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BOOK
IX.
CHAPTER
XII.
ARTHUR
SUMMONS A GREAT MANY KINGS, PRINCES, ARCHBISHOPS &c.
T0 A SOLEMN ASSEMBLY AT THE CITY OF LEGIONS.
Upon
the approach of the feast of Pentecost, Arthur, the better
to demonstrate his joy after such triumphant success, and
for the more solemn observation of that festival, and reconciling
the minds of the princes that were now subject to him, resolved,
during that season, to hold a magnificent court, to place
the crown upon his head, and to invite all the kings and
dukes under his subjection, to the solemnity. And when
he had communicated his design to his familiar friends,
he pitched upon the City of Legions as a proper place for
his purpose. For besides its great wealth above the other
cities, its situation, which was in Glamorganshire upon
the river Uske, near the Severn sea, was most pleasant,
and fit for so great a solemnity. For on one side it was
washed by that noble river, so that the kings and princes
from the countries beyond the seas might have the convenience
of sailing up to it. On the other side, the beauty of the
meadows and groves, and magnificence of the royal palaces
with lofty gilded roofs that adorned it, made it even rival
the grandeur of Rome. It was also famous for two churches;
whereof one was built in honour of the martyr Julius, and
adorned with a choir of virgins, who had devoted themselves
wholly to the service of God; but the other, which was founded
in memory of St. Aaron, his companion, and maintained a
convent of canons, was the third metropolitan church of
Britain. Besides, there was a college of two hundred philosophers
who, being learned in astronomy and the other arts, were
diligent in observing the courses of the stars, and gave
Arthur true predictions of the events that would happen
at that time. In this place, therefore, which afforded such
delights, were preparations made for the ensuing festival.
Ambassadors were then sent into several kingdoms, to invite
to court the princes both of Gaul and all the adjacent islands.
Accordingly there came Augusel, king of Albania, now Scotland;
Urian, King of Mureif; Cadwallo Lewirh, king of the Venedotians,
now called the North Wales men; Sater, king of the Demetians,
or South Wales men; Cador, king of Cornwall; also the archbishops
of the three metropolitan sees, London, York, and Dubrieius
of the City of Legions. This prelate, who was primate of
Britain, and legate of the apostolical see, was so eminent
for his piety, that he could cure any sick person by his
prayers. There came also the consuls of the principal cities,
viz. Morvid, consul of Gloucester; Mauron, of Worcester;
Anaraut, of Salisbury; Arthgal, of Cargueit or Warguit;
Jugein, of Legecester; Cursalen, of Kaicester; Kinmare,
duke of Dorobernia; Gallue, of Salisbury; Urgennius, of
Bath; Jonathal, of Dorchester; Boso, of Ridoc, that is,
Oxford. Besides the consuls, came the following worthies
of no less dignity: Danaut, Map papo; Cheneus, Map coil;
Peredur, Mab eridur; Guiful, Map Nogoit; Regin, Map claut;
Eddelein, Map cledauc; Kincar, Mab bagan; Kimmare; Gorboroniam,
Map goit; Clofaut, Rupmaneton; Kimbelim, Map trunat; Cathleus,
Map catel; Kinlich, Map neton; and many others too tedious
to enumerate. From the adjacent islands came Guillamurius,
king of Ireland; Malvasius, king of Iceland; Doldavius,
king of Gothland; Cunfasius, king of the Orkneys; Lot, king
of Norway; Aschillius, king of the Dacians. From the parts
beyond the seas, canto Holdin, king of Ruteni; Leodegarius,
consul of Bolonia; Bedver, the butler, duke of Normandy;
Borellus, of Cenomania; Caius, the sewer, duke of Andegavia;
Guitard, of Pictavia; also the twelve peers of Gaul, whom
Guerinus Carnotensis brought along with him: Hoel, duke
of the Armorican Britons, and his nobility, who came with
such a train of mules, horses, and rich furniture, as it
is difficult to describe. Besides these, there remained
no prince of any consideration on this side of Spain, who
came not upon this invitation. And no wonder, when Arthur's
munificence, which was celebrated over the whole world,
made him beloved by all people.
Book IX, Chapter XIII
- A Description of the Royal Pomp at the Coronation
of Arthur
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