PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON.
After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples and doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England came and demanded me many and ofttimes, wherefore that I have not do made and imprint the noble history of the Saint Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief of the three best Christian, and worthy, king Arthur, which ought most to be remembered amongst us Englishmen tofore all other Christian kings; for it is notoriously known through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and the best that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were tofore the Incarnation of Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the history is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great, and the third Julius Cæsar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had. And as for the three Jews, which also were tofore the incarnation of our Lord, of whom the first was duke Joshua which brought the children of Israel into the land of behest, the second David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas Machabeus. Of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts. And since the said incarnation have been three noble Christian men, stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number of the nine best and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purpose to write in this present book here following. The second was Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of whom the history is had in many places, both in French and in English. And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose acts and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, king Edward the Fourth. The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history of the said noble king and conqueror king Arthur, and of his knights, with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming that I ought rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of Boloine, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man born within this realm, and king and emperor of the same: and that there be in French divers and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I answered that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all such books as been made of him, be but feigned and fables, because that some chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing, nor of his knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him that should say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur, might well be aretted great folly and blindness. For he said that there were many evidences of the contrary. First ye may see hissepulchre in the monastery of Glastingbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the twenty-third chapter, where his body was buried, and after found, and translated into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the history of Bochas in his bookDe Casu Principumpart of his noble acts, and also of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: and in divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him, and shall remain perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the abbey of Westminster, at St. Edward’s shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in beryl, in which is written,Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie, Germanie, Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of Dover ye may see Gawaine’s scull, and Cradok’s mantle: at Winchester the Round Table: in other places Launcelot’s sword and many other things. Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably gainsay but that there was a king of this land named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts, than there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as in French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of Camelot, the great stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under the ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen. Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it accordeth to the Word of God, which saith that no man is accepted for a prophet in his own country. Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men. And many noble volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea, which be not had in our maternal tongue. But in Welsh be many and also in French, and some in English but no where nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late been drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple conning that God hath sent to me, under the favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, enprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said king Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered, which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French, and reduced it into English. And I, according to my copy, have down set it in print, to the intent that noble men may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which they came to honour, and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates of what estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalry. For herein may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renommee. And for to pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give faith and belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor sin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by the which we may come and attain to good fame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life to come unto everlasting bliss in heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed Trinity. Amen.
Then to proceed forth in this said book, the which I direct unto all noble princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire to read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I, William Caxton, simple person, present this book following, which I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness, humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of this volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book chaptered, as hereafter shall by God’s grace follow. The First Book shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror king Arthur, and containeth xxviii chapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the noble knight, and containeth xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of the marriage of king Arthur to queen Guenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how Merlin was assotted, and of war made to king Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters. The Fifth Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh Book treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of the birth of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and containeth xli chapters. The Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay Le Cote male taille, and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviii chapters. The Eleventh Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his madness, and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad came first to king Arthur’s court, and the quest how the Sangreal was begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the quest of the Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth Book treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book treateth of the Sangreal, and containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The Nineteenth Book treateth of queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur, and containeth xxii chapters. The Twenty-first Book treateth of his last departing, and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and containeth xiii chapters. The sum is twenty-one books, which contain the sum of five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall follow hereafter.
Shortly of the First Book of King Arthur.
First how Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.Chap. i.
How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and how by the means of Merlin he made the duchess his queen.Chap. ii.
Of the birth of king Arthur, and of his nouriture, and of the death of king Uther Pendragon; and how Arthur was chosen king; and of wonders and marvels of a sword that was taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.Chap. iii.
How king Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.Chap. iv.
How king Arthur was crowned and how he made officers.Chap. v.
How king Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.Chap. vi.
Of the first war that king Arthur had, and how he won the field.Chap. vii.
How Merlin counselled king Arthur to send for king Ban and king Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.Chap. viii.
Of a great tourney made by king Arthur and the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.Chap. ix.
How eleven kings gathered a great host against king Arthur.Chap. x.
Of a dream of the king with the hundred knights.Chap. xi.
How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war.Chap. xii.
Yet of the same battle.Chap. xiii.
Yet more of the same battle.Chap. xiv.
Yet more of the said battle, and how it was ended by Merlin.Chap. xv.
How king Arthur, king Ban, and king Bors rescued king Leodegrance, and other incidents.Chap. xvi.
How king Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how he saw the questing beast.Chap. xvii.
How king Pellinore took Arthur’s horse and followed the questing beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.Chap. xviii.
How Ulfius appeached queen Igraine, Arthur’s mother, of treason; and how a knight came and desired to have the death of his master revenged.Chap. xix.
How Griflet was made knight and justed with a knight.Chap. xx.
How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.Chap. xxi.
How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment upon king Pellinore, and made him to sleep.Chap. xxii.
How Arthur by the mean of Merlin got Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.Chap. xxiii.
How tidings came to Arthur that king Ryons had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur’s beard to trim his mantle.Chap. xxiv.
How all the children were sent for that were born on May-day, and how Mordred was saved.Chap. xxv.
The Second Book.
Of a damsel which came girded with a sword, for to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.Chap. i.
How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which afterward was cause of his death.Chap. ii.
How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight’s head that had won the sword, or the maiden’s head.Chap. iii.
How Merlin told the adventure of this damsel.Chap. iv.
How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and how he justed and slew him.Chap. v.
How a damsel which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.Chap. vi.
How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how king Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them.Chap. vii.
How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram.Chap. viii.
How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took king Ryons and brought him to king Arthur.Chap. ix.
How king Arthur had a battle against Nero and king Lot of Orkney; and how king Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings were slain.Chap. x.
Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of Merlin how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.Chap. xi.
How a sorrowful knight came tofore Arthur, and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible.Chap. xii.
How Balin and the damsel met with a knight which was in like wise slain, and how the damsel bled for the custom of a castle.Chap. xiii.
How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and there he slew him to have his blood to heal therewith the son of his host.Chap. xiv.
How Balin fought with king Pellam, and how his sword brake, and how he gat a spear, wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke.Chap. xv.
How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would have slain himself for love.Chap. xvi.
How that knight slew his love, and a knight with her; and after how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode toward a castle where he lost his life.Chap. xvii.
How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.Chap. xviii.
How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin’s sword.Chap. xix.
Here follow the Chapters of the Third Book.
How king Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever daughter to Leodegrance, king of the land of Cameliard, with whom he had the Round Table.Chap. i.
How the knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges blessed by the bishop of Canterbury.Chap. ii.
How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired of king Arthur to make his son knight.Chap. iii.
How Sir Tor was known for son of king Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.Chap. iv.
How at the feast of the wedding of king Arthur to Guenever, a white hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a brachet pinched the hart, which was taken away.Chap. v.
How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for the hart.Chap. vi.
How the hart was chased into a castle, and there slain; and how Gawaine slew a lady.Chap. vii.
How four knights fought against Sir Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they were overcome and their lives saved at the request of four ladies.Chap. viii.
How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his adventure by the way.Chap. ix.
How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight assailed him for the said brachet.Chap. x.
How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head at the request of a lady.Chap. xi.
How king Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew that one at the first stroke.Chap. xii.
How king Pellinore gat the lady, and brought her to Camelot to the court of king Arthur.Chap. xiii.
How on the way he heard two knights as he lay by night in a valley, and of other adventures.Chap. xiv.
How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to tell the truth of his quest.Chap. xv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Fourth Book.
How Merlin was assotted, and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone, and there died.Chap. i.
How five kings came into this land to war against king Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.Chap. ii.
How king Arthur had ado with them, and overthrew them, and slew the five kings, and made the remnant to flee.Chap. iii.
How the battle was finished or he came, and how the king founded an abbey where the battle was.Chap. iv.
How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.Chap. v.
How king Arthur, king Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventure.Chap. vi.
How Arthur took upon him to fight, to be delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison.Chap. vii.
How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him to do battle against Arthur.Chap. viii.
Of the battle between king Arthur and Accolon.Chap. ix.
How king Arthur’s sword that he foughtwith brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his enemy.Chap. x.
How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le fay, king Arthur’s sister, and how she would have done slay him.Chap. xi.
How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.Chap. xii.
How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and how Sir Ewain her son saved him.Chap. xiii.
How queen Morgan le fay made great sorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur.Chap. xiv.
How Morgan le fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and how king Arthur returned home again.Chap. xv.
How the damsel of the lake saved king Arthur from a mantle which should have burnt him.Chap. xvi.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ewain met with twelve fair damsels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.Chap. xvii.
How Sir Marhaus justed with Sir Gawaine and Sir Ewain, and overthrew them both.Chap. xviii.
How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Ewain met three damsels, and each of them took one.Chap. xix.
How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.Chap. xx.
How king Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised him for to get to him the love of his lady.Chap. xxi.
How Sir Gawaine came to the lady Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.Chap. xxii.
How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard, by the mean of the damsel of the lake, whom he loved ever after.Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Marhaus rode with the damsel, and how he came to the duke of the South Marches.Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his six sons, and made them to yield them.Chap. xxv.
How Sir Ewain rode with the damsel of sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.Chap. xxvi.
How Sir Ewain fought with two knights, and overcame them.Chap. xxvii.
How at the year’s end all three knights with their three damsels met at the fountain.Chap. xxviii.
Of the Fifth Book the Chapters follow.
How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to king Arthur to demand truage for Britain.Chap. i.
How the kings and lords promised to king Arthur aid and help against the Romans.Chap. ii.
How king Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained how the realm should be governed in his absence.Chap. iii.
How king Arthur being shipped, and lying in his cabin, had a marvellous dream, and of the exposition thereof.Chap. iv.
How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him.Chap. v.
How king Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.Chap. vi.
How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment, for to have taken his knights, being prisoners, and how they were letted.Chap. vii.
How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.Chap. viii.
How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.Chap. ix.
Of a battle done by Gawaine againsta Saracen, which after was yielden and became Christian.Chap. x.
How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their beasts, and of a great battle.Chap. xi.
How Sir Gawaine returned to king Arthur with his prisoners, and how the king won a city, and how he was crowned emperor.Chap. xii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Sixth Book.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court for to seek adventures, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping, and was taken.Chap. i.
How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.Chap. ii.
How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.Chap. iii.
How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damsel.Chap. iv.
How a knight found Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot was received of king Bagdemagus’s daughter, and he made his complaint to her father.Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.Chap. vii.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.Chap. viii.
How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bad Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.Chap. ix.
How Sir Launcelot rode with the damsel and slew a knight that distressed all ladies, and also a villain that kept a bridge.Chap. x.
How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay’s harness, and how he smote down a knight.Chap. xii.
How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the Round Table, and overthrew them.Chap. xiii.
How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of a damsel to heal her brother.Chap. xiv.
How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous, and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword.Chap. xv.
How Sir Launcelot, at the request of a lady, recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.Chap. xvii.
How Sir Launcelot came to king Arthur’s court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and acts.Chap. xviii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Seventh Book.
How Beaumains came to king Arthur’s court, and demanded three petitions of king Arthur.Chap. i.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damsel which desired a knight for to fight for a lady.Chap. ii.
How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot.Chap. iii.
How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he justed and fought with Sir Launcelot.Chap. iv.
How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damsel.Chap. v.
How Sir Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage.Chap. vi.
How Beaumains fought with the knight of the black lands, and fought with him till he fell down and died.Chap. vii.
How the brother of the knight that was slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was yielden.Chap. viii.
How the damsel ever rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchen boy.Chap. ix.
How the third brother, called the red knight, jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him.Chap. x.
How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damsel, and he suffered it patiently.Chap. xi.
How Sir Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of inde, and made him to be yielden.Chap. xii.
Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth.Chap. xiii.
How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had achieved.Chap. xiv.
How the damsel and Beaumains came to the siege, and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew an horn, and then the knight of the red lands came to fight with him.Chap. xv.
How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and how they began their battle.Chap. xvi.
How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.Chap. xvii.
How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto king Arthur’s court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy.Chap. xviii.
How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of the words that the lady said to him.Chap. xix.
How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.Chap. xx.
How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their love.Chap. xxi.
How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight’s head.Chap. xxii.
How the said knight came again the next night, and was beheaded again. And how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to king Arthur.Chap. xxiii.
How king Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.Chap. xxiv.
How the queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.Chap. xxv.
How king Arthur sent for the lady Liones, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, where as came many knights.Chap. xxvi.
How king Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights encountered.Chap. xxvii.
How the knights bare them in battle.Chap. xxviii.
Yet of the said tournament.Chap. xxix.
How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he escaped out of the field.Chap. xxx.
How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and how he justed with a knight and slew him.Chap. xxxi.
How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.Chap. xxxii.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth fought each against other, and how they knew each other by the damsel Linet.Chap. xxxiii.
How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to king Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding.Chap. xxxiv.
Of the great royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the justs at the feast.Chap. xxxv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Eighth Book.
How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.Chap. i.
How the step-mother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.Chap. ii.
How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt.Chap. iii.
How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.Chap. iv.
How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.Chap. v.
How Sir Tristram arrived into the island for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.Chap. vi.
How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus, and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.Chap. vii.
How Sir Marhaus, after that he was arrived in Ireland, died of the stroke that Tristram had given to him, and how Tristram was hurt.Chap. viii.
How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud, for to be healed of his wound.Chap. ix.
How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no harness in a year.Chap. x.
How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother, Sir Marhaus, by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was.Chap. xi.
How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.Chap. xii.
How Sir Tristram and king Mark hurt each other for the love of a knight’s wife.Chap. xiii.
How Sir Tristram came to the lady, and how her husband fought with Sir Tristram.Chap. xiv.
How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in king Mark’s court, whom he took away, and how he was fought with.Chap. xv.
How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round Table.Chap. xvi.
How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she would go.Chap. xvii.
How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.Chap. xviii.
How king Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.Chap. xix.
How king Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to king Arthur’s court for treason.Chap. xx.
How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of king Anguish.Chap. xxi.
How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never yield him.Chap. xxii.
How Sir Blamor desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir Tristram sparedhim, and how they took appointment.Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for king Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady’s head.Chap. xxv.
How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off his head.Chap. xxvi.
How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot.Chap. xxvii.
How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.Chap. xxviii.
Of the wedding of king Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.Chap. xxix.
How Palamides demanded queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.Chap. xxx.
How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the mean of Isoud the battle ceased.Chap. xxxi.
How Sir Tristram brought queen Isoud home, and of the debate of king Mark and Sir Tristram.Chap. xxxii.
How Sir Lamorak justed with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of king Mark smote his horse down.Chap. xxxiii.
How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to king Mark in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel.Chap. xxxiv.
How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of queen Isoud, which was put in a lazarcote, and how Tristram was hurt.Chap. xxxv.
How Sir Tristram served in war the king Howell of Britain and slew his adversary in the field.Chap. xxxvi.
How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court of king Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak.Chap. xxxvii.
How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak.Chap. xxxviii.
How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon and overcame him, and made Sir Lamorak lord of the isle.Chap. xxxix.
How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.Chap. xl.
How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.Chap. xli.
Here follow the Chapters of the Ninth Book.
How a young man came into the court of king Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.Chap. i.
How a damsel came unto the court and desired a knight to take on him an inquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprized.Chap. ii.
How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king’s fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damsel.Chap. iii.
How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile was prisoner.Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot met with the damselnamed Maledisant, and named her the damsel Bienpensant.Chap. vii.
How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren.Chap. viii.
How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table.Chap. ix.
How La Beale Isoud sent letters unto Sir Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.Chap. x.
How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.Chap. xi.
How Sir Palamides followed the questing beast, and how he smote down both Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear.Chap. xii.
How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagance, and fought together for the beauty of queen Guenever.Chap. xiii.
How Sir Meliagance told for what cause they fought, and how Sir Lamorak justed with king Arthur.Chap. xiv.
How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they justed.Chap. xv.
How king Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life.Chap. xvi.
How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius began to love La Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found.Chap. xvii.
How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed, and was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind.Chap. xviii.
How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how Palamides sent a damsel to seek Tristram, and how Palamides met with king Mark.Chap. xix.
How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.Chap. xx.
How king Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet.Chap. xxi.
How king Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten year.Chap. xxii.
How a damsel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them.Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they must just with two knights.Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Tristram justed with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramor le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le Fay.Chap. xxv.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have fought against the thirty knights, but they durst not come out.Chap. xxvi.
How damsel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from Beale Isoud.Chap. xxvii.
How Sir Tristram had a fall of Sir Palamides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.Chap. xxviii.
How Sir Launcelot justed with Palamides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights.Chap. xxix.
How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and there he had the prize.Chap. xxx.
How Sir Tristram returned against king Arthur’s party, because he saw Sir Palamides on that party.Chap. xxxi.
How Sir Tristram found Palamides by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging.Chap. xxxii.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides, and how he justed with king Arthur, and other feats.Chap. xxxiii.
How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides.Chap. xxxiv.
How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it unto Sir Tristram.Chap. xxxv.
How Sir Palamides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram.Chap. xxxvi.
How Sir Tristram, Sir Palamides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison.Chap. xxxvii.
How king Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir Tristram: some of Arthur’s knights justed with knights of Cornwall.Chap. xxxviii.
Of the treason of king Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote him down, and Andred his cousin.Chap. xxxix.
How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palamides, and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.Chap. xl.
How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay.Chap. xli.
How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.Chap. xlii.
How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.Chap. xliii.
How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay had delivered him.Chap. xliv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Tenth Book.
How Sir Tristram justed and smote down king Arthur, because he told him not the cause why he bare that shield.Chap. i.
How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palamides’ life, and how they promised to fight together within a fortnight.Chap. ii.
How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten him down, and many other knights of the Round Table.Chap. iii.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramor le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage.Chap. iv.
How Sir Tristram met at the perron with Sir Launcelot, and how they fought together unknown.Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the great joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir Tristram.Chap. vi.