“The Day of Destiny” from Morte from Morte D’Arthur by by Sir Thomas Malory Sir Thomas Malory’s Malory’s Morte D’Arthur is the most complete single version of the tales of King Arthur and his court that has been written in English. The Day of Destiny!" an e#cerpt from from this wor$! describes the end of King Arthur’s reign and the dissolution of the order which he! along with his Knights of the %ound Table! Table! has established. This end grows out of the corruption within the royal court itself. Arthur’s illegitimat illegitimatee son Morderd $nows the secret love between Arthur’s wife! &ueen 'uinevere! and his best friend! Sir (auncelot. )ne night Mordre Mordred d leads a band of $nights $nights to 'uinevere’ 'uinevere’ss chamber! chamber! when they find the &ueen with with (ancelot. Although he is is reluctant! reluctant! Arthur feels obligated obligated to obey the law law of the land land and to burn his wife at the sta$e. *owever! *owever! at the last minute (ancelot rescues her! $illing two $nights who were guarding her. (ancelot subse+uently subse+ uently flees to a castle in ,rance and Arthur forgives forgives 'uinevere. 'uinevere. Sir 'awain! though! the brother brother of the the dead $nights! demands vengeance on (ancelot. *is hatred hatred forces Arthur to lead lead his men on an attac$ against (ancelot’s (ancelot’s ,rench ,rench fortress. fortress. -n the ensuing battles battles (ancelot (ancelot seriously wounds wounds 'awain but refuses to $ill him. Meanwhile! Mordred Mordred senses his chance. ith ith Arthur away in ,rance! he leads a rebellion rebellion in England! claiming the throne and trying to sei/e 'uinevere as his +ueen. She flees to the Tower Tower of (ondon. Arthur! returning to defend his crown! battles Mordred for the first first time at Dover Dover!! where where 'awain 'awain is fatally fatally wounded. 0efore his death! 'awain 'awain writes a letter to (ancelot (ancelot ending their their feud and as$ing (ancelot to return return to England England to help Arthur. Arthur. After a second! second! inconclusive inconclusive battle with Mordred’ Mordred’ss forces! forces! Arthur regroups his men and moves westward1
A
nd quickly King Arthur moved himself with his army along the coastline westward, toward Salisbury. Salisbu ry. And there was a day assigned betwixt King Arthur and Sir Mordred that they should not meet uon a field beside Salisbury and not far from the coast. And this day so assigned as Monday after Trinity Trinity Sunday !the eighth Sunday after "aster#, whereof King Arthur was assing glad that he might be avenged uon Sir Mordred. So uon Trinity Sunday at night King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream, and in his dream it seemed to him that he saw uon a latform a chair, and the chair was fast to a wheel, and thereuon sat King Arthur in the richest cloth of gold that might be made. And the King thought there was under him, far from him, and hideous dee black water, and therein was all manner of serents, and worms, and wild beasts, foul and horrible. And suddenly suddenly the King thought that the wheel turned uside down, and he fell among the serents, and every beast took him by a limb. And then the King cried as he lay in his bed, $%el, %el&' And then knights, squires, and yeomen awaked the King, and then he was so ama(ed that he knew not where he was. And then so he awaked until it was night day, and then he fell on slumbering again, not sleeing nor thoroughly waking. So it seemed to the King that there came Sir )awain unto him with a number of fair ladies with him. So when King Arthur saw him, he said, $*elcome, my sister+s son. weened ye had been dead. And now see thee on - live, much am beholden unto Almighty esu. Ah, fair nehew and my sister+s son, what been these ladies that hither be come with with you/' $Sir,' said Sir )awain, $all these be ladies for whom have fought for when was man living. And all these are those that did battle for in righteous quarrels, and )od had given them that grace, at their great rayer, because did battle for them for their right, that that they should should bring me hither hither unto you . Thus much had had given leave )od, )od, for to warn you of your death. f you fight tomorrow with Sir Modred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye must be slain, and the most arty of your eole on both arties. And for the great grace And goodness that Almighty esu had unto you, and for ity of you and many more other good men there shall be slain, )od had sent me to you of his secial grace to give you warning that in no wise ye do battle as tomorn, but that ye take a treaty fora month from today. And you make generous offers , so that tomorn ye ut in a delay. 0or within a month shall come Sir 1ancelot with all his noble knights and rescue you worshifully and slay Sir Modred and all that ever will hold with him.' Then Sir )awain and all the ladies vanished. And anon the King called uon his knights, squires, and yeomen, and charged them quickly to fetch his noble lords and wise bishos unto him. And when they were come the King told them of his dream, that Sir )awain had told him and warned him that, and he fought on the morn, he should be slain.
Then the King commanded Sir 1ucan the 2utler and his brother Sir 2edivere the 2old, with two bishos with them, and charged them in any wise to take a treaty for a month from today with Sir Modred. $And sare not3 roffer him lands and goods as much as ye think reasonable.' So then they dearted and came to Sir Modred where he had a grim host of a hundred thousand, and there they entreated Sir Modred long time. And at the last Sir Modred was agreed for to have 4ornwall and Kent by King Arthur+s days, and after that, all "ngland, after the days of King Arthur. Then they ageed that King Arthur and Sir Modred should meet betwixt both their hosts, and each of them should bring fourteen ersons. And so they came with this word unto Arthur. Then said he, $ am glad that this is done,' so he went into the field. And when King Arthur should deart, he warned all his host that, and they see any sword drawn, $1ook ye come on fiercely and slay that traitor Sir Modred, for in no wise trust him.' n like wise Sir Modred warned his host that $ And ye see any manner of sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that ever before you standeth, for in no wise will not trust for this treaty .' And in the same wise said Sir Modred unto his host, $0or know well my father will be avanged uon me.' And so they met as their arrangement was and were agreed and accorded thoroughly. And wine was fetched and they drank together. 5ight so came and adder out of a little heathbush, and it stung a knight in the foot. And so when the knight felt him so stung, he looked down and saw the adder. And anon he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought none other harm. And when the host on both arties saw that sword drawn, then they blew beams, horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed them together. And King Arthur took his horse and said, $Alas, this unhay day&' and so rode to his arty, and Sir Modred in like wise. And never since was there never seen a more dolefuller battle in no 4hristian land, for there was but rushing and riding, lunging and striking6 and many a deadly stroke. 2ut ever King Arthur rode throughout the battalion of Sir Modred many times and did full nobly, as a noble should do, and at all times he fainted never. And Sir Modred did his devoir that day and ut himself in great eril. And thus they fought all the long day, and never stoed till the noble knights were laid to the cold earth. And ever they fought still it was near night, and then was there a hundred thousand laid dead uon the down. Then was King Arthur wild with rage out of measure when he saw his eole so slain from him. And so he looked about him and could see no more of all his host, and good knights left no more on - live, but two knights3 the t+one was Sir 1ucan the 2utler and the other his brother Sir 2edivere. And yet they were full sore wounded. $esu, mercy,' said the King, $where are all my noble knights become/ Alas that ever should see this doleful day& 0or now, $ said King Arthur. $ am come to mine end . 2ut would to )od.' Said he , $that wist now where were that traitor Sir Modred that has caused all this mischief.' Then King Arthur looked about and was ware where stood Sir Modred leaning uon his sword among a great hea of dead men. $7ow give me my sear.' Said King Arthur unto Sir 1ucan. $for yonder have esied the traitor that all this woe hath wrought.' $Sir, let him be ,' said Sir 1ucan, $for he is unhay. And if ye ass this unhay day ye shall be right well revenged uon him. And, good lord, remember ye of your night+s dream, and what the sirit of Sir )awain told you tonight, and yet )od of his great goodness had reserved you hitherto. And for )od+s sake, my lord, leave off by this, for, blessed be )od, ye have won the field3 for yet we been here three on - live, and with Sir Modred is not one on - live. And therefore if ye leave off now, this wicked day of destiny is ast.' $7ow, befall me death, tide me life,' said the King, $now see him yonder alone, he shall never escae mine hands. 0or at a better avail shall never have him.8
$)od seed you well &' said Sir 2edivere. Then the King got his sear in both his hands and ran toward his Modred, crying and saying, $ Traitor. 7ow is thy deathday come&' And when Sir Modred saw King Arthur he ran until him with his sword drawn in his hand, and there King Arthur smote Sir Modred under the shield, with a thrust of his sear, throughout the body more than a fathom. And when Sir Modred felt that he had his death+s wound , he thrust himself with the might that he had u to hand guard of King Arthur9s sear, and right so he smote his father King Arthur with his sword holden in both his hands, uon the side of the head, that the sword ierced the helmet and the casting of the brain. And therewith Sir Modred dashed down stark dead to the earth. And noble King Arthur fell in a swough to the earth, and there he swooned oftentimes, and Sir 1ucan and Sir 2edivere oftentimes heaved him u. And so, weakly betwixt them, they led him to a little chael not far from the seaside, and when the King was there, him thought him reasonably eased. Then heard they eole cry in the field. $7ow go thou, Sir 1ucan,' said the King, $and let me know what betokens that noise in the field.' So Sir 1ucan dearted, for he was grievously wounded in many laces. And so as he walked he saw and harkened by the moonlight how that illagers and robbers were come into the field to ill and to rob many a full noble knight of brooches and bracelets and of many a good ring and many a rich :ewel. And who that were not dead all out there they slew them for their harness and their riches. *hen Sir 1ucan understood this work, he came to the King as soon as he might and told him all what he had heard and seen. $Therefore by my advice,' said Sir 1ucan, $it is best that we bring you to some town.' $ would it were so,' said the King, $but may not stand , my head works so. Ah, Sir 1ancelot,' said King Arthur, $this day have sore missed thee. And alas that ever was against thee, for now have my death, whereof Sir )awain me warned in my dream.' Then Sir 1ucan took u the King the t+one side and Sir 2edivere the other arty6 and in the lifting Sir 1ucan fell in a swoon that art of his guts fell out of his body, and therewith the noble knight9s heart burst. And when the King awoke he beheld Sir 1ucan how he lay foaming at the mouth and art of his guts lay at his feet. $Alas,' said the King, $this is to me a full heavy sight to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he would have heled me that had more need of hel than . Alas that he would not comlain him for his heart was so set to hel me. 7ow esu have mercy uon his soul.' Then Sir 2edivere wet for the death of his brother. $7ow leave this morning and weeing, gentle knight,' said the King, $for all this will not avail me. 0or wit thou well, and might live myself, the death of Sir 1ucan would grieve me evermore. 2ut my time asseth on fast,' said the King. $Therefore,' said King Arthur unto Sir 2edivere, $take thou here "xcalibur my good sword and go with it to yonder water+s side3 and when thou comest there charge thee throw my sword in that water and come again and tell me what thou saw there'. $My lord,' said 2edivere, $ your commandment shall be done, and shall quickly bring your sword again.' So Sir 2edevere dearted. And by the way he beheld that noble sword, that the hilt and hand guard was all recious stones. And then he said to himself, $f throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shall never come good, but harm and loss.' And then Sir 2edivere hid "xcalibur under a tree. And so, as soon as he might, he came again unto the King and said he had been at the water and had thrown the sword into the water. $*hat did you see there/' said the King.
$Sir,' he said, $ saw nothing but waves and winds.' $That is untruly said of you,' said the King. $And therefore you go quickly again and do my commandment3 as you are to me loved and dear, sare not, but throw it in.' Then Sir 2edeivere returned again and took the sword in his hand. And yet he thought sin and shame to throw away that noble sword. And so again he hid the sword and returned again and told the King, that he had been at the water and done his commandment. $*hat did you see there/' said the King. $Sir,' he said, $ saw nothing but waters la and waves grow.' $Ah, traitor unto me and untrue,' said King Arthur, $now you have betrayed me twice. *ho would have weened that you have been to me so loved and dear, and you are named a noble knight, and would betray me for the riches of this sword. 2ut now go again lightly, for you long tarrying ut me in great :eoardy of my life, for have taken cold. And but if you do now as bid you, if ever may see you shall slay you with my own hands, for you would for my rich sword see me dead'. Then Sir 2edivere dearted and went to the sword and lightly took it u, and so he went to the water9s side6 and there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and threw the sword as far into the water as he might. And there came an arm and a hand above the water and took it and clutched it , and shook it thrice and brandished6 ands then vanished away the hand with the sword into the water. So Sir 2edivere came again to the King and told him what he saw. $Alas,' said the King, $hel me hence, for dread me have tarried overlong.' Then Sir 2edivere took the King uon his back and so went with him to that water9s side, even closer, by the bank floated a little barge with many fair ladies in it6 and among them all was a queen6 and all they had black hoods, and all they wet and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. $7ow ut me into that barge,' said the King6 and so he did softly. And there received him three ladies with great mourning, and so they set them down. And in one of their las King Arthur laid his head, and then the queen said, $Ah, my dear brother, why have ye tarried so long from me/ Alas, this wound on your head had caught overmuch cold.' And anon they rowed fromward the land, and Sir 2edivere beheld all the ladies go forward him,.' Then Sir 2edivere cried and said, $Ah, my lord Arthur, what shall become of me, now you go from me and leave me here alone among my enemies/' $4omfort yourself,' said the King, $and do as well as you may, for in me is no trust in. 0or must into the legendary valley to heal me of my grievous wound. And f you hear nevermore of me, ray for my soul.' 0or ever the queen and ladies wet and shrieked, that it was ity to hear. And as soon as Sir 2edivere had lost sight of the barge he wet and wailed, and so took the forest and went all that night. And in the morning he was ware, betwixt two bare woods, of a chael and a hermitage. Then was Sir 2edivere glad, and thither he went, and when he came into the chael he saw where lay a hermit groveling on all fours, close thereby a tomb was new dug. *hen the hermit saw Sir 2edivere he knew him well, for he was but little before 2isho of 4anterbury, that Sir Modred ut to flight. $Sir,' said Sir 2edivere, $what man is there here interred that you ray so fast for/' $0air son,' said the hermit. $ wot not verily but by guessing. 2ut this same night, at midnight, here came a number of ladies and brought here a dead corse and rayed me to inter him. And here they offered a hundred taers, and gave me a thousand gold coins.'
$Alas,' said Sir 2edivere,' that was my lord King Arthur, which laid here buried in this chael.'
Comprehension Questions
=# *hat does Arthur do to try to avoid the battle/
Then Sir 2edivere swooned, and when he awoke he rayed the hermit that he might abide with him still, there to live with fasting and rayers3 $0or from hence will never go,' said Sir 2edivere,' by my will, but all the days of my life here to ray for my lord Arthur.' $Sir, you are welcome to me,' said the hermit, $for know you better than you think That do3 for you are Sir 2edivere the 2old, and the full noble duke Sir 1ucan the 2utler was your brother.' Then Sir 2edivere told the hermit all as you have heard before, and so he stayed with the hermit that was beforehand 2isho of 4anterbury. And there Sir 2edivere ut uon him oor clothes, and served the hermit full lowly in fasting and in rayers. Thus of Arthur find no more written in books that been authori(ed, neither more of the very certainty of his death heard i nor read, but thus was he led away in a shi wherein were three queens6 that one was King Arthur+s sister, ;ueen Morgan le 0ay, the other was the ;ueen of 7orth )alis, and the third was the ;ueen of the *aste 1ands. 7ow more of the death of King Arthur could never find, but that these ladies brought him to his grave, and such one was interred there which the hermit bare witness that was once 2isho of 4anterbury. 2ut yet the hermit knew not in certain that he was verily the body of King Arthur6 for this tale Sir 2edivere, a knight of the Table 5ound, made it to be written.
Hic iacet Arthurus, Rex Quondam, Rexque futurus 2*ere lies Arthur! who was once $ing and $ing will be again3
># *hy does he do so/
?# %ow does the truce between Arthur and Mordred come to be broken/
@# *hat does Arthur command 2edivere to do/
# %ow does 2edivere carry out Arthur+s commandment/
B# *hat is foreshadowed by Arthur+s dreams on the night before the battle/
C# Arthur insists on fighting Mordred after the battle is over. *hat does this indirectly demonstrate about his character/
D# *hat hoe is given to eole in the epitaph saying Arthur is the $once and king that will be/'
