One day, or two days, three or
four, the mighty birds will strive together; and the interpretation
thereof portends horror and grim destruction amongst men.
On this fair lake the Scots sought hiding, going and coming upon its
waters Arthur followed swiftly after. He caused to be made shallops,
barges, and light, speedy boats, and harassed them grievously in their
refuge. By reason of famine and the sword, they died by twenties, by
hundreds, and by thousands in those secret ways.
Now Guillomer, a certain king from Ireland, wishful to aid the Scots
in this quarrel, drew towards Arthur with his host. Arthur went his
way to give him battle. When the battle was joined the Irish king was
discomfited anon. He and his men fled to their ships, getting them
back to Ireland, and Arthur came again to the mere, where he had left
his harrying of the Scots.
Then the bishops and abbots of the realm, with divers monks and other
orders, carrying in their hands bodies of the saints and many holy
relics, came before the king beseeching him to show mercy on the
Scots. With these went a pitiful company of ladies of that country,
naked of foot, spoiled of visage, with streaming hair and rent
raiment, bearing their babes in their bosoms.
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