mayest think it
will not be easy,' Kilwch answered him.

'Though thou get all these things yet there is that which thou wilt not
get. Throughout the world there is none that can hunt with this dog save
Mabon the son of Modron. He was taken from his mother when three nights
old, and it is not known where he now is, nor whether he is living or
dead, and though thou find him yet the boar will never be slain save
only with the sword of Gwrnach the giant, and if thou obtain it not
neither shalt thou obtain my daughter.'

'Horses shall I have, and knights from my lord Arthur. And I shall gain
thy daughter, and thou shalt lose thy life.'

The speech of Kilwch the son of Kilydd with Yspaddaden Penkawr was
ended.

* * * * *

Then Arthur's men set forth, and Kilwch with them, and journeyed till
they reached the largest castle in the world, and a black man came out
to meet them.

'Whence comest thou, O man?' asked they, 'and whose is that castle?'

'That is the castle of Gwrnach the giant, as all the world knows,'
answered the man, 'but no guest ever returned thence alive, and none may
enter the gate except a craftsman, who brings his trade.' But little did
Arthur's men heed his warning, and they went straight to the gate.

'Open!' cried Gwrhyr.

'I will not open,' replied the porter.

'And wherefore?' asked Kai.

'The knife is in the meat, and the drink is in the horn, and there is
revelry in the hall of Gwrnach the giant, and save for a craftsman who
brings his trade the gate will not be opened to-night.'

'Verily, then, I may enter,' said Kai, 'for there is no better burnisher
of swords than I.'

'This will I tell Gwrnach the giant, and I will bring thee his answer.'

'Bid the man come before me,' cried Gwrnach, when the porter had told
his tale, 'for my sword stands much in need of polishing,' so Kai passed
in and saluted Gwrnach the giant.

'Is it true what I hear of thee, that thou canst burnish swords?'

'It is true,' answered Kai. Then was the sword of Gwrnach brought to
him.

'Shall it be burnished white or blue?' said Kai, taking a whetstone from
under his arm.

'As thou wilt,' answered the giant, and speedily did Kai polish half the
sword. The giant marvelled at his skill, and said:

'It is a wonder that such a man as thou shouldst be without a
companion.'

'I have a companion, noble sir, but he has no skill in this art.'

'What is his name?' asked the giant.