Arthur, by the rede of his counsellors, sent letters to his nephew,
the son of his sister, Hoel, King of Little Britain. For in that
country dwelt many strong barons, sib to his flesh, and the stoutest
knights of his race. In these letters, and by the mouth of his
ambassadors, Arthur prayed the king to hasten to his rescue. If Hoel
came not swiftly over sea--wrote the king--certainly his realm would
be taken from him, and shame would always be on those who watched
tamely their cousin stripped of his heritage.
When this bitter cry came to Hoel he sought neither hindrance nor
excuse. His vassals and kinsmen got in their harness forthwith. They
arrayed their ships, and set thereon the stores. Within these ships
there entered twelve thousand knights alone, without taking count of
the sergeants and archers. So in a good hour they crossed the sea,
coming with a fair wind to the port of Southampton. Arthur welcomed
them with great joy, showing them the honour which it became him to
offer. They made no long tarrying at Southampton, nor wasted the day
in fair words and idle courtesies. The king had summoned his vassals,
and had brought together his household. Without speeches and blowings
of trumpets the two hosts set forth together towards Lincoln, which
Cheldric had besieged but had not yet taken.
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