none dared take a stand against him.
had been there for a while, they saw their friends being Meanwhile, the six thousand fought as well as they did
dreadfully driven back, for the Saxons had recovered as thanks to the endeavors of those of the Round Table, for
soon as the companions of the Round Table had withdrawn there were few of them who did not bring their adversaries
from the fighting. down to the ground dead, and they made them yield their
And when Merlin saw the Saxons rallying, he shouted, ground despite themselves. There King Rion was much
“Noble knights! Now at them! We’ll see who can fight the kicked about and trodden under foot before he could get
best! For if you hit the enemy17 hard, we will send them on back on horseback, but when he saw that he was being
their way!" beaten and that, like it or not, he should take flight, he said
Then he said to King Arthur that he must have that it would be better to die than not to avenge his shame
forgotten the kiss his ladylove had given him, for he had in part or to soothe his heart a little for the hurt he had
done poorly in the first [228] fighting. And when Arthur suffered. Then he sprang to his feet, grasped his bludgeon
heard this, he blushed all over from shame, and he hung with both hands, and began striking blows right and left
his helmeted head and said not a word; but he stood so that were so rough and unduly strong that he struck down
hard on his stirrups that the iron bent. And King Ban as many as he came to, and those who saw him work those
began to smile within his helmet and pointed him out to wonders fled to every side, for they did not dare stand their
King Bors, his brother; then all the knights of the Round ground against him.
Table looked at him, and they found him very worthy and Meanwhile, King Arthur, King Ban, King Bors,
held him in high esteem because they saw his look of noble Nascien, Hervi, Ulfin, Kay the Seneschal, and all the other
pride. Indeed they said that if he lived long, never would companions kept fighting until they came to King Rion and
his banner, which the elephants bore. There the fighting
15Sominer’s text has a els (227,1. 23): “to/against them.”
16Sommer’s text has lestandart (227, 1. 25; also 1. 28); see 18Sommer’s text has bataille (228, 1. 8): “battle” or “battalion,
above, n. 5. muster. ”
17Sommer’s text has se vous bien les encontres (227, 11. 41-42): 19The word here is espiel (228,1. 11).
“if you meet them well”; for another version of the idiom (227, 1. 20 »
Sommer s text has le roy rion qui estoit couers de couertures
11), see above, n. 14.
(228,11. 13—14): “King Rion who was covered with coverings.”
The Story of Merlin 293

was most dreadful, and the slaughter and death were so in his hand, and he held out in front of himself his shield
great that the [229] blood ran in streams through the field that was of elephant bone. [230] King Arthur gripped his
and into the Thames River, which ran on the far side. strong, stout lance21 with a sharp tip of steel, and they rode
There King Rion’s stronghold was brought down and the straight for one another full of wrath and ill will, the one
ensign overthrown. Then the din grew so loud over the eager to win honor and renown and the other craving to
giants that they all turned in flight, for they understood avenge his shame and hurt. And King Arthur rode in fast,
that they had been put to rout. They brought King Rion his for he had come from far away, while the other one waited
horse and made him get on quickly, like it or not, for they for him holding his bludgeon; and King Arthur struck him
were greatly frightened for him; and he was full of such so hard that the sharp tip of his lance went right through
sorrow that he nearly went mad. And before he left, he his shield and hauberk and broke apart the two panels of
wreaked great damage on King Leodagan, for of his men his hauberk on his left side, so that his blood spurted
he left twenty dead ones for him before he left the field. everywhere. But for all the battering Arthur did, he did not
But when he saw that his own men were giving up, he did budge him from his saddle one bit, and his lance flew into
not dare stay behind any longer, but took to the road as full splinters. And when King Rion felt that he was wounded, he
of wrath as anyone could be, and he went away, fleeing gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes in his anger, and he
through a wood all alone with none of the barons who raised his bludgeon to strike. He was large and wondrously
belonged to him. strong, more than any man anyone knew about. The story
When King Leodagan saw that King Rion and the says that he was fourteen feet tall, in the feet they counted
giants were in flight, he ran after them with Sinados, then, and there was more than a span’s length between his
Cleodalis, and Guiomar, and they brought many of them to two eyes; he was thin and sinewy, and powerfully built all
the ground. Meanwhile, the knights of the Round Table over, so that he was fearsome to behold.
slaughtered so many of them that heaps of them lay all When King Arthur saw the giant raise his bludgeon, he
along the low side of the fields like sheep throttled by feared him mightily. He urged his horse with his spurs, and
wolves. For the palisade hindered them dreadfully, so that man and horse flew against him so hard and fast that they
they could not get away quickly, and the Christians ran were all hurled to the ground, the horses atop the men, but
them down so hard that they could find no way to defend soon they had sprung back to their feet. But before King
themselves, and they slaughtered so many of them that the Arthur had picked up his arms, King Rion was back up and
whole field and the stronghold were strewn with the dead ready, for he was much quicker and more nimble; King
and wounded; and the chase lasted all day until nightfall. Arthur was still only twenty-eight years old, but King Rion
When King Rion left the battle so full of sorrow and was at least forty-two and was bigger and stronger than he
wrath, as you have heard, he was seen by no one who knew by a third. As soon as they had got up again, they ran at
who he was except King Arthur. Arthur said to himself that each other; King Arthur drew Excalibur out of its scabbard,
he would rather die than have him get away, so he spurred his good sword that he had pulled out of the stone and with
his horse and left his companions behind, so that none which he had that day dealt many a fine blow. And as soon
knew where he had gone. Meanwhile, King Ban was in hot as he had drawn it from its scabbard, it cast a very bright
pursuit of Gloriant, Minados, and Calufer, those three light, as if it were a blaze of fire, and he covered himself
kings so full of pride, and he rode after them all alone with his shield and struck a blow on the giant, before he
through the wood; and the other companions had ridden could shield himself, right on the head. And when he saw
away, twenty here, ten there, thirty elsewhere, and the chase the blow coming, he threw his shield up against it, for he
lasted until they felt they would have to give it up or mightily feared a blow from the sword he had seen glowing
postpone it until daylight. And they had killed and and throwing off fire; he well knew that it was of very great
wounded so many of them that of the two hundred worth. He raised his bludgeon against it, and King Arthur
thousand there had been at the beginning, not twenty hit it so hard with both hands that it flew into pieces,
thousand got away. But right here the story now falls silent although it was bound in iron. The blow was strong and
and does not speak of them at this time; rather it goes back powerfully struck, and it fell on his shield and split it as far
to telling about King Arthur, who was riding after King as the boss 22 and thrusting the sword back away from
Rion. himself he sent King Rion staggering; he was upset for
Right here the story says that King Arthur rode after having lost his bludgeon. Then he grasped his sword, which
King Rion of Ireland until he caught up with him in a great, was one of the good ones in the world, for it was, so says the
deep valley between a little wood and a meadow; he was story drawn from the histories,23 the sword of Hercules,
crossing a stream which flowed from two springs on a who led Jason to the island of Colchis to search for the
nearby mountainside; the sun was sinking so low that all its
brightness was blocked by the mountains and woods that 21The word here (230, 1. 1) and elsewhere (cf. 230, 1. 9) is
hid it, and there King Arthur caught up with King Rion. espieL
And when he had got close to him, he shouted, ^The word here is blouque (230,1. 31); elsewhere (224,1. 29),
“Lowborn giant, turn about or you are dead! You can see boucle (“boss") occurs in the formula.
that there is no man here but you and me.” 23The text has li contes des estoiresr, unlike the occurrence in
When the giant saw the young man who was thus 221,11. 31-32, however, it may not here be a question specifically of
threatening him, he grew very scornful, for he looked so the supposed Merlin source, but generally of ancient authoritative
small to him that, beside him, he seemed to be a little child. texts that transmit the story of Jason, such as Valerius Flaccus’s
Then he turned about to face him with his great bludgeon Argonautica, the Theban material, such as Statius’s Thebais, etc.
294 The Story of Merlin

Golden Fleece. And with this sword Hercules killed many a mine as well if people could get in there, but no one will go
giant in the land where Jason brought Medea, who loved in until its ugly appearance is taken away; this is a blessing
him so much, but afterwards Jason failed him at the very that Judas bestowed, and it betokened that he had won all
time that Hercules helped him, in his great nobility of the land up to there. And the ancients say that just as soon
spirit, because he had taken pity on him. And the story says as that appearance is taken away, the adventures of the
that Vulcan forged the sword; he reigned in the time of kingdom of Logres will begin to draw to an end. Now I have
Adrastus, king of Greece, who kept it in his treasure house told you who I am and what my name is. But I will never eat
for many a day. Tydeus, son of the king of Calcydon, had again as long as I know that you are alive. For I was defeated
this sword the day he brought his message to King Eteocles by you and driven from the field, and I will avenge my
of Thebes, who afterwards had much strife because of sorrow on you if I can.”
Polynices, his stepbrother. And then the sword went from “God help me,” said the young man, “you’ll be fasting
hand to hand, and from heir to heir, until it now belonged for a long time, then, for I will never die by your hand. And
to King Rion, who was of the bloodline of Hercules, who this my sword defies you to the death! And if you are so
was so worthy and bold. [231 ] bold, you may take vengeance upon the man who threatens
When King Rion saw that his bludgeon had been cut to to chop off your head!”
bits, he drew his sword, which was of such great goodness. When the giant heard the youth speaking thus, he
And as soon as he had brought it out of its scabbard, it gave became most frightfully angry. He put his shield on his arm
off such a great brightness that it seemed as if the whole and ran upon him [232] holding his sword high, and he
countryside had been lit up; and its name was Marmiadoise. meant to strike Arthur on the head, but Arthur thrust his
And when King Arthur saw the sword blazing with light, he shield against the blow and jumped aside toward the
deemed it most worthy, and he drew up a litde to look at it, middle of the field, and King Rion hit his shield so hard
and he began to yearn for it a great deal, and he said that that a piece of it flew to the ground. Arthur sprang forward
anyone would be lucky if he could win it. and gave him such a blow beside his right eye that he
And when King Rion saw him keeping so still, he wounded him deeply, and if his sword had not slipped in
stopped and spoke to him as you can hear. “Sir knight,” his hand, he would have put an end to him forever.
said King Rion, “I do not know who you are, but you are When the giant felt his blood flowing from his left
very bold to dare follow me and run after me all alone. But cheek, he grew so angry that he nearly went mad. He ran
because I see that you are so worthy, I will grant you such a against Arthur, for he meant to take him and crush him in
boon as I would give to no man. Hand that sword and those his arms, but Arthur avoided him because he did not dare
arms over to me, then tell me your name, and then you will take such a stand against him, and, as he withdrew, he
be free to go, for I have taken pity on you because you look struck many hard blows that hurt him dreadfully. Even so,
so young to me.” the giant ran against him waving his sword in his hand, but
When King Arthur heard King Rion’s speech, he held he could not hold the giant back.
him in great scorn and answered him very harshly: “How And while they were behaving in this way, Nascien,
else, then, do you think you might have me so close, unless Adragain, and Hervi de Rivel happened to come upon
I surrendered to you like a coward because you are so big them while fiercely pursuing six Saxons, and all six were
and strong? Rather, put your sword and your arms away and kings; one was named Kahanin,24 the second Misshapen,25
throw yourself on my mercy to do with you what I will. You the third Frenicas, the fourth Coward, the fifth Baufumes,26
can be sure that all I can warrant you is death.” and the sixth was the strong King Minadap.27 Those six
The giant laughed aloud at this, turned his head aside, kings were riding out very hard just down from the great
and asked him who he was and what his name was, and he rock, and they were running their horses, which were
entreated him on his faith to tell the truth. And King strong and fast, at breakneck speed. When the two kings
Arthur said to him that he would tell the truth and swore to who were fighting each other heard the uproar made by
tell him who he was, and he agreed. those who were charging so hard in their direction, they
“Now you should know,” he went on, “that I am the son looked and saw the six who were fleeing and the three
of King Uther Pendragon and my name is Arthur, and I running after them, and King Rion was filled with dread,
have come to challenge you for this kingdom, which is because he knew that they were most worthy and bold, and
mine free and clear, for King Leodagan has betrothed his he was sure that if he stayed any longer where he was, he
daughter to me. And all the barons of the kingdom have could not get away without being killed or put in great
already sworn fealty to me, as has King Leodagan himself. danger. Then he went straight for his horse and swiftly
Now tell me who you are and what your name is, for I have mounted, but as he was doing so, King Arthur struck him so
told you the truth about myself. ” hard that he cut off better than a fourth of his helmet, so
“What?” answered the giant. “Are you telling me as a
truth that you are King Arthur and that you were the son of
24Here kahamus (232,1. 13), a misreading of kahanin(s) found
Uther Pendragon, the one who killed Algis the Saxon
elsewhere (e.g., 232,11. 37, 41; 409,1. 27), or cahanin(s) (e.g., 232,1.
before Saxon Rock?” 42, 233,1. 3).
“I am talking about that very man,” said the youth.
25Sommer’s text reads maltailUes (232,1. 13).
“I swore to you,” said King Rion, “that I would tell you
26Sommer’s text reads baitrames here (232, 1. 14), but
my name. You may know for a fact that my name is Rion
baufumes elsewhere (234,1. 27, 235,1. 1).
and I am king of Ireland. I hold all lands as far as the Land 27
4 Sommer’s text reads maidrap here (232,1. 14), but minadap
of the Grazing-Grounds, and the land beyond would be
elsewhere (234,1. 27, 235,1. 2).
The Story of Merlin 295

that the links in the mail beneath shone through all white, going, and the three companions rode after them because
and he dazed him so much that he bent forward over his they did not want to let them get away. But now the story
saddlebow; and if he could have recovered to wield another falls silent about King Arthur and his companions and goes
blow, he would have sent him sprawling from his horse to back to speaking about King Ban and how he was running
the ground. But the horse, which was of very great strength, after the three kings.
was frightened by the stroke it heard falling, and it ran away Now die story says that King Ban rode after the three
with the king up toward the great rock. kings until he came upon them in a great heath in the
When King Arthur saw him thus on horseback, he midst of a forest where they took their stand, for they had
jumped on his horse quickly and began to run him down, caught up with ten of their knights; and they rode against
spurring his horse to run as fast as it could. And after King King Ban as soon as they saw him. He hit the first one he
Rion had straightened up in the saddle, he looked behind came to29 so hard that he split his head into two halves,
him and saw King Arthur coming up fast and riding him then he struck the second on the shoulder and sliced his
down, and Arthur was unwilling to let him get away. With arm off, and he struck the third and sent his head flying.
that he picked up speed to race toward the forest. And the They all began to hit him on the helmet and shield, but
six kings whom the three companions were pursuing were they did not wound him in the flesh, for the hauberk he
flying so swiftly that they caught up with King Arthur, who was wearing was of great worth.
kept fast on the giant’s heels and with his sword dealt him, And while he was fighting them, the four kings whom
from time to time, heavy blows that fell on the shield he King Bors was pursuing came up and saw that King Ban was
held over his head to take the blows from the good sword bearing in so close to the ten knights that they did not have
he felt to be one of the best in die world. room to turn about. And the four kings rushed into the
And while the giant was setdng his mind to fleeing and batde to help those whom King Ban was fighting. When
King Arthur his to riding him down, Kahanin shouted to they came into the batde, they turned their horses’ heads
Arthur, “Serf, you are making a mistake to run after him, against the one who had followed them,30 and King Bors
for I’ll fight you for him. You’ll be sorry you left your rode headlong into their midst and hit so hard and with
companions.” such speed that he sent Margot and his horse down to the
When King Arthur heard him thundering at him so ground in a heap; then he struck King Gaidou so hard that
loudly, his sword slipped in his hand, and King Rion got he sank his sword into his brains. Then King Bors took
away and flew off into the forest. And King Arthur went stock and saw his brother, who was fighting with ten
straight for Kahanin, his sword in his hand, and Kahanin, knights, and he spurred his horse and flew into the fray so
who was not afraid of him, rode toward him, and they hard that he bore a Saxon to the ground with his horse
began trading blows on their helmets. And King Kahanin falling on top of him, and then he struck another so hard
struck King Arthur so hard that he sent him down onto the that he hurled him to the ground dead. And the kings he
neck of his horse, [233] and King Arthur hit him back so had been following rode toward him and [234] caught up
hard that he cut off a great chunk of his helmet; this mighty with him in the crowd. They hit him so hard on the helmet
blow fell between his shoulder and his shield, and it cut off that they sent him down onto his horse’s neck, but he was
his left arm where the shield’s straps were held on. And not slow to get back up, and he turned his horse’s head
when Kahanin saw that he had been wounded in this way, against them and stood facing them, grasping his sword.
he ran upon him to grab him and bear him down over his And the two brothers began striking such mighty blows
horse’s neck, for he was of very great strength. But King against those who had attacked them that they did them
Arthur saw him coming and struck him with his sword much harm with their weapons. But they had not been at it
between the wrist and the elbow, so that he sent his fist for long there before King Rion happened along; he was
flying still grasping his sword. And when he saw what had holding his sword, but was dreadfully wounded and
become of him, be began to yell and roar like a bull, and woefully frightened, and he was bleeding quite heavily from
his horse bore him away where it wanted. And when the five two wounds he had, one in the side and tire other on the
others saw what had happened to Kahanin, they were filled head. And when he saw the fight of the thirteen against the
with great sorrow, so they rode King Arthur down with their two brothers, he turned to face their way, holding his sword
swords drawn; he covered himself with his shield, for it in his hand, for he was most willing to take vengeance for
would have been unworthy of him to run away from them. his pain and suffering.
They hit him high and low, wherever they thought they When King Rion came to the battle, he rushed in so
could do him the most harm. They cut up his shield in hard that he sent them scattering, like it or not, and in the
many places, but they did not wound his flesh; but one of onslaught he bore King Bors to the ground with his horse
them28 did hit him so roundly on the shield that he cut him on top of him. Then he raised his sword high to strike King
in the thigh, and he sent him falling head over heels from Ban through the head, but Ban threw his shield and struck
his horse. his horse with his spurs to ward off the blow, which still cut
Now behold the three companions spurring to rescue and sliced through as much of him as it reached. And King
him: Nascien, Adragain.. and Hervi of Rivel. And when the
other kings saw them coming, they turned in flight, 29The text is ambiguous (233, 1. 22): quit ataint for qu’il ataint
galloping at full speed after King Rion, where diey saw him (“whom he comes to”) or qui I’atcdnt (“who got to him”).
30Not in Sommer’s text, but supplied from the variant in
^Sommer’s text shifts to the singular: il fier[t] [sic], quit U manuscript 105 (233, n. 3).
colpe la cuisse si leports (233,1. 12).
296 The Story of Merlin

Ban dealt him a great blow with his sword Wrathful;31 he he grew as angry as any could be. And King Arthur33 cast
threw his shield out against it, but the blow struck there so aside his shield with the sword, for it did nothing but
hard that it cut through down to the strap by which it hung hinder him. And when the giant saw that he had lost his
from his neck, and he sent the shield flying to the ground sword, he became so angry that he almost lost his mind. He
in two halves. ran King Arthur down on horseback and grabbed him by
Meanwhile, as soon as the giants saw King Bors thrown the shoulders; he meant to take him down by raw strength,
onto the ground, they ran against him and hit him very and he would have done so if he could have, for he was very
hard and wounded him in many places, and his horse, strong.
which was tall and thick, lay on his left thigh and held him When King Arthur felt the giant on him, he threw his
fast to the ground so that he could not get back up. And sword to the ground, because he was afraid that he might
the king entreated God to keep him from being killed or take it away from him by force. Then he put both arms
wounded. Then King Ban spurred to that side and struck around his horse’s neck, while the giant jerked and pulled,
King Margoras so hard that he sent his head flying, and but he could not take him out of the saddle. And King Ban
then he struck again and hit another, whom he sliced in looked around and saw the bout between King Arthur and
two crosswise right through the backbone, and he stopped King Rion, so he spurred to that side because he was very
beside his brother, who was trying to get back up. much afraid for King Arthur. The giant looked and saw him
And while he was fighting, King Baufumes, King coming, and he gready dreaded King Ban, so he ran at him
Misshapen, and King Minadap32 happened to come there, with his fists, which were big and thick. But King Ban struck
for King Arthur and his three companions were riding very him so hard with his sword Wrathful that he broke his
hard after them; one of the companions was Nascien, the hauberk open, cut through him beneath the shoulder, and
second Adragain, and the third Hervi de Rivel. And as soon wounded him very deeply. And when King Rion felt himself
as the three kings saw King Rion fighting, one of ten who so dreadfully wounded and saw his companions lying dead
were against one knight alone, they turned to that side and on the ground, he was taken by a mighty fear, for he did
ran headlong into the press, and they tried to help King not know what to defend himself with, so he turned his
Ban and his brother as best they could. And King Bors horse, which was of very great worth, and fled away as fast as
pulled and jerked, for he was a man of very great strength, he could go. The companions let him go, for night had
until he could get up with some distress, and he saw his fallen, and he went away so full of wrath that he nearly went
brother in great danger and defending himself. And as mad, and he cursed his religion and his beliefs, and swore
soon as he had got back up, he struck Misshapen, who had that he would never in his life give up until he had taken
come in just before, so hard that he sliced his arm off at the his revenge, and, as soon as he came into his country, he
shoulder and cut so deeply that his liver and lungs showed, would call together such a great force of men that no land
and he fell to the ground. Then King Bors took his horse could stand against it, and he said that he would destroy all
and put himself into the saddle, for he was very strong and Britain, bring all of King Arthur’s vassals to harm, and skin
bold, and when he was mounted, he flew into the press and alive the king and all his helpers. Thus King Rion went away
struck King Rion so hard through his helmet that he cut it filled with wrath, and he made his way for days upon end
into two halves. And King Rion paid him back with such a until he came to his country.
mighty blow that he cut off half of his shield. And King Ban came to King Arthur and asked him
Thus began the fighting there that was wild and fierce, whether he was hurt, and King Arthur told him that he was
and the four others who had just come to the rescue rode hale and hardy.
into the fighting so fast and each one hit his man so hard “And your sword,” said King Ban, “where is it?”
that they all bore them dead to the ground. [235] There He answered that he had thrown it to the ground as
were slain Minadap, Baufumes, Glorians, and Madplas, for the giant came running to take hold of him with his bare
whom King Rion was most sorrowful, for they were his near hands, “and I tell you that I have won the richest prize
kinsmen. today, one that I love better than the best city there is in the
When King Rion saw such dreadful ill luck turning world.”
against him, he was so filled with wrath that he nearly went “And what is that?” asked King Ban.
out of his head. He grabbed his naked sword and ran down “You will see it very soon,” said King Arthur, “if you
King Arthur, and he meant to strike him on the head, but wish.”
King Arthur turned aside, for he gready feared the giant’s Then he dismounted and first went straight to his
blow, which fell on his shield so hard diat it was split in two sword Excalibur, and he wiped it clean of the blood that
down to the boss. King Rion started to pull his sword back befouled it, then put it back into its scabbard. Then he
out, but King Arthur hit him across the arm so hard that he went to his shield, drew King Rion’s sword out of it, hung
wounded him dreadfully, and King Rion left his sword in the shield around his neck, and got on his horse. He
his shield. And when he felt that he was so badly wounded, showed the sword to King Ban, and it cast such a great light
that it was a wonder to behold. King Ban held it in high
31Sommer’s text has couroucese (234,11. 16-17). esteem, and they entreated Our Lord soon to grant that
32These kings are named, along with two others, 232, 11. 13-
14. Here the first is called baufumes and the third minadap (234, 1. 33
Sommer corrects his manuscript, which bears artus, to read
27); for Misshapen, see above, n. 25. rion (235, 1. 9 and n. 1); he appears to have lost track of the
direction the combat is taking.
The Story of Merlin 297

they might find some adventure [236] where they might try fifty of their companions who had fled in fear. Guiomar
it out and see whether it was as worthy as it was fair. and Sinados knew not a word about this until they had, just
They were much nearer Aneblayse than they thought, the two of them,4 rushed headlong into their midst; and
but before they could get there, there befell them an each one struck his man down dead. And when the Saxons
adventure such that the worthiest and bravest would have saw that there were only two of them, they drew their
been hard pressed to come to terms with it. But right now swords and fell very hard upon them; thus a great fight was
the story falls silent about all of them and goes back to begun, for the two knights were worthy and bold. But they
speaking about King Leodagan of Carmelide. had been there for only a short while when a knight rode in
very daringly to help them. There the fighting was rough
and lasted [237] a very long time. But now the story falls

31. Arthur Fights the Saxons.1 silent for a while about that, and we will tell you about
another adventure.
In this part the story says that when the giants were put
Here the story says that when King Leodagan saw that the
to flight, An tor,5 who brought King Arthur up, Kay the
giants had been put to rout, he rode very hard after them
Seneschal, Girflet, Lucan the Wine Steward, Meralgis,6
until dark night had closed in, and he and his men had
Gomain Cadrus,7 Gales the Bald,8 who had been put in
slain many. Then it happened that King Leodagan and
with them, Blioberis, Galesconde, the Ugly Worthy,9
Cleodalis his seneschal were cut off from their men because
Calogrenant,10 and Kehedin11 the Fair—these twelve were
of the forest, which was quite dark, and no one belonging
riding very hard through the thick forest after the Saxons,
to them knew what had become of them. And when King
and they killed and wounded many of them on the run.12
Leodagan’s army saw that night had fallen, they began to
The Saxons fled very fast before them, and they rode after
turn back, but the companions of the Round Table did not
them until they cut them down, at the heels of King
turn about, nor did King Arthur’s companions; rather they
Alipansin, who had with him two hundred Saxons, on very
kept on riding the Saxons down with all their might and
good horses, who were most angry for the harm done to
killed many of them. And the story says that King Leodagan
King Rion and because they did not know what had
and Cleodalis ran after Zidras and Caulas the Chieftain,2
become of him. And when the twelve companions caught
Collocaulus,3 and Dorilas until they had fled far from their
sight of them, they rode headlong into the midst of them,
men in the forest, and when they had gone a long way, they
and they began a most wondrous battle, for the
fell in behind a good two hundred eighty other men of
companions were most worthy and bold. The fighting there
theirs who were sorrowing and angry about their losses.
was fierce, and it lasted until midnight, when13 they broke
When the four who were in flight were safe, they
apart and began fighting in three clusters: in the first were
shouted to their men, and when these took stock, they saw
King Leodagan and Cleodalis his seneschal, in the second
that there were only two who were riding after the four, so
they ran upon them with all their might. King Leodagan
and Cleodalis withdrew under an oak tree which was most 4The text reads si abreue com il estoient (236,1. 37): “as reduced
in number as they were.”
fair and leafy, and their backs were to it. There King
Leodagan was struck down and his horse beneath him. And ^he following companions are first listed among the forty-
two knights who ride to rescue Cleodalis (148,11. 3-23). Here many
when Cleodalis saw him, he got down from his horse and
of the names appear garbled, as subsequent notes demonstrate.
put him on his own horse, and he told him to ride away and
^Earlier meraugis de port le gues (148, 1. 18): Meralgis of
he would stay behind there. When King Leodagan saw his
Portford; here ameraugis (237, 1. 5).
seneschal’s faithfulness, he sighed deeply inside his helmet i-j
'Earlier gomains cadrus (148, 11. 18—19); here agomain &
and sorrowed in his heart that he had wronged him so
cadrus son compaignon (237, 1. 5): “Agornain and Cadrus his
much, and he said in his heart that he wished to repay him
companion.” The latter is to be rejected not only because Cadrus
for this good deed and reward him for it, if he should live
does not appear separately in the earlier list, but more especially
so long. Meanwhile, he was defending himself very hard, because, with the independent Cadrus, the knights total thirteen,
for their enemies had fallen on them fiercely, and die oak not twelve, as the text specifies (237, 1. 7). Gornain Cadrus is
that was at their backs was a great help to them. So the story named later (239,1. 37).
stops speaking about them and goes back to Guiomar and 8Sommer’s text has ablechin le uoir (237, 1. 6): Ablecin the
Sinados, who were first cousins, and they had fought very Right One (?). Such a name does not appear in the earlier list;
well in the batde. however, Gales the Bald, which is found there (148, 1. 22), recurs
Now the story says that Guiomar and Sinados had later in the same group (e.g., 239, 1. 38).
ridden so hard after the Saxons in the forest that diey left ^Sommer’s text has alait hardi (237,1. 7); the earlier has li bus
their men far behind and never heard or saw them, and liardis (148,11. 19-20), which recurs later (239,1. 38).

they were hot on the heels of twelve giants. And when the 10The text has atalogrenant (237, 1. 7). Sommer conjectures
twelve had been long in flight, they caught up with a good that this should read Calogrenant (237, n. 3), which is consistent
with the earlier list (148,1. 15).
nHere akehedin (237,1. 7); Sommer conjectures Kehedin (n.
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 236-243.
4), which is consistent with the earlier list (148,1. 17).
2The word is laumacour (236, 1. 16), for I’almafor (from the
12Sommer’s text reads en la cache (“in the chase”) and
Arabic).
continues quit font parmi la grant forest (237, 1. 9): “through the
3Here Sommer’s text reads caulus (236, 1. 16). Later he is
great forest ”
called Collocaulus (241,1. 13, 242,1. 14).
13Sommer’s text has anchois que (237,1. 16): “before.”
298 The Story of Merlin

were Sinados and Guiomar, and in the third were King and brought them together, and soon there were a good
Arthur’s twelve companions. seven thousand and more. So he set out and rode until he
Elsewhere were King Arthur, King Ban, King Bors his came to the valley where King Galahad had stopped with
brother, and three of the companions of the Round Table, his men, who were a good ten thousand strong, and they
as the story has told you before, and all the others had gone had stopped there for fear of the water that Merlin had
back toward the city of Aneblayse.14 And when they came brought forth.
into the meadows outside Aneblayse and did not find any of And on the Friday morning after Whitsunday, it was
their companions, they thought that they had been killed, still and the weather was fair and mild, and the water had
and when the saw that neither King Arthur nor King Ban gone away and the spell was broken, so the Saxons got on
nor King Bors nor King Leodagan had been found, they their horses and took to the road. But they had not gone
mourned most sorrowfully, for they truly thought that they far before they met King Amant, who had set out toward
were dead. Even so, they waited to hear any news that might the castle of Charroie. When King Galahad saw King Amant
come, so they camped in the open meadows, for they did and his men,16 he thought that they belonged to King
not want to go into the city, but kept watch over the city Leodagan, who had ridden after them. On both sides they
very well until daybreak. So the story stops speaking about were all riding good horses. King Amant’s men rode hard
them for a while and goes back to speak about Merlin. and fast against King Galahad’s, who welcomed them very
The story says here that when the Saxons and the warmly with the tips of their lances, for many of them were
giants were put to rout and driven from the fields, and the good, strong knights, and harsh, fierce fighting began that
chase began, Merlin rode after a company of a good ten lasted the whole day. But right now the story falls silent and
thousand men until he ran them down on a wide heath. does not say any more about them; rather it goes back to
Galahad, lord of the Land of the Grazing-Grounds, led that speaking about King Arthur, the two brother kings, and the
company, and as soon as they had come into the heath, three companions of the Round Table, Nascien, Adragain,
Merlin cast a wondrous spell. He made a wide, roaring river and Hervi of Rivel.
well up before them in the way they had to go, and it fell so Here the story says that when King Arthur had pulled
swifdy from the mountainsides that even the boldest among his sword out of the shield, he showed it to his companions,
them took fright; and when they tried to turn back, they and they were all very glad; they esteemed it highly and
saw a fog coming in so thick and so fearsome that they did praised it. Then they set out on the way back to
not know where to go, so they stayed there all night and did Aneblayse.17 They thought they were keeping to the right
not go back or forward. And why Merlin cast this spell, the road, but they went astray when they turned to die left onto
story will surely tell you, for it is right that it should tell you an old, grassy trail where it was very dark because of woods
the truth about it in just the way the truth must run. [238] that were deep and high and leafed out as in the month of
Now the story says, and it was true, that in the May; the moon, which had been full three days before, had
borderlands of Carmelide and Bredigan, and toward the not yet risen. And after [239] they had ridden a litde while,
lands of King Rion, that is toward the west, there was a most they began to hear blows in a far-off battle resounding
wealthy kingdom where King Amant was lord. King Uther through the forest, so they went toward those parts, as the
Pendragon had waged war against that kingdom for a very trail was taking them there. And as they drew nearer, they
long time, while he was alive, because King Amant would knew from the voices that it was their men who were still
not become his liegeman, and his lands were so strong that fighting the giants whom they had ridden after, so they
he was not afraid of Uther. Even so, King Uther Pendragon hurried along toward the voices they had heard. The moon
bore down on him15 until he won from him a very rich began to rise, and as they came still closer they could see a
castle that was called Charroie. This castle had five hundred great batde, in which three knights were fighting against
knights in fee, each of whom owed the garrison a full three more than fifty Saxons; and after they were near enough to
months every year whenever they might be called to serve, make them out, King Arthur recognized Guiomar and
and the domain stretched for twenty leagues on every side. Sinados, but they could not make out who the third one
King Uther Pendragon gave that castle and the whole was, although they did see that he was worthy, bold, and
domain to King Bors of Gaunes and his heirs, for he held skilled, and the six companions who came upon the fight
King Uther Pendragon in high esteem for as long as he was praised and esteemed him highly. They let their horses run
alive and helped him fight his enemies. And as soon as King and rode headlong into their midst so hard that they left
Bors became lord of the castle, he gave it to his brother them shaking, and they struck to the right and left, and
Guinebal to keep. Guinebal was a very good clerk, wise, they killed or brought down as many as they met. There
skilled in fighting, bold, and he was his teacher. And King King Arthur skillfully tried out Marmiadoise, the worthy
Amant was most unhappy about that. And when he heard it sword that had belonged to King Rion, for the story bears
said that King Arthur was in King Leodagan’s land and that, witness to his having slain more than ten all by himself. And
meanwhile, the Saxons had fallen upon Britain, King when the three knights saw that drey had got such a wealth
Amant brooded and then thought that he would never, for of help, they gave their horses free rein to run against
a long while, have a better time than right then to win back them, and caused such a great slaughter that each one sent
his casde he had lost so long before, so he called his men his man sprawling to the ground dead, and they dealt with

14Sommer’s text reads cyte de daneblaise (237, 1. 22), cf. defors 16“And his men” not in Sommer’s text (238, 1. 27), but
daneblaise (11. 22—23), etc. implicit in the plurals that follow immediately.
15Sommer’s text has les greua (238,1. 6): “harmed them.” ^Sommer’s text has daneblayse (238,1. 39).
The Story of Merlin 299
them in such a way that in very little time they had slain or they were riding back, they happened to meet Merlin,
wounded all but seven of them, who fled away into the holding the dragon standard, who was riding their way. And
woods with the others, who wanted very much to kill them as soon as he saw them coming, he said, “Ah! King Arthur,
if they could catch up with them, hot on their heels. But why aren’t you and your companions riding faster? For you
they had not been riding after the seven for long when they don’t know the great harm that awaits you up here, unless
heard wondrously hard beating on helmets and shields, so God puts His mind to it. King Leodagan and Cleodalis his
that the great woods resounded with it. seneschal are fighting against more than fifteen giants, and
Then King Ban spoke and said to King Bors that they they have already been brought down from their horses.
would have to delight in fighting all night, and King They will soon be lost if you do not help them out. Now
Arthur18 said that he would not mind because he had not follow me, for I am going straight there!”
thoroughly tested the good sword he had won. And when they heard what Merlin had to tell them,
“What?” said King Ban. “Haven’t you already tried it they spurred after him, and the dragon that Merlin bore
out and tested it in this first fight?” threw out from its mouth such a bright light and such great
“Not at all, sir,” said King Arthur, “for there were too billows of fire that the twenty-one companions could see
few men. What’s more, you and the others brought so many clearly where to go even though the night was darker than
of them down that I could not test it as I would wish.” any in winter. And they rode, Merlin leading and the others
Then the barons smiled at what he had said, and they behind him, until they came to two oak trees, where die two
found him all the worthier, and they praised him because knights were still fighting very hard, for they had great
they had beheld his valorous deeds, so they said that he courage and much strength. But they were woefully
would be a worthy man if he lived long enough. While they beleaguered, for they were both on foot and had fallen
were thus talking, they drew close to the combat, which was many times to their knees.
heavy and deadly, and when they were near diey saw a good When Merlin and his companions came upon the two
hundred Saxons who were fighting hard against twelve worthies fighting, as they had been doing so long, King
knights, of whom four were on foot and eight on Leodagan had fallen to the ground, for he was so dred and
horseback, and they were all holding their own. And when he had been worn down so hard by the blows he had given
they came closer still, they saw that it was their companions and taken that he could no longer stand on his feet, so he
who had come with them to Carmelide, twelve of them by went sprawling to the ground. Anyone who saw him in such
their reckoning; the four who were on foot were first An tor, a plight would feel deeply soriy for him. And the giants
second Gomain Cadrus, third Gales the Bald, and fourth thought then diat they would take him prisoner, [241] but
Blioberis, and a fifth, the Ugly Worthy, was brought down Cleodalis leapt forward with his sword, and he defended
from his horse19 right before their eyes, but he was him so well that none was bold enough to dare lay a hand
defending himself with great strength. on him.
When King Arthur saw Antor on foot, no one had to Then Merlin and his companions came up, and when
ask whether he was sorrowful, for he showed it plainly, and they drew near enough to recognize them, Merlin shouted,
as he was coming nearer to the fighting, he spurred his “Now at them, noble knights! Now we’ll see who is a knight!
horse, his naked sword in his hand, and struck the first man Here you can show your skill and your boldness. Don’t
he met so hard that he split him down to the waist; then he worry if there are more of them than you, for more of your
struck the second so that he sent his head flying, [240] and companions will come to your aid.”
then the third and the fourth, and he began such an Then they flew headlong into their midst as fast as
onslaught among them that it was a wonder to behold. And their horses could run, and they hit them and struck them
King Arthur fought so well with his good sword that he cut down and broke the press, and at last they came to the two
everyone he fell upon, and he said that King Rion was not worthy knights who were beneath the oaks and still fighting
wrong to love that sword, for Excalibur would never be as best they could. For King Leodagan had got up and was
worth anything beside this one, and he could work with it defending himself with all his might, and they quickly put
any way he wanted. Then the blows started up again even him back on his horse.20 And the twenty-three knights were
harder and more wondrous, for the twelve companions so worthy and so handy that they killed and wounded many
were very worthy and bold, and the six who came to their of them.
rescue were so skillful that they got the five who were on But when Zidras, Caulas,21 and Collocaulus saw the
foot back on their horses; and then they rode against the great damage they were doing to them, even though there
Saxons in such a fierce and wondrous onslaught diat they were so few of them, each shouted to his knights, “Now at
put them all to the rout and drove them from the field, and them! Shouldn’t we be ashamed that so few men have
they dealt with them so harshly that no more than sixteen outfought us? There are a good seven score of us fighting
of them got away. And they went back gladdened and against no more than a handful of them! Now avenge the
happy by the adventure that Our Lord had sent them. harm and the hardship they have inflicted on us.”
When King Arthur and his companions had helped When the Saxons heard the will of their lord, they gave
rescue the twelve companions, as you have heard, and as their horses free rein and charged, and diey fell hard upon

18Sommer’s text has il (239,1. 23), but the Harley manuscript 20Sommer’s text adds qui quenpesast (241,1. 11): “whomever it
specifies, as the context requires, that it is King Arthur (n. 1). might worry/whether they liked it or not.”
19"From his horse” not in Sommer’s text, but implicit from 21Here Sommer’s text reads callas, but elsewhere the name is
the context (239,11. 38-39). caulus (236,1. 16,242,1. 16).
300 The Story of Merlin

them, but they defended themselves fiercely. There22 King and dying, and when the giants saw that those who had
Arthur, King Ban, King Bors, and Nascien, those four, did been their leaders and lords had been slain, and that the
wonders of strength, as did the nineteen others, and when Christians were doing them such harm, they said that
Merlin saw that the fighting was going thus, he left them anyone would be a fool who waited to be killed. So they
and went into the forest. He did not tarry long before he turned and fled through the forest, each man for himself,
brought back with him twelve knights, and they rushed in and the Christians wanted to ride after them, but Merlin
among the giants. Then Nascien, Adragain, and Hervi of held them back and told them not to worry about giving
Rivel looked and knew that they were beside their chase, for in time men about whom stories would be told
companions of the Round Table. would mete out grief and sorrow to them.
Then the fighting grew heavy and wondrous, and They then left at a slow gait and rode until they came
Merlin went back into the forest, wherever he wanted to go, out of the forest, and dawn was beginning to break when
and he stayed there a very long while. And when he came they got to the tents where the Christians were camped.
back he brought twenty knights with him, and they drove And the guards recognized them and came out to meet
headlong into the fighting with great strength. It was plain them. They were very glad to see them, for they thought
from the look of their armor that they had not been taking that they had all been killed, and the news was spread
their ease! And they killed and brought down as many as throughout the army that King Arthur had come back with
they met on their way, and the ones who had come before King Leodagan, King Ban and his brother, and all dieir
them looked and saw that they were some of King Arthur’s other companions. And a great store of food was made
companions. And they drew into formation, one after the ready for them, for they had had nothing to eat for a long
other, for [242] they were very bold and skilled in time, but first they went to sleep and to take their ease.
knighthood, and Merlin still carried the dragon before When they had slept, the tablecloths were spread and
them. they sat down, and they ate and drank a great deal, for they
Then he went to the three kings and said to them, “Do had rested well, and they certainly deserved it. After they
you want to know,” he said, “how those giants will be put to had eaten and the tablecloths were taken away, they
rout?” brought together all the great spoils they had won and put
And they said that they could hardly wait. it into a heap, and King Arthur divided it following Merlin’s
“You must know,” said Merlin, “that there are but four advice. King Leodagan had no part in it, nor, after giving
men in this place who are keeping them going.” his daughter to King Arthur, when he knew who King
“And where are they?” asked King Ban. Arthur and the worthy men with him were, did he
“Follow me now,” said Merlin, “and I’ll soon show undertake to do anything other than serve and honor him.
them to you if you dare to see them.” And when King Arthur had given out the wealth, so diat
Then he spurred his horse and charged so hard that nothing was left, he let it be known throughout die army
he knocked down as many as met his horse’s chest, and he that if there were any young knights23 [243] who wanted to
held up the dragon, which gave off such a bright light that win booty and would go with him wherever he would lead
they could see each other clearly. them,24 he would give them so much when they came back
When Merlin saw the four kings, he showed them to that they would never be poor another day in their lives.
King Arthur and said, “Now you can put that good sword And so many of them came forward from here and there
you have won to the test.” that it was nothing short of a wonder, for many wished
And he looked at them and wanted very much to have always to be in his company because of his openhanded-
at them, for he was sure that they were the ones Merlin had ness, and they swore and pledged that they would never fail
told him about. But he was not so quick that he could fall him. He retained twenty thousand, and he could have
upon them before Nascien was there, his sword in his hand, taken more if he had wished, but he said he did not want to
riding to meet King Collocaulus; he struck him with his strip the kingdom of men, for fear that they could not
sword right on his helmet and cut through down to his defend themselves if anyone came into the land to do
teeth, and Collocaulus fell to the ground dead. wrong. And he told them that if the need arose, King
“Now there is one fewer!” said Merlin, and he said to Leodagan25 should send word to them to come to him, and
King Arthur, “Now we’ll see whom you’ll hit!” they swore to do so, however far away26 he might be.
And King Arthur struck Caulas and sent his head With that King Arthur left the others and took away
flying. And King Ban struck the third one so hard that he the twenty thousand troops along with King Ban, King Bors,
sliced his arm off at the shoulder and cut so deeply that his King Leodagan, and the companions of the Round Table.
liver and lungs showed. And King Bors hit Dorilas, an emir, And after King Bors had ridden with them awhile, he took
on his helmet and cut him down to the shoulders. And
when the other companions saw that they had fought so
23Sommer’s text has bacheler (242, l. 43), technically a squire
well, they rode against the Saxons so hard that there was
aspiring to knighthood (also 243,1. 24) (see n. 24).
not one of the enemy who was not brought down bleeding
24ln Sommer’s text, in the singular (243, l. 1), as is the
antecedent (242,1. 43), but subsequently shifts to the plural.
22Sommer’s text adds an elliptical fist merlin & (241, 1. 20): 25Sommer’s text has only the singular pronoun (243,11. 8-9).
“did Merlin and”; but icil .iiij. fisent meruilles (“these four did Although King Leodagan leaves with Arthur, he accompanies him
wonders”) in the next line (1. 21) and the subsequent mention of only as far as Carhaix and then returns (244,11. 24-28).
the nineteen others (1. 22) suggest that the introductory statement
26Sommer's text has en si estraigne lieu (243, 1. 9): “in however
should be eliminated.
strange/foreign a place.”
The Story of Merlin 301

his leave of them and went back toward the castle of ‘Tor we have,” he said, “more men that he does, and
Charroie, and he took with him forty champions who had still he comes there; I mean to succeed in another way,
come with King Arthur into the land of Carmelide and unless he can stop me.”3
enough other knights to number five hundred, and they Thus King Amant spelled out his wishes, and he could
made their way until they came to the castle of Charroie, certainly allow himself to do that if he pleased, but some
and they had no hindrance whatsoever. And when those in were thinking to avenge and so to renew their shame.4 So
the stronghold saw them, they were very glad, because King the story falls silent right here about King Amant and King
Bors had not been there for a long time, and he stayed Bors of Gaunes, until another time when my matter brings
there a whole week.27 But with this the story falls silent me back to tell what happened to them; and it speaks about
about him for a while, and it goes back to talking about King Arthur and his companions, who were riding away
King Amant and King Galahad and how they fought. toward the city of Carhaix.
Here the story says that King Arthur and his
companions rode until they came to the wealthy city of

32. Bors Kills Amant; Gawain and his Carhaix, where they were welcomed very happily. There
they stayed for two full days, and on the third King
Brothers Knighted.1
Leodagan came to King Arthur and asked him to wed his
daughter Guenevere, but Merlin told him that first he
Now the story says that it was a great batde and the fighting
would have to accomplish a hard task: “But first he must go
was deadly where King Amant and King Galahad were
to the kingdom of Benoic.”
struggling against each other. For the giants were ten
And he told him the reason, but it was in secret
thousand strong, and there were many a good, bold knight
because he did not want it to be known to anyone who was
among them, and King Amant had many young knights2
to go there. And when King Leodagan had heard about the
who were very skilled at arms; and the battle lasted all day
task, he asked him to think about coming back as soon as
until the Saxons, of whom there were ten thousand, were
he could. Merlin said that it would do no good to ask, but
about to be routed, and would have been had it not been
that all should get themselves ready, “for in the morning
for an adventure that happened to them. For the retinue of
they will have to ride out.”
Zidras, which had fled King Arthur, happened upon them,
Then King Arthur asked him, “Sir, shall we not wait for
and they certainly needed them because they had been King Bors, who is in the castle of Charroie?”
dealt with so harshly that the ten thousand had been worn “You will wait for him,” answered Merlin, “at your
down to half. And King Amant had also lost half of the
castle of Bredigan.”
seven thousand he had brought with him; there the
And the king said, “As you wish.”
fighting was frightful and deadly, for King Amant's men They then made ready to go, got themselves dressed
were in great distress, but it was helpful to them that the and armed, and in the morning set out on the road. So
others were tired and worn out because they had not King Arthur left King Leodagan, and they kissed each other
stopped fighting the day before and had not slept all that at their leave-taking, and Guenevere entreated him to come
night, and they were all the more harried and all the less fit
back soon.
because of it. And yet they went on fighting on every side ‘Tor I will never rest,” she said, “or be happy until I see
until King Amant was utterly routed, and no more than
you again.”
three thousand of his men got away. There King Amant And he said that he would like to have come back
suffered a very great loss, and all those who remained alive already. With that, they parted, and King Arthur left with
were filled with great sorrow. They camped in a heath and King Ban, and Merlin rode before them and led them; and
were downcast, brooding about their kinsmen and friends the three of them led the companions of the Round Table
whom they saw lying slain on the open heath, and they and the twenty thousand men-at-arms the king had
mourned so much that they did not eat or sleep all night. engaged at Carmelide. And King Ban chose a messenger
The next morning, when it was light, they went looking and sent him to the castle of Charroie to his brother King
for the dead bodies and buried them, for the Saxons had Bors, and he bade him come to Bredigan, as they had
all left. Then the news came to King Amant that King Bors already set out, and there they would wait for him; and he
was in the casde of Charroie. When King Amant heard that, should come as soon as he could. And the messenger made
he asked [244] how many men-at-arms he might have with his way until he came to King Bors, and he told him what
him, and they said that he might have as many as five his brother had asked him to do. And when King Bors
hundred knights. Then he told his council that he would heard it, he took to the road toward Bredigan, and
not make a foray into the land because he had so few men Guinebal his brother went along with him, and they made
left, but he would keep an eye on him until he could meet
him in a place where he might easily fight him.
3Sommer’s text seems somewhat obscure: tout autremmt en
quideiou esploitier sen lui neremaint (244, 11. 5—6).
27Sommer’s text has only .viij. tous plains (243, 1. 18): “eight 4Sommer’s text has tels quide sa honte bien uengier qui lacroist
whole." (244, 1. 7): “He who believes he avenges well his shame increases
* Corresponds to Sommer, 243-256. it."The proverb is attested from the end of the thirteenth century
2Sommer’s text has bachelers (243, 1. 24); see above ch 31. n. (Morawski, no. 2351: ‘Teus cuide venchier sa honte qui la croist”).
23. It is found in Cotgrave (see Honte): ‘Tel cuide vanger sa honte qui
1’accroist”; the translation is Cotgrave’s.
302 The Story of Merlin

their way until they came to the Perilous Forest,5 which was most handsome. And the old knight said that he would put
afterwards called the Forest of No Return. And why it was so a chair there that would be all ready for the knight who was
named the story will spell out for you. faithful to Love to sit in. And King Bors told him that, as
The story says here that King Bors and Guinebal his this adventure had happened to him, he would set his
brother had gone into the forest, and they had no more golden crown out there, the one he had brought with him
than forty companions with them. As it happened, they from the castle of Charroie, for the knight to wear because
took a path to the right, and they rode at a fast gait [245] he deserved it so much. Then Guinebal and the maiden
until they had gone deep into the forest. Then they found a swore to each other their oaths, which they would keep
most wondrous adventure, for they found an open meadow willingly and faithfully for as long as they lived; and she
enclosed all about by a hedge, and within was the most pledged that, even if Guinebal died before she did, the
beautiful dancing by ladies, maidens, and knights they had dancing would not stop until the knight came who had
ever seen in their lives. To one side sat a child, and it was never forsworn Love. Then Guinebal cast his spells and
the fairest young lady there ever was, and to the other side a started the dance in the way you have heard, so that the
knight, who was at least fifty years old, was also seated in a dancers would not stop9 at any time until the one came
folding chair. who had never wronged Love, except to take their meals
When King Bors saw the lady who was so beautiful, he and go rest and sleep, and two of them would be dancing at
dismounted, as did Guinebal his brother and all the others all times.
who saw her. And when the lady saw them coming, she rose When the dance was started, the maiden told him that
to meet them, for she was noble, well-bred, and he should make another pastime that would go on forever
knowledgeable, and she took off her wimple, for she was and that everyone would talk about after his death. Then
fully aware that they had come to see her. And King Bors with his own hands Guinebal made a chessboard with two
greeted her, and she returned his greeting in a most courdy sets of men, the pawns [246] with the rest of the household,
way. They then sat down on the green grass and watched that were very beautiful: one was of gold and the other
the merry-making. And Guinebal looked at the lady, and he ivory, for he was very clever in the work he wished to
yielded his heart and feelings to her, so that she stole into undertake. When Guinebal had got the chessboard and
his heart and he could think of no one else but her. And chessmen ready, so that whoever wanted to play could use
then the young lady said that she would be very lucky if she them, he so worked his spells and his magic that if anyone10
could have such happiness all the days of her life. And sat down at the chessboard to play and moved a pawn or
Guinebal told her that she would indeed be so happy, if she bishop or knight or queen or rook or king, the chessboard
wished and if she did not find him wanting. And she would make a move against him. And no one would know
answered that she would never do that.6 how to play so well that the chessboard would not
“Now tell me,” she said, “how can I have such checkmate him in the comer, like it or not, nor would the
happiness?” chessboard ever lose a game until the best knight in the
“In truth,” he answered, “if you granted me your love world put it into checkmate; and he would have to be so
for all the days of your life, I would do everything, for your endowed with grace that he had never betrayed Love, and
sake, to keep the dances going, so that all men and women he would have to be the son of a king and queen. In the
who might come here and see the dancing would have to way you have heard Guinebal started the dance and set up
stay here. And this would go on until there came a knight the chessboard. Afterwards he made up other tricks and
who had never wronged Love in any way. Such a one is taught them to the lady, and later she worked them many
bound to be the best knight of his time. ” times after he had died. For he made the castle spin around
And she answered that she would never refuse him, but and the dances that Meralgis found afterward in the City
he should hold to what he had told her. Without a Name.
“Now tell me,” said Guinebal, “whether or not you have When Guinebal had accomplished all diese things,
ever had a lover.”7 King Bors took to the road. And King Amant found out
She said she had not. Never had such a good girl as she from a spy that King Bors had left the castle of Charroie
come out of any mother’s womb. “And yet,” she said, “I am and was heading toward Bredigan, where King Ardiur and
lady of a kingdom they call the Inhospitable Land King Ban were waiting for him. Then King Amant had his
Upheld.”8 men mount their horses—as many as the five hundred who
With that Guinebal told her that he was ready to fulfill were left from the fighting—and they rode until they came
his oath, and she gave herself wholly to him because he was to the Perilous Forest, to the way out on the road leading
from the castle of Charroie that King Bors would be taking;
5Sommer’s text adds entre lui (sf sa compaignie (244,1. 37): “he and they camped11 in tents and pavilions within the forest
[that is, King Bors?] along with his companions.”
6This passage translates a difficult idiom, repeated in °The verb is in the plural, with implicit reference to dancers
Sommer’s text: & sen lui ne remanoit. & ele dist que en lui ne (245,1. 38).
remandroit il ia (245, 11. 16-17); it recurs, translated somewhat
10In Sommer’s text the subject and verb here are in the
differently, in 244,1. 6 (above n. 3).
plural (246,1. 5), but the pronoun at the end of the independent
^The word in Sommer’s text is segnor (245, 1. 25) (“lord”), clause is in the singular (246,1. 7).
which would normally be taken to mean ‘husband”; however, the
"Sommer’s text has the singular se loga (246,1. 20).
context seems to call for a different kind of meaning.
8In Sommer’s text la terre estrange souslenue (245,1. 27).
The Story of Merlin 303

so that they would not be caught sight of12 before King be done on both sides, so let’s do something else. You are
Bors rode out and left the dance that his brother Guinebal here on behalf of King Arthur, whom you hold as your
had set up so that all the knights who came there afterwards overlord. Let us then fight in single combat, man to man,
should stay and dance until Lancelot of the Lake came and agree that, if you defeat me, the casde will be yours free
there, who undid it all, and he sent the chessboard that and clear and I will go off with you to Bredigan, where King
checkmated the players to Queen Guenevere, who was King Arthur is, and I will swear fealty to him for all my lands, I
Arthur’s wife. And because all the people who came there and all my barons. And if I should happen to defeat you,
stayed there to dance, the forest was named the Forest of you will give the casde back to me and then go away a free
No Return. And when King Bors had gone from there, he man, for I ask nothing else of you. And thus we can bring to
knew nothing about King Amant before he came upon the an end a thing that could be so hurtful.”
tents and pavilions and saw his men. “And if one of us dies,” asked King Bors, “what will
When King Bors beheld the pavilions, he sent to find happen then?”
out what men-at-arms they were, and they told him that it “If you kill me,” answered King Amant, “my men will
was King Amant, who had come there to spy on him. And go off with you and will swear fealty to King Arthur. And if
when King Bors heard that, he ordered his men to arm and you should happen to be killed, my casde will be left to me
he withdrew to a stream that ran through the forest. And it and your men will be free to go wherever they will, and if
was already pitch dark, and they kept their armor on all they wish to become my liegemen, I’ll willingly take them
night; [247] and as soon as they saw the first light of day, and with a glad heart.”
they got on their horses and rode against the others. When Then they swore to keep this pledge, and they made all
they had got close to them, King Bors sent word to King their men swear to hold to it without breaking their oath.
Amant to come speak with him, and he went. With that they went onto a most beautiful heath, for they
And as soon as they met, King Amant said to him, “Sir, already had their armor on.
it is true that you sent for me, and I have come here; and I And Ulfin and Bretel came straight to King Bors, along
tell you that you have done me a very great wrong with with the forty companions, and they said to him, “Sir, what
respect to a castle of mine that you have taken from me. are you trying to do? You want to go against that king man
This is why I would beseech you, on my pledge that I will be to man, but you will not fight him on our advice! Rather
your faithful friend, to give it back to me before anything let’s all of us fight, for they won’t hold out against us. Are
else is done.” you afraid that they cannot be put to rout because there are
“Sir,” said King Bors, “the castle you are asking me for, more of them than us? [248] Never think of us as knights if
it was not I who took from you, but the one from whom you we do not make all of them come begging you for mercy or
held it as a fief, that is, King Uther Pendragon, may God else are killed trying! We will not let you fight him man to
rest his soul, whose liegeman you were to have been, but man; we would be blamed for it by your brother and King
you were so full of pride that you never found it worthwhile Arthur.”
to serve him as you ought and you did not swear fealty to “Hold your tongues!” said King Bors. “Since he has
him. And so he took away from you that which made you asked15 me for single combat, I will not go back on my
his vassal, and when he took it away from you, he entrusted word to him, for I would be forever dishonored. Say no
it to me for safekeeping, because I had served him for a more about it, I beg you.”
long time. But I have something much better to offer you. And when they saw that he would have it no other way,
Come to Bredigan, where King Arthur is waiting for me, they let it go and spoke no more about it.
and swear fealty to him, as the barons will tell you you Meanwhile, Guinganbresil16 and his lord Brandalis17
ought, and I will give the casde back to you free and clear.” came to King Amant and said to him, “Sir, what do you
“You will give me the castle in any case,”13 said King mean to do? A man as clever as you are ought not
Amant. undertake combat and risk death out of greed for land or
“Not at all, sir,” answered King Bors, “for I owe you money.”
nothing;14 but become King Arthur’s liegeman, and I will “May God never help me,” answered King Amant, “if I
give back to you the castle I have in my charge.” ever leave here before it is all mine or I have lost it all!”
“I’ll do nothing of the sort,” said King Amant, “for I’ll “Now I’ll tell you what to do,” said Guiromelant. “You
never be his vassal as long as I live.” will pit the two best men from over there against two from
“Since you will not take my advice,” answered King this side, and you will not fight; we will be better assured of
Bors, “I will hold my tongue, and you’ll never hear me say you and our lands, for we have no doubts that they will be
any more about it.” defeated.”
“Sir,” said King Amant, ‘You have brought but a few “No one will fight but him and me,” said King Amant,
men with you, and I have brought few of my own. If we “for that is what we have sworn to each other.”
fought a batde against each other, great harm would surely
15Sommer’s text has ati (?) (248,1. 4), with the variant from
12Sommer’s text has the singular quit ne fust aperceus (246, 1. the Harley manuscript provided in a footnote: requis (248, n. 1):

21). “requested.”

13Sommer’s text has Nen feres vous autre cose (247, 11. 16—17): 16Here guigaubresil (248, 1. 8), but later the more familiar
“You will do nothing else about it." ginganbresil (e.g., 249,1.35).

14Sommer’s text has de vous ne tiengie riens (247,11. 17-18): ‘1 17Here braudalis (248,1. 9), but later brandelis (249,1. 35).
hold nothing from you/I have no feudal obligation to you.”
304 The Story of Merlin

“You can then be sure,” said Guiromelant, “that if King Bors19 thrust his shield out, but the blow landed so
harm befalls you—God keep you from it!—we will not hard that it split his shield down to the boss. And King Bors
swear fealty to King Arthur nor will any other man here paid him back with a blow that split his shield into two
with us who is a landholder!” halves and brought his helmet down to his shoulders, so
When King Bors heard the arguing, he called Girflet that he could not see; and when he felt that he had been
and Guiret of Lambale over and said to them, “Go to King blinded, he jumped back, cut the straps off of his helmet,
Amant and tell him for me not to have any dispute or and threw it away; then he covered himself with his shield,
quarrel with any of his men over the fealty he has pledged for he was very much afraid for his head, where he had only
to me he would swear, for if I should happen to win, his his iron coif left to wear.
men will be free to leave and go wherever they will.” When King Bors saw that King Amant had lost his
And they went and told him this. And when King helmet, he called over to him and said, “King Amant, now
Amant heard it, he found it most praiseworthy. He then make peace with me, for you see plainly how it is with you. I
rode to the middle of the heath, where King Bors was beg you to come with me and swear fealty to King Arthur. It
already ready and waiting. And as soon as King Amant got would be a great shame if you died here, for you still have a
there, they withdrew each to his side and then rode against long life to live,20 and I would be very sorry to kill you.”
each other, holding their lances to their chests, and struck “No,” answered King Amant, “you surrender and put
each other so hard that their lances drove through their yourself at my mercy! Do you truly think that you have
shields and against their hauberks. Their double-mailed beaten me just because I have taken my helmet off? You
hauberks were strong and sturdy, and their lances flew into should know that I took it off only because it bothered me!
pieces with the shock of the blows each one dealt the other, Take heed of me, for I defy you!”
for both worthy kings18 were strong and bold. And they With that King Amant, full of wrath, ran upon him,
crashed together with their shields and bodies so hard that and he meant to strike him on the head. King Bors, who
they were stunned, and each one thought that his eyes had was very skilled at swordsmanship, took the blow on his
spurted from his head. As it happened, King Amant fell shield, but it hit so hard that it sent a big piece of it flying
from his horse so bewildered that he did not know whether into the field. Then King Bors got ready to strike a blow,
it was day or night, and he lay on the ground for a long and he made it seem that he meant to hit him from below;
time in a daze from the hard jolt. But King Bors held King Amant thrust his shield down, but King Bors struck
himself on his horse and did not fall, for he was a very down from above and hit him squarely21 on the head,
strong man, but he was still very dizzy. And when he had splitting it through down to his shoulders, and he went
recovered from his dizziness, he drew his sword out of its sprawling dead to the ground.
scabbard—his was a sword of great merit, and afterwards When King Bors saw King Amant dead, he was filled
Lionel his son struck many a fair blow with it, and he was with sorrow, and he said that he would rather have taken
most worthy and a good knight later on, just as the story him alive to make peace between him and King Arthur.
will spell it out to you later. And when Guinganbresil, Brandalis, and Guiromelant saw
As soon as King Bors had drawn his sword, he looked that King Amant had been killed, they left with three
about him and saw King Amant, who was still lying on the hundred knights and said that they would never love King
ground in a daze. He drew up to him, got down from his Arthur or anyone who was his liegeman. But two hundred
horse, and gave it to a young squire to watch over—he was knights stayed behind and said that they would go with
very [249] worthy and bold, and his name was Galesconde. King Bors to King Arthur and swear fealty to him, for they
And when he had dismounted, he went to the spot where could not have a better overlord than he.
King Amant still lay in a daze, and he brought the tip of his After King Amant had been killed, King Bors called his
sword to rest on King Amant’s chest and began to nudge companions together and said that he would very gladly
him. build a hospice there, where they would serve Our Lord
And he said to him, “King Amant, get up, for you have thenceforth until the end of the world for the sake of King
been asleep for a long time. The day is going by, and I have Amant’s soul, [250] and where the Body of Jesus Christ
far to ride. It is not courdy of you to keep me waiting here.” would be consecrated and served for the victory that Our
After a while King Amant came out of his faint. He had Lord had given him. There was a clerk who had served King
heard King Bors call him, and he had understood what he Bors many a day; he came to King Bors and asked him a
said to him, and in his heart he held him in high esteem favor, and he said that he would very gladly dwell there if it
and blessed him for waidng so long widiout hitting him, for pleased him. And King Bors very willingly granted him this,
Bors was behaving toward him with greater courdiness and and he bestowed on him income fees and left behind a
nobility than he would have shown Bors if he had had the great deal of his own money to build the hospice. And the
opportunity. And he quickly leapt up and drew his sword, clerk thus lived there as long as it pleased and suited him,
which was of great merit, out of its scabbard. He was deeply and he was afterwards a very worthy man who led a very
ashamed to have found himself lying on the ground, so he holy life.
thrust his shield over his head, ran straight for King Bors,
and dealt as heavy a blow as he could strike with his arm;
19Sommer’s text has only the personal pronoun 11 (249,1. 16).
20The text reads encore estes vous de bel eage (249, 1. 22): “you
1&The expression here is li baron (248, 1. 30): “barons” or are still at a fair age.”
“worthy men.”
21The text reads a descouert (249,1. 31): “openly.”
The Story of Merlin 305

And after King Bors had had King Amant buried and And beneath an oak tree Merlin had the earth dug out
had entrusted the cierk with the revenues, he left and made deep down until they found in a leather holder25 twelve
his way until he came to Bredigan, where he found King swords, the most beautiful and the best that could be found
Arthur, King Ban his brother, and Merlin, who were very in any ground. King Arthur brought this treasure back to
happy to see him. Logres, and he kept them in his treasure-house until those
And King Bors said to King Arthur, “Sir, here are part came to court who might own them, and then they were
of King Amant’s knights, who have come to you under my put to good use.
charge, and they say that they will swear fealty to you and As soon as Gawainet, his brothers, and the other
hold their lands from you; and they are worthy and wealthy companions heard it said that King Arthur was coming,
gendemen, just as I have always been given to understand. they got on horseback and rode out to meet him all
Take their oaths and welcome them, as you ought.” together, and not one of them was left there who did not
And King Arthur told them that they were most go out happy and joyful, for never will anyone make such a
welcome and asked them to believe that he would do only show of gladness. And as they drew nearer, Merlin took
what was good for them, provided that they willingly King Arthur aside, along with the two brother kings, and he
acknowledge him as their overlord;22 and they stepped had them dismount in a quite beautiful bower to wait for
forward and swore fealty to him. the youths who were coming, and they commanded the
And after they had sworn their fealty, he asked them army to keep to the road until they came to Logres and to
what kind of man King Amant had been in his country. take lodging and to spend their time resting. And when
They began to weep with great feeling and said that he was they heard the king’s orders, they left straightway and rode
dead, and they told him the whole adventure: how he had until they met the young men, who were coming at a
left his lands to go to the castle of Charroie, how they rode gallop. When the young men26 met them they asked where
ahead on the road King Bors would take in order to do the king was, and they showed them the bower where he
battle with him, how King Bors and King Amant23 fought had dismounted, and the youths headed straight for it
man to man in single combat, and how King Amant24 had because they were in a great hurry. And Gawainet rode out
been killed. When King Arthur and King Ban heard about before them, for they took him for their lord and master,
King Bors’s deeds at arms, they were wondrously and they were right, for he was the most knowledgeable
gladdened. man there ever was, the most courtly27 and the most clever.
Then Merlin came to King Bors and said to him, “Sir, The story says that the young men rode until they came
you have not told us about betrothing your brother to the bower where the three kings and the companions of
Guinebal.” the Round Table had dismounted. And as soon as the
And King Arthur asked Merlin to tell how the young men saw them, they got down from their horses and
betrodial was carried out. And Merlin told him about the ran to where the knights were seated on the green grass in
tricks and spells that Guinebal had worked for the sake of the forest shade; they were taking the fresh air and cooling
his lady friend. Then King Ban asked Merlin if he knew off, for it had been very hot all day and they had ridden
who the knight was who would put an end to the dancing. with all their armor on, for they did not dare take it off
And Merlin told him that he had not yet been because of the Saxons who had run into the land. And it
fathered. “And don’t bother to ask any more, because we was as warm as it should be at the end of May. The
don’t have the time right now.” companions of the Round Table saw the young men
And when everyone knew that King Bors had slain coming closer—they had taken one another by the hand,
King Amant, they held him in high esteem and praised him and they were so delightfully dressed and adorned, and
for it, and they said outright that never had there been such they were so handsome, that it seemed clear to those
worthy men as the two brothers were, and if it had not been watching them that they had come from good stock,28 and
for them, King Arthur would have lost everything. it was most fitting that they were holding one another by
And so they stayed there two full days. And King the hand, and they took it as a mark of their high birth that
Arthur sent out for workers with picks and hoes, and there they got along together so flawlessly.
were a good five hundred of them. Then they went after And when the knights saw them coming, they got up to
the treasure in the forest that Merlin had told them about, meet them, and as they drew closer Gawainet spoke and
and they dug and burrowed in the ground and found the greeted them, and asked them which one was King Arthur:
greatest hoard that had ever been seen. They took it out of “Please show him to us, if you would be so kind."29
the ground and loaded it into wagons and carts in great
numbers of [251] barrels, and when they had loaded it they 25The word is vaissel (251,1. 3): ‘Vessel.”
sent it to Logres, King Arthur’s chief city, where his
26Sommer’s text has the plural personal pronoun il (251, 1.
nephews were waiting for it. 16).
27Sommer’s text expresses this negatively as qui mains auoit
22The expression is por tant quil le voelent amer (250, 1. 16): “as uilounie (251,1. 20): “who had the least villainy/lowbom behavior.”
long as they are willing to love him.” 28The expression in Sommer’s text is de boine lieu (251,1. 32):
23Sommer’s text has the plural personal pronoun il (250, 1. “from a good place.”
21). 29The expression in Sommer’s text is par uostre merci (251, 1.
24Sommer’s text has the singular personal pronoun il (250,1. 37): “by your mercy. ”
22).
306 The Story of Merlin

Nascien, whose behavior was that of a highborn man, by the hand are my brothers. The eldest after me is named
answered him: “My boy, there he is over there with those Agravain, and the second is Guerrehet and the third
worthy gendemen, and he is the youngest of them all.” Gaheriet. And our mother has led us to understand that
And he pointed Arthur out to him. she is sister to King Arthur on his mother’s side. And those
When Gawainet heard that, he moved by him and young lords over here are our first cousins, for they are our
answered, “Sir, many thanks! ” aunts’ sons. This stout young man is named Galescalain,31
And he went straight to where King Arthur and his and he is the son of King Neutres of Garlot. And this other
companions were, and they stood up as soon as they saw young squire is the son of King Urien, and his name is
him coming. When Gawainet saw his uncle and his Wonet, and the other young lord whom Wonet32 is holding
companions, [252] all the youths fell to their knees and by the hand is his brother by his father, and his name is
greeted the king and his companions. Wonet too. The other young lords you see there standing
“Sir,” said Gawainet, “I have come to you with my with us33 are very highborn men. This tall, brawny one is
brothers and our cousins and kinsmen because you are our the son of King Belinant of North Wales, and he is
earthly liege lord, and these others have come as well, in Galescalain’s cousin. Those other two have come from the
part for the good they have heard about you and also king of Estrangort; one is named Kay of Estral and the
because they wish to have from you the order of other Kehedin the Small. And those other two young lords
knighthood; and they will serve you most willingly and with standing together are first cousins, and they belong to King
a glad heart, just as we must serve you if our service pleases Lot, my father, and they are sons of earls; one is named
you. That is not to say that they have not already served you Wonet of the White Hands and the other is Wonet the
as though they were yours while you were away from this Buck.34 And this other one is Wain of [253] Rivel, and this
country, for they helped safeguard your lands against your one is Yvain of Lionel. And this other young lord, so brawny
enemies just as if it had been their own, and they have with the smiling face, whose limbs and body are so well
come to the aid of those who have kept your lands for you. built, is the grandson of the emperor of Constantinople,
And since they have come here, they have undergone great and his name is Sagremor of Constantinople, and he has
hardship, and I would like you to know it, for we should come with us in a spirit of the highest nobility35 to take his
bring before30 the worthy gentleman the good things we arms from you as you make him a knight, and he will serve
have done for him, but hide them from the evil man you gladly; and I would wish that he and I were companions
because he will not be troubled to reward them, and his in arms as long as it pleases him to stay in this country. And
eyes do not have the strength to behold a worthy man.” these other young lords whom you see all about us, of
When King Arthur heard the young man speaking with whom there are a great number, are all men of high birth,
such wisdom, he took him by the hand, and he ordered and they are our friends and kinsmen; they have left
everyone to stand up, and they did. And King Arthur began behind their honors and their lands to come serve you,
speaking to them, and he asked Gawainet who they were. because of their love for you.”
“Sir,” said Gawainet, “before you learn that from us, we When King Arthur heard the youth speak of these
wish to know what you want to do, whether you mean to things, he threw his arms around his neck and told him
retain us, so tell us what you want and then, after that, ask that he was indeed welcome, and he kissed him and
us what you will and we’ll tell you very gladly whatever we embraced him and showed him how glad he was to see him.
know.” And after they had made merry for a long while, he
When the three kings heard the young man’s speech, said to Gawainet, “Dear nephew, here! I bestow upon you
they held him to be very clever, and King Ban told King the post of high constable of my household and, after me,
Arthur that he was right. lordship over all my lands. Henceforth you will be
Then King Arthur said to him, “Dear, fair friend, I’ll commander over all who live in my lands, and this is my
very gladly retain you, and with my own hand I will make will.”
you and your companions knights, and you will all be Gawainet fell to his knees and said, “Sir, I thank you!”
welcome. And I want you all to be my friends and And the king bestowed this office with his right glove,
companions of my own household.” and then he made him stand up. Afterwards they went to
And when the brothers heard what the king had to tell their horses and mounted, and they rode until they came to
them, they all thanked him and fell to their knees, but the Logres.
king bade them stand up, and he took Gawainet by the When King Arthur went into the city, his sister, mother
hand and said to him, “Dear friend, now tell me who you of Gawainet, came to meet him, and with her came
and your companions are, for I am very eager to know.”
“Sir,” said the youth, “by my right name they call me
31Sommer’s text has galescins (252,1. 33).
Gawainet, and I am the son of King Lot of Loonois and of on

■‘The name here in Sommer’s text contains another

Orkney, and over here these three young lords I’m holding
dimunitive ending: yuoniaus (252, 1. 35), rather than the expected
yuones (cf. 1. 35).
30The word is reprocier (252,1. 11): “to bring out, bring to the 33The verb entretenir (252, 1. 37) suggests standing together in
attention of,” specifically in order to cast blame, “to reproach.” a group.
Gawain definitely means to suggest revealing good things to the
34Here Sommer’s text has claim (?) (252,1. 42) for the usual
noble man as opposed to hiding them from the unworthy man;
daim (“buck”); in the same vicinity is found lesclaim (254,1. 2).
perhaps he also intends an elegant play on “approach”/ (It

“reproach. ” Sommer’s text reads par sa deboinarete & par sa francise (253,
1.4). ’
The Story of Merlin 307
Morgan, who was his other sister, and she was endowed and after Mass had been sung, they went up to the great
with great learning.36 And when the king recognized them, hall and sat down to eat. King Arthur held court most
he was very glad to see them, and they rejoiced with great grandly and gave quite a great feast; it is not fitting to speak
gladness, because they had not been together for some of the foods they were served that day, for it would be
time. And they kissed one another like brothers and sisters, tiresome to put it all down, and it would be a waste of
and then they went up to the high hall which was hung all words.
over with silk cloth, with fresh and tender, sweet-smelling After the meal, when the tablecloths had been taken
green grass strewn all about, and everyone through the away, the young men wanted the target dummy to be set up
whole city made merry with such great rejoicing all day long out in the meadows, but the king forbade them to do so, on
that it cannot be told. That same day the king ordered the Merlin’s advice, for the country was too upset and full of
young men to go to the main church to keep watch until too much warfare, and Christendom was being harrowed by
morning, and the story says that it was the second Sunday the Saxons who had forayed into the countryside. Thus they
after Whitsunday,37 and King Ban, King Bors, and the left aside the games and merrymaking of the young lords
companions of the Round Table were there, and they kept who were new knights, and they stayed inside the city for
watch with the brothers, for they did not want to leave them three full days.
for any reason since they had got to know them. And King Arthur gave out great shares of goods to the
Next morning after Mass, King Arthur took his good young men he had engaged, and they came there from
sword, the one he pulled from the stone on Merlin’s advice, everywhere in huge numbers, from here and from there,
and he girded it on his nephew Gawainet’s side, and then until there were at least sixty thousand, some on foot,
he put his right spur on him and King Ban the left, then others on horseback, not counting those he had brought
King Arthur embraced him38 and besought God to make with him from the kingdom of Logres and from Carmelide.
him a worthy man. He then dubbed39 the three brothers And while they were staying in the city, Morgan and Merlin
and gave each one a sword from among those found in the became friends; she was endowed with great learning,41
hoard that Merlin had shown him. Then he dubbed the two and she grew so close to him and came around him so
sons of King Urien and Galescalain, Dodinel, Kay of Estral, much that she found out who he was. He taught her many
and Kehedin, and he gave each one a sword from the wonders in astrology and necromancy, and she kept them
hoard. And after them he bestowed on Sagremor arms such all in her mind. And when the third day came, Merlin
as those he had brought with him from Constantinople, for spoke to the king and told him that they should get ready,
he had been outfitted very well with everything a new for they had to leave and could not stay, for Pontius
knight needs, and the king girded him with a very good Anthony and Frollo, with the men of the king of Gaul and
sword he had brought from Constantinople, where his Claudas of the Land Laid Waste, had already come into the
forebear King Hadrian had given it to him, and he then put land and the kingdom of Benoic. And the king answered
on his right spur and King Bors the left, and then King that he would leave whenever it pleased Merlin,42 and that
Arthur hugged him [254] about the neck. Then King he awaited only his orders.
Arthur dubbed the four cousins Yvonet of the White Hands, “Go,” said Merlin, “and order all your men to keep
Wonet the Buck,40 YVonet of Lionel, and Yvonet of Rivel, their armor on tonight and to mount their horses in the
and Alles and Aces, who were their kinsmen, and he gave early hours. But you will lead only twenty thousand men out
each one a sword from the hoard. But the story says that of this land along with the twenty thousand you brought
Dodinel never had one of those, but he got the sword that out of Carmelide who belong to King Leodagan’s kingdom.
had belonged to King Amant, and King Bors gave it to him And you will leave twenty thousand behind in this city, for
because his kinsmen were from far away. this city must not be bereft of men-at-arms, so you will leave
After the brothers had been dubbed, each one of them Doon of Carduel here to safeguard the city. With that their
dubbed those they had brought with them as companions. counsel ended, and the king ordered Gawainet to do what
And when they had all been dubbed, they went to the Merlin had entrusted to him, and he got their baggage
church to hear Mass, which the archbishop of Brice sang; together, divided everyone up, and had all the ones they
were to take with them ride out of Logres. And when he
had done this, he went straight to the king and Merlin, and
36Sommer’s text reads qui moult estoit boine clergesse (253, 11.
19-20): “who was a very good woman clerk.” he found them taking counsel together and told them that

37The text reads la quinzaine apres la pentecouste (253, 11. 26- he had got everything ready.

27). When Merlin saw him coming, he told the king to ask
him who the knight was who brought him to rescue his
38That is, gave him the ceremonial collee (253, 1. 33) which
may also have involved a tap on the neck with a sword, similar to mother. And the king called him over and said to him,
the modem notion of dubbing. “Gawainet, dear nephew, who was the knight who took you

39Here adouba (253, 1. 34), meaning literally that he to rescue your mother in the meadowlands of Glocedon?”
conferred arms on them; confused in English with to dub (“to hit,
tap”) with respect to la colee, also part of the investiture ceremony 41The expression is boine clergesse (254, 1. 22); cf. 253, 1. 20,
(see preceding note). Henceforth, adouba is translated “dubbed” in and above, n. 36.
this passage, except in the case of Sagremor, where the context
42The text reads il li plairoit (254, 1. 28): “when it pleased
requires the primary meaning (253,11. 37-40).
him.” As the context indicates, Arthur refers not to his own, but to
40Here Sommer’s text has lesclains (?) for the more usual Merlin’s pleasure.
dains, see above, n. 34.
308 The Story of Merlin

And Gawainet asked him what he knew about it and Arthur’s men, and they come from the noblest stock there
who told him about it. is. Be careful not to let anyone know where you are going.”
“You may know for a fact,” said the king, “that the one And he said that everything would be done as he had
who told me about it knows the truth.” ordered.
“God help me,” said Sir Gawainet, “I never [255] saw With that Sir Gawainet left, and he took leave of his
him well enough to know him again.” mother, who was a very well-bred lady, and she loved him a
“Now ask him,” said Merlin, "whether he knows the great deal with a great love, and she commended him to
one who brought him the letter from his cousin Wonet, son God and besought Him to keep him from harm. And he
of King Urien.” left and went straight to the army, he and his brothers, Sir
And Sir Gawainet looked and saw the one who was Wain whom he greatly loved, Galescalain, Dodinel,
sitting beside the king, and he wondered why he was having Sagremor, Wain the Bastard and his four cousins who were
him ask him those things. He then began thinking, for he all named Wain, Kay of Estral, and Kehedin his nephew.
was quite clever and sharp-witted, and he recalled the words These men were never foot soldiers, but the army [256] was
Doon of Carduel had spoken to him. under their leadership,43 just as Gawainet had taught them,
And the king asked him if he knew the man with him, and they were all ready to go. When early night came, Sir
and he told him that he did not; “however, I have been led Gawainet had all their equipment bound up, put into
to believe that it was Merlin, but in truth I don’t know him, trunks, and loaded onto pack horses, and he set up a watch
and I’m sorry for that, for he has done me many other all around the army so that no spy could get in, and the
kindnesses and services. He had Sagremor, the grandson of ones the story has named for you were in the watch. Then
the emperor of Constantinople, brought back to me from they set out on the road at a slow gait, and they made their
the danger of death he was in, as well as Wain my cousin, way until they came to the port of Dover. But King Arthur
and me he saved beneath the castle of Arundel. He is the stayed behind in Logres with Merlin, the two brother kings,
one man in the world I would like best to know right now.” and the forty knights from the kingdom of Carmelide who
“You will know him very soon,” said Merlin. were the companions of the Round Table.
Then the king began to laugh out loud, and he said to And when Sir Gawainet had come to the port of Dover,
him, “Gawainet, dear nephew, sit down beside me now and he sent messengers throughout all the harbors and landing
I will tell you what I know about it.” places to look for boats, and he had them taken and
And he sat down on the bed, and there were three of brought together until he had gathered a very great fleet.
them, no more. Then he said to him “Dear nephew, look, When Merlin found out that everything was ready, he had
here is the gentleman because of whom you went to the three kings mount their horses at night, and he
Arundel when you fought against the Saxons, the day commended them to God and told them to have
Dodinel the Wildman and Kay of Estral came from their themselves taken straight to La Rochelle, “and when you go
countries. Now thank him for the services he has done for ashore there,” he said, "you will not set out until you see
n
you, for you should thank him, love him, and serve him if me.
need be, because he has served you very well. “What?” said King Ardiur. “Won’t you come with us?”
“Sir,” said Gawainet, “I don’t know what to offer him or “No indeed," said Merlin, “but you will have been there
give him, but I say this much nevertheless, that I am his only one evening before I come.”
man and will do what he orders. He is so wise, I am sure of With that, they went their own ways and commended
this, that he already knows the feelings I have for him in my one another to God. Merlin went to Blaise, his teacher in
heart.” Northumberland, who was very glad when he saw him,
And he answered that he was his friend and that he did because he loved him with a great love. And Blaise
know very well what was in his heart, and he wished him to besought him to tell him what he had done since the last
be his friend, his intimate friend. But he asked him not to time he had been there, and he told him everything just as
tell anyone else what he had told him, however close a you have heard it in the story after he left him, and Blaise
friend that might be. “And you will see me in so many put it all down in writing, and this is how we still know it.
shapes,” he said, “that you will be astonished. I do not wish And when Merlin came to the part about the young lady
to be recognized by anyone, for envy and jealousy are whom he loved with his whole heart,44 Blaise was deeply
strong in this world.” sorry, for he feared that she might betray him and that he
And he told him that he would not speak to anyone might lose his great knowledge, so he began to give him
about that. warnings.45 He told him about the prophecies that had
That is how Gawainet came to know Merlin in the
presence of his uncle King Arthur. And after they had
43The sentence (255,1. 43-266, 1. 1) is constructed on a pun:
spoken together for a while, Merlin said to him, “Dear
oste (“tenant,” a freeman of higher status than a serf, but who does
friend, go take leave of your mother, then get to the army not own his farm)/<M< (“army”). Sommer’s text reads: icil nefurent
and have your men mount in the early night hours. Take to onques oste cil orent lost en lor baillie.
the road and head straight for the port of Dover. Get boats 44Sommer’s text has quit ama par amor (256, 1. 21), which
and bring them together on the shore, so that your uncle implies that he is in love with her, by contrast with the deep
will have only to go aboard when he gets there, as well as affection Blaise feels for Merlin: moult lama de grant amor (256, 1.
the two kings who are very worthy gentlemen, and for 18).
God’s sake, do them their due honor: they are King 45Sommer’s text has castoier (256, 1. 23), which suggests
forewarning by means of moral lessons.
The Story of Merlin 309

already been fulfilled and others that came about in the little to take in the countryside or anywhere else in the
land afterwards, just as the story will recount for you later. land, because it had all been stored away, and Claudas of
And Blaise put it all down in writing just as Merlin told it to the Land Laid Waste was upset and angry because of that,
him. But with that the story falls silent right here about him and he was right to think that the enemy had been warned
and goes back to speaking about King Arthur and his by someone of their coming. That is why the foragers did
companions. not stop running throughout the land, but they found litde
to take.
After they had run up and down, they went back into

33. Arthur’s Forces Battle Claudas’s at the great army and talked about what they could do. Then
they agreed that they would lay siege to the casde of Trebe,
Trebes.1
so they rode there and encamped in the meadowlands
beneath, but it was far away, for the casde was built very
In this part the story says that on the very first day of June
high up, and at the bottom was a deep marsh all around;
King Arthur left Logres, his chief city. Mild weather had
there was but one way in, across a long, narrow causeway
come back with the pleasant season when the orchards and
that went on for nearly half a league. In those
woodlands are in leaf, when the birds sing sweedy and sofdy
meadowlands, Pontius Anthony was camped on one side,
and the blossoming, leafy forests ring with their singing,
Frollo of Germany on another, and Claudas of the Land
when the meadows are thick with grass and the gentle
Laid Waste on another, while on yet another were the king
waters go back into their beds—and when it is better to
of Gaul’s men, who were led by Randol2 the Saxon, his
make war than any other time of the year. In this season
seneschal, who was very bold and skilled at fighting; and
King Arthur rode out with King Ban, King Bors, and their
each one had twenty thousand under his banner. Thus the
companions, and they did not stop until they came to the
castle of Trebe was besieged on four sides, and the
sea at the port of Dover. And when they got there, they
besiegers were so thick diat no one could go in or out
boarded the boats without tarrying. They had a good, soft
without being taken and held prisoner, for they thought
wind and sailors who steered them so well that they lost
that they could take the castle by force. But no assault
nothing, and at last they came to La Rochelle. Then they
would work,3 for no one could get to the casde because of
got off the boats and camped in tents and pavilions outside
the marsh that went all the way around, so they were at
the city, and there they awaited Merlin. He came the next
siege there for a very long time.
day at the noon hour, just as he had told King Arthur. And
And Queen Elaine, who was within, and her sister were
they were very glad to see him—the three kings and Sir
most distressed, and they were afraid they might be taken
[257] Gawainet, who loved Merlin with a very great love, as
prisoner by force or through a betrayal, so they wept long
Merlin loved him because of the great faidifulness he found
and hard for their husbands, who had been away for so
in him. And they stayed there and rested, and they put
long, and from whom they had had [258] no news. And
watchmen along all the roads and byways so that no one
Gratian comforted them and told them not to be
might come and go who could take news to their enemies.
frightened of anything, for it would not be very long before
But now the story falls silent for a while about them, and
they would be helped in a grand way, and they were sure to
speaks no more of them right here, but it goes back to
see their husbands very soon.
Leonce, the lord of Payerne, and Pharian of Trebe, who
Thus did Gratian comfort the two ladies who were
were most faithful and worthy toward their liege lord.
sisters. And he had a son whose name was Banin of Trebe;
Here the story says that when Merlin left Leonce, lord he was King Ban’s godson. This Banin was a young lord, a
of Payerne, after he had told him about Pontius Anthony worthy lad, and he was a kinsman of Leonce of Payerne,
and Frollo of Germany, who were coming with forty who was a kinsman of the brother kings. When he saw that
thousand well-equipped men, and about Claudas of the the castle was under siege, he sent word to Anselm the
Land Laid Waste, who had twenty thousand men from the Seneschal to come speak to him, and he came straightway.
kingdom of the Land Laid Waste, Leonce sent out and And when he had come, he told him to get his gear
called his men together from near and far, his kinsmen, together, “for tonight you must ride out. And be careful to
men-at-arms for hire, and his friends, until he had a good move so stealthily that no one will know where you are
ten thousand from the kingdom of Benoic, all with good going, and wait for our men in die forest of Briosque at the
horses and well armed, not reckoning die foot soldiers he spring in the middle of the clearing. And make sure that
garrisoned in the strongholds. Meanwhile, for his part, the army is so well guarded that no one can get away who
Pharian sent word throughout the kingdom of Gaunes and
might give news to our enemies.”
called together a good ten thousand men on horseback as And he said that he would do that so well that there
well as foot soldiers he garrisoned in the castles and would be nothing to set right.
strongholds, where they brought in food from everywhere With that Anselm the Seneschal left, and he did
to store it for safekeeping. And when they had done these everything as Leonce ordered him to. And Leonce took
things, Pharian went to Benoic with his army, as did
Leonce, and they waited until news came to diem diat dieir
2Here raudoul (257, 1. 33), but elsewhere randol (261, 1. 16
enemy was overrunning their land and setting fire wherever
and n. 1).
they thought they could do the most harm. But they found
3Sommer notes that the Harley manuscript contains a phrase
apparently omitted in his base text: ny avoit mestier (257, n. 3): “was
* Corresponds to Sommer, 256-268. of any use to them.”
310 The Story of Merlin

one of his nephews and sent him to Gaunes to Pharian, and Afterwards Merlin spoke to King Arthur: “Sir,” he said,
he asked Pharian to come to the forest, to the place he had “you will lead the fourth echelon, and the companions of
spelled out, and to be outfitted as he knew he should be. the Round Table will be with you; they will not let you down
And his nephew made his way as he had been asked and even if it means their death."
gave his message just as he was ordered to do. And when Then the king ordered Nascien, Adragain, and Hervi
Pharian heard that Leonce had set out and was already on to get them armed and ready, and they did so well that
the road, he got himself ready quickly and gathered around nothing was left to do but mount their horses. Then Merlin
him as many men as he knew would be needed, and he took the dragon and called Kay the Seneschal: “Sir, come
took to the road through the narrowest places he knew of, forward. Carry King Arthur’s ensign, for that is your right.
and they were a good ten thousand strong by count. And And take care that knighthood is not brought low by you.
Leonce was on the road with Anselm, and they rode until You know what you will do when you come upon your
they came to a great valley, enclosed all about by a thick enemies: you will keep riding and holding the banner up!”
growth of trees, in the forest of Briosque, just as Merlin had And Kay said that he would do so.
told him. And the army was so well guarded that no one got By the time the echelons had thus been made up, it
out, and they stayed until Pharian came there with his men; was the noon hour; they prepared to eat, and they sat
and they were all there until the Monday before St. John’s down. And after they had eaten, the barons gathered
Day, which was to fall on the next Sunday. together to ask what they would do.
And when Merlin found out that they were all ready “I will tell you what to do,” said Merlin. ‘Tonight, in
and waiting only for the help he had promised them, he the early hours, you will set out, so that tomorrow evening
said to Sir Gawainet, “Sir, take ten thousand of your men, you will be at Trebe, for your enemies have besieged it on
and no more, and put yourself on one side of the field. Be all four sides, and each of the princes has laid siege to one
sure that Ulfin bears your standard, for he is worthy and side, and each one has twenty thousand men with him. And
faithful. Now do all this right away.” each of our echelons will go fall on one of the armies, so
When Sir Gawainet4 heard Merlin’s order, he left with that there will be onslaughts on all four sides. Now, they
Ulfin and his men, and they put themselves on one side of have set up very good watches, and we’ll have to move very
the field with ten thousand men. Afterwards Merlin called craftily.”
King Ban over and said to him, “Come forward, noble “What?” asked King Arthur. “Do they then have more
knight. You will lead the second echelon, and there will be men than we do?”
ten thousand men with you, and we will see how you defend “Yes,” said Merlin, “we have half as many. But help will
your lands and how you take revenge5 against King Claudas come to us in a grand way, for twenty thousand more men
for the harm he has done you, and he still beleaguers you will come there on time, and they have camped in the
every day as much as he can.” forest of Briosque.”
“Sir,” said King [259] Ban, “it will be as it pleases God, “How will they know that we have got there?”
and if I ever have happiness, it will be from God and from “Sir,” he said, “I’ll go and fetch them. Blioberis will
you and King Arthur.” lead the army, and he will ride out ahead, for he knows the
“Go," said Merlin, “and take your men over to one side, ways and byways I’ll show him. And when you see that day
and have them put their armor on forthwith to ride against has broken, spur your horses all together and ride very fast
your enemies.” to where you’ll hear a horn blowing. There you will see a
With that, King Ban left and took ten thousand knights great fire burning high up in the air: you will look over that
from the army and led them to one side; they were young, way, for there the help I’ll bring you will be made ready.”
untried knights,6 but they were most worthy and very skilled “Sir,” said King Arthur, “when will you take to the
at arms, and he had them get ready. v road?”
Afterwards Merlin called King Bors of Gaunes over and “Right away,” answered Merlin, “for we mustn’t tarry. I
said to him, “My lord king, come forward. You will lead the commend you to God.” [260]
third echelon, and you will have in your company the three Then Merlin left the king, and when he was away from
hundred knights from King Amant’s land, and you will take the army he disappeared so thoroughly that no one knew
enough others who came from the kingdom of Carmelide what had happened to him. Before the hour of nones he
so that you will be ten thousand strong, and you will get appeared in the army of Leonce of Payeme, who was not
them ready to defend themselves. Take swiftly to the road. expecting any news of him. Merlin came there with
And take care that knighthood is not brought low by you. Pharian, Anselm, and Gratian; and he said, “Leonce, why
And we will see how you fight and how you defend your are you and your men not mounting your horses? You will
land against your enemies! ” find King Arthur as soon as you come to the army.”
“Sir,” said King Bors, “we will do what pleases God, and And when Leonce heard it, he was very joyful. And
we will do our very best.” when they had rejoiced, they asked him news of their lords,
Then King Bors left, took his men away from the main and he told them that they would see them in due course,
army, and had them mount their horses, because they were riding at full speed, “but now form your
echelons, and I’ll lead you to the army.”
4Sommer’s text has au roy artu (258,1. 29). “Sir,” said Leonce, “many thanks. Now I know that we
5Sommer’s text repeats desfendres (258,1. 36), “defend.” will prevail, since you will be with us. ”

6Sommer’s text has iouenes bachelors (259,1. 5). Then the four companions divided their men into four
groups. The seneschal took five thousand and separated
The Story of Merlin 311

them from the others; and Gratian also took five thousand, come riding against them in such numbers. And Pontius
as did Pharian. And Leonce stayed with the rest., and his Anthony, who knew a great deal about warfare, rode out
men, who were well armed, numbered five thousand or from the main body wearing all his armor, and he went into
more. But now the story falls silent about Merlin and the forest of Briosque toward the way diey were coming in,
Leonce the lord of Payerne and their companions and and he ordered his men to follow him, which they did as
returns to King Arthur. soon as they put their armor on. And Frollo, the duke of
Here the story says that when Merlin left King Arthur, Germany, rode out after him, and he set his path toward a
King Arthur had all his men mount their horses, and one litde river called the Arroux. And Randol, the king of
echelon moved out after the other, and Blioberis rode Gaul’s seneschal, went toward the orchards, while Claudas
ahead of Sir Gawainet’s echelon, for he was the one who of the Land Laid Waste set out toward the causeway. And
knew the ways through better than any in the land. There they all rode away from the tents and pavilions in great
could be seen many an ensign of gold and silver and silk strength, in troops, and they all went under their banners.
waving in the wind. The weather was mild and still, and the While Arthur’s men10 were listening to them putting
countryside was delightful, for there were many forests and their armor on and making ready, Merlin came out of his
meadowlands where birds were singing in the many ways hiding place in the woods, for he was well aware of all their
that gladden those who are deeply in love. They rode that comings and goings; then he took a horn and blew it so
night until it was daylight before they knew it, for they had loudly that the river and the whole woods resounded with
listened so closely to the bird songs that they forgot what it. After diat he cast a strong and wondrous spell, for he
they were doing. made a great fire appear up in the air redder than a
Suddenly they came to a very fair heath that was filled lightning bolt, and it was right above the tents of the
with shrubs in bloom, and it was beside die Loire River. enemies’ army. When King Arthur’s men saw the great fire
The grass was so high that the horses stood up to their burning in the sky and heard the horn blowing, they
bellies in it There King Arthur’s men rested all day until crossed themselves for the wonder they felt; then they let
the hour of vespers, and they ate and drank as they needed their horses run as fast as they could. And Sir Gawainet flew
to, and they slept, for it was a pleasant and delightful spot. headlong into the camp of Duke Frollo of Germany, King
When it was past the hour of vespers on Tuesday, all of Ban of Benoic overran the tents of Claudas of the Land
them put on their armor, big and small, and they mounted Laid Waste, King Bors rode in among Pontius Anthony’s
their horses, for they had only seven leagues to ride to pavilions, and King Ardiur among the tents of Randol the
come to King Claudas’s army. There you would have seen Seneschal. There tents and pavilions were brought crashing
many a faithful warrior7 with rich clothing, many a thick down, and the uproar and the yelling rose so loud on every
hand-held lance with a sharp iron tip, many a dazzling side that the hearts of the boldest shuddered. There they
helmet and shield; and they rode drawn tighdy together, lost many of those who were still in the camps, for they were
one after the other, and Blioberis the first in line. They not yet fully armed, and many were killed and wounded,
rode at a slow gait without shifting the shields they held and the wounded wailed and screamed, for they were beset
before their chests, for they yearned to strike hard and fight by death. Then it was broad daylight and the sun began to
well.8 The echelons rode nearly a half-league apart, and rise. The sun shone on the armor, which flashed in the
King Arthur was in the lead, where Kay bore the dragon. light, and it was so beautiful and pleasing to look at that it
And the four9 echelons went thus one after the other all was a delight and a melody to watch.
night until day broke, when they came out of the forest of When Claudas, Frollo, Pontius Anthony, and Randol
Briosque. They rode along the Loire River and then [261] saw the great harm the attackers had done to them, they
stopped there to watch for Merlin’s sign, for he had told were filled with sorrow, for they believed that they had lost
them about the fire that was to burn up in die air, and he more than ten thousand men all told from their ranks. And
had said to listen for the sound of a horn blowing. They when Randol die Seneschal saw the harm the men who
had drawn so close to the enemy army that they were five ambushed him had done to him, he was so full of wrath
arrow-shots away. They saw clearly that there were a great that he nearly went out of his mind. He then rode back
many fires burning and a great many men, and they heard toward [262] the tents he had left, in order to rally his men
the horses neighing, and as they drew closer still the men around him. And when Sir Gawainet looked and saw Frollo
guarding the army could hear the great din. They sent men coming, he boldly rode to meet him. Frollo had many bold
out on horseback to spy on them and find out whose men knights with him, and they were a good fifteen thousand
they were, and they rode out and looked at their armor. men strong, but he had lost a good six thousand of them,
When those in the enemy army heard the news about killed and cut into pieces. And as they drew closer, they ran
King Arthur’s men, they ran to put on their armor, broke upon one another as fast as their horses could go.
away from the main body, and drew up in ranks, each one As the armies crashed together, Sagremor was the first
under his banner, in the middle of the field, and they all one in, and Frollo, who was full of anger, rode out to meet
said one to another that they did not know what army had him; he was tall and wondrously strong. He and Sagremor
struck each other so hard with their lances that each
brought the other to the ground with his horse falling on
7The text reads maint vassal (260,11. 34—35): vassal can simply
designate a warrior or indicate the quality of his fighdng. top, but both sprang back up on their feet, for they were
both skillful, strong, bold, and nimble. They drew their
8The text reads is? de lor cvors desfendre (260, 1. 38): “and
defend themselves.”
9Sommer’s text has .iij. (260,1. 40). 10Sommer’s text has non-specific cil(261,1. 20): “they.”
312 The Story of Merlin

swords from their scabbards and thrust their shields over than if he had been a castle keep, and he held his ground

their heads and ran against each other, and they began there in that way undl after the noon hour.

such a great fight, rough and fierce, that both of them were Elsewhere King Bors was fighting against the men of

in great danger of being killed, unless they got help, for Pondus Anthony at the tents and pavilions, where they lost

they were wonderfully good knights, and their swords were many of the ones who had stayed behind there. And when

so good that they did not need to look for better ones; and Pondus Anthony saw the great harm that had befallen them

they fought for a long time before they stopped. so suddenly, he was wondrously angry and upset. And when

When Sir Gawainet saw Sagremor on the ground, he he had got his men in order beside the forest where he had

and Ulfin, who bore the ensign, spurred their horses to his taken them, he went back toward the tents, where he saw
rescue, while those on the other side rushed to free the the great slaughter. When King Bors saw them coming, he
duke. And they hit one another on their shields with their went to meet them with his shield about his neck and his
lances, and they struck down and killed one another, and lance very boldly clenched in his fist. And when Pontius

there began a great and dreadful battle that lasted a long Anthony saw him coming, he went to meet him and struck
time. And there was such clanging and crashing together his horse with his spurs as hard as he could, for he was in a
that Sagremor and Frolio11 were put back on their horses great hurry to get to him, and, riding their horses very fast,
while the fighting was heavy and fierce and wondrous. they struck each other on the shield with all their strength
There the twelve companions, who were new knights, did and drove through and shattered them; and Pontius
wonders, as did the forty companions who were with them. Anthony broke his lance on King Bors. But King Bors
But after the noon hour had passed, there was none who struck him so hard that he drove his shield against his arm
fought better than Sir Gawainet: he did wonders, and he and his arm against his body, and he dirust die tip of his
struck down and killed men and horses, as did in their lance through him above the trappings of his sword and
turns Sir Wain, son of King Urien, his brother Yvain the opened a great wound on his left side. Red blood ran down
Bastard, and Galescalain, son of King Neutres of Garlot; over his thigh to his heel, and King Bors jolted him so hard
and Gaheriet fought so well that he was held to be the best that he sent him sprawling, so that the ground shook all
of them all after Sir Gawainet. And elsewhere Agravain, around with a thud. Pondus Anthony lay there in a daze for
Guerrehet, and Sagremor fought very well, as did all the so long that no one knew whether he was dead or alive, and
companions together. when his men saw him thrown down they were very much
On the other side King Ban was fighting King afraid that he would be killed, so they spurred to his rescue.
Claudas’s men, and it happened that King Ban and Claudas And King Bors’s men rode against them and welcomed
met in the midst of the ranks, which were big and diem with the tips of dieir lances, and diey put many of
dangerous. As soon as they had caught sight of each other, diem to death.
they ran against each other with their drawn swords held There the battle was wondrous and the jousting12
high. Claudas was a very good knight, strong and sure of deadly, for there were twenty diousand on one side and ten
himself, but he was envious of those who were set above thousand on the other. Pondus Anthony was rescued and
him. He struck King Ban so hard on his helmet that put back on his horse, and his men found that he had been
burning sparks flew into the air, and he ran against him so wounded a litde on the left side, but he had no wound that
hard that he made him hunch over his horse’s neck. But would not heal harmlessly; even so, he was quite a bit worse
with great bearing King Ban sat back up straight, and he off from his fall than from his wounds, for he had never
gave him a heavy blow on the helmet; he hit him with a before been brought down from his saddle by a blow from a
glancing blow, for he was leaning over, and it fell on his knight, and he would gladly take revenge for his shame and
horse’s neck, and he cut his horse through the backbone distress if he ever got the chance. So he drew his sword and
and brought it to the ground with Claudas astride. Claudas entered the jousdng, which lasted a long time, and then
sprang up very quickly, but before he was upright, King Ban Pontius happened to meet King Bors, who was doing
dealt him three blows on the helmet such that [263] he wonders all by himself. And as soon as Pondus Anthony saw
nearly made him fall in a faint; he made his blood spurt him, he recalled that it was he who had struck him down, so
from his mouth and nose, but Claudas was so strong that he he ran against him with his sword drawn and dealt him
kept himself from falling. He threw his shield over his head such a blow on his helmet that he split it and made him
and came straight for King Ban, and the fight began, and hunch forward over his saddlebow. [264] And as Pontius
the war would have been ended forever for King Claudas if Anthony was recovering to strike the second blow, King
they could have kept together for just a litde longer, but his Bors hit his horse with his spurs and flew into the midst of
men, of whom he had half again as many as King Ban, very the fighdng. Then he reined his horse around and came
forcefully rescued him. King Ban’s men numbered only ten back clenching his sword, and Pontius Anthony came
thousand, and the others were a good eighteen thousand against him as well, and they hit each other on the helmet
strong. Nevertheless, each side fought as hard as die other, with such hard blows that they were both stunned. But in
undl Claudas got back on his horse and King Ban’s men striking they were not equals, for King Bors struck Pondus
had to withdraw, and if King Ban himself had not been the Anthony so hard on die side of his head that he made his
help they needed, they would have been driven from the blood come spurting from his nose and mouth, and he
field and put to rout; but he kept the batde going all by stunned him so much that he sent him sprawling to the
himself, and no one could run him off the field, any more

12The word here (263, 1. 33) and elsewhere (e.g., 1. 40) is

^The text reads U doi (262,1. 21): “the two.” toumoiement, “tourneying.”
The Story of Merlin 313

ground in such a daze that he never knew where he lay. with fear. And they all said one to another, “What will
And King Bors jumped atop him and trampled his body become of us?”
until it was utterly broken. Pontius Anthony fainted from For all that, the dragon had great meaning in and of
the agony he felt, and King Bors would have gladly got itself. For thus were meant King Arthur and his power, and
down from his horse to cut off his head, but he did not die flames that shot from its mouth stood for the great
have his way, for the Romans came that way spurring their suffering that people underwent [265] and the great
horses to rescue Pontius Anthony, and they flew headlong slaughter that happened in the time of King Arthur. And its
right into the middle of King Bors’s men and so hard that tail, which was all twisted, was a sign of the great betrayal of
they drove them back an arrow-shot, for there were a very his people, by whom he was himself betrayed afterwards,
great many of them. And they kept the batde going that who were stirred up against him by Mordred, his son, whom
way until after the noon hour. he fathered with his sister, King Lot’s wife, when he went
Elsewhere King Arthur was fighting very fiercely across to take the land of Benoic because of the wrath of
against the men of Randol, the king of Gaul’s seneschal. Lancelot of the Lake. He had laid siege there because of
They had found more than seven thousand of their men the ill will that had grown up between the two of them over
killed and maimed among the pavilions, and when Randol his wife, Queen Guenevere, whom Lancelot loved, just as
saw the very great damage and losses, he was filled with the story will recount later. But here the story speaks no
great sorrow. He came out against King Arthur and his more about that, for it is not yet the place; rather, we will
men13 with the fourteen thousand armed men he had left; tell you about the batde that was in the meadowland below
they were skilled at warfare, bold, and heartened to avenge Trebe, between King Arthur’s men and the men of Randol
the deaths of their friends and kinsmen whom they had the Seneschal. He had yielded the field and run helter-
seen slaughtered before their eyes, so they rode against skelter into the men of Pondus Anthony, who were keeping
them, with their lances under their arms, full of wrath and King Bors’s men at close range, and King Bors was in very
eager to do them great harm. So they, who were so great need of help.
learned14 in warfare, came against them, and they were When Pondus Anthony saw the runaways coming, he
good leaders, but Arthur’s men held them in very low rode out to meet them and shouted his batdecry; then he
esteem, for they saw that they would be taken,15 so they rushed against his enemies. King Bors was quite
welcomed them with the tips of their lances, and many of overwhelmed, and he would have been thrown from the
them were left dead and wounded. There many worthy field if Kay the Seneschal had not come up with his
knights16 were killed and maimed, which brought great echelon.18 There the fighting was quite wondrous and very
sorrow and losses to their friends. There the knights of the heavy, and many fell on both sides; yet the two sides were
Round Table did wonders, for they killed knights and about equal. Elsewhere Sir Gawainet and his companions
horses, and with them was King Arthur, who made all the had fought so hard against the men of Duke Frollo of
ranks shine forth wherever he went,17 and diey fought so Germany that they made them shift about and overrun the
skillfully that they broke through them and cast them aside echelon of Claudas of the Land Laid Waste. He was fighting
by sheer force, like it or not, and they did not once stop against King Ban of Benoic, who was in very dire straits.
until they came upon Pontius Anthony’s men, who were And when the four echelons came together, they all upheld
sorely beleaguering King Bors and his men. one another, and the din and the fracas grew loud and the
And when they got to them, there was such a great din fighting grew very heavy. There Sir Gawainet did wonders
that no one could have heard God thundering, and they all by himself, and never thereafter did anyone see a man
raised so much dust that the sun, which was high in the sky, work such wonders as he did that day. And the story says
was dimmed. And Kay the Seneschal followed them, that it was after noon when Sir Gawainet happened to meet
holding the dragon that Merlin had entrusted him to bear, Claudas, who was fighting with about thirty men against
and it gave off from time to time such great bursts of fire King Ban, who had only about twenty, and King Ban was in
that they rose up in the air and were so huge and dreadful very dire straits. And Sir Gawainet rushed headlong into
that the hearts of all who had never seen it before shook them, his sword held high, to strike Claudas on the head.
And Claudas thrust his shield against the blow, and Sir
Gawainet hit him so hard that he sent his shield flying in
13Sommer’s text has lor (“them”) without an explicit
antecedent (264,1. 19), two halves, and his sword fell upon his saddlebow and sliced

14Sommer’s text has ditit (264, 1. 23), which he marks as a his horse between the shoulders so that it stumbled to the
curiosity (n. 2) without offering a variant. It seems appropriate to ground in a heap. Gawainet rushed right by and did not
connect the form with doit (<doctus) (“learned”) or the verbs ditier stop, for he did not know who it was, and he met another
(<dictare) (“to dictate, teach”) or doitier/ditier (<*digitare) (“to point one and struck him and split him down to the teeth; this
out, teach”). was a very skilled and very bold knight from the house of
15Sommer’s text has si les prisierent moult petit car il uirent quil King Claudas. And afterwards he struck Antorilas so hard
furentpris (264,1. 24): “and they prized them very little for they saw tliat he sent his head flying. He struck right and left until
that they were taken.” The meaning, somewhat obscure, seems to he killed twenty of their men, who were all lying at the feet
depend in part on the association of the words prisierent and pris of the king, and he fought so well that none who saw or felt
(which as a noun can mean “price,” “Value,” etc.).
his blows dared take a stand against him.
16The word here is uassal (264,1. 26): “worthy men.”
17Sommer’s text has par tout lo il aloit (264,11. 28-29), perhaps
18The word here is bataiUc (265,1. 16): “battalion.”
for par tout Vo [for ost] [ou] il aloit “throughout the whole army
where he went”?
314 The Story of Merlin

When King Ban saw the wonders that the young man hand, and elsewhere he saw his cousin Galescalain, whom
was doing, he thanked God for him and worshipped Him, Duke Frollo of Germany was holding by the helmet; and
and he came to him and said, “Gawainet, you are most Duke Frollo had more than two thousand men who were
welcome, and you are doing much good for me. God help helping him, and they would have killed them20 had it not
me, King Arthur has not misplaced the authority he gave been for Sagremor, Gaheriet, Sir Wonet21 and his brother,
you to lead his army, for he could not have entrusted it to and Yvonet of Lionel, Dodinel the Wildman, Kay of Estral,
anyone better than you. And I beg you for God’s sake to and Kehedin the Small were also there, along with the forty
grant me your company all day today.” companions who were with King Arthur in the kingdom of
“Sir,” said [266] Sir Gawainet, “I very gladly grant it to Carmelide—these kept the batde going against the two
you today and any other time, and thank you very much for thousand, but they could not bring out the three who had
asking. But I must go looking for my brothers and cousins, been struck down.
for I do not know what has become of them. As soon as I And when Sir Gawainet saw the trouble his brother was
have found them, I’ll come back to you.” in, he said to King Ban, “Sir, I am sorry. I am going to help
“Sir,” said King Ban, “I would gladly go with you, but I those men over there whom I am bound not to forsake.”
would very much like to know how I can take revenge on He then showed the ones who were in dire straits.
my deadly enemy, whom you have brought down, for this And when King Ban saw them, he said to him, “Spur
war would be brought to an end if he could be killed.” your horse on; we can’t lose any time!”
“What?” said Sir Gawainet. ‘Which one is it? Show him And they quickly spurred to that side and rode [267]
to me.” as fast as their horses could cany them, and they flew into
“Look, there he is!” said King Ban. “See his armor the fray so fast that all the ranks shook, and they went
painted with silver blossoms and his parted shield, half straight to where Agravain and Guerrehet had been
white and half red, with the lion rampant! He has got back brought down, and they hit and slaughtered and struck
on his horse as you and I are speaking!” down right and left as many as they met, so that none dared
“Sir,” said Gawainet, “we can yet bring this to an end stand up to them; even the boldest and strongest gave way
today. Let us overrun them, for you see that I’m all ready!” to them, for in very little time they knew them to be the
“Indeed,” said King Ban, “I wish nothing so much as to worthy gentlemen and good knights they were. And when
harm him, for it is because of him that I have had so much Agravain and Guerrehet saw help coming, each one
harm done to me.” jumped on a horse, with his shield about his neck, for there
“What is his name?” asked Sir Gawainet. were many of them all around them. And when they were
“His name is Claudas of the Land Laid Waste,” back on horseback, the fighting began to be wondrously
answered King Ban. heavy; but Galescalain was not at all well off, for he was still
“What?” said Sir Gawainet. “Is it thanks to him that all under the horses’ hooves. When Sir Gawainet saw the
these men have come here?” danger he was in, he rushed into the fighting so hard that
“In truth, yes.” answered King Ban. he brought down more than seven men before he could get
"Then let’s ride to him together,” said Sir Gawainet, to him. As he drew closer, he struck Duke Frollo so hard
“for we mustn’t tarry.” with a lance that he went through his whole shield, but his
With that they spurred their horses to where they had hauberk was strong and so sturdy that he broke not one
seen King Claudas, and as soon as he saw them coming, he link, but Sir Gawainet had hit him so hard that he bore him
very boldly came out to meet them, and the clanging and sprawling to the ground; then he took his horse by the rein
fighting began. And Sir Gawainet and King Ban fought with and had Galescalain get on. Galescalain had the heart to
help from their companions until they sent Claudas’s men avenge his shame, if he ever could, and indeed he did, and
on their way. And when King Claudas saw that it was his he lost very little time in doing it. After he had got back on
turn to have losses, he rushed headlong into the press a horse, he saw that Duke Frollo had also remounted in the
where it was thickest, for he greatly feared the ones who midst of his own men, but Galescalain hit him so hard that
threatened to cut off his head—he was sure of this—if they he knocked him back down to the ground most shamefully,
could lay their hands on him. And when Sir Gawainet and and he had ridden back and forth over him more than
King Ban saw him ride away, they set out, spurring their seven times without stopping before any of his men came to
horses after him; and when Claudas saw them coming, he help him; and when, after the seventh time, Duke Frollo
turned in flight and rode hither and thither through the happened to get back up, he again sent him sprawling back
battlefield, and after him were Gawainet and King Ban, who down to the ground so shamefully that his men expected
did not want to let him go. And had it not been for his death.
something that happened to them19 on the battlefield, he In this way Galescalain brought Duke Frollo down, and
would never have escaped from them. he rode his horse over him seven or eight times before his
While King Ban and Sir Gawainet were giving chase men could get to him to take him away or even move him,
through the battlefield, Gawainet looked and saw his so angry was he about the harm he had done him and his
brother Agravain lying on the ground with his horse on top distress, and he broke him and crushed him against the
of him, and Guerrehet was also down with his sword in his
90
Sommer’s text has the singular personal pronoun i’(266,1.
19Sommer’s text has sc ne fust vne auenture quit trouerent en la 33).
baiaiUe (266,11. 27-28): “if it were not for an adventure they found
21Rather than the more usual diminutive Yvonet, Sommer’s
in the batde.” text has in this passageyvaines (266,1. 35).
The Story of Merlin 315

ground; and Duke Frollo was so distraught and so full of those of the city saw the ensign,2 which they had never
agony that he was very much afraid that he would die. before seen, they crossed themselves for the wonder they
Sir Gawainet saw everything Galescalain did to Duke felt. Then they sent someone to find out who those men
Frollo, and he showed it to King Ban and said to him, “Sir, were who were fighting against the men from the army and
look there and see my cousin Galescalain, how daringly and whose ensign that was, and they sent a messenger outside
how boldly he behaves toward his enemies!” the casde. And when he came to the batdefield, he met a
“Indeed,” said King Ban, “anyone who has Galescalain knight from the kingdom of Logres who was laying aside his
as a companion can boast that he is with one of the best helmet and putting another on that was strong and whole,
knights in the world.” for his own was worth nothing anymore. And the knight’s
With these words that King Ban spoke, they came to name was Bretel, and the boy came over to him and
where the fighting was going on,22 and they were all greeted him, and he returned the greeting most
running one another down helter-skelter, burning to hurt courteously.
one another as best they could, for King Arthur, King Bors, “Sir,” said the boy, “I would like to entreat you with all
and the knights of the Round Table were striking and courtesy to tell me what people you are who are fighting
hitting right and left, until at last with main force they against those from this army.”
drove Pontius Anthony’s men and Randol the Seneschal’s “Dear friend,” said Bretel, “you can tell those in the
into Frollo’s men and Claudas’s. These welcomed them casde yonder who have sent you here that it is King Ban of
warmly because they were worthy gentlemen and good Benoic and King Bors of Gaunes who have brought King
knights. There was a great heaping up of bodies, and the Arthur from Great Britain to rescue their lands and country
dust rose so thick that out on the battlefield as well as in the from their enemies, who have wrongly and sinfully overrun
meadows, you should know this for a fact, no one could see them; but now the time is drawing near when they will have
anything. And after the four echelons had come together, dieir reward and win their renown, if God keeps King
just as you have heard, there was such a profusion of horses Arthur safe. There you see his banner with the dragon
and men that it was a wonder to behold; [268] they were which the seneschal is bearing.”
drawn tightly together, so close one to another that if When the boy heard this, he commended him to God
anyone had taken a glove and thrown it on their helmets, and thanked him very much for what he had told him. With
he could have ridden a half league at a slow gait before it that the boy went away happy and gladdened by the news
fell to the ground, so thickly were they crowded together. he had heard, and he could hardly wait to tell it to the two
But all of King Claudas’s men were very much afraid, and sister queens, and so he came straight back to the castle.
they dreaded the dangers they were up against. When King And he would say nothing to anyone who asked him about
Arthur saw that the men he had been fighting23 had thus those on the outside, but told them that anyone who
got away and run headlong into the others, he spurred wanted to find out should “follow me to the great hall.”
after them with very great vigor, and he and his And when the ladies saw him coming back, they went
companions rode helter-skelter into the press. There the out to meet him because of the great number [269] of
fighting grew heavy again, hard and wondrous. So the story people they saw coming after him. And when he had come
now falls silent about them for a while, and we will tell you before them, he told them, loudly enough so that all who
about the two queens who were in the casde of Trebe. had come there to hear the news understood it, everything
just as Bretel had told it to him.
When the ladies heard the news the boy told them, the
joy they felt was not slight, and they went back up to see die
34. Victory of Arthur’s Forces; Elaine’s
fighdng, which was the worst they had ever seen in their
Dream.1
lives. And on both sides they fought on until they were
utterly weary. But those inside had been watching those on
The story says here that when those in the castle of Trebe
the outside fighting for just a short time when they saw
heard the hue and cry raised by the people outside, they
coming out of the forest of Briosque four banners, which
wondered in amazement what it could be, and the uproar were going unhurriedly one before the other. And when
grew so loud that the two sisters climbed up to the highest the banners drew closer, they recognized the banner of
windows of their tower and looked down into the meadows,
Anselm, seneschal of Benoic, and the second belonged to
and they saw the biggest crowd of people they had ever
Gratian of Trebe, the third to Pharian of Gaunes, and the
seen. And they saw the dragon Kay bore that threw such
fourth to Leonce of Payerne. And when those within saw
great bursts of fire out of its mouth that the air grew red
them, diey were very greatly gladdened, and they would
from it, and the dust that had risen also glowed red very willingly have gone out if someone had let them, for
wherever the dragon had gone. And when the ladies and they had been shut in for too long a time and there were
many good knights whose kinfolk and friends were there,
22Sommer’s text has uindrent les batailles (267, 1. 33): “the but they could not go out because it was forbidden on pain
battles (or battalions) came.” of death. And Anselm was drawing nearer all the while.
23Sommer’s text has the ambiguous pronoun cil (268, 1. 5):
“they/those.”
2Instead of enseigne (“ensign, banner”), Sommer’s text has le
* Corresponds to Sommer, 268-279. signe (268, 1. 18): “the sign.” Farther down (273, 1. 1), it is clearer
that signe means both “ensign” and “sign” (see below, n. 11).
316 The Story of Merlin

And then King Arthur looked and saw the banners; he become jumbled together with Duke Frollo of Germany s
recognized them and showed them to Sir Gawainet, and he men and those of Pontius Anthony with King Arthur’s, and
said to him, “Sir Gawainet, you can be sure that soon our they fought very hard on all sides, and after they had spread
enemies will be put to rout, for I see four banners over down through the fields, no one knew which ones had the
there bringing us very able help that will strike fear in upper hand, for on the side that had been Claudas s there
them.” were yet some thirty-five thousand, and they all fought
And then Sir Gawainet said, “Let’s withdraw awhile and about equally as well. And the three hundred companions
go look for our friends and kinsmen until we find them and had withdrawn to one side, and King Arthur had a good
bring them all together, for before long our enemies are thousand companions as well. The three hundred were
bound to ride away in flight;* * 3 and after we are gathered repairing their armor and fixing their helmets. Meanwhile,
together, we will go out first and put ourselves where we King Claudas’s men thrust forward and drove back those
think they will be heading. Do you know why4 I am telling from Little Britain and the kingdom of Logres; these got
you this? So that, after they have seen, in the place where the worst of it, whereas they had had the best, and they
we’ll have lain hidden in the woods, that they have been wondered at what had become of their prowess. But these
thoroughly punished, those who are left alive will go into were not the ones who had done wonders fighting that day,
their country and can say and bear witness to the fact that and they were most distressed at not hearing news of those
they did not come across stable-boys or hired hands, and who had; nevertheless, each one tried to defend himself as
that next time they will keep themselves from coming into best he could, for they knew very well that they were as
your lands or the fiefs of King Arthur of Great Britain. And good as dead if they had lost the three hundred who had
you can be certain that in the end they will not be happy! ” helped them when they needed it and who had done
“Sir," said King Ban, “I wish it all to be as you want and wonders fighting.
would like it to be.” While they were in such distress, Pharian of Gaunes,
With that they drew to one side of the battlefield, first holding his ensign, came with five thousand men in iron
the companions of the Round Table, King Arthur, and armor; and when Claudas saw him coming, he knew very
King Bors, and then afterwards the forty knights who were well who he was, and he grew very frightened because
engaged in the land of Carmelide, and after them the Pharian had often done him harm in less weighty times. He
sixteen young lords who had become new knights. And then told Pontius Anthony and Frollo to set their minds to
when they were gathered together, there were three fighting well and cutting down his enemies, “and I’ll ride
hundred knights, all very worthy men, and they were the against them, for there I see new forces coming. If I could
flower of the army. Then Pontius Anthony rode headlong send them along their way, we would quickly be rid of the
into the battlefield as fast as he could make his horse run. others. You should know for a fact that he is one of the men
There was much splintering of lances there and much in the world who have done me the worst harm.”
clanging of swords. There King Ban of Benoic’s battlecry With that, Claudas left with ten thousand armed men,
was loudly shouted and that of King Bors of Gaunes, and and they rode against Pharian. And when Pharian saw them
there was a great slaughter of men and horses. And when coming, he boldly went out to meet them, for he was a
Gratian came, he flew into the fray so hard that they all worthy, bold, and skilled warrior, the most reasonable in
yielded ground to him, the meadows and the stream, and the country. And after they had moved closer together, they
the companions spread out down through the meadows, spurred against each other as fast as their horses could run,
and the fighting grew so heavy and deadly that many a gripping their lances, and many fell on both sides. But
knight there was killed or bleeding wrongfully and sinfully, Pharian’s men were hurt worse, for it was two men against
for they never deserved it. Thereby Holy Church was one of his, but Pharian’s men were newcomers and
brought low so [270] shamefully that more than twenty Claudas’s were tired and worn down, so Claudas lost more
thousand of them died on both sides, and all was due to the men than Pharian, and if there had not been [271] so
faithlessness of Claudas of the Land Laid Waste, who many of them, they would have been routed, but in the end
afterwards had his evil reward, for he died bereft of his Pharian’s men had to withdraw toward the forest where
earthly birthright, as the story bears witness of it to us. But they had come from.
with this the story falls silent about that right now, and we When Claudas saw that they were leaving, he thought
will tell you about the two armies that were fighting in the they had been beaten, so he drove against them so hard
open fields before the casde of Trebe.5 that they had no relief and could not recover, and Pharian
In this part the story says that the fighting was fierce was so upset that he nearly went mad. And he shouted
and the combat deadly where the echelons had come “Gaunes!” time and again, but it was not worth his while,
together, that is, those from the kingdom of Benoic had for skillful fighting by him or anyone else would not have
kept them all from being killed and crushed to bits until
^Sommer’s text reads il ne puet remanoir que grant defoulement ni Leonce of Payerne came with five thousand men in iron
ait (269, H. 22—23): “there cannot fail to be a great stampede.” The armor, and he flew into them so hard that he sent more
text does not specify, although the context makes it implicit, who than a thousand to the ground never to get up again.
will be in the stampede and where it will be heading. Then the fighting grew fierce and deadly, for each side
4Sommer’s text has cot (“what”) rather than por coi (“why”) hated the other, and they fought equally well and neither
(269,1.24). side gave the least bit of ground. Meanwhile, those from the
5Sommer’s text adds en mi la praerie (270, 1. 5): “out in the kingdom of Logres were fighting and getting the worst of it.
meadow.” At last Merlin, who knew all these things, saw the men of
The Story of Merlin 317

Logres* * 6 so beleaguered, so he went to the place where King done you will cost them very dearly, so that they can boast
Ban, King Bors, and Sir Gawainetwere hiding in the woods. of nothing if they get away from you."9
And when he got to them, he said, “What, my lords? Have “Sir,” said Gawainet, “let me tell you this. Whether or
you come to this country to watch the jousting and all the not I have behaved like a coward, before I eat again, I will
skillful fighting the men from here know how to do? You make known whether or not I am worthy and valorous,
should know that you have behaved badly with respect to even if I should be cut to bits, and I’ll fight so well before I
one thing, for many of our men have been lost since you leave the battlefield that people great and small will know
rode away, and they are frightened because they do not see who I am, nor will any cowardice I may have done ever be
you. Now get going and ride against your enemies, and you held against me, God willing, or against my uncle King
will turn against them the rest you have taken here, so that Arthur, as long as I am alive. And you,” he went on, “my
any who slip out of your hands can say that they did not brothers, my cousins, my companions, if you wish to prove
find hired hands or stableboys in the kingdom of Logres, me blameless, follow me, for we’ll soon show them that I
but worthy men and good knights. And you, sir,” he said to did not steal away and hide out of cowardice!”
King Arthur, “this is the reward King Ban and his brother Then Merlin broke out in a smile, and he came
King Bors deserve! They have so often put themselves in straight to Kay the Seneschal and took the dragon out of his
danger of death to help you out in times of less need when hand and told him he should not bear it, “for never should
all others failed you, and now you have come here to hide the ensign of a king be stolen away and hidden from the
like a coward! You can be sure that this is something you batdefield. No, it should be borne out in front!”
will be upbraided for many times by many people—and by Then Merlin shouted, “Now we’ll see who’ll follow me,
your lady friend when she finds out how you have behaved, for soon it will be known who’s a knight!”
and she will rebuke you for it.” And when Arthur saw him leaving, he said to King Bors
When King Arthur heard Merlin’s speech, he hung his that there was a very worthy gentleman in Merlin, and
head in shame, and he was so upset that he was awash in without a doubt he was full of knighdy valor, and he was
sweat from the shame and distress; at the same time, he strong of body and limb, but he was dark-skinned and thin,
dreaded that Merlin might be angry with him. After that more hairy than any other man, yet he was highborn on his
Merlin went to Sir Gawainet and his companions and said mother’s side. But of his father I will tell you nothing more,
to them, “Young men!7 Where are the knighdy skills you for you have earlier heard a great deal about the one who
used to brag about? You said that you were coming to fight fathered him. But as we read, we do not find that he ever
against your enemies in Little Britain and that you would laid a hand on any man to hurt him, but it happened often
see whether they could bear arms! Now you have shown that, when he was fighting in a press, he would strike
what good knights they are by the fright they gave you. Did down10 both man and horse.
you come here to hide? And you don’t have the heart or After Merlin had taken the dragon from Kay the
the boldness to let them see how afraid of them they have Seneschal’s hands, he set out on a great black horse that
made you!” ran wondrously fast. And when he had drawn near the
Then he said to King Ban and King Bors, “And you, my batdefield, he flew in so hard that the whole rank shook
lords, what did you come looking for in this country? You and shuddered undl he got to where Frollo and Pondus
were supposed to be good knights, worthy and bold, but it Anthony were fighting. They were striving hard to put the
has been proved now that you believed in those traitorous men of Logres to rout. What did it matter that all their best
cowards who are so cravenly hidden away here! You ought men had been killed? They had already performed so well
to have put yourselves at risk to help and uphold those who that their enemies were very nearly routed. The people
have risked themselves and their lives to free your lands within the casde of Trebe were grief-stricken, so more than
from your enemies. Now [272] they will have a right to say, five hundred squires ran to put on their armor, and they all
when they go back to their countries, that they were in the went out on horseback. They were led by Banin, a young
service of wicked men who left them in danger of death.” lord, son of Gradan of Trebe; he was King Ban’s godson,
“In truth,” said King Ban, “we have not done it out of and he was sdll no older than twenty, but he was very skilled
wickedness or cowardice." at arms and quite bold. And they charged headlong into
“Then,” answered Merlin, “whatever your reasons,8 you the batfle, and they fought very well for squires and foot
have behaved badly. Now see to it that the harm they have soldiers, for there was not one knight with them, and had it
not been for them, the others would have been put to rout.
With that, Merlin and his companions, who were more
^Elsewhere Sommer’s text has cil del roialme de logres “those of
the kingdom of Logres”, (271,11. 11-12), but here reads cil des bges than a thousand strong by count, left the woods, and he was
(271,1. 14). holding the dragon, which gave out from its mouth such

7The term is vassal (271, 1. 33). Used as a term of address to brighdy glowing fire that the air grew red because it. And
young men, as the context of reproach suggests, the word does not those who had never seen it before said that Our Lord was
necessarily imply knightly virtues, as it does in 260, 1. 35 (“faithful dreadfully angry with them, [273] since He had made such
warriors”) and 264,1. 26 (“worthy knights”).
8The text reads comment que nous lanes fait (272, 1. 4): 9Sommer's text reads quant il vous escaperont (272,1. 6): “when
“however you may have done it.” they escape from you.”
10Sommer’s text adds del pis del cheval (272, 1. 26): “from the
horse’s chest” (?).
318 The Story of Merlin

a sign11 appear to them. Then the way the battle was going After Sir Gawainet had gone into the fray, he looked
changed for those who had had the better of it, for as soon high and low among the ranks until he found Randol, the
as Merlin’s companions had come rushing in among them, King of Gaul’s seneschal. As soon as he saw him, he fell
they all began doing such feats of battle that everyone who upon him, for Randol was very worthy and bold. And Sir
saw them was astonished, for they struck down so many Gawainet struck him so hard in passing that he cut through
men that in a very short time notice had been taken of his helmet right against the back of his neck, for the horse
them. There King Arthur did wonders all by himself, for he had taken him too far, and the sword went down right
had his shield thrown behind on his back, and he wielded along his shoulders, cut through all the links in his hauberk
his sword, which was of such great worth, in both hands; he it hit, and sliced off a good deal of flesh. As the sword
began to kill and maim everywhere he fought, and nothing slashed downwards, it cut through the saddle blanket, split
could withstand him. And the story says that by himself the horse’s backbone, and went into its bowels, and the
alone he wounded more than two hundred, which was a horse stumbled to the ground in a heap. Then he
great shame for Christendom, and all because of Merlin’s happened to meet Dodinel the Wildman, Kay of Estral, and
sarcastic rebuke;12 and he held the horse’s reins in his right Kehedin, who had been knocked down off their horses, and
hand and let it run where it would. Meanwhile, Merlin was it was a wonder how Pontius Anthony and his men were
doing wonders as well as King Ban and King Bors, for they right on top of them. And when Sir Gawainet saw them in
were doing their utmost to harm their enemies; they were such dire straits, he turned to that side and [274] launched
very good, bold knights, and their knightly skill had always such an attack all about them that he drove them out and
been wondrous and above that of all the knights of their back and put them to rout, like it or not And Dodinel, Kay,
time. and Kehedin, who were very bold, jumped onto horses, for
The story says that King Arthur had fought his way so there were quite many of them all about. Then the fighting
deep into the battle that no one knew what had become of grew very heavy again, and most wondrous, and they tried
him, and they knew nothing of King Ban or King Bors. And their best to stay close to Sir Gawainet, but it was not long
when the companions of the Round Table became aware of before he was so far away from them that they did not know
this, they brought about such an outburst of fighting that what had become of him.
no one stopped to wait for anyone else, and so did the forty Very heavy was the fighting in the meadows beneath
companions, whom the story has sometimes named, as well Trebe, and the knights of the Round Table did wonders.16
as the eighteen young lords who were new knights. And They looked for King Arthur all throughout the army, but
there began such a great slaughter and such bitter fighting they could not find him because he had ridden so far away
that they drew apart one from another, and no one knew from them. He had gone so far that he had fallen upon
where the others had gone; so it happened many times that Frollo and Pontius Anthony, who had seven hundred
day that they got separated and then found one another.13 knights with them, the best in their whole army. And King
That day it happened over and over again that in that Arthur fought hard against them, and there was none who
onslaught Sagremor did wonders, for the story says that he dared stand up to him right away; he was without a shield
was one of the best in the whole army. And Galescalain was and wielded his sword with both hands, and all he met were
such an outstanding knight14 that many times he was hit so hard with his flawless blows that no armor could keep
pointed out And Sir Yvonet, son of King Urien, began to them from death.
fight so boldly that they needed none better than he, and And when Pontius Anthony saw him, he and his men
the three brothers of Sir Gawainet stayed together all day rode against him. Then Sir Gawainet happened along with
long and did such feats of arms that they were praised many his sword drawn, and they fled from him too on all sides,
times. At the same time, the knights of the Round Table for no one, no matter how skilled and bold he was, dared
fought back very well, but15 Sir Gawainet did better than take a stand against him right then. And when he saw his
any of the others. He drove in so deeply among the warriors uncle King Arthur—for Pontius Anthony and Frollo of
that no one knew what he become of him, and people Germany had struck him from in front and behind and had
looked for him high and low. made him hunch forward over his horse’s neck—he was so
filled with wrath that he nearly went out of his mind. Then
llrThe word is signe (273,1. 1). Elsewhere (268,1. 18) the word he put his sword back into its scabbard, and he hurled
seems to be more nearly equivalent to enseigne (“ensign, banner”), himself against the others with his bare hands, and he
whereas here both meanings (“sign,” “ensign”) are appropriate. snatched a lance out of a knight’s hands so fiercely that he
12The word here is ramprousne (273, 1. 10), “reproach” or brought him to the ground. Then he held the lance
“mockery” that is characteristic of the seneschal Kay, who is known straight and went right for Frollo. And when Frollo saw him
for his ironic and sarcastic speech. coming, he rode off to one side, for he did not dare stand
13Sommer’s text is hard to understand here: Si auint. . . que le up to him right then. Rather, he went straight into the
iour quit se partirent se trouverent (273, 1. 22): “So it thickest press he could find. Gawainet kept hot on his
happened. . . that the day they got separated they found each heels, but Frollo’s knights moved in between them, and
other.” It is noteworthy that Cel iour auint occurs in the next
when Gawainet saw that he could not get to him, he threw
sentence (1. 23), while maxntesfois recurs in 1. 25, which suggests the
the lance so hard that it drove through his shield and into
possibility of scribal anticipation in 1. 22.
the hauberk right on the left shoulder; in fact, he sent the
14The text reads t fist tant darmes (273,1. 25): “executed there
tip and the shaft in so deeply that the tip stuck out the
such feats of arms.”
15The text repeats the formulaic structure se recombatent
tant. .. que (273,11. 28-29): “fought back so well... that” 16The text adds de lors cars (274,1. 7): “all by themselves.”
The Story of Merlin 319

other side, and Frollo fainted because of the anguish he come after him; he said that he would go looking for King
felt. And when his men saw this, they were sorely distressed, Arthur until he found him.
for they truly thought that he had been killed. A little while Then he joined the chase after the others; it lasted a
after that, Frollo came out of his faint, and he had his long time, for they did not stop before they got to Claudas's
armor taken off and his wound bound, for it was bleeding a echelon.19 They were held up there for quite a while, for
great deal. And Sir Gawainet went straight to his uncle, who there was a great plenty of people; and Kay followed the
was fighting very hard. Pontius Anthony and Randol had pursuit until he found the companions I have named for
got back on horseback, and they endeavored to avenge the you. He was very glad that he had found King Arthur, and
blow Sir Gawainet had dealt Frollo. Then Sir Gawainet went he went to hang his shield about his neck.
flying headlong in among them, striking right and left, and Then Merlin came along holding the dragon, and he
he fought long enough to free his uncle. shouted to them, “Now at them, noble knights, and they
Then Sir Gawainet met Pontius Anthony, and, in will soon be put to rout.”
passing, he struck him so hard on the shoulder that he And Sir Gawainet took a lance and was the very first to
drove his sword into the bone, and he went flying from his break ranks. He struck King Claudas on his shield, which
horse to the ground, and he was badly hurt from his fall. he went through as well as his hauberk, and he drove it all
Gawainet then struck Randol the Seneschal through his the way through his left side. He hit him so hard that he
helmet, and he cut through his iron coif down to his skull; sent him sprawling to the ground. He then trampled him
he bore him bleeding to the ground, and all who saw it with his horse, and Claudas fainted from the agony. Then
thought that he was dead. Then it happened that the Sir Gawainet drew his sword and flew in where the press was
enemy began to withdraw their echelons,17 and they led the thickest he could find, and he broke in so hard that he
them as far as the echelon of Claudas, who was fighting went all the way through. All of the companions were
against Leonce of Payeme and Pharian. After all those talking about the bold deeds they saw him doing. And the
echelons had been linked together, they fell back against others rode in to rescue their lord King Claudas; it was very
King Arthur’s men. [275] There was a great crush of men hard for them to bring him out of the press and put him
and horses then, for those who were retreating were back on his horse.
crowding in on King Claudas.18 With that Agravain, Guerrehet, and Gaheriet came
When King Arthur saw that they were riding away, he spurring their horses. And when they saw the men gathered
called Sir Gawainet over and said to him, “Dear nephew, about Claudas, they flew headlong in among them so hard
come closer to me, for it seems to me that they are going that they drove them all away. There King Claudas was
away. Don’t leave me now, but stand by me here.” brought to the ground again, and he was wounded very
“Sir,” said Sir Gawainet, “they are right to leave, for painfully in three places, not counting the wound that Sir
staying behind is very harmful for them. But let’s ride after Gawainet [276] had given him; so badly hurt was he that he
them! Let’s help them run away in defeat!” nearly died. Even so, his men struggled hard until they had
“After them right now!” shouted King Arthur. “For it rescued him, but they lost many before they got him away.
does us no good to stay behind. ” Then it happened that their echelons'10 swung about wildly
While the king and Sir Gawainet were talking, behold and rode away in flight one after the other, but Pontius
King Ban and King Bors striking out among them with their Anthony, Frollo of Germany, Randol the Seneschal, and
swords drawn, and they killed and brought down as many as King Claudas pulled aside. King Claudas was so badly
they met. And it was very lucky for Pontius Anthony and wounded that he could hardly ride, and the others were not
Randol the Seneschal, for they had fled before the pursuit so well off themselves. When they saw their losses and the
began. And when the four friends saw one another, they harm that had come to them, they grew most sorrowful,
were filled with great joy. They began the chase anew and and they asked one another where they should go.
rode after those who had turned in flight. They then met “Sir,” said King Claudas, “it is my advice that we should
the three knights of the Round Table who had fought very go into the Land Laid Waste,21 for that is the best refuge we
well all day: one was Nascien, the second Adragain, and the could have, and it is the strongest and the closest. And we
third Hervi of Rivel. They were all seven of them worthy, should go through the Humber Forest along an old trail I
bold knights. know about. But I am so badly hurt that I can barely ride
After the chase had begun, the seneschal Kay found my horse.”
King Arthur’s shield lying on the ground, and when he saw While they were talking thus, they saw their echelons
it, he was very much afraid that he had been killed or taken break up and fall back one upon the other. Then the
prisoner. He had a squire pick it up, and he told him to pursuit grew so fast and so wondrous that they did not
know where they were going, but King Ban’s men22 struck
17The word here, as frequently elsewhere, is batailles (274, 1.
41, cf. 1. 42): “battalions.” 19The word here is lesschiele (275,1. 22).
18Sommer’s text reads U fuiant se retiennent le roy Claudas (275, 20The word here is batailles (276,1. 3): “battalions.”
1. 1): “the retreaters hold King Claudas back,” perhaps, but se 21The word here is le deserte (276,1. 9), that is, King Claudas’s
(intended as the reflexive pronoun?) is ungrammatical as a second homeland.
direct complement. The possibility adopted is li fuiant sere tiennent
22The noun phrase les gens au roy ban (276, 11. 14-15) is in the
le roy Claudas for U fuiant tiennent le roy Claudas sere (“the retreaters
oblique rather than the nominative. In fact, the grammatical and
hold King Claudas squeezed in”).
syntactical relationships with each other of expressions
representing the two sides are confused throughout. For example,
320 The Story of Merlin

down and killed so many of them that the place was heaped King Arthur, Sir Gawainet, Sir Wain, Sagremor, Didoine,
up with the dead and wounded. As soon as King Bors’s men and Kay all slept in a quiet room off by themselves. And
saw the tide turning against them, they posted themselves at after King Ban and King Bors had seen to their comfort,
a narrow pass they knew about, and King Arthur struck out the knights of the Round Table and the newly-dubbed
among them with his men scattered all about, for they knights were made comfortable in another room by
longed only to kill and maim them, and they took and themselves. And then King Bors and King Ban went to bed
killed as many as they wanted. And when those who had with their wives, and they left the tapers burning where the
been put to flight came up against King Bors’s men, who barons were.
had gone to the pass, so many of them were killed that the That night the two kings showed their wives their great
field was heaped up with them. The pursuit lasted all day love, for they loved them very much. And that night, so says
until nightfall, and a very great many prisoners were taken. the story, Queen Elaine, King Ban’s wife, conceived a child.
King Claudas, Pontius Anthony, Duke Frollo of Germany, And when they had lain together enough, they went to
and Randol, the seneschal of Gaul, defended themselves as sleep. And the queen fell into a wonderful dream24 that
well as they could, but very few of their men were left, for lasted a long time, and she was very much frightened by it
the story says that of the eighty thousand they had as she slept, for she thought that she was on a high
numbered at the beginning, not half got away, nor even did mountain, and she saw all about her a great many wild
ten thousand go back home with them, for they had run in beasts of various kinds that were feeding on the grass that
flight through the wild forests to save themselves and to grew fair and thick. After they had fed for a while, there
stave off death. welled up among them such a loud uproar that they began
Thus were the four princes put to rout, just as you have to rim into one another and tried to run one another away
heard, on the advice of Merlin, and after the diree kings23 from the feeding-ground. And they broke up into two
had run after them until nightfall, they turned back with a herds, and one went one way and the other another, and
great many prisoners, and went straight to the castle of each was led by a wonderful bon. On one side were fewer
Trebe. And they took lodging in tents and pavilions, which than half of them, and a lion wearing a crown was their
they had got set up, and they were very happy and made leader, but he was smaller than the other one by more than
merry all night long, for they found the places where they a foot.
stayed to be very well stocked with everything a man needs, This crowned lion had with him eighteen cubs, all
and nothing lacked, nor did they have to use up any of wearing crowns, each one of which had lordship over part
their own food at all. The next evening, when they had of the beasts that were turned toward the lion. And the
settled in through the whole army, Gratian and Pharian other lion, which was not crowned, had thirty cubs in his
stood watch so that they would not be taken by surprise by company; they were all crowned, and each one had
anyone. lordship over a part of the beasts that had turned toward
And King Ban and King Bors took Sir Gawainet the big, uncrowned lion. After the beasts had been broken
straight to the king and his companions of the Round up and divided into herds, she looked toward the one
Table, the forty knights the story has named for you, and belonging to the crowned bon and saw four hundred bulls
the new knights in the casde of Trebe, where everyone was that were tied together about the neck and gathered in a
glad to see them. There were at least three hundred knights circle eating tender stalks from a haystack.25 And because it
from the countryside by count, so they were indeed well seemed to the crowned lion that the feeding-ground was
served that evening with everything that befitted them. better around the crownless bon, he was beset by envy and
However joyful they may have been, it came to nothing ran against him to take it away from him. And the
beside the great rejoicing the two sister queens did when uncrowned lion took part of his beasts and put them into
they saw their husbands they had longed for, and no three great flocks, and they went out to fight against the
wonder, [277] for they had not seen them for a very long crowned bon, which had his beasts gathered into eighteen
time and they were young ladies of very great beauty. And flocks each with a cub that had lordship over the odiers and
everyone sought to serve and honor King Ardiur and his led them. And the four hundred bulls, which were
companions. fearsome and full of pride, and three of the eighteen
Why should I go on telling you about their flock^® that were with the crowned lion undertook
merrymaking and the happiness they felt? For they were together such hard fighting that you have never heard tell
richly served as befitted gendemen as worthy as they were. of any harder, but in the end the crowned lion’s beasts had
And after they had eaten they went to bed, for diey needed to fall back, even though the other lion had been very
very much to lie down, because diey were dred and worn much frightened that he might lose his feeding-ground.
out from the hardships they had undergone all day. And While die beasts were fighting, it seemed to the lady
that a great leopard, [278] the lordliest27 there had ever
in the next sentence (11. 15-17), King Bors’s men are depicted as
moving out when they saw that they were being routed: si tost comme 24The word here is pense (277,1. 17), a state of brooding.
il virent la descomfiture sor aus toumer (“as soon as they saw the rout
25The text has dun rasterlxer lerbe menue (277,1. 33).
turning against them”); but sor aus surely must refer to the enemy.
Indeed, in the following sentence Arthur’s men are hot on their 26The word here is monchiaus (277,1. 39): “heaps.”
heels and strive to kill and maim any and all. 27The expression is lx plus orguiUous (277,1. 43 - 288,1. 1): “the
23The text has only the ambiguous personal pronoun il (276, proudest,” with pride taken as a sign of lordly power; cf. autresi
comme li lupars est orguilleus sor toutes autres bestes, autresi sera il li
1. 29): “they.”
mxeudres (280,11. 10—11): “just as the leopard has lordship over all
The Story of Merlin 321

been, was running through a deep valley, but it seemed to sounded like the most deafening thunder and the most
her that a thick fog was keeping her from seeing what was wondrous he had ever heard. And the king, who was
happening to it. After she had lost sight of it, she turned holding the queen in his arms, began shaking so hard that
back toward the wild beasts, which were still fighting, and he almost fell out of the bed, [279] which was big and wide,
she saw that the crowned lion was getting the worst of it by on top of her. The queen was so frightened that she could
far. Then28 a great leopard came out of the forest and not utter a word for a long time, and her husband was so
watched the beasts’ batde for quite a long time; and when upset that he did not know where he was. And when he
he saw that the crowned lion was losing, he went to help regained his memory, he got up and went straight to
him and fell upon the crownless lion and fought his beasts church, where he made his confession and heard Our
so fiercely that he drove them back, and as long as he was Lord’s service. Thereafter he always confessed every week
against them the uncrowned lion could notwin. and took the Holy Sacrament from the altar, and King Bors,
When the uncrowned lion saw that he could not win as who was a most worthy man and led a good life, did
long as the leopard was against him, he left the fray and likewise.
befriended the leopard so that he finally took him away Thus was King Arthur in the kingdom of Benoic, and
with him. And on the third day the battle among the beasts he stayed there a whole month. And they overran King
started all over again just as it had been before, but the Claudas’s land every day and plundered it and laid it waste
leopard was on the side over the lion that was not crowned, so that it would be a long time before he would overrun
and the beasts fought hard together until the crowned lion King Ban. But afterwards he did, thanks to the forces of
was put to rout thanks to the leopard, which was against Pontius Anthony and the king of Gaul, as the story will
him. When the leopard saw that the crowned lion was being reveal it to you later, and hurt the two brothers so badly
put to flight, he made a sign toward the crownless lion that that they had not one acre of their lands left, and they were
the crowned lion29 should go to him and beg his mercy. He so stripped of their wealth that they died poverty-stricken,
did so, and peace was made between the two lions, so that and their wives were so poor and distraught that they
never thereafter did they get angry with each other. became nuns in the royal convent out of fear of king
And then the lady looked carefully at the leopard to Claudas.30 For afterwards they could not get help from
see whether she could find out who he was, and it seemed King Arthur, who had so much to do in his own country
to her at last that it was he who had sprung from her loins that he could not give them heed; the heirs the two kings
and had grown so tall and strong and made such efforts fathered were for a long time without their birthrights, but
that all the beasts of Great Britain, and all those of Gaunes later King Arthur won their lands back for them, and he
and Benoic, were bowing down to him. And after he had gave them the kingdom of Gaul, as the story will reveal it to
won lordship over these beasts, the lion went away; she did you later. I will stop telling you of these things until it is the
not know where or what had become of him. time and place for it; instead, we will tell you about Merlin
The lady was wrapped in this dream all night long, and and King Ban and how Merlin told King Ban and his wife
she did not come out of it until daylight, when she awoke about the dreams they had had.
and crossed herself because of the great wonder she had
seen in her sleep. And when the king saw her so frightened,
he asked her what was wrong with her, and she told him the 35. Merlin and the Emperor of Rome.1
dream just as she had seen it in her sleep. And after she
had told him everything, the king said that, God willing, it
Here the story says that one day King Ban came to Merlin
could only be something good. King Ban and his wife then
and said to him, “Sir, I am filled with dread about a dream
got up as early as they could and went straight to the first
that came to me in my sleep and one my wife had, too. I am
Mass; they did not want to awaken King Arthur or his
in great need of counsel, and you are the most learned man
companions, who were still asleep, for they had been sorely
now alive, so I beg you to tell me, if you will, what this
worn down the day before. And King Ban prayed Our Lord
dream means.”
to give him death when he should ask Him for it; he was a
“In truth,” answered Merlin, “there is great meaning in
most worthy man in his faith and belief, and he uttered this
these two dreams, and it is no wonder if you are afraid.”
prayer many times afterwards, until it happened one night
Then King Ardiur asked what the dreams were, and
while he was asleep that a voice told him that his prayer had
Merlin related them just as King Ban and his wife had
been heard. He would have death the first time he asked
dreamed them as they slept, so that the king himself knew
for it, but first he would have to commit the deadly sin of
that he spoke the truth. When King Arthur, King Bors, and
adultery one time before he would die, and it would not be
Sir Gawainet heard the dreadful words Merlin had spoken,
before long; he should not fear, for he would be reconciled
they were greatly amazed as to what they could mean, and
with Our Lord.
they brooded on them long and hard.
In the dream King Ban was having, it seemed to him
And after they had thought awhile, King Arthur said to
that the voice that had told him those things was
Merlin, “Sir, you have told us what the dreams were, now
withdrawing, when it let out such a loud scream that it

^Sommer’s manuscript has roy cler (279, 1. 15]) but he notes

beasts, so will he [an unknown knight] be the best there will be in (n. 1) that in the Lancelot it is once again a question of King
that time.” Claudas.
2®The text has Quant (278,1. 5): “When.” ^Corresponds to Sommer, 279-291.
29The text has only quit (278,1.16): “that he.”
322 The Story of Merlin

tell us the meaning, if you please, for I would very much the maiden had him lie down with his head in her lap,4 and
like to know it.” she drew him to her from time to time, so that Merlin was
“Sir,” said Merlin, “I mustn’t explain everything to you burning with love for her.5 Then the young lady begged
from beginning to end, for I don’t wish to; even so, I’ll tell him to teach her how to put a lady to sleep. He knew what
you something about them, as much as it is fitting for me to she was thinking, but even so he taught her this and other
do.” things besides. For God our Lord wished it so, and he
Then he began to tell about the lady’s dream. taught her three names that she should write down, and
“King Ban,” said Merlin, “it is the truth that the great every time he wanted to lie with her, they would have such
lion that is not crowned stands for a prince, a very wealthy great power that, for as long as she had them on her
man in goods and in friends, who will conquer thirty person, no man could know her carnally. And from that
kingdoms,2 and he will bring all thirty kings together as his time on, she worked on Merlin in such a way that every
companions. And the other lion, the crowned one, which time he wanted to speak with her he did not have the
came with eighteen cubs, [280] signifies a most powerful power to lie with her. And this is why they say that women
king who will have eighteen kings under him who will all be have one more wile than the devil.
his liegemen. And the four hundred bulls she saw in her So Merlin stayed there with the maiden a full week, but
sleep stand for four hundred knights who will have sworn we do not find, when we read, that Merlin ever sought
oaths to one another to help them to the death, and they anything unworthy6 of her or any other woman, but she was
will all be that king’s men. And the prince I told you about very frightened of him while she knew him, and she had
before will fall upon that king to take his lands, but he will found out how he was sired, and so she armed herself
defend himself as best he can. And when, as it will happen, against him. And he taught her everything the human heart
that prince begins to defeat that king, there will come an could think of, and she put it all down in writing. And
unknown knight who has been lost for a long time, and he [281] then Merlin left her and came straight to Benoic,
will help the king until the prince cannot drive him from where King Arthur and his companions were, and they
the field or put him to rout. And the leopard stands for that were very happy when they saw him. And Sir Gawainet had
knight, for just as the leopard is lordly above all beasts, so overrun King Claudas’s lands, and he had taken a great
will he be the best knight in that time. And by that knight many knights with him, and they had plundered the whole
will peace be made between those two princes, who’ll have land and laid it waste. Nor was Claudas ever so bold as to
hated each other so much. Now you have heard about the stand up to him. And as soon as Sir Gawainet and his
dream and its meaning,” Merlin went on, “so I will go away companions had gone back from Claudas’s lands, Pontius
right now, for I have much to do elsewhere.” Anthony left Claudas, as did Frollo of Germany and Randol
And when they had heard the wonder of the dream the seneschal of the land of Gaul, and they were sorrowful
Merlin told them about, they fell more deeply into thought and angry about the harm that had been done them. So
than they had before. Then the king asked him if he would they swore an oath that never would King Ban or King Bors
enlighten them any more, and he said that he would not. ever be served by them, and just as soon as they could
With that Merlin left the three kings and went straight avenge themselves, they would give due rewards for service
to his lady love, who was waiting for him. And it was on a done on their behalf. Thus was Claudas left poor and
Saint John’s Day that she was waiting for him, according to distraught. But he got all of his land back, as the story will
the oath she had sworn to him. And when she saw him, she reveal it to you later, with the help of the king of Gaul and
was very glad to see him, and she took him with her to her Pontius Anthony. Pontius Anthony came back from Rome
rooms so stealthily that no one ever took note of it. She with a very great horde, but this was ill-timed for his own
asked him many things she sought to know about, and he good, for afterwards he was put to death by the hand of
taught her quite a lot, for he loved her so deeply that he King Ban of Benoic in the meadowlands before Trebe. But
nearly went mad. And when she saw that he had welcomed Claudas had such a great horde that he besieged the castle,
her greeting3 with such great love, she begged him to teach as you will hear later in the story when it will be the place to
her how to put a man to sleep as deeply as she would like tell it.7 But now the story falls silent about all of them and
without his waking up. Merlin knew very well what she was goes back to talking about Sir Gawainet, who came back
thinking, so he asked her why she wanted to know this. from Benoic happy and lively.
“Because,” she said, “every time I wanted to talk to you, When Gawainet had plundered Claudas’s land and laid
I would like to put my father—his name is Dyonas—and my it waste, he went back to Benoic, to the three kings who
mother to sleep so that they might never take note of you were there, and Merlin with them, for he had come back
and me. You can be sure that they would kill me if they from his lady love. And when they saw the great wealth that
found out anything about what we’re doing.”
She very often said such things to Merlin. One day they
4The text reads le mist couchier en son giron (280, 11. 29—30):
happened to have gone into a garden, beside a spring, and “laid him down in her lap.”
5The text reads que merlins lamoit a meruieilles (280, 1. 30): “so
2The text adds .j. mains (279, 1. 41): “one less” or “one that Merlin loved her wondrously.”
morning”? **The word here is vilounie (280, 1. 39): “lowborn behavior,
3The text has quit lauoit cudlU[e] (280,11. 21-22): “that he had uncourtliness.”
-I
welcomed her,” that is, that he had accepted her welcome of him. Text from “with the help of the King” to here is not in
Sommer’s base text, supplied by him from other manuscripts (281,
n. 1).
The Story of Merlin 323

Sir Gawainet was bringing back, they showed how very glad and mother. And she was tall, straight, and strong, and in
they were. And the next morning they took to the road to every way she behaved as a squire behaves without
go to Gaunes, a wealthy city and full of all kinds of goods. unseemliness,15 nor was she ever taken to be a woman. She
There they were made most welcome, for King Bors served stayed with the emperor and was most skilled at arms, and
the greatest feast that could be brought together. They she sought to serve the emperor better than all the men.
stayed there for three days, and on the fourth they set out Indeed, she was so outstanding in serving him that he made
toward La Rochelle, where they put to sea. But before that, her a knight on Saint John’s Day, along with the other
Merlin had drawn the three kings and Gawainet aside and young lords, of whom there were more than two hundred,
told them that, as soon as they could, they had to go to the and afterwards she was seneschal of the whole land. She
kingdom of Carmelide, and they should take only three had herself called Grisandoles, but in baptism her name
thousand men-at-arms with them, the best in the whole was Lovely.16 And the emperor had made her seneschal of
army. all his land because she was most worthy.
“What?” said King Arthur. “Merlin, dear friend, will It happened one evening that the emperor lay beside
you not come to my wedding?” his wife, and he went to sleep. A dream came to him in
“Sir,” answered Merlin, “I have hard work to do that I which he saw a great sow right in the middle of his court
must see through to the end. But you will not have been in before his great hall, and it was bigger and more wonderful
the kingdom of Carmelide long before you see me there.” than any he had ever seen. The bristles on its back were so
With that, they set out and went their own ways. King long that they trailed more than a yard behind, and on its
Arthur put to sea with his companions. But here the story head was a circle that seemed to be of gold. And it seemed
falls silent from talking about them, and it will tell you to him that he had seen it other times and that he had bred
about Merlin. it, but in no way did he dare say that it belonged to him.
Now the story says that when Merlin had left King And while he was looking at that sow, he saw twelve wolf
Arthur, he went to dwell in the wide and deep forests of the cubs coming out of his bedchamber, and they made
country about Rome.8 At that time Julius Caesar was straight for the sow and lay with it,17 and all twelve went out
emperor, and that is why he went there, and it is right that I one after the other.
should tell you why he went there. In truth, so says the When the emperor saw the wonder, he asked what
story, Julius Caesar had a wife who was of the highest birth should be done to the sow with which the wolf cubs had
and of very great beauty, but she was lustful above all lain. And someone told him that it was not worthy to be
women, though by the emperor she had but one daughter, around people and that no one should eat anything that
who was also most beautiful.9 That lady kept with her twelve was bom of it, and it and the wolf cubs were condemned to
noble youths dressed as girls10 with whom she went to bed be burned; and it seemed to him that they were all burned
every night the emperor was not with her, for [282] she was up in a heap. Then the emperor awoke very frightened and
most lustful, more than any of the other women in the land deeply worried about that dream; and he did not wish to
of Rome. And because she was afraid that beards would talk about it widi his wife, for he was a very wise man. In the
grow on her twelve boys,11 she had their chins smeared with morning he got out of bed as soon as he could and went to
lime and yellow arsenic12 steeped and boiled in stale urine, hear Mass in the church; and when he had got back, he
and they were dressed in big, flowing gowns and wrapped found that his barons had come back and gathered in the
in wimples, and their hair was long and grown out, and cut high hall, for they had already heard Mass. They spoke
in the manner of maidens, so that they looked very much about one thing and another until the meal was ready and
like girls.13 They were with the empress for a long time the tables set up, then they sat down to eat and were very
without being found out. well served. Then it happened that the emperor fell into
At that time it happened that a maiden came to the deep thought, brooding about the dream he had seen in
emperor’s court. She was the daughter of a prince whose his sleep, and when the barons saw him stewing they grew
name was Mathem, and he was a duke in Germany.14 And very worried and stopped talking all at once. And there was
that maiden came to court dressed as a squire. Now Frollo
had stolen that Mathem’s birthright from him and driven 15The word is uilonie (282, 1. 12): “lowborn behavior,
him from his land, so his daughter came in great distress, boorishness, uncourtliness.”
because she did not know what had become of her father 1601d French auenable (282,1. 17).
^Sommer’s text reads & estoient aplanije (282, 26): “and they
8The expression is es fores deromenie (281,1. 32). were combed” (taking a planijeas aplanoie ["smoothed, planed,
°The emperor’s daughter is named Foldace (292,1. 36). caressed”]. Sommer notes a variant from the Harley manuscript et
hiy estoient plaisans (282, n. 1): “and they were pleasant/loving to
10The text reads damoisiaus atome a guise de damoiseles (281,1.
it.” Just below, the action is more clearly summed up as la truie a
38): “young lords dressed as young ladies.”
qui U louel auoient ieu (282, 11. 28-29): “the sow with which the wolf
^Here the word is serians (282,1. 2): “hirelings.” cubs had lain,” which squares with Merlin’s subsequent account
12The word is orpiement (282, 1. 3): “orpiment” (288,1. 1). Significantly, Merlin’s account, which is fuller, refers to
(<auripigmentum), tri-sulfide of arsenic. the sow as aplanoie (287, 1. 36) and to the cubs as aplanoies (287, 1.
13Here the word is puceles (282,1. 6): “maidens.” 41). In fact, the lines .xij. louiaus biaus & aplanoies & venoient tot par
mi la sale a la truie si gisoient tout .xij. a li lun apres lautre (“twelve
14The text reads dus dalemaigne (282, 1. 8): “duke of
Germany.” This would seem to be an appropriation of Frollo’s title. beautiful wolf cubs and they all came through the hall to the sow
Later Merlin refers to him as due Mathem de Soane (291, I. 10): and all twelve lay with her one after the other” [287,1. 41-288,1.
1]) suggest that here a scribe garbled the text by telescoping.
“Duke Mathem of Soane.”
324 The Story of Merlin

not a single one of them who dared utter a word, for they through a great forest, one hour each way, and he20 was
sorely dreaded making the emperor angry. But now the there for a full week. Then it happened that, one day, he
story stops speaking awhile about that, and we will tell you got down from his horse to pray Our Lord to give him
about Merlin, who was in the forests around Rome.18 [283] counsel as to what he was looking for.
Here the story says that while the emperor sat And while he was praying, it happened that the stag
brooding so at the meal, as you have heard, Merlin knew that had been in Rome came up before him and said to
very well about it, so he came all the way to the gate leading him, “Lovely, you are running after madness, for you
into Rome, and then he cast a spell and took on a cannot succeed in your quest in any way unless you go after
wonderful new shape. He became a stag, the biggest and pork stewed in pepper, milk, and honey, and hot bread.
most wonderful that anyone had ever seen; he had one And bring four companions with you and a serving boy who
white forefoot and five-branched antlers on his head, the will turn the meat on a spit until it is cooked. And come
biggest that anyone had ever seen on a stag. Then he struck into this forest, to the thickest part you can find, and set up
out running throughout Rome and made as great an a table beside the fire and put out the bread, the milk, and
uproar as if a thousand men were after him. And when the the honey, [284] and you will hide some distance from the
common folk saw him running all about, there arose from fire. Do not be afraid, for the Wildman will come without
every side such a great hue and cry that no one could have fail.”
heard God thundering there. And they all ran after him, And after the stag had said this, he went away galloping
big and small, with fire and sticks and all kinds of arms, and through die forest, and Grisandoles climbed on his horse
for a very long time they ran after him through the whole and began brooding about what the stag had told him, and
city until they came to the great hall where the emperor was he said in his heart that it was a spiritual thing, for it had
sitting at his meal. called him by his right name, and he said that only
And when the serving men heard the people, they something very meaningful could come from such an
sprang to the windows of the hall, and when they found out event.
what it was, they went outside. And the stag came running These were the things Grisandoles thought about and
at full speed, with the common folk after him, and he came worked out in his heart while he was riding. At last he came
to the great hall and stormed headlong through the main to a city near the forest, and he got there everything he
gate. Then he dashed in among the tables and spilled food needed. Then he went back into the forest to where the
and wine and meat everywhere, and there began such a stag had spoken to him, and he took four men and a boy
great breaking of pots and dishes that it was a wonder! with him. When they came to the depths of the forest, they
And when the stag had had enough in that part of the found a great, leafy oak tree, and they got down from their
hall, he came right up to the emperor, knelt, and said to horses, because Grisandoles and his companions found it to
him, “Julius Caesar, what are you brooding about? Stop be a cheerful spot. They let their horses graze and lit a
stewing, for it is not worthwhile. You will not find anyone to great and wonderful fire, where they started roasting meat.
tell you about your dream until the Wildman vouches for its And the odor of the meat on the spit spread throughout
meaning, and you would be wasting your time to worry the forest, and people smelled it quite far away. Then they
about it any more.” set up their table next to the fire, and when everything was
Then the stag stood up and saw that the doors of the ready they hid themselves and crouched by a bush. And
hall were closed, and he then cast a spell so that the doors Merlin, who knew all these things and had worked out a
opened19 so fast that they flew into bits. disguise so that no one would know him, came by there one
After the doors had opened, the stag sprang out and morning, batting cabbages from oak tree to oak tree. He
went running down through the city, and the chase after was black-skinned, wild-haired, bearded, and shoeless, and
him began again and lasted for a long time, until at last he he was wearing a ragged tunic. He came straight to the fire
ran out into the open field, and he disappeared so that no where the meat was cooking. And when the boy saw him
one knew what had become of him. And when the folk had coming toward them, he was nearly frightened out of his
lost him, they turned around and went back. And when the wits. And Merlin came up to the fire and began to warm
emperor saw that the stag had not been held back, he grew himself and rub his hands over the heat, and he kept
very angry and had it cried out throughout the city that he looking at the meat. He began to smack his lips like
would give his daughter and half his kingdom to anyone someone who was starved, then he looked and saw that the
who could take the Wildman or the stag, so long as he was a food was done to his liking and made ready just as you have
man of noble birth, and after his death he would have all heard. And when he saw that the meat had been cooked
the kingdom. Then many a wealthy young lord of great long enough, he went over to the boy and snatched the spit
worth got on his horse and looked for the Wildman out of his hands like a madman, and he ate until nothing
through the forest and great stretches of countryside, but it was left of the meat; then he ate some of the warm bread
was all for nothing, for no one could find out anything and honey. And after he had eaten all that and was so
about him, so they turned back. But whoever else may have stuffed that he almost burst, he warmed himself by the fire
gone back, Grisandoles did not, but rode back and forth and fell asleep.
And when Grisandoles saw that he was asleep, he and
18Again, es fares derommenie (282,1. 42); see above, n. 8. his companions went straight to him as stealthily as they
19In this clause li huis del palais ouri (283, 1. 23) is in the
singular. 2arhe masculine is affirmed in the next sentence: quilfu ...
descendus (283,1. 36): “he had . . . got down.”
The Story of Merlin 325

could, and when they reached him they wrapped an iron for long before the knight was slapped even harder by his
chain around his waist, and they tied one of their squire, who went back to his place. And the Wildman burst
companions to the other end of the chain. After they had out laughing very hard. If the knight was thunderstruck
tied him up, he awoke, jumped up, and started to pick up before, he was even more so the second time. And after the
his cudgel like a madman, but Grisandoles grabbed him squire had gone back to his place, he was not bothered by
around the waist so hard that he held him still. And when it. And Grisandoles and his companions were struck with
he saw that he had been taken prisoner and bound, he was wonder, but they still went on listening to the service. And
ashamed and downcast. Then the horses were brought and as they were listening to it, the squire went back a third
he was raised onto one of them, and they bound him fast to time and slapped his master still harder than he had done
the saddle with two tethers, and the one who was tied to before, and when the Wildman saw it he started to laugh
him climbed up behind him and rode with his arms around again.
his waist. Then they took to the road, and the Wildman Then Mass had been sung and was over, and
looked and saw Grisandoles, and he broke into a broad Grisandoles and his companions left the church. And the
smile. And when Grisandoles saw him smiling, he came knight whom the squire had struck went out after them,
alongside him and began to ask him about many things, but and he asked Grisandoles who he was and what kind of
he did not want to say a thing. man he was taking with him all tied up.
And he asked him why he had smiled just then, but he And he said that they belonged to Julius Caesar, the
answered nothing but, “Unnatural creature who have gone emperor of Rome, “and we are taking him a wildman we
from one shape [285] into another, deceitful trickster caught in that forest; he is to tell the meaning of a dream
worse than any other thing, more stinging than a horsefly, he had. But tell me now, fair [286] lord,” said Grisandoles,
deadlier than a snake’s poison, be still! I will say no more to “why this squire has slapped you three times and you didn’t
you until we go before the emperor, where we are headed.” say a word about it? Is this a custom you have?”
With that the Wildman fell silent and said no more to And the knight answered him that he would know that
him. And they rode together for a very long time, and soon if he was willing to wait a litde while. Then the knight
Grisandoles was thunderstruck by what the Wildman had called his squire over to Grisandoles and asked him why he
said to him and talked to his companions about it. They had struck him.
thought that he was a very smart man and said that because He was so ashamed and downcast that he answered
of him wonders would come to the land. So they rode along that he would rather be dead, “but an urge came over me.”
together talking about many things until, one day, they The knight asked him whether he had any urge to hit
went by an abbey where they saw a great many poor folk him then.
before the gate waiting for alms. And when the Wildman And he said that he would rather die, “but such an
saw them he began to smile. And when Grisandoles saw urge came over me that I couldn’t hold back.”
him smiling, he came to him and asked him most And Grisandoles crossed himself in wonder. Then the
courteously, for God’s sake, to tell him why he had smiled. knight told him that he would go to court to hear the
Then the Wildman looked at him sideways and said to things the Wildman had to say.
him, “Unnatural, reworked image, do not ask me anything Widi that they set out on the road, and Grisandoles
anymore, for I will tell you nothing until we come before rode side by side with the Wildman and asked him why he
the emperor.” had laughed in the church when the squire struck his
When Grisandoles heard this, he let him be and did master.
not ask him any more for the time being, but they all talked He looked at him askance and said to him, “Reworked,
about this and that and rode the whole day until evening deceitful image, sharp as a sting,21 likeness of a creature by
and the next morning until the hour of prime. And it so which many a man is killed and maimed, razor more fit for
happened that they were about to pass a chapel where Mass slashing and sharper than any weapon,22 be still! And don’t
was about to be sung, when Grisandoles and his ask me anything until we go before the emperor, for I’ll tell
companions alighted from their horses and went inside the you nothing.”
church to hear Mass. There they found a knight and a When he heard his strong words, he was astonished,
squire who were listening to the service. When the knight and he never dared ask him anything thereafter, so they
saw the man wrapped in chains, he wondered who it might rode for many days until at last they came to Rome. And
be. While he was looking at the Wildman, his squire, who when they went into the city, the people caught sight of
was standing in a corner of the chapel, came toward his them and came running to meet them to see the Wildman.
master, raised his hand, and slapped him so hard that it The news spread throughout the city, and they gathered
resounded through the whole chapel; then he went back to about him to see what he looked like, and they took him
where he had come from, filled with shame that he had along with them until they reached the great hall. And the
struck him. But by the time he had got back to his place, he emperor came out to the hall’s doors to meet them, for
was not bothered about it any more, for the feeling of they had managed to climb to the top of the steps.
shame lasted only as long as it took him to walk back. And then Grisandoles came to the emperor and said to
And when the Wildman saw that, he burst out him, “Sir, look. You see here the Wildman, whom I give you
laughing, and the knight who had been struck was all
bewildered, so that he did not know anything to say or do 21The text reads comme a lesne for comme alesne( 286,1. 13).
except take it. And Grisandoles and his companions
22The text continues fontaine sourians ki ia niert espuchie (286,
wondered what this could be. And they had not been there 11. 12-13): “smiling fountain that will never dry up.”
326 The Story of Merlin

as a gift. Guard him well from now on, for I am handing They said that they would gladly hear its meaning.
him over to you. You can be sure that I have had a great Then the emperor ordered the Wildman to tell him, but he
deal of trouble with him.” answered that he would say nothing until the empress and
And the emperor said that he would reward him very her twelve maidens had come there. She was called for, and
handsomely and that he would have the Wildman very well she came in with a cheerful face, because she did not worry
guarded. Then the emperor sent for an ironsmith to put about anything he might say. When the empress and her
him in bonds, but the Wildman told him that he need not twelve maidens came in, the barons rose to greet her. But
bother with that, for he would not go away without his as soon as the Wildman saw her, he burst out laughing
leave. The emperor asked him how he could be sure of scornfully. He stopped laughing after awhile and then
that, and he answered that he would swear it to him on the stared fixedly at the empress, the emperor, Grisandoles,
Christian faith he held to. and the twelve maidens. Then he turned toward the barons
“What?" said the emperor. “Are you then a Christian?” and began to laugh loud and hard as though to mock
“Sir, I am,” he answered, "without a doubt.” them. When the emperor saw him laughing thus, he
“And how did you come to be baptized?” asked the entreated him to have the kindness to tell him what he had
emperor. sworn he would and why he had laughed then and just
“I will be glad to tell you that,” he said. ‘The truth is before.
that my mother was coming back one day from the market “My lord, my lord,” said the Wildman, “if you will swear
in a town and it was getting late. She went into the Forest of to me before all your barons gathered here that you will not
Broceliande but strayed from her path, so that she had to hold it against me, that no harm will come to me from it,
spend the night in the forest. And when she saw that she and that you will give me leave to go as soon as I have
was all alone and lost, she lay down under a tree and went interpreted your dream, I will tell you.”
to sleep. Then a wildman of the forest came along and sat And the emperor granted him this and swore that he
down beside her. And when he saw that she was alone, he would do everything he wanted. Then the Wildman said
lay with her, and she did not dare defend herself, and that that he would tell him.
night I was fathered in my mother. And when she got back So he began to speak: “Sir,” said the Wildman, “one
home, she worried for a long time. And after she saw that evening you happened to go to bed with your wife, who is
she was with child, she carried me until I was bom and over there. And after you had fallen asleep, a dream came
baptized in a font. And she raised me until I was grown, and to you in which you saw a sow before you that was fair and
as soon as I could get along without her, I went away to live well-groomed. And the brisdes on its back were so long that
in the deep forests. Because of my father’s nature I had to they trailed more than a yard behind it. And it had on its
go back there, and it is because he was wild that I am. [287] head a circle of shining gold. It seemed to you that it had
“Now you have heard how I was baptized and became a been bred in your household, but you could not recognize
Christian.” it, aldiough it seemed to you diat you had seen it before.
“May God never help me,” said the emperor, “if ever And after you had wondered at this thing for a time, you
you are bound and chained on my account, as long as you saw twelve beautiful, well-groomed wolf cubs come out of
pledge to me that you will not go away without my leave.” your bedroom and go to the sow into the middle of the
Then Grisandoles told the emperor how he had hall. [288] All twelve lay with it one after the other, and
laughed when he caught him and when they were before when they had done to it as they wished, they went back
the abbey and in the chapel, and he told him the various into the bedroom. Then you went straight to your barons
things he had said to him. “So ask him why he laughed that and asked them what should be done with that sow you had
way so many times.” seen behaving in such a way, and the barons answered that
And the emperor asked him, and he answered that he it was unworthy and unfaithful, and they condemned it to
would know everything in a short while. “But send for your be burned along with the cubs. Then a great and wonderful
barons and then I’ll tell you this and something else.” fire was set in this courtyard, and the sow and the cubs were
With that the emperor took the Wildman and went burned. Now you have heard the dream just as it came to
straight to his rooms, and they spoke together about many you in your sleep, and if I am mistaken in anything, say so
things. The next day the emperor sent for his barons, who before your barons.”
he thought would gather quickly. And they did come very And the emperor said that he was not mistaken in even
gladly from everywhere. one word.
On the fourth day after the Wildman had come, the “My lord emperor,” said die barons, “since he has told
barons were gathered in the great hall. And the emperor you what your dream was, we can believe him as to its
brought the Wildman in and had him sit beside him, and meaning, if he will tell you what it is. And this is something
everyone stared at him long and hard. Then they asked the we would very much like to hear.”
emperor23 to tell them why he had sent for them. “Indeed,” said the Wildman, “I will explain it to you so
And he answered that it was because of a dream that plainly diat you will see clearly that I am telling the truth.”
had come to him in his sleep, “and I want it to be explained ‘Then tell us,” said the emperor, “for I would very
before you.” much like to hear it.”
“Sir," said the Wildman, “the great sow you saw stands
2SThe text has the ambiguous singular personal pronoun h for your wife the empress, who is over there; its brisdes that
that could refer to the emperor or to the wild man (287,1. 14). were so long stand for the robe in which she is dressed; and
the golden circle it was wearing on its head stands for the
The Story of Merlin 327

great crown with which you had her crowned. And for die you had laughed. And please tell me why you burst out
sake of your feelings, I would stop talking now and say no laughing when you saw the queen come into the great
more.” hall.”
“Indeed,” said the emperor, “you must speak if you “Sir," said the Wildman, “I will gladly tell you these
wish to fulfill your pledge.” things. The first time I laughed was because a woman had
“Sir,” said the Wildman, “then I’ll tell you. The twelve taken me prisoner, thanks to her powers and her wiles, as
wolf cubs you saw coming out of your bedroom stand for no man could do even with all the power you have. And you
the twelve maidens who are with your wife. I swear to you should also know that Grisandoles is the most beautiful
that they are not women, but men, every one of them. Have woman and the best in all your land, and he is a maiden.
them undressed and you will see whether or not this is true. And that is why I laughed at him. As for my laughter before
And you should know that every time you leave the city, the abbey, I laughed because there is to be found the
your wife has herself served by them in her rooms. Now you greatest treasure in the world, before the gate buried in the
have heard the meaning of your dream, and you can find ground, and I laughed because the treasure was under the
out whether it is true or not.” feet of the ones who were waiting for alms. And they had
When the emperor heard that his wife had broken greater wealth under their feet than the whole abbey and
faith with him, he was so astounded that he could not utter all that was dependent upon it were worth, and I laughed
a word for a time. Then, full of wrath, he spoke and said, because of the treasure that was within their grasp and they
“We will soon see.” did not know how to take it.
Then he called to Grisandoles, his seneschal, and said, “And when Lovely, your seneschal who had herself
“I want these maidens stripped right now, for I want my called Grisandoles, asked me why I was laughing, the words
barons to see the truth.” with hidden meanings I spoke to her were because she had
And Grisandoles sprang up24 and had them strip taken on the form of a man and was wearing clothing other
before the emperor, and they all found that they were than her own. Yet all the words I spoke to her are true, for
formed in every part of their bodies just as other men are. through woman is many a worthy man shamed and cast
When the emperor saw them, he was so deeply shamed that down, many a city burned and laid waste, and many a land
he did not know what to say. Then he swore an oath diat he plundered. I do not say these things out of any spitefulness,
would have justice done straightway as it was meet. Some of for you can see on your own that by woman many a man is
the barons judged that, since the empress25 had been so brought to shame. But now you needn’t worry about your
unfaithful to her husband, she should be burned and the wife, whom you have destroyed, for she deserved it fully.
wanton boys hanged. There were others who judged that And don’t be angry at other women, and do not scorn
they should be skinned alive. But in the end they agreed them because of what she did. For there are many of them
that they should be burned up in a fire. Then they told the scattered here and there who have not done wrong to their
emperor that they all deserved to be burned. As soon as the husbands. But for as long as the world will last, they cannot
emperor heard the barons’ judgment, he ordered the fire help but sink lower, and this will happen to them through
to be set in the courtyard,26 and as soon as he had given his the sin of lust, which dwells and smolders within them. For
orders it was done. Then he had their hands bound, the woman is of such a nature that, when she has the best
empress’s as well, and had them all thrown into the fire. husband in the world, she believes she has the worst. This
They were very quickly burned up, for it was a wondrously comes from their great weakness. But do not bother
huge fire. [289] yourself with that, for there are many faithful ones in the
Thus did the emperor take vengeance on his wife, and world. And if you have been betrayed by your wife, you will
the news was widespread throughout the whole country. yet have one who is worthy of becoming empress and being
And after justice had been done to the empress and her given such a mighty empire as this is. If you will believe it,
twelve whoremongers, everyone said that the Wildman was you will win much more than you lose.
very wise and a great seer, “and he will yet tell us about a “But the prophecy says that the great dragon will fly
very great wonder that will happen to us and to the whole out of the Roman country.28 It will see the kingdom of
world. ” Britain brought down and the crowned lion put under its
Thus did the emperor learn, thanks to the Wildman, lordship despite being forbidden by the dove that the
about the life his wife had been living for quite some time. dragon had fed under its [290] wings. And as soon as the
And the emperor asked him if he would tell them anything dragon stirs to fly against Great Britain, the lion will go out
more, and he answered that he would indeed tell him to meet it and will fight until a fearsome and proud bull,
anything he asked. which the lion will have brought, comes into the battle.
“I want you to tell me,” said the emperor, “why you And the bull will strike the lion with one of its horns and
laughed when you saw Grisandoles, when you rode before will hurl it down dead. In this way the great lion will be
an abbey, and when he took you to27 the chapel where the saved. But I will not tell you die great meaning of diese
squire hit his master with his hand, and I want to know what words, for I mustn’t, but it will happen in your time. Do not
words you spoke to my seneschal when he asked you why believe evil counsel, for there is much of it all about you.
‘The second time I laughed in the chapel," said the
Wildman, “was not because die squire slapped his master,
24Sommer’s text adds K tiers (288,1. 30).
but because of the great meanings there are in it. Do you
25The text has the personal pronoun ele (288,1. 35).
26The word here is la plache (288,1. 40).
28The text has rommenie (289,1. 40); cf. 281,1. 32).
27The text repeats deuant (289,1. 9): “before.”
328 The Story of Merlin

know what they are? In that very spot where the boy stood is known of your youthful age, yet she gave herself over to
a wonderful treasure heaped up under the ground. The twelve whoremongers; she meant to keep up her
slap means that because of wealth man grows so proud that unfaithfulness for the rest of her days, and so
he finds no one worthy and does not love or fear God, any underhandedly that she would not be found out. But I was
more than the squire feared his master. Rather the wealthy greatly distressed by it for love of you and of your daughter.
seek to trample upon the poor. And this makes the rich For there is no doubt that she is your daughter, and you
unfaithful when anything bad happens to them, for they can be sure that she will not be like her mother.
curse God and wrong Him, and they say that He will have a “Now you have heard why I laughed. Now I will leave, if
hard time getting what He has given them. Do you know you will permit.”
that it is pride in the wealth they have that makes them say “Please stay awhile,” said the emperor, “and we will see
that? the truth about Grisandoles, and we will send someone to
“The second slap stands for the rich usurer who bathes dig up the treasure, for I’ll want to know whether or not it
in his treasure. He goes about mocking and poking fun at is true.” [291]
his poor neighbor and the man who comes to him in need And he agreed.
to borrow a few pennies from him. He watches29 him and With that the emperor ordered Grisandoles to be
waits to see how he can hurt him, and he weighs him down undressed, and it was done; and they found that it was one
litde by litde until he must sell his land, like it or not, to the of the fairest maidens that anyone had ever seen in any
man who has hankered so much after it and because of land.
whom he has lost30 so much of his wealth. So you can see When the emperor found out that she was a woman,
that this one is a wicked slap. he crossed himself many times in wonder. Then he asked
“The third slap stands for wicked lawyers who wrongly the Wildman what advice he had to give him about his
buy and sell31 their neighbors out of hatred, for they see having granted her his daughter and half of his kingdom,
them thriving without being under their sway. And when for he did not want to break his oath.
lawyers see that their neighbors do not serve them as “I will gladly tell you,” said the Wildman, “if you are
underlings, then they bring suit against them in order to willing to take my advice, and it will be good.”
take away what belongs to them. This is why they still say ‘Tell me then,” said the emperor, “and I will love you
that he who has a bad neighbor gets only curses.32 Now you for it.”
have heard why those slaps were given, but die boy did not The Wildman said, “You will wed Lovely. And do you
have that in mind when he dealt the blows. Rather, know whose daughter she is? She is the daughter of Duke
Almighty God, who knows all and sees all, willed it thus in Mathem of Soane, whom Duke Frollo drove from his lands,
order to bring out the meaning33 that He did not wish and he fled with his wife and a son, who is a most faithful
mankind to become proud because of wealth. For ever youth, and they are in Provence, in a wealthy town called
since34 wealth came into the world, riches have meant only Montpellier. Send for them and give them back their
death to those who fall asleep in sin and forget God to do birthright, which they have lost wrongfully. And wed your
the works of the devil, who leads them to everlasting daughter to Lovely’s brother, for he is most handsome and
death35 through the delights they find in great wealth. worthy, and his name is Patrick. Rest assured that you could
“But I sdll must tell you why I laughed diis morning not do any better.”
when the empress came in with her lechers. You should When the barons heard what the Wildman had said,
know that it was only because of her sinfulness and I did it they took counsel among themselves and said that the
scornfully, for she had as her husband the worthiest man emperor could do nothing better. Then the emperor asked
the Wildman what his name was and who the stag was that

29Beginning here pronouns referring to the usurer and verbs had come to speak to him.
are in the plural (290,11. 19-21). And he answered, “Sir, don’t say anything more about
30The verb is presente (290,1. 22): “given away.” it, for the more you saw and heard, the less you would know
who he was.”
31The text reads ki uendent <2? enpruntent (290,11. 34-35): “who
sell and lend (to).” ‘Won’t you say anything more?” asked the emperor.
on
'The proverb qui a mal uoisin il a mal matin (290, 1. 28) is “Yes, sir,” he said, “about the crowned lion I was telling

recorded by Morawski (no. 1809). The positive antithesis about a while ago and the flying dragon. I want you to
(Morawski no. 1785) is cited by Cotgrave as “Qui a bon voisin a remember this, so I’ll tell you in another way. It is true,” the
bon matin,” who translates “bon matin” as the greeting: “He that Wildman went on, “and the prophecy has said so, that the
hath a good neighbor gets good words” (under Voisin), “hath a great wild boar of Rome, which is meant by tire dragon, will
good morrow” (under Matin). Cotgrave also gives a proverb, not go toward the crowned lion of Great Britain against the
found in Morawski, referring to lawyers as neighbors: “Bon advocat forbiddance of the dove with the golden head that will have
mauvais voisin,” translated as ‘The best lawyer is the worst
been the boar’s36 friend for many a day, but the boar will
neighbor” (under Voisin) and as “A good lawyer is an evil
be filled with such great pride that he will not believe the
neighbor” (under Advocat).
dove, rather it will go off with all its offspring to the faraway
33The text reads por prendre exsample (290, 1. 30): “to
parts of Gaul to fight the crowned lion, which will have
take/serve as an exemplum."
come there to meet him with beasts from everywhere. Then
34The text reads Car ansi comme (290, 1. 31): “For just as”;
it will come to pass that one of the crowned lion's offspring
however, the sense is unclear.
35The text reads a la pardurable fin (290, 1. 34): “to the
everlasting end.” 36The text has the ambivalent sarnie (291,1. 25): “its friend.”
The Story of Merlin 329

will slay the great dragon. And this is why I beg you, if you he had seen them, he read them easily because he knew his
will do anything for my sake before I go, to do nothing letters, and after he had read them he began to laugh out
against your wife’s forbiddance from the day you are loud.
betrothed to her. If you will do as I say, you will profit Then he went back to the emperor and said to him,
greatly. “My lord, my lord, is it then true what the letters say?”
“With that, I am leaving now, for I have nothing more ‘What do they say?” asked the emperor. “Do you
to do.” know?”
And the emperor bade him farewell and commended “The one who wrote them down," he answered,
him to God. “interpreted your dream about your wife, and he has let
And on his way out of the hall, he wrote letters above you know that he spoke to you in the likeness of a stag, and
the door3^ that were all black, and they said, “May all who it was Merlin, chief counsellor of King Arthur of Great
read these letters know that the Wildman who interpreted Britain, because of whom you have wed Lovely, your wife.”
the emperor’s dream to him was Merlin of When the emperor heard these words, he crossed
Northumberland; and the antlered stag that spoke to him himself for the astonishment he felt. And then a great
in full sight of his barons, which had been chased through wonder happened in full view of all who were there. For as
the city of Rome and had spoken to Lovely in the forest, soon as the emperor heard what the letters said, they all
that was Merlin, chief counsellor of King Arthur of Great disappeared and faded from sight, so that no one knew
Britain.” what became of them. And when they saw this, they were
Then he left without stopping again. struck with amazement, and afterwards the news was spread
So with that the story falls silent about Merlin and tells far and wide throughout the countryside.
about the Emperor of Rome. [292] But with that the story falls silent about the emperor,
who dwelt happily and joyfully in his country with his wife
Lovely, and they lived a good life for a long time, for they
were quite young. The story says that at that time he was no
36. The Saxons Defeat the Rebellious
more than twenty-eight years old, and Lovely was only
Princes.* 1
twenty-two, so they lived a good life for a long time, and
Patrick and Foldace were even happier. But the story falls
Here the story says that when the Wildman had left the
silent about them, and we will tell you about Merlin.
emperor of Rome, the emperor sent men to find the father In this part the story says that as soon as Merlin had left
and mother of Lovely and Patrick, their son, in
Julius Caesar, he took to the road back toward Great
Montpellier, where they had taken refuge, and they came
Britain, to Blaise, his master, who welcomed him warmly
back happy and cheered by the good fortune God had
and gladly. The trip did not bother him much, for he came
bestowed on them. When they got back to Rome, they were
from Rome in one day and one night, for he was endowed
greeted joyfully, and the daughter was very glad to see her with powerful art. [293] Then he told Blaise all the things
father, mother, and brother, as they were to see her, for that had happened in the Roman country, and then he told
they did not think they would ever see her again. They him about how ten kings and one duke had banded
stayed with the emperor, but they had not been with him together to go fight the Saxons before the city of Clarence;
long before he gave them back their lands, which Frollo
he told him about the battle that had been fought before
had taken from them. Frollo contested this as well as he Trebe in the kingdom of Benoic with King Arthur against
could, and the war lasted a long time because he was quite the Germans, against the Romans, and against the Gauls,
powerful, but at last the emperor made peace. And when and about Claudas of the Land Laid Waste and how he was
he did so, he gave his daughter to Patrick, while he himself put to rout, and about how King Ban had fathered a child
took Lovely as his wife. And the joy and merrymaking were by his wife who would rise above all the knights of his time.
great that the barons did, for the lady had made herself And after he had told Blaise everything, Blaise set it down
loved by every man and woman. in writing, and it is because of him that we still know it. But
While the emperor was rejoicing and making merry, a now the story falls silent about Merlin and Blaise, and we
messenger came to the emperor from Greece to tell about will tell about the ten kings and one duke who had
a dispute that had arisen between the barons of Greece and gathered together with their armies.
the Emperor Hadrian. For the Emperor Hadrian, who was Now the story says that when the ten kings and the
their rightful lord, could no longer ride on horseback, duke had gathered in the fields of Cambenic, and they took
except for a short while, because he was very weak and counsel as to how they would arrange their echelons, and
quite old. And after the messenger had told what he had to then they would move out at night so that no one would
say, he started out on his way back, and he happened to catch sight of them. So the King of the Hundred Knights
look up above the door to the great hall, and his eyes fell led the first echelon,2 and he had eight thousand men with
upon the letters that Merlin had written there. As soon as him. And Tradelmant of North Wales led the second with
seven thousand men wearing armor. King Belinant of
3^The text says es listes del huts (291,11. 34—35): “at the edges of South Wales led the third echelon with seven thousand
the door.” The transladon “all around the door” would be men wearing armor. King Caradoc Shortarm led the fourth
satisfactory here, but later the text specifies that they are above the
door and the reader looks up to see them (292,11. 18-19).
2The word here and elsewhere is batailU ‘battalions" (293,1.
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 292-298.
15, cf. 1. 19), as opposed to echieles (293,1. 14), echiele (1. 17, etc.).
330 The Story of Merlin

echelon with seven thousand men. King Brandegorre led King Clarion of Northumberland. In the second battalion
the fifth echelon with seven thousand armed men. King were King Neutres of Garlot, King Caradoc, King
Clarion of Northumberland led the sixth with seven Brandegorre, and King Yder. In the third battalion were
thousand armed men. King Yder led the seventh echelon King Belinant, King Tradelmant, King Aguisant, and King
with eight thousand men. King Urien led the eighth Urien. And after they had been divided and split up, they
echelon with eight thousand men. King Aguisant led the rode on at a slow gait with their heads down under their
ninth echelon with five thousand men, for he had lost more helmets, holding their lances, wearing armor all over, and
in the war than all the others. The king of Orkney led the armed with every weapon. And when they came to the
tenth echelon—he had lost everything, wife, children, and encampment, they let their horses run as fast as they could
all his fair household, and he was so full of grief that he go, and they cut the ropes and strings that held up the
would rather die than live; he had been so stricken as to tents,4 and they brought down tents, pavilions, and
have but few left of the fourteen thousand men he had everything else that was in their way, and the hue and cry
before the war, but those he did have were very worthy, very rose so loud that the whole forest resounded with it. There
bold, and the best in the whole army at bearing up under was much bloodshed there and a great slaughter of the
distress and hardship. King Neutres of Garlot led the Saxons before those who were to safeguard the army could
eleventh echelon; he was deeply worried about his son get on their horses.
Galescalain, for he had with him but two thousand men, so When they saw that they had been taken by surprise,
many he had lost in the war against the Saxons. And Duke they jumped on their horses and went to tell King
Escant of Cambenic led the twelfth echelon with seven Hargadabran. Homs and trumpets blew everywhere, and
thousand knights in armor. the men, armed and unarmed, gathered. Then the twenty
After their men had gone their way, the barons asked kings mounted—each one had twenty thousand men with
how they should wage the campaign. In the end they him. As soon as the two sides laid eyes on each other, drey
agreed that they would go fight before the city of Clarence, let their horses run, and with their lances they struck one
and they would ride only at night; they would be very another and pierced shields and hauberks so that the tips
watchful throughout the whole army, and they would fall came out the other side; they traded blows and slew one
upon their enemies by surprise. For they said that they another most wondrously. There the fighting was heavy and
would rather die with honor than live in shame. hard, and the slaughter was dreadful on both sides. The
With that the baron’s council was over, and each one Christians lost many, but the twelve princes bore up under
went into his pavilion. And when they had eaten their the fighting, for they were very good knights; and Segurade,
evening meal, they ordered their men to put on their Adrian, the Lord of Salegne, Dorilias, Brandilias, the Lord
armor and get ready to take to the road, so they armed of the Dolorous Tower, and Brun5 the Ruthless put
themselves and set out. There was a spy from King themselves forward as well. No man has ever fought better
Hargadabran there who had heard what the barons meant than they did. And King Caradoc, his brother the Lord of
to do. That spy left [294] so stealthily that no one took note the Narrow Borderland, the Castellan of Gazel, the Lord of
of him, and he made his way until he came to the city of Blaskestan, the Lord of the [295] Marshlands, the Lord of
Clarence, which was under an awesomely heavy siege. The Windsor, Galien, and King Urien’s nephew Bademagu6—
spy came straight to King Hargadabran and told him these are not to be forgotten either, for no armor had
everything he had seen and how the Christians were withstood their blows,7 no matter how strong and hard.
coming; he said that there were at least forty thousand of These twelve knights had put themselves in the twelve
them. When the Saxons heard this, they scorned them, and princes’ ranks as soon as they had seen them in the
they did not think it worthwhile to arm even a fourth of encampment where they had begun the battle. There the
their men; even so, they set up a watch to look for die army fighting was hard and wondrous, and the Christians killed
night and day. Meanwhile, there were twenty kings' who so many that the horses were up to their fetlocks in blood.
were unwilling to get their armor ready after they had But there were so many Saxons that because of their sheer
heard the news about the Christians. strength the Christians had to withdraw away from the
But with that the story falls silent about them, and I will tents. Yet their withdrawal was not unbecoming, for the
tell you about the Christians. worthy men and the good knights saw that they had been
In this part the story says that the Christians’ armies
rode from nightfall until they came near the Saxons’
4cordes & lices dont li os estoit logie (294, 11. 25—26): “ropes and
encampment a litde before daybreak. There was a heavy strings with which the army was sheltered.”
fog, and a thick, misty rain began to fall, so that the men in
^The text reads brehu (294, 1. 40); elsewhere, however, his
the Saxon army were all the drowsier and slept all the more
name is bruns (177,1. 27; 2: 297,1. 32).
soundly. Nor did the Christians worry that anyone would
^he text reads gaudins li rues leroy vrien (295,1. 1). Elsewhere,
attack them in such weather. When the Christians saw the
Urien’s nephew is named Bademagu (e.g., 165,11. 18-19), as is true
encampment, and no one went out to meet diem, they took later in this same episode (296, 1. 23), while gaudins (Waldin) is
up their arms. And when they were ready, they split into Arthur’s nephew (177, 1. 32) or King Aguisant’s nephew (297, 11.
three battalions.3 In one were King Lot of Orkney, die King 34-35),
of the Hundred Knights, Duke Escant of Cambenic, and 7The text reads cans (295,1. 2): ‘lime” (?). Based on a (rather
weak) reading in the Harley manuscript (encontre leur corps
[“against their persons’’]), Sommer suggests that an exemplar may
3The word here and afterward is parties (294, 1. 17, cf. 11. 18,
20, 21): “parts” or “divisions." have read cops (“blows”) (295, n. 1), perhaps, one might add, with
a variant spelling such as cous.
The Story of Merlin 331

driven back, and they were deeply shamed and very bitter. When the barons heard the King of the Hundred
The Christians shouted their battlecry, gathered together, Knights, they turned about and began fighting. They flew
and turned back to face them, and the fighting was into the midst of the Saxons, and each one hit the first man
wondrous. Every man displayed his boldness, and they said he met and struck him down dead. And when the Saxons
that there should never be a knight who did not put himself saw them taking a stand, they ran upon them giving their
forward in this time of need, so that he might be spoken horses free rein, and the fray grew so dreadful and so
about all the days of his life and, after his death, for as long deadly that one could barely tell about it. There the King of
as the world lasts. the Hundred Knights did wonders all by himself, for he
Then they struck their horses with their spurs and withstood the onslaughts so well before he left the field that
yelled their batdecries, and they ran headlong in among all the barons were awestruck. For his shield was cut to
them so fast that they left dead and wounded lying on the pieces, and he had only a third of it left, and his hauberk
ground. But the Saxons were coming out of their tents in was broken through and the links were coming undone,
such numbers that they could not be counted. King while his helmet was all bashed in. His arms were filthy with
Hargadabran went straight out before the others, and the blood, and his forward saddlebow and the neck of his horse
story says that he stood fifteen feet tall (in the feet they had were smeared with blood and brains, so that no man could
then), yet he was not more than twenty-eight years old. He know who he was but for his speech. Meanwhile, Urien, his
sat on a big, gray warhorse, with his shield about his neck nephew Bademagu, King Yder, King Lot, King Neutres, and
and holding his lance, and he had a cudgel hanging from King Belinant—they were unwilling to give up the fight for
his saddlebow with which he gave many a man cause for as long as they could last in that place. So they did very
grief and worry that day. When the Christians saw that great great harm to the Saxons, for they killed more of them
devil coming and were most fearful about him, the very best there than they had all day before then.
and worthiest knights in their army made way for him. When the Saxons saw the harm they were doing to
Then Caradoc of the Doleful Prison happened to meet them, they blasted on their horns and trumpets, and they
him, for he was the biggest and the brawniest in the whole blew so loudly that people heard them four leagues away.
Christian army, and he rode the best horse, and yet he was Then a king came in with four thousand men in armor,
not yet thirty years old. And as soon as he saw that great who were fresh and rested, and they rode into the fray so
devil coming, he let his horse run toward him and held his hard that they made all the Christians give ground. And the
lance straight out, and the other one, who feared him not uproar grew louder and the pursuit harder, and it lasted for
at all, came toward him, and they hit each other on their the rest of the day until nightfall. The Christians could not
shields so hard that their lances flew into pieces against have recovered and taken a stand, rather they would have
their chests, and as they passed, they hit each other so hard, been put to rout; if night had not fallen quickly, they would
body and shield, that they took each other down with their have got the worst of it. And when the Saxons had lost their
horses under them. When the Christians and the Saxons daylight, they came back to their tents, took off their armor,
saw those two spill to the ground, men from both sides and went to eat, for they had indeed had an easy time! And
spurred to the rescue. There the Christians suffered much after eating, they rested and slept as though they had
strife and great hardship before Caradoc was on horseback nothing to fear, although they were quite angry about the
again; the rain also bothered them a great deal, for it did harm the Christians had done them that day. But they
not stop raining until after midday, and their ensigns were yearned to take vengeance. And the history8 says that the
so wet that they could barely recognize one another except Saxons lost twenty thousand and the Christians ten
by their speech. There the Christians showed their worth, thousand.
for despite all their enemies they got Caradoc back on his But with that the story falls silent for a while about
feet, and Brios of the Emplacement brought him a horse them, and it goes back to the twelve princes who were
from which he had struck down King Graelent. And distraught over the rout, and they said that it would not be
Mathans and Aliborc kept up fighting so well that they thus for long and that they would not leave in such a state.
could not be found blameworthy. [297]
Then the weather [296] began to clear, for it was after After the Christians had been beaten, they rode a short
midday, and the sun shone very hot and dried their armor, distance from the Saxons’ tents. They alighted from their
so the Christians were very glad, for they could fight all the horses and tied them up, then they repaired their armor.
better. But there were so many Saxons that the Christians And they were all so filthy with blood and brains that the
had to withdraw from the batdefield, and they were driven color of their armor did not show through. When they were
back to a hedgerow. There they stood their ground for a ready again, they mounted and rode at a slow gait drawn
long time, for the King of the Hundred Knights was the tighdy together, and so stealthily that no one could hear
first to take a stand: he shouted the battlecry many times, them utter a single word. They rode until they came to the
and he said to the barons, “My lords, what is this? Where tents, and then they stormed in fast. They were better than
are you going? We are holding very poorly to what we have five thousand strong, all on horseback, and they struck
worked out, for we are all hale and hardy, yet we have been down tents and pavilions, and they killed and maimed as
routed so badly that none of us knows what he is worth many men as they met. Nothing that fell into their hands
when put to the test! This should be held against us for the got away.
rest of our lives, and we must also remember that, after we
go our own ways, we have not come out of this strife any the 8Here the word is estoire (296,1. 39), rather than conte.
better for it.”
332 The Story of Merlin

And the Saxons, who were asleep, leapt from their But the Saxons grew in numbers, and they made the
beds and ran about the tents screaming, “We’ve been Christians empty the field, like it or not, but it was a great
betrayed! Now to arms!” struggle, for the Christians did their best to avenge the
Then they gathered at Hargadabran’s tent, where harm that the Saxons had done them; but they wanted to
horns and trumpets were blowing so loud that the ground avenge the deaths of their friends whom the Christians had
shook, and the Saxons tried as hard as they could to run slain, and in the end they put them to rout and drove them
where they heard the trumpets and drums. There they got from the field. There the forty knights underwent great
dressed as quickly as they could, and they lit lanterns, hardship, for they put themselves behind the others who
tapers, and torches in great numbers, so that the light were fleeing to defend them because their horses were so
could be seen from four leagues away. slow they could barely walk, and the forty companions
But the Christians did not stop slaughtering and understood that if they left them behind they would be
striking down as many as they came to, and they were over killed or taken prisoner, so they kept the battle going as
their ankles in blood, which flowed in streams as though long as they could. By their sheer strength they kept
from a spring. The bloodshed and killing lasted that way fighting until the others had got away; then they set out
until daylight. And when the Saxons saw the loss they had after them and, after they had followed them for a while,
suffered and the harm that had come to them, they were so they stopped and fought the Saxons very hard once more.
distraught that they nearly went out of their minds; filled Whenever one of their companions happened to fall, the
with wrath, they ran upon the Christians and meant to others did not yield before he was back on his horse.
destroy them. The latter defended themselves as well as Nevertheless, they lost many men in the end, for many were
anyone could wish, but still the Saxons drove them from killed or taken prisoner.
the tents. Then the Christians’ horses began to slow down, Thus were the Christians put to rout, and the Saxons
for they had not been fed for two days and they began to ran after them until they had driven them into a forest; this
weaken, and the barons saw that they were in danger of is how they lost them—and because night fell. And the
dying. Then, as it pleased God, the feeling came into their Saxons went back with a great many prisoners. But from
hearts, and those of the young men9 whose names I have that time on, the Saxons were never as secure as they had
told you, that they should go joust with the Saxons in order been before, and they set up forty thousand men to guard
to win horses to ride, or else, if they did not, they would be their army so that no one would harm them.
killed. And the Christians sought refuge in the forest, and
Then each of the barons took a straight, strong lance, they rode until they came to a very beautiful heath, where
and up to forty knights of worth put themselves into rows. they dismounted. They bewailed their losses long and hard,
And it is fitting and right that I should give the names of and they were so distraught that they no longer knew what
some of them. There were the eleven kings I have named to to do or where to go. But in the end they agreed that each
you before, and the Duke of Cambenic was the twelfth. one should go back to where he lived, and if the Saxons
Then there were the Lord of the Deep Valley; the Lord of came to attack any of them, he should defend himself as
the Dolorous Tower; Brun the Ruthless; Domas, die King of best he could. With that, they got on their horses and went
North Wales’s nephew; King Aguisant’s nephew, whose their own ways, weeping and bemoaning their loss. And
name was Waldin; the Lord of Salergne;10 Bademagu, King when every one of them had got to his country, he supplied
Urien’s nephew; Caradoc the Great—and so many other himself as best he could with men and food. But after the
knights who were most worthy and bold. These rode out Saxons had defeated them, they were no longer afraid of
front, in the first row, and they held their lances in the felt them in any way, so they rode among their tents, and, as
holders ready to joust, for they sorely needed horses. And many as they met, they took them prisoner. There was none
each one struck his man so hard that he brought him down so bold as to stand up to them, and no one dared ride out
dead to the ground; they took the horses by the reins'and from his stronghold to fight them.
rode away with them, then dismounted from theirs and But with that the story falls silent about them and goes
climbed on the new ones. And as soon as they had come back to King Arthur, who is at sea on his way back from
into the ranks, the fighting and hitting became heavy and Brittany and the land of King Ban of Benoic.
was so awesome that they killed and wounded everyone
they met. [298] They began to knock horses down; they
took the best ones and let their own go, and thereafter they
37. The Tournament at Carhaix; the False
and their new horses never wanted to be apart.
Guenevere.1
9The text reads, ambiguously, lor vint en corage comme a dieu
Here the story says that when King Arthur and the high
plot (sf as iouenchaus (297,11. 26-27): (1) “it came into their hearts,
barons had boarded the boats, they sailed until they came
as it pleased God and the youths” or (2), as translated, “it came
into their hearts, as it pleased God, and the youths’ [hearts].” The to Great Britain. And as soon as they had come ashore, they
former is the clearer syntacdcally; the latter, while syntactically got on their horses and rode until they came to Logres in
quite plausible but more complicated, has the advantage of putting Britain, where they were welcomed richly and joyfully; and
the youths on a level with the barons {lor/iouenchaus) rather than they stayed there for three days [299] feasting and playing.
with God (a dieu/as iouenchaus). And on the fourth day, King Arthur and Gawainet his
10The text reads li sires de salergne (297, 1. 35). Elsewhere,
Brun the Ruthless is referred to as the Lord of Salerno (177,1. 27).
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 298-312.
The Story of Merlin 333

nephew and King Ban and Bors of Gaunes moved out with But now the story falls silent about them and goes back
no more than three thousand men in iron armor, and they to the twelve princes from the Kingdom of Logres who had
rode for as many days at it took them to come to the been routed before the city of Clarence. [300]
kingdom of Carmelide, three leagues from Carhaix, where Now the story says that after the twelve princes had
King Leodagan was staying. And when he heard the news been put to rout, no sooner had each one gone back to his
that King Arthur was coming, he went out to meet him with abode than the news came to them that King Arthur had
his whole household. And when they met, they were very crossed the sea and that he had knighted King Lot’s young
glad to see each other, and they embraced and kissed each men; King Urien’s two sons; Galescalain, son of King
other because they were very fond of one another, and they Neutres of Garlot; Dodinel, son of King Balinant of South
went back to Carhaix. Wales; Kay of Estral, King Caradoc’s nephew; and
They found Carhaix covered with wall hangings and Sagremor, grandson of the Emperor of Constantinople,
the floors strewn with sweet-smelling grass, and they saw and the companions he had brought with him. And they
ladies and maidens dancing, the fairest ever seen. also heard that King Lot’s wife was in Logres, where her
Elsewhere the young men were jousting and breaking children had brought her, but the youths had sworn that
lances with each other. It was like that all the way to the King Lot would not have her back with him until he had
hall, where Guenevere, King Leodagan’s daughter was. She sworn fealty to King Arthur, and he could be sure that he
came out to greet them, and she was happier to see them could never have worse enemies than they would be to him.
than the others had been, for as soon as she saw King And how King Arthur had fought against King Claudas of
Arthur she ran to meet him with open arms, and she told the Land Laid Waste before the city of Trebe and against
him that he and his companions were most welcome. She Pontius Anthony, a counsellor of Rome, Frollo, a duke of
kissed him very softly on the mouth in plain sight of Germany, and Randol, seneschal of Gaul, and he had put
everyone who wanted to see it, then they took each other by them to rout and driven them from the field; and he had
the hand and went up into the great hall. After they had given the two brother kings back their land. And how he
rested, they went to eat a most plentiful evening meal, for had betrothed himself to the daughter of King Leodagan of
they had the time for it, and when they had eaten, they Carmelide. And how he had routed King Rion before the
went to sleep, for they were tired and exhausted from the
riding they had done. In the morning King Arthur, King find a wife.3 The princes said among themselves that it was
Ban, and King Bors got up—they liked more than anyone a great sin that filled them with anger against King Arthur,
to rise early—along with Sir Gawainet and Sir Wonet, and and such a hurtful thing could come only from sin. So they
they went to the church to hear Mass. And after they had prayed God most tenderly that He make peace between
heard Mass, they went back up to the great hall, where they them for their happiness and for their honor.
found King Leodagan out of bed, for he had already heard And the news spread until King Lot heard it all, and he
Mass in his chapel. Then they all got their horses ready and learned that his wife was at Logres and his little son
mounted, just the six of them and no more, and they went Mordred as well, and he was very happy in one way and sad
out to enjoy themselves riding through the fields to see the in another—happy because she was not in the hands of the
meadows and the river, which was beautiful. Saxons, who had taken her from him, and sad because the
After they had ridden about for a long while, King youths had her so that she would not be with him. Nor
Leodagan spoke to King Arthur and asked him when he would he have their love, until he swore fealty to King
would wed his daughter, for it was the right time. King Arthur. But he did not see how he could honorably make
Arthur answered that it would be whenever King Leodagan peace with him, unless Our Lord God helped. Then he
wished, for he was ready. “But I need the best friend I have, brooded and thought of a very clever trick. He thought that
and I will not be wed without him.” King Arthur would send his wife to Logres, his chief city.
When King Leodagan heard this, he asked him who And as soon as he could find out when she was coming, he
that friend was. would go to meet her with as many men as he could find,
He said that it was Merlin, for it was through him that and he would fight until he had taken Arthur’s wife from
he had won all the wealth and honor he had. him. For through her he would get his own wife back.
When Sir Gawainet heard this, he said that he was This is what the king thought, but he could plot as
right “Indeed, every one of us should want to have him too. much as he wanted, for things would go otherwise than
Rest assured that he will soon come, since you wish for him, what he believed, if God safeguarded King Arthur and Sir
and may God bring him to you quickly.” Gawainet. With that, King Lot sent his spies out far and
“In truth,” said the king, “he told me that he would be wide to find out when King Arthur was coming from
here soon.” Carmelide to wed his wife and how many men would be
“Then there is no reason not to name the day for the with him. And he made ready to leave when he had to.
gathering,” said Sir Gawainet. But with that the story falls silent about him, and it
Then they set the gathering for one week from that speaks about Merlin, who was in the hermitage with Blaise,
day. They went on talking of such things until they got to his master, and who told him all the things you have heard
the great hall. The food was ready and the tables set, so before now, and Blaise put everything into writing. And the
they sat down and were served as kings and worthy
gentlemen should be. After they had eaten, they went out ^The text reads cite de daneblaise (300,1. 16).
again to enjoy themselves. And this is how their stay was for Hhe text reads par espouser sa feme (300, 1. 17): “to wed his
the whole eight days. wife.”
334 The Story of Merlin

story says that as soon as King Arthur had told Leodagan when they heard it, they crossed themselves in wonder.
that he was waiting only for Merlin, Merlin knew it. And he Then they asked Merlin what they should do about it.
knew King Lot’s thoughts and how he had sent his spies “I will gladly tell you this," said Merlin. “Tomorrow
along all the roads, and he told it word for word to Blaise, evening, after you have eaten your meal, put your armor on
who wrote it down. And after Merlin had told Blaise over your clothing, and go hide under an apple tree in the
everything, he came straight to Carhaix, where the barons garden. They will come unarmed but for their swords, and
were waiting for him; it was the evening before the king was they’ll go to their lookout where they’ll hide until it is time
to wed his wife.4 [301] And when the barons saw him, they for the nurse to bring the queen to play. And be careful
were joyful. that you are ready to rescue her as soon as they have taken
But with that the story falls silent about them, and we hold of her, for you will lose her very fast if they can get her
will tell about Guenevere, stepdaughter of Cleodalis, into the boat.”
seneschal of Carmelide, and about her kinsmen, who hated “Sir,” said the barons, “God willing, we will not lose
King Leodagan a great deal. her, since we know so much about it.”
Now the story says that Guenevere, Cleodalis’s ‘Take care," said Merlin, “not to tell anyone that I have
stepdaughter, had very wealthy kinsmen on her mother’s said this to you, for I would never love you.”
side, and they were very good knights. They hated King “In truth,” said the worthy gentlemen, “we would
Leodagan for the great shame he had brought to Cleodalis rather lose our birthright than say anything about it.”
because of his wife, whom he had kept for so long in spite With that, the three friends went back into the hall,
of them all. As it happened, they were gathered together on and they found that the knights wanted to leave, and they
the same evening Merlin came, and there were sixteen of went straight to their lodgings to rest and sleep until
them in all, and they were talking together of many things; daybreak the next morning. Then the barons and the
but Cleodalis was not at this meeting, and he knew nothing knights got out of bed and gathered in the hall. And King
about it. And they asked one another what they could do to Leodagan had his daughter dressed more richly than any
hurt the king more and annoy him. They agreed at last that king’s daughter ever was, and she was of such great beauty
they would speak to the nurse of King Arthur’s betrothed, that everyone stared at her in wonder. And King Ban took
and they would be so generous toward her that, on the her [302] on one side and King Bors on the other, and they
night when Guenevere5 was to lie down with her husband, led her to the church of St. Stephen. There was a great
the old woman would put the seneschal’s daughter with the gathering of nobles there to walk along with her, and they
king instead of her;6 and she would take Guenevere to play all held hands and walked two by two. The first two were
in the garden that evening,7 and “then we will seize her and King Arthur and King Leodagan,9 the second two Sir
take her to such a place that he will never hear news of her, Gawainet and Sir Wain, and after them went Galescalain
nor will she be recognized, wherever she goes. Now let’s go and Agravain, and next Dodinel and Guerrehet, and next
and talk the nurse8 into doing this, and when it is over we Sagremor and Gaheriet, and next Kay the Seneschal and
will be lords of the king and his kingdom.” Kay of Estral, and after them came King Ban and King Bors,
Then they decided that seven of them would who were leading the young lady. She wore flowing robes:10
undertake the kidnapping, and they would have a boat she had the richest cap that anyone had ever seen on her
ready where they would take her. After this planning, the golden head, and she was dressed in a robe of beaten gold
traitors went their ways happy and cheerful because they so long that it trailed more than a half-yard behind her, and
thought that they had done very well, and they bought the it fit her so well that everyone was astounded by her great
boat and everything they needed. And they made the nurse beauty. Next came Guenevere the stepdaughter of
such promises that she agreed to do what they wanted. Cleodalis, who was wonderfully beautiful and comely, and
But as soon as they had reached their agreement, she held Girflet and Lucan the Wine Steward by their
Merlin knew it. He went straight to Ulfin and Bretel and hands. Next came the newly knighted two by two, and after
drew them aside by themselves, and he explained to them them the companions of the Round Table, then the barons
the treachery word for word just as they had plotted it; and of the Kingdom of Carmelide, then the noble ladies of the
country and the burghers. This is how they came to the
4Sommer suggests, doubtless because espouser normally has a church.
complement, that the text must have dropped sa feme (300, n. 2). When they got there they found the archbishop of
5Sommer’s text, which does not mention the serving woman, Brice, in the land of Logres, and Sir Amustan, Leodagan’s
reads ele (301,1. 11): “she.” See the following note. good chaplain, and it is he who married King Arthur and
"Sommer gives the variant reading, found in two manuscripts, Guenevere and blessed them. And the archbishop sang
about the plan to bribe the old woman and substitute the other Mass, and great were the offerings of kings and high
Guenevere (301, n. 3). Because the nurse is not mentioned in
Sommer’s text, it appears at first that Guenevere was to be the
^he text reads bohors (302, 1. 4); however, Bors and Ban
agent of her own kidnapping.
accompany Guenevere. As Sommer notes (302, n. 1), the Harley
7
When the plot is executed, the old woman takes Guenevere manuscript has Leodagan.
into the garden to make water (308,1. 27).
iaThe text reads si/u Unite desafublee (302, 1. 7): “and she was
8Where the variant lesson is mmstresse (301, n. 4), Sommer’s all undressed,” which is clearly not the case. As the Merlin narrator
text has marastre (301, 1. 15): “stepmother." The text repeats does not characteristically engage in ironic descriptions, the
marastre in 1. 20, but maistresse occurs in 1. 28 and thereafter. meaning here must partake of conventional associations of
desafublee with open, loose-fitting, or flowing dress.
The Story of Merlin 335

princes. And when the service was over, they went back to Sagremor was the very first, and Nascien was on the other
the great hall, where there was a great crowd of all kinds of side.
singers.11 Why should I go on telling you about it? All the They all let their horses run against each other, but Sir
joyful merrymaking that could be done was done there. Gawainet rushed in between them and separated them, and
After this the tables were set and they went to eat, and they he called the companions of the Round Table and said to
were served as befits a king’s wedding. And there is no man them, “My lords, you are all worthy gentlemen and the best
alive who could talk about the presents that were given. knights anyone knows about. Now let us do the right thing.
After eating, when the tablecloths were taken away, the You go get your armor, and we’ll do likewise, and then let
barons got up and went into the meadows before the great us behave the same way on both sides and swear that if we
hall. There the jousting dummy was set up, and the new take one of yours, it will count against you, and if your take
knights went to tilt along with the forty knights that King one of ours, it will count in your favor and against us. And
Arthur had engaged to come with him to Carhaix. As it when we have caught one of yours, put another in his place,
happened, the knights of the Round Table came out too, and we will do the same if you catch one of ours.”
and they began hitting roughly, although they were playing, Then they swore to follow these rules and sent for their
because they were good knights. At length the news about armor, and as soon as it was brought to them, they quickly
that reached Sir Gawainet, who was still sitting at table put it on.
eating with his companions. When Sir Gawainet heard that The news had reached the city about how Sir Gawainet
his friends were jousting so hard, he asked for his arms, his had undertaken the tournament against the companions of
shield, and his lance, as did all his companions, and they the Round Table, and they esteemed him and praised him,
got on their horses not wearing armor, except that Sir Wain and more than any of the others King Bors esteemed him,
had on a short hauberk with double mail. That was always and he said that never again would such a knight be seen in
his custom—not because he would ever think of cheating his lifetime, “and if he lives long, he will be the best knight
or wrongdoing, but he dreaded that a fight might break out there ever was and the one I would most like to be like.”
between his companions through the fault of some This is what King Bors said about Sir Gawainet.
thoughtless or evil fellow, of whom there are many on the When they were on their horses and ready, they rode
earth. But when Sir Gawainet and his companions came against each other. The first to break ranks with the knights
into the tourney, the newly knighted were being badly of the Round Table was Adragain the Dark, and Dodinel
beaten, for the companions of the Round Table were doing the Wildman came to meet him. They rode as fast as their
with them what they would. When Sir Gawainet saw them horses could run and hit their shields with their lances so
getting the worst of it, he was not happy about it, so he and hard that they drove through the boards and broke them
his companions went to their side. When they saw that they into pieces with the strength of their arms—and of the
were being helped, they gathered about Sir Gawainet and horses that carried them; the tips of the lances stopped
his companions and asked them if they were on their side, against their hauberks, which were so strong that not a link
and they said that they were. [303] was broken, but the lances could only shatter. Then they
When Sir Gawainet went in on the side of the knights ran into each other so hard, shield against shield and body
Arthur had engaged, they were very glad and the others against body, that they took [304] each other to the
angry. Then they swore that they would never fail one ground. As soon as they had knocked each other down,
another in life or death, and this showed clearly that day, they came running to the rescue from both sides, and they
for they fought so well that the knights of the Round Table struck one another so stoutly on their shields that their
bore them a grudge that was to prove most cosdy in the lances flew into bits; some bore each other to the ground
quarrel that arose at the tournament in Logres where Sir while others went by without falling. Then they drew their
Gawainet was hailed lord and master for his valiant deeds swords and began the fray on foot and on horseback.
there, as the story will reveal it to you later, after he had Then, as it happened, Sir Gawainet and Nascien met
become the knight of Queen Guenevere. and struck each other with their lances on their shields with
When Sir Gawainet had taken his companions’ oaths, all their might. Nascien’s lance flew into bits, and Sir
they turned out in rank order; it was Sir Gawainet who set Gawainet hit him so hard that he drove his shield against
them in order, for he was a wise knight, the courtliest and his arm and his arm against his body, and he bore him from
the best taught there ever was in Great Britain. After he had his saddle to the ground with his legs in the air. But he
set his companions in order, they rode out two by two, one sprang back to his feet, for he was quick, as he was worthy
after the other. King Arthur, Merlin, and many of the and bold, and he drew his sword from its scabbard, covered
others were standing at the windows of the great hall to himself with his shield, and prepared to defend himself.
look at the tournament, and there were a great number of Sir Gawainet went through with his pass, then he
ladies and young women with them, and they all saw that turned back around, drew his sword, and came straight
they were turned out so well that they were sure to win the toward Nascien. And when Nascien saw him coming, he was
tournament together. And the companions of the Round hardly afraid of him at all, so he hurried to strike him. And
Table were on the other side, a hundred and fifty all told, he hit Sir Gawainet beneath his shield so that his blood
and Sir Gawainet sent forty jousters out against them: began to flow down, but Sir Gawainet gave him back such a
great blow on his helmet that the sparks flew up, and he
sent him flying to the ground on his hands, but he was soon
^The word is menestreus (302, 1. 21), which could apply to
servants and artisans as well as singers and musicians. up again and made straight for Sir Gawainet with his sword
raised high, and he dealt him such a strong blow on his
336 The Story of Merlin

helmet that he made him lean over. When Sir Gawainet saw the fighting in the tournament grew heavy and awesome,
that Nascien was so worthy and such a good fighter against for the companions of the Round Table had said that from
him, he loved him very well for it. Then he struck him so then on everyone should take care, if he knew how, to do as
hard through the helmet that he made him stumble and much harm as he could: ‘Tor we cannot hold ourselves in
fall to his knees. He who was of such great strength sprang very high esteem when such boys drive us back, and they
back to his feet, but as he was getting up, Sir Gawainet took have never fought in a tournament before. People will
hold of him by the helmet and tore it from his head so hard think we are cowards, and we would indeed be
that his nose and forehead hurt, and he threw it as far as he blameworthy.”
could into the press. Then they let their horses run together, and they rode
Then he yelled to him, “Sir knight, surrender!" in hard and fast, for they were grief-stricken about the
And he answered him that he had not reached the companions who had been taken prisoner. But the others
point where he should surrender for any man whom he came out to meet them, and they very boldly welcomed
could see. Then he covered himself with his shield, and Sir them with the tips of their lances. There the fighting was
Gawainet struck his shield so hard that a great piece of it fierce and hard, and it went on without letting up until
went flying into the field. Then he ran at him and hit him after midday. Then Sir Gawainet left the tournament to
so stoutly with the hilt of his sword that he sent him change helmets, for his had been so badly treated that it
sprawling to the ground. Then he came down from his was useless to anyone, for it had been dented and broken
horse and jumped on him, took his coif off of him. and told into pieces, so that it hung down over his shoulders. And
him to surrender to him or else he was dead. He answered while he was coming back, and he was putting another
that he could go ahead and kill him, but never, as long as helmet on, he saw his men withdrawing on every side. Then
he lived, would he be thought of as a coward. he struck headlong into the fighting. He held a strong,
“What?” said Sir Gawainet. “Sir knight, is it then true stout lance, and he took down the first man he came to and
that you would rather die than surrender or admit that you sent him sprawling. And Sir Gawainet fought so well that
have been bested?” his side won their ground back.
And he said yes. And then, as it happened, he found Sir Wonet on foot,
“I do not want to kill you,” said Sir Gawainet. ‘That along with Kay, Griffonet, Lucan, Blioberis, Girflet, Oswain
would truly be a shame, for you are most worthy. But I’ll the Stouthearted, Lanval, and Agravain, and the whole
have you stripped naked so that you won’t be getting on a tournament was around the nine of them,12 for all the
horse for a while.” companions of the Round Table were striving to take them.
“I do not know what you’ll do with me, but as long as I When Sir Gawainet saw them, he headed toward them
am alive I will not admit that I have been beaten.” holding his lance, and he rode in so hard among them that
When Sir Gawainet saw that he could get nothing he made them all shudder, and he sent the first man he
more from him, he was convinced that he was of great came to sprawling to the ground. Then he lowered his
heart. Then a most noble thought came to him that any lance and broke it, and with the stub he struck down
other man would have been wary of, and he came straight another one so mercilessly that he did not know where he
to him and said, “Sir knight, take my sword, for I know that was.
I have been bested.” After this, Sir Gawainet drew his sword and began to
And when Nascien saw such great nobility in him, he fight so skillfully diat everyone was struck dumb, for he cut
bowed low and said, “Ah! For God’s sake, sir knight, do not up their shields and hauberks so that none of them dared
say that, but take my sword instead, for I hand it over to make a stand against him, but even the best of them gave
you. Many have seen how it is with me, and you should ground to him, and so he scattered them hither and
know that I could never pay back or deserve such a favor.” thither. Meanwhile, his companions had got back on their
Then they embraced each other, and each was very horses, and they had the strength of heart to avenge the
happy with the [305] other, and after they had enjoyed shame the others had brought them. And Sir Wain began
each other for a while, they took up their arms and rode to fight so boldly that one and all held him in great esteem,
fast to the tourney, which had already begun, and Nascien and all the companions fought so well that everyone who
took Sir Gawainet’s side, for that was right and just. saw the tournament praised them highly. And the three
When Sir Gawainet and Nascien came to the kings13 spoke about them a great deal; they were standing
tournament, Dodinel was already back on his horse and at the windows, and they said that the young men would be
had taken Adragain prisoner by main force, and the [306] most worthy gendemen if they lived long. The deeds
fighting, which was underway again, was most wondrous. of prowess they did matched those of Sir Gawainet, for it
Sagremor had already struck down Hervi of Rivel and was was thanks to his prowess alone that the other side was
holding onto his helmet with both hands trying to make driven back and chased as far as the town. There the
him swear to become his prisoner; and Gaheriet, Sir companions of the Round Table stopped, for they were
Gawainet’s brother, had also taken Migloras. And when Sir filled with sorrow and anger, and they said that they would
Gawainet saw that, he began to fight so well that he made be cowards to let themselves be treated in such a way, so
every one of them fall back and yield ground; and twelve of
Sir Gawainet’s companions fought so well that they took by
12The text has “eight” ces .viij. (305, 1. 30), resulting either
force twelve of the companions of the Round Table, who
from an error (for .viiij.) or from an attempt to distinguish the last
were so sorrowful over it that they nearly went out of their eight from Wain.
minds. Then forty companions from each side came in, and
13The text has li .iiij. roy (305,1. 43): “the four kings.”
The Story of Merlin 337

they turned their horses around again to make a stand struck him on the chest with a lance and almost brought
against the ones running after them. Then the hitting him down with his horse,16 and he was very sore from the
began, and it was wondrous, for none had been harder or blow Minodales had given him. Sir Gawainet [307] made
more bitter all day. straight for him and raised his sword to strike him on the
The fighting was very heavy and the battle was hard, helmet, but when the latter saw him coming, he leaned
before the gate to the city of Carhaix, between those of the forward to ward off the blow, but the staff landed
Round Table and the newly knighted. Then Sir Gawainet lengthwise across his shoulders and knocked him head over
began a brawl that was so great that it was spoken of for a heels to the ground.
long time afterwards. He had fought hard the whole day Then came King Arthur, who had clearly seen the
long, and when he saw that his companions had been young man’s stroke, and he shouted to him, “Dear nephew,
stopped and that the companions of the Round Table were put your staff down, for you have done enough with it.”
defending the gate against them so that they could not But he was hot with anger and bent on inflicting pain.
break through, he was so filled with wrath and anguish that Merlin rode over to him and grabbed him with one of his
he hardly knew what to do. Then he withdrew and put his hands and with the other took his staff away, and he said to
sword back into its scabbard. This was not Excalibur, but a him, smiling, “Hold still, sir knight, for you have been
very hard sword made for tourneys. He went to a staff of caught. Surrender to me, if you please, for you have done
oak and took it in his hands, and he threw his shield on the enough fighting."
ground in order to move more freely; then he made When Sir Gawainet saw that it was Merlin, he told him
straight for the press where he saw that the fighting was with great courtesy that he was indeed his prisoner, since it
roughest. As he came in, he dealt one knight a heavy blow pleased Merlin.
on top of his helmet; it was so hard that he sent him With these words, King Arthur came to him and said,
sprawling to the ground and almost knocked him senseless. “Dear nephew, let the tournament be, for you have done
Then he struck another one down all in a daze, so that enough fighting, and it would be a good thing to let it go
blood flowed from his nose and mouth. He struck left and with that.”
right and brought down as many as he met in his path, and And Sir Gawainet told him that it suited him, since that
he wounded and maimed many of them. was his pleasure. With that the five of them rode away, and
And when the companions of the Round Table saw as soon as Sir Gawainet had left the tournament, the others
that he was trying only to hurt them, they ran upon him stopped fighting, and they all went to their lodgings to take
and his men with more than enough vigor, and they said off their armor. But the companions of the Round Table
that from that time on they would do the worst harm they were most distressed, because they had got the worse of the
could, for they no longer cared just for tourneying. So the tournament, but they were quite sure that they would
fighting grew so heavy and so awesome that there would avenge themselves so that the newly knighted could not
have been great losses on both sides if it had not been for boast about it.
Merlin, who called King Ban, King Bors his brother, and These words were overheard by a young man who was
King Arthur and told them to go break it up, for it was high riding near them, and he went to tell Sir Gawainet, whom
time to make peace between them. When the barons the three kings and Merlin were leading away, along with
understood Merlin’s meaning, they asked for their armor Sir Wain and Galescalain. And the boy came up to them
and their horses, and the serving boys went out and and told them what the companions of the Round Table
brought armor and horses to them. They donned their had said. And when Sir Gawainet heard their threat, he
armor, and when they were mounted, they rode out to the regarded it with great scorn, but he did not let the others
fray. And Merlin went along and rode ahead of everyone.14 see this, except to say that they could have their tourneying
And the others were fighting very hard, one side hot with without stopping for as long as they wanted, “until I am at
anger against the other. Sir Gawainet was hitting very hard the point of sending17 ten unskilled knights18 out against
with the staff he was wielding, but his foes15 defended them!”
themselves with all their might because they would not yield Sir Gawainet kept to the words he spoke, for it was very
ground regardless of what was done to them. clear who the best knights were on the day they won
When Sir Gawainet saw that they were holding their together the tournament in the meadowlands outside
own so well, he flew headlong into their midst, angry as a Logres, when the new knights fought against those of the
wild boar, and he worked until he broke through the whole Round Table. There were many wounded and maimed
of them, like it or not. Then he began to harm them in the
worst way, for he meant to hurt them all if he could. As 1&The text adds the formulaic en ,j. mont (306, 11. 41-42): “all
Merlin and the three kings rode up to separate them, in a heap.”
Merlin, as it happened, was facing Minodales, who had 17The conjunction por .j. peu que (307, 11. 24-25) normally
refers to a present or past action (modem French peu s’en faut que
14Sommer’s text reads & merlins uait auoec deuant tons les je [‘1 almost... ”]) rather than, as here, to the future.

autres. Et chil se combatent . . . (306, 11. 31-32): “and Merlin went laThe term is chevaliers daide (307, 1. 25), which can refer to
along before all the others. And those were fighting .... ” Sommer knights whose duty it is to ride to others’ rescue (but laisse coure [‘1
cites the variant in the Harley manuscript: Et merlins mnt deuant tout let run/send out”] suggests an attack, mock or serious), to knights
premier a ceulx qui se combatent. . . (306, n. 1): “And Merlin came out who are to be used only in cases of urgency (auxiliary in one
front, the very first, to those who were fighting ... . ” sense), or to knights who aid other knights (auxiliary in another
15The text has cil (306,1. 34): “those/the [other] ones.” sense). In any case, the term implies second-rate knights and,
appropriately for Gawain’s scorn, a sarcastic tone of voice.
338 The Story of Merlin

then, just as the story will recount it for you later. And it will stayed there for a long time until the barons had left and
tell you how oaths were sworn on one and the other side. gone to their lodgings.
But right now the story stops speaking about this thing And the queen was undressed as though to go to bed.
until it is the proper time and place, and it goes back to Then the old woman took her into the garden to make
speaking about the knights of the Round Table, who went water.20 The traitors were lying in wait in the garden
to their lodgings to take off their armor, just as I have told hidden beneath a grafted pear tree;21 when they saw her
it earlier. coming, they kept very still and crept toward the wall little
Here the story says that as King Arthur was taking Sir by little. But Bretel and Ulfin had not forgotten what
Gawainet to the great hall, the common folk said to one Merlin had told them. They were well armed beneath their
another, about Sir Gawainet, “Look at the good knight clothing, and they had hidden crouched under the steps
here!” the queen was to take to go outside. They kept very still and
They asked Merlin who he was and what his name was, were seen by no man or woman, and they likewise had their
and he told them that he was named Gawainet and that he ears cocked to listen. After they had been there quite a long
was the son of King Lot of Orkney. And when they heard time, they saw the old woman who held the queen by the
this, they said, because they were most happy to hear it, that hand and was going straight to where the traitors were on
he was very bold and that he was indeed a man to imitate. the lookout. And when they saw that the queen22 had gone
Thus the townsfolk talked as they would. And after the far from her room, they laid hands on her from all sides
companions of the Round Table had taken off their armor, and handed the other Guenevere over to the old woman.
they dressed themselves in their best robes and came And when the queen23 saw her, she understood clearly that
straight to court. And as soon as they saw [308] Sir she had been betrayed, and she prepared to scream, but
Gawainet, they drew to one side and grumbled to they told her that if she uttered a single word, they would
themselves about him loudly enough for him to hear, and kill her—even if she made any sound at all. Then they drew
they said that he had hurt them dreadfully in that first their bare swords and left along the river that ran below the
tournament; now he was certain to be lord and master of garden, where a boat they had come in was tied up. The
them all and a companion of the Round Table as well. Sir garden was quite high above the river, and the only way
Gawainet indeed heard them, but he answered them not a they could get there was by a little path which was very hard
word. And from that day on he could indeed be lord and to go up and down because of the rocks that were heavily
master and a companion of the Round Table whenever he strewn all over it. And if they could [309] only have got into
wanted,19 and it was right, for there was in him the the boat, the queen would have been lost without hope of
worthiness of a great gendeman; he was a good knight and recovery.
faithful for as long as he lived and full of other good When Ulfin and Bretel saw the ones they were
qualities, and he was more courdy than any other. yearning so much to see, they jumped out of their hiding-
Straightway the cloths were laid on the tables, and the place and shouted at them. They called them traitors and
knights within washed their hands. There were three halls said that they would be sorry for what they had done, for
full of knights, and they were very well served with all the they would die because of it. And when the traitors heard
good and fitdng things a man’s body needs. When, after them yelling, they looked about and saw that there were
the meal, the tablecloths were taken away, the knights only two of them, and they held them to be of litde worth.
began to make merry and to play games with one another, So they took the queen and gave her over to five of their
which was the right thing to do. Then the vesper bells were companions, and the other five stayed behind to fight the
rung at my lord St. Stephen’s Church, and all those knights men who were coming for them with their swords drawn.
went to hear vespers. Afterwards King Arthur’s bed was When the queen saw how they were treating her, she
blessed, and the knights left and went to rest and sleep in became greatly frightened and let herself fall to the
their lodgings. ground, onto the green grass, but they picked her up and
And Guenevere stayed behind in her room alone with carried her, whether she liked it or not. And when she saw
her nurse. And that day the treachery was brought into play the two men coming to rescue her, she twisted out of their
whereby she was to be taken prisoner and betrayed by the hands so forcefully that she got away from them, and she
kinsmen of Guenevere, stepdaughter of Cleodalis the turned in flight down through the garden until she came to
Seneschal; they had convinced the old woman, who was the a fruit tree, and she flung both arms around it and held on
nurse of Guenevere, King Arthur’s wife, to grant them what
they wanted. They said that they would wait for her in the
20In the exposition of the plot, the old woman was to take her
garden beneath the great hall, and they would have the to esbatre (301,1. 13): “frolic.”
other Guenevere with them. After they had made their
21The text reads une ente de sainrieule (308, 1. 28). The word
case, they went into the garden and hid under the trees;
ente is common for a grafted fruit tree. The Franzosiches
there were ten of them, but they were armed only with Etymologisches Worterbuch records the regional term sans-regle
swords. They had the false Guenevere with them, and they (“ruleless”), cf. Old French rieule, attested since the fourteenth
century, for “a kind of hardy pear tree” and its fruit (10: 222, col.
2), probably so named because the tree bears erratically (10: 224,
19The text, which is not so forthrightly conditional, reads fu il
col. 1, n. 28).
sires & maistres & compains de la table roonde sil le vaut estre (308, 11. OQ

5—6): “he was lord and master and a companion of the Round 4 The text has the ambiguous personal pronoun ele (3: 308,1.
Table if he wanted to be.” 36): “she.”
23Again, the ambiguous personal pronoun (308,1. 37).
The Story of Merlin 339
tight. They came right to her and tried to pull her away, but Just then King Arthur came back from reveling with his
they could not move her from it; however much they pulled companions. When he came into the hall, Merlin and King
and tugged, they could do no more with her. They were so Leodagan came to meet him, and they told him to go to
angry they could have killed her. bed with his wife, for it was high time; he said that he would
And Ulfin and Bretel ran until they came to the five do so very gladly. So he went into the room where the three
who were waiting for them holding their naked swords. maidens were who had helped her get ready for bed, and as
Bretel struck the first man he met so hard that he split him soon as the king was in bed, the ladies left the room. No
open down to his teeth, and Ulfin hit the second one and one was left there but the king and queen, and all night
sent his head flying. The other three fell on them, but they they spent a most happy time together,24 for they loved
could not harm them because they were wearing good each other deeply, and they did not stop until daybreak,
armor; they lost heart and wanted to flee, but the two stayed when they fell asleep arm in arm.
right on them until they had killed all three. Then they Thus was Queen Guenevere to have been deceived by
went straight for the five others, who were trying so hard to the traitors—by the ones because of whom she later had
get the queen away, but they could not pull her from the very great sorrow, which happened a long time afterwards,
tree, and it was a wonder that they had not tom her arms just as the story will relate it to you, if there is anyone to tell
from her body. it to you.25 For the king lost26 her for a good three years,
When Ulfin and Bretel saw the distress the queen was when he never had her with him. Galehaut, a wealthy
in, they ran toward her and yelled at them, and they came prince in the kingdom of Sorelois, took her away for love of
out to meet them. They began hitting one another with Lancelot. And the king kept the false Guenevere as his
their swords, and Ulfin and Bretel killed two of the five. concubine27 until one day when, as it happened, he was
And when the others saw that there were only three of taken ill. And this was because of Bertelay,28 a traitor who
them left, they turned in flight straight to the path that led brought it about that King Arthur was unwilling to give her
down to the boat. And when the two companions saw them up for anyone’s sake; in the end, everything on earth
running away, they did not want to chase them. Instead, rotted. And the land and kingdom were under interdict for
they came back to the spot where the dead men lay, picked nearly three years, when no man’s or woman’s body was
them up, and threw them down the cliff, and the old buried in consecrated ground except secretly and under
woman along with them—they went rolling from rock to threat of excommunication. And Our Lord allowed such
rock and did not stop until they came to the river. Then hardship to befall them for the breech of faith in their sins,
Ulfin and Bretel took the queen and led her away very and they were sinful indeed. And all of this happened
frightened to her bedroom, and they told her not to be through a knight who afterwards died a dreadful death
afraid anymore. Afterwards they took the false Guenevere because of it, as the story will tell you later. But it is right
and led her off to their lodging, for they did not want and fitting that the story should tell you why this happened,
anyone to find out about their secret. for this is the place for it, and reason accords with this.
Just as you have heard, the traitors were dealt with It was true that King Leodagan, who was a good ruler
according to Merlin’s advice, and the queen was rescued by and lawgiver, had a knight who was most worthy and
the two worthy men. And as soon as they had left, Merlin shrewd; he was a good knight who had served him well, and
knew it, and he came straight to King Leodagan and told he was of noble stock. This knight’s name was Bertelay, and
him to send three of his young ladies to the queen’s room he hated another knight with deadly hatred because the
to put her to bed. And the king asked him, “Why? Can’t her latter had slain one of his first cousins to have his wife
nurse do it?” because he loved her. When Bertelay found out that he
And Merlin told him the whole truth just as it had [311] had killed his cousin, and knew that his wife had
happened. When the king heard it, he was deeply amazed shamed him, he never bothered to complain to the king.
[310] about it, and he said that he could never rest until he Rather, he went to him, broke faith with him, and
had spoken to her. Then King Leodagan left and came threatened him with death, and he kept watching him
straight to the bedroom where his daughter Guenevere was, many a day and many a night. At last, on the night that
and he took three young ladies with him to get her ready
for bed. When she saw him, she began to weep mightily, 24The text reads menerent. . . moult boine ui ensamble (310, 11.
and the king took her by the hand, drew her to one side, 20-21): “let a very good life together.’’The expression recurs (313,
and spoke to her all alone. And she told him the truth just 11. 26-27).
as it had happened, from beginning to end, and the king 25Sommer’s text has sil est qui le vous die (310, 1. 25), as
told her that she had nothing to fear, for she need worry no translated. However, he also provides a variant from the Harley
more. And the king ordered the three ladies to get her manuscript, sil est que ie le vous dye (310, n. 1): “if I have a mind to
ready for bed, and they did as they were told; nor did King tell it to you.”
Leodagan want to leave the room before they had put her ^Sommer's text has causa (310, 1. 26): “blamed, contested
to bed. After that, he came to his daughter’s bed, raised the with.” He provides the variant from the Harley manuscript in a
cover, and turned it down until he saw the mark of the note (310, n. 2).

crown on her back. Then he knew indeed that she was his 27Thus reads Sommer’s text, en soignantage (310, 1. 28): “in
daughter, whom he had had by his wife. After that, he put concubinage.” He also provides a variant from the Harley
manuscript, en lieu (310, n. 3): “in [her] place.”
the cover back over her and went out of the room without
saying a word, and the ladies wondered why he had done 28In Sommer’s text, the reference to Arthur’s illness is
followed by & a bertolai (310, 1. 29), with no apparent syntactical
that.
link with the preceding.
340 The Story of Merlin

King Arthur wed his wife, when the knights left the court forgive her for an even greater misdeed than this. But, as it
and went to their lodgings to rest, Bertelay happened to see would nevertheless be fitting for me to take vengeance in
his enemy. He ran him down and killed him with a short some way, you must take her out of this kingdom so that no
sword he had with him. As soon as he had killed him, he man or woman who sees her will know who she is; for that is
went straight to his lodging, and the two squires who had my pleasure and my will.”
been with the slain knight raised the cry, and people came But the seneschal answered that she was never his
pouring out everywhere with lanterns and torches aflame daughter, “but [312] because it is your will, I will do it. And
and found the slain knight. They asked the two squires, God help me,” he went on, “I would rather she were
who were mourning sorrowfully, who had killed him, and burned, or buried alive, in sight of all the townsfolk, for she
they said that it was Bertelay the Red. After the squires had does not belong to me in any way.”
wept and wailed over their lord for a long time, they picked “Now, right now,” said the king, “let it lie! Take care
him up and carried him to his lodging, and they did to him that everything is done so that I may never again hear tell of
what was fitting for a dead knight. They watched over him her—and take as much of what is mine as you will.”
until daybreak and carried him to the church, and they had This is what the barons decided, and right away,
the service said29 and then buried him. without a break, Cleodalis got himself and his stepdaughter
And in the morning, Ulfin and Bretel together sent for ready to ride, and they took to the road and made their way
Cleodalis the Seneschal, and they ordered him to come until in time they came into another kingdom,33 to an
speak to them at their lodging. He came there very abbey that was in a wild, lonely place, where he put her.
willingly, for he was well-bred and noble. When they saw And there she stayed, so says the story, until Bertelay the
him, they drew him aside and told him what had happened Red found her; through his craft and trickery he set her
just as it had occurred and how his daughter had behaved. free. Then many times he had his way with her and lay with
And when he heard the high treason30 she had done, her openly.
he said that she could never be his daughter, “for if she But with that, the story falls silent from talking about
were my daughter, she would never have done it no matter them right here, and it will tell you about Cleodalis the
who might have begged her to.” Seneschal, who came back to Carhaix, where King Arthur
While the three of them were talking in this way, King was.
Leodagan had arisen very early, for he was very frightened
by the strange things that had happened to his daughter
that night. And Merlin was already out of bed, and he went
38. Bertelay Condemned; Arthur to Hold
straight to the king31 and bade him good day, and when the
king saw him he turned a cheerful face to him and said
Court.* 1
God bless him. Then they took each other by the hand and
came out of the hall talking of several things, and they Here the story says that after King Leodagan had ordered
walked until they came before the lodging of Ulfin and his seneschal to take his daughter out of the kingdom of
Bretel. Then went inside so stealthily that those within did Carmelide, he left Ulfin’s and Bretel’s lodging with Merlin,
not know they were there until they were almost on top of and they came back to his hall hand in hand. There they
them, but when they caught sight of them they sprang up to found the barons all out of bed and dressed; the bells had
greet them, for they were not awkward at honoring worthy already been rung for Mass, and they were going to the
gentlemen. Then all five of them32 went into a room by church. When Mass had been sung, they came back to the
themselves, and Ulfin left and brought Guenevere in, and hall. There the kinsmen of the knight whom Bertelay had
he told them what she and the traitors had done, although slain came to bring their suit to the king. King Leodagan
they already knew about it because Merlin had told the sent for him at his lodging, and he came right away,
king. wearing armor beneath his clothing and carrying hidden
Then King Leodagan spoke and said, “Seneschal, sir weapons. And he had with him a great many knights, for he
seneschal, I love you very much indeed, and I would gladly was full of great courdiness; he had always had a good
do anything for the sake of your honor; I would willingly tongue in his head, and he was always beautifully dressed.
increase that honor, and so I shall, if I live long enough, for And when King Leodagan saw him, he asked him why
you have served me faithfully and well. And I would do he had slain the knight unlawfully.
nothing or strive for nothing that could bring you shame or He answered that he would indeed defend himself
dishonor if I could shield you from them. Do you know why against anyone who called him a criminal: “I do not say that
I say this? Look, this is your daughter, who has surely I did not kill him, but I did break faith with him first. And I
deserved to be condemned by the law. But you have been did not kill him without reason, for many know for a fact
so faithful to me that, for love of you, I would have to that he had slain a first cousin of mine to have his wife,
whom he was shaming. So, as I see it, a man should harm

29The text says, without reference to how the service was his deadly enemy in all the ways he can—after he has
conducted,yisen/ le seruice faire (311,1. 14): ‘bad the service done.” broken faith with him.”

30The text has la grant desloiaute (311, 1. 19): “the great

faithless/illegal/criminal act.” 33The text says “into the kingdom of Carmelide,” but this is
31The text has the ambiguous personal pronoun lui (311, 1. clearly an error, since Cleodalis has been ordered to remove the
23): “him.” false Guenevere from Carmelide.
32That is, including Cleodalis. 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 312-315.
The Story of Merlin 341

And the king answered that he was mistaken, “but if much wanted to go to the kingdom of Logres, and they said
you had come to me and brought suit against him, I would that they were all ready.
not have ruled against you; then you could have taken And King Arthur drew Sir Gawainet aside and said to
vengeance. But you did not find me worthy enough to seek him, “Dear nephew, take enough of your companions with
justice from me.” you so that no more than five hundred knights are left
"Sir,” he said, “say what you will, but I have never done behind with me, for I want to ride as quiedy as I can. And
you any wrong, nor will I ever, God willing." you will go straight to Logres, my chief city, and gather
“It is my will,” said the king, “that a rightful judgment together as much food as you can find, and see to it that
will be pronounced.” nothing is lacking. And send the word out far and wide, for
“Sir," said Bertelay the Red, “I see clearly that it must I will hold court this mid-August as grandly as I can."
be as you will.” ‘Sir,” said Gawainet, “I am afraid that you may be fallen
Then the king ordered the decision to be reached in upon by some attackers.”
full sight of his barons. “I’m not worried about that," answered King Arthur.
At that trial were King Arthur, King Ban, King Bors, Sir “But go quickly!”
Gawainet, Sir Wain, Sagremor, Nascien, Adragain, [313] And Sir Gawainet left his uncle right then and went
Hervi of Rivel, and Guiomar. These ten were to make the straight to his companions. He told them to go get ready,
judgment, so they talked together about many things until for they had to ride. They went to their lodgings and put
at last they agreed that Bertelay should be stripped of his their armor on, but before that, they had taken leave of
holdings and put out of King Leodagan’s land forever. And King Leodagan and the barons of Carmelide, and they had
King Ban made the speech, for he was wonderfully well- very tenderly commended one another to God. [314]
spoken, just as it had been entrusted to him: So Sir Gawainet left court along with his companions.
“Sir, these barons gathered here have judged that And King Arthur stayed behind with five hundred men, for
Bertelay the Red should be stripped of all the land he holds that was his pleasure; of them two hundred fifty were
from you as his overlord, and then he must forsake the knights of the Round Table. And Sir Gawainet and his
kingdom forever. The reason is that he took it upon companions made their way and at last came to Logres. But
himself to judge the knight he killed, and at night, but Sir Gawainet’s heart was heavy for his uncle the king, whom
justice was not his to mete out. Moreover, you hold high he had left in the kingdom of Carmelide, lest something
court, which should guarantee that all who have ever been should happen to him on his way, for he had to go through
there may come and go freely.” a great land that bordered on his enemies, before he came
With that, King Ban sat down and said no more. And into his own land. So he hurried to do what his uncle had
when Bertelay saw that it could not be otherwise, that he ordered, and he sent word far and wide to all those who
had been forsaken, he turned around without saying a loved King Arthur that they should come to his court,
word. He did not dare argue against the judgment, for the which was to be as splendid as they could make it, and they
highest men in the world—and the mightiest—had made it; were to be there at mid-August. And Sir Gawainet had
but if any others had made it, he would have done all he foodstuffs brought in from everywhere in wagons and carts
could to dispute it. and on pack horses, and he stocked the court so well with
So Bertelay left, but he took along a most handsome all the things a man or woman needed that nothing was
following of knights to whom he had many times given fine lacking. For he was, as the story says, the shrewdest knight
gifts, for he had been a good and strong knight. And he in the world, the most learned, one of the most courdy, one
made his way, little by litde, hour by hour, until at last he of the least slanderous, and the least boastful. And when he
came to the place where the false Guenevere was. There he had got everything ready, he set out to meet his uncle, for
lingered for quite a long time, and he brooded very darkly, he was very much afraid that Arthur might be harmed
like a man who had known every sorrow, about how he along the way.
could take vengeance against King Leodagan and King But right now the story falls silent about him and his
Arthur, who had forsaken him. From this such great ordeals companions, who were riding hard, and we will tell you
befell King Arthur, and such great strife arose between him about King Arthur and those who were with him.
and his wife, that he cast her aside for a long time, just as Now the story says that on the third day after Sir
die story will relate it to you later. Gawainet had left his uncle King Arthur, the latter, along
But now the story falls silent about them and talks no with his wife, took to the road straight toward Bredigan,
more about them, and it goes back to good King Ardiur of and with him were King Ban of Benoic and King Bors of
Britain, who was with his wife in the city of Carhaix in Gaunes—they were brothers and the two best knights one
Carmelide with King Leodagan. would have hoped to find in any land—and the two
In this part the story says that King Arthur spent a most hundred fifty companions of the Round Table, who were
happy time together with his wife2 for a week—eight days liegemen to King Leodagan. And the queen had begged Sir
after he had wed her. On the ninth day, he called his Amustan, who had been the chaplain of her father King
barons aside and told them to prepare to ride, for he very Leodagan, to come with her to the kingdom of Logres;
indeed, he was chaplain there for a long time thereafter.
And she brought Guiomar, her cousin, who was a
2The text reads moult demena li rois artus boine vie il & sa feme
(313, 11. 26-27): “King Arthur led a very good life together with his handsome, well-bred knight, and Sadoine, his elder

wife.” Cf. 310,11. 20-21. brother, who was castellan of the good city Aneblayse. As
soon as King Arthur had left the kingdom of Carmelide,
342 The Story of Merlin

King Lot found out about it from his spies, and he took to with King Ban, King Bors, and the companions of the
the road with his knights and hid in the Forest of Sapinoie, Round Table. And King Lot sprang out of his hiding place
and he said that he would wait for King Arthur there and with his men in armor, seven hundred by count, and they
take his wife from him if he ever could. met them with raised lances under their arms, their shields
But here we will stop talking to you about him for a before their chests, giving their horses free rein and riding
while, and we will tell you about King Arthur, who had left as fast as their horses could run; and they screamed at them
the kingdom of Carmelide. And the story says that King so loudly that the whole forest resounded with their yells.
Leodagan rode with him for three full days, and on the When King Arthur’s men saw them coming, they went out
fourth he went back into his kingdom. And then Merlin to meet them very boldly, and they welcomed them with the
came to King Arthur and took his leave, and he said that he iron tips of their lances. They struck one another on their
would go to Blaise, his master, for he had not seen him for shields so that they drove through and split them; some
some time. there were who knocked one another from their horses,
“What?” said King Arthur. ‘Won’t you be at my court in and others broke their lances and passed by without falling.
Logres?” And when their lances were gone, they drew their swords
“Yes, indeed,” answered Merlin, “I’ll be there before it and began an uproar that was loud and awesome; no one
is over.” had ever seen a greater one from so few men, for they were
He then commended him to God and left. But he had very good knights on both sides. And it lasted long enough
not gone far at all before they did not know what had for King Arthur and King Lot to run against each other
become of him. [315] And Merlin came straight to Blaise with raised lances, and they let go at each other with as
that very evening, and Blaise welcomed him most joyfully much speed as they could get from their horses and hit
when he saw him. And Merlin told him all the adventures each other on their shields so hard with their lances that
that had happened since he had left him, just as you have they broke through and split them, but the tips of their
heard, and he told him how King Lot was hiding in the lances stopped against their finely mailed hauberks. They
Forest of Sapinoie. He also told him many other things that thrust at each other with all their might. King Lot broke his
happened afterwards in the kingdom of Logres. And Blaise lance, and King Arthur struck him so hard that he bore him
put everything into writing, and thanks to him we still know to the ground over his horse’s backside [316] with his legs
it. flying, but he was quickly back on his feet, for he was very
But with that the story falls silent now about Merlin skillful. He drew his sword from its scabbard and covered
and Blaise, and we will tell you about King Arthur. himself with his shield, but it hurt him so much that he had
been struck down by a single knight that he nearly went out
of his mind, for he was not used to falling very often.
King Arthur had turned about and was coming back
39. Lot Surrenders to Arthur, and Gawain
toward King Lot. And when Lot saw him coming, he moved
Becomes the Queen’s Knight; News of the out of the way so that he missed him and passed by. And
Grail.1 when he saw him going by, he struck King Arthur’s horse so
hard in the gut underneath that he split it open from one
The story says here that after King Arthur had left King end to the other. King Arthur went sprawling down in such
Leodagan and Merlin, just as you have heard, he rode with a way that his thigh was pinned between his horse and the
five hundred well-armed men wearing iron mail, and he ground, and his horse held him fast so that he could not
was taking Queen Guenevere his wife along with him. They get up. King Lot jumped on top of him, grabbed him by his
rode in short stretches until they came within two leagues helmet, and twisted and pulled as hard as he could. He was
of the Forest of Sapinoie, where King Lot lay hidden with trying his best to cut off his head, and he would soon have
seven hundred men wearing iron mail. And the youths who hurt him so badly that he could have never recovered, had
were leading the packhorses knew nothing about them not King Ban, King Bors, and the companions of the
until they were right on top of them. As soon as they saw Round Table come spurring to his rescue. Meanwhile, King
that they were men-at-arms, they knew that they were not Lot’s men came riding in, and diey flew into each odier just
there to help them; they stopped and did not go a step as they had met before, and the fighting began all over
farther, but sent word to King Arthur that a great many again, very fierce and very heavy, and there was none so
men-at-arms were lying in wait in the woods. skilled that he did not feel the worse for it. Even so, they
When King Arthur heard that he was about to fall into fought long enough on both sides that the two kings got
a trap, he dismounted and gathered his men about him back on horseback. And after they were back on, the
and put them in order to fight. He put the queen in the fighdng began again heavier and more awesome, but King
care of forty knights and told them to take her to safety if Arthur’s men had suffered great harm, for King Lot had
they saw it was needed. Then he and his men climbed on two hundred more knights than King Arthur.
their horses and rode hunched down beneath their Just then, behold Sir Gawainet with eighty well-armed
helmets, burning to defend themselves and to attack others companions and Kay the Seneschal, who eagerly yearned to
if they found anyone who wanted to block their way. So join die fighting—he was very skilled at arms, for he was a
they rode until they came upon the place where King Lot’s good knight, strong and bold, in his own right, but for a
men were lying in wait. King Arthur was riding out ahead single flaw he had, which is diat he wept too readily because
of his great love of laughter. He was also a jokester, one of
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 315-335. the greatest there ever was because he liked to poke fun,
The Story of Merlin 343
and many knights hated him for it—they had been shamed “Yes, you have,” he answered. “You wronged me and
by things he said; and so he was unwelcome in many a everyone in this place when you attacked my uncle and
place, for the knights he had laughed at gave him a great blocked his way."
deal of trouble. But he was a faithful knight toward his “What?” said King Lot. “Who are you that call him
overlord and toward the queen until his death. Nor in his uncle?”
life did he ever do but one unlawful thing, that is, against “What does it matter to you who I am?” he answered. “I
Loholt, King Arthur’s son, whom he killed in the Perilous won’t tell you. But do quickly what I tell you or you are
Forest, and he was accused in court by Perceval the dead and your men as well.”
Welshman, who had been told about it by a hermit who saw ‘Tell me," said the king, “by the faith you owe to the
him slay him. thing you love most in the world, what is your name?”
When King Arthur saw his nephew coming so fiercely, And he answered, “First I will know the name of you
his whole heart rose within his chest from the joy he felt. who ask me.”
Then he came to King Ban and said to him, “See what “In truth,” he said, “I am King Lot, the wretched king
splendid help is coming to us. Do you know who the first of Orkney and Loonois. Nothing but bad things happen to
man is riding that black warhorse? The one holding that me, and this has been so for a long time. Now tell me your
ash lance with the shield of gold and blue with the lion name and who you are.”
rampant, its face turned sideways, with those silver crowns?” When Sir Gawainet heard that it was his father, he
And King Ban stood upright and said, “Sir, who is it? named himself and said that he was Gawainet and that he
Tell me, for I do not know him, except that to me it looks was King Arthur’s nephew.
like your nephew Gawainet.” And when King Lot heard him, he sprang to his feet
“Indeed,” he said, “it is he in truth! And beginning and tried to throw his arms around him, saying, “Dear son,
right now, I can say that those who have fallen upon us will you are welcome indeed! I am your sorrowful, wretched
be sorry they came. For if God keeps him and his father, whom you have struck down so improperly.”
companions from harm, they would not last until the noon But Sir Gawainet told him to get away, for he would
hour even if there were as many more of them!” [317] not be his father or his good friend until he had made
“In God’s name,” said King Ban, “it would be unwise of peace with King Arthur and begged his forgiveness for his
them to wait and fight them.” unlawful deeds, and then he would have to swear fealty to
While they were talking there, Sir Gawainet and his him openly and in full sight of all his barons: “Otherwise,
companions rode up, and he was out ahead holding the you cannot trust me to do anything for you but kill you, and
thick lance. And as he drew near, he recognized his uncle the only pledge you’ll leave is your head!”
and saw clearly that he needed help. So he charged When King Lot [318] heard him, he fainted and fell to
headlong among them, crashing in hard, his banner flying, the ground, and when he came out of his swoon he begged
and it so happened that Gawainet met King Lot, his father, for his mercy and said to him, “Dear son, I’ll do whatever
who had just got back on his horse, and he was holding a you like. Take my sword, which I hand over to you.”
stout lance. He came upon him as fast as his horse could And Sir Gawainet, who pitied him, took it, happy and
go, and they struck each other on their shields with all their joyful; tears fell from his eyes beneath his helmet, and he
might. King Lot broke his lance on the shield of Sir wept tenderly, for his heart was heavy with sorrow that he
Gawainet, and Sir Gawainet hit him so hard that he drove had wounded his father so badly, but he did his utmost to
through his shield and his hauberk and wounded him a resist going to him.
little in the side, so that his blood spurted out, and Then they both went back to their horses and
ruthlessly he sent him spilling from his horse to the mounted, and they came to their men and broke up the
ground, so that he did not know whether it was night or fighting. But King Lot’s companions were in a very bad way,
day; and Gawainet passed by so fast that his armor made a for Sir Gawainet’s companions had done them such harm
great noise. on their first strike that more than forty of them had been
And when he came back, he found his father still lying sent sprawling to the ground from their horses and did not
sprawled on the ground, and he rode over him three or have the strength to get back on horseback. And Sir
four times with his horse and crushed and maimed him so Gawainet came in: he split them up and pulled them off
dreadfully that Lot nearly went mad. Then Sir Gawainet one another. Then Sir Gawainet went straight to King
dismounted, stuck his lance into the ground, and drew his Arthur, his uncle.
sword Excalibur, which threw off a very bright light, and As soon as King Arthur saw him coming, he came out
made straight for King Lot, who was still lying sprawled on to meet him and said to him, “Dear nephew, you are
the ground. And he grabbed him by his helmet and tore it welcome indeed! How did you come here? Did you know
off his head so hard that his nose and forehead hurt, and anything about the ambush that was set up here?”
he badly wounded him. Then he pulled the coif of his And he said that the only reason he came was because
hauberk down to his shoulders and told him that he was a his heart always yearned for him, “and I would never had
dead man if he did not swear to become his prisoner. been at ease until I had seen you.” And Sir Gawainet went
And he was so distraught and in such great pain that on to say, “May the Lord God be praised for the battle that
he could answer very little, but he tried with all his might has befallen you today, for it is my father, King Lot, you
and said at last, “Ah! noble knight, do not kill me, for in have fought with. Now, thank God, it has happened that he
truth I have done you no wrong that you should kill me comes to beg you for your forgiveness as his earthly lord for
for.”
344 The Story of Merlin

the wrong and misdeeds he has done to you. So take his worthy gentleman, and from that time forth they were good
oath of fealty, as you should, for he is all ready to swear it.” friends for the rest of their lives.
When King Arthur heard this, he raised his hands to After Mass had been sung, they all came to the high
heaven and thanked God for the honor He had given him. hall, where the meal was all ready and the tablecloths had
Thereupon King Lot and his knights came down through been laid, and they all sat down to eat and were served most
the meadowlands on foot; they had taken their helmets handsomely. After eating, the knights went to see the
from their heads and lowered their coifs down to their meadows and streams as well as the tents and pavilions that
shoulders, and they came very meekly. were set up outside the town, for there were very many rich
And when Sir Gawainet saw his father walking out and beautiful ones. And this is how they disported
ahead, he said to his uncle, “Sir, look, here comes my father themselves for eight full days in comfort and delight. And
to swear fealty to you.” the crowd of people kept growing, for the king had sent
As soon as the king saw him, he got down from his word to them that he and his wife would hold plenary
horse, and all the barons did the same. And King Lot came court, where they would wear the crown, at mid-August.
forward and knelt before King Arthur. He held out to him And when the day before the feast came, and they had all
his sword, fully bared as were his misdeeds, and he said, gathered, King Arthur bestowed gifts of his belongings—
“Sir, take this. I surrender to you as one who has wronged horses, armor, palfreys, gold, silver, and coins, for he had a
you and should have served and exalted you and yours, yet I great plenty of everything. And the queen gave out clothing
did nothing but give you trouble and sorrow. Now do with and other gifts; she was well provided with them, for she
me and my land what you will.” knew all things fitting and honorable. All the knights
There King Lot became King Arthur’s liegeman in welcomed her with very great love, and they said that they
sight of all his barons, and he swore to him his oath to do as had won the lady of all ladies; and if the knights esteemed
he ought whatever King Arthur willed.2 her, the ladies old and young, near and far, spoke even
Then King Arthur took him by the right hand, raised more highly of her. And as renown flies everywhere, hers
him up, and said to him, “Sir, stand up. You have too long ran through all lands and spread so far that the princes who
been on your knees, for you are such a worthy gentleman were King Arthur’s enemies heard about the peace that had
that I would forgive you a greater misdeed than this. But been made between King Arthur and King Lot, how he was
even if I hated you to the death, you have children like to hold a lavish court at mid-August, and that all people
these who have given me such service that I could not wish were gathering there. And some said in their heart of
to do you harm. And so I entrust to you myself and hearts that they would very gladly have behaved as King Lot
everything I have, high and low, to do with as you will for had done, and others prayed in their hearts that God not
the love of your dear son Gawainet, whom I love more than let them die before they had made peace with him, and still
any other knight in the world. Yet there are two knights others said that all the troubles that had befallen them had
here whom I must love as much, and they are kings, for happened only because of their sin against him.
they have loved me [319] and helped me in all times of Thus spoke one and another of them. And King
need.” Arthur was in Logres, filled with joy and delight, just as you
And King Lot stood up and said, “My deepest thanks, have heard. And when the day of mid-August came, all of
sir.” the knights came to court dressed in their richest clothing,
Thus was peace made between King Lot and King and the queen and her ladies were arrayed as handsomely
Arthur. Then they climbed on their horses, happy and as [320] befitted such a feast. And when the bells had rung
joyful over what had happened to them, and they rode for for the high Mass, they went to the church and heard the
as long as it took them to come to Logres, where everyone service, which the archbishop of Brice sang for them. That
welcomed them joyfully. There were a great many people day King Arthur and his wife, Queen Guenevere, wore
there, and the number was growing daily, for all the crowns, and King Ban and King Bors wore crowns for love
peasants were coming there because of the Saxons, who of them. And after Mass they came back to the hall, where
were laying waste the land all around, and there were so tables had been set up and cloths laid, and the barons sat
many people that they had to be encamped on the down as they should there, each at his own place. That day
meadowlands. And when King Arthur saw the gathering, he Sir Gawainet served at the high table, where the four kings
was very glad, and he said that he would hold high court, so sat with Kay the Seneschal, Lucan the Wine Steward, Sir
he sent word by his marshals that all should quickly come to Yvain the Tall (son of King Urien), Girflet, Yvain the
court on the next day. Bastard, Sagremor, Dodinel the Wildman, and enough
As soon as the news had spread throughout the others so that there were twenty-one at the high table. And
country, all came to court straightway, and the next forty young apprentices to knights served at the other tables
morning King Lot swore his oath to King Arthur in the there, and all were served as handsomely as anyone could
chief church in sight of the great crowd of people who were be.
there. And King Arthur endowed him again with all the And when the end of the meal came and all the food
land he had held in his lifetime, and if anyone ever meant had been set out, King Arthur spoke loudly enough for all
to do him wrong, he would safeguard him with all his to hear up and down the hall, and he said, “Listen to me,
might. King Lot accepted this happily and joyfully like a my lords and all who have come to my court to gladden me.
I thank you and God above all for the joy and honor you
2The text has the ambiguous personal pronoun il (318,1. 35): have given me. And you should know that I wish to found a
“he.” custom in my court to gladden me every time I will wear my
The Story of Merlin 345

crown: I swear to God that I will not sit down to eat before He let me five so long, that I may reward you for the honor
news of some adventure comes from wherever it may have and the courtesy you have promised to bring me.”
happened, provided that it is a fair adventure and one to “My lady,” said Sir Gawainet, “thus we are your knights
make the knights of my court go after it—knights who and you have retained us, and we thank you. Now we all
would win glory and honor and be my friends, my swear an oath to you: that all who come among us seeking
companions, and my kinsmen.” help or assistance in fighting against a knight will have it,
And when the knights of the Round Table heard the one knight against another, man to man, and they will take
oath King Arthur swore, they began to talk among him wherever they wish, no matter how far away. And if it
themselves, and they said that, since the king had sworn an should happen that he does not come back within the
oath at court, it was fitting that they should swear an oath of month, then we will all go looking for him, each one by
their own. At last they agreed on one thing, and they chose himself, and the quest should last a year and a day without
Nascien to speak about it before the king, so that all the coming back to court, unless he brings back the truthful
barons could hear. news that he is alive or dead. And when they are all back in
Then the companions of the Round Table went court, they will each tell, one after the other, about the
straight to the king, and Nascien began his speech, and he adventures that have happened to them, whether they are
spoke loudly enough for all those in there could hear him. good or bad, and they will swear on the saints that they will
“Sir,” said Nascien, “the companions of the Round lie about nothing in their going out or coming back. And
Table, who are here, swear to God, before you and all the this is the will of all of us.”
barons who are here, that, as you have sworn an oath, they When the queen heard the oath that Sir Gawainet
will swear another oath—that, henceforth, whenever a swore, she was filled with gladness, and the king was
maiden in need comes to your court seeking help or happier than all the knights who were in his court. And
assistance that can be carried out by one single knight because the king wanted the queen to be even more glad,
fighting against another, one of them3 will willingly go to he said to her, “My lady, since God has given you such fair
help her out of trouble wherever she may wish to take him, company, yours must be even better than mine! And for
and he will strive until he has righted all the wrongs that love of them and yourself, do you know what I am going to
have been done to her.” bestow on you? I endow you with all my treasure, so that
And when King Arthur heard him, he asked his you are lady over it and have the power to hand it out to all
companions if they had agreed to what Nascien had said, you please.”
and they answered yes, and they swore to him that they And when the queen heard him, she knelt before the
would keep their oath to the death. Then there was even king and said to him, “Sir, many thanks!”
greater rejoicing than there had been before. And when Sir Then the queen called Sir Gawainet over and said to
Gawainet heard and saw the delight and gladness they were him, “Dear nephew, I wish to set up four clerks here who
feeling in the hall because of the customs they had founded will undertake to do nothing but put into writing all the
with their oaths, he came to his companions, [321] for he adventures that happen to you and your companions, so
knew everything that was fitting, and said that if each one of that after our deaths the deeds of prowess by the worthy
them was willing to grant what he was about to say, he gentlemen from here will be remembered.”
would offer them something from which great honor would “My lady,” said Sir Gawainet, “I agree.”
come to them all the days of their lives. And they said that And then four clerks were chosen who put into writing
they would grant anything that came out of his mouth. all the stories of adventures4 from then on. And afterwards
“Then promise me,” he said, “that you will keep us all Sir Gawainet said that he would never hear of an adventure
together.” [322] without going out to seek it, and he and his
They all promised, and there were eighty companions companions would strive to bring the right news about
by count. them to court, and his companions and the companions of
When Sir Gawainet had taken his companions’ oath, the Round Table said the same. And from that time forth
he came straight to the queen and said to her, “My lady, my were Sir Gawainet and his companions called the knights of
companions and I come to you and beseech you to retain Queen Guenevere.
us as your knights and members of your household so that, With that, the tablecloths were taken away, as were the
when we are in faraway countries to win glory and honor, tables, and the happy reveling began here and there. But
and anyone asks us whom we belong to and what land we above all those who were there was heard Danguenes of
are from, we can say that we are from the land of Logres Caerleon. He was having an amazingly good time, and he
and we are knights of Queen Guenevere, King Arthur’s behaved so that they were all looking at him, but he was a
wife.”
When the queen heard him, she stood up and said to 4In this context particularly, the word aventureapplies without
him, “Dear nephew, many thanks to you and them, for I do clear distinction to an adventure as event and the account of the
retain you most gladly as my lords and friends. And just as adventure. See esp. deuant que aucune auenture i sera auenue de quel
you give yourselves to me, so do I give myself to you with a part ke che soit (320, 11. 17-18): “before [news of] some adventure

good and faithful heart. God give me the strength, and may happens to come from wherever it may be”; si dira
chascans. . . Unites les auentures qui auenues li seront (321, 11. 25-26):
“and each one will tell . . . [the story of] all the adventures that
3The verb aillent (320, 1. 33) is in the plural, but other have happened to him"; and qui mistreat en escrit Unites les auentures
pronouns and verbs referring to the rescuer are in the singular. si com elles uenoient a court (321, 1. 42): “who put into writing [the
stories of] all the adventures just as they came to court”
346 The Story of Merlin

fool by nature and the most cowardly piece of flesh there contingents were so close to each other that they were
ever was. He began to stamp his feet and to dance about, waiting only to spur their horses.
and he shouted in a loud voice that in the morning he The very first to break ranks was Pinados, one of the
would go seeking adventures: knights of the Round Table. And from the other side came
“And you, Sir Gawainet, you will come, too. You are one of the queen’s knights, who was Sir Gawainet’s brother;
such a big, handsome knight! And you, my lord his name was Agravain the Proud. They were both riding
companions of the Round Table, in truth I do not believe wonderfully good horses, and they struck each other on
that you have the heart or the boldness to dare follow me their shields with their lances, and they both broke through
where I’m going tomorrow!” them so that the tips of their lances stopped against their
Thus spoke Danguenes the Craven, and the knights hauberks. They were both strong and proud, and their
there laughed at him. Indeed, many times he put on his hauberks were strong and fast, so that not one link broke,
armor and rode into the woods. He would hang his shield but they made the lances fly into splinters. And as they
from an oak tree and then hit it until all the paint had passed by, they knocked against each other with their
fallen off and the shield was split in several places. Then he shields and horses so hard that they sent each other spilling
would come back and say that he had slain a knight or two. to the ground with their horses coming down on top of
And when he did happen to meet a knight in armor, he them. Knights from both sides spurred to the rescue, and
would turn in flight even if he had just shouted to him. And they hit one another with the sharp, cutting tips of their
many times he happened to come upon a knight who was lances.
making his way lost in thought and saying not a word; he And Sir Gawainet rode until he came to the moat near
would take him by the bridle and lead him away as his the windows where King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, King
prisoner. That is the way that Danguenes was; that is how he Ban, King Bors, and a great many ladies and maidens were
behaved. Yet he was quite a handsome knight from good leaning out to watch the tournament. And when tire king
stock; he did not seem a fool from the look of him, but saw him coming, he said, “Dear nephew, I beseech you, by
when the words came out of his mouth, then people took the faith you owe me, to watch over those men-at-arms so
note. that no wrath or anger will rise among them and no wrong
Great were the joy and the merrymaking on that day of will be done.”
mid-August in Logres when the oaths were sworn. And “Sir,” he answered, “there will never be any
when the serving men had eaten, Kay the Seneschal came wrongdoing because of me, but I cannot keep every one of
and said, “What is this, sir knights? Shouldn’t we be tilting them from their madness. But as for you, if you see that it is
to begin the revels at such a high feast as today?” turning bad, you should try to break it up. For you should
When Sagremor heard him, he sprang forward and know that I could not bear for your companions, who are
said that it would be cowardly of him if he did not go troublesome, to mistreat mine in front of me, and I would
tilting. And when the knights heard themselves being help them out with all my might.”
challenged, they went straight to put on their armor. And “Sir,” said King Ban, “Sir Gawainet has spoken like a
when Sir Gawainet heard this, he asked how they would worthy man. What you need to do is take a part of your
tourney, and Minoras answered that they would fight men and arm them well, so that, if they are needed, all they
against the knights of Queen Guenevere, and they would have to do is get on their horses. ”
take as many knights on one side as the other. Then Sir “In God’s name,” said King Arthur, “it will be as you
Gawainet asked how many knights they wanted to fight; say.”
Adragain answered that there would be five thousand on Then King Arthur ordered three thousand soldiers
their side, and Sir Gawainet said that his vide would also be and squires to put on their armor, and he himself did
five thousand strong. likewise, as did the three kings who were with him.
“Now there’s no reason to stay here,” said Piriados, And Sir Gawainet went back to the tournament, which
“except to go put on our armor, for the day is going by.” was already growing hot around the two men who had
Then they went to their lodgings and very quickly put fallen, and they succeeded in getting back on horseback.
on their armor, and they rode straight to the meadowlands Then the fighting began to get heavier, and the knights of
outside the town; they kept coming until there were ten die Round Table, who were two hundred fifty strong, did
thousand of them from both sides. Then the order was dieir best to defeat die eight companions of Sir Gawainet,
shouted that each one should go where he belonged, so who were in dire straits and were getdng much the worst of
they parted and each went straight to his banner. Then Sir it. They bore up very well because they willingly helped one
Gawainet came and took away his contingent, so that there another, but no good deed would have been useful to them
were five thousand on each side. if it had not been for King Lot’s knights, who supported
And the heralds began to cry, ‘This is for the honor of them with great vigor. Many a joust was fought there, and
arms. Now we’ll see who fights best!” many a knight was struck down whose horse fled through
And when it was time to gather the men in order, the fields. There the companions of the Round Table
[323] a messenger came to Sir Gawainet and said to him, would have been mistreated had not a company of seven
“Sir, King Arthur your uncle sends for you to come speak to hundred knights come to help them, and then the knights
him at those windows, where he awaits you.” of the Round Table had the best of it. For there were more
And Sir Gawainet went there, and he took his cousin of them, and they drove the others from the field, despite
Yvain with him and Sagremor and Girflet, and the their efforts. And then the hue and cry rose so loud around
them that no one could have heard God thundering. [324]
The Story of Merlin 347

When Sir Wain heard the din and the uproar around over to her [325] on behalf of Sir Gawainet, and she
his companions, he looked that way and saw that they were welcomed them most joyfully, and she gave each one of
in trouble, and he was filled with sorrow. And he said to Sir them some of her jewels. Then they went to lean out of the
Gawainet, “Look! Dear cousin, we are tarrying here too windows of the great hall to see the tournament, which was
long, for our companions are being routed!” wondrously beautiful and fierce.
"In God’s name,” said Sagremor, “may he never be When the knights of the Round Table saw that they
called a knight who does not help them in this time of had lost ten of their companions, no one could have been
need!” sorrier than they, for never before had they been driven
“I don’t care a whit,” said Girflet, “for words without from a field by force even if those against them were twice
deeds! Now we’ll see who fights best!” as strong. And then their opponents’ great battalion came
At once they spurred their horses and rode away as from near the bridge, and they brought them vigorous help
noisily as the sparrow-hawk that means to catch prey when and succeeded in putting them back into the middle of the
it is starving. And when they came into the tourney, they field. And the company that kept itself about Sir Gawainet
rushed headlong among them holding their lances straight came back against the ones who had come in fresh. They
out, and they bore to the ground the first four they met. ran headlong upon one another, and they began such a
Then the four companions began to fight so skillfully that wonderful combat that they all grew weary, and it was
they stopped the rout. They were recognized in litde time already near the hour of nones when Sir Gawainet and his
even by those who had never seen them before. And when companions began to fight so boldly that they drove the
the queen’s knights saw Sir Gawainet, they drew up around others to the edge of the moat.
him, and so did King Lot’s knights, who were very good and When the knights of the Round Table saw that they
brave knights. had been turned to rout, they said that from that time on
And Sagremor began to fight so well that those who they would try to fight as wickedly as they could. Then they
were at the windows of the great hall pointed their fingers took up their stout, straight lances, and put them into their
at him and said, “That is Sir Sagremor. In truth he does not holders. That was the most evil thing they could do, for
bear treason in him, for if he is a handsome knight in body tournaments ought to be fought without treachery. So they
and limb, he is yet a better knight in spirit. And she who made ready to strike their opponents as if it were a deadly
has him can well boast that she has one of the best knights war. As soon as they had picked up their lances, they flew in
in the court; likewise, she would be uncourdy and unwise among the queen’s knights, whom they greatly hated. On
who refused the love of such a knight.” the first onslaught they struck down twenty of the worthiest;
Meanwhile, Girflet was fighdng very well in his own they were quickly back on their feet and drew their swords,
right, and so was Galescalain, who was highly esteemed by but the others were on top of them to take them prisoner,
one and all. And these three were joined by the brothers of and the clanging on them was loud and wondrous. They
Sir Gawainet, who were very skilled and bold. These knights could have lost very quickly, but Sir Wain caught sight of
fought wondrously well, and Sir Wain began to do so well them—he was in the thickest fighting along with Sir
again that none better than he was needed for the fighting. Gawainet and Sagremor.
And when the companions of the Round Table saw that the And when they saw the wicked things the others were
pursuit had been stopped, they began to work all the doing to their companions, Sir Wain said, “My lords, look at
harder to drive their opponents from the field, and they that fine game the other side has started against us!”
did many feats of arms. But whoever did well and who not, And when Sir Gawainet saw it, he said that they were
above all the others Sir Gawainet fought hard, for there was not behaving like wordiy knights and he would not stand
no company he came upon, no matter how tightly drawn for it. Then he called to Cuiret of Lambal and Guiomar and
together or how thick, that he did not get through by sheer said to them, “My lords, go to the knights of the Round
strength, and he struck down knights and horses, he tore Table on my behalf and tell them that my companions and
helmets from heads and shields from necks; and if the I send them word that they have wronged us at this time,
companions of the Round Table had the better of it before, and we beg them please to stop the mad things they have
now they had the worse, for Sir Gawainet and his begun. We strongly protest what they have done to us, and
companions kept fighting so close to them that they drove we call them to judgment for it before the king; and if here
them back in a rout as far as the moat, and there they on our side there is anyone who has done them any wrong
stopped. whatsoever, we will make it up to them in any way they like.”
And the story says that their hardship was such that ten When they heard Sir Gawainet’s order, they turned
of their best were struck down to the ground: one was about without saying a thing and went straight to the
named Minoras, the second Mataly, the third Pinados, the companions of the Round Table and gave them their
fourth Blaharis, the fifth Carismal, the sixth Partreus, and message just as it had been entrusted to them. And the
Grandome, Ladinel, Ladinus, and Traelus. These ten were knights of the Round Table answered that they cared
forcibly taken prisoner, and this was done by Sir Gawainet, nothing for any word they might send them; they would
Sir Wain, Sagremor, and Kay the Seneschal; they sent them continue doing as they were, “and if anyone wants to be
to the queen on behalf of Sir Gawainet, whom they took as angry over it, let him be angry, and we’ll do even more than
their leader, and they were right to do so, for he was a most we have done! And you can tell Gawainet and his
worthy gendemen, and he was most helpful to them in companions that soon people will see who is the most
every time of need. And the ten companions who had been skilled and who hits hardest in the fighting."
taken came straight to the queen and handed themselves
348 The Story of Merlin

When they heard such shocking insolence, they turned now on we will never forsake you, neither you nor your
around and came straight to Sir Gawainet, [326] who had companions, for any distress we may find ourselves in. We
already got his companions back on their horses, and they recognize very well the kind of fighting that is going on
told him what they had found out. And when Sir Gawainet between us and the companions of the Round Table, but
heard it, he was filled with wrath. they have too few men to carry out what they have
“What?" he said. “Is it certain that they will not do undertaken. We see clearly that they are two hundred fifty
otherwise? Then let them know that, since we have come to strong, and you [327] have only eighty, so it is no wonder
defiance, we will soon know, in the onslaught, who the most that they have the best of it. But they have a right to boast
skilled knights are." that today they have made two hundred enemies who will
Then Sir Gawainet left the tournament, along with show them whether or not they are wise to have undertaken
Sagremor, his three brothers, Sir Wain, Galescalain, such madness!”
Dodinel, Kay the Seneschal, Girflet, and Lucan, and he And Sir Gawainet thanked them most heartily, and he
took them aside and said to them, “My lords, the set them in order around him, for he was a man who knew
companions of the Round Table have given us a most how to get things done.
wicked challenge out of pride and treachery because it Then Sir Gawainet called a young lord, a highborn
seems to them that they have been wronged by our people, man, whose right name was Galesconde, and he said to
and they think that they can win it all by showing their him, “Go quickly to my uncle, King Arthur, and tell him not
cruelty and wickedness. I want each one of us to go get his to be sorry if my companions and I defend ourselves against
hauberk and the strongest armor he has and leave nothing those of the Round Table, who have begun doing mad
out!” things to us. And tell him how this has happened from
They did as he said, and they sent for their armor, went beginning to end.”
to the tourney, which was going strong, and put it on; they When Galesconde heard Sir Gawainet’s order, he
were most eager to get in where the fighting was heavy, for turned about and left to deliver the message just as it had
all ten thousand had thrown themselves into the battle. been entrusted to him. While Sir Gawainet was tending to
When Sir Gawainet and his companions were ready, they this business, the queen’s knights were being beaten. The
were eighty strong by count; they got on their horses and, knights of the Round Table had rescued their companions
drawn up tight together, they rode at a slow pace to their and got them on horseback, and they drove the others from
companions, who were already keeping up the fighting and the field with their sheer strength. And when Sir Gawainet
running up and down looking for the companions of the saw this, he rushed in against them so hard that everything
Round Table, and they were so distraught that they could around them shook and shuddered. And Sir Gawainet
not find them that they nearly went out of their minds, for shouted, “Now at them, noble knights! They’ll be sorry they
the companions of the Round Table were very badly began such madness!”
mistreating them. When the queen’s knights heard Sir Gawainet saying
Then came Sir Gawainet and his companions, and they that, and when they saw the handsome company of knights
rushed headlong in among them so hard that they struck who were following right behind him, they turned about
down almost forty of the others in the onslaught. When and were most grateful for the help, for now they could see
Nascien and Adragain saw this, they stopped and said to plainly that they would not get the worst of it, and they
their companions, “Dear lords, we have made a very bad knew it. Then they gathered tightly together, holding their
mistake in the challenge we have undertaken against the shields in front of their chests, and Sir Gawainet rode
queen’s knights out of envy, and it would avail us nothing before them in the front with his sword drawn, since he had
to ask for the fighting to stop before anything worse broken his lance, and he struck Douglas so hard on his
happened. For King Arthur’s nephew and their helmet that he cut through it and his iron coif too, and he
companions will do us great harm, you can count on it, and made a great wound in his head and stunned him so badly
it cannot end without great loss; perhaps there will be that he sent him head over heels to the ground. Douglas’s5
deaths, so it would be best if it stopped right now. You companions shouted that he was dead, and they ran upon
should know that there are twenty on their front line who Sir Gawainet6 from every side, and he hit the first one he
will soon have sent forty of ours on their way, and they are met, as he passed by, on his nose-guard and gave him a
highborn men and among the strongest in the kingdom of great wound, and he fell to the ground bleeding. Then he
Logres.” struck another one on the shield so hard that he maimed
And they answered that they had spoken too late: him dreadfully and sent him sprawling to the ground. Then
“Every man look out for himself, for now it cannot be he came to Nascien and meant to strike him on the helmet,
otherwise." but Nascien saw the blow coming and pulled back on his
Then they struck out into the fray, and the eighty reins, and the blow fell in front on his saddlebow and cut
companions came to meet them. Then they drew their all the way through the horse, and he brought horse and
swords, and the fighting on foot and on horseback grew knight to the ground all in a heap. And when Nascien
fierce and wicked and treacherous. And when King Lot’s found himself on the ground, he leapt to his feet very
seven hundred knights recognized the folly and swiftly, for he was a very good knight, and he drew his sword
disorderliness the companions of the Round Table had and thrust his shield over his head, because he was afraid
started, they drew to one side, fitted on their armor very
well, and came straight to Sir Gawainet and said to him,
^he text has the ambiguous possessive si (327,1. 27): “his.”
“Sir, now you can ride safely against the jealous ones. From
^he text has ti courent sus (327,1. 27): “ran upon him.”
The Story of Merlin 349

that Sir Gawainet might deal him another blow before he them as fast as his horse could carry him, and he hit the
was ready. And when Sir Gawainet saw that he was indeed first one he came to on the shoulders and sent him
ready, he turned the sword he was holding toward him. sprawling to the ground, and then the second and the
And Nascien looked at him and said to him, “Look, Sir third, and every man he struck, no matter how strong he
Gawainet! You are not so courtly or so worthy a gendeman was, he hurled to the ground. And when they saw that he
as they say. You are bearing arms as if you were fighting a was treating them so badly, they grew very angry and rode
deadly war, for you have brought along your good sword. after him with their swords drawn, for they bitterly hated
And you can be sure that you will yet be rebuked for that him. They fell upon him from every side and struck where
elsewhere more than here." they could get at him, and they succeeded in killing his
“I do not know what people will do,” said Sir Gawainet, horse under him. So he sprang to his feet very swiftly, for
“but [328] I know of no knight against whom I would not he was skilled and nimble, and used his stick as a shield. He
defend myself if he dared call me faithless—or against two drew Excalibur from its scabbard [329] and damned to hell
such, if need be, one after the other. But you and your anyone who would think that they were the best knights in
companions behaved faithlessly when you began your the world, for they had not shown themselves to be good
treachery; we sent messengers to you, and you would not knights when they had slain his horse. So he ran them
hear them." down very swiftly and split their shields, their helmets, and
"Sir,” said Nascien, “things have gone madly up to now, their hauberks on their shoulders and arms, and he cut
and it is high time to stop, if you will, for the one who first their legs and their horses’ heads with such great strength
talked about it and started it has won nothing from it, for I that he brought to the ground as many as he met. In a short
believe that he is dying from his wounds. But for God’s time he had struck down more than twenty; they lay on the
sake, I beg you to separate the two sides at once—that ground battered and wounded so badly that they needed a
would be a good and courtly thing to do—before more doctor if they wanted to get well, for otherwise they would
harm comes from it.” die.
“I do not know what harm will come from it,” said Sir With that, ninety companions and the seven hundred
Gawainet, “but they will never be separated by me. If the knights of King Lot came into the battle. They had been
companions of the Round Table ever undertake treachery following it all day, and they charged in as roughly and as
against us, I will gladly start fighting them with my lance fast as they could go. They found Sir Gawainet on foot,
held high, and I’ll be the very first in! That is why I want holding his sword that was bloody from the horses he had
you to tell them, ‘Shouldn’t you beware of me now?’ And killed. There they got Sir Gawainet back on his horse, and
you’ll also tell them that the king and queen may not he put his sword back in its scabbard and picked up his
interfere. For we companions will gladly meet them in stick again in both hands. He swiftly ran them down, and he
battle, and sooner or later they won’t be able to help struck out hither and thither, he did not care where, and
themselves.” he put them to rout in no time and sent them on their way
“Sir,” said Nascien, “once before you behaved lovingly through the town gates. And the other five thousand, who
to me and did me a good deed, and I could never pay you had stayed behind on the river bank, fought against all who
back, nor did you need it. When you say that we have were on the other side, those whom King Lot’s knights had
fought among ourselves enough, you are telling the truth, left for them, and the queen’s ninety knights drove them
for you are a high and mighty man, and they are lower utterly from the field.
knights than your companions; they cannot overwhelm you Then the tournament began all over again: it was
when you seek to do them harm and injury.” wonderful, and there were many handsome jousts which
Suddenly Sir Gawainet rode off and left Nascien the ladies and maidens, who stood on the town walls, were
standing there. He and his companions rushed headlong glad to watch. The tourney lasted for quite a long time, for
into the battle, and they crashed and hammered on the men were skilled on both sides, and they fought like
helmets and shields, they cut apart and struck down knights good knights. But in the end the knights who were with Sir
and horses, and they handled them so fiercely that they Gawainet could not hold out, for there were fewer of them
drove them all from the field in a rout as far as the river, than on the other side, and they began to drive forward one
which was deep and wide; and many of them could not moment and fall back the next. Meanwhile, news about the
keep from being knocxed down into the water. You would fighting came to Sir Wain, who had stopped outside the
have seen lances and shields floating downstream in great town gate, and the twenty-four companions who were with
numbers, and you would have seen horses without their him. And when he heard that his friends were having the
masters, reins dragging behind them, drowning from one worst of it, he called his companions together and set out to
bank to the other. help them. As soon as he came to where they were, they all
When Sir Gawainet saw that they were gone and did began to fight very well, better than they had done all day
not have the strength to recover, and he saw it clearly, he long, and, thanks to their skilled fighting, three or four
wiped off Excalibur, his good sword, and put it back into its times they broke through their opponents’ lines clear to
scabbard, because he was afraid for it, and as he was the other side, and they routed them and sent them on
fastening it, he saw some of the companions of the Round their way, driving them back through the gates and into the
Table sitting on horseback, blocking the road. He grabbed streets of the town. There they brought them down and
a piece of an appletree limb and threw his shield down to trampled them under their horses’ hooves, for they were
the ground; he held the stick in both hands and said that unwilling to take any of them prisoner, so angry were they
he would make them give way. Then he ran headlong upon
350 The Story of Merlin

about the outrageous deeds the companions of the Round “And if you are attacked,” he said, “come back and find
Table had undertaken to do in their pride. me.”
Elsewhere were Sir Gawainet and the knights of Then he went the other way, toward St. Stephen’s,
Orkney, who had ridden hard and run fast after the knights where the knights of the Round Table were, and they were
of the Round Table; at last they came to the Church of St. fighting against the knights of Orkney. And when Sir
Stephen. There the companions stopped, for they had kept Gawainet got there, he rushed in hard among them and
pace as long as they could. But there were soon to be dead called them traitors, for he was truly convinced that they
and wounded, when at last King Arthur, King Bors, and had set up the ambush. And when they saw that they were
King Ban came there. As soon as Galesconde had given hated so much, they did not know what to say, for they
them his message, the squires, who were a good four believed he was calling them that because they had been
thousand armed men strong,7 and the three kings rode the first to behave defiandy when they were all tilting with
toward St. Stephen’s, while some of the squires, a good lances. They would very gladly have set that right, if they
three hundred of them, were riding down the high street. could, for now their shame had doubled; thus the wise man
There [330] they met the knights of Orkney following Sir says in a proverb that some thinking to revenge renew their
Gawainet, who was badly beating the companions of the shame,10 and this is why they were ashamed and downcast.
Round Table, just as you have heard. And as soon as they And Sir Gawainet rode in headlong among them and struck
saw the squires, they thought it was an ambush, so they fell Adragain so hard on his helmet that he cut through his
upon them, and wondrous fighting broke out. Sir iron coif and into his flesh, and he bore him to the ground
Gawainet’s companions were in great trouble, above all so dazed that he did not know whether it was day or night.
those fighting the squires in the narrowest part of the Then he struck Pindolus across his shoulders and cut the
street, for there were many who had been struck down and strap on which his shield hung and cut through his
wounded. Soon word came to Sir Gawainet that his hauberk into his flesh, and he ran his sword through the
companions were being badly taken to task: “I do not know shoulder bone so deeply that he nearly killed him, and the
who has attacked them in the gateway,” but they had beaten shield flew to the ground on one side and the knight on the
them senseless. other. Next he struck Ydonas above the cheekbone, and his
As soon as Sir Gawainet heard the news that his sword went down to his teeth, and Ydonas fell to the
companions had been attacked from the rear, he left the ground in a faint. [331]
fighting to the companions where he was and came straight When the companions of the Round Table saw that he
to where the others were. But beforehand he had set up was wreaking such havoc on them and that no weapon
good lookouts to guard the river bank, lest those of the could stop him, they all rode back to the church together.
Round Table should turn back around. Then he came to And he and his men ran after them, for they did not want
where they were fighting, and as soon as he saw who was to let them go so soon. Then, as it happened, Sir Gawainet
there,8 he swore that they would be sorry that they had was on the heels of Hervi of Rivel, and he struck him on the
come. And when the squires9 saw him coming, they head.
shouted to him to surrender, for otherwise his men would And as he raised his sword again, the other one thrust
be killed. When Sir Gawainet heard them threatening him his sword to meet the blow and said to him, “Sir knight, you
with death, he became very angry, and he called them have fought enough, and you should be glad to stop at
whores’ sons, cowardly traitors, wicked oath-breakers, “for once, for you truly deserve to be blamed for the cruelty
you set up an ambush. And you should know that if you get there is in you. They used to say every good thing about
away from me, even the boldest would want no part of it for you, and now they will say only bad things. For you should
all of this kingdom!” have helped them and safeguarded them against all in the
Then he drew his bloody sword, and they ran hard at world who would harm them; yet you have killed them and
him with axes and swords, and he dived in among them wounded them with all your might, although they have
and hit the first one he met and sent his head flying, then done you no wrong.”
the second, the third, and the fourth, and he struck right “Hervi,” answered Sir Gawainet, “did they not do
and left and cut open feet, arms, heads, and sides, and he wrong when they began this madness and this treachery
fought so hard that in a short time none dared make a against my companions to whom I must bear faith? And
stand against him, but they turned in flight, wailing and they were not satisfied with that, so they set up an ambush
moaning, and they said, “Let’s flee, let’s flee. Look here, against us.”
this is a devil that has come unleashed from hell!” “Sir,” said Hervi, “if, in their foolishness, they did
After Sir Gawainet had freed his companions, he went wrong this one time, they will make it up to you as grandly
back and took forty knights and sent them on the way to as you wish—not for anyone else’s sake, but for love of you,
the river bank so that no one might fall upon them. whom they will henceforth take as their friend and
companion.”
7Earlier the soldiers and squires together are said to number ‘They will not make amends to me,” said Sir Gawainet,
three thousand (323,1. 29). “for I will never love them. And tell them indeed that
8The text reads il Us uit uenir (330, 1. 14): “he saw them whenever they treat my companions with hatred and envy,
coming”; note that the next sentence begins cil U uoent uenir (330,
11. 14-15): “they see him coming.” Logically Gawain cannot “see
10The proverb is attested by Morawski (#2351) and Cotgrave
them coming,” for he is riding toward them.
(under Honte), whose translation this is. The proverb occurs
9The text has the ambiguous demonstrative cil (330, 1.14):
elsewhere (244,1. 7); see also ch. 32, n. 4.
“those/they.”
The Story of Merlin 351

they do the same to me. Whenever they want to challenge the queen’s rooms that had been set aside to house them.
the ninety of us to a tournament, we’ll always fight them, if And when they had taken off their armor and bathed, they
they are willing to undertake it with one hundred twenty of dressed most handsomely, and they were so well served that
the best knights among them. They should know also that they could not ask for more, for none served them but
wherever I may be, in this country or in a foreign land, if I maidens, of whom there were a great many. There
am ever challenged, and they have anything to do with it, I Sagremor was often looked at and stolen sight of by many
will do all I can to hurt them." of them, for he was a most handsome, strong knight, and
“Sir,” said Hervi, “what you are saying is wrong and a Dodinel too, for both of them were very handsome knights,
sin. Such may be your wish, but it will not soon be fulfilled, and they were highly esteemed and praised by everyone
for it would be a dreadful shame if so many worthy knights who saw them.
were to come to grief for such little foolishness. And As soon as they were dressed, they came straight to the
besides, they would utterly forsake your uncle’s court.” high hall two by two, holding one another by the hand, one
“I do not know what they’ll do,” said Sir Gawainet, “but pair after the other. Thus went the ninety knights, with Sir
they won’t leave it on my account, and if they do, whatever Gawainet and Sir Wain leading the way to the high hall
land they go to, they’ll be found, for I and mine will go before the king, who was very glad to see them. And when
anywhere we hear it said that they are.” he saw them he rose to greet them; he took Sir Gawainet by
“Sir,” he answered, “cool your anger, calm your wrath, one hand and the queen took him by the other, and they
for, God help me, if they began the madness, they have all three went to sit on a couch. And the other knights sat
paid dearly for it, for many of them are wounded and badly down and played and joked with one another; then they all
maimed; there are a good thirty of them who will never began to engage one another in conversation, for they had
carry a shield, so I believe, and it is a great sorrow and a a great deal to talk about. But above all those who were
great shame, for they were very worthy gen demen and good there, the queen was most joyful and happiest because of
knights.” her knights, who had won the tourney. Little did it matter
While they were talking thus, King Arthur rode up, and how happy she was, for the companions of the Round Table
he heard some of the words they spoke, and he said to Sir were not joyful or happy or cheerful; rather they were
Gawainet, “Dear nephew, is this what I bade you do this ashamed, downcast, and full of wrath because of their
morning? In truth, you have shown clearly that you do not companions, many of whom were wounded. And they
hold me dear, for against my will and against my orders, spoke of many things, until at last they talked about how
and to spite me, you have killed and wounded my men, and they could become reconciled with Sir Gawainet and his
you have done the worst things you know how. And you companions, and they agreed to send Hervi of Rivel, who
should know that I am grieved by what you have done.” was a most worthy and learned gendeman, and Nascien, for
“Sir,” said Sir Gawainet, “the one who began the no other two could serve as messengers better than they,
madness should pay dearly for it. I have done nothing to and Minados as well, who was a most worthy knight and
spite you, and if anyone accused me of such a thing, there moderate in his speech. When these three companions saw
is no man against whom I would not defend myself, all the that it was up to them to deliver the message, they took one
more so because, just as soon as the madness began to another by the hand and came straight before King Arthur.
grow, I sent you word of it by Galesconde, one of our And when the king saw them coming, he rose to meet
companions. And [332] they had very badly hurt us long them, for he knew better than any other how to honor
before we stirred to move against them.” worthy gentlemen. [333] He told them that they were very
And King Lot, his father, came to him and took hold welcome. And Sir Gawainet rose as well.
of his horse’s bridle, and he said, “Gawainet, dear son, stop Then Hervi spoke to the king and said, “Sir, the
this madness at once, for you have fought long enough; let companions of the Round Table have sent us to speak to
the king say what he will. In due time the anger between Sir Gawainet, to my lady the queen, from whom he has a
you two will be healed, for we have seen clearly a part of part of his holdings, and no less to you, who are our
what has happened.” overlord. And they would like you to know, and they beg
And King Ban and King Bors came to him and spoke you that, if they have wronged Sir Gawainet in any way or
to him of many things, until at last they calmed him. his companions, however they may have done so, they are
This is how the fight was broken up between Sir ready and willing to make up for it as you and my lady see
Gawainet, and his companions, and those of the Round fit, provided that all wrath and ill will are forgiven on both
Table. And the four kings took him away with them, and sides.”
they went to Galesconde, to the wondrous fighting within And the king looked at the queen and said, “Lady, they
the gate to the town, where Sagremor, Sir Wain, and their won’t ever refuse that.”
companions were giving them the worst of it. And And the queen answered that she would be very glad if
Galesconde broke them up, although it was very hard to do, Sir Gawainet did not. And Sir Gawainet kept quiet and did
for they were struggling hard with one another. Then each not say a word, but he fell into deep thought.
and every one went to his lodging; they took off their armor When the king saw him brooding, he took him by the
and washed in warm water; then they dressed in their hand and said, “Gawainet, dear nephew, what are you
tunics. As many as could went to the court, but the maimed brooding about? Try not to think about anything sad or
and wounded stayed behind in their lodgings to have their distressful. For, as the worthiest men in the world bow down
wounds tended and taken care of. Meanwhile, Sir Gawainet to you, only honor can come to you, and they offer to make
and his companions went to take off their armor in one of up to you all their misdeeds.”
352 The Story of Merlin

“Worthy men, sir?” said Sir Gawainet. brothers raised the men nearest them,12 and they got all
“In truth, dear nephew,” answered the king, “they are the others to their feet, and they all hugged and kissed one
indeed worthy.” another, and each forgave the other their wrath and anger.
“Then they must be,” said Sir Gawainet. And from that time forth Sir Gawainet was lord and master
At once he fell silent. And the king, who saw clearly and a companion of the Round Table. And the queen freed
that he was angry at them, looked at the queen and said to the knights taken prisoner whom her own knights had sent
her, “Appeal to him, my lady, I beseech you, and it is my her, and she gave new clothing to every one. Thus the
will.” knights of the Round Table and Queen Guenevere’s
“Gladly, sir,” she answered. knights were reconciled, and they swore that they would
Then the queen took him by the hand and said to him, never again turn against one another, except when knights
“Dear nephew, do not be angry, for anger has blinded by themselves wished to be tested and were in disguise and
many a man and has made the wise seem foolish for as long did not want to be recognized for who they were before
as the wrath lasts. Now believe me and do as I beseech you, they had won renown for deeds of great knighdy skill and
and the king as well, for it is for the sake of your honor and the knights of the Round Table let them into their
worth. How well you know that this land is in sorrow and company. And the story says that the queen’s knights that
has been scourged by the Saxons! Here there are but few of day were only ninety strong,13 but their numbers grew
you, but I’ll tell you what you should think about doing: you afterwards until, as the story will relate it to you, there were
should be faithful and love one another and help one four hundred of them before the quest for the Holy Grail
another against all others, and if your enemies come to fall had ended. That is why they suffered much bitter hardship
upon you, you should be hard and fierce against them, but in order to achieve the quest, which lasted for a very long
not against those who tomorrow might give themselves to time. And many a day they tried hard to undertake many
be maimed or slain for the sake of my lord, who is here, other quests, and I will tell you why they did it.
and myself. And all for one mad thing they have done in It was true that news spread throughout the kingdom
their folly, would you deprive me of them? So forgive them, of Logres about the most holy Grail, in which Joseph of
dear nephew, I beg you, as does the king your uncle, who is Arimathea had caught the blood that flowed from the side
deeply distressed by it.” of Jesus Christ when he and Nicodemus took Him down
And Sir Gawainet looked at her and began to smile from the glorious Cross; about the most holy vessel that
because of the speech she had given him, and he answered, came down from heaven onto the ark in the city of Sarras,
“My lady, my lady, anyone who will learn from you can in which He first sacrificed His holy body and His flesh
learn a great deal. And blessed be God for making such as through His bishop Josephus, whom He consecrated with
you and for granting us the company of such a good and His own hand; and about the most holy Lance with which
noble lady. And my lord the king may well boast that, if you Jesus Christ was wounded in His side. They had come to be
live a full life, you will be the wisest lady alive—indeed, you kept in the land of Logres, for Joseph had brought them
already are, I believe! And do you know what you have won there, but no one knew where they were, [335] and they
in this? You may do with me whatever you will, unless it would never be found or seen, so the prophecy said, by
bring shame to me or my lord the king.” anyone, nor would the wonders of the Holy Grail and the
“In truth,” said the queen, “any lady who sought that of Lance that bled from its iron tip, until the best knight in
you would be neither worthy nor wise, and I do not ask the world came there. And by him would the wonders of
such a thing, nor will I ever, God willing.” the Holy Grail be discovered. This news had spread
This is how the queen soothed Sir Gawainet, and so everywhere, but no one ever found out where it had come
peace was made. [334] And then Nascien, Hervi, and from or who was the first to utter it.
Minados went to fetch the companions of the Round Table, And when the companions of the Round Table heard
and they told them how they had done. Then they all came that all of these things would be brought to an end by the
straight back to the king. And the queen had called Sir best knight in the world, they undertook a quest that lasted
Wain, Sagremor, and some others aside, and she told them many a day in order to find out who the best knight was,
how peace had been sought with the companions of the and they looked for many a long day in many a land, and
Round Table. Sir Wain said that only good could come of it everyone sought to be thought of as the best. Whenever
and that one should rather delight in love than in hatred. they heard it said that there was a good knight in a country,
With that, the companions of the Round Table came they undertook the quest for a year and a day without lying
before the king; and as soon as they had gathered there, down in the same town more than one night. Whenever
they knelt before Sir Gawainet and folded back the hems they happened to find him, they did what they could to
on their cloaks;11 and Hervi of Rivel spoke and said, “Sir, bring him back to court, and when there were witnesses
we make amends to you, on behalf of ourselves and all our that he was worthy and skilled, they welcomed him into
companions, for all the wrong, without saying more, we their company, and then his name was written down with
have done you. Forgive us everything, if you please.” the other companions’. And as soon as each one came back
And Sir Gawainet leapt to his feet and said that he
forgave them everything, and he raised them up by their
12The text reads chascuns le sien (334, 1. 14: “each his own
arms, and Sir Wain, Sagremor, and Sir Gawainet’s three [man].”
13Sommer’s text has .Uxx. (334, 1. 25), but this number is
1 JAs a sign of their desire to make amends (Cotgrave, player). inconsistent with the count in the immediate context; in fact, other
manuscripts give the number as ninety (334, n. 2).
The Story of Merlin 353
from his quest at the end of the year, he told about the knights never fight against one another in a tournament,
adventures that had happened to him that year, and the for much anger could come from it out of envy, for they are
clerks took them down in writing word for word just as he all good knights. But every time they want to tourney, send
told them. them to tilt with the noble men in your borderlands, for
Now you have heard why and how the quests were there are many of them who are wealthy and powerful.”
begun in the kingdom of Logres, and now, with that, the And the king said that what King Ban had said was a
story falls silent about them, and it goes back to the matter good thing and that he would indeed do it. Then the
it left off in order to tell about these things. I did not want queen, who had heard him talking, came in and said that
to forget it because it belongs right here. he had spoken well and that he should be blessed by God
for having said it, “for there are many throughout the
countryside who would never have bothered to say that, and

40. Arthur to Propose a Truce with the he wouldn’t have either, if he didn’t love you.”
Afterwards King Lot spoke and said, “Sir, it would
Remaining Rebellious Princes.1 benefit Holy Christendom if the faithless Saxons were
driven out. They have come into this country and, in their
Now the story says that the companions of the Round Table pride, have besieged two cities at the same time; but they
were very glad that they had been reconciled with Sir have so many men that it will be very hard to drive them
Gawainet, and they highly esteemed the prowess they had out if Our Lord is not mindful of it, and you know very well
seen him display at the tournament. They said among that we do not have enough men under our sway to drive
themselves there in the hall that the ten best knights there them out of the land or to take a stand against them on the
could not have outlasted him fighting man to man. So batdefield. But if only there were someone who could
spoke the knights there, and they said what they would, but succeed in making a truce between you and the princes
the ladies and maidens, who were in the rooms, said even who still hate you, so that we might go all together against
more about him. Soon the hom was blown for washing the Saxons and help one another until they have been run
their hands, and the cloths were put on the tables, and the out of the country! It seems to me that would be the
knights all sat down right where they ought. The queen’s greatest good deed, and the most worthwhile, that anyone
knights sat next to the knights of the Round Table, just as could do for this country! The truce should last as long as a
they should have. And King Arthur, King Ban, King Bors, year, and when the Saxons have been driven out, we can
and King Lot sat at their own table, and no one else sat with make peace between ourselves and the barons, if such is to
them. That day Sir Gawainet served, along with Sir Wain, be, or, if not, let each one do the best he can.”
Lucan the Wine Steward, Girflet, and up to forty others. “In truth," said King Arthur, “I would like that very
And they were all served better than anyone could describe: much indeed, if only I had anyone to send there, for
I do not know how to tell you about the food they ate or the people would be needed whom the barons could believe in,
many kinds of drink. for they are fearsome and full of pride.”
After eating, when the tablecloths had been taken off, “Sir,” said King Lot, “the Saxons have done them such
the knights went here and there in the meadows and along dreadful harm that, when they hear about the truce and
the river bank, and the weather was fair and still. But know that they’ll have your help, I don’t believe they’ll
although others went out to enjoy themselves, the four thwart you.”
kings lingered. They went into a room by themselves to one “I don’t know what to say to you,” said King Arthur.
of the windows through which they could see the meadows “You know very well that I am needed in this land to do
and river, and the view was wondrously beautiful and what I must do, and I am but one single man, just as all of
health-giving. The air was soft and sweet that blew in you are. But look to yourselves and choose the one among
through the windows, and the ones who had stayed behind you who could fulfill this mission.”
were more comfortable, for it was still very hot in the land. “Sir,” said King Ban, “if I didn’t think that King Lot
And they talked together about many things that came to would hold it against me, I would say that he would be
their minds. [336] better for it than anyone else you could send, and he would
After they had been there for some time, King Ban tell them better than we what they want to hear, for he is
spoke to King Arthur and said to him, “Sir, if you wanted to friendly with them and behaves kindly toward them.”
do something that I would praise highly, and I have “In truth,” said King Arthur, “he is better suited for the
thought about it in my heart, it seems to me that it would undertaking than anyone we could send.”
be good for you, and your land and your hospitality would The queen said that no one would be more fit for the
be worth more because of it; you would be feared more by mission but for the Saxons, who would strip him of his
friends and strangers alike, and the knights in your court belongings and [337] hold him prisoner, “but it would be
would love you more.” less harmful if, instead of him, we lost a poor but well-
‘Tell me then,” said the king, “what this thing is, for, if spoken knight.”
I can do it without shame and dishonor, I will do it.” “My lady,” said King Arthur, “I know all of the princes
“Sir,” said King Ban, “you will not ever be ashamed of to be so proud that they would not listen to any knight I
this, God willing, nor will you be rebuked for it. Take might send to them.”
care—for as long as you wish to hold your lands—that your When King Lot heard that they agreed he should go
on that mission, he knew that they were right, so he said
* Corresponds to Sommer, 335—339. that he would go and take his four sons with him.
354 The Story of Merlin

“Truly," said King Bors, “if you take them, you needn’t thread, for she wished to make a headpiece for her sister,
worry about any man bom of a woman.” the wife of King Lot. This Morgan was a young lady, very
When King Arthur heard that they had agreed for King cheerful and merry, but her face was somber; she had a
Lot to take his four sons with him, he heaved a great sigh, rounded build, not too thin and not too plump. She was
for he was afraid for Sir Gawainet, in whom he had quite clever and comely in body and in features; she stood
wholeheartedly put his love, for there was not anyone or straight and was wonderfully pleasing and a good singer.
anything else in the world he loved so much. But she was the most lustful woman in all Great Britain and
And when the queen saw him, she knew part of what the lewdest. Yet she was a woman of wondrous learning,
he was thinking, so, wise and keen-witted as she was, she and she knew much about astrology,3 which Merlin had
said, “Sir, grant King Lot leave to take his sons with him taught her. And later he taught her a great deal more about
boldly (and he has nothing to fear, God willing), for, as it, just as the story will recount it to you later, and she put
they are your fastest friends, they will conclude peace all the her whole mind to it; and she learned it so well that
more earnestly, and they will put their hearts into it more afterwards she was called Morgan the Fay, sister of King
than others whose hearts are not touched by it.” Arthur, because of the wonders she worked throughout the
“My lady,” said the king, “I will agree, since the barons country. She was the best worker with her hands that
have worked it out.” anyone knew about in any land, and she had the fairest
And then he told King Lot to get ready for the trip so head of any suited for a woman, the most beautiful hands,
quietly that no one would find out where he was going. Sir and wondrously well-made shoulders, and she was the
Gawainet and his brothers, who were reveling in the great cleverest of all. Her skin was softer than millet.4 And she
hall with the others, were called straightway, and they came had yet another quality that must not be skipped over, for
at once to meet King Arthur.2 He told them that they were she had a sweet, soft way of talking, and she was well
most welcome, and they returned his greeting most spoken. And as long as she was in her right mind, she was
courteously. Then King Arthur told them, just as they had more courteous than any, but when she was angry with
worked it out, that they had to go on the mission, and they anyone, there was no need in trying to reconcile them. This
answered that it was all to the good. showed very clearly when to the man she ought to have
Afterwards King Lot said to Sir Gawainet, “Dear son, loved best she brought the worst harm and such great guilt
you and your brothers, go get ready so that you’ll have that people talked about it afterwards for as long as she
everything you need when we leave.” lived. This had to do with the noble Guenevere, just as the
“What?” said Sir Gawainet. “What do we need besides story will later explain to you how and why.
our armor and our horses? We won’t be taking packhorses When Guiomar went into the room where Morgan was,
or trunks or anything else but the good, swift, eager he greeted her most kindly and bade her a good day from
warhorses we’ll be riding—they’ll carry us to safety when God, and she returned his greeting most courteously, for
the need arises! And we should not tarry here, for, if you’ll she was not mute, and he came straight to her and sat down
believe me, we should leave shordy after nightfall and ride beside her. He began to handle the golden thread she was
in as long stretches as we can. No one should put off a working with and asked her what she meant to make. He
mission such as this!” was a handsome knight, slender, and well built; his hair was
“Dear nephew,” said King Arthur, “you speak the truth. curly and blond, he was handsome, delightful to look at,
Now go rest and sleep a litde.” smiling, and courteous above all other knights. He spoke to
Then Sir Gawainet turned toward the queen and said the maiden about many things, and she was glad to watch
to her, “My lady, I beg you to think about my companions, him, for she found him handsome, and she liked
who are yours forever, for my uncle’s companions do not everything he did and said. They spoke and at last he asked
love them wholeheartedly, but envy them, as you know for her love. The more she looked at him the more
yourself. And it may well happen, after my brothers and I pleasing she found him until she welcomed him with such
have gone, that they’ll want to do some jousdng in order to great love that she refused him nothing he asked of her.
build up a tournament among themselves. And I beseech And when he understood and saw that she would willingly
you, for you are my lady, not to allow there to be a grant him what he was begging for, he took her in his arms
challenge.” and began to kiss her most sweedy until they began to heat
“And I warrant you,” she said, “that there will not be. up as hot as Nature demands, and they threw themselves
And if my husband the king believed me, no tournament onto a large, beautiful bed; they played the game everyone
would be planned for as long as they are in this country.” plays, as they yearned to do, and they were joined in very
And the king answered that, by the faith he bore her, great love, for he loved her and she loved him more. So
there would not be, if they wished to have his love. [338] they stayed together all evening long and made love for
At once they left and went to their rooms to rest and quite a while, and no one [339] knew it. But Queen
sleep. And those who had been left in the hall broke up Guenevere found out about it later, just as the story will
and went to their lodgings. But whoever else may have left, explain it to you later, which is why they were separated;
Guiomar, the queen’s nephew, did not. Instead, he stayed Morgan began to hate her for it and afterwards did many
behind talking to Morgan, King Arthur’s sister, in a
bedroom under the great hall where she spun golden
3As before (e.g., 23,1. 15; 73,1. 26; 102,1. 28), the Old French
word is astrenomie (338,1. 11). Here especially the meaning appears
2The text has the ambivalent personal pronoun ti (337,1. 19): to spread into magic and necromancy.
“him.” 4The word is millart (338,1. 18).
The Story of Merlin 355
troublesome things to her, and she cast such blame on her When the Saxons saw them coming on horseback, they
that it was not forgotten for as long as she lived. knew by their armor that they were not any of their own, so
But now the story falls silent about them, for it no they stopped and waited. And when Sir Gawainet saw that,
longer speaks about that right here, but it goes back to he stopped and ordered his father and brothers to get on
talking about King Lot and his sons, who had gone to their their warhorses, and they did so. And [340] the boys went
lodgings to sleep. to the palfreys, mounted, and set off into the forest where
the road had turned, but the knights went straight for the
Saxons, because they did not want to meet them at the

41. Gawain and His Brothers Battle the angle the road would have made them take. It was after
midday and drawing near the hour of nones. King Lot rode
Saxons.1 out ahead and Sir Gawainet after him with his brothers
alongside him, and they were going at a slow pace without
Right here the story says that shortly after nightfall King Lot breaking out of line. When they had gone far enough to be
and his four sons got up and got themselves ready with quite close to the Saxons, Gawainet said to his father that
their armor. They had chosen five of the best horses they he yearned for nothing but to ride into them, and for his
could find in the whole court; they took them with them brothers to be with him, until they had gone through all of
and five serving boys on foot, and they had five very good them.
palfreys that they rode as they went. And when everything Then the Saxons shouted, “Knights, surrender and tell
was ready, they mounted their horses by the Bricoune Gate, us who you are and what you are looking for.”
and the five boys who were leading the horses, all covered And King Lot answered, ‘We are five messengers from
with iron, went out ahead, and they all went as stealthily as King Arthur, who has sent us on a mission, and we will not
they could, for they wanted no one to catch sight of them tell you more.”
and raise a warning. And when they had ridden enough to “Stand still and don’t go on,” they ordered. “We are
be half a Welsh league away, Sir Gawainet asked where they guarding the roads for King Hargadabran, for Orient, son
were going. of Bramangue, and for Arrant,3 son of Magaat.4 We are
And King Lot told him that he did not know, “for taking this plunder and these prisoners to them, and we’ll
warfare,” he went on, “is so widespread in the countryside.” make them a gift of you as well.”
“Now I’ll tell you what we are about to do. We are “Indeed,” said King Lot, “when you can do so.”
riding toward Arestel in Scotland. That’s the closest land, They said that it would not be long, “so surrender, and
and it is the most densely shaded by trees of any in this you’ll be doing the wise thing, before something worse
country, and that makes for the best hundng2 anywhere!” happens to you.”
And King Lot answered, “Dear son, since that is what And they answered that that would never happen.
you want to do, I am most willing, for what you say is best. Then they let their horses run as fast as they could go, and
And we’ll go by way of the Casde of the Fir Forest, through the Saxons did likewise, for they feared them very litde. But
the Plains of Roestoc and the Forest of Brambles beneath King Lot and his sons stormed in among them with their
Caranges, and we’ll go along the Severn River through the lances under their arms, and each one hit his man so that
meadowlands of Cambenic. From there we’ll skirt the he knocked him down dead; then they struck five others
wealthy city of North Wales, which belongs to King and brought them down dead, and they did the same in
Tradelmant, and from there on to Arestel, which is four four drives they made all the way through them, but they
leagues away from the Saxons.” were not hurt. And then they began galloping away holding
And the young men all agreed to this. their bloody lances, and when the others saw them riding
So the messengers rode along talking about this and off, the shouting and the uproar grew loud after them, and
that until dawn, and from the next day on they made their they undertook a wondrous pursuit. The dust rose so thick
way through the most out-of-the-way places they knew of; that they could barely recognize one another.
they slept in forests and in hermitages, and they rode thus Right then the five5 kings, who had heard the news,
for eight full days. And they were never bothered until they came spurring their horses. They shouted to their men,
came to the Plains of Roestoc. Then, at midday, they “Now after them! You’ll be sorry if they get away.”
happened upon at least seven thousand Saxons who were And they themselves took to the road after them. They
taking away a great deal of plunder and a good seven were riding good horses, and they gave them a frenzied
hundred prisoners whose feet they had tied under their chase. The runaways rode at a full gallop, and they went
horses’ bellies, and they were driving them by beating them until they came to a mill, where they had to cross a very
ruthlessly with sticks. Sorbares, Monaclin, Salibrun, Ysores, wide and dreadful ford that was full of filth and mud, so
and Clarion were leading them, and Clarion was riding they had to stop and go on at a slow gait. And the five kings,
Gringalet, a horse so named because of its great worth, for who were not afraid of the bad crossing, caught up with
the story says that it could run for ten leagues without them there, and more than five hundred Saxons were
heaving or panting, nor would there be any sweat on one behind them. They broke their lances on them as they
hair of its rump or shoulder.

^The form here is airant (340, 1. 12); elsewhere in the Merlin

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 339-346. occurs the form hertant (174,11. 33, 42).
^The word is traire (339,1. 20): “shooting.” 4The form here (340,1. 12) is maagart.
^he text reads .vj. (340,1. 24): “six."
356 The Story of Merlin

came in, and King Ysores, who was riding out ahead, struck Gawainet saw how close he was to him, he turned his shield
King Lot’s horse with his lance and brought it down dead against him. King Clarion struck him so hard that his lance
under him. flew into bits, and Sir Gawainet hit him so hard on his
When King Lot saw that his horse had been killed, he helmet that he split it down to his iron coif and cut to the
sprang to his feet and drew his sword. He stood his ground bone; he dazed him so badly that he flew over his
beside a clump of rushes because of the mire, which was saddlebow onto the ground, and he hit so hard that he
wide and deep. The Saxons ran upon him and attacked fainted from the agony he felt.
hard, but he defended himself so well that they did not And Sir Gawainet took Gringalet by the bridle and led
have the strength to take him. Then Gawainet looked about him toward a stand of trees almost half a league away. His
and saw his father on foot, and he was so worried about him father was still going out ahead with his three sons, and he
that he nearly went out of his mind. He struck his horse was thinking of nothing but riding and thought that all his
with his spurs so hard that the blood poured out of its sides, sons were along with him (the dust had risen so thick on
and he struck Monaclin so hard that he drove through his the road that no one could see very far); yet they had left
shield and hauberk, into his side, through his ribs, and out Sir Gawainet two arrow-shots behind. And when Sir
the other side, and he sent him to the ground dead. When Gawainet came to the trees, he saw the five boys coming out
he fell, Gawainet’s lance broke, so he drew his sword, which of the forest, and they were riding the five palfreys. When
was named Excalibur, and looked at his father, who was he saw them he was wondrously happy, and he praised
defending himself against more than forty Saxons. [341] them and held them in high esteem because they had
He ran upon them with his sword in his hand and struck struggled so to keep up with them. Then he got down and
right and left, and he cut off their heads, arms, and legs, mounted Gringalet, and he gave one of the boys his horse
and he did such wonders that they scattered everywhere, to lead [342] beside the one he was riding, and he ordered
for they did not dare make a stand against him. And Sir them to go after his brothers, who had ridden out ahead,
Gawainet struck one Saxon who was striving to hold King “and tell them to keep their minds on making their way,
Lot down, and he split him down to the chest; then he and I will follow. But first I want to see what has become of
caught his horse and took it to his father. And a hue and those men.”
cry rose for the man who had been slain. But he stayed behind for nothing, for they had stopped
Meanwhile, King Lot got on the horse despite all those running after them when they found King Clarion; instead,
he was fighting with. Then Sir Gawainet’s three brothers they gathered all around him, because they believed that he
came; they had been in such a slaughter that all of their was dead, and they were weeping and wailing so loudly that
armor was filthy with blood and brains. And when they had Sir Gawainet heard the screams from where he was.
all drawn together, they began such hard fighting and such So Sir Gawainet lingered for a long time in the trees to
a slaughter that it was a wonder to see. And the Saxons find out whether anyone was coming. Meanwhile, King Lot
came in from everywhere because they believed, for the and his three sons rode until they came to a small woods.
great slaughter the brothers had done, that they were a And after they had gone inside, King Lot looked about and
huge army. did not see Sir Gawainet. Straightway he said, “Something
When King Lot saw the great numbers that were dreadful has happened! I have lost everything!”
coming against them from all sides, he called to his sons The others looked about and said, “Sir, what is wrong
and told them it was high time to go, for it did not make with you?”
sense to stay there any longer and take forty blows for every And he answered, “My children, your brother is
one diey gave. “But let’s go,” he said, “and if they run after missing! In truth, if he is dead I’ll kill myself, for I would
us, then we’ll rout them when it is the right time and place not seek to live a single day after him.”
for us.” “Sir,” said Agravain, “do not worry. God willing, he
With that, they went their way, and they rode right won’t have anything to bother him.”
across the ford without any hindrance, and when they were While King Lot was wailing, the five serving boys came
on the other side, they took to the road. When the three up. They were bringing along the five palfreys, and one of
kings saw them going off, they shouted after them, “We’ll them was leading Sir Gawainet’s horse on the right side.
not let the traitors get away!” When King Lot saw them, he knew well who they were.
Then they crossed the ford and ran after them for Very quickly they were drawing near, and Guerrehet
quite a long time. King Clarion, who was sitting on yelled to them, “Where did you leave my brother?”
Gringalet, went out ahead all the others more than an “Sir,” they said, “in diat stand of trees, where he is atop
arrow-shot. And Sir Gawainet was behind his companions, the best horse in the world, and he struck a king down from
holding his bloody sword, when the Saxon, who was striving him. Those who were weeping and mourning for the king
hard to catch up with him, yelled out, ‘You worthless dog, said that his name was King Clarion and the horse was
surrender now, for all of you are dead!” called Gringalet. And he gave us this horse and sent us to
And Sir Gawainet looked about and saw the horse tell you to keep riding and he will catch up with you when
hugging the ground and bursting to go, and he began very he wants to.”
much to yearn for him in his heart, and he said that if he When King Lot heard that he was safe and sound, he
had such a horse, he would not give him away for the best was very gladdened and looked toward the trees. And when
city that King Arthur had. Then he began to slow his pace Sir Gawainet saw that they were no longer giving them
and run at an easy gallop. King Clarion was still giving him chase, he said that he would show them the good horse
chase and would not let him get away. And when Sir before he left. Then he rode out from the trees and headed
The Story of Merlin 357
to where he saw the greatest number of men, who were still their swords back in their scabbards. As they were riding
in the throes of their great sorrow. He saw one Saxon who away, seven Saxons came down with lances held straight
was holding a wonderful spear with a short, thick shaft and and fell upon Gaheriet. Two of them struck him between
an iron tip that was a foot and a half long, and it was bright the shoulders, another two on his sides, and another two on
and sharp. Then he put Excalibur back into its scabbard the sleeve of his hauberk, while the seventh struck his horse
and dashed toward the Saxon as fast as the horse could nm, right in the mid-section and killed it, bringing man and
and he tore the spear out of his hands so ruthlessly that he horse to the ground.
sent him to the ground; and on this same pass he ran the Then King Lot thought that Gaheriet had been killed.
spear through another one’s body and hurled him down He turned around and said, “How dreadful! Now the four
dead. He drove all the way through them and came back so brothers are lost. Dear son Gawainet, this awful thing has
fast that he was all flushed. But before he got all the way happened because of you, for if you had come with us
out, his shield knew it well, for it was split into pieces. But Gaheriet would not be in trouble now.”
what did that matter to him? He had so badly hurt fourteen While King Lot was saying this, Gaheriet leapt to his
of them that never again, for their own well-being, did they feet, for he was very skilled and very bold, the best knight of
get back on a horse. Then he rode away without slowing all his brothers but Gawainet. He fixed his shield on his
down. The hue and cry rose loud after him, and the chase arm, drew his sword, and got ready to defend himself. The
was so hard that it was a wonder. When he saw that he had seven Saxons had turned about, and he ran them down. He
ridden some distance from them, he turned about holding struck the first one he met and sliced his right thigh all the
his sword, and he struck the first one he met and sent him way through beneath his saddle, and he fell to the ground.
to the ground dead. Then he turned back and taunted Next he struck another one on his helmet, but could not
them into following after him until they came to within less follow through; the sword came down by his shoulder and
than an arrow-shot from the woods where King Lot and his cut the strap of his shield and went through his right arm,
three sons had stopped with the serving boys. [343] and his shield flew to the ground with his arm. [344]
When King Lot saw the Saxons coming so fast after his And Sir Gawainet struck the first man he came to and
son, whom he loved and longed for more than anything, he hurled him dead to the ground. Then he took his horse
shouted, “My sons, what are you doing? There is Gawainet, and led it to his brother and said to him, “Climb on, noble
your brother, and those unbelieving whoresons are running companion." And he got on straightway and took up his
after him!” lance, which he did not want to leave behind. King Lot,
With that. King Lot tied his helmet back on and Guerrehet, and Agravain had struck down three of them,
spurred his horse and rode out against the Saxons; his sons and the seventh turned in flight. And when Gaheriet saw
did likewise. And King Lot met Sir Gawainet and said to him leaving, he set out after him and followed him until
him, “Gawainet, dear son, you were wrong to leave us! Why they went down into a valley. There he struck him in the
the devil did you stay back with those Saxons? Are you chest with his lance so hard that it went all the way through.
trying to defeat them all? Even if you killed twenty of them Then he went galloping back to where he saw his brothers.
in one stroke, you would not be done in a month.” It was nearly the hour of vespers when they took to the
“Sir,” said Sir Gawainet, “I have won such a horse that I road. The Saxons commended them to all the devils alive,
would not give him away for the Castle of Glocedon. It was and they said that they would not be run after by them any
to try him out that I stayed behind, and I have found him to more. They also said that if the Christians had no more
be such that no one need look for a better one in any land! than ten thousand men in the countryside, King
Let’s go now, and I won’t leave you anymore, no matter Hargadabran could be sure that the Saxons could not have
what happens.” held out against them no matter how many there were.
“As long as we are here,” said Agravain, “damn anyone With that, the Saxons went back to where King Clarion lay,
to hell who leaves before we have struck down and slain and they found that his wound had already stopped
Saxons!” bleeding. And when he saw them, he asked them if they
“Indeed,” said Sir Gawainet. had caught the scoundrels who had done them so much
They did not have any lances, so they drew their bare harm. They answered that they had not, and they told him
swords. The Saxons ran upon them, thinking they could about all the damage they had done and said that they
take them, and broke their lances on their shields, while could not take them prisoner do what they might. And
King Lot and his sons struck them on their helmets when he heard that, he was stricken with sorrow. Then the
wherever they met them. And the fighting grew so fierce Saxons went back to the siege, which was mighty, that they
that never has anyone seen harder fighting from five were holding before the city of Clarence.
knights, and they killed more than forty before they could And King Lot and his sons saw that the hour of vespers
get away. But the number of Saxons kept growing. was drawing near, so they took to the road. But it would not
When King Lot saw that it was time to go, he said to have seemed to anyone who saw their armor that they had
Gawainet, “Dear son, let’s leave with your brothers, for you stayed to rest, for their shields were hacked up, their
can see plainly that we can do nothing here and we’re helmets smashed in, their armor broken, their horses filthy
wasting time. We’ll come back to the fight soon enough with blood and brains, and it was very plain that they had
when we have the right armor.” come out of a fearsome battle.6 Right away they went into
And Sir Gawainet came up to his brothers and told
them that it was time to go. With that, the five of them left, ’’Sommer's text repeats que de que de forte bataille (344, 11. 20-
but first they tore five lances from Saxons’ hands and put 21): “that from that from [a] great battle.”
358 The Story of Merlin

the woods where the serving boys were waiting for them. “Indeed, sir” said the worthy man, “the forest belongs
They dismounted from their warhorses and got on their to King Clarion of Northumberland, and I keep it for
palfreys, and the boys led their horses and carried their him—I am his forester and his liegeman, and these young
lances, their shields, and their helmets, and they went on at men here are my sons and those maidens my daughters. ”
a walk through the thick woods; they rode quite far during “Indeed,” said King Lot, “I know no worthier man of
the night, and the moon shone bright. They rode until they his age than King Clarion, and he could not better place
came to the house of a forester who was most worthy. He the trust he has bestowed on you, it seems to me, for you
had four sons who were most handsome young men, and have a most handsome, well-bred household.”
his wife was a most worthy lady. “In God’s name,” said the forester, “if they are worthy,
The vavasor’s house was well fortified with wide, deep they are rightly so,9 for they have kinsmen who are good
moats all filled with water. Beyond these, it was surrounded knights, now among the most honored and best loved at
by great, fully-grown oak trees, and the steep hillside7 King Arthur’s court; I’ve been told that they have lately
beyond grew so thick with brambles and thorn bushes that become knights of the queen and that this company has
no one would have thought that there was a dwelling there. been founded by Sir Gawainet, King Lot’s son. And I’ve also
King Lot and his three sons came there at the cock’s first been told that King Lot is reconciled with King Arthur.”
crow, for the road happened to lead them to a postern, “And who are the knights your children are kin to?”
which was the way in. They had one of the serving boys call asked King Lot.
out and knock until someone opened the gate to them. “In truth,” answered the forester, “this lady is the sister
One of the forester’s sons asked them who they were, and of Meralgis of Portford (I don’t know if you know him),
they said that they were five knights errant “from this land, and she is first cousin, on her father’s side, to Aiglin of the
and we are going on a mission.” Vales and Kehedin the Small, and Wain of Lionel is my
“Sir,” said the youth, “you are most welcome.” cousin,10 for he is the son of my uncle Grandalis, castellan
And he led them into the courtyard. They dismounted of Crenefort. And I myself would hold a great deal of land,
from their horses, which were well provided with hay and were it not for the Saxons who have laid waste everything.”
oats, for there was a great deal to eat there, and die youth “And what is your name?” King Lot asked the forester.
took them to have their armor taken off in a most “Indeed,” answered the forester, “my name is Minoras,
handsome hall at ground level. The vavasor and his wife lord of the New Castle in Northumberland.”
and their three other sons8 and two daughters stood up to “In God’s name,” said King Lot, “I know very well all
greet them. And they lit torches inside there and put water the ones you have named to me. You can truly say that they
on to heat, and they washed their hands and faces and then are good knights in every way! And if God would only grant
dried them with beautiful, white cloths, and they brought to that King Clarion were sitting here beside me just as you
each one a cloak with a collar. [345] are!”
And the vavasor had the tables set up and the cloths “What?” said Minoras. “Are you then friends of his?
put on; and bread, a great abundance of wine, fresh Now I long all the more to know about you!”
venison, and salted meat, of which there was a great deal ‘Truly,” said King Lot, “I will not stop wandering until
there, were laid out. The knights sat down to the meal, and I have spoken to him. And I’ll tell you,” the king went on,
they ate heardly, for they needed food. The vavasor’s two “who I am. You can tell everyone who asks you that the
daughters looked hard at Sir Gawainet and his brothers, guests you sheltered were King Lot of Orkney and his four
and they greatly wondered who they could be; and the sons.”
vavasor’s four sons waited on the knights, and the maidens “Ah, sir!” said the forester. “We could die [346] for not
served wine. The lady from there sat facing Sir Gawainet having served you better! ”
and the host Agravain; Gaheriet and Guerrehet sat facing Then he started to stand up beside him.
each other, while King Lot was beside his host, but a litde “Keep your seat just as you are,” said the king, “and
higher. They were quite well served for such a late hour, for don’t move. For you have done so much for us that you
it was almost midnight. have won us over, and you and yours will be rewarded.”
And when they had eaten and the tablecloths were “Ah, sir!” said Minoras. “What are you looking for in
taken away, the host asked King Lot, “Sir, if you and the this country?”
others with you don’t object, I would like very much to “We seek,” he answered, “to talk with tire barons of this
know who you are, where you are heading and why, unless country, and we would gladly meet with all of them
these are things to bring you shame.” together on behalf of King Arthur, so that we might drive
“In truth,” said King Lot, “we will never be ashamed of the Saxons out of this land and help one another like
it, God willing, but first tell us whose forest this is and the brothers.”
land all around.” “And where do you mean to have them gather?”
“In Arestel, in Scotland,” answered King Lot, “which is
7The text has li rubis (344,1. 30). This rare word undoubtedly in the nearest borderland. We’ll gather them there if we
relates to Old French rvbist (from Latin rupes “rock, cliff’), Middle can.”
French rubist, “steep hillside” (FEW 10:577), cf. the Old French
derivative desrube “steep.”
^he text reads il cmt bien a qui retraire (345, 11. 22-23): “they
8The text reads .iiij. filg (344, 1. 40): “four sons.” The
have many to attribute [this] to.”
woodsman is said earlier to have four sons (344,11. 26, 31), one of
10The word is rues (345,1. 31), usually nephew or grandson.
whom is taking them into the hall and would not, therefore, get up
to greet them.
The Story of Merlin 359
"Sir,” said Minoras, “I’ll speak to my lord about it for “Sir,” said the young man, “I very much want to go to
you so that you will have less to do. When will he find you King Arthur’s court, for I have heard it said that the best
there?" knights in the world are there, and one of his nephews is
“In truth, you have spoken very well, and I am very there whose name is Gawainet, son of King Lot of Orkney
grateful to you. Tell him that he will find me there on Our in Loonois. He is the best knight in the world, the one I
Lady’s Day in September, and he must be sure to be there, want to serve, and [347] I will be his squire, if he deigns to
for it is for his own good. ” engage me; and he is such a knight, as people bear witness
And Minoras told him that he would give him the to him, that I will take arms and the embrace from him.”
message: “Now concern yourself with the others, for you “Dear son,” said King Pelles, “there are so many paths
needn’t worry about him.” between here and there that it will not be an easy thing to
They spoke at length about many things until the beds go there, for the Saxons have spread out through the
were set up and they went to lie down and sleep, for they countryside, and they have laid waste the land; meanwhile,
were worn out and weary, and much of the night had there is great strife between King Arthur and his barons
already gone by. And they slept until daybreak. throughout the land, and I could not rest easy until I knew
But now the story falls silent about them for a while that you were safe and sound.”
and speaks about King Pelles of Listenois, the king’s “Dear father,” said the youth, “we are all subject to
brother Pellinor, and King Alan, who were full brothers by adventure, and no one can die but of such a death as Our
the same father and mother. Lord has destined for him. And you should know that, as
for me, I will never stop making my way until I am there,
and I’ll ride out tomorrow morning.”

42. The Children of Pelles; Galahad “Dear son,” said the father, “I see clearly that you are
bent on going and that nothing will keep you from it, for
Predicted.1 my sake or anyone else’s. Indeed, I’m glad about it, because
I see that you yearn for prowess and worthiness, and this
Here the story says that King Pelles had a son who was not a comes to you from your great nobility of heart; at the same
knight, although he was a good twenty-five years old, but he time I am very sad, for I do not believe that I’ll see you
was wondrously well built in body and limb, and he was again. Now tell me whom you’d like to take with you.”
wonderfully handsome. When his father asked him when “Sir,” he answered, “I’ll go by myself and will take
he wanted to become a knight, he answered that he would along only one squire to keep me company. But prepare
never be a knight before the best knight known in the whatever weapons and the kind of horse you know I need.”
world should give him arms and hug him about the neck.2 And the king said that he need not worry about a
“Indeed, dear son,” said King Pelles, “you will then thing, for everything would be ready for him.
have to wait a long time.” Thus ended the talk between son and father. And
“I don’t know what I’ll do,” said the lad, “but I’ll yet when the next morning came, his father had made ready a
serve him three years before he makes me a knight, so that horse, weapons, and whatever else he needed, and he
I can learn about arms and fighting while I am with him. entrusted to him a worthy and righteous squire who had
And do you know why I want to get to know him and find served him well, and the squire loaded armor, clothing, and
out from which prince he comes?3 He could very well be plenty of money onto a pack horse. And when all was ready,
one to whom I’ll show the way to come to these parts in the young man got on a palfrey that walked at an easy gait;
order to fulfill the adventures of this country that will soon he left without any more ado, and he commended his
begin, so I’ve been told. I have said this to you yourself father and friends to God; and they did likewise, so that
many times, for I would be most distraught not to see my God might keep the young man and his squire from evil
uncle healed from the wounds he has through his thighs.”4 and harm. With that, the young man left with his squire,
“Dear son,” said King Pelles, “he would never succeed and they made their way many a day and found no one to
in this if you showed him the way, for he must be of such give them any but good news. And they rode day in and day
knighthood and so given to adventure that he will come out until they came, on the plains of Roestoc at the midday
here by himself to ask about the Holy Grail, which my fair hour, into a valley that was very wide and deep, where a
daughter has in her keeping. She is still only seven years beautiful stream flowed from the spring at the pine tree
old, but a child is to be fathered on her by the best knight where Pignoras the Saxon and King Monaquin had stopped
known to anyone, and there must be three to fulfill the with five hundred men dressed in iron who were coming
adventures; two must be virgins and the third chaste.” from the land of the Saxons and going to the wealthy city of
Clarence, to the great siege that the thirty kings were
* Corresponds to Sommer, 346-349. maintaining. And they were leading forty pack horses
2That is, give him la colee (346, 1. 25), the ceremonial loaded with meat and salt pork and plenty of other things,
embrace. See 253,1. 33. and they had taken them beneath the pine tree, in the
o
°The text reads iou le voelle connoistre & veoir & de quel prinche shade, right by the spring. And they let their horses graze
ilsera (346,11. 28-29).
down through the prairie for as long as the heat lasted, for
4The text reads parmi ses cuisses (346, 1. 33): “in the midst of
it was in the middle of the day.
his thighs.” The expression, which originates in Chretien’s Li
Into that valley, which was wide and deep, came the
Contes del Graal in speaking of the Fisher King (ed. Hilka, 1. 3513),
young man and his squire, and they rode hard and did not
doubtless indicates a sexual wound “between his thighs.”
stop making their way until they came to a high hill. And
360 The Story of Merlin

from there they could clearly see the Saxons who were through his throat and out the other side, and he knocked
eating beneath the pine tree. And when the young man saw him from his horse into the middle of the road.
them, he was struck with great dread. He asked for his And the Saxons, more than ten of them, struck him
weapons and fitted himself out quite fast. Then he fixed his with their lances all at the same time, and they threw him
sword to his saddlebow, mounted his horse, and ordered back over his saddlebow, but they did not send him down
his squire, who was named Lidonas, to ride out ahead. He from his horse, for they broke their lances and the bits flew
did as he was told, and he went straight down the road until down to the ground. And the youth sat back up, wielded his
they ran up against the Saxons. And when Pignoras saw lance, and hit one of those who had struck him and drove
them, he sent someone over to ask who they were. And they his lance through his body so hard that he knocked him
said that they were [348] from another land and that they down dead right before his companions, who were gready
were going about their business. And when Pignoras heard saddened and distraught. But then he broke his lance,
that, he ordered his men to put on their armor and get on which had held up so well, and straightway he took hold of
their horses, and he had more than forty Saxons ride out his sword, which hung from his saddlebow, and pulled it
after them and ordered them to stay back by force or for out of the scabbard. The Saxons were running upon him
love of him. And the youth, who was making his way behind from every side, and he struck the first one he came to and
his squire, held a most strong lance, but he had no shield. cut off his whole right shoulder, and he had split his side
And he had gone but a little way when he heard the men open so wide that his liver and lungs let loose and spilled
riding after him, shouting at him very loudly. out through the wound, and he stumbled down dead to the
“Young men!” yelled the Saxons. “You must come back ground. Then he struck the next one and sent his head
our way. Hand your horses and your weapons over to us flying with his helmet, [349] and then he ran after the
and come to our lord, who is waiting for you under that others. He struck the third one crosswise and sliced him
pine tree.” more than halfway through and cut his heart in two; next
The young man heard them very well and understood he struck the fourth one on his helmet so that he split him
what they said, but he answered not a word, and he rode on down to the teeth. But the ones who were coming after him
after his squire at a little faster gait and then at a full gallop. hit him so hard that they wounded him, and when he saw
And when the Saxons saw that he was riding away so fast, that he could not last against so many men without being
they spurred their horses after him and threatened him killed or taken prisoner, he left them; he spurred his horse
dreadfully. When the youth saw them coming, he turned and rode after Lidonas his squire at breakneck speed. And
his horse’s head toward them. And one of the Saxons was when the Saxons saw him riding away, the uproar and the
coming out ahead of the others. He was holding a strong, shouts rose loud after him.
stout lance, but he was rushing so fast and so hard that he When the young man caught up with his squire, he
missed hitting the youth. But the youth rode against him as rode up behind him and said that he would not take off his
fast as he could get his horse to go, and he struck him so gear for as long as he could defend him. He was holding his
hard that he pierced his shield and hauberk and drove his sword in his right hand. And a Saxon fell upon him with his
lance5 through his breastbone; he threw him to the ground lance held out straight, and he struck the youth under his
so badly wounded that no doctor would have done him any arm, twisted the mail of his hauberk, and made him hunch
good. Then he drew his lance out and went back on his over his saddlebow; he would have brought him down, had
way, following Lidonas his squire, who rode ahead at full he not held onto his horse’s neck. And when he had
speed because he wanted to get as far away as he could straightened up, he looked at the man who had struck him
from the Saxons. and then hit him so hard on the helmet with his sword that
And when the Saxons saw that the youth was riding off, he split him down to the teeth. Then the Saxons
they set out after him, because they did not want to let him surrounded him on all sides, and he defended himself,
get away. And the youth was going away at a full gallop, because he was of great heart; he began to slay knights and
holding the lance, which had changed its color from white horses and to send to the ground everyone he met. But his
to red, for it was stained with the blood of the man he had defense did him no good against the great crowd of Saxons
killed. And as he rode he prayed God, by His tender mercy, that was about him, and in as much as Pignoras and
to keep him from being killed or taken prisoner. The Monaquin were on horseback, he could not help but be
Saxons were hot on his heels, riding as fast as their horses killed or captured, and he had been worn down by those
could go, and they followed him long enough that more who were about him. So he rode off at full speed when he
than ten could strike him on the shoulders and sides. And could get away, his naked sword in his hand.
he turned about and wielded his lance, and he struck the And Pignoras and Monaquin, who had not seen any of
first one he met so hard that he drove the sharp tip, and a their men coming back, were on horseback, and they set
great deal of the shaft, into his body, and he hurled him out after the others at full speed down the road where the
down dead head over heels. Then he pulled his lance out youth was going. They saw the dead men, whom the lad
and turned toward another one; he drove the lance had slain, strewn all over the road, and asked who had done
that. And the ones who were there answered that it was the
5In this passage the words cspiel (here, 348,1. 17), lanche (348, young man who had just then come down the road. Then
1. 28), and glaive (348,1. 30) are used interchangeably for Eliezar’s they asked which way he had gone, and they said that he
lance. Elsewhere espiel is normally translated as spear and the other had ridden down into a valley “where our men are fighting
two as lance. him but cannot take him.”
The Story of Merlin 361
And when Pignoras heard that, he shouted to his men, bids him, just as you have heard, meet with him in Arestel
“Now after him fast. It will be a great shame if he gets away, in Scotland on Our Lady’s Day in September.”
for he has done us great harm.” And they said that they would indeed deliver this
And when they heard him, they ran down the paved message. So they rode away from the house straightway and
road after the youth. Now may God lead him by His holy set out on their way, and they rode until they came to King
mercy, for if they could catch up with him, he would have Clarion; they found him and his household in one of his
no way of getting away without being killed. But He who strongholds. He was downcast and brooding about the
helps in all times of need those who believe in Him, that is, Saxons, who were laying waste his lands and the whole
Our Lord Jesus Christ, sent him a most fair adventure. And countryside. And when he saw the two youths coming
this is why the proverb says that whom God will help no one before him to tell him what King Lot was asking him to do,
can harm.6 he was gladdened and joyful, and in his happiness he gave
Now the story falls silent for a while about him and each of the youths a good horse, for he loved King Lot with
goes back to speaking about King Lot and his four sons who all his heart. And he told them that he would be there
were with him. without fail, if God kept him from mishap. And as soon as
they had heard King Clarion’s answer, they went back to
their father’s house very happy and joyful, and they handed
over to him the horses the king had given them for the love
43. Agravain and Gaheriet Discuss Love; the
of King Lot, to whom he had given shelter.
Saxons Routed.* 1 So now the story falls silent from speaking about them
and goes back to speaking about King Lot and his children.
In this part the story says that the night when King Lot and Now the story says that when King Lot and his children
his four sons were lodged in the house of Minoras the had left Minoras the Forester, they rode through the wild
Forester of Northumberland, they slept like men who that forest, which was very deep and high and quite delightful to
day had undergone great struggles and suffered great ride in. The weather was quiet, and there had been much
hardship, and they rested until the next morning. And dew the night before. The birds were singing because of the
when it was daylight, they got up and took their armor, softness of the sweet season, and they sang so sweetly and so
which had been laid out in their room, put it on, and got forcefully in their language that the leafy woods rang with
dressed very quickly. Then they climbed on their horses, it; and they very gladly listened to them. And the* king and
which had been brought into the hall for them. [350] The his four sons, who were merry young men, rode along with
host, his children, and his wife were there, and King Lot their minds on the birds’ songs. And Gaheriet, who was very
and his sons most kindly commended them to God; they much under love’s sway, began to sing a new song, and he
thanked them heartily for the good lodging and for the sang wonderfully well and pleasingly, and the woodlands
hospitality they had shown them, and they were keen to resounded with it [351] for quite a way. And when the sun
offer them their service if they should need it. They had risen, he looked about and saw that his brothers were
thanked their hosts and rode out through the gate, and the far behind him, so he turned off the road to let his horse
forester and his four sons got on their horses and rode with rest.
them for quite a way, while the five serving boys were ahead And he waited until they came, and he said to
of them leading the five palfreys and carrying their shields Guerrehet and Agravain, “Let’s sing.”
and lances, for the forester had given them strong, stout So all three of them began to sing, and after they had
lances with gleaming, sharp tips. sung, Guerrehet asked Agravain and Gaheriet, “Now tell
And after the forester had ridden with them for a me, by the faith you owe our father King Lot, if you had
while, King Lot asked him to turn back and not to fail to one of our host’s two daughters with you now, what would
give his message to King Clarion just as he had promised. you do with her?”
And he said that he would indeed do it, and there should And Gaheriet said that Agravain should answer first,
be no doubt. So he took his leave forthwith and, with his for he was his elder.
sons, turned back toward his house. And as soon as they got “God help me,” said Agravain, “if I felt like it, I would
there, he had two of his sons well fitted out and gave them make love to her right now.”3
two swift horses2 to ride for fear of the Saxons, so that, “God help me,” said Gaheriet, “I wouldn’t do that, but
should they happen to see them, they would be equipped I’d take her to safety. And you, Guerrehet, what would you
to ride fast if they had to. do with her?”
When the two young men were on their horses and “I would,” he answered, “make her my lady love, if she
ready to go as quickly as they could, the forester said to liked, and I would not do anything to her by force. For the
them, “Dear children, you will go to King Clarion, who is game of love would not be sweet unless it pleased her as
our overlord, and you will tell him that King Lot of Orkney much as me.”
As they were saying these filings, they fell in with King
®This proverb, not mentioned by Cotgrave, is recorded in Lot and Sir Gawainet, who had clearly heard everything
Morawski, no. 440 (cf. nos. 261, 252, etc.). they said, and they all laughed together and then asked
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 349-357. which one had spoken best.
2Despite the translation in Sommer’s marginal note, adopted
here, the word in the text is ronchi[n]s (350, 1. 14; Sommer’s
^he text reads stl me seoit iou le feroie tout outreement (351,11. 8-
emendadon) “worthless nag,” the opposite of the kind of horse
9): “if it suited me, I would do it right now.”
described here.
362 The Story of Merlin

“Ask your brother Gawainet,” said King Lot, “for I have heath that went along the edge of the forest as far as
chosen him to be the judge.” Roestoc. After they had ridden for a long time, they met
“And I’ll tell you right away,” said Sir Gawainet. Lidonas as they were coming down a hill. He was dreadfully
“Gaheriet spoke best and Agravain worst. For if Agravain afraid for his master, who was fighting in great distress, just
saw anyone hurting the women, he ought to help them, as the story has told you. He was riding behind the
protect and defend them with all his strength. It seems to packhorse that carried the clothing and was leading his
me that there need be no one other than he! Guerrehet master’s palfrey; he was shedding hot tears, and he kept
spoke better still, for he said that he would not have wanted saying, “Holy Lady Mary, please help us!” And he kept
to do anything to them by force, and that can have come to beating one fist against the other.
him only from love and courtliness. But Gaheriet spoke like King Lot and his four sons caught sight of him and felt
a worthy gendeman, and I would do what he said if it were deeply sorry for him. Agravain hurried to him as fast as his
up to me.” horse could go, and when he was near the boy he said to
Then Agravain and King Lot himself laughed and him, “Son, tell me why you are wailing so.”
joked about it more than any of the others, but King Lot And the boy lifted his head and answered, weeping,
attacked Agravain with his words when he said, smiling, “Sir, I mourn for a young lord, the most beautiful creature
“What, Agravain? Would you thus shame your host’s ever made on earth, whom the Saxons have attacked down
daughter to satisfy your mad cravings? What a handsome in this valley. They have killed him by now, unless God
reward you’d be giving him for the service he has done you! looks out for him.”
He truly put it to bad use.” “And where did he mean to go?” asked Agravain.
“Sir,” answered Agravain, “the daughters would lose “Sir,” answered Lidonas, “he was going to King
neither life nor limb.” Arthur’s court to serve Sir Gawainet, who is, we are told, so
“No,” said the king, “but they would lose their honor.” worthy. And we have heard so much about him that my
“I know of no man,” answered Agravain, “who would master wants no one but Sir Gawainet to make him a
spare a woman when he has her alone with him, for if he knight.”
lets her go free, he will never have her love at any time.” Then he went on: “Ah, I am so wretched! I have lost
“He should resist temptation,” said the king, “for her him and will never see him again.”
honor and others’ honor more than for himself.” He then began to grieve so deeply that he nearly killed
‘Truly,” said Agravain, “even after he let her go free, himself. And Agravain asked him where he was from.
he would just be the butt of jokes, and people would esteem “Sir,” answered Lidonas, “from the Kingdom of
him less because of it.” Listenois. He is the son of the rich Fisher King.”
“I would not care a bit what people said to me,” And Agravain looked at Sir Gawainet and said to him,
answered King Lot, “for as long as my honor was saved, I “Dear brother, now you hear what worthwhile things await
could not be vilely rebuked for it.” you!”
“Then there is no other way out,” said Agravain, “than And he answered that he had heard very well.
for my brother and me to become monks in a place where Then they tied on their helmets, took up their shields,
we do not see women.” and climbed on their horses. And Gaheriet said to
“Ah, Agravain, dear son!” said King Lot. “If you behave Agravain, “Keep in mind those maidens you knew so well
as you are saying, you cannot fail to go wrong, and evil will what to do with this morning and see to it that you are as
befall you.” good a knight with your arms when you fight against those
And it happened afterwards just as King Lot said, for Saxons!”
there came a time when Agravain suffered a long time on “Gaheriet,” said Agravain, “I entreat you, please spare
this earth for his uncourdy behavior toward a maiden, who die Saxons as you did the maidens, for you would not dare
was riding with a sweetheart of hers against whom he attack diem or even let anyone see the Saxons, I diink.”
fought until he wounded him in one of his arms. Then he “Sir,” said Gaheriet, “you are my elder, so we’ll see how
wanted to lie with his lady love, but he found that one of well you fight!"
her thighs was scabby; and he said such ugly, uncourdy “God help me,” said Agravain, “I would have very litde
things to her about it that she made one of his thighs and strength, and I’d be quite craven, if I didn’t fight better
one of his arms [352] so that he would never have been than you! The battle will not be put off because of your
healed if it had not been for the two best knights in the cowardice!”
world, whom in the end she allowed to heal him, just as the “Sir,” said Gaheriet, “it is not in the least courdy to
story will recount it to you later—how he was healed by Sir brag about oneself, but when you come into the fray, just
Gawainet, his brother, and by Lancelot of the Lake, who fight the best you can.”
was such a good knight, worthy and bold, and he was the And when Agravain heard that, he became angry, and
best in the world. he said that he meant to go where Gaheriet [353] would
But the story now falls silent from speaking about dtis not follow him even if he lost one of his limbs by not going.
until it is the right place for it, and it goes back to King Lot, And Gaheriet began to laugh without getdng angry, and he
who went along talking to his sons Gaheriet and Agravain, smiled and said, “Go on ahead. You can’t go anywhere I
who were so wicked. won’t follow you.”
Now the story says that they made their way through And Gawainet laughed at what they said, for he knew
the forest undl after the hour of prime had passed. Then very well that Gaheriet was making fun and joking, and he
they left the forest and rode out onto a most beautiful told Guerrehet and his father the things they had said to
The Story of Merlin 363

each other. And the king said, “Dear son, let’s go after “I know for a fact," he answered, “that you are seeking
them so they won’t do anything foolish, for I am sure that Gawainet. See him there!”
Agravain is angry.” With that, they all charged headlong among the
And when Lidonas saw them riding away, he asked Saxons, and the youth was with them, and they struck down
them who they were, and they answered that they were of dead the first ones they met, then they spurred on and hit
King Arthur’s household, “and the man you are seeking is four others, so that they brought them down dead and their
herewith us.” lances flew into pieces. Then they set [354] their hands to
“Ah, God!” said Lidonas. “Then I won’t go any farther their swords, and they began to strike right and left. And
until I find out what this is all about.” the youth left the king and the others and rode after Sir
“No,” said the king, “but turn off the main road and Gawainet wherever he went. And Sir Gawainet had drawn
ride until you see what happens, and then go to a hiding Excalibur out of its scabbard, and he began a great
place in that forest.” slaughter of the Saxons, and there was such killing that all
And the young man said he would. who saw him fled before him and did not dare take a stand
While they were speaking, they saw his master4 come against him. And he had gone so far ahead that he did not
racing, holding his sword all dripping with blood, with a know what was happening to his father and brothers.
good two hundred Saxons after him as fast as their horses Agravain and Gaheriet5 had pursued twenty Saxons
could run. Many times and very swifdy he turned about to until they ran into Pignoras, who had with him about a
face them, and he would strike anyone he met with such hundred Saxons. And when Pignoras saw who was giving
strength that his armor could not protect him; and after he chase and that there were only two of them, he shouted to
delivered his blow, he started out again on his way. This is his men, and they fell upon them. Agravain and Gaheriet
how the young man fought with them until he came upon struck two of them so hard that they brought them down
the ones who were heading out to meet him. And when he dead, but then ten Saxons broke ranks and attacked
saw that there were five of them, he shouted aloud, “For Agravain so fiercely from all sides that they took him to the
God’s sake, noble knights, come help me! Take pity on me, ground. Another ten attacked Gaheriet and bore him
for you see how much I need it! ” backwards over his saddlebow, but when his lance was
And Agravain said to him, “Hold on, friend, for you broken, he quickly sat up straight again and flew back into
have nothing to worry about” the fray and did wonders on every side. And Agravain, who
Then Agravain spurred his horse and wielded his lance had fallen, sprang back to his feet with his sword in his
with the sharp, cutting tip, and he struck the first man he right hand and held his shield against his chest. And they
met so hard that neither shield nor hauberk could keep attacked him fiercely, but he defended himself as well as
him from driving the tip of his lance through his body, and anyone could wish, for he had great heart and strength.
he took him dead to the ground. And Gaheriet, who came And Gaheriet spurred his horse to where he saw his
after him, hit his man so hard that he sent the sharp tip brother, and he put himself between him and the Saxons6
through his shield and hauberk and into his chest, and he who were attacking him most fiercely, and he defended
bore him sprawling to the ground, where he died. He himself with such strength that they did not dare get near
broke his lance then, so he put his hand on his sword him, so much did they fear the mighty blows he dealt them.
straightway and drew it from its scabbard and said to They fought hard like this for quite a long while, for the
Agravain, “Where are you now, dear brother? Now we’ll see Saxons yearned to take them prisoner, but they were
how you fight, for I’ll strive on behalf of ladies and what is fighting to stay alive.
fitting for them, while you seek to do to them what is King Lot and Guerrehet were fighting very hard
unseemly!” elsewhere, and they went through the press looking for
Sir Gawainet and Guerrehet burst out laughing at their companions. At last they saw Agravain on foot among
those words, but when King Lot saw them idle and the Saxons, wielding his naked sword with which he dealt
laughing, he said to them, ‘What are you doing, my sons? them great blows, and Gaheriet was beside him striving his
Don’t you see your brothers in the midst of the enemy?” hardest to free him and get him back on horseback.
When the young heard that the three knights were Then King Lot and Guerrehet charged headlong
brothers and this man’s sons, and that he was warning them among them. The four of them gave them a good battle,
to behave well, he asked him who he was. And he answered and they fought hard against them, but they were worn out
that his name was King Lot of Orkney. from killing and cutting up Saxons. Sir Gawainet fought his
“And those knights,” he said, “are my sons. Look there way to the top of a hill, holding his sword dripping with
and you’ll see the one you seek with the red shield.” blood, and he looked back and saw that he had driven all
And he showed him Sir Gawainet. the way through them, and the youth was still beside him at
When the young man heard what the king told him, he his spur.
was filled with joy at the news, and he raised his hands to And he said to him, “Sir, I am following you so that, if
God and thanked Our Lord that he had found them so my service pleases you, you will make me a knight when I
quickly. Then he said to the king, “Sir, how do you know ask you to.”
that I am looking for him?”

5Here the text reads guerrehes (354,1. 7).

4The text repeats, somewhat ambiguously, le vallet (353,1. 12): ^he text reads ou il vit ses freres & se met entre eus et les sesnes
“the youth.” (354, 11. 17-18): “where he saw his brothers and he put himself
between them and the Saxons.”
364 The Story of Merlin

And he answered that he was most welcome and said horse’s great strength. He wielded his sword and struck
no more, but he kept him with him. Then he told him to right and left such mighty and unworldly blows that he
stay close to him so that the Saxons would not wound him made the ground shake. And the youth was right there
or strike him down. “I must," he went on, “look for my beside him, for he would not leave him, and he dealt many
father and brothers, for I do not know what has become of a fair blow with his hands, for which the brothers greatly
them." loved him afterwards. And then, as it happened, Sir
And the young man said to him, “Sir, I believe that Gawainet met Monaquin, who was one of the best knights
they are in that crowd, for I see swords raised high and in the world, and he had ridden down Guerrehet to take
flashing." him prisoner. And Sir Gawainet struck him so hard with
Sir Gawainet looked and recognized his father by his Excalibur as he passed by him that he split him down to his
helmet. saddle. And when the lad saw that, he crossed himself in
Then he said to the youth, “That is my father. Follow wonder, and he blessed the arm that could strike such a
me.” blow.
With that Sir Gawainet spurred his horse on both sides, Then Sir Gawainet took Monaquin’s horse by the reins
and he jumped a full eighteen feet, and he and the youth and led it to Agravain, and he said to him, “Brother, climb
flew into the Saxons more fiercely than they had done on this horse.” And he did so, for he sorely needed a horse,
before all that day, and they struck down before them as and the youth held the stirrup until he had mounted.
many as they came to. But the young man could not spur Agravain thanked him and told him that he had fought
his horse fast enough to catch up with him, and he found well.
his path strewn with the dead. [355] When Pignoras saw that his brother was dead, he was
Then the young man said, “Holy Lady Mary, I am gready upset. He held an axe in both hands, and he rode
afraid that I may lose him among these unbelievers! The toward King Lot and struck him so hard [356] on his
man spoke the truth who told me that there wasn’t such a helmet that he knocked him to the ground; he was not
knight in the world. Not one word he spoke was a lie, for he hurt, but was dazed from the blow. Then Pignoras hit
is even worthier than he said. The knight is good, and he Gaheriet and sent him sprawling to the ground. And when
has just the horse he needs. I truly believe that if he wanted Sir Gawainet saw that, he was filled with such sorrow that he
to do his utmost, he could put as many as there are here to nearly went out of his mind. He spurred Gringalet toward
rout, for he cannot be taken out of his saddle, however him, holding his naked sword, and when Pignoras saw him
many fall upon him. Now please God, who was bom of the coming he covered himself with his shield and axe. But Sir
Virgin Mary, that the king my father could see him just one Gawainet hit him so hard that he cut right through the
time, for I know in truth that he would hold him handle of the axe, and the blow fell on his shield and across
wondrously dear! ” his right shoulder and split him down to the navel; and the
Still he followed Sir Gawainet as closely as he could. youth took his horse and led it to Gaheriet, who climbed on
And Sir Gawainet fought his way through until he found his straightway.
brother Agravain, who was so tired and worn out that he And when he had remounted, the young man took the
was leaning on his shield holding his bloody sword, but he horse Gaheriet’s father had fallen from and led it to him by
was so beleaguered that he could scarcely help himself. And the bridle and had him get on. And when he was back on
they kept dealing him hard, weighty blows with lances and horseback, he rode against those who had pressed in
swords whenever they could get near him. He saw that, around him, but the Saxons were so bewildered and
elsewhere, Guerrehet had been struck on each side from frightened because of their two lords who had been killed
behind by two lances, and he went sprawling to the ground that they fled and did not even try to defend themselves.
over his horse’s neck; somewhere else Gawainet saw that And Vandalis, their seneschal, shouted to them, “Ah, you
twelve Saxons were holding King Lot his father by his cowards, what are you doing? Avenge your two lords against
helmet and beating him hard with the hilts of their swords. the scum that have killed them! You can see that there are
Gaheriet had thrown his shield to the ground and was only six of them and you are four hundred strong! You
holding his sword in both hands, and he was making his should be ashamed that they have lasted so long! ”
blows hurt deeply, for he was striking their shields so hard And they turned back against the six. Sir Gawainet
that he cut off arms, hands, and heads, and he split Saxons went out ahead of the others and met them, for he knew
down to their teeth; he was fighting so well in his prowess their metde. He was holding Excalibur, and he struck the
that the Saxons did not dare make a stand against him, but first one and killed him, then the second and the third and
yielded King Lot to him against their will. the fourth. He then struck Vandalis the Seneschal so hard
And King Lot looked about and saw that it was his son that he sent his head flying. And the youth took his horse
Gaheriet who had rescued him, and he said to him, “Ah, and led it to Guerrehet and had him get on. And when the
dear son Gaheriet! If we had your brother Gawainet and Saxons saw the seneschal slain, they took flight straightway,
the others with us, we could not lose any more.” every man for himself. And the six rode after them, for they
“Where are they?” asked Gaheriet. hated them above all things, and they killed and struck
“Look, there they are under the feet of our enemies, down as many as they came to.
who will soon kill them if God does not mind them.” Sir Gawainet sat on Gringalet, who bore him away
With these words Sir Gawainet came storming in, swifdy, and he did wonders and slew many, and he stuck
bursting in like a shot from a crossbow, striking and right to their heels so that none could get away anywhere,
wounding as many as he found before him, thanks to his for no matter which way they turned, he was there to head
The Story of Merlin 365

them off. And when they saw that they could not get away, I saw you today in such straits that, even if the fairest
they ran for safety in the depths of the forest, and they rode woman in the world had begged for your love, you couldn’t
off here and there, not waiting for friend or companion, have said one word to her for the whole world. For a five-
and cursed the hour and the day they ever met the six, “for year-old child could have taken your sword away from you.”
they are not men like any other, but ghosts and devils who When Agravain heard that, he was filled with such
have ridden out of hell. There are only six of them, and it wrath that he was a wonder to behold, for Gaheriet had
has never happened that so few have beaten as many as we called him a weakling; he turned red with anger and
were. This is why we can say that they were not sired by shame, and he stared at him straight on. If there had been
mortal men, for no mortal man could do what they have only the two of them, they would have started fighting. But
done!" King Lot turned the talk to other matters, for he did not
This is what the Saxons were prone to say, but they want them to quarrel, and he asked what they should do
were beaten and routed by the prowess of Sir Gawainet. with the packhorses.
And the survivors who got away did not stop until they had And Gaheriet answered, “Sir, ask Agravain.”
come to the horde before the city of Clarence, and they Then Agravain grew angrier still, and he said that, as
told King Hargadabran about the great harm the six had God was his helper, he would not take any more. He was
done them: “for they killed our two kings and also our holding the shaft of a lance, and he hit Gaheriet on his
seneschal Vandalis.” helmet with it so hard that it flew into pieces. And Gaheriet
When Hargadabran heard this he was so upset that he did not move, but forgave him most kindly. And Agravain
nearly went out of his mind, for the two kings were his first recovered and hit and hit again until nothing was left of the
cousins, and he cursed the hour when they ever invaded shaft but the stub he held in his hand, and neither his
that land, for much evil had befallen them, and they had brother Guerrehet nor his father could take it from him or
suffered great harm. [357] stop him from running Gaheriet down when he could get
But here the story now falls silent about the Saxons away from them.
and speaks about King Lot and his children. Just then Sir Gawainet came back from the pursuit and
asked them what was happening. The king told him
everything word for word, and when Sir Gawainet heard it,
he went straight to Agravain and rebuked him harshly for
44. Agravain Quarrels with his Brothers;
what he had done. And Agravain swore that he would never
Gawain and Eliezer Rescue a Lady.1 forgive Gaheriet for it. When Sir Gawainet heard such
wickedness, he told him that he could be sure that if
In this part the story says that when the Saxons were routed Agravain laid a hand on him again, he would pay for it with
in the Valley of Roestoc, King Lot wras most happy, and his life or limb, and he would put down no other wager.
sons as well, about the adventure when they rescued the “I will not abide that!” said Agravain. “Even if the worst
youth. Then they went to the place where they had left the were to befall me, [358] I would not stop for you!”
packhorses, which they were to have taken to the siege of “Now we’ll see,” answered Sir Gawainet, “whatyou’ll do
Clarence, and they gathered them up and tied them about it.”
together. And when the horses were all together, they Then Agravain kicked his horse with his spurs and ran
looked at them. Then Gaheriet made a speech that was well upon Gaheriet with his sword drawn, and he dealt him such
heeded: “Ah, dear Lord God, why are there so many poor a blow on his helmet that fire and sparks flew out. But
young noblemen in this country who win nothing? In truth, Gaheriet moved not a bit, whatever he did to him. And
they lose only out of laziness and cowardice. They ought when Sir Gawainet saw that, he drew out Excalibur and
never lie abed when they should be watching over the sped toward him, and he swore on his father’s soul that
borderlands.” Agravain would be sorry for it. And when his father saw him
“Dear son,” said King Lot, “there are indeed many going, he said to him, "Dear son, go kill that worthless
cowards here. If anyone embraces something one time so scoundrel for me, for he is too wicked and too full of
that good will come to him alone, evil will befall him four pride.”
times over.” But Sir Gawainet knew what he meant. So he came to
“And then,” said Gaheriet to his father, “dear sir, now Agravain and gave him such a blow with the butt of his
ask my brother Agravain if he wouldn’t long to befoul sword beside his ear drat he knocked him from his horse to
maidens if he had them here in these woods.” the ground, and he was so dazed that he did not know
And Agravain gave him a sidelong glance full of great where he was. And Gaheriet ran over to him, for he saw
pride and said to him spitefully, “Gaheriet, it hasn’t been how angry Sir Gawainet was, and he said to him, “Dear
such a long time since you wanted to boast, but just then brother, don’t be angry for anything he has done to me.”
that Saxon struck you down with his axe, and if it hadn’t “Get out of here, you wicked traitor!" said Sir
been for Sir Gawainet, my brother, you would have been Gawainet. “I will never love you if you ever spare him.”
very badly hurt.” “Sir, he is my elder, and I must bear him honor. I was
“If I fell,” answered Gaheriet, “I couldn’t help it, but I only joking when I said those things to him.”
was not so badly off that I couldn’t defend myself against ‘You stirred all this up, and it was bound to come out
them. You could just as well have kept quiet about that, for badly!”
And Gaheriet answered, “In God’s name, dear brother,
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 357-364. if I could not play with you or with him, it would be bad if I
366 The Story of Merlin

played with someone I didn’t know. But you can be sure,” “Sir,” he answered, “that young man’s squire and one
he went on, “that will be the first and the last time I will of our serving boys.”
ever play with you or with him. And if we had not started “Let them go with God’s blessing,” said the king.
out on this mission all together, I would go back right now They sent for the youth, and he was found at once.
and no longer be in your company.” They told him about who the messenger would be and the
And Guerrehet said in his turn, “May Agravain be gift he would give, and that he should then come back after
damned if he does not pay you back for the blow he got them all the way to Roestoc. The lad’s squire said that he
because of you!” would do it. He chose a serving boy to go with him, and
“As God is my very helper,” said Sir Gawainet, “if you or they set out with the packhorses; they also took with them
Agravain do anything to Gaheriet you shouldn’t, I’ll put forty warhorses tied together by their reins. And they made
both of you where you can’t see your feet for seven whole their way straight to Minoras’s stronghold. He was very glad
months! And I forbid you, as you hold yourselves dear, ever to see them, and he served them as well and as handsomely
to harm him, so take care!” as could be. And the next morning they took to the road
“Sir,” said Guerrehet, “we will take care, since you again as soon as they saw daylight to go back after their
command us to, for we would never want to go against your masters just as they had been ordered.
orders, but I am very sorry that you have got stirred up in But now the story falls silent about them and goes back
this on his account and that you have hurt Agravain for to King Lot and his children.
nothing.” Now the story says that after King Lot had sent the
“It was not for nothing,” said Sir Gawainet, “since he packhorses to Minoras the Forester, all six of them set out
attacked Gaheriet against my orders and in spite of me together on the road to Roestoc. They had stopped jibing
right before our father’s eyes. And Gaheriet did not get at one another when they saw how angry Sir Gawainet was
angry about any of the blows he dealt him. It is a great getting, and they no longer wanted to carry on widi their
shame that he is so proud, and his pride will yet bring harm bickering. King Lot, Sir Gawainet, and Gaheriet were then
to you and to him.” riding alongside one another, and drey asked the youth
“God help me,” said King Lot to Guerrehet, “for a little where he came from and what his name was. And he said
I would take all the armor you have away from you and that his name was Eliezer, and he was the son of King Pelles
Agravain too, and I would leave you in these fields like of Listenois and nephew of King Alan of the Land Beyond
worthless dogs.” and King Pellinor of the High Wild Forest; King Pellinor
“Sir,” said Guerrehet, ‘You would not have the strength had eleven sons, all older than seventeen years of age, and
or the will to do what you say if others were not here.” another one, his twelfth, newly come to King Arthur’s court
“Ah, traitorous knave! You are now truly puffed up! to learn to be a knight, and their mother was pregnant with
Are you his brother? Then be kind to him now. And I order the thirteenth. “These are all my first cousins. And I was
my son Gawainet, if you or Agravain should do anything to going away to King Arthur’s court, to Sir Gawainet, to serve
Gaheriet, to mete out justice to you as one ought to him. And thank God, I have found him close by, and he has
worthless, shifdess scoundrels.” taken me and will make me a knight when I ask him to.”
When the youth saw that Sir Gawainet had struck “And so I grant you, dear sir,” said Sir Gawainet, “and
Agravain to the ground and made his blood spurt out of his you are most welcome.”
nose and mouth, he ran to catch his horse, and he brought And they rode thus until nightfall, and they found no
it back to him by the reins and helped him get back on. dwelling where they might take shelter. The forests were
Then Sir Gawainet came to Agravain and said to him, thick and shadowy, and the weather was warm and still. But
“Worthless good-for-nothing,2 flee from here, for I’ll have after it was dark they happened upon a hermitage that was
nothing to do with you, [359] and take care that I n^ver see surrounded by moats and brambles. They knocked at the
you again! Go wherever else you want, for you won’t come gate and shouted until it was opened to them. They
any farther with me. And take with you all who love you dismounted from their horses, took off their harness and
more than me, and the ones who love me more than you saddles, and gave them green grass, for there was nothing
will go with me.” else there. [360] And they ate such food as the holy man
With that, Sir Gawainet and Gaheriet took to the road, gave them, which was bread and water; then they lay down
but King Lot asked what should be done with the on the green grass, of which they had a great plenty, for
packhorses. there was no other bed or pillow, and they slept quite
“In God’s name,” answered Sir Gawainet, “send them happily.
to Minoras the Forester, if you’d like, the one who lodged But Sir Gawainet and Eliezer did not sleep, but stayed
us so well, for he served us handsomely in his house. They awake, for they were on the lookout for wicked people, of
would be put to good use there, and it would be better for whom there were a great many thereabouts. And after
him to have them than for them to be lost here, for we midnight the young men3 heard a lady and a knight wailing
cannot take them with us, and even if we could, we could quite loudly as they went by there. Sir Gawainet heard them
still go where we might lose everything.” and felt deeply sorry for them. He ordered Gringalet to be
“Indeed,” said King Lot, ‘You have spoken very well. saddled and bridled, and Eliezer jumped up at once and
And who will take them there?”

3Here the word is gar chon (360, 1. 6), which normally

2The text reads biaus noiens (358,1. 43): “dear/fair nothing.” designates boys, serving boys of low station, such as the servants
who accompany King Lot and his sons.
The Story of Merlin 367
brought the horse to him all ready. Sir Gawainet took his the six others came toward him with their lances under
weapons and very swiftly got on his horse and rode fast after their arms, and they hit him so hard from behind between
the men who were taking the lady with them. And Eliezer his shoulders and on his shield that they sent him hunching
also mounted, for he did not want to miss anything, and over his horse’s neck, and the shafts flew into bits. And after
they rode until they came to a clearing in a deep valley that the lances had broken, Sir Gawainet sat up straight in his
went on for a good half league. saddle and stood so tall in his stirrups that the iron bent.
Then Sir Gawainet listened and heard most pitiful He drew his sword from its scabbard and struck the first
wailing from time to time, and the lament went this way: one he came to so hard on his helmet that he sent him
“Oh, dear Lord God! What can I do? Have I deserved this down dead. Then he hit the second one on the shoulder
hardship and the anguish they are giving me?” And he and cut it off from his body. Then he struck the third one
tenderly prayed God to give him a quick death, for he so hard on the head that he sent it flying to the middle of
would rather die than suffer as he was doing. the field. Then he struck the fourth and sliced him down to
It was a knight stripped to his breeches, whom five his teeth. And when the last two saw that their companions
boorish fellows were beating with knotted whips, so that the were dead and that he had slain one with each stroke, they
blood was running down over his body. turned in flight and did not dare make a stand against him.
Elsewhere Sir Gawainet heard the loud, pitiful screams And Sir Gawainet came straight to the young lady and put
of a woman, and it was plain that she was in great pain and her on his horse in front of him.
needed help; and she said aloud, so that Sir Gawainet And the two knights who had fled came to their other
heard her clearly, “Holy Lady Mary, what is this woeful, companions who had dismounted beneath two olive trees
wretched woman to do? For you can well kill me before I to rest, and the latter had lain down on the green grass to
give in to you!” sleep. And as soon as they were close to them, they shouted
When Sir Gawainet heard her voice, he was certain that to them in a loud voice, “Noble knights, what are you doing
she was in great need, but he wondered about where to go here? A knight has just killed our Sortibran and four of our
first, for he was deeply sorry for the highborn man whom companions, and he has rescued the lady! Ride after him,
he heard moaning so loudly, and he felt deeply for the for he is taking her away!”
woman who would be shamed if she did not get help soon. And when they heard this, they were deeply upset, and
So he thought in his heart that it would be better if he left they climbed on their horses and let them run at full speed
the knight in his agony than if the young lady were shamed. after Sir Gawainet, who was taking the lady to safety.
With that, he kicked his horse with his spurs and rode But now the story falls silent for a while from speaking
through the whole valley to where he heard the wailing, about them and goes back to speaking about the youth
and he heard her screaming, “Holy Lady Mary, please help whose name was Eliezer.
me!” The story says here that, as soon as Sir Gawainet had
And when Sir Gawainet heard her voice, he looked turned away to go help the young lady, Eliezer rode straight
under a tree and saw seven loutish oafs, one of whom was to where he heard the knight moaning. And when he came
holding a young lady down on the ground and hitting her there, he saw that six boorish fellows were holding him
hard on the face with his mailed hand. She was twisting and prisoner, and they had beaten him so much that he could
turning, and she screamed, “You can kill me, but you will no longer stand up, but had fallen to the ground; he did
have nothing else from me!” not have the strength to say a single word, and he was
And as she was talking, he dragged her after him by barely holding out. And when Eliezer saw him in such a
her locks, which were so beautiful that they looked like fine state, he felt deeply sorry for him.
gold. And when Sir Gawainet saw that, he spurred over Then the noble squire shouted out, “Ah, you wanton
there and shouted to the man who was holding the maiden, whoresons! What do you want of that worthy knight you are
“Sir knight,4 let the maiden go!” treating so badly? Has he done you such wrong that you
And the fellow looked about in the moonlight and should slaughter him like that?”
shouted to the ones who were with him to go out to meet When they heard him speaking thus, they looked at
Gawainet, and they did and asked him, “Sir knight, need we him and asked, “What does it mean to you, sir vassal? We
worry about you?” wouldn’t stop what we’re doing for anything you might
And Sir Gawainet told them that he could assure them say.”
of nothing, “for I have come to help the lady whom that And when Eliezer heard that, he became very angry
scoundrel is dragging about in such a loathsome way. and said that they would have no more trouble that day
Beware of me, I defy you all!” “but from me!”
With that, he kicked [361] Gringalet with his spurs and And he was holding a strong, straight lance with a
rode through the six whom he had met and came straight sharp tip, and he rode at full speed straight for the ones
to the one who was still holding the young lady by her who were holding the knight. He hit one of the six so hard
locks. He struck him so hard on the chest with his lance that he struck him down dead, and he pulled a second to
that he drove the tip through his body and out the other himself, hit him, and killed him; then he drew up, let his
side, and he sent him sprawling dead to the ground. And horse run, and came back at breakneck speed, and when
the others saw him coming they gave way and scattered
4Gawain uses the expression dant cheuaUers (360,1. 38), where
everywhere, but he struck one of them so stoutly in the ribs
dant may be an ironic title of respect. The attackers address Gawain that he drove iron and wood through him. And when he
with the same words (360,1. 41). turned about to face the others, [362] he did not know
368 The Story of Merlin

what had become of them, for they had set out into the death, stop dealing them strong and wondrous blows with
thick of the forest to save their skins. It was well after his fists wherever he could get to them, for he had no other
midnight and he could not see far, but when he saw that he weapons. Then six of the knaves grabbed him and took him
had lost them, he made straight for the knight and told him away, beating him most dreadfully, as you have seen.
to climb on the horse behind him. And when he heard “Now I beg you, tell me who you are and why you have
him, he forgot his anguish and got on behind him in very come here.”
great distress. And Sir Gawainet told her that they were five knights
Then Eliezer headed straight to where he thought he from the kingdom of Logres, “and we are going on a
would find Sir Gawainet, but he had not gone far before he mission that bears more heavily on our honor than we can
found him fighting against twenty knights, who were doing say.”
their utmost to hurt him. And he had put the young lady In this way they talked of these goings-on until they
under a medlar tree at the edge of the wood. And when came to tire hermitage, where they found their companions
Eliezer saw this, he ordered the knight to get off the horse, still sleeping. They dismounted from their horses, took off
and he did. And Eliezer took his lance, which was still their harness, and gave them a great deal of green grass to
whole, and he kicked his horse with his spurs and struck the eat. And they all lay down beside them and slept until
first man he came to, knocked him out of his saddle, and morning, when King Lot got up. He called to Guerrehet
sent him to the ground dead. And then he hit a second on and Gaheriet, who were beside him, and showed them Sir
the chest and drove the tip of his lance into him. Gawainet, the maiden, the knight, and Eliezer, who were
Meanwhile, Sir Gawainet wielded Excalibur, his good lying next to the horses; and Sir Gawainet was holding
sword, until he had struck down and killed seven of the Gringalet with a halter, for he was unsettled around the
twenty, not counting the five whom he had slain as he other horses. And when the brothers saw the maiden lying
rescued the young lady. there, they wondered where she could have come from.
But Eliezer had broken his lance, so he drew his sword, So King Lot called Sir Gawainet and said to him, “Dear
struck the first man he met, and split him down to the son, get up now, for you have slept long enough. See, it is
teeth. And when Sir Gawainet saw Eliezer helping him, he broad daylight.”
kicked his horse with his spurs, blessing the time when he And the knight woke up; he was so badly wounded that
had been brought into that country and the body that had he did not sleep soundly, nor did the young lady, so they sat
sired him, “for he can’t fail to be a worthy man if he lives.” up. And the king asked them what direction they had come
With that, he rode to where Eliezer was fighting, and from, and they answered that they did not know, but two
he struck heavy and wonderful blows in his attack, and he worthy gendemen, whom they prayed God to keep from
killed and wounded all of them but three, who fled into the harm, had brought them there. “One of them rescued this
forest to save themselves. And the night was so dark and the maiden,” said the knight, “and the other rescued me: may
sky so cloudy that they did not know where they had fled. God make him a worthy man and grant him honor and
Then Eliezer took two horses, for he was most worthy wealth.”
and bold in every time of need, and brought them to the “Which ones are these?" asked King Lot.
knight and the young lady, and he had them get on. But And he showed him Sir Gawainet and Eliezer.
first he had the knight dress in the clothing of one of the When Agravain heard that, he was more distressed
dead men, for he had lost his own. Then they put their than ever, and he could not stop himself from saying that
swords back into their scabbards and set out all together on they had kept very bad company, since he had not gone
the road back to the hermitage that Sir Gawainet and with them.
Eliezer had left. Sir Gawainet rode alongside the young And Gaheriet answered, for he was quite clever and
lady, and he asked her where she was from. And she said was glad to poke fun at him, “He did not dare wake us up,
that she was the sister of the lady of Roestoc and that the because you were brooding about your girlfriend.”
knight was her first cousin. And the king asked the maiden how she had been
“And how were you taken prisoner?” asked Sir taken prisoner, and she told him word for word how it had
Gawainet. happened to them, and she left nothing out.
“Sir,” she answered, “last night my cousin and I were Then they got on their horses and set out on the road
coming back from a forest we own near Taningues toward to go to Roestoc, and they did not stop riding from
Roestoc. As it happened, our companions had ridden out morning until the hour of vespers, and they found nothing
ahead of us, and we turned down a path we shouldn’t have all day to bother them or give them trouble until they got
taken, for my cousin and I were so intent on talking about to Roestoc. They looked at the town, which was most fair
our doings that we became lost and left the right road. And and well laid out in a beautiful place, for all around, on
we went into a great woods, where those traitors had every side, were woods and rivers, and the town’s walls
stopped to eat, and they fell upon us and took us prisoner; sparkled in the sun that shone down on them and seemed
we couldn’t hold out against them, for my cousin was not to set fire to them. And the town and its castle were
wearing his armor. Even so, he pulled off his horse’s bridle wonderfully handsome, and King Lot and his sons
and struck one of them on the head with it and killed him, esteemed them greatly when they saw them. And when they
and that is why they were about to beat him to death. And came to the gate, they found it shut and locked. And the
they took hold of him and stripped him, and they beat him knight who had been rescued called the gatekeeper in a
until he was almost dead. And [363] when they wanted to loud voice, and the young lady did too. And the lady of
rape me, he defended me and did not, for any fear of Roestoc was standing on the walls and recognized them,
The Story of Merlin 369

and as soon as she had seen them, she ordered the gate to And when the castellan saw that they had left, he chose
be opened straightway, and it was, so they rode in without a messenger and sent him to the King of the Hundred
lingering. Knights on behalf of King Lot of Orkney, and the
And when the maiden saw her sister, [364] she spoke messenger delivered his message as he had been ordered to
to her privately, and the others did not know about what. say it. And the King of the Hundred Knights was filled with
But when their talk was over, the lady went out to the great joy for love of King Lot, whom he loved with his
knights and welcomed them very joyfully. She had them whole heart, and for love as well of the messenger, who was
dismount before the great hall, which was most handsome, a good knight, and he gave him a strong, swift horse, as
and the castellan himself came out to greet them—he was befitted a worthy gen deman.
the lady’s husband5 —and he had their armor taken off. But now the story falls silent about the King of the
Then they washed their faces and mouths with warm water, Hundred Knights and speaks of King Lot and his children.
and after that they sat on a bed and spoke together of many [365]
things while the meal was being made ready. And when the
food was ready, the tablecloths were laid, and they washed
and sat down to eat, and they were well served with
45. The Saxons Again Routed; The
everything a man likes and needs.
And when it came time after the meal, the lord asked Rebellious Princes Agree to a Truce.1
his sister-in-law where she was going and where she had
come from in such a state, and she told him her whole Now the story says that after King Lot had left the casde of
adventure just as it had happened. And when the lord Roestoc, he headed straight to Cambenic by way of
heard it, he was most gladdened and began to celebrate as Leverserp, where he took shelter for one night, and
he had never done before. And King Lot asked whom the afterwards he took to the road and made his way until he
castle belonged to, and the lord answered that it was a fief came to within two leagues of Cambenic. There he heard
from King Arthur. Then the castellan asked him who he such loud screaming and shouting that he thought the
was, and he answered that his name was Lot, that he was whole countryside must have caught fire, and it was no
king of Orkney, and that those four knights were his sons. wonder that there was a great uproar and that the people
And then the castellan jumped up and greeted him most were frightened, for all around there ten thousand Saxons
joyfully, and he asked him what they were seeking. And the had taken plunder and stripped the land, and they were
king answered that they were riding in search of adventures taking away a great crowd of prisoners. Duke Escant had
and truces with the princes and barons on behalf of King ridden out of the city with three thousand men and fought
Arthur, so that at last the Saxons might be driven from the for quite a long time, but in the end he was routed and
land. And when the castellan heard this, he gave thanks to driven from the field, and he was so upset that he nearly
Our Lord. went mad. So the uproar and screaming were so loud that it
“And where will you go first?” he asked. was a wonder to hear: all were bewailing their losses and the
And the king said that he would like to be in Arestel in harm done to them, all of which had been overwhelming
Scodand; then he said that he would be most grateful if the that day.
host would please send a messenger to the King of the When King Lot and his sons drew nearer to those
Hundred Knights and tell him on his behalf to be in Arestel people, they tied on their helmets, got down from their
in Scodand on Our Lady’s Day in September and not to palfreys, and climbed on their great warhorses, with their
miss it, for all the princes were to be there. And the helmets on tight and their shields about their necks, and
castellan answered that he would send word to him no later they rode straight to the bridge where the fighting was—
than the next morning. “And I am very sure,” the castellan and it had been very heavy, but as they came in, the forces
went on, “that he is in the city of Malehaut.” were beginning to withdraw toward the city. And Duke
That evening King Lot and the castellan of Roestoc Escant was at the rear, going about stopping the withdrawal
spoke at length until the hour to go to bed. And Sir and defending his men most wonderfully; he tried hard
Gawainet did not want to make himself known that evening and did his utmost, for he dreaded that he might lose his
to anyone, because he was bent on seeking adventures in city in this attack. And King Lot, who was deeply sorry and
secret so that no one would know who he was wherever he most upset at seeing the duke and his men in such dire
went. And when it was time to go to bed, diey went to sleep straits, drove forward and crossed the bridge to join with
and took their ease for the whole night until the next day. the duke, and his four sons were following him lustily. He
And when it was daylight, they got themselves ready and went all the way across without being recognized, as did his
took leave of the castellan, the lady, the maiden who had sons, and he and his sons rode hunched down, dieir shields
been rescued, and the knights from there, who rode along on their arms, holding their lances midway up the shaft,2
with them for a long way, then turned back to Roestoc. their feet set in their stirrups. They spurred their horses to
a full gallop, for they could hardly wait to take on the
Saxons. And when the duke saw them coming, he stopped
5The text reads sire ... a la damoisele (364, 1. 4): “the young
short, for he did not know who they were, and he said, as
lady’s (i.e., the maiden’s) husband”; however, it is her sister who is
befitted a man beleaguered and at his wits’ end: “Oh, dear
the dame de rohestoc (362, 1. 31): “the lady of Roestoc.” Below the
maiden is in fact referred to the castellan’s serorge (364, 1. 10):
“sister-in-law.” 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 365-374.
2That is, not fixed in the holders ready to attack.
370 The Story of Merlin

Lord God, please show me what to do, for I am at a loss if that all who saw him were amazed. He hit no man whom he
You do not give me true guidance. What is worse, we have did not kill or cut down with his horse, and Sir Gawainet
lost all the belongings we had left.” esteemed him gready and praised him in his heart. He had
Then he looked at the five knights he saw coming and never seen him fight so skillfully anywhere, and he was
did not recognize them, for their shields were all chipped struck with wonder; he was glad in his heart, and he
from the blows they had taken (if it had not been for that, wondered at how he could stand up under so much
he would indeed have known it was King Lot), but as they fighting.
drew nearer he saw clearly that they were not from that Elsewhere King Lot and Guerrehet were in the fray,
country; still, he went straight to them and said, for he was and each one had struck down a Saxon so hard that he
very well raised, “Dear sirs, you are most welcome, wherever could only be dead. And when their lances had broken,
you mean to go. It seems to me that you are knights errant.” they drew their swords and began wondrous fighting such
“Sir,” said King Lot, “we wish to be in Arestel in as no one had ever seen even five knights do. And when the
Scotland.” duke saw it, he went after them and began to fight as
“In truth,” said the duke, “you have a hard way to go, boldly, both to keep them near him and to behave as he
for between here and there is a most treacherous pass. But ought in the undertaking, and he saw them fight so well
if you would like to stay with us in this land, we would be before he left them that he was awestruck that any earthly
most glad. You could go nowhere better for profit, for the man could give and take so much.
Saxons have been fighdng us for a few days.” But when it was after midday, Sir Gawainet did all the
“Sir,” said King Lot, “how far can it be to Arestel?” wonders in the world. He was astride Gringalet, a horse that
[366] was so good and so handsome that he did not have to seek
“Sir,” he answered, “it’s a full two days.” one fairer anywhere, and he who sat on it was wonderfully
“Who are you, sir,” asked King Lot, “that you ask us to worthy [367] and quick. He held Excalibur in his hand all
stay?” bare, and he cut up helmets, shields, knights, horses, and
“Sir," he answered, “that will not be hidden from you. I everything else he went after. He drove into the ranks
am the duke of Cambenic and lord of this land for as long roaring like a thunderstorm, and he left, slaughtering
as it pleases God. But those faithless people challenge me everything, as if it had been agreed to beforehand. And he
for it day in and day out, and just now I have ridden out was so furious, as the hour of terce drew near, that nothing
against them. They are ruthless and proud, as you can see.” could stand against him. And it truly seemed that, when he
While the king and the duke were talking together, the raised his sword high to strike, it fell like a lightning bolt, so
duke looked and saw his men coming in flight and the fast did it come down, for it sounded like thunder. And
Saxons after them riding hot on their heels. when the Saxons caught sight of him, they said, “Look at
And when King Lot saw them coming so, he said to the that devil that has just now come from hell. Let someone go
duke, “Sir, since we have happened upon you, and since tell Moydas, Brandalis, Oriance, and Dodalis!”3 (Those four
you have invited us to stay, we will help you from now on kings were the chief leaders of the army.)
with all our might.” When the four kings heard the wonders that the six
“Many thanks, dear sir,” said the duke. companions were doing, they asked where they were. And
And then Gaheriet said to Sir Gawainet, “Let’s go out the ones who had seen them pointed out the end of the
against them, for it is high time—here they come!” bridge to them, just at the bank. At once the four kings
At once the duke’s men picked up new helmets, for bestirred themselves and came straight to where Sir
theirs were all bashed in, and after they had put them on Gawainet was, and he was doing the greatest wonders ever
their heads and fastened them well with silk laces, they done by one man alone. Duke Escant had come to them
turned back toward the ones who were fleeing. An4 when with as many of his three thousand men as he could, and
these men saw the duke, their lord, coming, they stopped they were a good two thousand seven hundred strong. They
and made a stand, for they had great faith in him because had been dreadfully beaten, but King Lot and his sons
he was a good and stalwart knight. And when the Saxons joined them and quickly saved them from being taken by
saw them stop, they ran upon them because they believed more than eight thousand men. These were led by Ydonas,
that they could take them and hold them prisoner. And Sir a very proud Saxon who had inflicted great damage on
Gawainet, who saw them coming in broken ranks, went out Duke Escant’s men with his army; nevertheless, the
against them, and he struck the first one he met so that he Christians drove them from the field and ran after them as
drove his lance through his body and knocked him down far as the four kings, who were coming to help them.
dead to the ground. And when Gaheriet saw his brother And as soon as the four kings began fighting the
fighting the Saxons, he said that he would hold himself a Christians, the battle was very heavy and the damage
coward if right then he did not do the same. Then he fearful, for the Christians were only three thousand strong,
kicked his horse with his spurs and wielded his lance with a but there were a good sixteen thousand Saxons who did
sharp tip, and he hit the first one he came to so hard that with them as they pleased, despite the Christians’ efforts.
he drove through his shield and hauberk, and the tip of his
lance and part of the shaft showed through his side; he was
^The list appears as a boydas £sf a mandalis & a oriance & a
dead, and he sent him down sprawling. And the lance
dorilas (367, 1. 11). Sommer notes other forms in the Harley
broke, because it could not bear the great weight, so he put manuscript: moydas, brandalus, orientes, dodalis (367, n. 1). In fact,
his hand to his sword and set out after Sir Gawainet, in the forms closer to the latter occur later in Sommer’s text (367,1. 39),
tracks he made, and he did such wonders in his fighting and it is these that are adapted here when they differ from the
ones given here by Sommer.
The Story of Merlin 371
And they would have been utterly routed if it had not been him away; they did their utmost and at last rescued him and
for the six knights, for they would not yield their ground. put him back on horseback.
There Sir Gawainet did all the wonders any earthly man When King Lot, who was fighting elsewhere, saw his
could do, and Gaheriet followed so close behind him that two sons on the ground beneath the horses’ hooves and in
he could not get away from him, but had him at his side all danger of losing their lives, he saw that he did not have the
day long, so that Sir Gawainet wondered in awe how he strength to rescue them or get them away from those who
could stand up under so much, and he loved him in his were attacking them. So he shouted in a loud voice,
heart all the more for it. Never was there another day all “Gawainet, dear son, where have you gone? Now your
the rest of his life when he loved any of his brothers more, brother Agravain is on the ground and in very great
for they were all such good knights that none better could trouble, and he will soon be killed if he does not get help!”
be found at that time. And when Sir Gawainet heard his father’s voice, he
The battle was very hard and die fighting deadly in the turned his horse’s head at once to that side, and he broke
meadowlands of Cambenic, at the head of the Severn through the press with Excalibur, his good sword that no
bridge, with two thousand seven hundred Christians against armor could withstand if hit in a deft stroke. He had not
sixteen thousand Saxons, but the Chrisdans would not have gone far when he found Agravain and Guerrehet on foot in
lasted long had it not been for the five knights from the the midst of the throng, defending themselves mightily,
kingdom of Logres, and Duke Escant of Cambenic fought and King Lot was beside them, striving hard to defend
very skillfully too, for he was a good and stalwart knight. As them and get them away. And when Sir Gawainet saw their
they were striving to break the press and drive through, great distress, he threw to the ground what shield he had
Dodalis, Moydas, Oriance, and Brandalis came, their left and took Excalibur in both hands, and he charged into
shields about their necks, their lances in their hands, riding the press so hard that everyone who saw him thought it a
swift, freshly-watered horses. They met Duke Escant in the wonder. He hit Moydas, whom he met first, on his helmet
ranks; he had fought boldly all day, and had undergone so and split him open to the shoulders. With the second blow
much that he had to be tired and worn out, and indeed he he dealt he cut off Brandalis’s right arm and sent it flying
was, for he had undergone such hardship all day long that into the middle of the field with his shield. And when the
it was a wonder how [368] he could keep sitting on Saxon felt that he had been wounded, he turned about and
horseback. As it happened, Moydas and Brandalis met him fled, [369] screaming and roaring like a bull. Gaheriet had
together, and they both hit him so hard on his shield that hurled his shield to the ground and was fighting with his
they sent him sprawling against his horse’s neck, and sword in both hands, and he struck Oriance on his helmet
Oriance and Dodalis struck his horse through the sides with and knocked off a fourth of it, and the sword glanced off
their lances and killed it out from under him, and he and and fell between his body and his shield, so that it cut the
the horse fell to the ground in a heap. When the duke was straps that held it on and sent it flying out into the field,
on the ground, they stopped atop him, wielding their while the sword went down into his right thigh so deeply
naked swords, and they were about to slay him right then, that it cut entirely through it, and he fell down backwards.
when his household knights came spurring to help him, And Gaheriet took his horse by the bridle and took it to
while the Saxons came in from the other side to hinder his Guerrehet, his brother, and he helped him get on. Then he
rescue. There the brawling came together from both sides, turned and hit a Saxon who was wearing wonderful armor,
and many men were wounded, and the duke was in great and he struck him so hard that he sent his head flying; and
agony, because his horse had fallen over on top of him. he took his horse and led it to Agravain, saying, “Climb up,
There were so many Saxons that the duke’s men did not dear brother.” And he did so, for he had great need of a
have the strength to get him back up, yet his enemies did horse.
not have the might to take him. And then they charged into the fray and drew toward
Even so, there were so many Saxons that the Christians where their father and Sir Gawainet were, and Agravain,
could not withstand them, but they had to withdraw, like it who burned with wrath against Dodalis, struck him so hard
or not, and the Saxons had indeed succeeded in taking the that he sent his head flying.
duke prisoner, and they led him away, beating him, despite When the Saxons saw that their noble men had been
all the Christians. When King Lot and his sons came killed, they turned in flight at once, for they had lost their
spurring, wielding their bare swords, they came upon a leaders; they did not stop before they came to Ydonas’s
great crowd of men taking him away. There many blows banner, and the Christians rode after diem that far without
were given and taken, but if it had not been for Sir letting up. But Sir Gawainet was out ahead of all the others
Gawainet’s prowess, they could not have lasted, for he was with two hundred knights from the household of the duke
out ahead of them all, and he held Excalibur bare in his of Cambenic who were all bent on serving Sir Gawainet.
right hand, and he struck to the right and left, and he Eliezer was right beside him, and he was holding a cudgel
slaughtered so many men and horses that all who saw him covered with iron spikes, and he saved his master from
fled, and he did not stop breaking through the press until everything he needed to be saved from.
he came to Duke Escant, whom the Saxons were taking In that chase Duke Escant was knocked from his horse,
away. There the battle was harsh and the fighting ruthless, for a Saxon had hit him hard from behind, and he was
and Agravain and Guerrehet were struck down from their badly hurt in the fall. King Lot, who was riding on the right
horses, and Sir Gawainet and Gaheriet did not realize it, for side with his son Guerrehet, saw that blow, and he was
they were bent only on saving the duke from those taking deeply sorry about it. He was holding a strong, thick lance
that he had taken from a Saxon, so he spurred his horse
372 The Story of Merlin

and hit the Saxon who had struck Duke Escant down; he hit left his shield. He said that the Saxons had cut it all to bits,
him so hard on his side that he drove through his liver and and he needed to look for another one; and the duke said
lung, and he bore him sprawling to the ground. Then he that he would have a good, strong one given to him, and he
took his horse by its reins and gave it to the duke, who got answered, “Many thanks, sir.”
on and thanked him most dearly for the service he had Then the duke went over to King Lot, because he had
done him. called him “my son” during the battle, and he entreated
And Sir Gawainet and Eliezer, who were hot on the him most kindly to tell him his name. He answered that his
Saxons’ heels elsewhere, pursued them4 until they saw the name would be hidden from no one, and he would not
banner of Ydonas. There the Saxons stopped and made a hide it from him. So he said to him, ‘You ought to know me
stand for a while. And Sir Gawainet ran after them and well, for we have been through much bad and much good
rushed in among them, wielding his sword, and he began together.”
to strike and cut down as many as he came to. And when And he told him that he was King Lot of Orkney, and
Ydonas saw him, he turned that way, and Sir Gawainet “those four knights,” he went on, “are my sons.”
struck him so hard on his helmet with Excalibur that he And when the duke heard him, he told him that he
sliced him all the way down, so that his liver and lungs was most welcome. “God help me,” he went on, “for not
could be clearly seen and recognized for what they were; recognizing you before, and blessed be God for bringing
and just as soon as the Saxon had thus been laid open, he you here. For we would all have been killed and our land
fell with his banner. And when Duke Escant saw the banner laid waste if it hadn’t been for you. And you indeed speak
falling down, he was sure that they had been routed. Then the truth when you say that we have been through much
in a loud voice he yelled his battlecry and gathered his men bad and much good together.”
about him, and he quickly fell upon the Saxons. And he asked him, “Sir, will you swear by God that
When the Saxons saw that their banner had fallen and these four knights are your sons?”
that their enemies were coming against them so fast, they And he said that they truly were.
did not dare stand against them, but yielded the field and “God help me,” said the duke, “they are very worthy
turned in flight, leaving all of their equipment. They did men and good knights, and today they have showed it well
not wait for one another, but fled over the flatlands indeed!”
disheartened and defeated. And the uproar rose so loud So the six of them went on talking as far as the city of
and the [370] dust so high that it was a wonder to hear and Cambenic. And they went straight to the high hall and
see. And the Christians ran after them and slaughtered so dismounted from their horses. And Eliezer did his utmost
many it was astonishing. But Sir Gawainet was ahead of all to serve Sir Gawainet; he stabled Gringalet and helped Sir
those giving chase, for he was riding Gringalet and none Gawainet and King Lot take off their armor. And while diey
could run with him, and Sir Gawainet killed so many were disarming, they saw Eliezer’s squire coming and the
Saxons in that pursuit that he was dripping with blood, as serving boys who had taken the gift to Minoras the Forester.
though he had been dragged through a river of blood, and They greeted King Lot on behalf of Minoras, his wife, and
his horse was too. all their children. Then Gaheriet looked at Agravain and
King Lot turned back, and so did all the others except burst out laughing, and he asked Lidonas how Minoras’s
Sir Gawainet and Eliezer, his squire, and this is why no one daughters were doing. He answered that they sent them all
knew a word about what had become of them. But they had their greetings, [371] and Gaheriet said that they were right
run after the Saxons until, with their sheer strength, they to, “if they knew what my brother Agravain has in mind.”
drove them into the ford of the Severn River, and die re Sir Gawainet and Guerrehet laughed heartily at these
they cut down so many that the water ran red. And when words, but Agravain himself flushed and grew hot, although
they saw that those who were left had gone across to the he did not say anydiing, because he knew that Gaheriet was
other side, they turned back and rode at a slow gait. Duke joking. So they laughed and played until the meal was
Escant had stopped at the booty, which he had his men ready, when they sat down and ate and drank as much as
take back. And Sir Gawainet went by him and said nothing they wished to. No one need ask if they were well served, for
to him, but when King Lot saw him coming, he was the duke and all the people there did their utmost.
wondrously glad to see him. He asked him how he had After eating, the duke asked King Lot his children’s
fought. names. And the king answered that the eldest was called
He answered, “Badly," since some had got away and he Gawainet, the second Agravain, the third Guerrehet, and
was coming back a coward for not daring to cross the ford the fourth Gaheriet.
the enemy had gone through. But King Lot said that that “And this handsome young man who is so worthy and
would not have been easy for a man to do by himself. gifted and well built in body and limb, who is he?”
The duke of Cambenic heard what Sir Gawainet had And King Lot answered that he in no way belonged to
said, and he told him that he had fought very boldly, for he him, but he was a king’s son and a most noble man, “and in
and his companions had brought the battle to an end. But his high nobility he has come to serve Gawainet in order to
Sir Gawainet went right away and did not say a word to him. learn to bear arms like a knight.”
Yet, it was plain to see from his armor that he had not been “God help me,” said Duke Escant, “he has the heart of
sitting down all day, so King Lot asked him where he had a highborn, well-bred man, and he bears himself like a
noble gentleman. God grant him a better life, for he is
4The text has the singular le for les (369, 1. 29): ‘him’’ for worthy and bold, and he cannot fail to achieve the greatest
“them.” prowess if he lives so long.”
The Story of Merlin 373
Then the duke asked the king what mission was taking But with that the story falls silent now about all of
him so fast to Arestel. them, and it goes back to King Lot and his children.
And the king answered, “You are well aware that the Here the story says that as soon as the messengers had
Saxons have overrun this land and have laid it waste and left Cambenic to take their messages to the princes, King
stripped it. For two years they have not stopped plundering Lot and his sons set out on their way to Arestel. And Duke
our land, so, it seems to me, it would be of great profit to Escant rode a long way with them, and he gave to each one
the country and to the whole land if we got together to a painted shield just as they were used to carrying, weapons,
decide how they can be driven out. You can see that they and fresh, new helmets. And after the duke had ridden with
are four times stronger than we are, so I have called King them for quite a way, he turned back and got his baggage
Clarion of Northumberland and the King of a Hundred ready so that he could follow King Lot.
Knights for talks at Arestel, and King Arthur himself will be And King Lot and his sons kept to the road straight to
there on the Day of the Feast of Our Lady in September, North Wales, a city that belonged to King Tradelmant. And
and you and all the other noble worthies will be there. We in the city they found the king, who was happy and pleased
will make a truce, and each will swear to assemble as mighty that they had come, for he loved King Lot very much. And
a force as he can, and all will gather on the appointed day, he asked him where he was headed, and King Lot told him
and then together we will go fight the Saxons.” about the whole undertaking.
And the duke responded that it was the greatest good “A messenger coming on behalf of the duke of
that had ever been wrought; it would be good to make Cambenic told me the same thing,” said King Tradelmant.
peace between King Arthur and the princes of the land, for “And I’ll be there,” he went on, “God willing, and if God
it would be a hard thing to unseat him, since the people grants me life and health.”
and the clergy had chosen him, “and we could not And King Lot was filled with great happiness and joy.
henceforth wage a war against him. So it would be good,” That day he and his sons were most lavishly served.
the duke went on, “if peace were made between you and And the next morning, as soon as it was daylight, they set
him.” out on their way and rode until they came to Arestel in
‘In truth, sir,” said the king, “I know of no one who has Scotland, where they stayed four days before any of the
made peace with him who has not also made peace with princes came. And they had quite a good life there for as
me.” long as they stayed. And they awaited the princes until King
“What?” said the duke. “Have you then come to terms Clarion came, and he was the first to get there; he was one
with him?” of the highest-born men in the world and a good knight.
‘Yes, without the slightest doubt,” answered King Lot. And King Lot was very happy when he came, and he was
Then he told him how peace had been made, and he glad to greet him and Sir Gawainet and his brothers, for he
told him all his mistakes, just as they had been, and how his had never seen them.
children had forsaken him. And King Lot and the duke The next morning came the King of the Hundred
talked together until at last the duke swore that he would Knights, because of whom everyone grew more joyful still.
be at Arestel on the appointed day, and he said that if And afterwards came King Tradelmant of North Wales,
peace failed to be made it would not be because of him. then came his brother King Belinant, then came King
With that, they went to bed to rest, for they were tired and Caradoc of Estrangorre, then came King Urien and King
worn out from the hard fighting they had taken part in. Aguisant of Scotland, then came King Yder of Cornwall,
And when morning came, the king got up to hear Mass at then King Neutres of Garlot, and then came King
daybreak, and his sons and Duke Escant did likewise, and Brandegorre and the Lord of the Narrow Borderland.
they heard Mass in a church. And when it had been sung, And when they had all gathered, King Lot began to
King Lot came to the duke and said to him, [372] “Sir, it speak to them, and he said that the next day he would tell
would be a good thing if you chose four messengers, one to them why they had gathered diere. It was the eve of Our
go to King Yder of Cornwall, the second to King Urien, the Lady’s Day in September, and the kings were most glad to
third to King Aguisant, and the fourth to King Neutres of see one another; then they rested that night. The next
Garlot. And they should tell them on your behalf to be in morning the princes gathered along with Sir Gawainet and
Arestel on the Feast of Our Lady in September. And then his three brothers, and after they had come together and
send others5 to King Tradelmant of North Wales, to his sat down on a lush silken cloth that had been spread out on
brother King Belinant, to King Caradoc, and to King the green grass, [373] Sir Gawainet spoke to them on the
Brandegorre, and have them tell them to be at the talks at orders of his father, King Lot, and he said to them, “Dear
Arestel on the appointed day.” lords, we have come here to speak to you on behalf of my
And the duke said that it would be well taken care of. lord King Arthur, whose men we are. And my lord the king
So they sent out the messengers, and they made their ways sends you word and beseeches you to make a truce with
until they came to the princes, and they gave their messages him, in faith and by oath, for safe conduct for him and for
just as they had been ordered to. And the princes got ready yourselves until Christmas, so that you may come and go
to travel as soon as they heard the order. freely where he holds sway and he may do likewise in your
lands—and this in order, should it happen to please you,
that we may all go together to fight the Saxons, who have
5The text reads .j. (372, 1. 4): “one.” But the plural is clearly
intended, as the text substantiates in (sf lor client (372, 1. 6): “and overrun this land, until we have driven them out. And
have them tell them.” should God grant that they are defeated, then make a
lasting peace among yourselves, if such can ever be.
374 The Story of Merlin

Forgiveness is granted to all who will join the battle against could, and they sent for their kinsmen and friends, and
the Saxons, and they will be free from all sins just as they throughout all Christendom they spread the news about
were on the day they were born.” the pardon that would come from it. And those who had
When the princes heard the plea that Sir Gawainet gathered their men the most quickly went straight to the
brought before them, they asked King Lot straightway what Plain of Salisbury, and they took shelter in tents and
his mind was, and he said that it would be the greatest good pavilions, and in that way they waited for the others. And
that had ever been said or done, “and you can indeed be the story says that footsoldiers and crossbowmen came
sure that I do not say this just because I am his sworn there both from the other side of King Clamadeu’s land
liegeman, but rather because whenever you have been and from the land of King Aguigneron, a rich baron from
against him evil has befallen you. Those people, so it seems the land of Sorelois, and King Brandegorre came there,
to me, would never have invaded this land if we had come and there were great armies from the land of King Lot of
to terms beforehand. I tell you, this has happened to us Orkney the Great, from the land of King Alan, from the
because of our sins.” land of Pellinor of Listenois, and from the land of die Duke
“What?” said King Urien. “Have you then sworn fealty of the Rocky Crags.
to him? You have not acted lawfully, and I’ll tell you why. If So now the story falls silent for a while about them and
for any reason we should happen to move against him or he goes back to speaking about King Arthur and his wife,
against us after we drove the Saxons out, we would have to Queen Guenevere.
fight against you, and that would not be fitting. ”
“Yes, that is indeed the truth,” said King Lot. “And you
may be sure,” he went on, “that whoever wages war against
46. Merlin Visits Blaise; the Queen’s Knights
him fights against me.”
“By my faith,” said King Urien, “that would not be
Battle Knights of the Round Table.1
lawful, for you are our sworn ally, and you could not forsake
us.” Now the story says that King Arthur led a most happy life
“Sir,” said King Lot, “I did it against my will and in with Queen Guenevere his wife after King Lot and his sons
spite of myself. I’ll tell you for a fact that the day I thought I had left them. And King Lot sent word to King Arthur that
could harm him the most and hurt him the worst, I swore the truce had been granted, and King Arthur was very
fealty to him. Gawainet, whom you see here, made me do it happy, as were all the companions of the Round Table, the
all.” Queen’s Knights, and the two brother kings. The next
And then he told them how it had happened to him, morning after the news had come, Sagremor, Galescalain,
and not one word of it was a lie. And when the other and Dodinel die Wildman got up very early, put on all their
princes heard it, they said that it could not be otherwise, best armor, and went to romp in the forest, which was wide
since that is what had been done, and he should not be and deep. The evening before, they had decided to go play,
blamed, and there were some there, and many of the best, and when they had come into the woods, they were
who would have given anything to have had that happen to delighted, for they heard the birds’ songs, and then they
them. And they spoke of many things, until at last they said for the sport of it that they would go looking through
agreed to make the truce, and they swore to keep it on the the forest and countryside to see if they could find some
hand of Sir Gawainet. And he set the day when they should adventure for which they might be esteemed and loved and
do all within their power to gather on the Plain of Salisbury praised.
with as many men as they could find, but they all said Meanwhile, three companions of the Round Table had
openly that after the Saxons had been beaten, King Arthur left King Arthur’s court, and they had taken armor that was
should beware of them. And Sir Gawainet told them that, not theirs, for they did not wish to be recognized, for they
when the day came that they might want to harm him, they yearned to find any of the Queen’s Knights to test
should agree to have no alliance or wish to do so, for themselves against them. One of these three knights was
anyone who threatened him might yet have his arms bound Agravadain, the brother of Belias, the Red Knight of
and his neck weighted down. Estremores who afterwards often waged war against King
When the princes heard Sir Gawainet’s speech, some Arthur; the second was Moneval and the third Minoras the
smiled at it and others wagged their heads. But the King of Wicked. All of them were good knights, and all of their
the Hundred Knights, who was not given to boast or armor was of the best. And when they were in the open
threaten others, said that he would be [374] on the Plain of fields, they let their horses run against one another without
Salisbury on All Saints’ Day, if God kept him from death, hitting. Then Minoras said to his companions, “Let’s go
and the others all said the same. And King Lot said that he wander through this forest to see if we can find adventure.”
would not move out until he had brought all of his forces And his companions agreed and said that, some time
together. Then they all took leave of one another and left before, they had heard it said that the forest was full of
at once, and each one went into his own country, and their adventure, so at once they set out for the Forest of the
lands were6 absolved by the papal legate. They showed Thornbush, for it offered greater adventure than all the
themselves in public and gathered as many men as they others. They all three went straight into the forest and rode
until they found three roadways that split them up, for each

6The text bears the singular: & lor terre fu absause (374, 11. 4- one went off by himself [375] as adventure led him.
5): "and their land was absolved.” Sommer suggests la (“die”) for
for (“their”), but the Harley variant supports the adopted reading. 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 374-383.
The Story of Merlin 375
So the story falls silent for a while about them and willing to ride out. And this was die only way the Great Lion
speaks awhile about Merlin. would ever be destroyed.
Here the story says that at the time when Merlin left Blaise said, “What? Can’t I do anything else to help?"
King Arthur at Carhaix in Carmelide, he went straight to And Merlin said no.
Northumberland, to Blaise his master, who greeted him “Will I live long enough to know about it?” asked
most joyfully when he saw him, for it had been a long time Blaise.
since he had seen him, and furthermore, he gready loved And Merlin answered, “Dear friend, don’t worry. Yes,
to be with him. After Merlin had been there for a very long and you’ll see many other wonders after that one."
while, he told him how King Arthur had wed his wife, how Then Merlin had Blaise write down such things as he
she was to have been stolen from him, how Ulfin and Bretel told him, and he took them where he wanted, then he went
had rescued her, how the false Guenevere and Bertelay, to Little Brittany. But before that, he most tenderly
who killed the knight, had been banished, about the commended Blaise to God.
tournament the knights fought before Carhaix, how King When he took leave, it was no later in the day than the
Arthur had sent Sir Gawainet his cousin to Logres to call his hour of prime, and he came to Litde Brittany on the hour
court together, how King Lot tried to steal his wife from of nones. And there he found the Lord of Payerne and
him, how Sir Gawainet came to help her and took his father Pharian, who greeted him very joyfully, and they took him
and held him, how the knights tourneyed with one another in with diem most courteously and had a good time for
and the wonders that Sir Gawainet did there, how King Ban four full days. And when the fifth day came, they asked
advised King Arthur not to allow the companions to tilt Merlin why he had come, “for we are certain that it was not
together any longer, the advice to send messengers to the for nothing.”
princes and what happened to King Lot and his sons along And he told them that they had to cross the sea with as
their way, how the princes had gathered at Arestel, and how many men from the land as they could engage by oath.2
the truce was made in order to fight the Saxons. And Blaise “Sir,” said Leonce, “what place shall we go to?”
put it all down in writing in his book and left nothing out, And Merlin answered, “To La Rochelle-in-the-
and this is how we still know about it. And then Blaise asked Tidewater.3 And from there to the Plain of Salisbury, where
him if there could be enough men to fight against the you will find men of many languages who’ll have come for
Saxons, and Merlin said not before the ones from Litde the same undertaking as you. And you will encamp to one
Brittany had come or those from the kingdom of Logres side with your men, and do not move undl you see me back
and from Lambal, which had belonged to King Amant and there. Take care to make a white banner with a red cross
which Gosengos had under his sway: and nothing more, and all the princes who come there will
“And as soon as I leave here I’ll go get the men of King have the same. None of them will know a word about why
Ban and King Bors in the two kingdoms, and I’ll take them diey’ll have done this, and yet it will have a great meaning.”
there. And you should know,” he went on, “that people will And Leonce and Pharian said that it would be done as
come there from many lands to save their souls and to he said.
defend Holy Christendom. And there is not the slightest “Now take care to take the most men you can with
doubt that we gready need Our Lord to help us in this you,” said Merlin, “for you should know that there will be a
fight, for never has there been such a batde as there will be, great many against us.”
and the Saxons cannot be driven from this land before the “And who’ll keep this land?” asked Leonce.
princes have all made peace with King Arthur.” “Don’t worry about that,” answered Merlin. “Leave
And Blaise told him that it seemed certain to him that behind here Lambegue, Pharian’s nephew, and Banin, son
King Arthur loved a lady, and the prophecy that had been of Gratian of Trebe, and the Lord of the High Wall.4 You
foretold of her was about to be fulfilled. And so he lead the armies of your two kingdoms and Gratian will lead
entreated him most kindly and said: the army of Orkney. The seneschal Alelme of Benoic will be
“Merlin, dear friend, I beg you for God’s sake to tell with you, and Pharian and Dionas will lead the men from
me who is to father the Lion of the Two Messengers and Gaul, but you must be careful not to give up leading the
when that will be.” ones whom you’ll have engaged to serve you.”
And Merlin told him that the time was very near when And Leonce said that it would all be done just as he
that would happen. Blaise said that it would be a very great had said.
shame, “and if I knew the place, I would gladly do my With that, Merlin commended them to God and
utmost to get him away from there.” entreated them to go quickly, for they could not linger.
Merlin said to him, “Write down for me what I tell you,
and then you’ll know how much help you can bring.” 2The verb is arembre (376, 1. 16), which Sommer apparently
And he wrote it down, and this is what the story was: finds baffling (cf. n. 1). Perhaps it is to be connected with aramir.
“This is the beginning. It is the story of the adventures “to commit by oath, to swear an oath,” etc.
in the country whereby the wondrous Lion, whom the son 3Sommer’s text reads a la roche Jlodemer (376, 1. 17), to which
of a king and queen will hold, was taken prisoner. He must he compares the lesson in the Harley manuscript, which is
be chaste and the best knight in the world.” [376] adopted: a la rochelle an Jlot de mer (n. 2), the version approved by
West (263, under “Roche Flodemer, la”). Elsewhere La Rochelle is
And the things that Blaise wrote down Merlin scattered
taken to be a port in Brittany used for communication with Great
along the roads where the others were, and these things
Britain (256,11. 13, 38; 281,1. 22).
could not be brought about except by the ones who would
4The variant here is de la haute more (376,1. 28): “of the High
fulfill them, and this is why the knights were all the more
Heath.”
376 The Story of Merlin

“And I am leaving," he said. With that, Merlin went away, taking leave of King
“Sir,” said Leonce, “Go then, for I would not beseech Bademagu, and came straight to Logres the very same day
you to stay, for you know better than I what is needed.” that the six knights went riding in the Forest of Adventures6
Then Merlin went away, and he came to Viviane, his to seek adventures.
lady love, who greeted him most joyfully when she saw him. When Merlin came to court, he found King Ban, King
And his love for her grew and became stronger, so that he Bors, King Arthur, and the queen leaning out the windows
found it hard to leave her, so he taught her a great deal of of the great hall. They were watching the meadowlands and
what he knew. the three knights who had set out into the forest; these
But then he did go away to the kingdom of Lambal, were the companions of the Round Table about whom the
which had been the land of King Amant, whose head King story has spoken before, but the barons did not know
Bors cut off. And he told Gosengos not to fail for any anything about them until Merlin happened upon them.
reason to be, along with all his men, on the Plain of And as soon as they saw him, they came straight to him and
Salisbury at the Feast of [377] All Saints, and he said that he greeted him most joyfully. And after they had celebrated
would be there without fail. Afterwards, Merlin went for a time, they sat down and spoke together of many
straight to the kingdom of Carmelide and delivered his things. Then Merlin came to King Arthur and told him to
message on behalf of King Arthur to the barons of the land, send for as many men as he had the power to summon, for
and they said that they would go very gladly; and they there was no time to waste, and he should know for a fact
mustered some twenty thousand men who were bold* 5 and that King Lot had fared very well, for people from various
skilled at Fighting. And Leonce, Pharian, Gratian, and foreign parts were riding and coming together on foot
Dyonas fulfilled their mission so well that they gathered in from different countries to gather on the Plain of Salisbury.
little time forty thousand men in the flatlands below He asked what people were coming, and Merlin answered
Gaunes, and when it was time to move out, the companions that King Lot was riding there as fast as he could. [378]
took to the road and made their way over land and sea until “You would be well advised,” Merlin went on, “to
they came to the Plain of Salisbury. And when they had all accept the truce. And do you know what people are coming
got there, they found the twelve princes who had already on your behalf? You have the men of King Ban of Benoic
come with as many men as they could gather, and each one and those of King Bors of Gaunes, and they are a good forty
had his army about him. thousand strong.”
And Nabunal, who had been King Amant’s seneschal, And when King Ban and King Bors heard that, they
called his men together, and he entreated King Amant’s sprang to their feet and asked how that could be. Merlin
sons to go with him, and they did so. They were most answered at once that he had taken the message to them,
handsome young squires. And one of them had been in “and they believed me, for which I am thankful.”
love with Queen Guenevere and would gladly have taken And the two brothers said that he had done very well
her as his wife if he had been a knight, but the fact that indeed and that nothing could have made them happier.
there had been warfare between their two fathers took her Then Merlin resumed what he had been telling the king:
away from him. Queen Guenevere had always wanted him “Sir,” he said to King Arthur, “do you know who is
more than any other for as long as she was a maiden; they coming this way? Nabunal of Tharmandaise7 is coming
still very much longed to see each other, and they sent each from the kingdom of King Amant, whom King Bors, who is
other love messages. here, killed in battle, and a young man who is his son and
When the youth came to Nabunal, who guarded the not yet a knight. And all the might of Carmelide is coming,
kingdom, he told him how King Arthur wanted to fight the and it is led by Cleodalis the Seneschal, but King Leodagan
Saxons. “And he sends me word,” Nabunal went on, “to is not coming. I have achieved all this for you, so I should
bring him all who can bear arms, big or small, and I would have my reward for it.”
very much like to know whether you would be willing to And the king said to him, “Merlin, I don’t know what
come.” to offer you, but I make you lord of myself and my land,
And he answered that he would indeed go. Nabunal which I hold because of you. ”
was very happy about that and told him that he would come “Sir,” said Merlin, “when I happened in on you, what
there with as many men as he could find, and he gathered were you looking at so keenly over in the meadowlands?”
them until he had twenty thousand. And they took to the “We were watching three knights whom we had seen
road and made their way until they came to the Plain of go into that forest.”
Salisbury. “Don’t you know who they are?” asked Merlin.
And Merlin came to King Bademagu as soon as he had “No,” said the king.
left Nabunal, and he told him to send to the army as many ‘You should know for a fact that they are knights of the
men as he could, and King Bademagu sent word and called Round Table who are very worthy and bold, but they are
his men together, and he had at least twenty thousand. And unwise, thoughtless, and envious, and I tell you truly that
they took to the road and made their way until the came to
the Plain of Salisbury.
Here the text reads forest auentureuse (377, 11. 30-31). Earlier
it is called la forest de lespine (374, 1. 38): “the Forest of the
5Sommer inserts [boin] before uassal (377, 1. 4), turning the Thornbush,” which was characterized as auentureuse (11. 38-39).
adjective “courageous, bold” into the nominal expression “good 7Here camadaise (378,11. 9—10), but the reference is clearly to
vassals. ” the character identified earlier as being from Tharmandaise.
The Story of Merlin 377
they have never needed help as badly as they will before Just then the companions of the Round Table kicked
they come back, and it will all be because of their madness.” their horses with their spurs so hard that their blood
“Merlin,” said the king, “tell me who they are, if you spattered down their sides, and they put their lances under
will.” their arms and their shields before their chests. And when
And Merlin said to him, “Sir, one is Agravadain of the Sagremor and his companions saw them, they did likewise
Vales of Galore, the second Moneval, and the third Minoras and rode out to meet them.
the Wicked.® And I tell you that they won’t have gone far As it happened, Sagremor and Agravadain hit each
before they find three of the Queen’s Knights, with whom other on their shields with their lances so hard that they
they will fight. Please send someone after them, if you drove right through, and their hauberks split, and the links
believe me, for there is no one to break up the fight. Men broke on their left sides. And Agravadain felt the iron of
will be killed, and it will be a great shame.” Sagremor’s lance so deep in him that his blood gushed out
“Ah, God! ” said the king. “And who will go keep them in a great stream, and he broke his lance on Sagremor’s
apart?” hauberk. Sagremor had much heart and strength, and he
“Sir,” said the queen, “Sir Wain, Kay the Seneschal, thrust him so hard that he bore him and his horse to the
and Girflet" ground in a heap. But Agravadain, who was quite skilled,
“Sir," said Merlin, “the queen has spoken very well. nimble, and full of great boldness, sprang to his feet very
Send them out right away.” fast, and he drew his sword from its scabbard and got ready
He did so. And Merlin told them where they would to defend himself. And after Sagremor had made his pass,
find them. But they did not come in time to keep blows he came back a little way, jumped down, and tied his horse
from being dealt to his lance, but Agravadain’s horse had fled into the woods
But now the story falls silent for a while about them, at a gallop. And Sagremor put his shield on his arm, drew
and we will tell you about the six knights and how they his sword out of its scabbard, and ran in great strides
fared. toward Agravadain, who was coming at him very strongly,
Here the story says that the three Queen’s Knights and they dealt each other powerful, measured blows on
made their way through the forest until they found a most their helmets wherever they could reach.
beautiful heath, where they dismounted and rested. And And the battering lasted for quite a long while, when
Galescalain said to his companions, “Would to God that Sir Sagremor said to him, “Sir knight, you are dead if you do
Gawainet and his brothers had come here; if they were not surrender alive."
here, we would go see the Saxons.” And Agravadain answered that he had not yet come to
And Dodinel the Wildman said that it would be a bad that. Sagremor told him that he would, a great deal sooner
thing to go there because they would not find shelter in the than he thought. Agravadain said that he was not very
forest, and their horses would starve to death. frightened of him, and he asked him whether he was good
While they were talking, the companions of the Round at making threats. And Sagremor told him that it had been
Table came upon them. Their arms were disguised, for they a threat made to a fool, “and this is why, even today, the
wanted very much to be pursued by Queen Guenevere’s proverb says that the fool is not afraid until he is slapped,9
knights. And Sagremor asked his companions whether they and this is just what has happened to you.”
knew who the others were, [379] and they said they did not. Then he ran upon him and they fought for a very long
And they drew nearer all the while. Then Agravadain said time, but Agravadain had the worst of it in the batde, for he
to his companions, ‘1 see over there three companions who was wounded dreadfully.
would make me very sorry if they took their horses with Elsewhere, Galescalain and Minoras came back,
them when they left." spurring toward each other, holding out their lances under
“Yes, indeed,” said Moneval. “There are only three of their arms. As it happened, Minoras broke his lance on
them, the same as we are.” [380] Galescalain’s shield, while Galescalain struck him
While they were talking, the other three knights tied with such strength under the bottom of his shield that he
on their helmets, which they had taken off their heads to drove his lance through his thigh, so that the tip could be
get some air. And they got on their horses, and they wanted seen out the other side of his horse’s flank, and both of
to ride away to show that they meant no harm, since no one them fell to the ground. Minoras’s horse flew into them
had asked anything of them. And when the companions of with all four hooves and dashed away, but Galescalain was
the Round Table saw them going, they shouted to them in quick to get to his feet, and Minoras got up as well. They
loud voices, “You must joust or you will hand your horses drew their swords from their scabbards, and the two of
over to us and then be free to go.” them started to fight and dealt each other hard, dreadful
And when Sagremor heard them, he turned his horse’s blows with all their might.
head and said, ‘What? Are you then robbers who make Elsewhere, Dodinel and Moneval let their horses run at
your living this way? You should know for a fact that when each other, and they struck each other so hard with their
you go home tonight, you will have litde to eat from the
winnings you take from us, for we challenge you.” 9Agravadain’s question is manechieres est il moult boins (379, 11.
34-35): ‘Is he a good threatener?” It is an implied reference to the
®Sommer’s manuscript reads sienandes laigre (378,1. 24 and n. idea in the proverb Tel menace qui a grant poor (Morawski, 2363):
4): “Sienandes the Rough” (in his text Sommer corrected laigre to ‘The one who threatens is very much afraid.” Sagremor replies
lengres)', but elsewhere he is named minoras (374,1. 35) and minoras with another proverb, fols ne orient deuant quilprent la colee (379, 11.

U engres (374,1. 33).

36-37): ‘The fool is not afraid until he takes the slap.” The latter is
recorded by Morawski (788) as Fous ne orient deuant qu’ilprent.
378 The Story of Merlin

sharp-tipped lances that their shields were driven through long, and all three of them would have met their end, had
and splintered and the lance’s tips stopped against their Sir Wain not come there riding very fast. And he shouted in
hauberks, but in such a way that the mail was not broken, a loud voice, “Enough, enough! I am coming to stand as
for they were wondrously strong and tough, and there was their pledge. Please hand them over to me and those two
no way to keep both of their lances from breaking. But as other gentlemen who have come here, for we will
they passed by each other, Dodinel thrust against him with guarantee whatever you ask of them.”
his body and his shield so hard that he knocked him And Sagremor turned toward them, looked at them,
sprawling to the ground; but Moneval was quickly back on and knew at once who they were, so he answered Sir Wain:
his feet, for he was swift and nimble. And when Dodinel “Very gladly, sir, and I would do more for you than this
had finished his pass and come back with his sword drawn, amounts to.”
he saw that he was all ready to defend himself: he then Galescalain and Dodinel said the same thing, and they
drew his sword and thrust his shield over his head, and the handed them over at once. And they rode over to the
hard fighting began. Queen’s Knights, got down from their horses, and began to
That is how the six knights fought very hard from the rebuke them quite harshly for having begun such
hour of prime until after midday, and the Queen’s Knights foolishness. And Sagremor answered straightway, “What, Sir
began to take ground from the knights of the Round Table, Wain? Did we do such wrong when we saved our horses
and the Queen’s Knights could do with them as they from these three ruffians who meant to take them away
wished. And when they saw that the knights of the Round from us? In God’s name, we would have suffered worse
Table were flagging, they shouted to them, “Surrender!” shame if they had taken them by force without our
But they answered that they would rather die. And when defending them, and we would never again have had honor
the Queen’s Knights heard this—for they could not get wherever we might have gone. Anyone who does not
another word out of them—and when Sagremor saw that defend what is his own would badly defend what belongs to
they would not yield, they ran upon them very swiftly. his companion.”
Sagremor10 struck Agravadain on his helmet so hard “Ah, sir,” said Sir Wain. “They did not do it out of
that he split it in two as well as his coif, and he drove his wickedness, for they meant it only as a game.”
sword into his scalp and wounded him dreadfully. And he “A game?” said Galescalain. “And so did we.”
was so dazed that he flew sprawling to the ground, but he And Sagremor began to smile behind his helmet, for
did not stay there for long; he sprang to his feet, for he was he recognized from what Sir Wain was saying that they were
very much afraid of taking another blow, and he covered companions of the Round Table.
his head as best he could. And Dodinel dealt Moneval a And Dodinel said, “Blessed be the game and the man
blow with his sword and hit him so hard on the arm who began it, for that way we can learn! ”
holding his shield that the shield fell to the ground. And “Leave these matters where they are,” said Sir Wain,
Galescalain struck Minoras on his helmet and knocked him “and let’s get on our horses and go back, for there is no
to the ground head over heels so ruthlessly that blood man so strong and mighty that he won’t be fighting soon.”
spurted from his nose and mouth, and as he staggered to With that, the knights mounted, but three of them
get back up Galescalain hit him with the hilt of his sword were very sad and downcast. Then Sagremor asked Sir Wain
and sent him sprawling. Then he jumped at once onto his who those three were.
body and tore his coif from his head, and he threatened to “What?” said Sir Wain. “Don’t you know them? Then
cut his head off if he did not admit that he was beaten; but there could have been greater harm. You ought to know,”
he said that he would not do it, and Galescalain answered he went on, “that the one you were fighting against is
that he would die without redemption. Agravadain of the Vales of Galore, a companion of the
While they were thus going on, there came Sir Wain, Round Table.”
Kay the Seneschal, and Girflet son of Doon, whom'King But Sagremor answered that he did not know him, but
Arthur had sent, but they had taken too much time. For since things had happened as they did, “I can’t do anything
Sagremor had so beaten Agravadain that he was all bathed about it.”
in blood and was in great agony, and he staggered back and “Now let it lie,” said Kay the Seneschal. “For the
forth from one place to another. And Sagremor set out knights of the Round Table will go out one more time to
after him at once, for he wanted to land a sound blow. And avenge Forre!”11
Dodinel had so thrashed his man that he no longer had a Then they all began to laugh, except for the three who
shield about his neck or a helmet on his head, and it was all were wounded, but doubtless they did not feel like
he could do to keep from dying. And Galescalain had laughing, for they were ashamed and downcast from what
drubbed Minoras so badly that he was holding him to the had happened to them.
ground by his visor with one hand and had his sword raised So they took to the road and rode together two by two
in the other, [381] and Minoras would not have lasted for until they came to the court at Logres. The three knights of
the Round Table went to their lodgings to take off their
10Sommer’s text, apparently somewhat garbled, reads Et armor, for all they needed was rest. And the other six went
quant il oent ce iff" que autre cose nen trcdront si lor courent sus. iff1 quant to court, and they found the three kings and the queen,
saigremor voit ce quil ne se uoelent rendre si lor courent sus mout uistement
iff’feri (380,11. 21-23): “And when they hear this and that they will
11 West notes (119b) that the expression was proverbial in Old
not drag anything else out of them, they run upon them. And
French for making an empty boast. Forre is a pagan king
when Sagremor sees that they do not want to surrender, they run
mentioned in chansons de geste.
upon them, and he struck....”
The Story of Merlin 379
who were still at the windows of the great hall, and Merlin it, for never would they tilt against one another. “And I
along with them, and they spoke of many things because entreat you by the faith you owe to my husband the king
they had not seen him for a long time. Then the six knights and to me never to speak of it.”
went to take off their armor in a room, and when they had And they said that they would not ever speak of it,
done so, Sir Yvain came to the king. And as soon as the since that was her wish.
queen had seen him, she said, “Sir, tell us your news.” And when the hour of vespers came, King Arthur told
“Lady,” said Sir Wain, “there is a great deal to say about everyone who would bear arms to get ready to go on foot
it” and on horseback, for he wanted to ride out early the next
Then he began to tell them how he had found the six morning for the Plain of Salisbury, where the common folk
knights fighting. And the king asked him which ones had were to gather. And as soon as the king had given his order,
the worst of it, and he told them [382] about their ride they went to work and made ready as best they could. And
back and the joking, and they laughed a great deal; but then there was such noise and such an uproar in the town
soon they stopped talking about it, because the king was that it could be heard half a league away. In the morning
upset. And Merlin came forward and said to them, “Do you King Arthur set out with [383] King Ban, King Bors, the
know why there is strife between the knights of the Round queen, and all who had come and gathered there, and they
Table and the Queen’s Knights?” rode five whole days before they came to the Plain of
“Not at all,” answered the king. Salisbury, for they did it in short stages. And after they had
“You should know,” said Merlin, “that their jealousy come there and encamped beneath the laurel trees, Kay
has done that, and they want to test their prowess against the Seneschal brought out the great ensign with the red
one another.” cross against a field that was whiter than snow, with the
And they asked Merlin which one could be the best dragon under the cross, just as Merlin had ordered it. And
knight among the Queen’s Knights. (King Arthur had said when King Arthur was encamped, he was most glad and
that they belonged to the queen, for the Round Table was began to celebrate, and so did all who were with him. And
mainly his business.) Then King Ban said that he could there he awaited the princes and men who were coming
indeed name the best, for it was Sir Gawainet, and the from all parts.
others said that he was right. And the king said that he Renown, who runs and flies everywhere, went out
would make him one of the companions of the Round through the countryside until the Saxons at the siege of
Table just as soon as he came back, but Merlin said that it Clarence found out from the spies they had scattered about
would not be before the Saxons had been driven from the the country that men from all over the land were gathering
country. So they stopped talking about it and went to eat. in the Plain of Salisbury, but they did not know where they
And as soon as they had eaten, the king chose his would be riding to get there. And Hargadabran sent for his
messengers and sent them throughout his land, and he nineteen kings, and they came to him. He told them that
called for all who were his men and could bear arms to their spies had reported that the Christians had called for a
come as if their lives depended upon it, and meet him in gathering in the Plain of Salisbury, and he asked them what
the Plain of Salisbury; they should not waste time or lag advice they had to give him. And they answered that the
behind, but take to the road and hurry there. best thing would be to set up watches, so that they would
Just as you have heard, King Arthur sent his not be surprised in their sleep, for in daylight they did not
messengers throughout his land, and as soon as they had have to worry about any men in the land: “There are too
left, King Arthur took King Ban, his brother King Bors, and many of us, and they could not hold out against us, but just
Merlin aside, and said to them, “Let us go see our the same, we advise our men to stay at the ready, and they
companions who are ill.” should not go out foraging with fewer than thirty thousand
And they went to see them, along with many other men-at-arms with them, lest they meet someone who might
knights. And when they heard that the king was coming, harm them. But, as you well know, this land is not so big
they wanted to get up to greet him, but the king did not let and wide that they have even a fourth of our strength.”
them. And he rebuked them harshly for the foolishness all In die end, they agreed that it behooved them to meet
three of them had done, but they answered that they could their enemy if they had to, so they parted company, and the
not resist it, and they did not know where the urge came nineteen kings went back to their lands to get ready. They
from. Then the king gave them physicians to tend to dieir ordered everyone under their sway, wherever they might
wounds, and one of the physicians told the king not to be, to be armed and on the lookout at all dmes. And they
worry, for within a week’s time he would bring them back sent word of this to the siege of Vambieres, which they
to health, so that they could surely ride and bear arms. made their men lift, and diey all came back to the siege of
Then the king commended them to God and told them to Clarence. Their gathering was huge and fearsome, and
follow him to the Plain of Salisbury as soon as they were their army stretched out from where the siege of the city
healed, “for I am going there,” he went on, “and there will was being mounted for five full leagues, and the
be a great gathering of men.” encampments were spread out on all sides.
With that, the king left them and commended them to But now the story falls silent here from speaking about
God, and they went straight to the hall and found many the Saxons and goes back to speaking about how the
knights who wanted to hold a tournament with the Queen’s princes came to the Plain of Salisbury, one after the other.
Knights, because Sir Gawainet was not there and they
wished to avenge their companions. But the queen forbade
them to and said that it would do them no good to speak of
380 The Story of Merlin

him six thousand knights, and he encamped next to

47. Eliezer Knighted by Gawain; Further
Galehaut.
Battles Against the Saxons.1 Afterwards came King Cleolas, who was later called the
King First Conquered, with seven thousand men riding very
Here the story says that, after the talks, the princes hurried costly horses; he encamped next to Anguingeron, but he
to come to the Plain of Salisbury by the day that had been did not stay long, for he fell ill and returned home, and he
set, and they were equipped as befitted the wealthy, entrusted his men to Guionce the Seneschal, who was a
powerful men they were. The very first man and prince who most worthy man and a good knight. Afterwards came
came there was Duke Escant of Cambenic, and he had with Duke Belias of Doves, who came there for love of God; he
him seven thousand men-at-arms who were lavishly brought seven thousand men and encamped next to
equipped with all kinds of armor; they encamped in rich Guionce. Afterwards came the seneschal of Sorelois, solely
tents and pavilions squeezed tighdy against one another. for love of God, with six thousand men wearing armor, and
After him came King Tradelmant of North Wales with his name was [385] Margondes; the king of Sorelois sent
twelve thousand men wearing white hauberks with finely- him there, and he encamped next to Duke Belias.
linked mail, green helmets studded with gems, and strong, And then came King Arthur, who encamped among
sturdy shields, and they encamped next to the Duke of the others. And Merlin came to him and said to him in
Cambenic. [384] After him came the King of the Hundred private, “Sir, now see what Our Lord has done to safeguard
Knights with ten thousand men in good armor and riding
you and your people! You ought to praise God to the
good horses, and they set up their encampment. Afterwards heavens for this and heartily thank Him for bringing you
came King Clarion of Northumberland, who was a most
such help in your time of need.”
handsome knight, worthy and smart, and he had eight
“Merlin,” said the king, “you should know in truth that
thousand well-equipped men with him, and he led them
Our Lord does not forget His sinner, nor has He shown me
beneath a banner white as snow with a red cross—such a up to now that He meant to forget me. And in His mercy
banner everyone who came there had. After him came King
He will yet do greater things for me than He has done, for I
Belinant, who was King Tradelmant’s brother, with ten
have great trust in Him, and I have such faith in Him and
thousand men wearing iron armor, and he was most eager
believe in Him so completely that I put myself utterly in His
to see Dodinel the Wildman, his son whom he loved as
mercy and under His command, and I pray Him to watch
much as any man’s heart could love another, and he
over me in His holy pity and in His endless mercy.”
encamped behind King Clarion. After him came King
‘The trusting belief you have in Our Lord,” said
Caradoc of Estrangorre, who was a companion of the
Merlin, strengthens you, has strengthened you, and will yet
Round Table from the time it was founded, but he never
strengthen you—have no fears about that. And I advise you
wanted to sit at the Round Table after the strife had broken
never to slacken in that resolve. For as long as you are
out between the princes and King Arthur; he brought ten
steadfast in Our Lord and believe in Him, you will have
thousand men, and when he had come to the Plain of
victory over the enemies of Our Lord.”
Salisbury, he encamped next to King Belinant, who was a
“Merlin,” said the king, “may God never let me stray
most worthy gentleman. And King Arthur had not yet
from His trust, but keep it so that at the end I may yield my
come, but there was no more room left to encamp.
soul to Him.”
After King Caradoc came King Brandegorre, whose
“May it be, sir, as you would have it," said Merlin. “But
holdings bordered on the land of Estrangorre, and he had
now you must look to what you can do to bring to bear the
with him ten thousand men wearing iron armor, and he
great nobility gathered here in defending Holy Church and
encamped beside King Caradoc; he longed to see one of his
driving the wicked people out of your land.”
wife’s nephews who was in King Arthur’s household,
“Merlin,” said King Arthur, “I will strive to do what you
because he had heard much praise of his handsome looks
advise in everything, for without you I could undertake
and his worthiness, and his name was Sagremor of
nothing. So I put myself in God’s hands and in yours.”
Constantinople. After King Brandegorre came Minoras, the
“Sir,” said Merlin, “if you would like joyfully to greet
seneschal of King Lac of Great India (whom King Lac had
the nobility gathered here to defend Holy Church and to
sent solely for love of Our Lord in order to have the pardon
do them honor, please go to their tents to see each one by
the bishop had granted), and he brought seven thousand
himself, and thank them for the help that they have
mean wearing armor and riding good, worthy horses. After
brought you, even those who hold no land from you and
him came the seneschal of King Pellinor of the Land Laid
are not your liegemen. For the king has not yet been bom
Waste; he brought seven thousand men-at-arms whom King
who ever brought together such a fair company with so
Pellinor sent for love of Jesus Christ. Afterwards came the
many worthy gentlemen and good knights, nor will there
seneschal of King Alan of the Land Beyond, who was King
ever be such in this place until the day when the son slays
Pellinor’s brother. Afterwards came Galehaut, son of the
the father and the father the son—that will be in this same
Fair Giantess, who was lord of the Distant Isles, and he
place, and on that day the land of Great Britain will be left
brought with him ten thousand worthy and brave men-at-
without its lords and without an heir.”2
arms, and he came purely for love of Jesus Christ. After him
When King Arthur heard Merlin’s words, he begged
came Anguingeron, a wonderful knight, and he was
him and entreated him most kindly to tell him more plainly
seneschal of King Clamadeus of the Isles; he brought with

2A reference, obviously, to the deaths of Arthur and Mordred

^ Corresponds to Sommer, 383-393.
at each other’s hand; see the end of the Death of Arthur.
The Story of Merlin 381
a part of these things. But Merlin said to him that it was not “By my faith,” said Merlin, “the harm they have done is
up to him to tell him, “but I will tell you this much: that very great, but it so happens that, friends and strangers, you
after this day will come the uncrowned lion, and he will have gathered here for a single quarrel, and it is right and
bring with him three lions, of whom two will be crowned. reasonable that you might bring a great war to an end, but
And these three will devour the wicked lineage of Logres. only if you are of one mind and one will, for otherwise you
Don’t ask any more of me,” Merlin went on, “but let us go could not succeed. And it would be a good thing if you
to the barons just as I told you.” made peace with my lord King Arthur, who ought to be
“Very gladly," said the king. your overlord, and you would be all the more feared for it.”
With that, King Arthur got on his horse and took with At those words King Lot of Orkney sprang up and said,
him King Ban of Benoic, King Bors his brother, Sagremor “My lords, in truth Merlin has spoken very well, for it would
of Constantinople, Kay the Seneschal, Wain the Tall, son of turn out to be for the greater honor of God and the world
King Urien, Guerrehet, Gaheriet, and Merlin; and these at this time, and I have never believed that any one of you
nine went straight to the barons in their tents. And when could achieve such honor as this would be if you did not
they learned that the king was coming, they went outside reconcile with King Arthur straightway.”
their tents to meet him. And King Arthur and his King Urien was greatly upset by this speech, and he
companions got down from their horses and the king sprang to his feet filled with dreadful wrath, and he said to
greeted them all, for he was very well spoken, [386] and he the king, sweating with spitefulness, “What the devil is this?
thanked them for having come to help him in his need Didn’t you have us come here under a truce [387] until we
against the Saxons, “who through their pride and have destroyed the Saxons and driven them out of the
wickedness have stripped my land and despoiled it, and land? And only then, if it was our pleasure and an
they mean to destroy Holy Christendom.” honorable thing for us, would we do what our hearts might
“Sir,” said the barons, “God willing, they’ll not have the incline us to do. And now you want to talk about something
forces or the strength, for we have gathered here to defend else and put us on other paths! Now I ask you and beg you
Holy Church and to help you, and we are willing to put our not to speak about it any more. As for me, I will do nothing
very lives in jeopardy to uphold our holy religion, and, about it. I don’t know what the others will do, but if they
before we leave you, we will strive, if it please God, until did otherwise, I would say that they had forsworn
Holy Church has the victory and the Saxons are shamed themselves against me.”
and hurt And we want you to know that we are not your “In God’s name,” said King Neutres, “I would take a
liegemen and we have never held anything from you, but false oath, for I would never make peace unless you
we have come solely for love of Jesus Christ and to defend ordered me to.”
Holy Church and defeat the Saxons.” And die others said the same thing.
“May God show you His thanks,” said King Arthur, “in Then King Lot grew very angry, but it was best for him
whose honor you do it, and may He grant that you go back to take it in silence, so he kept his mouth shut and did not
to your lands safe and sound, which He truly has the might talk any more about it at that time. And Merlin began to
to do.” smile and said to them, “Dear lords, do not get upset, for
“May it be as you say,” said the barons, “and as you anger would not be a good thing right now."
would have it.” While they were listening to these words, King Arthur,
“In very truth,” said Merlin. King Ban, King Bors, and the foreign princes with them
So the story falls silent right here about King Arthur, came in and found the twelve princes in King Lot’s tent.
Merlin, and the barons from far away who came to lend And as soon as King Lot saw them, he sprang to his feet and
help, and we will tell you about the twelve princes who had said, “Look! here comes my lord the king!”
come together to King Lot’s tent. And when the princes heard that, they stood up to
In this part the story says that when the twelve princes greet him with honor and reverence, because he was a king.
had all come to the Plains of Salisbury, all twelve of them And King Arthur, who was most courdy and quite clever,
went to thank the foreign princes who had come to defend knew very well what to do, and he greeted them before they
the land from the unbelievers for love of Jesus. And after had all risen and said that such companions were very
they had done that, they gathered at King Lot’s tent and sat welcome indeed. And they answered all together with the
down on a bed that was covered with a green silk cloth, and wish that God might grant him and all who were with him a
they talked for a long time about many things. And while good outcome to their ventures. Then they took hold of
they were sitting thus, Merlin came inside, and when they him on every side and had him sit down on King Lot’s bed,
saw him coming, they jumped up to greet him, and they and he had them all sit down, for he was the most courtly
told him that he was most welcome. And he answered with man in the world and the best bred.
the wish that God might grant them a happy outcome to Then he said to them, “Dear lords, you have come
their ventures and have them do what they needed for their here, and I am most grateful to you for it, just as I have
souls’ salvation and their bodies’ well being, so that asked you, for the benefit of Holy Church and to defend
through them Holy Christendom might be upheld and the people and safeguard our lands against the wicked
safeguarded from the hands of their enemies who by force Saxons, who have already set a great part of those lands
had overrun her. ablaze and killed and wounded our men. And because you
“It would never be we who failed,” said the barons, “for have come here at my bidding, I thank you all together.
we have come here to defend Holy Church.” And it would be good if we got ourselves ready, so that the
382 The Stoiy of Merlin

Saxons could not say among themselves that they found us when the king heard this, he was amazed at how a man of
to be childish or cowardly.” his age could bear up under such heavy fighting, and the
“Sir,” said King Lot, “getting us equipped and ready two kings wondered, too. And King Arthur ordered
should be left to Merlin. He’ll give the orders and we’ll do Gaheriet to have the most handsome armor he could find
what he says, for he knows better than we what we must do.” in his armory trunks brought in “and the best sword there is
And the princes said that they would indeed agree to after my own.”
that, so they put the whole thing on Merlin’s shoulders; “Sir,” said Eliezer, “I have armor and a horse and
with that they had no more to say about it, and King Arthur everything else I need, for my father, King Pelles, gave me
went back to his tent. The princes, friends and strangers such as he knew would be useful to me.”
alike, went with him, and then each one went back to his Then he called Lidonas, his squire, and ordered him
own pavilion. And King Ban, King Bors, Merlin, and Sir to bring his armor, which his father had entrusted to him,
Gawainet went straight to King Arthur’s room in his and Lidonas did as he was ordered, and was most happy to
pavilion, and then Merlin said to them in private, “Dear do so. And he brought it to him before the king and the
lords, these men who have come here are tired and worn other barons, who looked at it in wonder, for it was white
out from traveling, for some of them have come a very long except for a single diagonal stripe of fine gold on the
way, and they need to rest and sleep; that is why I want shield, and the hauberk was of double mail sturdier and
them to rest for the rest of today and tomorrow. And stronger than any other, yet so light that a child ten years
Monday morning, with God’s blessing, we’ll take to the old could wear it for a whole day without hurting himself;
road straight to Clarence, where the Saxons are laying and King Arthur praised it highly, as did the other barons
siege. And I’ll let all the princes know that they are to get who saw it.
ready to ride out on that day to fall [388] upon their And Sir Gawainet armed Eliezer with Gaheriet’s help,
enemies.” and after [389] they had put on his leg armor, they dressed
The three kings, and Sir Gawainet along with them, him in his white hauberk, which was so well made that none
agreed to that plan, and they said that it should be done for in the whole army was its equal, then they fastened on his
the honor of Jesus Christ and His sweet Mother. With that, visor, which was white as snow. And when he was thus
they left the council and went at once to the chief pavilion. dressed, Sir Gawainet put on his spurs and fastened his
Then Eliezer, Sir Gawainet’s squire and the son of King sword at his side. And after he was fully arrayed, Sir
Pelles, came straight before Sir Gawainet, knelt down, and Gawainet embraced him,3 and he said to him most kindly,
said, “Sir, I left Listenois and my father, King Pelles, to look as he was the most courdy knight in the world, “Here, dear
for you, and I found you by the grace of Our Lord in a friend, receive the order of knighthood in the name of
place where, if God had not sent you, I would have had to Jesus Christ our Savior, and may He grant that you uphold
die. But your great prowess rescued me from the Saxons, it so as to honor Holy Church and yourself.”
who were running me down to slay me. And indeed I know “Sir,” said Eliezer, “may Our Lord grant this by His
that your great renown that runs throughout the world is grace and His mercy.”
truly deserved. It is clear to me, and I know it is true, that After Sir Gawainet had dubbed Eliezer, son of King
no worthier man than you could bestow arms on me, and Pelles of Listenois, Gaheriet and Guerrehet took him by the
so I beg you in the name of your nobility to make me a hand and led him to King Arthur’s chapel to keep his vigil,
knight by your hand, so that I might test my new knight¬ and they stayed with him all night until the next morning,
hood against that faithless people bent on destroying Holy when Mass was sung. Then they went back to the tent of
Christendom; I will never be a knight for as long as I live King Arthur, who did him a very great honor, for he ate
unless I am made a knight by your hand. And you swore an that day at King Arthur’s table with King Ban and King
oath to me the first day I ever saw you that you would give Bors, and they were very well served with great festiveness.
me arms when I asked you, and I ask you now before my And after the meal, they set up a target dummy in a
lord the king, who is here, and before these gentlemen.” meadowland that was below the Plain of Salisbury, and
When Sir Gawainet saw his squire Eliezer on his knees those nimble young men went out to test themselves, along
before him, he raised him up in his arms and said to him with the knights of the Round Table and others, and there
most kindly, “Dear friend, I grant you what you ask, for you many a fair blow was struck that day, and they said that
are indeed worthy of receiving the order of knighthood, never in their lives had they seen such fair jousting with the
and I’ll do it just as you wish.” lance. The knights of the Round Table would have liked
“Many thanks, sir,” said the youth. very much to tourney with the foreign knights who had
Then Sir Gawainet looked about and saw his brother come into the army, but King Arthur was unwilling to allow
Gaheriet behind him, and he said to him, “Dear brother, it, for he was very much afraid that they would wound one
have armor fitted out for me that befits a king’s son and another, so they put off the tournament and went back to
one as worthy as this one is.” their tents happy and joyful.
‘Who is he, then, dear nephew?” asked King Arthur. Then Merlin came to King Arthur and said to him,
“Sir, he is the son of King Pelles of Listenois and “Sir, now we must get ready, for you must ride out in the
nephew of King Pellinor and King Alan. And you can be morning. Be careful to tell no one what part of the army
certain that if he lives long, he will be one of the good you’ll be riding in, but follow me wherever I go. And I’ll tell
knights of the world.” all the other princes to be ready to set out at daybreak.”
Then he told King Arthur about the great slaughter
and the wonders he saw him do against the Saxons. And
^That is, ti douna ... la colee (389,1. 5). See ch. 32, n. 38.
The Story of Merlin 383
“Merlin,” said King Arthur, “do what you will, for all my Merlin, who was ahead of everyone else, heard them
hope is in God and in you.” moaning, he asked them what was wrong with them, and
Then Merlin went straight to the princes’ pavilions and they told him everything just as it had happened to them
told every one of them privately, one after the other, to be and said that the Saxons had taken the queen.
ready and equipped to ride out early the next morning. “And which way are they going?” asked Merlin.
And they had their tents, pavilions, and other equipment “Sir,” they said, “she is still with the army, but the
stowed away in wagons and carts and packed on horses, plunder is being taken away on the causeway.”
and, wearing their full armor, they got on their warhorses, And Merlin shouted in a loud voice, “Follow me, for,
ready to defend themselves and fall upon their enemies, God willing, they won’t take the queen away!”
except for their shields, lances, and helmets, which their Then he kicked his charger with his spurs, and Sir
squires were carrying ahead for them. And they had their Gawainet and Eliezer spurred after him, along with King
white ensigns borne before them, and on each one there Ban and King Bors, and each one had a good, strong, stout
was a red cross in the middle, and this Merlin had ordered lance in his hand. And Leonce of Payeme led the men of
all the princes to do when they first set out. And Merlin was Benoic, Dyonas those of Gaunes, Gratian those of Orkney,
riding a dapple-gray charger, and he bore King Arthur’s and Dorilas5 King Neutres’s men, and the other battalions
banner out ahead of the king and the whole army. came along all in order. And Merlin rode until he was
This is how they left the Plain of Salisbury, and with about to go down a hill, and he saw the plunder being
Merlin in the lead they went straight toward the city of taken across a little bridge by four thousand Saxons. And
Clarence, which King Hargadabran [390] and twenty other when Sir Gawainet saw them, he said, “Let’s not stay too far
kings had besieged. They had surrounded the whole city behind!”
and sent their foragers out into the land for twenty leagues And he kicked Gringalet with his spurs, and Eliezer
on all sides, and they were laying waste the countryside and said to him, “Sir, allow me [391] a favor and a service. Let
stripping it bare. me have the first blow of the battle, for I have not been in a
A part of the foragers came back by the city of Garlot, fight since I’ve been a knight.”
which was the chief stronghold of King Neutres, and four “And I grant it to you,” said Sir Gawainet smiling, “for
mighty kings were among them. They had with them a you are indeed worthy of it.”
great horde of Saxons who had taken plunder by force, and With that, Eliezer let his horse run, and he shouted to
they had wreaked havoc on the men from the city who rode the Saxons, “Leave the plunder, for you will not take it with
out to fight them to recover their plunder. There had been you any farther.”
a great slaughter on both sides, but in the end those from Then came Dyoglis, who was King Maglory’s seneschal,
the city could not hold out against them, because there and he turned his horse’s head toward Eliezer, and they
were so very many Saxons, and they had lost their struck each other on their shields with their lances so hard
belongings, their horses, and a great many of their knights. that they cut beneath the bosses, and Dyoglis broke his
And the four kings had besieged the city and would not lance. Eliezer hit him so hard that he drove his lance
leave until they had taken it. through his chest and hurled him dead to the ground, and
When the queen, who was within the city, saw that they his lance flew into splinters. Then he drew his sword out of
were under siege, she was very much afraid that the Saxons its scabbard and rushed in among the others, who were in a
would take her by force, so she took counsel with her great hurry to get the plunder across the bridge. He struck
seneschal as to what she should do. It was the seneschal’s Antidolus, who was King Brandon’s seneschal, and split him
advice that the two of them alone should steal out of the down to his teeth. Then Merlin said to Sir Gawainet that
city at night through a hidden gate that opened toward the the new knight had started out well.
river, and they would go to one of their nearby strongholds, “In truth,” said Sir Gawainet, “and he will fight even
which was six leagues away; it was called The Rescue,4 better.”
because Vortigern had been rescued there when Hengist With that, Merlin yelled King Arthur’s battlecry, and
the Saxon was run down and killed in the same place. Sir Gawainet and his companions let loose and charged
The seneschal and the queen did just as they had headlong into the pillagers, and there were many dead and
planned, for they left about midnight and took only two wounded, so that the Saxons had to give up the place and
squires with them. But the Saxons, who were very cunning, turned in flight toward Garlot, where King Maglory, King
had put their spies everywhere, and so the seneschal and Brandon,6 King Pincenar, and King Pignoras were. The
the queen were taken prisoner and the seneschal killed; the kings were keeping up a vigorous assault in order to take
two squires were dreadfully wounded, for one was struck in the city, and they were quite upset to see the runaways
his body with a lance and the other dealt a blow with a coming, and they stopped their assault and ran toward
sword on his head. And they came, as adventure took them, them in disarray. And when the Saxons saw the Christians
straight to the army Merlin was leading, which had coming, they were quite amazed that there could be so
strenuously made its way to within four leagues of Garlot. many of them, but they rushed in among them, because the
And when the squires saw the army coming, they caught Saxons were numerous and very strong.
sight of the white banners with the red crosses, and they The Christians welcomed them most fiercely, but the
knew at once that they were Christians, so they headed Saxons pushed them back more than a lance’s length in
their way in the greatest agony in the world. And when
5Here the form is doulas (390,1. 38).
4 La rescouse (390,1. 17), not in West ^he text reads orandons (391,1. 18).
384 The Story of Merlin

their first attack. And when the four Saxon kings saw Sir Then they rushed in among the Saxons, who were very
Gawainet and Eliezer and King Ban and King Bors fighting angry and upset over Pignoras’s death, and they began to
so boldly, they shouted to their men and struck out among strike right and left But more than any of the others, Sir
them, and they began to slaughter knights and horses as if Gawainet and Eliezer, King Ban and King Bors, Leonce of
they were in an army gone mad, and it was indeed the Payerne, Gratian of Trebe, and Pharian fought boldly. Only
strongest army in the world. And they drove King Ban’s five of their battalions had gathered as yet, but the ones
men and those of King Bors against King Neutre’s men and who were there did true wonders, for neither iron nor steel
the battalion of Duke Escant of Cambenic, and Sir held up under their blows. And when King Pincenar, who
Gawainet, King Ban, King Bors, and Eliezer received many was most worthy and bold, saw his men flagging and
a hard blow, and they were very badly hurt. But when these beaten, he was most upset, and he said that it would be
two battalions joined the fray, then could be seen wonders better to die than fail to avenge Pignoras. He held his
of fighting, and the Saxons were badly hurt in this surge, drawn sword in his right hand, and he flew into the crowd
for many were killed or struck down. But King Brandon where he saw it was thickest, and he began hitting from side
and King Pincenar did great wonders by themselves and to side and striking down at once as many as he met. And
with the knights of their households, who were most worthy right before King Ban, he killed a knight who was of his
and bold, for after they had struck, no one stayed in his household and had fought hard that day, and King Ban
saddle. And the men of Great Britain were stricken with went out of his mind and, filled with anger, went straight to
fright, and they would have been put to rout if it had not where he saw the man who had slain his knight; he struck
been for the prowess of Sir Gawainet and Eliezer, King Ban him so hard, in the great wrath he felt, that he split him
and King Bors, King Neutres of Garlot, and Duke Escant of open down to the teeth—and that was what brought him
Cambenic; and nevertheless Pharian, Gratian, Leonce of the most comfort all day.
Payerne, and Dorilas fought so boldly that no one could And then the Christians closed in around the Saxons,
rebuke them. And Merlin, who flew from rank to rank and the fighting was heavy and most fearsome, for the
without stopping, kept shouting, “Now forward!” Britons were all good knights. And when Merlin saw that
While they were in such great distress, King Pignoras the battalions had gathered [393] all about, he drew Sir
called forty of his worthiest and boldest Saxons and Gawainet, Eliezer, King Ban, and King Bors aside and told
ordered them to get the queen of Garlot and [392] take them that forty Saxons were taking the queen of Garlot to
her away to the siege of Clarence and give her to King the siege of Clarence, “and I think we should go after
Hargadabran, and they answered that they would do as he them.”
wished. They left at once and set out for Clarence by the “Ride ahead,” said Sir Gawainet, “and we’ll follow you.”
shortest way they could take, and they took away with them So they took to the road, and there were a good one
the queen, who bewailed the fateful things that were hundred companions.
happening to her. And here the story falls silent about them and goes
So King Pignoras charged once again into the fray, his back to the knights who were taking away the queen of
sword in his hand, and he began fighting all over again, so Garlot.
boldly and so wondrously that no one could withstand his
blows, for he did not meet a knight who could hurt him,
and his skill was so great that the boldest made way for him.
48. A Great Victory Over the Saxons.1
At last Sir Gawainet, who was ready at all times of need,
caught sight of him and saw the great harm he was doing to
Now the story says that when the forty Saxons were two
their men; and he said to himself, “If that one lives long
leagues away from the battle, they went into a wood where
enough, we could lose a great deal.”
there was the most beautiful meadow with quite a lovely
Eliezer, who very gladly kept close to Sir Gawainet,
spring. And they turned that way to cool off and to drink
heard what he said, and he spurred his horse to where he
from the spring, which was very clear. They helped the
had seen Pignoras, whose arm and sword were filthy with
queen dismount beside the spring; she was filled with the
the blood and brains of the Christians he had slain. And
greatest sorrow in the world, and nothing they said or did
when Eliezer saw him, he said, “He would truly be a great
could comfort her. Instead she moaned aloud, “Ah, King
harm to our cause if he lived any longer, and it’s a
Neutres! Today they will sever the love I have for you from
misfortune that he’s lived as long as he has.”
the love you have for me, for I don’t believe I’ll ever see you
With that, Eliezer drew nearer to him, and he left his
again.”
horse’s reins on the saddlebow in front, threw his shield
behind his back, and fixed his feet in the stirrups. He lifted Then she fainted in the arms of the Saxons who were
holding her. And when she came out of her faint, she
his sword in both hands and hit King Pignoras on his
clawed herself and showed such sorrow that the Saxons felt
helmet with all his might, so hard that neither helmet nor
deep pity for her, and some of them would have been very
iron coif could keep him from thrusting his sword into his
brain; then with a twisting stroke he sent him sprawling glad if she were where she longed to be, and they tried to

dead to the ground. And when Merlin saw that, he said to comfort her most kindly. But she did not want their

Sir Gawainet, “He has given us time.” comfort, but began to scream so loudly that Sir Gawainet

“Indeed,” said Sir Gawainet. “May Jesus Christ save for and his companions heard her clearly. They turned to

our sakes such a worthy companion as he!” where they heard the screaming, and they rode until they

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 393—401.

The Story of Merlin 385
saw the knights and the queen, who was calling in a loud great shame that you are not a Christian, and I wish very
voice, “Holy Lady Mary, please help this wretched, grieving much that you were, so that I might give you a reprieve
woman!” from death.”
When Sir Gawainet saw his aunt, he spurred to where “Now you’re telling me tales of wonders! Don’t say any
she was and said to the Saxons, “Dear lords, please leave the more to me about it, for I would rather die than be a
queen and go away, for I would be most grateful to you if Christian.”
you took pity on her. And I thank you very much for the “You will come to that soon enough, and I am deeply
courtliness you have shown her.” sorry about it, for I would like very much to be your
When Margon, King Pignoras’s wine steward, heard companion, if you’re willing.”
what Sir Gawainet said, he asked his companions what they “I would never want that,” said Brandon.
would advise him to do. And they said that they would And when Sir Gawainet heard that, he ran upon him
rather die than let the queen go. very fast and very angrily, and he struck him so hard with
“You have brought this on yourselves!” said Sir Excalibur that he sent his head flying.
Gawainet. And when the runaways saw their lord dead, they were
Then he ran upon them, his sword drawn, and he so bewildered that they could no longer defend themselves,
struck the first one and sent his head flying to the feet of and the Christians fell upon them from all sides and killed
the queen. And the Saxons sprang up at once, and they them and cut them to shreds. And when they had done
suffered great harm as they got to their feet. Even so, they that, they thanked Our Lord profusely for the honor He
killed knights and horses, because they possessed great had given them that day.
prowess. But in the end their defense did not keep them all Then Sir Gawainet and King Ban came before King
from dying, and not one of them got away except Margon Arthur and all the nobility, and they gave his wife back to
the Wine Steward, who stole away and hid in the woods. King Neutres, and they told, so that everyone could hear
And Sir Gawainet and his companions came to the queen them, how they had rescued her. And the king very gladly
and comforted her most kindly, and she asked them who and joyfully thanked them all, and the barons were all quite
they were. happy about it. Then they withdrew a little above the field
“Lady," said Sir Gawainet, “I am Gawainet, your where the battle had been, and King Arthur had his tent set
nephew, the son of King Lot of Orkney. And this lord is up in the meadow, and all the others did the same; and
King Ban of Benoic, and these other knights are our they went to rest. And the next morning, when it was
companions.” daylight, they set out on the road to Clarence.
And when the lady heard this, she was filled with great But with that the story falls silent from speaking about
gladness, and she thanked them over and over for the King Arthur and his nobles and goes back to speaking
service they had done her. about Margon, King Pignoras’s wine steward.
Then they put her on a palfrey and went back toward Here the story says that Margon hid in the woods until
the army where King Arthur and the other princes were Sir Gawainet, King Ban, and their companions had taken
fighting. And the Saxons lost a great many of their men, for the queen away. Then Margon went back to the spring and
King Arthur had killed Maglory, their king who was the found his horse, which he had tied to an olive tree, and got
mainstay of the Saxons, and [394] King Lot had chopped on. He rode until he came to the army before Clarence,
off the hand of Sinarus. And they had all turned in flight, and he told King Hargadabran that all the foragers he had
when Sir Gawainet and his companions came back bringing sent out were dead or routed. And when King Hargadabran
the queen, whom they had rescued. They met King [395] heard him, he was quite sorry and upset. Then King
Brandon, who was fleeing and had to go through them; the Gundefle jumped up and said to King Hargadabran, “Sir, if
Saxons were four thousand strong, and the whole army was you please, I would like to go find out what has happened.
close behind them and spurring ever faster. But Brandon And I would take with me Salebrun, Sorbares, Meliaduc,
turned back to face them many times, and his men did not and King Bramangue; and we will have with us forty
hit any knight with a sound blow without killing him. And thousand men, for I could not believe that four such
when Sir Gawainet saw what he was doing, and the great powerful men as your cousin King Brandon, King Pincenar,
slaughter of his people, he was certain that he was a King Pignoras, and King Maglory could be brought to
highborn man of mighty stock, and he showed by the way defeat by a force of no account."
he fought that he was a king or a prince; Sir Gawainet And while they were saying these things, behold there
highly esteemed him, and he would have been very glad if came Sinarus, who had his hand cut off, and he told them
he had been a Christian. the truth about what had happened to his arm.
And Sir Gawainet drew near him and said with great When King Hargadabran saw Sinarus in such a state,
courtliness, “Knight, you are worthy and very bold. Are you his sorrow was wondrous, for he loved him greatly. And
a king or a duke that you should have such strength and when he learned of the deaths of the four kings, it was as if
such heart?” he had gone out of his mind, for King Maglory and King
“By my faith,” he answered, “my name is Brandon, and Brandon were his nephews. Then he told King Gundefle
I am king of a part of Saxony. I am the nephew of the that he wanted to avenge his nephews, and he answered
richest king in the world, that is, King Hargadabran, who that he would very gladly do so. And so he set out on the
has all of Saxony under his sway.” way, and he took fifty thousand Saxons with him. And they
“Indeed,” said Sir Gawainet, “that is quite plain to see, broke their men up into five battalions, and each one had
for you are a most worthy and skilled knight, and it is a ten thousand Saxons. King Salebrun led the first one, Duke
386 The Story of Merlin

Lanor of Betingues the second, King Sorbares the third, When King Ban and the other princes heard Merlin
King Brangor and Malakin2 the Castellan the fourth, and shouting, they were deeply ashamed. Then they ran against
King Gundefle and his brother Transmaduk the fifth. They the Saxons with great might, and the Saxons had to give
left the siege of Clarence, one battalion3 after the other, ground, like it or not, and they were driven back into their
and they took to the road toward the casde of Garlot, and third battalion, which King Meliaduc, Duke Frangiles, and
they made their way all night and all day until they met Lanor of Betingues were leading,5 and they came out to
Merlin in a most fair meadow that was a good league and a meet them. And the fighting was so heavy and wondrous,
half long. and the slaughter was so great on both sides, that it was a
There Merlin had set up seven battalions with the first fearsome thing to behold. But then King Brangor6 and
men to come. King Neutres, King Tradelmant, and Duke Malakin the Castellan rejoined the fourth battalion, along
Escant led the first battalion with twenty thousand men. with Galeguinant and King Cleolas, and the fighting was
King Ban, King Bors, and the King of the Hundred Knights ruthless and wicked, so that in little time the field was
led the second with twenty thousand men. King Clarion of covered with the dead and wounded. In that onslaught
Northumberland, the king of South Wales, and Nabunal, Margon the Wine Steward was slain; he was deeply
the seneschal of Gosengos, led the third with thirty mourned by the Saxons, and King Ban killed him with his
thousand men. Cleodalis, the seneschal of Carmelide, King lance. And when King Sorbares saw that, he was filled with
Caradoc, and King Lot of Orkney led the fourth. sorrow, and he rode toward King Ban and meant to strike
Anguingeron, the seneschal of King Clamadeus, Flamus him on his helmet, but King Ban thrust his shield against
(the seneschal of King Evadain), and the seneschal of King the blow, and King Sorbares split it down to the boss; but
Pelles of Listenois led the fifth with thirty thousand men. then the blow glanced down to the neck of the warhorse,
King Brandegorre led the sixth with thirty thousand men. whose head went flying, and both the king and his horse
And Sir Gawainet, his brothers, and the companions of the fell in a heap. And King Sorbares stood over him with his
Round Table were with King Arthur in the seventh, where sword drawn to strike him, but Pharian, who was very angry
there were so many people that they could scarcely be to see his lord on the ground, came over to meet him, and
counted. he struck King Sorbares so hard on the helmet that he split
In such a way did the hosts of the Christians and the him open down to his teeth, and he fell sprawling dead to
hosts of the Saxons meet each other in the meadowlands the ground. Then Pharian took his horse by the reins, led
half a Welsh league from Garlot. And as soon as King him to the king, and helped him get on.
Salebrun saw the Christians, he let loose after them, and And when King Ban was back on a horse, he flew into
Margon the Wine Steward did the same. And when Duke the fray filled with wrath, and he began to do wonders with
Escant saw it, he went out to meet them. But Tromoret, his fighting. And Pharian, Gratian, Anselm, Dionas, King
who was castellan of Cambenic, went out ahead and struck Bors, King Neutres, and all the other princes did wonders
Salebrun so hard on his shield that his lance flew into bits, all by themselves, and there were so many Saxons dead and
and the Saxon hit him so hard that the tip of his lance4 wounded that the field was all covered with them, and they
went through his body, and he sent him [396] sprawling could not get to one another except by going over the
dead to the ground. And when Duke Escant saw that, he dead.
grew very angry, and in his great wrath, he struck Salebrun While this great slaughter was going on, all the
so soundly that he drove his lance through his body. Then battalions joined the fray except King Arthur’s alone, and
he said to him, “Lowborn traitor, now you are dead, but for Merlin took this one around until they came up behind the
all that, I won’t have back my friend, who was my others, and then they rushed in headlong without mercy.
liegeman.” And as soon as Sir Gawainet and Eliezer, Wain and his
With that, the battalions gathered on both sides, and brothers, [397] and the companions of the Round Table
the clanging of swords and snapping of lances were very had come in and gathered about the battalion, open
loud, and great numbers died on both sides. But as soon as displays of knightly prowess could be seen by all. They
King Ban, King Bors, and the King of the Hundred Knights, slaughtered knights and horses, diey sent shields flying
who were leading the second battalion, came in and saw the from necks and helmets from heads, they chopped off feet
second Saxon battalion make its move, they rushed and hands, and they did such wonders that scarcely could
headlong into them, and great wonders of skilled fighting anyone believe the great slaughter of the Saxons they did.
could be seen, with many knights tumbling and thrown And Kay the Seneschal, whom Merlin had entrusted to
down, many hauberks cut through and links undone, many carry the great ensign, was always out ahead in the first
helmets flying from heads and shields from necks; and the rank, for he was very bold. There, above all, Sir Gawainet
killing was fearsome on both sides. fought boldly, and King Arthur did as well, for he met no
And when Merlin saw that the Saxons were so mighty, Saxon with a sound blow whom he did not kill. And the
he shouted to King Ban, “What are you doing? You should princes, who had come for the love of God, fought boldly
already have sent them all on their way a while ago, for you too, and they did so well that they were sure to have the
have half again as many men as they! ” pardon. And the Queen’s Knights fought so boldly that no
one was left standing after they had hit, for they struck
2Thus 396,1. 21; here the text reads machadins (395,1. 18). down as many as they met. And thus the fields were strewn
3Here the word is eschiele (395,1. 20): “echelon.”
4Here the word is espiel (395, 1. 41), usually translated as
5Above (395,1. 17) Lanor led the first Saxon battalion.
“spear.”
6Here the form is mancors (396,1. 21). See 395,1. 18.
The Story of Merlin 387
with the dead and wounded, so that no one could move them, and it was done just as he had ordered. And when
about without going over them. they were ready, they took to the road straight to Clarence.
When the Saxons saw that they were surrounded, they And when they came near enough to King Hargadabran’s
were so stricken with fright that they were put to rout. And army that they could clearly see their tents and pavilions,
without a doubt they were so dreadfully weakened that of Merlin pointed them out to King Arthur and said to him,
five kings, one earl, one duke, and sixty-eight thousand “Sir, look, there are the ones at whose orders your barons’
Saxons, not four thousand of them got away, and all the lands have been laid waste and stripped. Now we’ll see how
rest were slain or maltreated. Even so, they gave themselves they take their vengeance today. For now we have come to
up at a fearsomely high price, for so many Christians were the point of winning or losing everything. Today we’ll see
slain that the damage was bewailed for as long as King who has prowess in him. Today we’ll see who can fight
Arthur lived; many a lady was left a widow, and many a boldly with sword and lance. Today the great and worthy
noble maiden was bereft of comfort. knighthood of the Kingdom of Logres will be displayed.
When Duke Gundefle and Duke Lanor of Betingues Today will be our time of great need and trial, for in this
saw the great slaughter of their people by the Christians, day the Kingdom of Logres will be destroyed or brought to
and when they saw that they were shut off so that they could honor. And I tell you and your barons together,” he went
not get back to the army, they were deeply upset, for they on, “that you sorely need to pray to Our Lord to defend the
saw plainly that they would be killed if they could not Kingdom of Logres from shame and misfortune.”
decide what was best to do. Then they looked to the side, And they all answered, “So be it!"
over to the sea, where the Christians had left a little And then they said, friends and foreigners alike, that
opening; they took flight that way, down through the they would do anything he wanted, and he advised them
meadowland, straight to the sea, which was nearby. And that, if they were willing to exert great effort, they need not
when King Arthur saw them heading there, he shouted, worry, for victory would be theirs that day. And they
“Now, after them!” Then the Christians spurred after them answered that they were ready to do so.
all together, and many a blow was struck in the chase, for “I want you to swear to me,” said Merlin, “that you will
the Saxons were large and strong, skilled and bold, and full do everything as I wish it.”
of great prowess, and many times they would turn about to And they answered that they would do so gladly.
face the ones who were following them. Many a Saxon was “Even so,” said Merlin to King Arthur, “you must swear
slain and many a Christian killed or wounded, and the it to me first."
chase went on, with the Saxons fleeing and then turning And the king said that he could be sure that he was
about until they came to the sea, where they found three of ready to do all his bidding, and he swore it straightway, and
their galleys, which were led by Landalis, a Saxon who had the others did as well.
stopped there to wait for foodstuffs from those who had Then Merlin said to them, “Dear lords, today has
gone to forage at the castle of Garlot. And when the dawned the day of the destruction of Great Britain, if God
runaways saw the galleys, they were gready gladdened, and does not help us. In no way can the destruction be avoided,
all those who could rushed aboard them, but they could nor can these people ever live in safety, until you have all
not prevent more than two thousand on both sides from made peace with King Arthur. And this is what you have
drowning, while those who had boarded the ships cut the sworn to me.”
anchor lines, hoisted the sails, and took to the sea as When the barons heard that, there were some of them
quickly as they could; and they went wherever they were who did not like it, but it could not be otherwise, so they
taken by the wind, which had turned its wheel unfavorably. agreed to everything Merlin wished, and they all swore
And when King Arthur and his nobles saw that they fealty to King Arthur one after the other; and all who were
had thus lost the Saxons, they turned back to their tents in not already his liegemen^ received their lands and fiefs
the meadowlands of Garlot. And after they had [398] taken back from him. And there was great rejoicing throughout
off their armor, they rested and took their ease as best they the army.
could; they were in great need of it, for they were tired and And then they set up their battalions and went out
worn out from giving and taking blows in the fighting, against the Saxons, who were at the siege before the
which had been very heavy. And then they went to eat, and wealthy city of Clarence, which they attacked every day. But
after the meal, they looked to their sick and had them it was so strong that they could not take any part of it, [399]
taken to the castle of Garlot. There were thirty-five knights for it was very well stocked inside with good men and food.
wounded, five of them knights of the Round Table, about All who could bear arms from ten leagues all around were
whom King Arthur was quite sad and upset; one of them in the city, knights and burghers, one and all; there were a
was Hervi of Rivel, the second Males the Dark, the third good fifty-five thousand,8 who were all skilled, bold, and
Clamadeus, the fourth Aristobokis, and the fifth Landens of good defensive fighters, and they strongly defended the city
Carmelike. And the king entreated the physicians to take against the Saxons. They threw at them many a dart and
good care of them, and they answered that he should not many a big, sharp spike, with which they brought down
be worried, for they would have them hale and hardy in a many a Saxon, who would never get up again.
short time, with the help of God. And so they stayed there
that night. 'Sommer’s text is less specific, qui le durent fedre (398, 1. 41):
The next morning Merlin ordered the tents and “who ought to have done so/needed to do so.”
pavilions to be taken down, and he said that everyone ®The text reads .lx. Of .xv. Mile (399,11. 3-4), that is, two score
should come after him ready to fall on their foes and hurt (thousand) and fifteen thousand.
388 The Story of Merlin

The city was quite large, and they were ruthlessly Hengist the Saxon. And they began to fight so skillfully that
attacking it when Merlin and his companions came there. they were praised, esteemed, and watched in great wonder
And when they were near the tents, Merlin sent in his men by Saxons and the Christians. On the other side of the
in four battalions against the four sides of the Saxon host, batdefield, King Ban, King Bors, King Neutres, and King
and they flew in among the tents and pavilions and began Urien were doing their share of fighting. Elsewhere were
to cut the ropes and supports and overturn them. And the King Tradelmant of North Wales, the King of the Hundred
Saxons, who were not on the lookout for such an Knights, King Clarion of Northumberland, and Duke
onslaught, heard the uproar and saw the pavilions falling Escant of Cambenic. On yet another side, King Belinant,
down everywhere, and they were greatly frightened. They the king of Estrangorre, King Aguisant, King Yder, Minoras
broke off their attack and ran to the encampment as fast as (King Lac’s seneschal), and Claalant of Listenois were
they could, and there was such an uproar and loud fighting in their turn. Somewhere else, Anguingeron, the
shouting of battlecries that they could be heard half a seneschal of King Clamadeus; Flamus, King Evadain’s
league away. Then bloodthirsty and wondrous fighting seneschal; Galeguinant, the seneschal of Galehaut, son of
began, and they struck one another with swords and lances, the Fair Giantess; and Margondes, the seneschal of Sorelois,
and the slaughter was dreadful on both sides. But for every were doing their share, and they had all come there for
Christian who died, five Saxons were killed, although they love of Our Lord. Somewhere else still Gosengos, the son of
were stronger and better armed, but the Christians were King Amant, his seneschal, Nabunal, and Cleodalis, the
wonderfully swift and nimble and skilled at hard fighting seneschal of King Leodagan of Carmelide, were also
and heavy warfare. fighting. And somewhere else yet again were King Arthur,
When the Christians had driven into the horde of King Lot of Orkney, Sir Gawainet, Agravain, Guerrehet,
Saxons, you could have seen the beginning of wondrous Gaheriet, Sir Wain son of King Urien, Sagremor, and Kay
fighting. In the first assault many a Christian was struck the Seneschal, who bore the ensign. And the battle began
down and many a Saxon put to death, and about this King in earnest on all sides, and it was a wonder to behold.
Hargadabran was very sad and upset. He held a great shaft And Merlin went from one battalion to another, riding
of oak with a big, sharp iron tip, and he rode as fast as he a huge charger, and he shouted in a loud voice, “Now we’ll
could make his horse run toward King Cleolas, who had see, sir knights! The day has come when your prowess will
come to the war for love of Our Lord with seven thousand be displayed! ”
men who were fighting quite well in the batde. And when When the kings and princes heard him shouting these
King Cleolas saw him coming, he did not deign to move things, they sought, heedless of the danger, to show the
aside, for he was of great boldness, but he turned his utmost strength they could. And when those in the city saw
horse’s head toward him, his lance on its felt holder and his that the fighting had grown so deadly, and they saw
shield in front of his chest, and at full speed they struck Christians and Saxons spill to the ground so thick that they
each other on their shields so hard that they drove through were falling on top of one another, they were convinced
them and cut their hauberks open, and the iron tips went diat this was the help that Our Lord had sent them. So they
right by their sides but did not break the skin. And they hit had their gates opened and rode out all in armor, and they
each other with their shields, for their horses had come in drove headlong into the batde with all their might and
at great speed, and crashed into each other, chest to chest, began to do wonders of fighting. But however boldly
so hard that they both spilled to the ground, taking their anyone may have fought that day, King Arthur outstripped
horses down on top of them, and their lances flew into them all, along with Sir Gawainet, his brothers, and King
pieces; and they lay on the ground in such a daze that Bors, for no one could withstand their blows, and they
neither of them could move. Their horses were lying on top fought so hard that the Saxons were routed. Of all the kings
of them as they had been killed, and the two kings lay whom King Hargadabran had called together and brought
beneath them in a faint. And the fight to get the two there, he was one of six to get away, the others being King
princes back on horseback was hard, for all the battalions of Orient, Sorbares, Comicans, the fleet commander Napins,
the Saxons had run to that side, as had those of the and Murgalant of Trebeham. These five got away with King
Christians, and many a blow was given and taken. At last the Hargadabran; they had with them thirty thousand Saxons,
Saxons got King Hargadabran back on his horse, but before and they all left, downcast and routed, [401] as fast as their
that, more than two thousand had been killed on both horses could go, and they rushed straight to their fleet. And
sides. At the same time, the Christians put King Cleolas on those who were unwilling to let them go ran after them with
his horse, but they found that he had broken his left arm in all their might as far as the sea. They were on their heels as
falling, and his men were sorry and upset about it, and they the Saxons boarded the ships they had, and a good half of
had him carried at once to the baggage wagons. [400] And them were slain or drowned. And the ones who did get
when they had laid him down and made him comfortable, aboard went away upset and bewailing the great loss they
he called his men together very kindly and entreated them had suffered.
to go straight back to the batde. He gave them his And they had not gone far before they met the ship of
seneschal, Guionce, to lead them, and they granted him King Gundefle and King Lanor, who were fleeing from
everything he wanted. their rout, and they recognized one another straightway.
Then they charged back into the batde in great anger, And thus they sailed out to sea.
burning to avenge their lord, and in the onslaught they But now the story falls silent about them and goes back
killed two Saxon kings, one of whom was named King to speaking about King Arthur and his companions.
Brangor and the other King Margondes, the first cousin of
The Story of Merlin 389
49. The Castle of the Fens.1 of them were somewhat slender,2 but the fifth was large,
wondrous, and well fortified all about, and outside it was
Now the story says that after King Arthur had routed the defended by a double moat full of water. And the tower in
Saxons and they had boarded their ships, he and his nobles the middle was so high that one could hardly shoot to the

went back happy and gladdened. And they went out to the top with a hand-held bow. And all around, beyond the

battlefield and thanked God most tenderly for the honor outside walls, were marshes spreading out a good two

and the victory He had given them and for the lavish leagues that were so full of mire3 and water that no one

winnings they had in gold, silver, lush silk cloth, pavilions, could go in there without drowning. There was only one

warhorses, and good armor. With the permission of the way into this castle, and it was so narrow that two horses

princes, King Arthur had it divided among one and all could not pass if they met, and at the other end of the

according to their estate, and he kept none of it for causeway was a quite lovely pine tree beside the water in a

himself, not a penny’s worth. And then the princes went meadow a quarter acre in size, where the grass grew tall and

into the city happy and joyful. And they had the dead fair; and the pine was full and beautiful. On one of the high
buried, and they stayed there five days. limbs a horn of ivory whiter than snow hung on a silver

And the news ran about the countryside that the chain, and those who sought shelter within or wanted to

Saxons had been driven away from the city of Clarence and pass through blew it to ask for a joust. The horn that hung

killed or wounded. And even the Saxons who had not been there served for the two things I have explained.

in the rout left the country and went back to Saxony, When King Ban, King Bors, and their companions

sorrowing and upset about the friends they had lost. came to the pine tree and saw the horn hanging there, they

And after King Arthur had stayed five days joyfully said to one another that it did not hang there for no

celebrating in the city, the princes left him and went back reason, and they thought it must be for crossing the ford or

to their countries. They left in great love of Arthur, and asking for a joust, but they saw that the castle was so far

they held their lands from him. And the foreign princes, away that they did not believe the sound of the horn could

who had come there out of love for Our Lord, also went reach that far. Meanwhile, they found that the castle was
handsome and rich and well placed, and they could not
back to their countries. And King Arthur, King Ban, King
Bors, King Lot of Orkney, Sir Gawainet, and their have had a better look at its great size than from where they

companions came straight back to the city of Camelot. They were, and they also saw that the causeway and entry way
were so strong and so narrow that they were struck with
were lavishly welcomed by Queen Guenevere and all the
amazement.
people.
And the two kings asked Merlin if he knew the name of
And then Merlin came to Arthur and said to him, “Sir,
the casde that was so handsome and well placed that they
thanks be to God, this time you have freed the land from
would be happy to own it. And Merlin told them that it was
those wicked people, and you and all Christendom should
the Castle of the Fens, and it belonged to a knight who was
have great gladness, for you are now in peace. Now King
of great prowess and great renown, worthy and bold in
Ban and King Bors can go back to their countries, for it has
fighting, and his name was Agravadain the Black.
been a long time since they have seen their wives and their
“By my faith,” said King Ban, “many times I’ve heard
lands; and in their countries they have a wicked neighbor
about Agravadain the Black. God help me, he must be a
who would willingly do them harm if he had the power, and
most worthy gendeman to have such a good dwelling, for
that is King Claudas of the Land Laid Waste. So they’ll cross
this is the fairest of all the castles I’ve ever seen. I would be
the sea and take care of their lands and their business.”
very glad to lie there tonight, if the lord who lives there is
And when King Arthur heard this, he answered him
willing.”
most courteously and said, “Merlin, dear friend,” said King
“That will indeed happen to you,” said Merlin, “but no
Arthur, “the princes will do as they will, and you as you will,
unknown knight may go to the castle, and no one dares
but I would rather that they and you should stay and not go
[403] drink any of the water, without a fight, unless he has
away, for it should bother no prince to keep company with
blown the horn.”
such worthy gentlemen as they and you are. Even so, since
“I will blow the horn,” said King Ban, “if you allow me.”
that is your pleasure and your will, I must accept it.”
“By my faith," said Merlin, “there is no danger in
“Sir," said Merlin, “it must be so. Indeed, you do not
blowing it, since you wish to ask for a joust or for leave to
need [402] them to stay behind.”
drink.”
So the two kings left and took to the road toward the
“By my faith,” said King Ban, “it would be dangerous if
sea amid great rejoicing. And Merlin, who loved them very
I blew it and you had forbidden me to.”
much, went along with them because of that love. As it
“I indeed advise you to do it,” said Merlin, “for, God
happened, the first night after they had left Camelot, they
willing, no harm will come to you from it.”
came upon a casde that sat in a marshland, and it was so
At once King Ban went to the pine tree where the horn
well placed and so sturdy that it did not fear any attack.
was hanging; he put the horn to his lips and blew it loud
That castle was enclosed all around by two pairs of thick,
high walls topped with battlements with narrow openings
for easy defense. And within the bailey were five high, 2The word here is moiem.es (402,1. 9): “medium.”
straight towers, all of them round, rising to the clouds; four ^he word is rai (402, 1. 13), which Sommer did not
understand. He suggests that it may be a scribal error for tai
(“mud, mire”) (402, n. 2). In addition to a kind of fish, also
* Corresponds to Sommer, 401—407.
suggested by Sommer (n. 2), red can mean a stream of water.
390 The Story of Merlin

and clear, for he was strong and had enough wind, and the When the two kings had been dressed in the two cloaks
marshland resounded with it. And the sounds of the water that two of the maidens had put over their shoulders,
and the marsh bore the sound of the horn into the castle, Agravadain showed them how glad he was to welcome
so that the lord who was the castellan heard it plainly. And them. And when it was time to eat, the tables were set up in
he shouted, as was their custom, “Now to arms!” And the the middle of the hall, which was quite large and wide. And
king started to blow another time, and he blew it three he had the two brother kings sit next to each other at the
times very fast, for the casde was so far away that King Ban head of the high table, and Agravadain sat between them
did not believe they could hear it there. and his wife, who was most lovely and youthful, for she was
When the lord who was the castellan heard the horn not yet thirty years old; and the knights sat at tables
being blown so hard and so many times, he took it as a throughout the hall. And the three maidens who were so
great insult, so he mounted a big dapple-gray warhorse, his appealing stood before the two kings and Agravadain—and
shield about his neck and his lance in his hand. The gate before Merlin.
was opened, and he rode out at great speed and came And Merlin had taken on the likeness of a youth
straight to the ford. And when he saw the people on the fifteen years of age. He was wearing a somewhat short red
other side, he shouted to them, “What people are you?” and white tunic. About his waist was a silk belt two inches
And King Ban answered, “Sir, we are knights who ask wide with gold rings here and there, and from this hung a
you for shelter tonight in your castle. And, if you please, we purse of beaten gold. His hair was blond'* and curly, and his
would like to water our horses in this ford.” eyes were wide-set and speckled gray. And he was on his
‘Whose men are you?” asked Agravadain. knees carving before King Ban. People kept looking at him,
“Dear sir,” answered Merlin, who was closest to the for no one there knew who he was except the two brother
causeway, “they are from another land that is a part of kings, although the others with them thought that he
Gaul.” belonged to the household of the lord of the casde.
“What part?” And because of the great worth and beauty they saw in
“Sir, they hold their lands from King Arthur.” him, the maidens gazed at him from time to time. But
“In God’s name, they have a good overlord. They Agravadain’s daughter still had eyes to look at King Ban
cannot be dishonored by King Arthur, for he is a worthy more than anything else because of Merlin’s spell, and her
man and a good knight, and he is my overlord. And for his color kept changing. She could hardly wait for the
sake you will have lodging to your liking.” tablecloths to be taken away, for she very much would have
“Thank you very much,” said Merlin. liked to lie naked in his arms, yet she did not know where
Agravadain turned about at once and told the knights this yearning came from.
to follow him, for they were most welcome. And they took The maiden was brooding and suffering a great deal
off right away after the knight, one after the other, on the because of the spell Merlin had cast. At the same time, King
causeway. They rode as far as the castle gate and then went Ban was in such distress that he shunned the laughter and
in behind the knight who was lord there, and they did not games at table, and he did not know how that had
have room to turn their horses until they had gone through happened to him. And he was in such great distress that his
the gate. And then the lord himself led them up to the mind turned to brooding about it, for he had a young lady
casde. Then serving boys and squires ran out to help them for a wife, and she was of very great beauty, and he did not
down. And the lord himself took the two kings by the hand, wish to wrong her; moreover, he thought that it might be
for they seemed to him to be worthy gendemen and landed treasonous, because the people of the castle had done them
princes, and he led them into a room which was at the great honor there and had given them shelter, and it
bottom of the tower, where he had their armor taken off, as seemed to him that they could bring them no greater
was most fitdng, and his own as well. And while he was shame than to dishonor their host’s daughter in such a way.
being disarmed, three maidens endowed with great beauty He was so distraught that he did not know what to do, and
came in; they brought in dark red cloaks lined with black all the time he said in his heart that he would not ask
ermine and put them over the shoulders of the two kings anything of her. And Merlin, who well knew what was
and their lord. happening to them, said to himself that it would not be as
And King Ban, who was light-hearted and under love’s King Ban said, for it would be a very great shame if they did
sway, was glad to look at the maidens. He liked their com¬ not get together, “for a fruit will be bom of them, and the
pany and the way they looked, for they were wondrously land of Britain will be honored by him because of his great
lovely and delightful to watch, and they were at a good age, prowess. ”
for the eldest was not yet twenty-four years old. But the Thus spoke Merlin to himself. And after the
daughter of the castle was by far the most beautiful. Merlin tablecloths had been taken away and they had washed their
looked at her [404] in great distress, and he thought to hands, they went to stand at the windows and look up and
himself that anyone would be very lucky if he could sleep down the marshes, and all around they could see the
with such a maiden. “And if it weren’t for the great love I countryside that was so fair that [405] it was no wonder they
have for Viviane, my lady love,” he said, “I would be holding forgot themselves until it was time to go to bed. Then they
her in my arms tonight. But since I cannot have her for went into a room next to the great hall where the maidens
myself, I’ll see that King Ban will have her.” had prepared two beds that befitted such princes as they,
Then he cast a spell with litde ado, and as soon as he
had done it, King Ban and Agravadain’s daughter fell
^The text reads si ot le chief blanc (404, 1. 18): “his head was
deeply in love with each other. white.”
The Story of Merlin 391
and they went to bed with great rejoicing. And when the believe that it had been brought about by Merlin. And
two kings had lain down, Merlin began to cast another Merlin came to him and told him that it was time to ride.
spell, and all who were there went to sleep except King Ban And when the two kings had got out of bed and dressed
and the young lady. They were so overwhelmed by each along with all the others, the lord of the castle and the
other that they could not rest or sleep. And Merlin, who three maidens came to the two kings and greeted them,
meant to bring to an end what he had begun, came into the and they returned their greetings. And when King Ban saw
room where the maiden lay, took her gently by the hand, the young lady who had lain with him all that night, he
and said to her, “Get up, fair one, and come to him who looked at her very thoughtfully and she at him, lowering
yearns so for you.” her face because she was deeply ashamed that she had been
And she, who was so bewitched that she could hardly so intimate with him and had yielded herself to him. Yet,
say no to what he wanted, at once jumped out of bed all from that time forth there was not one hour when she did
naked but for her shift and underclothing, and Merlin led not love him more than any other man, and it was plain to
her by the hand past her father’s bed and the beds of the see, for after that she never touched a man, but said to
other knights from there, but they were sleeping so soundly herself that a woman who had given herself to a king
that they would not have awakened if the castle had been should not yield to a man of lower birth, nor did she ever
torn down on top of them. So Merlin and the maiden made want to take a husband.
their way until they came into the room where the two And King Ban took her by the hand and said to her
kings were lying, and they found King Ban and King Bors very kindly, “Lady, I must leave, but wherever I am, I am
sleeping very deeply, because they were under Merlin’s your knight and your friend. And I beg you to mind what
power. you do and take care of yourself, for you are pregnant with
They went directly to King Ban, who was very ill at ease, a son who will bring you great gladness and joy, you can be
and Merlin said to him, “Sir, look, here is the good and sure of it.”
lovely maiden who will bear the good and handsome son Merlin had made him aware of this, and thanks to
whose renown will be great throughout the kingdom of Merlin he knew some of the things that were to come.
Logres.” And the young lady answered in a low voice, smiling,
When the king saw the maiden and heard what Merlin “Sir, if I am, then may God, by His holy will, grant me
said to him, he stretched out his hands and, happy and greater joy than I have in your behavior, for never have
joyful, took her to him, for he yearned deeply for her, and people in love been parted so quickly. But since it behooves
he did not have the strength to withstand temptation, you to go, I will be comforted as best I can, because I am
because of the spell that had been cast; and if he had not left with child. And if I live long enough to see him, he will
been bewitched, he would not have done what he did for be for me a mirror and a reminder of you."
the whole kingdom of Logres, for he mightily feared Our Hearing these words, King Ban put his arms about her
Lord. But he sat up and welcomed the maiden into his neck and, smiling, commended her to God, and she went
arms, and she took off her underclothing and her shift and back into her room with her maidens. And the two kings
lay down beside him. And they were as merry and as loving and Merlin said farewell to the lady of the castle and the
as if they had been together for twenty years, for neither lord too, and thanked them most kindly for the courtesy
one was afraid or ashamed of the other, and this is the way they had shown them. Then they got on their horses and
that Merlin had ordained it. And this is how King Ban and rode out of the casde across the causeway, one after the
the maiden were all night until daybreak. And then Merlin other. And Agravadain was a fourth member of their group
came in—he knew very well what time it was—and he made and went along with his guests as far as the pine tree and
the young lady get up; and she put her shift and then turned back.
underclothing back on. And the king took a litde ring off And the two kings rode until they came to the sea, and
his finger and said to her, “Dear, you will keep this ring and they boarded boats and crossed over with great rejoicing
my love.” and festivity. And when they had reached the shore in the
And the young lady took it and put it on her finger; port, they got out of the boats, got on their horses, and
then she left straightway and commended him to God. And made their way until they came to the city of Benoic, where
Merlin took her back to her own bed and made her lie they were greeted with very great joy. But more than
down all naked. And she went to sleep at once, for she had anyone else, the two queens were glad to see their
conceived a son in whom Lancelot afterwards took great joy husbands. The two kings stayed with their wives in the city
and great pride, because of the great good there was in of Benoic, and Merlin stayed there with them for a full
him. eight days. And on the ninth, he took leave of the two kings
After Merlin had put the young lady back in the bed and the two queens and the other barons and went straight
from which he had taken her, he went back to his own bed to his lady love.
and lay down. Then he undid his spell and everyone in the She was very glad to see him, for she loved him with a
castle awoke, and it was already quite late. So the squires deep love, because of the great nobility she had found in
and the serving men got up, put on their armor, saddled him, and he loved nothing so much as her, for he taught
their horses, and packed up [406] chests and trunks. And her what he was unwilling to show anyone else. And he
Merlin came straight to King Ban, who was still asleep. The stayed a week with her and then left and came straight to
spell that made him fall in love with the young lady had Blaise, his master, who longed very much to see him. And
been broken; he was well aware that he had lain with her, Merlin [407] told him about the gathering on the Plain of
but he did not know how it had happened, although he did Salisbury and how the queen of Garlot had been rescued,
392 The Story of Merlin

and he told him about all the things that had happened time of need, just as the story will reveal it to you later.
since he left him. [408]
But with that, the story now falls silent about Blaise and King Arthur held a very great celebration the eve of
Merlin and goes back to speaking about King Arthur and mid-August for the wealthy nobility that had come. After
his companions. the king and the barons had heard vespers in the High
Church of St. Stephen, tables were set up everywhere, in
tents and pavilions on the grass, which was green, for the
king and all the barons ate in the meadows, because not all
50. Arthur’s Mid-August Court; King Rion’s
of them could do so in the city. Elsewhere were Queen
Challenge.1 Guenevere, the ladies wed and unwed, King Arthur’s sisters,
the wife of King Lot of Orkney, King Urien’s wife, the
Now the story says that when King Ban, King Bors, and queen of Garlot, the queens of Benoic and Gaunes, and the
Merlin had left King Arthur to go back to their countries, other countesses, queens, and ladies. And there was such
King Arthur stayed in Camelot, happy and joyful with joyful celebration that it was a wonder to behold, for in all
Queen Guenevere, his wife, who loved him with great love the land of the king of Britain, everywhere King Arthur
and he her; and they spent a long time in love and pleasure held sway, there was not a singer or musician who had not
until it was close to mid-August. And then King Arthur told come to that festival. And everyone was served at that meal
Sir Gawainet that on that festival he wanted to hold a lavish as befitted the court of such a powerful man as King Arthur
court where all who held land from him would be. was, and they all had a good time that evening until it was
‘Tor at no celebration I have ever held,” he went on, the hour to go to bed, when all who needed it rested until
“have they been gathered all together.” the next morning.
And he wanted word to be sent to all of them near and In the morning the king, the wealthy barons, and the
far, friends and foreigners. “And I wish each one to bring queens got up and went to hear Mass at St. Stephen’s, the
his wife or his lady love with him,” he went on, “to honor high church of Camelot, and the service was celebrated in
my celebration all the more.” honor of the sweet Lady of Paradise, whose feast day it was,
And Sir Gawainet told him that he had spoken very and the offerings were generous and lavish. King Arthur
well and that such a proposal had come from a noble heart. and the other kings wore crowns that day, as did all the
“So I beg you,” he went on, “do your utmost, since you have queens, in honor of the high feast day, and there were
talked so much about it, to bring honor to yourself then." twenty-six crowned heads, as many kings as queens, for
And the king said, “Of course, dear nephew, I long to King Arthur was the thirteenth among the kings and Queen
hold such a court that it will be talked about forever.” Guenevere the thirteenth among the queens.
Then King Arthur had charters and letters written, and And when Mass had been said and the service ended,
he sent them to the barons and the knights, and he sent King Arthur went up to his great hall with all the other
them word, if they held his love dear, to come to the city of kings behind him, all wearing crowns, and Queen
Camelot on the eve of Our Lady’s Day in mid-August, for Guenevere did the same, with all the queens behind her,
then he wanted to hold a lavish high court, and everyone each one with a golden crown on her head. King Arthur sat
should bring along his wife or lady love. And the at the high table and had the twelve other kings sit at his
messengers went out to the princes and the barons; they table from head to foot by rank, and in honor of the high
showed them the letters and spread the message Lady whose feast day it was, he had Queen Guenevere sit
throughout the countryside. And the barons and princes beside him wearing her crown, and all the other kings did
adorned themselves the most handsomely and becomingly likewise with their queens. At the other tables sat the dukes,
they knew how, and they came to court just as the king had the earls, and the other princes all in order, and the other
ordered. And everyone who had a wife brought her with knights were seated most richly in the meadowland in tents
him, and the others, who were unwed, brought their lady and pavilions, and they celebrated with great dignity and
loves. And so many came that it was a wonder to behold, for joy, and the knights and minstrels did so much singing that
not a tenth of them could be lodged in the city of Camelot, never had there been such rejoicing at any court.
and the others found shelter in the meadowland, which was While they were celebrating with such festivity, and as
wide and beautiful, in tents and pavilions. Kay the Seneschal brought the first dish before the king
The king joyfully welcomed them with great honor. and queen, the most handsome form of a man they had
And Queen Guenevere, who was the best-taught lady in the ever seen came in. He wore a tunic of samite and was
world, gladly welcomed the queens, the ladies, and the girded with a belt of silk with golden rings and precious
maidens, for she was more clever than any lady known in stones that flashed with such brightness that all of the great
the world. She gave them lavish gifts of gold, silver, and hall shone with it. He had blond, curly hair and had a
costly silk cloth according to who each one was, and she did crown on his head like a king. He had on bright-colored
it so well that everyone said that there was no lady as worthy stockings and shoes of white leather edged in golden
as she. Meanwhile, King Arthur gave out clothing, armor, embroidery, buckled with gold clasps. And he had about his
and horses, and he did the gentlemen such honor and neck a harp that was all of richly-worked silver with strings
courtesy that they loved him for it for as long as they lived, of fine gold, and it was studded with precious stones. And
and they showed it afterwards in many a batde and many a the man was so handsome of body, [409] of face, and of
limb that a more beautiful creature had never been seen.
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 407-413. But one thing was dreadfully wrong with him, for he could
The Story of Merlin 393
not see at all; even so, his eyes were clear and fair. A chain back on the appointed day to the castle of Carhaix. At the
was hanging from his belt, and at the other end was tied a same time King Rion came back with all his men. And they
little dog whiter than snow; he wore about his neck a litde laid siege to the city all around and took in their plunder
collar of silk with gold rings. And this dog led him straight and whatever else came their way.
before King Arthur. He was playing a Breton lay so sweetly But Cleodalis, the seneschal of Carmelide who was a
on his harp that it was good music to hear. And after the most valiant man and faithful to his lord, fiercely
refrain of his lay, he greeted King Arthur and Queen challenged them, for he was very worthy. He rode out with
Guenevere and all those gathered there. And Kay the twenty thousand knights whom he had engaged there to
Seneschal, who was carrying the first dish, lingered awhile guard the borderland, and he fought them very fiercely
before putting it down to listen to the harp, so keen was he because they were pillaging what belonged to him. He won
to hear its sound. it back and brought it back into the casde and had the gates
But with that, the story falls silent here about all of shut.
them, and we will tell you about King Rion of the Isles. And King Rion and his men encamped around the
In this part the story says that, when King Rion was castle and had tents and pavilions set up, and they rested all
routed by King Arthur and King Leodagan of Carmelide, that night. The next morning they began an assault with
he left the battle sad and upset and went back to his shooting and hurling. And King Leodagan and Cleodalis
country gloomy and downcast, and he swore an oath that left the town by a hidden gate that opened upon the river
never in his life would he have joy and rest until he had right at the tent of Solinas, who had gone to fight near a
King Leodagan stripped of everything that belonged to him litde gate. And King Leodagan and Cleodalis charged
and driven out of the land. And he sent out letters and headlong in among the tents, and they threw to the ground
called his men together from throughout his whole as many as they came to, and they took gold, silver, dishes,
kingdom far and wide, and from the kingdoms of all the and bolts of silk cloth, and they forced their way back to the
kings he had conquered, of whom there were nine by casde with it.
count, and so many came that it was a wonder to see. The Then those in the horde were most distraught and
first king who came at King Rion’s summons was King upset, but King Rion said that it would be worthless to
Paladem, with fifteen thousand bold, skilled men. Next them, for he would not leave the casde without taking it
came King Safur with twelve thousand men dressed in iron. and having King Leodagan at his mercy. So they pulled
And King Sarmedon brought fourteen thousand, King back and stopped their assault, and they went on thus for
Argant2 eleven thousand, and King Taurus thirteen five days, without shooting arrows or throwing spears. While
thousand who were stouthearted and burning to avenge King Rion was in this lull, a messenger came to him and
King Rion’s shame. Afterward came King Aride of Galore, told him that King Arthur had routed the Saxons and
who brought fifteen thousand with him. And King Solinas driven them from his land, and that on the day of mid-
brought twenty thousand all riding good horses. And King August he was to hold high court in the city of Camelot.
Kahanin brought ten thousand, and they were all knights. And when King Rion heard this, he said, “Let’s let him feast
And King Alipansin3 of the Grazing Fields brought twenty now, for as soon as I have King Leodagan in my power, I’ll
thousand. go see him with so many men that he can’t hold out against
After they had come and joined together on the orders them. Even so, if King Arthur came to me for mercy while I
of King Rion, and he saw them before him, he lodged his am sdll here, and before I go against him with my army, I
complaint and made his plea for all to hear. And he told would take pity on him, and I would let him rule if he held
them quite frankly, “Sirs, you are all my men, and you hold his land from me.”
your lands and fiefs from me, and by your oath you owe “Sir,” said his men, “send him your messengers and let
faith to me against all other men. And because I know your him know that, for he would be better off to become your
hearts to be noble and true, and you would not wish to man than to be stripped of his belongings and driven from
wrong me in any way, I therefore beseech you to help me his land.”
avenge my shame—not mine, but yours! For anyone who “I’ll do it,” said King Rion.
does a shameful or wrongful deed does it not to me alone, Then he had a letter written and sealed with his seal,
but to you all together. And so, on the oaths that you have and he had all his barons put their seals on it. And when it
sworn to me, I ask you to come two months from today had been sealed with ten royal seals, he called one of his
before the city of Carhaix and move against King Leodagan knights whom he trusted very much and made him swear
of Carmelide, who by his might beat me and drove me from on holy relics that he would deliver the letter into the
the field, and I ask that vengeance be taken." hands of King Arthur, and he swore that he would. Then
And they answered all of a voice that they did not need King Rion gave him the letter, and he left him and set out
to be asked, for they would do it very willingly. With that, on the road to Camelot with only one squire. And King
they went their own ways, and each one came back to his Rion stayed behind at the castle of Carhaix and ordered his
country. And they got themselves ready and [410] came men to arm themselves to assault Carhaix, for it was quite
bitter for him that this castle, which had so few people,
meant to hold out against him as long as it could. He had,
2Here the form is agans (409,1. 23); the form argant is found
he thought,4 more knights in his horde than there were
at 411,1. 13.
3Here the form is alipantis (409, 1. 27), but G.D. West (13a)
identifies this Alipantis des pastures with another Saxon king, 4Sommer’s text misprints anis for auis/avis (410, 1. 40):
AUpansis, mentioned earlier (237,1. 11). “opinion.”
394 The Story of Merlin

men, women, and children all together in the casde, “and it When King Arthur heard him, he began to smile and
is a great shame and a blow to our power that we ever laid said to him very kindly, ‘Triend, tell what your message is,
siege here, for we ought to have taken the castle in one for you can safely say what you will with no hindrance from
stroke when we came here. But now we will be less me or anyone else.”
esteemed in all countries, and we’ll be rebuked for And he said to him, [412] “King Arthur, the one who
weakness and cowardice, and [411] everyone else we’ll want sends me here to you is the lord and master of all the
to overrun will say that we are so cowardly and so weak- Christians, that is, King Rion of the Isles, who is besieging
hearted that we are worthless.” the casde of Carhaix with nine other kings who are all his
When the barons and princes heard King Rion saying liegemen and hold lands, fiefs, and honors from him, for by
these things, they were deeply shamed, for they were afraid his prowess he has made them all bow to him and by his
that he would take them for cowards and weaklings. So they boldness has beaten them all with his sword, and he has
quickly ran to their weapons and began to assault the casde, taken off the beards, along with the hide, of all the kings he
shooting and hurling spears. And those within, who were has defeated, of whom there are nine by count. Now my
most worthy men, threw great sharp stones down on them, lord bids you to come to him and become his liegeman,
and many of them were knocked down into the moats. And and this would be a great honor coming from such a
King Leodagan, Cleodalis, Guiomar, who was King mighty king as my lord is, for he is the lord of the West and
Leodagan’s cousin, Hervi de Rivel, and Males the Dark of the whole earth.”
rode out in full armor on their prize horses covered with When the knight had thus spoken, he drew out King
iron, and they flew headlong into the army of King Rion. Rion’s letter, which was sealed with ten seals, and he said to
He had just stormed a gatehouse and was taking away King Arthur, “Sir, have this letter read that my lord sends
fifteen foot soldiers, who were very worthy and bold, and you, and you will hear his will and his heart.”
they risked being very badly hurt and maltreated, when Then he handed it to him, and the king took it and
Cleodalis, holding his lance straight out, let his horse run handed it to the archbishop of Brice, who had come there
against King Rion’s men, and he struck King Argant so to hear what the knight had to say. He quickly unfolded it
hard that neither shield nor hauberk could have kept him and began to read it for all who were there to hear. And he
from harm or Cleodalis from driving the iron tip of his read it just as you will hear:
lance through his chest, and he killed him and sent him “I, King Rion, who am lord and governor of all of the
down sprawling. land of the West, make it known to all who will see and hear
When his men saw him on the ground, they left the this letter, that I am laying siege to the casde of Carhaix in
ones they were taking away and ran to where he was. And Carmelide, and I have nine kings with me and all the men
when they found him dead, the wailing and the uproar belonging to them, as many as are fit to bear arms. And I
about him grew so loud that the whole assault stopped, and have won all the swords of all these kings by my mighty
Cleodalis and those with him rescued the fifteen prowess, and I have taken their beards along with the hide.
companions, who were so worthy and bold, and took them And in remembrance of my victory, I have had a cloak of
to safety back in the castle, and they shut the gates. And red samite made, and I have lined it with the kings’ beards.
those in the horde stayed outside and carried dieir king to This cloak is ready, and it is trimmed with clasps and all else
the tent of King Rion, who was saddened and upset. that befits it but the fringe. But because the fringe is
And so the story falls silent about them and goes back lacking, and I have heard stories5 about the great goodness
to speaking of King Rion’s messenger, who was going to and worthiness of King Arthur, whose renown is so
King Arthur. widespread through the whole world, I want him to be
Here the story says that, after the messenger had left more highly honored than any of the other kings. So I bid
his lord, he and his squire rode until they came to Camelot you to send me your beard with the hide, and I’ll put it on
on the day of mid-August. They dismounted under an olive the edge of my cloak for love of you. Until my cloak has its
tree and went into the hall after Kay had put the first dish fringe, it will never hang from my shoulders, and I want no
before King Arthur. He saw the kings and queens sitting other fringe than your beard, for at his hands and neck
about the high table, wearing crowns because of the day’s every prince should wear the noblest and most lordly
great meaning, and he saw the harper playing, wearing a things. And because you are lordly and a mightier king
gold crown, and he was utterly amazed by the dog that led than all the others, as Renown bears witness, I order you to
him throughout the hall. He asked Kay the Seneschal, who send me your beard by one or two of your best friends and
was serving at table, which one was King Arthur, and Kay then to come to me, and you will become my liegeman and
pointed him out straightway. hold your land from me. And if you will not do this, leave
And the knight, who was very mindful and quite well- your land and go into exile, for as soon as I have defeated
spoken, came straight before the king and said to him King Leodagan, I will put my whole army against you, and I
loudly enough for all the men and women to hear, “King will have your beard tom out against the grain, you can be
Arthur, I do not greet you, because I am not ordered to do sure of it!”
so by the one who sends me to you; even so, I’ll tell you When the archbishop of Brice had read the letter
what he means you to know. And when you have heard his before King Arthur and all the princes, he handed it back
message, you will do what your heart bids; if you do his will to King Arthur, who was very sorry and upset by die order.
you’ll have honor, but if you do not, you will have to leave
your land in flight, poor and dispossessed.”
^he text bears the synonyms noueles & mention (412, 1. 24):
"news and reference.”
The Story of Merlin 395
And the messenger said, “King Arthur, do what my lord who, at the Castle of the Marshlands, served him in the
bids you and I’ll go back.” likeness of a youth of fifteen years, and he thought that it
And the king told him that he could go back whenever might be he. So he said at once to King Arthur, “Sir, grant
he wanted, but he would not have his beard [413] as long him his request, for he does not look to me like a man I’d
as he lived, and he could be sure of that. So the knight left refuse to give my warhorse to.”
at once and came straight to his horse, mounted, and took “What?" said King Arthur. “Do you believe that it
to the road with his squire, and they made their way until would be to our good and honor to allow a minstrel who
they came to Carhaix in Carmelide, where they found King cannot lead himself to carry my banner into battle? And if I
Rion, who was assaulting the castle with all his might, while refused him, I do not see that it would be held against me,
those within defended themselves very forcefully, so that for this is not something that should be granted lighdy if
those outside were scattered time after time, and King Rion you don’t fully trust the person you put into the battle to
was quite distraught. lead."
And when the messenger came before King Rion and And as soon as he had said these words, the harper
told him King Arthur’s answer, and he said that right after vanished from among them, and no one ever knew what
he had taken King Leodagan, he would fall upon Arthur became of him. Then King Arthur began brooding about
with such a great number of men that he would not hold Merlin, and he was most distressed [414] and upset that he
up against them. had not granted him his wish. And all who were there were
So the story falls silent right here about King Rion and amazed diat they had lost him so suddenly. And King Ban
goes back to speaking about King Arthur and his barons. of Benoic, who saw clearly and knew that it had been
Merlin, said to King Arthur, “Indeed you ought to have
recognized him.”
‘You speak the truth,” said King Arthur, “but I did not
51. The Battle Before Carhaix.1
know who he was because he had a dog leading him.”2
“Who is he then?” asked Sir Gawainet.
Now the story says that when King Rion’s messenger left
“Dear nephew,” answered King Arthur, “it is Merlin,
King Arthur, King Arthur stayed seated at his meal and
our master.”
took solace in festivity and rejoicing. And the harper went
“Indeed!” said Sir Gawainet. “God help me, I do
from one row to the next and played soothingly to
believe you when you say that, it is he, for many times he has
everyone, and they all looked at him in wonder because
disguised himself and changed likenesses before your
they had never heard such harp-playing. And they found
nobles, and it is all to give us solace and to cheer us up.”
greater delight in the harper’s playing than in anything the
While they were talking of these things, a litde child
other minstrels did. And King Arthur himself wondered
eight years old came into the hall. All over his head his hair
where such a man could have come from. Yet he ought to
grew in patches, and he wore no breeches, but he carried a
have known him well, for he had seen him many times in
cudgel in his hand. He made straight for King Arthur and
another shape or another likeness.
told him to get ready to move against King Rion in battle,
And after they had eaten and the tables had been
and he bade him give him his standard to bear. And when
taken down, the harper came to King Arthur and said to
those within the great hall saw him in such a state, they all
him, “Sir, if you please, I would like to have my reward for
burst out laughing. And King Arthur answered him
my service."
laughing, for he believed that it was Merlin.
“Indeed, you will have your reward,” answered the
“God help me,” said King Arthur, “you are indeed the
king, “and it is very right Now say what you wish from me,
one to carry it, and I heartily grant this to you.”
and you won’t lack for it if it's anything I can give short of
‘You have my thanks,” said the lad, “for I’ll put it to
my honor and my kingdom.”
very good use indeed.”
“Sir," said the harper, “you will have nothing but
With that, he commended them all to God and left the
honor, God willing.”
great hall. Then he took on the likeness he bore most often
“Then say what you wish from me, for you can trust
and said to himself that it was time to call the king’s armies
me. together. So he made for the sea and crossed over, and he
“Sir,” said the harper, “I ask to bear your ensign in the
came straight to Gaunes, where Pharian and Leonce of
first battle you go to.” Payeme were, and told them to gather their forces and any
“Dear friend, would that be to my honor and my
others they could muster in that land and come to the city
kingdom’s honor? Our Lord has put you in His prison by
of Camelot, and they said they would do as he ordered.
making you blind. How would you see to bear the banner
Then Merlin went back toward the sea and crossed back
and lead us into battle? For my ensign must be the refuge
into Great Britain, and he went throughout the lands of
and the safeguard of all other banners in the battle.”
King Urien and King Lot and told the barons there to go to
“Ah, sir,” answered the harper, “God, who is the true
the city of Camelot two weeks after the feast of Our Lady in
Leader, will lead me, as He has led me through many a
September, and they said that they would be there. Then
dangerous place; and it will be to your good.” he left them and came back to King Arthur’s court, and
And when the barons heard this, they were astonished.
Then King Ban looked about and was reminded of Merlin,
2The text is periphrastic: ce quit sefaisoit metier a .j. chien mauoit
tolue la connaissance (414,11. 4—5): literally, “that he had himself led
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 413—419. by a dog took away my recognition.”
396 The Story of Merlin

Vespers had not yet been said in the church of my lord When the two armies clashed, anyone could have seen
Saint Stephen on that very same feast day. a great slaughter of men and horses, for they were skilled
Then King Arthur asked him why he had disguised and bold knights on both sides. And Merlin, who bore the
himself so many times, but he answered that he must surely dragon, drove headlong into the crowd, and Sir Gawainet
have recognized him. and his companions came after him, holding their lances
“You are right,” said King Arthur, “to say that I might straight out, and they struck those they came against so
have known!” hard that they bore them to the ground, and the splinters
And so they spent the rest of that day in joyful merry¬ from their lances flew up into the sky. This was something
making. that filled King Rion with dread, for his men all thought
The next morning King Arthur gathered all his princes that devils had fallen upon their army, but they were so
together in his great hall, and Merlin was there too. And worthy and knightly that they were not disheartened for all
King Arthur told them that they had to call up as many that. Rather, they kept fighting wondrously hard against
men as they could in their lands, for they needed to help King Arthur’s men; indeed, they drove them back after
King Leodagan, Queen Guenevere’s father. But Merlin told their first strike, so that Sir Gawainet and his companions
him that forces had already been summoned at Gaunes, at were gready distraught.
Benoic, and throughout the barons’ and the princes’ lands. And Merlin shouted to them, “What can this be? My
King Arthur asked him when that had been done. lords, have you stopped? Follow me, if you seek to grow in
“Sir,” answered Merlin, “I have been everywhere since worthiness!”
the evening meal yesterday.” Then the companions charged in headlong among the
When King Arthur and the princes heard this, they men of Ireland, who welcomed them most warmly with
were amazed, and so they feasted and made merry until their swords. But Sir Gawainet and his companions fought
their armies came to gather at Camelot. Then King Arthur so skillfully and so well that they drove right through King
and his barons rode out toward the kingdom of Carmelide, Rion’s army, and by that time many a blow had been dealt
and Merlin bore the standard just as King Arthur had said and taken and many a knight struck down dead. And King
he could. And they rode in stages until [415] they came to Arthur, King Lot of Orkney, King Ban, and King Bors had
within a league of Carhaix, where King Rion had besieged ridden hard into the army elsewhere, and they did wonders,
King Leodagan. for no armor could withstand their blows. But King Rion’s
And when they had drawn near the army, Merlin said men struck back so hard that they brought down King Lot
to Sir Gawainet, Sir Wain, and Sagremor, “Stay close to and King Bors in the middle of the field with their horses
me.” on top of them, and they might have been badly hurt, [416]
And they answered that they would do whatever he had it not been for their great worth and skill, for they
liked. nimbly sprang to their feet, wielding their swords, and
“Then follow me right now, you and everyone in the began striking down knights and horses with such strength
army,” Merlin said softly, “until we come to the that everyone who saw it took it for a great wonder. King
battleground. Then you will strike out helter-skelter into Arthur and King Ban spurred to where they were in the
the fighting, but always remember to come to my banner worst of the fighting to help them back on their horses.
wherever you may see me go.” Merlin came there with the banner with the dragon
They answered that they would do so, and he said die that spewed fire and flame from its throat, and he had
same thing to King Arthur and the other princes. Then driven through where the press was heaviest. And when
they set out and made their way until they rode into Rion’s King Rion’s men saw the fire and the great wonder of the
horde. And Merlin rushed out ahead of the others as fast as dragon, they grew frightened and yielded their ground.
he could make his horse run, with the dragon raised on the The two kings whom they had run down stood quietly
tip of his lance and the banner’s tails beating against his where they were, and Merlin came to them and gave each
wrist. The dragon shot fire and flames from its throat and one a good, strong, and fast horse, for there were many
such great flares that everyone in King Rion’s army was strays in the thick of battle; they were eager to be mounted
aghast. And Sir Gawainet, who followed it closely, holding at once.
his lance, crossed paths with King Pharaoh, who had started And when they were on horseback again, they flew into
moving against them with his standard when he saw them the battle and began to do wonders with their arms, as did
coming nearer. And Sir Gawainet struck him so hard that all their companions. But the strength of King Rion’s men
neither shield nor hauberk could keep him from driving was so great that those from the kingdom of Logres could
the tip of his lance through his body, and he brought him not withstand them, and they would have been utterly
sprawling down dead to the ground. And he said in routed if it had not been for Sir Gawainet, his brothers, and
mockery, “This man has sworn peace, for King Arthur will the other companions of the Round Table. They did
never be bothered by him or lose one inch of his land!” wonders: they brought down knights and horses, and they
At once the two armies came together, one against the struck to the ground as many as they stood against. It
other, and great was the uproar and mighty the blows seemed to those who saw it that they were not men of flesh
struck by King Rion’s and King Arthur’s men. And my lord and blood, but devils from hell.
Gawainet, my lord Wain, Sagremor, Agravain, Guerrehet, Elsewhere on the battlefield were King Neutres, King
Gaheriet, and the knights of the Round Table did wonders Tradelmant, King Urien, and the King of the Hundred
with their fighting. Knights. They were fighting with great fierceness against
the men of the Isles, who wonderfully held their ground
The Story of Merlin 397
against them, for in the Isles were great knighthood and as all the kings are whom I have beaten, and I’ll have your
great skill at arms; they had brought down the king of beard with your hide to make the fringe for my cloak.”
North Wales and were holding him by his helmet’s nasal. “In God’s name,” said King Arthur, “you would have
And Merlin came to Sir Gawainet and said to him, “Now the better part of the wager, for you would go back to your
we’ll see how well you can fight, for we have lost King country safe and sound if I defeated you, and you would
Tradelmant unless someone helps him right away. So I beg not become my liegeman! But I’ll fight you just as you have
you, follow me!” said if you will be my liegeman should I beat you, and I
Then Sir Gawainet and his companions started after grantyou the same if you defeat me."
him, and they fought their way through to King “Sir,” said King Rion, who was so strong and full of
Tradelmant, who was in great danger of being killed. Then such prowess that he feared to fight no one man to man,
they fell upon the ones who were holding him and began to and he had defeated nine kings who were all his liegemen,
hit them so hard that all who saw it thought it a wonder, so “I grant it just as you have said.”
that the ones holding King Tradelmant, who were most Then they swore between the two of them to hold to
worthy and bold in battle, were overwhelmed and could their oaths, and they broke up the fighting, which was so
scarcely hold onto him. The companions of the Round dreadful and dangerous that it was a wonder to behold, and
Table had a hard time rescuing him, but in the end they they withdrew their barons, who were angry and upset by
succeeded in getting him back on his horse, and the men this agreement.
of the Isles were filled with sorrow and heartache. Then the And Sir Gawainet, who was more distressed than any of
fighting and the hitting began again and grew hard and the others, came straight to King Arthur and said to him,
dreadful to see, for men fell down dead one on top of the “Sir, please grant this fight to me, for you could well do so.”
other, and they lay in great heaps amid the ranks where the “Now don’t ask me this again,” said King Arthur, “for
fighting was, for Sir Gawainet struck down so many with his no one but I will put his hand to it, God willing.”
sword that his arm and sword were all stained with blood Soon the armies were gathered on each side, and the
and brains up to his shoulder. two kings put on costly armor, whatever they needed, and
When King Leodagan of Carmelide saw, from up each one took a strong, stout lance. They rode more than a
above where he was leaning from a window, that the furlong away from each other; then they struck their horses
fighting was so hard and deadly, and he caught sight of the with their spurs and flew against each other like a storm, for
dragon that Merlin carried, spewing fire and flame from its their horses ran wonderfully fast. And the two [418] kings
throat so that the air was all red, he knew at once that it was were of great strength, and, with their horses running as
the standard of King Arthur, for he had seen it many times fast as they could, they dealt each other such hard blows on
before. And then King Leodagan shouted, [417] “Sir their shields, just above the bosses, with their lances, which
knights, now to arms. For my son King Arthur is fighting were short and thick with sharp tips, that they drove
against our foes, and he has come to rescue us, for which I through them, but their hauberks were so strong that not a
thank him!” link broke; and their horses were so powerful and the
And when they heard him, they ran as one through the knights so skilled, and they had struck each other so hard,
castle to put on their armor, and they rode out of the gate that their lances flew into pieces.
fully armed. There were a good ten thousand of them, all Then they took hold of their swords, which were very
knights worthy and bold, and with great strength they well made, and struck wondrous, heavy blows on each
charged in headlong among the men of Ireland and those other’s helmet, so that they broke the jewels’ settings and
of the Isles, who welcomed them heartily like men of great knocked off the gems and stones, of which there were some
boldness. And Cleodalis the Seneschal, Hervi of Rivel, and that had great powers, and they cut through their shields
their other companions began to do wonders of arms, and and hauberks and struck so deeply into the flesh that the
the fighting was so great throughout King Rion’s army that blood spurted out. Thus they had worked upon each other
it was a sheer wonder how many died on both sides. so thoroughly that they both needed a physician. And they
When King Rion saw the dreadful killing and the great had so sliced through their shields that neither had a piece
slaughter of his men, his heart softened and he took great big enough to cover his hand, so they threw what was left to
pity on his people, and he said to himself that it was a great the ground and took their swords in both hands, and they
wrong and he could bear it no more. And then he took a dealt each other such strong and heavy3 blows that they cut
sycamore bough and carried it in his hands before the open helmets and hauberks, so that their naked flesh
armies to break up the fighting, and he rode until he found showed through,4 and they were both tired and worn out
King Arthur. And when he had found him, he spoke loudly from the blows they had given and taken. This is what kept
enough for all to hear and understand him, and this is what them going for such a long time, for if they had been fresh
he said: and rested after they had been left without shields, their
“King Arthur, why do you allow your men and mine to hauberks had come unlinked, and their helmets had been
be slaughtered? Do what is right, if you are as worthy as the split open and crushed, they could not have lasted without
world has borne witness. Free your men from death and I’ll
free mine. Let us withdraw our armies; then let us fight 3Sommer’s text continues with a descoue[rt] [sic] (418, 1. 14):
each other, you and me, man to man, and this will be our ‘Visible,” “in full view,” etc.
pledge: if you can beat me, I’ll go back into my country with 4Sommer’s text continues with a redundant des cops quit
my men who are left alive, and if I can win out over you, sentredo-unent (418, 1. 15): “from the blows they gave each other.”
you will hold your land from me and become my underling, The phrase recurs in the next line.
398 The Story of Merlin

one or the other being killed; nevertheless, they were both him a long way and then turned back after they had
very badly wounded. commended each other to God. And King Arthur and his
When King Rion, who was most worthy and bold and a companions made their way until they came to the city of
good knight above all others in his land, saw King Arthur Camelot, where Queen Guenevere and the other queens
holding his own against him with such liveliness, he was were—they were very glad to see them when they got there.
amazed, for he did not believe that he could outlast him. So The princes lingered there for four days, and on the
he said to himself that never before had he found such a fifth they took their leave; each one went back into his own
good knight. He grew deathly afraid of him and said to country, and those who had wives and friends there took
him, “King Arthur, it is indeed too bad for you, for you are them away with them. And King Arthur came back to the
the best knight I’ve ever fought Yet I can see clearly, and I city of Logres and lived there for a long time with the
know in truth, that the great heart you have will be the queen, and Sir Gawainet and the companions of the Round
death of you, for it will not let you come to me for mercy. Table were with them and Merlin, who had given them all
And I know for a fact that you would rather die than be great comfort as their companion.
defeated, and that is a great shame! So I would beseech Merlin came to King Arthur and told him that, from
you, for the great knighdy spirit you have in you, to have then on, he could get along without him, for he had
mercy on yourself. Acknowledge that you are bested so that brought a measure of peacefulness to his land, so now he
you may save your life, according to the pledges we have could go seek pleasure elsewhere for a while.
made between us, so that my cloak may be finished while I When King Arthur understood that he wanted to go
am still alive. If you do not do this, you must know that you away, he was quite upset, for he loved him deeply, and he
have come to your end.” would have liked very much for him to stay. But when he
When King Arthur heard the words King Rion spoke to saw that he could not keep him there, he begged him most
him, he was deeply ashamed, because so many highborn kindly to come back. And Merlin told him that he would
men had heard him as well. Then he ran King Rion down, come back at once when he needed him.
wielding his sword with both hands, for he was filled with “Indeed,” said King Arthur, “I need you every day, for I
wrath, and he meant to strike him over the head. But King can do nothing without your help. That is why I would like
Rion stepped aside, for he had seen the stroke coming at you never to leave me or my court at any time."
full speed; even so, King Arthur hit him on the helmet and And Merlin answered, “I’ll surely come back at once
cut him down across the nose, and, as the sword went when you need me.”
downward, he struck his warhorse in front of the saddlebow And the king fell silent for quite a while, and then he
and sliced all the way through its neck, and King Rion fell started to brood deeply, and after he had been lost in
to the ground. And just as he thought he could get back up, thought for a long time, he sighed and said, “Ah! Merlin,
King Arthur struck him on his right shoulder so hard that dear friend, please tell me in what time of need you are to
he sank the blade two finger-widths into his flesh. King help me!”
Rion lurched and then went sprawling to the ground. “Sir,” said Merlin, “I’ll tell you and then I’ll take to the
And when King Arthur saw him on the ground [419] road. The lion, who is the son of the she-bear and was
again, he got down from his horse at once and ran upon fathered by the leopard, will overrun the kingdom of
him very fast. He grabbed him by his helmet and pulled Logres. That is the time of need.”
him toward him with such great strength that he broke off With that, Merlin left.
the strings, tore his helmet from his head, and hurled it So the story falls silent about the king and goes back to
more than eight yards away. Then he raised his sword and speaking about Merlin. [420]
told him that he was dead if he did not acknowledge that
he had been beaten. But King Rion answered that he would
never admit that he had been defeated by him, for he
52. King Flualis’s Dream and Roman Claims
would rather die than live as a faithless coward. And when
King Arthur saw that he could not succeed in making him Against Britain.1
acknowledge that he was beaten, he cut off his head in
plain sight of all who were in the meadow. In this part the story says that, as soon as Merlin had left
Then the princes ran forward from every side and King Arthur, just as you have heard, he went out of the city
greeted him with great rejoicing, and they put him on his of Logres and set out on the road so fast that no warhorse
horse and led him into the castle of Carhaix. They took off in the world could have kept up with him, so that those who
his armor and looked after his wounds. And King Rion’s saw him believed that he was truly out of his mind. And at
men came to him at once and took their lands and once he rushed headlong into the forest, which was wide
fiefdoms from him; then they went back to their country and deep, and made straight for the sea. He went across, as
and took King Rion’s body back with them, and they buried he did not wish to stop, and he made his way until he came
him with weeping and sobbing. to the region of Jerusalem, where there was a most
And King Arthur stayed in Carhaix with his barons,
glad and joyful because of the victory that God had sent 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 420-427.
them, and they stayed in the castle until King Arthur
recovered from the wounds he had received in the battle.
And when he was back in good health, he left Carhaix amid
feasting and great rejoicing, and King Leodagan went with
The Story of Merlin 399
powerful king whose name was Flualis. He was a worthy everyone there could hear him plainly, and he said, “Listen
man of great renown in Islam,* 2 for he was a Saracen. to me, King Flualis. I’ll tell you the meaning of your [421]
He had brought together all the learned men of his dream.”
land and others’ lands, as many as there could be. And When the king heard his words, he looked about him
when they had all gathered before him in his great hall, he to see who had said this to him, and everyone in the hall
spoke to them, loudly enough for all to hear and did likewise, but they could not see him. But they heard the
understand him. voice that was in the midst of them and said, “Listen, King
“My lords,” he said, “I have sent word to you, and you Flualis, to the meaning of your dream. The two serpents
have come at my behest, for which I thank you. And I’ll tell you saw while asleep that had four heads and spat fire and
you why I have sent for you. It is the truth that I was flames stand for four Christian kings who border on your
sleeping in my palace3 the other night, and I was holding lands, and they are setting your country ablaze. And that
the queen, who is right here, in my arms, or so it seemed to the serpents carried you and the queen atop the highest
me. And while I was doing that, two flying serpents came to roof of your palace means that they will have your whole
me. Each of them had two heads, and they were wondrously land under their sway up to the gates of your stronghold.
huge and ugly, and they were spewing fire and flames from And that the serpents tore off your four limbs and your
their throats, so that they were setting fire to my whole wife’s means that you will forswear the evil religion you
palace. And one of the serpents grabbed me by the sides hold to in order to believe in Jesus Christ. And that the
with its feet, and the other one took hold of the queen, who eight litde serpents picked up the limbs from your body
was lying in my arms, and they bore us up onto the highest and the queen’s and bore them atop the temple of Diane,
roof of my palace, which is very tall. After they had carried where your men had fled for safety, means that your
us there, they tore our arms and legs from our bodies and children, who are your flesh and blood,6 will be slain and
hurled them down here and there, one by one. And when cut up by weapons inside the temple of Diane. And that the
they had thus torn off our limbs, eight little serpents came serpents left you, and the queen with you, up atop the
straightway and each one took one limb and flew away high highest part of your palace means that you and she will be
to the top of the temple of Diane, where my men had fled raised up in Christendom. And that the serpents burned
for safety,4 and there they ripped our limbs into little the palace beneath you means that you will have nothing
pieces. And the two serpents that had taken our limbs from left worth a single penny of whatever you have under this
our bodies left us up on top of the palace, stirred up the evil religion. And that you and the queen were both burned
fire inside the palace, burned our bodies, and reduced and reduced to ash means that you7 will be washed and
them to ash. And the wind picked up the ash and bore it cleansed of your sins by the water of holy baptism. That the
throughout the land on this side of the sea. And there was ash from you flew through all the countries on this side of
not one good town left where a bit of it, or a little more, did the sea means that you will have children under your good
not fall and lie. Such was the dream I had while I was religion who will be knights worthy and bold, and they will
asleep, and it weighs heavily on me. be uplifted and honored throughout all the lands of the
“And this is why I have summoned you here. I beg you, world. Now you have heard about the dream you had while
I beseech you, mindful of all service and duty we owe one you were asleep, and everything will happen to you just as I
another,5 if there is anyone among you who can interpret have told you.”
the dream for me, let him do it, and I swear faithfully to With that Merlin went away and left the king
you that to the one who tells me the truth about it will I bewildered by the voice he had heard and yet saw nothing.
give my daughter as his wife and my whole kingdom after He made his way swiftly and did not stop until he came to
my death; or if he is wed, he will be lord over me and my the kingdom of Benoic. He went straight to Viviane, his
land all the days of his life.” lady friend, who was most eager to see him, for she as yet
When the learned men heard King Flualis’s promise knew nothing that she wished to know of his art. And she
after they had heard about the dream, they wondered greeted him the most joyfully she knew how, and they ate
greatly about what it might mean. One man said one thing, and drank and lay together in the same bed. She knew
another something else, each one according to what enough about his doings so that, when she understood that
seemed best to him. And after they had all spoken, Merlin, he wished to lie with her, she knew how to cast a spell and
who had taken on such a shape that no one could bring forth a pillow, which she put in his arms, and then
recognize him or even see him, spoke loudly enough that Merlin went to sleep. This is not said to make the story
relate that Merlin ever knew a woman carnally; but there
was no woman in the world he loved so much as she, and
^Sommer’s text reads de sa loy (420, 11. 8-9): “with respect to
his law, religion.” The idea is to evoke a Saracen spiritual space this was shown to be true, for he gave himself so utterly to
opposed to Christendom. her, and from time to time he taught her so much of what

3Exceptionally, in this passage the word palais (420, 1. 14) is he knew, that in the end he could count himself a fool.
frequently translated as palace rather than great hall (cf. 420, 1.
11). Doubdess the text means to evoke a building of Oriental ^he text reads ti membre (s? ta char (421, 1. 13): “your
splendor rather than the more utilitarian Western castle. members and your flesh.” The word membre(s) has been translated
4This clause is not in Sommer’s text here (420, 1. 25), but is as “limb(s)” throughout the passage.
mentioned by Merlin in his summary (421,11. 12-13). 7From here to the end of Merlin’s interpretation (421,11. 19-
^Sommer’s text reads en tous services & en tous guerredons (420, 24) the pronoun continues to be singular, and there is no further
11. 31-32): "in [the name] of all services and all rewards.” reference to the queen.
400 The Story of Merlin

He tarried with her for a long time, and she kept to be one, for he is worthy and bold and of highborn stock.
asking him about his knowledge and craft, so that he taught He should have become a knight quite some time ago, and
her a great deal. And she put down in writing everything he he would have been made one, had he wanted, by the hand
said to her, for she was well steeped in clerkly learning, so of King Pelles of Listenois, who is a most worthy and
she remembered all the more easily what Merlin told her. faithful man. But my love did not wish it so; rather, he
And after he had been with her for quite a long while, he swore an oath not to become a knight unless it is by your
took leave of her and told her that he would be back at the hand. This is why I ask you to make him a knight.”
end of the year. And each most sweetly commended the Then everyone in the hall burst out laughing, and Kay
other to God. the Seneschal, who was most evil-tongued and full of bitter
And then Merlin went away to Blaise, his master, [422] words, said to her, sneering, “Watch out for him and keep
who was most happy when he came. Blaise longed to see him close to you so that the queen’s maidens will not take
Merlin as Merlin longed to see him. And Merlin told him him from you! Soon they might steal him or snatch him
all the adventures that had happened to him after he left away from you, for he is so handsome!” [423]
him, and he told him how he had been with Viviane and “Sir,” she answered, “the king is such a worthy
had taught her some of his spells. And Blaise put it all down gendeman that, if it is God’s pleasure and his, he would not
in writing, and this is how we still know it. allow any of them to wrong me.”
After Merlin had told his master all these things, just as “Indeed not, lady," said the king, “you can be sure of
they had happened one after the other, he took leave of that, and I swear it to you.”
him and went straight to the city of Logres, where King “Sir,” said the young lady, “I thank you. Now do what I
Arthur and his wife, the queen, were. And they welcomed ask of you.”
Merlin most gladly. As soon as Merlin had arrived, a “Lady,” said the king, “I will do as you please.”
maiden went down before the hall riding a tawny mule, and Upon these words, two squires rode into the courtyard
she carried in front of her, on the other side of her on two strong, swift draft horses. One of them wore a shield
saddlebow, the ugliest and most misshapen dwarf that had about his neck with three golden leopards with azure
ever been seen. His nose was flat, he was skin and bones, his crowns, and the field was as black as a mulberry; the handle
eyebrows were bushy and curly, his beard was red and grew was the work of a goldsmith, its parts of gold with inlay of
so long that it hit his feet, his hair was coarse and black and litde crosses. He had a sword hanging from his saddlebow.
unbecomingly disheveled, his shoulders were raised and And with his right hand, the other one was leading a small
twisted, he had one great hump in the middle of his back warhorse handsomely shaped, with a golden bridle and a
and another on his chest, his hands were fat and his fingers halter of silk. And the two squires had loaded9 a pack horse
stubby, his legs were short, and his long backbone stuck out with two lovely, well-made chests.
sharply. Yet the maiden was of very great beauty. And They dismounted at once beneath the pine tree and
everyone stared at them. tethered their horses to it. Then they opened the chests
And as soon as she had dismounted from her mule, and took out of one of them a double-mailed hauberk as
she took the dwarf in her arms and helped him down quite white as snow, for it was of refined silver, and leg-armor
gendy, and she led him into die hall before the king, who made the same way, and then a helmet of gilded silver.
was sitting at his meal. And when she saw the king, she Then they went into the hall where the king and his barons
greeted him most kindly, for she was filled with courdiness, sat at their meal, and they went straight to the young lady.
and the king returned her greeting most courteously. And when she saw them coming, she said to the king,
Then the maiden said, “Sir, I have come to you from “Sir, I beg you to do what I ask, for I have tarried here too
very far away because of your great renown that runs long. Here I have all the gear a knight needs, for you see
through the world, and I would ask you a favor, for no the armor with which my love will be dubbed.”
maiden—so Renown bears witness of you—fails to have “Dear, fair friend,” said the king, “I’ll very gladly do
whatever she asks of you. So, inasmuch as everyone takes what you wish, but come here and eat.”
you for the worthiest man in the world, I have tried hard to But she answered that she would never eat until he had
come to your court to ask you just one favor. And be careful become a knight.
not to grant me anything you would not wish to give me or Thus the lady stood in the hall before the king, and
have done to me.” she kept holding her friend by the right hand. And after
“Lady,”8 said the king, “ask what you will, for it will not the king had eaten and the tablecloths were taken away, the
be in vain, so long as it is something that I can grant to my lady drew from her purse golden spurs wrapped in silk. And
honor and my kingdom’s honor.” she said to the king, “Sir, grant me what I ask, for I have
“In what I wish to ask you,” she answered, “you can stayed here too long. ”
have only honor.” With that, Kay the Seneschal jumped up and started to
“Lady,” said the king, “say what you wish to say, for I put the right spur on the dwarfs foot, but the lady grabbed
am ready to do what you ask and more.” his hand and said, “What is this, sir knight? What do you
“Sir, I have come to entreat you to make a knight of mean to do?”
this noble young lord whom I hold by the hand and who is “I wish to put the right spur on your friend, and so I’ll
my love. He indeed deserves to be a knight, and he ought make him a knight with my hand.”

Q
The word here and later throughout the passage is Damoisele ^he verb is cachoient (423, 1. 11): “were chasing, following,
(422,1. 28):‘Young lady.” driving (out)” (charier) or “were hiding” (cachier).
The Story of Merlin 401
“That will never come about by your hand, God “Sir,” he answered, “I’ll tell you the truth. I never saw
willing," she said, “for no one will put his hand to it but her before, but indeed I do know who she is and what her
King Arthur, as he has sworn to me. I do not believe he will name is. But she will tell you herself in a very short while,
go back on his word if he can help it; otherwise he’ll have and she will be better believed than I might be. And in the
betrayed me and hurt me to death! No one but a king dwarf s own words you will find out who he is sooner than
should lay his hand on one so highborn as my friend.” you think, and you will be both sorry and glad about it”
“God help me,” said the king. “Lady, you are in the “How can I be sorry and glad?" asked King Arthur.
right, and I’ll do everything you wish.” “Sir,” answered Merlin, “I won’t tell you now, for you
Then the king took the spur from the young lady and have many things elsewhere to worry about. For Lucius, the
fastened it to her friend’s right foot, and the lady put the emperor of Rome, has sent his messengers, and they have
other one on him. And the king girded the sword about already dismounted in your courtyard beneath the pine
him after he had dressed him in the hauberk, for the lady tree before this hall.”
wanted no one but the king to lay his hand on him. And While Merlin was saying these things to King Arthur,
when he was handsomely outfitted with everything a knight behold twelve princes very richly arrayed, dressed in cosdy
might need, the king hugged him about the neck10 and silk cloth, and they came in two by two, holding hands, and
said to him that he prayed God to make him a worthy each one carried in his hand a little olive bough, which
knight, which it behoved him to say when he made a meant that they were messengers. And they came thus
knight before King Arthur, who was seated at the head of the high
Then the young lady asked him if he would do table in the great hall along with his barons. And they came
anything more. before him, but did not greet him.
“Lady,” answered the king, “I have done all I must do.” One, who was their leader and spokesman, said, “King
[424] Arthur, we are twelve princes from Rome who have been
“Sir,” she said, “please ask him to be my knight.” sent to you by Lucius, the emperor.”
So the king entreated him, and he answered that he He then drew out a written document wrapped in silk
would grant this, since it was the king’s will. cloth, handed it to King Arthur, and told him to have it
Then they left the hall at once and came straight to the read. And the king took the letter and gave it to the
pine tree. And the young lady had her new knight get on archbishop of Brice, who was beside him, and ordered him
the warhorse, which was more handsome than any other, all to read. The archbishop opened it and began in this way:
adorned in armor, and she herself hung about his neck the [425]
shield, which was just as the story has set forth. Then she “I, Lucius, emperor of Rome, who have power and
climbed on her mule. She had the squires get on their lordship over the Romans, send word to my foe, King
horses and sent them back to her country. But she went the Arthur, that he has been faithless to me and to the power of
other way with her knight, and they rode into a deep and Rome. I am amazed, and it comes to me as something most
wonderful forest. blameworthy, that he seeks, wrongfully and with haughty
And King Arthur stayed behind in his great hall with pride, to scorn Rome. And I wonder how and at what
Merlin and their companions, and they laughed a great urging you would dare undertake warfare against Rome as
deal about the young lady who had given her love to the long as you knew I was alive. This madness must have come
dwarf. to you from foolhardiness or melancholy, since you dared
“Indeed,” said Queen Guenevere, “I wonder how such scorn Rome, which holds power and lordship over the
a thought could have come to her, for I never in my life saw whole world, as you have surely known all along and seen
such an ugly or hateful thing. Yet the young lady is full of many times. And you will know again, more thoroughly
such great beauty that no one could find the likes of her in than before, what a weighty thing it is to stir up the wrath of
four kingdoms! From what I can tell, I believe that devils or Rome.
evil spirits have blinded or bewitched her.” ‘You have gone beyond your rights when you hold for
“Lady,” said Merlin, “she has not been blinded to yourself dues and lordship that are Rome’s. You take our
anything but the dwarf s great ugliness. In all your life you income and our lands, which you know belong to Rome.
have not seen such a wretched piece of flesh as the dwarf is; Know that if you keep this up any longer, the wolf will flee
yet, he is the son of a king and queen.” in fear of the lamb and the lion for the goat, and the rabbit
“Dear sir,” said the queen, “the young lady looks as if will hunt the greyhound. You have no more power against
she comes from highborn stock, for she is beautiful beyond us than the lamb against the wolf, and you are as much an
all others; yet, her friend is so dreadfully ugly.” underling to us as the lamb is to the shepherd, for Julius
“Lady,” answered Merlin, “the great good there is in Caesar, our forebear, strongly and boldly undertook
him and his daring will do away with a great deal of the warfare in Britain. Lordship was granted him over it and all
ugliness of which there’s so very much in him, as you have the islands round about, but, for the madness, pride, and
seen. And you will learn of this quite soon.” great evil that are within you, you mean to snatch it from
“Dear friend,” said King Arthur to Merlin, “who is the us!
young lady? Do you know her?” “And so I summon you to come set it right, and, by the
day of the Holy Nativity, you must be in Rome before me,
ready to make amends for the wrong you have done. If you
lfrThat is, gave him the colee (423, 1. 40), a ceremonial
do not do this, I will take away from you Britain and all your
embrace; see ch. 32, n. 38.
lands you have under your sway, and I will come the next
402 The Story of Merlin

summer with such great forces that you won’t dare make a right of inheritance.11 So we’ll go challenge Rome, winner
stand against me, nor can you flee so far that I will not take all. As for me, I can do nothing other than what I have
follow you and bring you back to Rome in bonds as my told you.”
prisoner.” When the barons and princes heard the king saying
After the archbishop had read the letter just as you these things, they answered all of a voice that he had
have heard, a great uproar broke out in the hall among the spoken very well indeed. And they told him to send far and
barons who had listened to it. They swore to bring dishonor wide for his men and to gather his forces and to set out
to the messengers who had brought the letter, and they straight for Rome and move against the emperor who in his
would have shamefully and wrongfully harmed them if it pride had so heavy-handedly and so wrongfully called him
had not been for King Arthur, who said to them very kindly, out: “So put the lordship of Rome under your power. And
“Dear lords, let them be. They are messengers and have remember what Queen Sibyl foretold when she said that
been sent by their lord, and they must do and say from three Britons would come those who would take
everything that has been entrusted to them, and they Rome by force. Two of them have already conquered
should not be afraid of anyone.” Rome. The first was Belinus, who was king and lord of the
Then King Arthur called his princes and barons Britons. Constantine was the second. And you will be the
together, and they went into a room to take counsel. Then third to take Rome by force, and in you will the prophesy
spoke a most worthy and bold knight, whose name was be fulfilled. Now go forth and take the honor that God has
Cador, and he said that they had wasted a very long time in granted you!”
idleness and games, “but, thank God, now the Romans have Upon these words the king and the barons and knights
come to challenge us for our lands and holdings and have left his room and came straight into the great hall, where
awakened us! And if they do what the letter sets forth, they, the twelve messengers awaited them. And King Arthur told
who have been at peace for such a long time, will have them to go back to their emperor and tell him on his
much bold, skillful fighting to do. I for one have never behalf that his forebears had held Rome before him and
liked them!" had taken tribute from Rome, and that he meant to have it
And my lord Gawainet said to him, “Sir, you surely as well by right of succession and inheritance. As the
know that peace after warfare is a good thing, for the land Romans had not given him what they owed, he meant to
is all the better and stronger for it. And the games we play have Rome as his own, for they had not dealt with him as
and the jesting we do with the ladies and young women are they ought to have done to their overlord.
good things, too, for it is courtship and the love of ladies And they left. And the king gave them [427] lavish gifts
that make knights strive for boldness and skill in the as they went away, for he was the most courtly and most
fighting they do.” open-handed man in the world, and he did not want them
Then King Arthur ordered them all to sit down, [426] to speak ill of him. And they came straight back into their
and they did. But he stayed on his feet and said to them, country as quickly as they could, and they told the Emperor
“My friends and companions, you have upheld my honor Lucius what they had heard from King Arthur. He was
and welfare in the batdes and wars I have fought since I dreadfully upset. He sent for and gathered his forces. He
came to hold this land, and I have led you in times of great crossed the mountains of Montjoie12 and came straight into
trial over land and sea. You have helped me—and I am Burgundy, near the city named Autun, and he seized the
grateful to you for it—to conquer the lands all around land far and wide.
which, thanks to your help, all bow down to me now. And But with that the story falls silent for a while from
now you have heard the summons the Romans, who have speaking about them and goes back to speaking about King
long worried us, have sent us. But, if God cares for you and Arthur.
me, they will take away with them, when they leave, nothing
belonging to us that is not dearly sold to them. You'see the
^The preceding two sentences are supplied largely from
emperor’s messengers here. Now counsel me how to
additional text that Sommer provides from the Harley manuscript
answer them as befits honor and reason. You see that the and others (426, n. 2). The additional text continues by attributing
Romans mean to rise against us, and we must be ready for to Arthur material drawn from Geoffrey of Monmouth (e.g., Books
them when they come, so that they cannot harm us in any 3, 5, and esp. 9) that recounts conquests of Rome by the British
way. They want to have lordship over Britain and the other kings Belinus and his brother Brennius and later by Constantine
islands I hold, and they say that Caesar won them with his the Great, thereby advancing a counterclaim that Rome belongs to
might, that the Britons could not stand against him, but Arthur by right of inheritance. The material derives from the
granted him lordship and power over them. That is not “Mort Artu” section of the Didot Perceval (Didot manuscript only),
where the story is told by King Lot (ed. Roach, pp. 258-61). It is
right, and it comes from boundless pride. One does not
referred to below in the barons’ advice to Arthur (426, 11. 25-30);
rightly hold what one holds by force. And they have
significantly, they speak as though they introduce the arguments
reproached us for the shameful things and the wrongs they
for the first time.
have done us and our forebears. They boast that they
12The text reads les morn de mongieu (427,11. 5-6), that is, the
defeated them and that our forebears granted them
Little St. Bernard Pass, the favored Alpine route between France
lordship over them. The more they have to give back to us, and Italy.
the more we should hate them and do them harm. We
should hate the ones who hated our forebears and took
their lordship from them and now wish to have it back by
The Story of Merlin 403

53. The Expedition to Gaul and the Giant of a mountain. And it seemed to him that a great dragon was
coming toward it out of the eastern skies, and it spewed
Mont-Saint-Michel.1
from its throat fire and flames so thick and awesome that
they lit up the shores all about. Then the dragon fell upon
Now the story says that after the twelve messengers had
the bear with all its might. The bear defended itself well,
gone, King Arthur and his barons were left very badly upset
but the dragon took hold of the bear, sent it hurling to the
by the summons the Emperor Lucius had sent. And Merlin
ground, and killed it, so it seemed to King Arthur.
said to him, “Sir, call your men together, for we mustn’t
When King Arthur awoke, he was bewildered by the
tarry. The emperor has strongly equipped himself.”
dream. He sent for Merlin, and he entreated him most
“Merlin, dear friend,” said King Arthur, “I’ll be upon
kindly to tell him the meaning of his dream. Then he told
him sooner than he wants. He’ll be the worse off for
him word for word what he had seen while he slept.
attacking us.”
And then Merlin said to him, “Sir, I’ll tell you the
“But now I bid you farewell, for I go to take your
meaning. The bear you saw stands for a great monster, a
message to the barons.”
huge giant that lives near here on a great mountain. He
At once Merlin vanished, and the king did not know
came to this country from the land of Spain, and he has
what had become of him. And Merlin went straight to
stayed here. Every day he wreaks shame and harm on this
Orkney, first of all, and gave the message to King Lot to be
land, but no man dares stand up to him for fear of his great
in Logres within two weeks from that day with all his forces;
strength. The dragon you saw in your dream that spewed
he answered that he would gladly be there, and Merlin
fire and flames from its throat, so thick that the whole land
bade him farewell and left. Why should I go on telling you?
was brightened by it, stands for you yourself, who bum with
He let all the princes who held land from King Arthur, but
the fire of your bright boldness shining with divine grace.
not King Ban and his brother King Bors, know that they
And that the dragon then struck with such might means
were to be in Logres within two weeks.
that you will attack the giant, who will put up a good fight
Then he went back and found King Arthur in his
against you. And that the dragon took hold of the bear
rooms, and he said to him, “Sir, I have given your message
means that in the end you will kill him; have no fear about
to all your barons, and in fifteen days from today they’ll be
it.”
here ready to go!"
Then they had the tents and pavilions taken down, and
When King Arthur heard him, he was greatly
they set out on the road. But they had not gone far when
gladdened. And he stayed at Logres until his nobles had
news came to King Arthur about the giant, who was laying
come. King Lot of Orkney was the first to come, and he led
waste the land and countryside, and no man or woman was
five thousand men. And King Urien had four thousand, the
left, but they had all fled through the fields like dumb
King of the Hundred Knights four thousand, King Neutres
beasts for fear of the giant. And he had taken by force a
four thousand, King Caradoc four thousand, King
maiden, Helaine,2 a gentleman’s niece, and had carried
Tradelmant four thousand, and Duke Escant of Cambenic
her off atop a mountain, where his lair was, that was
two thousand. And Gosengos and Nabunal the Seneschal
surrounded by the sea. Now this mountain is called Mont-
led four thousand, King Yder four thousand, and King
Saint-Michel, but at that time it had neither minister nor
Aguisant four thousand. And after they had all gathered in
church. There was no man so bold or strong that he dared
the meadowlands of Logres, King Arthur was most glad,
fight the giant, and when the men of the countryside got
and he thanked them heartily. He told them about the
together, they could not hold out against him on sea or on
emperor’s proud and wrongful summons, and they told
land, for he killed them all with rocks and sank their ships.
him to think of nothing but striving until the shame had This is why the people of the country gave up their lands
been avenged.
and homes to him.
Then the fleet was made ready and they went aboard
When King Arthur heard the news about the giant who
the ships. And Merlin went out ahead and did not stop
was laying waste the land, he called Kay the Seneschal and
until he had come ashore at Gaunes. He found King Ban
Bedivere, and he told them to get their armor ready while it
and King Bors, and he ordered them to get themselves was still dark, and they did as he ordered. And the three of
ready, for King Arthur had set out on the sea to move them rode out with only two squires, and they rode until
against the Romans. And they said that they would be there they came near the foot of a mountain, and they saw a great
for the fight. And Merlin turned about and went straight to fire burning; beyond, they saw another mountain no less
the port before King Arthur landed. And when the king saw high than the first, and they saw a great and wondrous fire
him, he asked him where he had been, and he answered burning there as well. And King Arthur did not know which
that he was coming from the city of Gaunes, where he had mountain he should climb. So he called to Bedivere and
summoned the two kings “who will be there for the fight told him to go find out on which mountain the giant was.
with mighty forces.” And King Arthur thanked him heartily. Bedivere then got into a boat, for the sea was at high
Then the barons left the ships and encamped for a tide. When he came to the nearer mountain, he climbed up
while [428] along the shore in tents and pavilions, so that the rocky cliff, [429] and he heard much weeping and
they could recover from the hard time they had had at sea. wailing; and when he heard that, he grew fearful, for he
And so they went to sleep that night. And as King Arthur
slept, he saw in a dream that came to him a great bear atop
2Her name, not given at this point in Sommer’s text, appears
below (429,1. 14) in a context that seems to assume that the name
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 427—434. has occurred previously.
404 The Story of Merlin

believed that the giant was there. But he renewed his They stopped there, and King Arthur went on toward
boldness within him, drew his sword, and went forth. It was the giant, who was sitting before the fire and roasting meat
his hope to yield to adventure and fight the giant, as he was on a great spit; he was cutting off and eating the meat that
not a man who wished, for any fear of death, to behave like had cooked the most. And the king, sword in hand, went
a coward; and with this thought, he climbed to the top of toward him one step at a time, his shield strapped to his
the rock. When he was on top, he saw the fire, which arm, for he meant to take him by surprise. But the giant,
burned very brightly, and he saw a grave nearby that had who was faithless and evil, looked about him and saw the
been newly dug. Beside the grave he saw an old woman king drawing near him. He sprang up, for the king had his
sitting, her clothing all tom to shreds and her hair askew, naked sword in his hand, and he ran to get a cudgel that
and she was weeping and sighing in great sobs. was nearby—it was so huge and so awesome that two men
And when she saw the knight, she said to him, “Ah, could scarcely carry it, and it was carved from oak wood. So
noble knight! Who are you? What adventure has brought he left his roast in the fire, and he swiftly lifted the cudgel
you here? For you life will come to an end most dreadfully as high as his neck, for he was quite lively and very strong,
if the giant finds you here! Run away from here as fast as and he came at the king very fast and told him that it was
you can, for you would be most unlucky to linger here until unwise of him to have come there. He raised the cudgel
that devil from hell, ruthless to everyone, sees you. So go and meant to hit the king on the head. But the king was
away quickly, if you want to stay alive!” very nimble and quick, and he jumped to the side so that
When Bedivere saw the woman weeping and mourning the blow missed him. And as he jumped away, he thrust a
Helaine so tenderly, and she had told him to flee if he did blow at the giant, meaning to strike him on the head, but
not wish to die, he drew closer to her at once and said to the giant, who was quite bold and quick, thrust his cudgel
her, “Good woman, stop weeping and tell me who you are out—for otherwise the king would have killed him—and
and why you are mourning so beside this tomb.” warded off the blow. Even so, the king followed through
“I am,” she answered, “a sorrowful, wretched woman, with his good sword, which he had won from King Rion,
and I weep and mourn for a maiden, a noble woman who and aimed at his two eyebrows; he broke through his skin
was the niece of Lionel of Nanteuil. I nursed her and gave and flesh down to the bone, and the giant could see
her the milk from my breasts. She lies here in this grave, nothing, because of the blood that spilled down into his
and she was entrusted to me to nurse and keep safe! Now a eyes, and so he could not see where to land his blows. So he
devil has taken her away from me, a devil from hell that began to strike out wildly all about him like a madman. The
brought us here. He wanted to lie with the child, so young king began to bear down hard, but he could not reach him,
and tender, and she could not bear it, he is so ugly, so for the giant was striking out so hard and fast that if one of
ghastly. And so he took her soul from her body, and he tore the blows had hit him, it would have crushed him.
her away from me through his faithlessness. I have buried And so they fought for a long time. And when it
her here, and I weep over her and mourn her day and dawned on the giant that he would not land a blow on the
night.” king, he threw his cudgel to the ground and reached out
“And why do you not go away?” asked Bedivere. “Why with his hands wherever he heard the king stepping, for he
do you stay on here alone? You have lost her and cannot could not see him. The king was hitting him hard with his
have her back.” sword, and the awesome blows fell thick and fast, but the
“Sir,” she answered, “I know very well that I cannot giant was wearing a leather jerkin made of snake skin, and
have her back, but, since I see that you are so noble and it was so hard that the sword could not cut through, and
courtly, I do not want to hide anything from you. When my the king was angry and upset. The giant kept thrashing out
dear daughter was slain, for whom I thought I would die of with his hands and jumping here and there, until at last he
sorrow, the giant made me stay here to satisfy his lust with caught the king by his arms, and when he got hold of him,
me. He has defiled me by force, and I must submit to his he was most happy, for he thought that he could soon kill
will whether I want to or not. As Our Lord is my witness, it him—and indeed he would have, had it not been for the
has been against my will, and the giant has very nearly great nimbleness of the king, who jumped about so much
killed me. And if he comes here to satisfy his lust with me, that the giant could hardly hold on to him, and he freed
you are as good as dead. And he’ll come soon, for he is on himself.
that mountain where you see the great fire. So I beg you, go Then the king ran upon him wielding his sword, and
away from here and leave me to mourn and weep over my he hit him so very hard on his left shoulder that his whole
daughter! ” arm shook from the blow, but the leather jerkin was so
Bedivere felt deeply sorry for the woman, and he strong that he could not cut through to his flesh. The giant
comforted her with great kindness. Then he went back to still could not see him, as his eyes were too full of the blood
the king and told him what he had seen and heard, and he that came down from his wound, so that he could not see
told him that the giant was on the hill where he saw the heaven or earth; but at last he raised his hand to his eyes
great fire blazing. Then the king had his companions climb and wiped away the blood, and he could make out a
that hill. When they were on top, he made them stop. He shadow of die king. He ran to that side, but the king, who
told them that he would go by himself and fight the giant knew that the giant had great strength, did not dare let
alone, “but, even so, watch out for me, and come help me if himself get caught in his arms. The giant ran about so
I need it.” much, here and there, that he stumbled against his cudgel.
And they answered that they would. [430] He grabbed it and, burning with hatred, ran upon the king,
but the king stepped aside, for he did not dare make a
The Story of Merlin 405
stand against him, and that filled the giant’s heart with even nor Leonce of Payeme had yet got there, for they had
greater anger. He then threw his cudgel down and began stayed behind to safeguard the land and defend it against
reaching out again to take hold of the king with his hands. King Claudas of the Land Laid Waste, should there be need
He kept wiping and rubbing his eyes, until he could see to. As soon as the two kings had come into the army, they
light as well as a shadow of the king. Then he leapt out and had their tents set up before the tent of King Lot, who was
grabbed him by the hips with both hands, [431] and he most glad to see them, for he truly loved them with great
squeezed him so hard that he nearly broke his backbone in love. And they stayed there until King Arthur had a casde
two, and he began to feel for the king’s arms because he raised up there, where they could take refuge if they had to.
wanted to take the sword out of his hand. Then, following his barons’ advice, King Arthur sent
But the king, who saw clearly what was in his heart, his messengers to the Emperor Lucius, and he told him
dropped his sword, which fell to the ground and made such [432] that he had most unwisely ridden over his land, and
a loud noise that the giant heard it. He then held the king that, if he did not make amends for it, he would drive him
in one of his arms and leaned down to pick up the sword; out of Rome. He sent Sir Gawainet, Sir Wain, and Sagremor
but as he stooped, the king hit him with one of his knees on the mission, for they were courtly and well-bred, and
and sent him to the ground in a faint. He then sprang to they were worthy and bold.
his sword, picked it up from the ground, and came back to And the king said to Sir Gawainet, “Dear nephew,
where the giant lay. He raised up his leather jerkin and you’ll go to the emperor and, on my behalf, tell him to turn
thrust the sword into his body. And this is how the giant back and leave this land, which belongs to me. And if he
died. does not mean to turn back, let him come prove in combat
Then Kay the Seneschal and Bedivere came forward which one of us has rights to it, for I’ll defend it to the end
and greeted the king joyfully. They looked at the giant, who of my days against the Romans; I’ll win it back in battle, and
was wondrously huge, and they heartily praised God for the I’ll prove against him man to man which of us will have it.”
honor and victory He had given King Arthur, for they had When King Arthur had spoken these words, the
never before seen such a great devil. And King Arthur told messengers rode out wearing their hauberks, their helmets
Bedivere to cut off the giant’s head and to take it back so fastened on, their shields about their necks, their swords
that the army could see the wonder of his great size, and he girded, and holding their lances. And they talked together
did as he was ordered. Then they climbed down the with Sir Gawainet, for they were young and light-hearted,
mountain and got on their horses. The tide had gone out and said that before they came back they would do
and was already coming back in, and it was coming in very something “that people will talk about forever, and it will be
fast indeed, but they got across and rode straight to the said that the war has begun."
army. The barons were quite troubled because the king had So they rode until they came near the army. And when
been away for such a long time, for they did not know the Romans saw the messengers, they ran out of their tents
where he had gone, but Merlin told them not to worry, for everywhere to see them and to hear their news. They asked
he would soon come back safe and sound. who they were and where they came from, but they would
While the princes and barons were so frightened for not stop or listen to anything they had to say until they
King Arthur, he dismounted at his tent, along with Kay the reached the emperor’s tent. They dismounted before his
Seneschal and Bedivere, who had hung the giant’s head on tent and had their horses tethered outside the doorway;
his saddlebow by its hair. The barons all came to the king as then they came before the emperor and told him the
he was getting down from his horse, and they asked him message from King Arthur.
where he was coming from, for he had given them a great “My lord,” said Sir Gawainet, “King Arthur sends you
fright. And he told them that he was coming back from word to leave his land and this countryside, for it belongs to
fighting the giant who had laid waste the land and him by rights, and he forbids you ever to be so bold as to set
countryside all about them and that he had killed him, foot in it again. But if you wish to challenge him in combat
“thanks be to God." Then he showed them the head that for any of it, I will defend King Arthur. Romans won it in
Bedivere had brought back. And when the barons saw it, batde in days gone by, and in battle it will be won back.
they crossed themselves in wonder and said that they had Now let it be proved which one should have lordship and
never seen such a huge head, and all who were in the army power over it. Come before dawn if you wish to challenge
praised Our Lord. Then they took off King Arthur’s armor for lordship of the land—or go back, for you have nothing
with great rejoicing and merrymaking, and they stayed to do here. We have taken the land and you have lost it, so
there resting the whole day. believe what I say and you will be wise.”
And the next morning they took down the tents and When the emperor heard Sir Gawainet speaking in
pavilions and set out on the road straight for Burgundy, such a way, he answered him straightway, angry and upset,
and they rode for as many days as it took until they came to that he would not turn back, for the land and the
the River Aube. And there news reached them that the countryside belonged to him; rather, he would go on
Emperor Lucius had invaded that country and was laying it ahead. He was very glad to hear such orders, for if he had
waste, and King Arthur was quite glad that he had found lost his land, he would have it back when he could, and he
him so close by; however, he was sorry that he had stripped truly believed that it would be soon.
the countryside. A knight, whose name was Titilius, was sitting next to
So he had his army encamp along the River Aube. And the emperor; he was the emperor’s nephew, the son of his
that very day King Ban and King Bors rode into the army sister, and he was most evil and overweening, and he
with six thousand knights, but neither Pharian nor Gratian
406 The Story of Merlin

answered very wickedly and said, “Britons who make threats came to a wood that was near the castle that King Arthur
are good with words, but in deeds they are worth litde.” had had built.
And he would have gone on with his mockery, but Sir But with that the story falls silent for a while about the
Gawainet drew his sword from its scabbard, stepped messengers and those who were riding after them, and goes
forward, and struck him so hard that he sent his head back to speaking about King Arthur and his barons.
flying. Then he said to his companions, “Get on your Here the story says that at the time when the
horses.” messengers left King Arthur to go on their mission to
They did so at once, and Sir Gawainet got on his horse, Lucius (the emperor of Rome), King Arthur, following
and they turned about without taking leave of the Romans Merlin’s advice, sent after them seven thousand very well
or the emperor. equipped knights to meet the messengers and rescue them
And then the whole army was in an uproar, for the if they needed. And they rode until they came to the woods,
emperor began shouting very loudly, ‘Take them! You’ll be and there they waited for the messengers. At last they saw
sorry if they get away! ” them coming, and after them the whole field was covered
Then they all shouted, ‘To arms!” with knights who were giving them chase. And when they
And you would have seen [433] men everywhere saw this, they rode out to meet them, and the Romans
putting on armor, climbing on horses, and spurring after withdrew just as soon as they [434] saw them coming.
the messengers, who were riding away at great speed. They But many of the Romans were upset, because they had
looked over at the Romans, who were coming at them from run after them for so long, for the Britons had fallen upon
all sides, over the roads and across the fields, four here, them all too ruthlessly, and they had taken many and killed
four there, five over here, six over there. many. There was one quite renowned knight who was
But there was one of them who wore cosdy armor and named Petrinus, and in Rome there was not his match in
was on a strong, fast horse, and he flew past all his knighdy skill or boldness. He had heard about the ambush
companions and shouted to the messengers, “You are the Britons had set up, and he set out at once to where they
indeed taking your time, so I’ll hand you over to the were with six thousand men in iron armor. And as soon as
emperor!” he got there, he pushed the Britons back by main force, for
When Sir Gawainet heard him, he took his shield by they could not hold out against him, nor could they stand
the arm straps, turned his horse about, and hit him so hard their ground, so they made their way as far back as the
that he sent him down dead to the ground. Then he said, woods, and there they defended themselves. And Petrinus
“Sir knight, those are the tidbits I can give you to eat, you fell upon them with all his might, but he lost very many of
and my other foes. Wait for your companions who are his men there, for the Britons slaughtered them, and there
following you and tell them that King Arthur’s messengers were many dead and wounded on both sides.
have ridden by here!” But now the story falls silent about them, and we will
After him came a knight who had been bom in Rome tell you about King Arthur and his companions.
of very high stock, and the Romans called him Marcel. His
horse was strong and swift, but he had no lance, for he had
forgotten it in the haste of riding out. And he went
54. Battles with the Romans; Arthur’s
alongside Sir Gawainet, for he had promised to take him
back alive to the emperor. And when Sir Gawainet saw that
Victory.1 *
he was riding alongside, he turned his reins, and Marcel
rode into him as he was passing by. And Sir Gawainet hit When King Arthur saw that his messengers were long in
him so hard that he drove his sword into his brain and all coming back, he called Yder, son of Nut, to him and
the way down to his teeth. Then he said to him in mockery, entrusted six thousand knights to him and ordered him to
“You would have better luck if you were still with the ride after the others until he found them. So they took to
emperor! ” the road and made their way until diey saw the two armies
Then all three messengers turned about and struck fighting against each other. Sir Gawainet was fighting with
three Romans down dead. such wondrous skill, and Yder and his companions spurred
There was a knight, who was Marcel’s cousin, sitting to where he was and, with all their might, charged
astride a strong, fast horse, and he was very sorry about his headlong into the Romans. Then the Britons came out of
kinsman3 whom he saw lying on the ground, so be began to the woods and won back the field.
spur his horse across the fields. Sir Wain caught sight of And Petrinus, who was a very good knight, worthy and
him, so he ran to where he was and hit him so hard that he bold, rallied his men around him. He knew how to fall back
could never get back up, for he had cut off his head. Then and turn about, and he knew how to storm in among his
three4 Romans struck him and broke their lances on him, foes. (If anyone wants to meet a bold knight in battle, let
but he cut one’s head off and another’s arm, and he hit the him go against him, and the one who does must surely die!)
third so hard on the head that he struck him down dead The barons spurred their horses all over the
and sent him sprawling from his horse. Then he rode after battlefield. They were unwilling to rest and wanted only to
his companions, and the Romans ran after them until they joust. They did not care how the fighting went, but only
that the war had begun.
o
The word is neueu (433,1. 25): “nephew, grandson, progeny”;
not the equivalent of cousins (433,1. 24): “cousin.” 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 434-441.
4The text bears the definite article (433,1. 28).
The Story of Merlin 407
On the other side was Petrinus, very upset, and he kept good knights, worthy, bold, and highborn, and he ordered
his knights close by him. Sagremor of Constantinople was them to get up early the next morning and take the
riding through the batdefield, striking down knights and prisoners and lead them out of danger.
horses, and he caught sight of Petrinus, who was turning So the story falls silent here about King Arthur, the
about and then striking down Britons. He looked and prisoners, and those who should lead them away, and goes
understood from the wonders Petrinus did that there would back to speaking about the emperor.
be heavy losses if he did not kill him or take him alive, for Now the story says that when the emperor learned
the Romans were rallying, thanks to his skillful deeds alone. about the harm his men had suffered, he was grief-stricken
He then took the best of his friends aside to talk and and heartbroken. Then spies came to him and told him
said to them, “We have begun this fight without King that the prisoners would be led away the next morning into
Arthur’s order. If it happens to turn out well for us, he will the land of Benoic. When the emperor heard this, he had
be grateful to us, but if we come out badly, then we will ten thousand knights take their horses and ride through
have his wrath. This is why we must kill Petrinus or take him the night, and he ordered them to ride until they were
alive and hand him over to King Arthur, for otherwise, we ahead of the prisoners and to rescue them if they could.
cannot get out without losses. So I bid you, do what I do Then the emperor called to him Sestor,3 who was lord of
and spur your horses after me!” Libya; the king of Syria,4 who was called Evander; Calidus of
And they answered that they would do so and follow Rome; Matis; and Catenois—those five were well schooled
him wherever he wanted to go. When he heard this, he was in fighting and they knew a great deal about warfare. And
very happy. the emperor ordered them to lead the ten thousand5
And he had watched closely and seen where Petrinus armed knights. And they rode until they came to the road
was. on which the prisoners were to go by, and they stopped6
Then he started out at once to where he knew him to very quietly in a most delightful spot that they found near
be, and his companions followed him all together, and they the road.
did not stop before they came to the spot where Petrinus And early next morning King Arthur’s household
was, where he was leading the knights of his household. arose, just as they had been ordered, and they led the
And when Sagremor saw him, he spurred over to him and prisoners away. They rode in two clusters for fear of their
got close enough to him to put his arms about him, and foes. Borel, Richier, and Cador were leading one company
Sagremor let himself fall with him like a man who had faith where prisoners7 were, and the prisoners rode with their
in his companions. And Petrinus lay on the ground in his hands tied behind their backs and their feet tied under
arms, [435] for he was holding on to him very tightly. their horses. They were going ahead, and they fell upon the
Petrinus was struggling hard to get up, and he began to Romans’ ambush. The Romans stormed out in front of
twist and turn, but Sagremor held him so strongly that he them with such an uproar that the ground shook and
could not move. And when the Romans saw Petrinus on the quaked all about them, and they defended themselves like
ground, they ran to his rescue, and there was hard and men of great strength. And when Bedivere and his
wicked fighting. companions, who were coming up from behind, heard the
But Sir Gawainet rode straight into the press and noise and the sound of blows ringing, they had their
cleared a way with the blade of his sword, with which he prisoners taken to a [436] safe place and ordered their
killed and struck down as many as he met right in front of squires to watch over them. Then they spurred their horses
him, and no one was so bold or so strong that he did not and were not willing to stop before they got to their
give way to him. And Yder, son of Nut, also slaughtered a companions, who were defending themselves with strength
great many of the Romans. And each one was so mightily and daring. And the Romans spurred their horses here and
strengthened by the other that they lifted Sagremor back there, but they did not mean to defeat the Britons so much
astride his horse, and they took Petrinus and held him as to look for the prisoners. And when the Britons saw them
prisoner—he had been beaten hard and was badly hurt; behaving in that way, they split into four battalions: Cador
they brought him out of the press by their sheer strength had with him the men of Cornwall, Bedivere and Richier
and handed him over to good guards, and they went back had a great body of men each, and Borel had the men of
in to start the fray all over again. Galloway.
And those who were left without a leader hardly put up
a defense at all after they had lost the one who had led ^he form here is Gestoire (435,1. 28). The form sestor (440,1.
them; so the Britons kept killing them and striking them 31) is preferred by West (279).
down in great heaps. They rode over the dead bodies to 4The form is sur (435,1. 28). West suggests Syria on the basis
hold back the runaways, of whom they killed many and 9
of readings in Wace (283, see Sur ).
took many prisoner and gave them over to King Arthur.
5Here the text reads ,xmv. (435, 1. 31), whereas the original
They advised Arthur to send them into the land of
number is ten thousand (435,1. 25).
Benoic and have them held in prison there until the
6Sommer’s text adds el chemin (435, 11. 32-33): “on the road”;
Romans did what he wanted, for if he held them in the
but this contradicts the later pres del chemin (435, 11. 33-34): “near
army, they could well have been lost. Then the king
the road,” more suitable for an ambush.
summoned Borel,2 Richier, Cador, and Bedivere, who were
7The text reads la compaignie ou li prison estoient (435, 11. 36—
37): “the company where the prisoners were”; but the other
2Called bretel (435, 1. 36) (see West 46, Bretel) and bertelot company also has prisoners (435,1. 42).
(436,1.7).
408 The Story of Merlin

When King Evander noted that his men were army. They made their way all through the night until the
dwindling and that their strength was flagging, he drew next morning, when they came into a valley that is called
them close to himself. And when they saw that they could Suize 9 which is on the road that goes straight from Autun
not rescue the prisoners, they fell upon the Britons in good to Langres. And King Arthur had his companions put on
order and started a hard and wondrous fight. The Britons their armor so that, if the Romans fell upon them, he could
indeed had much the worse of it, for they lost a great many welcome them quickly. And he had the lesser folk, who
knights, and Yder, son of Nut, met King Evander, who would not be needed in batde, stop beside a hill, and they
struck him so hard that he sent him down dead to the looked like armed men wandering about, such that, if the
ground. The Britons were greatly disheartened because Romans saw them, they would be disheartened by the great
they lost many of their men in the onslaught, and they crowd. Then King Arthur hid himself in a wood with six
would have all been killed or taken prisoner but for thousand six hundred knights, and he ordered the earl of
Cleodalis, the seneschal of Carmelide, when he came there Gloucester to lead them: he was their head and leader. And
with five thousand men whom King Arthur had sent on the king ordered them not to move out from there for any
Merlin’s advice. reason until they could see that they were needed.
And when Bedivere caught sight of them, he said to his “And if I need you,” he said, “I will come back for you,
companions, “Hold your ground and do not run away! See for if the Romans are put to rout, you would not spare
the help that is coming to us!” them.”
And when they heard them, they shouted King And they answered that they would do as he ordered.
Arthur’s batdecry so loudly that Cleodalis heard them Then the king took another company of knights, who
clearly. Then he and his men let their horses run. The were equipped most nobly, and led them to another spot,
Romans had their minds set on taking the Britons, and they and he was their leader. They were from his own
took no heed of the men of Carmelide before they charged household, and he had raised them. And he had his dragon
headlong in among them. In their first pass, they struck held up in their midst—the dragon that was always borne as
down a hundred Romans who never got up again. And his ensign. Then he split his men into eight battalions and
when the Romans saw that, they were utterly put two thousand knights into each one; half were on foot
dumbfounded, for they were sure that it was King Arthur and the other half on horseback. And he told each
with his whole army. They were so disheartened that they battalion how it was to behave. Then he put enough other
took to their heels and made for their encampment, for men into each battalion so that there were five thousand
they did not believe they would be safe anywhere else. And five hundred.
the Britons followed hard behind them. And in the chase King Aguisant had the first battalion. Duke Escant of
were killed King Evander, Catenois,8 and more than two Cambenic led the second. Belcis, king of the Danes,10 led
thousand others, and many were also taken and held another. And King Tradelmant and Sir Gawainet were with
prisoner. Then they went back to the batdefield, and they King Lot of Orkney, who led the fourth battalion like a king
picked up Borel and the other dead who lay over the field fit for great deeds.
and buried them. And then they carried the wounded away, After these first four there were four others, very well
and the men to whom King Arthur had entrusted the equipped. King Urien led the first, and Sir Wain his son was
prisoners led them away and those who had been taken with him, as were Yvain the Bastard, King Belinant, and
prisoner in that battle; they bound them tighdy and took King Neutres, and they had with them the men of their
them where they had been ordered to lead them. And country. And the King of the Hundred Knights, King
Cleodalis and his companions went back to King Arthur Clarion, and King Caradoc led the second battalion, and
and told him how they had fared. they had with them the men of their country. King Bors led
But with that the story falls silent for a while about the third, and he had with him the men of his country
them and goes back to speaking about the EmperorLucius. along with Cleodalis, the seneschal of Carmelide, and the
In this part the story says that the emperor was most ones he led from his country. King Ban of Benoic led the
saddened when he learned about the defeat and the great fourth battalion, and he had with him all the foot soldiers
loss of his men, and he wept tenderly for King Evander and and crossbowmen and four thousand men on horseback all
the others who had been killed and taken prisoner. And he wearing good armor.
saw clearly that it was going badly for him, and he was And after King Arthur had thus set up his men and
disheartened and afraid to fight against King Arthur or to worked out his battalions, he said to his barons and other
wait for a second onslaught that was sure to come after him. men, “Now we’ll see who fights boldly! For whatever deeds
So he laid his plans, got his men on horseback, and went you may have done in your lives before now, everydiing is
straight to Langres with his army, and he encamped in the lost if you do not now fight well against these Romans.”
valleys below the city.
And when King Arthur learned this, he was certain that
9The form is ceroise (437,1. 4). West identifies this as the Suize
the emperor would not fight until he had gathered more River which flows between Autun and Langres, though other
men, but he was unwilling to let them encamp and stay suggestions are not implausible (West, 65-66, Ceroise).
[437] so near him. So he had his men get on their horses 10The text adds here & 1i rois loth dorcanie (437, 1. 24): “and
stealthily, and they took to the road toward the right-hand King Lot of Orkney”; however, King Lot is leader of the fourth
side of the casde between the town and the emperor’s battalion, not co-leader of the third.

8The form here is catelos (436,1. 27).

The Story of Merlin 409

And the princes answered him forthwith, and with one Neutres, and King Belinant were leading drew closer. They
voice, that they would rather die on the battlefield than not charged into the Romans with their men where they saw
have the honor and the victory. the thickest fighting, and the three princes fought
And when King Arthur heard this he was most happy wondrously. And Kay the Seneschal, who was with them, hit
and gladdened. them like a worthy knight, so that the three princes said,
But now the story falls silent for a while about King “God, what a seneschal!”
Arthur and speaks of the emperor. [438] And they said of Bedivere, “God, what a constable!
Here the story says that when the emperor, with his Here are goodly ministers for a king’s court!"
barons, who were very good, skilled knights, had encamped There many a blow was given and taken, and many a
in the valley below Langres, he went to bed that night. And knight was killed and struck down. And Kay the Seneschal
the next morning he left Langres and meant to ride to and Bedivere did wonders, for they trusted mightily in their
Autun. But then the news came to him that King Arthur prowess. [439] They kept together, but went too far
had laid an ambush for him, and he saw clearly that he forward, and they came upon a battalion that the king of
would have to fight or turn back. He said to himself that he Mede had brought; his name was Boclus, and he was a
would not go back for anything in the world, for he would pagan of very great prowess. And Kay and Bedivere rode in
be held a coward. against them and killed many of them.
Then he called all his princes before him, and there When King Boclus saw the two companions who were
were a good two hundred of them who made up his doing his men such harm, he was filled with sorrow. He
council, and he said to them, “Noble vassals, goodly held onto his short, thick sword and rode Bedivere down
conquerors, sons of goodly forebears who won great honors and hit him so hard that he drove his blade right through
and great lands through their knighdy prowess and deeds his body and out the other side, and if he had struck him a
of boldness, Rome is head of the world, and if it weakens little lower, he would have killed him. Even so, he bore him
and falls in our time, the shame and dishonor will be ours down senseless from his horse. And when Kay saw him fall,
to bear. For our forebears were worthy and noble, and by he was very sorrowful, for he thought that he was dead. He
rights noble sons should spring from a noble father. Your rode over to him with as many men as he could get
fathers were worthy, and you ought to be worthy so that you together, and he made the men of Mede leave the field.
can match them: each one of you must strive to be like his He came to Bedivere and took him in his arms; he
father. It would be a great shame if anyone lost his meant to pick him up and carry him away from among the
birthright—and whoever through his own cowardice gives it horses, for he loved him very much. And as he was taking
up and leaves behind what his father won through his him up, the king of Mede rode out of the fray and struck
prowess should be put to shame. I do not say that you are Kay the Seneschal on the helmet with his sword, and he
cowardly or that you have grown weak. Your fathers were gave him such a great wound on his head that he had to
worthy, and I hold you to be worthy and valorous and bold. drop Bedivere, and he would have killed him had it not
And the Britons have closed the road to Autun to us, and been for the men of Kay’s household, who were showing
we cannot go there or get by them without a fight. Take up their worth so well.
your weapons and put on your armor. If they stand up to And one knight flew into the press: his name was
us, see to it that they are hit hard; and if they turn in flight, Sebart, and he was Bedivere’s nephew. And when he saw his
run after them with all the strength you have. Let us strive uncle lying on the ground in a faint, he thought that he
to strike down their pride and cast asunder their might and had been killed. He gathered his friends and kinsmen until
their arrogance.” there were a good two hundred of them or more, and he
Then the Romans set up their battalions and lined up said to them, “Follow me, and we’ll avenge my uncle’s
their forces, and many were the kings and dukes of death!”
pagandom who crossed swords with the Christians who had Then he drew near the Romans and caught sight of
come to win the fiefs they held from Rome. There were the king of Mede, and he turned to that side, shouting King
many of them on foot and on horseback, and some they set Arthur’s batdecry like a madman. He asked for nothing but
on the hills and others in the valleys. Then you would have to avenge his uncle. And his companions rode off after
heard loud blasts from horns and trumpets on every side, him, holding their lances down, and they slew many pagans
and they rode tightly drawn together until they fell upon there. And they rode until they came among the king of
King Arthur’s men. And then you would have seen arrows Mede’s men, and when Segart saw King Boclus, who had
shooting and bolts flying so thickly that no one dared lower brought his uncle down, he spurred to him and struck him
his shield from his face. After that, they turned to lances so hard atop his helmet with his sword that he cut right
striking shields, and the clanging was dreadful. And when through it and his iron coif as well, and he split him open
they had broken their lances, they turned to axes and down to his teeth and took him to the ground dead. Then
swords, and they landed hard blows on helmets and he went over to him, pulled him up on his horse in front of
hauberks, and the uproar was loud and awesome. And they him, took him to his uncle’s side, and cut him up into litde
fought together for a long time, and they struck and bits. Then he said to his men, “Let us slay those people who
knocked against one another. do not put their trust in God!”
Yet the men of Rome never fell back the least bit, nor Then he heard his uncle sigh, and he was filled with
did the Britons win any ground from them, and no one great joy. And he had him and Kay taken up and brought to
could tell which ones were winning or getting the better of where their equipment was. Then he went back to the fight,
the others, before the echelon that King Urien, King which was most dreadful.
410 The Story of Merlin

And King Neutres met King Alipanton, who was king after which he said, “Be cursed, since you came here to do
of Spain, and they traded blows as hard as they could. And us harm.”
King Neutres killed King Alipanton, but King Neutres had Next he struck Poliplites, king of Mede, whom he
been wounded with a cut through his body. But the found before him, and he cut off his head. When the
Romans were so strong that the Bretons had to withdraw, barons saw that King Arthur was fighting so well, they rode
and when Sir Gawainet and Hoel of Little Brittany saw against the Romans, but the Romans drove against them
them turning about, they were filled with sorrow. with such strength that they did the Britons very great
Then they rode headlong into the midst of the battle harm. And if the emperor had not been killed, the Britons
along with the men from Litde Brittany, who were following could not have lasted. Even so, they were greatly distressed
their lord Hoel, so that the crowd of men fighting could by this, but they held out so well that no one could tell
not keep them out, and they struck so hard that they made which side had the upper hand. When the six thousand six
those who had come after them turn tail, and they sent hundred knights whom King Arthur was to go back to fetch
many of them spilling to the ground. They rode hard on came down from the mountain, they rode into the crowd in
their heels until they came to the banner with the golden such a way that the Romans saw none of them, and they
eagle. There were the emperor and the noblest men in the struck them from behind so fiercely that they split the
world, who had come from Rome. [440] batde into two parts. They struck them down one atop the
Then you would have seen great and wonderful other and went about [441] trampling them under their
fighting. And Herman, who was count of Triple, was riding horses’ hooves and killing them with their swords. After
with Sir Gawainet and Hoel, but a lowborn lad killed him they came in, the Romans could never have held out, so
with a javelin he had thrown. And the emperor’s men they turned in flight, for they were grief-stricken because of
struck out so hard against the Britons that they slew a good their emperor, who was dead. And the Romans and
two thousand of them in that place, and the Britons Saracens fled in a rout, and the Britons rode after them and
suffered great harm, because there were many worthy killed as many as they wanted.
gentlemen and good knights among them. And Sir
Gawainet was so grief-stricken when he saw it that he nearly
went out of his mind. So he charged into the Romans like a
55. The Devil Cat of the Lake of Lausanne;
lion running among the beasts to make his catch. He
fought with great skill, and he never tired of striking blows. King Claudas’s Men Routed.1
He hit right and left until he came near the emperor.
When Sir Gawainet saw the emperor, he marked him King Arthur was very happy with the Romans’ defeat and
well, as the emperor did him. And they let their horses run the victory that God had granted him. Then he rode back
one against the other and struck each other with great into the field where the battle had been fought and had the
might, but neither fell, for they were both very strong. The dead buried in the churches and abbeys around the
emperor was strong and sturdy, and he was very glad that country, and he had the wounded carried away to be cared
he had withstood Sir Gawainet, for he knew well who he was for. Then he had the emperor’s body taken and sent it to
by the blazons on his arms, which have been described Rome encased in stone, and his message to the Romans was
before. And he said to himself that if he could hold out that this was the tribute from Britain he was sending them,
against him, he would boast about it in Rome. Then he and if they demanded tribute from him another time, he
raised his shield and lifted his arm, and he began fighting would send them as much again.
against Sir Gawainet with great fierceness. And Sir Gawainet And when he had done that, he took counsel as to
hit him so hard with his good sword Excalibur that he split whether he should still go on or turn back to Gaul, and the
him open down to the teeth. princes told him to seek Merlin’s advice. Then the king
When the Romans saw the emperor dead, they ran called Merlin and said to him, “Dear friend, what do you
upon the Britons and struck hard and deep into their wish me to do?”
midst, and they brought down more than three thousand in “Sir,” answered Merlin, "you won’t go on to Rome, but
the onslaught. When King Arthur saw the Romans you won’t go back, either. You’ll still go on, for there are
recovering and doing his men such harm, he was filled with people who need your help.”
sorrow. Then he shouted loudly to his men, “What are you “What?” said King Arthur. “Then, is there a war in this
doing? Ride after them and don’t let anyone get away, for I land?”
am Arthur, who never fled from the battlefield for any ‘Yes, sir, on the other side of the Lake of Lausanne.
man! Follow me and see to it that you do not behave like For there a devil lives, such a devil that neither man nor
cowards. Remember all your knightly deeds and all the woman dares dwell there, for he lays waste the countryside,
kingdoms you have won. For I will not leave this field alive and he kills and maims everyone he goes after.”
if I do not win against the Romans. Today is the day when “How can that be? Can no one stand against him? Isn’t
I’ll die or have victory! ” he a man like anyone else?”
With that he rode in among the Romans and began to “Not at all,” answered Merlin. “It is a cat filled with
strike down knights and horses, and everyone he reached devils, and it is so huge and frightening that it is a dreadful
was doomed to die. He did not strike one blow with his sight to see.”
sword that did not kill the man he hit. Then he fell upon
Sestor, king of Libya, in his way, and he sent his head flying, 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 441-445.
The Story of Merlin 411
“God have mercy!” said King Arthur to Merlin. “Where And they did as he ordered. And after they had drawn
can such a beast come from?” back a litde, Merlin let out a very loud whistle. And as soon
“Sir,” said Merlin, “I’ll tell you in truth. It happened on as the cat heard it, it sprang out of the cave at once, for it
the feast of the Ascension, four years ago, that a fisherman thought that a wild beast was there. It was starving and had
from that country came to the Lake of Lausanne with his gone without food for a long time, and, crazed with
tackle and nets to fish. And when he had got everything hunger, it ran straight for King Arthur. As soon as King
ready to cast his nets, he promised Our Lord the first fish Arthur saw it coming, he held out his lance to meet it. He
he caught. And after he had cast his hook and line, he meant to run it right through the beast’s body, but it took
caught a pike that was worth at least thirty pence, and when the shaft in its teeth and began pulling on it so hard that
he saw how beautiful and big the fish was, he said to the king staggered. The twisting and turning the king did
himself, mumbling softly, for he was wily, ‘God won’t have with his lance made the shaft break off right at the iron tip,
this fish, but He’ll have the next one I catch.’ which stayed in the beast’s mouth, and it began to roar as
“So he cast his line back into the water and caught a though it were mad.
fish that was worth more than the first. And when he saw The king threw down the broken shaft and drew his
how big and beautiful it was, he wanted to keep it for sword from its scabbard and held his shield up in front of
himself, and he said that the Lord God would have to get his chest. The cat sprang at once, for it thought it could
along without that one, but He would indeed have the take him by the throat, but the king raised his shield so
third. strongly against it that he sent the cat spilling to the
“Then he cast a third time and pulled out a kitten ground. But at once it sprang back at the king very
blacker than mulberry. And when the fisherman saw it, he powerfully. King Arthur raised his sword and hit it right on
said that he had a good use for it at home to rid his house top of the head so that he sliced the scalp, but its skull was
of rats and mice. And so he raised it until it strangled him too hard to cut through. Even so, he stunned it with his
and his wife and children. blow, so that it went sprawling to the ground.
“And then it fled into a mountain that lies on the other But before the king could recover from wielding the
side of the lake, as I have told you, and it has been there to blow, the cat leapt upon him and grabbed him fully by the
this day. It kills and destroys whatever it touches, and it is shoulders, and it sank its claws right through his hauberk
wondrously large and frightening. And you will go that way, into his flesh. And it jerked him about so hard that it sent
and from there your road goes straight to Rome. And, God more than three hundred links flying from the mail
willing, you will bring peace to the good people of the land, hauberk, and his red blood flowed after the cat had
for they have fled to other countries.” [442] withdrawn its claws, so that the king very nearly fell to the
When the barons heard Merlin’s words, they all began ground.
to cross themselves for the wonder they felt, and they said it And when King Arthur saw his blood, he was very
was Our Lord’s vengeance and a sign of the man’s sin, for deeply [443] angered. Then he held his shield in front of
he did not keep the oath he had made to Our Lord. And his chest, took his sword in his right hand, and swiftly ran
they were convinced that Our Lord was angry at him upon the cat, which was licking away the blood that had wet
because he had lied when he made his oath. its claws. When it saw the king coming, it sprang to meet
King Arthur ordered his men to turn aside and set out him. It thought it could take hold of him just as it had done
on the road, as they had been ordered, and diey started before, but the king thrust out his shield, and the cat leapt
toward the Lake of Lausanne. They found the land stripped on it with two of its feet and sank its claws right through.
and uninhabited, for no man or woman dared dwell there. The cat jerked him about so hard that he bowed towards
And they made their way until they came to the hill where the ground. But the king held his shield so fast by the
that devil lived. They set up camp in a valley that was within handles that the cat could not get away, nor could it pull its
a league of the mountain where the beast was. And King claws back out, but stayed hanging from the shield by its
Lot and Sir Gawainet took their arms, as did King Ban and two forefeet.
Gaheriet, to go with King Arthur and Merlin, for they said And when King Arthur saw that it was hanging so fast
they wanted to see the devil that had done such harm in the from his shield, he raised his sword and hit it so hard
countryside and throughout the land. They climbed the between its legs that he cut right through them just below
mountain, following the way Merlin led them, for he knew the knees. The cat fell to the ground, and the king threw
everything about the place, owing to the great knowledge his shield aside and ran upon the cat with his sword drawn.
he had. The cat sat back on its hind legs, bared its teeth, and
When they had reached the top, Merlin said to King opened its mouth wide. The king thrust at it and meant to
Arthur, “Sir, the cat lives inside that rock.” strike it on the head, but the cat crouched on its hind legs
And he showed him a great cave in a meadowland that and jumped onto his face, took hold of him with its hind
was wide and deep. claws and teeth, and tore at his flesh so that the blood
“And how will it come outside?” asked King Arthur. spurted out from many gashes.
“You’ll soon see it come out,” said Merlin, “and come When the king felt the cat holding him so fast, he put
out very fast. You be ready to defend yourself, for it will the tip of his sword against its belly and started to thrust the
throw itself on you as soon as it sees you.” sword through its body. When the cat felt the sword, it let
“Now all of you draw back,” said King Arthur, “for I go with its teeth and turned about to let itself go downward,
want to test its strength myself.” for it thought it could drop to the ground, but the two feet
412 The Story of Merlin

it had fastened into his hauberk held so fast that it was left Arthur was sending to prison knights who were Romans,

hanging there, its head down toward the ground. and they believed that if they handed those knights over to

And when the king saw it hanging as it was, he raised King Claudas, he would be grateful to them, for he dearly

his sword and cut off the two feet it had fastened into his loved the emperor and his Romans.

hauberk, and its body fell to the ground. As soon as it had King Claudas’s knights were astride good horses, and

fallen, it began to howl so loudly that all in King Arthur’s they were well equipped, so they rode straight toward the

army, which was in the encampment, heard it plainly. And ones leading the prisoners: they were a good two hundred

after it had let out this howl, it began to hop about, for it strong, knights, squires, and men from that country who

had such great strength in its body, and it made for the were riding with them; but of the two hundred no more
cave it had come out of. But the king ran between the cat than forty were knights, while King Claudas’s knights

and its cave and then ran it down. The cat jumped at him, numbered sixty-five,3 and they were near their own casde,

for it thought it could grab onto him with its teeth, but as it where there were many men-at-arms and foot soldiers

leapt, the king hit it with his sword above its forelegs and whom they could rely on. So they hid themselves in a woods

slit the cat open from end to end. a litde way from the road. And when they saw King Arthur’s

Then Merlin came running, and the others as well, to knights coming nearer, they let their horses run against
where he was, and they asked him how he was. them and fell upon them, and they almost took them by
“I am well,” he said, “thanks be to Our Lord, for I have surprise.
killed the devil that did great harm to this country. You can But when King Arthur’s knights saw them coming, they
be sure that I’ve never feared for myself any more than I spurred their horses against them. They struck one another
did when I was entangled with that devil, except when I so hard on their shields that they went through them and
fought the giant the other day in the mountain that rises tore open one another’s hauberks; some were driven
from the sea. And I praise Our Lord and thank Him for it." through with lances so that the tips stuck out the other side,
“Sir,” said the princes, “you are right to do that.” and there were dead and wounded on both sides. When
They looked and saw the cat’s feet that were left in his those who were leading the prisoners saw their knights
shield and hauberk, and they said that they had never seen spilling to the ground, they rode to where they were to help
such paws. Gaheriet picked the shield up, and they went them and keep the others away. There was a mighty din
back to the army, rejoicing and merry. and clanging of blows, and King Claudas’s men suffered
And when the princes there saw the paws and claws great harm, and they would have been worse off if the men
that were so long, they were dumbfounded. They led the from their casde, a good hundred and fifty strong, all on
king to his tent and took off his armor, and they took horseback, had not come out in strength to save them.
notice of the scratches and bites the cat had given him, and Then the batde grew very hard and fierce. The Britons were
they washed him and cleaned his wounds most tenderly; strong and stalwart; King Claudas’s men were strong and
and physicians put on him what was needed to draw out the fierce, and they were in their own land—the way they
poison. And they took such good care of him that he did defended themselves was a wonder.
not have to stop drinking or eating or riding horseback. Then fifty men-at-arms came out from the casde, each
They stayed there that day and [444] the next, when one with a bow in his hand and a quiver full of arrows, and
they took the road back to Gaul. And the king had his they began to shoot at the Britons. They killed many of
shield brought along—the shield where the cat’s paws them in that onslaught, and the Britons were in great
hung, and he had the paws from his hauberk put into a distress; they were forced to fall back as far as the prisoners,
box, and he ordered that they should be well looked after. whom the foot soldiers were guarding. And the Britons
And the king asked Merlin what that hill was called. would [445] have lost everything if something good had not
And Merlin said the people in that country called it the Hill happened them by God’s will, for Pharian of Trebe and
of the Lake2 because of the lake that lapped at its feet. Leonce of Payeme were coming there in order to take the
“By my faith,” said the king, “I want that name to be casde, and they had with them eight hundred knights, all
done away with, and I wish it to be called the Hill of the Cat on horseback and heavily armed. They happened upon the
because that is where the cat lived and where it was slain.” fighdng and the rout of the Britons.
And from the hour the king said this, the mountain When those from the casde caught sight of them and
has always been called by that name, and so will it be recognized their flags, they were gready distraught. They
forever. left the Britons and took flight toward their stronghold;
Here the story falls silent from speaking about King they flew helter-skelter into the castle, every man looking
Arthur and his companions, and it goes back to telling out for himself. But they could not ride so fast drat Leonce,
about those who were taking the prisoners to France Pharian, and their companions did not slay more than
Here the story' says that when the companions whom thirty of them while their mates were rushing to safety
King Arthur had entrusted to take the Romans back to inside the casde. And drose who were standing on the walls
France took to the road, they rode from one town to the let the gates down after them, but a falling gate killed two
next and made their way day by day until they came to a of their horses.
casde, which belonged to Claudas of the Land Laid Waste, Pharian, Leonce, and their men rode back toward the
and there they met sixty-five knights from King Claudas’s Britons who were guarding the prisoners. Pharian asked
land. Through their spies these knights knew that King them who they were, and they answered that they belonged

Q
^Sommer’s text has le mont du lac (444,1. 5) Here Sommer’s text reads .ban. (444,1. 13).
The Story of Merlin 413
to King Arthur, who was sending the prisoners to France. have given and pledged myself. I know very well that I’ll
And when they heard that, they said that they were well never have the one you wish me to wed; no, I’ll keep myself
met. Then they took to the road all together and rode until for the man who has left me. He is a nobler, more
they came to Benoic. There they got the prisoners down handsome man, and a better knight than this man, and I
from their horses and locked them away, just as King know I would find greater happiness with him."
Arthur had ordered. Then they all took off their armor and “My dear,” said her father, “whom are you talking to
stayed there in joyful celebradon. me about? Tell me plainly what is in your mind, so that I
Here the story falls silent from speaking about them can hear from you something that will let me put this
and goes back to telling about the Lord of the Fens and his matter to rest.”
daughter. “Sir,” said the young lady, “I’ll tell you, since you wish
to know it, and not one word of what I’ll say will be a lie.”
Then she told him, in order, everything that had

56. The Birth of Hector; Merlin’s happened between her and King Ban of Benoic, that she
was carrying his child, and that he had told her she would
Imprisonment.1 have a son through whom all her kindred would be
honored and exalted, “so I beg you not to speak to me
Now the story says that on the fifth day after King Ban, King about marriage unless it is to the king, for by the faith I owe
Bors, and Merlin had left the marshes where they had you, I’ll have no husband but the king.”
lodged so happily, a powerful man from the country came When the father heard his daughter, he was filled with
to the castle at night. And the lord of the casde, who was a sorrow and heartache, but he did not dare show it, so he
most worthy gendeman and wise, was very glad to have him answered her most meekly: “My dear daughter, since this is
as his guest, and in his honor he had his daughter serve the way it is, I must abide it. Now don’t worry about
him his cup, for she was most courteous, well-bred, and anything. I’ll go speak to my lord, and I’ll answer him
dudful. according to your will, not mine."
And the knight who had sought lodging there watched He then went straight to the knight, who was already
the young lady, and she pleased him so much that he asked putting on his spurs, and he greeted him with great
her father for her hand and said that he would take her as courtesy and said to him, “Sir, if you would wait two years, I
his wife if he was willing. And when the father heard this, would do what you wish.” And he said this because he was
he thanked him most kindly, because he did him an honor convinced that he would not grant him the delay.
in asking for her, and he was most happy, for this was the When the knight heard him, he answered not a word,
most powerful man in the whole country. And he said that but got on his horse—and his men did as well—and rode
he would speak to the young lady about it and then give away without taking his leave. But he swore that, since he
him his answer. could not have the lady by love, he would take her by force;
After they had taken their meal, they went to bed. The and after him, all others who wanted her could have her. So
next morning they rose early, and the gentleman spoke this is how he left, and he went into his country and called
with his daughter about what the knight had asked him: he his men together until there were a good eight hundred
was such a powerful and highborn man that through him knights, his own men and hirelings, and they rode as a body
all their friends would be raised up and honored. And straight to the Castle of the Fens. There he had his tent
when the young lady heard this, she answered her father pitched beneath a pine near the causeway, and he swore an
meekly and said to him, “Sir, it is not yet time for me to oath that he would never leave before he had starved them
wed, for I am quite young. And so, I beg you, please say no all out.
more about it.” And when the Lord of the Fens saw himself besieged,
“My dear daughter, I see no use in refusing to talk he was filled with sorrow—not because he was afraid of
about it. You ought to be glad in your heart that such a being taken by force or starved out, for all the men in the
powerful and noble man stoops to ask for you as his kingdom could not take him by force, and he would not be
wedded companion and friend, for you are a lowborn easily starved out, for he had food enough within for five
woman beside him, and you are scarcely worthy to take off whole years without having to go out through the gate, and
his boots. So I beg you and command you to do what I there were sixty-two knights there, worthy and bold. For the
wish.” Lord of the Fens was a most noble man.
“Sir,” she said, “surely you can allow that, by the faith I And they stayed before the casde a full week, and
owe you who are my father, [446] I am not of an age to nothing was shot or hurled. But it so happened that on the
wed.” ninth day, about the hour of prime, a knight from the army
“What is this, fair daughter?” the father answered. “Do whose name was Maduras went to the horn that hung there,
you mean to go against my will?” put it to his mouth, and blew it three times with very great
“Sir,” said the maiden, “your will is not such that you strength, so that the lord of the casde heard it plainly. Then
wish to see me lost! ” he asked for his arms, put them on most nobly, and
“Lost? Dear daughter, rather I would win you!” climbed on his strong, quick warhorse, his shield about his
“No, lose me," she said. ‘Tor I would never have joy in neck and his lance in his hand. [447] The gate was opened
my heart if I did not have as a husband the man to whom I for him, and he rode out at great speed and rode the whole
length of the causeway toward the army. And he shouted in
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 445-449. a very loud voice that the man who blew his horn without
414 The Story of Merlin

his leave was very bold, and he would be sorry he thought the blood spurted out from both of them. Then they
of doing it if he were so foolhardy as to dare fight him. bumped each other so hard with their shields and bodies
When Maduras heard him, he said that he had blown that their horses stumbled and fell to the ground on top of
the horn for no other reason, and he said he would joust them. Both of them [448] were knocked senseless, and they
with him if they swore an oath that, the man who fell would lay on the ground for a long time. But in time they both
hand himself over as a prisoner without further ado. sprang back up, drew their swords, and ran each other
“And I agree to that,” said Agravadain, “if Our Lord down with great fierceness, and they traded hard blows on
grants that I should worry about or be bothered by no one their hauberks, which had been ripped open, and they gave
but you.” each other great and wonderful wounds. Both grew weary
“In faith,” answered Maduras, “you need fear no one, from the blood they had lost, but in the end it was Leriador
since you have come to that!” who had to beg for mercy.
Then Agravadain came down from the causeway, and So the siege was lifted, and Leriador went back into his
they rode away from each other. The knights had gathered own country. And Agravadain went into his casde and had
in rows all about to watch the joust. And the two knights his wounds cared for. Then he sent the prisoners back to
rode toward each other as fast as they could make their their countries, and he dwelt there happy and joyful until
horses run, their shields on their arms and their lances in his daughter gave birth to a child who was afterwards of
their holders, and they struck each other on their shields so very great renown in the kingdom of Logres and in other
hard that they drove through them. Maduras broke his lands. His right name was Hector,2 and Agravadain was
lance; and Agravadain broke his, but he had thrust his with most happy with him and rejoiced in him, and he had him
such great strength that he knocked Maduras from his brought up in his own room. He gave him three nurses,
horse to the ground, and he struck so soundly that he and his mother3 herself nursed him with her own milk, for
broke his left arm between the wrist and the elbow. there was nothing on earth she loved more than him. And
Then he reached out his hand, took his horse by the he looked like King Ban, just as if he had been drawn from
bridle, and led it to the causeway; and he told Maduras to his likeness.
follow him and keep his oath. So he took to the causeway Right here the story falls silent from speaking about
and rode off toward the castle, driving Maduras’s horse him, his mother, and Agravadain, who loved him very
before him. And he went through the gate and was greeted much, and it goes back to talking about King Flualis, about
with great rejoicing. whom it has kept silent for a very long time.
And Leriador and his knights came to Maduras and Now the story says that when Merlin went away from
found him in a faint, so that they thought he was dead. But King Flualis, whose dream he had interpreted,4 the king
after a while he opened his eyes and gave the order to be was left deeply distraught with what Merlin had said to him.
carried to the castle, so that he might fulfill his oath. And it was not long before everything Merlin had told him
Then Leriador had a horse-drawn litter made of came true, for he saw his children at the temple of Diane,
boughs and leaves. They laid Maduras inside and covered the temple tom down and violated, his land laid waste and
him with a rich silk cloth, and they raised him between two impoverished, and his palace burned, and he himself was
palfreys and took him inside the castle. And Agravadain taken prisoner along with his wife.
took him in and had him put in a most lavish room, and But those who took them did not kill them; rather,
they called for physicians to set his arm. And the ones who they showed them the tenets of the Christian religion, and
had brought him went back to their army and found so much did they give them to understand day by day that
Leriador full of sorrow and heartache, as were all the they received the unction of holy baptism and were washed
others. and cleansed from the filth of misbelief. They called the
The next morning yet another knight came to blow the king by his own name, which was Flualis, but they changed
horn, and Agravadain came out and jousted with him. He the lady’s name and called her Remissiane, whereas before
brought him down and made him swear himself a prisoner, she was called Subine. And they were husband and wife
and this one went away into the casde. And so Agravadain together for a long time, and in time they had four
fought so boldly that he struck down eleven of them in all, daughters who were later wed to four Christian princes,
and their lord was filled with sorrow. And he himself blew who were good and faithful men, and they had many
the hom on the twelfth day. children. For the eldest had ten sons, who all became
And when Agravadain came out, just as he always did, knights, and seven daughters; the second had fourteen sons
Leriador told him that with this joust the war would be over and three daughters; the third, twelve daughters and six
and the siege lifted. For if Agravadain could beat him, he sons; and the fourth twenty-five sons and one daughter. All
would go back to his own country with his army, and never of them were wed, and the sons all became knights in the
would he or his kin threaten anything that belonged to lifetime of Queen Remissiane; they were filled with great
him. joy and gladness, and they were thankful to Our Lord.
“But if I defeat you,” he said, “you will give me your When the king and the four princes saw that they had fifty-
daughter for my wife, for I ask no more of you.”
So they swore on both sides. Then the two knights
2The form of the name in Sommer’s text is hestor (448,1. 9).
came together as fast as their horses could run, and they
^he word in Sommer’s text is meschine (448, 1. 11): “girl”—
struck blows on each other’s shields. They drove their
not what we would expect this noble lady to be called.
lances through the bosses and ripped their hauberks open,
4Ch. 52.
and each one grazed the other’s side with his lance, so that
The Story of Merlin 415

five5 sons and grandsons, all of whom were knights and ordered ten thousand knights to mount, and they took to
brothers and first cousins to one another, they were much the road.
gladdened, and they said that Our Lord had given them to They rode until they came there after nightfall, and
them to exalt Christendom; they also said that they would they hid themselves in a wood five arrow-shots away from
not die before they had put all of pagandom under the casde. There they waited until the next morning, when
Christianity and the law of God. those from the casde sent out men escorting the spoils
Then they summoned and gathered all the men under from the batde. And as soon as the booty escort was all
their sway, and they overran pagandom from every side and outside the castle, Sir Gawainet sent fourteen knights out
took towns and castles, and they killed many a pagan. They and ordered them to ride past the escort and go toward the
won lands and foreign countries, and they went over into gate; he also sent with them five crossbowmen to shoot up
Spain to Galicia and Compostela, and nothing could toward the barbicans and crenels if they saw it was needed.
withstand against them. [449] At last King Flualis passed They had to hold the gate undl he could get there. It was
from this world in Spain, and the four princes and all his still so early that they could scarcely see the gate. But as
grandsons were filled with sorrow. He was buried in a city soon as the escort was outside, they started out toward the
they called Nadres at the time. gate just as they had been ordered.
Then they went back to the region about Jerusalem When Sir Gawainet saw the escort drawing nearer, he
and took those lands into their hands; then they all knew that the others were already beyond them. So he sent
scattered throughout various lands and conquered them as many as twenty knights [450] against those who were
and took all the honors. Some of them held taking the spoils. When those in the escort saw them
Constantinople, others Greece, where there were four coming, they left the spoils and started to ride as fast as they
kingdoms, others Barbary and others Cyprus. Still others could back to the gates. But the knights and crossbowmen
came into the kingdom of Logres to serve King Arthur, whom Sir Gawainet had sent there kept them from getdng
because of his great renown that ran throughout the world. inside. Soon Sir Gawainet was there, and he and as many as
With these came three knights who were most worthy and five hundred knights struck out helter-skelter through the
bold in fighting, but they lived for only a short time, and gates, and great were the shouts and the din. Those who
that was harmful to Christendom, for they were worthy and were in the courtyard let down a portcullis that struck two
faithful gentlemen. Two of them died in a battle that horses on their rumps, and the knights fell to each side, but
Lancelot fought against King Claudas, and the other died they were not hurt. Then the din and the yelling grew
in a batde that King Arthur fought against Mordred, just as louder throughout the casde, and they ran to the barbicans
the story will recount it later. and began throwing stones. But the five crossbowmen shot
But with that the story falls silent about them all and upward, while others began to cut down the gates and those
goes back to speaking about King Arthur. who were outside rode in. And then those in the castle
yielded to Sir Gawainet’s will, and he took them prisoner
and had them brought back to Benoic. Then he had the
town’s walls and gate tom down. And he went back to King
57. Merlin’s Imprisonment.* 1
Arthur, who was glad and happy about it.
And the king made the prisoners swear that they would
In this part the story says that when King Arthur and his
never stand against King Ban or King Bors. Similarly, he
barons had defeated the Romans and the king had killed
made the Romans swear never to stand against the
the cat, they began to make their way back. And they rode
kingdom of Logres. And after the oaths were taken, he sent
until they came to the casde diat King Arthur had had built
them all back to their countries. Then he stayed that day
on the River Aube.2 They spent one day there and then left
with King Ban, and he and his men left the next morning
and rode undl they came to Benoic, where they were told
with great rejoicing and celebration.
that the prisoners were there. And Pharian and Leonce
Then a messenger brought news to King Arthur that
greeted them with very great rejoicing. Then they told
King Leodagan of Carmelide had passed from this world—
them how they had rescued their men along with their
this is why he left King Ban. The next morning King Arthur
prisoners, just as it had happened, for those from the casde
left the two brother kings and never saw them afterwards,
had wanted to take them by force.
nor they him. It was a great shame that they left this life so
“By my head,” said the king, “they’ll be sorry they did
soon, just as the story will recount it to you later in this
that, for they will pay dearly for it.”
history.
Then he called Sir Gawainet and told him to go to the
When King Arthur and his companions had left the
casde, which was called the Borderland, and to do what it
two brother kings who had given him such honors, he
took to tear it down to the ground so that those from other,
made his way for as many days as it took to reach the sea.
nearby countries would not use it to attack his men or
And he and his companions boarded their ships and went
hinder him in any way, and they would understand how
across to the port of Dover. Then they got on their horses
mistaken they had been to wrong him. And Sir Gawainet
and rode until they came to Logres. There the king found
Queen Guenevere, who greeted him most joyfully, and he
5The text reads. tiiij. (448,1. 35). told her that her father had died. And the king comforted
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 449-453. her as well as he knew how. Then he sent his men away and

2Ch. 52. thanked them heartily, and they went into their own
countries. King Arthur stayed in Logres with Sir Gawainet
416 The Story of Merlin

his nephew and the knights of the Round Table. And And right away she asked him about a great many
Merlin tarried with them a good long time. things he knew how to do, and he taught her so much that
Then Merlin wished to go see his master Blaise, and he he was later taken for a fool—and he still is. And she
would tell him what had happened, although he had not remembered everything and put it down in writing, for she
seen it all, and from there he would go see his lady Viviane, was good at clerkly learning and knew the seven arts.
for the time he had set with her3 was drawing near. So he When Merlin had taught his lady everything she could
came to King Arthur and told him that he had to leave. ask, she began wondering how she could keep him forever.
And the king and queen asked him most sweedy to come And she began to wheedle Merlin more than she had ever
back soon, for he would be a great comfort to them and done before, and she said to him, “Sir, there is still
most welcome company, for the king loved him very much something I don’t know that I would be very happy to
indeed, because he had helped him in times of great need, know. And so I beseech you to teach me how I might keep a
and thanks to him and his counsel Arthur had become a man imprisoned without a tower or walls or irons, but
king. So the king said to him very affectionately, “Dear through wizardry, so that he could never get away but
friend Merlin, you are going away. I will not keep you here through me.”
against your will, but I’ll be most unhappy until I see you And when Merlin heard her, he shook his head and
again. For God’s sake, hurry [451] back!” began to sigh. And when she saw that, she asked him why
“Sir,” said Merlin, “this is for the last time. Farewell, I he was sighing.
commend you to God.” “My lady,” he said, “I’ll tell you. I know full well what
When the king heard him say that it was for the last you are thinking, and [452] I know that you want to keep
time, he was dumbfounded. And Merlin left without me. And I am so overcome by love of you that I must do
another word, weeping, and he made his way until he came your will.”
to Blaise, his master, who was very glad at his coming. He And when the young lady heard him, she put her arms
asked him what he had done since leaving him, and Merlin about his neck and said that he had to belong to her, for
told him everything. Then he recounted word for word, all she was his. “You know very well,” she went on, “that the
in order, all the things that had happened to King Arthur: great love I feel for you has even made me leave my father
about the giant he had killed, his batde with the Romans, and mother to hold you in my arms day and night. All my
and how he had killed the cat. And he told him about the thoughts, all my longing are for you. Without you I have no
little dwarf the young lady had brought to court and how joy or happiness; all my hopes are in you, and I can find
the king had made him a knight. happiness only in you. And since I love you and you love
“But I’ll tell you this much about the dwarf,” said me, isn’t it right that you should do my will and I yours?”
Merlin. “He is a most noble man. And he is not a dwarf by “Indeed, lady,” said Merlin, “yes! Now tell me what you
birth; rather, a young lady made him so when he was twelve want.”
years old, because he did not wish to grant her his love. He “Sir,” she said, “I want you to teach me how to make a
was then the most beautiful creature in all the world, but very beautiful, proper place that I can make so strong with
from the sorrow the young lady felt because of him, she magic that it cannot be undone. And we’ll stay there, you
turned him into a dwarf, so that nothing on earth would be and I, in joy and delight whenever we wish.”
so ugly or loathsome. But nine weeks from today the spell “Lady,” answered Merlin, “I’ll gladly do this for you.”
the lady cast will come to an end, and he will again be the “Sir,” she said, “I don’t want you to do it, but you will
age he ought to be, for from that day twelve years will have teach me how to do it and I’ll do it,” she went on, “more to
passed, but now he appears to be sixty years old or more.” my liking.”
And when Merlin had told all these things and made “I grant you this,” said Merlin.
an account of them, Blaise set them down in writing one Then he began to explain it, and the lady wrote down
after the other, all in order, and this is how we still know everything he said. And when he had told her everything,
them. After Merlin had tarried there a week, he left and she was very happy and loved him more and was more
told Blaise that it was for the last time, for he was going to cheerful to him than she usually was. Then they tarried
stay with his lady, and he would never have the power to together for a long while, until one day came when they
leave her or to come and go as he wished. were walking hand in hand through the Forest of
When Blaise heard Merlin, he was filled with sorrow Broceliande looking for ways to find delight, and they came
and heartache, and he said, “Since you cannot ever leave upon a beautiful bush, green and high, that was a hawthorn
her, don’t go!” loaded with flowers. They sat down in its shade, and Merlin
“I must go,” said Merlin, “for I have sworn an oath to laid his head in the lady’s lap, and she began to rub it until
her. And I am so overwhelmed by love for her that I could he fell asleep. And when the lady felt that he was sleeping,
not leave her. And I have shown her and taught her all the she got up carefully and with her wimple drew a circle all
knowledge she has, and she will yet know more, for I about Merlin and the bush, and she began to cast her
cannot leave her.” spells. Then she sat down again beside him, took his head
Then Merlin went away from Blaise, and he made his in her lap, and held him there until he awoke. And he
way a short while until he came to his lady, who was very looked about him, and it seemed to him that he was in the
glad to see him, as he was to see her. And they tarried most beautiful tower in the world, and he found himself
together for a long time. lying in the most beautiful bed he had ever lain in. Then he
asked the young lady, “Lady, you have indeed tricked me if
a
That he would return to her in a year.
The Story of Merlin 417
you do not stay with me, for no one but you has the power But with that the story falls silent from speaking about
to undo this tower.” them and goes back to the lady who led the dwarf knight.
And she said to him, "Dear friend, I will come here
often, and you will hold me in your arms and I you, and you
will do forever whatever you please.”
58. Evadeam, the Dwarf Knight.1
And she kept her oath to him faithfully, for few days or
nights went by when she was not with him. Merlin never
Now the story says that after King Arthur had knighted the
thereafter left the stronghold where his lady love had put
dwarf at the young lady’s behest,2 she took him away
him, but she came and went as she wished.
happily, and they went back to their country. And they
So the story falls silent right here about Merlin and his
made their way the first day until the hour of low vespers.
lady love, and it speaks about King Arthur.
And then they came out of a forest and rode onto a most
The story says that from the time Merlin left King
beautiful heath, which was large and wide. There the lady
Arthur and told him that it was the last time he would see
looked before her and saw an armed knight coming, riding
him, King Arthur was filled with sorrow and bewilderment,
a black and white spotted warhorse, and she pointed him
and he dwelt on the words Merlin had said to him. He
out to her dwarf. And he said, “Lady, don’t worry, but ride
waited for him in that state of mind for seven weeks or
on unafraid, for you needn’t bother about him.”
more, and when he saw that Merlin was not coming back, it
“In God’s name,” answered the young lady, “he’ll want
was a marvel how sad and worried he was. And one day Sir
to carry me off with him! That’s the only reason he’s
Gawainet asked him what was wrong.
coming this way!”
“In truth, [453] dear nephew,” answered the king, “I
And the dwarf said to her, “Ride on unafraid.”
am brooding because I think I’ve lost Merlin, and he’ll
The knight shouted to her as soon as he had seen her,
never come back to me, for he has stayed away longer than
loudly enough for her to hear, “Welcome to my lady and
he used to. He said that it was for the last time, and I am
my love! Now I have found what I’ve always been looking
afraid that he was telling the truth, for he never lied in
for!”
anything he told me. God help me, I would rather have lost
And the dwarf, who heard him very clearly, said to him
the city of Logres than him. I would like very much to know
most kindly, “Sir, don’t be in such a hurry, for you might be
whether anyone can find him near or far, so I beg you, look
thwarted before you get started. [454] You do not yet have
for him, if you love me, until you find out the truth about
her in your power, so that you might delight in her.”
him.”
“Indeed, I ought to take pleasure in her,” answered the
“My lord,” said Sir Gawainet, “I am ready to do your
knight, “for I love her just as if I held her for my own. And
will, and you will see me leave at once. And I swear to you
I’ll have her soon enough.”
on the oath I gave you the day you made me a knight that I
And all the while the knight was coming closer3 as fast
will look for him a year and a day or until I have truthful
as he could ride.
news of him. A year from today you will have me back, God
When the dwarf saw him coming closer, he fixed his
willing and if He keeps me from death and prison, unless I
lance in its holder and crouched behind his shield so that
have truthful news about him first.”
only his eye could be seen, and he struck his horse with his
The same oath was sworn by Sir Yvain, Sagremor,
spurs through openings cut through the saddle’s fenders,
Agravain, Guerrehet, Gaheriet, and twenty-four4 knights in
for his legs were so short that they did not reach below the
their company: they were Doon of Carduel, Caulas the Red,
saddle. And the horse bore him so fast that you would have
Blois of Casset, Canet of Blay, Amadant of the Hilltop,5
thought he was flying, and he shouted to the knight to look
Placides the Merry, Laudalis of the Plain, Aiglin of the
out for himself.
Vales, Cliacles the Orphan, Guiret of Lambale, Kehedin the
And the knight, who was very proud and haughty,
Fair, Clarot of the Spur,6 Wain of the White Hands, Wain of
found it shameful to joust with such a loathsome creature.
Lionel, Gaswain of Estrangort, Alibon of the Spur,7
He raised his lance and said that, God willing, he would in
Segurades of the Perilous Forest, Briamont of Carduel,
no wise joust with him, so he held his lance upright.
Ladinel, Ladinas of North Wales, Drian of the Perilous
Nevertheless, he put up his shield against the blow. And the
Forest, Satran of the Narrow Borderland, Purades of
dwarf struck him so hard that he drove through his shield
Carmelide, and Carmaduc the Dark—they all took their
and cut through his hauberk, and the tip of his lance
oaths after Sir Gawainet. And they rode out of the city of
grazed his side. And he jolted him so hard with his body
Logres all together as King Arthur willed it, and they
and his shield, and his horse was running so fast, that he
undertook their quest for Merlin. And when they were
knocked man and horse to the ground in a heap. As he fell,
outside the city, they parted ways at a cross they found at
the knight dislocated his shoulder, and he swooned from
the edge of a forest where the road forked into three
the agony he felt.
branches. There they split into three bodies.
And when the dwarf saw this, he called the young lady
over and asked her to help him down from his horse. She
4The text reads .xxv. (453,1. 14), but only twenty-four names
follow. Counting Gawain, Wain, Sagremor, Agravain, Guerrehet,
1 Corresponds to Sommer, 453-458.
and Gaheriet, thirty knights are named in all.
2Ch. 52.
5Taking the text’s crespe (453,1. 16): “crepe” (?) for creste.
3Sommer’s text reads saprochoit del cheualier (454,1. 4): “he was
6Sommer’s text has la broche (453,1. 18): “skewer, quill,” etc.
approaching the knight”
7Sommer’s text again has la broche (453,1. 20).
418 The Story of Merlin

took him in her arms and set him down. And he drew his And the knight who had been wounded began to think
sword from its scabbard, ran to the knight, and cut his that he had to fulfill his oath, so he had a horse-drawn litter
helmet’s ties and took it from his head. He threatened to fitted out most lavishly, and it had a most fair and suitable
cut him if he did not acknowledge that he was beaten. And bed, and the litter was covered with a costly silk cloth. The
the knight, who was sorely wounded, saw the sword he was knight was laid on the bed, and the litter was fastened onto
holding above his head and was afraid of dying. He begged two good-tempered palfreys. And they left sorrowfully and
for mercy and said that he would entrust himself wholly to took to the road straight to Carduel in Wales, where King
him. Arthur and the queen were spending some time, and that
And the dwarf said, “Then you will go to King Arthur day they were with a great many people. And when they got
to be held prisoner. And you will tell him on my behalf that there King Arthur was seated at his meal, and the knight
the litde knight he dubbed sends you to him, and you will had himself carried into the hall before the king. And he
throw yourself on his mercy.” said, “Sir, in faithfulness and to keep my oath, I have come,
And he swore as much to him. filled with shame, to throw myself on your mercy at the
Then the dwarf told him to mount his horse, but he behest of the most loathsome creature in the world, who
answered that he lacked the strength, for his shoulder was has defeated me in combat."
dislocated. “Instead I’ll have to stay here until I find And when he had said this, he ordered his squires to
someone who can carry me. But get on your horse and go bear him away. But King Arthur said to him, “What is this,
to the head of this heath, to a valley where you’ll find a sir knight? You say that you have come to be my prisoner
dwelling of mine, for it is high time for you to find lodging. and to beg my mercy?”
You will stay there and send some of my men to me to carry “In truth, sir,” answered the knight.
me back there. You have nothing to fear.” ‘Then I beg you,” said the king, “to behave like a
And the dwarf agreed to this. He went back to the lady, prisoner and tell me on whose behalf you surrender and
who was holding his warhorse. She leaned down over her how you were defeated.”
palfrey’s neck, took him by the arms, and lifted him up “Sir,” said the knight, “I am well aware that I must tell
until, with much straining, she set him in his saddle. Then about my shame and disgrace, and so I shall, since I have
they turned back to the knight’s retreat. come to that, for I must do your will and fulfill my oath. It is
Six squires who lived there ran out to meet them and true that I have fallen in love with a young lady who is so
helped them dismount.4 They disarmed the dwarf and beautiful and fair that there is not her like in all the world.
dressed him in a rich cloak, and the dwarf told them that She is a noble woman, the daughter of a king, and if you
their lord was wounded. wish to know her name, it is the fair Byanne, daughter of
They took a litter, fastened it onto two palfreys, and King Clamadon, who is very wealthy and powerful. But
went to their lord. They put him on the litter and carried never, whether by bidding, loving, or knightly service I did
him back to the retreat. They disarmed him, then sent for on her behalf, never could I bring her to grant me her love.
physicians, and they supplied him with what they could. And I would very gladly have taken her for my wife, and her
Then they asked him who had done this to him, and he father was most willing and quite happy about it, for I am of
answered that it was a knight he did not know, nor did he highborn stock, the son of a king and a queen, but the lady
dare say, for the shame of it, that it had been the dwarf. would not agree to it because of the most loathsome thing
Then he welcomed his guests with as much festivity [455] as ever a mother gave birth to.
a wounded knight could muster, and he had them very “And so the other evening I happened to be riding
lavishly served and given their ease. After the meal, they alone through a heath, wearing my armor, when I met my
were given two rich beds to sleep in in a beautiful room, lady love who was coming back from your court, and [456]
and they slept until early the next morning, when they got that false knight of a dwarf, whose lady she is, was riding
up and dressed. And the young lady armed her dwarf, for with her. And when I saw her coming with such a small
she loved him dearly and wanted no one to put a hand to it escort, I was very glad, and I said that God was to be blessed
but herself. And when she had armed him and got him for bringing her to that place, for I thought I could take
ready but for his helmet, she took him by the hand and led her away with me without a fight. But the dwarf who was
him to the room where the wounded knight lay. They both along with her told me that I was coming too soon, and it
said to him, God grant him a good day, and he returned would do me no good, for things would go otherwise than I
their greeting most meekly. And they commended him to hoped, and it was crazy for me to get so carried away. I
God and heartily thanked him for the honor he had paid thought I could have my way without resistance, so I told
them. him that I was sure to get what I wanted. And so I let my
Then they went out of the room, and the young lady horse run at full speed toward the lady, because I wanted to
laced his helmet and helped him get on his horse; then she pick her up and take her away on my horse’s neck to a
gave him his shield and lance. Then the squires sprang to retreat of mine that was not very far away from there.
life and brought the lady her palfrey and helped her “But when the dwarf saw that I had started out, he
mount. Then they left the knight’s retreat and took to the spurred toward me and fastened his lance to its holder, but
road toward Estrangorre. I was unwilling to joust with him with my own lance, for it
seemed a shame and a disgrace to me, so I did not want to
4Sommer’s text appears faulty: & descendirent 6? la damoisele & strike him. But he hit me so hard that he took me to the
le desarmerent (454,11. 36-37): “they alighted and the lady and they ground, and when I fell I dislocated my left shoulder, and I
disarmed him.” had to faint from the agony. He took off my helmet and
The Story of Merlin 419

would have cut off my head if I hadn’t sworn to make the sun set. And on the way out of a forest, along the slope
myself your prisoner on his behalf, and I am doing all of of a rock, they happened to be looking about and saw a hut
this.” where a hermit lived. So they turned that way to seek
“In truth, dear friend," said the king, “the one who has lodging. They knocked, and the hermit ran at once to open
sent you here has put you into a good prison. But now tell the door to them, and he made them as comfortable as he
me whose son the dwarf knight is.” could. The next morning he sang Mass for them.
“Sir,” he answered, “he is the son of King Brandegorre Then they left there and made their way to the edge of
of the land of Estrangorre, who is a most wealthy and a forest. And there Sagremor said to his companions that
powerful man in lands and friends, and he is faithful to they should scatter throughout the forest, and so they did.
God.” One rode away here, another there, just as they happened
“Indeed,” said the king, “he is truly a worthy to be led;6 indeed, many a fair adventure happened on that
gentleman, and I wonder that Our Lord could bear it that quest about which the story makes no mention now, but
he should have such offspring." they went up and down through various countries until they
“Sir," answered the knight, “Our Lord bears many rounded out the year, and they never learned any news
things. And this is not due to a sin of the father or the about what they had ridden out for. Then at the end of the
mother, nor is it anything he has deserved, for at one time year they came back and told their adventures to the king.
there was not in all the world as beautiful a creature as he And there were some among them who recounted their
was. And on Trinity Sunday it will have been nine years shame more than their honor, but they had to tell, because
since it happened to him, and on that day he will be only they were sworn to do so by oath. And people were so
twenty-two years old.” faithful at that time that they would not peijure themselves
And King Arthur said that he could not be just twenty- to save their fives. And everything was written down.
two years old, “for by his looks he seems to be more than So the story falls silent about them and goes back to
sixty.” speaking about Sir Wain.
“It is true,” said the knight, “that he’ll be just twenty- This the story says, that Sir Wain made his way, after he
two, for King Evadeam, my father, whose name he bears, had left Sir Gawainet, until he and his companions came
has told me many times that he is no older than that." out of a forest. And just as they were riding out of the
“And how did it happen to him?” asked King Arthur. forest, they met a young lady on a mule, and she was utterly
“Sir,” he answered, “a young lady did this to him grief-stricken. She was pulling out her hair by the handfuls,
because he was unwilling to love her. And there is a time and she was screaming in a loud voice, “How wretched I
limit to it, so I have been told many times. Now I have told am! What can become of me? For I have lost the one I
you what I was bound by my oath to say, and so I make loved so much, and he loved me so much that to win my
myself your prisoner and throw myself on your mercy, for I love he lost the great beauty he had!"
have been defeated.” When Sir Wain heard her, he felt deeply sorry for her,
“Dear friend,” said the king, “you have put yourself in a so he went to her and asked why she was grieving so. And
good prison, for I acquit you of your pledge. But first you she said, “Noble knight, take pity on me and my lover! Five
must tell me your name.” knights are killing him in that valley beneath that hill!”
“Sir,” he said, “they call me Tradelmant, and I am “And who is your friend, lady?” asked Sir Wain.
godson to the king of North Wales, who in great charity “Sir,” she answered, “it is Evadeam the Dwarf, son of
gave me his name. So now I’ll go away, by your leave and to King Brandegorre.”
my shame.” “Stop sorrowing now, lady,” said Sir Wain, “for by the
“Go with God,” said the king; “may He guide you.” faith I owe you, he won’t be harmed if I can help it,
Then his squires took him up and carried him out of provided I get to him in time.”
the great hall, and they lifted him up to his litter between “Sir, God have mercy on you,” said the young lady, “but
two palfreys, and they went back to their own country. you’ll have to hurry."
And King Arthur and his barons spoke a great deal Then Sir Wain set out as fast as he could make his
about the dwarf and maiden, and they said among horse run on the way to the place the young lady had
themselves that it would be a joyful thing for the dwarf to showed him, and his companions followed behind him.
have his beauty back, and they held the young lady in high And the lady followed them as best she could, for her mule
esteem, because she never [457] hated her lover for his went very slowly. And Sir Wain rode until he saw the dwarf,
ugliness. who was fighting lustily with two knights, and he saw three
But with that the story falls silent now about all of them others who were lying in the middle of the field and who
and goes back to speaking about Sagremor, who had left on did not have the strength to get back up, [458] for one had
the quest for Merlin, and he was one of thirty armed been wounded through the thigh by a lance, the second
knights,5 all of whom were worthy and bold. had been struck on the shoulder, which was cut off from his
Now the story says that when Sagremor left Sir body, and the third had been split open down to his teeth
Gawainet, he brought with him as many as ten companions by a sword. And the other two were tired out, and both of
of the quest, and they took to the road. And they rode until them were in great fear of dying, for the dwarf kept
attacking them with all his might.

5The text reads .xxij. sime de chevaliers (457, 1. 3): “a group of

twenty-two knights.” The reference is to 453,11. 14-23, where thirty ^he text reads ainsi comme auenture les menoit (457, 1. 14):
knights are named. ‘just as adventure (happenstance) led them.”
420 The Story of Merlin

And when Sir Wain saw him behaving thus, he pointed 59. Gawain, Merlin, and the Dwarf Knight.1
him out to his companions and said what a shame it was
that the dwarf was built as he was, “for he is worthy and When Sir Gawainet had left his companions at the fork in
bold, and he has great heart.” the road, he made his way with about ten others until they
“In truth, sir," said one of his companions, “never has a came out of the forest. And then Sir Gawainet said to his
man with his build fought with such skill. For God’s sake, companions that they should scatter, and each one should
separate them so that nothing bad will happen to him, for go his own way, for he wished to go on alone. And so they
it would be a great shame if he happened to be hurt.” scattered, as he had said, and each one went his own way.
“You speak the truth,” answered Sir Wain. Sir Gawainet rode on alone and made his way through
Then he spurred his horse to where they were, but most of the land of Logres until one day he happened to be
before he could get there the dwarf had sent one of the riding, brooding and sad because he could not hear any
knights to the ground, and he had ridden over him three news of Merlin; and dwelling on these thoughts, he went
or four times with his horse, so that he had nearly killed into a forest. And after he had ridden about two Welsh
him. And when the fifth one saw that he was all alone, he leagues, a young lady came [459] toward him. She was
was deathly afraid for himself, and he had started to veer riding the fairest palfrey in the world. Her saddle was of
away, as he meant to turn in flight, for without a doubt he ivory, her stirrups of gold, and her saddle blanket was
had deep wounds all over his body. But the dwarf, who was scarlet and had bands that hit the ground, and her reins
on a very costly horse, kept right on his heels, and he was were of orphrey with gold studs. She was dressed in white
going so fast that he would surely have killed him if Sir samite with linen fastenings, and her head was wrapped in
Wain had not ridden that way at once. silk against the sun. And all adorned as she was, she passed
And he said to the dwarf, “Dear sir, don’t do any more. Sir Gawainet by, but he was so lost in his thoughts that it
Let him go for courtesy’s sake, for we can see clearly how did not come to his mind to greet her.
he is, for you have fought him long and hard." And after she had gone by, she drew on her reins,
And when the dwarf heard him asking him that so turned her palfrey’s head, and said, “Gawainet, Gawainet!
meekly, he answered like a man who was more courtly and It’s not true, all they say about you and your great renown
courteous than any other, “Sir, is it your pleasure that I that is spread through the kingdom of Logres. They say,
should give up?” and they bear witness to it, that you are the best knight in
“Yes,” answered Sir Wain, “and with my thanks. For we the world. This much is true. And then they go on to say
can see how he is.” that you are the most courteous and the noblest in the
“Then I will do what you ask,” said the dwarf, “for you world. But in this, your renown clashes with the truth, for
seem to me a most worthy gentleman.” you are the most boorish knight in the world I’ve ever seen
With that the knight who had been fighting with the in my lifetime. You meet me in this forest all by myself, far
dwarf7 came to Sir Wain and said to him, “Sir, my thanks to from other people, and the great wickedness that is rooted
you, for you have saved me from death by coming here. in you was not willing to show such kindness or meekness
And blessed be God who brought you here!”
that it would stoop or deign or bear to greet me or even
Then he surrendered his sword to the dwarf, and the
speak to me! You can be sure that as much ill will befall you
dwarf took it, and the others who were alive did likewise.
as you have done to me, and you would give the city of
And he sent all four of them to be King Arthur’s prisoners. Logres and half of King Arthur’s lands not to have it
And they went there and gave themselves over to him on
happen to you.”
behalf of the dwarf knight.
And when Sir Gawainet heard the young lady, he was
And Sir Wain and his companions left the dwarf and
deeply ashamed, and he turned his horse’s head toward her
the young lady and scattered throughout various countries.
and, heavy-hearted, said to her the words you will hear
They looked for Merlin up and down, but they never found
straightway:
out anything about him, and they were filled with great
“Lady,” said Sir Gawainet, “God help me, I was
sorrow and heartache. Then they went back to court at the
brooding on a thing I am questing for, and I beg you, by
end of the year, and each one recounted what had
your mercy, to forgive me.”
happened to him on that quest. And King Arthur had
“God help me,” said the young woman, “first you will
everything put down in writing.
pay dearly for it, and you’ll be dreadfully shamed and
So the story falls silent right here about King Arthur
slandered, and you’ll remember next time to greet young
and goes back to speaking about Sir Gawainet.
ladies when you see them, but I’m not saying that it will last
you for the rest of your days! But you’ll find no one in the
7
Sommer’s text reads U nains qui an cheualier sestoit combatus kingdom of Logres who can tell you anything about what
(458,1. 24): “the dwarf who had been fighdng the knight,” which is you’re seeking; rather, you’ll hear some news about it in
the opposite of the sense suggested by the subsequent dialogue
Little Brittany. Now I’ll go about my business, and you go
and acdon.
looking for the thing you set out to find. And may you look
like the first man you meet until you see me another time.”
Then Sir Gawainet left the young lady, and he had not
ridden more than a Welsh league through the forest when
he met the dwarf knight and the maiden, who had left Sir

1 Corresponds to Sommer, 458-465.

The Story of Merlin 421
Wain the evening before and sent the four knights to be And after he had looked up and down throughout the
King Arthur’s prisoners. And this happened on Trinity kingdom of Logres, he saw that he would find nothing
Sunday, right at the hour of midday. And as soon as Sir there, so he took it into his mind to cross over the sea and
Gawainet saw the young lady, he thought about the lady he go to Litde Brittany. And so he did. And he looked near
had met before, and he stopped brooding and said to the and far, but he could learn nothing about Merlin. And he
young lady, God grant happiness to her and her rode on until he neared the time he had set to go back.
companion, and the lady and the dwarf answered, may God And so he said to himself, “Alas, what shall I do? The time is
give him good fortune.2 growing nearer when I must go back, when I swore an oath
So they passed by, Sir Gawainet on one side and they to my uncle I would be back, and so I must, for otherwise
on the other. And after they had gone a little way past, the I’d be a faithless liar. No, I would not! For the oath
dwarf knight came back into the beauty he had had from supposed that I could act of my own free will, but I’m not
the first, and his right age was twenty-two years, and he was free to act as I wish, for I am a loathsome and misshapen
once again large, well built, and broad of shoulder, and he thing, and I have no mastery of myself. And that’s why I
had to take off the armor he had been wearing, for it was can’t be bound to go to court. In faith, now I have
no longer any use to him. [460] misspoken! Never in any circumstances, whatever shape I
When the young lady saw her lover restored to his may have, would I perjure myself. And because I’m not
beauty, she was happier than anyone could say, and she locked in a prison, so that I couldn’t go wherever I wanted,
reached up and put her arms about his neck and kissed I would only forswear myself if I didn’t go to court. Thus,
him more than a hundred times without stopping. And [461 ] I must go to court so that I may not prove faithless.
then they went away, rejoicing and happy, side by side, in And so I beseech God to have mercy on me, for the body is
great gladness. And they thanked Our Lord for the honor treated shamefully in this world.”
He had given them, and they wished Sir Gawainet every As Sir Gawainet uttered this complaint, he turned
happiness and all good luck, for he had said to them God about to go back to court. As it happened, he was riding
grant them joy, and so He had. And thus they went their through the Forest of Broceliande, and he meant to go that
way. way to come to the sea, and all the time he wailed and
But right here the story falls silent about them and will moaned as before. All at once he heard a voice not very far
tell about Sir Gawainet. away from him, and he turned toward the place where he
When Sir Gawainet had gone past the dwarf knight had heard that voice. He looked up and down and saw
and his lady, he rode a good three arrow-shots before he nothing but a kind of smoke no thicker than a mist,3 and
began to feel that the sleeves of his hauberk were clinging he could not go through it.
to his hands and that the bottom of his hauberk reached Then he heard a voice that said, “Sir Gawainet, do not
lower than his two feet. For his legs had grown so short that despair, for everything will happen as it must happen.”
they did not stretch below the fenders of his saddle, and he And when Sir Gawainet heard the voice that had thus
looked and saw that his mail leggings were drooping over called him by his right name, he answered and said, ‘Tor
his stirrup tops, and his shield hung down close to the God’s sake, who is it that speaks to me?”
ground. He could see very plainly that he had become a “What?” answered the voice. “Don’t you recognize me?
dwarf. And he said to himself that this was what the young You used to know me well. This is what happens to
lady had sworn would happen to him, and he was so something left and forgotten, and the proverb is true that
outraged that he nearly killed himself. the wise man says: if you leave the court, the court leaves
And he rode in this state of grief and agony until he you.4 And so it has been with me. While I frequented the
reached the edge of the forest. And there he found a cross court and served King Arthur and his barons, I was known
with a mounting block where he dismounted. And he and loved by you and the others. And because I have left
began to shorten his stirrups, his mail leggings, the the court and no longer know it, I am unknown by you and
trappings of his sword, his shield’s straps, and the sleeves of the others, but I shouldn’t be, if only faith and loyalty
his hauberk, and he fastened straps to his shoulders and reigned through the world! ”
fitted himself out as best he could. He was so bewildered When Sir Gawainet heard the voice speaking these
and so grief-stricken that he would have preferred to die things to him, the thought came to him that it was Merlin.
rather than go on living. And so he answered at once, “Indeed, sir, in truth I ought
Then he got back on his horse and set out on his way, to have recognized you, for I have heard you speak many
and he cursed the day and the hour that he had started out times. And so I beg you, show yourself to me so that I might
on the quest, for he had been shamed and dishonored by see you.”
it. And he rode on in this way and did not go by a castle or “Sir Gawainet,” said Merlin, "you’ll never see me, and I
an out-of-the-way dwelling or a wood or a fiatland without am very sorry, for I can do no more about it. And after you
seeking news about Merlin from every man and woman he leave here, I’ll never speak to you or to anyone else but my
met. And he met men and women who said spiteful and lady, for no one will ever have enough strength to break in
loathsome things to him, but he did many knighdy deeds, here, whatever may happen, and I cannot get out, nor will I
for although he was a dwarf, he had not lost his powers or
his heart or his strength; rather, he was bold and ^he text reads vnefumee tout autressi cotnme cur (461,1. 8): “a
enterprising, and he defeated many knights. smoke just like air.”
4The text reads Qui esbnge la cart. & la cort hij (461,1. 14). Cf.
2The word is auenture (459,1. 38): “adventure.” Morawski no. 2139: “Qui s’esloigne de cort et cort de lui.”
422 The Story of Merlin

ever. For there is no tower in the world so strong as the one test Sir Gawainet’s will and heart, and she thrashed about as
where I am locked away, and it is not of wood or iron or if they were indeed trying to rape her.
stone, but it is enclosed by nothing more than air through When Sir Gawainet saw the two knights holding the
enchantment so strong that it cannot be undone at any young lady, one by her hands and the other by her legs as
time. I can’t get out, and no one can get in except the lady though they meant to lie with her by force, he was deeply
who has made it and who keeps me company here when it angered, and he spurred his horse to where they were, his
pleases her, and she can come and go at will as she pleases.” lance in his hand. And he said to the knights that they were
“How can this be, dear friend Merlin?” asked Sir already dead, because they were assaulting a lady in King
GawaineL “So you are held prisoner in this way and cannot Arthur’s land. ‘Tor you know very well,” he went on, “that
free yourself whatever you may do? And you can’t come out ladies are guaranteed their safety.”
to me? How can such a thing happen to overwhelm you, When the young lady saw him, she shouted, “Gawainet,
who are the wisest man in the world?” now I’ll see if you are worthy enough to save me from this
“But I am the most foolish!” said Merlin. ‘Tor I was well shame!”
aware of what would happen to me. And I was so foolish as “Lady,” Sir Gawainet then said, “God help me, you will
to love someone else more than myself! And so I taught my not be shamed where I am there to defend you. I’ll die if I
lady how she might imprison me, and no one can ever free don’t save you.”
me!” And when the knights heard him, it came to them as a
“In truth,” said Sir Gawainet, “Merlin, I am bitterly stinging rebuke. They sprang to their feet and tied on their
sorry about this, and so will be my uncle King Arthur, who helmets, for they were already very much afraid of him.
has sent men out through all lands in search of you!” Even so, the young lady had assured them that they would
“Then he must bear it,” answered Merlin, “for he’ll not be hurt by him, and with her knowledge of the arts, she
never see me nor I him—this is how things have happened had cast a spell on them to keep them from being harmed
to work out—nor will any ever speak to me after you, and it by anyone at that time, so they felt better about it. And after
would be useless to try. And even you, if you had not turned they had tied on their helmets, they hung their shields
this way, [462] would never have heard me speak. Now go about their necks and said to Sir Gawainet, “God help me,
back and greet King Arthur and my lady the queen and all you mad dwarf, you look as if you’re dead already. Still, it is
the barons, and tell them all about me. And you will find a shame to us to attack a loathsome thing like you.”
the king at Carduel in Wales, and you’ll see him there. And And when Sir Gawainet heard that [463] they were
you will find all of your companions with whom you left. calling him a dwarf and a loathsome thing, he was deeply
You will not be despondent about what has happened to stricken in his heart. So he said to them, “Loathsome thing
you, for you will find the lady who did this to you in the that I am, I’ve come here at a bad time for you! Now get on
forest where you met her before; but don’t forget to greet your horses, for it would seem to me a boorish thing to
her, for that would be a mad thing to do!” attack you on horseback while you were on foot."
“Sir,” said Sir Gawainet, “I won’t, God willing!” ‘Then you have such faith in your own strength,”
“Then farewell, go with God,” said Merlin, “and may answered the knights, “that you want us to be on our
He keep King Arthur and the kingdom of Logres and you horses?”
and all the barons, for you are the best men there are in the “My faith is in God,” said Sir Gawainet, “such that when
whole world.” you leave me you will never again do wrong to a lady or a
With that Sir Gawainet went away happy and sad— maiden in King Arthur’s land.”
happy because Merlin had reassured him about what had Then they jumped on their warhorses, took up their
happened to him, but sad because Merlin was lost to the lances, and told Sir Gawainet that he was dead. And they
world. And so he went his way and rode until he came to went to the road, where the way was more open and moved
the sea, and he crossed over in all haste and took to the far apart from each other. And both of the knights together
road to Carduel in Wales. ran against Sir Gawainet and he against them, and they
And as he went into the forest he had been riding both struck him on his shield and broke their lances, but
through when he met the young lady and did not think to they did not stir him from his saddle. Then he hit one of
greet her, he remembered Merlin, who had told him not to them so hard that he sent him sprawling to the ground, and
forget to greet her when he met her again. And he was his lance flew into bits, and he ran down the one who had
stricken with dread and was sorely afraid that he might go fallen and crushed him under his horse.
by her without a greeting, so he took off his helmet so that Then he drew his sword and made straight for the
he could see better. He began to look front and back, from other one. He was about to strike him on his helmet when
side to side, everywhere, until he came to the very spot the young lady screamed, “Sir Gawainet! Do no more!”
where he had met the lady and passed her by without “Lady,” he said, “is that what you wish?”
greeting her. Then he looked between two clumps of trees, “Yes,” she answered.
for the forest was thick and deep, and he saw two knights ‘Then I’ll agree to stop at once for love of you, and
who were fully armed but for their shields and helmets, may God grant you every happiness, to you and all the
which they had taken off, and their horses were tied to their ladies of the world. You may be sure that, but for your
lances. And they were holding a young lady between them, entreaty, I would have killed him, or he would have killed
and they looked as if they were raping her; yet they did not me, for they have shamed you and wronged you. And they
want to, for the lady was making them do it on purpose to dishonored me when they called me a misshapen dwarf,
and yet they spoke the truth, for I am the most loathsome
The Story of Merlin 423
thing in this world: it happened to me in this forest a good wearing clothing that no one would see on me now, and no
six months ago.” one would recognize me now who had not seen me when I
And when the young lady and the knights heard this, was a child.”
they began to smile. Then the lady said, “What would you “In truth, dear friend,” said King Arthur, “I don’t
give to the one who could cure you of this?” remember ever having seen you before, but you are a most
“In truth, lady," he answered, “if I could be saved from handsome knight.”
this, I would give myself first of all and then as much wealth “Sir,” said Evadeam, “do you remember a young lady
as I could gather in the whole world.” who brought you a dwarf for you to make a knight?”
“You won’t have to give so much,” said the young lady, ‘Yes, indeed," answered the king, “and well I should,
“but you will swear an oath to me such as I tell you.” for he has sent me as prisoners five knights whom he has
“Lady,” he said, “I’ll do whatever you wish. Just tell me defeated by his prowess.”
what you will, for I am ready to do it.” “Sir,” said Evadeam then, “I am the dwarf whom you
‘You will swear to me on the oath you gave to King dubbed, and this is the lady who asked you to do it. And I
Arthur, your uncle, that you will never fail to help any lady, am indeed the one who sent you those knights. And Sir
wed or unwed, and you will never meet a lady without Wain saw everything about the last four, whom he found
greeting her, if you can, before she greets you.” me fighting the day before Trinity Sunday. And the next
“Lady," he said, “I swear this to you as a faithful day I had the good luck to be riding with my lady through
knight.” the Forest of Broceliande at the hour of midday, when we
“And I accept your oath,” she answered, “but if you met Sir Gawainet, whom I see sitting here. He greeted us
break it, you’ll become again what you are now.” and we him, and he said, God grant us happiness. And so
“Lady, I agree,” he said, “but only if the lady’s dispute He did, for no sooner had the words slid from his mouth
in which she asks me to help her is just, for I’ll have than I returned to my own shape and the likeness you see
nothing to do with faithlessness, even if it means life or me in now. For then I was a dwarf, ugly and unsightly. And
death.” I believe strongly that his words and his prayer availed me
“And so I grant you,” answered the lady. that God freed me from my great shame. And for this I
And all at once the straps with which he had tied up thank Our Lord and him!”
his mail leggings broke, because his legs were growing back Then the king asked him who he was and of what
out, and he was soon back in his own likeness. And when he stock, and he told him everything in order, just as you have
felt himself restored, he dismounted and knelt before the heard it before now. And when the king, Sir Gawainet, and
young lady, and he said that he was her knight the others heard this, they were filled with gladness and joy.
forevermore. And the lady thanked him and took him by And the king took him as a companion with those of the
the hand and stood him back up. And it was the very same Round Table, and the young lady happily and willingly
young lady who had sent him that unhappy scourge. [464] stayed with the queen.
Then the young lady took leave of Sir Gawainet; she So the story falls silent about King Arthur and his
left with her two knights, and they commended one companions, and it goes back to speaking about King Ban
another to God. And Sir Gawainet went back to where they [465] of Benoic and King Bors, his brother, king of Gaunes,
had fought, let out his body armor so that it was larger, and who were back in their lands.
carefully repaired his shield and other arms. Then he got
back on his horse, his shield about his neck, his sword
girded, and his lance in his hand, and took to the road for
60. The Birth of Lancelot and the Loss of
Carduel. And he made his way day by day until he came to
Carduel at the end of the year as agreed. And on that same
Benoic.1
day Sir ^Vain, Sagremor, and their companions had come
back, and each one had told his adventures and what had The story says that after King Arthur had left King Ban
happened to him on that quest. And when Sir Gawainet got of Benoic and his brother King Bors of Gaunes, the two
there, the rejoicing and celebrating were complete. And Sir brothers stayed in Benoic rejoicing with great gladness, and
Gawainet told them all the things that had happened to their wives, who were very beautiful and comely, were with
him on the quest, and the barons were amazed. King them. And so it happened, as it pleased Our Lord, that
Arthur was filled with sorrow for Merlin, but he could do King Ban and his wife had a son who was named Galahad in
no more about him, so he had to bear it. So they put their baptism, but his surname was Lancelot; he kept the name
minds and hearts to feasting in honor of Sir Gawainet as Lancelot all his life. He brought great joy and happiness to
joyfully as they could. King Ban and his wife, the queen, and the queen loved him
While they were celebrating, Evadeam came into the so much that she nursed him with her own milk.
great hall. He was twenty-two years old, and he was so fair And King Bors’s wife had a son who was called Lionel,
and comely that no man in two kingdoms was more and he was handsome through and through, and twelve
handsome. He was holding his young lady by her hand, and months later she had another named Bors. Afterwards
they came straight before the king and greeted him most these three youths won very great renown in the kingdom
of Logres and throughout every land, and they became
courteously.
The king returned his greeting, and the knight said to known for their deeds at arms.
him, “Sir, you do not know who I am, and it is no wonder,
for you have seen me only once before. And then I was 1 Corresponds to Sommer, 465-466.
424 The Story of Merlin

Shortly after the younger of King Bors’s two children godson, fought wonderfully well there, and they brought
was bom, King Bors fell gravely ill, and he lay for a long down and killed many of King Claudas’s men. Gratian died
time in the city of Gaunes. And King Ban, his brother, was there, but Pharian did not. In the end, King Ban was so
filled with sorrow and heartache, for he could not be with weakened from the loss of his men that he could not hold
him as he wished, because of a wicked and ruthless out against the Romans, and they beleaguered him and day
neighbor of his, whose land bordered his own. This was by day took his castles and strongholds. And he could not
King Claudas of the Land Laid Waste, who was so angry and get help from his brother, King Bors, who lay sick in his
upset about his castle that King Arthur had had pulled bed, from which he never got up.
down that he nearly went mad, and he could think of no What gave him the greatest distress was that Pontius
one on whom to avenge himself but King Ban and King Anthony had brought such a great number of men with
Bors, who bordered on his land, because they were King him that they took his city of Benoic and all his land from
Arthur’s men. So he made war on them, and he finally won him, and he had not one city or castle left that was his own
over a prince of Rome, named Pontius Anthony, to help except the castle of Trebe, where Queen Elaine was with
him. This prince came to him very willingly, because he Lancelot, her son, who [466] still lay in his cradle. And
hated King Arthur and all his men because of his love of King Ban had as many men with him there as he could
the Emperor Lucius, whom they had killed. King Hoel of gather, but there were very few of them to withstand such
Nantes died in that dispute, and he had long waged war on great forces. Banin his godson was there, in whom he had
King Claudas. great confidence, and he was right, for he was a good and
And, for their part, the Romans fought until they had faithful knight. And he had a seneschal whom he had
Gaul under their sway, and they sent the men of Gaul and raised since boyhood, and he had entrusted his land to him
the Land Laid Waste, along with Pontius Anthony’s men, after Gratian’s death: it was he who betrayed him and made
against King Ban of Benoic, who defended himself with all him lose the castle of Trebe, just as the story will recount it
his might, for he had a great heart and great skill at arms. to you later.
Many times he gathered against them on the field of batde,
and he lost sometimes and won sometimes. And Leonce of Here ends the Imprisonment of Merlin. God lead us all to a
Payeme, Gratian of Trebe, Pharian, and Banin, King Ban’s good end!
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Lancelot (Prose cycle).
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