Uther returned with his host
before Tintagel. He cried to those who stood upon the wall asking why
they purposed to defend the tower, since their lord was dead and his
castle taken, neither could they look for succour in the realm, or
from across the sea. The castellans knew that the king spake sooth,
and that for them there was no hope of aid. They therefore set open
the gates of the castle, and gave the fortress and its keys into
the king's hand. Uther, whose love was passing hot, spoused Igerne
forthwith, and made her his queen. She was with child, and when her
time was come to be delivered, she brought forth a son. This son was
named Arthur, with the rumour of whose praise the whole world has been
filled. After the birth of Arthur, Uther got upon Igerne a daughter
cleped Anna. When this maiden came of age she was bestowed upon a
right courteous lord, called Lot of Lyones. Of this marriage was born
Gawain, the stout knight and noble champion.
Uther reigned for a long time in health and peace. Then he fell into a
great sickness, failing alike in mind and strength. His infirmity lay
so sore upon him, that he might not get him from his bed. The warders,
who watched over his prison in London, were passing weary of their
long guard, and were corrupted also by fair promises that were made.
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