Book Eighteen

The Fair Maiden of Astolat

Chapter Twenty

How the Corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived Before King Arthur, and of the Burying, and how Sir Lancelot Offered the Penny-Mass

http://www.vivierboats.com/Img/marieclaudine1.jpg

King Arthur and his wife Guinevere were making a public announcement from their castle window when they saw a dark, black barge appear in the distance. The couple and their people wondered as to why the boat had come.  Arthur had Sir Kay brought before him and showed him the barge.  The king told Sir Kay to take with him Sir Brandiles and Sir Agravaine to see what the boat contained and to return with news.  The knights headed out to the ship and found a poor man sitting at the bow, the group inquired as to why the old man was sitting on the barge and asked what the boat contained.  The poor old man, ignoring the group’s questions walked inland.  Upon entering they found the corpse of a beautiful young woman.  The knights returned to their king and told him what they had seen.  The king expressed his wish to see the corpse and so King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, along with a group of knights, went to the barge. When they entered the king saw just how lovely the young maiden was; she was laid to rest upon ornate bedding and was dressed in gold cloth of the highest quality. The queen noticed that the young woman had a letter in her right hand and the king took the letter and read from it hoping to discover the young lady’s story.  The group left the barge and the king and queen returned to their chamber.     

                Arthur called many knights to his chamber to listen.  An appointed clerk was brought in to read the letter and all listened earnestly.  Within the letter was an expression of love to the knight Lancelot.  She said that she was what the people called “The Fair Maiden of Astolat.” The maiden expressed her undying love to Sir Lancelot and told of how he had ignored and pushed away her loving gestures.  Finally, she expressed her final wish and asked that money be given for her funeral, so that she could be properly buried, and that Sir Lancelot would pray for her soul. All of the people in the chamber wept and mourned for the young maiden and her somber final requests. King Arthur then sent for Lancelot. 

The clerk re-read the letter to Sir Lancelot and he replied, “King Arthur, I do feel partially responsible for this young woman’s death, but I can assure you that I did not purposefully or willingly cause her harm and I would tell this to Sir Lavaine, her brother.”  He went on to say, “Her love for me was so strong that I took her feelings to be that of a young girls crush, but I will say that she was a good person and lovely to behold.” 

The Queen scolded Lancelot and said, “If you had shown that girl even a bit of kindness she might still be alive today.”

 Lancelot retaliated by saying, “She wanted nothing else than to be my wife or lover and I could not grant her either of these requests because I cannot make my heart feel desire.  However, I did show her great respect and appreciation for taking care of my shield and I offered her a thousand pounds each year and I also told her I would approve a marriage between her and the knight of her choice!” He continued, “She would not have anything to do with my offers. Good Queen, I cannot be blamed for this maidens death!” he exclaimed. 

King Arthur stood in front of the group and glared at Sir Lancelot saying, “You, good knight will be in charge of this young woman’s funeral, burial, and you will be expected to pay for the affair.”

Lancelot agreed saying, “I will fulfill your demands to the best of my ability.”  The knights, the king and the queen left the chamber while Lancelot went off to begin preparations.  On the day of the burial many knights came to see the lovely maiden and Lancelot had insured that the girl was dressed in the finest of clothing and furnished with the richest jewels.  Lancelot paid for the funeral, as promised, and along with all of the Knights of the Round Table went and paid their respects.  The old poor man returned to the barge and it was at this time that the queen sent for Lancelot. 

She pulled the knight aside and said, “I am sorry for placing the death of the young girl upon you, I have come to see that you did show her kindness and you did fulfill her final requests.” 

Lancelot gazed upon the queen and replied, “Good Queen, this is not the first time you have grown angry with me, but we are to be in each other’s company for as long as we are both living and I promise that no matter how many times you falsely accuse, anger, or sadden me, I will not retaliate against you or hold a grudge.”  Lancelot then left the Queens presence and continued on his way.

                As the year went on, Lancelot accomplished many things and was considered a champion in hunting, hawking, jousts, and tournaments.  He was given respect by lords and kings in many places and all of the Knights of The Round Table praised him for his great deeds.