L'iconographie du Merlin et de la Suite Vulgate dans Paris BNF fr. 95 et Londres, BL Add. 10292
[Les images du MS Londres, BL Add. 10292 ont été supprimées pour des raisons concernant les droits de reproduction; les images du  MS fr. 95 sont reproduits avec la permission de la BNF]


© Alison Stones avec la participation de † Elspeth Kennedy, Martine Meuwese, Irène Fabry, Julia Finch


Merlin
Editions
Sommer (S), II, 3-88. 19 (MS de base: London, BL, Add. 10292, version courte)
Micha (MM) (MS de base: Paris, BNF, fr. 747, version longue)

Paris, BNF fr. 95, ff. 113v-162v
Thérouanne, c. 1290-1300
14 images
London, BL Add. 10292, ff. 76-101
Saint-Omer, c. 1316
27 images
Amsterdam, BPH 1, ii, ff. 1-37
Saint-Omer, c. 1316
1 image for Merlin, no Suite Vulgate
S II 3. 1
MM 18. 1

fr. 95, f. 113v

Council of the devils; Conception of Merlin, engendered in the (unnamed) pious daughter of a preudom by the devil; top border: dragon terminal bites knight centaur wielding sword; stag's head terminal; bottom border: archer has pierced with his arrow an old man terminal in academic hat.

Add. f. 76r
 Rubric: Ensi que Diex brisa infer et li dyable tienent leur parlement

Harrowing of Hell; Devils plotting to overthrow Christ.
borders
E, foliate initial
Text: En ceste partie dist li contes que moult fu iries li anemis quant nostre Sires ot este en enfer...

Amst. 1, ii,  f. 1
No rubric



Harrowing of Hell; Council of the devils; border, top: ape holding distaff; hare; botto: seated ape, ape holding bag of stones points to owl on perch, two birds in flight, creature (erased) roped to tree.
M, foliate initial
Text: Moult furent irie anemi quant nostre sires ot este en ynfier...
S II 8. 35
MM 37. 1


Add. f. 77v
Rubric: Ensi comme li dyables engenra Merlin.

The conception of Merlin.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors avint que a un samedi au soir entra sa suer en la maison...

S II 12. 8
MM 48. 33


Add. f. 78v
Rubric: Ensi que la mere Merlin tient son enfant en la tour ou elle est en prison

Baby Merlin and his mother imprisoned in a tower.
T, champie initial
Text: Tout ensi com li preudons l'ot devise il le fisent...

S II 14. 42
M 59+var

Fr. 95 f. 120

Trial of Merlin's Mother: the child Merlin stands by the fire addressing the judge and people on behalf of his mother who stands behind with her ladies, wringing her hands; top border: knight terminals fight dragon terminals with swords; bottom: ape sitting in border terminals


S II 15. 8
MM 60. 9


Add. f. 79v
Rubric: Ensi que Merlins parole au juge por delivrer sa mere.

The child Merlin telling the judge that his mother is innocent.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors saut avant Merlins et dist que che ne sera mie si tost qu'ele sera arse...

S II 19. 15
MM 73. 63


Add. f. 80v
Rubric: Ensi que Merlins fait escrire .i. livre plain de merveilles a Blase sen clerc.

The child Merlin dictates to his clerk Blaise.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors quist Blaises ce que mestier li fu...

S II 20. 15
MM 76. 6


Add. f. 81r
Rubric: Ensi que . xii. hommes armes tuerent le roy meismes leur signeur.

King Maines murdered by twelve barons.
E, champie initial
Text: En ceste partie dist li contes qu'il ot uns rois en Engleterre qui ot a non Constans...

S II 21. 5
M 78

Fr. 95 f. 123v

Mounted combat with lances between Maines (son of Vertiger) and the Saxons; murder of Maines, pierced with a sword; top border: knight terminals with swords and shield or a chief azure fretty argent [white] and azure fretty argent [white] a chief or; affronted heads.


S II 21. 27
MM 80. 5


Add. f. 81v
Rubric: Ensi que li roys Verteger demande a se clergie por quoi se tour ne pot tenir.

King Vortigern asks his wise men why the tower will not not stand.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant il l'orent mort si ne trouverent onques qui granment en parlast...

S II 24. 7
M 88+var,

Fr. 95 f. 125v

King Vertiger consulting his Wise Men as to why the tower will not stand; King Vertiger sending out messengers on horseback for Merlin; top border: lion terminal bites hooded rebec-playing lion.


S II 28. 23
MM 102. 76


Add. f. 83v
Rubric: Ensi que li .iiii. messagier enmeinent Merlin et .i. vilains aloit devant qui porta son quir sor .i. baston.

The child Merlin goes with the four messengers to Vortigern and predicts the death of a man walking in front of them.
B, champie initial
Text: Bele mere on m'est venu querre de estraignes terres...

S II 30. 32
MM 108. 46


Add. f. 84r
Rubric: Ensi que Merlins divise au roy Verteger comment se tour porra tenir.

Merlin tells King Vortigern how to build the tower.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors s'en alerent li message et li rois mismes chevalcha apres aus...

S II 33. 1
MM 114. 22


Add. f. 84v
Rubric: Ensi que Merlins monstre au roy Verteger les merveilles de deus serpens.

Merlin shows King Vortigern the two dragons.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors apela Merlin si li demanda liquels des .ii. dragons vainteroit...
COMPARISONS -WITHDRAWN FOR COPYRIGHT REASONS
S II 35. 28
MM 121. 13


Add. f. 85v no rubric

Vortigern burns in his tower.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que Merlins se tint grant piece avoec Blayse...

S II 36. 25+var
M 123+ var
S

Fr. 95 f. 132

Death of Vertiger: Uter and Pendragon and their knights on horseback watch King Vertiger's castle on fire with the king inside; Vertiger's men surrender to Uter and Pendragon, handing them the key of the castle; bottom border: affronted knight terminals.


II  37. 39+var
M 134+var
Fr. 95 f. 134

Merlin in the semblance of an old man before Pandragon and his men; Pandragon and his men ride to Uter's camp; top border: female terminals, one holding her hair, the other looking at herself in a mirror; bottom, 2 female terminals, one emptying a bag of coins into a chest, the other holding a jug and drinking from a bowl


S II 41. 5
MM 138. 1


Add. f. 87r
Rubric: Ensi que .i. rois chevauche a grant plente de gent et parole a son neveu. (frere; not neveu)

The brothers Uter and Pandragon on horseback, talking.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors prinst Merlins congie al roy Pandragon.....

S II 41. 38
MM 141. 18


Add. f. 87r Rubric: Ensi que Merlins en gise dun garcon porta .i. letre au roy Pandragon et a Utas sen frere.

Merlin, in the semblance of a boy, brings Uter a letter.
E, champie initial
Text: Ensi comme Merlins le dist le fist il...

S II 44. 7
MM 150. 66


Add. f. 88r
Rubric: Ensi que uns ons se fet malades et Merlins li devise sa mort. par devant le Roy.
 
Merlin predicts the triple death of a baron.
E, champie initial
Text: Ensi remest Merlins a Pandragon et a Uter son frere...

S II 47. 22
MM 161. 1


Add. f. 89r
Rubric: Ensi que .i. ons pent en leuwe et si noie et si brise le col.

The triple death of the baron.
A, champie initial
Text: A un jour lonc tans apres que li hons qui ensi devoit morir...

S II 47. 27
M 161+var

Fr. 95 f. 138v

Merlin's prophecy: triple death of the unbelieving baron who falls headlong from his horse off a bridge into the river, breaking his neck, strangling himself in his horse's reins, and drowning; top border: ape cleric terminal holding book; male and female head terminals; bottom: hare; male terminal holding 2 swords


S II 51. 8
MM 173. 23


Add. f. 90r
Rubric: Ensi que .i. bataille des saines et du roy Pandragon en lequel li rois fu ocis.

King Pandragon is killed in the battle of Salisbury.
A, champie initial
Text: A cel conseil n'ot que Pandragon et Uter et quant il oirent ce si en oirent moult mervelle...

S II 52. 6
M 176

Fr. 95, f. 141

Coronation of King Uter; King Uter and Merlin as an old man; top border: male centaur terminal pierces dragon with sword; intertwined dragon-heads; bottom: backturned woman holding distaff and spindle; dragon terminal


S II 55. 11
MM 187. 27


Add. f. 91r
Rubric: Ensi que gens sient au disner et Merlins apela le roy si lui monstre le lieu wit.

Merlin shows King Uterpandragon the vacant seat at the Round Table.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors dist li rois a Merlin quel gens esliras tu por seor a cele table...

S II 60. 34
MM 207. 1


Add. f. 93r
Rubric: Ensi que . uns roys et .i. dus sient au disner et Ulfins servoit d’une coupe d’or devant la duchoise.


King Uterpandragon sends Bretel with a golden cup filled with wine to Igerne.
E, champie initial
Text: Ensi se departirent entre Ulfin et Ygerne...

S II 63. 36
MM 216. 30


Add. f. 93v
Rubric: Ensi que .i. roys assaut .i. castel.

King Uterpandragon besieges the castle of the Duke of Tintagel.
f. 94r E, champie initial
Text: Ensi assist li rois le duc en son chastel si i ot moult grant assaut...

S II 68. 2
M 228

Fr. 95 f. 149v

King Uter arriving at Tintagel, welcomed at the door; Conception of Arthur: King Uter and Ygern, wife of the Duke of Tintagel, in bed; top border: centaur fights seated man wielding sword, bitten by dragon terminal; bottom: man aiming lance at bird, holding shield chevronny or [yellow] and sable.


S II 73. 20
MM 244. 2

Fr. 95 f. 152

Ygern and King Uter with their followers make peace; marriage of King Uter and Ygerne; top border: huntsman blows horn, 2 dogs chase stag; bear-tamer playing pipe and tabor, bear standing on its head.

Add. f. 96v
Rubric: Ensi que .i roy et une royne paraulent ensamble en leur lit.

Queen Igerne tells King Uterpandragon in bed that she is pregnant.
L, champie initial
Text: Les noeches del roy et d'Ygerne furent au trentisme jor qu'il avoit geu od lui en sa chambre...

S II 76. 1
MM 252. 31


Add. f. 97v
Rubric: Ensi comme .i. femme bailla .i. enfant a Antor. (Merlin, not Antor?)

Merlin, in the semblance of an old man, receives the baby Arthur from a lady.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant la dame entendi son seignor si li dist...

S II 76. 12
M 252

Fr. 95 f. 153v sm

Baby Arthur entrusted to Merlin as old man; bottom border: centaur terminal wielding sword, holding severed lion's head.


S II 78. 33
MM 259. 1


Add. f. 98r
Rubric: Ensi que .i. roys gist au lit del mort Et Merlins parla a lui par devant ses barons.

King Uterpandragon on his deathbed asks Merlin about his child.
f. 98v E, champie initial
Text: Ensi s'en parti Merlins du roy...

S II 80. 21
MM 264. 52


Add. f. 99r
Rubric: Ensi que uns archevesques revestus por canter messe parla a Antor par devant le puple.

A bishop addresses the people about the sword in the stone.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors dist li uns a l'autre que c'est li mieudres consaus que nus i puisse metre...

S II 81. 23
MM 268. 8


Add. f. 99r
Rubric: Ensi que Artu assaie por sakier l'espee hors de l’englume de le perron. (a knight; not Arthur)

A knight tries to draw the sword from the stone.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant cil le virent qui del moustier furent issu si en orent moult grant

S II 81. 28+var
M 273+var

Fr. 95 f. 156v

Sword in the anvil: bishop and crowds look at it; sword removed by Arthur, who rides up past watching knights on horseback (one shield or a lion sable) and takes sword; top border: two sets of embracing male and female head terminals, entwined; bottom: hare holding banner or a cross sable.


S II 82. 30
MM 272. 4


Add. f. 99v
Rubric: Ensi que Antor fist jurer le roy Artu sor sains qu’il tenra loyaument convenenche a Keus son fil.


Arthur pledges to Antor to appoint Keu his seneschal.
L, champie initial
Text: Lors si assaierent tuit li uns apres l'autre...

S II 84. 23
MM 278. 31


Add. f. 100r
Rubric: Ensi que li archevesques bailla l’espee a Artu par devant le puple.

Arthur withdraws the sword before the bishop and all the barons.
S, champie initial
Text: Sire vees chi .i. mien enfant fait Antor qui n'est mie chevaliers...



Add. f. 101r
Rubric: Ensi que uns archevesques tient .i. coronne d’or pour donner au roi Artu qui s’asaioit a l’espee trere

Arthur is crowned king.
E, champie initial
Text: Ensi assaierent Artu si qu'en mile maniere ne porent en lui trover nule malvaise teche...

S II 88. 14
M 290

Fr. 95 f. 159v

Arthur draws the Sword again, in the presences of bishop, clerics, and people; Coronation of Arthur: he places the sword on the altar, on which is covered chalice, and is crowned by bishop; top border: 2 stork terminals hold jugs and drink from bowls; bottom: 4 biting dragon terminals.


S II 88.18
MM 290. 57


Add. f. 101v col. d, line 3
Expl. ...Ensi fu Artus esleus a roy e tint la terre et le regne de Logres lonc tans en pais.

 
Suite Vulgate [selections]
Edition
Sommer II 91.1-
BNF fr. 95, ff. 162v-354v
Add. 10292, ff. 102-214v


Add. 10292, ff. 101v col. d, line 3--216v col. f, line 50
Inc. Et tant qu'il fist un jor a savoir par toute sa terre qu'il tenroit court enforcie...

S II 91. 13

Add. f. 102r Rubric: Ensi que li rois Artu ist hors d’un castel et desconfist .i. bataille par le conseil Merlin
 
Merlin sets fire to the tents of the rebel barons who refuse to acknowledge Arthur.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant li arcevesques et li menus pueples voent la desloiaute des barons...
S II 93. 30

Add. f. 103r Rubric: Ensi que .i. grande bataille ou li rois Artu desconfit .vi. roys. et les maine moult malement

Arthur defeats rebel kings in battle.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant cil qui dehors estoient virent le grant dommage...
S II 94. 5
Fr. 95 f. 162v

Mounted combat between Arthur (dragon staff) and rebels; top border: lion-head terminal.


S II 98. 28

Add. f. 104v Rubric: Ensi que deus messagiers a cheval commandent la royne Helaine a dieu

Ulfin and Bretel on horseback take leave of Queen Helaine.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant les .ii. os furent assambles les uns encontre les autres...

S II 99. 17
Fr. 95 f. 166

Mounted combat between Ulfin, Bretel and the knights of Claudas (including a knight falling forwards, headfirst, from his horse); Ulfin and Bretel before Kings Ban and Bohort; bottom border: intertwined male and female head terminals.


S II 100. 17

Hand 2 begins on f. 105r, continues to f. 160v
Add. f. 105r Rubric: Ensi com Ulfins et Bretel joustent a .ii. chevaliers et les ocient et li autre tournent en fuies.

Ulfin and Bretel defeat knights; some are killed and some flee.
A, champie initial
Text: Apres ce se desrengent .ii. des .iiii. qui furent remes...

S II 101. 32
Fr. 95 f. 167


Kings Ban and Bohort ride up to Logres; Tournament at Logres; bottom border: profile bearded head terminal.

Add. f. 105v Rubric: Ensi comme Merlins parole au roy Artu. seul a seul.

Merlin talking to Arthur.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li message s'en furent parti del roy Artu...

S II 109. 32
Fr. 95 f. 171v


King Arthur's enemy kings riding (shield or a dragon sable); their knights pitch tents outside Bedigran; top border: male terminal aims arrow at centaur wielding sword and buckler.

Add. f. 107v Rubric: Ensi que vi. roy chevauchent et en font porter de lor compaignons en litiere.

The six kings sadly retreat after their defeat, carrying the wounded on litters.
f. 108r C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que moult furent dolant li .vi. roy...

S II 111. 1

Add. f. 108r Rubric: Ensi si comme Merllins et se compaignie sont entre en mer.

Merlin transports reinforcements from Bretagne in boats.
O, champie initial
Text: Orendroit dist li contes que quant Merlins se fu entres en mer...

S II 113. 22
Fr. 95 f. 173

King Arthur (shield or) and his army, with the dragon banner, advance on horseback; battle of Bedigran; top border: male terminal holding 2 jugs pours into bowl from which a naked man with wild hair is drinking.

Add. f. 108v Rubric: Ensi que li roys Artus et li roys Bans chevauchent et ont ordene lor batailles.

The armies of King Arthur and King Ban approach.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li rois Artus et li rois Bans orent ordene lor batailles...

S II 115
Fr. 95 f. 173v

Battle of Bedrigan, King Arthur shield or, dragon pennant; bottom border: 4 goat-head terminals.


S II 116. 1

Add. f. 109v Rubric: Ensi que li rois Artus se combat au roy Loth et au roy dez . c. chevaliers et a pluisors autres.

King Arthur slaying enemies in battle.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant li .iii. roy furent remonte si dient qu'il greveront lor partie..

S II 118. 15

Add. f. 110 Rubric: Ensi que pluiseur roy qui se combatoient au roy Artu et estoient aussi com desconfit si se raloient ensamble et font de leur gent .ii. batailles
f. 110v

Battle. Arthur’s various opponents are united in one army.
A, champie initial
Text: A cel conseil que li roys Loth lor donne s'acorderent bien tout li baron...
S II 120. 1

Add. f. 111r Rubric: Ensi com le roys Bans s'en vient a la bataille l'enseigne desploie qui estoit son senescal.

King Ban joins the battle; his seneschal carries his banner.
A, champie initial
Text: A tant vint li rois Bans de Benoyc a qui li assamblers estoit moult tart...

S II 121. 38

Add. f. 111v Rubric: Ensi que li rois Artus et grant compaignie de chevaliers sont en .i. pavillon.

After the victory in battle, Arthur’s army encamps in a meadow.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li roys Artus ot desconfit les .x. rois...

S II 122. 23
Fr. 95 f. 177v

Merlin as old man has shot 5 ducks (mallards in the text) with one arrow; hunting; Merlin offers a duck to kings Arthur, Ban and Bors ; top border: affronted centaurs with swords hold two heads on long neck-terminals.


S II 124. 20

Add. f. 112r Rubric: Ensi com pluisor roy en le cyte de Sorhaut et on lez rechut a grant joie.

The defeated kings arrive at Sorhaut.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que moult furent dolant li baron de lor perte...

S II 128. 13
Fr. 95 f.181

O initial, King Lot and his men ride back to Orcanie.

Add. f. 113r Rubric: Ensi comme uns roys ala coucher avec une royne que la dame n'en sot mot.
Arthur sleeps with his sister; conception of Mordred.

C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que apres ce que li rois Nantres s'en fu partis de Sorhaut...

S II 131. 12

Add. f. 114r Rubric: Ensi que li roys des . c. chevaliers se part d’une cite. a grant compaignie de chevaliers.

The King of the Hundred Knights and his army leave Sorhaut.
E, champie initial
Text: En ceste partie dist li contes que quant li troi roy estoient departi de Sorhaut por aler en garnison...

S II 133. 17

Add. f. 114v Rubric: Ensi com Gauwaines et si frere parolent a Galescin son cousin. .
Gawain and his brothers talking with Galescin.

O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que quant Galescins ot aprises les noveles del roy Artu...

S II 134. 28

Add. f. 115r Rubric: Ensi com Gauvaines et si frere et pluiseur autre chevalcent tout arme.

Gawain and his companions armed on horseback.
C, champie initial
Text: Che fu a l'entree de mai au tans novel...

S II 136. 13

Add. f. 115v Rubric: Ensi comme Gauvaines et si frere. se combatent as Saisnes et en ochient grant plente et tant qu’il lez desconfirent.

Gawain and his brothers fight the Saxons.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant li sesne ont entendu qu'il ont perdu la proie si courent as armes...

S II 137. 39

Add. f. 116r Rubric: Ensi comme li paisant du pais mainent la proie en la cite.
Food (cattle and sheep) is taken to Logres.

C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que cil qui menerent le viande que li enfant orent conquis...

S II 138. 41
Fr. 95 f. 186v

Mounted combat in which Gauvain defeats Guineman; top border: mask head, male and female head terminals.


S II 141. 5

Add. f. 117r Rubric: Ensi que li roys Artus et sa compaigne sont entre el palais et li roys Leodegan se lieve contre lui.

Arthur and his companions arrive at Carmelide; King Leodegan prepares for war.
O, champie initial
Text: Or dist li contes que quant li rois Artus se fu partis de Bedingran...

S II 145. 25
Fr. 95 f. 190v

Battle of Carohaise: mounted combat in which Merlin as old man holds the dragon standard; top border: hooded centaur has shot arrow into rear of naked man with lion's head and unicorn's horn, whose eye is being pecked by stork; bottom: hooded male terminal drinking from bowl.


S II 144. 1

Add. f. 118r Rubric: Ensi que li roys Bans et pluisour autre se combate[n]t as Saisnes et en ont moult ocis.

Arthur and his companions attack the Saxons. (1)
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant li .xli. compaignon furent hors de la ville...

S II 145. 25

Add. f. 118v Rubric: Ensi que li rois Artus et sa compaignie se combatent a[s] Sesnes et a lor aidans.
image not available

Arthur and his companions attack the Saxons. (2)
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que moult fu grans li estours et pesans...

image notS II 146. 38


Add. f. 119r Rubric: Ensi que li roys Artus se combat a .i. roy saisne devant un castel.
Arthur kills King Caelenc before Leodegan’s castle.

E, champie initial
Text: Endementiers qu'il entendoit a la prese desrompre et departit avint que li rois Artus encontra le roy Caelenc...

S II 147. 17
Fr. 95 f. 191v

Battle of Carohaise: Merlin as old man holds the dragon standard again.

S II 149. 30

Add. f. 120r Rubric: Ensi com li senescaus Cleodalis est a pie et se combat vigreusement.

Leodegan’s seneschal Cleodalis is thrown down; on foot he kills many knights.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que illuec ou li senescaus Cleodalis fu a pie...

S II 154. 18

Add. f. 121v Rubric: Ensi que li rois Artus jouste au roy Sapharin et doi autre roy le sievent.

Arthur kills Sapharin.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant Merlins le voit si li escrie; que est che recreans...

S II 154. 35
Fr. 95 f. 195v

Battle of Carohaise, on a smaller scale, in which a knight is thrust backwards off his horse by a blow of his adversary's lance; bottom border: stone-thrower poised to throw; stone-carrier.


S II 156. 7
Fr. 95 f. 196v sm

Battle of Carohaise: rout of the Saxons.

Add. f. 122r Rubric: Ensi com la fille le roy Leodegan a lave le viaire et le col le roy Artu et puis l’essue d’un doublier.

Guinevere washes Arthur’s face.
E, champie initial
Text: En ceste partie dist li contes que moult furent lie et joiant cil del roialme de Carmelide...

S II 159. 36
Fr. 95 f. 198v sm
image not available

Banquet at Leodegan's castle.

Add. f. 123r Rubric: Ensi com Merlins a trait a une part lez trois rois et parole a euls a conseil.

Merlin talks to the three kings privately.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que moult furent bien assis al souper et servi de viandes et de vins...

S II 160. 32
Fr. 95 f. 199v
image not available

A spy reports to King Tradelinant; mounted combat at the battle of Arondel; top border: centaur-knight terminals fight with swords (or 3 besants azure, or a saltire azure); seated man holds owl on wrist; bottom: man with 2 swords attacks seated naked man with orange horned mask-head.

Add. f. 123v Rubric: Ensi com li roys Tradelinans fu en sa cite de Norgales et uns valles li dist novelles des saisnes.
A spy tells King Tradelmans that the Saxons invade his lands.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li rois Tradelmans fu venus a Norgales.

S II 164. 5
Fr. 95 f. 201

Q initial, city of Coringhes attacked by sappers of King Aguichant.

Add. f. 124r Rubric: Ensi que li sesne boutent le fu en un castel. et ocient quinqu’il ataignent.


The Saxons attack.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li rois Aguiscans s'en fu venus en sa cyte de Coranges...

S II 168. 13
Fr. 95 f. 203v

King Nantes de Garlot hears news of the defeat of the Saxons from a messenger; battle of Briolande: mounted combat with lances; bottom border: knight winds up his crossbow.

Add. f. 125v Rubric: Ensi come doi message sont devant un roy et li dient lor message.
Messengers announce another invasion of the Saxons to King Nantres.

C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li rois Nantres vit qu'il avoit perdu son fil Galescin si en fu moult dolens et courecies...

..............
.........................
.........................
S II 180. 12
Fr. 95 f. 210

C initial: Merlin as old man relating his adventures to Blaise.


Add. f. 129r Rubric: Ensi com Merlli[n]s entre en une cite et devant lui plente de bestes.

Merlin, in the semblance of an old cowherd drives cattle into Camelot.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant Merlins ot conte a Blaise toutes les aventures de la terre...

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S II 206. 16
Fr. 95 f. 223

Merlin as old man dictates to Blaise who sits writing; top border: affronted knight terminals fight with lances; bottom: hooded dragon terminal.

Add. f. 137r Rubric: Ensi que Gavaine est devant maistre Blaise et li conte lez aventures et il les mist en escrit (Merlin, not Gauvain)

Blaise writes down all adventures that Merlin relates.
E, champie initial
Text: En cheste partie dist li contes que quant Gauvain et si compaignon se furent melle a Thaurus...

S II 210. 1

Add. f. 138r Rubric: Ensi com Merlins siet deles damoisele d’encoste une fontaine si li monstre de ses gieus.

Merlin meets Viviane at a fountain and shows her his powers.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant Merlins ot asses pense si s'avanche et l'a toutes fois saluee...

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S II 244.12
Fr. 95 f. 242v

King Leodegan negociating his daughter's marrige to King Arthur; King Arthur and his men riding out of Carohaise; top border: hybrid terminals holding axes; bottom: affronted centaurs.


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S II 278. 39

Add. f. 159r Rubric: Ensi com li rois Bans gist avec sa femme et songa .i. songe dont il ot grant paor.

Queen Helaine tells King Ban in bed about her strange dream.
E, champie initial
Text: En cel soigne ou li rois Bans estoit li fu avis que quant la vois qui chou li ot dit s'en parti...

S II 279. 22
Fr. 95 f. 259v

C initial, Merlin explaining Queen Elaine's dream to King Ban of Beno
Add. f. 159v Rubric: Ensi comme li roys Bans parole a Merlin et li conte sa vision de son songe.
 

King Ban asks Merlin what his wife’s dream signifies.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que a .i. jour vint li rois Bans a Merlin et li dist...



Add. f. 159v Rubric: Ensi com Merlins a dit la senefiance dez so[n]ges et prent congie as trois rois.

Merlin interprets the dream and takes his leave of the three kings.
A, champie initial
Text: A tant s'en parti Merlins des .iii. rois et s'en ala a s'amie ki l'atendoit...

S II 281.5
Fr. 95 f. 261

Gauvain and his knights ride up to Benoic; King Arthur and his knights at sea in 2 sailboats; top border: double-headed trumpeter terminal, hybrid creature; bottom: bagpiper turns back to look at mummer peeping out of tall hairy body with stag's head; long-beaked bird; hybrid terminal with long horns.


S II 281. 31
Fr. 95 f. 261v

Merlin as old man in the forest; Julius Caesar in bed, dreaming of a sow with a circle of gold on its head; top: two men fight over a gaming board; bottom: falconer holding bird and lure; hybrid long-beaked terminal.

Add. f. 160r Rubric: Ensi com l'enpereris gist avec l’empereor

Julius Caesar, lying in bed with his wife, has a strange dream.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que quant Merlins se fu departis del roy Artu qu'il s'en ala es fores de Romenie...
S II 283. 1
Fr. 95 f. 262

Merlin in the guise of a stag before Caesar's table at which sit Caesar, his empress (who will later be burnt to death) and a courtier; top border: bird, hybrid; bottom: female acrobat, hooded trumpeter.

Add. f. 160v Rubric: Ensi com li rois sist au manger et Merlins y vint en samblance d’un cherf.

Merlin in the semblance of a stag tells Julius Caesar, who is dining, that only the wild man can explain his dream.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li emperreres seoit si pensis al mangier...

S II 284. 7

Hand 1 resumes from f. 161r - 184v
Add. f. 161r Rubric: Ensi com uns homs salvages est venus a un fu ou l’en rostisoit une haste. et il tolt au garchon le haste.

Merlin in the semblance of a wild man comes to a fire and snatches a spit of roasted meat.
E, champie initial
Text: Ensi pense Grisandoles et devise en son cuer tout chevalchant...

S II 287. 12

Add. f. 162r Rubric: Ensi com li homs salvages est leves en estant et espont al empereour son songe.
 
Merlin in the semblance of a wild man interprets Caesar’s dream.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant vint al quart jor apres ce que li salvages hom fu venus...

S II 292. 1
Fr. 95 f. 267v

Avenable reunited with her parents, in the presence of Caesar and his men; Caesar receives a messenger from Greece; top border: female terminals tearing their hair.

Add. f. 163r Rubric: Ensi que li emperes siet au mangier et uns messages est a genouls devant le roi et parole a li.

A messenger from Greece kneels before Caesar; inscription above door.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li homs salvages s'en fu partis del empereor de Romme...

S II 292. 38
Fr. 95 f. 268

Merlin as old man dictating to Blaise in his hermitage, seated at desk with book, wearing academic hat; top border: ape eating bread; centaur wielding sword, holding shield gironny or and azure; bottom: archer aims at knight who holds up tall tabernacle.

Add. f. 163v Rubric: Ensi com Merlins est devant maistre Blaise et li fait mettre lez aventures en escrit.
\
Blaise writes down all adventures that Merlin relates.
E, champie initial
Text: En cheste partie dist li contes que ausi tost ke Merlins fu departis de Julius Cesar k'il se mist au chemin vers la Grant Bertaigne a Blaise son maistre...

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S II 301. 4
Fr. 95 f. 273

Marriage of Arthur and Guinevere; knights tilting at quintain; top border: frontal hare between pairs of dragons; bottom: man balancing on one leg, playing portative organ.

Add. f. 166r Rubric: Ensi com uns parlemens est pris et Merlins traist a une part Ulfin et Bretelet.

Merlin tells Ulfin and Bretel about plans to substitute the false Guinevere for Arthur’s wife.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes ke Genievre le fillastre Cleodalis avoit de moult rices parens de par sa mere...

S II 303. 35

Add. f. 167r Rubric: Ensi com une bataille s’entresamble si y fait mesires Gavain mervelles d’armes.

Gawain’s brilliant feats of arms at a tournament.
Q, champie initial
Text: Quant chil furent monte et atourne si en vindrent les uns contre les autres...

S II 307. 34
Fr. 95 f. 277

King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and courtiers at banqueting table; Ulfin and Bretel defend Guinevere in foot combat with swords; she is roped to a tree.

Add. f. 168r Rubric: Ensi com mesires Gavain et pluiseur autre chevalier sieent a table. et parolent de moult de cosez

The knights sitting at the Round Table.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li rois Artus en ot mene monsegnor Gavain el palais...

S II 309. 3

Add. f. 168v Rubric: Ensi com Ulfins et Bretel se combatent pour rescourre la royne.
Ulfin and Bretel attack the traitors who seized Queen Guinevere.

Q, champie initial
Text: Quant Ulfins et Bretel voent cels que il tant desiroient a voir...

S II 312. 14
Fr. 95 f. 279v

Bertolais and his men before King Leodegan and his courtiers; top border: dog.

Add. f. 169v Rubric: Ensi com li rois Artus li rois Bans et li rois Bohors. et lor baron. sont a un jugement. et li rois Bans rent le jugement

Bertholais is judged to be disinherited and banished by an assembly of knights.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi endroit dist li contes que quant li rois Leodegans ot commande a son senescal qu'il menast sa fillastre hors du roialme de Carmelide...

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Fr. 95 f. 309-1

King Arthur and Queen Guinevere (holding lapdog), seated on bench covered with knotted cloth, listening to news of King Lot; three knights on horseback: Saigremors, Galescins and Dodinel; top border: hybrid centaur attacks naked man with very long sword; bottom: stork pecks small miniature; naked man wearing chain mail coif fights  hybrid creature who spears him.



Add. f. 188r
Rubric: Ensi com Saigremors Galescins et Dodyniaus s’estoient ale esbanoier en la forest

Sagremor, Galescin and Dodynel ride into the forest to seek adventures.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que moult mena boine vie li rois Artus avoec la roine Genievre sa feme...
 
S II 375. 3 BNF fr. 95 f. 309-2
image not available

Merlin as old man and Blaise, bareheaded, sitting in his doorway.
Add. f. 188r
Rubric: Ensi com Merlins conte a maistre Blaise lez aventures et il les mist en escript.


Blaise writes down all adventures that Merlin relates.
C, champie initial
Text: Chi dist li contes que a l'eure que Merlins se fu partis del roy Artu...

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S II 427. 9
Fr. 95 f. 334v

King Arthur and Merlin as an old man; King Arthur and his vassals cross the Channel in 2 sailboats to fight emperor Lucius (who wants Arthur to do homage and pay tribute); top border: trumpeting centaur; bottom: lion; two youths trap bird with strings and decoy.
Add. f. 204v Rubric: Ensi com li roys Artus est en son palais avec sa baronnie et
Merlins parole au roy

 .
Merlin bids King Arthur prepare for war.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore dist li contes que quant li .xii. message se furent parti del roy Artu...

S II 429. 36

Add. f. 205v Rubric: Ensi com li rois Artus ocist le jaiant. et il chiet el fu d’encoste le haste.

King Arthur kills the giant of Mt. Saint-Michel.
M, champie initial
Text: Moult ot Bedoier grant pitie de la feme et moult le conforta doucement...

COMPARISONS WITHDRAWN FOR COPYRIGHT REASONS

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S II 442. 21

Add. f. 209v space for rubric left blank

King Arthur kills the Cat of Lausanne.
O, champie initial
Text: Ore vous traies tot arriere fait li rois Artus car jou voel esprover son poor...
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S II 452. 37
Fr. 95 f. 347v

King Arthur, sitting on a gold throne with leaf finials tells Gauvain and his courtiers that Merlin has left him for ever; the knights seeking Merlin ride to a cross where the path divides into three; top border: hybrid creature; male terminal wielding curved knife; bottom: ape-archer aims at lion.

Add. f. 213r space for rubric left blank


Merlin tells King Arthur that he will never see him again.
C, champie initial
Text: Che dist li contes que a l'eure que Merlins se fu partis del roi Artus et qu'il li ot dit que ch'estoit la daerraine fois qu'il reverroit...

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S II 465. 3
Fr. 95 f. 354 sm

Elaine with a servant nursing Lancelot.