Together they came--bliss was among the
folk--and they kissed and embraced, and spake familiarly; and anon
forthright assembled their knights. Then were there together two good
armies, of whom Howel should command thirty thousand knights, and
Arthur had in land forty thousand in hand. Forth-right they marched
toward the North end, toward Lincoln night and day, that Childric the
kaiser besieged. But he the yet had nought won; for there were within
seven thousand men, brave men and active, by day and night.
Arthur with his forces marched toward the burgh; and Arthur
fore-ordered his knights, by day and night, that they should proceed
as still, as if they would steal; pass over the country, and cease any
noise; horns and trumpets, all should be relinquished. Arthur took a
knight, that was a brave man and active; and sent him to Lincoln to
his dear men, and he said to them in sooth, with mouth, that Arthur
would come, noblest of kings, at the midnight, and with him many a
good knight.--"And ye within, then be ye ware, that when ye hear the
din, that ye the gates unfasten; and sally out of the burgh, and fell
your foes; and smite on Childric, the strong and the powerful; and we
shall tell them British tales!"
It was at the midnight, when the moon shone right south, Arthur with
his host marched to the burgh; the folk was as still as if they would
steal; forth they proceeded until they saw Lincoln.
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