On the buckler
was painted in sweet colours the image of Our Lady St. Mary. In her
honour and for remembrance, Arthur bore her semblance on his shield.
In his hand the king carried his lance, named Ron. Sharp it was at
the head, tough and great, and very welcome at need in the press of
battle. Arthur gave his commands to his captains, and ordained the
order of the combat. He caused his host to march in rank and company
at a slow pace towards the foe, so that when the battle was joined
none might flinch but that he was sustained of his comrades. The host
drew near to a certain mountain of those parts, and began to climb the
hill. The Saxons held this mountain strongly, and defended the height,
as though they were shut fast and safely behind walls. Small cause had
the heathen for such assurance of safety, for a mighty captain was
upon them, who would not endure their presence in his realm. Arthur
led his spearmen upon the slope, and there admonished his men.
"Behold," said he, "and see before you those false and scornful
heathen, who have destroyed and ravished your kith and kin, your near
ones and neighbours, and on your own goods and bodies have done so
much mischief. Avenge now your friends and your kinsfolk; avenge the
great ruin and burnings; avenge all the loss and the travail that for
so long a space we have suffered at their hands.
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