THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
doctor, you have come in good time!” Meanwhile Thierry climbed to the top of the tower that
overlooked the city.
Bevis asked Dudon who had wounded him. He replied: “A knight who is staying at Castle Saint-
Simon, whose name is Augustine. But, to tell the truth, I suspect that he is the son of Duke Guy of
this city.” Bevis said: “And what brought about this war between you?” Dudon said: “The cause
was my father, who was slain in Paris, in the presence of the emperor. I slew Guy, the lord of this
city, and made myself its lord,” (and he recounted how Bevis, his son, had fled), “and I fear that he
who wounded me is that same Bevis, and I am in great danger of death because of him.”
Bevis said, “Show me your wound.” And when the bandages were removed, Bevis said: “Now know
the truth: that Augustine is verily Bevis of Hampton, whose father you have slain.” And while he
told him these tidings a squire gave, as Bevis had intended, the signal that Bevis had arranged for.
Then Rupert of the Cross, with many armed men, ran up to the castle, and when those within began
to defend themselves, Thierry cried out: “Long live Bevis of Hampton! Death to the traitors of
Maganza!” and the fortress was taken.
When Dudon heard the noise, he began to say: “Master Doctor, what noise is this?” Bevis said: “I
will tell you at once,” threw his cloak aside and drew his sword to kill him, crying, “Traitor, I am
Bevis, at whose hands you must die in revenge for my father,” and lifted his sword to strike him.
But Dudon said: “It is great shame for a knight to kill a man who is more dead than alive.” Then
Bevis blushed and withheld his blow, and he seized him and dragged him from the bed, put his foot
on his throat, and said, “Either I kill you now, or you will promise to return to fight with me in a
court where the lists shall be secure to us both.” He promised to do so, and to call him into the lists
where both of them should have safe-conduct.