THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
force with which Luciferus endowed that blow, that he needs had to bend forward above his horse’s
mane and the tip of his sword touched the ground. In that swerving, the enchanted helmet which
he wore broke the strap that attached it on the right, and Bevis saw it parting from the hauberk, and
struck a blow that went between the helmet and hauberk and severed his head from his chest. So
died Luciferus of Buldras.
At this a great shout went up. The thousand knights whom Bevis had left behind rushed to battle,
and from the city many knights sallied out and assailed the enemy army who betook themselves to
flight, abandoning their tents and their banners. Bevis galloped toward the tents accompanied by
many armed men and freed King Armin and King Marcabrun, as well as Hewellyn, King Armin’s
brother, and had them re-armed. While they were re-arming, King Armin said: “Augustine, you
have earned a great reward.” Bevis replied: “Sire, my name is not Augustine, but rather I am named
Bevis of Hampton, and I was the son of Duke Guy of Hampton.” And he bestowed upon King
Armin all the treasure belonging to Luciferus, saying: “I give you this so that you may enfranchise
and free me as soon as we have returned to the city.” This said, he mounted his steed and returned
to the battlefield.
Then the whole host was pursued even unto their ships, and many were killed or taken, and many
ships fled and many of them were burned. Then Bevis left the victorious battle and returned to the
city; and Drusiana went to meet him at the stable, where he had tied up his Swallowtail, and brought
him to her chamber. She took off his helmet, and she was alone with him, and she threw herself
around his neck, kissed him, and then removed his armor to tend to some small hurts and wounds.
At this moment, Hewellyn, Drusiana’s uncle, returned and entered the chamber, finding Drusiana
with her arm around Bevis’ neck. At these Hewellyn was offended and spoke many insulting and