“By heaven!” said Sir Gawain, “this gladdeneth well my heart, for now behold them as they flee! they are full seventy thousand less in number than they were an hour ago!”

Thus was the battle quickly ended, and a great host of high lords and knights of Lombardy and Saracens left dead upon the field.  Then Sir Gawain and his company collected a great plenty of cattle, and of gold and silver, and all kind of treasure, and returned to King Arthur, where he still kept the siege.

“Now God be thanked,” cried he; “but who is he that standeth yonder by himself, and seemeth not a prisoner?”

“Sir,” said Sir Gawain, “he is a good man with his weapons, and hath matched me; but cometh hither to be made a Christian.  Had it not been for his warnings, we none of us should have been here this day.  I pray thee, therefore, let him be baptized, for there can be few nobler men, or better knights.”

So Prianius was christened, and made a duke and knight of the Round Table.

[Illustration:  Prianius was christened, and made a duke and knight of the Round Table.]

Presently afterwards, they made a last attack upon the city, and entered by the walls on every side; and as the men were rushing to the pillage, came the Duchess forth, with many ladies and damsels, and kneeled before King Arthur; and besought him to receive their submission.  To whom the king made answer, with a noble countenance, “Madam, be well assured that none shall harm ye, or your ladies; neither shall any that belong to thee be hurt; but the Duke must abide my judgment.”  Then he commanded to stay the assault and took the keys from the Duke’s eldest son, who brought them kneeling.  Anon the Duke was sent a prisoner to Dover for his life, and rents and taxes were assigned for dowry of the Duchess and her children.

Then went he on with all his hosts, winning all towns and castles, and wasting them that refused obedience, till he came to Viterbo.  From thence he sent to Rome, to ask the senators whether they would receive him for their lord and governor.  In answer, came out to him all the Senate who remained alive, and the Cardinals, with a majestic retinue and procession; and laying great treasures at his feet, they prayed him to come in at once to Rome, and there be peaceably crowned as Emperor.  “At this next Christmas,” said King Arthur, “will I be crowned, and hold my Round Table in your city.”

Anon he entered Rome, in mighty pomp and state; and after him came all his hosts, and his knights, and princes, and great lords, arrayed in gold and jewels, such as never were beheld before.  And then was he crowned Emperor by the Pope’s hands, with all the highest solemnity that could be made.

Then after his coronation, he abode in Rome for a season, settling his lands and giving kingdoms to his knights and servants, to each one after his deserving, and in such wise fashion that no man among them all complained.  Also he made many dukes and earls, and loaded all his men-at-arms with riches and great treasures.