Selected Idylls of the King

LANCELOT AND ELAINE 1 09

e S e m e e so c I And add d , ir , y li g , mu h learnt ; ’ ’ Bu t fail d to ﬁn d hi m tho I rod e all round Th e region : but I lighted on the maid

W se s ee e he e she es : h ho l v wor ; lov him and to er, D ee ming our courtesy is th e tru es t law I gave the diamo n d : she will render it ;

b e e she k s his - c For y min h ad now hiding pla e .

The se - f f d e e ldom rowning King rown , and r pli d , 7 1 0 Too courteous truly ! ye s hall go no more Ou es of e see e f e qu t min , ing that y org t e e ce i s the c es du e k s Ob di n ourt y to ing .

He s ak e e . W awe p and part d roth , but all in , e s k es o f the For tw nty tro blood , without a word , 7 1 5 ’ L in er d e s f e g that oth r , taring a t r him ; ’ T e s k hi s s e oﬁ bu zz d h n hoo hair , trod , and abroad

o the of s an d h r e e . Ab ut maid A tolat , lov ’ e s e e rick d ce es e se All ar w r p at on , all tongu w re loo d The maid of As tolat loves S ir L an celot 720 ” ir L ce es the of s S an lot lov maid A tolat . ’ ’ S e e the s f ce s e th e ee s an d all om r ad King a , om Qu n , Had e th e be s marv l what maid might , but mo t ’ n e d Pre doom d her as unworthy . O old ame

h e the s s Cam e s uddenly on t e Que n with harp n ew . 725 She e the s e of ef e , that had h ard noi it b or , ’ s L ce s e s too d so But orrowing an lot hould hav p low , ’ ’ M e arr d h er fri e nd s aim with pal tranquillity. o the e ke ﬁ re the c S ran tal li about ourt , ’ Fire in dry s tubbl e a nin e- days wonder ﬂared ’ Till ev n the knights at banquet twic e or thrice k L ce the ee Forgot to drin to an lot and Qu n , n the And pledging L an celot a d. lily maid S e at eac e e the ee sat mil d h oth r , whil Qu n , who

DATE DUE

020 2 2 19”

- INC . 38 2931

(Emlaibemine ﬂ iterature E mits

SE L E CT E D I DYL LS OF T HE K ING

T HE CO M ING O F AR T H UR G A R E T H AND LYNE TTE L A N C E L O T A ND E LAINE T HE HO LY G R AIL THE P A SS ING OF A R T H U R

TE D WI TH IN TR OD U C TI ON AND N OTE E DI , S

I T . B KE R A . M FR A N K L N A , .

P RO F E S S O R O F E NG L I S H I N T E A C HE R S C O L L E G E CO L U M B IA U N I VE R S I T Y

B OS T ON N E W Y O R K C HI C A G O S A N F R A N C I S CO HO UGHT ON MIFFLIN COMPANY

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CAM BR I DG E M ASSA CHU S E TTS

R I N TE D I N T HE U . S A . P . THE e of ditor thi s volum e desires expressly not to e fo r s e e c es apologiz upplying ith r introdu tion , not , or th guides to e study of the four poem s which it con Th e tain s . e x ecution of his plan may b e faulty but h i ﬁr e s quite m in his c onviction that po em s o f this

s ee c e es an d i ort n d introdu tion , xplanatory not , st mu es s fo r the e s o f e Th lating qu tion prop r tudy th m . e d is se s tu se . c s e word y u d advi dly A lazy , ur ory r ading of s u ch poetry may edify a mind of superior type ; but th e average mind cannot travel here in s uc h princely

f s . Th e e e ma s if he has s h a hion r ad r y oar , wing or e m if h a c e can . y limb , and will Not all good poetry n eed s s uch help or requires s uch effort ; much of it speaks its immortal message ’

s . Te s s I d lls are c e c imply But nny on y too a ad mi , too

se f- c sc s f e e s e b l on iou , o t n too involv d or too ubtl , to e

e s ﬁ ort und r tood without e . Such apparatu s for study as is h ere given mu st not be s s s b e e as mi u ed . It mu t not e tr at d more important the e s k e i n to to cce e as in fal than po m , or ta n , or a pt d li l Th ’ h k b e . e editor s intention as b een only to ma e c e e the f s c as ks o f onv ni nt ordinary in ormation , u h boo refe rence give ; and to s uggest lines or kinds of s tudy (or question) which m ay help the pupil to a livelier appreciation of the meanings and the beauties of the t The e be s fe if he re poe ry . teach r will probably a m emb ers that the real master in command in the c ss is b e se f the e the la room to not him l , or ditor, but

poet who wrote The I dylls of the E ng .

CONTE NTS INT R O DUCTION

THE LI FE o r TE NN YS ON

THE ARTH URIA N LE G E N DS

THE I D Y LL S o r T HE K I NG

A BIBLIOGR APHY

I DYLLS OF T HE K I NG

DE DIC ATI ON

THE COM I NG o r ARTH UR

GARE TH A N D LY NE TTE

LA NC E LOT A ND E L AI N E

THE HO L Y GR A I L

T HE PAS S I NG OF ARTHUR

To T HE Q U E E N

NOTE S Q UE STIONS AND TOPICS FOR STU DY E ARLI E R ARTH URIAN POE MS B Y TE NN YS ON

SI R GA L AHA D

S I R LAUNC E LOT A N D Q UE E N G UI NE VE R E

THE LADY OF SHA LOTI’ ‘ ILLUSTR ATIONS

AL FR E D LO R TE NN Y S ON Fron tis iece , D p

P ortraitf rom a P hotograp h

S HIE L D A ND SWO R D

1 2 th cen tu ry

K ING ARTHUR

Af ter the statu e i n bronze by P eter Vis cher

’ K I NG AR T HU R S R OU N D TA B LE

A er a work o art i n Win chester Cas tle 1 23 5—1 25 ﬂ f , 4

2 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE K ING verses and s tories fo r the e ntertainment o f the rest of

h f L f e b f t e . e e e e s amily at r, wh n Al r d b gan to amou , e e L e H e ee f an old r writ r , igh unt , h aring that thr or our

e s o f th e Te s f m c e e ses oth r nny on a ily ould writ good v r , s aid : He re i s a n es t o f nightingales for yo u ! Te s k e s m en o f e s wa s ec nny on , li mo t g niu , a pr o He e k c ion s c hild . b gan to ma e ve rses wh en h e was ﬁv e six e s ef e he was f ee h e or y ar old b or ourt n , had

e m s e se e e c of writt n any thing in v r , among th m an pi f f s ix thou s and lin e s . Some ragm e nt s o th es e childish writings that have bee n pre se rved s how that he had e ve n then both imagination and a fee ling for the H s c o f e s e . e e d c e e mu i v r r a mu h and ag rly , both in B the e he was f h po etry and pro se . y tim ourte e n e was f E f e o s e . on amiliar with a good d al ngli h po try Byr , e the e o f hi s f e e s ec e e th n at h ight am , p ially app al d 2 h hi s e to him . In 1 8 7 e and broth r Charle s publi shed b T t a s mall volume c alled P o ems y wo B ro hers . T c e e e th e e s es e hough it ontain d no gr at, po try , v r gav

~ n k is e promi s e of the ﬁ e wor that c am e later . It pl as ant to know that th e t wo young authors were still real boys ; fo r th ey at on ce s pent a part o f the money th ey go t for the volume in a holiday trip to the s ea s hore . The region in whi ch th e se children were brought u p was of e a e s e ﬁ elds a land qui t vill g , larg , gray hill s e s e - e e c c es o f id , and nobl tall tow r d hur h a land

c e e a s are s o o f the E s ri h and qui t b auty , many ngli h He e the e e w e land s cape s . r young po t gr into that lov o f nature and that sen s itivenes s to beauty of whic h his poetry i s s o full .

' Hi s e arly edu catio n was obtain ed ﬁ rst at a sc hool in L outh a s c hool o f the vigorou s type that has b een i n u t de s c rib e d so often in E nglish ﬁc t o . B in a short INTRODUCTION 3

e he wa s whil withdrawn and taught at hom e . Under ’ his f e s s c ce he e ath r holarly guidan , r ad in pre paration fo r the e s hi s eek L m e univ r ity Gr , atin , and ath matics . 28 Te s In 1 8 nny on entere d Trinity College at the s o f Unive r ity Cambridge . Although a gre at reader

e as he was his fe s e th n , all li , and a good tud nt in th e ’ c s s c s the ho n o rs h e w o n e e fo r th la i , only w r e prize o e m Timbu cto o s c e hi s k B p , till in lud d among wor s . u t the life at the Unive rs ity m eant mu ch more in his de v elo me n t e e k e e o f k s H p than m r nowl dg boo . e was o n e o f a c irc l e o f young m en who calle d th em selves The ” s es ea Apo tl , and who ge rly studi e d and di scu s se d

e s o f e e e many important matt r r ligion , art , lit ratur ,

c s s c e ce . T e e s e e ce a s politi , and i n h ir vi w w r advan d , be ﬁtted men o f e s young high id al and ability . Many o f thi s group later ro se to e min en ce in the great acti v i es o f E th e ﬁ rs t f o f the c ti ngland in hal entury . We have s om e inte res ti n g acc ounts of how Tenny son appeare d to oth ers at this time and late r like ” e was f e s H e fee e . a po t , it o t n aid , but not pal and bl e wa s - s e e e f Hi fe . s es tall , broad hould r d , pow r ul atur e e c e c u t s hi s h k w r l ar and trong, air dar and wavy .

L e e his f e T s C r at r , wh n am brought him and homa ar

e e e C e e o f : ﬁ n e e , lyl tog th r , arlyl wrot him A , larg fe e - e e e- c e s - e ed atur d , dim y d , bronz olour d , haggy h ad is f e s s k f e e e s a man Al r d ; du ty , mo y , r and a y ;

s e f e s - e e mo t r st ul , broth rly, olid h art d man . And

again : O n e of the ﬁ n e st looking m en in the world . e s ck o f sk k A gr at ho rough , du y , dar hair ; bright ,

e e es s s e e f ce s m as laughing haz l y ma iv , aquilin a , mo t s e et s e o f s c ex iv y mo t delicat ; allow brown ompl ion , s k c e s c c s e f ee almo t Indian loo ing ; loth yni ally loo , r Hi ce is s an d eas s k e s i n fi n ite c c . s y, mo toba o voi mu i al e c fit for e e c c , m talli , loud laught r and pi r ing wail , 4 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING and all that m ay lie b etwe en s pe ech and s pec ulat io n fre e and plente ous I do not meet in th es e late de c ades s uc h c ompany ove r a pipe ! We s hall s ee what he will fi grow tol Wh en we re memb er that Carlyl e like d a man h e k e o n e e he s aw manly , and that n w wh n him , we a re se t to wond ering how s om e people e s pec ially s — e e et the e c b e boy v r g notion that a po t annot manly ,

i s f r or that po etry not made o manly re ad e rs . Both

s e L c the e s es e e e Glad ton and in oln , gr at tat m n who w r ’ of Te s s a e e e e s o f e so nny on own g , w r lov r po try e e the e s c e s s H e T the w r gr at i nti t uxl y and yndall , ’ f T s s f orme r being among e nny on intimate riend s . ’ Te s s ﬁrs t e o f e s e f e hi s e e nny on volum v r , a t r juv nil

k e e e wa s P 0 em s 0 hi e L ri cal wor m ntion d abov . , ﬂy y , 1 83 s s e 1 830 . 2 e e e e en i u d in In app ar d anoth r volum , 1 42 h titl e d s imply P o ems . In 8 appeared is E n gli sh N w e s I dylls . o b etween thes last two volume th ere i s

c s e e e e c a on id rabl int rval , not only in tim but in har

f h ﬁrs c e . The e s o t e t e s e e a t r po m two volum w r light , cef s c e e e e gra ul , mu i al , but with only h r and th r an e xpres s ion o f s e riou s thought or d e ep purpose . They h 1 42 e e e e . t e 8 e w r pr tty , but without w ight In volum , e e w as ce e e e w as e how v r , it at on appar nt that h r a po t c s ee e k fee who ould not only b auty, but thin and l more d eeply than other men a man who w as c a st in T s Te s is cc e a larger mould . hi growth in nny on a ount d f s h e e e e hi s e s or s . in two way Fir t , had d v lop d pow r b s as he c e f b o y tudy and thought , had hang d rom a y

- - o f twenty thre e to a man o f thirty three . S ec ond he had had an e xperi e n ce that had s et him to thinking f f T s was more de eply upo n the great proble m s o li e . hi the e 1 833 o f his e es f e Hal d ath in d ar t ri nd , Arthur lam ; th e fri e nd to whos e m emory wa s written the ' o e s o c great poe m I n Jll emoma m . S gen ral and ordial INTRODUCTION 5 w a s the rec e ption give n to th e volume o f 1 842 that ’ Tennys on s fam e a s a poe t c ould now be c on s id e red e s tabli s hed . From thi s tim e on to the e n d o f his long fe he s e n e w es o f e s li , publi h d volum po try at hort in l terv a s .

f e e the e s Te s c A t r l aving univ r ity, nny on ontinued

s e s e se f a s to tudy and writ , tting him l , Milton had

e s e s th e sk o f hi s k e e don , riou ly to ta improving nowl dg Th n s and hi s powe rs . e te year be tween 1 832 and 1 842 f k T were a p eriod o s olitude and wor . he d eath of

H ee s e e Arthur allam had d ply add n d him . The death of his fath e r about th e s am e tim e not only brought s orrow to the family bu t les se n e d the ir income and e ec e s s e e m f e e mad n ary th ir r oval rom th ir old hom ,

m Y o the vi c arage at So e rs by . et s well spent were the s e ye ars of s orrow and narrowe d in c om e that the poe m s h e publi s h e d in 1 842 pu t Te nnyson at on c e in ’ the rank o f E ngland s great poets . s e ou his e hi s s e From thi tim , both nam and pro p rity

1 845 he wa s e b the e e gre w . In giv n y Gov rnm nt a He s pen s ion o f two hundre d pound s a year . publi he d 1 847 e The P r i nces s e f in a long po m , , d aling in a hal

e s f- s w a w the e s o f th e s riou , hal humorou y ith qu tion education o f wom en and th eir plac e in the world ; and

’ 1 850 I n M emo ma m o n e of hi s e es s in , , gr at t and mo t famous poem s .

Hi c e e s ec e his e e e s e min e n b ing now ur , and r v nu

i e s u fﬁc ien t h e e E fro m the sale o f h s po try . marri d mily

e w he f e ee e e , S llwood , to hom had orm rly b n ngag d

hi e he was e e - e e Shortly afte r s marriag mad po t laur at , s uc ceeding in thi s honor a poet o f no l ess di s tin ction

the e W s ec e e . than gr at ord worth , who had r ntly di d f r the s e In 1 853 h e bought a hou se at Fa rri n g o d on I l f He e he s e s et e e the o Wight . r p nt in tudy and r ir m nt 6 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING 8 mo st o f the re maining forty ye ars o f hi s life . In 1 68 se f ﬁ n e s e s e l he built him l a umm r hou at A dworth ,

Bu t i s the s e o f W h we k of S u rrey . it I l ight t at thin s as the hom e o f Tenny on . The publi c ation o f M a u d in 1 855 and o f 1 716 ll o the K i n c E V e E e I dy s f g ( ontaining nid , ivi n , lain and Guin e ve re) i n 1 859 s till furth e r inc reased th e ’ Ten s c es o f th e I d lls e e po et s fame . thou and opi y w r he s e s old in the ﬁ rs t s ix we eks . And though publi h d f s the s cc ee e s a numbe r o poe m in u ding thirty y ar , among th e m poe m s o f s u c h wide popularity a s E n och

rden c k e hi s e e e k . A , nothing ould ma nam b tt r nown ’ He was b 1 860 e e e as E s , y , alr ady r gard d ngland f e s et or mo t living po . Many honors c ame to him in the latter half of hi s

f f e s e e ee . li e . Ox ord Univ r ity gav him an honorary d gr The Univers ity o f Glasgow offe re d him the po sition 1 3 he ec e e c o f lord rec tor . In 87 d lin d a baron t y ; but e 1 884 he wa s ffe e ee e he c c e e wh n , in , o r d a p rag , a pt d

it a s h f r he s k e of his e n H e s o t e so . , aid , a ld r allam Among his friends b e numb ere d s u c h me n a s Glad s e B C e sk T ck e ton , rowning , arlyl , Ru in , ha ray , Fitz

H T h e n o f h f e e . o t e d is e he e e g rald , and uxl y li r tain d hi f c f H s e s . e e c e 1 892 . a ulti in ull vigor di d in O tob r ,

L ke s e m en , Te s e s ts i mo t gr at nny on had many int re .

his fe he wa s e e s de o h All li a r ad r, a tu nt , and an

s e e he k e w e e s rv r ; n not only lit ratur , but hi tory , poli s s H c c e c e . e was c the m ti , and i n in tou h with all i por tant things that the m en o f his day we re thinking and H . e e e fo r i ts e e s he s doing lov d natur b auti , and tud i ed a s s c e H f ce . e e e e e the it i n trav l d r qu ntly , both in s s s the Co e ﬁ n di n w Briti h I land and on ntin nt , g ild s cen e ry s u c h a s that o f the Pyr en e es Mountain s e s pe c iall his s e y to ta t . INTRODUCTION 7

He was fo r his s h s e s e , all vigor , a y and n itiv man ,

s e ek e s k e not ing notori ty , hrin ing und r ho stile oriti c is m ck fe e th e s the s ffe s o f , qui to l right or u ring oth ers . An e s se e es m a n h e ha s ﬁlled his ntially arn t , poetry the e s e s s o f his a with mor riou thought ge . Religi ou s f its e k e men e e s aith , and pow r to ma b tt r ; cien tiﬁc

o its e f ee m e n f s d ubt , and pow r to r rom uperstition ; k e e its e k e men s nowl dg , and pow r to ma trong and f ee ee its e e c k e m en s e c e r gr d , and t nd n y to ma ba , ru l ,

c e s e e f men and orrupt ; id al , and th ir pow r to li t to high e r plan es o f fe eling and c ondu c t the eternal c on ﬁic t o f right and wrong ; d eath and the future life ; e s its e f the c tru patrioti m , and pow r to li t ountry e c ce ee the e o f c abov owardi and gr d ; b auty harity, o f e of the e s c ffec s — es e are the lov , dom ti a tion th thread s that run through all the b eautifully wrought s o w an d fan c iful fabri c of his poetry . And e ﬁn d him

his fe his k - e both in li and in wor , high mind d , thought

fu l e o f the e f . , and a lov r b auti ul

THE AR T HU R IAN L E G E ND S

T e e s the s es o f he Arthurian l g nd , tori King Arthur his k s o f the T e e and night Round abl , hav had a long T e e e e b and varied hi s tory . h y w r not mad y Ori gin and an o n e an on e c e an dev elop y man , or at y pla , or at y ment of th e T e s e e e ck l n Arth urian o n e ti me . hey b gan om wh r ba myth s the di m s e s the s e e pa t , p rhap about v nth ce as es Ce t c r h ad ntury, tal about a l i King Arthu , who led the Briton s in the ir battles again st the h e ath en

de s as the s Nen hord es of Saxon inva r , and , hi torian “ efe e e s. e e s u s n iu s writing two c enturi lat r t ll , d at d ” W e e was th e m in twelve great battles . h th r Arthur we e the e s e e ce , r al , or battl tw lv , or anything rtain s hall n eve r kno w ; but s cholars are now in clin ed to 8 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

e e e e e was e e e of b li v that th r a r al King Arthur , a l ad r power e nough to have his name tak en u p and pas s ed e ec s on in popular tradition , not through writt n r ord , but by word of mouth . The s tori es pas se d from land to land and from cen tury to ce ntury through a stretch o f eight hundre d W e the N s c e e c e e years . h n orman am ov r and onqu r d E the e e e c e e f e ngland in l v nth ntury , th y ound th m th ere a s a s urvival o f Celti c tradition s about the The s s h e roic pa st o f the Celts . torie the n pas s ed over

t ce k the ﬂav o r of e c c in o Fran , and too Fr n h hivalry i s of e c es T ts e e . e with id al brav ry , ourt y , and lov h n , a s e s re ce e E th y p ad in Fran and G rmany and ngland , e s e the s e e s o f C s th y ab orb d myth and l g nd hri tianity , the c s m s e s o f n e w c e es e u to and id al nturi , and oth r s tories that we re at ﬁrst not e ven known to the orig; s o f h e e s inal maker t e l g nd about Arthur . Such addi s e e fo r e e the s o f L ce the tion w r , xampl , tory an lot ,

s o f T s s e the e e o f th e tory ri tan and I old , and l g nd

Holy Grail . ese c s e s es e e e e Finally , th ompo it tori w r gath r d and arrange d into s om e s ort o f unity by Sir Thoma s

e b T s C the ﬁ rs t Malory , and print d y homa axton , ’ E s e of Caxton s c ngli h print r . A part introdu tion s how s how h e regarde d it

' I cc m c e s et And , a ording to y opy , hav down it in the e e m en m a s ee e print , to int nt that nobl y and l arn

the e c s o f c the e e a d nobl a t hivalry , ntl ’ g M ama s n 3 Vi rtuou s d eed s that s om e kn i ghts u sed i n 512311“ s e s b c e c e tho day , y whi h th y am to honor, e e e c s e e s e and how th y that w r vi iou w r puni h d , and k o ft pu t to s ham e and re bu e . For h ere in m ay b e see e c c es f rie n dli n nobl hivalry , ourt y , humanity , es s ess e f e s c a ce e n , hardin , lov , ri nd hip, ow rdi , murd r .

SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

THE I D YL L S O F THE K ING

Tennys on regard ed the Arthur s tories as the most ” f e c h wonde r ul po ti material in t e world . Nor was he the ﬁ rs t E s e fe e e f s c ngli h po t to l th ir a ination . For a hundred ye ars or more afte r Malory p ub Tenn “ y so ’ ' interest i n lished his M orte d A rthm th e k was , boo th e Stones a n d the s es e e f e f popular , tori w r o t n re e rred

s to in othe r lite rature . S pen e r introduc ed th e m into The F a er ie u een e D e Q , and both Milton and ryd n f k e the s ec o f e c thought o ma ing th m ubj t an pi . S cott

e e e the e ee ce b i n tro du c r viv d th m in nin t nth ntury , y in e his e The B r ida l o g Arthur and M rlin into po m , f ’ T s s e es the s s ‘ Tri erma in . e nny on int r t in torie dates

i s The s o f as from h boyhood . vi ion Arthur I have ” h e s c e me e drawn him , aid , had om upon wh n , lit tle e b o ﬁ rs t e mor than a y, I light d upon Malory . And the th em e c ontinu e d to interest him throughout h hi s fe . t e 1 832 e 1 71 6 L a d o long li In volum , in y f S ha lo tt he ce s the s o f E e h er , introdu tory lain and

e fo r L ce . the 1 842 e E n lish lov an lot In volum , g I d lls e e e e ee e s e e s : y , th r w r thr po m on Arthurian th m ’ th e M orte d Ar thu r S ir G a laha d S ir L a n celo , , and t a n d Q u een G u in ev ere . And in the introd u ction to ’ M or te d A r thu r c e The E ic h e s e k s of the , all d p , p a

e a s the s of t el e k s o f e c c po m la t w v boo an pi , whi h

ee e c e be . i s c e e Ten ind d it lat r am to It l ar , th n , that n ys o n had in 1 842 alre ady com e to think of the

Arthurian stori es as the material fo r an epi c . The Id lls e e ce as o n e e e y w r not produ d gr at po m , as e o f s e s e but a numb r hort po m , group d around a c e ﬁ u re c c e diﬁ er ntral g and a ommon topi , writt n at

en t es ﬁ n all u n iﬁed o n e e . J s tim , and y into po m u t what this mean s must be made a little c learer . All INTRODUCTION 1 1

the I d ll y s draw the ir mate rial s from the legends his k s o f the about Arthur and night Round S ubj ect 0: "1° “ 11 Tabl e ; e ac h o f th em gives s ome part of the 7 8

s o f f e hi s k tory how Arthur ound d ingdom , how e vil

c e the c s e d ﬁn ll am into ourt, how it pr a , and how it a y ’ e s e the d s of fe s r ult d in i ruption that goodly llow hip, ’ the e fe o f s ses th d at Arthur high purpo , and e ove r f hi o s k . The Id lls as ﬁn all throw ingdom y , y arranged to e e s s are as f s d v lop thi tory , ollow :

The Com n o f A rthu r 1 869 i g ( ) La n c el ot an d Elain e (1 859) G are th an d Ly n ette (1 872) Th e Holy G rail (1 869) The M a rri a ge o f G e rai n t P elleas an d E ttarre (1 869 ) (1 859 ) The La st T o u rn a men t (1 872) Ge rai n t a n d E n id (1 859) G uin evere (1 859)

Ba n an d Ba an 1885 The P ass n of Arth ur 18 2 li l ( ) i g 4 , ( ’ Merlin an d Vivi e n (1 859) 1 869)

A glan ce at the dates of the publication of these ’ poe m s mak es c le ar the point o f Profe s s or Van Dyk e s “ c e Te s e the en d c o n omm nt that nny on b gan with , ne the e e e the tin d with b ginning, and nd d with mid

o f h s dle t e tory . W s e if an Te s e e e hat purpo , y, had nny on b yond r t ll ? i n g thes e beautiful and romanti c stori e s From their ﬁ rs t appe aran ce th ey provok ed th e wyns s es es w c h as e e s c e thi qu tion , a qu tion hi h v r in f e The e has se f c all ed orth various an s w rs . po t him l

s s poken on the s ubj ect in no u n certain term .

Th e h e tak en m o a n d r d en i t too ard y av y h bby i d h ,

an d a e e a n e s o me th n s too a e or cal a thou h h v xpl i d i g ll g i ly , l g

th ere i s an a e or c a or erh a s rat e a ara o c r ft ll g i l, p p h r p b li d i

in th e o p em .

Of c o urs e am e ot for n stan ce a c t o f shado al C l , i , i y wy p

ac es i s e er wh ere s m o c o f th e ad u a ro wt o f hu , v y y b li gr l g h man beli efs and i nstitutions an d of the spiritual develop 1 2 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

en t of ma n . Ye t m there i s n o sin gl e fact or in ciden t i n th e

Id lls h ow e er s eem n m st cal w ch ca o y , v i gly y i , hi nn t be ex

la n ed as w th ou t an m ster or alle o r w p i i y y y g y hatever.

ce e ske e e s On , wh n a d wh th r tho e w ere right who inte rpre ted the thre e Qu een s who acc om pani ed Ar his s e a s H e C thur on la t voyag Faith , op , and harity , he an s wered

The are r ht an d t e are n o t . T e m y ig , h y right h y ean t at an d th e d o n o t . T e are three of th e n o h , y h y blest o f

om en . Th e are a so t os e t ree ra ces bu t t e ar w y l h h G , h y e

m u ch m ore . h ate to be t ed do wn to s a Th is m ean I i y , s tha t eca se th e h o u ht w t n the ma e i s m ch o e ’ , b u t g i hi i g u m r n n tha a y on e interpretation .

the s e e Te s k es Pe c e s a In am v in , nny on ma r ival y, at the en d of his long s tory i n The Ho ly Gra il

s k h n I kn o n l h n S o pa e t e Ki g w o t a l e m ea t .

S o e e es e the s e of M rlin , wh n qu tion d about my t ry ’ “ s e es in e s of Arthur origin , r pli riddling tripl t old ” time :

h an d that to th And tr u th is t is t o m e , ee

An d tru th o r cl oth ed or n ak ed le t it be .

Wh en Gareth c om es to Cam elot (i n G a reth an o L nette e e s the c y ) , M rlin t ll him , ity

i s n h n o n e c a ted, s ,

For there is n o thin in it a s it s e e m s g , ’ S av i n g th e K i n g th o so m e th e re be tha t ho ld

Th e Kin a shadow an d the c it rea l . g , y

et he e be e And y , though hat d to ti d down to too e e Te s h as u t the e c minut an xplanation , nny on p pi unity and the ge n eral m eaning of the I dylls into ex p licit e e e s the D edication to the , though g n ral , t rm , in Q u een at the en d of the poem INTRODUCTION 13

Ac c e t thi s o ld im e rfe c t ta l e p p ,

Ne w- o ld a n d s ha do w n , i g S e n s e at wa r w ith Sou l , R a the r tha n tha t ra k n w h o s e g y i , n a m e a ho s t g , g ,

S tre a m s k e a c o u d m a u - s ha e d f ro m li l , p , m o u n ta i n v t o An d c l e a e s cai rn a n d c ro ml e c h s till o r him ’ ’ Of G eo ff re s bo o k o r him o f M all y , e o r s .

He e i s the ke th r y to e m eaning o f the whol e poem ” S en s e at war with Soul the c on ﬂic t between

the e the e e e low r and high r, b tw en e vil and “ He i s h good . re t e parabolic s ign iﬁcan ce — h s t e re emblan ce o f the poe m to a para bl s e s e ; it illu trat in s tory form what goes o n for i n the ever world at large and in the life of e very on e the c f c e ee , on li t b tw n good and evil . hi k Arthur and s nights o f the Round Tabl e are

s eek e s b s k c e ce s fe ing to ta li h a ingdom in whi h p a , a ty , e s e c e dis o rder c ru elt morality , and r ligion hall ov r om , y , s ce f s o f cke n es inju ti , and all orm wi d s . In the ﬁrst

s the e s . the e th two Idyll good pr vail In n xt two , e s o f e E e has c e tory G raint and nid , vil r pt into the

C the e o f e e e an d L ce ourt in guilty lov Guin v r an lot , and the rumor o f thi s threaten s the happin es s of G er aint and E nid ; but in t he en d the good again pre v ails I/ the e B a lin a n d B a la n we e the In n xt , , hav ﬁ rs t tragi c outcom e o f the s in a t the Court : the ru mor of it l ead s the two broth ers to ﬁght and kill ea c h

ﬁl erlin a n d Viv i en the s o f the e . C oth r In , pirit ourt has becom e poi s on e d by e vil and from thi s time on the high purpos es of Arthur are fru strated more and more by the spread o f e vil amon g tho s e who s hould ’ n lo a n d E la in e i s L ce s s upport him . In L a ce t it an lot guilty love that k eep s him from the pure love o f

E e an d c ses the e of her e . The lain , au trag dy d ath In Holy G ra il there is a s ort o f interlude in the moral 1 4 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

f h Th k s o s di ssolution o t e Court . e night g on a ac red

es e e ec e e es e lo qu t but th y n gl t th ir high r duti , th ir y the e k o f the all alty to gr at wor King, and but two or ee o f e f see th e ec se e thr th m , ailing to Grail b au th y are e e e a s s s f e not pur in h art , hav , Arthur ay , ollow d

ﬁ s i n e ere th e n h s e re . G u v e t e wand ring In , xt to la t , the guilt o f Lan celot and the Queen i s mad e cle ar e e the s s c s the ee e e s v n to un u pi iou King, Qu n ﬂ to a c e L ce the s k s onv nt , and an lot and di loyal night array

them selves in c ivil war again st the King . In The

P a s s in o A r thu r we e th e e n d o f the c cle the g f hav y , ’ complete overthrow o f Arthur s reign of p e ac e an d

goodnes s . s ? No m Is the ending hopele s t quite . Arthur ay

c e e es s hi s we . E e om again , and r tabli h po r v n though h e ma c e e e a re be e s e y not om , th r to oth r way , oth r fe s s e s cc s e e . y t m , to a ompli h good and d at vil

The o ld o rder c h an e th ie din ac e to n e w g , y l g pl , And G o d f u lﬁls him se f i n m an w a s l y y , Le s t o n e o od cu stom s h o u d c orr u t the orl g l p w d .

’ i ec e Te s n n This s a r urrent id a in nny o s work . In I emor i am h e e ! M wrot ,

Ou r itt e s stems hav e their da l l y y, They have th eir day an d c e a s e to be The are bu t broke n ar ts o f Th ee y p ,

An d T o u Lord ar t m ore th n h O a the . , , y

S o mu ch for the gen e ral mean ing o f The I dylls .

T r e r e h he re a e oth r ideas in clude d in th e m . In G a t a n d L n ette e e i s c e e e Oth er y th r a l ar all gory, int r mem ngs preted by the poet as the war of tim e

s the s o f reﬂec tin the e e again t oul man , and g g n ral Th teac hing of th e whole s erie s . e charac ters repre sent es L ce the es e the ues typ an lot , nobl t broth r and tr t ” the c e e e e b his man , with good un onqu r d in him v n y INTRODU CTION 1 5 “ s in T s the c e es s e h ; ri tram bold and ar l hunt r , Gala ad the e e k B s the es pur , un arthly night , or blunt and hon t ,

- Bedive re the warm h earted . Arthur i s a type o f per fectio n e s fo r e s e c , and p rhap that r a on rath r old and unreal . In G a reth a n d L y n ette we have the id eals of King ’ s c e of es in fluen Arthur ourt at th ir point high t ce . E v e ce s e s the the il and viol n till xi t in land , but Knights o f the Round Table are overc oming th em in c b e s s f ombat and y th ir own high tandard o conduc t . ” Th e con flict e ee S e se S i s b e b tw n n and oul , that , ee the e the e s i s tw n low r and high r thing , in part a co n flict of id eals : between Gareth and his moth er ; e ee e L e e e s b ex b tw n Gar th and yn tt , who judg him y te rn als is the e n d c s e ec n e e , but in on train d to r og iz tru k f k G areth se f nighthood apart rom ran ; within L him l , who c heerfully accepts s o cial humiliation for the op e e s ec of portu n ity to achieve high er things . In v ry a p t thi s s tory the good triumph s it i s a victory of Soul ove r S en se . In L a n celot an d E la in e the e vil at the Court is ’ The ee s e has ec i n growing . Qu n guilty lov an indir t c ses the e o f flu en ce for harm to othe rs . It au d ath E e e es u s f e o f f e e lain , and l av in a or boding urth r vil

T s i s es s e c G ar eth and sorrow . hi Idyll l all gori al than

s e o f its e e e c s i s a n d L yn ette . In pit xtr m romanti i m , it s of e s e e for the a tory human b ing , rath r than a parabl the ess o f ill u stration o f so m e gen eral truth . In progr f the s truggle o f S en se and Soul it stands as a s ort o c i s s - w the e the sce c . r i or turning point , ith vil in a ndan y A man usc ript note by the poet run s

f h e New ea T he comin g o f Arthur i s on the n ight o t Y r ; Ma on a w he n h e i s w edded the world is white with y n d su mmer n ight the vision of the Ho ly G rail appears ; a “ the L ast To ur ame nt is in th e e ow n t n - n y ll i g Au um tide . ’ ’ G n e e e ﬂe es o th e m sts of a t mn an d Art ui v r thr i u u , hur s eath tak es lace at m n h i n m i d p id ig t idw nter .

’ Can the reade r do b ette r than accept Tennys on s own m e aning and purpo s e in The I dylls To ﬁ n d in th e m nothing more than a s eries of beautiful pictures c c s i s s e i s n o t e in romanti olor om thing, but it nough ; to twi s t th e m into minute and deﬁn ite all egori c al e s i s c T e e e writtten c m aning too mu h . h y w r to harm u s b e e b t e e y th ir b auty, y h ir app al to our imagina s c c e ce de s tion and , in addition , to in ul at rtain high i al f of li e .

The term Idyll s was deliberately cho sen by Te n ! n ys on to d esignate the n ature o f the po e m : not an e ic the s e s e of e e Th e name p in ordinary n a long , d tail d " ” 118 7 s s e s s cc es s of and u tain d tory, but a u ion

’ s e s es s f the eek eid llzon e hort r tori , idyll ( rom Gr y , m an

i n e c e e b c e of g a littl pi tur ) , unit d y a ommon thr ad u n iﬁ th em e and purpose into a ed whole .

h e i s The diction i s appropriate to t e th m e . It digu i

fi d f c s are se s e es e c . e , ormal , ar hai Rar word u d om tim es e f s s e es to d ignat un amiliar thing , om tim to Di cti on impart the flav o r o f antiquity that b elongs s s fi u rativ e e e s s s a re to the e old s tori e . Many g xpr ion

' s l n v r th es s s u ed . A random g a ce o e e pag how many s uc h : A doubt that e ver s mouldered ; like a pai n te d

e the s ce as of the e s e battl war tood a voi wat r ; Rom , slow- fading mi s tress o f the world ; heapt in mound s and ridges all the s ea drove like a c ataract ; his own thought drove him lik e a goad brightenin g the skirts of a long c loud ; a c ry that s hive re d to the tingling s tars ; s o the whole round e arth i s e very way bound s c ﬁ u ra by gold chain s about the feet o f God . In u h g e ss es c e c es tiv pa ag , and in brilliant , highly olor d pi tur

1 8 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

the ﬁrs t s e of the f m k r on yllabl oot , a ing a t ochee i n s e of i amhu s s t ad an , thu

Weari n th e white ﬂower o f a b am e e s i g l l s l fe .

If we indi c ate the faint or ab sent ac c ent by a s ingle k the s c ce b e k mar , and trong a nt y a doubl mar , these

s are e c e s ’ variation mor l arly ee n .

Am n th e mgu n ta in s b the win ter s o g y ea.

An d mthe m oiin athwart the ac e o f to rii pl bs .

I / ame tin n in l Y ls of he C the shi g et e t lak e .

/ Thrn a s eav e s th e ro e is h a sail that l p t ru .

These c hange s i n s tres s give a pl e as ing variety to the ve rse : they break u p the monotony o f sound ; so that the rhythm is ve ry diﬁ ere n t from the mechanical effect o f a Mothe r Goose rhym e

Hibkor dick or dbck y , y , ,

h m oil ti the 0 16 11 T e s e ran p 0 ,

Th e cléck s tru ck one ,

Th e m ou s e ra n do w n ,

Hick o r dick or d ck . y, y , o

But there i s anoth e r advantage in thi s variation o f

s e s s . The cce is k e oﬁ th e s tr a nt ta n unimportant word ,

f s f m r th e e e the . o e e e and all , th r or , h avily on impor T s . s e are e s tant word hu th y mad to tand out , not only b T s n e e b e s . e a as y th ir m aning, but y th ir ound t y p ﬁ n s e e s e e s o u d s b e e . ag in th po m , and y will thi to tru What s hould a high s chool s tud ent mak e o f th e se poe ms ? He n ee d hardly e xpec t to s e e in th e m as yet Te s e e all that nny on m ant , or all that train d Ou th e If he de i readi ng of m i nd s o f old e r people se e . r ves Tenn y s on plea s ure from the u s e o f h i s i m agi nati on

o f hi s k e s if he is and thin ing pow r , and willing to / a 3 ‘ / INTRODUCTION

ke the s e c e f f h e ta pain to r ad ar ully and thought ully , may fairly e x pe c t to ﬁ n d in re ading the m an ampl e e as e o f I re ward in pl ur a high ord e r . f he i s unwilling u s e his he c e ec e t c s to mind , annot x p t to g mu h plea ure

o f his e e e i n s k s s out r ading , ith r thi boo or in mo t oth e r

e i s c e e Th that b long to what all d good lit rature . e gre at poe ts and p ros e write rs have not written fo r the sluggi s h re ad e r ; th ey have preferred to addre s s e Ar 7 a more d e s e rving audi en c . e they not j u stiﬁed Te nnys on i s a poe t fo r th e young a s well as fo r

He ha s e ee e s e s s o f the old . giv n d p pl a ur to thou and ” Th wa e boys and girl s i n th e ir teen s . e y to ac quir su c h ple a s ure in po etry i s to read po etry the way to be e in c re a s e it i s to re ad more poe try . It would w ll fo r re ad e rs o f thi s volum e to e xtend th eir knowledge

h lls b e d s G er ai n t a n d E n i d, o f t e I dy y r a ing al o , ese are H l r a i l G u i n ev er e . T The o y G , and h not hard A readin cr e are f of e f s s ge s . C ? and th y ull b auti ul pa a in Te s b e li s t of the oth e r good things nny on would e e i s s c se fo r too long to give . But h r a partial li t , ho n b eauty and simplic ity

The E a gl e

Bre ak reak reak , b , b

’ h Th e Char e o f th e L t T he Miller s Dau g ter g igh Br ade La dy Cl ara V ere de V e re ig n h Ar de n T he L oto s E ate rs E o c T h e ev en e Choric Son g R g Th e efe n c e of L u ckn o D ora D w T h e o rth er n arm er T he Talkin g Oak N F ’ ’ T he S i n ster s S weet- Arts Ulysses p Ow d R ca Th e D ay Dre am I\Ie rlin an d th e eam Si r G alahad Gl Cross n th e B ar Lady Clare i g A BIBLIOGR APHY

THE ARTHU RI AN L E GE ND S

l d le He n h E s a . S tu di es i t e I d lls . , nry y

L Ten n . e . s on ang , Andr w y

W . L e ce W . M edi ev al S tor ies . awr n , l H h l L ittleda e d . S tu dies i n t e I d l s . , arol y ’

I . cc M . W . Ten n s on s d lls Ma allum , y y

s J . S tu di es i n the A r thu r i a n L e en d. Rhy , ohn g

L I FE O F TE NNY S ON

L T H Ho me e tc . C E . . en n s on i s s ary, y , ,

mm r e O s . Hin c hman and G u e e . L iv s f G rea t Wr iter

L n e . Ten n s on . ang, A dr w y

T n . L He e . en s on yall , rb rt y

h . . S e e L es e . S tu dies o a B i o ra er I I t ph n , li f g p , vol H T s m r o Ten n . e . M e o i s son nny on , allam f y

T . W e s J C . I n en n s on L a n d alt r , y

W . A l r ed L ord Ten n s on . augh , Arthur f , y ’ L c T s s e s e e . e e World B t it ratur Arti l on nny on ,

! ! IV . vol .

CRITI CI SM o r TE NNY S ON

A Ten n s o n His A r t etc . ke S to fo rd . Broo , p y , ,

T es . K . a r i ed C es e G . V h t rton , yp

u dies i n L i tera tu r e . D e E . S t owd n , dward ' ’

E a n d A r ec za ti on s . W . u i es es . S t d Gat , pp

Tem t s on a n d Other L i terar H s e e c . arri on , Fr d ri y y

E s tima tes .

i er ar . . a L t H R H. E s s s utton , y , y

n d R ev iews . J es He . Vi ew s a am , nry

P o etr a n d P o ets . N e e . E s s a s o n o l , Rod n y y

M n a n d L etter s . P He e . e aul , rb rt

d I m res s i o n s . s E . orr ecte S G . C aint bury , p

P o etr o Ten n s on . Van D k e He . The y , nry y f y I DYLLS OF THE K ING

IN T WE LVE BOOKS

F10 3 R u m A e rthurus . O E P g J S H OF E! E T E R .

DE DICATION

— THE SE to His M emory s in c e he h eld th em Pe rchan c e a s ﬁn di n g th ere u nc o n s ol o u s ly S e e of se f e c e om imag him l I d di at , e c e c sec e I d di at , I on rat with te ars e se s Th Idyll .

And ind eed He seem s to me ’ S c c e e a m k s e k ar oth r th n y ing id al night, Who re ve re n ce d hi s con s ci en c e a s his king ; W s e w as e es s ho glory , r dr ing human wrong ; ’ Who s k e s e s e it pa no land r, no , nor li t n d to ; Who love d o n e only and who c lave to he r

Her e s e e s e s s e ov r all who r alm to th ir la t i l , C e the o f en ommingl d with gloom immin t war , The s o f Hi s ss e k e ec se hadow lo dr w li lip ,

D h We e s : he i s arke ning t e world . hav lo t him We know him now : all narrow j ealou s ie s

Are s e we s e e a s he e il nt ; and him mov d , ’ Ho w es k - acco m li s h d w s e mod t, indly , all p , i , With what s u blim e repre s sion o f him s elf

s e e And in what limit , and how t nd rly ; No t s waying to thi s fac tion or to that ; No t making his high place th e lawle s s perc h ’ Oi win d s e- g ambition , nor a vantag ground 29 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ For pleas ure ; but thro all thi s tract of years

We th e e e o f e es s fe aring whit ﬂow r a blam l li , ef e s ee e e s ses B or a thou and p ring littl n , ﬁ erc e c e s e In that light whi h b at upon a thron ,

l cke s e e : fo r e e is he And b a n v ry blot wh r , Who dares foreshadow fo r an only son ’ e e fe e u n stain d hi s ? A lov li r li , a mor than O r ho w s hould E ngland dreaming o f h ts s on s Hope more fo r th es e than s om e inhe ritan ce Of s c fe e as e u h a li , a h art , a mind thin ,

T o e F e o f h er s b e hou n bl ath r King to , L aboriou s fo r her people and h er poor Voice in the ri c h dawn of an am ple r day Far - sighted s ummoner o f Wa r and Waste To frui tful s trife s and rivalri e s o f peac e S we e t nature gild ed by the grac iou s gle am

Of e t e s e S c e ce e l t r , d ar to i n , d ar to Art , De th s P c e ee ar to y land and our , a rin ind d ,

e es se e B yond all titl , and a hou hold nam , ’ He e f e es e h t e . r a t r , thro all tim , Alb rt Good

’ B e k 0 s - e s e e r a not , woman h art , but till ndur ; e k fo r e e Br a not , thou art Royal , but ndur , Re m embe ring all the b eauty o f that s tar Whic h s hon e s o c lo se be s ide Th ee that ye mad e O n e l e e r has s e e s ight tog th , but pa t and l av

The n Crown a lo ely s plendor .

Ma e y all lov , ’ His e u s ee fe o e rs hado w T ee lov , n n but lt , h ,

The e o f Th s s e c s s T ee lov all y on n om pa h , The e o f Th e s c e s T ee lov all y daught r h ri h h ,

The e o f Th e e c o f T ee lov all y p opl m ort h , ’ Till God s love s e t Th ee at his s id e again ! THE COMING OF ARTHUR

LE O D O G R AN the o f Ca meliard , King ,

Had o n e f u e e air da ght r, and non othe r c hild ;

s he wa s f e s o f e s e And air t all ﬂ h on arth ,

e e e h er hi s o n e e Guin v r , and in d light .

For many a petty king e re Arthur came Ruled in thi s i sle and e ve r waging war E c e s e the a h upon oth r , wa t d all land ; And s till from tim e to time the h eath en hos t ’ S war m d e s e s e was ef ov r a , and harri d what l t .

s o e e e e c s o f e e s s And th r gr w gr at tra t wild rn ,

W e e the e s w as e e e e h r in b a t v r mor and mor ,

wa s e s s es s c But man l and l , till Arthur am e .

ﬁrs t e s l e f e For Aur liu iv d and ought and di d ,

f e e f e And a t r him King Uth r ought and di d , ’ e e fa il d k e th e k o n e But ith r to ma ingdom .

f e e s e fo r s c e And a t r th King Arthur a pa , ’ the s s ce o f hi s T e And thro pui an abl Round , D e e e c e s e r w all th ir p tty prin dom und r him , ’ T e k e e e rei n d h ir ing and h ad , and mad a r alm , and g .

s the o f Cam eliard wa s s e And thu land wa t ,

T ck w et s m e s e e hi with wood , and any a b a t th r in , And non e or few to s care or c has e the be as t ;

S o do f e that wild g , and wol and boar and b ar C e d a e the ﬁelds am night and y , and root d in , ’ h And wallo w d in the garde n s o f t e King . And e v er and anon the wolf wou ld steal Th e e e c hildren and d vour , but now and th n ,

s e e her ﬁ rs t e Her own brood lo t or d ad , l nt t at Q 4 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

To s ck s the c e se human u ling ; and hildr n , hou d In h e r f de n e e e e 30 oul , th r at th ir m at would growl ,

ck e f s e - e f fee And mo th ir o t r moth r on our t , ’ T s trai hten d e e u f - ke men ill , g , th y gr w p to wol li s Wors e than the wolve . And King L e o dogran ’ G roan d fo r the e s e e Roman l gion h r again , ’ Caes s e e : e his e k And ar agl th n broth r ing , ’ e a s s a il d : s e e e Uri n , him la t a h ath n hord ,

e e th e su n s k e e R dd ning with mo and arth with blood , ’ And on the spik e that s plit the moth er s h eart S th e c k e ed pitting hild , bra on him , till , amaz ,

H k e e he s for e n w not whith r hould turn aid .

’ Bu t — fo r h e heard of Arthur n ewly c rown d ’ Tho not without an uproar made by those ’ Wh o c e He i s U ther s s on the ri d , not King e him s s e a n d e u s ! S nt to , aying , Ari , h lp thou ” e e e ee the e s we i For h r b tw n man and b a t d e .

et e ee of s And Arthur y had don no d d arm , e th e c c e : e e But h ard all , and am and Guin v re Stood by the c astl e wall s to watch him pas s Bu t s in ce he n e ith e r wore on h elm or s hield

The e s o f hi s k gold n ymbol inglihood , e s e k hi s k s But rod a impl night among night ,

of e se c e s be And many th in ri h r arm than , ’ he s aw mark d if s he saw S him not , or not , , ’

n e m hi s f c e wa s e . O among any , tho a bar k a s h e s But Arthur , loo ing downward pa t , Felt the light o f h er eyes into his life ’ e the s e et e o n itch d Smit on udd n , y rod , and p T e he d e Hi s tents b e s id e the forest . h n rav ’ The e en f e s e the e s a n d fell d h ath ; a t r , l w b a t,

The f es e th e su n ma e or t , l tting in , and d

SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

H e e s k e it av pow r on thi dar land to light n , e s e ke And pow r on thi d ad world to ma it live .

Thereafter as h e s peaks who tell s the tale ’ When Arthur reach d a ﬁeld - oi - battl e bright ’ W itc h d s o f his fo e the ith p pavilion , world

Was s o c e he s aw all l ar about him , that

The s e s c k far the f e s mall t ro on aint t hill , e e a h And v n in high d y t e morning s tar . S o e the n se t hi s e wh n Ki g had bann r broad ,

At ce f e e s e e - s on rom ith r id , with trump t bla t ,

s s c s s l And hout , and larion hrilling unto b ood ,

The - c e t long lan d battle le th e ir hors es run . ’ n o w the s the k s re v a il d And Baron and ing p , the as e e e e w ar 1 05 And now King, h r and th r that We nt s waying ; but the Powe rs who walk the world e s e e s e Mad lightning and gr at thund r ov r him , e e es b And daz d all y , till Arthur y main might, e o f his s e e And mighti r hand with v ry blow , And le ading all hi s knighthood thre w the kings 1 10 C arado s e C radle mo n t o f W es , Uri n , al ,

C s Clari an c e o f No rth u mberlan d laudiu , and

The Bran da o ra s o f L ata n or King g g ,

W An u i s an t o f E Mo r an ore ith g rin , g ,

L o k T f o t f e . e e e ce And Or n y h n , b or a voi As dreadful a s the s hout o f o n e who sees To o n e s s ee s s e f e who in , and d m him l alon th e as ee e s e e ke And all world l p, th y w rv d and bra ’ c all d s the s Flying , and Arthur to tay brand ’ ” T h ack d the e s Ho ! e e 1 120 hat among ﬂy r , th y yi ld S o like a painte d battle the war s tood S e ce th e e as the e il n d , living qui t d ad ,

o w And in th e he art o f Arthur j y a s lord . ’ He lau gh d u pon his warrior whom he lo ved THE COMING OF ARTHUR 27 m ’ s . T s me And ho or d mo t hou do t not doubt King, ” S o e e o fo r m e - da w ll thin arm hath wr ught to y . S ir m e e he c e the ﬁ re f and y li g , ri d , o God

Des cends upon th ee in the battl e - ﬁeld

I k ee fo r m W e e the two now th y King h r at , e c e e e the ﬁ ht For a h had ward d ith r in g ,

S e the ﬁ e ld o f d e e e s s e war on ath a d athl lov , ’ An d s s i s Arthur aid , Man word God in man

L et c ce s ee the han what will , I tru t th to death .

Then qui ckly from the foughte n ﬁ eld he sent Ulﬁ u s Bra s tias Be e e , and , and div r ,

His n e w- e k s L eodo ran mad night , to King g . S If e s e e ee e aying, I in aught hav rv d th w ll . ” e me th e e e e Giv y daught r Guin v r to wife .

W W e he e L eo do ran e hom h n h ard , g in h art De Ho w s am k bating hould I that a ing, H e e c h he m e m ee ow v r mu holp at y n d , e m o n e e s k Giv y daught r aving to a ing, ’ ’ k s s o n “ f e his ce call d And a ing li t d voi , and his c e t o A hoary man , hamb rlain , whom He s e s o f e e tru t d all thing , and him r quir d ’ His c oun se l : Knowes t thou aught of Arthur s birth

Then s pake the hoary chamb erlain and s aid Si r e e b e men k King , th r but two old that now And e ac h i s twic e as old a s I ; and o n e

Is e the s e e e s e e M rlin , wi man that v r rv d ’ King Uthe r thro his magi c art ; and o n e ’ Is e s s e s o e c B e s M rlin ma t r ( th y all him) l y , Who taught him magic ; but th e s cholar ran Bef e the s e s o far e s or ma t r , and , that Bl y 28 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

L c b s at e aid magi y , and him down , and wrot All things and whats o e ve r M erlin did

o n e e - k e e f e - e s In gr at annal boo , wh r a t r y ar ’ W e the s ec o f s ill l arn ret our Arthur birth .

To the L eodo ran e e whom King g r pli d , 0 f e ee e f as e ri nd , had I b n holp n hal w ll

B s as b ee - da y thi King Arthur y th to y, Th en b eas t and man had had the ir s hare o f But s ummon h e re b efore u s yet on ce more ” Ulﬁ Br s tias u s a e e e . , and , and B div r

T e e e c e ef e the s d h n , wh n th y am b or him , King ai e s ee the c ck c se b e ss e f I hav n u oo ha d y l r owl , And re as on in the chas e : b u t wh e refore now

Do e se s s u th e e of th your lord tir p h at war,

’ S e c of i s om alling Arthur born Gorlo , e s of n ? Te me e s e es Oth r A ton ll , y your lv ,

‘ ’ Hold ye thi s Arthur fo r King U ther s so n

’ “ lﬁ Br i n wer d A U u s ast as a s . And and , y T e Be e e th e ﬁ rs t o f his k s h n div r , all night e b hi s c s k e Knight d y Arthur at rowning, pa e a ct was h e For hold in h art and and word , Wh en e ve r s lande r bre ath ed again s t the King

ir e e be s s e S , th r many rumor on thi h ad e e be se e him e e s For th r tho who hat in th ir h art ,

C se s c e hi s s are s ee all him ba born , and in way w t ,

e s a re es e s s And th ir b tial , hold him l than man wh o ee him e And the re be tho se d m mor than man , An d dream h e dropt from h eaven : but my b eli ef In all thi s matte r s o ye c are to l earn ’ Sir for e k U ther s e , y now that in King tim T HE COM ING OF ARTHUR 29

The c e an d G o rlm s he prin warrior , that held

Ti n t a il c s e b the C s s e g a tl y orni h a ,

Was e e W s e fe Y e w dd d with a in om wi , g rne An d e s s he e — daught r had born him , o n e whereof , ’ L s fe the ee o f k e Bellic en t ot wi , Qu n Or n y , , Hath e ve r like a loyal s i s te r c leave d

To — s o n s he Arthur, but a had not borne . And Uthe r c as t upon her ey e s o f love

’ Bu t s he s ess fe o i s , a tainl wi to Gorl ,

S o e the s o f his e loath d bright di honor lov ,

’ That Gorloi s and King Uthe r we nt to war

’ e was i s i And ov rthrown Gorlo and sla n . Then Uther in his wrath and h eat bes ieged

Y e e Tin ta il e e her men g rn within g , wh r , S eeing the mighty s warm about th eir walls ’ Left h er ﬂed a n d e en ter d i n and , Uth r ,

e e w as e c bu t s f And th r non to all to him el . ’ S o c o m as s d b the e o f the , p y pow r King,

E f c e s he wa s we d he r e s n or d to him in t ar , s e f s f e s s f e d And with a ham ul wi tn a t rwar , No t s e d e se f many moon , King Uth r i d him l , Moaning and wailing fo r an h eir to rul e .

f e e s t the e s o c k . A t r him , l r alm hould g to wra

An d s e the o f the n e w e that am night , night y ar , By reas on o f the bittern e s s and gri ef T hi s e ef e his e hat vext moth r, all b or tim Was A a s s as rthur born , and all oon born ’ Deli ver d at a sec re t po stern - gate

To e be e far M rlin , to hold n apart Until his hour s hould c om e ; b e cau se the lords e e as the s of s Of that ﬁ erc e day w r lord thi ,

W e s s s e e the c ild b a t , and ur ly would hav torn hild e h ad e k fo r e c Piec e meal among th m , th y nown a h for hi s se f But s ought to rule own l and hand , 3 0 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

And many hated Uth e r fo r the s ake

’ i s W e e f O i . e e k th e c Gorlo h r or M rlin too hild ,

e S i r k And gav him to Anton , an old night A n an c ient fri e nd o f Uth e r and his wife ’ Nu rs ed the c e rear d h r young prin , and him with e own ;

m n k And no a n e w . And e ve r s ince th e lord s

H e f e ke w e s s e s e v es 225 av ought n li ild b a t among th m l , S o that the realm h as gone to wrack : but n o w T s e e e fo r hi s c e hi y ar , wh n M rlin ( hour had om ) B f s et the l rought Arthur orth , and him in ha l ’ P c He e is U ther s e u k ro laiming, r h ir, yo r ing, e ce s c e him ! A hundr d voi ri d , Away with

No k o f s ! s o n o f G o rlms he ing our a , Or e s e th e c o f k l hild Anton , and no ing, ’ ’ Y t e hi f O r e se se . e s c l ba born M rlin thro ra t, ’ And while the people cla m o r d for a king; ’ Had c ro w n d f e the e s 235 Arthur ; but a t r , gr at lord k ” e so e e . Band d , and bra out in op n war

Th en while th e King de bated with him self If e e the c o f s ef e ss Arthur w r hild ham uln ,

’ Or r the s o n o f i s f e e bo n Gorlo , a t r d ath , ’ O r U ther s s on ef e hi s e , and born b or tim , Or wheth e r the re were truth in anything

S b es e ee e e c e Cameliard aid y th thr , th r am to , W e her s s ith Gawain and young Modr d , two on , ’ L s fe the e e o f k e Bellice n t ot wi , Qu n Or n y , ; ' W a s h e c as he w o u ld the hom ould , not , King e fe s fo r s as e s at e Mad a t , aying, th y at m at ,

e i s ic s A doubtful thron e on umm e r s eas . ’ V c hi m n Ye c om e from Arthur s c ourt . i tor s e e ! Yea e k e s k R port him , but y thin y thi ing S o s e e so s many tho that hat him , and trong , THE COMI NG OF ARTHUR 3 1

S o fe w his k s e e night , how v r brave they be H ath body enow to hold his foem en down

0 s he c e King , ri d , and I will t ell thee : few

Fe w e o f o n e , but all brav , all mind with him Fo r w I a s n ear him wh e n the s avage yell s ’ Oi U the r s ee e e p rag di d , and Arthur sat ’ Cro wn d the i s his on da , and warriors c ried , ‘ Be the k w e k h thou ing , and will wor t y will ’ Who e ee . T h lov th h en t e King in low deep ton es s e s o f e And impl word gr at authority ,

e b s o s s his s e f Bound th m y trait vow to own l ,

T e e s e k e f k ee s e hat wh n th y ro , night d rom n ling, om We e e as the s s n o f s r pal at pa i g a gho t , ’ S e ﬂu s h d e s ed a s o n om , and oth r daz , e who wak e s

H f- e the c o f al blind d at oming a light .

’ Bu t wh en he s pake and c heer d his Table Round W e e c f e s ith larg , divin , and om ortabl word , Beyond my tongu e to tell th ee I b eheld ’ From eye to eye thro all th eir Ord e r ﬂash A momentary like ne s s o f th e Ki n g ’ e re ef e f ces the c ss And it l t th ir a , thro ro

s e the Cru c iﬁed And tho around it and ,

D f th e c se e e s e own rom a m nt ov r Arthur, mot

e - c o e e e e s Flam ol r, v rt and azur , in thr ray ,

O n e f e c o f e e f ee s alling upon a h thr air qu n ,

Who s s e ce e hi s e the f e s tood in il n n ar thron , ri nd Of Arthur , gazing on him , tall , with bright

S ee f ces e him hi s ee . w t a , who will h lp at n d

e e s a w e e s e s wit And th r I mag M rlin , who va t And hundred winte rs a re but a s the hand s e Of loyal vass al s toiling fo r th eir li ge . 32 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

e s the L o f the L k e And n ar him tood ady a , Who knows a s ubtle r magi c than his own e s f C e e s c e . loth d in whit amit , my ti , wond r ul

S he e the hi s e c s s - e s o gav King hug ro hilt d w rd , Wh ere by to drive the h eath en out : a mi s t ’ Of c e se cu rl d h er her f c e in n about , and a We llnigh wa s hidd en in th e min ster gloom ; But th er e w as h eard among the holy hymn s

ce a s of the e s fo r sh e e s A voi wat r , dw ll D dee c s e e s s own in a p ; alm , what o v r torm Ma s k e th e l e th e s f c e s y ha wor d , and wh n ur a roll , H e k the e s ke L ath pow r to wal wat r li our ord .

Th e re lik e wi se I b eh eld E x calibur

ef e his c e the s B or him at rowning born , word T s e f the s o f th e ke hat ro rom out bo om la , ’ And Arthur ro w d a cros s and took it ri ch W e e s elﬁn th e ith j w l , Urim , on hilt , B ewild e ring h eart and eye th e blade s o bright

T men a re e b o n e s e hat blind d y it on id ,

e the e s e o f s Grav n in old t tongu all thi world , ’ T k e m e th e e e s s e e a , but turn blad and y hall , e th e s eec e s e k s e f And writt n in p h y p a your l , ’ Cas t m e away I And s ad w a s Arthur s face ’ T k it e c o u n s ell d a ing , but old M rlin him , Take thou and s trik e ! the tim e to c as t away ’ - o s e th e k I s yet far off . S thi gr at brand ing

T k b s e hi s f e e . oo , and y thi will b at o m n down

T e e L eo do ran e ce h r at g r joi d , but thought ’ To s f his s th e s ask d i t doubting to la t , and ,

f e e s o f es h er f ce Fixing ull y qu tion on a ,

The s the s w f are e k wallow and i t n ar a in ,

B ut c se s e c e thou art lo r to thi nobl prin ,

34 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

k e e o f self he c e I now not wh th r him am ,

r b e e s a can k O brought y M rlin , who , th y y , wal U see e s e he wa s m s e n n at pl a ur at y id , s k e s ee s c f e m e And pa w t word , and om ort d y h art , m e s c m e e e . And dri d y t ar , b ing a hild with An d e he c e e e e many a tim am , and v rmor As I gre w greater gre w with m e ; and sad ’ At es h e s ee m d s ad was I tim , and with him , e es e e him St rn too at tim , and th n I lov d not ,

s ee e e e . But w t again , and th n I lov d him w ll of e s ee e s s ess And now lat I him l and l , But thos e ﬁrst day s had golden hours for me s e he be k For then I ur ly thought would ing .

But let me tell thee n o w another tale ’ B e s e s s e as e s a For l y , our M rlin ma t r , th y y ,

D e of e s e hi s c r me i d but lat , and nt y to ,

To h ear him s peak before h e left hi s life . Shrunk like a fairy c hangeling lay the mage ’ And wh en I en ter d told m e that him self e e e s e e the And M rlin v r rv d about King, e ef e h e e th e Uth r, b or di d ; and on night Whe n Uther in Tin tagil past away fo r e the Moaning and wailing an h ir , two L ef the s s s f e e t till King, and pa ing orth to br ath , The n from th e ca stle gate way by the chas m ’ Desc ending thro th e di s mal night a night 370 In whic h the bounds o f h e aven and earth were lost Beh e ld s o high upon the dre ary d eeps s ee e e s the s e e e f It m d in h av n , a hip , hap th r o ’ wi n d f s e s e A dragon g , and all rom t m to t rn

s e e the eck s Bright with a hining p opl on d , o e the An d gon e as s on as s een . And th n two ’ D the c e w atch d the e s ea f ropt to ov , and gr at all , THE COM ING OF ARTHUR 35

W e f e e e c e the s av a t r wav , a h mighti r than la t ,

T s o n e e f the ill la t , a ninth , gath ring hal d eep f of c es s s e And ull voi , lowly ro and plunged the e w as Roaring, and all wav in a ﬂam e And down the wave and in the ﬂame was borne ’ ke e e e s fee A na d bab , and rod to M rlin t ,

Who sto o t c u the e c p and a ght bab , and ried The King ! Here i s an h eir for Uthe r ! An d the fringe Of e e k e s ee u the s that gr at br a r , w ping p trand , ’ L ash d th e as he s k e the at wizard pa word ,

ce se ﬁre And all at on all round him ro in ,

S o the c he e e c e ﬁr that hild and w r loth d in e . ’ ese e e f e fo llow d c 390 And pr ntly th r a t r alm , ’ ee sk s s s s e c he s Fr y and tar And thi am hild , aid , Is he who reign s ; nor c ould I part in peace ’ s Till this we r e told . And aying thi s the seer ’ Went thro the strait and dre adful pas s of death ’ No t eve r to be q u estio n d a n y more Save on the furth er s ide ; but wh en I met ’ e ask d him if ese s e e M rlin , and th thing w r truth The shining dragon and th e nake d child Des c ending in the glory of th e s eas ’ ’ He lau h d a s i s his an swe r d me g wont , and e s of e s In riddling tripl t old tim , and aid

su n ! the sk ' Rain , rain , and a rainbow in y A young man will be wi se r by and by ; ’ r i An old man s wit may wande r e e h e d e .

s u n I the lea ! 405 Rain , rain , and a rainbow on

i s s m e e e And truth thi to , and that to th

And truth or c loth e d or nake d let it be . 36 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

s u n ! th e f ee ss s Rain , , and rain and r blo om blow

S u n s u n ! e e i s h e k s ? , rain , and and wh r who now ’ the e ee the e ee he es From gr at d p to gr at d p go .

’ S o Me rlin riddling an ger d me ; but thou

e e s e c F ar not to giv thi King thin only hild , Guin evere : s o great bards o f him will s ing Hereafte r and dark s ayings from o f old ’ the s of me n Ranging and ringing thro mind , ’ And e c ho d by old folk b e sid e th eir ﬁ res

c f f e e e - k i s e For om ort a t r th ir wag wor don , “ Speak o f the King ; and M e rlin in our time

H s k e s es s ath po n al o , not in j t , and worn ’ Tho me n ma he die y wound him that will not , Bu t s s c e e n o w pa , again to om ; and th n or te s e the e e e f Ut rly mit h ath n und r oot, s Till the e and all me n hail him fo r their king .

S he spak e and King L eo dogran rejoi c ed B u t mus ing S hall I an s we r ye a or n ay ?

D e w s e e s e s aw oubt d , and dro d , nodd d and l pt , and , D e s e o f e e e r aming, a lop land that v r gr w ,

Fie ld af e ﬁ eld u e the e k t r , p to a h ight , p a

H e- e e e m k az hidd n , and th r on a phanto ing,

No w s th e s e looming , and now lo t ; and on lop The s s e th e te the e wa s e word ro , hind ll , h rd driv n

e s e h f f ck Fir glimp d and all t e land rom roo and ri , f s o f s ke ef e d In dri t mo b or a rolling win , ’ S tre a m d the e k e th e e to p a , and mingl d with haz And made it thick e r ; whil e th e phantom king 435 S ent out at time s a voic e ; and h e re or the re

S o n e e the c e the e s tood who point d toward voi , r t

S e c No k o f s . l w on and burnt , rying, ing our No s o n o f e an d n o k o f s Uth r , ing our 5 THE COMING OF AR THUR 37

T k hi s e w as c e the ill with a win dr am hang d , haze De s ce de the s l e n d , and o id arth b ec ame

As the s nothing , but King tood out i n heaven ’ Cro wn d . L e o do ran k e s e And g awo , and nt

U lﬁu s Bra s tias Be e e , and , and div r

B ck the c o f s e ea a to ourt Arthur an w ring y .

Then Arthur charge d his warrior whom h e love d ’ ho n o r d s Sir L c e e f And mo t , an lot , to rid orth ’ And bring the Queen and w atch d him from the gates And L an celot past away among th e ﬂo we rs ’ (For th e n was latte r April) and retu rn d th e ﬂo we rs M a e e e . Among , in y , with Guin v r

To e d b D u bric the s whom arriv , y high aint C ef of the c c B an d ef e hi hur h in ritain , b or

The s e es o f h er - s e s the tat li t altar hrin , King

T wa s e d e s es s e 455 hat morn marri , whil in tainl whit ,

The f e e rs o f e e air b ginn a nobl r tim ,

e s his k s And glorying in th ir vow and him , night

S him e c his o . tood round , and r joi ing in j y ’ s e the ﬁ elds o f Ma e Far hon y thro op n door , ’ The s c e blo s s om d e w Ma a r d altar whit ith y ,

The S u n o f M a e s ce e e y d nd d on th ir King, ’ They gaz ed on all earth s b eauty in th e ir Queen ’ Boll d ce s e e e s the s in n , and th r pa t along hymn

ce as o f the e s e the A voi wat r , whil two S ware at the s hrin e o f Chri s t a de athl e s s love

s d Be th i s e . And Arthur ai , hold , y doom min

L e t c ce e e e the e ! han what will , I lov th to d ath

To h ee e e e e s whom t e Qu n r pli d with drooping y , m d e e e the e ! King and y lor , I lov th to d ath

l D a r c s e hi s s s k e 470 And ho y b i pr ad hand and pa ,

e e e e k e the R ign y , and liv and lov , and ma world 38 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

e m a th ee be o n e W ee Oth r, and y y Qu n ith th , And all this Ord e r o f thy Table R ound Fu lﬁl the boundles s purpose o f th e ir King !

S o D u b ric s aid but wh e n they left the shrine

e L s f e ef e the s Gr at ord rom Rom b or portal tood , In sc ornful stilln es s gazing a s they pa st The n while th ey paced a c ity all on ﬁre

W su n c o f d the e s e ith and loth gol , trump t bl w, ’ And Arthur s knighthood s ang b e fore the King :

e fo r the i s e Ma Blow trump t , world whit with y ; ’ e th e ro ll d Blow trump t , long night hath away ’ ’ Blow thro the living world L et the King reign .

’ Shall Rom e or Heathe n rule in Arthur s re alm ?

s c e f e e e 485 Fla h brand and lan , all battl ax upon h lm ,

F b e e ﬂash ! L et the e . all attl ax , and brand King r ign

Strike fo r the King and live ! his knights have h eard

th e c That God hath told King a s e ret word . ﬂ h ! L th e e as et e e . Fall battl ax , and brand King r ign

490 Blow trumpet ! he will lift u s from the du s t . Blow trumpet live the s trength and die the lu st

C e e c s ! L et the e . lang battl ax , and la h brand King r ign

S ke fo r the die ! if es tri King and and thou di t , i h The s e e s t e e s . King King , and v r will high t L h C e e c s et t e e . lang battl ax , and la h brand King r ign

B or S u n i s his Ma ! low , f our mighty in y fo r S u n i s e da b da Blow , our mighti r y y y

C e e c s d L et the e . lang battl ax , and la h bran King r ign THE COMING OF ARTHUR 3 9

The f C r s w e the King will ollow h i t , and King e e s e c e 500 In whom high God hath br ath d a r t thing . F e e ﬂa sh ! L et th e all battl ax and brand King reign .

S o s the k d e r ang nighthoo , moving to th i hall .

T e e the e t s e e L s f e h r at banqu tho gr at ord rom Rom ,

The s - f s es s of the w low ading mi tr orld , ’ S e i n claim d e e a s o f trod , and th ir tribut yore . Bu t s k e Be o fo r es e e s Arthur pa , h ld , th hav worn

To e m s s m e e wag y war , and wor hip th ir King ; The e c e e c e n e w old ord r hang th , yi lding pla to ;

we ﬁ ht for f f e C s And that g our air ath r hri t, S eeing that ye be grown too w eak and old To e th e e e f driv h ath n rom your Roman wall , No tribute will we pay s o tho s e gre at lords D e ck s e e . r w ba in wrath , and Arthur trov with Rom

And Arthur an d hi s knighthood fo r a s pac e ’ We e o n e an d s t e th e 5 15 r all will , thro that r ngth King

D e the e ce s e r w in p tty prin dom und r him , F we e e e s e c e ought, and in t lv gr at battl ov r am

The e e e s e e ei d . h ath n hord , and mad a r alm and r gn G AR E TH AND LYNE TTE

THE s l son of L ot Bellicen t “ la t ta l and ,

es e s e f s And tall t , Gar in a how r ul pring S tared at the A slender - shaft ed pin e ’ L s f (I o w s whirl s a d . o t ooting , away Ho w he e d w s e as a false k h 5 w nt o n , aid Gar th , nig t Or e k ef e m ce if ce vil ing b or y lan , lan We e e u se O s e se es s c c r min to n l atara t! ( W W Bearing all down in thy precipitan cy A And yet thou art but s wollen with cold s nows

e i s : s His And min living blood thou do t will , ’ Th e k e s k es k Ma r , and not now t , and I that now , ’ H e s e m e s av tr ngth and wit , in y good moth r hall

‘ L e v acillatin ob edien ce ing r with g , ’ ’ Prison d ke coax d s e , and pt and and whi tl d to Sin ce the good moth er holds m e s till a child ! Good mother i s bad moth er unto me !

se e e e e et se w ul I A wor w r b tt r ; y no wor o d . r ‘ l He e téfy her for it me u t f ce av n y , but in p or To ea her e s on e c s e w ry ar with ontinuou pray r , Until sh e let m e ﬂy discage d to s weep

In ever- high ering e agle- circles u p To th e e S u n o f r e ce s woo gr at Glo y , and th n p D n s s e s e e ow upon all thing ba , and da h th m d ad ,

k o f k his will f is A night Arthur, wor ing out a ﬁ s a o f Wh in h To c e s e th (1. G awa wg he c e 2 l an ewor y , f nf am 5 ‘ \ * W Modred hith er W hmni e i - e ith tim , ’ Ask d m th e k e e . to tilt with him , prov n night f f w h Modred o r want o worthier as t e judge . T e so sh k him i n the s e he s h n I oo addl , aid , ’ ’ T s f rev ail d s m e s so — he 30 hou ha t hal p again t , aid

49 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ And Gare th an swer d h er with kindling eyes ? s ? — a e wh he sh e Gold aid I gold y th n , y , or , ’ O r whosoe er was f the it , or hal world Had ve nture d — ha d the thing I spak e of been M e re gold but thi s was all o f that true steel Whe re of th ey forged the bran d E xc alibur ’ s la d the s And lightning p y about it in torm , all th e e f e e e it And littl owl w r ﬂurri d at , e e e e c e s c s s the es And th r w r ri and la hing in n t , ” T s e f his s s s : l m hat nt him rom en e et e go .

’ Th en Bellicen t bem oan d herself an d said E as t thou no pity upon my lon elin ess ? L o e e th f e L ot es e the e , wh r y ath r b id h arth ’ L es ke lo s mo u lder d ! i li a g, and all but out For eve r s in ce when traitor to the King ’ He f s the s ought again t him in baron war, e ck hi s e And Arthur gav him ba t rritory , His a e s es e e g hath lowly droopt , and now li th r

et - c se et e A y warm orp , and y unburiabl , N0 e s ees e s n or s eaks k s mor ; nor , nor h ar , p , nor now ’ th e e are s h And both y br thr n in Arthur all , Albeit n e ith e r love d with that full love

fee for ee s c e . I l th , nor worthy u h a lov e ef e red e es c the Stay th r or thou b rri harm bird , ee e ce t he s s the s And th , min inno nt , jou t , war ,

Wh o e e k e es ﬁn er- c e n v r n w t g a h , nor pang ’ Of wren ch d or broken limb — an often chan ce

se - s s ck s e - f s In tho brain tunning ho , and tourn y all , Frights to my heart but s tay : follow the dee r By thes e tall ﬁ rs and our fas t - falling burns ; S o mak e thy manhood mighti e r day by day ; Sweet is the chase : and I will seek thee out e c f e e f ace Som om ortabl brid and air, to gr GARETH AND LYNETTE 43

i Th c fe c e s m rhne e y limbing li , and h ri h y p y ar, ’ Till falling into L ot s forgetfuln es s k ee s e f I now not th , my l , nor anything . S m es so n ! e are et e bo tay , y b t y y mor y than man .

“ T e e : An e m e et for c h n Gar th y hold y hild , He e t ce e th e s o f the c ar y on mor tory hild .

e e e was ce k ke s For , moth r , th r on a ing, li our .

The c e hi s e e e e prin h ir , wh n tall and marriag abl , ’ Ask d for a bride ; and th ereupon the king ’ S et t wo ef e . On e was f s b or him air , trong , arm d But to b e won by force and many men

Des e h er on e oo ack n o es ir d ; , g , man d ired And th ese wer e the c on dition s o f the ki n g T s e h e the ﬁrst b f ce h e ee s hat av won y or , n d

s wed e de s e Mu t that oth r , whom no man ir d , A r ed- faced bride who kn e w h ers elf so vile ’ T e e e she lon d e e s e f hat v rmor g to hid h r l , No r f e e e e e ront d man or woman , y to y

Yea — s e sh e c e e e f r e o he . om l av d to , but th y di d — ’ And on e they c all d h er Fame ; and on e - 0 e moth r , ’ n k m e tether d u How ca ye eep to yo ? Sham e . ’ k am s s . Man I grown , a man wor mu t I do l th e ee ? f l the C s the Fol ow d r ol ow hri t , King,

L e e s e k e f the iv pur , p a tru , right wrong, ollow King E se w e ef e l , h r or born

To whom the mother said

ee son for e e b e who ee S w t , th r many d m him not ,

r ee h e 1 20 O will not d m him , w olly prov n King Alb eit i n min e own h eart I kn e w him King f e m When I was requ nt with him in y youth , k s e k d e And heard him ingly p a , and oubt d him 44 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KI NG

No e he s e f fe e mor than , him l ; but lt him min Of clo s es t kin to m e : ye t wil t thou leave

T e e s ef e e sk e hin a ul biding h r , and ri thin all ,

L fe m s fo r o n e i s e ? i , li b , that not prov n King S the c s e es hi s tay , till loud that ttl round birth

H f e e . S s ee son . ath li t d but a littl tay , w t

’ e an swer d ck : No t 130 And Gar th qui ly an hour , ’ S o e e me —I k ﬁre that y yi ld will wal thro , — f o e u e e . Moth r , to gain it yo r ull l av to g ’ No t e s e the s of ru i n d e prov n , who w pt du t Rom ’ o ff the es of the e cru sh d From thr hold r alm , and ‘ The e s e the e e f ee 7 135 idolat r , and mad p opl r Who should be king s ave him who mak es u s free

So e the ee n s wh n Qu n , who lo g had ought in vain

To e k f m the e c he e br a him ro int nt to whi h gr w, ’ her s s e n on e Found on will unwav ri gly , ’ ’ S he an s wer d c raftily Will ye walk thro ﬁ re ? 140 ’ ho k s ﬁre l th k W wal thro wi l hardly heed e smo e .

A o e e s : on e f y , g th n , an y mu t only proo , ef e a sk th e ke ee k B or thou King to ma th night , Of thine ob edien ce and thy love to me ” Th n e e . y moth r , I d ma d

And Gareth c ried : 145

on e e so o . A hard , or a hundr d , I g Nay — quick ! the proof to prove me to the quick !

Bu t slowly spak e the mother looking at him ’ P ce s o s se s l rin , thou halt g di gui d to Arthur ha l And hire thyself to serve for m eats and drink s

the sc u llion s the k c e - k es Among and it h n nav , h An d those that hand the dish across t e bar . GARETH AND LYNETTE 45

No r s e th e an on halt thou t ll y nam to y e .

s se e e e da And thou halt rv a tw lv month and a y . 1/ For so the Queen b eli eved that wh en her son Beh eld his only way to glory lead ’ L o w k c e - ss e down thro villain it h n va alag , Her own true Gare th was too princely- proud

To ss e e s o s h e es her pa th r by ; hould r t with ,

C se her c s e f the s of lo d in a tl rom ound arms .

S e e was e e e e il nt awhil Gar th , th n r pli d

The e s ma be f ee s on ! thrall in p r on y r in , e th Th s s e e s s . son am I And I hall jou t y , s ce u m e s e And , in tho art y moth r , mu t ob y . I therefore yi eld me freely to thy will ; e ce I s se e se f For h n will , di gui d , and hir my l

To se rve with scullion s and with kitch en - knaves ; ” l m e an th n Nor e e . t l y nam to y no , not Ki g

’ ’ e lin r d The e s Gareth awhil ge . moth r eye o f th e s f fe he o Full wi t ul ar that would g , ’ ’ And turning toward him wh eresoe er h e tu rn d Per lex t hi s s e p outward purpo , till an hour ’ W e wake n d b the n w c w f ce h n , y wi d hi h ith ull voi ’ S e e the k es s w pt b llowing thro dar n on to dawn , He se of s e c ro , and out lumb r alling two That s till had tended on him from his birth

ef e the k ef e e e . B or wa ul moth r h ard him , w nt

h The three w ere clad lik e tillers of t e soil . The s e Southward they set the ir faces . bird mad

M elody on branch and melody in mid air . ’ h - s e e u icken d ee T e damp hill slope w r q into gr n , h k e ﬂowers And t e live green had indl d into ,

- For it was past the tim e of E aster day . 46 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

S o e e fee e e e the , wh n th ir t w r plant d on plain ’ T b ro aden d the se of C e hat toward ba am lot , Far off they sa w th e s ilver - mi sty morn

her s k e the Rolling mo about royal mount , ee the f es th e ﬁ l That rose b etw n or t and e d . ’ At times the s ummit of the high city ﬁ ash d ;

At time s the spires and turret s half- way down 190 ’ ’ Prick d thro the mi st ; at times th e great gate s hon e ’ O o en d the ﬁ eld e nly , that p on b low ’ the e f c dis a ear d Anon , whol air ity had pp .

T e se e e e e e h n tho who w nt with Gar th w r amaz d , On e c L et a s o f e 1 9 rying , g no urth r , lord 5 He e is c of e c e s r a ity n hant r , built ” ’

B f k s . The s ec e ch o d y airy ing ond him , L w e e e f se e ord , hav h ard rom our wi man at hom To s k is the northward , that thi ing not King, C e of Fai r lan d But only hang ling out y , Who drave the h eath en h en ce by s orcery ’ ” T h ﬁ rs e s . e t e t And M rlin glamour h n again , L e e i s s c c e e ord , th r no u h ity anywh r , ” But all a vision .

’ Gareth an swer d them W e swe h e e ith laught r , aring had glamour now his hi s ce es In own blood , prin dom , youth , and hop , To plunge old M erlin in the Arabian s ea ; ’ o s e u th e S pu h d th m all nwilling toward gate . e e was e ke e e e And th r no gat li it und r h av n . ef the k e s e c was e For bar oot on y ton , whi h lin d e i ke e e ﬂeeti e And rippl d l v r ?wav , ng ' 2 M C ( b 1 I i The 133 561 th £2M116 étood: aIl héI III'Q SS Wept from her s ide s as water ﬂow in g away ; But lik e the c ros s her great and goodly arms GARETH AND LYNETTE

’ S tretch d unde r all th e c ornice and upheld And drops o f water fe ll from either hand f o n e s w as f And down rom a word hung , rom o n e c e se e e A n r , ith r worn with win a S ’ ’ And o er h er breast ﬂo ated the féfé tt v 30 “

the s ce ef o f her And in pa to l t , and right , 220 ’ ’ W e re Arthur s wars in w e ird d evi ces don e

New s co - s e as if T thing and old twi t d , im e

We e n s o e e e m en r nothi g, inv t rat ly that T “ere giddy gazing th ere ; and ove r all

H the tO e e s e ee ee s the f e igh on p w r tho thr qu n , ri nds 225 Of s e hi s ee Arthur, who hould h lp him at n d .

Then tho se with Gareth for so long a space ’ Stared at the ﬁgures that at last it s eem d

' The dragon- ﬁo u ghts ahd elvi sh emblemin gs ’ e m e see e e c : e c all d B gan to ov , th , twin , and url th y “ To e h L the e i s e . Gar t , ord , gat way aliv

An d Gareth likewi se on th em ﬁ xt hi s eyes ’ s m d m S o long that even to him th ey ee to ove . f m l’ d Out of th e c ity a blas t o u sic pea . ck f the e s e the ee Ba rom gat tart d thr , to whom e e e c e c e From out th r und r am an an i nt man ,

L - e e s Who be e m s s ? ong b ard d , aying, y , y on

e : WVe be e s of th e s Then Gar th till r oil , r “ho leaving share in furrow com e to see The es of : e s e m men glori our King but th , y Your city moved so weirdly in th e mi st D h be k c e oubt if t e King ing at all , or om From Fairyland and wh eth er thi s be built

B m i c b f k s an d u een s y ag , and y airy ing q be an c Or wh eth er th ere y ity at all , 48 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

O r all a vi sion : and thi s musi c now H sc e e e e e h s t e . ath ar d th m both , but t ll thou th truth

T e S ee e s e h n that old r mad an w r , playing on him s : S on e s ee the s sa And aying , I hav n good hip il ee s the e e s 250 K l upward , and ma t downward , in h av n . And solid turrets topsy - turvy in the air : e e i s e se e e And h r truth ; but an it pl a th not , T k e the as s m a thou truth thou ha t told it e . For a s s e s f k truly, thou ay t , a airy ing f ee s e i th e c s on And airy qu n hav bu lt ity , ; Th ey c am e from out a sacred mountai n cleft T th e s se e c h oward unri , a h with arp in hand , the s c of ei And built it to mu i th r harps .

An d a s s es i s e c e so n , thou ay t , it n hant d , , For th e re is nothing in it as it seem s ’ Saving th e King ; tho s om e th ere b e that hold The s the c e King a hadow , and ity r al

Yet k e e e of fo r s o ss ta thou h d him , , thou pa Ben e s c e ec ath thi ar hway , th n wilt thou b ome

hi s e c e s fo r the A thrall to n hantm nt , King Will bind th ee by su c h vows a s is a s hame

s b e b et the c A man hould not bound y , y whi h N0 can k ee s o re s e man p but , thou d ad to w ar

P s s e e s e b u t e a not b n ath thi gat way , abid h c t e of th ﬁ W t e e e . ithout , among at l ld e e s c ke e w For an y h ard a mu i , li no

T e are n s see the c i s h y buildi g till , ing ity built To s c e ef e n e e mu i , th r or v r built at all , ” f r A n d therefore built o e ver .

Gareth spake ’ “ An er d Old s e e e e ce e e 275 g ma t r , r v r n thin own b ard T k s as e as e see s hat loo whit utt r truth , and m

5 0 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

And out of bower and casement s hyly glan ced E es of e e es e s s o f y pur wom n , whol om tar love ; And all about a h ealthful people s tept As the ese ce o f in pr n a grac iou s king .

Then into hall Gareth ascending heard ce th e ce o f e e A voi , voi Arthur , and b h ld Far over h ead s in that long- vaulted hall The splendor o f the pres en c e o f th e King Th e e e ke ron d , and d liv ring doom and loo d no more But felt hi s young heart hammering in his ears 315 “ s f s of lie And thought , For thi hal hadow a

The f m me e s truth ul King will doo wh n I peak . ’ Yet es s on fe ﬁn d pr ing , tho all in ar to Sir Sir e s aw on e Gawain or Modr d , nor Nor e all the s e e es 20 oth r , but in li t ning y 3 Of those tall knights that ranged about the thron e Clear honor s hining like the d e wy s tar Of f i e e e dawn , and a th in th ir gr at King, with pur Aﬁ ection the of c , and light vi tory , ’ i n a d e e e . And glory g , and v rmor to gain

Th en cam e a widow c rying to the King Sir ? Th f e e ef A boon , King y ath r , Uth r , r t From my dead lord a ﬁ eld with violence ; ’ ’ ho wso e er ﬁ rst he roffe r d For at p gold ,

Ye t for the ﬁ eld was e s o u r e es , pl a ant in y , We e e e he ef u s of yi ld d not , and th n r t it ﬁ l Perforce and left u s n either gold nor e d .

S W e e e ? ﬁeld ? aid Arthur , h th r would y gold or “ To the ee Na m whom woman w ping, y, y lord ’ ” e The ﬁ eld was pleas ant in my husband s ye . GARETH AND LYNETTE

An d : H e th e s ﬁeld Arthur av y pl a ant again , ’ ce the for U the r s u s e e e And thri gold th r of,

cc the e s . N is e A ording to y ar o boon h re ,

s c e so th sa be e e But ju ti y y prov n tru .

cc s e f the s hi A ur d , who rom wrong s father did Wo u ld shape himself a right

An d i e she s wh l pa t , Cam e yet an other widow crying to him “ Sir ! T e e e am A boon , King hin n my , King , I . With thin e own hand thou s lewe st my dear lord ’ k o f e th e s A night Uth r in baron war , Wh e n L ot and many anothe r ros e and fought s ee s e se Again t th , aying thou w rt ba ly born . e ese e ask ee I h ld with th , and loath to th aught . ’ Yet 10 ! my hu sband s brothe r had my son ’ Thrall d his c s e s e e in a tl , and hath tarv d him d ad , 350 And s tandeth seized o f that inheritan ce

W c s e es the s e s ef the son hi h thou that l w t ir ha t l t . ’ S o sc ce can ask ee for e , tho I ar it th hat ,

me s e k the e for me Grant om night to do battl , ” h f ef e k me f r m t e o son . Kill oul thi , and wr a y

T e s e kn f c h n trod a good ight orward , rying to him ,

Sir ! am h er k s I . A boon , King I in man ,

e me her s the . Giv to right wrong, and lay man

T e c e ir K a the s e esc c e h n am S y; n hal , and ri d , Sir ! e e h her e 360 A boon , King v n t at thou grant non , ’ T s le mock d ee f hi rai r, that hath th in ull hall

No n e or the wholesome boon of gyve and gag .

’ e sit e the wron d But Arthu r : W King, to h lp g ’ The n e s her . Thro all our realm . woma lov lord 52 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Pe ce ee th l es an d es ! a to th , woman , with y ov hat ’ The kings of old had do om d thee to the ﬂames ; e s E s e sc e ee e Aur liu mry would hav ourg d th d ad , And Uth e r s lit thy tongu e : but get thee h en ce L es t that rough humor of the kings of old e me ! T her kin R turn upon hou that art , G o ke se la s li wi ; y him low and lay him not , Bu t e e ma e the bring him h r , that I y judg right , According to the ju stice o f the King T e n he he b e ess n h , guilty , y that d athl Ki g h f r men the s W o e e o die . liv d and di d , man hall

T e c e the es se e of k h n am in hall m ng r Mar , A e of e s the nam vil avor in land , Th s k he e e Corni h ing . In either hand bor

W e s e far- off as s es hat dazzl d all , and hon hin A ﬁ eld of charlock in the s udde n su n e ee s e s c of es B tw n two how r , a loth pal t gold , W c he e f e th e e k e hi h down laid b or thron , and n lt, De e hi s the ss k liv ring that lord , va al ing, ’ Was e V n upon his way to Camelot For having heard that Arthur of his grace Had m e his c s T s k ad goodly ou in ri tram night , for se f was of the e e s e And , him l gr at r tat ,

e k he s e his e e - B ing a ing , tru t d li g lord Would yield him thi s large honor all the more ; ’ S o ra d him e cce s c of p y w ll to a pt thi loth gold , k e o f f In to n true h eart and ealty .

T e c e e the c e h n Arthur ri d to r nd loth , to r nd h eces s o c s t e e . In pi , and a t it on h arth ’ n - k A o ak tree sm ou lder d there . Th e goodly night ! What ! shall the s hield o f Mark stand among ” th ese ? 395 GARETH AND LYNETTE 5 3

or the s e o f F , midway down id that long hall s e e e e f the f A tat ly pil , wh r o along ront , ’ S me blaz on d s e c ve o , om but ar n , and some blank

T e e e e e of s s e s h r ran a tr bl rang tony hi ld , ’ se - c e - the e Ro , and high ar hing ov r brow d h arth . 400

e e e s e k was A nd und r v ry hi ld a night named . ’ For thi s was Arthur s c u stom in his hall

W e s e k e o n e e e h n om good night had don nobl d ed , His s e e c e if arm w r arv n only but twain , ’ His s e e blazo n d s if e arm w r al o ; but non ,

The s e was k e s hi ld blan and bar , without a ign Saving the name ben eath : and Gareth s aw ’ The shi eld of Gawa in blazon d ri ch and bright ’ And Mo dred s blank as d eath ; and Arthur c ri ed

To e the c c s the e r nd loth and a t it on h arth .

More like are w e to reave him of his c rown

T ke k ec se me n c k han ma him night b au all him ing. ’ The k n s we f e k we sta d e r i g ound , y now y th i hand s m e s e es ef e k s Fro war among th m lv , but l t th m ing ; Of e e an u e s e c fu 41 5 whom w r y bo nt ou , m r i l , ’ T - s e k e e s e we en roll d ruth p a ing , brav , good liv r , th m u it n s e s . Among , and th y withi our hall ’ B u t k tarn ish d the e e of k Mar hath gr at nam ing, As Mark would s ully th e low s tate of churl ; s ee h e s e u s c of A nd , ing hath nt loth gold , e e e f m e es R turn , and m t , and hold him ro our y ,

L es w e s la u c of e t hould p him p in loth l ad ,

e ce f r e c e of s Sil n d o ver rav n a man plot , C f s s c se s s e ambu shi n s ra t , poi onou oun l , way id g No fault o f thin e : let K ay the s ene schal L k th s an d se hee satisﬁed oo to y want , nd t cc se h s kes e s the b e see ! A ur d , w o tri nor l t hand n 5 4 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KI NG

An d many anoth er s uppliant c rying c ame With noi se o f ravage wrought by b east and man e e k A nd v rmore a night would rid e away .

L s e e n s e a t , Gar th l aning both ha d h avily

D the s e s of the w hi s men own on hould r t ain , , ’ ’ A roach d e ee e the ask d pp b tw n th m toward King , and “ ” Sir hi s ce was s e A boon , King, voi all a ham d ,

For see ye not how weak and hunger- worn I se e m — leaning on thes e ? g rant m e to serve For m eat and drink among thy kitch en - knaves da k m e e s ee e . A tw lv month and a y, nor y nam h Hereafter I will ﬁg t .

To him the King A goodly youth and worth a goodli er boon ! Bu t so i e e s K a thou w lt no goodli r , th n mu t y, The s e of the e s ks be e ma t r m at and drin , thin .

He se s e K a of e ro and pa t ; th n y , a man mi n Wan - sallow as the plant that feel s itself Root-bitten by white lichen :

L o ye now ! T s fe k e f s e e w e e hi llow hath bro n rom om abb y , h r ,

h e eef e s e God wot , had not b and br wi now H e e c ce ! he k ow v r that might han but an wor , L ke an e c hi s c i y pig on will I ram rop , n ho And sl eek er s hall he shin e than a y g.

“ T e L c e s e : S ir S e esc h n an lot tanding n ar n hal ,

S e - k es the l uth hound thou now t , and gray, and all hounds ; se k es s k A hor thou now t , a man thou do t not now GARETH AND LYNETTE 55

B s f e a fi n road brow and air , a flu nt h ir and e, H se s e fi n e igh no , a no tril larg and , and hands 455 ’ L e f fin e I— S e arg , air , and om young lad s mystery ’ f s ee c k s the bo But , or rom h p ot or ing hall , y

- Is e e . T e ce nobl natur d r at him with all gra , L es h e s c e s e th d of him t hould om to ham y ju ging .

Then K ay : What mu rmu rest thou of mystery ? ’ Think ye thi s fellow will poi son th e King s di s h ?

Na for he s k e f - ke : s e ! y , pa too ool li my t ry ’ Tu t the e e e h e ask d , an lad w r nobl , had s e : f ﬁn e f s For hor and armor air and , or ooth ! ? i r e - f ce Sir - s see S Fin a , Fair hand but thou to it

T e ﬁ n en ess L ce s e ﬁ n e da hat thin own , an lot , om y ” ee — e e m m Undo th not and l av y man to e .

So Gareth all for glory underwent

The s ke o f k c e - s s e ooty yo it h n va alag , Ate s his b the with young lad portion y door, ’ An d cou ch d k c e - k es at night with grimy it h n nav . L c e e e s ke e s And an lot v r pa him pl a antly,

K a the se es c e But y n hal , who lov d him not , W s e ould hu tl and harry him , and labor him e his c e o f the e set B yond omrad h arth , and To th e c e hew turn broa h , draw wat r, or wood , ’ Or grosser task s and Gare th how d himself e e ce the With all ob di n to King , and wrought All kind o f servi ce with a noble eas e i That graced th e lowlies t act in doing t . th ls k e se es And whe n e thral had tal among th m lv , And on e would prai se the love that linkt the King

And L an celot m ho w th e Ki n g had s aved his life ’ e ce L ce ce the s In battl twi , and an lot on King

ﬁ r the e For L ancelot was st in tournam nt , 5 6 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

But Arthur mighties t on the battleﬁeld r if s Gareth was glad . O ome other told How ce the e f es e on wand ring or t r at dawn , e the e s se s Far ov r blu tarn and hazy a , ’ u C e - E r r i s es f th e O a r y high t ound King, k e e of the P e s ke A na d bab , whom roph t pa , He ss es the s e pa to I l Avilion , ’ He passes and i s h eal d and cannot die Bu if k f e was . t e e e Gar th glad th ir tal w r oul ,

T e w he s e as an k h n ould whi tl rapid y lar ,

Or c s e e so arol om old round lay , and loud ’ T ﬁrst e mock d f e e e e ce him hat th y but, a t r , r v r n d . Or e e s e s e Gar th , t lling om prodigiou tal Of knights who s liced a red life - bubbling way ’ T e f l s o f s e e hro tw nty o d twi t d dragon , h ld ’ All in a gap - mou th d circle his good mates L s d e s ying or itting round him , i l hand , ’ Charm d Si r K a the se esc c ; till y, n hal , would ome s e e ke s e Blu t ring upon th m , li a udd n wind m e e es e e A ong d ad l av , and driv th m all apart . Or en the s s e se es wh thrall had port among th m lv , S o e e e e an of s e th r w r y trial ma t ry , He b s c s s e , y two yard in a ting bar or ton , Was c e es if e e c ce s ount d b t ; and th r han d a jou t , S o Sir K a e e e o 5 10 that y nodd d him l av to g , W e an d e he s aw the k s ould hurry thith r , wh n night C s ke the c e e la h li oming and r tiring wav , the s e s an d se ee the bo And p ar pring , good hor r l , y

f e f f r Was hal beyond hims l o ecstasy .

So for a month he wrought among the thralls ; 5 15 ’ the eek s fo llo w d the ee But in w that , good Qu n , e e of the s he e s e R p ntant word mad him w ar , s her c ess c s e sen And addening in hildl a tl , t ,

58 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

For uttermos t obedien ce mak e demand Of e e me the S e esc l whom y gav to , n ha , No m ellow maste r of the meats and drinks ! as for e e et And lov , God wot , I lov not y , l ” e s ill . But lov I ha l , God w ing

And the King ke ee m k sec e ? ea he Ma th y night in r t y , but es e es Our nobl t broth r , and our tru t man , m h k on e e ee s s w. And with in all , e n d mu t no

L et L ce k m n let L n ce an lot now, y Ki g , a lot k now . 555 Thy n oblest and thy trues t !

And the K in g But wherefore would ye m en s hould wonder at you Na e fo r the s k e of me e y , rath r a , th ir King, ’ the ee s s ke m k the ee And d d a y nighthood do d d , ” of Than to be noi sed .

’ Merrily Gareth ask d ’ Have I not earn d my cak e in baking of it L et b e my name until I mak e my name ! k i s fo r da My deed s will spea : it but a y . ' ’ S o with a kindly hand on Gareth s arm

S e th e e f- n mil d gr at King, and hal unwilli gly

L oving hi s lusty youthhood yi elded to him . T e f e s L c e h n , a t r ummoning an lot privily h i s I have given him the ﬁrst quest : e not proven . L k e ef e e he c s for s ll oo th r or , wh n all thi in ha , f r Thou get to horse and follow him a away . C e the s th s e see ov r lion on y hi ld , and , ’ Far as t m es he be a en n or s n . hou ay t , nor t lai GARETH AND LYNETT E 5 9

T e s da h n that am e y there pas t into the hall A d s e o f ea e am l high lin g , and a brow

M - m a s s c e ck o f - y blo o , and a h apple blos som

H k - aw eyes ; and lightly was he r sl ende r no se

Ti - p tilted like the petal o f a ﬂo wer h S e into hall pa st with her page and c ri ed

0 fo r s e King, thou ha t driv n the fo e without

S ee the foe ! e f s to within bridg , ord , be et B s e e o n e y bandit , v ry that own s a towe r The fo r f 2 lord hal a leagu e . Why s it ye there es Si r e e k R t would I not , King , an I w r ing, Till e ven the lo n es t hold we re all as free

From curs ed bloods h ed as thin e altar- cloth ” es is s in s From that b t blood it a to pill .

C f s e f sa om ort thy l , id Arthur , I nor min e

es : s o m k k ee the s e s e R t y nighthood p vow th y wor , The wastest moorland o f our realm shall b e

S fe se as th e ce re o f h s a , dam l , nt t i hall . What is thy nam e ? thy n eed ?

” My name ? sh e s aid L e e m e e m ee k yn tt , y nam ; nobl ; y n d , a night To c for m s s e L on ors ombat y i t r , y ,

d o f e e o f e s A la y high lin ag , gr at land f c e ea an d c e e se . And om ly, y , om li r than my l She lives in Castle Perilou s : a rive r — Runs in three loops about h er living place ; ’ o er are r ee s s s ee k s And it th pa ing , and thr night

D efe the as s s e e f nd p ing , br thr n , and a ourth , ’ of f th e es s her sta d 600 And that our mighti t , hold y

In her c s e an d so es e es h er own a tl , b i g To e k her an d make her wed br a will , with him ; 60 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

And but delays his purport till thou s e nd To do the battle with him thy c hi ef man Sir L ce he s s e an lot , whom tru t to ov rthrow T e wed : sh e wed h n , with glory but will not

S e she e fe . av whom lov th , or a holy li

Now therefore have I come for L ancelot .

’ Th en Arthur mindful o f Sir Gareth ask d D se e k s e es c s am l , y now thi Ord r liv to ru h B u e s of the e . t s a es e f All wrong r r alm y , th our , ? ” Who be they ? What the fashion of the men

T e b e o f f s f s 0 Sir h y ooli h a hion , King ,

The fashion o f that old knight - errantry Who e e rid abroad , and do but what th y will C e s es t f the e s c ourt ou or b ial rom mom nt , u h As have nor law nor king ; and three of th ese

P e f s c e se es the D a roud in th ir anta y all th m lv y,

—S an d N - S u n E e —S Morning tar , oon , and v ning tar , Being strong fools ; and n ever a whit more wi se ’ The f e in . black ourth , who alway rid th arm d ,

- A huge man beas t of boundles s s avagery . He es s e f the N f e e D e nam him l ight and o t n r ath , e s el e e sk And w ar a h m t mount d with a ull ,

e s ske e ﬁ u red hi s s And b ar a l ton g on arm , To s m a s s c e the ee how that who y lay or ap thr , b S se f s e e e e s s . lain y him l , hall nt r ndl night ese f be f s m en A nd all th our ool , but mighty , f ” And there ore am I com e fo r L ancelot .

’ He e Sir e call d f e e he se 630 r at Gar th rom wh r ro , e k e es e the A h ad with indling y abov throng, Sir s es I e for he A boon , King thi qu t th n ’ mark d GARETH AND LYNETTE

K ay n ear him groaning like a wounde d bull Y ea k - , g , es th k c e k e am I Kin thou now t y it h n nav , ’ th e s k s am I And mighty thro y m at and drin , 635 can e e e s A nd I toppl ov r a hundr d uch . ” Th se , , c y promi King and Arthur glan ing at him , B e “ . s rought down a mom ntary brow Rough , udden e be k And pardonabl , worthy to night G o e ef e e e s e e th r or , and all h ar r w r amazed .

’ the se s f e e s e e But on dam l or h ad ham , prid , wrath

S e the ma - e she f e e e l w y whit li t d ith r arm , ’ Fie ee ! ask d for th c ef k on th , King I y hi night , ” s e me k c e - k v And thou ha t giv n but a it h n na e . ’ T e ere c s her h n a man in hall ould tay , turu d , e the e o f cces s the Fl d down lan a to King , T k se es ce e the s e s ee s oo hor , d nd d lop tr t , and pa t The e e e u se es w ird whit gat , and pa d without , b ide

The ﬁeld of e k c e - k tourn y , murmuring it h n nave !

’ Now e e t es o en d f the two gr at n ri p rom hall , At on e e n d that gave upon a range Of level pavem ent wh ere th e King would pace At s se e unri , gazing ov r plain and wood ; And down from thi s a lordly s tairway s loped Till lo s t in blowing trees and tops o f towers ; s the And out by this main doorway pa t King. on e was c e the e se But ount r to h arth , and ro High that the high est- c res ted h elm could ride ’ Therethro nor graze and by thi s entry ﬂed

The se her s dam l in wrath , and on to thi Sir e s e s aw the Gar th trod , and without door ’ s f the o f f King Arthur gi t , worth hal a town ,

- s e of th e es e s A war hor b t , and n ar it tood ’ The two that out of north had follo w d him . 62 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

T s e e s e c s e e 66 hi bar a maid n hi ld , a a qu ; that h ld 5 The s e the s e e e Sir e se hor , p ar ; wh r at Gar th loo d

c k f m c - e ee A loa that dropt ro ollar bon to h l ,

c o f es web c s A loth rough t , and a t it down , ’ f it ke f e - smo ther d ﬁ re A nd rom , li a u l ’ T c k f- e k e ﬂash d as hat lo t hal d ad , bra bright , and tho s e 670

D - c e s k s e ull oat d thing , that ma ing lid apart

T e sk - c ses e e e e s h ir du wing a , all b n ath th r burn ’ w l r ﬂ e el d es s e e e s s . A j harn , th y pa and y ’ re he ﬂash d S o Gareth e parted in arm s . ’ T e as h e don n d the e k the s e h n h lm , and too hi ld 675

e s e ras t s e o f And mount d hor and g p a p ar , grain ’ - stren th en d s e Storm g on a windy it , and tipt W h e c s e e s es it tr n hant t l , around him lowly pr t The e e e f o f k c e c e p opl , whil rom out it h n am ’ The s s ee who w ork d 680 thrall in throng, and ing had

L s e h an an d e c e u ti r t an y, whom th y ould but lov , e s e u e c s c e Mount d in arm , thr w p th ir ap and ri d

ess the hi s fe s God bl King , and all llow hip ’ And on thro lan es of s houting Gareth rode

D the s e s ee s the e . own lop tr t , and pa t without gat

S o Gareth past with j oy ; but as th e c ur

u ck f th e c u r h e ﬁ ht s ere hi s c se Pl t rom g with , au ’ Be cool d b ﬁ hti n f s e e y g g, ollow , b ing nam d , His e e e e s an d s own r , but r m mb r all , growl e e e so Sir K a es e the R m mb ring, y b id door ’ Mu tte r d in scorn o f Gare th whom he u sed

To harry and hustle .

Bound upon a quest With horse an d arm s — the King hath past his time

M sc k e ! T s k y ullion nav hrall , to your wor again , GARETH AND LYNETTE 63

For an your ﬁ re be low ye kindle mine 1 Will there be dawn in Wes t and ev e i n E ast ? Be gon e ! my knave I belik e and like enow Som e old h ead - blow not h eed ed in hi s youth k hi S o s hoo s wits they wande r in hi s prime

C e ! How the f e u his c e raz d villain li t d p voi ,

Nor sham ed to bawl him s elf a kitchen - knav e !

Tu t he was e eek e me , tam and m now with , ’ ’ T eacock d u L ce s c ill p p with an lot noti ing .

We f e m kn e e ll I will a t r y loud av , and l arn

W e e he k m e for his s e h th r now ma t r yet .

of the s k e he c e s o m ce Out mo am , and y lan ’ H b s ce he s the old , y God gra , hall into mire

T e ce if the ke f his c e h n , King awa n rom raz , ” Into the s mok e again .

Bu t L an celot s aid K a e ef e o s th e y , wh r or wilt thou g again t King, 7 10 e e h e e e e For that did n v r wh r on y rail , But ever m eekly serv ed the King in thee ? Abide : tak e c oun sel ; fo r thi s lad i s great s k of ce s And lu ty, and nowing both lan and word ” Tu t e m e s K a e are e fi e , t ll not , aid y , y ov r n To mar stout knaves with fooli s h courtesies ’ T e e s en f ces e h n mount d , on thro il t a rod D the s e c e the e own lop ity , and out b yond gat .

Bu t by the ﬁeld of tourn ey lingering yet ’ Mu tte r d the dam s el : Wh erefore did the King

S c me ? for e e Sir L ce lackt e s orn , w r an lot , at l a t He might have yield ed to m e on e of those ’ Who for s e e e tilt lady lov and glory h r , Rath er than — O s weet heave n ! O ﬁe upon him ! ” - Hi s kitch en knave . 64 SELECTED IDYLLS OF T HE KING

To whom Sir Gareth dre w And th ere were non e but few goodli er than he D h s i S s se t e e s e . hining in arm , am l , qu t min f h L e d w. S e e e a s on e a , and I ollo th r at , ’ T s e s f - ﬁesh d c the hat m ll a oul agari in holt , ee s c of s e l And d m it arrion om wood and thing, Or s e we se h her s e e se hr w , or a l , ipt l nd r no “ W e ﬁn e r s He c e ! ith p tulant thumb and g , hrilling , n

m - s ellest of k c e e se . Avoid , thou all it h n gr a k c es e fo r e e was K a And loo who om b hind th r y . es m ? h m K 73 Know t thou not e t y master ? I a ay . k h ” We lac th ee by t e hearth .

And Gareth to him s e e ! e k ee a Ma t r no mor too w ll I now th , y ’ ” The most u ngentl e knight in Arthur s hall . ” ’ H v e ee e s K a : e shock d a at th th n , aid y th y , and K ay

e s e - s an d e c e F ll hould r lipt , Gar th ri d again , f ” f ﬂ L e s she ed . ad , and I ollow , and a t away

But after sod and shingle ceased to fly e her the e of her se B hind , and h art good hor Was nigh to burst wit h violen ce of th e beat ’ Pe f ce she sta d an d e k e s k e r or y , ov rta n po

W es sc m fe s ? hat do t thou , ullion , in y llow hip ’ Deem st thou that I accept thee aught the more Or e ee e e b s e e ce lov th b tt r , that y om d vi c b e e es s Full owardly , or y m r unhappin , Thou has t overthrown and slain thy master thou !

D s - s er c - e ! me i h wa h and broa h turn r , loon to T smell k f hou est all of itchen as be ore .

66 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

f ou t of the ck c Flying rom bla wood , and rying, They have bound my lord to c ast him in the

m e re . “ ' T e e B am the wron d h n Gar th , ound I to right g ” r i li r am e Bu t st a t e bound I to bid with thee . And wh e n th e dam sel spak e contemptuously L e f w e c e ad , and I ollo , Gar th ri d again , e so the es Follow , I l ad down among pin ’ He u e e e ck - shadow d h the e e pl ng d and th r , bla nig m r ,

- - ee s es ee 790 And mid thigh d p in bulru h and r d , aw six m en s e e S tall haling a v nth along , hi k i A s ton e about s n ec to drown him in t .

T ee s he e e b ut ee hr with good blow qui t d , thr ’ Fled thro th e pin es ; an d Gareth loosed the stone F off hi s eck e th e m e e es e rom n , th n in r b id

u th Tumbled it ; oilily bubble d p e mere .

L s e se his s f ee fee a t , Gar th loo d bond and on r t ’

et s s f e . S him , a talwart baron , Arthur ri nd

We h e c e e s e ese c ff es ll t at y am , or l th aiti rogu ’ Had w re a k d themse lves on me ; good caus e is theirs 800

To e m e fo r m w e e ee hat , y ont hath v r b n

To c tc m ef e k e e e e a h y thi , and th n li v rmin h r s e hi s eck Drown him , and with a ton about n ; And unde r thi s wan wate r many o f th em

i e t let o the s e L rotting , but at nigh g ton , se ﬂick erin And ri , and g in a grimly light h e e s e fe D ce t e e e . an on m r Good now , y hav av d a li f Worth s om ewhat as the cl ean se r o thi s wood . s f And fain would I re ward thee wor hip ully . What gu erdon will ye ?

Gareth sharply spake : 8 10 ’ fo r the ee s s ke e e the ee Non e ! d d a hav I don d d , GARETH AND LYNETTE 67

e s e e ce th e In utt rmo t ob di n to King . ” But wilt tho u yi eld this dam sel harborage ?

W e e th e s e h r at baron aying, I w ll b eli eve ’ ” Yo u be o f s T e a Arthur abl , light laugh “ k e f L e e A of Bro rom yn tt y , truly a truth , ’ s e s k c - And in a ort , b ing Arthur it hen knave !

ee cce ee the e But d m not I a pt th aught mor , S c fo r u s w th ullion , r nning harply ith y spit D of c e f e own on a rout rav n or sters . ’ es e his ﬂail had scatter d A thr h r with them .

a for s mellest o f the k c e s N y thou it h n till .

Bu t s e u s e an thi lord will yi ld harborag , ” Well .

0 sh s k e 8 e pa . A league beyond the wood

f - f c All in a ull air manor and a ri h ,

Hi s e s e e da fe s e tow r , wh r that y a a t had b en He n ef ld in high hall , and ma y a viand l t An d c ec th s c e e e e ee . many a o tly at , r iv d thr And th e re th ey place d a peacock in his pride ef e the se the s et B or dam l , and baron h c sh e es e er e e se . Gar th b id , but at on ro

esee s e e i s c sc es M m , that h r mu h di ourt y, k L m s S e s e e . tting thi nav , ord Baron , at y id ’ He me — s s u s ar thi morn I tood in Arth r hall , ’ And pray d the King would grant m e L an celot To ﬁght the brotherhood of Day and Night The last a monster un subduable ’ Of an y s ave of him for whom I call d

S d e s s f ess k c e - k e u d nly bawl thi rontl it h n nav , ‘ The e i th k c e - k e am I qu st s mine ; y it h n nav , ’ I ’ An d mighty thro thy meats and drinks am . 68 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

T e all ce e e es h n Arthur at on gon mad r pli , ’ ‘ G o e ef e so es the es th r or , and giv qu t to him — Him here — a villain ﬁtter to sti ck s wine ’ T e e ess e s han rid abroad r dr ing wom n wrong , ” r sit es e O b id a noble gentlewoman .

T e f- s e - e the h n hal a ham d and part amaz d , ’ No w look d on e e ef at and now at oth r , l t The se b the e c ck hi s e dam l y p a o in prid , se e e And , ating Gar th at anoth r board , S at es e ate e e down b id him , and th n b gan

Frien d e e be k c e - k e , wh th r thou it h n nav , or ’ Or e e be the e s f s wh th r it maid n anta y , e e sh e be e s e the And wh th r mad , or l King, Or e e s e f be both or n ith r , or thy l mad ,

ask : strikest s s k e I not but thou a trong tro , s e e For trong thou art and goodly th r withal , s e of m fe e ef e And av r y li ; and th r or now , e e be men s e For h r mighty to jou t with , w igh Wheth er thou wilt not with thy dams el back

To c ir L c f th rave again S an elot o e King . Th s e k for e y pardon I but p a thin avail , ” The s of m f aver y li e .

An d e s Gar th aid , l f u the e s Ful pardon , but I ollow p qu t ,

Despite o f D ay and Night and D eath and Hell . 865

o e e th e se fe he s e S wh n , n xt morn , lord who li av d ’ Had s e ef s ce con v e d e e wa , om bri pa , y th m on th ir y

ef e - s ee Sir e s k e And l t th m with God p d , Gar th pa , f H i he e e : L e . s ad , and I ollow aught ly r pli d GARETH AND LYNETTE 69

ﬂ e : ee fo r I y no mor I allow th an hour .

L an d s e s e e e k e ion toat hav i l d tog th r , nav ,

e of . Na f e e e k s In tim ﬂood y , urth rmor , m thin i s f r B S e e o ee . ck f om ruth min th a wilt thou , ool ? For hard by h ere is on e will overthrow s ee ; e c And lay th th n will I to ourt again , And sham e the King fo r only yi elding m e c f the s e f hi My hampion rom a h s o s h earth .

’ To whom Si r Gareth an sw er d courteou sly ° th sa m S a ee . y thou y y , and I will do y d d w m e fo r e r ﬁn d Allo min hou , and thou wilt My fortun es all as fair as h ers who lay ’ the s es e e th e Among a h and w dd d King s son .

Th en to the shore of on e of tho se long loops ’ ’ h r thro th e se e e c o il d e c W e e e . rp nt riv r , th y am Rough - thi ck eted were th e bank s and steep ; the stream ll s e o f s e are Fu , narrow ; thi a bridg ingl 886 Took at a leap ; and on the f u rth er s ide e s k l a Aro s a il pavi ion , g y with gold

s e k s s all L e - h u e In tr a and ray , and nt lily in , the e was e e Save that dom purpl , and abov ,

s s e e n e e f e . Crim on , a l nd r ba n r t lutt ring And th ereb efore the lawless warrior pace d ’ U n arm d c D se i s s he , and alling , am l , thi , ’ ? The champion thou hast brought from Arthur s hall ” Na n a she s let ee ss . 895 For whom we th pa y , y , aid ,

- The e s c Sir Morning Star . King in utt r orn Of th ee and thy much folly hath se nt th ee he re f Hi s ki tche n - knave : and look thou to thysel ee s e S ee that h e fall not on th udd nly, ’ k n And slay thee u n arm d ; he i s not ight but ” 9 00 knave . 70 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

T e hi s c 0 e s of the D h n at all , daught r awn ,

s e s of the - S c And rvant Morning tar, approa h , ” m e f the s ke c -f s Arm , rom out il n urtain old Bare - footed and bare- h eaded three fair girl s In gilt and rosy raime nt came : th eir feet ’ In d e wy grasses gli sten d ; and the hair All over glance d with dewdrop or with gem L ke s k es the s i par l in ton e Avanturin e . ’ T ese e s e s e h arm d him in blu arm , and gav a hi ld B s h m s e e e t e . lu al o , and th r on orning tar e s e e the A nd Gar th il nt gaz d upon k night , Who s e ere hi s s e was tood a mom nt , hor brought , the s e e e s e Glorying ; and in tr am b n ath him hon , ’ e e e s e e Immingl d with h av n azur wav ringly , The a the ke fee g y pavilion and na d t ,

i ms h s me he H s t e t s . ar , ro y rai nt , and tar

Then she that watch ed him Wh erefore stare ye so ? Thou shake st in thy fe ar : the re yet is tim e : h e ef he Flee down t e vall y b ore get to horse . Wh cr s e ? T k k o will y ham hou art not night but nave .

S e D amsel whethe r k e kn aid Gar th , nav or ight , 92 1 Far liefer had I ﬁght a s core of tim es ee so s s me Than hear th mi ay and revile . Fair words were bes t fo rhim who ﬁghts for thee ; f are e e for e s e But truly oul b tt r , th y nd ’ T s e of e e s k hat tr ngth ang r thro min arm , I now

That I shall ove rthro w him .

And he that bore ’ The s e e c e f o er the e tar , wh n mount d , ri d rom bridg

k c e -k e se s c o f me ! A it h n nav , and nt in orn

c ﬁ ht I s e s c s c . Su h g not , but an w r orn with orn GARETH AN D LYNETTE 7 1

h s e e s e f e For t i w r ham to do him urth r wrong . T se t his fee k e his han him on t , and ta horse

s s o e him th e And arm , and r turn to King . C e e ef e e e th k om , th r or , l av y lady lightly , nave . Avoid : fo r it bes eemeth not a knave ” To e s c rid with u h a lady .

Do liest I g , thou ” s f f e n e e e I pring rom lo ti r li ag than thin own . He spake ; and all at h e ry speed the two ’ Sho ck d the c e a e e e s e on ntr l bridg , and ith r p ar e k e e e k ce B nt but not bra , and ith r night at on , ’ Hu rl d as a s ton e from o u t of a catapult ’ e his se s c e the e B yond hor rupp r and bridg , ell as it e ck se e F , d ad ; but qui ly ro and dr w , ’ And Gareth lash d so ﬁ ercely w ith his brand He e his e e ck the e drav n my ba ward down bridg , 9 45

The se c We - s ck e k c e - k e ! dam l rying , ll tri n , it h n nav ’ Till Gareth s shield was clove n ; but on e s trok e L c e e the aid him that lov it grov lling on ground .

h f T ke m f T e c e t e e e : e . h n ri d all n , a not y li I yi ld e S o s se ask i t of me And Gar th , thi dam l , 9 50 ” c s ce Good I ac ord it easily a a gra . he e e s e sc l I of ee ? S r dd ning, In ol nt ul ion I th ’ I bound to thee for an y favor ask d I ” i e e e l ce Th e n s hall he d e . And Gar th th r un a d ’ His e e a s s she shriek d h lm t to lay him , but , Be so sc as s not hardy , ullion , to lay ” f D se th c e n e se . O e nobl r than thy l am l , y harg

e s e m e . Is an abounding pl a ur to Knight , se Thy life i s thine at her command . Ari ’ ck ss s an d sa And qui ly pa to Arthur hall, y

- S ee c e His kitchen knave hath sent thee . thou rav 72 SELECTED IDYLLS OF T HE KING

k hi l His pardon fo r thy brea ing of s aws . l fo r Mys elf wh en I return wil plead thee . Th s e i s e f e e se y hi ld min ar w ll and , dam l , thou ,

L e f . ad , and I ollow

And fas t away she ﬂed ; 9 05

T e e h e c me her s k e : e h n wh n a upon , pa M thought , ’ e e watch d ee s k the e Knav , wh n I th tri ing on bridg , The s avor of thy kitch en c ame upon me A little fai n tlier : but the wind hath changed ;

- f e she s sce e . I nt it tw nty old A nd th n ang ,

O morning star — not that tall felon there W h b s ce e ss hom t ou , y or ry or unhappin

Or s e e c e s f e om d vi , ha t oully ov rthrown , O n s s milest the e morni g tar that in blu , 0 s m e e e tar , y morning dr am hath prov n tru , ’ ! m e e S e s ee s me . mil w tly , thou y lov hath mil d on

Bu t e e k e c s e thou b gon , ta oun l , and away , For hard by h ere i s on e that guards a ford ’ The s ec ond brother in t he i r fool s parable ll h W a ee a t es . ill p y th y wag , and to boot 980 C e fo r s e : k kn e ar not ham thou art not night but av .

’ To Sir e an swer d whom Gar th , laughingly P es ? He e of the k arabl ar a parabl nave .

W e was kitch en k n av e m the es h n I a ong r t ,

e c e wa s the e an d on e of m cc - es Fi r h arth , y mat ’ Own d do he c s his c a rough g, to whom a t oat , ’ ‘ i e e w s e e e t a it . Guard , and th r non to m ddl with s c c ee the And u h a oat art thou , and th King

‘ e me s c do am I Gav to guard , and u h a g , To ﬂee k k e worry, and not to and night or nav 9 90

74 SE LECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

The f of hi s s e s the s e the s e hoo hor lipt in tr am , tr am 1 020 ’ Desce e the S u n was wash d nd d , and away .

Then Gareth laid hi s lan ce athwart the ford ; S o e him e he f e dr w hom ; but that ought no mor , ’ As e e - batter d the ck b ing all bon on ro ,

Y e e e se he n i ld d ; and Gar th nt him to t Ki g . “ se f f My l when I return will plead or thee . ” L e f sh d . e e le . ad , and I ollow Qui tly H the se c e ? ath not good wind , dam l , hang d again Na i c e e . y , not a point ; nor art thou v tor h r Th ere lies a ridge of slate acros s the ford ; Hi — i s se e e n s e a for saw t . hor th r o tumbl d y, I

’ 0 su n s s f W Sir not thi trong ool hom thou , e Knav , ’ Has t ove rthrown thro m ere unhappiness ‘ 0 s u n waken est s s , that all to bli or pain , 0 es s ee n moon , that lay t all to l p agai , m m ’ Shine s weetly : twice y love hath s mile d on e .

What knowes t thou of love - song or o f love ? ' Na n a so e y , y , God wot , thou w rt nobly born , T s e Y e c c s e se ce . ea e hou ha t a pl a ant pr n , p r han ,

O dewy ﬂo wers that open to the su n e ﬂo wers c se w e da i s d e 0 d wy that lo h n y on , ’ n m Blow s weetly : twice my love hath s miled o e .

W k es of flo wers e ce e ke hat now t thou , x pt , b li , ‘ ? To s e s garni h m at with hath not our good King, ho e me ee the e of k c e W l nt th , flow r it h ndom , A foolish love for flowers ? what stick ye round GARETH AND LYNETTE 75

? ’ The pasty wh ere withal deck the boar s h ead ? ? n a the e s se es b a . Flow r y , boar hath ro mari and y

0 s e the sk bird that warbl to morning y, 0 s e as the da e s b bird that warbl y go y , ’ S s ee : ce m e s m ing w tly twi y lov hath iled on m e .

W k es of s k s e e hat now t thou bird , lar , mavi , m rl , L inn e t ? what dream ye wh en th ey utter forth

Ma - s c the y mu i growing with growing light , Th eir s wee t s u n - worship the se be fo r the snare 1 055 S o s th f c — es e b e fo r th e s run y an y th pit ,

ee u e L arding and basting . S tho hav not now L h c e ﬂ e t s e . ard d y la t , x pt thou turn and y f of e There s tands the third ool th ir allegory .

e e e e of e e For th r b yond a bridg tr bl bow ,

se - red f th e es All in a ro rom w t , and all ’ N ke s ee m d the a d it , and glowing in broad

Dee - e c e e e t e k p dimpl d urr nt und rn ath , h night

That named himself th e Star of E vening stood .

An d e W e ef e s the Gar th , h r or wait madman th ere 1 065 k s e ? Na she c e Na ed in open day hin y , ri d , “ ’ Not k e harden d sk s na d , only wrapt in in That ﬁt him like hi s own and so ye cleave

His off ese the e . armor him , th will turn blad

’ o er the e The n the third brother s houted bridg , 1 070

O e - s wh s e e e e so ? broth r tar , y hin y h r low Thy ward i s high er u p : but have ye slain ’ The dam sel s champion and the dam sel cried ' 76 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ 0 s o f e s f s e e N tar thin , but hot rom Arthur h av n With all di saster unto thine and th ee ! 1 075 For both thy younge r brethren have gone down ef e s so Si r S B or thi youth ; and wilt thou , tar Art thou not old ? ”

se Old , dam l , old and hard , ” w h f e t e e o s . Old , ith might and br ath tw nty boy

S e e - ! aid Gar th , Old , and ov r bold in brag 1 080 But that s ame s trength which thr ew the Morning Star ” an h E C throw t e vening .

Th en that othe e l e th e A hard and d ad y not upon horn . ” Approac h and arm me I With s lo w s teps from out ’ A n s - e e s se - stain d old torm b at n , ru t , man y 1 085 P f e se c e avilion , orth a grizzl d dam l am , ’ s e And arm d him in old arm , and brought a h lm W e e ee for c es ith but a drying v rgr n r t, And gave a s hield wh ereon the star of even ’ H f- rn i - his m l m h n 10 0 ta sh d f e b e s o e . 9 al and hal bright , , ’ ’ e litter d o er the s e - But wh n it g addl bow , ’ They madly hu rl d togeth er on th e bridge ; e e e ed e And Gar th ov rthr w him , light , dr w , T e e met e e him h r him drawn , and ov rthr w again But u p like ﬁre he s tarted : and as o ft As e e his k ees Gar th brought him grov lling on n , S o many a time he vaulted u p again ; T e e d his e e ill Gar th pant d har , and gr at h art , Fo redoomin his e wa s v g all troubl in ain , ’ ’ L abor d for he seem d as on e within him , T e s e a e e s hat all in lat r , add r g b gin To s ill ses of fe war again t u a li , ese f all his fe a se and cr But th rom li ri , y, GARETH AN D LYNETTE 77

T s e u s s c s hou ha t mad lord , and an t not pu t a s down ! ” ’ He f e hal d spairs so Gareth s eem d to strike

V the se c the ainly , dam l lamoring all while ,

We e k - , e k e s cke 0 ll don nav night , w ll tri n , good knight- knave

O k e as e as an of th k nav , nobl y all e nights S e m e s e me ham not , ham not . I have prophesied S ke of h tri , thou art worthy t e Table Round ’ His s are he s s th h arm old , tru t e arden d skin — S ke s ke — t he e e c e a tri tri wind will n v r hang gain . G e e e e stro n lier s e And ar th h aring v r g mot , ’ An d hew d e eces of hi s oﬁ gr at pi armor him , ’ ’ Bu t lash d s the h arden d sk in vain again t in , c e e And ould not wholly bring him und r , mor T S u es e s e e han loud o thw t rn , rolling ridg on ridg , The es s ea s s s buoy that rid at , and dip and pring ’ For e ver ; till at length S ir Gareth s brand ’ i k h lash d h s e e t e . C , and bra it utt rly to hilt ” e ee f e s I hav th now ; but orth that oth r prang, u k ke e his s And , all n nightli , writh d wiry arm he fe es e his Around him , till lt , d pit mail , t e s e e hi s e s S rangl d , but training v n utt rmo t ’ ’ s s o hu rl d him e o er the d e Ca t , and h adlong bri g 1 125 D th e e s k s c e own to riv r, in or wim , and ri d , ”

L e f . ad , and I ollow

Bu t the damsel s aid I lead no longer ; ride thou at my s ide ;

- k Thou art the kingliest of all kitch en naves .

O ef s k th e n tr oil , par ling on rainy plai , O c s f e rainbow with three olor a t r rain , ’

me . Shine sweetly : thri ce my love hath s miled on ‘ 7s SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Si r f f e — , and good aith , I ain had add d Knight, Bu t e ee c se f k e that I h ard th all thy l a nav , S e am h so e k e e e ham d I t at I r bu d , r vil d , Mi s s aid thee ; nobl e I am ; and thought the King ’ S corn d me e th f e and min and now y pardon , ri nd , ’ s e e an s wer d c e s For thou ha t v r ourt ou ly , h m eek And wholly bold t ou art , and withal ’ As an o f s es e k v e y Arthur b t , but , b ing na ,

H s e m : e a t maz d y wit I marv l what tho u art .

D s e h e s ou be all e am l , aid , y not to blam , Saving that you mi strus ted our good King

W e sc e o u sk o n e ould handl orn , or yi ld y , a ing, e s Y Not ﬁt to cop your que t . ou s aid yo ur say ; 1 1 45 w m Min e an s wer as y deed . Good s ooth ! I hold

He sc ce is k ea f- mee ar night , y but hal man , nor t To ﬁ ht for e e se he e s g g ntl dam l , , who l t ’ His h eart be stirr d with an y fooli s h he at ’ n s s n At a y gentle dam el wayward es s . 1 1 50 Sham ed ? c are not ! thy foul s ayings fought fo r me

see th s are f e k s And ing now y word air , m thin T e e es k n ot L ce hi s e s e f h r rid no night , an lot , gr at l , m ” Hath force to quell e .

Nigh upon that hour W e the e e f e s his e c h n lon h rn org t m lan holy ,

L e s hl s e le s e c e s t down oth r g , and tr t hing dr am Oi s e the s goodly upp r in di tant pool , ’ T e th e e se s h n turu d nobl dam l miling at him ,

h 1 m o f c e And told a av rn hard at hand , Where bread and bak en meats and good red win e f S w c the L L on ors O outhland , hi h ady y

H d se her c c m w e him. a nt oming ha pion , ait d GAR ETH AND LYNETTE 79

Ano n th ey pas t a narrow c omb wh erein

We e s s o f ck ﬁ u res k s r lab ro with g , night on horse

S c e eck s - ulptur d , and d t in lowly waning hues .

Sir e m k e ce was e Knav , y night , a h rmit , on h re , ’ Whose holy hand hath fa s hio n d 0 11 the ro ck

The of T e s the s o f war im again t oul man . ’ And yo u four fool s have s u ck d th e ir allegory F es e s k e the f rom th damp wall , and ta n but orm . 1 1 70 Know ye not these ? and Gareth loc kt and read In letters like to those the ve xillary ’ Hath left crag- carven o er the s treaming Gelt ” ” “ PHo srn o a u s e M E R I DI E s HE S E RU , th n , P S

NO! e e f e ﬁ u res e m en b n ath iv g , arm d , S f e s e faces f lab a t r lab , th ir orward all , 1 1 76

th e S l s a e t ﬂed And running down ou , a h p hat

W k e s e se ith bro n wing , torn raim nt , and loo hair, ’ e s e e th e e For h lp and h lt r to h rmit s cave . th e f ces ﬁn d i L k we t . Follow a , and oo , ? Who com es b ehind

’ For o n e delay d at ﬁr s t ’ Thro h elping back the dislocated K ay To C e e b e e f e c ce am lot , th n y what th r a t r han d , ’ ’ The dam s el s h e adlong e rror thro the wood

Sir L ce s the i e - s an lot , having wum r v r loop ’ His bl u e shi eld - lion s co v er d s oftly dre w e the e he saw th e s a B hind twain , and wh n t r ’ e Sir e s him c e Gl am , on Gar th turning to , ri d

S fe k e e m e fo r m f 1 e . tay, lon night , I av n g y r nd ’ And Gareth c rying prick d agains t the c ry ; 1 1 90 But wh en they c losed in a moment at o n e touch ’ f skill d s e the w e o f the O that p ar , ond r world We s o e s fe nt sliding down a ily , and ll , That when he found the grass within his hand s 80 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF ‘ THE KING

’ ’ He lau gh d ; th e laughter j arr d upon Lyn ette : 1 1 95 ’ H s sh e a sk d S e e ar hly him , ham d and ov rthrown , And tumbled back into the kitchen - knave ” Why laugh ye ? that ye ble w your boast in vain ? Na e se I th e s on y, nobl dam l , but that , Of L ot ee Bellicen t old King and good Qu n , c o f the es the f A nd vi tor bridg and ord , k o f e e lie b And night Arthur , h r thrown y whom ’ k n e e es s I ow not , all thro m r unhappin De vi ce and s orcery and unhappin es s s w e a re w ! L ce Out , word thro n And an lot ’ an swer d : P ce rin , 1 205 ’ O Gare th - thro the m ere u nhappiness Of on e c e e ee who am to h lp th , not to harm ,

L ce as lad ° to ﬁ n d ee w e an lot , and all g th hol ” A th a k s on e d y when Arthur nigh te d him .

Th en Gareth : Thou L an celot I thin e the hand That threw me ? An som e chan ce to ma r the boas t Thy brethren of th ee mak e whi ch could not chan ce Had s e ee ef e es se s e nt th down b or a l r p ar, S e ee sad — O L ce — I ham d had I b n , and an lot thou

W e e the e e : L ce h r at maid n , p tulant an lot , 1 2 15 ’ Why c ame ye not wh e n call d ? and whe refore now ’ C e e call d ? e m k e om y , not I glori d in y nav , Who being still rebuk ed would an s we r still C e s as an k if k ourt ou y night but now , night , ’ ’ Th e e es e es m e fo ol d trick d marv l di , and l av and 1220 ’ And only wondering wherefore play d upon ’ rn And doubtful whethe r I and min e b e s co d . ’ W e e s u be if s H h r ho ld truth not in Arthur all,

’ ’ Arthu r s resen ce ? k e ce f In p Knight , nav , prin and ool, ” e ee f e e I hat th and or v r .

’ 82 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

— 0 L ce , L ce she c her s an lot an lot , and lapt hand Full m erry am I to ﬁn d my goodly knave Is k n e . S ee o w s e I night and nobl , worn hav , E se on ck fe let m e ss l y bla lon had not pa , To ee ck the e bring th ba to do battl with him .

T u s es he fi ht ee first h an thou go t , will g th ; ? Who doubt s thee victor so will my knight - knave ss the f e of s cc s Mi ull flow r thi a ompli hm ent . 1265

Said L an celot : Peradventure he yo u name m L Ma k s e . et e he W y now y hi ld Gar th , an ill ,

C a e his fo r m e ke m ch e f es h ng in and ta y arg r, r h , ’ Not be s u rr d the e as e to p , loving battl w ll ” ” - As he es . L ce ke she s that rid him an lot li , aid , L L ” C e s s ce as . ourt ou in thi , ord an lot , in all

’ e ke ﬁercel clu tch d the s e And Gar th , wa ning, y hi ld

e ce- s e s s e s Ramp , y lan plint ring lion , on whom all p ar ' Are rotten sti ck s ! ye s eem agape to roar

Yea e of , ramp and roar at l aving your lord

C e e s s so e c e for ou . ar not , good b a t , w ll I ar y O e L ce f m ese nobl an lot , rom y hold on th ’ Stream s virtue ﬁ re thro o n e that Will not shame L E ve n the s hadow of ancelot unde r s hield . ” Hence : let u s go .

Silent the s ilent ﬁeld ’ ’ H - e se . s s e They trav r d Arthur arp tho umm r wan , e the c s e In c ount r motion to loud , allur d i The glan ce of Gareth dreamin g on h s liege . ” s L o s e the foe f s ! A s tar hot ; , aid Gar th , all An owl who opt : Hark th e victor pealing there ! 1285 Suddenly sh e that rod e upon his left the sh L ance en c Clung to ield that lot l t him , rying GARETH AND LYNETTE 83

’ Y e e s a : t i h i ld , yi ld him thi gain s e mu st ﬁght ’ c rse the e ll I u tongu that a thro yesterday e e ee R vil d th , and hath wrought on L ancelot now 1 290 To e ee l nd th horse and shi eld : wonders ye have don e ; Miracles ye c annot : h ere is glory enow ’ th e ee : s ee ee maim d In having ﬂung thr I th ,

e ; s e c s the f u Mangl d I w ar thou an t not ﬂing o rth .

e ef e se ? e me e k And wh r or , dam l t ll all y now . 1 295 Yo u c sc e m e f ce annot ar nor rough a , or voi ce

e k of es s s Brut bul limb , or boundl avagery ” me f the Appal rom quest .

Na ce she c e y , prin , ri d , ’ e e look d the f ce God wot , I n v r upon a , S eeing he n e ve r rides abroad by day ’ But watch d him have I like a phantom pass

the : e 'I e the Chilling night nor hav h ard voice . Always he mad e his mouthpi ece o f a page Who c e e s e e am and w nt , and till r port d him As c s s e f the s e of ten lo ing in him l tr ngth , e his e e s s c And wh n ang r tar him , ma a ring an d — ea the s f e ! Man , woman , lad , girl y , o t bab ’ e he a swallow d f es Som hold that h th in ant ﬂ h ,

s e ! O ce e for L ce ﬁ rs t Mon t r prin , I w nt an lot , ’ The quest is L an celot s : give him back the shield ; 13 1 0

“ S e An he ﬁ ht for s aid Gar th laughing, g thi , Belike he win s it as the better man Thus and not else I

Bu t Lan celot on him urged All the devisings of their chivalry When on e might meet a mightier than himself 13 15 ' 84 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Ho w es e s e ce s s e b t to manag hor , lan , word , and hi ld , And so ﬁll u p the gap wh ere force might fail W sk ﬁn n e e ss . s e e his s ith ill and In tant w r word .

T e e : He e be k h n Gar th r rules . I now but on e To s s e e e wm ‘ da h again t min n my and to . 1320 ’ Yet e c ee c the s hav I wat h d th Vi tor in jou t , ’ s e th H And e n y way . eaven h elp thee I sigh d L e yn tte .

T e fo r s ce e c e h n a pa , and und r loud that gr w

To e - all s s t e e thund r gloom palling tar , h y rod c e s e sh e e her f e In onv r till mad pal r y halt , ’ “ L f e s f whis er d T e e i t d an arm , and o tly p , h r . ’ An d th e ee wei e s e see itch d all thr il nt ing , p es e the C s e Pe s ﬁeld B id a tl rilou on ﬂat , A huge pavilion like a mountain peak S de the c s the e un r glooming rim on on marg , B ck ck e ck la , with bla bann r , and a long bla horn es e n c Sir e ras t B id it ha ging ; whi h Gar th g p , A n d so ef e the c e , b or two ould hind r him , ’ S e hi s e e th e nt all h art and br ath thro all horn . ’ E cho d th e wall s ; a light twinkled ; anon C e s s ce he e am light and light , and on again bl w Wh ereon were hollo w tramplings u p and down

m u fﬂed i ces e s s s And vo h ard , and hadow pa t ; T e c c e her s ill high abov him , ir l d with maid The L L on ors s ady y at a window tood ,

B e f s auti ul among light , and waving to him White hand s and courtesy ; but when the prin ce Three times had blown after long hus h at las t The e s e e u hug pavilion lowly yi ld d p , ’ h s ck f s c se T e e e . hro t o bla olding , that whi h hou d th r in

H - ck s e - ck s 1346 igh on a night bla hor , in night bla arm ,

86 SELECTED IDYLLS OF ’ THE KING

An d stay the world from L ady Lyon ors ; ’ T e e e dream d the s ses be h y n v r pa would past . ’ An swer d Sir Gareth grac ious ly to on e

No t hi s e M f c many a moon young r , y air hild , 1 380 What madness made thee chall enge the c hief knight ’ ‘ “ 7 ir e m Of s S e e it . Arthur hall Fair , th y bad do ’ T e e th e L ce the s f e h y hat King and an lot , King ri nd T e e s s ew e e the s e h y hop d to lay him om h r on tr am , ’ ” dream d the s ses c u b e s They n ever pa o ld pa t . 1 385

Then sprang the happi er day from underground

An d L L on ors her se w ce ady y and hou , ith dan

e e s e e e De And r v l and ong, mad m rry ov r ath As be ing after all their foolish fears

And horrors only prove n a blooming boy .

o e e e th e es . S larg mirth liv d , and Gar th won qu t

And he that told th e tale in old e r times

s Si r e e e L on o rs Say that Gar th w dd d y , s s L e e But h e that told it later ay yn tt ° L ANCE L OT AND E L AINE

E LA IN E the f E e the air , lain lovabl e

E e the o f s lain , lily maid A tolat , High in her c hamb er u p a tower to the east Guarde d the s ac red shi eld o f L an celot ; ’ W ﬁ rst h hich s e plac ed where morning s e arliest ray 5 s ke it an d k e h er th e Might tri , awa with gleam ; ’ Th en fearing rus t or s oilur e fashion d for it

c se of s k e e e A a il , and braid d th r upon ’ All the de vices blazo n d on the shi e ld

e t c e of her wit In th ir own in t , and add d , ,

e f s o f c ﬂower A bord r anta y bran h and ,

An d e - e es the es y llow throat d n tling in n t .

No r es e s c e da b da r t d thu ont nt , but y y y , ’ L e her se f t e climb d aving hou hold and good a h r , ’ T e s e e e e h er hat a t rn tow r , and nt ring barr d door , 1 5

S o ff the c se e th e k e s e tript a , and r ad na d hi ld ’ No w u es s d d e m e hi s s g a hi d n aning in arm , No w mad e a pretty hi story to h e rs elf Of e e s e e it v ry dint a word had b at n in ,

e e sc c ce e it And v ry rat h a lan had mad upon , Conj ecturing wh en and wh ere : thi s cu t i s fresh ; That ten year s back ; thi s d ealt him at Caerlyle ; -That at Caerle on ; thi s at Cam elot ’ s e c s k e was e e ! And ah God m r y , what a tro th r ’ e e s e kill d And h r a thru t that might hav , but God 25 ’ B ke the s ce roll d his en e ro trong lan , and my down , h And s ave d him : s o s e lived in fantasy .

How c am e the lily maid by that good shield ’ Of L ce she k e e v n his e ? an lot , that n w not nam 88 SE LECTED IDYLLS OF ‘ THE KING

He ef her e he e l t it with , wh n rod to tilt

th e e the s s For gr at diamond in diamond jou t , ’ IVhich o rdain d b e Arthur had , and y that nam Had e e s ce m was the e nam d th m , in a dia ond priz .

’ ef e e c rown d him n For Arthur , long b or th y Ki g t he ck es s e s of L es s e Roving tra l r alm yonn , Had f en e ck ound a gl , gray bould r and bla tarn .

ve the c e A horror li d about tarn , and lav

L k i th e n a i e ts own mi s ts to all mou t in s ide . e e e s on e k met For h r two broth r , a ing , had , And fought together ; but th eir names we re los t ; 40 And each had s lain hi s broth er at a blow ; ’ And down th ey fell and made the glen abho rr d ’ e e e la e es e e bleach d And th r th y y till all th ir bon w r , ’ And lichen d into c olor with th e c rags h e c e was k c And , that on ing , had on a rown f f f s on e s e . O diamond , in ront and our a id c e u the ss And Arthur am , and laboring p pa , All m s s n e es in a i ty moon hi , unawar ’ Had e crow n d sk e e the sk trodd n that l ton , and ull B k e f the e f the sk the c ra rom nap , and rom ull rown 50 ’ B oll d its s into light , and turning on rim

' Fled like a glitterin g ri vu let to the tarn the s sc he e a n d c And down hingly aur plung d , aught , set hi s e an d hi s e And it on h ad , in h art H s L o k s be e e e s . ard murmur , , thou li wi halt King 55

T e e f e e h e the e s h r a t r , wh n a King , had g m ’ ’ Plu ck d f the c s e his k s rom rown , and how d th m to night , S T ese e e s e e ch ce aying , h j w l , wh r upon I an d ’ ’ D e are the k s the s ivin ly , ingdom , not King c use : e cef let e e be For publi h n orward th r , ce e e e s for on e of ese On v ry y ar , a jou t th

9 0 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Sir e a c e u i s e King, min n i nt wo nd hardly whol , ” And let s me from the s addle ; and the King ce ﬁrs t e h er e his wa Glan d at him , th n , and w nt y . 95 No sooner gon e than s uddenly she began

To e m Sir L ce c blam , y lord an lot , mu h to blame ! Why go ye not to th ese fair joust s the knights A re f of e e e es the c w hal th m our n mi , and ro d

W L o the s e es s es ke ill murmur , , ham l on , who ta 100 Their pastime now the tru stful King is gon e I Th en L an celot vext at having li ed in vain Are e so se ? e e e c e so s e y wi y w r not on wi , M ee s e w e e e m e ﬁrs y Qu n , that umm r , h n y lov d t Then o f th e crowd y e took no more account T o f the r c ck e o f the me han my iad ri t ad , W e its ce c s e c e of ss h n own voi ling to a h blad gra , A e e ce i s . s k s And v ry voi nothing to night , n s c Th em s ure ly I ca il en e With all ease . ’ But now my loyal worship is allow d Of m en u oﬁ en ce all many a bard , witho t , ’ Has k n a es e e i n his la lin d our m tog th r y ,

L ce the e of e e e e an lot , ﬂow r brav ry , Guin v r , The pearl of beauty : and our knights at feast H e e e u s s le the av pl dg d in thi union , whi King 1 15 How e ? is ? Would li s ten s miling . th n th ere more

Has s ke ? se f Arthur po n aught or would your l ,

No w e of m se ce e w ary y rvi and d voir, Henceforth be truer to your faultless lord ?

She broke into a little scornful laugh m the f t e ss n Arthur, y lord , Arthur , aul l Ki g, T ss e e fec m hat pa ionat p r tion , y good lord But who can gaze upon the S u n in h eaven ? s ke of e c me He n ever pa a word r proa h to , LANCELOT AND ELAINE 9 1

He n e ver had a glimpse o f min e untruth

He c ares not for me : only h ere to - day l m ’ d There g ea a vague s u spic ion in hi s eyes d ’ Some m e dling rogu e has tamper d with him els e s f c o f his T e Rapt in thi an y abl Round ,

An d s e m e n s ss e w aring to vow impo ibl ,

To k e e k e s e f f e ma th m li him l but , ri nd , to me He is all fault who h as no fault at all For who love s m e mu s t have a tou ch o f ea rth

The s u n k es the c : am s low ma olor I your , ’ No t s as e k s v e b the Arthur , y now , a y bond . And th erefore h ear my words : go to the jousts The tiny- trumpeting gnat can break our dream Wh e n s weet est ; and the vermin voi ces here

M a s o - we sc e e s y buzz loud orn th m , but th y ting .

’ T e an swer d L ce th e c e f o f k h n an lot , hi nights f ce f e m e e And with what a , a t r y pr t xt made ll e 0 u e e C e Sha I app ar, Q n , at am lot , I Before a Kin g who honors hi s own word ’ As if it were hi s God s ?

Yea s d th e ee , ai Qu n c the c f e A moral hild without ra t to rul , E se he s me : s e me l had not lo t but li t n to , If I mus t ﬁn d you wit : we hear it said

T m en o ef e s e c hat g down b or your p ar at a tou h , Bu t knowing you a re L ancelot ; your great n am e Thi s conquers : hide it th erefore ; go unknown Wi n ! by thi s ki ss yo u will : and our tru e King W e e e O m k ill th n allow your pr t xt , y night , As for fo r s e k e all glory ; to p a him tru , ’ Ye k e eek soe e r he see now right w ll , how m m , ft e s No keen er hun ter a er glory br athe . 9 2 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

He loves it in hi s knights more than himself

T e e his k : win e h y prov to him wor and r turn .

T e ot Si r L ce s e s e h n g an lot udd nly to hor ,

Wroth at himself . Not willing to be kno wn

He ef the e - e e f e l t barr n b at n thorough ar , ’ C se the ee a s the e f ho gr n p th that how d rar r oot , e e the s s And th r among olitary down , f e s f c s hi s wa Full o t n lo t in an y , lo t y ; ’ T as he ce f - shado w d ack ill tra d a aintly tr , That all in loops and link s among the dales the C s e of s h e saw Ran to a tl A tolat , f h es far th e t e e e s . Fir d rom w t , on a hill , tow r T e he e e the e hith r mad , and bl w gat way horn .

T e c e - k e h n am an old , dumb , myriad wrin l d man ’ h le i W o t him into lodging and d s arm d . ’ And L an celot marv ell d at the wordless man And i ss uing found the L ord of Astolat

W t s s s Sir T e Sir L avain e i h two trong on , orr and , Moving to m e et him in the c astle court And close behind them stept the lily maid E e his e e of the se lain , daught r moth r hou The re was not : som e light j es t among the m rose With laughter dying down as the gre at knight ’ Appro ach d th em then the L ord of As tolat W e ce c es m es b w e h n om t thou , y gu t , and y hat nam 180 Lives t b etween the lips ? for by thy state es e c e ess the c ef of se And pr n I might gu hi tho , ’ h s s f e t e eat . A t r King, who in Arthur hall Him ve see : the es hi s T e ha I n r t , abl Round , k w as e are m e e are . Kno n th y , to th y un nown

' ’ T e an swer d L ce the c ef of k s h n an lot , hi night ’ w am I of ur s a l an d k n Kno n , and Arth h l , now ,

9 4 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Win s m es hall I not , but do y b t to win Y as am t l m e es . oung I , y wou d I do y b t

’ S o e c e me an s wer d L ce y will gra , an lot , S en fe s miling a mom t , with your llow hip ’ O er hes e s e s e e s se f t wa t down wh r on I lo t my l ,

Th en were I glad o i. yo u as guide and friend :

ou s s as e And y hall win thi diamond I h ar , is f e if e ma It a air larg diamond , y y , if ” e s e e . And yi ld it to thi maid n , y will ” f e e Sir T e A air larg diamond , add d plain orr , S c b e fo r ee s fo r s e u h qu n , and not impl maids . 230 T e sh e who e her e es the h n h ld y upon ground , E e e her n e so s lain , and h ard am to t about , ’ Flu sh d slightly at the slight di sparage m ent

ef e the s e k k her B or trang r night , who , loo ing at , ’ c et f s e s retu rn Full ourtly , y not al ly , thu d If i s f be for i s f what air but what air ,

ee s are be c e so And only qu n to ount d ,

s e e m e e ee s Ra h w r y judgm nt th n , who d m thi maid Might wear as fair a j ewel as i s on earth ” the of k k No t violating bond li e to li e .

He s k e ce s e : the E l e po and a d lily maid ain , ’ Wo n b the e ce ef e sh e look d y m llow voi b or , hi L f e h er e es e s e e s . i t d y , and r ad lin am nt Th e e an d e h e e the ee gr at guilty lov bar Qu n , e the e he e his In battl with lov bar lord , ’ ’ i r Had marr d h s f ce m a k d ere hi s e . a , and it tim e s s c e s on e Anoth r inning on u h h ight with , The ﬂo wer o f th e es th e all w t and all world , Had b een the s leek er for it : but in him

His was f e ke ﬁ en d se mood o t n li a , and ro And drove him into wastes and s olitudes LANCELOT AND ELAINE 95

Fo r wa s et s agony , who y a living oul . ’ ’ M arr d as h e was h e s eem d th e , goodli es t man T e e es ate hat v r among ladi in hall ,

es e s he f e u her e And nobl t , wh n li t d p y es . ’ H e ve marr d o f e c e her e s ow r , mor than twi y ar , ’ S eam d c e s wo rdcu t the c eek with an an i nt on h ,

s e e she f e u h And brui d and bronz d , li t d p er eyes

e e c was her And lov d him , with that lov whi h doom .

T e the e k the of the c h n gr at night , darling ourt , 260 L e o f the e es e ov d lov li t , into that rud hall S e ace f t pt with all gr , and not with hal di sdain

Hid e ce as s e e und r gra , in a mall r tim , Bu t kindly man moving among his kind

W e e s e of e es hom th y with m at and vintag th ir b t , 265 ’ k s e e e n te rtain d And tal and min tr l m lody . ’ And much th ey as k d of court and Table Round ’ And ever well and readily an s wer d he :

L ce e e c e e e e But an lot , wh n th y glan d at Guin v r , S e s e k of the ess udd nly p a ing wordl man , He f m the ten e s ef e ard ro Baron that , y ar b or , The e c ef o f his h eath n aught and r t him tongue . ’ He learnt and waru d m e of their ﬁ erce design ’ s m se e c maim d Again t y hou , and him th y aught and ; I m s s e e ﬂed But , y on , and littl daught r 2 75 s e d e the s From bond or d ath , and w lt among wood ’ By the great river m a boatman s hut . D d s e e se ke ull ay w r tho , till our good Arthur bro B ” The Paga n yet on ce more on adon hill .

0 e e e ess L av ain e s th r , gr at lord , doubtl , aid , rapt 280 By all th e swee t and s udden pass ion of youth

T e ess its e e o u e f . oward gr atn in ld r , y hav ought 9 6 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

— 0 tell u s for we live apart — you know ’ ” f s s s An d L k O Arthur gloriou war . an celot spo e ’ an s wer d f u as ee And him at ll , having b n With Arthur in the ﬁght which all day long Rang by the White mouth of the Viol ent Glem ; And in the four loud battles by th e shore Oi Duglas ; that on Bassa the n the war ’ That thu n der d in and out th e gloomy skirts Of Celido n the fores t : and again B c s e G u rn ion e e th e s y a tl , wh r gloriou King ’ Had his c ss L s He on uira worn our ady ad , ’ Carved of on e em erald cen ter d in a s u n ’ Of s e s li hten d as he e e ilv r ray , that g br ath d ; ’ C e e he hel d hi s And at a rl on had p lord , When the s trong neighings o f the w ild White Horse S et every gilded parapet shuddering ;

u e - Cathre on ion And p in Agu d g too ,

- Trath Tr r i An d the s e s s es oi. e o t down wa t and hor , 300 Where many a h e athen fell ; and on the mount Of Badon I myself beheld the King e the e of hi s T e Charg at h ad all abl Round , his e s c C s And all l gion rying hri t and him , e k e saw f e s d And br a th m ; and I him , a t r , tan

H e of s f s e igh on a h ap lain , rom pur to plum R ed as the s s u n e e ri ing with h ath n blood ,

s ee me re ce he c e And ing , with a g at voi ri d ,

T e a re k e e are ke ! for the h y bro n , th y bro n King H e e he seems at e c es ow v r mild hom , nor ar 3 10 c s the s s For triumph in our mimi war , jou t if his k c s h e s For own night a t him down , laugh S hi s k s are e e men he aying, night b tt r than Yet in thi s heath en war the ﬁ re of God Fill s him : I n e ve r saw hi s like : there lives ” e e No great r l ader .

98 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KI NG

The e s the e maid n tanding in d wy light . ’ He n ot dream d s he was so e f had b auti ul . T e c e s o f s c e fe h n am on him a ort a r d ar , ’ s e b e ee e her sh e s For il nt , tho gr t d , tood ’ his f ce as i f e e s Rapt on a it w r a god . ’ S e ﬂash d her es e udd nly on a wild d ir ,

T h e s e h er f v hat hould w ar a or at the tilt . She e s e sk for i brav d a riotou h art in a ing t.

se e k e is Fair lord , who nam I now not nobl it ,

e e e e the es ou e I w ll b li v , nobl t will y w ar ” M f s e Na s he y avor at thi tourn y y , aid , s ce e e et e w Fair lady , in I n v r y hav orn f an th Favor o y lady in e lis ts . S c i s m as se who k me k u h y wont , tho now now . ” ’ Ye a so she an swer d e w e e , , ; th n in aring min Nee s s be es se ke e d mu t l r li lihood , nobl lord , 365 ” ’ kn k That tho se who ow should now you . And he tu rn d Her coun sel u p and down within his mind ’ n T m f e a s wer d : e c . And ound it tru , and ru , y hild

We e it : fe c me ll , I will w ar t h it out to ? What i s it and she told him A red s leeve 370 ’ ” B roider d h e s it : e be wit p arl , and brought th n bound

Her k en hi s e e s e to on h lm t , with a mil , S e e et e e so c aying, I n v r y hav don mu h For an y maid en the blood ’ Sprang to her face and ﬁll d her with delight

B u t ef h er the e w e L av ain e l t all pal r , h n ’ n u th e e t- u n blazo n d s e Returni g bro ght y hi ld , ’ e s c h e e L ce Hi s broth r ; whi h gav to an lot , Who parted with hi s own to fair E lain e D o me i s ce m c e m s e th gra , y hild , to hav y hi ld 380 ” “ m ” k e e t c e . ace e In ping ill I om A gr to , ’ - ! h an swer d ce da . am s e S e , twi to y I your quir LANCELOT AND ELAINE 9 9

W e e L av ai n e s , L h r at aid laughing, ily maid , f For ear our people c all you lily maid e es le t m e In arn t , bring your color back ; c e ce , , ce : et ou e ce On twi and thri now g y h n to bed . ' kiss d h r S o e , an d Sir L n ce hi s a lot own hand , ’ s e e : s he sta d e And thu th y mov d away y a minut , T e e s e s e the e h n mad a udd n t p to gat , and there H r e bright hair blown about the s erious face ’ Yet ro sy - kindled with her broth er s ki ss

P se b the e s n au d y gat way, tanding ear the shield ’ s e ce e s he watch d - In il n , whil their arm s far off

S k e e e th e n par l , until th y dipt b low dow s . ’ T e her e she climb d k the s e h n to tow r , and too hi ld , 395 T e e ke it so e f s h r pt , and liv d in anta y .

h n M eanwhile t e e w companion s past away ’ F o er th e cks of the s ess w s ar long ba bu hl do n , L To where Sir ancelot kn e w there lived a knight Not far f C e fo r f t rom am lot , now or y years ’ ’ ’ e who ra d labor d ra d A h rmit , had p y , and p y , ’ An d ever laboring had s cOOp d him self In the white rock a chapel and a hall Ou ss e c s l ke shorecliff c e ma iv olumn , i a av , And c ell s and chamb ers : all were fair and dry The green light from the m eadows undern eath Struck u p and lived along the milky roofs And in the meadows tremulou s aspen - trees

And poplars made a noi se of falling showers . e e e h e And thith r wendi ng th r t at night th y bode .

e the e da ke f e r But wh n n xt y bro rom und rg ound , ’ r d ﬁre s s the c e And shot e and hadow thro av , T e se e m ss k e f s e h y ro , h ard a , bro a t , and rod away T L ce s He m e hen an lot aying, ar , but hold y nam . 1 00 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

H e o u e L ce o f the L ke idd n , y rid with an lot a , ’ Abash d L av ain e se s e e e ce , who in tant r v r n ,

De e e e s e se ar r to tru young h art than th ir own prai , ef e e s e I s ee But l t him l av to tamm r , it ind d ” f e e i The e L ce And a t r mutt r ng gr at an lot , ’ At s he ot hi s e an swer d On e la t g br ath and , , On e e s ee — e o u r e e hav I n that oth r, li g lord , ’ The e Pe B s of k s dr ad ndragon , ritain King ing Of the e e k s e s whom p opl tal my t riou ly , He will b e th ere th e n were I stricke n blind . ” Th sa s e ee . at minut , I might y that I had n

’ S o s k e L av ain e e e reach d the pa , and wh n th y B C e the e let hi s e es y am lot in m adow, y ’ Run thro th e people d galle ry which half round ’ L a ke fall n the ss y li a rainbow upon gra ,

e f th e c e - f ce sat Until th y ound l ar a d King, who e red s e e s be k Rob d in amit , a ily to nown , S ce his c the e c u in to rown gold n dragon l ng , And down hi s rob e the dragon writh ed in gold And from the carven - work behind him c rept Two s e s k e dragon gild d , loping down to ma s for his c W e the es of e Arm hair, hil all r t th m ’ Thro knots and loops and fold s innum erable ’ e e e r the k e f Fl d v r th o woodwor , till th y ound

The n ew es w e e n e s e se es d ign h r i th y lo t th m lv , Yet e se so e e was the k with all a , t nd r wor ’ the c s c o er set And , in o tly anopy him , th k Blazed the las t diamond of e nameless ing .

’ T e L ce an swer d L av ain e s h n an lot young and aid ,

Me ou c e : e i s the ﬁrmer s e y all gr at min at , The true r lance : but th e re is many a youth Now c esce c e am r nt , who will om to all I

102 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KI NG

e e him In moving , all tog th r down upon

e a s e the e N - sea 4 Bar , a wild wav in wid orth , 80

ee - e the s e s Gr n glimm ring toward ummit, b ar , with all Its s c es s s k e s the sk es tormy r t that mo again t i , D k e e s the k own on a bar , and ov rb ar bar , e ms it so e e e And him that h l , th y ov rbor

S ir L n ce his c e s e a lot and harg r , and a p ar

D - c n e th e c e s e own glan i g lam d harg r , and a p ar ’ Pric k d s his c ss the e harply own uira , and h ad ’ hi ’ P e ce s s e e e sn a t e . i r d thro id , and th r p , and r main d

Th en Sir L av ain e did well and wors hipfully ; He e k of e e the e bor a night old r put to arth , hi s s e L ce w e e he la And brought hor to an lot h r y . He u the s e s we ot p id , ating with agony, g , But thought to do while h e might yet endure e s e b the es And b ing lu tily holp n y r t , ’ ’ His — seem d f— c e party , tho it hal mira l

To se he f — e hi s k kin tho ought with , drav ith and the T e e the s s And all abl Round that h ld li t , Back to the barrier the n the trumpets ble w P c hi s th e e e the s ee e ro laiming priz , who wor l v Of sc e the e s the k s arl t , and p arl ; and all night , His c e c e ke th e party , ri d Advan and ta y priz ’ The he an swer d D me diamond but , iamond ’ No d ds ! fo r s e e ! iamon God lov , a littl air ' P e m e es for m e i s e riz no priz , y priz d ath I f me He ce c e ou . n will , and I harg y ollow not

’ He s k e v an i sh d s e f the ﬁeld po , and udd nly rom L in h With young av a e into t e poplar grove . T e e f hi s ch e h e s sat h r rom arg r down lid , and ,

as Sir L av ain e D the ce- e Gr ping to , raw lan h ad “ Ah m s ee Sir L ce s L av ain e y w t lord an lot , aid , LANCELOT AN D E LAI NE 1 03

‘ o e me if it o u die I dr ad , I draw , y will . he die e i But , I alr ady with t : draw ” D L a vain e e Si r L raw , and dr w , and ancelot gave e s e s ek s A marv llou gr at hri and gha tly groan , f his s f And hal blood bur t orth , and down he sank 5 1 5 ’ the e s woon d For pur pain , and wholly away .

T e c e the e e i n h n am h rmit out and bar him , ’ T e e s tan ch d his an d e e h r wound ; th r , in daily doubt W e e e die fo r h th r to liv or , many a week ’ Hid f th e w e rom id world s rumor by the grove

Of s e se o f f s e s poplar with th ir noi alling how r ,

e e - e s s e - ees h e la And v r tr mulou a p n tr , y .

da e L ce f e the s s But on that y wh n an lot l d li t ,

His k s of s N Wes party , night utmo t orth and t ,

L s o f s e c es k s o f es e s es ord wa t mar h , ing d olat i l ,

C e n e e Pe s am rou d th ir gr at ndragon , aying to him ’ L o S e k w e the da , ir , our night , thro whom won y , H e s e e ef his e ath gon or wound d , and hath l t priz ke c hi s e is e Unta n , rying that priz d ath . ” He e e s the s c on e av n hind r, aid King, that u h an , 530 S o great a knight as we have s een to - day ’ He seem d to me anoth er L an celot Yea e es L ce , tw nty tim I thought him an lot

f r W ef He s ss c e o . e e se mu t not pa un ar d h r or , ri , f ﬁ n d the k 0 e . Gawain , and rid orth and night W e ee s s he be e e e . ound d and w ari d , n d mu t n ar t ce I charge you that you ge at on to horse . k s k n s e e e t es on e o f ou And , night and i g , th r br a h not y Will deem thi s prize of ours is rashly given We His prowes s was too wondrou s . will do him 540 No c u stomary honor : s ince the knight C e u s o f u s c the e am not to , to laim priz , s k e Ourselves will send it after . Ri e and ta 104 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE K ING

T s e e it e hi diamond , and d liv r , and r turn ,

An d u s e e he is he f es bring wh r , and how ar , f m es e ﬁ n And cease not ro your qu t until y d .

S s f the c e e e o aying, rom arv n ﬂow r abov , To c e es es s e he k whi h it mad a r tl h art , too , e the e f e e he sat And gav , diamond ; th n rom wh r ’ At s s f ce se Arthur right , with miling a aro , W s f c e f w e P ce ith miling a and ro ning h art , a rin th e ﬂo u rish of his M a In mid might and y ,

s e The C e s f s ” Gawain , urnam d ourt ou , air and trong, f e L ce T s e And a t r an lot , ri tram , and G raint e k e e And Gar th , a good night , but th r withal ’ ir Mo dred s e th e c o f L ot S broth r , and hild , N f e his or o t n loyal to word , and now ’ Wroth that the King s command to s ally forth es of m he k e e e e In qu t who n w not , mad him l av Th e an d c c s e of k s k e s . 5 banqu t , on our night and ing 60

S o all in wrath h e got to horse and went ; W e the e k hil Arthur to banqu t , dar in mood , P s k I s L ce c e a t , thin ing, it an lot who hath om

D es e the h e s ke of for pit wound pa , all gain Of e glory , and bath add d wound to wound , ’ ridd n di e ? S o fe ed the n And away to ar Ki g, ’ ’ f e s tarrl an c e e e retu rn d . And , a t r two day th r , ’ T e e he saw the ee e c ask d h n wh n Qu n , mbra ing , ” L e are o u et s o s ck ? Na h s e s . ov , y y i y , lord , aid e e i s L ce ? T e the ee e 570 And wh r an lot h n Qu n amaz d , ? ” Was h e not with yo u won he not your priz e ? ”

a on e ke . Wh ke b N y , but li him y that li was e. e the n e e she kn e And wh n Ki g d mand d how w ,

S L s e e e f u s aid , ord , no oon r had y part d rom , Than L ancelot told me of a commo n talk

1 06 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ D the e s c c t e o it own on gr at King ou h , and wri h d up n , ’ clen ch d her ﬁ n ers e the And g till th y bit palm , ’ sh riek d T I the e And out raitor to unh aring wall , ’ T e ﬂash d w e s se h n into ild t ar , and ro again , h e er ce e . And mov d about pala , proud and pal

’ Gawain the while thro all the region round e w hi s e e o f the es Rod ith diamond , w ari d qu t , ’ Tou ch d s e ce the e at all point , x pt poplar grov , ’ c e s e s And am at la t , tho lat , to A tolat ’ Whom glittering in en amell d arm s the maid 5 1 5 ce at c e W e s f C e ? Glan d , and ri d , hat n w rom am lot , lord

o f the k the red s ee e ? H w n What night with l v e o . ” k e it she s Bu t e f the u s s I n w , aid part d rom jo t ” H t the s e W e e she ca her e ur in id , h r at ught br ath ; ’ Thro her own s ide she felt the s harp lan ce go ; 620 ’ Thereon sh e s mote her hand ; wellnigh she s woon d ; e h e e e her c e A nd , whil gaz d wond ringly at , am The L of s o u t the P ce ord A tolat , to whom rin e e he was es R port d who , and on what qu t S e he e the e c ﬁn d nt , that bor priz and ould not 025 ’ The c bu t ridd n vi tor , had a random round

To seek e e o f the se c him , and had w ari d ar h .

To the L of s e u s whom ord A tolat , Bid with , e e le P ce ! And rid no mor at random , nob rin He e was the k a nd e e he ef s e r night , h r l t a hi ld 630 Thi s will be s end or c ome for : furthermore s on i s w w e s e Our ith him hall h ar anon , Nee s s we To s h d mu t hear . thi t e co u rteous Prince cc e hi s e c es A ord d with wont d ourt y, C es c of it ourt y with a tou h traitor in , ’ And s tay d ; and cast his eyes on fair E laine W e e c be f f ce e ? e h er s e h r ould ound a dainti r th n hap , From f e e w f e fec a or h ad do n to oot , p r t gain LAN CELOT AND ELAI NE 107

f f ’ From oot to orehead e xqui sitely t u rn d We if e 10 ! s ll I bid , thi wild ﬂower for me ! 540

o ft e m e t the e e s And th y among gard n y w , h And th ere e s e t him self to play upon her W s f ee ﬂ s e s f ith allying wit , r a h rom a height e her ce s of the c u s s Abov , gra o rt , and ong , S s s s m es e e igh , and low il , and gold n loquen ce s the And amorou adulation , till maid ’ R ebell d s t it s P c again , aying to him , rin e ,

0 e e o f e loyal n ph w our nobl King,

Wh ask ou s ee the s e he ef y y not to hi ld l t , Wh ence yo u might le arn hi s nam e ? Why slight your King

se the es h e se ou o n And lo qu t nt y , and prove No s e f c es e ur r than our al on y t rday , Who s the hem we s h er at e lo t lipt , and w nt ? “ ” To the s Na b e e s he all wind y , y min h ad , aid , s e it as we se th e k e e I lo , lo lar in h av n , 555 O se the o f e e es dam l , in light your blu y ; ” e let m e s h But an y will it ee t e s hield .

e th e s e w as s aw And wh n hi ld brought , and Gawain ’ ’ Si r L ce s e s c ro wn d an lot azur lion , with gold , ’ th e ﬁeld he s e his mock d : Ramp m , mot thigh , and 550 Right was the King ! our Lancelot ! that true man I ” ’ “ w as I she an swer d e I And right , m rrily , , ’ r m d m k the e es k of Who d ea y night gr at t night all . ’ ” if I dream d s ou e And , aid Gawain , that y lov

T s e es k ! e k it ! hi gr at t night , your pardon lo , y now 665 ” Speak th erefore : s hall I waste myself in vain ? s e was her s e W k I ? Full impl an w r , hat now My brethren have b een all my fellowship ; ’ I w e f e e e k of e And , h n o t n th y hav tal d lov , ’ ’ h een m e for e k Wis d it had b y moth r , th y tal d , 670 ’ Meseem d of w e k e so se f , hat th y n w not ; my l 108 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

k w if k u e e i s I no not I now what tr lov ,

Bu t if k e if e I now , th n , I lov not him i I know there s non e oth e r I can love . ’ Yea b s e s he e e e , y God d ath , aid , y lov him w ll , k e e w e s k 676 But would not , n w y hat all oth r now , ” i ” h e es . S o be t c e E e And whom lov , ri d lain , And lift ed h er fair face and move d away :

Bu t h e s e h er c S e ! pur u d , alling, tay a littl ’ On e golden minute s grace I he wore your sleeve : 680

‘ Would h e break faith with o n e I may not name 7 Mu st our tru e man change like a leaf at last ?

Na ke e : wh e far be f m e y li now y th n , it rom To cro ss our mighty L an celot in hi s loves !

mse for ee o u k f e And, da l , I d m y now ull w ll W e e e k is e let me e e h r your gr at night hidd n , l av My q u est with yo u ; the diamond also : here !

if o u e b e s ee e it For y lov , it will w t to giv if h e e be s ee e And lov , it will w t to hav it From your own hand ; and wheth er he love or not 590

A diamond i s a diamond . Fare yo u well A thou sand times ! — a thousand times fare well ! Yet if he e his e we , lov , and lov hold , two Ma ee c e e f e : e e k y m t at ourt h r a t r th r , I thin S o e e the c es es of the c y will l arn ourt i ourt , ” ll k e We two sha now each oth r .

T e he ve h n ga , ’ s ki s s d th e c he e And lightly hand to whi h gav , The e e of the es diamond , and all w ari d qu t

L e hi s se carollin as he e apt on hor , and g w nt

- e e e . A tru lov ballad , lightly rod away

Thence to the court he past ; there told the King ”

he n k e Sir L ce is the k . What t Ki g n w , an lot night

1 1 0 SELECTE D IDYLLS OF THE K ING

W s se e e c fe the k ith lip v r ly pla id , lt not C her her fee seen limb in throat , and with t un ’ Cru sh d th e wild passion out again st the ﬂoor

e e the e e e the e s ec e B n ath banqu t , wh r m at b am As m she e all e e wor wood , and hat d who pl dg d .

far the s But away maid in A tolat ,

Her es s l she e e k e guiltl riva , that v r pt

The on e- da - see Si r L ce her e y n an lot in h art , C e h e r f e i e he se e r pt to ath r , wh l mu d alon , S at 0 11 his k ee s k e his f ce s n , tro d gray a and aid , e ou c m e lf the f Fath r , y all wi ul , and ault Is s let me e m your who hav y will , and now , ” ee f e w ou let me se m s ? S w t ath r, ill y lo y wit ” “ Na s he s e . W e ef e let me e ce y, aid , ur ly h r or , h n , ’ ” h n swer d ﬁ n d e L av in a a . S e , and out our d ar e Ye will not lose your w i ts for dear L av ain e : ” ’ e an sw er d he z we ee s s t e Bid , n d mu h ar anon ” A ” h f of e . s e s O him , and that oth r y, aid ,

o f e fo r ee s s en ce And that oth r, I n d mu t h ’ ﬁn d e e es e e h e be And that oth r , wh r o r , e e hi s And with min own hand giv diamond to him , 755 L e s t I be found as faithl e ss in th e quest P ce As you proud rin who left the ques t to me . ee f e e m e s S w t ath r , I b hold him in y dr am as e e th e ske e of s e f Gaunt it w r l ton him l , ’ - f r k f De e o c o e e e s . ath pal , la g ntl maid n aid

The e e - th e e the e g ntl r born maid n , mor bound , M f e b e s ee se ce e y ath r , to w t and rvi abl To e k s s ck es s a s e k nobl night in i n , y now , e ese e e k e s : let m e e ce Wh n th hav worn th ir to n h n , ” T h r f n s o u . e e e I pray y h n ath r odding aid , 755 A a the : wit e ell m c y , y , diamond y w , y hild , f n we e e s k e e e Right ai r I to l arn thi night w r whol , LANCELOT AND ELAI NE 1 1 1

e e es : ea o u B ing our gr at t y , and y mu st give it s e k f And ur I thin thi s ruit is hung too high m ’ For an y outh to gape fo r s ave a queen s Na e , : so e e t ou e y I m an nothing th n , g y gon , e so v e f o u B ing ry wil ul y mu st go .

’ L h er s allo w d she s ightly , uit , lipt away , An d e she de h er e fo r her whil ma r ady ride, ’ ’ He r f e s es h u mm d her ear ath r lat t word in , “ e so e f ou s o B ing v ry wil ul y mu t g , ’ c e s e f ech o d her e And hang d it l and in h art , ” Be s o e f o u s i ing v ry wil ul y mu t d e .

sh e was e s k 0 3 But happy nough and hoo it , A s we shak e o ff t he be e that buzzes at u s ; ’ h er e sh e an swer d s And in h art it and aid , “ W e so e ck f hat matt r , I h lp him ba to li e Then far away w ith good Sir Torre for guide ’ Rode o er the long back s of the bu s hles s downs

To Ca e ef e the c - es m lot , and b or ity gat Gam e on her brothe r with a happy face Making a roan horse caper and c urvet For pl easure all about a ﬁeld of ﬂo wers

W en she saw L av ain e she c e L av ain e hom wh , , ri d , , ” How f es m Sir L ce ? He e 790 ar y lord an lot amaz d , “ Torre and E lain e ! why h ere ? Sir L an celot ? ’ How kn ow ye my lord s name i s L an celot But when th e maid had told him all her tale ’ T e Si r T e e hi s s h n turu d orr , and b ing in mood

L ef e e the s n e - s e e t th m , and und r tra g tatu d gat , ’ ’ W e e s s e e ren der d s c h r Arthur war w r my ti ally,

s u th e s c c his kin Pa t p till ri h ity to , His far c e C e own blood , whi h dw lt at am lot ; And her L av ain e acro ss the poplar grove L ed to th e c aves : there ﬁ rst she s aw the casque 800 11 2 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Of L ce the w : her sc e s ee e an lot on all arl t l v , ’ Tho c e c u t an d f th e e s arv d and , hal p arl away , ’ ’ S tream d f s h er e sh e lau h d rom it till ; and in h art g , Bec se he s e f his e au had not loo d it rom h lm ,

e c e m e e c ce o e it 805 But m ant on or p r han to t urn y in . ’ e e ain d the ce e e he s e And wh n th y g ll wh r in l pt , His battl e - writh e n arm s and mighty hands L a ke the fsk e m y na d on wol in , and a dr a f hi e O dragging down s en my made th e m move . T e she sa w s eek s h n that him lying un l , un horn , as e e th e sk e e of s e f Gaunt it w r l ton him l , ’ r U tte d a little te nder dolorous c ry. The s ound not wonted in a place so s till ’ W k e the s ck kn w e h e roll d hi s e es o i ight , and hil y Yet k f s ee sh e s e s blan rom l p , tart d to him , aying , 8 1 5 Your prize th e diamond s ent yo u by the King : ’ His eye s gli sten d : s he fanc i e d I s it for me An d wh en th e maid had told him all the tale Of P ce the se the es King and rin , diamond nt , qu t ’ Assi n d her o f it she k e g to not worthy , n lt b the c e s of hi s bed Full lowly y orn r , h hi s And laid t e diamond in open hand .

He r f c e was e as w e k s s th e c a n ar , and i hild ’ ’

T es the sk a ssi n d he kis s d h er f ce . hat do ta g , a

“ h k e th e ﬂo r A t on ce s e slipt li e wat r to o . ”

s h e s e e e ou . Ala , aid , your rid hath w ari d y ” ” N es fo r m s h es s o u e . o e e s R t mu t y hav r t , aid f m ” Na fo r e o u a es . y , n ar y , air lord , I at r t W sh e e b ? his e ck e es hat might m an y that larg bla y , ’ Yet e his e ess e her 830 larg r thro l ann , dw lt upon , ’ Till all h er h eart s sad s ecret blaz ed itself ’ In the he art s colors on he r simple face ; ’ An d L ce look d was er lext i an lot and p p in m nd , And being weak in body s aid no more

1 14 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

And peradventure had h e see n h er ﬁ rst She might have made thi s and that other world Another world for the s i ck man ; but now ’ The s ck es of an e straiten d ha l old lov him ,

His e s s honor root d in di honor tood , An d f f f ke f se aith un aith ul pt him al ly tru e .

Yet th e gre at knight in his mid- s i ckn ess made e Full many a holy vow and pur resolve . T ese a s of s ck es s c e h , but born i n , ould not liv ;

e the u s e For wh n blood ran l ti r in him again , f e th e e of on e f ce Full o t n bright imag a , k e c e s e his e Ma ing a tr a h rou qui t in h art , D s e se his es k c i p r d r olution li e a loud . T e if the e e s ce h n maid n , whil that gho tly gra ’ ’ Beam d hi s f c s k e h e an s wer d on an y , po , not , Or s c sh e k e e hort and oldly , and n w right w ll W the s ck ess e w s e hat rough i n m ant , but hat thi m ant ’ She k e the s dimm d her Si n w not , and orrow ght , An d drave h er e re h er tim e ac ro s s th e the ﬁelds 885 F the c c e e e ar into ri h ity , wh r alon ’

S he m u rmu r d V : it c b e . , ain , in vain annot He will not love m e : how then ? mu st I die T e as e e es s ce h n a littl h lpl inno nt bird , That h as but on e plain passage of fe w notes ’ ’ Will s ing t h e s imple pass age o er and o e r l the ear For all an April morning, ti l

VVe aries e it so the s m e to h ar , i pl maid ” W e f the e e n s die ? nt hal night r p ati g, Mu t I ’ n o w s he lef And to right turu d , and now to t , And found no e ase in turning or in rest ; ” ’ Him e she m u tter d e And or d ath , , d ath or

him , ,

ke e Him e . Again and li a burth n , or d ath LANCELOT AND ELAINE 1 15

’ e Si r L c e s e dl was But wh n an lot d a y hurt whole , To s e e the A tolat r turning rod three . 900

T e e b h er h r morn y morn , arraying s weet self ’ ’ In that whe re in sh e deem d s he look d her best

She ca e ef e Sir L ce for she m b or an lot , thought If b e e e se are m fes es I lov d , th y tal rob , ’ If the c s ﬂo wers ef e he f l not , Vi tim b or al . And L an celot e ve r pres t upon the maid That she should ask som e goodly gift o f him For her own se lf or he rs ; and do not s hun To speak th e wi sh mo st near to your true heart ;

S u c se ce e e e m e ke h rvi hav y don , that I ma M l o f s P n ce L am y wil your , and ri and ord I ”

e can . In min own land , and what I will I T e ke s sh e f e u her f ce h n li a gho t li t d p a ,

ke s the e But li a gho t without pow r to speak . And L ancelot s aw that sh e withh eld h er wi sh And bode among them yet a little space Till h e s hould learn it ; and on e morn it chanced

He f h er the e e s ound in among gard n y w ,

s D e e s e k s And aid , lay no long r , p a your wi h

S eeing I go to - day : then out s he brake u e Going ? and we shall n eve r see yo mor .

And I mu st die for want of on e bold word . ” e k e e he s is s . Sp a ; that I liv to h ar, aid , your Then s uddenly and pass ion ately sh e spok e

e o u : let me die . I have gone mad . I lov y ” ’ s s e an s wer d L nce h is s ? Ah , i t r, a lot , w at thi her e s And inn ocently e xtending whit arm , ” Y e she s e be w fe . our lov , aid , your lov to your i ’ an swer d Had c se wed And L ancelot , I ho n to ,

e e e e s ee E e I had b een w dd d arli r , w t lain

But now there n ever will be wife of min e . ” No she c e c e n ot be fe , no , ri d , I ar to wi 1 16 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

be ou s s ee f ce But to with y till , to your a , ’ To se e ou f ou the rv y , and to ollow y thro world . ’ An d L ce an s wer d Na th e th e an lot , y , world , world ear e e s c s e All and y , with u h a tupid h art 936 To e e ear e e s c e int rpr t and y , and u h a tongu To e its o wn e e n a blar int rpr tation y, ’ ill e s u e s e Full th n ho ld I quit your broth r lov , ’ ” h f e s k es s . s e s 940 And your good ath r indn And aid , Not b e ou se e f ce to with y , not to your a

fo r s r me e m s a e e . Ala th n , y good day don ” ’ Na e he an s we r d f ‘ ten es n a ' y , nobl maid , , tim y ’ T s i s e : e s ﬁ rst ﬂash hi not lov but lov in youth ,

s c : ea k of e s e f : 945 Mo t ommon y , I now it min own l And yo u yourself will s mile at your own self He e f e w e ou e ﬂower of fe r a t r , h n y yi ld your li To on e e ﬁtl s ce a e mor y your , not thri your g e w I fo r e ou are s ee And th n ill , tru y and w t, e e e ef B yond min old b li in womanhood , e s ec s k be Mor p ially hould your good night poor, E o u e ndow y with broad land and t rritory , E e th e f m e e th e se s v n hal y r alm b yond a , S o k e o u : f e e that would ma y happy urth rmor , ’ ’ E v n the e as e e e m to d ath , tho y w r y blood e s be k In all your quarr l will I your night . T s e se for s ke hi will I do , d ar dam l , your a , ” And more than this I cannot .

While he spoke ’ She e e blu sh d s ck e l - e n ith r nor ho , but d ath y pal s was e es e e e Stood gra ping what n ar t , th n r pli d Of s ll so fe all thi wi I nothing and ll ,

h r h er e And thus they bore e s wooning to tow r .

’ e s k e h m o se ck s of ew Th n pa , to w o thr tho bla wall y

1 1 8 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Her fanci es with th e sallow - rifted glooms

Of e e the s of the . v ning, and moaning wind

se s sh e e e s And in tho day mad a littl ong, ’ “ call d her s The S o f L e De And ong ong ov and ath ,

s it : s ee c h ke s And ang w tly ould s e ma and ing .

’ S ee is e e e 1000 w t tru lov tho giv n in vain , in vain ;

swee is de s en d : And t ath , who put an to pain k i I w c s s ee e . I no not whi h w t r , no , not

L e s ee ? e e e s be ov , art thou w t th n bitt r d ath mu t L e e s ee i s e m e . ov , thou art bitt r w t d ath to

0 L e if e b e s ee e let me di e . ov , d ath w t r ,

S ee e s ee s e f de w t lov , that m not mad to a away, S ee e see s ke u s e ess c w t d ath , that m to ma lov l lay ,

k w c i s s ee e n o I . I now not hi h w t r, , not

f w u f e if c b e I ain o ld ollow lov , that ould ; ee s s f e c s for me I n d mu t ollow d ath , who all ”

Ca f l f ! let me die . ll and I o low, I ollow

H the s e sc e her ce s igh with la t lin al d voi , and thi , All in a ﬁery dawning wild with wind T s k h er e t he e s e an d hat hoo tow r, broth r h ard , thought W s e H k the P of the s e ith hudd ring , ar hantom hou ” ’ T e e s ek s ef e e call d 10 16 hat v r hri b or a d ath , and The f e ee an d fe ath r , and all thr in hurry ar

her ! th e - red h of n Ran to , and lo blood lig t daw e h er f ce she s L et me die ! Flar d on a , hrilling,

As e we e we k w wh n dw ll upon a word no , LANCELOT AND ELAINE 1 1 9

e e the we k R p ating, till word now so well Be c me s e we k wh o a wond r , and now not y , S o e t he f e her f ce dw lt ath r on a , and thought Is thi s E lain e till back the maide n fell

T e e e c la h n gav a languid hand to a h , and y ,

S e k s - her p a ing a till good morrow with eyes . At s she s S ee e s es e la t aid , w t broth r , y t rnight ’ s eem d c s e I a uriou littl maid again , A s as e we e the s happy wh n dw lt among wood , And when ye u sed to take m e with the flood ’ U the e e the a s p gr at riv r in bo tman boat . Only ye would not pass b eyond th e c ape That has the poplar on it : there ye fixt Y oft h e w t e e . our limit , r turning ith tid And yet I c ried b ecau s e ye would not pass e it far u th e s B yond , and p hining flood we f u the ce o f the Until o nd pala King . ’ And yet ye would not ; but thi s night I dream d T was e the flood hat I all alon upon , e s ‘ No w s e m ll And th n I aid , hall I hav y wi ’ k s l th s e e w e e e . And th r I o , but ti l wi h r main d S o let m e h en ce that I may pass at last e the far u the flood B yond poplar and p , f h Until I fi n d the palace o t e King . T e e e e e h r will I nt r in among th m all , And no man th ere w ill dare to mock at me e e the fin e e m e But th r Gawain will wond r at , And the re the gr eat S i r Lan celot mus e at m e e s f e e s me Gawain , who bad a thou and ar w ll to

L ce c w e e me on e : an lot , who oldly nt , nor bad

h n k me m e And there t e Ki g will now and y lov ,

A n d e the ee e se f me ther Qu n h r l will pity , the e e c e c e me And all g ntl ourt will w l om , And after my long voyage I shall rest ! 120 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Pe ce s her f e O m c e s ee 1055 a , aid ath r , y hild , y m

L - he e for w f ce i s s o ight ad d , hat or your to g S o far e s ck ? e ef e e k , b ing i and wh r or would y loo ” u s fe sc s u s all ? O thi proud llow again , who orn

Then the rough Torre b egan to heave and move s e s s s a nd s a 1060 And blu t r into tormy ob y , “ e e e : ee I n v r lov d him an I m t with him , c e s e ve e he be I ar not how o r gr at , T e s k e s k e n h n will I tri at him and tri him dow , e m e f e s ke e Giv good ortun , I will tri him d ad , h ” ” For thi s discomfort h e hath don e t e house .

To the e e s s e e e whom g ntl i t r mad r ply, e n ot se f e e b e Fr t your l , d ar broth r , nor wroth , ’ S eeing it i s no more Sir L an celot s fault Not e m e i s e e to lov , than it min to lov

l n m th Him of a l me who seems to e e high e st .

’ H es ? the f e an swer d ec 9 es igh t ath r , hoing high t He e e k th e ss her n a ( m ant to br a pa ion in ) , y , D e k ou c the es aught r , I now not what y all high t s k fo r the e e k it But thi I now , all p opl now , He es the ee e s e lov Qu n , and in an op n ham she e s his e e s And r turn lov in op n ham e . If s be hi is be ? thi gh , what it to low

Then spake th e lily maid of A stolat S ee f e f s ck am w t ath r , all too aint and i I For ange r : these are s landers : n e ver yet k Was noble man but made ignobl e tal . e k es f e f H ma no riend who n eve r mad a oe . But now it i s my glory to ha ve loved On e ee ess w s n : so let me ss p rl , ithout tai pa ,

122 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE K ING

T e e s e s s e k for e s e f h r ur ly I hall p a min own l ,

e of ou can s e k for m e s o el And non y p a w l . And the refore let our dumb old man alon e G o me he can s ee he with , t r and row , and

W e me ce the s . ill guid to that pala , to door

She ceased her fath er promi sed ; whereupon ’ She grew so cheerful that th ey deem d her d eath

n h Was rath e r in the fantasy tha t e blood .

ten s s s the e e e But low morning pa t , and on l v nth

Her f e the e e in her ath r laid l tt r hand , i h c se the t s e e . And lo d hand upon , and di d

S o that day there was dole in A stolat .

e the e su n k e f e 1 130 But wh n n xt bra rom und rground , T e ese e e s e s h n , th two br thr n lowly with b nt brow cc the sad c — e A ompanying , hariot bi r ’ P s ke s the ﬁ eld s e a t li a hadow thro , that hon

- s e s e e e the e Full umm r, to that tr am wh r on barg , ’ Pall d all it s e ck l es s e a . l ngth in bla t amit , y T e e sat th e fe c e e of the se h r li long r atur hou , L the s e eck oyal , dumb old rvitor , on d , i VVin kin h s e es s e his f ce . g y , and twi t d all a S o those two brethren from the chariot took the ck e ck s her her b ed And on bla d laid in , ’ S et her o er her in hand a lily , hung The s lk e c se e s i n a with braid d blazoning , ’ ki ss d her e s s her And qui t brow , and aying to ” S s e f e el for e e i t r , ar w l v r , and again l ” e we s ee s s e e e s . Far l , w t i t r , part d all in t ar T e se the s e the ea h n ro dumb old rvitor, and d d , ’ D b the e the ar d y dumb , w nt upward with ﬂood h er the her ef In right hand lily, in l t The lette r all her bright hair streamin g down LANCELOT AND ELAINE 1 23

And all the c overlid was c loth of gold D to her s s he e s e rawn wai t , and h r lf in White

All her f c e c e - f but a , and that l ar eatured face

W a s e for s h e s ee as e lov ly , did not m d ad , ’ Bu t f s s ee la as sh e s a t a l p , and y tho miled .

That day Sir L ancelot at th e palace c raved e ce o f e e e e s Audi n Guin v r , to giv at la t The ce of f e his c s f pri hal a r alm , o tly gi t ,

H - wo n se an d ard won and hardly with brui blow , W e s o f e s s his ith d ath oth r , and almo t own , The nin e -years fought - fo r diamonds : fo r he saw On e of h er s e s e the ee hou , and nt him to Qu n

e his s e e the ee ee B aring wi h , wh r to Qu n agr d With su ch and s o unmoved a maj esty ’ She e s e em d her s e h he might hav tatu , but t at , ’ L o w - drooping till h e wellnigh ki s s d her feet awe saw s e e e For loyal , with a id long y The s of s e ece of ed ce hadow om pi point la , ’ the ee s s e the s In Qu n hadow , vibrat on wall ,

An d e his c e . part d , laughing in ourtly h art

All e the s m e s e in an ori l on um r id , ’ V e-c of s ce th e s e in lad , Arthur pala toward tr am , ’ T e met L ce k ee u tter d ee h y , and an lot n ling Qu n , L d m e e e m o a y , y li g , in whom I hav y j y , T k e e ce for ou a , what I had not won x pt y ,

T ese e e s k e me k e 1 1 75 h j w l , and ma happy , ma ing th m

n e for th e es arm e A arml t round t on arth , ’ Dr n ecklace for a n eck to whi ch the s wan s ’ Is tawnier than her cygn et s : th ese are words Y e i s e si n our b auty your b auty , and I s e k et 0 m s of 1 180 In p a ing, y grant y wor hip it

W s as we ef e s . S c sin s ord , grant gri t ar u h in word , 1 24 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Pe c ce we can : m ee r han , both pardon but , y Qu n , ’ I hear of rumors ﬂying thro your court . as the of an d fe Our bond , not bond man wi , Shou ld have in it an absoluter tru st To mak e u p that defect : let rumors be W e s ﬂ ? ese a s s h n did not rumor y th , I tru t T o u s me n e es s hat y tru t in your own obl n , l ” I may not well believe that you be ie ve .

’ W e s he s k e f the een 1 190 hil thu po , hal turu d away , Qu

Brak e from the vas t oriel - embowering Vin e L e f f e e f e c s e off a a t r l a , and tor , and a t th m , Till all the place wh ereon she stood was green ; T e e he ce s e on e c ss e h n , wh n a d , in old pa iv hand Receive d at once and laid as ide the gems T e e e e her e e h r on a tabl n ar , and r pli d

ma be am cke of e ef It y , I qui r b li me L c f th L ke T o u e e e e o e . han y b li v , an lot a i h Our bond s not t e bond of man and wife . ’ T s i s it s e e of hi good in , what o r ill , n k for o u It ca b e bro e n easi er . I y Thi s many a year have don e d espite and wrong To o n e whom e ver in my h eart of h earts k W are ? I did ac nowledge noble r . hat these Diamonds for me I th ey had b een thri ce th eir worth

e f o u s . B ing your gi t , had y not lo t your own To loyal h earts th e value of all gifts ’ v h Not fo r m e ! Mus t ary as t e give r s . h w f s For er ! for your n e an cy . Only thi m v e o u : e s . Grant , I pray y ha your joy apart e e c e ou k ee I doubt not that how v r hang d , y p S o much of what is graceful : and mys elf Would shun to break those bo u nds of courtesy

126 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ Shape to th e ir fan cy s eye from broke n rock s ’ u s e c ff- s e a all d e e s 1245 O om li id , pp th m , and th y aid , He i s e c e c s e k — she n hant d , annot p a and , L k sh e s ee s — the ee so f oo how l p Fairy Qu n , air ? Yea bu t e I are e ? es , how pal what th y ﬂ h and blood Or come to take the King to Fairyland ? For som e do hold ou r Arthur cannot die ” B u t that he pass e s into Fairyland .

W e s e e of the the K hil thu th y babbl d King, ing ’ Came girt with knights : the n turu d the tongueless man

the f- f ce the f e e se From hal a to ull y , and ro h h e t e se t e s . And point d to dam l , and door S o Arthur bade the meek S ir Pe rcivale And pure Sir Galahad to uplift the maid ; h r And re verently they bore e into hall . ’ T e c e th e ﬁn e won der d her h n am Gawain and at , And L an celot later came and mu sed at h er

" s the ee e se f an d e her And la t Qu n h r l , piti d s e the e e her But Arthur pi d l tt r in hand ,

too t k ke se e it s was all S p , too , bra al , and r ad ; thi

s n e Si r L ce of the L ke Mo t obl lord , an lot a , ’ I s e i e call d the of s , om t m maid A tolat ,

‘ C e for o u ef me k f e el om , y l t ta ing no ar w l

H e k e m s f e e of o u . ith r , to ta y la t ar w ll y

e o u m e e I lov d y , and y lov had no r turn , f m e e has ee m And there ore y tru lov b n y death . e ef e L e e e And th r or to our ady Guin v r ,

e es ke . And to all oth r ladi , I ma moan

P for m s ou l e me . ray y , and yi ld burial P for m s Sir L ce ray y oul thou , too , an lot ” s As thou art a knight peerles . LANCELOT AND ELAINE 127

Thus he read e e the e s And v r in r ading, lord and dam es We k f e f m hi f pt , loo ing o t n ro s ace who read

To e s c la s o s e es h r whi h y il nt , and at tim , ’ S o to u ch d e e e f- k h er s w r th y , hal thin ing that lip , Who e se the e e e a had d vi d l tt r , mov d gain .

Th en freely spoke Sir L an c elot to them all : M e e e y lord li g Arthur , and all y that hear ’ fo r s s e e e s e Know that thi mo t g ntl maid n d ath , Right h eavy am I ; fo r good she was and true But loved m e with a love beyond all love m w s e e e k In wo an , hom o v r I hav nown . Yet to be loved makes not to love again Not m e s e e at y y ar , how v r it hold in youth . I s wear by truth and knighthood that I gave 0 c se fo r s c e N au , not willingly , u h a lov To s c m f e s e s thi I all y ri nd in t timony , He r e en her f e se f br thr , and ath r , who him l

Bes me be u se ought to plain and blunt , and , To e k her s s s e sc es br a pa ion , om di ourt y

s m e : c did . Again t y natur what I ould , I I l eft her an d I bad e he r no farewell ; ’ Tho e the d se e e , had I dr amt am l would hav di d ,

e u t m s s e u se I might hav p y wit to om rough , ’ f ” An d help d her from h e rsel .

Th en s aid the Qu een S ea was her et k f e s ( wrath , y wor ing a t r torm) “ Ye e s e e her s o c ce 1300 might at l a t hav don mu h gra , ’ as w e hel d her f her Fair lord , ould hav p rom ” death . He se his e e e es met e s fel rai d h ad , th ir y and h r l , He adding : 1 28 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

ee she b e c e Qu n , would not ont nt h r S e e e e c c be . av that I w dd d , whi h ould not ’ ’ Then sh e f me the sh e ask d 1305 might ollow thro world , h e r h er e It c ould not be . I told that lov Was the s of k e but ﬂa h youth , would dar n down To ri se hereafte r in a sti ller ﬂam e Toward on e more worthy of her — the n would I e s ec e e h e she e e Mor p ially w r w dd d poor , E state the m with large land and territory e e e the s e s In min own r alm b yond narrow a , To keep them l n all joyan ce : more than thi s h h c s s e s e e . I ould not ; thi would not , and di d

’ He s an swer d O m k 13 15 pau ing, Arthur , y night , be th s as m k It will to y wor hip , y night , e as e o f T e And min , h ad all our abl Round , ” To s e h u ful e that s e be b ried worship ly .

S o toward that shr ine which th en in all the realm Was c es e s w e 1320 ri h t , Arthur l ading, lo ly w nt ’ The marshall d Order of th eir Table Round L ce s at e his s ee And an lot b yond wont , to The m e u e as on e k aid n b ri d , not un nown ,

Nor e e s se es m anly , but with gorg ou ob qui , k ss s c e ee . And ma , and rolling mu i , li a qu n And wh en the knights had laid her c om ely head

L ow the s o f f- f e k s in du t hal orgott n ing , T e s ke e L et her h n Arthur pa among th m , tomb

B e c s her e e e o tly , and imag th r upon , And let the shi eld of L an celot at her feet B e c e her 1 h er . arv n , and i in hand And let the s tory of her dolorou s voyage ’ For all true hearts b e blazon d on h er tomb In letters gold and azure I which was wrought

1 30 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Yea be e if i s e , to lov d , what worthy lov C f ee e be ould bind him , but r lov will not bound .

ee e so d e e f ees s the Fr lov , boun , w r r t , aid L et love be free ; free love i s fo r the bes t f e e e s e of e And , a t r h av n , on our dull id d ath , W s be es if so e e hat hould b t , not pur a lov Clothed in so pure a lovelin ess yet thee ’ ’ She fail d e as k to bind , tho b ing, I thin , ” l a k as e t e e s . Unbound y , and g nt , I now

’ L ce an swer d he e And an lot nothing, but w nt , And at the inrunning of a little brook ’ S at b the e c e watch d y riv r in a ov , and The ee e f e u his e es high r d wav , and li t d p y saw the e her d 1380 And barg that brought moving own , ' - off a the s e s Far , blot upon tr am , and aid L o w se f s e e s ee in him l , Ah impl h art and w t , Ye e me se s e e lov d , dam l , ur ly with a lov ’ m P f r h Far tenderer than y Queen s . ray o t y s oul I — A . e e n o w s 1385 y , that will Far w ll too at la t f l u s e e . J ea o e Far w ll , air lily y in lov ’ Not e e e s s e e s e ? rath r d ad lov har h h ir, j alou prid ee if the e s as of e Qu n , I grant j alou y lov ,

Ma c esce fe for e f e y not your r nt ar nam and am , e k as es of o e es ? Sp a , it wax , a l v that wan Why did the King dwell on my name to me ? e e s es me seem e c Min own nam ham , ing a r proa h , L ce the L of the L ke an lot , whom ady a ’ Caught from his moth er s arms — the wondrous on e ’ Who passes thro the V1 s1on of the night 1395 She chante d s natch es o f mysterious hymn s

He the e s ev e . ard on winding wat r , and morn ’ he kis s d me s T u f m c S aying, ho art air , y hild, LANCELOT AND ELAINE 13 1

’ ’ As k s s o n f e he r s a ing , and o t n in arm

he e me c 0 11 th d k S e s e e . bar , pa ing u y m r ’ ’ W s h e me it e e e b ! ould had drown d in , wh r r it e For what am I what pro ﬁts m e my name

Of e es k ? f fo r it e gr at t night I ought , and hav it P e s e e it e se it l a ur to hav , non ; to lo , pain No w grown a part o f me : but what u s e in it ? To mak e m en wors e by making my sin known ? r si n s ee e ss the s e see e ? O m l , inn r ming gr at ’ s fo r s e es k Ala Arthur gr at t night , a man ’ Not after Arthur s h eart ! I needs mu st bre ak Th ese bond s that s o defam e me : not without ’ ? he s it : I if s he it n a S will would , will d y , Who k s ? if e m a now but I would not , th n y God se s e e I pray him , nd a udd n Ang l down To s e e me b the e me far iz y hair and b ar ,

ﬂin me ee f e e e And g d p in that orgott n m r , h Amon g the tumbled fragments of t e hills .

e ir L ce e sef S o groan d S an lot in r mor ul pain , i No t knowing he s hould d e a holy man . THE HOLY GR AIL

FR OM sef s c s of es noi ul arm , and a t p row s done e Sir Pe c e In tournam nt or tilt , r ival , ’ W his k call d The P e hom Arthur and nighthood ur , ’ Ha d a ss d the s e fe o f e p into il nt li p ray r ,

P se f s s e for the c rai , a t , and alm ; and l aving owl The helmet in an abbey far away F C e f e e e e . rom am lot , th r , and not long a t r , di d

on e fe - k the es And , a llow mon among r t , A b s s e ch e the es m ro iu , lov d him mu b y ond r t , ’ An d h on or d his e him , and wrought into h art ’ wa b e w aken d e A y y lov that lov within , T o an s we r that whic h c am e ; and a s they sat

Be e - ew - ee ke f n ath a world old y tr , dar ning hal Th e C s e s s f loi t r , on a gu t ul April morn ’ That p uti d the s way ing branc hes into s moke e e ere the s e e he e Abov th m , umm r wh n di d , ’ The monk Ambros ius q u estion d Perc ivale :

O e e see s ew - ee s ke broth r , I hav n thi y tr mo , S r f e S for f e e s : p ing a t r pring , hal a hundr d y ar e e e k the For n v r hav I nown world without , ’ r s r d e the e : ee No e ver t ay b y ond p al but th , Whe n ﬁrst thou c amest s uch a c ourt esy ’ Spake thro the limb s and in the voice I kne w ’ For on e of those who eat in Arthur s hall ; e are ke c s For good y and bad , and li to oin , S e e s e e e on e of o u om tru , om light , but v ry y ’ St a mp d with the image o f the King ; and now

Te me h e ee f the T e , ll , w at drov th rom abl Round My brother ? was it earthly p as sion c ro st ?

SELE CTED IDYLES OF THE KING

T J ose h c e of G s hat p am old to la tonbury , An d e e the e e P ce Arv ira u s th r h ath n rin , g , Gave him an isle of mars h where on to build ; An d the re he built with wattle s from the mars h A e e c c s of e littl lon ly hur h in day y or , s o e sa ese ks of s see For th y y , th boo our , but m f f r s M e o s c e a a e e . ut thi mira l , I hav r ad But who ﬁrst s aw the holy thing to - day ?

’ A n an s wer d Pe c e n u n woma , r ival , a , An d on e no further off in blood from me Than s iste r ; an d if e ver holy maid W k ees of e the s e ith n adoration wor ton , ’ ’ e e e d A holy maid ; tho n v r maid n glow , But w as her e e de that in arli r mai nhood , W s c fe e e of e ith u h a rv nt ﬂam human lov , W c e e e ce s hi h b ing rud ly blunt d , glan d and hot Only to holy things ; to p ray er and prai se

S e e e s e f f s s . et h gav h r l , to a t and alm And y , Nu n as she w as the sc of the C , andal ourt ; Sin s t th e T a e again t Ar hur and bl Round , the s a e s of e s ce And tr ng ound an adult rou ra , Across the iron grating of her c ell ’

e she ra d f s e the e . B at , and p y and a t d all mor

he h she he r s s w t And to w om told in , or ha Her e e es s e for sin all but utt r whit n h ld , e h e e s A man w llnigh a undr d wint r old , S ke f e he r of t he H p a o t n with oly Grail , ’ le e e n ﬁv e s ix A g nd hand d dow thro or , e c of e se e w e s And a h th a hundr d int r old , ’ e thu From our Lord s time . And wh n King Ar r ’ His T e all e s he s ec e abl Round , and m n art b am C e fo r s e s s e he l an a a on , ur ly had thought THE HOLY GRAIL 135

T the H G c e a hat now oly rail would om ag in , B s in ke u t . C s a c bro out Ah , hri t , th t it would ome , And h e al t he world of all the ir wic ke dness ! ‘ ’ ’ ‘ 0 e ! a s k d t he e c Fath r maid n , might it ome ’ ‘ ’ T o m e b e f s ? Na s he y p ray r and a ting y , aid , ‘ ’ k fo r th e is e a s s I now not , y h art p ur now . ’ s o s he ra d a n d f s e the s u n And p y a t d , till ’ S e the e her hon , and wind bl w , thro , and I thought

Sh e e se ﬂo at ed e s a 1 might hav ri n and wh n I w her . 00

da s he se s e k m For on a y nt to p a with e . e s he c e s e k e he r e es And wh n am to p a , b hold y Be m k o f e e f y ond y nowing th m , b auti ul , Be k of e e f y ond all nowin g th m , wond r ul , e f B auti ul in the light of holines s . ‘ ’ 0 m e Pe c a e she s And y broth r r iv l , aid , ‘ S ee e e see th e H w t broth r , I hav n oly Grail Fo r ke de o f e s , wa d at ad night , I h ard a ound ’ As o f a silve r horn from o e r the hills “ ’ B It is s u se lown , and I thought , not Arthur To hunt by moonlight and the slende r s ound As from a dis tanc e bey ond distan ce gre w C me 0 e e oming up on n v r harp nor horn , w e e c Nor aught blow with br ath , or tou h with hand , Wa s like that music a s it c ame ; and the n 1 15 ’ ’ Strea m d m e c s e e thro y c ll a old and ilv r b am ,

An d d e s e the H G a own th long be a m tol oly r il ,

s e - red e s it a s if e Ro with b ating in , aliv , Till all the whit e walls o f my c ell we re dy ed With ros y c olors le aping on the wall ; e the s c f e the And th n mu i ad d , and Grail ’ P s the e dec a d f the s a t , and b am y , and rom wall

The rosy q u l v e rm gs die d into the night . So now the Holy Thing is he re again 136 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

u s e f s Among , broth r, a t thou too and pray , e th e k s f s And t ll y broth r night to a t and pray , That s o pe rchan ce the vis ion m ay b e seen ’ ’ B ee h se the be e y th and t o , and all world h al d .

T e e the e s ke o f s h n l aving p al nun , I pa thi ’ To all me n ; and my s elf fas te d and p ray d s u s eek Alway , and many among man y a w ’ s e ra d e e the e s Fa t d and p y v n to utt rmo t ,

E xpectant o f the wonder that would be .

on e e e w as u s e e ed And th r among , v r mov

u s e a . Among in whit armor , G lahad ‘ ’ ke ee a s o ea t f God ma th good th u art b u i ul , ’ S e he du bb d k e aid Arthur , wh n him night ; and non , s o w a s e e e k In y oung y outh , v r mad a night T G s e he e ill alahad ; and thi Galahad , wh n h ard ’ ’ M s s e s s ﬁll d m e e y i t r vi ion , with amaz ; ’ His e es ec e s o ke he r e s eem d y b am li own , th y

He s se f her e e I . r , and him l broth r mor than

Sist e r or brothe r none had he ; but s ome ’ C all d s o n of L ce s e s him a an lot , and om aid Be e b e c e c e e s e gott n y n hantm nt hatt r r th y ,

L ke s of as s e u an d d i bird p ag p ip ing p own , Th at gap e fo r ﬂies we know not when c e they c ome ; For when w as Lan celot wande ringly le wd ?

But she the s ee a e s e a , wan w t m id n , hor aw y Cle an from he r fore he ad all that we alth o f hair Whic h made a s ilke n mat - work fo r her feet ; And out o f this she plaite d broad and long

s s - e e s e e A trong word b lt , and wov with ilv r thr ad An he e s e de ce d crims on in t b lt a trang vi ,

138 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

And in t he blast there s mot e along the hall A b eam o f light s e ve n time s more cle ar than day ' An d down the long be am s tole the Holy Grail ’ e c o v e r d s c All ov r with a luminou loud , An d e s ee i e t s . non might who bar , and it p a t ’ But e very knight beh eld his fellow s face

As the k s s e in a glory , and all night aro And staring e ach at othe r like dumb men S f ce s e v ow . tood , till I ound a voi and war a

s e v o w e f e e a I I war a b or th m all , th t , Be c se s e e t he e au I had not n Grail , would rid A e e da es of it tw lv month and a y in q u t ,

f s aw it as t he Until I ound and , nun M s s e s aw it s e the v ow y i t r ; and Galahad war , ’ Sir B s L c e s c s n s e 200 And good or , our an lot ou i , war , L ce s e t he k s And an lot war , and many among night , ”

s e e the es . And Gawain war , and loud r than r t

T e s ke the k s s sk h n p a mon Ambro iu , a ing him , What s aid the King ? Did Arthur take the v ow ?

Na for m s Pe c e the y , y lord , aid r ival , King ,

Was : for e s e da not in hall arly that am y , ’ Sca e h c e f p d t ro a av rn rom a bandit hold , An outrage d maide n s p rang into th e hall Cry ing on help : fo r all he r shining hair ’ Wa s s m e ar d e e e k arm with arth , and ith r mil y

R ed - e ks o f e she e r nt with hoo brambl , and all wor T orn a s a s ail that le aves the rop e is torn In te mp e st : s o the King arose and went To s moke th e s c andalou s hive of those wild bees H e That made s uc h honey in his re alm . owb it Som e of s e he oo saw e littl thi marv l t , THE HOLY GRAIL 1 89

’ R eturning o e r the plain that t he n b e gan T o darke n unde r Cam elot ° when c e t he King ’ Lo o k d u c Lo e e ! the fs p , alling aloud , , th r roo ’ Of our gre at h all a re ro ll d in thunder - s moke ! ’ P He e e be s e b the ray av n , th y not mitt n y bolt .

de a w a s o f s For r to Arthur that hall our , As having there s o oft with all his knight s Fe as e an d a s the s e e s e e e . t d , tat li t und r h av n

O e o u k l broth r , had y nown our mighty ha l , “h i c h l\Ie rlin built fo r Arthur long a go ! the s a c e o f C e For all r d mount am lot , A nd t he c c f b f all dim ri h ity , roo y roo , T e f e t e s e e s e ow r a t r ow r , p ir b y ond pir ,

B e e - a s k y grov , and gard n l wn , and ru hing broo ,

C s t he a e limb to mighty hall th t M rlin built .

An d f e es o f s c e s et e our gr at zon ulp tur , b twixt

W s c s the : ith many a my ti y mbol , gird hall the es e s s a re s m en And in low t b a t lay ing , An d the s ec m en are s e s s in ond lay ing b a t , the i are s e fec men And on th rd warrior , p r t , An d th e f are m en s on ourth with growing wing , And ov er all o n e statu e in the mould Oi A t ur e b e c w r h , mad y M rlin , with a ro n , ’ And p e ak d wings p oint e d to the N o rthern Star . An d e s f s the s e t he c a tward ront tatu , and rown

the s re e o f an d ﬂam e And both wing a mad gold ,

At s s e the e e fa r f e s unri till p opl in i ld , W s e s o f e b t he e he des a t d o t n y h at n hor , ‘ ’

Be it c We e s . hold , ry ing , hav till a King

e o u k And , broth r , had y nown our hall within , Broader and highe r than an y in all the lands ! ’ r w s z s s Wh ere twelv e g eat indow bla on Arthur war , 1 40 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KIN G

And all the light that falls up on the board ’ S e s the e e e e s of tr am thro tw lv gr at battl our King . 250 a on e e e is the e s e en d N y , th r , and at a t rn ,

We e es of e e althy with wand ring lin mount and m r , W e e ﬁn ds the E c h r Arthur brand x alibur . s on e the es c e it And al o to w t , and ount r to , An d blank : and who shall blazon it ? when and how ? 0 e e e c ce e s are e th r , p r han , wh n all our war don , The E c b brand x alibur will e c a s t away .

S o s a f c k e the to thi h ll ull q ui ly rod King , es the k b e In horror l t wor y M rlin wrought , D e ke s t he s e n s r amli , hould on udd n va i h , wrapt

In unre morse ful folds of rolling ﬁre . he e u ce s aw And in rod , and p I glan d , and The golde n dragon sp arkling over all of s e the e ms And many tho who burnt hold , th ir ar ’ Hack d e f e e s e s ke , and th ir or h ad grim d with mo , and ’ se ar d , ’ Follow d f ces s , and in among bright a , our , of the s es : e th e Full vi ion , p r t and th n King ‘ ’ S ke me e e es Pe c e p a to , b ing n ar t , r ival , (Bec ause the hall wa s all in tumult s ome ‘ ’ V w s e es is i s ? o ing , and om prot ting) , what th

0 e e c ce broth r , wh n I told him what had han d , ’ M s s e s s t e es his f ce y i t r Vi ion , and h r t , a ’ D arken d a s e see e ce , I hav n it mor than on , ’ W e s e e s eem d be e h n om brave de d to don in vain , ‘ ’ D ke Woe is me m k s he c e 275 ar n ; and , y night , ri d , ‘ ’

Had ee e e e s the v ow . I b n h r , y had not worn ‘ was m n e a s e Had se f een ere Bold i n w r, thy l b h ,

142 V SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

W are e ? s ? Pe c e s hat y Galahad no , nor r ival (For thus it ple ase d the King to range me close ‘ ’ ‘ f e Sir a n a s h e me n A t r Galah d) ; y , aid , but ’ W s e t he w ro n d of ith tr ngth and will to right g , p ower T o la the s d e e s o f e ce ﬁat y u d n h ad viol n , 310 ’ Knight s that in twelv e gre at battles sp la sh d and dy e d The s trong Whit e Horse in his own h eathen blood

B ut o n e s ee the see . hath n , and all blind will G o s ce s are s c e e : , in y our vow a red , b ing mad Yet fo r y e kno w the crie s of all my re alm ’ P ss s a f e 0 m k s a thro thi h ll how o t n , y night , Y ces e c m s e our p la b ing va ant at y id , This c hance o f noble dee ds will c ome and go c e e e e f a e ﬁre s Un hall ng d , whil y ollow w nd ring

L s the e ! of ou e a s o t in quagmir Many y , y mo t , Return no more : y e think I s how my self T o o a k rO het : c e let u s ee d r a p p om now , m t The morrow morn onc e more in on e full ﬁeld

Of c s s e ce e the - gra iou p a tim , that on mor King , Bef e e e e for s es m a c or y l av him thi Q u t , y ount

The et - ke s e of his k s y unbro n tr ngth all night , ’ R ejoicing in that Order whic h he made .

So e the su n ke e t f e u wh n bro n x rom und r gro nd , All the gre at table o f our Art hur closed ’ cla sh d s c e s o f And in u h a tourn y and ull , S o many lan c es broken ne ver y et

Ha d C e s ee t he ke s ce c e am lot n li , in Arthur am , An d se f fo r s e I my l and Galahad , a tr ngth

Wa s u s f the s ve e in rom Vi ion , o rthr w So k s the e e c e d many night that all p opl ri , s s the e s e e And almo t bur t barri r in th ir h at , ‘ ’ S Sir Sir Pe c a e ! houting , Galahad and r iv l THE HOLY GRAIL 143

Bu t whe n the next day brake from under ground 0 e ou k C e broth r , had y nown our am lot ,

B b k s a e af e a e s o uilt y old ing , g t r g , old The s e f fe s f King him l had ar that it would all ,

So s e c fo r e e th e f trang , and ri h , and dim ; wh r roo s ’ T otte r d e c e t he s k toward a h oth r in y , M et fore he ads all along the street o f those ’ Wh o w at ch d u s ss e an d e e the p a ; and low r , wh r long ’ c e es a - e w e i h d the ecks Ri h gall ri , l dy lad n , g n 346 Of s c t he c s dragon linging to razy wall ,

T cke s f e s e s o f ﬂowers hi r than drop rom thund r , how r Fell a s w e p ast ; and men and boy s astride Ou e rifﬁn s wy v rn , lion , dragon , g , wan , At the c e s e u s eac b e all orn r , nam d h y nam , ‘ ’ Calling God sp ee d ! but in the way s below The k s es e c night and ladi w pt , and ri h and p oor We the se f c a s e k pt , and King him l ould h rdly p a r ef e s ee th e ee For g i , and all in middl tr t Q u n , ’ ’ Wh o e b L c e t wail d shriek d rod y an lo , and aloud , ‘ ’ This madnes s h as c om e on u s fo r our sins .

S o the e of the ee e e s w e c e to Gat thr Q u n am , ’ ’ W e e s s are ren der d s c h r Arthur war my ti ally ,

And th e n ce dep art e d e v ery on e his w ay .

w a s f e u e And I li t d p in h art , and thought

f - es s the s s O all my lat e s hown prow in li t , e e t he k s How my strong lance had b at n down night , So many and famous nam e s ; and ne ve r y et ’ Had e e a ear d s o e ea s o ee , 36 h av n pp blu , nor rth gr n

m c e m e k e For all y blood dan d in , and I n w

That I s hould light up on the Holy Grail .

e e f e the k o f , Th r a t r , dar warning our King f f de ﬁre s That most o u s would ollow wan ring , 144 SE LECTED IDYLLS OF THE K ING

C e ke d c s s m am li a riving gloom a ro y mind . T e e e e s ke ce h n v ry vil word I had p o n on , e e e h of old And v ry vil t ought I had thought , e e e ee e e did And v ry vil d d I v r , ‘ ’ k c e T i f e s e s s or ee . Awo and ri d , hi Q u t not th f u e e es f se f And li ting p min y , I ound my l e o f s s Alon , and in a land and and thorn , And I w as thirsty e ve n unto de ath ; ‘ ’ I c e T s es is fo r ee And , too , ri d , hi Q u t not th .

e e I m s And on I rod , and wh n thought y thir t W s m e s aw ee s e k ould lay , d p lawn , and th n a broo , W on e s d e e the c s e ith harp rap i , wh r ri p ing whit ’ Pla d e e c k the m e y v r ba up on p ing wav , ’ And took both e a r a n d ey e ; and o er the brook

We e e - ees es b the k r appl tr , and app l y broo ‘ ’

e the s . es e e Fall n , and on lawn I will r t h r , ‘ s d am of the e s I ai , I not worthy Q u t But e e e d k the k a n d ate v n whil I ran broo , The es ese h s n ce goodly appl , all th t ing at o Fe d s was ef e ll into u t , and I l t alon , f s o s an d o ns . And thir ting , in a land and th r

An d the n be hold a woman at a door S f the se e e she sat pinning ; and air hou wh r by , ’ k the s e e s ce And ind woman y and inno nt , And all her be aring gracious ; and she rose

O e l n he r s ee me a s s s a p n g arm to m t , who hould y , ‘ ’ ’ es e e e t o u ch d her 10 ! s he t o o R t h r ; but wh n I , , , e s the se F ll into du t and nothing, and hou

Be c ame no be tte r than a broken s hed . And in it a de ad babe ; and als o this

e o d s was ef n e . F ll int u t , and I l t alo

146 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ Sc ce an c e s e et as d ar y voi to an w r , and y g p , ‘ When ce and what art thou ? and e ve n a s he sp oke ’ e s dis a ear d F ll into du t , and pp , and I

Wa s ef e c e e c e ef l t alon on mor , and ri d in gri , ‘ Lo if ﬁn d t he H s e f , I oly Grail it l ’ An d it c e c s . tou h , it will rumbl into du t

e ce e And th n I dropt into a lowly val , Low a s t he w a s e e t he e hill high , and wh r val Was e s f c e e e low t , ound a hap l , and th r by e e e A holy h rmit in a h rmitag , To m s he s whom I told y p hantom , and aid

O s on s e , thou ha t not tru humility , The es e e of e high t Virtu , moth r th m all ; For wh e n the Lord o f all things made Himself

ke o f fo r His c e Na d glory mortal hang , “ ” “ T ke m e she s a for is e a thou y rob , id , all thin , And all her form s hone forth with s udde n light S o t he e s e e e she that ang l w r amaz d , and ’ Follow d Him ke s r down , and li a ﬂy ing ta ’ Le d on th e gray - b air d wis dom of th e e ast ; Bu t h er thou ha st not known : for what is this Thou thought e st o f thy prowes s and thy s in s ? Thou hast not lo st thy self to s av e thy s elf ’

As . W e the e e en d Galahad h n , h rmit mad an , In silve r armor s udde nly Galahad s hone Bef e u s s t he c e or , and again t hap l door ’ r k e L ce an d en t e d w e e . aid lan , , and n lt in pray r

e e the e s ke m s And th r h rmit la d y burning thir t , And at th e s ac ring of t he mas s I s a w The e e e s e he holy l m nt alon ; but , ‘ Saw e n o e ? I s aw t he i y mor , Galahad , Gra l ,

he H e s ce the s e : T oly Grail , d nd up on hrin THE HOLY GRAIL 147

I s aw the ﬁery face a s of a child T s e s e f the e e hat mot it l into br ad , and w nt ; And hith e r a m I c ome ; and n e ver y et

H th s s e m e ﬁrst see ath what y i t r taught to , ’ T s H T fail d f m s e c e 4 hi oly hing , rom y id , nor om 70 ’ C o v er d me da , but moving with night and y , e b da s th e Faint r y y , but alway in night ’ - re d s the bla c ken d s Blood , and liding down mar h

- re d an d the ke m n t o Blood , on na d ou tain p

- red an d the s ee e e e Blood , in l p ing m r b low

- f re d . the s e t o s e Blood And in tr ng h thi I rod , S e a ll e c s s e e e e hatt ring vil u tom v ry wh r , ’ s Pa e s an d e e e And p a t thro gan r alm , mad th m min , ’ An d cla sh d P es e e with agan hord , and bor th m down , ’ An d ke the s e h of s 480 bro thro all , and in tr ngt thi m is C e c . Bu t e om vi tor y tim hard at hand , An d he nce I go ; a n d o n e will c rown m e king F the S c c e ar in p iritual ity ; and om thou , too , ’ For thou s halt see the Vision whe n I go .

Wh e s he s ke his e e e e 485 il thu p a , y , dw lling on min ,

D e m e i e m e e w r w , w th p ow r up on , till I gr

On e e e e a s he e e e . with him , to b li v b li v d

Then e the da e e w e e . , wh n y b gan to wan , w nt

se e c c There ro a hill that non but man ould limb , ’ Sc arr d with a hundre d wintry wate r - c ourses 490 ’ S the t o e w e ain d it s torm at p , and wh n g , torm Round u s and de ath ; for e very mome nt glance d ’ His s ilve r arm s and glo o m d : s o q uic k and thick The lightnings he re and the re to le ft and right

S ck t he dr ks u s e tru , till y old trun about , d ad ,

Ye a e h e e s o f e , rott n wit a hundr d y ar d ath , f Sprang into ﬁre : and at th e ba se w e ound 148 SELECTED ID YLLS OF THE KIN G

On e e a s far a s e e c u see ith r hand , y o ld , e c k s o f e s e A gr at bla wamp and an vil m ll , ’ P c k whit e n d t he e s of me n 500 art bla , p art with bon , ot be c s s e h s e c e k N to ro t , av t at om an i nt ing ’ Ha d w a e e k e built a y , wh r , lin d with many a bridg , s e e A thou and p i rs ran into the gre at S a . An d a fle d e e b e G lahad along th m bridg y bridg , And e ve ry bridge a s quic kly as h e c ros t ’ ’ ’ S fire v a n ish d e arn d p rang into and , tho I y T o follow ; and thrice above him all the he aven s ’ ’ Op en d and blaze d with thunde r s uc h a s s e e m d Shoutings of all t he s on s o f God : and first

A ce s aw far the e Sea t on I him on gr at ,

In s ilve r - s hining armor s tarry - c le ar ; ’ And o e r his he ad the Holy Ve s s el hung

Clothe d in whit e s amit e or a luminous c loud .

e c ee s f e s s the And with x ding wi tn ran boat ,

If boat it we re I s aw not whe nce it c ame . ’ And whe n t he he ave n s o p e n d a n d blaze d aga in

s aw ke s e s Roaring , I him li a ilv r tar he s et t he s the And had ail , or had boat Bec ome a living c re ature c la d with wings ? ’ An d o e r his h e ad the Holy Ve s se l hung

e an se o m e R e dd r than y ro , a j y to , n For now I kne w the ve il had b ee n withdraw . Th e n in a mome nt wh e n they blaze d again

e s aw the e s o f e s s Op ning , I l a t littl tar the s e s e the s a D own on wa t , and traight b y ond t r I s a w the sp iritual c ity and all her sp ires And gat e way s in a glory like o n e p e arl ’ 0 e t he o f the s s N larg r , tho goal all aint Strike from th e s ea ; and from th e s tar there s hot

- - d s k e the c e e A rose re par l to ity , and th r

e k w as the H , Dw lt , and I now it oly Grail

150 SELECTED IDYLLS OF TIE K ING

The n Sir Pe rc ivale men o n e s o b s c v o w All , to bound y u h a , O m e e e a s s . e And wom n w r phantom , y broth r , Why wilt thou s hame me to c onfes s to thee ’ Ho w far I fa lte r d from my que s t and v o w ? f e s o s For a t r I had lain many night ,

e e o f the s eft s ke A b dmat nail and and na , s s c k w a s c e In gra and burdo , I hang d to wan e e the s c e And m agr , and vi ion had not om ; And th e n I c hanc e d up on a goodly town With o n e gre at dwelling in t h e middle o f it ; ’ T e e he e w as disarm d hith r I mad , and t r I By maide n s e ac h a s fair as a n y ﬂower Bu t e e le d m e e wh n th y into hall , b hold ,

Th e P c es s o f c s e w a s t he o n e rin that a tl , B e o n e e e roth r , and that only , who had v r Made my he art leap ; for whe n I mov ed o f old ’ s e e e h er f he s A l nd r p ag about at r hall , An d she s e e en m e t a l nd r maid , all y h ar We nt afte r her with longing : y et w e twain ’ ’ k ss v ow d v o Ha d e e kis s d w . n v r a i , or a

c e her ce And now I am up on on again ,

An d on e e e her h e w a s e had w dd d , and d ad , An d his e s e all land and w alth and tat were h e rs . e e e e da s he set And whil I tarri d , v ry y A banq uet ric he r than t he day before By me ; for all her longing and h e r will

Wa s me a s o f o n e f toward old ; till air morn , I walking to and fro be s ide a s tre am ’ That ﬂas h d acros s he r orc hard underne ath

Her c as e - s she s e m k tl wall , tol up on y wal ,

An d c me th e e e s o f k s alling gr at t all night , E ce me s o k s s m e the ﬁrst e mbra d , and i d tim , e e s e f he r e And gav h r l and all w alth to me . THE HOLY GRAIL 15 1

’ ’ T e re me mbe r d s h n I Arthur warning word ,

T s o f u s f e ﬁr hat mo t would ollow wand ring es ,

the e s f e m e And Q u t ad d in y h art . Anon ,

The e s o f her e e e me h ad all p opl dr w to , With s upplic ation both o f kne e s and tongue ‘ We e e o f e e : e e s k hav h ard th thou art our gr at t night ,

L s s it we e e e e : Our ady ay , and w ll b li v

Wed L e e u s thou our ady , and rul ov r , ’ s be as And thou halt Arthur in our land .

0 m e m e ! o n e h m v o , y broth r but nig t y w B m e s o se ﬂe d urnt within , that I ro and , ’ But w all d e e e se f and w p t , and hat d min own l , ’ e v n the H es her And oly Q u t , and all but ; ’ The n afte r I w a s j o in d with Galahad C e fo r her h e r ar d not , nor any t ing up on a th .

T e s the k P men e e is h n aid mon , oor , wh n y ul c old , i r Mus t be c ont e nt to s t by little fi es . s a m I s o e c e for me And thi , that y ar E e s o e ea e s be He e v r littl ; y , and bl t av n That brought thee here to this p oor house of ours W e e the e h e are s o h r all br t r n hard , to warm My c old he art with a frie nd : but 0 the pity T o fi n d thine own first love on ce more to hold H her e e e s old a w althy brid within thin arm , Or e c s her s e all but hold , and th n a t a id ,

e he r s ee es s ke ee . For going all w tn , li a w d w e the o f e fe For that want warmth doubl li , We that are p lague d with dre am s of s om e thing s wee t

Be s e e e s s fe s o c 625 y ond all w tn in a li ri h ,

e s s e L d s e k e arthl wise Ah , bl d or , I p a too y , ’ e e st ra d e th e ce See ing I n v r y b y ond ll , ke e his e h But live li an old badg r in art , 1 52 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

W e e e e e es e ith arth about him v ry wh r , d p it f s e ce . Saw e e es e All a t and p nan y non b id , N on e o f y our kni ght s ?

Yea so s Pe c e , aid r ival On e m s e e s s aw night y p athway w rving a t , I Th e p elic an on the c a s q ue o f our Sir Bors All in t he middle of t he ri sing moon ’ ’ s u rr d hail d he me And toward him p , and him , and , ’ e c e o o f e e e he ask d And a h mad j y ith r ; th n , ‘ Whe re is he ? has t thou see n hi m Lan celot ? ’ ce On , ‘ ’ S Sir B s h e dash d c s s me aid good or , a ro mad , e he e : e c e And madd ning what rod and wh n I ri d , “ R idest thou the n s o hotly on a ques t “ S o L c e s e S me ! holy , an lot hout d , tay not e ee the s e ce I hav b n luggard , and I rid apa , ” e i For now th re s a lion in t he way . ’ ’

So v an ish d .

The n Sir Bors had ridden on S f s for L ce o tly , and orrowing our an lot , Bec s e his f e es s ce the k au orm r madn , on tal ’ s c a o f e ret u rn d And and l our tabl , had ; ’ For Lanc elot s kith and kin s o wors hip him l That ill to him is ill to the m ; to Bors Bey ond the rest : b e well had been c ont ent ot e s ee s o L c e e see N to hav n , an lot might hav n , The H C u o f e n ee oly p h aling ; and , i d d , Be s o c e his ef e ing loud d with gri and lov , Small he art w a s his afte r the Holy Q ues t If se the s e : if God would nd Vi ion , w ll not , n The Q uest a d he we re in the hands of Heave n .

154 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Bef e a e th e s e e G or burning tap r , w t rail ’ e s c se e al Glid d and p a t , and lo up on it p d ’ s c k f e . e a s A harp qui thund r A t rw rd , a maid , Wh o kept our holy faith among h er kin se e e s e l im c e et o . In r t , nt ring , loo d and h g

To whom the monk : An d I re m e mbe r now That p elic an on the c as q ue : Sir Bors it w a s Wh o sp ake s o low and s adly at our board ; An d mighty re vere nt at our grac e w a s he :

s e - s et es his e es A quar man and hon t ; and y ,

An - s of the h h out door ign all warmt wit in ,

S e his s s e e e c mil d with lip a mil b n ath a loud , But h eave n had m e ant it fo r a s unny o n e : ’ A a Sir B s e s e ? B u t e e re a ch d y , y , or , who l wh n y ’ The c f e k s ret u rn d ity , ound y all y our night , ’ Or wa s e e s s e c th r ooth in Arthur p rop h y , Te me s e c h t he i ? ll , and what aid a h , and w at K ng

’ T e an sw er d Pe c e : c an - I h n r ival And that , B e s ce th e s roth r , and truly ; in living word Oi s o gre at men a s Lan celot and our King P s s f a not rom door to door and out again , ’ 0 w e reach But sit the se . e d within hou , wh n

The c ses s as e e ity , our hor tumbling th y trod On e s o f ru m ess c s h ap , hornl uni orn , ’ ’ Cra c k d s sks s e c c k ces ba ili , and plint r d o atri , ’ shatt er d s c h ad ef the s e s And talbot , whi h l t ton

e fe f u s the . Raw , that th y ll rom , brought to ball

e e s at t the i s - e And th r Ar hur on da thron , e e the e s And tho s that had gon out up on Q u t , W s e an d e o f e a t d and worn , but a tith th m , se s bef e the An d tho that had not , tood or King, THE HOLY GR AIL 1 5 5

V I h o , e he s aw m e s e e me wh n , ro , and bad hail , ‘ S e f e e e ay ing , A w l ar in thin y e rep roves Our fe ar of s om e dis as trou s c han c e fo r thee Ou s ea f hill , or plain , at , or ﬂooding ord . So ﬁerce a gale made havoc h ere o f lat e Among the strange de vi ce s o f our kings ;

Ye a s k s e e s e o f s , hoo thi n w r , trong r hall our , And from the s tatue Merlin moulde d for u s — ’ H f w ren ch d e the es al a gold n wing ; but now Q u t ,

T s s s s ee the H Cu hi Vi ion ha t thou n oly p , 731 ’ That J o s ep h brought of old to Glas tonbury ?

So e s e f s e wh n I told him all thy l ha t h ard ,

s s m f es ﬁxt es e Ambro iu , and y r h but r olv T o s s aw a v the e fe p a into q ui t li , ’ ’ He an s w er d s ask d not , but , harply turning , ‘ ’ Of a w as s es for ee ? Gaw in , Gawain , thi Q u t th

’ ‘ Na f s or s c a s I . y , lord , aid Gawain , not u h T e ef e c e s a h r or I ommun d with a intly man , Wh o made m e s u re the Q uest w as not for me ; For I w a s much awe arie d of t he Q uest Bu t f s k ﬁeld ound a il p avilion in a , And merry maide n s in it ; and the n this gale

T e m f the e - in or y p avilion rom t nting p , An d ble w my merry maide ns all about

W s c mf ea fo r s ith all di o ort ; y , and but thi , ’ e My twelv e month and a day were pl as ant to me .

’ He ce as e d ; and Arthur t u rn d to whom at ﬁrs t ’ He s a w for Sir B s e e s d not , or , on nt ring , p u h t the L ce c his Athwar throng to an lot , aught hand ,

He it e e f— e b s ld , and th r , hal hidd n y him , tood , he es e s Until t King pi d him , ay ing to him , 15 6 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

‘ H B s ! if e e e ail , or v r loy al man and tru ’ C s ee it s s ee the B s ould , thou ha t n Grail ; and or , ‘ As k me for m a s e k of not , I y not p a it s aw I it and the t e ars were in his ey es .

’ T e e e e L ce for the e s t h n th r r main d but an lot , r Sp ake but of s undry p erils in the s torm ; Pe s ke o f C H W rhap , li him ana in oly rit , Our Arthur kept his bes t until the last ; 760 ‘ ’ ’ ‘ T m L ce as k d th e m f e hou , too , y an lot , King , y ri nd , ’ ’ es s es a v ail d for ee ? Our mighti t , hath thi Q u t th

’ ’ es ! an swer d L ce Our mighti t an lot , with a groan ; ’ 0 ! e he s e e s e King and wh n p au d , m thought I p i d A dy ing ﬁre o f madne s s in his ey es 765 ‘ 0 i m f en if f e of e be K ng , y ri d , ri nd thin I , H e are s e e e e s in app i r tho that w lt r in th ir , S e the c see fo r s e win in mud , that annot lim , Slime o f the dit c h : but in me live d a s in So s e of s c k of e trang , u h a ind , that all p ur , N e k m e e c obl , and nightly in twin d and lung o n e s in the es e ﬂo wer Round that , until whol om

s s e e e e c as e c And p oi onou gr w tog th r , a h a h , ’ N ot to be plu c k d as under ; and whe n thy knights

S e s e e in the e war , I war with th m only hop That c ould I tou ch or see the Holy Grail ’ hen I ‘ s k They might be p lu c k d as unde r . T p a e To o n e s s e s mo t holy aint , who w p t and aid , ’ T s e e c be lu c k d s e hat av th y ould p a und r , all ’ My que s t we re but in vain ; to whom I v ow d ’ That I would work ac c ording as he will d . ’ f e e e a rn d an d s e And orth I w nt , and whil I y trov

To e the n s e m e r t ar twai a und r in y h a t , M ness c m n me as of old y mad a e up o ,

158 SELECTED ID YLLS OF THE KING

E c s e s e ee a h gript a hould r , and I tood b tw n ;

e e s e e e And , wh n I would hav mitt n th m , h ard a voice , “ D o f if t he e s oubt not , g orward ; thou doubt , b a t s 821 ” T Will t e ar thee p iece me al . he n with Viole nc e ’ he s w a s d a sh d f m f T e . word rom out y hand , and ll And u p into the s ounding hall I p ast ; the s s aw Bu t nothing in ounding hall I ,

e c e the N o b n h nor tabl , p ainting on wall Or s hield of knight ; only th e rounde d moon ’ Thro the tall oriel on the rolling s ea .

u s the e se e B t alway in q ui t hou I h ard , ’ C e a s k o e r m e a s k l ar a lar , high a lar , A s wee t voi c e s inging in t he top mos t towe r ’ T o the e as tward : u p I c limb d a thous and s teps ’ With p ain : a s in a dre am I s ee m d to climb ’ e e : t he s re ach d For v r at la t I a door ,

w a s the c e s e A light in ranni , and I h ard , Glory an d j oy and honor to our Lord ” Ve s e o f h And to the Holy s l t e Grail . ’ The n in my madne s s I e s s ay d the door ; ’ e s e e It gav ; and thro a tormy glar , a h at

As f s ev en times - e e f ce I rom a h at d urna , , B s e e as w as la t d and burnt , and blind d I , ’ With s uc h a ﬁercen es s that I sw oo n d away 0 et e s aw the H , y m thought I oly Grail , ’ All all d c s s e p in rim on amit , and around f e e s s e s s a n d e es . Gr at ang l , aw ul hap , and wing y

fo r m ess m s in And but all y madn and y , e m s s s aw And th n y wooning , I had worn I ’ That whic h I s aw ; but what I s aw w a s v eil d ’ v e r d s es w a s f r m And c o ; and thi Q u t not o e .

So s e k e e ce s La ce ef p a ing , and h r a ing , n lot l t The s e Sir n a hall long il nt , till Gawain y , THE HOLY GRAIL 1 59

B e ee e e e f s ds roth r , I n d not t ll th ooli h wor ,

e c k e s s e e e k w a s he A r l and irr v r nt night , ’ No w b o lde n d b the s e c e o f his y il n King , W ‘ ’ e , e ee : 0 m e e he s ll I t ll th King , y li g , aid , ‘ ’ Hath G aw a in fa il d in a n y q ues t o f thine ? Wh e n hav e I s tinte d s trok e in foughte n ﬁeld ?

Bu t a s fo r e m f e Pe c thin , y good ri nd r ivale ,

Th a e e m e n y holy nun and thou h v driv n mad ,

Ye a , e e s e e s mad our mighti t madd r than our l a t .

Bu t b e e e s b e e s s e y min y and y min ar I w ar ,

b e e fe t he e - e e c at I will d a r than blu y d ,

ce a s as a n And thri blind y noonday owl ,

T o s e ecs s es holy virgin in th ir ta i , f ’ He n ce orward .

’ D e fe s the e ess n a r , aid blam l Ki g, ‘ e s Gawain , and blind r unto holy thing , H e ke self b e s op not to ma thy y idl vow ,

Be ing too blind to have des ire to s ee . B u t if e e e e c e s f e e ind d th r am a ign rom h av n ,

B es s e a re B s L ce Pe c e l d or , an lot and r ival , s e e s ee cc e For th e hav n a ording to th ir s ight . e e ﬁer e es For v ry y p roph t in old tim ,

the s c e e s s of the And all a r d madn bard , ’ W e G o d e s c e c s e k h n mad mu i thro th m , ould but p a His mus ic by the frame work an d the chord ; 875

And a s y e s aw it y e have s p oke n truth .

“ ‘ Na e rre st L ce e e et y but thou , an lot ; n v r y Could all o f true and noble in knight and man T e o n e s in e e be win round , what v r it might ,

W s c c se es s e e e ith u h a lo n , but ap art th r gr w , S e he e e t he s e s kes of av that w r win thou p a t , Some root of knighthood and p ure noble nes s ; m a e i s W e e s ee t e . h r to thou , that it y b ar ﬂow r 160 SELE CTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

° s ke O m k s And p a I not too truly , y night Was I too dark a p rop he t wh e n I s aid T o se e t he H es tho who w nt up on oly Q u t ,

s That mos t of the m would follow wande ring ﬁre . L s the e ? s m e e o t in q uagmir lo t to and gon , e f m e e And l t gazing at a barr n board , ’ And a le an Orde r s c arce re t u rn d a tith e And out of those to whom the vis ion c ame My gre at est hardly will belie ve he s aw ; ’ e e e f oﬁ Anoth r hath b h ld it a ar , e s e se es And l aving human wrong to right th m lv , f Cares but to p ass into the s ile nt li e , o n e the s f c e f ce And hath had Vi ion a to a , his c es es e e And now hair d ir him h r in vain ,

Howe ver they may c rown him otherwhere .

And s ome among y ou held that if the King Had see n the s ight he would have s worn the v o w Not e s see the s a ily , ing that King mu t guard T c he es is as the hat whi h rul , and but hind s e f i e To whom a p ac o land s giv n to plow . Who may not wander from the allotte d ﬁeld Bef e his k be d e e e or wor on ; but , b ing don , Let vis ions of the night or of the day C e a s e e e c e om , th y will ; and many a tim th y om , U s e he ks s e e s e ntil thi arth wal on m not arth ,

T s s ke s his e e is hi light that tri y ball not light , This air that s mite s his fore he ad is not air But s e a his e f vi ion y , v ry hand and oot

e s e he fe e s he c die In mom nt wh n l annot ,

k s se f s se f And now him l no vi ion to him l , Nor the s On e high God a vi ion , nor that Who rose again : y e hav e s ee n what y e have s ee n

So sp ake the King : I kne w not all he me ant .

1 62 SELECTED ID YLLS OF THE KING

T e e re s e e the es h n , that la t w ird battl in w t , ’ e e c e s e e kill d Th r am on Arthur l ping, Gawain ’ L ce s th e s o f In an lot war , gho t Gawain blown e s hi s ear Along a wand ring wind , and pa t We s H w e ! nt hrilling , ollow , hollo all d light

- H ! s s s . ail , King to morrow thou halt pa away i o f f Fare well ! the re s an i s le re st or thee .

am e d And I blown along a wand ring win , ”

e . And hollow, hollow, hollow all d light f e k e w s c e And aint r onward , li ild bird that hang The ir s eas on in the n ight and wail th e ir way c c the the e From loud to loud , down long wind dr am ’ Shrill d ; but in going mingle d with dim cries 41 the e the s Far in moonlit haz among hill , ’ As of s e e c s ack d b om lon ly ity y night , W e i s s fe c h n all lo t , and wi and hild with wail ’ P s s n e w s k e call d 45 a to lord ; and Arthur wo and , ? Who s k e e . 0 the pa A dr am light upon wind , T e was th e c e — a re es e c es hin , Gawain , voi th dim ri Thin e ? or doth all that haunts the was te an d Wild k o me Mourn , nowing it will g along with

Thi s heard the bold S ir Bedivere and spak e 0 m e m let s s e e , y King, pa what v r will , E e s the e s s of the ﬁeld lv , and harml glamour ; But in their s tead thy name and glory c ling To all high places like a gold e n c loud

e e : a s e t s For v r but y thou halt not pass . L w as fe e ight Gawain in li , and light in d ath Is fo r the s i s as the Gawain , gho t man c e fo r e s f se And ar not thou dr am rom him , but ri e the s e s o f e the e s I h ar t p Modr d in w t , of th e e k s 60 And with him many y p opl , and night ce e s e sse On thin , whom thou ha t lov d , but gro r grown Peter Vi sc h er K ING AR T HUR

1 64 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

k s s e of the L e e es . i thi la t , dim , w ird battl w t A death whi te mi st s lept over sand and sea W e e f th e c e e it e h r o hill , to him who br ath d , dr w

D his a ll hi s e was c own with blood , till h art old ’ IVith forml es s fear ; and ev n on Arthur fell

C f s s ce h w h f e s a e . on u ion , in not whom ought f e to e e e s s the s 1 00 For ri nd and w r hadow in mi t , And friend sl e w fri end not knowing whom he s le w ; s e s o s o f e And om had Vi i n out gold n youth , And s ome b eh eld the fac e s o f old ghos ts L ook in upon th e battle ; and in the mi s t Wa s o e e e se 1 05 many a n bl d d , many a ba ,

An d c c e c f s e s e ﬁ hts han and ra t and tr ngth in ingl g , And e ver and anon with ho s t to ho st

S ck s the s e s e the e ho , and plint ring p ar , hard mail h wn ,

S e — e k s the c s o f s the c s hi ld br a ing , and la h brand , ra h ’ Of e - e s s h atte r d e s s ek s 1 1 0 battl ax on h lm , and hri

f e th e C s o f s e f d A t r hri t , tho who alling own ’ L o o k d u fo r e e s a w the s p h av n , and only mi t ;

s s o f e e th e k s And hout h ath n and traitor night , s s ﬁlth m s s s e e s Oath , in ult , , and on trou bla ph mi ,

S e s s o f th e s 1 1 5 w at , writhing , angui h , laboring lung

c s e s c s fo r the In that lo mi t, and rying light , f h s o f th e an d c e s o t e e . Moan dying, voi d ad

L s a s b s e on e e e f e a t , y om d athb d a t r wail ’ Of s u ﬁ eri n s e n c e f ws e g , il ollo , or thro d ath

O r e ke s u s e s e d athli woon , th ov r all that hor ,

S e fo r s o m e s e o f the s ee s e s av whi p r thing a , A d ead hu s h fe ll but wh en the dolorou s day e e e f c e Gr w dr ari r toward twilight alling, am e c e f th e N e A bitt r wind , l ar rom orth , and bl w

The s s e th e de mi t a id , and with that wind ti s e the e i l c e ac s s the ﬁe ld Ro , and pal K ng g an d ro THE PASSING OF AR THUR 165

Of battl e : but no man was moving th ere ;

No r a n c r o f C s e e e y y hri tian h ard th r on , No r y et o f h eath en only th e w a n wave

B ke e a f c es f ro ra in among d d a , to and

S the e e s s s u waying h lpl hand , and p and down

T the o e m e s o f the f e umbling holl w h l t all n , ’ And s hi v er d brands that on c e had fought with Rome And rolling far along th e gloomy shore s

Th e ce o f s o f b voi day old and day s to e .

T e s k e Si r Be e e h n pa King Arthur to div r , And whit er than t he mis t that all day long Had h eld the ﬁ eld of battl e w as the King

He es s e ce h s k es th e ar t thou thi gr at voi t at ha world , s es th e e w e e we e 1 40 And wa t narrow r alm h r on mov ,

An d e s the f ce s o f th e de b at upon a ad , ’ M e as e d e fo r me y d ad , tho th y had not i d ’ O Be e e fo r m e fall n div r , on y h art hath

C f s k a m on u ion , till I now not what I ,

N m e I be o r e c e a e . wh n I , nor wh th r King

Be s ee th e e . hold , I m but King among d ad

T s k e th e Si r e e e M hen pa bold B div r y King ,

e e e ! s o th e e a e k s King e v rywh r and d d hav ing , n There al s o will I wor s hip th e e a s Ki g .

Ye t s th fe i s e s I e 1 50 till y li whol , and till liv

e e e s ee he Who love th ; but who hat th , that brought

The e e ck m u s e s ds h ath n ba a ong , yond r tan , ’ e u n h arm d th e o f e s e . Modr d , , traitor thin hou

m Th en s pake the King : My hous e hath b een y

doom . But call not thou thi s traitor o f my hous e 166 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Wh o e e hath but dw lt b neath o n e roof with me .

M u s e are e e s e m s y ho rath r th y who war y vow , ’ Yea e e e e ke e o wn d m e . , v n whil th y bra th m , King e for ee s m k And w ll th , aying in y dar hour , ’ W e the o f m e fail d 1 60 h n all purport y thron hath ,

T ck e e s m hat qui or d ad thou hold t e for King .

am I s e e be e cr King , what o v r th ir y And on e las t ac t o f kinghood s halt thou s ee ” Ye t ere ss e h . s t e , I pa And utt ring thi King Mad e at th e man : the n Modred s mo te hi s li ege 1 65 Hard on that h elm whic h many a h e ath en s word Had be ate n thin whil e Arthur at o n e blow S k n the s s k e E c tri i g la t tro with x alibur , h f S e s s e f e e . l w him , and all but lain him l , ll

’ S o all day long th e noi s e o f battle roll d Among the mountain s by the winte r sea ; ’ s T e b Until King Arthur abl , man y man , ’ Had fall n L es s e e in yonn about th ir lord , T e ec se hi s was King Arthur . h n , b au wound The Sir Be e e f e bold div r upli t d him ,

c e the ﬁeld And bore him to a hap l nigh , A brok en chancel with a brok en c ros s That s tood on a dark s trait of barre n land Ou o n e s e la th e ce an d on e id y O an , on

L a e e th e was f . y a gr at wat r , and moon ull

The n s pak e King Arthur to S ir Bedive re

Th e s e qu el o f to - day un s olde rs all The goodli e st fello ws hip o f famou s knights c sl e Wh e re of thi s world holds re c ord . Su h a e p — k w Th ey s l eep the men I lov ed . I thin that e S e e m e a n f e e hall n v r or , at y utur tim , D s s k o f k ee s elight our oul with tal nightly d d ,

1 68 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

T e e e h e f the E c h r dr w orth brand x alibur , ’ An d o e r it the e him , drawing , wint r moon ,

B r e the sk s o f c f ight ning irt a long loud , ran orth And s parkl e d k ee n with fro s t again s t the hilt

th e b i k e s k s For all a t twin l d with diamond par ,

s o f - s c - k Myriad topaz light , and ja inth wor He Of s ubtles t j e we lry . gaze d s o long That both his eyes we re dazzle d a s h e s tood T s wa the s f hi y and that dividi ng wi t mind , ’ In a ct to throw : but at the las t it seem d ’ Bette r to l eave E x c alibur con ceal d

T e e i n the - k e waterﬂa s h r many nott d g , T s e s tiH dr h hat whi tl d and y about t e marge . o e‘ he ck s h S s trod ba low to t e wounded King .

Th en s pak e King Arthur to Sir Be divere ’ Has t thou perform d my mi s sion whi c h I gave ? 235 ‘ What i s it thou hast seen ? or what has t heard 7

And an s wer mad e th e bold Sir Bedivere

e the e s the ee s I h ard rippl wa hing in r d , ” th c And the Wild water lapping on e rag .

To e e f e whom r pli d King Arthur , aint and pal ’ T s betra d th e th e hou ha t y y natur and y nam , ’ No t e e n e s e as bes ee m d r nd ri g tru an w r ,

’ Th fe k e e k y alty , nor li a nobl night ’ s e s follo w d e e For ur r ign had , ith r hand

Or c e e s e o f the e e . voi , or l a motion m r

T i s s ef n f m n hi s a ham ul thi g o r e to lie .

Yet c e ee ck o a now , I harg th , qui ly g gain , A s ef e the thou art li and d ar , and do thing

he ~ w tch e t e a me d . I bad , , and lightly bring wor THE PASSING OF ARTHUR 1 69

The n we nt S i r Be dive re the s econd ti me

c ss the e ac e e s e th e e e A ro ridg , and p d b id m r , ’ C th e e e e s ﬁ x d ounting d wy p bbl , in thought ; Bu t wh en he s a w the wond e r o f the hilt

Ho w c s s e c se h e s uriou ly and trang ly ha d , mote His s e e he c e palm tog th r, and ri d aloud

if ee c s the And ind d I a t brand away,

S e ec s on e r e ur ly a pr iou thing , wo thy not ,

S s b e s for e e f m the e hould thu lo t v r ro arth ,

W c e s ed t he e e s o f hi h might hav e pl a y many men .

W s f s if s e e ? 260 hat good hould ollow thi , thi w r done

W e ? D e e s e hat harm , undon p harm to di ob y ,

ee i s h of e S ing obedi en ce t e bond rul . We e e t o e e if k e r it w ll ob y th n , a ing d mand

A n ac t u n ro ﬁta ble s se f p , again t him l

Th i s k n d k s h e s e s c a e . King i , now not what do W ec e c of m hat r ord , or what r li y lord

S be f e e e e hould to a t rtim , but mpty br ath ? s o f Bu t e e s k e And rumor a doubt w r thi pt ,

S e s e e s e - s e o f k s tor d in om tr a ur hou mighty ing , S e o n e s s of s om might how it at a jou t arm , ’ S s s E c aying, King Arthur word , x alibur ,

W o f h L k rought by the lon ely maid en t e a e . N e e s s he o it s the ee s in y ar wr ught , itting in d p ’ s h Upon th e hidd en bas e o f t e hill s . S o might s om e old man s pe ak in th e aftertim e

To the e e e e e ce . all p opl , winning r v r n e s But now mu ch honor and muc h fam e wer lo t .

o s k e h e c u e his c ce S pa , lo d d with own on it , An E c the s ec e d hid x alibur ond tim , 280 An d so s trode back s low to the wounded King . 170 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

T e s k e e e h n po King Arthur, br athing h avily What i s it thou has t s een or what has t heard

And ans we r mad e th e bold Si r Be divere

e the e the o I h ard wat r lapping on rag, the e s th And long rippl wa hing in e reeds .

To e e n c a whom r pli d Ki g Arthur , mu h in wr th s e e k e Ah , mi rabl and un ind , untru ,

k i — e e ! Wo e i s me Un n ghtly , traitor h art d f e ts k Authority org a dying ing, ’ L ai d wido w d o f the powe r in hi s eye

T e the s ee ee a rt hat bow d will . I th what thou ,

the es - ef o f m k s For thou , lat t l t all y night , s ee the ofﬁ ces o f In whom hould m t all , Thou would st betray me for the pre c iou s hilt ;

E e f n s o f ke ith r rom I t gold , or li a girl f h Valuing the giddy pleas ure o t e eyes . Yet for ma f ce , a man y ail in duty twi ,

the e ma s e e t ee e ce And third tim y pro p r, g th h n if s e E c But , thou par to ﬂing x alibur , m I will ari se and slay thee with y hands .

T e ck se Sir Be e e h n qui ly ro div r , and ran , e d the es e And , l aping own ridg lightly, plung d ’ the s e s c lu tch d the s Among bulru h b d , and word ’ s Th e And trongly wh eel d and thre w i t . great brand

e s the s e o f th e 305 Mad lightning in pl ndor moon , ’ s whi rl d c And ﬂa hing round and round , and in an ar h , S ke s e e of the e m hot li a tr am r north rn orn , S ee n wh e re the moving i sle s of winte r s hock B ses o f th e o rthe rn S ea . y night , with noi N ’ S o ﬂash d and fe ll the brand E x c alibur ere he the s f c e se But dipt ur a , ro an arm

1 72 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

’ er his s e s e the s O both hould r dr w languid hand , ’ e th e c of s And ri s ing bor him thro pla e tomb .

’ Bu t as he k e , wal d , King Arthur pant d hard L ike o n e that fee ls a nightmare on his b ed i h ’ h Whe the s e i s e . S o s d t e n all hou mut g King,

e n hi s e a r ck u ck ! Mutt ring and murmuri g at , Qui , q i ” f i s te s i e d e . I ar it too la , and I hall

u t the e s f s e f m e e B oth r wi tly trod ro ridg to ridg , ’ C e his e k a s he k loth d with br ath , and loo ing, wal d L e th e f e s arg r than human on roz n hill . He e th e ee e c r h ard d p b hind him , and a y B His ef e . e ke or own thought drov him li a goad . ’ D ry cla s h d hi s harn es s in the icy c aves e c s s ef 355 And barr n ha m , and all to l t and right ’ The e ck c ff clan d as he bar bla li g round him , base d Hi s feet on juts o f s lippery c rag that rang S harp- s mitte n with the dint of arm e d h eels s e ! the e e k e And on a udd n , lo l v l la ,

h s o f th And t e long glori e e winter moon .

T e s aw e ho w e e e sk e h n th y th r hov a du y barg , D k a s f e s c f f s e s e ar a un ral ar rom t m to t rn , Be ne ath the m ; and d es cending th ey we re ware

T t the eck s e e e s e s e . f s ha all d w r d n with tat ly orm ,

B ck - s e c k- e ke e b e s e la tol d , bla hood d , li a dr am y th Three Queen s with c rown s of gold : and from th e m rose 366 ’ c r shiv er d the s s A y that to tingling tar ,

a s e e o n e ce And it w r voi , an agony Of e k e s s lam ntation , li a wind that hrill

s e e e o n e c es All night in a wa t land , wh r no om ,

Or c e s ce the ak of the . hath om , in m ing world THE PASSING OF ARTHUR 1 73

’ T e m u rmu r d . P ce me the h n Arthur la in barge . S o the e e c T to barg th y ame . h ere tho s e three Que en s

P u t f e s k the e orth th ir hand , and too King, and w pt . B u t s he s e the es o f , that ro tall t th em all 375

An d f es his e he r la air t , laid h ad upon p , ’ se the s ha tter d c s e c fe his And loo d a qu , and ha d hand s ’ c all d b hi s e c And him y nam , omplaining loud And dropping bitte r t ears again st a brow Striped wit h dark blood : fo r all his face was white ’ c es s k e the wither d 81 And olorl , and li moon 3 Smot e by the fres h b eam o f the s pringing eas t ; ’ And all his greaves and c ui sses da s h d with drops Of on se t ; and the light and lu strou s c url s That mad e hi s foreh e ad like a ri s ing s u n 385 ' — ’ H f th e i s - e e e arc h d s igh rom da thron w r p with du t,

O r c e s an d s e , lott d into point hanging loo , ’ Mix d with the knightly growth that fringed hi s

lips . ’ S o like a s hatt er d column lay the King ;

Not ke c e e s li that Arthur who , with lan in r t ,

s e s o f e From pur to plum a tar tournam nt , ’ S th e s s C e c e hot thro li t at am lot , and harg d f k Before the eye s of ladie s and o ings .

Then loudly c ri ed th e bold Sir Bedivere ! m L e s I o ? Ah y ord Arthur , whith r hall g ? Where s hall I hide my fore h e ad and my eyes s ee the e o ld es a re e For now I tru tim d ad ,

W e e e e c ce h n v ry morning brought a nobl han ,

And e very c han c e brought out a nobl e knight . S uc h times have b e en not s in ce the light that led

The holy E lde rs with the gi ft o f myrrh . Bu t now the whol e Round Tabl e i s di s s olved e o f the d Whic h was an imag mighty worl , 1 74 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

I the s o f c o e s s And , la t, g orth mpanionl , the s ke m e th e e s And day dar n round , and y ar , ” m n f s n ew e s e ce e s . Among , trang a , oth r mind

’ And s lowly an swer d Arthur from the barge The e c e t e ce n ew old ord r hang h , yi lding pla to ,

fu lﬁls i se f s And God h m l in many way , L es o n e c s s c the 410 t good u tom hould orrupt world . Comfort thys elf what c omfort i s in me ?

e e m fe an d c e I hav liv d y li , that whi h I hav done Ma He se f k e e ! y within him l ma pur but thou , If h s s e e s ee m f c e 414 t ou hould t n v r y a again ,

r Pray for my s oul . More things a e wrought by prayer T s e s o f . W e ef e let th v ce han thi world dr am h r or , y oi

s e k e f fo r m Ri li a ountain e night and day . For what are m en bette r than s h eep or goats That nouri s h a blind life within the brain

If k e f s of e 420 , nowing God , th y li t not hand pray r Both for th e mse lve s and tho se who call the m friend 7 For s o the whol e round e arth i s e ve ry way B h f f ound by gold chain s about t e ee t o God . n o f a m wa But w are well . I going a long y With th ese thou s eest if indeed I go (For all my mind i s cloud ed with a doubt)

To the i s land - valley o f Avilion ; W e e f s an s h r all not hail , or rain , or y now , Nor e ve r wind blows loudly but it lies ’ De e - me ado w d f c s 430 p , happy , air with or hard lawn ’ e s c ro wn d s e sea And bow ry hollow with umm r , ” Where I will heal me o f my grievous wound .

S o s he the e s aid , and barg with oar and ail

e f m the k k e s e f u - e s e s Mov d ro brin , li om ll br a t d wan T c ere h er e 435 hat, ﬂuting a wild arol d ath ,

76 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

Down that long wate r opening on the deep

S e e e fa r o ff s s o u o om wh r , pa on and , and g F es s e s s rom l to l and vani s h into light . the n e w su n se h w And ro bringing t e n e year "

K ING AR THUR ’ S ROUND TABL E

- A work of art of dou btf u l date 1 235 1425 . Now in Winch es ter Cas tle . , TO THE QUE E N

O L OYAL the s e f to royal in thy l , th a s s ee And loyal to y land , thi to th

Be es s e e e e da ar witn , that r m mb rabl y,

W e e as et fe e - the P ce h n , pal y , and v r worn , rin ’ Who s c arce had plu ck d his ﬂickerin g life again f the s d o f the e From hal way down ha ow grav , ’ Past with thee thro thy p eople and the ir love ’ ’ And L ondon roll d o n e tide o f j oy thro all He r e e s e e s o f tr bl d million , and loud l agu man

e c e ! es s th e s e c r And w l om witn , too , il nt y, The e o f c e c ee a n d c e pray r many a ra and r d , lim Thunderl es s lightnings striking unde r se a s se s s e o f th e From un t and unri all y r alm , t e N e e f we e e And that ru orth , wh r o lat ly h ard A strain to shame u s k e ep y o u to yourselves S o loyal i s too c o stly ! friends your love h ” I s e se t e o . but a burth n loo bond , and g Is thi s the ton e o f empire ? h ere the faith T e a s e s ? s e e her ce hat mad rul r thi , ind d , voi

e the o f Ho u o u mo n t And m aning , whom roar g ? L eft mightiest of all p e oples und e r h eave n ’ s ck has fo ol d h e r s ce s he s d s e k What ho in , that houl p a l S o fe ebly ? we althie r w e althi e r hour by hour ce o f s k The voi Britain , or a in ing land ,

Som e thi rd~ r at e i sle half- los t among h e r s eas ? ’ h er c e e th e f c eal d There rang voi , wh n ull ity p Th ee and thy Prin c e The loyal to th eir c rown e fa r s s e Are loyal to th ir own on , who lov

- m s Our oc ean e mpire with he r boundle s s ho e

- e E n her ne For e ver b road ni ng ngla d , and thro 1 78 SELECTED IDYLLS OF THE KING

s e o n e s e o n e s e In our va t Ori nt , and i l , i l , That knows not her own greatn es s : if s h e knows ’

e s we are fall n . B u t m ee And dr ad it thou , y Qu n ’ No t fo r se f th e it l , but thro y living lov ’ For o n e to whom I mad e it o er his grave S c e cce s e fe c e a r d , a pt thi old imp r t tal ,

Ne w- s S e s e old , and hadowing n at war with Soul e k se e s Rath r than that gray ing , who nam , a gho t,

S e s ke c m a n - s e f m e k tr am li a loud , hap d , rom ountain p a , And cleave s to c airn and c roml ech s till ; or him 40 ’ ’ Of G eo ﬁ re s k o f Malle or s o n e y boo , or him , ’ To u ch d by the adulte rou s ﬁ n ge r o f a tim e ’ T ho v er d e ee e s s hat b tw n war and wantonn , And c rownings and dethron e m ents : take withal ’ Th e s e s s hi s s He e y po t bl ing, and tru t that av n Will blow th e te mpes t in the di s tanc e back

e s : fo r s e are s c e From thin and our om ar d , who mark,

Or s e se s s of s wi ly or unwi ly , ign torm ,

W e s o f e e e e e av ring v ry van with v ry wind ,

An d ck s the s e wordy tru ling to tran i nt hour , And ﬁe rc e or c are les s loo sene rs o f the faith

f es s ee s c o f s e fe And So tn br ding orn impl li ,

Or C ce the c of s fo r owardi , hild lu t gold , O r L c e abor , with a groan and not a voi , ’ Or s s e s f ce 5 5 Art with poi onou hon y tol n rom Fran ,

c k s c ef fo r se f And that whi h now , but ar ul it l ,

c k s c kn s And that whi h now not , ruling that whi h ow To its own harm : the goal o f thi s gre at world

Li es b eyond s ight : yet if our s lowly- grown ’ ’ c ro wn d R e c s c c - se s e 60 And publi rowning ommon n , T s e he r e s f e fe s hat av d many tim , not ail th ir ar Are morning s hadows huge r than the s hapes

T c s e s e e c fore hat a t th m , not tho gloomi r whi h go The k e s s of e the Wes dar n that battl in t , W s he re all o f high and holy di e away .

1 80 NOTES

L INE

c an s the k o f eac e m o re an s o r o f l , ing h b ing no th a t f c hie .

8 He h en h s . Th e An es a n d th e Sa o s wh o m a e at o t gl x n , d i n vasio n s a n d s e ttlem en t s i n B ritai n in the ﬁfth a n d

s ixth c en t u ries .

1 3 Aureli s a d es c en dan o f th e a s o m an e n era u , t l t R g l ” m h r e a n m ro r f B w ho clai e d t e pu pl as e p e o rita i n .

k E n la n d reen The M a i n o . G , g f g

- r s f r n n u r 3 2 Wolf lik e m en . St o ie o c hild e o ished by

w o es ro w n u n t o w o f— ke m en w ere lv , and g i g p i l li

m a re th s t r f c o mm o n a n d wide s p read . C o p e o y o

m Se e a n u n a r d e d c o n ar Ro mulu s a n d Re u s . b i g d i ti y

- fo r the t erm were wolves .

R i Th r o f Br ta t at is n w E n 34 oman leg ons . e p a t i in h o g lan d h ad b een in va ded a n d c o n q uered by Caes a r i n

h n Th m a n s m n t n e r t e ﬁrs t c e t r B . C . e o a a e u y , R i i d th i

o w er t ere a n d e a c e t r te o f th e Br to s fo r p h , x t d ibu i n fo ur o r ﬁv e c en t u ries l

3 6 Uri e c c o r n t o M a o r w a s a k n o f o n , a di g l y , i g N rth

Wa e s w h o m ade rea w ar o Le o do ran c e k n l g t up n g , i g f m li ” o Ca e ard .

’ n M r t P n 43 Uth er s s o . Ac c o r n t o a o er e dra o di g l y , U h g n ,

a k n i n s o t ern Br ta n fe in o e w t ra n e i g u h i i , ll l v i h Ig i , or

ern e w fe o f or o s u ke o f Ti n ta il i n Co rn Yg , i G l i , D g

w a m a e w a r u o n o r o s s e w him a n d m arr e ll ; d p G l i , l , i d

ra n e i n th e c a s t e o f Tin t a il w ere s h e had t a k e n Ig i l g , h

f h n t s u n o Art u r w s rn . In r n re fu ge . O i i h a b o a c c o da c e

w t th e o ld C e t c c u s t o m o f fo s t era e a n d t o s a e i h l i g , v ’ t h e c d s fe he w a s v en o er t o M e r n mm e hil li , gi v li i

dia t el a ft er his rt a n d en b M er t o the y bi h , giv y lin ’ w f i T n n s rs o i e o f S r E c to r t o b e rea re d . See e y o n s ve i n — o f th r i n 6 e s to y lin es 1 84 23 . 5 0 Ki lih d k n s . ng oo , i g hip ’ 7 3 An t i n o n e o f th e o ld s t o es n o t M o r s is the on , ri ( al y )

k n in w f m i ight ho s e a ily Arth u r s bro ught u p . NOTES 18 1

LIN E

9 6 P ili s . Te n s . To tc a t e n t is to s et it u av on t p i h p .

hrilli t b d . St rr n th 1 02 S ng un o loo i i g e blo o d .

- 1 03 Th e ce d b ttle . T at is the n es o f long lan a , run h , li in s t e h t b attle ro de a ga ac o her .

n A t u r . 1 05 Th e King . Ki g r h

. Th e s ern t ra w 106 Th e Pow ers up a u l p o e rs .

— h s s t o f k n s is o rro w e fro m M a o r I 1 1 1 1 5 T 0 . i li i g b d l y , , — 6 On e wh o s ee s etc . T a t is o n e who has his s in 1 1 8 , h ,

dis c o ve red a n d p ro c l aim ed .

T ﬁ htin h r ds etc . o s to t t e b . 1 1 9 To s ay an , p g g — h m h e l ed an d h re 1 24 5 Warrior w o ov ono d most. Sir — See n es 446 7 . La u n c elo t . li

i e is a n old o r c o mm o n i n o et r m ean n o n e 127 L eg w d , p y , i g

w o m a re du e s er c e a n d a e a n c e o r fa t f l t o h vi ll gi , i h u

lo y al ty . ’ ’ s d i s G od in m an . T at is m a n s w o rd o r 1 3 2 M an wor h , ,

ro m s e is a s ac re d t n . p i . hi g

s o ld fo rm o f t he a rt c e s t s u r 1 34 Fough ten . Thi p i ipl ill vives

hten s ec a in N e w n h w o rd bou e a n . i n t e g , p i lly E gl d H 1 41 an o ld form o f th e er ke tell told s ell s old . olp , v b , li , ; , li t h e w s e m a n the m a c a n a e a rs m an 1 5 0 M er n , i , gi i , p p y tim es i n th e Idylls a n d i n t he va ri o u s ve rs i o n s o f the

He ha d n o t o n rea t k n o w ed e en s . Arthu rian leg d ly g l g ,

m c b u t th e gifts o f p ro p hec y a n d a gi .

Se e n o tes o n l n es 1 34 a n d 1 41 . 1 60 Holpen . i ’ — l m hi 1 60 2 N o te th e ki n g s w a y o f t elli n g the o d a n s

k n o wl edge i s u s ele s s . The c u cko o a s its e s 1 67 An d reas on i n th e chas e . l y gg fter thro w er r s to b e a tche , a in the n es ts o f o th bi d , h d

t o n i n t s n e . 1 87 N o t e th e allit era i hi li n o t to Belli c en t . f r t o ern e , 1 9 1— 2 The p ro n o u n s re e Yg 182 NOTES

LIN E

Bri h di sh r. is c o t 1 94 e s e . g t ono A d tin ti n , y di honorabl — 203 4 This is o n e o f the man y in s t anc es in which T en ny s on as signs th e tas te an d m o rals o f his o wn c entury t o

r alo r the p erio d o f Kin g Arthu . In M y the knights an d

n s u c m r r ladies are much les s s e sitive to h i p op ieties . — 2 1 4 20 Tenny s on here s upplies a rea so n for th e s ec ret 43 n o t o n in . s bringing u p o f Arthur . Se e e l e See al o ’ ’ the s or o f A h r s rth in T en s o s Gui nevere t y rt u bi ny n , — lines 282 93 . ’ ’ 227 Hi s h ur. W o s e o r ? Mer s o r A h r s ? o h h u lin , rt u — 230 3 Ac c o r i t o M a o r the tru e k n w as t o be he d ng l y , i g wh o c o uld draw a c ert ain s w o rd fro m a s tone in which

r All k s an n o w a s e e th u s . the i d es t r e it d ply t ng bl i d , but

r w t r w i Th o m r only Arthu c o uld i hd a t . e p e ple cla o ed

for him t o b e e r k he w as c ro w ed b the th i ing, and n y

r C m r t Archbishop o f Can te bury . o p a e he s tory of w Siegfreid an d the s ord .

B n W t w r 25 2 d e . e h e h e e o . o y ow ig noug , p o n ugh ’ 25 6 Uth er s eer e . The k h s an d k n s e p ag nig t i g und r Uther. ’

25 7 D ai s . low tfo rm w ch the k n s c i s A pla on hi i g ha r to od .

26 1 S r i . r o s r c . t a t Na r w , t i t I 262 Knighted from kneeling . n th e o ld c eremon y the

c n at e fo r kn htho o kn e t efo re th e k n who a did ig d l b i g , s truck him gen tly o n the sho ulder with the ﬂa t s ide o f “ the s w o r an d s A s e Sir ohn o r at e er d aid , ri , J , wh v

T is s trok e o f th e s w o r a m nam e th e kn ight b o re . h d d it

t n to kn ht o o w as c a e a n accolade . i g ig h d , ll d “ ”

266 T ble un d . The ro u t a e fro m w ch the a Ro nd bl , hi

o r er o f A t his k hts w as m e w as d King r hur and nig na d ,

r a c u st o m of the e arly Brit o n s o C elts . The place

n eares t the s a t w a s t e ac e o f fa o r o r o f ho o r . If l h pl v , n

th e u es ts s at a t e u a st a c e fro m th e s alt at the g q l di n ,

c e ter there c o u b e n o u arre s o n h s o n t . n , ld q l t i p i ” — T s ass e s eem s to 27 1 4 Th e cr s s e tc . h o , i p ag d d es crib e p ic tures and Christian sy mb ols in s tai n e

184 NOTES

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a . 3 18 To pas s . To withdr w ' 322 Mo dred s s tealthy an d treachero us nature app ears — e s e here the Id lls Gu i n evere 1 0 1 1 0 The Pas s l w in y , ; 1 0— 0 0— 0 i n o Arthu r 5 1 5 7 . g f , ,

fa c . 332 Th e dawnin g of my life . My in n y

h r is s m 342 He h . Th e heath o r ea t e a a sh b a at h ll , rub y pl nt gro win g in great a bundan c e o n the m o ors an d o ther

B r It h a s s l w a s te land of Great itain . a mall be l

s a e ﬂo w er c mmon u r e b u t s met m es n k h p d , o ly p pl , o i p i

r w o hite .

3 62 Shru nk lik e a fai ry Ch an gelin g. There wa s an o ld b elief that fairies s o m etim es c arried o ff infan ts an d

r T ese w r c left little elves in thei s tead . h e e alled chan geli ngs and w ere s o metimes kno wn by their old

r r and s h iveled ap p ea anc e . 37 1 W a k of ght o es h s m e ? h t ind ni d t i an 1 — 372 93 This s tory o f the c o min g o f the b abe Arthur is an exc ellen t exa mple o f t he w ild y et c hildlike imaginatio n

o f the p eople o f the Middle Ages .

T r k 380 Full of voices . he e is a li en es s between the s ound

w s n th m rm r o f a o f a ve a d e u u m ny vo ic es . ’ 402— 1 0 Wha t is the general m eaning o f M erlin s ” dlin g triplets ?

407 Tru th or cloth ed or nak ed . Truth told in p arables o r by

s m s o r e m e s e t r t o re s m y bol b lli h d u h t ld ba ly or i ply .

4 0 r de e th e re d o th 1 From th e g eat p to g at eep . Fr m e

un kn o wn p as t in to eternity .

421 A i to c e . In Ma o r ! ! I 7 is s ga n om l y , , , it aid that many

t o ht t at Arth r was n ot e h he o h ug h u d ad , and t at w uld

m i n c o e aga .

’ — n m r s 426 43 Read the ki g s dre a c a efully . What doe it m ean ? What other s ign iﬁc an t dreams have y o u read in old stories ? 43 1 Th e hi d fell th e h erd was driv en : The e s s e e n , p a ant w r

k e an d he c at e e aw as e . ill d , t ir tl driv n ay plund r NOTE S 1 85

L IN E

45 0 T s the ﬁrs t o f the Id lls an d Gareth an d L n ette the hi , y , y , n i s eco n the s er es are a i in the s r n o f th e e . d i , l d p i g y ar

The a s t tw o Gu i n evere an d The Passi n o Arthu r are l , g f in the te r h en d o f t e e r See t e h a . I n tr d i o uct on . 1 5 win , y , p .

45 2 To h rri ed . T o w o m whe s he arr e the w om a v h , n iv d ,

k n w m rr D r a s a e b u b ic e tc . i g i d y ,

460 White i h M a . k n o f awt o r t ro f s e w t y A i d h h n , wi h a p u

w t e o o m c a e the m a . hi bl , ll d y

476 e t l rds fr e c o me t o dema the r Gr a o om Rom , nd i annual

t r t o f th B r S t n w r ibu e e ito ns . e e he a s e that they get

fr m Ar u r 0 — o h es 5 6 1 3 . t , lin — 48 1 5 0 1 In this ly ric no tic e ho w o ften Tenny s on has us ed

re e t t o n w it s m p i i h slight variatio ns . No te al o t he ar tial cla n g an d rin g that the s o n g h a s ; the hars h an d

e m s c o f rugg d u i it .

- 5 04 e th e sl f di i stres s of th e rld . B t e Rom , ow a ng m wo y h s th o r s e e t c e t r o me w eake e b the n ix v n h n u y R , n d y i va

s o s o f the a r ar an s fro m the o rt w as ra i n b b i N h , pidly

r r lo s ing her g eat p o w e . 0 Th ld h Th s n e o cc u rs a a 5 8 e o de c eth etc . or r ang , i li g in i ear the en d o f The P a ssi n o Arthu r e 408 . It s n g f , lin m c a n idea tha t T enny s on has exp res s ed in any pla es . ith Was at en m t n o t a t war 5 1 3 S r e e . t ov w Rom i y , but , m w ith R o e . — T s is fo recas o f the ro u e 5 1 4 5 s ce e tc . For a pa , hi a t t bl ’ n o n t t at er n terfere w th Arthu r s w o rk and disu i ha l i i , m an d ﬁn ally des tro y b o th R o u nd Table an d kingdo . — ’ 5 1 6 8 Arthu r s a chie vem en t w as t o u n ify the land in to o n e kingdo m by m a king the p et ty kin gs his vas sals ; t o drive bac k the heathen (the Teuto n ic in vaders ) ; t o p u rge the land o f ro bbers an d wild beasts ; an d to

o r e an d e . uph ld o d r, law , r ligion 1 86 NOTES

GARETH AND LYNETTE

G areth an d L n e te t o u h it fo o ws The Comi n o y t , h g ll g f

Arthu r in the s er es o f the Id lls was n o t rit e i y , w t n until

the en d 1 872 . , in

LINE

ld h r. H w r r 1 8 Heaven yi e e eavenre a d he .

46 B k of H rs . o ok o f e o t o n s w th r e s for oo ou A b d v i , i p ay r

the ho u rs o f th e d ay . ’

rt u s s w o r . T s w r 66 E xcalibur . A h r d h e o ds of heroes were —

o ften given in div iduaI h a mes . t a t e co s r c o n e . 89 Frights . Expl in h n u ti h re l f ec i n . 9 4 Prone year . D l ni g i e I

A a s . 1 05 G ood lack . l

1 - 1 1 mm t o m m or t e s e w e - k o w n 1 5 8 C o it e y h ll n lines . ’ 1 28 Rec all th e do ubts c on c ern in g Arthur s birth as told in h r The Comi n g of Art u . — 1 33 4 Where is this des cribed ?

r 147 Po in t o u t the play o n wo ds here .

4 th a n at e a t in s 1 7 N o te e im gi iv q u li y thi line . — 1 84 93 T e c t is m a e t o s e em m s ter o u s e e h i y d y i h r and later .

m n L k c t e t . o o u th 202 Glamour. En han p e origin of this

r h t o n r w o d in t e dic i a y .

21 2 Th e L d of th e L k e . m h c a ers e a y a A y t i l p onag , a guard

r ian to Arthu .

21 9 Th e s cred ﬁ sh . An em em of the C rc s a to be a bl hu h , id derive d fro m th e ac cidental fac t that the initials o f the

re ek o r s fo r es s Chr s t So n o f G o d S r G w d J u i , , avio ,

t o for t reek or m n Ask happ ened m he G w d eani g ﬁsh .

r r r r y o u teacher t o w ite out the G eek fo y ou . — h t is a o o or c r e . 229 Dragon bou g ts . A bough l p u v — r f T e c t i t 254 74 Study this p ass age ca e ully . h i y bu l to

Tr f e music is an old Greek idea . o y w a s a bled to hav ’ ake f rm n er A o o s m s c the d t n o u d p ll u i , and wall aroun ’ s Thebes rose to Amphion lyre .

1 88 NOTES

LIN E

’ 2 1 H r The 1 8 Arth ur s a p . In Las t Tou rn ament there is a

as s a e the s tar w e c a th e har o f A th r u p g , ll p r u p in

He a ven .

3 1 8 n s a t . r n t m r 1 U e es s e . I t n g , i p iv — 1 3 73 o n ac k t o the a e o r 1 1 67 79 h do G i g b ll g y in , w at ’ y o u m ake of Tenn y s o n s m eanin g here ? If a m an has w o n the att es fo r o o the m orn n the o o n an d b l g d in i g , n , the e en in o f his ife what w i eath be t o ? A v g l , ll d him

in t o be feare o r the e tran c e to a n ew an d ea th g d , n b uti

m r — fu l life ? Co p a e lin es 1 388 9 0 . — 1 392 4 Which en din g w o uld ha ve pleas ed y ou b est ? As for th e ac e o f t s d the s er es o e the pl hi I yll in i , n t con ﬂict etw ee the etter an d the w o rs e ea s ﬁrst b n b id l ,

e w een a et an d his m o her t en etw ee a eth b t G r h t , h b n G r

W c h ? W a t e v an d Lynette . hi pre va ils h idenc es a re there a t the Co urt that the goo d in ﬂu en ces are in c o ntrol? What p ass ages of s triking beauty can y o u ﬁn d? Do y o u think of Ly nette a s a medie val o r a mo dern girl? ? Do es G areth s ee m near or rem o te

LANCELOT AND ELAINE

This Idyll sho w s o p enly the gro wing evil in the ’ T r s f C o urt o f Arthu r . he indi ec t c au e o Ela ine s de ath ’ r It is n o is Lanc elo t s gu ilty lo ve of Gu ine ve e . t alle oric al ke Gareth a nd L n ette a ro a c s or g , li y ; but m nti t y

o f a a ss o n w c h re an d i ce t t an p i hi h , thoug p u nno n , r r It is t ref r s c e s o r a y b o u s . he o e n o t o be ea nd din nd t _ r d

f r t c a es s o fo r its ea o an e its a o s . hi l l n , but b uty and p th ’ ea ﬁrs t The Lad o S kaloti T en n s s e r v er R d y f , y on a ly s o of the s t w ere n he ctu es the ero n e a s a i n ory , h i pi r h i typ e o f the artis tic imaginatio n w ea vin g in to the w eb the ﬁgu res o f th e w o rld a s s he s e es them in the mirror

(her im aginatio n ) . NOTES 1 89

2 A s l . m s e Ma o . C o e Shalo to at U d in l ry par tt . ’ 44 Li eb e d . C o ere w ith dr m n v d y o s s .

5 3 Shi s c . o ck c o ere w th ra e o r s e ngly aur R v d i g v l ( hingl ) . 5 9 i i e B . di n e di ec t o n . Pro de t a D v n ly y vi r i vi n i lly . ’ 7 6 Thi s ld h e . L n o wor s ug st o d n .

9 1 Th e t l T n m r a e . h e u b e .

9 4 L ts . H n r k e e s e e s . i d , p

1 18 e i . r w r D vo r D u ty ; a F enc h o d .

1 6 2 s . o n h s o f t n s o an d s rs e e Down R lli g ill hi il p a v getation .

2 1 8 An if. An a o n e s a s o s e for i l i l u d f .

272 ef . r v R t D ep i e d . ’ m 293 Our L d s He d . Ah a e o f the a y a i g Virgin Mary .

29 7 Th e White H s e w a s a s m o o f th S n n or y b l e axo s . O a hills ide in B erkshire there m ay s till be s een the image o f a huge w hite ho rs e m ade by unc o verin g the c halky

r f It is sa to a e e ma oc k o the hill . id h v be n de by King

r o r h Alfred in m emo ry o f a Vic to y ve t e Dan es .

T S s an d s m r 3 01 Heath en . he axon D ane b ec a e Ch is tians

r la te than the Britis h . 2 w him T o s o k s s . 3 5 To mak e him ch e er. h indne 1—4 3 3 Explain thes e lines .

h is the co t e de ee . 338 R ath e . Early . R a t er mp ara iv gr

A k n o f a s k . 43 1 S amite . i d he vy il

446 Cres ce t . ro w creas i in e . n G ing, in ng p ow r T li s ts w a s t h Aw t at ta ck . e e 45 3 Held t e li sts . aited he h h u enclo s ure w ithin which the c o mbat w a s fo ght .

r an d e 5 05 the o 5 02 i m d me e tc . o e e e D a on , N t h in lin n un

W at t es e es mea ? as verb . h do h lin n

B n s ews o f wh ere he is . 5 45 B i u s etc . r u r ng , i g n — “ ” 65 2 3 T o slip the falc o n w as to release it fro m the hold

in - s r s t at it m h r do wn the ame in its g t ing , h ig t b ing g

ﬂight .

7 13 A f m s i e fte o e . a ou l n , o n q u t d ’ ’ be a her h f i e d s aim e tc . n o t 728 M arr d er r n , Did tr y

em o as her fr e had e ec te d . oti n , i nd xp 1 90 NOTES

o o u w e l. 766 Wit ye well. Kn w y l

— - i it . 870 2 Another w ell kn own p as s age . Expla n ’ w An a ma s acriﬁc ed at t 9 05 Th e vi ctim s ﬂo ers . ni l he altar

was thu s b edec ked .

I u o n is du e t o k d ess . 9 23 Is urs . s yo y o r d i g, y our in n

939 ui t. e e re a . Q R q uit , p y is f m Co m os e o etr . Our oet a 9 99 M ak e . p p y word p ro

Greek w o rd m ean ing maker . — 1 000 1 1 N o te the rhym e arran gement .

- r is c d 6 A c o mmo e ef . e a s c s a e 1 0 1 5 . n b li In I l nd u h a pirit ll

a B an she e .

Th e r es t . 1 09 2 Th e ghostly man . p i 1 233— 1 41 0 Co mp are with this ac co un t th e brief an d sim

ple ending o f The Lady of S halott. ’ T en d o f L n ce o s ife was s ent 141 8 Di e a h oly man . he a l t l p

in pray er an d p en ance in a monas tery .

THE HOLY GRAIL

Th e H l G ail wa s ﬁrs t in te w The Co min o o y r pr d , ith g f

Arthu r, in 1 869 . 5 Th e cowl was th e hoo d a tta ched to the go wn wo rn by

the mo n ks .

Th c t w r in A t u r 7 Cam elot . e i y he e lived K g r h an d his

kn ights .

Wr u h i t hi s h eart e tc . Wo n the o e o f Perc v a e o g t n o , l v i l

h h wn v f him by s o win g is o lo e o r .

Th e Cl i s e s Th arc h ed a n d o v w o t r . e c ered ay ru n n in g

a ro n th e w a s o f a mo n as t er o r co n en t u s u allv o n u d ll y , v , i ‘ the n n er c o u rt .

’ Th t uﬁ d th e sw in b a ch e s sm k e Th a p ay g r n into o . e

o len o f th e ew - t ree w h en s c a ttere b the w n p l y , d y i d , k resembles s mo e . d e B B eyon th pale . ey o n d the limits o f the mo n as

tery .

1 92 NOTES

LI NE

81 Acr ss b e t c e e e to th so o a . Rea h d v n e litude o f her

convent .

h f r o f He o m . H r e c es so r 83 t etc e a . w o , th n

s f to in n He The e e er e e 83 . 9 1 . pri t r r d li

d c o te t s m n er o f s n 93 That it woul om e . N hi a n expre si g an

e arn es t wish .

1 1 0 Us e . C s to m a t . u , h bi f h d . o so rt o m s n 1 14 Nor aught an N u ic al i strument .

1 1 8 Be i s . A t ro n o r u er n e ffec t so t the at ng h bbi g q iv i g , hat colo rs o n the w all s eemed to le ap (line ’ e . 1 22 D ecay d . Fa d d H T 24 S o t t th e l hi n etc . 1 now ( ha ) o y g , m i s o o f h s rfe r . 1 35 White armor. A y b l p e c t pu ity w k fo h e f 1 5 1 Made a silk en mat or r r eet . Reached belo w

her feet . f A n o s r . 1 55 A silver b eam . ba d ilve

— m n e ﬁ e 70 In an d a o th ur s etc . 1 69 out ( g) g ,

An o ld wo r fo r s eat. 1 72 S i ege . d

m n H re s e to e ress eter . 1 81 Would . e u d xp d i ation

1 83 R i i . S tt n e r n e n . v ng pli i g , t a i g, r ndi g

M o e en t . 1 88 Stole . v d g ly

sa e re . 1 90 Past . Di pp a d ' h el r in C fo r . 209 Crying on p . y g help

- n a s r s s . 2 1 1 R ed re t . Exp l in thi exp e io n — 4 5 the m e n n o f t is ﬁ u re o f s See 2 1 Explain a i g h g p eech . — lin es 264 6 .

221 S i ten b th e b lt. It w a s an o ld e ef s t so m e m t y o b li , ill

t mes e t at an ac tu a o t o r m ss e o f so me i h ld , h l b l i il

so rt co m es w t the htn n ﬂash In c ass c m t i h lig i g l i y h , ” it wa s ! ens or Jupiter hurlin g his thun derbolt ; in

ors e m was T r s k his m t N y th , it ho tri ing with igh y mm ha er .

232 ! es . ow s e s . on R , b lt — 234 7 No te that these s culptured devices in dicat e the ris e o f — men fro r ar sm to c a o . L es 227 45 o u m ba b i iviliz ti n in , y NOTES 1 93

w l o ser e esc e the c t an d the o s de o f the il b v , d rib i y ut i

hall . The p assage tha t follo ws desc ribes the ins ide o f the

hall.

248 B a . C t o mm mo e e ra e c e r te . l zon l b , a — 25 2 3 esc r n the sc e e to The Comi n o Arthu r D ibi g n ld in g f , — es 2 2 30 lin 8 8 . — 254 7 Th e s en th is to n t c e at be e ac ed later . See The Pas si ng

- o Arthu r n es 3 6 1 440 . f , li

260 e lik e n fu n d eau t fu k . a c a e a dream . Dr am F i l b i l , li ’ 263 Th e den d o n the r st o f th k n m gol ragon c e e i g s hel et .

264 B r t th e h ld B r t the ac e h r th r rs u n o . u n pl w e e e o bbe

r in we e ; l e 2 1 4 .

2 7 e s Th m n 6 Pr . e s u ect o f t s er is a n e 264 . t bj hi v b y , li

27 rk e The s en ten ce is m e c ear b re s 5 Da n . ad l y ading thi

verb as after s een i t in line 273 .

287 Th s e is a a e fro m M att . ! I 7 . i lin d p t d ,

’ 298 The kin g s sp eec h breaks o ff here with an u n ﬁn ishe d

Then h e e n s in in e 300 w th an ll stra sen ten ce . b gi l i i u

tio n o f his m ean in g .

We rd s u o se to b o f the 300 Tali es s in . A s e l h ba , pp d

s th c en t r an d a ttac e to the c o u r o f the so n ix u y , h d t

m o f his o ems are s ti e s t o f Kin g Urien . So e p ll in xi

en ce .

01 Th e dumb Will si . T a is w tr to s n o r s to 3 ng h t , ill y i g , wi h

s in g .

h ite H s e was the em em o f the Sa o n s the 3 12 Th e W or bl x , ” hea then h o rde . 3 14 The sac redn e ss o f a v o w is a co mmo n thin g in the earlier ’ ’ c a Art u r s sa n M a s w o r is litera tures . Re ll h y i g , n d

in man The Comi n o Arthu r n e 132 . G o d , g f , li ’ — m re The w - o - the 3 1 9 20 Wandering ﬁre s quag i . ill

w s c h h o ers o e r m ars ac es , was fa e to i p , whi v v hy pl bl d th en tice p eo ple t o th eir dea . — 340 5 0 No te the highly medi cet al q u ality given to the archi

C me o t the c ro w e ro o fs the a er es o r t ec ture o f a l ; d d , g ll i 194 NOTES

L INE

a co es res t o n ma es o f ra o n s a n d the c r b l ni ing i g d g , a v

n s o f ra o n s n h w ch th s o s etc . t e o s e i g d g , li , , wi hi h u

n w ere o r am en ted .

35 0 W e rifﬁn . See a d c t o n ar fo r t ese er c yv rn , g i i y h h aldi

devic es . — 3 75 540 T s ssa e a s u c c es s o n o f s o s es th e er hi pa g , i Vi i n , giv v y

u t o f the s earch fo r the ra i tse f a s on . In q ali y G l , i l Vi i

ee th s e n t re l c rea tes th e m res s o n o f mo v d d , i i Idy l i p i

in in dr eam an the re er es a n d m em o r es o f th e g l d , v i i

- n o e h o th e kin dlv my stery lo vi g Sir Perc ivale . N t w

s m e e er a fe o f th e o o mo n k Am ro s u s i pl , v y d y li g d b i s erves as co n t rast an d bac kgro u n d fo r the dreams o f

Perc iv ale .

— n 447 8 In referen c e to th e in carn atio o f th e Lord .

m n . 449 Sh e . Th e ro n o u n refers t o u t e 445 p h ili y , li

— i m n 452 3 See n M att . 1 1 th e s to r o f th e c o o f th e is e , y i g w

n t men o f the E a st to s ee th e i fan t Chris .

— T n n f 462 3 Th e s acring of th e mas s . h e c o secratio o the

n i f Th brea d an d wi e u se d n the c elebratio n o th e m ass . e

h l ele e ts are th e rea an d w n e e e e to s m o y m n b d i , b li v d y

bo lize the ﬂes h a n d blo o d o f Christ . — 466 7 After th e e ef tha t C r s t o r th e s r o f C r s b li h i , p i it h i t ,

ac tu ally en tered the bread a n d win e . — ’ 470 84 Co m are th s a ss a e w t T en n so n s s em p i p g i h y hort po ,

Galahad w r tt en m an ears ear er . , i y y li

l . 5 1 2 3 Th e H l e s s el etc . Th e ra o y V , G i

5 Th e s The s w am s ee n e 49 9 . 5 2 wa te . p ; li

Th e s m a t ast o f P r 26 A s o e s . 5 iritu l ci . e p a ty y b l , l , a adi

5 42 an d 5 45 E ac h o f these lin es is p aren thetic . T 7 h e . 5 4 orpe . Vill ag — 5 50 60 o te ho w th ese n es e res s th e s m e k n N li xp i pl , i dly

is n tro u e d a s a c o n tras t nat u re o f the o ld m o n k . He i d c

t o the kn t s who u rs u e th e s o n o f the ra . igh , p d vi i G il “ — Th m a r No te his s ign iﬁcan t q u es tio n in lin es 5 6 1 2 . e ” ket - c o ss n e 5 5 8 me s a c ro ss s et u in the c e tra r , li , an p n l

NOTES

LINE — c b s H r 7 14 6 U i rn s l t . e c e ems o f s o e n o ta o aldi mbl , t n ,

s e t in o s es b u t h ere fa e in the s reet a n d in h u ; ll n t , dica tin g the n eglec t an d app ro ac hing ruin o f C ame

lo t . i 725 l d f d . A fo r is a s a o w ac e in a r er F oo ng or d h ll pl iv ,

u fo r ro ss n w hen th er i n o I n t m s ed c e s r d e . es i g , b i g i

C ” o f wa t er o r in ﬂo o s u c h fo rds m a be dan high , d , y

gero n s .

— In u n 75 9 60 Of Can a in Holy Writ . all s io to the miracle o f

n n o f h n to w n h t u t wa te r . t e r i g e i i e See John H .

Th Th o o a n d the e . 7 77 ey . e g d vil — 79 0 ll M a n ess . See n es 666 7 . Fo y . d li

0 hi l The ra e o n th e eac . 8 8 S ng e . g v l b h

0 n n is f M Th m ro m a o r . 8 1 Carb o ek . e a e l y — ’ 82 1 2 Co mp are the u se o f the lio ns in the path in Bunyan s ’ Pilgri m s Progres s .

el A s m l ro m o r o co ro e n fr m 828 Ori . al o p rti p j c ti g o a

b u ildin g . — 848 9 Why did Lan c elo t o nly se e the Grail veiled ?

h h - A 862 D eafer t an t e blu e eyed cat . s up ers titio n that

s till exis ts .

Art u r t o h he has n o t r 865 . o te t a t o e o f the ﬁ N h h , h ug app v d q ues t o f the Gra il (s ee lin e s 293 reb u kes Ga wain

fo r his e t an d c o mm en s th e o t er k hts fo r t e r l vi y , d h nig h i

r t n s erio u s a ttit u de to wards sa c ed hi gs .

872— 5 e r ro et an d e er o et tho co n e n Ev y p ph v y p , ugh v y i g ’ o s m es s a e c o u ro hes o r s n o n in the G d g , ld p p y i g it ly t m eas u re o f th eir a bili y . — 877 83 Arth u r mea n s th at if a ma n w ro n an d et did g , y

ke t a i e s o m e ﬁn e fee n s a n d so me ea s e en p l v li g id l , v

m w o a o u t his s in h e c o u n o t ec o e as e . b , ld b h lly b — 884 9 1 5 In this p a ss a ge Ten ny so n p u ts in to th e mo u th o f t F m Arth u r his o w n co e o f mo ra . o r o s t o f u s a s fo r d li y ,

mo s o f the kn hts o f the o u n T a e it is no t es to t ig R d bl , b t “ fo o a e ea s wan er n ﬁres no matter b ll w v gu id l , d i g , y NOTES 1 97

w a t o e e s w m n s Ou r d u t is h ere h n bl id al e ay be i p ired . y

an d n o w in th e wo rk a n d h u m an n e eds th t are n ea r at , a

han d . — ’ 9 08 1 0 emem e r t a t in Pe rc a e s u es t a mo s t all th a t R b h iv l q , l

he s w w m n t ms e lu s i n v n L a e re e re a o o s . e a n c e o t ph , d E l

dr e n in m n Y to Bo o o a d e s s . e t rs th e san e an d s t u rd v , y

a n d fa t fu h ra m A d h t e c a e a so . n w at s ee ms a i h l , G il l

s o ma b e ea en o n e vi i n y r l , wh

kno ws h mse f n o v s o n to h ms e f i l i i i l ,

No r the h h G o d a v s o n n o r that One ig i i , Who rose a a n : e ha n wh h g i y v e see at y e av e seen .

’ 9 16 Pe rc e s c o s n o rds k ew n o t all h e mean t ival l i g w , I n ,

’ s e e m to give u s the right to feel that so m e o f th e kin g s high a n d o rac ular utteran ces m ay be un ders to o d dimly

o r o in vari us way s .

THE PASSING OF ARTHUR

Th e P s si of A th w as ﬁrs t u she in its res a ng r ur p bli d , p

en t form in th e o u m e w th The Comi n o Arthu r , v l i g f ,

m t with s o m e c an es o f in 1 869 . It is an en ar e en l g , h g , ’ th e M on e d Arthu r u s e d in 1 842 in th e o u me , p bli h v l

lis h ls The m a n art o f th e s to r o f th s E n g Idyl . i p y i

! Th s la s t di is taken fro m M a o r ! I V . Idyll l y , , i vi ’ ’ ‘ s ion o f M alo ry s ac c o u n t is c alled La Morte d Arthw

r o r The Dea th of Arthu . — 1 5 Th s : m ean n T s is t at s to ry etc . at tory i g , hi h , 9 h i M e an n 3 Th e man w a s no more t an a vo c e . i g

6 Ou th ei ch c Th s d o en s a t a t m e wh en e t . r mar , i I y ll p i

the o n T a e is d ss o ed an d w a r h a s ro ken R u d bl i lv , b

A a r o h kn h ts a re s ti fa thfu to the o u t . p t f t e ig ll i l

k an d the res t led b M o dre a n d Lan c e o t are ing . , y d l ,

a t w a r with Kin g Arth u r .

22 Si le . Tr s fu e ie n . mp u t l , b l vi g 198 NOTES

LIN E

els ck i s Beco m 26 Re ba nto th e b ea t. es ﬁerce and de

r Wh reels ? g aded again . y

T e n n s on se ems to ke 33 Shrilling . y li the weird effec t o f

See o w m an t m s o ﬁ s or . h e u n d it e t er a s thi w d y i y , i h

r in t s o H ll w li er o a ec e h e . all de h ! v b dj tiv , i p m o o g t

m an ﬂ in All j o y is e p ty d eet g .

38 40 Wild birds h t ch n e th eir s eas n etc So m e o f t a a g o , . the migrato ry birds that go n orth in sp rin g an d s o u th

m ﬂ h h an d t a e da n n e d in a tu a d ht . a u n y ig , r v l y ig R ’ m To a a ter wl Br an t s o e W o . y p , f

42 M oonlit haze among th e hills . D o y o u get the pic ture ?

— n hil I n m me an 44 5 Wife a d C d etc . n o e t es the o d , ld i w n children o f the c onq uered w ere o ften c arried o ff into

sla very by the vic to rs .

5 2 Harmle s s glamour of th e ﬁ eld . The imaginary beings

r in n atu e . — 68 70 These are the e ven ts told o f in The Comi n g of

Arthu r.

7 7 In refere c e to u een n e ere who had ake n Q Gui v , t n

efu e in the c o n en a t Alme sb u r an d t o who r g v t y , m

- Ar h r had there s a o o b e . See the t u id g d y Idyll, ” i n v re s 41 0 Gu e e e . , lin ﬂ

' l in h e s s f rl se the w 78 Fo ded t pa es o th e wo d. Clo d ay

r r as by a mis t o da knes s .

L n A s tr c t s u o se to lie e ee Co r 8 1 yon es s e . di i pp d b tw n n

m r d w a l an d the Sc i slan s a n d n o w s u e e . l lly I d , b g

— o o e the o n ess 82 7 A lan d m a de by vo lc an ic ac ti n . N t b ld

m r o f i aginatio n in this p ict u e .

87 Th e h t m circle . The dim e o f the o r o be p an o lin h iz n ,

w e e s e k t n a and s y .

— r As the e en t s o f the 9 0 1 The s ho rtes t day o f the y ea . v ’ ea rly day s o f Arthu r s re ign ha ve sp rin g as their s e t

n s o his eat has the e n d o f the e ar a n d a ter ti g , d h y win r landscape for its app rop riat e bac kg o und .

200 NOTES

’ 1 72 Th e a m e K i n Arthu r s Ta ble o r s e has n g , at ,

e en a e t o a h n ear Tin ta il C or w al . b p pli d ill g , in n l

Th e n c o s e art of the c rc in w c 1 7 7 Ch an cel. i l d p hu h hi h the t c th au t fu an d ro m an alta r s t ands . No i e e be i l tic s cene i — 0 n lin es 1 7 7 8 . — 1 98 9 Wh ere ha v e y o u rea d thes e lines b efo re ? m k 205 Th i l r T e d e o f t e a e . e m dd e m e e . h id l h l 206 Li h u k . g tly . Q ic ly 2 1 1 He s B mm t . e hes t c o . , and — 2 1 3 9 o t e the w e r e au t o f t is c tu re N i d b y h p i , and how , in

th e as t tw o n es w e et fee o f the ch e in l li , g a ling ang

o t s o u n an d s c en b h d e .

— in 220 3 0 o t e the r c n s s t o f t es e es . . N i h e an d beau y h l T w n S 228 hi s ay a d th at divi ding th e s wift mind . tudents who kn o w La tin m ay ﬁn d that this lin e is a translatio n

o f E n eid IV 285 w c r had orro w e fro m Ho , , , hi h Vi gil b d ’ — m i ad 1 9 T n n i i er s Il 1 88 . e s o n rea m e , , y g tly ad r d Virg l ,

an d wro t e a beautifu l p o em To Vi rgi l in p rais e of him .

8—9 T t t n f i t 23 . es e s o o t o es t s s h h u d hes e lines . D ugge t e things des cribed ?

5 2 Th de ebb . 2 e wy p les The gems in the hilt .

254 Ch s ed . Wr t m t o e e . a ough , rna n d

25 6 W i B r ff . hy does S r edivere a gue thes e p o ints with him s elf? 276 Win nin g reverence by the won der and interes t of the

t ale h e t o ld .

8 wi hi wn B ea 27 Clouded th s o conceit . linded by the id m m that h a d c o e t o hi . f 289 Auth ority orgets a dying king. What do es this ﬁn e ? n e m e an a n th e res t o f th t li Expl i e s en ence .

93 ﬁ r s Se c e u t s . 2 O ces . e vi , d i

304—1 A r f t o r Th e 5 no the o h s e ich an d brilliant p assages . “ ”

h e . Au rora borea r t nort rn moon li s o r northe n ligh s .

3 0—1 t c t u r in 5 G et he p i e thes e lin es clearly .

- 354 60 ea t es e es o c e ar an d o o sl . R d h lin al ud , l ly vig r u y NOTES Q 0 1

LIN E

No te a gain the ru gged hars hn e s s a n d energy o f the

ass a e s in o ff a t the en d t o the s m o o t er p g lid g , , in h

ea t o f t as t w b u y he l t o lin es .

3 67 Th e i li s t rs . Tw n k i trem n a s tho u t ng ng a i l ng , bli g gh

ffec te b the a o n o f t e c r T s am a is a d y g y h y . he e ide

sugges ted in s hi vered . — 369 7 1 What is the fe elin g in sp ired by thes e lines ? 38 1 Why wi thered m o o n ? Th 382 e S rin i e s . Th ea r d a w p g ng a t e ly n .

383 e e s an d cui s Arm o r fo r th s : s b Gr av s es . e leg greave e

lo w th kn e e e c u s s es a o e . , i b v

384 s e . C On t o n ﬂic t . 3 9 Ch 8 c e . H an ap p enin g . — 400 1 The Star o f Bethlehem that guided th e Wise Men o f th e a s t o w r t f s u s l See att . II . E t he e he in ant Je ay . M — 408 1 0 N e w c s t o ms n ew s a da r s an d ea s c o m e t o u , t n d id l , ta ke th e plac e o f the o ld ; an d G o d w o rks o u t his p u r

o m a c o m e t o p o s es in m an y w a y s . Even a g od plan y

be m s s e a n d a o o n s t t t o ro w c o rru . i u d , g d i i u i n g p t — 422 3 s Expla in the e lin es .

427 A ili or Av a o n is in C e t c le en an d as se b v on ( l ) , l i g d , u d y Te so The La o f t he B es a s ort of eart nny n , nd l t , hly

a a se th e w est e r s ea ke the re ek He s er es . p r di in n , li G p id

No t o n Art u r b u t o her ero es ke er the an e ly h t h , li Ogi D ,

w ere s aid t o ha ve been c a rried there after death . It

is o ften c alled The Vale o f Avalon . 435 The belief tha t the s w an s in gs a beautiful song just He c e t he be fo re death w as o ld an d wide sp read . n “

ra s e s w an s o n fo r a s t e ffo rt . p h , g , l ’ s sc en e 442 Th e d ead world s win ter dawn . No te how thi

u r ﬁ ts the e n ding o f th e s t o ry o f Arth . — 45 7 6 1 Wha t is hinted in this p ass age ? — 469 D o es this line give a note o f hop e ? Compare 408 1 0. 202 NOTES

DEDICATION TO THE Q UE EN LIN E

This d edic a tio n t o the Qu ee n wa s ﬁrs t added in the

e n era l e d t o n o f t he Po e m s in 1 87 2— 3 g i i 7 . 3 Th a e e e l t r m mb rab e day . Th e d ay o f p u blic tha n ks giv

i n in e ru a r 1 87 2 fo r the re c o er o f the Pr n g , F b y , , v y i c e o f Wa l es (la ter King Edw a rd VII) fro m a s e ve re

n ill es s .

1 2 Th derle s s li h i n M e s s s e tc . b c a es a e . un g tn g , g y bl

N r , 1 4 Th tru e h et c . I n re fe re n c e t o C a n ada a n d a at o t , , s e n tim e n t t hat w a s h e a rd fo r a tim e i n E n gla n d tha t

C a n a da s h o b e s e a ra t e fr m n n uld p d o E gl a d . f Ho n 20 Th e r r o u oum o t . Th a t t e o f W oa g e b l a t erlo o .

Th e c at e a o f t ha t n a me w a s o n th e b a ttl ﬁeld h u e .

Aft r the c t o r t 2 1 Lef mi hti e s e tc . e a Wa ter t g t, Vi y lo o E n gla n d was u n q ues tio n a bly th e grea tes t p o wer in

the w o rld .

m e the Dedicati on a t 35 For on e to wh om I ad e it. Se the

begin n in g o f th e Idylls in this vo lu me .

P c t r n 3 7 S h adowing S ens e at war with S oul. i u i g o r

re ﬂec tin th e c o n ﬂic t e tw e e n e l a n d o o e tw ee n g b vi g d , b

t w r a n d the Th s l n e is the ke he lo e highe r ide als . i i y

See n no te t o t he m ea n in g of th e Idylls a s a Who le . I 3 trod ti on a e 1 . uc , p g — 41 2 In referen c e t o th e different q ualities give n t o the

Se ntr i on s t o r e s in th e d ffere n t ers o n s . e I oduct i i v i , —9 p ages 7 . ’ r n r 5 5 Poi s onou s h oney stol n from France . A t a d lite a

t u re fro m Fra n c e w h c h s e e m e d t o th e o e t to be , i p

Te n n s n h s m o re tha n un who l e s o m e o r im m o ral . y o a o n c e s ho w e d his la c k o f b elief in thin gs Fren c h or

s m t em y p a hy with th .

204 QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STU DY

Who wa s n U er a n d wh did it m a tter whe ther 3 . Ki g th , y Arthur w a s o r w a s n o t his s o n ?

4 W t is the o de s m o efe r ed to i n l n e . ha g l n y b l r r i 5 0 P — 5 ea d a o u d n es 94 1 23 t o fee the o r a n d s t . R l li , l vig piri in this a c c o unt o f the battle . — 6 L n es 1 24 13 3 e t he o s o f fr en s et ee . i giv v w i d hip b w n

D o u k o t s fr n ds Arthur a n d La n c elo t . o y n w how hi ie hip

a m e ater t o be ro ke n ? If s o d o o u s ee the s i n iﬁc a n c e c l b , y g o f i n tro duc in g it here ?

Wh o es Le o do ra n es e o n his dau h 7 . y d g h itat ab ut givi g g ter to King Arthur ? Ho w do es he s eek to res olve his — u s n s 1 6 6 do bt ? Expla in li e 0 1 2 . ’ Wh h d ffe e o n o n s o f s o - in es 8 . t e y i r nt pi i Arthur w rth , lin

1 78 - 1 82 ?

9 i B d e r mm n c e the o d Sir Bed . S r e e c o o iv , ly all d b l i ’ i h ere i es the t u e a c c o n o f Ar r s r . It s e v , g v r u t thu bi th

" wh o is th Ar h r his de h s e The Pas s i n o Arthu r wi t u a t a t : e g f . See in the No t es the e xpla n a tio ns o f vario us thin gs in i ’ — Bed v e re s s to r n es 1 7 7 236 . y , li

- 1 0 . Explai n li n es 245 6 ; li n e 247 ; li n e 25 2 . ’ 1 1 W a t is m e a n t b the s a a e e s o f ther s ee . h y v g y ll U p r — a e n es 255 6 ? g , li ’ 1 W a t de n s Belli n f th r s m 2 . h e vi c e do e c e t give o Ar u o ral — “ fo rc e ? Se e l n s 25 9 27 Wh did th e k n s e a i e 8 . y ight hav ” m o me n tary like n es s o f th e Ki n g P Wha t visio n s a p — eare d ? e a d n es 27 9 293 o the e ter to a re p R li al ud , b t pp c a t e th e r t m o f th e rs i hy h e v e . ’ 1 3 W a t d o t s t l re m a n s Leo do ra n m n ? o . h ub il i in g s i d D es his d o u t s ee m re s o n e o r do es T e n n s o n m ere mak e b a abl , y ly him d o u bt further fo r the s ake o f b ri n gin g o u t the s to ry o f Arthur ? ’ 4 N t e th 1 . o e traits o f Bellice n t s t w o s o n s : h o w are they s ho wn ?

1 5 W a t m e m o r is n d c a te i n n s — . h y i i d li e 33 1 335 ?

16 . R e a o u d fo th e r th n t a t of ad l , r hy m a d he be u y de QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY 205

’ s c r t o n Bellic en t s m emo r es o f her c o o w th her ip i , i hildh d i

r n — 3 o t e r es 338 5 7 . b h , li

1 7 Ho w do es her c t o f the r o f Ar r w c . a c oun bi th thu , hi h

s h e rec e e fro m o ld B e s th e m c a n ffer f o m B e iv d l y , agi i , di r di ’ v ere s a c c o u n t ? Whic h a c c o u n t s e e ms th e m o re c redible ? Wo u ld Le o d o gra n ha ve d o ubted a s t o ry m erely b ec au s e it wa s m a rvelo u s ? Wo uld y o u ?

H w h a r n n s we r h t 18 . o d M e li a ed er q ues io ns ? What do his riddli n g t riplet s m ea n ? 41 1 —423 9 ea a o u n es . o t e h o w th rs e r s 1 . R d l d li N e ve i es i n dign ity a s th e Quee n ris es i n to p ro phec y o f the c o min g

fa m e o f Arthu r . ’ 2 W a t fin a ll n s es Le o do r n s ? s 0 . h y ba i h g a do ubts I it i n ke ep in g with th e tim e that h e s ho uld thin k his dre a m s ign ific a n t a n d t rus t wo rthy ? What o ther i n s tan c es o f b e lief in drea m s c a n y o u rec all ? Sele c t s o m e o f the fin e s t m li n es in this drea .

i 2 1 e e c the m o s ea t f n es i n t s f . S l t t b u i ul li hi pic ture o ’ — m Arth u r s m rr a e n es 449 474 . Co re w t th s a s a i g , li p a i h i p ’ s a e T e n n s o n s e r s o rt o e m S i r La n celot a nd u een g y a ly h p , Q

Gu i n evere .

h fo m e s s a e s — 22 . W at r r p a g in thi Idyll do lines 463 4 rec all t o y o u ?

3 ea a o th e r u m h a n t a tt e - s o n o f the 2 . R d l ud t i p b l g — k n t s n e s 48 1 5 0 1 . o t e the u s e o f re e t t o n o f igh , li N p i i ;

a rs h a tt e - ke s o n ds a n d th e ro s t c c a to e ffec ts h b l li u ; ugh , a h m o f th e rhy t .

24 W a t is th e m ea n n o f th e e r n c e ere o f the . h i g ap p a a h m es s e n gers fro m Ro m e a n d th e w a y they a re rec e ive d ?

5 Ho w o es th e a s t s c e n e in t s r 2 . d l hi Idyll bring o u min ds ro u n d to the b egin n in g? 206 QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY

GAR ETH AND LYNETTE

Who wa a et ? Wh did h r m 1 . s G y e e a a t o me ? r h . in h

W h e w an t t o do ? W a t k o f f 2 . ha t did h ind li e did he w ish

? a s a s u f u to lead Fin d p s ge that j s ti y yo r answer .

3 h r — . Explain t e p a able in lin es 98 1 1 4 . — “ 4 i es 1 1 5 8 e n n i M a am r w . o e n o . Qu t l n , b gi ng I g n ’ B m n t s do es aret m 5 . y what argu e G h s o ther try to dis su ade him ? ’ 6 Ho w h e wi his m o he s c o sen t ? W at c o d . did n t r n h n i tio n did sh e imp o se ? Why ?

h hi r C m r i e rtu re an d s ar a a t a e o . 7 . esc e s a D ib d p , iv l l t

W a t w ere his ﬁrs t m res s o s o f the c t ? es cr e 8 . h i p i n i y D ib m i w h M his ee t n g it e rlin . — if o u c an s o me ara e 9 . a n n es 254 274 . e Exp l i li Giv , y , p ll l f o r in stan c e o this t ru th fro m m o dern life . ’ W fu c t o f A u Co u rt do e s r 1 0 . hat n i n s o Kin g rth r s Ga e th

“ ﬁrs t s ee ? Wha t imp res s io ns o f th e King do they give y o u ?

H w is a re th r h ? o 1 1 . o G ec eived by t e Kin g D oes an y n e susp ec t his disgu ise ?

H w i h d b his m a ter Sir K a ? H w 1 2 . o s e trea e s o b t y , y y Lanc elot ?

Ho w he s en his me ? H w h e d ffe r 1 3 . did p d ti o did i fro m his fello w s ?

W a is his ﬁrs t u e t ? 1 4 . h t q s

W a so rt o f r o e s L s e m ? H w 1 5 . h t gi l d yne tte e t o be o ? — do e s sh e t rea t Gareth Co mmi t t o m e mo ry lin e s 5 74 7 .

W at a e tu res d o e s areth m ee t o n the w ? 1 6 . h dv n G ay Ho w do es he a c q uit him s elf?

W h d e u m h m 1 7 . ha t allego ry a be n ass ed in t e ar o r o f the w m m en ho Gareth w a s to ﬁght ? See lin es 1 1 66 17.

W at is m e in th f c a th s c n c o m a 1 8 . h i pli d e a t th t e e o d b t is ar er an th e ﬁrs t an d th e r ﬁerc er s t l ? See es h d th , thi d i l lin — 1 1 00 4 .

W t do the r c t m ean ? S o 1 9 . ha ly i s that Lynet e s in gs h w

ow th e fo rm a rea art o f th sto r h y l p e y .

208 QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR ST UDY

? Wh a t d o the o e t ere th n k an d s a o f he r 14 . pe pl h i y

Wha t th n s in th e s to r u t it in the a o f r 1 5 . i g y p l nd pu e ro m an c e ?

Ho w oes t s s o th e ro fo rc o f 1 6 . d hi Idyll h w g wing e e vil a t the Co urt ?

THE HOLY GRAIL

W was the Ho ra ? B w t o er m is it 1 . hat ly G il y ha th na e ? o ften kn o wn ? To what kin d o f p e rso n o n ly did it app ear What o ther literatu re do y o u kn o w in which the Gra il ﬁgu re s ?

Sir Per a e ha d eft the w o r a n d o n e to b a m n k 2 . c iv l l ld g e o

w o T n n so n tel u s t s ? in a mo n as tery . Ho d es e y l hi

Wh t r is iv n in the s ec o n ar r h? 3 . at p ic u e g e d p ag ap Where ” are th e two men ? What are clo is ters ? What is the s mo ke ? o f the y ew - tree

4 Ho w Am ro s s kn o wn w e ce Sir P rc ? . had b iu h n e ivale came ? What do e s h e kn o w o f th e kn ights Ho w do es h e kno w o f them ?

W t h d r t Perc a e to th m 5 . ha a b o ugh iv l e o nastery ?

Th o ld m n k is u r u s a o u t th s 6 . e o c io b e to ry o f the Grail ; bu t to him it is o nly the phan to m o f a c u p that c o mes an d

W at is it to P r a ? Wh t n go es . h e c iv le a a cco u t o f it do es h e give ? What p art o f the s to ry ha s Ambro siu s already hea rd ?

Who had ﬁrst s een th e s o n o f the ra ? W 7 . Vi i G il hat so rt ” o f erso n wa s she ? Wha wa s the sca n a o f the Co rt p t d l u , lin e 78 ?

f h n f h r 8 . Read care ully t e visio o t e G a il as it app eared to ’ — W u f Perc i a e s s ster n es 1 06 1 28 . hat s e o c o o r an d so u n v l i , li l d do es the p o et m ake in this p ic ture ? “ ” W at is mean t b fas t n ? Wha was th mo t 9 . h y i g t e ive ? fo r it Do es th e c us to m s till e xist ? ’ h d e mo st mo e b the me s cc o 1 0 . Who a be n v d y n a unt o f her ’ Visio n ? What so rt o f man wa s h e ? Rea d Ten ny so n s sho rt — em S i r Galahad . a in n es 1 62 1 65 . po , Expl li ” 1 1 W was the S e e Pe us ? W a was the e e . hat i g rilo h t l g nd abo u t it ? QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUD Y 209

h 1 2 . W at miraculo u s app ea ra nc e s et the kn ights u po n the ? q u e s t o f the Gra il Ho w did they regard a v o w ? Gawain ” m a e the v o w a n d o u e r tha n the res t : w at o es Te n d , l d h d n y so n m ean by this ? h 1 3 . Why ad n o t Arthur take n the v o w ? Wo uld he have

o n e so if he h ad s e e n th e s o n o f the ra ? W did he d , vi i G il hat s a y whe n h e fo u n d th at so man y o f his kn ights had taken the v o w ? Why did h e disapp ro ve ? Lin e 3 1 9 gives his phras e fo r m the mis taken fo lly o f the q u es t ; re m e ber it .

th s r t o n s o f th e h a nd th t o f 1 4 . Study e de c ip i ll a e c i y

t u t fu n d s t r k n ss P k u t h e ea a s . Ca melo t . ic o b i l i i g pa age

ead a o the fo o w n fo r the r ea u t o f c t re an d R l ud ll i g , i b y p i u —1 94 205 — 224 225 — 245 25 8 —270 33 — rhyt hm : lin es 1 79 ; ; ; ; 8 360 .

I wh at s r t h ad Perc a e e n the es ? See 1 5 . n p i i iv l b gu q u t lines 36 1 What do u bts c ame later ?

B i n w th in e 379 Perc a e rec o n ts his x 1 6 . e n e g ing i l , iv l u perien ces o n his q ues t ; which s ee m real an d which s eem like ? is o n s mere an to ms o f th e m n he e er s ee the v i , ph i d Did v — ra ? See e s ec a es 489 5 39 . G il , p i lly , lin — . o u the ac co u n t o f 45 7 1 7 ea a a a a 484. R d l d G l h d ,

t o s Am ro s u s th n k o f ll 18 . Wha d e b i i a this realm o f mir acle an d vis io n ? What do es h e mo s t like ? Who m do y o u like

es t : Perc a e ala a o r Am ro s u s ? ea o u n es b iv l , G h d , b i R d al d li — 5 40 563 .

’ f P r s 1 9 . What ep iso de o e c ivale earlier life was revived ? Ho w did h e deal w ith it ? What do es Amb ro s ius thin k o f his — dec isio n ? What do y o u thin k o f it ? Rea d a lo u d 5 72 61 1 ; — 6 1 2 63 1 .

0 W t a en e to Sir Bo rs o n the u ? 2 . ha h pp d q est What so rt o f man w as Sir Bo rs ?

L n o a ears n o w an d t en the m : 2 1 . a cel t pp h in po e in what s ta te o f min d is h e ? Do e s he s ee the Grail ?

L n s 708 to the en d o f the o em ea w t th n 22 . i e p d l i h e e d o f

c an s are th ere in th the q u est . What h ge e c ity o f Camelo t ? ? In the Ro u n d T abl e Wha t s to ry has ea ch kn ight to tell upo n his return? Ho w is the charac ter o f each s ho wn by his experience ? 2 10 QUE STIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY

’ u L o t s s o r - 23 . ea a o a c e es 763 849 . W t R d l d n l t y , lin ha pass ages o f bea u ty o r s t ren gth do y o u ﬁn d in it ? Wh do es Art u r re ke n ? 24. y h bu Gawai What is the mean in g o f his rebuke ?

o s Art r s o w t 25 . Ho w again d e hu h hat the q ues t was a m st ke ? W at do o u th n k t s as o e me s ? i a h y i hi Idyll , a wh l , an ’ n n so n s o m The Pala c o 26 . Te y p e e f Art will thro w fur ther

it . light upo n his m ea n in g . Read

THE PASSIN G OF ARTHUR

1 The e r ier fo rm o f t s d w a s u s e b Ten . a l hi I yll p bli h d y ’ n s o n in 1 842 de r the t t e M orte d Arthu r . See the y , un i l (

o tes To s ear er ers o n w as reﬁxed the f l N . ) thi li v i p o lowing In tro ductio n

THE E PIC

' ’ Ar Fran c s A en s o n the Chr s tmas - ev e i ll i , ’ The game of fo rfeits don e the gi rls all ki ss d Be n eath the s acred b us h an d pas t a way The ars o n Ho mes the oet E v erard Ha p l , p ll, The host a n d I s at ro un d the wass a - bo w , il l , ’ The n half- wa e bb d : an d there we he d a t a k y l l , Ho w all the old ho no r had fro m Chr s tm as o n e i g , Or o n e o r dw n d e d down t o s o me o dd ames g , i l g In s o me odd n oo ks ke th s t l I t re d o u t li i ; il , i W th c u tt n e hts that d a u o n the ond i i g ig y p p , Where t hree t mes s n fro m the o u ter ed e , i lippi g g . ’ I b u m d the i ce n to three se v era s tars p i l , Fell i n a doz e ; an d h alf a wake I heard The ars o n t aki n w de an d w der s wee s p g i i p , Now ha r n o n the chu rch - co mm ss oners pi g i i , No w ha wking at G eology a n d s chis m; Un t I woke an d fo u n d him s ett ed do wn il , l Upon the ge n eral decay of faith ’ R ht thro the wor d at ho me was l tt e eft ig l , i l l , An d no ne a b d : h e w n o an chor n o n e roa t er as , , ” To h n n c his han d o d b . Fra c s au h a t l y i , l g i g, l p ’ “ ” Ou E v erard s s ho u der w th I ho d b him . l , i l y ” “ - And I uo th E v erard b the wass a bo w . , q , y il l ” “ Wh es I s a d we kn e w o u r ft that wa y y , i , y gi y At co e e b ut ano ther wh c h o u had ll g ; i y , I mean of v erse fo r s o we he d it then ( l ) , ” ” What c ame of that ? Yo u kn o w sa d Fran k he b urnt , i , ” Hi s e c his K n Arth u r s ome twe v e books pi , i g , l “ An d then to me deman d n wh ? Oh s ir i g y , , He th o u ht that n oth n n ew was s a d o r e s e g i g i , l ’ Somethin g 5 0 said t was n othing th at a truth ' Loo ks freshest in the fashion of the day

2 12 QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY

D o s u c n es a s 82 85 86 9 2 . 94 95 . m o e ra o r h li , , , , v pidly — — s o ? W at is th e m ea n n o f 82 3 84 87 90 1 ? o e l wly h i g , , , N t th e s trikin g e ffec ts i n th e d es c rip tio n o f th e ba ttle : t h e s en s e o f c o n f s o n in th e m s a n d da rk n es s th e t o ts u i i t , h ugh a n d m e m o r es t a t c o m e t o th e ﬁ hters the es s o i h g , impr i n o f c ra s an d s t r e a n d c r de o en c e the as e as s o n s h uggl u vi l , b p i

a n d fo s eec th e s ffer n a n d the r ef. Tak en a s a ul p h , u i g g i ' w o e d o e s t s a s s a e m ake w ar s ee m ero c o r h o r h l , hi p g h i r e ? e a a a n n es 1 06 t o 1 1 7 a n d o t c e th e effec ibl R d g i li , n i t o f th e s o un d : ho w th e p ass age gives th e s hoc k an d c ra s h o f the ﬁ ht a n d th e e ffec a t the e n d o f the c es sa o n o f g , t , , ti

n r l s o und a d s t ugg e . — I n n es 1 20 1 e th e ffec o f the s s o n ds : w 1 3 . o e a li , n t t u h t are they inten ded t o res e mble ?

Wha t is the c re w e et o f the wa es s o 1 4 . pi tu g v ri ing ver — l s s n the b a tt e ﬁeld ? See lines 1 27 1 35 . D o e thi a gai ma ke w ar s ee m hero ic ?

n h w s o n d o r 5 ea e 13 9 . o e o a a 1 . R d li N t l wly l b ingly it

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d l t h o ro s ro l n a t o f the o en n . I ls . o e t e s y N on u , l i g q u li y p i g What is the s c ene p ic tured here ? Wha t feelin gs do es it s tir i n y o u ? Wha t t s do es A t ec al o f th e o de n a s in 20 . hing r hur r l g l d y Cam elo t ? What s to ry o f Excalibur did y o u rea d i n the ﬁrs t Idy ll? Wha t c omm an d do es the Ki n g give Be divere ? — Wh c h s ee m es t o o u ? ea d a o n es 2 1 3 2 1 9 . 2 1 . R l ud li i b t y

W c if an s es th e dea b he r s o d ? T s who e hi h , y , ugg t i y t i un hi l QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY 2 13

as s a e ke n es 1 70 - 1 80 a n d ma o e rs in th s d l p g , li li , ny th i I yl , i s wha t is c a lle d ro ma n ti c ; d o y o u kno w w ha t tha t m e an s ?

If n o t c o n s u t a d c t o n a r o r teac er o r a n o t e r , l i i y , y u h , y h

autho rities y o u c a n . — I n n es 220 233 wh c h n es e c e i n n 22 . a c re ? li , i li x l givi g pi tu Which in the e ffec t o f s o u n d ?

H w s n kn o w t a Bed r v 23 . o do e the Ki g h t ive e de c ei e d ? him ? Ho w do es he re b u ke him Ho w d o e s B edive re the s ec o n d ti me jus tify to him self hi s disobedience ? ms e f h 2 No te n es 273 4 . T e n n s o n t o t 4. li y hi l ugh thes e

n lines w e re very go o d . Ca y o u s ee w hy ? Wo uld y o u ha ve s elec ted the m a s ﬁn e p o et ry ?

h m n n f — a n t e ea o n es 275 2 7 o f n e 278 . 25 . Expl i i g li 7 ; li ’ 26 Ho w do es Art u r s s ec o n d re u ke d ffe fr m his ﬁrs t ? . h b i r o

Ho w do es Bed r Explai n lin e 289 . ive e this tim e make s ure ? o f o be dienc e Wha t hap p en s when h e ﬂi n gs the s wo rd ? What lines in the desc rip tio n w o uld y o u s el ec t a s ﬁn es t ? — W a t n s s m i ea d a o d n es 30 1 3 1 5 . e ee n e r m o e R l u li h li , th i v

me n s w ft o r s o w t o s the ac t o n ? t , i l , uit i — 6 P n t 27 ea d a o d n es 3 44 3 0 . o o u t t e m s o m e o f . R l u li i in h the q ualities y o u ha ve alre a dy ha d c alle d to y o u r a tt e n tio n

o t e r n es the ro m a n t c u a t o f t he s c e n e t he w a in h li ; i q li y , y the li n es e xp res s the idea n o t o n ly by w ha t th e y s a y but b t e r s o u d a n d m o e m en a n d e s ec a t he ﬁn e t ra n y h i n v t , p i lly

n i n the as s e e c t the n es t a t o u s itio u o r c ha ge l t e ven . S l li h y thi n k mo s t imp re s sive . d es 36 1 — mm e n t o t e m a s ea d a o u 37 1 . o 28 . R l lin C up n h

n the rec e d n as s W at a re s o me o f the mo s t up o p i g p age . h s ugges tive w o rds i n the s e lin e s ?

29 W a t o r w h o do o u s u o s e the re e een s w e e ? . h y p p th q u r

h In trodu ction a e 12 . See t e , p g

L es 408—41 0 a re a m o n the es t k n o w n i n a ll Te n 30 . in g b ’ W a t d o t e m ea n ? Ho w d o the a n y s o n s p o etry . h h y y p ply

’ t A t u r s w o rk a n d t o the w o rk o f o the r ea ders t a t o r h , l h ? c am e a fte r Ca n y o u thi n k o f s o me order o r s y s te m tha t “ ” s n eld ac e t o n e w ? Or o f s o me i n o w c hangi g , y i ing pl 2 14 QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY

go o d c u s to m n o l o n ger go o d fo r the w o rld ? C o mmit

m r thes e lines t o m e o y . — o mm to memo a s es 418 423 . a d t 3 1 . C it ry l o lin Wh t o hey mean ? 3 2 W a w as A io ? C o m a e it w t the s . h t vil n p r i h I lands o f the B es o r the a de o f the Hes e es i n eek l t , G r n p rid , Gr t l my ho ogy .

he s t t wo a ra r s ea d t a a o d . 33 . R l p g ph al u What do the

n s s s - las t t wo li e ugge t ? C o mp a re li n es 408 41 0 .

34 e e w i n o r m n d th . R vi y u i e fo ur Idylls in this volume ’ Wha t we re Arthu r s hop es a n d pla n s i n th e beginnin g ? Wha t wo rk did he s et hims elf t o do ? What interfered with his s u c c e s s a n d ﬁn ally des t roy ed his kingdo m ? Whic h o f his fr e n ds w ere fa s e w c h t r e ? o es the c o n ﬂic t o f i l , hi u D ” t a n d w r n h s a c c o n t o f Se s e a t war w So righ o g , t i u n ith ul , a s T en n s o n ra s ed it w c r n s ro the e y ph , hi h u th ugh whol s to r e n d i n ic t o r fo r the e o r is m e a y , v y vil , it i pli d th t good will triump h in the e n d ?

3 5 do es the c h a r c a n d o ma n c a t o f the s . Or , iv l i r ti p r tory in e res t y o u m o re t an the m o ra o f the s o r es ? It s o t h l t i , w a t c a rac t ers ha t ac t o n s w a t s c e n e s c an o u ec a l? h h , w i , h y r l Wha t pic t u res h a ve y o u hun g u p i n the gallery o f y o ur

e mo r ? C a n o u c all e fo re o r m n fo r n s t a n c e the m y y b y u i d , i , my thic a l c o min g o f Arthu r o n a w a ve o f the s ea an d his my thic al de p a rture i n t he b o a t with th e thre e black - ro b ed q ue en s ? Or the p icture o f Gare th ap p ro achin g C am elo t ? ’ Or Elain e s bo dy s teere d u p th e river in to the c ity ? Or the m a rr a e o f Art u r w t th e m a ed w a rr o rs aro n him i g h , i h il i u d s h o u t n the r a ttle - s o n ? Or th e ru n e s r n e th e ac e i g i b g i d h i , pl o f t o m s the dim a n d m s t n t o f m w n ter w en b , i y igh id i h Arthu r la y dy in g ? Wha t o the r pic t u res c a n y o u rec all ?

if t k s u r in th n s s a d w at l es 3 6 . Or o u a e ea e e , y pl i g w ll i , h in ha ve s tuc k in y o ur me m o ry ? Wha t phra se s give y o u pleas u re by c o mi n g b ac k t o y o u ? Wha t things wo uld y o u like t o ha ve bee n abl e to s ay a s well ?

2 1 6 QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY

’ ’ Th e te m e s t cra c k e s o n th e All- a rm d I r de wh a te e r et de p l i , b i ,

e a ds U n t I ﬁ n d th e Ho l , il ly G ra il . An d ri n i n s ri n s f r m r n , g g , p g o b a d a n d m a il 5 ’ B u t o e r th e dark a o r s re a ds SIR LA E g l y p , UNC LOT AND

A n d ds th e d r n h g il iv i g a il . Q UE E N GUINE VE R E I e av e th e a n I c m th e l pl i , li b A F RA G ME N T h e ight ; No b ran ch y th ic k e t s h elte r LI K E s ou l s th a t b ala n c e j o y a n d e d s a n y i l ; p i , h Bu t bles s e d f o rm s i n w h i s tli ng Wi t t e a rs a n d s m il e s fro m h eav e n s torm s ag a i n ’ Fly o er w as te f en s a n d w i n dy Th e m a id en Sp ri n g u p o n th e pl a i n

ﬁ l Ca m e i n a s u n t fa o f ra n . e ds . li ll i In c rys ta l v a po r e v e ry wh ere ’ A m a iden k n igh t to m e i s g i v e n Bl u e is l e s o f h e av e n la u gh d b e S u c h h o e I k n o w n t f a r t w e en p , o e ; ,

I e arn t o re a th e h r f An d far i n f o res t - de e s u ns e en y b t e a i s o , p , ’ h e a v e n The topm o s t elm - tre e g ather d h f re en T a t o te n m e e t m e h e re . g

I m u s e o n o h a w n rom drau hts o f a m t t o t c eas e air . j y ill , F g b l y Pu re s pa c e s c l o th e d i n liv in g e a m s Somet m es th e n n e t ed hi s b , i li pip

Pu re e s o f e te rn a ea c e s on lili l p , g Wh os e o d o rs h a u n t m y d re a m s ; S om e tim es the th ros tle w his tl ed ’ An d s tr c k e n b a n a n e s h a n d s tro n , i y g l , g ’ Th s m o rta a rm o r th at I w e ar S om et m e s the s arhawk wh eel d i l , i p , Th s w e h t a n d s e th s h e art a o n i ig iz , i l g , ’ an d e es Hu sh d all th e rov es from f e ar o f y , g ’ ’ Ar u h d a r u ru ﬁ n w ro n e t o c , e t d t o es t g

a ir B ras s c a es w th f u er . y g y p i ll

s o u n d

Th e c o u ds are rok e n i n th e sk I n c u rv e s th e e o w n r v e r ra n l b y , y ll i g i , ’ A n d t h ro th e m o u n ta i n - w all s An d dro o pi ng c h es tn u t- b u ds b e

A ro lli ng o rg a n - h arm o n y g a n

S w e s u a n h k f n o h e rfe c t f a n d s a e s a n d a s . T o s re a d t t e ll p , ll p i p ,

Th e n m o v e t he tre es th e c o s e s A o v e th e te e m n ro u n d . , p b i g g n o d ,

W n s ﬂu tt e r v o c es h o v e r Th e n i n the o h oo d o f th e e ar i g , i , b y y , cl e ar : Si r L au n cel ot a n d Q u e en G u i n e 0 j u s t a n d fa ithf u l k n ight o f v e re ’ G od ! R o de th ro th e cov e rts o f th e R d e on i th e r e is n e ar . de e r i p iz ,

S o a ss I h os te h a a n d ra n e th l ss f u tre e r n n c e ar . p l , ll , g g Wi b i l bl i gi g l ’ B r d e and fo rd b a rk a n d h e s e em d a art o f o o u s y b i g , y p S p j y a e S r n p l , p i g QUE STIONS AND TOPICS FOR STUDY 2 17

A o w n o f ra s - r n k s h g g s g e e s il e A n d u a n d d o w n t h e e o e o p p pl g , w ore , Ga zi n g wh e re th e lili e s blo w k d W th n 1 B u c l e i g o ld e 0 3 8 138 b e R o u n d a n s an d th e re e o w i l b l , f o re ; Th e s a n d o f Sh al i l o tt . A ligh t - g re e n t u ft o f pl u m e s s h e

o re W o w s w h t e n as e n s u ver b ill i , p q i ,

C os d in a o de n r n . l e g l i g Littl e b re e ze s d u sk a n d s h iv e r ’ Th ro th e w a v e th a t ru n s fore v e r

No w o n s o m e t w s te d i v - n et B h i y , y t e i s l a n d in th e ri v e r n r v u No w b y s o m e t nk et , o w n d o w n i li g i l Fl i g t o Ca m e l o t . m o m x w th v o e t In ss es i t i i l o u r ra w a s a n d f o u r ra F g y ll , g y

- h n He r c re a m w h it e m u l e is p as t e r t o w ers ,

s e t Ov e rlo ok a s a c e o f flo w er p s , ’ An d fl e t er n o w s h e sk im m d e An d th e s il en t i s l e im b ow ers th e a n s Th pl i e L a dy of Sh a lott . Th an s h e w h o s e e lfin p ra n c er

s r n s ’ p i g B th e m ar n w o w - y e d y gi , ill il , B n h t t o e e r w a r n s ’ y ig y bli g , Slid e th e h e a v y b a rg e s trail d h e n a ll h m m n m ’ W t e gli e ri g o o r B y sl o w h ors e s a n d u n h ail d ’ a n d r n - l i gs Th e s h all o p ﬂitteth s ilk en s a il d

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h e s ad , Or a t th e c a s e m e n t s e en h er s ta n d ’ Th e h a w n ds u o n h e r la d Or i s s h e k n o w n i n all th e and ppy i p p y , l , Bl o wi n g th e ri n g l et f ro m th e Th e Lady o f Sh alo tt

b raid . ’ ’ Sh e lo o k d s o o v e as sh e s w a d On re a e rs re a n e a r l ly , y ly p , pi g ly

Th e re n w th da n t ﬁ n er I n am o n t h e e a rded ar e i i i y g g b b l y,

t s He ar a s o n th a t e c h o e s c h e e rlv ip , g m an had v e n all o th e r s s m t h e r v e r w n d n c e ar A g i bli , Fro i i i g l ly , ’ ll hi w o r d w orth fo r th s n t o t o w e r d Ca m e o t A n d a s l l y i , D o w l ; To w a ste h is w h o l e h e art i n o n e k is s An d b y th e m o on th e rea per

on h e r e rf e c t s . w e a r Up p li p y , s h e av es i n u a n d s a r Pili n g pl i y , ’ n i n w h is e rs Tis th e fa r Lis te g , p i y TT THE L ADY OF SHALO La dy o f Sh alott .

P ART I P ART 1 1 ON e ith er s ide th e ri v e r li e d o f r e T HE R E sh e w e a v es b n ht a n d L o n g ﬁ elds o f barl e y a n y , y ig h d a Th a t cl oth e th e w o ld a n d m e e t t e y

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’ Sh e k n o w s n ot wh a t th e c u rs e m ay Th e s u n c am e da zzlin g th ro the b e eav e s , l An d s o s h e w e a v e th s t e ad An d ﬂam ed u on th e bra en ily , p z An d tt e o th e r c a re h a th sh e r ea v e s li l , g

f h a l t Of o d Si r L an c e ot . Th e L a dy o S o t . b l l ‘ ’ A re d - cro s s kn igh t fore v er k n e el d ’ T o a ad i n his s h e d A n d m o v i n g th ro a m irro r cl ear l y i l ,

Th a h a n s efo re h er all th e e ar Th at s ark e d o n th e el o w ﬁeld , t g b y , p l y l es de rem ote Sh alott Sh ado w s of th e w o rld a pp e a r . B i . Th ere sh e s ees th e h igh wa y n ea r ’ m e ot Th e emm r d e litt er d fre e Win din g d ow n t o Ca l ; g y b i l g , Th ere th e r v er e dd w hi r s L k e t o s om e ra n ch of s tars w e see i y l , i b

n d th e r e th e s ur v a e - ch u r s Hu n in th e o d en Ga ax . A ly ill g l , g g l l y An d th e re d c o a k s of m ark e t i r s Th e r d e b el s ra n m erri l g l , b i l l g ly As h e rode d o wn t o Cam e ot Pas s o n w ard from Sh alot t . l ; ’ An d f rom hi s blazon d ba ldric

om t m e s a tr0 0 of d am s e s a d s un S e i p l gl , l g A u a ot o n an a m n ad A m ht s lv er u e h un bb bli g p , ig y i b gl g ,

m u r h e h erd - lad A n d as h e ro de h is arm or ru n S om eti es a c ly s p , g , ’ r o n - b a r d a e i n cr m s o n c ad es d e rem ote Sh alott . O l g i p g i l , B i ’ Go es by t o t o w e r d Ca m e l ot ; ’ All in th n u de An d s o m etim es th ro th e m irro r e blu e u clo d w eath er ’ hi ck - bl u e T j e w ell d sh on e th e s addle h m n eath er Th e k n ig ts c o e r idi g tw o a n d l , tw o Th e h e lm et an d th e h elm et -f eath er B ’ Sh e hath n o lo ya l k n ight a n d u rn d lik e on e b u rn in g ﬂame to

ru eth er t e , g , - q of h l As h e ro de do w n toCam e ot The L ady S a o tt. l ; ’ As o fte n th ro th e u r e n ht p p l ig ,

h e r w eb sh e st d e h ts e o w th e s ta rr c u s t ers br ht Bu t i n ill lig B l y l ig , ’ e av e th e mirror s m a c S o me b earde d m e te or t rail n To w g i , i g s ht s i ht ig , l g , ’ For o ften th ro th e s ilen t n ights M ov es o v er s ti ll Sh alo tt . A f u n era w th u m es an d hts l , i pl lig An d m u s c w e nt t o Ca m e ot His broad clear b ro w i n s u nl ht i , l ; ig ’ Or w h en th e m o on w as o v erh ea d o w d , gl ’ Cam e t wo y o u n g l o v ers l at e ly Ou b u rn ish d h o ov es his w ar w e d ; h ors e trode

I am h a f s c k o f sh ado w s s a d rom u n dern e ath his h elm et l i , i F ’ ﬂo w The Lady of Sh alott . d

His coa - ack c u rls as on h e rod e l bl , P AR III w o T As h e rod e d o n t o Came l t . rom th e an k an d f rom th e riv er A B OW - S HO T from h er b ow er F b ’ e av e s He ﬁ ash d n to th e c r stal m rror , i y i , ” e ro de etw e en th e bar e T rra. lirra b th e ri v er H b l y i , y

sh eav es S an Sir Lance ot . , g l

TE ! TBOOK S IN CITI! E NS HIP

GOVERNM E NT AND P OLI TI CS I N THE U NI TED Am i S TAT S . Pr e s of e c cr E obl m r an D e mo acy . A con d r hools Textbook for S e a y S c .

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B G I A P D By WILLIAM ACK US U TTE U , h . . This is an a dmirabl e textbo o k fo r the upp er grammar r h ﬁrs r f in ra des a n d fo t e t ea o the s cho o . It es g , y high l giv s impl e lan gu a ge a Very c lear explan atio n o f ho w a n d why o e rn men ts a re fo rm e at o ern m en t do es fo r the g v d , wh g v d wha t th e c t en o w s h i o m All c t en a n e to s ern en t . i iz , i iz g v n ec es sar fac ts re a r n o c a s tat e a n d n at o n a o er y g di g l l , , i l g v n m en t are en w th the m a n em as s u o n th e rac t ca giv , i i ph i p p i l Th k a spec ts o f go vern men t . e bo o c o n c l u de s with an in sp ir in e ress o n o f o u r n at o n a ea s o f s e f—re an c e e u a t g xp i i l id l l li , q li y o f o o rt u n t e u c a t o n fo r all an d the ro mo t o n o f pp i y , d i , p i in tern a tio n al p eace . Each chapter is ac co mp an ied by q u es tio n s an d e xerc ises which will s timula te in ves tigatio n o n th e p art o f p u pils into the o rganizatio n an d fu n ctio n s o f lo c al go vern men t . ! AT N A D P AM E R I CANI IO N CITI! E NSHI .

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