April 17, 2025 • 25 mins
A retelling of the classic Arthurian legends, this collection of twelve tales captures the grandeur, mystery, and moral depth of King Arthur’s court and the quest for the Holy Grail. Designed for young readers and educators, it brings timeless ideals to life.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Arthur in twelve Tales by Winona Caroline Martin, Tale five
Garrinte with the Sparrowhawk. The Brave Garrite, a knight of
Arthur's court, a tributary prince of Devon, one of the
great order of the Table Round, had married Enid, Eniol's
only child, and loved her as he loved the light
of heaven. Tennyson's garrint and Enid. In the days when
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the Round Table was the height of its glory, it
was Arthur's custom to hold his court at Caerleone upon
Usk once a year, at the feast of Pentecost, which
it will be remembered, was likewise his birthday and the
anniversary of his coronation. And it was also his rule
never to sit down to the banquet that was then
spread until he and his knights had either seen or
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heard of some unusual thing on this particular day. Therefore,
the King and the Queen, and all the noblemen and
ladies of the court were assembled in the high hall
of the castle, awaiting the report of some strange adventure,
and feeling sure, such were the exciting times in which
they lived, that it would be forthcoming in some shape
or form. Before very long suddenly there appeared in their
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midst Arthur's chief forester, still wet, from the woods, bearing
news that a white hart had been seen in the forest.
Now a white heart was, then, and is still an
unusual sight, and it was the report of its appearance
was considered by all to be sufficiently peculiar to permit
the feast to begin naturally. Therefore, the conversation as the
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guests passed into the banquet hall was about this wonderful animal. Oh,
how beautiful it must be, and how I should like
to possess its head, exclaimed one of the queen's maidens,
and her wish was echoed by the first one, and
then another of her companions. Hearing this, the gallant knights
were immediately on the alert. Since the ladies desire this head,
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they cried, enthusiastically, turning towards their king, Why may we
not procure it for them? At this Arthur smiled and
gave the order for the horns to be blown, announcing
a hunt for the following day. And he who slays
the heart, said he shall have the head, with the
privilege of bestowing it upon the lady whom he loves
best in all the world to this plan. They were
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all ready enough to agree, until one of the younger
knights of their number, grant by name a tributary Prince
of Devon, arose in his place, and thus addressed his
sovereign Sir, King, for those of us whose hearts have
already found a harbor in some gentle maiden's breast, the
plan is a good one, but in case the prize
should be won by such a knight as I, who
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am still heart whole and heart free. But then then
Arthur pondered for a moment. But before he could come
to any decision, Launcelot arose and in his turn addressed
the King. Your majesty, said he, I suggest that in
such a case, the fortunate one bestow the head upon
the flower of your curt Queen Guinevere. At this till
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was great applause, which only subsided when the beautiful Queen
herself arose to speak, My lords, She said, let it
be understood by all that should this prize fall to
my lot, I will keep it in safety and make
it a wedding gift to the first bride that one
of your number shall bring to our court. Thereupon the
room rang again with the clapping of hands, and the
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matter was so arranged. Now the Queen had asked as
a favor that she and her ladies be allowed to
see this hunt. But when with the first signs of dawn,
the eager knights were up and away, Guinevere was still lost.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
In sweet dreams.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
At last, however, she arose, and in the company with
the single maiden, took horse.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
And crossed the river. Presently they reached the woods, and.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
There, drawing rein, waited upon a tiny knoll, listening for
the baying of the hounds. Instead of that, however, the
first sounds greeting their ear was the galloping horses hoofs.
For Gernt had overslept and was now making his tardy appearance,
wearing neither hunting dress nor weapon except the gold hilted sword.
Upon seeing the Queen, he immediately rose forward and bowed low,
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which was an active courtesy. She returned with stately grace.
Then she laughed and said, five, Prince, you are late
later than we yes. Noble Queen replied Grant, so late
in fact, that I have, as you see, left arms
and hunting garb at home, and am like you to
see the hunt, not to join it. For shame, sir Knight,
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said the queen, laughing, when sees plainly by your conduct
that you are still free in heart. Otherwise you would
have taken more interest in this prize which all the
maidens so desire. Garrint was about to make some chivalrous
reply when the conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance
round a bend in the road of a knight riding
with his visor up, thus revealing a youthful but extremely
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haughty countenance. At his side, wrote a lady, and behind
the two lagged a little black dwarf. Now it occurred
to Gwenevere that she had never seen the man's face
in Arthur's hall, and immediately she became curious to learn
who he might be. Turning to her maiden, therefore, she said,
go I pray you, and asked that dwarf his master's name.
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But the little creature, in spite of the smallness of
his stature, was old and vicious and irritable, and answered
with scant courtesy that he would give the damsel no information.
Whereupon the quick color came into her cheeks, and she
replied hotly. Then I will go ask your master himself. No,
by my faith, you shall not, cried the ugly little fellow.
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You are not worthy to speak to one such as he.
And with that he struck at her with his whip,
so that she returned indignant to the Queen. At this, Grint,
even more indignant than the maiden herself, spurred his hoarse, exclaiming, sharply,
surely I will learn his name. But Prince, though he was,
he fared no better at the hands of the impudent
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little creature, who struck at him also with his whip,
cutting his cheek until blood spurted forth In an instant.
Grint had instinctively caught at the hilt of his sword.
Then he remembered the honor of his knighthood, which would
not permit him to fight with one smaller or weaker
than himself. So he returned to the Queen and said,
your Majesty, rest assured that I will avenge this insult
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done in your maiden's person to yourself. At this moment,
I cannot do battle with the Knight, for he is
fully armed and I have only my sword. But I
will follow, never losing sight of him, and doubtless I
shall sooner or later come to a place where arms
may be had for pledge or loan. Then I will
fight him and break his pride. And on the third
day from this, if I have not fallen in the contest,
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I will.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Be with you again.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Farewell, farewell, said Guinevere, feeling sad to see the brave
young fellow start.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Such a quest.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Then she added, more lightly, for chance, in your wandering,
sir Grint, you will find the princess who is to
bring your heart into bondage. At this Grint glances down
the wooden lance which the knight with his two companions
was pursuing. Then he laughed softly, saying, Princesses your majesty
are found in king's palaces by all appearances. If I
follow that road, I shall be far more likely to
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meet with some ragged beggar maiden. Ah well, sometimes a
ragged beggar maiden has proved to be a princess in disguise,
replied the Queen. But however that may be, if you
find her, sir Prince, you are sure that she is
the maiden of your choice.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Bring her to me.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Those should be dressed in rags and tatters, and I
will clothe her for your bridles like the sun.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Farewell.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Then Garrind bowed low to his sovereign, and hastily spurred
his horse, lest the haughty Knight should after all escape him.
So he rode by ups and downs through many a
grassy glade, with his eyes fixed upon the three, until
at last they climbed a ridge, beneath which Grint, when
he too had reached the spot, bewheld the long street
of a little town, on one side of which rose
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a fortress, white and beautiful as if the workmen had
just left it. On the other side, however, he saw
the ruins of what had once been a stately castle.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Straight towards the fortress, rode.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
The Knight with his companions, and was soon lost to
sight beyond its walls. Nevertheless, Garrint was not discouraged, for
he knew that he had now tracked him to his lair.
So he passed wearily into the village, seeking arms and
shelter for the night. He soon discovered, however, that neither
would be so easy to find, for this tiny hamlet
seemed to be a very busy place, indeed, so busy,
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in fact, that none of its inhabitants appeared to have
any time to talk to the stranger, in reply to
whose questions they merely muttered something about a sparrow hawk.
So Grind presently came to an armorer's shop, where a
man sat vigorously riveting a helmet. Here he drew ray
and called out, my man, may I hire some armor?
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Form you whereat? The fellow replied, without so much as
stopping work or turning his head. Friend, hear the labors
for the sparrow hawk have little time for idle gossip. Armor,
certainly not. You will find that each man has his
own at such time as this. Do you forget that
sparrow hawk is tomorrow? Then Grind's anger flamed, for this
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was no means the first answer of this kind he
had received a thousand pips. Eat up your sparrow hawk,
he cried hotly. You think the cackle of your hamlet
the murmur of the whole wide world. But what is
it all to me? Speak if you are not all
hawk mad like the rest, and tell me where I
may find shelter for the night and arms, arms, arms
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to fight my enemy. At this outburst, the armorer looked
up amazed, then seeing that Grint was richly clad, he
came forward with his helmet still in his hand, and answered,
courteously enough, pardon me, stranger knight. We hold attorney here
tomorrow morning, and we have scarcely enough time between then
and now for all the work that is to be done. Arms. Indeed,
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I cannot tell you where you will find any, for
all are needed shelter. The town is already full. But
perhaps the old Earl Enol, who lives in that ruined
castle a cross bridge yonder.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Would take you in.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
So Garrint, still feeling somewhat annoyed at the reception he
was receiving, crossed the bridge and soon reached the gate
of the old castle. There, dressed in a suit of
frayed magnificence that once had been fit for feasts and ceremonies,
sat an aged man with a snowy white beard. Where
are you going, my son, said he, as Grint rode up.
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I am looking for a harbridge for the night, good father,
replied the young man, to which the Earl Enol, replied,
for the old.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Man was he?
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Then? Enter here? I pray you and partake for such
poor entertainment as this house can afford. I will gladly
accept your hospitality, said Grint. Then he added laughingly, so
long as you do not serve me sparrow hawks for dinner.
At this the old Earl's sighed, saying, my son, graver,
cause have I than you to curse this hedgerow thief,
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this sparrow hawk. But ride in, Ride in, and we
will talk of him later. So Grint rode into the court.
Between those broken stones sprouted many a prickly star and thistle,
then passed through a shattered archway plumed with fern, until
he stood by half fallen tower, looking up at the
pieces of a turret stare worn by feet that now
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were silent. And as he waited, he heard the voice
of a maiden ringing like the clear note of a bird,
through the open casement of the hall. And these were
the words of her song. Turn fortune, turn thy wheel
and lower the proud, Turn thy wide wheel through the sunshine,
storm and cloud thy wheel, and thee we neither love
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nor hate, turn fortune, turn thy wheel with smile, or
frown with that wild wheel. Woe go not up or down.
Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great. Smile
and we smile the lords of many lands frown, and
we smile the lords of our own hands. For man
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is man and master.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Of his fate.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Turn, turn, turn thy wheel above the staring crowd. Thy weel,
and thou are shadows in the cloud. Thy weal and
thee we neither love nor hate. The sweet singer who
was thus bidding defiance to the harsh rulings of an
unkind fate was Enid, the beautiful young daughter of the
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old Earl. And now as her song ceased, she heard
her father calling, and hastened down from her bower to
aid her mother in welcoming their guest. As she moved
about the hall, clad in her faded silks, preparing and
serving the simple meal with all the grace of a princess,
Grint's eyes followed her until his heart was stirred within him,
and he said to himself, here's the one maiden in
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the world for me. Then, as they sat at meal,
Ye and Old began to tell his guests the story
of his misfortunes. You see yonder Fortress said, he there
lives my bitter enemy in the cause of all our woe.
He is my nephew, and a wild and turbulent fellow.
Therefore I refused him the hand of my daughter, whereupon
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he caused a vile sledge to be circulated concerning me,
saying that his father had left him gold in my charge,
which I refused to render up. Then, just three years ago,
on the night before my Enid's birthday, he raised my
own town against me and sacked my house and foully
housted me from my earldom, after which he built that
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fortress yonder to overawe such of my friends as are
still true to me. Hearing this recital of wrong and cruelty,
the young Knight's fighting blood began to boil within him,
and with a flash of his eye, he said, eagerly,
tell me, Earl, you know what was that knight whom
I saw right into the fortress today with a lady
and a little black dwarf. Your nephew, yes, replied the
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old man. He has come back for the sparrow Hawk tournament,
which is held here every year, ah, exclaimed Grint. The
sparrow Hawk tournament. Will you tell me about it?
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Certainly, said the Earl.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
It is a tourney for which the prize is a
golden sparrow hawk. Every knight must bring with him the
lady whom he loves best in all the world, and
try to win the sparrow Hawk for her. My nephew
has never won it two years in secession, and if
he wins it tomorrow, he will never need to fight
for it again, for it will be sent to him
every year. Therefore, the people here have named him the
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sparrow Hawk Knight. Then Grind rejoiced, and after telling his
kind host and hostess the story of the insult to
the Queen, he cried out exultingly early, you know cause
I have enough to wish to fight this haughty sparrow Knight.
But now I have heard his story, I swear that
in tomorrow's attourney, I will forever break his pride. Do
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not tell me his name, I pray you, for I
will force it from his own lips. I only ask
that you lend me arms. Arms, replied the Earl. Surely,
Prince geraint, though indeed they are old and battled. But
have you forgotten the conditions of entering the tournament. The
rule is that no knight may tilt unless he brings
with him the lady whom he loves best in all
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the world. Therefore, I fear that you cannot fight, for
doubtless that fair lady is at this moment far away
in Arthur's stately halls. Then Garayin smiled as he answered, no,
early and all, that fair lady is not, and never.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Has been, at Arthur's court.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
For but a few short hours ago, I did not
even know of her existence. But all that is changed now. Then,
leading forward slightly, he added, let me lay my lands
in rest, my noble host, for this dear child to
her daughter. If I fail, she shall go free, and
her name remained as untarnished as before. But if I
live and can win your consent and hers, she shall
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be my true wife. At this the old man's heart rejoiced,
yet he did not wish to sacrifice his child, even
to better her own fortunes as well as his. He
looked about therefore, only to find that the damsel at
the mention of her name, had slipped away. So he
turned at his gentle wife, who was sitting at his side, saying, mother,
a maiden is a tender thing. You will understand this
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child of ours better than any one else. Speak to
her before she goes to rest, and learn if you
can what her feelings are towards this young prince. At
an early hour the next morning, the whole village was
already astir for this was the greatest day of their
entire year. Grant, his princely bearing, showing through his battered armor,
rode to the lists with old you know, who were
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then joined by the Countess and the fair Enid, who
had shyly given her consent. In the center of the
field were set up two great silver forks, across which
lay a silver rod, and across the rod was placed
a golden sparrow hawk. While circling all about the lists
was a great crowd.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Of knights and ladies.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Presently a trumpet was blown, whereupon he who had offered
the insults to the Queen, rode out proudly, with his
lady at his side, and cried aloud to her that
all might hear advance and take as fairest of the
prize of beauty which these two past years I have
won for you. Thereupon, the lady was about to do
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his bidding, when, to the amazement of all presents, Garrint
stepped forward and said, courteously, remembering his knightly respect for
all womanhood, one moment, I pray you this year is
another who makes claim to the prize. At this the
haughty sparrow Hawk turned and looked disdainfully at Enid in
her faded silks and her champion in his rusty armor.
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If you think your lady is more worthy of the
prize than mine, said he, Are you willing to fight
with me to prove it? I am with Geraint's simple reply.
Then the two set their spears in rest and clashed together,
so that three times their weapons were splintered, after which
they dismounted, and, drawing their swords, lashed at each other
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with blow on blow, until all the crowd marveled at
such an exhibition of prowess. For a long time, it
seemed that neither.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Would ever be victorious. But just as.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
Grint, disadvantaged by his rusty armor, was beginning to breathe hard,
the voice of old Yannole was heard above the tumult, crying,
remember the insult to the queen at which Grint's own
heart whispered, and remember too, the wrongs of Enid. Then
he heaved his blade aloft so that it fell with
such force upon his opponent's helmet that it cracked it through.
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The haughty knight fell to the ground with a crash.
Instantly the victor's foot was set on his enemy's breast,
while he cried out, as champion of our noble Queen Guinevere,
whom you have insulted, I demand your name, to which
the once haughty knight replied, I yield. My name is Edrin,
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son of Nud. Then Edrin son of Nud, said Grint sternly,
Three things shall you do, or else you die.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
First you shall ride with your.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Lady and your dwarf to Arthur's court there to crave
pardon of the Queen for you your insult. After that
you shall return to this place to contradict the vile
slanderds that you have circulated against your uncle. Then you
shall give back to him his earldom and relinquish forever
all claim to his daughter's hands, to which Edrun answered meekly,
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my pride is broken, for Enid sees me fall. All
these things will I do, sir Knight?
Speaker 2 (19:24):
I yield?
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Then Grind permitted him to rise and set him off
towards Careleon to perform the first part of his promise.
And now it was the morning of the third day
after the stag hunt, the day set for Grind's departure
to present his bride at Arthur's court. So Enid and
her ivied tower woke early and lay for a time
thinking joyously of this sudden change in her fortunes, until
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her eye happened to fall upon the faded silk gown
that was the very best in her wardrobe. Then, for
she was just a girl like other girls, the slow
tears began to fall at thought of the discrimce which
such a tire must surely bring upon her princely young
champion when he presented her to the Queen and the
other richly gowned ladies of the court. So it happened
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that her mother, entering the room, presently found her daughter
weeping bitterly on her wedding dress. My child, my dearest child,
she cried, in distress. What can be the matter is
it that you do, not, after all want to marry
this brave young knight who has fought so nobly in
our cause. At this the maiden sobbing ceased, and she
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managed to reply in a tone that convinced her mother,
Oh no, no, no, how could it be that he
is so brave and strong, yet so gentle and so kind.
Then perhaps you dread to leave your father in me,
continued the good mother. But child, child, your husband will
often bring you home to visit us and comfort us
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in our old age. But once again the maiden shook
her head, and at last, brokenly through her sobs, she
made no the cause of her grief. Oh, mother, mother,
it is a new dress that I want. At this
the countess smiled and left the room to reappear presently
with a beautiful silken gown, all branched and flowered with gold,
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which she deposited tenderly on a nearby couch. Look enid,
she cried, and tell me if you know it. The
girl obeyed and exclaimed a joyous surprise. Indeed, Mother, indeed
I do. It is the birthday gift you had prepared
for me on that unhappy night when our castle was
sacked by Edren's men. But I thought it was destroyed
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with all our other beautiful things. No, replied the Countess.
Your father was able to recover it, so now it
is your wedding gown. Rise quickly and put it on. Meanwhile,
Gerant was anxiously awaiting the appearance. Of his bride to be,
and having grown a trifle impatient, he sent word to
ask when she would be ready. The message was soon
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brought to him that her mother was dressing her and
her best attire, that she might do him credit at
the court. At this, suddenly remembering the last words that
the queen had spoken to him, he hesitated for a moment,
and then he said, ask her.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
As a special favor to meet.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Although I can give her no reason for my wish
that she wear the gown in which I first saw her. Now,
when this strange request reached Enid, the girl's smile faded,
and she was once again very sad. Nevertheless, remembering all
that the noble young knight had done for her and
her family, she quietly laid aside the beautiful robe in
which she was already gowned and put on her old dress,
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which now looked to her like a withered leaf. In
mid November, then she descended the turret stairs to meet
her future husband, whose smile showed his pleasure that she
had respected his wish, and soon the two mounted his
horse and rode away. Meanwhile, during the three days that
Grint had spent in those very adventures, there had been
excitement too at court. On the first day, the day
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of the hunt, Arthur himself had slain the heart. Therefore
the prize of the beautiful white head had gone to
the Queen as the lady whom the King loved best
in all the world. On the second day, Edwin had
arrived to make his humble apology. And now it was
the third day, the day on which Gerrint had promised
to return if he were successful in his quest. Guenever, therefore,
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mounted to the turrets of the castle and stood, shading
her eyes with her slender white hand, and looking far
into the distance up the vale of Usk. Presently she
perceived a cloud of dust, from which there emerged two
figures on horseback, a knight and a lady. After a
while she was able to recognize the knight as Gerrint.
But a lady is with him, said the queen to herself,
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in surprise. Ah me, I wonder if he is after
all bringing me his ragged beggar maiden. Then she descended
from her tower to greet her champion and to thank
him for defending her honor. But as she spoke the
gracious words, Garrine stepped forward and bowing Low replied, Your Majesty,
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do not thank me, but thank this maiden here, but
for whom I could not have fought as I did.
She has promised to become my wife. Therefore I have
brought her to you in obedience to your last command. Meanwhile,
the ladies of the court had gathered about, and some
were inclined to cast scornful glances upon this simple girl
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in her faded gown. But the Queen, looking past the
gown into the maiden's lovely face and gentle eyes, opened
her arms wide and welcome. Then, turning to Garrinte, she said,
Sir Prince, we gladly receive your bride at Arthur's court.
What her name and parentage are you will doubtless inform
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us later, But I have no fear, for I know
she is royal at heart.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
Therefore, according to.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
My promise, I will clothe her for her wedding, as
never maiden with clothes before in Britain. And besides that,
the head of the White Heart is hers, for she
is the first bride to be brought to these halls
since the stag Hunt. End of Tale five recording by
Morgan Z.
Speaker 2 (25:13):
Sowell.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
The table round dot com
Arthur in twelve Tales by Winona Caroline Martin, Tale five
Garrinte with the Sparrowhawk. The Brave Garrite, a knight of
Arthur's court, a tributary prince of Devon, one of the
great order of the Table Round, had married Enid, Eniol's
only child, and loved her as he loved the light
of heaven. Tennyson's garrint and Enid. In the days when
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the Round Table was the height of its glory, it
was Arthur's custom to hold his court at Caerleone upon
Usk once a year, at the feast of Pentecost, which
it will be remembered, was likewise his birthday and the
anniversary of his coronation. And it was also his rule
never to sit down to the banquet that was then
spread until he and his knights had either seen or
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heard of some unusual thing on this particular day. Therefore,
the King and the Queen, and all the noblemen and
ladies of the court were assembled in the high hall
of the castle, awaiting the report of some strange adventure,
and feeling sure, such were the exciting times in which
they lived, that it would be forthcoming in some shape
or form. Before very long suddenly there appeared in their
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midst Arthur's chief forester, still wet, from the woods, bearing
news that a white hart had been seen in the forest.
Now a white heart was, then, and is still an
unusual sight, and it was the report of its appearance
was considered by all to be sufficiently peculiar to permit
the feast to begin naturally. Therefore, the conversation as the
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guests passed into the banquet hall was about this wonderful animal. Oh,
how beautiful it must be, and how I should like
to possess its head, exclaimed one of the queen's maidens,
and her wish was echoed by the first one, and
then another of her companions. Hearing this, the gallant knights
were immediately on the alert. Since the ladies desire this head,
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they cried, enthusiastically, turning towards their king, Why may we
not procure it for them? At this Arthur smiled and
gave the order for the horns to be blown, announcing
a hunt for the following day. And he who slays
the heart, said he shall have the head, with the
privilege of bestowing it upon the lady whom he loves
best in all the world to this plan. They were
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all ready enough to agree, until one of the younger
knights of their number, grant by name a tributary Prince
of Devon, arose in his place, and thus addressed his
sovereign Sir, King, for those of us whose hearts have
already found a harbor in some gentle maiden's breast, the
plan is a good one, but in case the prize
should be won by such a knight as I, who
(02:32):
am still heart whole and heart free. But then then
Arthur pondered for a moment. But before he could come
to any decision, Launcelot arose and in his turn addressed
the King. Your majesty, said he, I suggest that in
such a case, the fortunate one bestow the head upon
the flower of your curt Queen Guinevere. At this till
(02:54):
was great applause, which only subsided when the beautiful Queen
herself arose to speak, My lords, She said, let it
be understood by all that should this prize fall to
my lot, I will keep it in safety and make
it a wedding gift to the first bride that one
of your number shall bring to our court. Thereupon the
room rang again with the clapping of hands, and the
(03:16):
matter was so arranged. Now the Queen had asked as
a favor that she and her ladies be allowed to
see this hunt. But when with the first signs of dawn,
the eager knights were up and away, Guinevere was still lost.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
In sweet dreams.
Speaker 1 (03:30):
At last, however, she arose, and in the company with
the single maiden, took horse.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
And crossed the river. Presently they reached the woods, and.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
There, drawing rein, waited upon a tiny knoll, listening for
the baying of the hounds. Instead of that, however, the
first sounds greeting their ear was the galloping horses hoofs.
For Gernt had overslept and was now making his tardy appearance,
wearing neither hunting dress nor weapon except the gold hilted sword.
Upon seeing the Queen, he immediately rose forward and bowed low,
(03:59):
which was an active courtesy. She returned with stately grace.
Then she laughed and said, five, Prince, you are late
later than we yes. Noble Queen replied Grant, so late
in fact, that I have, as you see, left arms
and hunting garb at home, and am like you to
see the hunt, not to join it. For shame, sir Knight,
(04:21):
said the queen, laughing, when sees plainly by your conduct
that you are still free in heart. Otherwise you would
have taken more interest in this prize which all the
maidens so desire. Garrint was about to make some chivalrous
reply when the conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance
round a bend in the road of a knight riding
with his visor up, thus revealing a youthful but extremely
(04:43):
haughty countenance. At his side, wrote a lady, and behind
the two lagged a little black dwarf. Now it occurred
to Gwenevere that she had never seen the man's face
in Arthur's hall, and immediately she became curious to learn
who he might be. Turning to her maiden, therefore, she said,
go I pray you, and asked that dwarf his master's name.
(05:04):
But the little creature, in spite of the smallness of
his stature, was old and vicious and irritable, and answered
with scant courtesy that he would give the damsel no information.
Whereupon the quick color came into her cheeks, and she
replied hotly. Then I will go ask your master himself. No,
by my faith, you shall not, cried the ugly little fellow.
(05:25):
You are not worthy to speak to one such as he.
And with that he struck at her with his whip,
so that she returned indignant to the Queen. At this, Grint,
even more indignant than the maiden herself, spurred his hoarse, exclaiming, sharply,
surely I will learn his name. But Prince, though he was,
he fared no better at the hands of the impudent
(05:46):
little creature, who struck at him also with his whip,
cutting his cheek until blood spurted forth In an instant.
Grint had instinctively caught at the hilt of his sword.
Then he remembered the honor of his knighthood, which would
not permit him to fight with one smaller or weaker
than himself. So he returned to the Queen and said,
your Majesty, rest assured that I will avenge this insult
(06:08):
done in your maiden's person to yourself. At this moment,
I cannot do battle with the Knight, for he is
fully armed and I have only my sword. But I
will follow, never losing sight of him, and doubtless I
shall sooner or later come to a place where arms
may be had for pledge or loan. Then I will
fight him and break his pride. And on the third
day from this, if I have not fallen in the contest,
(06:30):
I will.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
Be with you again.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
Farewell, farewell, said Guinevere, feeling sad to see the brave
young fellow start.
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Such a quest.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Then she added, more lightly, for chance, in your wandering,
sir Grint, you will find the princess who is to
bring your heart into bondage. At this Grint glances down
the wooden lance which the knight with his two companions
was pursuing. Then he laughed softly, saying, Princesses your majesty
are found in king's palaces by all appearances. If I
follow that road, I shall be far more likely to
(07:00):
meet with some ragged beggar maiden. Ah well, sometimes a
ragged beggar maiden has proved to be a princess in disguise,
replied the Queen. But however that may be, if you
find her, sir Prince, you are sure that she is
the maiden of your choice.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Bring her to me.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Those should be dressed in rags and tatters, and I
will clothe her for your bridles like the sun.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Farewell.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Then Garrind bowed low to his sovereign, and hastily spurred
his horse, lest the haughty Knight should after all escape him.
So he rode by ups and downs through many a
grassy glade, with his eyes fixed upon the three, until
at last they climbed a ridge, beneath which Grint, when
he too had reached the spot, bewheld the long street
of a little town, on one side of which rose
(07:42):
a fortress, white and beautiful as if the workmen had
just left it. On the other side, however, he saw
the ruins of what had once been a stately castle.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Straight towards the fortress, rode.
Speaker 1 (07:52):
The Knight with his companions, and was soon lost to
sight beyond its walls. Nevertheless, Garrint was not discouraged, for
he knew that he had now tracked him to his lair.
So he passed wearily into the village, seeking arms and
shelter for the night. He soon discovered, however, that neither
would be so easy to find, for this tiny hamlet
seemed to be a very busy place, indeed, so busy,
(08:14):
in fact, that none of its inhabitants appeared to have
any time to talk to the stranger, in reply to
whose questions they merely muttered something about a sparrow hawk.
So Grind presently came to an armorer's shop, where a
man sat vigorously riveting a helmet. Here he drew ray
and called out, my man, may I hire some armor?
(08:34):
Form you whereat? The fellow replied, without so much as
stopping work or turning his head. Friend, hear the labors
for the sparrow hawk have little time for idle gossip. Armor,
certainly not. You will find that each man has his
own at such time as this. Do you forget that
sparrow hawk is tomorrow? Then Grind's anger flamed, for this
(08:56):
was no means the first answer of this kind he
had received a thousand pips. Eat up your sparrow hawk,
he cried hotly. You think the cackle of your hamlet
the murmur of the whole wide world. But what is
it all to me? Speak if you are not all
hawk mad like the rest, and tell me where I
may find shelter for the night and arms, arms, arms
(09:18):
to fight my enemy. At this outburst, the armorer looked
up amazed, then seeing that Grint was richly clad, he
came forward with his helmet still in his hand, and answered,
courteously enough, pardon me, stranger knight. We hold attorney here
tomorrow morning, and we have scarcely enough time between then
and now for all the work that is to be done. Arms. Indeed,
(09:40):
I cannot tell you where you will find any, for
all are needed shelter. The town is already full. But
perhaps the old Earl Enol, who lives in that ruined
castle a cross bridge yonder.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Would take you in.
Speaker 1 (09:52):
So Garrint, still feeling somewhat annoyed at the reception he
was receiving, crossed the bridge and soon reached the gate
of the old castle. There, dressed in a suit of
frayed magnificence that once had been fit for feasts and ceremonies,
sat an aged man with a snowy white beard. Where
are you going, my son, said he, as Grint rode up.
(10:13):
I am looking for a harbridge for the night, good father,
replied the young man, to which the Earl Enol, replied,
for the old.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Man was he?
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Then? Enter here? I pray you and partake for such
poor entertainment as this house can afford. I will gladly
accept your hospitality, said Grint. Then he added laughingly, so
long as you do not serve me sparrow hawks for dinner.
At this the old Earl's sighed, saying, my son, graver,
cause have I than you to curse this hedgerow thief,
(10:44):
this sparrow hawk. But ride in, Ride in, and we
will talk of him later. So Grint rode into the court.
Between those broken stones sprouted many a prickly star and thistle,
then passed through a shattered archway plumed with fern, until
he stood by half fallen tower, looking up at the
pieces of a turret stare worn by feet that now
(11:04):
were silent. And as he waited, he heard the voice
of a maiden ringing like the clear note of a bird,
through the open casement of the hall. And these were
the words of her song. Turn fortune, turn thy wheel
and lower the proud, Turn thy wide wheel through the sunshine,
storm and cloud thy wheel, and thee we neither love
(11:28):
nor hate, turn fortune, turn thy wheel with smile, or
frown with that wild wheel. Woe go not up or down.
Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great. Smile
and we smile the lords of many lands frown, and
we smile the lords of our own hands. For man
(11:51):
is man and master.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Of his fate.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
Turn, turn, turn thy wheel above the staring crowd. Thy weel,
and thou are shadows in the cloud. Thy weal and
thee we neither love nor hate. The sweet singer who
was thus bidding defiance to the harsh rulings of an
unkind fate was Enid, the beautiful young daughter of the
(12:15):
old Earl. And now as her song ceased, she heard
her father calling, and hastened down from her bower to
aid her mother in welcoming their guest. As she moved
about the hall, clad in her faded silks, preparing and
serving the simple meal with all the grace of a princess,
Grint's eyes followed her until his heart was stirred within him,
and he said to himself, here's the one maiden in
(12:38):
the world for me. Then, as they sat at meal,
Ye and Old began to tell his guests the story
of his misfortunes. You see yonder Fortress said, he there
lives my bitter enemy in the cause of all our woe.
He is my nephew, and a wild and turbulent fellow.
Therefore I refused him the hand of my daughter, whereupon
(12:58):
he caused a vile sledge to be circulated concerning me,
saying that his father had left him gold in my charge,
which I refused to render up. Then, just three years ago,
on the night before my Enid's birthday, he raised my
own town against me and sacked my house and foully
housted me from my earldom, after which he built that
(13:19):
fortress yonder to overawe such of my friends as are
still true to me. Hearing this recital of wrong and cruelty,
the young Knight's fighting blood began to boil within him,
and with a flash of his eye, he said, eagerly,
tell me, Earl, you know what was that knight whom
I saw right into the fortress today with a lady
and a little black dwarf. Your nephew, yes, replied the
(13:41):
old man. He has come back for the sparrow Hawk tournament,
which is held here every year, ah, exclaimed Grint. The
sparrow Hawk tournament. Will you tell me about it?
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Certainly, said the Earl.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
It is a tourney for which the prize is a
golden sparrow hawk. Every knight must bring with him the
lady whom he loves best in all the world, and
try to win the sparrow Hawk for her. My nephew
has never won it two years in secession, and if
he wins it tomorrow, he will never need to fight
for it again, for it will be sent to him
every year. Therefore, the people here have named him the
(14:16):
sparrow Hawk Knight. Then Grind rejoiced, and after telling his
kind host and hostess the story of the insult to
the Queen, he cried out exultingly early, you know cause
I have enough to wish to fight this haughty sparrow Knight.
But now I have heard his story, I swear that
in tomorrow's attourney, I will forever break his pride. Do
(14:38):
not tell me his name, I pray you, for I
will force it from his own lips. I only ask
that you lend me arms. Arms, replied the Earl. Surely,
Prince geraint, though indeed they are old and battled. But
have you forgotten the conditions of entering the tournament. The
rule is that no knight may tilt unless he brings
with him the lady whom he loves best in all
(14:59):
the world. Therefore, I fear that you cannot fight, for
doubtless that fair lady is at this moment far away
in Arthur's stately halls. Then Garayin smiled as he answered, no,
early and all, that fair lady is not, and never.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
Has been, at Arthur's court.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
For but a few short hours ago, I did not
even know of her existence. But all that is changed now. Then,
leading forward slightly, he added, let me lay my lands
in rest, my noble host, for this dear child to
her daughter. If I fail, she shall go free, and
her name remained as untarnished as before. But if I
live and can win your consent and hers, she shall
(15:39):
be my true wife. At this the old man's heart rejoiced,
yet he did not wish to sacrifice his child, even
to better her own fortunes as well as his. He
looked about therefore, only to find that the damsel at
the mention of her name, had slipped away. So he
turned at his gentle wife, who was sitting at his side, saying, mother,
a maiden is a tender thing. You will understand this
(16:01):
child of ours better than any one else. Speak to
her before she goes to rest, and learn if you
can what her feelings are towards this young prince. At
an early hour the next morning, the whole village was
already astir for this was the greatest day of their
entire year. Grant, his princely bearing, showing through his battered armor,
rode to the lists with old you know, who were
(16:23):
then joined by the Countess and the fair Enid, who
had shyly given her consent. In the center of the
field were set up two great silver forks, across which
lay a silver rod, and across the rod was placed
a golden sparrow hawk. While circling all about the lists
was a great crowd.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Of knights and ladies.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Presently a trumpet was blown, whereupon he who had offered
the insults to the Queen, rode out proudly, with his
lady at his side, and cried aloud to her that
all might hear advance and take as fairest of the
prize of beauty which these two past years I have
won for you. Thereupon, the lady was about to do
(17:03):
his bidding, when, to the amazement of all presents, Garrint
stepped forward and said, courteously, remembering his knightly respect for
all womanhood, one moment, I pray you this year is
another who makes claim to the prize. At this the
haughty sparrow Hawk turned and looked disdainfully at Enid in
her faded silks and her champion in his rusty armor.
(17:27):
If you think your lady is more worthy of the
prize than mine, said he, Are you willing to fight
with me to prove it? I am with Geraint's simple reply.
Then the two set their spears in rest and clashed together,
so that three times their weapons were splintered, after which
they dismounted, and, drawing their swords, lashed at each other
(17:49):
with blow on blow, until all the crowd marveled at
such an exhibition of prowess. For a long time, it
seemed that neither.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Would ever be victorious. But just as.
Speaker 1 (17:59):
Grint, disadvantaged by his rusty armor, was beginning to breathe hard,
the voice of old Yannole was heard above the tumult, crying,
remember the insult to the queen at which Grint's own
heart whispered, and remember too, the wrongs of Enid. Then
he heaved his blade aloft so that it fell with
such force upon his opponent's helmet that it cracked it through.
(18:21):
The haughty knight fell to the ground with a crash.
Instantly the victor's foot was set on his enemy's breast,
while he cried out, as champion of our noble Queen Guinevere,
whom you have insulted, I demand your name, to which
the once haughty knight replied, I yield. My name is Edrin,
(18:44):
son of Nud. Then Edrin son of Nud, said Grint sternly,
Three things shall you do, or else you die.
Speaker 2 (18:53):
First you shall ride with your.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Lady and your dwarf to Arthur's court there to crave
pardon of the Queen for you your insult. After that
you shall return to this place to contradict the vile
slanderds that you have circulated against your uncle. Then you
shall give back to him his earldom and relinquish forever
all claim to his daughter's hands, to which Edrun answered meekly,
(19:18):
my pride is broken, for Enid sees me fall. All
these things will I do, sir Knight?
Speaker 2 (19:24):
I yield?
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Then Grind permitted him to rise and set him off
towards Careleon to perform the first part of his promise.
And now it was the morning of the third day
after the stag hunt, the day set for Grind's departure
to present his bride at Arthur's court. So Enid and
her ivied tower woke early and lay for a time
thinking joyously of this sudden change in her fortunes, until
(19:48):
her eye happened to fall upon the faded silk gown
that was the very best in her wardrobe. Then, for
she was just a girl like other girls, the slow
tears began to fall at thought of the discrimce which
such a tire must surely bring upon her princely young
champion when he presented her to the Queen and the
other richly gowned ladies of the court. So it happened
(20:10):
that her mother, entering the room, presently found her daughter
weeping bitterly on her wedding dress. My child, my dearest child,
she cried, in distress. What can be the matter is
it that you do, not, after all want to marry
this brave young knight who has fought so nobly in
our cause. At this the maiden sobbing ceased, and she
(20:31):
managed to reply in a tone that convinced her mother,
Oh no, no, no, how could it be that he
is so brave and strong, yet so gentle and so kind.
Then perhaps you dread to leave your father in me,
continued the good mother. But child, child, your husband will
often bring you home to visit us and comfort us
(20:52):
in our old age. But once again the maiden shook
her head, and at last, brokenly through her sobs, she
made no the cause of her grief. Oh, mother, mother,
it is a new dress that I want. At this
the countess smiled and left the room to reappear presently
with a beautiful silken gown, all branched and flowered with gold,
(21:14):
which she deposited tenderly on a nearby couch. Look enid,
she cried, and tell me if you know it. The
girl obeyed and exclaimed a joyous surprise. Indeed, Mother, indeed
I do. It is the birthday gift you had prepared
for me on that unhappy night when our castle was
sacked by Edren's men. But I thought it was destroyed
(21:37):
with all our other beautiful things. No, replied the Countess.
Your father was able to recover it, so now it
is your wedding gown. Rise quickly and put it on. Meanwhile,
Gerant was anxiously awaiting the appearance. Of his bride to be,
and having grown a trifle impatient, he sent word to
ask when she would be ready. The message was soon
(21:59):
brought to him that her mother was dressing her and
her best attire, that she might do him credit at
the court. At this, suddenly remembering the last words that
the queen had spoken to him, he hesitated for a moment,
and then he said, ask her.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
As a special favor to meet.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Although I can give her no reason for my wish
that she wear the gown in which I first saw her. Now,
when this strange request reached Enid, the girl's smile faded,
and she was once again very sad. Nevertheless, remembering all
that the noble young knight had done for her and
her family, she quietly laid aside the beautiful robe in
which she was already gowned and put on her old dress,
(22:36):
which now looked to her like a withered leaf. In
mid November, then she descended the turret stairs to meet
her future husband, whose smile showed his pleasure that she
had respected his wish, and soon the two mounted his
horse and rode away. Meanwhile, during the three days that
Grint had spent in those very adventures, there had been
excitement too at court. On the first day, the day
(22:59):
of the hunt, Arthur himself had slain the heart. Therefore
the prize of the beautiful white head had gone to
the Queen as the lady whom the King loved best
in all the world. On the second day, Edwin had
arrived to make his humble apology. And now it was
the third day, the day on which Gerrint had promised
to return if he were successful in his quest. Guenever, therefore,
(23:22):
mounted to the turrets of the castle and stood, shading
her eyes with her slender white hand, and looking far
into the distance up the vale of Usk. Presently she
perceived a cloud of dust, from which there emerged two
figures on horseback, a knight and a lady. After a
while she was able to recognize the knight as Gerrint.
But a lady is with him, said the queen to herself,
(23:45):
in surprise. Ah me, I wonder if he is after
all bringing me his ragged beggar maiden. Then she descended
from her tower to greet her champion and to thank
him for defending her honor. But as she spoke the
gracious words, Garrine stepped forward and bowing Low replied, Your Majesty,
(24:05):
do not thank me, but thank this maiden here, but
for whom I could not have fought as I did.
She has promised to become my wife. Therefore I have
brought her to you in obedience to your last command. Meanwhile,
the ladies of the court had gathered about, and some
were inclined to cast scornful glances upon this simple girl
(24:26):
in her faded gown. But the Queen, looking past the
gown into the maiden's lovely face and gentle eyes, opened
her arms wide and welcome. Then, turning to Garrinte, she said,
Sir Prince, we gladly receive your bride at Arthur's court.
What her name and parentage are you will doubtless inform
(24:47):
us later, But I have no fear, for I know
she is royal at heart.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
Therefore, according to.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
My promise, I will clothe her for her wedding, as
never maiden with clothes before in Britain. And besides that,
the head of the White Heart is hers, for she
is the first bride to be brought to these halls
since the stag Hunt. End of Tale five recording by
Morgan Z.
Speaker 2 (25:13):
Sowell.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
The table round dot com
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