head. And Peredur knew them all, but none of the household
recognized him. "Whence comest thou, chieftain?" said Kai. And this
he asked him twice and three times, and he answered him not. And Kai
thrust him through the thigh with his lance. And lest he should be
compelled to speak, and to break his vow, he went on without
stopping. "Then," said Gwalchmai, "I declare to Heaven, Kai, that
thou hast acted ill in committing such an outrage on a youth like
this, who cannot speak."

And Gwalchmai returned back to Arthur's Court. "Lady," said he to
Gwenhwyvar, "seest thou how wicked an outrage Kai has committed upon
this youth who cannot speak; for Heaven's sake, and for mine, cause
him to have medical care before I come back, and I will repay thee
the charge."

And before the men returned from their errand, a knight came to the
meadow beside Arthur's Palace, to dare some one to the encounter.
And his challenge was accepted; and Peredur fought with him, and
overthrew him. And for a week he overthrew one knight every day.

And one day, Arthur and his household were going to Church, and they
beheld a knight who had raised the signal for combat. "Verily," said
Arthur, "by the valour of men, I will not go hence until I have my
horse and my arms to overthrow yonder boor." Then went the
attendants to fetch Arthur's horse and arms. And Peredur met the
attendants as they were going back, and he took the horse and arms
from them, and proceeded to the meadow; and all those who saw him
arise and go to do battle with the knight, went upon the tops of the
houses, and the mounds, and the high places, to behold the combat.
And Peredur beckoned with his hand to the knight to commence the