ABSTRACT
Published 1885. H.T. comments: ‘Partly founded on Book II of Malory, written mostly at Aldworth, soon after Gareth and Lynette [completed 1872] … The story of the poem is largely original. “Loyal natures are wrought to anger and madness against the world”.’ Written 1872–4 (according to CT, pp. 402, 484). Apart from the final fight between Balin and Balan, T. takes very little from Malory; the theme of Guinevere’s guilt and the appearance by Vivien are additions. The poem was to lead into Merlin and Vivien; in H.MS, T. incorporated an account by Vivien at court (Cornhill cliii (1936) 552–3): ‘I bring thee here a message from the dead’. And therewithal shewing Sir Balan’s hair, ‘Know ye not this? not so, belike; but this A most strange red, is easier known’. The Queen Took the dead hair and slightly shuddering asked ‘Sir Balin’s? is he slain?’ ‘Yea, noble Queen, Likewise his brother, Balan: for they fought, Not knowing — some misprision of their shields — I know not what. I found them side by side And wounded to the death, unlaced their helms, And gave them air and water, held their heads, Wept with them; and thy Balin joyed my heart Calling thee stainless wife and perfect Queen, Heaven’s white earth-angel; then they bade me clip One tress from either head and bring it thee, Proof that my message is not feigned; and prayed King Arthur would despatch some holy man, As these had lain together in one womb, To give them burial in a single grave — Sent their last blessings to their King and thee, And therewithal their dying word, that thou, For that good service I had done thy knights, Wouldst yield me shelter for mine innocency’. To whom the Queen made answer, ‘We must hear Thy story further; thou shalt bide the while. I know no more of thee than that thy tale Hath chilled me to the heart. Ghastly mischance, Enough to make all childless motherhood Fain so to bide for ever. Where do they lie?’ And Vivien’s voice was broken answering her. ‘Dead in a nameless corner of the woods, Each locked in either’s arms. I know the place, But scarce can word it plain for thee to know’. ‘And therefore damsel shalt thou ride at once With Arthur’s knights and guide them through the woods. Thy wish, and these dead men’s, if such were theirs, Must bide mine answer till we meet again.’ After, when Vivien on returning came To Guinevere and spake ‘I saw the twain Buried, and wept above their woodland grave. But grant me now my wish and theirs’, …
