Arthur of Brytayn.  
¶ The history of the most noble and valiant knight Arthur of little britain, translated out of french in to englushe by the noble johan bourghcher knight lord Barners, newly imprinted.  
  

Here followeth the translators prologue.  
FOr as much as it is delectable to all human nature to rede and to here these ancient noble histories of the chyualrous feats and martial Prowesses of the victorious knights of times paste whose tryumphaunt deeds yf writing were not should be had cleue out of remembrance. And also because that idleness is reputed to be the moder of al vices, wherefore somewhat in eschewing therof and in the way of lowli erudycyon and learning I John Bourghchere knight lord Berners haue enterprised to translate out of french in to our maternal tongue a noble history making mention of the famous deeds of the right valiant knight Arthur son and heir to the noble duke of britain and of the fair lady Florence daughter and heir to the mighty Emendus king of the noble realm of Soroloys, and of the grete trouble that they endured or they attained to the performance of their virtuous amorous desyers, for first they overcame many hard& strange adventures the which as to our human reason should seem to be incredible, wherefore after that I had begon this said process I haue determined to haue left and given up my labour for I thought it should haue be reputed but a folly in me to translate beseming such a feigned matter wherein seemeth to be so many vnpossybylytees, how be it than I called again to my remembrance that I had red and seen many a sundry volume of diverse noble histories wherein were contained the redoubted deeds of the ancient inuynsyble conquerors& of other right famous knights who acheued many a strange and wonderful adventure the which by plain letter as to our understanding should seem in a maner to be supernatural, wherefore I thought that this present treatise might as well be reputed for trouth as some of those. And also I doubted not but that the first author of this book devised it not with out some maner of truth or virtuous intent, the which consyderacyons and other gave me again audacyte to continue forth my fryste purpose till I had finished this said book, not presuming that I haue reduced it in to fresh ornate polysshed english, for I know myself insuffycyent in the facondyous arte of rethoryke, nor also I am but a lerner of the language of french how be it I trust my simple reason hath led me to the understanding of the true sentence of the matter, according to the which I haue followed as nere as I could desiring all the readers and herers therof to take this my rude translation in gre and yf ony fault be to lay it to mine vnconnynge and dark Ingnoraunce and to minish, add, or augmet as they shall finde cause requysyte, and in their so doing I shall pray to god that after this vain and transitory life he may bring them unto the perdurable joy of heaven. Amen.  
Thus endeth the translators prologue.   

¶ Here after followeth the table of this present history.  ¶ The first chapter maketh mention of the birth of the noble kynght Arthur sone and heir to the duke of britain. Capitulo .i. Folio .i. folio .i. folio .i ¶ How Arthur caused to be delivered to Iehannet& her moder the revenues that bleonged to the slange or pond of the forest, whereby there stood a fair goodly place of pleasure,& afterward Arthur dyde oftentimes resort thither to pass the time with them. cap. iiii. folio .ii. folio .iii. How that the duke& duchess took counsel to mary their son Arthur,& howe they sent their steward to the lady Luke of ostryge for to demand her daughter for Arthur. cap. vi. folio iiii. fo. eodem folio .iiii. fol. v. folio .v. ¶ How that Arthur wedded fair Perron daughter to the lady Luke of ostryge. And of the protestacyon that he made before all the barony. ca. xi. fol. vii. fo. vii. fo. ix. fol. eodem fo. xi ¶ How arthur demanded licence of his father and mother to go play him out of his own country for he would go seek adventures to show thereby his force& prowess. cap▪ xvi fol. xii. folio xiiii folio .xiiii. ¶ How it was determined that the queen Fenyce should take her chamber in the palace beside the castle of the port noyre. capitulo .xix. folio xv. fo. xvi. fol. eo. fo. xvii. ¶ How the queen Fenyce mother to Florence was nobly buried. ca. xxiii. fo. eod. fo. xviii. How that Arthur slew twelve knights, who had taken a way a young, damosel fro her father and mother,& had tied her to a three, there to haue defouled her virginytye, who was saved by Arthur. capitulo .xxv. folio .xx. ¶ How that Arthur Hector& governar slew .xxx. thieves in a grete foreste the which was a grete wealth to all the country, for they had pylled and wasted the country all about. Capitulo .xxvi. fo. xxi. ¶ How that sir de la land shewed to Arthur the occasion why that this tourney was first taken by the lord Beauten capitulo .xxvii. folio .xxiii. Howe that Arthur had the honour in the tourney that was made at Oyen between the Marshall of Mirpoys& the earl of Beauieu, where as was diverse great kings, erles, barons, and many other good knights right valiant, whereby Arthur gate him great thank and praise and was greatly honoured of all ladies and damoyselles there assembled. capitulo .xxviii. folio .xxvi. fol. xxix. fol. xxxi. fol. xxxii. How that arthur after his crownacion took leave of the young king and of al the other lords& knights, ladies& damoyselles, who conveyed him on his journey ward, and had great sorrow to leave his company. ca. xxxii. fo. xxxiii fo. xxxiiii folio .xxxvi. How Hector& governar& sir oaths road out of the city well accompanied to rescow arthur, who all alone assailed the duke of Orgoule and all his army. cap. xxxv. fo. xxxvii fo, xxxviii ¶ How that arthur& his company utterly discomficed the duke& struck of his head,& did send it by governar to the fair lady Alice& to her moder as he had promised before. ca. xxxvii. fol. xl. fol. xli fol. xliii. How that Arthur& governar departed a souder, and of the terrible adventures that each of them found or they met again. cap. xl. fo. eodem How governar after that he was departed fro Arthur found in a great foreste two knights armed who had beaten& wounded an other knight& wolde haue ravished his sister, and how he rescued her and did vanquish at her enemies. ca. xli. fo. xliiii fo. xiv fol xlv. fo. xlix fol. l fol. lii. fo. liii fol. i●iii fol. lvi ¶ How that the king Emendus sent a knight name Brisebat accompanied with a thousand men of war to thentent that he and his company should go fight with the monster, and how the said knight arrived at the monsters pit the same season while that Arthur and the monster were fighting together,& there he and al his company did se how that Arthur slay the monster without help cap. l. folio .lvii. fol. lix. fol. lxi foli. lxiii. fo. lxv. fo. lxvi ¶ How that Arthur slew and discomfited .xv. knights right mighty and puissant, who were come to assayl his host, who was called the squire of the plashes. capitulo .lvi. fo. lxviii ¶ How the great vilayn brought Arthur where as he fought with a great& a terrible lion, but finally Arthur slay him And how after he fought with a great gyauntesse and an horryle giant, and by his prowess he conquered them both,& after that fought with a great griffon,& this was the beginning of the adventures of the tour tenebrous, wherein ye shal here many terrible and marvelous things, the which were all achyeued by the onely prowess of the valiant Arthur. capitulo .lvii. folio .xx. fo. lxxiiii. ¶ How arthur bet down the great machomet sitting in the vessel of brass,& thereby the wind ceased. ca. lix fo. lxxiiii ¶ How that Arthur entred into the tour tenebrous, and howe he there quenched the fire, whereby all the terrible enchantement ceased. ca. lx. folio. lxxv folio lxxvi folio .lxxviii. folio .xxix How that Arthur was received of the fair lady Margarete into the city of Argence. capi. lxiiii, folio, lxxxii, fo, lxxxvi, fol, lxxxx, fol, lxxxxii, How that Gouenar did beate down at the tourney the earl of the yle perdieu, capitulo, lxviii, fol, lxxxxv. fol, lxxxxvii, fo, lxxxxix. foli, c, ii, fol, c, iii, fo. c. iii folio. c. vi fol. c. vii ¶ Howe that duke Philip and master steven went for to fetch Arthur to the king of Orqueney and to the fair Florence. cap. lxxvi fo. c. xi fol c. xiii. ¶ How Florence& Arthur spake togiat good leisure at the end of the foreste,& there promised to love each other,& there the queen Prosepyne appeared to them& shewed to Florence howe that Arthur loved her truly,& how that they should haue each other by the way of marriage but first they should endure great pain and trouble cap. lxxviii. fol. c. xiiii fo c, xviii fol. c. xxii ¶ How that the tourney the next day was deferred because of the disease of Florence. Cap. lxxxi fol. c. xxiii fo. c. xxiiii. folio. c. xxvi. fo. c. xxviii. ¶ How that Proserpyne was insured to themperour in the stede of Florence, and how that the king banished out of his country the king of orqueney,& also the king of valefounde& master steven and Arthur. caplo. lxxxv. fo. c. xxviii. fo. c. xxx. fo. c. xxxi. How that Hector as he went toward the port noyre to succour Arthur, he encountered one of the kings that was coming toward themperour, and had in his company well to the nombre of .xviii. thousand men of war, the which king Hector slew& all his people, so that there was none that ever escaped saving two, and so they fled away, and there Hector was a grete botye▪ and much treasure and grete abundance of victual the which was al brought in to the port noyre. ca. lxxxviii. folio. c. xxxii How that themperour of ynde and the king Emendus accompanied with .viii. kings.& well to the nombre of .iii. C. M men of war laid siege about the castle of the port noyre where as florence and Arthur were, whereof ill turned to themperour, for there he lost three of his kings and well an hundred thousand of his men. caplo. xxxix. fo. c. xxxiiii How philip duke of sabary and master steven sone to the king of valefounde were made knights, and of the dyscomfyture that Arthur made on themperour, caplo. lxxxx. folio. c. xxxvi. fo: c. xxxvi● folio. c xl● How that king Emendus when that he awoke forgave all his yl will to Florence his daughter, and dyde put all the governing of his realm in to her hands. capitulo. lxxxxiii. folio. c. xli. ¶ How that Arthur demanded congye and licence of king Emendus father to his lady Florence to depart in to britain to se the duke of britain his father and the duchess his moder, the which licence they gave him with much pain,& Florence was in grete sorrow for his departing. ca lxxxxiiii. fo. c. xli●i fo. c. xliiii. fo. c. xlvii fo. eodem fo. ●. xlix How that Arthur was right sorrowful because that his horse did stomble under him, and how the master shewed him how that Florence was besieged by themperour in her castle of the clear tour, whereof arthur was in great fear& trouble. cap. lxxxxix fol. c. l. fo. c. li How that truce was taken for a month between the emperour and arthur cap. c. i. fol. c. liv. fol. clv. How that king jonas all alone came to the castle of the clear tour, and there did his message fro themperour of ynde the more. cap. c. iii. fol. c. lvii folio. c. lviii. folio. c. lxi fo. c. lxii. ¶ How master steven by his arte and cunning caused themperyens to go a wrong way from Arthur,& so encountered the myghti king Emendus and al his host. ca. c. vii. folio. c. lxiiii. ¶ How that themperour dyed in prison for sorrow when that he knew that his kings and people were al slain& discomfited. ca. c. viii. folio. c. lxvi. of. c. lxvi. folio. c. lxvii. fol. c. lxviii How Arthur wedded the fair Florence daughter to the mighty king Emendus with great honour& triumph,& king governar wedded the fair Iehannet, and master steven wedded the fair Margaret of Argenton all in one day and one hour, ca. c. xii fol. c. l●x. How the french knights, and those of Soroloys, of Argence, of Orqueney, of Mormall, of Ismaelite, of Ualefounde and of Sabary did tornay together whereof Arthur and governar had the honour ca. c. xiii. fol. c. lxxii. fol. c lxxiii. How king Alexander returned into his country and led with him Arthur, governar, Hector, and master steven and tarried in britain so long till Florence sent for Arthur because that her father king Emendus was departed out of this life, wherefore she made great lamentation. ca. c, xv. fol. c. lxxiiii How that arthur was sent for because of the death of king Emendus, and how that he was crwoned king of Soroloys. cap. c. xvi. folio. eodem Here is devised how long that the noble arthur lived and how that he was butted. ca. c. xvii. fol. eodem 
¶ Thus endeth the table of this present history.   

¶ The first chapter maketh mention of the birth of the noble knight Arthur son and heir to the duke of britain. Capitulo. .1.  
 
AFter the death of good king Arthur who was right noble ●nd gentle, specially in cherys●hynge and enhaunsynge of nobylnesse, and mayntaynyng of the chyualrous knights of the world. As was Gawyn and Lancelotte and many other noble kng●htes as it is more plainly contained in dyvers ancient chronicles. It is of trouth that in tho dayes in britain there was a duke right prudent& above all other right virtuous, rich and puyssaunte both of hauyour and friends, who was come and extraughte of the noble high lineage of the valiant knight lancelot du lake who was in his dayes of right height& noble prowess as it is more at large comprised in the books making mention of his chyualrye. This Duke had to name johan and was so endowed with sappence that the king who as than governed all france loved and honoured him above all other in so much it was said where so ever he went behold yonder is the wise man of britain, he was sworn of the kings preuye and streayte counsel so that the king was onely governed by his noble aduise because of the great thou the and steadfastness that was ever found in him, this duke had a right noble lady to his wife of good& holy life who was daughter to the earl of leicester in england,& they loved together right fervently by cordyall love al their life, and in accomplyshing between them the works of marriage ordained by nature fynaltye it pleased the good lord to send them a fair son, who in the remembrance of good king Arthur and of his hye renown was name Arthur. This child was goodly& of full great beauty For afterward he grew to be the most fair creature that than was found in all crystendome and the dukes& duchess loved him so well that they intended to nothing but all onely to the profit of their child, and specially to enhance his honour and rych●sse.   

¶ How the duke of britain delivered his son Arthur to the governance of a prudent knight name sir governar who did ensign him in all goodly manners& deeds of arms, so that afterward there was non like unto him. Ca. ii.  
ANd when this child Arthur was nine year of age than the Duke his father delivered him to be kept under the governance of a noble& a gentle master name governar who was right prudent, puissant& hardy, virtuous ● vygorous of body& well proved, who among other things did teach this noble child Arthur the play of the chess& tables so that non was in comninge like unto him. And when he was of .xx. year than his master taught him the man●re of skirmish so that within a little season ther was none able to be compared with him. Thus amended this child from day to day& grew so goodly that in al the world there was none sene like him nether so fayre● so gracious ne so cou raise in so much that the king of france desired oftentimes that he should haue be nourished& brought up with his one children. How be it the duchess his moder could in no wise suffer it ne scant to let him be out of her presence never a day she loved him so enterly. So long this child sojourned with his moder that it was gretlye noyful to his heart, in so much that thereby he became right pensyfe ● sore troubled in his mind. So that governar his master demanded of him what was the cause of his sorrow. In good faith master said Arthur this long soiorning and abiding at home greatly noyeth me, for I wolde gladly go and play me in yonder fair foreste. And to hunt and chase after a grete heart. For it hath ben now a grete season sythe I went ony where forth. Se● t●ynly said governor fair Arthur it pleaseth me right well your noble mind. There go to my ford pour father and desire his licence that ye may go chase in the foreste. Th●n arthur went forth to the duke his father and demanded of him licence when the duke hard this tydyng and will of his son he had grete ioy& right sweet did grant him his request& commanded& desired governar that he should take good hede to him& not suffer him to ●enne ne to follow to fast after his dysport. governar answered that he wolde take good hede to him. Than arthur caused the hunters to be warned& to make redy his greyhounds, hounds& other raches for he wo●de go the next day be times to chase in the foreste. And the next morning Arthur& governar mounted on their horses with grete joy& .x. other gentlemen to keep them company. And arthur was mounted on a grete courser his hat hanging on his back by a lace of silk, his bonnet on his head& the hunters went before ledinge his greyhounds and hounds. Thus they ride forth toward the foreste in grete joy.   

¶ How arthur found in the foreste a noble lady without succour, and with her a fair young maid, her daughter name Iehannet before a little lodge the which they had made of the branches of the trees, and how that arthur was amorus of the said Iehannet. Cap. iii.  
IN this time there was in the real me of desert a knight of grete power and right rich of haviour and friends, and he was Lord of a castle called the tour. This knight was name Vyciers and was of such virtue that he doubted nothing .x. knights armed, and was of so valiant courage that sin the time that he could first bear arms he was never but there as he knew where as the feat of arms were occupied, and employed himself ever in iustes and tornayes and in deeds of arms and did so to be allowed that there was no speaking of him but that he was the noblest knight of the world, but finally he lead so his life that he spended and wastest his goods so largely to thentenr to get him laud and praise that at the end he became thereby very port and than was faint to fell and to make shyfte of all that he had both of his own& of the good lady his wife. And so dyed in grete poverty. And when he was buried such persons as he was detter unto, took all the lands& goods that pertained other to him or to the lady his wife, so that there by the good lady his wife fled& departed rejoicingly out of the country, so that non of her friends wist where she was become, for she thought she had rather to live poorly in a strange country far fro her friends& aqueyntaunce than to endure poverty in her own country where she had ben nobly brought up in before. So this lady went& her daughter with her, who was of the age of .xiiii year right beautefull, how be it she was porely arrayed& had to name I●hannet. And they travailed so long by their Iorneys that by adventure they came in to the foreste where Arthur& governar were used to chase& to hunt. And in a desolate place of the foreste far from ony hye way ther these two ladies did rest them and made them a lodge to abide in of boughs and of such things as they could get Thus they continued the space of a month. And this lady went every day right porely to the next vylage for to gete suthe things as she& her daughter needed. And so it fortuned t same day that Arthur& governar departed fro the court of his father& was entred into the said forest anon his hounds had found a grete heart, And a noble knight that was in his company name the lord Olyuer of I●y●c followed after this heart on a great courser& all the other hunters after him. And this young Arthur began to follow after, how be it Gou●r●ar took hede that he should not follow to fast●, so that this said lord Olyuer& ●ll other were past f●rth by him& were gon so far into the thick of the forest that Arthur& governar had clene lost both sight and hearing of thē and of their hounds. And so by ges they followed fair and esyly after, so long they followed that by adventure they came to the same place where as the lodge was made for the lady& her daughter, who were both the same time sitting without the lodge door. And as soon as Arthur saw them he lighted down of his horse and governar with him. And when this lady saw Arthur she was greatly abashed for she thought well that he should be some grete man& there with she rose and Arthur right sweetly saluted her. And the lady in like wise again to him. And at the time it was about three of the clock. And when the lady saw Arthur& governar dyscende from their horses, she remembered the state of her father& of other gentlemen that she had seen before in her own country where as she had be nourished up u● whereof her heart was greatly ashamed& troubled. Than Arthur took her by the hand& her moder also& set them do●ne all together. Than Arthur demanded of the young maid& said fair sweet damosel what is your name. As our lord help me sir I am called Iehannet, Iehanne● good love where were ye born certain sir I was not born in this country. Than her moder said sir truly my daughter saith sooth, for truly she was born in the land of desert in a castle called the tower. Truly said Arthur to whom was she daughter. As God help me sir to a knight right strong& puissant who in his time loved ever deeds of arms& was acquented with many noble men How be it his fortune was such or he dyed that he lost away& wasted both his lands and goods and mine that was his poor wife. And were brought so far under that little or nothing was left vs. And after his death such persons as he owed ony thing to, and peradventure some other that he owed nothing to. They were than so importune on me that I was fain to sel al that I had. And when I saw that I was so far brought under& that I had nothing left me whereby to live The occasion therof caused me to steal away by night▪ for I thought I had lever go like a poor woman a begging in a strange country than there where I was lady and governor. And therwith right piteously she wept and said a gentyl● knight now am I come in to this country a lonely accompanied with this young maid my dere daughter, who was wont be brought up in fair places and rich walls and chambers,& to lie in th● bed incorteyned with silk. And now it be ho●eth her to lie on the moss in this lodge covered with green boughs. Than Arthur answered and said a fair lady why dide not ye require your friends to help and succour you in your necessity At leste to give you meet& drink& clothing. In my mind that had be more honourable for you than th{us} desolate to come in to this strange country. As god help me sir said this lady poor folkes hath but few friends, howe be it I ought to haue many, but between the rich& the poor there wanteth friends, for the rich maketh his friends of his money& the poor is ever put out in every place. And as to me sorrowful creature who hath been a grete lady& much honoured& haue had much people under my obeisance, thought grete shane to require ony creature in my own cuntre to help or soccoure me. And specially for this young maid my daughter, she is come of goodly lineage. Alas as for me I am old and always she hath served me right well,& now she is like with me to lese her time,& ther with she began again to weep. And when Iehannet saw her moder so weep she could not abstain herself from weeping tenderly. And when Arthur saw th●m so full of sorrow, he had grete pity and said to the lady. My right dere lady weep ye no more but set your heart in rest for fro henceforth I will be in the stede of your old lord,& in all good honour to lu●e& cherish you to the best of my power. And all this while Iehannet made still grete la●entacon. So there Arthur took the young maid in his arms,& right sweetly said. My right dere ●adye& love abandon your heart to joy and leave this sorrow for as god be my succour I shall cause you haue more honour& wealth than as yet eu●rcame to you, for I am and shal be your own good loue● and will take you in to my hands to deliver you fro all poverty, faithfully assuryng you to keep the honour of you& of your body as much as your own p●opre broder wolde or might do.   

¶ Howe Arthur caused to be delivered to Iehannet& her moder the revenues that belonged to the stang or pond of the foreste whereby there stood a fair goodly place of pleasure, and afterward Arthur, didde often tym●s resort thither to pass the time with them. Capit. iiii.  
IN this season that Arthur had this communycacion with these ladies, ther came to thē the master forester name Pyere who was also receiver the revenues of the foreste& he had al the day so●ghte his master Arthur& by adventure there he found him talking with these ladies, And incontinent that Arthur saw him he called him by his name and demaundyd of him yf he had received at that mawdeleyn tide the revenues of the foreste, and peers answered and said, sir I haue already at your commandment to the some of. five. C. pound, well quod Arthur I command the incontinent to deliver it to this lady& to her daughter. Also the maner place pertaining to the stang of this foreste wherein thou hast dwelled to this time. It was so that in this strange or water the wild beasts of the forest did ever thither resort to drink. and joining to this water there were houses and manners the which the duke had given to arthur his son to play him in the foreste, and this pyers was keeper thereof to Arthurs behove. Than said Arthur to Pyers I deliver to that these .ii. ladies. And I charge the the truly y● keep& honour them and bring them to my maner and to deliver to them such as is apertenaunte to so good by ladies as they be. And as such a man as I am haue taken into my hands& keeping. Therfore keep thē well& truly. For by the faith that I owe to my lord my father yf I know that thou intend or imagine against this lady or her daughter any displeasure. I shall cause the to suffer foul death. And I warn the look that they lack no thing. sir said Pyers I trust I shall so demane me that both you& they shall be with me content. And so when Arthur had ben there a grete season, he took his leave there of this lady and of her daughter. So Pyers did conduit them to the said maner& bought for them abylementes& jewels, meet& drink of the best that could be gotten,& all other things that was convenient for noble ladys to haue. And garnished every office in the house with plate of silver& with all other necessary things. And when Arthur and governar were departed fro these ladies they road after the track of sir Olyuer of Iryac and his company, and at the last they meet together far in the foreste in a grete deep valley where as sir Olyuer had killed three grete hartes, and was breaking of them. And therwith Arthur came to him& laughed right sweetly. Than resorted other of the hunters fro all parties. And so there Arthur commanded a servant belonging to the said Pyers to take one of these hartes& to bear it fro him to the said lady and to her daughter. And the second Arthur did give to an abbotte that was come to them by adventure. And the third he commanded that it should be conveyed to the duke his father, who had great joy therof.   

¶ How within .viii. dayes after Arthur and governar went to the strange to se the lady and Iehannet her daughter, Capitulo. .v.  
THe eight day after that Arthur was come fro the forest he rose early in a fair morning and said to governar, friend let us go leap upon our horses and go se our damosel in the foreste we two alone, gladly sir said governar. So Arthur took a sparhawke on his hand, and governar a gerfawcon. And Arthur aparayled himself all in green silk, and his hat availed with a fresh chaplet of flowers on his head. And they road so long that by the son rising they came to the stang and found the lady and Iehannet ready aparayled right nobly. For Pyers the forester had purveyed them of all things necessary to such ladies. And as than Iehannet had drunken good wines and taken her sustenance of good meats, and had forgotten all her sorrow. whereby her beauty was newly renewed. And when Arthur saw her, she pleased him much better than she did when he saw her first. And so took her by the fair hand and set them down together a parte. And in the mean season the lady her moder and governar were talking together. And the morning was very fair& clear. And the earth all bedewed with clear silver drops. An● the byrddes sang m●lodiously on every branch so that these .ii. young lusty louers greatly rejoiced, and had great mirth in their hartes because of the sweet season as it was meetly for such young people to play& to laugh. And they loved together with good heart without thinking of villainy or shane each to other. Than Arthur said to her al laughing. My sweet damosel haue ye ony maner of lover. And half smiling and beholding Arthur right sweetly she answered, by the faith that I owe to you my own dere lord, I haue one right fair and gracious. And where is he my sweet Iehannet. By my faith ●yr he is of a country whereof he is lord. And fair love howe is he called, sir you not displeased, this that I haue said is sufficient at this present teme. How be it sir I wolde ye knew that king Arthur was a noble knight and of grete virtue And sir I wolde my lover were so good yf he be not better all redy. But one thing sir I assure you he resembleth more to you than to ony other under the son living, both going, and in coming of body and all other things that one person may be likened to an other. My own sweet and fair damosel said Arthur I wolde fain se him. And by the faith that ye owe to me if it be to you no vylony I pray you show him to me& I promise you faithfully I shall love& cherish. him right dearly. And for the love of you yf that he will he shal be one of my house, yf he be no greater of lineage ne of richesse than I am. My ●ight dere lord said this damosel humbly I thank you howe be it he is no grea●ter gentleman than ye be, but he thinketh well to haue as grete honour and friends as ye haue, but as now ye may not se him▪ but it may well be that here after ye shall haue knowledge of him. And so thus they comoned together of many things till it was time that Arthur should return to the court, for as than it was about prime. Than Arthur took his leave of the lady and of Iehannet. And so he and governar mounted on their horses and road forth always devising of the maner of this damosel Iehannet. And at the last Arthur said. master howe say you by the sweetness of our damosel and of the frenes of her heart, and how sagely& gracyo●slye she answereth to every demand, remembering also her gentle maner& noble countenance, her beawtefull fashion of body and of visage. As god help me master all these things and many other that saemeth of virtue to be in her, causeth that I love her hyrtely. sir said governar as God help me all that ye say is of trouth, how be it mine own dere lord take good hede to your honour a●d remember how grete a lord ye be, both of lineage, honour and of friends. And think how that she is but a poor gentylwoman as to your knowledge. And if ye do her ony vylony to her body, as in taking from her that he can not render again, sir it were t● you a grete sin. And ye ought therein to be more blamed than a nother means person. master said arthur I pray to god never to help me yf I think to go about to dysshonoure her, but I will love her& keep her honour faithfully in like case as she were mine own proper sister without ever desiring any velany to her body. So they road forth talking till they came to the court, and than went to dinner for it was by that time nere vpon two of the clock.   

¶ How that the duke and duchess took counsel to mary their sone arthur and how they sent their steward to the lady Luke of ostrige for to demand her daughter for Arthur. Cap. vi  
IN this wise Arthur soiurned a great long space so that there was no we●e but that twice or thri●e he and governar wolde ride to the strange with out any other company. And it fortuned one day he tarried there longer than he was a customed to do, wherefore he was sought all about by the commandment of the duke his father how be it no tidings could be herde of him but that he& governar were gone together to sport them, but no man wist whither. And than the duchess said to the duke, sir I wote not what meaneth that our soon thus goth forth so rejoicingly every day& no man can tell whither, for he taketh none with him but Gouernar● veraylye I doubt me of our child least that he should set his heart& love on some person whereby we should haue any velony, sir he is now of yeres sufficient to perc●iue& to know the fair pertaining to love wherefore I wolde he were nobly married for it is time, he is .xxii. yeres of age. madam quod the duke ye haue right wisely said. And I accord well thereto, but to whom think ye best it were to give him in marriage. sir said the lady in my mind it were well doon● that we should demand the fair Perron of os●ryge,& I trust my lady Luke her moder will be therof right glad, verily madam said the duke I haue hard say that this lady Perron hath not wyselye demeaned her self▪ but hath had great blame for her nyse keeping company w a knight of her country. And I wolde for no good that we should demand such a person as hath deserved blame. A sir said the lady believe not ye the reports of them that lusteth to say y●, for as god help me she is slandered wrongfully. for I am sure the eis not a better maid living, wherefore they are in great sin that reporteth ot●erwyse of her. Dame said the duke yf it be so I am right joyful. Than let us sand thither in al hast Than was called to them sir Olyuer that was seneshal. And the duke said to him, sir Olyuer I will ye go to ost●yge to my lady Luke& desire of her in my b●ha●e Pe●ron her daughter to be given in matrimony to a●thur my sone. T●ā sir Olyuer prepayred him to ride forth And .x. other knights in his company. and so departed and road forth so long that the wednesdaye after Mawdeleyntyde they came to ostryge. And when sir oliver was in the great hall where as the lady Luke was acompanyed with many great barons ladies and damosels. He did right reverently salute her and all the other lords and barons as a messenger sent fro the duke& duchess of britain. And this lady Luke right honourablye did receive him and all his company. And demanded what was the cause and the occasion of their coming.   

¶ How the seneshal demanded the daughter of ostryge for arthur of britain, the which request with great Ioy was granted him. Cap. vii.  
THan sir Olyuer began his proposicion& said. right hye and myg●ty princes. My lord and lady of britain hath sénd us hither to publish unto you their intents for they are right desirous to haue love and affinity with you as it well appeareth, for they haue hard such bruce& famed of my lad● Per●ō your daughter. wherefore they haue sent me hither to your presence to require you in their behalf to give your daughter perron in marriage to arthur their sone, who is right gentle, noble& valiant. madam this is the effect of our request. In the name of god said the lady luke humbly I thank the duke your lord that it will please him to haue with us acquentaunce, whereof I haue right great joy. And wi●h a good heart I give freely to him my daughter Perron to be all holly at his commandment madam said oliver this dede ought greatly to be thanked. And how say you fair lady perron, do you accord to this marriage. sir said Perron I shall ever fulfil the pleasure of my lady my moder. certainly fair lady than do you wisely for I ensure you ye shall be coupled to him that is both fair and goodly. Than this lady luke& her daughter did give to sir oliver& to his company many noble jewels& other things. And their appointment was to be at nauntes within .viii. dayes of the middle of the next August.   

¶ How that arthur was sore displeased for that his father would mayr him to the daughter of ostryge because it was said she was of ill governance. Ca. viii.  
THan the senesshal took le●e of the lady Luke and of the fair Perron and returned into britain. At which time he found the duke than risen fro dinner and the duchess with him And arthur and governar were playing at the chess,& as sone as the duke saw sir oliver he made him good cher● and the knight right humbly saluted them and thanked them greatly for the great love and gifts that the duchess of ostrige had done to him for their sakes, and shewed them how the lady Luke wolde be at Nauntes and bring with her Perron redy ap●●ayled to be given to Ar●hur about the middle of August next ensuing. And whan Arthur herde that his father wolde mary him he stepped forth& left his play. And said what is the right dere father, will ye mary me. Ye fair sone said the duke right nobly. And good father unto whom will ye give me, fair sone unto the gentle perron of ostryge. What sir as it is noised she hath trespassed with a neither knight● set ye so little by me that ye will now give me perrō who is of yl name and famed. Certainly it is not your worship ne honour so to do nor to none of my friends. Therfore in no maner of wise I will take her. fair sone said his moder be not displeased ne believe no evil reports that is said by this lad● it is great sin to say such things as cannot be proved for I am in certain that she is a clene maiden. And therfore we will that ye shal haue hir or else ye shal greatly displease my lord your father& me also▪ well madam said Arthur sith that it behoveth me to take her& that it is your pleasure y●● I so do I am content, how be it yf she be of such conditions as is said of her I shal never love her. Than said governar to the duke, sir ye will that Arthur shall haue this damoisell. nevertheless pleaseth you sir to know that if this case be found true than let Arthur leave and forsake her. And yf that she did never such trespass than let arthur keep her as he ought to do his wife, but how ●hall this be known said the duke for where as wisdom is such things are lightly done so covertly that it is hard to know, sir said governar let it be inquired wisely of such as to presume should know of the matter. Also let the damosel her self be wisely examined,& yf she be good she will keep herself, yf she be otherwise peradventure it will be espied. I am content with this said arthur. And for that time they left their coming of that matter. Than the duke sent out his commandments to all his barons, knights& damosels that they should be al redy at nauntes bi the mids of august for than he wolde keep open court and make arthur his sone knight, and marye him to the fair Perron of ostryge. The duke also did writ to the earl of bloys broder germayne to the duchess his wife. And also sent for the earl of Aniou who was nere of kin to the duke● and also to the archbishop of ●ou●s desiring them to be at n●untes at the said day.   

¶ How that arthur went to se Iehannet and declared to her how the duke his father should mary him whereof he was sore displeased for the love of her. Cap. ix  

Arthur.   
than arthur& governar took their horses& road to the strange in the foreste where as they found Iehannet& her moder, who made great Ioy& feest and Iehannet beheld arthur who was as than right pale for displeasure& demanded of him what was the cause of his displeasure. certainly my love said arthur greater displeasure could never haue fallen. For my lord my father will now mary me the which I forthinke with al mi heart because of the love that I haue to you for I think verily ye will not be content therwith. And your displeasure pierceth mine heart. A min own sweet lord said Iehannet for gods sake trouble not yourself for no cause for in certain I am in like case fallen in a treaty to be married. A good love said Arthur I prai you to whom. sir so god help me to him of whom I haue spoken to you of here before is that of a trouth faire damoisel quod arthur and I require you whan shal ye be married, in trouth the same proper day that ye shal married, now fair damosel by the faith the ye o●e to him I desire you let me se him sir ye may not se him as yet, but for certain he shall be aperayled in the same clothing& suit as ye shall be the day of your wedding. In the name of god said arthur I haue of this great marvel for ye haue said here before to me that he is as great of lineage as I am and as greatly endowed with hauyour and frendes● and how y● he resembleth to me in all points, and also howe that he hath a rich& a puissant uncle. I wote not whom I should think without ye mean al this by myself, for I know well the earl of Bloys is my uncle by my moders side. well sir said Iehannet nor I will not show you at this present time. So thus they commined together of ●hat and of other things till finally arthur took leave of her for that time and ●etourned to the court of his father. And thus daily he road to se this fair daymoysel Iehannet till it came to the next day before his wedding. And the earl of Aniou and the archebys●hop of tours were come, and also the earl of Blois who brought with him Hector his son who was a gentill and a fair creature& was ●xtr●ught of the lineage of britain,& was cousin germayn to arthur& also of one age for they were born both in one year. And as Arthur saw him he made him great ioy and feest, and al ways kept company together. And so there came f●o al partes lords knights ladies& damosels by great flocks for to go meet the lady perron of ostryge. And than mounted the duke and al other barons& knights ●o go likewise to encounter Perron. who was as than come within the space of half a lege& brought wi●h her a great company of lords knights, ladies and damosels.   

¶ How that Arthur& Hector his cousin germayne were made knights for the love of Arthur, who than did ensure Perron daughter to the lady Luke of ostrige. And of the great tornay that was there done at nauntes for the love of arthur Cap. x.  
ANd when all these noble people were ass●bled together the duke and duch●sse and all other lords made great joy& feest at the meeting of this lady Luke and Perron her daughter. And the duchess took her in her arms, and said a mine own sweet daughter ye be into this country right welcome and kissed her oft●ntim●s weeping for joy For she was so fair a creature that the duchess could not abstain her self fro clypping& kissing her. And therewith called to her arthur& said fair sone arthur behold here this fair lady who is& shall be yours. madam said arthur will it please you to suffer her to mount vpon her horse& we shal speak of this matter well enough here after. So they went all to horse and road forth to nauntes. And there lords, knights& other took up their lodging in the city and some were harboured in the palace with the duke. And when it came to the time to speak of the marriage than arthur said in open audience. My lord my father, and also my lady my mothe● ye will cause me here to take this damosel. And yet I know not what name or famed that she is of. How be it sir I say surely b●the to you& also to you my Lady Luke who is mother unto her that I take her against my heart because of the suspeccyons, noise and ill renowmes the which that I haue hard say and reported of her. nevertheless it behoveth me to take her to eschew thereby the displeasure of my lord my father,& of my lady my moder& other of my friends for I perceive well it is their mindes. How be it I say openly here to you all yf that I find such noise as sinneth on her to be of trouth I ensure you that while I live she shal never haue one good day with me in rest. A my fair sone said the duchess what& ye find her good& true. And that all such ill noise as ye haue hard of her be untrue and false. Well madam said arthur ●han shal I love her as I ought to do my wife. Than the duke called forth the archbishop of nauntes and so caused arthur to be there openly fiaunced to Perron and on the next day to be married. Than began great feest and ioy in the palace. And daunsyng of ladies& damoyselles,& frusshyng of spears& bateryng of harneys with swords in every street of the city. Than the duke ●ayde that who so ever wolde take the order of chiual●y with his son Arthur the next day with a good will he wolde give them the order. Than arthur said to hector his cousin sir I require you to morrow take the order of knighthode with me& fro henceforth let us keep company together in iustes& tornay●& in al other things as sworn brethren. fair cousin said Hector I require you let us go know the pleasure of my lord my father whither that he will agree to this or not. and say well said arthur. Than arthur ●● before the duke his father and al other lords& held his cousin Hector by the hand& said openly to the earl of Bloys, m lord my uncle I require you my let cousin hector be made knight to morrow with me for we shal love together the be●ter ever after certainly said the earl fair nephew, hector hath as yet to little land to sustain therewith the noble order of knighthode. And that he said because he would not that is sone should be made knight so sone. Truly sir said arthur he hath richesse enough to be a knight for as log as ye live he can not fail. And though he fail of you y●t god hath so provided for him that after your dayes he shal be earl of Blois. Ye fair nephew {quod} the earl we may both be disceiued by that, for it may ●o fortune that I may lese all my right in the earldom of bloys& his also. Nor let not my sone He●tor ●oke to be lord over me for as long as I live one foot of the land of the e●ledom of bloys getteth he not, no sir said arthur& tou●ned to hector and said fair cousin it s●old seem well by the saying of my lord your father how that he is very poor. How be it I desi●e you to be kni●t with me& I faithfully promise you the I shall give you as much land or more as my lord your father will give you● an● I pray you fro henceforth let us be together as c●panions ●n horse, in abilimentes, in land, in house& in every thing. And so I retain you fro this present time forth●ard. As god help me fair so said the duke. Who had hard what arthur had said to Hector I am well com●ent that ye thus retain Hector your cousin. Also I require him that he will be your companion. and to the earl of Bloys he said● Also sir I desire you to give licence to your son Hector that he may be knight with his cousin Arthur. Than the e●le of Bloys did laugh thereat and said to the duke. sir as god me helm I am right well content. But ●f one thing let him be sure that as long as I live he shall never be the earl of Bloys. Than arthur said to his cousin Hector. well sir we be young enough. therfore we shall seek to get our living for I trust god shal help vs. Than he said to the duke his father sir governar hath served& norisshed me up swetelye, therfore I require you let me make him knight and when I may I will do better to him, certainly fair son it pleaseth me right well. So than they were made knights with great triumph▪& there was made great joy& fest both with lords and ladies, and a great tornay was there ordained for the love of these new knights. And while this triumph and tornay endured Arthur said to h●ctor. fair cousin come on with me& we will go se the most sweet and gentle damosel that ever ye saw. In the name of god {quod} h●ctor I am well content And so art●ur, hector& governar mounted on their horses and road forth to the manoyr of the strange where as they found Iehann●t and her moder lening in a wyndow talking together,& when they saw arthur they came to him& made gr●at ioye● And than ●ehannet demanded of Arthur, sir quod she what gentle man is this that ye haue brou●ht with you. fair love said Arthur he is son to the earl of bloys, and he is my cousin germayne. In the name of god said she he is h●ther welcome for your sake. Than Iehann●t behel●e well Arthur and she p●rceyu●d b● his countenance that he was tr●ub●●d, therefore she desired of him to know what he eylled in good faith god love this day haue I made a dolorous journey for I haue fyaunc●d a woman against my will, that which I sore repent because it is grefull to me to leave your company, ce●tayne fair love Arthur quod she take no displeasure though y● it haue fiaunced a lady for certainly in the same proper hou●e that ye fyaunced your lady I was fyaunced to my love. And my dere love quod Arthur I require you who is that and where is he. By the faith the I owe unto you sir I knoweful well where he is. well fair lady said arthur I pray you than show him to me● surely sir that ●yll I not do as yet but I promise you to show him to you within these three dayes next coming. And sir know you for certain that he resembleth to you both in coming in going, in hauioure, in friends, gentleness in fashion of body and in al other things. ●n the name of god said Arthur ● marvel g●eatly for by your words it should appear that it were myself for there cannot two persons be resembled together but their must be some fault& difference. I believe ye devise these words for me, how be it I am troubled again when I think how ye say that ye were fiaunced to day, and how that ye shall be married to morrow the same proper hour that I shal be wedded in. As god help me sir said Iehannet it is of ●routh he resembl●th to you without failing of any point, verily said arthur I cannot think whom it should be. And so they talked together so long till it was time for arthur to depart for he doubted to be blamed of his fr●●des. So he took l●ue of the ladies and departed& as they road hector said to arthur sir vndouted this is a fair young lady right gracious, sweet& fair behaving as god help me fair cousin said arthur she is mine own howe be it she is a poor damosel nor hath no thing but that she hath of me. But by the faith that I owe unto my lord and father the duke of britain I love her better al naked than she that I shal haue withall the ●iches of the world, for I must take her against my will. And therfore cousin I am verily purposed that as sone as th●s triumph is passe●, and all strangers be departed, and mine uncle your father and all gone, than I thynk● to ask● licence of m father to go● s●ke adventures in some strange countries and to take with me alon●lye governar and to abide f●o hom● the space of .v. or .vi. yeres. And so sh●ll I leave her th●t troubleth me, for in h●r company in no wise I can abide. truly sir said Hector and yf that ye will thus god by the faith that I owe to you I will d●parte with you, and never to leave you while that I live. A good cousin Hector qu●d Arthur it pleaseth me ver●ly well to haue your company, and her●ely I thank you thereof. How be it I beseech you keep this thing secret that i● be not known till the time of our departyng●. And as soon as Arthur was ●●part●d from Iehannet, she did senne all about for minstrels and instruments of music. And caused a●l the house to be hanged with silk, and commanded all her folkes to make as g●eate Ioy and feest as they could imagine. And so this Arthur rod forth always till he came to N●unt●s where as the tables were redy covered to supper. And the duke se● to him down and all other lordes● every man in his place, and they were served right richly with gre●e joy, and after supper they played and sported thē ●uery m●n as he b●ste l●●ed till it was se●son to go to rest. For than it was past mydnighte. And so the duke than entred in●o his chamber. And Arthur, Hector and governar went to se Iehannet, and when they came nere to the place of the s●ange they herde great noise& mirth of instrumentes● and ●ound all the house newly hanged. And the ladies arrayed with vestures of pleasure. And they found as grea●e apparel as though a king shield haue come thither. And Iehann●t was appareled as though she sh●●●e haue be m●ryed incontinent. And when she hard that Arthur was come thither ●●e came goodly un●o him. It was marvel than to behold her she was so fair. And as sone as Arthur saw h●r coming his heart smyl●d and sa●de unto himself. A Iesu, a gentle and a gracious meeting is this. As god h●lpe me I had rather to haue your company than to and encumbered with her that I must haue And therw●t he clepped her in his arm●s and said. My sweet love god that fou●med all the world s●nd you a bett●● day than I h●ue had a nigh. sir sa●de Iehannet god give you as good a day as he hath done to me. For this sam● nyg●t I shall be with my lover. And god 〈◇〉 you in likewise with yours. Certayn●ly said Arthur I repute her not for my love that I shall be with. But ye that i● all be as ye say with your lover shalbe nearer to my heart than she shall be. But I pray you swete● I●hannet show me your lover, sir I haue all redy promised ●ou that ye shall se him within these three ●ayes, therfore I beseech you to abide till that season. With a good will said arthur and so tarried there so long till it was fair day and than it behoved him for to depart.   

¶ Howe that Arthur wedded fair Perron daughter to the lady Luke of ostryge. And of the protestacion that he made before all the barony. Capitulo. xi.  
 
NOw sheweth the history howe that when arthur, Hector and governar were d●parted from Iehannet they came to the court. And by that time were all lords knights and al other risen fro their rest. And the archbishop of towers was ready to sing mass and solempny se the matrimony. And than the duke and the duchess and all the other lords, knights ladies and damosels did convey Ar●hur and this lady Perron to the church. And there in the sight o● all people& in open audience Arthur said. I will that it be known that if ever I finde true such words as I haue hero say of this lady thought I were wedded to her a houdred thousand times yet I will leave and utterly forsake her. And on that condition her I am now content to take her to my wife and none other wise. And thereto was well acorded her moder and all other of their friends. And so with great solemnyte they we●e wedded together,& grete was the feast add joy that than was made in al the city, ladies damoyselles did dance and made gret● joy and mirth and made chaplettes and tokens& did give them to lords and knights in the sign of love.   

¶ How this lady Luke of os●ryge sent ●or Iehannet and caused her secretly the first night to lie with Arthur because that Perron was no maid, to the ●ntente that Arthur should not perceive it. Ca. xii.  
WE must know howe that dame Luke during all this season that this great joy and mirth was made, she was in grete thought in her heart because she knew well that her daughter. Perron was no maid, therfore she doubted greatly to haue vylonye.  
And therfore she wist not what was beste for her to do. So at the last she called to her one of her own knights in whom she trusted beste in all her business. And than she shewed unto him all the demenoure of Perron, and desired him to give her in that behalf the beste counsel that he knew, for she saw well howe that arthur wolde fain finde some cause by her to the ●ntente that he might be departed fro her company. For sir quod she yf Arthur finde that she be no maid, than I doubt me of vy●any. Therfore I require you for goddes love to counsel me in this case. Than this knight who had to name sir Aunsell, answered& said, madam sith it is thus the case must be suffered as easily as it may be. For when the dede is done than it is time to take counsel both sage and secret. I shall tell you what we shall do, here is by dwelling at the strange in the foreste a poor damosel right fair and young, who hath a moder a right good ancient lady. And I think verily she be a good maid. send unto her moder parte of your silver and gold, an● promise to do for her many other things so that she will ●ende you her daughter for this first night to lie with arthur t●ll midnight be paste. And I think verily ye shall haue her yf she be wisely entreated and secretly. And than yf ye haue her when Perron should be laid in the bed she shal be in her stede till that arthur be a sleep and than she shall rise. And so than Perron shall lie down by arthur. A sir said the lady for gods sake think on to bring ●his matter about. Take my chariot& five hundred pounds of gold and bear it unto her moder and show her how I shall give her large lo●des and rents, and shal mary her daughter right hyghly so that I may haue her this night. So than incon●inent this knight clepte on his horse, and took with him the gold and the cha●yot and caused it to be covered and rob unto the strange where as he found this fair lady and her daughter,& dyde salute th●m right sweetly and drew them apart, and said to the lady. M●dame I am come hither to you fro my lady Luke of ostryge, who right ●enderly sendeth greeting unto you. As she that fro henceforth will be your enspecyall lover and friend And above all other will love& honour you. And in the sign of love she hath sent you five hungereth pounds of gold. And furthermore promiseth you to give you great lands and goods and to mary right highly Iehannet your daughter, so that ye will do her that bounty and pleasure now at this time as to send your daughter to her to the intent to lie this first night with Arthur of britain till midnight. For the case is so that Perron her daughter is not insoo good point as she wolde she were for ●●e hath trespaced with another knight Therfore good lady I humbly require you for to be her special lover and friend in this matter, great charity it is one lady for to save the worship and honour of another. Than said the lady I thank my lady Luke for the great love and honour that she presenteth to me, yf their were either love or honour in this case, sir knight as me thinketh here lacketh love when she requireth my shane and dyshonoure, For she wolde that I should sell to her my daughter for her money. certainly that I shall never do it to die therfore. I pray you bear her again this money,& god give her good adventure. Than Iehannet said unto her moder. madam for goddes sake be ye not displeased with my words, for saving your grace, this desire that this knight m●keth is no selling of me, for my lady Luke is a great and noble a pryncesse. Therfore her velony should be more spoken than yf she where of a meeuneestate And all women ought to put their pain to cover& to hide such matters. And also every woman to help& sustain the blame and defame of other. And this lady requireth not your vylonye for she doth it to hide her own dyshonoure. truly dought●r quod the lady, the moder that demeneth not wisely her child is to be blamed, and yf my lady Luke haue not kept this lady Perron her daughter as curyouslye& as wisely as I haue done you, and by the which neclygence now she is renne into folly& danger, let her take it a worth& thank no body but herself. madam said Iehannet it is a hard thing to overcome youth, for yf this lady Perron haue done amiss, yet remembre how hath be easily she& sweetly nourished, and every creature desirous des sake madam behold the might of love by whom she was overcome. For to serur her floryshyng youth. For god she loved& was loved again, remember also the great case wherein she hath all her youth been nourished. The which one cam●& pur●e in to her heart amorous and love. madam yf I trepas I are mercy, for by the faith that I owe to you I will fullfyll that pleasure of my lady luke. In saving of her honour I shall put mine in jeopardy. How be it sir knight take again your money, for yf I should take money I should sell my body the which I will not do. For that I do is freely f●r the l●ue of my lady Luke. And she shall do me good when it shal please her best. Than her moder said to her, sith ye will needs to as ye list, a●d yf he d● folly take the adventure that will fall therof. For much better is worth a woman to be poor and true, than to be foolish& rich. Ye shall not go for me nor by my will. For honour surmounteth al things madam that ye say is of trouth, how be it I require you suffer and let me alone. sir knight let us depart, we tarry very long. mine own fair damosel said the knight I humbly thank you and for certain I ensure you ye shall be right highly rewarded,& thereto I will be pledge. Than the knight left the gold there for ony thing that Iehannet could do the contrary. And so Iehannet mounted in to the chariot and road forth▪ and when they were com● to the court the lady Luke received her right rejoicingly& kept her till it was time to go to bed and than rejoicingly they lady Iehannet in the bed in the stede of Perron, and the courtaynes of the bed were hanged between the light and her. And than came Arthur and the duke his father. And than the duke said, sone Arthur ye shall give to Perron your wife this night that charter of her endowry, wherein is comprised the land of the city of saints and of Poys attenynge to the bounds of gasgoyne. And also ye shall give her this ring with this rich& precious emerald, this endowry mounteth well to the some of .x. thousand pound by annual rent, than it was time for Arthur to go to bed& when he was going thereto the lady Luke said to him good dere love Arthu● I require you that ye speak this night as l●tle as ye may do to Perron my daughter, for she is somewhat shamfast. Ve●ryly madam quod Arthur with a right good will, and so went he to bed.   

¶ Howe that Iehanne● who that was a be●●e with arthur in the stede of his wife Per●on,& or she wolde suffer him ●o touch her she demanded her endowrye. Capitulo. xiii.  
ANd when that Arthur was thus a bed he began to draw nere to his wife as to his knowledge. Than Iehannet counterfeited her speech and said softly. sir it is so or ye touch me I will know what shall be min endowrye, I require you sir assign it to me. And than shall I be ready to fulfil all your commandment. Than Arthur took the charter and the ring and delivered them to Iehannet. And said my love Perron ye shall haue a fair endowry, for it draweth nere to the some of .x. thousand pound. And so did put the ring vpon one of her fyngers● My right dere lord said Iehannet I humbly thank you. And so took the charter and the ring and laid them up privily under the beds side. So thus was Iehannet most parte of the night with Arthur in grete joy and mirth until the time that Arthur fell a sleep, for he had not slept of al the night before. And while that he thus●s●pte Iehannet rejoicingly rose and took with her the charter of Perrons endowrye and came to the lady Luke. And ncontinent she w●as conueyd again rejoicingly to theistange to her moder. And than was Perron put softly in to the bed to Arthur, who work not till it was fair day. And when he was waken he saw where as Perron lay fast a sleep by him, for she had not slept of all the night till than.   

¶ Howe that Arthur, Hector and governar went early in the mornyge to se Iehannet at the sta●ge, who shewed unto Arthur all the treason of his wife, and howe that she had lain with him al that night in the stede of Perron● whereof he greatly marveled. Cap. xvii.  
ANd when Arthur saw her so sleep, he let her lie and rose fair and softly. And at that time there were none in all the palace out of their beds for it was than about three of the clock save all only Hector and governar And when Arthur saw them goodly he gave them good morrow. And said sirs I pray you l●t us leap vpon our horses and go so Iehannet, wherewith they said they were well content& so road forth till they came to the strange at which time Iehannet was lad on her bed in her 〈◇〉 and were fallen a sleep& was covered with a mantell of green. And therewith the wooke and when she hard that Arthur was come she rose up half sleeping and set her vpon her bed side and therewith Arthur came in to the chamber and incontinent that she saw him she waxed greatly ashamed& blushed rede and cast down her look to the earth whereof Arthur had grete marvel and said what cheer make you fair love Iehannet ye were wont to come clip and kiss me, and to make me great feest, and now it seemeth ye be half sleeping, what is the cause ye be risen so early and thus to sleep clothed ●n your bed, sir sayd● I●hannet it behoveth me me so to do, for I was nere to my lord and lover when it was conuenyente for me to rise. And how fair lady was it that your lord and lover did not retain you still for I marvel that he would suffer you to rise from him so early, certainly sir wan I 〈◇〉 he was a sleep. A sweet love, why did ye not than wake him, certainly sir. I thought not to do him so much trouble. Than it seemeth fair Iehannet that ye love him, certainly s●r that it is true more than al the world. A fair love Iehannet is that he that ye haue said should marye you, certainly sir ye and this night 〈◇〉 hath lain with me, well fair lady I pray you what hath he given you to your endowrye, sir as God help me he hath endowed me right rychelye, ●or he hath given me well x. thousand pound by annual rent. Ten thousand pound fair love said Ar●hur that is a great gift. Than it seemeth he is a ●yght grete man and a rich, and hath right great friends. Patron my wife 〈◇〉 no gre●ter indowrye. sir I cannot say what she hath, but I am put in possess●●● therof by a charter and by a fair ryng●, by my faith quod Arthur th●a same possession haue I given unto Perron my wife. And I pray you dere heart show me your charter and ring sir with a right good will. Than she took a box that was at her beds side and did open it and delivered it to Arthur. And when he saw it he knew right well the seal of his father and so looked on the ring and knew it right well, whereof he had great marvel. And than he called unto him Hector and Goue●nar and demanded of them yf they knew that seal or not, sir without fail this is the seal of my lord your father. A mercy god {quod} Arthur sweet love Iehann●t where had you you this ring and charter, sir ye delivered it to me out of your own hands in to mine, of my deliverance quod Arthur. I pray you fair lady where was that, ce●taynly sir in your bed. In my bed fair lo●●● and when was that● ◇〉 god help me for this same night pas●●. And how fair lady may I haue perfit knowledge therof. mine own dere lord and love may it please you to remember that when ye were a bed ye would haue had me to haue fulfilled your pleasure, but first I desired of you to know what should be my endowrye. And ye answered me that ye had g●uen me the city of Sayntes and of Poys& all the country attaynynge to the bountes of Bascoyn and this ring ye did put on my finger and than delivered me this charter. In the name of god quod arthur these tokens beareth witness that all that ye say should be of truth, but I req●yre may sweet love tell me howe ye came into my bed, sir know ye for truth that Perron your wife was no maid for be●ore that time she had done a forsay●e. And so there she shewed unto him howe that dame Luke of ostryge doubted greatly to haue velony, and said sir the fore she sent sir Aunsel her trusty knight unto my moder and me. And five hundred pound of gold, the which all ready is here as ye may see. And furthermore she shewed to him all the demenoure of the knight and of he● moder. And howe in conclusion she went to the court, and so by the lady Luke was brought into his bed in the stede of his wife ●erron. Add howe about midnigh●e when that he was a sl●pe she privily rose from him and than was P●rron put in to the bed. And when that Arthur had heard all this process, he marveled greatly therof, howe be it he had great Ioy therof in his heart. And sweetly cleped and kissed Iehannet and said, fair love, ye said full true to me when ye shewed me that you had been all night with your l●uer, for truly so haue ye don, for I en●u●e you I am you●●aythfull lover, and I am right grand of this adventure, for now shal ye abide still with me and she that hath wr●ught this treason to me shall depart wi●h sorrow and shane I 〈◇〉 you keep sur●ly this thing& charter. And when I send for you be no● dysmayde but boldly come to me appareled in the best maner that ye can be and your moder also, sir with a right good will said Iehannet. How be it I require your nobleness not to be miscontente with m for this dede, nor to think that I did it for any wanton sensual appetite, for sir I take god to record I did it or none intent but onely for the singular love t have to you. And that by that means 〈…〉 knowledge of the false demeanour of your wife for I should rather haue suffered to haue be drawn with wild horses than ever I wolde haue consented to haue done this dede with any other creature living for other lover ●hā ye be will I not haue never had. A my ●ight dere her● said arthu● I pray to god I live never longer yf I should for this matter think any ill in you, for of very right I ought to thank you as much as al my pleasure in this world cometh to for now& ye had not ben my dayes I should haue be continued with dolour● and jealousy whereof I am now discharged by your means. For I will now vtterli forsake her company and so shall I live out of doubt and trouble& me shal ye haue as faithful and true as ever ye had& better if it might be, and so right swetelye he took of her his leave and departed,& road forth deuysing and talking with Hector and governor of this adventure. And Hector said to him as god help me faire cousin Arthur this great treason that is don to you shal surely be quit, for by the g●a●e of god yet before Easter nex● coming I shall over renne her country with banners displayed& shal not leave s●●ndyng neither easter nor tour up right but I shall bruise them down to the earth. And by the faith that I owe unto god almighty yf she were a man as she is a woman I wolde neither drink ne eat till I had landmen her head ●ro her shoulde●s well frend● {quod} arthur this besiness●m●● wisely be demeaned. And so these gentle knights road forth● devising on this matter till they came to Nauntes. And than they went to the palace at which time all ●ordes& knights were ready appareled, and there was so gr●●t ioy and feast that it was marvel to think thereon▪ And when the duke saw arthur his son he began to smile& demanded of him whether that his wife were ded nay sir quod the earl of Anlou I think she sleepeth fast in her bed, well well sirs quod arthur fair and easylye, there is other things that ye know full lyt●e therof, and said to his father● sy● and i● please you it is of trouth ye haue married me and given me the charter of the dowry of Perron my wife and also a ●ynge with a flaming emerald, sir I know not whether there be in this cha●ter any thing the which that ought to be amended. Therfore I wolde not though otherwise come of me than well that Perron should lose her endourie for lucke of formal making. Therfore I require you let the charter be brought forth and red openly in the presence of mine vncles& of the arche●ysshop. And yf it ought to be amended I beseech you let it be reformed by thē, it is well said sone quod the duke and where is it. sir Perron hath it for I delivered it to her this night past. Let it be sent for fair nephew said the earl of Bloys. So than the lady Luke and Perron were brought forth to the duke, who said Perrō fair daughter arthur your husband thinketh well on your profit, therefore bring for●he your charter of your dowry that arthur gave you this night,& it ought to be reformed it ●hal be amended, sir said Perron it sufficeth me right well as it is, for I am therwith right well content, well daughter said the duke, yet for that it pleaseth me that it shal be seen& rede. sir quod she in good truth I haue it not, why where is it than {quod} the duke, sir surely I haue sent it by a trusty me●●enger into my own country well fair daughter quod the duke ha●dly haue ye no doubt nor fear therof, for here is none that wolde beguile you, and therfore hardly and boldly bring it forth before me. And therwith governar stepped forth for his heart was so great and mighty for velonye that was done to Arthur his master that he could not abstain ne forbear himself no longer, but in open audience he said to the Duke, sir it is of truth ye haue married my lord arthur your son to such a woman that the which ought not to be received in matrimony with so great a gentleman and of so high a lineage as my lord your son is, for she is a woman di●honoured in every noble mans court as she that hath abandoned her will v●to an other man than to my lord Arthur, as it well appeareth. For she hath defouled her body with a neither knight. And therfore this night she caused an other damosel who was a true maid to lie by my lord arthur. And to prove that this is true that I say behold here this knight sir Aunsell who conveyed this damosel, and left with her modes five hundred pound in gold the which dame luke of ostryge did send unto her and when she had brought this damosel she was laid a bed with my lord Arthur. Howbeit she was not so foolish but or she would suffer my lord to touch her she demanded of him her dowrye. And so my lord arthur delivered to her the charter and the ring as he thought none ill. And in dede sir to certify this thing send for the damosel. And than shal ye know by her own mouth all the trouth how my lord was betrayed So than incontinent this damoisel was sent for and her moder also. And when that Iehannet was come there openly she declared all the matter and shewed forth the charter and the ring. Than was the duke and duchess g●eatly dismayed and all other lords and friends of arthur. Than stepped forth ●yr aunsell and cast his glove against this damosel Iehannet, and said that he never▪ to fetch that maid, he brought never the foresaid money to her and that and prove against any that wolde say the contrary. Therwith the gentle Hector can● forth and cast his glove against the knight in the damosels quarrel. And said how that he wolde prove that he falsely lied and delyed like a false traitor. And as to you dame Luke of ostryge I ensure you ye haue not in al your country castle nor could never so strong but I shall break them down ●o the ea●che,& fro henceforth repute me for your enemy surely for so am I and will be. And sir duke I beseech you receive my glove against this knight, who hath falsely and traytoursly deceived my cousin arthur, sir {quod} governar ye shall not do so for it is against reason that so high a person as ye be should do battle with such a false traitor sythe there be other to take the quarrel in hand, this matter toucheth my lord and I am his man& haue norysh●d him up in his youth, therfore I ought to defend his right. And therwith he cast down his glove& said gentle and honourable knight Duke receive my guage and do right to my lord your son, for I say that this damosel Iehannet saith truth in every thing& this knight falsely lieth. And that I will prove my body against his, and so therwith the knight received Gouerna●s gu●ge. And also the knights and the battle was iudg●d to be done the next day ensuing without longer delay.   

¶ Howe the governar vanquished in battle sir Aunsel& caused him to make knowledge of this treason& confessed how that he brought Iehannet fro the strange for ●olie al night with arthur. Cap. xv.  
 
when the battle was thus determined to be the next day, Hector was not content in his mind because his gu●ge was not received so in this maner as for that day they went● to there rests. And the next morning by times arthur and governar and all other lords his friends went to the chir●he to here mass. And there governar did first off●e, and after him all other. And when the mass was ended Arthur ledd● forth Goue●nar to his chamber to be armed. And when he was surely armed he lept on a mighty courser. And arthur and Hector were armed& mounted on their horses to keep the field to the intent that there should be no treason and the earl of ●loys went to the place whereas they should fight. Than by the time was armed sir aunsell& came in the plase, so than there was brought forth sayntes and books whereon governar did swear y●e falsely& untruly Iehannet the damosel of the strange was brought by sir aunsel unto the court& by his aduise she was put into the bed to arthur in the stede of Perron his wife. And when he had thus sworn he kissed the sayntes and rose like an hardy knight▪ and than sir aunsel d●d swear with great fear and trouble. How that governar said by him vntrulye. And so he r●se with great trouble and pain, and all the people that saw him said that he had an evil countenance& be seeming should be in the wrong. And when they were both mounted on their horses. Than was it cried by an haraude of arms that each of them should do their best. Than said arthur to governar, now mine own good friend quiter you like a valiant knight. And so these two drew apart fro other and dressed their spears to the rests& da●●e● their sports to the horses sides& met together so rudely that they frushed their spears to their fi●tes like hardy knights and full of great valour, howbeit sir aunselles valour was not to be compared with governar, fo: governar had ben a man greatly to be redoubted. And after the breaking of their spears they past by. And in the retorninge they set their hands to their swords. And governar stroke sir Aunsell so rudely that he did ryu● his shield to the bocle, and broke a great parte of his harneys, so that the sword entred deep into the flesh, and sir aunsel stroke again governar on the helm and broke with the stroke many ●arces therof, and the stroke glented down on the lift side and ●●ate a way a great parte of his harneys to ●he ba●e saddle, but god kept him that it entred not into the flesh. Than governar florysshed again his sword& st●oke sir aunsell on the height on his helm and cut it to the ha●de sercle of steel▪ and the stroke glenced down by the shield so rudely that he claue it ●o the mids. And with the same stroke the sword did light on the neck of the horse where with the horse was so sore wounded that be fell down to the e●the. and when sir aunsell felt his h●rse fallen under him, he lep● on his feet with his s●erde in his hand. wherefore he was of some gr●atly praised. And some o●her did greatly praise the stroke of governar. And when governar saw him on the earth he thou got that he wolde not renne on his enemy with his horse, he being on foot. Therfore incontinent he did a ●yght down o● foot and put his shield before him 〈◇〉 wen●e seeking his enemy. And gave him 〈◇〉 hast 〈◇〉 that he struck a wa●e parr of his cheek& the stroke dyscended to his shoulder& wounded him to the hard bones wherewith sir aunsel was constrained to gail& right ne●e to haue fallen Than al the lords said that their was no could long endure the stroke of governar. There with arthur laughed with a good heart so that governar hard him whereby his he●te douwbled in courage and when sir Aunsel felt himself thus hardly bestad, he swore in his mind that he wolde be au●nged of that stroke, and therwith lift up his sword to haue st●●ken governar, but when he saw the stroke coming he put his shield before him ● advised well how that sir aunsell had his arm up a loft and with an nawke stroke he stroke at sir aunsell under the armor so ●udely that the arm& sword& all ●●ew into the field. whereof sir aunsel had so much pain that he fel to the earth in a trance. And than gouerna● lept to him to haue landmen of his head, but h● cried for gods sake mercy. Than came the duke and Arthur, Hector, and other lords and knights and there in the presence of them al he recounted al the tre●son, and how that he went for Iehannet and brought her to his lady Luke. And how that he was of counsel that she should be put a bed with arthur in the stede of Petron. Than he had judgment for his trespass such as he had deserved so than governar was lead home by arthur& H●ctor and caused to be unarmed whom they found without any hurt whereof they thanked god. And than Iehannet had as great joy as any creature could haue, and she clipped and kissed governar oftentimes wi●h good he●te. Than all the other erles and barons came to governar and demanded him how he did. He answe●●d& said right well thanked be god and felt none hurt the same proper hour the lady luke departed suddenly out of the court& her daughter Pe●●on with her great shane and foul rebuk. And when they were in the field on their way than this lady Luke said unto her daughter. this great shane that we haue hast thou caused, for now we shal never haue honour nor be reputed honourable. And therwith heartily she wept, whereof Perron took so great inward thought that she dyed within .xx. dayes after. And so thereby arthur was again at his liberty. And Iehannet fro then forth remained still in the court with the duchess and was right well beloved with every creature And the duke and duchess w●re well acorded that she should keep still the endoury that arthur had given her. And so she kept it till such season as arthur caused her to be crwoned a queen. And gave her governar in marriage as it is more plainly contained in this present book.   

¶ How arthur demanded licence of his father and moder to go play him out of his own country for he wolde go seek adventures to show thereby his force& prowess. Cap. xvi.  
 
AFter the end of .v. dayes tidings came unto the duke and to Arthur that the fair Perron was decessed and passed out of this world, of the which tidings arthur had right great joy. And specially Iehannet, how be it the king for his honour and worship caused her obseruyce to be done right solemnly in the church And than after this the court departed and every man repaired to in their own countreys. saving all only Hector who remained still with Arthur And so in great joy and mirth they continued with the duke. And arthur when it p●●ased him to take his pastaunce with the fair Iehannet. So it fortuned on a nyg●t that Arthur, Hector and governar were all three lodged in one chamber. And on a night a●thur was sore troubl●d in his sleep& turned and sighed many times. So that Hector and governar ha●de him, and said each to other, a●thur is not well at his case▪ let us go wake him. And than governar ●oke him& asked him what he e ylled. ● friend governar said Arthur. I haue be sore troubled in m sleep for I dreamed that I was fer●e out of this country. A sir said Hector we ought to go into strange coun●reys for befor● this time ye haue prom●sed so to do. therefore set your mind no longer to tarry at home, but shortly let us depart. As god help me to syn said arthur the day is come, that for to haue ●he city of paris I will tarry no longer▪ ●or to mo●ow will I are licence of ●y father and of my moder. And will haue with me no more company but you and governar and I●k●t my squire. sir said governar ye say well, for a young man without pain is little worth, how be it sir I doubt me gr●atly that ye ●hal get no leave. verily sa●● ar●hur I shal ●●ay to morrow next And so they say ●●ill all that night till it was day. Than rose arthur and his c●●pany. And wh●n the duke was by ar●hur 〈◇〉 before him with his bonet●● his ●ande and kneele● down to ●he e●the and humbly required both his fade● and moder that i● wolde please them to give by ●●icence to go pl●y him a season out of th●● country wherewith in there mynd●●●hey wherefore displeased. And en●ysed him as much as they might to leave his ente●pryse, but in no wise they could ●orne his mind. and at the last with sore weeping they gave him licence and inquired of him with whom he wolde be accompanied. Righ● dere father I will haue none other company, but alonely my cousin Hector and governar and jaket my squire. well dere son sith ye will not abide take with you gold and silver at your pleasu●e. Than governar came to arthur and demanded of him what spa●● it wolde be or he would return into his own country. verily quod Arthur ●he space of fiu● yeres. So then anon these tidings were spread a broad in the court and all abou●e the country how that a●●hur wolde depart ou● of that country, and ●a●y out five yeres, and at the last Iehannet herd● ther of, whe●with al her blood tr●mbled and quake and ran out of her chambr● to ●he palace where as ●he duke and duchess were together ●ight sore weeping. And than she p●rceyued well how that it was of trouth, wherw●th 〈◇〉 her life had past, and therwith she fel down in a deadly tr●unce in the arms of her mother. And when she revived she cried& said a arthur my swear love wi●h this journey ●●all this poor orphely●e lose her good lord and chief father. A arthur my dere he●te will ye thus love me. And whan the duke saw her make this great lamentac●on than opened his heart and rendered many a saite ●ere wi●h hi● ey●n. And in thi● season Goue●nar ap●rayled all such necessary things as was meetly for their departing. Than Arthur took leave of his father and moder who were ●ight sorrowful of his d●party●ge. And than he went ●o Ieh●nnet to take his leave of her, and as soon as she saw him sh● ran and took him in her arms and said right piteously a right swear sir the end of my heart and love, how can you finde in your heart to leave this poor orphelme. And when arthur hard her speak so sweetly it touched nere to his heart than of all the sorrow both of father and moder and of all his kin. But finally he commanded her to god, and said fair sweet love I require you to pray to god for me. For I promise you yf I live I will do you more good and honour than as yet ever ye had,& so kyste her sweetly and departed& mounted on his horse,& he was in a garment covered al with green, girt about with a rede lase, and both he and Hector and governar were al in a suit in scarlet hosen. And each of them a chaplet on their hedes like young lusty louers. And they rood so long till they were out of the town. Than Arthur entred in to a grete thought& road musynge a great space. And when Hector saw him in the case he called governar to him& said friend se ye not howe arthur rideth musyng. I hold it beste we break him out of his thought, therwith Hector called Arthur and demanded of him what him ailed to ride so sadly. And when arthur hard him he turned his head to him ward and said, fair cousin I pray you come ride here by my side and governar on the other side. And when arthur was between them he said, friends I haue mused all this season of my dream that I had this last night when ye work me I ●olde you parte but not all and surely it is the chief cause wherefore I haue take on me this iorneye. hearken to me and I shal show you all my hole dream for no thing can I hide fro you, this last night when I was in my first sleep me thought I was in the most fairest place in all the world, where I saw a fresh fountain and me thought the beau●te therof caused me to sit down on the brym therof, and with the fair clear water therof washed my face and hands, and finally I cast up mine eyes aloft, and on my right hand me thought I saw the richeste pavilion pight that ever was sene, and in the height of this pavilion was an eagle of gold the richest and the fayreste that could be devised& properly me thought I saw this eagle come down& light on my bosom& shewed me so great sign of love that it pleased me so much that I coudle not be satisfied with beholding therof,& me thought it flykered about me with her wings in the sign of grete love, and at the last me thought I saw where came to me ward a grete griffon foul and horrible and he brought with him a great multitude of serpentes: wherewith all the earth about me was covered, and me thought they wolde haue taken fro me mine eagle who was right feared and covered her ever by me and looked on me sweetly. In maner as though she wolde haue said arthur keep me. And than me thought I took my sword in my hand and so fought with this griffon& al these serpentes, by whom me thought I suffered much pain in great peril, but at the last me thought there came a turtyll to help me& brought with her many douues. And out of an other parte I saw where came a sparhawke acconpanied with many faucons. And all these dyde me such succour that we slew that griffon and all the other serpentes. And suddenly than me thought that the eagle and the turtyll and I were in a hye tour, and both you Hector,& governar with me. And to us me thought came people without nombre and me thought there was a lion& four grete leopardes. And all they didde incline themself to me ward& didde me grete honour. And they were al crwoned with gold& me thought they gave the eagle freely to me, And she pleased me so well that I would never haue departed by my will fro her company. And ever sith I work my heart and love hath ben so set on the eagle that I can not draw my heart fro her. For I love her so entirely that aalonge as I live I shall never cease to travell& labour till I haue found her And this is the very cause wherefore I am departed out of mine own country. Uer●ly sir said governar this be●okeneth the great honour shall come to you, for sir ye know well the lion, who as ye thought did give you the eagle is a beest tyail. For the lion is king of all beasts. And the eagle is king of all fowls. so the sygnyfycacyon therof is that a king shall give you a queen, how be it grete pain shall ye first suffer. And the griffō that would haue taken fro you your eagle, betokeneth some grete man that wolde haue her that shall be given to you. Therfore it shall behove you to conquer her with the sword, and sir I governar your servant am here that never shall fail you while I live, no more shall I fair cousin said Hector by the faith that I awe unto my lor●e my father. friends said Arthur I heartily thank you. And so they road forth on their way. And because ye shall understand the sygnyfycacyon of the eagle and the lion. therefore we shall leave for a season speaking of arthur and his company riding on their journey,& ye shall hear of this eagle till time shall be that we return again to Arthur.   

¶ How the mighty king of Sorolois called Emendus held open court in his realm where as was four puyssa●te kings, who were all his subiectes& here ye shall here of things marvelous. Capitulo. .xvii.  
 
IN the season that arthur thus road as ye haue herde here before there was in the realm of Soroloys a king, the which realm is in Ind the more. joining to the great see called Betee. And also to the rede see between Mesopotanye& pierce. This king had to name Emendus, right puissant of hauydur& friends. And he had under him four kings mighty and puissant, who were under his obeisance,& held all their realms of him. whereof the first was king of orquany, the which is on the side of babylon, the which realm extendeth to the rede see,& this land was full of giants. The second was king of the realm of Mormall the which is in the land of sodom and gomorre,& it extendeth to the lord joining to the dead see. And this king might well bring in battle better than a hundred. M. fighting men. The thyrde hath the governance of the realm of Valefounde, a very obscure& dark land& the people therof as black as sote, and it extendeth into the oryent where as the son riseth, the which people were greatly doubted in battle or war, for they were without pity. And did eat raw flesh like dogges. The fourthe king was of the realm of Ismaelyte the which extendeth into eghypt and unto the land of Femene. These .iiii. kings were subiectes to the mighty king of Doroloys Emendus. who had to w●se a noble lady name Fenyce by the reason of the country that she was born in For it was name fenyx because in that coun●ree bred a bird that was called fenyx. And in all the world there is never but one,& as it is said when she is old and ancient there she maketh her nest of dry thorns on the height of an hye mountain as nere the son as she can so that by the heat of the son the nest quickeneth& flameth on fire,& the she in brenneth herself,& of her ashes there is another fenyx ●ngendred. This said lady Fenyce wife to king Emendus was queen by inheritance of the clear tour the which was a noble rich city. And by great force she had subdued ●he city of commeyne& of comstantinople of cornite of Macedonye, of Phesale, of Bo●me& of all the country of denmarche. She was a right hye& a mighty pryncesse,& right good& virtuous, so that it was hard than to haue found ony lady comperable to her. And so it fortyned in the fresh merry month of may, as at the feast of pentecost the king Emendus held open court at the city of cornyte, at the which feast were these four foresaid kings and al the seven perres of his realm and this feast was great,& the court full of people And the first day of this feast the king Emendus was in his palace lenyng on a rod of gold that he held in his hand& about him stood these four kings and his .vii. perres accompanied also with the hye& mighty duke of Alatre& .xxiiii erles. And his noble queen Fenyce sat by him great with child,& nere to her time of deliverance. And the king of orguany beheld her well, who was her ne●e cousin& said. Madam● me think it should be metelye for your grace fro henceforth to draw to the place where as the king will that ye shall take your chambre, for I think your time approacheth on fast. In dede fair cousin said the queen ye say right truly, how be it I know not as yet where as my lord will I shall lie. And thereto the king answered& said. In dede as yet I am not determined in what place she shall lie in. Than said the king of Mormall, who was a sage prince, sir I will counsel you let the queen lie at the port Noyr,& when she is delivered let the child be born to the hill of adventures. And sir yf ye do thus I think ye shall do wisely. By my faith quod the king of Ualefounde I wo●e not what to say in this matter whether it were better to bear the child thither or not, for this is your first child. And it is hard to tell what destynye ●he child ●hall be of, yf it shall be good than were it well ●one that it were born thither But peradventure the adventures of this child may be such that it were better they were hid& kept secret than to be openly known. For in adventure lieth often times as well ill as good. Well quod the king Emendus. madam I will that ye go to the port Noyre And when that ye be delivered I will that the child be born up to the mount perylons, there to know what destyny that the child shall be of.   

¶ The dyscrypcion of the fashion and sytuacyon of the mount perilous the which was conquered by the prows of Arthur. Capitulo. xviii  
 
IN this mount perilous there was a castle name the port Noyre, This castle was right strong& of grete suyrte. And it was made& ordained by proserpyne, who was on of the queens of the fairy& the cytuacyon of this castle was such that .x. legs of length there ran a gre●e river about the cyrcuyse of this castle, the which was so ●epe fro the earth, and bankes so hye that sca●te the water might be sene running vnderneth,& it ran so rudely that who so ever entred in to it was utterly perished, it was bl●cker than smythy w●ter& it smelled a●homynably. Al●o it was full of cu●tyng and ●harpe rocks swarmynge f●ll of ve●myn, ●his river environed this c●stell over an sides,& joining to this river there was all about this castle mountains so hye that no creature could mount vpon them, neither on horse nor on foot, and they were so bare and hard that the birds with great pain coud● scant raise or get any gross or su●tenance thereon. And among ●hese mountains there was a passage of the largeness of a chariot way, whereby one might go and enter into the castle. And in certain places there were barbycanes that defended the entre fro al people. And under these mountains there was a grete marys deep and foul so that none might entre into it, but incontinent he was lost and perished. And there were pits of water in numerable that it seme● in a maner to be an a●me of the see, ho we be it there was neither bark ne ship that mygh● abide it, And this m●res was so deep that i● might well be thought that it attained down to the absy●e and swallow of the earth the w●iche mares endured well the larg●nesse of .ii. legs, wherein th●re was a passage of the bread of a spear length made by ●●gramancye, whereon there were. x●x. draw● brydges. And so this mares e●uy●onned the castle over all part●es, 〈◇〉 the mountayn●s cyrcu●d the ma●es. A●d the rivers, the mount●ynes, so that it was imposs●ble to be assauted, besieged or won The castle also was closed with d●uble walls made of chalk ston& sand,& grete bars and crampones of yre●●nd steel fixed in lead. The walls were .xv. foot thick.& .xxxv. of height environed with there hundred towers cramponed and knit together with great chains of yren,& the barbycanes wer● bended& bordred with steel. To say the trouth this castle of the port. Noyr doubted not all the world. And in this castle were walls of v●hement adu●tures where as no creature might entre without death, and many knights had be there perished such as took on them to fo●●o the enchauntementes of that place. But at the conclusion all such there dyed& finished there mortal lives. For none could n●uer bring the aduentur●s to an end save alonely Arthur of britain as ye shall after here. And before the gates of this castle a little higher on the hill there were palace, walls and chambers with grete& hye strong batylmentes, where as four kings might well h●ue been harboured, and to these palace m●n might go surely without ony peril, for thither came all such as passed through the country. And out of this palace men might go to the mount of adventures, whereas four queens of the fairy walked ●uery night and did much hurt to them that came thither against their wills. And to this hill acustomable these ladies came nyghtly. The chief of them was ca●led pros●rpyne a fresh young lady& a fair without comparison. For yf all the beauties of al women in the world● had ben as●embled together in to one person, yet she should not haue had the fourth parte of the beauty that proserpyne was of, who was queen and lady of the other three,& was chief lady of this castle of the port Noyr,& of the mount perilous where as she had pight a rich pavilion with a splayed eagle of gold in the top there of, the which was the same eagle that Arthur saw in his dream, and in a neither tent by was the white shield of the fa●rye, and the goo● swer● name Clerence the which ●hel●e was of such force an● m●ghte that it could not be hurt nor enpayred, neither for iron nor st●le nor for non● other thing. The which shield was ordained too ●ea●pe no creature, but all on●lye him that it was d●stenyed unto, nor the swe●de should not be pulled out of the ●h●the nor help no man but alonely by him that it was predesty●ate unto.   

¶ Howe it was determined that the ●u●ne Fenyce should take her chamber in the palace beside the castle of the port Noyre. Capitulo .xix.  
SO thus as ye haue heard before the mighty king Emendus was agreed that Fenyce his queen should lie a chyl●bedde at the port Noyre, and that her chy●de should be born up to the mount of a●uentures. And he ordained that the king of Orq●anye her cousin germaine should go with her, and the archebyssh●pp of Cornyte, who was brother to the king Emendus. And also the queen of I ma●lyte, and many other ladies& damoyselles, ●ords sand knights should acompa●ye this q●ene F●nyce. And so there they made to the kings and the .xii perres of the realm faythfu●l assuraunce that they wou●de make true report of every thing that they should here or see in the mo●nte of a●uentures. And also the king Emendus and the twelve per●sswa●e and made fa●thful assurance that what so ever should be d●st●nied of that child that they should not wythstond i● on● p●ynte the childes desteney b●● to keep and to maintain the child like the son of a king. And of this promise there was made a ●hater sealed by king Emendus and by his twelve perres of his realm, and was delivered into the k●pynge of the arch●byshoppe of Cornyte. And so● by that time it was season to her mass. And when the mass was finished the ●ables were laid, and ther they were served right richly as it apertayned too the honour of such a noble king. And this feeste and triumph endured the space of .xv. dayes. Than the king Emendus did give great plenty of gold and silver, horse and harneys to lords and knights, and every person after their degree, and so every man repaired into there own countres, and the q●ene Fenyce prepayred al her be synesse for to remove to the mount perilous. And so ●he took her leave of the king and took with her all such compan●e as ye haue heard d●u●sed hear before, and laboured so long in her journey that at the last shee a●yued at the port Noyre, and went to the palace before the gate of the castle, and there she remained till by pro●ces of time that ●he was brought a child bed with a fair daughter. Than the archeb●shoppe took the child up in his arms and went there with to the mount peryll●us. And w●●he him was the k●nge of Orqua●●e and the queen of Ismaelit And when they were above on the hill they found there a fair and a goodly ground and saw where there was a ma●uayllous fair founta●ne round a bout the which there were set four rich chairs, and on every fountain there was pight a pere on of ston where in there was ordained a p●ace for a child te lie in. In the which place they laid fair and eas●ly this noble child. And than they with drew themself into a prive place there by her,& se what should fortune after. Than anon it began to ware de●●e. And within a little space they saw where there came four the fairest ladies of the world two and two together with great torches and lights before them, and where al crwoned with gold like noble queens the first was so excellent fair that the beauti●s of the other three were nothing to be compared to her, who was queen and lady over the other three, and the castle of the port Noyr was pertaining to her. And also the fair pavilion with the eagle of gold wherein was an image holding in her hands a chaplet made of pauncees, the which image in all poyntes resembled to this faire queen proserpina wherein was also the white ●●elde and sword enchanted, the which pavilion was not fe●●e pight fro the fountain where as this child was laid in the pereon. An● so than these four queens wrapped in mauntelles of silk set them down in the said four chairs, and the child was in the mids between them all four.   

¶ How that the daughter of the mighty king Ga●●nd●s,& of ●e●ice his queen was destyned over the fountain in the herber of the mount peril●ous by four queens of the fairy the chief of them was name prose●pyne, who was the most fairest creature than of all the world. Cap. xx.  
 
THan this queen Proserpyne began first and said. I perceive well here is the daughter of our dere friends the king Emendus whom he hath sent hither to us with great triumph therfore it is good reason that wee do him some good and pleasure. Madam said the other three queens begin you. And we shall follow, certainly said she with a right good will. first I will that this child be name Florence, and that she shall be floure of beauty of all other c●eatures as long as ever she shal live and properly I will she shal resemble to me both in face, in body, in countenance in going, and coming. And in all other things so like▪ that whosoever se us both together shall not consider nor discern the one fro the other. And also to her I give this my castle of the port Noyr, and my pavilion with ●he Image holding the Chaplet. And also my why●e shield and sword. And therwith she held her peace. And than the second queen said. madam sith that ye haue made he● to be fair with out comparison. I will also that she shal be gracious and amiable. well quod the thyrde queen sith I see that she shall be exceeding fair and gracious without comparison. And madam seen she shall haue your semblant and your shield& sword. I will that the best knight of the world shall haue her marriage. And I will that he shall bear the white shield and the sword, and that they shall help none other creature but alonely him. And I will that he shall achyeue the adventures of this castle, and shal put to death Malegra●e the Monstour, and to him I give the shield and the sword& the chaplet that the image holdeth in the pauyl●on. And also I will that he shall haue this maid Florence in marriage. Than the fourth queen said, well sister sith ye haue given this maid to the best knight of the world. I will than that yf any other be so bold to take her, that incontinent he shal die or he haue power to touch her. And therwith all these queens rose and went there ways. And than the queen of Ismaelite& the king of Orqueny and the archbishop took the ch●●de and bare it to her mother and there openly recounted to her all that they had hard and seen of these queens of the fairy. Than the archbishop did chrysten this child, and gave her to name Florence. And than the queen of Ismaelite and the king of Orquenye held her on the founte● the which child was kept up with four norses. And she grew and amended daily so that she was toward to be fairest creature of the world And when the queen was pu●ified she went to the city of Sabba where as the king Emendus was accompanied with his kings, and the seven peers of his realm. And this was at all halowentyde where as he kept a great open court. And when the queen was come the king met her with great triumph. And she was lead to the pa●ays with a king and an archbishop. And there openly recounted al the destyny of the child,& how that she should be given in marriage to the best knight of al the world.   

¶ How the king of Ualefounde sent his son to the city of sabba for to be brought up in the company of Florence. ca. xxi  
IN this time the king of Ualefounde had a sone who was name steven, and he was sent to sabba to be nourished up in the company of Florence And so these .ii. children were brought up together so long till this child steven could go to school▪ than the king Emendus sent him to the school, of Athenes there for to learn. And by process of time this child the●e le●ned so well& profoundly that he became a sovereign clerk, specially in astronomy and n●gr●omancy that in no parte there could and found none like him in cunning. Than the king Emendus did send ●or him to be in his court. Than Florence desired of her father that he might be her clerk, and of her counsel and the k●g with a right good will did grant her request, and florence lover him right well for he served her right nobly and t●ulye and she had after right great need of him as ye shal here more plainly whan time shalbe to speak therof.   

¶ How that the queen Fenice moder to florence died,& how she made her testament giving to her daughter a ●inge ● p●ttyng her thereby in possession of the ●●●lene o● blanch ●oure Cap. xxii.  
 
THis queen Fenice loved greatly her daughter Florence, who was the most fairest creature that as than could be found in al the world. For there was none that ever saw her, but incontinent they were ravished with her persaunt b●au●●. And the queen her moder kept her so dearly that there were but few men that had any sight of her, for the king her own father saw her not so oft as he wolde haue done. In this maner she was kept till she was .xviii. year of age. Than it fortuned on a season that this king Emendus held open court at Pantopone. And to him were come al his other kings and noble baronage at which time the queen his wife was right sore diseased of the fever and every day inpayred more and more, and so the second day of this feast this noble queen Fenyce than as she lay in her bed she saw where as her daughter Florence stood sore weeping before her beds side where with she began to make a pitefull lamentation and said. A dere daughter Florence I haue kept and cherished you unto this day with great honour and joy. And now is the season come that I must n●des leave you. And I fer● me that after my death ye shal haue need of me. And therewith she sent for the king Emendus her husband, and for other four kings, and for al the seven peers of the realms. And when they were a● come into her presence she said to the king Emendus her husband. Right dere lord I am sure it is not out of your remembrance the destiny of our daughter Florence, therfore sir now in my last daies I humbly require you that ye ●il keep and up hold the promise and other as ye haue made in that behalf heretofore to the which ye are bound to by your seal and writing. And suffer h●r never to be given to other lord in marriage but to him that she is predystinate unto. In the name of god quod the king madam I faithfully assure you to uphold al that I haue promised well than to you sirs quod the queen ●o the other kings& .vii. peers. How say ye will ye all uphold the same,& al they answered al that they wolde never agree to the contrary. Than the queen took a ring of her iing●r and openly she said. Florence my fair daughter I give you my realm of blanch tour. And put you in sesenyng and possession therof by this tinge. And so Florence took the ring& delivered it to the archbishop her uncle to keep. Than the queen said to the king of or orqueny And to the archbishop. fair lords I leave in your keeping my de●e daughter Florence praying you to keep her well& truly. For sir bishop she is your own ●ese. And to you sir king of orqueny she is cousin and goddoughter, therfore ye ought to take good hede to her. And to you my own de●e lord and husband& to all other I humbly require pardon for any thing that ever I haue trespaced against any of you besechinge you all to pray for my soul, and to the safeguard of the blessed trinity I you commit. And therwith she marked her with the sign of the cross and commended to god her spirit. And therwith lost her speech& mortal life. Than began in the court so great sorrow and lamentation that it was pity to behold and here for the king foundered all in tears, and al other that was there present. Than Florence step p●d forth all in a rage and piteosly cried a●d said. Alas I sorrowful and poor or pheline of moder side. A her●e why dost thou abide any longer in my woeful body. A dere lady& moder howe is it that ye be thus gone& leave behind you your sorrowful daughter Florence, therwith she wrange her lily white hands and said. Alas I sorrowful& desolate creature. And therwith she wolde haue wart and ●yssed the dead corpse of her moder, but her heart failed her and so fel down to the earth in a deadly trance. And every body took so much hede on there own sorrows so that no body took hede of the woeful Florence, till at the last the archbishop& master steven took her up in his arms,& so revived her& bare her out of the sight of the dead corpse, and than to her there came the abbes of our ladies monestery in that city, and al her covent for to comfort her. And so these sorrowful tidings anon tanne over al the city, wherefore all the belles in every church began to sound. And every creature made great sorrow for the death of the queen. And the king caused her body to kept above the ground .ix. dayes for to abide the barons and knights of the realm of blanch tour for then●ente that they should be at the entierment of their queen and lady.   

¶ How that the queen Fenice moder to Florence was nobly entiered. Cap. xxiii  
about the end of .xx. days their came a knight to king Emendus fro themperour of ind the more. who had heard tidings howe that the queen Fenice was departed this transitory life, and he desired the king to sung four dayes longer the enterment of the queen, for he sent word that he wolde be with h●m by that season where of king Emendus was very glad that so high a person as the Emperour was wolde take on him for to be at the beryenge of the queen his wife. And when the day came of his coming he was received fulright and honourabl● and than the service was ministered to the deade body full right hi● and solemp●ely and so she was laid in the cathidral church of all the city. And this emperor abode there still a great space afterward with the king to the intent to put him of his great sorrow. And all other kings erles& barons deparparted every man into his own country. And also the archbishop returned to cornite. And so took his leave of the king his broder, and lead with him Florence his nese. And also Florence took leave of the king her father and of the Emperour who was as than all bedewed with weeping, and not arrayed as pertained to her estate, but after the maner of a sorrowful morner. How be it in such state as she was in, she was of great beauty whereby this Emperour was stricken with so great ioy that he lost al his countenance. And fro henceforth he loved& desired so much Florence that he thought on nothing but alonely on her. And thus departed Florence with the archbishop her uncle,& travailed so long till at the last she arrived at Cornite on a friday about the hour of evensong time,& there was received honourably, and there remained a great season. And master steven ever ●●rued her well and truly, and she trusted more in him than any other after the death of the queen her moder.   

¶ How that the Emperour of ind the more demanded of king Emendus the fair Florence his daughter in marriage. And of the answer that king E●mendus made to him. And also of the term that was taken to mary Florence, and how that master steven knew by the regarding of the planets that their was coming out of the west a knight, who should a cheue the adventures of ●he port Noyre. And how he should haue and enjoy the white shield and the sword and obtain Florence marriage, whereof she was greatly comforted, for in no wise she loved the Emperour. Cap. xxii●i.  
THus the Emperour abode still with the king Emendus, and departed together fro Pantopone and went to masedone, but ever the emperour was in great trouble and thought for the love that he had in Florence ●oo that the king Emendus demanded of him what he eyled to be so sad, and the Emperour answered and said sir I shal tel you the trouth. For I can not send to you a more certain messenger than I am myself for ye must believe mine saying rather than any other mean messenger. sir it is of truth how that ye be a great prince and of right great power, and also sir it is well known how that my strength is not small, for I think as now we two at in maner the greatest men that reigneth in any place of the world. Therfore it is a great wealth to us to continue together as faithful friends. And truly fro henceforth I will be your friend and your lover. certainly sir it is so I am a man to marye, and I think I cannot set mi love in no place so well and nobly as on Florence your daughter, therefore sir here with mine own mouth I desire you to haue her in marriage. A sir quod the king it may not be, for she may haue none other marriage but such as she is desteined unto, for yf that any other presume to take her he is but utterly lost and dead. And also I haue sworn and set to my seal to uphold her destiny, and never to break it. sir said the Emperour believe you them of such fantasies as is the fairy, surely sir they haue no power nor might, but I require you give me your daughter, and so wee shalbe together as friends: truly sir said the king I will be glad therof: but I promised to my queen to keep faithfully the promise that I had. In the name of god said the Emperour, sir your queen is dead& past, who shall never return again, she shal never demand nor sew you for the brekyng of any covenant made to her,& their is none other that will be so hardy to reprove your dede. For yf they do they shal lese their heads, wherefore sir I require you fulfil my desire And than ye shall bind me to be your faithful friend, well sir quod the king yf my daughter be content therewith it shall please me right well, wherefore let us ●ide to morrow toward cornyte, and speak with her and know her mind in this matter. So be it in the name of god quod the Emperour. And on the next day be times they lept on their horses& road forth to Cornite, and road so long that on a wednesday they arrived at the city of Cornite,& so went to the palace. Than the archbishop came to se the king, and brought with him Florence. And than they all together went up in the palace& entred into a fair chamber. Than the Emperour and the king set them down together, and between them the fair florence. And at the last the king Emendus said. fair daughter your moder is departed this life,& it is now time that fro henceforth that I provide for your noble estate, ye be a great lady and a puissant. Therfore I will mary you to this noble Emperour here prensent. And when Florence hard her father speak to her of marriage all her blood began to quake and trimbil, for she hated the Emperour ever sith the beginning of her youth, how be it she answered right wisely and said dere lord and father ye know well that it is not yet .iii. months sith the death of my lady my moder. And yf I should mary me so newly I should be greatly blamed. Therfore sir I require you let this year pass, than sir I will take counsel& tell you what I will do. And when the Emperour hard her speak so reasonably he could not endure to charge her any further as than. and acorded to abide the term of her desire. And beheld well how that she changed colours and sore trembled,& so did the kings her father also. How be it he made no semblant. And so they were together a long season, till at the last she took licence of them and departed into her own chamber sore amazed and so abode till the archbishop and master steven were comen fro the court. And as sone as they were entred into the chambre of Florence, they saw well where as she was sitting sore sighing and wepinge. Than the bishop took her by the hand& demanded of her why she made that lamentation. As help me god uncle said Florence, my lord my father keepeth not well the covenants that he made to my lady my moder, for now he is in the mind to marye me unto this Emperour. And there is no thing that I hate so much as I do him. certainly I had rather to suffer death than to haue him. And I haue no longer respite than the end of this year, why madam quod master steven haue ye purchased so long a respite. In faith I faithfully ensuyre you that I will give you two year longer, for I warrant you that two year after your day ye shall not be married to him. master said Florence I thank you of your good conforte, well quod the bishop the Emperour doth folly to demand you against your will. For peradventure there may fortune little good come to him thereby. Than the bishop took her by the hand and led h●r into a fair gardyne to ●porte her. And so on a fair green bench she sat her down between the bishop& master steven, and so passed the time with many goodli sports. And than it began to wax sate and the evening was very clear, and the stars shone full bright. Than master steven did behold thē a gretere space and at the last he said, madam● for certayn● I know by the course of the planet●es that there is a knight coming in to this country, and is now well onwarde on his way, who shall achyue the adventures of the castle of the port Noyr or this year be passed. And surely it is he that shall haue the white shyelde and the sword Clarence, verily said the bishop yf this be of truth the emperor may go fish in an other place for here he hath well failed, for I am sure it is the sam● knight that my lady Florence is predestynate unto, there fore I am right joyous of the hurt of the Emperour. And howe say you master do you not hate him, yes sir thereof he may be as sure as that a nel of cloth will make his hede a hood, whereat the bishop did laugh. And thus they were long together in this talking t●ll it was season to go to rest. Than they brought Florence to her chamber and departed to their own lo●gynges, and about midnight this lady awoke. And than fell into her remembrance the displeasure that she had to the emperor, and as she was thus thinking she beheld the four mortees of wax the stood brenning before her beds feet, therewith she saw where th●re came in to the chamber a fair lady white as the lily with a mantell of green, hanging about her shoulders with a l●se of gold, and a crown of gold on her head, and she held an other lady by the hand,& said unto her fair sister saw you not well the Leoparde with the seven heads all crwoned with gold, who hath the look of a brim bore, and the heart of a lion, the body of arms of lead,& the foot of a white ha●te And when she had thus said the other lady demanded of her what all this might mean. For herein are diverse things to be considered. Than she answered and said, sister this Leoparde shall haue the eagle of gold that is on my pavilion,& by him shall the gates be opened of my castle of the port Noyr. And than shall all the enchauntementes fail And therewith both these ladies vanished away, so that Florence wist not where they were suddenly become, wherewith she was ●ighte sore afraid for she wist not what it might mean. In like case the same vision came the self night to the archbishop. And also to master steven where as they lay severally each fro other, whereof they had grete mernayle what their dream might signify. And within a little space after the light of the day began to appear ●han the archbishop rose and master steven. Also to do their attendance on their lady And when it was time to sing mass. master steven w●nte fro Florence who was than redy appareled and so wen●e to church. And there the archbishop song mass, and when it was fyn●shed the bishop saluted Florence,& demanded what good rest she had taken that night paste. As god help me dere uncle said Florence never as yet came to me such a fortune as dyde this night, nor I was never so afraid, for about midnight I awoke, and as I lay waking I saw properly before my bed the most fayreste figure of a lady that ever I saw, and she had a crown of gold on her head, and be seeming there was an other queen in her company crwoned in like wise, who was also as me thought a very fair lady, but nothing to the regard of the other queen. And such words me thought she said unto her fellow. And there Florence recounted word for word as ye haue hard h●re before of all herre hole vision, and howe that they were sodayn●ly vanished away fro her. And when the bishop heard this he said. A fayrenese Florence by the faith that I owe unto you even in like case as ye say it fortuned to me this same night,& for certain I thought properly it had ben you. For by my soul the queen that I saw yf ye were both together I could not discern the one fro the other, ye res●mble so nere together. In the name of god said master steven this vision appeared also properly to me in every thing as ye haue rehearsed, and verily also I thought it had ben my lady Florence hear present, ve●elye said the bishop this thing is not thus fortuned to us all three without some reason, master I require you go look what signification it may be of. Than the mayester went from them and entred in to his chambre and took his books and looked on this matter so long till he perceived finally the mystery thereof. And so came again to Florence, and said to the bishop sir let us set our hearts in joy and rest for verily my lady hear needeth not to care for the emperor as in being of her husb●nde for there is an other free knight sweat and fair, who is the fountain of all chyualry, for his prows surmounteth& shall do all other. Therefore know for certain that where as the vision shewed us howe that out of the west should come a Leopard that which signifieth a gentle knight born about the country of france. And where as this Leoparde hath the look of a bore,& the hert● of al●on. In likewise this knight is the hardiest that ever was boorne. And where his body should be of steel, betokeneth that there is no knight so strong& hard to abide a brounte as he is, and where it is said that his arms be of lead the which is a heavy thing, betokeneth the heavy stroke of this knight the which cannot be sustained. And as for the feet of the hart th● which is a light beest& a mighty. In like case this knight is strong& light& quick to go toward his enemies and where as he shall haue the eagle the which is sovereign& king of all fowls. In like form this knight shall haue my lady Florence who is queen& sovereign of al beauty& richesse above all queens of the world the which shal be the confusion of the Emperour of ind, ●●here as he b●reth .vii. hedes crwoned with gold s●gnyf●eth that this knight shal bear the c●ownes of .vii. kingdoms the which he shal conquere with his swerb. And where a● that gates of the castle of the port noyr● shall be opened by him. And that al thench●untementes shal than fail, representeth the hye prows of him that shal bete down al the adventures of the port Noyre& ●urely this is the signyficacyon of our hole dream or vision. Therfore it is necessary that I repair to the palates of the port noyre to know when this knight cometh And too see by his estate wha● manner a man he is, verily said the bys●oppe I allow well that ye so do as ye haue devised,& that ye r●moue thitherwarde as hastily as ye can. And when Florence herde tidings of this knight she was so daynely stricken with so love grete that fro that hour forward she gave unto him her heart. Thus she loved him truly& wist not how, and A●thur loved the eagle& as than had never seen it, so than this lady Florence made grete feast and joy al that day. And the next day betimes master steven arose& prepaired for his departing, and than he took licence of king Emendus to go to the castle o● the port Noyre for matters perteynynge to his lady Florence, and the king gave him leave. Than the master came to Florence, and to the bishop and took leave of them, and so than Florence took him by ere and said, gentle master if yonder knight come to the port Noyre bring him to me if it may be possible, for verily I haue grete will to se him& know of his estate. madam said the master with right a good will if I can bring it about. And so departed and four other knights with him. And road so long that on a saterdaye he came too the port Noyre and took his lodging at the palace without the castle gate. For ther was none that entred into the castle without death. And so in this palace this master steven remained a great season nigh a hole year.¶ Now let us leave too speak● of the master and Flor●nce, and of the court of king Emendus,& of the emperor of ind. And now let us return to Arthur and his company.   

¶ How that Arthur slew twelve knights, who had token away a young damosel fro her father and mother▪& had tied her to a three, there to haue defouled her vyrginitye, who was saved by Arthur. Capitulo .xxv.  
 
ARthur Hector& governar were riding after they departed fro the court of the duke his father .xv. daies without abiding in ony place, or fydinge of any adventures, whereof ony mention is made. And road so long that at the last they came in to the country of' noma●the& entred into a grete thick comfort the which endured a great space,& at the last they found a grete strange or water& a fair green meadow joining thereto the which contained the space of two miles& a half, and so they road still by the side of the meadow finally in the bottom of a grete valley. Than thee espied a strong& our closed with mighty wailes And arthur saw well howe the gates of the place were open and so they lighted of there horses and entred into the tour and went up into the hall,& all the way they found no creature, whereof they had grete marvel,& at the last Arthur hard the voice of a woman in a little chamber beside him, who cried right piteously and said. A lady virgin mary help me and sand me some maner of so●our And therwith arthur lept into the chamber& there found a right fair lady who had ben drawn all about the chamber. And her yellow here drawn and cut of her head. And she was so sore b●ten that she had no power to help herself. And in this chamber there stood a table redy covered, wherreon there stood wine and met great plenty, whereof arthur had grete marvel and demanded of the lady who it was that had done so much trouble and shane▪ And when the lady saw arthur& herde him speak, she was sore abashed, and all afraid said. A gentle knight I require you do me no more hurt for I haue harm enough all ready. fair lady said Arthur be nothing afraid for I will warrant and defend you fro all enemies, therfore show unto me who hath thus entreated you. Than with much pain the lady rose vpon her feet and said, sir as god help me there departed fro hens right now .xii. knights all armed& they haue thus piteously arrayed me as ye se. And I think they haue slain my lord my husband. And haue away with them my dere daughter to defoul her virgynyte yf God do not purvey some remedy for her. well fair lady quod arthur where is the lord of this place, sir I cannot say whether he be alive or dead. I beseech you s●ke about for him, for I think I shall find him other quick or dead. Than Arthur sought a●l about the place. And at the last in a little house he found him& his hands bound behind his back sore wounded in the head& on the shoulders. Than Hector did lose his hands,& governar dy● search his wounde●,& Arthur demanded him why he was so dealt with sir in good faith quod the knight I know none other cause, but that the last day there was a stranger did overthrow the master of the said .xii. knights wherefore thus they haue arrayed me without cause,& they haue led away● my daughter to do her shane& velany, and as they thus talked together the lord of the placr saw where his squire& clerk lay dead whereof he had grete ruth. Well quod Arthur this a grete outrage, come on friends get us our harneys,& when they were all armed, they followed after these knights and road so long till at the last they found the chief master of them at the enterynge into a fair foreste who was busy about this damosel to haue filed her. Than Arthur escred him and said. A ill& shameful knight not so hardy that thou ones touch her, for I ensure thou shalt come to her father in the sp●te of th●herteto th●ntente that he shall take vengeance of thy trespa●. And therfore I the defy, therwith he& all his company lept on their horses,& the capitain of them broached his horse against Arthur& stroke him so rudely that he broke his spear to his fist, but A●thur stroke him so pussauntly that his spear head● enured clene th●oughe his body, wherewith he fell down deade to the earth. Than Arthur drew out his sword& smote the second ●●o feruentely that he p●r●ed his her●. And the third he stroke so that he cut him do ●●e to the saddle. And fro● the. i●●i he roke his head fro the shoulders. And Hector for his parte stroke one of them so ●udely that he entred his spear into his body more than a for. And than he took his sword and stroke among them so rudely that he made them al before him to gail. And also governar made .ii of their heads to ●●ee into the fields. And when there maunt saw that their company were thus delate withal they took them to flight for dread of death and as they fled they said each to other, let us save ourself fro these deuylls of hell for they be none erthelye creatures. And so arthur followed them no further but came to the damosel where as shee was fast bound to a three and did ●owse her and caused her too mount on a horse of one of the knights that was sla●ne. And than brought her again to her father. And when he saw his daughter, his heart revived and kneeled down before Arthur and rendered to him many great than kings. Than arthur took him up by the hand, and so remained there all the day and night, and the next morning he and all his company took leave of their host and of the damosel, who loved Arthur with all her heart. And so they departed and entered in to their journey,& ro●e fo●th so long till they cam in to the country of Uienne, where as they met a ●●ssenger having by seeming grete hast with a I●nelyn in his hand a scochen of arm●s on his breast, and a boget with leteers hang●ng at his saddle bow And there Arthur curte●●sly did salute him, sir said the varlet God give you right good aduentur, good friend quod Arthur to whom do you pertain. sir I dwell with my lord the earl of B●auiewe, gentle friend quod Arthur c●● ye tell us any nouell●s, sir I can not tell yf ye know ony thing of the ●orney that my lord of Beautew ha●●e taken against the marshal of ●yrpoys the which shall be ho●den on the monday next after ●oly road day. As it of a truth good frend● quod Arthur that ●he earl of Beau●w hath taken on him this enterprise. Ye sir without fail. And good friend I pray you what maner of man is your lord, sir as God help me he is a noble man for the earl of For●s●es is his uncle. And the earl of mount Belyale is his cousin germayne, and as of him▪ self he is as curteys, as gentle, as tre● an● as meek as a dove. But the marshall of Myrpos is contrary, for he is ●●●●s and cruel, and a dyue●se man to dwell withall how be it he is a good knight of his hands,& is of that hardyn●sse,& of so fy●●s a courage that he feareth nothing three or four knights to fight against them all wherefore my lord doth purvey him of the best knights hat he can g●t●e. therfore he hath sent me to a knight of his who is reputed right valia●n● and sage& well proved in deeds of chyualry, who is name sir Delalaunde, good fellow I pray you how far dwelleth the knight hens sir his house passeth not two leges fro this place, wherefore fair lords yf ye think to be well harboured ●●is night bo my counsel get you to a little castle here by the which is called roche●yse, wherein there is a val●aunt and a rich ancient knight therfore siers the best that ye can do is to r●payre thither, for this foreste is dangerous to pass through, the ways be so dyvers that it is hard to keep the right way without a guide, and specially be night. And as now it beg●nneth to wax very late. well good friend quod Arthur I thank you for your good wyll● keep on your Iornaye and god send you good adventure. And we shal do as well as god will suffer vs. And so the v●●let departed and went to the knight sir Dela●aunde& did his message,& delivered him his letters to the earl of Beauieu.   

¶ How that Arthur Hector& governar slew .xxx thieves in a grete foreste the which was a grete wealth to all the country, for they had pylled and wasted the country all about. Capitulo .xxvi.  
ANd when Arthur was departed fro the varlet he& his company road so long till they entred i●o the same forest that the varlet had shewed them of before. And road all the day& could finde no house nor meet nor drink for them nor for their horses, and than it began to wax late. And in this foreste acostomable there did repair .xxx. thieves who did rob all about where as they could get ony pray, so that no creature durst steer nor pass through the country, and specially through the foreste if it were ony thing late. And so by fortune these thieves encountered the stuff& caryages perteynynge to Arthur and his company. And incontinent they took al the stuff& did bet and intrete them that were conductors therof, till at the last jaket Arthurs squire drew his sword and to his power did help& ayed to defend his masters stuff, but they were so many on him that he was sore wounded. And therewith Arthur& his company came to them. And when Arthur espied his servant jacket sore wounded and in great leoperdy, he drew his sword and stroke so the first that he claue h●s h●d down to the chin. And fro the second he stroke of the head and fro the thyr●e he share clene away the shoulders with the arm. And than Hector and governar right strongly laid on every side among these thieves. And so by the help of arthur they slew and killed all that ever were before them. And they were all dead than arthur commanded to search for his people where as they were wont to resort unto. And so thus by the prows of these th●e knights these .xxx. thieves were brought to death and confusion,& at the last they found a fair ancient man under a trelienge all naked bound fast with two theynes so that he could not help himself Than arthur did louse him and gave him all the abylmentes that was on the dead bodies, of the said .xxx. thieves whe●foreth● good man humbly th●ked arthur, and specially for saving of h●s life. Than arthur and his company road forth and travailed so long ●●a● the last they found a strong house, and knocked so long at the gate till there came to them a varlet bare l●gged redy to go to bed, for all other in the place were as than gone to their rests, and than this foresay●e varlet demanded of them who it was that knocked so fast at the gate that time of night. Good f●eende {quod} governar it is a knight that would fai● this night haue lodging for him& h●s c●pany. sir said the varlet if it please you to tarry I will go speak with my lord and master, and show him your mind, how be it I think he be now at his ●est for he is old& anc●ient, and hath ben in his dayes a very good knight,& as yet he is glad to here speaking of good knights,& ●ou●th them that haunteth noble deeds of a●m●s, ● therw●●h the varlet departed& went ●o his master ● said sir the●● is at your ●a●●s .iii. knights armed. And are be seeming going to vienne to the tornay. And they desire by way of gent●ln●ss● this 〈…〉gynge. How say ye sir ●hall I open to them ●he gates high thee& place quod the lor●● for I am not con●en● that thou hast made them to tarry without so long. And wh● they be entered come again to me a●d bring me word what maner of ●ē that they be and what har●●ys and arms they bear, than the varlet went a●ayne to the gate& set is wide open, and su●●●d arthur& his company to entre, whereof they had great need& m●●ter. Than the varlet beh●lde Arthur& saw w●l that he was ●●●e a gentl●man, b●ing lo●g& well fornysshed& me●uaylously fair a● o●e a● his company. And next him he saw Hector, who was tight fair, high& well made. And also he beheld governar, who was in al poyntes like a man big and brown of colour. And also he p●rc●yued well how all their ha●neys were fair and rich. Than was there t●r●●es brought forth& var●e●s ●aune t●r ●●eyr horses. Than the f●●st va●let ●●t●rne● again to his lord an● said. sir sith that I was born I never saw so goodly knights as they be& specially the chief of ●hem, ● as for their a●mour it is both fair& ye●e, for I ensure you it should seem that they be right great● men and ●●men of a noble lineage. well quod the lord look that thou in al hast appa●ayle their lodging. And s●e that they be served right honourably. well sir quod the varlet it shal be done incontinent. Than the lord said to the lady his wife who was as than lyenge a bed by him, madam by reason of your honour and gentleness ye should rise and keep company ●ith yonder noble knights, for I thin●● th●y be some great men for it shall g●ea●ly annoy them and they se not the ●h● e●e o● the house to make thē some ●here for ●s god help me I wolde haue grea● joy to speak with●hem yt I might a ●yse and not hurt myself, therfore madam in mine a●sen●e I pray you go& make to them the best cheer that ye can sir said the lady with a right good will ●y●h it please you I shall so do. Than this lady ●ose and appareled herself rygh●●orsship, who was a right fair young lady of the age of. ●xi. year. And when Arthur and Hector saw her they rose& cu●teysly each of them did salute other and she sat her down between them. Than arthur said madam ye haue taken a great pain to leave the company of your lord to come to se us, sir it pleaseth my lord that I shal do so. And therfore I am come to you in the stede of him, for he would with a right good will haue come to you himself yf he might so haue done, but sires he is ansient and it wolde sore annoy him to haue broken his rest. And so thus they talked of diverse things. And in the mean season there was meet provided for them, and than the tables were spread& covered,& so than they washed and sat thē down arthur& the lady together,& Hector& Gouernar● but Hector had his eyen on the lady and ●●o neither eat nor drink, the which Arthur& governar 〈◇〉 well espied. Than arthur said to him friend it is yours al that ye se, sir said hector I haue seen some things of that which yf I might I wolde fain be master. A Hector quod governar a manes will ought ever to follow the order of reason. And so I believe ought yours to do. And therwith they left these words, howe be it all that little or nothing refrained Hectors look, for always still he beheld this lady till it was time for thē to go their rests, and so they took their leues of the lady and thanked her for the great ch●re that she had made them. And on the next day be●ymes they departed& entred into the foreste the morning was fair and clear and warm, for it was as than about the end of april. So these lords road forth in great Ioy till at the last governar said to Hector, sir was your will accomplysshed this last night, where as ye said ye would gladly fulfilled your will, to say the trouth I think your will was on our hostes, who was both fair and young. By my faith quod Hector I would haue ben ●ight glad to haue fulfilled my will with her, for undoubted she is fair and gracious and I love her with all my heart. And sir what was your will quod governar, by my faith said Hector, that she should haue ben all night in mine arms& I in hers, now truly sir said governar that will was neither good nor honest for it was against reason for the good lord her husband did cause her to rise from him to the intent to honour us and to keep us company, remembring also how honestly she received us,& so good there as we had of her. And sir wolde you haue than done velanye to the good lord as to haue had to his wife unto his dishonour in his own house, by the faith that I owe unto god it had no● ben well done, nor yet it was none honest thought. A sir governar quod Hector I am sure ye be so sage in science that ye will do no folly, wisdom is great if the ca● never touched myl●e, as much to say as when love toucheth● wisdom is than oftentimes ou●rcome. well as for al that {quod} governar it maketh no matter, bu● yet I say as I said that it should not haue ben well done of a gentylman to haue done as ye say for it were rather treason so ●o do wherewith Hector began to be sore chafed& said, what governar sayest thou that I am a traitor, thou liest falsely I was neu●r none and drew nere to gouernou● and laid his hand on his swe●de, than said governar strike me not. I say not that ye be a traitor nor ye be not so great a man that your nobleness for thinketh me for I wolde ye were greater than ye are, yet for all that I say that this dede according to your wish had ben treason, remembering the trust and confidence that the good lord had in us, and in the colour thereof to haue taken his wife to his dishonour, surely I say it is no thought of a noble man with the which words Hector was so chafed and drew his sword& stroke governar on the helm so rudely that he was therewith sore a stonyed▪ where w●th arthur was sore displeased and blamed greatli Hector therfore. And than governar said sir strike me no more for by the faith that I owe to our lord yf ye do I will not pardon you, for ye shall haue as good as ye bring how be it as for that ye haue done I will suffer it for the honour here of my lord arthur and for the great lineage that ye be of, why good sir quod Hector what wolde ye do elles any great hu●te that shall be soon seen, and so stroke governar again on the helm a great blow, ●her with governar drew his sword& rudely stroke Hector on the helm for he was a good knight, and so there began a great& a sore ba●ayle between these two knights. And arthur did his pain with fairness to depart them, but they were so sore displeased and chafed each with other that Arthur could in no wise cause them to leave: And when arthur saw that he drew his sword& stroke Hector so rudely that he made him to stoupe down to the neck of his horse,& with an other stroke he stroke governar so sore that he was sore aston●ed therewith& ●●e had fallen fro his horse,& than Arthur wolde haue recovered on him a nother stroke, but governar went from him. Than arthur came to Hector and wolde haue landmen at him again, but than Hector said cousin what will ye do, a●e ye displeased with me ye verily said Arthur right sore for governar shewed to you your folly, and ye therfore haue landmen him here in my presence, whereof I am not content. sir said Hector I repent me but he displeased me sore that I could not refrain myself as at that time, well quod Arthur now than fro henceforth be in peace, or by the faith that I owe to my lord my father the first of you that beginneth shal lese my company And also my good will for ever, therfore come on governar and make amendes unto my cousin Hector in that ye haue landmen him sir said governar with a right good will. Than he put of his helm& desired Hectors good will, now cousin Hector quod Arthur make ye him amendes, sir said Hector right gladly, for it forthinketh me g●ea●ly the displeasu●e that hath ben between us& so he did also of his helm. And there each of thē kissed e●her and ●o entred forth into there journey,& road forth so long till the were passed the foreste. And than they suddenly encountered the knight sir Delalaunde and the messenger that they had met with the day before, and there each of them did salute other. Than sir Delalaunde demanded of Arthur into what parties he wolde draw him unto. certainly said Arthur it hath ben shewed me that at holy road tide next coming there should be at vienne a great assemble of noble men and good knights. Therfore I am riding thytherwarde to se that nobleness. And to be acqueynted with some of the good knights that will be there, truly said sir Delalaund it is of trouth that there shall be a great assemble of noble knights, for there shall be a great tornay. I pray you sir said Arthur, for whom& for what cause was it first taken, sir yf I should show quod sir Delalaunde, ye should than know some thing sounding to my velany, nevertheless it seemeth that ye be a noble man and the chief of your company. Therfore I shal show you as I know.   

¶ How that sir Delalaunde shewed to Arthur the occasion why that this tornay was first taken by the lord Beauiew. Cap. xxvii.  
sir it is of trouth my lord that earl of Beauiew hath always loved me sith the beginning of my youth and so it fortuned when I was young and lusty. I thought to go play me out of mine own country accompanied alonely with my squire, hoping to vanquish all the valour of the world. And so at the last I came into the land of myrpois and fell therein acquaintance with two noble lords of great lineage, who did me great honour. And one of them had a right fair lady to his wife name the fair lady of Rossylo●, for whom this tornay was first taken. And she had such favour in me and love that within a little while I was made chief ruler and seneshal of all her country, and was of her straight counsel. And nothing done without it had be done by me. For she trusted more in me than in any other person of the world. And in like case I was with the good lord her husband And so I continued in this love and favour well the space of syxe yeres and more and it fortuned one year that for my sake they kept a christmas with open court: whereto came many knights of the country. And when the first day of this began this lady of Rossilon wife to my said lord, she was as than fresh lie appa●ayled as it apertayned to the feast and to her estate. At which time to me she seemed so fair so gentle, and so proper that I thought I had never seen her half so fair before. And as than her beauty stroke so inwardly to my heart that I lost thereby both meate and drink that every day I began to wax so lent of body that every man had marvel what I eyled. And demanded often times of me what was the cause that I so enpayred, but ever I did as privily as I could but at the end it availed me nothing. For at the last love constrained me to show unto my love& lady all the dolour and pain of mine inward heart. And on a day as it happened I tose very early For the thoughts of the night killed me. And right as than I found this lady leanynge in a window. And so boldly I lened me down by her& than she gave me good morrow, and desired that g●d should send me health, well madam quod I. Than the king that all hath formed give you a better day than I haue had a night. And also better health, for my h●lth is very far of, the which ●ight sore troubleth me. Than this lady comed her to ward me and said, sir how is it that your health is so far fro you might it not be brought nearer to you for goldenor for silver. madam quod I peradventure yf I shewed you ye would put thereto no pain nor counsel, how be it ye might right well do it, so than it w●re bette● that I kept it still secret than to show it, and than to be neu●r the nere. sir said she I require you I will with all my heart be glad to put my pain to bring you to ease and health wherefore it is a great shane for you, for when ye may haue counsel and remedy and will not seek for it, but thus to suffer pain and vnhertes ease, the which I ensure you grieveth ●ight sore both my lord and me. Therfore good friend by the faith that ye owe unto me show me your g●efe. And there with she came nearer to me and embraced me in her arms and shewed me great sign of love an● sweetness as these women be accustomed to do when they will draw ou● of a mans mouth that is enclosed in the he●te. And when ● saw her gentleness and sw●te behaviour, my he●te was rauesshed and brought into the case that of a great season I could speak no world for weeping. But sir quod this knight to Arthur though I show this v●to you my nysenes I pray you think no folly in it, but take it in gree, for in dede sir yongth doth many things. By my faith sir no more I will. And therfore procede forth in your tale. sir than I said unto this lady. madam what so ever fortune fall therof I will show you all my desire. madam it is of trouth I haue set my heart and al my thought on you more than on all the remnant of the world with so faithful profound love in mine heart as it well appeareth' and shall do by me, for neither person I love nor can love, but alonlye you. And therwi●h my heart failed me that I could speak no word more, th●rwith I sat me down and she by me. Than she answered and said, what sir Guy delalaunde it is than thus a ye say ye madam said I without fail, will sir quod she say ye these words other to a●●ay me or else for very love. I require you tel me the trouth by my soul madam quod I this that I haue said is for the great myschit that I am in without your help. Therfore lady for gods sake haue pity on me And th●rwith I joined together my hands with gr●at vn●ase of heart. Than she beheld me well& said, sir ye be a ●●ght wise and sage knight, therfore behold well yf you● desire and not pre●udicial to any person, madam quod I for trouth I se and know well that I desire aga●st my lord treason and fa●senesse who loveth and hono●reth me so much above all other, how be it madam I se& know well that yongth and love bringeth me to this, so that measure& reason faileth in me▪ Therfore I had rather to die than to live. ●han this lady who was right wise and sage said, sir be in ●este and let ioy increase in your heart for w● will speak more of this matter at a better leaser, ●his she said to give me comfort,& not to the intent that she wolde in any maner wise t●espace agaynst● her husband, so this in thus maner I drove of the time a great season, but as love as I could get her at a good leaser and convenient place I was ever resoning with her of this matter,& lay importunately daily requiring her to haue pity of my mortal distress, and so it fortuned on a day that we were together leaving in a window looking out toward a fair foreste. Than I spake to her so fair and in so rueful maner that she could no longer drive of my request. And said sir your suite is so importune that it behoveth me to assent to fulfil your desire& will, how be it sir se ye not yonder great oak standing in the foreste yes madam said I right well, well {quod} she I am content to fulfil your mind on this condition, look that this same day twelve month& this same proper hour that ye fail not to be under yonder oak& without fail thither to you will I come redy appareled to acomplish your intent, and before that day look never for to haue it. A mine own dere lady humbly I thank you of your good will sith I cannot haue it no sooner, at the least I shall pass the time more 〈◇〉 in h●ping of that fortunate day. wherefore I will take my leave now of you, for ye shall not se me again till the time be come, for yf I should abide in your daily presence, your beau●eful eyen ●hould lea me to abide so long, for that thing that I desire. And so than I took leave praying her to keep covenant with me. And so she insured me she wolde. Than I took licence of my lord her husband, showing hi how I wolde depart into mine own country for a season,& he was loath to give me leave, but when he saw that I wolde needs depart he offered me to haue forsaken his own country, and to haue gone with me, he loved me so entirely. And so at the last with much sorrow I got leave and departed privily on a night and dysgysed myself and went wandring about the country till the year was past. And than this same day and hour that mine apoyntement was I came to the said oak in the foreste before the castle window, and incontinent I perceived where this lady stood talking with my lord her husband in the same window where as she and I made our apoyntement together. And than I made so many tokens& signs that at the last she perceived me,& than she began to smile, and when her lord saw her laugh he demanded the cause why. And she answered& said, sir for nothing, for nothing quod the lord I am sure ye will not laugh for nought therfore show me the cause, for surely I will know it therfore I command you to show it, sir quod she sith it pleaseth you I am content to show you, but first sir I require you tell me when that ye saw or hard of sir Guy delalaunde. In good faith madam not of a great season whereof I am 〈◇〉 sorry, for y● I had known that he wolde haue ta●ied so● long a space I wolde haue sough● him out or this time, well sir quod this lady he is not now se● hence, sir it is of trouth he hath before this time desired me of love, and in a maner his suite was impor●unate. And the love that he bare me was so fervent that he was right sore diseased thereby, the which was right well seen by him while he was here with us, and so there this lady told the lord her husband al the matter that was ●etwene her& me into that same present day. And than she shewed him and said sir this is the same day that I promised him to haue fulfilled his desire, to the intent I thought that by this day he would haue forgotten this matter, ●ut so sir ye may se him under yonder great oak whe●e as he is al a●naced because he findeth me not there as I promised him. And sir ye may se by him how that these foolish louers are overcome with love And this is the cause that he departed f●o you, for he might not endure no longer the great torment that he was in. Ye madam quod the lord is it thus, than I comm●unde you on the love that ye bear unto me that ye god and apparel you in the fresshest maner that ye can do and than come again hither to me. Than the lady did his commandment& came again to him. And than he said. madam I will and also desire you as dearly as ye think to keep my love that ye go to yonder knight under the oak and suffer him to do what so ever he will with you, and recommend me heartily to him A sir said the lady for nothing will I do thus, for yf I had ever thought to haue ful●ylled his foolish desire, ye should never haue known it by my will. And sir yf I would now do it, it were to me great villainy, both tofore god& all the world. madam said the lord▪ I will take al the sin on me, and I swear to you faithfully on my trouth that I will love you and keep you more dearly ever after, therfore I will that ye do thus in continent▪ Well sir said the lady it behoveth me thus to do sith it is your pleasure, yf honour come thereby take it to you, and yf shane come thereby ye must take it of worth. And so than this lady came in to the foreste 〈…〉, and us soon as I saw her I was never so joyful before. For I thought I would quy●e al the World for her, than I came to her& embraced her in mine arm right sweetly and said. My right dere lady my hartes desire ye be to me right har●●●y welco●e. sir delalaunde quod she, God put in to your heart that ye do no wrong nor tresp●ce against ony person. sir my lord my hus●onde heartily recommaundeth him unto you as to his own good feed H●w so madam {quod} I, where is my lord● Certainly said she he is here by in his castelle. But madam said I howe is it, doth he know that ye be come hither to me. Ye sir said she as God help me, for he ha●he caused me to be appareled in the fresshest maner to the intent I should please you the better, and so he hath sent me hither to you to the intent to fu●fyll all your will and desire, and therfore behold me here all ready for to accomplish your will, as for hurt or ill shal none come to you, thereby neither by my lord, nor yet by none other for him, and so my lord doth faithfully assure you, and sendeth you word by me that he loveth you in a maner better than he doth himself. And when I hard the great courtesy of my lord, and how that he loved me as well as him ●elfe, and how that he sent me the thing that he loved best in all the world to fulfil my desire therwith, and how that he would suffer that villainy for my sake, therewith fel away clene all my folly and vnresonable desire. For than I thought it was better to leave my sensual appetite than to haue done that I had enterprised in my heart, for I thought than it should haue been to great shane for me to do villainy to so noble a gentle lords heart Than I kneeled down before the lady requyryng her of pardon of the great outrage and folly that I thought a●yenst her, desiring her for Goddes sake to help to make my peace again with the good lord her husband. Than she took me by the hand and brought me into the castle before the presence of her lord. And as soon as he saw me embraced and kissed me. Than I kneeled down before him and cried him mercy, and ther the peace was made between us, and ever sith he hath loved me as well as ever he did before or better. Now fair sir I haue shewed you al mine adventure, the which is right Well known of many folkes, and so it fortuned that but now of late my lord Beamen was at a feest with the earl of foreste, and ther my said lord took this lady Rossylon by the hand to dance, and the marshal of mirpois was ther present, who is right ●●uious. And when he saw this my lord● and lady dance together, he said how that my lord of Beamen should be the second. Than the lord of Beamen wist well enough What he mente and said. sir marshall as for sir Guy de la land is a right good knight both wise and true. The marshall answered and sa●d, his bounty apered well whan he took his own lords wife. sir said the earl of 〈◇〉, though he desired her love, yet I dare well say that he never trespaced ney●her against his lord nor yet against her, for he did not dysguyse himself like a ribald for to come unto the wife of his foster as some hath done that I know right well wherewith the marshall was sor● chafed, for it touched his own delyng and said. sir ye be but a ●ole to say these words to me. And thus they mul●iplyed in language so fe● that the earl of foreste and the earl of nevers had much ado to appease them, and so for this intent was the iournay taken o● both parties which shal be this Wednesdaye next coming, and there will be many great lords of the marshals party, as the earl of Foys, the earl of moūbelyall, and the dolphyn of vy●nes, and many other knights, and also Al●xander the young king of m●logre. And of my lords party will be sir I●kes earl of foreste,& the earl of nevers,& diuers other, therefore sir I doubt me greatly of my lord the earl o● Beamen, for I wolde be right sorry yf he had not the honour therfore I pray you and al your company to be at this tourney on my lords party, for when ye se him ye will say it were pity but he ●hold haue the victory. sir thus I haue shewed you all the trouth of the matter. verily sir said Arthur with a good will I shal be with your lord. But sir I pray you shal this lady of Rossylon be at this tourney. sir as god help me she shal be there and many other great ladies& damoyselles,& also it is ordained by common accord that he that doth best shal be made l●ke a king over al other erles, barons,& knights, that shall be there assembled,& shall be crwoned with gold as a king, and al they with all the power that they can make shalbe content to go with him in battle Whether so ever he will haue them, and so fro thence forth he shal be called king of the company,& this marshal intendeth to haue this honour yf he may▪ for surely he is a good knight of his hands,& much goodness is in him yf his tongue Were not, but that little more shameth all the remnant, as it doth to all them that god hath given an ill tongue unto.   

☞ How that Arthur had the honour in the tourney that was made at vyen between the Marshal of myrpoys and the earl of Beamen, where as was diverse great kings, earls, barons, and many other good knights right valiant, whereby Arthur gate him great thank and praise and was greatly honoured of all ladies and damoyselles there assembled. Capitulo. xxviii  
 
ANd after that sir Guy de lalaunde had shewed al this process to Arthur& to his company they road forth together& so came to lion surle rone a●d so passed over the bridge and road through the town,& in a fair meadow under the towns side they espied where tentes& pauilyons were richly pight at whytch time there were assembled many grete and noble kings, erles, barons, and other knights, as well of the one party as of the other. And than sir Guy de la land send a messenger to the earl of Beamen certyf●eng him how he had brought in valiant knights with him and that in ony wise he should retain them to be of his company. And when the earl of Beamen and the earl of foreste and the earl of nevers hard these tidings they came out of their tentes,& saw where sir Guy de la land and Arthur& his company came riding. And so when they came nere they lighted& salued these earls, who did behold Arthur, and perceived well howe that he was a marvelous fair knight great and big and well furnished, and seemed well to be of great fyersnes and of great estate, and also they saw Hector a big knight& a well made both of body arms and legs,& also they beheld governar who was a great and a big man and well made thereto, and that these erles praised much these knights in their hartes. Than the earl of Beamen took Arthur by the hand& said sir ye be right heartily welcome into the country of vyenues, praying you heartily to take your lodging with me& with these other two erles here present. Than Arthur said, sir with a right good will,& so they led him into their tentes, and there Arthur, Hector,& governar were unarmed. And when they were out of their harneys every man beholded Arthur for he was marvelous fair, so that tidings came into the ladies ●en●es howe that sir Guy de la land was come and had brought with him three goodly knights,& specially one of them who was the fairest and goodliest that ever was seen, so that there was no bruyte nor talking throughout al the host but of these three knights. Some said of whence be they, who knoweth them, thus was the commoning of them in every place. Than Arthur& his company issued out of the tentes& beheld the fresh banners and standards& streamers wavering in the wind, pight before every tent& pauilyon,& hard also the trumpets tabouryns, horns so wnynge in every corner of the field, and great coursers braynge and knights renning assayenge of horses, casting of spears, shining of sheldes against the son& glysteryng of helms& knights by great company talking together also they espied the great tent of the ladies, in the height thereof pight a great shinynge apple all of burned gold,& ladies& damoyselles there in singing and dauncynge. Than Arthurs heart began to smile and said to Hector. cousin how say ye, is it not better to be here and to se all this nobleness than to creep in to our moders laps. Yes verily said Hector, for here now sh●ll appear who be noble men. Ye say trouth said Arthur,& therwith returned in to the earl of Beamens tent and went to supper, and first sate down the earl of nevers& Arthur next him and than the earl of foreste and Hector& the earl of Beamens and governar,& there they were richly served. And after supper they played and sported thē till it was time to go to their testes, and so than went to their lodging till the next morning, at which time they rose and hard mass, and than walked& talked together without their tentes,& therewith there came to them a knight fro the marshall of myrpoys, and said to the earl of Beamens. sir when so ●uer ye will begin this tourney my lord the marshall is al redy. Now as god help me said the earl of nevers let us go to it incontinent. But sir knight I pray you tell me what company doth your lord tourney with all. sir said the knight he hath in his company well to the nombre of .ix. C. redy appareled to tourney In the name of god said the earl of foreste that is an yl party, for I think our company passeth not .v. C. well sir said Arthur what than, care not for the nombre of people, therfore let us shortly go and se these noble men and I trust god will help vs. well sir said the earl of Beamen as god will so be it. But sir will ye than help us and be of our party. With a right good will sir said Arthur, Hector& governar also. And than this knight of the marshals praised much Arthur in his heart, and so returned to his master, who as than was in the company of the young king of malogre, and with them the earl of mountbelyal, and the earl of Foys, and the dolphyn who was a little diseased,& therefore he would not as that day tourney. Than the knight said to the Marshall. sir the earl of Beamē demandeth of you the tourney incontinent. But sir one thing I tell you, sith ye were born ye saw never three so goodly knights as sir de la land hath brought with him, but I can not know of whence they be, but one of them surmounteth the other two both in beauty and goodlynes Ihesu said the king of malogre what knights be they. In good faith sir said the knight there can no man tell. will they tourney this day said the king. Ye sir verily said the knight, for right now when the earl of Beamen feared that he had not company sufficient to answer your power I hard the chief of these .iii. knights say unto him. sir ear not for that for god shal help us, let us shortly go se them. Than it seemeth said the king that he hath a good heart. Ye sir said the Marshall he believeth that there is not in all the world his pere in deeds of chyualry, therfore let us go shortly se what he can do, he said trulyer than he was ware of. For Arthur could right well give great stroke, as was right well proved after by his noble deeds. Than was it commanded that trumpets,& horns should be blown, and than knights in every part went to their harneys, than the Marshal and the earl of mountbelial and the earl of Foys& well to the nombre of .ix. hundred knights were anon redy armed, and the young king of malogres was ●ounted on a great courser and the dolphyn with him to the intent to se this tourney, for they would not turnay as that day. And incontinent as the ladies and damoyselles hard 〈◇〉 sownynge of the trumpets& horns, they issued out of their pauylyons, and there was together in company the counte●●e of nevers, and the countess of foreste, and the countess of moun●bely●ll, and the lady of Rossylon,& a lady who was the Marshals sister name dame blanch. And than the countess of nevers said, let us now take good hede of this knight that is come with sir Guy de la land and se what he can do. In the name of god said the lady of Rossylon, there be three as I understand, but I wo●● not what they be, and all this season Arthur was in company with the earl of foreste, and with the earl of nevers,& the earl of Beamen, and when they we●e ●edy armed they mounted on their horses and the earl of nevers and Arthu● road first together, and after them the earl of foreste and Hector, and the earl of Beamen and governar, and after them all the other of theer company, and in ryght● good ordinance they road forth to the tourney. And than the lady of Rossylon said to the other ladies that were in her company, behold yonder is one of the strange knights that cometh riding with the earl of nevers,& an other with the earl of foreste. In the name of God said the marshals sister the thyrde cometh with the earl of Beamen, it seme●h that the erles maketh much of these .iii. strange knights, but they know not as yet the force of the Marshal my broder, but when they meet here in the tourney than shall they haue of him such acqu●intaunce that they will wish that they had not come here this day. Noo fair lady said the lady of Rossylon. I pray you than show them some courtesy, send some word to them that they flee away before they se the Marshall your broder, for I am sure yf they se him they are but lost for ever. At which words all the other ladies dyde laugh and had great sport. So thus the earl of nevers and Arthur road forth till it was time to begin the ●ourney. And than the earl of Ne●ers saw the marshall on the other parte redy appareled to just, and showed him to Arthur. Than Arthur said sir he cometh very haftely, wherefore I require you let me encounter him first. Go your way in goddes name said the earl. Than Arthur rushed forth so rudely as thunder had fallen fro heaven,& al the other knights of the turnay beholded h●● well, and praised him much in their heartes. Than the lady of Rossylon said to the marshals sister. fair lady I trow yonder knight hath espied your broder for ye may se howe fast he flieth. And at that course the marshall hit Arthur in the mids of his shyelde and broke his spear, and Arthur struck him so rudely on the helm that he shivered his spear all to peers, with the which stroke he sent both knight and horse to the earth, and at an other course Arthur struck an other knight so sore that he broke a grete piece of his helm and shield and overthrew him flat to the earth in a great trance sore wounded. And when the young king of malogres saw that he said to the dolphin. Saint mary who is yonder knight he seemeth too be the beste knight of the world. verily sir said the dolphyn I never saw such stroke given of any knight here before. Than said the lady of Rossylon to the marshals sister. madam behold howe yonder strange knight flieth, but your brother the marshal holdeth again, I had wende he durst haue gone no ferder for fear of your brother. It which time Hector also for his parte struck a knight with so great force that he overthrew him plain too the earth,& governar struck an other down horse and man, and put himself in the thickest of the press and did marvels in arms, so that all that beheld him praised him greatly. Than the lady of Rossylon said, fair lady blanch how say ye are not these strange knights right valiant, therefore madam for goddes sake cause the marshal your broder to absent himself out of their sights, and in your so doing I think verily you shall do a great alms dede. Than Arthur rushed into the greatest press, and struck on the right hand and on the left so great stroke and so heavy that it was marvel, for there was none that ever abode him but he avoyded the arson of his saddle and fell to the earth. At the last Arthur espied where there was a squy●● holding in his hand a spoken or a great piece of an old broken chariot, the which he pulled out of his hand with such a might that he cast down the squire flat too the earth, where at the ladies and damoyselles did laugh. And than Arthur put up his sword to the intent that he should maim or hurt no man, but with that piece of the chariot he thrust in to the press and gave therewith so great and heavy stroke that all that he touched went flat to the earth. For he was of that condition that the more he had to do, the more grew his strength▪ and virtue, he unbarred helms and claue a soun●der sheldes, and marvelously bet down knights, for whom somever he touched were so astonied that either he avoyded the saddle, or elles his horse bare him in a trance all about the field. And also Hector and governar did as well for their partes as any knights ought or might do. so it fortuned as Arthur went searchynge the renkthes and preses he encountered the earl of Foys, who had nigh vnhor●ed one of the knights o● the earl of Beau●eus party, than Arthur pricked forth his horse and broke the earl ●oo rudely that he thr●st down both horse and man flat to the the e●ch than Arthur turn●d ●gayne to him, and whether he wolde or not he caused him to be yeld●● pry●oner to the earl of Bea●●eu who was lord of that tourney on his party. Than the knights of his turnay assembled them together by plumpes here x and there .xv. and yonder .xx. and so fought eagerly together, so that when one was fallen another did 〈◇〉 him. Some laughed and some playned, but A●thur was ever in the most thickest of the press, and fared so among them as the wolf doth among sheep and laid on with so great and heavy stroke that he frushed down all that ever he touched. Than the earl of Beauieu say, and so did all other knights how that they never saw knight of so grete virtue, nor in valu●e in deeds of a●mes. The ladies and damoyselles also greatly marveled at him, and said that better than he is was the●e never none. And they concluded among them that he was likely too attain to win the crown of that tournaye, if he continued his prows according too his beginning. So than it fortuned that a great parte of the Marshals company ran al at ones on the earl of N●uers and on his company, who were far ouermarched whe● for ●he was sore be stadde and lost many horses and many of his knights sore beaten,& himself overthrown down from his horse and was likely to haue be raken& yielded to ●he M●rshall But than an hera●de of arms b●gan to cry and said. Ha Arthur of B●ytayne where art thou now the earl of nevers is beaten& nere taken prisoner. And Arthur when he heard that, who as than had by the help of Hector& governar discomfited a great rout of knights And when he espied the earl of nevers on the ground, he sported forth his hor●e and ●anne into the thickest of the press and struck so the first that he encountered that he fell down to the earth both horse and man than he struck on the right side and on the left with so mighty stroke and heavy that he bet down all that was before him, so that none durst abide him. And also Hector and governar laid on so on all sides that al that were before them trembled for fear. And so by clene force in the spite of al his enemies he horsed again the earl of nevers, and when he was thus remounted Arthur than wart again into the press and did marvels with his hands, for he claue asunder sheldes and unbarred helms, and bet down knygh●es by great heaps. Thus was Arthur regarded of al people who said each to other. Ihesu what a wonders good k●ighte is yonder, god defend& keep him And the young king of Malogres had his eyen ever vpon him, and said to the dolphyn. I think yonder knight be none earthly man I wench be some spirit of the air, for he all confoundeth. Than the lady of Rossylon said to the marshals sister. madam ye haue done right well, for I believe surely ye haue prayed your broder that he should do no● hurt to these strange knights, and al the other ladies had ●●ght great sport at the merry gestyng of these two ladies And thus always Arthur was fighting and at last there were .iii. knights an al at ones on the earl of foreste and bet him down to the earth and would haue taken him prisoner. But w●an Arthur saw the earl at that mischief he spored his horse thy derward, and the first that he encountered he brave down flat to the earth, and the second he took in his arms and rasshed him out of the saddle and cast him down on him that he had before overthrown, the which grieved him right sort, for the knight was grete and heavy because of the harneys that was on him, than he that lay vndernethe said. A sir ye be but ill welcome to me nor he that sendeth you hither, I pray god he may● haue some ill aduen●u●e, for ye haue all too bruised me with your falling. Than Arthur took the knights horse and caused the earl of foreste to mount thereon. And Arthur put himself again into the thickest press and began again to fight as freshly as though he had done nothing before of all that day, so that he was dread in every place, for there was none durst abide him but al fled fro him, so at the last he came where as the chief standard was▪ where as he found the Marshall, who did his pain to bete down all that was afore him, at which time he had landmen fro governar his shyelde And therewith Arthur struck him on the helm so rudely that he drove him down too the earth all astonied, and Arthur took his horse and gave it to Hector for his horse failed him he was so sore wounded, and than Hector mounted on him. And this stroke was seen of the king and of the dolphyn, and of all the ladies and damosels, and they all said that the Marshal had been the best knight of all the world, but now he hath met his master, for certainly yonder fair knight surmounteth in prowess all other knights of the world. Than the lady of Rossylon said unto the marshals sister. madam your broder is not so ill and mischievous as ye spake of here before▪ so ye may behold these strange knights howe they are before hymn and yet he doth no●hynge too them, I think he sleepeth, for ye may se yonder howe still he lieth on the ground, for al that season he lay still on the earth sore astonied in a great trance. And when all the knights of his party saw him lie so still vpon the ground they feared least he had been dead, and said that one unto that other. Yonder is the devil, I think he will confound us all, therefore let us depart out of this field, and therewith they al went their ways. ● so there remained still Arthur, Hector, and governar. And when that the young king and the Dolphyn and many other saw Arthur alone in the field they came to him and ●alewed him and said. sir god keep you the best knight of the world, and increase your noble honour and valour. My lord said Ar●hur, god that al thing hath formed of eight may increase you● bounty and be your● safeguard, and sir saving your grace I am none such knight worthy for to haue such praise as ye give me. well sir said the king we haue ●●ne ryght● well how it is, therfore mine own sw●te friend I require you that ye will b● one of my house, and ye shall be my companion. sir said Arthur I am right well yours where so ever I be, howe be it I haue a lord already, who hath nourished me like his own child. sir in good trouth said the earl of foreste, it is good right than that ye love him. And as they were thus talking togythe● the Marshal rose from the ground, and when he saw that the tourney was done and finished and that he had done nothing to him that had beaten him down, he was right sore displeased, and than he sent a knight to the earl of Beamen desiring him for to haue the tourney to begin again the next day and how that he wolde encounter yet again with Arthur. This knight found the earl of Beamen in the company of the young king and of Arthur. And than h● said. sir my lord the marshal saleweth you, and desireth you again too haue a tourney to morrow. By the good lord quod the young king your master ought for to suffice and be concen●e of that which hath been done here this day●, wherefore it is reason that he now resteth himself, for the king full well thought that the Marshal would not be in ease till that he were revenged of Arthur A sir said Arthur the Marshal is not yet weary, and he wolde think my lord of Beamen for recreaunt yf be should refuse his request, therefore sir ●or goddes sake grant him. sir said ●he earl with a right good will sythe it pleaseth you, but sir I require you than to help our party. Uere●y sir said Arthur with all my heart to the beste of my little power. So than there was graun●ed too be an other tourney on the next day. Than sir Guy de la lounde came unto Arthur and led him to be unarmed. So than Arthur took his leave of the king, who wolde right gladly haue had him in his company. And than all the people ran to behold Arthur and said with a common voice, behold him that all hath vanquished. Than when Arthur was unarmed the earl of Beamen kept him company, and also Hector and governar were unarmed. Than the signifies and damoyselles retourn●d into their pauylyons always speaking of Arthur, and than they assembled them together by plumpes, here ten and there twelve, and all the countesses were together in one parte, and with them the marshals sister dame blanch and the lady Rossylon speaking ever of Arthur. Ue●ely said the countes of foreste sith I was first born I never saw so good a knight nor so valyaunce, nor so well doing in arms as he is. It is of a trouth said che lady nevers, ●aw y● not howe that he broke the great companies of knights and turned and once threw all that ever he touched. By my soul said the countes of Foys, I saw him when he embraced a knight in his arms al armed and cast him down vpon an other knight and bruised him right sore there with, and also saw y● not howe that he struck the Marshal down to the ground, to say the truth he is the b●st knight of the world and th● most hardyest. And more over all the beauty of the world that can be comprised in a man is in him. Also he is ●eplete with all grace and virtue, for he is free, meek, and gentle as a lamb. By the faith that I owe unto god said the lady Rossylon, my lady the countes of foreste I would he were your knight I believe you well said the lady blanch for than I think verily ye would speak with him oftentimes when other ladies wer● abedde fast on sleep wythas few a company as ye might with out making of any noise but shane haue she that will forfeit with an other that is not her own. certainly answered the lady Rossylon I think there b● but few in this world born tha● liveth clene both in thought and in dede, how be it I am not she that closeth privily knights in her chaumbre by night times without the licence of my lord, nor keep none under my coverture, howe say you fair lady know you any otherwise by me, yf ye do spare not but speak it here openly, yf ye be of that conditions or haue done so, ye ought than the rather too be the more secret, yf ye know that malady to be in an other when you know your own estate leave the enquyryng of any father than needeth of any other, for I am in certain that ye be sometime in the shadow oftener than I am in the son, with company oftener than I am alone. Than al the ladies and damoyselles began to laugh, and turned all the matter into japes and sports And all this while Arthur was in the earl of Beamens tent, and there was with him sir Guy de la land, and there he was well served and much honoured of every man. And after supper they passed forth the time in great ioy and much mirth till it was convenient time to go to their rests.   

¶ Howe that Arthur the second day had the honour of the ●ourney, and ●oo with him abode the price of the field. Capitulo .xxix.  
THe next day betimes Arthur arose and all the other erles, barons and knights, to hear mass and after they armed them all of both parties, and so than came into the ●yelde there as they should tourney, and as soon as Arthur and the Marshall saw each other they appareled them to renne together, and dashed too their horses and encountered so rudely that they all to br●ke their spears the which were great and big as though they had been but reeds, and so passed forth without hurting of each other, and when that Arthur had performed his course he encountered an other knight, and struck him so with the ●ronchon of his spear● that he was therwith sore wounded and fell down to the earth. Than Hector and governar began to strive and to beate down knights vygoryousely, and did enforce them to do noble deeds of arms. Than Arthur fought so among them with such virtue that he caused al the tankethes and please of knights to avoyde and give him place, every thing fell too him as he would wish it, for he felled sheldes and bet down knights, and won horses and enforced innkeepers to yield them at his pleasure, so that al fled before him, for none durst encounter his mighty stroke. Than the lady of Rosselyn who was as than nere to the countes of foreste, said to the marshals sister. madam yet I said truly yesterday when, that I said how that this knight was merely too be retayn●d with a great lady, wherefore I wolde h● were partaining with my lady the countes of foreste here present, for he is noo knight to be common to all ladies, such as wheleth about the chimney, as I think some such ye know right well for there be many that chooseth not by the will one all onely, but are glad to take such as they may get, for elles peradventure they might tarry very long or they found such a knight as this is▪ Than the countess of nevers said to the countess of foreste. Marye madam this lady payeth without any gauge selling. truly said the countes of foreste they that speaketh fair, fair shal here again, but this marshals sister spake yesterday villainy to my lady Rossylon,& therfore now she remembreth her therof. And so it fortuned that in this season the lord of the castle Yssembart, and Reynold of piereyle and well .xv. other knights of their rout took their counsel to renne al at ones against Arthur too thentent to bring him to the ground. And when they saw that Arthur had been well travailed and that they thought he had been weary, than they al together ran at him and struck him on all sides, and charged him with so many stroke that his horse enfoundred under him, howe be it as his horse fel he took sir Issenbar● that was before him in his arms and cast him down to the ●arth in the spite of his heart. And when they were booth at the ground, than Arthur slept vpon his feet and laid hands on sir Issenbartes horse▪ and mounted thereon against the will of al his enemies. And when Reynolde of pyetrele saw that he went with such good aid as he had and embraced Arthur with both his hands, and so each of them held other right fore, and therwith other knights came so fyercelye on them that they were driven down to the earth both ho●s and man Than Arthur lep●e on his fear again, and as he that was right sore displeased ran to the earl of ●oys and took him in his arms with a gre● force and pulled him so rudely that the gyrth●s and paytrell ●nd harneys all too braste and so the earl overthrew with the saddle between his legs, than Arthur wart on the horse bare backed and took from a squire a mace of steel that he b●te in his hand and laid on with both his hands and struck the first that he encountered so rudely that he turned his legs upward, and than he went to another knight and struck him ●oo sore, that he was so astonied therewith that his horse bare him half a mile or that he wist where he was. And so in this ragy here A●thur drove down x. knights or ever he rest●d, and laid on ever both on the right side and on the left with so great ire that he confounded all that ever he towched, he was in su●h● a furour that he wist not well whether h● was on horseback or on foute, with saddle or without saddle, and fomed loo at the mouth that al those that than ●awe him said that he was out o● his wit, so that all fled before him and gave him way where so ever that he went. And did so much that he escaped ●lene from all the knights which wer● in the thought for to haue put him to rebuk and shane, so that the place wher● as he stood was clene avoyded. Than came there to him Hector and Goue●nar, when they saw him without a ●adel the● were greatly marveled thereof, and so there with Hector road toward ● knight so fyercely that he bait him down to the ground, and governar took his horse and brought him unto Arthur And when Arthur appe●●●yued that he had noo saddle under him he marveled greatly, for he was so sore travailed before that he took noo hede thereof. Than heard of Hector and of governar how he had lost his saddle, and whether he had any fall or not▪ and than they shewed him all how it was, whereat they did la●gh. And when that Arthu● was mounted into the saddle be saw before him where as there stood all the countesses and diverse other ladies and damoyselles without their ten●es for to behold the tourney ●han he spurred his horse, and came to thē and alighted down to the earth, and humbly salued them& said. fair ladies god that al formed give joy and honour to al your noble company the which is ●yght fair and gentle. sir said they, all ye be hither right welcome. well fair ladies said Arthur for goddes sake be not dysp●esed that I am so bold too come too you, for it should haue been great villainy to me seeing that I was so nere your presence yf I had not done my duty in salewyng of your nobleness. And in the mean time as they thus talked together the earl of Foys and his tou● ran on the earl of foreste and his company& held him so hard and short that he broke all the rout of his company, and nigh had taken prisoner the earl of foreste for he was beaten down to the earth. And when the countes his wife saw her lord so nigh overcome, she said unto A●thur. sir knight, of what company be ye of in this tourney. fair lady said Arthur I am of the company pertaining to the earl of foreste. Certeniy sir said the lady I believe not that, for yf ye were of his company ye would not suffer him too be dealt with as he is now but I think ye love better ease and rest than to tourney and in so your dayng ye do well and wisely, for it is better to be in the shadow than in the son light. when Arthur he●rde her say so, he was greatly abassh●d, and to●rued his visage toward the tourney and s●w where the earl of foreste was beaten fro his horse and stood defending of him se●son foot. And than he said ●o the countess of foreste, madam for goddes sake I as●e you mercy for I thoughteful little that my lord your husbo●de had been in this case, but by the grace of god I shal sone help and socoute him. Ye said the lady I ●rowy● be very fe●t● ye se him now almost at a great mischief and yet ye stand here still preaching to vs. And when Arthur herd that he was sore displeased and so mounted on his horse and without any longer delay he ●●she into the thy●kest of the rout so rudely that his horse went like the thunder, and al the ladies beheld him right well, and said god keep and def●nde the fro myscheue or shane. And Arthur ●u●hte into the press and struck the first so rudely that he overthrew both horse and man, than the ladies began to laugh, than A●thur took an other with his hands by the shoulders and cast him rudely to the earth, than he took his maze of steel hanging at his saddle how, and struck so fiercely ●herwy●h round about● him in every place that he broke the press and bet down knights, so that there were none that durst approach unto him, but they all ●ledd● before ●ym as these small ●owles doth afore the fawcon. Than Arthur came to the earl of foreste and brought him a new horse an● he●ped him to mount thereon. Than Ar●hur road to the earl of Foys,& the earl gave him a great stroke on the helm, but Arthur moved noo more for al the ●●roke t●an though he had landmen a g●eate ●oure, but Arthur struck him agay●e so ●yer●●ly that he caused him to avoyde the a●son of his saddle, and ●aket Arthu●s squire took the horse, than Arthu● said to him. ●aket I will thou go with that horse and presenteit f●o me too my lady the coun●es of foreste, who right now blamed me ●u● sore. sir quod Faket with a right good will, and so wenceforth with the horse. And Arthur al this season held under him the earl of Foys in such wise till at the last the earl of foreste came to them, and so there to him the earl of Foys was fain to yield himself. Than Arthur put himself again into the press, and struck so on all partes, that finally every man fled from him, and left him in the place all alone. Than Arthur cried openly and said, yf there be any knight that dare come, let him appear, but he might haue tarried there long enough or any that was ther would haue comen to him. Than sir Guide la land came to him and said. sir I haue promised you that I should show unto you the lady of Rossylon, pleaseth it you now therefore to come with me,& ye shal se her by the faith that I owe to God, I will go with you gladly. And than their two, and Hector& governar road forth to the ladies tent, and by the way they encounrted jaket, who had done his message. And he shewed to Arthur how that the countes of foreste right heartily did thank him. And when they were before the tent they lighted. And than generally all the ladies and damoyselles came to them ward with great feeste and joy. And when Arthur was within the tent with the ladies, who affectually beheld him. Than the countess of nevers, and the count●s of foreste right heartily did welcome him. And he answered& said fair ladies, great w●lth and honours god may send unto you all. Than the countess of Foys dide salewe him,& said. sir yet I ought not thus to salewe you, sith ye haue so yl entreated my lord my husband this day. A my right dere lady said Arthur, ye ought not therefore to blame me. For it was but the fortune of that play. Truly sir said she, ye say nothing but truth, nor I bear not to you therefore any evil will. Than the countess of foreste said who had spoken to him before right rudely. sir I humbly require of you pardon, and I will make you amendes in that I haue so rudely spoken to you be●ore this time, wherefore noble and gentle knight take noo regard to the vain words of a woman, who lightly openeth her mouth to speak, but behold your great bounty and nobleness, where with ye be greatly endowed, but sir that I said was because I saw my lord at a great mischief. Than came to them sir Guy de la land holding the lady of Rossylon by the hand,& said to Arthur sir I haue before this time promised you that I should show you my lady of Rossylon, sir behold her for here shee is now present before you. And when Arthur saw her, he made great joy of her and promised her faithfully to be alway her own knight. And she again right highely thanked him,& all other ladies& damoyselles affectuously beholded him, and required him that he would take the pain to unarm him among them, for they said that they would fain se him unarmed, and somewhat for curtesye, he with said their desire. But finally they desired him so affectuously, that needs he was fain to agree to their request,& when he was unarmed he was of body● right marvel us fair and gentle to behold. For he was big, long, and straight. Than these ladies beheld him maruaylousli and said each to other how that she should be right happy that might haue such a knight to her lover. And all these countesses,& great ladies wished each of them that he might haue ben partayninge to their lords. Than a lady brought to him warm water in a basin of silver to wash his neck and visage because of the sweting in his harneys. And the lady of Rossylon put a mantell of scarlet about him the which was pertaining to the countesse of nevers to thentent he should take no cold after his labour, and so he remained a good space amonge● them and finally took his ieue. Than the ladies desired him that he would be their knight, and that he would suffer his harness to remain still among them till he had need therof, and that he would vouchesaue to were the mantell of scarlet still on him. And Arthur did grant them their desire, and so mounted on his horse and all his company, and road forth till at the last he met with all the hole assemble o● both parties, and there was the young king of Malogres and all the other four erles, and the dolphyn, and five hundred other knights. Than the young king said to Arthur. sir ye be right heartily welcome, as he that is the floure of all chyualry,& the best knight of all the world,& there he desired him greatly to abide with him, and that they might be companions together ever after,& friends. But arthur excused him as well as he might. And all this season he had on the fresh mantell of scarlet, wherein he seemed big and long and marvelously straight and fair,& generally all the knygtes beheld him& said how that he was highly reward of god for he was fair& hardy,& of his chivalry surmounted all other, for they all said that the valour of al other knights were as nothing to the regard of his noblesse.   

¶ How that the Marshall of myrpoys for enui that he had because that Arthur had the honour of the tourney, and by he had beaten him down, for he had wende himself to haue ben the best knight of the world, therefore he defied Arthur and challenged him to just. And howe that Arthur vanquished him,& broke one of his arms, and two trespasses in his side. Capitulo .xxx  
THan the Marshall who had his hart enflambed with great ire because that Arthur had put him to the worse, and also because he herde so much good and honour spoken of him, whereof he had so great envy in his heart, and so great despite, that he could not hold himself in rest, for he bileued himself to be the best knight of the world, than openly he spake so high and loud that every knight might here him, and Arthur also, saying in this maner of wise Certainly this s●raunge knight can not swoon, when he is led by the hand with fair ladies and damoyselles: and clothed with their mantelles, he lacketh noo thing but a soft pilowe to play thereon with some of these damoyselles And when Arthur herde him he answered and said. sir yf their ladies take me by the hand I thank them therof for it is by their courtesy and not by my deserving therfore I love them the better and will be the gladder for to serve them and to be a faithful knight to them al in general. For as god help me so much is a knight worth as he can deserve praise of ladies and damoyselles. And the Marshall full of ire answered. In faith as for you ye be but little worth and that seemeth well when ye are fa●ne to take the reversion of these ladies old clothing. well sir said Arthur as for all that look what so ever they do to me I am right well content therwith I think I haue no thing of yours yf I haue take it fro me yf ye dare. certainly said the Marshal if ye had ony thing of mine so wolde I do think not the contrary for I wolde not spare neither for you nor for none other to take it grudge thereat who wolde. Than Arthur all smylinge said. Well sir than I am right happy that I haue noo thing of yours for yf I had me thinketh I should not keep it long by your will. And whan the Marshall saw him smile he thought he dyde it for despyt● of him and said. sir will ye do so much for all these ladies sakes that ye and I may play together with tWo fair spears. sir said Arthur ye be so valiant a man that ye ought not to be refused nor denied for so little a request T●an the Marshal Was b●amed of the king and of all the other knights and they wolde full fain haue letted these Iustes because they thought that Arthur was weary of the labour which he had in the iournay before. But the Marshall said he hath promised it me, and therfore yf it please him, I trust he will not fail me, yf he do I will say that he is recreaunte. nay said Art●u● by the faith that I owe unto God I will not fail you. And so every man prayed god that the shane might fall upo● the Mar●hall, because of his proud disdainful mind. Than Arthur demanded incontinent for his ha●neis. Than sir Guy de la land went unto the ladies tent, and shewed the●m how that the Marshall had challenged Arthur to just with him again. 〈…〉 the ladies to him all his harneys, and prayed god for to give unto Arthur the honour of those Iustices. For they said how that the marshal was a fool, and of an outrageous wil●ull mind, wherefore they prayed unto god that he should speed the worse. Than dame blanch said to the lady of Rossylon. madam I bileue now that your straung● knight shall haue yet or it be night grete need of some soft bed to lie in your chamber, by that time thy brother ●athe brewed a caudel for his heed, for I ensure you he neue● as yet encountered so dere a physycien. well madam said the lady of Rossylon. fair and easily, at the end shall be seen who shall win the wager, as yet ye can make no boast for ye haue won nothing. Than Arthur and the Marshall both dyde arm them and when they were both in the field ther was brought to them grete spears and than they spurred their horses with so great randowne that the blood dashed out of their sides, for they were both good and redoubted knights, but ●he Marshal was not to be compared unto Arthur for sith Arthur was first made knight he feared no man living, wherefore the Marshall dyde folly to enterprise ony thing against him, but pride doth oftentimes many harms to his master, the Marshall at the first course struck Arthur and broke his spear to his fist, but Arthur for all that moved no more than though there had ben but a rede broken vpon him. But he struck the Marshall so ●udelye that he bare down horse and man to the earth Than began to laugh al the ladies and damoyselles, knights, and squires. Than the lady of Rossylon said to dame blanch. madam your broder is not so fell and so outrageous as I had wende that he had been, for he taketh no more of the earth but his own length, I think he sleepeth, behold howe rejoicingly he lieth still. And hang the Marshall awoke out of his trance he was sore ashamed in that he was so overthrown and demanded yf he had overthrown Arthur, than it was shewed him nay, wherewith he was right sore displeased Yet than again he prayed Arthur on his knighthood that he wolde just with him an other course. But all that ever herde him thought he played the proud fool and counseled him the contrary, but all that availed not, for he said he wolde needs yet just ones again. And when that Arthur herde him of that mind, he had great disdain thereat& waxed angry in his heart to considre his foolish presumptuous mind, and said well if he will needs abide the second I think he will gladly let the thyrde pass. So than they took much greater spears than they had before, and in grete ire ran together so eagerly that it seemed the earth enfoundred under them, and the Marshall stroke Arthur right rudely, for he was a good knight, and shivered his spear all to pieces, But Arthur hyt him with his spear the which was great and big, so that the saddle paytrell, girthes and all brast, and horse and man went to the ground so rudely that with the fall that the Marshal had one of his arms broken, and also two of his trespasses, and his body sore bruised so that he lay still a great season with out moving, and than all the knights that saw the stroke were greatly abashed and said each to other how that the Marshall was beaten down to the earth both horse and man, and in great jeopardy of his life.   

☞ Howe that Arthur was crwoned to be king of all the knights of the tourney. And they promised him faith and trouth to serve him in deeds of arms always and in every place where as it seemed him best, and the young king of ma●●gres did crown him. Capit. xxxi.  
THan when the Marshal was thus overthrown the ladies did laugh,& said. Blesse● be god pride always overthroweth his master. Than the lady of Rosst●on said unto the lady blanch. madam now it seemeth that your brother hath l●ste the wager it had been better for him that he had been in your chaumbre, he speaketh no ●o word●s he hath little care now for the flies behold how that he ●aketh h●s legs Than al the other councesses and ladies that were there present● did laugh, an● said the pride of him is now well abated god keep& defend such a knight that can give such valiant stroke As god help me said the lady Rossi●on the Marshall is now in good rest. I trow he hath little lust to remount again let him be well apaid, for now he hath that he sought for. And so each of them spake their verdyte. Than the young king and the other earls came to the Marshall and demanded of him howe he did. And he answered and said right ill, for I haue two of my trespasses broken and one o● my arms. I pray you howe doth Arthur. In good trouth said the earl of Beauieu, he is yet in the field, where as he intendeth yf ye will go to him and break the thyrde spear. Alas said the Marshall, I believed this day in the morning that I had been the best knight of the world, for I thought that there was none that had ony power in comparison unto me, but now I haue found my master. therfore I require you cause him to come to me. Than the earl of Beauieu took Arthur by the hand and said. sir the Marshall would fain speak with you. In the name of god said Arthur let us go to him. By that time the Marshall was laid on a little couch that was brought to him. And when he saw Arthur he said that all might here him sir ye be to me right heartily welcome as he that is the ch●fe floure of all chyualrye, and sir I cry you mercy of the great pride that I was in, the ●hyche moved me to just with such a knight as ye be, verily I was envious and sorrowful of the nobleness that I heart spoken of you, and therfore I took on me to just with you, to the intent to abate your praise and renown, but such there be that thinketh to grieve other and the hurt and grief turneth unto themself, god hath done to me right according to my thought, for he hath brought me in to the same case that I had thought for to haue you in, therfore gentle knight, I require you to pardon my folly that I haue thought against you. And when Arthur herde him speak so lovingly, he had great pity of his hurt and said. A sir I ought to cry you mercy because that I haue hurt you so roar, wherefore it forthynketh me, wherefore sir I pray you to pardon me. certainly sir said the Marshall, with all my heart, and I give you my voice of the crownyng of this tourney as unto him that is the best knight of al the world. Than the king said sir Marshall than ye be accorded that h● shall be crwoned as the best knight of this tourney. sir said the Marshal as god help me with all my heart. ●nd the king said by the faith that I owe unto god, he shall haue my voice and good will. ●nd all the other Erles said that they were all agreed thereto, for he was worthy and none other. Than came to them all the ladies and damosels, and they were all of the accord that he should be crwoned as the best knight of all other And than the crown was brought forth and the young knyge of malogres didde set it on Arthurs head bye the common accord of all the hole assemble, and they were al content that he should be king of all those knights that were there assembled,& they all proffered him succour and aid in all places and against al people and as often as he wolde command them. Thus they remained in great feest and joy well the space of fifteen dayes, with al maner of pastaunce sownynge to nobleness.   

¶ Howe that Arthur after his crownacyon took leave of the young king and of all the other lords and knights ladies and damoyselles, who conveyed him on his Iournay ward, and had great sorrow to leave his company. Capit. xxxii.  
AT the end of the .xv. dayes arthur took leave of the king and of all the cries& ladies who were not w●l content of his departing. And the king said, right dere sir and friend I require you as hartelye as I can that ye will go with me into my countre, and I promise you faithfully as a king that ye and I sha●be in in all things as companions and friends, and I shall love you right dearly,& will give you land so great and good that ye shall be right well content therwith, mine own sweet friend I require you grant me my desire, and therewith he embraced and kysse● him. And when Arthur heard him he smiled& said, mine own dere Lord I thank you, and wolde to god most puissant that I might do as ye desire me, for it were grete joy to me to abide in your noble company, if it were nor for one thing that I haue enterprised and as yet I wote not well what it is, nor where to finde it, but as mine adventure happenneth. I haue tarried here very long, therfore now it is time that I depart. And when they herde that he wolde needs go, they were right sorrowful, and the king and all other offered him to go in his company to help and aid him to attain his enqueste, but Arthur wolde not consent thereto, and said that he would haue no company but such as came within him. Yes sir said the king ye shall haue with you Bawdewyn my squire, and I will deliver him to you for good and true, for I will undertake he would rather die than his master should take ony hurt or damage in his default,& also he knoweth the virtues of all herbs, for he is a sovereign surgyon. In the name of god said Arthur, I am content to take him of you, and for his cunning I will love him better than two thousand pound of yearly land. Than Arthur, Hector governar, Bawdewyn and jaket, took of every man ●oungy and leave, and departed and entred in to their Iournay, and Bawdewyn and jaket road before. Hector and governar road together, and Arthur between them. And as they road they comoned of the grete valour of the young king of malogres,& of the other erles and knights ladies and damoyselles, and of the gre●e honour that they had among them. In this maner they road every day the space of three weeks without finding of ony adventure whereof any mention is made.   

¶ How Arthur and his company arrived in the earldom of Brewle, marching against the land of Sorolois& entred into the city of Brewle, the which was besyeg●d by the duke of orgoule name Malaqu●s because the earl would not let him haue his daughter in marriage, wherefore by false treason he slew the earl. Cap. xxx●ii.  
AT the end of the .iii. weeks Arthur and his company entred into the earldom of Brewle against the land of Soroloys, and of this earldom there was an earl a noble of hauoyre and of friends, and reputed right wise, and had to wife a noble lady and a virtuous, who had to name the gentle Isabell, and had between them two a fair and a gracious daughter name Alyce. joining to this earldom there marched a duchy wherein there was a Duke which was name Malaquys, a cruel man and an enuyons. And this Duchy was called Orgoule, and this duke had often and many times demanded of this earl, his daughter dame Alyce to haue in marriage, but the earl nor the good lady his wife wolde in no maner of wise grant thereto, because of the evil conditions that were within this Duke. And when that the Duke saw that he could not get this fair lady Alyce he bare than in his heart grete heat and envy to the earl her father, in so much that at the last, this duke had knowledge vpon a day howe that the earl was gone to chase in the foreste. And thereby his prepenced malice caused this earl shamefully for to be slain and murdered. And when that the earl was thus mischievously slain, he was brought home to his wife which was right sorrowful for his death,& made him to be honourably buried. But this sorrowful la●y in noo wise could ve●yly tell how that he was slain, but she had grete suspect to the duke. And so within half a year after the duke came unto this counte●●e and demanded of her Dame Alyce her daughter, but the countes●e because ●●e had him in suspect of the ●●the of the er●e her husband wolde in no maner of wise grant thereto, nor also this fair maiden Alyce wolde in noo wise haue him to die therfore. And when the duke perceived that he might not haue her at his pleasure he had g●●te ●esp●te therof, and so defied the coun●esse and assembled a grete host and be ●yeg●● the city of Brewle, and wasted al the country round about a great ci●cuy●e, and made his avow that he would not depart thence till that he had won her by force. And i● this mean season Arthur and his company arrived in that country, and the Duke had lain at the siege as than the space of a year before the city accompanied with four hundred knights besides other servants And thus ●rthur and his company road thro●ghe this country the which he found all exiled and put to wast, and met with much people ●leyng out of the land, whereof he was greatly ameruayled, and demanded of two vytaylers that he met, ledynge of victual to the host what was the cause of the exile and wasting of that count●e. And they answered him how that the duke of orgoule had wasted it in such wise. Ye friends said Arthur, and I pray you for what cause. sir said they that will not we tell you, for we haue need to sel our victual to win thereby our sustenance and therfore it behoveth us not to say ill nor to accuse ony per●one, but yf ye will know ye may we●e of this people that ye se fleynge out of the country. Than Arthur demanded of them the cause, and they shewed him howe that the duke of orgoule demanded in marriage the erles daughter, and how that he caused the earl to be slain by treason because he wolde not agree to his desire, and as now hath besieged the countess in her city of brewle and hath wastee all the country. And when Arthur herde all this he said. sirs god speed and help you all▪ And when he was ridden far from them he said to Hector his cousin. cousin how say you what is best that we shall do, sir said Hector in the name of god let us enter into this war. I allow it well said Arthur but we will not aid this duke who is in the wro●ge and hath the better hand. Nay said Hector that is not mine intent let us aid them that be within the city, who be in grete jeopardy, and nigh put under wherefore they are in right grete fear, and this in my mind is best for us to do, for they ben in the right, wherefore god will help and succour vs. By the good lord said Arthur it is well said, and so will we do. But how shall we enter in 〈◇〉 the city sith that this duke ●ath besieged it round about. well quod governor we must enter by one way or other. And thus they road forth till at the last they espied the city of Brewle the which was right hye and strong with high walls and mighty towers, and round about the city they saw tentes and pauylyons pight and glysterige of standards, and streme●s wavering with the wind and much people well atayed for the war. Than said Arthur. friends this duke besemynge hath much people, I will gooe and speak with him or I entre in to the city. Ye say right well said Hector, to thentente that ye may him the better another time yf it fortune you to encounter with him in the field. So they road forth straight unto the great tent of the dukes, and there they found him standing without the said tent, commanding to his seneshal that the next day betimes he should make assault to the city with three hundred halbardes. And with those words Arthur and his company lighted of their horses, and salued the duke full goodly. And when the Duke saw them, he praised them greatly in his h●rte, and courteysly did salewe them again. sir said Arthur we are departed from our country, for we herde speaking of this war that ye haue moved. And we three knights of france wolde gladly serve some noble man, and be retained to him for his wages. In the name of god said the duke, ye be hither right heartily welcome, and though it be so that I haue people sufficient, yet will I be right glad to retain you all to be of my house, and to haue wages meet and drink, horse and harneys, and all that ye can conquer of your enemies shalbe your own. sir said Arthur I thank you, of this matter I shall speak with my company and know their minds. But sir I require you against whom shall we haue to do. As god be my help said the Duke against the city, wherein there is a lady who hath refused to give me her daughter in marriage, wherefore I will win her bi force. A sir said Arthur, how long hath it been that ye haue assyeged this city. verily said the duke it is now more than a year, but I will abide here this seven year but I will win it. well sir said Arthur herde ye ony thing of late from this lady whether she will agree to your desire or not. Nay in good trouth said the duke I herde not from them a grete season. w●ll sir said Arthur peradventure this lady repenteth her that she hath not fulfilled your will, for now at the end she knoweth better her own folly than she did in the beginning and ever the longer the better shall she know how that her loud is wasted,& she may well se how that she is enclosed within the city and wasteth her goods and her people also by all lykelyhod are greatly noyed with so long being in a maner in prison, so all these things ought to move her to fulfil your desire sir said the duke it is of a trouth al that ye say, how be it I think there is none of her counsel that sheweth her so much reason, or elles they will not show it her. For sir sith ye haue said so much as ye haue done I will desire and pray you to do so much as to show her as much as ye haue done to me, for ye be as yet indifferent for ye are of neither party, therfore ye may speak to her the more boldlyer, and if that she will not agree, let her and incertain I will take her by force and brenne her in my sight. sir ye haue right so to do said Arthur, and sith it pleaseth you that I shall go in this message I am right well content so to do. Than Arthur and his fellowship mounted vpon their horses and road toward the city Than Hector said▪ sir where is your scutch●n of arms on your breast, for ye be a good purseuaunt think to fornish well your message. Ye sir said governar this duke hath a rich messenger he ought to give him good wages soth{us} they road forth talking and sportyng them till they came to one of the gates of the city and knocked thereat so long till at the last the porter opened a lyt●e window, and there he saw three knights all armed and well horsed, and he maunded of them what they sought. Arthur answered and said, we be messengers, sent from the duke for to speak with the lady governor of this city. sir said the porter suffer a little space and I will go and speak with her, than the porter went to the lady, who was as than among her barons and knights and Alyce her fair daughter in her company. Than the porter said. madam pleaseth it you to know howe that there is at the gate three goodly knyhgtes armed the fairest that ever I saw and they say that they ben messengers come to speak with you from the duke, therfore look what it shall please you to command me to answer them. Than sir oaths who was cousin germayn to the lady said. madam me thinketh 〈◇〉 were well done to let them come in sith they be messengers. In the name of god said the lady, open the gates to them& let them enter. Than the porter turned again to the gate and suffered thē to enter. Than when Arthur was within the city he saw grete plen●e of sheldes and spe●es horse& harnays, kni●htes and squy●rs, and grete and mighty strange houses full of great richesse, than in his heart he praised much this city. And al the knights of the city be held these three knights as they road, and said each to other, what knights be these, or fro whence come they,& some answered and said how that they could not tell, and some said they were messengers sent from the duke, but what ●oo ever they be they are marvelous fair knights. And thus they road forth to the palace, and there ●yghted fro their horses and went up in to the hall, and there they found the countess and her barony about her. Than the countess and her daughter Alyce, and all her barons arose against Arthur, and welcomed him and caused him to sit down by her● and the fair lady Alyce and Hector,& sir Ot●es and governar. Than Arthur said. madam we be comen hither from the duke of orgoule, who demaun●eth of you that ye should give to him in ma●iage my lady Alyce your d●ughter,& madam me thinketh that diverse reasons ought for to move you thu● to do. first ye ought to consider howe ye shall let he● in a right hye and honourable place. Al●o ye se well the grete number of people,& the strength which he hath, and howe that your land is destro●ed and wasted, and al the people t●erof put to exile. Also ye ought for to consider how that ye be lock●d and enclosed here in this city, and al your noble knights& gentlemen are in grete peril of their lives, and loseth their tym●& substance, the which is right gr●te ●omage unto them, so madam all th●se things, and many other wisely considered, ought for to move you to accomply●●e this his desire, sith this desire is but for your honour, and no shane, therfore madam may it please you to give an answer what is your will in this behalf. sir said the lady I w●l give to you an answer shortly without taking of any other counsel R●ther than I would give my daughter to a false murthe●er and specially to him that by false treason hath slain her father, as god help me I wolde rather suffer to be brent to powder. For gladder would I be to give her to the poorest groom or page. in all my house than to him. But sir I require you tel me whether ye be any of the knights retaining with the duke or not. madam said Arthur I am not retainyng as yet with him, nor with none other, ●or I and my company are knights erraun●es, who haue forsaken our own countries to seek adventures, and by fortune we are arrived into this dukes host, who would gladly haue us retained in this his war against you. Sir said the count●sse I wo●e not what ye be nor of what lineage or coun●re ye be of, but it seemeth to me that ye be ex●raught out of some noble house and lineage. Therfore sir yf it would please you to help to deliver us out o● this thraldom, and def●de us from our enemies. I will give you my daughter ●or to do with her what it shall please you, saving her honour. Ye mada●e said Arthur, and is that your mind will ye put her into my hands to 〈…〉 wheresomeuer it shall please me, and to put all your ●rust into me in that behalf. Ye sir truly with all my he●te said the countesse. And how say ye rait● lady Alyce will ye agree to this. Than Alyce beholded Arthur▪& perc●iued right well how he was fair and gracious& said. sir I w●l accomplish the will of my moder. well madam quod Arthur, than will it please you to know of all your noble barons and knights whether they will accord that I shall haue your noble daughter in marriage, or ell●s for t● mary her where so me●er it shall please me. sir oaths said the lady, ye be nere of her lineage, cal● together al my barons and my knights and speak with them of this matter to know their mindes. Than they all entred in to a grete hall and there they comoned of this matter and diverse opyntons there were among them, but finally they were all agreed and put their saying on sir oaths▪ the which saying they all promised to keep ferme and stable. Than they ●ll came before the lady and Arthur. And there sir oaths said madam we perceive it is your will to give my lady Alice your daughter to this knight, ey●her for himself, or elles to give her where soever as it shall please him best. madam we be all accorded unto your mind that he shall haue her himself, yf it pleaseth him in marriage or ●lles to give her unto an other whe●e as he thinketh beste, so that she be not thereby abbated of her nobleness, and estate. verily sir said Arthur I shall be stow her in as grete a place and lineage or greater than she is of herself. Than they all answered and said. We desire nothing elles. Well madam said Arthur are ye than agreed& my lady your daughter also. And they answered both that they were both well cont●nte. In the name of God said Arthur, howe say you all my lords are ye agreed thereto also. And they all answered with one voice and said. sir we be right well content, and promise you faithfully, that ye shall haue help and aid of us, and of ours to the uttermost of our powers. well sirs said Arthur I thank you as heartily as I can for your good will, and as God help me, I shall bestow her in such a place, where as she shal be more better content than with the duke of orgoule, who would full gladly haue her, therefore fair lady Alyce come hither to me. Than the maiden rose and came to him. And he right lovingly took her in his arms and said unto her. fair lady Alyce from hence forth ye shall be my daughter, my cousin, and my love. cousin H●ctor arise and come hither to me. Then Hector came to him. And Arthur said to him, mine own good cousin Hector, I put you in possession of this fair maiden. And with great honour and joy, I freely give her to you, to haue in marriage, and all such richesse as we may gete of the duke of orgoule, yf it be our fortune for to dyscomfyte him as I trust to god we shall, and I give it freely unto you. And as unto you fair lady Alyce, sith he hath slain your father by false treason I promise to you, therfore his head for a recompense. sir said the damosel, humbly I thank you of that gift, for I had rather haue that than to be made a queen. But sir I requyer you tell me what is this gentle man, to which ye haue given me unto madam said Arthur as god help me he is of nigh lineage, and of great blood. For I ensure you he is sone and heir unto the earl of Bloys, who is a great Lord and a much redoubted. And when that the countess and her daughter, and all her lords herde that they were right glad and said howe that God had vy●yted them Than Hector right heartily thanked Arthur of his gyftt of the fair lady dame Alyce. And in the same hour they were fyaunced together. And than begau th●re a great feest and great joy was made throughout all the city. Than the tables were set to go to dinner. And when they were set they were right richly served. And after dinner they sported them together till it was time to go to their r●stes. In the next morning Arthur rose betimes and herde mass,& than went up to the palace. where he found all the barons redy appareled, and there was Hector and governar& sir oaths. Than Arthur said, fair lords I promised yesterday too the duke when I departed fro him that I should haue returned to him again the same night to show him the will and intent of my lady the countes, therefore I will go now to him al alone, and show him his answer. For all ye shall abide here still till I come again, therefore get me my harneys& so anon it was brought to him, and there he armed him. Than Hector said plainly he would go with him But Arthur bad him never speak therof yf he would haue his love and favour.   

¶ Howe that Arthur went● alone to the duke of Orgoule& gave him his answer& bade him abide no longer for the fair Alyce. For he shewed him how that he had given her to Hector his cousin. And how that he had promised to her his head because he slew her father by treason, with the which answer the duke was sore displeased, so much that there was between them a great battle. Cap. xxxiiii.  
 
THan when Arthur was mounted on his horse, he issued out of the city all alone. Than Hector said to governar and sir oaths. friends let us take our harneys, for I fear me masspriest Arthur thur shall haue somewhat to do or he come again. Ye haue right well said quod governar, and they armed them, and so dyde all the men of war that were in the city. And when they were all armed they went to the batylmentes of the walls to behold the demeanour of Arthur. Who as than had road so far that he descended sro his horse at the dukes tent. And there he said to the duke. sir verily I answer you how ye need not to tarry here ony longer for that fair lady Alyce, for certainly I ensure you I haue given her to my cousin Hector, and al the lo●d that belongeth to her both by father and mother, therfore sir in fair means I require you to depart hastily out of this country, and yf ye will not I haue promised to the fair damosel Alyce to render to her your heed in re●ompence because ye slew her father by false treason Than the duke was so sorrowful and replete with displeasure that of a grete space he could speak no word. Than the duke had by him a cousin germayne, who said to Arthur. Sir knight ye do great outrage to demand the head of my lord the duke, but by the faith that I owe unto him in the first place that ever I meet you in I shall make him a present of your heed. Ye sir said Arthur,& why will ye abide so long sith ye may do it now yf ye can, wherefore behold me I am here present, mount up shortly on your horse and ye shall soon meet with me. Ye say right well said the knight Get me my harneys, and so armed him. And Arthur than mounted on his horse and he espied well where there stood before the dukes tent a great spear the which he took in his hand, and withdrew him from the tent to abide the knight And so when the knight was armed he wart on his horse,& saw where Arthur was abiding for him. And Hecto● as he was vpon the wall of the city said to governar. sir it seemeth my cousin Arthur shal not come again without Iustes. Than the knight ran to Arthur and he to him, and they met so rudely that the knight broke his spear but Ar●thur hyt him so impetously that the spear heed entred into his heart, wherewith he fell down dead to the earth. And when the dukes knights being in their tentes saw him fall down dead they were sore displeased. And also this knight had. v, knights to his brethren in the dukes host, and they armed them all at ones to renne at Arthur.   

¶ How Hector& governar& sir oaths road out of the city well accompanied to rescue Arthur, who al alone assailed the duke of Orgoule and all his army. Capi. xxxv.  
ANd when hector saw them of the dukes host ran to their harneys he said unto governar, friend let us issue out shortly, And sir oaths delivered the chief standard of the city to sir Lyonet his nephew,& so issued out of the city in good order& well renged in battle. And when Arthur saw the foresaid five knights coming to him ward, he dashed his spurs into his horse& encountered so with the first that he thrust his spear through his body and so he fell down deade. Than he s●t his hand to his sword and struck therwith so the second that he claue his head nigh to his chin. And fro the thyrde he berafte his shoulder with the arm, for all together flew into the field. And when sir oaths saw such marvelous stroke as he gave, he said. saint marye what knight is this, he is the best of al the world● god defend him from any villainy, verily his stroke are greatly to be doubted, for they are right heavy. And when the duke saw his knights so slain all onely by one man, he was ●ighte sore displeased& cried fast to his knights sirs to har●eys. Than the most parte of the host ●hor●ly mounted vpon their horses and ran all vpon Arthur by plumpes▪ here .x. and▪ there .xx. And when Hector saw that he pricked forth his horse as rudely as though the thunder had driven him. And when sir oaths saw that he ran so hastily he said. By my faith it seemeth he will not recoil back again sythe he seeketh for his enemies so hastily. And Hector encountered the first so virtuously that he ran him throughout with his spear and so he fell down dead, and than he drew his sword and struck of the head of an other, and laid about him in the thickest of the press& gave such stroke that he slew knights and drove down horses that it was marvel to behold. And when Arthur saw him he smiled and said. A good cousin ye follow right well after your lineage. And governar at his ●ominge bet down all about him what so ever he at▪ ay●ed to, that it was wonder to behold. And wh● arthur saw them, he said I ought never to fail these knights sith they ●ake such pain to rescow me v●r●ly by the grace of god, I shall he●pe and aid them. And by that time th●re were aga●ns●e them many of the dukes knights, and Arthur struck among them that the first that he encountered he ●laue his visage down to his neck,& laid on so round about him that he made to f●ye into the field hands, arms, and heads and ●●euered sheldes, and vn●at●ed helms, and maimed many ●nyghtes and bet them down on every side so that he made all to tremble that were before him, for there was non that abode his stroke without death or grievous wounds. Than sir oaths had grete marvel of the nobleness of these knights, and specially of the chyualry of Arthur▪ and said to his nephew sir Lyonet. As god help me these knights▪ are able to discomfyte the duke& all his host without ony more help, and al this season the countesse and the fair lady Alyce her daughter were mounted on the wa●les of the city to behold the noble deeds of these .iii. knights. Than the lady said to her daughter Alyce, behold your lord and his companions, I trow there be noo moore such in all the world, behold how they drive asunder the grete preses▪ and how the knights f●ye before them for fear, but specially behold Arthur, who I think be chief flou●e of all chyualry, God of his grace hath well provided for us when he sent them into this country. right dere lady& moder said Alyce▪ me thinketh hector is well armed and demeneth himself right goodly. well daughter said the lady doth he please you. Ye ver●ly madam said she. Ye haue a good cause dougheer so to be, for among our enemies he is a good bocher of his hands. And by that time the duke hyms●lfe was come to that scarmysshe accompanied with .v. hundred men of war. ●nd than sir oaths and all the host of the city assembled together and fought with the duke, there began a great mortal b●tayle betw●ne both parties but the dukes company of the rite& therefore they suffr●d much pain in so much that sir oaths was overthrown& taken prisoner. And when that sir Lionet his nephew saw that, he let fall the chief banner which he bare. And when Arthur espied that, he was never so sorry And came to sir Lyonet and demaund●ded of him why he did let fall the banner. And he answered and said. Sir because mine uncle sir oaths was taken prisoner. Saint mary said arthur defend that, but where is he. As God help me sir he is led forth in yonder great press that ye se yonder. well said arthur lift up again the banner, for by the grace of god he shall be shortly rescued. Than Arthur dressed him thyderward, and met with Hector and governar, and said. sirs let us go rescue sir oaths who is taken prisoner. Than rushed they all in to the press, and arthur met so with the first that he cast him down to the earth stark dead,& laid so on every side that they made him a large way where so ever he went. And Hector and governar did greatly to be redoubted for they made great plenty of sadels to be avoyded, so that all that saw Arthur and his company said, these be noo men they be f●endes of hell, let us flee from them, for shane haue he the first brought them into this country. And when the duke saw these three knights do such wonders marvels in arms and slay so great plenty of his knights, he was so sore displeased that he was nigh therewith fro himself, and therewith dashed to Hector and struck him so rudely that he per●ed both his shield and his helm And when arthur felt that rude stroke he was not well content and lift up his sword and struck the Duke so fyerslye therwith that the sword sank throughout hauberte, shield, and helm, and entred deep into the flesh. In the mean time Arthur came to them, and there he saw the duke& Hector fiercely fighting together. Than Arthur struck the duke so sore that the arson of his saddle could not keep him but that he went to the ground. Than governar took the dukes horse and delivered it to Hector, for his own was sore wounded and very faint for bleeding and so H●●tor forsook his own and mounted therō hastily. Than the Dukes company came to rescue him, and so there began a sore and a terrible battle for there was many slain and sore wounded, but finally the duke with much pain was rescued and ●ight sore hurt, born he was into his tent. Than the night drew on so that both parties withdrew ech● fro other, the duke and his company went into their tentes, and Arthur and his fellowship repaired toward the city. And as they went they saw between the wood and the city the dukes seneshal going to make assault to the city with .iii. hundred men in harneys. And when sir oaths perceived, the Senesshal, he shewed him to arthur and said sir se yonder where as is sir Clarembaulte Seneshal to the duke going to assaylethe. verily said Arthur me thinketh it is very late, yet I will ride to him. A ●entil knight said sir oaths deal not to hardly with him, for he is a good knight& as gentel as ony liveth therfore it were great hurt yf he were slain, and sir your stroke are very hēuy, for there is none that can endure thē therefore sir for Goddes sake let sir Hector first encounter him. with a right good will said Hector,& so he sputred his horse& escryed the seneshal. And when he herde him like a good knight he raune at Hector and met so rudely that Hector overthrew him horse and man at the first course. Than his seruytoure ran to haue rescued him, but than Arthur and governar were there present and dealt among them such alms that it was wonder to behold,& with clene force Arthur took sir Cla●ēbault prisoner, and dyde incontinent sand him to the city unto the countess who was right glad of such a prisoner, and caused him to be unarmed in all hast and made him to mount vpon the wall with her for to behold how her knights did demean themself among there enemies, and there sir Clarembault saw how Arthur did marvels for he claue asunder sheldes,& drove down knights and cut of arms, hands and heads Also Hector and governar for their partes did marvelously well so that nothing endured before them. saint marye said Clarembaulte to the countess. madam where gete you these knights, for as god help me they are the best of all the world, for if ye had but these three knights they were able to chase out of your country the duke and all his host. sir said the lady god hath purveyed me of them. And finally Arthur, Hector, governar, and sir oaths did such marvels of arms that all the dukes company that were with sir Clarembaulte were clene discomfited, and there Arthur took .xl. prisoners and did sand them into the city, and other xl. fled and ran to the duke& all the men anaunt of .iiii. hundred were slain. And when they were before the duke& many of them sore hurt said. A sir it goeth ill with you and us, for sir Clarembault your senessall is taken prisoner, and .xl. other knights with him,& all the remnant slain, saving who be right ill dealt withal as ye may se. And the duke demanded of them who it was that had done that dede. As God help us sir it was three knights that was in the company with sir oaths, but we trow they be fiends and none earthly men. And when the duke herd this he waxed nigh mad for anger, and there swore how that he wolde never depart thence fro siege till he had hanged those three knights, and brent the countess and her daughter. Than incontinent he sent messengers out to his baylyues prouostes, and sent for his brother peter the cornu, who shortly came to him ward and brought with him .iiii. hundred men of war,& the Dukes great courser name as●ille,& this horse was such that there was none like him in al the world for he was name felawlyke to bucyfal the horse of Alexander the great, there was none that could mount on this horse but al only the duke and the varl●● that kept him, and both day and night h● was ever tied with four grete chains of yren.   

¶ How Arthur, Hector, governor,& sir oaths discomfited Peter the cornu, broder to the duke who was comen to him with .iiii. C. knights,& there this cornu was slain,& all his people slain and taken innkeepers. And how Arthur took the dukes horse name assyle, the best horse as than of the world. Capit. xxxvi.  
when that Arthur had taken sir Clarēbault the Dukes seneshal and discomfited all his people than he entred into the city, where as the people ran to welcome him& said. God keep thee in thy strength and virtue, and blessed be the hour that ever thou were born. So thus he camme to the palace where as the countesse and her daughter me●te him and demanded of him howe he did. And he said right well thanked be good and Alyce took Hector her lord and unarmed him. Than Arthur caused all such as were hurt of the innkeepers to be brought into the palace, and caused surgyens to search their wounds,& every day he wolde visit them three or four times, whereby he got him such love of every creature that they promised never to fail him as long as they lived. Than when arthur was unarmed, there was in his company Hector, governar and sir oaths. Than arthur took sir Clarembault by the hand, and said. sir make good cheer, for ye shall haue here no hurt yf I may keep you therefro, and verily ye shall haue here but a good prison. No sir said the countesse he shall haue no hurt here sith it please you the contrary, whereof he thanked them greatly, and all that ●uer herde arthurs words praised him much, and loved him therefore the better. Than they went to meet and Arthur and sir Clarembault sate both together Thus arthur and the hole army toiourned still without doing of any thing the space of a month, and by that time such as were hurt were recovered to health. And the duke and all his host in like wise lay still, for he abode for more company. so it fortuned that on a wednesday Arthur was risen betimes and had herde mass, and stood leanynge in a window and looked into the dukes host for to se the demenynge of his enemies, and in his company was Hector governar, and sir oaths and Clarembault. At the last Arthur beheld over the forest and espied where there came much people in harneys down from a grete mountain, he saw shyeldes and helms shine against the son& saw a great banner wavering with the wind, and Arthur than s●ewed this to his company. And at the last sir Clarembault knew the banner& said. sir these people that yonder cometh, are not for your profit, for it is Peter the Cornu, the dukes broder who is come to help him. well said Arthur he is welcome it may fortune he cometh to soon, therefore Hector friend, yf we abide and suffer him to assemble his company with the dukes host, we shall haue than much to do, therefore by my counsel let us go meet with them before in this foreste and let us show them what maner of people we be. sir as God help me said sir oaths ye haue right well deny●ed, therfore let us go arm us shortly. sir said Arthur cause all your people to arm them as rejoicingly as they can to thentent that they without may know nothing therof, and let us enter as privily as we can in to this foreste that we be no● espied of them that be coming, and so shall we be in hand with them or they be wa●e, and as he had d●uysed so it was ordained and done, and so road forth right rejoicingly in to this foreste and there departed their companies in busshementes till at the last their enemies were among them. Than espied sir oaths the dukes horse assyle, who was led in ha●d with his keeper▪ and shewed him to Arthur and said. sir behold yonder is ●he best horse of al the world. For he was never as yet weary for no labour, for who so ever sytt●th on him can take no hurt, he is so mighty and strong in the name of god said Arthur, the duke hath done right well to keep him so well for me so long as he hath done for by the faith that I owe to god I will go seek him incontinent Than Arthur dressed him toward the varier that led the horse and or he took any hede Arthur took him by the shoulders and cast him f●atte to the ground, than he took the hors● by the bridle and lyghily dyde leap on him, than Arthur assayed him in the field and found him right strong and light, whereof he was wondrously glad, and wolde not forge him for much gold and silver, and as Arthur thus proved his horse Peter the cornu the dukes broder espied him and ●anne and struck him behind vpon his ba●ke or that he was ware. And when Hector saw that he pricked forth toward him▪ and so each of them ran at other and met s●o rudely that Peter the cornu broke his spear, but Hector marked him so well that he put his sp●re throughout the body and so fell down deed● yn the same place. And when that P●ter that cornues men saw that they assail●d Hector on all sides& enclosed him among them and wounded so his horse that he fell down under him, but he anon wart vpon his feet and nobly defended him so that none durst approach nere him, but than they dyde cast at him knyues and swords and other wepens and so wounded him in diverse places. At the last governar espied him and said to Arthur. sir for goddes sake go and succour Hector your cousin who is nigh at a g●ete mysch●f●. And when Arthur herde that he spurred his noble horse assyle and wart fu●th .xv. fo●e of plain ground, and so rushed in among them that were in hand with Hector, and, encountered so ●he first that he claue him now●e to the chy●ne, and ●an other he carved his heed to his teeth, and made hede arms, and hands fly into the fyelde●& therwith all the hole company da●te together, whereas there was than a teryble battle. At the last governar gate a good horse and brought him straight to Hector who mounted shor●ly thereon and dashed in to the press and there did marvels of arms, for he confounded all that ever he attained unto. And Arthur and governar did marueyles for their parte, and sir oaths and ●is company were not behind, but they did full nobly and so finally Arthur and his company bait them so well that all their enemies were discomfited, and ●here were taken innkeepers beyond .iii. score the which were led in to the city of ●r●wle,& many fled away sore wounded and a grete nombre of them were slain. And than Arthur and his fellowship returned to the city, and there the countess received them right conrteysly with grete joy and triumph. And when and knew howe the dukes broder was slain, and assyle the good horse won, she had great joy ●●erof, and said to Arthur. A sweet friend ye overcome mine enemies one after another. Than sir Clar●bault was right sorrowful when he knew of the death of sir Peter the cornu,& said a duke ye haue had but an ill acquaintance with this won but lyt●e thereby, and I sere me ye are like to lese more. A good Peter the cornu god haue mercy on thy soul. And thus hē dem●aned grea●e sorrow▪ and Arthur did as much as he could for to comfort him. And such as were escaped from the battle fled to the duke and shewed him how that his broder Peter the cornu was slain,& his men slain and taken, and his good horse assyle taken a●d led into the city of B●ewle. wherewith the duke was so sorrowful that he could not sustain himself but fe● down in a trance, and when he revived he said. A swetee broder dere, haue ye bought the seeking of this countess sith ye haue lost your life for her, than he commanded that the body of his broder should be fet and carried to the city of orgoule, and so it was done, and there he was solempny buryed● and the duke bewepte the death of his brother the space of .viii. dayes continually.   

¶ Howe that Arthur and his company utterly dyscomfited the duke and struck of his head, and did send it by governar to the fair lady Alyce and to her moder as he had promised before. Cap. l. xxxvii.  
 
AT the end of .viii. dayes the duke commannded that all his people should be armed and ready appareled to fygher to thentente to make assault to the city whereat he said he wolde be himself. And when Art●ur he●de all that noise without in the dukes host,& saw every man in barneys, he kn●we rygh● well thereby how they intended to auale the city. Than he called to hi● ◇〉 governar and sir oaths ● said. friends let us arm us and al out 〈◇〉 and let us go for to encounter t●e Luke who is coming to assail this city. A my lord Arthur said sir oaths for goddes sake be well aduys●d what ye do, for they be a great multytud of people, and a great part of our men be sore wounded and as ye● not through ho●e, therfore sir by mine advise we shall not issue out but let us defend this city wit●in. A sir said Arthur yt god pl●a●ed, we will haue none such●●●proche therfore let us issue 〈◇〉, and go into this grea●e wood joining to the or ●hes or out town ty●l our enemies be come to the wal●es, than let us assemble and fight with them. And when we shall se our time we may yf need be w●draw us a●ayne into this eyee in the spite of them all. sir said Hector relay right well, so let it be done. Than there was souned a great horn& by the noise therof every man in the city ran to th●yr hernayes such as was able, and so they all issued out, and all they passed not the nombre of two hondre haubd. And when they were issued ●ut they went between the forest and the dyches so that they were not espied of none of the Du●es host. And anon Arthur appert●y●ed where they came four hundred haub●●des well arrayed for the war and .xxiiii crossbows,& also he sa●e a marvelous grete banner wavering with the wind, and dyde show it to sir oaths. And when he saw it he knew it right well and said. Now gentle knights be merry, for this banner is pertaining to sir G●ce broder To my lady the countess, who is come out of the land of neorlande for to sucour my lady. well good friend said Arthur, ride on afore& know the truth whether it be he or not. And than sir oaths road for the agreate place and approached nere unto sir G●ce, and made a token of peas. And when they saw each other, they put of their helms and made To each other grete feest and joy. Than sir Gace demanded how it went with the war of his sister and of the duke, and who as than had th● b●●ter. As god help me said sir oaths as yet we haue the better and the over hand, thank●d be god, and that is by the reason and aid of three knights that god I trow hath sent unto us, for above al other knights they are full strong and mighty, and yonder knight that ye may se sitting on assyle which was the dukes good horse is the chief sovereign knight of all the world, for his chyualry surmounteth all other, ●or this is he that one day did dyscomfyte the duke, and also he hath taken sir Claremb●u●t prisoner and discomfited all his rout and also hath won the dukes horse assyle as ye may se, for he is mounted on his back, and that other knight that is by him is his cousin, and he slew on a day Peter the cornu the dukes broder. Also this knight that lytteth on assyle the good horse hath promised to my lady your sister a●d to her daughter the head of the duke because he slew by false treason my lord her husband. God that all thing formed said sir Gace give him power to accomplish his proneness let us tide to them. So than they road forth and all his rout. And when Arthur saw them he d●dde of his helm and spured forth assyle his horse and came to sir Gace, and each of other made grete joy& feast. Than sir Gace thauned Arthur tight hersely of the pain that he hath taken in his miters warres. sir said Arthur, I trust this day we shall perform all the matter, for I know well the duke is gone to assail the city. therefore me thinketh it were good that he were nobly withstand, therfore after my mind let us depart our company in twain, therefore sir yf it please you ye shall haue in your company my cousin Hector, governar, and sir oaths, and ye shall go along vpon these dyches& so encounter out enemies face to face,& I and my company shal come in behind thyr tentes, so that when ye be in hand with them I will be at their backs, whereby ye shall se them so abashed that thereby they shal lese the best half of their hardiness. sir ye haue right well devised the matter said sir Gace, and so they departed each fro other,& sir Gace Hector governar& sir oaths road forth tog●der so covertly that the duke nor none of his kn●we nothing therof. And so the duke wh●● he came to the fortunes of the city he appareled himself and all his men to begin the assault& therwith sir Gace& his company fel on them fiercely Than Hector sput●ed his horse& encountered the goster, who was a great office of the dukes and struck him so rudely that he pierced his heart, and so he fell down dead to the earth before the duke than Hector set his hand to his sweede and gave the duke such a stroke that he was fain for to stoupe down unto the neeke of his horse. Than the dukes men fell on Arthur on all sides, but he defended him like a noble man. Than governar for his parte bet down knights on all sides. And when sir Gace saw him do so well he praised him greatly in his heart, than he and all his company freshly ran vpon the dukes host, howe be it the dukes company were far above his, wherefore he endured much pain. And when Hector saw that he was right sorrowful, and spurred his horse and abandoned himself among his enemies, and governar in like wise, who gave such stroke that he confounded that ever he attained unto till at the last his horse failed vnderneth him and fell to the ground, and than his enemies fell vpon him on all sides but he fought so fiercely that none durst approach to him, for he confounded all that ever he attained unto, and sir Gace followed him as nere as ever he could, but for all that governar was so overmatched that he was taken prisoner, and x. other knights pertaining to the company of sir Gace, and so they were led toward the dukes tent, and at that time Arthur was among the tentes cutting of ropes, betynge down of pauylyons, and at the last, he espied governar where as he was led forth like a prisoner, wherewith Arthur was right sore displeased,& rushte in among them, and the first that he encountered with▪ he departed life and body asunder and he smote the heed from an other, and so than by the help of sir Gace they brought to death al those that led forth sir governar, and so remounted him again vpon another horse. Than Arthur struck so in the press that he drove asunder sheldes, and frushed to death all that ever he touched, so that all fled before him, for there was none which durst abide him without that he wolde receive his death, and that sir gace saw right well and said. A good lord what knight is this, I think there is not his pere in all the world. Than sir oaths and governar and their company laid on with so grete and so heny stroke that they might well be hard a grete space and the dukes people were fore afraid when they perceived how they were assailed on al partes both before and behind and Hector by fortune encountered the duke and struck him so sore that he struck away a grete piece of his harneys and caused him to recoil nigh to his horse crope, and when the duke felt that stroke, he struck again Hector so fiercely that he claue his shield and pierced through his harne●s but as his fortune was it dyde not entre into the flesh, and so there was a great battle between them, but the great press of both parties did depart them, and as Arthur went serchinge the great and thick preses he found where sir Gace was on foot defendynge himself right valyauntlye, and Goue●nar was there doing his pain to rescue him, but the press was so grete that they endured much pain, but Arthur struck yn the thickest among them so fyers●● that he overthrew knights by hepas,& dyde such nobleness in arms that it was wonder to consider and so he remounted again sir Gace yn the spite of all his enemies. Than the dukes company began to wax feeble, and when the duke perceived that he was right sorrowful, and so it fortuned him to encounter with sir hector, who had betē down in his sight two of his knights, and ther with he struck hector so fiercely that ni● with the same stroke he was sore astonied, but Hector struck him again so virtuously on the helm that he struck in to it .iiii. fingers deep and right sore wounded him on the head where with he was brought in to a trance,& his horse bare him all about he wist not where. And at last he came before the sight of arthur and as sone as he saw him he wist well it was the duke, and struck him so rudely between the neck and the head, that his headfell on his horse neck, and governar took and received it. Than Arthur said. governar I will ye go bear this dukes head to the countess, and to her daughter Alyce,& show them how I do send it to them in accomplyshyng of my promise made to them. sir said governar with a right good will,& so departed fro the host& entered into the city. And anon the tidings ran all about the city how that governar had brought the dukes head to the countess fro arthur,& so al the people ran to se the dukes head, and range all the belles in the city for joy of the victory that god had sent them. And when governar had made his present to the countesse, she received it with great joy& said to governar. sir I thank heartily this knight for his present, and you for your labour,& for this message I give you dorge my castle for ever. madam {quod} governar, and god will I shall not take house nor land of no creature without the consent of my lord Arthur. And when sir Clarembaulte saw the head of the duke his master, he made right great sorrow, and so entered into his chamber, and there he demeaned right great dolour. Than governar returned again to arthur, and thanked him much from the countess and from her daughter. And by that time Arthur had done so much that all the Dukes company were clean by scomfyred as such people that had no sovereign, wherefore they fled on all sides, and Hector and governar did chase them,& so brought many of them to their death.   

¶ How Arthur and his company went to the city of orgoule for to take it by force, but the Bourgeyses thereof brought unto him the keys, and didde unto him homage and so did all the nobles of that country as unto their chief sovereign lord. Capit. xxxviii.  
 
ANd when the battle was ended Arthur came unto sir Gace& said. sir let as go to the tentes of the duke and cause all that we find there to be brought into the city& therwith we may pay all our people for I am sure we shall finde there right grete richesse. In the name of god said sir gace so let us do. And so than every thing that was found thece, was brought into the city. And than they all entered in to the town with all their pray. Than all the dwellers in the city ran to A●thur and said with one voice, welcome be ye the best knight of al the world, who hath delivered us from our enemies, therfore god that all thing hath formed increaseth you both honour and valour. Than the gates of the city were set open every man to go& come who would. And when Arthur was come in to the palace the countess encountered and embraced him and kissed him and said. Sir ye haue delivered this city& earldom fro their enemies, and haue right well revenged the d●th of my lord, therfore blessed be the hour that ever ye were ●grne. Than she made great cheer to sir Gace her broder. And the fair maiden Alyce made much of her lord Hector. Than Arthur demanded for sir Clarembault sir said the countesse he is in his chamber, whereas he maketh the greatest sorrow of all the world for the death of the duke his lord. As god help me said Arthur he doth therein like a noble wise man. I love him ●herfore the better. Than he took sir Gace by the hand and said. sir let us goose and and comfort him. So they went and found him weeping and making great sorrow. Than arthur said to him. A gentle knight wherefore do ye thus sle yourself for that duke who was but a fals tratoure and a shameful murderer, therfore gentle friend app●se your mind I require you, for as God help me ye shal haue an other lord good and true who shall love you and set you in grete honour. Than he called to him Hector and said. Good cousin, keep comp●ny here with sir C●●rembault and comfort him and here after think on him, when yt shall ly● in your power so to do. Than Arthur and all the other went and unarmed them, and than they all went in to the hall, and there Arthur beheld sir Gace whom he liked right well, for he was a marvelous fair knight. Than Hector came thither and brought with him sir Clarembault. And wh●n Arthur saw him he cleped and kissed him and made to him right grete there Than Arthur took the countess apart and sir Clarembault, and sir oaths,& sir Gace, Hector, and governar,& said to sir Gace. ye be broder here to my lady& uncle to the fair Alyce her daughter, therfore I will ye know certainly that by the free will of my lady the countesse here present, and also by the assent of her daughter, and of all her Barons this fair lady Alyce is freely given to my cousin Hector, how be yt I will that ye know that he is a gentle man, and sone and air unto a right mighty and puissant lord the earl of bloys, therfore I show you this to know your mind whether ye will agree to this marriage ●r no●. In the name of god said sir Gace, yf there were no more in h● but all onely his noble chyualry he is worthy to haue a much better than she is,& therfore I accord thereto with me heart well sir said Arthur sith that y● bee agreed the matter is the better. sir it is so now this duke hath his reward for his trespass& ye haue here much people, and also my lady hath grete plenty of men of war now here yn this city, and in the country about, and sowd yours will come to us daily yf we n●de, therfore by mine aduyce we shall go in to the dukes country for I will conquer all that land, for I hau● promised it to Hector my cosyn●& sir yf we need of ony succour or aid, I promise you I shall cause to come to us a king and .iii. grete erles with al their mights, so that it will be hard to nombre them. Than sir Gace said, noble Arthur behold me here I will be the first and all that I can make is and shall be at your commandment, and I shall follow you withall my heart. And all that I can make said the countess shall bee redy to attend on my right dere sone in lawe noble Hector your cousin,& he shall haue all my power to follow your commandment madam said Arthur I thank you. Than they left their counsel and went to m●te, where as they were richly served And after meet Arthur dyde visit all them that were hurt. Than Arthur and the countess and all other barons and knygh●es went in to the hall, and there Arthur departed all such treasure that was won at the battle against the duke,& gave to every body so largely that every man was right well content. Than the countesse sent out her commandment to all her subgectes such as might bear harneys, eythrr on hors●acke or on foot to come to her in all the hast poss●ble. And sir Gace dyde in likewise on his pa●te, and so thither came so wd yours on every side, and there they all assembled together the monday before in m●wdel●yne tide under the city of Brewle. And by that time such as were hurt were recovered to health,& al thing necessary was redy to remove And a month after that the duke was slain Arthur and Hector took leave of the countess and of Alice her daughter and commanded that all the boast would take the next way to the city of orgoule And than Arthur mustered his people, and found how there were two. M. horsmenn and .viii. hundred on foot, so they road forth toward the country of orgoule. But when the gentlemen of that country understood howe that Arthur came on them with banners displayed,& saw well howe they had no captain, sythe the Duke and his brethren and cousins were all slain at the siege of Brewle, and they knew well howe Arthur had done al this. Than they assembled them together in the city of orgoule and there took counsel what they might best do At the last they concludid and said how that they were weary and hurt and lost all that ever they had in the last bata●●l of Brewle, both their goods, their ●aders, their sons, their nephews, their friends, and all their lineage, and therfore they said they had lost enough, wherefore they were of purpose to Ieoparde no ferder, and finally concluded not to defend their country fro Arthur but utterly to yield all unto him for they said they knew well though they would th●y were not of that power to resist against his noble chivalry. And of this accord was al the bourgeyses of the city and so by common accord they sent certain messengers unto Arthur desiring him if it were his will that he should do noo hurt to their country for they were in mind to yield all to him, and to receive him as their chief lord. And when Arthur herde that he was right joyful and commanded incoytinent throughout al his host that no man vpon pain of death be so hardy to hurt any creature of that country. And so long they road till at the last they arrived at the city of Orgoule. And all the gentle men of that city burgesses& other when they perceived that he was nere to the city they all issued out unarmed and received him with great joy, and yielded to him the keys of the city,& gave him full possession of all the country. Than all the host lodged without, Arthur and a certain with him entred into the city, and so remained there three dayes.   

¶ Howe Arthur made his cousin Hector duke of Orgoule by the assent of all the lords of that country. Cap. xxxix.  
THan arthur called before him al the lords and Barons of that realm and said. sirs ye haue rendered here to me this city and all the hole country, therfore it is right and necessity that ye haue a lord and governor over you there ore I will give you one I ensure you right puissant both of hauoyre& of friends, who is Hector here my dere cousin, therefore make him Duke of all this country, and I will ye do him homage, and sir Clarembault I will that ye begin first, and here I release you of your prysonynge. verily sir said he I am right well content so to do sith my lord is dead and having none eyres to whom his land should succeed, and so he rose and didde homage to Hector, and after him so did all other, and took him for their duke& sovereign lord. Than Arthur sent to Brewle for the countess and Alyce her daughter ●o thentent that Hector and she should be married together within the city of Orgoule,& when she was come the marriage was made between them with great triumph and joy the which endured .xv. dayes, and at the end of the .xv. dayes all the host departed every man in to his own country. And than Arthur called ●o him Hector, sir Gace, sir Clarembault, sir oaths and Goue●nar and said. sir Gace behold here dkue Hector my cousin, who hath wedded your niece, therfore ought ye to love him fro henceforth. And ye sir oaths she is your cousin, therfore I beseech you love Hector,& bear to him faithful truth,& if so be his people happen to rebel against him socou●& help him for now fro hens forward● ye are boun●e thereto. And cousin Hector if ony war fall unto you send for me into the country of S●roloys whether I am purposed to go, and I shall incontynent● come to you. And sir Clarembaulte I put my cousin Hector into your hand●s, therfore I desire you k●pe to him your faith and trouth as ye haue promised▪ and you shal love you& put his chief trust always in your wisdom. sir I shall said sir Clarembaulte bear to him faithful alliance and love as to my sovereign lord and so he did ever after, for he was a true knight. Than Arthur said to Hector, cousin deal wisely among your lords and subiectes, and than wall ye do right well, and now to god I commend you And when Hector herde that he said sir God not displeased there is neither land nor wise shal hold me but I will go with you▪ ye shall not do so said Arthur, therfore keep well your land, and acquaint you with your barons& when I return again I will come by you And so arthur t●ke leave of the countess and of Alyce her daughter duch●ss● of orgoule, and of al other knights who offered to go with him, but in no wise h● wolde none, and so took with him but all onely governar. jaket and Bawdwyn, and duke Hector& sir Gace& many other conveyed him .ii. dayes on his Iournay, than Arthur took leave of them and they re●ourned right sorrowful for his departing& went to orgoule whereof Hector was than duke,& earl of Breule by his wife,& he demeaned himself so nobly that he gate the love of all his lords,& kept his land in grete peas and tranquylyte,& great love there was between him and the fair lady Alyce his wife. Now let us leave to speak of Hector till another season,& let us speak of Arthur.   

¶ Howe that Arthur& governar departed asunder, and of the terrible aduentur●s that each of them found or they met again. Cap. xl.  
when Arthur was thus departed fro H●ctor his cousin, who was as than duke o● Orgoule, he and his company road so long till they had passed m●ny strong countries right wild and s●uag●,& among other they past the land of constantinoble,& of armice. And at last entred in among the great mountains the which were between the empire of ynde the more and the realm of So●oloys, there they arrived in to a much savage& wild place where as there were many grete wild beasts of dyvers kinds,& the last they issued out of that forest and entred into a fair green meadow, where as they saw standing a great toure●& thither they went and found a young squire who was lord of that place: who received them that night and made them ●yght good cheer& after supper they stood in a window than the squire demanded of Arthur whether he was going. I will go ever forward said A●thur till I se my time to return again. sir said the squire I demanded it of you for none ill, sir behold yonder before you where as ther lieth a forked way, the path that lieth on the right hand is mortal, for there is none that entereth into that way but shortly he received death,& that I know well, for as yer there was never none that ever went that way that returned again,& sir as for the other way that lieth on the lift hand is good enough, and without jeopardy, for that is the redy passage in to the country of ynde the more. Than arthur demanded of him what was the cause that the other way was so mortal and Ieopardous. sir said the squire I can not tell you the trouth, but as it is said it is the way to a castle ●he which is so strong and adventurous, that none scapeth there without death, how be it, it is said that a knight shall at the last acheue it& fordoo all the adventures of that place, the which are right grete and marvelous, but it is thought that knight is not yet born, sir I wote not what I should sa●, but I know well that all such as hath gone thither never came again, wherefore I know well that they be all dead, and this said strong castle is name the norte noyre. We●l good friend said Arthur, is there none other passage to this castle but by this Ieopardous way. Yes sir said that squire for this grete way that ye se on the lift hand, the which goeth to ynde the more▪ and when ye come ●hyder than there is another way the which will bring you straight to the castle of blaun●he floure, and from thence ye shall haue a redy passage to the city of argence,& than when ye be there every man can show you the nex● way to the castle of the por●● noyre, ●u● sir w●ich way som●uer a man g●●a thither he never cometh again well said arthur all must be as god will haue it. ●nd therewith he called governar and said. friend it is conue●ient now that we depart asoder● for ye shal go the way through ynde the more, and so repair the next way that ye can to the port noyre,& I will go by the way that lieth on the righ● hand all onely saving I will haue with me Bawdewin an● ye shall haue with you jaket, than governar and said. sir and god will ye shall not go to your dethward, but& ye nigh I will in like wise suffer death with you. A sir said the squire for Gods sake go ye not that way, nor think it not for it is a great folly, for I ensure you ye shal die or ye c● obtain to pass through that passage, for there is as it is said a fell griffon greatly to be redouted that keepeth short an eagle of gold. And when arthur herde speaking of the eagle of gold and of the griffon he remembered his vysion that he had or he went out of his own country, wherefore there was none that could turn his purpose, yet governar did as m●che as he could for to change his mind but finally he said friend governar if ye love me speak no more of the matter, for as I haue devised so ●hall it be without fail. And when governar herd that he was in his mind right sore displeased and said. sir I haue nourished and served you sythe the beg●ny●ge of your tender youth, and wy●l ye than deseuer me now from your company, also I haue for your sake lost mine own country,& all my friends, sir in good trouth ye deal with me right hardly and ye do as ye say▪ howe shall I return again to my lord your father yf ye die in this adventure, certainly nay for I will never return home again for all the gold of the world, but I shal slea my self yf I may know any oth●rwyse of you than good. well 〈◇〉 arthur speak no more th●rof, ●or ● will that i● shall be thus. And when Goue●n●r perceived that his mind was so 〈◇〉 fixed he durs●e mo●● him no more of ●he matter for fear of his displeasure and 〈◇〉 as for that night they went to their res●●● and in the morning early wart on the●● horses& so departed,& that squire brought them parte of their way,& then and quethed them to god,& so retourn●d again: and than at this said for●ed way ●rthur and Bawdewyn departed fro governar and jaket and took the way on the right hand, and Gouer●ar and jaket road forth the way on the lift hand. now as for a ●eason let us leave arthur riding forth on his good horse assyle and Badewyn with him, and let us a while speak of governar& jaket.   

¶ How governar after that he was departed fro Arthur found in a great ●orest two knights armed who had 〈◇〉 and wounded an other knight and wolde haue rau●shed his sister, and now be r●scowed her and did vanquys●●● all her enemies. Capi. xli  
governar after he was departed fro arth●r road .ii. day●s without finding o● ony adventure& on the third day he entred into a grete foreste by the 〈◇〉 that he had riden two leges he found a knight lying on the erath,& one of his hands landmen of,& sore wounded in the back& gr●nynge right piteously. And when governar saw him he demaunhed what he ailed and who had so hurt him. A sir said he thus hath arrayed me two armed knights who are brethe●ne and it is now but a year paste sith they s●ewe my father and my broder by false treason because of a sister of mine that they wolde haue had by force, and as now I was conueyeng her ●ro her vncles place where as she hath been ever sythe the death of her father,& I had thought now to haue brought her to my place, but sir these .ii. knights unhappily had knowledge thereof, and so lay in wait for me and for her, and so thus as ye se they haue arrayed me, for they were armed, and I was without harneys, and also they haue lead away my sister to then●ente to defoul her dyrgynit●, whereof I am more sorofull than of mine own hurt therfore gentle knight I require you yf ye may keep her from villainy do it for goddes sake. which way are they gon said governar and how far by likelihood are they past. sir said the knight they are ry●en yonder way& are not as yet past the mountenaunce of a lege. jaket good friend said governar stop the wounds of this knight and tarry here still with him till I come again to you, and so road forth as fast as he could till at the last he espied them in a fair valley,& herde well the damosel how she cried for help and made grete lamentation, for one of the knights held her to the encene to haue had his pleasure of her, and when governar herde the cry so he said. A fa●se knight I charge the touch her not, for I will defend her in the ●●ede of her brother, than one of these knights wart on his horse,& without speaking of ony word can fye●sly at Goue●nar& broke his spear, but governar hyt him so eagerly that he dashed his spear in to his body more than a foot,& so he fell down dead▪& when the o●her knight that held the damosel saw his broder slain& perceived well that governar was coming toward him with his sword drawn in his hand, he had than so g●ete fear that he kneeled down to the earth and cried him mercy. certainly said gouarnar thou ge●t●st no mercy, but as this damosel will co●maunde so shal it be than sir said the damsel he shal lose his head, for he slew my father,& as they thus talked together there came to them the wounded knight& jaket with him, than this knight said unto governar. A gentle knight I require ●ou give me this fals knight traitor& murderer who hath slain my father& my broder& hath maimed me. Take him to you said governar, for it ple●eth me right well. Than the wounded knight said to his servants, who as than were come to him fro his own house I charge you take this traitor& lead him to my tour,& the●e I shal do rightful judgement on him. Than Gou●rnar took leave of them& commanded them to god. And the wounded knight would fain haue had him to haue tarried all that night with him in his house, but in no wise he could make him to abide, but so they departed each from other▪ and the wounded knight went to his own place, and there did rightful judgement on his prisoner according to his deserving.   

¶ How that governar came to a strong castle called the brosse,& vanquished the knight that kept it. And howe that afterward he was kept in that castle against his will in grete danger of death till at the last Arthur delivered him as ye shall here hereafter. Ca. xlii.  
THus when governar was departed from the wounded knight& fro the damosel he road forth the same day so long till it was full none than he issued out of the wild foreste& found a fair mddowe and saw before him a marvelous fair castle, round about the which he well pe●ceyued how that there were pight fresh tentes and goodly pauylyons and also he saw many bright helms shining against the son, also he well beheld how that there was pight en the mids of the field a grete per●on whereon there was hanginge a rich and a goodly shield than governar restend himself a good space to regard al these foresaid things. And whan the knights that were within the tentes and pauylyons saw him so standing in a muse, a, xii. of them well armed mounted on their horses and went to him where as he stood& right goodly did salute him and said. Sir it behoveth you to render your truage the which is due& accustomed to be had in this place. why sirs said governor& what is that. sir said they ther is no knight that passeth by this place but or that he depart he must strike at this fair shield and also must just against him that is owner therof and sir the maner is such of this place that yf the knight within overcome him without, than he that is so overcomen shall lese his horse and his harneys, and shall be lead on foot to the iuge limited for this case, who shal cause to be openly proclaimed and to be said, behold the knight that is vaynquished,& yf the knight stranger overcome him that is within than it shalbe done by him as we haue devised to you here before,& than the knight stranger that so hath overcome him shal be lord of this castle, and of the fair lady that is within it and than all we shall be his servants to love and to keep him as our chief lord. In the name of god said governar this said justice I will not refuse, but as for the signorye of this castle and the abiding therein I re●ese freely yf god send me the victory. Than all those that were in the pauylions mounted on their horses all armed, who were well to the nombre of two hundred, and al they came about governar and said Sir ye must just at this shield. Than governar spurred his horse& gave the shield such a stroke that it might well be herde a grete distance of, and therwith the knight within the castle issued out al armed▪ and whan governar saw him come they ran each at other, and the knight gave governar a grete stroke and broke his spear, but governar struck him so rudely that he ba●e him to the earth over his horse tail and bruised sore with the fall his lift arm, so that he could not remounte again on his horse without help,& when all the other knights saw that they took and unarmed him, and led him forth on foot to a city there by, and there he was rendered to the justice, and incontinent it was proclaimed throughout al the streets in the town, behold here the knight that is vanquished. And so than they took governar and brouhht him with grete joy into the castle, and than there encountered him a fair damosel, who was lady of the castle, who said. sir ye be welcome to this place, and I require you be nothing dismayed, for sir here shall you be served and be byloued as these lord of all this place and sir one thing I ensure you ye shall be in as good surety of your body as ever I shall be or mine own body, but sir ye mu●t abide still with me here the space of two yeres, wyt●oute so be that an other knight overcome you, as ye haue done hy● which was lord here last. A fair lady said governar yf godwyl I shall not abide here the space of five dayes. well sir said the lady it will be none otherwise, therefore be content therewith. well madam said governar my trust is better. But for al that it was not according to his will, for as soon as he was entred into the castle, the brydges were drawn up and kept with .xl. knights, to thentent that he should not escape, but always he was served richly with many goodly squires, who did nothing elles but pleasauntely served him always, but for all that they could do, in noo wise they could please him, sith he might not go seek for his lord Arthur, how be it he wolde not for sh●me suffer any other knight to vaynquysh him, yet many knights came thither, but ever he overcame them all. Thus governar abode there a long space, till a● the last Arthur delivered him Now let us leave to speak of governar,& ●etourne again to Arthur.   

¶ How that Arthur conquered the castle of the port noyre by his prows and slew all them that kept it, and how after that he entred into the walls of the palace, where he was assailed of two grete and horr●ble lions and of a grete grant,& how he overcame them all with grete pain, and ac●eu●d all the merua●llous adventures of the castle▪ the which are right wondrous to rehearse. Cap. xliii.  
when that Arthur was departed fro governar he took the way on the erghte hand, and so road forth .iii. dayes without finding of ony adventure or ony maner of house or place how be it by the counsel of his host he took with him sustenance for himself and for his horse for the space of three or four dayes, and thus he passed by many valleys and mo●ntaynes, so that he had his horse were right weary,& on the fourth day he found an hideous river deep& perfound, the banks were so hye fro the water that he could not se it run, that which water roared and brayed& r●n so swyf●ely that none might pass without drowning, and in certain places it was full of grete and mighty rocks, the which were of such height, that fro the valley bynethe the top of them might vnnethes be sene, the which rocks were so full of vermyn, that all the river thereby stank abhomynably. At the last Arthur found a little way along by the ryue●s side on the lift hand, in the which he road so long till it was hye none,& than he espied a little straight way b●twene two mountains the wh●che w●re of a marvelous height, than he found ● little narrow bridge over this river the which with much pain he passed over, than he entred in to a straight causy made of ston wherein he road forth, and on every hand of him all was but grete ma●esses and foul stinking waters, the which way brought h●m straight unto the port noyre, the which was the strong●st castle of all the world, and so when he came to the bridge& gate therof, there he found .xii. knights all armed on ho● back .vi at the one end of the bridge, and. v●. at the other end and At the gate there were .xii. other knights on foot holding hatches and mazes of st●le in their hands to the●ment ●o keep that none sho●de entre in to the castle& above o● the ●a●by●n●s& bowleweckes there stood men of war with cros●ow●s and other w●pens to defend the place. And al this season in the mount perilous was master steven clerk to the fay●e Florence daughter unto the mighty king of Soroloys emendus who had lain there nigh the space of a year to abide the coming of that knight that should acheue al the adventures of that castle and in his company was the c●stable y● kept the palayses& walls without the castle of the port noyre,& than master steven knew by his bo●es& cunning of astronomy that the knight should come the same day, therfore he& his company mounted on the walls of the palace to se how the knygh●e should do that was as than come to gate y● of the castle of the port noyre. And when the fyest vi. knights saw Arth●r they took their sheldes& speces. Than Arthur said to Bawdewyn friend I haue need now to take good hede therfore tari you h●re without,& le● me alone with them, Than these .vi knights ran all at ones ●n Arthur on the bridge and struck him with spears& swords, but for all that he felt no hurt, but he encountered so with the first that his spear did glide through his body,& so he fell ●owne dead and the spear break, and with the ●ronch●n thereof he struck the second so curteisly that he oue●threwe both horse and man& fell b●s●de the bridge into the water, and when he had thought to haue releu●d him self ag●yne out of the water than Baw●wyn cast him down again into the river, so there he was drow●ed, than Bawdewy● took his spear and brought to Arthur, wherewith he strake an other knight so rudely that the head of ●he spear pierced his heart and so f●ll down head,& when the .vi. ●ther k●●ghtes saw that their .iii. fellows were ●●ay●e they ●●edde back again over the bry●ge and went to their fel●wes at the bri●ge fo●e,& Arthur followed them& his sw●●de in his hand,& struck one of them that he claue him to the shoulders, than al the remena●● ran at ones at him, but he defended himself valyaun●ly● as he that noo thing feared, f●r such was his maner, the more he had to do, the g●●ater g●ewe his strength and courage, ● so he put himself between them and the gate, because of them that were on the ●alles● for they did him much trouble and assailed him on all sides,& ever r●ght noblye he defended himself and gave such stroke that he made to fly into the f●l●e heads arms and hands,& who so ever he felled to the earth, never rose again, for Bawdwyn took them by the legs& did cast them over the bridge down into the river whe●in they were drowned, than Arthur began ●o chafe and wax angry● and laid on so fast round about him that finally he slew them all save two, who fled in at the gate and thought so for to haue es●aped But Arthur hasted him so fast● after them, that he str●ke of one of their heads, and as ●he other s●●uped to haue entred in at the gate Arthur struck h●m so fyerslye on the back that he c●aue him nigh asunder, than they that w●re on the bowle●erk●●s& on the wailes did cast at him many grete stones and ot●er we pens, but they could do him n●ne hu●te because that he was so nere to the gate Than w●ā the other .xii. knights whic●e were ●n fo●e within the gate saw the dyscomfyture of their .xii. fellows that were on horseback done al onely by one man, they were right sorrowful and so ran out all at ones at him with grete hatches in their hands& when arthur saw them he feared greatly ass●le his good horse, therefore he alygh●ed& delivered him to Bawdewyn& bad him go tie him without the brige fore, than arthur encountered so with the first that he made his head to fly in to the fyeld, and the second he gave such a stroke that he claue his head nigh to the teth●. And when master Steu● who was on the walls of the p●lays saw the noble prows of Arthur& the great strok●s that he gave said to his company, verily behold yonnder is the noblest knight of the world, it is he that shall acheue the adventures of this place● it is the same knight that we haue tarried he●e for so long,& ever A●thur fiercely fought among this people and bet them down one after an other, and among them there was one so gre●e& big as though he had been a g●a●nt, who ran at Arthur,& or he was war● t●ke him by the legs and pulled h●m so fy●●●ly that they fell down both togyd●r to the earth but Arthur fel vnderneth the grete churl, and than one of the other knights whan he saw Arthur lie on the earth he lift up his axe& thought to haue stricken Arthur on the head but in th●●● hurt ●ing together the stroke light on the grete devil, so that his hugged and soul heed flew to the earth. Than Arthur wart on his feet and said. sir I thank thee● for thou hast delivered me fro● much pain and jeopardy, and sith thou hast delivered me of this great foul dwe●●e I shal pay the anon th● mages, and th●rwith lift up h●s sword and gave him such a stroke that he claue his head asunder, than Arthur abandoned himself among the remnant so fiercely that he made great plenty of ●edes and arms to fall to the ground and to make short process he did so much that none of the .xii. were left on live but al were slain and christened in the wa●er by Bawdewyn, for he was to they● a good go● father. Than Arthur stepped in at the w●●ket of the gate than al those that were on the walls did shot● and cast at him,& ever he bare of with his shield as well as he might till at the la●te he came to them, and the first that he met with lost his life,& there dyde such marvels that it was wonder to think thereof, for some he threw over the walls, and some lept into the water so that ●ynally they were slain& drowned,& none left on love in all the castle that he could find or here,& Bawdewin was right sore travailed with casting of them in to the water that were slain Than Arthur said to, Bawdwyn, friend I will go entre into the grete palace of adventures, the which he saw before him in the castle, therfore Bawdewyn I will that ye abide me h●re in this court,& keep well my horse assyle till I come again to you. sir said Bawdewyn for goddes sake put not yourself noo more in ony place where as ye think is ony grea●e peril. well said Arthur, care not for the, but I pray you do as I say,& look in no wise ye come to me without I call you, than Arthur mounted up certain greces to entre into the hall of the palace that which was the way to the mount perilous and there he found the most fair house that ever was sene, set●e all about with images of f●ne go●de,& the wyddowes were all of fine ●mbre, with many his clear windows, and out of this hall he entred in to a chamber the most richest that ever was seen▪ forsyth god first made mankind there was no maner of history nor battle but in that chamber it was po●trayed with gold and azure,& other f●esshe colours so quickly aourned that it was wonder to behold, there was portrayed how god dyde create the son and the mone,& in the rofe were al the .vii. planets wrought with fine gold and silver, and all the sytuacyons of the heavens wherein were pight many carbuncles& other precious stones, the which dyde cast grete clearness both by day and by night, to say the truth it was the most richest chamber and the wonderfullest that ever was seen in all the world. Proserpyne queen of the fairy caused it thus to be made. Also there were diverse beds wonderful rich, but specially one the which stood in the mids of the chamber surmounted in beauty all other, for the vtterbrasses therof were of green jasper with grete bars of gold set full of precious stones and the crampons were of fine silver enbordered with gold, the posts of ivory with pomelles of coral, and the staues closed in bokeram covered with crymesyn satin& sheets of silk with a rich covering of e●myns, and other clothes of cloth of gold, and four square pyllowes wrought among the sarasyns, ●he curtaynes were of green s●ndall vyroned with gold& azure, and round about this bed there lay on the four carpets of silk pointed& enbrowdred with images of gold,& all the four corners of this bed there were four condytes marvelously wrought by subtle entail, out of the which there issued so sweat an odour& so delectable that al other sweetness of the world were as nothing to the regard therof,& at the head of thy● bed there stood an image of gold and had in his lift hand a bow of ivory and in his right hand an arrow of fine silver, in the mids of his breast there were lettres that said thus. when this image shoreth than all this palace shall turn like a wheel,& than who so ever lieth in this bed shall die, without it be that knight to whom this bed is destinied unto. And when Arthur saw the nobleness of this chamber, and specially of this bed he had great pleasure to behold it and said to himself how that at all adventures he would lie down on the bed, and not to far for any dread of death,& as he was lying down on this bed he espied in every corner of the chamber a great image of fine gold standing each of them holding in their hands a great horn of silver,& by their countenance redy to blow. Than Arthur herde a great voice which was so loud a●d horrible that master steven who was in the plays without the castle might right well here it, the which voice said, behold now the end. Than master steven said to his company. I am sure the knight is entred into the palace with in the castle god defend him from all ill encombraunce, than al the palace began to tremble& shake wondrously so much that at the last one of the. ●iii. images began to blow his horn so loud that it might well be herde the space of a mile, than the palace trembled so sore that all should haue fallen ●o pieces, the doors& windows oftentimes did open& close again by their own accord, than Arthur heard about him great noise of people as though there had been a thousandemen together, but he could se no creature, at the last he perceived great light of torches,& ever he herde still the noise of people coming and going about the bed,& also herde the brayenge of an hideous river so that it 〈◇〉 to him that it had ben the ●oringe o● the wild see, ther with he felt such a terrible wind that he had much pain to sustain him on his feet. Than Arthur assayed again to haue lain down on the bed, than the voice began to cry again& said, behold now the end than the second image began to blow than came there in to the chamber such noise& torment that Arthur was nigh defe with the terrible dynne,& the palace than began sorer to tremble than it dyde before, so that Arthur thought surely that all the palace should haue fallen, than Arthur drew him toward the bed& as he would haue lain him down he saw on his right hand a grete lion fierce& fell comy●ge to hymwarde ga●inge and ramp●●ge to devour him,& so assailed hy●●●ght rudely,& with his paws took 〈◇〉 ● so by the shoulder that his harneys could not keep him, but that his sharp claws entred in to his flesh, and as the lion wolde haue taken him by the heed he 〈◇〉 ●helde before him,& the lion d●sht it with his paws all to pieces and nigh had overthrown him to the earth, but than Arthur took his strength to him& as the lion was rampinge before him he put his sword clene through his body,& so the lion fell down dead to the er●he,& Arthur was ●yght fore hurt in the shoulder and bled fast, than he approached again to the bed to haue laid him down, than the thyrde image fiercely did blow h●s hor●e& out of the end therof by semy●ge to Arthur there issued out an other lion greater& stronger than the other was. when Arthur saw him he cried to god& to our blessed lady to help& succour him from ill death and soul encombraunce,& so the lion dressed him toward Arthur,& struck at him with his broad paws,& Arthur held before him the remnant that was left of his shield, but the lion shortly broke it all to pieces as though it had been but glass,& with one of his feet he took Arthur by the lift side and razed fro him a gre● parte of his harneys& his doublet and shirt, and a great piece of his flesh to the bare trespasses,& if god had not there helped him he had tendered his mortal life, than arthur with his sword struck of the lions foot that was under his side,& therwith the lion fell to the e●th& or he ●ose again Arthur recovered another st●oke and strake of his head by the shuldres, than Arthur took a fair cloth of sendal that lay on the bed,& therewith wrapped his wounds& staunched them from bi●tdynge, than he approached again to the bed to lie down to test him and than suddenly the fourth image began terrybly to blow his horn, therwith a●thu● looked behind him& espied a great g●aune coming to him ward, who was .xv. foot of length, betynge together his teeth as though they had been hamers stri●inge on a stythy who had in his hand a great axe, whereof the blade was well th●e foot lon●, the which was so long& sharp that it would cut clene a sunder every thing that it touched. And when this giant saw these lions dede he was ●o sore displeased that he was all in arage and so rolled up his eyen and dashed together his teeth, and ran fyerselye at Arthur thinking to haue landmen of his head, but Arthur feared much ●he stroke and wart aside, whereby the stroke went beside him and dashed in to panement ●o ●udely that the blade of the weapen entred therein just to the head,& than Arthur struck him with his swe●de but the stroke mounted up again and would in no wise enter, for he was harneysed with the skin of a serpent, the which was so hard that no weepen could empoyre it And when Arthur saw that he was right sore displeased and lift up his swaerde again& struck the giant on the head more rudely than he didde before, but all that aualed not, for it seemed to him that he stra●e on a stethy of steel. Than Arthur feared himself greatly, than the giant struck many stroke at arthur, but always he watched so the stroke that he did let them pass by him without ●ny hurt or damage, for he perceived right well that if the giant did light on him wi●h a full stroke there was none other way with him but death. Thus this giant ever pursued Arthur to haue stricken him, but always arthur watched the stroke and voided them wisely and oftentimes struck the giant again but he could do him no hurt, thus they fought a grete space not far fro the rich bed in the mids of the chamber than the giant with grete ire lift up his fauchon to haue landmen Ar●hur vpon the head and the stroke came brayeng& dashed into the earth like thunder for Arthur avoyded craftily the stroke, the which entred and cut asunder a great brace of a be●ch● that stood before the bed of white ivory▪& so the stroke descended down into the ●rth throughout all the pauemen●, for the giant was so sore displeased that his weapen enured through both wode& ston and into the ●r●h ●o the hard head and therwith the b●ade of his fauchon brast clene asunder in the mids,& when the giannt saw that he fared like a fiend of hell, and so took the handling therof and cast it at Arthur, but wisely he dyde avoyde it& so it lighted on the wall of the chamber wherein the stroke entred well a foot and an half than the giant wart to thee brace of the bench that he had cut asunder before, and would haue rasshed it out of the bench, but it was so sore bound with cramp●ns of steel to the bench that he could not remove it,& as he stooped to pull thereat Arthur espied him& how the serpentes skin was but short behind his back,& so under the skin he dashed his sword in to his bely to the cross, than the giant fell down& made a terrible braynge the which might well be herde a grete way of, than Arthur recovered on him an other stroke& so dashed his sword in to his heart, than he made a greater ●rye than he did before and ther with his soul passed away to the devil of hell, than the noise was heard again tha● said, behold thende, than was Arthur so we●y& so sore travailed and his wounds bled so fast that he had much pain to sustain himself on his feet, how be it as well as he might he repaired down the rich bed& always his sword in his hand& therwith laid him down on the bed, than the image of gold at the beds head with his bow& arrow did shote& hy●te one of the windows so sore that it flew wide open with the stroke, out of which window there issued such a smoke& fume so black that it made a● the house so dark that arthur could se nothing, the which fume stake so abominably that arthur the●by was nigh dead, than there rose such a wynd● so grete& fervent that it brast the glass windows& latesses so that the tiles& stones flew all about the house like hail, and it thondred so terrybly that al the earth shoke▪ and the pal●ys trembled like to haue gone all to pieces, and at the last he perceived a brenynge spear al of fire the which was coming to him ward therwith he l●pte fro the bed& fiedde fro the stroke, and saw where yt w●nte in at an other little chamber by& fell on a knight as he lay a bed and so brent him clene through, and The fire descended throughout bed and chamber and al& sank deep in to the earth, than suddenly brast asunder two pyllets which susteyne● the covering over the bed, and than al the hole palace began to turn about like a wheel, than Arthur ran to the image of gold that stood at ●he beds heed& embraced it in his arms for the image removed noo thing, and this tourneng of the palace endured a grete space. And Bawdewyn Arthurs squire who was without in the court piteously wept& demeaned tight grete sorrow for the feet that he had of his master for he thought verily how that he was but dead, and sayd● a my lord arthur the best kni●ht the most noble and ha●●y the most sage and curteyse crea●ture that ever was formed by nature, a●as why dyde ye entre in to this unhappy castle, for I think surely ye are but de●●. ●nd ●o than at the last that turning of this palace began to sece, and the darkness began to avoyde& to wax fair and cl●re and the air peaceable thou arthur sate him down vpon the rich beds side right feeble& faint because of the gret● t●oble that he had endured and for the fearful hor●yblenes that he had ●een and herde hang when it was thus wa●ed fay●e& clear, than the voice said again twice, it is ended it is ended,& when may●ter steven herde that voice he said unto his company. verily the adventures of the palace in the castle of the port noyr● are acheued, therefore I am sure it can be none otherwise but that the knight that is there, either he is dead or elles right sore wounded& than he went& gathered herbs such as he knew were right precious for all maner of wounds and made of them to give unto Arthur if i● were his fortune to finde him alive,& Baudewyn who al●o had herde the voice thought verily than that Arthur had ben dead, and said to himself that neither for the displeasure of his lord, nor ye● for fear of ony other thing he wolde abide no longer but that he wo●d mount up into the palace to se if he could know howe his lor●e did,& so 〈◇〉 up the stairs with his sword in his hand and passed through the hall and entred in to the cha●bre where as arthur was sitting on the beds side, then was Bawdewyn glad when he saw his master alive and demanded him how● he didde And arthur answered and said how that he was right weary and sore wounded. Than Badewyn was right sorrowful at his heart, for he feared greatly leste that he had some mortal wound, and said sir may it please you to show me your wounds. It pleaseth me right well said Ar●hur. Than Bawdewyn unarmed him and searched all his wounds, for he was a right good surgyen, and washed and staunched his wounds, and softly did anoint them, the which did him right● grete ease. Than Ar●hur armed him again and said that he wolde go se●che ferder over all the palace to know yf there were ony mo aduent●r●s& therwith there entred i● to the chamber a young varlet, who acc●stomab●y before appareled the meet and drink that s●rued for the knights that w●re dead at the gate of the castle,& when he came before Arthur he kneeled down& said. A gentle knight I cry you mercy, for goddes sake save my life, for I am a poor varlet that served for my living the knights that ye haue slain. Thou shalt haue noo hurt said Arthur on the condition that thou wylt● tell me the truth whether there be in this castle any more men or women. sir said the varlet here in this place there be noo more creatures but all only two innkeepers who were delivered to my masters whom ye haue slayue to be kept hire in prison to the intent that it should never be known where as they were become& they were sent hither by the commaundemen of the duke of vygor. well good friend said arthur bring me to them, than the varlet conveyed him straight to the prison where as they were closed in, and the varlet didde unlock al the doors which w●re marvelously wrought, and at the last they came to a grete coffer all of yren which was surely made fast to the wall with great bonds& bars of steel, than Arthur didd so much by his strength that he brast open the coffer& took out the innkeepers with much pain, for they were sore charged with bolts of yren, so that they could steer no maner of way, and when they were loosed one of them said A dere lord, I wote not what ye be, nor whether ye haue taken us out of prison for our wealth or for our hurt, but for goddes sake rather than ye should put us again into this coffer first strike of our hedes. certainly said Arthur we haue non intent to do you any maner of hurt therfore tel me of whence ye be& where ye were born. A sir said they, we are so nigh overcome for lack of meet, and so sore bruised withal that we can scant speak ony word, therfore sir for goddes sake give us some meet. friends said Arthur I can not tel whether there be ony meet& drink in this house or no. Yes sir said the varlet here in this house there is sufficient and it were to receive the mighty Emendus king of soroloys. Well said Arthur than go fetch them some parte thereof, than the varlet set up the tables,& did set on them breed and wine and other meet sufficient, and than they all did eat and drink as much as did please them, and when they had done, the varlet demanded of the innkeepers if they wolde be shaven,& they answered. Yes with a right good will. Than the varlet appareled all thing redy, for he was a good ●arbour, and when they were shaven than the varlet brought thē gowns of the knights that were slain& when they were appareled, they seemed well to be extraught of a noble lineage, and so thee were in dede as ye shall here after.   

¶ How Arthur after that he had acheued the adventures of the palace& delivered the innkeepers,& after how that he acheued the adventure that was in the galary going in to the gardin of the mount perilous,& by his might with a grete bar bet down ii. massyue images of copper each of them holding a flail that was of such wight that x. men might scant lift one of them fro the e●th. wherewith they were ever beting with great stroke made by enchauntment, to thentent that none should pass in to the gardyns of the mount perilous& so than failed& ended all the enchauntementes of that place. Cap. xliiii.  
AFter that Arthur had delivered these innkeepers and acheued the foresaid adventures, than the varlet came to him and said. sir it is of trouth that ye haue fordone& overcome all the adventures of this place saving one,& that is in the gallery going in to the garden and sir yf that were for done than every body might go& come in to this castle as surely as in to ony other place. well good friend {quod} Arthur I pray you bring me thither. sir with a right good will said the varlet, but sir we must haue first some fire with us, for the gallery is so dark that we can se no thing there, and so than they lighted torches& went forth so far that at the last in a little straight way Arthur found two images of copper one on the one side& an other on the other side,& they had each of them a grete flail in their hands, wherewith they continually bete down right, the which was made by enchantment, so that no creature could pass by them without death, and when Arthur saw them he took his sword in his hand& laid on with all his might on these macomettes, in such wise that his stroke might well be herd of a great way but for all that he could not impair them, than he perceived well that his sword could do him but little help wherefore he took in his hand agree bar of a door that he found there,& there with he laid on so fast that finally he bet down both these macomettes, than all the encha●tment began to fail: for than he might seclerely al about him,& with straining of himself in this battle his wounds braste out again on bleeding wherefore he was fain to vna●me him in the same place,& than Bawdewin dyde staunch al his wounds again and dressed them newly wi●h sweet and soft ointments than he would haue armed him again but than the varlet said. sir your harneys shall but hurt your wounds, hardly leave it here still and arm you no more, for surely sir ye be now in as good safeguard as though ye were by your father that engendered you. friend said Arthur look that here be no treason sir I warrant you on pain of my he●d, sir boldly now ye may enter into the garden,& there ye shall finde a noble clerk who is son to a king who is pertaining to a right hye and mighty pryncesse th● noble Florence daughter and cry to the puissant king Emendus, who hath been there more than this half year to abide for your coming. For me said Arthur thou wottest not what thou saist, for how should he haue ony knowledge of me. sir said the varlet I can not tell you, but surely it is as I say, therfore let us go thither. So they went forth& entred in the garden wherein was all the pleasure that could be thought, and as they went forth therein playing there came to Arthur a fair yoange varlet& goodly did salute him and said. sir ye be right hertelye welcome into the land of Soroloys as the most desired knygh that ever was gird with sword. why good friend said Arthur where is that place that I am so sore desired in sir said he in all the land of Argence. fair friend said he& why I am so sore there desired. sir that can the innkeepers that ye haue delivered show you full well. Why {quod} Arthur how know they what I am. sir as god help me ye are better known here than ye are ware of● for here is in this garden a noble clerk son to a king who hath tarried here a grete season, who knoweth you well, and all the demeanour that hath ben between you& the fair damosel Iehannet or ye departed out of your own country,& also he knoweth right well howe that ye did at vyen in the tourney, and also wat ye did at Brewle, and how ye made your cousin Hector duke of orgoule. In the name of god said Arthur I haue great marvel howe ye can tel me all this. And as they were thus talking there came to them a grete flock of knights, than the varlet said, sir yonder is my said lord who is coming to you. Nay said Arthur I shall go unto him, at which time this said master Steuen was apparyaled in a mantell of violet chamlet,& in a sircote of green satin furred with ermyns,& as soon as he saw Arthur he availed his bonnet& did salute him. Than Arthur said, a gentle master it is to me a grete rebuk that so noble a man as ye be should do to me so great reverence, than the master dyde smile and took him by the hand and said. sir we haue ●olnge trusted for the wealth& honour that is now come to you therfore now ye be welcome as the chief sovereign knight of all the wide world, sir now I think to go se this palace in to the which never man entred before save only you, for ye are the first that ever entered thereto,& that is by your noble valour, sir I know well ye be sore wounded, therfore I haue made for you a little drink, and than he sent for it incontinent,& when it was come he said, sir drink therof hardelye, fear for nothing in the name of God, for I desire more your health and honor, than of ony other creature living. Than Arthur took it and drank well thereof, and as soon as it was spread abroad in his veins, he was thereby suddenly all hole& more lustyer than ever he was before, for than he thought that his strength was do●bled,& truly in a maner so it was, for by the virtue of these herbs he had the grace t thence forth there was never man that could draw out of his body ony blood but onely the foul monster of the brosse with whom he fought at great jeopardy, as ye shall here afterward.   

¶ How master steven went with Arthur in the palace within the castle to the intent to see the wonderful adventures that Arthur had there acheued. Cap. xlv.  
when that Arthur had received the said drink and recovered there by his health, than master steven took him by the hand and said. sir I haue grete desire to go se this palace I pray you let us go thither,& so they. ●●. went forth together, before& all other followed them who wolde,& at the last they came into the same na●owe entre whe●e as Arthur had betē down these .ii. ●mages of copper with their great flails,& there a grete season they stood& beheld them, and every man assayed to remeu● one of their flails, but it wolde not be they were so heavy, than every man had grete marvel how that there might be so much might in one knight as to beate down so mighty and heavy a thing,& than they entred in to the palace ●he which was the most fairest& richest that ever was sene with mannes eye,& at the last they entred into the rich chamber where as the goodly bed was, than master steven had grete marvel of the inestymable richesse of that chamber& bed, Than came to them the .ii innkeepers,& did salute master Steuen● and when the master saw them he knew one right well and made to him good cheer and sayd● what sir marks haue ye been here pryner. Ye sir said he truly, and for that nephew of the duke of bygor, when he had slain my lord and murdered my brethren by false treason, than he took me and this either knight and did send us into this place as rejoicingly as he could, and did deliver us to the knyght●s that keep this place who be now al dead by the prows of this knight, who hath delivered us out of prison& thraldom,& thanked be god& his nobleness now we be escaped f●o all danger. In the name of god said the master, it was g●ete need that he should come in to this country, and than he said to Arthur. sir it draweth fast to night ward, wherefore it is hye time to go to supper& sir I will soup with you here in this chamber. sir I thank you said Arthur, but I can not tell whether there be ony thing conueni●nte to receive such a pe●s●n as ye be. sir said the master by the faith that I owe to you I am pertayn●ng to so hye and p●yssant& rich lady who hath sufficient both for you and for us all, than the master commanded ●o make redy the supper, than anon the tables were laid,& the masters servants ran to h●s tent on the mount perilous, and a●one they brought all maner of thing necessary, vessel& plate of gold& silver grete plenty, than the clothes were laid& wa●er brought forth, than Arthur refused to w●sshe with the master because he was son unto a king. well sir said the master I pray you fulfil my desire for truly I know better your estate& honour ●hā ye ween I do, than Arthur did as he was required, than the master sat ●●wne& Arthur by him,& the marks before them,& all other sate down at other side tables, where as they were as rych●ly s●rued as though they had ben in the house of the noble Florens, but though she were not there, yet she payed for all th●yr expenses. Thus Arthur sat at soupe●, who seamed to all them that se him ●o be right fair& gracious above all other that ever they saw,& so they praised him much in their hearts, and when they had souped at good leisure and the tables taken away, than they set them down on cosshyns of silk, and the master said to Arthur. sir behold here my lord the marks, who is& shal be your knight, for ye haue delivered him out of prison That is trouth said the marks,& therfore I thank him. well sir said Arthur, I herde you say as I remember how that the nephew of the duke of bigor caused you to be put here in prison, and also how he slay your brethren by treason, wherefore if it may please you I require you show me how it did fortune. And when master St●uen herd him inquire for the matter, he had grete joy, for than h● knew well that Arthur wo●de remedy that case, than the marques answered and said. sir the matter is very long to rehearse, therefore I fear me the report therof shall annoy you. sir truly said Arthur it shall be no pa●ne to me to here it. Than the marks said, sir it is of tro●th how that the lord of Arg●nt●n was my broder, who was in his time a right good knight. I say it not because he was my broder, but of very trouth he was so greatly allowed that the renown of him was spread a broad all the lond● of Soroloys, for there he was reputed to be the most sovereign knight of al the world, and so it fortuned that the duke of bygor who is a mighty lord in his country made on a day a ●ournaye ●o be holden at his city of bygor because of a nephew of his who was married the same day unto a right hye lineage, and this dukes nephew was& yet is right fierce and orgyllous, and is a right greatly redoubted knight of his hands, and in every place he was reputed next to my broder to be the best knight of the world and at this foresaid turnay was my brother, and this dukes nephew had great envy at him because of the great nobleness that he herde repu●ed of him and so ●oke counsel with some of his affinite and det●rmined to just against my lord m brother, to thentent to abate his renown,& so he took to his company x other knights,& when the tourney was begon, he and his company ran at ones at my broder, who as than was not ware of their malicious purpose, nor had no mo in his company but me and his squire, wherefore we suffered much pain, but finally my broder delivered us all fro them& bet down the dukes nephew to the e●th, but than my brother by his gentleness did that I would not haue done, for when he saw him at the earth he lighted& brought him an other good horse, and helped him to mount thereon, and than my brother lept again on his horse and went to the tourney& there did such marvels of arms that all that beheld him marveled thereat, and generally they all said how that in all the world there was none like him And when the ●ukes nephew herde all that praise be given to my brother, his heart swelled for anger and envy,& for despite he wolde no more lust the day. And when all was ended, the price was given to my brod●r by the consent of both parties and so than all the company went to the court to the duke,& there they began greatly to praise my broder. And when his nephew herde that he was right sore displeased because he was beaten down by him the same day, ●herfoe openly before the duke for pure malice he appeled my broder of treason, and said how that he had beaten him down in the tourney by craft and false t●esō Than my broder could no longer endure his words, bu● said. In faith sir ye say untruly, for I never thought treason in all my life, neither to you nor to non other creature, and therwith in the quarrel he did cast down his glove at the foot of the duke. And when this dukes nephew saw that he had cast his glove, he was nigh en●aged for anger& d●spite and stepped on his feet& took a grete mace of steel from a varlet that stood beside,& the●with he struck my broder on the head so that the blood fell to the earth,& when I saw my brother so strooken I took my sw●rde in my hand& thought to haue slain him, but than other knights kept us ●sonder, so than my brothers company began to draw together,& his company in likewise, whereby it was likely there to haue ben a great fray, but wisely the duke appesed both parties and was right sore displeased with the outrage of his nephew. Than my brother said to the duke, sir your nephew hath appeled me of treason, and therfore behold here lieth my glove to defend myself in the qua●el, that by treason without any defiance,& or I was ware he hath stricken me like a ●alse traitor as he is and that will I prove my body against his, and therfore sir duke let me haue right according to the law of arms. Than was this dukes nephew greatli blamed of every knight● who said generally that yf he had ●ight he should be for this dede right sore punisshed● Than the duke was right sorrowful,& did much labour to appese my brother, but in no wise ● e wolde be content of a great season, how be it fynalli the duke required him so much,& so did all other knights that my broder who had a gentle heart did forgive all the matter,& there the pras was ma●e& each o● them bound to other in two. M. pound to keep& observe such direceions as the duke would take in that matter, wherewith they said they were well content. Than the duke said, sirs first each of you shal pardon other of al evil wills that hath ben between you. And ther●o they answered& said that they were pleased so to do●& in knowledge therof they embraced each other and kissed together. Than the duke determined ferder, how that his ne●ew should deliver to my brother. CC. pound of yearly land to haue to him and his airs for evermore the which direction his nephew there confirmed& there my brother was put in full possession therof both by the duke& also by his nephew, who shewed fayret semblant outward to my brother than he thought inward in his heart. Than my brother took leave of the duke& his nephew under the false colour of love con●ayed my broder parte of the way, but fall● and like a traitor he had laid a ●●●●hement in a little wode of three score me● in harne●s& so there or we were w●●e they o●●he in behind us,& there sh●● fully slay my brother and two of his sones of the age of .xii. or .xiii yeres And so there they slay a .xl. knights that were in our company and there he took me and ney f●low prisoners out of the which ye haue delivered vs. And sir it is so my bother hath no mo children left on live saving a daughter, who is enheritour to all the land of Argenton,& the dukes nephew hath taken fro her all the ●heritaunce that she is born unto and hath he in keeping, and is purposed to mary her to a boy who is his barbo●t, who by reason ought to be married to a great earl or else a lord● both for her nobleness, richesse, and friends: but as now she is in the case that there is none that will maintain her right for many of her friends ben dead& I haue ben here in prison sith the death of my lord my broder her father and also her men& subiectes dare do nothing for lack of a capicayne,& this duke is g●etly redoubted for he is mighty both of hauoyre& of friends,& therfore my niece is likely to be lost, for she shalbe given at this next mawdelayne tide to a lewd boy& she is likely to be disher●●ed for ever. For she hath no help nor co●sayle,& ther with this marks piteously began to w●pe for the great sorrow that he had al his heart Than master S●euen said sir I ensure you it is of a trouth al that this marks hath shewed you. Certayn●y said arthur yf god will send me the grace that I may here of a knight of min that should come hither to me, than will I faithfully ensure you to do my pain to help& succour this noble damosel. sir {quod} master steven I will know to morrow how your knight doth bu● now it is to late, and sir ye sh●al ly alnight i● his pal●s which is pertaining to my la●●●●ores, for it was given her when she was 〈◇〉 ii. dayes old, bowl it she was never here, nor yet none other but you all onely, therfore sir keep it for my la●ye till the season that ye may 〈…〉 ble grace for ye haue made it 〈…〉 maner of enchauntementes, ano●●er 〈◇〉 go this night into my tent whereas I haue lain al this season,& tomorowe betimes I will come to you again and bring all my stuff into t●is p●ace but sir look that ye ly all this night in th●s ryall bed, and there Arthur promis●● ◇〉 so to do. Than the master& his& 〈◇〉 departed, fro him as for that 〈◇〉.   

¶ Howe Proserpyne queen of the fayrye about midnight appeared to Arthur with grete light of ●orches, and howe that she shewed him that within the mount perilous there was the white shyeld and theg good sword enchanted called clarence, and howe that he should haue them with much honour yf his her●e durst serve him. And howe the next day master steven lead Arthur into the herber where as the white shield was, the which could never be remeued fro the three whereon it hanged, and how that Arthur took it at his case and clarence the sword also, the which could never before that time be drawn out of the sheth, nor it would help no body but all onely Arthur who drew it out lightly, and after that it did him much help as ye shall here after. Ca. x●vi  
when the master steven was departed, than Arthur laid him down in the ryal tyche bed and slept well all his first sleep till it was about mydnygh, than he awoke and saw grete clearness of torch light afore him, and perceived stonding before his bed a queen crwoned with gold, who was the most fair creature that ever was sene, and he thought she spake to him& said Arthur friend here is in this place the wh●te shield& clarence the good sword of the fairy, therfore thou shalt haue much honour yf thy heart be good. And therwith she vanisshed away, whereof Arthur had grete marvel, both of her beauty& also of there sudden departing, thus remaned Arthur till it was clear day than he rose,& master steven came to him and they went and herd mass,& after mass Arthur said to the master, sir I can not tel what queen it was that this night was with me in the chamber where as I lay but it was the goodliest figure of a woman that ever I saw& she said ●o me how that ther was in this place the why●e shield and the good sword cla●ence. And when master steven herd that he smiled and said. sir I see well it is you to whom the sword and shield is desteni●● unto, diverse knights hath assayed to take them, but they could never remove them fro the place where ●s they be, therfore now I think they haue 〈…〉 master sir ●et us go thither& see what will fortune. Than they issued out of the palace and went into the garbyn where as was the rich pavilion pertaining to the noble Florence, the which 〈◇〉 lest of the richest work of the world of green satin& crimsē, bordred with gold& azure,& the post that bare it was of fine ivory, and the cords of green silk, and in the top therof stood an eagle of borned gold, and at the two corners there stood two grete gryffons shining against the son Than Arthur remembered his vysion that he had or he departed out of his own country,& so he beheld the eagle a grete season, and at the last he c●me ●o the pauylion, than Arthur saw before him in the front therof the pe●sonage of a queen crwoned wi●h gold, the which crown had .vi. branches, the which signified .vi. realms, and in every bra●●● the there were written letters, and in the first was written Emendus the mighty king of Soroloys,& this branch has chief and highest of all other, and in the second was written Florence queen of the realm of blanch tour,& in the third was given the king of orqueny, and in the fourth was written Piuernous king of vale found father to master steven And in the .v. king of mormall,& in the vi. Ismaelite the great. This crown was set fall of precius stones, and this image was fair and gentle to behold, with her forehead plain and white, and her heer like the colour of gold, her brows small and proper, somewhat drawing to the brown colour, and her b●sage pla●n neyt●er to long nor to round, colour like▪ as ros●s and lilies together had ben meddled, her nose long and straight, and her ruddy mouth somewhat smylynge, her eyen ●owly, and al her body and other membres made without ony reprehension by the ordinance of nature who had set in her all beate, and she was vestured with a s●m●te of green perfit gird to her with a face of gold, so that somewhat her little rou●de and lily white breasts might be se●e the which became her wonderslye well, and over al this she had on a sircote of crymsen lined with violet sendal,& her wide greves were of green enbordred with flowers of gold and with rich pearls And this image held between her hands a chaple● of silk wrought wholly full of fresh flowers, and about the border therof were letters wrought of precious stones that said. He shal keep me for his own that shall haue this chaplet And when Arthur had read well at length these let●ers, and saw the fresh beauty of this image, than his heart opened for grete love,& with grete and fervent desire he loved the presentacyon of that image, and therwith stood before it in a grete study. Than master steven said sir I ensure you my lady is such as this image representeth. sir said Arthur than in her is all the beauty of the world. Ye sir said the master there be two persons that resembleth this image. First the queen that ye saw this last night appear to you who is called proserpyne queen of the fairy, who did give to my lady Florens, this castle& this pavilion,& destinied on her how that she should never be married but to the best knight of the world,& to him this image should give her chaplet that she holdeth in her hands,& sir I trust it be you. Secondly also my lady Florens in a●l things resembleth to this image And so the queen Proserpyne& my lady Florence& this image are in al poyntes so like that ye can not know the one fro the other,& the hye branch that is in the crown of this image betokeneth that might ● king Emendus father to my lady Florens, and the second signifieth my ladies realm, and the other .iiii. represent .iiii. other kings who are subiectes to my lady Florens& to her father, therefore sir& it please you let us enter into this pavilion& se whether ye may haue the shield and sword that all other haue failed of, and so they entred into the pavilion, and in the mids therof Arthur saw where there hanged on a perch the shield and the sword. Than Arthur went thereto boldly, and took it as easily as though it had been his own before, than he set his hand to the sword and so drew it out of the sherhe, and the blade therof was so clear that it did cast meruayllously grete clerenese. and therfore it was called cla●ence and before that time it was never drawn out of the shethe nor sene with mannes eye, and Arthur dealt as easily therwith ash did with his hwne. And when master steven lawe this he had grete joy and said. sir I se well ye are the same knight that it was delivered unto therfore now I haue grete joy and I trust that god shall cause you to attain to much honour and nobleness. Than Arthur said, sir ye promised to tell me some tidings of my knight that should come hither, sir I require you to tell me yf ye know any think of him. Sir said the master I know well how ye promised to come 〈◇〉 seek this adventure which ye haue ac●eued, 〈◇〉 no wise ye would suffer him to come with you,& therfore ye sent him by the great high way through out ynde the more to thentent he should not se your death nor that he should dy with you,& so sir he is not as yet come for in dede he cannot, for he is in the castle called the brosse,& sir tis by al likelihood impossible that ever he shall depart thence without death though he were made of yrē& steel, fo●al the remedy of the world can not keep him fro death, therfore Arthur comfort yourself,& of a th●ng that is lost without recover never think ther on more. Truly sir said Arthur but yf I haue my knight I shall never haue c●forte therfore speak to me never therof, but sir I require you howe he is so lost or in such jeopardy as ye speak of. with a right good will said the master but I fear me it will annoy you for it is a long process to rehearse. well said Arthur as for that I care not, tel on I require you   

¶ How master steven shewed Arthur how that governar his knight was in the castle of brosse,& how that the custom of that castle was first begon. Ca. xlvii.  
than the master said, sir it is of a trouth that the castle of the brosse is a right strong& a noble place,& is the chief head of al the country, for there is wela v. C. gentlemen that hold their land thereby& they are all subiectes to him that is lord of that place sir it passeth not two year ago that there was a lord of this castle, who was called sir Neuelō le roux, a full good and a gentle knight who was right sage reputed and gretli rich,& right fore bedrad,& well beloved of all people& sir it is of a trou●he that joining to this castle within ii. leges therof there is a foreste in the which ther is a marvelous great deep pit& the entre therof is iiii, square,& it is well .iiii. spear length broad,& it so black and stinking that no creature can abide nere it& into this abominable pit there doth repair a marvelous& a right horrible monster, the foulest figure that ever ●as 〈◇〉 or herde of, for he is well .xxx. foot long& his head three times more larger tha is the heed of an ox,& his eyen bigger than a mans fist, and some of his ●e●h standing out his mouth more than afore& an half, wherewith he w●●or●●e both yren& steel,& his arms by● and long without any measure, his nails or clowes longer then a foot, so hard& sharp that there is nothing but that he will pierce it,& all his body as black as any coal, and as hard as steel, for there i● nothing that can pierce or impair him& also he is of that strength that he is able to carry away at ones .iii. knights armed And he eateth never other meet but saw flesh of mankind▪& also he is to lig●e and swift that an horse cannot ten t●o him,& oftentimes he hath ben assoyed with great hostes of men, but al th●● cold never do him any maner of hur●e ●eyther with sword, spear, nor crosdowe, nor any other weepen& thus he doth great trouble to al the hol● country. And ●o sir it fortuned that a two year past ab●ute s. Laurence tide, that this said lord sir nevelon was coming out of ynde the more fro the emperour who loved him right well,& so he had thought to ha●e gone home to his own castle of the brosse,& a twenty of his servants in his ●●pant& he passed by this foreste were as this great pit is& so unware to him he& his squire did rest thē not far fro the pit& suffered his other company to ride forth on afore,& so it fortuned that this foul monster was the same morning issued out of his p●t,& so as soon as he espied this lord nevelon he ran on him& so strangled& bare him into his great pit and so there he was utterly lost,& whan this was known there was made for him right great sorrow,& sir this lord hath& daughter who is name blanch floure, who was then of the age of .xv. year& when she herde the tidings of the death of the lord her father she made full great sorrow& so she entred into a little chapel and there she abode xv dayes continually demening wonderful sorrow for her father, and ever she prayed to god that she might haue some vengeance of this foul monster, so long thus she prayed that at last on a night she herde a voice that said to her how that the knight that over cometh the lord of this castle at the end of two yeres shal fight against this monster, how be it the voice shewed not whether he should overcome the monster or else be overcomen hinself, than the young damosel reported al this that she herde the voice say to her brethren and to her uncle,& so than they ordained among them that her uncle should abide in the castle& just with al knights that passed by that way, unto the time that he were over comen with a strong knight,& so it was ordained that if the knight of the castle overcome the knight without than he should lese his horse& harneys,& also be lead to the ●ustice, that it should be cried throughout al the country behold the knight that is vaynquished,& yf the strange knight without overcome him of the caste●, than the knight strannger should go to the castle& there be received as thef● lord therof& be served honourable, and than he should keep the castle& that usage till he were overcome with an other knight Sir it fortuned your knight governar to pass by this castle and there did just against the lord therof,& so ouerca h●m and many mo sith that time that he was fain to keep the said usage,& so sir he is in this castle,& it passeth not now to come .vii. weeks of the full seaso of too year sith the usage began, and sir I think verily there shal come no knight thither between this& that by whom he should be overcome,& as sone as the two year be full complete than shal he be lead to fight with this terrible monster,& I am sure as sone as he cometh to him he is but dead and it were a. C. such as he is, and sir the●e is mo than. CC. knights contynualli lodged about this castle to then tent that he should not strie away therfore I repute him but a dead man, for there is no succour can help him. well master said Arthur sith it is thus as ye say as god help me there is nothing shal hold me but I will go thither and put my body in jeopardy for his, for it were a great shane for me thus to lose my knight, therfore Bawdewyn f●ende make ●edy al my gear for I will remove to morrow betimes, for certainly I will abide no longer for al the wolde,& whan the master herd him he knew well that there was none might let him of his enterprise, how be it he said. Sir ye ought not to be reputed neither for sage nor wise that will take on him such a thing that he cannot acheue and to go there as peril is without remedi it is no hardiness thus to do▪ but a full great folly, therfore sir for goddes sake abide. master {quod} Arthur speak no more to me therof, for sure●●●ir I will go thither& look ones on that foul monster though he be the devil of hell well sir said the master as god will so be it, but sir sith ye be he to whom it is destinied to acheue all the adventures of this counter of Sorolois, whereof this adventure is one of the greatest, the wh●che I pray to god that ye may s●bdowe it therfore sir take with you this white shield for there is nothing that can impair it,& this sword cla●●nce for there was never yet a better,& thus sir sith ye will needs go I trust ye may go that more surelyer& I pray god to send you good fortune& speed,& safe to come again& so for the night they went to their rests.   

¶ How that Arthur when he was departed fro the port noyre for to go the deliver governar out of the castle of the brosse,& also for to fight with the monster, he found in a fair meadow the nephew of the duke of bygor accompanied with .xiii. other knights, who assailed him right fiercely, but defended himself so valiantly that he slay .ii. of them and wounded so the dukes nephew that he was fain to be carried away in an horse litter. Ca. xlviii.  
 
IN the morning betimes Arthu● rose and take leave of the master, who said to him. sir for goddes sake return again as shortly as ye may, for I haue many things to speak with you of,& sit I● this marks shal keep this pala●sī the mean season,& Arthur promised so to do▪& so departed he& Bawdewyn& road forth .ii. dayes without ●yndig of ●ny adventure till at last on a friday about none they entred into a fair foreste& toad a long season& found no creature, at last hey came in to a fair meadow lusty& green,& arthur was in a great thought remembering on his shield that could not be enpayred,& also of clarence his sword the which would cut everything, and he had grete desire to se them proved, to thentent that he might know whether they were of that virtue or not, also he was mounted on his good horse assyle,& as he road thus thinking, he met suddenly with xiiii. knights all armed,& .iiii. of them were on horseback, and the other .x. were lighted on foot& were sitting under an oak because of the shadow therof, for the weather was than very hote,& whan these iiii. knights on horseback saw Arthur one of them dystranged himself and without speaking of ony word he ran at Arthur and struck him on the shelde● grete stroke and passed forth without breaking of his spear, and therewith Arthu● looked about him and at the last the knight that had strīken him was ready appareled to haue returned again, than Arthur ran at him, and the knyht broke his spear▪ but Arthur gave him such a stroke that he frushed down both Horse and man all on an heap, so rudely that with the fall he broke one of his legs and his horse fell on him, than Arthur said to him. sir ye ben traitor thus to strike me without distance, but I think ye haue now great need of a carpenter to make you some styltes& croches, for I ween ye can not life without a lenyng stock. Than an other of these knights came on Arthur and he went shortly to the earth and his heles upward,& when his other two fellows saw that they can both at ones on Arthur and hyt with both their spe●es at ones in the mids of his shield but they remeued him no more than yf they had landmen against a grete tour,& so they passed forth by, and than re●our●ed again with their swords in their hands and assailed fiercely Arthur on al sides than Arthur waxed angry& took in his hand his good sword clarence& struck therwith so the first that he claue his head down to the shoulders,& when his fel●w saw that he fled to his ●elawes that were ●n foot. And than sir Iseharte nephew to the duke of bigor who was fye●se& fell, and captain of al the company when he saw one of his knights slain who was his cousin germayn he s●uffed in the nose and bet together his teth,& bended his brows as though he had ben wode,& called for his helm and for his horse,& would suffer none of his company to go with him, for he said he would alone reuenge the death of his cousin therewith he mounted on his horse and took a grete spear& a mighty, than Arthur espied where a spear stod● leuing against a tre, and took it in his hand& road against the knight that came running at him▪ and they met so ●udely that they al to sheueted their spears& so passed forth without ony hurt at that course. And when sir Isembarte saw that he had not beaten down his fellow, he went to Arthur and struck him on the shield with his sword, but the stroke is bounded again, and when the knight saw that he was right sorrowful& sore displeased, and than again with al his might he struck Arthur in the mids of his shield so rudely that his sword broke asunder in the mids. And when Arthur saw that he said, sir knight ye haue made of one two, for ye haue made● short sword of a long, now ye shall se how I can work than Arthur struck him with clarence his good sword on his helm so rudely that the stroke dyde glent● down on his at me and did cut asonde● all his harneys& entred in to the fless he so that the stroke bare away agrete piece of the brawn of his arm, the which stroke was so heavy that it descended down to the crope of the horse and cut asunder the arson of the saddle& gave the horse& grete wound,& therwith do the horse 〈◇〉 man fell down to the earth. Than the knights servants ran to help him, but he lay& grete while in a trance,& when he revived he said to Arthur, sir knight ye haue so wounded me& slain my cousin germayne, but sir I promise you faithfully that as soon as I shall be hole again I shal render to you this bounty, for I will strike of your hed●i the shoulders where so ever I meet you, either in church or in ony other place, armed or unarmed, well sir said Arthur than ye haue given me respite till ye be hole again,& than by the grace of god ye will not do so much hurt as ye speak of than the other knights wolde haue fought with Arthur, but their master defended them the contrary, because he said he wolde sle him his own hands Than Arthur departed fro them, and the knights put their lord in a horse litter and so carried him to a castle of his own, where as he ●emayned till he had recovered his health And Arthur after that he was departed fro them road so long till he issued out of the foreste,& road up to a great hye hill, and at the descending ther of he saw where a knight alarmed cam right rudely to him ward, and a great spear in his hand, and when he came to him he said. sir are ye of the company of the .xiiii▪ knights that went this way but late. Nay certainly said Arthur for they did their pain to haue troubled me, but I thank god they mist of their purpose, but sir I pray you wherefore do you axe the question. As god help me sir because yf ye were ony of them I wolde ●le you mine own hands or ever ye past any ferder if I could,& also their master for he is the most shamefullest knight that liveth,& falsest traytu● that ever was, for he& his company had nigh slain a brother of mine this morning by this riuers side because he would not give him a fawcon that he bait on his fist, therfore he ran at him with his sword in his hand and hath wounded him in .xv. places of his body, as he that was unarmed,& the traitor& all his company be in varne●s,& therfore I am come after him to slay him& I might how be it I think it could not lye in my power, for he is a knight greatly redouted, nevertheless I had rather to be dead than my brother should be unrevenged. sir said Arthur take no thought for the matter, nor follow him no further this day, for surely he is in no good point as now to fight with you nor yet with none other, for he is right sore wounded a sir said the knight blessed be god who keep& preserve him that hath done the dede. Than the knight returned again with Arthur talking of that matter. At the last Arthur demanded of him what maner knights they were& of whe●s. sir as god help me it was sir I sembarte nephew to the duke of Bygor, the most falsest traitor in all the world, for he hath murdered by ●reason the lord of argenton fally without any cause. ye sir {quod} Arthur sith it is he than his trouble pleaseth me so much the be●t●r, a by the grace of god he shal haue mo●● ancyaunce within short space. So than they approached to the place where as this k●●ghtes broder say sore wounded. Than Arthur called to him Bawdewyn who was a good surgeon,& commanded that he should do his diligence as shortly as might be to hele that knight. And so arthur say there al the night,& the ●night demanded of h●m whether he was ●y●i●g and he answered and said to the castle of the brosse. well sir said that a night and ye will believe me ye shall not come there, for the going thyde● is much perilous. As for all that I enter not said Arthur, for I will go thither& just with the knight that is within. well sir said the knight in the name of god so be it,& sith ye will needs go I shal bring you thither, for I am one of the knights of the same company that are lodged with out to thentent that the knight that is within the castle should not s●ele away sir {quod} arthur know you well the knight that is within the castle or what ●s his name. verily sir he is a knight stranger& his name is sir governar a big knight and a strong and a brown o● colour,& there is no knight that Iust●●h with him but he goth to the ground,& therfore who so ever will just with him hath need to be of great virtue& strength well said arthur I will assay him, and so they wtē ●o rest,& in the morning arose. and the said knight who was name Iosseran the almayne,& they road forth the next way to the castle of the brosse,& arthur left Bawdewyn behind him at the castle to take hede to the wounded knight. Thus arthur and Iosseran the almayne road forth so long together that on a wednesday about none they entred into a fair meadow before the castle of the brosse. And when the knights that were without keeping the tentes saw Iosseran their fellow and arthur, with him, than they went to their harneys and cam unto them& made right great thereto Iosseran their companion, and they said to A●thur, sir knight ye must furnish that is belonging to you to do and that is surely ye must strike this shield and than ye must just with the knight that ye shall se issue out of this castle. well said Arthur in the name of god al this shall I do with a right good will And these knights beheld him well& perceived that he was a goodly knight and praised him much in their hearts. Therwith arthur spurred forth his good horse and ran at the shield with his spear and gave it such a stroke that he claue it asunder in the mids. Than Iosseran said to his fellows, certainly if he give such stroke to his enemies there may none endure him. Than governar in the castle was sone armed,& issued out. And than the damosel was mounted on the wales to behold the battle And when governar saw Arthur he knew him not because of his white shield but Arthur knew him right well, and beheld the countenance of governar how he stretched himself in his saddle, and plunged his shield, and dressed his spear and made him redy, wherefore Arthur loved him much the better, and so they ●an each at other, and meet so rudely that governar broke his spear, but Arthur struck him so fiercely that Gouernars horse enfo●dred and fel under him, and so horse and man all went to the earth, and than Arthur turned and laid his hand on his sword and was coming again to governar, and al that beheld his valyauntnesse praised him much, and governar did nothing but was fain to get him on his feet. Than all the knights went to him& wolde haue unarmed him and lead him to the Iustice. And when Arthur saw that, he could not suffer that he should haue so much shane and said. sirs it is no right nor reason that ye should lead him forth to the Iustice, for his horse fell under him, and therfore though he fel it was the fault of the horse and not of the knight▪ for he hath done right well his devoir, and also he is my man, for I am his lord, wherefore he is bound not to withstand his master, so than he is not to blame sith he hath done well his devour. And when governar herde his lord speak he knew him right well by his speech, than he did of his helm and ran to him, than Arthur lighted of his horse and so they clipped and kissed and made great joy each to other and when jaket saw his old master arthur he kneeled down and did him great reverence. and when al the other knights saw the great honour that governar and jacket made to arthur, and how that he was their lord and master they thought than well that he was some noble man and of some great lineage, and therfore they wolde not displease him, but let governar alone in peas,& so they brought both Arthur& governar in to the castle to the lady, and the damosel received them with grete joy. There Arthur remained in great joy till it came to .iii. dayes space before the season prefixed that he should go fight with the terrible monster. Than all the knights that were without cam to arthur to speak with him, and when they were in his presence and seeing him so fair& gentle, wherefore they loved him with all their hearts, and said among wolf, it is grete damage to send to his death so gentle and so noble a parsonage. And Arthur herde them well, but he fared as though he had not herde. so finally these knights said to him. sir it is so ye haue been here a season, and ye be the last that hath overcomen the knight of this castle, and now the term is come that ye must go& fight with the monster, who passeth not fro this castle the distance of two leges,& therfore it behoveth you to remove this next day betimes,& we shall bring you unto another castle perta●nynge to the lady of this place, the which is nigh to the den where as the monster holdeth his abiding therfore sir make you ready and all your harneyes, for we fear greatly ye shall find it a Ieopardous adventure to bring to a good end. Well sir said Arthur I am content to remove when so ever ye will haue me. And when they herde him say so, they had of him great pity, so that d●uerse of th●ym rejoicingly wept for his sake. sirs said Arthur I am here alone, therfore I pray you keep company with me here this night and let us make good cheer and to mo●owe betimes we will remove when it shal please you. And so they granted him and tarried there all night till it was time in the morning to rise.   

¶ How that Arthur fought with the monster, the most foulest& horrible figure that ever was sene with mannes eyen& so vaynquyshed him by his valiant prowess& strak of his head and did send it to the fair Florence▪ Cap. xlix.  
 
IN the morning Arthur arose and herde mass,& al the other knights with him, and after mass the meet was made ready and when they had ea●en at their leisure, than the knights went to th●yr tentes and armed them, and so did Arthur& governar. Than the lady brought to Arthur a fair sword, the which was her faders, and so he took and girt it to about him by his other sword c●arence than they called him the knight with the two swords. So he took his leave of the lady, and she commanded him to god. And when he was departed she said all weeping. A gentle knight it is grete damage to send such a person as ye be to your death. And when arthur was out of the castle, than there were in his company .v. hundred to conduit him to the other castle, and so long they road that at last they arrived thereat, and the same day the monster had taken a bocher and devoured him in the presence of them all without the castle gate, but when the porter of this castle saw al these knights coming, he knew well they were the knights of the brosse that brought with them the knight that should fight with the monster, therfore he opened the gates,& than all the people of the castle ran to behold Arthur, who was clene covered with his white shield,& holding his hand on the pomel of his sword having a right goodly cheer and a hardy s●mblaunt, than every person that beheld him said each unto other. Alas what damage is it to send such a person to his death. A gentle knight god haue mercy on thy soul, for thy body can not long endure,& this was the common voice▪ and so they conveyed him on the degrees in to the hall,& that night there they restend them, and in the morning they all arose and he●d mass. And arthur received the holy sacrament of the blessed body of our lord Iesu christ in form of breed,& after mass they all assembled them in the hall, and there talked together of dyvers matters,& as they were thu● comonyng they herde the monster roar and bray out for lack of meet, and was issued out of his den,& made greater noise than .x. bulls had brayed all together, than all they of the town and castle had great fear, wherefore they close● themself in their houses,& shytte fast their doors& windows, for they knew● stell that the monster rather than he wolde die for hunger wolde come to that castle and devour them all▪ And as soon as Arthur herde him he demanded for his harneys, and governar did bring it to him with much grete pain& fear And all the other knights were ryght● delent for his sake, for they doubted greatly of him lest he should be slain. And when he was armed all the people of the castle followed him. Than the processions went throughout all the town and castle, and all prayed to our lord to keep and defend their champion. Than was Arthur mounted on his good horse and a grete spear well headed with steel in his hand, and the white shyelde about his neck, and clarence his good swe●de about him, and also the sword that the lady of the brosse had given him, and so he issued out of the castle, than they shut fast the gates afterhym, a●d so they all mounted up to the batylmentes of the walls to behold the adventure of Arthur, and so Arthur road forth till he came to the entre of this pity,& the mon●●er the same ●yme was sitting on the brynk● therof,& when he espied Arthur he rose up on his feet, and bet so together his teeth that it was herde a great way of,& came to Arthur with his arms abroad to thenten●e that he w●l●● haue born him to his pit, but wisely Arthur set his spear before him the which was grete and big and well headed with fine steel, and ●he monster who feared nothing ran so rudely against the spear point, that ●he spear shivered all to pieces, but it did no maner of hurt to the monster& so he approached to Arthur,& thought to haue embraced him in his arms, but than Arthur put before him his white shield,& the monster dashed with his nails thereat thinking to haue pe●ced it through, but in no wise he could enpraire the shield, for the property therof was such that nothing should enter nor impair it. And when the monster saw that he had done no hurt to the shield he began to enrage and fare like a fend of hell, and than he took Arthur bi the helm with his longeteth, the which were as sharp as steel. And whan Arthur saw his mouth so wide open, he took the sword that the lady of the ●rosse gave him and dashed it into his mouth. And when the monster felt the sword in his mouth, he let go his hold of the helm& took the sword between his teth and al to broke it, as though it had ben but glass. And when Arthur saw that he knew well that yf clarence his good sword did not help him his life was but lost, and so took the good sword in his hand. And than the monster took him by the helm with one of his hands, and by the shield with the other hand,& al his nails pierced his helm as lightly as though he had felt nothing,& dashed arthur so sore with the other hand on the shield that nigh he had fallen with the stroke but he could not pierce the shield. Than arthur lift up clarence his good sword and struck the monster therwith on the head so rudely that the sword entred therein more than an handefull. And when the monster felt himself wounded, for anger, he bet his teth together, and rolled his eyen the which glemed like brondes of fy●e, and bet together his fists& made a terrible noise.   

¶ How that the king Emendus sent a knight name Brysebar accompanied with a thousand men of war to thentent that he and his company should go fight with the monster. And how the said knight arrived at the monsters pit the same season while that arthur and the monster were fighting together,& there he and all his company did se how that arthur slew the monster without help. Cap. l.  
SO it was about the season that arthur should thus fight with the monster, the mighty king Emendus held open court in his city of Sabar, and weth him there was the emperour of ind the more, for this city was right nere adjoining to his empire, and also he was glad to be with king Emendus because of his daughter Florence, whom he wolde gladly haue had to his wife and thereon he trusted when the year were ones expired. And at this feast were all the other four kings, and the xii. peers of the realm of Sorolois and many other erles and barons, knights and squires queens, ladies and damoyselles. Than there came to the king many great complaints for the hurt that the monster of the brosse had done in all the country, than the king took counsel for this matter, and so he was advised and concluded thereon to send a. M. knights armed to go fight with the monster. Than there was chosen a right valiant knight to be their captain, who who called sir randell Brysebar, who was one of the knights pertaining to Florence,& he took with him such knights and men of war as he wolde choose,& so took his leave of the fair Flor●nce,& she desired him that yf he could bring it about he should go to her castle of the portenoyre, and commanded her to her clerk master steven, and inquire of him whether he haue herde any tidings of that matter that he went ●hyder for and commanded him that he should show unto her clerk that the emperour wolde haue her to his wife by force against her will. And so sir Brisebar promised to accomplish her commandment if it were to him possible, than he went fro her, and took his leave of the king and of themperour and of all the hole rout, and so departed and had well in his company a thousand armed knights and they road forth so long till at the last they arrived nere to the place where as the monster was the same proper day& hour that Arthur was fighting with him, than Brysebar and al his company did light down on foot,& the monster who as than felt himself hurt on the head with the stroke that arthur had given him as it hath ben shewed before wherefore he brayed and roared so long that he might be herde a great space of And when Brysebar ●awe a far of a knight alone fighting with this monster in right great peril, whereof he had great 〈◇〉, and so had thought to haue set on the monster with all his hole host for to haue holpen Arthur, howbeit he thought he wolde se somewhat more of the deling of the knight, than the monster ran to a three that stood by the pit and took it so rudely in his hands that he care it up ro●e and rind,& therwith struck at Arthur, who for fear of the stroke cast before him his white shield,& the stroke did light thereon so rudely that it range al the place over the which stroke was so heavy that Arthur was fain to gail down on one of his knees,& therwith the ●●e broke a sunder in the mids Than the monster for anger was nigh out of his mind,& did cast at Arthur the tronchon of the three so rudely that it broke in the air as it went, but Arthur doubted the stroke and slept aside,& let the stroke glent by, and therwith he was nigh to the monster,& therwith the monster lift up his arms to haue embraced him but therwith Arthur struck him under the own arm with his sword clarence so that his arm flew clene into the field, than the monster lept forth and with great ire took arthur by the head with his long teth,& with his other hand he took him by the ●holdre& tare away all his harneys to the bare flesh, and thought to haue tussed him on his back and haue born him to his pit but than Arthur put his sword clarence into his bely up to the hard cross, and truly it was great need that Arthur has as than that good sword, for there was none other in all the world should haue holpen him. And than when Arthur had thus put his sword into his body, he therewith rushed to the monster so vertuousli that he tombled him to the earth,& with his fall he pulled of Arthurs helm fro his head with his long teth that were so fastened therein that the helm could not be gotten out of his mouth, for when he felt his death, he joined his teach throughout the helm fast together, th●̄ Arthur stroke at him again with his sword, wherewith his foul horrible head flew into the field, than Arthur sat him down for he was right sore laboured. Than sir Brysebar and all his company lept on their horses,& praised much Arthur for sleinge of the monster, whereof they said he was the best knight of the world, and when Brysebar came nigh to Arthur than he lighted. And when Arthur saw him coming he put his shield afore him and took his sword in his hand to defend him yf need required, and yet he had as than no helm, for it was still in the mouth of the monster But than Brysebar dyde of his helm& right courteously did salute him and said sir god that all thing formed keep and save you sir gentle knight as the chief floure of all chyualry, for ye alone haue acheued that enterprise that we thousand knights were sent to do. Ha sir said Arthur saving your pleasure it is no such dede as that ye and such company as ye speak of should need to enterprise, nor I haue done noothynge that ought so greatly to be praised, for you or ony other knight might as well haue done it better or shortelyer than I haue done, therfore this dede need little to be spoken of, for it is to small of reputation to be recounted for ony nobleness. well sir said Brysebar we know& se right well what it is sir ye haue delivered fro grete peril of death the best parte of all this my company, wherefore I require you that beside this bounty that ye haue shewed us as in s●eynge of this monster that it wolde please you to show to me yet another bounty. sir said Arthur demand of me what it please you, and if I can or may do it I shall not fail you well sir than ye shall here what ye haue granted me, sir it is of trouth that I am pertaining to the most honourable queen that now liveth,& that is the fair Florence daughter to the mighty king Emendus, king of the noble land of Soroloys:& as for me I am the most in sufficient knight that he hath of a. M in his house 〈…〉 and it sir his noble grace did sand me accompanied with these other thousand knights to thentent that we should do to this monster as ye haue done alone god be thanked, for ye by your prowess haue achyeued that thing that all other haue failed of, sir this is the end of my desire that it wolde please you to go with us to the court of the noble king Emendus, and so and shall be our companion and knight to he noble Florence, and sir I ensure you it shall be your true and faithful companion for I shall never haue any maner of thing but your parte shalbe therein. And when Arthur herde his request he smiled a little& said. sir I heartily thank you, but as now it will not be, for it behoveth me to go to the port noyre to master steven, for I haue promised him so to do, therfore sir I pray you be not myscontent though I can not at this time acccomplysh your will and when Brisebar herde him speak of the port noyre he said. sir haue ye ben at the castle of the port noyre. Ye truly said Arthur And sir I require you how did ye enter into the castle. sir I did there so much thst thankee be god there I entred. And sir were ye on hye in the palace or dyde ye lie in the rich bed. Ye truly sir sald Arthur there I was& lay in the rich bed, and tarried there .ii. dayes& .ii. nights. Well sir said Brysebar, I se well that ye haue acheued al the adventures of that place, wherefore ye be the chief sovereign knygh of al the world, sir I will rydr with you to the port noyre yf it please you for it behoveth me to speak with master steven my ladies clerk▪ for I haue to him a message fro her noble grace,& sir I will send home all this people with a nephew of mine, who shal ●erwith him this monsters heed with your helm in his mouth, and he shall present it fro you to my lady Florence. I sir said Arthur the lady is right excell●nt and noble as I haue herd say,& I am to simple a person to send any thing to her grace, nor also I never saw her, ●or she knoweth not who I am& al so this present is of to small a reputation therfore me thinketh it were folly to me to sand it to her grace, therefore sir I require you let it alone. certainly {quod} Brysebar that will I not do, for the present is such that I am sure it shal be received with gladder cheer than though ye had won a grete city. well sir said Arthur do as it shall please you best, how be it I had rather that ye wolde let it alone. Than Brisebar called to him his nephew, and said. fair nephew ye shal return unto the court and humbly command me to the kings grace, and also ye shall bear with you this monsters head and present it to my lady Florence fro a knight of hers, whom she never saw, nor he her, the which knight ye may show unto her grace hath aquyted the port noyre, and acheued all alone the adventures of that place& also show her how that I am gone with the said knight to the port noyre, to speak with her clerk master steven, for the matter that she commanded me at my departing. sir said his nephew all this shall be done,& so took the head& commanded them all to god, and so departed, and all the other knights each of them went home to their own houses. Than all the people of the castle set open the gates and issued out and came before Arthur both governar& Iosseran the almayne and all other▪ and Iosseran made great cheer to B●ysebar, and so al the people of the country came thither to se the monster& Arthur their champion,& saydf sir knight blessed be the time that e●erye were born, and the moder that bare you For ye haue delivered all this country fro death. Than al the processions of the country came thither& received Arthur with grete triumph,& brought him in to the church within the castle,& ther Brysebar, Iosseran, governar,& jaket did unarm him, Than the lady blanch floure came thither fro her castle of the brosse& descended down fro her chair,& so mounted up the stairs into the palace& there sho found Arthur unarmed,& Brysebar with him who did behold Arthur meruayllously, for they were all a bashed of the grete beauty& grace that they saw in him. And when they saw this lady coming, they al arose and met her, and Arthur Brisebar and she sat down al together, and so talked of diuers things till their meet was redy,& than they went thereto& were richly served,& the next day the lady went again to her castle of the brosse,& in this castle Arthur soiorned three dayes,& than departed& Brisebar with him,& took leave of al the knights of that country,& so they came to the castle of the brosse, where as the lady blanch flower received them with great honour& she made right grete cheer to governar because he was with her all the season that Arthur fought with the monster& so Arthur sojourned in this castle .iiii. days and than he& Brysebar with him departed,& this lady blanch floure conveyed them a grete space& than she took her leave and returned again to her castle of the brosse& than Arthur Brysebar governar& Iosseran road forth till they arrived at the castle where Iosserans broder lay wounded▪& Bawdewyn had him in heling, and as sone as Bawdewyn knew that his lord was come, he was never so joyful before, and ran and encoun●ed arthur and embraced him for joy and the night they were there w●ll served. Now let us leave to speak of arthur for a season,& let us speak of sir Isem●arte nephew to the duke of bygor who was born, to the castle of the ●oche sore wounded by arthur as ye haue herde here before.   

¶ How sir Isembartes cousin enbusshed him in a great foreste with a great multitude of men of war to thent to ●●e arthur by treason,& there arthur did with his hands such deeds that in a maner it was incredible. And how that governar and Brysebar were taken prisoners& lead forth to a tour,& there Arthur slay of his enemies .v. hundred& mounted into the tour, and so rescued the innkeepers in the spite of al the town and there won the palace, Cap. li.  
IT is of a trouth how that arthur sore wounded sir Isemba●te the duke of bygors nephew under the castle of the ●oche,& thither his servants brought him,& there he lay a great season at leech craft& so the tidings ●an all over the country how that the duke of Bygors nephew ●ay sore wounded, and how that this was done by a strange knight& at last these words came to the hering of a knight of great power▪ who was called sir Firmont tr●sou●er to the duke of bygor, and he had one of his shoulders hier than the other,& this sir Fyrmont was a right good knight and grea●lye redoubted, and he was cousin ge●mayn to sir ●sembarte,& broder to the knight that was slain by arthur and when he herde the death of his broder,& how that his cousin was sore wounded,& lying at the castle of the roche, he was therwith sore displeased& lept on horseback accompanied with .x. other knights,& so went to the castle of the roche to se his co●ī, who as than could not steer out of his bed, ther they did salute each other, than sir F●●mont demanded him how he did. And he answered& said that he was right sore hu●● well cousin I pray you who hath done this dede to you& also slain my b●oder. sir I cannot tell you, for it was a knight stranger, who is gone toward the castle of the brosse as it hath ben shewed me,& also it is said that he purposeth to return again with Iosse●a the almain the same wall that he came, therfore I am ●ight sore displeased that I am not as yet hole for if I were cer●ayn●y I wolde meet with him again. well sir said Fyrmo●●●ake ye no thought, for yf he come that way again he shall be right well encountered for sith he had done me one displeasure I shall quiter him again with two. A good cousin {quod} sir Isembarte for goddes sake abide till I be hole, for verily he is a knight of great value, it is I as yet that beareth the hurt, therfore I pray you let me beat the quital th●rof, for ● ◇〉 me masspriest he will do you more domag● than he hath done to me. and say well quod sir Firmont I will do as you say,& that he said to apese his cousin but 〈◇〉 after as so●● as he might privily seem a var●et to espy which way that arthur returned fro the castle of the brosse, and thus arthur& Brysebar was with●osse●an in his broders castle,& there they determined that they wolde not ●●meue th●●s till the wednesdai next a●t●r than ●h● varlet returned again to sir Fyrm●n●●●●e wed him wh●re as Arthur was& how that he wolde depart thence ●he wedn●●daye n●xt after,& said. sir now yf ye will ye may be revenged of the I●iu●y ●●at hath ben done to your broder,& al●o to your cousin, for the knight that hath don it, on wednesd●y next betime w●l pas by the same place where as your cousin was hurt and your broder slain. And when sir Fyrmont herde that he had great joy. Than he sent menssengers to al the men of war that belonged to the town& castle of the roche& al the country about, commaundinge them al to be in harneys redy the wednesday next ensewyng in the foreste at a certain place as covertly as they might without any noise. And also he commanded that none should be so hardy that matter to show ●o sir Isembart his cousin. And arthur all this season was in the castle with Iosserans broder, and there he had right great cheer and Brysebar also,& there they weee richly served& honoured,& the wounded knight was as than through hole and was among them. And the next day betimes they herde mass and than arthur went to his horse and w●th him Brysebar, Iosseran and his brode●▪ and governar, Bawdewyn,& jaket and .viii. other knights so that they were in all to the nombre of xiiii. persons, and so they road forth till they came to the same mountain where as Arthur met with Iosseran▪ who than said. sir in this place ye made me to re●ourne again when I pursued after sir ●sembar●. That is trouth said Arthur well sir said Iosseran I had wende it had ben you vereli but than ye shewed me how that ye had wounded him, but sir I know well he had rather ●ie than he wolde be unrevenged his heart is so fel,& sir I know well that there is not a more tray●our in al the wolde, for he doth all his deeds by false treason, therfore sir I doubt greatly of him least that he haue falsely ●aide s●me wait on your return and so think to be revenged on you, therfore after mine opinion we shal take our harneys what so ever fortune. In the name of god said Arthur I agree well thereto, than they al took their harneys& road forth fair& softly till they came to the same place where as the busshem●nte of their enemies where. And there was sir Fyrmont& xl. other knights with him on horseback and .xxiiii on foot, and when th●y saw arthur and his company they mounted on their horses and sowned a great horn and therwith all they came forth in to the plain. And when arthur saw them he demanded of Iesserā what people they were, and whether he knew them or not. And he answered and said. sir it is sir Fermont& all his power who is cousin germayne unto the duke of bygors nephew, and broder to the knight that ye slay, therefore he cometh on you for your ill, therfore there is no nothing to do now but let each of us do our devoir to defend our lives. well said Brysebar and I shall do my part. And by my fathers soul said governar& I shall not be behind, and therewithal the busshement broke out of the wood, and ran all at ones on ar●hurs company, and Brysebar encountered so rudely with the ●i●st that he put his spear clene through his body, and so he fell down dead in the place, than he drew out his sword and struck so an other that his head flew into the field. Than governar strake one so with his spear that he overthrew both horse and man, to the earth, and than with his sword he struck so an other that he claue his head to the teeth, and so dashed into the press and laid on with such stroke that he slay and ba●e down all that he attained unto, than came Iosseran& at this first meeting he overthrew two down to the earth. And when Arthur saw his company do so valayuntly he had great joy. And at last he espied sir Fyrmount where as he had beaten down to the earth sir Brysebar, than he dashed his horse with his spurs and couched his spear,& struck sir Fyrmont so rudely that he sent both knight and horse flat to the earth right sore astonied, and so lay a great space, and at the last his people remounted him again. Than Arthur thrust into the press with his good sword clarence in his hand, and the first that he encounterd he struck him with such virtue that he claue him to the shoulders,& fro an other he took of the head, and laid on among his enemies on every side with such stroke that he confounded all that ever he touched, for he cut of arms, legs, hands and heads, and did meruaylouslye with his hand, for he made as great way afore him as though his enemies had ben unarmed, for their armour could not withstand the weight of his stroke, how be it he and his company were but .xiiii. in nombre,& his enemies were well to the nombre of .ccc. and also ever they encrea●ed in the number, for sir Fyrmont had sent his commandment to the castle of the roche, and to the marches there about. And so it fortuned that w●ā sir Fyrmont was remounted he was much sorrowful because of his people that he saw so sore overladen,& therewith he dashed to his horse and struck Iosseran so rudely that he overthrew him clean fro his horse and by clene force took him prisoner. And when governar saw that he lifted up his sword& struck sir Firmont so rudely on the helm that he cut of clene a large hand breed therof, and the stroke descended down on his she●de& 〈◇〉 i● asunder in the mids,& fro the●s the stroke dyde light on the horse ne●●e& strake of the horse heed clene for the body, ●nd therwith sir Fyrmont fell down to ●●e earth,& than tho that held fast Iosseran dyde let him go at large, because they went to help their master, who as than was sore handled by governar,& than Brysebar brought to Iosseran an other horse that he had won fro a knyg●t,& so quykly Iosseran wart up th●ron,& dashed again in to the press,& than sir Firmont was remounted again on his horse, than he caused a grete horn to be so●●ed,& than his people railed them together& xl. of them in a flock together ●an all at ones on Brisebar and on governor and on Iosseran and so closed them about and struck them on every side. And when Arthur saw that he ●usht in the thy●k●st of that pr●se and broke down and over turned all that ever was before him,& bet down knights merueylou●ly of that al fled before him as lambs doth fro the wolf. But than there fell, on Arthur .vii. score at ones, who came fro the castle, wherefore Arthur was fayn to draw back and could not as than so cour his knights that were nere taken. And so than sir Fyrmontes company killed Gouernars horse under him. Than governar laid on with his sword on all sides and maimed and slew many knights, and Brysebar and Iosseran did help him full manly with all their power. And at the last governar advised well a knight who al the day before had done him much trouble, and struck him so rudely with his sword that he dashed it clene through his body, and so he took his horse and mounted thereon in the spite of all his enemies, than he rushed again into the press and laid on with mighty st●okes round about him. And at the last these people on f●te slew both Brisebar and Iosserans horses vnderneth them, and like valiant knights they ●ept on their sete, and by grete virtue def●nd●d themself, but the ●●eses was so th●cke& so grete& they were ouercharched with the people on foot that by clene force they were taken innkeepers, and than they al●am on goue●nar and kyl●ed again his horse under him, and there he valyauntely didde defend hyms●lfe meruayllo●slye with his hands. And when he saw himself at that myscheue& his felawship taken innkeepers he said. A gentle Arthur God be thy help and keep the fro death, for we are down and overcome. And when Arthur h●rde that and saw how they were taken than he abandone● his heart and body to rescue his knights,& so dashed into the press,& fiercely said on round about him on every s●de, and dressed himself toward governar, but it availed him nothing for governar Bri●ebar and Iosserā were taken and lead forth toward the castle, and when Arthur saw them so led forth he was right sorrowful, and therwith he did so much that it was grete marvel to behold him, for he broke asunder the grete prec●s,& all that ever he attained unto went to death, so that the hardyes● that was there was in grete fear to encounter him, but the press was grete that did follow after him and did c●st at him every thing that they could get●e, thinking either to ●lee him or ell●s his horse, and they that lead his knights to the castle ward were as than entred into a narrow causy t●e why●he brought them to a gr●te ryu●r the which they must pass over by ship, for there was no bridge and so they entred into the ●hyp, and ha●ted them very fast to enter into the castle with their innkeepers. And whan Arthur saw howe that he had lost his .iii. knights, he dyde and adventured himself so far that there was never knight that ever did such an enterprise before, but he had never no maner of fear, ne never doubted creature, than he lighted of his horse,& as by fortune there was another ship departing fro the land side, and therwith he joined together his fe●e and lept of the land into the ship among all his enem●es, and his good sword drawn in his hand, and the first that he encountered, he claue his head to the thyn and alway●s the s●yppe sailed toward the castle,& he dealt such stroke among them th●t for fear many of them lep●e into the water,& so were drowned& the r●menaunt slain. And at the last the ship drew so nere to the castle wall that they that were within the castle did cast down great hokes of yren,& therewith drew the ship to the shore, and than they ran to their harneys,& took their crosbo●●●& other w●●ens of war●●. Than Arthur wart out of the ship and took one of the ●rappers of yren and did fasten it surely to a tynge in the castle wall to ●hen●ent that the ship should not depart thence And they of the castle did s●ote and cast great ston●● and bars of yren at him, bu● a●wayes he covered him self with his white shield se that he c●ulde not be hurt for such was the virtue of the sh●ld that it, could never be enp●●red. And th● master of the castle caused the great bell to be sowned where with all the people of the castle were moved and issued out in to the field, and flocked round about Arthur,& there was than so great noise that it was wonder to here,& Arthur hel●e 〈◇〉 his hand clarence his good sword, so that there was none that approached nere him, but shortly he rendered his life. And all this season there was a great sort that kept Arthurs knights,& shamefully de●te with them that it was grete pity to se, for some pulled them by their heres, and some by their beards▪& some bet them with grete staues,& some cried down with them, ●le them out of hand. And yf sir Fyrmont had not commaunbout the contrary, they had been al slain to they had had a. M. lives, for they were his ●er chafed against them than wild boars be when they be hunted. And than no●han sir Fyrmont had taken the remenoaunt of sir Brisebars knights, than kine returned to the castle& all his peaple ●●he which were well to the nombre of .ii falondred,& always his people increased it ●ore& more, for they repaired to him of F●l the towns and countries adjoining A●●out him. And so they passed over the sayuer, than he commanded that the knygh●●es that were taken prisoners should be ●●edde forth into the grete dungeon of the ●astell, and there to be unarmed, and as 〈◇〉 commanded so it was done. And so Arthur saw howe they were led in to the castle, but the press ware so grete that he 〈◇〉 not come at them. Than came sir ●yrmont& wherefore with him on horseback, and all they set at ones on Arthur and dashed at him with spears, and did sh●te at him grete quare●les,& cast many a grete ston at his head. And when Arthur saw that he was so sore handled among them, and perceived well it was hard for him to escape the grete danger that he was in, thought inwardly to himself that he wolde 〈◇〉 his life dere or he l●st it, and therwith he lanced hymself●& wart into the mids of the press with his good sword in his hand,& laid on round about him as freshly as though he had not fought of all the day before,& so made a wide way ever before him,& did so valiantly that some of the knights that were enemies had of him gret● pity, and so somewhat withdrew themself, what for pity,& what for fear, fro doing of him ony hurt, and said each to other. saint marye what maner of knight is this, it were gr●te damage he ●holde thus lese his life. And when sir Fyrmont saw that these knights forbore Arthur, he was therwith so sorrowful that he was nigh enraged thereby out of his mind, and so his knights desired him for goddes sake that he wolde haue pity on Arthur seeing that he did so nobly that day in deeds of arms,& also considering that there was so many agenste him, but he said he would in noo wise spare him, but swore freshly that he should die or he departed,& therwith he dasht● his horse with the spurs and thought● to haue landmen Arthur behind him, but Arthur, saw him coming and watched wisely his stroke and let him pass by,& ash passed by Arthur advised him well and struck at him with clarence his good sword,& the stroke did light between the helm and the neck so that the head flew clene in to the field, and than the body fell down to the ground. Than his knights and people came& wondered al above him. And when Arthur saw how they all took hede to the dede body, as fast as he might he went up to the castle that same way that he saw his knights led forth. And at the last he came to a greatdore of yren the which as than he found open,& so he entred into the tower& there he found them that were vnarmynge of Brysebar& his fellows,& than he shytte fast the door after him that none should neither enter nor issue out,& like a wild lion he ran on them& with his sword cut them in pieces as the sythe doth the grass,& when governar saw Arthur his master his heart began to revive, for he wende verily that he had been slain and his hands were fast tied together& with his teeth& with his clene strength he brast asunder the bindyng wherewith he was bound, than he ran to one of them that bound him and rashed out of his hands his weepen,& therewith he gave him such a stroke that he desceuered life and body asunder,& than he ran to the door to keep that none should escape that way, for they that came to the door went no more to their fellows, and when they saw how they were dealt with all,& how that their fellows were slain, some of them for fear wart out of the windows into the water and so some swam& some were drowned. Thus Arthur delivered the tower of them all, for there was not one that abode there but he was slain,& when he was thus delivered of his enemies, than he came to his knights that were bound fast like innkeepers and so lowsed them, and when Arthur saw Brysebar so fast bound and wrapped with cords he said, a dere f●end ye were not wont thus to be nourished, yl hape come to that nouryse that hath caused you thus to be swatched,& so he vnloused him and also Bawdewin and jaket and such other that had ben taken innkeepers,& than he closed fast all the doors of the tour to thentent that none should enter into them,& this tour was right strong, for it was able well to keep& sustain .iii. monthes x. M. men of war, so that they were well furnished with victual, but these noble knights had not as than within al the tower of victual the mountenaunce of a pennyworth neither of meet nor drink, wherefore god be their aid& comfort for this present time. Let us leave to speak of thē, and let us speak of the duke of bygors nephew, who was sore hurt lying at his castle of the roche as haue herde 〈◇〉   

¶ How Arthur& his company we 〈◇〉 sieged in the palace by the duke of 〈◇〉 but thanked be God they escaped 〈◇〉 subtle arte of master steven cler● ◇〉 the fair florence of Soroloys. 〈◇〉  
 
when the mayor of the roche had caused the grete ●omyn bell of the town to be rung, the Dukes ne●ewe as he lay in his bed sick herde it and demanded of a servant hf his what it might mean,& his varlet thinking to hide the counsel fro him said, sir it is for nothing. Tel not me that tale said he, for that bell is not rung but it is for some great cause, therfore I charge the to tell me the trouth. well sir {quod} the varlet sith ye will needs know it I shal show you, sir it is so sir Fyrmonte your cousin caused the knight that wounded you to be watched in so much that as now he hath found him,& therefore he had summoned all the people of this town& country about to come to him to thentent either to take or to ●lee this said knight and al his company. Why said sir Isemba●te are they than fighting together.& is he not yet taken. sir said the varlet I can not tell you. And as they were thus talking together there cam to them into the chamber a knight sore wounded bledinge fast and said to the dukes nephew. sir it is now worse than ever it was for sir Fyrmont is slain& his heed landmen of And when sir Isembarte herde that, he sate him up in his bed& demanded of the hurt knight who had done the dede. sir said he the same knight that slew his broder, and wounded you. well good friend& is not the same knight slain No no sir said the knight I think verily he be noo man but rather a fiend of hell, for he doubteth no maner of thing for he confoundeth all that ever he attaineth unto, for this day he hath sustained so much by his body that he hath shed the blood of .v. hundred persons& confounded& slain more than can well be spoken of or numbered with the good help of this company who are right valiant& vygorrus. A sir said Isembart I am right unhappy if they thus escape me, but I require you to tel me where they be. In good fatyh sir {quod} the knight, they are in yondre grete tour, where as were all the prisoners that were taken, but sir when these devils came thither there were but few that escaped death, and so they haue loosed all the innkeepers& haue fast shut themself within the tower so that none can come at them. well than I charge the go make a cry& raise up all my men of war& let them besiege the tower round about and pitch up my pauylyons& tentes, for surely I will ramysh them or they get thence. Than anon the cry was made throughout all the town and the dukes neuew●s tent was p●ght up,& himself born into it, and than he sent all about the country,& commanded every man that was able to bear harneys to come to him in all hast possible And there resorted to him well to the nombre of .v. hundred or above,& so lodged wolf round about the tour. And than sir Isembarte commanded straightly that none should be so hardy to assayl the tour till such, season as he were clene hole of his wounds, and till the duke of bygor his uncle were comen to him, for he swore grete oaths, he wolde sle Arthur and his company al quick his own hands,& than dry them in the son, thus sir Isembarte railed on these noble knights, who were as then looking out of the windows of the tour,& than they saw right well how that people came& lodged round about them in the tour And Bawdewyn& jaket were looking out at another window into the townwarde,& there they espied joining to the same tour a right fair manner beseminge as strong a house as could and devised, closed about with strong hye walls,& grete gates bound with grete bars of yren, with draw brydges& p●r●e colyces,& well bolwarked& fa●●brayed, and a grete& a deep water beting on the ●●lles, to say the trouth this place was ●ight strong, and within this house they ●●we a chimney right sore smokyng, and also they smelled the kitchen,& felt well the savour of roast& fried meet,& so ther was in dede, for there was ordained all the meet that the dukes nephew& his company should haue had for it was the dungeon that belonged to the duke of bygor. A good lord {quod} Bawd●wyn I would I were in ●onder kitchen with yonder good meet, for than I wolde eat before my master for I haue great hunger. And I also {quod} jaket,& it was than past noon,& these noble knights had eaten no meet of all the day before. Than Iosseran said I thank god I had a good physicien, for I am now a● hole, but I would now fain eat some meet. By my faders soul& I also {quod} Gouernar● well {quod} Bawdewyn sir governar ● ye will come hyderye may drink of this smoke as I do, whereby your hongre may be well aswaged. And than Arthur& his company went thither to behold fro whence the smoke came,& when Arthur beholded the fair place so strong& so rich builded,& herde betynge in the mortars within the kitchen,& might here how the cokes called for wine& spice, he said to Brysebar. Fr●nde me thinketh th●se cokes in ●onder kitchen haue somewhat to do, for they be very busy in faith I will go& he●pe than And whan governar herde him say s●, he s●●● that gladly he wolde turn the bro●he. A good lord said Brysebar what a lad of the kitchen would ye be, in good faith I think veryle ye wolde soon bete down your mays●●r, than they all began to laugh. well {quod} Ar●hur there is no mo●● say, but let us 〈◇〉 well our pa●e●● for surely yf it be poss●ble ●●yder will I g●& put some salt into th● grewel, Ye sir ye be a veri good cook {quod} Bawdewyn, ye may well sel trypes in the market. And thus they sported them each with other. Than Arthur advised well the floor of the chamber wherein he was,& espied well how that there were stages vnderneth the floor, than he said to his company, let us break up the pavement of this floor,& th●n we may se well what thing is vnderneth, ●o than they took their hawbert●s& bills and such other wepens as was brought thither by them that conveyed the prisoners into that chamber▪ the which were than all slain and cast out at the windows,& so they dashed these wepens ●●o the pauemente of square stones,& with grea● labour broke them up,& there they made so great an hole that they might well se all thing that was vnderneth the chambre but the vaw●te was very dar●ke, and than the called to know whether any body was there or not, but there was none that answered thē. At the last Arthur espied where there was a chain of yren fast rebat in to the wall, and the one end attained to the floor of the chaumbre, and the other end was fast tied to a great chest of the wall. than Arthur took the chain in his hands and sl●pped down thereby till he came to the crest of the wall, and ther was a little window, whereby there entred a little light, so that he might well se the bottom of the vawte,& than he espied well that he might break the wall whereon he stood and might than soon come to the earth, than he caused all their harneys to be brought down to the said crest, and all his company than they broke down the stones of the wall and did cast them down, and ever raised the stones deeper and deeper under their fe●e, ever they stood lowe●& lower till at the last they cam down to the earth without any hurt or damage, than they found a little door of yren the which was sherte without with .iiii. grete bars of yren, the which door op●ned agenste the said strong place where as the meet was a roasting, than these knights thought to arm them& than to break up the door and so they did, and when they were armed, than they took great pieces of timber that lay in the vault,& Arthur ran at the od●● with such randon that it made a right great noise, and the same time the dukes treasurer was gone to se the dead corps of sir Firmont the which was laid on a bear to be born to the church to and buried,& with him were gone al the people of the town saving tho that were lodged about the tour, so that there was not left in the said place no creature but all onely the cokes that were in the kitchen dressynge of their meet, nor there was none that was ware how that Arthur was brekinge up the door of the tour within, and th●re Arthur and his company did so much that they broke up the door and so entred into a garden, than Arthur said to his company. sirs go quycklye to the gate& draw up the bridge, and I will go in the mean season in to the kitchen to the cokes. Ha ha said Bawdwin I am sure my m●yster hath felt the savour of the smoke the which he thinketh right good, whereby he hath get him a good appetite. well said Arthur do as I haue shewed you& than ye shal do right well, and so they went all together to the gates and dyde shytte thē fast and lift up the brydges,& than they were so sure tha● they doubted no man, And in the mean● season. Arthur entred into the kech●n, and began to cry out avaunt out of ●his house ye foul ribald knaves, for ye shall all die. And when the cokes saw Arthur, they knew well it was he that vaynquyshed sir Fyrmont where with they were so sore abashed that they fled away and cri●d out, and said how the devil of h●ll had brought him in to that house, but Iosseran and Brysebar were at the door and received and gave them such discipline that it ought not to be controwled. And governar& Ba●●ewyn kept so the gate& turned them again that there abode not one on live. Than Brisebar and governar took the dead bodies and did cast them out at the windows and batylmentes of the hye wall. And sir Fyrmont was lyenge on a bear an carried on mennes shold●rs, and passed there by the wall of the same house where as Arthur and his company were, and as he passed under the wall Arthur& his company didde cast down the dead bodies on the bear. And when sir Isembartes se●uaun●es saw that they knew right well that the dukes fortress was tak●n● and so they w●nt● and shewed it to their master where withall he was greatly enraged, and commanded in all the hast to assail the place where ●s A●thur and his company were on the wall●s and defended th●mselfe valya●tly that their enemies did l●tell pr●uayle against them, and Arthur was oftentimes in will to haue issued out to haue fought with his enemy●s, but Brisebar wolde not suffer him, and v●rely and it had not been more for fear of his company than for himself he wold● haue set open the gates. And when they without saw that they could not prevail, they seized their assault,& wythdrewe t●emselfe. And Arthur& his company w●nte and unarmed them and Baw●wyn and jaket covered t●e tables and served ●●thur and his fellowship right r●c●ely, For there was in that house both wine and victual sufficient for an hole year. And thus right well at their ease they remained .xv. dayes without fear of their enemies, and without ony grete hurt Thus will we leave to speak of Arthur and his company, and show somewhat of master steven.   

¶ Howe master steven by the virtue of his arte of ●ygromancy delivered Arthur& his company fro peril& danger of the duke of bygor& his nephew. Ca. liii  
DVryng the time that arthur and his knights were thus besieged in the duke of bygors fortress master steven clerk to the noble lady Florence of Soroloys,& the noble marks were all this reason at the port noyre looking out the windows of the palayes talking together of Arthur thinking long for him, for it was more than .viii. dayes sythe the promise that he made of his retour, wherefore they were in great sorrow& in grete fear least he were slain by the fōule monster of the brosse. well said master steven sir marks abide me here till I return to you again, and than I shall show you how the case standeth, than the master entred in to his chamber and took his books and looked so long on them till he knew well all the estate of Arthur and of his company. Than he went again to the marks and recounted to him all the state of Arthur and of his fellowship, howe that they we●e besieged in the castle, and how that the duke of bigor was with .xl. thou sand man come to the castle of the roche for to help his nephew, wher●ore he said there is now nothing to do but to study for their deliverance, the which he said was hard to do without his counsel and advise. A gentle master said the marks, when need cometh than is the friend knowen● fyr goddes sake make hast for their deliverance. sir said the master ye shall keep this castle, and I will go to them and put to my pain to deliver them. And so he departed fro the marks and entered in to his chaumbre and took his books, and dyde ●o much that at the last he had al thing that he demanded, and than by his connyng he caused himself to be born in to the same hall where Arthur and his company were lenyng& looking out at the windows beholding the dukes host who was as than come and had lodged himself and all his company about the palace,& by that time sir Isembart was all hole, and was able to ride where as he wolde all armed,& so he came to the duke his uncle and recounted to him al his adventure. Well fair nephew said the duke take noo thought therfore, for by the faith that I owe unto you it shal be dere bought. And in the same mean season master steven was come in to the palace and stood behind Arthur or that he was ware thereof and laid his hand on his shoulder, and therewith Arthur turned him about, and when he saw master steven he cleped him in his arms, and so did Brysebar Iosseran and governar and all other,& made him right great there, and demanded of him howe he was entered in to that peace, well said the master how soever ye haue kept the place yet I haue done so much that I am now entred. Mary that is trouth said governar or elles be we sore abused, thus they made greet feast and joy all that night, and the ne●te morning they rose betimes and looked out at the windows and beholded the du●es host, and than Arthur said how that he wolde issue out& g● fight wi●h his enemies, but Brisebar wolde not su●fre him at which time they had wende that master steven had be stil a-bed on sleep, for he was not as than come out of his chaumbre, how be it he was about to study for their deliverance, for as sone as he was out of his bed, he took his books and made his coniuracions whereby he caused such a tempest of wind and rain to rise and fall in the dukes host without, that it brast down tentes& overthrew pau●lions and rushed down standerdes and tare down lodgynges and haled asunder ropes, and ●asht down al to the earth,& with the wind there was blown up in to the air streamers, towels, and other clothes so high that the sight of thē was clene lost. And arthur and his company when they perceived all this with out in the host ●hey had great marvel for it was a fair and a clear morning before. And when this storm was somewhat seized, than ●here rose out of the ground such a dark mist and so stinking that scant one man could se an other, and this mist hanged over all the dukes host and over all his castle and town, except the fortress where as arthur and his company where in wherefore they did close a● the windows,& did light up candles, but this mist endured so long that al they of the dukes host and also within his castle& town were fulfilled with the favour the●of. And at the last it seized and the wether began to w●xe clear and fair, a●d so than it fortuned that all such as had felt the savour of the foul▪ mist their hearts began to fail them and to be so full of cowardice& fear as though th●y had ben chased with an hundred thousand men of arms, and oftentimes be held toward the fortress where as arthur and his company were, a way feryng lest they wolde haue issued out on them. And as they looked toward the mountains, to their hearing they he●de x. thousand horns and trumpets weening verily that it had ben true, and than to their sights they saw so much people descending down fro the mountains that all the earth was coue●ed with harnysed men, than they were in great fear than they were before, and at the last they thought they saw descend down fro an hye hill the chief standard and banner of the migh●ye king Emendus, w●erin was portrayed a flambyng dragon of gold. And on another side they perceived w●re came the king of orquen●y, and with him a great multitude of men of war,& so throughout all the host there rose a great rumour& a saying how that the mighty king Emendus with all his chyual●y was comen on them to rescow his knight sir Brisebar, whom they had besieged with Arthu● in the dungeon,& so thereby ●he● ◇〉 so discomfited within their own fantasies& ymaginacions y● wha● on horse back& on foot they fled all aw●ye as fast as they might, and he tha● could get his saddle did set it on his horse,& some for hast lept on their horseback without any saddle or br●d●ll,& fled away all dismayed, som● in the woods and some in the riuers and into the great ma●eyses they wist not whider. And Arthur& his company when they saw al this, they had great marvel. In the name of god said governar I trow they will fish for eles, behold how some of them vain wolf in the maris. And at the last tidings came to the duke how that his men fled away and anon he lept on his horse, for his heart was as sore afraid as any o●her,& so he fled away also as fast as he could to save himself. And his seruau●tes that were within his caste●l ●an all abou●e the house to seek a place ●o hid them in, and so did c●ose them self fast within the ground in a lo vault of the ca●tel and some hide them under empty pyp●s and other vessels for fear of sp●ing And sir Isembarte fled into ●he gr●ate abbey church and mounted up 〈◇〉 ●h● h●e v●wtes for to hide him t●ere. ●nd the monk●s nonnes and prest●s and clerkes and chanons ran to the chyrc●es of the town& kneeled down& confes●ed themself each to other knocking themself on their breasts with great rep●ntaunce of their misdeeds thinking v●rily never to die other death. Than master steven issued out of his chamber and went into ●he hall where as ●r●hur was. And Ioseran said mais●e● for gods sake c●me hither& behold how the du●e& his men do fly away I think they be afraid. In the name of god said the master I think they be not a●●his time well assured of wolf therfore shorte●y take your harneys& let ●s ●o me●e ●he migh●y ●ing Emendus who is co●ing to rescue his knygh● he●● sir ●risebar. And whan arthur ●erd that, he ●nd all his company armed them and so opened the gates and went to ●he dukes ●entes. where as they found good and mighty hors●s,& ther● each of t●em took a good horse such as liked thē b●st, for there were none to withstand them f●r they wer● al clene fled a way and n●t one left ●eh●nde. So than they all mounted on their horses and issued out of t●e tentes and took their way up toward the mountains where as arthur and his company thought that they saw by seeming al the world of men coming towards them,& hearing horns and trompes sownyng, and braying of horses, glistering of helms, shining of sheldes, wavering of streamers& penselles, and at the last they espied the flambing dragon of gold in the great banner of soroloys, and also as to their sight they saw all the four kings with al their power coming, so that by seeming all the earth was covered with people. And Arthur greatly marveled of the great nobleness of the king Emendus that brought so great a multitude of people. Sir as god help me said master steven, yet here is no● all his strength, for here is nothing of the power of my lady Florence his daughter, nor none of the country of a●genton. Ue●ily sir said Brisebar to say the trou●h he is the might●est king that now reigneth in al the world. And so they road tor●h thus talking till at the last they met wi●h the foremost company of the ky●ges host, the why●he made grea● cheer& fe●st to master Steu●n to Brysebar, and to Iosseran such as knew them. And so they road f●rth ●yll they m●tte with the ki●ges banner& flambyng dragon, the which was born by the senesshal of ●he lady Flor●nce who made great cheer to brisebar and thus arthur road ●uer forth weening ve●elye that all this that he saw and herde had ben of trouth, f●r he wendful little tha● all this had ben wrought by master S●euens work and craft, and thus eue● arthur ●ode forth the space of .ii. leges, and ever stil encoun●●ed much people, and at the last they met with the noble king Emendus, who made right great cheer& feest to master steven,& to Brysebar& demanded of them how they had done,& how they came into the prison. sir& it like your grace said sir Brysebar thanked be god we do right well, for we were delivered out of danger by the only prowess of this noble knight that ye se here in our company who hath done so much in deeds of chyualry that it cannot be devised,& thus as they talked together master steven forded his enchantment,& than the king& al his great host assembled were clene vanished away, so that there was in sight no mo creatures but all onely Arthur and his company, wherewith they were al sore abashed, and each of them beheld other and spake never a word thinking how they had dreamed. In the name of god said arthur I haue grea●e marvel. Mary sir {quod} Brisebar I ●pak right now with the king my sovereign lord,& now I wot not where he is become. well sir {quod} master steven let us ride on forth. For now ye may se well how that we be out of the danger of our enemies. Than Arthur perceived well that all this was done by the craft of master steven by●ause of their deliverance so thus they road forth till it was none of the day ever talking of their aduen●ures,& at last against night they descend●d down of a great mountain,& the va●ley beneath was very obscure& dark so that they could se but a little way into it, and when they were nigh to it th●i app●●ceued were as there issued out therof .iiii. varlettes on feeble horses each of them having a brenninge torch in their hands,& in their company an abbot who was a white monk,& .iiii. other monks with him▪ and they were veri lene and pale, and but febly horsed. And when arthur saw them he restend and salued them. And the abbot did of his hood and salued Arthur and all his company▪ and because he saw Arthur of so fair a sta●ure, he thought verily that he was the chief of his company● and than he said to arthur. sir I herde reported but late how that a knight hath acheued the hard adventures of the port noyre. sir if it be so he is o● great valour, and therfore I am in purpose to ride ●hider& to coplayne to him of the g●et wrongs that hath ben done to me, for sir as poor as I seem now, yet I was wont to be most honoured abbot in al the country of Argenton& now I am lest set by for my covent is clene destroyed for it is now well .v. year sith one of goddes service was said in my church nor there was no light neither of son nor mone that entred into i● of all that season, and all our lands and rents are clene lost, wherefore many of my covent be dead, what for sorrow and what for necessity▪ and al this is done unto us bi the duke of bygors broder that I pray ●o god and ever shall that he may die a shameful death. And sir how that al this is fortuned I shal show you& it please you to her● me, sir I haue plained me to every noble man that I meet, to then●ent to haue some succour of them t● get me my right again, but I can meet with none that will help or aid me● therefore I will go and complain me to the gentle knight that hath done so much prowess at the por●e noyre if it be my ●ortune to finde him, sir I know not what you be, howbe●t I complain me to you as I haue done to many other. By the mother of god {quod} Arthur I would and ●ight glad to help you to your right, and 〈◇〉 I shall be glad ●o put my good wyl● whereof the abbot thanked him& so aid al the other monks. Than master St●uen desired them to go in company with them to the port noyre, and promised yf they wolde so do that they w●ld speak with the same knight that they seek for. And than at last the abbot knew well master steven,& cleped& kissed him& made right great joy& said. A gentle master is the knight that I seek for in your company or not. As god help {quod} the master it is the same knight that ye haue al this season spoken unto, and he by his prowess hath loosed out of prison the noble marks your own broder And than the abbot held up his hands toward the heaven and said. high& mighty ●ing of paradise celestical increase in that noble knight honour& bounty. Than the abbot advised well Brisebar& Iosseran and knew them right well and made wi●h them great joy and feast. And thus they road forth so long till at the last t●ey arrived at port noyre and 〈◇〉 descended fro their horses& mounted up ●o the palace. And when the noble marks saw Arthur he made to him right great cheer,& when he saw the abbot who was his own broder he began to weep for pity when he remembered the death of the lord of Argenton his broder. And so each of them embraced other with great weeping for joy and than the abbot said. I pray to god that he may die an evil death that hath slain out broder the gentle lord of Argenton, whereby great hurt and damage is come to my church. And I pray the same said the markes● for thereby is our niece the lady of Argē●on dysherited wrongfully& with our cause, and therwith ●hey wept each ●o other right piteously, whereof Arthur and his company had great pity,& than Arthur said to them. lords be of good comfort, for I promise you I will be at her marriage yf I may▪ and if the lady haue than any need of help I shal be ready to aid her to the best of my power. And the two brethren thanked him much, and so they unarmed them& where therein great Ioy and sport. Now let us leave to speak of them,& we will treat of the messenger that bare the head of the monster to the cou●t of king Emendus and to the fair Florence.   

¶ How the nephew of Brysebar arrived at the court of the mighty king Emendus with the head of the monster,& did salute the king and also the emperour of ynde who was still in the court attending that the king should give him in marriage his daughter the fair Florence and to her the head of the monster was presented from Arthur, and shewed her how that all only by his noble prowess he had slain the terrible monster of the brosse. Cap. liv.  
SO it was that when Brysebars nephew was departed fro thence as the monster was slain, he road so long till he arrived at a city name Phesale where as the king was and the emperour in his company, who wolde in no wise depart till that the king had given him the fair Florence to be his wife. And also there was in the court at the same time the king of orqueney cousin germayne unto the fair Florence. The court was as than great and sumptuous, and the king had as than heard mass, and was returned into his palace and the emperour with him, and also there was Florence accompanied with many ladies and damosels,& the king of orqueney was there accompanied with many other great lords& knights talking together of atorney that should be made at droseme. And in this mean season Cristel●ne nephew to Brisebar mounted up to the steyres,& two great lubbers brought after him the heed of the monster in a great basket covered over with towels,& so entred up into the palace,& there every body made him right great cheer& feast,& therwith he came before the king,& when the king saw him coming he had right great Ioy, and demanded how Brisedar did,& whether that he had slain the monster or not. As god help me {quod} sir Crystelyne mine uncle doth right well, but as to the sleyng of the monster he is nothing guilty nor none of all his company, for all onely one noble knight hath slain the monster the which knight by his prowess hath acheued all the fearful adventures of the port noyre, he is the most fair knight& the most gracious that ever I saw with min eyen. And when he saw the f●yre Florence sitting by the king her father he kneeled down to the earth& said Ri●ht dere lady this said noble knight send●th to your noble grace for a present the he●d of the said monster, as to the most hye& puissant lady of the world now living, and to you he offereth himself to do all that he may for so noble lady as ye be, and truly madam it shal be a great treasure to haue and to retain so noble& so ●aliaunt a knight as he is for he the floure of all the world,& in bounty surmounting all other, than the head was dyscouered and shewed to the king and to themperour, and thither ran every body that was in the court to behold it, than they took knives and swords and struck at it, but none ●oude impair it, for it was so exceeding hard Than every man praised much the knight that had slain the monster,& said how that in all the world there was not his pere,& some said also that this knight is he that hath acheued the adventures of the port noyre, and the king did much praise him, and determined to send to seek for him. send to seek for him said the king of orqueney, it were little enough to send a king for him, for it were not meetly for a simple knight to go seek for such a knight of ●o high prowess as he is of. well sir said Crystelyne, Brysebar is abiden with him& are gone together to the port noyre and yf he can he will bring him unto your court. Than al the kings and princes counseled the king that he should not send for him but abide the coming of Brisebar. Than Florence rose and said to the king her father, sir and it like your grace to give me leave to depar●e in to my chamber, for this foul head troubleth me sore to look therō,& so she took her leave of the king& of the emperour,& when she was in her secret chamber she called to her the king of orqueney, in whom she faithfully trusted and so they sat them down together,& than she said. Sir of great valour is the knight that hath slain the monster and done so many valiant deeds, therfore I pray you can you tell me what he is. By the faith that I owe unto you madam I cannot tell you, but let us sand for Cristelyne to know yf he can tell us ony thing of his estate. Than incontinent he was s●nte for in all the hast, and than Florence caused the chaumbre for to be clene avoyded, saving of the king of orqueney and of the queen his wife. And when Cristeline was come to them, than Florence demanded of him what maner of knight it was that offered his seruy●e in such wise to her. madam said he as god help me I can not show your grace, but more fairer, more gracious, nor more gentiller heart of a knight cannot be found again in all the wide worlde● nor a goodlier man of arms, nor of hier prowess cannot be lightly imagined. well friend said florence and what message hath he sent to me by you. madam he shewed me how that he is your knight& redy to do you seruy●e at all times. mine said Florence and therwith ●he sighed and than there entred into her heart a great& a fervent love, in ●o much that al other were clene put out of her mind,& therwith she stood in a stoudy without speaking of any word▪ And than the queen of orqueney demanded of him what arms the knight did bear. madam said he a chekered arms and a white shield. well said Florence is this of trouth. Ye truly madam said the knight, and also he hath a sword that can help no man but himself, but he doth therwith what him list madam I say unto you that about al other he is the best of all the world,& so he is reputed in every place. Than was Florence overcome wi●h love more than she was before,& thought well that it was he that master steven her clerk abode so long for at the port noyre. Than she gave Cristelyne. CC. li● of land for the tidings that he brought her fro the said knight.   

¶ How that arthur& master steven went to the garden pe●tayning to the palace of the port noyre, and entred in to the rich pavilion where as the image was holding in her hands the chaplet the which she did set on Arthurs head in signifying how that he should haue the fair Florence to whom the image was resemblable, for there was none that should haue Florence in marriage with out he should die an evil death, without it were he that the image did give unto the said chaplet. Cap. lv.  
IN the mean time that Cristeline Brysebars nephew was at e with the king Emendus as ye haue herde before Arthur and his company were at the port noyre in great joy and mirth. And than the abbot had song masse● and so they were all together in the palace, and entred into the garden, and so went talking together till at last master steven took Arthur by the hand and said how that he would speak with him in counsel, than they departed together fro the other company, and went talking together till they came to the rich pavilion and entred into it, and stood before image that held the chaplet in her hands. Than the master said, sir this image is right fair, how be it the figure that it doth represent is .x. times fairer, the which is the fair Florence daughter to the mighty king Emendus,& sir when that she was first born she was brought up into the mount of adventures,& there was given her this rich pavilion by the queen of the fairy,& there they destenied on her that no creature should haue her in marriage but all only he that this image should give unto the chaplet that she holdeth in her hands as ye may se,& I hope verily it shal be you, because of the great prowess that is in you,& I pray to god it may be so,& sir now here is none but you and I, therfore I pray you go to the image, and than we ●hall know the trouth. A master said Arthur for goddes sake I ask mercy, so hye a thing as is the love of the noble lady Florence is not apertenaunte to so simple a person as I am, therfore it were folly to me to go to the image, presuming to attain to so hye a felici●ye. By my head said the master ye shall go,& therfore I pray you so to do, for my heart giveth me good comfort that ye shal speed. well said Arthur sith ye will needs haue me to go, I am content: but first ye shall go before me. with a good will said that master, so that ye will promise to follow me yf so be that I miss. As god help me said Arthur so will I do. Than the master went and kneeled down before the image, but though he had kneeled there .x. year together he ●huld nothing haue sped, yet he was right fair and a good clerk& right gracious,& also son to a king: but for al that the image did nothing to him. And when the master saw that he rose,& caused than Arthur to do as he did, the which he was right loth ●o do: but at the last with much pain he kneeled down before the image,& in contynente the image turned toward him, and to his seeming it blushed as read as sendal,& fair and ●asely the image did set the chaplet on his head. And the same season that this image did set the chaplet on his head, the noble Lady Florence was in her chamber talking with Cristelyne, who told her how the knight that slay the monster had a white shield and a sword that could not be enpayred. At the which time she felt in her heart the virtue of the property of the same image in the rich pavilion, the which represented her similitude, wherebye there entred into her heart such alone, that she lost al her countenance,& blus●●ed t●ise as much as the image did before Arthur, and thereby in a maner she fell in a trance& lost the use of her speech. And when the queen of orqueney saw her in that point, she cried right hiely and said Our blessed lady saint Mary save my ●a day Florence fro death or ●eoperdy& than Cristelyne took her in his arms. Than other ladies came into the chamber, and when they saw her in that point, they took and laid her on her bed& anon it was spread al about the court howe that the noble Florence was sore sick, wherewith the court was sore troubled,& the king and themperoure were right sorry when they herd therof. And when that Florence was well come again to herself, than the qu●ne of orqueney demanded of her what she ailed to be in the case so suddenly. And she answered and said that it was because that she remembered the foul horriblenes of the head of the dead monster, whe●b● her heart failed her. Than incontinent th● king commanded that the head shul● be brent to thentent that it should no more be seen,& so i● was done in all hast. And as for Arthur was al this season before the image with the chaplet on his head. And he was than so taken with love that there was none in al the world that pleased him● but al onely the figure of her that owed ●he chaplet, and therwith he ro●e on his feet, and the chaplet on his head. And when the master saw that, he had never so great ioy afore and said. sir god encrea●e in you bounty and nobleness for as for honour ye are ther with as now gretelye endue● sir now I se and know well that ye shall be my lord, therfore I owe to you faith and trou●h, and fro hence forth I will to you make homage, and hold my land of you. A master said Arthur suffer not yourself so to say, for the son of a king ought not to hold his land of so simple a knight as I am, howbeit the master did so much that at the last Arthur received him for his man, and when he had so received him, the master said. My lord I owe unto you faith& troth and truly that shal I keep▪& from hens forth hardly do somewhat after my counsel, for I shal help you to accomply in this enterprise more than any other man living. master said Arthur,& I shall believe your counsel& put myself all onely into your hands, for as god help me the love that is in my heart grieveth me sore,& yet I wote not who it is that I love. S●r said the master take the chaplet fro you● head& give it again to the image to keep till ye ask it again an other season. master said Arthur with a good will,& so took the chapl●t& delivered it again to the image. And than the image dressed her up and stood still as she did before. Than the master said, sir Brisebar will desire you ●o go to the court with him, but ye must deny him as for this season, for after my mind ye shal first go to acheue the aduenturs of the tenebrons or dark tower, and take with you no company but only Bawdwyn your squire, and ye shall depart tomorow betimes▪ and I will go to the court wi●h Bris●bar& shal think right well of every thing that is behouable for the contentation of your mind. In the name of god said Arthur so let it be. And as they were thus talking together there came to them the abbot& the Ma●kes his brother governar,& Iosseran,& as for Bawdwyn& jaket appareled for the dinner in the palace. And than the abbot said to Arthur, sir I haue bē here a gee●● season, whereof I thank you, and also I am ever bound unto you because ye haue delivered out of prison my brother the marks, sir now it is time that I retorn● again unto my dolorous abbey, that which was wont to be the floure of beauty of all that country,& now it is the prison of al unhappiness and misfortune.& he that hath caused all this I pray to god that he may die an enyl death, who is sir Isembart the false neue we of the duke of Bygor, for by his means a false enchanter hath taken a way clene e of the heaven fro our abbey, so that we live ever in darkness, and also he hath taken away all our rents and lon●es, wherewith ●ye we are thereby famis●hed for hungre,& also he hath falsely by treason slain my brother the ●oo●e lord of A●genton, and hath dyshe●●ted my niece his daughter, and hath given her to a lewd boy, who is his barboure, and now at this next Mawdelyne side he purposeth that they shall be married together, the which shall be great pi●ie that ever so good and beautiful a lady as she is, should be cast a way vpon so vile a person, for yf she were not my niece I would say she were worthy to haue a ryght● good prince, wherefore I complain me to god and to al gentleness,& specially sir humbly I require you to help to take vengeance of him, and of such as taketh his part. By the faith that I owe unto the duke of britain said Arthur I shall put to my pain if I can, and will be the●e at this Mawdealyn tide, and than I shal help to aid the damos●ll to the best of my power. sir said master steven, than shall ye do well, for ye speak as a gentleman should say Than said Brysebar sweet sir let us .ii. go together to the court,& there y● shall se the noble king of Soroloys& al his barony the which is right great and high& also ye shall se my lady the gentle Florence, who shall retain you for one of her knights, and ye shall haue than in your comp●ny an hundreth knights of great valour, whereof I am the symplest and most insuffycyent of them all, and so by you shal the company be enforced and the renown of them doubled through out all the world, and I shall promise you above al other to keep you true and faithful company. And when Arthur herde him say all this, he smiled a little and said. Dere friend Brisebar I thank you heartily for your noble proffer, and certainly such as my poor body can do is, and ever shal be ready to do my lady Florence service. for where so ever I be come her servant shall I be: but as at this time to the cou●te may I not go●, for first I must fynysshe an ente●pryse that I haue taken on me ● god will give me the grace ●o accomplish it. And than Iosseran demanded of him what en●erpryse it was. As god help me said Arthur it is to atche●e the adventures of the tour tenebrous. And when Brysebar herd that, he said, sir for goddes sake let that enterprise alone, for certainly all the power that my lord the king of Soroloys hath is not sufficient to attain to acheue that adventure, therfore sir in my mind it were a great folly for you to take such a thing in hand as no man can acheue. Than master steven said, sir Brysebar let him alone, for he hath a great hert● though it be a grea●e enterprise, yet I trust god shall help him, for sythe he hath taken it in hand I am sure the●e is none that can let him of his mind. well said Brisebar sith he will not be turned I will go wi●h him. And so will I also said Iosseran▪ well sirs said Arthur I thank you but surely I will haue none with me: but al onely Bawdewin my squire. In the name of god said the master so b● it,& ye sir Brysebar and I will go together to the court and ye sir marks& Iosseran governar& jaket, al ye shal abide here still and keep still this castle till y● haue other word. Ye say well said Arthur. And therewith they went al together to the pa●ays to dinner, and were richly served, and al that day they made great feast and ioy▪ and at night went to their rests, and the next morning betimes they arose and herde mass the which the abbot did sing, and after mass Arthur mounted on his horse, and so did the abbot and master steven and Brysebar, and so took their leave of Gouerna● and other,& so issued out of the castle, and road together the space of four leges& at the last they came to an entering into a forest, where as was a forked way and there the master and Brysebar took their leave and road forth their way on the right hand, the which was the next hye way to the city of Cornite where as king Emendus was the same season. And the abbot went his nex●e way to his dolorous abbey. And Arthur took his way on the lift hand● and so road forth all the day till it was nere hand night, and so arrived at a gentle squires place, called the maner of the plas●hes, the which s●uyer doubted himself g●●atlye, for he had such enemies that had mortally defied him, therfore he said to Arthur, sir yet thither righ● heartily w●lcome: but I beseech you in all the hast to depart hence shortly for the saving of youreselfe, for I can no● warrant you in my house, for mine enemies are right mighty, and I look each hour when they shal assail me. Than said Arthur, sir care ye not for that but and it may please you I pray you let me haue lodging here with you this night and sir I ensure you if they come while I am here I trust I shall make a good peace between you and thē, either with fairness or otherwise. sir said the squire I am content and god give you grace to do that ye haue said.   

How that Arthur slay and discomfited .xv. knights right mighty and puissant, who were come to assail his ho●st, who was called the squire of the plasshes. Capitulo .lvi.  
 
THus was Arthur received of the sauyer, who made him right good cheer to his power▪ and the same time the squires enemies had there a spy, who returned and shewed to th● how that there was come to the squires house a strange knight by seeming right mighty and puissant, and howe that he had promised to the squire to help him if he had any need that night. Than they al answered and said how that knight might be sure he should se that same night, for they said they would not let their enterprise for one knight, for they were to the nombre of .xv. And when it was night they all appareled themself on horseback and came to the squires house al armed, and right rudely assaulted his house, and the squire and such servants as he had defended themself as well as they could with crossbows and such other weapons as they had within. And when Arthur knew well this he armed him and took his white shield, the which did cast a great clearness by night, and took his good sword clarence in his hand and when he was thus armed than he looked out of a window, and demanded of them without what they sought there, and what they would. And they answered how that they sought for to haue his head My head said Arthur loo take it here for here ye may se it, and I shall bring i● o●te wort●ye unto you than he desired them within to leave their shotynge and to set open the gate, and to let down the bridge, and according too his desire it was ●one and Arthur issued out all alone▪ and ran at them, and they all at once ran at him, and Arthur drew out clarence his good sword, the which for his goodness was also called traunchfer, that is for to say, cutter of iron, and str●ke the first so therewith that he claue his head ●o the eyen, and he made the head fly from the second, and from the third he struck of his arm and shoulder clene from the body, and than the remnant said all at ones on him, but all they nothing did impair him. And than Arthur dashed forth with his horse and encountered so one of them, that he overthrew both horse and man into a great ditch the which was about the place, and there he was drowned. And when a great mighty knight who was master of them all and he that first began this war saw his people so hardly dealt withall with one knight he was right sorrowful, and therewith dash● at Arthur and gave him a great stroke on the shield with a great mace of yren full of great pricks of steel, the which he laid on with both his hands, the which stroke rebounded again upward, for it could not impair his shield nothing, and than Arthur lift up his sword and struck him on the head, and the stroke was herde a great way of, but the stroke did glide down to his lift arm, so that arm and shoulder and all ●lewe clene into the field, and the sword dashed into the arson of his faddell and claue it clene asunder, and did cut asunder the croper of the horse, and therwith horse and knight and al dashed down to the ground, than Arthur laid on among the other both on the lift side and on the right side, and made heads, arms, hands, legs, and feet fly clean into the field, than the remnaun●e began to fly, but than it was to late, for there was none but either he had lost an arm or a leg, and whan the squire understood how that his gest was thus issued out al alone and fighting with his enemies, than he armed himself and ran out into the field, but there he found nothing to do, for by that time Arthur as than had made an end of them all, and so was returning home ward. And than the squire saw that Arthur had overcomen al his enemies, he thought verily that he was of hye prowess, and so he thanked him much and said. sir ye told me ●●outhe when ye said that ye would make the peas between mine aduersaries and me, for now I am among them, and yet they say nothing to me●. And so Arthur and the squire entred into the place and closed fast the gates after them& drew up the bridge, and so went to their rests,& in the morning the squire went out to se which of his enemies were slain, and among the other he found● his principal enemy slain, whereof he had great joy, and offered himself therfore to become Arthurs man, and would haue gone with him, but Arthur would not suffer him, but so he departed from the squire, and anon the words were spre●de abroad in all the country, how that a knight with a white shield had slain and overcome .xv. knights, the which words came to the hearing of master steven and Brysebar. verily said master steven that same is Arthur, who hath right gerat valour in him. As god help me said Brysebar it is he, I se well that he is a right valiant knight, for he is the best in all the world. Thus Arthur road forth till it was three of the clock, and there he found between two mountains, a great vylayne huge and mighty, black and hery out of all measure, and he bare on his shoulder a great crooked lever. And when he saw Arthur he ran to him and to●ke his horse by the brydel rain, and demanded of him, saying thus. fair sir what maner of man be ye? friend said Arthur I am a knight stranger. Ye sir said the vylayne be ye a knight, and what se●e ye he●e in these pastures that& haue in my keeping. Good fellow said Arthur I go on mine adventure w●e●● as g●● will bring me unto: why sir said the vylaine go ye than to seek for adventures, yf ye be so well hearted that ye da●e follow after me, I shall bring you unto a strange adventure, but I think ye dare not follow me, for I think ye be one of the knights that will menace and threaten when ye stand by the chimney warmyng of you aft●● supper, and in the morning all is forgotten. And when that Bawdwyn herd the vyla●nt say so to his master, he began to laugh greatly at him, and said. well good re●owe, lead him whether so ever than wilt, and I warrant him he wyl● follow the. sir said the villain I speak not to you, as for you I se well y●oughe ye be not of that force and might that ye can draw the wine and drink it, and pay not for your shot or ye go, I speak to your master, therfore let him answer me yf that he da●e friend said Arthur as for Bawde●in my squire is but a f●le, take ye no hede whatsoever he saith, but hardly bring me whether so ever ye will, and truly I shall follow you as long as my life will last. Ye but sir said the vylayne, yf ye follow me, when it cometh to the need than I fear me least ye will leave me and run away like a coward. nay said Arthur I promise you faithfully I will not forsake you as long as I may. well said the vylayne, than come on your way forth, and I promise you yf there were ten such as ye be, I shall bring you thycher where as none of you all should escape from the death, in like wise as I haue caused many a o●● to do Than the vylayne went forth and Arthur followed him. And at the last they entred into a great valley between two great mountains, where as they found a ly●el lodge where as meat and drink was s●●er to t●aualling men. Than the vylayne said to Arthur, sir knight it is now good season that ye give your horse some repast, for after this ye shal finde no mo h●uses till it be night, at why the time I shall bring you unto such a longyng the which shall not be good for you, for there shall ye lese your life. Than there Arthur alighted and gave his horse meate, and did eat and drink himself. Than the vilayn said sir knight, eat and drink with great joy always, but ● ensure you this shall be the last that ever ye shall take. And when Bawdewyn he●de that this villain thus alway manaced his master, it grieved him right sort, and said. A thou ●oule thurle hold thy tongue fro thretenynge thus of my master, what we ●est thou to make him abashed with thy words nay I wa●ra●●e the, he taketh little he●e thereto for do the worst thou canst he be 〈◇〉 thy malice. Than the 〈◇〉 began to ●oule his eyen, and to bend his brows and took his leu●r in do. ●his hands, and would haue steyken Bawdewyn, but Arthur held him and said. friend take no hede what my sq●yer saith, for I tell you he is but a fool, therfore speak to me what ye will& let him alone. And when the good wife of the lodge herde him speak so sweetly to the vylayne, and was so loth to displease him, and when he was unarmed ●he saw that he was so goodly a creature that she loved him in her heart& praised him much, and demanded of him whether he went. Arthur answered and said good love I follow this good fellow. certainly sir said the wife he is no good fellow but he is the most foul●st& 〈◇〉 traitor living therfore gentle knight I haue grete pi●● of you and ye are v●terly lost and dede yf ye go with him ony ferder for this foul vylayne ●othe nothing but watch such knights as passeth through this country to ●hentent to bring thē thither where as he is in full purpose to bring you unto, for fro thence there was never none that ever returned again without death therfore gentle knight return again for it were great loss of such a knight as ye seem to be thus destroyed. Than Bawdewyn said, sir howe feel ye your heart, will ye recoil back again or else will ye go forth. friend said Arthur how should ever ony lady or damosel enploye their love on me yf it should be said that I haue fled away for the menacynge of a foul churlys●he vylayne, nay as god help me I had rather suffer death. well sir said Bawdewyn than ye think on love I se well, but and it touched me as it d●oth you I wolde think on no lady nor on love in this point, for I wolde love mine own life better than to trust on their praise or reward. And with these words the vylayne came to them and said, sirs what noise is this of cowardy se that I here, sir knight I se well your heart faileth you, for ye are about to make covenant to return again, therfore I think well ye will leave me when need is. friend said Arthur truly I shall not forsake you. well said the vylayne than arm you shortly and let us go hence▪ for your last dayes draweth fast onwarde truly, therfore make hast.   

¶ Howe the great vylayne brought Arthur where as he fought with ● great and a terrible lion, but finally Arthur slew him. And howe after he fought with a great gyauntesse and an horrible giant, and by his prowess he conq●ered them both, and after that fought with a great griffon, and this was the beginning of the adventures of the tower Tenebrous, wherein ye shall here many t●tryble and marvelous things, the which were acheued by the only prowess of the valiant Arthur. Capi. lvii.  
when that Arthur had well repasted himself and his horse, than he armed him and mounted on his horse, and followed the said villain till at the last they came into a great valley dark and deep. Than say●● the vylayne to Arthur, sir knight now tide ye on before and ye dare, and I shal follow you. So than Arthur road before, and as they road on their ryght● hand there were hewers of wood, and as soon as they saw Arthur and the vylaine, than they knew well that he was brought thither by the soul churl, than they cried aloud and said. A gentle knight for goddes sake return again, for and ye go any further ye are but dead. A thou foul vylayne we pray to god that thou mayest die an evil death, for many a noble man hast thou caused to die. And when Bawdewyn herde these words, he said to his master. Lo ●y● now ye may remember your love, ye may hear what these people saith, certainly I would not think on the fairest creature of all the world in this point. And when Arthur herde Bawdewyn say so he laughed at him asking thus. friend by the faith that I owe unto my lord my father I can not tell whether I go nor what peril there is therein but what peril so ever I shall finde I wolde it were double as mouche on the condition that I were in certain that she that I saw never loved me as well as I love her. And when the foul vylayne herde him say so in his heart he praised him much and knew well thereby that he had a valiant heart. And thus they road forth so long till at the last the foul churl cried out and said. sir knight how it will appear what ye can do for now ye shall haue need to defend yourself. And with that word Arthur looked on his lift hand and saw where there was coming to hymwarde a grete and a mighty lion. Than Arthur ●ered his horse lest that the lion should haue slain him therfore he lighted down to the ground and delivered his horse unto Bawdewyn and dressed him toward the lion. And when the lion perceived him he wart and struck at him with his pa●es thinking to confound him but Arthur put his shel●e before him and the lions stroke dash●e thereon so sore that Arthur was all astonied with the stroke. Than Arthur struck at him with clarence his good sword as he passed by him and struck of clene his tail and when the lion felt himself so hurt he abandoned with all his power his body against Arthur and with his sharp teeth he took Arthur by the helm and they entred into the bokles of his harneys but as god wolde they touched not his flesh and with his foot he struck Arthur such a stroke vpon shield that and it had not ben the better shield it had been cloven all to petes, and with his other foot he took Arthur by the right shoulder, but Arthur swerved from him, or elles he had been torn asunder, for in the swaruynge away he lost a great quarter of his harness, and therwith Arthur lift up his good swer● and dashed it up to the hard cross in at the throat of the lion, and therewith the lion did cast out a great cry and a hideous, and so fel down to the ground stark dead, and therewith incontinent he espied again where as there was coming to him ward a great gyauntesse with a great faw●hon in her hand, so well steled that there was nothing but it would cut asunder, and therewith she came unto Arthur and struck at him right eagerly, and when Arthur saw the stroke coming on him, he quickly cast his shield before him. And this gyauntesse w●s terribly angry for the death of h●r lion, wherefore she gave Arthur such a stro●e vpon the shoulder that he was right sore astonied therewith, but as god wolde the fawchon broke asondre in two yeres, and his shield was therwith nothing enpayred. And when the gyauan●esse saw that her fawchon was broken, she life up a great spear that she had standing by her, and thought to haue landmen Arthur therwith vpon the head: but Arthur stepped under the stroke, and closed with her, and than she took Arthur by the head, and so arasshed clene of his helm so rudely that she braste asunder al the buckelles where withal it was tied and with the pull that she made she stepped back ward with the helm and than Arthur with his good sword struck her clene throughout the bely and therwith she fell backward for she was so hasty to reuenge her lion, that she came to Arthur all unarmed where in she was but a sole for a man may be anon to hasty to come to his enemy and when she fell she gave such a cry that all the valley range of the noise so that a grete giant who was her make herde it well and than he ran to a grete lever and took it in his hand and came running so rudely as though a grete multitude of men had come to guider he made so g●ete a noise and by that time Arthur had landmen of the heed of the giauntesse and rolled it in the mids of the way and dyde set again his he●me vpon his heed. And when the giant saw that his wife was dead and his lion also, he fared like a fiend of hell and took his lever and dashed at Arthur thinking to h●ue landmen him down to the ground but Arthur stepped aside ●yg●ly and the stroke light on a gr●te rock so rudely, that his hands tynger so sore therwith that the lever fel from him to the ground and than he stooped down for to haue taken it up▪ again and while that he was stoupynge down Arthur took clarence his go sword and gave unto him such a stroke that one of his boystous arms flew clene in to the field. Than the giant wart forth and took Arthur in his other arm& yf that his why●e ●helde had not ben he had ben frus●●ed asunder for he gave Arthur a grete stroke with the stub of his hurt ar●e. And than Arthur advised him well and under his arm he das●t clarence his good sword up to the hard cross and so he fell down stark dead. Than there came a great griffon and stryuyned Arthurs horse clean throughout al the body and thought to haue born him away. And when that Arthur saw his horse hurt, in his heart he was right sorrowful, and struck at the griffon with his sword, and struck asunder both his legs, and therwith the griffon flew away with great pain, and both his legs remained still vpon the horse, and the horse bled so ●ast that he fel down deade in the place, wherewith Arthur was right sore displeased. Than the vylayne came to him and said in this maner of wise. sir knight in a thing the which can not be remedied must needs be suffered in the best wise that a man may, your horse is slain, take ye no care for him, for there be horses enough, ye haue slain the giant and the g●auntes and a●●o their lion, and the griffon, burfor all that I promise you that your end draweth fast on ward, and as for this night let us go her borrow us in the giants house hereby, the which is a strong place, and there we shall find great plen●ye o● good wines and meats, and there ye shall se many fair and bright harneyses, and also there ye shall se heads, arms, legs and feet of much people, the which the giant hath taken and brought to that place alive, for the gyauntesse would never by her will eat none other meate but mannes fles●he, and so they entred into the place, and the same day the giant had taken a knight and brought him deade into the place vpon his own horse, and as than the horse was yet on live. And when the vylayne saw the horse, he took him by the bridle and brought him to Arthur and said. sir knight your own horse is deade therfore I give you this horse, I thank you heartily good fellow said Arthur. Than Bawdewyn did shytte fast the gate, and there they did rest them all that night, and on the next● morning ensuing, betimes Arthur rose and armed him and mounted on his horse that the vylayne had given him. Than the vylayne came forth and said sir knight follow me for now I will go forth. Go on than before said Arthur and so Arthur road forth after him all the long day till it was nere night and than at the last they came to a mighty strong tour the which pertained to a knight name sir Roger the scot. Than the vilayne said to Arthur, sir knight it is now good time to lodge us here now in this castle al this night let us go entre into this place but one thing I ensure you the knight that oweth this place is the most shamefullest traitor that now is living for there is none that entereth into this place, but shamefully he doth murder them while they be in their beds, he is also cousin germayne to the duke of bygor,& nouewe to sir Fyrmount, who was but now of late slain at the castle of the roch by a knight stranger, therefore now let se what ye will do, whether ye will go lodge in this place or not. well said Arthur I se well and I lie without I shall be shrewdly lodged, and sythe this knight is of that lineage that ye speak of he is my mortal enemy, howe be it as yet I can not complain on him, for he did me never no trespass, therefore certainly I will go thither to take my lodging. And when the vylayne herd him say so he thought well how that he was of great courage, and loved him therefore much in his heart, howe be it he said unto him, sir in goddes name so be it, let us go thither, and if any ill come to you thereby I am not to blame▪ I may not too withal, for I haue given you warning thereof. Than they entred in to the court of that place. And as sone as sir Roger saw Arthur he knew him right well, and was in certain howe that it was he that had done so much prowess at the castle of the roche, and had slain sir Fyrmont, and had sor● wounded sir I sembarte his cousin, and nephew to the duke of bygor, and than his heart began to tremble for great anger, notwithstanding he made ●o them great ●here outward, and cleped and kis●ed Arthur and said. sir ye be right heartily welcome into my house, as God help me I haue more joy of your coming than of any other man living but to himself inwardly he said, yet or it be midnight I will haue that head of yours clean from your shoulders. Than the vylayne came unto them and cried as loud as ever he could, god kep● the lord of this place, according to his hearts desire, and these words he said three times. Than Arthur said, yf his heart be good w●ll haue he, and yf it be otherwise than good, god amend it. Than Arthur was brought up into his chaumbre, and there he did warm him And in the mean time this knight sir Roger came to his squire and demanded of him howe and in what maner he might slea Arthur, for if we make any● assault on him he will slea us both, for there is none like him in all the wide world, nor none so sore to be doubted. For he did marvelous deeds of arms at the castle of the roche. sir said his squire I know certainly that we can not endure against him: but I shall tell you what we shall do, we shall make his bed this night above in your tour and set it over the trap door of the dungeon, and we will take away all the boards in the bottom of the bed, and in the stede of the boards set small staues to sustain up the clothes and so when he shall lie down in the bed he and the clothes and all shall tomble down into the dungeon and than we shall soon cast down his squire after him and than slay this foul villain& when they be in the pit we will take spears and so slay them or elles let us here three or four cawdrons with hote scaldynge-water and cast it down vpon their hedes and so shall we slay them. and whan this sir Roger herde his squire say so he was right well content with him& cleped and kissed him and said this matter is right well devised for as ye haue said so shall it be done therwith the vylayne issued out of the chaumbre from Arthur with his grete lever on hes neck and as soon as he saw sir Roger counseliynge with his squire and other standing togyd●r rownynge in corners Than he began to escrye to them& said what maner of people be ye, for what matter be ye thus counseyllynge together what is it for some marriage be ware that there be noo treason among you for yf there be I shall frusshe you down with my lever. Than Arthur issued out of his chaumbre. And when sir Roger saw him he took him by the hand and said. sir it is time that we wash our hands for your supper is all ready. sir as it pleaseth you said Arthur than they washed and sate them down at the table and were right well served, and the vylayne was set down at an other table behind Arthur, and so they gave him parte of al their meats and drinks that they had and he dyde eat and drink exceedingly much for they could not satysfye his apetyde. And after supper Bawdewyn Arthurs squire took hede to his horses. And than Arthurs bed was made in the same place where as it was devised before, and the villain laid him down on four quysshens by the fire in the hall as he that had well eaten and drunken, and so fel fast on sleep& snorted right sore, wherefore sir Roger that was knight of the place would haue wakened him, but Arthur would not suffer him, but caused him to be covered with a green coverlet and so let him lie, and whan it was time for him to go to his bed, than the torches were lighted up, and the knight conveyed Arthur to his chaumbre, and at his taking leave of Arthur he offered with his mouth himself and all his household to be redy at his commaundemente, but in his heart inwardly he thought to be redy to cause him to lose his life. And when he was departed Arthur went to his bed, and as he laid him down he and the bed and all fell into the great pit, and the knight and his servants were ready watchyng at the door, and when they heard the russhe, they entred into the chaumbre, and took Bawdewyn and did cast him down too his master, and Arthur received him in his arms because he should not be hurt in the falling down. Than there ●ose a great cry and noise throughout all the place, and some bare spears and bars of iron to cast down at Arthur to slay him in the pit,& ever Arthur watched well their stroke and did avoyde them as well as he might. And at the last by the reason of the great noise the vylayne arose out of his sleep. And so when that he heard that great brute he wist well that Arthur was betrayed. Than he mounted up into the chaumbre with his great lever in his hands, and there he saw well that they were about to enforce themself to slea Arthur. Than he took his lever and struck so the knight sir Roger in the neck that he caused his tongue to hang out of his mouth nigh half a foot, and therwith he fel down into the pit to Arthur, And the vylayne than said to Arthur, sir knight gnaw well on that morsel, ye shall haue more anon. Than he life up his lever again and strake sir Rogers squire such a stroke on the head, that his head was frushed hard to his shoulders,& he fell also down into the pit after his master. Than the vylayne said to Bawdewyn, good sq●ter cut his throat and make him su●e In the name of god said Arthur it shal not need, for he hath enough already Than the villain dressed him at the ●ennaunt tha● held torches in their hands to give light, and dashed them down one after another, and some fled away and he followed after and slay them all. Than he entred into the kitchen& there he found the cook boylyng of a great cauldron full of water, the which should haue ben cast down on Arthur, than he took the cook in his arms, and did cast him into the cauldron all boylynge, and did hold him down with his lever,& said. Thou shalt seethe without salt till thou be enough, and if thy flesh be hard so den I shall broil thee on the coals, than he ran to a ladder and bare it to Arthur in the pit. Than Arthur and Bawdwin issued out, and as soon as Arthur was without he ran to his sword& demaundyd if there were any more to do in that place. As god help me sir said the vylayne I trow not. Than they light up torches and descended down, and found an old house full of deade mennes bones such as the traitors of that place had slain. In the name of god said Arthur to the vylayne ye haue holpen me now● like a friend for al your vn●urteis words here before: well said the vylayne I will that if ye can scape to morrow from that aduentur whether as I shal bring you, the which I think you can not do, that than ye shall promise me to do for me a thing such as I shall desire you. friend said Arthur and I promise you that to the uttermost of my power I shal do any thing that ye desire me yf a knight may do it without reproach of villainy. well said the vylayne I believe that all this promise shall not need. for though ye were in a maner made of yrō yet I think ye should not scape fro death but as for this night I shall keep you fro any danger. And so he made Arthur a fair bed, and lay all night in the floor by him,& so and was that night his chamberlain, and so he was ever after all his life, for afterward Arthur did much good to him. So thus they went to bed and took their rest till the next● morning that Arthur rose.   

¶ Howe on the next morning the vylaine brought Arthur to another adventure nigh to the tour tenebrous, where as he was first assailed with terrible monstrous birds, and great griffons without nombre,& after that he was assailed with .xxiiii. knights. and how he b● his prows slay them all. And also he bet●e down the great ma●homet of brass out of the which there issued out a wind that it turned about great myllstones like powder, and also how that he entred into the castle tenebrous, and quenched the fire which was the cause of the great darkness the which contained the circuit of .v. leges compass as ye shal here afterward. Capto. lviii.  
IN the next morning betimes Arthur rose and armed him& mounted on his horse and took his wateuer following the vilayn,& so he road forth till it was about three of the clock,& than they entred into a great valley, and ever they road lowe● and lower, it was than a fair season, for the son shone clear,& by that time they had riden two leges and a half, they were in much darkness that they had clene lost the sight both of the son, and also of the day, for it was there as dark as though it had bē about midnyght. Than the vilayne said to Arthur, sir knight can ye tel fro whence al this darkness cometh, if ye can for do it& make it clear, than shal ye get thereby a perpetual honour,& know you for certain that as yet there was never none that ever entred any ferder that ever returned again therefore if your heart fail you enter no ferder for if ye do, ye shall die as other haue done here before friend said Arthur, howe is it that all this darkness is here in this place. I will tell you no more said the vylayne, but I rede you be sage& wise, for it standeth you well in hand. And therwith Arthur departed fro them and entred into the darkness, and the villain& Bawdewyn abode still at the beginning of the darkness,& so they lost the sight of Arthur, but they might se the shining of his shield as far of as one might shote an arrow. Thus he road forth well the space of half a lege,& at the last he found a river great and deep,& black as pitch, and the banks were so hye, that vnneth the water might be sene running vnderneth, and it was so full of serpentes and lydardes, that none could entre among them without he were slain and above his head flew monstrous bl●des and diuers griffons who were able to bear away an armed knight horse& al, and that they were in as great a multitude as though they had ben sta●lings And Arthur did cover his head with his shield, and the griffons dashed thereat with their talents,& annoyed both Arthur and his horse right sore, an● ever Arthur florysshed about him with his good sword clarence,& what so ever he touched did him no more hurt after. Also there were flies that were as grea● as nu●tes and as black as pitch, and they strange both him& his horse right sore, so that the blood issued out af●er● but& it had not been for the clearness of his shield, he had been slain there and he had had a. M. mens lives, but by the bright shining therof he might well s● round about him, and perceive well when any of these things came to him ward, whereby he made as good de●ence as was for him possible,& thus he road a long season by the ●yuer side,& at the last he found a little straight way the which he must needs pass without he would haue turned again, and at the last Arthur dashed into the straight way,& anon the vermin that was there ran to his horse, so that shortly he w●s full of them as though they had been flies, and they souked so much blood of the horse that he began to wax very feeble& whan Arthur saw that his horse would fayl● him, he hasted as fast as he might to get out of that straight way, and so with much pain ●egal● his horse out therof and incontinent the horse fel d●wn dead than arthur set his feet to the earth as well as he might,& than there came a knight at Arthur or he was ware,& hit him on his sheld● the which he held not fast in his hand, therfore the stroke did g●ent and the spear held& broke not,& as the knight passed forth Arthur took him by the rain of the bridle and caught him by the arm& pulled him so rudely that he made him avoyde his horse, and so he fell down into the water and there was drowned& devoured with the foul vermyn that was therein▪ than Arthur wart on the same knights horse and took his spear. Than an other knight cried and said, sir knight beware of me, than Arthur turned& encountered him, and the knight broke his spear, but Arthur struck him so rudely that his spear went clene throughout his body, and so he fell down dead, than there ran at him .x. other knights al at ones, and they struck him on al sides with great and mighty stroke, than he took his good sword and struck one of them so rudely that he claue him clene to the shoulders, and an other he claue from the shoulders down to the back bone, and dealt among them such stroke that he confounded a●l that he attained unto, and by that time he had great need of such herbs as master steven gave him, and also his white shield and good sword did him there good service, for such knights as he had slain were chosen m& right puissant but Arthurs chyualrye surmounted all other, for there he did so much with his hands that he slew all that ever were against him. Than he rushed forth with his horse and wist not whether, till at the last he heard the gryndynge together of two millstones one vpon another as they do in a mill, whereby all the earth about Arthur did shake, and the cause why that these stones went thus about was for there stood by them a great fat of brass wherein there was a great machomet sitting vpon a bar of yren made by enchantment, who blewe from him so great a wind that these stones turned thereby so swyftly that no creature could pass by them without death. Than Arthur approached to these mylstones, but than he felt so terrible a wind that he was fain to alight down of his horse and went on foot as well as he might, but he saw well that he could not come nere these stones without he should die, therfore he went round about them to se what ways he might come to them, and at last he found a little bridge, which was so narrow that one man could not pass by another, and under this bridge there was so great a pit that the bottom therof could not be perceived, and there were also .xii. knights that kept this bridge .vi. at the one end and .vi. at the other all armed with●●os●owes& hatches and ma●es of steel in their hands. And whan the .vi. first knights saw Arthur they ran at him all at ones,& gave him many great stroke on his shield, but never they could impair it, than he took his good sword and struck so the first that he claue his heed asunder,& fro the second he stroke of his arm clene with the shoulder,& fro the thyrde he beraue his head. and when the other three saw● how their fellows was slain,& how that nothing could endure against him they fledd● toward the bridge, but Arthur ouertoke so the hyndermest that his brain ●lewe clene into the field, and the second for hast wart into the pit, and there broke h●s neck, and the thyrde he ouertoke on the bridge and took him in his arms& did cast him over the bridge down in to the pit and there he dyed myserablye. therewith he hasted him over the bridge and than the other .vi. ran all at ones at him and thought to haue dashed him down into the pit, but Arthur like a valiant knight lept in among them& laid on with his sword round about him in such wise that within a short space he departed life and death asunder of .v. of them, and than the sixth kneeled down before arthur& besought him of mercy, and prayed him for goddes sake that he would not sle him. Take no fear said Arthur for thy life is saved, so that thou wilt tell me fro whence this grete wind cometh. sir said he it cometh out of yonder great vessel of brass that ye may se yonder, for therein is a macho met made all of leather, sitting on a great bar of iron made by the craft of enchauntmente, but who so could over turn this machomet, the wind should than cease. well said Arthur abide me here still& I will go se what I can do.   

¶ How Arthur bet down the grete machomet sitting in the vessel of brass, and therebye the wind was ceased. Capitulo .lix.  
THan Arthur wence forth& thought to haue gone boldly to this vessel of brass, but the wind was so big that he was fayn to lye on the earth all along,& so to creep on hands& fe●e till he came to the vessel,& drew after him his shield, his sword, and a long spear,& dashed therwith the machomet so rudely with so many stroke, that at the last this foul machomet overthrew up so down in the vessel,& incontinent the enchauntment ceased& the stones stood all still, for than there was no maner of wind. Than Arthur stood up on his feet and came again to the knight& demanded of him what tower it was that he saw stand before him in the dark, for all this season he had no light but by the reason a● the shining of his shield Than the knight answered and said, sir the duke of bygor hath a nephew who is name sir Isembart, he is lord of this place, and he hath such envy to all people that he caused this tower to be made by a subtle enchanter,& all this grete darkness which ye haue been in, the which endureth .v. leges in circuit, in the which compass there was no land aired nor sowed the space of syxe yeres paste, and so all such people as were wont to dwell therein are fled away and famisshed for ho●g●e, and this enchaunte● by his craft also made this river that ye haue passed, the which never man did before this time without death, for ever this darkness hath contynua●ly endured saving one day in the year, and that is on new year▪ day▪ the which day the .vi. knights that ye haue slain, the which were of the ●est knights that could be found in all th●s land, how be it now they haue found their master, the which knights did provide for us the said day for all th●nges as was needful for us to haue,& I and al my company who were in al the number of .xii. persons, w● kept alway this passage between these mylstones the which turned ever with out rest, saving on saint martyns da●e and than we might pass out to the fore said .vi. knights, and fetch in all such things as was provided for us al the hole year,& so this tour was beset round about, what with knights and with these millstones and with wind, and with darkness, so that it were in a maner impossible to entre into this tour without death. well said Arthur show unto me what is the cause, and from whence cometh al this darkness. sir said he it cometh out of a great pi●ce that is in this tour, and there be great gryffons that descendeth down into this pit, and in the bottom therof there is a great hideous fire, made so by craft that no man can tell how, out of the which the●e riseth so black and so thick a fume and smoke the which riseth out of this p●t by certain doors and windows, whereby the light of the son and of the bright sky is so quenched that it is ever continually dark, the which derknes containeth the circuit of .v. leges compass as I haue shewed you before, wherefore all this country is clene wasted& destroyed and all the people fled out therof. And why said Arthur did he all this cruelty certainly said the knight I shal show to you, it is of trouth that here by there is an abbey of white monks who were wont to be reputed right noble and of great possessions,& most commonly kings or princes when they paste by that place they would there rest and herbour them, and there they should be well served, and it was name the abbey of the grace dieu, and the abbot is a right wise man and a noble, for he is brother unto the lord of Argenton who was falsely slain by treason by this dukes nephew the which fortuned to come to the said abbey vpon an easter day in the fore none in the same season that the abbot and al his hole covent were in solemn procession, and because that the covent did not at his first coming leave the service of god that they were in, to haue laid the tables,& to haue brought him meate and drink to haue filled his paunche, therfore he was so displeased that incontinent he wart on his horse, and so was departing and his false enchanter with him, And when the abbot knew that, as soon as he might he came to him and desired him to ●atye, but in no wise he could make him to change his purpose: but in the most shamefullest wise that he could he rebuked them, and called them foul rotten chur●es, promising to do them as great displeasure as could lie in his power to do, so he hath done as ye may se, for he hath caused them ever lieth to live in great darkness, and also he hath taken from them all their rents and possessions which they held under him or in his rule in al the land of Argenton, for in al that cyrcuyte labourers could not labour for their living for lack of light, wherefore many of them be famisshed for hunger, and to say the trouth in this said abbey the service of god hath not be minys●red this five year. well said Arthur that is great damage: but I pray th● tell me howe may this darkness be fordone. sir said the knight the enchanter when he made this fire was right sore displeased because that there sprung out of the earth even by this terrible fire a fair fountain, whereby he right well knew that this fire should be quenched if any knight might attain to come thereto, and to cast the water therof into the fire, and so than al the darkness should cease for evermore after.   

¶ How that Arthur entred into the tour tenebrous, and how he there quenched the fire, whereby all the terrible enchauntemente ceased. Cap●o. lx.  
THan Arthur said, friend bring me to this said tour than he went on before& Arthur followed him,& so went fast by the great windows and doors o● the toūre the which were of. xv●. spears length square out of the which there issued so great abundance of fume that his bright shield lost clene his shining, wherefore he was sore troubled for than he could se no maner of thing how be it they did so much by gropyng that at the last they came just to the tour, and there they found the walls pight full of sharp bars of yren set as thick as the pricks of an vrchins skin of the length of half a spear to thentent that no creature should approach nere to the walls, so there was none entre but at a little wicket, and with much pain the knight did open it, and when that it was opened there issued out so great abundance of smoke that the darkness thereby was doubled throughout all the countre●, so that neither candle nor torch could brenne in no place, nevertheless Arthur entred in at the wicket and left the knight without, the smoke and heat was right grievous to him, for yf there had not ben more valour in him than in ony other he had been there clene overcome, and always he went downward on the stairs and saw nothing, but he felt so many great stroke that oftentimes thereby he was constrained to gail on his knees, but he could not tell from whence they came, or who did give them to him, and ever he flourysshed about with his sword but it availed him nothing, for he struck he wist not whereat, and so finally he was fain to cover his head with his shield, for or elles he had ben ●●●sshed though he had ben of yren, and always thus he went ever downward on the stairs till at the last he came down to the bottom,& there he found a fair great fault, and there he felt so great heat that he swette so thereby that he was nigh overcome, and as he felt about him he perceived that he was nigh the fire, and as he went ferder he found out the fountain by the reason of the cold air that he felt, whereof he was right glad, and so than he took his shield& plunged it into the water, and bare as much water therein as he could and did cast it into the fire, and ever he fetched more water and continually dyde cast it into the fire, and ever as the fire quenched the darkness began to minish, and the more water he did cast into the fire, the clerer the light began to wax, and at the conclusion he did cast so much water that the fire was clene quenched, than might he se clearly all about him, than he perceived on both the sides of the stairs how there stood great images of brass holding in their hands great maces of steel the which had done him much trouble as he went downward, but than their power was ended, for when the fire was quenched the enchantment was finished, than Arthur whan he saw that all was done he returned up again the stairs, and was right weary of his travail, what for he●e and swetynge and the great stroke that he had received, and so came again to the little wicket where as the knight was still abiding, and when he saw Arthur hole and sound and on live he kneeled down before him and said. sir ye be welcome as he that is chief floure of all chyualry of the world. Than Arthur set him down vpon the green grass to take his brethe, and did of his helm and shield. So thus all the country was clene delivered fro darkness, so that every body might se clearly about them, whereof the abbot and all his covent had great joy, and so they went all and rendered thankes to almighty god in their church. And than the abbot said to all his brethren, sirs let us go and se him that hath thus delivered us fro all thralldome yf god will give us the grace to finde him, for verily I think it be the gentle knight that was at the port noyre Than the abbot and al his covent issued out of the abbey with common procession and so came to this said tour the which was not far thence, and there they found Arthur sitting on the ground and the knight by him. And when Arthur saw them he took to him his shield and helm and his spear in his hand And when the covent with the procession came before him he kneeled down before the cross, and all the couente kneeled down before him, nor they would not arise till he was vpon his feet. And than there came to them Bawdewyn,& with him the foul great vylayne who had brought Arthur to all these foresaid aduen●ures. And when Bawdewyn saw the procession and al those monks, than he thought verily that Arthur had been dead, than he began to cry and to bray and to make all the sorrow of the world and said. Nas unhappy creature as I am that thus haue lost my lord and master the floure of al the world in all noble thyualry, alas death why dost thou not take me, and thus as he made this great sorrow at the last he espied Arthur whereas he stood, than his heart came to him again. And the abbot came to Arthur and said. right noble and virtuous knight ye be right heartily welcome as he that hath delivered us and all th●s country out of such tou●mente and prison as we were in a long space, and by the pleasure of god by your means the service of god from hens forth ●hall be ministered in our church, sir I and all my hole covent heartily des●re you to come and take your rest within our abbey now after your great travail. And Arthur with a right good will did grant them, for he was ve●y weary. Than Bawdewyn took his shield and the great villain took his spear and helm, and often times said unto him, gentle knight god give the joy and increase thyn honour and bounty, for thou hast acheued that never man could do before this time, therfore now by the pleasure o● god and by the hye prowess the fair damosel of Argenton shall be delivered out of trouble and ●a●e, and out of the ha●des of the duke of Bygors nephew, for thou hast promised me to go where s● ever that I shall bring the, therfore I now desire thee for to keep thy promise. well said Arthur I ensure you faithfully that I will not break my promise Sir said the abbot god give you the grace to bring this lady out of thraldom, for I know well ye haue prowess sufficient to acheue that enterprise, though it were a greater matter. That is of trouth said the vylayne, for it hath ben tight well proved, for I haue brought him by all the places where as any hard adventure hath ben to prove thereby his chyualry and noble virtue, how be it the dukes nephew is greatly to be redoubted, but for all that I doubt not but that he shall be well chastysed, and so therewith they went all to the abbey, where as the abbot made them right great honour and there, and therfore all the belles in the church were rung continually three dayes and three nights for great joy, and so for a little space Arthur& Bawdwyn and the gr●a● vylaine sported them there in the great feast of ioy. Now for a time let us leave Arthur in this abbey& let us speak of the mighty king Emendus, and of the faire Florence his daughter.   

¶ How after that Brisebar& master steven were departed fro Arthur fro the port noyre they arrived at Cornite where as king Emendus was, and in his company the emperor of ynde, and his other four knights, holding the same time a great sumptuous open court and there master steven& Brysebar recounted to them al in open audience the noble chyualry of Arthur, and this same mean season there came into the court a knight all armed and brought tidings to the king howe all the adventures of the tour tenebrous were acheued by the onely prows of one noble knight. Capitulo. lxi.  
 
when that the mighty king Emendus had holden a great solemn court at afest of easter in a great city of his called sabary, the .xv. day of easter th● emperour would haue departed, but the king would not suffer him, but entreated him so fair that he was con●●nt to abide, and so they were determined to keep their whytsontyde at Cornyte and so they did, at which time the king kept the most sumptuous and open court that he kept sith he was king. so thus the emperour● abode st●● with the king till to the time it was whytsontyde, against the which time the king had sent for all the nobles of his realm to be at the said feast at his city of Cornite. And so when the day approached, the king with all h●s noble company road to Cornite,& ●here met with him his noble daughter the gentle Florence, accompanied with the archebys●hop of Cornite her uncle, and brother unto the king her father, and so this city was than r●ally replentished with kings and knights. And when the king was entred he alighted down at the peryo●, and so m●unted up into the palace, and the next day the emperou●e came thither, and the king and Florence his daughter and all his hole bar●ay did encounter and convey him to his lodging, the which was in the abbey of saint Quintine, and than the king& F●orence returned again unto their palace. And the thyrde day before the feast there came to the court the king of orqueney, and the noble king of mormall, and the king of valefounde and the king of sabary, also thither came the lord nevelon, sene●shal unto the fair Floren●e, and sir ●ncean his nephew, and the lord pool, sir steven, and sir Miles of valef●unde lord of d●mas, and sir Artaude lord of Arsate,& sir Moraunt lord of fenisse, and sir Olyuer lord of sabary, and also there was sir Ultier lord of amaso●, and sir Mo●li● the scot, and sir Sanxton of Oste●in And all these were of the retinue of the noble Florence, and there were so many other that a great parte of them were fain to be lodged without the city. Than the court was so full and so plenteous that there was never seen none such before. Than the king caused to be cried that whosoever would take on him the noble order of knighthood that he should be dubbed knight with his own hands. The next day the which was the first day of the feast, than there began in the court so much feast and joy, that there was never sene no such in all the court before, and on whytsondaye after mass the king made in his palace fifty new knights, unto whom he did give arms and horse and harneys. And Florence did give them gowns of scarlet, and mantelles of green furred with ermynes, and so all these new knights were standing before the king, who did gird about them their swords, and right sweetly laughing did give them the neck stroke of knighthood, and Florence did lace their mantelles about their necks. And the emperour did make in his lodging .xl. knights. And the other four● kings each of them made. x●x. knights And so than the emperour and the other kings did mount● on horseback, and all these new knights with them, and so came to the palace, and than began horns and bussynnes to blow, and ta●oures and ●ebeckes& other instruments to sown and to make the most melody of the world, and than there assemble● together al the Iuglers& tomblers and al resorted to the palace. And when they were all assembled at the court there were to the number of two hundred& x new knights. And so the king and the emperour sate down and the fair Florence between them, and al the oth●● kings were set each of them after their d●g●e. And the iuglers and minstrels began to make joy and feast. ladies and damoyselles began to dance. lords and knights did just and tourney, trompe●tes and clario●s and other instruments of music began to sown And all the city was hanged with cloth of gold& rich arays. And as they were in this great mirth& Ioy there alighted at the peryon sir Brysebar, and master steven was remaining at the castle ●eynarte but two leges thence,& there he made the peas between the burg●yses of the town and the mean people, for they had ben before long at discord,& when sir Brisebar was mounted vpon the palace, all the barons and knights ran& welcomed him,& made for his coming great joy& feest,& specially sir nevelon the seneshal,& sir Ancell,& sir miles of valifounde,& all other made him such cheer that for press he had great pain to come to the king,& as soon as the king saw him he made great Ioy, and took him by the hand& caused him to sit down before him. Than was al the court right joyful of his coming, for before there were none lacking of al Florence knights but he& Arthur. Than the king said, sir Brisebar ye sent hither to me the heed of the foul great monster the which is slain thanked by god but I pray you tell me how he was conquered. sir said Brysebar your grace sent me thither with a great company, how be it we did nothing there, for we found there fighting with the monster the most gentle knight that now liveth, and most freest of heart, most curteyse sweet and amiable,& the most valiant& redoubted knight that ever was girt with sword, for he a●l only stroke of the monsters heed in my sight,& did there such prowess of arms that no man can do like him. In the name of god quod the king, it is great valour in one man to bring to death such a foul beest. sir said Br●sebar ye can not know the valour and hye prowess which is in this knight, for it is he that all onely hath acheued the strange adventures of th● port noyre, and it is he that with his body did marvels at the Roche, where as sir Fyrmont with .v. hundred mo did lay in a wait for him, and there he wart into a ship full of his enemies when he perceived that I and other of my company were taken innkeepers and so led forth to the castle, and there he sustained all onely the medlynge among all his enemies the which was all the comynalte of the town of the roche and of the country all about, and there he slew sir Fyrmont and more than thre● hundred of his company, and rescued us out of prison, and also he rescued the knight of the plashes of all his enemies, what will ye that I shall say, he is the floure of all chyualry, there is not his pere in all the world. And he had scant uttered these words but that there came into the palace a knight all armed and dressed him to the knyge and said right hye and mighty puissant king I haue brought unto you good and true tidings, that is how that the strange adventures of the tenebrous tour are acheued, and all the enchauntementes clene fordon●, and the great darkness is now turned to light and brightness,& all the knights that kept the tour are all slain, and the great lion and giant and gyauntesse are slain, and the country delivered fro al the hard adventures that they had long endured. fair ●rend said the king and who hath done all this dede. sir that hath done a knight al onely who wereth a white shield, and for a certain I saw him unarmed in the abbey of grace di●●, but never sith god was born hath there been seen so fair a creature so gentle nor so gracious. And when Florence herde speaking of the white shield, ●he thought than verily that it was her shield the which was in her pavilion at the port noyre, and thought verily that it was her friend& lover Arthur that bare it of whom she herde so much good reported, and thus with her own thought her heart trembled and suddenly thereby she blushed, how be it she made no semblant& to her self she said. A sweet friend noble and true heart when shall I se you, so that I may speak with you at good leisure. Than the king said in the name of god this knight is right valiant, what is the cause sir Brisebar that ye brought him not to the court with you, to thentent that we might be acquainted with him, so that he might be ou● f●ende and we his. As god help me said the king of orqueney it were a great richesse to haue such a shield as he is nere us, and verily as for my parte I had rather haue the co●panye of him than of the richest person now living and sir B●ysebar ye did right ill your d●uoyre when ye did not your pain to bring him to this court. sir said Brysebar by the faith that I owe v●t omy lord the king I did the beste of my power to haue brought him hither, but he answered me that he must needs go first to the tour tenebrous, and said if god did give him the grace thereto escape that adventure he would be at this mawdela●ntyde at Argence to make battle against sir Isembarte the duke of bygors nephew for the fair maiden of Argentons sake For he shewed me how that he had promised to her uncle the marks& to master steven that he wolde do the best of his power to get again the fair ladies heritage,& how that he wolde show unto the dukes nephew that falsely and untruly he had dysheryted her,& by f●lse treason slain the lord of Argenton her father. It is of trouth said the knight that brought thither the tidings fro the t●n●brous tour, I warrant him he shall right well help that lady in her right, But by the faith that I owe unto god said the king of orqueney yf such a battle shall be there yf god will it shall not b● without me, for verily I will be thereat the same time. sir said philip of orqueney fair uncle suffer me to go with you, for truly so will I do. And I also quod sir Nephelō. And I will not be behind said Brisebar yf god be pleased for ther we shal se marvels of this knight and than in the court ther began to be a grete parliament among the knights,& a faithful auowynge to go to the said journey,& so they were of one accord well to the nombre of .v. C. knights,& they al promised faithfully in open audience to be at the said battle& help& to aid the said damosel. Than Florence said to the king of orqueney, fair cousin we shal do right well to go thither to help this lady,& also to acquaint you with this gentle knight,& for goddes sake bring him hither, and I promise you to love him right dearly,& to give him such gifts and land that he shall be right rich& puissant. well fair niece said the king I shall do the best of my power.   

¶ Howe the emperour was afeard lee●t Florence should cast her love on A●thur, wherefore he demanded of the king her father to haue her in marriage without ony longer delay, ●herwyth the king was content, but Florence wold● not agree thereto, wherewith the king her father was with her right sore dyspl●ased, as ye shall here afterward. Cap●o. lxii.  
when that the emperour had herd the great praise& laud the generally was given to Arthur,& perceived well how that he had the love of al the court,& herde well the good words that Florence spake of h●̄ whereby there struck into his heart a Ialousy& a tere lest that she should cast her love o● him, therfore he took king Emendus by t●e hand a●d said. sir I would ●ayne speak with you in counsel, but I pray you sir let your daughter be present. so than they both ro●e and Florence with them, and softly she smiled unto the king of orq●eney and said to him in cou●seyle. God give grace that of this counsel good may come thereby but I fe●● me the contrary. So than they three entred into a chaumbre, and learned them down in a ●ayre window, than the emperour began to speak to the king and said. sir it is of a ●routh that i● is a great season past sith ye gave to me your good will that I should haue in marriage the fair lady Florence your daughter here present, but she hath ever excused herself because of the late departing out of this world of the queen her mother, for ●h● thought it was not pertaining to her to haue been married so soon after her decese, it is now so grete a season sith that there can no blame be reputed to her now to be married, therefore sir now I require you that ye will incontinent deliver her to me according to your promise made to me before this time. In the name of God said the king, it is but reason and right that I should so do, and so I will do, wherefore fair& sweet daughter Florence ye were born in a good hou●e, when so noble& so hye a person as the emperour is will haue you in marriage, whe●by great honour and wele shall come to us all and to all our countries let us incontinent send for my brother the archbishop to thentent to ensure you together. Right dere father said Florence it is ye● right over soon to mary me,& for certain I am not in purpose as yet to be married to him, nor yet to non other, I think first to se .ii. yeres more passed at the least. How so said the king, damosell will ye than do against my will as in the refusing of the emperour to be your lord in the way of marriage. sir said she I haue no care for no lord: but onely for god& for you, for surely I will not consent to no marriage. Ye shall said the king, or elles ye shal right sore displease me. sir qoud she your displeasure should grieve me above al other things: but by the faith that I owe to you, I will not as yet be married. No ●ayd the king▪ than I se well that ye will be nothing as I command you, therefore ye shal do it whether ye will or not,& to take her by the hand to thentent to haue delivered her to themperour. And when sh● saw that, she was not contemn and pulled her hand to her again too thentent that the emperour should not touch it. And when the king ●aw that he was right sore displeased and said. damosel ye haue set you against min● accord and assent, and therefore I promise you that fro henceforth of my help and counsel ye shal fail, therfore fro henceforth do as, well as ye can& I straiely charge you avoid& come no more in my light nor presence, nor where soever that I be. And when Florence saw her father so sore displeased, she said. Righ● dere father if ye be thus displeased with me ye do not well therein, but sith it is you● pleasure that I should take themperous or elles to lese your counsel and help,& also not to come in your sight the which is a right sore saying of the father to his child but sith it is so I humbly require your g●ase of respite the space of a month till such time that I may speak with my counsel in that behalf La●y said the emperour it is to long a respite for I will depart hence right shortly for I trow it be hye time for I haue ben here a long season and al that hath your love caused wherefore I would fain or I ●epart know how or in what wise my love shall be rewarded I say not nay but it is good for you to take auysement and I am content that ye so do a day or two. well s●yd the king I am content that she shall haue respite till to morrow at this same hour& no longer. well said Florence this counsel is against my heart& will that I should take a man against my heart seeing that I am a queen& daughter to the most puissant king of all the world certainly this grieveth me right sore ther with she began right piteously to weep& to make right grete sorrow. And when the king saw her weep he said to her. avoyde out of my sight and let me not se you till to morow● again at this same present hour and than answer me whether ye will take him and my good will therwith or elles leave him and lese mi good will and favour for ever more. Than Florence issued out of the chaumbre all weeping. Than the .iiii. kings st●pte to her when they saw her weeping and left all the ●eest& minstrels,& jesters left than al their sport and play and the king of orqueney took her bi the hand& demanded of her why she wept so sore. Dere cousin said she my lord me father is right sore displeased with me and hath com●maunded that I should avoyde out of his presence. Than she saw her uncle the archbishop& said to him, fair uncle let me go with you to your lodging with a right good will said he,& shane haue he that thus causeth you to weep. So thus al the kings conveyed her to her vncle● lodging, and so did the most parte of all the barons of the court, and also all the new knights, and they al abode stil at Florence court. And when she was thus in her lodging the kings returned again to the king Emendus court but the king of orque●ey and Philip his nephew ab●de still with Florence, and 〈◇〉 king of orqueney demanded of her why that she wept. cousin said she, my lord my father would mary me and give me to the emperour●,& would haue insured us together without any counsel taking either of you, or of any other of my friends,& as god help me I had rather dy● than to haue themperoure, for I hate nothing so much in all the world as I do him, for as long as I live I will not haue him, therfore it is but a great folly to enforce me thereto. fair lady& cousin said the king, as god help me or he haue you against your will, there shal be pierced a thousand helms. Ye said philip the duke of sabary or that day com● there shall be brent a hundreth towns therof be ye sure, therefore fair lady be yt in peas and set your heart at rest. well said the archbishop let us go to the court and speak with this emperour, so thus they rose and went forth& left Florence in peace. And thus they mounted up into the palace, and found the king Emendus& the emperor together, who were as than issued out of the chamber. Than the archbishop said to the king fair broder I marvel greatly what counsel ye haue had to cause thus to come to your court so many noblemen& other fro so far countries to thentent to trouble& displease them by the onely words of this man the emperour here present, who would haue my lady Florence your daughter in marriage against her will, but sir I ensure you as long as I live against her will he getteth her not. As god help me said philip the duke of sabary he had need to haue brought ●omen hither than he hath done yt be thinketh to haue her away to her displeasure. why said thempe●our,& who is he that will say me nay? is it you, I would there were none to depart the matter but ye and I to se who should lead her a wai verily said the king of orquiney, it is none egale match a duke against an emperour, howe be it as god help me yf ye had ●●r against her will, and none other to meddle in the ma●ter but al onely you, I think ye should not rejoice her so easily as y● think of, and be ye in certain that in that quarrel he will& shal defend her against you, and therein do the best ye can with all your power,& begin when ye will, for he doubteth you nothing, nor shall do. And when the king Emendus heard them say● these words, he was right sore displeased and said. what is this sirs, are we taken prisoners? lay ye thus in a wait to m●nace thus in my presence my lord and f●ende the emperour, truly if ye continue in this purpose ye shal know that I am right sore dysples●d with you all. Than th● archbys●hop answered him again right sharplye, and so there began much hurlynge and burlynge in the court, and much a do was there likely to haue bē done, but as fortune was in the m●ane season master steven was arrived at the palace& entred into the hall& .xl. knights with him, and when he herd this noise and stry●e, he spake aloude& cried peace for goods sake and did so much that he appeased somewhat the noise. And as sone as the king of valefound saw master steven his son, he ran& embraced and kissed him, and ●emaunded howe he did And he answered and said, sit right well thanked be god. And than all other kings did welcome him and so did king Emundus& al●o the emperour, and demanded of him how he had done sith his departing out of the court. And he answered and said right well, than he perceived right well how that the king and the archbishop were right sore displeased together, wherefore he ●aid to the king. sir what cheer is with you, this day is a right hye& solemn day, why is your barons and court thus troubled, this day should be of sport and play, master steven said the king, I can not be merry, for your lady my daughter Florence hath displeased me, for she will not do that thing that I would haue her to do, wh●twith I am nothing content, wherefore I pray you assay and ye can reduce her to my mind. sir sayd● master steven, I ●rust I shal do so much that of reason ye shal be content, so of this matter they talked a great space.   

¶ Howe Florence when she knew that master steven was come to the court she was right glad,& howe that he with his policy gate her longer respyt, that was till bartylmewe tide next after. Ca. lxiii.  
AL this s●ason was the noble lady Florence in her cha●bre making ●ight great sorrow sore weeping, and saying to her s●l●e. A noble Arthur sweet friend fre& gentle of heart I never saw you and yet I love you with all my heart. I had thought to haue ben vnmaryed till the season of your coming to this co●rte, but now I se well that I must needs take him that I hate most I love you but I can nōt haue you, a fortune how arte thou turned against me, I hate him that I must haue, I love him that I must lese, certainly dere love Arthur if ye lose me thus ye shal haue great damage, for ye shal lese her that loveth you truly. A master steven why haue I not you here now in my great need, if ye knew of my sorrow I am sure nothing could let you but that ye wolde turn up so down this marriage. And as she thus complained pi●eously tidings came to her lodging that master steven was comen to the court. And as soon as she herd that her heart began to come again to her, for than she thought verily that she needed to care for nothing than she right hastily sent for him. And as soon as ●he master knew ●herof he said to the king. sir my lady hath sent for me to come to her grace. Go your way said the king. So thus the master departed and the archebys●hop with him, and the king of orqueney and his nephew sir philip duke of sab●ry, and so they all arrived together where as Florence was And the other kings abode with the king and themperour. And the noble barons of the court and all the new knights were at florence lodging right sore displeased because of her displeasure, but they were all glad when the king of orqueney& master steven were comen Than the master entred into Florence chamber:& goodly did salute her, but as than she could speak no word, but took him by the hand and caused him to sit down by her side,& when her heart came to her she said how that he was right welcome, as he whom she desired to hau● at that time above all the creatures of the world. Than the master said to hyr● madam is this a fair array that ye maketh{us} for your estate thus to bring yourself in sorrow,& thus to bring all your people& these gentle knights in great trouble for your sorrow who are thus come to your court to do you honour, for they haue left the king your father to come to your lodging in this hye solemn day, therfore leave ye this sorrow& make ●uche cheer as pertaineth to an high joyful pryncesse rejoice your court& your people. Than Florence answered& said A master sweet friend I can not be marry, for I am greatly grieved at the heart, for my lord my father hath defended me to come in his presence for a stranger whom he wolde that I should take in marriage, but god shal rather give me d●th than I will take him, for I hate him with all my heart,& it behoveth me to answer whether I will ●ave him or not between this and to morrow this time,& I haue grete despite that I should thus be dealt with all with a stranger. madam said the master now be ye in rest& peas, for sith y● haue a day respite I shall gete you ny● a hole ●ere longer delay,& I trust such● fortune may fall that or the year be ron y● shall not haue him. A dere master said she I heartily thank you& promise you that though this emperour be never so● rich or puissant or full of nobleness& power yet I haue no heart of all his richesse: for I thank god I am now one of the puyssauntest ladies that is living, therfore I care not for him nor for all his power. madam said the master now than I se well that your heart is set on no covetise, but as me seemeth your heart is set all on gentleness, and believe verily that love in your heart is free& sweet where as it ought to be to all people except to themperour for there I think your heart is fell& hateful, but madam here be two things contrary to be in one heart both love& hate, how may it agree together, to love& to hate, to be meek& fell, I can not se how this may be. A master said she ha●e no marvel of this though I say that my heart is both meek and tell, certayn●y my 〈◇〉 is fel where as it hateth why 〈◇〉 quod the master do ye than ha●e. 〈◇〉 quod she ye& the right sore& that is thempe our who would haue me against my will, by the holy martyr saint steven of corinte he shal not haue me by my good will,& if he take me by force I trust he shal well know that he did never so great a folly. Madam● laid the master, marriage that is made by force is gr●atly to be dou●●ed, but when it is made meekly and sweetly by the agreement of both parties than lightly lou● continueth ever after between them,& when it is contrary oftentimes both parties endureth many ill dayes and nights, but madam now that I know well to whon your heart is hat●ful, but I pray you let me know against whom your heart is meek& amiable, than she beh●ld the master& syghed right sore. And when the master herd her sigh, a little he smiled. And when she saw him laugh she was a little ashamed and blushed therewith,& al smiling said. A master ye know well enough all this as well as I do myself, for I never saw him as yet that hath shewed me amity& love, I se right well daily my hearts enemy, but mine own dere love I never saw, but I se daily him that I hate, but I can not se him that I love, master ye know what he is better than I do, therfore I pray you show me what ye know of him, for ye haue gyu●n away my white shield and good sword clarence, and I wote not to what knight, nor whether they be well employed or not. madam {quod} the master I shal show you, I will that ye know that I haue given them to the most fair and gracious knight that now liveth, and freest of heart in al gentleness that can be found in al the world, for he is the chief floure of bounty in all maner of chyualry, also he is the best knight that ever was girt with sword, sith the time of Gawane and lancelot, and the best approved knight that ever hath ben herde of, who hath set his faithful heart without either fraud or fa●●hode on your love, and to him in my presence your image hath given and set on his heed your chaplet. Than Florence heart began to tremble and said. gentle master I doubt me greatly that ye give him a greater praise than he is worthy for ye haue praised him right greatly. madam truly said he all that I haue said is of trouth, for he is worthy to haue more praise than I haue given him. well master said she is al this or trouth Ye tru●o madam said he. By the faith that I owe unto god said Florence than I se well he is worthy to haue much honour,& I promise you he shall not fail therof yf god send me life, and he shall not lese his love, for sith he loveth me as god help me I shall love him again, for reason requireth to love him that loveth me. Than said the master I se well next the king your father ye love themperour because he loveth you. Than Florence smiled& with her hand struck him on the shoulder& said, master ther● as I am pleased there I love, but I care not for him that is against my heart, one of these two pleaseth me, and the other I hate, I pray god that he may come that I love,& I wolde he were gone that annoyeth me, he that hath my chaplet my shield& sword hath my love more than any other of the world, and the emperor hath my hate more than any other living creature, I love him that I never saw and hate him whom I se daily, master now I haue shewed you all my counsel, as to him in whom I trust most ye be my clerk and my man, ye know now as much of my couns●yle as god doth, therfore I require you keep it secret, and put to your pain that I may haue him on whom my heart and love is laid, for now ye know on whom it is set. Than the master said, madam as god help me ye haue right well set your h●rt on the best and fairest knight of all the world, that is the gentle Arthu●. And as they thus talked there came to them the king of orqueney and philip his nephew, and the archbishop& Bryseba●, her seneshal and sir Auns●l, Than Florence rose against them and also ●he master, and so they had all great joy of Florence when they saw her make better cheer than she did before. At the last the master said, lords I se well how that the noble court of mighty king E●endus is all in a trance in a maner half a sleep, for there is neither play nor joy whereof the king is greatly to be blamed, for it is great shane because ●o many noble men b●here at this feest therfore in my mind it were good to take some counsel to se howe the court might be rejoiced again, let us send word to the king how that my lady Florence is ready to give her answer now the which she should give to morrow, and I promise you that I shall so answer for her that she shall haue longer respite an hole year, and I trust so to appease both the king and themperour that of reason they shall be well content. Than the king of orqueney said, master I se well how that ye haue not as yet forgotten all your old cunning, I ween ye will bring them al a sleep with waggynge of your hand. Than the archbishop did laugh, and so they were al of his accord. Than they sent to the king duke philip and sir Brysebar, and the king had right great Ioy when he herde their message& said. Truly master steven I se right well hath given her good counsel he is a right noble clerk, I pray to god send him right good adventure. And so these messengers retour●ed again& shewed how that the kyngge was right well content& was right joyful to here her answer. Than Florence appareled her to go to the court So the king of orqueney did convey her, and the king of mo●uall did meet them by the way, and the archbishop& master S●euen went before, than all the knights assembled them together& were well to the nombre of. CCLLL and all they followed after Florence, and in their hartes they cursed him that was causer of this pletinge and variance, and prayed to god that themperour might want of his will. Thus Florence entred into the palace, and themperoure did salute her, and so did all other ●xcepte the king her father, than themperour sat● down and Florence by him,& the king Emendus and the king of orqueney before him,& so all other eu●ry man in his room& when every man was in peas than master steven said to the king sir and it like your grace behold here your daughter& lover. certainly said the king my daughter I believe well that she 〈◇〉, but as for any love or amity that she beteth to me that I can neither know nor se, for she hath displeased me, for behold he●e my lord and dere friend the emperor of ynde, who hath done us so great honour that he would haue her by the way of marriage, who is come to desire to haue her in his own proper person without any other mean messenger, and yet she is so daungerous that she demandeth counsel in this case the which touch●th her honour and profit and will not believe me that am her own father, wherewith I am right sore displeased,& bear her right sore in my hea●t. Than the master rose up on his feet& his hat hanging on his shoulder in a rob of scarlet lined with g●●ne sar●ener, holding his gloves folded in his hand and s●med right fair& gracious, neither to much nor to little of stature, ●is face somewhatfull and round, and his heir fair and yellow, he was a sayre clerk, and son to a king and a queen, and so in open audience than he said. right excellent hye and mighty prince my ●adyes grace here presence the noble and gentle Florence is yet in great trou●l● and sorrow of heart of the great ha●denes ●hat ye haue shewed her this day,& because it seemeth that ye haue a maner of displeasure to her word, wherefore she is not, nor can not be in joy nor ●est as long as ye haue that will toward her, sir now she is here comen to you as she that for thynke●h of your displeasure for she doth not, nor will not do nothing that shall be contrary to your pleasure and will, but she is, and eue● shall be redy to accomplysh your noble commandment according to her he●●e, the which is good and true both against you& all other personnes where as it ought so to be,& sir sith it is so that my lo●de the noble emperour here present will do her so much honour as to desire to haue her in marriage, whereof humbly she thanketh him, ●ut it is well the custom according to the state of every person to d●e dyscretelye and wyselye in such a case, therfore sir it is convenient to deal prudently in this ma●ter, for the emperor& you are two of the greatest,& puissan●est persons both of hauour and of ●r●ndes that is now living, and my lady Florence is the most ●ye& puissant pryncesse of all the world, and as touching so hye& solemn a matter as of the marriage of ●hemperour of ynde, and of the daughter of the hye and mighty king Emendas, this hye& great solempniti● ought not to be done privily in chaumbres in rest& peace, but it ought to be done in the open presence of all the ba●ons of both lands& realms, to thentent that yf god send any issue between them that their marriage may be known openly to al people of both realms, whe●by shall be eschewed all grudge& murmura●yon, for ●han such issue shall be well known for ryght●ul heir throughout bo●he the regions, nor also it is not convenient that this solemn feast that is this day of the holy ghost and this solemn feast of this noble matrimony should be made al but at one feast, this day is so hye& prin●ypally a feast, ●ha● every christen man ought to do nothing elles but ●aude and serve god, and sir at the day of this noble marriage let there be he●e kings dukes, barons& other noble knights, ladies& damois●ll●s,& let all these do such service as aperteineth for them to do and than let these ladies and damoyselles dance& sing,& give to these new knights chaplettes& streamers,& set on their spear poyntes,& let these young lusty knights frusshe together their spears,& dasshe together with their swords, and let than be ordained round tables to assemble together such company as shal be brought thither both by you my lord the king, and also by the emperour than shall we se what knight is of valour& praise, at the which time shal be brought hither the rich pauylion of my lady Florence wherein is the image of the fairy holding the rich chaplet, so that when the tourney ●hal be done than my lord themperour shal go to the image to haue the chaplet as he that is right rich bo●● of hauour& of friends,& the most nobl● parson that there shal be assembled, and to him the image will give the chaplet as to him that is most worthy, and when he hath it than he shalbe sure and certain that he shall haue my lady Florence with good will& entire love, and that maryag● that is made with go●d love and heart is good,& that that is contrary against the her: is right yl& I●op●rdous For a body without heart is as me●e without salt, or as a body without soul, and thus may my lord themperour haue my lady Florence with great love Ioy and feest. And when the emperour had well herde the master& saw how that he spake no more his heart laughed in his body& said. By the faith that I owe unto god the master hath right well said,& ve●yly with a great good hert● I me acco●de to his devise, let this Io●full day be set and let there be c●yed a great Iustes& a tourney against the time, and let there be ordained round tables to m●ke feest and Io●e, and sir king the same day I will take the tourney against you all in love& favour. As god help me said the king I am right well agreed, and mine aduise is to let al this be here in this city of Cornyce. But what day shall all this be on. sir said the master and it please you I ●hall show you mine aduise, let it be at Bartylm●we tide next coming, for than ●hal all cornes be avoyded out of the fields, and by that time al thing necessary may be honourably provided for. I am content said the king, but how say you my lord themperour. Sir sai● he I am right well content. Than anon these poyntementes ran over all the palace in every mannes mouth, and every man prayed that god might sand to the master right good adventure for his well and goodly speaking. Than began again ●ight great feest and Ioy, than came forth Iuglers with●heyr fals casts& tomblers with th●y soubersawtes,& damoyselles with their gambawdes,& made greater sport and triumph than was before. Than the king& themperour laughed and made great joy together till it was time to set the tables, than water was b●ought forth and Florence took licence of the king her father& said, sir I beseech ●our grace be not displeased though these new knights go with me to my lodging and though I ●etayne them with me all this day. Well said the king I am right well content go your way hardly, and make them as good cheer as ye can● than Florence departed and went to her chaumbre, and the king abode still in the palace, and the king of orqueney, philip of sabary,& the archbishop,& Brysebar,& well to the nombre of .v. C. barons& knights went with Florence to her lodging. And than the master said to her, madam how say ye now, we haue respite long enough, for many thy●ges may fail between this& that. Mai●ter ye say ●yght well, but I pray you ●el●e will not our knight be here between this& that ●erm●. madam said he I se well ye haue not as yet forgotten him, it seemeth he is yet in your remembrance. By the good lord said Florence I would right gla●ly●e him,& yf god be pleased yt be come to this said ●urney I shal do him honor, and that I pray you ●et him know it. Madam quod the master, ●hal go to him and show him al this ma●ter and how that ye desire him to be there at that time,& that for you● love there to show par● of his ●hyualry. Well master said she ye say right well, and I pray you let me be her●e●● commended unto him. Thus they de●ised that the master should go to the port noyre till the time of this tourney.& ●han he should bring with him Florence pavilion with the eagle of gold and the image with the ●hapler,& that it should be pight in the fair meadow under the walls of the city of Corny●e. Than there w●s water brought forth, and so they were served full richly with great sport ● t●iumphe Thus the king kept open court. tv. dayes,& every day ones Fl●rence went to her fathers court. At thende of xv. dayes the king did give many ●yche gifts ●o these knights, b●th robes horse& harneys,& Florence in like wise gave ●hem so largely that it was marvel ●o consider,& the● sayd● ◇〉 with one voice that there was never before such a heart of a woman, n●yther so lar●e so gentle, nor so cur●eyse. Thus al ●hese kings ●●ke th●ir l●ue ● depa●ted every man to his own country to puruay him of good knights against the said day. Than master steven was afore Florence& said, madam now it is time that I depart, for now will I go straight to Argence where I am sure that I shall find Arthur redy to fight against the nephew of the duke of bigor. A fair master said Florence I haue grete doubt of Arthur, for the dukes nephew is right fierce and fell,& a good knight, therefore I am in great fear of him. Madam quod he haue ye no doubt, for if there were such .iiii. as he is afore Arthur ●he● could not endure his puissant stroke. Than he is right valiant quod Florence. Than the master took his love& departed& took with him Brysebar& sir Neuelo● Florence mar●shal& so took their way to argence. Now let us leave to speak of th●m,& let us return again to Arthur.   

¶ How that Arthur was received o● the i●yre Lady Margarete into the city of Argence. Cap. lxi●ii.  
 
THus as ye haue herde before Arthur so iourn●d a good space at the abbey of the grace of ●i●n& Mawdelayne tide began fast to approach,& so on & day the foul vylayne came unto him and said. We be but swine for we do nothing but eat and drink, I ●rowe ye be wedded to this abbey, or elles I think ye will become a monk, ye haue promised me to fulfil my request, yf that ye will do so go ●hortely and arm you, and let us go●●o Argence to help there the fayrelady Margarete of Argenton▪ and to gete her again her right, for it is now almost hye time. when Arthur heard him he smiled and said, with a right good will, and so he armed him and took leave of the abbot and of ●he covent, and mounted on his horse and followed the vylayne, and so Arthur road forth day by day till at the last he descended down from a great mountain and entred into the fairest meadow that ever he saw in all his life, and by the side of this said meadow there ran a fair river, wherein were many ships, some under sail, and some ready crossed, and some lying at the anger, the which river ran throughout parte of the fair city of Argence. And than he encountered a varlet who came straight fro the city, and A●thur did salute h●m and demanded from whence he came, And he answered and said howe that he came from the city of A●gence, the wofullest city of the world at this time, and is in most tourmente and sorrow, for I am sure there was never ●owne so sore troubled as it is at this hour. And wherefore goo● friend said Arthur. sir as god help me there is good cause why for the duke of bygor and his n●uewe be com●nge to the city,& they haue made a cry throughout all the city& all about the country that all the noble men and al other such as holdeth their londs of the heir of Argent on should be at Mawdelayue tide next coming before them in ●he city of Argence to do their homage to sir Isembarte the dukes nephew, wherefore I pray to god he may die an evil death,& it is but .xv. dayes to the said day, at which time he is purposed to wed the fair lady margarete to a lewd barber of his,& so she shall be dysheryted fro her inheritance,& all the noble men& bourgeyses of the city& of the country about are right sore dismayed for they wote not what counsel to take in the ●ase for lack of a capitain, and ●he lady hath noo friend but an uncle of hers, who is put in prison by the dukes nephew, and there is none can tell where he is become. And also this sir Isembart hath slain and murdered falsely by treason her father, and sir this is the sorrow that is in the noble city of Argence▪ well good friend said Arthur god conduit you, god is yet puissant enough to send h●lpe to this lady, but fr●nde I pray you is this duke and his nephew come as yet to the city. sir as god help me he is come al redy, and with him much people, for his people is numbered to a. M. persons at the masspriest. That is a great company said Arthur,& so they departed,& Arthur road forth. Than the vylayne began to cry he is come that shal give light And ever as he road he beheld on every side about him great companies of knights coming& going toward the city of Argence,& Arthur saw well how that the land of Argenton was the most good liest country that ever he saw, for he perceived well how that it was full of riches and worldly wealth, he saw many noble towns and ●oures right hye,& mighty castles,& many fair woods and medowes● and pleasant rivers, and about ●he towns fair wines,& goodly pastures, & fields with corn and fruit and there he saw many ladies and damoyselles sporting them by the rivers side with fawcons& gerfawcons on their hands and so he perceived well that because of the good comod●ties of the country the dukes nephew would disheryte the fair lady Margaret,& he road so long till at the last he saw the fair city of Argence shining against the son, enuoyred with great& deep dythes full of water: the walls strongly enbatayled, and mo than .v. C. towers made of lime& ston,& sciment about it and also he saw many fair churches coue●ed with lead full of typpes and pomelles of gold shining against the son,& also he saw the burgesses lodging closed with hye and strong walls barred with great chains of iron attaining fro one house●●an other, than Arthur in his he● praised much the nobleness and riches of the country and of the city, and said to himself that it might well be called Argence, for it seemed well to be of argent that is to say, silver. Thus Arthur entred into the city& the vylain went ever before him with his lever on his neck bare legged, and his hat hanging at his back& ever he went forth a great place looking downward to the earth, and took hede of no body that he met, but always cried out aloude he is come that shal give light,& the burgesses beheld him well and said howe that he was a fool, women and children ran to the windows to behold him. And when one body spake to him, he would answer no thing but always said, he is come that shall give light. Thus Arthur road forth into the city and saw there nothing to do, nor noo maner of craft or occupation there used no more than and ●t had been vpon an hye f●astfull day, for al the shops and every craft was she●& closed, whereof Arthur had great marvel, and he beheld in every street great companies of knights walking a● soberly together, lurkyng under their hats, beseming as though they had not be well pleased,& some sitting before their own doors, croslegged leaning on their elbows, making no maner of joyful semblant but soberly musinge& some of them beheld the vylayne, who never ceased crying, he is come that shal give light. And so in this maner Arthur road ever still forth till he came into the mids o● the city, and there he saw a great company of knights and burgesses about the number of .xxxv. ca●kynge together in counsel but it seemed by their cheer that they had no great ioy in the●● heartes. Than the villain enforced himself to cry louder than he did before he is come that shal give light. Than these knights beheld the vylayne well and saw how that Arthur followed him whereof they had great marvel. And at the last a knight of that company called sir Emery, came to Arthur and courteously did salute him and said. sir it is mine office in this city to receive and to lodge al gentlemen strangers that resorteth nyther, and sir here is mine house, therfore I desire you to alight of your horse and to entre into it. sir I thank you said Arthur, how be it I se well that I must needs go ferder ●o seek mi lodging sir said the knight▪ saving your displeasure, ye shal not pass by my house to seek an other lodging therefore by the faith that I owe unto god ye shal abide with me. Ye but sir said the villain, I trow ye will not abide, for ye haue promised to follow me whether so ever I go, therfore come on your way, for I will go before, and so was going forth▪ and ever cried he is come that shall give light. Than Arthur desired the vylayue to tarry, and at the last he agreed thereto, and Arthur road forth to sir Eme●ys door, and there a lighted than the other knights left their counsel, and did salute Arthur, and he them ●gayne right courteously, and they beholded Arthur well and praised him much in their heartes, for he was right tayre and gracious. Than sy● Eme●y took Arthur by the hand and lead him into a fair chamber to unarm him, And in the mean time that he was vnarmynge, master steven, sir Brysebat and sir nevelon the sensshal were come to the same sir Emeris house to take their lodging there and so ●oke their chaumbre, and when the mayste● had changed his gete he went down in to the ha●l, and the other two knights with him,& the valiant knew them right well and sa●led them by the●e names. And therewithal Bawd●win came out of the chaumbre fro Arthur, and as soo●e as he saw the master and Brisebar he ●anne and courteously bid salute them with a joyful heart. Than the master demanded of him where as Arthur his master was. sir said he● in this ch●mbre here●y. And than ●●ey all entred into the ●●aumbre. And as soon as Arth●r saw them, he ran and enbrased the mayst●●, and after Brysebar and said. Mine own good companions of the roche, hither ye be right her●ely welcome. Also he did salute sir nevelon the senes●hall● who in his heart praised him gr●tely. And when sir Emery saw how the master made so great cheer to Arthur, than he thought verily that he should be some great man, for he knew well that the master was a kings son, Than they sate them down on a beds side. Than the master recounted at the work that had ben● in king Emendus coutte, and how that themperour desired to haue had Florence in marriage at the same time, and shewed him how by his means he did let it at that time and ga●e longer respite till Bartylm●w side, at which time there is cried a great Iustes and tournaye, and there he shewed him in his ear the salutation that Florence did send him, and how that she desired him to be there at that time and to show there parte of his prows for her sake. Than Arthur smiled and en●raced the master many times. And when they had thus talked a good space than the master called to him sir Emery their host, and caused him to sytt● down by them. Than Arthur demanded of him wherefore the knights and cytezyns of th●t city were so sad. And he an●wered and said, sir for it will be no better, and we haue all good cause so to do, and than he began to show him how that in the same house there was a da●osel who was daughter to the lord of that same city, and of all the land of Argenton, and how that she was the ryght●ul h●yre of all that country, and how that the duke of B●gores nephew d●●●alselye mu●●re by treason the lord her ●ath●r& so shewed him al the hole matter as ye haue herade before, and also he shewed him howe that the dukes nephew would mary her to a lewd ●adde his barber, and how that he had dys●eryted her of forty thousand pound of land by yearly rent, and now he hath summoned all the gentlemen of all the country round about, and will that they shall do homage unto him, and so it behoveth them to haue a false murderer to their lord, and to reny their rightful heir,& therfore sir al the noble men of this country& city haue been in counsa●l for this matter: but the conclusion of their counsel was thus▪ how that they wolde make no maner of resistance against the dukes nephew, but rather suffer their lady to be disherited and banished from her own land, howbeit right gladly they would move war against him, but they lack a captain, for they think verily that a woman to be chief head in war should cause it at length to be of little effect. Than Arthur said, sir I haue somewhat herde or this of this matter, but I pray you fair host is this said lady here in your house. Ye sir truly said he here beneath in a fair parloure, for she hath been ever here in my house sithe the death of her father, for I haue promised never to fail her. Than master steven said good host I require you know this ladies pleasure whether she will be content that we might speak with her. sir said he with a right good will than he went into the par●our where as she was the same time beginning of our ladies even song,& was at these words( De{us} in adiutorium meum int●de) that is to say good lord intend to mine aid& succour● And therwith she espied sir Emery and said, sir ye be welcome. And he did salve her and said, madam here is above in a chamber a knight the most fairest creature of the world, and master steven the king of Soroloys, clerk, and sone unto the noble king of valefound doth honour to this knight, the which knight would fain speak with you, and as god help me as I perceive by him he is in will to help and succour you in your need, shall I cause him to come to speak with you, To come to me fair friend quod the lady, nay god forbid, for they that haue need ought to seek for help, and not to tarry ●yl it be brought to them for and they do, it may fortune to come to late, and as for me I haue great need of him y● he would help me, as for him he hath no need of me, therfore it is reason that I go unto him. Than she appareled her and went forth and enured in to the chamber where as they were, and as soon as they saw her they rose and did salute her& couse● her to sit down and she seemed to them right fair, gentle and gracious, and did salute them one after another right swetelye. Than Arthur said, ●ayre lady, why hau● ye travailed yourself so sore to come hither to us, for we would gladly haue come to you. She answered and ●ayde, ●yr it is reason that I should so do for I am a poor disherite● lady,& therfore it is reason that I go sewe for help& sucou● Than master steven demanded of her estate& she recounted to him every de●● as ye haue herde here before,& right sor● weeping said. Alas I poor desolate creature that was wont to be kept in great honour with my lord and father, who falsely was slain by this dukes nephew and hath put mine uncle in prison, I can not tel whe●der he be alive ●r dead. certainly fair lady said master steven, for goddes sake be ye of good there, for your uncle is in good health and out of prison, by the same token that he is called the marks, and also he hath an old hurt on his brow. And as soon as she herde that her heart began to rejoice and she demanded for goddes sake to know who had delivered him out of prison. certainly fair lady said he, the sam● knight that sitteth here by you, who hath conquered the strange castle of the port noyre. And when she herd that she fell down on her knees before Arthur& humbly thanked him. Than Arthur took her up and said, alas fair lady why do you thus, for goddes sake set your heart in peace and rest, for truly I offer my service to you and the best of my power to help and defend your right yf it be to morrow next I shall be ready to sustain the battle as long as my life will last. Than the lady would haue kneeled down& right humbly thanked him& said. sir I give to you all my right and inheritance when ye haue won it, and mine uncle shal be your servant Alas I can say no more, I haue lost my father, wherefore it is great damage that I live, for I am weary of my life, than ●he began to weep& said. sir I had rather that you had my right than my mortal enemy. My sweet lady said Arthur yf god be pleased I shall deliver it unto your own profit, for truly I will not haue therof the mountenaunce of a penny And sir Emery when he herd that this knight had delivered out of prison the marke●,& howe that he had acheued the adventures of the por●e noyre, than he thought verily in his heart that it was he that had acheued the aduen●ures of the ten●brous tour, than he s●ept forth and kneeled down before Arthur& said. gentle and noble knight in whom all b●unte flour●ssheth, for goddes sake bring us out of de●ke generation that we be in, and make light all the heartes of the hole barony of Argenton, take this enterprise on you, and all we shall largely help and aid you, I undertake ye seal haue .xl. thousand persons in harneys to give attendance on you the which are all subiectes to my lady here present. And sir know ye for certain that I haue all redy,& shall provide for horses& harneys and gold& silver sufficient to sustain your host longer space than a year the which I will all habandon into your hands for the helping of my lady And I am here redy the first that will put my body and life in jeopardy. madam said Arthur yf all your other knights be such ye haue much good people and kind. Than he said to sir Emery, sir and I promise you faithfully to help this lady to the best of my power. Than sir Emery departed fro them and went& assembled together all the other knights of the city that were pertaining to the lady and said. lords& masters I t●ynke verily that god hath vysyted us, for I show unto you how that there is a knight in my house who hath delivered out of prison the noble marks uncle to my lady,& also he hath acheued all the adventures of the port noyre, as master steven hath shewed unto my lady, and according to the trouth I think it be he that did great prowess in the valley of valefounde& at the tower tenebrous, and also he hath abandoned himself to be redy at my ladies commaundemente,& to defend her right against the dukes nephew though he be never so fell. certainly friend said all those knights we believe verily that all his travail is in wast For this dukes nephew is right fierce& doubteth no creature, for there is not such a knight in all the world, without it be the knight that hath acheued the said adventures that ye speak of. verily said sir Emery I believe the same knight is he,& at the masspriest I am in certain it is he that hath conquered the port noyre. Than anon these tidings were spread abroad throughout all the city, than there came knights& bourgeyses by great companies into sir Emeris house to se this strange knight,& so they e●tred into a great hall,& when they were gathered together ●hey were to the number of .v. C. persons,& than they desy●ed sir Eme●y to go& ●hewe unto this knight stranger that many of the knights of Argence were come thither too speak with him. And when ●●●hur herde this he was ve●y joyful and rose,& he and the master went fort● into the hall& brought with thē the ●ayre lady ma●garete, and when Arthur was among them he was big and mighty& hye to b●holde, with big arms and long well furnisshed, and he had on a rob of scarlet, and his own colour was fair and ruddy,& he was of higher stature by the head than any man that was there. And when these knights& barons saw him they had right great joy, and thanked god that he had sent him thither at that hour,& they al said unto him. sir ye be right heartily welcome into this city of Argence. And Arthur rendered salvation again to them right sweetly. Than a knight called sir Robert Ardur, who was most hye and puissant both of riches and of hauour of all tho knights that were there pertaining to the lady stepped forth and said. sir it is given us to knowledge how that ye are in mind& will to help and aid my lady that is here present therefore sir we would fain know your mind in this case how ye are purposed for to do. Sir quod Arthur verel●● am in full purpose to Ieopard my body ● life against this dukes nephew▪ and to prove how the traitorously he hath slain this ladies father& falsely disherited her. Than sir Robert said, sir god give you grace and power thus to do, for sir this dukes nephew is right fierce and fell, how be it he is in the wrong, and we in the right, therfore yf god be pleased he shal be confounded, and ●yr we say unto you wee be all gentlemen and burgesses pertaining here to my lady, and we faithfully promise you both aid and our per●ons, and also of our goods though we lese our heads in the quarrel,& sir of this mind both we& al our men be of,& we lack● nothing but a capitain therefore sir doubt nothing, for if the dukes nephew m●ue any st●yte, ye shal haue more than xxx. thou●ande fighting men. fair lady said the master ye shall haue much noble people. truly sir said she that is trouth, for they loved right well their lord that is dead. And as they thus talked there passed by them a great rout of horsemen, and so they went to the windows and beholded well knights& other in the street on horseback to the numbr● of .v. hundreth persons, and in ●he first front there was the duke of bygor,& sir Isembart his nephew, who were riding to go meet the king of orqueney, who as than was coming to the city, but his coming was for Arthurs sake& not for the dukes, but the duke knew not that and the duke had purveyed the kings lodging at the by●shops place, and had purveyed for philip duke of sabary in the abbey of saint Germayne. And so when he had met the king who welcomed him into the city and so road forth together and pa●●ed for by sir Em●ryes lodging. Than sir Bris●bar as he stood looking out of the window espied where there road by the king of orqueney, sir Artaude, sir Morant, sir Olyu●r, and sir Uiceer. Than Brysebar as loud as he could, cried Arthur, Arthur wherewith the king and al that road by looked up toward the window,& there they saw sir Brisebar and sir nevelon the senesshal& master steven and Arthur who seemed to them to be a man of great valour, and anon the king did cast in his heart how that it was Arthur. Than he called to him the duke of bigor and said sir I pray you go to your lodging, for I will take my lodging at this house. Than the duke would haue descended with him but the king in no wise would suffer him So than the duke& his nephew departed as they that wist full little why the king& al tho knights were come to that c●●●e. Than the king took with him Philip his nephew& the archbishop and sir Ancean and entred into sir Emerys house, and caused the gates to be closed after them, and sent al his household to the bishops place, and sir Philip sent his to ●he a●bey of saint Germaynes. Than sir ●rysebar and the master and other o● their company ran to ●he king and embraced him and al his fellowship. And than Arthur c●me before th● king and did p●t of his bone● and did ●a●ute him, and the king took him by the hand and Bry●ebar told the king in his eat how that it was Arthur. Than the king said, mine own right dere friend Arthur ye right heartily well me●●e here in the land of Argenton as the knight that I haue most desired to se and know, for certain lie I had not come hither at this time, but all onely to speak with you. A sir said Arthur ye haue done your pleasure to travail yourself right sore to come hither to se so simplo a person as I am. Than the king entred into a little chaumbre and there did change him, and whan he was redy he came again into the hall and there found al the barons& knygh●es together, and Philip duke of sabary was talking with Arthur. Than the king laid his hand on Arthurs shoulder& said, good friend I pray you that fro hens forth ye will be of my household and that ye will take of my gift robes horse and harneys, and I promise you faithfully that I will be to you a good friend,& so you and I shal be good companions and friends. sir said Arthur I thank you, for truly I am yours in al places& at your commandment whe● so ever I am but sir and it please you I haue o●●red already to my lady Florence my service, daughter to the mighty king Emendus▪ at the request of sir Brisebar and as he hath reported to me her g●a●● hath excepted my service, and so sir than I haue al redy a maistres,& loth I w●re to displease her grace. In the name of god say● the king ye say right well, for I repu●e her company and myn● as all on● thing▪ and good friend behold there sir philip my nephew duke ●f Sabary, v●relye ● love him entirely, therefore I require you let him and you be companions& friends, and ●che of you to love other▪ sir said philip as god help me I promise him fro hens for●h fay●hfull love and amity nor I haue nothing but he shall be lord thereof in al places and against all persons except you mine uncle I shall be ready to aid and succour● him. Right dere friend quod Arthur god that all thing formed reward you, and sir I am and shall be your knyght● against all the world except my ladies grace, who hath retained me. All this is but right said the king, and this pleaseth me right well than the king took philip by the hand and said to Arthur dere friend here I put into your● hand& keeping duke philip my nephew ●oo sir here take him to you, and also n●uewe I put into your hand this knight in likewise take him to you, than these two knights embraced together and promised each other faithful company. And sir Emery was glad because that he had lodged in his house such a company of noble men that his heart laughed for joy and al the other barons of the city beholded meruayllously Arthur and praised him much in their hearts. And than the vylayne who was in the company with th● lady cried as loud as he could, he is come that shal give light. And the king and al other did laugh at him right heartily. Than the tables were set up& water was brought forth, than the king sate down& Arthur by him,& than the bishop& duke philip,& so they were served right richly, for sir Emery made them cheer with all his heart,& whan dinner was done than they all entred into a fair garden,& there were together the king& Arthur the lady Margarete& the archbishop& other to the nombre of .vi. persons,& al the other company were without with sir Emery,& they talked all of Arthur& said how that he had of god a right great gift, for he was both fair& of noble manners,& had acheued such adventures as were greatly to be doubted▪ how be it they said he had enterprised a grete thing to move ony war against the duke of bygor& his nephew. sirs said Brysebar doubt nothing of him, for I know well he hath acheued often .x. times a greater enterprise than this is,& as than the king held the lady by the hand& said, fa●re lady behold here your knight who I think shal do you good service tomorow. sir said the lady I pray to god sand him good grace and fortune, so they were thus long talking together till it was time to go to their rests, than every man departed, and the king, Arthur, philip and master steven lodged al together in one chambre, and the lady departed into her chaumbre right joyous of her good adventure that god had sent her, and all that night she slept but little for joy but was always in her prayers thanking god and beseeching him to be aid and succour to her champion, and in likewise did sir Emery and al other of the city.   

¶ How that the next d●y the master answered for the lady, and Arthur took her quarrel in hand aeynst the dukes neuew● sir Isembarcte. Capitulo .lxv.  
IN the morning the king and Arthur rose and all other barons and knights of the city& went and herde mass,& after mass● they range the common bell of the town, and thereby assembled all the comynte of the city together before sir Emeryes house to thentent to keep this knight Arthur that the duke nor none of his should do him ony hurt or treason, and the same day there came to sir Emeryes house al the kings power, and al sir Phylyppes strength, and all other knights pertaining to king Emend{us}, who were come thither to se the battle between A●thur& the dukes nephew. Than the king entred into the hall,& there was Arthur& master steven, sir philip of sabary, sir Brisebar, sir Artaude, sir Olyuer,& sir ●ycect,& also the lady margarete,& ther● they devised how they should be demeaned in that journey. Than the duke of bygor sēe to sir Emeryes house commanding him that he should incontinent bring the lady Margarete with him to his court,& also the duke caused to be cried throughout al the city that on pain of de●h al the nobles of the city should come to the court to make their homage to his nephew sir Isembarte. And when the dukes messengers had shewed the lady how that she should come to the court to thentent to be married, than the master answered and said. sirs show v●to the duke your lord how that ●hortly she shal come to the court& there do every thing as she ought for to do of reason. Than departed the messengers& went to the duke& his nephew& shewed them how that the lady was not vnpuruayed of good counsel, for all the knights of the city were in her company and more than .v. C. other,& all the most parte of al the comyns of the city, and al so they shewed how there was a knight with her who wolde maintain her quarrel. And when the dukes nephew herde that his heart mounted in pride and said, what knight is that, for cer●aynly yf he medell ony thing with the matter I shall hang him by the neck,& therfore he is but ill come to be of her counsel, howe be it there is an old prove that saith, of ten times he wanteth of his will that folysshely thinketh, and so fared it by this dukes nephew, for or it was night he was in a greater balance of jeopardy than this knight was, for he left his life to pledge. Than the king and philip went into the palace, and the duke and his nephew did encounter them and so brought them into his court, and there in the open hall they sate them down. Than anon after came the lady and Arthur on her one side and the master on the other side, and all the other noblesse and burgesses& comyns of the city did enuyron them, and so thus they were a great company& entred into the palace And when the king saw her he rose, and so did the duke, but his nephew of proud heart ●ar● still and wolde not ris● whereof he was much blamed of every parson that saw him. And when the people were all silence than master steven said to the duke. sir ye haue commanded here our lady Margarete that she should come to your court, sir behold here she is to know what is your pleasure& will. Than the dukes nephew as he that was fel and full of pride rose on his feet and said, sir clerk we haue no thing to do with you, therfore be ye in peas& let us alone. Sir said the master for a poor clerk I am reputed with thē that knoweth me, and as for that I haue said is for this lady,& I think she will avow my saying, howe say ye madam be ye pleased that I shal speak for you or not. certainly said the lady I will hold ferme& stable all that ever ye hau● said or shall say, and as to you sir duke I require you do me right this day, and yf ye will not here in open audience I put ●othe me and all my goods and lands into the hands of the king of orqueney and of sir philip his neuew● duke of Sabery, who are both here present. certainly fair damosel said duke philip doubt ye nothing that ony body shall do you wrong, where as I am present. well madam said the king and I receive you with a right good will into my hands sith it is your pleasure so to put yourself. Than the duke of Bygor said, damosel I shal do you right, therfore master speak ye on and show what ye will in this ladies behalf. sir said the master I say how that ye and your nephew haue sent for my lady Margarete who is now here present, therfore yf it please you show us what is the cause. Than the dukes nephew sir Isembart said, sir clerk I shall show you the cause, it is so I am fully purposed to give her in marriage to a barbou●e of mine. An● also here openly I straitly command al the noble men& burgesses of this city& of al the land of Argenton on pain of losing of their lands that in continent this same day they come& do their homage to me as to their chief lord and governor,& they that will not do thus, I forbid them their heritages that they hold,& not to be so hardy as to entre into it any more. Than the master said, sir than we {per}ceyue well what good right ye would do to this lady yf there were no knight that wolde answer you, how be it I will not spare to speak according to right sir duke it is of troth that all the comentie of al the ●ond of Argenton, as well all the noble men& burgesses as the comen people haue herde and seen and are well assured that sir Uicter sometime lord of al the land of Argenton was rightful heir,& this noble lady Ma●ga●ete h●re present was lawfully desc●nded of him as she that is rightful heir of all the heritage and goods pertaining to her said father, and therf●re sir as well all the hye ba●ons of this city and land of Argenton& knights and burgesses as well o●●er mean people as we● as such as be here present as they that been ●bsent, repureth, taketh,& holdeth her for their natural lady, as she that is the rightful heir of all the land of Argenton, furthermore s●r I say that sir Isembarte your nephew here present is in mind wrongfully without cause to d●sherite this lady of he● proper heritage, and hath al ready put o●t al her of fy●ers,& hath set in their stede servants of his own therefore sir we des●re you that al this ladies lands may be delivered again to her, and that she may be recompensed for such wrongs as she hath had or ●●les let him show a lawful cause why that she should loose he● l●ndes. sir ele●●e said sir Isembarte, I will show you no caus● why, but I will keep it whether she will or not. Sir than said the master here lacketh right, but sir duke as ye be a rightful judge, let us haue right here this day. Than the duke said, what fair nephew ye must● needs tel the cause why ye would hold● her heritage, well sir said he sy●h it pleaseth you I will show him the cause, sir ●le●k I say it is so that the father of this la●dy for that great love that he had to me after that we were ones accorded together before the duke here my uncle, than at th● last it fortuned so that a grievous malady● took him the which sickness cost him his life,& or he died because of the good company that I kept him, and for the entye● love that he had to me, he gave me gen●●ally all his lo●des without res●ruyng of any th●ng to himself or to any of his and ●o gau● me his g●oue in record of full possession therof,& know well this lady is his dough●er, how be it her own father did ●eshe●●e her, and not I how be it her father desired me that I should make he● a nonne, and to give her .xxx. pound of yearly rent to finde her with all: but because that her father loved m so well, and because it is an hard thing for to make a young lusty damoy●el a nonne, for often times such are aft●rwarde dismayed, for it is hard to resist against nature, therfore in eschewyng of such inconu●niences, I purpose to mary her▪& assign to her. C.C. pound of yearly rent, wherefore I will that she shall make her homage to me as to her chief lord. Than the master said unto the duke● sir I shal make sufficient answer in thy s●ate, but first we will haue assurance of him, that for whatsoever be said he, shall move at this time no strife therfore, and my lady here for her part in likewise shall make you assurance. Why said sir Isemberte who is that here that will be pledge or meddle for the lady. Than sir philip duke of sabary stepped forth and said. I am here present who will be pledge for this lady,& in like wise said mo● than .v. C. other barons, well said the duke of bygor, and I will be pledge for my nephew. That is sufficient enough said the master, sir truly than I shal answer you, and say that where as your nephew saith that this ladies father had a great sickness, whereto sir I answer& say that your nephew here sir Isemb●●te did murder and slay him and all his falsely by treason, lying in a wait for him by the way by a pmpensed malice without any defiance cause or occ●sion given on his par●, and furthermore where as he saith that he is in possession of al the lands of Argenton, she which is of truth but that is by ●●au●e, for he keepeth it falsely w●ut ●eason ●ran● cau●e sir yf he will knowledge him ●elf of the mu●ther of this ladies ra●her, and how that wrongfully he hol●eth her land, sir in this ladies name I require you and so do we al, that we may haue ●ight ●udgement of him, and that it may be done to him as it ought to be done to a traitor, murderer, comen ●hefe or robber. And sir if he deny all this, suffer this lady to prove al this to be of troth by her knight who is here present by her,& ready to maintain her quarrel body to body against you● nephew sir ●sembarte. And when the remnant of the ladies barons herde the master speak so boldly, each of them did point on other& said, this master doubteth little the pride of sir Isembart, who when he herde himself called to his own face murderer& thief robber, he was so full of felony that he blushed for despite,& closed his fist and stepped forth& thought to haue landmen ●he master with a knife that he had in his hand, but the people departed them. And whan Arthur saw that he laid his hand on his sw●rde he said, sir fair& easily I would counsel you, for be ye in certain that yf and lay any hand on him, all the world shal not save your ly●e. Than the great● villain began to cry .iii. times, he is come that shall give light. Than the king or orqueney laughed at the villain. And when philip of sabary saw Arthur moved, he stepped forth& mo than .v. C. with him o● knights, and enuyroned the lady and Arthur, about to aid and to defend them yf need were. Than tidings ●an abroad in the city how that Arthur was likely to be slain in the palace, wherefore thither came running al the hole coment● of the city,& brast open the palace gates& thought to haue slain both the duke and his nephew, but the king of orqueney with much pain appeased the people, till at the last a seruant of the dukes came to him and said, sir do ye right to these folkes, or else ye are but dead& al yours for al the comente of this city are here with out in your palace,& hath broken open your gates, therfore deal wisely I rede you. And when the duke herde that he doubted himself greatly, and would fain that he had been at home in his own country. Than Arthur said to him, sir it is of ●routh al that the master hath said of your nephew, how that he is a murderer, traitor, thief& robber, here is my gauge to prove it true my body against his in mortal battle for this ladies sake. Than the vylay●e began to cry as he bid before as though he had been wode, therwith Arthur cast down before the duke his glove. And than the duke answered& said sir knight ye speak right largely I wote not what moveth you thus to do, but I pray you refrain your words, yf so be that my nephew hath done ony trespass against this lady. I am puissant enough to make her such a●endes that she shal hold her well content, and I pray you fair damosel put all this matter in to my hands& I promise you I shall so do that ye shal be well content. sir said the master ye are a right wise and a sage prince and are well worthy to give counsel in m●ny great matters, sir ye may give good counsel in this matter yf it please you to do as I shall show you, your nephew dyde strike of by treason this ladies fathers heed,& if ye will therfore strike of your nephews heed& give it to this damosel in recompense of her fathers heed, than she shall be content or elles she shall be defended by her knight And when sir Isembarte herde all that he was so sore chaued w●th ire that he said that there should never be made none accord in that matter but al onely by the sword And when that I haue vanquished this knight I shall hang him by the neck, and shall brenne this clerk& damosel in a fair fire. Than he did cast down his gauge and thereto he was well counseled by his knights, for they believed verily that there was not in all the world so good a knight as he was. Than the vylayne cried out, he is come that shall give light. Than ●he master said to the duke, sir do as right requireth, receive these gauges. An● so with great pain at the last the duke took them up, and than the battle was Iudg●d ●o be incontinent the same day. Than sir Isembarte went to arm him,& the lady led Arthur to sir Emeryes house& there his knights did arm him,& the master said to him sir Arthur bear this day in this mortal battle your white shield And he answered& said yf god be pleased I will not bear it for fear of one knight, nor yet for two such as he is. Than it was known throughout al the city how their lady was arming of her champion at sir Emeryes house,& how that the battle was judged to be the same day, than al the belles in every church began to ring,& all the people of city& of the country besought god to help& succour Arthur,& all the processyons of the city assembled them together with their relyke& crosses& holy water, and chanons, preestes,& clerks in copes of gold& silk,& all barefoted praying to god for their ladies champion,& all these processyons came& met Arthur in the street, who as than was mounted on his ho●se,& philip duke of sabery with him and more than .v. C. other knights in his company. And when Arthur saw these processyons,& the bishop mytred and all barefoted, his heart lermed and wept for pity,& did light of his horse and kneeled down,& there the bysshopp● did sense him and blessed him with the cross, and Arthur did k●sse it and anclyned his heed down, and the bishop did give him his blessing and said, that lord that was nailed on the cross be your aid& succour this day& ever. And all the knights and other answered& said Amen. Than the processyons returned again to their churches, and Arthur and all his company mounted again on their horses, and so thus he was brought in to the field. The hole clergy of all the city were on their knees making their prayers to god that he should that day be help and succour to their lady& to her champion. Than the king of orqueney came to the field and commanded his nephew sir philip duke of Sabary to keep the field so that there should no wrong nor treason be wrought there that day. Than sir philip armed himself, and took in his company sir Brisebar, sir nevelon, sir Ancean, sir Artaude, and well to the nombre of .v. C. knights of the court● of king Emendus. Than the lady came to the feld with mo than a. M. of her men with her. Than sir Isembart was armed, and as he passed for by the people every man said Go thy way we pray to god that thou mai●t die an evil death, and when he was in the field where as Arthur abode for him. Than the master said to thy duke sir a mortal battle ought not to be done without an oath. Than the duke caused to be brought forth a relic one of the bones of saint Uyncent, and an arm of saint G●orge. Than Arthur took his oath and said, by these glorious sayntes relykes ●h●t be here present, and by all the other sayntes of heaven sir Isembart the duke o● bygors nephew who is here present murdered or caused to be murdered falsely and without cause the lord of Argenton father to my lady Margarete here present, and wrongfully he wolde dysheryte her, and therwith he kissed the sayntes and books, and so wart up on his horse as lightly as though he had ben but in a jacket, and so set him sel●e apart and stretched him on his horse, and all that regard●d him said, behold the hy● countenance of yonder knight se howe he dresseth himself on his horse and plung●th down his shield, and the king and other also did well behold him, and praised him in their hearts above all other knights that ever they saw. Than sir Isembart took his oth● and said that as god and the holy sayntes might help him he never slew the lord of Argenton, nor never thought it and than he wolde haue kissed the sayntes, but he might not, and in his rising he had such a pain in the heed that almost thereby he had lost his sight, wherefore all the people that saw him said this knight hath but an evil countenance, it sem●th he is in the wrong, than he wart vpon his horse right heuyly, and Arthur was redy on the other parte of the field. Than the duke of bygor prayed sir Isembarte his nephew that he wolde leave the battle and said howe that he would make the peas and accord, but in no wise he wolde do so, but swore that he wolde never make no peas till that he had the heed of his enemy and the lady brent, but many folkes think to do many things the which the hurt therof lyghteth on their own necks, and so it did on him. And when that the duke saw that he could make no peas he commanded that they should do their best, than both the knights let their horses re●●e with great ran don, and struck each other with great and mighty spears,& both knights were of great force, and they encountered so rudely that both their spears all to shivered to their fystes, and they russhed so together with their bodies and helms that they fel down both to the earth But Arthur who was the more lustyer knight quickly lept● vpon his feet and drew out traunchefer his good sword And all that season sir Isembarte lay still on the earth his feet upward& his head downewa●de. And when Arthur saw that he lay so vnease●y he stepped to him and lift him up, and laid his shield under his head, and withdrew himself a little from him, wherefore he was greatly praised of the king and of all the other people. And the king said to his nephew, sir Philip it seemeth well this knight hath a right noble and a gentle heart. verily said the duke philip it can be none otherwise but that he must needs be extraught of a noble blood for there is in him no touch of shane or villainy. And when sir Isembarte was revived out of his trance he start vpon his feet and took his shield to him and drew his sword and came unto Arthur and gave him a great stroke on the shield, and struck away a great piece of his hawberke, and the stroke dyde glide down to the earth. Than he said to Arthur, ye made me right now to fall in a sleep, but or it be night I shal make you to sleep in such a wise that ye shal never wake. Than Arthur answered him and said, sir ye promise very much but I can not tell you whether ye shal be able to pay it, and there with Arthur struck him on the helm with such force that he bare away a great piece therof so that one of his ears might well be sene, than he cast his shield before him, and arthur gave him such an other stroke that he claue his shield asunder in the mids, and the stroke did glent by his arm so that the blood followed, and with the same stroke the sword entred into the earth nigh a foot, and all the people that saw that stroke, said: saint Marye, what knight is yonder, who may sustain his stroke, there is no knight like him, and truly ●o he was as than the best knight of all the world, for he was of that condition that the more he had to do, the more hardiness was in him and strength. And when sir Isembarte felt himself wounded he struck Arthur on the helm, so that it entred till it came to the coif of steel, and than the stroke did glence down to ward to the life side, and struck away as much of the hawberk as it touched, but it came not nere his flesh, for in certain yf tha● sir Isembart had ben a true and a faithful man, he had ben a right good knight for he never found his match before that time, but as than he had to do with him that abated his pride, than Arthur struck him on the helm and claue asunder both helm and coif, and so as the sword turned, it carved away one of his ●res from his head, and a great piece of the brawn of his shoulder, and part of his harneys ●uste unto the bare trespasses, And all tho that saw it said, Iesu how may any such stroke be given of any knight living. And when sir Isembarte felt himself so wounded, he was enraged for ire and said. Uassayle me thinketh ye haue found me, but by all the sayntes of paradise I shall reuenge me, than he life up his sword and struck Arthur on the shield so that he bare away a great piece of his harneys. And when Arthur felt the stroke so heavy and puissant, he stepped aside as he that was both st●onge and light, and well and warily he put the stroke by, the which was ued●full, for yf the stroke had light vpon him full, by lykelyhood he had be● right sore wounded. And than Arthur began for ●o wax angry, and took his sword in his hand with great ire, and dressed him toward sir Isembarte and s●rake him so rudely that he struck away arm and shouldre, and all the flesh of his side unto the bare trespasses and did cut his leg nigh clean asunder in th● thick of the thigh, and yet for all that the sword entred into the earth half a foot, than sir Isembart f●l down to the earth,& Arthur stepped over him and pointed his sword toward his visage and said, false recreant knight without thou wilt make open knowledge of thy default, I shall put my sweard into thy head. Than he cried Arthur mercy and said, ●ree knight slay me not, but send for mine uncle and for the lady Margarete and for all the other barons,& than shal I show you all the case. And when they were all come than he said. damosel certainly I slew falsely by treason your father, and wrongfully without a cause haue dish●ryted you, wherefore I render again to you your land, and cry you mercy in that I haue trespassed to you. Than answered the damoyselles& said sir god do judgment to you for his part for as for me now haue I but right, that ye be in this case that ye be in. And when the duke herde that he desired the damosell for goddes sake to pardon him and to save his life, for he hath lost an arm and a leg, and I require you let that suffice at this time. fair lady said Arthur howe say you haue I done enough at this time, or elles shall I do any more, and ever sir Isembarte lay still and ever cried for mercy and said, I yield me an recreaunte and vanquished like a traitor& murderer. Than the duke kneeled down before the lady& held up his hands& required her that he might haue his nephew in the same plyte as he was in. And whan the commen people of the country saw the duke desire the lady to pardon his nephew, they were in great fear least that she would haue granted his request, wherefore a great company of them rush into the press till they came there as sir Isembarte lay still, and they all at ones laid on him in such wise that they left no joint together with other. And whan the duke of Bygor saw that he was afraid of himself, and so took his horse and fled his way homeward into his own country as fast as he might. Than the king of Orqueney said. madam god and this knight hath this day done you great honour. And than sir philip demanded of Arthur howe that he did sir said be right well I thank god. Than al these lords& knights mounted on their horses, but the lady& much● other people went barefoot unto the great cathedrall church of the city, and ●here she rendered thankynges unto our lord Iesu christ, and within a little while after Arthur and sir philip and all other lords and knights came thy ther on pilgrimage and than the bishop and al the hole clergy received Arthur with solemn procession, and so for great joy all the belles of the city w●re rung three dayes together, and all the burgesses throughout every street where as Arthur should pass did hang out of their windows and on their walls cloth of gold and of silk, and rich carpets and cusshyns and coueringes of green,& rich aparayle of emerines lay abroad in every window, and fair ladies and damoselles beholding Arthur their champion. And when the lady had done her prayers, she issued out of the mynst●r. Than began iuglers and tomblers,& minstrels to make great ioy● and sport. And the king lead this lady on the one side, and duke philip on the other side, and so lead herforth to the p●lays, and all the other barons brought forth Arthur,& as he passed throughout every street burgesses& ladies& damoyselles for joy did cast at him flowers of pleasure& said, god increase in you bounty& honour. And the great vylayne ran ever dauncyng before for Ioy, and cried ever now darkness is turned to light. And when the king had brought the lady to the palace he said, now fair lady ye be welcome home to your own rightful heritage. sir said she god grant you the hye joy, of heaven, and keep and preserve my good knight that hath delivered me fro mine enemies and saved my land. Than anon after Arthur entred into the palace and the master and al other lords and knights with him. Than the lady said to Arthur gentle knight ye haue delivered to me my land the which was lost as to my use, for I had nothing therof, and now I haue it again by your noble prowess, wherefore I hold that I haue of god and of you, wherefore I will to you make faithful homage,& take you for my lord the which knowledge I will make here openly before al the nobles that be here present. A madam said Arthur for goddes sake say ye never so to me, for that shal ye not do. sir said she ye haue given it to me,& of you I hold it, I am but a woman alone,& am in purpose never to be married, seeing that my lord& father is de●d the which I thank mine enemies, but now they haue such rewards as they haue deserved, and I know well as soon as ye depart out of this country the duke of bygor will assail me again in the revenging of his nephews death, and yf he can take away from me that he haue given me. fair lady said Arthur I promise you I shall help you to keep your right to the best of my power, and whan so ever and as often as ye sand to me I ●hal leave al things& come to you where so ever I shall be. Sir said the lady god give you a. C.M. thankynges, but sir I swear to you by the faith that I haue born to my lord and father that I will keep no fo●e of land of that ye haue given me without I make to you homage therfore. And whan the king herd that he said to Arthur, sir take her homage sith ●he will needs do it, and in like wise counseled him duke Philip and master steu● and many other, and at last with much pain Arthur took homage of the ●ady and of diuers other barons o● the land. Than began there to be made great feest and joy, and sir Emery, B●isebar& A●taude were gouernours of the feest& triumph. And when the meet was redy than water was brought forth and so ther washed the king& the bishop and the lady Margarete together, and than Arthur and duke Philip and master steven, and so al other, and every man after his degree and so they were all in as great mirth& joy as could be devised, the which joy endured but a little season, for all their Ioy was soon turned into great trouble, for all the court was in great displeasure as ye shal here after, who listeth to rede or here therof.   

¶ How the same season while the king of orqueney& all these other noble people were at dinner in great joy and mirth there came in a messenger fro the wounded knight to Arthur des●ringe him to come and help him or else he wol●e wy●e him of his death, wherewith all the court was sore troubled, and ceased all their joy for the love of Arthur, for incontinent he departed fro the court and went forth with the messenger,& how that all the court feared greatly Arthur for that enterprise, for there was never non that ever returned again alive fro that adventure. Caplo. lxvi.  
 
AS this noble court was in this foresaid great joy and while that they were at dinner there entred in to the palace on horse back a squire his sword girt about him with his heart in his hand, and when he approached nere to the table where as the king sate he began to cry as loud as he could, where is the knight that is called Arthur of britain, yf he be in this court let him answer me, and with those words all the court was in peas, so that every man might well here him. And when Arthur herde how that he demanded so for him he answered and said. friend yf ye demand for Arthur of britain there be many folkes reputeth me to be the same therfore behold I am here ready, for I am the same man that ye demand for say what ye will. sir said the squire I am sent to you, therfore ye shall here what I shall say, sir it is of trouth how that my master sir Octhebon of hurtebise hath heard tidings of you and of your adventures, and so hath he done of many other that could do him no good, sir this knight is very seek in his body, for I think verily he is nere to his death, therfore he sendeth to you by me that in continent with out ony longer delay that ye come to him& give him health, accompanied al onely but with your squire,& yf ye do not thus incontinent through your default he shall die, of the which death I here in his name appeal you before the king and all this noble court. And than Arthur answered him and said, friend howe is it so that I should give him health, I am but an ill physycyon to help him that is so seek as ye speak of. sir come on your way and he shall show you all the maner of his sickness. well said Arthur thinketh he than that I can give him ony good counsel. Ye sir said the squire if ye be of that hardiness and valour as it is of you reported well friend said Arthur suffer than till to morrow, and I shal this day take my leave of all these barons& so follow you. sir said the squire are we now in britain, yf ye will go come on your way streyght● for I will depart, how be it I will that ye know that my said master appeleth you of his death. In the name of god said the king of orqueney of an ill death I pray to god that he may die, for he hath caused the death of many a noble knight, and so he will do now of this knight,& so shall we left his company. Truly {quod} Brysebar wolde to god I had here his head. Than the squire answered the king& said, sir if I might answer a king I wolde say that ye should not curse my master before me,& as to you sir knight that would haue my maisters head, ye would not go& seek to haue it for your weight of fine gold, ye would fain haue it so it might cost you nothing but ye were never so hardy to go seek for it, the cause is ye du●st not,& as to you sir knight Arthur ye cause and to tarry here over long, either come on your way or else abide ●ere still, and so the squire was going his way. Than Arthur stepped fro the table and demaun●ed for his harneys, and said that al the world should not cause him to tarry any longer, than Arthur went& armed him and came again into the hall, and said, I will depart,& so took his leave of the king and of al the hole barony, who were right sorrowful of his departing. Than sir philip and more than .v. C. other knights would haue gone with him, but the squire messenger would not suffer any creature to depart with him but al onely Bawdwyn his squire. Than master steven came to Arthur and said, sir ye go in a great aduentur of death, for your return is right Ieoperdous, but yf god give you that grace to return, leave ye for nothing but that ye come ●o the tourney before ●ornyte at bartylmew tide next coming, for there shall I be and my ladies pauylion with me, I will now return to the port noyre.& I shall send governar a●ter you. ●er●ainly master said Arthur, if god will that I shal escape this adventure I shall be at the said tourney, wherefore as now to god I command you, and so mounted on his h●rse and took with him his whi●e shield, and clarence his good sw●rde, the which were right needful to him in that journey,& so he road forth and Bawdwyn his squi●r with him. Than was al the court sore troubled for his departing. Than the king commanded to take up the tables& to ●russe all his stuff, for he said he wolde depar● incontinente. thou the lady Margaret had thought to haue cau●ed him to carry, but she could not in no wise and so in the ●ame hour he departed, and al other ●ords& knights, so that there abode with the lady Margarete no more but her own knights. The master also ●ayd that he would go to the port noyre And when all the court was departe● the master came to the la●y& said. madam will ye comaunde me any service unto the marks your uncle who is at the port noyre. And the lady de●ired him to tarry two or three dayes till such t●me as she had set all her land in some good order,& than she promised ●o go with him to the port noyre to se her vnc●e, the which request the master did grant her with al his heart, for he loved her entirely.& had set al his heart and love on her how be it ●he knew it not as than, than the lady ordained her balliue●s and prouostes& other officers,& keepers of her lands, bi the aduise and good coū●all of the master, and received homage of al her people, and there she made ●yr Emery principal governor above all other. And when she had ordained al this, than she took her horse and .xii. o● her knygh●es with her, and so road for●h wi●h ●he master to se her uncle, and as they road together the master dyscouere● to h●● all his courage how that he loved her with perfect and faithful honest ●ove, with the which words her heart was so fy●ed that fro that time for ward she loved him entyrely● and did nothing but after his counsel, and promised to owe him her good will& favour, and so at ●he last they a●yued on a saturday at the port noyre. And when they were come thither there mettet hem governar& jaket,& so the master& governar took down the lady than governar& Iaker demanded how that Arthur did. And the master answered& said now that he was in good health& merry,& how that he was as than newly departed to the castle of hu●●●yse in the country of the lost yle,& shewed him how that he des●ed that he should come after him whereof governar had great ioy, and departed the next day. And when the lady saw Goue●nar so big and so goodly a knight, she demanded of the master what knygh● he was. And he answered her& said how that he pertained to Arthur. In the name of god said she I think it right well, for he s●meth to be of hye prowess verily madam said he& so he is. Than governar took the lady and lead her into the palace, than the marks came forth the same time and met them who knew nothing before of her coming, and as so●e as she saw her uncle, her heart ●rembled when she remembered the death of her father,& so she ran& embraced him weeping, both ●or joy and for sorrow, for ioy that she saw her uncle,& for sorrow of the remembrance of her father. And when the marks saw her and knew well that she was his niece, incontinente he remembered the death of her father his brother, with the which remembrance his heart clo●ed in such wise▪ that of a great space he cou●d speak no word, and so sate them d●wne on a bench. And when the lady could speak, she said, fair uncle& dere friend I neue● saw my dere father sy●he he departed with you, I pray you tel me whether yo haue sene him or not I pray you answer to me a poor orphelyue both of father and mother. And when her uncle herde her say so, him thought his heart did break for sorrow, and said. A mine own niece& dere lou● both ye and I haue lost him, and ye are disherited therfore we ought well to complain on our damages. And sir Isemba●e I pray to god thou maiest die an ill death that hast thus brought us into this dolorous chance. sir said the lady of an ill death he is dead, and so was about to tell him all the ma●ter, but she could not for weeping. Then the master came to thē and shewed the marks that Arthur had conquered sir Isembarte in plain battle, and had rendered to the lady again her loudes, and how that she had made homage unto Arthur. Than the marks said, certainly fair niece ye haue done right well to make him homage, for he hath delivered us out of poverty,& hath made us ●y●he, and he hath well aduenged you of your mortal enemy, and he hath delivered me out of the dolorous prison that I was in, wherefore yf ever I may se him again I will become his man. Thus they talked together so long that at the ●●ste the master made them to forget their sorrow, and to be joyous& me●y, and so they went to dinner& were served right richly and so al that day they were together, and thus this lady abode a great space at the por●e noyre, and every day sported with her uncle, and so they made right great ioy and feast together.   

¶ How the governar in searching of Arthur had the honour of a tourney that was made by the earl of the yle perdieu,& there governar was amorous of the countes And how the the ●rle charged the countes that she should not speak to governar, whereof evil came to him, for the next day governar did bet him well in the tourney,& lay all night after with the countess his wife. Cap. lxvii.  
 
IN the morning betimes governar took his leave of the lady and of the master, and of the noble marks and road forth on his way and jacket his squire with him, and he was right richly beseen, and mounted on a good and puyssaunte horse, and so road forth .viii. dayes and never could here any tidings of that he sought for, till at the last he tryued in the lands of ynde the more between the realm of soroloys and the empire, and there he saw a great river,& at a cross way he encountered a messenger, who bare a scochyn on his breast,& also a bided full of letters, and road a great place, and this was aboun●e saint Laurence tide. Than governar did salute the va●l●t and demanded of him what tidings and of whence he was. And he answered& said, sir I am pertaining to the earl of ●he yle perdieu, and am riding to the strong castle to a knight name sir jakes to thentent that he should come to him to go with him to a tourney, for themperour of ynde hath summoned my master that said earl to wait on him to Corynte at this Bartylmewe tide n●xte coming, because of a turnay that is taken there between him& the mighty Emendus king of Soroloys, and because my lord thinketh not to be vnpuruayed of good knights, he hath made to be cried a tourney on monday next coming to thintent to those of the b●st knights that cometh thither to haue them with him to the said great tourney a● Cornyte, therfore I must go to the said sir jakes to cause him to be with my said lor●e on monday next coming. well good friend said governar go on your way god send you good adventure. So than the varlet departed, than governar said to jacket, I am in purpose to go to this said turnay, for it may hap right well that we may there here some tidings of mo lord Arthur,& so they road so long till at the last th●y arrived at the yle perdieu, where as ●hey ●ounde many knights that were redy come● so that all the ●o●gyng●s were taken up, wherefore he had much pain to gete him ony lo●g●ng●, but at the last he met with a good ●urg●●se who received him friendly into his house. And when governar was changed he called to him his host& demanded him all the maner of the earl and what maner of man he was, who answered and said sir he is a ●●gh● valiant man& a hardy knight, for there are but few that may compare with him in deeds of arms,& he hath to his wife the most fair lady that is in all the world except the king of Soroloys daughter,& for her b●au●e hither resorteth many strange knights both dukes, erles, and many other good knights,& because he doth tourney tomorow he knoweth well that many knights will be at his house for to se his wife therfore he hath caused the gates of his castle to be fast shut, and hath defended that what so ever he be shal not entre, the gates were not open sith none yesterday No said governar in the name of god I shall assay to entre& yf I can to se ●he fair lady, than he called to him jacket and commanded him to bring for●h his horse, for he said he wolde go& assay his horse against the next day that he s●olde tourney, and so jacket brought him his horse& mounted thereon, and so road forth throughout the streets of the town till he came to the castle gate the which he found fast shet●e, and than he bad the porter to open the gate, for he said he wolde entre into the castle,& than the porter demanded of him what he had to do there. friend said governar I would speak with the good lady of this place. ●eryly sir said the port●r ye may not entre in at this place, for my lord hath def●●ded the contrary, for he hath commanded that what so ever he be that co●eth hither that none should entre, wherefore I dare not let you in. Yes I pray you said governar, and I will give you what so ever ye will demand of m. Than the porter opened a little wyndowe●& there he saw that governar was a right goodly knight& brown of visage,& saw how that he road on a maruayllous fair horse, than thought he well that he was some noble man& said to him, sir yf ye will give me the horse that ye ride on I will open you the gate Open the gate than at ones and I give him to you. sir said the porter will ye promise me as ye be a true knight that I shall haue him. ●eryly I promise you that ye shall haue him as I am a true knight. sir said the porter I pray you ●ary a little while,& I shal go in& speak with my lord. well said governar I pray you ●ye you again as fast as ye may. Than the porter went to the earl& said, sir there is at your gate a marvelous fair knight, who hath so great desire to se my lady that he will give me his horse that he rideth on, the which is well worth by likelihood a. C. pound on the condition that I wolde open the gate& let him in, therfore sir pleaseth it you to ●hewe me your mind in this case. How so sai● the earl my mind was that none should entre into this place● howe be it I will not that thou ●hould● it lese thy gift tha● he wolde give the, therfore go thy way& open the gate& take thy horse,& than he said to the countess his wife, madam yonder is a knight that hath given a rich gift to se& to speak with you, wherefore I charge you as dere as ye hold my love that when he is come ye make to him no maner of semblant, nor speak no word to him what so ever he say to you, yf ye do otherwise ye shall right ●ore displease me. A sir said the lady for goddes sake I axe mercy, sir we know not what kynght he is nor of what valour and yf he haue given a rich gift to speak with me he shall haue but a small reward for his courtesy yf I should keep my speech from him, against love no man can be, and I am a gentylwoman of great power, therfore I should greatly trespass and I should not speak ●o ●im yf he speak to me. By the faith that I own unto god said the earl if ye trespass against my commandment I shall displease you at the heart ro●e. we● sir said the lady, for your love I am content, but yf any villainy grow thereby I pray to g●d it may fai on you. Than the porter opened the gate to Gou●rnar, and there the porter took his hor●e and governar went forth into the palace a fore, and the earl and ●uch other knights as were wi●h him meet governar& did s●lute him ● b●helde him maruaylouslye and so and pa●●ed f●rth● till he came whe●e as the cou●te●●e was t●an he went to her and sayd● Ma●●me g●d that all t●y●ge fou●●●●o give you ●hys day health ioy and peace, and blessed be the ●enowne that runn●th of your valuce● bounty, and fresh beau●ye, for now I se well it is of trouth and more than is or ●an be reported. And when the cou●te●●e herd him she answered no ma●er of word, the which grieved her right sore in her heart and therwith she cast down her look toward the earth▪ and governar made countenance to salute the other ladies, and so ●●te down among ●hem. And at the l●st he said to the countess, fair lady I am a knight that passeth throughout this country, and it was shewed me how that ye were in this castle, wherefore I thought I would not pass by without seeing of you therefore I am come to you to offer myself to be your knight,& to do that I may do for your sake, wherefore madam I require you to show me what is your pleasure, for I am sore desiring to know it and the countess spake no word again, but cast down h●r look to the ground, wherewith she was right sore grieved at the heart. And when governar saw that she spake no word he was right sorrowful& sayde● madam will ye not speak to me, I haue he●d renowned of you that ye were fie a gentle of heart and of such courtese that ye could bear none ire nor no malice in your heart, nor do any villainy to any maner of person, wherefore fair lady answer me some maner of word, how be it for al that she spake no word again And ther with water was brought forth and all they washed and sate down to dinner, and the era●e caused governar to sit next to the lady to thentente to do him the more annoyance and shane, and there governar carved to the lady right goodly with his knife, and oftentimes spake to her, but she would ueuer give ans●e●e again, where with governar was so sore displeased that he neither did eat nor drink bu● a ●ytel for he saw well ho● the lady spake to all other but in no wy●e she would speak to him And a●●o the coutesse was ●ight sore d●spleased in her heart because she du●ste not speak to him. And thus they we●e in this case till they were taken up fro the dinner, and than governar took her boldly by the hand and said, madam I would fay●e speak a little with you, and so he lad her unto a fair window, than he said, sweet lady it is for none yl or despite or for any trespass that I haue made to you or to any of yours that ye do to me such hardness that ye will not speak to me, ye haue the name to be the most free and gentyllest of heart of any lady now lynynge, for al bounty and courtesy is said to be in you, therfore sweet lady show somewhat of your courtesy to me as in speaking but one woorde● and fair and gentle lady do me so much honor as now to speak to me for as god help me I am ashamed if ye do not for ever, for it shal be said to morrow of me how that I am but a foolish knight and outrageous, for by mine outrage it shal be said that I haue lost the hearing of the speech of the most fair lady of the world, madam I require you put fro me this reproach, open to me a little your sweet mouth wherein is all courtesy, and speak to me some word, for madam as god help me my heart dieth in my body for I am in fear masspriest that ye be displeased with me for some trespass that I haue done, but for all that she spake no word again to him, and yet she was as sore grieved in her heart as he. governar stood and talked so long to this lady till at the last two of her gentylwom●n came for her that she should go into her chamber and take her rest. Than governar at her departing laid his arm about her and said, madam I se well I must needs depart from you at this time, I will go to my lodging right so●owful and ye shall go& rest you& sleep& take little care for my great grief, how be it madam I say unto you that I will never depart fro this town till ye haue spoken to me. And so thus talking he brought her to her chamber door, and he saw well where there was a way out of the chaumbre in to a fair orcheya●de Than he said, madam ye will not speak to me, ●ut I promise you I will come this same night so yonder orcheyarde& so to your chaumbre to speak with you though I die therfore, sith I haue taken that enterprise in my mind either I will die or elles ye shal speak to me And therewith the countess entred into her chaumbre without speaking of ony word to him. And than governar returned to his lodging into the town right sore displeased in his heart. And when jacket saw him come on foot he demanded of him where was his horse. And he answered& said, in faith frend● it goeth not well with me. Ha ha said jaket I trow ye haue played away your horse because ye would not tourney to morrow with the knights of this country, well shameful knight to morrow when I se other gentle knights tourney I shall show them how that ye lie a sleep in your chaumbre. Than governar laid him down on a bed all replete with ire till it was night. And than the said earl commanded all his knights that they should depart and go to their rests because they should be travailed on the next day, and also he said to the countess his wife, madam go this night into your chaumbre and take your rest, for I will this night ly alone for I am sure I shall be right sore travailed to morrow. And when it was dark night and the countesse taken her leave and entred into her chamber. Than rose governar and bad jacket his squire to give him his swer●e. And jacket demanded of him what he wolde do. I will go out& play me said governar. By the faith that I owe to god said jaket I trow ye will go lie in a wait by the hye way for to rob some merchant to by you a new horse with all. governar answered no word again but departed fro him, and as than every body was in their lodgynges, for it was than somewhat late, and the moon shone very bright, and the watchmen were on the walls of the castle and so went often about, and at the last governar came to the high walls of the orcheyarde the which joined on the one side to ward a fair foreste, and there governar saw well on the other side the windows of the chaumbre where as he saw the lady entre when he departed fro her, than he clam vpon a green oak, and dyde so much that at the last he gate vpon the wall& there he stood still rejoicingly a good space because of the watchmen that went about, for as than they were in that quarter, and when they were passed he gate him down by an other three, and so stood still by the walls under the shadow of the tr●es, for the moon did him grete annoyance because she shone so clear. And at the last he gate him into the mids of the garden under a fair pine tre where as there was a right fair fountain, and there he stood a great space& durst not steer for ●eare of spying, for h● knew well that yf he styr●ed the watchmen who as then were not a sleep, should se him, and he knew well that and he ●ere espied and taken he should not lightly escape without d●th, therfore he kept himself as rejoicingly as he could, and al this season the countess was in her chamber in her kyrtel bare foted and bare legged, and on a carpet of sylk and her damoyselles about her, and there they began to speak of the knight who had given his horse to speak with her and one o● the damoselles who was name Powcet said howe that he was of right great valu●e and ●ounteful of heart By the mother of god said Eglentyn an other of her damoyselles ye say right truly, and where as he is gentle of ●ert in like wise he is passing fair and more gracious of words than my lord is. truly said Powcet I marvel me greatly how that my lady could haue so hard a heart as when he spake so sweetly to her that she would give him no maner of answer. truly said Eglentyne as I remember I heard him say at his departing that he would come this same night into this garden. By the good lord said the other I remember well I heard him say so. well said the countess I care not whether he ●ome or not, yf he do let him kept fast that he shall win, let us go to our beds,& that she said to cover her courage and to break their words, and so she sent away from her all her gentle women, saving Powcet and Eglentyne, for they two were of her ivy counsel, then she said to them. A ●ere lady the mother of god, what shall we do yf this knight cometh into the garden this night, y● he be espied of the watch●men it shall be thought that I haue caused him to come hy●her, so shall I be shamed and he destroyed, the which should be a great damage, for he is a ●ight fay●re knight. By the good lord said Eglentyne madam ye say right truly, ●her●fore Powcet fellow let us ●waine go s● whether he be come or not, than Pow●et took a green mantell and did cast it on her and ●o went forth together, playing to the intent the watchmen should know that it we●e they, and at the last● Powcet looked under the pine t●ee and there she saw where he stood, than she said sister Egl●ntyne there is no more but now let us do for the best, for yonder I se him, and incontinent they approached too the fountayn●, and made semblant to wash their feet and hands and Powcet took her mantell and did cast it on the knight, and took a fine keverchefe and did knit it on his head and so took him by the arm& did lead him forth into the countess chaumbre, as though he had ben one of her fellows And as sone as governar saw the lady he cast of his keverchefe& his mantell& kneeled down& sayde● madam I pray god give you good life and good night and she answered and said, sir knight in an ill night and time ye be entred in to my chamber without my licence, wherefore ye be not welcome unto me, but for your labour I shall cause you to be hanged by the neck, and these words she spake fair and easily because she wolde not be heard, and furthermore she said sir knight howe durst ye be so bold to break my walls& entre into my chamber, by the mother of god ye shal die therfore. Than governar answered& said, ryg●t here and swear lady blame me nothing therfore, for as god help me my heart dyed in my body when so hye a lady as ye be wolde not speak to me, for as it is said that a●l goodness and gentleness is comprised in your person, wherefore fair lady now do with me what it shall please you, sith ye haue spoken to me strike of my head& ye will, ●oo here it is al redy, and so he laid forth his heed to the countesse to haue had her ●tryken it of yf she list,& when the countess saw him humble himself so meekly, her heart began to melt,& so took of him some pity. A madam said Powcet this knight hath evil employed his curtesye that he hath done to your porter as to give him his good horse for your love, and now ye to speak so rudely, he hath done more bounty and cu●tesy sith he came hither than ever did any that ever came unto this place to s● you, though they were never so noble or great, it is reason that he may feel that he hath not ill employed his gift that he hath given for your sake, and also he hath Ieoperded his life in this behalf, it came of a great gentleness of heart to give away his horse, and of a great valour of courage to put this his life in adventure for your sake, full little durst thus haue done ony knight of this country, who be afraid of every folly, they lack in their hearts such bounty& valour, I say not all this all onely for his sake, for I never saw him afore this day, but as help me god I se by reason that love hath caused him thus to do, for yf he had not loved you he wolde haue done nothing of this that is done, therfore madam for goddes sake make him amendes of the ill cruelty that ye did to him this day& speak to him more courteously. Powcet said the lady I can not I am so full of ire, for he hath displeased me with his coming hither, for it is no thank to him though I were shamed for this dede. madam said Powcet yf ye put him out of your chaumbre at this time of night he shall be espied of the watchmen,& so taken& slain& you shamed, for every man that shal know therof will say that ye caused him to come,& the more that knoweth therof the worse it is, for when a thing is done it is convenient to let it pass as easily as may be, and to keep it secret for all is little enough, sir knight gail ye down and cry my lady mercy in that ye be come hither without her licence. Than governar kneeled down& said, madam for goddes sake forgive me this trespass. And she beholded him meruaylouslye, for he was fair& gracious and he was bare heded,& Powcet struck dowe his hear with her hand, for it was somewhat ruffled with the wind, and said. I madam behold& se what maner of knight this is, and who is so hard hearted that will not forgive him that putteth himself in such adventure all onely to se a fair noble lady, certainly I pardon him in your name, for I am sure madam ye will be content therewith. Than the countess did smile& said, always ye will play the fool, but so she took Goue●nar by the hand& caused him to arise vpon his feet, than Powcet bad him sit down by her lady, but for courtesy he would not at the first biddyng, Than Powcet said, sir knight now ye need not to take any care for any of the knights of this castle for your coming hither, and without ye haue fear of a woman, sit down by my lady and make your own peace therwith governar sate ●own and embraced and desired the lady that she would pardon him, and so she did,& than governar all smiling cast forth many pretty& goodly words, and ever he found the lady gentle& sweet of her answers Than Powcet said, sister Eglentine my lady me thinketh is me●y now, I ●●ow she care not for us, let us go watch in the next chaumbre, for I think she would fain be a bed, and so they went their way, and the lady called them again, but that was very softly, for it was with a dead voice. And than anon powcet h●rd the curteyns drawn about the bed, and she knew well there were no mo creatures but the lady and the knight together Than Gonernar began a little so speak fair, as these louers do●he when they would haue their desires, and at the last he did ●o much that they were agreed to lie together, and so to bed they went, and there they took such pastaun●e together as these louers are wont to do when they be in like case. And than governar demanded of the lady why she had done him so much villainy as in that she would not speak to him in her palace In the name of god said the lady the cause was for my lord commanded me so to do, and I durst not displease him, how be it that grieved me right ●ore so to do. Well madam▪ it is often s●ene that too much restrainyng is not good, but as in this case he that hath the damage let him weep hardly,& so he embraced and kissed the lady,& thus they were together till i● was nere hand day. Than the lady said sir knight I require you render unto my lord the villainy that he hath done to us, in such wise that ye ●ust to morrow against him,& let him feel and know how that ye be displeased. By the mother of god said governar so shall I do, I warrant ye shal se him fly to the earth. Than the lady began to laugh. Than Powcet came to the beds side and sayde● madam is all the ill will any thing minished, is all this part now failed, I believe that the peace be made, I trow ye haue made amendes this night to the knight. By the good lord said the lady Powcet ye play alway the fool, Up sy● knight said Powcet, for it is time for you to rise. Than governar rose& app●●ayled him. Than the countess said, ●ie y●sterday ye did give a way your horse for my sake, wherefore I will give you again as good a gift, Powcet bring me hither yonder little casket that ●ieth o● my press, and when she had it she said hold sir knight I give this casket to you and al that is therein. madam said governar by the leave of God I will not take it, for I thank god I am rich enough, ● haue so valiant a master that he will give me goods su●fi●yent. By the faith that I owe to god said the lady though ye were a king yet I give it unto you, and without that ye take i● I ensure you I will never speak to you more while I live. I give it to you freely but for a remembrance for ●he love that I haue in you, and to ●ie you therwith a ●ewe horse, and I require you to morrow 〈◇〉 with my lord as ye haue promised me madam by the faith that I owe unto you said he I ensure you I shall make him reverse from his horse. Than the lady and Powcet did smile, and so than departed governar fro them, and took the casket with him, the which was full of coined gold, and as than al the watchmen were a slepe, for than it was at the point of day.   

¶ Howe that governar did bete down at the tourney the earl of the yle perdieu. Cap. lxviii  
THus when governar was departed fro the con●tesse he came to his own lodging and there he found jacket his squire sleeping on a form before the fyre●& so he awoke him. And when ●acket saw him his her●e trembled because of his soda●n● waking& said. this is a fair tarrying. I ●●owe for a wiseman to come now to his lodg●ng, and th●n he did lygh● up a torch and there in the chamber Gouerna● did open his casket, wherein there was of gold and jewels beyond two thousand pound. And when jacket saw it his heart was afraid and sayd● sir I think ye hove to b●●ed some abb●ye. beware ye b● n●t hanged to morrow. A ●aket friend said governar hold thy peas hold here. C. C pound and ●oke that I haue to morrow a good horse● and give all the remnant of the money to poor people. Ye said jacket ye be very liberal of other mennes g●ddes, for I trow all this coste you nothynge● ye be a large g●uer of alms. I think it were better that ye caused the abbeye to be covered with lead fro whence ye stale this money, but so than as son● as it was fair day jacket went into the market place and there he found his own masters horse to be sold, and there he bought him for an hundreth pound, and so brought him to governar who was ●yghte glad of him, and after that none of that day was paste, harowdes did cry in every street, knights leap vpon your horses, and get y●u shortly to the fi●lde. Than horns, bussynes, tabourynes, trumpets and claryons began to sown maruaylouslye. Than knights q●ickelye did arm them, and than the gates of the castle were set open, and the earl did issue out with a great company of knights with him, and came into the place where as the tourney should be and by that time governar was armed and mou●ted vpon his horse, and he was greatly beho●●en that journey of every body for h● w●s a right fair knight in harneys. Than the countess and oth●● la●yes and damoiselles were mounted on the castle wailes to behold the t●urn●y the which was in a fair green right under the castle wall, than Powce●& Eglenti●e saw where as governar came riding toward the tourney in a narow● lane. madam quod Powcet behold yonder knyg●te, by seeming he should b● some noble man. Truly said the la●y he is the most semelyest knight in all the tow●e. madam said Powcet I t●inke ye would his honour and profit By the good lord said the lady I would he ●er● a king. Than anon in the field the partes were dissevered,& Gouern●r was ag●nst the earl, than herawd●s cried knights do your best. Than b●gan the the tour●ey right ha●d& sharp.& Gouerne● advised well the earl and ran at him right ●udely,& the e●le strake him so sor● that he made him somewhat bow on his horse, but governar struck him and met him with his body so rudely that he made him avoyde his horse& the legs upward. Than jacket took the erles horse and brought him to the countess for a present. And when the ladies saw where the earl did fall, than Eglentyne said, a yonder is one with his feet upward. That is true said P●wcet that is my lord the earl, behold how he shaketh his legs. well said the countess me thinketh yonder knight holdeth my lord very short. madam said Powcet he acquyreth him of his promise. Thus governar held the earl so short that he was fain to yield him whether he wolde or not. Than all the erles company came al at ones on governar, but he was strong and light, and gave so great stroke and heavy that he confounded all that ever he att●yned unto, and at the bronte he unhorsed more than .viii. knights. And when jacket had made his present unto the countess who thanked him much, than he returned again unto his master, and so he had enough to do ever to carry the horses of them that his master had overthrown to the bu●geyse who was his masters host. Than governar advised well where there was together a great flock of knights than governar dashed among them so rudely that at his first co●ynge he overthrew two knights together, and so within a short space he departed the knights asunder and gave such stroke all about him that every man ●ledde before him,& a●l the ladies saw him do marvels with his hands,& they marveled howe that ever he could endure such pain with his body, and than as he returned fro that company he m●tte again the earl who as than was remounted, than Gouer dashed into the prese●yll that he came straight where as the earl was, who as than handled right sharply a knight of the parte that governar was of, than Gou●rnar dressed him to the earl and embraced ●ym by the shouldres& dashed his horse with his spurs, and overthrew both the earl to the ground and also the knight that the earl ●ought withal, and there he made the earl to yield him again. And when the countess saw that she smiled right sweetly and said. Powcet friend yonder knight hath beaten down two at ones, blessed be his virtue, he is now well avenged of the earl my hu●bonde, who wolde not suffreme to speak with him. Than the erles company set on governar, but he defended himself right marvelously, but they oppressed him so sore that his horse enfoundred under him, and than governar vygorously wart on his feet, and there he advised the erles seneshal, who had at that time ●yght sore annoyed him▪ and he was well mounted vpon a good black morel horse, than governar wart up to him and took him about the neck with his hands and pulled him ●o sore that he made him to avoyde the saddle whether he would or not, and so fell to the ground, than governar took his horse and quickly wart up into the saddle, and in a great ire das●t into the press, and gave so mighty stroke that he made all to flee before him, and by that time the earl was remounted again, and the third time he came behind governar and embraced him with both his hands to the intent to haue lifted him out of his saddle, but he could no more remove him than though he had lifted at a great tour. Than governar turned him to the earl and took him by the head and pulled him down to his horse mane& gave him so many stroke that he all to bruised him, wherewith he fell down to the earth in such plyte that he could not remove for all the good of the world than there fel on him all the earls company, and by that time the earls seneshal was remounted, and so he came to governar, and when he same him do such deeds of hye prowess he praised him much in his heart, and thought to tourney noo more that day against him but said, sir knight be ye in certain that as many horses as fail you this day I sh●ll purvey you ever of an other. Than governar dashed into the press,& round about him he laid on their heads and visages that he made them to bleed like beasts,& at the last his horse failed him and than the earls seneshal brought to him an other horse. And when he was remounted he struck in as freshly among them as though he had done noo thing of all that day before. and than he did so much by his prowess that every man gave him place& departed& left him in the field all alone. Than the earl was born into the castle in a horse ●ytter, for he was sore bruised,& his seneshal came to Gouer●ar& desired h●m much to go to the castle, but governar wolde not, but said w●at should I do th●re, I know not what maner of people ye be, for among you ye dayne not to speak to ony strange knight. Than the seneshal wist well that h● said that by the countess, wherefore he blamed much the earl in his heart, in that he had commanded her so to do. So th●n G●uernar returned to the burgess his host who made him right great cheer& feest, and the knights and burgesses of the to●ne came thither to se him, and said one to an other, behold here the valiant knight. governar had won that day xv good horses, than h● vnarm●d him, for he was somewhat weary of his travail. And when the earl was in his castle he commanded that the gates should be set open,& that every man should come in who so ever wolde, and than he was unarmed and the countess his wife came to him& demanded how● he did. And he answered and said how that he was sore bruised. A sir sa●d she& who hath done that, I am right sorry therfore. Truly said he thus hath arrayed me the same knight that gave yesterday his horse to my porter to thentent to se you sir said she I believe it well, for I think he was displeased with you because that ye forba●e me that I should not speak to him, I think he remembered that to day, wherefore it is good to be well ware to whom a man doth a displeasure. Than the earl came into the hall where as all the other knights were, and there they were talking and enquyrynge each of other what knight had done best that day, and so they all did give the praise to governar. In the name of god said the earl he hath bet●n me down three times this same day, th●r●fore I require you get● him hyth●● to me, for I shall acqueynt me with him, for I will give him the one hal●e of all my lands on the condition that he will abide& dwell with me C●rtaynly sir said his se●esshall and on that condition I will give him yearly a thousand pound for according to the trouth he is a right good knight. Than th●●rle commanded his sen●sshall to go for him, and so he did, and found him at his hostes house, who made him right great ●here and honour. And than the seneshal said, sir the earl heartily desireth you to co●e and speak with him in the castle, and sir for goddes sake abide& dwell with him, and he will give you the one half of his lands, and I shall give you a thousand pound yearly,& keep you true and fayth●ull company,& thus talking they went, forth together toward the castle, and as soon as the earl saw him he rose up on his ●ete and so did all the other knights, and did him much honour, and the earl caused governar so sit down by him. Than these tidings ran anon into the countess chamber how that the good knight was co●e, than the ladies had great delight to se him. Than Powcet said, madam I think this knight pleaseth you right well, therfore let us go se him. Certainly said the countess with a right goo● will, so than they went into the hall, than the earl& governar did rise and right courteysly did salute the lady. Tha● the countess said to governar sir ye should not salute me, for I haue done you more villainy than ever did lady to any knight without trespass. madam said he it is no trespass for so hye a lady as ye are to take her pleasure of so simple a knight as I am. Than the earl said, sir ye haue this day beaten me fro my horse, the which never as yet knight did before, wherefore I owe unto you a great ransom. sir said governar saving your grace I am not of such virtue nor of such valour as to do so high a chyualry as y● speak of. well sir said the earl I know well how it is, but sir I require you be of my house,& ye shall be chief commander therof, for I will the what so ever ye command shall be done▪ sir said governar I humbly thank you, howe be it I can not accomplish your desire,& the more the earl desired him, the more he said nay. Than the earl said to the countess, madam I pray you desire him, and so she did right sweetly, how be it she was not greatly bound to do so much at her husbands desire, but governar wisely excused him and said. fair lady it can not be, for I haue a lord already who must needs be served of me& of other far better knights then I am. certainly sir said the senesshal yf there be more prowess in him than is in you, he surmounteth than all the knights of the world. certainly si● said governar he is able to cast such vi. as I am into the river. truly said the earl, than do ye well to serve him faithfully, wherefore I will require you noo ferder, howe be it that forthynketh me. Than the countess was right sore displeased because he would not abide. Than the supper was redy& water was brought forth, and so they sate down and were well served. After supper governar took ly●ence of the earl& of the counetsse,& of all other knights, and than torches w●re lighted up, and the senes●hal conveyed him to his hostes house,& the earl commanded that his host should take nothing of him for his dispense, than governar took his leave, and the next morning betimes departed,& commanded his host to god, and gave him al the horses that he had won in the tourney,& the burgei●es thanked him heartily& said In al places where as Alexand●r the great did conque●e ye may go without jeopardy& do as much as ever he did. And so governar entred into his way,& road to seek his lord Arthur. Now let us leave speaking of governar,& let us return to Arthur and to the king of orqueney.   

¶ How that after Arthur was departed fro Argenton to go to the castle of hurtbyse to the wounded knight who had sent for him, in his way at the last he found at the entering of a fair foreste three ladies of right excellent beauty, of whom the chief was called Proserpin queen of the fairy who greatly desired Arthur of his love, but in no wise he would agree ther to,& there he lost his varlet that was his guide, wherefore it behoved him to tarry there all that night, for it was dark and wist not whither to go. Cap. lxix.  
SO it was that when the king of orqueneye was 〈◇〉 f●o argenton he road streight into his own country for to make ready his people to go at Bartylmewtide to the tourney at Cornite,& duke Philip went to sabary to apparel his people& sir nevelon, sir An●ean, sir Artaude& al the other knights of king Emendus returned to the kings court, and there recounted the hye prowess of Arthur,& how he had spe● at Argenton with the duke of bygors nephew,& how that the wounded knight of the castle of hurtbise had sent for him, and how that he was gone thither. Than the king was sorry in his heart, for he had great fear of him lest that he should never return again for he knew well that many good knights were perished there. And in especial Florence was right sorrowful, for there was none that could recomfort her. And Arthur ever road forth after the squire,& so road .iii. dayes together without finding of any adventure, and the .iiii. day he road till it was none, and than they arrived at a knights place who was uncle to the squire that was Arthurs guide,& there they were well received, and so sat down to dinner& were well served. And when they had dined than they mounted on their horses again,& so road forth till it was night,& than they entred into a little narrow way between a fair foreste& a green meadow, and so they road forth well the space of half a mile, and the mone began to shine fair& bright, and at the last they came to a way that they must needs entre into the thick of the foreste, and at last Arthur espied under a fair oak a delectable place, where as he saw .iii, faire ladies heinously white and of gre● beauty, but she that was in the mids was sovereign most fair, for she al only had more beauty than both the other .ii. and yet they were as fair as could be devised. And when Arthur had espied them, he set his feet to the earth& lighted fro his horse,& she that was in the mids rose when the other two were up,& there Arthur saluted thē right curteisly, and they him again, and the squire that brought Arthur thither, took one of the ladies in counsel, and whan they had talked together a good space they went into the thick of the wood, they .ii. together alone, and were not sene again o● al the night, and the other that was in mids had to name Proserpin,& she took Arthur and set him down by her and held him by the hand,& beholded him faithfully in the visage,& said▪ sir ye be right heartily welcome. And he answered& said, madam I pray god keep you fro all ill. sir said Proserpyne I haue great desire to se& speak with you, if ye be he that hath conquered the battle against the duke of bygors nephew. madam as god help me said Arthur I would full fain that there were such valour in me as that I might acheue such a dede. well said Proserpyne, I know right well how it is, and also of other of your deeds,& sir ye be in certain that right grete renown sinneth on you how that ye be free, sweet, fair,& gracious,& to be a good knight above all other,& as for beauty I se well how it is. well madam said Arthur I pray god amend in me that lacketh of that ye speak of. That is well said quod the lady than she laid her hand on his head& demanded of him what was his name Ma●ame quod he I am called Arthur. Arthur said she, now and by the faith that ye owe to her that ye love be●t,& to saint George haue ye any lover yet, I am sure my demand is but a folly f●r so fair a knight, so young, and so va●iant in arms as ye can not be without a lover, wherefore I am in certain ye haue one but I pray you show me what she is by the faith that ye owe unto her,& I promise you never to accuse you,& therwith she beholded him and smiled a little& said, I pray you speak and show me the plains by the troth that ye owe to father& mother yf ye haue any alive. Madam said Arthur, ye coniure me right sore, therfore as god help me I shal ●●ew you the troth Madam it is so I can not tell whether that I haue a lover or not, but of one thing be ye sure I am a lover, for I love with all mine entire heir. And what is she quod the lady I pray you by the faith that ye owe unto her. As god help me said he I cannot tell you, for I n●uer saw the p●rson that I loue● what said the lady● than ye love and wot not who, who hath set you on this folly, wherefore love ye thus. madam quod he I love because of the great goodness& valour that is in her, for she is a sweet gracious& a gentle lady of heart. why sir knight how know ye the. Madam it hath beshewed me that she is of such conditions. well quod the lady, what& there haue beshewed you more than troth in that behalf, who than shal do you right, I demand of you think you that al that is said of me and other to be of t●●t●. Certainli madam nay some list parauentur at sometime to speak more than they know▪ well friend Arthur {quod} she than ye be but a fool, by my counsel leave such folly,& lese no le●g●r your time without reason, ye be now in your youth,& in you● beuti wherefore ye should haue daily your love in you● arms, and lead a louers life in mirth and in solace and whan it is time to strike for her sake b●th with●pe●es and swords,& cast d●une these knights to the earth by .ii. at ones: and leave serving thus of the muse or else ye shal be called no more Arthur, but ye shal be called the knight that museth, therfore leave this love, but behold here and se in your c●pany if there be any thing that pleaseth you, choose which ye will, the squire that brought you hither museth not, for he is with his love, and hath her al this night in his arms behold here the copany of me who is right fair and young. gentle and puissant, holding in mi hand great heritage▪ and I am daughter to a king● and both my father& mother dead an● now I am entred into my land to keep my realm which is great and noble I am also right young about the age of xvi. yeres,& would love right well some g●ntil knight that would help me to keep my land and realm, and to c●unsayle me for my wele in al my business such one would I love and keep entirely. Arthur 〈◇〉 need not to be deceived by your love loving of the muse& take me here in dede. And when Arthur herde her, he beheld her well, and with a great p●rfound sigh said. A dere lady as god help m my heart is set on her that I shewed you ●f with a●●y faithful love and thought in such wise that I am not master of myself, nor my heart is not mine own for it hath forsaken me for this said lady so that I ●m nothing lord of min own heart nor with al, the power that I haue I cannot withdraw it fro her, for I think verily that she hath put my heart into her heart therfore I ●ave good hope that the● shalbe good companions and faithful together seyng● that it will not come again to me& love his sweet companion, therfore fair lady blame me not though ye love me that I do not accomplish your desire, for as god help me I can not, for my heart is not mine own, therfore madam blame me not sith my heart hath forsaken me for an other, but as I be saved ye be full gentle and noble,& right happy shal he be that shal attain to your grace, for your beauty is such that every person that seeth you will put to their pain to seek the ways to attain to your hye love, for by the faith that I owe to my lord& father I had rather haue your love of it might be than to be king of all france, but by my soul madam ye may behold he●e my body without heart, vine without savour, a fair body with●u● love availeth nothing. well friend Arthur {quod} Proserpyn many there be that findeth faults& will s●ke for no remedy you lay the blame on your heart, such folkes as will not do as they be required can finde fables enough to find occasion of excuses, ye haue long mused,& yet ye purpose to muse l●nger, hardly love enough& love th●re that your dream& fantasy sheweth you●& thereby ye shal haue very much Ioy by lyk●lehode, for your musyng will do you much honour, by the faith that I owe to you I love my lover faithfully,& I say it by you, behold here Arthur who dr●meth& museth, behold here the shadow without the son light, behold here the body without heart, this is he that loveth& woteth not whom, therfore he is feeted of none, therfore friend Arthur take to you the best counsel that ye can& god be with you. Than she rose fro him and departed into the wood& her company with her. Than Arthur abode ther alone but with Bawdwyn his squire, for the squire that brought him thither was departed, therfore he wist not whether to go. Than Bawdewyn said, sir as god help me ye ouzt to be blamed. And why so good friend said Arthur. Sir because this gentle noble queen that was right now with you who is so fair so sweet& so gracious and she wolde fain haue had your company& love,& thus ye to let her depart and would not embrace& kiss sweetly her pleasant little mouth, wherefore in my mind ye are greatly to be blamed for as help me god I wolde not hau done so though I had lost my head in the pain. A good friend said Arthur, and what there than should the sweet Florence haue, and what ●●ul●e she set by me yf I should do as much to another as I should do to her yf it pl●ased her, what would ye haue me to make of my mouth a train for every body, yf she keep her mouth● close for the love of me, and I than to habandon me to all the world, what honour than w●re it to me to be common to al the world, what should it than be said on me, he is but a ribald. well sir said Bawdewyn, for all that I could not haue done so. Thus they m●unted on their horses and entred into the wode,& road they wist not whither so long till at the last they lost their ware, that they road they wist not whither,& at conclusion they came a●ayne to the same oak from whence as they went● before, and th●re th●y tarried all that night& lay on the cold earth in the thick bush, and tied their horses to a three.   

¶ How Arthur conquered the ca●●el of hur●●yse the most strong place of the worl● ne●t to the port noyre, where as was ●he damsel by whom the wounded knight was hurt, and ther● Arthur did so mu●he by his prowess that the said knyg●t rec●uered health. Cap. lxx.  
IN the morning b●times Arthur& Bawdwin ro●e& shoke their ●aress to put away the feathers fro their heir& so mounted on horses and found a little way the which brought thē clene out of the foreste. Than A●thur was right sore disple●ed in his mind because he had lost the squi●● that was his guid● in the manner, for he knew not where to fy●d him the hurt knight,& so they road forth so long till they e●tred into a fair meadow, and than they saw ●n a fair his mountain standing a goodly castle the which was closed with double walls and gates,& at the first gate the●e was one that watched the passage for all comers, and as soon as he saw A●thur, he took a horn and blew therein so fiercely th●t al the valley rung therewith and therwith there issued out of the c●stel a knight all armed and well mounted,& h● made token to A●thur tha● he should beware of him. Than Arthur took his shield and fl●risshed with his spear and met so rudely together that the knight broke his spear▪ and Arthur strake him so that his sp●re w●nt through ou● his body more than a foot, and so pulled out his spear again and dressed himself against an other knight that came rudely at him and he struck Arthur in such wit that his spear broke in the mids, but Arthur strake him so fiercely that he overthrew both horse& man to ●he ●rth stark dead. Than there issued out of the castle v. knights, and they all ran ●n Arthur at ones, and Arthur than took his sword and struck so the first that he claue his head clene asunder, and the other dy●d● kill his horse under him, but than 〈…〉 his hand on the horse of him that he had slay●● before and so lept into the sadd●l, and the just tha● he encountered lost his head. And when the other saw that they f●ed away as fast as they might, and Arthur followed th●ym, and in his pu●su● he slay two of them,& as the ●●●t wol● ha●e entred in at the castle gate, A●thur struck of his head clene from the shoulders Than h● entred into the castel● and there he saw before him an other strong wall and it was ●o hye that it was me●uayl and it was ●nuyroned al about with& great deep wa●er that yssu●d ●ute of loudrye fountains, and as he beheld howe that he might ●uere into t●e place there came to ●ym the s●me squire that caused him to come fro Argence, and he did salute him. And when Arthur saw him he knew him right well and demanded of him the cause why that he left him in the forest. As god help me sir my lady lead me forth and I ●u●st not displease her. well said Arthur, and where is the knight that ye sa● hath sent for me sir quod the squire he is in a chamber in this cas●el, where as I think he shal never se to morrow this ●yme, for sir ye tarry fro him over long which is g●●at sin. friend said Arthur I pray you bring me: where as he is that I might sp●ke with him. Than the squire br●ughte him to the knight and Arthur did salute him And the knight ●igh● piteously and w●●h a ●oft voice said, sir ye be heartily wel●om sir said Arthur ye haue sent for me, behold ●owe here I am, therefore show me your will. Than the knight enforced himself to speak& said, sir for goddes sake be ye not displeased though ye be come hither for my sake, for sir the seek creature seeketh ever for health& to the intent that ye shal be in certain of my sickness yf ye be not displeased I shal show you all my grief. Than the knight unarmed himself& laid his body all naked Than Arthur saw on his back .v. great wounds made with a knife that was enuenymed,& the● began at his shoulders and enduted down to his thighs,& the wounds were sore rankled& of such largeness that he might well haue laid in every wound all his arm. And whan Arthur saw that his heart trembled for pity& demanded who had g●uen him ntho stroke. certainly sir said the knight I shall show you it is of a trouhe I loved right heartily a fair damosel who is right noble and gentle, and she me in like case,& when I might I dyde resort unto her, and she is in a chamber above in this castle,& at the last this love that was between us was known by her friends, wherewith they were right sore displeased& so lay in a wait on me at a season that I was with her, and as I wolde haue departed they took me& haue arrayed me as ye se with enuenymed knives so that I can haue no hel●h& the damosel is fast kept● in prison in a chamber here above to thentent that she should not come to me to give me health for she can do me more good than all the creatures of the world, and yf I might haue ony creature that might finde the means to speak with her she wolde send me such ointments that should make me both hole& sound. And sir the .vii. knights that ye haue delivered me of did keep the gates to the intent that no surgyen should come hither to hele me, sir I haue ben four year in this sore torment that ye se me in, and there is none in all this place that wolde bring me such things as my lady& love wolde send me,& they will suffrenone to speak with her fro me,& therfore I must needs die well sir said Arthur& how should any body entre into the castle sith the gates be shytte. sir said the knight there is none that can entre at the gares for they be over strong, but sir in the castle ditch there is a little ship by the which the knights that ye haue slain were wont to entre into the castle,& by the ship ther is a little false gate, whereby ye may entr● into the castle yf it please you, and so ye may bring fro my lady the ointment that shall help me. sir said Arthur I shall do my power,& than he said to the squye● friend bring me to the ship and I will entre into the castle. Than the squire brought him to the ship, and Arthur entred into it, and than the ship went forth without ony maner of touching,& A●thur was not gone far from the bank but there came flyenge about him more than .iii. M. quarrels shot out of crossbows, and Arthur sate in the ship and covered him with his white shield, and the quarrels did light as thick thereon as thought it had rained, in such wise that all the ship was razed with quarrels, and in this maner he approached to the postern,& when he came to the entre he found styckynge round about the gate great long sharp spears with heeds of fine steel, than he took his good sword in his hand and laid on these spears as fast as he could, and so did cut them clene asunder in the mids, and there he did so much that by clean fore he entred in at the postern, and when he was within there rose such a wind that Arthur had much pain to hold him on his feet, and than there fell so great abundance of rain that he stood to the mid leg in wa●er, the which water ran so fast that he was fain to stay him by his spe●e, for what for the wind and swyf●eues of the water, he had m●che pain to stand vpryghte, and at the last and with grettrauayl he did so much that he issued out of the straymes of the posterue, and than he herde a thing make a great noise in the castle,& therwith there came on him at ones mo than .v. hundred persons re●y to fight against him, and so they assailed him rudely on al partes and they did cast at him spears stones, darts and staues ●ight great plenty,& he gave again ●yght great ●trokes& frushed down all that ever he attained unto, how be it the press was so gre● that they caused him to gail down on his knees,& there quickery he stepped up again& dashed in among them, and was right sore chafed,& his strength than began to increase,& the more he had to ●o the more grew his strength,& so he cut asunder all that ever he attained unto, and so by clene force he drew his back back to a wall& there restend him. Than his enemies ran to crosdowes& to spears, and so charged him with many great stroke. And when he felt hymse●fe so sore oppressed he was sore chafed therwith and so abandoned him●elfe among thē& gane great stroke, for whom so ever he touched, he claue him to the shoulders, and than they began to fly before him, and he followed them, but he was ●ight sore wety, for they behind him did him much pain and travail, in thy● case thus fighting he was fro three of the c●●●k till it was none, and three ●●mess he was driven down on his knees, and yet for al that ever he rose again to the spite of them all. And as he was thus fighting at the last he herde the sown of a gr●● horn above in the castle, and as sone as all tho that fought against Arthur herd the blast of the horn, they all suddenly departed without any word speaking,& so there remained but a lonely Arthur whereof he had great marvel, than Arthur dressed him toward the castle, and entred into it, and so at the last he entred into the fair walls,& there found neither man nor woman, and than be setched al about the place, but he could finde no● creature. At the last he entred into a fair tyche chaumbre, and there he saw the most fair and richest bed that ever was sene, and it was al redymade to lye down therein, than he approached the ●roand sate down on the side therof and his sword in his hand, and than he herd well mo the people coming and going in the same chamber, and her● doors and windows open and shut but he could se nothing whereof he had great marvel. And when he had sytten a good space on the ●edde and well restend him, at the last he saw where there came into the chamber a great company of ladies and damosels and knights and squires, and in the myd●es among them he saw where there was a young fair queen crwoned with gold in a syrcore of crmynes, and a man 〈◇〉 of violet silk, and she was of right great beauty, and f●ure knights led her and shee was enuytoned all about● with other fair ladies. And as sone as he saw her he knew well that she was Proserpyn the queen whom that he found in the foreste the night before, and than he rose vpon his feet than the queen came running too him and embraced him a●oute the neck and said. sir ye are rygh●e heartily welcome into my house. fair lady {quod} Arthur I pray to god give you both health and much Ioy. Arthur said the queen now are ye past al Ieopardies, for now that ye be in my company ye be in a sur●te, therfore put of your harneys for ye shall be in as good surety as mine own proper body. madam {quod} Arthur I thank you, how be it I haue not as yet acheued that thing as I came hither for, for here is bynethe in this castle a seek knight who hath sē● me hither to a damosel that should give him health,& I haue {pro}mys●d to bring him that she wolde deliver me for his health, therfore madam I require you yf she and here in your company cause me to speak with her yf it please ●ou, ● thereby I shall accomplish my cou●naunt to the knight. friend {quod} the lady be ye no more ●ismayed of the knight, for I {pro}myse you he shal haue h●lth for your sake,& that right shortly. Than the queen called to her a lady, who was called Argent, and than she said to Arthur, sir behold here the same lady that the knight was hurt for& it is she that can give him health therfore A●gence I will that ye go to your knight,& think on his health as a lover ought to do to another. madam {quod} Argence with a right good will,& as to you sir knight I thank you a hundred. M. times sith that I haue leave to go● to my lover for you●e sake,& sir ye haue won thereby of him to be to you a true and a fayhfull knight, and of me ye shal haue a true servant, therwith she departed, and Proserp●ne commanded that Arthur should be unarmed, than ther● r●n ab●ute Arthur knights& ladies, and one took away his shield, an other his sw●rde, an other his ●elme, and so each of them laid to their hā●es to he●pe him, and w●ā he was unarmed he stood in his doublet,& than the ladies brought him wa●me water to wash his neck& his visage& handdes, and than the fair ladies did wipe his visage with fair white ketchefes. Than Bawdewyn came& brought him his gown to put on but the queen would not suffer that for she made him to put on a green kyr●ell& a syrcote of scarlet than the queen took her own mantle fro he● neck the which was of purple s●lke& put it on Arthur, than he was so fair and gentill that one could not be satisfied with beholding of him, for all the ladies than said how that the knight was a gracious person grete joy should the lady haue that might haue such a lou●r as he was. Than the queen took him by the hand the which was a right goodly sight to behold, for they were both fair& young, and thus hand in hand they w●nte throughout the chamber, talking of many things, and when they had thus talked together a great space the queen commanded every body to depart,& to leave them alone togyth●r,& so they did. And than the queen took him by the hand and said. Arthur let us go sit down on yonder beds side, and so they did,& by that time the chamber was cl●aue avoyded saving all onely of Bawdewin who said unto his master, sir I think it best that I go& see your harness& amend it, for it is ill bruised,& it is hard to tell whether ye shall haue any thing to do shortly or not. And when Arthur heard him he wist full well what he ment and therfore he smiled,& so Bawdewyn departed. T●ā the queen said to Arthur, min own sweet& true love I am now well pacyfied in my heart now that I haue you in my house as of him in all the world that I most desire to se& speak withall●& therwith she ●ayde one of her arms about her neck, and with the other hand she did strike down his here& said, Arthur ye be come to the plae where as ye be much loved with a faithful heart wherefore ye shal be lord& go●e maner of al the land that I haue in goue●nauce wherefore I will make you my knight& sovereign lover by the way of marriage,& first I present my self to you& al the power that I am lady over, and ● ensure there was never man as yet there as you and now, therfore refuse not the honor& prof●te that I offer you th● she took a ring fro he finger and said by this gift I put you in rul possession of me and al mine, therfore genti● knight I require you rec●iue it. And when Arthur herde her thus speak and saw the ring, than he beholded well the lady& saw the gentleness and faitenes that was in her, and fe●te her sweet breath& saw her rhyming counte●naunce, at the last his heart came to him& remebred Florence, thē he ●●ld not keep him fr● weeping, and cast out many a {per}●ound and deep sigh, and beholded well proserpin and said. A gentle and noble lady your amorous words pierceth my heart so that I feel myself at the g●etest mischief that ever did any c●ea●●●e for if I were the most high and noble king that ●uer was sith Alexander the great, and if I had learned in love al the daies of my life and at the end might attain to that case that I am in now. I should well think my pain& labour right we●l employed and highly rewarded, for if al the kings of the world were al in one person& al their goods and honors and al partes thereof were gathered together into one person,& if it pleased you to take him to your seruic● he should well think himself ●ight hi●ly and dearly governed but madam I am but a simplo person to be compared to your high estate, therfore ye shol●e abate greatly your renown yf ye should take such a strange knight as I am, wherefore ye should be blamed much of your people, wherefore madam for goddes sake aduise you better,& let this pass over, and take such a noble pe●son as is meet for your estate and honor. sir abque; the lady I quiter al the world for you, for I will no● other but al lonely you, therefore receive me for I will it shal be so and none otherwy●e, and if ye will defend your opinion by her that ye  told me of this last night in the foreste, ye can not do so by reason, for ye never saw her, nor she you, nor never spake with her, therefore there is no covenant made between you& h●r but that lawfully ye may leave her and ye list, therfore ye can not excuse you to do this my de●yre. without it be for cowardi●e that ye haue to enterprise the governance of a realm And when Arthur had well understand her, he answered and said, madam as god help me I told you the trouth as it is, and I would be glad to do that thing that should please you, how be it of one thing be y● in certain that I haue set my heart there as I haue shewed you, se● that I can never call it again, ye may behold he●e my body, taken& it please you, but my he●t remaineth in an other place with her who hath it in keeping. Than the●e was a lady came to the queen& shewed her that her dinner was redy. And than she said, sir knight think well ●n this matter, I give you respyce till to morrow, end so she took Arthur by the hand and lead him into the hall,& there he saw so many boards cou●red, and so g●eate plenty ●f ladies and damoselles& knights and squyer●, that he had great marvel to behold the nobleness that he saw there. Than the queen said aloud that every body might here her, sir lords& ladies behold this knight who shall be lord& captain of al my seygnory. And whan they herde that they cried all with one voke he is welcome god keep him, blessed be the hour that ever he came hither,& they all beholded him marvelously,& praised much his fresh beauty& goodly bemenour. Than there began grete feest& Ioy with much honourable triumph,& so we●e set to dinner& served right honourably,& after dinner they sported them a long season,& at last the queen called to her two of her ladies the fairest of all the company& commanded them that they should lead Arthur a playing& that they should show to him such cheer to cause him to love one of them yf they could bring it about. And they answered they would do the best that lay in their power, so they .ii. led forth Arthur in to fair chambers& gardyns of pleasure,& they did as much to draw him to love one of them, as ever did woman to draw any man to love, for their delynge with him was ●uche that it wolde haue ●ē hard for ony other creature to haue withstand their occasions for yf a woman be minded to cast for he her hokes& lines to take ony man the●w it is very hard to scape ●ut of their daunger● for in such a dede a woman is more subtle than the devil, for he causeth a woman of such dy●posycyon to do that thing that he can not do himself, in like wise this queen commanded these ladies to do that she could not do herself, but Arthur for al their pleasa●t occasions wolde never bend for all that they did or said was very no●ous to him for alway●e he had in his heart the remembrance of the fa●re Florence,& so in this case he was between them till it was time to go to rest Than he was conveyed to his chamber with .xi. knights,& a great multitude or torches against his coming, the queen also was redy in his chamber,& than with in a little while after the ●pyces& wine had b●n eaten& drunken, than the qu●ne& al other took th●ir l●ue of Arthur ● departed out of his chamber,& than he went to his bed,& there was drennynge al night before his beds fear .iiii. mortes of wax ●nd whan every body was a bed there came to Arthurs bed side a fair damoys●ll s●nt to him fro the queen,& she was in a syrcote of ermynes,& over that a rich mantell of silk,& so she lened down on the bed to Arthur, and with her hand stryked down his head right sweetly,& there she made him such lowly countenance that he might perceive well how she wolde hau● had him to haue taken her into his bed. And at last Arthur said, fair lady I am in fear masspriest ye will take cold with your tarrying so long here, therfore either come to bed to me or elles go your way hens. Sir {quod} she I will ly with you with great joy, but first ye shal assure me to take me for your love, and never to haue other. A fair lady {quod} he that can I not do, for I love an other, and so than should I be false of my pr●myse. Well sir said she than I will go my way. Ye say well quod Arthur I pray god send you good adventure,& so therwith she departed,& Arthur slept as long as it pleased him till it was fair day in the morning. Than Bawdewyn opened the windows, for Arthur wolde arise. Than the queen ●ntred in to his chambre, and Arthur sate in his bed doing on of his doublet. And as soon as Bawdewyn saw the queen he said unto Ar●hur, sir behold who cometh h●therto you, by mine aduy●e let not her escape at this time. Than the queen sa●e down by Arthur on the beds side. And sh● bad Bawdewyn go play him for a season. madam {quod} he with a right good will, I shall not long annoy you here. Than the queen demanded of Arthur how he had taken his rest that night,& ●adde him as than good morrow. And Arthur answered& said, madam god that all thing hath formed send you his dere love. friend said she I gave you yesterday respite till this day, therfore as ye be now auysed either to take or refuse that I haue offered you, show me now your mind in that behalf shortly. madam said he I can show no more nor give you no more than I haue done, ye may take my body the which is here present, but as for my heart I can not take it away from whence as it is, I haue enforced myself to haue it again but the more I think on her that hath it the faster she holdeth it, therfore madam I can do no more as help● me god ye haue here my body without the heart. Than the queen beheld Arthur well& embraced him about the neck,& al smylynge said, well good friend Arthur fro hens forth now be ye in peas, for truly I haue right well assayed your trouth, but now I se well your steadfast faithfulness for ye be true to your love, for I se by it ye love her faithfully,& certayn●ly ye haue good cause so to do, for in like wise she loveth you, for she hath refused themperour of Yndes love for your sake, for her heart is on no creature of the world but al onely on you:& I am she that anon after her nativity did destiny her to you when she was brought up to us into the mount perilous,& as for the other .ii. ladies that were with you yesterday the which so sore did tempt you to haue won your love the which they dyde but only to assay you, one of them destinied that the image in the pavilion who holdeth the chaplet should never give it but to you,& so ye to haue both the lady& the chaplet,& the other lady destinied that ye should haue the white shield& the good sword enchanted the which ye be in possession of,& the thyrde that came to your bed last she destinied that yf ony other person wolde presume to take the fair Florence that he should die an ill death,& I haue caused you to come into this country, for I made you to haue the vision of the eagle of gold that ye thought ye saw in your sleep,& there ye saw a dragon the which wolde haue taken her fro you, the dragon is signified by the Emperour of Ynde, for as much as he may he will let you to haue her, how be it she shall be yours at length, but first ye shal suffer much pain& trouble, but I shall show you what ye shall do, keep well the love of the king of or qu●ney& of the archbishop of Cornyte, for they shal be to you both true& steadfast,& specially above all other love well master steven, for by his means ye shall haue her after your war be done,& in your war I shal help you with .xi. M. haw bertes, it is I that sent for you in the name of the hurt knight that ye should come to him to thentent that I might assay you,& to know of what faithfulness ye were of, but now Florence may be in a surety that she is beloved of the best knight of the world, and of the most fair and steadfast knight that now liveth, therfore now sir knight arise, for it is hye tym● Than the queen departed& Arthur appareled him& went into the hall where as he found the said queen nobly accompanied& all they rose against Arthur,& he right sweetly did salute them, than the queen caused him to sit down by her& he said madam& it like your grace it is now hye time that I take forth my journey& go thither as I am in mind to do. certainly s●r said the queen I am right well content that ye so do, but first ye shal dine. So than Arthur dined there with the queen,& after dinner he took his leave of the queen& of all the court,& there was much sorrow when he departed, for all the court had trusted that he should haue been their lord. Than Arthur mounted on his horse& so departed out of the castle,& so came to the hurt knight and demanded of him how he did, and whether that he had well quytte his covenants or not. Sir as god help me {quod} the knight I do right well,& ye haue right truly& nobly quytte you to me, therfore the lord that all thing formed reward you,& truley I am and shall be your own knight. And so Arthur commanded him to god, and the lady also that was his love,& so road forth his way toward Cornyte.   

¶ How that Arthur when he was departed fro the queen proserpane it fortuned him to take his lodging with the nephew of sir Isembarte, who took Arthur and locked him fast in a tour to thentent to haue slain him by night, but there Arthur did so valiantly that he broke out of the tour and slew the knight and all his people. Capitulo .lxxi.  
SO it was that when Arthur was departed fro Proserpyne he road so long till at the last he entred in to the land of the duke of bygors nephew and so by adventure he took his lodging with a knight who was nephew to sir Isembarte, and he received Arthur with grete joy, than he was unarmed, and when he was ready went into the hall where as this knight was. Than the knight demanded of Arthur what was his name. And he that doubteth nothing answered& said, sir I am called Arthur,& my squire is name Bawdewyn. Than the knight knew well that it was he that had ●layne his uncle sir Isembarte, wherefore his heart rose sore against him, but he made no semblant therof, for he knew well that Arthur was a knight right sore to be redoubted, for he wy●te well he was not able to resist against him, therfore he thought to slay him in his bed a sleep, and in the mean time ●o close him fast● in a tour,& than to sand for the duke of Bygor and al his company,& there to fle him by night time. And than he made fair semblant to Arthur& said, sir I am bound to love you well because ye haue slain sir Isembart, for of all men living I hated him most, for he dydd● me many dyspleasures,& thus with fair words he drove of the season with Arthur till it was supper time, and than he was right well served, and after supper they sported them till it was time to go to their rests. Than the knight caused Arthurs bed to be made in a strong tower but it was so well hanged with clothes of silk and arres that Arthur could not perceive the walls nor strength therof And when Arthur and Bawdewyn were entred into the tour incontinent the knight did shytte fast the door, which was all of yren, and did bar it fast with four great bar●e& escryed on Arthur and said▪ sir make as merry as ye can for or ye depart out of your chamber ye shal lese your head, for ye may say ye be unhappy to come hither to your mortal enemy. And when Arthur herde that he was in his heart right sore displeased,& so ran to the door thinking to haue opened it but he could not: for it was barred without with four great bars of steel. Than the knight armed him and al his company, so that they were well to the nombre of .xviii. persons, and the moon shone fair and bright in at a little window behind one of the tapperts. Than Bawdewyn ta●e down the hangynges,& than they might ●e●●e●ely all about them, for the light of the mou● came in at the window where as the prisoners were wont to be served. Than A●thur armed him& took his sword in his hand& beholded well the window the which was very strong barred with yren, and by adventure he found in the chambre a grete lever of yren and so and took it in both his hands as he that was right sore displeased and did life up the lever as lightly as though it had ben but a stick,& laid at the bars of yren with such strength that he all to braste the bars& stones and made such an hole that an ox might well haue issued out thereat. Than the knight and his company without when they saw that they did cast at him right rudely darts and quarrels shot out of the crossbows. Than Arthur took his white shield and went to the window& there received all their shotynge, but they could in no wise hurt him. Than Arthur wart out at the window& so descended down and covered him with his shield. Than they all ran at ones at him, but Arthur gave such stroke that he dashed down al that ever he attained unto. And Bawdew●n took a bar of yren and did help his master to the best of his power. And at the last Arthur ●ncountred the knight of the place, and gave him such a stroke that he claue him to the shoulders& so fell down dead to the earth. And than anon after he disco●fited all the remnant, for he dealt such discipline among them that he cut of arms, hands, legs, and hedes, and all that ever he attain unto Than Bawdewyn ran and did life up the draw bridge, and did shytte fast the gates to thentent that non should escape and so they searched all about but they could neither find man nor woman, and than they went to their rests till the next day, and so went forth on their journey toward Cornyte.   

¶ Howe that governar in serchynge of A●thur by adventure he passed forbye the same castle where as Arthur had slain the lord therof,& there he was assailed of the friends of the said knight, and thece dy● so valiantly that he slew the most parte of them, Capitulo, lxxii.  
ANd when that Arthur had well riden four leges, than was it known how that the knight was slain& all that ever were in the place,& thither came al the knights friends& found him dead, wherefore they were right sorrowful, and as they made this sorrow it fortuned that governar passed forbye the same castle,& as soon as they that were within saw him they thought that it had ben he that had slain their knight and friend. Than they begon to cry all at ones, let us issue out for yonder is he that hath slain our knight, add so they ran all at ones at him with great axes& maces of steel& did him much annoyance Than governar delyu●red his spear to jacket his squire, and set hand to his sword& gave many great stroke round about him, and cut of hands& legs and made arms& heads to fly into the field, and at the last he did so much that he delivered himself from them all saving of .iii. knights,& they came with a grete randon to him, and the first that governar encountered he struck him so rudely that he fel to the earth,& in his falllynge braste his neck. Than he dressed him to the second and gave him such a stroke with his sword that be made both helm and head to fly to the earth. Than the thyrde stood still without any moving, and demanded governar of whence he was, and he answered howe that he was a strange knight. And sir said the other knight where lay you this night passed. I lay said governar .vii. leges hens with the lady of quar●orde. well sir said he knight than ye be not he that ●ay this night in this castle. As god help me said governar it is not I, for I never saw this castle before this time well sir said the knight than I require you to come on with me a little way and I promise you I shall bring you again into this same place wytho●te hurt or any maner of damage to you or to any of yours, and al this he did because he would bring him before the dead bodies for to se whether any o● them would bled● again freshly or not for thereby he thought surely that he should know whether it were he or not that had slain all those people. And Gou●rnar acco●ded to his desire, and so they entred into the castle and there saw the deade bodies wytho●t any more of bleeding. And when the knight saw that he said, sir this people did run against you wrongful●y and so it appeareth by them, for they that had thought most for to haue won, I think hath now most lost, wherefore sir ye may depart when ye will, for ye shal not be let for me, and I pray to god send you right good adventure. Than governar departed and so followed after Arthur.   

¶ How that Arthur found .xl. knights who had taken a damosel the which they found in a foreste,& they would haue ravished her,& there Arthur rescued her and slew all the .xl. knights who would haue pylled and robbed the ladies castle, and haue slain all that had been within. Capitulo .lxxiii.  
ARthur road forth so long till at the last he came to a grete foreste, and as he would haue entred into it, there encountered him a fair young damosell right sore weeping, and her fair yellow heir hanging about her shoulders, and she was right sore hurt in the visage and bled fast and as soon as she saw Arthur armed her f●re began to be double, and than she knele● down& held up her hands and cried him mercy and said, gentle knight save my life and the honour of my body, and take al that ever I haue, and she was but in her smock and a thin syrcute, And when Arthur saw her, he knew well that she was afraid, and said: fair love haue no dre●● for I will do nothing to you but good. And when she herade that she was in a surety ●he sate her down on the ground, for she was in that case for fear that her legs would not bear her, nor could not speak of a great season. Than Arthur alighted fro his hore and right sweetly took he in his arms& said, my own sweet damosel be ye now well assured& of good heart and show me what case ye stand in, and I that aid you with al my power, than he ●aw how the maidens heir was all tuffled by the reason of the wind and thick bushes that she had run through, and Arthur ●yke a gentle knight did strike down her heir for they were right fair and goodly. And when she might spake she said, sir your great sweetness and gentle heart hath taken fro me parte of my fear, how be it all that season she wept right pyteouslye& said, sir I shall show you all the case how it standeth with me sith it pleaseth you to know it, sir it is of trouth I haue dwelled here in this forest with an aunt of mine a widow a good old lady in a fa●re gr●at manoyre of hers,& now there is come into this foreste. ii●i. knights who a●e banished out of their own country, and they do nothing but rob and pyll, and they haue in their company. xx●. horse men and ●en foot men, and so they rob over all the country, so that they leave no house vnrobbed, and this other day they sent to mine aunt that she should sand them two hundred pound of money, but mine aunt wolde not for she wist not why she should so do,& so now they become and haue laid siege round about mine auntes place, and there haue continued these. tv. dayes and haue made their and we that they will never go hens till they haue won the place and brent it down to the earth, and slain mine aunt and so I issued out at a little gate to go to a brother of mine to desire him to g●te ●ogyther our lineage to come to h●lpe and deliver us fro these thieves and robbers,& as I was going here by there met me ten foot men of their comp●●●● who lieth in a wait to keep the hye ways. And thus th●y haue arrayed me as ye se, and haue ● yspoyled me and taken away my pal●●●y, and so would haue ●●ysshed me, but as grace was they f●lle at a variance among wolf who should haue ben the first that should haue defouled me,& so they fel together& gave each o●her great stroke, and in the mean time I fled away in great fear of my life. Than Arthur said fair damoysel● go we● wo together where as these rybawdes be, and I shall do so much to them either by fayr●nes or foulness that they shal r●ndre to you again your gown and your palfrey. A sir said the lady they are very y●● people and a great company. fair lady care not therfore said Arthur god shall help you in your need. Than the damosel mounted vpon Arthurs horse behind him and so road forth till at the ●a●● they arrived where as these thieves were who were seeking for the damosel among the bushes. And they saw her on horse back riding behind Arthur, they ran all about him to haue slain him, but than Arthur took his swer●e& laid ●oo on these rybawdes that within a short space he had slain them all. Than the damoy●ell had right great joy and so took again her hor●e& her clothing& appareled her and said to Arthur, sir I pray god keep you from all evil encombraunce. And Arthur said, my love now let us go to your aunt& let us help her as much as we can. A sir said she ye can never haue victory over them, for they be at ierst .xxx. on horse back well armed and there be of them many good knights, therfore ano●● they will slay you the which should be a great damage therfore let us go to my broth●r& gather together my frē●es the whyc●e shall be in nombre at the masspriest of .xl. persons on horse back& so than shal y●●●●e them. Than Arthur said fair damosel take ye no thought therfore for I warrant you or I depart I ●●all make them to be to us such friends that fro hens forth to you nor to none other they shall do no grea● hurt. well sir said the lady god give you grace thus to do for they be right ill people. So thus they code forth together into the forest,& the same tym▪ Go●ernar ● jacket were ●ntred into the same forest to seek Arthur for they had herde tidings that he was ridden in●o that foreste before them, and they 〈◇〉 so long till at the last they found wh●re 〈◇〉 these .x. thieves lay dead▪& than th●y t●oug●● well how that Arthur had d●●● th●t dede. Than governar said to Iacke●, friend I know well my lord A●thur hath been here, I se well he is a 〈◇〉 carpenter, for he hath made here a fair sight of chips. sir truly said I●cket ●here is in him great dyspence for he gy●eth mo●e than is of him demanded, for he hath given more to this company than they would haue had,& al this season Arthur road forth ●●yl with the damaysel,& al last they arrived at the damoysell●s auntes p●ace,& the said thieves as than had lef● their si●ge& were gone after a great company of merchants to ●h●●tent to ●obbe& to flee them,& in the me●ne season Arthur and the damosel came to the gate, and she called the porter. And as soon as he saw h●r he knew he● right well, and so ser open the gate, ●●d than Arthur and the damsel entred into the place. Than Arthur said to the porter, ●●●nde let the gate stand still open, for your enemies are all gone, for they all that were h●re were my cousins therfore I war●ant you be not afeard of them, therfore let down the bridge and so the porter did, for he believed him. Than the lady lead her knight into the hall. Than her aunt came to them and made them ●yghte great feast and so unarmed Arthur and made redy the me●e, and than they sa●e down to supper and as they sat there entred into the hall one of the knight●s of the said sheues, and so he came straight to the table whereas they did eat with a great staff in his hand,& without speaking of any word he life up his stuff and struck the lady a great stroke between the shoulders, so that he made her to lene down flat on the table and therewith she made a great cry▪ and therewith the these took a great cup of silver full of wine and did cast all the wine at Arthur where as he sate, and took the cup with him, and therewithal returned back again without speaking of any word, and as he issued out of the hall he met Bawdewyn and struck him so rudely that he wist not well where he was. Than Arthur said to the lady madam thus to be beaten and to lese your good is a right great outrage. Than the knight answered Arthur and said, sir yf thou wilt amend it come to the cross way beside yonder wood and there shall ye finde me Than Arthur stepped vpon his feet, a●d called for his harneys and anon Bawdewyn ar●●d him. Than the lady said gentyl● knight in the honour of the hye god of heaven go not thither, for they are xxx. on horse back well armed, wherefore ye can not endure against them all. madam said Arthur speak to me no more, for I will go look on them, and so mounted on his horse and followed the knight to the cross way where as he was redy aby●ynge for Arthur, and as sone as he saw Arthur coming he cast down the cup and took his sp●re, and they met together so rudely that the knight broke his sp●re but Arthur s●rake him so that his sper● ran through out his body more than a foot, and so fell down dead. Than Bawdwyn said, right now thou strak●st me& now thou art landmen again, for thy great pride thou hast now an ill reward but of such desert▪ such payment, and so Bawdewyn drew out the knights own sword& struck of therewith the knights hand wherewith he had landmen the lady at the table, and so did put the hand into the cup. And there menaunt of the thieves as they were departing of their pray that they had won of the merchants, they espied how one of their fellows was slay●e and therefore in continent they took their ha●●eys and ●●nne at Arthur on all ●ydes and so gave him many great stroke, but ever Arthur cast his shield before him, and thereon received al their stroke, so that they could in no wise pair his shield in any maner of point, whe●of they had ●yght great marvel. Than Arthur strake one of them so rudely that his head flew clene into the field, and he claue another to the shouldres, and the thyrde he claue from the shoulder ●owne to the waste, and so gave among them many wondrous stroke: but they were very many, and so some of the●m ran to crossbows, and to ●artes, and therewith dyde him much annoyance but always ●yghte valyauntlye he detended himself, and so at the first bronte he slew vpon a .ii. o● them. Than as they w●r● thus fighting together it fortuned governar to aryue on them ●● the reason of the bront and noise that he had heard, and the●e he saw w●ll how al that company were on one knight whom he saw defend himself right valiantly, and so long he beheld him till at the last he knew well it was hy● master A●thur by the reason of his why●e ●held, than he dashed to his hor●e and came in among them as the wo●fe doth among sheep, and struck so the first that he encountered that he ran him clene throughout the body, and he set his hand on his sword and struck so an other that his head. fell on Arthurs horse neck. And when Arthur saw that he knew well it was his old knight governar whereof he had great joy, and so restend himself too be hold governar how that he fought with his sw●rd, and there he saw how governar ●yd cleue one down to the girdle. Than did Arthur smile and said, this master chastiseth right sore his scholars for he te●●heth them a hard lesson, by the saith that I owe unto god I shall help● him sir said Bawdwyn when ned● is, than a friend is proved, go give you grace well to do,& so Arthur rushed into the press and confounded al that ever he attained unto. Than one of these thieves that was on foot, for he had lost his horse before, ran at Arthurs horse with a sper● and struck him cleue throughout the bely and so the horse fell down dead. Than Arthur wart on his feet and his sw●●d● in his hand and dressed him to the the●e that had slain his horse, and gave him such a stroke that he claue him too the shoulders. And when governar saw Arthur on his feet he was right sorow●ul and so dashed into the press and encount●ed a knight so rudely that neither his helm nor coyse of steel could sa●e him but he was ●ouen to the ha●d te●he and so he fell down dead. Than Bawdwyn took his horse and brought it to Arthur, and quickly he wart up thereon, and h● band●ned himself among his enemies and so between him& Gauernar of the xxx. they lef●e but four alive& so were taken, and in their taking two of them w●re slain& the other two were bound fast,& Bawdewyn and jacket did keep them, Than there came to them the lady and her niece, and when they saw their enemies lie dead on the ground,& saw the noble valute that was in those two knights, these ladies praised them much in their ●eattes, and the●e they saw how that Arthur and governar were together making good cheer e●he to other and doing of their h●●mes. Than the lady said to Arthur, sir from whence cometh this knight, is he p●traynyng to you. Ye truly madam said Arthur he is a friend who hath right well ho●pen me this day. we saw not together 〈…〉 great season. And the lady saw we● how that he was fair and heinously big and said. sir ye were happy to come hither at this point, and to you sir knight ye haue acheued this ente●pryse of these thieves, I require you let t●●se other two other be slain or elles hanged for of ●ll ill cote springeth an ill ●re, for they will never do good if they escape. And when the thieves herde that they were in great fear and said to ●r●●ur, gentill knight save our lives and we shal show you where is in the foreste ●yghte great treasure. where is that said A●thur. sir we will bring you thy ther so that we die not. And Arthur answered and said sirs, as for your life and death lieth in these ladies hands to do what it pleaseth them, but shortly bring us to this great tresoure. Than these two thieves went on before,& Bawdwyn took the cup with the knights hand therein and did present it to the lady from Arthur, who thanked him much and so would haue given the cup to Bawdwyn but he would not take it for he said he had enough to do with the carriage of his horse and harness. So Arthur road so long after these thieves in the foreste till at the last they came into a wild savage place in a great valley,& there they found bows and cros bows, hawbertes, helms,& gowns, couerynges and other cloth the which these theu●s had robbed al about the country, and also there they found hid in the ground gold& silver grete plenty, and cups and chalyces and other vessel of silver, the which mounted to a great value. Than Arthur said to the lady, madam cause all this riches to be born to your place,& render ye again such things as hath ben stolen fro churches& other people of the country, as for me nor none of my company shall take the worth of one p●uy therof. And the lady did as Arthur commanded her, but she desired Arthur that the two thieves might be slain, and so they were incontinent, than they re●urned to the ladies place, and went to supper and were rychly served. Than Arthur demanded of governar howe master Steu●n did and the marks. And he answered& said howe that they did right well and were in good hel●h, and how that they did ●●maunde them unto him,& in like wise doth the fair lady Margarete of Argenton, for she is come to the port noyre to se her uncle the marks, whereof Arthur had great ioy. And when the lady of that place herde that she knew than well that Arthur was the same knight that had delivered the marks out of prison,& also had rescued the lady margarete from the hands of the duke of Bygors nephew. Than shee kneeled down before Arthur and said, sir I thank you as much as I can or may do for the aid& succour that ye haue done for the lady of Argenton, for I am her cousin Germayn. And when Arthur saw her gail he took her up& so made great joy together till it was time to go to their rests, and in the morning Arthur rose and took his leave of the lady and so road forth on his way to go to Cornyte, for it was as than but .xv. dayes to saint Bartylmewe tide when as the great tourney should be between the king Soroloys and themperoure of Ynde Now will we leave to speak of Arthur and of governar and speak now of master steven.   

¶ How that master steven departed fro the port noyre to go to the tourney at Cornyte and took with him the noble Florence rich pavilion. wherein was the image with the chaple● who resembled in all thing unto the lady Florence the most fay●e creature that was as than in all the world. Capitulo .lxxiiii.  
THus as Arthur road forth on his way toward Cornyte, master steven was at the port noyre with the marks and with the gentle lady Margarete of Argenton, and there she did sport and play her as a gentle damosel ought for to do, and every day she made chaplettes of roses and other flowers the which she gave ●o master steven, and she made him also with the nedell work a girdle and a purse of gold and silk, she loved him right well in her heart. Than master steven advised well howe that the great tourney at Cornyte approached nere, therfore he thought it was time for him to depart thither ward, than he said to the marks. sir I desire you to keep well this castle of the port noyre,& to you fair lady I require you keep ye still company here with the marks your uncle till ye here fro Arthur, for and I can he shal be here between this and saint Remyges day. And right sweetly ●he did graunt● him there to abide. Than he took his leave of them& so took al his books, and the eagle of gold& the pavilion with the image holding the chaplet,& so departed& road so long till he arrived at Cornyte Than he mounted up the stairs into the palace, at the which time the fair Florence was entred into her own chaumbre, and the king at that time was not in the palace, but Florence knights wer● playing at the chess& at the tables and other dysportes, and the master came in among them suddenly, and as soon as they saw him they ran to him on al sides, and made to him right great feest& cheer. And at the last it came to the knowledge of Florence how that he was come and incontinent she came to him, and as soon as he saw her he did of his bonnet and saluted her, and she said sir ye be right heartily welcome now, for I was in fear masspriest that ye wolde not haue come to this tourney, therfore it is now time that my pavilion be pight up, and so● she led the master into her chaumbr● and took him apart,& than she demaunded of him how that he had done sith he departed from her and howe that Arthur did. madam said he I saw not Arthur sith he did the battle at Argenc● For as soon as the battle was ended& that the king of orqu●ney& duke philip& all the hole company were in great joy and mirth there came a messenger to Arthur from the wounded knight to thentent that he should go to him for to give him health, and so the same propr● hour he departed, whereof every man was so sore troubled that they all departed the same day. A master said Florence than I fear me greatly of his death. madam said the master be ye in a sure●e take no care for him, for he feareth not all the world, for there is not such an other kn●ghte in all the world again. Mad●m● I shewed him how that ye did command you unto him,& how that ye desire him as dearly as he loveth you that he should not fail for any thing but to be at this next great tourney at cornyte and he did grant me for certain that he wolde not ●ayle therof. A master said she did ye not requy●e him faithfully so to be. madam as god help me I warrant you he will not fail. Well master said ●he I require you ●ause me to se him& ●o sp●ke with him as shortly as it may be. M●dame said he with a right good will. Well master than I pray you se that my pavilion be pigh● up in the field incontinent, for peradventure if he co●e now ony thing before the day and se no ●yg●e or token in the field that ony tourney should be the●e, than it might fortune he would depart again. madam ye say right well {quod} the master for in dede it is h●e time. Than she sent for sir nevelon her marysshall& commanded him the h●r chief pavilion should be pight up in the fel●e●& from thence forth that all her knights sh●l●e lodge eu●ry night about her pauilyon. And as she com●aunded so it was done. And also the master caused the pavilion with the image to be pight up,& many other tentes and pauylyons but the image that held the chaplet in the pavilion was so goodly& delectable to behold th●t no man could be satisfied with looking on her, how be it the fres●he beauty o● Florence was incomparable thereto, and so there were pight up .x. tentes& xiiii. pauylyons all peratyning to the noble Florence▪ beside all other that were perta●nynge to her noble lords& knights for she had there at that time out of her own realm to the nombre of .xv. C▪ knights. also sir nevelon caused his tent to be pight up who was seneshal to the gentle Florence,& chief of her co●seyle next master steven, ● she trusted much in him, for he was a wise man and a good knight,& no ill sayer, and his pavilion was set next to the foreste& ferthest fro the ladi●s pau●lyon, and next to the ladies tent was sir Ancelles pavilion nephew to the seneshal who was a right hardy and a valiant knight, the thyrde pavilion was partaynynge to the archbishop of Cornyte who was uncle to Florence,& brother to the king of Soroloys father to Florence, the fourth was sir miles of va●efounde, the fyft was sir Peter brysebar a redoubted knygh. Also than thither was come s●r Rowland of bygor who was one of Florence knights, but he was right enu●ous, and he was cousin germayne ●o the ●u●e of ●ygor,& he caused his pavilion also to be pight up the which was right goodly& fresh to behold, he was not in the country when the battle was between Arthur& the duke of bygors nephew, and when he knew the dyscomfyture of his cousin he was so sorrowful that he did neither eat nor drink but little of three dayes after that he knew therof and when he had somewhat passed his so●owe, than he made avow and promise that if he might se or know the knight that had slain his cousin sir Isembart that he would be avenged of him yf ever it lay in ●is power, and he might well be descended of the lineage of the duke of bygor, for he was fell& spytefull and proud, and the chief cause was he came to the tourney was to thentent to encounter Arthur if he came thither. So these .vi. pight up their tentes round● about Florence pavilion. Than vpon a day Florence issued out o● Cornyte& all her chyualry with her, and so went into her own pavilion, and all other lords and knights ladies and damoyselles went each of them into their own tentes and pauylyons, the which were to the nombre of two thousand, and Florence commanded that every body should make as great feest& Ioy as they could do, so than there began great feest and Io●e. Than kn●ght●s began to just and tourney to assay themself, also the ladies and damoyselles did send them chaplettes& streame●s to set on their helms& spears,& some company of knights sported them in the foreste, and some went to the fair ryu●r with sparhawkes and gerfowcons on th●yr hands,& some ●e●elde the hye turns& ●ournynges of the sakers& gerfawcons, squires and variettes were furbusshynge& scou●ynge of their masters harneys& ●okelyng of sheldes and helms,& knocking on hedes& burrs on mighty spears, ladies and damoyse●les did ca●●●le● sing and dance w●t● lusty knights, and clerkes sang ballads, and knights and ladies talked of love, some embraced, and some kissed& shewed sing of love,& such as were s●cke or hurt were shortly made hole. Than Florence beheld these lusty damoyselles playnge& laughing with these fr●sshe young lusty knights clapping them on the backs with their white hands,& shewyng● them great sign of love, and giving each to other laces, girdles gloves, k●uercheu●●, ●ynges ●●aplettes and garlondes of fresh flour●s. Than Florence cast out a great sigh and said to master steven, sir se ye not how these ladies and damoyse●les laugh& play each of their lover. A master& what haue I deserved that I canno● haue my lover to sport me with him as well as they do with theirs, for I love with al my hole heart& yet I wo●e nor what he is, for my heart lieth on him that I never saw, so thus I am in the son without having of ony light, I am in love without Ioy. A dere master what haue I deserved more than any other. Than the m●yster said, a dear lady he ye of good comfort for a time shall come that shall give you light, the cloud that as yet covereth the ●yght in good season shal be made bright. A master said Florence did ye not heartily command in v●to him when ye went to Argence. By the faith that I owe to god said the master I did it madam in the best wise that I could imagine. Thus the fair Florence and the master every day from the wednesdaye till saterdaye talked together of the coming of Arthur the which saterdaye the archbishop sang mass afore Florence, and he and al the hole barony that day dined with the noble Florence, for she had desired them all so to do▪   

¶ How sir rowland of Bygor apeched Arthur of treason because that he had slain his cousin at Argence, and so defied him at the vt●eraunce but Arthur at the first stroke drove him down horse and all to the earth, and broke one of his a●mes and two trespasses, whereof Florence was right joyous and specially when she saw her loved Arthur whom she never saw before. And how after sir Rowlandes servants assailed Arthur to haue slain him, but he valyauntlye defended himself and slew many of them. Capitulo .lxxv.  
 
ANd after dinner the archbishop and master steven& sir Rowland and the other barons went talking and playing together out of the meadow and entred into the foreste,& at the last they came to a fair green oak the which did cast a fair shadow a great cyrcuyte about it, and the grass was fair and soft and thick vnderneth so there they sate them d●wne and talked together of many thyng●s till at the last the master demanded o● sir rowland how that he liked by that country about Cornyte and whether it were fa●rer than the country of bygor. Than sir Rowland answered that it was not to him that he would give any answer in that case. why said the master& as for me I am as little bound to you, as you to me. well said sir Rowland that maketh no matter for though ye be son to a king yet will I not answer you in that matter nor in non other, take it as ye list why sir said the master haue I trespaced any thing against you. Yea that ye haue said sir Rowland& that tight greuousely for ye were at Argente whan my cos●n sir Isembart was slain, and ye kept company& were chief counsellor with the knight that slay him, therfore I bear grudge in mine heart against you,& I promise to god that yf I may encounter him that did that deed, I shal do as much to him as he hath done to my cousin. sir said the master when ye meet him ye may do as ye will, but often ●imess it fortuned that a man can not attain to do so much as he would do, nor peradventure he can not nor dare not, butte as for that dede ye ought not to be displeased though right was done, for godlightly will suffer no wrong, but always he fordereth and aideth the ●ight cause how so ever it falleth. well said sir rowland than ye say howe that my cousin was in the wrong but there is none that saith so but he saith otherwise than truth is, and that will I prove before every ma● ag●nst you and ye will mount on your horse for I say the mat●r was not truly nor ega●y del● withall. sir said the manster ye lay unto me great outrage and villainy, where as ye say that I did in that matter otherwise than well and t●uely, whereof I say plainly ye lie fal●ely in your head and ce●tenly I shal never be in rest till that I haue ●●●te a knight against you to prove it, and yf I can it shall be the same knight which did the battle against your cousin, who shal cause you to call again these words that ye haue spoken. Than the master rose right g●eatly● displeased and would haue departed and ●●r● that company, but the archbishop held him again& prayed him that he would suffer all that for that time,& at his request he said he wolde so do. Than sir nevelon the seneshal said to sir rowland, sir be content with the words of the master for he is a man of greater dignity than ye be of, for though he had landmen of your head, ye haue not so hye a friend that durst reuenge your cause, the noble king of Orqueney was at that battle,& where as ye say that the matter was not truly deite withal, ye speak than villainy against the king& against philip duke of Sabary his nephew, and against all su●he as were there, the which seeing needeth not there to be rehearsed, for it is a shane to you to suffer such words to pass out of your mouth. Than ●ore displeased Brysebar slept forth& said, sir rowland ye say that the master did not truly in the matter when your cousin was slain, wherein I say that ye say not truly,& yf ye will maintain the contrary take your hatneys and I shal take mine& let it be seen who is in the trouth,& therwith sir Brysebar was rising to haue departed, but the bishop held him again& said, look who so ever speaketh ony word more of this matter let him be sure I shall not be his friend,& so they left there speaking of that matter for that time, for the bishop brought them in an other talking,& as they were devising& talking of one matter and other Arthur and governar issued out of the foreste and so entred in to the meadow. And than Arthur beheld the goodly tentes and pauilyons that were pight all about the field, and also he saw the sheldes and helms and harneys shining against the son,& h●●de the great coursers bray& cry& stamp with their feet, the which fight& noise quickened his heart and courage. At the last governar espied Florence pauily●● wherein was the image with the chaplet and shewed it to Arthur. And when he saw it his heart inwardly rejoiced, for he knew well it was his ladies pavilion. And by the time the master& al other were entred again into the fair meadow,& Arthur sate on his horse in a grete study& mused of his adventure. And at the last sir miles of balefounde espied him& knew well how that it was Arthur for he had seen him before at Argence. Than he said to the other knights that were about him, lords behold yonder is a knight al armed who is right fair to behold, is there any here the knoweth him, for he wolde not name him because of sir Rowland. And whan master steven saw him he said I know him right well, wherefore I trust that the great wind that was lately blown will now sone be laid,& of his coming he had great joy in his heart so much that he forgot in a maner al his displeasure. certainly sir said the senesshal he is right fair and gracyens to behold, wherefore I believe he is of a great blood, but me thinketh by his semblant he is in a great study wherefore so ever it be. By my hood {quod} Brysebar I know full well wherefore he studieth. Than the master& the seneshal& Brysebar rose and fair& easily went to him ward& said each to other how that they wolde not name him as at the time because of sir rowland, and so● they came before Arthur who was still in his study. And governar as soon as he saw the master he alighted fro his horse and embraced him, and all the other barons each after other. And therwythal Arthur left his musynge, and as soon as ever he saw master steven and the other knights he did alight from his horse, and did salute them all one after an other, and so among them there was made right great feast and ioy, And than sir rowland marveled much what knight he might be, because he saw so much cheer& joy made to him▪ and that they knew him and he not. Than the senesshal said to Arthur, sir I will ye take my rent and pau●●●n as your own,& so ye and I to kep● company together in thi● t●rney. sir I am well content quod Arthur, and to incontinent he was unarmed,& al his harness and horse was sent to the senesshals tent. And whan Arthur was aparayled than the master said to him, sir let us go& salute ye the archbishop, who is brother to king Emendus, and uncle to the faire lady Florence And when A●thur herd speak of Florence his heart trembled for joy, and so he wen● t●warde the bishop. And when the bishop saw him he rose and did salute him, so did sir M●es and also sir Rowland of bygor how be it they knew him not, and so the bis●hop behe●d him affectuously, for he seemed to him to be the most fair knight of the world. Than Arthur did of his bonnet and dyde salute the bishop and al other and in likewise they him again. Than the bishop demanded of him what he was. sir said Arthu● I am a knight stranger. And as soon as sir rowland herde him say so, it ran into his he●t that it was the same knight that slew his cousin,& than he demanded of him what was his name. sir said he my right name is Arthur. And how call ye your squire quod sir Rowland. sir said Arthur he is name Bawdwyn, Than sir rowland knew well that it w●s he that slay his cousin,& so demanded of him fro whence he came. sir quod Arthur I come straight fro Arg●nce. well sir quod Rowland saw you the battle that was done the●● between a strange knight, and the duke of bygors nephew. And when the master herd tho demaundes he was right joyous for than he wist well that the words that had be spoken before should be ●el revenged. Than Arthur answered sir rowland and said, sir when the bata●●e was done I passed forbye. I think said sir Rowland that it was yourself tha did that bat●yle with sir ●sembart. sir quod Arthur I wolde he right glad●e to be of such valour as too conquer in battle such a knight as he was. Certenli quod Rowland I know well it was you, and therfore I say that falsely and ●nt●uly ye did it, and that I will make g●od incontyneut my body against yours. And when the archbishop herde that he blamed much sir Rowland for his words and desired him that al the matter might be in rest& peas. But he proudly answered& said how that he would not but that he would arm him incontinent. Than the master said to the bishop, nay sir let him alone for he is in the right. therfore he hath good cause to be revenged yf he can for whan he hath his enemy present before him, what shal●e need to go seek for him any fe●der and all that he said because he thought long till they were together for he wist we● how that Arthur should reuenge right well such words as he had said to him before. Thou governar right sore displeased slept forth and said, sir rowland ye be to much outrageous to appeal thus this knight of falseness whom ye know not nor never saw him before, nor wist no● what he ●s therfore I say plainly ye lie falsely in your head▪ he is not false nor never was to you nor yet to an● otther, and in that quarrel here is my guage to fight with you my body against yours. Than Arthur blamed governar for his words& commanded him to be in peace,& so he did follow his pleasure. Than Arthur said, sir Rowland yf ye lay any thing against me, I am here redy to defend me against you, well sir said Rowland of falseness I appeal you in the quarrel, mount shortly on your horse& defend it and ye dare well sir said Arthur ye say well, go on your way and I shall not be long fro you. sir said the master to sir rowland ye haue the heart of a noble baron therfore ye do right well to defend your right, for your right& truth shal sure lie help you, all this he said but in a mockery. Than sir rowland went to arm him, and the seneshal and the archbishop and master steven kept still company with Arthur, who incontyne●te was armed. Than the master went straight to the noble Florence,& found her in her rich tent standing on a cusshyn of silk, and as soon as the saw the master she began to smile and called him to her. Than he said madam and it like your grace Arthur is come, and at his first coming sir Rowland of bygor hath appeched him of falseness for sleyng of his cousin at Argence, and so they be both about to arm them for the battle between them shal be incontinent. And when the lady herde him speak of Arthur her blood trembled and therwith she b●usshed as ●uddy as a rose and was in her heart right joyous of his coming, and right sore displeased that sir Rowland should fight with him so sone at his first coming than she said master I doubt me least that any up lany should come to Arthur by fighting with sir rowland. madam said the master ye know not as yet the noble valour of Arthur, for I answer you be setteth nothing though he had to do all at ones with such .vi. as sir Rowland is therfore madam issue out of your pauilyon and look on your lover and behold whether he be fair or not, the archbishop your uncle is with him, and your senesshal, and sir Ancean,& also sir Miles of valefounde, and sir Brysebar, all these are right sore displeased of the felony that sir Rowland hath done to Arthur your knight. A master said Florende would to god he were mine▪ let us go and I pray you show him unto me for I desire much to se him. Than Florence issued out noblye accompanied with ladies and damoyselles to the number of. C. C. and by that time the tidings was spread all about the field in every mannes tent how that sir rowland was arming of him to fight with a strange knight. And when the archbishop& the other barons saw Florence they went and encountered her, and Arthur was in their company, and there they saw each other, wherewith they were both so sore landmen with the dart of love, that they lost their countenance, howe be it Florence as goodly as she might, maintained her countenance, and than she laid her hand on the b●sshoppes shoulder and demanded of him what knight Arthur was, who above al other seemed to be the most gracious& g●n●yll, and he had his helm of his head and beheld ever Florence, and also her fair eyen went never fro him, for she could not keep herself fro beholding of him. Than Brysebar said, madam this same is the knight that ●rought in my sight the fowle monster of the brosse to v●●●aunce,& ever sith he hath offered his service to be your knight yf it please you so to except him In the name of god said Florence he is ●yghche●●ely welcome, and with a ●ight good will I retain him as my knight right dece lady said Arthur I humbly thank you of the high honour that ye do ●o me as to retain me to be of the company and number of so many and noble wise men as your knights be. And with the●e words there came a messenger to Florence, and shewed her how that the king of orqueney and duke philip were coming with .v. C. knights in their company& how that he was within a mile and a half. They are right ●ertely welcome said Florence. And by that time s●r Rowland was armed and al●o Arthur. Than the ha●aw●e began to cry go together, bail, bail. Than governor set on Arthurs he●me on his head,& Bawdewyn brought him his horse,& he mounted thereon as lightly as though he had been unarmed, than he took his white shield and did cast it about his ●eck●. And as soon as Florence saw the shield she k●ew it right well, and said in he h●rt●. I ●e●e ●o ●er that shield becometh you right well, I pray to god it may● be well employed vpon you. Than he took a grea●& a mighty spear, and when he was redy at al● poyntes than he turned his eyen to ward Florence, and her eyen went never fro him, but beheld him with fervent love and desire wherewith Arthur took such hardiness that he feared not all the world at that hour. So than he turned and dashed his horse to wa●de sir rowland,& he in like wise to him,& they went together as though thun●er had fal●ē fro heaven,& all that be ●elde them said one to another, a good ●orde what a goodly knight is yonder ●●aunge knight. And sir Rowland hyt Arthur so rudely that he broke his spear all to sheuers, but Arthur struck him with his spear the which was so long& big so vnmesurably that he lent both knight and horse, and al to the earth in a heap, wherewith ●yr Rowlandes arm broke a●onder in the mids, and the horse and saddle fell so sore on him that it broke two ribs in his side,& so he lay a great space in a trance whereof Florence had more ●oy than ever she had of any thing, and specially when she saw her love do so hye deeds of prows. Than sir Rowland had brought thither .xiiii. knights, and when they saw their master sir Rowland a● that myschyef they all took their harness& al at ones ●an& assayl●d Arthur. Than Arthur drew his good sword& struck so the first that he encountered with that h●●aue him to the chin, and fro the second he made his head to fly into the field, and the thyrde he made to fly over his horse c●ope& his legs upward. Than every m●n beheld the hye prowess of Arthur and ●aid each to other, the stroke of this knight are gr●a●ly to be doub●ed. Than governar took a great pyece of a broken chariot and dashed into the press and drove down knights both hor●e and man to the crath. Than every man said unto other this knight●s not without company, their alms is right hard to endure, I would haue none of their p●●aunce, they are grete dyspenders▪ for they give more than is of the demanded. And when Florence saw the outrage of those knights she was right sorrowful, for she had grete fe●e of Arthur. Than she commanded her seneshal that he should go and depart the battle and that those knights should be al taken, and their hands boū● fast together in a punysshemente of their deeds, than her senesshal incontinent mounted on a great courser, and in a rich corset of green girt with a white silken lace, and his hat at his back with a white warderer in his hand. Than he sported forth his horse& caused knights to come out of every ●ent& so they took the knights that were fighting with Arthur and governar, but first of the .xiiii. there was .vi. slain, and dyvers other sore hurt. Than Florence and the archbishop came to sir Rowland where as he lay stil at that time in a trance half a sleep,& when he was revived& saw the bishop and Florence standing before him he de●ired that the knight that had iusted with him might come and speak with him& so Brisebar went for him,& when Arthur was come, sir Rowland said to him sir ye be welcome and for goddes sake pardon me of the outrage that I haue done against you, as to enterprise to just against you, whereof now I sore repent me and fro hens forth I will be your knight and good friend. sir said Arthur yf y● haue any thing trespassed against me I pardon you with good heart. Than there were brought forth the knights of sir Rowland who were fast besid because they fought against Arthur without any defiance before. Than said Florence in the name of god they shal make a large amendes. Certainly madam said sir rowland I am content that they make amendes to the knight as he will himself. So be it said Florence. Madam said Arthur I thank your grace sith they shall make me amendes at mine own saying therfore than they shal go quiter& fr●, for I pardon thee for they did but like knights to help and aid their lord and master. And when the bishop and al other herd him say so they said, a this is a free and a gentle knight. And than the gentle Florence said in her heart, a mine own love ye haue a g●til heart and a fre,& mine heart is with yours and ever shal be,& than she said to Arthur. sir knight ye shall go and vnar●● you with my senesshal who shal hold you company. madam said Arthur as it shal please you I am content. Than Florence went into her tent& took her master by the hand and said Master ye  told me ●routh of Arthur, for he is fair& gracious, and the best knight of his hand ●s that is in all the world. certainly m●dam all that is trouth, for all nobleness is in him. well master said Florence I love you entirely and also my lord my father loveth you right well, and ye& I haue been norisshed up together, so ye be 〈◇〉 man& clerk sworn of my straight counsel therfore ye ought to owe me your faith& trouth without any ●r●son or falseness, and ye ought to help and to aid me in al my business. certainly madam quod the master al that ye say is of trouth, and so shal I do as long as I live, for I shal keep so crete your counsel as long as I live certainly master said she I haue grea● affyaunce in you, therfore it is so I will that ye shal know the secrets of my heart, therfore I require you keep it close. It is so I love Arthur with al my heart,& I will love him above all other creatures of the world, for here I swear faithfully too you that as long as I live I will never haue lord nor spouse but al onely him▪ And when the master ●e●de her say so he had right great ioy, and said. madam surely ye haue good cause th●● to do, for he is the floure of all the world, and I shal help you to haue him more than any other person of the world. But master quod Florence there is one thing that I would fain know of what lig●age he is of. Certainly madam he is son unto a mighty duke, for Bawdwyn his squire hath shewed me so. That is sufficient said Florence,& so they left their comunycacyon at that time& departed. Than was sir Rowland born into his tent& unarmed. And the seneshal& Brysebar, sir Ancell, and sir miles led Arthur to the senesshalles ●ent,& there was he unarmed,& when he had was●ed his hands& visage, than brought Bawdewyn him a syrcote of scarlet furred with armynes the which became him right well he was big& hye above all other& coloured like the rede rose had bē set on the white lily. Than he said he wolde go& se sir rowland, wherefore every man praised him much,& al the other barons went thither with him,& there he was till it was past none, than he took his leave of sir Rowland& issued out into the field, and than there was assembled all the nobles of the field to behold him,& they all said how that he was the most fair creature of the wornlde, we think he be son to a king, would to god the fair Florence were his lady& spouse. And therwith he entred into the senesshalles tent, and he& sir miles played together at the chess, and by that time the king of orqueney& duke philip his nephew were come& were lighted in the mids of the mids of the meadow ne●e to Florence tent And so he& philip& well a .xiiii. other knights went straight to Florence tent and there they found her playing with master steven,& when Florence saw the king her cousin and duke philip she did salute them and embraced and kissed them,& said how they were welcome,& so they made each other great feest& Ioy and sate down on fair new green rushes,& talked together of many things. And at last the king demanded of the master tidings of Arthur. sir said the master he is not far hens, he is in the senesshalles tent. A madam said the king did ye not se him nor speak with him as yet. Yes sir said Florence I saw him when he did just against sir rowland, who had appeled him of falseness because of his cousin the duke of bygors nephew. And I pray you madam said philip how went the Iustes between them. sir there is two ribs broken in sir Rowlandes side,& one of his arms broken asunder, for his horse fell on him In the name of god said the king he knew not as than Arthur, but now I trow he knoweth some of his stroke, therfore madam speed for the knight& be aqueynted with him, for there is no prince in al the world but that would be right glad to haue the noble company of him, and as I understand he hath offered himself to be your knight, therfore receive him& retain him in such wise that he escape not fro you, for ye can not tel what need dower ye shal haue of him here after. cousin said Florence ye say right well, the master shal go for him, and so he did. Than the king said to duke philip his nephew, a sir where is become the good and faithful company that ye promised to this knight now that ye be here and know that he is so nere and yet ye make none other semblant, therwith sir Phylyppe sle●te forth after the master for to go to Arthur, and as they issued out of their tent there entred the archbishop. Than the king and Florence rose and did set down the bishop between them.   

¶ How that duke philip and the master went to fetch Arthur to the king of Orqueney and to the fair Florence. Capitulo .lxxvi.  
DUke philip and the master entred into the senesshals tent, and there they found Arthur playing with sir Miles. And when Arthur saw duke Philip he went and embraced him& said sir ye be right her ●el● welcome. Sir quod duke Philip and ye be also here well found sir said Arthur where is▪ the king of orqueney. certainly sir he is with my lady Florence in her tent, and he desireth you ●o come to him. In the name of god said Arthur, I pray to god send him right good adventure go we thither and so duke philip and he went hand in hand talking together, and the master the senesshal, sir miles, sir Ancean, and Brysebar went after them till they came to Florence tent. And when Florence saw Arthur her heart began to tremble and suddenly blushed, but there was none that took hede thereto, for every man took regard to Arthur. And than the king and the archbisshop rose and went and embraced him, and made him right grete joy, and set him down by them. And than the king demanded of him howe he had done sith the time he saw him last. And he answered and said right well I thank god and you. Than the king said to Florence, madam behold here this knight, for as god help me I wolde it had cost me every year .xii. thousand pound on the condition that he were partaynynge to my house, and to be my companion, and of this I heartily did require him at Argence, but he than answered me that he had offered his service to you to be your knight, therfore I say there is nothing that can be but ladies winneth al, madam ye haue him whereof I am right joyous, and it pleaseth me right well, for yf I had him he should be yours at your commandment, ye be a ●yē& a puissant lady, therfore do him some good& that shall be your honour. I promise him said Florence I shal make him a great lord& a ●uissant, and she thought in her heart that she would make him as great a lord as she was a lady. madam {quod} Arthur I thank your grace,& therwith he stood vpon his feet,& he had a gentle body both fair& big▪ and so well proportioned in all his members that the more the Florence beholded him the more he pleased her, there was no lady there but that they wished that he had been partaininge to their lords& husbands,& as th●● were talking thus together there came to Florence a messenger fro her father the king Emendus, and he shewed her howe that he did heartily command him to her, and desired her to go bastely to dinner, for he was coming, and will lodge the same night nere to her tent. Than Florence made semblant as though she had ben● glad of his coming, how be it she was not content in her heart with his hasty coming, for she had thought to haue spoken with Arthur after dinner▪ and than she repented her that she had not spoken with him at good leisure sith he came. Than went she to dinner,& the king of orqueney and the bishop sate down together, and Florence in the mids of the table, and duke Philip and Arthur sate down together and so al other barons,& they were right richly served, and by that time the tentes and pavilion of king Emendus were come and pight up not far fro Florence tent, than these came squires and officers by great companies▪ and every man in his own office did their pain to make all thing redy against the kings coming for the king was coming right nere. And when the king of orqueney had dyne● he mounted on his horse, and duke philip and the bishop and Arthur and all other barons and knights,& all they did as much honour to Arthur as they could do. And thus they road forth till at the last they encountered king Emendus who had in his company two. M. horses Than the king of orqueney and the archbishop dyde salute the king, and so road nere him, and the king between them both. Than philip and Arthur came together, and philip dyde salute the king right sweetly,& so than duke philip& Arthur road forth before the king and duke Philip held his hand ever on Arthurs shoulder, and Florence s●nesshall,& sir miles& sir Brysebar& sir ansel road ever about him& made to him r●ght great joy. And at the last king E●endus perceived Arthur and saw how all that joy was made because of him,& he saw well howe that he was a right goo●ly knight. Than the king demanded of the a●chebysshop his broder and of ●he king of Orqueney what knight he might be that duke philip held so much company withall. By my faith sir said the bishop he is a right gracious knight& a chyualrous of his deeds, and there shewed the king how that he had Iusted with sir rowland, and howe that he overthrew him horse and all to the earth. Th●n the king of orqueney said, sir it is the same knight that ye haue herde so much honour and hye prowess reputed of. saint mary said the king I am ashamed that I haue made him no better semblant than I haue done therefore for goddes sake cause him to come to me. Th●n sir Moraus who was seneshal unto the king v●nte for him Than Arthur returned& went to the king& dyde of his bonnet, and than the king● of orqueney put Arthur between him& king Emendus. Than the king said to him, sir ye be right heartily welcome into this my country,& sir for goddes sake be not myscontent though I haue made none other semblant to you or this time. sir& it like your grace said Arthur there is none such cause but I am always at your commandment to the uttermost of my small power, well Arthur said the king I think that is your name I require you be of our company,& be on our party at this tourney against the emperour of ●nde. sir said the king of Orqueney he is all redy on your side sith he is retained with my lady Floreuce your daughter who hath promised to do much for him. well said the king that she accomplissheth not I shall fulfil. Thus they were talking together till they came to the kings tent,& there he aiyghted fro his horse& entred into his pavilion, the king of Orqueney: the bishop, Phyl●p,& Arthur followed after the king. Than the king commanded that there should be a rich pavilion pight up joining to his, for Arthur to lodge in, for he would haue him nere to his person as long as the turnay endured. And therwith came Florence to se the king her father. Than the king rose& embraced her and set her down between him and the king of orqueney. And her father demanded of her howe she dyde. And she answered& said sir right well I thank your grace, than ●he saw where as the bishop held Arthur by the hand whereof she was right joyous in her heart. And by that time the king of Mormal, and the king of valefounde,& the king of Ismaelyte, and sir Olyuer and all the other twelve pe●es were come in to the field, for they were all partaynyng to the king Emendus, and so they came where as he was, than there was great joy and feast made, for than the court was noble and great. Than the master made great joy of the king of valefound for he was his father, and he in like case was glad to se his son. And all these kings had well in their company at the least ● thousand knights and they were 〈◇〉 lo●ged about the meadow, the whythe lodging endured well the space of two leges. Thus the king& Florence and all other made together right great ioy and mirth in the kings pauillou, and the king of orqueney held Forence in h●s a●mes and ●ayd. fair lady my niece here shal be sene novle chiualrye done with in th●se three dayes for your sake. Truly cousin said Florence here shal be some that I had rather were hens. Certainly madam said the king, so goeth the world some to pleasure, and some to an●yaunce Than he said to king Emendus, sir behold here in mine arms a rich treasure, he that shal haue her ought to keep and cherish her tight derelye. As god help me said the king a rich man& a noble and a puissant shall haue her who is themperour of ynde the more. And ●han Arthur herde that he was so sore displeased in his heart that he could speak no word of a great season for all the gold of the world, nor though his life had lain in jeopardy thereof. sir said Florence parauentur themperour loveth an other better than me, than he will let me go. Than master steven rose up among them all& said to the king, sir noble and puissant king above al other I require your grace of a little audience here before your grace& all the .xii. peers of Soroloys,& before al other that be here present, for I trust that my saying shall turn you both to profit& to great honour. Than said the king I am content that ye speak. sir said the master it is of trouth that there is no creature that ought to love any thing so well as his own proper fle●he and blood, the which every man should love,& hold right dearly according to the profit of the soul& safeguard of the body& honour of the person. For he that loveth not his own, loveth foolishly for I say these words because of my lady Florence here present who is of your flesh& blood, for she is your own proper daughter, it is of trouth ye are desirous to assure& to mari her to the honour of your person, and to the honor and profit of al your noble r●lme, wherein ye do right nobly for it is hy● time I say not against it, howe be it right his and mighty prince in doing of this ye ought to regard and considre these .iii. things that I haue shewed your grace here before, that is to say, to the profit of the soul, to the safeguard of the body, and to the honour of her and of you, and of al your realm. first as to the profit of the soul ye ought to regard to whom that ye will give her in marriage,& to se that it be not against her heart, so that she shall haue none occasion to hate him that she shal haue: but that it be to the pleasure of her her● and contentation of her mind, for yf it be against her heart than shal she hate him,& so shall there never be rest nor peace, nor good love between thē, the which shall turned to deadly syn because of the hate& grete rumour that shal be between thē and so this should be yl for her soul, and secondly sir ye ought to regard the safeguard of her body, for ye know well how that my lady your daughter is both young& tender& hath bē ever sweetly brought up, wherefore it is no need to sand her into a strange savage country, where as the air& region is contrary to her nature and safeguard of her body, she is a hye& a mighty lady in her own country, what need is it than to send her ony further, and yf ye give her such a husband as will lead her into a far strange country,& dower she loveth him not, but inwardly doth hate him, what is a worse malady to the body than hate& displeasure& can not re●edy it, so sir than yf the country be again▪ her nature, and also that she hate him that she must abide with, I repute than my lady in a maner as dead,& readily sir ye ought to regard the honour of her and also of yourself and of all your country in considering how the marriage made against heart and good accord oftentimes hath an ill end, for yf my lady your daughter who is right noble and puissant& rich of hauoyre and of lands, and also she hath friends right hye and doub●able, yf she should be encompanyed by marriage to ony person that should be against her heart and will her heart that is so gentle the which can suffer nothing against her wyll● I fear me that she shall do some thing against him or against his the which shal not sown to her honour nor yet to yours therfore sir it is convenient that ye regard and consider all this, and sir I say because ye haue said that both noble and rich shall haue her who●s themperour of Yude the more, sir I know well that my lady doth hate him so much that by her will she would never se him more, nor never to here speaking of him, how be it ye will needs that she shall haue him, she dare not displease your grace, wherefore I fear me that yf she haue him that all these said things shall fortune, and peradventure worse the which should be great pity,& also sir ye know well that it is a long season ago that ther was writing made& sealed by you& by all the .xii. peers of your realm that she should never haue none other creature in marriage but all onely him that the image should give unto the chaplet, and as yet there was never none that assayed it,& now sir here is come all your chyualry, therfore hold on forth your tourney and let se to whom the covetise shall be given, and than sir let themperour& all the other kings and noble knights come to the pauylion where as the image is, and to whom so ever that she give the chaplet let him enjoy it with much honour. Than the king of Mormall rose who was right ancient and a wise prince and most preuyest of the kings counsel and said, sir it is trouth I am your man& hold all my realm of you, therefore I owe unto you faith and trouth,& also unto my lady your daughter,& sir for trouth I will bear witness and the master hath said to you well and truly for sir yf it be so that ye haue put to your seal and were of that accord, and also all these other kings that be here present, and also all the .xii. peers of your realm, sir I say that ye& also all they ought to abide fremely by your seals and accord as good kings ought to do And when that the king Emendus had well understand alle these sayings he knew well how that they said t●outh, and so he answered and said, sirs I knew well how that ye haue said right well and nobly, but it is so that I haue promised so faithfully to this emperour that I doubt me yf that I break promise with him that he will appeal me of falseness and so make mortal war against me. Than the king of Orqueney said, sir yf that the emperour will move any war against you by my head he shall be answered right sharply and soon, for sir command ye your men of war to be ready on your parte, and we shall do one deuoyres on our behalues, and so I trust we shall show him such a sight that he shal be sore encumbered with looking or numbryng of them, and yf he will haue battle one knight against an other in the quarrel I am he●● redy and will be to accomplish that ba●ayl for my lady your doug●ters sake. Than Arthur thu● rose up and said aloude, so that every man might well here him. Noble& gentle king it is no reason that ye should adventure your body against a knight& ye a king, but yf my lady should haue need ye shall not lack of a knight, for behold me here, who is and ever shal be redy to do any thing that she shall command me. And so every man there be held him, for he was marvelous fair& he had on his syrco●e of s●arlet, that why the became him wondrously well the which pleased much king Emendus and al other. Than king Emendus said, sir I se well howe ye be worth a knight, and therfore sir yf any battle be in this case I give you grant that ye shal accomplysh it, Therwith Arthur kneeled down and right humbly thanked him. Than the king of Orqueney took Arthur by the hand and caused him to sit down between him and Florence, wherewith somewhat she abashed, and as than tho two louers du●st make no great semblant together one to another.   

¶ How a great& a puissant knight defied Arthur because he sate by Florence and did pull down a corner of her keue● thief the which the wind had blown up, and so Arthur did just with him and did cast him to the earth so rudely that he was not able to leap on horseback five months after. Cap. lxxvii.  
 
SO it was that as the king of orqueny& Florence& Arthur sat together as ye haue herde before, there entred into the pavilion a great knight black of visage,& he was girt with a greet sw●rd& a long,& bare a great faw●hon in his hand,& so he came before the king& salu●ed him and al other, as he that was come fro themperour who as than had pigh● up his tentes at the one end of the meadow who said, sir king Emendus I tel you themperour of ynde will be here to morrow betimes for gladly he would speak with you as with him that he entirely loveth. Than the king said, sir he shal be welcome& to morrow I will go to him, but sir {quod} the king I pray you what people hath he. sir said the knight he is well to the numbre of .vi. M. knights& squires right hardy& valiant. In the name of god said the king that is a fair company. Than this knight beheld the king of orqueney& Arthur, who were talking with Florence,& he saw how Arthur dressed down one of the corners of her keverchefe about her neck the which had ben blown up a little with the wind wherewith the knight was sore displeased& said to Arthur, sir knight fair ladies are much bound to you, for ye can apparel& array ladies right well, they haue of you a good varlet to be in their chambers, for ye can brus●he their gowns& bete their furs right well. well sir said Arthur ye may say your pleasure, it pleaseth me right well and not al only for your sake, but because I haue great joy if I might do any thing that might be to their pleasures. what sir {quod} the knight I believe your father was a priest, for ye can right well preach, certainly it is for no good that ye draw so nigh to the lady. why f●ē●● {quod} Arthur& ye thike any ill in the maier speak it& remedy it& ye can. sir {quod} the knight I think that ye haue forfeit with your neighbour. Than master S●euen said sir knight ye be not wise thus here to report villainy of my lady, for ye say that she hath forfeit with this knight, for he can not forfeit with her but that she must be accorded with him, therfore herein ye report villainy of them both. Than Arthur stepped up in great displeasure& said to the knight, sir yf ye grudge with any thing in your heart show it wortly. sir said the knight with a right good will wi●h a spear or two with you here without in this fair meadow. hazard might he haue that refuseth you said Arthur. Than the knight desired of the king to haue armour, and said sir I will strike of the heed of this knight or it be night. Mary said the king of orqueney than shal ye be ill welcome hither. so these .ii. knights armed them& went forth into the field Than the king Emendus went out of his tent,& so dyde al other to se the Iustes between them,& the archbishop held Florence by the hand. Than one delivered a great spear to Arthur but it pleased him not& demanded a bigger,& so than there was brought to him such a spear that should haue greatly encumbered an other knight to haue born it all onely,& that Arthur did because he was displeased with the knight,& also because he wist well that al the hole noble company of kings& knights should se whether he had honour or shane,& specially because the noble Florence should behold him,& so their with these knights ran together rudely& the knight struck Arthur so virtuously that his spear shivered all to pe●es,& Arthur struck him so ●udely in the mids of his shield that he claue it asunder in two peers, wherewith he made him to turn his he●●s upward,& brast asunder that are son of his saddle& payt●elles and gyrthes went clene asunder,& knight& all went to the earth in such wise that with the fall that knight was bruised, so that he was not able to leap on horseback of .vi. monthes, after,& so lay a great season in a swoon that every man had w●nde he had ben dead,& when Florence saw that she was never so joyful before,& said to herself this knight ought right well to be in the love of a right hit& a puissant damosel. Than the king Emendus had great me●●alle fro whence that such stroke should come& said, sir knight what so ever ye be god increase your honour, for as for bounty& valyauntnes ye haue sufficient all redy. Than all the other kings praised him much,& each of thē wished that he were pertaining to their household. Than the king of orqueney ran streight to Arthur and embraced him and said. A dere friend ye haue rendered to this knight of such service such gouerdon, and so took& led him into his tent, and there he was unarmed. Than king Emendus caused the knight when he was received to be born into sir Rowlandes tent to bear him company. And when sir Rowland knew all this how that he had Iusted with Arthur& howe he had speed he had so great joy that nere hand he was thereby all hole of his hurts,& said to the knight, sir ye be heartily welcome, for ye haue found my phisicyon, sir the ●etuary that he hath given you to drink is full strong, I trow there be therein more bitterness than sweetness, therfore friend come on to me& keep well your clothes as I do mine. Than the knight said, sir how is it with you for as for me I ensure you I am sore diseased, at which words al● that were there did laugh, that which saying was told to king Emendus, whereat he had great sport, so Arthur went to the pavilion that the king had made to be ordained for him,& Florence& the bishop& mayste● steven went to her tent, than she took the master apart& said master how say ye by Arthur is he not a virtuous knight& a valiant above all other, think ye that he hath ony love toward me. Ye truly madam I know well more than to any creature living. A than gentle master {quod} Florence finde some means that he& I might speak together, for I wolde fain know somewhat of his heart by his own report. madam {quod} the master I will do what I can& that shalbe to morrow after supper,& so as for the night they departed,& every body went to rest till the next morning that the king& all other were up.   

¶ How Florence& Arthur spake together at good leisure at the end of the foreste,& there promised each to love other,& there the queen Proserpyne appeared to ●hem and shewed to Florence how that Arthur loved her truly, and how that they should haue each other by the way of marriage, but first they should endure great pain and trouble. Capitulo. lxxvi●i.  
 
IN the next morning the king arose and appareled himself ●o go and meet the emperor but Florence wol●e not go nor suffer none of her company to go, saving all onely master steven, and that was to the intent to speak with. Arthur. So thus road forth king Emendus and all his company,& Arthur road talking with the king of orqueney,& so than the master came& did salute them and they him, than the master said to Arthur in counsel, sir my lady Florence doth salute you by me as she that wolde to you both honour& profit. A master said Arthur I pray to god sand her as much honour and wealth as I wolde to mine own proper person, for truly she is a lady of great honour,& I am greatly displeased in my heart that the king hath made me to ride with him, for now I may not se her grace the which grieveth me right sore. why said the master wolde ye than gladly se her. Ye sir {quod} Arthur gladlier than either father or mother, and yet I am sure they wolde be glad to se me. Than I believe said the master that when ye se her yet wolde ye be gladder to speak with her. sir truly master I had never so great Ioy as I should haue if I might come to speak with her grace but I se well that will not be. well Arthur friend said the master love ye well than to speak with her. A master ye haue made covenant with me or this that I should speak with her, but I se well ye haue forgotten it, but& ye wolde do it I wolde be your knight. well sir and I cause you to speak with her in pryu●te or it be night will ye than give me a gift that I shall demand of you. give you master said Arthur ye truly, and what so ever ye demand of me& it be the heed of this emperor that is here coming, for and ye will I shal go strike it of incontinent. certainly sir said the master it shal not cost you so much for my demand is no more than yf I finde the means that ye shal haue in marriage the noble Florence will ye than again finde the ways that I may haue the fair lady margarete of Argenton by the way of marriage who is at the port noyre, for I love her with all mine entire heart. And when Arthur herde that he was never so joyful before, and embraced him with all his heart and demanded of him whether he had any comfort of her or not. And he answered that he trusted right well to speed,& the rather by his means. well master said Arthur yf she be ones agreed to you fear no man living that should take her fro you as long as I am able to ride or go but that he shall lese his heed in the quarrel. Sir said the master I heartily thank you, and sir I shall tell you what ye shall do this night after supper, keep yourself in your tent close and go not to the court,& than I shall come to you and bring with me the lady Florence,& there ye shal speak with her at good leisure, but than be ye noo thing abashed but humbly desire her love and favour in all goodly maner, and habandon yourself in all poyntes to be her knight, but though that she make it strange& deny you at the first, yet be not ashamed therwith& she shall love you the better, whereby ye shall the rather deserve her grace, for than she shal know that of great hardiness and valour of heart it is come on you to take in hand so hye an enterprise gentle master said Arthur think on this and I shalbe your knight. well sir said the master I will depart fro you as now because none should mistrust our talking. Than the maysterrode forth in to the company of the king of valefound his father, and Arthur road into the company of duke philip. And king Emendus road forth so long till at the last he encountered themperoure, and there they made great cheer each to other,& so road together check by cheek till they came to their tentes. And than the priests were redy to go to mass,& so they herde mass all together. Than after mass themperour being in his tent with king Emendus and all other nobles that were there assembled at that time. Than king Emendus said to him, sir it hath been or this time agreed and accorded with all these four kings,& all these .xii. peers of my realm, as well by oath& assurance as by sealynge of certain charters made& affirmed of the same covenants that no creature should haue my daughter Florence in marriage but al only that person that the image who is in Florence pavilion should give unto the chaplet that she holdeth in her hands, for so it is destinied, wherefore& it please you when the tourney is done ye shal go to the image and I believe she will give it you,& yet our oaths& assurance kept& uphold Verily sir said themperour I am well concent, thinking surely to haue had the chaplet. well sir said the king ye haue brought hither much people,& also we haue a great company with us, wherefore I fear that yf we should tourney together all at ones that there should be done much hurt, whereby here after should ensue great hatred& envy, wherefore me thinketh best that one of your barons take in hand the tourney as to morrow with a thousand knights in his company,& I shal set one of my knights against him with as many in his company, and so let us do all four daies one after an other, and I think this is a better way than all to fight at ones. certainly sir said themperour ye say right well,& all this pleaseth me. Than stepped forth the earl of the yle perdieu, whereas governar had ben with the countess all night,& he desired of themperour that he might haue the tourney the first day, the which themperour dyde grant him with a good heart. Than came forth the king of Orqueney and he desired of king Emendus to answer the earl the same day,& he had grant of his request. And the king of orqueney took Arthur& governar by their hands and said, sirs I retain you against to morrow to be on my party And when therle of the yle perdieu saw governar he made to him right great cheer. Than king Emendus took leave of themperour,& so every man departed in to their own tentes. Than the king of orqueney went about and dyde choose out such knights as he would haue till it was time to go to their dinner. Than was water brought forth,& so than every ●an went to the court who that would Than the king Emendus and the other four kings were set at the great table and duke philip& Arthur were set next them,& there they were richly served and made great feest and joy. And when all the clothes were taken up, than king Emendus& the other four kings sate them down together on a cloth of silk And the king of orqueney took Arthur by the hand, to whom he made right great joy and bare to him much honour And as they thus talked together, there came to them the archbishop. Than master steven stood before the king& said, sir my lady Florence your daughter hath sent me to you, for she hath herde say howe that the king of Orqueney hath taken on him the tourney as to morrow against the earl of the yle perdieu,& sir because she knoweth well how tha● themperour hath many good knights therfore sir yf it please you she would leap on her palfrey as to morrow and come and se the tourney& play of these good knights. In the name of God said the king of valefounde my lady shal do right well in her so doing, and I am suit the king will give her licence. sir truly with a right good will said the king sith it pleaseth, you, but I doubt me much that the heat shall annoy her, and also the grete press of horses& knights shal trouble her. Well sir said the master of that she shall be taken good hede of, and sir my lady des●reth also that Arthur her new retained knight might tourney to morrow against them without, for she will se him tourney,& she will send to be of his rout her seneshal, sir Brysebar, sir ansel& sir Miles of valefoude, and so she will know to morrow what all these knights will do. It pleaseth me right Well said the king. And when Arthur herde that he had great joy and said I am all at the commandment of my lady▪ and I thank her grace that it hath pleased her to retain m for one of her knights, for in dede so I am& will be evermore. well said the master sythe it is so that Arthur shall be ●omorowe in my ladies rout it shall be good that he go& sport him with them to be acquented with them,& to sp●ke and common together, for by keeping of company togyd●r much love is attained. In the nam● o● God said the king of orqueney all this is but well said, go your way with him and acqueynt ye him with these other noble knights,& he thought in himself that Florence would gladly se him▪ and that he perceived well sith the time that he caused him to sit down by her, for than he perceived somewhat her lowly countenance to hymwarde, and also king Emendus was content that he should go, howbeit the master made noo great hast because that none should mistrust him. Than the king of orqueney said to Arthur, sir take your leave of the king and of other,& so he dyde Than the master went straight to the senesshalles tent, who made him right grete there,& when that al other knights knew that he was ther they made to h●m grete sign of love, and desired him that he would not depart out of their company and so he promised them to do. Than the master went to the fair Florence and said, madam Arthur is come to your senesshalles tent, the king hath sent him thither to sport him, than her heart lept for joy and said. A master& when shal I than se him. madam said the master he is as now in the company of your noble barons who doth greatly feest him,& as yet to cause him to come fro thē in my mind it were not well done, but madam go to your supper this night somewhat betimes,& then send for your barons& command them to make thē redy against the morning to tourney in the company of Arthur,& than when they be departed fro you in the mean season that they be about their business ye shal go play● you in the entre of this foreste among the fair gr●ne oaks,& thither shal I bring him to you. Ye say right well said Florence, so be it, than she commanded to hast her supper, and so went thereto betimes. And Arthur all than season was with the seneshall,& all the other knights for the love of him made great joy& feest till supper was past. Than master steven said to Florence, madam I will go to your knights and cause thē to come to you, and than shortly look that ye deliver them, and than go● ye thither as I haue shewed you,& in the mean time I shal kep● company with Arthur. Go your way dere friend said Florence and cause them to come to me, for I think very long till I haue delivered them. Than the master departed fro her and went to the senesshals tent, and there he found as than al the barons was●hynge of their hands talking of wives, and laughing at sir Brysebar because he said he loved better to be landmen, than to strike an other, for he said it greatly annoyed him the dyshonoure or myschye●e of an other, for he was of the opinion that he could not be landmen without his wife were ill, for he said that yf y●nes were ones mounted up into the heart of a woman, it were hard to with draw her fro her enterprise, and yf his wife did ill, the shane therof is to her and to her lineage, and not to him, for he should be angry and displeased with her ill deeds or villainy. And when they saw the master they ran too him on all parties, and played with him right sweetly. Than the senesshal demanded of him what tidings. And he answered and said, lords my lady Florence would fain speak with you incontinent therfore go your ways shortly to her, but for goods sake tarry not long with her, for she is a little diseased in her head go your ways and I shal keep company with Arthur in the mean season, he and I will go walk together. Than al these lords and knights appareled them and went● to Florence. And than she commanded them that they should make all thing ready against the next day for the tourney, and that they should keep company with Arthur as their chief capitain that day. Than her senesshal said, madam than it is needful for us to return to our lodgynges to make all things redy. In goddes name said Florence go on your ways, and so they departed, and in the mean season master steven lead Arthur into the wood. And when Florence had delivered all her knights, she called to her the queen of Orqueney, in whom she trusted abou● al other, and two other damoyselles and said to them. fair ladies let us go a little into yonder wood to sport us, for I haue a little pain in my head. madam let us go said the queen of orqueney. And so they two went toward the foreste ta●kyng together, and the other two damoyselles came after, and at the last ●he● came under the shadow of the fair green oaks, and there they sate them down And the master and Arthur were in the foreste not far fro them. And at the la●● Florence and the queen perceived them. Than the queen said, madam I se yo●der the master& an other knight with him, but I wore not who it is. And Florence answered& said, madam that is trou●h, I am glad that I se them, for I haue a little to speak with the master, therefore madam rest you here a little while& I will go and speak with him madam said the queen by your lycenc● I must also depart& go speak with the countess of the yle perdieu who is come to this tourney, therfore I will go to her and than the master may come to you. In goddes name said Florence so be it. Than the queen departed& the master and Arthur came to Florence and so set them down together. Than the master said, madam behold here your knight and true lover. master said Florence he is right heartily welcome, for his coming pleaseth me right well. madam said Arthur god give you as much honour& ioy as I would to the person that I love best of al the world. Madam quod the master as god help me I am in certain that he would you more honour than ●ny person living, for ye haue his heart and faithful love more than ony creature of the world, and madam to prove that this is true inquire of him the trouth,& he is so gentle and make that he can not hy●e his mind fro you, and madam I pray you be not displeased, for I must needs go speak with my lady the queen of orqueney, and so he rose& went his way and left Florence and Arthur together. Than Florence demanded of Arthur of whence he was. And he answered and said, madam and it like your grace I am of the realm of france. And of what lineage be ye come said Florence I require you tell me the truth. madam said he ye be so hye a person that I ought not to hide ony thing fro your grace, madam know ye for trou●h that I am the all only son of the duke of britain. That is noble enough said Florence, but by the faith that ye owe to me who is the person of the world that ye love best, and would haue her love and acqu●yntaunce, is she in your count●e or elles where show me the trouth& hide nothing fro me I require ●ou,& what she is that ye would be most ●oyous to haue he● love, name her to me by the faith that ye owe to all the sacramentes of holy church. madam said Arthur I require your grace to pardon me, for she may be such a person that yf I should name her ye would p●rauenture think in me grete folly, for she may be such one that she will not set her heart in so low a place, nor yet I think scant will here me, therefore it is better to me to be still than to speak ●oly. Truly said Florence that is had in the heart is bad in the mouth& speech, therfore show me wherder ye love ony lady or damosel ●n all the world or not. madam truly I love one as faithfully as heart of man can think. Ye said Florence but do●th she know that ye love her. As god help● me madam nay. why spake ye never to her oft the matter. No truly madam said Arthur. And how is it that ye love her& n●uer shewed her therof, in that it ●●ould seem to me that ye loved her no●, for it is much pain for the mouth to retain and keep close the fervent will of the heart, for lightly the desire of the heart putteth outward the word of the mouth, as the wind putteth away the smoke,& howe should we know that ye love her and it be not shewed her,& yf she love you with out speaking each of you to other what joy shall there be between you, of your hearts know not the wills each of other as much auay●eth two shouelles in a ●●che and ●o man to work with them, as two persons to love together and none of them to speak to other, therfore Arthur show me surely yf she that ye love would give you audy●nce should it any thing touch you on the quick or not. madam I shall tell you the trouth as God help me sp●kynge with her that I love should greatly ●●comforte me, for the salutation that ye sent me this last day by the master was more joyful to me than to haue had all the worlds ●resour●. why do ye set ●o much by that m●ssage or why do ye love it so much. madam for the love of you that dyde send it to me. Arthur than me thinketh ye haue love to me. madam as god help me that is trouth more than to ony other person of the world. well Arthur by the faith that ye owe unto your baptism is ther no love in you that surmounteth this love that ye haue to me, show me the very trouth. No madam by the faith that I owe unto God neither to father nor moder nor to any other person●e of the world And would ye said Florence be glad and I loved you again. A dere lady I haue never had nor can not haue so great ioy well said Florence it is but folly that ye haue set your heart on me, for yf I loved you again ye should be shortly ●layne yf it were known, for ye may se here this emperour who doth greatly enforce him to haue me, and he is a great man both of hauyour and of friends, and also my lord and father and al these other four kings will al run on you to sle you, therfore Arthur aduise you well, for when one begynn●eh a matter, it is great wisdom to regard and behold what end it will come unto, and the end of this enterprise is but your death. madam said Arthur for all that yf I knew it should please your grace I wolde care for nothing elles, for I would neither doubt emperour nor king yf I had your noble accord, for yf there were any that wolde make any business in that case I should show him or this yer● went out more than an hundreth thousand bright sheldes out of france, nor they should not haue so strong a castle or city but that I wolde bring it down to the hard earth. Why said Florence for to haue me would ye or durst ye than begin war against so many noble and hye rich and mighty persons as be here, haue ye so good a heart or hardiness. madam ye truly by the faith that I owe unto you and it were against all the world. Arthur friend said Florence I can not se the maner howe ye might haue me, but your thought in this matter may be to your damage, or dower death may happily come to you shortly, therfore good friend withdraw your love, and than do ye wisely, and because such a man as ye be hath thought to love so hye a person as I am, I will make to you amendes for your good will, therfore I give to you the port noyre the which ye haue acheued, with .xx. thousand pound of yearly land, and leave ye this folly as in loving of me, for ye shall finde enough ●esy●e. Why madam will ye than give me land and goods to thentente that I should leave loving of your grace, certainly madam I will none of your lands, I love you with al my heart, and will never take it from you, I care not for your richesse where as I should lese your love, for I thank god I am rich enough, for as god help me yf I might haue your love I wolde desire no more wealth in all this world. Well Arthur said Florence is this than surely your mind. Ye truly madam without any feigning. Well good friend Arthur said Florence than be of a good heart, for by the faith that I owe unto you, ye be in the way to haue that ye desire for, yf ye be of a good and faithful heart to me ward, I promise you to be in like case with you, what so ever fall therof, therfore be ye hardy and couragyous, and show your se●●ee so to morrow in this tourney that every man may haue cause to doubt you. madam said Arthur, that lord that fou●med all the world sand your haboundant grace both bounty and valour, for now that I haue your love I am rich enough, for I desire no more of god, and I shall be true to you while my life endureth. well mine own true lover said Florence I shal tell you what ye shal do, I will that ye shall be too morrow in the ●ourney in the company of the king of Orqueney who is my cousin Germayne, and I will that fro hens forth he be your companion and that ye love him, and I shall desire him ever to increase your honour, in as much as he may, and I shall send unto you to give you attendance my senesshal and other of my knights, and they shall be of your rout, and there I desire you do such deeds of arms that it may sound to your honour, and to the rest& peas of my heart, for my heart shall be repasted and nourished with the good renown of your hye prowess, I may not long▪ talk with you at this time, nor so often as my heart would, but always send me your will& mind by master steven, and I shall send mine again unto you, keep secret this matter how so ever ye do, for elles much harm or evil might peradventure happen to fall to us by false envy, be ye alway true& faithful and I shall do my pain to bring you to honour. And as they were thus talking together there issued out of the foreste Proserpyne queen of the fairy,& of the castle of hurtebyse, where as Arthur had ben with the wounded knight And she dyde sit down by Arthur, and both the louers knew nothing therof till she was set, and as soon as Arthur saw her he knew her right well, and dyde salute her, and she him again and Florence also, and she said to Arthur friend now haue ye that your heart hath long desired for, therfore now be in peas and joy, and love your lover with true and faithful heart. fair, daughter Florence I saw not you sith I was in your bed,& there I made knowledge to you of this man, behold here Arthur your true lover who faithfully& with good heart loveth you, therefore fair daughter love him again, for I dyde destiny him to you in your natiuyte in the mount of adventures and at the same time I destinied also that ye should in all thing resemble unto me. Than Arthur beheld them both one after another, and so perceived well that they were like in all things, for there was noo creature though he were never so crafty that yf he beheld well at length them both could not dyscryue the one fro the other they resembled so nere together. Than she said to Florence behold here your lover, and I will be●e witness that he is at this time the most true lover that liveth, for I haue right well proved him, and than she recounted to Florence how that she had desired his love in the foreste, and al●o caused him to come unto the castle of hurtebyse and there did as much as she could to entyse his mind to cause him to love her and also how she made other to tempt him, and how all that wolde not avail, for always he was in one ferme point, whereat Florence right sweetly dyde smile. Than Proserpyne said to Arthur, friend ye shall haue her in marriage, but first ye must suffer grete pain And fair Florence because that the emperor and the king your father be grete together▪ therfore your father will be right sore displeased with you, in such wise that yf he might haue you at that time he would put you both to death but for al that be not abashed, for I shal make the peas between you right well, there is no great love between him and themperour, but I promise you or all be done I shall cause as grete hate to be between them, in so much that each of thē shal defy other to the death, wherefore live ye in rest and peas and love each other faithfully, and I shal think right well on every thing that shall be behouable for you in this ma●er, and so thus I bequethe you both to God for this time. So than the queen Proserpyne rose and went her way so suddenly that none of them wist where that she was become whereof they had great marvel. Than Florence made a token to master steven that he should come to them, and when he was come she said. master behold Arthur here I deliver him to you and look that ye take good hede to him, and show to my cousin the king of Orqueney that I sand him to him, and say that I desire him to think to do him as much honour to morrow as he can do for my sake, and good sweet lover Arthur think ye to morrow how that ye are a lover to a fair gentle damosel,& to a right noble lady& a rich give ye gifts largely to these noble knights both harneys and horse the which shal make you to be beloved of every body, for I bileue the time will come that we shal haue need of friends, there is noo sweter thing than largely to give, for thereby oftentimes all ill will is appeased, and master I charge you to deliver to him what so ever he will haue, Arthur now go on your way and lodge in the tent that the king my father hath ordained for you and look ye be fre& large and give with good heart and so as for this time adieu mine own dere lover and so for a remembrance kissed him and than she departed and went to the queen of orqueney. And Arthur and the master went to the senesshals tent, and there they encountered governar and Bawdewyn. Than within a while Arthur took leave of the senesshal and of al other that were there and so departed and went to the kings tent, and by the way he met the king of Orqueney, who issued out of the king of valefoundes tent, who was father unto master steven,& when he saw Arthur and master steven together he did salute them& made to them right great cheer and ●oye, and so they went● talking together till they came to his tent. Than the master took him apart and said, sir my lady Florence t●usteth much in you, and loveth you right entirely▪ wherefore sir she hath lent you here Arthur her own knight& putteth him into your hands, and she desireth you that all the honour and aid that ye can do, that ye will show it to him to morrow in the tourneye for h●r sake. And when the king h●rde that he had right great joy, and said to Arthur, sir by th● faith that I owe unto the king, I promise you that I will bear to him fay●hful company and true love, for the love of my lady and of you, so thus they were so long together till it was t●me to go so their rests and ●o than every man returned in●o th●yr own tentes and ●odgynges. And the master delivered to Go●ernar .xi. horses for Arthur, to then tent that he should give them away the next day.   

¶ How that Arthur had the honours o● the tou●ney the first day, the which was made for the fair Florence between the king Emendus and the emperor who wolde haue had Florence to his wife, on the which day Arthur gate himself great praise among all the barony, in so much that every knight was glad to be in his company, whereof the fair Florence was ●ight joyous, for she loved him above all other. Cap. lxxix.  
IN the next morning all the kings and other ●ose& herde mas●e, ● such as would took a sop in wine,& than every man Armed him. Than governar and Bawdewyn by the commandment of Arthur did give and depart man● horses and much harneys to sundry knights where as they saw mister and need, the which knights thanked Arthur right heartily and promised to give him their help and succour at all times, and against every man, whereby it appeareth that there is nothing but by large gifts it is made soft and meek. Than the tidings of Arthurs courtesy was spread abroad in every tent, and there it was said how that ther was not in all the world so free a knight as Arthur was. And these words came to the au●yence of the fair Florence, whereat her heart dyde laugh, and there withall she mounted on a palfrey, and the queen of orqueney, and the archeby●shop in her company, who shewed her how that Arthur had a grete renown, and counseiled her to love him well. And thus was king Emendus mounted on his horse,& al his barony to behold the iournay, and Arthur was redy armed in the place whereas the tourney should be,& so than there came to him the king of orqueney with his banner displayed,& more than .ii. C. in his company. And when he came to Arthur he said in open audience, sir your noble valour& hye prowess is right well known,& I bileue verily that in al this tourney there shall be no knight like unto you, therfore sir I offer to you my body& all my company to be this day under your governance. And when Florence herde that she smiled for joy, and than there came to him all such knights as he had given to before both horse and harneys, and they all thanked him right sweetly and said, sir we will be of your rout this day, for we make of you our capitain in this tourney, and as they looked down into the valley they saw wher● there came Florence seneshal with his banner displayed,& with him sir Brysebar, sir Insell,& sir miles of valefounde and with thē .iii. C. knights who were all pertaining to the fair Florence, and they all came to Arthur,& took him for their chief capitain. And whan Arthur saw the grete honour that was done to him he had so grete joy that his hardiness encreaced thereby more than the one half,& so dash to his horse& road forth and dyde salute the king Em●dus who held his one hand in the lap of his daughter Florence, than ●he king dyde salute him again& said, sir I require you help to aid this day our knights yf ye may. Ye good Arthur said Florence and show so forth yourself that it may be known how ye be a knyght● pertainynge to a gentle damosel. madam doubt ye not but I will do my devoir for my will thereto is good. Than Arthur returned and went again to the king of orqueney, and he was so fair and goodly to behold in harneys that every man had their eyen vpon him and said This knight is the sovereign of bounty and beauty of all the chyualry of all the world. Than there came to the field the earl of the yle perdieu,& with him a thousand and. v.c. knights all with banners and streamers dysplaied wavering in the wind with grete noise of trumpets tabors and business,& than there was mounted on their horses to behold the tourney the emperour& king jonas& the duke of bigor, who as than was late come out of his own country. Than har●des began to cry knights do your best go together bail, bail, than began the tourney& knights went together by great routs, and laid on each vpon other, and Arthur rushed forth with his horse so rudely as though the earth had trembled, and struck so the first that he encountered with all in the mids of the breast so rudely that he overthrew knight and horse al together on a heap. Than Florence said to the king her father, sir of yonder knight that is fallen I hope we shal haue peace of him al this day. certainly fair daughter said the king that is true, for that stroke came from the hands of a good knight. Than Arthur encountered an other& ●oke him by the shoulders& drew him so rudely to him ward that he cast him down in the mids of the pla●e, than he took his sword the which Florence had sent him, for he would not draw out clarence his good sword to thentent that he would normayme or sle no knight by his will that day, but he gave with that sword such stroke that he brought a sleep who so ever he touched so that they were fayn to tomble to the earth whether they would or no●, and there he did so much at that bront that he bet down a. tv. knights, than every man that saw him said, this knight is none earthly man, but we think rather he be a ●ende of hell, who thinketh he be nothing pertaining to god, for he confoundeth all that ever he attaineth unto, so every man was abashed of his hye prows& virtue. Than the king of Orqueney always followed Arthur with his eyen,& by the reason of the noble prowess that he saw in him, ho took in him greater hardiness than ever he did before, and there with he rushed into a great flock of knights that were of the emperours party, and laid on round about him, for he was a right noble knight, than al those knights and dyvers other ran round about him, for they knew well yf they might take him prisoner it should be a great honour unto them and also they thought they should haue a great ransom for him, but always he defended himself ●yght nobly, but at length it availed him not for the press was so gr●t and some took him by the neck, and some by the shoulders, and so would haue unhorsed him. And when sir nevelon the senesshal, sir Brysebar, sir ansel,& sir miles saw the king of Orquenyy in that case, they dashed al together into the press to help him and there they did right nobly, how be it the senesshal was be●en down, for his horse foundered under him, and so there they would haue taken him prisoner. Than governor saw that, and he dressed him ●o that part whereas the senesshal was taken, and Gouerna● held in both his hands a great l●uer, wherewith he laid on among those knights with so mighty and heavy stroke that he astonied whom so ever he touched, and ●here he did so much that by very force he caused the senesshal to remount again on his horse, and in the mean sea●on the king of Orqueney was holden right short so that his h●rse foundered and fell under him, how be it after that he ●efended himself right valiantly. And when Arthur who as than had dyscom●yt●d a great company o● knights s●w the king in the distress he ●ush● for●h into the press and encountered with the son of therle of the yle perdieu, and took him with both his hands about his shoulders and did cast him down on o●her two knights that were on foot, so tha● one of them fell flat to the earth, and than he rose again and be held the knight that was ●allen on him and said, ma●ye sir ill haue he that did cast you vpon me. And when Arthur had overthrown this knight he took his horse by the rain& brought him to the king and dide light of his own horse to help the king to mount thereon in the spite of all his enemies,& than by grete force and hardiness dyde leap up again on his own horse. And al this saw well Florence and the archbishop,& all the other kings& praised greatly that dede He is the best knight of the world said the king Emendus. sir that is true said the bishop. And when Arthur had remounted the king of orqueney again he said. sir put yourself no more this day in to so great a press of your enemies, but sir& it please you hardilye ●olowe me. Than Arthur put himself in to the same press that was before on the king, and they were as than al ●ested on governar and on sir Brysebar, who as than had grete need of help,& there Arthur laid on round about him by such force that he bet down knights& horses to the plain earth, for he struck none but that he went to the earth,& so there Arthur dyde so much that he overcame all that rout,& when he was passed ●heym he saw where three knights had beaten down sir miles of valefounde. Than Arthur dressed him so to the first that he overthrew to the earth,& took his horse& delivered it to sir miles& caused him to mount the●on. Than Arthur struck so the second knight that his horse bare him all about in a trance, for he wist not where he was. And governar with his lever struck so that the thyrde he fell flat to the earth, and when he relieved he fled awa●e as fast as he might, for he durst no longer abide for all the city of Parys,& the other knight that was born on his horse all in a straunce came before where as the king Emendus and Florence was, whereat the king& she did laugh. And when the knight revived he said all on hyr. The knight is an ill carpenter, for he maketh many chips, I trow all the fiends of hell hath sent him hither, shane haue he I ween he is a burgonyon. Than the king laughed at th● words& said, there is non● can abide him, for his stroke are right valyaunt● That is true sir said the bishop. Than Arthur saw where there was a grete company of knights well to the nombre of .ii. hundred in a rout,& among them was the earl of the yle perdieu,& he had taken more than .xl. of Florence knights, and unhorsed them and was ledinge of them forth as innkeepers. And when Arthur saw that he was right sorrowful, and so by grete randon he dashed in among them, and there dyde such deeds of arms that all that beheld him wondered at his valyauntnes, for it seemed that he was but newly come to the tourney, he claue asunder sheldes and vnba●red helms and braste asunder gyrthes& bet down knights together on hepes, and governar with his lever dealt stroke right rudely, wherewith he brought knights a sleep, so that some of them wist not which way to turn them. Than came to him the king of orqueney, Brysebar, ●he seneshal, sir miles, and sir ansel and many other knights, and so by that time there was horsed again a .xxv. of the knights that were before taken innkeepers,& there they dealt so with their enemies that the earl of the yle perdieu was sore displeased,& he and a .xviii. in his company ran all at ones at Arthur,& there by force they slew his horse under him, wherewith he was right sore displeased, and than stepped up on his feet and gave so many great stroke& heavy that he cast every man to the earth who so ever he met withal, and than he repented him that he had not born with him that day cla●ence his good sword, how be it he gave such stroke that none du●st aproche to him, but every man fled fro him. And when Goue●nar saw Arthur a foot in that great press, he advised well the earl of the yle perdues nephew who was right well mounted on a good horse,& so took him with his one hand by the neck and pulled him down on his horse mane and gave him a right great stroke with his le●er between his shoulders,& as he thus held him Arthur came& took him by ●he leg and ●umbled him over his horse out of the saddle and threw him to the earth and so took his horse and did mount ther on. And when the earl saw his nephew on the earth, he spurred his horse to come to his rescue. And than Arthur embraced him so at his coming and spurred so his horse that he drew him clene beside his saddle, and in the spite of al his enemies he took him prisoner and caused him to be yielded to king Emendus, and so was put into the keeping of the fair Florence,& than she caused him to be unarmed, for he was right weary and was very hote and sore chafed. And than Arthur dashed into the press, and there did what he list himself, for he bet down knights and wan horses& themperour saw well howe that he al onely discomfited his knights, the which grieved him right sore,& also the duke of bygor was right sore displeased in his mind because he saw Arthur do all that day so nobly, and at the last he knew well how that was he that had slain his nephew at the city of Argence, wherefore he would fain haue runned on him to haue slain him, but he doubted much ●he king of orqueney. Than he said to themperour, sir the earl of the yle perdu● is taken prisoner and all your knights clene discomfited, the which is ●o you great shane without so be that ye pu● thereto some other maner of r●●●dy, and all the shane that is done to us, is don● by yonder knight with the white sheld● and by the other knight with the great l●uer, and verily it is he that slew my nephew sir Isembart at Argence, and sore wounded my cousin sir Rowland▪& also he hath slain sir Fyrmont my treasurer and so he hath done me right great damage, and I know well he is a right fair knight and a young, and of his hands such as ye may se▪ and this I say because of your love Florence whom ye shal haue, but his prows and goodness dower may cause her to love him for the heart of a woman is sone turned and changed, this knight hath done you al redy ●ight great damage, and is likely to do you more without ye take right good hede, and put thereto right good counsel Therfore sir I require you let me haue the tourney to morrow, and I shall so handel him that I promise you he shall not be here again on the thyrde day. well sir said themperour I grant you your desire. sir said the duke I thank you, and so they left their talking as at the time. And Arthur al that season laid on round about him as freshly as though he had but newly begon the tourney, and the king of orqueney beheld him marvelously and spake never a word, and when he had long beholden him, he took at his hye prowess such hardiness that he abandoned himself into the press, and laid on freely with his sword. Than the tourney was more greater and more thycker than is was of al the day before and so there governar broke his lever, than he laid hand on his sword and did therewith as much as any good knight ought or might do. And so at last Arthur and the king of Orqueney did so much that they unhorsed all the erles company and were set on foot sore beaten, in so much that they had much pain to stand on their feet. Than Arthur stood in the field with his sword in his hand saying, lords yf there be any more that will come let them press forth, I am redy to answer them, and so at last the king of orqueney and he returned fro the field. Than the king Emendus encountered them& embraced them all armed as they were,& specially Arthur and thanked him much of the pain that he had suffered the day, for sir all onely by your prowess this day themperours people are discomfited. And as they were thus talking together ther came to them a knight f●o the duke of bygor who said to the king Emendus, sir the duke of bygor demandeth of you the tourney to morrow. Than stepped forth the king of mormall and ●ayde, sir may i● please you to suffer me to haue to morrow the furney against the duke of bygor. sir it pleaseth me right well said the king Emendus, therefore I desire you do your part, for we haue the honor this day, therfore do your pain that we may haue it also to morrow. sir said he doubt not I shall do my true devoir, than he took Arthur by the hand and said gentle knight floure of all chyualry I desire you as heartily as I can do so much to morrow as ye may win a king for evermore as that it would please you to show parte of your hye prowess to morrow in aiding of my quarrel, and in the defence of the noble honour of my lord the king here present. Ye sir said the king Emendus& thereto I will desire you, for by your hye prowess we haue the honor this day, therfore it should grieve us greatly and we should lese it to morrow. Than Arthur said, sir with a right good will I shall do my devoir. And when Florence herd that she was not content in her mind, for she thought that Arthur had been sore weary of that dayes journey,& thought that it should greatly annoy him yf he turnayed the next day and so she thought she would let that journey y● she might, than she commanded the king her father to god as at that time, than she took with her into her tent the archbishop and dyvers others of her barons,& king Emendus caused Arthur to be brought into his tent with al his hole baronye,& all the emperours knights spake of no thing but of Arthurs prowess, for they said that there was not again in al the world so good a knight as he was beholding and considering al his deeds,& how that he had born himself in this tourney,& the emperour said that he would rather resemble to him than to haue such an other empire as his own was:& the bruyte of Arthurs renown spread so far abroad, till at last it came to the hearing of sir Rowland, and than he said I thank god that such a knight hath Iusted against me, for my honor is the more Than the king Emendus came into his one tent,& than caused Arthur to come to him,& there were al the other kings who did much honour to Arthur, and there were dyvers that said to the king of Soroloys, sir behold here this knight full of bounty& worthy to haue great honour,& all that they said by Arthur who as than was right hor●. Than the king commaunde● two squires to stand with a towel& blow wind into his face, and thus Arthur stood before the king and he was goodly for to behold, for he was straight long& big,& above all other right gracious of his words, for every man had grete disport at his lowly and goodly words. Than the king commanded that there should be brought to Arthur a mantell to cast on him to thentent he should take no could, and the king of orqueney dyde put it about him, that which became him right well. And than th●re came to them governar to whom there was made right grete feest& joy, there came thither the earl of the yle perdieu whom Arthur had taken prisoner in the tourney, and in his company .xxx. knights to pledge him of his ransom. And the king made him right good cheer. And sir Roulande& themperours seneshal who had Iusted before with Arthur by that time were heled of their hurts,& were come also in to the kings tent to sport them and to here tidings of the tourney. And whan the earl of the yle perdieu saw them he had great joy, and demanded of them howe they dyde. And they answered& said how that they had ben sore hurt, but as than they were well amended. Than the earl said to the king sir it is of trouth that I was taken in your tourney, therfore sir I am come to you to be delivered of my ransom, therfore may it please you to show me your pleasure, and I am redy to accomplis●he your commandment. certainly sir said the king it lieth not in me, for that matter lieth in the pleasure of Arthur, who is here present who that took you prisoner in the field. sir said Arthur saving your grace that is not so, for the tornay is yours, and I am but as one of your knights and of my ladies your daughter, therfore sir it were no reason that I should say or do ony thing where as your grace is present. In the name of god said the king we will that ye shal speak your mind, and it shall please us right well all that ever ye shall say or do. Than the king of valefounde said, sir ye shall do thus, for it is reason that ye do as my lord the king will haue you. well sir said Arthur in the name of god,& so stood vpon his feet& said to the king, sir& it like your grace sith it is your pleasure that I shall speak I say that this earl here being present shall keep you company this dinner season,& after dinner to sport and to play him with you as long as it shal please him, and when it will please him to return to the emperour that he& all his company go frank& free,& I will desire him to take of my gift this sword, the which I think be good and sure, the which governar had brought to him before fro master steven by the commandment of Florence to thentent that he should give it to the earl, and in dede there was not a better sword in all the emperours host,& there Arthur desired the earl for his lo●e to take it for a remembrance, and also desired him to take a horse of his gift in recompense of the horse that he had taken fro him in the field. And when the king herde Arthur haue these words he had grete joy,& loved him withal his heart because of his gentleness. Than therle answered& said, sir gentle knight of heart I haue richesse sufficient and am able to be set a right grete ransom though it were .xx. or .xxx. ducats, and also I haue swe●des and horses enough, how be it the hye prowess that is in you and the grete gentleness of your heart provoketh me to receive all your courtesy,& verily I take all your offer of you on the condition that ye will fro hens forth take mi aid and socours in al your business against al persons except my lord the emperor. Than Arthur a●l smiling thanked him much. Than the king embraced the earl for the love of Arthur, than was water brought for●h an● the king washed and the earl and so dined together& made good cheer and were right richly served, and after dinner they sported them together till it was time for the king to go to his ●est. Than the earl took leave of the king& so commanded him to god. And Arthur conveyed him a great ●pace, and did give to the erles knights many good horses& palf●aies, whereof they thanked him right greatly. And at the last A●thur ●oke his leave of him& so depa●ted, and than the earl went straight to the emperours tent where as he found him accompanied with the duke of bygor and many other noble knights▪ and there the earl made grea●e praising of Arthur before themperoure and shewed howe of his gentleness he had suffered him to go qu●te, and how that he had given him many gr●te gif●es, and also to his knights. verily said the emperor there is not such a knight in al the world▪ neither of beauty nor of prowess, for he is the sovereign knight of al other, for I s● none like him of prowess, I wolde I had given the best city that I haue on the condition that h● were retained as my knight. And when the duke of bygor herd themperour praise so much Arthur, he was in his mind right sore displeased& said to therle, sir ye make here a great ple●yng of a flying vacabond▪ for no man knoweth what he is, nor fro whence he cometh,& ye make of him here such a noise, that no man taketh hede of any thing elles, I can not tell you what he hath given you, certainly it is no honor for you to take any gifts of a man fugytyue that is fled or banished out of his own country, but sir I will ye know certainly that what so ever gifts he hath given you, to morrow shal I give you his head from his shoulders therfore I hold him wise in that h● hath d●parted of his treasure in his life dayes to you& to your company, for I waran● him he shal do so never again. well sir said therle, threte him hardly fair and easily that he knew it not, for and he do I fear me lest that he will fly away, and than ye can not give me his head& sir where as ye say that no man ●noweth what he is, sir I ensure you he is a right noble wise knight, and it maketh no matter to a noble knight where so ever he becometh, for his boun●e will show right well his estate& where as ye say that he is a vagabond and is fled out of his own country, sir it had ben better to your nephew that he had fled into England or that he met with him at ●●ge●ce, for there your nephew lost his life, and there ye fled a way without by doing of any farewell, he needeth not to ●ave any care though ye say thus of him for an yl tongue enpayreth ●ever the honour of a noble wise man, and I en●ure you I will show him th●se vylayne words that ye say of him▪ and yf any ill come to you thereby take it a worth. Than the duke began to wa●e ang●y,& so the ma●er would haue ben worse and themperour had not been, for he caused them to be departed& to be in peas. Now let us leave to speak of them, and return to Florence.   

¶ How that Florence feigned her self to be sick, to the intent that Arthur should not tourney the next day, for she was in fear that Arthur had been weary because of the travail that he had endured the first day of the tourney. And howe that the emperour when he knew that he went to se her, and so dyde her father king Emendus, and all other kings dukes erles and barons, and all the hole chyualry. Capitulo. lxxx.  

Emendus. Florence.   
when that Florence was departed fro the king her father and entred into her tent, than she drew her into her secret chambre and called to her master steven& said. fair sweet master I am right sore displeased in my heart because that the king my father hath desired my love Arthur to turnay again to morrow in the company of the king of mormall, for I see well he doth not consider the travail that he hath endured this day, for yf he were made of steel he can not endure thus every day to travail, alas yf ony ill or dyshonour should come to him I should die for sorrow. I se well they that thus desire him to go forth again to morrow love but little his health, wherefore I will finde some means to put of the tourney as to morrow to thentente that he shalbe the more fresh the next day after, therfore I will send word to the king my father how that I am sick in my bed desiring him that as to morrow the tourney may be deferred till the next day, but master I desire you let Arthur haue knowledge of the trouth, for elles I fear me he would be sorrowful for my disease madam said the master ye speak wisely and I shall tell you why, first thereby Arthur shall well rest him, and secondly it is so he is as now gre●ly praised of his courtesy,& is taken as chief companion with the king your father, and with all the other kings and barons,& as I understand he is greatly in the grace of the emperour and of all his knights, for all this hole assemble loue●h him,& as soon as themperour heareth of your disease he will come and se you accompanied with all the nobles of his company, and when the king your father heareth of his coming to you I doubt not but that he and all his other .iiii. kings with all the noble men of their company will in likewise come to se you so than thereby here shall be assembled all the hole chyualrye, and so than at some hour convenient while they be al here it shall be well done to assay the virtue of the chaplet,& to se to whom the image will give it ●o. Alas master I love this knight,& I would not for any thing that an other should haue it,& I fear me masspriest the image will give it to some other person. Than the master all smiling said, madam what peradventure and the image give me the chaplet would ye be content,& as he spake he smelled to a fair rose that he held in his hand. master {quod} Florence ye please me right well& I love you faithfully,& also I ●o. Arthur. madam said that master than sith I please you& that ye love me& Arthur also, than it maketh no matter whether that I or he haue the chaplet sith that your love is on us both. Ye but master said Florence, in my love there is a difference. And what is the difference I pray you madam show me the trouth Truly master that rose that ye hold in your hand right well doth sygnyfy it. This rose madam said the master& I pray you howe. hearken master to me& I shall sh●w you, it is so I se in that rose three maner of things, first the closoure without the which keepeth fro hurting the bud till it be a full rose spread abroad, and when it is spread than the leues be fair& rede, and in the mids of the rose there little grains resembling to gold, and out of this rose there may be felt such odour and smell that it pierceth throughout the nose even to the heart for the heart will rejoice with the good sm●ll therof. In the name of god said the master all this that ye say is true, but madam what doth all this signify. master said Florence I shal show you the closure without the which keepeth the bud fro hur●ing till it be spread abroad signifieth you, who hath kept me till this day without enpayryng, for it is now time that the rose spread abroad that is to say to mary me and to keep my land as it pertaineth to the daughter of a king, and these leues of the rose that be so fair& rede, signifieth your trouth and faithfulness, for I haue found ever i● you grete trouth& bounty toward me and also to my father& to al the hole realm,& master in this rose there be grains like unto gold, the which is the precoyust metal of al the world, and that is signified by the grete& excellent clergy that is in you the which is more precious than gold, for thereby ye haue always kept& defended me in all my needs,& master by these .iii. poyntes I love you But the fourth thing that is in this rose is the sweet ●avour therof, the which pierceth al the hole body even to the heart, for in the flagraunt odour therof both the body& the heart is rejoiced, and certainly master this .iiii. love that cometh thus of this rose is min own love Arthur who is chief rose, and above all other most fair,& above all other knights most valiant, as the rose is chief of all flowers. madam said the master I se well ye haue had a good and a sage master,& I se well how that ye love me well with out, but ye love Arthur inwardly, and by my soul ye can not do better, for ye can haue none better than he is,& know ye for certain that none shal haue you but all onely he. gentle master said Florence help me thereto, for al my trust is in you. madam as I understand he is come into the senesshalles tent. well master than go your way to him and show him that I will that he come and se me, and bring with him the senesshal and such other company as he will,& than shal I se by their countenance yf they be content though I make Arthur a little good and lowly semblant, for oftentimes the will of the heart sheweth itself fairly outward, for it is hard to know an other mannes will without ther be made to him some maner of semblant whereby he shall haue occasion to utter somewhat of his will. madam said the master I se well it is a subtle thing of a womans wit when they li●t themself, than the master rose& went into the senesshalles tent. At which time Brisebar said, here lacketh none now in this company but the master. And with that word he entred in at the door. And than sir miles said, loo sirs when one speaketh of the wolf lightly he seeth his tail▪& so therwith they welcomed the master,& caused him to sit down by Arthur. Than the master said to Arthur, sir how haue ye done in this tourney, how seemeth you by the knights of this country, be they not as valiant as the knights of france. Certainly master said Arthur they be as valiant& rather more hardy, for there is none that I haue seen but that they ought right well to be received in to the hye order of chyualry. sir said the master ye may not depart fro hens now till ye se my lady Florence, for& ye do she will not be content. master said Arthur in the name of god I would right glad to se her, but I know not her pleasure in that behalf, let us go& se her all together,& so they rose and went all together with Arthur, and the master went in before the Florence& said. madam behold here is Arthur who is come to se you. He is right welcome said Florence, and so she rose against him, and the queen of orqueney took Arthur by the hand& set him down by her and she demanded of him howe that he dyde sith the tourney. And he answered her how that he dyde right well. By the good lord said Florence in the tourney ye suffered much pain& travail, and right well there ye dyde, wherefore your lover yf ye haue ony ought to love you the better& this she said al rhyming and laid her hand vpon his heed. madam as god help me said Arthur I haue not as much love as I would haue. In good faith said the queen of Orqueney yf she were right hye& noble she should be right well employed on you. Ye truly said Brisebar I would he were beloved as well as I would according to my will,& when Florence herde that she smiled& said, sir Brysebar by the faith that ye owe unto the hye order of chyualry& to saint George what is your will in that case. madam said he I will not show that, for peradventure it should displease you. Nay by my soul said Florence I will not be displeased what so every say, therfore show me your mind, also I command you so to do. madam sith it is your pleasure I shal show you, I would that ye loved him in such wise that he were your lord and husband, for a more sweter, courteyser, nor a better knight can ye not haue again in al the world, for a more gentle gracious company could not be found again as should be of you twain. well Brisebar said Florence& say ye this with good heart. Ye truly madam by al the saints of paradise. well sir seneshal said Florence& what should be your mind. madam said he I pray to god I never go out of this place but I would it were so on the condit●on that it cost me as much as I am worth. Than she demanded the same of all other,& they al with one voice said the same. well sirs said she behold well whether ye haue wished your profit in this or not, for ye al know well how that this emperour demandeth me of the king my father& would haue me to his wife,& therfore yf it were so that an other took me he would haue grete despite& move against him war, whereby should ensue that al ye should be put ●o pain& trouble,& in peril of your ly●es, for ye be al my men wherefore ye ought to defend me against all mine enemies. madam said Brisebar by my soul I care not for that against who so ever it be, and it be not against my lord your father, for yf Arthur might be ever among us we need not to care for al the world nor any maner of pain that I should suffer for his sake should never grieve me. well than {quod} Florence I se well that ye would suffer pain& peril of your body on the condition that I would haue him to my husband,& than she demanded so of all the other knights yf they wolde in like wise. And they answered yes all with one voice. And how should I be sure of this said Florence. madam said they all we faithfully assure you by the faith of our bodies& losing of our lands and goods. Than Florence said to Arthur, sir ye haue here many good friends. madam said he I thank them and god reward them,& I shall deserve it to them when I may. By my faith {quod} the master I believe you well, for ye haue a large& a plenteous heart, and so therwith Florence broke their words of the matter,& fell in communication of other matters till it was time to depart. Than Arthur took his leave of Florence& of all other▪& master steven conveyed him forth& said to him in his ere, sir be not troubled in your mind though as to morrow that ye here that my lady Florence be somewhat diseased▪ for she will do it for such causes as ye shal know right well here after. well {quod} Arthur I am& ever shall be content with her noble pleasure,& so than the master took his leave of Arthur& returned again to Florence,& Arthur went straight to the king of orqueneys tent,& than they both went together to the king Emendus tent who as than was rising fro sleep,& so they three sate down together& talked of many things till it was time to go to their supper, where as they were richly served, and after supper they sported them together till it was time to go to their rests. Than the king departed& al other for that night.   

¶ How the tourney the next day was deferred because of Florence disease. Capitulo. lxxxi.  
IN the next morning betimes the master rose& lept on his horse, and so in grete hast road straight to the kings tent,& ther he did alight, and so was brought to the kings beds side. And when the king saw him ther so early he demanded what tidings▪ Certainly sir said the master my lady Florence hath been this night right sore seek,& is as yet right sore holden with the collyke in her body, therfore sir she desireth your grace that the tourney this day may be deferred till to morrow by which time she trusteth to be well amended so that she will come and se the tourney yf god will semde her ony ease of her pain. Saint mary said the king gentle master hath she than such pain, I should be right sorry yf she should fortune to die as God forbid without any issue of her body, for I will never haue wife, nor I haue no mo children but she, wherefore than the realm of Sorolois should be without heir of the right stock the which should be a great damage to al this realm, I think verily she had to grete heat yesterday ye beholding of the tourney. sir said the master with goddes love she shal amend to morrow, but in good faith sir it were time that she were well married, well master said the king I shal think therof right shortly. In the name of god sir {quod} the master it is time that I return to my lady, but sir for goddes sake defer the tourney till the next day because of Florence sickness Than themperour sent a knight of his to Florence to know what malady she had, but Florence had commanded tha● if any body came fro themperour that he should not be suffered to entre into her tent, so thereby the knight could not be suffered to entre and so returned again to themperour& shewed him how that no body could entre into her tent to speak with her,& than themperour said well I will go se her myself, than all the kings, dukes, erles▪& barons that were in his company mounted on their horses& road forth with themperour And when the king Emendus herd that themperour was riding to go se Florence his daughter, than he mounted on his horse& al his kings and knights with him,& when they were al met and assembled together there was so much people as though al the world had been there,& at last a messenger came to master steven& said, sir themperour and the king& al other noble men that be in this field are coming to se my lady Florence. Than the master went and did show that to her. Than she commanded that there should be made redy a rich bed before her pauilyon right before the face of the image with the chaplet,& the image was properly besene with a kyrtyl of purpel ●atyn and a gown of green sarsenet,& vpon the bed there was a rich quylt wrought with coten covered with crimson sendal stytched with threads of gold, and sheets of white silk, and over al a rich fur of ermynes, this bed was right rich, and Florence laid her down in her bed in a light kyrtell of changeable violet tartorne some what blusshynge on a read colour, and she had a keverchefe of white silk on her head all loose untied wherefore there might be sene under the keverchefe her fair throat as white as ivory, and her fair golden heir flying about her neck and her fair face was in a mean neither to long nor to ro●nde freshly coloured like the rose on the lily, and on her there was a cast mantell of green silk and she did cast out her arms thereon, so that her white hands and her long fingers were stretched abroad on the mantle& the queen of orqueney sate by her who said to the master, sir make yourself now as though ye were displeased because that my lady is sick. That is well said quod the master, and so shal I do, therwith he rushed together his hat& made semblant as though he had been very angry, whereat the queen& Florence did smy●e right sweetly. By the time the emperour and al the kings& knights were come, than themperour went on the one side of the bed& the king her father on the other side,& so sate them down on the sides of the bed,& all the other lords and knights stood round about the bed. Than there came also the king of orqueny and Arthur with him, and they len●e them down on the beds feet. Than th did salute Florence,& she said how that he was welcome. Than the king her father d●maunded of her howe she did,& laid his hand on her head. Than she beheld her father and said, sir I haue ben this night and al morning right ill at ease, but thanked be god I do now better than I did. God be thanked said the king. Than the king of orqueney who was right ivy of her counsel said. madam think not long, for with gods leave ye shall soon be hole. And than she beholded him& smiled a little and said, sir I wolde be glad therof▪ and so thus they talked together of one thing and other a grete space. And Florence said howe that their company did her much good.   

¶ Howe the image in the pavilion did set ●er chaplet on Arthurs head in the presence of themperour& of .x. other kings& of all the hole assembly, wherewith the emperour was right sorrowful because he thought to haue had Florence in marriage, but he failed of his purpose, for the image took no regard neither to the emperour nor to none other there, but al onely to Arthur to whom freely she did give her chaplet. Capitu. lxxxii.  
ANd when the master saw his time& knew how that all the hole barony were there assembl●d he rose vpon his feet and said in open audience. Mine own dere& redoubted lady Florence our lord god hath done you this day great grace& honour, for I believe verily that never before this time there were never so many noble men assembled together as be now here present for to se a lady that is diseased, for madam ye may se here about your bed an emperour .x. kings dukes& erles mo than .l.& al the hole barony of thempire of ynde the more,& also of x other kingdoms, wherefore madam ye ought to be right joyous& more at ease in your heart▪ for they al love you and are glad you to please,& also as I understand my lord the king your father hath grete will yf god be pleased to purvey for you a right hye and a noble marriage▪ and I think that yf it please him now in his mind may be well satisfied, for I believe he shal never se again in one day so many noble man assembled together as he●e be now present, wherefore now he may fulfil his pleasure, and according to my mind it were time that ye were married Than Florence sate her up in her bed& a lady cast a mantle about her neck& said, master it is of trouth how that the king my father here present hath had a great season good will to mary me in so much that he is now well at the point thereof if it be his pleasure, but it is s● that my lord the king my father by seeming taketh no hede to accomplish such destenyes as were destinied of me at my natiuytye,& because that paraduentur● all ye my lords that be here present at this time knoweth not what it is that was destinied on me, therfore I shall show it here in open ●udyence. It is of trouth that my lady my mother whom god assail when I was born s●e sent me by the king of Orqueney& mine ●ncle the and by the queen of orqueney who are al here present, to the mount of adventures, and there it was destinied on m by the queen of the fairy that no creature should haue me to his wife but alonely he to whom the image in my pauilyon should give the chaplet that she holdeth in her hands▪ and if that any other should take me he should die an ill death therfore and to this covenant did seal and swear the king my father and all his other kings and .xii. peers of his realm and so on that point take me who so will yf he list to put himself in the adventure yf he haue not the chaplet, therfore let the king my father do as it pleaseth him, I pray to god he do so that it may be for the best. Than tharchbisshop rose& said to the king, sir it is true al that ever my niece hath said, for sir I was present and both saw and herde al this that she hath said, for as god help me yf I were a man of the world,& so that I might haue her to my wife, I wolde not presume to haue her for al the good of the world, with out so be I had first the chaplet. Than the king of valefound rose and said, according to my mind it were best that all the hol● chyualry the which ben here assembled go al to the image,& first let my lord themperour begin, for he is most worthiest both of nobleness hauou●& riches, where it should seem that he is worthiest to haue the chaplet, and if he fail therof, let than al ●ther assay every man after other till it be given to one or to other. In the name of god said the king of orqueney ye say right& so let it be done. And themperour said he was well agreed thereto. Than Florence said, I can not tell who shall haue it, but god give me him in marriage, so that my heart may be in rest peace and ioy, and so that he may love me, and I him. Than it was agreed on al partes that who so ever had the chaplet should haue the lady without any repellyng of that covenant, and thereto Florence contented. And when it was thus agreed on all partes than there was laid before the feet of the image .iiii. rich cusshyns of silk and gold. And than it was ordained that the king of orqueny and duke philip of sabary should● keep the place, and to se that none should haue any wrong there that day, and also it was ordained that Arthur& governar should take hede and mark well to whom the image wolde give unto her chaplet Than themperour said, fair lady will ye be glad and I haue the chaplet. sir said Florence by the reason of having therof ye shal be the more nere my heart who so ever shal haue it, and the more joy shal I haue,& the better shal he please me. verily said themperour than will we go and assay,& therwith he rose, and the duke of bygor, and therie of the yle perdieu lead him straight to the image, and there he kneeled still on his knees fro the morning till it was nere even song time but he was as nere as he was at the beginning& at the last he road full of envy& shane and sore displeased in his heart, but he made at that time no semblant. Than after him went thither kings dukes, erles barons& knights each after other all such as were to mary, but nothing they were obtained, so than there were no mo to assay but such as kept the place And than duke philip of sabary went● to the image for he was to mary, but he sped as his f●lowes did before. Than the king commanded that Arthur and governar should go and assay. Than Arthur answered and said, a gentle king here hath been this day many noble kings and ●ther princes that hath failed, wherefore than should I presume to assay to attain to that they haue all failed, I think it were but a folly for me to assay well said the king but I will that ye go and assay according as the covenant is made. Ye truly quod themperour we will that ye shal go. sir quod the king of orqueney ye must needs fulfil the kings pleasure and themperours, well sir said Arthur I am content sith it is their plesurs and than he commanded governar to go afore,& so he did but no comfort he had there, than Arthur rose and went to the image,& as soon as he was on his knees the image beg●n to take colour as fresh& as quick as though she had ben alive and fair and sweetly she turned herself toward Arthur and did set the chaplet on his head in the sight of al the assemble, where with themperour was right sore displeased. And when the duke of bygor saw that he was sore troubled in his mind, for he hated Arthur to the death, in so much that in a great fury he stepped to Arthur and took the chaplet fro his head and did set it on his own head,& al that while Arthur was on his knees. And when governar saw how that he tok● away the chaplet fro his master& see it on his own head, his blood began to tremble for anger, and stepped forth to the duke and laid his hands on the chaplet in such wise that he rasshed it clene fro his head, and a great deal of his heir therwith and so delivered the chaplet to Florence, and she t●ke it and set it on her own head, and so than there was none that durst touch it. And when the duke of Bygor saw how that governar had taken fro him th● chaplet& p●rte of his heir the●with he lyf● up his fist and struck Gou●rnar a great blow on the cheek and did hurt him righ●e ill& caused him to bleed sore at the mouth and at the nose. And when duke philip of sabary saw governar hurt and bleeding he drew out his sword and struck the duke of bygor in the mids of the breast in such wise that the point of his sword appeared a foot behy●d at his back, and therwith the duke fell down star●e dead to the earth. And when the emper●ur s●w his duke dead he cried on his knights to arm them and to take duke philip. Than themperours knighte● assailed him on al part●s, and he defended him right valia●tly. ●han the king of Orqueney stepped for●h when he sow his nephew in that case, and drew his sword and laid on among them right● fierslye Than Arthur dash● into the press with clarence his good sword in his hand,& he laid on and gave such stroke that he betre down knights by great heaps. Than every man ran to their harneys on both partes. Than Florence said to her senesshal what do you stand& look on and se Arthur in peril of his life, ye ought to sustain his quarrel. And when her seneshal herde her say so he stepped out into the field& cried out as loud as he could to harneys sirs incontinent and help to aid& succour Arthur. Than stepped forth Brysebar& sir miles▪& well to the nombre of .v. C. And when the king Emendus saw the matter began to kyndel so sharply he took his horse and rushte into the press and with great pain,& what with fairness& foulness together he departed them& commanded that none should be so hardy to strike one stroke more as at that time. Than themperour came to the king and said, sir king ye haue beguiled us and slain our duke& many of our knights, therefore sir be ye in certain that as long as I live war shall not fail you till the hour that I haue the head of the king of orqueney& of Philip his nephew and of this knight Arthur. sir emperour said A●thur, oftentimes a man faileth of that he desireth nor I know not him that will strike of our heads as long as I haue in my company clarence my good sword. Ye ye sir emper●ur said th● king of orqueney be not half so hasty, for or ye haue our heads first th●re will many lese theirs, and one thing I assure you that if it were not for the dysp●esure of my lord the king I should go se you in your own country between this and easter with such a company of people that it should and hard for you to nombre them▪ for ye shal find them that little doubteth you. Than the king Emendus commanded him to be in peace,& tok● themperour by the hand and said, sir be ye not displeased ye& I will go apart and agree right well together. I am content said themperour Than they avoyded from them every man Than the king said, sir ye know that it was agreed both by you and by me& by al other, that who so ever should haue the chaplet should haue noo wrong, but should enjoy it peaceably, therfore your duke dyde amiss to take it fro Arthurs heed. sir said themperour though my duke dyde wrong yet I was sufficient enough to make amendes for his trespass though the governar had not taken it fro his heed& pulled away his here therwith,& yet worse what need duke Philip to ●lee him therefore. In the name of god said the king duke philip dyde, but his office, for he was one of the keepers of the field to se that none should haue wrong,& your duke ●trake governar on the face, where fore he had his desert▪ why sir said the emperour though he struck the knight yet was it no reason the duke Phi●yp should slay him,& the king of orqueney to slay many other of m knights. sir said the king though the king of orqueney was moved he could not choose, for he was puissant enough to haue made amendes for the death of your duke that h●s nephew slew▪ but your knights ran on him to haue slain him in my presen●e, therfore blame not the king though he rescued his nephew, for a gentle mannes heart ought not to fail his knights in time of need,& specially his own nephew. In the name of god {quod} the emperour he hath slain my duke,& he is a duke, therefore I will that he die for the cause,& than it is duke for duke. truly said the king this w●r hard to do, for yf ye begin ony noise or trouble I haue grete fear that it will turn to your own h●rte for it will be ouermoch for you to acheue to that ye would haue, but sir I se well ye be right sore displeased, but sir oftentimes dead men maketh peas,& by marriage many things are appeased, sir I shall put to my pain how that ye shal haue for all this Florence my daughter to be your wife, on the condition that all ill wills& heart brennynges may be quenched on al partes& every thing pardonned. And when the emperour herd● that he smiled a little& said, verily sir for the love of Florence I would forgive and pardon a right grete trespass, sir said the king I will go speak with my lords& come again to you incontinent, ●han the king departed fro him& called to him his .iiii. kings& the arch●bysshop& diuers other knights& said▪ lords this emperour is right sore displeased,& to say the trouth he hath right good cause why,& I can finde none other agreement in him but either he will haue duke Philyppes heed, or elles he will come on us right shortly with a grete host, or elles without he haue florence my daughter, this is the amendes that he will haue for the death of his duke therfore gentle kings and lords show me your minds in the behalf. sir said the king of valefou●de it is my mind& advise that it is good to eschew al perils that may hap to come both to the body& to the soul& to our ha●oures& friends for a thing of a little cost ye se well how that themperour is the most chief cr●sten prince of al the world& right puissant both of hauour& of friends, therfore sir be ye not abashed to give him Florence your daughter, ●or the●by shal ye ●inne many grete friends, therefore sir it were better for you to give her to him than to this knight Arthur of whom we know nothing but that he is a knight right good fair●,& beauteous. And in very dede so he is sir {quod} the king of mor●al this same is mine opinion. And mine also said the king of Ismaelyte. In the name of god said the king of orqueney, against that I haue agreed ones unto a●d set th●rto my seal shall I never be contrary, for I will never break mine oath, nor I will never love themperour. Nor I also said the archbishop by the faith that I owe unto you I shal never be of that accord that themperour should haue Florence. Than the king ●mendus& in the name of the other three kings answered& said. well sirs I that am king over you all shall agree you in this matter well enough, ye sh●●l se right well what I shal do in this m●●er. Than the king of orqueney and the ●●chebisshop departed fro the counsel not content in their minds. And wh●n the king Emendus saw that the king of orqueney and the archebys●hop his ●rother were departed from him, he we●t straight to themperoure& his .iii. kings with him and said, sir we will be your friends and well wyllers, and ye also to ours,& are content to fulfil our will so that ye will in like wise do to us first sir we will that ye pardon and forgive the king of orqueney& duke philip his nephew, and to all other all maner of ill will that ye haue to them for all ●●ner of deeds done by them or any of the●es, and on this condition I and these three kings give you Florence my daughter in marriage, and I put you in posse●●ion of her by this glove,& so drew it of ●is hand and gave it to themperour And he re●●iued it with great joy and thanked them right heartily& there pardonned all the ill will that he had to any body& so there they took each other by the hand& went talking together to their tentes.   

¶ Howe that Proserpyne queen of the fairy who resembled to Florence laid her down in Florence bed in Florence stede, and sent her to the port noyre with the archbishop and all her knights. Capi. lxxxiii.  

Emen●us. Pro●●rpyne.   
when the king of orqueney ● tharchebyshop were departed fro the king Emendus& saw● how that the king had granted Florence his daughter to themperour, they went● straight to Florence where as they found Arthur, duke philip, and governar and they were all still armed to thentent to defend them yf any need were. Than the king of orqueney caused them to be unarmed and took Arthur by the hand● and said, sir as long as I live& haue any land I shal not fail you, but I shal aid you to die in the quarrel to defend your right. sir said Arthur god tha● all thing formed keep you& reward your gentleness. Go we quod the king& speak with Florence, and so they went to her, and as than she was still sitting on her bed all afraid of the bronte and fray that was there, and the queen of orqueney sate weeping for f●re of the king her husband. Than there sat down the king, tharchebysshop, Arthur, and governar,& also there was the master and duke philip. Than the king said to Florence, madam be ye in peace& rest and doubt ye of nothing, but it is so my lord the king your father hath given you to the emperour, and hath put him in possession of you by the glove of his hand, and al the other kings are of his accord, but tharchebysshop your uncle and I are departed fro them because we will not consent thereto in no wise, therfore madam may it please you now to show us your mind whether ye be content to haue him to your husband or not for yf it please you it behoveth us to be content, and yf it please you not to haue him here I offer myself to you that or he haue you against your will I shall rather adventure to lese my heed from the shoulders, and I shal put in jeopardy to slay the emperour in defendynge of this gentleman Arthur in his right yf ye be so content. And when Florence herde him say so she began right sore to weep, and when she might speak she said, a gentle king now I se well I haue no mo friends but you& such other as be here present, alas I am of the estate that I ought of right to haue many mo, but when my father and mine own men fail me, alas to whom shall I complain me, alas unkind father will ye give me him whom that I hate mortally,& take fro me him that I love faithfully, and therwith her heart was so oppressed with bitter sorrow that she fell on so sore a weeping that it was grete pity to behold her, and when she might somewhat speak she said, certainly I had rather die than to haue the emperour, and as God help me ye be all my friends and so I will retain you as long as the world serveth me, the which yet somewhat comforteth me, wherefore I will no longer hide my heart fro you, and so she turned herself toward Arthur& said, behold here him who hath my chaplet my dest●ny is on him, wherefore I will haue none other but him▪ for him I love& will do. And whan the king of orqueney herde her say so he had great joy and said, madam we be all your own men& friends& of your counsel and would always your honour& profit, and as God help me ye can not do better than to set your heart on this noble knight Arthur, for better: more wise more goodlyer ●hā he is can not be found, and sith it pleaseth you as for my parte I am the same accord,& to him I offer now myself here present, now let all other speak every man for himself. Than the archbishop said, fair lady ye are my niece and I am your uncle, in good faith I am agreed to your pleasure, and I promise him faith and trouth, and to aid him against all persons. And I also promise the same said duke philip. Than the master rose& said, madam I am your clerk and always I trust I haue counseled you to your honour& profit, and I allow you in this matter, and am faithfully agreed thereto, but I counsel you let my lord here tharchebysshop ensure you both together hand to hand. Than they al answered with one voice, the master saith right well& all we be agreed thereto. Than the bishop took Arthur by the hand and the ladies hand also, and there dyde ensure them together with words of matrimony, whereof each of them had great joy. when that Florence and Arthur were thus insured together the king of Orqueney said▪ sirs now haue we purchased war with the king& with themperour, for as soon as they know of this matter they will be right sore displeased with us all, therefore now let us se by what means either by war or for●e or how this matter may be brought to pass. And as they thus talked together suddenly there sate on the bed by Florence proserpina queen of the fairy. And whan they beholded her they had wonder of her sudden coming and they could not well know her fro Florence they resembled so nere together, but than proserpina said to the king, sir ye dema●de and study how ye may bring about this matter I shal show you, I am she that did destiny on Florence that she should haue Arthur therfore I shall show her howe he shall do, therfore Florence fair daughter semde ye i●concynent governar and Brysebar to your castle of clear tour,& let al your tentes& pauylyons& such other abylementes of war as ye haue there be conveyed in all hast to the port noyre, and garnish that castle richly and surely in such wise that ye may be able to sustain the defence of an hole host, for ther shal be made against you right grete war, for the king Emendus your father will be so ill content with you& with Arthur that yf he might haue you both in the fury he would cause you both to die a shameful death, for he hath now so grete love to themperour that they be as al one, but for the ther is not now so grete love between them but I shal cause here after as grete war between them so that each of thē shal be desirous to ●●e other, wherefore faire daughter Florence rise out of your bed& apparel yourself& do on the maisters gown& his hat& mount on your horse& take the queen of orqueney with you& also tharchebysshop your uncle& duke philip and al your other knights& ride ye straight to the port noyre,& the king of orqueney here present& the master& Ar●thur shall abide here still with me, for I will lie here still in your bed i● the stede of you, for ye know well there is no creature can know the one of us fro the other Go ye your ways& let me alone with the remnant of the matter. madam said the master for goddes sake think well on the honour of my lady Florence& we shall believe you well. Than Florence departed her knights asunder& dyde send them one after another all to Argence& commanded them there to abide for her, so they al departed& within four dayes they arrived at Argence,& there they found the fair lady Margarete of Argenton who was come the day before from the port noyre and she received them with joyful cheer and there they shewed her how they were come thither to abide on the coming of their lady Florence,& when she heard that she was right joyful and caused all her house to be appareled right richly to thentent to receive Florence right honourably& sent for many of the gentlemen of her country to give attendance on her. Than governar& Brysebar departed fro Florence& went to the clear tour& conveyed al her stuff to the port noyre both treasure& abylementes of war& vatayle sufficient to garnish the house withal for the space of .vii. year,& they had xxvii. charyottes continually carieng .vii. weeks together of such stuff as pertained to Florence and to the furnysshing of the place, so that it had of every thing sufficient for the space of .vii. year.   

¶ How that the lady Margaret of Argenton with all her hole barony went and met Florence and received her in to Argence with right grete feest and joy. Ca. lxxxiiii.  
ANd the third day after that Florence knights were departed fro her, than she and the queen of orqueney and tharchebysshop departed& went first to the city of pancopone the which pertained to the bishop and ther he commanded al his people to be ready on a day warning in their best apparel for the war, and in likewise did governar in the realm of blanch tour, so than Florence departed fro pancopone& went streight to Argence. And as soon as the lady Margarete had knowledge that she was two daies journey fro Argence she mounted on her horse and .v. C. in her company and went and encountered the lady Florence of Soroloys, and when she met her she did right humbly salute her& said▪ madam ye be right heartily welcome in to this country, and madam behold me here who is and shall be your humble damosel ever to be redy at your noble commandment. Certainly fair lady Magarete said Florence I take you and will do for my special friend and faithful lover. Than the lady Margarete went to the bishop and to duke philip and right sweetly dyde salute them, and than she demanded of Florence how it was with Arthur. And she answered and said: fair lady Margarete he is abiden in the court with the king of orqueney and with master steven. And I pray you madam how doth he. verily said she right well. Than am I glad said the lady Margarete, for Arthur is my lord and chief father: for he hath rendered again to me my land whereof I was dysheryted by the nephew of the duke of bigor. well said Florence care not for that for ye be as now well revenged both of the uncle& of the nephew. A madam said she blessed be them that hath brought that about,& thus they road forth on their way& they encountered sir miles& sir Artaude& diverse other knights pertaining to Florence,& al other knights of that country drew thither by grete flocks, and when they were nere to the city of Argens, than ther issued out of al the honest burgeises of the city riding on good horses, and faire faucons& sparhawkes on their fists and they were well to the nombre of fifty well arrayed al in one suit half scarlet& half green, with many tabors& trumpets before th●ym. Than the bishop saw well how that the city of Argence was right noble& goodly, for he saw the bright son glimmering on the faire churches& hye steples covered al with fair lead,& also he saw the rich banners and streamers pight out of windows of the fair houses, and the batylmentes were pight full of sheldes, basenettes, helms& spears to thentent to show the strength of the city,& the streets were hanged with clothes of gold and of silk,& with rede sendal changeable with green and all the helles of the town solempny did ring so that it was grete joy to se and to behold the nobleness of that city. In this maner Florence entred in to the city, having in her company beyond .xv. hundred knights, and the burgesses of the city mounted up into their windows to behold Florence who was lead between the bishop and duke philip, and thus they road till they came to the palace, and ther descended& so mounted up into that hall than Florence entred into her chamber& appareled her,& by that time her dinner was redy and the tables ready covered, than Florence and the archbishop and all other sate them down to dinner and were right tychely served, and so there Florence sojourned the space of .viii. dayes. Now let us leave Florence at Argence& return to themperour& to king Emendus and to Proserpyne who was ●ayde in Florence bed in the stede of her.   

☞ Howe that Proserpyne was insured to themperour in the stede of Florence,& how that the king banished out of his country the king of orqueney,& also she king of valefounde& master steven and Arthur. Capitulo .lxxxv.  
SO it was that when Florence was departed fro the court of king Emendus her father& that he had given her to the Emperour, than each of them went into their own tentes to dinner, and the king of Orqueney wh● was abiden stil in Florence tent with Proserpyne queen of the fairy who resembled so nere Florence that the one could not be known fro the other, and ther he& Arthur dined with her,& after dinner themperour came to king Emendus& said, sir ye haue given me Florence daughter,& sir I know well how that the king or orqueney& Arthur be stil with her in her tent,& they haue been always contrary to me, wherefore I doubt me masspriest they 〈◇〉 Florence mind fro mewarde, therfore sir I pray you let us go& fiaunce her this night& let us be married to morrow. Sir said the king I am content,& I promise you that al such who so ever they be that be contrary against your mind shal incontinent forsake my company, than themperour and the king and the other three kings went streight to Florence tent,& as sone as they were entred the king of orqueney& the master& Arthur rose& welcomed them, than the king sate him down on the one side of the bed and the emperour on the other side than the king said to Proserpyne brenning to him it had ben his daughter Florence, fair daughter it behoveth you to be fiaunced this night to this emperour and to morrow ye shal be wedded with grete joy▪ well said sir Proserpyne sith it is your pleasure I am content let it be done inconty●ent, than the king demanded for tharchebyshop his broder to thentent to ensure them together sir said the master he is gone to pancopone for abesynes that he hath to do there& duke philip also. And where is Florence seneshal and al other knights. sir surely they been al gone with him. In the name of god sir said themperour the archbishop hath ben always contrary to me in that I should haue Florence, therfore sir never trust me but that he is gone to do some manor of ●reason to the intent that I should not haue her. Than stepped forth the master& said, sir emperour ye say no● wisely to call the archbishop traitor or to say that he seeketh to work ony treason against you it is to largely said, for ther was never as yet ony noble man of S●roloys that ever dyde ony treason against you or against ony other man living and though that he be not of the accord of this marriage he doth but right, for saving the honour of my lord the king here present al that be of that accord are forsworn& haue broken their promises& covenants& doth against their own seals,& as for me as long as I live shall I never accord thereto. No master said the king will ye not than accord thereto, but hold all other forsworn, by the faith that I owe unto god yf ye were not the son of a king I should make you well to know how ye haue spoken folishely here in my presence, but thus much I say unto you I charge you incontinent that ye avoyde this pavilion, and I defend you the coming again to my sight, and discharge you out of Florence counsel. well sir said the master sith I se than that I must needs leave your court and coming before you& banished fro the counsel of my lady for this emperor here present, wherefore let him be in certain that as long as I live he shal never put ring on my lady Florence finger nor wed her for all the power that he hath or can haue. Than the king was sore displeased& rose& had thought to haue stricken the master, but the king of mormal and the king of Ismaelyte dyde hold him, and therwith the master went out of the pavilion. And when the king of valefounde saw his sone cast out of the court& how the king would haue landmen him he rose up& said to the king, sir for the esche wyng of all ill& trouble before this time I was agreed that this emperour should haue your daughter, wherein now I confess me that I was forsworn and dyde therein contrary to mine own seal& promise, the which consentement now here I openly revoke& deny, for as god help me I will be no longer forsworn, therfore I say to this emperour that he take her not, for yf he do let him be in certain that ther is and shalbe in the realm of va●●●ounde a king who is not his friend, but he is& shall be his mortal enemy. And when king Emendus herde him speak in the maner he was right sore displeased, for he loved and bileued him right well before& said, sir king either consent to this marriage or elles forsake the presence of me and shortly avoyde this pavilion. well sir than I will depart, and I warrant you I will noo more desire to come in to your sight, I say no more but god give grace ye do well,& therwith he went out of the pavilion and went to his son master steven. Than the king of orqueney rose up and said to the king, sir I haue grete marvel where ye haue taken this counsel to enstraunge yourself fro your friends and counseyllers, verily sir ye be in an ill mind in this case& al for this emperour who shall never do you so much good, but by the faith that I owe to my lady Florence yf he were not here in your presence I should take his heed fro his shoulders,& let him take good hede that after that he is married that he carry her not a mile out of this place but I shal be ther redy to encounter him& not to his pleasure what said the king do ye menace& threte him here before me, shortly I charge you avoyde this pavilion,& beware that I se you no more in my sight,& in the despite of you all themperour shal haue Florence my daughter. well sir said the king of orqueney sith ye haue banished me out of your court& of your presence I assure you I am able right well to withstand your malice, but sir I counsel you convey this emperour surely when he departeth in to his own country lest that he be not encountered withall to his displeasure, than the king of orqueney took Arthur by the hand& said, sir come ye on with me& lene this court, for no noble man ought to abide here. sir said Arthur▪ I will go with you with a right good will, than they departed out of the pavilion,& ther they found the king of valefounde& master steven and to them he said, now sirs we be al banished out of the court king of Emendus god now be our help, than they trussed up their tentes& sent their people every man home to his own country,& so than they mounted vpon their horses& so departed,& they had not riden a lege& a half bu● that the king of valefounde was in a sudden study. Than the king of orqueney demanded of him what he ailed to study. sir {quod} he I muse in what maner we may do annoyance to this emperour who would haue our lady against her own will& ours, the which sore grieveth me. well sir said the king of orqueney care not for the matter, for I ensure you he shall not wed her this year. sir said he it can be none other wise, for themperour& the king her father will now lead her to Cornite and ther fiaunce her against her will. well sir said the king of orqueney fear ye not that, for be ye in certain that as for Florence she is all redy at the city of Argence where as she abideth for vs. why said the king of valefounde& who is it than that lieth at Florence bed in the stede of her and is so like her. I shal show you said the king of orqueney, herde ye never speaking of the queen of the ladies of the fairy that be in the mount perilous where as florence was conuayed as soon as she was born. Yes mary {quod} the other king I haue h●r● therof diuers times. well sir than said much I say to you that she that lieth in my ladies bed is Proserpyne queen of the fairy,& she did destiny her at her natiuyte that she should be like in al things to her,& so she is as ye may se, wherefore ye shall know full well by to morrow this time that ther was never emperour and king so abused and abashed as they shal be. In the name of god said the king of valefounde I never herde speaking of this matter before, but let us hast us and so speak with my lady Florence at Argence, and there let us advise ferder what shall be done in this matter. sir ye say right well and so let us do, for I am sure we shall haue grete war. Than they sent two squires before them to Florence to give her knowledge how that they would be with her the wednesdaye next after by mass time. And when Florence knew that she had right grete joy, and caused inco●tinent the places to be appareled where as they should lodge, and than the archbishop and duke philip rose and went and encountered them,& when they were met together they made right grete joy each of other, and duke Philip embraced Arthur, and the bishop was with the kings and so entred in to the city,& all the burgesses& comynalte of the city made great feest of Arthur, for he seemed to thē so gracious& so fair that they all said. A good lord what a noble couple should it be bitwen our lady Florence& this noble knight Arthur, wolde to god he had wedded her. Than they all alighted at the palace,& ther Florence met them and embraced every king each after other,& in like wise did the fair lady Margarete Than Florence came to Arthur and said mine own sweet lover ye be right heartily welcome. mine own dere lady god increase in you noble bounty& honour. And than the lady Margarete ran to master steven, and each of thē right sweetly embraced other, than they went all to their chambers& appareled them,& than they went to dinner and were served right richly, than al these kings& Florence& the lady Margarete departed and went to the port noyre& commanded all their people to draw them thyderwarde as shortly as they could,& so they road forth and on a tewesdaye betimes they arrived at the port noyre, than Florence went up to her palace where as she had never ben before, and than she thanked Arthur in that he had fordone thenchauntementes the adventures of the place, and governar and Brysebar had apara●led that place in every thing that was behouable, and thus they were in great ioy and triumph the space of .viii. daies& than these kings and Florence went into a fair chamber to counsel,& the bishop and Arthur, duke philip& the master were with them,& than they recounted to Florence how that they were departed out of the court in great displeasure, and how that the king Emendus had banished them al out of his presence, and also we know well that as sone as he hath knowledge that ye be here and we with you we shall haue sharp and great war made unto us, wherefore it is convenient that we aduise well what shal be done in this matter. Than the master rose and said, lords if ye think it to be done I shal show you mine advise. And they all answered and said, master say what ye will it shal please you right well to give you audience Than the master said, madam ye be the proper and rightful heir of Soroloys, and our proper lady, and we al your men, the discord that is between my lord your father, and us moveth propertlye by the reason of you, and not for any trespass that ever we did him, therfore madam it is reason that ye take vpon you this quarrel and business, and drake your heart to you& be not to sort in this matter, for when my lord the king your father shall be come hither with al his power to assyege you as I am sure he will do, he shall not haue so hardy a knight in al his company but he shall be afeard to gird his sword about him to come against your company, for ye be a great queen and a puissant, therfore send for your people, and let duke philip do in like case and my lady Margarete also, and when al your people be assembled together, who so ever than will be so hardy to assail you, let him be sharply answered and defended, and madam behold here Arthur to whom this matter toucheth right nere, who is faithful yours and ye his, therfore me thinketh it were reason that he were chief capitain of this matter and let him maintain this war fiercely and virtuously, and the king of Orqueney and the king of valefound my father, let them return into their own realms, for dower the king Emendus will send for them again, and will repent him in that he hath banished them out of his sigh●, and if they fall into accord with him again, than shal they do much good for us in this matter with the king, for than they shall show him his folly in that he would mere mi lady Florence his daughter against her will, and how that he doth great wrong to make war against Arthur, but sir Arthur according to mine aduise be ye of good heart, and if they will needs make war against you do to this emperor as much damage as ever ye can. Than the king of valefound said, fair son verily ye haue well and wisely said, I am agreed let it be done as ye haue said As god help me said the bishop I am agreed with the same saying, and to the same they were al agreed. Than the king of valefounde said to Arthur, sir we be all established that ye shall haue the hole conduit of this matter, therfore do your devoir, and here we give you the charge of my lady Florence, and the bishop her uncle shall abide with you and duke philip also, and with him master steven my son, and if ye haue any need send us word and we shal not fail my lady at no time, and yf we happen to fa●l at any accord with the king, than shall we blame him for his fo●●y, a●d as for us& our people we faithfully promise you that if any sword be drawn against you we shal be ever redy to reuenge it to the best of our powers. That shal not be failed said 〈◇〉 king of orqueney, sirs I ●hanke ●ou said Florence, so than they est●●●isshed Arthur chief capitain of that matter,& so the two kings departed out of the counsel and took leave of Florence and Arthur& of al other and returned in to their own count●yes. Now let us leave to speak of them and return to the emperour and king Emendus howe that they were amused at the church door when they had wend to haue married Florence.   

¶ How that Proserpyn queen of the fairy was led to the church to haue been wedded to themperoure weening that it had been Florence, but when the bishop had thought to haue put the wedding ring on her finger, suddenly she vanished away, so that none wist whether she became, and so than they stood all abashed as though the clouds had fallen from heaven. Capi. lxxxvi.  
SO it was that when the king of valefound and the king of Orqueney was departed fro king Emendus to great displeasure how be it the king as than when he saw that they were gone he repented him of his folly, how be it he made no maner of semblant for the love of themperour, but said to him, sir let us go to the city of cornyte and there shall ye fyaunce Florence, and to morrow be married to her. sir with a right good will said themperour. Than Proserpin was appareled and led forth to Cornyte, where there was ready the bishop of Pancopone, and as sone as they were come to the city, than incoutinent th was insured to Proserpyne in the stede of Florence,& so there was great feast and ioy al the night till every man went to their rests,& in the morning they arose and Proserpyn was appareled right rychely●& so the king of mormal& the king of Ismaelye did lead her to church, and as 〈…〉 she came to the church door, there was redy the ●yshop of pancopone reue●● in his pontificalibus,& there did axe the banes between thē,& so proceeded forth in the words of matrimony. And wha● the bishop thought to haue set the wedding ring of her fynger● suddenly she was vanished a way, so that none knew where she was become, wherewith the kings, dukes, erles, barons and all other were as greatly abashed as though they had tombled out of the clouds, than the bishop blessed himself and did cast holy war●● round about him, and every man said this is a wondrous case, we trow we be enchanted, how be it never the less they herde out the mass with great devotion praying to god to keep them from the illusions of the find of hell,& when th● mass was done they returned to the palace▪ and al the day they were sore troubled in their hearts,& so three dayes after they searched continually all about the city for Florence, and on the .iiii. day there came a knight to the palace,& did salute king Emendus and themperour a●d said, sir I se well ye be sore troubled because of Florence, but I can show you tidings right well where she is, surely sirs she departed fro Argence the wednesday next after Myghelmas day, and in her company mo than .xv. C. knights, and sir with her is the archbishop your brother& dke Philip of sabary, and are as now at and castle of the port noyre,& she hath cased the place to be fortified with artyllary ad with al maner of victual sufficient ●oynd a siege for the space of vii. year, and Florence hath sent al about for men of ●ar●e, and duke Philip hath also sent into his own country for al his power, and as for al the power of Argenton is there already with her,& also there is with her Arthur and governar, master steven,& sir Brysebar, and all her hole chy●alry. Ye friend said the king is all this tr●e. Ye sir as god help me, for I haue sene al this with mine eyen. Of the king of Orqueney and of the king of va●e●ound can ye show me any word said the king. sir I can show you certain word o● them, for I encountered thē but late as they were riding into their own countries. As god help me said the king I repent me that I spake to them so foolishly this last day, but I did it in a great displeasure. In the name of god sir said themperour if ye haue done thē any trespass ye may right well make them amendes, and in your so doing ye shal do right well, verily sir said the king and so will I do, but what counsel& remedy shal we make for this knight Arthur who hath thus taken away Florence my daughter, but by my crown yf I may take them, they shall both suffer a shameful death, nor as long as I live I shall never seize till I haue them, and than shall the drabbe my daughter be mu●ed up in a ston wall,& the false rybaud Arthur hanged by the neck but I understand they haue furnisshed the por●e noyre for the space of .vii. year,& also they puruay thēof people as much as they may sir quod the knight that brought the tidings that is of trouth● well sir said th I shal show you what we shall do, ye shal sand for al your power, and so shal I do for mine,& so let us bestege the castle of the port noyre, and though that it were made of iron& steel, yet shal it not endure against our strength. As god help me sir said the king the castle doubteth no man, but I allow w●ll let us besiege the castle round about till we haue famisshed them, for otherwise shall we never haue the place, therefore let us send for our people till we haue sufficient. Ye sai right well quod themperour I will go& return into mine own country, and ye shal find me and I live at the port noyre within .xv. dayes of easter next coming. And there shal ye find me also said the king Than themperour commanded to trus●e al his stuff, and so took leave of the king and departed into ynde, and as soon as the emperour was departed, than the king said too the king of mormal, ●yr god ye home into your own country ●nd somō up al your men of war and meet with me at the port noyre the .xv. day of ested and I prai you speak with the king of valefound and make the peace between him and me, and desire him to be at Argence the said day withal his power to go with me to the port noyre, and show him that I shal make too him a large amendes for that I haue done too him in like wise he said to the king of Ismaelyte that he should speak with the king of Orqueney, and so they promised to do, and depa●ted and went each of them into their own countries, and than they sent al about for their people and shewed the o●her two kings their message that they had fro the king Emendus, and how that the king desired them to be at Argence the .xv. day after easter. And they answered how that they wolde not fail to be there at that day& so each of them appareled themself& all their people in as hasty wise as they could. And the emperor and the king Emendus also made them redy in al hast to go to the port noyre, and at the emperours commandment there came with him the king Godyfer& the king Iouas, and the king Comedos& all their hole power.   

¶ Howe that Arthur sent governar to his cousin Hector duke of orgoule desiring him to come and help to succour him against the emperour of ynde,& against the king Emendus, who wolde besiege him in the castle of the port noyre, Ca. lxxxvii.  
SO it was that when the king of orqueney and the king of valefound were departed from Arthur out of the port noyre as ye haue heard here before, than within a little space after there came to Arthur a spy straight fro Cornyte, and there he recounted to Arthur all the delyng of themperour and of king Emendus and howe that they summon together great people to come to assyege them at the port noyre. And when Arthur herd that he said to duke Philip, well sir than there is no more to do but let every man do the best they can, wherefore it is time that ye send to sabary to your seneshal that he bring hither to you al your chyualry now at this easter and ye my lady Florence sand forth your letter to your relame of blanch tour, and let my lady Margaret send to Argence, and I shall sand to orgoule to my cousin Hector. why than said Florence haue ye than a cousin in these partes. Ye madam by the faith that I owe to your grace, for if I might haue him ones by my side▪ doubt but little the malice of this emetoute, than she made her lets and se●e sir nevelon to the clear tour,& so ●parted. And when he was there aryue●non he found sir Perdycas who was these governar of all that realm of clear owre, and to him he delivered Florence letters, and in continent on the sight of the letters he summoned together al the noble men of the city and of al the hole realm, and when they were assembled together they were to the nombre of .xxx. thousand● men of war, and so they put them sel●e streight into the way to go to their lady Florence to the port noyre. And also the lady Margarete sent sir miles unto Argence to sir Emery, who brought with him will xxx. thousand. And duke philip sent sir Brysebar into sabary to gentle Clemenson his marshal who brought with him .xx. thousand. And governar went to the city of Orgoule to the noble duke Hector cousin to Arthur, and than it was shewed him howe that the duke was at Brule with the countess of Brule, who as than was a little diseased,& governar road so long that on a sate●day betimes he arrived there, than he mounted up the stairs and entered into the hall and there he found Hector sitting by the countess his mother in lawe eating together of a dish of fys●he, and as sone as Hector saw governar he rose and embraced him& his heart rejoiced for gladness whan he saw people of his own country, and than he demanded tyding●s of his cousin Arthur, and governar answered and said, sir he heartily commandeth him to you, and desireth you to come to help to succour him against his enemies. And I pray you what be they said Hector that be his enemies, for as long as I live what so ever they be though they be never so great of degree of pui●saunt but I shal make them to tremble& quake if they will abide and look me in the face. Than the countess said, fair son I wolde ye should not spare to help to succour our friend and lover the noble Arthur. Than the duchess of Orgoule the fair lady A●ice embraced governar and demanded of him how that Arthur did. fair lady he her●ely commandeth him to you. Than he said to Hector, sir hast you for it is need. Than Hector called too him sir Octebon his senesshal and commanded him that he should send into al the country of the earldom of Brule that al that might here harneys that in al the hast they should come to him too the city of Brule, and in like wise he sent into all the duchy of Orgoule to sir Clarembalt that he should assemble al his host, and in al hast to come to him to the city of Brule, and when al his people were assembled together, than Hector took leave of the countess his mother in lawe, and of the fair lady Alise his wife, who desired governar to recommend her to the gentle Arthur. so they departed fro Brule, and entred into their way toward the port noyre, and so long they road till at the last they were within two leges of the port noyre, and than they entred into a great deep valley   

¶ How that Hector as he went toward the port noyre to succour Arthur, he encountered one of the kings that was coming toward themperoure, and had in his company well unto the nombre of xviii. thousand men of wa●●e the which king Hector slew and all his people, so that there was none that ever escaped saving two, and so they fled away, and there Hector was a great botye& much treasure& great haboundaunc● of victual the which was al brought in to the port noyre. Capi. lxxxviii.  
 
THus as Hector and his people were entred into this great valley they perceived where as there came to themwarde about the nombre of .xviii. thousand men of war. Than Hector demanded of governar if that he knew them. And he answered and said sir nay in good faith, but I doubt me least they be of our enemies. Than Hector made al his host to be armed, and he himself and governar armed them, and when they were armed governar presed forth and demanded one of them fro whence they were. And one of them answered& said, friend it is king Godyfer who is going toward the emperor to help him to lay siege to the port noyre to the intent to take it and to slay a knight that is therein, who hath taken away Florence daughter to king Emendus the which lady should haue been wedded to my lord themperour, wherefore there is none that is in that castle or taketh part with that knight but that the shal die all a shane full d●ath, what said governar than thou dost threaten me and yet thou callest me friend, but I shal quiter that for thy labour therfore defend thyself. than governar drew his sword and struck so the knight between the shoulders& the neck that he claue him down to the waste,& than governar said I trow I haue assured this knight to be on our parte, for I think he will abide here still in this place. Than said Hector I se well that between governar and this knight there was but little friendship, than Hector be held and saw where king Godyfer did desryng himself to come on governar as fast as he might, but Hector met him first and struck the king so rudely that he overthrew him wide open in the feld than Hector turned him with his sword in his hand to haue landmen of his head but his people socoured him and ran on Hector on all sides, but Hector struck so among them that he broke the great press than governar dashed into the thickest of the press without sparing of any body, for he cut of arms legs and hedes grete p●enty. Than sir Clatembart entred into the press, and sir oaths in like wise, than there began such a fray that it was pity to behold, than king Godyfer was remounted again and Hector laid on round about him, and he went so much forward that he was closed in among his enemies, howe be it he gave among them so great stroke that all that ever he attained unto went to the death but his enemies did cast at him knyues and dagers, so that at the last therbi they slew his horse under him, than he lept on his feet with his sword in his hand but his enemies oppressed him greatly. Therwith governar came to him all in a great rage,& he was also at his coming so beset with his enemies that his horse was slain under him and than Hector& governar were in that case that it was hard for them to escape, till at last sir Clarembalt& al his rou●e came to them and so than there began so sore a battle that it was wonder to behold, and than Hector and governar did so valiantly that each of them gate him a new horse and so in the spite of all their enemies they were again remounted, and than they dashed into the press& gave so mighty stroke that they confounded all that ever they attained unto, than the king Godyfer came on them with so great a press that they drew by clene force governar and sir oaths out of the press& closed them so round about, and gave them so many grete stroke that they slew their horses under them, and than they defended themself as valiant knights ought to do, and oftentimes they called for Hector to help to rescue them, but the press was so great and thick that Hector in no wise could get to them and yet there he did marvels with his hands, for he all to frushed sheldes and unbarred helms and ket down knights but governar& sir oaths were so over laden that they were both taken prysone●s and led out of the battle. Than governar said, a dere master Arthur to god I you commend, he that al thing formed keep and save thy noble body. But when Hector knew that they were taken innkeepers he was so sore displeased that nigh he enraged for sorrow,& so abandoned himself among his enemies& gave so grete& heavy stroke that every man fled before him, for he struck none but that they lost their lives, or elles sore wounded. And in the mean season governar and sir oaths were led forth toward themperour who was coming after, and as they were thus led forth they met with sir Brysebar and Clemenson senesshal to duke philip of sabary, and Brysebar knew governar as soon as he saw him, than Brysebar escryed& said, saint mary save Arthur the good knight, for I se well that governar is taken, therfore gentle knight help to succour these two knights who are pertaining to the gentle Arthur, than all his company set fiercely on them, and within a little while they were all slain and hewn in small pieces,& than governar& sir oaths were remounted again and they said to sir Brysebar. A sir for goddes sake hast you as fast as ye can, for ye shal find here before in a grete valley the noble Hector cousin to Arthur fighting with king Godifer who hath with him a grete company, wherefore I fear me greatly that this noble duke Hector hath to much in hand easily to escape. Saint mary said Clemenson yonder I se them, Brysebar follow me, than they all together in a front went together as fast as they might,& they were all well to the nombre of .xx. thousand fighting m●nne, than Clemenson dashed in to the press with his sword in his hand, than he struck the first that he encountered in such wise that he made his heed to fly fro his shoulders, and sir Brisebar met so with an other that he claue his heed to his teeth, and they did so much at their coming that they two bet down and slew mo than .xx. knights. And when Hector saw that he said, saint mari what knights be these or fro whence are they come. Than governar who the same time came into the press answered Hector and said, sir I trust that I haue ●one so much that ye shall haue noble succour,& when Hector saw governar his heart rejoiced and said, friend help to succour yonder two knights, for they are worthy to haue help. Than by that time al the hole company of .xx. thousand was come in to the press, and there they flew knights grete plenty, so that all king Godyfers company were nigh discomfited. And when the king saw that he was so sore displeased that nigh he was dead for anger, than he dashed his spor●s to his horse and gave Hector such a stroke that he struck away of his shield& harneys a grete quarter, but as god would the stroke did not entre into the flesh, and Hector struck the king so rudely on the helm that he claue his heed down to the shoulders, and therwith he fell down to the earth struck dead,& when his people saw that they turned and fled away, but Clemenson and Brisebar followed in the chase so that of .xviii. thousand they left on line but two persons. Than Hector and governar came to Clemenson and Brisebar and each of them saluted other and Hector thanked them of their good succour. Than they went all to the chari●ttes and carts that king Godyfer had brought thither, wherein they found grete plenty of gold and silver& grete plenty of victual, the which Hector caused to be conuaied to the port noyre. Than governar said to Hector, sir I will go before to my lord Arthur and show him of your coming, and come you after faire and easily. w●l said Hector go your way in the name of god,& so he departed and went to the port noyre& mounted up in to the palace,& there he found Arthur with Florence& the bishop and master steven& duke philip. And when Arthur and duke philip saw governar they saw well by his harneys that he had ben in some battle. Than Arthur demanded of him what tidings. Sir said he right good thanked be God, sir behold yonder cometh your cousin Hector and al his host who hath discomfited& slain the king Godyfer,& of .xviii. thousand that he brought with him there is left a live but two persons, with the which king we met in a fair valley,& he was coming toward the emperour to haue holpen him to haue destroyed you, in the which fray I was taken prisoner and also the countesse of Brules senesshal sir oaths, but thanked be god& duke philip for his seneshal the gentle Clemenson and sir Brysebar dyde rescue& deliver us, so now the king Godyfer is slain& all his company,& Hector bringeth with him grete plenty of gold& silver& victual the which he wan in this batale, I know well it mounteth to the nombre of .ii. C. charyottes and carts. A good lord said Arthur the victual is more welcome than gold or silver. Than by the time Hector, Clemenson,& Brisebar alighted at the port noyre, and lodged all their host about in the castle, than Arthur ran& embraced Hector al armed as he was& said, cousin ye be right heartily welcome to the helping of the noble Florence here present. Truly said Florence blessed be the neighbour that is redy to help at need, but Arthur howe is it that ye haue had such a kynnesman so nere us& would never show it to me. madam {quod} Arthur I did it for none ill intent, so than Hector was lead into a chamber to be unarmed,& duke philip received Clemenson& Brysebar& sir oaths with grete joy, and whan Hector was unarmed than he went into the palace,& Florence beheld him& liked him wondrously, for she saw well that he was big& well made, than she said to Arthur, sir this gentleman seemeth well to be of a redoubted lineage. sir {quod} the bishop he seemeth well to be of the valour of a noble man. Ye sir quod Hector that I warrant you yf I were at a table fair covered with meet& drink thereon. As god help me said duke Philip he saith well for it were now time to eat some meet. Than squires set up tables,& in the mean time Florence& Arthur, duke Philip& the archbishop went& lent out at a window and at last they saw where ther was coming Florence senesshal& sir perdiccas& .xxx. M. in their company of Florence retinue, and they al followed the white banner of the realm of blanch tour, than Florence said to Arthur, sir behold yonder cometh our folk that shal help our neighbours. madam quod Arthur they be welcome, than also they saw where there came sir Miles& sir Emery& .xv. M. in their company, than the fair lady Margarete said, madam behold yonder cometh my copany, who are come to help you at al times Margarete my love I thank you quod Florence of your good aid,& god give me grace so long to live that I may deserve it unto you. And whan Hector saw so many standards& streamers coming he said as god help me yf this were themperour to this coming I would than haue trust soon to se him& by the good lord I shal se him as shortly as I can. So than these knights did alight and mounted up in to the palace, and governar& Brisebar appointed every man to his lodging, and these knights were received with grete joy, and they went to dinner& were served right richly with al maner of deyntees.   

☞ How that themperour of ynde& the king Emendus accompanied with .viii. kings,& well to the nombre of .iii. C.M men of war laid siege about the castle of the port noyre where as Florence and Arthur were, whereof ill turned to themperour, for there he lost three of his kings and well an hundred thousand of his men. Capitulo. lxxxix.  
 
AFter dyuer whan al the tables were taken away, than Florence& the bishop& Arthur went together& lened out at a window, and duke philip& the master& Hector lened out at an other window, than they saw whereas the king of Mormall& the king of Ismaelyte with al their powers took their lodging and pight their field about the castle, and the king Emendus was at Argence abiding for the king of valefounde and the king of orqueney, and whan they were come to him than the king Emendus made his own peas with them, and made them a large amendus in that he had before banished them his court& said how that he dyde it but in a hast,& than repented him of his so delynge,& when they were thus accorded than they all together set forth in their way toward the port noyre,& the two kings went before,& the king with the grete dragon of Sorolois came in the rearward with al his host, so that al the country was over spread with people. Now I se well said Arthur that we shal haue war, but by the faith that I owe unto god yf I may ones meddle with them they shall not all return again. By the good lord said Hector they lodge very nigh us,& yet they be not our friends. Than of themperours company there came king jonas,& after him there came king Clamados,& than after came themperour himself,& he was right sorrowful when he knew of the death of king Godifer& of his company,& how that al the treasure& victual was taken into the port noyre,& so the emperour was lodged on the left side of the castle. Than F●orence said to the bishop, sir how say ye is not yonder people sufficient to take a lady prisoner. certainly madam {quod} Arthur it is of trouth they are greatly to be doubted. sir said Hector let us go to them and give them their welcome Verily said the master now shal be seen who is a noble man, verily I am sone to a king therfore ought I by reason to love deeds of chyualry& to bear harneys, therfore because of this matter I would fayn be made a knight.& than I would gladly sir Hector go in your company to bid yonder galauntes welcome, for I would be loth that ye should go& I to tarry behind. And when the bishop herde the master say that he would be made a knight he had thereat great laughter& sport and said, master by the good lord it is much better to be in a chambre with ladies& damoyselles than to be yonder without& to abide the breaking of sharp spears,& it is hard to finde a clerk to be a good knight. well sir said the master all that maketh no matter, for I trust to do so well that I shal bring in one day in to this place .ii. of those kings innkeepers, than they all that herde him began to laugh& so al that day they sported them at the maisters words till it was time to go to rest and than every man went to bed and took their rests till the next morning, in the morning all these lords arose betimes and assembled them together in the mids of the palace, than Hector said to Arthur, cousin yonder people without hath good lift to sleep, for there is none to wake them, by the good lord me thinketh we be very slow, let us go to them and se how they do. In the name of god {quod} sir Clemenson so let it be for we do not our deuoyrs to abide so long, therfore let us issue out& deal valiantly with thē. In the name of god quod Arthur every man to harness& so every man went to arm thē. Florence was not at the poyntment, but when she knew therof she came to them and said sirs what mean ye to do, this matter must be done wisely, for ye know not preseisely as yet for what cause this grete assembly be come about this castle, peradventure they be come to do honour to our marriage between Arthur and me, for I can not bileue that the king my father be come on me in harneys, wherefore in my mind it were not best to assail them first, but yf they assail us than let us defend ourself in the best wise we can, sir marks ye are a noble man to go on my message to the king my father, wherefore I pray you go to him& humbly comaunde me to his grace,& say that I require him to send me word of his mind,& why that he is come hither in this maner of wise at this time, I pray you mark well these words that I haue said to you, a wise man needeth no teaching, but& ye se that he will needs keep still his frowarde mind to me ward, than I will that ye say to his .iiii. kings& to al his chyualry how that I send them word how that they be al my men& subiectes, wherefore yf there be any of them so hardy to draw ony sword against me or against ony of mine▪ tell thē that by the faith that I owe to my lady Eglentyne my ●ere moder on whose soul Ihesu haue mercy that I shall cause them to be hanged by the necks though they bee never so noble or gentle,& after that I will ye inquire why this emperour is come thus in to my realm,& yf ye se that he be come for our ill& that he would haue battle, show him prysysely that he shal haue battle right sharp and strong to morrow betimes without ony longer delay. In the name of God said duke philip I se well we haue a good heed of our house, madam ye follow right well the noble steps of your lineage. well madam said the marks I trust I shal so fulfil your message that ye shall be content● and so he took his leave of Florence& of al the hole barony& road forth till he came before the king Emendus at which time he was accompanied with his .iiii. kings,& also there was th and all his kings and other dukes erles, barons, and knights, there was also the king jonas and king Clamados and diverse other noble men pertaining to themperour. Than the gentle marks entred in to the same place& did salute the king and al his company, and said, sir I am come to you fro my lady Florence your daughter the most noble and gentle lady living, who right dearly commendeth her unto your grace as to her own dere father,& sir she is greatly abashed of this grete company in harneys that ye haue brought hither at this time, for sir it is a grete abasshement to a noble gentle maiden to se so many helms& sheldes shining against the son wherefore sir she requireth you to know your pleasure& mind. Than the king with a fierce look said, sir knight I will not receive her salutation, for I love her not at my heart, but I hope to do her damage both of body& of goods. sir said the marks& for what cause. Certainly said the king for she hath done me shane and despite, for she hath gone away fro me with a strange knight, and she is come to hide her self in this castle,& ther folyshely she keepeth company with this strange knight the which is a shane to her for evermore,& also she hath done me despite, for I had given her to this emperour to haue been his wife,& she will not follow my will, and therfore because of the shane that she hath done me and doth yet like a false strumpet I shall put her into a perpetual prison to thentente that she shall do me never more shane,& I shal hang the ribawde knight by the neck that caused her thus to do, for the despite that she hath done to me I shal do her an other, for I will never depart hens till I haue brought this castle down to the hard earth. Than the noble marks answered& said, sir as touching the shane that ye lay against my lady for coming into this castle I shall answer you, sir my lady is of great nobleness& honour and a queen called by the right of her mode●, wherefore it is right that some time she go& se her own country, and to take her pleasure of her own,& sir in that she departed without your licence was for fear and doubt of this Emperour to whom ye haue given her against her will& heart, for she doubted lest that he would haue had her against her will, and therefore the master by his clergy made you to be abused at the church door, and sir she came not hither so simply that she ought to be blamed, for she brought with her duke philip and tharchebysshop, and well .v. hundred other knights in her company and sir the bishop is here uncle& your broder, wherefore he would be as loth that she should do ony otherwise than well as yourself would be, but that needeth not to be feared, for she is of such wisdom that she can rule herself well enough, for ther is not a wiser lady again in al the world,& sir also duke philip hath ben always with her,& therfore such people as be daily with her can report her deling and so can not you that knoweth nothing therof, and yet ther is none that speaketh ●ny villainy of her but you the which thing sir me thinketh ye ought not to do, and sir in dede yonder good knight Arthur is with her,& though it be so that she hath retained him to her servant I think therein she hath done wisely, and so haue not ye done in letting him depart out of your court, for he is the floure of al the chyualry of the world,& she by her wisdom hath retained him, for when he went out of your court he left not his felaw behind him, and sir if she haue a good knight retained unto her she is not such a lady but that she is of such habilite that she may right well guerdon him for his service, sir she is not come to this castle in the despite of you, nor yet for the love of him that ye so sore despise, but sir she did it because that ye would give her to such a man as she never loved nor can not love nor will not love as long as she liveth, without it be by force,& sir she is not so poor a lady but that and ye would give her never so rich a man against her will yet ye may be sure there should never good life be long between thē,& because that this emperour would haue her& she loveth him not, therfore she is come to that most strong castle that she hath where as she careth neither for him nor yet for any other that would do her any displeasure, therfore sir take hede what ye do for ye know well that ye would haue her to do clene contrary to that was destinied to her in the mount perilous at her natiuyte,& sir a thing predestynate is hard to be broken, but sir I shal show you what ye shal do fro hens forth leave medlyng ony ferder in this matter, for of one thing I make a warrant that ther is in her company& host a grete nombre of the best knights of the world, sir leave this matter and deal like a true king, and agree to the promise that ye were before accorded unto,& that was who so ever should haue the caplet of the image should in likewise rejoice my lady Florence your daughter,& to this ye haue written your hand& set to your seal, and in likewise hath done al your .iiii. kings here present and all the .xii. peers of your realm, now sir ye do against your own seal& covenant that ye made like a king thus to send for your people in harneys to assenble against a woman, the father against the daughter it is unnatural& a great shane it is no dede of a king to do against his own covenant& promise, sir for goddes sake forbear for doing of any hurt against your own child for ony singular love that ye haue to this emperour. Certainly said the king I will not forbear my mind, for all the treasure of the world shall not cause me but the knight shal be hanged by the neck,& she put in to perpetual prison. well sir said the ma●kes than begin when ye will,& do the best ye can peradventure all shal not be as ye would haue it, but nevertheless to you .iiii. kings& to al the xii. peers& to al other knights that be here present I say unto you all my lady Florence sendeth you word by me that she meruayleth greatly that ye be come hither in harneys to war against her considering that ye be all her subiectes& she is your right lady& mastres, therfore lords take good hede what ye do, for she straitly chargeth you that ye nor none of yours draw no sword nor wepē against her nor none of hers, for and ye do she promiseth by the faith that she oweth to my lady Eglentine her dere mother that was, that there is none of what degree so ever he be of but that she will cause him to be hanged by the neck like a false traitor, wherefore sirs by my counsel take hede what ye do. Than the king of orqueney said to the king Emendus, sir ye cause us to haue grete marvel that ye haue summoned us to come hither in harneys to make war against our natural lady and to do against our promises writings and seals, sir it is of troth I am your man and I ought to go with you whether so ever ye will haue me in any just quarrel, but reason nor right will not that I should make war against our right lady, whose subiectes& men we be and must be, for she is& shal be our lady by just inheritance, but by the faith that I owe to god and to my crown of the realm of orqueney, neither I nor none of mine shal move any war against her, and of the same accord were al the .iiii. kings and .xii. peers, for each of them said that they wolde never bear harneys against their own lady, nor do against their own promises made before. Than the king Emendus said, lords I ●an not tell what ye will do, but I promise you all that I will never depart out of this place till I haue destroyed this castle and al the knights that be therein hanged by the necks. And they al answered him and said, sir do as it pleaseth you, and we shal give you the looking on, but we will not help thereto nor none of ours. Than the marks said to themperour, sir my lady would fayn know why ye be thus entred into her realm with such numbre of men of war. certainly sir said themperoure I am come hither to seek her as for mine own, for she is given to me by her father and because that she denieth my will therfore I am come hither to haue her whether she will or no, and I will do worse to her than I wolde do to a false traitor& I shal hang by the neck that ribald knight that keepeth her at his pleasure, and duke philip of saboty also who doth sustain her in her foolish mind. And when the king of orquen●y herde themperou● menase and threte& say so of his n●uewe duke philip he said, ye sir emperor fair and easily for or ye can bring that about ye shal haue no cap nor hat too put on your head, for though that she be given to you yet she is not delivered to you, ye ma● well muse on her delyu●raunce, but I ensure you ye get her not so lightly as ye ween, and sir as for the knight whom ye do menase to hang by the neck, sir it were a great sin so to do, for his nourisshing coste him more than so but sir take to morrow some appointment between him& you to do some deeds of arms together or elles take part of his men& so shal ye do of his,& than and ye can take him bind him fast, and than hang him by the neck& than shal ye be clene out of suspection between Florence and him, for than ye may be sure he shal trespass you no more, sir love hath brought you hither, but ye nor al your knights are nothing worth without ye do some deeds to be praised, sit mount on your horse to morrow▪ for love governeth you my lady is so fair, and she wolde gladly se you give some fa●t stroke with your sword for her love for alway good knights getteth grace among fair ladies, therfore sir to morrow win her amorous grace with some dede of chivalry for in good faith ye haue it not. well {quod} themperour get me the knight that sporteth him so with her. Ye sir {quod} the mark she will not so lightly beget, for sir he is within and ye be without in the rain, and he is in the shadow abiding in the sight of this fair lady the which is a great shane to you therfore put him out of this castle& get yourself in, but sir how say ye, shal this assenble be made to morrow or not. Bi my faith said the emperour I shal make him assemble to morrow of .iiii. thousand, and also of .xviii. M. men of arms. Sir said that marks will ye promise this faithfully. Ye truly said themperour. And I promise faithfully for the other parti said the marks that ye shal be received,& than he spake as loud as he could and said, lords& friends such as be subiectes to my lady Florence the on pain of your lives that ye move not nor make no w●r against my lady Florence nor against 〈◇〉 o● hers, and than he said to themperour sir for goddes sake begin the battle betimes because of the heat. Than the king Clamedos said to the marks, is this lady Florence so fair as it is said. A sir said the marks, think ye nothing on her, for your emperour doth enough for you hothe. well friend said the king, I here say she hath with her a sweet little rose white tender& young, who is called Floret. sir said the marks in dede there is such one with my lady, and I ensure you she is right sweet,& she maketh oftentimes for me and such other knights of my company goodly chaplets and sir as yet to my knowledge she hath no love nor paramout and sir me think ye haue a jolly wanton eye, therefore sir come& se her to morrow, for she shal be on the walls of the castle,& I shall show her unto you if I can meet with you, and sir when ye haue sene her set your feet together& assay if ye can leap up to her, take on you to morrow this enterprise for themperour, with a good will said he, and said to themperour, sir I require you let me haue the battle to morrow. well {quod} themperour sith ye will needs I am content, and so he took his glove in pledge, and the king thanked him, and the marks departed,& went to the castle and recounted to Florence and to Arthur word for word as ye haue herde before, than they answered that they had of him a right good messenger,& granted him the ba●ail the next day with xxx. M. against the king Clamados.   

¶ How Philip duke of sabary& master steven son to the king of valefound were made knights, and of the discomfiture that Arthur made on themperour. Ca. lxxxx.  
ANd when duke philip of sabary herd how that they should haue a battle the next day in the morning he said to the lady Florence, madam I require you let me be made a knight, for I may not be in the place where as so many noble men be without I were a knight By the faith that I owe to god said Florence with a right good will. Than master steven stepped forth and said, madam my lord the archbisshop here present reputeth me but as one more meetly to bete furs than knights, but madam by the faith that I owe to god I wolde fain be made a knight, and thereof I require your grace,& than every body began too laugh▪ well sir {quod} he laugh not thereat for I ●ape not, I will be made a knight and I may, than he went to the lady Margaret of Argenton and said to her in her ear, mine own dere lady will it not please you that I be made a knight, I beseech you give me leave to be one, and she answered him fair and softly in counsel and said, yes ywys sweet love I would be be glad therof, than he rose fro her& said aloud, my lady Margarete of Argentō how say ye shal I be made a knight. Certainly friend {quod} she I would be glad there of, on the condition that ye will take armitre& horse and other abilementes of my gyf●. Madam said he I thank you and I shal be glad to follow your pleasure with the licence of my lady Florence. certainly {quod} Florence I am con●ent therwith. And when al the other lords and knights saw that the master mened god faith they were right glad therof, and so went as far that night to their rests& in the morning for duke Philip Florence prepared horse& harneys and al other abilementes,& fair lady Margaret ordained in like wise for master steven, than tharchbishop sang the mass, and Arthur did gird on the maisters sword, and Hector did on duke Philips, than Arthur and Cemenson lead forth the master between thē, and Hector and sir Perdi●as lead forth duke Philip, and so they offered to the bishop, and he didde give them the neck stroke of knighthode according to the usage that was than in the country, than Arthur and Hector armed thē, and than caused a great horn to be blown, and by the sowninge thereof euery● knight went to their harness, and than they took their leues of Florence, and than Arthur said to the marks and to sir Cla●ē bait and to sir oaths, sirs I pray you go and fortify the gates of this castle with iiii C. pauess●s, and so they did, and than they issued out of the castle in good ordinance and Arthur ordained their battle right strong and marvelous, in the first battle there was himself sir Brysebar and sir Clemenson, and in their company .vii. M hawbertes, and they were commanded to keep their right way under the mountain than followed after thē Hector& governar and Florence senesshal with .iiii. M. with them, and the master and duke philip& sir Perdycas went about the mountain to thentent to close round about themperyens, and they had with them .viii. M. Than themperour on his part called him the king Clamados and said sir go arm you and your men and go make assaut to the castle of the port noyre, and yf ye fortune to encounter the knight Arthur look that ye take him and bring him alive to moror I will make him be hanged so high and ●o nere to the castle that Florence may se him every day when she will. sir {quod} the king doubt ye not it shal be done, but it is an old said saw he that reckoneth without his host mast reckon twice, and so did he ●or he failed of his enterprise▪ than the king caused to be blown a great trump,& than every man ran to his harness, and the king Clamados arden●d .iii. batails and therle of thy●e ●●●me did lead the first battle, and the duke ●●●alion with him▪ and they had in their company .x. M. men, and the second battle was lead by the duke of Galace and he had with him .x. M. men,& the king Clamados himself lead forth the third battle& other .x. M. with him and so they went forth with banners displayed and took the right way toward the castle, the which way Arthur was coming toward the field▪ and so they went forth so long till at last the duke of Calyon and the earl of the yle per●ue who lead the fy●ste battle encounted Arthur& Clemenson and Brisebar and their company, than Clemenson desired of Arthur to haue the first course with his spear and Arthur did grant him, than he dash his spurs to his horse sides& ran at the duke of Calyon who came against him,& they met so rudely that Clemenson struck so the duke that his spe●e went clene through out his body and so the duke fel down to the earth. A Iesu said Arthur what aid is this at the first meeting, our enemies hath by this dede a great loss and discomfort. And when therle of the yle perdieu saw the duke dead there arose in his host a great and terrible cry, and they ran al at once on Clemenson, but he like a valiant knight defended himself with his sword and gave right great and puissant stroke among them, than there was none could hold Brysebar but he rushed into the press,& the first that he encountered withal he bet down to the earth, and the second never did cry after. Than Arthur and his company came into the press, and there b●t down and flew knights by great hepes, and Arthur with his good sword clarence plunged in among his enemies and be● down knights and horses in such wise that al fled before him, and they would haue fled fro the death, for there was none that abode him but that he received death at his hands,& Clemenson stood still and beholded him and had great wonder at his deeds, and as he stood looking on him, Arthur encountered so a knight that he claue him to the teth, than Clemenson took of his deeds great hardiness on him and dashed into the thickest of the press,& sir Brisebar followed him so far that they were enclosed round about with their enemies, and the press was so great that their horses were slain under them, and so by great force they were taken innkeepers and lead forth out of the feld toward themperor but as fortune would Hector met them and as sone as he saw them he sporred his horse with his spurs,& struck so the first that he claue him to the chin, and fro the second he took away his shoulder, than Gauernar took his sword in his hand and did help Hector to discomfyt them that lead away the innkeepers,& in the spite of them all they we●e remounted and so returned again to the host, and Hector turned his horse and struck in the press so rudely that with the first that he met he struck of his head, and or he cealed he slay .x. each after other, and at last Hector, Clemenson, Brysebar& Goue●nar, met together and between them they did such exiyse among themperours people that al fled before them, than ther●●o● galace came into the field with .x. M. in his company, and than the battle began to be so terrible that there was many slain and hurt of both pries, and whan Arthur saw so many emperiens assembled together against his men he dashed to his horse with clarence in his hand& struck so ●u●ely in the press that he cut of hedes, legs, arms,& hands,& unbarred helms,& claue asunder shelds, and confonnded and bet down al that ever he touched,& at last he encountered ther●eof the yle perdieu, but he thought he wolde not flee him, but he struck him with the pomel of his good sword on high on the helm so rudely that he was so astonied with the stroke that he wist not where he was and so al in a trance he fel on his horse neck, and in the releuynge he struck at Hector who as than had broken part of the press to thentent to follow Arthur, but Hector gave him such a stroke that he avoyded the saddle and fel to the earth, than Brisebar and governar took him,& so he was sent into the castle to Florence like a prisoner. And when the duke of galace saw that he had lost him, he was right sorrowful, and in great rage dash into the press and met with sir Ansel, and gave him such a stroke that his sword went clene throughout his body, but yet as God would he was not wounded to the death, but he fel down to the earth in a great trance Than governar took and ●onuaied him out of the press& sent him to the castle. And when Florence saw her knight sir Ansel so sore wounded she was right sorrowful and caused her surgiens to search his wounds, and when Arthur saw the stroke that the duke of Galace had given sir Ansel he was right sorrowful for he wende verily that he had been dead, therwith he broached to his horse& encountered the duke with great malice& gave him such a stroke that he claue him to the shoulders. And when his people saw that he was slain and that they had as than no capytaine, they were greatly abashed& turned them to fly, but Arthur and Hector chased thē till at last they met with the king Clamedos& .x. M. in his company, and so they all dashed together,& than there began a terrible battle, but the kings company was so great that Arthur and his company had much to do to defend their lives till at last master steven& duk● Philip& sir Perdycas were come round about the mountain so that they were at the backs of their enemies, so that king Clamedos took no hede therof till they were on them unware, and as soon as master steven saw the kings host he blewe such a blast that there arose a mist in the kings host that they were so abashed therwith that they had thought to haue fled away, but than duke Philip and the master rushed into the press, and each of them bet down him with whom they encountered, and there the master did marvels in arms, and at last governar saw him and said to sir Clemenson by the good lord sir master steven by seeming hath given up his mind to be a priest, for I ween he will never sing mass, behold yonder how valiantly he fighteth, for there he saw him give right grete and valiant stroke what shal I say more, so much did Arthur there and his company that the king Clamedos and al his were clene discomfited and fled away as fast as they might to themperours tent,& recounted to him al the loss that he had in that battle, and shewed him how that the duke of Calion and the duke of galace were both slain and the earl of the yle perdieu taken prisoner& al his company slain and said also sir verily there was never seen such a knight as Arthur is, and he hath in his company of the most valiant knights of all the world. And when themperour herde al this he was so sorrowful and full of displeasure that he was nere enraged out of his wit, than he caused horns and trumpets to be blown to thentent to cause his people to arm thē and so themperour himself armed him and also did king jonas and .xv. thou sand in their company. And when Arthur herd that he said to his people, sirs thanked be god it is right well happened to us in the beginning of this wa●re, and our people this day hath taken grete pain▪ wherefore they ought to be weary wherefore in my mind it were best that we draw ourself again into our castle and let us se what this emperour will do to us, whereto every man was agreed and so they withdrew thē and mounted up into the castle and entred into the palace. Than Florence demanded of Arthur how that he did. And he answered and said dere lady thanked be god right well. And in like wise did the fair lady Margarete to master steven, than the earl of the yle perdieu came to Arthur who received him right sweetly and said, sir be of good cheer and be not dismayed, for ye shall haue here but a good prison, and the earl thanked him right swettly,   

¶ Howe that themperour spake with queen proserpina, weening to him that it had been the fair lady Florence, but he was deceived, for she did set a great discord between him and the king Emendus as ye shal here after. Cap. lxxxxi.  
when that themperour& his company were redy aparailed they lept on their horses& followed after Arthur with .xl. thousand in his company,& when he came nere to the castle, he beholded the satuacion therof a great season, and at the last he saw the queen proserpina and a damsel with her issuing out of the castle, and he thought verily that it had ben Florence that had ben fled out of the castle, and with that sight he clene forgot his displeasure and all the loss that he had in the battle before, and so he dashed to his horse and a .xxx. persons with him, and whan he had overtaken her and sene her perfitly in the face, he said to himself verily this same is Florence and so than he forgot al maner of other things and laid his hands on the rain of her horse& said fair damosell whether are ye going so fast this way. certainly sir said she it hath bē shewed me that ye and the king my father are right sore displeased with me, but sir it grieveth me more your displeasure than mi father wherefore sir I think to go to an abbey here by, and there to be made a nonne for your displeasure all onely. damosel said themperour if it please you we two shall be soon agreed. sir said she I thank you, but howe shall that be, will ye haue me to your wife,& I you to my husband. Ye truly said themperour. sir said she I am content therwith, but how shal I do for the king my father will sle me if he may haue me under his rule,& sir by the faith that I owe unto our lord my body was never defouled with yonder knight Arthur nor yet with any other. well fair lady said themperour and yf that be of trouth I ensure you your father shall do you no hurt but my parte shal be therein. sir said she may I trust on this, for it sore forthinketh me that ever I did any displeasure to you. Ye truly said themperour think not the contrary therfore now be in peace, and so themperour took her with him into his tent, and cleped and kissed h●r oftentimes that at the last it came to the hearing of king Emendus how that themperour had a great battle with them of the castle, and how that he had lost al his people that he had sent thither, than he armed him and well to●he numbre of .xxx. thousand and came to the emperours tent to comfort him of his loss, than it was shewed to themperour how that the king was coming toward him. He shal be welcome said th. I sir said proserpina I am now under your keeping, for goddes sake let my father do me no villainy. Be not afraid for I warrant you said themperoure Than the king entred into the pauilyon and as soon as he saw proserpyne he wende verily it had be Florence his daughter& said, what thou strumpet art thou nowhere, where is that rybaud knight Arthur that hath kept the thus long, is he now become thy safeguard, I trow now thou weenest to make thy peace, but by the faith that I owe unto the crown of Sorolois thou shalt never escape out of prison as long as I live thou shalt do me no more shane now that I haue the. sir said themperour for goddes sake be not so sore displeased for she hath done no trespass,& if she haue I forgive it her for ever, and sir so shal ye do for the love of me, and Florence I require you gail down before your father and cry him mercy. sir said she with a right good will, than she kneeled down before her father& said, gentle king and dere father haue mercy on me& forgive me your yl will, and the king who was stylful of fervent ire and despite lift up his foot and struck her therwith in the mids of the breast& so overthrew her wide open to the earth. And when themperour saw that he was right sore displeased& said sir king ye haue done me grete villainy for I had assured her that she should haue had no hurt neither of you nor of none other,& she is in my pauylion and in my keeping, and she is mine and yet ye bete her here before my face. well sir emperor said the king in an ill hour she is arrived here, for whether ye will or not she shall be cast in to perpetual prison, than the king took her by the arm and drew her to him ward, to thentent to haue led her forth out of the tent, but themperour took her in his arms& said sir king hold you still or by the faith that I owe to mine empire yf ye set hands on her ony more ye and I shalbe enemies together for evermore. Than was the king more displeased than he was before, and life up his hand& gave her a grete blow or two under the cheek as she stood in themperours arms. Than themperour said what strike ye her for all my prayer and between mine arms in my keeping by the faith that I owe unto god it sore grieveth me,& therwith he took his sword in his hand& gave the king a puissant stroke. Than the king drew his sword& gave again th a grete stroke, than the king company assailed themperour, and themperyence ran on the king, and so ther were well to the nombre of .xxx. thousand on both parties, than there began among them a grete battle& a fierce so that ther were many slain and hurt, and among them ther was such a noise that Arthur and his company might well here them as they were in the castle,& they went ●o the windows and looked out at them to know what noise that was, and ther they saw a fierce battle without in the field among their enemies,& they sent out a spy to know the truth what it might be,& he went and came again and reported to Florence& to them all how it was, and for what occasion the battle was between the king& themperour. never trust me said Florence but that Prose●pyne is in themperours tent, and they ween all how that I were there among them, for I remember well she said ones to me and to Arthur also how that she would cause as much hate& strife to be among them as ever was love. verily madam said Arthur ye say very trouth, for I am well remembered so I herde ones say, and ever this battle increased more& more, for the people drew to on both parties, the which had turned to grete damage on both parties yf the .iiii. kings had not ben, for they did so much that with grete pain and jeopardy, they departed them, and than suddenly proserpina was vanished away so that none wis● where she was become, and as soon as every man was unarmed, themperour departed and went his way toward his own country, and his people comforted him to the best of their power, and the king was in his tent and trembled for ire, and therwith there came to him one of the emperours dukes and said sir my lord themperour quyreth you of the gi●● of Florence your daughter, for he careth neither for you nor for her, nor for none of your loues, nor for nothing that ye haue or shall haue, and by me he defyeth you, and biddeth you to be ware of him at this next cestes, for than he will come and make war against you with an hundred thousand men of war. Than the king of orqueney said, sir say unto your Emperour that yf he come he shall finde that will speak with him not to his pleasure,& I ensure you yf he come not he shal be sought where so ever he be to thentent to haue his heed brought into this country, therfore show him that yf he will come and bring himself into this realm he shall ease us of much pain. Than the duke departed, and the king Emendus abode still in grete malencoly Than the king of valefounde said to him sir here is begon a great business▪& many inconuenientes are like to follow thereby, therfore sir it shal be needful for you to purvey for people,& for the best knights that ye can gete, for themperour is a puissant prince,& hath many friends, gentle king suffer yourself to be counseled both to your profit& honour, sir for goddes sake leave this abusion thus to lay siege to your daughter,& do no more against your own promise& agreement nor strive no more against your daughters destiny, for there is no profit can come to you thereby but many ill inconuenyentes may ensue thereby,& hath done all redy as it hath appeared by the duke of bigor for he hath received death,& sir ye were in grete displeasure with the king of orqueney& with me,& banished us out of your court, also sir ye were in grete abusyon at cornyte at the church door when ye wende to haue married Florence to themperour& now ye be fallen with him at grete mortal war, and sir this emperour hath lost a king& .ii. dukes& all their people slain and all this is done because ye obstinate against Florence destiny, therfore now sir do yet the best, appease yourself& make peas with your daughter& with the good knight Arthur,& desire him to aid you against this emperour, for one thing I say that he hath in his company many of the best knights of al the world,& sir if ye may haue them ye need not to fear themperour nor yet all the world, sir I counsel you thus to do. Ye said the king& would ye haue me to do thus, how should I than haue ony honour or famed in this world sith she shamefully hath forsaken me& is gone away with this strange knight▪ well sir quod the king of valefound your daughter I ensure you right sagely behaveth her self as she that nothing will do against her destiny,& because ye would haue constrained her to haue married against her will, therfore she is come in to this strong● castle for to withstand this emperour, sir she hath with her your own broder tharchebyshop& her cousin duke philip of sa●ary.&. v. C. of her knights,& sir ther is none of all these that for all the good in the world they would not suffer ony inconuenientes between her& this knight Arthur, but sir she feareth that this emperour would do her damage, therfore she hath retained him& such other as be of his company because that he is the most best knight of all the world now living, wherein sir she hath done wisely, for ye may se how at all poyntes they haue displeased this emperour and slain of his men, sir your daughter is your own,& this emperour is now your mortal enemy▪ but sir your love ought for to be on your daughter,& bear you fiercely against your enemies and not against h●r whom ye should love. Than the king said, sir by the good lord I am at this present time so overcome with displeasure that I can not as now receive your words in gree, I shall advise me well this night& to morrow I shall answer you. sir ye say well said the kings and .xii. peers Than the king was unarmed& al other in like wise, than the tables were spread and every man sate down& made good cheer, and so passed forth the time with the king till it was time to go to rest.   

¶ How that after themperour was thus departed in displeasure and had defied the king with mortal war the next night following by the subtle arte of master steven al the kings host was brought every man fast a sleep,& in the mean time the master and five other knights with him bare the king Emendus fast a sleep as he lay, bed and all up in to the palace of the castle of the port noyre. Capitulo. lxxxxii.  
THus as the king Emendus and his lords were in their tentes right sore troubled& abashed of the debate that was risen between the king and themperour for the love of Proserpyne as ye haue herde here before all that season Arthur and his company were in the castle laughing and having good game of the beginning of the occasion of the strife between the king and the emperour, and so all that day they were in grete feest and joy till it was time to go to their rests, and so every man went thereto save the master,& he was in his doublet because that the weather was somewhat hote,& in his company there was duke philip, Brysebar, governar, Hector, and Clemenson, and Perdycas, and they played and sp●rted them together till it was ver● late, than governar said to the master, sir yonder in the heaven ye may se many stars, but I pray you how can ye know by them what should fall after. sir said the master the science therof is right pleasant and goodly. I pray your master said Hector look now up in to the heaven& behold the planets and look& ye can perceive ●ny thing that should advantage or elles hurtful to us, and so for their pleasure the master looked up& beholded the heaven a grete space,& at last he said, lords& friends and ye be held the planets& could consider them as well as I do ye should clearly perceive that we be at thende of our war, for we shal haue shortly peas,& as I think verily we shall haue Arthur to our lord& master. sweet master said duke philip& I pray you how shal al this come to pass. verily sir I se well by the course of the stars many marvels, for the planet that as now sinneth who hath the governance over the king Emendus is now in that point that yf we might haue the king we should lightly haue peace with him,& I know well by the planet that he is as now laid in his bed in his pavilion and is fast a sleep& all his host, and I know such a charm that yf I do cast it, neither he nor none of his shal awake till it be to morrow fair day, therfore let us go out in to the field and bring hither the king, and than shall we haue our peas sone made. In the name of god said Brisebar shane haue he that faileth so to do. Let us go streight way said governar, than they all aparayled them and went out of the castle as rejoicingly as they could, and desire the marks to keep the gates open till they returned, and when they approached nere to the tentes, than the master blew such a blast that ther arose a grete storm and a thick gat, so that they loost clene the sight of the ●entes, and therwith every man that was waking in the field fell fast a sleep, than the master and his company w●nt to the kings tent, and there they found him in his rial bed fast a sleep,& grete lights of wax burning before him, and so among them they took the hole bed and the king lyenge in it, and bare it fair and softly up to the castle, and dyde set down the bed in the grete hall of the palace, and so set four torches of wax burning before him, and so they dyde let him lie still. Than the master said I will retou●ne again to the tentes and awake the king my father and show him howe that we haue the king within the castle with us And so he went into his faders tent and vndyde his enchantment, and so than he was brought unto his faders beds side, and than he sate him down fair and softly, and abode till the king his father awoke by himself, and than the master said, sir be ye a sleep. Nay said the king who be ye that speaketh to me thus early. sir I am steven your sone saint mary said the king who hath brought you hither, gete you hens for& king Emendus may take you ther is no gold nor silver that shal save you fro the death. sir said the master the king is as now more in my danger than I am in his, for sir he is in the castle fast a sleep A sleep in the castle said the king how can that be, how is he come thither, or how should he be a sleep among his enemies sir truly we haue this night born him to the castle in his bed fast a sleep, for sir by the subtle ar●e of nygromancy I brought him& all his host fast a sleep, therfore sir I am come to you for to haue your counsel what we shall do with him either slay him or save him on live. slay him said the king saint mary look that ye touch him not to his hurt, but honour ye him as much as ye may, abide ye here a little space, and I will arise,& go speak with the king of Orqueney,& as soon as he was redy they went both together to the king of Orqueney, who was as than fast a sleep in his tent, than they awoke him& recounted to him al the matter. Than the king of valefounde said sir for goddes sake help to make the peas among vs. Than the king said sirs I think it were best to go and wake al the other kings and .xii. peers, and let them come hither, and so they were incontinent sent for, and they came thither straight ways, and as soon as they were come and herde all the case how it was. Than the king of valefounde said, sirs let us every man ●et to our hands to make the peas for as now we are nere at the point let us go all to the castle and say to the king how that al we were ●orne in like wise as he was up in to the castle whiles that we were a slepe, and than when he seeth and h●reth that we all be taken innkeepers, and that he hath none now in all his host that is able to maintain his war he will the sooner be converted and brok●n fro his purpose. And they all answered and said, sir ye haue right well devised the matter, we be al content thus to do, than they all departed rejoicingly that none of the host espied them, and went up into the castle,& so there they went to their beds, and lay still till it was in the morning, than in the morning betimes the master and Hector went to Arthur and awoke him and said, sir ye haue here in your company the king Emendus and al the other four kings and the .xii. peers. And where are they said Arthur. Here win this fair chamber said Hector. I gentle master said Arthur blessed be the hour that ever ye were born, for now I trust we shal haue peas let us go cause Florence and the archbishop to arise, and so they dyde, and when they were up and redy& herde these tidings they were right joyful, than tharchebys●hop said let us go and cause to arise the king of valefounde and the king of Orqueney and the king of Ismaelyte● and the king of mormall,& al the .xii. p●res,& than let us take counsel together& se what shall be done ferder in this matter,& duke philip went for them, and as soon as they were come they saluted Arthur and Florence. Than the bishop said, sirs now there is noo more to do but let every man take their harneys, than Arthur, duke philip, Hector,& governar armed them,& two. C. other knights in their company, than the bishop said, sirs now shal the king Emendus doubt when he seeth you,& the sooner he will agree to make peas with you Than the king of valefounde said, faire lady Florence ye shal go to the king your faders bed& wake him. Alas said Florence shal I go to him& he hateth me deadly, I fear me he will slay me. madam {quod} the king of mormal there is not so hard a hearted man but that a woman shal molyfy him, for there was never so grete wrath but a woman may appease it, therfore madam go your way to him, for I warrant you ye shall make your peas yourself. well quod Florence I shal go to him god be my help, than she departed& went softly into the chamber where as the king her father lay, than she opened the windows& did out the lights of ware, and went fair& softly to the kings beds side, and when she saw that he slept fast she sate her down by him on the beds feet.   

¶ How that king Emendus when that he awoke forgave all his ill will to Florence his daughter, and dyde put all the governing of his realm into her hands. Capitulo. lxxxxiii.  
THus as Florence sate on her faders beds feet a good space, at last the king felt one sitting on his beds feet therwith he awoke& opened his eyen,& beheld the grete windows open before him fair glazed& the sone shining all about the chamber the which was hanged right richly, than the king marveled greatly where he was and was sore afraid and blessed him of tentymes and said, saint marye where am I, what am I betrayed, that arte thou that syttest on my beds feet. sir said she I am your daughter Florence,& when the king perceived that it was sh● he said, who hath brought thee in to this place where as I am sith thou hast shamed thyself with a fugityue knight. A sir said Florence for goddes sake say ye so no more for by the holy baptism that I received at the fon●e ston& on the damnation of my soul my body was never by him nor by none other enpayred neither in word nor in dede. certainly said the king fool as thou arte I believe thee not, why hast thou elles ben so much in his company without doing of any other thing, for look where as the ●●rt is there is the body abandoned, for the body enclyneth to the heart. why said Florence it needeth not always to accomplysh● al the wills of the heart, but such as are honourable& good. sir said the king what honour is this for you thus to hold yourself in prison privily hid with a strange knight,& to leave such a noble marriage as I would haue given to you sir said she yf it please you I ●hal show you as to that I haue left you and come h●der, it is of trouth I saw well ye were of the mind to haue given me in marriage to this emperour the which truly w●s against my mind for I ha●e him to the death, in so much that I would it had cost me the one half of my lands so that I had his heed fro his shoulders, so that I should not offend god, and sir in this grete hate rede yf I should haue taken him my heart should never haue b●n in peace till I had caused him peradventure to haue lost his life,& thereby should I haue ben reputed a false murderer& dampned my soul perpetually,& to you this should haue ben a grete shane& reproach for I am sure yf I should haue died in the quarrel I should haue said gramercy to him that would haue brought me his heed, for I am in fear I should haue put my soul in i●opardy to haue gone to the devil of hell, and as finding in some maner of ways to haue shorted his mortal life,& so in this I should haue become cruel, and lost my womans heart, sir I ensure you this was my will and entencion,& sir to eschew al these perils& inconuenyentes I am come hither, for I know well that yf I had tarried with you ye wolde haue caused me to haue had him against my will, therfore I durst not dyscouer my courage unto you, but I shewed my mind to your broder the noble archbishop who is mine uncle& father in god& confessor, he hath all this season taken hede to me both coming and going, in chamber and out of chamber, therfore inquire of him& of duke philip of sabary and of all my other barons& knights ladies& damoyselles whether than I haue dys●on●stly ordered myself or not,& sir as for the knight that ye speak of I haue none otherwise done with him but as my destiny hath given me,& sir thus hath ben al my deling therfore sir for goddes sake haue pity on me your own humble child, ye be my lord and father,& I am your daughter, ye are left unto me in the stede of my moder, who I am sure and she had lived would haue endured grete trouble rather than I should haue ben married against my will& destiny,& sir sith ye are left me in the stede of my moder for goddes sake than leave your faderly h●rte and take a moderly heart unto you, sir accomplish my desire& let never this emperour haue me, I love you& doubt you as I ought to do my dere father, wherefore sir open your heart and take pity on your child, and therwith she began ruefully to weep so the grete plenty of silver drops fell down on her breasts. And when the king saw her& herde he● speak to humbly his heart could no longer endure in the rigour, but it began to melt& said, well daughter Florence appease yourself and weep no more I shal speak of this matter with my counsel, where is Guylliā my chamberlayne cause him to come to me for I will ●yse. Sir quod she he is without in the field in your tent. saint mary said the king& how am I than brought into this place. certainly sir ye we brought hither right softly for fear of waking of you,& in like wise so be al your .iiii. kings and xii. peers, for they knew nothing therof till they awoke this morning. verily {quod} the king this was wondrously well slept● of us al, give me my doublet and I will rise, than Florence gave it him and laced his greves& took a keruerchefe& did cast it about his shoulders& took a comb and right softly dyde comb his heed the which right well pleased the king,& so she made him redy at al poyntes, and than he issued out o● the chamber and lead Florence by the hand, who made somewhat semblant to be sorrowful, and when they were entred into this palace the king saw al his other. ●iii kings and xii. peers than he smiled a little& said● lords the lady of this place hath made better war than any of us hath done, for we are now more in her danger than she is in ours. Than the king of mormal said, sir than it is nedefu● to us that we take good hede that we displease her not. well said the king but were a●l we brought hither without knowledge of our people in the field, by the faith that I owe to god I haue wonder howe it might be. And therwith they heard a great cry and clamour without in the field among his people, and the king marveled what it might be. verily sir said he king of orqueney I believe it be for you, and for us because they know not where we are become. For goddes sake said the king send word out to them, and show how that I command them to be in peace, and so incontinent there was a messenger sent to them. Than the king of mormall said unto Florence, madam I require you depart out of this chamber for a season, for we will speak with the king in cou●sayle▪ than she departed Than th● king of mormall said, sir before ye came to us we were speaking of you, and I shal tel you what it was, sir it is of trouth that ye know well the destiny of Florence your daughter that who so ever take her in marriage, without it be he to whom that she is destinied unto ●hal note scape without death as it appeareth plainly by this emperor, for I believe verily that yf he enforce himself any ferder▪ to haue her it will coste him his life, and sir ye did se howe that the image did give her chaplet unto this knight Arthur who is above all other most chief in chyualry and sir ye dydd● seal and swear to keep the appointment that was made, and in like wise dyde we al your kings and .xii. peers, therfore sir it is our mind and counsa●l that ye accomplish you promise whereto y● haue set your writing and great seal, and sir do ye so that ye may haue the accord and good will of this knight Arthur the which shal be right needful for you for the sustaynyng of your war,& sir a● we be of this accord, why sirs said the king and will ye ha●e me too give my daughter and heir unto a strange knight, and we know nothing of his gentleness or parage, for he may be of such lineage that it should be great villainy to me and to al my realm to give her unto him, and al ye that counsel me thereto should be greatly blamed. Than the king of valefound said, sir a man ought not to demand for good wine where as it groweth, nor a wise valiant man fro whence he cometh, we se and know well the hye surmountyng beauty of his body, for sir in all your realm there is not a goodlyer man at all poyntes, and also we may se his great gentleness how that he giuethe all about unto knight●s horses and harness, robes, and gold and silver great plenty and he is endowed above al other with this noble virtue of lyberalytye, and sir the swe●tenes and grace that is in him can not be recounted, and the redoubted chyualrye that is in him is incomparable, sir yf there were noo thing elles in him it were sufficient enough for him to attain thereby unto great excellent honour and noble dygnytye, howe be it sir sand for his cousin Hector, who is here within this place, and also for governar who is a right sage knight, and let us take their promise to t●l us the troth where that Arthur was born and of what lineage he is come for peradventure we shal sooner know it by them than by himself, for I am sure he will not praise himself, for I never saw so good a knight and so little auaunture. Than they said all with one voice, sir this king saith well than they sent for Hec●or& governar and when the king Emendus saw Hector who was big and great and well furnisshed in al his membres and holding his hand on the pommel of his sword and ioked fiercely. Than the king said, this knight is to be redoubted I wot not what he is. Than they answered& s●id, sir themp●rours people knoweth right well to whom he belongeth, sir surely ●rthur& he calleth each other cousins Than the king called them to him& said lords we haue sent to speak with you, ye be both fair persons and haue right great semblant to be wise, and so we believe verily that ye be, yet nevertheless we will hau● your promise that ye shal show us the trouth of that thing that we will demand of you and that for love or promise loss or winning to you or to any other that ye haue shal show nothing to us but the trouth of our demand. certainly sir we faithfully promise you to show you any thing that we can do, so that it turn to no villainy to us nor to any lord& master. well sir said the king I pray you who is your lord and master. sir as god help me Arthur is our lord. And what hold you of him said the king. Ue●ely sir said Hector a duchy& an earldom, I hold of him. That is a great thing said the king and ye sir governar what hold you of him. As god help me sir all that ever I haue in this world. Than he is a great man said the king. Ye sir truly said Hector that he is. And of whom was he born said the king and of what country and of what lineage. As touching that ye shal pardon us, for that will we not show you without his licence, than Arthur was sent for, and as soon as the kyuge saw him al his displeasure passed away, than the king desired him so heartily that at the last he gave licence to Hector and to governar to show the king what he was. Than Hector said sir by the assurance and promise that I haue made to you I shal show you the trouth now that the hath given me lycence● sir this knight Arthur is the al onely son to my lord the noble duke of britain, and nephew to the earl of Bloys, and of the lineage of the Duke of lancaster in England. By my promise said governar al that Hector hath said is of a trouth. In the name of god said the king than he is of a sufficient gentle lineage, howe say ye my kings and peers. As god help me said the king of mormal, sir al we will counsel you that ye deliver to him the honour that god hath predestynate for him, that is to say, let him haue my lady Florenc● your daughter, and unto this sir we al be agreed how say ye my lords do I say well or not. And they al answered with one voice that they were al of the same accord. And than the archbishop was sent for, who was soon agreed to this purpose. Than the king said, lords and friends ye will that I shal do this as ye al be accorded unto, wherewith I am content, and if good happen to come therof it shal please me right well, and yf it be otherwise the blame shal be too you, for ye cause me thus to do. And they al answered and said that the were content to bear the burden therof. Than the bishop said, sir ●efuse not ●hus to do, for sir he hath been assured to her ever sith the time that the chaplet was given him at Cornyte. well said the king sith it is so far forth gone I will than make no longer delay in the matter, than he called Arthur to him& sent for Florence& said daughter Florence I haue ben in communication before this time with themperour to haue married you to him, who as at this day I hate of al men living, for as now I would not that I had done so for this castle full of gold and silver, but now my kings and peers of this realm doth counsel me to give you in marriage to this knight Arthur, and if it please you I am content therwith, therfore show me your pleasure. right dere father said Florence he is nearer to my heart than ever was the emperour sir I will not refuse him, but am reday to fulfil your pleasure. Than the king took a ring fro her finger and said to Arthur, s●r here I give you Florence my daughter& put you in full possession of her by this ring,& of al the hononre that partayneth to her to haue during my life, on the condition that I will be king still as long as I live& you to be king after my deth●& fro hence forth I put the keeping of all my realm into your hands, and I will sit still in peas now in mine old daies,& ye shal haue the pain and travail yf dede requireth, and god be your guide in al your works. Than Arthur kneeled down and took the ring. Than al the olher .iiii. kings took him up and did him honour& reverence as to their lord and sovereign,& Arthur took the fair lady Florence in his arms and kissed her right sweetly, the which he never did till the same time, and that he swore on al the saints before the king too put him out of suspect, whereof the king had great ioy, and so was clene out of al sorrow when there Arthur was put in possession of the lady Florence. Than there began great feast and ioy, and than they went to dinner and were s●rued right richly,& than it was published through out ●l the host both within the castle and without how that Arthur was insured to the fair lady Florence, and accorded with the king, than in al the host there was made great feast and triumph for ioy, and every man said to other now haue we a noble and a good lord, now let themperour do what he list, and blessed be the mother that bare this noble knight Arthur, and god save al them that ever hath given counsel in this matter, ●han they al did send unto the king, and requyre● him that their new lord mygh●●ome into the host to thentent that they might se him, and when the king herde th●yr request it pleased him right well& commanded that Arthur should be appareled in royal vestures, than Arthur was arrayed as it appertained to a lord of such a great host, he had on a cote of scarlet, and a syrcote of green sarc●ne●●u●red with menyuers, and over that a garment of silk rayed with gold and a long mantell of violet satin, and he seemed to be as fair as an angel descended from heaven. Than the king stood before him and held in his hand Florence his daughter who did right swetelye behold him, and al the four kings and xii. per●s stood and beheld him he was hye and big and surmountynge al other in statu●e. Than the king caused him to mount on a fair palf●ay. And when the lady Margarete ●aw him she said to Floeence. madam behold what a mannerly man god hath sent you he had done more honour for you than for any creature in all the world. Than the .iiii. kings and .xii peers and Hector governar, duke Philip and the master and mo than .v. C other knights mounted on their horses and conveyed Arthur into the host,& clarence his good sword was born al naked before him in signifying that he was chief champion of al the realm. Than the king caused to be cried throughout al the host, how that he had committed to Arthur al the cure and charge of his realm, and charged every body that they should obey him as their proper king and sauerayne lord. And as he road throughout the host and passed for by every man said welcome our new lord, god increase thyn honour,& so every man made great joy to behold him. And thus the king sojourned at the port noyre .viii. dayes in great feast and joy.   

¶ How that Arthur demanded congee and licence of king Emendus father to his lady Florence to depart into britain to se the duke of britain his father and the duchess his mother, the which licence they gave him with much pain and Florence was in great sorrow for his departing. Capi. lxxxxiiii  
AT the end of .viii. daies the king made to be cried that the host should depart every man homeward and commanded them to be redy at a day warning,& gave them gold and silver grete plenty. Than Arthur came to the king& said, sir it is of trouth that when I departed out of mine own country I promised to my lord my father& to my lady mi mother that yf I lived I would be with them again at the end of .v. yeres at the ferthest, the which shal be now at this hal●n tide, and I know well that yf I break my promise with them they shal never haue ioy, and I am sure they will believe no maner of messenger though he be never so true, therfore sir by your licence I will depart and go se them and return again in as short space as is to me possible. A sir said the king take good hede what your desire is, for one thing I promise you I will never put on my sports for any thing of business that may hap to fall to my ●elme& yours, for the charge therof is now in your hands, therfore sir do as shal be for your honour. sir said Arthur as long as I live there shall need no fear to be had, and certainly I will ●a●y as little space as I may, for as god help me I wolde I had been there and here again, sir here is the king of orqueny whom I shal leave in my stede to do every thing in mine absence that shall be needful to the realm, sir I will take with me my cousin Hector, duke philip, master steven& sir Brysebar. sir said the king take with you, whom it shal please you sith ye will needs go, depart when ye will in the name of god, who be your guide& safeguard and take your leave at Florence or ye depart, than Arthur went into Florence chamber, whom he found weeping, for it was shewed her how that he would go into his own country, she was set on her beds side, and the lady Margaret held before her a keverchefe to wipe withal her eyen, than Arthur embraced her and sayd● mine own dere lady weep no more for as god help me it grieveth my heart right sore to se you do thus, mine own sweet lady for goddes sake be content. A dere heart said Florence now that ye haue me and that I am given unto you, and now ye will leave me, alas it is but a little ●ason that ye haue hold company with me, wherefore I am right sorrowful A right dere& sw●te lady said Arthur as god send me joy and safeguard of you there can not be to me so grete a sorrow as to leave your noble company therefore sweet gentle heart think not that I will leave or forsake you on whom all my heart and faithful love is set and fixed, and by whom I haue al my wealth and honour, ●or I promise you as faithfully as ever any lover can promise his lady that as sone as I can I will return again to you, for I shal think till the season become as long or longer than ye shal do,& madam I do it not but for the love that I owe unto my lord my father and mother, for I fear me that they should be in sorrow for my sake, wherefore mine own good lady& dere heart give me licence to depart as for this time. ●e●tenly dere love {quod} Florence I can not endure to displease you, and I se well how ye be minded to go, wherefore in goddes name go on when ye will, and return again as shortly as you can, and I require you bring hither with you my lord your father and m●der to then●ent that he may se me who is and shal be his daughter. Madam said Arthur with a right good will yf I can bring hithereto, and therwith he cleped and kissed her the which was the second time that ever he kissed her, than Arthur required the fair lady Margarete that she should not depart out of his ladies company. And therewith tharchbyshop came to them, and Arthur desired him that he would comfort and counsel his lady Florence in his absence, and so he departed and took leave of the king and of al other, and so entred into his iourny● and took with him Hector duke philip the master governar,& Brysebar, and xl, other knights, than Hector sent before them a messenger to his city of orgoule whereas Arthur was richly received of the countes and of the fair lady Alyse and of al the barons of that country,& there Arthur tarried .iiii. dayes making great joy, and on the .v day Arthur and his company departed and H●ctor with him, and so entred into their way making great ioy as young people should do for they were glad of their new lord Arthur, who was sweet young and curreys, and of great power and thus they road forth so mer●ly si●gyng& the master was in a cote of ●ar. ever violet, and a mantle of red sent al and his hat in his hand because the w●ther was very ho●e for it was in the month of August, and the merry morning was fair and fresh because of the sweet dew, the lusty birds did merelye sing, and the weather was fair and clear,& this master was young having a lusty heart and full of new love, than he began merelye too sing, saying this swe●e pain of love slayeth mine heart. and al is for you mine own lady. And when Arthur herde him sing, and considered well the dy●rye of his song, he than perceived well how● that his heart was set on love the why●h pleased him right well and caused him to remember his lady Florence, and than he said to the master, sir did ever any love cause y●u to wake one night. By the moder of god sir said he sith that I first did think on my lady I was never so fast a sleep but that I thought my spirit and heart was with her. sir said Brysebar than though ye sing I b●ame you not, for I am sure ye thought on her. By the faith that I owe to god mais●er said duke Philip what was the thing that gave you occasion to love your lady bes●● for what said the master will ye than confess me be ye a priest, I se well ye will ple●e with me I must defend myself, I pray you good master yet show it unto me. well sir said the master I shall show it you, I love her because she is gracious and gentle of heart, for her grace and gentle heart hath me retained into her service, in so much that I quite all the world● for her, for as help me god I haue found in her grace gentleness and sweetness. well master said Philip yet for al this ye know not whether that she loveth you● or beareth to you any faith or trouth● Yes truly sir said the master I know well she beareth to me both faith and love. well master I pray you tell me whether had ye leue● to haue the love of her without trouth● or elles trouth without love, for a woman can not well love mi and you and every body, and do for you and for me and for other, for in that point there lacketh trouth when the love resteth not on him that attendeth therfore, and ● she rest on him, than her love is not generall● and either she loveth you without trouth, or elles she is true without love. what said the master love without trouth is nothing worth, for trouth is the upholder of love, for faithful love is formed of trouth, and what profit should it be for me yf she w●re never so true and l●ued me not, the one can not be without the other, what should it avail me to go seek for her troth, and she love me not, for l●u● is the drawer, and trouth is the upholder, for trouth is the very end of love and therwith he began to sing faith and trouth is in my dere lady, and so they al did laugh at him and made great feast and sport.   

¶ Howe Arthur in the way as he went to britain he arrived in a fair meadow that was joining to the town of lion surle rone, and there he found the king of Malogre accompanied with diverse erles& other barons, and they had there cried a great tourney and there Arthur and his company were friendly received and had grete cheer both of the king and of al other lords& knights. ca. lxxxxv.  
IN this maner as ye haue herd before Arthur& his company ●ode forth till they came within iiii. miles of Lion, and than they sent Bawdwin before to take up their lodging,& as he approached nere to the town of lion he saw the fair meadow the which was between Uyen and lion pyghtfull of tentes and pauylyons, and swarmynge full of knights and horses, and at last bawd wyd espied the pauyl●yn of his old lord and master the young king of Malogre, who did put him to Arthur,& there was the earl of foreste and the earl of nevers and the earl of Foys and the Marshal of myrpoys& the lord of Beauieu and the dolphyn of Uyen, and a great numbre of other people, for they had holden a great tourney the day before,& the same day the king had al these noble men at dinner with him in his pavilion, and in the next day they should depart, and when that Bawdewyn saw the pavilion of his old lord the young king of malogre, he dressed himself the next way thither and without the pauil●on door stood the lord de la land,& with him a .x. other knights and al they beholded Bawdwyn as he was coming, and each of thē said to other. what is he that cometh so rudely, or fro whence cometh he, I can not tel said an other but it seemeth he hath a gre● hast, and ever Bawdewyn approached nearer and nearer. And at last sir dela lounde said, verily me thinketh it would be Bawdewin my lord the kings squire. Verily said an other& so it is in dede. Than Bawdewin alighted fro his horse. And when sir de la lounde saw verily how it was he, as fast as he could he ran,& embraced him and made to him ●ight grete wit and feest,& knights than of al parties of the ●elde b●gan to assemble there till at last tidings came to Alexander the young king how that his old servant and squire Bawdewyn was come, than he commanded that he should be brought to him and so he was, and when he was before the king he kneeled down& saluted the king. Than the king said friend thou art welcome,& how hast that done sith thy departing. certainly sir said he right well, for a man can not be in the company of such a knight as I haue ben withall that can fare amiss. In the name of god said the king and how fareth the noble knight Arthur. sir by the moder of god he doth as the best renowned& praised knight of al the wide world and the most honoured and most hath done of deeds of valu●e and of prowess I being present, and there he recounted many of his deeds, whereat the king and al other had grete marvel& more over sir said Bawdewyn I say that he is at this hour the man of greatest power that I know now living, for he shal be the noble king of Sor●l●ys, for he hath insured the fair lady Florence daughter& heir to the mighty king. Emedus king of Soroloys who hath under his rule four mighty kings& vii. peers in his realm and they be all his men& holdeth their lands of him. By my sole said that king this is a grete thing that ye speak of,& friend where is he now at this present time, or where dyde ye leave him. Sir behold yonder ye may se him coming homeward into his own country. sir I must go before into Lion to take up his lodging. what be they that come with him quod the king. sir there is with him a noble clerk who is called master steven,& he is son to a king,& also the duke of sabary name sir philip,& sir Hector duke of orgoule, sir Brisebar& governar with other .xl. knights of grete valour. In the name of God said the king he shall haue in these parties none other lodging but al onely min. Than he commanded al the erles& barons about him to mount on their horses, and commanded to bring him his own horse for he said plainly he would go meet. Arthur on the way. sir said Bawdewin ye say right well& do nobly to do him that honour, for sir truly he loveth you entirely,& sir I ensure you he is a man of right grete valour. And when the lord de la lounde herde these tidings of Arthur he had right grete joy and ran to the lady his wife& to the lady Rossyllon and to all other ladies& damoyselles,& recounted to them the coming of Arthur and reported of his d●menynge and honour as he had herde Bawdewyn say before, and also he shewed them howe that the king and all the hole assembly were taking of their horses to ride to meet with him on the way. And when these lad●es herde all this they were in great joy because of his coming. Than the lady of Rossyllon said, I se well than that the crownyng that we did to him when we saw him last is well bestowed& employed on him, for it is a grete honour to us sith he hath horn him so valiantly ever sith, therfore let us also go& meet wi●h him and bid him welcome, and do him al the honour that we can do. In the na●e of god said al the other ladies& so let it be done, than they appareled them with ryal vestures, and by that time the king and al his erles and other company were mounted on their horses,& the ladies& damoyselles also,& so road forth together in company. Than Bawdewyn spor●ed his horse as fast as he could to bring these tidings to Arthur. And when governar saw Bawdewin retoune again so fast he said to Hector, sir Bawdewyn torneth again what it meaneth I wote not. And when he was come again unto Arthur he said, sir behold yonder cometh the young king of mal●gre& the earl of Fois,& the earl of foreste& the earl of nevers, the lord of Beauieu and the lord de la lounde, the marshal of myrpoys,& the dolphyn of vyen and all their ladies with them,& they are coming to meet with you to welcome you into this country,& mo tha● a. M. horse in their company,& the king will not suffer ye shal haue ony other lodging but with him. And when Arthur herde this he had right grete joy and said, a good lord I thank your grace that ye haue given me so many honours, than he said to the master and to duke philip, sirs hold you nere me, and so they did,& than he said to thē certainly sirs ye shall se here people of a noble behaviour& honour& well ordered and so they road forth fair& easily till both parties approached nere togyder●& as soon as Arthur saw the king& his barony,& specially the fresh ladies and damoyselles he and al his did alyghte of their horses, and in like wise dyde the king and all his company,& there they met and embraced each other with m●che grete ioy and triumph, and Hector and governar were much made of because of their old acquaintance among them. Than Arthur went to the ladies and would not haue suffered them to haue light fro their horses, but the lady Rossillon dyde whether he wolde or not, and she ran to him and embraced and kissed him right sweetly, what shall I say more all the hole assembly were in grete joy because of the coming of Arthur. And when duke philip and the master saw the grete feest and honour that was done to him, both of the king and of all other erles and barons, knights& squires, ladies and damoyselles, than in their hearts they praised Arthur more than they dyde before. Than Brysebar said, this gentleman I se well is none orphelyne in his own country, he needeth not to care for the emperour yf these people will help and aid him, a Florence I s● well ye be well assured, would to God with a wish that ye were nowhere present that ye might se this joy. And this king held still Arthur by the hand and demanded of him what knights the master and duke philip were. And he answered& said, sir this is a sovereign clerk a knight and a duke and sone to a king right noble and puissant, and sir this other is duke of Sabary a right noble and a doughty knight, than the king took them by the hands and said, lords ye be right heartily welcome into this country, and to you sirs we will make fe●st and joy, as for Arthur we care not for● let him make himself there and h● list. Than they mounted on their horses and road forth toward the tentes in the field, and the king would haue had them to haue riden before him to thentent to do them the more honour thereby, but than the master said, sir for goddes sake pardon us, for sir we and servants to my lord Arthur here present, for we hold of him therfore sir by your licence we will not ride before him sirs quod the king as in that ye shal bear him honoar, therfore by the faith that I owe unto you ye ●hal ride on before, so than they went forth before, and the earl of foreste, and the earl of Foys, and the earl of nevers were with Arthur, and Hector and governar were with the dolphin of vyen and the marshall of myrpoys,& in this maner they came to the kings tent, and they dyde than wash their hands and went to dinner, than the king sate down on the hye bench and commanded Arthur the master, and duke philip to sit down by him, and all other according to their estates, and there they were richly served. Than the ladies sent a present to Arthur of fresh chaplettes to thentent that he should give them where as it liked him best, and than Arthur dyde give them unto the king and to the master, and to duke philip and to all other erles and barons, and when they had dined, than the lord de la lounde came to Arthur fro the ladies and said, sir all the hole assembly of ladies and damoyselles sendeth their recommendacions unto you as to him that they ones crwoned king of all knights that were assembled together at that time, and they al desire you that ye will come in to their tent to sport you with them, and to bring in your company whom as it shall please you best. so than the king and he, the master, duke Philip, and all the other erles and grete barons went thither, and ther they were received with grete joy and feest, than these ladies began to dance, carowle,& to sing with these lords and knights And at the last the king said to master steven a gentle master and why do ye not play and sport you among these ladies& damoyselles, be they not meetly fair, gentle and noble. king said the master by my soul they are right gentle noble and beautiful, but sir with sporting among them I can little skill. why master said the king what play than will ye sport you withal. verily sir said duke philip he can many goodly plays yf he wolde use them, for there is not in all this world his match. A gentle master said the king by the faith that ye owe unto Arthur I require you show us some of your sports for a pastaunce. master {quod} Arthur I pray you do so. Well said the master sith it pleaseth you I am content, than within a while the master caused in the mids of the house suddenly a fair fountain to appear,& in the highest therof ther stood a horse of crystal, and out of diverse places therof ther issued out streams of sweet crystal line water, and that horse stood quaking seeming to be quick, and round about this fountain there seemed to be fair green bushes& fair green hills covered with violets sweet smellinge, and roses with other sweet flowers grete plenty, and diverse maner of birds synginge melodyously,& so all the ladies& damoyselles that were ther left their dauncynge and carowlinge and dyde wash their hands at this fresh fountain,& made chaplettes of the faire flowers that they saw ther growing and herkened to the sweet armony of the birds,& they had grete marvel what it might be, or fro whence it might come so suddenly,& all the lords& knights were greatly abashed with that sight. Than the master caused to be coming into the hall .ii. C. varlettes vestured all in coats of scarlet paled with green, and. ii.3C. trumpets sowninge all at ones, than the knights and ladies beheld what it might mean And at last they entred into the hall and after them by seminge ther cam a clerk right fair and gracious, and he had on a rob of scarlet lined with green sendal and his cap in his hand,& this clerk had stonding by him a fresh green hawthorn full of fair blossoms right sweet smelling, and in the highest of this three there was one branch that surmounted all the other, whereon there sate a nyghtyngale the most fair& gracious of al the world and best singing, than she lift up her heed and filled her throat full of wind the more shryller to verse out her sweet voice, her synging pleased so well all the ladies that each of them wished to haue had her in a cage. Than the king and Arthur rose& went nere to behold this marvel, than the lady marshal put up her hand to the intent to haue taken the nightyngale, but she could not attain thereto, than the clerk that kept the hawthorn said, madam& yf ye will haue my bird peradventure ye shall haue her& yf ye be such as ought to haue her, for yf it be so that ye or ony other lady here in this company dyde never trespass in marriage neither by thought nor dede such one may take her at her own will, but& yf they haue done ony fault let them not offer to haue her, for they shal fail of her And when the king herd that he laughed a good place& said, let se who will enter covetise to haue this Ioly bird& than every ma● was agreed that al the countesses should assay each after other, than the lady marshal thought to haue departed away rejoicingly, but than the clerk called her again& said, madam ye were the first right now that would haue taken my bird,& so shall ye be again now at this time, therfore m●dame come forth and assay what ye can do, than the king caused her to assay w●eder ●he would or not, and than she put up her hand but she could not attain thereto by two cubits of length. And when the lady Rossyllon saw that than she said, madam this bird teacheth us to speak of our old works, now it appeareth yf ye haue ben always in your prayers or not, ones ye said words to me the which ye know not, but now I may say to you such as I se, than the coū●esse and grete ladies went one after an other, but all they failed of their purpose. And at thende the king caused the lady Rossyllon to assay,& as soon as she did put up her hand toward the bird the gentle nyghtyngale dyde descend down and sate her on her hand, and yet this was not to her very grete praise, for she had not ben long married Than the erles dyde laugh at their wives, but yet some of them were not very well content. Than the master caused suddenly all this to vanish away both clerk and three, bird and all, than every man marveled what this might be,& they wende that they had dreamed al this and the king smiled at this matter, and went and sate down together the king and Arthur and the master and all other lords. Than the king said, as god help me I would it had cost me the half parte of my realm, so that this master were always in my company, and that he loved me as well as he d●●th Arthur. sir said Arthur he hath ryght● well shewed to me that he loveth me, for sir sith I departed fro you I haue had war with .vii. kings& an emperour, and sir this emperour will come again now at this next eester to make war with the mighty king of Soroloys for the defiance is made between both parties, wherefore I must return again as shortly as I can. why sir said that king ●hall ye than haue war the nex● e●st●r. Ye surely sir, for it is sworn and cried on both parties. And when shall ye wed this lady Florence of whom I haue herde so much speaking of. sir said Arthur if God will give me the honour of this war I shall wed her incontinent after. By saint John sir said the king I wolde I were at that war, at the day of your wedding. why sir said the dolphyn and ye would so thē go thither why sir said the king yf I go will ye go also. Ye sir with all my heart,& that I faithfully assure you. well said the king keep your prom●sse,& I ensure you that I will go with .v. C. men of war in my company. And I promise you said the dolphyn that I will go& a. C. men of arms with me. And without me shall ye not go said therle of foreste. promise that faithfully {quod} the king,& as much said therle of nevers,& so far went this matter that the earl of mo●nt belial,& the earl of Foys,& the lord Beauieu●& the m●rshall of mirpoys promised all together that each of thē would go with .ii. C in their company,& there appoynted again to meet in the same place in the mids of lent. Than Arthur thanked them& said, sirs I trust at the said day to be here again with you,& brige with me my dere father and moder,& so than we will d●parte together And when these ladies herde how that Arthur would bring thither the duchess his moder, than they all desired of their husbands that they might go with the duchess when she were come,& the king was well content therwith and desired the erles and barons that it might be so. And so at the last it was agreed and accorded that they should al go together Thus was Arthur and his company .iii. dayes with the king and with these erles in grete feest and joy.   

¶ Howe that Arthur& Hector his cousin with all their company arrived at Bloys and how the earl of Bloys father to Hector, and the countess his moder, and all the hole barony of the realm met them on the way& received them with great joy, for they had ben before in grete fear that Arthur their nephew and Hector their sone had ben dead. Capi. lxxxxvi.  
SO on the fourthe day Arthur& his company took leave of the king, and of the erles and barons, ladies& damoyselles and took his right way toward the town of estampes, than Arthur sent jaket his squire before to Blois to give the earl knowledge how that Arthur his nephew& H●ctor his son would be with him the sondaye next following, than jaket departed and mounted first to orliaunce& there he found therle of Bloys who was right sorrowful in his heart because he could here noo maner of tidings of Hector his son, wherefore he was in grete doubt masspriest that he should haue ben dead, than jaket mounted up in to the hall where as therle was,& as soon as he saw jaket he ●ose and embraced him, and demanded of him howe that Arthur and Hector his sone did. As god help me sir said jaket they do humbly salute you by me● and sendeth you word how that they will be with you this sondaye next coming hole& in good health thanked be god as grete lords and puissant knights, for sir I say unto you how that Hector your son is earl of Brule and duke of orgoule& is right rich& puissant. Ye jacket said the earl& who hath given him this honour. sir by the moder of god my lord Arthur who dyde conquer it with his sword as he that is the best knight of all the world. A good lord said therle humbly I thank your grace sith that my child is so well purveyed, than the earl dyde send a messenger to al his friends giuing them knowledge how that his sone was comi●g home ward who was become right puissant and noble, commaundinge them for joy to hang the streets of the town. And as soon as the countesse herd of these tidings she mounted up in to her chariot& came to orlyaunce to the meeting of her sone,& so therle& all his company dyde m●te Arthur& Hector& their compa●y at cietry, and there received them with gr●te cheer& joy, than all the noble men of the coun●re came thither to se Arthur& Hector, and so all together they went to bloys and there they se●o●●ned viii. dayes making great feast and joy.   

☞ How Arthur arrived in britain and how the duke his father& al his chivalry met& received Arthur with grete honour& triumph,& howe that the duchess his moder swooned for joy when ●●e saw her sone Arthur, and in like wise dyde Iehannet his old love, whereof the master& Philip had gre●e fear masspriest that Iehannet should draw away Arthurs heart fro Florence because of the grete love that they saw between them. Ca. lxxxxvii.  
AT the end of .viii. dayes Arthur called to him jaket& said, friend ye must go to my lord and father and to my lady my moder and to Iehannet and salute me right humbly unto them, and show them how that I will be with them the .xv. day after saint Martyn,& show also to my lord and father how that ther cometh in my company a sone to a king and a duke right mighty and puissant than say that I desire him to send for parte of his friends to keep them company when they shall be come to him. Sir said jaket I shal do your message in the best wise, for he was g●adde to go. Than governar said jaket I pray you let me be humbly recommaunded to my lord and to my lady& to Iehannet. It shalbe done sir said jaket& ●o departed& road so long till at last he came to Nauntes on a friday at night,& there he demanded tidings of the duke,& there it was shewed him how that the duke& the duchess were departed to the castle of the forest, and fro thence they should depart to thabbey of Iannebon,& than they shal come to the city of vennes, and there to sojourned nere till it be crystmasse,& than to come again to Nauntes where as they will keep open court, for he hath summoned al his barons to be ther at crystmasse with him. So than jaket tarried al that night at Nauntes, and in the morning he departed& went to vennes where as he found the duke and duchess and they were as than lokinge out at the windows of the palace, and there they talked together of diverse matters till at last the duchess began to w●pe, than the duke demanded of her why she so sore wept. why sir said she alas behold the great nobleness of this country and the fair forests that be therein, and the valour& bounty of the lusty country of britain alas sir who shal keep and obtain this countre after us sith that Arthur our dere sones is dead,& sir we shall never haue mo children together, alas sir when I rem●mbre al ●hys my heart dieth in my body for sorrow. Dea● madam said the duke nay and god will, for yf that were ●●ue we should haue great need of comfort, but yet I haue trust in god that he shal ●ende us joy of our child, and to hear shortly some good ridinges of him it is not yet fully .v. year sith his ●epar●yng, and within that ●erme his promise was to come again, wherefore mada●e I pray you to weep no more, ●or it g●eaue●h me to se you do thus& as they were thus talking together jaket came into the palace and en●●ed into ●he hall, and as ●one as the kn●ghtes and squires saw jaket they embraced him and demaund●d howe that Arthur did. And he answered how that he did right well and was coming homeward, than jaket mounted up into the chamber, and there he found the duke and the duchess together, and the duchess espied him first and ran to him and said: a my friend howe doth Arthur my son. Madam he humbly saluteth you and also my lord here pre●ent and also Iohannet. what Arthur my son friend said the du●● and where is he. sir he will be here with you by th'end of these five dayes. And howe doth he said the duke. sir as the most honoured noble knight& best proved that is now living in this world, ●or under ●he heaven there is no knight of his valour and h●e prowess, and sir he hath given too Hector his cousin an erledom▪ and a duchy right grete and noble, he is now two t●mes as rich as the e●le his father is. Ye jaket {quod} the duke where hath he go●en this lan● and who hath given it him. sir as god help me Arthur did give it him, and he won it va●iauntly wit● his sword, but sir this dede is nothing ●o the regard of a thousand deeds that he hath done sith he departed. Than the duke smiled and joined his hands together and lift up his eyen to heaven ● thanked god. And the duchess wept for joy and so did Iehannet also. Than the duke said jaket and who cometh with my son Arthur sir there cometh with him a clerk of great wisdom, and is chief counseler with the fair queen Florence and he is son to a king right mighty and puissant, and al●o there is with him a mighty duke who is called duke Philip of sabary, and o●her diverse noble knights to th● nombre of .xi. why friend jaket said the duke is Arthur than so much honoured that a son of a king and a duke and so noble a company cometh with him. verily your son is in this case, that or this year go out he shal be crwoned king of a puissant realm. A good lord said the duchess I render to you g●ace and than●kynges sith ye haue given to us such a child of whom is reported so much honour w●l {quod} the duke madam mount up into your chayrot& let us go to nauntes& met him th●re, so than they departed and went fro vennes& came to Nauntes in an evening late, and Arthur and his company road so till at last they ●ame to samur and entr●d into the abbey of saint Florent, and there he lodged al the night and was well received and honestly,& in the next morning Arthur sent a messenger to his father, giuing him knowledge how that he wol●e be with him at Nauntes on the sunday next coming. And when the duke herde that he said to the duchess his wife, madam let us go& meet our son and this noble cumpany that cometh with him, for I haue great desire to se him, than all the world, and than by that time al the dukes friends, louers and subiectes were come to him to the nombre of .v. hundred, than they all together mounted on their hors●s And Iohannet was in the chair with the d●ches, and so they road forth,& wy●hen th●e leges thence they met with Arthur and al his company,& as soon as Arthur saw his father he did alight and dyde of his bonnet and in likewise did his father to him and there they cleped& kissed each other oftentimes. Than the duke said, my sweet f●ende and dere child ye be right heartily welcome home to me as he that hath ben more desired with me than al the creatures living. A dere son howe could ye ever haue the heart thus to leave your mother who hath ben so dolo●o●s us for your absence that she hath wept ever sith your departing, and as the duke ended these words his mother came too him and cleped and kissed him, but she was so overcome with oye, that she could speak no word of a great season, but so they sate down togy●her,& when she might speak she said, my sweet and dere child ye haue long holden us in darkness, nor neu●r sythe ye departed my heart was in any joy, but now sweet heart my joy is increas●d that I may haue you in m●ne arm●s and there with she kissed him and wept ●ight pitiousely for joy, so that Arthur could no longer keep his he●te and eyen fro weeping the which he didde never before sith he came out of his childhood, nor never after did for no maner of trouble that came to him And when the duke philip saw the pitiful and joyful metyng● between the child& the moder and the father,& saw how that they wept, for al the gold of the world he could not keep himself but that his eyen w●re full of drops of water than came to them Iohannet and cleped kyss●d Arthur right tenderly and said a my lover Arthur ye be heartily welcome unto me, sir ye left me right sorrowful when ye departed last out of this country, but my sweet lady your der● moder hath kept me right tenderly for the love of you, and oftentimes we haue wept together our fill for the love of you, a mine own ●wete love I understand that god hath given you a better& a more gentiller lady than I am, sir al this agreeth me right well, for sir I haue right great joy of your wealth, sir ● offer me to serve you and to love you with good faithful heart, for ye are my lord and I am your daughter, and therwith she wept right tenderly& took Arthur in her arms. And when Arthur saw her so weep he could not keep his eyen fro dystyllyng of salt tears for her sake, for he loved ●o the damsel that he was sore tempted to haue repented him in that he had fyaunced Florence. And whan the master saw the great love of the father ● the moder& their ●hyld, and of Iohannet, he said to philip, sir I doubt me of these people least they withdraw away fro Florence Arthurs her●,& I pray you be●old and se how they love him, saw you ever so much honour done to any treature liuyn●e fear no● {quod} Philip he hath brought me into this country, I warrant you he shal d●part again and return in to ours. Than the duchess and Arthur rose vpon their feet than all the noble men of the country came about him and made him as great feast and ioy as they could, than the duke went to the master and to duke Philip and received them with great honour and so they al mounted and went to Nauntes and ther●●han all the burgesses of the city issued out al in one su●e and lyuerey and met with them. And also the bishop of the town and al the hole clergy encountered them and made great ioy and generally so did al those of the city Than the duke made grete honour unto duke philip and unto the master. And when they w●te alighted fro their hor●es, than they mounted up into the pala●s where as they made great feast and joy the space of .xv. dayes, and than every man departed. Than Arthur said to the duke his father,& present there was the master, duke Philip and the duchess sir oliver of yriac, and diuers other batons there he recounted all his fortune, and how that he had fyaunced Florence and how that the war is begon and tak●n between him and the●perour of ynde and how● that al this wa●re was laid on his hand and charge, and therefore he prayed the duke his father that he would go with him into the country of Soroloys to thentent to help him. Than the duke said, son Arthur with a right good will and I shall bring with me all my strength with banners displayed, and than yf we may finde this emperour we shal show him what that britons can do. And when the master herd that he smiled and becleped the duke and said, sir ye haue nobly answered without any counsel, it seemeth well ye are the father& he is the son, sir by the faith that we owe unto god we shal keep you good company. Than the duke sent all about for his strength. And in the mean season Arthur led the master, duke philip, sir Brysebar, and al the other knights of Soroloys in al the towns and cities of his country, and thus they passed the time till it was nere lent, and than they returned again to Nauntes where as they found al their host redy appareled to depart. Than Arthur took of thē .x. M. after his own choice& al the remnant he sent home again to thentent to keep the country in safeguard in the dukes absence,& they sojourned iiii▪ day at Nauntes& so departed and took the hye way to Lion,& sir oliver, governar,& Brisebar had the conueiaunce of the host, and the duke Arthur Hector the master and Philip took their way streight to Parys to take leave of the king of france who received them with right great ioy& honour, for he loved the duke entirely, and the king made great cheer to the master& to duke Philip, the master praised much the nobleness of france, thus they were .iiii. dayes with the king and than they departed and the duchess with them and took their leave of the king, than the king said to the duke, sir yf ye lack men of war ye shall haue parte of my strength, than the duke thanked him and said I trust we haue people sufficient, so they departed and road so long on their journey till they came to Lion on a wednesday in the morning& there they found governar Brisebar& ●ir oliver who had made t● dy for their lodgings, and than the king of malogre and al his erles& barons were assembled together& were lodged about vien and when they knew that Arthur was coming they mounted on their horses& me● with him, and they al made great honor too the duke of britain and the ladies received the duchess right honourably, and so they road forth together, and than the young king ran to the master and embraced him in his arms for he loved him well because of his marvelous cunn●ng, than they came to the pavilions and there alighted,& the dukes pavilion was pight up right richly, and ●here they sojourned .iiii. daies in great ioy and the king desired the master that he wolde show as than some pastaunce among that company, than the kings squire were afore him ready to do seruyc● Than the master caused each of them to think either without any head, and each of them beheld other and were greatly abashed and had great marvel where their fellows heads were become, than they looked on the earth whether they were fallen down to the ground▪& ther with they sought each others head all about the house, and ●he king& al the hole assembly had tight great sport thereat. Than on the fourth day they al departed& took their right way to the port noyre. governar Brisebar& sir oliver did guide forth the host, and Arthur sent Bawdewyn his squire before to the port noyre, to apparel and garnysh the castle& too draw thither al his garnysons this noble company road so long till they came but a dayes journey fro the castle of the port noyre. Now let us leave speaking of them as for this time and return to Florence   

¶ How after that Arthur was departed fro king Emendus& Florence to go se his friends, Florence than departed fro the port noyre& the queen of orqueny& the lady Ma●garete of Argenton with her and went to sport her in her own ●ea●me and castle of clear tour, whereas the emperour came and bes●eged her, for or she was ware therof he and his company were laid round about the town● and they were to the nombre of two. C. thousand, what of emperyens and of sarasyns. Ca. lxxxxviii  
 
IT is trouth that when Arthur was departed fro the port noir to go into france& into bry●aine for to se his fr●nds than Florence& the queen of orqueney and the lady Margarete were of accord that they wolde not go with king Emendus into the realm of Soroloys but they determined to go to the clear tour, and there to abide till the returning of Arthur where as they might every day privily talk each unto other of their loues, so than Florence took her leave of the king her father& so departed and took with her the queen oedrqueney and the lady Margarete and a .xl. other knights with them, and so they travailed till they arrived at the clear tour,& there they were in great sport and ioy, but it is oftentimes said, he that hath an yl neighbour hath oftentimes an ill morning for as sone as Florence was come to the clear tour& that it was known that she wolde abide there a good space, sir Perdycas provided for al things that was necessary for the place, than a spy went to themperour of ynde and said, sir Florence is now at the clear tour, and sir ye may now and ye will soon haue her, for she is come thither but privily and but with a small company. And when thēperour● herde that he sent incontinent for as much people as he could get between him and babylon, and he assembled there together so much people that al the country was over spread with them, and Florence knew nothing of al this till the time that the emperour had besy●ged her round about with mo than .ii. C. M. men. And when she saw that sh● was in that case, she was right sorrowful and wept pytyouslye every d●y more and more, for she saw well she could not send out for no succour to any body there was such watch made al about the place than she bewailed Arthur and said,& Arthur sweet friend ye are over long fro this business, certainly if ye lese me ye shall lese your true lover, a dere love I am yours& now ye know nothing in what mis●hefe I am in, ●or now your lover is in great peril, thus Florence made the greatest lamentation of the world and her people did comfort her in the best wise that they might. Now let us leave of Florence and return to Arthur.   

¶ How that Arthur was right sorrowful because that his horse did stomble under him, and howe the master shewed him how that Florence was besieged by themperour in her castle of the clear tour whereof Arthur was in grete fear and trouble. Capi. lx●xxix.  
when that Arthur and al his host were within a lege of the port noyre Arthur and the duke his father and the king and the master rod● each by other ●alkynge of dyuersr matters, suddenly Arthurs horse foundered under him and fell grouelynge to the ●arth but Arthur held him still in the saddle till the hor●e and he rose both again together and fro thence forth Arthur was in so great a study that no man could hau● a word of him but with great pain and in this maner he endured a great season Than the king began to reason with him but he could scant haue any word of him, than the king and duke philip called to them the master and sayd● sir what aileth Arthur for sith his horse stombled he wolde never speak no word by his will, we marvel what he aileth well said the master go to him and demand him the question, than they road to him, and the king road on the one side and duke philip on the other side and the master before him, than the master al laughing began to sing melodyously, and the king and duke Philip did laugh at him● and Arthur ever road forth as though he had ben● half a sleep, and with the sport that they made he lift up his eyen, and when he saw them about him making such sport a little he smiled, Than the master said to him sir what there is with you, what sport make ye to my lord the king here present who is come hither for your love, sir now ye be come into your own realm and into your own power, and sir these lords haue for●aken their own countries to come hither with you. Than he answered and said gentle master pardon me, for I ●nowe well ye say but truth, but sir I ensure you ever sith my horse ●el● under me any heart hath been so heavy that I can in no wise make any good there, I can not tel what it meanethe, I pray to god all be for the best, I doubt me greatly of my lord the king of Soroloys or elles of my lady Florence lest that this Emperour hath done to them any tribulation. sir said duke philip doubt not that, for yf it were so ye may be sure my lord and uncle woul● soon● haue sent messengers to you, therfore m●ke good cheer& rejoice your barons and such noble men as be come hither for the love of you and namely this great host who hath so far travailed for your s●ke A de●e friend duke Phylyppe said Arthur I require you make ye than good cheer and semblant and so than the king and Arthur, the master and duke Philip road forth together throughout al the host& comfor●ed their people as well as they myght● than they arrived at the port noyre and mounted up into the palace, and all the host was lodged without in the field, and al the ladies and damoyseles that came thither with th●m heinously beheld the strength and satuacyon of that place, and reputed in their winds grete nobleness and valour in Arthur for the acheuynge and conquerynge of ●ha● place. Than the master did devise too them all ●haduentures that wherein that place. Than the duchess moder to Arthur had right great ioy, and than the master lead them to the garden to se it, and when they saw the place so fair ● so d●lect●ble they wished never to depart thence So than these ladies went and restend th●m at the fountain. And Arthur and the king Hector, and al the other erles,& the lord Beauien were al together in company, but Arthur was still in melancholy. Than the master went into his own chamber to look his books to know wha● was the cause that Arthur was so sadd● for, than anon he perc●yued by his ●okes and cunning what p●ryl that Florence was in, and how th●mperoure had besieged her round about, than incontinent he went to Arthur and said, sir the matter go●th yl to work, for this emperour hath besieged Florence in her castle of clear tour with a great number of people, so my lady is in great mischef without remedy be soon found for her, she w●p●th right marvelously and maketh the gret●st lamentation of the world, she crieth out on fortune and saith, alas now haue I al lost, I was born in an vnhappy● hour, a gentle hea●te Arthur, god tha● al thing formed of nought keep and defend you from al yl encumbraunce and give you honour, for as for me I am at grete mischief, fortune shane haue thou for thou hast done me many troubles, al●s my sweet love is far fro me, and min enemy hath approached nere me my love is absent, and him that I hate is to nere my presence, alas mine own sweet love Arthur if I were in your arms than I would think myself better assured than to be in this strong castle, for than would I neither fear king nor emperor. alas where are my men& my good friends that they do not their diligence to study for my deliverance, a king of Orqueney ye do a great trespass against your true& faithful lover Arthur when that ye do not deliver me out of danger, he loveth you above all other, and now ye to be ●hus false to him, certainly he would never haue failed you, but he would haue put his body and goods in jeopardy for your sake, and now thus ye to leave me in this dolour, alas good king come and deliver me, and yf ye can render me unto this gentle knight Arthur who loveth you with all his heart. Thus sir said the master I know well that she doth complain every day with such weeping cheer that I must n●des weep when I think on her, and the queen of Orqueney, and the lady Margarete doth comfort her al weeping, for it grieveth their hearts to se her so sore weep,& this sir all three of them be in grete sorrow, I can scant tell you who is in the greatest. Saint mary said Arthur it was not for nought that my hart was so heavy, now I know well the sygnifycation therof, alas master and doth not king Emendus know what case that she is in. Yes sir said the master he assembleth people on al syd●s of his realm of Soroloys,& also al his iiii. kings with al their powers be come to him, and they are all ready to draw thither ward,& they will remove a monday next coming, but it will be a .xv. dayes or they come thither, and sir all the kings complameth greatly that ye be out of the country, for they say that yf ye had ben in the country themperour had never ben so bold to haue come thither, sir I doubt me greatly of Florence for she hath not past a xl. knights with her wherefore I fear me masspriest that she can not endure to keep the place till the king her father and his host be come thither. And when Arthur herde that he was sore displeased and said to the young king of Malogre A gentle king I require you for goddes sake let me go thither or elles I shal die for sorrow, and sir I pray you abide here with all this host till monday, and than let the host follow after me ●o the clear tour, and let duke philip and my seneshal and the marks haue the guiding of them, and sir my lord my father shall abide here still with you, and also my lady my moder and all these ladies& damoyselles till such season as I seude you word, and sir I will haue with me the master and Hector, governar and sir Brysebar. And when all the barons hard him say that he would go they counseiled him to take more people with him but he would not, and so took a sop in wine& took leave of the king and of all other, and embraced his father and moder& commanded to god all the other ladies and damoyselles,& so he departed and his company with him, and road forth as fast as ever they might, and travailed so long both by day and by night till they came nere to themperours host Than Arthur said, lords we approach nere to our enemies, I think it were best that we did put on our harneys, and so ther they alighted and dyde put on their harneys.   

¶ How that Arthur& the master, Hector, governar, and sir Brysebar entred into the clear tour where as Florence was besieged& they .v. discomfited a puissant king saracen who was called the Sowdan, who was come thither to help the emperour, and ther were al the sarasyns and turkes slain. Capitulo. C.  
when that Arthur and his .iiii. fellows were armed they mounted on their horses& road forth till it was about three of the clock, than they road to the bottom of a grete mountain and there they alighted,& Arthur alone a foot mounted up to the highest therof, and there he saw the castle of the clear tour whereon there were pynacles of bright crystal, and it dyde shine so against the son that no man could cl●reli look against it, and he saw themperours great tent, and besemyng to him al the world was there of people,& he saw well howe that people lay round about the castle, so that none could issue out nor none entre in●o the place, and he saw well how that on the same side that he was on ther were lodged a great nombre of sarasyns, and than Arthur complained piteously for the mischief that he saw his lady Florence in at that time, and as he thus beheld the castle he saw where as there came toward the mountain a .lx. saracens all armed, than Arthur went down to the valley again to his company and said, lords I think all the world of people is in this country, how shal we be demeaned. sir said Brisebar ther is no more to do but let us mount on our horses& do as knights should do, sir there is none of us but that is well worth a knight. well said Arthur now that shal be seen, for yonder cometh a .lx. or more of out enemies to awake us yf we sleep. Let them come said governar and he took a grete spear and did plunge it in the rest, and therewith the sarasyns were come who saw well these .v. knights, and one of them presed forth before his fellows and governar with his spear slay him,& than the master struck so another with such virtue that the spear went clene through out his body, than he set his hand vpon his sword& lay on so among his enemies as a wol●e doth among lambs. And when Brysebar saw him do such deeds of arms he said, here is a g●od master he chayseth sharply his disciples, than Brisebar struck the first that he encountered with so rudely that his ha●ne●s availed him not a bo●ion, for he was pierced to the heart, than Gouenar and he bet down sarasyns even as he wolde himself. And when Hector saw that he feredle●st all the sarasyns should haue ben slain or he had done ony thing against them, than he rushte into the press and cut of arms hands,& legs& made hedes fly into the field,& bet down sarasyns& horses marvelously. And when Arthur saw al this he smiled and said, lords leave me my parte, what me thinketh ye take all, that is none equal partynge, than he dashed into the thickest of the press, and the first he sent to the earth both saracen and horse,& the second he claue down to the chynue, and ther he gave so puissant stroke that he confounded al that ever he attained unto,& to make short these .v. knights did so valiantly that of al these .lx. sarasyns there escaped not one but they were all slain Than Arthur said lords let us now deu●se how we may finde the means to entre into the castle▪ it is so closed on al sides that none can entre into it but he must pass first throughout .xxx. thousand men of war, I suppose this emperour host endureth .v. leges in breed so I can not se how we should entre every man give his advise and counsel, for here on this part of the castle that we be on is all over spread with fel saracens sir said the master suffer a little and I shall give you my counsel how we shall entre into the castle, I shall cause us all to look for the season as black as any pitch, so that it shall not be known but for saracens, let us arm us with the armour of these dead sarasyns, and than let me ride on before,& I shall lead you sauely throughout al their host, for I can well speak the language. Ye say well said Hector, than they al armed thē with the harneys of the sarasyns that they had slain,& than they mounted on their horses& the master road on before till they came to the sarasyns tent,& the master had on the harneys of the Sowdanes sene shal who was slain before by Arthur,& the sarasyns that saw him wende verily that it had ben the seneshal,& they demanded of him fro whence he came. And he answered and said, friends I go to play me all about the field, and I purpose to go to the castle gates to entre in yf I may and to slay al them that be within the castle, than there were diverse that offered themself to haue gone with him but he said he would haue no more company than he had, and said sirs there is none of you that shal go with me, therfore I charge you on pain of your lives that ye steer not till ye here me blow my grete horn,& than come as fast as ye can. Than the master& his company road to the castle gate& called the porter& said, my friend open the gate& let us in& god shal rew●rde you, for we are cristen men and are sodyours,& I promise you that yf ye will let us in& the lady of the place receive our service than shal she do like a wise lady. sirs said the porter& ye be soudiours ye be welcome, for my lady hath grete need of such, than he let down the bridge& opened the gate, than these v. knights entred, and the porter lift up again the bridge and closed the gate again after them. Than it was shewed Florence that five strange soudiours were entred into the castle to help& to aid her, than she commanded that they should be brought to a chamber and unarmed, and than to be brought to her presence,& when they were unarmed and looked so black every man was afraid of them, and some said god give grace that they be not spies, and so they were brought to Florence, and as sone as she saw them she t●embled for fear,& when she saw that they were al goodly persons and much like of stature she feared them greatly masspriest they had ben spies,& demanded them of whence they we●e. And they answered how that they were sarasyns born, but as than they had renewed their believe and were christened in france at Parys, and the king of france was their godfaders, and than ●he demanded of them whether they came straight out of france. And they answered yes. Than the lady Florence demanded of them and said, friends dyde ye ever here of a knight who is name Arthur, and he is sone unto the duke of britain. Yes truly madam said they we he●de well of him. he departed from Parys the same season that we dyde depart, and he dyde hast him greatly to come into this country, and he bringeth with him the duke his father and the duchess his moder, and well to the nombre of .x. thousand other knights redy appareled for the war, and madam as it is said he be wayleth greatly a gentle damosel of this country, for whose sake he hath oftentimes right piteously cast forth many a grete sigh& madam oftentimes he speaketh and complaineth to a grete man of dygnitye, who is in his company, and also madam as it is said that there is one with him that is name master steven, and an other governar, and the thyrde Hector, and diverse other that we haue forgotten the names of them. well sirs said Florence I se well that by such tokens as ye report that ye haue seen them, but I pray you doth Arthur think so much on the lady that ye speak of. Ye madam truly said the master, than the lady Florence began piteously to weep,& the lady Margarete held r●dy a keverchefe to wipe her eyen therwith,& when Arthur saw her weep so he said, right fair lady weep no more, for surely we shal never fail you till death haue made an end of vs. And as they were thus talking to Florence, the sarasyns in the field that saw them enter into the castle in that peaceable maner, than they perceived well how that the leader of them was no● the sowdans senesshal, and thought verily that they had a grea● mock, wherefore they al ran to their armour and armed thē,& more than .v. hundred of them went to the castle, and dyde knock and bete at the gate. Than the watchmen of the castle dyde cry, ●yrs to harneys, for parte of your enemies are at the gate. Than every man of the castle ran●e to the windows to look what it might be, and when Arthur saw how it was he commanded his company to arm them, and so they armed them, and so dyde all that were within the castle, for sir P●rdicas caused a grete horn to be blown, and by the sownyng therof all tho of the castle ran to their harneys. Than Florence said, friends for goddes sake issue not out of the castle, for ye be not able to resist against their power they be so ma●ny in nombre and ye so few, but I require you defend this castle as well as ye may. madam said Arthur be ye in rest and peas and let us al●n● hardly, than he mounted on his horse, and so dyde his other four companions and to the nombre of .xl. other knights of the castle,& so he road to the gate and caused the porter to set it open. Than Arthur by grete randon dashed into the press with his white ●helde covered al in black, and holding a grete hatch in both his hands& laid on round about him on those saracens that he made hedes, arms, and hands to fly into the field, and bet down horses and sarasyns in such wise that it was marvel to behold him, and He●tor and governar on their party bet down sarasyns by grete hepes, and the master, Brys●●ar,& sir Perdycas dyde as valiantly, as any good knights ought to do, but above all other Arthur did excellently, for he laid on round about him,& confounded al that ever he attained unto, so that every man fled fro before him,& said how that he was a devil of hel, and none earthly creature, For he avoyded the streets where as he passed,& made great hepes of ●ead knights, so that Florence knights had grete marvel of him, and also Florence and the queen of orqueney, and the lady Marga●ete blessed them at his deeds,& said how that he lacked but little of the prowess of Arthur. And at the last Hec●or was beaten down, for his horse was slain under him, and so his enemies had thought to haue led him a way as a prisoner, and th●rwith Arthur came thither, and in that fury he slay more than xv. knights, and remounted Hector again on his horse in the spite of al his enemies, and than he dashed again into the press and bet down all that ever he attained unto, and Brys●bar and the master dyde right well their partes, but specially A●●hur made place before him. And when Florence saw these .v knights do so valiantly, she said unto such knights as were about her, sirs for goddes sake and ye love me go and help to rescue yonder five knights Than the grete common bell was souned and every man than ran to their harneys, and so they were to the nombre of an hundred and an half on horseback& .iii. hundred on foot, who were in long Iackes and grete basenettes on their hedes, with good swords gi●te about them and long spears in their hands, to the intent to slay with them their enemies horses, and so they issued out of the castle and flew many of the sarasyns that within a little while they were nere all discomfited. And when the Sowdan saw this people so overladen and slain he caused a grete gr●sley horn to be blown, than every man that herde it ran to their harneys, so that they were to the nombre of .xxx. thousand, and the Sowdan was a young lusty courageous knight, and mounted on such an horse that ther was none like him in al the world in goodness, for who so ever was mounted on his back needed not to doubt ●ny man living, for what by force of the horse and of the man there was none by likelihood that might resist against him Than the Sowdā dashed unto his horse with his sharp spurs, and he rushte forth as though he had flown in the air like a bird. And when Arthur saw him co●ing he desired greatly to haue that horse, than he took a great mighty spear and ran at the Sowdan and broke his spear by the might of that horse for the horse was able to haue born two men armed without any payne● and as Arthur passed forth after his course the sarasyns enclosed him round about, than he drew his good sword clarence and there he slay of his enemies with out nombre, but they charged him with so many stroke that they slay his horse under him, than he wart on his feet and dyde put his white shield be●ore him, and with clarence his good sword he did cut so among his enemies as a carpenter do●h hew chips out of a gre● three, and they did shote at him with their bows of turkey, wherewith they dyde him much trouble,& more had done and his good white shield had not been. Than Florence said as loud as she could cry, saint mary sw●te virgin save and defend yonder good knight f●ō all danger and peril. And when Arthur hard her voice his hardiness increased for such was the maner of the more that he had to do the more was his strength, and was ever of more courage, and than he lightly lept in among his enemies and began so to deseuer a sunder the grete flocks of the sarasyns that none approach nere him but that he received death for his meed. At the last Hector espied him and saw how that he was on foot wherewith he was so displeased that he was in a grete rage, than he couched his spear and ran at the Sowdā who was running at Arthur, but Hector struck him so rudely that he pierced him to the heart, and so he fell down dead, than Hector took his good horse and delivered him unto Arthur, and whan Arthur had him he was more gladder of ●he horse than he would haue ben of all the treasure in france, than he mounted up on him and rushed into the thickest of the press, and th●r he dyde marvels with his hands, for there he cut of arms, hands and legs, he claue a sunder helms and made hedes to fly in to ●he field, and bet down knights& horses all together in hepes▪ and than ther was none that he encountered withal that escaped from the death, than ther came unto him the master, sir Brisebar, and sir Perdycas, and .xl. other knights vpon horseback of Florence company, and a three hundred on foot, than they al laid on these sarasyns and bet them down like dogges. Than Arthur encountered the Sowdans broder and gave him such a stroke with his good sword clarence that he claue him down to the saddle And when the sarasyns saw howe that the Sowdan and also his broder were dead and slain, they made such roaring and sorrow among them that the emperour as he was in his tent might well here the noise, and demanded what it was. And one shewed him how that it was the Sowdan who was scarmusshing with them of the castle, and therewith ther came to him a knight who had one of his arms clene stricken of& said, sir Emperour the Sowdā is dead and his broder Saladyne also slain, for sir ther be come .vi. as I think rather devils of hell than earthly creatures, for they haue all slain and confounded, and specially there is one among them that maketh way where so ever that he cometh, there is none so hardy that dare abide him a stroke of his hands but all fleeth before him, therfore sir emperour call your men to harness or elles we shal be all slain. Than the Emperour was sore displeased and said, what hundred devils of hell hath brought hither these vi. knights who thus confoundeth all my people, than he cried to harness and caused horns to be blown in his host Than every man ran to their harneys, so that anon there were together more than an hundred thousand men, and Arthur, Hector, governar, the master, Brisebar,& sir Perdycas were all be sprent● with the blood of the sarasyns that th●y had slain. Than the queen of orqueney who had all the day well advised Arthur and his deeds said unto Florence, madam certainly I think that yonder knight is Arthur, for as I deme yonder shield is your white shield, and I think he that is by him is Hector, the master, governar, and sir Brysebar. madam said Florence that can not be, for they are as black as ony ink. And as they thus talked they saw where as the emperour was coming, and a hundred thousand following after him. A sweet lady mary said Florence keep and defend now yonder knights, for I fear me now that they shalbe slain, and the emperour came thiderwarde as fast as he might with grete noise of trumpets tabors and horns. And when that the master hard that he came to Arthur,& said, sir we haue to little nombre of people to abide yonder emperour at this time, we haue done al ready sufficient for one day, therfore sir let us return again to the castle, for our company are right sore travailed. Ye say well said Arthur cause the retreat to be blown,& so it was done, than Arthur& his people entred into the castle,& closed the gate after them& drew up the bridge and they had slain in that battle to the nombre of .xv. thousand sarasyns, than Arthur mounted up into the palace,& Florence met with him,& she did of his helm and thanked him greatly& al his company of the pain& labour that they had taken for her sake that day, than they looked out at the windows& saw where as themperour was beholding the dead bodies of the Sowdan& of his broder& of the xv thousand other sarasyns.   

¶ How truce was taken for a month between themperour& Arthur. Ca. C.i.  
ANd than Arthur out of a window called down to the emperour& said, sir emperor ye do yourself grete shane& villainy, ye haue yl counsel thus to come on a woman by stealth, and under thassurance of truce that was taken between my lord her father& you thus to cause so number of people to come on her sir if there were in you either valour or trouth ye would not thus haue done, first ye should haue given her warning, and haue made your defiance,& haue given her certain day of battle, and than to haue taken her yf ye might, this sir should haue been your honour,& not thus to await her in her chamber with all this number of people, and she nothing knowing thereof before. well said themperour what so ever thou art thy tongue is fair filed, wolde to god I ●ad the head of thine that lokest so black. why sir said Arthur and wolde ye than so fain haue my head. Truly said themperour on the condition I would it had cost me one yeres rent of al my lands. Ye sir said Arthur than give this lady a certain day of battle that she may in the mean season sand for her people so that she may answer you, and sir I promise you that I will be there& than get my head and ye can. Truly said themperour I am content, but what assurance shall I haue that ye will be there. sir said Arthur by the faith that I owe unto my special lady. well said themperour and I give her day for a month,& truce in the mean season and so than the assurance was made on both parties, than Arthur said holding Florence by the hand sir emperour behold what a jewel this is, sir ought not a man to b● right jolly to obtain such a lady so tender so sweet so ●uddy of colour. Than the emperour was sore displeased and said: what thou pratyng fool me thinketh thy by sage is covered over with black cordewan would to god I had thee in my keeping, sir said Hector all smiling ●ake no hede of his saying for he is but a fool, than th departed& went to his tent, than Arthur said to Florence, madam we haue now truce with themperour▪ so that we may well provide for men or the truce breke● for the t●rme thereof is a month. well sir {quod} Florence I thank you therof& of the pain that ye& your company hath taken this day for my sake, but sir I shall deserve it when I may. madam it is al redy deserved, but madam may it please you to leave the loving of the knight that ye say ye love so well and take me to your lover& give me your love, and I promise you I shal deliver you from this emperour for this other knight is now in france in great sport, and thinketh but little on you, for he hath many fair ladies in his country at his commandment. sir said Florence his sport and ioy is a great pleasure to my heart, for I am his both with heart thought& body, and never to be fals to him, for as help me god I had rather suffer my head to be stricken of than I should do or think any falseness to him. why madam love ye than him so inwardly& so truly. Ye or elles said she I pray to god I never haue joy in this world. well than said he I se well that my love can not prevail. No be and sure said Florence, therfore be ye in peace and speak no more to me therof. In like wise the master prayed the lady Margar●t of her love desiring her to love him& to forsake the clerk. And she answered that to die in the pain she wolde never be false to him. Th●n Arthur said to the master let us leave these l●dyes for we are come to late for by seminge they a●e insured to other. sir said Florence I know not your name, but I desire you go and ●narme you and than we will go to dinner, for our meet is ready, than they were led into a chamber and unarmed. And than Brysebar when he saw his own hands so foul and black it abhorred him and said, the devil take this blackenes so that we were rid thereof, than he said to the master, sir I require you take away this blackenes fro me and fro al my company. Than the master laughed a grete place, and so did al his company. well said Arthur I am well agreed that it should be now taken a way fro us al, for it is time. Than the master took a box and did anoint them all, and than they al were in their first colour, than Arthur took on him as chief, and in a goodly sir cote he entred into the palace where as Florence tarried for them to wash their hands, and as soon as she saw them she knew well Arthur and them al, than she ran to him and embraced and kissed him sweetly before th●m al and said, mine own lord dere heart and love ye be right heartily welcome, as he for whom I haue wept many a salt tear, but sir I pray you who made you so black as ye were right now. madam by the faith that I owe unto you master steven, and there recounted to her al the cause why, than th●re began great fest and joy throughout al the castle,& also throughout al the town when it was known how that Arthur and Hector were comen in to the castle than they were in their minds better assured than though the king Emendus and all his power had been there, and lady Margaret made as gret● there to the master as was to her possible, and so they went to dinner and were right richly served, and after dinner Arthur said to Gouernat it is needful for us now to purvey for every thing that is necessary to us to thentent that we be not deceived at the day of our battle, therefore I will that ye go to my lord the king of Soroloys,& recommend me humbly to his grace, and show him how that I am at the clear tour, and recounte to him how that we haue sped, and how that we haue truce for the space of a month, and than is the day set of battle between themperour and us also salute fro me the king of orqueney and say how that I desire him to summon against the said term all the power of Soroloys both on horseback and on f●te, so that they may be here about the end of four weeks, and I will in the mean time go unto my lord my father and too al his company and bring them hither. And when Florence herde that she sayd● sir haue ye brought them into these parties. Ye madam truly and with my father there is a noble king of that country. And fair love where be they. madam I left them at the port noyre. well said Florence I require you go to them and bring them hither for I would gladly be acquainted with my lord your father whose daughter I am and trusting so shall continue, but I pray you tell me how doth my lady your moder. madam I ensure you she is also at the port noyre, accompanied with five or syxe countesses who haue left their own count●yes to come hither to se you. A dere heart said Florence, blessed be the hour that ever ye were born sith that haue brought so noble a company with you to se me, for now my father king Emendus shall not think that I am yl bestowed on you sir I require you let me se them as shortly as ye can than governar took his leave and departed toward Soroloys.   

¶ How that the young king of malogre and the duke of ●ritayne with diverse other erles and barons, and accompanied with a great army of men of war arrived at the clear tour, to the intent to succour Florence and Arthur who were besieged by themperoure, who had nigh enraged out of his wit when he knew that they were come into that country. Capitulo. C.ii.  
 
IN the morning betimes Arthur departed& took with him Hector and Brisebar& took with him .v. other kn●ghtes of Florence,& the master abode still with Florence, thus Arthur ●ode forth a iii. leges, and than he espied the banner of the duke his father and of al his host for the young king of Malogre hasted him as much as he might for the fear that he had of Arthur. And when Arthur saw the banners and standards wavering with the wind, and the helms and sheldes shining against the son, than his heart smiled and said, a gentle france god increase thine honour and nobleness, and than he approached nere to his ●ad●r and made him reverence and there was great joy at their meeting, and the duke demanded of him howe that he had sped. And he recounted to him and to his company al the hole m●tter as it was done, and so they road forth together ty●l they came into themperours host. And al that seas●n Florence was lening o●te of ●he batylmentes of the tour for with her eyen she had conveyed Arthur before as far as she might, and at th● last the queen of orqueney had espied the french host coming, and saw the french banners displayed with the wind. saint mary said she fair lady Florence what people be yonder that I se coming hither ward, I think it be themperour. And whan Florence saw them she was in fe●e of Arthur and said, alas I doubt that ●f they haue encount●ed my love Arthur that ●hey haue slain him and therwith she began to weep, than a knight who came straight from Arthur to thentent to show her how that he was coming said madam be well assured for yonder people that ye se coming are pertaining to my lord Arthur● than she appeased herself and first she saw the great banner of the duke of britain, and saw h●lmes and sheldes flambe against the son, also she beheld the goodly company of young knights mounted vpon good horses and she herde horses bray and bete with their feet, than she praised much in her heart the noble country of france she thought it was a be●ter sight of them than it was of the men of war of her own country, for they were more better horsed, a●d harneysed a great deal more properly, and than they saw coming after that the great banner royal of the king of malogre, and her heart rejoiced to se the noble company that came with him than she saw the earl of nevers banner and the noble burgonyons right properly be sene, than therle of forest and the dolphin in his company, and than came th●rle of Foys, and than the earl of mount belial, than the lord Beauieu, and last of all came the banner of Myrpoys, and al this company were to the number of .xv. thousand knights, chosen for the nones. Than Florence said, a my sweet love Arthur it seemeth well that ye are not behated in your own country sith ye bring with you so many noble men of war, and of so great dygnytye. certainly madam said Margaret these people will dystroye this emperor and all his host, they seem noo men but rather angels of heaven behold madam howe light and quy●ke they be in their armor, a noble realm of france blessed be thou sith such people com●th out of the. And when their people were lodged, than Arthur caused the king and the duke his father and al the other erles and barons to mount up into the castle Than the king said too Arthur, sir I require you show me the gentle Florence. Ye fair son said the duke show me my dere daughter that shall be. sir ye shall se her anon said Arthur, than he sent before duke Philip too Florence to thentent that she should make herself fresh against their coming, and as sone as she saw philip she made to him right great joy and demanded him howe that he did, and howe that he liked by the realm of france. madam said he I like it very well, for I ensure yond france is a noble gentle country, madam behold here cometh the noble duke of britain father to Arthur, and with him king Alexander of malogre, and diverse other erles and barons who are coming hither to se you,& Arthur desireth you to aparaile yourself with vestures of joy, than she went to her chaumbre and appareled herself according to her estate and as to receive such noble men as were come to herwarde, and the queen of orqueney& the fair lady Margaret did help her, than these lords alighted at the peron& so mounted up into the palace than the master ran to Florence and said madam come on your way& se the duke of britain& the king and other erles and barons, and she who was the gentle rose on the lily young and tender, always having a smiling countenance, and the most gracious of al the world issued out of her castle and two knights led her forth, and two other knights lead the queen of orqueney, and when the young king and the, duke of britain& other erles saw her they marveled greatly of the excellent beauty that god had given her. Than the king stepped forth and his bonnet in his hand and inclined himself to her and right sweetly did salute her, and she answered him and said, sir ye be right heartily welcome into this country, thee which is and shal be at your noble commandment▪ and al other things whereof I haue any power. Than the king dyde salute al the other ladies each after other. Than the duke of Britayn came to Florence and said, my right dere lady god increase your noble honour as unto the most noble lady of al the world. Than Hector said, madam this is the duke of britain father to Arthur, where with she was right glad and embraced him and said, sir ye be right hertelye welcome into the land of Florence your daughter as he that shal be mine own lord into whose hands and protection fro hens forth I put me and al my realm of Soroloys. Than he took Florence by the hand and wolde not let her depart for no body that came to them than all the other erles and barons did salute her, and she redred again to them such salutation that every man was well content, and every man marveled greatly of her beauty, and of the wise and sage words that she had to every body. So than the king and the duke and Florence sate them down together, and the lady Margaret took therle of nevers and therle of foreste& sate down with them, and therle of mountbelial and the dolphin and the lord Beauieu were lokinge out at the windows and beheld the emperours great host, and at last Arthur and the master came to them. Than the dolphin said, sir Arthur as god help me I haue grete desire to know what people these be that be here with this emperour,& to se how they can couch their spears. Let us go to them said the lord Beauieu,& let us make them know how french men become hither. A great shane take he said therle of mountbelyal that faileth or will abide behind. well sirs said Arthur yf it please you we shal not do thus, for than should we break out truce and n●t keep our promise made to them for than they would repute us fals in breaking of our couenaunces, and sir french men haue been always reputed true, therfore let us abide till the day be come, with out so be that they break the truce their self. And si● said the lord Beauieu how long shal your truce yet endure. sir {quod} Arthur it must endure yet a. tv. dayes. ● sir said the dolphyn if it were not you, shane haue he that set the day so long. what all this long season we shall but lie here still like swine and do no good. And as they thus talked they herd grete noise without in themperours host, for there was a great rumour among them because of the french hoostes coming into the castle▪ and therwith they saw every man run to their harness, and anon they espied themperours sene shal mounted on a good horse,& a great spe●e in his hand, and his shield about his neck,& he come str●yght toward the french host who were lodged without the castle gate to thentent to know what people they were, but the lord de la lounde when he saw him coming in the maner he thought he desired too haue Iusted whth some of the french men, than he mounted on his horse and took a great spear and ran at the senesshal, And when the dolphin saw that he said to Arthur, sir me thinketh by the lord de la lounde that he thinketh but little on your truce▪ for yf he did he doth not well thus to do, I pray you behold how fast he runneth. Ye sir said Arthur I se him well, god keep his body from any hurt. And when the senesshal saw him coming so fast toward him, he plunged himself in his saddle, and did cast his spear from him and put his shield behind him, for he would not just because of brekyng of the truce. And when the lord de la lounde saw that he knew well he was not coming to just, therefore he discharged himself and reined his horse than the senesshal saluted him& demanded what people they were that were new come to the castle with such an host. certainly sir they be people of france, who did here tidynges of a great war that this emperour should haue shortly,& therefore we be come into this country as soud●ou●s retaynyng us who so ever will soldiers {quod} the seneshal& therewith he lift up his eyen and beholded the host over al and there he saw the goodly young squires vncrussing of their somers& carriages and pitching up of their tentes and pavilions, and he saw the goodly knights ten their horses up and down in the fields, some lyghtyng and some mountyng and there he saw the armere●s furbyshe the harneies& the spears and sheldes flaming against the son, the banners standards and streamers wavering with the wind, than he said to himself, saint mary what people are these are they mortal men or angels of paradise, who may endu●e against them. A france an honourable country above al other, blessed be thou that nourisshest up such people Than he said to the lord de la lound, gentle sir will not these people abide and be retained with my lord themperour till his war be done, a●d he shal give them such wages and foes, that of reason they shal be content. sir said the lord de la lounde yf ye will know the certain go and speak with our lords and masters who are entred into the castle to go speak wi●h a lady I wote not what she is, but as it is reputed she is right gracious and fair. saint mary said the senesshal yf I go thither I doubt me of them with in the castle least they take and keep me still there as prisoner, wherefore I will go first and sp●ke with my lord th, than he departed and went streight to themperours tent and said to him gentle emperour there is come out of the noble realm of france the most goodly company of men of war that ever was sene in al this world, and as I deme they be well to the nombre of .xv. thousand,& one of thē shewed me how that they were soldiers, and the capitaines are gone into the castle to speak with Florence, sir I fear me lest that Arthur hath retained them on his party, for he can get much people, therfore sir after my counsel ye shal send to them in fair maner and desire ye them to become your men during your war, and yf they will do so, than give them largely both of gold and of silver, and such other things as they need for sir and ye may get them ye shall be able to conquer al the world yf ye list Than the king jonas said to th▪ sir it were but well done to know what people they were,& wherefore they be come, for I understand that Arthur hath been in france, and sir it might fortune that he hath brought them with him to thentent to annoy you, and sir yf they be come to make war against you, than begin ye first on them, and rather to day than to morrow, and strike of al their hendes, and hang up their capitain, and flee Arthur quick, and as for the strompet Florence deliver her among our knaves and boyes, for she hath done you full great annoyance, and therefore sir send to yonder people of france, who are new come, weening to win al the world and command them to come to your service, and if they will be with you, than entrete them as ye should do strangers, and if they will not come to you than command them on pain of their lives incontinent to depart one of this country, and sir yf they will not do thus● grant me the enterprise and I shall ensure you to get you all their heads. Than the senesshal was in his mind displeased with the foolish proud words and said, by god sir king yf ye eat no meet till al this be done I fe●e me lest it will be to late for you to ●●e, but sith it is your mind I counsel my lord the emperour here present to give you leave to acheue this enterprise either to bring them to my lords service or elles they to depart out of this realm, or elles al their hedes. In the name of god said the king jonas I pray& require my lord themperour to give me licence to acheue this enterprise yf I can, and I promise faithfully to go speak with them or that I sleep without ony longer delay and I shal know what is their wills and minds. Certainly gentle king {quod} themperour ye haue a noble valiant heart, do as it pleaseth you for I give you leave, than he took his glove,& the king took it and thanked him,& so than they went to dinner, and all the noble company of france and britain were in the clear tour where as they dined in grete delight and sport, and were served right richly, and after dinner they sported them till it was about one of the clock.   

☞ How that king jonas al alone came to the castle of the clear tour, and there did his message from themperour of ynde the more. Capitulo. C.iii.  
THan king jonas issued out of the emperours host al armed well and freshly mounted, and so all alone without ony company he came to the clear tour, and under a fair conceive three he alighted and mounted up into the palace, and there he found Florence& the king of Malogre and the duke of britain setting together, than the king jonas spake before Florence in open audience, so that every man might well here him& said, the hye sovereign god who all thing formed of eight defend& keep the puissant emperour of ynde the more and all his friends where so ever they be here or elles where, first to the Florence there as thou syttest I say fro the mighty emperour that thou go to him al onely in thy kyrtel on the bare feet with thy here hanging about thy shoulders, and on thy knees cry him humbly mercy of the great outrage that thou hast done to him, and I think that he will haue mercy on thee that thou shalt not die no cruel death, for yf thou wilt do thus I think he will give the pardon of thy life and ma●y the to one of the gromes of his kitchen,& yf thou wilt not do thus know for certain that to morrow next coming this castle shall be razed down to the hard earth and thyself brent in a fair fire and the lurden that is called Arthur hanged up by the neck. Than Florence began to smile& said, sir jonas show unto your emperour that or al this be perfourmed● there shal not abide one tooth in his heed but I shal cause them to be rasshed out each after other, and as for coming into my castle against my will let him know well I haue such people about me that shall defend it right well against him, for therof they be desirous. Than the dolphyn stepped for the as he that was full of ire because of the rude words that king jonas had spoken of Florence and Arthur and said to the king, thou foul old churlysshe villain yf thou were not a messenger I would rash out thyn eyen out of thyn heed with mine own hands what art thou come hither to speak villainy to so high a lady and princess as Florence is, to say that she should be given to a kechin groom in marriage, thou old fool say unto thine emperour that he come to my lady Florence crepyng on his hands and knees, and to take of such judgment of death as she will assign him to die of, and yf he will not so do let him ●lye fast out of this country, for as for me nor none of my company haue taken no truce with him● therfore I utterly defy him,& first here before thy face thou abused foolish dotarde I def●e thee& al thy malice. And when king jonas saw the grete peril& daung●r that he was in he was nigh for anger out of his wit, and therwith he set his hand on his sword and than Brisebar stepped to him with a grete lever in his hand& said, sir king fair& softly not so hardy in thy heed that thou ones steer, for& thou do thou shalt never speak word more with thine emperor, than he held his peas& stood still, for he saw well that yf he had moved he had been but dead. Than Brisebar said yf thou hast ony more to say speak& avoyde fast out of this presence yf thou love thine own life. Than the king I was said to the king of malogre& to the other lords of france& britain, sirs it is so the high& mighty puissant emp●rour hath hard speaking of you how that ye be come hither with much people in harneys, for what cause he knoweth not, whether it be to be with him or against him, yf it be for him and that ye kill come and dwell with him he will give you g●lde& silver, rents& lands& great possessions,& he will love and honour you in such wise that of reason ye shal hold you right well content And yf ye be come to be against him he wolde know it to thentent that he will take counsel what he shal do against you,& in this behalf show me your minds. Than the king Alexander of Malogre spake first& said, sir ye seem to be a wise m●n, I wote not what I should call you for I know not your name, but this I say v●to you show unto your emperour that he hath to little land& is of to small a power,& hat● to little store of gold& silver to retain to his service such people as we be, but yf he will dwell with us& serve us truly let him come to us& we shal do right well for him,& yf he haue no wife we shal mary him to one of our damoyselles who hath ben long one of our lauenders. And when the king jonas hard him that he called him a wise man,& that he would mary his lord the Emperour to a lewd damosel he was than so angry for despite that he was nigh in a gre●e rage& said to king Alexander, sir ye haue an outrageous hart to call me a wise man& would mary my lord to one of your damoyselles, and he is the most mighty prince& most honoured that ever b●●e crown of gold on his head,& more over ye would haue him to come& s●rue you, therfore sir I say unto you on his behalf that he shal be to morrow assembled against you with. xx.m. spears in his company, therfore beware of him and of his, for in his name I defy you and all you●s, and sir dolphyn to you I say beware that ye come not ther, for& ye do I promise you to take that head of yours cl●●e fro your shoulders, than he went to Brisebar& took him by the chin so ●udely that he made al the re●h in his head to dash together, and said, by the faith that I owe unto themp●rour of yude I shal never depart out of this country till I haue hanged thee by the neck before Arthur& al these f●eshe men that be here present And when Brysebar felt himself so rudely handled and so churlishely threatened he strained his ●ethe together and frounsed and glared with high eyen as though he had ben wode, and therwith he lift up his lever and gave king jonas therwith such a ●troke between the shoulders that he fell flat to the earth, and Brysebar dashed down with his knees on his bely, and with a short knife he cut of a great parte of the here of his beard, wherewith king jonas brayed and cried out a grete place. And duke philip did laugh thereat and said, sirs behold what a good barbou● Brisebar is, me thinketh he doth live very hard, behold howe the heres come out roots ● all. Than Florence rose and said, friend Brysebar arise and let him alone for he is a messenger, therwith Brisebar departed fro him, than the king arose and went down the stairs al astonied,& so mounted on his horse& went to themperours host,& by that time the son was far drawn into the west. And when themperour saw king jonas in the case he demanded of him who had arrayed him in that wise. And he answered, sir the french men in the blanch tour hath thus arrayed me, and ther he recounted to themperour how that they would mary him to one of their lauenders, and would haue him to serve them Ye said themperour are they than of that mind, than I command you that to morrow next ye bete down this castle,& that the harlot Florence be taken& br●nt& the ribaude Arthur hanged by the neck and al the remnant slain. Than king jonas said, sir I undertake on pain of my heed that all this that ye haue devised shal be done to morrow betimes, and so he went to his tent as for that night. Than the noble knights in the castle went to counsel to determine how they should do the next day, for ther knew well that there should be battle made to them, than master steven said to king A●exander, sir I know well that this king jonas that lately departed fro us will make on us a fierce assawte to morrow next, therfore there is no more to do but now let it be seen what french men can do,& yf we hold them rudely at this beginning they shal be the lighther discomfited here after nor also they will not so lightly again assemble against us therfore let every knight show forth the best that they can do,& blessed be he that no with shal do valiantly, sir me thinketh that it were b●st that ye send for al your people that lieth without in the tentes& let them come into the castle as rejoicingly as they can without any noise& conuai all their stuff with them, for now all this night themperou●s people will sleep fast because they think to fight to morrow, and when our people be come into this castle let us all keep ourself in our harneys as pryu●ly as we can, and than we shal let down the brydges& set open the gates,& so in the morning our enemies shal think that we be all fled away this night for fear,& than I think we shal se this king jonas, a●d all his company come& entre into this castle,& as soon as they be entred than we may stepe to the gate and close it fast,& so than they can not escape us, nor they that be with out shal not help them, for yf we should go and issue out& fight in the p●aine field with them al we should haue over much to do,& by lyk●lyhode lese many of our people, for they be in nombre an hundred against one of us,& when we haue slain al them that 〈◇〉 all be entred with in this castle than let us set open the gates& let the r●menaunt entre who will, and yf they will not come to us we may go whan we will& look on them in their tentes,& the more that be dead the fewer enemies we shal haue. And when Florence herde the maisters counsel it pl●ased her right well, and said how tha● she would that they should do as had devised madam said king Alexander your grace not displeased we shal not do thus ye be daughter unto a hye and a mighty puissant king, and I am also a king and it were shane for such people as we be to take our enemies closed in a net or cage, for rather we should go seek them in the open field with b●ners displayed Ye sa● right well said Florence, but sir they haue done against me more villainy and trespass than this case is in, for they become hither into my country and hath enclosed me here in my castle without ●ny reasonable cause, wherefore it is no shane to take advantage of them if we can. In the name of god madam said the dolphyn ye say but trouth, for it is good polyce in war to spy advantage on our enemies, so that there be no treason in the case, wh●rfore let us do thus as is devised. I am agreed thereto said the duke of britain, for time enough here after we may issue out on thē, but I promise you I will be the porter and keep the gate, and I shall give them fre entre as many as will come without ony danger, but at the going out of the tavern it shall behove them to pay for their scotte, for such shal entre that shall not finde again their going out, than every knight did laugh at this new porter, than Florence embraced him and said, a mine own dere lord and father it appeareth right well how that ye be of the fyernes of Arthur your sone, and so at the last they agreed all to this counsel. Than Brisebar mounted on his horse and road forth to the french host without the castle and came to sir de la lounde who had the guiding of them, and they two together dyde convey that same night al th●yr host as covertly as they could into the castle, so that none of the emperours people espied them, and they within the castle did rest them al that night till that it was nere on the point of the day light, than they hard mass, and after that they ordered al their people, and the duke of britain and al his company kept the gate, and entred into the grete sellers and vawtes joining thereto, and kept wolf privily and close without any noise, and in the ma●ket place of the town was the dolphyn, and in another street the earl of foreste and the earl of mountbelyall, and in an other corner was the earl of nevers and the earl of Foys, and the young king of malogres, master steven, Arthur, Brysebar, and sir de la lounde accompanied with five hundred other knights kept the passage to the palace, and duke philip and duke Hector were in the palace with Florence, and al these noble men and all their company were redy a●med and all closed in chambers, sellers& vawtes and so kept themself close with out any noise making.   

☞ How that themperour and king jonas accompanied with fyfty● thousand men of war came to the clear tour for to haue made assault thereto, and than they found the gates open and entred both into the town and in to the castle, for they thought verily that all the french men had ben fled, but they were deceived, for than the french men wart out from their enbusshementes and shut fast the gates▪ and there slew king jonas and all the fyftye thousand, so that none escaped alive but one and the Emperour who was taken prisoner. Capitulo. C.iiii.  
IN the morning whan king jonas saw the day begin to spring he lept out of his bed and made to be cried throughout al his host the every man should to harne is to the enntent to make assaut to the clear tour, than king jonas assembled ther together to the nombre of .xv. thousand persons, than there came to him a knight,& said, sir Florence and al the french men are fled away this same night privily, for the gates of the castle and town standeth wide open,& the french men hath left behind them much baggage there as ther were lodged with out the town. And when king jonas hard that he had never so great joy before and said, I knew well that as soon as they knew that I would come against them they durst not for their lives abide ony longer, I am angry with nothing but with that Florence should thus escape us than he caused a great horn to be sowned than ther assembled about him on horseback well to the nombre of .xl. thousand& with great noise of trumpets, tabors& horns they road to themperours tent who was as then risen out of his bed& stood without his tent with great plenty of people about him,& as sone as king jonas saw him he alighted and said, sir I am right sore displeased for Florence& al the galauntes of france are this night privily fled away, I am sure Arthur hath lead them into his country, but sir and it please you mount on your horse& go ride to the castle and take the possession therof,& so shall ye haue the conquest before k●ng Emendus doth come, for when he is come ye shal haue a great advantage of h●m, for than he shal be without& fain to lodge in the field,& ye shal be at your ease within the town& castle. And whan that themperour hard how that Florence was escaped fro him he was nigh out of his mind for displeasure, than he demanded for his harneys, and so armed him& diverse other with him, so what of his company and of king jonas they were to the nombre of fifty thousand, so themperour road forth with banners displayed& with great noise of trumpets, horns, and tabors, and came to the first gate of the castle, than there the emperour saw the foundation of the grete walls the which were right hye& thick and the grete and deep ditches full of water, and the gates richly build mighty and strong,& the sharp cuttinge port eullesses of bright steel, also he beheld the hye and mighty towers pight full of wavering fanes, than he praised the castle so much in his heart that he would not give it again for al the gold of the world, and than he said to king jonas verily this castle pleaseth me right well I shal make it my chamber, he said trulyer than he was ware of, for there died he in grete mischief, and was buried in the castle. sir said king jonas here ye and I will take up our lodgings,& thus oftentimes people speaketh of a thing that they know but little what the conclusion shall be, than by adventure as the emperour looked in at a window of the chief tour he had a blush of Florence for as than he was paste the first gate and ward, than he said to her a gentle pusel make good chete for verily ye haue themperour to your host. And when Florence hard him say so her hart trembled for fear& said, a sweet love Arthur it is needful this day that ye be the chief floure of al other knights, sweet hart deliver me this day of this emperour,& by that time themperou●e with all his .l. thousand were passed the gates& wards& were come to the chief palace, than the noble& free duke of britain rushed out of his ●n bush& lift up the bridge& closed fast the gates and did put out his stan●arde over the wall of the gate into the castle ward and caused to be blown a grisley horn than knights lept on horses on every side, than Arthur came down out of the chief dungeon well mounted on horseback well armed,& cried britain saint malo than he broached to his horse& with great randon he dressed him to themperour& struck him so rudely with his spear that he bare down emperour horse& all in a heap, than Arthur had thought to haue taken him but he might not the press was so thick. And when Arthur saw that he was hold so short with so grete a nombre he took clarence his good swee●e in his hand and did cut down therwith all that ever he attained unto. And when king Alexander and his company saw the noble prowess of Arthur they took on them grete hardiness, than king Alexander ran and encountered king jonas so rudely that he flew clene over his horse crope his legs upward,& with his fall he had almost overthrown the dolphyn who laid on with his sword as a man out of his wit, and when he saw king jonas make a fork with his legs upward, he lift up his sword& struck him between the legs so rudely that his right leg flew clene into the field, and said go thy way thou doting fool cover thine arse shane haue thou& there this king jonas was all to trod●n with horse feet, and the emperor was so bruised with his fall that nigh the thine of his back was broken asunder and so was la●de under a pine three on his shield& could not st●re to help himself. Than al the erles and the lord B●auieu, sir de la lounde,& Brisebar da●ht into the press and dyde there such valyauntnes in arms that they dyde in a maner with their enemies as they lift themself, for they were n●re hand discomfited because of fault of their capitains, and so than they had thought to haue turned again to the gate, but than the noble duke of britain was before them who right sharply received them for the britons struck of their heads arms& legs, but specially Arthur d●lt● wonders stroke about them, and bett● down all that ever he attained unto, so that every man fled before him to make short process these noble men dyde so much that all the emperyens were clen● discomfited and slain, how be it they endured much pain and labour first▪ for they were a great nombre of people,& by that tune it was about none, than Arthur and all his company vna●med them and took their dinner, than they r●tourned to the palace, and as they went they saw lying under the pine three the emperour who had his chine sore bruised and almost broken, than Arthur caused him to be sayre and easily unarmed, and made him to be born to the palace& to be laid in a fair goodly chamber, and appoynted .vi. knights to wait& give attendance on him,& .x. squye●s to serve him, than Arthur caused all the beste surgiens of the country to be brought to him to hele him of his sore hurts, and Arthur kept the Emperour as honourably as a man ought to keep such a person as he was. Than Arthur said to his company lords what shall we do with yonder grete host that is without, for I think that yf they ones know that themperour be taken and king jonas slain they will flee away, and so shal they escape fro us therefore let every man give his advise what is best ferder to be done. verily sir said master steven my counsel is that in the height of the highest tour in this castle that ye set out themperoures banner dysp●ayed to thentent that they without in the host may se it, and than they will think verily the themperour hath won this place,& so than they will abide still and think himself well assured, and sir as soon as every man of our company hath dined l●t us issue out with banners displayed and fight with them, for people without a governor are half discom●yted, for they shall haue noo virtue nor power against us, and let us make king Alexander oua captain and governor for a king ought to gouernr an host, and than let us do so that king Emendus when he cometh may haue but little to do. Than every man said howe that the master had well advised, and agreed also to do, than every man went to dinner,& when they had dined every man cried to harness, and so armed them,& they with out in the host were right joyful when they saw their lords banner dyspl●yed in the top of the castle, and than king Alexander and Arthur ordained that the banner of britain should be in the way ward and that Arthur should be in the company of his father ●he duke of britain,& next after him in battle should be the earl of mount belyal,& than the earl of Neu●rs than therle of Foys,& than therle of foreste, nere after the lord Beauieu,& th●n the dolphin,& than the lord de la lounde and sir Brisebar, and than last of all king Alexander their chief capitain, and master steven in his company,& when all these noble men were thus s●t in good ordinance& their banners displayed, than Florence beheld well their noble& high countenances& praised them much in her heart and said, a gentle country of france right noble art thou, god keep the therein& mayntayn it sith thou hast nourished up such a noble company of knights as here be now at this time present, so than there issued first out the banner of britain with the thekered arms, and so al other every man in good ordinance. And when the empetyens saw them come forth than they knew well howe that themperour& king jonas were both slain or taken, and than they w●re so abashed that they had thought all to haue fled a way, than king Florypes broder to themperoure and king ●randalas and king Clamados cousin germayne to king Florypes mounted al on their horses, and road al about their host and did encourage thyr people, than the king Florypes called to him the earl of the yle perdieu, and commanded him to ride against the french host& demand of them what people they were, and what they would and to show them that yf they demand battle they should haue it on the monday next following without any fail so that they will give ●rewse in the mean space, so than the earl road straight to the duke of britain who was in the foremost bron● and right nobly did salute him. And when Arthur saw● him he made to him right great ioy, and than the earl desired him that he would cause him to speak with their chief capitain. Than Ar●hur brought him to the presence of king Alexand●r than the ●rle did his reverence and saluted him, and demanded of the king for what intention he and al his company did approach so nere to the emperours host. Ce●taynely friend said the king it is so that ye& your company be entred into the land pertaining to the gentle la●y Florence,& ye haue wasted& exiled al her coutry and subiects wrongfully& without any reasonable cause,& ye haue besiege●& assaulted her here in her castle without any def●aunce made to her before, wherefore we are riding in purpose to areyse your siege and to drive you out of this country yf we can. sir {quod} therle cause your host to tarry and return again to your castle, and king Floripes broder to themperour desireth of you truce and respite of ●atayle till monday next coming,& than h● p●omyseth you to deliver you battle without any fail, for sir al out host is sore troubled because of our emperor, for we wo●e not where he is, for sir we se well that the castle is not delivered too him sith we se al you h●re redy to, batalle, and he is abiden behind and al his, we wote not where to seek him. Cer●aynly sir {quod} the king your emp●rour is within ●he castle in prison, and the chine of his back nigh broken asunder, and as for your king jonas is dead and al tho that came with thē● but sir as for the respite that ye demand I shal take counsel in y● behalf, and than give you an answer, than the king sent for al his lords and shewed them the requests of king Florypes, and desired them to give him counsel in the behalf, ●han the duke of britain desired the master to give first his aduise, than the master said, lords it is of troth that this king Floripes is a cruel prince and greatly red●ubted, for throughout al themperors land the people will do more for him, than for themperour himself, and sirs ye may well se before you all the bills& great va●●y●s be full of men of war, so that for one of our company the●e is an. C of theirs, and also though themperoure were dead, yet these people are not with out a captain as long as they haue with●hem this king Floripes, therefore my counsel is let us gine them this ●rulety● monday, sith it cometh of their own desire, for our people are right ●or travailed of the pain that they haue had this morning, and their horses be also right weary& sore chafed, and sir there be many of our knights and people sore wounded so they may well take their rest the ●pa●● of these four dayes and so by monday● every man and horse shal be well refresshe● how be it on the other side I se well that as now their host is in a maner without any ordinance, and in great trouble for the myssynge of their emperor, so that if we shol● go on them at this point I think that we should dyscomfyt them al, but we should haue no honour in that behalf●, for we should do but dyscom●it● people that were but as half dead, therefore let us accomplish their request, and on monday let us assemble against them and than, yf god give us the vyc●ory than out praise and honour shal be the more, grete● and more laudable, And when the master had thus devised they were all agreed to his saying. So than the king Alexander granted the truce too th●●rle till the monday following. Than the e●le returned and said to king Florypes& to such other as were with him sirs it is so the french men h●th granted to you truce till monday next, and as for themperour is in prison sore wounded and the king jonas slain and al thei● company, but of one thing I ensur● you all, sythe God first made mankyn● there was never so goodly a sort of men of war assembled together as they bee, and as god help me yf we were half as many mo people as we be here already we could not endure against them they order their battles in so goodly a maner. hold your peace sir earl said king Florypes, and if ye be afeard fly away, for as god help me as soon as mondy is come I shall neither eat nor drink till I haue again my broder themperour and put them al to death by the sword, than he sent for al the noble men of the host& chief captaines, and took their faith and troth to help him in his quareil. Than king Alexander and al his company retu●ned again to the castle, and alighted at the gate And there Florence m●t thē and conuaied them up into the palace,& than she demanded them the cause why they returned again so soon without battle. Madam said the duke of britain it is so the king Florypes hath desired of us truce till monday next coming the which we haue granted him. In the name of god said Florence so be it, so than every man unarmed thē throughout al the castle,& after they went and united themperour& kept him company how be it he was sore enpaired because of the hurt that he had. Now let us leave to sp●ke of thē and return to governar that was going on message into the realm of Soroloys to king Emendus   

¶ How governar went into the realm of Soroloys to thentent to give knowledge to king Emendus howe the themperor had besieged his daughter Florence in her castle of clear tour, desiring him too hast his host to rescue her at that time. Capi. C.v.  
when that governar was departed fro blanch ●ou●e as ye haue herde hereafore he road so long ●yl at last he arrived at the fair city of palestyne, and there he herde tydyngs of the mighty king Emendus howe that he had knowledge that themperour had besieged his daughter in her castle of blanch coute wherefore he assembled his hostes together as fast as he might, to thentent to rescow Florence his daughter, and there it was shewed him how that the chief governor of his host was the king of orqueney, who was put to the way ●ard with xxx. M. hawberts, and a●●e● him the king of mormal with other .xxx. M. and than the king of valefound with other .xxx. M. and than the king of Ismaelyte with other .xxx. M. And ●hā the mighty king Emendus with. C. M. in his company and than there we●e of duke Ph●●yppes company .xv. M. and of the lady Margaretes of Argentons company .xv. M. who w●re brought by sir Emery. And when governar herde these tidings he was right joyful,& so mounted on his horse and road so long till he came within a dayes journey of the city of Cornyte, than he encountered the king of orqueneys banner with a right noble company,& so road forth& passed by al those great routs, at last he spied sir ansel nephew to sir nevelon Florence marshal& each of them embraced other,& so to them there came sir rowland of bigor,& sir Uiceer of damason ● sir Artaude,& sir Morys of fenice& al ●hese were Florence knights, and al these knew well governar& made to him gret● cheer and at last the king of orqneny came to thē& he embraced governar and to him made right great fest and cheer, than governar did alight, but the king made him to remount again& demanded of him how that Arthur did. sir {quod} governar he is at the blanch tour there I left him,& with him duke Hector, Brisebar& master steven sir it is so that themperour hath besieged Florence in the castle,& he hath with him people without number, and he had enclosed the castle round about or we entred, howe be it we entred by the subtle wit of master steven, but sir I am sure there is by this time with Arthur the most noble company of al the world for he hath brought with him out of his country the king of malogres and .iiii. erles and .iiii. barons, and also the mihgty duke of britain his own father& they are well to the number of .xv. ●hou●ande knights of france of great price and valour, wher●ore I think by this time they haue made some maner of scarmysshe with their enemies for they are hardy knights and courageous for it is great marvel yf they lie thus long still. Ye said the king is A●thur than of that virtue and strength that he hath brought with him such people, as help me god I am right joyful therof, now it ●hall be well known yf he be an orphelyn in his own country or not sir said governar he heartily doth salute you& desireth you to hast your people as fast as ye can toward him for the rescowynge of Florence. with a right good will said the king, with goddes grace we shal be there by wednesday ne●t coming at night, let us go& speak ●oyth my lord the king of Soroloys, so they passed f●rby the great hostes, and governar said behold I trow here be all the world of people than much people demanded tidings of Arthur, and so did al the kings in their own proper persons so at last they appro●hed the great host of king Emendus and passed forbye al the great rou●es till they came to king Emen●us an● as sone as he saw governar his heart rejoiced in his bady& embraced him& demanded tidings of Arthur sir said governar I left him at the blanch ●ou●e,& there he recounted to the king how that they entred into the castle,& shewed him how that Arthur had brought with him out of his country the most noble company of al the world,& also his father the duke of britain and there he shewed the names of them al, both of the king erles and barons whereof ●he king had great ioy●, than the king of Orqueney said sir your daughter is not ill bestowed, I think he will defend her right well against themperour. That is true {quod} the king, but is ther any great company with these noble men. Ye sir truly {quod} governar, for or I departed fro them they had discomfited the Son dā& also his broder and .xxx. M. sarasyns of his company. That is a gr●t thing {quod} the king. sir {quod} governar Arthur desireth your grace too advance your host as hastily as ye can, and now sir I will return again to blanch tour, for I think long to know thestate of my lord Arthur and so he took his leu●. Go your way friend {quod} the king and salute f●o me my daughter Florence and Arthu● al such as be come with him, and thank them on my behalf for coming into this country to the aiding of my daughter. Than tharchbisshop embraced governar, and so governar departed, and he and the king of orqueney went together to his host. And when sir Ansean of valefound knew the governar would depart again he said to the king of orqueny, sir my lady Florence is besieged wherefore I will by your licence go with Gou●rnar and se my lord mine uncle who is with Arthur. Than slept forth sir miles and sir Rowland of Bygor& sir Ulceer and sir Artaud& sir morante,& they al demanded licence of the king to go with governar, and he gave them al licence, than they took their harness and mounted on their horses& went forth on their way and passed al the hostes   

¶ How that Arthur accompanied with the french men dyscomfyt●d king Florypes brother to themperour,& slew al ●hem that were in his company. Ca. C.vi.  
SO it was that the next day after that the ●rewse was taken A●t●ur rose up early in the morning and enured ●nto the palace and there he found the dolphyn& the lord de la lound, and so each of them did salute other, than the dolphin said as help me god it annoyeth me greatly thus long to be closed in mewe, I would gladly go and sport me abroad in the fields, but first let us go take our harneys with us because our enemies be so nere us, and so they al .iii. did arm them and Brisebar also,& mounted on their horses and issued out at the gates and road down by a fair valley by the river side till they we● well the space of of a mile and half fro the castle, than ●he dolphin beholded well the pleasant ●iuer& the goodly meadows on both sides, and praised much the country in his mind, than he dashed his spurs to his horse and galoped down along by the ryu●r side till he came to a thick wood,& when he had thought to haue returned again, he perceived a knight armed yssuy●g out of the same wood mounted on a good horse, and came running towards him by great randon, and when the dolphyn saw him he encountered him with such force that the knight broke his spear but the dolphyn struck him so rudely that he put his spe●e through his body, and so the knight fel down dead. Than Arthur said to his company, I se w●ll the dolphyn is a knight of gre● valu●e, and had scant finished his words but that he perceived yssuyng out of the wood king Clamados with .ii. C. in harness with him coming ay●nst the dolphyn with great fierceness, and when the dolphin saw that he dash to his horse and took his sword and struck so the first that he c●aue him down to the teeth, than al the remenant ran on him at al sides, but than Arthur rush●e into the press, and the first that he encountered he dash his sp●re ●lene through his body so far that he wounded an other knight that was behind him nigh to the death, than he drew out his sword and laid on among them that were in hand with the dolphin, and gave among them so great strok●s that he cut of arms, hedes, and legs, and b●t down knights and claue asunder sheldes and made great place afore him, for none approached nere him but that he received death and also the dolphyn did as nobly as any knight could do, and Arthur beholded him, and under his helm dyde laugh at his noble valour, than Brisebar& sir de la lounde dashed in to the press so rudely that each of them bete down his enemy, than they laid on with their sword like two wild lions. And when the king Clamados saw his people so slain with .iiii. pe●sons he was right sorrowful& replet with ire and said if al the other french men be like these .iiii. al the world can not endure against them but by the fay●h tha● I owe unto th I shal rid one of them out of this mortal, and therwith he lift up his sword and struck Brysebar so rudely that the gentle knight was ny● landmen down, for his horse with the stroke fel down on his knees, than there fel on him so many folkes that they drew him down to the ea●●h And when the lord de la lound saw that he began for to cry as fast as he might help Arthur for Brisebar is elles lost, than the dolphyn espied that and rushte into the thi●kest of the press and he and sir de la lounde did as much as they could to ●es●owe Brisebar, but it availed thē not for there were to many on him, and so he was taken prisoner& delivered to .xx. men to keep, and they lead him forth out of the host right rudely, and than unarmed him and did bete him right ill. And when Arthur knew that Brisebar was taken& lead out of the field, he was ●ighte sorrowful and sore displeased, than he dashed into the press so rudely that he confounded al that ever he attained unto, and claue asunder sheldes and unbarred helms,& v●nayled hawbertes& cut of heads, hand●s and arms, and threw down kn●ghtes, for none abode him without d●th, so that al fled before him, and he and the dolphyn and sir de la lounde held themself ever together in a front. And all this season Brysebar was led forth out of the field till they came to the foot of a great mountain, betynge and ill intreatyng of Brysebar their prisoner, but it was not long after till they were displeased and sorrowful, for wyth●n a little while after they drank of the same cup, for governar, sir Ansel, sir miles, sir Rowland, sir Uicier, sir Ar●aude, and sir Mo●ant the same time descended down this same mountain, for they were coming out of the realm of Sorolois as ye haue herde here before. And when that governar saw those people deal so foul with Bris●bar, his blood trembled in his body for fear of Arthur, for than he doubted that the blanch tour had ben taken and destroyed and his lord Arthur deade than he said to rowland, saint Marye I doubt me greatly of my lord Arthur, for yonder is some of our company that is taken prisoner therefore gentle knights help to rescue him who so ever it be, than governar road forth with grete randon, and when he approached nere to them he knew right well how that it was Brisebar that was taken prisoner, than he set his hand on his sword& laid on among them like a wolf among a meinie of sheep and did cut down and slew as bef●●e him, so within a while al tho .xx. kn●ghtes were al slain, than governar came to Brysebar and said, a friend it seemeth well this people did never nourysh you up that thus foul& shamefully haue dealt with you, whereof I am rygh● sorry, and so loosed him out of his bands And when Brysebar saw him h● had right great joy and said, a friend ever at need a man shal know his friend, but for goddes sake hast you to help my lord Arthur who is at great mischief here by this river side, for as help me god I am more sorry for him than for myself. And when governar herde that he galoped forth incontinent& al his company after them, and as soon as they came to their enemies they found the lord de la lounde ou●rthrowen to the earth and tak● prisoner, and was leding forth, and therewith governar laid on round about him, and his company with him,& they bet down knights on every side, than governar took a horse and delivered it to sir de la lounde, and in the spite of al his enemies he made him to remount, and ●han governar went al about seeking of Arthur, and sir Rowland with him,& at the last they found him in the thickest of the press, where as he did marvels in arms, and the dolphin did help him to the best of his power. And when governar saw him he dashed in among thē and frushed down al that ever he attained unto, for he was a marvelous good knight and of great virtue, and sir rowland and his .vi. ●elowes did help them to their powers,& governar went before doing great marvels. And when Arthur saw● him his heart quicken●d and took great pity of the pain& labour that he saw him take& endure so long, and therwith he laid on more rudelier than he had done before of al the day, for such was his maner the more he had to do the more grew ever his strength& hardiness Than came in Brysebar well armed and horsed, for he had been before at a good market where as he had choice of the best,& he bare down his enemies before him by grete hepes. And when king Clamados saw so his people dyscomfyred he turned himself to fly& said to a knight that was by him, go and hast you to themperours host& bring with you .iiii. C. howbertes to succour me,& so the knights road as fast as he might till he came to king Florypes& to king Brandolyn who were seeking all about the host for king Clamados, but they could here nothing of him, wherewith they were greatly displeased, and at last the knight messenger came to them and said to king Florypes, gentle king hast you to succour the noble king Clamados who is yonder by the river side, and he& his company are fighting with x. frensshemen● who I think are out of their minds. I believe they be not earthly people, but ●ather fiends of hell who are come for to destroy us all, for I am sure they hau● flayne by this time nigh .ii. hundred of the b●st knights of king Clamados, and sir king Clamados his self is wounded in .v. places of his body, and without ye hast you the faster he is but either dead or taken. saint mary friend said king Florypes, and howe is it they haue not slain al these french men sith they be but .x. persons. slain sir said the knight, nay speak not therof, but sir pray to god to keep you fro mischief,& that they approach not to nere you when ye shal meddle with them, for ther is none that approacheth to them without death sir hast you or else ye will lese your good king Clamados, than king Flor●pes commanded a great grisley horn to be blown, than all the host armed them hastily& mounted on their horses& took their spears& sheldes and made so great bruyte& noise that duke philip as he was in the castle herd thē, and looked out at a wyndow and saw all the host at mynge them& mountyng on their hors●s And than it was shewed him how that Arthur& the dolphyn, sir de la lounde,& sir Brysebar were issued out of the castle all armed and were ridden down by the river side,& when he saw al the people of the host drawing thyderwarde he thought well that ther was some fray toward, wherefore he feared greatly of Arthur& his company, than be caused the great watch horn of the castle to be blown .iii. times so that it was hard throughout the town and castle, whereby every man knew well that ther was some new tidings, wherefore they armed them and mounted on their horses,& than al the erles lords& knights did a●me them and mounted on their horses saving the duke of britain, king Alexander, and the master who as than were not risen out of their beds,& al these lords& knights with banners dysplay●d issued out of the castle,& they were well to the number of .xv. thousand in .iiii. battles well renged& in good order,& they road down along by the river side,& duke philip road form●st till at last he met with the first company of the emperours host,& they encountered rudely together,& so both parties ever increased so that ther was between them a great mortal battle& a fierce, themperiens were xl thousand and the other parte were but xv: thousand, how be it they slay many of their enemies,& king Brandalyn was chief governor of themperours host,& in this mean season Arthur& his .ix. fellows did so much that they clene discomfited al king Clamados company, than king Clamados was right sore displeased& ran at Arthur& struck him on the white shield, for he thought that he wolde set little by al his loss so that he might overcome him, but the stroke rebounded again without doing of ony hurt, for the shield was to hard for him to impair it, and when the king saw that he was nigh wode for anger▪& therwith gave Arthur an other grete stroke, but al availed him no thing. than Arthur struck at the king who was afeard of the stroke& thought to step a little a side but it was late for Arthur light so on him that he claue his shield clene a sunder in the mids,& the stroke entred into his shoulder and struck clene of the arm from his body,& as the sword did glent down ● share also clene away the calf of his leg,& when the king saw that he was so sore wounded he turned him& flew away as fast as he might, and .x. other with him, for ther were no mo left alive of his .ii C. men& yet they were all maimed& hurt than king Clamados fled till he came to the remnant of themperours host where as he found king Florypes, and there he fell down before him& said, a gentle king why do ye tarry thus long that ye take not vengeance on these french glotons who haue thus arrayed me, wherefore king hast you& succour our people And when king Florypes saw him in that case he was right sorrowful& swore a grete oath& said that he would never eat till he had the hedes of them that had thus ill arrayed him& broken the crewse than he commanded horns& t●ompetes to be blown, so that every man within the host dyde arm them& mounted on their horses& made grete noise& bruit● so that the duke of britain as he was in his chamber within the castle herde well the great noise, and than he demanded of his servants what it might be. Sir as god help us it is our company that are fighting without in the field with the emperours host, for sir all the lords of this castle are issue● out saving you and king Alexander who I think be yet in his bed. saint mary said the duke& is not my banner there among them. No sir t●uely nor none of your men. And {quod} the duke I lese mine honour this day, gete me my harneys and so hastily he armed him, and than he entred into the chambre where as king Alexander was& recounted to him all this matter, than the king was right sorry that he was not gone forth with the host, so than he armed him and al his and mounted on their horses, and so in good ordinance they issued out with banners dysplaied and rushte in to the battle to help their company,& when Arthur& his .ix. fellows had discomfited clene king Clamados and his company he went ther had ben no more to do at that time,& so than he demanded yf ony of any his company were hurt or sore wounded. And they all said that blessed be god ther was none of thē that had ony great hurt and therewith they hard great noise and dasshyng together with spears and swords and hard crying britain. well said Arthur I believe that our company of the castle be fighting with the host without, wherefore let us go help them& by that time they had rydden a little way forth they saw whereas the battle was right fierce& cruel. Than Brysebar espied where as king Floripes came toward them with an honoured thousand men, and so shewed them to Arthur and said, gentle knight and noble lord and our chief sovereign lord now is it needful that ye show your noble valour in this journey for sir behold yonder cometh king Florypes with al the world of men after him A noble king Emendus how is it that ye come not to succour this noble company. friend said governar be ye in certain that ye shall haue by him shortly noble help& succour, let us leave our talking& go on our enemies, for as god help me I shall ones go through them or elles I shal lie on the ground in qua●el, for I doubt no death well sirs said Arthur doubt not for al the world as long as I live, but sirs hold you ever close nere me, for I promise you ye shall se me ouerthr●● ◇〉 many knights that it shal be pain for you to nombre them, let be go on them ●o● we tarry t● long. Sir said the dolphyn doubt ye not of us, for as long as we live we shal never fail you, therwith they dashed into the press& overthrew knights by grete hopes, but specially Arthur dyde wonder●ly, for he was than as fresh as though he had done nothing of al the day before, thus we will leave them fygh●ing and 〈…〉 to master steven in the castle who knew nothing of all this matter.   

¶ How mayste● steven by his art& c●ning caused thempereyens●● g● a wronge way from Arthur and so encountered the king Emendus& al his host. Ca. C.vii.  
SO it was the when master steven had ●ayen in his ●ed as long as it pleased him, than he arose& went into the hall, and there he found Florence& the lady Margarete, and than he had grete marvel that he saw no body elles and demanded of them where as al the noble company were become. And Florence answered him and said, a gentle master now is such business come that we haue grete need of your help, for Arthur& al our company are without fighting with themperours host, who are an hundred thousand,& our company are but .xviii. thousand, and also more over king Florypes is coming on them with an other. C. thousand, wherefore by all likelihood our people shall be destroyed wherefore gentle master as ye be sone to a king help now our noble chyualry by your clergy. And when the master hard these tidings he went to his chambre& took his books,& dyde so much by his connyng that he raised a grete gat in king Florypes host so that each of 〈◇〉 could scant s● other: whereby they lost their hye way to come on Arthur& his company,& took the straight way that the king of orqueney& the great host of the mighty king Emendus was coming,& or they wist their horses were nere together, than the king of orqueneys host spied and know well by their banners& standards that they were of their enemies than they r●● to their harneys& saddled their horses& mounted on them,& the good king of orqueney was clene armed& well mounted on a grete migh●ye horse& road foremost of all his ●ompany the which was well to the nombre of .xxx. M. And next after him come the king of mormall with other .xxx. M. And when they were n●re to their enemies, than the king of orqueney ran against king Brandalin who broke his spear al to pieces, but the noble king of orqueney struck him so rudely that he fell over his horse crope his legs upward, so that he lay a great space for dead on the earth, but at last he was resc●wed by his people, than began the battle right cruel& fierce on both parties,& the king of orqueney& the king of mormall dyde right valiantly. Now let us return to master steven who that after he went out of his chambre& had caused this great mist to be in themperours host he armed him and went down into the court of the palace and ther he found redy a great& a mighty black horse with rede eyen sparkelyng as fire, the which horse had never eaten prouendre& was bare on al .iiii. fet● for he was never shode,& than the master incontinent mounted on him, and as son● as the master was on his back he suddenly vanished away so that Florence nor none that were with her wist where he was t● come,& so suddenly he was born into the host where as Arthur was fighting with his enemyis,& as soon as the master was there he blew such a blast that ther rose in such a wind& storm in theemperours host that they lost th●rby half thei● strength& hardiness, than the master with his sword in his hand dashed into the press& gave many grete stroke, but his horse with his feet both before and behind gave such stroke that he overthrew wh●soeuer he touched, so that the● was none that approached nere him b●● that the horse would run on him with open mouth& deuour● him so that every ma● fled ●way before ●he master for fear of his horse, the horse wo●de join together his feet& leap into the mids of the press,& there he would lay on with his f●te both before& b●●inde ● by●e with his teeth so that he claue asunder sheldes& brast asunder helms so that none durst abide him& Arthur& his company when they saw the master& his horse they laughed at him a grete place, than the .iiii. erles& the britons made place before them,& specially Arthur above all other did marvels in arms, and at conclusion they did so much that their enemies fled before them,& they followed after them and flew so many of thē that they were all clene dyscom●yted, for they saw well they had no succour,& had great marvel where th● king Florypes with his host was become that he cam not to succour them, than Arthur caused a great horn to be blown and railed together his people about king Alexander, and so than took counsel to return again to the blanch tour, than they saw the master coming to them fro the hye mountain on his horse brayeng like the wind, ● when he was come to them he said, sirs now quite yourself well& show tha● y● be noble men come out of the gentle country of france, for it is ●o the ●he noble king of Orquen●y& the king of morma●l are beyond yonder mountain fyghtinge with king Floripes,& they are but .xl. thousand against an. C. thousande●. wherefore they are sore over marched, for goddes sake let us go and succour them. And when Arthur hard that he was as fye●se of heart as a raged lion and said to king Alexander gentle king let us go shortly and h●lp● these gracious kings, certainly I had rather die than they should suffer ony h●●t one of thē is cousin Germaine to the faire Florence. Certainli friend Arthur said the king I am content w●th al my hart, than they railed their people together and went forth● with good ordinance and banners displayed,& such as were wou●ded & hurt returned to the blanch tour,& so they road forth such way as the master ●edde them till at last they came to the battle, than the master dashed his spor●es to his horse& ru●ht into the host, than his horse began to fight with his fear,& to bite with his teth, than Arthur& his company did laugh at him than Arthur, duke Philip,& governar dashed into the press,& the first that Arthur encountered withall he struck him so rudely that he claue him to the shoulders.& fro an other he took his head,& so ●elayd on round about him and confounded al that ever he attained unto, than the good king Alexander and the noble duke of britain and all other lords rushed into the press, than there began a fierce battle. And when the dolphyn saw the nobleness of Arthur& his company, he took on him thereby great hardiness, than he brothed his horse with the spurs& dashed into the press& his enemies assailed him on all parres, but he defended him like a good knight, but there were so many against him that they slay his horse under him, than he l●pte on his feet& slew& drove down many knights with his sword but at last for all that ever he could do he was taken prisoner, and when governar saw that he dashed into the press and the first ●hat he encountered he claue him to the teth,& fro another he struck of the arm hard by the shoulder,& so laid on round about him,& after him went sir N●uelon& sir rowland of brygor& did right valiantly, but ther were on them mo than. x● and they held them so short that they could not aid the dolphin And whan sir Brisebar saw his company in that case than he went into the press& closed himself just to governar,& between them they slay many of their enemies, for they kept them so close together that no man could part them, at last master steven saw them in that case he rushed in with his horse and did such wonder what with his hands& with his horse that his enemies fled fro his stroke& said, shane haue such Iogeler that hath taught his horse thus to dance, let us fly fro this feest, shane haue he that giveth him ony thing, we are but dead and we abide him, therefore let us leave him, hanged may he be that brought him into this country, therwith they ●eparted and fled away fro ●he dolphyn, than our knights came again to the dolphin and caused him again to mount on a good horse, and did put themself again into the battle, than sir ansel struck so rudely a knight that he f●ll down stark dead And when king Brandalyn saw that he was right sore displeased& struck sir ansel so rudely that he put his sword clene throughout his body more than a spam, therwith the gentle knight fell down to the dieth right dolorously hurt and wounded And whan duke Hector saw that he was right sore displeased, for he wend he had ben dead, than he ran at king Brandalyn and struck him with his sword so virtuously that he made his head to fly to the earth and said, a unhappy king thou hast taken fro us a right noble knight, but now thou hast paid for the mends therfore I claim thee as quite, than the king of orqueney who had well seen Hector do that dead he said, a gentle knygh●e blessed be that womb that ba●● the, for verily ye can well r●uenge your friend, than ther began grete sorrow in themperours host for king Brandalyn, than much people of them drew together to bear the dead king out of the battle, and Arthur caused sir ansel to be born to the blaun●he tour to Florence, and ther his wo●des to be searched. And when king Florypes hard tidynges that king Brandalin was slain and saw his people so slain and wounded he was for sorrow and angre●●ye out of his mind,& therewith he ran at a knight of the king of mormalles with a great sp●re& pers●d him therwith clene throughout the body and so he fell down dead, and with his sword he struck of the head of an other, and the thyrde he rid out of his life. And when the gentle king of mormal saw his people so slain he ran at king Floripes and gave him a grete stroke on the ●helde, but the stroke dyde him but little hurt, but than the king Florypes gave him such a stroke that he claue his shoulder down to the saddle, and therwith he fell down dead, than began there a great sorrow among his company, for he was a right noble and genetyll king. And when Arthur saw that he was never so sorrowful before for any thing that ever came unto him before, therwith in a great rage he began to flourish with clarence his good sword and gave king Florypes such a stroke ●n hye on the helm that he claue him clene asunder down to the saddle so that he fell asondre in two partes, and what his people saw that they were so abashed that they had noo power longer to defend themself but little, so than Arthur and Hector slew of them even as they list, so thus they were clene discomfited, and so they fled away and saved themself as well as they might. Than the gentle king of orqueney cam to the place where as the dead body of the noble king of mormall lay and wept for sorrow and said, certainly my hart is heavy for your death, a gentle noble king of Mormall this war was evil begon for you, all t●outh, bounty, and beauty was in you, certainly he had a hard hart that thus slew you, therwith he alighted fro his horse, than king Alexandre can to him and al the other dukes, erles, barons. and noble knights, and they all made right grete sorrow, than they dressed forth the dead body and did send it to the blanch tour. And when Florence hard of them great sorrow that they made she was in great fear of Arthur, and the lady Margarete had great doubt of the master till at last she was encertayned that it was for the death of king of Mormall whereof she was right sorrowful and caused the dead body rially to be laid on a rich bear in the mids of the quere of the church. Than the king of orqueney sent to the mighty king Emendus .iiii. knights in message, certyfyenge him how that they haue had a great battle, wherein the good king of mormall was slain, and of themperours parte howe that king Brandalyn king Clamados and king Floripes be al three slain, and the earl of the yle perdieu taken prisoner& maimed for ever, so than these messengers departed,& than the king of orqueney caused his tent to be pight up a little beside where as the battle was ther to abide the coming of king Emendus, and kept still in his company the king Alexander of malogre,& the duke of britain and the other erles& barons returned to the blanch tour to keep it and to b●re company with Florence.   

☞ How that themperour dyed in prison for sorrow when that he knew that his kings and people were al slain& discomfited. Capitulo. C.viii.  
SO it was that when the king of mormal●es body was brought in to the church within the castle, there was made right great sorrow in al the city and castle, in so much that themperoure as he lay in his bed sore sick, for he enpayred every day more and more,& as he lay he herd the great sorrow that was made without in the castle, than he demanded what it was and wherefore that great bruyte wi●h out was made,& than it was shewed him how that it was because of the death of the king of mormal who was slain by king Floripes. Ye said themperor& how doth king Florypes. I charge you tell me the trouth. sir for goods sake inquire noo more of that matter till ye be perfit hole I will not said themperour I will know it, but than he said to a subject of his own that was there with him, I charge the to tel me the plain troth, sir sith it please you I shal tel you the plain troth, it is so i● dede al your people are destroyed,& your broder king Floropes and al your other kings are al slain, and when themperour herd that he had so great sororw that he closed his teeth together and cast his hands abroad, and therwith his heart did ryue asunder and so dyed for sorrow, and than such as were about him did cast out a great cry, than Florence and the duke of britain went into the same chaumbre and there they found themperour ded, than the duke of britain sent for king Alexander and the king of orqueney and for all the other lords and barons, and when they were al together than they aparailed the emperours body, and conveyed it to church, and laid him by the king of mormal,& also thither was brought the body of king Florypes and laid by them, than incontinent there went a messenger to king Emendus,& by that time the first messengers were come to king Emendus& said to him, sir themperor is in prison and al his hostes discom●ited,& al hi● kings dead and slaiu than the king demanded who had done those noble deeds, sir said he as god help us that hath done such knights as Arthur hath brought with him for sir in al your life you never saw such knights nor more to be doubted, there is nothing that can endure against them, but sir al the world speaketh of Arthur& his cousin Hector, for Arthur a lonely by his noble prows hath made an end of all his enemies, how be it sir ther is one grete mischief fallen unto your grace. for the good king of mormal is slain by king Florypes, but incontinent arthur slay him and claue him asunder in .ii. yeres,& when king Emendus herd of the death of his good king he could speak no word of a great space, and when he might speak he said, a gentle knights heart true and honourable to al people, alas that I haue thus lost you, certainly it for thinketh me, a emperour shane haue you si●h ye haue taken fro me my noble& true companion cert●nly I shal take vengeance on you as sone as I shal se you and as he was thus talking there came to him the last messenger and said, sir the king of orqueni doth acertayne you that themperour is dead. And how is he dead {quod} the king, certainly sir {quod} the knight when he herd of the death of his broder king Floripes and of his other kings and that his host was clene discomfited, he dyed for sorrow as he that was sore sick before because of his hurt that he had in his back. w●l {quod} the king than I am revenged on him for me king how be it I would he were alive again and al his so that I had again my good king of mormal, go your way again {quod} the king go to the king of orqueni and say that I desire him to ordain redy to buried the bodies of themperour& of my king of mormall, of king Florypes of king Brandalin, and of king Clamados and show him how that I will be to morrow next coming with him there to do the observance of their buryinge than the king said to his broder the archbis●hop fair broder go to the blanch tour and aparaile right highly for the burying of these kings according to their estates and yourself this night say that observance that belongeth to their obsequies, and by goddes licence I shall be there to morrow by mass time. sir said that bishop I shal fulfil your commandment with a right good will, and so be departed& went to the blanch tour,& than Florence came to him and said, mine own good uncle and friend ye be right heartily welcome than the king of orqueney and king Alexander and al other erles and barons welcomed him, and when he was changed he and al his gathered together and went to church& there the bishop did all the observance& al the ceremonies, and there was ordained .v. rich beeres, and .v. rich crownes of gold hanging over them with banners and cote armours beaten with the colours of their arms, and when the bishop had done al the service over the bodies, than they al returned again to the palace and so restend them till the next day.   

¶ How that king Emendus came to the blanch tour with al his noble company to the burying of themperour and of the other .iiii. kings. Capi. C.ix.  
THe next day betimes king Emendus and al his host mounted on their horses& took the way to the blanch tour, and commanded that all his host should go in good ordinance as they were wont to do with banners a●d standards displayed as though they should entre into battle if need were, and than he sent for the king of orqueny to the blanch tour and for al his host, and as soon as the king of orqueney knew of the king Emendus ple●ure he departed fro the blaun●h tour and went to the king, than incontinent the king commanded him that he should arm him and al his, for he said he would that the french men should se the fierceness of his power, so than the king of orqueny and his company went into the f●●●t front and in this maner the king Emendus came toward the blanch tour like a mighty puissant king to thentent that he should be the more praised of the french lords, and th●re was lening at a window of the castle, Florence, king Alexander, the a●chbyshop and the duke of britain together ever ●oking for the coming of king Emendus, and at their windows there ●●oode Arthur, Hector, duke philip and ●he .iiii. earls and .iiii. ba●ons,& the ●olphin and the marshal of myrpoys and al the other knights of france, and at last they saw coming down a great hill the banner of orqueney wavering with the wind, veryng therein a field of gouldes enrayled with azu●e, a bar o● gold with a lion rampaunt gold, and than they heard trumpets horns and taboures blowing merely, than they saw crossbows and moryspykes on foot to a great number, and knights on horseback well ●enged and in good ordinance with many standards and gysernes wavering with the wind, great horses braying and beting with their feet, sheldes and helms shining against the son, and than next after came the host of the good king of mormal weeping and making great sorrow without any banner saving a little gi●●ene of sendal of black colour and every knight of the company bare their spears and the hedes downward and the small end of their sheldes upward. And when the archbishop saw them coming in the maner he had so great pity that he wept for sorrow, and Florence also could not keep herself fro weeping, and al other had great pity of the company, for it seemed well to them that they were right sorrowful and without a lord. And after these people came the king of Ismaelites host with his banner displayed, wherein was beaten a libard passant azure crwoned with gold barred with floure de lyces silver their people were of a fierce countenance and made great bruit with horns and tabors and they road in good ordinance well renged in battle. After them came the banner of Argentō be●ing a field of azure, a knight armed gold on a horse silver, and sir Emery was chief leader of the company, and as sone as the lady Margaret saw her banner she said to Florence madam my people haue not yet forgotten you. As god help me fair lady {quod} Florence they be right goodly to behold and seemeth well to be people to give right good aid, and as they looked ferder they saw where sir Clemenson came riding with duke Philippes banner bearing gold,& green meddled together, poudr●d with roses azure, than duke philip said yonder. I se my banner. verily {quod} king Alexander right great and mighty is that king that may haue such people at his commandment, than they saw where came the banner of the king of valefound father to master steven& he ●ate a field ver● with crownes gold and chaplettes silver. And last of al there came the rich banner of king Emendus wherein was a great flambyng dragon, and than there came so much people that al the earth was covered with them and ther were so many standards and tokens that a man might say that al the world was coming, than king Alexander& his company said, where was al this people found that belongeth to this king, it seemeth h● hath brought al the world with him. Than Florence said to king Alexander sir me thinketh it were well done that ye and your company did mount on your horses& go and meet my lord& father, sir he will take it for a great honor and love. As god help me madam {quod} the king ye haue said like a noble lady ought to say,& so shal we do than mounted the king and al other erles barons and knights without any harness, than king Alexander and the duke of britain road together& tharchbishop and Arthur,& so al other lords .ii. and .ii. together, and they were so goodly to behold that every man had marvel of them, and so they passed by al the companies till they came to king Emendus, who received thē al right sweetly, and thanked them gret●● of the g●et aid that they had done to Florence his daughter, than king Alexander road on the over side of king Emendus,& the duke of britain on the other side, and so they road forth till they came to th● blanch tour,& there they alighted, than Florence came to the king her father,& each of thē embraced other and the king said▪ fair daughter ye haue a good lord that so gentle a company hath brought with him out of his country,& I fewelye be full well bestowed, ●han king Emendus took the duke of britain by the hand,& so they .ii. went together to church,& there was done the service for themperour& for the other kings full solempnly& there they were enter●d with great honor,& after that Arthur caused a fair church to be edified in the same place where as the good king of mormall was slain▪& there he founded a lodge of xl. chanous and each of thē to haue .iii. L mark of yearly rent,& when al these foresaid observance was done that king Emendus commanded that al his ●entes and pauylions should be pight up without the castle, the which was done incontinent,& their dinner was puruaied for in the same place. and the king Emendus and king Alexander and the duke of britain sat them do●●e together at one table, and al other king●s and princes sat down at an other table every man after his estate and so there they were served right richly, and Florence remained stil in the castel● and her uncle the archbishop, duke Philip and the master were with her, and when king Emendus had dined he called to him Arthur& said Arthur ye haue won on these emperiens great treasure& riches, wherefore cause thē to be gathered together and depart them among your knights where as it shall please you best, and there as ye shal think th●m well employed. My lord said Arthur with a right good will, and so than Arthur departed such riches as was m●n in the field, in such wife that every man held himself well con●ent,& every man said noble knight Arthur god increase your bounty a honor and god give you good life, for we haue a rich& a noble lord of you, than Florence& the bishop came out of the castle to the kings tent, and as sone as king Alexander saw her he rose up on his feet and put of his cap and brought her to her father, than the king her father took her by the hand and set her down by him and said, fair daughter we haue been right sore displeased for the death of your people, therfore it is now time that ye rejoice us as in taking of Arthur to your lord ● hus●ond for we be accorded thereto and I will that ye shal go to sa●●ry,& there ye shal be wedded. sir said Florence al shall be at your pleasure, how be it sir if it please your grace I will first go to the port noyre, for there is the duchess of britain moder to Arthur and al these other ladies wives to these noble lords that be here come with Arthur,& sit I shal bring them into this country and do them such honor as I can, as I think they will do to me if I were in their country. And when the king her father herd that he smiled and said, ●aire daughter Florence it pleaseth me right well go your way to morrow, and the king of orqueney, duke Philip and Arthur ●●al go with you, and for the love of them I shal meet with you and them at Argence. And when the lady Margarete herd that the king wol● go to argence, she sent hastily sir Emerye to apparel her palace, to receive the king and his company right honourably, and gave licence too her host ●o return home, so they were all that day in great ioy and sport,& bare great honour to king Emendus and to al his thus they passed forth this night.   

¶ How after the dyscomfiture of themp●rour and al his people the king gave licence to al his host ●o depart ●uerye man home,& went himself to Argence there to● make the wedding between Arthur and Florence▪ and how that Florence went to the port noyre to make these to the duchess of britain and to the other ladies& to bring them to Argence to her father king Emendus. Capi. C.x.  
IN the next morning the king Emendus rose& gave licence to al his host to dept& he pu● himself forward on his journey toward Argence,& took with him king Alexander& the duke of britain & al the other earls and barons,& broug●t them throughout dyvers of his cities and castles and made them right great cheer and fest,& also Florence rose the same day betimes and entered into her chariot and took with her the queen of orqueny and the fair lady Margaret▪ and after her there were other .iii. charyots full of fair ladies and damosels,& governar and sir Neuel● were ch●fe rulers of her household, and the king of Orqueney, duke Philip, Arthur and the master kept her company, and so road forth together till they came to the port noyre Than Arthur, Brisebar and Clemenson were sent some what before to show the duchess of the coming of the fair lady Florence, daughter to the mighty Emendus king of Soroloys, and to make purueyaunce for her coming, so they road forth so far till at the la●t on a saturday at night they arrived at the port noyre, than they alighted and mounted up to the palace, and than they found the duchess and all the other ladies in the chapel hearing of evensong, each of them praying for their lord, for they were in great fear of them, for they herde no maner of tidings of them. And as sone as the duchess saw sir Brysebar, than her h●r●e came to her. And than sir Brisebar kneeled down on his knee, but the duchess would not suffer him to gail no season but raised him up, and than she demanded tidings of the duke her husband. Than Iehannet stepped forth to here some tidings of Arthur, than Brysebar said madam my lord the duke doth right well, and he doth salute you by me, he is with my lord the king Emendus who doth to him right great honour and to al your other lords and knights, and also madam my lord Arthur your son doth humbly recommaund him to you, as he that is the best knight and most honoured of al the world, and to you fair damosel Iehannet he recommaundeth him, and know you for ce●tayne that within these ●yght dayes as he shewed me, he will put you unto great honou●● therewith Iehannet cast down her look to the earth and gave a great sigh. madam said Brysebar to the duchess, behold yonder the gentle, Florence, daughter to the noble king Emendus who is coming hither to you, and bringeth with her the king of orqueney her cousin, and special friend to my lord Arthur your son, and also duke philip of Sabary Arthur, Hector, and master steven is with her, and al the people are coming to se you, and to bring you to the mighty king Emendus unto the city of Argence, and there I think shal be the marriage between Arthur your son and the noble Florence, a good lord said the duchess I thank the sith thou hast given me such a child that doth me so much honour. sir Brysebar said Iehannet is this my lord Arthurs love that is coming hither. Ye t●uely fair love ●ayd Brysebar. certainly said Iehannet I would gladly se her, and shal serve and love her with a good heart, y●t notwithstanding I had rather haue had Arthur to haue been my lover than hers, so they past forth that day& night, and in the morning there came messengers before that shewed how that Florence would be there at dinner, than the duchess and al the other countesses ladies and damoiselles dy● array them right freshly, and mounted on their palfraies and r●de to encounter Florence. And at the last Brysebar said, madam yonder cometh Florence out of the forests side, and at the same time the king and I give unto you my friend& lover Than the master kneeled down& thanked Florence, than the noble marks stepped forth who was uncle& governor of the lady Magaret& thanked Florence with al his heart, than Florence called to her duke Philip and said, friend I pray you re●ou●ne again hastily to the king my father& show him how that I haue disposed the realm or mormal,& the land of argenton& desire him that he will send me his confirmation in that behalf under his great seal. Than duke Philip took his leave and departed& road to king Emendus& recounted to him al that Florence had commanded him. And when the king herde all that he was right joyous for the love of arthur, and so was al the court so than the king did confirm al Florence desire,& did sand unto her his letters patents sealed under his great seal, and than Florence was mounted into her chariot,& the queen of orqueney and the duchess& Iehannet with her,& the countesses road each by other next to the chariots Than the countesse of nevers said to the countess of forest, madam this noble lady Florence hath done right wisely& nobly to make these marriages. That is true {quod} the lady foreste, she hath done it to thentent that arthur should not resort to Iehannet other wise than reason& honour wolde. Than the lady Rossillon said ye now Flor●nce will suffer their company in al honour& right, thus these ladies road forth talking till they came to the port noyre, where as they were iiii dayes in great feast& joy,& there every day governar talked of his marriage& passed the time in al honour with his lady Iehannet,& the master in like wise with his lady Margaret& said how that it was good to serve such a lord& such ● lady that so highly rewarded their servants& friends,& by that time duke philip was returned fro the kings court and brought with him the letters patents of the kings& there she delivered to governar& to the master the said letters, than duke philip said to Florence▪ madam the king your father desireth you to make as grete hast as ye can to the city of Argence so that ye may be there on monday next coming, for there the king will be redy against your coming, than Florence made her redy,& on the next morning betimes departed,& all her noble company with her,& did so much by her journeys that at last she was within the sight of the hye walls& towers of the city of Argence, than the king Emendus when he knew of their coming he called all his barons to mount on their horses, and the king Alexander& the king of valefounde& the king of Ismaelyte& such knights of the king of mormalles as was a byden within the court till such season as the king had purveyed for them a new king,& all the people of the city of Argenton went out to meet Florence Arthur ● their lady Margaret,& the people of the land of mormall cam to governar& received him as their lord& king& did to him homage, than they desired to see their new lady and queen. Who as than was in the chariot with Florence appareled in vestures ryall, and when Florence knew their desire she caused her to be taken out of the chariot& set on a goodli pa●fray to thentent that every man might se her,& so than they were glad to se her, for she was a right fair& a goodly lady& so they made to her reverence& honour as to their lady& queen, and the people of the land of Argenton received master steven for their sovereign lord.& specially sir Emery, and in this wise they came to the city of Argence, than ther m●t with them the archbishop and al the hole clergy of the cy●e,& every man to his power made great feest and joy, than ther alight to Florence& al her kings& queens, dukes& dutchesses, erles& countesses lords& ladies, knights and damoiselles than the noble king Emendus came out of his palace, and received them right honourably every person after their estate than ther began great feest and joy,& so went up to the palace and there this noble company were together in grete joy and tryumpe.   

☞ How Arthur wedded the fair Florence daughter to the mighty king Emendus with great honour& triumph,& king governar wedded the fair Iehannet, and master steven wedded the fair lady Margarete of A●genton all in one day and one hour. Capitulo. C.xii.  
 
when that Arthur saw so noble a seygnory& company were assembled together he went to king Emendus& said, sir and it like your grace ther is now in this city assembled ●yght high and noble people, for here is now .vi. kings .vi. dukes& .x. erles beside other lords& knights, wherefore sir may it please your grace to keep open court for a certain space, for I believe verily the● was never seen in one day so many n●ble men assembled together. As god help me sone {quod} the king I am content and so shal it be, therfore make ye puruayaunce therfore as ye shal think it b●st for you● honour a mine,& I will that ye wed Florence my daughter here in this city, and governar Iehannet,& the master the lady Margaret. sir {quod} Arthur in the name of god al this shal be done according to your commandment, sir king Al●xander shal abide& be lodged here with●ou in the palace,& my lord& father the duke of britain& all the other kings& princes shal be well l●dg●d in the city in noble& fayr● houses, and than Arthur made the t●mpl● to be appareled for himself to be mary●d in,& the ●bb●y of saint Ge●mayne for Goue●nar, than there were I●g●leis, gest●rs,& mynst●elles gathered together to a great nombre so that they made great mirth& joy in every parte of the city, so that ther was never seen none such before in no place, than Hector caused a faire quintayne to be pight up in the mids of the city,& thereat ran these young knights breaking and sheueringe of their spears, and some spake of making of a tou●nay, than was the dolphyn mounted clene arm●d holding a great& a mighty spear in his hand,& the same time the k●ng E●endus, the king Alexander& Florence, the duke of britain and Arthur were looking out at the windows of the palace,& al other kings& princes were in likewise beholding the lusty knights breaking of spears in every street of the city against the quyntaynes that there were made& ordained,& therewith the dolphyn ran at the chief quintayne,& gave thereon such a stroke that he claue the shield that hanged thereon clene a sunder▪& broke his spear all to sheuers& so passed forth and kept his course, and he was greatly praised of al the princes and barons, ladies and damoyselles, and they demanded who it was, and it was shewed thē how it was one of the fresh lords, whereof many of that country had great despite, and spak● therof in great displeasure, and at last a knight of the country of Sorolois who was called sir Bertrand of the tour s●id to his fellows, lords and fellows I sewe. that these french men that be now here in this country be of great pride and of fierce countenance, and by the oc●asion of them we are reputed of the less valour, for we may here well how generally they be praised, therefore shane haue they that will suffer it ony longer, wherefor● let us take a to●rnay against thē, and than we shal know what they can do. In the na●e of god so let it be said diverse other. So therwith water was brought into the hall and the tables laid, than to the court ther came kings dukes, erles, barons, and knights fro al partes, so thanking Emendus, king Alexander, and the duke of britain sate together at one table, and al the other kings sate one against another, and every man after his estate, and ther they were right ryche●y served,& when dinner was don●& the tables taken away, some went into the chambers and beheld the ladies dance and some went& looked out at the fair windows. And than sir Bertrande, sir Angele an other knight the● .ii. went sporting together& spake of the taking of this tourney against the french men, and they found sir Clemenson& sir perdiccas lenyng in a window, and than they demanded of sir Bertrande whereof he& his felaw dyde talk. And he answered& said how that it was of the turnay. And when sir Clemenson hard their mindes he was well of the same accord& said▪ let us go to duke Gouber● of ylaumes& know of him whether he will be of the same mind, so than they went to the duke. And when he saw them he smiled and said, welcome be ye sir knights, what tidings is th●● with you. verily sir {quod} Bertrande we say that we would fain know what people these fresshemen be with their swords, it is said how that they did bear themself valiantly at the blanch tour against the emperour, how be it we know it not, for we were not there present, therfore sir we are in mind to make a tourney against them, and we would know your mind whether ye will be on our side or not. And whan the duke Gou●erte hard their minds it pleased him right well& said, let us go to king Emendus& desire grant of him for this tourney,& so they al went together and entred into the chamber where as king Emendus& king Alexander of malogre and 〈◇〉 the other erles of france were, there was also Hector duke of orgoule& the dolphin of v●en,& the lord Beauieu, the marshal of myrpois,& the lord d● la lounde. Than the duke Goub●rt●●●id to king Emendus, sir behold here this dol●hyn who truly is a gentle knight,& verily he made yesterday afayre course at a quintaine whereof he was greatly praised, and not without a good cause, and he hath thereby sir quickened so the hartes of the knights of this your country so that they haue a great desire to make a turnay here in this city yf it please you to give us leave,& si● we would be right glad and joyous ●f it would please some of these french lords& knights to come forth& play them with us in this tourney, sir we would take it for great love, and pray thē therof right heartily. verily sir {quod} the king of malogre we shal not fail them for so little a thing, yf it please them let it be done to morrow next. And so be it {quod} sir Bertra●de. In the name of god {quod} king Emendus we will that it shal be to morrow, for to morrow we will make the solempnysacyon of the wedding of Arthur& of my daughter Florence& of governar& Iehannet,& of the master& the lady Margarete, but the fourth day after I am content that this tourney be done. well {quod} king Alexander it shall be as it pleaseth you Than the duke Goubert, sir Bertrande and their company departed fro the king and went down into the palace, and ther they shewed to all the other knights of their country how that they had taken a tourney against the fren●●e men to beholden the fourth day after the m●riage,& so there were to the nombre of .v. M. that promised to turnay together of one part against the french men,& made their auauntes how that they would bear down to the earth al the french men& win al their horses. So this day ther was great feest& joy throughout al the palace till it was night, so every man that went to their rests till the next morning. The next morning betimes king Emendus and all other kings& noble lords did rise, than the king caused Arthur to be appareled in vestu●es ryal like a king he had on a kyrtel of flaming green like an emerald& a mantle of scarlet furred with ermynes& so he stood before al the kings with a fresh lively colour,& he was big and higher by the head than ony other,& ther was hold before him by .iii. grete lords a rich crown of gold a sceptre royal& a naked sword, in sygnifyeng that he was chief champion of al the realm,& al the appertaineth to the crown of Soroloys, than the duke his father beholded hi● well& the water dashed into his eyen for joy that he had to se his sone in the great honour, than the was redy in his pontificalibus to do thobseruaunce,& so with great noise of minstralsy Arthur was rially brought to church,& than Florence was appareled like a great queen as she was, crwoned with gold,& the queen of orqueny went on her one side,& the queen of Asmaelite on her other side somewhat behind her,& al other queens dutchesses countesses& ladies cam after her,& the king Alexander& the king of orqueney her cousin lead her to church, and there arthur married her with great joy, and ther was so great f●est ioy ●nd bruit made the none could scant here other because of the noise of the instruments. Also governar was in the abbey of S. germans appareled like a king, and with him was duke Philip▪ the dolphin and Hector, and al the barons of mormall and ther he wedded Iehannet with much great joy& pleasure. And also the gentle master was freshly appareled like the sone of a king, he was always free and sweet of heart with a smiling countenance& a gracious clerk above al other,& also right good& a valiant hardy knight and with him ther was the king of valefounde his father who had right great joy when he saw his son gentle and so gracious, there was also with him sir nevelon, sir Brysebar, sir Morant,& sir rowland of bigor, than the master wedded the faire lady Margarete with great joy& triumph,& whan his wedding was done he mounted on a great courser,& a mantle of green about him,& the king his father by him,& other knights to the nombre of .v. C.& such noise of minstral●● befor● him as though all the world should haue riven asunder,& in that wise he came to the court of king Emendus,& also there came king governar to the court after that he was wedded with great joy& mirth, than ther was made the greatest joy& feest that could be devised,& the master kept his feest at sir Emeries,& governar at thabbey of S. Germaine and Arthur kept the court in the palace,& this feest endured a hole month, thus Arthur lay the night with the gentle Florence,& the same night engendered on her a fair sone whom the king Alexander dyde hold over the font,& was name Alexander after his name, the which child was afterward emperour of ynde the more and of Constantinoble as ye shal here more plainly here after.   

How the french knights,& those of Soroloys, of Argence, of Orqueney, of Mormal, of Ismaelyte, of Valefounde, and of Sabary dyde tourney together whereof Arthur and governar had the honour. Capitulo. C.xiii.  
 
THe fourth day after the marriage during the feest, duke Goubert, sir B●rtrande, sir Clemenson,& sir Perdycas went to king Alexander and desired him to remember the tourney that they had enterprised,& with th● words Arthur came to them, than king Alexander answered& said. fair lords in goddes name let it be done to morrow, than he did send for all the erles barons and knights of france& shewed them of the tourney to be holden the next day whereof they had great joy,& every man commanded that their harneys should be made redy against the next morning, and than the tidings spread over al the city how that the french men should tourney against the knights of that country who were in ●ombre .x. against one french man And when Arthur understood that he sent for governar,& when he was come to him he drew him apart and said, friend to morrow shal be the tourney against our men, wherefore we ought to keep& defend them, wherefore we must advise us how we shal do, for I se the knights of this country haue great envy at th●se french knights,& they are .x. times as many as our people be, wherefore I doubt me that our knights should haue some villainy,& I had rather die than su●●re that therfore I shal show you what we shall do, when the tourney shal be to morrow begon▪ I shal come to your lodging as rejoicingly as I can, and there ye shal abide me, and than we will arm us both in strange harness, to thentent that we should not be known and than we will go to the tourney and help our knights, for I think they shal haue grete need of us,& Hector and the dolphin shal be in the first front and yf I can, duke philip, the master and Brysebar shal not tourney against our knights, because they haue been in france, and haue had there right good cheer and as for al the remenant I care not for. as for them they be ou●e friends and loath I were to displease them, keep secret this matter that no man know therof, for I will that we do this as couer●ly as we can. In the name of god so be it {quod} governar, and so every man drew to his rest for that day, and the next morning betimes, every man rose and so went and herd mass, and after took a so● in wine Than the knights ran to their harness on every side, than horns and trompe●s began to sown in every street of the city& than duke Goubert and al his company were redy aparailed and so issued into the field. Than king Alexander did arm him and al his company. Than Arthur came to king Emendus and with him was the king of orqueney, than Arthur said, sir the knights of this your country are .x. times as many as are these french knights, and sir they are of such conditions that they will never recu●e back to die therfo●e, sir I know not the minds of th●se your knights, for yf they thin● to overcome them and seek therfore it ca● be none other wise but that many shall die in the quarrel, sir me thinketh therefore that it were well done that I should cause be armed .v. hundred knights and take them with me to keep the none yl should be done In the name of god {quod} king Emendus so be it than departed Arthur for he had that he desired, than he took with him sir Brysebar and sir Tercelin his n●uew& did shi● the chamber door after them, than he said too sir Brisebar, sir I love you& take you of my pre●y counsel, it is so there be many knights against our french men, for I se well they are fa●re over matched, wherefore I will go aid them wherefore I will haue sir Tercelī a●med in my harneys, for he is nigh of the same bigness that I am of,& he shal take with him v. hundred knights w●l armed& go too the turnay to keep the field that no hurt shal be done, and no man shal know but that it were I and ye sir Brisebar& I will go to Gouernars lodging as privily as we can, and there he& I will arm us in some strange harneys, to thentent that no man shal know us, wherefore I pray you dyscouer me not, so than sir Tercelyn was armed in Arthurs a●mur& took with him ●● hundred& issued out of the city with gr●t noise of trompetes and ●abouts, than duke Goubert said yonder cometh Arthur to keep the feld to thentent that we should do none outerage too these french men. So than in the first front was duke Hector, the dolphin and the lord de la ●ound than all the other kings and the duke of britain mounted on their horses to behold hold the tourney, and also thither came the king of valefound and master steven his son with him, and .v. hundred knights in his company. And when the french men were entred into the field they were not the .x. part so many as the other were. And when master steven saw that he said to his father, sir behold yonder the knights of great hardiness seeing their countenances, for they bee nothing abashed for al that they be so far overmatched, than Arthur went rejoicingly to thabbey of saint germans to governar, and there they armed them in strange harness, and mounted on .ii. grete coursers. And when the french men were a renged, than Hector advised well sir Rowland of bygor who was coming toward him than Hector rushed to his horse and encountered sir Rowland so rudely that he tombled ●uer his horse tail than king Emendus said to the duke of britain, sir this beginning is on your parte, than the dolphyn encountered at one frusshe sir de la ●ound and sir Morand& overthrew them both to the earth, than the tourney began to be marvelous fiers but the french knights were sore over matched, wherefore they endured much pain& at last Arthur& governar came toward the press al disguised, than Arthur said too governar, sir when ye se Hector bid him keep us .ii. company but be well ware that he know you not, with a good will sir {quod} governar and so they road forth fair a softly, and when duke Philip saw them con●yng he said to the king, sir behold yonder cometh two strange knights, it seemeth by their coming that they are afraid of the first stroke, therwith they approached to the tourney, than governar shewed too Arthur sir Bertrand by whom the turnay was first begon, and also the duke Gouberte who gave many great stroke with his sword, and there with Arthur& governar stood still and beholded them, than king Emendus said, I think yonder .ii. knights doubt greatly these stroke. Ye sir they do wisely {quod} duke Philip, therwith governar ran at sir Ber●rand& b●re him cle●e out of his saddle. Mary said the king I ween we haue mocked yon●er knights wrongfully, we shal se sone what each other knight can do therwith Arthur ran at duke Goubert and encountered him so rudely that he sent both horse and knight all to there● in a heap than he took his sword& laid on round about him so that he confounded al that ever he attained unto,& governar was not behind for his pa●● saint mary {quod} the king who knoweth yonder knights, they seem to be the best knights o● al the world. sir said the king of orqueney but that I se Arthur yonder without the field I wolde ●aye elles plainly that it were he, by that time Arthur had broken that great press, than he espied where the do●phin& Hector& the earl of mountbelial and .xxx. of their company were sore overladen, for there we●e many on them, and by that time the duke Gouberte was horsed new again, than Arthur ran at him and struck him too ru●ely on the helm so that he was thereby in a trau●ce and his horse bare him all about the ●yelde, till at the last he came before king Emendus where as he was▪ and than he came to himself again and said al the deuyl●es of hell take such a carpenter, and he that first brought him into this country, than Arthur was ●ore handled in the press, but than he russhed forth and charged so his sword on these knights in such wise that he and governar bet down al that ●uer was before them. And when that the french knights saw that these .ii. knights did help and dyde thē so nobly, than they took on them so great hardiness that they confounded al that were before thē, than knights of the other part said let us fle away for and we abide, de●h will follow thereby, and so than they fled away on every side fro him, than the king& such as were in his company and al other that did behold the tourney had great marvel of the deeds of the .ii. knights and master steven perceived we● the play of Arthur than he knew well that it was he and said softly to himself, a gentle knight thou cannest not fail thy friends I can not suffer any longer that ye should endure more travail, than the master blewe such a blast that there rose suddenly in the tourney such a mist that one could scant se an other, than Arthur and governar departed as priuelye as they could& went to thabbey o● S. Germain and so than every man went to their own lodgings, and as sone as they were unarmed al the french men went to king Alexanders lodging, and they went all ●ogider to the kings court, and the king Emendus did welcome them and made to them ryg●te great ●est and joy, and was right glad of the great prowess that he had seen in them that day, than the king took king Alexander by the hand and demanded of him wha● .ii. knights that they were that so nobly did tourney on their part that day and where that they were. And he answered and said, sir I can not tell you what they be, nor where they are become. Than the king inquired of al the other if they could tell any ●poynges of them,& when the king saw that he could haue noo knowledge of them he fell sodeynlye in& great s●udye, and as he stood so musyng Arthur and governar came to the court, than the king embraced them and demanded yf they knew any thing of those two knights that had ●oone so great prowess. And they answered that they knew nothing of them. So than they washed and went to dinner, and after dinner they sporced them every man as he liked best, and as king Emendus saw these knights spor●ynge of them in the palace, he remembered the two knights and again demanded yf any body knew them. And when the master saw the king in that ca●e he ●ame to him and said fair and softe●y, sir believe certainly that these ●woo knights that ye desire so sore to known was Arthur and governar. Than the king had right great joy, and so went ●o them and embraced with weeping eye● for joy, and said in open audience, ●yth I haue given my doughte● to Arthur I repent me not, for I could not haue bestowed he● more no●●y than on him, for I could not haue believed to haue seen so much nobleness in one knight as I haue sene in him this day, than the king made so great feast and ●oye that it was ma●uayle to behold, thus ●n●u●●d the feast .xv. dayes. Than all the ladies would return into france whereof Florence was right sorrowful, how and it she did so much that they al● abode other tv. dayes& so than they departed. Than king Emendus& Florence and al other lords and ladies brought governar& I●hannet into their land of mormall, and there they were received with great ioy and honor, and carried there .viii. days   

¶ Howe after the marriage of Arthur the barons and ladies of france returned into their own countries except king Alexander whom king Emendus kept still& made unto him grete ●here, and he tarried there so long till that Florence was delivered o● a fair son who king Alexander held on the fon●. Ca C.xiiii.  
AFter that these .vii. dayes we refynysshed than the french lords ladies& knights took their leave of king Emendus, who conveyed them .ii. dayes journey, than king Emendus and Florence took their leave of the duke of britain and of al the other lords& knights ladies and damosels, and Florence required them to return into the country again as shortly as they might, for she said she wolde gladly haue gone with thē saving for keeping of company with the king her father, so each of them kissed other& so departed, and Arthur& governar did convey them a little way, than the duke of britain said to Arthur his son, good son think alway to please well the noble king Emendus,& Arthur promised him so to do,& than he took his leave of the duchess his moder& kissed each other with weeping ●yen, so than the duke and the duchess took their way homeward and Arthur& governar returned to the king, and found him and king Alexander together, for king Emendus had so entreated king Alexander that he promised him to abide in his company for a certain space, and so he abode there so long in great mirth and pleasure till at last the noble queen Florence was brought a bed and had a fair son▪ And on a fair day as king Alexander Arthur and governar were sporting them by a river side, there came a messenger riding to them a great place and said to Arthur sir I haue brought you good tidings sir king Emendus doth sand you word how that your noble quen● Florence is brought a bed of a fair son, wherefore he desireth you to come as fast as ye can▪ for the king will desire king Alexander and king governar to hold him on the ●o●e,& when Arthur herd that he was righ●● joyful and said to the messenger, I give the forthy tidings. C.ii. land where soever the lovest best to haue it, than the squire thanked him righ● humbly so than they road forth, and at last came to king Emendus who made right great ioy of them, and with great solemy●●ti● the child was than brought to church& cristened and had to his godfathers king Emendus, king Alexander and king governar, and was called Alexander, and at their coming fro the church their was made such feast and cheer and revel that it was wonder to behold, for there was nothing that could haue made king Emendus more joyful than he was, for he has than al his request of god, for his prays was ever that Florence might haue an h●yre ma●● of her body born to sucsede in his realm, and this child was the most fa●● child toward of the world and well fou●med big and mighty and he had on his shoulder a fair cross as ●uddy as a fresh rose whereof king Emendus said th●● it was a sign that he should attain to much honour, for so he did after in de●● for he was or he died emperor of y●de the more and of constantynoble, and co●●●●red by his prows dyvers other realms   

¶ How king Alexander returned into his country and lead with him Arthur governar▪ Hector and master steven, ●atye● in britain so long till Florence sent for Arthur because that her father king Emendus was departed this ●i●e wherefore ●he made great lamentation. Capi. C.xv  
when that king Alexander had been a long season with king Emendus he took leave of him& returned into france,& there went with him Arthur, governar, Hector and master steven,& within a while after that they were departed king Emendus, what for the grete joy that he had of his son& for such labour as he took before he fell seek& lay in his bed,& as th● story saith he lay but .vii. weeks but that he dyed,& king Alexander& such other as went with him road so long by their journeys till at last they arrived in the land of brytayn, than a messenger went before to the duke& shewed how that they wolde be with him on the monday next coming. And when the duke herde that he was never so joyful before, than the duke sent for al his lords& ladies of his country that they should be with him at the receiving of his son Arthur& of such other as came with him,& so they did,& the same day Arthur arrived there& was received with great f●est and joy the which feest endured .viii. dayes, than all they conuayed king Alexander in to his own realm. It needeth not to be demanded wh●der that Arthur and his company had there good cheer or not.   

¶ How Arthur was sent for because of the death of king Emendus, ●nd how that he was crwoned king of soroloys. Ca. C.xvi.  
ARthur and his company were a grete season with king Alexander and had right good cheer and on a day as he sat at the table there came in a messenger fro his lady Florence, and he kneeled down and arthur did arise& went to him and received of him a letter sent to him fro Florence the which arthur incontinent did break up,& therein he found how that the mighty king Emendus was dead, whereof he& al that company made right great sorrow, than arthur desired king Alexander that he wolde go with him again into the realm of Soroloys,& he granted him so to do with a right good heart, so than incontinent they appareled for their departing,& so mounted on their horses& did so much by their journeys that they arrived in the realm of Sorolois,& there they found Florence making right great sorrow for the death of the king her father but as sone as she saw her lord Arthur her heart revived, in such wise that she forgot in a maner half her sorrow, than the next day the corps was born to the church,& with great solemnity there he was rially butted as it appertained to such a noble prince, than within a while after king Alexander said that it was time to make purueyaunce for Arthurs crownacion, than there was sent for al the kings, dukes erles, barons, knights and squires and al their kin and friends and there came thither people without nombre, than arthur was there with great triumph crwoned with gold and took homage of every man,& after his crownacion the feast endured .viii. dayes every man making great ioy save Florence who was still in great sorrow for the death of her father, and after this great feast and joy and that every man had made homage to arthur for their kingedomes, dukedoms and baronies and for all their lands, than every man departed into their own countreys, and ever after arthur, governar Hector, and the master loved each other and held so fast together that none of their enemies di●●●e never approach on none of them, and so they used their lives in great honour and love,& peas and union was ever between thē& their subiectes for as long as they lived there was never none of that ever moved any war against them, thus arthur and Florence reigned in great prosperity, ●rad and sore doubted of all the world, and did many fair conquests, for he conquered or he died .viii. realms and diverse countreys and rich seygnoryes, but he lived not long after   

¶ Here is devised how long that arthur lived▪ and how that he was buburied. Cap. C.xvii.  
THe history recounteth that the noble Arthur lived but .xxxii. year and than he died,& the queen Florence whom he loved so well dyed for sorrow& so they were both buried with great so●empnite,& laid both in the tomb with king Emendus, on the which tomb there was written this epitaph, here lieth the mighty king Emendus Arthur and Florence his wife who led so good life together that they were never displeased either with other, and governar, Hector and the master made grete sorrow for the death of Arthur& the young Alexnader son to arthur,& to Florence was in the guydyng of king governar, of Hector,& of the gentle master steven, who afterward was Emperour of ynde& of Constantinoble, and thus endeth the history of the valya●●te knight Arthur son to the duke of britain,& of the noble lady Florence daughter to the mighty king Emendus king of the realm of Soroloys. And all those that readeth or heareth this history I pray god send them bliss perdurable. Amen.  
¶ Here endeth the history of Arthur of little britain.   

¶ imprinted at London in Powles church yard at the sign of the cock by Roberte Redborne.