Arthur was wounded wondrously much.There came to him a lad, who was of his kindred; he was Cador's son, theearl of Cornwall; Constantine the lad hight, he was dear to the king.Arthur looked on him, where he lay on the ground, and said these words,with sorrowful heart: 'Constantine, thou art welcome; thou wert Cador'sson. I give thee here my kingdom, and defend thou my Britons ever in thylife, and maintain them all the laws that have stood in my days, and allthe good laws that in Uther's days stood. And I will fare to Avalon, tothe fairest of all maidens, to Argante the queen, an elf most fair, andshe shall make my wounds all sound, make me all whole with healingdraughts. And afterwards I will come to my kingdom, and dwell with theBritons with mickle joy.' Even with the words there approached from thesea that was a short boat, floating with the waves; and two women therein,wondrously formed; and they took Arthur anon, and bare him quickly, andlaid him softly down, and forth they 'gan depart. Then was it accomplishedthat Merlin whilom said, that mickle care should be of Arthur's departure.The Britons believe yet that he is alive, and dwelleth in Avalon with thefairest of all elves; and the Britons ever yet expect when Arthur shallreturn. Was never the man born, of any lady chosen, that knoweth, of thesooth, to say more of Arthur.
Pages:
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78