is sweet Mother. The damsel goeth before, for that she knew the place
where the evil knight had his repair. They ride until they come into
the Island of Elephants. The Knight was alighted under an olive tree,
and had but now since slain four knights that were of the castle of the
Queen of the Golden Circlet. She was at the windows of her castle and
saw her Knights dead, whereof made she great dole.

"Ha, God," saith she, "Shall I never see none that may avenge me of
this evildoer that slayeth my men and destroyeth my land on this wise?"

She looketh up and seeth Perceval come and the damsel.

"Sir Knight, and you have not force and help and valour in you more
than is in four knights, come not nigh this devil! Howbeit, and you
feel that you may so do battle as to overcome and vanquish him, I will
give you the Golden Circlet that is within, and will hold with the New
Law that hath been of late established. For I see well by your shield
that you are a Christian, and, so you may conquer him, then ought I at
last to be assured that your law availeth more than doth ours, and that
God was born of the Virgin."

III.

Right joyous is Perceval of this that he heareth her say. He crosseth
and blesseth him, and commendeth him to God and His sweet Mother; and
is pricked of wrath and hardiment like a lion. He seeth the Knight of
the Dragon mounted, and looketh at him in wonderment, for that he was
so big that never had he seen any man so big of his body. He seeth the
shield at his neck, that was right black and huge and hideous. He
seeth the Dragon's head in the midst thereof, that casteth out fire and
flame in great plenty, so foul and hideous and horrible that all the
field stank thereof. The damsel draweth her toward the castle and
leaveth the knight on the horsesaith.

IV.

"Sir," saith she to Perceval, "On this level plot was slain your
uncle's son whom here I leave, for I have brought him far enough. Now
avenge him as best you may, I render and give him over to you, for so
much have I done herein as that none have right to blame me."

With that she departeth. The Knight of the Dragon removeth and seeth
Perceval coming all alone, wherefore hath he great scorn of him and
deigneth not to take his spear, but rather cometh at him with his drawn
sword, that was right long and red as a burning brand. Perceval seeth
him coming and goeth against him, spear in rest, as hard as his horse
may carry him, thinking to