r
knew what was in Owain's thought. And he said to Owain, "Marvel not that
the youth salutes thee now, for he saluted me erewhile; and it is unto
thee that his errand is." Then said the youth unto Owain, "Lord, is it
with thy leave that the young pages and attendants of the Emperor harass
and torment and worry the Ravens? And if it be not with thy leave, cause
the Emperor to forbid them." "Lord," said Owain, "thou hearest what the
youth says; if it seem good to thee, forbid them from my Ravens." "Play
thy game," said he. Then the youth returned to the tent.

That game did they finish, and another they began, and when they were in
the midst of the game, behold, a ruddy young man with auburn curling
hair, and large eyes, well grown, and having his beard new shorn, came
forth from a bright yellow tent, upon the summit of which was the figure
of a bright red lion. And he was clad in a coat of yellow satin, falling
as low as the small of his leg, and embroidered with threads of red silk.
And on his feet were hose of fine white buckram, and buskins of black
leather were over his hose, whereon were golden clasps. And in his hand
a huge, heavy, three-edged sword, with a scabbard of red-deer hide,
tipped with gold. And he came to the place where Arthur and Owain were
playing at chess. And he saluted him. And Owain was troubled at his
salutation, but Arthur minded it no more than before. And the youth said
unto Owain, "Is it not against thy will that the attendants of the
Emperor harass thy Ravens, killing some and worrying others? If against
thy will it be, beseech him to forbid them." "Lord," said Owain, "forbid
thy men if it seem good to thee." "Play thy game," said the Emperor. And
the youth returned to the tent.

And that game was ended, and another begun. And as they were beginning
the first move of the game, they beheld at a small distance from them a
tent speckled yellow, the largest ever seen, and the figure of an eagle
of gold upon it, and a precious stone on the eagle's head. And coming
out of the tent, they saw a youth with thick yellow hair upon his head,
fair and comely, and a scarf of blue satin upon him, and a brooch of gold
in the scarf upon his right shoulder as large as a warrior's middle
finger. And upon his feet were hose of fine Totness, and shoes of parti-
coloured leather, clasped with gold, and the youth was of noble bearing,
fair of face, with ruddy cheeks and large hawk's eyes. In th