II
Now when Britain had been built by Brutus the prince, Bold men there bred, that lov’d battle and strife And at times a many wrought teen and trouble; More wonders, I wis, on this wold have befallen Than on any other I wot of, since those ancient days.
But of all that here built, that of Britain were kings, Áy was Árthur the noblest, as I have heard tell; And so an adventure I essay to show you, Which many men reckon a main marvel, All wonders o’ertopping that of the Table are told.
If ye’ll listen to my lay but a little while, I shall tell ’t you this tide, as in town I heard it, with tongue.
Well is it writ for you In story brave and strong, Linkèd with letters true; In land has so been long