King Arthur's Death by Michael Smith

Author:Michael Smith
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: text
ISBN: 9781783529094
Publisher: Unbound
Published: 2020-09-18T00:00:00+00:00

Now they speed at their spurs, without any more speaking,

Do these manly knights, to the marches of Metz,

That is as lauded in Lorraine as London is here,

And where sits that sire who lords there as sovereign.

The king forges forward on a fair steed 2420

With Ferrar and Ferraunt and four other knights;

And next, those seven all circled that city

To seek the safest places to set their siege engines.

Then those sat in the city bent back their stout crossbows

And shot bolts at that bold king with bitter intent; 2425

Those eager arbalesters aimed right at King Arthur

To hurt him or his horse with their hateful weapons.

Yet the king shunned no shot, no shield he sought,

But shows up all shining in shimmering clothes,

Longs there at his leisure and looks at the walls, 2430

To seek the lowest place where his lords could assail.

‘Sire,’ says Sir Ferrar, ‘you work but pure folly,

To ride like a noble near these walls yet so naked, †

In your surcoat so singular to survey this city

And by such showing off to bring shame on us all. 2435

Hence let us move hastily lest foul things may happen,

For it harms us for ever if they hit you on your horse.’ †

‘If you are afraid,’ said the King, ‘then pray ride farther out

Lest they bring you sorrow with all their round bows.

You are naught but an infant, I think it fair to say! 2440

You would flee from a fly that lands on your flesh!

I am aghast at no thing, so help me Lord God!

If those gadlings be grievous, they grieve me but little;

They will not win my renown but just waste all their tackle;

I shall wend where I want, I will wager my head! 2445

Those hounds will have no such luck, with the help of my Lord,

As to kill a crowned king anointed with chrism!’

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