n both his hands, on the
side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain-pan,
and therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth; and the noble
Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and there he swooned ofttimes. And
Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up. And so
weakly they led him betwixt them both, to a little chapel not far from
the seaside. And when the king was there he thought him well eased.

Then heard they people cry in the field. Now go thou, Sir Lucan, said
the king, and do me to wit what betokens that noise in the field. So Sir
Lucan departed, for he was grievously wounded in many places. And so
as he yede, he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how that pillers and
robbers were come into the field, to pill and to rob many a full noble
knight of brooches, and beads, of many a good ring, and of many a rich
jewel; and who that were not dead all out, there they slew them for
their harness and their riches. When Sir Lucan 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 rede, said Sir Lucan, it is best that we bring
you to some town. I would it were so, said the king.

CHAPTER V. How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into
the water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge.

BUT I may not stand, mine head works so. Ah Sir Launcelot, said King
Arthur, this day have I sore missed thee: alas, that ever I was against
thee, for now have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my
dream. Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere
the other part, and in the lifting the king swooned; and Sir Lucan fell
in a swoon with the lift, that the part of his guts fell out of his
body, and therewith the noble knight's heart brast. And when the king
awoke, he beheld Sir Lucan, how he lay foaming at the mouth, and part
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 holpen me, that had more need of help than I. Alas, he would not
complain him, his heart was so set to help me: now Jesu have mercy upon
his soul! Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. Leave
this mourning and weeping, said the king, for all this will not avail
me, for wit thou well an I might live myself, the death of Sir Lucan
would grieve me evermore; but my time hieth fast, said the king.