Chapter II

           NowArthurtheprincehadallthistimebeennourishedinSirEctor’shouseashisownson,andwasfairandtallandcomely,beingoftheageoffifteenyears,greatinstrength,gentleinmanner,andaccomplishedinallexercisesproperforthetrainingofaknight.

           Butasyetheknewnotofhisfather;forMerlinhadsodealt,thatnonesaveUtherandhimselfknewaughtabouthim.Whereforeitbefell,thatmanyoftheknightsandbaronswhoheardKingUtherspeakbeforehisdeath,andcallhissonArthurhissuccessor,wereingreatamazement;andsomedoubted,andothersweredispleased.

           Anonthechieflordsandprincessetfortheachtohisownland,and,raisingarmedmenandmultitudesoffollowers,determinedeveryonetogainthecrownforhimself;fortheysaidintheirhearts,“Iftherebeanysuchasonatallasheofwhomthiswizardforcedthekingtospeak,whoarewethatabeardlessboyshouldhaveruleoverus?”

           Sothelandstoodlongingreatperil,foreverylordandbaronsoughtbuthisownadvantage;andtheSaxons,growingevermoreadventurous,wastedandoverranthetownsandvillagesineverypart.

           ThenMerlinwenttoBrice,theArchbishopofCanterbury,andadvisedhimtorequirealltheearlsandbaronsoftherealmandallknightsandgentlemen-at-armstocometohimatLondon,beforeChristmas,underpainofcursing,thattheymightlearnthewillofHeavenwhoshouldbeking.This,therefore,thearchbishopdid,anduponChristmasEveweremettogetherinLondonallthegreatestprinces,lords,andbarons;andlongbeforedaytheyprayedinSt.