desirous of honour. They were over anxious
for fame, and their courage led them to rashness. In their hope of
destroying the Romans, they took no heed to their own safety. They
trusted beyond measure in their strength, and in the strength of their
company. There was a certain pagan, named Bocus, King of the Medes.
He was a rich lord in his land, and captain of a strong legion. Bocus
hastened his men to the battle, for he was fearful of none, however
perilous the knight. When the two hosts clashed together the
contention was very courteous, and the melley passing well sustained.
Pagan and Saracen were set to prove their manhood against Angevins and
the folk of Beauce. King Bocus took a sword, and discomfited the two
paladins. May his body rot for his pains. He thrust Bedevere through
the breast, so fiercely that the steel stood out beyond his back.
Bedevere fell, for his heart was cloven. His soul went its way. May
Jesus take it in His keeping! Kay lighted upon Bedevere lying dead.
Since he loved him more than any living man, he was determined the
pagans should not triumph over his body. He called around him as many
men as he might, and did such deeds that the Medians fled before him,
leaving the Britons on the field. Sertorius, King of Libya, beheld
this adventure, and was passing wroth. He had with him a great company
of pagans whom he had carried from his realm. Sertorius, hot with
anger, drew near, and dealt much mischief to his adversaries. He
wounded Kay to the death, and slew the best of his men. Mauled as he
was with many grim strokes, Kay guarded his comrade's body. He set it
amidst his men, and carried the burthen from the press, fighting as
they went. With him, also, he bore Arthur's banner, the golden Dragon,
let the Romans rage as they would. Now Hiresgas, the nephew of
Bedevere, loved his uncle passing well. He sought his kinsfolk and
friends, and gathered to his fellowship some three hundred men. This
company wore helmet and hauberk and brand, and rode fair destriers,
fierce and right speedy. Hiresgas ordered his house for the battle.
"Come now with me," said he to his friends, "and crave the price
of blood." Hiresgas drew near that place where Bocus, King of the
Medians, displayed his banner. When Hiresgas beheld his enemy he
became as a man possessed. He cried the battle cry of Arthur, and
together with his company charged terribly upon Bocus. He had but one
only thought, to avenge his uncle's death. Hire