The Story of King Arthur and his Knights 1 – Pyle · Verses Across
Literature · Historical Fiction
The Story of King Arthur and his Knights 1Foreword
18
Literature · Historical Fiction
The Story of King Arthur and his Knights 1
Foreword
PyleEnglish
Foreword.
After several years of contemplation and of thought upon the matter herein contained, it has at last come about, by the Grace of God, that I have been able to write this work with such pleasure of spirit that, if it gives to you but a part of the joy that it hath afforded me, I shall be very well content with what I have done.
For when, in pursuing this history, I have come to consider the high nobility of spirit that moved these excellent men to act as they did, I have felt that they have afforded such a perfect example of courage and humility that anyone might do exceedingly well to follow after their manner of behavior in such measure as he is able to do.
For I believe that King Arthur was the most honorable, gentle Knight who ever lived in all the world. And those who were his fellows of the Round Table--taking him as their looking-glass of chivalry--made, altogether, such a company of noble knights that it is hardly to be supposed that their like will ever be seen again in this world. Wherefore it is that I have had such extraordinary pleasure in beholding how those famous knights behaved whenever circumstances called upon them to perform their endeavor.
So in the year of grace one thousand nine hundred and two I began to write this history of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and, if I am able so to do, I shall endeavor, with love of that task, to finish the same at some other time in another book and to the satisfaction of whosoever may care to read the story thereof.
The Book of King Arthur
PART I
THE WINNING OF KINGHOOD
How Sir Kay did Combat in a Great Tournament at London Town and of How He Brake His Sword. Likewise, How Arthur Found a New Sword For Him 9
How Arthur Twice Performed the Miracle of the Sword Before Sir Ector and of How His Birthright Was Discovered Unto Him 21
How Several Kings and High Dukes Assayed to Draw the Sword Out of the Anvil and How They Failed. Likewise How Arthur Made the Assay and Succeeded Therein 29
PART II
THE WINNING OF A SWORD
How There Came a Certain Wounded Knight Unto the Court of King Arthur, How a Young Knight of the King’s Court Sought To Avenge Him and Failed and How the King Thereupon Took That Assay Upon Himself 41
How King Arthur Fought With the Sable Knight and How He Was Sorely Wounded. Likewise How Merlin Brought Him Safe Away From the Field of Battle 53
How King Arthur Found a Noble Sword In a Very Wonderful Manner. And How He Again Fought With It and Won That Battle 65
PART III
THE WINNING OF A QUEEN
How King Arthur Went to Tintagalon with Four of His Court, and How He Disguised Himself for a Certain Purpose 79
How King Ryence Came to Cameliard and How King Arthur Fought With the Duke of North Umber 91
How King Arthur Encountered Four Knights and of What Befell Thereby 101
How the Four Knights Served the Lady Guinevere 113
How King Arthur Overcame the Enemies of King Leodegrance, and How His Royalty Was Proclaimed 125
How King Arthur Was Wedded in Royal State and How the Round Table Was Established 139
