Arthurian romance. Erec and Enide. Alexander and Soredamor. The knight of the lion

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Houghton, Mifflin, 1897
 

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Page vi - Arthurian fiction must chiefly be esteemed as indicating the conditions of a changed society and the advent of a new fiction, it will also be recognized as essentially a monument to a single great writer, whose genius has permanently affected European conceptions. To Crestien of Troyes, more than all other influences, is to be ascribed the character of extant Arthurian story...
Page v - ... the popular works of the deeper reflection to be borrowed from religion and philosophy. Perhaps a still stronger influence that affected the Arthurian romance is touched on by Mr. Newell. " By the middle of the twelfth century," he says, " in the courts of France and England, had been formed a large body of readers, in great part women, who had ceased to be content with the savage splendor of an epos (the chansons de geste) designed for the amusement of warriors, and required of fiction especially...
Page 32 - ... inserted by a master of his craft; this done, she embraced the maid in the white gown, and cried, frankly : " My damsel! you must change your gown for this robe, worth a hundred marks; another time, I will make you a better present.
Page 8 - ... girl and struck Erec, who had gone after to avenge his shame ; and she cried: " Sir, delay a little, for my sake! If these barons agree, defer the kiss until the third day, when Erec will arrive.
Page 38 - Whitsuntide, the tourney was held in the plain below Tenebroc. On the field might be seen many a banner, vermeil and blue and white, many a wimple and sleeve given for love; knights bore lances, rose and silver, gold and azure, banded and vair...
Page 155 - ... and shearing his spurs, but doing no further harm. As he rode, the knight flung down a second portcullis, and in this manner Sir Ewain remained...
Page 155 - In the streets they found neither man nor woman, and kept on, until they reached the palace-gate, fashioned like a trap that beheadeth the rat if he touch the key fastened to the knife; in like manner, a portcullis, sharp as...
Page 8 - ... sure he was vexed; he took the king to speech, and said: " Sir, in dismay are your knights; all speak of this kiss, and affirm that it will not be given without quarrel and strife.
Page 38 - ... view was many a white hauberk and sword on the left side, many a shield fresh and new, of silver, rose, and azure bossed with gold; many a steed, chestnut and pied, fawn and white and black and bay. With a crash, ranks rushed together; lances were shivered and shields pierced, mail gave and parted...
Page 155 - Ewain leant forward and grasped the knight's saddle-bow; it was well that he stooped, for his horse trod on the pin, and the gate fell like a demon, cutting in twain the steed, and shearing his spurs, but doing no further harm.

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