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PEREDUR
THE SON OF EVRAWC
from The Mabinogion
Translated
by Charlotte Guest [1877]
Earl
Evrawc owned the Earldom of the North. And he
had seven sons. And Evrawc maintained himself
not so much by his own possessions as by attending
tournaments, and wars, and combats. And, as
it often befalls those who join in encounters
and wars, he was slain, and six of his sons
likewise. Now the name of his seventh son was
Peredur, and he was the youngest of them. And
he was not of an age to go to wars and encounters,
otherwise he might have been slain as well as
his father and brothers. His mother was a scheming
and thoughtful woman, and she was very solicitous
concerning this her only son and his possessions.
So she took counsel with herself to leave the
inhabited country, and to flee to the deserts
and unfrequented wildernesses. And she permitted
none to bear her company thither but women and
boys, and spiritless men, who were both unaccustomed
and unequal to war and fighting. And none dared
to bring either horses or arms where her son
was, lest he should set his mind upon them.
And the youth went daily to divert himself in
the forest, by flinging sticks and staves. And
one day he saw his mother's flock of goats,
and near the goats two hinds were standing.
And he marvelled greatly that these two should
be without horns, while the others had them.
And he thought they had long run wild, and on
that account they had lost their horns. And
by activity and swiftness of foot, he drove
the hinds and the goats together into the house
which there was for the goats at the extremity
of the forest. Then Peredur returned to his
mother. "Ah, mother," said he, "a
marvellous thing have I seen in the wood; two
of thy goats have run wild, and lost their horns,
through their having been so long missing in
the wood. And no man had ever more trouble than
I had to drive them in." Then they all
arose and went to see. And when they beheld
the hinds they were greatly astonished.
And one day they saw three knights coming along
the horse-road on the borders of the forest.
And the three knights were Gwalchmai the son
of Gwyar, and Geneir Gwystyl, and Owain the
son of Urien. And Owain kept on the track of
the knight who had divided the apples in Arthur's
Court, whom they were in pursuit of. "Mother,"
said Peredur, "what are those yonder?"
"They are angels, my son," said she.
"By my faith," said Peredur, "I
will go and become an angel with them."
And Peredur went to the road, and met them.
"Tell me, good soul," said Owain,
"sawest thou a knight pass this way, either
to-day or yesterday?" "I know not,"
answered he, "what a knight is." "Such
an one as I am," said Owain. "If thou
wilt tell me what I ask thee, I will tell thee
that which thou askest me." "Gladly
will I do so," replied Owain. "What
is this?" demanded Peredur, concerning
the saddle. "It is a saddle," said
Owain. Then he asked about all the accoutrements
which he saw upon the men, and the horses, and
the arms, and what they were for, and how they
were used. And Owain shewed him all these things
fully, and told him what use was made of them.
"Go forward," said Peredur, "for
I saw such an one as thou inquirest for, and
I will follow thee."
Then Peredur returned to his mother and her
company, and he said to her, "Mother, those
were not angels, but honourable knights."
Then his mother swooned away. And Peredur went
to the place where they kept the horses that
carried firewood, and that brought meat and
drink from the inhabited country to the desert.
And he took a bony piebald horse, which seemed
to him the strongest of them. And he pressed
a pack into the form of a saddle, and with twisted
twigs he imitated the trappings which he had
seen upon the horses. And when Peredur came
again to his mother, the Countess had recovered
from her swoon. "My son," said she,
"desirest thou to ride forth?" "Yes,
with thy leave," said he. "Wait, then,
that I may counsel thee before thou goest."
"Willingly," he answered; "speak
quickly." "Go forward, then,"
she said, "to the Court of Arthur, where
there are the best, and the boldest, and the
most bountiful of men. And wherever thou seest
a church, repeat there thy Paternoster unto
it. And if thou see meat and drink, and have
need of them, and none have the kindness or
the courtesy to give them to thee, take them
thyself. If thou hear an outcry, proceed towards
it, especially if it be the outcry of a woman.
If thou see a fair jewel, possess thyself of
it, and give it to another, for thus thou shalt
obtain praise. If thou see a fair woman, pay
thy court to her, whether she will or no; for
thus thou wilt render thyself a better and more
esteemed man than thou wast before."
After this discourse, Peredur mounted the horse,
and taking a handful of sharp-pointed forks
in his hand, he rode forth. And he journeyed
two days and two nights in the woody wildernesses,
and in desert places, without food and without
drink. And then he came to a vast wild wood,
and far within the wood he saw a fair even glade,
and in the glade he saw a tent, and the tent
seeming to him to be a church, he repeated his
Paternoster to it. And he went towards it, and
the door of the tent was open. And a golden
chair was near the door. And on the chair sat
a lovely auburn-haired maiden, with a golden
frontlet on her forehead, and sparkling stones
in the frontlet, and with a large gold ring
on her hand. And Peredur dismounted, and entered
the tent. And the maiden was glad at his coming,
and bade him welcome. At the entrance of the
tent he saw food, and two flasks full of wine,
and two loaves of fine wheaten flour, and collops
of the flesh of the wild boar. "My mother
told me," said Peredur, "wheresoever
I saw meat and drink, to take it." "Take
the meat and welcome, chieftain," said
she. So Peredur took half of the meat and of
the liquor himself, and left the rest to the
maiden. And when Peredur had finished eating,
he bent upon his knee before the maiden. "My
mother," said he, "told me, wheresoever
I saw a fair jewel, to take it." "Do
so, my soul," said she. So Peredur took
the ring. And he mounted his horse, and proceeded
on his journey.
After this, behold the knight came to whom the
tent belonged; and he was the Lord of the Glade.
And he saw the track of the horse, and he said
to the maiden, "Tell me who has been here
since I departed." "A man," said
she, "of wonderful demeanour." And
she described to him what Peredur's appearance
and conduct had been. "Tell me," said
he, "did he offer thee any wrong?"
"No," answered the maiden, "by
my faith, he harmed me not." "By my
faith, I do not believe thee; and until I can
meet with him, and revenge the insult he has
done me, and wreak my vengeance upon him, thou
shalt not remain two nights in the same house."
And the knight arose, and set forth to seek
Peredur.
Meanwhile Peredur journeyed on towards Arthur's
Court. And before he reached it, another knight
had been there, who gave a ring of thick gold
at the door of the gate for holding his horse,
and went into the Hall where Arthur and his
household, and Gwenhwyvar and her maidens, were
assembled. And the page of the chamber was serving
Gwenhwyvar with a golden goblet. Then the knight
dashed the liquor that was therein upon her
face, and upon her stomacher, and gave her a
violent blow on the face, and said, "If
any have the boldness to dispute this goblet
with me, and to revenge the insult to Gwenhwyvar,
let him follow me to the meadow, and there I
will await him." So the knight took his
horse, and rode to the meadow. And all the household
hung down their heads, lest any of them should
be requested to go and avenge the insult to
Gwenhwyvar. For it seemed to them, that no one
would have ventured on so daring an outrage,
unless he possessed such powers, through magic
or charms, that none could be able to take vengeance
upon him. Then, behold, Peredur entered the
Hall, upon the bony piebald horse, with the
uncouth trappings upon it; and in this way he
traversed the whole length of the Hall. In the
centre of the Hall stood Kai. "Tell me,
tall man," said Peredur, "is that
Arthur yonder?" "What wouldest thou
with Arthur?" asked Kai. "My mother
told me to go to Arthur, and receive the honour
of knighthood." "By my faith,"
said he, "thou art all too meanly equipped
with horse and with arms." Thereupon he
was perceived by all the household, and they
threw sticks at him. Then, behold, a dwarf came
forward. He had already been a year at Arthur's
Court, both he and a female dwarf. They had
craved harbourage of Arthur, and had obtained
it; and during the whole year, neither of them
had spoken a single word to any one. When the
dwarf beheld Peredur, "Haha!" said
he, "the welcome of Heaven be unto thee,
goodly Peredur, son of Evrawc, the chief of
warriors, and flower of knighthood." "Truly,"
said Kai, "thou art ill-taught to remain
a year mute at Arthur's Court, with choice of
society; and now, before the face of Arthur
and all his household, to call out, and declare
such a man as this the chief of warriors, and
the flower of knighthood." And he gave
him such a box on the ear that he fell senseless
to the ground. Then exclaimed the female dwarf,
"Haha! goodly Peredur, son of Evrawc; the
welcome of Heaven be unto thee, flower of knights,
and light of chivalry." "Of a truth,
maiden," said Kai, "thou art ill-bred
to remain mute for a year at the Court of Arthur,
and then to speak as thou dost of such a man
as this." And Kai kicked her with his foot,
so that she fell to the ground senseless. "Tall
man," said Peredur, "shew me which
is Arthur." "Hold thy peace,"
said Kai, "and go after the knight who
went hence to the meadow, and take from him
the goblet, and overthrow him, and possess thyself
of his horse and arms, and then thou shalt receive
the order of knighthood." "I will
do so, tall man," said Peredur. So he turned
his horse's head towards the meadow. And when
he came there, the knight was riding up and
down, proud of his strength, and valour, and
noble mien. "Tell me," said the knight,
"didst thou see any one coming after me
from the Court?" "The tall man that
was there," said he, "desired me to
come, and overthrow thee, and to take from thee
the goblet, and thy horse and thy armour for
myself." "Silence!" said the
knight; "go back to the Court, and tell
Arthur, from me, either to come himself, or
to send some other to fight with me; and unless
he do so quickly, I will not wait for him."
"By my faith," said Peredur, "choose
thou whether it shall be willingly or unwillingly,
but I will have the horse, and the arms, and
the goblet." And upon this the knight ran
at him furiously, and struck him a violent blow
with the shaft of his spear, between the neck
and the shoulder. "Haha! lad," said
Peredur, "my mother's servants were not
used to play with me in this wise; therefore,
thus will I play with thee." And thereupon
he struck him with a sharp- pointed fork, and
it hit him in the eye, and came out at the back
of his neck, so that he instantly fell down
lifeless.
"Verily,"
said Owain the son of Urien to Kai, "thou
wert ill-advised, when thou didst send that
madman after the knight. For one of two things
must befall him. He must either be overthrown,
or slain. If he is overthrown by the knight,
he will be counted by him to be an honourable
person of the Court, and an eternal disgrace
will it be to Arthur and his warriors. And if
he is slain, the disgrace will be the same,
and moreover, his sin will be upon him; therefore
will I go to see what has befallen him."
So Owain went to the meadow, and he found Peredur
dragging the man about. "What art thou
doing thus?" said Owain. "This iron
coat," said Peredur, "will never come
from off him; not by my efforts, at any rate."
And Owain unfastened his armour and his clothes.
"Here, my good soul," said he, "is
a horse and armour better than thine. Take them
joyfully, and come with me to Arthur, to receive
the order of knighthood, for thou dost merit
it." "May I never shew my face again
if I go," said Peredur; "but take
thou the goblet to Gwenhwyvar, and tell Arthur,
that wherever I am, I will be his vassal, and
will do him what profit and service I am able.
And say that I will not come to his Court until
I have encountered the tall man that is there,
to revenge the injury he did to the dwarf and
dwarfess." And Owain went back to the Court,
and related all these things to Arthur and Gwenhwyvar,
and to all the household.
And Peredur rode forward. And as he proceeded,
behold a knight met him. "Whence comest
thou?" said the knight. "I come from
Arthur's Court," said Peredur. "Art
thou one of his men?" asked he. "Yes,
by my faith," he answered. "A good
service, truly, is that of Arthur." "Wherefore
sayest thou so?" said Peredur. "I
will tell thee," said he; "I have
always been Arthur's enemy, and all such of
his men as I have ever encountered I have slain."
And without further parlance they fought, and
it was not long before Peredur brought him to
the ground, over his horse's crupper. Then the
knight besought his mercy. "Mercy thou
shalt have," said Peredur, "if thou
wilt make oath to me, that thou wilt go to Arthur's
Court, and tell him that it was I that overthrew
thee, for the honour of his service; and say,
that I will never come to the Court until I
have avenged the insult offered to the dwarf
and dwarfess." The knight pledged him his
faith of this, and proceeded to the Court of
Arthur, and said as he had promised, and conveyed
the threat to Kai.
And Peredur rode forward. And within that week
he encountered sixteen knights, and overthrew
them all shamefully. And they all went to Arthur's
Court, taking with them the same message which
the first knight had conveyed from Peredur,
and the same threat which he had sent to Kai.
And thereupon Kai was reproved by Arthur; and
Kai was greatly grieved thereat.
And Peredur rode forward. And he came to a vast
and desert wood, on the confines of which was
a lake. And on the other side was a fair castle.
And on the border of the lake he saw a venerable,
hoary- headed man, sitting upon a velvet cushion,
and having a garment of velvet upon him. And
his attendants were fishing in the lake. When
the hoary-headed man beheld Peredur approaching,
he arose and went towards the castle. And the
old man was lame. Peredur rode to the palace,
and the door was open, and he entered the hall.
And there was the hoary-headed man sitting on
a cushion, and a large blazing fire burning
before him. And the household and the company
arose to meet Peredur, and disarrayed him. And
the man asked the youth to sit on the cushion;
and they sat down, and conversed together. When
it was time, the tables were laid, and they
went to meat. And when they had finished their
meal, the man inquired of Peredur if he knew
well how to fight with the sword. "I know
not," said Peredur, "but were I to
be taught, doubtless I should." "Whoever
can play well with the cudgel and shield, will
also be able to fight with a sword." And
the man had two sons; the one had yellow hair,
and the other auburn. "Arise, youths,"
said he, "and play with the cudgel and
the shield." And so did they. "Tell
me, my soul," said the man, "which
of the youths thinkest thou plays best."
"I think," said Peredur, "that
the yellow-haired youth could draw blood from
the other, if he chose." "Arise thou,
my life, and take the cudgel and the shield
from the hand of the youth with the auburn hair,
and draw blood from the yellow-haired youth
if thou canst." So Peredur arose, and went
to play with the yellow-haired youth; and he
lifted up his arm, and struck him such a mighty
blow, that his brow fell over his eye, and the
blood flowed forth. "Ah, my life,"
said the man, "come now, and sit down,
for thou wilt become the best fighter with the
sword of any in this island; and I am thy uncle,
thy mother's brother. And with me shalt thou
remain a space, in order to learn the manners
and customs of different countries, and courtesy,
and gentleness, and noble bearing. Leave, then,
the habits and the discourse of thy mother,
and I will be thy teacher; and I will raise
thee to the rank of knight from this time forward.
And thus do thou. If thou seest aught to cause
thee wonder, ask not the meaning of it; if no
one has the courtesy to inform thee, the reproach
will not fall upon thee, but upon me that am
thy teacher." And they had abundance of
honour and service. And when it was time they
went to sleep. At the break of day, Peredur
arose, and took his horse, and with his uncle's
permission he rode forth. And he came to a vast
desert wood, and at the further end of the wood
was a meadow, and on the other side of the meadow
he saw a large castle. And thitherward Peredur
bent his way, and he found the gate open, and
he proceeded to the hall. And he beheld a stately
hoary-headed man sitting on one side of the
hall, and many pages around him, who arose to
receive and to honour Peredur. And they placed
him by the side of the owner of the palace.
Then they discoursed together; and when it was
time to eat, they caused Peredur to sit beside
the nobleman during the repast. And when they
had eaten and drunk as much as they desired,
the nobleman asked Peredur whether he could
fight with a sword? "Were I to receive
instruction," said Peredur, "I think
I could." Now, there was on the floor of
the hall a huge staple, as large as a warrior
could grasp. "Take yonder sword,"
said the man to Peredur, "and strike the
iron staple." So Peredur arose and struck
the staple, so that he cut it in two; and the
sword broke into two parts also. "Place
the two parts together, and reunite them,"
and Peredur placed them together, and they became
entire as they were before. And a second time
he struck upon the staple, so that both it and
the sword broke in two, and as before they reunited.
And the third time he gave a like blow, and
placed the broken parts together, and neither
the staple nor the sword would unite as before.
"Youth," said the nobleman, "come
now, and sit down, and my blessing be upon thee.
Thou fightest best with the sword of any man
in the kingdom. Thou hast arrived at two-thirds
of thy strength, and the other third thou hast
not yet obtained; and when thou attainest to
thy full power, none will be able to contend
with thee. I am thy uncle, thy mother's brother,
and I am brother to the man in whose house thou
wast last night." Then Peredur and his
uncle discoursed together, and he beheld two
youths enter the hall, and proceed up to the
chamber, bearing a spear of mighty size, with
three streams of blood flowing from the point
to the ground. And when all the company saw
this, they began wailing and lamenting. But
for all that, the man did not break off his
discourse with Peredur. And as he did not tell
Peredur the meaning of what he saw, he forbore
to ask him concerning it. And when the clamour
had a little subsided, behold two maidens entered,
with a large salver between them, in which was
a man's head, surrounded by a profusion of blood.
And thereupon the company of the court made
so great an outcry, that it was irksome to be
in the same hall with them. But at length they
were silent. And when time was that they should
sleep, Peredur was brought into a fair chamber.
And the next day, with his uncle's permission,
he rode forth. And he came to a wood, and far
within the wood he heard a loud cry, and he
saw a beautiful woman with auburn hair, and
a horse with a saddle upon it, standing near
her, and a corpse by her side. And as she strove
to place the corpse upon the horse, it fell
to the ground, and thereupon she made a great
lamentation. "Tell me, sister," said
Peredur, "wherefore art thou bewailing?"
"Oh! accursed Peredur, little pity has
my ill-fortune ever met with from thee."
"Wherefore," said Peredur, "am
I accursed?" "Because thou wast the
cause of thy mother's death; for when thou didst
ride forth against her will, anguish seized
upon her heart, so that she died; and therefore
art thou accursed. And the dwarf and the dwarfess
that thou sawest at Arthur's Court were the
dwarfs of thy father and mother; and I am thy
foster-sister, and this was my wedded husband,
and he was slain by the knight that is in the
glade in the wood; and do not thou go near him,
lest thou shouldest be slain by him likewise."
"My sister, thou dost reproach me wrongfully;
through my having so long remained amongst you,
I shall scarcely vanquish him; and had I continued
longer, it would, indeed, be difficult for me
to succeed. Cease, therefore, thy lamenting,
for it is of no avail, and I will bury the body,
and then I will go in quest of the knight, and
see if I can do vengeance upon him." And
when he had buried the body, they went to the
place where the knight was, and found him riding
proudly along the glade; and he inquired of
Peredur whence he came. "I come from Arthur's
Court." "And art thou one of Arthur's
men?" "Yes, by my faith." "A
profitable alliance, truly, is that of Arthur."
And without further parlance, they encountered
one another, and immediately Peredur overthrew
the knight, and he besought mercy of Peredur.
"Mercy shalt thou have," said he,
"upon these terms, that thou take this
woman in marriage, and do her all the honour
and reverence in thy power, seeing thou hast,
without cause, slain her wedded husband; and
that thou go to Arthur's Court, and shew him
that it was I that overthrew thee, to do him
honour and service; and that thou tell him that
I will never come to his Court again until I
have met with the tall man that is there, to
take vengeance upon him for his insult to the
dwarf and dwarfess." And he took the knight's
assurance, that he would perform all this. Then
the knight provided the lady with a horse and
garments that were suitable for her, and took
her with him to Arthur's Court. And he told
Arthur all that had occurred, and gave the defiance
to Kai. And Arthur and all his household reproved
Kai, for having driven such a youth as Peredur
from his Court.
Said Owain the son of Urien, "This youth
will never come into the Court until Kai has
gone forth from it." "By my faith,"
said Arthur, "I will search all the deserts
in the Island of Britain, until I find Peredur,
and then let him and his adversary do their
utmost to each other."
Then Peredur rode forward. And he came to a
desert wood, where he saw not the track either
of men or animals, and where there was nothing
but bushes and weeds. And at the upper end of
the wood he saw a vast castle, wherein were
many strong towers; and when he came near the
gate, he found the weeds taller than he had
seen them elsewhere. And he struck the gate
with the shaft of his lance, and thereupon behold
a lean, auburn-haired youth came to an opening
in the battlements. "Choose thou, chieftain,"
said he, "whether shall I open the gate
unto thee, or shall I announce unto those that
are chief, that thou art at the gateway?"
"Say that I am here," said Peredur,
"and if it is desired that I should enter,
I will go in." And the youth came back,
and opened the gate for Peredur. And when he
went into the hall, he beheld eighteen youths,
lean and red- headed, of the same height, and
of the same aspect, and of the same dress, and
of the same age as the one who had opened the
gate for him. And they were well skilled in
courtesy and in service. And they disarrayed
him. Then they sat down to discourse. Thereupon,
behold five maidens came from the chamber into
the hall. And Peredur was certain that he had
never seen another of so fair an aspect as the
chief of the maidens. And she had an old garment
of satin upon her, which had once been handsome,
but was then so tattered, that her skin could
be seen through it. And whiter was her skin
than the bloom of crystal, and her hair and
her two eyebrows were blacker than jet, and
on her cheeks were two red spots, redder than
whatever is reddest. And the maiden welcomed
Peredur, and put her arms about his neck, and
made him sit down beside her. Not long after
this he saw two nuns enter, and a flask full
of wine was borne by one, and six loaves of
white bread by the other. "Lady,"
said they, "Heaven is witness, that there
is not so much of food and liquor as this left
in yonder Convent this night." Then they
went to meat, and Peredur observed that the
maiden wished to give more of the food and of
the liquor to him than to any of the others.
"My sister," said Peredur, "I
will share out the food and the liquor."
"Not so, my soul," said she. "By
my faith but I will." So Peredur took the
bread, and he gave an equal portion of it to
each alike, as well as a cup full of the liquor.
And when it was time for them to sleep, a chamber
was prepared for Peredur, and he went to rest.
"Behold,
sister," said the youths to the fairest
and most exalted of the maidens, "we have
counsel for thee." "What may it be?"
she inquired. "Go to the youth that is
in the upper chamber, and offer to become his
wife, or the lady of his love, if it seem well
to him." "That were indeed unfitting,"
said she. "Hitherto I have not been the
lady-love of any knight, and to make him such
an offer before I am wooed by him, that, truly,
can I not do." "By our confession
to Heaven, unless thou actest thus, we will
leave thee here to thy enemies, to do as they
will with thee." And through fear of this,
the maiden went forth; and shedding tears, she
proceeded to the chamber. And with the noise
of the door opening, Peredur awoke; and the
maiden was weeping and lamenting. "Tell
me, my sister," said Peredur, "wherefore
dost thou weep?" "I will tell thee,
lord," said she. "My father possessed
these dominions as their chief, and this palace
was his, and with it he held the best earldom
in the kingdom; then the son of another earl
sought me of my father, and I was not willing
to be given unto him, and my father would not
give me against my will, either to him or any
earl in the world. And my father had no child
except myself. And after my father's death,
these dominions came into my own hands, and
then was I less willing to accept him than before.
So he made war upon me, and conquered all my
possessions, except this one house. And through
the valour of the men whom thou hast seen, who
are my foster-brothers, and the strength of
the house, it can never be taken while food
and drink remain. And now our provisions are
exhausted; but, as thou hast seen, we have been
fed by the nuns, to whom the country is free.
And at length they also are without supply of
food or liquor. And at no later date than to-morrow,
the earl will come against this place with all
his forces; and if I fall into his power, my
fate will be no better than to be given over
to the grooms of his horses. Therefore, lord,
I am come to offer to place myself in thy hands,
that thou mayest succour me, either by taking
me hence, or by defending me here, whichever
may seem best unto thee." "Go, my
sister," said he, "and sleep; nor
will I depart from thee until I do that which
thou requirest, or prove whether I can assist
thee or not." The maiden went again to
rest; and the next morning she came to Peredur,
and saluted him. "Heaven prosper thee,
my soul, and what tidings dost thou bring?"
"None other, than that the earl and all
his forces have alighted at the gate, and I
never beheld any place so covered with tents,
and thronged with knights challenging others
to the combat." "Truly," said
Peredur, "let my horse be made ready."
So his horse was accoutred, and he arose and
sallied forth to the meadow. And there was a
knight riding proudly along the meadow, having
raised the signal for battle. And they encountered,
and Peredur threw the knight over his horse's
crupper to the ground. And at the close of the
day, one of the chief knights came to fight
with him, and he overthrew him also, so that
he besought his mercy. "Who art thou?"
said Peredur. "Verily," said he, "I
am Master of the Household to the earl."
"And how much of the countess's possessions
is there in thy power?" "The third
part, verily," answered he. "Then,"
said Peredur, "restore to her the third
of her possessions in full, and all the profit
thou hast made by them, and bring meat and drink
for a hundred men, with their horses and arms,
to her court this night. And thou shalt remain
her captive, unless she wish to take thy life."
And this he did forthwith. And that night the
maiden was right joyful, and they fared plenteously.
And the next day Peredur rode forth to the meadow;
and that day he vanquished a multitude of the
host. And at the close of the day, there came
a proud and stately knight, and Peredur overthrew
him, and he besought his mercy. "Who art
thou?" said Peredur. "I am Steward
of the Palace," said he. "And how
much of the maiden's possessions are under thy
control?" "One-third part," answered
he. "Verily," said Peredur, "thou
shalt fully restore to the maiden her possessions,
and, moreover, thou shalt give her meat and
drink for two hundred men, and their horses
and their arms. And for thyself, thou shalt
be her captive." And immediately it was
so done.
And the third day Peredur rode forth to the
meadow; and he vanquished more that day than
on either of the preceding. And at the close
of the day, an earl came to encounter him, and
he overthrew him, and he besought his mercy.
"Who art thou?" said Peredur. "I
am the earl," said he. "I will not
conceal it from thee." "Verily,"
said Peredur, "thou shalt restore the whole
of the maiden's earldom, and shalt give her
thine own earldom in addition thereto, and meat
and drink for three hundred men, and their horses
and arms, and thou thyself shalt remain in her
power." And thus it was fulfilled. And
Peredur tarried three weeks in the country,
causing tribute and obedience to be paid to
the maiden, and the government to be placed
in her hands. "With thy leave," said
Peredur, "I will go hence." "Verily,
my brother, desirest thou this?" "Yes,
by my faith; and had it not been for love of
thee, I should not have been here thus long."
"My soul," said she, "who art
thou?" "I am Peredur the son of Evrawc
from the North; and if ever thou art in trouble
or in danger, acquaint me therewith, and if
I can, I will protect thee."
So Peredur rode forth. And far thence there
met him a lady, mounted on a horse that was
lean, and covered with sweat; and she saluted
the youth. "Whence comest thou, my sister?"
Then she told him the cause of her journey.
Now she was the wife of the Lord of the Glade.
"Behold," said he, "I am the
knight through whom thou art in trouble, and
he shall repent it, who has treated thee thus."
Thereupon, behold a knight rode up, and he inquired
of Peredur, if he had seen a knight such as
he was seeking. "Hold thy peace,"
said Peredur, "I am he whom thou seekest;
and by my faith, thou deservest ill of thy household
for thy treatment of the maiden, for she is
innocent concerning me." So they encountered,
and they were not long in combat ere Peredur
overthrew the knight, and he besought his mercy.
"Mercy thou shalt have," said Peredur,
"so thou wilt return by the way thou camest,
and declare that thou holdest the maiden innocent,
and so that thou wilt acknowledge unto her the
reverse thou hast sustained at my hands."
And the knight plighted him his faith thereto.
Then Peredur rode forward. And above him he
beheld a castle, and thitherward he went. And
he struck upon the gate with his lance, and
then, behold, a comely auburn-haired youth opened
the gate, and he had the stature of a warrior,
and the years of a boy. And when Peredur came
into the hall, there was a tall and stately
lady sitting in a chair, and many handmaidens
around her; and the lady rejoiced at his coming.
And when it was time, they went to meat. And
after their repast was finished, "It were
well for thee, chieftain," said she, "to
go elsewhere to sleep." "Wherefore
can I not sleep here?" said Peredur. "Nine
sorceresses are here, my soul, of the sorceresses
of Gloucester, and their father and their mother
are with them; and unless we can make our escape
before daybreak, we shall be slain; and already
they have conquered and laid waste all the country,
except this one dwelling." "Behold,"
said Peredur, "I will remain here to-night,
and if you are in trouble, I will do you what
service I can; but harm shall you not receive
from me." So they went to rest. And with
the break of day, Peredur heard a dreadful outcry.
And he hastily arose, and went forth in his
vest and his doublet, with his sword about his
neck, and he saw a sorceress overtake one of
the watch, who cried out violently. Peredur
attacked the sorceress, and struck her upon
the head with his sword, so that he flattened
her helmet and her head-piece like a dish upon
her head. "Thy mercy, goodly Peredur, son
of Evrawc, and the mercy of Heaven." "How
knowest thou, hag, that I am Peredur?"
"By destiny, and the foreknowledge that
I should suffer harm from thee. And thou shalt
take a horse and armour of me; and with me thou
shalt go to learn chivalry and the use of thy
arms." Said Peredur, "Thou shalt have
mercy, if thou pledge thy faith thou wilt never
more injure the dominions of the Countess."
And Peredur took surety of this, and with permission
of the Countess, he set forth with the sorceress
to the palace of the sorceresses. And there
he remained for three weeks, and then he made
choice of a horse and arms, and went his way.
And in the evening he entered a valley, and
at the head of the valley he came to a hermit's
cell, and the hermit welcomed him gladly, and
there he spent the night. And in the morning
he arose, and when he went forth, behold a shower
of snow had fallen the night before, and a hawk
had killed a wild fowl in front of the cell.
And the noise of the horse scared the hawk away,
and a raven alighted upon the bird. And Peredur
stood, and compared the blackness of the raven
and the whiteness of the snow, and the redness
of the blood, to the hair of the lady that best
he loved, which was blacker than jet, and to
her skin which was whiter than the snow, and
to the two red spots upon her cheeks, which
were redder than the blood upon the snow appeared
to be.
Now Arthur and his household were in search
of Peredur. "Know ye," said Arthur,
"who is the knight with the long spear
that stands by the brook up yonder?" "Lord,"
said one of them, "I will go and learn
who he is." So the youth came to the place
where Peredur was, and asked him what he did
thus, and who he was. And from the intensity
with which he thought upon the lady whom best
he loved, he gave him no answer. Then the youth
thrust at Peredur with his lance, and Peredur
turned upon him, and struck him over his horse's
crupper to the ground. And after this, four-and-twenty
youths came to him, and he did not answer one
more than another, but gave the same reception
to all, bringing them with one single thrust
to the ground. And then came Kai, and spoke
to Peredur rudely and angrily; and Peredur took
him with his lance under the jaw, and cast him
from him with a thrust, so that he broke his
arm and his shoulder-blade, and he rode over
him one-and-twenty times. And while he lay thus,
stunned with the violence of the pain that he
had suffered, his horse returned back at a wild
and prancing pace. And when the household saw
the horse come back without his rider, they
rode forth in haste to the place where the encounter
had been. And when they first came there, they
thought that Kai was slain; but they found that
if he had a skilful physician, he yet might
live. And Peredur moved not from his meditation,
on seeing the concourse that was around Kai.
And Kai was brought to Arthur's tent, and Arthur
caused skilful physicians to come to him. And
Arthur was grieved that Kai had met with this
reverse, for he loved him greatly.
"Then,"
said Gwalchmai, "it is not fitting that
any should disturb an honourable knight from
his thought unadvisedly; for either he is pondering
some damage that he has sustained, or he is
thinking of the lady whom best he loves. And
through such ill-advised proceeding, perchance
this misadventure has befallen him who last
met with him. And if it seem well to thee, lord,
I will go and see if this knight hath changed
from his thought; and if he has, I will ask
him courteously to come and visit thee."
Then Kai was wroth, and he spoke angry and spiteful
words. "Gwalchmai," said he, "I
know that thou wilt bring him because he is
fatigued. Little praise and honour, nevertheless,
wilt thou have from vanquishing a weary knight,
who is tired with fighting. Yet thus hast thou
gained the advantage over many. And while thy
speech and thy soft words last, a coat of thin
linen were armour sufficient for thee, and thou
wilt not need to break either lance or sword
in fighting with the knight in the state he
is in." Then said Gwalchmai to Kai, "Thou
mightest use more pleasant words, wert thou
so minded: and it behoves thee not upon me to
wreak thy wrath and thy displeasure. Methinks
I shall bring the knight hither with me without
breaking either my arm or my shoulder."
Then said Arthur to Gwalchmai, "Thou speakest
like a wise and prudent man; go, and take enough
of armour about thee, and choose thy horse."
And Gwalchmai accoutred himself and rode forward
hastily to the place where Peredur was.
And Peredur was resting on the shaft of his
spear, pondering the same thought, and Gwalchmai
came to him without any signs of hostility,
and said to him, "If I thought that it
would be as agreeable to thee as it would be
to me, I would converse with thee. I have also
a message from Arthur unto thee, to pray thee
to come and visit him. And two men have been
before on this errand." "That is true,"
said Peredur, "and uncourteously they came.
They attacked me, and I was annoyed thereat,
for it was not pleasing to me to be drawn from
the thought that I was in, for I was thinking
of the lady whom best I love, and thus was she
brought to my mind: --I was looking upon the
snow, and upon the raven, and upon the drops
of the blood of the bird that the hawk had killed
upon the snow. And I bethought me that her whiteness
was like that of the snow, and that the blackness
of her hair and her eyebrows like that of the
raven, and that the two red spots upon her cheeks
were like the two drops of blood." Said
Gwalchmai, "This was not an ungentle thought,
and I should marvel if it were pleasant to thee
to be drawn from it." "Tell me,"
said Peredur, "is Kai in Arthur's Court?"
"He is," said he, "and behold
he is the knight that fought with thee last;
and it would have been better for him had he
not come, for his arm and his shoulder-blade
were broken with the fall which he had from
thy spear." "Verily," said Peredur,
"I am not sorry to have thus begun to avenge
the insult to the dwarf and dwarfess."
Then Gwalchmai marvelled to hear him speak of
the dwarf and the dwarfess; and he approached
him, and threw his arms around his neck, and
asked him what was his name. "Peredur the
son of Evrawc am I called," said he; "and
thou, Who art thou?" "I am called
Gwalchmai," he replied. "I am right
glad to meet with thee," said Peredur,
"for in every country where I have been
I have heard of thy fame for prowess and uprightness,
and I solicit thy fellowship." "Thou
shalt have it, by my faith, and grant me thine,"
said he, "Gladly will I do so," answered
Peredur.
So they rode forth together joyfully towards
the place where Arthur was, and when Kai saw
them coming, he said, "I knew that Gwalchmai
needed not to fight the knight. And it is no
wonder that he should gain fame; more can he
do by his fair words than I by the strength
of my arm." And Peredur went with Gwalchmai
to his tent, and they took off their armour.
And Peredur put on garments like those that
Gwalchmai wore, and they went together unto
Arthur, and saluted him. "Behold, lord,"
said Gwalchmai, "him whom thou hast sought
so long." "Welcome unto thee, chieftain,"
said Arthur. "With me thou shalt remain;
and had I known thy valour had been such, thou
shouldst not have left me as thou didst; nevertheless,
this was predicted of thee by the dwarf and
the dwarfess, whom Kai ill-treated and whom
thou hast avenged." And hereupon, behold
there came the Queen and her handmaidens, and
Peredur saluted them. And they were rejoiced
to see him, and bade him welcome. And Arthur
did him great honour and respect, and they returned
towards Caerlleon.
And the first night Peredur came to Caerlleon
to Arthur's Court, and as he walked in the city
after his repast, behold, there met him Angharad
Law Eurawc. "By my faith, sister,"
said Peredur, "thou art a beauteous and
lovely maiden; and, were it pleasing to thee,
I could love thee above all women." "I
pledge my faith," said she, "that
I do not love thee, nor will I ever do so."
"I also pledge my faith," said Peredur,
"that I will never speak a word to any
Christian again, until thou come to love me
above all men."
The next day Peredur went forth by the high
road, along a mountain- ridge, and he saw a
valley of a circular form, the confines of which
were rocky and wooded. And the flat part of
the valley was in meadows, and there were fields
betwixt the meadows and the wood. And in the
bosom of the wood he saw large black houses
of uncouth workmanship. And he dismounted, and
led his horse towards the wood. And a little
way within the wood he saw a rocky ledge, along
which the road lay. And upon the ledge was a
lion bound by a chain, and sleeping. And beneath
the lion he saw a deep pit of immense size,
full of the bones of men and animals. And Peredur
drew his sword and struck the lion, so that
he fell into the mouth of the pit and hung there
by the chain; and with a second blow he struck
the chain and broke it, and the lion fell into
the pit; and Peredur led his horse over the
rocky ledge, until he came into the valley.
And in the centre of the valley he saw a fair
castle, and he went towards it. And in the meadow
by the castle he beheld a huge grey man sitting,
who was larger than any man he had ever before
seen. And two young pages were shooting the
hilts of their daggers, of the bone of the sea-horse.
And one of the pages had red hair, and the other
auburn. And they went before him to the place
where the grey man was, and Peredur saluted
him. And the grey man said, "Disgrace to
the beard of my porter." Then Peredur understood
that the porter was the lion.--And the grey
man and the pages went together into the castle,
and Peredur accompanied them; and he found it
a fair and noble place. And they proceeded to
the hall, and the tables were already laid,
and upon them was abundance of food and liquor.
And thereupon he saw an aged woman and a young
woman come from the chamber; and they were the
most stately women he had ever seen. Then they
washed and went to meat, and the grey man sat
in the upper seat at the head of the table,
and the aged woman next to him. And Peredur
and the maiden were placed together, and the
two young pages served them. And the maiden
gazed sorrowfully upon Peredur, and Peredur
asked the maiden wherefore she was sad. "For
thee, my soul; for, from when I first beheld
thee, I have loved thee above all men. And it
pains me to know that so gentle a youth as thou
should have such a doom as awaits thee to-morrow.
Sawest thou the numerous black houses in the
bosom of the wood? All these belong to the vassals
of the grey man yonder, who is my father. And
they are all giants. And to-morrow they will
rise up against thee, and will slay thee. And
the Round Valley is this valley called."
"Listen, fair maiden, wilt thou contrive
that my horse and arms be in the same lodging
with me to-night?" "Gladly will I
cause it so to be, by Heaven, if I can."
And when it was time for them to sleep rather
than to carouse, they went to rest. And the
maiden caused Peredur's horse and arms to be
in the same lodging with him. And the next morning
Peredur heard a great tumult of men and horses
around the castle. And Peredur arose, and armed
himself and his horse, and went to the meadow.
Then the aged woman and the maiden came to the
grey man: "Lord," said they, "take
the word of the youth, that he will never disclose
what he has seen in this place, and we will
be his sureties that he keep it." "I
will not do so, by my faith," said the
grey man. So Peredur fought with the host, and
towards evening he had slain the one-third of
them without receiving any hurt himself. Then
said the aged woman, "Behold, many of thy
host have been slain by the youth; do thou,
therefore, grant him mercy." "I will
not grant it, by my faith," said he. And
the aged woman and the fair maiden were upon
the battlements of the castle, looking forth.
And at that juncture, Peredur encountered the
yellow-haired youth and slew him. "Lord,"
said the maiden, "grant the young man mercy."
"That will I not do, by Heaven," he
replied; and thereupon Peredur attacked the
auburn- haired youth, and slew him likewise.
"It were better that thou hadst accorded
mercy to the youth before he had slain thy two
sons; for now scarcely wilt thou thyself escape
from him." "Go, maiden, and beseech
the youth to grant mercy unto us, for we yield
ourselves into his hands." So the maiden
came to the place where Peredur was, and besought
mercy for her father, and for all such of his
vassals as had escaped alive. "Thou shalt
have it, on condition that thy father and all
that are under him go and render homage to Arthur,
and tell him that it was his vassal Peredur
that did him this service." "This
will we do willingly, by Heaven." "And
you shall also receive baptism; and I will send
to Arthur, and beseech him to bestow this valley
upon thee and upon thy heirs after thee for
ever." Then they went in, and the grey
man and the tall woman saluted Peredur. And
the grey man said unto him, "Since I have
possessed this valley I have not seen any Christian
depart with his life, save thyself. And we will
go to do homage to Arthur, and to embrace the
faith and be baptized." Then said Peredur,
"To Heaven I render thanks that I have
not broken my vow to the lady that best I love,
which was, that I would not speak one word unto
any Christian."
That night they tarried there. And the next
day, in the morning, the grey man, with his
company, set forth to Arthur's Court; and they
did homage unto Arthur, and he caused them to
be baptized. And the grey man told Arthur that
it was Peredur that had vanquished them. And
Arthur gave the valley to the grey man and his
company, to hold it of him as Peredur had besought.
And with Arthur's permission, the grey man went
back to the Round Valley.
Peredur rode forward next day, and he traversed
a vast tract of desert, in which no dwellings
were. And at length he came to a habitation,
mean and small. And there he heard that there
was a serpent that lay upon a gold ring, and
suffered none to inhabit the country for seven
miles around. And Peredur came to the place
where he heard the serpent was. And angrily,
furiously, and desperately fought he with the
serpent; and at last he killed it, and took
away the ring. And thus he was for a long time
without speaking a word to any Christian. And
therefrom he lost his colour and his aspect,
through extreme longing after the Court of Arthur,
and the society of the lady whom best he loved,
and of his companions. Then he proceeded forward
to Arthur's Court, and on the road there met
him Arthur's household going on a particular
errand, with Kai at their head. And Peredur
knew them all, but none of the household recognized
him. "Whence comest thou, chieftain?"
said Kai. And this he asked him twice and three
times, and he answered him not. And Kai thrust
him through the thigh with his lance. And lest
he should be compelled to speak, and to break
his vow, he went on without stopping. "Then,"
said Gwalchmai, "I declare to Heaven, Kai,
that thou hast acted ill in committing such
an outrage on a youth like this, who cannot
speak."
And Gwalchmai returned back to Arthur's Court.
"Lady," said he to Gwenhwyvar, "seest
thou how wicked an outrage Kai has committed
upon this youth who cannot speak; for Heaven's
sake, and for mine, cause him to have medical
care before I come back, and I will repay thee
the charge."
And before the men returned from their errand,
a knight came to the meadow beside Arthur's
Palace, to dare some one to the encounter. And
his challenge was accepted; and Peredur fought
with him, and overthrew him. And for a week
he overthrew one knight every day.
And one day, Arthur and his household were going
to Church, and they beheld a knight who had
raised the signal for combat. "Verily,"
said Arthur, "by the valour of men, I will
not go hence until I have my horse and my arms
to overthrow yonder boor." Then went the
attendants to fetch Arthur's horse and arms.
And Peredur met the attendants as they were
going back, and he took the horse and arms from
them, and proceeded to the meadow; and all those
who saw him arise and go to do battle with the
knight, went upon the tops of the houses, and
the mounds, and the high places, to behold the
combat. And Peredur beckoned with his hand to
the knight to commence the fight. And the knight
thrust at him, but he was not thereby moved
from where he stood. And Peredur spurred his
horse, and ran at him wrathfully, furiously,
fiercely, desperately, and with mighty rage,
and he gave him a thrust, deadly-wounding, severe,
furious, adroit, and strong, under his jaw,
and raised him out of his saddle, and cast him
a long way from him. And Peredur went back,
and left the horse and the arms with the attendant
as before, and he went on foot to the Palace.
Then Peredur went by the name of the Dumb Youth.
And behold, Angharad Law Eurawc met him. "I
declare to Heaven, chieftain," said she,
"woful is it that thou canst not speak;
for couldst thou speak, I would love thee best
of all men; and by my faith, although thou canst
not, I do love thee above all." "Heaven
reward thee, my sister," said Peredur,
"by my faith I also do love thee."
Thereupon it was known that he was Peredur.
And then he held fellowship with Gwalchmai,
and Owain the son of Urien, and all the household,
and he remained in Arthur's Court.Arthur was
in Caerlleon upon Usk; and he went to hunt,
and Peredur went with him. And Peredur let loose
his dog upon a hart, and the dog killed the
hart in a desert place. And a short space from
him he saw signs of a dwelling, and towards
the dwelling he went, and he beheld a hall,
and at the door of the hall he found bald swarthy
youths playing at chess. And when he entered,
he beheld three maidens sitting on a bench,
and they were all clothed alike, as became persons
of high rank. And he came, and sat by them upon
the bench; and one of the maidens looked steadfastly
upon Peredur, and wept. And Peredur asked her
wherefore she was weeping. "Through grief,
that I should see so fair a youth as thou art,
slain." "Who will slay me?" inquired
Peredur. "If thou art so daring as to remain
here to-night, I will tell thee." "How
great soever my danger may be from remaining
here, I will listen unto thee." "This
Palace is owned by him who is my father,"
said the maiden, "and he slays every one
who comes hither without his leave." "What
sort of a man is thy father, that he is able
to slay every one thus?" "A man who
does violence and wrong unto his neighbours,
and who renders justice unto none." And
hereupon he saw the youths arise and clear the
chessmen from the board. And he heard a great
tumult; and after the tumult there came in a
huge black one-eyed man, and the maidens arose
to meet him. And they disarrayed him, and he
went and sat down; and after he had rested and
pondered awhile, he looked at Peredur, and asked
who the knight was. "Lord," said one
of the maidens, "he is the fairest and
gentlest youth that ever thou didst see. And
for the sake of Heaven, and of thine own dignity,
have patience with him." "For thy
sake I will have patience, and I will grant
him his life this night." Then Peredur
came towards them to the fire, and partook of
food and liquor, and entered into discourse
with the ladies. And being elated with the liquor,
he said to the black man, "It is a marvel
to me, so mighty as thou sayest thou art, who
could have put out thine eye." "It
is one of my habits," said the black man,
"that whosoever puts to me the question
which thou hast asked, shall not escape with
his life, either as a free gift or for a price."
"Lord," said the maiden, "whatsoever
he may say to thee in jest, and through the
excitement of liquor, make good that which thou
saidst and didst promise me just now."
"I will do so, gladly, for thy sake,"
said he. "Willingly will I grant him his
life this night." And that night thus they
remained.
And the next day the black man got up, and put
on his armour, and said to Peredur, "Arise,
man, and suffer death." And Peredur said
unto him, "Do one of two things, black
man; if thou wilt fight with me, either throw
off thy own armour, or give arms to me, that
I may encounter thee." "Ha, man,"
said he, "couldst thou fight, if thou hadst
arms? Take, then, what arms thou dost choose."
And thereupon the maiden came to Peredur with
such arms as pleased him; and he fought with
the black man, and forced him to crave his mercy.
"Black man, thou shalt have mercy, provided
thou tell me who thou art, and who put out thine
eye." "Lord, I will tell thee; I lost
it in fighting with the Black Serpent of the
Carn. There is a mound, which is called the
Mound of Mourning; and on the mound there is
a carn, and in the carn there is a serpent,
and on the tail of the serpent there is a stone,
and the virtues of the stone are such, that
whosoever should hold it in one hand, in the
other he will have as much gold as he may desire.
And in fighting with this serpent was it that
I lost my eye. And the Black Oppressor am I
called. And for this reason I am called the
Black Oppressor, that there is not a single
man around me whom I have not oppressed, and
justice have I done unto none." "Tell
me," said Peredur, "how far is it
hence?" "The same day that thou settest
forth, thou wilt come to the Palace of the Sons
of the King of the Tortures." "Wherefore
are they called thus?" "The Addanc
of the Lake slays them once every day. When
thou goest thence, thou wilt come to the Court
of the Countess of the Achievements." "What
achievements are there?" asked Peredur.
"Three hundred men there are in her household,
and unto every stranger that comes to the Court,
the achievements of her household are related.
And this is the manner of it,--the three hundred
men of the household sit next unto the Lady;
and that not through disrespect unto the guests,
but that they may relate the achievements of
the household. And the day that thou goest thence,
thou wilt reach the Mound of Mourning, and round
about the mound there are the owners of three
hundred tents guarding the serpent." "Since
thou hast, indeed, been an oppressor so long,"
said Peredur, "I will cause that thou continue
so no longer." So he slew him.
Then the maiden spoke, and began to converse
with him. "If thou wast poor when thou
camest here, henceforth thou wilt be rich through
the treasure of the black man whom thou hast
slain. Thou seest the many lovely maidens that
there are in this Court; thou shalt have her
whom thou best likest for the lady of thy love."
"Lady, I came not hither from my country
to woo; but match yourselves as it liketh you
with the comely youths I see here; and none
of your goods do I desire, for I need them not."
Then Peredur rode forward, and he came to the
Palace of the Sons of the King of the Tortures;
and when he entered the Palace, he saw none
but women; and they rose up, and were joyful
at his coming; and as they began to discourse
with him, he beheld a charger arrive, with a
saddle upon it, and a corpse in the saddle.
And one of the women arose, and took the corpse
from the saddle, and anointed it in a vessel
of warm water, which was below the door, and
placed precious balsam upon it; and the man
rose up alive, and came to the place where Peredur
was, and greeted him, and was joyful to see
him. And two other men came in upon their saddles,
and the maiden treated these two in the same
manner as she had done the first. Then Peredur
asked the chieftain wherefore it was thus. And
they told him, that there was an Addanc in a
cave, which slew them once every day. And thus
they remained that night.
And next morning the youths arose to sally forth,
and Peredur besought them, for the sake of the
ladies of their love, to permit him to go with
them; but they refused him, saying, "If
thou shouldst be slain there, thou hast none
to bring thee back to life again." And
they rode forward, and Peredur followed after
them; and, after they had disappeared out of
his sight, he came to a mound, whereon sat the
fairest lady he had ever beheld. "I know
thy quest," said she; "thou art going
to encounter the Addanc, and he will slay thee,
and that not by courage, but by craft. He has
a cave, and at the entrance of the cave there
is a stone pillar, and he sees every one that
enters, and none see him; and from behind the
pillar he slays every one with a poisonous dart.
And if thou wouldst pledge me thy faith to love
me above all women, I would give thee a stone,
by which thou shouldst see him when thou goest
in, and he should not see thee." "I
will, by my troth," said Peredur, "for
when first I beheld thee I loved thee; and where
shall I seek thee?" "When thou seekest
me, seek towards India." And the maiden
vanished, after placing the stone in Peredur's
hand.
And he came towards a valley, through which
ran a river; and the borders of the valley were
wooded, and on each side of the river were level
meadows. And on one side of the river he saw
a flock of white sheep, and on the other a flock
of black sheep. And whenever one of the white
sheep bleated, one of the black sheep would
cross over and become white; and when one of
the black sheep bleated, one of the white sheep
would cross over and become black. And he saw
a tall tree by the side of the river, one half
of which was in flames from the root to the
top, and the other half was green and in full
leaf. And nigh thereto he saw a youth sitting
upon a mound, and two greyhounds, white-breasted
and spotted, in leashes, lying by his side.
And certain was he that he had never seen a
youth of so royal a bearing as he. And in the
wood opposite he heard hounds raising a herd
of deer. And Peredur saluted the youth, and
the youth greeted him in return. And there were
three roads leading from the mound; two of them
were wide roads, and the third was more narrow.
And Peredur inquired where the three roads went.
"One of them goes to my palace," said
the youth; "and one of two things I counsel
thee to do; either to proceed to my palace,
which is before thee, and where thou wilt find
my wife, or else to remain here to see the hounds
chasing the roused deer from the wood to the
plain. And thou shalt see the best greyhounds
thou didst ever behold, and the boldest in the
chase, kill them by the water beside us; and
when it is time to go to meat, my page will
come with my horse to meet me, and thou shalt
rest in my palace to-night." "Heaven
reward thee; but I cannot tarry, for onward
must I go." "The other road leads
to the town, which is near here, and wherein
food and liquor may be bought; and the road
which is narrower than the others goes towards
the cave of the Addanc." "With thy
permission, young man, I will go that way."
And Peredur went towards the cave. And he took
the stone in his left hand, and his lance in
his right. And as he went in he perceived the
Addanc, and he pierced him through with his
lance, and cut off his head. And as he came
from the cave, behold the three companions were
at the entrance; and they saluted Peredur, and
told him that there was a prediction that he
should slay that monster. And Peredur gave the
head to the young men, and they offered him
in marriage whichever of the three sisters he
might choose, and half their kingdom with her.
"I came not hither to woo," said Peredur,
"but if peradventure I took a wife, I should
prefer your sister to all others." And
Peredur rode forward, and he heard a noise behind
him. And he looked back, and saw a man upon
a red horse, with red armour upon him; and the
man rode up by his side, and saluted him, and
wished him the favour of Heaven and of man.
And Peredur greeted the youth kindly. "Lord,
I come to make a request unto thee." "What
wouldest thou?" "That thou shouldest
take me as thine attendant." "Whom
then should I take as my attendant, if I did
so?" "I will not conceal from thee
what kindred I am of. Etlym Gleddyv Coch am
I called, an Earl from the East Country."
"I marvel that thou shouldest offer to
become attendant to a man whose possessions
are no greater than thine own; for I have but
an earldom like thyself. But since thou desirest
to be my attendant, I will take thee joyfully."
And they went forward to the Court of the Countess,
and all they of the Court were glad at their
coming; and they were told it was not through
disrespect they were placed below the household,
but that such was the usage of the Court. For,
whoever should overthrow the three hundred men
of her household, would sit next the Countess,
and she would love him above all men. And Peredur
having overthrown the three hundred men of her
household, sat down beside her, and the Countess
said, "I thank Heaven that I have a youth
so fair and so valiant as thou, since I have
not obtained the man whom best I love."
"Who is he whom best thou lovest?"
"By my faith, Etlym Gleddyv Coch is the
man whom I love best, and I have never seen
him." "Of a truth, Etlym is my companion;
and behold here he is, and for his sake did
I come to joust with thy household. And he could
have done so better than I, had it pleased him.
And I do give thee unto him." "Heaven
reward thee, fair youth, and I will take the
man whom I love above all others." And
the Countess became Etlym's bride from that
moment.
And the next day Peredur set forth towards the
Mound of Mourning. "By thy hand, lord,
but I will go with thee," said Etlym. Then
they went forwards till they came in sight of
the mound and the tents. "Go unto yonder
men," said Peredur to Etlym, "and
desire them to come and do me homage."
So Etlym went unto them, and said unto them
thus,--"Come and do homage to my lord."
"Who is thy lord?" said they. "Peredur
with the long lance is my lord," said Etlym.
"Were it permitted to slay a messenger,
thou shouldest not go back to thy lord alive,
for making unto Kings, and Earls, and Barons
so arrogant a demand as to go and do him homage."
Peredur desired him to go back to them, and
to give them their choice, either to do him
homage, or to do battle with him. And they chose
rather to do battle. And that day Peredur overthrew
the owners of a hundred tents; and the next
day he overthrew the owners of a hundred more;
and the third day the remaining hundred took
counsel to do homage to Peredur. And Peredur
inquired of them, wherefore they were there.
And they told him they were guarding the serpent
until he should die. "For then should we
fight for the stone among ourselves, and whoever
should be conqueror among us would have the
stone." "Await here," said Peredur,
"and I will go to encounter the serpent."
"Not so, lord," said they; "we
will go altogether to encounter the serpent."
"Verily," said Peredur, "that
will I not permit; for if the serpent be slain,
I shall derive no more fame therefrom than one
of you." Then he went to the place where
the serpent was, and slew it, and came back
to them, and said, "Reckon up what you
have spent since you have been here, and I will
repay you to the full." And he paid to
each what he said was his claim. And he required
of them only that they should acknowledge themselves
his vassals. And he said to Etlym, "Go
back unto her whom thou lovest best, and I will
go forwards, and I will reward thee for having
been my attendant." And he gave Etlym the
stone. "Heaven repay thee and prosper thee,"
said Etlym.
And Peredur rode thence, and he came to the
fairest valley he had ever seen, through which
ran a river; and there he beheld many tents
of various colours. And he marvelled still more
at the number of water-mills and of wind-mills
that he saw. And there rode up with him a tall
auburn-haired man, in workman's garb, and Peredur
inquired of him who he was. "I am the chief
miller," said he, "of all the mills
yonder." "Wilt thou give me lodging?"
said Peredur. "I will, gladly," he
answered. And Peredur came to the miller's house,
and the miller had a fair and pleasant dwelling.
And Peredur asked money as a loan from the miller,
that he might buy meat and liquor for himself
and for the household, and he promised that
he would pay him again ere he went thence. And
he inquired of the miller, wherefore such a
multitude was there assembled. Said the miller
to Peredur, "One thing is certain: either
thou art a man from afar, or thou art beside
thyself. The Empress of Cristinobyl the Great
is here; and she will have no one but the man
who is most valiant; for riches does she not
require. And it was impossible to bring food
for so many thousands as are here, therefore
were all these mills constructed." And
that night they took their rest.
And the next day Peredur arose, and he equipped
himself and his horse for the tournament. And
among the other tents he beheld one, which was
the fairest he had ever seen. And he saw a beauteous
maiden leaning her head out of a window of the
tent, and he had never seen a maiden more lovely
than she. And upon her was a garment of satin.
And he gazed fixedly on the maiden, and began
to love her greatly. And he remained there,
gazing upon the maiden from morning until mid-
day, and from mid-day until evening; and then
the tournament was ended and he went to his
lodging and drew off his armour. Then he asked
money of the miller as a loan, and the miller's
wife was wroth with Peredur; nevertheless, the
miller lent him the money. And the next day
he did in like manner as he had done the day
before. And at night he came to his lodging,
and took money as a loan from the miller. And
the third day, as he was in the same place,
gazing upon the maiden, he felt a hard blow
between the neck and the shoulder, from the
edge of an axe. And when he looked behind him,
he saw that it was the miller; and the miller
said to him, "Do one of two things: either
turn thy head from hence, or go to the tournament."
And Peredur smiled on the miller, and went to
the tournament; and all that encountered him
that day he overthrew. And as many as he vanquished
he sent as a gift to the Empress, and their
horses and arms he sent as a gift to the wife
of the miller, in payment of the borrowed money.
Peredur attended the tournament until all were
overthrown, and he sent all the men to the prison
of the Empress, and the horses and arms to the
wife of the miller, in payment of the borrowed
money. And the Empress sent to the Knight of
the Mill, to ask him to come and visit her.
And Peredur went not for the first nor for the
second message. And the third time she sent
a hundred knights to bring him against his will,
and they went to him and told him their mission
from the Empress. And Peredur fought well with
them, and caused them to be bound like stags,
and thrown into the mill-dyke. And the Empress
sought advice of a wise man who was in her counsel;
and he said to her, "With thy permission,
I will go to him myself." So he came to
Peredur, and saluted him, and besought him,
for the sake of the lady of his love, to come
and visit the Empress. And they went, together
with the miller. And Peredur went and sat down
in the outer chamber of the tent, and she came
and placed herself by his side. And there was
but little discourse between them. And Peredur
took his leave, and went to his lodging.
And the next day he came to visit her, and when
he came into the tent there was no one chamber
less decorated than the others. And they knew
not where he would sit. And Peredur went and
sat beside the Empress, and discoursed with
her courteously. And while they were thus, they
beheld a black man enter with a goblet full
of wine in his hand. And he dropped upon his
knee before the Empress, and besought her to
give it to no one who would not fight with him
for it. And she looked upon Peredur. "Lady,"
said he, "bestow on me the goblet."
And Peredur drank the wine, and gave the goblet
to the miller's wife. And while they were thus,
behold there entered a black man of larger stature
than the other, with a wild beast's claw in
his hand, wrought into the form of a goblet
and filled with wine. And he presented it to
the Empress, and besought her to give it to
no one but the man who would fight with him.
"Lady," said Peredur, "bestow
it on me." And she gave it to him. And
Peredur drank the wine, and sent the goblet
to the wife of the miller. And while they were
thus, behold a rough- looking, crisp-haired
man, taller than either of the others, came
in with a bowl in his hand full of wine; and
he bent upon his knee, and gave it into the
hands of the Empress, and he besought her to
give it to none but him who would fight with
him for it; and she gave it to Peredur, and
he sent it to the miller's wife. And that night
Peredur returned to his lodging; and the next
day he accoutred himself and his horse, and
went to the meadow and slew the three men. Then
Peredur proceeded to the tent, and the Empress
said to him, "Goodly Peredur, remember
the faith thou didst pledge me when I gave thee
the stone, and thou didst kill the Addanc."
"Lady," answered he, "thou sayest
truth, I do remember it." And Peredur was
entertained by the Empress fourteen years, as
the story relates.Arthur was at Caerlleon upon
Usk, his principal palace; and in the centre
of the floor of the hall were four men sitting
on a carpet of velvet, Owain the son of Urien,
and Gwalchmai the son of Gwyar, and Howel the
son of Emyr Llydaw, and Peredur of the long
lance. And thereupon they saw a black curly-headed
maiden enter, riding upon a yellow mule, with
jagged thongs in her hand to urge it on; and
having a rough and hideous aspect. Blacker were
her face and her two hands than the blackest
iron covered with pitch; and her hue was not
more frightful than her form. High cheeks had
she, and a face lengthened downwards, and a
short nose with distended nostrils. And one
eye was of a piercing mottled grey, and the
other was as black as jet, deep- sunk in her
head. And her teeth were long and yellow, more
yellow were they than the flower of the broom.
And her stomach rose from the breast-bone, higher
than her chin. And her back was in the shape
of a crook, and her legs were large and bony.
And her figure was very thin and spare, except
her feet and her legs, which were of huge size.
And she greeted Arthur and all his household
except Peredur. And to Peredur she spoke harsh
and angry words. "Peredur, I greet thee
not, seeing that thou dost not merit it. Blind
was fate in giving thee fame and favour. When
thou wast in the Court of the Lame King, and
didst see there the youth bearing the streaming
spear, from the points of which were drops of
blood flowing in streams, even to the hand of
the youth, and many other wonders likewise,
thou didst not inquire their meaning nor their
cause. Hadst thou done so, the King would have
been restored to health, and his dominions to
peace. Whereas from henceforth, he will have
to endure battles and conflicts, and his knights
will perish, and wives will be widowed, and
maidens will be left portionless, and all this
is because of thee." Then said she unto
Arthur, "May it please thee, lord, my dwelling
is far hence, in the stately castle of which
thou hast heard, and therein are five hundred
and sixty-six knights of the order of Chivalry,
and the lady whom best he loves with each; and
whoever would acquire fame in arms, and encounters,
and conflicts, he will gain it there, if he
deserve it. And whoso would reach the summit
of fame and of honour, I know where he may find
it. There is a castle on a lofty mountain, and
there is a maiden therein, and she is detained
a prisoner there, and whoever shall set her
free will attain the summit of the fame of the
world." And thereupon she rode away.
Said Gwalchmai, "By my faith, I will not
rest tranquilly until I have proved if I can
release the maiden." And many of Arthur's
household joined themselves with him. Then,
likewise, said Peredur, "By my faith, I
will not rest tranquilly until I know the story
and the meaning of the lance whereof the black
maiden spoke." And while they were equipping
themselves, behold a knight came to the gate.
And he had the size and the strength of a warrior,
and was equipped with arms and habiliments.
And he went forward, and saluted Arthur and
all his household, except Gwalchmai. And the
knight had upon his shoulder a shield, ingrained
with gold, with a fesse of azure blue upon it,
and his whole armour was of the same hue. And
he said to Gwalchmai, "Thou didst slay
my lord by thy treachery and deceit, and that
will I prove upon thee." Then Gwalchmai
rose up. "Behold," said he, "here
is my gage against thee, to maintain, either
in this place or wherever else thou wilt, that
I am not a traitor or deceiver." "Before
the King whom I obey, will I that my encounter
with thee take place," said the knight.
"Willingly," said Gwalchmai; "go
forward, and I will follow thee." So the
knight went forth, and Gwalchmai accoutred himself,
and there was offered unto him abundance of
armour, but he would take none but his own.
And when Gwalchmai and Peredur were equipped,
they set forth to follow him, by reason of their
fellowship and of the great friendship that
was between them. And they did not go after
him in company together, but each went his own
way.
At the dawn of day Gwalchmai came to a valley,
and in the valley he saw a fortress, and within
the fortress a vast palace and lofty towers
around it. And he beheld a knight coming out
to hunt from the other side, mounted on a spirited
black snorting palfrey, that advanced at a prancing
pace, proudly stepping, and nimbly bounding,
and sure of foot; and this was the man to whom
the palace belonged. And Gwalchmai saluted him.
"Heaven prosper thee, chieftain,"
said he, "and whence comest thou?"
"I come," answered Gwalchmai, "from
the Court of Arthur." "And art thou
Arthur's vassal?" "Yes, by my faith,"
said Gwalchmai. "I will give thee good
counsel," said the knight. "I see
that thou art tired and weary; go unto my palace,
if it may please thee, and tarry there to-night."
"Willingly, lord," said he, "and
Heaven reward thee." "Take this ring
as a token to the porter, and go forward to
yonder tower, and therein thou wilt find my
sister." And Gwalchmai went to the gate,
and showed the ring, and proceeded to the tower.
And on entering he beheld a large blazing fire,
burning without smoke and with a bright and
lofty flame, and a beauteous and stately maiden
was sitting on a chair by the fire. And the
maiden was glad at his coming, and welcomed
him, and advanced to meet him. And he went and
sat beside the maiden, and they took their repast.
And when their repast was over, they discoursed
pleasantly together. And while they were thus,
behold there entered a venerable hoary-headed
man. "Ah! base girl," said he, "if
thou didst think it was right for thee to entertain
and to sit by yonder man, thou wouldest not
do so." And he withdrew his head, and went
forth. "Ah! chieftain," said the maiden,
"if thou wilt do as I counsel thee, thou
wilt shut the door, lest the man should have
a plot against thee." Upon that Gwalchmai
arose, and when he came near unto the door,
the man, with sixty others, fully armed, were
ascending the tower. And Gwalchmai defended
the door with a chessboard, that none might
enter until the man should return from the chase.
And thereupon, behold the Earl arrived. "What
is all this?" asked he. "It is a sad
thing," said the hoary-headed man; "the
young girl yonder has been sitting and eating
with him who slew your father. He is Gwalchmai,
the son of Gwyar." "Hold thy peace,
then," said the Earl, "I will go in."
And the Earl was joyful concerning Gwalchmai.
"Ha! chieftain," said he, "it
was wrong of thee to come to my court, when
thou knewest that thou didst slay my father;
and though we cannot avenge him, Heaven will
avenge him upon thee." "My soul,"
said Gwalchmai, "thus it is: I came not
here either to acknowledge or to deny having
slain thy father; but I am on a message from
Arthur, and therefore do I crave the space of
a year until I shall return from my embassy,
and then, upon my faith, I will come back unto
this palace, and do one of two things, either
acknowledge it, or deny it." And the time
was granted him willingly; and he remained there
that night. And the next morning he rode forth.
And the story relates nothing further of Gwalchmai
respecting this adventure.
And Peredur rode forward. And he wandered over
the whole island, seeking tidings of the black
maiden, and he could meet with none. And he
came to an unknown land, in the centre of a
valley, watered by a river. And as he traversed
the valley he beheld a horseman coming towards
him, and wearing the garments of a priest; and
he besought his blessing. "Wretched man,"
said he, "thou meritest no blessing, and
thou wouldest not be profited by one, seeing
that thou art clad in armour on such a day as
this." "And what day is to-day?"
said Peredur. "To-day is Good Friday,"
he answered. "Chide me not that I knew
not this, seeing that it is a year to-day since
I journeyed forth from my country." Then
he dismounted, and led his horse in his hand.
And he had not proceeded far along the high
road before he came to a cross road, and the
cross road traversed a wood. And on the other
side of the wood he saw an unfortified castle,
which appeared to be inhabited. And at the gate
of the castle there met him the priest whom
he had seen before, and he asked his blessing.
"The blessing of Heaven be unto thee,"
said he, "it is more fitting to travel
in thy present guise than as thou wast erewhile;
and this night thou shalt tarry with me."
So he remained there that night.
And the next day Peredur sought to go forth.
"To-day may no one journey. Thou shalt
remain with me to-day and to-morrow, and the
day following, and I will direct thee as best
I may to the place which thou art seeking."
And the fourth day Peredur sought to go forth,
and he entreated the priest to tell him how
he should find the Castle of Wonders. "What
I know thereof I will tell thee," he replied.
"Go over yonder mountain, and on the other
side of the mountain thou wilt come to a river,
and in the valley wherein the river runs is
a King's palace, wherein the King sojourned
during Easter. And if thou mayest have tidings
anywhere of the Castle of Wonders, thou wilt
have them there."
Then Peredur rode forward. And he came to the
valley in which was the river, and there met
him a number of men going to hunt, and in the
midst of them was a man of exalted rank, and
Peredur saluted him. "Choose, chieftain,"
said the man, "whether thou wilt go with
me to the chase, or wilt proceed to my palace,
and I will dispatch one of my household to commend
thee to my daughter, who is there, and who will
entertain thee with food and liquor until I
return from hunting; and whatever may be thine
errand, such as I can obtain for thee thou shalt
gladly have." And the King sent a little
yellow page with him as an attendant; and when
they came to the palace the lady had arisen,
and was about to wash before meat. Peredur went
forward, and she saluted him joyfully, and placed
him by her side. And they took their repast.
And whatsoever Peredur said unto her, she laughed
loudly, so that all in the palace could hear.
Then spoke the yellow page to the lady. "By
my faith," said he, "this youth is
already thy husband; or if he be not, thy mind
and thy thoughts are set upon him." And
the little yellow page went unto the King, and
told him that it seemed to him that the youth
whom he had met with was his daughter's husband,
or if he were not so already that he would shortly
become so unless he were cautious. "What
is thy counsel in this matter, youth?"
said the King. "My counsel is," he
replied, "that thou set strong men upon
him, to seize him, until thou hast ascertained
the truth respecting this." So he set strong
men upon Peredur, who seized him and cast him
into prison. And the maiden went before her
father, and asked him wherefore he had caused
the youth from Arthur's Court to be imprisoned.
"In truth," he answered, "he
shall not be free to-night, nor to-morrow, nor
the day following, and he shall not come from
where he is." She replied not to what the
King had said, but she went to the youth. "Is
it unpleasant to thee to be here?" said
she. "I should not care if I were not,"
he replied. "Thy couch and thy treatment
shall be in no wise inferior to that of the
King himself, and thou shalt have the best entertainment
that the palace affords. And if it were more
pleasing to thee that my couch should be here,
that I might discourse with thee, it should
be so, cheerfully." "This can I not
refuse," said Peredur. And he remained
in prison that night. And the maiden provided
all that she had promised him.
And the next day Peredur heard a tumult in the
town. "Tell me, fair maiden, what is that
tumult?" said Peredur. "All the King's
hosts and his forces have come to the town to-day."
"And what seek they here?" he inquired.
"There is an Earl near this place who possesses
two Earldoms, and is as powerful as a King;
and an engagement will take place between them
to-day." "I beseech thee," said
Peredur, "to cause a horse and arms to
be brought, that I may view the encounter, and
I promise to come back to my prison again."
"Gladly," said she, "will I provide
thee with horse and arms." So she gave
him a horse and arms, and a bright scarlet robe
of honour over his armour, and a yellow shield
upon his shoulder. And he went to the combat;
and as many of the Earl's men as encountered
him that day he overthrew; and he returned to
his prison. And the maiden asked tidings of
Peredur, and he answered her not a word. And
she went and asked tidings of her father, and
inquired who had acquitted himself best of the
household. And he said that he knew not, but
that it was a man with a scarlet robe of honour
over his armour, and a yellow shield upon his
shoulder. Then she smiled, and returned to where
Peredur was, and did him great honour that night.
And for three days did Peredur slay the Earl's
men; and before any one could know who he was,
he returned to his prison. And the fourth day
Peredur slew the Earl himself. And the maiden
went unto her father, and inquired of him the
news. "I have good news for thee,"
said the King; "the Earl is slain, and
I am the owner of his two Earldoms." "Knowest
thou, lord, who slew him?" "I do not
know," said the King. "It was the
knight with the scarlet robe of honour and the
yellow shield." "Lord," said
she, "I know who that is." "By
Heaven!" he exclaimed, "who is he?"
"Lord," she replied, "he is the
knight whom thou hast imprisoned." Then
he went unto Peredur, and saluted him, and told
him that he would reward the service he had
done him, in any way he might desire. And when
they went to meat, Peredur was placed beside
the King, and the maiden on the other side of
Peredur. "I will give thee," said
the King, "my daughter in marriage, and
half my kingdom with her, and the two Earldoms
as a gift." "Heaven reward thee, lord,"
said Peredur, "but I came not here to woo."
"What seekest thou then, chieftain?"
"I am seeking tidings of the Castle of
Wonders." "Thy enterprise is greater,
chieftain, than thou wilt wish to pursue,"
said the maiden, "nevertheless, tidings
shalt thou have of the Castle, and thou shalt
have a guide through my father's dominions,
and a sufficiency of provisions for thy journey,
for thou art, O chieftain, the man whom best
I love." Then she said to him, "Go
over yonder mountain, and thou wilt find a lake,
and in the middle of the lake there is a Castle,
and that is the Castle that is called the Castle
of Wonders; and we know not what wonders are
therein, but thus is it called."
And Peredur proceeded towards the Castle, and
the gate of the Castle was open. And when he
came to the hall, the door was open, and he
entered. And he beheld a chessboard in the hall,
and the chessmen were playing against each other,
by themselves. And the side that he favoured
lost the game, and thereupon the others set
up a shout, as though they had been living men.
And Peredur was wroth, and took the chessmen
in his lap, and cast the chessboard into the
lake. And when he had done thus, behold the
black maiden came in, and she said to him, "The
welcome of Heaven be not unto thee. Thou hadst
rather do evil than good." "What complaint
hast thou against me, maiden?" said Peredur.
"That thou hast occasioned unto the Empress
the loss of her chessboard, which she would
not have lost for all her empire. And the way
in which thou mayest recover the chessboard
is, to repair to the Castle of Ysbidinongyl,
where is a black man, who lays waste the dominions
of the Empress; and if thou canst slay him,
thou wilt recover the chessboard. But if thou
goest there, thou wilt not return alive."
"Wilt thou direct me thither?" said
Peredur. "I will show thee the way,"
she replied. So he went to the Castle of Ysbidinongyl,
and he fought with the black man. And the black
man besought mercy of Peredur. "Mercy will
I grant thee," said he, "on condition
that thou cause the chessboard to be restored
to the place where it was when I entered the
hall." Then the maiden came to him, and
said, "The malediction of Heaven attend
thee for thy work, since thou hast left that
monster alive, who lays waste all the possessions
of the Empress." "I granted him his
life," said Peredur, "that he might
cause the chessboard to be restored." "The
chessboard is not in the place where thou didst
find it; go back, therefore, and slay him,"
answered she. So Peredur went back, and slew
the black man. And when he returned to the palace,
he found the black maiden there. "Ah! maiden,"
said Peredur, "where is the Empress?"
"I declare to Heaven that thou wilt not
see her now, unless thou dost slay the monster
that is in yonder forest." "What monster
is there?" "It is a stag that is as
swift as the swiftest bird; and he has one horn
in his forehead, as long as the shaft of a spear,
and as sharp as whatever is sharpest. And he
destroys the branches of the best trees in the
forest, and he kills every animal that he meets
with therein; and those that he doth not slay
perish of hunger. And what is worse than that,
he comes every night, and drinks up the fish-pond,
and leaves the fishes exposed, so that for the
most part they die before the water returns
again." "Maiden," said Peredur,
"wilt thou come and show me this animal?"
"Not so," said the maiden, "for
he has not permitted any mortal to enter the
forest for above a twelvemonth. Behold, here
is a little dog belonging to the Empress, which
will rouse the stag, and will chase him towards
thee, and the stag will attack thee." Then
the little dog went as a guide to Peredur, and
roused the stag, and brought him towards the
place where Peredur was. And the stag attacked
Peredur, and he let him pass by him, and as
he did so, he smote off his head with his sword.
And while he was looking at the head of the
stag, he saw a lady on horseback coming towards
him. And she took the little dog in the lappet
of her cap, and the head and the body of the
stag lay before her. And around the stag's neck
was a golden collar. "Ha! chieftain,"
said she, "uncourteously hast thou acted
in slaying the fairest jewel that was in my
dominions." "I was entreated so to
do; and is there any way by which I can obtain
thy friendship?" "There is,"
she replied. "Go thou forward unto yonder
mountain, and there thou wilt find a grove;
and in the grove there is a cromlech; do thou
there challenge a man three times to fight,
and thou shalt have my friendship."
So Peredur proceeded onward, and came to the
side of the grove, and challenged any man to
fight. And a black man arose from beneath the
cromlech, mounted upon a bony horse, and both
he and his horse were clad in huge rusty armour.
And they fought. And as often as Peredur cast
the black man to the earth, he would jump again
into his saddle. And Peredur dismounted, and
drew his sword; and thereupon the black man
disappeared with Peredur's horse and his own,
so that he could not gain sight of him a second
time. And Peredur went along the mountain, and
on the other side of the mountain he beheld
a castle in the valley, wherein was a river.
And he went to the castle; and as he entered
it, he saw a hall, and the door of the hall
was open, and he went in. And there he saw a
lame grey-headed man sitting on one side of
the hall, with Gwalchmai beside him. And Peredur
beheld his horse, which the black man had taken,
in the same stall with that of Gwalchmai. And
they were glad concerning Peredur. And he went
and seated himself on the other side of the
hoary-headed man. Then, behold a yellow-haired
youth came, and bent upon the knee before Peredur,
and besought his friendship. "Lord,"
said the youth, "it was I that came in
the form of the black maiden to Arthur's Court,
and when thou didst throw down the chessboard,
and when thou didst slay the black man of Ysbidinongyl,
and when thou didst slay the stag, and when
thou didst go to fight the black man of the
cromlech. And I came with the bloody head in
the salver, and with the lance that streamed
with blood from the point to the hand, all along
the shaft; and the head was thy cousin's, and
he was killed by the sorceresses of Gloucester,
who also lamed thine uncle; and I am thy cousin.
And there is a prediction that thou art to avenge
these things." Then Peredur and Gwalchmai
took counsel, and sent to Arthur and his household,
to beseech them to come against the sorceresses.
And they began to fight with them; and one of
the sorceresses slew one of Arthur's men before
Peredur's face, and Peredur bade her forbear.
And the sorceress slew a man before Peredur's
face a second time, and a second time he forbad
her. And the third time the sorceress slew a
man before the face of Peredur; and then Peredur
drew his sword, and smote the sorceress on the
helmet; and all her head-armour was split in
two parts. And she set up a cry, and desired
the other sorceresses to flee, and told them
that this was Peredur, the man who had learnt
Chivalry with them, and by whom they were destined
to be slain. Then Arthur and his household fell
upon the sorceresses, and slew the sorceresses
of Gloucester every one. And thus is it related
concerning the Castle of Wonders.
*
*
*
PEREDUR
THE SON OF EVRAWC
Translated by Charlotte Guest [1877]
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