heroes every child should know

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HEROESEVERYCHILDSHOULDKNOW

TALESFORYOUNGPEOPLEOFTHEWORLD'SHEROESINALLAGES

----EDITEDBY----

HAMILTONWRIGHTMABIE

ILLUSTRATEDANDDECORATEDBYBLANCHEOSTERTAG

INTRODUCTORYNOTETO"HEROESEVERYCHILDSHOULDKNOW"

Theendeavourhasbeenmadeinthisvolumetobringtogethertheheroicmenofdifferentraces,periodsandtypes;andintheselectionofmaterialthemostattractive,intelligentandauthoritativeliteraturehasbeendrawnupon.Incasesinwhichthematerialselectedbelongsdistinctivelytothebestliterature,no

changeshavebeenmade,althoughnarrativeshavebeenabbreviated;incasesinwhichthematerialhasahistoricalratherthanadistinctivelyliteraryquality,thetexthasbeentreatedfor"substanceofdoctrine,"andomissionshavebeenfreelymade,andconnectingwords,phrasesandevensentenceshavebeenintroducedtogivethenarrativeclearconnectionandcompleteness.InthepreparationofthematerialforthevolumetheintelligenceandskillofMissKateStephenshavebeensofreelyusedthatsheisentitledtothefullestrecognitionasassociateeditor.

H.W.M.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSTO"HEROESEVERYCHILDSHOULDKNOW"

Theeditorandpublisherswishtoextendtheirthanksandacknowledgmenttothefirmswhohavekindlypermittedtheuseofmaterialinthisvolume:

ToTheMacmillanCo.forselectionsfrom"HeroesofChivalryandRomance,""StoriesofCharlemagneandthePeersofFrance,""OldEnglishHistory,""TheCrusaders,""FatherDamien:AJourneyfromCashmeretoHisHomeinHawaii";toThomasNelson&Sonformaterialfrom"MartyrsandSaintsoftheFirstTwelveCenturies";toJ.M.

Dent&Co.forselectionsfrom"StoriesfromLeMorted'ArthurandTheMabinogion"intheTempleClassicsforYoungPeople;toE.P.Dutton&Co.formaterialfrom"ChronicleoftheCid";toLongmans,Green&Co.formaterialfrom"TheBookofRomance";toJohnC.WinstonCo.formaterialfrom"StoriesfromHistory";toLothrop,Lee&Shepardformaterialfrom"TheTrueStoryofAbrahamLincoln."



CONTENTSTO"HEROESEVERYCHILDSHOULDKNOW"

CHAPTER

INTRODUCTION

I.PERSEUS.Adaptedfrom"TheHeroes,"byCharlesKingsley

II.HERCULES.ByKateStephens

III.DANIEL.FromBookofDaniel,Chaptervi.,Verses1to24

IV.DAVID.FromI.BookofSamuel,Chapterxvii

V.ST.GEORGE.Adaptedfrom"MartyrsandSaintsoftheFirstTwelveCenturies,"byMrs.E.RundleCharles

VI.KINGARTHUR.Adaptedfrom"StoriesfromLeMorted'ArthurandtheMabinogion,"byBeatriceClay

VII.SIRGALAHAD.Adaptedfrom"StoriesfromLeMorted'ArthurandtheMabinogion,"byBeatriceClay;followedby"SirGalahad,"byAlfredTennyson

VIII.SIEGFRIED.Adaptedfrom"HeroesofChivalryandRomance,"byA.J.Church

IX.ROLAND.Adaptedfrom"StoriesofCharlemagneandthePeersofFrance,"byA.J.Church

X.KINGALFRED.Adaptedfrom"OldEnglishHistory,"byE.A.Freeman

XI.THECID.Adaptedfrom"ChronicleoftheCid,"fromtheSpanish,byRobertSouthey

XII.ROBINHOOD.Adaptedfrom"BookofRomance,"editedbyAndrewLang;includingaversionofthepopularballad,"RobinHoodandtheButcher"

XIII.RICHARDTHELION-HEARTED.Adaptedfrom"TheCrusaders,"byA.J.Church

XIV.SAINTLouis.Adaptedfrom"TheCrusaders,"byA.J.Church

XV.WILLIAMTELL.Adaptedfrom"StoriesfromHistory,"byAgnesStrickland

XVI.ROBERTBRUCE.Adaptedfrom"TalesofaGrandfatherfrom

ScottishHistory,"bySirWalterScott

XVII.GEORGEWASHINGTON.Adaptedfrom"RecollectionsandPrivateMemoirsofWashington,"byG.W.ParkeCustis

XVIII.ROBERTE.LEE.From"LettersandRecollectionsofGeneralLee,"byCaptainRobertE.Lee

XIX.ABRAHAM:LINCOLN.Adaptedfrom"TheTrueStoryofAbrahamLincoln,"byElbridgeS.Brooks



XX.FATHERDAMIEN.Adaptedfrom"FatherDamien:AJourneyfromCashmeretoHisHomeinHawaii,"byEdwardClifford

INTRODUCTIONTO"HEROESEVERYCHILDSHOULDKNOW"

Iftherehadbeennorealheroestherewouldhavebeencreatedimaginaryones,formencannotlivewithoutthem.Theheroisjustasnecessaryasthefarmer,thesailor,thecarpenterandthedoctor;societycouldnotgetonwithouthim.Therehavebeenagreatmanydifferentkindsofheroes,forineveryageandamongeverypeopletheherohasstoodforthequalitiesthatweremostadmiredandsoughtafterbythebravestandbest;andallagesandpeopleshaveimaginedorproducedheroesasinevitablyastheyhavemadeploughsforturningthesoilorshipsforgettingthroughthewaterorweaponswithwhichtofighttheirenemies.Tobesomekindofaherohasbeentheambitionofspiritedboysfromthebeginningofhistory;andifyouwanttoknowwhatthemenandwomenofacountrycareformost,youmuststudytheirheroes.Totheboytheherostandsforthehighestsuccess:tothegrownmanandwomanhe

standsforthedeepestandrichestlife.

Menhavealwaysworkedwiththeirhands,buttheyhaveneverbeencontentwiththatkindofwork;theyhavelookedupfromthefieldsandwatchedthesunandstars;theyhavecutwoodfortheirfiresintheforest,buttheyhavenoticedthelifewhichgoesonamongthetreesandtheyhaveheardthemysterioussoundswhichoftenfilltheairintheremotestplaces.Fromthebeginningmenhavenotonlyusedtheirhandsbuttheirintellectandtheirimagination;theyhavehadtoworkorstarve,buttheyhaveseentheworld,thoughtaboutitanddreamedaboutit.

Theyhadworkedandthoughtanddreamedonlyalittletimebefore

theybegantoexplainthemarvelousearthonwhichtheyfoundthemselvesandthestrangethingsthathappenedinit;thevastnessandbeautyofthefields,woods,skyandsea,theforceofthewind,thecomingandgoingofthedayandnight,thewarmthofsummerwheneverythinggrew,andthecoldofwinterwheneverythingdied,therushofthestormandtheterriblebrightnessofthelightning.Theyhadnoideaofwhatwecalllaworforce;theycouldnotthinkofanythingbeingmovedoranynoisebeingmadeunlesstherewassomeonelikethemselvestomovethingsandmakesounds;andsotheymadestoriesofgodsandgiantsandheroesandnymphsandfawns;andthemyths,whicharepoeticexplanationsoftheworldandofthelifeofmeninit,cameintobeing.

Buttheydidnotstopwiththesegreatmatters;theybegantotellstoriesaboutthemselvesandthethingstheywantedtodoandthekindoflifetheywantedtolead.Theywantedease,power,wealth,happiness,freedom;sotheycreatedgenii,builtpalaces,mademagiccarpetswhichcarriedthemtotheendsoftheearthandhorseswithwingswhichborethemthroughtheair,peopledthewoodsandfieldswithfriendly,frolicsomeormischievouslittlepeople,whomadefiresforthemiftheywerefriendly,ormilkedcows,overturnedbowls,brokedishesandplayedallkindsofanticsandmadeallsortsoftroubleiftheyweremischievousorunfriendly.Besidethe



greatmyths,likewildflowersintheshadeofgreattrees,theresprangupamongthepeopleofalmostallcountriesahostofpoetic,satirical,humorousorhomelystoriesoffairies,genii,trolls,giants,dwarfs,imps,andqueercreaturesofallkinds;sothattothechildrenoftwohundredyearsagothewoods,thefields,thesolitaryandquietplaceseverywhere,werefulloffolkwhokeptoutofsight,butwhohadagreatdealtodowiththefortunesandfatesofmenandwomen.

Fromveryearlytimesgreathonorwaspaidtocourageandstrength;qualitieswhichwonsuccessandimpressedtheimaginationinprimitivenotlessthaninhighlydevelopedsocieties.Thefirstheroesweregodsordemi-gods,ormenofimmensestrengthwhodiddifficultthings.Whenmenfirstbegantoliveintheworldtheywereinconstantperilandfacedhardshipsofeverykind;andfromthestarttheyhadveryhardworktodo.Therewerefieldstobecultivated,housestobebuilt,woodstobeexplored,beaststobekilledandotherbeaststobetamedandsettowork.Thereweremanythingstobedoneandnotoolstoworkwith;thereweregreatstormstobefacedandnohousesforprotection;therewasterriblecoldandnofireorclothing;therewerediseasesandnomedicine;therewereperilsonland,inthewaterandintheair,andnoknowledgeofthewaysofmeetingthem.

Attheverystartcourageandstrengthwerenecessaryiflifewastobepreservedandmenweretolivetogetherinsafetyandwithcomfort.Whenastrongmanappearedhehelpedhisfellowstomakethemselvesmoreateaseintheworld.Sometimeshedidthisbysimplymakinghimselfmorecomfortableandthusshowingothershowtodoit;sometimeshediditbyworkingforhisfellows.Nomatterhowselfishamanmaybe,ifhedoesanyrealworkintheworldheworksnotonlyforhimselfbutforothers.InthiswayaselfishmanlikeNapoleondoestheworkofaherowithoutmeaningtodoit:fortheworldissomadethatnocapablemanorwomancanbeentirelyselfish,nomatterhowhardtheytrytogetandkeepeverythingforthemselves.

Itwasnotlongbeforemensawthatstrongmencouldnotworkforthemselveswithoutworkingforothers,andtherecameinveryearlytheideaofserviceaspartoftheideaofheroism,andthedemi-gods,whowereamongtheearliestheroes,wereservantsaswellasmasters.Hercules,themostpowerfuloftheheroestoGreekandRomanboyswassettodothemostdifficultthingsnotforhimselfbutforothers.Hedestroyedlions,hydras,wildboars,birdswithbrazenbeaksandwings,madbulls,many-headedmonsters,horseswhichfedonhumanflesh,dragons,hemasteredthethree-headeddogCerberus,hetoreasundertherocksattheStraitofGibraltarwhichbearhisnametoopenachannelbetweentheMediterraneanandtheAtlantic.HefoughttheCentaurandbroughtbackAlcestis,thewifeofAdmetus,fromthepaleregionsofdeathwhereshehadgoneto

saveherhusband'slife.Inalltheselabors,whichweresogreatthatworksofextraordinarymagnitudehavesincebeencalledHerculean,thebrave,patient,sufferinghero,washelpingotherpeopleratherthanhelpinghimself.

AndthiswastrueofThor,thestronggodoftheNorsemenwhosehammerwasthemostterribleweaponintheworld,therollandcrashofthunderbeingthesoundofitandtheblindinglightningtheflashofit.Thegodswerethefriendsofmen,givingthelightandwarmthandfertilityofthesummerthatthefieldsmightbearfood



forthemandthelong,brightdaysmightbringthempeaceandhappiness.Andthegiantsweretheenemiesofmen,tirelesslytryingtomakethefieldsdesolateandstopthesingingofbirdsandshroudtheskyindarknessbydrivingawaysummerwiththeicybreathofwinter.InthisperpetualconflictThorwastheheroofstrengthandcourage,beatingbackthegiants,defeatingtheirschemesandfightingthebattleforgodsandmenwithtirelesszeal;countingnoperilorhardshiptoogreatiftherewasheroicworktobedone.

Courageandachievementarethetwosignsofthehero;hemaypossessorlackmanyotherqualities,buthemustbedaringandhemustdothingsandnotdreamortalkaboutthem.

FromthedaysofHerculestothoseofWashingtonandLivingston,menofheroicspirithavenotstoppedtocountthecostwhenadeedmustbedonebuthavedoneit,usuallywithverylittletalkornoise;forheroes,asarule,aremuchmoreinterestedingettingtheirworkdonethaninmakingthemselvesconspicuousorwinningareputation.Heroeshaveoftenbeenharshandevenbrutal,especiallyintheearliesttimeswhenhumanefeelingandacompassionatespirithadnotbeendeveloped;Siegfried,Jason,GustavasAdolphusandVonTrompwereoftenarbitraryandoppressiveintheirattitudetowardmen;and,inlatertimes,AlfredtheGreat,WilliamtheSilentandNelsonwerenotwithoutseriousdefectsoftemperandsometimesof

character.Menarenotgreatorheroicbecausetheyarefaultless;theyaregreatandheroicbecausetheydare,suffer,achieveandserve.

Andmenlovetheirheroesnotbecausetheyhavebeenperfectcharactersunderallconditions,butbecausetheyhavebeenbrave,true,able,andunselfish,Amanmayhavefewfaultsandcountforverylittleintheworld,becausehelacksforce,daring,thegreatnessofsoulwhichmovesbeforeagenerationlikeaflamingtorch;amanmayleadastainlesslife,notbecauseheisreallyvirtuousbutbecausehehasveryfewtemptationswithinorwithout.Someofthemostheroicmenhaveputforthmorestrengthinresistingasingletemptationthanmenoftheoriesandmore

commonplacenaturesputforthinalifetime.Theseriousfaultsofheroesarenotoverlookedorforgotten;thegreatmanisasmuchtheservantofthemorallawasthelittleman,andpaysthesamepricefordisobedience;butgenerosityofspirit,devotiontohighaimsandcapacityforself-sacrificeoftenoutweighseriousoffences.Nelsonislessaherobecauseheyieldedtoagreattemptation;butheremainsaheroinspiteofthestainonhisfame.Itismuchbetternottobeprofaneunderanycircumstances,butwhenWashingtonsworefiercelyatCharlesLeeonthebattlefieldofMonmouthhisprofanitywastheexpressionoftherighteouswrathofagoodman.Injudgingtheheroonemusttakeintoaccounttheageinwhichhelived,thedifferencesinmoralstandardsbetweenthepastandthepresent,andtheforceofthetemptationswhichcome

withstrengthofbody,passion,imagination,greatposition,colossalenterprises;thesedonotconcealorexcusethefaultsofheroesbuttheyexplainthosefaults.

Themenwhosebraveryandgreatdeedsaredescribedinthesepageshavebeenselectednotbecausetheyarefaultlessincharacterandlife,butbecausetheywerebrave,generous,self-forgetful,self-sacrificingandcapableofsplendiddeeds.Menloveandhonourthemnotonlybecausetheyowethemagreatdealofgratitude,butbecausetheyseeintheirheroesthekindofmentheywouldliketo



be;forthepossibilitiesoftheheroicareinalmostallmen.Storiesoftheheroeshaveoftenmadeothermenstrongandbraveandtrueinthefaceofgreatperilsandtasks,andthisbookisputforthinthefaiththatitwillnotonlypassonthefameoftheheroesofthepastbuthelpmakeheroesinthepresent.

H.W.M.

CHAPTERI

PERSEUS

Onceuponatimethereweretwoprinceswhoweretwins.TheirnameswereAcrisiusandProetus,andtheylivedinthepleasantvaleofArgos,farawayinHellas.Theyhadfruitfulmeadowsandvineyards,sheepandoxen,greatherdsofhorsesfeedingdowninLernaFen,andallthatmencouldneedtomakethemblest:andyettheywerewretched,becausetheywerejealousofeachother.Fromthemomenttheywereborntheybegantoquarrel;andwhentheygrewupeachtriedtotakeawaytheother'sshareofthekingdom,andkeepallforhimself.

ButtherecameaprophettoAcrisiusandprophesiedagainsthim,andsaid,"Becauseyouhaverisenupagainstyourownblood,yourownbloodshallriseupagainstyou;becauseyouhavesinnedagainstyourkindred,byyourkindredyoushallbepunished.YourdaughterDanaeshallhaveason,andbythatson'shandsyoushalldie.Sothegodshaveordained,anditwillsurelycometopass."

AndatthatAcrisiuswasverymuchafraid;buthedidnotmendhisways.Hehadbeencrueltohisownfamily,and,insteadofrepentingandbeingkindtothem,hewentontobemorecruelthanever:forheshutuphisfairdaughterDanaeinacavernunderground,linedwithbrass,thatnoonemightcomenearher.Sohefanciedhimself

morecunningthanthegods:butyouwillseepresentlywhetherhewasabletoescapethem.

NowitcametopassthatintimeasoncametoDanae:sobeautifulababethatanybutKingAcrisiuswouldhavehadpityonit.Buthehadnopity;forhetookDanaeandherbabedowntotheseashore,andputthemintoagreatchestandthrustthemouttosea,forthewindsandthewavestocarrythemwhithersoevertheywould.

Thenorthwestwindblewfreshlyoutofthebluemountains,anddownthepleasantvaleofArgos,andawayandouttosea.Andawayandouttoseabeforeitfloatedthemotherandherbabe,whileallwhowatchedthemwept,savethatcruelfather,KingAcrisius.

Sotheyfloatedonandon,andthechestdancedupanddownuponthebillows,andthebabysleptuponitsmother'sbreast:butthepoormothercouldnotsleep,butwatchedandwept,andshesangtoherbabyastheyfloated;andthesongwhichshesangyoushalllearnyourselvessomeday.

Andnowtheyarepastthelastblueheadland,andintheopensea;andthereisnothingroundthembutthewaves,andthesky,andthewind.Butthewavesaregentle,andtheskyisclear,andthebreeze



istenderandlow.

Soanightpassed,andaday,andalongdayitwasforDanae;andanothernightanddaybeside,tillDanaewasfaintwithhungerandweeping,andyetnolandappeared.Andallthewhilethebabesleptquietly;andatlastpoorDanaedroopedherheadandfellasleeplikewisewithhercheekagainstthebabe's.

Afterawhileshewasawakenedsuddenly;forthechestwasjarringandgrinding,andtheairwasfullofsound.Shelookedup,andoverherheadweremightycliffs,allredinthesettingsun,andaroundherrocksandbreakers,andflyingflakesoffoam.Sheclaspedherhandstogether,andshriekedaloudforhelp.Andwhenshecried,helpmether:fornowtherecameovertherocksatallandstatelyman,andlookeddownwonderinglyuponpoorDanaetossingaboutinthechestamongthewaves.

Heworearoughcloakoffrieze,andonhisheadabroadhattoshadehisface;inhishandhecarriedatridentforspearingfish,andoverhisshoulderwasacasting-net;butDanaecouldseethathewasnocommonmanbyhisstature,andhiswalk,andhisflowinggoldenhairandbeard;andbythetwoservantswhocamebehindhim,carryingbasketsforhisfish.Butshehadhardlytimetolookathimbeforehehadlaidasidehistridentandleaptdowntherocks,

andthrownhiscasting-netsosurelyoverDanaeandthechest,thathedrewit,andher,andthebaby,safeuponaledgeofrock.

ThenthefishermantookDanaebythehand,andliftedheroutofthechest,andsaid:

"Obeautifuldamsel,whatstrangechancehasbroughtyoutothisislandinsofrailaship?Whoareyou,andwhence?SurelyyouaresomeKing'sdaughterandthisboyhassomewhatmorethanmortal."

Andashespokehepointedtothebabe;foritsfaceshonelikethemorningstar.

ButDanaeonlyhelddownherhead,andsobbedout:

"TellmetowhatlandIhavecome,unhappythatIam;andamongwhatmenIhavefallen!"

Andhesaid,"ThisisleiscalledSeriphos,andIamaHellen,anddwellinit.IamthebrotherofPolydectestheKing;andmencallmeDictysthenetter,becauseIcatchthefishoftheshore."

ThenDanaefelldownathisfeet,andembracedhiskneesandcried:

"Oh,sir,havepityuponastranger,whomacrueldoomhasdriventoyourland;andletmeliveinyourhouseasaservant;buttreatme

honourably,forIwasonceaking'sdaughter,andthismyboy(asyouhavetrulysaid)isofnocommonrace.Iwillnotbeachargetoyou,oreatthebreadofidleness;forIammoreskilfulinweavingandembroiderythanallthemaidensofmyland."

Andshewasgoingon;butDictysstoppedher,andraisedherup,andsaid:

"Mydaughter,Iamold,andmyhairsaregrowinggrey;whileIhavenochildrentomakemyhomecheerful.Comewithmethen,andyou



shallbeadaughtertomeandtomywife,andthisbabeshallbeourgrandchild.ForIfearthegods,andshowhospitalitytoallstrangers;knowingthatgooddeeds,likeevilones,alwaysreturntothosewhodothem."

SoDanaewascomforted,andwenthomewithDictysthegoodfisherman,andwasadaughtertohimandtohiswife.

Fifteenyearswerepassedandgoneandthebabewasnowgrowntoatallladandasailor,andwentmanyvoyagesaftermerchandisetotheislandsround.HismothercalledhimPerseus;butallthepeopleinSeriphossaidthathewasnotthesonofmortalman,andcalledhimZeus,thesonofthekingoftheImmortals.Forthoughhewasbutfifteen,hewastallerbyaheadthananymanintheisland;andhewasthemostskilfulofallinrunningandwrestlingandboxing,andinthrowingthequoitandthejavelin,andinrowingwiththeoar,andinplayingontheharp,andinallwhichbefitsaman.Andhewasbraveandtruthful,gentleandcourteous,forgoodoldDictyshadtrainedhimwell;andwellitwasforPerseusthathehaddoneso.

NowonedayatSamos,whiletheshipwaslading,Perseuswanderedintoapleasantwoodtogetoutofthesun,andsatdownontheturfandfellasleep.Andashesleptastrangedreamcametohim--the

strangestdreamwhichhehadeverhadinhislife.

Therecamealadytohimthroughthewood,tallerthanhe,oranymortalman;butbeautifulexceedingly,withgreyeyes,clearandpiercing,butstrangelysoftandmild.Onherheadwasahelmet,andinherhandaspear.Andoverhershoulder,aboveherlongbluerobes,hungagoat-skin,whichboreupamightyshieldofbrass,polishedlikeamirror.Shestoodandlookedathimwithhercleargreyeyes;andPerseussawthathereyelidsnevermoved,norhereyeballs,butlookedstraightthroughandthroughhim,andintohisveryheart,asifshecouldseeallthesecretsofhissoul,andknewallthathehadeverthoughtorlongedforsincethedaythathewasborn.AndPerseusdroppedhiseyes,tremblingandblushing,

asthewonderfulladyspoke.

"Perseus,youmustdoanerrandforme."

"Whoareyou,lady?Andhowdoyouknowmyname?"

"IamPallasAthene;andIknowthethoughtsofallmen'shearts,anddiscerntheirmanhoodortheirbaseness.AndfromthesoulsofclayIturnaway,andtheyareblest,butnotbyme.Theyfattenatease,likesheepinthepasture,andeatwhattheydidnotsow,likeoxeninthestall.Theygrowandspread,likethegourdalongtheground;but,likethegourd,theygivenoshadetothetraveller,andwhentheyareripedeathgathersthem,andtheygodownunloved

intohell,andtheirnamevanishesoutoftheland.

"ButtothesoulsoffireIgivemorefire,andtothosewhoaremanfulIgiveamightmorethanman's.Thesearetheheroes,thesonsoftheImmortalswhoareblest,butnotlikethesoulsofclay.ForIdrivethemforthbystrangepaths,Perseus,thattheymayfighttheTitansandthemonsters,theenemiesofgodsandmen.Throughdoubtandneed,dangerandbattle,Idrivethem;andsomeofthemareslainintheflowerofyouth,nomanknowswhenorwhere;andsomeofthemwinnoblenames,andafairandgreenoldage;but



whatwillbetheirlatterendIknownot,andnone,saveZeus,thefatherofgodsandmen.Tellmenow,Perseus,whichofthesetwosortsofmenseemtoyoumoreblest?"

ThenPerseusansweredboldly:"Bettertodieintheflowerofyouth,onthechanceofwinninganoblename,thantoliveateaselikethesheep,anddieunlovedandunrenowned."

Thenthatstrangeladylaughed,andheldupherbrazenshield,andcried:"Seehere,Perseus;dareyoufacesuchamonsterasthis,andslayit,thatImayplaceitsheaduponthisshield?"

AndinthemirroroftheshieldthereappearedafaceandasPerseuslookedonithisbloodrancold.Itwasthefaceofabeautifulwoman;buthercheekswerepaleasdeath,andherbrowswereknitwitheverlastingpain,andherlipswerethinandbitterlikeasnake's;and,insteadofhair,viperswreathedabouthertemples,andshotouttheirforkedtongues;whileroundherheadwerefoldedwingslikeaneagle's,anduponherbosomclawsofbrass.

AndPerseuslookedawhile,andthensaid:"Ifthereisanythingsofierceandfoulonearth,itwereanobledeedtokillit.WherecanIfindthemonster?"

Thenthestrangeladysmiledagain,andsaid:"Notyet;youaretooyoung,andtoounskilled;forthisisMedusatheGorgon,themotherofamonstrousbrood."

AndPerseussaid,"Tryme;forsinceyouspoketomeanewsoulhascomeintomybreast,andIshouldbeashamednottodareanythingwhichIcando.Showme,then,howIcandothis!"

"Perseus,"saidAthene,"thinkwellbeforeyouattempt;forthisdeedrequiresasevenyears'journey,inwhichyoucannotrepentorturnbacknorescape;butifyourheartfailsyou,youmustdieintheUnshapenLand,wherenomanwilleverfindyourbones."

"Bettersothanlivedespised,"saidPerseus."Tellme,then,ohtellme,fairandwiseGoddess,howIcandobutthisonething,andthen,ifneedbe,die!"

ThenAthenesmiledandsaid:

"Bepatient,andlisten;forifyouforgetmywords,youwillindeeddie.YoumustgonorthwardtothecountryoftheHyperboreans,wholivebeyondthepole,atthesourcesofthecoldnorthwind,tillyoufindthethreeGreySisters,whohavebutoneeyeandonetoothbetweenthem.YoumustaskthemthewaytotheNymphs,thedaughtersoftheEveningStar,whodanceaboutthegoldentree,intheAtlanticislandofthewest.Theywilltellyouthewaytothe

Gorgon,thatyoumayslayher,myenemy,themotherofmonstrousbeasts.Onceshewasamaidenasbeautifulasmorn,tillinherprideshesinnedasinatwhichthesunhidhisface;andfromthatdayherhairwasturnedtovipers,andherhandstoeagle'sclaws;andherheartwasfilledwithshameandrage,andherlipswithbittervenom;andhereyesbecamesoterriblethatwhosoverlooksonthemisturnedtostone;andherchildrenarethewingedhorseandthegiantofthegoldensword;andhergrandchildrenareEchidnathewitch-adder,andGeryonthethree-headedtyrant,whofeedshisherdsbesidetheherdsofhell.SoshebecamethesisteroftheGorgons,



thedaughtersoftheQueenoftheSea.Touchthemnot,fortheyareimmortal;butbringmeonlyMedusa'shead."

"AndIwillbringit!"saidPerseus;"buthowamItoescapehereyes?Willshenotfreezemetoointostone?"

"Youshalltakethispolishedshield,"saidAthene,"andwhenyoucomenearherlooknotatheryourself,butatherimageinthebrass;soyoumaystrikehersafely.Andwhenyouhavestruckoffherhead,wrapit,withyourfaceturnedaway,inthefoldsofthegoatskinonwhichtheshieldhangs.Soyouwillbringitsafelybacktome,andwintoyourselfrenown,andaplaceamongtheheroeswhofeastwiththeImmortalsuponthepeakwherenowindsblow."

ThenPerseussaid,"Iwillgo,thoughIdieingoing.ButhowshallIcrosstheseaswithoutaship?Andwhowillshowmemyway?AndwhenIfindher,howshallIslayher,ifherscalesbeironandbrass?"

NowbesideAtheneappearedayoungmanmorelight-limbedthanthestag,whoseeyeswerelikesparksoffire.Byhissidewasascimitarofdiamond,allofoneclearpreciousstone,andonhisfeetweregoldensandals,fromtheheelsofwhichgrewlivingwings.

Thentheyoungmanspoke:"Thesesandalsofminewillbearyouacrosstheseas,andoverhillanddalelikeabird,astheybearmealldaylong;forIamHermes,thefar-famedArgus-slayer,themessengeroftheImmortalswhodwellonOlympus."

ThenPerseusfelldownandworshipped,whiletheyoungmanspokeagain:

"Thesandalsthemselveswillguideyouontheroad,fortheyaredivineandcannotstray;andthissworditselftheArgus-slayer,willkillher,foritisdivine,andneedsnosecondstroke.Arise,andgirdthemon,andgoforth."

SoPerseusarose,andgirdedonthesandalsandthesword.

AndAthenecried,"Nowleapfromthecliffandbegone."

ButPerseuslingered.

"MayInotbidfarewelltomymotherandtoDictys?AndmayInotofferburntofferingstoyou,andtoHermesthefar-famedArgus-slayer,andtoFatherZeusabove?"

"Youshallnotbidfarewelltoyourmother,lestyourheartrelentatherweeping.IwillcomfortherandDictysuntilyoureturninpeace.NorshallyouofferburntofferingstotheOlympians;for

yourofferingshallbeMedusa'shead.Leap,andtrustinthearmouroftheImmortals."

ThenPerseuslookeddownthecliffandshuddered;buthewasashamedtoshowhisdread.ThenhethoughtofMedusaandtherenownbeforehim,andheleaptintotheemptyair.

Andbehold,insteadoffallinghefloated,andstood,andranalongthesky.Helookedback,butAthenehadvanished,andHermes;andthesandalsledhimonnorthwardever,likeacranewhofollowsthe



springtowardtheIsterfens.

SoPerseusstartedonhisjourney,goingdry-shodoverlandandsea;andhisheartwashighandjoyful,forthewingedsandalsborehimeachdayasevendays'journey.Andheturnedneithertotherighthandnortheleft,tillhecametotheUnshapenLand,andtheplacewhichhasnoname.

Andsevendayshewalkedthroughitonapathwhichfewcantell,tillhecametotheedgeoftheeverlastingnight,wheretheairwasfulloffeathers,andthesoilwashardwithice;andthereatlasthefoundthethreeGreySisters,bytheshoreofthefreezingsea,noddinguponawhitelogofdriftwood,beneaththecoldwhitewintermoon;andtheychantedalowsongtogether,"Whytheoldtimeswerebetterthanthenew."

Therewasnolivingthingaroundthem,notafly,notamossupontherocks.Neithersealnorseagulldarecomenear,lesttheiceshouldclutchtheminitsclaws.Thesurgebrokeupinfoam,butitfellagaininflakesofsnow;anditfrostedthehairofthethreeGreySisters,andthebonesintheicecliffabovetheirheads.Theypassedtheeyefromonetotheother,butforallthattheycouldnotsee;andtheypassedthetoothfromonetotheother,butforallthattheycouldnoteat;andtheysatinthefullglareofthe

moon,buttheywerenonethewarmerforherbeams.AndPerseuspitiedthethreeGreySisters;buttheydidnotpitythemselves.

Sohesaid,"Oh,venerablemothers,wisdomisthedaughterofoldage.Youthereforeshouldknowmanythings.Tellme,ifyoucan,thepathtotheGorgon."

Thenonecried,"Whoisthiswhoreproachesuswitholdage?"Andanother,"Thisisthevoiceofoneofthechildrenofmen."

Thenonecried,"Givemetheeye,thatImayseehim";andanother,"Givemethetooth,thatImaybitehim."ButPerseus,whenhesawthattheywerefoolishandproud,anddidnotlovethechildrenof

men,leftoffpityingthem.Thenhesteppedclosetothem,andwatchedtilltheypassedtheeyefromhandtohand.Andastheygropedaboutbetweenthemselves,heheldouthisownhandgently,tilloneofthemputtheeyeintoit,fancyingthatitwasthehandofhersister.Thenhesprangback,andlaughed,andcried:

"Cruelandproudoldwomen,Ihaveyoureye;andIwillthrowitintothesea,unlessyoutellmethepathtotheGorgon,andsweartomethatyoutellmeright."

Thentheywept,andchattered,andscolded;butinvain.Theywereforcedtotellthetruth,though,whentheytoldit,Perseuscouldhardlymakeouttheroad.

"Youmustgo,"theysaid,"foolishboy,tothesouthward,intotheuglyglareofthesun,tillyoucometoAtlastheGiant,whoholdstheheavenandtheearthapart.Andyoumustaskhisdaughters,theHesperides,whoareyoungandfoolishlikeyourself.Andnowgiveusbackoureye,forwehaveforgottenalltherest."

SoPerseusgavethembacktheireye.Andheleapedawaytothesouthward,leavingthesnowandtheicebehind.Andtheternsandtheseagullssweptlaughingroundhishead,andcalledtohimto



stopandplay,andthedolphinsgambolledupashepassed,andofferedtocarryhimontheirback.Andallnightlongtheseanymphssangsweetly.Daybydaythesunrosehigherandleapedmoreswiftlyintotheseaatnight,andmoreswiftlyoutoftheseaatdawn;whilePerseusskimmedoverthebillowslikeaseagull,andhisfeetwereneverwetted;andleaptonfromwavetowave,andhislimbswereneverweary,tillhesawfarawayamightymountain,allrose-redinthesettingsun.PerseusknewthatitwasAtlas,whoholdstheheavensandtheearthapart.

Heleaptonshore,andwanderedupward,amongpleasantvalleysandwaterfalls.Atlastheheardsweetvoicessinging;andheguessedthathewascometothegardenoftheNymphs,thedaughtersoftheEveningStar.Theysanglikenightingalesamongthethickets,andPerseusstoppedtoheartheirsong;butthewordswhichtheyspokehecouldnotunderstand.Sohesteppedforwardandsawthemdancing,handinhandaroundthecharmedtree,whichbentunderitsgoldenfruit;androundthetreefootwascoiledthedragon,oldLadonthesleeplesssnake,wholiesthereforever,listeningtothesongofthemaidens,blinkingandwatchingwithdrybrighteyes.

ThenPerseusstopped,notbecausehefearedthedragon,butbecausehewasbashfulbeforethosefairmaids;butwhentheysawhim,theytoostopped,andcalledtohimwithtremblingvoices:

"Whoareyou,fairboy?Comedancewithusaroundthetreeinthegardenwhichknowsnowinter,thehomeofthesouthwindandthesun.Comehitherandplaywithusawhile;wehavedancedalonehereforathousandyears,andourheartsarewearywithlongingforaplayfellow."

"Icannotdancewithyou,fairmaidens;forImustdotheerrandoftheImmortals.SotellmethewaytotheGorgon,lestIwanderandperishinthewaves."

Thentheysighedandwept;andanswered:

"TheGorgon!shewillfreezeyouintostone."

"Itisbettertodielikeaherothantolivelikeanoxinastall.TheImmortalshavelentmeweapons,andtheywillgivemewittousethem."

Thentheysighedagainandanswered:"Fairboy,ifyouarebentonyourownruin,beitso.WeknownotthewaytotheGorgon;butwewillaskthegiantAtlasaboveuponthemountainpeak."SotheywentupthemountaintoAtlastheiruncle,andPerseuswentupwiththem.Andtheyfoundthegiantkneeling,asheheldtheheavensandtheearthapart.

Theyaskedhim,andheansweredmildly,pointingtotheseaboardwithhismightyhand,"IcanseetheGorgonslyingonanislandfaraway,butthisyouthcannevercomenearthem,unlesshehasthehatofdarkness,whichwhosoeverwearscannotbeseen."

ThencriedPerseus,"Whereisthathat,thatImayfindit?"

Butthegiantsmiled."Nolivingmortalcanfindthathat,foritliesinthedepthsofHades,intheregionsofthedead.Butmyniecesareimmortal,andtheyshallfetchitforyou,ifyouwill



promisemeonethingandkeepyourfaith."

ThenPerseuspromised;andthegiantsaid,"WhenyoucomebackwiththeheadofMedusa,youshallshowmethebeautifulhorror,thatImaylosemyfeelingandmybreathing,andbecomeastoneforever;foritiswearylabourformetoholdtheheavensandtheearthapart."

ThenPerseuspromised,andtheeldestoftheNymphswentdown,andintoadarkcavernamongthecliffs,outofwhichcamesmokeandthunder,foritwasoneofthemouthsofhell.

AndPerseusandtheNymphssatdownsevendaysandwaitedtrembling,tilltheNymphcameupagain;andherfacewaspale,andhereyesdazzledwiththelightforshehadbeenlonginthedrearydarkness;butinherhandwasthemagichat.

ThenalltheNymphskissedPerseus,andweptoverhimalongwhile;buthewasonlyimpatienttobegone.Andatlasttheyputthehatuponhishead,andhevanishedoutoftheirsight.

ButPerseuswentonboldly,pastmanyanuglysight,farawayintotheheartoftheUnshapenLand,tillheheardtherustleoftheGorgons'wingsandsawtheglitteroftheirbrazentalons;andthen

heknewthatitwastimetohalt,lestMedusashouldfreezehimintostone.

Hethoughtawhilewithhimself,andrememberedAthene'swords.Hearosealoftintotheair,andheldthemirroroftheshieldabovehishead,andlookedupintoitthathemightseeallthatwasbelowhim.

AndhesawthethreeGorgonssleeping.Heknewthattheycouldnotseehim,becausethehatofdarknesshidhim;andyethetrembledashesankdownnearthem,soterriblewerethosebrazenclaws.

TwooftheGorgonswerefoulasswine,andlaysleepingheavily,

withtheirmightywingsoutspread;butMedusatossedtoandfrorestlessly,andasshetossedPerseuspitiedher.Butashelooked,fromamonghertressesthevipers'headsawoke,andpeepedupwiththeirbrightdryeyes,andshowedtheirfangs,andhissed;andMedusa,asshetossed,threwbackherwingsandshowedherbrazenclaws.

ThenPerseuscamedownandsteppedtoherboldly,andlookedsteadfastlyonhismirror,andstruckwithHerpestoutlyonce;andhedidnotneedtostrikeagain.

Thenhewrappedtheheadinthegoat-skin,turningawayhiseyes,andsprangintotheairaloft,fasterthanheeversprangbefore.

ForMedusa'swingsandtalonsrattledasshesankdeadupontherocks;andhertwofoulsisterswoke,andsawherlyingdead.

Intotheairtheysprangyelling,andlookedforhimwhohaddonethedeed.Theyrushed,sweepingandflapping,likeeaglesafterahare;andPerseus'sbloodrancoldashesawthemcomehowlingonhistrack;andhecried,"Bearmewellnow,bravesandals,forthehoundsofDeathareatmyheels!"



Andwellthebravesandalsborehim,aloftthroughcloudandsunshine,acrosstheshorelesssea;andfastfollowedthehoundsofDeath.Butthesandalsweretooswift,evenforGorgons,andbynightfalltheywerefarbehind,twoblackspecksinthesouthernsky,tillthesunsankandhesawthemnomore.

ThenhecameagaintoAtlas,andthegardenoftheNymphs;andwhenthegiantheardhimcominghegroaned,andsaid,"Fulfilthypromisetome."ThenPerseushelduptohimtheGorgon'shead,andhehadrestfromallhistoil;forhebecameacragofstone,whichsleepsforeverfarabovetheclouds.

PerseusthankedtheNymphs,andaskedthem,"BywhatroadshallIgohomewardagain,forIhavewanderedfarincominghither?"

Andtheyweptandcried,"Gohomenomore,butstayandplaywithus,thelonelymaidens,whodwellforeverfarawayfromgodsandmen."

Butherefused,andtheytoldhimhisroad.Andheleaptdownthemountain,andwenton,lesseningandlesseninglikeaseagull,awayandouttosea.

SoPerseusflittedonwardtothenortheast,overmanyaleagueof

sea,tillhecametotherollingsandhillsandthedrearyLybianshore.

Andheflittedonacrossthedesert:overrockledges,andbanksofshingle,andlevelwastesofsand,andshelldriftsbleachinginthesunshine,andtheskeletonsofgreatseamonsters,anddeadbonesofancientgiants,strewnupanddownupontheoldseafloor.AndashewenttheblooddropsfelltotheearthfromtheGorgon'shead,andbecamepoisonousaspsandadders,whichbreedinthedeserttothisday.

Overthesandshewent,tillhesawtheDwarfswhofoughtwithcranes.Theirspearswereofreedsandrushes,andtheirhousesof

theeggshellsofthecranes;andPerseuslaughed,andwenthiswaytothenortheast,hopingalldaylongtoseetheblueMediterraneansparkling,thathemightflyacrossittohishome.

Butnowcamedownamightywind,andswepthimbacksouthwardtowardthedesert.Alldaylonghestroveagainstit;buteventhewingedsandalscouldnotprevail.Sohewasforcedtofloatdownthewindallnight;andwhenthemorningdawnedtherewasnothingbuttheblindingsunintheblindingblue;androundhimtherewasnothingbuttheblindingsand.

AndPerseussaid,"SurelyIamnotherewithoutthewilloftheImmortals,forAthenewillnotlie.Werenotthesesandalstolead

meintherightroad?ThentheroadinwhichIhavetriedtogomustbeawrongroad."

Thensuddenlyhisearswereopened,andheheardthesoundofrunningwater.Andatthathisheartwasliftedup,thoughhescarcelydarebelievehisears;andwithinabowshotofhimwasagleninthesand,andmarblerocks,anddatetrees,andalawnofgaygreengrass.Andthroughthelawnastreamletsparkledandwanderedoutbeyondthetrees,andvanishedinthesand.AndPerseuslaughedforjoy,andleaptdownthecliffanddrankofthecool



water,andateofthedates,andsleptupontheturf,andleaptupandwentforward.

Thenhetoweredintheairlikeaneagle,forhislimbswerestrongagain;andheflewallnightacrossthemountaintillthedaybegantodawn,androsy-fingeredEoscameblushingupthesky.Andthen,behold,beneathhimwasthelonggreengardenofEgyptandtheshiningstreamofNile.

Andhesawcitieswalleduptoheaven,andtemples,andobelisks,andpyramids,andgiantgodsofstone.Andhecamedownamidfieldsofbarleyandflax,andmillet,andclamberinggourds;andsawthepeoplecomingoutofthegatesofagreatcity,andsettingtowork,eachinhisplace,amongthewatercourses,partingthestreamsamongtheplantscunninglywiththeirfeet,accordingtothewisdomoftheEgyptians.Butwhentheysawhimtheyallstoppedtheirwork,andgatheredroundhim,andcried:

"Whoartthou,fairyouth?andwhatDearestthoubeneaththeygoat--skinthere?SurelythouartoneoftheImmortals;forthyskiniswhitelikeivory,andoursisredlikeclay.Thyhairislikethreadsofgold,andoursisblackandcurled.SurelythouartoneoftheImmortals";andtheywouldhaveworshippedhimthenandthere;butPerseussaid:

"IamnotoneoftheImmortals;butIamaherooftheHellens.AndIhaveslaintheGorgoninthewilderness,andbearherheadwithme.Givemefood,therefore,thatImaygoforwardandfinishmywork."

Thentheygavehimfood,andfruit,buttheywouldnotlethimgo.AndwhenthenewscameintothecitythattheGorgonwasslain,thepriestscameouttomeethim,andthemaidens,withsongsanddances,andtimbrelsandharps;andtheywouldhavebroughthimtotheirtempleandtotheirKing;butPerseusputonthehatofdarkness,andvanishedawayoutoftheirsight.

AndPerseusflewalongtheshoreabovethesea;andhewentonalltheday;andhewentonallthenight.

Andatthedawnofdayhelookedtowardthecliffs;andatthewater'sedge,underablackrock,hesawawhiteimagestand.

"This,"thoughthe,"mustsurelybethestatueofsomeseagod;Iwillgonearandseewhatkindofgodsthesebarbariansworship."

Butwhenhecamenear,itwasnostatue,butamaidenoffleshandblood;forhecouldseehertressesstreaminginthebreeze;andashecamecloserstill,hecouldseehowsheshrankandshiveredwhenthewavessprinkledherwithcoldsaltspray.Herarmswerespread

aboveherhead,andfastenedtotherockwithchainsofbrass;andherheaddroopedonherbosom,eitherwithsleep,orweariness,orgrief.Butnowandthenshelookedupandwailed,andcalledhermother;yetshedidnotseePerseus,forthecapofdarknesswasonhishead.

Fullofpityandindignation,Perseusdrewnearandlookeduponthemaid.And,liftingthehatfromhishead,heflashedintohersight.Sheshriekedwithterror,andtriedtohideherfacewithherhair,forshecouldnotwithherhands;butPerseuscried:



"Donotfearme,fairone;IamaHellen,andnobarbarian.Whatcruelmenhaveboundyou?ButfirstIwillsetyoufree."

Andhetoreatthefetters,buttheyweretoostrongforhim;whilethemaidencried:

"Touchmenot;Iamaccursed,devotedasavictimtotheseagods.Theywillslayyou,ifyoudaretosetmefree."

"Letthemtry,"saidPerseus;anddrawingHerpefromhisthigh,hecutthroughthebrassasifithadbeenflax.

"Now,"hesaid,"youbelongtome,andnottotheseseagods,whosoevertheymaybe!"Butsheonlycalledthemoreonhermother.

"Whycallonyourmother?Shecanbenomothertohaveleftyouhere."

Andsheanswered,weeping:

"IamthedaughterofCepheus,KingofIopa,andmymotherisCassiopoeiaofthebeautifultresses,andtheycalledmeAndromeda,aslongaslifewasmine.AndIstandboundhere,haplessthatIam,

fortheseamonster'sfood,toatoneformymother'ssin.ForsheboastedofmeoncethatIwasfairerthantheQueenoftheFishes;sosheinherwrathsenttheseafloods,andherbrothertheFireKingsenttheearthquakes,andwastedalltheland,andafterthefloodsamonsterbredoftheslimewhatdevoursalllivingthings.Andnowhemustdevourme,guiltlessthoughIam--mewhoneverharmedalivingthing,norsawafishupontheshorebutIgaveitlife,andthrewitbackintothesea;forinourlandweeatnofish,forfearoftheirqueen.YetthepriestssaythatnothingbutmybloodcanatoneforasinwhichInevercommitted."

ButPerseuslaughed,andsaid,"Aseamonster?Ihavefoughtwithworsethanhim:IwouldhavefacedImmortalsforyoursake:howmuch

moreabeastofthesea?"

ThenAndromedalookedupathim,andnewhopewaskindledinherbreast,soproudandfairdidhestandwithonehandroundher,andintheothertheglitteringsword.Butsheonlysighed,andweptthemore,andcried:

"Whywillyoudie,youngasyouare?Istherenotdeathandsorrowenoughintheworldalready?Itisnobleformetodie,thatImaysavethelivesofawholepeople;butyou,betterthanthemall,whyshouldIslayyoutoo?Goyouyourway;Imustgomine."Andthen,suddenlylookingup,shepointedtothesea,andshrieked:

"Therehecomes,withthesunrise,astheypromised.Imustdienow.HowshallIendureit?Oh,go!Isitnotdreadfulenoughtobetornpiecemeal,withouthavingyoutolookon?"Andshetriedtothrusthimaway.

Buthesaid:"Igo;yetpromisemeonethingereIgo:thatifIslaythisbeastyouwillbemywife,andcomebackwithmetomykingdominfruitfulArgos.Promiseme,andsealitwithakiss."

Thensheliftedupherface,andkissedhim;andPerseuslaughedfor



joy,andflewupward,whileAndromedacrouchedtremblingontherock.

Oncamethegreatseamonster,coastingalonglikeahugeblackgalley.Hisgreatsideswerefringedwithclusteringshellsandseaweeds,andthewatergurgledinandoutofhiswidejaws.

AtlasthesawAndromeda,andshotforwardtotakehisprey,whilethewavesfoamedwhitebehindhim,andbeforehimthefishfledleaping.

ThendownfromtheheightoftheairfellPerseuslikeashootingstar;downtothecrestsofthewaves,whileAndromedahidherfaceasheshouted;andthentherewassilenceforawhile.

Atlastshelookeduptrembling,andsawPerseusspringingtowardher;andinsteadofthemonsteralongblackrock,withthesearipplingquietlyroundit.

WhothensoproudasPerseus,asheleaptbacktotherock,andliftedhisfairAndromedainhisarms,andflewwithhertotheclifftop,asafalconcarriesadove?

WhosoproudasPerseus,andwhosojoyfulasalltheAEthiop

people?Fortheyhadstoodwatchingthemonsterfromthecliffs,wailingforthemaiden'sfate.AndalreadyamessengerhadgonetoCepheusandCassiopoeia,wheretheysatinsackclothandashesontheground,intheinnermostpalacechambers,awaitingtheirdaughter'send.Andtheycame,andallthecitywiththem,toseethewonder,withsongsandwithdances,withcymbalsandharps,andreceivedtheirdaughterbackagain,asonealivefromthedead.

ThenCepheussaid,"HerooftheHellens,stayherewithmeandbemyson-in-law,andIwillgiveyouthehalfofmykingdom."

"Iwillbeyourson-in-law,"saidPerseus,"butofyourkingdomIwillhavenone,forIlongafterthepleasantlandofGreece,andmy

motherwhowaitsformeathome."

ThenCepheussaid,"Youmustnottakemydaughterawayatonce,forsheistouslikeonealivefromthedead.Staywithushereayear,andafterthatyoushallreturnwithhonour."AndPerseusconsented.Sotheywentuptothepalace;andwhentheycamein,therestoodinthehallPhineus,thebrotherofCepheus,chafinglikeabearrobbedofherwhelps,andwithhimhissons,andhisservants,andmanyanarmedman,andhecriedtoCepheus:

"Youshallnotmarryyourdaughtertothisstrangerofwhomnooneknowseventhename.WasnotAndromedabetrothedtomyson?Andnowsheissafeagain,hashenotarighttoclaimher?"

ButPerseuslaughed,andanswered:"Ifyoursonisinwantofabride,lethimsaveamaidenforhimself."

ThenheunveiledtheGorgon'shead,andsaid,"Thishasdeliveredmybridefromonewildbeast;itshalldeliverherfrommany."AndashespokePhineusandallhismen-at-armsstoppedshort,andstiffenedeachmanashestood;andbeforePerseushaddrawnthegoat-skinoverthefaceagain,theywereallturnedintostone.ThenPerseusbadethepeoplebringleversandrollthemout.



Sotheymadeagreatweddingfeast,whichlastedsevenwholedays,andwhosohappyasPerseusandAndromeda?

AndwhenayearwasendedPerseushiredPhoeniciansfromTyre,andcutdowncedars,andbuilthimselfaanoblegalley;andpainteditscheekswithvermilionandpitcheditssideswithpitch;andinitheputAndromeda,andallherdowryofjewels,andrichshawls,andspicesfromtheEast;andgreatwastheweepingwhentheyrowedaway.Buttheremembranceofhisbravedeedwasleftbehind;andAndromeda'srockwasshownatIopainPalestinetillmorethanathousandyearswerepast.

SoPerseusandthePhoeniciansrowedtothewestward,acrossthesea,tilltheycametothepleasantIslesofHellas,andSeriphos,hisancienthome.

Thenhelefthisgalleyonthebeach,andwentupasofold;andheembracedhismother,andDictyshisgoodfoster-father,andtheyweptovereachotheralongwhile,foritwassevenyearsandmoresincetheyhadmet.

ThenhewenthometoArgos,andreignedtherewellwithfairAndromeda.Butthewillofthegodswasaccomplishedtowards

Acrisius,hisgrandfather,forhediedfromthefallingofaquoitwhichPerseushadthrowninagame.

PerseusandAndromedahadfoursonsandthreedaughters,anddiedinagoodoldage.Andwhentheydied,theancientssay,Athenetookthemupintothesky,withCepheusandCassiopoeia.Andthereonstarlightnightsyoumayseethemshiningstill;Cepheuswithhiskinglycrown,andCassiopoeiainherivorychair,plaitingherstar-spangledtresses,andPerseuswiththeGorgon'shead,andfairAndromedabesidehim,spreadingherlongwhitearmsacrosstheheavens,asshestoodwhenchainedtothestoneforthemonster.Allnightlongtheyshine,forabeacontowanderingsailors;butalldaytheyfeastwiththegods,onthestillbluepeaksofOlympus.

CHAPTERII

HERCULES

Many,manyyearsagointhefar-offlandofHellas,whichwecallGreece,livedahappyyoungcouplewhosenameswereAlcmeneandAmphitryon.NowAmphitryon,thehusband,ownedmanyherdsofcattle.SoalsothefatherofAlcmene,whowasKingofMycenae,ownedmany.

Allthesecattlegrazingtogetherandwateringatthesamespringsbecameunitedinoneherd.Andthiswasthecauseofmuchtrouble,forAmphitryonfelltoquarrelingwiththefatherofhiswifeabouthisportionoftheherd.Atlastheslewhisfather-in-law,andfromthatdayhefledhisoldhomeatMycenae.

AlcmenewentwithherhusbandandtheyoungcouplesettledatThebes,wherewereborntothemtwoboys--twins--whichwerelaternamedHerculesandIphicles.



Fromthechild'sverybirthZeus,theKingofallheaventhatistheairandclouds,andthefatherofgodsandmen--fromtheboy'sverybirthZeuslovedHercules.ButwhenHera,wifeofZeus,whosharedhishonours,sawthisloveshewasangry.EspeciallyshewasangrybecauseZeusforetoldthatHerculesshouldbecomethegreatestofmen.

Thereforeonenight,whenthetwobabieswerebuteightmonthsold,Herasenttwohugeserpentstodestroythem.ThechildrenwereasleepinthegreatshieldofbrasswhichAmphitryoncarriedinbattleforhisdefence.Itwasagoodbed,foritwasroundandcurvedtowardthecentre,andfilledwithsoftblanketswhichAlcmeneandthemaidsofthehousehadwovenattheirlooms.Forwardtowardthisshieldthehugesnakeswerecreeping,andjustastheyliftedtheiropenmouthsabovetherim,andweremakingreadytoseizethem,thetwinsopenedtheireyes.Iphiclesscreamedwithfright.Hiscrieswakenedtheirmother,Alcmene,whocalledinaloudvoiceforhelp.ButbeforeAmphitryonandthemenofthehouseholdcoulddrawtheirswordsandrushtotherescue,thebabyHercules,sittingupintheshieldunterrifiedandseizingaserpentineachhand,hadchokedandstrangledthemtilltheydied.

FromhisearlyyearsHerculeswasinstructedinthelearningofhis

time.Castor,themostexperiencedcharioteerofhisday,taughthim,Eurytusalso,howtoshootwithabowandarrows;Linushowtoplayuponthelyre;andEumolpus,grandsonoftheNorthWind,drilledhiminsinging.Thustimepassedtohiseighteenthyearwhen,sogreatalreadyhadbecomehisstrengthandknowledge,hekilledafiercelionwhichhadpreyedupontheflocksofAmphitryonwhiletheyweregrazingonMountCithaeron,andwhichhadinfactlaidwastemanyafatfarmofthesurroundingcountry.

ButtheangerofHerastillfollowedHercules,andthegoddesssentuponhimamadness.Inthiscrazetheherodidmanyunhappydeeds.Forpunishmentandinexpiationhecondemnedhimselftoexile,andatlasthewenttothegreatshrineofthegodApolloatDelphito

askwhitherheshouldgoandwheresettle.ThePythia,orpriestessinthetemple,desiredhimtosettleatTiryns,toserveasbondmantoEurystheus,whoruledatMycenaeasKing,andtoperformthegreatlabourswhichEurystheusshouldimposeuponhim.Whenthesetaskswereallaccomplished,theinspiredpriestessadded,Herculesshouldbenumberedamongtheimmortalgods.

THEFIRSTLABOUR--WRESTLINGWITHTHENEMEANLION

ThefirsttaskwhichEurystheusrequiredofHerculeswastobringhimtheskinofalionwhichnoarrownorotherweaponcouldwound,andwhichhadlongbeenaterrortothegoodpeoplewholivedinNemea.Herculessetfortharmedwithbowandquiver,butpausedin

theouterwoodofNemealongenoughtocuthimselfhisfamousclub.TheretoohefellinwithanhonestcountrymanwhopledgedhimtomakeasacrificetoZeus,thesaviour,ifhe,Hercules,shouldreturnvictorious;butifhewereslainbythemonstrouslion,thenthecountrymanshouldmakethesacrificeafuneralofferingtohimselfasahero.

SoHerculesproceeded,farintoadensewood,desertedbecauseallpeoplefearedthefiercebeastitprotected.Onhewenttillaftermanydayshesightedthelionatrestnearthecavewhichwasits



den.Standingbehindatreeofgreatgirth,Herculesfittedandletflyanarrow.Itstruckandglanced,leavingtheanimalunharmed.Thenhetriedanothershot,aimingattheheart.Againthearrowfailed.Butthelionwasbythistimeroused,andhiseyesshotfieryglances,andtheheavyroarfromhisthroatmadethewoodsmosthorriblyresound.ThenthedevotedHerculesseizedhisheavywoodenclub,andrushingforwarddrovethelionbythesuddennessandfiercenessofhisassaultintohisden.Butthedenhadtwoentrances.AgainstoneHerculesrolledhugestones,andenteringthecavebytheotherhegraspedthelion'sthroatwithbothhands,andthusheldhimstrugglingandgaspingforbreathtillhelayathisfeetdead.

Herculesswungthemightybulkuponhisshouldersandproceededtoseekthecountrymanwithwhomhispledgestood.Sogreathadbeenhisjourney,andsohardhissearch,thathedidnotfindthegoodmantillthelastofthethirtydays.TherehestoodjustonthepointofofferingasheeptoHercules,supposinghimdead.TogethertheysacrificedthesheeptoZeusinstead,andHercules,vigorousandvictorious,borethemightylion'sbodytoEurystheusatMycenae.

Enteringtheplaceandthrowingthecarcassdownbeforetheking,HerculessoterrifiedEurystheusbythistokenofhiswonderful

strengththattheKingforbadehimeveragaintoenterthecity.IndeedsomesaythattheterrorofEurystheuswassogreatthathehadajarorvesselofbrasssecretlyconstructedundergroundwhichhemightuseasasaferetreatincaseofdanger.This"jar"wasprobablyachamberanditswallscoveredwithinwithplatesofbrass.FornowinourowndayisseenthereatMycenaearoomundertheearth,andthenailswhichfastenedthebrassplatestothewallstillremain.EveraftertheconquestofthislionHerculesclothedhimselfwiththeskin.

THESECONDLABOUR--DESTROYINGTHELERNEANHYDRA

ThesecondtaskofHerculeswastodestroyahydraorwatersnake

whichdweltinthemarshofLerna,asmalllakenearMycenae.Thebodyofthissnakewaslargeandfromitsbodysprangnineheads.Eightoftheseheadsweremortal,buttheninthheadwasundying.

HerculessteppedintohischariotandhisdearnephewIolaus,whowaspermittedbytheDelphicpriestesstodriveforhim,tookupthereins.ThewaytoLernawaspleasant.Inspring-timecrocusesandhyacinthssprangbytheroadside,andinearlysummerthenightingalessangintheolivegroves,vineyardandforest.Thatsogreatandhorribleamonstercouldbenear!

WhenHerculesandIolauscametoLernatheydrewclosetogroundrisingnearaspring,andHerculesdismountingandsearchingfound

theveryholeintowhichthehydrahadretired.Intothisheshotfieryarrows.Thearrowsdiscomfortingthesnakeitcrawledforthand,dartingathimfuriously,endeavouredtotwineitselfabouthislegs.Theherobeganthentowieldhismightyclub.Hecrushedheadafterheaduponthesnake'sbody,butforeveryonecrushedtwospranginitsplace.

Atlengththehydrahadcoiledsofirmlyroundoneleg,thatHerculescouldnotmoveaninchfromthespot.Andnowanenormouscrabcamefromthewateroutoffriendshipforthehydra,andthat



toocreptuptoHerculesand,seizinghisfoot,painfullywoundedhim.

SwinginghisclubwithheroicvigorHerculesbeatthecrabtodeath.ThenhecalledtoIolaustofirealittlegroveoftreesnearby.Iolausatoncesetthefire,andwhenthesaplingswerewellaflameheseizedthemand,standingbythehero,asfastasHerculescutoffaheadofthehydrahesearedtheneckwithaflamingbrand.Thesearingpreventedtheheadsfromgrowingagain.WhenalltheeightmortalheadshadthusbeendispatchedHerculesstruckofftheonesaidtobeimmortalandburieditintheroadway,settingaheavystoneabove.Thebodyofthehydrahecutupanddippedhisarrowsinthegall,whichwassofullofpoisonthattheleastscratchfromsuchanarrowwouldbringcertaindeath.

Eurystheusreceivedthenewsofthedestructionofthewatersnakewithbadgrace.HeclaimedthatHerculeshadnotdestroyedthemonsteralone,butonlywiththeassistanceofIolaus.Allthepeople,however,rejoicedgreatly,andtheyhastenedtodrainthemarshwherethehydrahaddweltsothatneveragaincouldsuchanenemyabideupontheirlands.

THETHIRDLABOUR--CAPTURINGTHEARCADIANHIND

InthedaysinwhichHerculeslived,Arcadiawasabeautifulcountryofcool,sweet-scentedwoods,clearmountainstreams,andslopingmeadow-sidesfromwhichroseeverynowandthentheroofofahunter'scottageorashepherd'shutch.ItwasacountryalsopeculiarlypleasingtoArtemis,thegoddessofthechase,andpeculiarlyalsoitwasthehauntofallanimalsespeciallydeartothegoddess.

AhindwasthereofsuchlovelinessandgracethatArtemishadmarkedherforherown,andgivenherapairofgoldenhornssothatshemightbeknownfromallotherdeerandherlifethuspreserved.FornogoodHellen,orGreek,wouldslayforfoodanyanimalsacredtoagod.Thisbeautifulgolden-hornedhindEurystheusordered

Herculestobringtohimalive,fortheirreverenceoftheKingdidnotgosofarastodemandherdead.

SoHerculeswentforthforthehuntingand,notwishingtowoundthehind,pursuedherforoneentireyear.Uphillhewent,downmanyamountaindale,acrossmanyagleamingriver,throughdeepforestandopenfield,andalwaysdancingbeforehimwerethegoldentipsofhornsofthehind--nearenoughtobeseen,toofartobeseized.Atlasttiredwiththepursuitthelovelybeastonedaytookrefugeuponamountainside,andthereasshesoughtthewaterofariver,Herculesstruckherwithanarrow.Thewoundwasslight,butithelpedtheherotocatchthecreature,andtolifthertohisshoulders.Thereupon,hestartedforthecourtofEurystheus.

Butthewaywaslong,anditlaythroughapartofArcadiawherethebushwasheavy,andforestsweredeep,andmountainswerehigh,andwhileHerculeswaspursuinghiswayandbearinghismeek-eyedburden,heonedaymetthefairgoddesstowhomthehindwassacred.Herbrother,thebeautifulgodApollo,waswithher.

Artemisseeinghercaptureddeercriedtothehero,"Mortal,oho!thuswiltthouviolateacreaturesetasidebythegods?""MightyArtemisandhuntress,"answeredHercules,"thishindIknowis



thine.Atwelve-monthhaveIchasedandatlastcaughther.ButthegodNecessityforcedme!Oh,immortalone,Iamnotimpious.EurystheuscommandedmetocatchthehindandthepriestessofApolloenjoinedmetoobservetheKing'scommand."

WhenArtemisunderstoodhowHerculeswasbond-manshedismissedheranger,andsenthimforwardwithkindwords,andthushebroughtthegolden-hornedhindtoMycenaeandsentitintotheKing.

THEFOURTHLABOUR--CAPTURINGTHEBOAROFERYMANTHUS

InthenorthwesternpartofthefamedArcadiawherethegolden-hornedhindroamedwasarangeofmountainscalledErymanthus.Overthehightopsofthisrangewanderedalsoawildbeast,butunlikethelovelyhindhewasfierceandterribleofaspectanddeadlyinencounter.HewasknownastheboarofErymanthus.ThistuskedandterriblebeingtheKingofMycenae,Eurystheus,commandedthemightyHercules,hisbondman,tobringalivetohim.

AgainHerculessetout,andagainhefaredoverhillandacrossbrightwaters,andashewentthebirdssangspringsongstohimfromvineandtreeshade,andyellowcrocusescarpetedtheearth.InhisjourneyhecameonedaytothehomeofPholus,acentaur,whodweltwithothercentaursuponthesideofamountain.Nowthe

centaurswere,ofallthedwellersofthatdistantland,mostunlikeusmodernfolks.Forreporthasitthattheywerehalfthatnoblecreatureman,andhalfthatnoblecreaturehorse:thatistosay,theyweremenasfarasthewaist,andthencamethebodyofthehorsewithitsswiftfourfeet.Therearethose,indeed,whoclaimthatthecentaursweremenandrodetheirmountainponiessodeftlythatmanandhorseseemedonewholecreature.Bethatasitmay,uponthismountainsidethecentaurPholusdweltwithothersofhiskind,andtheretovisitwithhimcameHercules.

Thecentaurwithhishospitableheartandownhandspreparedadinnerofroastmeatforthehungrytraveller,andastheysatattheboardingenialconversetheyhadmuchenjoyment.ButHercules

wasalsothirsty,andthesparklingwaterfromthemountainspringseemednottosatisfyhim.Heaskedthecentaurforwine."Ah,wine,myguest-friendHercules,"answeredPholus,"Ihavenoneofmyown.Yonderisajarofoldvintage,butitbelongstoallthecentaursofourmountainandIcannotopenit.""ButfriendPholus,"saidHerculespressingly,"IwouldIhadalittleformystomach'ssake."

Nowthecentaurhadakindheartaswehavesaid,andherejoicedthatHerculeshadcome,andtogivetheherohisdesiresheopenedthejar.ThewinewasmadefromgrapesthatgrewunderthefairskiesofArcadiaanditsfragrancewaslikeascentofliliesorofroses,andwhenthesoftwindsenteredthedoor,nearwhichHerculessatdrinking,itseizedtheperfumeandboreitoverthemountain

side.Nowhearofallthemischiefalittlewinemaymake.

Thefragranceintheairtoldthecentaurs,wherevereachhappenedtobe,thattheirwinejarhadbeenopened,andtheyrushedtoitsrestingplaceperhapstodefenditfromanywayfaringthief,perhapstohelpdrinkit,wedonotknow.ButeachcameangrilytothemouthofthecaveofPholusandallwerearmedwithstonesandstaveswhichtheyhadseizedastheyhastenedonward.WhentheyfirstenteredwithragingcriesandthreateninggestureHerculesgraspedthebrandsburningonthehospitablehearthanddrovethemback.As



otherspressedbehindthemtheherodrewforthhisarrowspoisonedwiththegalloftheLerneanhydra,andsentamongthemmanyashaft.Thustheyfoughtretreatingand,theyfleeingandHerculespursuing,camefinallytothedwellingofChiron,mostfamedofallthecentaursandateacherofHerculesinhisyouth,teacherofhisgreatartofsurgery.

ThewineragingintheveinsofHerculesmadehimforthemomentforgetfulofallthegoodChironhadbestoweduponhim,andstilllettingflyhispoisonousarrowshe,aimingatanother,hitthenoblestofthecentaurs.GriefseizedHerculeswhenhesawwhathehaddoneandherananddrewoutthearrowandappliedasoftointmentwhichChironhimselfhadtaughthimtomake.Butitwasinvain,forthecentaur,inspiringteacherandfamedforhisloveofjusticeashewas,soongaveuptheghost.

SaddenedathisownmadnessHerculesnowreturnedtothecaveofhisguest-friendPholus.Thereamongothershishostlay,andstarkdead.Hehaddrawnanarrowfromthebodyofonewhohaddiedfromitswound,and,whileexaminingitandwonderinghowsoslightashaftcouldbesofatal,hadaccidentallydroppeditoutofhishand.Itstruckhisfootandheexpiredthatverymoment.

Herculespaidallfuneralhonourtohisfriendsandafterward

departingfromtheunhappyneighbourhoodtookuphissearchoftheboar.

HeavysnowswerelyingonthecrestsofErymanthuswhenHerculescameuponthetracksofthewildcreature,andfollowingpatientlyfinallyreachedhislair.Theretheboarstood,histuskspointedoutwardreadyforattack,hiseyessnappingvindictively.Hewasindeedaterriblethingtosee.

Hercules,insteadofshootingattheanimal,begantocall,andshoutingwithloudcrieshesoconfusedtheboarthatheranintothevastsnowdriftstandingnearby.Thereupontheheroseizedandboundhimwithawildgrapevinehehadbroughtforthepurpose.And

soswinginghimoverhisshoulderhetookhiswaytowardMycenae.

TheKingEurystheuswasterriblyfrightenedattheveryprospectofhavingtheboartokeep,andwhenheheardHerculeswascomingtotownwiththeanimalonhisshouldershetooktothebrazenundergroundchamber,whichhehadbuilt,whenHerculescameinwiththebodyoftheNemeanlion.Therehestayedforseveraldays,accordingtoagoodoldhistorian,Diodorus,whoinwritingoftheKingtoldthathewassogreatacoward.

THEFIFTHLABOUR--CLEANSINGTHESTABLESOFAUGEAS

AlthoughEurystheuswasseizedwithtremoratthecomingofHercules

withtheErymanthianboar,stillhecontinuedrelentless,anddemandedtheperformanceofthenexttask,whichwasnothinglessthanthecleaningoutinonedayofstableswherenumerouscattlehadbeenconfinedformanyyears.ThesenoisomestallsbelongedtoAugeas,aKingofElisandamanrichinherds--sorichindeedthatastheyearspassedandhiscattleincreasedhecouldnotfindmenenoughtocareforhiskineandtheirhouse.Thustheanimalshadcontinued,andhadsolitteredtheirabidingplacethatithadbecomewellnighintolerableandasourceofdiseaseandevenofpestilencetothepeople.



WhenHerculescametoKingAugeashesaidnothingtohimofthecommandEurystheushadlaiduponhim,butlookingthroughthestableswhichcoveredaspaceofmanymeadowshespokeofthecattleandtheevilconditionoftheirhousing."Themoon-eyedkinewilldobetterincleanstables,"saidthewiseHercules,"andifthouwiltpledgemeatenthofthyherdsIwillcleanoutthystallsinaday."TothisAugeasdelightedlyagreedand,speakingastheywereinthepresenceoftheyoungsonoftheKing,Herculescalledupontheprincetowitnessthepact.

NowHerculesingoingaboutthegreatstableshadnoticedthatattheupperendoftheirbuildingflowedaswiftriver,andatthelowerendwasasecondswiftstream.WhenthereforeAugeashadpledgedhimselftothework,Hercules,beginningearlynextday,tookdownthewallsattheupperendofthestallsandthewallsatthelowerend.Thenwithhisownmightyhandshedugchannelsandcanalsandledthewatersoftheupperswift-flowingriverintotheheavilylitteredfloorofthestalls.Andthewatersroseandpushedthelitterbeforethemandmadeonechannelintothelowerriver,andthenanotherandanotherandso,workingthroughthehoursoftheday,theupperriverscouredthestablescleanandcarriedtherefusetothelowerriver.Andthelowerrivertooktheburdenandcarrieditouttothesaltsea,whichiseverandalwayscleaning

andpurifyingwhatevercomestoitswaters.AndwhennightfelltherestoodtheheroHerculeslookingathiswork--thefilthystablesofAugeascleaned.

WhennextdayHerculesaskedforthetenthoftheherdswhichtheKinghadpledged,Augeasrefusedtostandbyhisagreement.HehadlearnedthatthislabourofcleaninghisstableshadbeenimposeduponHercules,andheclaimedheshouldpaynothingforit;infact,hedeniedhehadpromisedanything,andofferedtolaythematterbeforejudges.Thecausethereforewastried,andatthetrialtheyoungsonoftheKing,whohadwitnessedthepact,testifiedtothetruthofHercules'claim.Thissoenragedhisfatherthatinmosthigh-handedmannerhebanishedbothhissonandtheherofromElis

withoutwaitingforthejudgmentofthecourt.HerculesreturnedtoMycenae.ButagainthecowardlyandcontemptibleEurystheusrefusedtocountthislabour,sayingHerculeshaddoneitforhire.

THESIXTHLABOUR--SHOOTINGTHESTYMPHALIANBIRDS

FarinthefamedlandofArcadiaisabeautifullakeknownsomanyyearsago,asinthetimeofHercules,andevenbyusinourday,asLakeStymphalus.Itisalakeofpuresweetwateranditlies,assuchwaterslieinourowncountry,highupinmountainsandamidhillsidescoveredwithfirsandpoplarsandclingingvinesandwild

blossoms.

Inourdaythelakeisaresortforgentlesingingbirds,butinthetimeofHerculesotherbirdsweretherealso.Theotherbirdswerewaterfowls,andtheyhadgatheredatLakeStymphalusbecausetheyhadbeendrivenoutoftheiroldhomebywolves,whoalonewerehungrierandmoredestructivethanthey.Thesefowlshadclawsofiron,andeveryfeatheroftheirswassharperthanabarbedarrow,andsostrongandfierceandravenoustheywerethattheywoulddartfromtheairandattackhunters,yea,andpeckingthemdownwould



tearandstriptheirfleshtillbutabonyskeletonremainedofthatwhichafewminutesbeforehadbeenastrong,active,buoyantmanseekinginthechasefoodforhishearthside.

TomakewaywiththishorridtribeoftheairwasthesixthcommandEurystheuslaiduponHercules.TowardLakeStymphalusthereforeturnedourhero.AgainhewalkedArcadianwaysides,andagainashefaredthespringsunshoneabove,andthebirdssangwelcome,andthenarcissuslifteditsgoldencup,andashewenthisheartrejoicedinhislife,whateverthedifficultyofhislabour,andinthebeautyoftheworldbeforehiseyes.Andashewalkedalsohethoughtofhowheshouldaccomplishthegreatundertakinguponwhichhewasbent.

Whilethusdeliberatingthegrey-eyedgoddessofwisdom,Athene,cametohim--justasthisgoddesseveninourdaycomestothosewhothink--andshesuggestedtohismindthatheshouldscarethefowlfromtheirretreatbybrazenrattles.ThegoddessdidevenmorethanputthenotionofusingarattleinthemindofHercules.Itissaidsheactuallybroughthimone,ahuge,bronzeclappermadeforhimbytheforgerofthegods,limpingHephaestus.

Herculestookthisrattleandmountinganeighbouringheightshookitinhisgreathandstilleveryhillechoedandtheverytrees

quiveredwiththehorridsound.Andtheman-eatingbirds?Notoneremainedhidden.Eachandeveryoneroseterrifiedintheair,croakingandworkingitssteelytalonsandsharp-pointedfeathersindirefear.

Nowfromhisquivertheherofastpickedhisbarbedarrows,andfastheshotandeveryshotbroughttohisfeetoneoftheterribleman-eaters,tillatlasthehadslaineveryone.Or,ifindeed,anyofthetribehadescaped,theyhadflownfaraway,forneverafter,inallthelonghistoryofLakeStymphalus,havesuchcreaturesappearedagainaboveitsfairwaters.

SoendedthesixthlabourofHercules.

THESEVENTHLABOUR--CAPTURINGTHECRETANBULL

JustasZeuswho,aswesaidinthebeginning,wasKingofallheaventhatistheairandclouds,soPosidonwasKingofthesea.Withhisqueen,Amphitrite,helivedfardownunderneaththewaves,anddweltinapalacesplendidwithallthebeautifulthingsofthedeep.

InthemidstofthebluewatersoftheMediterraneanwherePosidonhadhishome,liesanislandcalledCrete,andlongagointhedayswhenHerculeslaboured,aKing,whosenamewasMinos,ruledoverthisland.Theislandislongandnarrowandhasmuchseacoast,and

becauseofthisfactKingMinosstoodinintimaterelationswiththegodofthesea.

Nowonedayinanespecialburstoffriendliness,MinosvowedtosacrificetoPosidonwhatevershouldcomeoutofthesaltwaters.Thegodinpleasureatthevow,andtotestmayhapthedevotionofMinos,sentatonceabeautifulbullleapingandswimmingthroughthewaves.Whenthecreaturehadcometotherockycoastandmadeland,itssideshonewithsuchbeauty,anditsivory-whitehornsgarlandedwithliliessetsolikeacrownaboveitsgracefulhead



thatMinosandallthepeoplewhosawitmarvelledthatanywherecouldhavegrownsuchabull.AndasortofgreedanddeceitseizedMinosashegazed,andforhissacrificetoPosidonheresolvedtouseanotherbull.Andsoheorderedhisherdsmantotakethisfaircreaturethathadcomefromtheseaandtoputitamonghisherd,andalsotobringforthanotherfortheoffering.

BecauseofthisavariceofMinosthegodbelowthewaveswasangryandhemadethebullwildandfurious,sothatnoherdsmandaredapproachtofeedorcareforit.ForhisseventhtaskEurystheuscommandedHerculestofetchhimthismadbullofCrete.

Herculesaccordinglyboardedoneoftheshipsthatpliedinthatfar-offday,aswellasinthistimeofours,betweentherockycoastofCreteandthefairlandofHellas,andinduetimetheherocametoMinos'court."Ihavecome,sire,"saidHercules,"forthemadbullthatterrifiesthyherdsmenandisrumouredbeyondcapture.""Ay,youngman,"criedtheking,"thouhastcomeformybullandmybullshaltthouhave.Whenthouhasttakenit,itisthine,"andtheKinglaughedgrimly,forthestrengthandfuryofthecreaturehedeemedbeyondanyman'scontrol.

HerculessoughtthegrovewherePosidon'sgifthadstrayedfromitsfellows,andtheredeftlyseizingitbythehorns,hebounditsfeet

withstoutstrapsofbull'shideanditshornshepaddedwithmossoftheseafromwhichitcame,andsohavingmadeitpowerlessheliftedittohisshouldersandcarriedittotheshore.AswiftblackshipwasjustspreadingsailfromCrete,andenteringuponittheherosoonendedhisjourneyandlaidhiscapturebeforeEurystheus.AdayortwolaterHerculesloosedthebull,which,afterwanderingthroughthewoodlandsofArcadia,crossedtheisthmusandcametotheplainsofMarathon,whence,afterdoingmuchdamage,itswamofftoseaandwasneverheardofafter.

SofarwehavetoldhowHerculesaccomplishedsevenofthetaskslaiduponhim.Spacedoesnotpermitustorecountindetailtheotherfive.TheeighthtaskwastobringtoEurystheustheman-

eatingmaresoftheKingofWindyThrace.TheninthtaskwastofetchagirdlewhichAres,godofwar,hadgiventheQueenoftheAmazons--anexceedinglydifficultlabour,fortheAmazonswereanationofwomen-warriorsrenownedforvalour.ForthetenthtaskEurystheusdemandedthepurpleoxenofafamousgiantwhodweltonanislandfaroutintheocean.TheeleventhtaskwastobringapplesfromthegardenoftheHesperides--goldenapplesguardedbyadragonwithahundredheads,nooneofwhichevercloseditseyesinsleep.Andthetwelfthandlasttask,whichwastofreethemightyHerculesfromhisbondagetocowardlyEurystheus,wastofetchCerberus,thethree-headeddog,whoguardedtheentrancetoHades,theunseenabodeofdepartedspirits.

Eachandeveryoneoftheselaboursthestrongheroaccomplished.HavingwonhisfreedomandgainedthehonourspromisedbythepriestessatDelphimanyyearsbefore,Herculesworkedmanyanobledeedandfinallyinrewardforhismuchenduringandhisaidtomortals,hewascarrieduponathundercloudtotheupperair,andenteredintotheverygatesofheaven.



CHAPTERIII

DANIEL

ItpleasedDariustosetoverthekingdomanhundredandtwentyprinces,whichshouldbeoverthewholekingdom.

Andoverthesethreepresidents;ofwhomDanielwasfirst:thattheprincesmightgiveaccountsuntothem,andtheKingshouldhavenodamage.

ThenthisDanielwaspreferredabovethepresidentsandprinces,becauseanexcellentspiritwasinhim;andtheKingthoughttosethimoverthewholerealm.

ThenthepresidentsandprincessoughttofindoccasionagainstDanielconcerningthekingdom;buttheycouldfindnoneoccasionnorfault;forasmuchashewasfaithful,neitherwasthereanyerrororfaultfoundinhim.

Thensaidthesemen,WeshallnotfindanyoccasionagainstthisDaniel,exceptwefinditagainsthimconcerningthelawofhisGod.

ThenthesepresidentsandprincesassembledtogethertotheKing,andsaidthusuntohim,KingDarius,liveforever.

Allthepresidentsofthekingdom,thegovernors,andtheprinces,thecounsellors,andthecaptains,haveconsultedtogethertoestablisharoyalstatute,andtomakeafirmdecree,thatwhosoevershallaskapetitionofanygodormanforthirtydays,saveofthee,OKing,heshallbecastintothedenoflions.

Now,OKing,establishthedecree,andsignthewriting,thatitbenotchanged,accordingtothelawoftheMedesandPersians,whichalterethnot.

WhereforeKingDariussignedthewritingandthedecree.

NowwhenDanielknewthatthewritingwassigned,hewentintohishouse;andhiswindowsbeingopeninhischambertowardJerusalem,hekneeleduponhiskneesthreetimesaday,andprayed,andgavethanksbeforehisGod,ashedidaforetime.

Thenthesemenassembled,andfoundDanielprayingandmakingsupplicationbeforehisGod.

Thentheycamenear,andspakebeforetheKingconcerningtheKing'sdecree;Hastthounotsignedadecree,thateverymanthatshallaskapetitionofanygodormanwithinthirtydays,saveofthee,O

King,shallbecastintothedenoflions?TheKingansweredandsaid,Thethingistrue,accordingtothelawoftheMedesandPersians,whichalterethnot.

ThenansweredtheyandsaidbeforetheKing,ThatDaniel,whichisofthechildrenofthecaptivityofJudah,regardethnotthee,OKing,northedecreethatthouhastsigned,butmakethhispetitionthreetimesaday.

ThentheKing,whenheheardthesewords,wassoredispleasedwith



himself,andsethisheartonDanieltodeliverhim:andhelabouredtillthegoingdownofthesuntodeliverhim.

ThenthesemenassembleduntotheKing,andsaiduntotheKing,Know,OKing,thatthelawoftheMedesandPersiansis,ThatnodecreenorstatutewhichtheKingestablishethmaybechanged.

ThentheKingcommanded,andtheybroughtDaniel,andcasthimintothedenoflions.NowtheKingspakeandsaiduntoDaniel,ThyGodwhomthouservestcontinually,hewilldeliverthee.

Andastonewasbrought,andlaiduponthemouthoftheden;andtheKingsealeditwithhisownsignet,andwiththesignetofhislords;thatthepurposemightnotbechangedconcerningDaniel.

ThentheKingwenttohispalace,andpassedthenightfasting:neitherwereinstrumentsofmusicbroughtbeforehim:andhissleepwentfromhim.

ThentheKingaroseveryearlyinthemorning,andwentinhasteuntothedenoflions.

Andwhenhecametotheden,hecriedwithalamentablevoiceuntoDaniel:andtheKingspakeandsaidtoDaniel,ODaniel,servantof

thelivingGod,isthyGod,whomthouservestcontinually,abletodelivertheefromthelions?

ThensaidDanieluntotheKing,OKing,liveforever.

MyGodhathsenthisangel,andhathshutthelions'mouths,thattheyhavenothurtme:forasmuchasbeforehiminnocencywasfoundinme:andalsobeforethee,OKing,haveIdonenohurt.

ThenwastheKingexceedinggladforhim,andcommandedthattheyshouldtakeDanielupoutoftheden.SoDanielwastakenupoutoftheden,andnomannerofhurtwasfounduponhim,becausehebelievedinhisGod.

CHAPTERIV

DAVID

ThePhilistinesgatheredtogethertheirarmiestobattle,andweregatheredtogetheratShochoh,whichbelongethtoJudah,andpitchedbetweenShochohandAzekah,inEphes-dammim.

AndSaulandthemenofIsraelweregatheredtogether,andpitchedbythevalleyofElah,andsetthebattleinarrayagainstthePhilistines.

AndthePhilistinesstoodonamountainontheoneside,andIsraelstoodonamountainontheotherside;andtherewasavalleybetweenthem.

AndtherewentoutachampionoutofthecampofthePhilistines,namedGoliath,ofGath,whoseheightwassixcubitsandaspan.



Andhehadanhelmetofbrassuponhishead,andhewasarmedwithacoatofmail;andtheweightofthecoatwasfivethousandshekelsofbrass.

Andhehadgreavesofbrassuponhislegs,andatargetofbrassbetweenhisshoulders.

Andthestaffofhisspearwaslikeaweaver'sbeam;andhisspear'sheadweighedsixhundredshekelsofiron;andonebearingashieldwentbeforehim.

AndhestoodandcrieduntothearmiesofIsrael,andsaiduntothem,Whyareyecomeouttosetyourbattleinarray?amnotIaPhilistine,andyeservantstoSaul?chooseyouamanforyou,andlethimcomedowntome.

Ifhebeabletofightwithme,andtokillme,thenwillwebeyourservants:butifIprevailagainsthim,andkillhim,thenshallyebeourservants,andserveus.

AndthePhilistinesaid,IdefythearmiesofIsraelthisday;givemeaman,thatwemayfighttogether.

WhenSaulandallIsraelheardthosewordsofthePhilistine,theyweredismayed,andgreatlyafraid.

NowDavidwasthesonofthatEphrathiteofBethlehem-judah,whosenamewasJesse;andhehadeightsons:andthemanwentamongmenforanoldmaninthedaysofSaul.

AndthethreeeldestsonsofJessewentandfollowedSaultothebattle:andthenamesofhisthreesonsthatwenttothebattlewereEliabthefirstborn,andnextuntohimAbinadab,andthethirdShammah.

AndDavidwastheyoungest:andthethreeeldestfollowedSaul.

ButDavidwentandreturnedfromSaultofeedhisfather'ssheepatBethlehem.

AndthePhilistinedrewnearmorningandevening,andpresentedhimselffortydays.

AndJessesaiduntoDavidhisson,Takenowforthybrethrenanephahofthisparchedcorn,andthesetenloaves,andruntothecamptothybrethren;

Andcarrythesetencheesesuntothecaptainoftheirthousand,andlookhowthybrethrenfare,andtaketheirpledge.

NowSaul,andthey,andallthemenofIsrael,wereinthevalleyofElah,fightingwiththePhilistines.

AndDavidroseupearlyinthemorning,andleftthesheepwithakeeper,andtook,andwent,asJessehadcommandedhim;andhecametothetrench,asthehostwasgoingforthtothefight,andshoutedforthebattle.

ForIsraelandthePhilistineshadputthebattleinarrayarmy



againstarmy.

AndDavidlefthiscarriageinthehandofthekeeperofthecarriage,andranintothearmy,andcameandsalutedhisbrethren.

Andashetalkedwiththem,behold,therecameupthechampion,thePhilistineofGam,Goliathbyname,outofthearmiesofthePhilistines,andspakeaccordingtothesamewords;andDavidheardthem.

AndallthemenofIsrael,whentheysawtheman,fledfromhim,andweresoreafraid.

AndthemenofIsraelsaid,Haveyeseenthismanthatiscomeup?surelytodefyIsraelishecomeup;anditshallbe,thatthemanwhokillethhim,theKingwillenrichhimwithgreatriches,andwillgivehimhisdaughter,andmakehisfather'shousefreeinIsrael.

AndDavidspaketothementhatstoodbyhim,saying,WhatshallbedonetothemanthatkilleththisPhilistine,andtakethawaythereproachfromIsrael?forwhoisthisuncircumcisedPhilistine,thatheshoulddefythearmiesofthelivingGod?

Andthepeopleansweredhimafterthismanner,saying,Soshallitbedonetothemanthatkillethhim.

AndEliabhiseldestbrotherheardwhenhespakeuntothemen;andEliab'sangerwaskindledagainstDavid,andhesaid,Whycamestthoudownhither?andwithwhomhastthouleftthosefewsheepinthewilderness?Iknowthypride,andthenaughtinessofthineheart;forthouartcomedownthatthoumightestseethebattle.

AndDavidsaid,WhathaveInowdone?Istherenotacause?

Andheturnedfromhimtowardanother,andspakeafterthesamemanner:andthepeopleansweredhimagainaftertheformermanner.

AndwhenthewordswereheardwhichDavidspake,theyrehearsedthembeforeSaul:andhesentforhim.

AndDavidsaidtoSaul,Letnoman'sheartfailbecauseofhim;thyservantwillgoandfightwiththisPhilistine.

AndSaulsaidtoDavid,ThouartnotabletogoagainstthisPhilistinetofightwithhim:forthouartbutayouth,andheamanofwarfromhisyouth.

AndDavidsaiduntoSaul,Thyservantkepthisfather'ssheep,andtherecamealion,andabear,andtookalamboutoftheflock:

AndIwentoutafterhim,andsmotehim,anddelivereditoutofhismouth:andwhenhearoseagainstme,Icaughthimbyhisbeard,andsmotehim,andslewhim.

Thyservantslewboththelionandthebear:andthisuncircumcisedPhilistineshallbeasoneofthem,seeinghehathdefiedthearmiesofthelivingGod.

Davidsaidmoreover,TheLordthatdeliveredmeoutofthepawof



thelion,andoutofthepawofthebear,hewilldelivermeoutofthehandofthisPhilistine.AndSaulsaiduntoDavid,Go,andtheLordbewiththee.

AndSaularmedDavidwithhisarmour,andheputanhelmetofbrassuponhishead;alsohearmedhimwithacoatofmail.

AndDavidgirdedhissworduponhisarmour,andheessayedtogo;forhehadnotprovedit.AndDavidsaiduntoSaul,Icannotgowiththese;forIhavenotprovedthem.AndDavidputthemoffhim.

Andhetookhisstaffinhishand,andchosehimfivesmoothstonesoutofthebrook,andputtheminashepherd'sbagwhichhehad,eveninascrip;andhisslingwasinhishand:andhedrewneartothePhilistine.

AndthePhilistinecameonanddrewnearuntoDavid;andthemanthatboretheshieldwentbeforehim.

AndwhenthePhilistinelookedabout,andsawDavid,hedisdainedhim:forhewasbutayouth,andruddy,andofafaircountenance.

AndthePhilistinesaiduntoDavid,AmIadog,thatthoucomesttomewithstaves?AndthePhilistinecursedDavidbyhisgods.

AndthePhilistinesaidtoDavid,Cometome,andIwillgivethyfleshuntothefowlsoftheair,andtothebeastsofthefield.

ThensaidDavidtothePhilistine,Thoucomesttomewithasword,andwithaspear,andwithashield:butIcometotheeinthenameoftheLordofhosts,theGodofthearmiesofIsrael,whomthouhastdefied.

ThisdaywilltheLorddelivertheeintominehand;andIwillsmitethee,andtakethineheadfromthee;andIwillgivethecarcassesofthehostofthePhilistinesthisdayuntothefowlsoftheair,andtothewildbeastsoftheearth;thatalltheearthmayknow

thatthereisaGodinIsrael.

AndallthisassemblyshallknowthattheLordsavethnotwithswordandspear:forthebattleistheLord'sandHewillgiveyouintoourhands.

Anditcametopass,whenthePhilistinearose,andcameanddrewnightomeetDavid,thatDavidhasted,andrantowardthearmytomeetthePhilistine.

AndDavidputhishandtohisbag,andtookthenceastone,andslangit,andsmotethePhilistineinhisforehead,thatthestonesunkintohisforehead;andhefelluponhisfacetotheearth.

SoDavidprevailedoverthePhilistinewithaslingandwithastone,andsmotethePhilistine,andslewhim;buttherewasnoswordinthehandofDavid.

ThereforeDavidran,andstooduponthePhilistine,andtookhissword,anddrewitoutofthesheaththereof,andslewhim,andcutoffhisheadtherewith.AndwhenthePhilistinessawtheirchampionwasdead,theyfled.



AndthemenofIsraelandofJudaharose,andshouted,andpursuedthePhilistines,untilthoucomesttothevalley,andtothegatesofEkron.AndthewoundedofthePhilistinesfelldownbythewaytoShaaraim,evenuntoGath,anduntoEkron.

AndthechildrenofIrsaelreturnedfromchasingafterthePhilistines,andtheyspoiledtheirtents.

AndDavidtooktheheadofthePhilistine,andbroughtittoJerusalem;butheputhisarmourinhistent.

AndwhenSaulsawDavidgoforthagainstthePhilistine,hesaiduntoAbner,thecaptainofthehost,Abner,whosesonisthisyouth?AndAbnersaid,Asthysoulliveth,OKing,Icannottell.

AndtheKingsaid,Enquirethouwhosesonthestriplingis.

AndasDavidreturnedfromtheslaughterofthePhilistine,Abnertookhim,andbroughthimbeforeSaulwiththeheadofthePhilistineinhishand.

AndSaulsaidtohim,Whosesonartthou,thouyoungman?AndDavidanswered,IamthesonofthyservantJessetheBethlehemite.

CHAPTERV

ST.GEORGE

Intheyear280,inatowninCappadocia,wasbornthatgreatsoldierandchampionoftheoppressedwhomwecallSt.George.HisparentswereChristians,andbythem,andespeciallybyhismother,hewasmostcarefullyinstructedandtrained.

Whentheyouthcametotheageofseventeenyearshetookuptheprofessionofarms,andsincehewasgiftedwithbeautyofperson,intelligence,andanexquisitecourtesy,heroserapidlytoaconsiderablemilitaryrank.Especiallyhepleasedhisimperialmaster,Diocletian.

OnedaywhiletheEmperor,whowasdevotedtotheworshipofApollo,wasconsultingatashrineofthatgoduponanaffairofmuchimportance,fromthedarkdepthsofthecaverncameforthavoicesaying,"Thejustwhoareontheearthkeepmefromtellingthetruth.BythemtheinspirationoftheSacredTripodismadealie."AtoncetheEmperorwasstrickenwithconsternationandaskedwhothesejustpeoplewere."Master,"answeredoneofthepriestsof

Apollo,"theyaretheChristians."ThisanswersoenragedDiocletianthatherekindledhispersecutions.

NowfromthefirsttheyoungsoldierGeorgehadburnedwithindignationbecauseoftheunspeakablecrueltiesputuponChristians,andhehadspokenoutboldlyindefenceofhisbrethren.Hisfriendshadcounselledsilenceandprudence.ButGeorgewouldhavenone.Heknew,however,thathemightbecalledupontosufferatanytime,andhehopedtodobetterworkfortheworldandtodieafterbravereffort.Hethereforedistributedhismoneyandhisfine



apparelamongthepoorandneedy,setfreealltheslaveshepossessed,andwentforthuponknightlytravel.

WhileprickingonedaythroughtheplainsofLibyahecametoacertaincitycalledSilene,thepeopleofwhichwerebewailingadiremisfortunethathadcomeuponthem.Anenormousdragonhadissuedfromamarshneighbouringthetownandhaddevouredalltheirflocksandherds.Alreadythemonsterhadtakendwellingnearthecitywalls,andatsuchdistancethepeoplehadbeenabletokeephimonlybygrantinghimtwosheepeverydayforhisfoodanddrink.Iftheyhadfailedinthishewouldhavecomewithintheirwallsandpoisonedeveryman,woman,andchildwithhisplague-likebreath.

Butnowalreadyalltheflocksandherdshadbeeneaten.Nothingremainedtofilltheinsatiablemawofthedragonbutthelittlepeopleofthehomesandhearthsofallthetown.Everydaytwochildrenwerenowgivenhim.Eachchildtakenwasundertheageoffifteen,andwaschosenbylot.Thusithappenedthateveryhouseandeverystreetandallthepublicsquaresechoedwiththewailingofunhappyparentsandthecriesoftheinnocentswhoweresoontobeoffered.

NowitchancedthattheKingofthecityhadonedaughter,anexceedingfairgirlbothinmindandbody,andaftermanydaysof

thechoosingoflotsforthesacrifice,andaftermanyabloominggirlandboyhadmetanunhappydeath,thelotfelltothismaiden,Cleodolinda.Whenherfather,theKing,heardhismisfortune,inhisdespairheofferedallthegoldinthestatetreasuryandevenhalfhiskingdom,toredeemthemaiden.Butatthismanyfathersandmotherswhohadlosttheirchildrenmurmuredgreatlyandsaid,"OKing,artthoujust?Bythyedictthouhastmadeusdesolate.Andnowbeholdthouwouldstwithholdthineownchild!"

Thusthepeoplespake,andspeakingtheywaxedwrothgreatly,andsojoiningtogethertheymarchedthreateningtoburntheKinginhispalaceunlesshedeliveredthemaidentofulfilherlot.TosuchdemandstheKingperforcesubmitted,andatlastheaskedonlya

delayofeightdayswhichhemightspendwiththelovelygirlandbewailherfate.Thisthepeoplegranted.

Attheendofthetimeagreedtothefairvictimwasledforth.Shefellatherfather'sfeetaskinghisblessingandprotestingshewasreadytodieforherpeople.Thenamidtearsandlamentationsshewasledtothewallsandputwithout.Thegateswereshutandbarredagainsther.

Shewalkedtowardsthedwellingofthedragon,slowlyandpainfully,fortheroadwasstrewnwiththebonesofherplaymates,andsheweptasshewentonherway.

ItwasthisverymorningthatGeorge,courageouslyseekingtohelptheweak,andstrongtoservethetruth,waspassingbyinhisknightlyjourneying.Hesawstretchedbeforehimthenoisomepath,and,movedtoseesobeautifulamaidenintears,hecheckedhischargerandaskedherwhyshewept.Thewholepitifulstorysherecounted,towhichthevaliantoneanswered,"Fearnot;Iwilldeliveryou."

"Ohnobleyouth,"criedthefairvictim,"tarrynotherelestyouperishwithme.Fly,Ibeseechyou."



"GodforbidthatIshouldfly,"saidGeorgeinanswer;"Iwillliftmyhandagainstthisloathlything,andIwilldeliveryouthroughthepowerthatlivesinalltruefollowersofChrist."

Atthatmomentthedragonwasseencomingforthfromhislairhalfflyingandhalfcrawlingtowardsthem."Fly,Ibeseechyou,braveknight,"criedthefairgirltrembling,"Leavemeheretodie."

ButGeorgeanswerednot.Ratherheputspurstohishorseand,callinguponhisLord,rushedtowardsthemonster,and,afteraterribleandprolongedcombat,pinnedthemightyhulktotheearthwithhislance.Thenhecalledtothemaidentobringhimhergirdle.Withthisheboundthedragonfast,andgavetheendofthegirdleintoherhand,andthesubduedmonstercrawledafterthemlikeadog.

Walkinginthiswaytheyapproachedthecity.Alltheonlookingpeoplewerestrickenwithterror,butGeorgecalledouttothemsaying,"Fearnothing.OnlybelieveinChrist,throughwhosehelpIhaveconqueredthisadversary,andliveinaccordwithHisteachings,andIwilldestroyhimbeforeyoureyes."

SotheKingandthepeoplebelievedandsuchalifetheyendeavoured

tolive.

ThenSt.Georgeslewthedragonandcutoffhishead,andtheKinggavegreattreasuretotheknight.ButalltherewardsGeorgedistributedamongthesickandnecessitousandkeptnothingforhimself,andthenhewentfurtheronhiswayofhelpfulness.

AboutthistimetheEmperorDiocletianissuedanedictwhichwaspublishedthelengthandbreadthofhisempire.Thisedictwasnailedtothedoorsoftemples,uponthewallsofpublicmarkets,inallplacespeoplefrequented,andthosewhoreaditreaditwithterrorandhidtheirfacesindespair.ForitcondemnedallChristians.ButSt.Georgewhenhesawthewritingwasfilledwith

indignation.Thatspiritandcouragewhichcomestoallofusfromcommunionwiththeeternalpowersheartenedandstrengthenedhim,andhetoredowntheunhappyutteranceandtrampleditunderfoot.

ThuspreparedfordeathGeorgeapproachedtheEmperor."Whatwouldstthou?"criedDiocletianangrily,havingheardfromhisproconsulDacianthatthisyoungmandeservedtorture."Liberty,sir,fortheinnocentChristians,"answeredthemartyr."Attheleastliberty,sincetheirlibertycanhurtnoone."

"Youngman,"returnedDiocletianwiththreateninglooks,"thinkofthineownlibertyandthyfuture."

BeforeGeorgecouldmakeanswertheill-willofthetyrantwaxedtoardenthatredandhesummonedguardstotakethemartyrtoprison.Oncewithinthedungeonthekeepersthrewhimtotheground,puthisfeetinstocksandplacedastoneofgreatweightuponhischest.Butevenso,inthemidstoftorture,theblessedoneceasednottogivethankstoGodforthisopportunitytobearwitnesstoChrist'steachings.

Thenextdaytheystretchedthemartyronawheelfullofsharpspokes.Butavoicefromheavencametocomforthimandsaid,



"George,fearnot;soitiswiththosewhowitnesstothetruth."Andthereappearedtohimanangelbrighterthanthesun,clothedinawhiterobe,whostretchedoutahandtoembraceandencouragehiminhispain.TwooftheofficersoftheprisonwhosawthisbeautifulvisionbecameChristiansandfromthatdayendeavouredtoliveaftertheteachingsofChrist.

ThereisstillanothertalethatafterGeorgehadbeencomfortedbytheangelwhodescendedfromheaven,histormentorsflunghimintoacauldronofboilinglead,andwhentheybelievedtheyhadsubduedhimbytheforceofhisagonies,theybroughthimtoatempletoassistintheirworship,andthepeopleranincrowdstobeholdhishumiliation,andthepriestsmockedhim.

TheEmperor,seeingtheconstancyofGeorge,oncemoresoughttomovehimbyentreaties.Butthegreatsoldierrefusedtobejudgedbywords,onlybydeeds.HeevendemandedtogotoseethegodsDiocletianhimselfworshipped.

TheEmperor,believingthatatlengthGeorgewascomingtohisrightmind,andwasabouttoyield,orderedtheRomanSenateandpeopletoassembleinorderthatallmightbewitnessesofGeorge'sacknowledgementofhisown,Diocletian's,gods.

WhentheywerethusgatheredtogetherintheEmperor'stemple,andtheeyesofallthepeoplewerefixedupontheweakandtorturedsainttoseewhathewoulddo,hedrewnearastatueofthesun-godApollo,andstretchingouthishandtowardtheimagehesaidslowly,"WouldstthouthatIshouldoffertheesacrificesastoagod?"Thedemonwhowasinthestatuemadeanswer,"IamnotGod.ThereisbutoneGodandChristishisgreatestprophet."Atthatveryhourwereheardhorriblewailingsoundscomingfromthemouthsofidolstheworldover,andthestatuesoftheoldgodseitherallfelloverorcrumbledtodust.OneaccountsaysthatSt.Georgekneltdownandprayed,andthunderandlightningfromheavenfellupontheidolsanddestroyedthem.

Angryatthebreakingoftheirpower,thepriestsofthegodscriedtotheEmperorthathemustridhimselfofsopotentamagicianandcutoffhishead.Thepriestsalsoincitedthepeopletolayhandsonthemartyr.

SoitwascommandedthatGeorge,theChristianknight,shouldbebeheaded.Hewasdraggedtotheplaceofexecution,andthere,bendinghisnecktotheswordoftheexecutionerandabsorbedinprayer,hereceivedbravelyandthankfullythestrokeofdeathinApril,303.

SostandsSt.Georgeeverbeforetheyouthoftheworld,oneofthechampionsofChristendom,amodelofcourage,abraveintercederfor

theoppressed,anexampleofpure,firmandenduringdoingforothers,atruesoldierofChrist.

CHAPTERVI

KINGARTHUR



Longyearsago,thereruledoverBritainaKingcalledUtherPendragon.Amightyprincewashe,andfearedbyallmen;yet,whenhesoughttheloveofthefairIgraineofCornwall,shewouldhavenaughttodowithhim,sothat,fromgriefanddisappointment,Utherfellsick,andatlastseemedliketodie.

Nowinthosedays,therelivedafamousmagiciannamedMerlin,sopowerfulthathecouldchangehisformatwill,orevenmakehimselfinvisible;norwasthereanyplacesoremotebutthathecouldreachitatonce,merelybywishinghimselfthere.Oneday,suddenlyhestoodatUther'sbedside,andsaid:"SirKing,Iknowthygrief,andamreadytohelpthee.Onlypromisetogiveme,athisbirth,thesonthatshallbeborntothee,andthoushalthavethyheart'sdesire."TothistheKingagreedjoyfully,andMerlinkepthisword:forhegaveUthertheformofonewhomIgrainehadloveddearly,andsoshetookhimwillinglyforherhusband.

WhenthetimehadcomethatachildshouldbeborntotheKingandQueen,MerlinappearedbeforeUthertoremindhimofhispromise;andUthersworeitshouldbeashehadsaid.Threedayslater,aprincewasbornand,withpompandceremony,waschristenedbythenameofArthur;butimmediatelythereafter,theKingcommandedthatthechildshouldbecarriedtothepostern-gate,theretobegiven

totheoldmanwhowouldbefoundwaitingwithout.

Notlongafter,Utherfellsick,andheknewthathisendwascome;so,byMerlin'sadvice;hecalledtogetherhisknightsandbarons,andsaidtothem:"Mydeathdrawsnear.Ichargeyou,therefore,thatyeobeymysonevenasyehaveobeyedme;andmycurseuponhimifheclaimnotthecrownwhenheisamangrown."ThentheKingturnedhisfacetothewallanddied.

ScarcelywasUtherlaidinhisgravebeforedisputesarose.FewofthenobleshadseenArthurorevenheardofhim,andnotoneofthemwouldhavebeenwillingtoberuledbyachild;rather,eachthoughthimselffittedtobeKing,and,strengtheninghisowncastle,made

waronhisneighboursuntilconfusionalonewassupremeandthepoorgroanedbecausetherewasnonetohelpthem.

NowwhenMerlincarriedawayArthur--forMerlinwastheoldmanwhohadstoodatthepostern-gate--hehadknownallthatwouldhappen,andhadtakenthechildtokeephimsafefromthefiercebaronsuntilheshouldbeofagetorulewiselyandwell,andperformallthewondersprophesiedofhim.HegavethechildtothecareofthegoodknightSirEctortobringupwithhissonKay,butrevealednottohimthatitwasthesonofUtherPendragonthatwasgivenintohischarge.

Atlast,whenyearshadpassedandArthurwasgrownatallyouth

wellskilledinknightlyexercises,MerlinwenttotheArchbishopofCanterburyandadvisedhimthatheshouldcalltogetheratChristmas-timeallthechiefmenoftherealmtothegreatcathedralinLondon;"For,"saidMerlin,"thereshallbeseenagreatmarvelbywhichitshallbemadecleartoallmenwhoisthelawfulKingofthisland."TheArchbishopdidasMerlincounselled.Underpainofafearfulcurse,hebadebaronsandknightscometoLondontokeepthefeast,andtoprayheaventosendpeacetotherealm.

ThepeoplehastenedtoobeytheArchbishop'scommands,and,fromall



sides,baronsandknightscameridingintokeepthebirth-feastofourLord.Andwhentheyhadprayed,andwerecomingforthfromthecathedral,theysawastrangesight.There,intheopenspacebeforethechurch,stood,onagreatstone,ananvilthrustthroughwithasword;andonthestonewerewrittenthesewords:"Whosocandrawforththissword,isrightfulKingofBritainborn."

Atoncetherewerefiercequarrels,eachmanclamouringtobethefirsttotryhisfortune,nonedoubtinghisownsuccess.ThentheArchbishopdecreedthateachshouldmaketheventureinturn,fromthegreatestbarontotheleastknight,andeachinturn,havingputforthhisutmoststrength,failedtomovetheswordoneinch,anddrewbackashamed.SotheArchbishopdismissedthecompany,andhavingappointedguardstowatchoverthestone,sentmessengersthroughallthelandtogivewordofgreatjouststobeheldinLondonatEaster,wheneachknightcouldgiveproofofhisskillandcourage,andtrywhethertheadventureoftheswordwasforhim.

AmongthosewhorodetoLondonatEasterwasthegoodSirEctor,andwithhimhisson,SirKay,newlymadeaknight,andtheyoungArthur.Whenthemorningcamethatthejoustsshouldbegin,SirKayandArthurmountedtheirhorsesandsetoutforthelists;butbeforetheyreachedthefield,Kaylookedandsawthathehadlefthisswordbehind.ImmediatelyArthurturnedbacktofetchitfor

him,onlytofindthehousefastshut,forallweregonetoviewthetournament.SorevexedwasArthur,fearinglesthisbrotherKayshouldlosehischanceofgainingglory,till,ofasudden,hebethoughthimoftheswordinthegreatanvilbeforethecathedral.Thitherherodewithallspeed,andtheguardshavingdesertedtheirposttoviewthetournament,therewasnonetoforbidhimtheadventure.Heleaptfromhishorse,seizedthehilt,andinstantlydrewforththeswordaseasilyasfromascabbard;then,mountinghishorseandthinkingnomarvelofwhathehaddone,herodeafterhisbrotherandhandedhimtheweapon.

WhenKaylookedatit,hesawatoncethatitwasthewondrousswordfromthestone.Ingreatjoyhesoughthisfather,andshowingitto

him,said:"ThenmustIbeKingofBritain."ButSirEctorbadehimsayhowhecamebythesword,andwhenSirKaytoldhowArthurhadbroughtittohim,SirEctorbenthiskneetotheboy,andsaid:"Sir,IperceivethatyearemyKing,andhereItenderyoumyhomage";andKaydidashisfather.ThenthethreesoughttheArchbishop,towhomtheyrelatedallthathadhappened;andhe,muchmarvelling,calledthepeopletogethertothegreatstone,andbadeArthurthrustbacktheswordanddrawitforthagaininthepresenceofall,whichhedidwithease.Butanangrymurmurarosefromthebarons,whocriedthatwhataboycoulddo,amancoulddo;so,attheArchbishop'sword,theswordwasputback,andeachman,whetherbaronorknight,triedinhisturntodrawitforth,andfailed.Then,forthethirdtime,Arthurdrewforththesword.Immediately

therearosefromthepeopleagreatshout:"ArthurisKing!ArthurisKing!WewillhavenoKingbutArthur";and,thoughthegreatbaronsscowledandthreatened,theyfellontheirkneesbeforehimwhiletheArchbishopplacedthecrownuponhishead,andsworetoobeyhimfaithfullyastheirlordandsovereign.

ThusArthurwasmadeKing;andtoallhedidjustice,rightingwrongsandgivingtoalltheirdues.Norwasheforgetfulofthosethathadbeenhisfriends;forKay,whomhelovedasabrother,hemadeSeneschalandchiefofhishousehold,andtoSirEctor,his



fosterfather,hegavebroadlands.

ThusArthurwasmadeKing,buthehadtofightforhisown;forelevengreatkingsdrewtogetherandrefusedtoacknowledgehimastheirlord,andchiefamongsttherebelswasKingLotofOrknevwhohadmarriedArthur'ssister,Bellicent.

ByMerlin'sadvice,Arthursentforhelpoverseas,toBanandBors,thetwogreatKingswhoruledinGaul.Withtheiraid,heoverthrewhisfoesinagreatbattleneartheriverTrent;andthenhepassedwiththemintotheirownlandsandhelpedthemdriveouttheirenemies.SotherewasevergreatfriendshipbetweenArthurandtheKingsBanandBors,andalltheirkindred;andafterwardsomeofthemostfamousKnightsoftheRoundTablewereofthatkin.

ThenKingArthursethimselftorestoreorderthroughouthiskingdom.Toallwhowouldsubmitandamendtheirevilways,heshowedkindness;butthosewhopersistedinoppressionandwrongheremoved,puttingintheirplacesotherswhowoulddealjustlywiththepeople.Andbecausethelandhadbecomeoverrunwithforestduringthedaysofmisrule,hecutroadsthroughthethickets,thatnolongerwildbeastsandmen,fiercerthanthebeasts,shouldlurkintheirgloom,totheharmoftheweakanddefenceless.Thusitcametopassthatsoonthepeasantploughedhisfieldsinsafety,

andwherehadbeenwastes,mendweltagaininpeaceandprosperity.

AmongstthelesserKingswhomArthurhelpedtorebuildtheirtownsandrestoreorder,wasKingLeodegranceofCameliard.NowLeodegrancehadonefairchild,hisdaughterGuenevere;andfromthetimethatfirsthesawher,Arthurgaveherallhislove.SohesoughtcounselofMerlin,hischiefadviser.MerlinheardtheKingsorrowfully,andhesaid:"SirKing,whenaman'sheartisset,hemaynotchange.Yethaditbeenwellifyehadlovedanother."

SotheKingsenthisknightstoLeodegrance,toaskofhimhisdaughter;andLeodegranceconsented,rejoicingtowedhertosogoodandknightlyaKing.Withgreatpomp,theprincesswasconductedto

Canterbury,andtheretheKingmether,andtheytwowerewedbytheArchbishopinthegreatCathedral,amidtherejoicingsofthepeople.

OnthatsamedaydidArthurfoundhisOrderoftheRoundTable,thefameofwhichwastospreadthroughoutChristendomandendurethroughalltime.NowtheRoundTablehadbeenmadeforKingUtherPendragonbyMerlin,whohadmeanttherebytosetforthplainlytoallmentheroundnessoftheearth.AfterUtherdied,KingLeodegrancehadpossessedit;butwhenArthurwaswed,hesentittohimasagift,andgreatwastheKing'sjoyatreceivingit.Onehundredandfiftyknightsmighttaketheirplacesaboutit,andforthemMerlinmadesieges,orseats.Onehundredandtwenty-eightdid

Arthurknightatthatgreatfeast;thereafter,ifanysiegeswereempty,atthehighfestivalofPentecostnewknightswereordainedtofillthem,andbymagicwasthenameofeachknightfoundinscribed,inlettersofgold,inhispropersiege.Oneseatonlylongremainedunoccupied,andthatwastheSiegePerilous.NoknightmightoccupyituntilthecomingofSirGalahad;for,withoutdangertohislife,nonemightsittherewhowasnotfreefromallstainofsin.

Withpompandceremonydideachknighttakeuponhimthevowsof



trueknighthood:toobeytheKing;toshowmercytoallwhoaskedit;todefendtheweak;andfornoworldlygaintofightinawrongfulcause:andalltheknightsrejoicedtogether,doinghonourtoArthurandtohisQueen.Thentheyrodeforthtorightthewrongandhelptheoppressed,andbytheiraidtheKingheldhisrealminpeace,doingjusticetoall.

Now,astimepassed,KingArthurgatheredintohisOrderoftheRoundTableknightswhosepeersshallneverbefoundinanyage;andforemostamongstthemallwasSirLauncelotduLac.Suchwashisstrengththatnoneagainstwhomhelaidlanceinrestcouldkeepthesaddle,andnoshieldwasproofagainsthissworddint;butforhiscourtesyevenmorethanforhiscourageandstrength,SirLauncelotwasfamedfarandnear.Gentlehewasandeverthefirsttorejoiceintherenownofanother;andinthejousts,hewouldavoidencounterwiththeyounganduntriedknight,lettinghimpasstogaingloryifhemight.

ItwouldtakeagreatbooktorecordallthefamousdeedsofSirLauncelot,andallhisadventures.HewasofGaul,forhisfather,KingBan,ruledoverBenwick;hewasnamedLauncelotduLacbytheLadyoftheLakewhorearedhimwhenhismotherdied.Earlyhewonrenown;then,whentherewaspeaceinhisownland,hepassedintoBritain,toArthur'sCourt,wheretheKingreceivedhimgladly,and

madehimKnightoftheRoundTableandtookhimforhistrustiestfriend.Andsoitwasthat,whenGueneverewastobebroughttoCanterbury,tobemarriedtotheKing,Launcelotwaschiefoftheknightssenttowaituponher,andofthiscamethesorrowoflaterdays.For,fromthemomenthesawher,SirLauncelotlovedGuenevere,forhersakeremainingwifelessallhisdays,andinallthingsbeingherfaithfulknight.Butbusy-bodiesandmischief-makersspokeevilofSirLauncelotandtheQueen,andfromtheirtalkcametheundoingoftheKingandthedownfallofhisgreatwork.Butthatwasafterlongyears,andaftermanytrueknightshadlivedtheirlives,honouringtheKingandQueen,anddoinggreatdeeds.

BeforeMerlinpassedfromtheworldofmen,hehadutteredmanymarvellousprophesies,andonethatbodedilltoKingArthur;forheforetoldthat,inthedaystocome,asonofArthur'ssistershouldstirupbitterwaragainsttheKing,andatlastagreatbattleshouldbefought,whenmanyabraveknightshouldfindhisdoom.

Now,amongthenephewsofArthur,wasonemostdishonourable;hisnamewasMordred.Noknightlydeedhadheeverdone,andhehatedtohearthegoodreportofothersbecausehehimselfwasacowardandenvious.ButofalltheRoundTabletherewasnonethatMordredhatedmorethanSirLauncelotduLac,whomalltrueknightsheldinmosthonour;andnotthelessdidMordredhateLauncelotthathewastheknightwhomQueenGueneverehadinmostesteem.So,atlast,his

jealousragepassingallbounds,hespokeeviloftheQueenandofLauncelot,sayingthattheyweretraitorstotheKing.NowSirGawainandSirGareth,Mordred'sbrothers,refusedtogiveeartotheseslanders,holdingthatSirLauncelot,inhisknightlyserviceoftheQueen,didhonourtoKingArthuralso;butbyill-fortuneanotherbrother,SirAgravaine,hadill-willtotheQueen,andprofessedtobelieveMordred'seviltales.SothetwowenttoKingArthurwiththeirillstories.

NowwhenArthurhadheardthem,hewaswroth;forneverwouldhe



lightlybelieveevilofany,andSirLauncelotwastheknightwhomhelovedaboveallothers.Sternlythenhebadethembegoneandcomenomoretohimwithunproventalesagainstany,and,leastofall,againstSirLauncelotandtheirlady,theQueen.

Thetwodeparted,butintheirheartswashatredagainstLauncelotandtheQueen,morebitterthaneverfortherebuketheyhadcalleddownuponthemselves.

GreatwastheKing'sgrief.DespiteallthatMordredcouldsay,hewasslowtodoubtSirLauncelot,whomheloved,buthismindwasfilledwithforebodings;andwellheknewthattheirkinwouldseekvengeanceonSirLauncelot,andthenoblefellowshipoftheRoundTablebeutterlydestroyed.

AlltoosoonitprovedevenastheKinghadfeared.ManywerefoundtoholdwithSirMordred;somefromenvyofthehonourandworshipofthenobleSirLauncelot;andamongthemevenwerethosewhodaredtoraisetheirvoiceagainsttheQueenherself,callingforjudgmentuponherasleaguedwithatraitoragainsttheKing,andashavingcausedthedeathofsomanygoodknights.Nowinthosedaysthelawwasthatifanyonewereaccusedoftreasonbywitnesses,ortakenintheact,thatoneshoulddiethedeathbyburning,beitmanorwoman,knightorchurl.Sothenthemurmursgrewtoaloudclamour

thatthelawshouldhaveitscourse,andthatKingArthurshouldpasssentenceontheQueen.ThenwastheKing'swoedoubled;"For,"saidhe,"IsitasKingtobearightfuljudgeandkeepallthelaw;whereforeImaynotdobattleformyownQueen,andnowthereisnoneothertohelpher."SoadecreewasissuedthatQueenGuenevereshouldbeburntatthestakeoutsidethewallsofCarlisle.

Forthwith,KingArthursentforhisnephew,SirGawain,andsaidtohim:"Fairnephew,Igiveitinchargetoyoutoseethatallisdoneashasbeendecreed."ButSirGawainansweredboldly:"SirKing,neverwillIbepresenttoseemyladytheQueendie.Itisofillcounselthatyehaveconsentedtoherdeath."ThentheKingbadeGawainsendhistwoyoungbrothers,SirGarethandSirGaheris,to

receivehiscommands,andthesehedesiredtoattendtheQueentotheplaceofexecution.SoGarethmadeanswerforboth:"MyLordtheKing,weoweyouobedienceinallthings,butknowthatitissoreagainstourwillsthatweobeyyouinthis;norwillweappearinarmsintheplacewherethatnobleladyshalldie";thensorrowfullytheymountedtheirhorsesandrodetoCarlisle.

Whenthedayappointedhadcome,theQueenwasledforthtoaplacewithoutthewallsofCarlisle,andthereshewasboundtothestaketobeburnttodeath.Loudwereherladies'lamentations,andmanyalordwasfoundtoweepatthatgrievoussightofaQueenbroughtsolow;yetwastherenonewhodaredcomeforwardasherchampion,lestheshouldbesuspectedoftreason.AsforGarethandGaheris,they

couldnotbearthesightandstoodwiththeirfacescoveredintheirmantles.Then,justasthetorchwastobeappliedtothefaggots,therewasasoundasofmanyhorsesgalloping,andthenextinstantabandofknightsrushedupontheastonishedthrong,theirleadercuttingdownallwhocrossedhispathuntilhehadreachedtheQueen,whomheliftedtohissaddleandborefromthepress.ThenallmenknewthatitwasSirLauncelot,comeknightlytorescuetheQueen,andintheirheartstheyrejoiced.Sowithlittlehindrancetheyrodeaway,SirLauncelotandallhiskinwiththeQueenintheirmidst,tilltheycametothecastleoftheJoyousGardewhere



theyheldtheQueeninsafetyandallreverence.

AtlastSirLauncelotdesiredofKingArthurassuranceoflibertyfortheQueen,asalsosafeconductforhimselfandhisknights,thathemightbringDameGuenevere,withduehonour,totheKingatCarlisle;andtheretotheKingpledgedhisword.

SoLauncelotsetforthwiththeQueen,andbehindthemrodeahundredknightsarrayedingreenvelvet,thehousingsofthehorsesofthesameallstuddedwithpreciousstones;thustheypassedthroughthecityofCarlisle,openly,inthesightofall,andthereweremanywhorejoicedthattheQueenwascomeagainandSirLauncelotwithher,thoughtheyofGawain'spartyscowleduponhim.

WhentheywerecomeintothegreathallwhereArthursat,withSirGawainandothergreatlordsabouthim,SirLauncelotledGueneveretothethroneandbothkneltbeforetheKing;then,rising,SirLauncelotliftedtheQueentoherfeet,andthushespoketoKingArthur,boldlyandwellbeforethewholecourt:"Mylord,SirArthur,IbringyouhereyourQueen,thanwhomnotruernornoblerladyeverlived;andherestandI,SirLauncelotduLac,readytodobattlewithanythatdaregainsayit";andwiththesewordsSirLauncelotturnedandlookeduponthelordsandknightspresentintheirplaces,butnonewouldchallengehiminthatcause,noteven

SirGawain,forhehadeveraffirmedthatDameGueneverewasatrueandhonourablelady.

ThenSirLauncelotspokeagain;"Now,myLordArthur,inmyowndefenceitbehoovesmetosaythatneverinaughthaveIbeenfalsetoyou."

"Peace,"saidtheKingtoSirLauncelot:"Wegiveyoufifteendaysinwhichtoleavethiskingdom."ThenSirLauncelotsighedheavilyandsaid:"FullwellIseethatnothingavailethme."ThenhewenttotheQueenwhereshesat,andsaid:"Madam,thetimeiscomewhenImustleavethisfairrealmthatIhaveloved.Thinkwellofme,Iprayyou,andsendformeifevertherebeaughtinwhichatrue

knightmayservelady."Therewithheturnedhimaboutand,withoutgreetingtoany,passedthroughthehall,andwithhisfaithfulknightsrodetotheJoyousGarde,thougheverthereafter,inmemoryofthatsadday,hecalledittheDolorousGarde.

InaftertimeswhentheKinghadpassedoverseastoFrance,leavingSirMordredtoruleBritaininhisstead,therecamemessengersfromBritainbearinglettersforKingArthur;andmoreevilnewsthantheybroughtmightnotwellbe,fortheytoldhowSirMordredhadusurpedhisuncle'srealm.First,hehadcausedittobenoisedabroadthatKingArthurwasslaininbattlewithSirLauncelot,and,sincetherebemanyeverreadytobelieveanyidlerumourandeagerforanychange,ithadbeennohardtaskforSirMordredtocallthe

lordstoaParliamentandpersuadethemtomakehimKing.ButtheQueencouldnotbebroughttobelievethatherlordwasdead,soshetookrefugeintheTowerofLondonfromSirMordred'sviolence,norwasshetobeinducedtoleaveherstrongrefugeforaughtthatMordredcouldpromiseorthreaten.

Forthwith,KingArthurbadehishostmakereadytomove,andwhentheyhadreachedthecoast,theyembarkedandmadesailtoreachBritainwithallpossiblespeed.



SirMordred,onhispart,hadheardoftheirsailing,andhastedtogettogetheragreatarmy.ItwasgrievoustoseehowmanyastoutknightheldbyMordred,ay,evenmanywhomArthurhimselfhadraisedtohonourandfortune;foritisthenatureofmentobefickle.Thusiswasthat,whenArthurdrewneartoDover,hefoundMordredwithamightyhost,waitingtoopposehislanding.Thentherewasagreatsea-fight,thoseofMordred'spartygoingoutinboats,toboardKingArthur'sshipsandslayhimandhismenorevertheyshouldcometoland.RightvaliantlydidKingArthurbearhim,aswashiswont,andboldlyhisfollowersfoughtinhiscause,sothatatlasttheydroveofftheirenemiesandlandedatDoverinspiteofMordredandhisarray.

Now,bythistime,manythatMordredhadcheatedbyhislyingreports,haddrawnuntoKingArthur,towhomathearttheyhadeverbeenloyal,knowinghimforatrueandnobleKingandhatingthemselvesforhavingbeendeceivedbysuchafalseusurperasSirMordred.

Onenight,asKingArthurslept,hethoughtthatSirGawainstoodbeforehim,lookingjustashedidinlife,andsaidtohim:"MyuncleandmyKing,Godinhisgreatlovehassufferedmetocomeuntoyou,towarnyouthatinnowiseyefightonthemorrow;forifyedo,yeshallbeslain,andwithyouthemostpartofthepeople

onbothsides.Makeye,therefore,atreaty."Immediately,theKingawokeandcalledtohimthebestandwisestofhisknights.Thenallwereagreedthat,onanytermswhatsoever,atreatyshouldbemadewithSirMordred,evenasSirGawainhadsaid;and,withthedawn,messengerswenttothecampoftheenemy,tocallSirMordredtoaconference.Soitwasdeterminedthatthemeetingshouldtakeplaceinthesightofbotharmies,inanopenspacebetweenthetwocamps,andthatKingArthurandMordredshouldeachbeaccompaniedbyfourteenknights.Littleenoughfaithhadeitherintheother,sowhentheysetforthtothemeeting,theybadetheirhostsjoinbattleifevertheysawasworddrawn.

Nowastheytalked,itbefellthatanadder,comingoutofabush

hardby,stungaknightinthefoot;andhe,seeingthesnake,drewhisswordtokillitandthoughtnoharmthereby.Butontheinstantthattheswordflashed,thetrumpetsblaredonbothsidesandthetwohostsrushedtobattle.Neverwastherefoughtafightofsuchenmity;forbrotherfoughtwithbrother,andcomradewithcomrade,andfiercelytheycutandthrust,withmanyabitterwordbetween;whileKingArthurhimself,hishearthotwithinhim,rodethroughandthroughthebattle,seekingthetraitorMordred.Sotheyfoughtallday,tillatlasttheeveningfell.ThenArthur,lookingroundhim,sawofhisvaliantknightsbuttwoleft,SirLucanandSirBedivere,andthesesorewounded;andthere,overagainsthim,byagreatheapofthedead,stoodSirMordred,thecauseofallthisruin.ThereupontheKing,hisheartnighbrokenwithgriefforthe

lossofhistrueknights,criedwithaloudvoice,"Traitor!nowisthydoomuponthee!"andwithhisspeargrippedinbothhands,herusheduponSirMordredandsmotehimthattheweaponstoodoutafathombehind.AndSirMordredknewthathehadhisdeathwound.Withallthemightthathehad,hethrusthimupthespeartothehaftand,withhissword,struckKingArthuruponthehead,thatthesteelpiercedthehelmetandbitintothehead;thenMordredfellback,starkanddead.

SirLucanandSirBediverewenttotheKingwherehelay,swooning



fromtheblow,andborehimtoalittlechapelontheseashore.Astheylaidhimontheground,SirLucanfelldeadbesidetheKing,andArthur,comingtohimself,foundbutSirBediverealivebesidehim.

SoKingArthurlaywoundedtothedeath,grieving,notthathisendwascome,butforthedesolationofhiskingdomandthelossofhisgoodknights.AndlookinguponthebodyofSirLucan,hesighedandsaid:"Alas!trueknight,deadformysake!IfIlived,Ishouldevergrieveforthydeath,butnowmineownenddrawsnigh."Then,turningtoSirBedivere,whostoodsorrowingbesidehim,hesaid:"Leaveweepingnow,forthetimeisshortandmuchtodo.Hereaftershaltthouweepifthouwilt.ButtakenowmyswordExcalibur,hastentothewaterside,andflingitintothedeep.Then,watchwhathappensandbringmewordthereof.""MyLord,"saidSirBedivere,"yourcommandshallbeobeyed";and,takingthesword,hedeparted.Butashewentonhisway,helookedonthesword,howwondrouslyitwasformedandthehiltallstuddedwithpreciousstones;and,ashelooked,hecalledtomindthemarvelbywhichithadcomeintotheKing'skeeping.Foronacertainday,asArthurwalkedontheshoreofagreatlake,therehadappearedabovethesurfaceofthewaterahandbrandishingasword.Ontheinstant,theKinghadleapedintoaboat,and,rowingintothelake,hadgottheswordandbroughtitbacktoland.Thenhehadseenhow,ononeside

theblade,waswritten,"Keepme,"butontheother,"Throwmeaway,"and,soreperplexed,hehadshownittoMerlin,thegreatwizard,whosaid:"Keepitnow.Thetimeforcastingawayhasnotyetcome."Thinkingonthis,itseemedtoBediverethatnogood,butharm,mustcomeofobeyingtheKing'sword;sohidingtheswordunderatree,hehastenedbacktothelittlechapel.ThensaidtheKing:"Whatsaw'stthou?""Sir,"answeredBedivere,"Isawnaughtbutthewaves,heardnaughtbutthewind.""Thatisuntrue,"saidKingArthur;"Ichargethee,asthouarttrueknight,goagainandsparenottothrowawaythesword."

SirBediveredepartedasecondtime,andhismindwastoobeyhislord;butwhenhetooktheswordinhishand,hethought:"Sinitis

andshameful,tothrowawaysogloriousasword"Then,hidingitagain,hehastenedbacktotheKing."Whatsaw'stthou?"saidSirArthur."Sir,Isawthewaterlaponthecrags."ThenspoketheKingingreatwrath:"Traitorandunkind!Twicehastthoubetrayedme!Artdazzledbythesplendourofthejewels,thouthat,tillnow,hasteverbeendearandtruetome?Goyetagain,butifthoufailmethistime,Iwillariseand,withmineownhands,slaythee."

ThenSirBediverelefttheKingand,thattime,hetooktheswordquicklyfromtheplacewherehehadhiddenitand,forbearingeventolookuponit,hetwistedthebeltaboutitandflungitwithallhisforceintothewater.Awondroussighthesawfor,astheswordtouchedthewater,ahandrosefromoutthedeep,caughtit,

brandisheditthrice,anddrewitbeneaththesurface.

SirBediverehastenedbacktotheKingandtoldhimwhathehadseen."Itiswell,"saidArthur;"now,bearmetothewater'sedge;andhasten,Ipraythee,forIhavetarriedoverlongandmywoundhastakencold."SoSirBedivereraisedtheKingon.hisbackandborehimtenderlytothelonelyshore,wherethelappingwavesfloatedmanyanemptyhelmetandthefitfulmoonlightfellontheupturnedfacesofthedead.Scarcehadtheyreachedtheshorewhentherehoveinsightabarge,andonitsdeckstoodthreetallwomen,



robedallinblackandwearingcrownsontheirheads."Placemeinthebarge,"saidtheKing,andsoftlySirBedivereliftedtheKingintoit.AndthesethreeQueensweptsoreoverArthur,andonetookhisheadinherlapandchafedhishands,crying:"Alas!mybrother,thouhastbeenoverlongincomingand,Ifearme,thywoundhastakencold."Thenthebargebegantomoveslowlyfromtheland.WhenSirBediveresawthis,helifteduphisvoiceandcriedwithabittercry:"Ah!myLordArthur,thouarttakenfromme!AndI,whithershallIgo?""Comfortthyself,"saidtheKing,"forinmeisnocomfortmore.IpasstotheValleyofAvilion,tohealmeofmygrievouswound.Ifthouseestmeneveragain,prayforme."

Sothebargefloatedawayoutofsight,andSirBediverestoodstraininghiseyesafterittillithadvanishedutterly.Thenheturnedhimaboutandjourneyedthroughtheforestuntil,atdaybreak,hereachedahermitage.Enteringit,heprayedtheholyhermitthathemightabidewithhim,andtherehespenttherestofhislifeinprayerandholyexercise.

ButofKingArthurisnomoreknown.Somemen,indeed,saythatheisnotdead,butabidesinthehappyValleyofAvilionuntilsuchtimeashiscountry'sneedissorest,whenheshallcomeagainanddeliverit.Otherssaythat,ofatruth,heisdead,andthat,inthefarWest,histombmaybeseen,andwrittenonitthesewords:

"HereliesArthur,onceKingandKingtobe"

CHAPTERVII

SIRGALAHAD

ManytimeshadtheFeastofPentecostcomeround,andmanywerethe

knightsthatArthurhadmadeafterhefoundedtheOrderoftheRoundTable;yetnoknighthadappearedwhodaredclaimtheseatnamedbyMerlintheSiegePerilous.Atlast,onevigilofthegreatfeast,aladycametoArthur'scourtatCamelotandaskedSirLauncelottoridewithherintotheforesthardby,forapurposenotthentoberevealed.Launcelotconsenting,theyrodetogetheruntiltheycametoanunneryhiddendeepintheforest;andtheretheladybadeLauncelotdismount,andledhimintoagreatandstatelyroom.Presentlythereenteredtwelvenunsandwiththemayouth,thefairestthatLauncelothadeverseen."Sir,"saidthenuns,"wehavebroughtupthischildinourmidst,andnowthatheisgrowntomanhood,weprayyoumakehimknight,forofnoneworthiercouldhereceivethehonour.""Isthisthyowndesire?"askedLauncelotof

theyoungsquire;andwhenhesaidthatsoitwas,Launcelotpromisedtomakehimknightafterthegreatfestivalhadbeencelebratedinthechurchnextday.

Soonthemorrow,aftertheyhadworshipped,LauncelotknightedGalahad--forthatwastheyouth'sname--andaskedhimifhewouldrideatoncewithhimtotheKing'scourt;buttheyoungknightexcusinghimself,SirLauncelotrodebackalonetoCamelot,whereallrejoicedthathewasreturnedintimetokeepthefeastwiththewholeOrderoftheRoundTable.



Now,accordingtohiscustom,KingArthurwaswaitingforsomemarveltobefallbeforeheandhisknightssatdowntothebanquet.Presentlyasquireenteredthehallandsaid:"SirKing,agreatwonderhasappeared.Therefloatsontheriveramightystone,asitwereablockofredmarble,anditisthrustthroughbyasword,thehiltofwhichissetthickwithpreciousstones."Onhearingthis,theKingandallhisknightswentforthtoviewthestoneandfounditasthesquirehadsaid;moreover,lookingcloser,theyreadthesewords:"Noneshalldrawmehence,butonlyhebywhosesideImusthang;andheshallbethebestknightinalltheworld."Immediately,allbadeLauncelotdrawforththesword,butherefused,sayingthattheswordwasnotforhim.Then,attheKing'scommand,SirGawainmadetheattemptandfailed,asdidSirPercivaleafterhim.Sotheknightsknewtheadventurewasnotforthem,andreturningtothehall,tooktheirplacesabouttheRoundTable.

Nosoonerweretheyseatedthananagedman,clothedallinwhite,enteredthehall,followedbyayoungknightinredarmour,bywhosesidehunganemptyscabbard.TheoldmanapproachedKingArthurandbowinglowbeforehim,said:"Sir,IbringyouayoungknightofthehouseandlineageofJosephofArimathea,andthroughhimshallgreatglorybewonforallthelandofBritain."GreatlydidKing

Arthurrejoicetohearthis,andwelcomedthetworightroyally.ThenwhentheyoungknighthadsalutedtheKing,theoldmanledhimtotheSiegePerilousanddrewoffitssilkencover;andalltheknightswereamazed,fortheysawthatwherehadbeenengravedthewords,"TheSiegePerilous,"waswrittennowinshininggold:"ThisistheSiegeofthenobleprince,SirGalahad."Straightwaytheyoungmanseatedhimselftherewherenoneotherhadeversatwithoutdangertohislife;andallwhosawitsaid,onetoanother:"SurelythisishethatshallachievetheHolyGrail."NowtheHolyGrailwastheblesseddishfromwhichourLordhadeatentheLastSupper,andithadbeenbroughttothelandofBritainbyJosephofArimathea;butbecauseofmen'ssinfulness,ithadbeenwithdrawnfromhumansight,onlythat,fromtimetototime,itappearedto

thepureinheart.

Whenallhadpartakenoftheroyalbanquet,KingArthurbadeSirGalahadcomewithhimtotheriver'sbrink;andshowinghimthefloatingstonewiththeswordthrustthroughit,toldhimhowhisknightshadfailedtodrawforththesword."Sir,"saidGalahad,"itisnomarvelthattheyfailed,fortheadventurewasmeantforme,asmyemptyscabbardshows."Sosaying,lightlyhedrewtheswordfromtheheartofthestone,andlightlyhesliditintothescabbardathisside.Whileallyetwonderedatthisadventureofthesword,therecameridingtothemaladyonawhitepalfreywho,salutingKingArthur,said:"SirKing,Nacienthehermitsendstheewordthatthisdayshallgreathonourbeshowntotheeandallthine

house;fortheHolyGrailshallappearinthyhall,andthouandallthyfellowshipshallbefedtherefrom."AndsotoLauncelotshesaid:"SirKnight,thouhasteverbeenthebestknightofalltheworld;butanotherhascometowhomthoumustyieldprecedence."ThenLauncelotansweredhumbly:"IknowwellIwasneverthebest.""Ay,ofatruththouwastandartstill,ofsinfulmen,"saidshe,androdeawaybeforeanycouldquestionherfurther.

So,thatevening,whenallweregatheredabouttheRoundTable,eachknightinhisownsiege,suddenlytherewasheardacrashof



thunder,somightythatthehalltrembled,andthereflashedintothehallasunbeam,brighterfarthananythathadeverbeforebeenseen;andthen,drapedallinwhitesamite,thereglidedthroughtheairwhatnonemightsee,yetwhatallknewtobetheHolyGrail.Andalltheairwasfilledwithsweetodours,andoneveryonewasshedalightinwhichhelookedfairerandnoblerthaneverbefore.Sotheysatinanamazedsilence,tillpresentlyKingArthurroseandgavethankstoGodforthegracegiventohimandtohiscourt.ThenupsprangSirGawainandmadehisavowtofollowforayearandadaytheQuestoftheHolyGrail,ifperchancehemightbegrantedthevisionofit.Immediatelyotheroftheknightsfollowedhisexample,bindingthemselvestotheQuestoftheHolyGrailuntil,inall,onehundredandfiftyhadvowedthemselvestotheadventure.

ThenwasKingArthurgrieved,forheforesawtheruinofhisnobleOrder.AndturningtoSirGawain,hesaid:"Nephew,yehavedoneill,forthroughyouIambereftofthenoblestcompanyofknightsthateverbroughthonourtoanyrealminChristendom.WellIknowthatneveragainshallallofyougatherinthishall,anditgrievesmetolosemenIhavelovedasmylifeandthroughwhomIhavewonpeaceandrighteousnessforallmyrealm."SotheKingmournedandhisknightswithhim,buttheiroathstheycouldnotrecall.

GreatwoewasthereinCamelotnextdaywhen,afterworshipinthecathedral,theknightswhohadvowedthemselvestotheQuestoftheHolyGrailgottohorseandrodeaway.Agoodlycompanyitwasthatpassedthroughthestreets,thetownfolkweepingtoseethemgo;SirLauncelotduLacandhiskin,SirGalahadofwhomallexpectedgreatdeeds,SirBorsandSirPercivale,andmanyanotherscarcelylessfamedthanthey.SotheyrodetogetherthatdaytotheCastleofVagon,wheretheywereentertainedrighthospitably,andthenextdaytheyseparated,eachtoridehisownwayandseewhatadventuresshouldbefallhim.

Soitcametopassthat,afterfourdays'ride,SirGalahadreachedanabbey.NowSirGalahadwasstillclothedinredarmouraswhenhe

cametotheKing'scourt,andbyhissidehungthewondroussword;buthewaswithoutashield.Theyoftheabbeyreceivedhimrightheartily,asalsodidthebraveKingBagdemagus,KnightoftheRoundTable,whowasrestingthere.Whentheygreetedeachother,SirGalahadaskedKingBagdemaguswhatadventurehadbroughthimthere."Sir,"saidBagdemagus,"Iwastoldthatinthisabbeywaspreservedawondrousshieldwhichnonebutthebestknightintheworldmightbearwithoutgrievousharmtohimself.AndthoughIknowwellthattherearebetterknightsthanI,to-morrowIpurposetomaketheattempt.But,Iprayyou,bideatthismonasteryawhileuntilyouhearfromme;andifIfail,doyetaketheadventureuponyou.""Sobeit,"saidSirGalahad.

Thenextday,attheirrequest,SirGalahadandKingBagdemaguswereledintothechurchbyamonkandshownwhere,behindthealtar,hungthewondrousshield,whiterthansnowsavefortheblood-redcrossinitsmidst.Thenthemonkwarnedthemofthedangertoanywho,beingunworthy,shoulddaretobeartheshield.ButKingBagdemagusmadeanswer:"IknowwellthatIamnotthebestknightintheworld,yetwillItryifImaybearit."Sohehungitabouthisneck,and,biddingfarewell,rodeawaywithhissquire.

Thetwohadnotjourneyedfarbeforetheysawaknightapproach,



armedallinwhitemailandmounteduponawhitehorse.Immediatelyhelaidhisspearinrestand,chargingKingBagdemagus,piercedhimthroughtheshoulderandborehimfromhishorse;andstandingoverthewoundedknight,hesaid:"Knight,thouhastshowngreatfolly,fornoneshallbearthisshieldsavethepeerlessknight,SirGalahad."Then,takingtheshield,hegaveittothesquireandsaid:"BearthisshieldtothegoodKnightGalahadandgreethimwellfromme.""Whatisyourname?"askedthesquire."Thatisnotfortheeoranyothertoknow.""Onething,Iprayyou,"saidthesquire;"whymaythisshieldbebornebynonebutSirGalahadwithoutdanger?""Becauseitbelongstohimonly,"answeredthestrangerknight,andvanished.

ThenthesquiretooktheshieldandsettingKingBagdemagusonhishorse,borehimbacktotheabbeywherehelaylong,sickuntodeath.ToGalahadthesquiregavetheshieldandtoldhimallthathadbefallen.SoGalahadhungtheshieldabouthisneckandrodethewaythatBagdemagushadgonethedaybefore;andpresentlyhemettheWhiteKnight,whomhegreetedcourteously,beggingthathewouldmakeknowntohimthemarvelsofthered-crossshield."ThatwillIgladly,"answeredtheWhiteKnight."Yemustknow,SirKnight,thatthisshieldwasmadeandgivenbyJosephofArimatheatothegoodKingEvelakeofSarras,that,inthemightoftheholysymbol,heshouldoverthrowtheheathenwhothreatenedhiskingdom.But

afterwards,KingEvelakefollowedJosephtothislandofBritainwheretheytaughtthetruefaithuntothepeoplewhobeforewereheathen.ThenwhenJosephlaydying,hebadeKingEvelakesettheshieldinthemonasterywhereyelaylastnight,andforetoldthatnoneshouldwearitwithoutlossuntilthatdaywhenitshouldbetakenbytheknight,ninthandlastindescentfromhim,whoshouldcometothatplacethefifteenthdayafterreceivingthedegreeofknighthood.Evensohasitbeenwithyou,SirKnight."Sosaying,theunknownknightdisappearedandSirGalahadrodeonhisway.

AfterSirLauncelothadpartedfromhisfellowsattheCastleofVagon,herodemanydaysthroughtheforestwithoutadventure,tillhechanceduponaknightclosebyalittlehermitageinthewood.

Immediately,aswasthewontoferrantknights,theypreparedtojoust,andLauncelot,whomnonebeforehadoverthrown,wasbornedown,manandhorse,bythestrangerknight.Thereuponanun,whodweltinthehermitage,cried:"Godbewiththee,bestknightinallthisworld,"forsheknewthevictorforSirGalahad.ButGalahad,notwishingtobeknown,rodeswiftlyaway;andpresentlySirLauncelotgottohorseagainandrodeslowlyonhisway,shamedanddoubtingsorelyinhisheartwhetherthisquestweremeantforhim.

AfterwardSirGalahadrescuedSirPercivalefromtwentyknightswhobesethim,androdeonhiswaytillnight-fall,whenhesoughtshelteratalittlehermitage.ThithertherecameinthenightadamselwhodesiredtospeakwithSirGalahad;sohearoseandwent

toher."Galahad,"saidshe,"armyouandmountyourhorseandfollowme,forIamcometoguideyouinyourquest."SotheyrodetogetheruntiltheyhadcometotheseashoreandtherethedamselshowedGalahadagreatshipintowhichhemustenter.Thenshebadehimfarewell,andhe,goingontotheship,foundtherealreadythegoodknightsSirBorsandSirPercivale,whomademuchjoyofthemeeting.TheyabodeinthatshipuntiltheyhadcometothecastleofKingPelles,whowelcomedthemrightgladly.Then,astheyallsatatsupperthatnight,suddenlythehallwasfilledwithagreatlight,andtheholyvesselappearedintheirmidst,coveredallin



whitesamite.Whiletheyallrejoiced,therecameavoice,saying:"MyKnightswhomIhavechosen,yehaveseentheholyvesseldimly.ContinueyourjourneytothecityofSarrasandtheretheperfectvisionshallbeyours."

NowinthecityofSarrashaddweltalongtimeJosephofArimathea,teachingitspeoplethetruefaith,beforeeverhecameintothelandofBritain;butwhenSirGalahadandhisfellowscamethereafterlongvoyage,theyfounditruledbyaheathenKingnamedEstorause,whocastthemintoadeepdungeon.Theretheywerekeptayear,butattheendofthattime,thetyrantdied.ThenthegreatmenofthelandgatheredtogethertoconsiderwhoshouldbetheirKing;and,whiletheywereincouncil,cameavoicebiddingthemtakeastheirKingtheyoungestofthethreeknightswhomEstorausehadthrownintoprison.Soinfearandwondertheyhastenedtotheprison,and,releasingthethreeknights,madeGalahadKingasthevoicehadbiddenthem.

ThusSirGalahadbecameKingofthefamouscityofSarras,infarBabylon.Hehadreignedayearwhen,onemorningearly,heandtheothertwoknights,hisfellows,wentintothechapel,andtheretheysaw,kneelinginprayer,anagedman,robedasabishop,androundhimhoveredmanyangels.Theknightsfellontheirkneesinaweandreverence,whereuponhethatseemedabishopturnedtothemand

said:"IamJosephofArimathea,andIamcometoshowyoutheperfectvisionoftheHolyGrail."Ontheinstantthereappearedbeforethem,withoutveilorcover,theholyvessel,inaradianceoflightsuchasalmostblindedthem.SirBorsandSirPercivale,whenatlengththeywererecoveredfromthebrightnessofthatglory,lookeduptofindthattheholyJosephandthewondrousvesselhadpassedfromtheirsight.ThentheywenttoSirGalahadwherehestillkneltasinprayer,andbehold,hewasdead;forithadbeenwithhimevenashehadprayed;inthemomentwhenhehadseenthevision,hissoulhadgonebacktoGod.

Sothetwoknightsburiedhiminthatfarcity,themselvesmourningandallthepeoplewiththem.Andimmediatelyafter,SirPercivale

putoffhisarmsandtookthehabitofamonk,livingadevoutandholylifeuntil,ayearandtwomonthslater,healsodiedandwasburiednearSirGalahad.ThenSirBorsarmedhim,andbiddingfarewelltothecity,sailedawayuntil,aftermanyweeks,hecameagaintothelandofBritain.Therehetookhorse,andstayednottillhehadcometoCamelot.GreatwastherejoicingofArthurandallhisknightswhenSirBorswasoncemoreamongthem.Whenhehadtoldalltheadventureswhichhadbefallenhimandthegoodknights,hiscompanions,allwhoheardwerefilledwithamaze.ButtheKinghecausedthewisestclerksinthelandtowriteingreatbooksoftheHolyGrail,thatthefameofitshouldendureuntoalltime.

CHAPTERVII

SIRGALAHAD

BYALFREDLORDTENNYSON

Mygoodbladecarvesthecasquesofmen,



Mytoughlancethrustethsure,

Mystrengthisasthestrengthoften,Becausemyheartispure.

Theshatteringtrumpetshrillethhigh,Thehardbrandsshiveronthesteel,

Thesplinter'dspear-shaftscrackandfly,Thehorseandriderreel:

Theyreel,theyrollinclanginglists,Andwhenthetideofcombatstands,

PerfumeandflowersfallinshowersThatlightlyrainfromladies'hands.

HowsweetarelooksthatladiesbendOnwhomtheirfavoursfall!

ForthemIbattletilltheend,Tosavefromshameandthrall:

Butallmyheartisdrawnabove,Mykneesarebow'dincryptandshrine:

Ineverfeltthekissoflove,Normaiden'shandinmine.

Morebounteousaspectsonmebeam,Memightiertransportsmoveandthrill;

SokeepIfairthro'faithandprayerAvirginheartinworkandwill.

Whendownthestormycrescentgoes,Alightbeforemeswims,

Betweendarkstemstheforestglows,Ihearanoiseofhymns:

ThenbysomesecretshrineIride;Ihearavoice,butnonearethere;

Thestallsarevoid,thedoorsarewide,Thetapersburningfair.

Fairgleamsthesnowyaltar-cloth,

Thesilvervesselssparkleclean,

Theshrillbellrings,thecenserswings,Andsolemnchauntsresoundbetween.

Sometimesonlonelymountain-meresIfindamagicbark;

Ileaponboard:nohelmsmansteers



Ifloattillallisdark.

Agentlesound,anawfullight!ThreeangelsbeartheHolyGrail:

Withfoldedfeet,instolesofwhite,Onsleepingwingstheysail.

Ah,blessedvision!bloodofGod!Myspiritbeatshermortalbars,

Asdowndarktidesthegloryslides,Andstar-likemingleswiththestars.

WhenonmygoodlychargerborneThro'dreamingtownsIgo,

ThecockcrowseretheChristmasmorn,Thestreetsaredumbwithsnow.

Thetempestcracklesontheleads,And,ringing,spinsfrombrandandmail;

Buto'erthedarkagloryspreads,Andgildsthedrivinghail.

Ileavetheplain,Iclimbtheheight;Nobranchythicketshelteryields;

ButblessedformsinwhistlingstormsFlyo'erwastefensandwindyfields.

Amaidenknight--tomeisgivenSuchhope,Iknownotfear,

IyearntobreathetheairsofheavenThatoftenmeetmehere.

Imuseonjoythatwillnotcease,Purespacesclothedinlivingbeams,

Pureliliesofeternalpeace,Whoseodourshauntmydreams;

And,strickenbyanangel'shand,ThismortalarmourthatIwear,

Thisweightandsize,thisheartandeyes,

Aretouch'd,areturn'dtofinestair.

Thecloudsarebrokeninthesky,Andthro'themountain-walls

Arollingorgan-harmonySwellsup,andshakesandfalls.

Thenmovethetrees,thecopsesnod,



Wingsflutter,voiceshoverclear:

"OjustandfaithfulknightofGod!Rideon!theprizeisnear."

SopassIhostel,hall,andgrange;Bybridgeandford,byparkandpale,

All-arm'dIride,whate'erbetide,UntilIfindtheHolyGrail.

CHAPTERVIII

SIEGFRIED

NowtheredweltinacastleintheNetherlandacertainKing,Siegmundbyname,whohadtowifeafairladySieglind.ThesetwohadasonwhomtheycalledSiegfried,averygallantprince.Verycarefullydidtheytrainandteachhim,buttherootofthematterwasintheladhimself,forhehadanhonestandgoodheart,andwas

inallthingsaveryperfectknight.ThisSiegfriedbeingcometoman'sestate,andbeingwellpractisedinarms,andhavingalsoasmuchofwealthasheneeded,turnedhisthoughtstomarriage,desiringtowinafairbrideforhimself.

ItcametoPrinceSiegfried'searsthattherewasaveryfairmaidenintheRhineland,andthatmanynobleknightshadcomefromfarandwidetomaketheirsuitstoher,butthatshewouldhavenoneofthem.Neveryethadsheseenthemanwhomshewouldtakeforherhusband.AllthisthePrinceheard,andhesaid,"ThisKriemhildwillIhaveformywife."ButKingSiegmund,whenheheardofhisson'spurpose,wasnotalittletroubledthereat;andQueenSieglindwept,forsheknewthebrotherofKriemhild,andshewasawareof

thestrengthandvalourofhiswarriors.SotheysaidtothePrince,"Son,thisisnotawisewooing."ButSiegfriedmadeanswer,"Myfather,Iwillhavenoneofwedlock,ifImaynotmarrywhereIlove."ThereupontheKingsaid."Ifthoucanstnotforegothismaiden,thenthoushalthaveallthehelpthatIcangive."

QueenSieglindsaid:"Ifyouarestillmindedtogo,thenIwillprepareforyouandyourcompanionsthebestraimentthateverwarriorwore."

Siegfriedbowedlowtohismother,saying:"Sobeit;onlyrememberthattwelvecomradesonlywillItakewithme."

SotheQueenandherladiessatstitchingnightandday,takingnoresttilltheraimentwasready.KingSiegmundthewhilecommandedthatthemenshouldpolishtheirwar-gear,coatsofmail,andhelmets,andshields.

Thethirteencomradesdepartedand,ontheseventhday,theyrodeintothetownofWormsinRhineland,agallantcompany,bravelyarrayed,fortheirgarmentsflashedwithgold,andtheirwar-gear,overtheircoatsofmailandtheirhelmets,werenewlypolished.Theirlongswordshungdownbytheirsides,eventotheirspurs,and



sharpwerethejavelinswhichtheyheldintheirhands.ThejavelinofSiegfriedwastwospansbroadintheblade,andhadadoubleedge.Terriblewerethewoundsthatitmade.Theirbridlesweregilded,andtheirhorse-girthsofsilk.Acomelysighttheyweretosee,andthepeoplecamefromallroundtogazeuponthem.

TidingshadbeenbroughttoKingGuntherthatcertainwarriorswerecome,verygallanttolookuponandrichlyclad,butthatnooneknewwhotheywere,andwhencetheycame."Now,"saidtheKing,"thistroublesmemuchthatnoonecantellwhencethesewarriorscome."TohimOrtwein,theHighServer,madeanswer,"Seeing,sire,thatnomanknowsaughtaboutthesestrangers,letsomeonefetchHagen,myuncle;heknowsallthekingdomsoftheworld,andthedwellerstherein."

SoHagenwenttothewindowandlookedatthemen.Wellpleasedwashewiththeirclothingandtheirgearofwar;buthehadneverseentheirlikeintheRhineland.Sohesaid:"Whencesoeverthesemenhavecome,mylord,thattheyareprincesorofaprince'scompanyisclear.Butstay;Siegfried,thefamoushero,Ihaveneverseenwithmyeyes,butIverilybelievethatishe.Ifitindeedbe,thereisnowarriorinthisland,thatishismatchforstrengthandvalour.

"Onceuponatimeridingalone,withnonetohelphim,hecameuponthetreasureoftheNibelungs.Ithadbeennewlytakenoutofthehollowofamountain,andtheNibelungsweremakingreadytoshareit.Andwhentheysawhim,onecriedaloud,'HerecomesSiegfried,thegreatchampionfromtheMotherland!'SothetwoprincesoftheNibelungsbadehimwelcome,andwouldhavehimdividethetreasureamongthem.Amightystoreitwas,ofjewelssuchplentythatscarcefive-scorewagonscouldcarrythemaway,andofredgoldyetmore.AllthistheywouldhaveSiegfrieddivideamongthem.AndforhiswagestheygavehimtheNibelungs'sword.Butlittledidtheyknowwhatshouldbefallathishand.Forlo!erehehadendedhisdividing,theystirredupstrifeagainsthim.Twelvestoutcomradeshadtheprinces,andwiththesetheprincesthoughttohaveslain

Siegfried.Buttheyavailednought;withtheveryswordwhichtheyhadgivenhimforhisreward--Balmungwasitsname--heslewthemall.Thegiantsheslew,andtheKingsalso,andwhenAlbrichthedwarfwouldhaveavengedhislords--forhewasthekeeperofthetreasure--Siegfriedovercamehimalso,andwrestedfromhimtheHoodofDarkness,whichwhosodons,straightwayhevanishesfromthesightofallmen.

"Butthetreasurehewouldnottakeforhimself.'Carryitback,'saidhetoAlbrichthedwarf,'totheholewhenceitwastaken,andkeepifforme.AndyoushallswearagreatoathtodomeanyservicethatIshallaskofyou,whensoeverandwheresoevermayseemgoodtome.'

"AnotherstoryhaveIheardtellofSiegfried,howheslewadragonwithhisownhandandsword,andhowhebathedhiminthedragon'sblood,andmadehisskinsohardandhornythatnoswordmaypierceit.Letus.thereforereceivehimwithallcourtesy;forverilyheisarightstrongandvaliantknight,and'tisbetter,Iween,tobehisfriendthanhisenemy."

"Methinksthouartright,"saidKingGunther."Letusgodownandgreethimcourteously."



Neverwereguestsmorehonouredas,ofasurety,neverguestshadboldermien.AndasthedayswentbytheKingsandtheirguestsgavethemselvestosportandpastime;butwhatevertheydid,Siegfriedwaseverthefirst;nonecouldputthestonesofar,orcastthespearwithsosureanaim.Sometimesthefairladiesofthecourtlookedon,andnotafewlookedontheyoungPrincefromtheNetherlandwithfavour.Buthehadeveroneonlyinhisheart,everthefairKriemhild.

KingGuntherpurposedinhishearttomarryawife.Nodaughterofhisownlandwouldhewoo,thoughthereweremanyfairmaidensintheRhineland.ButtherecametohimtidingsofaQueenthatdweltbeyondthesea;nottobematchedwassheforbeauty,norhadsheanypeerforstrength.Herlovesheprofferedtoanywarriorwhocouldvanquishheratthreegames,hurlingofthespear,andputtingthestone,andleaping.Butifthesuitorhimselfshouldbevanquished,thenmusthelosehishead.Suchweretheconditionsofherwooing,andmanybravewarriorshaddiedforher.

OnacertaindayKingGuntherandhischiefssatincouncil,andthematterwasthis--whereshalltheKingseekawifewhoshallbothbeforacomforttohimandforaglorytotheland?ThenspaketheKing,"IwillseekQueenBrunhildandnoother.ForherwillI

hazardmylife;nordoIcaretoliveifImaynotwinherformywife."TohimspakeSiegfried,"Iwouldhaveyougiveupthispurpose.HewhowoosBrunhildplaysfortoohighastake.Takemycounsel,sire,andgonotonsuchajourney.""Ishouldthinkitscorn,"saidhe,"tofearawoman,weresheeversoboldandstrong.""Ah,sire,"Siegfriedmadeanswer,"youknownothowstrongsheis.Wereyoufourmenandnotoneonly,youcouldnotprevailoverher."

ButKingGuntherwouldnotyield."Howstrongsoevershebe,andwhateverthechancesthatbefallme,IwillwoothisfairBrunhild,"hesaid.ThensaidHagen,theKing'suncle,"Sinceyouareresolvedtotakeinhandthisenterprise,askPrinceSiegfriedtohelpyou."

ThensaidKingGunthertoSiegfried,"WillyouhelpmetowinthisBrunhildformywife?Dothis,andaskofmewhatyouwill."Siegfriedmadeanswer,"Givemeyoursister:IasknootherrewardbutthatImayhavethefairKriemhildtowife.""ThatIpromise,"saidtheKing."Ofasurety,sosoonasIshallhavebroughtthefairBrunhildtothisrealm,thenwillIgiveyoumysistertowife;andIprayfrommyheartthatyoumaylivelongandhappilytogether."Thenthetwoswaretoeachother.

"Tellmenow,"saidGunther,"howshallwetraveltothislandwhereBrunhilddwells?ShallwegoinsuchstateasbefitsaKing?Ifyouthinkfit,Icouldwellbringtogetherthirtythousandwarriors.""Thirtythousandwouldavailnothing."answeredSiegfried,"so

strongsheisandsavage.Wewilltakenoarmy,butgoassimpleknights,takingtwocompanionswithus,andthetwoshallbeSirHagenandSirDankwart.""Andwherewithalshallwebeclothed?"saidKingGunther."Asrichlyasmaybe,"answeredSiegfried."Mymotherhasagreatstoreofgoodlyraiment,"saidtheKing.ThenspakeHagen,"Nay,sire,gonottotheQueen,butrathertoyoursister.Shewillprovideallthingsthatyouneed."

SotheywenttotheLadyKriemhildandtoldheralltheirpurpose,andhowtheyshouldneedgoodlyraiment,threechangesfortheday,



andthatforfourdays.WithgoodwilldidthefairKriemhildreceivethem,andpromisedthatshewouldgivethemwhattheyneeded.Asshepromised,soshedid;forsheandherladies,thirtymaidsskilfulintheworkoftheneedle,labourednightanddaytofurnisharichstoreofapparel.ThefairKriemhildplannedthemandcutthemtojustmeasurewithherownhandandherladiessewedthem.Silkstherewere,somefromArabia,whiteassnow,andfromtheLesserAsiaothers,greenasgrass,andstrangeskinsoffishesfromdistantseas,andfuroftheermine,withblackspotsonsnowywhite,andpreciousstonesandgoldofArabia.Insevenweeksallwasprepared,bothapparelandalsoarmsandarmour;andtherewasnothingthatwaseitherover-longorover-short,orthatcouldbesurpassedforcomeliness.Greatthanksdidthewarriorsgivetoeachfairseamstress,andtoKriemhildthebeautifulthegreatestthanksofall.

Sothefourcompanionsembarkedontheirship,withSiegfriedfortheirhelmsman,forheknewallthetidesandcurrentsofRhine.Wellfurnishedweretheywithfoodandwineandallthingsthattheyneeded;andprosperouswastheirvoyage,bothwhiletheysaileddowntheriverandwhiletheycrossedthesea.

OnthetwelfthmorningtheycametothelandofQueenBrunhild.AndwhenKingGunthersawhowthecoaststretchedfaraway,andhowon

everyheighttherestoodafaircastle,hesaidtoSiegfried,"Tellme,Siegfried,ifyoucan,whosearethosecastles,andthisfairland.Neverinallmylife,Iassureyou,haveIseencastlessofairlyplannedandbuiltsowell."Siegfriedmadeanswer,"ThesecastlesandthisfairlandareQueenBrunhild'sandthisstrongfortressthatyouseeisIsenstein.Andnow,mycomrades,Ihaveacounselforyourears.To-dayweshallstandinQueenBrunhild'scourt,andwemustbewiseandwarywhenwestandbeforeher.Letthereforeoneandthesamestorybefoundinthemouthofall--thatGuntherismymaster,andthatIamGunther'sman.Ifwewouldwinourpurposethereisnosurerplanthanthis."SospakeSiegfriedtohiscomrades.AndtotheKinghesaid,"Mark,Iprayyou,whatIdofortheloveofyourfairsister."

Whiletheytalkedonetotheotherthebarkdriftedsoneartotheshorethattheycouldseethemaidensstandingatthecastlewindows."Whoarethese?"saidKingGunthertoSiegfried.SaidSiegfried,"Lookwithallyoureyesatthesefairladies,andtellmewhichofthempleasesyoubest,andwhich,couldyouwinher,youwouldchooseforyourwife."Gunthermadeanswer,"OnethatIseeatyonderwindowinasnow-whitevestissurelytheloveliestofall.She,ifIcanwinher,shallsurelybemywife.""Youhavechosenwell,"saidSiegfried;"thatmaideninthesnow-whitevestisBrunhild,thefairestandfiercestofwomen."

MeanwhiletheQueenhadbiddenhermaidensdepartfromthewindows.

"'Tisashame,"saidshe,"thatyoushouldmakeyourselvesasightforstrangers."

Andnowcamethefourcomradesfromtheirbarktothecastle.Siegfriedledanoblechargerbythebridle,andstoodbythestirruptillKingGuntherhadmounted,servinghimasavassalserveshislord.ThisBrunhildmarkedfromwhereshestood."Anoblelord,"thoughtsheinherheart,"whomsuchavassalserves."ThenSiegfriedmountedhisownsteed,andHagenandDankwartdidthelike.Afairercompanyneverwasseen.TheKingandSiegfriedwere



clothedinwhite,andwhiteweretheirhorses,andtheirshieldsflashedfarastheymoved.So,inlordlyfashion,theyrodetothehallofQueenBrunhild,andthebellsofgoldthathungfromtheirsaddlestinkledastheywent.HagenandDankwart,ontheotherhand,woreblackapparel,andtheirchargerswereblack.

MeanwhilethefairBrunhildinquiredofhernobleswhothesestrangersmightbethathadcomeacrossthesea,andonwhaterrandtheyhadcome.Oneofthemanswered,"Fairlady,Ihaveneverseenthesestoutwarriors,saveoneonly,whoisgreatlyliketothenobleSiegfried.Ifthisbehe,Iwouldhaveyougivehimaheartywelcome.Nexttohimisamanofrightroyalmien,aKing,Itrow,whoruleswithhissceptremightylandsandherd.Thethirdhasaloweringbrow,butisastoutwarriorwithal;thefourthisyoungandmodestoflook,butforallhisgentlebearing,weshouldallrueit,Itrow,ifwrongweredonetohim."

ThenspakeQueenBrunhild,"Bringmenowmyroyalvesture;ifSiegfriedseekstowoomeforhiswife,hemustriskhislifeonthecast;Ifearhimnotsomuchastoyieldtohimwithoutastruggle."SotheQueenarrayedherinherroyalrobes,andwenttothehallofaudience,andahundredmaidensandmorefollowedher,fairoffaceandinfairarray.Andafterthemaidenscamefivehundredwarriorsandmore,eachbearinghisswordinhishand,theveryflowerof

Isenland.

SaidQueenBrunhildtoSiegfried,"Youarewelcome,goodSirSiegfried.Showme,ifyouwill,forwhatcauseyouhavecomehither.""Ithankyouathousandtimes,"answeredSiegfried,"thatyouhavegreetedmesocourteously,butknowthatImustgiveplacetothisnoblehero.Heismylordandmaster;Iamhisvassal.Letyourfavourbeforhim.HiskingdomisbytheRhineside,andwehavesailedallthiswayfromthencethathemaywooyouforhisbride.Thatishisfixedintent,norwillheyieldwhatevermaybefall.Guntherishisname;agreatKingishe,andnothingwillcontenthimbuttocarryyoubackwithhimtotheRhine."

QueenBrunhildanswered,"Ifheisthemasterandyoutheman,thenlethimknowthathemustmatchmeinmygamesandconquerme.Ifheprevail,thenwillIbehisweddedwife;butifIprevail,thenmusthedie,heandyouandallhiscomrades."ThenspakeSirHagen,"Lady,tellusnowthegamesatwhichmymastermustcontend;andknowthatyoumuststrivefullhard,ifyouwouldconquerhim,forhehasafulltrustthathewillwinyouforhisbride."TheQueenanswered,"HemustcastthestonefurtherthanI,andalsoleapbehinditfurtherthanIleap;andalsohemustcastthespearwithme.Itseemstomethatyouareover-hasty;lethimcountthecost,erehelosebothfameandlife."ThenSiegfriedwhisperedtotheKing,"Havenofearforwhatshallbe,andcastawayallyourcare.LetthefairBrunhilddowhatshewill,Iwillbearyouharmless."

SotheKingspakealoud,"Fairestofthefair,tellmeyourpleasure;wereitagreatertaskwillinglywouldIundertakeit,forifIwinyounotformybride,willinglywillIlosemyhead."

ThenthefairBrunhildcalledforherbattlegear,herarms,andherbreastplateofgoldandhermightyshield;andoverallshedrewasurcoatofsilk,marvellouslymade.Fierceandangrywashercountenanceasshelookedatthestrangers,andHagenandDankwartweretroubledtoseeher,fortheydoubtedhowitmightgowiththeirmaster."'Tisafataljourney,"saidthey,"andwillbringus



totrouble."

MeanwhileSiegfriedhiedhimwithnimblefoottothebark,andtherehetook,fromthesecretcornerwherehekeptit,theHoodofDarkness,bywhich,athiswill,hecouldmakehimselfinvisible.Quicklydidhego,andquicklyreturned,andnownoonecouldseehim,forheworethehood.Throughthecrowdhewentathispleasure,seeingallbutseenofnone.

Meanwhilemenhadmarkedouttheringforthefray,andchiefshadbeenchosenasumpires,sevenhundredmeninarmourwhoshouldjudgebetwixtthecombatants.FirstofthetwocamethefairBrunhild.Somightywasherpresence,amanhadthoughtherreadytomatchherselfinbattlewithalltheKingsintheworld.Andtherewascarriedbeforeheramightyshieldofruddygold,verythickandbroadandheavy,overlaidwithstudsofsteel.Fourchamberlainscouldscarcebeartheweight.SirHagen,whenhesawit,said,"Hownow,mylordKing?thisfaironewhomyouwouldwoomustsurelybethedevil'swife."NextcamethreemenwhoscarcecouldcarrytheQueen'sjavelin,withitsmightyspear-head,heavyandgreatasthoughthreehadbeenmeltedintoone.AndwhenKingGunthersawit,hesaidtohimself,"Thisisadangerfromwhichthedevilhimselfcanscarceescape.IwouldthatIwereoncemorebythebanksofRhine;hethatwouldmightwooandwinthisfairmaidenforme."

AfterthistherewasbroughtthemightystonewhichBrunhildwastohurl.Twelveknightscouldscarcesupportit,sobigitwas.

AndnowtheQueenaddressedhertothecontest,rollinghersleevesaboutherarms,andfittingherbuckler,andpoisinghermightyspearinherhand.Andthestrangers,whentheysawit,weresoreafraidforalltheircourage.

ButnowcameSiegfriedtoKingGunther'ssideandtouchedhishand.GreatlyamazedwastheKingforhedidnotunderstandhischampion'sdevice."Whowasitthattouchedme?"hesaid,andlookedround,butsawnoone."'TisI,"answeredthePrince,"yourtrustyfriend,Siegfried.Havenofearofthemaiden.Letmecarrythebuckler;you

shallseemtodoeachdeed,butIwilldoitintruth.Butbecarefultohidethedevice.Shouldthemaidendiscoverit,shewillnotsparetobringittonought."RightgladwasGunthertoknowthathisstrongallywasathand.

AndnowtheQueenthrewthespearwithallhermightagainsttheshieldSiegfriedboreuponhisarm.Newwastheshieldandstoutofmake,butthespearheadpassedcleanthroughit,andrangonthehero'scoatofmail,dealinghimsosoreablowthatthebloodgushedforthfromhismouth.Ofatruth,butfortheHoodofDarkness,thathourboththechampionshaddied.ThenSiegfriedcaughtthegreatspearinhishand,andtoreitfromtheshield,andhurleditback."Sheistoofairtoslay,"saidhetohimself,and

heturnedthespearpointbehindhim,andsmotethemaidenwiththeshaftonthesilkenvestthatshewore.Loudrangtheblow,andthefire-sparksleaptfromherarmour.NevercouldGunther,forallhisstrength,havedealtsuchablow,foritfelledthestrongBrunhildtotheground.Lightlydidsheleapupagain,crying,"KingGunther,Ithankyoufortheblow;'twasshrewdlygiven,"forshethoughtthattheKinghaddealtit.

Butgreatwasthewrathinherhearttofindthatherspearhadspedinvain.Andnowsheturnedtothegreatstonewhereitlay,and



poiseditinherhand,andhurleditwithallhermight.Andhavinghurledit,sheherselfleaptafterit.Twelvefullarms'lengthhurtledthegreatstonethroughtheair,somightywasthemaiden,andsheherselfoverpasseditbyapace.ThencameGunthertotheplace,withSiegfriedunseenbyhisside.AndSiegfriedcaughtthestoneandpoisedit--butitseemedtoallasifGuntherdidit--andthrewityetanotherarm'slengthbeyondthecastofthemaid,andpassedthestonehimself,aye,andcarriedKingGuntheralongwithhim,somightywashe!

ButwhentheQueensawthatshewasvanquished,sheflushedwithshameandwrath,andturningtoherlords,shespakealoud,"Comehither,mykinsmenandlieges.YoumustnowbethrallsofKingGuntherofBurgundy."

SothechiefsofIsenlandlaidtheirswordsatGunther'sfeetanddidhimhomage,fortheythoughtthathehadvanquishedbyhisownstrength;andhe,forhewasaverygentle,courteousknight,greetedthemaidrightpleasantly,andshe,forherpart,tookhimbythehandandsaid,"Henceforth,SirKing,alltheruleandpowerthatIhaveheldisyours."

ThereisnoneedtotellhowGuntherandBrunhildandalltheircompanytravelledtoRhinelandwithgreatjoy,andhowQueenUteand

hersonsandthefairKriemhild,andallthepeopleoftheland,gavethemaheartywelcomeandhowinduetimeKingGuntherwasmarriedtothefairBrunhild.NoristhereneedofmanywordstorelatehowSiegfriedalsotooktowifethebeautifulKriemhild,asithadbeenpromisedhim.NorwerethereanytogainsaysaveBrunhildonly,forshegrudgedthatherhusband'ssistershouldbegiventoavassal,forsuchintruthshedeemedhimtobe.Veryillcontentshewas,thoughtheKingwouldfainhavesatisfiedher,sayingthathewasaverynobleknight,andwaslordofmanywoodlands,andhadgreatstoreofgoldandtreasure.

SoSiegfriedweddedthefairKriemhildandtookherwithhimtohisownland.AgoodlywelcomedidtheNetherlandsgiveher.And

Siegmundgaveuphiskingdomtohisson,andthetwolivedinmuchpeaceandlovetogether;andwheninthetenthyearasonwasborntothem,theycalledhimbythenameofhisuncleGunther.

AlsoGuntherandBrunhildlivedtogetherinmuchhappiness.Theyalsohadason,andtheycalledhimbythenameofSiegfried.

ButBrunhildwasillcontentthatSiegfriedbeing,farsoshedeemed,herhusband'svassal,shouldpaynohomagetohislordanddonoserviceforhisfee.Andshewasveryurgentwithherhusbandthatheshouldsufferthisnolonger.ButtheKingwasfaintoputheroff."Nay,"saidhe,"thejourneyistoolong.Theirlandisfarfromours;whyshouldwetroublehimtocome?Alsoheisagreat

princeandapowerful.""Beheasgreatashewill,"sheanswered,"'tisavassal'sdutytopayhomagetohislord."ButGuntherlaughedtohimself.LittlethoughthadheofhomagefromSiegfried.ThentheQueenchangedhervoice."Dearlord,"shesaid,"howgladlywouldIseeSiegfriedandyourdearsisteroncemore.WelldoIrememberhowfairshewasandhowkind,howgraciousofspeechwhenwesattogether,bridesbothofus."Withsuchwordsshepersuadedherhusband."Therearenogueststhatwouldbemorewelcome,"saidhe;"IwillfindmessengerswhoshallbidthemcometotheRhineland."



GreatwasthejoyinRhinelandwhenthemessengersreturnedandtoldhowtheyhadbeenwelcomedandroyallyentertainedandloadedwithgifts,andhowthatSiegfriedandhisQueenKriemhildandacompanyofgallantknightswerecomingtothefestival.Greatwasthejoyandmanifoldthepreparations.

NosoonerdidtheKinghearthenewsthanhesoughtoutQueenBrunhildwhereshesatinherchamber."Bearyouinmind,"saidhe,"howKriemhildmysisterwelcomedyouwhenyoucamehitherfromyourownland.Doyou,therefore,dearwife,welcomeherwiththelikeaffection.""Soshallitbe,"answeredtheQueen.

Andindeed,whentheguestscame,rightroyalwasthewelcomethattheyhad.ForGuntherandBrunhildrodeforthfromthecitytomeetthem,andgreetedthemmostheartily.Allwasmirthandjollity.Bythedaythereweretiltsandtournamentsandsportsofeverykind,andatnighttherewasfeastinginthehall.Andsotheydidfortwelvedays.

ButBrunhildevercherishedathoughtofmischiefinherheart."Why,"shesaidtoherself,"whyhasSiegfriedstayedsolongtodohomageforthatwhichheholdsofusinfee?IshallnotbecontenttillKriemhildanswermeinthis."

Itfelloutonacertainday,whilesundryknightswereinthecastlecourt,thatthetwoQueenssattogether.ThefairKriemhildthenbegan,"Myhusbandissomightyamanthatheshouldrulethesekingdomsofright.""Nay,"answeredBrunhild,"thatmightbewereyouandyourhusbandonlyalive,andallothersdead,butsolongasGuntherliveshemustneedsbeKing."ThensaidfairKriemhild,"Seehowheshinesamongtheknights,averymoonamongthestars."Brunhildanswered,"Howeverbraveandstronghemaybe,andstatelytolookupon,Gunther,yourbrother,isbetterthanhe.""Nay,"saidKriemhild,"betterheisnot,nay,norevenhispeer.""Howsayyou?"answeredBrunhildinwrath;"Ispakenotwithoutcause.WhenIsawthetwoforthefirsttime,thenIheardwithmyownearshow

SiegfriedconfessedthathewasGunther'sman.Yea,Iheardhimsayit,andIholdhimtobesuch.""Thisisfolly,"saidKriemhild;"thinkyouthatmybrotherscouldhavegivenmetobebridetoavassal?Away,Brunhild,withsuchidletalk,ifwewouldstillbefriends.""Iwillnotawaywithit,"Brunhildmadeanswer."ShallIrenouncetheservicewhichheandallthevassalsareboundtorendertotheirlord?""Renounceityoumust,"criedKriemhildingreatwrath."Theserviceofavassalhewillneverdo;heisofhigherdegreethanGunthermybrother,thoughGuntherisanobleKing.""Youbearyourselffartooproudly,"answeredBrunhild.

Butthedeadliestcauseofquarrelwasyettocome.SaidQueenKriemhildtoQueenBrunhildwhennextshesawher:"Thinkyouthat

whenyouwerevanquishedinyourownlanditwasGunther,mybrother,thatvanquishedyou?""Yea,"answeredtheQueen,"didInotseeitwithmyowneyes?""Nay,"saidKriemhild,"itwasnotso.Seeyouthisring?"Andshetookaringthatshehaduponherfingerandhelditforth."Doyouknowit?"AndBrunhildlookedandknewitforherown."That,"saidKriemhild,"Siegfried,myhusband,tookfromyouwhenyouweresmittenbyhisspearandknewnotwhathadbefallenyou,sosorewastheblow.Yousawhimnot,forhehadtheHoodofDarknessonhimandwasinvisible.Butitwashethatsmoteyouwiththespear,andputthestonefurtherthanyou,andpassed



youintheleap.Andthisringhegavemeforatoken,ifeveryoushouldboastyourselfagainstme.Talk,therefore,nomoreoflordsandvassals.Myhusbandfeignedthisvassalagethathemightdeceiveyouthemorereadily."

ButBrunhildheldherpeace,fortheringwasaproofwhichshecouldnotgainsay.Sheheldherpeace,butshecherishedherrage,keepingitinthedepthsofherheart,andswarethatshewouldbeavengedonthemanthathadsodeceivedher.

WhenHagensawthatQueenBrunhildwasincontinualtroubleandsadnesshewouldfainknowthecause."'TisofSiegfried'sdoing,"sheanswered."Hehaswrongedmebeyondpardon."AndshebesoughthimthathewouldavengeherandKingGuntheruponhim.

SoHaganplottedevil,sayingenemieswerecomingagainstGunther,andSiegfriedandhisknightsmadethemreadytogoforthtotheKing'sdefence.AndofthechiefsofRhinelandnotafewofferedthemselvesascomrades,knowingnothingofthetreacherythatHagenandhisfellowswerepreparingagainsthim.

ButbeforetheydepartedHagenwenttobidfarewelltoQueenKriemhild.Saidshe,"IhavegoodcomfortinmyhearttothinkhowvaliantahusbandIhave,andhowzealousheistohelphisfriends,

forIhavelovedmykinsmenalways,noreverwishedthemill.""Tellme,dearlady,"saidHagen,"whatserviceIcandotoyourhusband,forthereisnoonewhomIlovebetterthanhim."TheQueenmadeanswer,"Ihavenofearthatmylordwillfallinbattlebyanyman'ssword,saveonlythatheistooreadytofolloweventorashnesshisownwarlikespirit.""Dearlady,"saidHagen,"ifthereisanydangerwhichyouholdinspecialfear,tellmethatImaydefendhimagainstit."ThenKriemhild,inthesimplenessofherheart,toldhimthesecret."Inyearsgoneby,"saidshe,"myhusbandslewadragonamongthemountains,andwhenhehadslainthemonster,hebathedhimselfinitsblood.Somightywasthecharm,thatthenceforthnosteelhadpowertowoundhim.Andyet,forallthis,Iameverinfearlestbysomemischanceaweaponshould

piercehim.Hearkennow,mycousin,foryouareofmykindred,hearken,andseehowIputmytrustinyourhonour.WhileSiegfriedwashedhislimbsinthebloodofthedragon,therefellaleaffromalindentreebetweenhisshoulders.Thereandthereonlycansteelharmhim.""'Tiseasy,"saidthefalseHagen,"formetodefendsosmallaspot.Onlydoyousewalittletokenonhiscloak,thatImaythebetterknowthespotthatmostneedsprotectionwhenwestandtogetherinthefight.""Iwilldoso,"saidtheQueen;"Iwillsewalittlecrosswiththreadsofsilkonhiscloak,andyouwillguardhimwhenhefightsinthethrongofhisfoes.""ThatwillIdo,dearlady,"saidthetraitor.

HagenwentstraightwaytoKingGuntherandsaid,"Ihavelearntthat

whichIneededtoknow;putoffthismarch;letusgoonahunt.Sothatwhichwewoulddowillbeeasierdone.""Iwillorderthat,"answeredtheKing.

Siegfried,beforehesetoutforthehunting,badefarewelltohiswife:"Godgrant,"saidhe,"thatwemaysoonmeethappilyagain;meanwhilebemerryamongyourkinsfolkhere."ButKriemhildthoughtofhowshehaddiscoveredthesecrettoHagen,andwassoreafraid,yetdarednottellthetruth.Onlyshesaidtoherhusband,"Iprayyoutoleavethishunting.OnlythisnightpastIhadanevildream.



Isawtwowildboarspursuingyouovertheheath,andtheflowerswereredaswithblood.GreatlyIfearsometreason,mySiegfried.""Nay,"saidhe,"thereisnotoneinRhinelandherethatbearsmeill-will.WhomhaveIwronged?""Iknownot,"answeredtheQueen,"butyetmyheartbodesevil.ForIhadyetanotherdream.Iseemedtoseetwomountainsfallwithaterriblenoiseonyourhead.Ifyougo,youwillbreakmyheart."Buthelaughedatherfears,andkissedher,andsodeparted.

ThenSiegfriedwentonthehunting,andGuntherandHagenwentwithhim,andacompanyofhuntersandhounds.WhentheycametotheforestSiegfriedsaid,"Nowwhoshallbeginthehunting?"Hagenmadeanswer,"Letusdivideintotwocompanieserewebegin,andeachshallbeatthecovertsashewill;soshallweseewhoisthemoreskilfulinthechase.""Ineednopack,"saidSiegfried;"givemeonewell-trainedhoundthatcantrackthegamethroughthecoverts.Thatwillsufficeforme."Soalime-houndwasgiventohim.AllthatthegoodhoundstarteddidSiegfriedslay;nobeastcouldoutrunhimorescapehim.Awildboarfirstheslew,andnexttotheboaralion;heshotanarrowthroughthebeastfromsidetoside.Afterthelionheslewabuffaloandfourelks,andagreatstoreofgamebesides,sothatthehuntsmensaid,"Leaveussomethinginourwoods,SirSiegfried."

KingGuntherbadeblowthehornforbreakfast.WhenSiegfried'shuntsmanheardtheblasthesaid:"Ourhunting-timeisover;wemustbacktoourcomrades."Sotheywentwithallspeedtothetrysting-place.

Thewholecompanysatdowntotheirmeal.Therewasplentyofeverykind,butwinewaswanting."Howisthis?"saidSiegfried:"thekitchenisplentiful;butwhereisthewine?"SaidGunthertheKing,"'TisHagen'sfault,whomakesusallgodry.""True,SirKing,"saidHagen,"myfaultitis.ButIknowofarunnel,coldandclear,thatishardby.Letusgothitherandquenchourthirst."ThenSiegfriedrosefromhisplace,forhisthirstwassore,andwouldhavesoughttheplace.SaidHagen,whenhesawhimrise,"Ihave

heardsaythatthereisnomaninallthelandsofleetoffootasSiegfried.Willhedeigntoletusseehisspeed?""Withallmyheart,"criedthehero."Letusracefromhencetotherunnel.""'Tisagreed,"saidHagenthetraitor."Furthermore,"saidSiegfried,"IwillcarryalltheequipmentthatIbareinthechase."SoGuntherandHagenstrippedthemtotheirshirts,butSiegfriedcarriedswordandspear,allhishunting-gear,andyetwasfarbeforethetwoattherunnel.

Yet,suchwashiscourtesy,thathewouldnotdrinkbeforetheKinghadquenchedhisthirst.Hewasillrepaid,Itrow,forhisgrace.ForwhentheKinghaddrunk,asSiegfriedkneltplunginghisheadintothestream,SirHagentookhisspearandsmotehimonthe

littlecrossletmarkthatwasworkedonhiscloakbetweenhisshoulders.Andwhenhehadstrucktheblowhefledinmortalfear.WhenSiegfriedfeltthathewaswounded,herosewithagreatboundfromhiskneesandsoughtforhisweapons.ButthesethefalseHagenhadtakenandlaidfaraway.Onlytheshieldwasleft.ThishetookinhishandandhurledatHagenwithsuchmightthatitfelledthetraitortotheground,andwasitselfbrokentopieces.IftheherohadbuthadhisgoodswordBalmunginhishand,themurdererhadnotescapedwithhislifethatday.



ThenalltheRhinelandwarriorsgatheredabouthim.AmongthemwasKingGunther,makingpretencetolament.TohimsaidSiegfried,"Littleitprofitstobewailthemanwhosemurderyouhaveplotted.DidInotsaveyoufromshameanddefeat?Isthistherecompensethatyoupay?AndyetevenofyouIwouldaskonefavour.Havesomekindnessformywife.Sheisyoursister;ifyouhaveanyknightlyfaithandhonourremaining,guardherwell."Thentherecameuponhimtheanguishofdeath.Yetonemorewordhespake,"Besurethatinslayingmeyouhaveslainyourselves."Andwhenhehadsospokenhedied.

Thentheylaidhisbodyonashieldandcarrieditback,havingagreedamongthemselvestotellthistale,thatSirSiegfriedhavingchosentohuntbyhimselfwasslainbyrobbersinthewood.

CHAPTERIX

ROLAND

ThetrumpetssoundedandthearmywentonitswaytoFrance.The

nextdayKingCharlescalledhislordstogether."Yousee,"saidhe,"thesenarrowpasses.WhomshallIplacetocommandtherearguard?Chooseyouamanyourselves."SaidGanelon,"Whomshouldwechoosebutmyson-in-law,CountRoland?Youhavenomaninyourhostsovaliant.OfatruthhewillbethesalvationofFrance."TheKingsaidwhenheheardthesewords,"Whatailsyou,Ganelon?Youlookliketoonepossessed."

WhenCountRolandknewwhatwasproposedconcerninghim,hespakeoutasatrueknightshouldspeak"Iamrightthankfultoyou,myfather-in-law,thatyouhavecausedmetobeputinthisplace.OfatruththeKingofFranceshalllosenothingbymymeans,neithercharger,normule,norpackhorse,norbeastofburden."

ThenRolandturnedtotheKingandsaid,"Givemetwentythousandonly,sotheybemenofvalour,andIwillkeepthepassesinallsafety.SolongasIshalllive,youneedfearnoman."

ThenRolandmountedhishorse.WithhimwereOliverhiscomrade,andOthoandBerenger,andGerardofRoussillon,anagedwarrior,andothers,menofrenown.AndTurpintheArchbishopcried,"Bymyhead,Iwillgoalso."Sotheychosetwentythousandwarriorswithwhomtokeepthepasses.

MeanwhileKingCharleshadenteredthevalleyofRoncesvalles.Highwerethemountainsoneithersideoftheway,andthevalleyswere

gloomyanddark.Butwhenthearmyhadpassedthroughthevalley,theysawthefairlandofGascony,andastheysawittheythoughtoftheirhomesandtheirwivesanddaughters.Therewasnotoneofthembutweptforverytendernessofheart.ButofallthatcompanytherewasnonesadderthantheKinghimself,whenhethoughthowhehadlefthisnephewCountRolandbehindhiminthepassesofSpain.

AndnowtheSaracenKingMarsilasbegantogatherhisarmy.HelaidastrictcommandonallhisnoblesandchiefsthattheyshouldbringwiththemtoSaragossaasmanymenastheycouldgathertogether.



Andwhentheywerecometothecity,itbeingthethirddayfromtheissuingoftheKing'scommand,theysalutedthegreatimageofMahomet,thefalseprophet,thatstoodonthetopmosttower.Thisdonetheywentforthfromthecitygates.Theymadeallhaste,marchingacrossthemountainsandvalleysofSpaintilltheycameinsightofthestandardofFrance,whereRolandandOliverandtheTwelvePeerswererangedinbattlearray.

TheSaracenchampionsdonnedtheircoatsofmail,ofdoublesubstancemostofthem,andtheysetupontheirheadshelmetsofSaragossaofwelltemperedmetal,andtheygirdedthemselveswithswordsofVienna.Fairweretheirshieldstoview,theirlanceswerefromValentia,theirstandardswereofwhite,blue,andred.Theirmulestheyleftwiththeservants,and,mountingtheirchargers,somovedforwards.Fairwasthedayandbrightthesun,astheirarmourflashedinthelightandthedrumswerebeatensoloudlythattheFrenchmenheardthesound.

SaidOlivertoRoland,"Comrade,methinksweshallsoondobattlewiththeSaracens.""Godgrantit,"answeredRoland."'TisourdutytoholdtheplacefortheKing,andwewilldoit,comewhatmay.Asforme,Iwillnotsetanillexample."

Oliverclimbedtothetopofahill,andsawfromthencethewhole

armyoftheheathen.HecriedtoRolandhiscompanion,"Iseetheflashingofarms.WemenofFranceshallhavenosmalltroubletherefrom.ThisisthedoingofGanelonthetraitor."

"Besilent,"answeredRoland,"tillyoushallknow;saynomoreabouthim."

Oliverlookedagainfromthehilltop,andsawhowtheSaracenscameon.Somanytherewerethathecouldnotcounttheirbattalions.Hedescendedtotheplainwithallspeed,andcametothearrayoftheFrench,andsaid,"Ihaveseenmoreheathenthanmaneveryetsawtogetherupontheearth.Thereareahundredthousandattheleast.Weshallhavesuchabattlewiththemashasneverbeforebeen

fought.MybrethrenofFrance,quityoulikemen,bestrong;standfirmthatyoubenotconquered."Andallthearmyshoutedwithonevoice,"Cursedbehethatshallfly."

ThenOliverturnedtoRoland,andsaid,"Soundyourhorn;myfriend,Charleswillhearit,andwillreturn.""Iwereafool,"answeredRoland,"sotodo.Notso;butIwilldealtheseheathensomemightyblowswithDurendalmysword.Theyhavebeenill-advisedtoventureintothesepasses.Iswearthattheyarecondemnedtodeath,oneandall."

Afterawhile,Oliversaidagain,"FriendRolandsoundyourhornofivory.ThenwilltheKingreturnsandbringhisarmywithhim,to

ourhelp."ButRolandansweredagain,"Iwillnotdodishonourtomykinsmen,ortothefairlandofFrance.Ihavemysword;thatshallsufficeforme.Theseevil-mindedheathenaregatheredtogetheragainstustotheirownhurt.Surelynotoneofthemshallescapefromdeath.""Asforme,"saidOliver,"Iseenotwherethedishonourwouldbe.IsawthevalleysandthemountainscoveredwiththegreatmultitudeofSaracens.Theirsis,intruth,amightyarray,andwearebutfew.""Somuchthebetter,"answeredRoland."Itmakesmycouragegrow.'Tisbettertodiethantobedisgraced.Andremember,theharderourblowsthemoretheKingwillloveus."



Rolandwasbrave,butOliverwaswise."Consider,"hesaid,"comrade.Theseenemiesareover-neartous,andtheKingover-far.Werehehere,weshouldnotbeindanger;buttherearesomehereto-daywhowillneverfightinanotherbattle."

ThenTurpintheArchbishopstruckspursintohishorse,androdetoahilltop.ThenheturnedtothemenofFrance,andspake:"LordsofFrance,KingCharleshasleftushere;ourKingheis,anditisourdutytodieforhim.To-dayourChristianFaithisinperil:doyefightforit.Fightyemust;besureofthat,forthereunderyoureyesaretheSaracens.Confess,therefore,yoursins,andpraytoGodthatHehavemercyuponyou.Andnowforyoursoul'shealthIwillgiveyouallabsolution.Ifyoudie,youwillbeGod'smartyrs,everyoneofyou,andyourplacesarereadyforyouinHisParadise."

ThereuponthemenofFrancedismounted,andkneltupontheground,andtheArchbishopblessedtheminGod'sname."Butlook,"saidhe,"Isetyouapenance--smitethesepagans."ThenthemenofFrancerosetotheirfeet.Theyhadreceivedabsolution,andweresetfreefromalltheirsins,andtheArchbishophadblessedtheminthenameofGod.Afterthistheymountedtheirswiftsteeds,andcladthemselvesinarmour,andmadethemselvesreadyforthebattle.

SaidRolandtoOliver,"Brother,youknowthatitisGanelonwhohasbetrayedus.Goodstorehehashadofgoldandsilverasareward;'tistheKingMarsilasthathasmademerchandiseofus,butverilyitiswithourswordsthatheshallbepaid."Sosaying,herodeontothepass,mountedonhisgoodsteedVeillantif.Hisspearheheldwiththepointtothesky;awhiteflagitborewithfringesofgoldwhichfelldowntohishands.Astalwartmanwashe,andhiscountenancewasfairandsmiling.BehindhimfollowedOliver,hisfriend;andthemenofFrancepointedtohim,saying,"Seeourchampion!"PridewasinhiseyewhenhelookedtowardstheSaracens;buttothemenofFrancehisregardwasallsweetnessandhumility.Fullcourteouslyhespaketothem:"Ridenotsofast,mylords,"he

said;"verilytheseheathenarecomehither,seekingmartyrdom.'Tisafairspoilthatweshallgatherfromthemto-day.NeverhasKingofFrancegainedanysorich."Andashespake,thetwohostscametogether.

SaidOliver,"Youdidnotdeemitfit,mylord,tosoundyourhorn.ThereforeyoulackthehelpwhichtheKingwouldhavesent.Nothistheblame,forheknowsnothingofwhathaschanced.Butdoyou,lordsofFrance,chargeasfiercelyasyoumay,andyieldnotonewhittotheenemy.Thinkuponthesetwothingsonly--howtodealastraightblowandtotakeit.AndletusnotforgetKingCharles'scryofbattle."ThenallthemenofFrancewithonevoicecriedout,"Mountjoy!"Hethatheardthemsocryhadneverdoubtedthatthey

weremenofvalour.Proudwastheirarrayastheyrodeontobattle,spurringtheirhorsesthattheymightspeedthemore.AndtheSaracens,ontheirpart,cameforwardwithagoodheart.ThusdidtheFrenchmenandtheheathenmeetintheshockofbattle.

Fullmanyoftheheathenwarriorsfellthatday.NotoneoftheTwelvePeersofFrancebutslewhisman.ButofallnonebarehimselfsovaliantlyasRoland.Manyablowdidhedealtotheenemywithhismightyspear,andwhenthespearwasshiveredinhishand,fifteenwarriorshavingfallenbeforeit,thenheseizedhisgood



swordDurendal,andsmotemanaftermantotheground.Redwashewiththebloodofhisenemies,redwashishauberk,redhisarms,redhisshoulders,aye,andtheneckofhishorse.NotoneoftheTwelvelingeredintherear,orwasslowtostrike,butCountRolandwasthebravestofthebrave."Welldone,SonsofFrance!"criedTurpintheArchbishop,whenhesawthemlayoninsuchsort.

NexttoRolandforvalourandhardihoodcameOliver,hiscompanion.Manyaheathenwarriordidheslay,tillatlasthisspearwasshiveredinhishand."Whatareyoudoing,comrade?"criedRoland,whenhewasawareofthemishap."Amanwantsnostaffinsuchabattleasthis.'Tisthesteelandnothingelsethathemusthave.WhereisyourswordHautclere,withitshiltofgoldanditspommelofcrystal?""Onmyword,"saidOliver,"Ihavenothadtimetodrawit;Iwassobusywithstriking."Butashespakehedrewthegoodswordfromitsscabbard,andsmoteaheathenknight,JustinoftheIronValley.Amightyblowitwas,cleavingthemanintwaindowntohissaddle--aye,andthesaddleitselfwithitsadorningofgoldandjewels,andtheverybackbonealsoofthesteedwhereonherode,sothathorseandmanfelldeadtogetherontheplains."Welldone!"criedRoland;"youareatruebrotherofmine.'TissuchstrokesasthisthatmaketheKingloveus."

Nevertheless,forallthevalourofRolandandhisfellowsthe

battlewenthardwiththemenofFrance.Manylanceswereshivered,manyflagstorn,andmanygallantyouthscutoffintheirprime.Nevermorewouldtheyseemotherandwife.ItwasanilldeedthatthetraitorGanelonwroughtwhenhesoldhisfellowstoKingMarsilas!

Andnowtherebefellanewtrouble.KingAlmaris,withagreathostofheathen,comingbyanunknownway,fellupontherearofthehostwheretherewasanotherpass.FiercelydidthenobleWalterthatkeptthesamechargethenewcomers,buttheyoverpoweredhimandhisfollowers.Hewaswoundedwithfourseverallances,andfourtimesdidheswoon,sothatatthelasthewasconstrainedtoleavethefieldofbattle,thathemightcalltheCountRolandtohisaid.But

smallwastheaidwhichRolandcouldgivehimoranyone.Valiantlyheheldupthebattle,andwithhimOliver,andTurpintheArchbishop,andothersalso;butthelinesofthemenofFrancewerebroken,andtheirarmourthrustthrough,andthen:spearsshivered,andtheirflagstroddeninthedust.ForallthistheymadesuchslaughteramongtheheathenthatKingAlmaris,wholedthearmiesoftheenemy,scarcelycouldwinbackhiswaytohisownpeople,woundedinfourplacesandsorelyspent.Arightgoodwarriorwashe;hadhebutbeenaChristianbutfewhadmatchedhiminbattle.

CountRolandsawhowgrievouslyhispeoplehadsufferedandspakethustoOliverhiscomrade:"Dearcomrade,youseehowmanybravemenliedeadupontheground.WellmaywemournforfairFrance,

widowedassheisofsomanyvaliantchampions.ButwhyisourKingnothere?OOliver,mybrother,whatshallwedotosendhimtidingsofourstate?""Iknownot,"answeredOliver."OnlythisIknow--thatdeathistobechosenratherthandishonour."

AfterawhileRolandsaidagain,"Ishallblowmyhorn;KingCharleswillhearit,wherehehasencampedbeyondthepasses,andheandhishostwillcomeback.""Thatwouldbeilldone,"answeredOliver,"andshamebothyouandyourrace.WhenIgaveyouthiscounselyouwouldhavenoneofit.NowIlikeitnot.'Tisnotforabraveman



tosoundthehornandcryforhelpnowthatweareinsuchcase.""Thebattleistoohardforus,"saidRolandagain,"andIshallsoundmyhorn,thattheKingmayhear."AndOliveransweredagain,"WhenIgaveyouthiscounsel,youscornedit.NowImyselflikeitnot.'TistruethathadtheKingbeenhere,wehadnotsufferedthisloss.Buttheblameisnothis.'Tisyourfolly,CountRoland,thathasdonetodeathallthesemenofFrance.Butforthatweshouldhaveconqueredinthisbattle,andhavetakenandslainKingMarsilas.ButnowwecandonothingforFranceandtheKing.Wecanbutdie.Woeismeforourcountry,aye,andforourfriendship,whichwillcometoagrievousendthisday."

TheArchbishopperceivedthatthetwofriendswereatvariance,andspurredhishorsetillhecamewheretheystood."Listentome,"hesaid,"SirRolandandSirOliver.Iimploreyounottofalloutwitheachotherinthisfashion.We,sonsofFrance,thatareinthisplace,areofatruthcondemnedtodeath,neitherwillthesoundingofyourhornsaveus,fortheKingisfaraway,andcannotcomeintime.Nevertheless,Iholdittobewellthatyoushouldsoundit.WhentheKingandhisarmyshallcome,theywillfindusdead--thatIknowfullwell.Buttheywillavengeus,sothatourenemiesshallnotgoawayrejoicing.Andtheywillalsorecoverourbodies,andwillcarrythemawayforburialinholyplaces,sothatthedogsandwolvesshallnotdevourthem."

"Yousaywell,"criedRoland,andheputhishorntohislips,andgavesomightyablastuponit,thatthesoundwasheardthirtyleaguesaway.KingCharlesandhismenheardit,andtheKingsaid,"Ourcountrymenarefightingwiththeenemy."ButGanelonanswered,"Sire,hadanybutyousospoken,Ihadsaidthathespokefalsely."

ThenRolandblewhishornasecondtime;withgreatpainandanguishofbodyheblewit,andtheredbloodgushedfromhislips;butthesoundwasheardyetfurtherthanatfirst.AgaintheKingheardit,andallhisnobles,andallhismen."That,"saidhe,"isRoland'shorn;heneverhadsoundeditwerehenotinbattlewiththeenemy."ButGanelonansweredagain:"Believeme,Sire,thereisnobattle.

Youareanoldman,andyouhavethefanciesofachild.YouknowwhatamightymanofvalouristhisRoland.Thinkyouthatanyonewoulddaretoattackhim?Noone,ofatruth.Rideon,Sire,whyhaltyouhere?ThefairlandofFranceisyetfaraway."

Rolandblewhishornathirdtime,andwhentheKingheardithesaid,"Hethatblewthathorndrewadeepbreath."AndDukeNaymescriedout,"Rolandisintrouble;onmyconscienceheisfightingwiththeenemy.Someonehasbetrayedhim;'tishe,Idoubtnot,thatwoulddeceiveyounow.Toarms,Sire!utteryourwar-cry,andhelpyourownhouseandyourcountry.YouhaveheardthecryofthenobleRoland."

ThenKingCharlesbadeallthetrumpetssound,andforthwithallthemenofFrancearmedthemselves,withhelmets,andhauberks,andswordswithpummelsofgold.Mightyweretheirshields,andtheirlancesstrong,andtheflagsthattheycarriedwerewhiteandredandblue.Andwhentheymadeanendoftheirarmingtheyrodebackwithallhaste.Therewasnotoneofthembutsaidtohiscomrade,"IfwefindRolandyetalive,whatmightystrokeswillwestrikeforhim!"

ButGanelontheKinghandedovertotheknavesofhiskitchen."Take



thistraitor,"saidhe,"whohassoldhiscountry."IlldidGanelonfareamongthem.Theypulledouthishairandhisbeardandsmotehimwiththeirstaves;thentheyputagreatchain,suchasthatwithwhichabearisbound,abouthisneck,andmadehimfasttoapack-horse.

Thisdone,theKingandhisarmyhastenedwithallspeedtothehelpofRoland.InthevanandtherearsoundedthetrumpetsasthoughtheywouldanswerRoland'shorn.FullofwrathwasKingCharlesasherode;fullofwrathwereallthemenofFrance.Therewasnotoneamongthembutweptandsobbed;therewasnotonebutprayed,"Now,mayGodkeepRolandalivetillwecometothebattlefield,sothatwemaystrikeablowforhim."Alas!itwasallinvain;theycouldnotcomeintimeforalltheirspeed.

CountRolandlookedroundonthemountain-sidesandontheplains.Alas!howmanynoblesonsofFrancehesawlyingdeaduponthem!"Dearfriends,"hesaid,weepingashespoke,"mayGodhavemercyonyouandreceiveyouintoHisParadise!MoreloyalfollowershaveIneverseen.HowisthefairlandofFrancewidowedofherbravest,andIcangiveyounohelp.Oliver,dearcomrade,wemustnotpart.Iftheenemyslaymenothere,surelyIshallbeslainbysorrow.Comethen,letussmitetheseheathen."

ThusdidRolandagainchargetheenemy,hisgoodswordDurendalinhishand;asthestagfliesbeforethehounds,sodidtheheathenflybeforeRoland."Bymyfaith,"criedtheArchbishopwhenhesawhim,"thatisarightgoodknight!Suchcourage,andsuchasteed,andsucharmsIlovewelltosee.Ifamanbenotbraveandastoutfighter,hehadbetterbyfarbeamonkinsomecloisterwherehemayprayalldaylongforoursins."

Nowtheheathen,whentheysawhowfewtheFrenchmenwere,tookfreshcourage.AndtheCaliph,spurringhishorse,rodeagainstOliverandsmotehiminthemiddleofhisback,makinghisspearpassrightthroughhim."Thatisashrewdblow,"hecried;"Ihaveavengedmyfriendsandcountrymenuponyou."

ThenOliverknewhewasstrickentodeath,buthewouldnotfallunavenged.WithhisgreatswordHautclerehesmotetheCaliphonhisheadandcleftittotheteeth."Curseonyou,pagan.Neitheryourwifenoranywomaninthelandofyourbirthshallboastthatyouhavetakenapenny'sworthfromKingCharles!"ButtoRolandhecried,"Come,comrade,helpme;wellIknowthatwetwoshallpartingreatsorrowthisday."

Rolandcamewithallspeed,andsawhisfriend,howhelayallpaleandfaintingonthegroundandhowthebloodgushedingreatstreamsfromhiswound."Iknownotwhattodo,"hecried."Thisisanillchancethathasbefallenyou.TrulyFranceisbereavedofher

bravestson."Sosayinghewentneartoswooninthesaddleashesat.Thentherebefellastrangething.Oliverhadlostsomuchofhisbloodthathecouldnotanymoreseeclearlyorknowwhoitwasthatwasnearhim.SoheraiseduphisarmandsmotewithallhisstrengththatyetremainedtohimonthehelmetofRolandhisfriend.Thehelmethecleftintwaintothevisor;butbygoodfortuneitwoundednotthehead.Rolandlookedathimandsaidinagentlevoice,"Didyouthisofsetpurpose?IamRolandyourfriend,andhavenotharmedyou.""Ah!"saidOliver,"Ihearyouspeak,butIcannotseeyou.PardonmethatIstruckyou;itwasnotdoneof



setpurpose.""Itharmedmenot,"answeredRoland;"withallmyheartandbeforeGodIforgiveyou."Andthiswasthewaythesetwofriendspartedatthelast.

AndnowOliverfeltthepainsofdeathcomeoverhim.Hecouldnolongerseenorhear.ThereforeheturnedhisthoughtstomakinghispeacewithGod,andclaspinghishandsliftedthemtoheavenandmadehisconfession."OLord,"hesaid,"takemeintoParadise.AnddoThoublessKingCharlesandthesweetlandofFrance."Andwhenhehadsaidthushedied.AndRolandlookedathimashelay.Therewasnotuponearthamoresorrowfulmanthanhe."Dearcomrade,"hesaid,"thisisindeedanevilday.Manyayearhavewetwobeentogether.NeverhaveIdonewrongtoyou;neverhaveyoudonewrongtome.HowshallIbeartolivewithoutyou?"Andheswoonedwherehesatonhishorse.Butthestirrupheldhimupthathedidnotfalltotheground.

WhenRolandcametohimselfhelookedabouthimandsawhowgreatwasthecalamitythathadbefallenhisarmy.Fornowtherewereleftalivetohimtwoonly,TurpintheArchbishopandWalterofHum.Walterhadbutthatmomentcomedownfromthehillswherehehadbeenfightingsofiercelywiththeheathenthatallhismenweredead;nowhecriedtoRolandforhelp."NobleCount,whereareyou?IamWalterofHum,andamnotunworthytobeyourfriend.Helpme

therefore.Forseehowmyspearisbrokenandmyshieldcleftintwain,myhauberkisinpieces,andmybodysorelywounded.Iamabouttodie;butIhavesoldmylifeatagreatprice."WhenRolandheardhimcryhesetspurstohishorseandgallopedtohim."Walter,"saidhe,"youareabravewarriorandatrustworthy.Tellmenowwherearethethousandvaliantmenwhomyoutookfrommyarmy.Theywererightgoodsoldiers,andIaminsoreneedofthem."

"Theyaredead,"answeredWalter;"youwillseethemnomore.AsorebattlewehadwiththeSaracensyonderonthehills;theyhadthemenofCanaanthereandthemenofArmeniaandtheGiants;therewerenobettermenintheirarmythanthese.Wedealtwiththemsothattheywillnotboastthemselvesofthisday'swork.Butitcost

usdear;allthemenofFranceliedeadontheplain,andIamwoundedtothedeath.Andnow,Roland,blamemenotthatIfled;foryouaremylord,andallmytrustisinyou."

"Iblameyounot,"saidRoland,"onlyaslongasyoulivehelpmeagainsttheheathen."AndashespakehetookhiscloakandrentitintostripsandboundupWalter'swoundstherewith.ThisdoneheandWalterandtheArchbishopsetfiercelyontheenemy.Five-and-twentydidRolandslay,andWalterslewsix,andtheArchbishopfive.Threevaliantmenofwartheywere;fastandfirmtheystoodonebytheother;hundredstherewereoftheheathen,buttheydarednotcomeneartothesethreevaliantchampionsofFrance.Theystoodfaroff,andcastatthethreespearsanddartsandjavelinsandweaponsof

everykind.WalterofHumwasslainforthwith;andtheArchbishop'sarmourwasbroken,andhewounded,andhishorseslainunderhim.Neverthelessheliftedhimselffromtheground,stillkeepingagoodheartinhisbreast."Theyhavenotovercomemeyet";saidhe,"aslongasagoodsoldierlives,hedoesnotyield."

Rolandtookhishornoncemoreandsoundedit,forhewouldknowwhetherKingCharleswerecoming.Ahme!itwasafeebleblastthatheblew.ButtheKingheardit,andhehaltedandlistened."Mylords!"saidhe,"thingsgoillforus,Idoubtnot.To-dayweshall



lose,Ifearmemuch,mybravenephewRoland.Iknowbythesoundofhishornthathehasbutashorttimetolive.Putyourhorsestotheirfullspeed,ifyouwouldcomeintimetohelphim,andletablastbesoundedbyeverytrumpetthatthereisinthearmy."Soallthetrumpetsinthehostsoundedablast;allthevalleysandhillsre-echoedwiththesound;sorediscouragedweretheheathenwhentheyheardit."KingCharleshascomeagain,"theycried;"weareallasdeadmen.WhenhecomesheshallnotfindRolandalive."Thenfourhundredofthem,thestrongestandmostvaliantknightsthatwereinthearmyoftheheathen,gatheredthemselvesintoonecompany,andmadeayetfiercerassaultonRoland.

Rolandsawthemcoming,andwaitedforthemwithoutfear.Solongashelivedhewouldnotyieldhimselftotheenemyorgiveplacetothem."Betterdeaththanflight,"saidhe,ashemountedhisgoodsteedVeillantif,androdetowardstheenemy.AndbyhissidewentTurpintheArchbishoponfoot.ThensaidRolandtoTurpin,"Iamonhorsebackandyouareonfoot.Butletuskeeptogether;neverwillIleaveyou;wetwowillstandagainsttheseheathendogs.Theyhavenot,Iwarrant,amongthemsuchaswordasDurendal.""Good,"answeredtheArchbishop."Shametothemanwhodoesnotsmitehishardest.Andthoughthisbeourlastbattle,IknowwellthatKingCharleswilltakeamplevengeanceforus."

Whentheheathensawthesetwostandtogethertheyfellbackinfearandhurledatthemspearsanddartsandjavelinswithoutnumber.Roland'sshieldtheybrokeandhishauberk;buthimtheyhurtnot;neverthelesstheydidhimagrievousinjury,fortheykilledhisgoodsteedVeillantif.ThirtywoundsdidVeillantifreceive,andhefelldeadunderhismaster.AtlasttheArchbishopwasstrickenandRolandstoodalone,fortheheathenhadfledfromhispresence.

WhenRolandsawthattheArchbishopwasdead,hisheartwassorelytroubledinhim.Neverdidhefeelagreatersorrowforcomradeslain,saveOliveronly."CharlesofFrance,"hesaid,"comeasquicklyasyoumay,manyagallantknighthaveyoulostinRoncesvalles.ButKingMarsilas,onhispart,haslosthisarmy.For

onethathasfallenonthissidetherehasfallenfullfortyonthat."SosayingheturnedtotheArchbishop;hecrossedthedeadman'shandsuponhisbreastandsaid,"IcommittheetotheFather'smercy.NeverhasmanservedhisGodwithabetterwill,neversincethebeginningoftheworldhastherelivedasturdierchampionofthefaith.MayGodbegoodtoyouandgiveyouallgoodthings!"

NowRolandfeltthathisowndeathwasnearathand.Inonehandhetookhishorn,andintheotherhisgoodswordDurendal,andmadehiswaythedistanceofafurlongorsotillhecametoaplain,andinthemidstoftheplainalittlehill.Onthetopofthehillintheshadeoftwofairtreeswerefourmarblesteps.ThereRolandfellinaswoonuponthegrass.ThereacertainSaracenspiedhim.

Thefellowhadfeigneddeath,andhadlaidhimselfdownamongtheslain,havingcoveredhisbodyandhisfacewithblood.WhenhesawRoland,heraisedhimselffromwherehewaslyingamongtheslainandrantotheplace,and,beingfullofprideandfury,seizedtheCountinhisarms,cryingaloud,"Heisconquered,heisconquered,heisconquered,thefamousnephewofKingCharles!See,hereishissword;'tisanoblespoilthatIshallcarrybackwithmetoArabia."Thereuponhetooktheswordinonehand,withtheotherhelaidholdofRoland'sbeard.Butasthemanlaidhold,Rolandcametohimself,andknewthatsomeonewastakinghisswordfromhim.He



openedhiseyesbutnotaworddidhespeaksavethisonly,"Fellow,youarenoneofours,"andhesmotehimamightyblowuponhishelmet.Thesteelhebrakethroughandtheheadbeneath,andlaidthemandeadathisfeet."Coward,"hesaid,"whatmadeyousoboldthatyoudaredlayhandsonRoland?Whosoeverknowshimwillthinkyouafoolforyourdeed."

AndnowRolandknewthatdeathwasnearathand.Heraisedhimselfandgatheredallhisstrengthtogether--ahme!howpalehisfacewas!--andtookinhishandhisgoodswordDurendal.Beforehimwasagreatrockandonthisinhisrageandpainhesmotetenmightyblows.Loudrangthesteeluponthestone;butitneitherbrakenorsplintered."Helpme,"hecried,"OMary,ourLady.Omygoodsword,myDurendal,whatanevillotismine!InthedaywhenImustpartwithyou,mypoweroveryouislost.ManyabattleIhavewonwithyourhelp;andmanyakingdomhaveIconquered,thatmyLordCharlespossessesthisday.Neverhasanyonepossessedyouthatwouldflybeforeanother.SolongasIlive,youshallnotbetakenfromme,solonghaveyoubeeninthehandsofaloyalknight."

Thenhesmoteasecondtimewiththesword,thistimeuponthemarblesteps.Loudrangthesteel,butneitherbrakenorsplintered.ThenRolandbegantobemoanhimself,"OmygoodDurendal,"hesaid,"howbrightandclearthouart,shiningasshinesthesun!WellI

mindmeofthedaywhenavoicethatseemedtocomefromheavenbadeKingCharlesgivetheetoavaliantcaptain;andforthwiththegoodKinggirdeditonmyside.ManyalandhaveIconqueredwiththeeforhim,andnowhowgreatismygrief!CanIdieandleavetheetobehandledbysomeheathen?"Andthethirdtimehesmotearockwithit.Loudrangthesteel,butitbrakenot,boundingbackasthoughitwouldrisetothesky.AndwhenCountRolandsawthathecouldnotbreakthesword,hespakeagainbutwithmorecontentinhisheart."ODurendal,"hesaid,"afairswordartthou,andholyasfair.Thereareholyrelicsinthyhilt,relicsofSt.PeterandSt.DenisandSt.Basil.Theseheathenshallneverpossessthee;norshaltthoubeheldbutbyaChristianhand."

AndnowRolandknewthatdeathwasveryneartohim.Helaidhimselfdownwithhisheaduponthegrassputtingunderhimhishornandhissword,withhisfaceturnedtowardstheheathenfoe.Askyouwhyhedidso?Toshew,forsooth,toCharlemagneandthemenofFrancethathediedinthemidstofvictory.Thisdonehemadealoudconfessionofhissins,stretchinghishandtoheaven."Forgiveme,Lord,"hecried,"mysins,littleandgreat,allthatIhavecommittedsincethedayofmybirthtothishourinwhichIamstrickentodeath."Soheprayed;and,ashelay,hethoughtofmanythings,ofthecountrieswhichhehadconquered,andofhisdearFatherlandFrance,andofhiskinsfolk,andofthegoodKingCharles.Nor,ashethought,couldhekeephimselffromsighsandtears;yetonethingherememberedbeyondallothers--toprayforforgivenessofhis

sins."OLord,"hesaid,"WhoarttheGodoftruth,anddidstsaveDanielThyprophetfromthelions,doThousavemysoulanddefenditagainstallperils!"Sospeakingheraisedhisrighthand,withthegauntletyetuponit,tothesky,andhisheadfellbackuponhisarmandtheangelscarriedhimtoheaven.SodiedthegreatCountRoland.



CHAPTERX

KINGALFRED

WenowcometothegreatKingAlfred,thebestandgreatestofallEnglishKings.Weknowquiteenoughofhishistorytobeabletosaythathereallydeservestobesocalled,thoughImustwarnyouthat,justbecauseheleftsogreatanamebehindhim,peoplehavebeenfondofattributingtohimthingswhichreallybelongedtoothers.ThusyoumaysometimesseenearlyallEnglishlawsandcustomsattributedtoAlfred,asifhehadinventedthemallforhimself.YouwillsometimeshearthatAlfredfoundedTrialbyJury,dividedEnglandintoCounties,anddidallkindsofotherthings.NowtherealtruthisthattherootsandbeginningsofmostofthesethingsareverymucholderthanthetimeofAlfred,whiletheparticularformsinwhichwehavethemnowareverymuchlater.Butpeoplehaveawayoffancyingthateverythingmusthavebeeninventedbysomeparticularman,andasAlfredwasmorefamousthananybodyelse,theyhituponAlfredasthemostlikelypersontohaveinventedthem.

But,puttingasidefables,thereisquiteenoughtoshowthattherehavebeenveryfewKings,andveryfewmenofanysort,sogreatand

goodasKingAlfred.PerhapstheonlyequallygoodKingwereadofisSaintLouisofFrance;andthoughhewasquiteasgood,wecannotsethimdownasbeingsogreatandwiseasAlfred.CertainlynoKingevergavehimselfupmorethoroughlythanAlfreddidfullytodothedutiesofhisoffice.Hiswholelifeseemstohavebeenspentindoingallthathecouldforthegoodofhispeopleineveryway.Anditiswonderfulinhowmanywayshispowersshowedthemselves.Thathewasabravewarriorisinitselfnoparticularpraiseinanagewhenalmosteverymanwasthesame.Butitisagreatthingforaprincesolargeapartofwhosetimewasspentinfightingtobeabletosaythatallhiswarswerewagedtosetfreehiscountryfromthemostcruelenemies.

Andwemayadmiretoothewonderfulwayinwhichhekepthismindalwaysstraightandfirm,nevereithergivingwaytobadluckorbeingpuffedupbygoodluck.Wereadofnothinglikeprideorcrueltyorinjusticeofanykindeithertowardshisownpeopleortowardshisenemies.Andifhewasabravewarrior,hewasmanyotherthingsbesides.Hewasalawgiver;atleasthecollectedandarrangedthelaws,andcausedthemtobemostcarefullyadministered.Hewasascholar,andwroteandtranslatedmanybooksforthegoodofhispeople.Heencouragedtradeandenterpriseofallkinds,andsentmentovisitdistantpartsoftheworld,andbringhomeaccountsofwhattheysaw.AndhewasathoroughlygoodmanandadevoutChristianinallrelationsoflife.Inshort,onehardlyknowsanyothercharacterinallhistorysoperfect;thereis

somuchthatisgoodinsomanydifferentways;andthoughnodoubtAlfredhadhisfaultslikeotherpeople,yetheclearlyhadnone,atanyrateinthegreaterpartofhislife,whichtookawayatallseriouslyfromhisgeneralgoodness.OnewondersthatsuchamanwasnevercanonizedasaSaint;mostcertainlymanypeoplehavereceivedthatnamewhodidnotdeserveitnearlysowellashedid.

Alfred,or,ashisnameshouldreallybespelled,Aelfred,[Footnote:Thatis,theredeorcounceloftheelves.AgreatmanyOld-Englishnamesarecalledaftertheelvesorfairies.]wasthe



youngestsonofKingAethelwulf,andwasbornatWantageinBerkshirein849.HismotherwasOsburhdaughterofOslactheKing'scup-bearer,whocameoftheroyalhouseoftheJutesinWight.UptotheageoftwelveyearsAlfredwasfondofhuntingandothersportsbuthehadnotbeentaughtanysortoflearning,notsomuchastoreadhisowntongue.ButhelovedtheoldEnglishsongs;andonedayhismotherhadabeautifulbookofsongswithrichpicturesandfinepaintedinitialletters,suchasyoumayoftenseeinancientbooks.Andshesaidtoherchildren,"Iwillgivethisbeautifulbooktotheoneofyouwhoshallfirstbeabletoreadit."AndAlfredsaid,"Mother,willyoureallygivemethebookwhenIhavelearnedtoreadit?"AndOsburhsaid,"Yes,myson."SoAlfredwentandfoundamaster,andsoonlearnedtoread.Thenhecametohismother,andreadthesongsinthebeautifulbookandtookthebookforhisown.

In868,whenhewasinhistwentiethyear,whilehisbrotherAethelredwasKing,Alfredmarried.Hiswife'snamewasEalhswyth;shewasthedaughterofAethelredcalledtheMickleorBig,AldermanoftheGainasinLincolnshire,andhermotherEadburhwasoftheroyalhouseoftheMercians.Itissaidthatontheverydayofhismarriagehewassmittenwithastrangedisease,whichfortwentyyearsneverquitelefthim,andfitsofwhichmightcomeonatanytime.Ifthisbetrue,itmakesallthegreatthingsthathedidevenmorewonderful.

MeanwhilethegreatDanishinvasionhadbeguninthenorthernpartsofEngland.TherearemanystoriestoldintheoldNorthernSongsastothecauseofit.SometellhowRagnarLodbrog,agreatherooftheseNortherntales,wasseizedbyAella,KingoftheNorthumbrians,andwasthrownintoadungeonfullofserpents,andhow,whilehewasdyingofthebitesoftheserpents,hesangawonderfuldeath-song,tellingofallhisoldfights,andcallingonhissonstocomeandavengehim.Theyear871theDanesforthefirsttimeenteredWessex.Ninegreatbattles,besidessmallerskirmishes,werefoughtthisyear,insomeofwhichtheEnglishwonandinotherstheDanes.OnefamousbattlewasatAshdown,inBerkshire.Wearetoldthattheheathenmenwereintwodivisions;

onewascommandedbytheirtwoKingsBagsecgandHalfdene,andtheotherbyfiveEarls,SidroctheOld,SidroctheYoung,Osbeorn,Fraena,andHarold.AndKingAethelredwassetagainsttheKingsandAlfredtheAethelingagainsttheEarls.Andtheheathenmencameonagainstthem.ButKingAethelredheardmassinhistent.Andmensaid,"Comeforth,OKing,tothefight,fortheheathenmenpressharduponus."AndKingAethelredsaid,"IwillserveGodfirstandmanafter,soIwillnotcomeforthtillallthewordsofthemassbeended."SoKingAethelredabodepraying,andtheheathenmenfoughtagainstAlfredtheAetheling.AndAlfredsaid,"IcannotabidetilltheKingmybrothercomesforth;Imusteitherflee,orfightalonewiththeheathenmen."SoAlfredtheAethelingandhismenfoughtagainstthefiveEarls.Nowtheheathenmenstoodonthe

highergroundandtheChristiansonthelower.YetdidAlfredgoforthtrustinginGod,andhemadehismenholdclosetogetherwiththeirshields,andtheywentforthlikeawildboaragainstthehounds.Andtheyfoughtagainsttheheathenmenandsmotethem,andslewthefiveEarls,SidroctheOld,SidroctheYoung,Osbeorn,Fraena,andHarold.Thenthemasswasover,andKingAethelredcameforthandfoughtagainstthetwoKings,andslewBagsecgtheKingwithhisownhandandsmotetheheathenmenwithagreatslaughterandchasedthemevenuntoReading.



In871,onAethelred'sdeath,AlfredbecameKingoftheWest-SaxonsandOver-lordofallEngland,ashisfatherhadappointedsolongbeforewiththeconsentofhisWiseMen.

TheDanesdidnotcomeagainintoWessextill876.ButthoughtheWest-Saxonshadnofightingbylandduringtheseyears,thingswerenotquitequiet,forin875KingAlfredhadafightatseaagainstsomeoftheDanishpirates.Thissea-fightisworthrememberingasbeing,Isuppose,thefirstvictorywonbytheEnglishmenatsea,whereEnglishmenhavesincewonsomanyvictories.KingAlfredthenfoughtagainstsevenDanishships,ofwhichhetookoneandputtheresttoflight.Itissomewhatstrangethatwedonothearmorethanwedoofwarfarebyseainthesetimes,especiallywhenwerememberhowinearliertimestheAnglesandSaxonshadrovedaboutintheirships,verymuchastheDanesandotherNorthmenweredoingnow.ItwouldseemthattheEnglish,aftertheysettledinBritain,almostleftoffbeingaseafaringpeople.WefindAlfredandotherKingsdoingwhattheycouldtokeepupafleetandtostirupanavalspiritamongtheirpeople.Andinsomedegreetheydidso;stillwedonotfindtheEnglish,foralongwhileafterthistime,doingnearlysomuchbyseaastheydidbyland.Thiswasapity;forshipsmightthen,asinlatertimes,havebeenwoodenwalls.Itismuchbettertomeetanenemyatsea,andtokeephimfromlandinginyourcountry,thantolethimland,evenifyoucanbeathimwhenhe

haslanded.

Butin876theDanescameagainintoWessex;andwethuscometothepartofAlfred'slifewhichisatoncethesaddestandthebrightest.Itisthetimewhenhisluckwaslowestandwhenhisspiritwashighest.ThearmyunderGuthormorGuthrum,theDanishKingofEast-Anglia,camesuddenlytoWarehaminDorsetshire.TheChroniclesaysthatthey"bestole"--thatis,camesecretlyorescaped--fromtheWest-Saxonarmy,whichseemstohavebeenwaitingforthem.ThistimeAlfredmadepeacewiththeDanes,andtheygavehimsomeoftheirchiefmenforhostages,andtheysworetogooutoftheland.Theysworethisontheholybracelet,whichwasthemostsolemnoathinuseamongtheheathenNorthmen,andonwhich

theyhadneverbeforeswornatanyofthetimeswhentheyhadmadepeacewiththeEnglish.Buttheydidnotkeeptheiroathanybetterfortakingitinthismoresolemnway.Thepartofthehostwhichhadhorses"bestoleaway."KingAlfredrodeaftertheDanishhorseasfarasExeter,buthedidnotovertakethemtilltheyhadgotthere,andweresafeinthestronghold.Thentheymadepeace,swearingoaths,andgivingasmanyhostagesastheKingaskedfor.

Andnowwecometotheterribleyear878,thegreatestandsaddestandmostgloriousinallAlfred'slife.Intheverybeginningoftheyear,justafterTwelfth-night,theDanishhostagaincamesuddenly--"bestole"astheChroniclesays--toChippenham.Then"theyrodethroughtheWest-Saxons'land,andtheresatdown,andmickleofthe

folkovertheseatheydrove,andoftheothersthemostdealtheyrodeover;allbuttheKingAlfred;hewithalittlebandhardlyfared[went]afterthewoodsandonthemoor-fastnesses."Thistimeofutterdistresslastedonlyaverylittlewhile,forinafewmonthsAlfredwasagainattheheadofanarmyandabletofightagainsttheDanes.

ItwasduringthistroublethatAlfredstayedinthehutofaneatherdorswineherdofhis,whoknewwhohewas,thoughhiswifedidnotknowhim.Onedaythewomansetsomecakestobake,andbade



theKing,whowassittingbythefiremendinghisbowandarrows,totendthem.Alfredthoughtmoreofhisbowandarrowsthanhedidofthecakes,andletthemburn.Thenthewomanraninandcriedout,"There,don'tyouseethecakesonfire?Thenwhereforeturnthemnot?Youaregladenoughtoeatthemwhentheyarepipinghot."

WearetoldthatthisswineherdorneatherdafterwardsbecameBishopofWinchester.TheysaythathisnamewasDenewulf,andthattheKingsawthat,thoughhewasinsolowlyarank,hewasnaturallyaverywiseman.Sohehadhimtaught,andatlastgavehimtheBishoprick.

IdonotthinkthatIcandobetterthantellyouthenexthappeningtoAlfred,asitisintheChronicle,onlychangingthosewordswhichyoumightnotunderstand.

"Andthatilk[same]winterwasIwer'sandHealfdene'sbrotheramongtheWest-SaxonsinDevonshire;andhimtheremenslewandeighthundredmenwithhimandfortymenofhishost.AndtherewasthebannertakenwhichtheytheRavenhight[call].AndafterthisEasterwroughtKingAlfredwithhislittlebandawork[fortress]atAthelney,andoutofthatworkwashestrivingwiththe[Danish]host,andthearmysold[gave]himhostagesandmickleoaths,andeketheypromisedhimthattheirKingshouldreceivebaptism.And

thistheyfulfilled.AndthreeweeksaftercameKingGuthrumwiththirtyofthementhatinthehostwereworthiest,atAller,thatisnearAthelney.AndhimtheKingreceivedathisbaptism,[Footnote:Thatis,washisgodfather.]andhischrisom-loosing[Footnote:Thatis,helaidasidethechrisomorwhitegarmentwhichanewlybaptisedpersonwore.]wasatWedmore.AndhewastwelvenightswiththeKing,andhehonouredhimandhisferes[companions]withmicklefee[money]."

ThusyouseehowsoonKingAlfred'sgoodluckcamebacktohimagain.TheRavenwasafamousbanneroftheDanes,saidtohavebeenworkedbythedaughtersofRagnarLodbrog.Itwasthoughttohavewonderfulpowers,sothattheycouldtellbythewayinwhichthe

ravenheldhiswingswhethertheywouldwinornotinbattle.

YouseethetimeofutterdistresslastedonlyfromsoonafterTwelfth-nighttoEaster,andevenduringthattimethetakingoftheRavenmusthavecheeredtheEnglishagooddeal.AfterEasterthingsbegantomend,whenAlfredbuilthisfortatAthelneyandbegantoskirmishwiththeDanes,andsevenweekslatercamethegreatvictoryatEthandun,whichsetWessexfree.SomesaythatthewhitehorsewhichiscutinthesideofthechalkhillsnearEdingtonwascutthen,thatmenmightrememberthegreatbattleofEthandun.Butithasbeenalteredinmoderntimestomakeitlookmorelikearealhorse.

AllthistimeAlfredseemstohavekepthisheadquartersatAthelney.ThencetheywenttoWedmore.TheretheWiseMencametogether,andAlfredandGuthorm(or,togivehimthenamebywhichhewasbaptised,Aethelstan)madeatreaty.ThistreatywasverymuchbetterkeptthananytreatywiththeDaneshadeverbeenkeptbefore.TheDanesgotmuchthelargerpartofEngland;stillAlfredcontrivedtokeepLondon.SomeaccountssaythatonlythoseoftheDanesstayedinEnglandwhochosetobecomeChristians,andthattherestwentawayintoGaulunderafamousleaderoftheirsnamedHasting.Anyhow,in880theywentquiteawayintowhatwasnowtheir



ownlandofEast-Anglia,anddivideditamongthemselves.ThusAlfredhadquitefreedhisownKingdomfromtheDanes,thoughhewasobligedtoleavesomuchoftheislandintheirhands.Andeventhroughallthesemisfortunes,theKingdomofWessexdidinsomesortbecomegreater.Rememberthatin880,whenAlfredhaddonesomanygreatthings,hewasstillonlythirty-oneyearsold.

WecanseehowmuchpeoplealwaysrememberedandthoughtofAlfred,bytherebeingmanymorestoriestoldofhimthanofalmostanyotheroftheoldKings.OnestoryisthatAlfred,wishingtoknowwhattheDaneswereaboutandhowstrongtheywere,setoutonedayfromAthelneyinthedisguiseofaminstrelorjuggler,andwentintotheDanishcamp,andstayedthereseveraldays,amusingtheDaneswithhisplaying,tillhehadseenallthathewanted,andthenwentbackwithoutanyonefindinghimout.Thisiswhatyoumaycallasoldier'sstory,whilesomeoftheothersareratherwhatmonksandclergymenwouldliketotell.Thusthereisatalewhichistoldinagreatmanydifferentways,butofwhichthefollowingistheoldestshape.

"NowKingAlfredwasdrivenfromhisKingdombytheDanes,andhelayhidforthreeyearsintheisleofGlastonbury.Anditcametopassonadaythatallhisfolkweregoneouttofish,saveonlyAlfredhimselfandhiswifeandoneservantwhomheloved.Andthere

cameapilgrimtotheKing,andbeggedforfood.AndtheKingsaidtohisservant,'Whatfoodhaveweinthehouse?'Andhisservantanswered,'MyLord,wehaveinthehousebutoneloafandalittlewine.'ThentheKinggavethankstoGod,andsaid,'Givehalfoftheloafandhalfofthewinetothispoorpilgrim.'Sotheservantdidashislordcommandedhim,andgavetothepilgrimhalfoftheloafandhalfofthewine,andthepilgrimgavegreatthankstotheKing.Andwhentheservantreturned,hefoundtheloafwhole,andthewineasmuchastherehadbeenaforetime.Andhegreatlywondered,andhewonderedalsohowthepilgrimhadcomeintotheisle,forthatnomancouldcometheresavebywater,andthepilgrimhadnoboat.AndtheKinggreatlywonderedalso.Andattheninthhourcamebackthefolkwhohadgonetofish.Andtheyhadthreeboatsfulloffish,

andtheysaid,'Lo,wehavecaughtmorefishthisdaythaninallthethreeyearsthatwehavetarriedinthisisland.'AndtheKingwasglad,andheandhisfolkweremerry;yetheponderedmuchuponthatwhichhadcometopass.Andwhennightcame,theKingwenttohisbedwithEalhswythhiswife.AndtheLadyslept,buttheKinglayawakeandthoughtofallthathadcometopassbyday.Andpresentlyhesawagreatlight,likethebrightnessofthesun,andhesawanoldmanwithblackhair,clothedinpriest'sgarments,andwithamitreonhishead,andholdinginhisrighthandabookoftheGospelsadornedwithgoldandgems.AndtheoldmanblessedtheKing,andtheKingsaiduntohim,'Whoartthou?'Andheanswered,'Alfred,myson,rejoice;forIamhetowhomthoudidstthisdaygivethinealms,andIamcalledCuthberhtthesoldierofChrist.

Nowbestrongandverycourageous,andbeofjoyfulheart,andhearkendiligentlytothethingswhichIsayuntothee;forhenceforthIwillbethyshieldandthyfriend,andIwillwatchovertheeandoverthysonsafterthee.AndnowIwilltelltheewhatthoumustdo.Riseupearlyinthemorning,andblowthinehornthrice,thatthyenemiesmayhearitandfear,andbytheninthhourthoushalthavearoundtheefivehundredmenharnassedforthebattle.Andthisshallbeasignuntotheethatthoumayestbelieve.AndaftersevendaysthoushalthavebyGod'sgiftandmyhelpallthefolkofthislandgathereduntotheeuponthemountthatis



calledAssandun.Andthusshaltthoufightagainstthineenemies,anddoubtnotthatthoushaltovercomethem.Bethouthereforegladofheart,andbestrongandverycourageous,andfearnot,forGodhathgiventhineenemiesintothinehand.AndHehathgiventheealsoallthislandandtheKingdomofthyfathers,totheeandtothysonsandtothysons'sonsafterthee.Bethoufaithfultomeandtomyfolk,becausethatuntotheeisgivenallthelandofAlbion.Bethourighteous,becausethouartchosentobetheKingofallBritain.SomayGodbemercifuluntothee,andIwillbethyfriend,andnoneofthineenemiesshalleverbeabletoovercomethee.'ThenwasKingAlfredgladatheart,andhewasstrongandverycourageous,forthatheknewthathewouldovercomehisenemiesbythehelpofGodandSaintCuthberhthispatron.Sointhemorninghearose,andsailedtotheland,andblewhishornthreetimes,andwhenhisfriendsheardittheywereglad,andwhenhisenemiesheardittheyfeared.Andbytheninthhour,accordingtothewordoftheLord,thereweregathereduntohimfivehundredmenofthebravestanddearestofhisfriends.AndhespakeuntothemandtoldthemallthatGodhadsaiduntohimbythemouthofhisservantCuthberht,andhetoldthemthat,bythegiftofGodandbythehelpofSaintCuthberht,theywouldovercometheirenemiesandwinbacktheirownland.AndhebadethemasSaintCuthberhthadtaughthim,tofearGodalwayandtobealwayrighteoustowardallmen.AndhebadehissonEdwardwhowasbyhimtobefaithfultoGodandSaintCuthberht,

andsoheshouldalwayhavethevictoryoverhisenemies.Sotheywentforthtobattleandsmotetheirenemiesandovercamethem,andKingAlfredtooktheKingdomofallBritain,andheruledwellandwiselyoverthejustandtheunjustfortherestofhisdays."

Nowisthereanytruthinallthisstory?Ithinkthereisthusmuch,thatAlfred,forsomereasonorother,thoughthewasunderthespecialprotectionofSaintCuthberht.Forseveralyearsafter880therewaspeaceintheland,andforagoodmanymoreyearsstilltherewasmuchlessfightingthantherehadbeenbefore.ItwasnodoubtatthistimethatAlfredwasabletodoallthosethingsforthegoodofhispeopleofwhichwehearsomuch.Hehadnowmoretimethaneitherbeforeorafterformakinghislaws,

writinghisbooks,foundinghismonasteries,anddoingallthathedid.Youmaywonderhowhefoundtimetodosomuch;butitwasbytheonlywaybywhichanybodycandoanything,namely,byneverwastinghistime,andbyhavingfixedtimesofthedayforeverything.Alfreddidnot,likemostotherwritersofthattime,writeinLatin,sothathardlyanybodybuttheclergycouldreadorunderstandwhathewrote.Helovedourowntongue,andwasespeciallyfondoftheOld-Englishsongs,andallthathewrotehewroteinEnglishthatallhispeoplemightunderstand.HisworkswerechieflytranslationsfromLatinbooks;whatweshouldhavevaluedmostofall,hisnotebookorhandbook,containinghisremarksonvariousmatters,islost.HetranslatedintoEnglishtheHistoryofBasda,theHistoryofOrosius,someoftheworksofPopeGregory

theGreat,andtheConsolationofPhilosophybyBoethius.PerhapsyouwillaskwhyhedidnotrathertranslatesomeofthegreatandfamousGreekandLatinwritersofearliertimes.NowwemaybesurethatKingAlfreddidnotunderstandGreekatall;veryfewpeopleinthosedaysintheWestofEuropeknewanyGreek,exceptthosewhoneededtousethelanguagefordealingwiththemenintheEasternEmpirewhostillspokeit.IndeedAlfredcomplainsthat,whenhecametotheCrown,veryfewpeople,evenamongtheclergy,understoodevenLatinatallwell.AndasforLatinbooks,nodoubtAlfredthoughtthatthewritingsofChristianswouldbemore



edifyingtohispeoplethanthoseoftheoldheathens.HechosetheHistoryofOrosius,asageneralhistoryoftheworld,andthatofBasda,asaparticularhistoryofEngland.BoethiuswasaRomanConsulinthebeginningofthesixthcentury,whowasputtodeathbythegreatTheodoric,KingoftheEast-Goths,whothenruledoverItaly.WhilehewasinprisonhewrotethebookwhichKingAlfredtranslated.HeseemsnottohavebeenaChristian;atleastthereisnotasingleChristianexpressioninhisbook.ButpeoplefanciedthathewasnotonlyaChristian,butasaintandamartyr,mostlikelybecauseTheodoric,whoputhimtodeath,wasnotanorthodoxChristian,butanArian.Alfred,intranslatinghisbooks,didnotalwayscaretotranslatethemquiteexactly,butheoftenalteredandputinthingsofhisown,ifhethoughthecouldthusmakethemmoreimproving.SointranslatingBoethius,healteredagooddeal,tomakethewiseheathenspeaklikeaChristian.SointranslatingOrosius,whereOrosiusgivesanaccountoftheworld,AlfredgreatlyenlargedtheaccountofallthenorthernpartofEurope,ofwhichAlfrednaturallyknewmuchmorethanOrosiusdid.

AlfredwasalsoverycarefulinthegovernmentofhisKingdom,especiallyinseeingthatjusticewasproperlyadministered.Somensaidofhimintheirsongs,muchastheyhadlongbeforesaidofKingEdwininNorthumberland,thathehungupgoldenbraceletsbytheroadside,andthatnomandaredtostealthem.Inhiscollection

oflaws,hechieflyputinorderthelawsoftheolderKings,notaddingmanyofhisown,becausehesaidthathedidnotknowhowthosewhocameafterhimmightlikethem.

KingAlfredwasveryattentivetoreligiousmatters,andgavegreatalmstothepoorandgiftstochurches.Healsofoundedtwomonasteries;onewasfornuns,atShaftesburyinDorsetshire,ofwhichhemadehisowndaughter,Aethelgifu,abbess.TheotherwasformonksatAthelney;youcaneasilyseewhyheshouldbuilditthere.HealsosentseveralembassiestoRome,wherehegotPopeMarinustograntcertainprivilegestotheEnglishSchoolatRome;thePopealsosenthimwhatwasthoughttobeapieceofthewoodoftheTrueCross,thatonwhichourLordJesusChristdied.Healso

sentanembassytoJerusalem,andhadlettersfromAbelthePatriarchthere.Andwhatseemsstrangerthanall,hesentanembassyallthewaytoIndia,withalmsfortheChristiansthere,calledtheChristiansofSaintThomasandSaintBartholomew.

Lastly,thereseemssomereasontothinkthattheChroniclebegantobeputtogetherinitspresentshapeinAlfred'stime,andthatitwasregularlygoneonwithafterward,sothatfromthetimeofAlfredonwardwehaveahistorywhichwasregularlywrittendownasthingshappened.

AllthesethingshappenedmainlyinthemiddleyearsofthereignofAlfred,whentherewassomuchlessfightingthantherewasbefore

andafter,andwhensomeyearsseemtohavebeenquitepeaceable.GuthormAethelstanandhisDanesinEast-AngliawereforsomeyearstruetothetreatyofWedmore,andtheotherDanesseemjustnowtohavebeenbusyininvadingGaulandotherpartsofthecontinentratherthanEngland.AlsoKingAlfredhadnowgotafleet,sothatheoftenmetthematseaandkeptthemfromlanding.Thishedidin882,andwedonotfindthatanyDaneslandedagaininEnglandtill885.InthatyearpartofthearmywhichhadbeenplunderingalongthecoastofFlandersandHollandcameovertoEngland,landedinKent,andbesiegedRochester.Butthecitizenswithstoodthem



bravely,andAlfredgatheredanarmyanddrovetheDanestotheirships.TheyseemthentohavegonetoEssexandtohaveplunderedtherewiththeirships,gettinghelpfromtheDaneswhoweresettledinEast-Anglia,oratleastfromsuchofthemasstillwereheathens.Alfred'sfleethoweverquiteovercamethemandtookawaytheirtreasure,buthisfleetwasagainattackedanddefeatedbytheEast-AnglianDanes.ItwouldseemthatinsomepartofthiswarGuthormAethelstanwashelpedbyHrolf,otherwisecalledRollo,thegreatNorthernchief.

TheDanishwarsbeganagainin893.Foryearsnowtherewasagreatdealoffighting.TwolargebodiesofDanes,oneofthemunderthefamouschiefHasting,landedinKentin893andfixedthemselvesinfortresseswhichtheybuilt.AndtheDaneswhohadsettledinNorthumberlandandEast-Angliahelpedthem,thoughtheyhadallswornoathstoKingAlfred,andthoseinEast-Angliahadalsogivenhostages.TherewasfightingalloverthesouthofEnglandthroughout894,andtheKinghadtogoconstantlybackwardandforwardtokeepupwiththeDanes.OnetimeAlfredtookafortinKent,inwhichwerethewifeandtwosonsofHasting.NowHastinghadnotlongbeforegivenoathsandhostagestoAlfred,andthetwoboyshadbeenbaptised,theKingbeinggodfathertooneofthemandAldermanAethelredtotheother.ButHastingdidnotatallkeeptohisoath,butwentonplunderingallthesame.Still,whentheboys

andtheirmotherweretaken,Alfredwouldnotdothemanyharm,butgavethemupagaintoHasting.

In897wereadthatAlfredmadesomeimprovementsinhisships."Theywerefull-nightwiceaslongastheothers;somehadsixtyoars,somemore;theywerebothswifterandsteadierandekehigherthantheothers;theywereneitherontheFrisianshapenorontheDanish,butashimselfthoughtthattheyusefulmightbe."Thesenewshipsseemtohavedonegoodservice,thoughonetimetheygotaground,seeminglybecausetheyweresolarge,andtheDaneswerethereforeabletosailoutbeforethem.Thesesea-fightsalongthesouthcoastwerenearlythelastthingsthatwehearofinAlfred'sreign.ThecrewsoftwoDanishshipswerebroughttoWinchesterto

Alfredandtherehanged.Onecannotblamehimforthis,astheseDanesweremerepirates,notengagedinanylawfulwar,andmanyofthemhadbeenspared,andhadmadeoathstoAlfred,andhadbrokenthem,overandoveragain.

Thiswasin897;therestofKingAlfred'sreignseemstohavebeenspentinpeace.In901thegreatKingdiedhimself.Hewasthenonlyfifty-twoyearsold.Alfred'swife,theLadyEalhswyth,livedalittlewhileafterherhusband,till903or905.KingAlfredwasburiedatWinchesterintheNewMinsterwhichhehimselfbegantofoundandwhichwasfinishedbyhissonEdward.ItthenstoodclosetotheOldMinster,thatis,thecathedralchurch.AfterwarditwasmovedoutofthecityandwascalledHydeAbbey.Butyoucannotsee

KingAlfred'sgravetherenow,becauseeverythinghasbeendestroyed,andthebonesofthegreatKinghavebeenturnedout,tomakeroomforaprison.

CHAPTERXI

THECID



AfterwardstheCastilliansarrived,andtheykissedhishandsinhomage,all,saveonlymyCid.AndwhenKingDonAlfonsosawthattheCiddidnotdohomageandkisshishand,asalltheotherchiefpersonshaddone,hesaid,"SincenowyehaveallreceivedmeforyourLord,andgivenmeauthorityoverye,IwouldknowoftheCidRuydiezwhyhewillnotkissmyhandandacknowledgeme;forIwoulddosomethingforhim,asIpromiseduntomyfatherKingDonFerrando,whenhecommendedhimtomeandtomybrethren."AndtheCidaroseandsaid,"Sir,allwhomyouseeherepresent,suspectthatbyyourcounseltheKingDonSanchoyourbrothercametohisdeath;andthereforeIsayuntoyouthat,unlessyouclearyourselfofthis,asbyrightyoushoulddo,Iwillneverkissyourhand,norreceiveyouformylord."ThensaidtheKing,"Cid,whatyousaypleasesmewell;andhereIsweartoGodandtoSt.Mary,thatIneverslewhim,nortookcounselforhisdeath.AndIbeseechyethereforeall,asfriendsandtruevassals,thatyetellmehowImayclearmyself."Andthechiefswhowerepresentsaid,thatheandtwelveoftheknightswhocamewithhimfromToledo,shouldmakethisoathinthechurchatSt.GadeaatBurgos,andthatsoheshouldbecleared.

SotheKingandallhiscompanytookhorseandwenttoBurgos.And

whenthedayappointedfortheoathwascome,theKingcameforwarduponahighstagethatallthepeoplemightseehim,andmyCidcametohimtoreceivetheoath;andmyCidtookthebookoftheGospelsandopenedit,andlaidituponthealtar,andtheKinglaidhishandsuponit,andtheCidsaiduntohim,"KingDonAlfonso,youcomeheretoswearconcerningthedeathofKingDonSanchoyourbrother,thatyouneitherslewhimnortookcounselforhisdeath;saynowyouandthesehidalgos,ifyeswearthis."AndtheKingandthehidalgosansweredandsaid,"Yea,weswearit."AndtheCidsaid,"Ifyeknewofthisthing,orgavecommandthatitshouldbedone,mayyoudieevensuchadeathasyourbrothertheKingDonSancho,bythehandofavillainwhomyoutrust;onewhoisnotahidalgo,fromanotherland,notaCastillian";andtheKingandthe

knightswhowerewithhimsaid"Amen."AndtheKing'scolourchanged;andtheCidrepeatedtheoathuntohimasecondtime,andtheKingandthetwelveknightssaid"Amen"toitinlikemanner,andinlikemannerthecountenanceoftheKingwaschangedagain.AndmyCidrepeatedtheoathuntohimathirdtime,andtheKingandtheknightssaid"Amen."ButthewrathoftheKingwasexceedinglygreat,andhesaidtotheCid,"Ruydiez,whydostthouthuspressme,man?To-daythouswearestme,andto-morrowthouwiltkissmyhand."AndfromthatdayforwardtherewasnolovetowardmyCidintheheartoftheKing.

AfterthisKingDonAlfonsoassembledtogetherallhispowerandwentagainsttheMoors.AndtheCidshouldhavegonewithhim,but

hefellsickandperforcethereforeabodeathome.AndwhiletheKingwasgoingthroughAndalusia,havingthelandathismercy,agreatpoweroftheMoorsassembledtogetherontheotherside,andenteredtheland,anddidmuchevil.AtthistimetheCidwasgatheringstrength;andwhenheheardthattheMoorswereinthecountry,layingwastebeforethem,hegatheredtogetherwhatforcehecould,andwentafterthem;andtheMoors,whentheyheardthis,begantofly.AndtheCidfollowedthemasfarasToledo,slayingandburning,andplunderinganddestroying,andlayinghandsonallwhomhefound,sothathebroughtbackseventhousandprisoners,men



andwomen;andheandallhispeoplereturnedrichandwithgreathonour.ButwhentheKingofToledoheardofthehurtwhichhehadreceivedatthehandsoftheCid,hesenttoKingDonAlfonsotocomplainthereof.AndtheKingwasgreatlytroubled.AndhewentwithallspeedtoBurgos,andsentfromthencetobidtheCidcomeuntohim.

NowmyCidknewtheevildispositionoftheKingtowardhim,andwhenhereceivedhisbiddinghemadeanswerthathewouldmeethimbetweenBurgosandBivar.AndtheKingwentoutfromBurgosandcamenighuntoBivar;andtheCidcameuptohimandwouldhavekissedhishand,buttheKingwithheldit,andsaidangrilyuntohim,"Ruydiez,quitmyland."ThentheCidclaptspurstothemuleuponwhichherode,andvaultedintoapieceofgroundwhichwashisowninheritance,andanswered,"Sir,Iamnotinyourland,butinmyown."AndtheKingrepliedfullwrathfully,"Gooutofmykingdomswithoutanydelay."AndtheCidmadeanswer,"Givemethenthirtydays'time,asistherightofthehidalgos";andtheKingsaidhewouldnot,butthatifhewerenotgoneinninedays'timehewouldcomeandlookforhim.Thecountswerewellpleasedatthis;butallthepeopleofthelandweresorrowful.AndthentheKingandtheCidparted.AndtheCidsentforallhisfriendsandhiskinsmenandvassals,andtoldthemhowKingDonAlfonsohadbanishedhimfromtheland,andaskedofthemwhowouldfollowhimintobanishment,

andwhowouldremainathome.ThenAlvarFanez,whowashiscousin-german,cameforwardandsaid,"Cid,wewillallgowithyou,throughdesertandthroughpeopledcountry,andneverfailyou.Inyourservicewillwespendourmulesandhorses,ourwealthandourparments,andeverwhilewelivebeuntoyouloyalfriendsandvassals."AndtheyallconfirmedwhatAlvarFanezhadsaid;andtheCidthankedthemfortheirlove,andsaidthattheremightcomeatimeinwhichheshouldguerdonthem.

Andashewasabouttodeparthelookedbackuponhisownhome,andwhenhesawhishalldeserted,thehouseholdchestsunfastened,thedoorsopen,nocloakshangingup,noseatsintheporch,nohawksupontheperches,thetearscameintohiseyes,andhesaid,"My

enemieshavedonethis.Godbepraisedforallthings."AndheturnedtowardtheEastandkneltandsaid,"HolyMaryMother,andallSaints,praytoGodforme,thatHemaygivemestrengthtodestroyallthePagans,andtowinenoughfromthemtorequitemyfriendstherewith,andallthosewhofollowandhelpme."ThenhecalledforAlvarFanezandsaiduntohim,"Cousin,thepoorhavenopartinthewrongwhichtheKinghathdoneus;seenowthatnowrongbedoneuntothemalongourroad,"andhecalledforhishorse.

MyCidRuydiezenteredBurgos,havingsixtystreamersinhiscompany.Andmenandwomenwentforthtoseehim.andthemenofBurgosandthewomenofBurgoswereattheirwindows,weeping,sogreatwastheirsorrow;andtheysaidwithoneaccord,"God,how

goodavassalifhehadbutagoodLord!"andwillinglywouldeachhavebadehimcomein,butnoonedaredsotodo.ForKingDonAlfonsoinhisangerhadsentletterstoBurgos,sayingthatnomanshouldgivetheCidalodging;andthatwhosoeverdisobeyedshouldloseallthathehad,andmoreovertheeyesinhishead.GreatsorrowhadtheseChristianfolkatthis,andtheyhidthemselveswhenhecamenearthembecausetheydidnotdarespeaktohim;andmyCidwenttohisPosada,andwhenhecametothedoorhefounditfastened,forfearoftheKing.Andhispeoplecalledoutwithaloudvoice,buttheywithinmadenoanswer.AndtheCidrodeupto



thedoor,andtookhisfootoutofthestirrup,andgaveitakick,butthedoordidnotopenwithit,foritwaswellsecured.Alittlegirlofnineyearsoldthencameoutofoneofthehousesandsaiduntohim,"OCid,theKinghathforbiddenustoreceiveyou.Wedarenotopenourdoorstoyou,forweshouldloseourhousesandallthatwehave,andtheeyesinourhead.Cid,ourevilwouldnothelpyou,butGodandallHissaintsbewithyou."Andwhenshehadsaidthisshereturnedintothehouse.AndwhentheCidknewwhattheKinghaddoneheturnedawayfromthedoorandrodeuptoSt.Mary's,andtherehealightedandkneltdown,andprayedwithallhisheart;andthenhemountedagainandrodeoutofthetownandpitchedhistentnearArlanzon,uponthesands.MyCidRuydiez,hewhoinahappyhourfirstgirtonhissword,tookuphislodginguponthesands,becausetherewasnonewhowouldreceivehimwithintheirdoor.Hehadagoodcompanyroundabouthim,andtherehelodged

MoreovertheKinghadgivenordersthatnofoodshouldbesoldtheminBurgos,sothattheycouldnotbuyevenapennyworth.ButMartinAntolinez,whowasagoodBurgalese,hesuppliedmyCidandallhiscompanywithbreadandwineabundantly."Campeador,"saidhetotheCid,"to-nightwewillresthere,andtomorrowwewillbegone:IshallbeaccusedforwhatIhavedoneinservingyou,andshallbeintheKing'sdispleasure;butfollowingyourfortunes,sooneror

later,theKingwillhavemeforhisfriend,andifnot,IdonotcareafigforwhatIleavebehind."NowthisMartinAntolinezwasnephewuntotheCid,beingthesonofhisbrother,FerrandoDiaz.AndtheCidsaiduntohim,"MartinAntolinez,youareaboldlancier;ifIliveIwilldoubleyouyourpay.YouseeIhavenothingwithme,andyetmustprovideformycompanions.Iwilltaketwochestsandfillthemwithsand,anddoyougoinsecrettoRachelandVidas,andtellthemtocomehitherprivately;forIcannottakemytreasureswithmebecauseoftheirweight,andwillpledgethemintheirhands.Letthemcomeforthechestsatnight,thatnomanmayseethem.GodknowsthatIdothisthingmoreofnecessitythanofwilfulness;butbyGod'sgoodhelpIshallredeemall."NowRachelandVidaswererichJews,fromwhomtheCidusedto

receivemoneyforhisspoils.AndMartinAntolinezwentinquestofthem,andhepassedthroughBurgosandenteredintotheCastle;andwhenhesawthemhesaid,"AhRachelandVidas,mydearfriends!nowletmespeakwithyeinsecret."Andtheythreewentapart.Andhesaidtothem,"Givemeyourhandsthatyouwillnotdiscoverme,neithertoMoornorChristian!Iwillmakeyourichmenforever.TheCampeadorwentforthetributeandhetookgreatwealth,andsomeofithehaskeptforhimself.Hehastwochestsfullofgold;yeknowthattheKingisinangeragainsthim,andhecannotcarrytheseawaywithhimwithouttheirbeingseen.Hewillleavethemthereforeinyourhands,andyoushalllendhimmoneyuponthem,swearingwithgreatoathsanduponyourfaith,thatyewillnotopenthemtillayearbepast."RachelandVidastookcounseltogether

andanswered,"WewellknewhegotsomethingwhenheenteredthelandoftheMoors;hewhohastreasuresdoesnotsleepwithoutsuspicion;wewilltakethechests,andplacethemwheretheyshallnotbeseen.ButtelluswithwhatwilltheCidbecontented,andwhatgainwillhegiveusfortheyear?"MartinAntolinezansweredlikeaprudentman,"MyCidrequireswhatisreasonable;hewillaskbutlittletoleavehistreasuresinsafety.Mencometohimfromallparts.Hemusthavesixhundredmarks."AndtheJewssaid,"Wewilladvancehimsomuch.""Wellthen,"saidMartinAntolinez,"yeseethatthenightisadvancing;theCidisinhaste,giveusthe



marks.""Thisisnotthewayofbusiness,"saidthey;"wemusttakefirst,andthengive.""Yesaywell,"repliedtheBurgalese:"comethentotheCampeador,andwewillhelpyoutobringawaythechests,sothatneitherMoorsnorChristiansmayseeus."Sotheywenttohorseandrodeouttogether,andtheydidnotcrossthebridge,butrodethroughthewaterthatnomanmightseethem,andtheycametothetentoftheCid.

MeantimetheCidhadtakentwochests,whichwerecoveredwithleatherofredandgold,andthenailswhichfasteneddowntheleatherwerewellgilt;theywereribbedwithbandsofiron,andeachfastenedwiththreelocks;theywereheavy,andhefilledthemwithsand.AndwhenRachelandVidasenteredhistentwithMartinAntolinez,theykissedhishand;andtheCidsmiledandsaidtothem,"YeseethatIamgoingoutoftheland,becauseoftheKing'sdispleasure;butIshallleavesomethingwithye."Andtheymadeanswer,"MartinAntolinezhascovenantedwithus,thatweshallgiveyousixhundredmarksuponthesechests,andkeepthemafullyear,swearingnottoopenthemtillthattimebeexpired,elseshallwebeperjured.""Takethechests,"saidMartinAntolinez;"Iwillgowithyou,andbringbackthemarks,formyCidmustmovebeforecock-crow."Sotheytookthechests,andthoughtheywerebothstrongmentheycouldnotraisethemfromtheground;andtheywerefullgladofthebargainwhichtheyhadmade.AndRachelthenwent

totheCidandkissedhishandandsaid,"Now,Campeador,youaregoingfromCastilleamongstrangenations,andyourgainwillbegreat,evenasyourfortuneis.Ikissyourhand,Cid,andhaveagiftforyou,aredskin;itisMoorishandhonourable."AndtheCidlaid,"Itpleasesme:giveitmeifyehavebroughtit;ifnot,reckonituponthechests."Andtheydepartedwiththechests,andMartinAntolinezandhispeoplehelpedthem,andwentwiththem.Andwhentheyhadplacedthechestsinsafety,theyspreadacarpetinthemiddleofthehall,andlaidasheetuponit,andtheythrewdownuponitthreehundredmarksofsilver.DonMartincountedthem,andtookthemwithoutweighing.Theotherthreehundredtheypaidingold.

WhenMartinAntolinezcameintotheCid'stenthesaiduntohim,"Ihavespedwell,Campeador!youhavegainedsixhundredmarks.Nowthenstrikeyourtentandbegone.Thetimedrawson,andyoumaybewithyourLadyWifeatSt.PedrodeCardena,beforethecockcrows."

Thecockswerecrowingagain,andthedaybegantobreak,whenthegoodCampeadorreachedSt.Pedro's.TheAbbotDonSisebutowassayingmatins,andDonaXimenaandfiveofherladiesofgoodlineagewerewithhim,prayingtoGodandSt.PetertohelpmyCid.Andwhenhecalledatthegateandtheyknewhisvoice,God,whatajoyfulmanwastheAbbotDonSisebuto!Outintothecourtyardtheywentwithtorchesandwithtapers,andtheAbbotgavethankstoGodthathenowbeheldthefaceofmyCid.AndtheCidtoldhimallthat

hadbefallenhim,andhowhewasabanishedman;andhegavehimfiftymarksforhimself,andahundredforDonaXimenaandherchildren."Abbot,"saidhe,"Ileavetwolittlegirlsbehindme,whomIcommendtoyourcare.Takeyoucareofthemandofmywifeandofherladies:whenthismoneybegone,ifitbenotenough,supplythemabundantly;foreverymarkwhichyouspenduponthemIwillgivethemonasteryfour."AndtheAbbotpromisedtodothiswitharightgoodwill.ThenDonaXimenacameupweepingbitterly,andshesaidtoherhusband,"Lonowyouarebanishedfromthelandbymischief-makingmen,andhereamIwithyourdaughters,whoare



littleonesandoftenderyears,andweandyoumustbeparted,eveninyourlifetime.FortheloveofSt.Marytellmenowwhatweshalldo."AndtheCidtookthechildreninhisarms,andheldthemtohisheartandwept,forhedearlylovedthem."PleaseGodandSt.Mary,"saidhe,"Ishallyetlivetogivethesemydaughtersinmarriagewithmyownhands,andtodoyouserviceyet,myhonouredwife,whomIhaveeverloved,evenasmyownsoul."NowhathmyCidleftthekingdomofKingDonAlfonso,andenteredthecountryoftheMoors.Andatday-breaktheywerenearthebrowoftheSierra,andtheyhaltedthereuponthetopofthemountains,andgavebarleytotheirhorses,andremainedthereuntilevening.Andtheysetforwardwhentheeveninghadclosed,thatnonemightseethem,andcontinuedtheirwayallnight,andbeforedawntheycameneartoCastrejon,whichisupontheHenares.AndAlvarFanezsaiduntotheCid,thathewouldtakewithhimtwohundredhorsemen,andscourthecountryandlayhandsonwhateverhecouldfind,withoutfeareitherofKingAlfonsooroftheMoors.Andhecounselledhimtoremaininambushwherehewas,andsurprisethecastleofCastrejon:anditseemedgooduntomyCid.AwaywentAlvarFanez,andthetwohundredhorsemen;andtheCidremainedinambushwiththerestofhiscompany.Andassoonasitwasmorning,theMoorsofCastrejon,knowingnothingofthesewhoweresonearthem,openedthecastlegates,andwentouttotheirworkastheywerewonttodo.AndtheCidrosefromambushandfelluponthem,andtookalltheirflocks,

andmadestraightforthegates,pursuingthem.AndtherewasacrywithinthecastlethattheChristianswereuponthem,andtheywhowerewithinrantothegatestodefendthem,butmyCidcameupswordinhand;elevenMoorsdidheslaywithhisownhand,andtheyforsookthegateandfledbeforehimtohidethemselveswithin,sothathewonthecastlepresently,andtookgoldandsilver,andwhateverelsehewould.

AlvarFanezmeantimescouredthecountryalongtheHenaresasfarasAlcala,andhereturneddrivingflocksandherdsbeforehim,withgreatstoresofwearingapparel,andofotherplunder.AndwhentheCidknewthathewasnighathandhewentouttomeethim,andpraisedhimgreatlyforwhathehaddone,andgavethankstoGod.

Andhegaveorderthatallthespoilsshouldbeheapedtogether,bothwhatAlvarFanezhadbrought,andwhathadbeentakeninthecastle;andhesaidtohim,"Brother,ofallthiswhichGodhathgivenus,takeyouthefifth,foryouwelldeserveit";butMinayawouldnot,saying,"Youhaveneedofitforoursupport."AndtheCiddividedthespoilamongtheknightsandfoot-soldiers,toeachhisdueportion;toeveryhorsemanahundredmarksofsilver,andhalfasmuchtothefoot-soldiers:andbecausehecouldfindnonetowhomtosellhisfifth,hespaketotheMoorstellingthemthattheymightcomesafelytopurchasethespoil,andtheprisonersalsowhomhehadtaken,bothmenprisonersandwomen.Andtheycame,andvaluedthespoilandtheprisoners,andgaveforthemthreethousandmarksofsilver,whichtheypaidwithinthreedays:theyboughtalso

muchofthespoilwhichhadbeendivided,makinggreatgain,sothatallwhowereinmyCid'scompanywerefullrich.AndtheheartofmyCidwasjoyous,andhesenttoKingDonAlfonso,tellinghimthatheandhiscompanionswouldyetdohimserviceupontheMoors.

ThenmyCidassembledtogetherhisgoodmenandsaiduntothem,"Friends,wecannottakeupourabodeinthiscastle,forthereisnowaterinit,andmoreovertheKingisatpeacewiththeseMoors,andIknowthatthetreatybetweenthemhathbeenwritten;sothatifweshouldabideherehewouldcomeagainstuswithallhispower,



andwithallthepoweroftheMoors,andwecouldnotstandagainsthim.Ifthereforeitseemgooduntoyou,letusleavetherestofourprisonershere,thatwemaybefreefromallencumbrance,likemenwhoaretolivebywar."Anditpleasedthemwellthatitshouldbeso.Andhesaidtothem,"Yehaveallhadyourshares,neitheristhereanythingowingtoanyoneamongye.Nowthenletusbereadytotakehorsebetimesonthemorrow,forIwouldnotfightagainstmyLordtheKing."Soonthemorrowtheywenttohorseanddeparted,beingrichwiththespoilswhichtheyhadwon:andtheyleftthecastletotheMoors,whoremainedblessingthemforthisbountywhichtheyhadreceivedattheirhands.ThenmyCidandhiscompanywentuptheHenaresasfastastheycouldgo;greatwerethespoilswhichtheycollectedastheywentalong.AndonthemorrowtheycameagainstAlcocer.TheremyCidpitchedhistentsuponaroundhill,whichwasagreathillandastrong;andtheriverSalonrannearthem,sothatthewatercouldnotbecutoff.MyCidthoughttotakeAlcocer:sohepitchedhistentssecurely,havingtheSierraononeside,andtheriverontheother,andhemadeallhispeopledigatrench,thattheymightnotbealarmed,neitherbydaynorbynight.

WhenmyCidhadthusencamped,hewenttolookattheAlcazar,andseeifhecouldbyanymeansenterit.AndtheMoorsofferedtributetohim,ifhewouldleavetheminpeace;butthishewouldnotdo,andhelaybeforethetown.Andnewswentthroughallthelandthat

theCidwascomeamongthem.AndmyCidlaybeforeAlcocerfifteenweeks;andwhenhesawthatthetowndidnotsurrender,heorderedhispeopletobreakuptheircamp,asiftheywereflying,andtheytooktheirwayalongtheSalon,withtheirbannersspread.AndwhentheMoorssawthistheyrejoicedgreatly,andtheypraisedthemselvesforwhattheyhaddoneinwithstandinghim,andsaidthattheCid'sbreadandbarleyhadfailedhim,andhehadfledaway,andleftoneofhistentsbehindhim.Andtheysaidamongthemselves,"Letuspursuethemandspoilthem."Andtheywentoutafterhim,greatandlittle,leavingthegatesopenandshoutingastheywent;andtherewasnotleftinthetownamanwhocouldbeararms.AndwhenmyCidsawthemcominghegaveorderstoquickentheirspeed,asifhewasinfear,andwouldnotlethispeopleturntillthe

Moorswerefarfromthetown.Butwhenhesawthattherewasagooddistancebetweenthemandthegates,hebadehisbannerturn,andspurredtowardthemcrying,"Layon,knights,byGod'smercythespoilisourown."God!whatagoodjoywastheirsthatmorning!MyCid'svassalslaidonwithoutmercy;inonehour,andinalittlespace,threehundredMoorswereslain,andmyCidwontheplace,andplantedhisbanneruponthehighestpointofthecastle.AndtheCidsaid,"BlessedbeGodandallHissaints,wehavebetteredourquartersbothforhorsesandmen."AndhesaidtoAlvarFanezandallhisknights,"Hearme,weshallgetnothingbykillingtheseMoors--letustakethemandtheyshallshowustheirtreasureswhichtheyhavehiddenintheirhouses,andwewilldwellhereandtheyshallserveus."InthismannerdidmyCidwinAlcocer,andtakeup

hisabodetherein.

InthreeweekstimeafterthisreturnedAlvarFanezfromCastille.AndmyCidrodeuptohim,andembracedhimwithoutspeaking,andkissedhismouthandtheeyesinhishead.God,howjoyfulwasthatwholehostbecauseAlvarFanezwasreturned!forhebroughtthemgreetingsfromtheirkinswomenandtheirbrethrenandthefaircomradeswhomtheyhadleftbehind.God,howjoyfulwasmyCidwiththefleecybeard,thatMinayahadpurchasedthethousandmasses,andhadbroughthimthebiddingsofhiswifeanddaughters!God,whata



joyfulmanwashe!

NowitcametopassthatthedaysofKingAlmudafarwerefulfilled:andhelefthistwosonsZulemaandAbenalfange,andZulemahadthekingdomofZaragoza,andAbenalfangethekingdomofDenia.AndZulemaputhiskingdomundermyCid'sprotection,andbadeallhispeopleobeyhimevenastheywouldhimself.Nowtherebegantobegreatenmitybetweenthetwobrethren,andtheymadewaruponeachother.AndtheCountDonRamonBerenguerofBarcelonahelpedAbenalfange,andwasenemytotheCidbecausehedefendedZulema.AndmyCidchoseouttwohundredhorsemenandwentoutbynight,andfelluponthelandsofAlcanizandbroughtawaygreatbooty.GreatwasthetalkamongtheMoors;howmyCidwasover-runningthecountry.

WhenDonRamonBerenguertheCountofBarcelonaheardthis,ittroubledhimtotheheart,andhehelditforagreatdishonour,becausethatpartofthelandoftheMoorswasinhiskeeping.Andhespakeboastfullysaying,"GreatwrongdoththatCidofBivarofferuntome;heravagesthelandswhichareinmykeeping,andIhaveneverrenouncedhisfriendship;butsincehegoesoninthiswayImusttakevengeance."SoheandKingAbenalfangegatheredtogetheragreatpowerbothofMoorsandChristians,andwentinpursuitoftheCid,andafterthreedaysandtwonightstheycameup

withhiminthepine-forestofTebar.AndwhentheCidheardthishesenttoDonRamonsaying,thatthebootywhichhehadwonwasnoneofhis,andbiddinghimlethimgoonhiswayinpeace:buttheCountmadeanswer,thatmyCidshouldnowlearnwhomhehaddishonoured.ThenmyCidsentthebootyforward,andbadehisknightsmakeready."Theyarecominguponus,"saidhe,"withagreatpowerbothofMoorsandChristians,totakefromusthespoilswhichwehavesohardlywon,andwithoutdoingbattlewecannotbequitofthem;forifweshouldproceedtheywouldfollowtilltheyovertookus:thereforeletthebattlebehere,andItrustinGodthatweshallwinmorehonour,andsomethingtoboot.Theycomedownthehill,drestintheirhose,withtheirgaysaddles,andtheirgirthswet.Beforetheygetupontheplaingroundletusgivethem

thepointsofourlances;andRamonBerenguerwillthenseewhomhehasovertakento-dayinthepine-forestofTebar,thinkingtodespoilhimofbootywonfromtheenemiesofGodandofthefaith."

WhilemyCidwasspeaking,hisknightshadtakentheirarms,andwerereadyonhorsebackforthecharge.PresentlytheysawtheFrenchmencomingdownthehill,andwhentheyhadnotyetsetfootupontheplainground,myCidbadehispeoplecharge,whichtheydidwitharightgoodwill,thrustingtheirspearssostiffly,thatbyGod'sgoodpleasurenotamanwhomtheyencounteredbutlosthisseat.TheCount'speoplestoodfirmroundtheirLord;butmyCidwasinsearchofhim,andwhenhesawwherehewas,hemadeuptohim,clearingthewayashewent,andgavehimsuchastrokewithhis

lancethathefelledhim.WhentheFrenchmensawtheirLordinthisplighttheyfledawayandlefthim;andthepursuitlastedthreeleagues,andwouldhavebeencontinuedfartheriftheconquerorshadnothadtiredhorses.ThuswasCountRamonBerenguermadeprisoner,andmyCidwonfromhimthatdaythegoodswordColada,whichwasworthmorethanathousandmarksofsilver.ThatnightdidmyCidandhismenmakemerry,rejoicingovertheirgains.AndtheCountwastakentomyCid'stent,andagoodsupperwassetbeforehim;neverthelesshewouldnoteat,thoughmyCidbesoughthimsotodo.AndonthemorrowmyCidorderedafeasttobemade,thathemight



dopleasuretotheCount,buttheCountsaidthatforallSpainhewouldnoteatonemouthful,butwouldratherdie,sincehehadbeenbeateninbattlebysuchasetofraggedfellows.AndRuydiezsaidtohim,"Eatanddrink,Count,forthisisthechanceofwar;ifyoudoasIsayyoushallbefree;andifnotyouwillneverreturnagainintoyourownlands."AndDonRamondanswered,"Eatyou,DonRodrigo,foryourfortuneisfairandyoudeserveit;takeyouyourpleasure,butleavemetodie."Andinthismoodhecontinuedforthreedays,refusingallfood.ButthenmyCidsaidtohim,"Takefood,Count,andbesurethatIwillsetyoufree,youandanytwoofyourknights,andgiveyouwherewithtoreturnintoyourowncountry."AndwhenDonRamondheardthis,hetookcomfortandsaid,"IfyouwillindeeddothisthingIshallmarvelatyouaslongasIlive.""Eatthen,"saidRuydiez,"andIwilldoit:butmarkyou,ofthespoilwhichwehavetakenfromyouIwillgiveyounothing;fortothatyouhavenoclaimneitherbyrightnorcustom,andbesideswewantitforourselves,beingbanishedmen,whomustlivebytakingfromyouandfromothersaslongasitshallpleaseGod."ThenwastheCountfulljoyful,beingwellpleasedthatwhatshouldbegivenhimwasnotofthespoilswhichhehadlost;andhecalledforwaterandwashedhishands,andchosetwoofhiskinsmentobesetfreewithhim.AndmyCidsateatthetablewiththem,andsaid,"Ifyoudonoteatwell,Count,youandIshallnotpartyet."NeversincehewasCountdidheeatwithbetterwillthanthatday!And

whentheyhaddonehesaid,"Now,Cid,ifitbeyourpleasureletusdepart."AndmyCidclothedhimandhiskinsmenwellwithgoodlyskinsandmantles,andgavethemeachagoodlypalfrey,withrichcaparisons,andherodeoutwiththemontheirway.AndwhenhetookleaveoftheCounthesaidtohim,"Nowgofreely,andIthankyouforwhatyouhaveleftbehind;ifyouwishtoplayforitagainletmeknow,andyoushalleitherhavesomethingbackinitsstead,orleavewhatyoubringtobeaddedtoit."TheCountanswered,"Cid,youjestsafelynow,forIhavepaidyouandallyourcompanyforthistwelve--months,andshallnotbecomingtoseeyouagainsosoon."

ThenCountRamondprickedonmorethanapace,andmanytimeslooked

behindhim,fearingthatmyCidwouldrepentwhathehaddone,andsendtotakehimbacktoprison,whichtheperfectonewouldnothavedoneforthewholeworld,forneverdidhedodisloyalthing.

Atlastafterlongandpitifulfightingitwasbruitedabroadthroughoutalllands,howtheCidRuydiezhadwonthenoblecityofValencia.

AndnowtheCidbethoughthimofDonaXimenahiswife,andofhisdaughtersDonaElviraandDonaSol,whomhehadleftinthemonasteryofSt.PedrodeCardenaandhecalledforAlvarFanezandMartinAntolinezofBurgos,andspakewiththem,andbesoughtthemthattheywouldgotoCastille,toKingDonAlfonsoandtakehima

presentfromthericheswhichGodhadgiventhem;andthepresentshouldbeahundredhorses,saddledandbridled;andthattheywouldkisstheKing'shandforhim,andbeseechhimtosendtohimhiswifeDonaXimena,andhisdaughters;andthattheywouldtelltheKingallthemercywhichGodhadshownhim,andhowhewasathisservicewithValenciaandwithallthathehad.MoreoverhebadethemtakeathousandmarksofsilvertothemonasteryofSt.PedrodeCardena,andgivethemtotheAbbot,andthirtymarksofgoldforhiswifeanddaughters,thattheymightpreparethemselvesandcomeinhonourableguise.Andheorderedthreehundredmarksofgoldto



begiventhem,andthreehundredmarksofsilver,toredeemthechestsfullofsandwhichhehadpledgedinBurgostotheJews;andhebadethemaskRachelandVidastoforgivehimthedeceitofthesand,forhehaddoneitbecauseofhisgreatneed.

ThenAlvarFanezandMartinAntolinezdispeededthemselvesoftheKing,andtooktheirwaytowardBurgos.WhentheyreachedBurgostheysentforRachelandforVidas,anddemandedfromthemthechests,andpaiduntothemthethreehundredmarksofgoldandthethreehundredofsilverastheCidhadcommanded,andtheybesoughtthemtoforgivetheCidthedeceitofthechests,foritwasdonebecauseofhisgreatnecessity.Andtheysaidtheyheartilyforgavehim,andheldthemselveswellpaid;andtheyprayedGodtogranthimlonglifeandgoodhealth,andtogivehimpowertoadvanceChristendom,andputdownPagandom.AndwhenitwasknownthroughthecityofBurgosthegoodnessandthegentlenesswhichtheCidhadshowntothesemerchantsinredeemingfromthemthechestsfullofsandandearthandstones,thepeoplehelditforagreatwonder,andtherewasnotaplaceinallBurgoswheretheydidnottalkofthegentlenessandloyaltyoftheCid;andtheybesoughtblessingsuponhim,andprayedthatheandhispeoplemightbeadvancedinhonour.Whentheyhaddonethis,theywenttothemonasteryofSt.PedrodeCardena,andtheporteroftheKingwentwiththem,andgaveordereverywherethateverythingwhichtheywantedshouldbe

giventhem.Iftheywerewellreceived,andiftherewasgreatjoyinSt.PedrodeCardenaoverthem,itisnotathingtoask,forDonaXimenaandherdaughterswerelikepeoplebesidethemselveswiththegreatjoywhichtheyhad,andtheycamerunningoutonfoottomeetthem,weepingplenteously.

Afteralonglife-timeofadventuretheCidsickenedofamalady.Andthedaybeforehisweaknesswaxedgreat,heorderedthegatesofValenciatobeshut,andwenttotheChurchofSt.Peter;andtheretheBishopDonHieronymobeingpresent,andalltheclergywhowereinValencia,andtheknightsandhonourablemenandhonourabledames,asmanyasthechurchcouldhold,theCidRuydiezstoodup,andmadeafullnoblepreaching,showingthatnoman,however

honourableorfortunatehemaybeinthisworld,canescapedeath,towhich,saidhe,"Iamnowfullnear;andsinceyeknowthatthisbodyofminehathneveryetbeenconquered,norputtoshame,Ibeseechyeletnotthisbefallitattheend,forthegoodfortuneofmanisonlyaccomplishedathisend."Thenhetookleaveofthepeople,weepingplenteously,andreturnedtotheAlcazar,andbetookhimselftohisbed,andneverrosefromitagain;andeverydayhewaxedweakerandweaker.HecalledforthecasketsofgoldinwhichwasthebalsamandthemyrrhwhichtheSoldanofPersiahadsenthim;andwhenthesewereputbeforehimhebadethembringhimthegoldencup,ofwhichhewaswonttodrink;andhetookofthatbalsamandofthatmyrrhasmuchasalittlespoonful,andmingleditinthecupwithrose-water,anddrankofit;andfortheseven

dayswhichhelivedheneitheratenordrankaughtelsethanalittleofthatmyrrhandbalsammingledwithwater.Andeverydayafterhedidthis,hisbodyandhiscountenanceappearedfairerandfresherthanbefore,andhisvoiceclearer,thoughhewaxedweakerandweakerdaily,sothathecouldnotmoveinhisbed.

Onthetwenty-ninthday,beingthedaybeforehedeparted,hecalledforDonaXimena,andfortheBishopDonHieronymo,andDonAlvarFanezMinaya,andPeroBermudez,andhistrustyGilDiaz;andwhentheywereallfivebeforehim,hebegantodirectthemwhatthey



shoulddoafterhisdeath;andhesaidtothem,"YeknowthatKingBucarwillpresentlybeheretobesiegethiscity,withsevenandthirtyKingswhomhebringethwithhim,andwithamightypowerofMoors.NowthereforethefirstthingwhichyedoafterIhavedeparted,washmybodywithrose-watermanytimesandwell,andwhenithasbeenwellwashedandmadeclean,yeshalldryitwell,andanointitwiththismyrrhandbalsam,fromthesegoldencaskets,fromheadtofoot,sothateverypartshallbeanointed.Andyou,myDonaXimena,andyourwomen,seethatyeutternocries,neithermakeanylamentationforme,thattheMoorsmaynotknowofmydeath.AndwhenthedayshallcomeinwhichKingBucararrives,orderallthepeopleofValenciatogouponthewalls,andsoundyourtrumpetsandtamboursandmakethegreatestrejoicingsthatyecan.Forcertesyecannotkeepthecity,neitherabidethereinaftertheyknowofmydeath.AndseethatsumpterbeastsbeladenwithallthatthereisinValencia,sothatnothingwhichcanprofitmaybeleft.AndthisIleaveespeciallytoyourcharge,GilDiaz.ThensaddleyemyhorseBavieca,andarmhimwell;andapparelmybodyfullseemlily,andplacemeuponthehorse,andfastenandtiemethereonsothatitcannotfall:andfastenmyswordTizonainmyhand.AndlettheBishopDonHieronymogoononesideofme,andmytrustyGilDiazontheother,andheshallleadmyhorse.You,PeroBermudez,shallbearmybanner,asyouwerewonttobearit;andyou,AlvarFanez,mycousin,gatheryourcompanytogether,andput

thehostinorderasyouarewonttodo.AndgoyeforthandfightwithKingBucar:forbeyecertainanddoubtnotthatyeshallwinthisbattle;Godhathgrantedmethis.Andwhenyehavewonthefight,andtheMoorsarediscomfited,yemayspoilthefieldatpleasure.Yewillfindgreatriches."

AndthisnobleBaronyieldeduphissoul,whichwaspureandwithoutspot,toGod,onthatSundaywhichiscalledQuinquagesima,beingthetwentyandninthofMay,intheyearofourLordonethousandandninetyandnine,andintheseventyandthirdyearofhislife.Afterhehadthusmadehisendtheywashedhisbodyandembalmeditashehadcommanded.Andthenallthehonourablemen,andalltheclergywhowereinValencia,assembledandcarriedittotheChurch

ofSt.MaryoftheVirtues,whichisneartheAlcazar,andtherekepttheirvigil,andsaidprayerandperformedmasses,aswasmeetforsohonourableaman.

ThreedaysaftertheCidhaddepartedKingBucarcameintotheportofValencia,andlandedwithallhispower.AndtherecamewithhimthirtyandsixKings,andoneMoorishQueen,andshebroughtwithhertwohundredhorsewomen,allnegresseslikeherself,allhavingtheirhairshornsaveatuftonthetop,andtheywereallarmedincoatsofmailandwithTurkishbows.KingBucarorderedhistentstobepitchedroundaboutValencia.AndhispeoplethoughtthattheCiddarednotcomeoutagainstthem,andtheywerethemoreencouraged,andbegantothinkofmakingengineswherewithtocombatthecity.

AllthiswhilethecompanyoftheCidwerepreparingallthingstogointoCastille,ashehadcommandedbeforehisdeath;andhistrustyGilDiazdidnothingelsebutlabouratthis.AndthebodyoftheCidwaspreparedandthevirtueofthebalsamandmyrrhwassuchthatthefleshremainedfirmandfair,havingitsnaturalcolourandhiscountenanceasitwaswonttobe,andtheeyesopen,andhislongbeardinorder,sothattherewasnotamanwhowouldhavethoughthimdeadifhehadseenhim.Andontheseconddayafterhehaddeparted,GilDiazplacedthebodyuponarightnoblesaddle.



Andhetooktwoboardsandfittedthemtothebody,onetothebreastandtheothertotheshoulders;theseweresohollowedoutandfittedthattheymetatthesidesandunderthearms,andtheseboardswerefastenedintothesaddle,sothatthebodycouldnotmove.Allthiswasdonebythemorningofthetwelfthday;andallthatdaythepeopleoftheCidwerebusiedinmakingreadytheirarms,andinloadingbeastswithallthattheyhad.WhenitwasmidnighttheytookthebodyoftheCidfastenedtothesaddleasitwas,andplacedituponhishorseBavieca,andfastenedthesaddlewell:andthebodysatesouprightandwellthatitseemedasifhewasalive.Andithadonpaintedhoseofblackandwhite,socunninglypaintedthatnomanwhosawthemwouldhavethoughtbutthattheyweregrieves,unlesshehadlaidhishanduponthem;andtheyputonitasurcoatofgreensendal,havinghisarmsblazonedthereon,andahelmetofparchment,whichwascunninglypaintedthateveryonemighthavebelievedittobeiron;andhisshieldwashungaroundhisneck,andtheyplacedtheswordTizonainhishand,andtheyraisedhisarm,andfasteneditupsosubtlythatitwasamarveltoseehowuprightheheldthesword.AndtheBishopDonHieronymowentononesideofhim,andthetrustyGilDiazontheother,andheledthehorseBavieca,astheCidhadcommandedhim.Andwhenallthishadbeenmadeready,theywentoutfromValenciaatmidnight,throughthegateofRoseros,whichistowardsCastille.PeroBermudezwentfirstwiththebanneroftheCid,andwithhim

fivehundredknightswhoguardedit,allwellappointed.ThencamethebodyoftheCidwithanhundredknights,allchosenmen,andbehindthemDonaXimenawithallhercompany,andsixhundredknightsintherear.Allthesewentoutsosilently,andwithsuchameasuredpace,thatitseemedasiftherewereonlyascore.Andbythetimethattheyhadallgoneoutitwasbroadday.

Now,whiletheBishopDonHieronymoandGilDiazledawaythebodyoftheCid,andDonaXimena,andthebaggage,AlvarFanezMinayafellupontheMoors.FirstheattackedthetentsofthatMoorishQueen,theNegress,wholaynearesttothecity;andthisonsetwassosudden,thattheykilledfullahundredandfiftyMoorsbeforetheyhadtimetotakearmsorgotohorse.ButthatMoorishNegress,

soskilfulindrawingtheTurkishbow,thattheycalledhertheStaroftheArchers,wasthefirstthatgotonhorseback,andwithsomefiftythatwerewithher,didsomehurttothecompanyoftheCid;butinfinetheyslewher,andherpeoplefledtothecamp.Andsogreatwastheuproarandconfusion,thatfewtherewerewhotookarms,butinsteadthereoftheyturnedtheirbacksandfledtowardthesea.AndwhenKingBucarandhisKingssawthistheywereastonished.AnditseemedtothemthattherecameagainstthemonthepartoftheChristiansfullseventythousandknights,allaswhiteassnow:andbeforethemaknightofgreatstatureuponawhitehorse.AndKingBucarandtheotherKingsweresogreatlydismayedthattheynevercheckedthereinstilltheyhadriddenintothesea;andthecompanyoftheCidrodeafterthem,smitingand

slayingandgivingthem,norespite.AndwhentheMoorscametothesea,sogreatwasthepressamongthemtogettotheships,thatmorethantenthousanddiedinthewater.AndKingBucarandtheywhoescapedwithhimhoistedsailsandwenttheirway,andnevermoreturnedtheirheads.

ThenAlvarFanezandhispeoplewentaftertheBishopDonHieronymoandGilDiaz,who,withthebodyoftheCid,andDonaXimena,andthebaggage,hadgoneontilltheywereclearofthehost,andthenwaitedforthosewhoweregoneagainsttheMoors.Andsogreatwas



thespoil,gold,andsilver,andotherpreciousthingsthatthepoorestmanamongtheChristians,horsemanoronfoot,becamerichwithwhathewonthatday.Andwhentheywereallmettogether,theytooktheroadtowardCastille;andtheyhaltedthatnightinavillagewhichiscalledSieteAguas,thatistosay,theSevenWaters,whichisnineleaguesfromValencia.

WhenthecompanyoftheCiddepartedfromtheSieteAguas,theyheldtheirwaybyshortjourneys.AndtheCidwentalwayuponhishorseBavieca,astheyhadbroughthimoutfromValencia,saveonlythatheworenoarms,butwascladinrightnoblegarments,GreatwastheconcourseofpeopletoseetheCidRuydiezcominginthatguise.Theycamefromallthecountryroundabout,andwhentheysawhimtheirwonderwasthegreater,andhardlycouldtheybepersuadedthathewasdead.

AtthistimeKingDonAlfonsoabodeinToledo,andwhentheletterscameuntohimsayinghowtheCidCampeadorwasdeparted,andafterwhatmannerhehaddiscomfitedKingBucar,andhowtheybroughthiminthisgoodlymanneruponhishorseBavieca,hesetoutfromToledo,takinglongjourneystillhecametoSanPedrodeCardenatodohonourtotheCidathisfuneral.AndwhentheKingDonAlfonsosawsogreatacompanyandinsuchgoodlyarray,andtheCidRuydiezsonoblycladanduponhishorseBavieca,hewasgreatlyastonished.

AndtheKingbeheldhiscountenance,andseeingitsofreshandcomely,andhiseyessobrightandfair,andsoevenandopenthatheseemedalive,hemarvelledgreatly.

OnthethirddayafterthecomingofKingDonAlfonso,theywouldhaveinterredthebodyoftheCid,butwhentheKingheardwhatDonaXimenahadsaid,thatwhileitwassofairandcomelyitshouldnotbelaidinacoffin,heheldthatwhatshesaidwasgood.AndhesentfortheivorychairwhichhadbeencarriedtotheCortesofToledo,andgaveorderthatitshouldbeplacedontherightofthealtarofSt.Peter;andhelaidaclothofgolduponit,andheorderedagraventabernacletobemadeoverthechair,richlywroughtwithazureandgold.Andhehimself,andtheKingofNavarre

andtheInfanteofAragon,andtheBishopDonHieronymo,todohonourtotheCid,helpedtotakehisbodyfrombetweenthetwoboards,inwhichithadbeenfastenedatValencia.Andwhentheyhadtakenitout,thebodywassofirmthatitbentnotoneitherside,andthefleshsofirmandcomely,thatitseemedasifhewereyetalive.AndtheKingthoughtthatwhattheypurportedtodoandhadthusbegun,mightfullwellbeeffected.Andtheycladthebodyinclothofpurple,whichtheSoldanofPersiahadsenthim,andputhimonhoseofthesame,andsethiminhisivorychair;andinhislefthandtheyplacedhisswordTizonainitsscabbard,andthestringsofhismantleinhisright.AndinthisfashionthebodyoftheCidremainedtheretenyearsandmore,tillitwastakenthenceandburied.

GilDiaztookgreatdelightintendingthehorseBavieca,sothattherewerefewdaysinwhichhedidnotleadhimtowater,andbringhimbackwithhisownhand.AndfromthedayinwhichthedeadbodyoftheCidwastakenoffhisback,nevermanwassufferedtobestridethathorse,buthewasalwayledwhentheytookhimtowater,andwhentheybroughthimback.AndthisgoodhorselivedtwoyearsandahalfafterthedeathofhismastertheCid,andthenhediedalso,havinglivedfullfortyyears.AndGilDiazburiedhimbeforethegateofthemonastery,inthepublicplace,ontheright



hand;andheplantedtwoelmsuponthegrave,theoneathisheadandtheotherathisfeet,andtheseelmsgrewandbecamegreattrees,andareyettobeseenbeforethegateofthemonastery.

CHAPTERXII

ROBINHOOD

BecauseofthehardnesstowardstheEnglishpeopleofWilliamtheConqueror,andofWilliam'ssuccessorstoseveralgenerations,manyanEnglishmanexiledhimselffromtownandpassedhislifeinthegreenwood.Thesemenwerecalled"outlaws."FirsttheywentforthoutoflovefortheancientlibertiesofEngland.Thenintheirlivingintheforest,theyputthemselveswithoutthelawbytheirwaysofgainingtheirlivelihood.OfsuchmennoneweremorerenownedthanRobinHoodandhiscompany.

WedonotknowanythingaboutRobinHood,whohewas,orwherehelived,orwhatevildeedhehaddone.Anymanmightkillhimandneverpaypenaltyforit.But,outlawornot,thepoorpeopleloved

himandlookedonhimastheirfriend,andmanyastoutfellowcametojoinhim,andledamerrylifeinthegreenwood,withmossandfernforbed,andformeattheKing'sdeer,whichitwasdeathtoslay.Tillersoftheland,yeomen,andsomesayknights,wentontheirwaysfreely,forofthemRobintooknotoll;butlordlychurchmenwithmoney-bagswellfilled,orproudbishopswiththeirrichlydressedfollowers,trembledastheydrewneartoSherwoodForest--whowastoknowwhetherbehindeverytreetheredidnotlurkRobinHoodoroneofhismen?

OnedayRobinwaswalkingaloneinthewood,andreachedariverspannedbyaverynarrowbridge,overwhichonemanonlycouldpass.Inthemidststoodastranger,andRobinbadehimgobackandlet

himgoover."Iamnomanofyours,"wasalltheanswerRobingot,andinangerhedrewhisbowandfittedanarrowtoit,"Wouldyoushootamanwhohasnoarmsbutastaff?"askedthestrangerinscorn;andwithshameRobinlaiddownhisbow,andunbuckledanoakenstickathisside."Wewillfighttilloneofusfallsintothewater,"hesaid;andfighttheydid,tillthestrangerplantedablowsowellthatRobinrolledoverintotheriver."Youareabravesoul,"saidhe,whenhehadwadedtoland,andheblewablastwithhishornwhichbroughtfiftygoodfellows,cladingreen,tothelittlebridge."Haveyoufallenintotheriverthatyourclothesarewet?"askedone;andRobinmadeanswer,"No,butthisstranger,fightingonthebridge,gotthebetterofme,andtumbledmeintothestream."

Atthistheforestersseizedthestranger,andwouldhaveduckedhimhadnottheirleaderbadethemstop,andbeggedthestrangertostaywiththemandmakeoneofthemselves."Hereismyhand,"repliedthestranger,"andmyheartwithit.Myname,ifyouwouldknowit,isJohnLittle."

"Thatmustbealtered,"criedWillScarlett;"wewillcallafeast,andhenceforth,becauseheisfullsevenfeettallandroundthewaistatleastanell,heshallbecalledLittleJohn."Andthusit



wasdone;butatthefeastLittleJohn,whoalwayslikedtoknowexactlywhatworkhehadtodo,putsomequestionstoRobinHood."BeforeIjoinhandswithyou,tellmefirstwhatsortoflifeisthisyoulead?HowamItoknowwhosegoodsIshalltake,andwhoseIshallleave?WhomIshallbeat,andwhomIshallrefrainfrombeating?"

AndRobinanswered:"Lookthatyouharmnotanytilleroftheground,noranyyeomanofthegreenwood--noknight,nosquire,unlessyouhaveheardhimillspokenof.Butifbishopsorarchbishopscomeyourway,seethatyouspoilthem,andmarkthatyoualwaysholdinyourmindtheHighSheriffofNottingham."

Thisbeingsettled,RobinHooddeclaredLittleJohntobesecondincommandtohimselfamongthebrotherhoodoftheforest,andthenewoutlawneverforgotto"holdinhismind"theHighSheriffofNottingham,whowasthebitterestenemytheforestershad.

THEBALLADOFROBINHOOD,THEBUTCHERANDTHESHERIFF.

Uponatimeitchancedso,BoldRobininforestdidspyAjollybutcher,withabonnyfinemare,Withhisfleshtothemarketdidhie.

"Goodmorrow,goodfellow,"saidjollyRobin,"Whatfoodhastthou?telluntome;Thytradetometell,andwherethoudostdwell,ForIlikewellthycompany."

Thebutcherheanswer'djollyRobin,"NomatterwhereIdwell;ForabutcherIam,andtoNottinghamIamgoing,myfleshtosell."

"What'sthepriceofthyflesh?"saidjollyRobin,"Come,tellitsoonuntome;

Andthepriceofthymare,besheneversodear,ForabutcherfainwouldIbe."

"Thepriceofmyflesh,"thebutcherreplied,"Isoonwilltelluntothee;Withmybonnymare,andtheyarenotdear,Fourmarksthoumustgiveuntome."

"FourmarksIwillgivethee,"saidjollyRobin,"Fourmarksshallbethyfee;Themoneycomecount,andletmemount,ForabutcherIfainwouldbe."

NowRobinheistoNottinghamgone,Hisbutcher'stradetobegin;WithgoodintenttotheSheriffhewent,Andtherehetookuphisinn.

Whenotherbutchersdidopentheirmeat,BoldRobingotgoldandfee,ForhesoldmoremeatforonepennyThanothersdidsellforthree.



WhichmadethebutchersofNottinghamTostudyastheydidstand,Saying,"SurelyheissomeprodigalThathassoldhisfather'sland."

"Thisisamadblade,"thebutchersstillsaid;SaidtheSheriff,"Heissomeprodigal,Thatsomelandhassoldforsilverandgold,Andnowhedothmeantospendall.

"Hastthouanyhorn-beasts,"theSheriffasked,"Goodfellow,toselltome?""Yes,thatIhave,goodMasterSheriff,Ihavehundreds,twoorthree.

"Andahundredacresofgoodfreeland,Ifyoupleaseittosee:AndI'llmakeyouasgoodassuranceofit,Asevermyfathermademe."

TheSheriffhesaddledhisgoodpalfrey,Andwiththreehundredpoundsofgold,AwayhewentwithboldRobinHood,Hishornedbeaststobehold.

AwaythentheSheriffandRobindidride,TotheforestofmerrySherwood;ThentheSheriffdidsay,"GodkeepusthisdayFromamantheycallRobinHood."

Butwhenalittlefarthertheycame,BoldRobinhechancedtospyAhundredheadofgoodreddeer,CometrippingtheSherifffullnigh.

"Howlikeyoumyhorn-beasts,goodMasterSheriff?Theybefatandfairtosee";

"Itellthee,goodfellow,IwouldIweregone,ForIlikenotthycompany."

ThenRobinsethishorntohismouth,Andblewbutblaststhree;ThenquicklyanontherecameLittleJohn,Andallhiscompany.

"Whatisyourwill?"thensaidLittleJohn,"Goodmaster,cometelluntome";"IhavebroughthithertheSheriffofNottinghamThisdaytodinewiththee,"

ThenRobintookhiscloakfromhisbackAndlaiditupontheground;AndoutoftheSheriff'sportmanteauHetookthreehundredpound.

HethenledtheSheriffthroughthewood,Andsethimonhisdapplegrey;"CommendRobinHoodtoyourwifeathome,"Hesaid,andwentlaughingaway.



NowRobinHoodhadnolikingforacompanyofidlemenabouthim,andsentoffLittleJohnandWillScarletttothegreatroadknownasWatlingStreet,withorderstohideamongthetreesandwaittillsomeadventuremightcometothem;andiftheytookcaptiveearlorbaron,abbotorknight,hewastobebroughtunharmedbacktoRobinHood.

ButallalongWatlingStreettheroadwasbare;whiteandharditlayinthesun,withoutthetiniestcloudofdusttoshowthatarichcompanymightbecoming:eastandwestthelandlaystill.

Atlength,justwhereasidepathturnedintothebroadhighway,thererodeaknight,andasorriermanthanheneversatahorseonsummerday.Onefootonlywasinthestirrup,theotherhungcarelesslybyhisside;hisheadwasbowed,thereinsdroppedloose,andhishorsewentonashewould.Atsosadasighttheheartsoftheoutlawswerefilledwithpity,andLittleJohnfellonhiskneesandbadetheknightwelcomeinthenameofhismaster.

"Whoisyourmaster?"askedtheknight.

"RobinHood,"answeredLittleJohn.

"Ihaveheardmuchgoodofhim,"repliedtheknight,"andwillgo

withyougladly."

Thentheyallsetofftogether,tearsrunningdowntheknight'scheeksasherode,buthesaidnothing,neitherwasanythingsaidtohim.AndinthiswisetheycametoRobinHood.

"Welcome,SirKnight,"criedhe,"andthricewelcome,forIwaitedtobreakmyfasttillyouorsomeotherhadcometome."

"Godsaveyou,goodRobin,"answeredtheknight,andaftertheyhadwashedthemselvesinthestreamtheysatdowntodineoffbread,withfleshoftheKing'sdeer,andswansandpheasants."SuchadinnerhaveInothadforthreeweeksandmore,"saidtheknight.

"AndifIevercomeagainthisway,goodRobin,Iwillgiveyouasfineadinnerasyouhavegivenme."

"Ithankyou,"repliedRobin,"mydinnerisalwayswelcome;still,IamnonesogreedybutIcanwaitforit.Butbeforeyougo,payme,Iprayyou,forthefoodwhichyouhavehad.Itwasneverthecustomforayeomantopayforaknight."

"Mybagisempty,"saidtheknight,"savefortenshillingsonly."

"Go,LittleJohn,andlookinhiswallet,"saidRobin,"and,SirKnight,ifintruthyouhavenomore,notonepennywillItake;nay,Iwillgiveyouallthatyoushallneed."

SoLittleJohnspreadouttheknight'smantle,andopenedthebag,andthereinlaytenshillingsandnaughtbesides.

"Whattidings,LittleJohn?"criedhismaster.

"Sir,theknightspeakstruly,"saidLittleJohn.

"Thentellme,SirKnight,whetheritisyourownilldoingswhichhavebroughtyoutothissorrypass."



"Foranhundredyearsmyfathershavedweltintheforest,"answeredtheknight,"andfourhundredpoundsmighttheyspendyearly.Butwithintwoyearsmisfortunehasbefallenme,andmywifeandchildrenalso."

"Howdidthisevilcometopass?"askedRobin.

"Throughmyownfolly,"answeredtheknight,"andbecauseofmygreatloveIboremyson,whowouldneverbeguidedofmycounsel,andslew,erehewastwentyyearsold,aknightofLancasterandhissquire.FortheirdeathsIhadtopayalargesum,whichIcouldnotraisewithoutgivingmylandsinpledgetotherichAbbotofSt.Mary's.IfIcannotbringhimthemoneybyacertaindaytheywillbelosttomeforever."

"Whatisthesum?"askedRobin."Tellmetruly."

"Itisfourhundredpounds,"saidtheknight.

"Andwhatwillyoudoifyouloseyourlands?"askedRobinagain.

"Hidemyselfoverthesea,"saidtheknight,"andbidfarewelltomyfriendsandcountry.Thereisnobetterwayopentome."

Atthistearsfellfromhiseyes,andheturnedhimtodepart."Goodday,myfriend,"hesaidtoRobin,"IcannotpayyouwhatIshould--"ButRobinheldhimfast."Whereareyourfriends?"askedhe.

"Sir,theyhaveallforsakenmesinceIbecamepoor,andtheyturnawaytheirheadsifwemeetupontheroad,thoughwhenIwasrichtheywereeverinmycastle."

WhenLittleJohnandWillScarlettandtherestheardthistheyweptforveryshameandfury.

"LittleJohn,"saidRobin,"gotomytreasurechest,andbringme

thencefourhundredpounds.Andbesureyoucountittruly."

SoLittleJohnwent,andWillScarlett,andtheybroughtbackthemoney.

"Sir,"saidLittleJohn,whenRobinhadcounteditandfounditnomoreandnoless,"lookathisclothes,howthintheyare!Youhavestoresofgarments,greenandscarlet,inyourcoffers-nomerchantinEnglandcanboastthelike.Iwillmeasuresomeoutwithmybow."Andthushedid.

"Master,"spokeLittleJohnagain,"thereisstillsomethingelse.Youmustgivehimahorse,thathemaygoasbeseemshisqualityto

theAbbey."

"Takethegreyhorse,"saidRobin,"andputanewsaddleonit,andtakelikewiseagoodpalfreyandapairofboots,withgiltspursonthem.Andasitwereashameforaknighttoridebyhimselfonthiserrand,IwilllendyouLittleJohnassquire--perchancehemaystandyouinyeoman'sstead."

"Whenshallwemeetagain?"askedtheknight.



"Thisdaytwelvemonths,"saidRobin,"underthegreenwoodtree."

Thentheknightrodeonhisway,withLittleJohnbehindhim,andashewenthethoughtofRobinHoodandhismen,andblessedthemforthegoodnesstheyhadshowntowardshim.

"To-morrow,"hesaidtoLittleJohn,"ImustbeattheAbbeyofSt.Mary,whichisinthecityofYork,forifIambutsomuchasadaylatemylandsarelostforever,andthoughIweretobringthemoneyIshouldnotbesufferedtoredeemthem."

NowtheAbbothadbeencountingthedaysaswellastheknight,andthenextmorninghesaidtohismonks:"Thisdayyeartherecameaknightandborrowedofmefourhundredpounds,givinghislandsinsurety.Andifhecomenottopayhisdebteremidnighttollstheywillbeoursforever."

"Itisfullearlyyet,"answeredthePrior,"hemaystillbecoming."

"Heisfarbeyondthesea,"saidtheAbbot,"andsuffersfromhungerandcold.Howishetogethere?"

"Itwereashame,"saidthePrior,"foryoutotakehislands.And

youdohimmuchwrongifyoudrivesuchahardbargain."

"Heisdeadorhanged,"spakeafat-headedmonkwhowasthecellarer,"andweshallhavehisfourhundredpoundstospendonourgardensandourwines,"andhewentwiththeAbbottoattendthecourtofjusticewhereintheknight'slandswouldhedeclaredforfeitedbytheHighJusticiar.

"Ifhecomenotthisday,"criedtheAbbot,rubbinghishands,"ifhecomenotthisday,theywillbeours."

"Hewillnotcomeyet,"saidtheJusticiar,butheknewnotthattheknightwasalreadyattheoutergate,andLittleJohnwithhim.

"Welcome,SirKnight,"saidtheporter."ThehorsethatyourideisthenoblestthateverIsaw.Letmeleadthembothtothestable,thattheymayhavefoodandrest."

"Theyshallnotpassthesegates,"answeredtheknight,sternly,andheenteredthehallalone,wherethemonksweresittingatmeat,andkneltdownandbowedtothem.

"Ihavecomeback,mylord,"hesaidtotheAbbot,whohadjustreturnedfromthecourt."IhavecomebackthisdayasIpromised."

"Haveyoubroughtmymoney?Whatdoyouherewithoutit?"criedthe

Abbotinangrytones.

"Ihavecometoprayyouforalongerday,"answeredtheknight,meekly.

"Thedaywasfixedandcannotbegainsaid,"repliedtheJusticiar;"IamwiththeAbbot."

"GoodSirAbbot,bemyfriend,"prayedtheknightagain,"andgivemeonechancemoretogetthemoneyandfreemylands.Iwillserve



youdayandnighttillIhavefourhundredpoundstoredeemthem."

ButtheAbbotonlysworeagreatoath,andvowedthatthemoneymustbepaidthatdayorthelandsbeforfeited.

Theknightstoodupstraightandtall:"Itiswell,"saidhe,"toproveone'sfriendsagainstthehourofneed,"andhelookedtheAbbotfullintheface,andtheAbbotfeltuneasy,hedidnotknowwhy,andhatedtheknightmorethanever."Outofmyhall,falseknight!"criedhe,pretendingtoacouragewhichhedidnotfeel.Buttheknightstayedwherehewas,andansweredhim,"Youlie,Abbot.NeverwasIfalse,andthatIhaveshowninjoustsandintourneys."

"Givehimtwohundredpoundsmore,"saidtheJusticiartotheAbbot,"andkeepthelandsyourself."

"No,byHeaven!"answeredtheknight,"notifyouofferedmeathousandpoundswouldIdoit!NeitherJusticiar,abbot,normonkshallbeheirofmine."Thenhestrodeuptoatableandemptiedoutfourhundredpounds."Takeyourgold,SirAbbot,whichyoulenttomeayearagone.Hadyoubutreceivedmecivilly,Iwouldhavepaidyousomethingmore.

"SirAbbot,andyemenoflaw,NowhaveIkeptmyday!NowshallIhavemylandagain,Foraughtthatyoumaysay."

Sohepassedoutofthehallsingingmerrily,leavingtheAbbotstaringsilentlyafterhim,androdebacktohishouseinVerisdale,wherehiswifemethimatthegate.

"Welcome,mylord,"saidhislady,"Sir,lostisallyourgood.""Bemerry,dame,"saidtheknight,"AndprayforRobinHood.

Butforhiskindness,wewouldhavebeenbeggars."

Afterthistheknightdweltathome,lookingafterhislandsandsavinghismoneycarefullytillthefourhundredpoundslayreadyforRobinHood.Thenheboughtahundredbowsandahundredarrows,andeveryarrowwasanelllong,andhadaheadofsilverandpeacock'sfeathers.Andclothinghimselfinwhiteandred,andwithahundredmeninhistrain,hesetofftoSherwoodForest.

Onthewayhepassedanopenspacenearabridgewheretherewasawrestling,andtheknightstoppedandlooked,forhehimselfhadtakenmanyaprizeinthatsport.Heretheprizesweresuchasto

fillanymanwithenvy;afinehorse,saddledandbridled,agreatwhitebull,apairofgloves,andaringofbrightredgold.Therewasnotayeomanpresentwhodidnothopetowinoneofthem.Butwhenthewrestlingwasover,theyeomanwhohadbeatenthemallwasamanwhokeptapartfromhisfellows,andwassaidtothinkmuchofhimself.Thereforethemengrudgedhimhisskill,andsetuponhimwithblows,andwouldhavekilledhim,hadnottheknight,forloveofRobinHood,takenpityonhim,whilehisfollowersfoughtwiththecrowd,andwouldnotsufferthemtotouchtheprizesabettermanhadwon.



Whenthewrestlingwasfinishedtheknightrodeon,andthereunderthegreenwoodtree,intheplaceappointed,hefoundRobinHoodandhismerrymenwaitingforhim,accordingtothetrystthattheyhadfixedlastyear:

"Godsavethee,RobinHood,Andallthiscompany.""Welcomebethou,gentleknight,Andrightwelcometome."

"Hastthouthylandagain?"saidRobin,"Truththenthoutellme.""Yea,forGod,"saidtheknight,"AndthatthankIGodandthee."

"Haveherefourhundredpounds,"saidtheknight,"Thewhichyoulenttome;AndherearealsotwentymarksForyourcourtesie."

ButRobinwouldnottakethemoney.Thenhenoticedthebowsandarrowswhichtheknighthadbrought,andaskedwhattheywere."A

poorpresenttoyou,"answeredtheknight,andRobin,whowouldnotbeoutdone,sentLittleJohnoncemoretohistreasury,andbadehimbringforthfourhundredpounds,whichwasgiventotheknight.Afterthattheyparted,inmuchlove,andRobinprayedtheknightifhewereinanystrait"tolethimknowatthegreenwoodtree,andwhiletherewasanygoldthereheshouldhaveit."

NowtheKinghadnomindthatRobinHoodshoulddoashewilled,andcalledhisknightstofollowhimtoNottingham,wheretheywouldlayplanshowbesttotakecaptivethefelon.HeretheyheardsadtalesofRobin'smisdoings,andhowofthemanyherdsofwilddeerthathadbeenwonttoroamtheforestinsomeplacesscarceoneremained.ThiswastheworkofRobinHoodandhismerrymen,onwhomtheking

sworevengeancewithagreatoath.

"IwouldIhadthisRobinHoodinmyhands,"criedhe,"andanendshouldsoonbeputtohisdoings."SospaketheKing;butanoldknight,fullofdaysandwisdom,answeredhimandwarnedhimthatthetaskoftakingRobinHoodwouldbeasoreone,andbestletalone.TheKing,whohadseenthevanityofhishotwordsthemomentthathehadutteredthem,listenedtotheoldman,andresolvedtobidehistime,ifperchancesomedayRobinshouldfallintohispower.

AllthistimeandforsixweekslaterthathedweltinNottinghamtheKingcouldhearnothingofRobin,whoseemedtohavevanished

intotheearthwithhismerrymen,thoughonebyonethedeerwerevanishingtoo!

AtlastonedayaforestercametotheKing,andtoldhimthatifhewouldseeRobinhemustcomewithhimandtakefiveofhisbestknights.TheKingeagerlyspranguptodohisbidding,andthesixmencladinmonk'sclothesmountedtheirpalfreysandrodedowntotheAbbey,theKingwearinganAbbot'sbroadhatoverhiscrownandsingingashepassedthroughthegreenwood.



SuddenlyattheturnofthepathRobinandhisarchersappearedbeforethem.

"Byyourleave,SirAbbot,"saidRobin,seizingtheKing'sbridle,"youwillstayawhilewithus.Knowthatweareyeomen,wholiveupontheKing'sdeer,andotherfoodhavewenone.Nowyouhaveabbeysandchurches,andgoldinplenty;thereforegiveussomeofit,inthenameofholycharity."

"Ihavenomorethanfortypoundswithme,"answeredtheKing,"butsorryIamitisnotahundred,foryoushouldhavehaditall."

SoRobintookthefortypounds,andgavehalftohismen,andthentoldtheKinghemightgoonhisway."Ithankyou,"saidtheKing,"butIwouldhaveyouknowthatourliegelordhasbidmebearyouhisseal,andprayyoutocometoNottingham."

AtthismessageRobinbenthisknee.

"IlovenomaninalltheworldSowellasIdomyKing,"

hecried,"and,SirAbbot,forthytidings,whichfillmyheartwithjoy,to-daythoushaltdinewithme,forloveofmyKing."Thenhe

ledtheKingintoanopenplace,andRobintookahornandblewitloud,andatitsblastseven-scoreofyoungmencamespeedilytodohiswill.

"Theyarequickertodohisbiddingthanmymenaretodomine,"saidtheKingtohimself.

Speedilytheforesterssetoutthedinner,venisonandwhitebread,andRobinandLittleJohnservedtheKing."Makegoodcheer,Abbot,forcharity,"saidRobin,"andthenyoushallseewhatsortoflifewelead,thatsoyoumaytellourKing."

Whenhehadfinishedeatingthearcherstooktheirbows,andhung

rose-garlandsupwithastring,andeverymanwastoshootthroughthegarland.Ifhefailed,heshouldhaveabuffetontheheadfromRobin.

Goodbowmenastheywere,fewmanagedtostandthetest.LittleJohnandWillScarlett,andMuch,allshotwideofthemark,andatlengthnoonewasleftinbutRobinhimselfandGilbertoftheWhiteHand.ThenRobinfiredhislastbolt,anditfellthreefingersfromthegarland."Master,"saidGilbert,"youhavelost,standforthandtakeyourpunishment."

"Iwilltakeit,"answeredRobin,"but,SirAbbot,IprayyouthatImaysufferitatyourhands."

TheKinghesitated."Itdidnotbecomehim,"hesaid,"tosmitesuchastoutyeoman,"butRobinbadehimsmiteon;soheturneduphissleeve,andgaveRobinsuchabuffetontheheadthatherolledupontheground.

"Thereispithinyourarm,"saidRobin."Come,shoota-mainwithme."AndtheKingtookupabow,andinsodoinghishatfellbackandRobinsawhisface.



"MylordtheKingofEngland,nowIknowyouwell,"criedhe,andhefellonhiskneesandalltheoutlawswithhim."MercyIask,mylordtheKing,formymenandme."

"MercyIgrant,"thensaidtheKing,"andthereforeIcamehither,tobidyouandyourmenleavethegreenwoodanddwellinmycourtwithme."

"Soitshallbe,"answeredRobin,"Iandmymenwillcometoyourcourt,andseehowyourservicelikethus."

"Haveyouanygreencloth,"askedtheKing,"thatyoucouldselltome?"andRobinbroughtoutthirtyyardsandmore,andcladtheKingandhismenincoatsofLincolngreen."NowwewillallridetoNottingham,"saidhe,andtheywentmerrily,shootingbytheway.

ThepeopleofNottinghamsawthemcoming,andtrembledastheywatchedthedarkmassofLincolngreendrawingnearoverthefields."IfearlestourKingbeslain,"whisperedonetoanother,"andifRobinHoodgetsintothetownthereisnotoneofuswhoselifeissafe";andeveryman,woman,andchildmadereadytofly.

TheKinglaughedoutwhenhesawtheirfright,andcalledthemback.Rightgladweretheytohearhisvoice,andtheyfeastedandmade

merry.AfewdayslatertheKingreturnedtoLondon,andRobindweltinhiscourtfortwelvemonths.Bythattimehehadspentahundredpounds,forhegavelargelytotheknightsandsquireshemet,andgreatrenownhehadforhisopenhandedness.

Buthismenwhohadbeenbornundertheshadowoftheforest,couldnotliveamidstreetsandhouses.Onebyonetheyslippedaway,tillonlylittleJohnandWillScarlettwereleft.ThenRobinhimselfgrewhome-sick,andatthesightofsomeyoungmenshootingthoughtuponthetimewhenhewasaccountedthebestarcherinallEngland,andwentstraightwaytotheKingandbeggedforleavetogoonapilgrimagetoBernisdale.

"Imaynotsayyounay,"answeredtheKing;"sevennightsyoumaybegoneandnomore."AndRobinthankedhim,andthateveningsetoutforthegreenwood.

Itwasearlymorningwhenhereacheditatlast,andlistenedthirstilytothenotesofsingingbirds,greatandsmall.

"ItseemslongsinceIwashere,"hesaidtohimself;"ItwouldgivemegreatjoyifIcouldbringdownadeeroncemore,"andheshotagreathart,andblewhishorn,andalltheoutlawsoftheforestcameflockingroundhim."Welcome,"theysaid,"ourdearmaster,backtothegreenwoodtree,"andtheythrewofftheircapsandfellontheirkneesbeforehimindelightathisreturn.

FortwoandtwentyyearsRobinHooddweltinSherwoodforestafterhehadrunawayfromcourt,andnaughtthattheKingcouldsaywouldtempthimbackagain.Attheendofthattimehefellill;heneitheratenordrank,andhadnocareforthethingsheloved."ImustgotomerryKirkley,"saidhe,"andhavemybloodlet."

ButWillScarlett,whoheardhiswords,spokeroundlytohim."NotbyMYleave,norwithoutahundredbowmenatyourback.Forthereabidesanevilman,whoissuretoquarrelwithyou,andyouwill



needusbadly."

"Ifyouareafraid,WillScarlett,youmaystayathome,forme,"saidRobin,"andintruthnomanwillItakewithme,saveLittleJohnonly,tocarrymybow."

"Bearyourbowyourself,master,andIwillbearmine."

"Verywell,letitbeso,"saidRobin,andtheywentonmerrilyenoughtilltheycametosomewomenweepingsorelynearastream.

"Whatisthematter,goodwives?"saidRobinHood.

"WeweepforRobinHoodandhisdearbody,whichto-daymustletblood,"wastheanswer.

"Praywhydoyouweepforme?"askedRobin;"thePrioressisthedaughterofmyaunt,andwellIknowshewouldnotdomeharmforalltheworld."Andhepassedon,withLittleJohnathisside.

SoontheyreachedthePriory,wheretheywereletinbythePrioressherself,whobadethemwelcomeheartily,andnotthelessbecauseRobinhandedhertwentypoundsingoldaspaymentforhisstay,andtoldherifhecosthermore,shewastolethimknowofit.Then

shebegantobleedhim,andforlongRobinsaidnothing,givinghercreditforkindnessandforknowingherart,butatlengthsomuchbloodcamefromhimthathesuspectedtreason.Hetriedtoopenthedoor,forshehadlefthimaloneintheroom,butitwaslockedfast,andwhilethebloodwasstillflowinghecouldnotescapefromthecasement.Sohelaydownformanyhours,andnonecamenearhim,andatlengththebloodstopped.SlowlyRobinuproseandstaggeredtothelattice-window,andblewthriceonhishorn;buttheblastwassolow,andsolittlelikewhatRobinwaswonttogive,thatLittleJohn,whowaswatchingforsomesound,feltthathismastermustbenightodeath.

Atthisthoughthestartedtohisfeet,andranswiftlytothe

Priory.HebrokethelocksofallthedoorsthatstoodbetweenhimandRobinHood,andsoonenteredthechamberwherehismasterlay,white,withnighallhisbloodgonefromhim.

"Icraveaboonofyou,dearmaster,"criedLittleJohn.

"Andwhatisthatboon,"saidRobinHood,"whichLittleJohnbegsofme?"AndLittleJohnanswered,"ItistoburnKirkleyHall,andallthenunnery."

ButRobinHood,inspiteofthewrongthathadbeendonehim,wouldnotlistentoLittleJohn'scryforrevenge."Ineverhurtawomaninallmylife,"hesaid,"noramanthatwasinhercompany.But

nowmytimeisdone.ThatknowIwell.Sogivememybowandabroadarrow,andwheresoeveritfallsthereshallmygravebedigged.Layagreensodundermyheadandanotheratmyfeet,andputbesidememybow,whichevermadesweetestmusictomyears,andseethatgreenandgravelmakemygrave.And,LittleJohn,takecarethatIhavelengthenoughandbreadthenoughtoliein."SoRobinheloosenedhislastarrowfromthestring.Hethendied.AndwherethearrowfellRobinwasburied.



CHAPTERXIII

RICHARDTHELION-HEARTED

KingRichard,withhischiefnobles,disembarkedatAcreanhourbeforenoononthe8thdayofJune,1191.Ihadthegoodfortunetoseehimwithoutdifficulty,bythefavourofonewhohasachargeintheorderingoftheharbour.Norwasthisasmallthing,fortherewassuchapressandcrowdingofmen.

TheKingwasasnobleawarrioraseverIhaveseen.SomethatIhaveknownweretallerofstature,butneveronethatborehimselfmorebravelyandshowedmorelikelihoodofstrengthandcourage.Theythatarelearnedinsuchthingssaidthathisarmswereover-longfortheheightofhisbody;butthisisscarceafaultinaswordsman,anotherinchoflengthaddingIknownothowmuchofstrengthtoablow.Hewasofaruddycomplexion,hiseyesblue,withamostuncommonfireinthem,suchasfewcoulddaretolookintoifhiswrathwaskindled,hiscountenance,suchasbefittedarulerofmen,beingofanaspectbothgenerousandcommanding.

SometendaysafterhiscomingtothecampKingRichardwastakenwithsickness.Thiswasneveraltogetherabsent,butitgrewworse,asmightindeedbelookedfor,intheheatsofsummer.TheKingsickenedonthedaywhichtheChristianscelebrateastheFeastofSt.Barnabas.[Footnote:Thelongestdayaccordingtotheoldcalendar.Sotheoldadagehasit:"Barnabybright,Barnabybright;Longestdayandshortestnight."]Iwascalledtoseehim,having,asIhavesaid,nosmallfameasahealer.NeverhaveIseenasickmanmoreintractable.Mymedicineheswallowedreadily,Imaysay,evengreedily.HadIsufferedit,hewouldhavetakenitatintervalsshorterbyfarthanIordered.Doubtlesshethoughtthatthemoreamanhasofagoodthing,thebetteritisforhim.(Soindeedmanybelieve,andofotherthingsbesidesmedicine,but

whollywithoutreason).ButinthisIhinderedhim,leavingwiththosewhoministeredtohimsufficientforonedoseonly.

Hewastroubledaboutmanythings,aboutthesiege,which,ashejustlythought,hadalreadybeentoomuchdrawnout,aboutKingPhilipofFrance,whomhelovednotnortrusted,abouthisenginesofwar,ofwhichthegreaterparthadnotyetreachedthecamp;theshipsthatborethemhavingbeenoutsailedbytherestofthefleet.Hisfeverwasoftheintermittentsort,cominguponhimonalternatedays.Onthedayswhenhewaswhole,orasnearlywholeasamansickofthisaguemayeverbe,hewasbusyinthefield,causingsuchenginesashehadtobesetinconvenientplacesfortheassaultofthetown,andinothercaressuchasfalltoageneral.

Whenhewasperforceshutinhispavilionbyaccessofthefever,hesufferedhimselftotakenorest.Messengerswerecomingandgoingfrommorningtonightwithnewsofthesiege--hecouldneverhearenoughofthedoingsoftheFrenchKing--andtherewerealwaysnearhimmenskilfulintheworkingandmakingofengines.Onewouldshowhimsomenewthingpictureduponpaper;anotherwouldbringalittleimage,sotospeak,ofanengine,madeinwoodoriron.NeverwasachildmoreoccupiedwithatoythanwasKingRichardwiththesethings.Iammyselfnojudgeofsuchmatters,butIhavehearditsaidbymenwellacquaintedwiththem,thattheKinghada



marvellousunderstandingofsuchcontrivances.Butthesecareswereagreathindrancetorecovery.SoatleastIjudged,anddoubtlessithadbeenthusinthecaseofmostmen.ButtheKingwasnotasothers,and,asitseemedtome,hedroveawayhisdiseasebysheerforceofwill.

OnacertaineveningwhenKingRichardwasmendingapaceofhisfeveronecarnetohistent--anEnglishknight,HughBrownbyname--whobroughtthenewsthattheKingoftheFrenchhadcommandedthatageneralassaultshouldbemadeonthetowntheverynextday.TheKingwouldfainknowthecauseofthissuddenresolve."Well,"saidtheEnglishknight,"itcameabout,asIunderstand,inthisfashion.TheTurkshavethisdaydestroyedtwoenginesofKingPhiliponwhichhehadspentmuchtimeandgold.""Aye!"saidKingRichard,"Iknowthetwo;thecatandthemantlet.Theyareprettycontrivingsthebothofthem,butIsetnotsuchstoreonthemasdoesmybrotherofFrance."AndhereIshouldsaythatthecatwasliketoatentmadeofhideslongandnarrowandlowupontheground,withapointedendasitmightbeaploughshare,whichcouldbebroughtuptothewallsbymenmovingitfromwithin,andsoshelteredfromthestonesanddartsoftheenemy.Asforthemantlet,itwasmadeinsomewhatthesamefashion,onlyitwaslessinsize,norwasittobebroughtneartothewall.KingPhiliploveddearlytositinit,cross-bowinhand--theFrench,Inoted,

likeratherthecross-bow,theEnglishthelong-bow--andwouldshoothisboltsatanyTurkthatmightshowhimselfuponthewalls.

Buttocomebacktotheknight'sstory."Anhourorsoafternoon,whenthecathadbeenbroughtclosetothewall,andthemantletwasinitsaccustomedplace,somefiftyyardsdistant,theTurksmadeanattackonbothatthesamemomentoftime.Ontothecattheydroppedaheavybeam;andwhenthiswithitsweighthadbrokenintheroof,orIshouldrathersaythebackofthecat,agreatquantityofbrushwood,andafterthebrushwoodawholepailfulofGreekfire[Footnote:Acomposition,supposedlyofasphalt,nitreandsulphur.Itburntunderwater.]--themachinewasoverneartothewall,sothatthesethingscouldbedroppedonitfromabove.At

themantlettheyaimedboltsfromastrongenginewhichtheyhadnewlyputinplace,andbyillluckbrokeitthrough.Andverilybeforethenimblest-tonguedpriestinthewholerealmofEnglandcouldsayahunting-mass,bothwereinablaze."

Whatthemanmightmeanbythepriestandthehunting-massIknewnotthen,butheardafter,thatwhenanoblewillgoforthhunting,theservicewhichtheycallthemassisshortenedtotheutmost,andthepriestthatcansayitmorespeedilythanhisbrethrenisbestesteemed.

"AndmybrotherofFrance,"criedtheKing,"howfaredhe?""Hehadasnarrowanescapewithhislife,"answeredtheknight,"asever

hadChristianking.Hismantle,nayhisveryhairwassinged,andasforhiscross-bow,hewasconstrainedtoleaveitbehind.""Andhegavecommandsfortheassaultinhisanger?"saidtheKing."'Tisevenso,"answeredSirHugh.

"MybrotherofFranceis,methinks,toogreedyofgainandglory;ifhehadbeenwillingtoaskourhelp,hehaddonebetter."ButKingRichardsorrowedforthebravemen,fellow-soldiersoftheCrosswithhim,whohadfallentonopurpose.Nevertheless,inhissecretheart,hewasnotill-pleasedthattheFrenchKinghadnottakenthe



townofAcre.

OntheseconddayafterthefailureoftheFrenchassaultuponthetown,KingRichardwouldmakehisownessay.Hewasnotyetwhollyrecoveredofhissickness;butitwouldhavepassedthewitofmantodevisemeansbywhichhecouldbekeptwithinhispavilion;normustitbeforgottenthatsuchrestraintmighthavedonehimmoreofharmthanofgood.Sohisphysicians,forhehadthosewhoregularlywaitedonhim(thoughImakeboldtosaythathetrustedinmeratherthaninthem),gavehimthepermissionwhichhehadtaken.Hehadcausedamantlettobebuiltforhimwhichwasbroughtuptotheedgeoftheditchwithwhichthetownwassurrounded.Inthishesat,withacross-bowinhand,andshotnotafewoftheenemy,beingskilfulbeyondthecommonintheuseofthisweapon.Buttownsarenottakenbytheshootingofbolts,howsoeverwellaimedtheymaybe.Thismaynotbedonesavebycomingtoclosequarters.

Itwasonthethirty-fourthdayafterthecomingofKingRichardthatthetownwasgivenup.ProclamationwasmadethroughoutthecampthatnooneshouldtrespassbydeedorwordagainstthedepartingTurks.And,indeed,hewhowouldinsultmensobravewouldbeofapoorandchurlishspirit.Tothelasttheyborethemselveswithgreatcourageanddignity.Onthemorningofthedayoftheirdeparturetheydressedthemselvesintheirrichestapparel,and

beingsodrestshowedthemselvesonthewalls.Thisdone,theylaidasidetheirgarments,pilingtheminagreatheapinthemarket-place,andsomarchedforthfromthetown,eachcladinhisshirtonly,butwithamostcheerfulcontenance.

WhenthelastoftheTurkshadleftthetowntheChristianarmyentered.HalfofitwasgiventotheFrenchking,whohadforhisownabodetheHouseoftheTemplars,andhalftoKingRichard,towhomwasassignedthepalaceoftheCaliph.Inlikemannertheprisonersandallthetreasurewereequallydivided.

ForoneshamefuldeedtheEnglishKingmustanswer.OfthisdeedIwillnowtellthestory.Whenthearmyhadhadsufficientrest--and

theKingknewwellthatnoarmymusthavemorethanissufficient,sufferingmorefromexcessthanfromdefectinthismatter--anditwasnowtimetoadvance,therearoseagreatquestiontouchingtheagreementmadewhenthetownwasgivenup.TherewasmuchgoingtoandfroofmessengersandembassiesbetweentheEnglishKingandtheCaliphSaladin,muchdebating,andmanyaccusationsbandiedtoandfro.Eventothisdaynomancanspeakcertainlyofwhatwasdoneornotdoneinthismatter.WhatIwrite,Iwriteaccordingtothebestofmyknowledge.First,then,itisbeyondalldoubtthattheCaliphdidnotsendeithertheHolyCrossorthemoneywhichhadbeencovenanted,ortheprisonerswhomhehadpromisedtodeliverup;butastothecausewhereforehedidnotsendthemthereisnoagreement,theChristiansaffirmingonething,thefollowersof

Mahometanother.AstotheHolyCross,letthatbeputoutoftheaccount.NomanthatIevertalkedwith--andIhavetalkedwithmany--eversawit.'Tismuchtobedoubtedwhetheritwasinbeing.Astothemoney,thattheCaliphhadit,oragreatportionofit,athand,iscertainlytrue.ItwasseenandcountedbyKingRichard'sownenvoys.Astotheprisoners,itishardtodiscoverthetruth.Formypart,IbelievethattheCaliphwasreadytodeliverupallthathehadinhisownhandsorcouldfindelsewhere,butthathehadpromisedmoreinrespectofthisthanhewasabletoperform.Manyofthosewhomhehadcovenantedtorestoreweredead,



eitherofdiseaseorbyviolence.Asfordisease,itmustbenotedthatasickmanwaslikelytofareworseinthehandsofTurks;asforviolence,therewasnotmuchdiversitybetweentheChristiansandthefollowersofMahomet.Butthismaybesaid,thatonewhoinvadesthelandofothersisliketosufferworseinjuryshouldhecomeintotheirpowerthanhewouldhavethedispositiontoinflictuponthem.Whatever,then,thecause,theCaliphhadengagedinthismatterfarmorethanhewasabletoperform.Buthedidnotfailfromwantofgoodfaith.Itakeitthatitwasfromthematterofthemoneythattherecamethebreakingoftheagreement.Toputitveryshortly,theCaliphsaid,"Restoretomethehostagesandyoushallreceivethegold";KingRichardsaid,"Sendonthegoldandyoushallreceivethehostages."AndneitherwastheCaliphwillingtotrustthegoodfaithoftheKing,northeKingthegoodfaithoftheCaliph.

Sotherewasdelayafterdelay,muchtalktonopurpose,andtheheartsofmen,bothononesideandontheother,growingmorehotwithangerfromdaytoday.Andtherewasalsotheneedwhichincreasedfromdaytoday,as,indeed,itneedsmust,fortheChristianstobeaboutthebusinessonwhichtheycame.TheyhadtakenthetownofAcre,butthatwasbutthebeginningoftheirenterprise,fortheyhadtoconquerthewholeland.Andhowcouldthearmymarchwithawholemultitudeofprisonersintheirhands?It

wouldneednosmallnumberofmentokeepwatchoverthem,lesttheyshouldescape,or,whatwasmoretobefeared,doaninjurytothearmy.Whatcouldbeworseinadoubtfulbattlethanthatthereshouldbetheseenemiesinitsverymidst?IsetthesethingsdownbecauseIwouldnotdoaninjusticetotheEnglishKing,whomIhavealwaysheldasonetobegreatlyadmired.NeverthelessIsayagain,thatinthematteroftheprisonershedidashamefuldeed.Foronthe20thdayofAugusthecommandedthatalltheprisonersthatwereinhishands,whethertheyhadbeentakeninbattle,ordeliveredupashostagesforthefulfilmentofthecovenant,shouldbeledoutofthecityandslain.Thesewereinnumberbetweentwoandthreethousand.SometheKingkeptalive,forwhom,asbeingofhighnobilityandgreatwealth,hehopedtoreceivearansom;otherswere

savedbyprivatepersons,afewforcompassion'ssake;andothersinthehopeofgain.Butthegreaterpartwereslainwithoutmercy,thesoldiersfallinguponthem,withoutarmsandhelplessastheywere.

ItwassoonmadeplaintoallthatthespiritoftheCaliphandhisTurkswasnotbrokenbythelosingofAcre.Ratherweretheystirredupbyittomoreearnestnessandcourage;nordidtheyforgethowtheircountrymenhadbeencruellyslaughtered.ForatimetheywerecontenttowatchtheKing'sarmyasitwentonitsway,takingsuchoccasionasoffereditselfofplunderingorslaying.Ifanylaggedbehind,fallingoutofthelineofmarchbyreasonofweariness,orseekingrefreshmentontheway,aswhentherewasaspringofwaterneartotheroad,oravineyardwithgrapes--'twasjustthetimeof

theripeningofgrapes--thentheTurkishhorsemenwouldbeuponhim.Suchloiterersescapedbutseldom.AndforthisbusinesstheTurkshadaparticularfitness,soquicklydidtheycomeanddepart.TheChristianknightswerecladinarmour,agreatdefense,indeed,againstarrowsandstones,butagreathindranceifamanwouldmovequickly;thehorsesalsohadarmouronthem.Whydotheysetmenonhorsesbutthattheymaygospeedilytoandfroasoccasionmaycall?buttheseknightsareliketofortressesratherthantoriders.Amanonfootcaneasilyoutrunthem;asfortheTurkswhorodeonhorsesfromthedesert--thanwhichthereisnocreatureon



earthlighterandspeedier--theyflewfromtheChristianwhowouldpursuethem,asabirdfliesfromachildwhowouldcatchit.

AllthiswhiletheTurkswerecloseathand,andreadytoassaulttheKing'sarmysosoonasaconvenientoccasionwouldarise.ButtheydidnottakeKingRichardunaware,forindeedhewasaswatchfulashewasbrave.

IwillnowsetforthasbrieflyasmaybetheorderofthearmyasitwassetoutforbattleatArsuf.Ontherighthandofthearmywasthesea,itsfrontbeingsettowardsthesouth.InthevanweretheTemplars,andnexttothesetheFrenchmenintwodivisions,thesecondbeingledbythatGuywhocalledhimselfKingofJerusalem,andaftertheFrenchmenKingRichardwithhisEnglishmen;lastofall,holdingtherear-guard,weretheHospitallers.TheseareeverrivalsoftheTemplars,anditwastheKing'scustomsotoorderhisdispositionthatthisrivalryshouldworkforthecommongood.OnonedaytheTemplarswouldlead,andtheHospitallersbringuptherear;onanothereachwouldtaketheother'splace;andtherewaseveramightycontentionbetweenthetwocompanieswhichwouldbearitselfthebetter.Thesetwoposts,itshouldbesaid,werethemostfullofperil;norwasanypartofthearmysaveonlythesetwocompaniessufferedtoholdeithertheoneortheother.Betweenthedivisionstherewasasmallspace,notmorethatsufficienttomark

onefromtheother:otherwisethesoldiersstoodandmarchedinasclosearrayasmightbe.Alsotheymovedveryslowly,travellinglessthanaleagueinthespaceoftwohours.AndeventheKingwithsomechosenknightsrodeupanddownthelines,watchingatthesametimetheTurks,sothatwhenevertheymightmakeassaultthearmymightbereadytomeetthem.

NowKingRichard'scommandmenthadbeenthattheChristiansshouldonnoaccountbreaktheirlinestoattacktheenemy,butshouldonlydefendthemselvesasbesttheycould.Thereisnothingharderinthewholedutyofasoldierthansotostand;eventheywhohavebeenmenofwarfromtheiryouthgrowgreatlyimpatient;asfortheyoungersorttheyoftenfailtoendurealtogether.Manyamanwill

soonerthrowhimselfuponalmostsuredeaththanabidedangerlessbyfarstandingstill.AndsoitcouldbeseenthatdayintheChristianarmy.Thefirsttofailwerethementhatcarriedthecross-bows;nor,indeed,isittobewonderedatthatwhentheyhadspenttheirstoreofbolts,they,havingbutshortswordswherewithtodefendthemselves,shouldbeillcontenttoholdtheirplace.ManyIdidseethrowawaytheirbowsandfly,thrustingthemselvesbymainforceintotheranksofthemen-at-arms,wholikednottobeatthemback,noryettosufferthemtopass.Andtheythemselveshadmuchadotoholdtheirground,foritwasaveryfierceassaultthattheyhadtoendure.Inthefirstplacetherewassuchashowerofdartsandstonesandarrowsthattheverylightofthesunitselfwasdarkened,athingwhichIhadalwaysbeforejudgedtobea

fable,butsawthatdaytobepossible.Thegreaterpartofthem,itistrue,fellwithouteffecttotheground,foroftwentymissilesscarceoneserveditspurpose,butsomewerenotcastinvain.Asforthenumber,theylaysothickuponthegroundthatamanmightgathertwentyintohishandwithoutmovingfromhisplace.

AboutnoontheKnightsHospitallersthemselves,thanwhom,asIhavesaid,therewerenobravermeninthewholearmy,sentwordtotheKingthattheycouldbearupnolonger,unlesstheyshouldbesufferedtochargetheenemy.Buttheygotsmallcomfortfromthe



King."Closeupyourlines,"hesaidtothemessenger,"andbepatient.Besurethatyoushallnotmissyourreward."Asecondtimedidtheysendtohim,theMasteroftheCompanyhimselfgoingontheerrand,buthealsocamebackwithnothingdone.NowtheKing'splanwasthis,thatwhentheTurksshouldhavespenttheirstrength,andshouldalso,throughover-confidenceandcontemptoftheiradversaries,havefallenintodisorder,thenthetrumpetsshouldsound,andthewholearmywithoneconsentandmovingalltogether,sothatthewholeofitsstrengthshouldbeput,asitwere,intooneblow,shouldfallupontheenemy.'Twasawiselyconceivedplan,saveinthisthattherewasneededforthefullcarryingoutmorethantheKingwasliketofind.Helaiduponhissoldiersagreaterburdenofpatiencethantheycouldbear.

AsfortheKing,hewas,Icanscarcedoubt,gladatheartthattheseasonofwaitingwasover.Certainitisthatnotonlydidhenotseektocallbackhismenfromthecharge--doubtlessheknewfullwellthattodothiswasbeyondthepowerofmortal--buthehimselfjoinedinitwiththegreatestvehemence;nonethatsawhimbutmusthavebelievedthattheaffairwasaltogethertohisliking.Ifotherswerebeforehimatthefirst,butashorttimehadpassedwhenhewastobeseeninthefrontrank,aye,andbeforeit.Whereherode,itwasasifAzraelhadpassed,forthedeadlayuponthegroundoneitherside.

NeverhadtheCaliphSaladinsufferedsogreatadefeatasthatwhichfelluponhiminthebattleofArsuf;never,indeed,afterthatdaydidhedaretomeetKingRichardintheopenfield.Nevertheless,fromthatverydaydidthehopeoftheChristiansthattheyshouldaccomplishtheendoftheirwarfaregrowlessandless.But,ifanyoneaskwhatwasthecauseofthisfalling,andwhoshouldbeartheblame,I,forone,knownotwhatanswershouldbemadetohim.TherewasnotoneinthewholearmymorebraveandmoregenerousinthismatterthanKingRichard;yetevenhe,Ihold,hadnotawhollysingleheart.Hewaseverthinkingofworldlythings;hedesiredgreatlytowinthecityofJerusalem,yethedesireditasmuchforhisownsake,forhisowngloryandrenown,andthe

increaseofhisroyalpower,asforanyothercause.

Thereisnoneedtotellofallthecombats,skirmishes,andthelikethattookplace,howononedayacompanyoftheTemplarsfellintoanambush,howonanothertheHospitallerssufferedsomedamage.ForthemostparttheChristianshadthebetterinthesethings,andthisnotalittlebecauseofthegreatskillandvalouroftheEnglishKing.Nevertheless,thefortunesofthearmyseemedtogobackwardsratherthanforwards.

AboutthistimetheKingbegantohavedealingsforpeacewiththeCaliphSaladin,sendinganembassagetohim,andreceivingthelikefromhim.ButitwaseverthusthattheKingaskedmorethanhe

lookedfortheCaliphtogive;andtheCaliphpromisedmorethanhehadthepurposetofulfil.Thereweremanycourtesiespassedbetweenthem,andgiftsalso.KingRichardwouldsendasetofhawks,and,indeed,hehadnotmuchthathecouldgive;butthepresentsthatcamefromtheCaliphwereofexceedingrichnessandsplendour;therewasatentmadeofclothofgold,andhorsessuchasKingsonlyhaveintheirstalls,andrarebeastsandbirds,andsnowfromLebanon,forthecoolingofwines,andmanyotherthings,bothforshowandforuse,ofwhichitwerelongtotell.Andthesethings,forallthattheywerecostly,servedtheCaliph'spurposewell,andfor



thisreason,theyseemedtoshowhisgoodwill,andallthewhilehewasbusydestroyingthetownsandlayingwastethecountry.OfthesethingstheKingheardsomething,butnotall,forinthematterofnewshewasillserved.AndallthewhiletheTurksceasednottodoallthemischiefthattheycould,slayingsuchasstrayedfromthecamp,yea,andcomingintothecampitself,anddoingmentodeathintheirverytents,andSaladin,orratherSaphadin,hisbrother,forheitwaswhoheldconversewithKingRichard,whencomplaintsweremadeoftheirdeeds,affirmedthattheyweredonebyrobbersandotherswhowerenotsubjecttohim,andpaidnoreverencetohiscommands;ofwhichpretencethereneedbesaidthisonly,thattheserobbersormurderers,whethertheyweretheCaliph'smenorno,neverharmedanybutsuchaswerehisenemies.

ForallthisKingRichardstillstrovebyallmeansthathecoulddevisetocometoapeacefulagreementwithhisadversaries.Nordidherefuseanyinstrumentbywhichhemighthopetocompassthisend.

Whenawholemoonhadbeenwastedinparleyingandthesendingofmessengerstoandfro,theKing,seeingthathemustaccomplishhispurposebyforceofarmsornotatall,ledhisarmytowardstheHolyCity.Itwouldservenoprofitableendtotelloftheotherplaceswherehepitchedhiscamp,orofthedayswhichhetarriedinthisorthat.Letitsufficetosaythatinamonth'stimehe

traversedsomuchspaceonlyasanarmywellequippedmightpassoverinasingleday'smarch;andthatabouttwenty-onedaysafterthewintersolsticethearmyoftheChristianscametoacertainplacewhichisnamedtheCasalofBeitenoble,andwhichinancienttimeswas,ifIerrnot,acityofthepriests.Thereittarriedsometwelvedays,beingmuchtroubledbystormsandrains,forthewindsblewandtherainsfellduringthewholeofthistime,insuchafashionasIhaveneverseen.Asforthetents,onlysuchaswereappointedwithropesandsoforthcouldbekeptintheirplace,soviolentweretheblasts,sothatthegreaterpartofthearmylayundertheopensky,notalittletothedamageoftheirhealth.Thehorsesalsowereinevilcase.Thesecreatures,allmenknow,sufferfrommuchsickness,andmultitudesofthemperished.Alsotherewas

agreatscarcityofvictuals;forthecornandeventhebiscuitwerespoiltbytherain,andthehogs'fleshgrewcorrupt.

Thoughnotafewdiedofsickness,yetdidthehostdailygrowgreater.Manywhohadstayedbehindinvariouscities,theirzealhavinggrownstale,nowcamebacktothecamp,judgingthattheywoulddowelltotakepartinanenterprisethatwasnowneartosuccess.Alsomanythathadtarriedonthemarchforthecauseofsicknessnowmadeshifttocometothecamp.SomeIsawcarriedinlitters,andothersthatcouldscarcesetonefootbeforetheothercrawledpainfullyalongtheroad.ManyofthesewereslainbytheTurks,butnotthelessdidtherestbravethedangersofthejourney.Andinthecamptherewasagreatfurbishingofarmsand

armour,andtrimmingoftheplumesofhelmets,foritwascountedanunseemlythingthatanymanshouldentersuchaplaceastheHolyCitysaveinhisbestarray.

Onacertainevening,someelevendaysafterthecomingofthearmytoBeitenoble,therewasacouncilheldinthetentofKingRichard,atwhichwerepresenttheMasteroftheTemplarsandtheMasteroftheHospitallers,andotherchiefmeninthearmy.Aboutanhouraftersunsetthecouncilcametoanend;darknesshadlongsincefallen,butitchancedtobefullmoon,andthefacesofthemthat



hadbeenpresentatthecouncilwereplaintobeseen.Beforeeverawordwassaid,itwasmanifesttoallthatagreatmisfortunehadbefallenthem.Forthefacesofthesemenwerecloudedwithdiscouragement.Andstraightwayallthemultitudethathadbeengatheredtogetherdepartedeverymantohisownplace.ThereneedednoproclaimingthatneitheronthemorrownoronanyotherdaywouldtherebeamarchingtotheHolyCity.

Onthe8thdayofJanuarythearmydepartedfromBeitenoble,andonthe20thitcame,aftermuchtoilandsuffering,fortherainandtempestscarcelyabatedforasinglehourthroughthetwelvedays,tothecityofAscalon.

Forsomelittletime,KingRichardandhisarmydweltinpeaceinthecityofAscalon.Norcanitbedeniedthattheygatheredstrength;thesick,beingdulyhandledbytheirphysicians,wererestoredtoasoundbody,andtheythatwereweariedwiththelaboursoflong-continuedwarfarehadrestandrefreshment.NeverthelessitmaybedoubtedwhethertheKingwasabletoadvancethecauseatallwhichhehadinhand,namely,thetakingoftheHolyCity.Andthechiefcausewasthis,thattheChristians,nothavingforthepresentacommonfoewithwhomtocontend,begantoquarrelamongthemselvesmoregrievouslythanever.SotheKingandtheFrench,amongwhom,nowthattheFrenchKinghaddepartedto

hisownland,acertainDukeofBurgundywaschief,fellout,andthiswithsuchheat,thatthedukedepartedfromAscalontoAcreingreathaste,andalltheFrenchmenfollowedhim.

NowaboutthissametimetherecameamessengertoKingRichardbearingaletterfromonethathehadsettoruleinEnglandinhissteadwhileheshouldbeabsentfromhiskingdom.InthislettertherewerewrittenmanythingsaboutthedoingsofPrinceJohntheKing'sbrother:howhehadcommercewiththeFrenchtotheKing'sdamage,andwastroublingallloyalmen,andhadtakenallthemoneythatwasinthetreasury.WhentheKingheardthesethingshewassoredistraught.Andindeedhewasinagreatstrait.Ontheonehandtherewasthepurposeforwhichhehadcomeonhispresent

journey,thetakingagainoftheHolyCity;and,ontheother,therewasthelossofhisownkingdomathome.Forintheletteritwasplainlywrittenthatifhewasnotspeedyinreturning,alltherealmofEnglandwouldbelosttohim.

Atthefirsthemadenodoubtofdepartingwithbutaslittledelayasmightbe."Imustbegone,"hesaid,"ormykingdomwillnotbeworthasilverpenny."Butbeforemanydayshispurposewaschanged.'Twassaidthataholyman,apriestofthelandofFrance,tookcouragetospeaktohimandsetbeforehimhisdutyinthismatter.HesaidthattheheartsofallweresorelytroubledbytheKing'spurposetodepart--andthiswasmostcertainlytrue,seeingthattheywhoweremostjealousoftheKingandchafedmostathis

commandwerenotlessdismayedbythenewsofhisdeparturethanwerehisbestfriends."Thinktoo,"heisreportedtohavespoken,"howthatyouwillgreatlydimyourkinglyrenown.Youhavedonewell,OKing,andGodhasmanifestlybestowedHisblessingsonyou.Willyouthenbeungrateful,and,ifyourroyalgracewillsuffermetosaysomuch,unfaithfultoHim?VerilythereisagreatrewardlaidupforhimthatrecoverstheHolyCityoutofthehandsoftheheathen,andwillyougivethisuponthebarerumourofmischiefthatmaybefallyourestateinthisworld?"Sotheholymanisreportedtohavespoken.Suchwordsmayhavehadweightwiththe



King,whowasevergreatlymovedbyeloquentwords.ButIalsobelievethatwhenhecametohimselfhejudgedthattherewasnogreatneedofhasteinthematter;thatthePrinceJohnhisbrotherwasnotgreatlyloved,norwaseverliketobe;thatwhenthepeopleofEnglandhadhadayear'strialofhisrule,ifsuchshouldcometopass,theywouldbethelesslikelytostandbyhim;and,moreover,thatifRichardshouldgobacktohiscountryinhighesteemamongallmen,ashavingsetupyetagainaChristianKingdomintheHolyCity,hisenemieswouldbebroughtnoughtbythemererumourofhiscoming.Certainitisthat,letthecausebewhatitmight,hecausedittobemadeknownthroughoutthearmythattheywouldsetoutfortheHolyCityinthreedays'time.

Againtherewasgreatjoyinthearmy;againthesickrosefromtheirbeds,andthelamethrewawaytherecrutches,thattheymightgowithouthindranceonthisgreatjourney.AgaindidthearmycomealmostinsightoftheHolyCity;againwereallthingsreadyfortheassault.Andthenoncemorethemoreskilfulandprudentoftheleadershinderedthematter.Itwasnotwell,theysaidtorunintosuchdanger.Itmightwellbethatiftheyshouldassailthecitytheywouldnottakeit;itwaswell-nighcertainthateveniftheyshouldtakeit,theycouldnotholdittoanygoodpurpose.AndsoitcametopassthatKingRichardandthearmyhavingoncemorecometoBeitenoble,oncemoredeparted,leavingtheirtask

unaccomplished.

Whentheleadershadtakenthisresolvethattheywouldturnbackandthearmywasnowabouttodepart,therecametoKingRichardacertainman-at-arms,whowaswellacquaintedwiththecountry,forindeed,hehadtravelledonfootasapilgrimfromthecoasttoJerusalem,andthisnotonceonlybuttwiceorthrice.Thismansaid,"MylordKing,ifyouaremindedtoseetheHolyCity,youcandosoatlittlepains.Ifyouwillrideamileorsoyouwillcometoahillfromwhenceyoucanseethewalls,andthehillonwhichthetemplewasbuiltandotheroftheHolyplaces."ButtheKinganswered,"Ithankyoumuch,nor,indeed,isthereanysightinthewholeworldonwhichIwouldmoregladlylookwithmyeyes,butIam

notworthyofsogreatafavour.IfithadbeenthewillofGodthatIshouldseeHiscity,IdonotdoubtthatIhaddoneso,notasonewholooksuponsomespectaclefromfar,butastheconquerorinsomegreatbattlelooksuponthethingthathehaswon.ButofthisgraceI,byreasonIdoubtnotofmysins,havebeenjudgedunworthy."Andwhenhehadsospokenheturnedhishorse'sheadtothewest,asbeingmindedtoreturnyetagaintothesea-coast.Andthishedid.

IhavespokenoftheKing'scourageandskillinarmsandwisdominleadership,norneedIsaythesethingsagain.ButonethingIwilladd,namely,thatofallthementhatcametothislandfromtheWestnoneleftbehindhimsogreatafameasdidKingRichard.Soifamotherwasmindedtomakeacryingchildholdhispeace,shewould

say,"Hush,child,orKingRichardshallhavethee";orifahorsestartedunaware,hisriderwouldsay,"DostseeKingRichardinthebush?"

Onthe9thdayofOctober,1192,didKingRichardsetsailtoreturntohisowncountry.Butitfaredillwithhimonhisjourney.Foritfelloutthathewasseparatedfromallhisfriends,andthatwhenhewasinthiscaseacertainduke,withwhomhehadhadastrife,laidhandsuponhim,andlaidhiminprison.Thereheremainedforthespaceofayearandmore,frettingmuch,Idoubtnot,against



hiscondition,forneversurelywasamanmoreimpatientofbonds.Buthecouldnotescape,nordidhisfriendssomuchasknowwherehewas.Andwhenthiswasdiscoveredbysomestrangechance,therewasyetmuchdelay,norindeedwashesetfreetilltherehadbeenpaidforhimaransomofmanythousandsofgoldpieces.Notmanyyearsafterhewasslainbyachancearrowshotfromthewallsofacertaincastlewhichhewasbesieging,beingthenintheforty-secondyearofhisage.

CHAPTERXIV

SAINTLOUIS

KingLouissailingfromCyprusaboutthe24thdayofMay,1249,camewithafairwindtoEgyptinsomefourdays,havingagreatfleetofships,numberinginall,itwassaid,someeighteenhundred,greatandsmall.Andnowtherefelluponhimthefirststrokeofmisfortune.Therearoseastrongwindfromthesouthwhichscatteredthefleet,sothatnotmorethanathirdpartremainedwiththeKing.Asfortheothers,theywereblownfartothenorth,evento

thetownofAcre,and,thoughnonewerecastaway,itwasmanydaysbeforetheycouldreturn.NowtheKing'spurposewastolaysiegetothetownofDamietta,atownwhichisbuiltonthemidmostofthesevenmouthsoftheNile.ItwascommonlyagreedthatwhoevershouldholdpossessionofthissaidtownofDamiettamightgowhithersoeverhewouldinthewholelandofEgypt,andfurther,thatwhosoevershouldbemasterofEgyptcoulddowhathewouldinthelandofPalestine.

WhentheKingcamewithwhatwaslefttohimoveragainstthecityofDamiettatherewasmuchdebatebetweenhimandhiscounsellorsastowhatmightbestbedone."Ihavenomind,"saidhe,"toturnback,having,bythegraceofGod,comesofar.SayyouthatI

shoulddowelltowaitforthosewhohavebeenseparatedfromus?ThatIwouldgladlydo,foritgrievesmemuchthattheylose,sofar,theirshareinthisgreatenterprise.Buttworeasonsconstrainmetodootherwise.First,itwouldputtheinfidelingreatheartiftheyshouldseemesodelaytomaketrialofthem;and,second,thereisherenoharbourorsafeanchoragewhereImightwait.Nay,mylords,itismypurposetoattacktheenemywithoutdelay,fortheLordourGodcansavebyfeworbymany."

TheKingbeingthussteadfastlyresolvedtohavenomoredelay,hisnoblesandknightscouldnotchoosebutobeyhim.Thisbeingso,theystroveamongthemselveswhoshouldbethefirsttocometoblowswiththeenemy.Thereweresmallboatswiththelargerofthe

ships,andthesewerefilledwithmenandrowedtotheshore.Thiswasnotdonewhollywithoutloss,forsomeslippedastheydescendedfromtheships,ormissedtheirfeet,theboatmovingfromunderthemwiththemotionofthewaves,sothatsomeweredrownedandothershardlysaved.

MeanwhiletheytookthegreatflagofSaintDenys,fromtheshipinwhichitwas,andcarriedittotheshore.ButwhentheKingsawtheflagontheshorehewouldtarrynolonger,butleaptintothesea,accoutredashewas,andthewatercameuptohisarmpits.Whenhe



sawtheSaracens,hesaidtotheknightthatfollowedhim,"Whoarethese?"Andtheknightanswered,"These,sir,aretheSaracens."Whenheheardthisheputhislanceinrest,andheldhisshieldbeforehim,andwouldhavechargedthem,buthiscounsellorswouldnotsufferit.

WhentheenemysawthattheKingandhismenhadlanded,theysentamessagetotheSultanbycarrier-pigeons;thistheydidthreetimes.ButitsochancedthattheSultanwasinafitofthefeverwhichtroubledhiminthesummertime,andhesentnoanswer.Thenhismen,thinkingthathewasdead,fortheyknewalreadythathewassick,fledstraightwayfromthetownofDamietta.WhentheKingknewthisforcertain,thebishopsthatwereinthearmysangtheTeDeumwithgreatjoy.ThearmywhichKingLouisbroughtwithhimnumberedthirtythousandmen.

ThearmybeingthusestablishedinthetownofDamietta,therewasmuchdebateastowhatshouldbedone.TheKingwassetuponassailingtheenemywithoutdelay."Itisbydelay,"hesaid,andsaidtruly,"thattheseenterpriseshavebeenruinedheretofore,fornotonlydoesanarmygrowlessandlesswitheverydaybysickness--keepitascarefullyasyouwill,suchlossmustneedshappen--butthefirstfireofzealbeginstoburnlow."TosuchpurposetheKingspoketohiscounsellors,norcouldtheygainsayhiswords.Yetthey

hadtourgeontheotherpartreasonssoweightythattheycouldnotberesisted.

ThetruthisthattherecouldnothavebeenchosenaworsetimeforthewagingofwarinEgyptthanthatatwhichtheKingarrived.Whereasotherriversoverflowtheirbanksinthewinierseason,theNileoverflowshisinsummer,andthishedoesbecausehisstreamisswollen,notbyrainsthatfallinthelandofEgypt,forsuchrainsaremorescantythaninanyothercountryoftheworld,butbythosethatfallincountriesfarinlandand,haply,bythemeltingofsnows.SoitisthatinthatpartofEgyptwhichisnearesttotheseatheriverbeginstoriseinthemonthofJune,andforaquarterofayearorsothereafteranarmymustrestperforce.TheKingwas

veryillservedinhisministerswhenhewassufferedtoremaininignoranceofthesethings.Nevertheless,thecasebeingso,hehadnochoicebuttoacceptthecounselofdelay.Itwasagreed,therefore,thatthearmyshouldtarryinDamiettatillthefloodsoftherivershouldhaveceased.

InthebeginningofthemonthofDecembertheKingsetoutforCairowithhisarmy.NowtheSultanhadsentfivehundredofhisknights,thebravestwarriorsandthebestmountedthathecouldfindinhiswholearmy,totheendthattheyshouldharasstheKing'sarmyasmuchasmightbe.NowtheKingbeingverycarefulofthelivesofhismen,asknowingthatasoldierlostcouldnotbereplaced,hadgivenastrictcommandmentthatnooneshouldpresumetoleavethe

lineofmarchandchargetheenemy.WhentheTurkssawthis,or,haply,hadlearntfromtheirspiesthattheKinghadgiventhiscommandment,theygrewbolderandbolder,tilloneofthem,ridinguptotheline,overthrewoneoftheKnightsTemplar.ThiswasdoneundertheveryeyesoftheMasteroftheTemple,who,whenhesawit,couldnolongerenduretobequiet.Sohecriedtohisbrethren,"Atthem,goodsirs,forthisismorethancanbeborne."Sohespurredhishorse,andtheotherTemplarswithhim,andchargedtheTurks.AndbecausetheirhorseswerefreshandthehorsesoftheTurksweary,theyborethemdown.Itwassaidthatnotoneofthe



fivehundredescaped,manybeingriddendown,andtherestbeingdrownedintheriver.

AfterthistheKingencampedbetweenthetwobranchesoftheNile,thatwhichflowsbyDamiettaandthatwhichisthenexttoittowardthesunsetting.OntheothersideofthisbranchwasrangedthearmyoftheSultan,tohindertheChristiansfrompassing,aneasythingseeingthattherewasnoford,noranyplacewhereamanmightcrosssavebyswimming.

WhiletheywereinthisstraittherecameaBedouintothecamp,whosaidthatforfivehundredpiecesofgoldhewouldshowthemagoodford.WhentheConstableImbert,towhomtheBedouinhadspokenofthisford,toldthemattertotheKing,theKingsaid,"Iwillgivethegoldrightwillingly;onlybesurethatthemanperformhispartofthebargain."Sotheconstableparleyedwiththeman;buttheBedouinwouldnotdepartfromhispurpose."Givemethegold,"saidhe,"andIwillshowyoutheford."AndbecausetheKingwasinastrait,heconsented;sothemanreceivedthefivehundredpieces,andheshowedthefordtocertainthatweresentwithhim.

ItwasagreedthattheDukeofBurgundyandothernobleswhowerenotofFranceshouldkeepguardinthecamp,andthattheKingwithhisbrothersshouldfordtheriverattheplacewhichtheArab

shouldshow.So,allbeingready,atdaybreaktheycamedowntothewater.Afordtherewas,butnotsuchasamanwouldchoosesaveinthegreatestneed.

TheKing,havingwithhimthemainbodyofthearmy,crossedamidstagreatsoundingofhornsandtrumpets.Itwasanoblesighttosee,andnothinginitnoblerandmoreadmirablethantheKinghimself.Afairerknightthereneverwas,andhestoodwithagildedhelmetonhishead,andalongGermanswordinhishand,beingbyhisheadandshoulderstallerthanthecrowd.ThenheandhisknightschargedtheSaracens,whobythistimehadtakenastandagainontheriverbank.Itwasagreatfeatofarms.Nomandrewlong-bowthatdayorpliedcross-bow.TheCrusadersandtheSaracensfoughtwithmaceand

sword,neitherkeepingtheirranks,butallbeingconfusedtogether.

ButtheCrusaders,foralltheirvalour,couldscarceholdtheirown,becausetheenemyoutnumberedthembymuch.Alsotherewasadivisionofcounselamongthem.AlsotherecameamessengerfromthemthatwereshutupinMansoura,tellingtheKinghowhardpressedtheywere,andinwhatinstantneedofsuccour.

AndnowtheSacarensgrewmoreandmoreconfident,fortheyweregreatlythebetterinnumbers;andif,manformanandinthematterofarmsandarmour,theywerescarceequaltotheCrusaders,yetthedifferencewasnotsogreat.Theypushedon,therefore,anddrovetheChristiansbacktotheriver.Thesewereveryhardpressed,and

somewereforswimmingacrosstherivertothecamp,butbythistimetheirhorseswereweary,andnotafewperishedbydrowning.

NeverthelessastimepassedtheCrusadersfaredsomewhatbetter,fortheydrewmoretogether,andtheenemy,seeingthattheystillheldtheirground,andbeingthemselvesnotalittleweary,drewback.IntheendtheKingandsuchofthechiefsaswereleftgotbackintothecamp.Rightgladtheyweretorest,forthebattlehadbeenlongandfierce.



Buttheyhadbutlittlepeace,forthatverynighttheSaracensmadeanattackuponthecamp.Agreatdisturbancetheymade,andmostunwelcometomenwhohadbeenfightingalltheday.Buttheydidnotworkmuchharm.ManyvaliantdeedsweredonebytheChristians.

ButtheSaracensweremakingreadyforattackingthecampwithmoreforcethanbefore.Andtheirleadercouldbeseenfromthecamp,takingaccountoftheCrusaders,andstrengtheninghisbattalionswherehethoughtthattheKing'scampmightbemostconvenientlyassailed.

ThefirstattackwasmadeontheCountofAnjou.HeheldthatpartofthecampthatwasnearesttothecityofCairo.Someoftheenemywereonhorsebackandsomeonfoot;thereweresomealsothatthrewGreekfireamongthecount'smen.BetweenthemtheypressedthecountsosorelythathewasfaintosendtotheKingforhelp.ThistheKinggavewithoutlossoftime;heledthemenhimself,anditwasnotlongbeforetheychasedtheSaracensfromthispartofthefield.

WhenthebattlewasovertheKingcalledthebaronstohistent,andthankedthemforallthattheyhaddone,andgavethemgreatencouragement,sayingthatastheyhaddrivenbacktheSaracensoverandagain,itwould,beyonddoubt,gowellwiththemintheend.

Andnowthearmywassoredistressedforwantbothoffoodandofwater.InDamietta,indeed,therewereyetstoresofbarley,rice,andothergrains;butinthecampscarceanythingthatcouldbeeaten.Somesmallfisheswerecaughtintheriver;butthesewereveryillsavoured,andallthemoreso--so,atleast,itseemedtosuchaseatthemunderconstraintofhunger--becausetheyfedondeadbodies,ofwhichmanywerethrownintotheriver.Forawhilesomeportionofthestoresthatwereinthecitywerecarriedacrosstherivertothecamp.ButthistheSaracenshindered,forbythistimetheirshipshadthemasteryovertheshipsoftheChristians.Theykept,therefore,theriver,sufferingnothingtopass.Ifanythingwascarriedacross,itwasbutatrifle.Somethingsthe

countrypeoplebroughtintothecamp,butthesewerenottobepurchasedsaveforlargesumsofmoney,andmoneywasbythistimescarceevenamongtherichersort.AndwhenitwasjudgedexpedientthattheKing'sarmyshouldcrosstheriveragainandreturntothecamp,thingswereworseratherthanbetter,sofarasvictualswereconcerned.Itwaswellthatthearmyshouldbebroughttogether,bothforattackandfordefence,butwiththegreatermultitudethefaminegrewworseandworse.

AfterawhiletherewasatreatingforpeacebetweentheKingandtheSaracens;andforawhileitseemedasiftheymightcometoanagreement,andthisnotwithoutadvantagetotheKing.Butthemattercametonaught,becausetheSaracenswouldhavetheKing

himselfasahostageforthedueperformanceofthetreaty.TheChristianswouldhavegiventheKing'sbrothers,andthesewerewillingtogo;buttheKingtheycouldnotgive."Itwouldbebetter,"saidoneofthebravestknightsinthearmy,andinthismatterhespakethemindofall,"thatweshouldallbetakencaptiveorslain,thanthatweshouldleavetheKinginpledge."

TheKing,seeingthattheconditionofthearmystillgrewfrombadtoworse,andthatiftheytarriedtheywouldallbedeadmen,commandedthattheyshouldmaketheirwayintothetownofDamietta.



Andthisthearmybegantodotheverynextnight.Nowthefirstthingtobecaredforwasthetakingofthesick,ofwhomtherewasagreatmultitude,onboardtheships.Butwhilethiswasbeingdone,theSaracensenteredthecampontheotherside.Whenthesailorswhowerebusyinembarkingthesicksawthis,theyloosedthecablesbywhichtheyweremooredtotheshore,andmadeasiftheywouldfly.NowtheKingwasonthebankoftheriver,andtherewasagalleyinwaitingforhim,whereon,ifhehadbeensominded,hemighteasilyhaveescaped.Norcouldhehavebeenblamedtherefor,becausehewasafflictedwiththedysenterythatprevailedinthecamp.Butthishewouldnotdo;"Nay,"hesaid,"Iwillstaywithmypeople."Butwhentherewasnownohopeofsafety,oneofhisofficerstookhim,mountedashewasonapony,toavillagehardby,defendinghimallthewayfromsuchaschancedtofallinwithhim--butnoneknewthathewastheKing.Whenhewascometothevillagetheytookhimintoahousethattherewas,andlaidhimdownalmostdead.AgoodwomanofParisthatwastheretookhisheaduponherlap,andtherewasnoonebutthoughtthathewoulddiebeforenightfall.ThenoneofthenoblescominginaskedtheKingwhetherheshouldnotgotothechiefoftheSaracens,andseewhetheratreatymightnotyetbemadeonsuchtermsastheywould.TheKingsaidyes;sohewent.NowtherewasacompanyoftheSaracensroundthehouse,whitherbythistimenotafewoftheChristianshadassembled.AndoneoftheKing'sofficerscried-

whetherfromfearorwithtraitorousintentcannotbesaid--"Sirknights,surrenderyourselves!TheKingwillhaveitso;ifyoudonot,theKingwillperish."Sotheknightsgaveuptheirswords,andtheSaracenstookthemasprisoners.WhenthechiefoftheSaracens,withwhomthenobleaforesaidwastalking,sawthem,hesaid,"Therecanbenotalkoftruceandagreementwiththesemen;theyareprisoners."

Andnowthequestionwasnotofatreatybutaransom.AboutthistherewasnolittledebatebetweentheSultanandtheKing.FirsttheSultanrequiredthattheKingshouldsurrendertohimthecastlesoftheKnightsTemplarsandoftheHospitallersofSt.John."Nay,"saidtheKing,"thatIcannotdo,fortheyarenotmineto

give."ThisanswergreatlyprovokedtheSultan,andhethreatenedtoputtheKingtothetorture,towhichtheKingansweredthisonly,thathewasaprisonerintheirhands,andthattheycoulddowithhimastheywould.

Whentheysawthattheycouldnotturnhimfromhispurposebythreatsorbyfear,theyaskedhimhowmuchmoneyhewaswillingtopaytotheSultanforhisransom,suchmoneybeingoverandabovetherenderingupofthetownofDamietta.ThentheKingmadeanswer:"IftheSultanwilltakeareasonablesuminmoneyforransom,IwillrecommendittotheQueenthatsheshouldpaythesame.""Nay,"saidtheenvoyoftheSultan,"whydoyounotsayoutrightthatyouwillhaveitso?""Because,"answeredtheKing,"inthismatterit

isfortheQueentosayyeaornay.Iamaprisoner,andmyroyalpowerisgonefromme."SoitwasagreedthatiftheQueenwouldpayathousandthousandgoldpiecesbywayofransom,theKingshouldgofree.SaidtheKing,"WilltheSultansweartothisbargain?"Theysaidthathewould.SoitwasagreedthattheKingshouldpayfortheransomofhisarmyathousandthousandgoldpieces,andforhisownransomthetownofDamietta,"for,"saidhe,"aKingcannotbeboughtandsoldformoney."WhentheSultanheardthis,hesaid,"Onmyword,thisisanoblethingoftheFrenchmanthathemakesnobargainingconcerningsogreatathing.TellhimthatIgivehimas



afreegiftthefifthpartofthesumwhichhehascovenantedtopay."

Allthingswerenowsettled,andtherewerebutfourdaysbeforethefulfillingofthetreaty,whentheKingshouldgiveupDamiettatotheSultan,andtheSultan,onhispart,shouldsuffertheKingandhispeopletogofree.Butlo!therecametopassthatwhichwasliketobringthewholemattertonothing.TheemirsoftheSultanmadeaconspiracyagainsthim."Knowthis,"theysaidonetoanother,"thatsosoonasheshallfindhimselfmasterofDamietta,hewillslayus.Letusthereforebebeforehandwithhim."Anditwasagreedthatthisshouldbedone.First,whentheSultanwasgoingtohischamberafterabanquetwhichhehadgiventotheemirs,one,whowas,indeed,hissword-bearer,dealthimablowandstruckoffhishand.ButtheSultan,beingyoungandnimble,escapedintoastrongtowerthatwashardbyhischamber,andthreeofhispriestswerewithhim.Theemirscalleduponhimtogivehimselfup."That,"saidhe,"Iwilldo,ifyouwillgivemeapromiseofmylife.""Nay,"theyanswered,"wewillgiveyounopromises.Ifyousurrendernotofyourownfreewill,thenwillwecompelyou."ThentheythrewGreekfireatthetower,andthetower,whichwasbuiltofpine-wood,caughtfireontheinstant.WhentheSultansawthisherandownwithallthespeedthathecould,seekingtoreachtheriver,ifsobehecouldfindaship.Buttheemirsandtheirmen

wererangedalongtheway,norwasitlongbeforetheyslewhim.AndhethatdealthimthelastblowcametotheKing,hishandyetdrippingwithblood,andsaid,"Whatwillyougiveme?Ihaveslainyourenemy,whowouldassuredlyhavedoneyoutodeathhadhelived."ButtheKingansweredhimnotaword.

NowthecovenantbetweentheKingandtheSaracenchiefswasrenewed,norwasanychangemadeintheconditions;onlythepaymentwasdifferentlyordered;thatistosay,one-halfoftheransomwastobepaidbeforetheKinglefttheplacewherehewas,andtheotherhalfinthetownofAcre.

ThentheemirsontheonepartandtheKingontheothertookthe

oathsthatwereheldtobethemostbindingonthem.TheKingindeedheldstaunchlybyhisfaith,andwhentheemirswouldhavehadhimswearinawaythathethoughttobeunseemlytohimasaChristianmanhewouldnot.Andtheemirspaidhimthemorehonourandreverenceforthisverycause.Itwassaid,indeed,thattheywouldhavemadehimSultanofCairo,ifhehadbeenmindedtoreceivethatdignityattheirhands;furthermore,somethatknewtheKingaffirmedthathewasnotaltogethersetagainstit.Butnoneknewforcertainthetruthinthematter.Yetitwaswellsaidbyoneoftheemirs,"TheresurelyneverwasbetterormoresteadfastChristianthanthisKingLouis.VerilyifhehadbeenmadeoursultanhewouldneverhavebeencontenttillhehadeithermadeusallChristians,or,failingthis,hadputusalltothesword."

Andnowtherecameatimeofgreatperiltotheprisoners.FirstthetownofDamiettawasgivenuptotheSaracens,thegatesbeingopenedandtheirflaghoistedOnthetowers.

Onthenextdaythepayingoftheransomwasbegun.Whenthemoneywascounteditwasfoundtobeshortbysomethirtythousandpieces.TheseweretakenfromthetreasuryoftheTemplarsmuchagainsttheirwill,butthenecessitiesoftheprisonersprevailed.



AsfortheKing,therecouldnothavebeenamanmoreloyalinthefulfillingofhispromise.WhenoneofthosethatcountedthemoneysaidthattheSaracenshadreceivedlessthantheirduebysometenthousandpieces,theKingwouldnotsufferbutthatthewholemattershouldbelookedinto,lesttheSaracensshouldhavewrong.Thecounter,indeed,averredthatthisthingwassaidinjest;buttheKingansweredthatsuchajestwasoutofseason,andthataboveallthingsitwasnecessarythataChristianshouldshowgoodfaith.

NotmanydaysafterthepayingoftheransomtheKingsentforhischiefcounsellorsandopenedhismindtotheminthematterofhisreturntoFrance.Hesaid,"TheQueen,mymother,begsmetocomebacktoFrance,sayingthatmykingdomisingreatperilseeing,thatIhavenopeace,norevenatruce,withEngland.Tellme,then,whatyouthink.Andbecauseitisagreatmatter,Igiveyoueightdaystoconsiderit."

AfterthistheKingwenttoAcre,wherehetarriedtillwhatwasleftoveroftheransomwaspaid.

OnthedayappointedthecounsellorscamebeforetheKing,whosaidtothem,"Whatdoyouadvise?ShallIgo,orshallIstay?"Theysaidthattheyhadchosenonefromamongthem,acertainGuyMalvoisin,tospeakforthem.ThereuponthisGuysaid,"Theselords

havetakencounseltogether,andareagreedthatyoucannottarryinthiscountrywithoutdamagetoyourselfandyourkingdom.ForthinkhowthatofalltheknightswhomyouhadinCyprus,twothousandeighthundredinnumber,thereremainwithyouhereinAcrescarceonehundred.Ourcounsel,therefore,isthatyoureturntoFrance,andtheregatheranotherarmy,withwhichyoumaycomehitheragainandtakevengeanceonyourenemiesfortheirtrespassesagainstGodandagainstyou."

ThentheKingturnedtoacertainJohn,whowasCountofJaffa,andaskedhimforhisjudgment.CountJohnanswered:"Askmenot,sire;mydomainishere,andifIbidyoustay,thenitwillbesaidthatIdidthisformyownprofit."ButwhentheKingwasurgentforhis

advicehesaid,"Ifyoustayforayearitwillbeforyourhonour."Andoneotherofthecounsellorsgavethesamejudgment;butalltherestwereurgentfortheKing'sreturn.ThentheKingsaid,"Iwilltellyoueightdayshencewhatitismypleasuretodo."

Onthedayappointedtheyallcametogetheragain,andtheKingsaid,"Ithankyou,mylords,foryourcounsel--boththosewhohaveadvisedmygoingbackandthosewhohaveadvisedmystaying.NowIholdthatifIstay,mykingdomofFrancewillbeinnoperil,seeingthattheQueen,mymother,iswellabletokeepitincharge;butthatifIdepart,thenthekingdomofJerusalemwillmostcertainlybelost,becausenomanwillbeboldenoughtostayafterIamgone.Now,itwasforthesakeofthissamekingdomof

JerusalemthatIhavecomehither.Mypurpose,therefore,istostay."Therewasnolittletroubleamongthebaronswhentheyheardthesewords.Thereweresomeamongthemwhocouldnotholdbacktheirtears.ButthoughtheKingresolvedhimselftostay,yethecommandedhisbrotherstodepart.Andthistheydidbeforemanydays.

WhiletheKingtarriedatAcretherecametohimmessengersfromtheOldManoftheMountain.Oneofthemessengerswasthespokesman,andhadhisplaceinfront;thesecondhadinhishandthree



daggers,tosignifywhatdangerthreatenedhimwhoshouldnotlistentothemessage;thethirdcarriedashroudofbuckramforhimwhoshouldbesmittenwiththedaggers.TheKingsaidtothefirstenvoy,"Speakon."Thentheenvoysaid,"Mymastersays,'Knowyoume?'"TheKinganswered,"Iknowhimnot,forIhaveneverseenhim;yetIhaveoftenheardotherstalkofhim.""Why,then,"wentontheenvoy,"haveyounotsenthimsuchgiftsaswouldhavegainedhisfriendship,evenastheEmperorofGermanyandtheKingofHungaryandotherprinceshavedone,yea,anddonowyearafteryear,knowingwellthattheycannotlivesavebymylord'spleasure?"TheKingmadenoanswer,butbadetheenvoyscomeagainintheafternoon.WhentheycametheyfoundtheKingsittingwiththeMasteroftheTemplarsononesideandtheMasteroftheHospitallersontheother.NowtheOldManisingreataweofthesetwo,forheknowsthatifheslaythemtherewillbeputintheirplaceothertwoasgoodorbetter.Theenvoyswerenotalittledisturbedwhentheysawthetwo.AndtheMasteroftheTemplarssaid,"YourlordisoverboldtosendyouwithsuchamessagefortheKing.Nowbesurethatwewouldhavedrownedyouinthesea,butthatsodoingmightbeawrongtohim.Gonowtoyourlord,andcomeagaininfourteendayswithsuchatokenandsuchgiftsasmaysufficeforthemakingofpeace."

Sotheenvoysdeparted,andcameagaininthetimeappointed,and

theybroughtwiththemtheshirtoftheOldManandhisring,whichwasofthefinestgold,andwiththesethingsthismessage:"Asmanwearsnogarmentthatisnearertohimthanhisshirt,sotheOldManwouldhavetheKingnearertohimthananyotherKinguponearth;andasaringisthesignofmarriagebywhichtwoaremadeone,sotheOldManwouldhavehimselfandtheKingtobeone."Othergiftstherewere,anelephantofcrystal,verycunninglywrought,andamonsterwhichtheycallagiraffe,alsoofcrystal,anddraughtsandchessmen,allfinelymade.TheKing,onhispart,senttotheOldManagreatstoreofnewels,andscarletcloth,anddishesofgoldandbridlesofsilver.

WhiletheKingwasatJaffaitwastoldhimthatifhedesiredto

makeapilgrimagetoJerusalemtheSultanofDamascuswouldgivehimasafe-conduct.TheKingconsultedhisnoblesonthematter,andbothheandtheywereofonemindinthematter,towit,thatheshouldnotgo."For,"saidthey,"iftheKingshouldgoasapilgrim,whenhehasnotbeenabletotaketheHolyCityitselfoutofthehandsoftheinfidel,thenwillotherKingsintimetocomedothesame.Theywillbecontenttogoaspilgrims,butwilltakenothoughtastothecity,whetheritbeheldbyChristianorinfidel."

AfterthesethingstheKingwenttothecityofSidonandfortifieditwithstrongwalls,forhewasgreatlyunwillingtogiveuphishopeofwinningthewholelandoutofthehandsoftheinfidel.But

whenhehadbroughtthisworktoanend,therecamenewstohimfromhisowncountrythattheQueenhismother,whowaschargedwiththegovernmentthereof,wasdead.Thenhetookcounselwithhisnobleswhatheshoulddo,anditseemedtothemthathemustofnecessityreturntoFrance.OneamongthemputthecasebeforetheKingasfollows:

"Sire,weseethatitwillnotprofitthekingdomofJerusalemthatyoutarrylongerhere.Youhavedonewhatwasinyourpower.YouhavefortifiedthecityofSidon,andCassarea,andJaffa,andyou



havemadethecityofAcremuchstrongerthanitwas.Andnowforyourownkingdom'ssake,youmustneedsdepart."AndtothistheKinggavehisconsent,thoughwithanunwillingheart.Sohedeparted,andthis,asitchanced,onhisbirthday.AstheshipwentforthfromtheharbourhesaidtotheLordofJoinville,whostoodbyhim,"OnthisdayIwasborn."AndtheLordofJoinvillesaidtohim,"Truly,sire,Ishouldsaythatyouarebeginninganotherlife,nowthatyouaresafelyquitofthislandofdeath."

Someseventeenyearsafterthethingslastrecorded,ItookajourneytotheIslandofSardinia,andmademyabodeatatownonthewestcoast,calledNeapolis.WhenIhadsojournedtheretwomonthstherecameinsightonacertaindayagreatfleetofships,whichthosewhowereacquaintedwithsuchthingsdeclaredtobefromthelandofFrance.Asforthecrowdthatcameashorethatday,itwerebesttosaylittle.ItismoretothepurposetosaythatImetwithonewhomIknew,havingconsortedwithhimintimepast,andthisthemoreconstantlybecausehefollowedthesameoccupationasI.Iaskedhim,"Howcameyouhither?IfyouareboundforPalestine,thisisbutashortstageinyourjourney."Heansweredmewithsomethingofasmileinhiseye,thoughhismouthwasset,"Wherecouldwemoreconvenientlyhaltthanhere,forweareboundforTunis?""ForTunis?"saidI;"buthowshallthishelpyouforthetakingofJerusalem?""That,"saidhe,"youmustaskofsomeone

thathasmorewisdomthanI.ButthisIknowthattheKingwastold,bywhomIknownot,thattheBeyofTunisdesiredtobebaptised.This,then,iscausesufficientforhim.Areyoumindedtocomewithme?Ifso,IcanfindyouaplaceintheKing'sship,foritisinitthatIsail."

WhenIheardthat,Iconsentedwithoutdelay.SothatnightIgavemyfriendtheshelterofmylodging;andthenextdayhetookmewithhim,andcommendedmetooneofthechiefofficersoftheship,bearingwitnesstomyskillasaphysician.Onthefourthdaywesailed,andcameintwodays,thewindblowingfromthenorth,totheharbourofTunis.AsfortheKing,Isawhimbutonce.Hisvaletscarriedhimuponthedeck;and,totellthetruth,helooked

aslittlefitfordoingfeatsofarmsasmancouldlook.ButIthoughtthatthesicknesswhichtakesmanymenupontheseamightbethecause.

Scarcehadthearmylandedthantherebeganamostgrievoussickness.Intruththeplaceforthecamphadbeenillchosen,fortherewasalittlestreamintowhichmuchofthefilthofthecitywaswonttorun.Fromthistherecameamostevilsmell.Manyalso,forwantofgoodwater,woulddrinkofthestream,thanwhichtherecouldbenomoredeadlything.

OntheverydayafterhelandedfromhisshiptheKingfellsick.Hisphysicianbeingdisabledbythesamemalady,Iwascalledinto

theKing'shelp;andfromthefirstIsawthat,savebyamiracle,hecouldnotlive.Onthefourthdayhedied,makingasgoodanddevoutanendasanythatIhaveeverseen.Hewouldknowthetruth,forhewasnotoneofthosewhobuoythemselvesupwithfalsehopes.Andwhenheknewit,thenfirstwiththehelpoftheprieststhatattendedhimhepreparedhissoul,andafterwardhegavewhattimeremainedtoteachingthesonwhoshouldbeKingafterhimhowheshouldbestdohisdutytoGodandman.

Iheardmuchfromhimwhohadputitinmymindtocomefromthe



islandofSardiniaconcerningKingLouis.Never,hetoldme,wasaKingmorebentondoingjusticeandjudgment.Thesehemaintainedwithhiswholeheartandstrength,nothavinganyrespectofpersons,orhavingregardtohisownprofit.Thoughheheldbishopsandpriestsingreatreverence,beingmostcarefulofalltheofficesofreligion,yethewouldwithstandeventhesewhentheyseemedtoseekthatwhichwasnotfairandjust.HewasaloverofpeacefarbeyondthewontofKings,whoindeed,forthemostpart,carebutlittleforit,sothatmensayinaproverb,"WaristhegameofKings."Ofthepoorhewasagreatandconstantfavourer.Everydayhehadamultitudeofthemfedathiscostinhispalace,andsometimeshewouldservehimself,anditwashiscustomonacertaindaytowashthefeetofpoormen.Inhiseatinganddrinkinghewasastemperateasmancouldbe,drinking,forexample,butonecupofwine,andthatlargelymingledwithwater.Inallthingswhereingreatmenofttimesoffendhewaswhollyblamelessandbeyondreproach.OfallmenthatIhadanyknowledgeof,whetherbysightorbyhearing,inthisbusinessoftheCrusadestherewasnotonewhocouldbesomuchasnamedincomparisonwithKingLouis.ToKingLouisreligionwasaslifeitself.Itfilled,asitwere,hiswholesoul;hejudgedofallthingsbyit;hehungeredandthirstedafterit.Andyetofallwhoborethecrossthisman,being,ashewas,somuchthemostfaithfultohisvow,byfarthetruestcross-bearerofall,yetfailedthemostutterly.OfsuchthingsIhavenotthewit

tojudge;yetthis,methinks,ismanifest,thattheKingdomofGodisnotsetforwardbythepowerofarmies.IdobelievethatifKingLouis,beingwhathewas,amanafterGod'sownheart,hadcome,notwiththesword,butpreachingthetruthbyhislife,hehaddonemoreforthecausethathehadatheart.Asitwas,hefurthereditnotatall,sofarasIcandiscern,butrathersetitback.ThathedidnotgainforChristendomsomuchasasinglefootofearthisnotsomuchtobelamented,asthathemadewiderthebreachbetweenChristianmenandthefollowersofMahomet.Andthishedid,thoughhewasinverytruththemostChristlikeofallthementhatIhaveeverseen.

CHAPTERXV

WILLIAMTELL

WilliamTellwasborntowardthecloseofthethirteenthcentury.Icannottellyouthepreciseyearofhisbirth;butintheyear1307hewasamarriedman,andlivedwithhiswifeandchildren,inthevillageofBurglen,nearthegreattownofAltdorf,inthecantonofUri.

Tellmaintainedhisfamilychieflybyhuntingthechamois,andshootingotherwildgame.Soskilfulwasheintheuseofthebow,thatthefameofhisexploitsinthatwayhadobtainedforhimthenameof"TheCrossbowmanofBurglen."Hewasalsoveryskilfulinthemanagementofboatsuponthelakes.Hisfatherhadfollowedtheprofessionofapilot,andWilliamTell,thoughhepreferredthelifeofahunter,understoodthenavigationofthelakesbetterthanalmostanyboatmaninthecantonofUri.Itwasasaying,"ThatWilliamTellknewhowtohandletherudderasexpertlyasthebow."Inshort,hewasapersonofstrongnaturaltalents,whoobservedon



everythinghesaw,andacquiredalltheknowledgehecould.

SwitzerlandwasatthattimeinastateofslaverytoAlbert,DukeofAustria,whohadrecentlybeenselectedEmperorofGermany.HehadtakengreatoffencewiththeSwiss,becausetheywishedCountAdolphofNassautobeelectedEmperorofGermanyinsteadofhim.ThefirstusehemadeofhispowerwastopunishtheSwissforhavingfavouredthecauseofhisrival;andhewassounwiseastodeclarepublicly,"thathewouldnolongertreatthemassubjects,butasslaves."Inpursuanceofthiswickedresolutionhedeprivedthemofmanyoftheirrightsandprivileges,andalteredtheirancientlawsandcustoms.

BytheseproceedingstheEmperorrenderedhisgovernmentveryunpopular,andwhenhefoundthatthepeopleexpresseddissatisfaction,hebuiltcastlesandfortressesalloverthecountry,andfilledthemwithsoldierstoawethepeopleintosubmission.Ineachofthesefortressesheplacedagovernor,whoexerciseddespoticpowerinthedistrictoverwhichhisswayextended.TheinhabitantsofthecantonUri,inparticular,hadtocomplainoftheoppressionoftheirGermangovernor,Gessler,whohadcommittedseveralmurders,andactedinsuchamannerastoexcitegeneralindignation,byhispride,cruelty,andinjustice.Thewholecountrywasindeedripeforarevolt,incasean

opportunityshouldoccurofthrowingofftheGermanyoke.

Onecoldautumnalevening,theblazeofthecheerfulfirewhichthewifeofWilliamTellhadkindledonthehearth,againstherhusband'sreturn,gleamedthroughtherudelatticedcasementsoftheircottagewindow.Theearthernfloorofthehumbledwellingbadbeenfreshlyswept;acleanclothofthematron'sownspinning,wasspreadonthehomelyboard,whichwasgarnishedwithwoodenbowlsandspoonsofthemostsnowywhiteness;andakettleoffish-soup,withherbs,wasstewingoverthefire.Someflatoatencakes,designedtobeeatenhotwithbutter,werebakingonthehearth.

Thebabewassleepingpeacefullyinthecradle;twoorthreeofthe

otherlittleones,wearywiththeirsportiveplay,hadbeenlaidintheircribs.HenricandLewis,twolovelyboysoffiveandsixyearsold,havingpromisedtobeverygood,ifallowedtosituptilltheirfather'sreturn,werewatchingtheirmother,whowasemployedinroastingafinefatquailwhichtheircousin,Lalotte,whohadarrivedatthediscreetageoffourteen,wasbasting,andspinningthestringbywhichitwassuspendedbeforethefire.

"Mother,"saidHenric,"ifmyfatherdoesnotcomehomeverysoon,thatquailwillbedonetoomuch."

"Whatthen?"askedLalotte.

"Iwasthinking,cousinLalotte,thatitwouldbeapityforittobespoiled,afteryouandmotherhavetakensomuchpainsincookingit;anditsmellssoverygood."

"Oh,fie!yougreedychild;youwanttoeatthebirdthatiscookingforyourfather'ssupper,"saidLalotte."IfIweremyaunt,Iwouldsendyoutobedonlyforthinkingofsuchathing."

"Youarenotthemistress--youarenotthemistress!"criedthesturdyrebelHenric;"andIshallnotgotobedatyourdesire."



"Butyoushallgotobed,youngsir,ifyourcousinLalottetellsyousotodo,"saidhisfather,whohadenteredduringthedispute.

"Alack!"criedHenricturningtohislittlebrother,"ifwehadonlybeenpatient,Lewis,weshouldhavetastedthenicequail,andheardallourfather'snewsintothebargain."

"Therenow,seewhatyouhavelostbybeingnaughtychildren,"criedLalotte,assheledtheoffendersintotheirlittlebedroom.

"Thyfather'snewsisnotforthyyoungears,myboys,"murmuredWilliamTell,asthedoorclosedaftertheunconsciouschildren.

"Thereisasadnessinthyvoiceandtroubleonthybrow,"saidtheanxiouswifeofTell,lookingearnestlyinhisface."Wiltthounottrustmewiththecauseofthycare?"

"Annette,"repliedTell,"thouhastbeenagoodandfaithfulwifetome--yea,andaprudentcounsellorandfriendinthetimeofneed.Why,then,shouldIdoathingandconcealitfromthee,mywell-beloved?"

"Whatisitthouhastdone,myhusband?"

"Thatforwhichthouwiltblameme,perchance."

"Nay,saynotso;thouartagoodman."

"Thouknowest,mylovingwife,thesadstateofslaverytowhichthisunhappycountryofSwitzerlandisreducedbytheunlawfuloppressionofourforeignrulers,"saidTell.

"Ido,"shereplied;"butwhathavepeasantstodowithmatterssomuchabovethem?"

"Much!"returnedTell."Ifthegoodlawsmadebytheworthiesofthe

oldentime,forthecomfortandprotectionofallranksofpeople,besetatnaughtbystrangers,andalltheancientinstitutions,whichweretheprideandthegloryofourland,beoverthrown,bythosetowhomweoweneithertheloveofchildren,northeallegianceofsubjects,then,methinks,goodwife,itbecomesthedutyofpeasantstostandforthindefenceoftheirrights.Ihaveengagedmyself,withthree-and-thirtyofmyvaliantcountrymen,whometthisnightonthelittlepromontoryoflandthatjutsintoalonelyangleoftheLake,toconcertwiththemmeansforthedeliveranceofmycountry."

"Buthowcanthree-and-thirtymenhopetoopposethepowerofthosewhoenthralSwitzerland?"askedthewifeofTell.

"Greatobjectsareofteneffectedbysmallinstruments,"repliedhe."ThewholepopulationofSwitzerlandisexasperatedagainsttheGermantyrants,whohaveoflateabusedtheirpowersofarastorousetheindignationevenofwomenandofchildrenagainstthem.ThefatherofArnoldMelchthal,oneofthe'BrothersofRutli,'asourbandiscalled,wasrecentlyputtoacrueldeathbytheunjustsentenceofGessler,thegovernorofourowncantonofUri;andwhoknoweth,gentlewife,whetherhisjealouscapricemaynotinducehimtosinglemeoutforhisnextvictim?"



"Singletheeout,myhusband!"exclaimedAnnetteturningpale."Nay,whataccusationcouldhebringagainstthee?"

"Thatofbeingthefriendofmycountry,whichis,ofcourse,acrimenottobeforgivenbyapersonofGessler'sdisposition."

"ButGessleristoomuchexaltedaboveourhumblesphereoflife,tobeawareofapeasant'ssentimentsonsuchmatters,"saidAnnette.

"Gesslerwillnotpermitustoindulgethethoughtsofourheartsinsecret,"saidTell;"forhehathrecentlydevisedashrewdtest,wherebyheisenabledtodiscernthefreemanfromtheslavethroughoutthisprovince."

"AndwhatisthetestwhichthegovernorofUriemployethforthatpurpose?"

"ThouhastheardourgoodpastorreadintheScriptureoftheprophetDaniel,ofthegoldenimage,whichthetyrantNebuchadnezzarcausedtobeerected.Hemadeadecreethatallnationsandpeopleoftheworldshouldbowdownandworshipit,andthatthosewhorefusedtodososhouldbecastintoaburningfieryfurnace.Rememberestthouthis,mybeloved?"

"Certainly,"Annettereplied."ButwhathathGesslertodowiththatpresumptuousfollyoftheKingofBabylon?"

"Gessler,"repliedTell,"imitatesthepresumption,albeititisnotinhispowertorivalthegrandeur,ofNebuchadnezzar;forhehathsetupanidolinthemarket-placeofAltdorf,towhichherequirethblindhomagetobepaidbyfoolsandcowards.Now,theKingofBabylon'sidol,theprophettellsus,wasofsolidgold,ametalwhichtheworldis,Igrievetosay,toopronetoworship;butGessler'spaltryBaalisbuttheemptyducalbonnetofAustria,whichhehathexaltedonapole;andhecommandsthemenofUritobowdownbeforeit,underpenaltyofdeath.Wouldstthouwishthy

husbandtodegradethenameofaSwiss,bystoopingtosuchanaction?"

"No,"shereplied,"Ishouldblushforthee,ifthouwertcapableofsuchbaseness."

"Thouhastspokenlikeafreewoman,"heexclaimed."Yea,andthoushaltbethemotheroffreechildren:forthefirsttimeIgotoAltdorfIwillresisttheedict,whichenjoinsmeandmycountrymentopayhomagetothesenselessbaublewhichtheGermangovernorhathexaltedinthemarket-place."

"ButwhygotoAltdorfatall,myhusband?"saidthewifetoTell.

"MybusinesscallsmetoAltdorf,andIshallgothitherlikeanhonestman,intheperformanceofmyduty,"repliedTell."ThinkestthouthatIameithertoconfessmyselfaslave,bybendingmybodytoanemptycap,ortopermitittobeascarecrow,thatshallfrightmefromenteringthecapitalcityofmynativeprovince,lestIshoulddrawuponmyselfthepenaltyofrefusingtoperformacontemptibleaction,enjoinedbyawickedman?No,no,mysweetwife;IshallgotoAltdorf,whenoccasionmayrequire,withoutconsideringmyselfboundtoobserveGessler'sfoolishedict."



ThereturnofLalotteputanendtothisdiscourse;andAnnettebegantoassistherintakingupthesupper.

LalottewastheorphanofTell'sbrother.HerparentshadbothdiedwhensheandherbrotherPhilipwereveryyoung,andtheyhadbeenadoptedintothefamilyofherkindunclesoonafterhismarriagewithAnnette.Lalottewasaffectionate,sprightly,andindustrious.Sheassistedherauntinthehouseholdworkandthedairy;anditwasherbusinesstotakechargeofthechildren,whomshecarefullyinstructedinsuchthingsassheknew,andlabouredtorenderthemvirtuousandobedient.

Philip,herbrother,whowasaboutayearolderthanherself,hadbeenunfortunatelyaspoiledchild.Hewasself-willedandintractable,and,thoughfarfromabaddisposition,wasalwaysgettinghimselfandothersintoscrapesanddifficulties.

Thatnighthisplaceattheboardwasvacant,whichhisuncleobserving,said,

"Lalotte,whereisyourbrotherPhilip?"

"Absent,uncle,Iamsorrytosay,"repliedLalotte.

"ItisnotusualforPhiliptodesertthesuppermeal,"observedTell,"evenifhebeabsenttherestoftheday.Iamafraidheisafternogood."

Ahastystepwasheard;andLalotteexclaimed,"Ishouldnotwonderifthatweremyscrapegracebrother!"

"Itdoesnotsoundwellofyoutocallhimso,Lalotte,thoughheisasadplaguetousall,"saidTell.

Thedoorwashastilyopened,andPhilipbouncedinoutofbreath,andcoveredwithmud.Heflunghimselfonawoodensettlebesidethe

fire,andgavewaytofitsoflaughter.

"Hownow,Philip!whatisthecauseofallthis?"askedTellgravely.

"Hurrah!"shoutedhe,springingfromhisseat,andcaperingabout,"Ihavedonesuchadeed!"

"Somenotablepieceoffolly,nodoubt,"observedhisuncle;"whatisit,boy?"

"AdeedthatwillrendermynamefamousthroughoutthewholeprovinceofUri,mygooduncle.Everybodyistalkingaboutitin

Altdorfatthisverymoment,"exclaimedPhilip,rubbinghishands.

"Youhavelongbeencelebratedthereastheringleaderofmischief,"observedTell;"butIdoubtwhetheryouwillhavemuchreasontoexultintheevilreputationyouhaveacquired,Philip.Thereforegotobed,andwhenyousayyourprayers,askforgracetoreformyourevilhabits."

"Mygooduncle,"repliedPhilip,"becontent.ThisnightIhaveturnedpatriot,raisedarabbleofboys,andpelteddownthefool's



capwhicholdGesslerhadstuckupinthemarket-placeofAltdorf,forSwitzerstopayhomageto.Isnotthatagloriousdeed!"

"Itisofapiecewiththerestofyourfolly.Wereyoucalledupontopayhomagetothecap?"

"Bynomeans,uncle,elsemustIperforcehavemademyobeisancetotheemptybonnetoftheEmperor-DukeofAustria.Butthisexploitofminewasafterdark,whenoneboycouldnotbedistinguishedfromanother;andtherewerefullyfiftyofusengagedinpeltingatthemockmajestytilldownitcame,feathersandall,souseintothemud.Then,ohstars!howweallran!Butitwasmystonethathitit,takenotice:ha!ha!ha!"

"Yourheadmustbeasdevoidofbrainsastheemptycapyoupelted,Philip,oryouneverwouldhaveengagedinanysuchadventure."

"How,uncle!"criedPhilipinamaze;"wouldyouhavemepayhomagetotheducalbonnetwithoutaheadinit?"

"Itseemsyouwerenotrequiredtodoso,Philip;thereforeyouhadnopretextforraisingariottobreakthepeace."

"But,uncle,doyouintendtoyieldobediencetothegovernor's

tyrannousedict?"

"Philip,"repliedTell,"Iamaman,andofagetoformacorrectjudgmentofthethingswhichitmaybeexpedienttodoorpropertorefuse.Butitisnotmeetforidleboystobreedriotsandcommitactsofopenviolence,calculatedtoplungeawholecountryintoconfusion."

Philipwithdrewwithanairofgreatmortificationandthefamilysoonafterretiredtorest.

ThenextdayWilliamTelltookhisthoughtlessnephewwithhim,onahuntingexcursion,sinceitwasnecessaryheshouldfindsomebetter

occupationthanthrowingstones.Afterseveraldaystheyreturned,loadedwiththeskinsofthechamoisthathadbeenslainbytheunerringarrowofTell.

Hiswifeandchildrenhastenedtothecottagedoortowelcomehim,whentheybeheldhimcoming."Behold,mybeloved,"saidTell,"howwellIhavespedinthechase!Theseskinswillbringinamineofwealthagainstthewinterseason.To-morrowisAltdorffairandIshallgothithertosellthem."

"Hurrah!"shoutedPhilip."IsAltdorffairto-morrow?Oh,myfaith,Ihadforgottenit.Well,Ishallgothither,andhavesomefun."

"AndImeantogotoo,cousinPhilip,"saidHenric.

"Notsofast,youngmen,"criedTell."Altdorffairwillbefullofsoldiersandturbulentpeople,andisnotaproperplaceforrashboysandchildren."

"Butyouwilltakecareofus,father,dearfather,"saidHenric,strokinghisfather'sarmcaressingly.

"Ishallhaveenoughtodototakecareofmyself,Henric,"replied



Tell."Soyoumustbeagoodboy,andstaywithyourmother."

"ButIwon'tbeagoodboy,ifyouleavemeathome,"mutteredthelittlerebel.

"Thenyoumustbewhipped,sir,"saidhisfather;"forweloveyoutoowelltopermityoutobenaughtywithoutpunishingyou."

Onhearingthis,Henricbegantoweepwithanger.SohisfathertoldLalottetoputhimtobedwithouthissupper.

NowPhilipwasasilly,good-naturedfellow,andfanciedthathislittlecousin,Henric,ofwhomhewasveryfond,wasill-treatedbyhisfather.Sohetookanopportunityofslippingasweet-cakeintohispouch,fromthesupper-board,withwhichheslilystoletoHenric'scrib.

"Nevermindmycrossuncle,sweetcousin,"saidhe:"see,Ihavebroughtyouanicecake."

"Oh!Idon'tcareaboutcakes,"criedHenric."IwanttogotoAltdorffairto-morrow."

"AndyoushallgotoAltdorffair,"saidPhilip.

"ButhowcanIgo,whenfathersayshewon'ttakeme?"sobbedHenric.

"There,dryyoureyes,andgotosleep,"whisperedPhilip;"assoonasmyuncleisgoneIwilltakeyoutothefairwithme;forImeantogo,inspiteofallhehassaidtothecontrary."

"Butwhatwillmothersay?"askedHenric.

"Wewon'tletherknowanythingaboutit,"saidPhilip.

"ButLalottewon'tletusgo;forLalotteisverycross,andwants

tomasterme."

"AfigforLalotte!"criedtherudePhilip;"doyouthinkIcareforher?"

"Iwon'tcareforLalottewhenIgrowagreatbigboylikeyou,cousinPhilip;butshemakesmemindhernow,"saidHenric.

"Neverfear;wewillfindsomewayofoutwittingMademoiselleLalotteto-morrow,"saidPhilip.

ThenextmorningWilliamTellroseatanearlyhour,andproceededtothefairatAltdorf,tosellhischamoisskins.

Philipinsteadofgettingup,andofferingtocarrythemforhisuncle,layinbedtillafterhewasgone.HewasponderingonhisundutifulschemeoftakinglittleHenrictothefair,indefianceofTell'sexpresscommandsthatbothshouldstayathomethatday.

HenriccouldeatnobreakfastthatmorningforthinkingoftheprojectinwhichPhiliphadtemptedhimtoengage.Hiskindmotherpattedhiscurlyhead,andgavehimapieceofhoneycombfornotcryingtogotothefair.Heblushedcrimson-redatthis



commendation,andwasjustgoingtotellhismotherallaboutit,whenPhilip,guessinghisthoughts,helduphisfinger,andshookhisheadathim.

WhenhismotherandLalottewentintothedairytochurnthebuttertheybeggedHenricandPhiliptotakecareofLewisandtheotherlittleones,sothattheyshouldnotgetintoanymischief.Nosooner,however,weretheygone,thanPhilipsaid,"Now,Henric,isourtimetomakeourescape,andgotothefair."

"But,"saidHenric,"mymothergavemesomesweetandhoneycombjustnow,forbeingagoodboy;anditwillbeverynaughtyofmetodisobeymyfather'scommandsafterthat.So,dearPhilip,IwasthinkingthatIwouldstayathometo-day,ifyouwouldstaytoo,andmakelittleboatsformetofloatonthelake."

"Ishalldonosuchthing,Ipromiseyou,"repliedPhilip;"forImeantogotothefair,andseethefun.Youmaystayathome,ifyoulike--forIdon'twanttobeplaguedwithyourcompany."

"Oh,dear!"criedHenric,"butIwantverymuchtogotothefair,andseethefuntoo."

"Comealongthen,"saidPhilip;"orweshallnotgetthereintime

toseethetumblers,ortheapesanddancingbears,orthefire-eaters,oranyotheroftheshows."

ItwasnearlytwohoursbeforethetruantsweremissedbyHenric'smotherandLalotte;fortheywereallthattimebusyinthedairy.Atlengththeyheardthechildrencry;onwhich,Lalotteranintotheroom,andfoundnoonewiththembutLewis.

"Whatashame,"criedLalotte,"forthatlazyboyPhilip,toleavealltheselittleones,withonlyyou,Lewis.WhereisHenric,pray?"

"Oh!HenricisgonetothefairwithcousinPhilip,"lispedlittleLewis.

"OhthatwickedPhilip!"criedLalotte."Aunt!aunt!PhiliphasrunofftoAltdorffair,andtakenHenricwithhim!"

"MydearLalotte,"saidheraunt,"youmustputonyourhoodandsabots,andrunafterthem.Perhaps,asyouarelight-footed,youcanovertakethem,andbringHenricback.Iamsure,somemischiefwillbefallhim."

Lalottehastilythrewhergraysergecloakabouther,anddrewthehoodoverherhead.Sheslippedherlittlefeetintohersabots,orwoodenshoes,andtooktheroadtoAltdorf,hurryingalongasfastasshecould,inhopeofovertakingthetruantsbeforetheyreached

thetown.

Morethanoncethelittlemaidenthoughtofturningback,buttheremembranceofPhilip'srashandinconsideratetemperfilledherwithalarmforthesafetyofthechildwhomhehadtemptedawayfromhome.Shereflectedthat,asherunclewasatAltdorf,itwouldbeherwisestcoursetoproceedthithertoseekhimout,andtoinformhimofhislittleboybeingtheninthefair.

Lalotteenteredthemarket-placeofAltdorf,atthemomentwhenher



uncle,havingdisposedofhischamois-skinstoadvantage,wascrossingfromthecarriers'stallstoaclothier'sboothtopurchasewoollenclothsforwintergarments.Fairswereformerlymarts,wheremerchantsandartisansbroughttheirgoodsforsale;andpersonsresortedthither,notforthepurposeofriotandrevelling,buttopurchaseusefulcommodities,clothing,andhouseholdgoodsatthebestadvantage.

WilliamTellhadbeenrequestedbyhiscarefulwifetopurchaseavarietyofarticlesfortheuseofthefamily.Hewassointentinperformingallherbiddings,tothebestofhisability,thatheneveroncethoughtofthecapwhichtheinsolentgovernor,Gessler,haderectedinthemarket-place,tillhefoundhimselfoppositetotheloftypoleonwhichitwasexalted.HewouldhavepasseditunconsciouslyhadhenotbeenstoppedbytheGermansoldiers,whowereunderarmsoneithersidethepole,toenforceobediencetotheinsultingedictofthegovernorofUri.Tellthenpaused,and,raisinghiseyestotheobjecttowhichthecaptainoftheguard,withanauthoritativegesture,directedhisattention,beheldtheducalcapofAustriajustabovehim.

Thecolourmountedtothecheekofthefree-bornhunteroftheAlps,atthesightofthisbadgeofslaveryofhisfallencountry.Castinganindignantglanceupontheforeignsoldierswhohadimpededhis

progress,hemovedsternlyforward,withoutofferingtheprescribedactofhomagetothecap.

"Stop!"criedthecaptainoftheguard;"youareincurringthepenaltyofdeath,rashman,byyourdisobediencetotheedictofhisexcellencytheGovernorofUri."

"Indeed!"repliedTell."IwasnotawarethatIwasdoinganythingunlawful."

"YouhaveinsultedthemajestyofourlordtheEmperorbypassingthatcapwithoutbowingtoit,"saidtheofficer.

"Iwistnotthatmorerespectwereduetoanemptycap,thantoacloakanddoublet,orapairofhose,"repliedTell.

"Insolenttraitor!dostthoupresumetolevelthyrudegibesatthebadgeofroyalty?"criedthegovernor,steppingforwardfrombehindthesoldiers,wherehehadbeenlisteningtothedisputebetweenTellandtheofficer.

PoorLalotte,meantime,havingcaughtaglimpseofheruncle'stall,manlyfigurethroughthecrowd,hadpressednearenoughtohearthealarmingdialogueinwhichhehadbeenengagedwiththeGermansoldiers.While,palewithterror,shestoodlisteningwithbreathlessattention,sherecognisedPhilipatnogreatdistance,

withlittleHenricinhisarms,amongthespectators.

ThethoughtlessPhilipwasevidentlyneitherawarehownearhewastohisuncle,noroftheperilinwhichhestood.Withfoolishglee,hewaspointingoutthecaptolittleHenric;andthoughLalottecouldnothearwhathewassaying,shefanciedhewasrashlyboastingtothechildoftheshareintheexploitofpeltingitdownafewnightsprevious.

Whileherattentionwasthuspainfullyexcitedsheheardsomeofthe



peopleroundhersaying,

"Whoisitthathasventuredtoresistthegovernor'sdecree?"

"ItisWilliamTell,thecrossbow-manofBurglen,"repliedmanyvoices.

"WilliamTell!"saidoneofthesoldiers;"whyitwashiskinsmanwhoraisedarabbletoinsulttheducalbonnettheothernight."

"Ay,itwasthescapegrace,PhilipTell,whoassailedthecapofoursovereignwithstones,tillhestruckitdown,"criedanother.

"Beholdwheretheyoungvillainstands,"exclaimedathird,pointingtoPhilip.

"Hallo,hallo!seizetheyoungtraitor,inthenameoftheEmperorandthegovernor!"shoutedtheGermans.

"Run,Philip,run--runforyourlife!"criedapartyofhisyouthfulassociates.

Philiphastilysethislittlecousinonhisfeet,andstartedoffwiththespeedofthewildchamoisoftheAlpinemountains;leaving

littleHenrictoshiftforhimself.

"Thechild,thechild!thepreciousboy!hewillbetrampledtodeath!"shriekedLalotte.

HenrichadcaughtsightofhisfatheramongthecrowdwhilePhilipwasholdinghimuptolookattheducalcap,andhehadbeenmuchalarmedlesthisfathershouldseehim.ButthemomenthefoundhimselfabandonedbyPhilip,helifteduphisvoice,andscreamedwithallhismight,"Father,father!"

Thehelplessness,thedistress,togetherwiththeuncommonbeautyofthechild,movedtheheartofapeasantnearhim,tocompassion.

"Whoisyourfather,myfairboy?"saidhe."Pointhimout,andIwillleadyoutohim."

"MyfatherisWilliamTell,thecrossbow-manofBurglen,"saidthechild."Thereheisclosetothecaponthepoleyonder."

"Isheyourfather,poorbabe?"saidthepeasant."Well,youwillfindhiminraretrouble,andIhopeyoumaynotbethemeansofaddingtoit,mylittleman."

Nosoonerhadthekindmanclearedthewaythroughthecrowdforhisyoungcompanion,andconductedhimwithinafewyardsofthespotwhereWilliamTellstood,thantheurchindrewhishandawayfrom

hisnewfriend,andrunningtohisfather,flunghislittlearmsabouthisknees,sobbing,"Father,dearfather,prayforgivemethisonce,andIwillneverdisobeyyouagain."

Henricmadehisappearanceatanunluckymomentbothforhisfatherandhimself;forthecruelgovernorofUri,exasperatedatthemanlycourageofTell,seizedtheboybythearmandsternlydemandedifhewerehisson.

"Harmnotthechild,Ipraythee,"criedTell:"heismyfirst



born."

"Itisnotmyintentiontodohimharm,"repliedthegovernor."Ifanymischiefbefallthechild,itwillbebythyownhand,traitor.Here,"criedhetooneofhissoldiers,"takethisboy,tiehimbeneathyonlinden-tree,inthecentreofthemarket-place,andplaceanappleonhishead--"

"Whatmeansthis?"criedTell.

"Iammindedtoseeaspecimenofyourskillasanarcher,"repliedGessler."IamtoldthatyouarethebestmarksmaninallUri;and,therefore,yourlifebeingforfeitedbyyourpresumptuousactofdisobedience,Iaminclined,outoftheclemencyofmynature,toallowyouachanceofsavingit.Thisyoumaydo,ifyoucanshootanarrowsotrulyaimedastocleavetheappleuponthyboy'shead.Butifthoueithermisstheapple,orslaythechild,thenshallthesentenceofdeathbeinstantlyexecuted."

"Unfeelingtyrant!"exclaimedTell;"dostthouthinkthatIcouldendeavourtopreservemyownlifebyriskingthatofmypreciouschild?"

"Nay,"repliedGessler,"IthoughtIwasdoingtheeagreatfavour

byofferingtheeanalternative,wherebythoumightestpreservethyforfeitedlifebyaluckychance."

"Aluckychance!"exclaimedTell:"anddostthoubelievethatIwouldstakemychild'slifeonsuchadesperatechanceasthecastofanarrowlaunchedbytheagitatedhandofananxiousfather,atsuchamarkasthat?Nay,lookatthechildthyself,mylord.Thoughhebenokintothee,andthouknowestnoneofhisprettywaysandwinningwiles,wherebyheendearethhimselftoaparent'sheart--yetconsiderhisinnocentcountenance,theartlessbeautyofhisfeatures,andtherosyfreshnessofhisroundedcheeks,whicharedimplingwithjoyatthesightofme,thoughthetearsyethanguponthem--andthensay,whetherthoucouldstfindinthinehearttoaim

anarrowthatperchancemightharmhim?"

"Iswear,"repliedGessler,"thatthoushalteithershootthearrow,ordie!"

"Mychoiceissoonmade,"saidTell,droppingthebowfromhishand."Letmedie!"

"Ay,butthechildshallbeslainbeforethyfaceerethineownsentencebeexecuted,traitor!"criedthegovernor,"ifthoushootnotathim."

"Givemethebowoncemore!"exclaimedTell,inahoarse,deep

voice;"butinmercyletsomeoneturnthechild'sfaceawayfromme.IfImeettheglanceofthosesweeteyesofhis,itwillunnervemyhand;andthen,perchance,theshaft,onwhosetrueaimhislifeandminedepend,mayerr."

Lalotte,knowingthatalldependedonhisremainingquiet,assoonasthesoldiershadplacedhimwithhisfaceavertedfromhisfather,sprangforward,andwhisperedinHenric'sear,"Standfirm,dearboy,withoutmoving,forfiveminutes,andyouwillbeforgivenforyourfaultofthismorning."



Therewasasuddenpauseofaweandexpectationamongthedensecrowdthathadgatheredroundthegroupplantedwithinabow-shotofthelinden-treebeneathwhichthechildwasbound.Tell,whosearmswerenowreleased,unbuckledthequiverthatwasslungacrosshisshoulder,andcarefullyexaminedhisarrows,onebyone.Heselectedtwo:oneofthemheplacedinhisgirdle,theotherhefittedtohisbow-string;andthenheraisedhiseyestoHeaven,andhislipsmovedinprayer.HereliednotuponhisownskillbutheaskedtheassistanceofOneinwhosehandsaretheissuesoflifeanddeath;andhedidnotaskinvain.Thetrembling,agitatedhandthatamomentbeforeshookwiththestrongemotionofaparent'sanxiousfears,becamesuddenlyfirmandsteady;hisswimmingeyesresumedtheirkeen,clearsight,andhismindrecovereditswontedenergyofpurposeatthepropermoment.

Lalotte'syoungvoicewasthefirsttoproclaim,aloud,"Thearrowhathclefttheappleintwain!andthechildissafe."

"Godhathspedmyshaft,andblessedbeHisname!"exclaimedthepiousarcher,onwhoseearthethundersofapplause,withwhichtheassembledmultitudehailedhissuccessfulshot,hadfallenunheeded.

Thesoldiersnowunboundthechild;andLalottefearlesslyadvanced,

andledhimtohisfather.Butbeforethefondparentcouldfoldhisdarlingtohisbosom,thetyrantGesslersternlydemandedforwhatpurposehehadreservedthesecondarrow,whichhehadseenhimselectandplaceinhisbelt.

"Thatarrow,"repliedTell,givingwaytoasuddenburstofpassion,"thatarrowwasdesignedtoavengethedeathofmychild,ifIhadslainhimwiththeother."

"Howtoavenge?"exclaimedthegovernor,furiously."Toavenge,saidstthou?andonwhomdidstthouintendthyvengeancewouldfall?"

"Onthee,tyrant!"repliedTell,fixinghiseyessternlyonthegovernor."Mynextmarkwouldhavebeenthybosom,hadIfailedinmyfirst.Thouperceivestthatmineisnotashafttomiscarry."

"Well,thouhastspokenfrankly,"saidGessler;"andsinceIhavepromisedtheethylifeIwillnotswervefrommyword.ButasIhavenowreasonforpersonalapprehensionsfromthymalice,IshallclosettheehenceforthsosafelyinthedungeonsofKussnacht,thatthelightofsunormoonshallnevermorevisitthineeyes;andthyfatalbowshallhereafterbeharmless."

Onthistheguardoncemorelaidhandsontheintrepidarcher,whomtheyseizedandbound,inspiteoftheentreatiesofLalotte,and

thecriesandtearsoflittleHenric,whohungweepingabouthisfather.

"Takehimhometohismother,Lalotte;andbearmylastfondgreetingstoherandthelittleones,whomI,peradventure,shallseenomore,"saidTell,burstingintotears.Themightyheartwhichhadremainedfirmandunshakeninthemidstofallhisperilsandtrials,nowmeltedwithinhimatthesightofhischild'stears,theremembranceofhishome,andanticipationsofthesufferingsofhistenderwife.



TheinhumanGesslerscarcelypermittedhisprisonerthesatisfactionofapartingembracewithHenricandLalotte,ereheorderedhimtobehurriedonboardasmallvesselinwhichheembarkedalsowithhisarmedfollowers.HecommandedthecrewtorowtoBrunnen,whereitwashisintentiontoland,and,passingthroughtheterritoryofSchwyz,tolodgethecaptiveTellinthedungeonofKussnacht,andtheretoimmurehimforlife.

Thesailswerehoistedandthevesselunderweigh,whensuddenlyoneofthosestormscommononthelakeofUriovertookthem,accompaniedwithsuchviolentgustsofwind,thattheterrifiedpilotforsookthehelm;andthebark,withthegovernorandhiscrew,wasindangerofbeingingulfedintheragingwaters.Gessler,likemostwickedpeople,wasingreatterrorattheprospectofdeath,whenoneofhisattendantsremindedhimthattheprisoner,WilliamTell,wasnolessskilfulinthemanagementofaboatthanintheexerciseofthebow.SoheorderedthatTellshouldbeunbound,andplacedatthehelm.

Theboat,steeredbythemaster-handoftheintrepidTell,nowkeptitscoursesteadilythrough,themountainsurge;andTellobserved,"thatbythegraceofGod,hetrustedadeliverancewasathand."

Astheprowofthevesselwasdriveninland,Tellperceivedasolitarytablerockandcalledaloudtherowerstoredoubletheirefforts,tilltheyshouldhavepassedtheprecipiceahead.Attheinstanttheycameabreastthispointhesnatchedhisbowfromtheplank,whereitwaslyingforgottenduringthestorm,and,turningthehelmsuddenlytowardtherock,hespranglightlyonshore,scaledthemountain,andwasoutofsightandbeyondreachofpursuit,beforeanyonboardhadrecoveredfromconsternation.

Tell,meantime,enteredSchwyz,andhavingreachedtheheightswhichborderthemainroadtoKussnacht,concealedhimselfamongthebrushwoodinasmallhollowoftheroad,whereheknewGesslerwouldpassonhiswaytohisowncastle,incaseheandhisfollowers

escapedandcamesafelytoshore.This,itappearedtheydid,andhavingeffectedalandingatBrunnen,theytookhorse,andproceededtowardsKussnacht,inthedirection.oftheonlyroadtothecastle.

WhiletheywerepassingthespotwhereTelllayconcealed,heheardthecrueltyrantdenouncingthemostdeadlyvengeance,notonlyonhimself,buthishelplessfamily:"IfIlivetoreturntoAltdorf,"heexclaimed,"IwilldestroythewholebroodofthetraitorTell,motherandchildren,inthesamehour."

"Monster,thoushaltreturntoAltdorfnomore!"murmuredTell.So,raisinghimselfupinhislair,andfittinganarrowtohisbow,hetookdeadlyaimattherelentlessbosomthatwasplanningthe

destructionofallhisfamily.

Thearrowflewastrulytothemarkasthatwhichhehadshotinthemarket-placeofAltdorf,andthetyrantGesslerfellfromhishorse,piercedwithamortalwound.

Thedaringarcherthoughtthathehadtakenhisaimunseenbyhumaneye;but,tohissurprise,afamiliarvoicewhisperedinhisear,"Bravo,uncle!thatwasthebest-aimedshaftyouevershot.Gesslerisdown,andweareafreepeoplenow."



"Thouincorrigiblevarlet,whatbringstheehere?"repliedTell,inanundervoice,givingPhiliparoughgripofthearm.

"Itisnotimetoanswerquestions,"returnedPhilip."TheRutlibandarewaitingforthee,ifsobethoucanstescapefromthisdangerousplace;andmybusinessherewastogivetheenoticeofthesame."

Onthis,Tellsoftlycreptfromthethicket,and,followedbyhisnephew,tooktheroadtoStienen,whichundercoverofdarkness,theyreachedthatnight.

Philip,bytheway,afterexpressingmuchcontritionforhavingseducedlittleHenrictogotothefairwithhim,informedhisunclethatHenricandLalottehadbeensafelyconductedhomebyoneofthebandoftheRutliwhochancedtobeatAltdorffair.

WhentheyreachedStienenTellwasreceivedwithopenarmsbyStauffacher,theleaderoftheRutliband;andwithhimandtheotherconfederates,hesowellconcertedmeasuresforthedeliveranceofSwitzerlandfromtheGermanyoke,that,inthecourseofafewdays,thewholecountrywasinarms.TheEmperorofGermany'sforceswereeverywheredefeated;andonthefirstdayof

theyear,1308,theindependenceofSwitzerlandwasdeclared.

HisgratefulcountrymenwouldhavechosenWilliamTellfortheirsovereign,buthenoblyrejectedtheoffer,declaringthathewasperfectlycontentedwiththestationoflifeinwhichhewasborn,andwishedtoberememberedinhistorybynoothertitlethanthatoftheDelivererofSwitzerland.

Thistruepatriotlivedhappilyinthebosomofhisfamilyformanyyears,andhadthesatisfactionofseeinghischildrengrowupinthefearofGodandthepracticeofvirtue.

CHAPTERXVI

ROBERTBRUCE

Ihopeyouhavenotforgotten,mydearchild,thatallthecruelwarsofScotlandaroseoutofthedebatebetweenthegreatlordswhoclaimedthethroneafterKingAlexandertheThird'sdeath.TheScottishnobilityrashlysubmittedthedecisionofthatmattertoKingEdwardIofEngland,andthusopenedthewaytohisendeavouringtoseizethekingdomofScotlandtohimself.Itwas

naturalthatsuchofthepeopleaswerestilldeterminedtofightforthedeliveranceoftheircountryfromtheEnglish,shouldlookroundforsomeotherKing,underwhomtheymightunitethemselves,tocombatthepowerofEngland.

Amongstthese,theprincipalcandidates,weretwopowerfulnoblemen.ThefirstwasRobertBruce,EarlofCarrick;theotherwasJohnComyn,orCuming,ofBadenoch,usuallycalledtheRedComyn,todistinguishhimfromhiskinsman,theBlackComyn,sonamedfromhisswarthycomplexion.Thesetwogreatandpowerfulbaronshadtaken



partwithSirWilliamWallaceinthewarsagainstEngland;but,afterhisdefeat,beingcarefuloflosingtheirgreatestates,andconsideringthefreedomofScotlandasbeyondthepossibilityofbeingrecovered,bothBruceandComynhadnotonlysubmittedthemselvestoEdward,andacknowledgedhistitleasKingofScotland,butevenbornearms,alongwiththeEnglish,againstsuchoftheircountrymenasstillcontinuedtoresisttheusurper.ButthefeelingsofBruceconcerningthebasenessofthisconduct,aresaid,bytheoldtraditionofScotland,tohavebeenawakenedbythefollowingincident.Inoneofthenumerousbattles,orskirmishes,whichtookplaceatthetimebetweentheEnglishandtheiradherentsontheoneside,andtheinsurgentorpatrioticScotsupontheother,RoberttheBrucewaspresent,andassistedtheEnglishtogainthevictory.Afterthebattlewasover,hesatdowntodinneramonghissouthernfriendsandallies,withoutwashinghishands,onwhichtherestillremainedspotsofthebloodwhichhehadshedduringtheaction.TheEnglishlords,observingthiswhisperedtoeachotherinmockery,"LookatthatScotsman,whoiseatinghisownblood!"Bruceheardwhattheysaid,andbegantoreflectthattheblooduponhishandsmightbeindeedcalledhisown,sinceitwasthatofhisbravecountrymenwhowerefightingfortheindependenceofScotland,whilsthewasassistingitsoppressors,whoonlylaughedatandmockedhimforhisunnaturalconduct.Hewassomuchshockedanddisgustedthathearosefromtable,and,goingintoa

neighbouringchapel,shedmanytears,and,askingpardonofGodforthegreatcrimehehadbeenguiltyof,madeasolemnvowthathewouldatoneforitbydoingallinhispowertodeliverScotlandfromtheforeignyoke.Accordingly,heleft,itissaid,theEnglisharmy,andneverjoineditagain,butremainedwatchinganopportunityforrestoringthefreedomofhiscountry.

Now,thisRoberttheBrucewasheldthebestwarriorinScotland.Hewasverywiseandprudent,andanexcellentgeneral;thatis,heknewhowtoconductanarmy,andplacetheminorderforbattle,aswellorbetterthananygreatmanofhistime.Hewasgenerous,too,andcourteousbynature;buthehadsomefaults,whichperhapsbelongedasmuchtothefierceperiodinwhichhelivedastohis

owncharacter.Hewasrashandpassionate,andinhispassionhewassometimesrelentlessandcruel.

RoberttheBracehadfixedhispurpose,asItoldyou,toattemptonceagaintodrivetheEnglishoutofScotland,andhedesiredtoprevailuponSirJohn,theRedComyn,whowashisrivalinhispretensionstothethrone,tojoinwithhiminexpellingtheforeignenemybytheircommonefforts.Withthispurpose,BrucerequestedaninterviewwithJohnComyn.TheymetintheChurchoftheMinoritesinDunfries,beforethehighaltar.Whatpassedbetwixtthemisnotknownwithcertainty;buttheyquarrelled,eitherconcerningtheirmutualpretensionstotheCrown,orbecauseComynrefusedtojoinBruceintheproposedinsurrectionagainsttheEnglish;or,asmany

writerssay,becauseBrucechargedComynwithhavingbetrayedtotheEnglishhispurposeofrisingupagainstKingEdward.Itis,however,certain,thatthesetwohaughtybaronscametohighandabusivewords,untilatlengthBruceforgotthesacredcharacteroftheplaceinwhichtheystood,andstruckComynablowwithhisdagger.Havingdonethisrashdeed,heinstantlyranoutofthechurchandcalledforhishorse.TwofriendsofBrucewereinattendanceonhim.Seeinghimpale,bloody,andinmuchagitationtheyeagerlyinquiredwhatwasthematter.



"Idoubt,"saidBruce,"thatIhaveslaintheRedComyn."

"Doyouleavesuchamatterindoubt?"saidone,"Iwillmakesicker!"--thatis,Iwillmakecertain.Accordingly,heandhiscompanionrushedintothechurchandmadethemattercertainwithavengeance,bydispatchingthewoundedComynwiththeirdaggers.Hisuncle,SirRobertComyn,wasslainatthesametime.

ThisslaughterofComynwasarashandcruelaction.ItwasfollowedbythedispleasureofHeaven;fornomaneverwentthroughmoremisfortunesthanRobertBruce,althoughheatlengthrosetogreathonour.Afterthedeedwasdone,Brucemightbecalleddesperate.HehadcommittedanactionwhichwassuretobringdownuponhimthevengeanceofallComyn'srelations,theresentmentoftheKingofEngland,andthedispleasureoftheChurch,onaccountofhavingslainhisenemywithinconsecratedground.Hedetermined,therefore,tobidthemalldefianceatonce,andtoasserthispretensionstothethroneofScotland.Hedrewhisownfollowerstogether,summonedtomeethimsuchbaronsasstillentertainedhopesofthefreedomofthecountry,andwascrownedKingattheAbbeyofScone,theusualplacewheretheKingsofScotlandassumedtheirauthority.

Everythingrelatingtotheceremonywashastilyperformed.Asmallcircletofgoldwashurriedlymade,torepresenttheancientcrown

ofScotland,whichEdwardhadcarriedofftoEngland.TheEarlofFife,descendantofthebraveMacduff,whosedutyitwastohaveplacedthecrownontheKing'shead,wouldnotgivehisattendance,buttheceremonialwasperformedbyhissister,Isabella,CountessofBuchan.

Edwardwasdreadfullyincensedwhenheheardthat,afterallthepainswhichhehadtaken,andallthebloodwhichhadbeenspilled,theScotsweremakingthisnewattempttoshakeoffhisauthority.Thoughnowold,feeble,andsickly,hemadeasolemnvow,inpresenceofallhiscourt,thathewouldtakethemostamplevengeanceuponRoberttheBruceandhisadherents;afterwhichhewouldneveragaindrawhissworduponaChristian,butwouldonly

fightagainsttheunbelievingSaracensfortherecoveryoftheHolyLand.HemarchedagainstBruceaccordingly,attheheadofapowerfularmy.

ThecommencementofBruce'sundertakingwasmostdisastrous.Hewascrownedonthetwenty-ninthofMarch,1306.OntheeighteenthofMayhewasex-communicatedbythePope,onaccountofthemurderofComynwithinconsecratedground,asentencewhichexcludedhimfromallbenefitsofreligion,andauthorizedanyonetokillhim.Finally,onthenineteenthofJune,thenewKingwascompletelydefeatednearMethvenbytheEnglishEarlofPembroke.Robert'shorsewaskilledunderhimintheaction,andhewasforamomentaprisoner.ButhehadfallenintothepowerofaScottishknight,

who,thoughheservedintheEnglisharmy,didnotchoosetobetheinstrumentofputtingBruceintotheirhands,andallowedhimtoescape.

Bruce,withafewbraveadherents,amongwhomwastheyounglordofDouglas,whowasafterwardcalledtheGoodLordJames,retiredintotheHighlandmountains.TheBruce'swife,nowQueenofScotland,withseveralotherladies,accompaniedherhusbandandhisfewfollowersduringtheirwanderings.Therewasnowayofprovidingforthemsavebyhuntingandfishing.Drivenfromoneplaceinthe



Highlandstoanother,starvedoutofsomedistricts,andforcedfromothersbytheoppositionoftheinhabitants,BruceattemptedtoforcehiswayintoLorn;buthefoundenemieseverywhere.TheMacDougals,apowerfulfamily,thencalledLordsofLorn,werefriendlytotheEnglish,andattackedBruceandhiswanderingcompanionsassoonastheyattemptedtoentertheirterritory.Thechief,calledJohnofLorn,hatedBruceonaccountofhishavingslaintheRedComyn,towhomthisMacDougalwasnearlyrelated.Brucewasagaindefeatedbythischief.Hedirectedhismentoretreatthroughanarrowpass,and,placinghimselflastoftheparty,hefoughtwithandslewsuchoftheenemyasattemptedtopresshardonthem.ThreefollowersofMacDougal,afatherandtwosons,calledMacAndrosser,allverystrongmen,whentheysawBrucethusprotectingtheretreatofhisfollowers,rushedontheKingatonce.Brucewasonhorseback,inthestraitpassbetwixtaprecipitousrockandadeeplake.Hestruckthefirstmanablowwithhissword,ascutoffhishandandfreedthebridle.Themanbledtodeath.TheotherbrotherhadmeantimegraspedBrucebytheleg,andwasattemptingtothrowhimfromhorseback.TheKing,settingspurstohishorse,madetheanimalsuddenlyspringforward,sothattheHighlanderfellunderthehorse'sfeet,and,ashewasendeavouringtoriseagain,Bruceclefthisheadintwowithhissword.Thefather,seeinghistwosonsthusslain,flewdesperatelyattheKing,andgraspedhimbythemantlesoclosetohisbody,

thathecouldnothaveroomtowieldhislongsword.ButwiththeheavypummelofthatweapontheKingstruckthisthirdassailantsodreadfulablow,thathedashedouthisbrains.Still,however,theHighlanderkepthisdyinggraspontheKing'smantle;sothat,tobefreeofthedeadbody,Brucewasobligedtoundothebrooch,orclasp,bywhichitwasfastened,andleavethat,andthemantleitself,behindhim.Thebrooch,whichfellthusintothepossessionofMacDougalofLorn,isstillpreservedinthatancientfamilyasamemorial.

TheKingmetwithmanysuchencountersamidsthisdangerousanddismalwanderings;yet,thoughalmostalwaysdefeatedbythesuperiornumbersoftheEnglish,andofsuchScotsassidedwith

them,hestillkeptuphisownspiritsandthoseofhisfollowers.Hewasabetterscholarthanwasusualinthosedays,when,exceptclergymen,fewpeoplelearnedtoreadandwrite.ButKingRobertcoulddobothverywell;andwearetoldthathesometimesreadaloudtohiscompanions,toamusethem,whentheywerecrossingthegreatHighlandlakes,insuchwretchedleakyboatsastheycouldfindforthatpurpose.LochLomond,inparticular,issaidtohavebeenthesceneofsuchalecture.Youmayseebythis,howusefulitistopossessknowledge.

AtlastdangersincreasedsomucharoundthebraveKingRobert,thathewasobligedtoseparatehimselffromhisQueenandherladies.SoBrucelefthisQueen,withtheCountessofBuchanandothers,inthe

onlycastlewhichremainedtohim,whichwascalledKildrummie,andissituatedneartheheadoftheriverDoninAberdeenshire.TheKingalsolefthisbrother,NigelBruce,todefendthecastleagainsttheEnglish;andhehimself,withhissecondbrotherEdward,whowasaverybraveman,wentovertoanislandcalledRachrin,onthecoastofIreland,whereBruceandthefewmenwhofollowedhisfortunespassedthewinterof1306.InthemeantimethecastleofKildrummiewastakenbytheEnglish,andNigelBruce,abeautifulandbraveyouth,wascruellyputtodeathbythevictors.TheladieswhohadattendedonRobert'sQueen,aswellastheQueenherself,



andtheCountessofBuchan,werethrownintostrictconfinement.

TheCountessofBuchanhadgivenEdwardgreatoffencebybeingthepersonwhoplacedthecrownontheheadofRobertBruce.ShewasimprisonedwithintheCastleofBerwick,inacage.Thecagewasastrongwoodenandironpieceofframe-work,placedwithinanapartment,andresemblingoneofthoseplacesinwhichwild-beastsareconfined.Thereweresuchcagesinmostoldprisonstowhichcaptiveswereconsigned,whoweretobeconfinedwithpeculiarrigour.

ThenewsofthetakingofKildrummie,thecaptivityofhiswife,andtheexecutionofhisbrother,reachedBrucewhilehewasresidinginamiserabledwellingatRachrin,andreducedhimtothepointofdespair.AfterreceivingtheintelligencefromScotland,Brucewaslyingonemorningonhiswretchedbed,anddeliberatingwithhimselfwhetherhehadnotbetterresignallthoughtsofagainattemptingtomakegoodhisrighttotheScottishcrown,and,dismissinghisfollowers,transporthimselfandhisbrotherstotheHolyLand,andspendtherestofhislifeinfightingagainsttheSaracens.Butthen,ontheotherhand,hethoughtitwouldbebothcriminalandcowardlytogiveuphisattemptstorestorefreedomtoScotlandwhilethereyetremainedtheleastchanceofhisbeingsuccessfulinanundertaking,which,rightlyconsidered,wasmuchmorehisduty

thantodrivetheinfidelsoutofPalestine.

Whilehewasdividedbetwixtthesereflections,anddoubtfulofwhatheshoulddo,Brucewaslookingupwardtotheroofofthecabininwhichhelay;andhiseyewasattractedbyaspider,which,hangingattheendofalongthreadofitsownspinning,wasendeavouringtoswingitselffromonebeamintherooftoanother,forthepurposeoffixingthelineonwhichitmeanttostretchitsweb.Theinsectmadetheattemptagainandagainwithoutsuccess;atlengthBrucecountedthatithadtriedtocarryitspointsixtimes,andbeenasoftenunabletodoso.ItcameintohisheadthathehadhimselffoughtjustsixbattlesagainsttheEnglishandtheirallies,andthatthepoorperseveringspiderwasexactlyinthesamesituation

withhimself,havingmadeasmanytrialsandbeenasoftendisappointedinwhatitaimedat."Now,"thoughtBruce,"asIhavenomeansofknowingwhatisbesttobedone,Iwillbeguidedbytheluckwhichshallattendthisspider.Iftheinsectshallmakeanotherefforttofixitsthread,andshallbesuccessful,IwillventureaseventhtimetotrymyfortuneinScotland;butifthespidershallfail,IwillgotothewarsinPalestine,andneverreturntomynativecountrymore."

WhileBrucewasformingthisresolutionthespidermadeanotherexertionwithalltheforceitcouldmuster,andfairlysucceededinfasteningitsthreadtothebeamwhichithadsoofteninvainattemptedtoreach.Bruceseeingthesuccessofthespider,resolved

totryhisownfortune;andashehadneverbeforegainedavictory,soheneverafterwardsustainedanyconsiderableordecisivecheckordefeat.IhaveoftenmetwithpeopleofthenameofBruce,socompletelypersuadedofthetruthofthisstory,thattheywouldnotonanyaccountkillaspider,becauseitwasthatinsectwhichhadshowntheexampleofperseverance,andgivenasignalofgoodlucktotheirgreatnamesake.HavingdeterminedtorenewhiseffortstoobtainpossessionofScotland,theBruceremovedhimselfandhisfollowersfromRachrintotheislandofArran,whichliesinthemouthoftheClyde.TheKinglanded,andinquiredofthefirstwoman



hemetwhatarmedmenwereintheisland.Shereturnedforanswerthattherehadarrivedthereverylatelyabodyofarmedstrangers,whohaddefeatedanEnglishgovernorofthecastle,andwerenowamusingthemselveswithhuntingabouttheisland.TheKing,havingcausedhimselftobeguidedtothewoodswhichthesestrangersmostfrequented,thereblewhishornrepeatedly.Now,thechiefofthestrangerswhohadtakenthecastlewasJamesDouglas,oneofthebestofBruce'sfriends,andhewasaccompaniedbysomeofthebravestofthatpatrioticband.WhenheheardRobertBruce'shorn,heknewthesoundwell,andcriedout,thatyonderwastheKing,heknewbyhismannerofblowing.SoheandhiscompanionshastenedtomeetKingRobert.Theycouldnothelpweepingwhentheyconsideredtheirownforlorncondition,buttheywerestout-heartedmen,andyetlookedforwardtofreeingtheircountry.

TheBrucewasnowwherethepeopleweremostlikelytobeattachedtohim.HecontinuedtokeephimselfconcealedinhisownearldomofCarrick,andintheneighboringcountryofGalloway,untilheshouldhavemattersreadyforageneralattackupontheEnglish.Hewasobliged,inthemeantime,tokeepveryfewmenwithhim,bothforthesakeofsecrecy,andfromthedifficultyoffindingprovisions.

Now,manyofthepeopleofGallowaywereunfriendlytoBruce.TheylivedunderthegovernmentofoneMacDougal,relatedtotheLordof

Lorn,whohaddefeatedBruce.TheseGallowaymenhadheardthatBrucewasintheircountry,havingnomorethansixtymenwithhim;sotheyresolvedtoattackhimbysurprise,andforthispurposetheygottogetherandbroughtwiththemtwoorthreebloodhounds.Atthattimebloodhounds,orsleuthhounds,wereusedforthepurposeofpursuinggreatcriminals.ThemenofGallowaythoughtthatiftheymissedtakingBruce,orkillinghimatthefirstonset,andifheshouldescapeintothewoods,theywouldfindhimoutbymeansofthesebloodhounds.

ThegoodKingRobertBruce,whowasalwayswatchfulandvigilant,receivedsomeinformationoftheintentionofthepartytocomeuponhimsuddenlyandbynight.Accordingly,hequarteredhislittle

troopofsixtymenonthesideofadeepandswift-runningriver,thathadverysteepandrockybanks.Therewasbutonefordbywhichthisrivercouldbecrossedinthatneighbourhood,andthatfordwasdeepandnarrow,sothattwomencouldscarcelygetthroughabreast;thegroundonwhichtheyweretoland,onthesidewheretheKingwas,wassteep,andthepathwhichledupwardfromthewater'sedgetothetopofthebank,extremelynarrowanddifficult.

Brucecausedhismentoliedowntotakesomesleep,ataplaceabouthalfamiledistantfromtheriver,whilehehimself,withtwoattendants,wentdowntowatchtheford.Hestoodlookingattheford,andthinkinghoweasilytheenemymightbekeptfrompassingthere,provideditwasbravelydefended,whenheheard,always

comingnearerandnearer,thebayingofahound.ThiswasthebloodhoundwhichwastracingtheKing'sstepstothefordwherehehadcrossed,andtwohundredGallowaymenwerealongwiththeanimal,andguidedbyit.Bruceatfirstthoughtofgoingbacktoawakenhismen;butthenhereflectedthatitmightbeonlysomeshepherd'sdog."Mymen,"saidhe,"aresorelytired;Iwillnotdisturbtheirsleepfortheyelpingofacur,tillIknowsomethingmoreofthematter."Sohestoodandlistened;andbyandby,asthecryofthehoundcamenearer,hebegantohearatramplingofhorses,andthevoicesofmen,andtheringingandclatteringof



armour,andthenhewassuretheenemywerecomingtotheriverside.ThentheKingthought,"IfIgobacktogivemymenthealarm,theseGallowaymenwillgetthroughthefordwithoutopposition;andthatwouldbeapity,sinceitisaplacesoadvantageoustomakedefenceagainstthem."Sohelookedagainatthesteeppath,andthedeepriver,andhethoughtthattheygavehimsomuchadvantage,thathehimselfcoulddefendthepassagewithhisownhand,untilhismencametoassisthim.Hethereforesenthisfollowerstowakenhismen,andremainedalonebytheriver.

Thenoiseandtramplingofthehorsesincreased,andthemoonbeingbright,Brucebeheldtheglancingarmsoftwohundredmen,ontheoppositebank.ThemenofGalloway,ontheirpart,sawbutonesolitaryfigureguardingtheford,andtheforemostofthemplungedintotheriverwithoutmindinghim.Butastheycouldonlypassthefordonebyone,theBruce,whostoodhighabovethemonthebankwheretheyweretoland,killedtheforemostmanwithathrustofhislongspear,andwithasecondthruststabbedthehorse,whichfelldown,kickingandplunginginhisagonies,onthenarrowpath,andsopreventedtheotherswhowerefollowingfromgettingoutoftheriver.Brucehadthusanopportunityofdealinghisblowsamongthem,whiletheycouldnotstrikeathim.Intheconfusion,fiveorsixoftheenemywereslain,or,havingbeenbornedownwiththecurrent,weredrowned.Therestwereterrified,anddrewback.

ButwhentheGallowaymenlookedagain,andsawtheywereopposedbyonlyoneman,theythemselvesbeingsomany,theycriedout,thattheirhonourwouldbelostforeveriftheydidnotforcetheirway;andencouragedeachother,withloudcries,toplungethroughandassaulthim.ButbythistimetheKing'ssoldierscameuptohisassistance,andtheGallowaymengaveuptheirenterprise.

AboutthetimewhentheBrucewasyetattheheadofbutfewmen,SirAymerdeValence,whowasEarlofPembroke,togetherwithSirJohnofLorn,cameintoGalloway,eachofthembeingattheheadofalargebodyofmen.JohnofLornhadabloodhoundwithhim,whichitwassaidhadformerlybelongedtoRobertBrucehimself;and

havingbeenfedbytheKingwithhisownhands,itbecameattachedtohim,andwouldfollowhisfootstepsanywhere,asdogsarewellknowntotracetheirmaster'ssteps,whethertheybebloodhoundsornot.Bymeansofthishound,JohnofLornthoughtheshouldcertainlyfindoutBruce,andtakerevengeonhimforthedeathofhisrelationComyn.

TheKingsawthathewasfollowedbyalargebody,andbeingdeterminedtoescapefromthem,hemadeallthepeoplewhowerewithhimdispersethemselvesdifferentways,thinkingthusthattheenemymustneedslosetraceofhim.Hekeptonlyonemanalongwithhim,andthatwashisownfoster-brother,orthesonofhisnurse.WhenJohnofLorncametotheplacewhereBruce'scompanionshad

dispersedthemselves,thebloodhound,afterithadsniffedupanddownforalittle,quittedthefootstepsofalltheotherfugitives,andranbarkinguponthetrackoftwomenoutofthewholenumber.ThenJohnofLornknewthatoneofthesetwomustneedsbeKingRobert.Accordingly,hecommandedfiveofhismenthatwerespeedyoffoottochaseafterhim,andeithermakehimprisonerorslayhim.TheHighlandersstartedoffaccordingly,andransofast,thattheygainedsightofRobertandhisfoster-brother.TheKingaskedhiscompanionwhathelphecouldgivehim,andhisfoster-brotheransweredhewasreadytodohisbest.Sothesetwoturnedonthe



fivemenofJohnofLorn,andkilledthemall.

ButbythistimeBruceverymuchfatigued,andyettheydarednotsitdowntotakeanyrest;forwhenevertheystoppedforaninstant,theyheardthecryofthebloodhoundbehindthem,andknewbythat,thattheirenemieswerecomingupfastafterthem.Atlength,theycametoawood,throughwhichranasmallriver.ThenBrucesaidtohisfoster-brother,"Letuswadedownthisstreamforagreatway,insteadofgoingstraightacross,andsothisunhappyhoundwilllosethescent;forifwewereonceclearofhim,Ishouldnotbeafraidofgettingawayfromthepursuers."Accordingly,theKingandhisattendantwalkedagreatwaydownthestream,takingcaretokeeptheirfeetinthewater,whichcouldnotretainanyscentwheretheyhadstepped.Thentheycameashoreonthefurthersidefromtheenemy,andwentdeepintothewoodbeforetheystoppedtorestthemselves.Inthemeanwhile,thehoundledJohnofLornstraighttotheplacewheretheKingwentintothewater,buttherethedogbegantobepuzzled,notknowingwheretogonext.So,JohnofLorn,seeingthedoghadlosttrack,gaveupthechase,andreturnedtojoinwithAymerdeValence.

ButKingRobert'sadventureswerenotyetended.Itwasnownearnight,andhewentboldyintoafarmhouse,wherehefoundthemistress,anold,true-heartedScotswoman,sittingalone.Upon

seeingastrangerentersheaskedhimwhoandwhathewas.TheKingansweredthathewasatraveller,whowasjourneyingthroughthecountry.

"Alltravellers,"answeredthegoodwoman,"arewelcomehere,forthesakeofone."

"Andwhoisthatone,"saidtheKing,"forwhosesakeyoumakeallwelcome?"

"ItisourrightfulKing,RoberttheBruce,"answeredthemistress,"andalthoughheisnowpursuedandhuntedafterwithhoundsandhorns,IhopetolivetoseehimKingoverallScotland."

"Sinceyoulovehimsowell,madame,"saidtheKing,"knowthatyouseehimbeforeyou.IamRoberttheBruce."

"You!"saidthegoodwoman,ingreatsurprise;"andwhereforeareyouthusalone?whereareallyourmen?"

"Ihavenonewithmeatthismoment,"answeredBruce,"andthereforeImusttravelalone."

"Butthatshallnotbe,"saidthebraveolddame,"forIhavetwostoutsons,gallantandtrustymen,whoshallbeyourservantsforlifeanddeath."

Soshebroughthertwosons,andthoughshewellknewthedangerstowhichsheexposedthem,shemadethemswearfidelitytotheKing.

Now,theloyalwomanwasgettingeverythingreadyfortheKing'ssupper,whensuddenlytherewasagreattramplingofhorsesheardroundthehouse.TheythoughtitmustbesomeoftheEnglish,orJohnofLorn'smen,andthegoodwifecalleduponhersonstofighttothelastforKingRobert.Butshortlyafter,theyheardthevoiceofthegoodLordJamesofDouglas,andofEdwardBruce,theKing's



brother,whohadcomewithahundredandfiftyhorsemen,accordingtotheinstructionsthattheKinghadleftwiththematparting.

RoberttheBrucewasrightjoyfultomeethisbrother,andhisfaithfulfriendLordJames;andhadnosoonerfoundhimselfoncemoreattheheadofsuchaconsiderablebodyoffollowers,thanheforgothungerandweariness.Therewasnothingbutmountandride;andastheScotsrushedsuddenlyintothevillagewheretheEnglishwerequartered,theyeasilydispersedandcutthemtopieces.

TheconsequenceofthesesuccessesofKingRobertwasthatsoldierscametojoinhimonallsides,andthatheobtainedseveralvictoriesoverEnglishcommanders;untilatlengththeEnglishwereafraidtoventureintotheopencountry,asformerly,unlesswhentheycouldassemblethemselvesinconsiderablebodies.Theythoughtitsafertoliestillinthetownsandcastleswhichtheyhadgarrisoned.

EdwardIwouldhaveenteredScotlandattheheadofalargearmy,beforehehadleftBrucetimetoconquerbackthecountry.ButveryfortunatelyfortheScots,thatwiseandskilful,thoughambitiousKing,diedwhenhewasonthepointofmarchingintoScotland.HissonEdwardIIneglectedtheScottishwar,andthuslosttheopportunityofdefeatingBruce,whenhisforcewassmall.Butwhen

SirPhilipMowbray,thegovernorofStirling,cametoLondon,totelltheKing,thatStirling,thelastScottishtownofimportancewhichremainedinpossessionoftheEnglish,wastobesurrenderedifitwerenotrelievedbyforceofarmsbeforemidsummer,thenalltheEnglishnoblescalledout,itwouldbeasinandshametopermitthefairconquestwhichEdwardIhadmade,tobeforfeitedtotheScotsforwantoffighting.

KingEdwardII,therefore,assembledoneofthegreatestarmieswhichaKingofEnglandevercommanded.Thereweretroopsbroughtfromallhisdominions,manybravesoldiersfromtheFrenchprovinces,manyIrish,manyWelsh,andallthegreatEnglishnoblesandbarons,withtheirfollowers.Thenumberwasnotlessthanone

hundredthousandmen.

KingRoberttheBracesummonedallhisnoblesandbaronstojoinhim,whenheheardofthegreatpreparationswhichtheKingofEnglandwasmaking.TheywerenotsonumerousastheEnglishbymanythousandmen.Infact,hiswholearmydidnotverymuchexceedthirtythousand,andtheyweremuchworsearmedthanthewealthyEnglishmen;butthen,Robertwasoneofthemostexpertgeneralsofthetime;andtheofficershehadunderhim,werehisbrotherEdward,hisfaithfulfollowertheDouglas,andotherbraveandexperiencedleaders.Hismenhadbeenaccustomedtofightandgainvictoriesundereverydisadvantageofsituationandnumbers.

TheKing,onhispart,studiedhowhemightsupply,byaddressandstratagem,whathewantedinnumbersandstrength.HeknewthesuperiorityoftheEnglishintheirheavy-armedcavalry,andintheirarchers.Boththeseadvantagesheresolvedtoprovideagainst.Withthispurpose,heledhisarmydownintoaplainnearStirling.TheEnglisharmymustneedspassthroughaboggycountry,brokenwithwater-courses,whiletheScotsoccupiedharddryground.Hethencausedallthegrounduponthefrontofhislineofbattle,tobedugfullofholes,aboutasdeepasaman'sknee.Theywerefilledwithlightbrushwood,andtheturfwaslaidonthetop,so



thatitappearedaplainfield,whileinrealityitwasasfullofthesepitsasahoneycombisofholes.Healso,itissaid,causedsteelspikes,calledcalthrops,tobescatteredupanddownintheplain,wheretheEnglishcavalryweremostlikelytoadvance,trustinginthatmannertolameanddestroytheirhorses.

WhentheScottisharmywasdrawnup,thelinestretchednorthandsouth.Onthesouth,itwasterminatedbythebanksofthebrookcalledBannockburn,whicharesorocky,thatnotroopscouldattackthemthere.Ontheleft,theScottishlineextendedneartothetownofStirling.Brucereviewedhistroopsverycarefully.Hethenspoketothesoldiers,andexpressedhisdeterminationtogainthevictory,ortolosehislifeonthefieldofbattle.Hedesiredthatallthosewhodidnotproposetofighttothelast,shouldleavethefieldbeforethebattlebegan,andthatnoneshouldremainexceptthosewhoweredeterminedtotaketheissueofvictoryordeath,asGodshouldsendit.Whenthemainbodyofhisarmywasthusplacedinorder,theKingdispatchedJamesofDouglas,andSirRobertKeith,theMareschaloftheScottisharmy,inorderthattheymightsurveytheEnglishforce.Theyreturnedwithinformation,thattheapproachofthatvasthostwasoneofthemostbeautifulandterriblesightswhichcouldbeseen--thatthewholecountryseemedcoveredwithmen-at-armsonhorseandfoot.

Itwasuponthetwenty-thirdofJune,1314,theKingofScotlandheardthenews,thattheEnglisharmywasapproachingStirling.Thevannowcameinsight,andanumberoftheirbravestknightsdrewneartoseewhattheScotsweredoing.TheysawKingRobertdressedinhisarmour,anddistinguishedbyagoldcrown,whichheworeoverhishelmet.Hewasnotmountedonhisgreatwar-horse,becausehedidnotexpecttofightthatevening.Butherodeonalittleponyupanddowntheranksofhisarmy,puttinghismeninorder,andcarriedinhishandasortofbattle-axemadeofsteel.WhentheKingsawtheEnglishhorsemendrawnear,headvancedalittlebeforehisownmen,thathemightlookatthemmorenearly.

TherewasaknightamongtheEnglish,calledSirHenrydeBohun,who

thoughtthiswouldbeagoodopportunitytogaingreatfametohimself,andputanendtothewar,bykillingKingRobert.TheKingbeingpoorlymounted,andhavingnolance,Bohungallopedonhimsuddenlyandfuriously,thinking,withhislongspear,andhistall,powerfulhorse,easilytobearhimdowntotheground.KingRobertsawhim,andpermittedhimtocomeverynear,thensuddenlyturnedhisponyalittletooneside,sothatSirHenrymissedhimwiththelance-point,andwasintheactofbeingcarriedpasthimbythecareerofhishorse.Butashepassed,KingRobertroseupinhisstirrups,andstruckSirHenryontheheadwithhisbattle-axesoterribleablow,thatitbroketopieceshisironhelmetasifithadbeenanut-shell,andhurledhimfromhissaddle.Hewasdeadbeforehereachedtheground.Thisgallantactionwasblamedbythe

Scottishleaders,whothoughtBruceoughtnottohaveexposedhimselftosomuchdanger,whenthesafetyofthewholearmydependedonhim.TheKingonlykeptlookingathisweapon,whichwasinjuredbytheforceoftheblow,andsaid,"Ihavebrokenmygoodbattle-axe."

ThenextmorningtheEnglishKingorderedhismentobeginthebattle.Thearchersthenbenttheirbows,andbegantoshootsocloselytogether,thatthearrowsfelllikeflakesofsnowonaChristmasday.TheykilledmanyoftheScots,andmighthavedecided



thevictory;butBrucewaspreparedforthem.Abodyofmen-at-arms,wellmounted,rodeatfullgallopamongthem,andasthearchershadnoweaponssavetheirbowsandarrows,whichtheycouldnotusewhentheywereattackedhandtohand,theywerecutdowningreatnumbersbytheScottishhorsemen,andthrownintototalconfusion.ThefineEnglishcavalrythenadvancedtosupporttheirarchers.Butcomingoverthegroundwhichwasdugfullofpitsthehorsesfellintotheseholesandtheriderslaytumblingabout,withoutanymeansofdefence,andunabletorise,fromtheweightoftheirarmour.

Whilethebattlewasobstinatelymaintainedonbothsides,aneventhappenedwhichdecidedthevictory.TheservantsandattendantsontheScottishcamphadbeensentbehindthearmytoaplaceafterwardcalledtheGillies'hill.Butwhentheysawthattheirmasterswerelikelytogaintheday,theyrushedfromtheirplaceofconcealmentwithsuchweaponsastheycouldget,thattheymighthavetheirshareinthevictoryandinthespoil.TheEnglish,seeingthemcomesuddenlyoverthehill,mistookthisdisorderlyrabbleforanewarmycominguptosustaintheScots,and,losingallheart,begantoshifteverymanforhimself.Edwardhimselfleftthefieldasfastashecouldride.

TheEnglish,afterthisgreatdefeat,werenolongerinaconditiontosupporttheirpretensionstobemastersofScotland,orto

continuetosendarmiesintothatcountrytoovercomeit.Onthecontrary,theybecameforatimescarceabletodefendtheirownfrontiersagainstKingRobertandhissoldiers.

ThusdidRobertBrucearisefromtheconditionofanexile,huntedwithbloodhoundslikeastagorbeastofprey,totherankofanindependentsovereign,universallyacknowledgedtobeoneofthewisestandbravestKingswhothenlived.ThenationofScotlandwasalsoraisedoncemorefromthesituationofadistressedandconqueredprovincetothatofafreeandindependentstate,governedbyitsownlaws.

RobertBrucecontinuedtoreigngloriouslyforseveralyears,and

theScotsseemed,duringhisgovernment,tohaveacquiredacompletesuperiorityovertheirneighbours.Butthenwemustremember,thatEdwardIIwhothenreignedinEngland,wasafoolishprince,andlistenedtobadcounsels;sothatitisnowonderthathewasbeatenbysowiseandexperiencedageneralasRobertBruce,whohadfoughthiswaytothecrownthroughsomanydisasters,andacquiredinconsequencesomuchrenown.

InthelastyearofRoberttheBruce'sreign,hebecameextremelysicklyandinfirm,chieflyowingtoadisordercalledtheleprosy,whichhehadcaughtduringthehardshipsandmisfortunesofhisyouth,whenhewassofrequentlyobligedtohidehimselfinwoodsandmorasses,withoutarooftoshelterhim.Helivedatacastle

calledCardross,onthebeautifulbanksoftheriverClyde,neartowhereitjoinsthesea;andhischiefamusementwastogoupontheriver,anddowntotheseainaship,whichhekeptforhispleasure.Hewasnolongerabletosituponhiswar-horse,ortoleadhisarmytothefield.

WhileBrucewasinthisfeeblestate,EdwardII,KingofEngland,died,andwassucceededbyhissonEdwardIII.HeturnedoutafterwardtobeoneofthewisestandbravestKingswhomEnglandeverhad;butwhenhefirstmountedthethronehewasveryyoung.



ThewarbetweentheEnglishandtheScotsstilllastedatthetime.

ButfinallyapeacewasconcludedwithRobertBruce,ontermshighlyhonourabletoScotland;fortheEnglishKingrenouncedallpretensionstothesovereigntyofthecountry.

GoodKingRobertdidnotlongsurvivethisjoyfulevent.Hewasnotagedmorethanfour-and-fiftyyears,buthisbadhealthwascausedbythehardshipswhichhesustainedduringhisyouth,andatlengthhebecameveryill.Findingthathecouldnotrecover,heassembledaroundhisbedsidethenoblesandcounsellorsinwhomhemosttrusted.Hetoldthem,thatnow,beingonhisdeath-bed,hesorelyrepentedallhismisdeeds,andparticularly,thathehad,inhispassion,killedComynwithhisownhand,inthechurchandbeforethealtar.Hesaidthatifhehadlived,hehadintendedtogotoJerusalemtomakewarupontheSaracenswhoheldtheHolyLand,assomeexpiationfortheevildeedshehaddone.Butsincehewasabouttodie,herequestedofhisdearestfriendandbravestwarrior,andthatwasthegoodLordJamesDouglas,thatheshouldcarryhishearttotheHolyLand.Douglasweptbitterlyasheacceptedthisoffice--thelastmarkoftheBrace'sconfidenceandfriendship.

TheKingsoonafterwardexpired;andhisheartwastakenoutfrom

hisbodyandembalmed,thatis,preparedwithspicesandperfumes,thatitmightremainalongtimefreshanduncorrupted.ThentheDouglascausedacaseofsilvertobemade,intowhichheputtheBruce'sheart,andworeitaroundhisneck,byastringofsilkandgold.AndhesetforwardfortheHolyLand,withagallanttrainofthebravestmeninScotland,who,toshowtheirvalueofandsorrowfortheirbraveKingRobertBruce,resolvedtoattendhishearttothecityofJerusalem.IngoingtoPalestineDouglaslandedinSpain,wheretheSaracenKing,orSultanofGranada,calledOsmyn,wasinvadingtherealmsofAlphonso,theSpanishKingofCastile.KingAlphonsoreceivedDouglaswithgreathonouranddistinction,andeasilypersuadedtheScottishEarlthathewoulddogoodservicetotheChristiancause,byassistinghimtodrivebacktheSaracens

ofGranadabeforeproceedingonhisvoyagetoJerusalem.LordDouglasandhisfollowerswentaccordinglytoagreatbattleagainstOsmyn,andhadlittledifficultyindefeatingtheSaracens.ButbeingignorantofthemodeoffightingamongthecavalryoftheEast,theScotspursuedthechasetoofar,andtheMoors,whentheysawthemscatteredandseparatedfromeachother,turnedsuddenlyback,withaloudcryofALLAHILLAHALLAH,whichistheirshoutofbattle,andsurroundedsuchoftheScottishknightsandsquiresasweredispersedfromeachother.

Inthisnewskirmish,DouglassawSirWilliamSt.ClairofRoslynfightingdesperately,surroundedbymanyMoors,whowerehavingathimwiththeirsabres."Yonderworthyknightwillbeslain,"Douglas

said,"unlesshehaveinstanthelp."Withthathegallopedtohisrescue,butpresentlywashimselfalsosurroundedbymanyMoors.Whenhefoundtheenemypresssothickroundhim,astoleavehimnochanceofescaping,theEarltookfromhisnecktheBruce'sheart,andspeakingtoit,ashewouldhavedonetotheKing,hadhebeenalive--"Passfirstinfight,"hesaid,"asthouwertwonttodo,andDouglaswillfollowthee,ordie."

HethenthrewtheKing'sheartamongtheenemy,andrushingforwardtotheplacewhereitfell,wasthereslain.Hisbodywasfound



lyingabovethesilvercase,asifithadbeenhislastobjecttodefendtheBruce'sheart.

SuchoftheScottishknightsasremainedalivereturnedtotheirowncountry.TheybroughtbacktheheartoftheBruce,andthebonesofthegoodLordJames.TheBruce'sheartwasburiedbelowthehighaltarinMelroseAbbey.Asforhisbody,itwaslaidinthesepulchreinthemidstofthechurchofDunfermline,underamarblestone.Thechurchafterwardbecomingruinous,andtherooffallingdownwithage,themonumentwasbrokentopieces,andnobodycouldtellwhereitstood.ButwhentheywererepairingthechurchatDunfermline,andremovingtherubbish,lo!theyfoundfragmentsofthemarbletombofRobertBruce.Thentheybegantodigfarther,thinkingtodiscoverthebodyofthiscelebratedmonarch;andatlengththeycametotheskeletonofatallman,andtheyknewitmustbethatofKingRobert,bothashewasknowntohavebeenburiedinawindingsheetofclothofgold,ofwhichmanyfragmentswerefoundaboutthisskeleton,andalsobecausethebreastboneappearedtohavebeensawedthrough,inordertotaketheheart.Anewtombwaspreparedintowhichtheboneswerelaidwithprofoundrespect.

CHAPTERXVII

GEORGEWASHINGTON

Onthe4thofMarch,1797,WashingtonwenttotheinaugurationofhissuccessorasPresidentoftheUnitedStates.TheFederalGovernmentwassittinginPhiladelphiaatthattimeandCongressheldsessionsinthecourthouseonthecornerofSixthandChestnutStreets.

AttheappointedhourWashingtonenteredthehallfollowedbyJohn

Adams,whowastotaketheoathofoffice.WhentheywereseatedWashingtonaroseandintroducedMr.Adamstotheaudience,andthenproceededtoreadinafirmclearvoicehisbriefvaledictory--nothisgreat"FarewellAddress,"forthathadalreadybeenpublished.Aladywhosaton"thefrontbench,""immediatelyinfront"ofWashingtondescribesthesceneinthesewords:

"Therewasanarrowpassagefromthedoorofentrancetotheroom.GeneralWashingtonstoppedattheendtoletMr.Adamspasstothechair.Thelatteralwaysworeafullsuitofbrightdrab,withloosecuffstohiscoat.GeneralWashington'sdresswasafullsuitofblack.Hismilitaryhathadtheblackcockade.Therestoodthe'FatherofhisCountry'acknowledgedbynationsthefirstinwar,

firstinpeace,andfirstintheheartsofhiscountrymen.Nomarshalswithgold-colouredscarfsattendedhim;therewasnocheering,nonoise;themostprofoundsilencegreetedhimasifthegreatassemblydesiredtohearhimbreathe.Mr.Adamscoveredhisfacewithbothhishands;thesleevesofhiscoatandhishandswerecoveredwithtears.Everynowandthentherewasasuppressedsob.IcannotdescribeWashington'sappearanceasIfeltit--perfectlycomposedandself-possessedtillthecloseofhisaddress.Thenwhenstrong,nervoussobsbrokeloose,whentearscoveredthefaces,thenthegreatmanwasshaken.Inevertookmyeyesfromhisface.Large



dropscamefromhiseyes.Helookedasifhisheartwaswiththem,andwouldbetotheend."

OnWashington'sretirementfromthePresidencyoneofhisfirstemploymentswastoarrangehispapersandletters.Thenonreturningtohishomethevenerablemasterfoundmanythingstorepair.Hislandedestatecomprisedeightthousandacres,andwasdividedintofarms,withenclosuresandfarm-buildings.Andnowwithbodyandmindalikesoundandvigorous,hebenthisenergiestodirectingtheimprovementsthatmarkedhislastdaysatMountVernon.

Inhisearlieraswellasinlaterlife,histourofthefarmswouldaveragefromeighttotwelveorfourteenmilesaday.Herodeuponhisfarmsentirelyunattended,openinghisgates,pullingdownandputtinguphisfencesashepassed,visitinghislabourersattheirwork,inspectingalltheoperationsofhisextensiveestablishmentwithacarefuleye,directingusefulimprovementsandsuperintendingthemintheirprogress.

Heusuallyrodeatamoderatepaceinpassingthroughhisfields.Butwhenbehindtimethismostpunctualofmenwoulddisplaythehorsemanshipofhisearlierdays,andahardgallopwouldbringhimuptotimesothatthesoundofhishorse'shoofsandthefirstdinnerbellwouldbeheardtogetherataquarterbeforethree.

AstoryistoldthatonedayanelderlystrangermeetingaRevolutionaryworthyouthunting,along-triedandvaluedfriendofthechief,accostedhim,andaskedwhetherWashingtonwastobefoundatthemansionhouse,orwhetherhewasoffridingoverhisestate.Thefriendansweredthathewasvisitinghisfarms,anddirectedthestrangertheroadtotake,adding,"Youwillmeet,sir,withanoldgentlemanridingaloneinplaindrabclothes,abroad-brimmedwhitehat,ahickoryswitchinhishand,andcarryinganumbrellawithalongstaff,whichisattachedtohissaddle-bow--thatperson,sir,isGeneralWashington."

Preciselyataquarterbeforethreetheindustriousfarmerreturned,

dressed,anddinedatthreeo'clock.Atthismealheateheartily,butwasnotparticularinhisdietwiththeexceptionoffish,ofwhichhewasexcessivelyfond.Touchinghislikingforfish,andillustrativeofhispracticaleconomyandabhorrenceofwasteandextravagance,ananecdoteistoldofthetimehewasPresidentandlivinginPhiladelphia.IthappenedthatasingleshadhadbeencaughtintheDelaware,andbroughttothecitymarket.Hissteward,SamFraunces,pounceduponthefishwiththespeedofanosprey,delightedthathehadsecuredadelicacyagreeabletothepalateofhischief,andcarelessoftheexpense,forwhichthePresidenthadoftenrebukedhim.

WhenthefishwasservedWashingtonsuspectedthestewardhad

forgottenhisorderaboutexpenditureforthetableandsaidtoFraunces,whostoodathispostatthesideboard,"Whatfishisthis?""Ashad,sir,averyfineshad,"thestewardanswered."Iknowyourexcellencyisparticularlyfondofthiskindoffish,andwassofortunateastoprocurethisone--theonlyoneinmarket,sir,thefirstoftheseason.""Theprice,sir,theprice?"askedWashingtonsternly."Three--threedollars,"stammeredtheconscience-strickensteward."Takeitaway,"thunderedthechief,"takeitaway,sir!Itshallneverbesaidthatmytablesetsuchanexampleofluxuryandextravagance."PoorFrauncestremblinglydid



ashewastold,andthefirstshadoftheseasonwascarriedawayuntouchedtobespeedilydiscussedintheservants'diningroom.

AlthoughtheFarmerofMountVernonwasmuchretiredfromthebusinessworld,hewasbynomeansinattentivetotheprogressofpublicaffairs.Whenthepostbagarrived,hewouldselecthislettersandlaythemasideforreadingintheseclusionofhislibrary.Thenewspapershewouldperusewhiletakinghissinglecupoftea(hisonlysupper)andreadaloudpassagesofpeculiarinterest,remarkingthematterashewentalong.Hereadwithdistinctnessandprecision.Theseeveningswithhisfamilyalwaysendedatpreciselynineo'clock,whenhebadeeveryonegoodnightandretiredtorest,toriseagainatfourandrenewthesameroutineoflabourandenjoyment.

Washington'slastdays,likethosethatprecededtheminthecourseofalongandwell-spentlife,weredevotedtoconstantandcarefulemployment.Hiscorrespondencebothathomeandabroadwasimmense.Yetnoletterwasunanswered.Oneofthebest-bredmenofhistime,Washingtondeemeditagraveoffenceagainsttherulesofgoodmannersandproprietytoleavelettersunanswered.Hewrotewithgreatfacility,anditwouldbeadifficultmattertofindanotherwhohadwrittensomuch,whohadwrittensowell.GeneralHarryLeeonceobservedtohim,"Weareamazed,sir,atthevastamountof

workyougetthrough."Washingtonanswered,"Sir,Iriseatfouro'clock,andagreatdealofmyworkisdonewhileotherssleep."

Hewasthemostpunctualofmen,aswesaid.Tothisadmirablequalityofrisingatfourandretiringtorestatnineatallseasons,thisgreatmanowedhisabilitytoaccomplishmightylaboursduringhislongandillustriouslife.Hewaspunctualineverythingandmadeeveryoneabouthimpunctual.Socarefulamandelightedinalwayshavingabouthimagoodtimekeeper.InPhiladelphia,thefirstPresidentregularlywalkeduptohiswatchmaker'stocomparehiswatchwiththeregulator.AtMountVernontheactiveyetpunctualfarmerinvariablyconsultedthedialwhenreturningfromhismorningride,andbeforeenteringhishouse.

Theaffairsofthehouseholdtookorderfromthemaster'saccurateandmethodicalarrangementoftime.Eventhefishermanontheriverwatchedforthecook'ssignalwhentopullinshoreanddeliverhiscatchintimefordinner.

AmongthepicturesqueobjectsonthePotomac,tobeseenfromtheeasternportionofthemansionhouse,wasthelightcanoeofthehouse'sfisher.FatherJackwasanAfrican,anhundredyearsofage,andalthoughenfeebledinbodybyweightofyears,hismindpossesseduncommonvigour.Andhewouldtellofdayslongpastwhen,underAfricansuns,hewasmadecaptive,andoftheterriblebattleinwhichhisroyalsirewasslain,thevillageburned,andhimself

senttotheslaveship.

FatherJackhadinaconsiderabledegreealeadingqualityofhisrace--somnolency.ManyanhourcouldthefamilyofWashingtonseethecanoefastenedtoastake,withtheoldfishermanbentnearlydoubleenjoyinganap,whichwasonlydisturbedbythejerkingofthewhiteperchcaughtonhishook.But,aswejustsaid,thedomesticdutiesofMountVernonweregovernedbyclocktime,andtheslumbersoffisherJackmightoccasioninconvenience,forthecookrequiredthefishatacertainhour,sothattheymightbeserved



smokinghotpreciselyatthree.Attimeshewouldgototheriverbankandmaketheaccustomedsignals,andmeetwithnoresponse.Theoldfishermanwouldbequietlyreposinginhiscanoe,rockedbythegentleundulationsofthestream,anddreaming,nodoubt,ofevents"longtimeago."Theimportunatemasterofthekitchen,grownferociousbydelay,wouldnowrushupanddownthewater'sedge,and,bydintofloudshouting,causethecanoetoturnitsprowtotheshore.FatherJack,indignantatitsbeingsupposedhewasasleepathispost,wouldratethosepresentonhislanding,"Whatyouallmeeksuchadebilofanoisefor,hey?Iwa'ntsleep,onlynoddin'."

TheestablishmentofMountVernonemployedaperfectarmyofdomestics;yettoeachonewasassignedspecialduties,andfromeachonestrictperformancewasrequired.Therewasnoconfusionwheretherewasorder,andtheaffairsofthisestate,embracingthousandsofacresandhundredsofdependents,wereconductedwithasmuchease,methodandregularityastheaffairsofahomesteadofaveragesize.

Mrs.Washingtonwasanaccomplishedhouse-wifeoftheoldentime,andshegaveconstantattentiontoallmattersofherhousehold,andbyherskillandmanagementgreatlycontributedtothecomfortandentertainmentoftheguestswhoenjoyedthehospitalityofherhome.

ThebestcharitiesoflifeweregatheredroundWashingtoninthelastdaysatMountVernon.Theloveandvenerationofawholepeopleforhisillustriousservices,hisgenerousanduntiringlaboursinthecauseofpublicutility;hiskindlydemeanourtohisfamilycircle,hisfriends,andnumerousdependents;hiscourteousandcordialhospitalitytohisguests,manyofthemstrangersfromfardistantlands;thesecharities,allofwhichsprangfromtheheart,weretheornamentofhisdecliningyearsandgrantedthemostsublimesceneinnature,whenhumangreatnessreposesuponhumanhappiness.

Onthemorningofthe17thofDecember,1799,theGeneralwas

engagedinmakingsomeimprovementsinthefrontofMountVernon.Aswasusualwithhim,hecarriedhisowncompass,notedhisobservations,andmarkedouttheground.Thedaybecamerainy,withsleet,andtheimproverremainedsolongexposedtotheinclemencyoftheweatherastobeconsiderablywettedbeforehisreturntothehouse.Aboutoneo'clockhewasseizedwithchillinessandnausea,buthavingchangedhisclotheshesatdowntohisindoorwork.Atnight,onjoininghisfamilycircle,hecomplainedofaslightindisposition.Uponthenightofthefollowingday,havingborneacutesufferingwithcomposureandfortitude,hedied.

InpersonWashingtonwasunique.Helookedlikenooneelse.Toastatureloftyandcommandingheunitedaformofthemanliest

proportions,andadignifed,graceful,andimposingcarriage.Intheprimeoflifehestoodsixfeet,twoinches.FromtheperiodoftheRevolutiontherewasanevidentbendinginhisframesopassingstraightbefore,butthestoopcamefromthecaresandtoilsofthatarduouscontestratherthanfromyears.Forhisstepwasfirm,hisappearancenobleandimpressivelongafterthetimewhenthephysicalpropertiesofmenaresupposedtowane.

Amajesticheightwasmetbycorrespondingbreadthandfirmness.Hiswholepersonwassocastinnature'sfinestmouldastoresemblean



ancientstatue,allofwhosepartsunitetotheperfectionofthewhole.Butwithallitsdevelopmentofmuscularpower,Washington'sformhadnolookofbulkiness,andsoharmoniouswereitsproportionsthathedidnotappearsotallashisportraitshaverepresented.Hewasrathersparethanfullduringhiswholelife.

ThestrengthofWashington'sarmwasshownonseveraloccasions.HethrewastonefromthebedofthestreamtothetopoftheNaturalBridge,Virginia,andanotherstoneacrosstheRappahannockatFredericksburg.Thestonewassaidtobeapieceofslateaboutthesizeofadollarwithwhichhespannedtheboldriver,andittookthegroundatleastthirtyyardsontheotherside.Manyhavesincetriedthisfeat,butnonehaveclearedthewater.

In1772someyoungmenwerecontendingatMountVernonintheexerciseofpitchingthebar.TheColonellookedonforatime,thengraspingthemissileinhismasterhandhewhirledtheironthroughtheairanditfellfarbeyondanyofitsformerlimits."Yousee,younggentlemen,"saidthechiefwithasmile,"thatmyarmyetretainssomeportionofmyearlyvigour."Hewastheninhisfortiethyearandprobablyinthefullnessofhisphysicalpowers.Thosepowersbecamerathermellowedthandecayedbytime,for"hisagewaslikelustywinter,frostyyetkindly,"anduptohissixty-eighthyearhemountedahorsewithsurprisingagilityandrodewith

easeandgrace.Rickets,thecelebratedequestrian,usedtosay,"IdelighttoseetheGeneralrideandmakeitapointtofallinwithhimwhenIhearheisoutonhorseback--hisseatissofirm,hismanagementsoeasyandgracefulthatIwhoamaninstructorinhorsemanshipwouldgotohimandlearntoride."

Inhislaterdays,theGeneral,desirousofridingpleasantly,procuredfromtheNorthtwohorsesofabreedforbearingthesaddle.Theywerewelltolookat,andpleasantlygaitedunderthesaddle,butalsoscaryandthereforeunfittedfortheserviceofonewholikedtoridequietlyonhisfarm,occasionallydismountingandwalkinginhisfieldstoinspectimprovements.FromoneofthesehorsestheGeneralsustainedafall--probablytheonlyfallheever

hadfromahorseinhislife.ItwasuponaNovemberevening,andhewasreturningfromAlexandriatoMountVernonwiththreefriendsandagroom.Havinghaltedafewmomentshedismounted,anduponrisinginhisstirrupagain,thehorse,alarmedattheglarefromafireneartheroad-side,sprangfromunderhisriderwhocameheavilytotheground.Hisfriendsrushedtogivehimassistance,thinkinghimhurt.Butthevigorousoldmanwasuponhisfeetagain,brushingthedustfromhisclothes,andafterthankingthosewhocametohisaidsaidthathehadhadaverycompletetumble,andthatitwasowingtoacausenohorsemancouldwellavoidorcontrol--thathewasonlypoisedinhisstirrup,andhadnotyetgainedhissaddlewhenthescaryanimalsprangfromunderhim.

Bredinthevigorousschooloffrontierwarfare,"theearthforhisbed,hiscanopytheheavens,"Washingtonexcelledthehunterandwoodsmanintheirathletichabitsandinthosetrialsofmanhoodwhichfilledthehardydaysofhisearlylife.Hewasamazinglyswiftoffoot,andcouldclimbsteepmountainsseeminglywithouteffort.Indeedinallthetestsofhisgreatphysicalpowersheappearedtomakelittleeffort.WhenheoverthrewthestrongmanofVirginiainwrestling,uponadaywhenmanyofthefinestathleteswereengagedinthecontest,hehadretiredtotheshadeofatreeintentuponthereadingofabook.Itwasonlyafterthechampionof



thegamesstrodethroughtheringcallingfornoblerantagonists,andtauntingthereaderwiththefearthathewouldbethrown,thatWashingtonclosedhisbook.Withouttakingoffhiscoathecalmlyobservedthatfeardidnotenterhismake-up;thengrapplingwiththechampionhehurledhimtotheground."InWashington'slion-likegrasp,"saidthevanquishedwrestler,"Ibecamepowerless,andwentdownwithaforcethatseemedtojartheverymarrowinmybones."Thevictor,regardlessofshoutsathissuccess,leisurelyretiredtohisshade,andagaintookuphisbook.

Washington'spowerswerechieflyinhislimbs.Hisframewasofequalbreadthfromtheshoulderstothehips.Hischestwasnotprominentbutratherhollowedinthecentre.Heneverentirelyrecoveredfromapulmonaryaffectionfromwhichhesufferedinearlylife.Hisframeshowedanextraordinarydevelopmentofboneandmuscle;hisjointswerelarge,aswerehisfeet;andcouldacastofhishandhavebeenpreserved,itwouldbeascribedtoabeingofafabulousage.Lafayettesaid,"IneversawanyhumanbeingwithsolargeahandastheGeneral's."

OftheaweandreverencewhichthepresenceofWashingtoninspiredwehavemanyrecords."Istood,"saysonewriter,"beforethedooroftheHallofCongressinPhiladelphiawhenthecarriageofthePresidentdrewup.Itwasawhitecoach,orratherofalightcream

colour,paintedonthepanelswithbeautifulgroupsrepresentingthefourseasons.AsWashingtonalightedand,ascendingthesteps,pausedontheplatform,hewasprecededbytwogentlemanbearinglargewhitewands,whokeptbacktheeagercrowdthatpressedoneveryside.AtthatmomentIstoodsonearImighthavetouchedhisclothes;butIshouldassoonhavethoughtoftouchinganelectricbattery.Iwaspenetratedwithdeepestawe.Norwasthisthefeelingoftheschool-boyIthenwas.Itpervaded,Ibelieve,everyhumanbeingthatapproachedWashington;andIhavebeentoldthateveninhissocialhours,thisfeelinginthosewhosharedthemneversufferedintermission.Isawhimahundredtimesafterwardbutneverwithanyotherthanthesamefeeling.TheAlmighty,whoraisedupforourhourofneedamansopeculiarlypreparedforitswhole

dreadresponsibility,seemstohaveputastampofsacrednessuponhisinstrument.Thefirstsightofthemanstrucktheeyewithinvoluntaryhomageandpreparedeverythingaroundhimtoobey.

"AtthetimeIspeakofhestoodinprofoundsilenceandhadthestatue-likeairwhichmentalgreatnessalonecanbestow.Asheturnedtoenterthebuilding,andwasascendingthestaircasetotheCongressionalhall,Iglidedalongunseen,almostunderthecoveroftheskirtsofhisdress,andenteredintothelobbyoftheHousewhichwasinsessiontoreceivehim.

"AtWashington'sentrancetherewasamostprofoundsilence.House,lobbies,gallery,allwerewrappedindeepestattention.Andthe

soulsoftheentireassemblageseemedpeeringfromtheireyesasthenoblefiguredeliberatelyandunaffectedlyadvancedupthebroadaisleofthehallbetweenranksofstandingsenatorsandmembers,andslowlyascendedthestepsleadingtothespeaker'schair.

"ThePresidenthavingseatedhimselfremainedinsilence,andthememberstooktheirseats,waitingforthespeech.Nohouseofworshipwasevermoreprofoundlystillthanthatlargeandcrowdedchamber.



"WashingtonwasdressedpreciselyasStuarthaspaintedhiminfull-lengthportrait--inafullsuitoftherichestblackvelvet,withdiamondknee-bucklesandsquaresilverbucklessetuponshoesjapannedwithmostscrupulousneatness;blacksilkstockings,hisshirtruffledatthebreastandwaist,alightdresssword,hishairprofuselypowdered,fullydressed,soastoprojectatthesides,andgatheredbehindinasilkbagornamentedwithalargeroseofblackribbon.Heheldhiscockedhat,whichhadalargeblackcockadeononesideofit,inhishand,asheadvancedtowardthechair,andwhenseated,laiditonthetable.

"Atlengththrustinghishandwithinthesideofhiscoat,hedrewfortharollofmanuscriptwhichheopened,andrisingreadinarich,deep,full,sonorousvoicehisopeningaddresstoCongress.Hisenunciationwasdeliberate,justlyemphasised,verydistinct,andaccompaniedwithanairofdeepsolemnityasbeingtheutteranceofamindconsciousofthewholeresponsibilityofitsposition,butnotoppressedbyit.Therewaseveraboutthemansomethingwhichimpressedonewiththeconvictionthathewasexactlyandfullyequaltowhathehadtodo.Hewasneverhurried;nevernegligent;butseemedeverpreparedfortheoccasion,beitwhatitmight.Inhisstudy,inhisparlour,atalevee,beforeCongress,attheheadofthearmy,heseemedevertobejustwhatthesituationrequired.Hepossessed,inadegreeneverequalledbyanyhumanbeingIever

saw,thestrongest,mostever-presentsenseofpropriety."

IntheearlypartofWashington'sadministration,greatcomplaintsweremadebypoliticalopponentsofthearistocraticandroyaldemeanourofthePresident.Particularly,thesecomplaintswereaboutthemannerofhisreceivingvisitors.InaletterWashingtongaveaccountoftheoriginofhislevees:"Beforethecustomwasestablished,"hewrote,"whichnowaccommodatesforeigncharacters,strangersandothers,who,frommotivesofcuriosity,respectforthechiefmagistrate,orothercause,areinducedtocalluponme,Iwasunabletoattendtoanybusinesswhatever;forgentlemen,consultingtheirownconvenienceratherthanmine,werecallingafterthetimeIrosefrombreakfast,andoftenbefore,untilIsat

downtodinner.This,asIresolvednottoneglectmypublicduties,reducedmetothechoiceofoneofthesealternatives:eithertorefusevisitsaltogether,ortoappropriateatimeforthereceptionofthem....Topleaseeverybodywasimpossible.Itherefore,adoptedthatlineofconductwhichcombinedpublicadvantagewithprivateconvenience....Thesevisitsareoptional,theyaremadewithoutinvitation;betweenthehoursofthreeandfoureveryTuesdayIampreparedtoreceivethem.Gentlemen,ofteningreatnumbers,comeandgo,chatwitheachother,andactastheyplease.Aportershowsthemintotheroom,andtheyretirefromitwhentheychoose,withoutceremony.Attheirfirstentrancetheysaluteme,andIthem,andasmanyasIcanItalkto."

AnEnglishgentlemanaftervisitingPresidentWashingtonwrote,"Therewasacommandingairinhisappearancewhichexcitedrespectandforbadetoogreatafreedomtowardhim,independentlyofthatspeciesofawewhichisalwaysfeltinthemoralinfluenceofagreatcharacter.Ineverymovement,too,therewasapolitegracefulnessequaltoanymetwithinthemostpolishedindividualsofEurope,andhissmilewasextraordinarilyattractive....Itstruckmenomancouldbebetterformedforcommand.Astatureofsixfeet,arobustbutwell--proportionedframecalculatedtostandfatigue,withoutthatheavinesswhichgenerallyattendsgreat



muscularstrengthandabatesactiveexertion,displayedbodilypowerofnomeanstandard.Alighteyeandfull-theveryeyeofgeniusandreflection.Hisnoseappearedthick,andthoughitbefittedhisotherfeatureswastoocoarselyandstronglyformedtobethehandsomestofitsclass.HismouthwaslikenootherIeversaw:thelipsfirm,andtheunder-jawseemingtograsptheupperwithforce,asifitsmuscleswereinfullactionwhenhesatstill."

SuchWashingtonappearedtothosewhosawandknewhim.Suchheremainstoourvision.Hismemoryisheldbyusinundyinghonour.NotonlyhismemoryalonebutalsothememoryofhisassociatesinthestruggleforAmericanIndependence.Homageweshouldhaveinourheartsforthosepatriotsandheroesandsageswhowithhumblemeansraisedtheirnativeland-nowournativeland--fromthedepthsofdependence,andmadeitafreenation.AndespeciallyforWashington,whopresidedoverthenation'scourseatthebeginningofthegreatexperimentinself-governmentand,afteranunexampledcareerintheserviceoffreedomandourhumankind,withnodimmingofaugustfame,diedcalmlyatMountVernon--theFatherofhisCountry.

CHAPTERXVIII

ROBERTE.LEE

ABOY'SIMPRESSIONS

ThefirstvividrecollectionIhaveofmyfatherishisarrivalinArlington,afterhisreturnfromtheMexicanWar.Icanremembersomeeventsofwhichheseemedapart,whenwelivedatFortHamilton,NewYork,about1846,buttheyaremorelikedreams,veryindistinctanddisconnected--naturallyso,forIwasatthattimeaboutthreeyearsold.ButthedayofhisreturntoArlington,after

anabsenceofmorethantwoyears,Ihavealwaysremembered.Ihadafrockorblouseofsomelightwashmaterial,probablycotton,abluegrounddottedoverwithwhitediamondfigures.OfthisIwasveryproud,andwantedtowearitonthisimportantoccasion.Eliza,my"mammy,"objecting,wehadacontestandIwon.Clothedinthis,myverybest,andwithmyhairfreshlycurledinlonggoldenringlets,Iwentdownintothelargehallwherethewholehouseholdwasassembled,eagerlygreetingmyfather,whohadjustarrivedonhorsebackfromWashington,havingmissedinsomewaythecarriagewhichhadbeensentforhim.

TherewasvisitingusatthistimeMrs.Lippitt,afriendofmymother's,withherlittleboy,Armistead,aboutmyageandsize,

alsowithlongcurls.WhetherheworeashandsomeasuitasmineIcannotremember,butheandIwerelefttogetherinthebackground,feelingratherfrightenedandawed.Afteramoment'sgreetingtothosesurroundinghim,myfatherpushedthroughthecrowd,exclaiming:

"Whereismylittleboy?"

Hethentookupinhisarmsandkissed--notmehisownchild,inhisbestfrockwithcleanfaceandwell-arrangedcurls--butmylittle



playmate,Armistead.Iremembernothingmoreofanycircumstancesconnectedwiththattime,savethatIwasshockedandhumiliated.Ihavenodoubtthathewasatonceinformedofhismistakeandmadeampleamendstome.

Aletterfrommyfathertohisbrother,CaptainS.S.Lee,UnitedStatesNavy,dated"Arlington,June30,1848,"tellsofhiscominghome:

"HereIamonceagain,mydearSmith,perfectlysurroundedbyMaryandherpreciouschildren,whoseemtodevotethemselvestostaringatthefurrowsinmyfaceandthewhitehairsinmyhead.ItisnotsurprisingthatIamhardlyrecognisabletosomeoftheyoungeyesaroundmeandperfectlyunknowntotheyoungest.Butsomeoftheolderonesgazewithastonishmentandwonderatme,andseematalosstoreconcilewhattheyseeandwhatwaspicturedintheirimaginations.Ifindthem,too,muchgrown,andallwell,andIhavemuchcauseforthankfulness,andgratitudetothatgoodGodwhohasoncemoreunitedus."

MynextrecollectionofmyfatherisinBaltimore,whilewewereonavisittohissister,Mrs.Marshall,thewifeofJudgeMarshall.Irememberbeingdownonthewharves,wheremyfatherhadtakenmetoseethelandingofamustangponywhichhehadgottenformein

Mexico,andwhichhadbeenshippedfromVeraCruztoBaltimoreinasailingvessel.Iwasalleyesforthepony,andaverymiserable,sad-lookingobjecthewas.Fromhislongvoyage,crampedquarters,andunavoidablelackofgrooming,hewasratheradisappointmenttome,butIsoongotoverallthat.AsIgrewolder,andwasabletorideandappreciatehim,hebecamethejoyandprideofmylife.IwastaughttorideonhimbyJimConnally,thefaithfulIrishservantofmyfather,whohadbeenwithhiminMexico.Jimusedoftentotellme,inhisquizzicalway,thatheand"SantaAnna"(thepony'sname)werethefirstmenonthewallsofChepultepec.Thisponywaspurewhite,fiveyearsold,andaboutfourteenhandshigh.Forhisinches,hewasasgoodahorseasIeverhaveseen.WhilewelivedinBaltimore,heand"GraceDarling,"myfather's

favoritemare,weremembersofourfamily.

GraceDarlingwasachestnutoffinesizeandofgreatpower,whichhehadboughtinTexasonhiswayouttoMexico,herownerhavingdiedonthemarchout.Shewaswithhimduringtheentirecampaign,andwasshotseventimes;atleast,asalittlefellowIusedtobragaboutthatnumberofbulletsbeinginher,andsinceIcouldpointoutthescarsofeachone,Ipresumeitwasso.Myfatherwasverymuchattachedtoandproudofher,alwayspettingherandtalkingtoherinalovingway,whenherodeherorwenttoseeherinherstall.Ofherhewroteonhisreturnhome:

"Ionlyarrivedyesterday,afteralongjourneyuptheMississippi,

whichrouteIwasinducedtotake,forthebetteraccommodationofmyhorse,asIwishedtospareherasmuchannoyanceandfatigueaspossible,shealreadyhavingundergonesomuchsufferinginmyservice.IlandedheratWheelingandlefthertocomeoverwithJim."

SantaAnnawasfoundlyingcoldanddeadintheparkofArlingtononemorninginthewinterof'60-'61.GraceDarlingwastakeninthespringof'62fromtheWhiteHouse[Footnote:Mybrother'splaceonthePamtmkeyRiver,wherethemarehadbeensentforsafekeeping.]



bysomeFederalquartermaster,whenMcClellanoccupiedthatplaceashisbaseofsuppliesduringhisattackonRichmond.WhenwelivedinBaltimore,Iwasgreatlystruckonedaybyhearingtwoladieswhowerevisitingussaying:

"Everybodyandeverything--hisfamily,hisfriends,hishorse,andhisdog--lovesColonelLee."

Thedogreferredtowasablack-and-tanterriernamed"Spec,"verybrightandintelligentandreallyamemberofthefamily,respectedandbelovedbyourselvesandwellknowntoallwhoknewus.Myfatherpickedupitsmotherinthe"Narrows"whilecrossingfromFortHamiltontothefortificationsoppositeonStatenIsland.Shehaddoubtlessfallenoverboardfromsomepassingvesselandhaddriftedoutofsightbeforeherabsencehadbeendiscovered.Herescuedherandtookherhome,whereshewaswelcomedbyhischildrenandmademuchof.Shewasahandsomelittlething,withcroppedearsandashorttail.Myfathernamedher"Dart."Shewasafineratter,andwiththeassistanceofaMaltesecat,alsoamemberofthefamily,themanyratswhichinfestedthehouseandstablesweredrivenawayordestroyed.Sheandthecatwerefedoutofthesameplate,butDartwasnotallowedtobeginthemealuntilthecathadfinished.

SpecwasbornatFortHamilton,andwasthejoyofuschildren,ourpetandcompanion.Myfatherwouldnotallowhistailandearstobecropped.Whenhegrewup,heaccompanieduseverywhereandwasinthehabitofgoingintochurchwiththefamily.AssomeofthelittleonesallowedtheirdevotionstobedisturbedbySpec'spresence,myfatherdeterminedtoleavehimathomeonthoseoccasions.SothenextSundaymorninghewassentuptothefrontroomofthesecondstory.Afterthefamilyhadleftforchurchhecontentedhimselfforawhilelookingoutofthewindow,whichwasopen,itbeingsummertime.Presentlyimpatienceovercamehisjudgmentandhejumpedtotheground,landedsafelynotwithstandingthedistance,joinedthefamilyjustastheyreachedthechurch,andwentinwiththemasusual,muchtothejoyofthechildren.After

thathewasallowedtogotochurchwheneverhewished.Myfatherwasveryfondofhim,andlovedtotalktohimandabouthimasifhewerereallyoneofus.Inalettertomymother,datedFortHamilton,January18,1846,whensheandherchildrenwereonavisittoArlington,hethusspeaksofhim:

"...Iamverysolitary,andmyonlycompanyismydogandcats.ButSpechasbecomesojealousnowthathewillhardlyletmelookatthecats.HeseemstobeafraidthatIamgoingofffromhim,andneverletsmestirwithouthim.Liesdownintheofficefromeighttofourwithoutmoving,andturnshimselfbeforethefireasthesidefromitbecomescold.IcatchhimsometimessittinguplookingatmesointentlythatIamforamomentstartled...."

InaletterfromMexicowrittenayearlater--December25,1846,tomymother,hesays:

"...Can'tyoucurepoorSpec?Cheerhimup--takehimtowalkwithyouandtellthechildrentocheerhimup...."

InanotherletterfromMexicotohiseldestboy,justafterthecaptureofVeraCruz,hesendsthismessagetoSpec:



"...TellhimIwishhewasherewithme.HewouldhavebeenofgreatserviceintellingmewhenIwascomingupontheMexicans.WhenIwasreconnoiteringaroundVeraCruz,theirdogsfrequentlytoldmebybarkingwhenIwasapproachingthemtoonearly...."

WhenhereturnedtoArlingtonfromMexico,Specwasthefirsttorecognisehim,andtheextravaganceofhisdemonstrationsofdelightleftnodoubtthatheknewatoncehiskindmasterandlovingfriend,thoughhehadbeenabsentthreeyears.SometimeduringourresidenceinBaltimore,Specdisappeared,andweneverknewhisfate.

FromthatearlytimeIbegantobeimpressedwithmyfather'scharacter,ascomparedwithothermen.Everymemberofthehouseholdrespected,revered,andlovedhimasamatterofcourse,butitbegantodawnonmethateveryoneelsewithwhomIwasthrownheldhimhighintheirregard.Atforty-fiveyearsofagehewasactive,strong,andashandsomeashehadeverbeen.Ineverrememberhisbeingill.Ipresumehewasindisposedattimes;butnoimpressionsofthatkindremain.Hewasalwaysbrightandgaywithuslittlefolk--romping,playing,andjokingwithus.Withtheolderchildren,hewasjustascompanionable,andIhaveseenhimjoinmyelderbrothersandtheirfriendswhentheywouldtrytheirpowersatahighjumpputupinouryard.Thetwoyoungerchildrenhepetteda

greatdeal,andourgreatesttreatwastogetintohisbedinthemorningandlieclosetohim,listeningwhilehetalkedtousinhisbright,entertainingway.ThiscustomwekeptupuntilIwastenyearsoldandover.Althoughhewassojoyousandfamiliarwithus,hewasveryfirmonallproperoccasions,neverindulgedusinanythingthatwasnotgoodforus,andexactedthemostimplicitobedience.Ialwaysknewthatitwasimpossibletodisobeymyfather.Ifeltitinme,Ineverthoughtwhy,butwasperfectlysurewhenhegaveanorderthatithadtobeobeyed.MymotherIcouldsometimescircumvent,andattimestooklibertieswithherorders,construingthemtosuitmyself;butexactobediencetoeverymandateofmyfatherwasapartofmylifeandbeingatthattime.

InJanuary,1849,CaptainLeewasoneofaboardofarmyofficersappointedtoexaminethecoastsofFloridaanditsdefences,andtorecommendlocationsfornewfortifications.InAprilhewasassignedtothedutyoftheconstructionofFortCarroll,inthePatapscoRiver,belowBaltimore.Hewasthere,Ithink,forthreeyears,andlivedinahouseonMadisonStreet,threedoorsaboveBiddle.IusedtogodownwithhimtotheFortquiteoften.Wewenttothewharfina"bus,"andthereweweremetbyaboatwithtwooarsmen,whorowedusdowntoSellersPoint,whereIwasgenerallyleftunderthecareofthepeoplewholivedthere,whilemyfatherwentovertotheFort,ashortdistanceoutintheriver.Thesedayswereveryhappyonesforme.Thewharves,theshipping,theriver,theboatandoarsmen,andthecountrydinnerwehadatthehouseatSellers

Point,allmadeastrongimpressiononme,butaboveallIremembermyfather;hisgentle,lovingcareforme,hisbrighttalk,hisstories,hismaximsandteachings.Iwasveryproudofhimandoftheevidentrespectforandtrustinhimeveryoneshowed.Theseimpressions,obtainedatthattime,haveneverleftme.HewasagreatfavouriteinBaltimore,ashewaseverywhere,especiallywithladiesandlittlechildren.Whenheandmymotherwentoutintheeveningtosomeentertainment,wewereoftenallowedtositupandseethemoff;myfather,asIremember,alwaysinfulluniform,alwaysreadyandwaitingformymother,whowasgenerallylate.He



wouldthenchidehergently,inaplayfulwayandwithabrightsmile.Hewouldthenbidusgood-bye,andIwouldgotosleepwiththisbeautifulpictureonmymind,thegoldenepauletsandall--chieflytheepaulets.

InBaltimore,Iwenttomyfirstschool,thatofaMr.RollinsonMulberryStreet,andIrememberhowinterestedmyfatherwasinmystudies,myfailures,andmylittletriumphs.Indeed,hewassoalways,aslongasIwasatschoolandcollege,andIonlywishthatallofthekind,sensible,usefullettershewrotemehadbeenpreserved.

MymemoryastothemovefromBaltimore,whichoccurredin1852,isverydim.IthinkthefamilywenttoArlingtontoremainuntilmyfatherhadarrangedforourremovaltothenewhomeatWestPoint.

MyrecollectionofmyfatherasSuperintendentoftheWestPointMilitaryAcademyismuchmoredistinct.HelivedinthehousewhichisstilloccupiedbytheSuperintendent.Itwasbuiltofstone,largeandroomy,withgardens,stables,andpasturelots.We,thetwoyoungestchildren,enjoyeditall.GraceDarlingandSantaAnnawerewithus,andmanyafineridedidIhavewithmyfatherintheafternoons,when,releasedfromhisoffice,hewouldmounthisoldmareand,withSantaAnnacarryingmebyhisside,takeafiveor

ten-miletrot.Thoughtheponycantereddelightfully,hewouldmakemekeephiminatrot,sayingplayfullythatthehammeringIsustainedwasgoodforme.Werodethedragoonseat,noposting,anduntilIbecameaccustomedtoitIusedtobeverytiredbythetimeIgotback.

MyfatherwasthemostpunctualmanIeverknew.Hewasalwaysreadyforfamilyprayers,formeals,andmeteveryengagement,socialorbusiness,atthemoment.Heexpectedallofustobethesame,andtaughtustheuseandnecessityofformingsuchhabitsfortheconvenienceofallconcerned.IneverknewhimlateforSundayserviceatthePostChapel.Heusedtoappearsomeminutesbeforetherestofus,inuniform,jokinglyrallyingmymotherforbeing

late,andforforgettingsomethingatthelastmoment.Whenhecouldwaitnolongerforher,hewouldsaythathewasoff,andwouldmarchalongtochurchbyhimselforwithanyofthechildrenwhowereready.Therehesatverystraight--wellupthemiddleaisle--and,asIremember,alwaysbecameverysleepy,andsometimeseventookalittlenapduringthesermon.Atthattime,thisdrowsinessofmyfather'swassomethingawfultome,inexplicable.Iknowitwasveryhardformetokeepawake,andfrequentlyIdidnot;butwhyhe,whotomymindcoulddoeverythingthatwasrightwithoutanyeffort,shouldsometimesbeovercome,Icouldnotunderstand,anddidnottrytodoso.

Itwasagainsttherulesthatthecadetsshouldgobeyondcertain

limitswithoutpermission.Ofcoursetheydidgosometimes,andwhencaughtweregivenquiteanumberof"demerits."Myfatherwasridingoneafternoonwithme,and,whileroundingaturninthemountainroadwithadeepwoodyravineononeside,wecamesuddenlyuponthreecadetsfarbeyondthelimits.Theyimmediatelyleapedoveralowwallonthesideoftheroad,anddisappearedfromourview.Werodeonforaminuteinsilence;thenmyfathersaid:"Didyouknowthoseyoungmen?Butno;ifyoudid,don'tsayso.Iwishboyswoulddowhatisright,itwouldbesomucheasierforallparties!"



Heknewhewouldhavetoreportthem,but,notbeingsureofwhotheywere,Ipresumehewishedtogivethemthebenefitofthedoubt.Atanyrate,Ineverheardanymoreaboutit.Oneofthethreeaskedmenextdayifmyfatherhadrecognisedthem,andItoldhimwhathadoccurred.

BythistimeIhadbecomeoldenoughtohavearoomtomyself,and,toencouragemeinbeingusefulandpractical,myfathermademeattendtoit,justasthecadetshadtodowiththeirquartersinbarracksandincamp.Heatfirstevenwentthroughtheformofinspectingit,toseeifIhadperformedmydutyproperly,andIthinkIenjoyedthisuntilthenoveltyworeoff.However,Iwaskeptatit,becomingintimeveryproficient,andtheknowledgesoaccquiredhasbeenofgreatusetomeallthroughlife.

Myfatheralwaysencouragedmeineveryhealthyoutdoorexerciseandsport.Hetaughtmetoride,constantlygivingmeminuteinstructions,withthereasonsforthem.Hegavememyfirstsled,andsometimesusedtocomeoutwhereweboyswerecoastingtolookon.Hegavememyfirstpairofskates,andplacedmeinthecareofatrustworthyperson,inquiringregularlyhowIprogressed.Itwasthesamewithswimming,whichhewasveryanxiousIshouldlearninapropermanner.ProfessorBaileyhadasonaboutmyage,nowhimselfaprofessorofBrownUniversity,Providence,RhodeIsland,

whobecamemygreatchum.Itookmyfirstlessoninthewaterwithhim,underthedirectionandsupervisionofhisfather.MyfatherinquiredconstantlyhowIwasgettingalong,andmademedescribeexactlymymethodandstroke,explainingtomewhatheconsideredthebestwaytoswim,andthereasonstherefor.IwenttoadayschoolatWestPoint,andhadalwaysasympathetichelperinmyfather.OftenhewouldcomeintomyroomwhereIstudiedatnight,and,sittingdownbyme,wouldshowmehowtoovercomeahardsentenceinmyLatinreaderoradifficultsuminarithmetic,notbygivingmethetranslationofthetroublesomesentenceortheanswertothesum,butbyshowingme,stepbystep,thewaytotherightsolutions.Hewasverypatient,veryloving,verygoodtome,andIremembertryingmybesttopleasehiminmystudies.WhenIwasable

tobringhomeagoodreportfrommyteacher,hewasgreatlypleased,andshoweditinhiseyeandvoice,buthealwaysinsistedthatIshouldgetthe"maximum,"thathewouldneverbeperfectlysatisfiedwithless.ThatIdidsometimeswinit,deservedly,Iknowwasduetohisjudiciousandwisemethodofexcitingmyambitionandperseverance.Ihaveendeavouredtoshowhowfondmyfatherwasofhischildren,andasthebestpictureIcanofferofhisloving,tenderdevotiontousall,Igiveherealetterfromhimwrittenaboutthistimetooneofhisdaughterswhowasstayingwithourgrandmother,Mrs.Custis,atArlington:

"WestPoint,February25,1853.

"MypreciousAnnie:Itakeadvantageofyourgraciouspermissiontowritetoyou,andthereisnotellinghowfarmyfeelingsmightcarrymewereInotlimitedbytheconveyancefurnishedbytheMim's[Footnote:Hispetnameformymother.]letter,whichliesbeforeme,andwhichmust,theMimsaysso,gointhismorning'smail.Butmylimitedtimedoesnotdiminishmyaffectionforyou,Annie,norpreventmythinkingofyouandwishingforyou.Ilongtoseeyouthroughthedilatorynights.AtdawnwhenIrise,andallday,mythoughtsreverttoyouinexpressionsthatyoucannothearorIrepeat.Ihopeyouwillalwaysappeartomeasyouarenowpainted



onmyheart,andthatyouwillendeavourtoimproveandsoconductyourselfastomakeyouhappyandmejoyfulallourlives.Diligentandearnestattentiontoallyourdutiescanonlyaccomplishthis.Iamtoldyouaregrowingverytall,andIhopeverystraight.IdonotknowwhatthecadetswillsayiftheSuperintendent'schildrendonotpracticewhathedemandsofthem.Theywillnaturallysayhehadbetterattendtohisownbeforehecorrectsotherpeople'schildren,andashepermitshistostoopitishardhewillnotallowthem.YouandAgnes[Footnote:Histhirddaughter.]mustnot,therefore,bringmeintodiscreditwithmyyoungfriends,orgivethemreasontothinkthatIrequiremoreofthemthanofmyown.Ipresumeyourmotherhastoldallaboutus,ourneighboursandouraffairs.Andindeedshemayhavedonethatandnotsaidmucheither,sofarasIknow.Butweareallwellandhavemuchtobegratefulfor.To-morrowweanticipatethepleasureofyourbrother's[Footnote:Hisson,Curtis.]company,whichisalwaysasourceofpleasuretous.Itistheonlytimeweseehim,exceptwhentheCorpscomeundermyviewatsomeoftheirexercises,whenmyeyeissuretodistinguishhimamonghiscomradesandfollowhimovertheplain.Givemuchlovetoyourdeargrandmother,grandfather,Agnes,MissSue,Lucretia,andallfriends,includingtheservants.Writesometimes,andthinkalwaysofyour

"Affectionatefather,

"R.E.LEE."

Inalettertomymother,writtenmanyyearsprevioustothis,hesays:

"IprayGodtowatchoveranddirectoureffortsinguardingourdearlittleson....Oh,whatpleasureIloseinbeingseparatedfrommychildren!Nothingcancompensatemeforthat...."

Inanotherletterofaboutthesametime:

"YoudonotknowhowmuchIhavemissedyouandthechildren,my

dearMary.Tobealoneinacrowdisverysolitary.Inthewoods,Ifeelsympathywiththetreesandbirds,inwhosecompanyItakedelight,butexperiencenopleasureinastrangecrowd.Ihopeyouareallwellandwillcontinueso,and,therefore,mustagainurgeyoutobeveryprudentandcarefulofthosedearchildren.IfIcouldonlygetasqueezeatthatlittlefellow,turninguphissweetmouthto'keesebaba!'Youmustnotlethimrunwildinmyabsence,andwillhavetoexercisefirmauthorityoverallofthem.Thiswillnotrequireseverityorevenstrictness,butconstantattentionandanunwaveringcourse.Mildnessandforebearancewillstrengthentheiraffectionforyou,whileitwillmaintainyourcontroloverthem."

Inalettertooneofhissonshewritesasfollows:

"Icannotgotobed,mydearson,withoutwritingyouafewlinestothankyouforyourletter,whichgavemegreatpleasure...YouandCustismusttakegreatcareofyourkindmotheranddearsisterswhenyourfatherisdead.Todothatyoumustlearntobegood.Betrue,kindandgenerous,andprayearnestlytoGodtoenableyoutokeepHisCommandments'andwalkinthesameallthedaysofyourlife.'Ihopetocomeonsoontoseethatlittlebabyyouhavegottoshowme.Youmustgiveherakissforme,andonetoallthe



children,toyourmother,andgrandmother."

Theexpressionofsuchsentimentsasthesewascommontomyfatherallthroughhislife,andtoshowthatitwasallchildrenandnothisownlittlefolkalonethatcharmedandfascinatedhim,Iquotefromalettertomymother:

"...Isawanumberoflittlegirlsalldressedupintheirwhitefrocksandpantalets,theirhairplaitedandtiedupwithribbons,runningandchasingeachotherinalldirections.Icountedtwenty-threenearlythesamesize.AsIdrewupmyhorsetoadmirethespectacle,amanappearedatthedoorwiththetwenty-fourthinhisarms.

"'Myfriend,'saidI,'arealltheseyourchildren?'

"'Yes,'hesaid,'andthereareninemoreinthehouse,andthisistheyoungest.'

"Uponfurtherinquiry,however,Ifoundthattheywereonlytemporarilyhis,andthattheywereinvitedtoapartyathishouse.Hesaid,however,hehadbeenadmiringthembeforeIcameup,andjustwishedthathehadamillionofdollars,andthattheywereallhisinreality.Idonotthinktheeldestexceededsevenoreight

yearsold.ItwastheprettiestsightIhaveseeninthewest,and,perhaps,inmylife...."

AsSuperintendentoftheMilitaryAcademyatWestPointmyfatherhadtoentertainagooddeal,andIrememberwellhowhandsomeandgrandhelookedinuniform,howgenialandbright,howconsiderateofeverybody'scomfortofmindandbody.Hewasalwaysagreatfavouritewiththeladies,especiallytheyoungones.Hisfinepresence,hisgentle,courteousmannersandkindlysmileputthematonceateasewithhim.

Amongthecadetsatthistimeweremyeldestbrother,Custis,whograduatedfirstinhisclassin1854,andmyfather'snephew,Fitz

Lee,athirdclassman,besidesotherrelativesandfriends.Saturdaybeingahalf--holidayforthecadets,itwasthecustomforallsocialeventsinwhichtheyweretotakeparttobeplacedonthatafternoonorevening.NearlyeverySaturdayanumberoftheseyoungmenwereinvitedtoourhousetotea,orsupper,foritwasagood,substantialmeal.Themiseryofsomeoftheselads,owingtoembarrassment,possiblyfromaweoftheSuperintendent,waspitiableandevidenteventome,aboyoftenortwelveyearsold.Butassoonasmyfathergotcommand,asitwere,ofthesituation,onecouldseehowquicklymostofthemwereputattheirease.Hewouldaddresshimselftothetaskofmakingthemfeelcomfortableandathome,andhisgenialmannerandpleasantwaysatoncesucceeded.

Inthespringof1853mygrandmother,Mrs.Custis,died.Thiswasthefirstdeathinourimmediatefamily.Shewasverydeartous,andwasadmired,esteemed,andlovedbyallwhohadeverknownher.BishopMeade,ofVirginia,writesofher:

"Mrs.MaryCustis,ofArlington,thewifeofMr.WashingtonCustis,grandsonofMrs.GeneralWashington,wasthedaughterofMr.WilliamFitzhugh,ofChatham.ScarcelyisthereaChristianladyinourlandmorehonouredthanshewas,andnonemorelovedandesteemed.Forgoodsense,prudence,sincerity,benevolence,unaffectedpiety,



disinterestedzealineverygoodwork,deephumanityandretiringmodesty--forallthevirtueswhichadornthewife,themother,andthefriend--Ineverknewhersuperior."

Inaletterwrittentomymothersoonafterthissadeventmyfathersays:

"MayGodgiveyoustrengthtoenableyoutobearandsay,'Hiswillbedone.'Shehasgonefromalltrouble,careandsorrowtoaholyimmortality,theretorejoiceandpraiseforevertheGodandSaviourshesolongandtrulyserved.Letthatbeourcomfortandthatourconsolation.Mayourdeathbelikehers,andmaywemeetinhappinessinHeaven."

Inanotherletteraboutthesametimehewrites:

"Shewastomeallthatamothercouldbe,andIyieldtononeinadmirationforhercharacter,loveforhervirtues,andvenerationforhermemory."

Atthistime,myfather'sfamilyandfriendspersuadedhimtoallowR.S.Weir,ProfessorofPaintingandDrawingattheAcademy,topainthisportrait.AsfarasIremember,therewasonlyonesitting,andtheartisthadtofinishitfrommemoryorfromthe

glimpsesheobtainedofhissubjectintheregularcourseoftheirdailylivesat"ThePoint."ThispictureshowsmyfatherintheundressuniformofaColonelofEngineers,[Footnote:HisappointmentofSuperintendentoftheMilitaryAcademyearnedwithitthetemporaryrankofColonelofEngineers]andmanythinkitaverygoodlikeness.Tome,theexpressionofstrengthpeculiartohisfaceiswanting,andthemouthfailstoportraythatsweetnessofdispositionsocharacteristicofhiscountenance.Still,itwaslikehimatthattime.Myfathernevercouldbeartohavehispicturetaken,andtherearenolikenessesofhimthatreallygivehissweetexpression.Sittingforapicturewassuchaseriousbusinesswithhimthathenevercould"lookpleasant."

In1855myfatherwasappointedtothelieutenant-colonelcyoftheSecondCavalry,oneofthetworegimentsjustraised.HeleftWestPointtoenteruponhisnewduties,andhisfamilywenttoArlingtontolive.Duringthefallandwinterof1855and'56,theSecondCavalrywasrecruitedandorganisedatJeffersonBarracks,Missouri,underthedirectionofColonelLee,andinthefollowingspringwasmarchedtowesternTexas,whereitwasassignedthedutyofprotectingthesettlersinthatwildcountry.

IdidnotseemyfatheragainuntilhecametomymotheratArlingtonafterthedeathofherfather,G.W.P.Custis,inOctober,1857.Hetookchargeofmymother'sestateafterherfather'sdeath,andcommencedatoncetoputitinorder--notan

easytask,asitconsistedofseveralplantationsandmanynegroes.Iwasataboarding-school,afterthefamilyreturnedtoArlington,andsawmyfatheronlyduringtheholidays,ifhehappenedtobeathome.Hewasalwaysfondoffarming,andtookgreatinterestintheimprovementsheimmediatelybeganatArlingtonrelatingtothecultivationofthefarm,tothebuildings,roads,fences,fields,andstock,sothatinaveryshorttimetheappearanceofeverythingontheestatewasimproved.Heoftensaidthathelongedforthetimewhenhecouldhaveafarmofhisown,wherehecouldendhisdaysinquietandpeace,interestedinthecareandimprovementof



hisownland.Thisideawasalwayswithhim.Inalettertohisson,writteninJuly,1865,referringtosomeproposedindictmentsofprominentConfederates,hesays:

"...AssoonasIcanascertaintheirintentiontowardme,ifnotprevented,Ishallendeavourtoprocuresomehumble,butquietabodeforyourmotherandsisters,whereIhopetheycanbehappy.AsIbeforesaid,Iwanttogetinsomegrasscountrywherethenaturalproductofthelandwilldomuchformysubsistence,..."

Againinalettertohisson,datedOctober,1865,afterhehadacceptedthepresidencyofWashingtonCollege,Lexington,Virginia:

"IshouldhaveselectedamorequietlifeandamoreretiredabodethanLexington.Ishouldhavepreferredasmallfarm,whereIcouldhaveearnedmydailybread."

AboutthistimeIwasgivenagunofmyown,andwasallowedtogoshootingbymyself.Myfather,togivemeanincentive,offeredarewardforeverycrow-scalpIcouldbringhim,and,inorderthatImightgettoworkatonce,advancedasmallsumwithwhichtobuypowderandshot,thissumtobereturnedtohimoutofthefirstscalpsobtained.Myindustryandzealweregreat,myhopeshigh,andbygoodluckIdidsucceedinbaggingtwocrowsaboutthesecond

timeIwentout.Ishowedthemwithgreatpridetomyfather,intimatingthatIshouldshortlybeabletoreturnhimhisloan,andthathemustbepreparedtohandovertomeverysoonfurtherrewardsformyskill.Hiseyestwinkled,andhissmileshowedthathehadstrongdoubtsofmymakinganincomebykillingcrows,andhewasright,forIneverkilledanother,thoughItriedhardandlong.

IsawbutlittleofmyfatherafterweleftWestPoint.HewenttoTexas,asIhavestated,in'55andremaineduntilthefallof'57,thetimeofmygrandfather'sdeath.HewasthenatArlingtonaboutayear.Returningtohisregiment,heremainedinTexasuntiltheautumnof'59,whenhecameagaintoArlington,havingappliedforleaveinordertofinishthesettlingofmygrandfather'sestate.

DuringthisvisithewasselectedbytheSecretaryofWartosuppressthefamous"JohnBrownRaid,"andwassenttoHarper'sFerryincommandoftheUnitedStatestroops.

Fromhismemorandumbookthefollowingentriesaretaken:

"October17,1859.ReceivedordersfromtheSecretaryofWar,inperson,torepairineveningtraintoHarper'sFerry.

"ReachedHarper'sFerryat11P.M....PostedmarinesintheUnitedStatesArmory.Waiteduntildaylight,asanumberofcitizenswereheldashostages,whoseliveswerethreatened.Tuesdayaboutsunrise,withtwelvemarines,underLieutenantGreen,brokeinthe

dooroftheengine-house,securedtheinsurgentsandrelievedtheprisonersunhurt.Alltheinsurgentskilledormortallywounded,butfour,JohnBrown,Stevens,Coppie,andShields."

Brownwastriedandconvicted,andsentencedtobehangedonDecember2,1859.ColonelLeewritesasfollowstohiswife:

"Harper'sFerry,December1,1859.

"Iarrivedhere,dearestMary,yesterdayaboutnoon,withfour



companiesfromFortMonroe,andwasbusyalltheeveningandnightgettingaccommodationforthemen,etc.,andpostingsentinelsandpicketstoinsuretimelynoticeoftheapproachoftheenemy.Thenighthaspassedoffquietly.Thefeelingsofthecommunityseemedtobecalmeddown,andIhavebeenreceivedwitheverykindness.Mr.FryisamongtheofficersfromOldPoint.Thereareseveralyoungmen,formeracquaintanceofours,ascadets,Mr.BinghamofCustis'sclass,SamCooper,etc.,buttheseniorofficersInevermetbefore,exceptCaptainHowe,thefriendofourCousinHarrietR----.

"Ipresumewearefixedheretillafterthe16th.To-morrowwillprobablybethelastofCaptainBrown.Therewillbelessinterestfortheothers,butstillIthinkthetroopswillnotbewithdrawntilltheyaresimilarlydisposedof.

"CustiswillhaveinformedyouthatIhadtogotoBaltimoretheeveningthatIleftyou,tomakearrangementsforthetransportationforthetroops....ThismorningIwasintroducedtoMrs.Brown,who,withaMrs.TyndallandaMr.andMrs.McKim,allfromPhiladelphia,hadcomeontohavealastinterviewwithherhusband.AsitisamatteroverwhichIhavenocontrolIreferredthemtoGeneralTaliaferro.[Footnote:GeneralWilliamB.Taliaferro,commandingVirginiatroopsatHarper'sFerry.]

"Youmustwritetomeatthisplace.Ihopeyouareallwell.Givelovetoeverybody.TellSmith[Footnote:SidneySmithLee,oftheUnitedStatesNavy,hisbrother.]thatnocharmingwomenhaveinsistedontakingcareofmeastheyarealwaysdoingofhim--Iamlefttomyownresources.Iwillwriteyouagainsoon,andwillalwaysbetrulyandaffectionatelyyours,"R.E.LEE.

"MRS.M.C.LEE."

InFebruary,1860,hewasorderedtotakecommandoftheDepartmentofTexas.Thereheremainedayear.Thefirstmonthsafterhisarrivalwerespentinthevainpursuitofthefamousbrigand,Cortinez,whowascontinuallystealingacrosstheRioGrande,

burningthehomes,drivingoffthestockoftheranchmen,andthenretreatingintoMexico.ThesummermonthshespentinSanAntonio,andwhilethereinterestedhimselfwiththegoodpeopleofthattowninbuildinganEpiscopalchurch,towhichhecontributedlargely.

CHAPTERXIX

THEYOUTHOFLINCOLN

Hewaslong;hewasstrong;hewaswiry.Hewasneversick,wasalwaysgood-natured,neverabully,alwaysafriendoftheweak,thesmallandtheunprotected.Hemusthavebeenafunny-lookingboy.Hisskinwassallow,andhishairwasblack,Heworealinsey-woolseyshirt,buckskinbreeches,acoon-skincap,andheavy"clumps"ofshoes.Hegrewsofastthathisbreechesnevercamedowntothetopsofhisshoes,and,insteadofstockings,youcouldalwayssee"twelveinchesofshinbones,"sharp,blue,andnarrow.Helaughedmuch,wasalwaysreadytogiveandtakejokesandhardknocks,hadasqueaky,changingvoice,asmallhead,bigears--and



wasalwayswhatThackeraycalled"agentle-man."SuchwasAbrahamLincolnatfifteen.

Hewasnevercruel,mean,orunkind.Hisfirstcompositionwasoncrueltytoanimals,writtenbecausehehadtriedtomaketheotherboysstop"teasin'tarrypins"--thatis,catchingturtlesandputtinghotcoalsontheirbacksjusttomakethemmovealonglively.Hehadtoworkhardathome;forhisfatherwouldnot,andthingsneededtobeattendedtoif"theplace"wastobekeptfromdroppingtopieces.

Hebecameagreatreader.Hereadeverybookandnewspaperhecouldgetholdof,andifhecameacrossanythinginhisreadingthathewishedtorememberhewouldcopyitonashingle,becausewritingpaperwasscarce,andeitherlearnitbyheartorhidetheshingleawayuntilhecouldgetsomepapertocopyiton.Hisfatherthoughthereadtoomuch."Itwillspilehimforwork,"hesaid."Hedon'tdohalfenoughabouttheplace,asitis,now,andbooksandpapersain'tnogood."ButAbraham,withallhisreading,didmoreworkthanhisfatheranyday;hisstepmother,too,tookhissideandatlastgotherhusbandtolettheboyreadandstudyathome."Abewasagoodsontome,"shesaid,manymanyyearsafter,"andwetookparticularcarewhenhewasreadingnottodisturbhim.Wewouldjustlethimreadonandontillhequitofhisownaccord."

Theboykeptasortofshinglescrap-book;hekeptapaperscrap-book,too.Intothesehewouldputwhateverhecaredtokeep--poetry,history,funnysayings,finepassages.Hehadascrap-bookforhisarithmetic"sums,"too,andoneoftheseisstillinexistencewiththisboyishrhymeinaboyishscrawl,underneathoneofhistablesofweightsandmeasures:

AbrahamLincolnhishandandpenhewillbegoodbutgodknowswhen.

Goddidknowwhen;andthatboy,allunconsciously,wasworkingtowardthedaywhenhishandandpenweretodomoreforhumanitythananyotherhandorpenofmoderntimes.

Lampsandcandlewerealmostunknowninhishome,andAbraham,flatonhisstomach,wouldoftendohisreading,writing,andcipheringinthefirelight,asitflashedandflickeredonthebighearthofhislog-cabinhome.Anoldercousin,JohnHanks,wholivedforawhilewiththeLincolns,saysthatwhen"Abe,"ashealwayscalledthegreatPresident,wouldcomehome,asaboy,fromhiswork,hewouldgotothecupboard,takeapieceofcornbreadforhissupper,sitdownonachair,stretchouthislonglegsuntiltheywerehigherthanhishead--andread,andread,andread."AbeandI,"

saidJohnHanks,"workedbarefoot;grubbedit,ploughedit,mowedandcradledit;ploughedcorn,gatheredcorn,andshuckedcorn,andAbereadconstantlywheneverhecouldgetachance."

OnedayAbrahamfoundthatamanforwhomhesometimesworkedownedacopyofWeems's"LifeofWashington."Thiswasafamousbookinitsday.Abrahamborroweditatonce.Whenhewasnotreadingit,heputitawayonashelf--aclapboardrestingonwoodenpins.Therewasabigcrackbetweenthelogs,behindtheshelf,andonerainydaythe"LifeofWashington"fellintothecrackandwassoaked



almostintopulp.OldMr.Crawford,fromwhomAbrahamborrowedthebook,wasacross,cranky,andsouroldfellow,andwhentheboytoldhimoftheaccidenthesaidAbrahammust"workthebookout."

Theboyagreed,andtheoldfarmerkepthimsostrictlytohispromisethathemadehim"pullfodder"forthecattlethreedays,aspaymentforthebook!AndthatisthewaythatAbrahamLincolnboughthisfirstbook.ForhedriedthecopyofWeems's"LifeofWashington"andputitinhis"library."Butwhatboyorgirloftodaywouldliketobuybooksatsuchaprice?

Thiswastheboy-lifeofAbrahamLincoln.Itwasalifeofpoverty,privation,hardwork,littleplay,andlessmoney.Theboydidnotlovework.Butheworked.Hisfatherwasroughandoftenharshandhardtohim,andwhatAbrahamlearnedwasbymakingthemostofhissparetime.Hewasinquisitive,active,andhardy,and,inhiscomfortlessboyhood,hewaslearninglessonsofself-denial,independence,pluck,shrewdness,kindness,andpersistence.

Inthespringof1830,therewasanother"movingtime"fortheLincolns.Thecornandthecattle,thefarmanditshogswereallsoldatpublic"vandoo,"orauction,atlowfigures;andwithalltheirhouseholdgoodsonabig"ironed"wagondrawnbyfouroxen,thethreerelatedfamiliesofHanks,HallandLincoln,thirteenin

all,pushedonthroughthemudandacrossrivers,highfromthespringfreshets,outofIndiana,intoIllinois.

Abrahamheldthe"gad"andguidedtheoxen.Hecarriedwithhim,also,alittlestockofpins,needles,thread,andbuttons.Thesehepeddledalongtheway;and,atlast,afterfifteendaysofslowtravel,theemigrantscametothespotpickedoutforahome.ThistimeitwasonasmallbluffonthenorthforkoftheSangamonRiver,tenmileswestofthetownofDecatur.Theusualloghousewasbuilt;theboys,withtheoxen,"brokeup,"orcleared,fifteenacresofland,andsplitenoughrailstofenceitin.Abrahamcouldswinghisbroad-axebetterthananymanorboyintheWest;atonestrokehecouldburytheaxe-bladetothehaft,inalog,andhewas

alreadyfamousasanexpertrail-splitter.

Bythistimehispeopleweresettledintheirnewhome,AbrahamLincolnwastwenty-one.Hewas"ofage"--hewasaman!Bythelawofthelandhewasfreedfromhisfather'scontrol;hecouldshiftforhimself,andhedeterminedtodoso.Thisdidnotmeanthathedislikedhisfather.Itsimplymeantthathehadnointentionoffollowinghisfather'sexample.ThomasLincolnhaddemandedalltheworkandallthewageshissoncouldearnordo,andAbrahamfeltthathecouldnothaveafairchancetoaccomplishanythingorgetaheadintheworldifhecontinuedlivingwiththisshiftless,never-satisfied,do-nothingman.

Sohestruckoutforhimself.Inthesummerof1830,Abrahamlefthomeandhiredoutonhisownaccount,whereverhecouldgetajobinthenewcountryintowhichhehadcome.Inthatregionofbigfarmsandnofences,theselatterwereneeded,andAbrahamLincoln'sstalwartarmandwell-swungaxecamewellintoplay,cuttinguplogsforfences.Hewaswhatwascalledinthatwesterncountrya"rail-splitter."Indeed,oneofthefirstthingshedidwhenhestruckoutforhimselfwastosplitfourhundredrailsforeveryyardof"bluejeans"necessarytomakehimapairoftrousers.Fromwhichitwillbeseenthatworkwaseasiertogetthanclothes.



HesoonbecameasmuchofafavouriteinIllinoisashehadbeeninIndiana.Otherworkcametohim,and,in1831,he"hiredout"withamannamedOffutttohelpsailaflat-boatdowntheMississippitoNewOrleans.Mr.Offutthadheardthat"AbeLincoln"wasagoodriver-hand,strong,steady,honest,reliable,accustomedtoboating,andthathehadalreadymadeonetripdowntheriver.SoheengagedyoungLincolnatwhatseemedtotheyoungrail-splitterprincelywages--fiftycentsaday,andathirdshareinthesixtydollarswhichwastobedividedamongthethreeboatmenattheendofthetrip.

Theybuilttheflat-boatatasawmillnearaplacecalledSangamontown,"Abe"servingascookofthecampwhiletheboatwasbeingbuilt.Then,loadingthecraftwithbarrel-pork,hogs,andcorn,theystartedontheirvoyagesouth.AtaplacecalledNewSalemtheflat-boatranaground;butLincoln'singenuitygotitoff.Heriggedupaqueercontrivanceofhisowninventionandliftedtheboatoffandovertheobstruction,whileallNewSalemstoodonthebank,firsttocriticiseandthentoapplaud.

JustwhatthisinventionwasIcannotexplain.ButifyouevergointothepatentofficeatWashington,asktoseeAbrahamLincoln'spatentfortransportingriverboatsoversnagsandshoals.The

woodenmodelisthere;for,sopleasedwasLincolnwiththesuccessthathethoughtseriouslyofbecominganinventor,andhisfirstdesignwasthepatentgrantedtohimin1849,theideaforwhichgrewoutofthissuccessfulfloatingofOffutt'sflat-boatovertheriversnagsatNewSalemnineteenyearsbefore.

OnceagainhevisitedNewOrleans,returninghome,asbefore,bysteamboat.Thatvoyageisremarkable,becauseitfirstopenedyoungLincoln'seyestotheenormityofAfricanslavery.Ofcourse,hehadseenslavesbefore;butthesightofaslavesaleintheoldmarketplaceofNewOrleansseemstohavearousedhisangerandgivenhimanintensehatredofslave-holding.He,himself,declared,yearsafter,thatitwasthatvisittoNewOrleans,thathadsethimso

stronglyagainstslavery.

ThereisastorytoldbyoneofhiscompanionsthatLincolnlookedforawhileuponthedreadfulscenesoftheslavemarketandthen,turningaway,saidexcitedly,"Comeaway,boys!IfIevergetachance,someday,tohitthatthing"--andheflunghislongarmtowardthedreadfulauctionblock--"I'llhitithard."

Soonafterhereturnedfromhisflat-boattriptoNewOrleanshehadanopportunitytoshowthathecouldnotandwouldnotstandwhatistermed"foulplay."ThesameMr.OffuttwhohadhiredLincolntobeoneofhisflat-boat"boys,"gavehimanotheropportunityforwork.OffuttwaswhatiscalledintheWesta"hustler";hehadlotsof

"greatideas"andplansformakingmoney;and,amonghisnumerousenterprises,wasonetoopenacountrystoreandmillatNewSalem--theverysamevillageontheSangamonwhere,byhis"patentinvention,"Lincolnhadliftedtheflat-boatoffthesnags.

Mr.OffutthadtakenagreatfancytoLincoln,andofferedhimaplaceasclerkintheNewSalemstore.Theyoungfellowjumpedatthechance.Itseemedtohimquiteanimprovementonbeingafarm-hand,aflat-boatman,orarail-splitter.Itwas,indeed,astepupward;foritgavehimbetteropportunitiesforself-instruction



andmorechancesforgettingahead.

Offutt'sstorewasafavourite"loafingplace"fortheNewSalemboysandyoungmen.Amongthese,weresomeoftheroughestfellowsinthesettlement.Theywereknownasthe"ClaryGroveBoys,"andtheywerealwaysreadyforafight,inwhichtheywould,sometimes,provethemselvestobebulliesandtormentors.When,therefore,OffuttbegantobragabouthisnewclerktheClaryGroveBoysmadefunathim;whereuponthestorekeepercried:"What'sthat?Youcanthrowhim?Well,Ireckonnot;AbeLincolncanout-run,out-walk,out-rassle,knockout,andthrowdownanymaninSangamonCounty."ThiswastoomuchfortheClaryGroveBoys.TheytookupOffutt'schallenge,and,against"Abe,"setup,astheirchampionand"bestman,"oneJackArmstrong.

AllthiswasdonewithoutLincoln'sknowledge.Hehadnodesiretogetintoarowwithanyone--leastofallwiththebullieswhomadeuptheClaryGroveBoys.

"Iwon'tdoit,"hesaid,whenOffutttoldhimoftheproposedwrestlingmatch."Inevertussleandscuffle,andIwillnot.Idon'tlikethiswoolingandpulling."

"Don'tletthemcallyouacoward,Abe,"saidOffutt.

Ofcourse,youknowwhattheendwouldbetosuchanaffair.Nobodylikestobecalledacoward--especiallywhenheknowsheisnotone.So,atlast,Lincolnconsentedto"rassle"withJackArmstrong.Theymet,withalltheboysasspectators.Theywrestled,andtugged,andclenched,butwithoutresult.Bothyoungfellowswereequallymatchedinstrength."It'snouse,Jack,"Lincolnatlastdeclared."Let'squit.Youcan'tthrowme,andIcan'tthrowyou.That'senough."

Withthat,allJack'sbackersbegantocry"coward!"andurgedonthechampiontoanothertussle.JackArmstrongwasnowdeterminedtowin,byfairmeansorfoul.Hetriedthelatter,and,contraryto

allrulesofwrestlingbegantokickandtrip,whilehissupportersstoodreadytohelp,ifneedbe,bybreakinginwitharegularfreefight.This"foulplay"rousedthelioninLincoln.Hehatedunfairness,andatonceresentedit.HesuddenlyputforthhisSamson-likestrength,grabbedthechampionoftheClaryGroveBoysbythethroat,and,liftinghimfromtheground,heldhimatarm'slengthandshookhimasadogshakesarat.Thenheflunghimtotheground,and,facingtheamazedandyellingcrowd,hecried:"Youcowards!YouknowIdon'twanttofight;butifyoutryanysuchgames,I'lltacklethewholelotofyou.I'vewonthefight."

Hehad.Fromthatday,nomaninallthatregiondaredto"tackle"youngLincoln,ortotaunthimwithcowardice.AndJackArmstrong

washisdevotedfriendandadmirer.

Ihavetoldyoumore,perhaps,ofthefamousfightthanIought--notbecauseitwasafight,butbecauseitgivesyouaglimpseofAbrahamLincoln'scharacter.Hedislikedrows;hewastookind-heartedandgood-naturedtowishtoquarrelwithanyone;buthehatedunfairness,andwasenragedatanythinglikepersecutionorbullying.IfyouwilllookupShakespeare'splayof"Hamlet"youwillseethatLincolnwasreadytoactupontheadvicethatoldPoloniusgavetohissonLaertes:



"BewareOfentrancetoaquarrel;but,beingin,Bearitthattheopposermaybewareofthee."

Hebecamequiteamaninthatlittlecommunity.Asaclerkhewasobligingandstrictlyhonest.Hewasthejudgeandthesettlerofalldisputes,andnonethoughtofcombatinghisdecisions.Hewasthevillagepeacemaker.Hehatedprofanity,drunkenness,andunkindnesstowomen.Hewasfearedandrespectedbyall,andeventheClaryGroveBoysdeclared,atlast,thathewas"thecleverestfellerthateverbrokeintothesettlement."

Allthetime,too,hewastryingtoimprovehimself.Helikedtositaroundandtalkandtellstories,justthesameasever;buthesawthiswasnotthewaytogetonintheworld.Heworked,wheneverhehadthechance,outsideofhisstoreduties;andonce,whentradewasdullandhandswereshortintheclearing,he"turnedto"andsplitenoughlogsintorailstomakeapenforathousandhogs.

Whenhewasnotatworkhedevotedhimselftohisbooks.Hecould"read,write,andcipher"--thiswasmoreeducationthanmostmenabouthimpossessed;buthehoped,someday,togobeforethepublic;todothis,heknewhemustspeakandwritecorrectly.He

talkedtothevillageschoolmaster,whoadvisedhimtostudyEnglishgrammar.

"Well,ifIhadagrammar,"saidLincoln,"I'dbeginnow.Haveyougotone?"

Theschoolmasterhadnogrammar;buthetold"Abe"ofaman,sixmilesoff,whoownedone.Thereupon,Lincolnstartedupontheruntoborrowthatgrammar.Hebroughtitbacksoquicklythattheschoolmasterwasastonished.Thenhesettoworktolearnthe"rulesandexceptions."Hestudiedthatgrammar,stretchedfulllengthonthestore-counter,orunderatreeoutsidethestore,oratnightbeforeablazingfireofshavingsinthecooper'sshop.Andsoon,he

hadmasteredit.HeborrowedeverybookinNewSalem;hemadetheschoolmastergivehimlessonsinthestore;hebutton-holedeverystrangerthatcameintotheplace"wholookedasthoughheknewanything";until,atlast,everyoneinNewSalemwasreadytoechoOffutt'sboastthat"AbeLincoln"knewmorethananyman"intheseUnitedStates."Oneday,inthebottomofanoldbarreloftrash,hemadeasplendid"find."Itwastwooldlawbooks.Hereadandre-readthem,gotallthesenseandargumentoutoftheirdrypages,blossomedintoadebater,begantodreamofbeingalawyer,andbecamesoskilledinseeingthroughandsettlingknottyquestionsthat,onceagain,NewSalemwonderedatthisclerkofOffutt's,whowasaslongofheadasofarmsandlegs,anddeclaredthat"AbeLincolncouldout-argueanytenmeninthesettlement."

InallthehistoryofAmericatherehasbeennomanwhostartedlowerandclimbedhigherthanAbrahamLincoln,thebackwoodsboy.Henever"slippedback."Healwayskeptgoingahead.Hebroadenedhismind,enlargedhisoutlook,andledhiscompanionsratherthanletthemleadhim.Hewasjollycompany,good-natured,kind-hearted,fondofjokesandstoriesandagoodtimegenerally;buthewasthechampionoftheweak,thefriendofthefriendless,astrueaknightandasfullofchivalryasanyoneoftheheroesinarmourofwhomyoureadin"Ivanhoe"or"TheTalisman."Henevercheated,never



lied,nevertookanunfairadvantageofanyone;buthewasambitious,strong-willed,aboldfighterandatoughadversary--afellowwhowouldnever"saydie";andwho,therefore,succeeded.

CHAPTERXX

FATHERDAMIEN

AsweapproachedMolokaiIfoundthattheslowworkofcenturieshadnearlycovereditslavawithverdure.AtdawnwewereoppositeKalaupapa.Twolittlespiredchurches,lookingpreciselyalike,caughtmyeyefirst,andaroundthemweredottedthewhitecottagesofthelepers.Buttheseawastooroughforustoland.Thewavesdashedagainsttherocks,andthesprayrosefiftyfeetintotheair.

WewentontoKalawao,butwereagaindisappointed;itwastoodangeroustodisembark.Finallyitwasdecidedtoputoffaboatforarockypointaboutamileandahalfdistantfromthetown.Climbingdownthispointwesawabouttwentylepers,and"Thereis

FatherDamien!"saidourpurser;and,slowlymovingalongthehillside,Isawadarkfigurewithalargestrawhat.Hecameratherpainfullydown,andsatnearthewater-side,andweexchangedfriendlysignalsacrossthewaveswhilemybaggagewasbeinggotoutofthehold--alongbusiness,owingtotheviolenceofthesea.Atlastallwasready,andwewentswingingacrossthewaves,andfinallychoseafitmomentforleapingonshore.FatherDamiencaughtmebythehand,andaheartywelcomeshonefromhiskindlyfaceashehelpedmeuptherock.Heimmediatelycalledmebymyname,"Edward,"andsaiditwas"likeeverythingelse,aprovidence,"thathehadmetmeatthatirregularlanding-place,forhehadexpectedtheshiptostopatKalaupapa.

Hewasnowforty-nineyearsold--athick-set,stronglybuiltman,withblackcurlyhairandshortbeard,turninggray.Hiscountenancemusthavebeenhandsome,withafull,well-curvedmouthandashort,straightnose;buthewasnowagooddealdisfiguredbyleprosy,thoughnotsobadlyastomakeitanythingbutapleasuretolookathisbright,sensibleface.Hisforeheadwasswollenandrigid,theeyebrowsgone,thenosesomewhatsunk,andtheearsgreatlyenlarged.Hishandsandfacelookedunevenwithasortofincipientboils,andhisbodyalsoshowedmanysignsofthedisease,butheassuredmethathehadfeltlittleornopainsincehehadtriedDr.Goto'ssystemofhotbathsandJapanesemedicine.ThebathroomsthathavebeenprovidedbytheGovernmentareverynice.

AlargewoodenboxofpresentsfromEnglishfriends,hadbeenunshippedwiththegurjunoil.Itwas,however,solargethatFatherDamiensaiditwouldbeimpossibleforhisleperseithertolanditfromtheboatortocarryittoKalawao,andthatitmustbereturnedtothesteamerandlandedonsomevoyagewhentheseawasquieter.ButIcouldnotgiveupthepleasureofhisenjoymentinitscontents,soaftersomedelayitwasforcedopenintheboat,andthethingswerehandedoutonebyoneacrossthewaves.Thelepersallcameroundwiththeirpoormarredfaces,andthepresentswerecarriedhomebythemandourtwoselves.



AsweascendedthehillonwhichthevillageisbuiltFatherDamienshowedmeonourleftthechickenfarm.Thelepersarejustlyproudofit,andbeforemanydaysIhadafinefowlsentmefordinner,which,afteralittlenaturaltimidity,Iatewiththankfulness.

OnarrivingatKalawaowespeedilyfoundourselvesinsidethehalf-finishedchurchwhichwasthedarlingofhisheart.HowheenjoyedplanningtheplaceswherethepictureswhichIhadjustbroughthimshouldbeplaced!Bythesideofthischurchheshowedmethepalm-treeunderwhichhelivedforsomeweekswhenhefirstarrivedatthesettlement,in1873.Hisownlittlefour-roomedhousealmostjoinsthechurch.

AfterdinnerwewentupthelittleflightofstepswhichledtoFatherDamien'sbalcony.Thiswasshadedbyahoneysuckleinblossom.SomeofmyhappiesttimesatMolokaiwerespentinthislittlebalcony,sketchinghimandlisteningtowhathesaid.Theleperscameuptowatchmyprogress,anditwaspleasanttoseehowhappyandathometheywere.Theirpoorfaceswereoftenswelledanddrawnanddistorted,withbloodshotgoggleeyes.

IofferedtogiveaphotographofthepicturetohisbrotherinBelgium,buthesaidperhapsitwouldbebetternottodoso,asit

mightpainhimtoseehowhewasdisfigured.Helookedmournfullyatmywork."Whatanuglyface!"hesaid;"Ididnotknowthediseasehadmadesuchprogress."Looking-glassesarenotingreatrequestatMolokai!

WhileIsketchedhimheoftenreadhisbreviary.Atothertimeswetalkedonsubjectsthatinterestedusboth,especiallyabouttheworkoftheChurchArmy,andsometimesIsanghymnstohim--amongothers,"Brieflifeishereourportion,""Artthouweary,artthoulanguid?"and"Safehomeinport."Atsuchtimestheexpressionofhisfacewasparticularlysweetandtender.OnedayIaskedhimifhewouldliketosendamessagetoCardinalManning.Hesaidthatitwasnotforsuchashetosendamessagetosogreatadignitary,

butafteramoment'shesitationheadded,"Isendmyhumblerespectsandthanks."Ineedscarcelysaythathegavehimselfnoairsofmartyr,saint,orhero--ahumblermanIneversaw.HesmiledmodestlyanddeprecatinglywhenIgavehimtheBishopofPeterborough'smessage--"Hewon'taccepttheblessingofahereticbishop,buttellhimthathehasmyprayers,andaskhimtogivemehis.""Doeshecallhimselfahereticbishop?"heaskeddoubtfully,andIhadtoexplainthatthebishophadprobablyusedthetermplayfully.

Onedayhetoldmeabouthisearlyhistory.Hewasbornonthe3rdofJanuary,1841,nearLouvaininBelgium.Onhisnineteenthbirthdayhisfathertookhimtoseehisbrother,whowasthen

preparingforthepriesthood,andhelefthimtheretodine,whilehehimselfwentontotheneighbouringtown.YoungJoseph(thiswashisbaptismalname)decidedthattherewastheopportunityfortakingthestepwhichhehadlongbeendesiringtotake,andwhenhisfathercamebackhetoldhimthathewishedtoreturnhomenomore,andthatitwouldbebetterthustomissthepainoffarewells.Hisfatherconsentedunwillingly,but,ashewasobligedtohurrytotheconveyancewhichwastotakehimhome,therewasnotimefordemur,andtheypartedatthestation.Afterward,whenallwassettled,Josephrevisitedhishome,andreceivedhismother's



approvalandblessing.

HisbrotherwasbentongoingtotheSouthSeasformissionwork,andallwasarrangedaccordingly;butatthelasthewaslaidlowwithfever,and,tohisbitterdisappointment,forbiddentogo.TheimpetuousJosephaskedifitwouldbeaconsolationtohisbrotherifheweretogoinstead,and,receivinganaffirmativeanswer,hewrotesurreptitiously,offeringhimself,andbeggingthathemightbesent,thoughhiseducationwasnotyetfinished.ThestudentswerenotallowedtosendoutletterstilltheyhadbeensubmittedtotheSuperior,butJosephventuredtodisobey.

Oneday,ashesatathisstudies,theSuperiorcamein,andsaid,withatenderreproach,"Oh,youimpatientboy!youhavewrittenthisletter,andyouaretogo."

Josephjumpedup,andranout,andleapedaboutlikeayoungcolt.

"Ishecrazy?"saidtheotherstudents.

HeworkedforsomeyearsonotherislandsinthePacific,butithappenedthathewasonedayin1873presentatthededicationofachapelintheislandofMaui,whenthebishopwaslamentingthatitwasimpossibleforhimtosendamissionertothelepersatMolokai

andstilllesstoprovidethemwithapastor.Hehadonlybeenabletosendthemoccasionalandtemporaryhelp.SomeyoungpriestshadjustarrivedinHawaiiformissionwork,andFatherDamieninstantlyspoke.

"Monseigneur,"saidhe,"hereareyournewmissioners;oneofthemcouldtakemydistrict,andifyouwillbekindenoughtoallowit,IwillgotoMolokaiandlabourforthepoorleperswhosewretchedstateofbodilyandspiritualmisfortunehasoftenmademyheartbleedwithinme."

Hisofferwasaccepted,andthatveryday,withoutanyfarewells,heembarkedonaboatthatwastakingsomecattletotheleper

settlement.Whenhefirstputhisfootontheislandhesaidtohimself,"NowJoseph,myboy,thisisyourlife-work."

IdidnotfindonepersonintheSandwichIslandswhohadtheleastdoubtastoleprosybeingcontagious,thoughitispossibletobeexposedtothediseaseforyearswithoutcontractingit.FatherDamientoldmethathehadalwaysexpectedthatheshouldsoonerorlaterbecomealeper,thoughexactlyhowhecaughtithedoesnotknow.Butitwasnotlikelythathewouldescape,ashewasconstantlylivinginapollutedatmosphere,dressingthesufferers'sores,washingtheirbodies,visitingtheirdeath-beds,andevendiggingtheirgraves.InhisownwordsisareportofthestateofthingsatMolokaisixteenyearsago,andIthinkaportionwillbe

interesting:

"ByspecialprovidenceofourDivineLord,whoduringHispubliclifeshowedaparticularsympathyforthelepers,mywaywastracedtowardKalawaoinMay,1873.Iwasthenthirty-threeyearsofage,enjoyingarobustgoodhealth.

"Abouteightyoftheleperswereinthehospital;theothers,withaveryfewKokuas(helpers),hadtakentheirabodefartheruptowardthevalley.Theyhadcutdowntheoldpandanusgrovestobuildtheir



littlebecameconsciousoftheconsequencesoftheirwickedlives,andbegantoreform,andthus,withthehopeinamercifulSaviour,gaveuptheirbadhabits.

"Kindnesstoall,charitytotheneedy,asympathisinghandtothesufferersandthedying,inconjunctionwithasolidreligiousinstructiontomylisteners,havebeenmyconstantmeanstointroducemoralhabitsamongthelepers.Iamhappytosaythat,assistedbythelocaladministration,mylabourshere,whichseemedtobealmostinvainatthebeginning,have,thankstoakindProvidence,beengreatlycrownedwithsuccess."

ThewatersupplyofMolokaiwasapleasantsubjectwithFatherDamien.Whenhefirstarrivedtheleperscouldonlyobtainwaterbycarryingitfromthegulchontheirpoorshoulders;theyhadalsototaketheirclothestosomedistancewhentheyrequiredwashing,anditwasnowonderthattheylivedinaverydirtystate.Hewasmuchexercisedaboutthematter,andoneday,tohisgreatjoy,hewastoldthatattheendofavalleycalledWaihanautherewasanaturalreservoir.Hesetoutwithtwowhitemenandsomeofhisboys,andtravelledupthevalleytillhecamewithdelighttoanearlycircularbasinofmostdeliciousice-coldwater.Itsdiameterwasseventy-twofeetbyfifty-five,andnotfarfromthebanktheyfound,onsounding,thatitwaseighteenfeetdeep.Thereitlayat

thefootofahighcliff,andhewasinformedbythenativesthattherehadneverbeenadroughtinwhichthisbasinhaddriedup.Hedidnotresttillasupplyofwaterpipeshadbeensentthem,whichheandalltheableleperswenttoworkandlaid.Henceforthclearsweetwaterhasbeenavailableforallwhodesiretodrink,towash,ortobathe.

ItwasafterlivingatthelepersettlementforabouttenyearsthatFatherDamienbegantosuspectthathewasaleper.Thedoctorsassuredhimthatthiswasnotthecase.Butheoncescaldedhimselfinhisfoot,andtohishorrorhefeltnopain.Anaesthesiahadbegun,andsoonotherfatalsignsappeared.OnedayheaskedDr.Arning,thegreatGermandoctorwhowasthenresidentinMolokai,to

examinehimcarefully.

"Icannotbeartotellyou,"saidDr.Arning,"butwhatyousayistrue."

"Itisnoshocktome,"saidDamien,"forIhavefeltsureofit."

Imaymentionherethattherearethreekindsofleprosy.FatherDamiensuffered(asisoftenthecase)bothfromtheanaestheticandthetubercularformsofthedisease."WheneverIpreachtomypeople,"hesaid,"Idonotsay'mybrethren,'asyoudo,but'welepers.'Peoplepitymeandthinkmeunfortunate,butIthinkmyselfthehappiestofmissionaries."

Henceforthhecameunderthelawofsegregation,andjourneystotheetherpartsoftheislandswereforbidden.Butheworkedonwiththesamesturdy,cheerfulfortitude,acceptingthewillofGodwithgladness,undauntedbythecontinualremindersofhiscomingfate,whichmethiminthepoorcreaturesaroundhim.

"Iwouldnotbecured,"hesaidtome,"ifthepriceofmycurewasthatImustleavetheislandandgiveupmywork."



Aladywrotetohim,"YouhavegivenupallearthlythingstoserveGodhereandtohelpothers,andIbelieveyoumusthaveNOWjoythatnothingcantakefromyouandagreatrewardhereafter."

"Tellher,"hesaid,withaquietsmile,"thatitistrue.IDOhavethatjoynow."

Heseldomtalkedofhimselfexceptinanswertoquestions,andhehadalwaysabouthimthesimplicityofagreatman--"clothedwithhumility."

Mylastletterfromhimisdated:

"KALAWAO,28thFebruary,1889.

"MyDEAREDWARDCLIFFORD--Yoursympathisingletterof24thgivesmesomereliefinmyratherdistressedcondition.Itrymybesttocarry,withoutmuchcomplainingandinapracticalway,formypoorsoul'ssanctification,thelong-foreseenmiseriesofthedisease,which,afterall,isaprovidentialagenttodetachtheheartfromallearthlyaffection,andpromptsmuchthedesireofaChristiansoultobeunited--thesoonerthebetter--withHimwhoisheronlylife.

"Duringyourlongtravellingroadhomewardpleasedonotforgetthenarrowroad.Webothhavetowalkcarefully,soastomeettogetheratthehomeofourcommonandeternalFather.Mykindregardsandprayersandgoodwishesforallsympathisingfriends.Bonvoyage,moncherami,etaurevoirauceil--Votustuus,

"J.Damien."

Aboutthreeweeksafterwritingthisletterhefeltsurethathisendwasnear,andonthe28thMarchhetooktohisbed.

"Youseemyhands,"hesaid."Allthewoundsarehealingandthecrustisbecomingblack.Youknowthatisasignofdeath.Lookat

myeyestoo.IhaveseensomanylepersdiethatIcannotbemistaken.Deathisnotfaroff.IshouldhavelikedtoseetheBishopagain,butlebonDieuiscallingmetokeepEasterwithHimself.Godbeblessed!

"HowgoodHeistohavepreservedmelongenoughtohavetwopriestsbymysideatmylastmoments,andalsotohavethegoodSistersofCharityattheLeproserie.ThathasbeenmyNuncDimittis.Theworkofthelepersisassured,andIamnolongernecessary,andsowillgoupyonder."

FatherWendolensaid,"Whenyouareupabove,father,youwillnotforgetthoseyouleaveorphansbehindyou?"

"Ohno!IfIhaveanycreditwithGod,IwillintercedeforallintheLeproserie."

"Andwillyou,likeElijah,leavemeyourmantle,myfather,inorderthatImayhaveyourgreatheart?"

"Why,whatwouldyoudowithit?"saidthedyingmartyr,"itisfullofleprosy."



Heralliedforalittlewhileafterthis,andhiswatchersevenhadalittlehopethathisdaysmightbelengthened.FatherConradi,FatherWendolen,andBrotherJosephweremuchinhiscompany.BrotherJameswashisconstantnurse.TheSistersfromKalaupapavisitedhimoften,anditisgoodtothinkthatthesweetplacidfaceandgentlevoiceoftheMotherwerenearhiminhislastdays.Everybodyadmiredhiswonderfulpatience.Hewhohadbeensoardent,sostrong,andsoplayful,wasnowpowerlessonhiscouch.Helayonthegroundonawretchedmattresslikethepoorestleper.Theyhadthegreatestdifficultyingettinghimtoacceptabed."Andhowpoorlyoffhewas;hewhohadspentsomuchmoneytorelievethelepershadsoforgottenhimselfthathehadnoneofthecomfortsandscarcelythenecessariesoflife."Sometimeshesufferedintensely;sometimeshewaspartlyunconscious.Hesaidthathewascontinuallyconsciousoftwopersonsbeingpresentwithhim.Onewasattheheadofhisbedandoneathisfeet.Butwhotheywerehedidnotsay.Theterriblediseasehadconcentrateditselfinhismouthandthroat.Ashelaythereinhistinydomicile,withtheroaroftheseagettingfaintertohispoordiseasedears,andthekindfaceofBrotherJamesbecominggraduallyindistinctbeforehisfailingeyes,didthethoughtcometohimthatafterallhisworkwaspoor,andhislifehalfafailure?Manywhomhehadhopedmuchofhaddisappointedhim.Notmuchpraisehadreachedhim.ThetideofaffectionandsympathyfromEnglandhadcheeredhim,butEnglandwas

sofaroffthatitseemedalmostlikesympathyandaffectionfromastar.Churcheswerebuilt,schoolsandhospitalswereinworkingorder,buttherewasstillmuchtobedone.Hewasonlyforty-nine,andhewasdying.

heroes every child should know

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