persons. And they came with this word unto King Arthur. Then said he,
"I am glad that this is done."

So Arthur made ready to go into the field, and when he would depart, he
warned all his hosts that if they saw any sword drawn, they should come
on fiercely, and slay that traitor Sir Mordred, for he in no wise
trusted him. In like manner Sir Mordred warned his host: "If ye see
any sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that
ever before you stand, for in no wise will I trust for this treaty. I
know well mine uncle will be avenged upon me."

So they met as their appointment was, and they were agreed and accorded
thoroughly; and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right so came an
adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot.
When the knight felt himself stung, he looked down and saw the adder;
then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other
harm. But when the hosts on both parties saw the sword drawn, then
they blew trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts
dressed them together.

King Arthur took his horse, and said, "Alas this unhappy day," and so
rode to his party; and Sir Mordred did likewise. And never was there
seen a dolefuller battle in any Christian land, for there was but
rushing and riding, foining, and striking, and many a grim word was
there spoken either to other, and there was given many a deadly stroke.
Thus they fought all the long day, and never stinted, till the noble
knights were laid to the cold ground. And ever they fought still, till
it was near night, and by that time were there an hundred thousand laid
dead upon the down.

Then the King looked about him, and was ware, that of all his host and
of all his good knights were left no more alive but two knights, that
was Sir Lucan the butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, and even they
were full sore wounded.

"Jesu, mercy," said the King, "where are all my noble knights become?
Alas that ever I should see this doleful day. Now I am come to mine
end. But would to God that I wist where is that traitor Sir Mordred,
that hath caused all this mischief."

Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned upon his sword among
a great heap of dead men. "Now give me my spear," said Arthur unto Sir
Lucan, "for yonder I have espied the traitor that all this woe hath
wrought."

"Sir, let him be," said Sir Lucan. "If ye pass this evil day, ye shall
be right well re