transcript

Speaker 1:
[00:01] Good evening, and welcome to The Sleepy Bookshelf, where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book. I'm Elizabeth, your host, and I am so pleased that you chose to be here tonight. This evening, we are continuing with King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. But first, let's take some time to relax. Take a deep breath in through your nose, calming your nervous system, and a long exhale to bring yourself peace. Keep focusing on these calming breaths, and notice how the air enters and leaves your body, maybe how your chest and stomach expand and contract with each breath. If your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your breath, inhaling deeply, inviting in the positive, and exhaling out, releasing the negative. Now bring your attention to my voice as I recap our last episode. King Arthur and his new sword Excalibur won the first battle against the Six Kings, but the next was soon to come. Merlin advised him to seek support from kings Ban and Bors, and together, they fought off the now 11 rebel kings who sought to kill him. Just as he sent in another round of knights, Merlin told him he had won for now, and no more death was needed. He then rode on to his master, Blaise, in Northumberland, who made a record of the battle, as Merlin told him of it. News came that King Reynes of North Wales was battling with King Leo de Grants of Camelguard, and so the three went to support Leo de Grants, which is where Arthur met his daughter, Guinevere. Once the battle was won, King Arthur returned to Carlean. He was visited by Bellison, the wife of King Lott, who was supposed to be spying for her husband. But so admired King Arthur's splendor, she told him all her husband's plans. The two had an affair, neither knowing that they were actually half siblings. King Arthur became disquieted after this, and while he was hunting, he saw a beast like he had never seen before, and a knight named Pelanor who had been tracking it. Merlin then appeared in the guise of first a young boy, and then an old man. When he revealed himself, Arthur told him of his troubled mind, and Merlin explained that God was displeased with him, for reasons only Arthur would know. Arthur went on to have many more battles with the Saxons throughout the country, winning each one with his cunning and bravery. Tonight, we pick up with Arthur in the midst of a siege. So just lie back and relax, as I turn to the next pages of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. Chapter 3, continued. Anon, the King of Ireland, came with an army to relieve them. But Arthur, turning on him fiercely, rooted him, and compelled him to retreat in terror to his land. Then he pursued his purpose, which was no less than to destroy the race of Picts and Scots, who beyond memory had been a ceaseless torment to the Britons by their barbarous malice. So bitterly, therefore, did he treat them, giving quarter to Anon, that at length, the bishops of that miserable country, with the clergy, met together. And bearing all the holy relics, came barefooted to the king, to pray his mercy for their people. As soon as they were led before him, they fell down upon their knees, and piteously besought him to spare the few survivors of their countrymen, and grant them any corner of the land where they might live in peace. When he thus heard them, and knew that he had now fully punished them, he consented to their prayer, and withdrew his hosts from any further slaughter. Then turned he back to his own realm, and came to York for Christmas, and there with high solemnity observed that holy tide. And hath slain my master, a valiant knight, whose name was nearless. Wherefore I beseech thee, Lord, my master may be buried, and that some good knight may avenge his death. At that stepped forth a squire named Grifflet, who was very young, being of the same age with King Arthur, and besought the king for all the service he had done to give him knighthood. Thou art full young and tender of age, said King Arthur, to take so high an order upon thee. And Merlin also advising the king to grant his request. Well, said Arthur, be it then so, and knighted him forthwith. Then said he to him, Since I've granted thee this favor, thou must in turn grant me a gift. Whatever thou wilt, my lord, replied Sir Grifflet. Promise me, said King Arthur, by the faith of thy body, that when thou hast joustered with this knight at the fountain, you wilt return to me straight away, unless he slay thee. I promise, said Sir Grifflet. And taking his horse in haste, he dressed his shield, and took a spear in his hand, and rode full gallop till he came to the fountain. By the side of which he saw a rich pavilion, and a great horse, standing well saddled and bridled. And on a tree close by there hung a shield of many colors, and a long glance. Then Sir Grifflet smote upon the shield with the butt of his spear, until he cast it to the ground. At that, a knight came out of the pavilion and said, Fair knight, why smote ye down my shield? Because, said Grifflet, I would joust with thee. It were better not, replied the king.

Speaker 2:
[10:21] But thou art young, and but lately made a knight, and thy strength is small compared to mine. But if I must, I must.

Speaker 1:
[10:45] Then did they wheel their horses far apart, and running them together, the strange knight shivered Sir Grifflet's spear to fragments, and smote him through the shield and the left side, and broke his own spear into Sir Grifflet's body, so that the truncheons stuck there, and Sir Grifflet and his horse fell down. But when the strange knight saw him overthrown, he was sore grieved and hastily alighted, for he thought that he had slain him. Then he unlaced his helm and gave him air, and tendered him carefully till he come out of his swoon. And leaving the truncheon of his spear in his body, he set him upon horse and commended him to God, and said that he had a mighty heart, and if he lived would prove a passing good night. And so Sir Grifflet rode to the court, where by aid of good physicians he was healed in time, and his life saved. At that same time, there came before the king twelve old men, ambassadors from Lucius Tiberius, Emperor of Rome, and demanded of Arthur tribute unto Caesar for his realm, or else, said they, the emperor would destroy him and his land. To whom King Arthur answered that he owed the emperor no tribute, nor would he send him any. But, said he, on a fair field I will pay him his proper tribute, with a sharp spear and sword, and by my father's soul that tribute shall he take from me, whether he will or not. So the ambassadors departed, passing wrath, and King Arthur was as wrath as they. But on the morrow of Sir Grifflet's Hurt, the king commanded to take his horse and armor secretly outside the city walls before sunrise of the next morning. And rising a long while before dawn, he mounted up and took his shield and spear and bade his chamberlain tarry till he came again. But he forebore to take Excalibur, for he had given it for safety into charge of his sister, Queen Morgan Le Fay. And as the king rode to soft pace, he saw suddenly three villains, chasing Merlin and making to attack and slay him. Clapping spurs to his horse, he rushed towards them and cried out in a terrible voice, Flee, Charles, or take your deaths. But they, as soon as they perceived a knight, fled away with the haste of hairs. From Merlin, said the king, Here hast thou been killed, despite thy many crafts, had I not chance to pass.

Speaker 2:
[14:28] Not so, said Merlin, for when I would, I could have saved myself. But thou art nearer to thy death than I, for without special help from heaven, thou ridest now towards thy grave.

Speaker 1:
[14:45] And as they were thus talking, they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilion pitched beside it, and saw a knight, sitting all armed on a chair in the opening of the tent. Sir Knight, said King Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here?

Speaker 3:
[15:09] To joust with any knight that passeth by?

Speaker 1:
[15:13] If so, I caution thee to quit that custom. That custom, said the knight, have I followed and will follow.

Speaker 2:
[15:22] Let whosoever will say nay.

Speaker 1:
[15:25] And if any is aggrieved at it, let him who will amend it. I will amend it, said King Arthur. And I will defend it, answered the knight. Then the knight mounted his horse and made himself ready, and charging at each other they met so hard that both their lances splintered into pieces. Then King Arthur drew his sword, but the knight cried out, Not so, but let us run another tilt together with sharp spears.

Speaker 3:
[16:05] I would with a good will, said King Arthur. But I have no more spears.

Speaker 1:
[16:10] I have enough of spears, replied the knight and called a squire who brought two new good lances. Then, spurring their horses, they rushed together with all their might, and broke each one his own spear short off in his hand. Then the king again put his hand to his sword, but the knight once more cried out, Nay, yet abide a while. Ye are the best jouster that I ever met with. For the love of knighthood, let us joust yet once again. So once again, they tilted with their fullest force, and this time King Arthur's spear was shivered, but the knights held whole, and drove so furiously against the king, that both his horse and he were hurled to the ground. At that, King Arthur was enraged, and drew his sword and said, I will attack thee now, Sir Knight, on foot, for on horseback I have lost the honor. I will be on horseback, said the knight. But when he saw him come on foot, he lighted from his horse, thinking it shame to have so great advantage. And then began they a strong battle, with many great strokes and grievous blows. And so, hewed with their swords, that the fragments of their armor flew about the fields, and both so bled that all the ground around was like a marsh of blood. Thus they fought, long and mightily and anon, after brief rest fell to again, and so hurtled together like two wild boars, that they both rolled to the ground, and at last, their swords clashed furiously together, and the knight's sword shivered the king's in two. Then said the knight, Now art thou in my power, to save thee or to slay, yield therefore is defeated, and a recreant knight, how'll thou shalt surely die? As for death, replied King Arthur, well, can be it when it cometh. But as for yielding me to thee, as a recreant because of this poor accident upon my sword, had Farleaf had died and be so shamed. So saying he sprang on the knight, and took him by the middle and threw him down, and tore off his helm. But the knight, being a huge man, wrestled and struggled in a frenzy with the king, until he brought him under, and tore off his helm in turn, and would have smitten off his head.

Speaker 2:
[19:31] At that came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for if thou slayest yonder knight, thou puttest all this realm to greater loss and damage than ever realm was in. For he is a man of greater worship than thou dreamt of. Who is he, then?

Speaker 1:
[19:50] Cried the knight. Then would he have slain him for dread of his wrath. But Merlin cast a spell upon the knight, so that he fell suddenly to the earth in a deep sleep. Then, raising up the king, he took the knight's horse for himself and rode away. Alas, said King Arthur, what has that done, Merlin?

Speaker 2:
[20:20] Hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts?

Speaker 1:
[20:24] There never lived a better knight.

Speaker 2:
[20:26] I'd rather lose my kingdom for a year than have him dead. He is more whole and sound than thou art, and he is but in his sleep wherefrom in three hours' time he will awake. I told thee what a knight he was, and how near thou was to death. There liveth not a better knight in all the world, and hereafter he shall do thee good service. His name is King Pelennor, and he shall have two sons who shall be passing valiant men, and save one another shall have no equal in prowess and purity of life. The one shall be named Percival, and the other, Llamarach of Wales.

Speaker 1:
[21:17] So they rode on to Carleion, and all the knights grieved greatly when they heard of this adventure, that the king would jeopardize his person thus alone. Yet, could they not hide their joy at serving under such a noble chief, who had ventured his own life as much as did the poorest knight among them all? Chapter 4 The King's Many and Great Adventures. The land of Britain, being now in peace, and many great and valiant knights therein ready to take part in whatsoever battles or adventures might arise, King Arthur resolved to follow all his enemies to their own coasts. And on, he fitted out a great fleet, and sailing first to Ireland in one battle, he miserably routed the people of the country. Having conquered Ireland, he went next to Iceland, and subdued it also. And the winter being then arrived, returned to Britain. In the next year, he set forth to Norway. the king with all the power of that country, met and gave him battle. But after mighty slaughter, the Britons had at length the advantage, and slew Rickov and countless multitude besides. Now, therefore, having thus chastised those pagans who so long had harassed Britain, and put his yoke upon them, he voyaged on to Gaul, being steadfastly set upon defeating the Roman governor of that province, and so beginning to make good the threats which he had sent the emperor by his ambassadors. So soon as he was landed on the shores of Gaul, there came to him a countryman who told him of a fearful giant in the land of Brittany, who had slain, murdered and devoured many people, and had lived for seven years upon young children only. In so much, said the man, that all the children of the country are destroyed, and but the other day he seized upon our duchess as she rode out with her men, and took her away to his lodging in a cave of a mountain.

Speaker 3:
[25:42] And though five hundred people followed her, yet could they give her no help or rescue, but left her, shrieking and crying lamentably in the giant's hands. And, Lord, she is thy cousin, Hull's wife, who is of thy near kindred.

Speaker 1:
[26:05] Wherefore, as thou art a rightful king, have pity on this lady, and as thou art a valiant conqueror, avenge us and deliver us. Alas, said King Arthur, this is a great mischief that you tell of. I had rather than the best realm I have, that I had rescued that lady ere the giant laid his hand on her.

Speaker 3:
[26:33] But tell me now, good fellow, canst thou bring me where this giant wanteth?

Speaker 1:
[26:39] Yea, Lord, replied the man. Lo yonder, where thou seest two great fires, there shalt thou find him, and more treasure also than is in all gold besides. Then the king returned to his tent, and calling Sir Key and Sir Bedwin, desired them to get horses ready for himself and them, for that after even song, he would ride a pilgrimage with them, alone, to St. Michael's Mount. So in the evening they departed, and rode as fast as they could till they came near the mount. And there alighted, and the king commanded the two knights to await him at the hill foot, while he went up alone. Then he ascended the mountain till he came to a great fire, and there he found a sorrowful widow, wringing her hands and weeping miserably, sitting by a new-made grave. And saluting her, King Arthur prayed her, wherefore she made such heavy lamentations.

Speaker 4:
[28:01] Sennight, said she, speak softly, for Yonder is a devil, who if he hear thy voice, will come and straight away slay thee. Alas, what dost thou hear? Fifty such men as thou were powerless to resist him. Beware that thou go not too nigh, for he hath overcome and vanquished fifteen kings, and hath made himself a coat of precious stones, embroidered with their beards. But if thou art so hardy, and wilt speak with him, at yonder great fire he is at supper. Well, said King Arthur, I will accomplish mine errant, for all thy fearful words.

Speaker 1:
[29:24] And so went forth to the crest of the hill, and saw where the giant sat at supper, baking his huge frame by the fire. When King Arthur saw all that, his heart bled for sorrow, and he trembled for rage and indignation. Then, lifting up his voice, he cried aloud, God, that wieldeth o'er the world, give thee short life and shameful death, and may the devil have thy soul.

Speaker 3:
[30:07] Why hast thou slain those children and that fair lady?

Speaker 1:
[30:12] Wherefore, arise and prepare thee to perish, thou glutton and fiend, for this day thou shalt die by my hands. Then the giant, mad with fury at these words, started up and seized a great club, smote the king and struck his crown from his head. But King Arthur smote him with his sword so mightily in return. At that, the giant, howling in great anguish, threw away his club of iron and caught the king in both his arms and strove to crush him. But King Arthur struggled and writhed and twisted him about, so that the giant could not hold him tightly. And as they fiercely wrestled, they both fell, and rolling over one another, tumbled, wrestling and struggling, and fighting frantically from rock to rock, till they came to the scene. And as they tore, and strove, and tumbled, the king ever and anon smote at the giant with his dagger, till his arm stiffened around King Arthur's body, and groaning horribly, he died. So presently the two knights came and found the king locked, fast in the giant's arms, and very faint and weary, and loosened him from their hold. Then the king bade Ser Ki to smite off the giant's head, and set it on the truncheon of a spear, and bear it to Ser Howell, tell him that his enemy is slain, and afterwards, let it be fastened to the castle gate, that all the people may behold it.

Speaker 3:
[32:26] And go ye up on the mountain, and fetch me my shield and sword, and also the great club of iron you will see there.

Speaker 1:
[32:37] And as for the treasure, you shall find their wealth beyond counting, but take as much as you will, for I have his kirtle and the club. I desire no more. Then the knights fetched the club and kirtle as the king had ordered, and took the treasure to themselves as much as they could carry, and returned to the army. But when this deed was noised abroad, all the people came in multitudes to thank the king, who told them to give thanks to God, and to divide the giant spoils amongst them equally. And King Arthur desired Sir Howell to build a church upon the mount, and dedicate it to the Archangel Michael. On the morrow, all the host moved onwards into the country of Champagne, and Flolo, the Roman Tribune, retired before them into Paris. But while he was preparing to collect more forces from the neighboring countries, King Arthur came upon him unawares, and besieged him in the town. And when a month had passed, Flolo, full of grief at the starvation of his people, who died in hundreds by the day, sent to King Arthur, and desired that they too might fight together. For he was a man of mighty stature and courage, and thought himself sure of the victory. This challenge, King Arthur, full weary of the siege, accepted with great joy, and sent back word to Flolo that he would meet him when soever he appointed. And a truce being made on both sides, they met together the next day on the island, without the city, where all the people also were gathered to see the issue. And as the King and Flolo rode up to the lists, each was so nobly armed and hoarse, and sat so mightily upon his saddle. That no man could tell which way the battle would end. When they had saluted one another, and presented themselves against each other with their lances aloft, they put spurs to their horses, and began a fierce encounter. But King Arthur, carrying his spear more warily, struck it on the upper part of Flolo's breast, and flung him from his saddle to the earth. Then, drawing his sword, he cried to him to rise, and rushed upon him. But Flolo, starting up, met him with his spear, couched, and pierced the breast of King Arthur's horse, and overthrew both horse and man. The Britons, when they saw their king upon the ground, could scarcely keep themselves from breaking up the truce, and falling on the gulls. But as they were about to burst the barriers, and rush upon the lists, King Arthur hastily arose, and guarding himself with his shield, ran with speed on Flolo. And now they renewed the assault with great rage, being sorely bent upon each other's death. At length, Flolo, seizing his advantage, gave King Arthur a huge stroke upon the helm, which nigh overthrew him, and drew forth his blood. But when King Arthur saw his armor and shield red, he was inflamed with fury. And lifting up Excalibur on high, with all his might, he struck straight through the helmet into Flolo's head. As soon as the news spread, the citizens all ran together, and opening the gates, surrendered the city to the conqueror. And on, he invited there to all the kings, dukes, earls and barons who owed him homage, that he might treat them royally, and reconcile them to each other and to his rule. And never was there a city more fit and pleasant for such festivals. For on one side, it was washed by a noble river, so that the kings and princes from the countries beyond sea might conveniently sail up to it. And on the other side, the beauty of the groves and meadows, and the stateliness and magnificence of the royal palaces, with lofty gilded roofs, made it even rival the grandeur of Rome. It was famous also for two great and noble churches, where of one was built in honor of the martyr Julius, and adorned with a choir of virgins who had devoted themselves wholly to the service of God. And the other, founded in memory of St Aaron, his companion, maintained a convent of canons, and was the third metropolitan church of Britain. Besides, there was a college of two hundred philosophers, learned in astronomy, and all the other sciences and arts. In this place, therefore, full of such delights, King Arthur held his court, with many jousts, and tournaments, and royal huntings, and rested for a season after all his wars. king of North Wales, bearing this message from his master. That King Reance had discomforted eleven kings and had compelled each one to them to cut off his beard. That he trimmed a mantle with these beards and lacked but one more beard to finish it. And that he therefore now sent for King Arthur's beard, which he required of him forthwith, or else he would enter his lands and burn and slay, and never leave them till he had taken by force not his beard only, but his head also. When King Arthur heard these words, he flushed all scarlet and rising in great anger, said, Well, it is for thee that thou speakest another man's words with thy lips and not thine own.

Speaker 3:
[41:05] Thou hast said thy message, which is the most insolent and villainous that ever man heard sent to any king.

Speaker 1:
[41:15] Now, hear my reply. My beard is yet too young to trim that mantle of thy masters with. Yet young although I be, I owe no homage either to him or any man, nor will I ever owe.

Speaker 3:
[41:32] But young although I be, I will have thy masters homage upon both his knees before this year be passed, or else he shall lose his head by the faith of my body. For this message is the shameless I ever heard speak of.

Speaker 1:
[41:50] I see well thy king hath never yet met with a worshipful man, but tell him that King Arthur will have his head or his worship right soon. Then the messenger departed, and Arthur, looking round upon his knights, demanded of them if any there knew this King Reynes.

Speaker 3:
[42:15] Yea, answered Sir Norrin, I know him well, and there be few better or stronger knights upon a field than he, and he is passing proud and haughty in his art.

Speaker 1:
[42:28] Wherefore I doubt not, Lord, he will make war on thee with mighty power. Well, said King Arthur, I shall be ready for him, and that shall he find. While the king thus spoke, there came into the hall a damsel, having on a mantle richly furred, which she let fall, and showed herself to be girded with a noble sword. The king, being surprised at this, said, Damsel, wherefore art thou gird with that sword?

Speaker 3:
[43:10] For it beseemeth thee not.

Speaker 4:
[43:15] Sir, said she, I will tell thee, this sword wherewith I am thus gird gives me great sorrow and encumbrance, for I may not be delivered from it till I find a knight faithful and pure and true, strong of body and of valiant deeds, without guile or treachery, who shall be able to draw it from its scabbard, which no man else can do. And I have but just now come from the court of King Reynes, for there they told me many great and good knights were to be ever found, but he and all his knights have tried to draw it forth in vain. For none of them can move it.

Speaker 1:
[44:08] This is a great marvel, said King Arthur. I will try myself to draw forth this sword, not thinking in my heart that I am the best knight, but rather to begin and give example that all may try after me. Saying this, he took the sword and pulled at it with all its might, but could not shake or move it.

Speaker 4:
[44:36] Thou needst not strive so hard, Lord, said the damsel, for whoever may be able to pull it forth shall do so very easily.

Speaker 1:
[44:47] Thou sayest well, replied the king, remembering how he himself had drawn forth the sword from the stone before St. Paul's.

Speaker 3:
[44:59] Now try you, all my barons.

Speaker 1:
[45:02] But beware, you be not stained with shame or any treachery or guile. And turning away his face from them, King Arthur mused full heavily on sins within his breast he knew of, and which his failure brought to mind right sadly. Then all the barons present tried each after each other, but could none of them succeed.

Speaker 4:
[45:33] Whereat the damsel greatly wept and said, Alas, alas, I thought in this court to have found the best knight, without shame or treachery or treason.

Speaker 1:
[45:49] Now by chance, there was at that time a poor knight with King Arthur, who had been prisoner at his court for half a year or more, charged with slaying unawares a knight who was a cousin of the kings. He was named Barland le Savage, and had been by the good offices of the barons delivered from prison, for he was of good and valiant address and gentle blood. He, being secretly present at the court, saw this advantage and felt his heart rise high within him, and longed to try the sword as did the others. But being poor and poorly clad, he was ashamed to come forward in the press of the knights and nobles. But in his heart, he felt assured that he could do better, if heaven willed, than any knight among them all. So as the damsel left the king, he called to her and said, Damsel, pray of thee thy courtesy. Suffer me to try the sword as well as all these lords. Though I be but poorly clad, I feel assurance in my heart. The damsel looked at him, saw him a likely and honest man, but because of his poor garments, could not think him to be any knight of worship and said, Sir, there is no need to put me to any more pain or labor.

Speaker 4:
[47:38] Why shouldst thou succeed when so many worthy ones have failed?

Speaker 1:
[47:43] Ah, fair lady, answered Balin, worthiness and brave deeds are not shown by fair raiment, but manhood and truth lie hid within the heart. There be many worshipful kings unknown to all the people. By my faith, thou sayest truth, replied the damsel. Try, therefore, if thou wilt, what thou canst do. So Balin took the sword by the girdle and hilt, and drew it lightly out, and looking on its workmanship and brightness, it pleased him greatly. But the king and all the barons marveled at Sir Balin's fortune, and many knights were envious of him for truly, said the damsel.

Speaker 4:
[48:46] This is a passing good night, and the best man I have ever found, and the most worshipfully free from treason, treachery or villainy, and many wonders shall he achieve.

Speaker 1:
[49:02] Now, gentle and courteous night, continued she, turning to Balin.

Speaker 4:
[49:09] Give me the sword again.

Speaker 1:
[49:12] Nay, said Sir Balin, save it be taken from me by force. I shall preserve this sword forevermore.

Speaker 4:
[49:21] Thou art not wise, replied the damsel, to keep it from me, for if thou wilt do so, thou shall slay with it the best friend thou hast, and the sword shall be thine own destruction also.

Speaker 1:
[49:38] I will take it whatever adventure God may send, said Balin, but the sword I will keep by the faith of my body. Said the damsel. With that, she departed, making great lamentation. Then Balin sent for his horse and armor, and took his leave of King Arthur, who urged him to stay at his court.

Speaker 3:
[50:27] I believe that thou art displeased that I showed thee unkindness.

Speaker 1:
[50:31] Blame me not over much, for I was misinformed against thee, and knew not truly what a knight of worship thou art. Abide in this court with my good nights, and I will so advance thee that thou shalt be well pleased. God thank thee, Lord, said Balin, for no man can reward thy bounty in thy nobleness. But meanwhile came into the court a lady upon horseback, full richly dressed, and saluted King Arthur, and asked him for the gift that he had promised her when she gave him his sword Excalibur.

Speaker 4:
[52:11] Or else, the damsel's head, who brought it. Or else both. For the knight slew my brother, and the lady caused my father's death.

Speaker 1:
[52:30] Truly, said King Arthur, I cannot grant thee this desire. It were against my nature, and against my name. But ask whatever else thou wilt, and I will do it.

Speaker 4:
[52:45] I will demand no other thing, said she.

Speaker 1:
[53:08] And when they told him that she had asked King Arthur for his head, he went up straight to her and said, May evil have thee. Thou desirest my head, and therefore thou shalt lose thine. And with his sword he lightly smote her head off in the presence of the king and all the court. Alas, for shame! cried out King Arthur rising up in wrath. Why hast thou done this?

Speaker 2:
[53:39] Shaming both me and my court.

Speaker 1:
[53:42] I am beholden greatly to this lady, and under my safe conduct came she here.

Speaker 2:
[53:47] Our deed is passing shameful.

Speaker 1:
[53:57] This lady was the falsest living, and by her witchcraft hath destroyed many, and caused my mother also to be burnt to death by her false arts and treachery. What cause soever thou mightest have had? said the king.

Speaker 2:
[54:14] Thou shouldest forebore her in my presence.

Speaker 3:
[54:17] Deceive not thyself.

Speaker 1:
[54:32] Then Balin took up the head of the lady and carried it to his lodgings, and rode forth with his squire from the town. Then said he, Take you this head and bear it to my friends in Northumberland, and tell them how I speed, and that our worst foe is dead. As for that, said Sir Balin, I go now to find King Reince, and destroy him or lose my life.