VI
THE LAY OF SIR LAUNFAL
I will tell you the story of another Lay. It relates the adventuresof a rich and mighty baron, and the Breton calls it, the Lay of SirLaunfal.
King Arthur--that fearless knight and courteous lord--removed toWales, and lodged at Caerleon-on-Usk, since the Picts and Scots didmuch mischief in the land. For it was the wont of the wild people ofthe north to enter in the realm of Logres, and burn and damage attheir will. At the time of Pentecost, the King cried a great feast.Thereat he gave many rich gifts to his counts and barons, and to theKnights of the Round Table. Never were such worship and bounty shownbefore at any feast, for Arthur bestowed honours and lands on all hisservants--save only on one. This lord, who was forgotten and mislikedof the King, was named Launfal. He was beloved by many of the Court,because of his beauty and prowess, for he was a worthy knight, open ofheart and heavy of hand. These lords, to whom their comrade was dear,felt little joy to see so stout a knight misprized. Sir Launfal wasson to a King of high descent, though his heritage was in a distantland. He was of the King's household, but since Arthur gave himnaught, and he was of too proud a mind to pray for his due, he hadspent all that he had. Right heavy was Sir Launfal, when he consideredthese things, for he knew himself taken in the toils. Gentles, marvelnot overmuch hereat. Ever must the pilgrim go heavily in a strangeland, where there is none to counsel and direct him in the path.
Now, on a day, Sir Launfal got him on his horse, that he might takehis pleasure for a little. He came forth from the city, alone,attended by neither servant nor squire. He went his way through agreen mead, till he stood by a river of clear running water. SirLaunfal would have crossed this stream, without thought of pass orford, but he might not do so, for reason that his horse was allfearful and trembling. Seeing that he was hindered in this fashion,Launfal unbitted his steed, and let him pasture in that fair meadow,where they had come. Then he folded his cloak to serve him as apillow, and lay upon the ground. Launfal lay in great misease, becauseof his heavy thoughts, and the discomfort of his bed. He turned fromside to side, and might not sleep. Now as the knight looked towardsthe river he saw two damsels coming towards him; fairer maidensLaunfal had never seen. These two maidens were richly dressed inkirtles closely laced and shapen to their persons and wore mantlesof a goodly purple hue. Sweet and dainty were the damsels, alike inraiment and in face. The elder of these ladies carried in her hands abasin of pure gold, cunningly wrought by some crafty smith--very fairand precious was the cup; and the younger bore a towel of soft whitelinen. These maidens turned neither to the right hand nor to the left,but went directly to the place where Launfal lay. When Launfal sawthat their business was with him, he stood upon his feet, like adiscreet and courteous gentleman. After they had greeted the knight,one of the maidens delivered the message with which she was charged.
"Sir Launfal, my demoiselle, as gracious as she is fair, prays thatyou will follow us, her messengers, as she has a certain word to speakwith you. We will lead you swiftly to her pavilion, for our lady isvery near at hand. If you but lift your eyes you may see where hertent is spread."
Right glad was the knight to do the bidding of the maidens. He gave noheed to his horse, but left him at his provand in the meadow. All hisdesire was to go with the damsels, to that pavilion of silk and diverscolours, pitched in so fair a place. Certainly neither Semiramis inthe days of her most wanton power, nor Octavian, the Emperor of allthe West, had so gracious a covering from sun and rain. Above the tentwas set an eagle of gold, so rich and precious, that none might countthe cost. The cords and fringes thereof were of silken thread, and thelances which bore aloft the pavilion were of refined gold. No King onearth might have so sweet a shelter, not though he gave in fee thevalue of his realm. Within this pavilion Launfal came upon the Maiden.Whiter she was than any altar lily, and more sweetly flushed than thenew born rose in time of summer heat. She lay upon a bed with naperyand coverlet of richer worth than could be furnished by a castle'sspoil. Very fresh and slender showed the lady in her vesture ofspotless linen. About her person she had drawn a mantle of ermine,edged with purple dye from the vats of Alexandria. By reason of theheat her raiment was unfastened for a little, and her throat and therondure of her bosom showed whiter and more untouched than hawthorn inMay. The knight came before the bed, and stood gazing on so sweet asight. The Maiden beckoned him to draw near, and when he had seatedhimself at the foot of her couch, spoke her mind.
"Launfal," she said, "fair friend, it is for you that I have come frommy own far land. I bring you my love. If you are prudent and discreet,as you are goodly to the view, there is no emperor nor count, norking, whose day shall be so filled with riches and with mirth asyours."
When Launfal heard these words he rejoiced greatly, for his heart waslitten by another's torch.
"Fair lady," he answered, "since it pleases you to be so gracious, andto dower so graceless a knight with your love, there is naught thatyou may bid me do--right or wrong, evil or good--that I will not do tothe utmost of my power. I will observe your commandment, and serve inyour quarrels. For you I renounce my father and my father's house.This only I pray, that I may dwell with you in your lodging, and thatyou will never send me from your side."
When the Maiden heard the words of him whom so fondly she desired tolove, she was altogether moved, and granted him forthwith her heartand her tenderness. To her bounty she added another gift besides.Never might Launfal be desirous of aught, but he would have accordingto his wish. He might waste and spend at will and pleasure, but in hispurse ever there was to spare. No more was Launfal sad. Right merrywas the pilgrim, since one had set him on the way, with such a gift,that the more pennies he bestowed, the more silver and gold were inhis pouch.
But the Maiden had yet a word to say.
"Friend," she said, "hearken to my counsel. I lay this charge uponyou, and pray you urgently, that you tell not to any man the secret ofour love. If you show this matter, you will lose your friend, for everand a day. Never again may you see my face. Never again will you haveseisin of that body, which is now so tender in your eyes."
Launfal plighted faith, that right strictly he would observe thiscommandment. So the Maiden granted him her kiss and her embrace, andvery sweetly in that fair lodging passed the day till evensong wascome.
Right loath was Launfal to depart from the pavilion at the vesperhour, and gladly would he have stayed, had he been able, and his ladywished.
"Fair friend," said she, "rise up, for no longer may you tarry. Thehour is come that we must part. But one thing I have to say before yougo. When you would speak with me I shall hasten to come before yourwish. Well I deem that you will only call your friend where she maybe found without reproach or shame of men. You may see me at yourpleasure; my voice shall speak softly in your ear at will; but I mustnever be known of your comrades, nor must they ever learn my speech."
Right joyous was Launfal to hear this thing. He sealed the covenantwith a kiss, and stood upon his feet. Then there entered the twomaidens who had led him to the pavilion, bringing with them richraiment, fitting for a knight's apparel. When Launfal had clothedhimself therewith, there seemed no goodlier varlet under heaven, forcertainly he was fair and true. After these maidens had refreshed himwith clear water, and dried his hands upon the napkin, Launfal wentto meat. His friend sat at table with him, and small will had he torefuse her courtesy. Very serviceably the damsels bore the meats, andLaunfal and the Maiden ate and drank with mirth and content. But onedish was more to the knight's relish than any other. Sweeter than thedainties within his mouth, was the lady's kiss upon his lips.
When supper was ended, Launfal rose from table, for his horse stoodwaiting without the pavilion. The destrier was newly saddled andbridled, and showed proudly in his rich gay trappings. So Launfalkissed, and bade farewell, and went his way. He rode back towards thecity at a slow pace. Often he checked his steed, and looked behindhim, for he was filled with amazement, and all bemused concerning thisadventure. In his heart he doubted that it was but a dream. He wasaltogether astonished, and knew not what to do. He feared thatpavilion and Maiden alike were from the realm of faery.
Launfal returned to his lodging, and was greeted by servitors, cladno longer in ragged raiment. He fared richly, lay softly, and spentlargely, but never knew how his purse was filled. There was no lordwho had need of a lodging in the town, but Launfal brought him tohis hall, for refreshment and delight. Launfal bestowed rich gifts.Launfal redeemed the poor captive. Launfal clothed in scarlet theminstrel. Launfal gave honour where honour was due. Stranger andfriend alike he comforted at need. So, whether by night or by day,Launfal lived greatly at his ease. His lady, she came at will andpleasure, and, for the rest, all was added unto him.
Now it chanced, the same year, about the feast of St. John, a companyof knights came, for their solace, to an orchard, beneath that towerwhere dwelt the Queen. Together with these lords went Gawain and hiscousin, Yvain the fair. Then said Gawain, that goodly knight, belovedand dear to all,
"Lords, we do wrong to disport ourselves in this pleasaunce withoutour comrade Launfal. It is not well to slight a prince as brave as heis courteous, and of a lineage prouder than our own."
Then certain of the lords returned to the city, and finding Launfalwithin his hostel, entreated him to take his pastime with them in thatfair meadow. The Queen looked out from a window in her tower, she andthree ladies of her fellowship. They saw the lords at their pleasure,and Launfal also, whom well they knew. So the Queen chose of her Courtthirty damsels--the sweetest of face and most dainty of fashion--andcommanded that they should descend with her to take their delight inthe garden. When the knights beheld this gay company of ladies comedown the steps of the perron, they rejoiced beyond measure. Theyhastened before to lead them by the hand, and said such words in theirear as were seemly and pleasant to be spoken. Amongst these merry andcourteous lords hasted not Sir Launfal. He drew apart from the throng,for with him time went heavily, till he might have clasp and greetingof his friend. The ladies of the Queen's fellowship seemed but kitchenwenches to his sight, in comparison with the loveliness of the maiden.When the Queen marked Launfal go aside, she went his way, and seatingherself upon the herb, called the knight before her. Then she openedout her heart.
"Launfal, I have honoured you for long as a worthy knight, and havepraised and cherished you very dearly. You may receive a queen's wholelove, if such be your care. Be content: he to whom my heart is given,has small reason to complain him of the alms."
"Lady," answered the knight, "grant me leave to go, for this grace isnot for me. I am the King's man, and dare not break my troth. Not forthe highest lady in the world, not even for her love, will I set thisreproach upon my lord."
When the Queen heard this, she was full of wrath, and spoke many hotand bitter words.
"Launfal," she cried, "well I know that you think little of woman andher love. There are sins more black that a man may have upon his soul.Traitor you are, and false. Right evil counsel gave they to my lord,who prayed him to suffer you about his person. You remain only for hisharm and loss."
Launfal was very dolent to hear this thing. He was not slow to take upthe Queen's glove, and in his haste spake words that he repented long,and with tears.
"Lady," said he, "I am not of that guild of which you speak. Neitheram I a despiser of woman, since I love, and am loved, of one who wouldbear the prize from all the ladies in the land. Dame, know now and bepersuaded, that she, whom I serve, is so rich in state, that the verymeanest of her maidens, excels you, Lady Queen, as much in clerklyskill and goodness, as in sweetness of body and face, and in everyvirtue."
The Queen rose straightway to her feet, and fled to her chamber,weeping. Right wrathful and heavy was she, because of the words thathad besmirched her. She lay sick upon her bed, from which, she said,she would never rise, till the King had done her justice, and rightedthis bitter wrong. Now the King that day had taken his pleasure withinthe woods. He returned from the chase towards evening, and sought thechamber of the Queen. When the lady saw him, she sprang from her bed,and kneeling at his feet, pleaded for grace and pity. Launfal--shesaid--had shamed her, since he required her love. When she had put himby, very foully had he reviled her, boasting that his love was alreadyset on a lady, so proud and noble, that her meanest wench went morerichly, and smiled more sweetly, than the Queen. Thereat the Kingwaxed marvellously wrathful, and swore a great oath that he would setLaunfal within a fire, or hang him from a tree, if he could not denythis thing, before his peers.
Arthur came forth from the Queen's chamber, and called to him threeof his lords. These he sent to seek the knight who so evilly hadentreated the Queen. Launfal, for his part, had returned to hislodging, in a sad and sorrowful case. He saw very clearly that he hadlost his friend, since he had declared their love to men. Launfal satwithin his chamber, sick and heavy of thought. Often he called uponhis friend, but the lady would not hear his voice. He bewailed hisevil lot, with tears; for grief he came nigh to swoon; a hundred timeshe implored the Maiden that she would deign to speak with her knight.Then, since the lady yet refrained from speech, Launfal cursed his hotand unruly tongue. Very near he came to ending all this trouble withhis knife. Naught he found to do but to wring his hands, and call uponthe Maiden, begging her to forgive his trespass, and to talk with himagain, as friend to friend.
But little peace is there for him who is harassed by a King. Therecame presently to Launfal's hostel those three barons from the Court.These bade the knight forthwith to go with them to Arthur's presence,to acquit him of this wrong against the Queen. Launfal went forth, tohis own deep sorrow. Had any man slain him on the road, he wouldhave counted him his friend. He stood before the King, downcast andspeechless, being dumb by reason of that great grief, of which heshowed the picture and image.
Arthur looked upon his captive very evilly.
"Vassal," said he, harshly, "you have done me a bitter wrong. It was afoul deed to seek to shame me in this ugly fashion, and to smirch thehonour of the Queen. Is it folly or lightness which leads you to boastof that lady, the least of whose maidens is fairer, and goes morerichly, than the Queen?"
Launfal protested that never had he set such shame upon his lord.Word by word he told the tale of how he denied the Queen, within theorchard. But concerning that which he had spoken of the lady, he ownedthe truth, and his folly. The love of which he bragged was now lost tohim, by his own exceeding fault. He cared little for his life, and wascontent to obey the judgment of the Court.
Right wrathful was the King at Launfal's words. He conjured his baronsto give him such wise counsel herein, that wrong might be done tonone. The lords did the King's bidding, whether good came of thematter, or evil. They gathered themselves together, and appointed acertain day that Launfal should abide the judgment of his peers. Forhis part Launfal must give pledge and surety to his lord, that hewould come before this judgment in his own body. If he might not givesuch surety then he should be held captive till the appointed day.When the lords of the King's household returned to tell him of theircounsel, Arthur demanded that Launfal should put such pledge in hishand, as they had said. Launfal was altogether mazed and bewildered atthis judgment, for he had neither friend nor kindred in the land. Hewould have been set in prison, but Gawain came first to offer himselfas his surety, and with him, all the knights of his fellowship. Thesegave into the King's hand as pledge, the fiefs and lands that theyheld of his Crown. The King having taken pledges from the sureties,Launfal returned to his lodging, and with him certain knights of hiscompany. They blamed him greatly because of his foolish love, andchastened him grievously by reason of the sorrow he made before men.Every day they came to his chamber, to know of his meat and drink, formuch they feared that presently he would become mad.
The lords of the household came together on the day appointed for thisjudgment. The King was on his chair, with the Queen sitting at hisside. The sureties brought Launfal within the hall, and rendered himinto the hands of his peers. Right sorrowful were they because of hisplight. A great company of his fellowship did all that they were ableto acquit him of this charge. When all was set out, the King demandedthe judgment of the Court, according to the accusation and the answer.The barons went forth in much trouble and thought to consider thismatter. Many amongst them grieved for the peril of a good knight ina strange land; others held that it were well for Launfal to suffer,because of the wish and malice of their lord. Whilst they were thusperplexed, the Duke of Cornwall rose in the council, and said,
"Lords, the King pursues Launfal as a traitor, and would slay him withthe sword, by reason that he bragged of the beauty of his maiden,and roused the jealousy of the Queen. By the faith that I owe thiscompany, none complains of Launfal, save only the King. For our partwe would know the truth of this business, and do justice between theKing and his man. We would also show proper reverence to our own liegelord. Now, if it be according to Arthur's will, let us take oath ofLaunfal, that he seek this lady, who has put such strife between himand the Queen. If her beauty be such as he has told us, the Queen willhave no cause for wrath. She must pardon Launfal for his rudeness,since it will be plain that he did not speak out of a malicious heart.Should Launfal fail his word, and not return with the lady, or shouldher fairness fall beneath his boast, then let him be cast off from ourfellowship, and be sent forth from the service of the King."
This counsel seemed good to the lords of the household. They sentcertain of his friends to Launfal, to acquaint him with theirjudgment, bidding him to pray his damsel to the Court, that he mightbe acquitted of this blame. The knight made answer that in no wisecould he do this thing. So the sureties returned before the judges,saying that Launfal hoped neither for refuge nor for succour fromthe lady, and Arthur urged them to a speedy ending, because of theprompting of the Queen.
The judges were about to give sentence upon Launfal, when they sawtwo maidens come riding towards the palace, upon two white amblingpalfreys. Very sweet and dainty were these maidens, and richly clothedin garments of crimson sendal, closely girt and fashioned to theirbodies. All men, old and young, looked willingly upon them, for fairthey were to see. Gawain, and three knights of his company, wentstraight to Launfal, and showed him these maidens, praying him tosay which of them was his friend. But he answered never a word. Themaidens dismounted from their palfreys, and coming before the daiswhere the King was seated, spake him fairly, as they were fair.
"Sire, prepare now a chamber, hung with silken cloths, where it isseemly for my lady to dwell; for she would lodge with you awhile."
This gift the King granted gladly. He called to him two knights of hishousehold, and bade them bestow the maidens in such chambers as werefitting to their degree. The maidens being gone, the King required ofhis barons to proceed with their judgment, saying that he had soredispleasure at the slowness of the cause.
"Sire," replied the barons, "we rose from Council, because of thedamsels who entered in the hall. We will at once resume the sitting,and give our judgment without more delay."
The barons again were gathered together, in much thought and trouble,to consider this matter. There was great strife and dissension amongstthem, for they knew not what to do. In the midst of all this noise andtumult, there came two other damsels riding to the hall on two Spanishmules. Very richly arrayed were these damsels in raiment of fineneedlework, and their kirtles were covered by fresh fair mantles,embroidered with gold. Great joy had Launfal's comrades when theymarked these ladies. They said between themselves that doubtless theycame for the succour of the good knight. Gawain, and certain of hiscompany, made haste to Launfal, and said, "Sir, be not cast down.Two ladies are near at hand, right dainty of dress, and gracious ofperson. Tell us truly, for the love of God, is one of these yourfriend?"
But Launfal answered very simply that never before had he seen thesedamsels with his eyes, nor known and loved them in his heart.
The maidens dismounted from their mules, and stood before Arthur, inthe sight of all. Greatly were they praised of many, because of theirbeauty, and of the colour of their face and hair. Some there were whodeemed already that the Queen was overborne.
The elder of the damsels carried herself modestly and well, andsweetly told over the message wherewith she was charged.
"Sire, make ready for us chambers, where we may abide with our lady,for even now she comes to speak with thee."
The King commanded that the ladies should be led to their companions,and bestowed in the same honourable fashion as they. Then he bade thelords of his household to consider their judgment, since he wouldendure no further respite. The Court already had given too much timeto the business, and the Queen was growing wrathful, because of theblame that was hers. Now the judges were about to proclaim theirsentence, when, amidst the tumult of the town, there came riding tothe palace the flower of all the ladies of the world. She came mountedupon a palfrey, white as snow, which carried her softly, as though sheloved her burthen. Beneath the sky was no goodlier steed, nor one moregentle to the hand. The harness of the palfrey was so rich, that noking on earth might hope to buy trappings so precious, unless he soldor set his realm in pledge. The Maiden herself showed such as I willtell you. Passing slim was the lady, sweet of bodice and slender ofgirdle. Her throat was whiter than snow on branch, and her eyes werelike flowers in the pallor of her face. She had a witching mouth, adainty nose, and an open brow. Her eyebrows were brown, and her goldenhair parted in two soft waves upon her head. She was clad in a shiftof spotless linen, and above her snowy kirtle was set a mantle ofroyal purple, clasped upon her breast. She carried a hooded falconupon her glove, and a greyhound followed closely after. As the Maidenrode at a slow pace through the streets of the city, there was none,neither great nor small, youth nor sergeant, but ran forth from hishouse, that he might content his heart with so great beauty. Every manthat saw her with his eyes, marvelled at a fairness beyond that of anyearthly woman. Little he cared for any mortal maiden, after he hadseen this sight. The friends of Sir Launfal hastened to the knight, totell him of his lady's succour, if so it were according to God's will.
"Sir comrade, truly is not this your friend? This lady is neitherblack nor golden, mean nor tall. She is only the most lovely thing inall the world."
When Launfal heard this, he sighed, for by their words he knew againhis friend. He raised his head, and as the blood rushed to his face,speech flowed from his lips.
"By my faith," cried he, "yes, she is indeed my friend. It is a smallmatter now whether men slay me, or set me free; for I am made whole ofmy hurt just by looking on her face."
The Maiden entered in the palace--where none so fair had comebefore--and stood before the King, in the presence of his household.She loosed the clasp of her mantle, so that men might the more easilyperceive the grace of her person. The courteous King advanced to meether, and all the Court got them on their feet, and pained themselvesin her service. When the lords had gazed upon her for a space, andpraised the sum of her beauty, the lady spake to Arthur in thisfashion, for she was anxious to begone.
"Sire, I have loved one of thy vassals,--the knight who stands inbonds, Sir Launfal. He was always misprized in thy Court, and hisevery action turned to blame. What he said, that thou knowest; forover hasty was his tongue before the Queen. But he never craved her inlove, however loud his boasting. I cannot choose that he should cometo hurt or harm by me. In the hope of freeing Launfal from his bonds,I have obeyed thy summons. Let now thy barons look boldly upon myface, and deal justly in this quarrel between the Queen and me."
The King commanded that this should be done, and looking upon hereyes, not one of the judges but was persuaded that her favour exceededthat of the Queen.
Since then Launfal had not spoken in malice against his lady, thelords of the household gave him again his sword. When the trial hadcome thus to an end the Maiden took her leave of the King, and madeher ready to depart. Gladly would Arthur have had her lodge with himfor a little, and many a lord would have rejoiced in her service, butshe might not tarry. Now without the hall stood a great stone of dullmarble, where it was the wont of lords, departing from the Court, toclimb into the saddle, and Launfal by the stone. The Maiden cameforth from the doors of the palace, and mounting on the stone, seatedherself on the palfrey, behind her friend. Then they rode across theplain together, and were no more seen.
The Bretons tell that the knight was ravished by his lady to anisland, very dim and very fair, known as Avalon. But none has hadspeech with Launfal and his faery love since then, and for my part Ican tell you no more of the matter.
