[1] Hard bestead: in a bad plight.
[2] Prize: death note.
[3] Dight: dressed.
[4] Beseen: of good appearance.
CHAPTER IX
THE TREACHERY OF MORGAN LE FAY
The meanwhile Morgan le Fay thought that King Arthur was slain, and that she might now be queen of the land, with Sir Accolon as King. Then came tidings unto her that Accolon was dead and King Arthur had his sword again. When Queen Morgan wist all this she was so sorrowful that near her heart brake, but because she would not it were known, outward she kept her countenance, and made no semblance of sorrow. But well she wist, if she remained till her brother Arthur came thither, there should no gold go for her life. Then she went unto Queen Guenever, and asked her leave to ride into the country.
"Ye may abide," said Queen Guenever, "till your brother the King come home."
"I may not," said Morgan le Fay, "for I have such hasty tidings that I may not tarry."