archangels that they make present thereof to Her dear Son in
Paradise. And the angels take it and begin to sing for joy "Te
Deum laudamus". And the Holy Lady leadeth them and goeth her way
along with them. Josephus maketh remembrance of this history and
telleth us that this worthy man was named Calixtus.


VI.

King Arthur was in the little house beside the chapel, and had
heard the voice of the sweet Mother of God and the angels. Great
joy had he, and was right glad of the good man's soul that was
borne thence into Paradise. The King had slept right little the
night and was all armed. He saw the day break clear and fair,
and goeth his way toward the chapel to cry God mercy, thinking to
find the coffin discovered there where the hermit lay; but so did
he not! Rather, was it covered of the richest tomb-stone that
any might ever see, and had on the top a red cross, and seemed it
that the chapel was all incensed. When the King had made his
orison therein, he cometh back again and setteth on his bridle
and saddle and mounteth, and taketh his shield and spear and
departeth from the little house and entereth into the forest and
rideth a great pace, until he cometh at right hour of tierce to
one of the fairest laundes that ever a man might see. And he
seeth at the entrance a spear set bar-wise, and looketh to the
right or ever he should enter therein, and seeth a damsel sitting
under a great leafy tree, and she held the reins of her mule in
her hand. The damsel was of great beauty and full seemly clad.
The King turneth thitherward and so saluteth her and saith:
"Damsel," saith he, "God give you joy and good adventure."