d; wherefore Sir Mordred made write writs
to all the barony of this land, and much people drew to him. For then
was the common voice among them that with Arthur was none other life but
war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus was
Sir Arthur depraved, and evil said of. And many there were that King
Arthur had made up of nought, and given them lands, might not then say
him a good word. Lo ye all Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief here
was! for he that was the most king and knight of the world, and
most loved the fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were all
upholden, now might not these Englishmen hold them content with him. Lo
thus was the old custom and usage of this land; and also men say that
we of this land have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage.
Alas, this is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may no thing
please us no term. And so fared the people at that time, they were
better pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur; and
much people drew unto Sir Mordred, and said they would abide with him
for better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host to
Dover, for there he heard say that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so he
thought to beat his own father from his lands; and the most part of all
England held with Sir Mordred, the people were so new-fangle.

CHAPTER II. How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and came
to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of the death
of Sir Gawaine.

AND so as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King Arthur
with a great navy of ships, and galleys, and carracks. And there was Sir
Mordred ready awaiting upon his landing, to let his own father to land
upon the land that he was king over. Then there was launching of great
boats and small, and full of noble men of arms; and there was much
slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron was laid full
low, on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous that there might
no manner of knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely followed
him; and so they landed maugre Sir Mordred and all his power, and put
Sir Mordred aback, that he fled and all his people.

So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were
dead. And then was noble Sir Gawaine found in a great boat, lying more
than half dead When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low; he
went unto him; an