y to fetch his noble lords and wise bishops unto
him. And when they were come, the king told them his avision, what Sir
Gawaine had told him, and warned him that if he fought on the morn he
should be slain. Then the king commanded Sir Lucan the Butler, and his
brother Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them in
any wise, an they might, Take a treaty for a month day with Sir Mordred,
and spare not, proffer him lands and goods as much as ye think best. So
then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a grim host of
an hundred thousand men. And there they entreated Sir Mordred long time;
and at the last Sir Mordred was agreed for to have Cornwall and Kent, by
Arthur's days: after, all England, after the days of King Arthur.

CHAPTER IV. How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where
Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death.

THEN were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should
meet betwixt both their hosts, and everych of them should bring fourteen
persons; and they came with this word unto Arthur. Then said he: I am
glad that this is done: and so he went into the field. And when Arthur
should depart, he warned all his host that an they see any sword drawn:
Look ye come on fiercely, and slay that traitor, Sir Mordred, for I in
no wise trust him. In like wise Sir Mordred warned his host that: An ye
see any sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all
that ever before you standeth; for in no wise I will not trust for this
treaty, for I know well my father will be avenged on me. And so they
met as their appointment was, and so they were agreed and accorded
thoroughly; and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right soon came an
adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot. And
when the knight felt him stung, he looked down and saw the adder, and
then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other
harm. And when the host on both parties saw that sword drawn, then they
blew beams, trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts
dressed them together. And King Arthur took his horse, and said: Alas
this unhappy day! and so rode to his party. And Sir Mordred in like
wise. And never was there seen a more dolefuller battle in no Christian
land; for there was but rushing and riding, foining and striking, and
many a grim word was there spoken either to other, and many a deadly
stroke. But ever King Arthur rod