token of great battle. Then by counsel of Merlin, when they wist
which way the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, at
midnight they set upon them, as they were in their pavilions.
But the scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here
be your enemies at your hand!


CHAPTER XIV

How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur
and his host, and many great feats of the war.

THEN King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and
trusty knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them
overthrow their pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings,
by manly prowess of arms, took a fair champaign, but there was
slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men's bodies. And so
they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty
thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward day. Now shall ye do
by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings: I would that
King Ban and King Bors, with their fellowship of ten thousand
men, were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and keep
them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day come,
and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with
them long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore
them and the passage, that they may see all your host, for then
will they be the more hardy, when they see you but about twenty
thousand men, and cause them to be the gladder to suffer you and
your host to come over the passage. All the three kings and the
whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it was