Mythology, Celtic -- Wales; Tales -- Wales; Welsh literature -- 1100-1400 -- Translations into English
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
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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