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. {56}
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, "Ha ha!" 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, "Ha ha! 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, "show 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 order of knighthood." "I will do so, tall
man," said Peredur. So he turned his horse's head towards the meadow.
And when he came there, the knight was riding up and down, proud of his
strength, and valour, and noble mien. "Tell me," said the knight, "didst
thou see any one coming after me from the Court?" "The tall man that was
there," said he, "desired me to come, and overthrow thee, and to take
from thee the goblet, and thy horse and thy armour for myself."
"Silen