took his horse, and rode to the meadow. And all the household hung
down their heads, lest any of them should be requested to go and
avenge the insult to Gwenhwyvar. For it seemed to them, that no one
would have ventured on so daring an outrage, unless he possessed such
powers, through magic or charms, that none could be able 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. 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, "Haha!" 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, "Haha! 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