Vortigern

Prose Merlin

• attestation: Vortigern acquires knowledge in context "Et Vertigiers avoit moult" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "mestiers li fust. Et Vertigiers avoit moult de la terre trait a soi et lcs Saisnes les"

• attestation: Vortigern travels in passage beginning "Et li rois Moynes" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "les crestiiens. Et li rois Moynes vint a Ver- tigier et dist : < Biaus amis, aidiés la"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "' ^ ' gon" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "tiers Uters. /,.

' ^ ' gon et Lter ;

Et si avoit un senescal qui avoit non Vertigiers."

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et li plus s'acorderent" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "^y^Q^^i -. Moine

roi. Et li plus s'acorderent que il le feroient de(l) Moine, lui"

• attestation: Vortigern takes part in narrative at "ncchal Vertigier qui estoient" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  ", , „ . , . f . ncchal Vertigier

qui estoient de la loy de Homme vinrent pluiseurs lois"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et Vertigiers, qui estoit" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "combatre as crestiiens. Et Vertigiers, qui estoit senescaus gant. de la terre, faisoit"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et Vertigiers respont :" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "vostre volenté. » Et Vertigiers respont : « Sire, or i aillent li autre, car Je ne vous"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et di- sent que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "avoient tout perdu. Et di- sent que il n'eussent pas ceste perte faite se Vertigiers i"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et tant que li" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "une grant pieche. Et tant que li rois Moynes fu tenus a si malvais que il disent que il"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Lors vinrent a Vertigier," (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "plus sa malvaisté. Lors vinrent a Vertigier, se li disent : pays viennent « Sire, nous"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Cil oirent la parole" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 22)

  "le puis

estre. » Cil oirent la parole Vertigier, si pensèrent chou

que il vaurent. Si"

• attestation: Death event involving Vortigern near "Et quant il Torent" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 23)

  "estoit jovenes enfes. Et quant il Torent mort, si ne troverent pas qui granment en par-"

• attestation: Death event involving Vortigern near "VOUANT Vertigiers oi que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 23)

  "le roi Moyne. »

VOUANT Vertigiers oi que il (que il) avoient mort leur qui leur reproche"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et Vertigiers, si comme" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 23)

  "il feroient roi. Et Vertigiers, si comme je vous ai dit, avoit il est fait roi. les cuers"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "32 ^J ochis, si" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 23)

  "nous Tarons (f. 32 ^J ochis, si sera

Vertigiers rois. Et puis savra que il le sera par"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et icel douze s'en" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 23)

  "esliu-

rent douze. Et icel douze s'en alerent la ou li rois Moynes Douze"

• relationship: Vortigern speaks to Holy man (Prose Merlin) near "Et quant li preudomme" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 24)

  "qui mors estoit. Et quant li preudomme oi- rent que Vertigiers seroit rois, si lour fu"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "K^m endroit dist li" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 24)

  "au preu- domme.

K^m endroit dist li contes que Vertigiers fu esleus a

Les meurtriers roi"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Et quant Vertigiers les" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 24)

  "" avoient ochis. Et quant Vertigiers les vit, si ne fist on-

' ques nul samblant que il"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Vous meisme vous estes jugié, car vous n'aviés

d" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 24)

"ochis le

roi Moyne. Et quant Vertigiers lour oi dire que il avoient

occhis lour"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et nous savons bien" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 24)

  "laissiens (ensi) perdre. Et nous savons bien que si tost que Vertigiers sera rois, il les"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Sire, nous le cuidames avoir fait porvostre pourf" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "bien gar- der. » Et quant cil oirent ceste parole, si en furent moult espoenté, si disent"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Signour, je vous mousterrai comment on doit amer" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "amaisses mieus. » Quant Vertigiers Toi, si dist : « Signour, je vous mousterrai comment"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Vertigiers, tu nous as Leurs parents fait moult g" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "remest ensamble. Quant cil furent mort, si avoient moult grant lignage qui vin- rent a"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Quant Vertigiers oi que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "gré ton service. » Quant Vertigiers oi que cil le manechoient, si en ot moult grant"

• attestation: Vortigern experiences wrath near "Et quant Vertigiers sot" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "disent, si s'en vont. Et quant Vertigiers sot que a morir l'en convcrroit, si en fu moult"

• attestation: Vortigern moves through scene in context "Et quant il furent" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "gieta de la terre. Et quant il furent fors, si de- vint Vertigiers si malvais a son"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Ensi meut grans contenchons" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "en fu moult irés. Ensi meut grans contenchons entre Vertigier et chiaus quels parens il"

• attestation: Vortigern takes part in narrative at "Vertigiers ti(e)nt la terregrant" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "trent en la terre. Vertigiers ti(e)nt la terregrant tans apriès, sucrr*^ c» sont et"

• attestation: Vortigern responds in dialogue within text beginning "Vertigier : « Sire, nous" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "espoenté, si disent a Vertigier : « Sire, nous le cuidames avoir fait porvostre pourfit,"

• attestation: Vortigern makes a statement in text beginning "Vertigiers Toi, si dist :" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 25)

  "mieus. » Quant Vertigiers Toi, si dist : « Signour, je vous mousterrai comment on doit"

• attestation: Vortigern moves through scene in context "Et tant le servi" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 26)

  "longuement Vertigier. Et tant le servi que

Vertigiers vint au dessus de sa guerre. Et"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Tant fist Hangus et" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 26)

  "le haoit moult. Tant fist Hangus et tant pourca-

ct épouse la fille cha que Vertigiers"

• attestation: Vortigern acquires knowledge in context "Après sot Vertigiers que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 26)

  "loy Jesu-

crist. Après sot Vertigiers que il n'estoit pas bien amés

de tous ses hommes."

• attestation: Vortigern experiences wrath near "C^UANT Vertigiers vit que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 26)

  "trois fois chei.

C^UANT Vertigiers vit que sa tours ne porroit tenir, si en fu moult"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et quant liSaisneoirent que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 26)

  "feroit pais a iaus.

Et quant liSaisneoirent que Vertigiers requeroit la pais,

si en"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Il me samble que vous dites voir." (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 27)

  "par iaus non. » Lors dist Vertigiers : « Il me samble que vous dites voir.» Atant fist"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Signour, me savriés vous consillier pour coi ma t" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 27)

  "rois nous a dite. » Et puis si traist li rois les plus sages a une part a conseil, si"

• attestation: Vortigern takes part in narrative at "Vertigiers a tous conseil." (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 27)

  "Vertigiers a tous conseil. Quant li preudoume oirent Ses conseillers telle merveille"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et quant il furent" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 27)

  "toute sa terre. Et quant il furent tout venu, si lor moustra Vertigiers celé miervelle, et"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Quant li clerc oirent" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 27)

  "par vous non. » Quant li clerc oirent chou que li rois {f. 34 ^) leur re- queroit [,si"

• attestation: Vortigern involved with fortification near "Et li rois lour" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 28)

  "amenet devant le roi. Et li rois lour demande [se il quident que il lui sachent a dire]"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et li rois dist" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 28)

  "seuu par nul homme. Et li rois dist que se il li dient, que il lor donra chou que il"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Signour, que ne me di- tes vous chou que vous me" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 28)

  "moult es- poenté. Et tant que li rois les hasta et les fist mander devant lui , si lor"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Je voel que vous l'aiiés." (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 28)

  "dusqu*a onze jors.» Et li rois lor dist : « Je voel que vous l'aiiés. Regardés, si chier"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Ensi se départirent li" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 28)

  "que il vaurront. Ensi se départirent li rois et li clerc dou conseil. Et li set clerc"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Signour, vous m'avés tout ceste parole dite et ca" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 29)

  "estre nés sans père. Et li rois tint moult ses clers a(s) sages, si lor dist : « Signour,"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et li rois lour" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 29)

  "nés sans père. » Et li rois lour dist que il les feroit moult bien garder, et si"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et li rois lour" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 29)

  "tout en apert. » Et li rois lour retraist tout mot a mot si comme il li orent conié. Et"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et li rois lor" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 29)

  "comman- dement. » Et li rois lor demande se che puet estre voirs que nus hom puist"

• attestation: Vortigern makes a statement in text beginning "li rois tint moult ses" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 29)

  "nés sans père. Et li rois tint moult ses clers a(s) sages, si lor dist : « Signour, vous"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "En ceste manière que nous t'avons dit tenra ta Ve" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 30)

  "« En ceste manière que nous t'avons dit tenra ta Vertigier en- tours, se elle"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "& Li rois fist" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 30)

  "doit ja mais tenir. & Li rois fist mètre tous ^^''^ ^°"^- "^^^" ses clers en une forte"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Et lour le tuer" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 30)

  "messages i ot douze. Et lour le tuer dès qu'ils fist li rois jurer sor sains que cil qui"

• attestation: Vortigern travels in passage beginning "Et Vertigiers, quant il" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 32)

  "sans (36^ ) père. Et Vertigiers, quant il oi ceste chose, se li vint a grant mierveille,"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Et Vertigiers prist douze" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 32)

  "que elle tenroit. Et Vertigiers prist douze messages, si lor fist jurer atousque il"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et li rois manda" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 32)

  "chiet tous jours. Et li rois manda clers pour savoir s'il en savoient riens pour coi elle"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "n Et li message" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 32)

  "vous l'aviés ochis. n Et li message dient : « Sire, nous ameriemes micus a estre parjuré"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Li message s'en torne-" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 37)

  "dira seurement. » Li message s'en torne- rent et s"'en alerent a Vertigier. Et quant il"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Lors apieierent Vertigier a" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 37)

  "que nous poons. » Lors apieierent Vertigier a .j^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^_ conseil et li contèrent"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et quant Vertigiers oi" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 38)

  "quî le gardent. » Et quant Vertigiers oi les messages responsables sur ensi parler, si"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Certainnement, sire, il dist voir." (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 40)

  "osent mentir. » Et li rois lor demande se il disr voir, et il respondent : « Certainnement"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Li rois fist tantost" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 40)

  "porter loing. » Li rois fist tantost mètre les ouvriers, et on trouve l'eau; jgs gens de"

• attestation: Vortigern moves through scene in context "Et li rois i" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 41)

  "avoient trouvé. Et li rois i vint moult liement pour la merveille esgarder. Et amena"

• attestation: Vortigern observes in context "Et quant li rois" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 41)

  "Merlin avoec lui. Et quant li rois vit Tiaue, se li sambla moult grans. Et apiela deus de"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et Vertigiers dist que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 41)

  "les deux fiance. » Et Vertigiers dist que il les fera moult volen- ^^^^so"^' .""^"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Lors fist li rois" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 41)

  "se

tiers mander. Lors fist li rois par toute sa terre mander combattront avec les"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et li rois respont" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 41)

  "quels vaintera. Et li rois respont qu'il ne li a pas dit encore. Lors firent * li ouvrier"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Comment en seront il gieté?" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 42)

  "cil doi dragon.» Et li rois li dist : « Comment en seront il gieté? > Et Merlins dist : «"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Atant apiela Vertigiers quatre" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 42)

  "trois ou quatre. »

Atant apiela Vertigiers quatre des plus preudommes ou il se fioit"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks in context "Et lors dist Vertigiers" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 42)

  "que il le voie. Et lors dist Vertigiers que il ont bien dit. « Et je m'i acort bien. Et il"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Lors commanda Vertigiers que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 43)

  "chiee ^°"'"- plus. » Lors commanda Vertigiers que li ouvrier i fuis- sent mis, si la fist"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et Vertigiers respont :" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 43)

  "mi plege quite. » Et Vertigiers respont : « Si seront il. » Et lors traient les deus"

• attestation: Vortigern speaks: "Chi n'a homme qui ne sne Vcrtigier ic

o a ^ drag" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 45)

"dcsi- mau gré. » Et Vertigiers dist : « Chi n'a homme qui ne sne Vcrtigier ic

o a ^"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et quant Vertigiers l'entent," (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 45)

  "le

Constant. » Et quant Vertigiers l'entent, si ot honte. Et combat des deux Merlins s'en"

• attestation: Vortigern observes in context "Quant Vertigiers les vit," (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 47)

  "Constant amenèrent. Quant Vertigiers les vit, si com- f ^^ ?^°,'!, ^

^ ^ 1- r-1 Marquent"

• relationship: Vortigern and Uther Pendragon share brotherhood near "Et cil respondent :" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 47)

  "cil vaissiel ?» Et cil respondent : « Elles sont a Pandragon et a Uter son frère, ces"

• attestation: Vortigern observes in context "Et quant Vertigiers vit" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 47)

  "dirent a Vertigier. Et quant Vertigiers vit que li plus de{s) s(ag)es gens li failloient"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Si le dirent a" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 47)

  "bien venir maus. Si le dirent a Vertigier. Et quant Vertigiers vit que li plus de{s)"

• attestation: Vortigern performs an action in context "Ensi se desfendirent les" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 48)

  "moult durement. Ensi se desfendirent les gens Vertigier, et tant que Pandragons mist le fu"

• attribution: Vortigern described as possessing strength near "Et li Saisne que" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 48)

  "et moult loiaus. Et li Saisne que Vertigiers ot

guerre aux Sais- j^jg ^^ j^ ^^^^t"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "son château où ^^^^^" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 48)

  "r i i i i • i .

son château où ^^^^^ Vertigier furent entrèrent dedens le chastiel, si se"

• attestation: Vortigern is part of narrative development at "Et en cel feu" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 48)

  "une grant partie. Et en cel feu fu ars Vertigiers.

(43 ^) Ure dist li contes que ensi"

• attestation: Death event involving Vortigern near "Et j'ai oi dire" (Prose Merlin > Tome I > Page 63)

  "homfmes] dou monde. Et j'ai oi dire que il dist Vertigier sa mort et que il morroit de"

Roman de Brut

• attestation: Vortigern was suspected of having arranged Constantine's assassination (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "many a time have I heard tell that it was Vortigern who caused Constantine to be slain"

• attribution: Vortigern was described as courteous in speech and prudent in counsel (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "Very courteous was he of speech; right prudent in counsel"

• attestation: Vortigern proposed making Constant the monk into king as rightful heir (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "There is naught else to do but to make this monk, Constant, our king. He is the rightful heir"

• attestation: Vortigern noted that Constantine's other sons were too young for the throne (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "his brothers are not long from the breast"

• attestation: Vortigern had long planned to seize power through manipulating the succession (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "long since had made straight the road that he coveted to tread"

• attestation: Vortigern argued against placing the crown on a stranger's head when the rightful heir existed (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "neither is it fitting that the crown should be placed upon a stranger's head"

• attestation: Vortigern perceived that Constant was naive about worldly affairs due to his monastic upbringing (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "Vortigern perceived that the king knew but little of the world, since he was nourished in a cloister"

• attestation: Vortigern noted that Constantine's two younger princes were still of tender age (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "He remembered that the two princes were of tender age"

• attestation: Vortigern judged the time was right to seize the realm for himself (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "judged that the place and time were come"

• attribution: Vortigern employed cunning craft to take control of the realm (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "Mark now the cunning craft with which he set about to take his seisin of the realm"

• attestation: Vortigern observed that the powerful lords of the realm had died, leaving a power vacuum (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "He saw that the mighty lords of the realm were dead"

• attestation: Vortigern warned Constant that Norse and Danish raiders were assembling to invade (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "the sea folk are gathered together from Norway, and from the country of the Danes"

• attestation: Vortigern counselled fortifying strongholds and provisioning towers against invasion (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "Set food within the strong places, and keep well thy towers"

• attestation: Vortigern warned that the Norse and Danes intended to ravish and spoil the Britons' cities (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "they purpose to descend upon the kingdom, and ravish and spoil your cities"

• attestation: Vortigern told Constant he had intelligence about gathering sea-borne invaders (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "I have learned and would bring to your knowledge that the sea folk are gathered together"

• attestation: Vortigern advised Constant to gather his men to guard the realm and himself (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "Draw now together thy men, to guard the realm and thee"

• attestation: Vortigern warned that another king would reign if Constant did not act on his counsel (Roman de Brut > Constantine and Vortigern)

  "If you act not after this counsel right speedily there must reign another king"

• attestation: The king inquired about the Saxons' religion when he heard they worshipped Mercury (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "When the king heard the name of Mercury as the god of their governance, be inquired what manner of men these were"

• attestation: The king accepted Hengist's invitation and was pleased to visit (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "the king was pleased to hearken unto his prayer"

• attestation: Vortigern fell deeply in love with Rowena despite her pagan birth (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "He was so fast in the devil's net that he saw neither shame nor sin in this love"

• attestation: Vortigern asked Hengist for Rowena's hand in marriage (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "Vortigern prayed Hengist that he would grant him the maid in marriage"

• attestation: Vortigern married Rowena and made her queen despite her pagan faith (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "he made her his queen. She was a pagan woman, and became his wife according to the rites of the paynim"

• attestation: No Christian priest blessed the marriage of Vortigern and Rowena; there was no Mass (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "No priest blessed that marriage, there was neither Mass nor prayer"

• attestation: Vortigern gave Kent to Hengist as Rowena's dowry on the wedding evening (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "he espoused her the same evening, and bestowed on Hengist Kent as her dowry"

• attestation: Vortigern's desire for Rowena was so great that he doted on her (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "The king coveted the maiden so greatly, he doted so dearly"

• attestation: Vortigern married Rowena on the same evening he proposed (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "he espoused her the same evening"

• attestation: Vortigern asked Hengist to return with only a small company to avoid alarming the Britons (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "with a small company, so that the Britons should not give heed to the matter"

• attestation: Vortigern's wife (Rowena) urged him to recall her father Hengist to Britain (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "At the entreaties of his wife he sent messages to his father-in-law, Hengist"

• attestation: Vortigern was fearful when he learned Hengist had arrived with an enormous army (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "When the king learned that Hengist drew to land with so mighty a host, he was altogether fearful"

• attestation: Vortigern was left speechless when he learned of Hengist's enormous army (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "he was altogether fearful, and knew no word to say"

• attestation: Vortigern sent Hengist a message requiring him to attend with few companions (Roman de Brut > Hengist and the Saxons)

  "The king sent messages to Hengist that he must come with few companions"

• attestation: The king acknowledged he would tell Merlin everything and urged him to listen carefully (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "Merlin," answered the king, "know it you shall. Hearken diligently, so shall you learn of all"

• attestation: Vortigern's tower would not stand unless its mortar was mixed with Merlin's blood (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "my tower may never stand tall, unless its stones and lime are slaked with thy blood"

• attestation: Vortigern's advisors claimed his tower would only stand if its mortar was mixed with the blood of a fatherless man (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "my tower may never stand tall, unless its stones and lime are slaked with thy blood—the blood of a fatherless man"

• attestation: The king brought his sorcerers before Merlin as challenged (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "The king sent for his sorcerers, and set them before Merlin"

• attestation: The king marvelled greatly when Merlin described the two dragons (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "Thereat the king marvelled greatly"

• attestation: The king asked Merlin to interpret the meaning of the battling dragons (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "He prayed Merlin to show him the interpretation of these dragons"

• attestation: The king seated himself on the bank of the pool to watch the dragons fight (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "The king seated himself upon the bank of the pool"

• attestation: Vortigern praised Merlin and regarded him as a true prophet (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "The king praised Merlin greatly, and esteemed him for a true prophet"

• attestation: Vortigern asked Merlin to foretell the manner and time of his death (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "He inquired of the youth in what hour he should die, and by what means he would come to his end"

• attribution: Vortigern was described as greatly fearful of death (Roman de Brut > Merlin and the Prophecies)

  "this king was marvellously fearful of death"

Celtic Folklore: Welsh and Manx

• attestation: Vortigern legend as the place where the dragons had been hidden, that frustrated the build- (Celtic Folklore: Welsh and Manx > Volume II > Chapter VIII: Welsh Cave Legends)

  "It is celebrated in the Vortigern legend as the place where the dragons had been hidden, that frustrated the build-"

Layamon's Brut

• relationship: Thus spake Vortiger with the monk then there: "Constance, hearken my counsel, for now is thy father dead. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Thus spake Vortiger with the monk then there: "Constance, hearken my counsel, for now is thy father dead."

• attestation: All the folk did as Vortiger deemed. (Layamon's Brut)

  "All the folk did as Vortiger deemed;"

• attestation: Vortiger had Welshland the half-part in his hand. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger had Welshland the half-part in his hand;"

• attestation: Forty knights good he had in his retinue. He proceeded to Winchester, where he found Constance, and spake with the abbot who governed the monastery where Constance was monk, the king's son of Britain. (Layamon's Brut)

  "forty knights good he had in his retinue."

• attestation: The abbot leapt on horse, and after Vortiger rode, and soon gan overtake the Earl Vortiger. (Layamon's Brut)

  "The abbot leapt on horse, and after Vortiger rode, and soon gan overtake the Earl Vortiger."

• attestation: Vortiger lay in London, until the same set day came, that the knights of this land should come to husting. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger lay in London, until the same set day came, that the knights of this land should come to husting."

• relationship: When they saw the clothes lie by the walls, then each to other lamented their brother. The abbot leapt on horse, and after Vortiger rode, and soon gan overtake the Earl Vortiger. (Layamon's Brut)

  "when they saw the clothes lie by the walls, then each to other lamented their brother."

• attestation: Vortiger the high forbade his attendants, that they to no man should tell what they had in design. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger the high forbade his attendants, that they to no man should tell what they had in design."

• relationship: Thou takest from us our brother,--leave him, and take the other. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Thou takest from us our brother,--leave him, and take the other."

• attestation: Thus said the abbot to Vortiger where he rode: "Say me, thou mad knight, why dost thou so great wrong? (Layamon's Brut)

  "Thus said the abbot to Vortiger where he rode: "Say me, thou mad knight, why dost thou so great wrong?"

• attestation: Vortiger saw that--the Worse was full nigh him!--oft he bethought him what he might do, how he might with leasing please the king. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger saw that--the Worse was full nigh him!--oft he bethought him what he might do, how he might with leasing please the king."

• attestation: Vortiger saw this--of all evil he was well ware, up he gan to stand, the crown he took in hand, and he set it upon Constance--that was to him in thought. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger saw this--of all evil he was well ware, up he gan to stand, the crown he took in hand, and he set it upon Constance--that was to him in thought."

• attestation: Was there never any man that might there do Christendom, that might do blessing upon the king, but Vortiger alone did it clean for all! (Layamon's Brut)

  "Was there never any man that might there do Christendom, that might do blessing upon the king, but Vortiger alone did it clean for all!"

• attestation: Thus was Constance king of this land, and Vortiger was his steward. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Thus was Constance king of this land, and Vortiger was his steward."

• attestation: Constance set all his kingdom in Vortiger's hand, and he did all in the land, as he himself would. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Constance set all his kingdom in Vortiger's hand, and he did all in the land, as he himself would."

• attestation: Saw Vortiger--of much evil he was ware--that Constance the king knew nothing of land (government?), for he had not learnt ever any learning, except what a monk should perform in his monastery. Vortiger saw that--the Worse was full nigh him! (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then saw Vortiger--of much evil he was ware--that Constance the king knew nothing of land (government?), for he had not learnt ever any learning, except what a monk should perform in his monastery."

• attestation: Vortiger was most strong, the highest man of Britain, was there never any so bold that his words durst deprecate. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger was most strong, the highest man of Britain, was there never any so bold that his words durst deprecate."

• attestation: Laughed Vortiger--he was of evil most ware--was he never so blithe ere in his life! Vortiger took leave, and forth he gan pass, and so he proceeded through all Britain's land, all the castles and all the land he set in his own hand, and the fealty he took ever where he came. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then laughed Vortiger--he was of evil most ware--was he never so blithe ere in his life!"

• attestation: Vortiger took leave, and forth he gan pass, and so he proceeded through all Britain's land, all the castles and all the land he set in his own hand, and the fealty he took ever where he came. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger took leave, and forth he gan pass, and so he proceeded through all Britain's land, all the castles and all the land he set in his own hand, and the fealty he took ever where he came."

• attestation: I have in my hand all this regal land, with me ye shall go, and I will you love, and I will you bring before our king. (Layamon's Brut)

  "I have in my hand all this regal land, with me ye shall go, and I will you love, and I will you bring before our king;"

• attestation: To the king came Vortiger--of evil he was well ware--and said him of-- had done--"And here I have the Peohtes, who shall be household knights; and I have most well stored all thy castles, and these foreign knights shall before us fight. (Layamon's Brut)

  "To the king came Vortiger--of evil he was well ware--and said him of-- had done--"And here I have the Peohtes, who shall be household knights;"

• attestation: I have most well stored all thy castles, and these foreign knights shall before us fight." The king commended all as Vortiger purposed, but alas! that the king knew nothing of his thoughts, nor of his treachery, that he did soon thereafter! (Layamon's Brut)

  "and I have most well stored all thy castles, and these foreign knights shall before us fight." The king commended all as Vortiger purposed, but alas!"

• attestation: Now I must depart hence far to some king, serve him with peace, and gain wealth with him; I may not for much shame have here this abode, but forth I must go to foreign lands And if the day shall ever come that I may acquire wealth, and I may so well thrive, that ye come in the land where I am, I will well reward you with much worship. (Layamon's Brut)

  "And now I must depart hence far to some king, serve him with peace, and gain wealth with him;"

• attestation: Befell it on a day, that Vortiger lay at his inn; he took his two knights and sent after the Peohtes, bade them come here, for they all should eat there. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then befell it on a day, that Vortiger lay at his inn;"

• attestation: He took his two knights and sent after the Peohtes, bade them come here, for they all should eat there. Forth-right the knights came to him, to his inn, he tried them with words as they sate at the board, he caused draughts to be brought them of many kinds of drinks, they drank, they revelled, the day there forth passed. (Layamon's Brut)

  "he took his two knights and sent after the Peohtes, bade them come here, for they all should eat there."

• attestation: Forth-right the knights came to him, to his inn, he tried them with words as they sate at the board, he caused draughts to be brought them of many kinds of drinks, they drank, they revelled, the day there forth passed. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Forth-right the knights came to him, to his inn, he tried them with words as they sate at the board, he caused draughts to be brought them of many kinds of drinks, they drank, they revelled, the day there forth passed."

• attestation: When they were so drunk that their shanks weakened, then spake Vortiger what he had previously thought: "Hearken now to me, knights, I will say to you forth-right of my mickle sorrow that I for you have mourned. (Layamon's Brut)

  "When they were so drunk that their shanks weakened, then spake Vortiger what he had previously thought: "Hearken now to me, knights, I will say to you forth-right of my mickle sorrow that I for you have mourned."

• attestation: The king delivered me this land for to be his steward. (Layamon's Brut)

  "The king delivered me this land for to be his steward."

• attestation: Ye are to me liefest of all men alive, but I have not wealth to give my knights, for this king possesses all this land. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Ye are to me liefest of all men alive, but I have not wealth to give my knights, for this king possesses all this land,"

• attestation: I may not for much shame have here this abode, but forth I must go to foreign lands And if the day shall ever come that I may acquire wealth, and I may so well thrive, that ye come in the land where I am, I will well reward you with much worship. (Layamon's Brut)

  "I may not for much shame have here this abode, but forth I must go to foreign lands And if the day shall ever come that I may acquire wealth, and I may so well thrive, that ye come in the land where I am, I will well reward you with much worship."

• attestation: And have now all good day, for to-night I will go away, it is a great doubt whether ye see me evermore"--These knights knew not what the traitor thought Vortiger was treacherous,. (Layamon's Brut)

  "And have now all good day, for to-night I will go away, it is a great doubt whether ye see me evermore"--These knights knew not what the traitor thought Vortiger was treacherous,"

• attestation: The Peohtes saw that--the drunken knights--how Vortiger would depart, herefore they had much care, they went to counsel, they went to communing, all they lamented their life exceedingly, because Vortiger was so dear to them And thus said the Peohtes, the drunken knights: "What may we now in counsel? (Layamon's Brut)

  "The Peohtes saw that--the drunken knights--how Vortiger would depart, herefore they had much care, they went to counsel, they went to communing, all they lamented their life exceedingly, because Vortiger was so dear to them And thus said the Peohtes, the drunken knights: "What may we now in counsel?"

• attestation: Thou art no woman so sore to weep." Then answered Vortiger, who was traitor full secret: "I will tell you piteous speeches, of much calamity that is come to the land. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Thou art no woman so sore to weep." Then answered Vortiger, who was traitor full secret: "I will tell you piteous speeches, of much calamity that is come to the land."

• attestation: "Lord Vortiger, what is that thou mournest? (Layamon's Brut)

  ""Lord Vortiger, what is that thou mournest?"

• attestation: Bestir you forth right!" And they seized the king, and smote off his head, and all his knights they slew forth-right And took a messenger. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Bestir you forth right!" And they seized the king, and smote off his head, and all his knights they slew forth-right And took a messenger,"

• attestation: Vortiger heard that, who was traitor full secret. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger heard that, who was traitor full secret;"

• attestation: Thus he ordered the messenger back forth-right anon, and bade them "well to keep all our worship that never one depart out of the place, but all abide me, until that I arrive, and so I will divide this land among us all. (Layamon's Brut)

  "thus he ordered the messenger back forth-right anon, and bade them "well to keep all our worship that never one depart out of the place,"

• attestation: When the burgh-men were come, who were most bold, then spake Vortiger, who was traitor full secret,--much he gan to weep, and sorrowfully to sigh, but it was in his head, and not in his heart. (Layamon's Brut)

  "When the burgh-men were come, who were most bold, then spake Vortiger, who was traitor full secret,--much he gan to weep, and sorrowfully to sigh, but it was in his head, and not in his heart."

• attestation: Asked him the burgh-men, who were most bold. "Lord Vortiger, what is that thou mournest? (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then asked him the burgh-men, who were most bold."

• attestation: Vortiger engaged in combat (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then said Vortiger, who was traitor full secret: "Every brave man lay on them with sword, and avenge well in the land the sorrow of our lord!" None they captured, but all they them slew;"

• attestation: When Vortiger saw this head, then fell he full nigh to the ground, as if he had grief most of all men, with his countenance he gan he, but his heart was full blithe. (Layamon's Brut)

  "When Vortiger saw this head, then fell he full nigh to the ground, as if he had grief most of all men, with his countenance he gan he, but his heart was full blithe."

• attestation: The Peohtes were blithe for their murder (that they had committed), and they took their good gear—-there was neither shield nor spear Vortiger weaponed all his knights forth right, and the Peohtes there came, and brought the head of the king. (Layamon's Brut)

  "The Peohtes were blithe for their murder (that they had committed), and they took their good gear—-there was neither shield nor spear Vortiger weaponed all his knights forth right, and the Peohtes there came, and brought the head of the king."

• attestation: He took one of his knights, and sent to the Peohtes, and said to them that he came, if they would him receive. The Peohtes were blithe for their murder (that they had committed), and they took their good gear—-there was neither shield nor spear Vortiger weaponed all his knights forth right, and the Peohtes there came, and brought the head of the king. (Layamon's Brut)

  "And he took one of his knights, and sent to the Peohtes, and said to them that he came, if they would him receive."

• attestation: They rode and they ran, forth with Vortiger, until they approached where the Peohtes dwelt. And he took one of his knights, and sent to the Peohtes, and said to them that he came, if they would him receive. (Layamon's Brut)

  "they rode and they ran, forth with Vortiger, until they approached where the Peohtes dwelt."

• attestation: Vortiger sent to them, and asked how they were disposed (their business). (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger sent to them, and asked how they were disposed (their business);"

• attestation: In the meantime came tidings to Vortiger the king, that over sea were come men exceeding strange; in the Thames to land they were come. (Layamon's Brut)

  "In the meantime came tidings to Vortiger the king, that over sea were come men exceeding strange;"

• attestation: In the Thames to land they were come; three ships good came with the flood, therein three hundred knights, kings as it were, without (besides) the shipmen who were there within. (Layamon's Brut)

  "in the Thames to land they were come;"

• attestation: Three ships good came with the flood, therein three hundred knights, kings as it were, without (besides) the shipmen who were there within. These were the fairest men that ever here came, but they were heathens--that was the more harm! (Layamon's Brut)

  "three ships good came with the flood, therein three hundred knights, kings as it were, without (besides) the shipmen who were there within."

• attestation: If they sought peace, and recked of his friendship? They answered wisely, as well they knew, and said that they would speak with the king, and lovingly him serve, and hold him for lord. (Layamon's Brut)

  "if they sought peace, and recked of his friendship?"

• attestation: Thus we fared there, and therefore are we now here, to seek under heaven land and good lord. Now thou hast heard, lord king, sooth of us through all things. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Thus we fared there, and therefore are we now here, to seek under heaven land and good lord."

• attestation: Now thou hast heard, lord king, sooth of us through all things." Then answered Vortiger—-of each evil he was ware—-"I believe thee, knight, that thou sayest to me right sooth. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Now thou hast heard, lord king, sooth of us through all things." Then answered Vortiger—-of each evil he was ware—-"I believe thee, knight, that thou sayest to me right sooth."

• attestation: Forth went the warriors to Vortiger the king. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Forth went the warriors to Vortiger the king;"

• attestation: Was Vortiger's court held in contempt! the Britons were sorry for such a sight. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then was Vortiger's court held in contempt!"

• attribution: Rouwenne sate on her knee, and called to the king, and thus first she said in English land: "Lord king, wassail! (Layamon's Brut)

  "Rouwenne sate on her knee, and called to the king, and thus first she said in English land: "Lord king, wassail!"

• attestation: For thy coming I am glad." The king this heard, and knew not what she said, the King Vortiger asked his knights soon, what were the speech that the maid spake. Then answered Keredic, a knight most admirable. (Layamon's Brut)

  "for thy coming I am glad." The king this heard, and knew not what she said, the King Vortiger asked his knights soon, what were the speech that the maid spake."

• attestation: Answered Keredic, a knight most admirable; he was the best interpreter that ere came here: "Listen to me now, my lord king, and I will make known to thee what Rowenne saith, fairest of all women. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then answered Keredic, a knight most admirable;"

• relationship: Was Vortimer Christian king there, and Vortiger, his father, followed the heathens. All thus it happened, as the counsel was done. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then was Vortimer Christian king there, and Vortiger, his father, followed the heathens."

• attestation: Vortiger went on the land, and bare a wand in his hand. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger went on the land, and bare a wand in his hand."

• relationship: And Vortiger, his father, proceeded over this Britain, but it was no man so poor, that did not revile him, and so he gan to wander full five years. (Layamon's Brut)

  "And Vortiger, his father, proceeded over this Britain, but it was no man so poor, that did not revile him, and so he gan to wander full five years."

• attestation: The while that they spake of peace the Saxons leapt into their ships, and drew up high their sails to the top, and proceeded with weather in the wild sea, and left in this land their wives and their children, and Vortiger the king, who loved them through all things. (Layamon's Brut)

  "The while that they spake of peace the Saxons leapt into their ships, and drew up high their sails to the top, and proceeded with weather in the wild sea, and left in this land their wives and their children, and Vortiger the king, who loved them through all things."

• attestation: With much grief of mind Vortiger gan away fare; so long they proceeded, that in Saxland they were (arrived). (Layamon's Brut)

  "With much grief of mind Vortiger gan away fare;"

• relationship: she asked his favour, that she might here dwell with Vortiger his father, and follow his counsels. (Layamon's Brut)

  "she asked his favour, that she might here dwell with Vortiger his father, and follow his counsels."

• relationship: The king for his father's request granted to her her prayer, except that she should do well, and love the Christendom. (Layamon's Brut)

  "The king for his father's request granted to her her prayer, except that she should do well, and love the Christendom;"

• attestation: They knew not in the worlds-realm counsel that were to them pleasing. Hengest was of evil ware--that he well showed there--he took soon his messengers, and sent to the king, and greeted Vortiger the king with words most fair, and said that he was come as a father should to his son. (Layamon's Brut)

  "they knew not in the worlds-realm counsel that were to them pleasing."

• attestation: Peace he would love, and wrong he would shun; peace he would have, peace he would hold. (Layamon's Brut)

  "peace he would love, and wrong he would shun;"

• attestation: All this nation he would love, and love Vortiger the king through all things. But he had brought, in this land, out of Saxland, seven hundred ships of heathen folk, "who are the bravest of all men that dwell under the sun, and I will," quoth Hengest, "lead them all to the king, at a set day, before all his people. (Layamon's Brut)

  "and all this nation he would love, and love Vortiger the king through all things."

• attestation: Oft was Vortiger woe, but never worse than then, and the Britons were sorry, and sorrowful in heart. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Oft was Vortiger woe, but never worse than then, and the Britons were sorry, and sorrowful in heart;"

• attestation: With peace and with friendship he would dwell in amity; peace he would love, and wrong he would shun. (Layamon's Brut)

  "with peace and with friendship he would dwell in amity;"

• attestation: Vortiger the king gave them all this land, so that a turf of land did not remain to him in hand. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger the king gave them all this land, so that a turf of land did not remain to him in hand."

• attestation: Vortiger fled or retreated (Layamon's Brut)

  "And Vortiger himself fled over Severn, far into Welsh-land, and there he gan tarry, and his retinue with him, that poor was become."

• attestation: Vortiger's knights identified Merlin as a fatherless boy and demanded he be brought to the king (Layamon's Brut)

  "We are here-right Vortiger's knights, and have found here a young lad he is named Merlin, we know no whit his kin"

• attestation: The knights threatened to destroy the burgh if Merlin and his mother were not surrendered (Layamon's Brut)

  "if thou carest it not, therefore thou wilt be driven out, and this burgh all consumed, this folk all destroyed"

• attestation: Said the King Vortiger, with the nun he spake there: "Good lady, say to me--well it shall be to thee--where wert thou born, who begat thee to be child? (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then said the King Vortiger, with the nun he spake there: "Good lady, say to me--well it shall be to thee--where wert thou born,"

• attestation: I am come to thee, show me thy will." Then answered the king, and told the clerk all, how the nun had said, and asked him thereof counsel, from the beginning to the end, all he him told. (Layamon's Brut)

  "I am come to thee, show me thy will." Then answered the king, and told the clerk all, how the nun had said, and asked him thereof counsel, from the beginning to the end, all he him told."

• attestation: Magan came to court where the king dwelt, and greeted the king with goodly words: "Hail be thou and sound, Vortiger the king! (Layamon's Brut)

  "Magan came to court where the king dwelt, and greeted the king with goodly words: "Hail be thou and sound, Vortiger the king!"

• attestation: If thou wert so wise a man, and so prudent in thought, that thou haddest inquired of me of thy many sorrows. (Layamon's Brut)

  "But if thou wert so wise a man, and so prudent in thought, that thou haddest inquired of me of thy many sorrows,"

• attribution: Cloard hight the mount, and Hergin hight the land, near the Wye, that is a fair water (stream). (Layamon's Brut)

  "Cloard hight the mount, and Hergin hight the land, near the Wye, that is a fair water (stream)."

• attestation: Was Vortiger woe, and eft to him was worse! Vortiger proceeded far to a castle, named Genoure, upon a high mount. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Then was Vortiger woe, and eft to him was worse!"

• attribution: Vortiger proceeded far to a castle, named Genoure, upon a high mount. (Layamon's Brut)

  "Vortiger proceeded far to a castle, named Genoure, upon a high mount;"

• attribution: The yet there was a wicked man, Pascent, Vortiger's son;. (Layamon's Brut)

  "The yet there was a wicked man, Pascent, Vortiger's son;"

Vita Merlini

• attestation: [0049.2] Specific circumstances and conditions are stated in the Latin verse ('instabant...') (Vita Merlini > Reunion and Return to Court)

  "Quod tunc instabant patriam vastare paternam. Ergo dedere suas vento marique carinas, Præsidioque suis concivibus applicuerunt :"

• attestation: [0049.1] The arrangement of celestial bodies and heavens is explained (Vita Merlini > Reunion and Return to Court)

  "Et sibi diversas sociabant undique turmas, « Legendum est cincti » Prima ed. Ut peterent natale solum,gentesquefugarent"

• attestation: [0049.4] Seasons and their effects on the natural world are described (Vita Merlini > Reunion and Return to Court)

  "Congressique simul vincebant sæpius illos, Et vice transversa devincebantur ab illis. Denique consortis magno conamine dextris"

• attestation: [0049.0] Ambrosius is connected to specific circumstances described in the verse (Vita Merlini > Reunion and Return to Court)

  "Hæc ita dum fierent, in finibus Armoricanis Uter et Ambrosius fuerant cum rege Biduco : Jam gladio fiunt cuncti " belloque probati,"

• attestation: [0049.3] Armed conflict takes place involving Vortigern (Vita Merlini > Reunion and Return to Court)

  "Nam Vortigernum per Cambrica regna fugatum, Inclusumque, sua pariter cum turre cremarunt. Enses inde suos vertere recenter in Anglos ;"