All
Scotland he gave to a thane of his, and all Northumberland he set in
the hand of his brother; Galloway and Orkney he gave to an earl of
his; himself he took the land from Humber into London. He thought
never more of Arthur to have mercy, unless he would become his man,
Arthur, Uther's son.
Arthur was in London, with all the Britons; he summoned his forces
over all this land, that every man, that good would grant to him,
quickly and full soon to London should come. Then was England filled
with harm; here was weeping and here was lament, and sorrow
immoderate; mickle hunger and strife at every man's gate! Arthur sent
over sea two good knights, to Howel his relation, who was to him
dearest of men, who possessed Britanny, knight with the best; and bade
him full soon, that he hither should come, sail to land, to help the
people; for Childric had in hand much of this land, and Colgrim and
Baldulf were come to him, and thought to drive Arthur the king out of
the land; take from him his right, and his kingdom;--then were his
kindred disgraced with shameful injury; their worship lost in this
worlds-realm: then were it better for the king, that he were not born!
Howel heard this, the highest of Britanny; and he gan to call his good
knights anon, and bade them to horse exceeding speedily, and go into
France, to the free knights, and should say to them that they should
come, quickly and full soon, to Michael's Mount, with mickle strength,
all who would of silver and of gold, win worship in this worlds-realm.
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