Arthur was at Caerlleon upon Usk, his principal palace; and in the
centre of the floor of the hall were four men sitting on a carpet of
velvet, Owain the son of Urien, and Gwalchmai the son of Gwyar, and
Howel the son of Emyr Llydaw, and Peredur of the long lance. And
thereupon they saw a black curly-headed maiden enter, riding upon a
yellow mule, with jagged thongs in her hand to urge it on; and having
a rough and hideous aspect. Blacker were her face and her two hands
than the blackest iron covered with pitch; and her hue was not more
frightful than her form. High cheeks had she, and a face lengthened
downwards, and a short nose with distended nostrils. And one eye was
of a piercing mottled grey, and the other was as black as jet, deep-
sunk in her head. And her teeth were long and yellow, more yellow
were they than the flower of the broom. And her stomach rose from
the breast-bone, higher than her chin. And her back was in the shape
of a crook, and her legs were large and bony. And her figure was
very thin and spare, except her feet and her legs, which were of huge
size. And she greeted Arthur and all his household except Peredur.
And to Peredur she spoke harsh and angry words. "Peredur, I greet
thee not, seeing that thou dost not merit it. Blind was fate in
giving thee fame and favour. When thou wast in the Court of the Lame
King, and didst see there the youth bearing the streaming spear, from
the points of which were drops of blood flowing in streams, even to
the hand of the youth, and many other wonders likewise, thou didst
not inquire their meaning nor their cause. Hadst thou done so, the
King would have been restored to health, and his dominions to peace.
Whereas from henceforth, he will have to endure battles and
conflicts, and his knights will perish, and wives will be widowed,
and maidens will be left portionless, and all this is because of
thee." Then said she unto Arthur, "May it please thee, lord, my
dwelling is far hence, in the stately castle of which thou hast