Mythology, Celtic -- Wales; Tales -- Wales; Welsh literature -- 1100-1400 -- Translations into English
Scared and wildly Kai arose, and he mounted his horse, and went back to
his lodging. And thence he proceeded to Gwalchmai's tent. "Oh, Sir,"
said he to Gwalchmai, "I was told by one of the attendants, that he saw
in the wood above a wounded knight, having on battered armour, and if
thou dost right, thou wilt go and see if this be true." "I care not if I
do so," said Gwalchmai. "Take, then, thy horse, and some of thy armour,"
said Kai, "for I hear that he is not over-courteous to those who approach
him." So Gwalchmai took his spear and his shield, and mounted his horse,
and came to the spot where Geraint was. "Sir Knight," said he,
"wherefore is thy journey?" "I journey for my own pleasure, and to seek
the adventures of the world." "Wilt thou tell me who thou art, or wilt
thou come and visit Arthur, who is near at hand?" "I will make no
alliance with thee, nor will I go and visit Arthur," said he. And he
knew that it was Gwalchmai, but Gwalchmai knew him not. "I purpose not
to leave thee," said Gwalchmai, "till I know who thou art." And he
charged him with his lance, and struck him on his shield, so that the
shaft was shivered into splinters, and their horses were front to front.
Then Gwalchmai gazed fixedly upon him, and he knew him. "Ah, Geraint,"
said he, "is it thou that art here?" "I am not Geraint," said he.
"Geraint thou art, by Heaven," he replied, "and a wretched and insane
expedition is this." Then he looked around, and beheld Enid, and he
welcomed her gladly. "Geraint," said Gwalchmai, "come thou, and see
Arthur; he is thy lord and thy cousin." "I will not," said he, "for I am
not in a fit state to go and see any one." Thereupon, behold, one of the
pages came after Gwalchmai, to speak to him. So he sent him to apprise
Arthur that Geraint was there wounded, and that he would not go to visit
him, and that it was pitiable to see the plight that he was in. And this
he did without Geraint's knowledge, inasmuch as he spoke in a whisper to
the page. "Entreat Arthur," said he, "to have his tent brought near to
the road, for he will not meet him willingly, and it is not easy to
compel him in the mood he is in." So the page came to Arthur, and told
him this. And he caused his tent to be removed unto the side of the
road. And the maiden rejoiced in her heart. And Gwalchmai led Geraint
onwards along the road, till they came to the place where Arthur was
encamped, and the pages were pitching his tent by the road-side. "Lord,"
said Geraint, "all hail unto thee." "Heaven prosper thee; and who art
thou?" said Arthur. "It is Geraint," said Gwalchmai, "and of his own
free will would he not come to meet thee." "Verily," said Arthur, "he is
bereft of his reason." Then came Enid, and saluted Arthur. "Heaven
protect thee," said he. And thereupon he caused one of the pages to take
her from her horse. "Alas! Enid," said Arthur, "what expedition is
this?" "I know not, Lord," said she, "save that it behoves me to journey
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account