clothed in rich attire, served up the dishes.  From another part Bedver, the butler, was followed by the same number of attendants, who waited with all kinds of cups and drinking-vessels.  And there was food and drink in abundance, and everything was of the best kind, and served in the best manner.  For at that time Britain had arrived at such a pitch of grandeur that in riches, luxury, and politeness it far surpassed all other kingdoms.

As soon as the banquets were over they went into the fields without the city to divert themselves with various sports, such as shooting with bows and arrows, tossing the pike, casting of heavy stones and rocks, playing at dice, and the like, and all these inoffensively, and without quarrelling.  In this manner were three days spent, and after that they separated, and the kings and noblemen departed to their several homes.

After this Arthur reigned five years in peace.  Then came ambassadors from Lucius Tiberius, Procurator under Leo, Emperor of Rome, demanding tribute.  But Arthur refused to pay tribute, and prepared for war.  As soon as the necessary dispositions were made he committed the government of his kingdom to his nephew Modred and to Queen Guenever, and marched with his army to Hamo’s Port, where the wind stood fair for him.  The army crossed over in safety, and landed at the mouth of the river Barba.  And there they pitched their tents to wait the arrival of the kings of the islands.

As soon as all the forces were arrived Arthur marched forward to Augustodunum, and encamped on the banks of the river Alba.  Here repeated battles were fought, in all which the Britons, under their valiant leaders, Hoel, Duke of Armorica, and Gawain, nephew to Arthur, had the advantage.  At length Lucius Tiberius determined to retreat, and wait for the Emperor Leo to join him with fresh troops.  But Arthur, anticipating this event, took possession of a certain valley, and closed up the way of retreat to Lucius, compelling him to fight a decisive battle, in which Arthur lost some of the bravest of his knights and most faithful followers.  But on the other hand Lucius Tiberius was slain, and his army totally defeated.  The fugitives dispersed over the country, some to the by-ways and woods, some to cities and towns, and all other places where they could hope for safety.

Arthur stayed in those parts till the next winter was over, and employed his time in restoring order and settling the government.  He then returned into England, and celebrated his victories with great splendor.

Then the king stablished all his knights, and to them that were not rich he gave lands, and charged them all never to do outrage nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no means to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asked mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship; and always to do ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen service, upon pain of death.  Also that no man take battle in a wrongful quarrel, for no law, nor for any world’s goods.  Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and young.  And at every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.