And when this Britain was built by this baron of wealth,
boldness was bred there, battle-loving,
in the turn of the times wreaking torment and anguish.
More legends have lain in this land more often
since that era than any other I’ve ever known;
but, of all that built here, the British kings,
Arthur was always the utmost, as I’ve heard tell.
Thus I intend to tell a tale of adventure,
which many men imagine as a marvelous vision
and an epic escapade of Arthur’s wonders.
If you’ll listen to this lay but a little while,
I’ll tell it true, as in town I heard it,
            with tongue,
            as it is fixed and fettered
            in story, stiff and strong,
            and locked in loyal letters,
            having lain in the land so long.