protection. And he granted his protection unto them, and they gave
him their blessing. Then the men of Ireland came unto Arthur, and
brought him provisions. And Arthur went as far as Esgeir Oervel in
Ireland, to the place where the Boar Trwyth was with his seven young
pigs. And the dogs were let loose upon him from all sides. That day
until evening the Irish fought with him, nevertheless he laid waste
the fifth part of Ireland. And on the day following the household of
Arthur fought with him, and they were worsted by him, and got no
advantage. And the third day Arthur himself encountered him, and he
fought with him nine nights and nine days without so much as killing
even one little pig. The warriors inquired of Arthur what was the
origin of that swine; and he told them that he was once a king, and
that God had transformed him into a swine for his sins.

Then Arthur sent Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd, to endeavour to speak
with him. And Gwrhyr assumed the form of a bird, and alighted upon
the top of the lair, where he was with the seven young pigs. And
Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd asked him, "By him who turned you into
this form, if you can speak, let some one of you, I beseech you, come
and talk with Arthur." Grugyn Gwrych Ereint made answer to him.
(Now his bristles were like silver wire, and whether he went through
the wood or through the plain, he was to be traced by the glittering
of his bristles.) And this was the answer that Grugyn made: "By him
who turned us into this form, we will not do so, and we will not
speak with Arthur. That we have been transformed thus is enough for
us to suffer, without your coming here to fight with us." "I will
tell you. Arthur comes but to fight for the comb, and the razor, and
the scissors which are between the two ears of Twrch Trwyth." Said
Grugyn, "Except he first take his life, he will never have those
precious things. And to-morrow morning we will rise up hence, and we