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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."
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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!"
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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
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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:
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"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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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."
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"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,
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"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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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,
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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.
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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
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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,
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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
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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,
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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
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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,
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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
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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."
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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."
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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."
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"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.
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"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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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
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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.
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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."
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"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?"
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"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."
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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."
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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.
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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."
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"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
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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.
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"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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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"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
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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
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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.]
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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:
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"...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
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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!"
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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:
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"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
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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.
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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
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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
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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."
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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."
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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.