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CONTENTS

The morte Arthur

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Author: Sir Malory Thomas (d. 1471)
Year: 1485

Then Sir Bedivere took the King upon his back and so went with him to the water's side. And when they were there, even fast by the bank hoved a little barge with many fair ladies in it, and among them all was a queen, and all they had black hoods. And all they wept and shrieked when they saw King Arthur.

"Now put me in that barge," said the King.

And so he did softly, and there received him three ladies with great mourning. And so they set him down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head. And then the queen said, "Ah, my dear brother. Why have ye tarried so long from me? Alas, this wound on your head hath caught overmuch cold!"

And anon they rowed fromward the land... Then Sir Bedivere cried and said, "Ah, my lord Arthur, what shall become of me, now ye go from me and leave me here alone among mine enemies?"

"Comfort thyself," said the King, "and do as well as thou mayest, for in me is no trust for to trust in. For I must into the vale of Avilion to heal me of my grievous wound. And if thou hear nevermore of me, pray for my soule!"

But ever the queen and ladies wept and shrieked, that it was pity to hear. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge he wept and wailed, and so took the forest and went all that night.

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