The Age of Chivalry eBook

Thomas Bulfinch
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 436 pages of information about The Age of Chivalry.

The Age of Chivalry eBook

Thomas Bulfinch
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 436 pages of information about The Age of Chivalry.

The next day came Geraint towards the court; and there was a watch set on the ramparts by Guenever, lest he should arrive unawares.  And one of the watch came to Guenever.  “Lady,” said he, “methinks that I see Geraint, and a maiden with him.  He is on horseback, but he has his walking gear upon him, and the maiden appears to be in white, seeming to be clad in a garment of linen.”  “Assemble all the women,” said Guenever, “and come to meet Geraint, to welcome him, and wish him joy.”  And Guenever went to meet Geraint and the maiden.  And when Geraint came to the place where Guenever was, he saluted her.  “Heaven prosper thee,” said she, “and welcome to thee.”  “Lady,” said he, “I earnestly desired to obtain thee satisfaction, according to thy will; and, behold, here is the maiden through whom thou hadst thy revenge.”  “Verily,” said Guenever, “the welcome of Heaven be unto her; and it is fitting that we should receive her joyfully.”  Then they went in and dismounted.  And Geraint came to where Arthur was, and saluted him.  “Heaven protect thee,” said Arthur, “and the welcome of Heaven be unto thee.  And inasmuch as thou hast vanquished Edeyrn, the son of Nudd, thou hast had a prosperous career.”  “Not upon me be the blame,” said Geraint; “it was through the arrogance of Edeyrn, the son of Nudd, himself, that we were not friends.”  “Now,” said Arthur, “where is the maiden for whom I heard thou didst give challenge?” “She is gone with Guenever to her chamber.”  Then went Arthur to see the maiden.  And Arthur, and all his companions, and his whole court, were glad concerning the maiden.  And certain were they all, that, had her array been suitable to her beauty, they had never seen a maid fairer than she.  And Arthur gave away the maiden to Geraint.  And the usual bond made between two persons was made between Geraint and the maiden, and the choicest of all Guenever’s apparel was given to the maiden; and thus arrayed, she appeared comely and graceful to all who beheld her.  And that day and the night were spent in abundance of minstrelsy, and ample gifts of liquor, and a multiude of games.  And when it was time for them to go to sleep they went.  And in the chamber where the couch of Arthur and Guenever was, the couch of Geraint and Enid was prepared.  And from that time she became his wife.  And the next day Arthur satisfied all the claimants upon Geraint with bountiful gifts.  And the maiden took up her abode in the palace, and she had many companions, both men and women, and there was no maiden more esteemed than she in the island of Britain.

Then spake Guenever.  “Rightly did I judge,” said she, “concerning the head of the stag, that it should not be given to any until Geraint’s return; and behold, here is a fit occasion for bestowing it.  Let it be given to Enid, the daughter of Ynywl, the most illustrious maiden.  And I do not believe that any will begrudge it her, for between her and every one here there exists nothing but love and friendship.” 

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The Age of Chivalry from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.