CHAPTER XI. How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with six
knights of the Round Table.
So as they rode by the way King Mark then began to mock Sir Dinadan,
and said: I weened you knights of the Table Round might not in no wise
find their matches. Ye say well, said Sir Dinadan; as for you, on my
life I call you none of the best knights; but sith ye have such a
despite at me I require you to joust with me to prove my strength. Not
so, said King Mark, for I will not have ado with you in no manner; but
I require you of one thing, that when ye come to Arthur’s court
discover not my name, for I am there so hated. It is shame to you, said
Sir Dinadan, that ye govern you so shamefully; for I see by you ye are
full of cowardice, and ye are a murderer, and that is the greatest
shame that a knight may have; for never a knight being a murderer hath
worship, nor never shall have; for I saw but late through my force ye
would have slain Sir Berluse, a better knight than ye, or ever ye shall
be, and more of prowess. Thus they rode forth talking till they came to
a fair place, where stood a knight, and prayed them to take their
lodging with him. So at the request of that knight they reposed them
there, and made them well at ease, and had great cheer. For all
errant-knights were welcome to him, and specially all those of Arthur’s
court. Then Sir Dinadan demanded his host what was the knight’s name
that kept the bridge. For what cause ask you it? said the host. For it
is not long ago, said Sir Dinadan, sithen he gave me a fall. Ah, fair
knight, said his host, thereof have ye no marvel, for he is a passing
good knight, and his name is Sir Tor, the son of Aries le Vaysher. Ah,
said Sir Dinadan, was that Sir Tor? for truly so ever me thought.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account