Didot Perceval, or
The Romance of Perceval in Prose

Edited and Translated by Dell Skeels. Seattle
University of Washington Press, 1966

PREFACE

The prose romance of Perceval, or Didot Perceval as it has more often been named, was probably written between 1190 and 1215. It has survived to modern times in two manuscripts with quite dissimilar texts, the manuscripts being known respectively as the Paris, Didot, or D manuscript and the Modena or E manuscript. The word Didot has nothing to do with the romance itself but is simply a borrowing from the name of a former owner of the D manuscript, Firmin-Didot. Although the D text has some very interesting variations from the E version, I have chosen to translate the latter here because it is both smoother in diction and more unified and readable in plot. The question of which is more true to the lost original from which they both stem is impossible to solve except, perhaps, in the case of individual episodes. To the reader who is interested in exploring the manifold facets of this problem, I recommend the very detailed introduction of William Roach to his authoritative edition of both texts, The Didot Perceval according to the Manuscripts of Modena and Paris (Philadelphia, 1941).

Besides the Roach edition, which presents corresponding parts of the texts on the same page. the two versions have each appeared separately once before: the D text edited by Eugene Hucher, "Perceval, ou la Quête du Saint Graal," Le Saint-Graal ou le Joseph d'Arimathie, Vol. I (Le Mans and Paris, 1875-78), and the E manuscript edited by Jessie Weston, Legend of Sir Perceval, Vol. II (London, 1906-9).

Arthurian scholars are united in pointing out that the prose Perceval is not one but two works: a fairly long Grail quest by the knight Perceval and a very short Mort Artu which forms the third section of this translation (pp. 70 f.). The first part of the translation, or Prologue as I have entitled it, is considered by most authorities of today to be the conclusion of the prose Merlin rather than the beginning of the Perceval. I have included it here because it was presented as a part of the Thrceval in the first publication of the F version edited by Miss Weston and because I believe that the general reader, for whom this translation is intended, will find the remainder of the work more understandable by virtue of the introduction this section provides.

In both manuscripts in which the prose Perceval or Didot Perceval is found, it is preceded by a prose version of the poem Joseph d'Arimathie by Robert de Boron and by a prose Merlin which is an obvious sequel to the Joseph. The Merlin is probably also a rehandling of a poem by Robert de Boron all of which has been lost except for its first 502 lines which follow immediately after the Joseph d'Arimathie poem in the only manuscript of this work which has survived. The prose Perceval is as obviously a continuation of the Merlin as the Merlin is of the Joseph. As we have said, it is not completely certain where one ends and the other begins. In addition to the fact that the Merlin and the Perceval merge into each other without a definite division between them, the Perceval is also linked to both preceding works by similarities of diction which provide some evidence that a single author (presumably Robert de Boron) may have composed not only the poem of Joseph and the nonextant original Merlin poem but an original Perceval and Mort Artu poem as well. Accordingly, the two surviving texts of the prose Perceval would be more or less mutilated versions of a single prose rehandling of this lost original poem. This point of view, which sees the prose or Didot Perceval as a rehandling of a lost poem by Robert de Boron, has been accepted and presented very convincingly by two renowned Arthurian scholars, Professor William Roach in the introduction to his edition of the Didot Perceval and the late Doctor E. Brugger in 'tDer sog. Didot-Perceval," Zeitschrzft flirfranzösische Sprache und Literatur, 53 (1930), pp. 389-459.

On the other hand, the prose Perceval may be the work of a continuator of the two compositions of Robert de Boron-the Joseph and the lost original Merlin poem-some unknown author who set out to complete the de Boron cycle with a prose Perceval and a brief Mort Artu. If the Perceval was written by a continuator it becomes easier to explain certain indebtednesses of this work to Chrétien de Troyes' poem Le Roman de Perceval and to the Second Continuation of this poem called the Wauchier Continuation. Although Robert de Boron, considered now to have been a native of Burgundy and to have written sometime between 1190 and 1215, could have been the borrower of these materials since Chrétien's poem was completed by 1190 and its first two continuations probably by 1200, neverthe - less the borrowings in the prose Perceval intrude such inconsistencies between this work and de Boron's Joseph and Merlin that it seems unlikely that the same author who wrote these could be responsible for the borrowed sections of the Perceval. Brugger and Roach have answered this problem by considering these sections to be the interpolations of a rehandler of the presumed Robert de Boron Perceval poem. However, as Pierre le Gentil says in his essay "The Work of Robert de Boron and the Didot Perceval, "Arthuricm Literature in the Middle Ages, edited by R. S. Loomis (Oxford, 1959), p. 260: "Under such conditions . . . the archetype dwindles to such an extent that it is hard to see what sequel it could have provided for the Siege Perilous test, and in what form it could have presented the final success of the hero. Inevitably the question arises: is it certain that the archetype existed?" As yet there is no positive answer to the problem. Our work may have been written by an unknown continuator of Robert de Boron's Merlin, or by de Boron plus one or more rehandlers who changed the poetry to prose while borrowing liberally from Chrétien's Perceval and its Second Continuation.

If the authorship of the prose Perceval cannot be resolved, the date of its composition is even more difficult to determine precisely. Roach, believing it to be the rehandling of de Boron's poem, would date the de Boron original composition between 1190 and 1212, and the prose romance would in his opinion not be much later than the original poetic version. Professor J. D. Bruce in Evolution of Arthurian Romance from the Beginnings down to the Year 1300 (Gottingen, 1923), Vol. II, pp. 112-13, approved of a date of approximately 1230 for the work in its present form. He did not believe in an original de Boron Perceval poem and assumed, probably incorrectly, that the prose romance was later than the immense prose Vulgate Cycle and indebted to it. On the whole, considering the discussion of the question by Roach (Didot Perceval, pp. 125-30), the earlier dating seems the more reasonable. Again I must recommend the study of the introduction of the Roach edition to anyone desiring further information not only about this problem but about all other aspects of the prose Perceval.

Besides my broad division of the translation into the three parts-"Prologue," "Adventures of Perceval, "and "Mort Artu"-I have divided the last two of these into sections which conform with the breakdown by episodes made by Brugger and used by Roach in his Introduction except that particularly short episodes have not been made separate sections: Episodes B and C are included in "The Feast at Pentecost"; Episodes J, K, L, and M in "The Castle of the Fisher King"; Episodes P and Q in "The Return to the Fisher King"; and Episodes T and U in "Mordret's Treason." My paragraphing has in general followed that in the editions of Roach and of Weston. However, in many instances I have divided paragraphs when it seemed that their length was so great that it would be an encumbrance to the modern reader. Punctuation has been a problem because of the extreme looseness of the style. Wherever the punctuation appearing in the Roach edition did not conflict too pointedly with contemporary English usage, I have tried to retain it because I felt that it usually suited the sense of a close translation and that it was therefore a desirable stylistic factor. In general, I have used the forms of the proper nouns which appear in the introduction of Professor Roach's edition of the text.

I am very grateful to Professor Robert Linker of the University of North Carolina for his careful reading of the translation and the numerous corrections he suggested. I would also like to acknowledge my debt to Professors Allen Benham, David Fowler, and Myron White of the University of Washington.

Dell Skeels

Chapter 1: The Feast at Pentecost

AND YOU MAY BE CERTAIN that never did a king hold as great court or great festival as did Arthur. Nor ever was there a king who made himself so much loved by his nobles as he did; and he himself was the most handsome man and the best knight that one might know. And because he was so valiant a king and because of the beautiful gifts-- that he gave, he was so renowned that no one spoke throughout the whole world but of him only, so that all the knighthood took themselves to his court in order to behold and know him. And one did not value the knightly deeds that anyone might perform if he had not first been a year in the household of Arthur or if he had neither token nor pennon with his arms. And everywhere in the world one spoke of him.

And the news came of him there where Alain li Gros dwelt and he thought to himself that he would send Perceval his son there when he would be such that he would be able to bear arms. And he said to him many times: "My handsome son, when you are grown I will send you with all honors to the Court of King Arthur." These words he spoke many times until it pleased Our Lord that Alain li Gros should leave this world. And when he was dead, Perceval thought that he would go to the Court of King Arthur. One day he took arms and armed himself very nobly and mounted on a hunting horse and went away so quietly that his mother knew nothing of it. When his mother heard the news that Perceval was gone, she mourned greatly and thought in her heart that the wild beasts of the forest would eat him. And because she mourned so greatly she died of the worry. And Perceval rode until he came to the court of the noble King Arthur and he came before him and saluted him most boldly in the presence of the lords. And he said that if it pleased him he would dwell with him most willingly and would be of his household. And the king kept him there and made him a knight and there he learned much of wisdom and of courtesy, for, in truth, when he left the home of his mother he knew nothing. And he proved so worthy with the other knights that afterwards he was one of the Round Table and was much loved at the court by the nobles.

After this Saigremor came there and Yvain the son of the King Urien and another Yvain with the white hands and Dodiniaus the son of the lady of Malehaut and Mordret the nephew of Arthur who afterwards did the great evil just as you will be able to hear, and Guirres his brother and Garries and Gavain, and these four were sons of King Lot of Orkney; and King Arthur was their uncle. Afterwards there came Lancelot del Lac, who was of very high station. And so many other knights that I cannot repeat them; but this much I can certainly tell you, there were so many good knights at the court of the noble King Arthur that one spoke in all the world of nothing but the high knighthood of the Round Table that the noble King Arthur ruled, until Arthur bethought himself of that which Merlin had told him. Thereupon he came to his nobles and his knights and he said to them: "Lords, know that it is desirable that you all return at the Pentecost; for I shall wish to hold the greatest festival on this day that ever any king held in any land. And also I wish that each of you may bring his lady with him for I shall wish to honor the Round Table greatly that Merlin made in the days of Uther Pendragon my father. And also I wish to seat the twelve peers of my court in the twelve places. And know also that all those who will be at my festival and who will wish to dwell with me will always be of the Round Table and will have the greatest honor wherever they may come for each will have pennon or blazon of the Round Table."

Of these words there was much talk, and very happy were all the nobles of the court who greatly desired that they might be renowned of the Round Table. Thereupon they separated and each went into his country, and Arthur stayed in Logres pondering deeply how he might best exalt the Round Table. At Pentecost it happened that all the knights from all the lands of the earth gathered for the festival that King Arthur held. And in truth, King Arthur was of such great worth that they who held no fief of him might well consider themselves shameful, nor would they ever dare to come to a noble court nor to any place where a worthy man might see them, had they not come to the court of the noble King Arthur at Pentecost. Thither so many came from all parts of the world that no one could name them all, until the day of Pentecost it happened that King Arthur went to the Round Table. And he had Mass sung in the presence of all the people who were there. And when the Mass was sung the king brought his twelve peers and seated them in the twelve places, and the thirteenth remained empty, for it signified the place where Judas sat when he withdrew himself. And at the table of Uther Pendragon, Merlin had kept it empty, and for this reason the king did not dare to fill it.

It was an enormous festival which the king held on the day of Pentecost: for these of the Round Table clothed him in royal robes and also placed the crown upon his head and the king was thus honored as he ought to have been, for incense was spread by more than seven hundred censers wherever he went, and they threw gladioli and mint before him and paid him the greatest honors they could. Then the king commanded that all those who had come to the festival should be reclothed with robes and blazons, and you may be sure that as soon as he commanded, it was done. And so many knights and bachelors were there that the king gave robes and blazons of the Round Table to five thousand four hundred.

Thereupon the king had the water for washing announced by a hundred trumpets, and all the knights seated themselves to eat. And know, in truth, that Arthur served with the crown on his head and clad in a robe of gold; and he was closely observed by those who had never before seen him, and he was held in marvelously high esteem by all those who saw him. After they had eaten the king had the tables removed and they went out to the fields to joust. One then might have seen the ladies and the damsels mount within these towers and lean on the crenels of these walls in order to behold the jousting of the knights and the festival that was made. For in truth, upon that day those of the Round Table would joust with those who had come from outside, and they were much watched by the ladies and the damsels; and for this reason they strove much more, for there was hardly a knight who did not have there a sister or wife or lady love. And indeed those of the Round Table bore off the prize of arms that day, for Sir Gavain the son of King Lot jousted there most fiercely and Keu the seneschal who was the son of Ector and Urgans a bold knight and Saigremor and Lancelot del Lac and Erec who was very chivalrous. So well they jousted there that they overwhelmed those from the outside and with the evening they had won the prize. And King Arthur who was most valiant sat that day upon a palfrey and held a staff in his hands and went between the ranks to keep the peace that none there might enter into combat. And with him was Perceval the son of Alain li Gros who was very sad because he had not jousted, but he was wounded in his hand so he could not joust there at all, and he went all the day with Arthur, and with Guirres and Garries who were the brothers of Sir Gavain and sons of King Lot. These three were all day with the king and went to see the ladies and damsels and watched the jousts that were made that day. And the daughter of King Lot of Orkney, the sister of Sir Gavain, who was named Elaine and was the most beautiful damsel of her time, saw Perceval li Galois and loved him most deeply in her heart. And how could she help herself, for he was the most handsome knight of all the household of Arthur the king.

At evening the tourney was dispersed and the knights and the damsels began to carol and to hold great festival. But Elaine the sister of Sir Gavain thought much of Perceval ii Galois whom she loved most deeply. And when it became night the knights went to their hostels and to their tents. But Elaine did not become tranquil; instead she called a squire and sent him to Perceval il Galois to tell him that Elaine the sister of Sir Gavain greeted him most nobly and that she desired greatly to see him joust with the Round Table, and she asked that by the faith he owed her he might joust tomorrow before her and that he might be armed with vermilion arms that she would send him. And when Perceval heard this he marveled much and had great joy in his heart, because so noble a damsel as the daughter of King Lot had sent him word that for her love he should arm himself and should go to joust with the Round Table. Then he told the messenger that there was nothing that the damsel asked of him that he would not do for her love, "and I will joust willingly."

When the messenger had heard him he was very glad and returned to his damsel and told her all that Perceval had sent her in answer. And the damsel, who because of this was very happy, brought the arms and sent them to Perceval who for this was most deeply joyous. And you may be certain that he slept very little that night. In the morning the king arose and went to hear the Mass, and the nobles went with him. And when Mass was said the twelve peers went to the Round Table to eat and were well served there and Arthur honored them as much as he could. Then he had the horn for washing blown and the knights seated themselves to eat throughout the room and were well served, but of their dishes or of what they ate the story does not tell. But this much I can tell you for sure, they had whatever they might wish to devise. After they had eaten, the king had the tables removed. And the dames and the damsels went out to the fields to see the jousting and the festival of the Round Table.

Elaine the sister of Sir Gavain came there and she desired most greatly that she might see Perceval armed with the arms which she had sent him. Then the knights who wished to joust and to have the prize went out from Carduel and they came to those of the Round Table and began to joust, and then again began the festival greater than ever any had been before. And, in truth, Lancelot del Lac surpassed all those from outside, and Gavain and Sir Yvain the son of King Urien. Then Perceval li Galois came there, well armed with the arms that the damsel bad sent him, and went full force to strike the shield of Saigremor. And when Saigremor saw him he came out against him, and they let their horses go as fast as they were able to run, and they gave each other such great blows on the shields that the lances shattered. And Perceval ii Galois who knew much of such works struck him so hard with body and with horse that Saigremor was stunned so that he did not know what had happened and he flew into the middle of the meadow so hard that all those who saw him believed that he was dead. And Perceval took the horse and presented it to Elaine who made great joy of it, and, in truth, Perceval performed so many feats of arms that day, that he surpassed all those of the Round Table, and overthrew Keu the seneschal and Yvain the son of Urien and Lancelot del Lac. And they said that certainly he ought to fill the place at the Round Table. And the king who was very valiant and wise went to Perceval and said to him: "Sir knight, henceforth I wish that you would be of my household and of the Round Table and that you would stay with me, and know that I wish to honor you greatly in the future. " And Perceval answered him, "Sire, I thank you."

Then Perceval removed his helm and the king recognized him. And it came to him as a great marvel and he asked why this was that he had armed himself since yesterday and why he was disguised. And Perceval answered: "Sire, this by concealing I will help you to conceal, but so much I can well say, that I have done this that I have for love; and know that, even though I might have been able to have avoided it, still I would have come here. "And when the king had heard him and understood, he began to laugh and pardoned him very willingly and told him that whatever one did for love ought to be quickly pardoned, and so also said Gavain and Yvain and Lancelot and all those of the Round Table. And then Perceval said to the king that he wished to go to see the Round Table and those who sat there. And the king said to him: "Good friend, tomorrow you can see it. " And Perceval said: "Sire, I would most willingly see them sit there."

And with that he left him and they made great festival that night, and the next day the nobles assembled and heard the Mass; and when the Mass was said they all came there where the Round Table sat. And the king made them be seated, and when they were seated, the empty place remained. And Perceval asked the king what this empty place signified and the king told him: "Good friend, it signifies a great thing, for there ought to sit the best knight in the world. "And Perceval thought in his heart that he would sit there and he said to the king "Sire, grant me the boon that I may seat myself there." And the king responded that certainly he should not sit there, for he would certainly come to harm because of it, for in the empty place anon sat a false disciple who, as soon as he was seated was smitten into the earth, "and if I granted you this boon, you ought not to sit there." And when Perceval heard him he was angry and said: "Sir King, so God aid me, if you do not give me permission I tell you certainly I will no longer be of your household. "When Gavain heard this he was very sorrowful because he loved Perceval much, and he said: "Sire, give him leave to do it." And then Lancelot beseeched the king, and all the twelve peers. And so much they besought it of the king that with great hesitancy he granted it and said: "I give you your boon."

When Perceval heard him he was very glad and came forward and crossed himself by the Holy Ghost and seated him self in the place. And as soon as he was seated the stone split beneath him and broke with such an agonizing sound that it seemed to all those who were there that the world might sink into the abyss. And with the sound that the earth made, there issued such a great shadowy cloud that for more than a league they could not see each other. After this there came a voice which said:

"King Arthur, you have done the greatest wrong that ever a king of Britain might have committed, for you have trespassed the commandment of which Merlin taught you. And know now that this Perceval has performed the rashest act that ever did any man, and for this he will fall into the sharpest anguish of the world, both he and all those of the Round Table. And well you may know that if it were not for the merit of Alain li Gros his father and for the merit of Bron his grandfather who is called the Fisher King, he would have been hurled into the abyss and would have died the same grievous death that Moys died when he sat falsely in the place where Joseph had forbidden him to sit. And know, King Arthur, that Our Lord declares to - you that the vessel that Our Lord gave to Joseph in the prison is in this land and is called the Grail. The Fisher King has fallen into a great sickness and into great infirmity, and know that this king will never have cure nor will the stone be reunited at the place at the Round Table where Perceval sat until a knight from among these who are seated at this table has done many deeds of arms, of bounty, and of nobility. And when this knight will be so exalted beyond all men, and will have the prize for chivalry in the world, when he will have done this much, then God will direct him to the house of the rich Fisher King, and then when he will have asked what one does and whom one serves with the Grail, the Fisher King will be cured and the stone will be reunited in this place at the Round Table and the enchantments will fall which at present are in the land of Britain."

When the king and those who were seated at the Round Table had heard this they marveled greatly and all said that they would never cease until they had found the dwelling of the rich Fisher King and had asked of what the Grail serves. And Perceval ii Galois swore that he would never lie one night where he had lain a night before until he had found it. And thus also said Sir Gavain and Erec and Saigremor, and all those who sat at the Round Table. When Arthur heard them he was very sorrowful; however, he granted permission to them.

Thereupon Arthur dismissed his court, and many went back into their own countries, and many remained in their hostels and with the king. And Perceval and those of the Round Table prepared themselves in order to go and armed themselves in their hostels. When they were equipped, they came all mounted to the king, before the nobles of the court; and Sir Gavain said, before the nobles of the court: "Lords, it is fitting that we should go as the voice of Our Lord has taught us, but we know not where nor in what direction until Our Lord will bring us to find it." When the king and the nobles heard him they began to weep for they did not believe that they would ever see a one of them again.

Then the nobles parted from the king and they rode all day together but never found an adventure, and the next day until noon, and they rode until they came upon a cross. Then they stopped there and worshiped the cross and prayed God's mercy; and then Perceval said to his companions: "Lords, if we ride together we shall not thus gain much. Instead I pray you that we separate and each go his way by himself." And Gavain responded: "If we did it thus our work would be poorly performed; rather let us do it as Perceval has counseled us." And they all answered: 'We too would have it thus." Thereupon they separated and each went the way that best suited him, and they entered upon the quest of the Grail. However I cannot tell of the adventures they found nor of the difficulties they had, neither Gavain nor his companions, except as it appears in the book.

Chapter 2: The Orgyelleus de la Lande

NOW KNOW THAT when Perceval separated from his companions, he rode all day but found no adventure, neither could he find hostel where he could shelter himself. Therefore it was necessary that he sleep that night in the forest, so he removed the bridle from his horse and let him feed upon the grass. Yet never throughout the night did Perceval sleep; instead he watched his horse all night because of the wild animals of the forest. And the next day when dawn had broken, he saddled his horse and put on the bridle and mounted without delay and rode through the forest steadily until the hour of prime. Then, as he was riding, he looked beside him to his left, and he saw a knight who was struck with a lance through the body so that the lance was yet there, and also a sword had cleft his helm down to the teeth. And beside him there was a horse tethered and a shield, and beside the body was the most beautiful damsel that ever Nature made. And she grieved the deepest that ever woman grieved, and wept and mourned the knight that was there, and struck one fist on the other and tore out her hair and scratched her face so agonizingly that no one could have seen her without having deep pity. And when Perceval saw her he pitied her greatly, and pricked his horse with his spurs riding in that direction; and when the damsel saw him she ceased her mourning a little and raised herself to meet him and said: "Sir, I welcome you." And Perceval said:

"Damsel, God grant you greater joy than you have." And she responded: "Sir, I will never be able to have joy, for one has killed before me him whom I loved so much and who honored me so greatly that there was nothing that he loved so much as he did myself. " And when Perceval heard her he asked her:

"Maiden, how long were you in his company?" And she answered: "Good sir, I will tell you. "It happened that I was in the house of my father in this forest, and a giant dwelt in his house a half day's journey nearby, and he had asked my father for me many times but my father had refused him and therefore he warred against my father for a long while. And then the giant learned that my father had gone to the palace of the noble King Arthur who held the Round Table at Carduel on Pentecost. When he knew that my father had gone to King Arthur's court, he came to our manor and he tore off the door and came into the hail, for he found no one to gainsay him, and thence he came into the chamber of my mother and took me up and bore me away with him and he made me mount on his horse that you can see there. And he brought me here and made me dismount and he wished to lie with me. And I, who feared him greatly, wept and cried loudly; and this knight that you see here heard my voice and he came spurring upon us, yet the giant gave him no heed until he saw him beside him, then he had great grief of it, and charged upon him full tilt. And the knight who was very noble and brave received him very stalwartly with the strength he had, but I must say that the giant contested with him most evilly and harassed him greatly, yet the knight attacked him with his sword and cut off his head and hanged him there down from the branch of a tree. And he came to me and made me mount, and he said that he would make me his beloved. And I, who enjoyed much in this, granted it to him willingly, and I told him that henceforth I would keep him as my lord and my lover since he had delivered me from the fiend who would have shamed and killed me.

Then we rode all day yesterday together and this morning until tierce when we found a pavilion raised, so we went toward it to see what celebration was being made there, for I have never elsewhere seen such great festivities as those held who were in the tent. And then we entered into the pavilion of which the flaps were raised, and when we were within the pavilion, everyone, just as they had been making great joy, showed afterwards great sorrow when they saw us come. And when my beloved saw that they showed such great sorrow he marveled over it much; and then came a damsel who said that we should take ourselves quickly from the tent, and we should depart in flight, for if we stayed there longer we would certainly be killed, and he answered, as one who knew nothing of their activities, that he would not yet leave there, and he prayed them: 'Maidens, for God's sake, leave be the sorrowing and resume the gaiety that you are accustomed to make. 'And she answered:

'Good sir, how can we make our festival when it is necessary that you die before us? For the Orguelleus de la Lande who has pitched his pavilion here, will kill you and you may be sure he will never have pity on you; therefore if you believe me you will go hence before worse comes to you.

"And he answered: 'Sweet damsel, I do not fear that a knight may be able to harm me.' And when they heard him they began to weep. Then came a dwarf riding a nag, a whip in his hand, who was very evil and cruel. Nor did he greet us otherwise than to say that we were unwelcome, and so we were in the guise that he showed to us, for he struck me most harshly with his whip across my face so that the marks appeared there. Then he took up the pole of the tent and threw it down upon us. And you may be sure that my beloved was much vexed by this, but he did not deign to quarrel with the dwarf, and as soon as the dwarf had done this, he turned and struck his horse with his whip. And we turned as well and went on our road, for we had no more to do there. And we had not gone more than a half league when we saw a knight well armed come riding. And he was armed with vermilion arms and came at such great speed that he made the whole wood quake, and it seemed that he might have been ten he made such great tumult. And when the knight approached us he cried in a loud voice: 'By God, sir knight, in an evil hour have you upset my tent and interrupted the joy that was made there.' And when my lover heard him he turned toward him, and they reined their horses' heads for combat. Then the knight, who was very strong, struck my lover in the body and then drew his sword and struck him amidst the helm just as you can see. And when he had killed him, he turned away, for he did not deign to look at me or my horse. And I remained all alone in this forest, and if I have great sorrow none ought to blame me for it since I have lost him who had delivered me from my enemy. Now I have told you truly this which you asked of me.

When she had thus spoken she began to weep and to mourn deeply, and Perceval who was most saddened by the sorrow he saw her have, spoke to her and said: "Damsel, in this grief you can recover nothing; but mount on this mule and lead me to the tent of the knight, for never will I have joy until I have avenged him." Then the maiden answered him: "If you trust me you will not go there, for the knight is too Large and strong and if he should be the victor he will kill you; and though I say this, yet no less is it true that this is the person in the world whom I hate most." And Perceval told her that he would not stop until he had seen the knight.

Thereupon Perceval helped the lady mount, and they held their way together up to the pavilion and heard the joy that the damsels made. And as soon as they espied Perceval they made an end of their joy, and they cried in a loud voice that he should leave there, for if their lord came he would have to die. And Perceval, who cared very little for this that they said, came riding up to the pavilion. Then when he had entered within and had begun to speak to them, the dwarf, who was most ugly and hideous, came on his nag, and he held a whip in his hand and with it struck the nag on the head and then he said: "Fly quickly from the pavilion of my lord." And then he came to the damsel and struck her across the neck and across the hands; and he grasped the palfrey of the damsel and wished to make it go back outside the pavilion. When Perceval saw him he was much moved, and he took his lance by the iron and with it gave him a great blow across the shoulders so that he made him fly from the nag to the earth all flat. But he Leaped up and came to his nag and mounted there and said to Perceval: "By God, sir knight, before this day is past great shame will be placed on you. " And Perceval, who sorrowed much for the damsel whom the dwarf had so misused, remained in the tent.

While they were there they saw the knight come all armed with vermilion arms, and with him the dwarf. And when the damsel saw him she was afraid and cried: "Good sir, behold him who killed my love." And when Perceval heard her he turned the head of his horse and came out of the pavilion. And when the knight saw him he cried: "By God, sir knight, in an evil hour did you beat my dwarf." And Perceval, who valued little his speech and his arrogance, turned the head of his horse and they came together at a great pace as those who in no way have love for each other. And the knight who had much strength and fortitude struck Perceval on the shield so that he pierced and split it and made the head pass through along Perceval's left armpit, and you may be sure if it had caught him in the flesh it would have killed him. And Perceval who was very knightly struck the shield with his lance with such fury that neither hauberk nor shield nor anything else he might have worn was enough protection that the iron might not make itself felt in the flesh. And they came together with their bodies and heads and shields so violently that they were so dazed they did not know what had happened and so that the reins and shield straps flew from their fists, and each bore the other to the earth so violently that you might have gone a league before you would have known what had happened to them.

But as quickly as they could they leaped up and grasped the shields by the straps and drew their swords and came toward each other. And the knight who had great strength and power held his sword nude and his shield on his arm and attacked Perceval with the deepest fury. And Perceval put his shield forward, and the knight struck there most fiercely so that he cut it down to the boss. And the blow came downward with great strength, so that it made fly on the ground the flowers and stones and might have harmed Perceval, but the sword turned in his fist and glanced to the outside. When Perceval saw this the strength and courage grew in him, and he came towards him for he wished to strike him through the helm. But the knight opposed the shield to him, and Perceval who felt great anger and hatred, struck there so that he split it down to his fist and wounded him most cruelly in the left shoulder and smote him so that he almost fell to the ground. Then he charged upon him most fiercely and the knight defended him- sell the best he could, as one who had believed that no man might prevail against him. But Perceval pressed him so that he had to flee across the meadow and nowhere could he recover himself; and Perceval pressed him so closely that he pulled his helmet from his head and would have cut off his head, when he cried in God's name mercy, that he might not kill him, and that he would put himself as his prisoner in any place that he would wish to name.

When Perceval heard him seek mercy he did not deign to touch him further. Instead, he drew back and told him that he must swear on holy relics that he and his damsels would put themselves under the governance of King Arthur, and must promise that he would take to the court of Arthur the damsel whose sweetheart he had killed and would render her to Gavain the nephew of the king, "and I believe that he will lead her according to her will," or at least he would escort her back to the house of her father. And the knight answered: "Sir, I will do this most willingly, but now tell me from whom I shall surrender me as prisoner when I come to the court of the rich King Arthur. "And he replied: "From Perceval li Galois, who has entered on the quest of the Grail. Yet I have forgotten to tell you that, if you do not find Sir Gavain, you must deliver the damsel to the queen, for truly I do not believe Gavain will be there." And the knight answered: "Sir, I will do your will in all this, but I request that, before you go from here or I likewise, you will eat with me, and then I will go more joyfully there where you have commanded me."

Then Perceval answered as one who had great need of it that he would most willingly do this. Thereupon they came into the tent, and when they had entered, the knight commanded the damsels that they should make good cheer to the knight, and as he asked and commanded so they performed. And they clothed him with a rich mantle and the tables were set, and they seated themselves to eat and had great plenty. And when they had eaten they arose and Perceval asked for his arms, and they were brought to him and he armed himself; and when he was armed he mounted his horse and the knight did likewise and made the damsels mount and also the damsel that Perceval had led there. And you may be sure that when she left Perceval she grieved greatly, and it was very clear from her appearance that she would have liked better to have stayed in his company than in the company of the 'knight; but this could not be, for Perceval was thinking much of other things.

Thus they separated and the knight rode until he came to the court of the rich King Arthur. And Arthur was in his great hail and with him the queen who was very beautiful, and many good knights who had come to the court. Then the knight whom Perceval had sent there came into the hail and saluted the king and queen and all the nobles afterward and said: "Sire, I surrender myself as your prisoner on behalf of Perceval li Galois, and these damsels that you can see here, to do your will. And this damsel that you see he sends to Sir Gavain, and if Sir Gavain is not here he asks the queen that she receive her for she is of most noble lineage; and he himself salutes you all."

When King Arthur heard him he was very happy, and he retained him in his household and released him from any prison; and the queen took the maiden and welcomed her with much honor for the love of Sir Gavain who was her cousin. Thus the knight remained in the court of King Arthur and was much loved in the court by the barons.

Chapter Three: The Adventure of the Chessboard Castle

AND PERCEVAL, when he left the knight, rode all day but found no adventure, and evening approached and he prayed Our Lord that He would send him hostel where he could have lodging for he had but poor the night before. And then he looked before him and he saw appear amidst the thickness of the forest the top of a tower which was both large and beautiful. And when Perceval saw it he was very joyous and rode toward it swiftly, and when he came there he saw that this was the most beautiful castle in the world, and he saw the drawbridge lowered and the gate open, so he entered still on horse. And he came to the stone before the hail and dismounted and tied his horse to a ring and went upward all armed, his sword at his waist. And when he had mounted into the great hail he looked up and down and saw no man nor woman, and he came to a chamber and entered within and looked all about, but he saw neither man nor woman there. And Perceval returned into the great hail and wondered much and said: "Before God, I marvel to see this hail thus freshly strewn and I know well that it can not have been long ago that people were here, and yet now I see no one. Then he returned into the middle of the hail and espied before the windows a chessboard of fine silver, and upon the chessboard were pieces of white ivory and of black, and they were set just as though to play. And when Perceval saw the beauty of the chess pieces he came toward them and looked at the pieces a long while. And when he had looked at them for a time he took the pieces and handled them, and then he pushed one forward, and a piece moved back against him.

When Perceval saw the pieces that moved against him he held it to be most marvelous, and he drew out another piece and another was moved against him. And when Perceval saw it, he seated himself and began to play, and he played so long that the set mated him three times. And when Perceval saw this, he was very angry and said: "By the faith that I owe to Our Lord, I see a marvelous thing, for I thought I knew so much of this game and it has mated me three times. And may I have ill fortune but never me nor any other knight will it mate or shame again." Then he took the chess pieces in the skirt of his hauberk and came to a window and wished to hurl them into the water that ran below. Then as he would have let go of them, a damsel cried to him who was above him at a window on high, and she said to him: "Knight, your heart has moved you to great villainy when you wish to throw the chess pieces into the water. And you may be sure that if you throw them there, you will do great ill."

And Perceval said to her: "Damsel, if you wish to come down you can be sure that I will throw none of them there." And she responded: "1 will not go there, but you put them back on the chessboard, thus you will be acting courteously." "What is this, damsel?" said Perceval. "You do not wish to do anything for me and you wish that I should do something for you? But, by Saint Nicholas, if you do not come down here I will throw them there. "And when the maiden heard him speak thus she said: "Sir knight, now put back the chess pieces, for I would rather descend than that you threw them there. " And when Perceval heard this he was very happy and came back to the chessboard and set the chess pieces upon it, and they themselves replaced themselves better than anyone could have put them back.

Then the damsel came through the door of a chamber and as many as ten maidens with her; and four servants before them who were very well trained, for as soon as they saw Perceval, they ran to disarm him, and they removed the helm from his head and removed the armor from his legs and drew the hauberk from his back, and his body was free from armor and you may be sure that this was the most handsome knight that one might know. And two servants ran to his horse and took it to the stables, and a maiden brought him a short woolen cloak and clasped it about him. And then she led him into the chamber with the damsel of the castle who received him with a seemly joy and in truth this was the most beautiful maiden in the world. And when Perceval saw her he loved her very deeply and he said in his heart that he would be mad if he did not request her love since he was with her in such great freedom. And just as he had thought, so he did, he sought it of her very ardently and tried in many ways, until the damsel said: "Sir, so may God aid me, you must know that I would willingly hear you in this which you seek of me if I might believe that you might be as desirous in deeds as you are in words. Nevertheless you may know I do not doubt you in this that you have said to me and, if you are willing to do this which I shall request of you, know that I would love you and make you lord of this castle."

When Perceval heard her he was very happy and said: "Damsel, there in nothing in this world which if you request it of me I would not do. But tell me now this which you desire And she responded: "If you can take for me the white stag that dwells in this forest and bear me his head, know that always henceforth I shall be your love. And know too that I will give you a brach that is most good and true, for as soon as you have loosened it, it will go straight there where the stag is. And you must go after with great speed and cut off the head and bear it to me." And Perceval answered: "Lady, willingly; and know if God gives me life, that I intend to do all this that you have told me." Thereupon the servants came before the lady and placed the tables and they seated themselves to eat and had enough of whatever they wished. After eating they arose and went down into the court, Perceval and the maiden, until it was time to go to bed. Then the servants came to Perceval and undressed him and brought him to a handsome bed that they had prepared. And Perceval went to bed, and you may be sure he slept very little that night for he thought much of the damsel and of her affairs.

In the morning when dawn had broken Perceval arose and took his arms and armed himself. And two squires led his horse to him and he mounted. And the damsel came forth and gave him her brach and commanded him that as dearly as he loved her he should take care of it. And Perceval answered "Damsel, by God, there is not anything that I would not rather lose than the brach." And he put it on the neck of his horse in front of him and took leave of the damsel and departed from there at a great speed until he came into the forest, then he put the brach down and let it go. And the brach found the track of the stag and went along until it came to a thicket where it moved about excitedly, and the stag, which was white as snow and great and wide-antlered, fled from within. And when Perceval saw it he was very happy and struck the horse with his spurs. And the horse bore him so fiercely that the whole forest resounded from it. And why should I make you a long story? The brach chased it so much that it overcame it and held it by the two thighs all motionless, and Perceval who was most joyous descended swiftly and cut off the head, saying to himself that he would hang it on his saddle. But while he was tending to the tying up of the head, there came an old woman riding swiftly on a palfrey, and she took the brach and went from there with it. And when Perceval saw her he was very angry and mounted swiftly and spurred after her at a gallop until he overtook her, and he held her by the shoulders and stopped her and said: "Lady, for love give me my brach, for it is most villainous that you thus go away with it."

When the old woman who was most evil heard Perceval she said to him: "Good sir knight, accursed be he who stops me and who says that the brach was ever yours; for I believe rather that you have stolen it. And know that I will give it to him whose it is, for you have no right to it." And when Perceval heard her he said: "Lady, know that if you do not give it to me for love I shall become angry and you will bear away naught and things will only be worse then than they are now." And she answered: "Good sir, force is not right, and certainly you can use force upon me. But if you wish to do this that I will tell you I will give it to you without argument." And Perceval said: "Now say what this is and I will do it if I can, for know that I have no desire to begin a struggle with you." And she answered: "Farther along this road you will find a tomb and upon it a knight is painted. And you must go before it and say that false was he who painted him there. And then when you have done this, you may come to me and I will give you your brach." And Perceval answered: "By this I will not lose it.

Then from there he went to the tomb and he said: "Sir knight false was he who painted you there." And when he had said this and was returning he heard such a great noise behind him that he looked back and saw a knight coming most swiftly upon a horse so large and black that it seemed a great wonder, and he was all armed and all his arms were blacker than ink ever was.

When Perceval saw the knight he was frightened and crossed himself as soon as he saw him, for he was so large that he filled one with terror. But after he had made the sign of the true cross upon himself, he gathered strength and courage and quickly turned back the head of his horse and they came together at a great pace. And they struck so severely that they shattered both spears and shields, and they met each other with bodies and breasts and helms so harshly that their hearts were crushed in their bodies, and their sight was so darkened that they knew not what had happened. And they lost both reins and shield straps and fell to earth so roughly that their hearts almost broke within them, and you might have gone two arpents before they knew what had happened and before the one knew where the other had gone. And when sense and memory had returned to them, they arose and drew their swords and took up their shields and returned each toward the other.

The knight of the tomb attacked Perceval with great violence and struck him with the sword upon the helm; but it was so hard that he could not hurt it. And Perceval attacked him most sharply and followed him so closely that he made him give ground and he struck him with his sword on the helm so that he cut through it and the coif as well and wounded him in the head on the left side, and he struck him so hard that he made him stagger, and in truth if the sword had not turned in his fist, he would have killed him. But the knight caught up his shield strap and charged upon him with great anger, and Perceval defended himself. Then while they were there in the middle of the meadow there came a knight toward them well armed with all arms, and he took the head of the stag and the brach that the old woman held and then departed without saying a word.

When Perceval saw this he was much annoyed, for he could not follow him because of the knight who assaulted him most severely. Then in Perceval the strength and fierceness in creased, and he charged upon the knight with such great violence that the knight could not withstand him and feared him much and turned toward his tomb with great swiftness. And the tomb opened itself up, and the knight threw himself therein. And Perceval thought to leap alter the knight but he could not, for the tomb slammed shut behind the knight with such force that the earth shook around Perceval who marveled greatly at what he had seen, and he went to the tomb and shouted three times to the knight, but he did not answer. And when Perceval saw that he would not speak, he went back to his horse and mounted and followed swiftly alter the knight who had carried away his head and his brach, and he said that he would never cease until he found them again. Just as he rode forth he saw the old woman before him who had informed him of the vault, and Perceval spurred toward her and asked her who the knight of the tomb was and if she knew him who had borne away his brach. And when the old woman heard him she said: "Sir knight, evilly cursed may he be who asks me of this about which I know nothing. But if you have lost it then seek until you find it again, for your affair matters nothing to me." And when Perceval heard that he would find out nothing from her, he commended her to the devil and turned after the knight who had borne away his head and his brach. And he rode a great part of the season, but never did he hear news of the knight.

Now, gwyddbwll shows up in the Mabinogion, and is often translated as "chessboard," and was a game similar to chess; could this be a more native element of the tale, and not a French addition to Welsh legend? Not sure.

Chapter Four: Perceval's Sister and His Uncle

HE RODE SO FAR through the forests and through the thickets that he found many adventures; yet such adventures led him one day into the waste forest where his mother had lived, and his father also. And the castle remained now to a damsel who was Perceval's sister.

When Perceval came into the forest he did not recognize anything, for it had been a very long time since he had been there. But just as adventure led him he directed himself and he came into the castle on horseback, and when the damsel who was his sister saw him she ran to his stirrup and said "You are welcome to this hostel if you wish to stay until tomorrow." And Perceval answered: "Damsel, know that I came for naught else." Thereupon Perceval dismounted and the damsel ran to his stirrup and aided him most courteously and with her two of her damsels who were crushed in their bodies, and their sight was so darkened that they knew not what had happened. And they lost both reins and shield straps and fell to earth so roughly that their hearts almost broke within them, and you might have gone two arpents before they knew what had happened and before the one knew where the other had gone. And when sense and memory had returned to them, they arose and drew their swords and took up their shields and returned each toward the other.

The knight of the tomb attacked Perceval with great violence and struck him with the sword upon the helm; but it was so hard that he could not hurt it. And Perceval attacked him most sharply and followed him so closely that he made him give ground and he struck him with his sword on the helm so that he cut through it and the coif as well and wounded him in the head on the left side, and he struck him so hard that he made him stagger, and in truth if the sword had not turned in his fist, he would have killed him. But the knight caught up his shield strap and charged upon him with great anger, and Perceval defended himself. Then while they were there in the middle of the meadow there came a knight toward them well armed with all arms, and he took the head of the stag and the brach that the old woman held and then departed without saying a word.

When Perceval saw this he was much annoyed, for he could not follow him because of the knight who assaulted him most severely. Then in Perceval the strength and fierceness in creased, and he charged upon the knight with such great vio lence that the knight could not withstand him and feared him much and turned toward his tomb with great swiftness. And the tomb opened itself up, and the knight threw himself therein And Perceval thought to leap after the knight but he could not, for the tomb slammed shut behind the knight with such force that the earth shook around Perceval who marveled greatly at what he had seen, and he went to the tomb and shouted three times to the knight, but he did not answer. And when Perceval saw that he would not speak, he went back to his horse and mounted and followed swiftly after the knight who had carried away his head and his brach, and he said that he would never cease until he found them again. Just as he rode forth he saw the old woman before him who had informed him of the vault, her nieces. And they helped him to disarm, and when he was disarmed the damsel who was his sister bore him a most beautiful surcoat of silk, and she seated herself before him and looked at him very closely and began to weep. And when Perceval saw her weep he was very sad and he asked her what grief she had that thus she wept and she responded: "Sir, I will tell you.

"Sir, I have a brother, a young man, and I am his sister and we were both from one father and one mother. Now it happened our father died, as it pleased God. And in truth Jesus Christ sent there the voice of the Holy Spirit at his passing. When he was dead my brother went to the court of the noble King Arthur. Sir, my brother was very young and very little schooled, and my mother was very sad for this and she mourned so much that she was struck with such an illness that she died from it. Now I know well that the sin against my mother has encumbered him. And when Perceval heard her he said: "Dear sister, know that I am Perceval your brother who went to the court of the noble King Arthur. "When the damsel heard him she was very happy and sprang up weeping and embraced him and kissed him more than a hundred times, and Perceval did the same, and they enjoyed much the one in the other. And then the damsel asked him if he had been to the court of his grandfather the rich Fisher King. And Perceval told her: "Dear sister, I have not been there yet though I have sought it a long while, for more than three years I have gone seeking it; and know, dear sister, that I will never cease until I will have found it. " And the damsel answered: "Dear brother, may God let you so perform according to His will that you may be in His grace."

While the one spoke to the other and they rejoiced greatly the servants came to the damsel of the house. And when they saw that the damsel kissed Perceval so often they grieved much and said that the damsel was most foolish thus to kiss this strange knight. And the damsel called them before her and told them: "My household, know that this is Perceval my brother who went from here so young." When the servants had heard this they were very happy and enjoyed much in it. And when they had eaten the damsel called to him and said: "Dear brother, I have great fear for you who go thus, for you are very young, and the knights who go through the land are so very cruel and wicked, and be sure that if they can they will kill you in order to win your horse; but if you trust me, dear brother, you will leave this endeavor upon which you are entered and will dwell with me, for it is a great sin to kill a knight, and also you are each day in great danger of being killed.

"Dear sister," said Perceval, "know for certain that I would very willingly dwell here if I had completed the quest upon which I have entered, and as soon as I have completed it I will return to you and will advise and aid you within my power. But until I have completed it I will not stay. " And when the damsel heard him she wept most tenderly and said to him: "Perceval, dear sweet brother, then I wish to pray that you will do this which I will ask of you." And he answered her: "Dear sister, tell me what it is that you wish and I will do it." And she answered: "I wish that you would come with me to the house of an uncle of yours who is a hermit and also is a most worthy man, and who dwells in this forest a half a league from here, and that you would make confession to him and do penance for your mother who died because of you, and know that he will advise you as best he is able; and take care that you do whatever he will command, for he is a most holy man and came to this country from Jerusalem in the land of Judea and was one of the brothers of your father Alain li Gros. And know that if he asks in his orisons to Jesus Christ that God may let you find this that you seek, know that by his prayers you can much sooner attain it, for it is good to hear the words that he has recounted to me of your ancestor and of Joseph and of Enigeus his mother who was the sister of Joseph, and of Bron his father who is called the Fisher King. And he has told me that this Bron who is your grandfather has the vessel in which the blood of Christ was collected, and this is the vessel named the Grail; and he has told me that Our Lord said that it must revert to you, and it will be necessary for you to seek until you will have found it. "

When Perceval heard his sister speak thus he rejoiced greatly and said he would go most willingly to his uncle. Then Perceval armed himself at once and mounted on his horse and made his sister mount a hunting horse which was at the dwelling, and then both rode forth and held their way as far as the house of the hermit. And when they came to the door they struck with a mallet on the wicket, and the hermit who was a very holy and old man came leaning upon his crutch and opened the wicket. And Perceval dismounted and the maiden also, and they entered the house of the hermit, but their horses stayed outside for they were not able to enter into the house because the door was so low that it was necessary for Perceval to bend in order to enter. When the holy man saw his niece who had come with the knight, he marveled much and he asked her why it was that she came with this knight, or if he had seized or robbed her. And she said to him: "Dear uncle, know that this is Perceval my brother who is the son of Alain li Gros your brother, and who went hence to the court of the noble King Arthur to take arms, and, God be thanked, he has gone there and he has done this."

When the worthy man heard her he was very happy and he said: "Dear nephew, tell me, have you yet been to the house of the rich Fisher King who is my father and is your grand father?" And Perceval answered that he had sought it much but he had not yet been there. And the worthy man responded "Dear nephew, know that at the Lord's Supper there where we were, we heard the voice of the Holy Spirit who commanded us to go into alien lands toward the west and it commanded Bron my father that he should come in this direction where the sun sets; and also the voice said that an heir would be born to Alain li Gros who would have the Grail in his keeping, and it said that the Fisher King would not be able to die until you will have been to his court, and when you will have been there he will be cured and will give into your keeping his grace and his vessel, and you will be master of the blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

"Now take care to be a worthy man and I pray that you do not desire to kill knights, but that you spare them and endure in many ways for the soul of your mother. And pray to Our Lord that He may have pity on you, for know that your mother is dead because of the sorrow she had from you. Now there fore I pray that He remember you and that you may be careful to keep yourself from sin and not to do evil deeds, for you are of a lineage that Our Lord has loved much, and He has exalted them so much that He has given them His flesh and His blood to guard." And Perceval responded, "Sir, may God let me serve Him in whatever way that I may do His will. "And the worthy man prayed to Our Lord, and he said so many worthy things that I can not repeat them to you, but I can tell you for certain that Perceval stayed there all the night until the morrow when he heard Mass from the worthy man in the Chapel; and when he had heard Mass and the worthy man was divested of the arms of Our Lord, then Perceval came to him and knelt most humbly and took leave of him and said that he wished to go forth on the work that he had undertaken. And the worthy man prayed to Our Lord that He would allow him soon to find the house of his father. Then Perceval left the house and came to his horse and mounted and helped his sister to mount. Then he turned from there and the worthy man remained behind weeping, and Perceval rode forth at a swift pace, both he and his sister who enjoyed greatly in her brother.

In this fashion they rode until they came near their castle, and they stopped beside a cross where Perceval had often enjoyed himself when he had dwelt in the house of his mother. Then he saw coming a knight fully armed on a horse and as he came he cried very loudly: "By God, sir knight, know that you can not lead the damsel with you if against me you do not accept challenge." And Perceval heard him very well but never a word did he answer him, instead he was so thoughtful concerning his affairs that he thought nothing of this that the knight had cried. And the knight, who was much impassioned, came riding at a great speed, and brandished his spear and, in truth, he would have struck Perceval with it if his sister had not cried to him and said: "Perceval, dear brother, defend your- sell or this knight will kill you!" When Perceval heard her he marveled much, for he was thinking so deeply of his affairs and of the damsel who had given him her brach that he had taken no heed of the knight. But when he perceived him he turned the head of his horse and let him run toward him who approached, and the knight came toward him in the same manner and each showed his intent of afflicting his opponent.

The knight struck Perceval with his lance in the shield so that he pierced and broke it, but the hauberk was so strong that it could not be hurt and the spear handle flew into splinters. And Perceval had brought his shaft against the shield with such wrath that he used his total force there. And you may be sure that neither shield nor hauberk was sufficient protection to keep him from driving the lance into the knight's breast, and he struck him with such fierceness that he made him fly full length to the ground, and in the fall that he had, his heart burst and he died there without ever stirring foot or hand. And then Perceval said: "By God, sir knight, through your misdeed you have come to ill; and know that you would have done better if you had kept silent than to have pursued me in such a manner, and it oppresses me that I have killed you. I would have liked it better if I had only defeated you, for it is a great sin to kill a knight."

Then he took the horse of the knight and turned away and came to his sister and gave it to her. Then they left there at a swift pace and came to their manor and dismounted immediately. And the servants and damsels came to meet them and took their horses and put them in the stable and they were well cared for; but they marveled greatly at the horse that Perceval had brought. And they came to him and disarmed him very courteously, and when he was disarmed the servants brought the table and Perceval ate with his sister. And when he had eaten he lay down to sleep for a little while because he had kept vigil throughout the previous night, and after he had slept a little he arose and asked for his arms and armed quickly. And when his sister saw him donning arms, she mourned deeply in her heart and came to him and said: "Perceval, dear brother, what do you wish to do? Do you wish to go without me and leave me alone in this forest?" And Perceval said: "Dear sister, know that if I can return to you in any manner, I shall return and I shall advise you as best I can just as I ought to do; but I do not wish to stay longer at this time.

When the maiden heard him she felt deep pity, and she wept most tenderly. But Perceval comforted her as best he could and told her that as soon as he could he would return to her. Thereupon he asked for his horse and mounted swiftly as one who has no desire to stay, and he commended his sister to God and she him, all weeping and sad, but she could do nothing else about it.

Chapter Five: The Handsome Coward and the Ugly Damsel

AND Perceval, alter he had departed from his sister, rode all day but found no adventure, nor hostel where he might be able to spend the night. And, in truth, it was necessary that night that he lie in the forest, and he removed the bridle from his horse and let it refresh itself that night on the grass and dew which was good and heavy. And Perceval watched all the night nor ever slept. At the morning when the dawn had broken he arose and caught his horse and rearmed and mounted and rode ever onward.

The morning gladdened him much for the forest was high and luxuriant and he heard the birds singing gaily in the morning which pleased him greatly. While he rode he looked before him and he saw a knight come on a horse and a damsel beside him who had the strangest appearance that man has ever seen.

For, in truth, she had a neck and face and hands more black than iron, also both of her legs were twisted and her eyes were more red than fire, and, in truth, between her two eyes there was more than a hand's breadth. And I can say truly that she did not rise above the saddle-bow more than a foot, and she had feet and legs so crooked she could not hold them in the stirrups. And her hair was tressed in a braid, and know that the braid was short and black and seemed more like the tail of a rat than any other thing. And she rode most proudly and held her whip in her hand, and for greater gentility she had put her leg on the neck of her palfrey; and thus she rode beside the knight and embraced him and kissed him from time to time most tenderly, and he her likewise.

When Perceval saw them he stopped and crossed himself marveling and began to laugh very hard. And when the knight saw him laugh at his love he was deeply moved, and he came to Perceval and asked what reason he had to laugh and why he had thus crossed himself three times. And Perceval answered him: "1 will tell you. When I saw this devil riding with you, know that I was afraid of her and for this reason I crossed myself; and when I saw that she embraced and kissed you I began to laugh to see the absurdity completed. But tell me now in friendship and without anger whence she came to you and if this is a devil or a woman, for surely if one would give me all the realm of Logres I would not allow her in my company three days, for I would fear that she might strangle or kill me. "When the knight heard this he became so angry that he grew all red and he answered with great hostility: "Knight, you may be sure that you could not have angered me more than you have with mockery and laughter at her whom I love as much as my heart and who seems to me so beautiful that there is no dame or damsel in this world who can equal her in loveliness. Now know that I will never eat until I have avenged her on your body, and I believe if you had spoken thus in her hearing she would have felt such shame that she would have died of it since she is very modest. And if she were to die, know that for love of her I would kill myself; and I defy you here and now." And Perceval answered: "If it please God I trust I shall defend me against you.

Then they separated a space of two arpents and took their shields by the arm bands and lifted up their spears, and they let their horses run and struck each other so hard that both were driven from their horses. But as soon as they could they lifted themselves and charged each other most fiercely and each sought the other fiercely with his sword and struck again and again upon each other's helm. And, in truth, their shields were harshly battered, and they struck each other so severely with their swords that it was a wonder they did not kill each other; and this they might have done had they been as fresh as they were at the start. But they were so weary that the blows they gave had become much weaker. Then Perceval regathered his strength and felt ashamed because the other lasted so long against him, and he charged upon him powerfully and tired him so much that he completely overcame him. And he made him fall in the midst of the meadow and tore the helm from his head and threw it thirty feet or more from him, and he would have beheaded him but the knight cried to him for mercy and that he let him live in God's name.

And when Perceval heard that he besought mercy he would not deign to touch him more and replaced his sword in his sheath and asked him his name. And the knight answered that his name was the Handsome Coward, and Perceval answered:

"By my head, sir knight, your name has in it both truth and falsehood for you are not the Handsome Coward at all but Worthy and Handsome, so God help me." And then Perceval looked at the damsel and could not keep from laughing and he asked the knight what her name was, and the knight replied that she was named Rosete the Blonde, "and know that she is the most gracious damsel that was ever known, for in the same degree that she is beautiful she has also a gentle disposition. And you may be sure that I would prefer that one should bereave me of one of my eyes than of her, so deeply do I love her with true love." "By my faith, knight, then he would not be noble who separated you, but you must pledge me by your faith that you will go to the court of the rich King Arthur and deliver yourself as his prisoner for me. And also you must lead this damsel with you and present her to the queen." And the knight answered: "Sir, this will I do willingly, for there is not a court so good in all the world that I would not dare to lead her there as both courteous and worthy. But tell me in whose name I shall deliver myself. And he answered: "In that of Perceval li Galois." And the knight said: "Sir, willingly; be sure that I shall do as you wish with myself and her."

Thereupon the knight left Perceval and journeyed until he came to Carduel in Wales and a great number of knights and lords and dames and damsels were there who were with the queen who knew well how to honor them. And the king had heard Mass and with him his lords and the queen, and they had just entered the hall, and Keu the seneschal with the queen. And the queen went into her chamber and Keu leaned at a window and saw the knight come who was escorting his lady to the court, and they approached most proudly.

When Keu the seneschal saw the damsel coming he felt great joy in his heart and leaped down from the window and came running into the chamber where the queen was, and he said: "Lady, come and see! Surely here comes a knight who brings the most beautiful damsel with him that ever any man might behold; for all these of your court have nothing of beauty compared with hers. But in God's name, consider how to honor her and to perform so well that she will remain with you, and may God aid me, but I wish in good faith that all the women of the realm of Logres might be of her beauty. " And the queen answered: "Good Sir Keu, this I would never wish, for know that you would put me thus in great distress and discomfort, for then you and the other knights herein would wish to take them all from me." Then she said to her damsels: "Let us go outside to see if this damsel has such great beauty as Keu the seneschal has reported to us." Then they went to the windows of the hail and when they saw the knight and damsel coming they marveled much and quickly crossed themselves and began to laugh, and the queen called her maidens and said to them all laughing: "Damsels, now you know for sure that Keu the seneschal loves you deeply for he has wished you great honor today. "And Keu came to the king and to the nobles, and he asked them if they would come to see her; and the king and the nobles came to the windows with the queen and began to jest. And the queen told the king and the nobles the wish of Keu, and they began to laugh and make great merriment.

Thereupon came the knight and dismounted before the hall and took the damsel between his arms and lifted her down most gently from the palfrey. And then both came into the hail hand in hand, and both came before King Arthur. And the knight stopped in the middle of the hall and saluted the king and all the nobles for Perceval li Galois and said that he delivered himself as prisoner in his name "and my damsel Rosete, who has such a fair visage and whom I love as much and more than my heart, he has sent to the queen to stay in her chambers."

And when Keu the seneschal had heard him he could not prevent himself from speaking and he said to the queen: "Madame, thank him for this; and I pray that you rise and go to him, for such a present he has given to you today that there will never be an hour henceforth that you will not gain honor from it and the maidens of your chambers also; nevertheless if you retain her with you I fear that the king might love her more than you." And then he prayed the king by the faith he owed him that he would ask the knight where he had got her and if there were more there and if he would be able to obtain one if he went there. When the king heard Keu the seneschal he was angry with him and said: "Keu, by the faith that you owe God, let us cease this, for it is villainous to make jests of a strange knight, and you gain nothing thus and you cause hatred." And Keu answered him: "Sire, know that I spoke for no ill purpose, rather I spoke for the advantage of the knight, for you may be sure if I had brought her into a strange court I would have feared that someone would have taken her from me." And when the king heard him he was angry and said to him: "Keu, may you be helped if you do not know better than you speak, and I command you that you speak no more of this."

Then he came to the knight and embraced him and released him of any bondage and told him that he wished that henceforth he would be of his household and that the damsel would be in the chambers with the queen. And Keu the seneschal could not contain himself and said: "Sire, then it is well that you give him truce of all the knights herein, for you must look forward to the moment when they will bear her hence because of her beauty. And I know the knight who stands there well enough to know that if it turns out badly for him he will appeal to you; and may I be accursed if I will defend you." And when Arthur heard him he was very angry, and he said: "Keu, you are too cruel and biting in your speech, and by the faith I owe God and by the soul of Uther Pendragon my father, if it were not for the oath I made Entor your father, you nevermore would be seneschal." Then his face became dark and he said to himself: "I should endure him with patience, for all these traits he has from the woman who nursed him when he was weaned from his mother for my sake." And then Keu came and pretended that he was angry and said: "On that day may I be accursed when I take upon me the care of guarding her; rather let it be your responsibility henceforth." Thus as you have heard, the maiden stayed at the court of the rich King Arthur, and you may be sure that afterwards the damsel was the fairest that one might know.

Chapter Six: The Combat at the Ford

NOW THE BOOK SAYS that when Perceval had separated from the knight he traveled a very great deal of time and season through barrens and through castles, but he could never find the house of his grandfather. Yet he found many adventures, until he rode one day through a great forest, and looking before him he saw one of the most beautiful meadows in the world. And beside this meadow there was an excellent ford, and beyond the ford a pavilion was pitched. Then Perceval rode toward it at a swift pace, and he came to the ford, and wished to enter it and just as he thought to let his horse quench his thirst, a knight most nobly armed sprang from the pavilion and came riding rapidly toward Perceval, and he cried to him: "By God, sir knight, know that most unfortunately you entered there, and it will be necessary for you to pay to use the ford."

Thereupon he sped at him and wished to strike him with his lance but he perceived that the knight had neither spear nor shield, for Perceval had fought with a knight who had cut his shield into shreds. Then he turned back and came to a damsel who was at the door of the tent and asked her that she bear to the knight a lance and a shield which were hanging in the tent, for it would appear shameful to joust with him without a shield. And the damsel did as he commanded her and gave them into the hands of Perceval who rejoiced in his heart for this. And the knight cried to him to put himself on guard since unwisely he had entered the ford without leave, and he should guard himself well for he would make him pay for it if he could. Then they rushed together with great violence and they struck with great violence, and you may be sure that the lances flew into pieces, and Perceval struck him so harshly that he bore him down from the horse all full length on the meadow. And in the fall his helmet flew from his head because the laces were broken. Then Perceval put his feet to earth and got down from his horse, for it seemed shameful to strike a man on foot. Then he charged upon him with his sword and gave him so many blows that he overcame him, and he begged for mercy and surrendered himself to him. And Perceval told him that he would never have mercy upon him unless he would tell him first why he forbade one to water at the ford and why he jousted with knights and would harm them for such a thing. And he answered: "Sir, I will tell you.

"Know, sir, that I am named Urban and I am the son of the queen of the Noire Espine, and King Arthur made me knight in his hail at Carduel. And after he made me knight I wandered through the land and met many knights and contended with them, and I tell you truly I never found knight that I could not excel in arms. And thus I was riding one night just as chance might lead me, and, in truth, on that night it rained as hard as God sees fit to have it do, and it thundered and shattered the air and lightning flashed so fiercely that I did not know what might happen to me and I went so swiftly that it seemed that devils bore me. And my horse was so frightened I could not hold him in and he went his way in spite of me. Then know that at my back there came a din so great that it seemed the trees were uprooted behind me. And in this difficulty where I was, I saw come before me a damsel on a mule, the best I might ever see, and she was riding at a swift pace and as soon as I saw her I set out after her and endeavored mightily to overtake her. But it was so dark a night that I never could have perceived her except for the lightning in the sky. And I followed her until she entered one of the most beautiful castles in the world and I came after her, and as soon as she entered the hail I was with her. And when she saw me in the castle, she came to meet me and embraced me and made me put down my arms and gave me fine hostel for the night. And I emboldened myself so much that night that I loved her and sought her love, and she told me that she would love me willingly on one condition that she would require. And I told her that I would do anything she might wish whatever she might tell me, and she said that if I would stay there with her and not journey through the land she would be my love, and I said that I would do as she wished but that it would grieve me greatly to cease doing deeds of knighthood, and she said: 'Dear love, behold yonder a ford; you will pitch a pavilion there and no knight who goes through the land will see aught of this castle except the pavilion, and you will joust - with the knights who wish to water at the ford, and thus you will be able to have your happiness with me and yet maintain your knighthood.' And I granted her this and I have held this ford almost a year with my lady, and since then I have had whatever I desired. And the castle sits there behind the pavilion that you can see; but no one can see the castle except myself and my love and the damsels who are with her. And know that there are only eight days remaining of my year, and all these eight days had passed I might have been the best knight in the world, but God has not granted this to me. Now know that I am at your command to kill or let live, and if you wish you may stay here and guard the ford until a year has passed, and if you wish to stay a year you will have the prize of the world provided that you are not conquered by a knight."

When Perceval had heard him he answered: "Friend, know that I would not stay here for any reason, but I wish that you cease guarding the ford and that you never again bother a knight I who may come to this place." And the knight answered: "I will do your pleasure, no matter how I may feel about it, for I see clearly that you have the upper hand of me." Then, just as Perceval spoke to the knight and forbade him to guard the Ford Perilous, there was heard so great a tumult that it seemed that the whole forest crashed into an abyss. And from this noise which was so loud there issued a smoke and a shadow so huge that one could not see another person if he were a half league away. And from this shadow a voice issued that was very strong and very dolorous and it said: "Perceval li Galois, accursed may you be by whatever we women can contrive, for you have caused us the greatest sorrow today that we could ever have, and know that of it much suffering will come to you." And when it had said this, the voice cried to the knight who was there beside Perceval, "No more delaying!" He could no longer stay there and it said: "If you stay there longer you will lose me." And when the knight heard the voice he was all dismayed and came to Perceval and cried to him more than a hundred times that in the name of God he might have mercy. And when Perceval saw him cry for mercy thus he marveled much and asked him why he cried so much for mercy. And the knight responded: "Ha, sir knight, for God's sake, allow me to depart from here and give me your dismissal. "And then Perceval was silent and marveled much at the voice; and the knight ran to his horse and wished to mount, but Perceval seized him by the flap of his hauberk and said to him: "Knight, by my head, you shall certainly not escape me thus."

When the knight heard this he was greatly dismayed and returned towards him and cried more than a hundred times for mercy and that for God's sake he would not stop him and that if he stayed more he would kill himself. And then the voice was heard again which said to him: "Urban, haste you or you will have Lost me forever." And when the knight heard these words he fainted, and Perceval was all amazed and looked at him marveling. And then he saw around him so many birds that all the air about him was full of them and they were blacker than anything he had ever seen. And they wished to tear the eyes from his head right through his helm, and when Perceval saw them he was most deeply amazed. And then the knight recovered from his swoon and looked around Perceval and saw the birds, and then he leaped up and began to rejoice greatly and to laugh harshly and he said: "May I be cursed if I do not aid you." Then he took his shield by the strap and his sword in his hand and rushed back upon Perceval, and when Perceval saw this he was greatly angered and cried: "Sir knight, wish you then to begin fighting again?" And the knight said: "I defy you!"

Then they ran upon each other most fiercely with bared swords. But Perceval had the worst of it for the birds oppressed him so closely that they almost threw him to the earth. And when Perceval saw this he felt a great rage, and he grasped the sword in his right fist and struck one of the birds that pressed him most closely right through the body so that the bowels sprang out of it, and it fell to the ground. And as soon as it fell it became a dead woman, and she had the most beautiful appearance that he had ever seen. And when Perceval saw her he felt great sorrow for her whom he saw dead, and the birds that were around him drew back and hurried toward the body and bore it into the air. And when Perceval saw that he was free from them he ran toward the knight, and the knight begged him for mercy in the name of God and that he might not kill him. And Perceval answered: "Then tell me what is this marvel that I have seen." And the other said: "Sir, I will tell you gladly.

"Know that the noise that you heard and the great tumult, this was the castle of my damsel that she shattered for love of me. And the voice that you heard was she who called to me, and when she saw that I could not escape from you she changed herself and her damsels into the semblance of birds and they came here to oppress you and to help me. And when I saw them I could not prevent myself from going to help them that we might kill you, but I realize now that no one can harm you, and I know certainly that you are a worthy and godly man and one of the best knights of the world. And this one whom you wounded, she was the sister of my lady, but she will suffer no harm, for within the moment she is in Avalon. But, in the name of God, I wish to pray that you will let me go to my damsel who still awaits me."

And when Perceval had heard him he began to laugh and courteously gave him permission to depart. And when the knight heard him he rejoiced greatly and set off from there on foot at a great speed, for he felt such joy because he had been given permission to leave that he did not remember his horse at all. And he had not gone more than two arpents from Perceval when Perceval looked after him and saw that one bore him away with the greatest joy in the world. And he came to his horse and mounted for he thought he would overtake them, but he had hardly mounted when he could no longer see the damsels nor him nor even the horse which was beside him. And when Perceval saw this he thought it most marvelous, and he turned from there and said that it would be folly to pursue him.

Chapter Seven: The Castle of the Fisher King

THEN HE SET OUT from there and went his way thinking much of his endeavor, and very often he recollected the marvelous adventure which had happened to him. Thus he rode all the day but never drank nor ate, and it was necessary again for him to lie that night in the forest just as he had done the night before. And in the morning he departed and took his road wherever chance might lead him. Thus he rode all day but found no adventure nor hostel where he could shelter himself, and, in truth, he was much discomfited, for he found only hedges, thickets and heavy groves; therefore in his heart he grieved much. And thus as he rode along very mournful and very thoughtful, it passed nones and he looked before him and saw one of the most beautiful trees he had ever seen, and it was at the fork of four roads and right beside a very beautiful cross. And when Perceval saw this he turned toward it and stopped there for a long while. And as he was looking very closely at the tree, he saw two children all nude above him going from branch to branch, and each of them, it seemed to him, was about six years old, and each embraced the other and they played together. And when he had looked at them for a time he called them and besought them, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, if they were of God that they would speak to him.

And one of the two infants stopped and seated himself and said: "Knight, you who have besought us, know that we live for God. And know that from that terrestrial paradise from which Adam was driven we come to speak to you by permission of the Holy Ghost. You are entered upon the quest of the Grail that Bron your grandfather has in keeping, he who is called in many countries the Fisher King; and you will take this way which lies to the right hand before you, and know that before you depart from there you will see certain things by which you will complete your endeavor if you are the sort who ought to come there." And when Perceval had heard this he marveled much and thought on it a little and looked down, and when he looked up he did not see the tree nor the two children nor the cross which he had seen before. Then he marveled more than he ever had before, and he considered deeply in his heart and pondered and feared that these were only phantoms.

Just as he was considering that he knew not what to do or whether or not to go along the way that the two children had pointed out to him, he saw a very great shadow coming and going before him, and it went thus more than four times without ceasing. And the horse upon which Perceval sat became very frightened and snorted and trembled, and when Perceval saw this he was very much afraid, and he made the sign of the cross over himself and over his horse. Then there came a voice from the shadow and it said: "Perceval, Merlin, of whom you have heard so much spoken, makes known to you that you should not despise this that the two children have told you, for you may be sure that this information came from Jesus Christ, Our Savior, and if you are worthy know that before you have come from the road on the right hand, to which by the will of Our Lord you have been directed, you will have fulfilled the prophecy that Our Lord pronounced to Joseph." When Perceval heard this voice he was very glad and he called to it three times because he wished to speak further to it. But it did not answer, and when Perceval saw that it would speak no more to him, he directed himself along the road that the two children had pointed out to him which went across an open plain. And in truth, so far as the open way lasted he journeyed very uneasily, for he liked better to go through the forest than in the open plain.

As he rode onward, suddenly he came upon a very beautiful meadow, and at the end of this meadow there was a beautiful river with very rich mills. And he rode in that direction and saw m the middle of the river three men in a boat. Then Perceval approached them and saw within the boat a very old man lying upon coverings of the highest quality. And this worthy man was the Fisher King his grandfather, and he called to Perceval and prayed him to stay with him that night, and Perceval thanked him heartily. And the Fisher King said to him: "Good sir knight, go onward up the river and you will see my castle appear above you, and now I shall depart also and go there, since I wish to be there to meet you."

With that Perceval turned away and rode along the river and looked up and down but he caught no sign of the dwelling of the Fisher King, and when he saw that he could not find it he grieved deeply and cursed the fisher who had instructed him and said: "Worthy man, you who fish, cursed may you be who thus have made sport of me and led me to believe a thing which is not true."

Then he rode very sadly and pensively until he saw the top of a tower appear between two hills beside the forest where he had passed during the morning. And when he saw this he rejoiced greatly and rode toward it, and then he repented deeply for having cursed the king, nevertheless he did not know who he was. Thus he rode until he came to the fortress and saw the river which ran around a castle as rich and beautiful as can be imagined and saw the well-built galleries of its great hall. And when he looked upon it he thought that a worthy man must dwell there and it seemed to him that it was more like a king's castle than the dwelling of a fisherman, and the closer he came the better it appeared. And he came to the gate and found it open and the drawbridge lowered, and he came in and dismounted at the stone before the hall, and as soon as the youths of the court perceived him they came running to him and held his stirrup and helped him to disarm and bore his arms into the hall, and two youths led his horse away and stabled him most well. And Perceval came up into the hall, and a youth bore him a mantle of wool and fastened it on him, and then led him to a seat in the middle of the hall on a very rich bed.

Then four servants entered and they came into the chamber where the Fisher King was who had the keeping of the Holy Grail. And in truth, the Fisher King was so old and frail and full of great ills that he could stir neither hand nor foot. And then he asked the servants if the knight had come and they answered him: 'Yes, sire. " And Bron said: "I wish to go there." Then the four servants took him within their arms and bore him into the hail where Perceval his grandson was. And when he saw him come in, he rose to meet him and said: "Sire, it grieves me that you have given yourself the trouble of coming to meet me." And the king answered: "I would wish to honor you more if it could be." Then they reseated themselves on the bed and spoke to each other of many things, and the king asked him where he had come from today and where he had lain. And Perceval told him: "Sire, so God aid me, I lay last night in the forest where I had wretched hostel, for I was very uncomfortable, yet I was more grieved for my horse than for myself." And the king answered: "You had not, I think, any of those things of which you had need." Then he called two servants and asked them if food could be served and they answered: 'Yes, betimes." Then they set the tables in place and the king and Perceval seated themselves to eat.

Just as they seated themselves and the first course was brought to them, they saw come from a chamber a damsel very richly dressed who had a towel about her neck and bore in her hands two little silver platters. After her came a youth who bore a lance, and it bled three drops of blood from its head; and they entered into a chamber before Perceval. And after this there came a youth and he bore between his hands the vessel that Our Lord gave to Joseph in the prison, and he bore it very high between his hands. And when the king saw it he bowed before it saying his "mea culpa" and all the others of the household did the same. When Perceval saw this he marveled much and he might willingly have asked concerning it if he had not feared to annoy his host. And he pondered much on it throughout the evening, but he remembered his mother who had told him that he ought not to speak too much and should not inquire too much about things. And therefore he restrained himself and did not ask of it, and the king in many different phrases hinted that he might ask about this, but he said nothing for he was so oppressed from the two nights before when he had been awake that he almost fell asleep over the table.

Thereupon the youth who bore the Grail returned and re-entered the chamber where he had been and whence he had come, and the youth who bore the lance also; and the damsel followed them. Yet never did Perceval ask anything. When Bron the Fisher King saw that he would ask nothing concerning it he was very sad. And thus it was borne before all the knights who had hostel there because Our Lord Jesus Christ had told him that he would never be cured until a knight would ask what one served with this, and it was necessary that this knight be the best in the world. And Perceval himself ought to have succeeded in this, and if he had asked it the king would have been cured.

When the Fisher King saw that Perceval wished to sleep he bad the table removed and an excellent bed prepared for Perceval. And then he called four servants and said that he wished to rest and sleep in his chamber, and he took leave of Perceval and asked him that he might not have annoyance with him for he was an old man and therefore could not sit longer. And Perceval answered that he had none and commended him to God. And then he went into his chamber, and Perceval remained in the hall and thought much of the vessel that he had seen borne so nobly and to which the king had so deeply bowed and all those of the hostel as well; and even more he marveled at the lance that had bled from its point three drops of blood, and he thought that he would ask about it of the youths of the court on the morrow before he departed. And when he had thought long about it, three servants came who helped him to undress, and they put him to bed very nobly.

And after he had gone to bed he was very weary and slept until morning. And when morning arrived he arose and when he was clothed and groomed, he went down from the house and through the court, but he saw neither man nor woman, and he returned into the house but found no one there, and when he saw this he felt very sorrowful, and as he looked about himself he espied his arms and so he armed himself. And then he came to the stable and found it unlocked and saw his horse all freshly rubbed, and the saddle and bridle had been placed upon him. And when Perceval saw this he marveled greatly, and then he mounted swiftly and departed from the stable, and he looked and saw the gate open. And then he thought that the youths had gone into the wood to gather herbs and other things of which they might have need; and then he thought that he would follow alter them and if he found anyone he would ask him what this vessel signified that he had seen borne there and why they bowed so deeply and by what miracle the lance bled from the point of iron.

Thereupon he turned from there and rode through the forest a long way and until the hour of prime he found neither man nor woman with whom he could speak, and therefore he was very sad. And thus he rode a long way and pondered so deeply that he almost fell from his horse. And he rode until he saw a damsel in the midst of the forest, and she was as lovely a woman as one might ever find, and she wept most tenderly and made great mourning. And as soon as she saw Perceval she cried out as loud as she could and said: "Perceval the wretched, accursed may you be; you are so unfortunate that no good should ever come to you; for you have been in the house of the rich Fisher King your grandfather and have seen pass before you the vessel in which is the blood of Our Lord-that which is called the Grail-and you have seen it pass before you three times, but you never inquired about it. Now know that God hates you, and the wonder is that God did not make you die an evil death."

And when Perceval heard her he rode toward her and prayed in the name of God that she would tell him the truth of this that he had seen. And she said: "Then did you not lie last night in the house of Bron your grandfather who is of such high ancestry, and see the Grail and the other relics pass before you? Now know," said the damsel, "that if you had asked what one served with it, the king your grandfather would have been cured of the infirmity that he has and would have returned to health and you would have fulfilled the prophecy that Our Lord delivered to Joseph, and you would have had the grace of your grandfather and the fulfillment of your heart's desire, and you would have had under your guard the blood of Jesus Christ. Alter your death you would have been in the company of those who have kept the commandment of Jesus Christ, and the enchantment and the wickedness which are now in the land of Britain would have been undone; but I know well why you have failed.

"Know that you have failed because you are not nearly wise enough, nor worthy, nor have you performed enough deeds of arms or of strength or of good that you may have the keeping of the precious vessel. " And when Perceval had heard what the damsel had told him he marveled much and felt such deep sorrow because of it that he began to weep and said that he would never stop until he found the house of his grandfather and asked about all this of which the damsel had reminded him.

Chapter Eight: The Return to the Chessboard Castle

THEREUPON he parted from the damsel commending her to God, and she commended him to God weeping all the while. Then Perceval rode along the way that he believed should bring him to the house of his grandfather the Fisher King, but he had gone an unfortunately long way from there, and therefore he rode along pensively, and he rode two nights and two days without eating anything except the berries and fruits which he found within the forest. And he prayed to Our Lord that He would counsel him, and thus he rode one day without cease but had found no adventure at all, and then he looked before him and saw one of the most beautiful damsels in the world, and beside her there was tied one of the finest palfreys in the world. And above the palfrey he saw fixed to the branch of a tree the head of the stag that he had cut off. When Perceval saw it he was filled witfrgreat joy and he came there swiftly and took hold of it and tore it from the tree but not a word did he say to the damsel. And when the damsel saw him she cried out angrily and said to him: "Knight, put down the head that belongs to my lord, for be sure if you bear it away it will bring you shame. " When Perceval heard her he began to laugh and said: "Damsel, I will certainly not put it down for any reason that I can yet see, rather I shall give it to her to whom I have promised it."

Just as he spoke to her he saw a very frightened doe approaching and his brach followed after it very swiftly and grasped it by the thighs. And the doe was so frightened that it came to Perceval and to the damsel for help. And when Perceval saw his brach he was very happy and he took it upon his horse and petted it most gently, and as he held it he saw the knight coming who had taken it away; and as soon as he saw Perceval he was very doleful and cried loudly: "By God, false knight, in an evil hour for you have you taken my brach." And when Perceval heard this he held it for great folly and said:

"You are mad who claim this for yourself, for you stole it from me evilly."

When the knight heard this he challenged Perceval and Perceval did him the same. Then they separated from each other and galloped together with such ferocity that the woods resounded with their approach, and they struck each other so harshly that neither could keep from flying to the earth. Then they leaped up most swiftly and drew their swords with great fierceness and they fought all the while from noon until mid-afternoon. And, in truth, Perceval was very exhausted and the knight also; and then Perceval resummoned his strength and was ashamed of himself because the knight had lasted so long against him, and he lifted his sword and struck the knight through the shield so that it split right through the boss in two parts. And the blow was very fierce and strong and the sword came down on the helm but could not cut the steel and came down with such strength that it cut more than a hundred rings from the hauberk and it cut off the spur, and the sword drove two feet into the earth.

When the knight saw how great was the blow that Perceval had given, he was much afraid, for he saw well that if he gave him another such blow he would kill him. Therefore he drew back and cried for mercy in the name of God and that he would not kill him for anything that he had done. And Perceval said to him: "Then tell me why you bore away my brach and who the knight was with whom I was combating when you took it from me, and whether or not you know the old woman who informed me of the tomb. " And the knight answered: "All this I will tell you." And Perceval replied: "If you tell me this you will not have to fear your death."

Then the knight answered: "Know that he who came forth from the tomb was my blood brother and was one of the best knights that could be found, until a fairy who was very beautiful fell in love with him because of the prowess she recognized in him. And as soon as my brother saw her he was so overwhelmed with love for her that he was almost bereft of his senses whenever he was with her. And finally the damsel asked him if he would go with her there where she wished to lead him. And he said that he would willingly go wherever she might lead him provided that she would bring him to some place where he could continue to perform deeds of valor, and she told him that she would lead him to a place where he would be able to do so many deeds of arms that none could do more, for all the knights of Arthur's court went there where she would bring him. Then she led him into this forest and when they had reached it they found beside the road, which you saw when you passed by the tomb, one of the most beautiful meadows in the world, and the two of them dismounted there and arranged cloths and then ate with much pleasure. And when they had eaten, my brother lay down to sleep, and when he had slept so much as pleased him he awoke, and when he had awakened he found himself in one of the most beautiful castles of the world. And he saw within it knights and ladies and damsels all prepared to serve him. And this castle was situated beside the tomb, but none could see it, and from within it issued the knight when he went to meet you in combat. And know that the old woman who told you of the tomb is, when she wishes to be, the most beautiful damsel that you ever saw, and she is the same who created the tomb and who led my brother into the forest. Know too that I have told you the truth in this that I have related. "When Perceval heard him he was very happy and said to him: "May God witness, you have told me the strangest marvel that ever I may hear." And then Perceval asked him if he could tell him of the house of the rich Fisher King, and the knight answered him: "Before God, I know nothing of it nor have I ever heard speak of a knight who found it, and I have seen many of those who were seeking it."

Then Perceval asked him if he could tell him who the damsel was that had given him the use of her brach, and the knight replied that indeed he knew well: "She is the sister of the damsel who loves my brother, and she gave you the brach because she knew well that her sister would lead you to her lover for combat; and know that the damsel who gave you the brach in keeping hates her sister deeply because of her lover, since it is the custom that no knights pass there whom he does not bring to shame, and the damsel who charged you with the brach knew well that a knight would come there who would avenge all the others."

Then Perceval asked him if he was far from the castle of the damsel, and the other said: "If you hold this road which goes to the left from here you will arrive there before nightfall." And when Perceval heard him he was very happy and thereupon set out again; but first he made the knight promise that he would deliver himself as prisoner to the rich King Arthur, and he agreed to do this willingly. So the knight left there and came to the court of King Arthur and delivered himself as prisoner to him in the name of Perceval li Galois. And the king retained him with gladness and gave him quittance of his captivity.

And Perceval when he had separated from the knight rode with great speed until he came to the castle where the damsel dwelt who had given him the brach in keeping. And as soon as the damsel who was at the windows of the tower saw him, she descended to meet him and gave him good welcome and received him most happily and called to him, saying: "Lord knight, know that I was almost angry with you and know too that not for a great deal would I have gone so long lacking if I could have remedied it."

And Perceval answered her: "Damsel, know I could not do better and that for the delaying there was good reason." Then he told her the adventure from beginning to end just as it had gone, of the old woman who had taken his brach, and of the tomb of which she told him, and how the knight fought with him, and how he overcame him, and how he had thrust himself back in his vault under the tomb, and how the knight had borne away his brach, and how he had sought it since he did not wish to return without it, and he told her how he had found it in the wood and how he had won it by arms; and he told from beginning to end just what had happened to him and all the difficulty he had had since he had departed from her.

And when the maiden heard him she was very glad and pardoned him most willingly. Then the damsel had him disarmed and led him with her and appeared for him as beautiful as she was able, and she said to him: "Since you have conquered him whom I hate most, who was the lover of my sister, I wish henceforth to be at your command, and you will be lord of this castle; and I wish that you may stay always with me." But when Perceval heard her he was very sad and excused himself as best he could, for he had no desire to stay there.

Therefore he said: "Damsel, know that I do not wish to do aught but what you desire until I have done all to your pleasure of this that you may wish rightfully to ask of me. But know that I have undertaken an engagement at the court of the rich King Arthur by which I may never lie but one night in a hostel until I shall have completed it, and I must place this above you." At this time it was customary that one would like better to have his head cut off than that he might break his vow; and when the damsel heard him she answered: "Sir, whoever would make you depart from your vow, you may be sure would scarcely love you, and contrary to this of which you have told me I would not dare to require or pray that you might do. But this much I do wish, that, if God allows you to succeed in your work, you will return straightway to me." And Perceval answered: "Damsel, know that for this it is not necessary to pray, for I desire nothing more, if God allows me to achieve my work, than to be with you without constraint."

Then Perceval prayed the maiden to give him leave to depart and asked for his arms, and when the maiden heard him she asked: "Sir, in God's name, what is this that you wish to do? Then will you not stay tonight with me?" And he answered:

"Lady, this cannot be, for then my vow would be broken, since I have lain here at another time. "When the damsel heard him she was very sad and saw clearly that she could do nothing more about it; therefore she commended him to God all weeping for she would have loved much better for him to stay than to go. But Perceval bad no desire to commit a sin, and Our Lord did not wish to allow him to do so.

This incident is very similar to one in the the Perceval Continuations, written after Chretien de Troyes' death; as the Didot Perceval is thought to be nearly as old as Chretien's "Perceval," it is likely that the writer of the Continuation borrowed from either this text, or possibly an early version of "Peredur" from The Mabinogion.

Chapter 9: The Return to the Hermit Uncle

THEREUPON he departed from her, and when he had started upon the way he rode at a great pace, and he lay that night in the forest. And, in truth, he rode seven years through the lands and the forests seeking adventures, and, indeed, he found neither adventure of knighthood nor of marvelous powers in which he failed to acquit himself successfully. And in these seven years he sent more than a hundred prisoners to the court of the rich King Arthur; and truly, because of the marvels that he found and the things that he saw and because he could not find the house of his grandfather the rich Fisher King, he became so mad and so far from his right mind and his memory so far failed him that in these seven years he never remembered God nor entered into holy church nor chapel.

And thus he rode upon the day of the Holy Cross when Our Lord suffered death for sinners," and he was all armed as if to defend himself and to harm others if he encountered them. Then he met some ladies and knights all bowed within their capes and hoods, and they went to reconcile their sins with Jesus Christ through prayers. Then they stopped and asked him what powerful fate maddened him, that on the day that Our Lord had suffered on the cross he was armed to kill men or find adventure. And when Perceval heard them speak of God and recall Him to mind he became conscious of himself and returned to his right mind by the will of Jesus Christ and repented deeply of the madness that had so long led him, and he disarmed himself immediately. And the story says that just as God willed he arrived at the house of his uncle the hermit, there where his sister had brought him to be confessed; and he confessed to him and made such penance as he charged him, and he stayed with him two months.

But of this Chrêtien de Troies does not speak, nor the other trouveres who have composed of it in order to make their rhymes pleasant, but we tell only so much as appears in the story and as Merlin had written by Blayse his master who dwelt in Northumberland and was so old he could hardly sustain himself. And he saw and knew the adventures that happened to Perceval each day, and had them written by Blayse in order that they might be spoken of to worthy men who would wish to hear them. Now know that we find in the writings that Blayse relates to us, just as Merlin made him write down and record it, that Perceval stayed in the house of his uncle for two months. And know that at this time when Perceval came there his sister was dead and had passed from this world. And Perceval said: "Sir, I will go to see my sister for I love her with a very deep love. " Mid when the hermit heard him he began to weep and said: "Dear nephew, you will nevermore see her, for, in truth, she has been dead for a year and a half. And when I knew that she was dead I was very sorrowful, and I went there and had her borne to my dwelling and buried her there outside of my home."

When Perceval heard that his sister had passed from this world he was very sad, and no matter II one had given him all the gold in the world still he could not have kept the tears from his eyes. And he said to his uncle: "Sir, in God's name, lead me to see the tomb of my sister who loved me so much." And the worthy man answered: 'Willingly. "Then he led him straight to the tomb where the damsel was buried and said to him: "Dear nephew, here your sister was buried." And when Perceval heard this he began to weep, and then they said prayers for her soul. And when they had prayed Our Lord for her soul the hermit said to him: "Dear nephew, will you not go then to see your home, which belonged to Alain li Gros your father and my brother? Know that it will all be at your disposition."

When Perceval heard this he said: "Sir, so God aid me, I would not go if one would give me the realm of the rich King Arthur, for I would mourn too much if I saw the house of my father so emptied of my loved ones for I would not find there a soul who was related to me." And the worthy man said: "Dear nephew, this you would not, most certainly." Then Perceval said to him: "Dear uncle, I would depart by your leave, and know that I will never stop until I have found the house of my grandfather your father." When the hermit heard him he said:

"Dear nephew, may the blessed Jesus Christ allow you to win to it; and know that I will pray much to Our Lord that it may be."

Chapter Ten: The Tournement at the Castle

THEREUPON he departed, taking leave, and rode so long through the forest that the eighth day of Pentecost arrived. And then he rode all that day until the hour of nones without finding any adventure and rode until he looked before him and saw four, youths riding, and each bore a shield at his neck, and they led pack horses and war horses, and behind them was drawn a cart of lances. And as soon as Perceval saw them he spurred after them and asked them where they were taking this equipment and whom they served. And they answered:

"Good sir, we serve Melian de Lis and go to the tourney which is to be held at the White Castle for one of the most beautiful damsels of the world. All those who have seen her say that if all the beauties of the beautiful women of the world were joined in one they would not equal those of this damsel. And besides the great beauty that she has she also has great wealth, and many knights and counts and dukes and other lords have asked for her but she has never wished to listen to any of them. Know therefore that the lady of the White Castle proclaimed for her daughter, who is most gracious, a tournament with the pledge given there that whoso shall be victor in the tournament shall have the damsel, no matter how poor a bachelor he may be, for she will make him a rich man and will put herself and what ever she has at his command. Now know that he to whom God grants this fortune will be the wealthiest man in the world and of more substance than any other in the land of Britain save only King Arthur. And for this reason Sir Melian de Lis goes there for he has loved her for a long time and wishes to bring it about, if he is victorious in the tourney, that he may have the damsel for wife."

And then Perceval asked them at what time they believed that the tourney would be held. And they answered: "Worthy sir, it will be three days from today. " And then Perceval asked them if there would be many knights there. And when the youths heard him they laughed and said: "Sir knight, there is no need to ask about this, for the tourney was cried in the court of the rich King Arthur. Therefore I know well that all the knights of the Round Table will come there since they have returned on this Pentecost from the quest of the Grail in which they have achieved nothing. And King Arthur held on this Pentecost the greatest festival that he has ever held. At this festival the tourney was cried, and know well that more than five thousand will come from this court. And I know well that Sir Gavain will come and Lancelot del Lac and Keu the seneschal and Beduier, and Mordret and Guirres and Garries, and these three are brothers of Sir Gavain. And know that Keu the seneschal boasted in the presence of all the nobles that he would bring her to the court of Arthur, and he would win her by strength of arms. Then the knights laughed much and held this for great folly, and even King Arthur reproached him strongly for it and jested about it many times, and King Arthur said that if Perceval should hear news of the tourney he would be there. He would find no man who could stand against him for he has sent more than a hundred and fifty knights in surrender to the court of Arthur. Now the king is very sad that he is not at his court and believes that he may be dead.

"Now you may be sure that we have told you the truth of this about which you have asked, but tell us whether or not you will come there with us." And when Perceval had heard this he told them that he would not go with them and one answered him "May God aid me but you are right, for you would succeed very little in your work there."

Thereupon the squires left Perceval and proceeded on their road. And Perceval set off on another way and decided he would betake himself to the tourney. And he rode at a trot until evening, and he looked before him on the road and saw the house of a vavasor which was surrounded by a wall. And when Perceval saw it he was very happy and rode swiftly until he reached the castle, and he found that its lord was seated upon the draw bridge and six servants with him, and they watched those who passed there going to the tournament. And as soon as the lord saw Perceval coming he leaped up to meet him and welcomed him most gladly and offered him hostel very willingly. And Perceval, who was very happy for this, thanked him much and dismounted quickly, and the servants of the lord sprang to him and helped him to disarm, and one led his horse to the stable and provided for him as well as he could, and the others bore his arms into a chamber while he stood unburdened of armor And indeed the lord enjoyed looking upon him for he was the most handsome knight in the world. And he said between his teeth, so that Perceval did not hear him: "It is a great loss if such a handsome knight is without prowess."

Then came two youths who fastened a mantle about him and he seated himself beside the lord and looked at the knights and the harness that passed there. And Perceval asked the lord if it was far to the White Castle. And the lord answered: "Truly you could come there in the morning before prime." And then Perceval said: "Have there been other knights who have passed today going to the tournament?" And the lord answered, "A little before you came, those of the court of Arthur passed, and know that in the rout there were more than five hundred knights, and I can tell you that they brought the richest equip ment that ever one might see." And when Perceval heard this he was very happy, and they sat there until the night. And the lord asked his servants if they would be able to eat soon, and they answered: "Yes, betimes." Then the lord mounted into the hail and led Perceval by the hand and honored him most greatly and he commanded that tables be placed, and it was done as he ordered.

And when the table had been arranged the wife of the lord entered from her chamber and brought her two daughters with her, very beautiful and wise and courteous damsels. And when they saw Perceval they honored him much, and they sat at the table beside Perceval. And know that Perceval was much ob served that night by the lady and her daughters, and they said that never before had they seen such a handsome knight. After they had eaten, the table was removed, and the lord asked Perceval if he had come in order to go to the tourney, and Perceval answered: "1 learned of it for the first time from the servants of Melian de Lis who brought the equipment of Melian de Lis." And the lord answered: "It is he himself who has called for the tourney, and tomorrow the preliminaries are to take place. If I dared, I would pray that you would come there with me. " And Perceval answered him and said: "Dear host, know I will go most willingly for love of you, but I will not in any way bear arms tomorrow." And the lord answered "I would not pray for you to do that which is against your wish.

Then the beds were prepared, and four youths most nobly escorted Perceval to that place where he slept until the morrow at the break of day when the squires arose in the courtyard And when Perceval saw the day he arose and the lord of the house was now risen, and they went to hear Mass in a most noble chapel. And after Mass was sung they returned to the hall and ate with great delight. And when they had eaten the lord came down into the courtyard and commanded that the horses be prepared. And he had the arms of Perceval placed upon a pack horse, and they mounted quickly and went to see the tourney which was held with great violence and fury, and no matter how soon they had come, still the ensigns had al ready been borne out to the field. And you could have seen there so many beautiful shields and so many fine horses and so much rich armor and so many rich ensigns of silk; never since the time of Arthur was there a tourney held where there was so much rich armor or so many good knights. And you may be sure that Melian de Lis had come out into the field very richly armed, and he had a shield of gold with two lions most richly painted and had around his arm the sleeve of the damsel of the castle, and he rode very proudly and had in his company fifty knights most worthily equipped.

And the heralds cried, "To helms!" And there was a great uproar there, and the hearts trembled in the cowards. And you may be sure that you will never see a tourney joined with such great violence, for know that Melian de Lis leaped f or- ward first of all into the middle of the field before any of his companions, further than a bow can shoot, for he wished to do knightly deeds that would please his lady. And as soon as Sir Gavain saw him he directed himself toward him and they came together more quickly than merlins or swallows can fly, and they struck each other with their lances in the shields of gold most fiercely so that the shields shattered and broke; and their lances stopped at the hauberks and the fragments of the lances flew into the air, and they rode by each other most haughtily, and neither one nor the other lost stirrup.

Then the companies assembled most quickly, and they came together to strike each other in the shields and in the hauberks, and when the lances were broken they sprang forward with their swords. And there you might have seen the fiercest tourney that ever any man could see, and you might have seen in more than five hundred places the banners charging one upon another. And know that Melian de Lis jousted very often and won horses and sent them into the town to the damsel who rejoiced greatly because of it. And know that on the wall of the White Castle were more than three hundred ladies and damsels who watched them, and they showed the one to the other the most worthy with arms, and those in the tourney endeavored most fiercely therefore. And know that Sir Gavain and Lancelot and those of the Round Table made all the ranks fold, and they encountered no knight that they did not bear to earth. And Melian de Lis and his knights on the other side performed marvelous deeds of arms. And the tourney lasted until nightfall when they separated; and, in truth, Sir Gavain and Yvain and Lancelot and Keu the seneschal had all done very well there, and Melian de Lis on the other side. Therefore those of the castle did not know to whom to give the prize and said that they had all done

so well that they did not know whom to choose as the best. But the damsel said that Melian de Lis had done best, yet indeed the lady of the White Castle who was the mother of the damsel did not agree; instead most of the women preferred Gavain. Therefore much contention was shown over it, and the damsel said "Tomorrow we will be able to know who is best and who will have the prize."

In this way stayed the argument, and Melian de Lis entered the castle and Sir Gavain also and Lancelot and Keu the seneschal and those of the Round Table; and you may be sure that never in any other tourney was seen such good lodging. And when the preliminary tourney disbanded the vavasor and Perceval left there and returned to the castle which was not far from there; and as soon as they had alighted the servants came out to meet them and led the horses to the stable and stabled them most splendidly. Then the lord and Perceval took each other's hand and mounted to the hall. And the lord commanded the table to be brought and this was done, and they seated themselves to eat. And then the lord began to talk of the tourney, and the lord asked Perceval who in his opinion had done best. Then Perceval answered that the one with the shield of gold and with the two lions had borne himself very worthily as a knight and that he with the white shield had done best. And the lord replied: "Know that he with the shield of gold and the two lions was Melian de Lis, and he with the white shield was the nephew of King Arthur and named Gavain." And Perceval said:

"Know that for as much gold as this castle is great I would not hold from bearing arms tomorrow, and I will joust as well as I can, and I should like, so help me God, that Gavain and Melian de Lis should be on the same side, then I would joust against them."

When the lord and his daughters heard him they were very joyous and the lord said: "Know that I will arm myself for love of you and be with you tomorrow. " When Perceval heard this he was very happy and thanked him much. Thus they left it until the hour arrived that it was time to go to bed, and they slept until the morning when Perceval and the lord arose. And they heard Mass in the chapel, and alter they had heard Mass they came into the hail and brealdasted on bread and wine. And then the eldest of the daughters of the master came and asked him that for love of her he would bear her sleeve with him in the tourney, and when Perceval saw it he was very happy and said that for love of her he wished to do more deeds of arms than he had ever done on any day before. And when the lord healed him he rejoiced much. Then the servants mounted and brought the harness before them, and then the sire and Perceval mounted and rode to the castle. And, in truth, when they came to the hostels the knights were arming themselves throughout the castle and many of the knights were mounted on their horses. And the knights watched and saw the ladies and the damsels already mounted on the walls. And when Perceval saw that they were all armed he asked for his arms and armed himself very worthily with some very fine arms which the vavasor had loaned him, for he did not wish to arm himself with his own in order that one might not recognize him.

And indeed Melian de Lis had that night stayed at the hostel of Sir Gavain, and they had very wrongfully conspired to overwhelm the party from outside the castle; therefore the damsels of the castle criticized him very severely because on the night before he had been against Sir Gavain. But know that the damsel of the castle excused them as well as she could for she said that since those outside had been increased by three banners those within would have had the worst of it if Melian de Lis did not aid them. And when the party from outside the castle heard of this, they were very sad because of it, but Saigremor said that he would not cease fighting for this reason. And when Perceval heard the news he was very happy and said to the vavasor that it would turn out better for them if they would join with those from the outside.

Then those of the tourney came out from the town and lined themselves up very splendidly the one beside the other. And the servants and the heralds as soon as they were drawn up cried: "To Helms!" And as soon as the cry was made you might see them dash forward from one side and the other, and you may be sure that he was very happy who had the swiftest horse there. And Melian de Lis came leaping forward before all the others, and as soon as Perceval saw him he felt great joy. And he came running against him with great violence, and he had around his arm the sleeve of the damsel. And when the damsels on the wall saw him, they said all together: "Now you can see the most handsome knight that you will ever see.' And I indeed they came together at the swiftest pace that ever horses were able to provide, and they shattered their lances upon their shields so that the fragments flew into the air. And Perceval who had great strength and hardiness struck him so fiercely with breast and body and helm that he made him fly so painfully to the earth that he came close to breaking his neck, and he broke his right arm in two parts, and he fainted with the anguish more than fourteen times. And, in truth, on the charge that Perceval made when he overcame Melian de Lis he encountered Keu the seneschal, and he struck him so fiercely that he did not know if it was day or night, and he bore him from his horse full length upon the earth.

When those from outside saw the glorious knightly deeds that Perceval had done they spurred their horses alter him And Sir Gavain and Lancelot returned to meet them and their banners came together so fiercely that they made the whole earth shake. And know that Saigremor ii Desrees, who re mained with the party from the outside, jousted there very strongly and performed so many deeds of arms that day that those who saw him praised and held him as very worthy. And Lancelot and Sir Gavain struck back most severely and made the ranks bend greatly before them. But, in truth, Perceval did better than all the other knights, for he did not encounter a knight that he did not bear both him and his horse to the earth. And then those on the wall said that the lady had employed her sleeve well who had given it to him to wear, and she to whom he pledged his love ought to have great joy, for he did not encounter a knight that he did not lay him flat on the earth.

Thus said the damsels in the tower where they were, and when Sir Gavain saw Perceval he was most sad because he made such havoc upon his men. And he took a lance that one of his squires handed him and came toward Perceval at a great pace. And when Perceval saw him he feared him very little judging from the appearance that he made; nevertheless he knew that Sir Gavain was a very worthy man. And they struck each other most sharply in the shields so that the lances splintered and the fragments flew into the air, and in the passing that Sir Gavain made he was most unfortunate, for his horse and he were overthrown in the meadow and his horse broke its neck and died.

Thereupon those from within were overwhelmed and turned their backs in flight, and when Sir Gavain saw that his side was fleeing he was deeply moved and he sprang to his feet and drew his sword. Thereupon behold a knight cried to him: "In the name of God, sir knight, do you now remain with us!" Then the knight leaped to him and wished to tear his helmet from his head. When Gavain saw him he was filled with deep anger and approached him and lifted his sword and struck him so hard that he split his head down to the teeth, and threw him to the earth; and he took his horse and mounted on it and spurred after his men, and before he reached them he overthrew four knights before him. And his people hastened into the town and those outside harried them to the gates and took much equipment and won horses and took prisoners. And as soon as the defeat was completed, Perceval came to his host and presented him with three of the best horses he had won and wished that his daughter might have them for the sleeve that he had worn. And the lord thanked him well for them. Then Perceval said: "Lord, let us leave here, for I wish yet tonight to sleep under your roof."

Chapter Eleven: The Return to the Fisher King

JUST AS THE LORD and Perceval and the servant had started upon their way they saw before them a man coming, old and bearded, and he was well clad and bore a scythe on his neck and seemed to be a reaper. And he came toward them and took Perceval by the rein and said to him: "Idler, you are a fool and ought not to have gone to the tourney. " And when Perceval heard him he marveled much and asked him: "Old man, in what way does it concern you?" And the worthy man answered: "Indeed it concerns me and another, for know that it concerns both you and me, and I tell you truly it concerns me more than any other." And when Perceval heard this he marveled greatly and asked him: "Who are you?"

And the man responded: "I am the son of a man that you know poorly, and he knows you better than you know him. And know that from being acquainted with him good can come to no one - and doleful can he be whom he knows."

When Perceval heard what this man said he marveled much and said: "Will you tell me something of your business if I dismount?" And the worthy man answered: "I will tell you something that I will not tell before these people. "When Perceval heard this he was very happy and said to his host: "Good sir, go hence and await me at the hostel for I will speak to this worthy man and then follow you." And the host answered: "Sir, willingly."

Then the vavasor departed and Perceval remained, and he came to the worthy man and asked him who he was; and the other answered him: "I am a reaper, this you can see." And Perceval asked him: "Then who has told you so much of my affair?" And the worthy man answered: "Before you were born I knew your name. "And when Perceval heard him he marveled much and said: "I implore in the name of God that you tell me of myself and of your business. Thus I beseech you in the name of God to speak. "And the other answered him: "I will not lie to you. Know that I am called Merlin, and I have come from Northumberland to speak to you."

And when Perceval heard him he marveled much and said:

"God witness, Merlin, I have heard much spoken of you and that you are a very good prophet. Yet, in God's name, tell me how I will be able to find the house of the rich Fisher King." And Merlin answered him: "I will inform you well concerning this. Know that God has hindered you because of the vow that you have broken, for indeed you vowed that you would not lie in the same hostel but one night, and you have lain two nights in the house of the vavasor, there where you would go now to lie again. "And Perceval answered him: "I had not given thought to this before." And Merlin said: "Then you may be the more easily pardoned for it. Now I will set you upon the road to the house of your grandfather so that you will come there before a year has passed. " And when Perceval heard this he said: "In God's name, Merlin, inform me more nearly." And Merlin answered him: "There is much of chance in this, for yet tonight you could come there; but you will come there before a year has passed. Yet have a care when you do come that you be not at all foolish but ask about whatever you see." And Perceval answered him: "Sir, so I will do if God lets me come there."

Then Merlin said: "I shall go now. I shall not speak again to you, so you will be much improved in your faith; and upon that time when you will have in keeping the vessel of Jesus Christ I will bring you my master who has written your works, and part of mine, not all. And now I go hence. "With that he left there and Perceval watched and could see nothing of him. Then he lifted his hand and crossed himself and came to his horse and mounted and from there departed along the road that Merlin had shown him. And he journeyed so far by the will of Our Lord that on the same day that Merlin had pointed it out to him, he saw the house of his grandfather; and he rode until he came to the door and he dismounted before the hail.

Then two servants came to meet him, and they welcomed him much and helped him to disarm and stabled his horse comfortably, and they led him into the hail where the king his grandfather was. And as soon as he saw Perceval he raised himself as well as he could to meet him and was very happy for his coming. And Percevai seated himself beside him, and they spoke together of many things. And then the lord commanded that the table might be brought, and it was done as he commanded and they seated themselves to eat.

Just as one had brought the first course, from a chamber there issued the lance which bled from its point, and after this came the Grail and the damsel who bore the little platters of silver. And Perceval who was very desirous to ask concerning it said to the lord: "Sire, by the faith that you owe to me and in the same hostel but one night, and you have lain two nights in the house of the vavasor, there where you would go now to lie again." And Perceval answered him: "I had not given thought to this before." And Merlin said: "Then you may be the more easily pardoned for it. Now I will set you upon the road to the house of your grandfather so that you will come there before a year has passed." And when Perceval heard this he said: "In God's name, Merlin, inform me more nearly." And Merlin answered him: "There is much of chance in this, for yet tonight you could come there; but you will come there before a year has passed. Yet have a care when you do come that you be not at all foolish but ask about whatever you see." And Perceval answered him: "Sir, so I will do if God lets me come there."

Then Merlin said: "I shall go now. I shall not speak again to you, so you will be much improved in your faith; and upon that time when you will have in keeping the vessel of Jesus Christ I will bring you my master who has written your works, and part of mine, not all. And now I go hence. " With that he left there and Perceval watched and could see nothing of him. Then he lifted his hand and crossed himself and came to his horse and mounted and from there departed along the road that Merlin had shown him. And he journeyed so far by the will of Our Lord that on the same day that Merlin had pointed it out to him, he saw the house of his grandfather; and he rode until he came to the door and he dismounted before the hall.

Then two servants came to meet him, and they welcomed him much and helped him to disarm and stabled his horse comfortably, and they led him into the hall where the king his grandfather was. And as soon as he saw Perceval he raised himself as well as he could to meet him and was very happy for his coming. And Perceval seated himself beside him, and they spoke together of many things. And then the lord commanded that the table might be brought, and it was done as he commanded and they seated themselves to eat.

Just as one had brought the first course, from a chamber there issued the lance which bled from its point, and after this came the Grail and the damsel who bore the little platters of silver. And Perceval who was very desirous to ask concerning it said to the lord: "Sire, by the faith that you owe to me and that you owe to all men, tell me what one serves with these things that I see borne there." And as soon as he had said this he looked and saw that the Fisher King was changed in his nature and was cured of his malady and was healthy as a fish. And when Perceval saw this he marveled much; and the lord leaped up and took Perceval by the foot and wished to kiss it, but Perceval would not allow this. Then the youths sped through the house and made great joy of Perceval.

And then Perceval came to the king and said: "Sire, know that Alain li Gros, who was your son, was my father." And when the Fisher King had heard him he began again to rejoice greatly and said: "Dear grandson, I am very glad for your coming. " Thereupon he knelt and rendered thanks to Our Lord, and then he took Perceval by the hand and led him before his vessel and said: "Dear grandson, know that this is the lance with which Longinus struck Jesus Christ on the cross, and this vessel that is called the Grail, know that this is the blood that Joseph caught from His wounds which flowed to the earth, and the reason that we call it the Grail is that it is agreeable to all worthy men and to all those who can stay in its fellowship; nor will it in its fellowship permit sin. And I will pray to Our Lord that He may guide me in whatever I can do for you."

Then Bron knelt before his vessel and said: "Dear Lord God, as truly as this is here Your blessed blood and as You permitted that it be given to me after the death of Joseph and as I have guarded it from then until now, so give me true sign of what I shall do with it henceforth."

Then the voice of the Holy Ghost descended and said: "Br on, now know you that the prophecy will be fulfilled that Our Lord pronounced to Joseph. Our Lord commands you that you teach to this man those sacred words which He taught to Joseph in the prison when He gave you the keeping of the Grail, and that you place it in his care for Our Lord. And on the third day from today you will leave this world and will come into the fellowship of the Apostles." Then the voice ended and Bron did just as it had told him and taught him the sacred words that Joseph had taught him, which I cannot nor ought not tell you. And he taught him all the faith of Our Lord, and how he had seen Him as a little child, and how he had seen Him in the temple, there where He had confuted the masters, and also how the high men of the land of Judea had received Him with hatred, and how He had had a false disciple who had sold Him to the Jews, and how he had seen Him lifted onto the cross, and how his brother-in-law who had the name of Joseph had asked for His body, and how Pilate had given it to him, and how he had removed Him from the cross, and also how when he had lain Him upon the earth he saw His blood run upon the earth, and how he felt pity of this, and how he caught it in a vessel, "in this same one that you see there, and in its fellowship can no sinner be seen." And he recounted all the life that his good ancestors had led, and Perceval listened to him most willingly and soon was filled with the grace of the Holy Ghost. And Bron the old placed the vessel in Perceval's keeping between his hands, and from the vessel there came a melody and a scent so precious that it seemed to them that they might be in Paradise with the angels.

And Bron who was very old was with Perceval all three days, and on the third day he came before His vessel and there lay down as on a cross and gave thanks to Our Lord. And there he died. And when he had died Perceval came there and watched and saw David with his harp and a host of angels with censers where they awaited the soul of Bron, and they bore him into the Heavenly Reward with his Father whom he had served a long time.

And Perceval who was a most worthy man stayed there; and the enchantments fell and disappeared throughout the world. And on this same day King Arthur was at the Round Table that Merlin had founded, and they heard a crash of such greatness that they were frightened most severely by it, and the stone was reunited which had split beneath Perceval when he had sat in the empty place. Then they marveled greatly for they could not understand what this meant. And then Merlin came to Blayse and told him these things and when Blayse heard this he said: "Merlin, you told me that when these works were completed you would put me in the company of the Grail." And Merlin answered him: "Blayse, know that you will be there by tomorrow." And then Merlin took Blayse and bore him to the dwelling of the rich Fisher King who was named Perceval, and he stayed in the company of the Grail.

When Merlin had completed this he came to the court of Arthur at Carduel. And when Arthur saw him he rejoiced greatly, and his men asked Arthur to inquire of Merlin what the meaning was of the stone which had reunited at the Round Table. And the king said: "I pray him earnestly that he tell me of it if it pleases him." And Merlin answered: "Arthur, know that in your time was fulfilled the greatest prophecy ever made; for the Fisher King is cured, and the enchantments have fallen from the land of Britain. And Perceval is lord of the Grail by the choice of Our Lord; and now you can see that he is a very worthy man since Our Lord has given him in keeping His exalted blood to guard; and this is the reason that the stone reunited which had split under him. And also, Gavain and Keu, know that it was Perceval himself who was victorious in the tourney of the White Castle and threw you down full length on the earth. Yet I may tell you also that he has taken leave of the doing of knightly deeds and will wish henceforth to hold himself in the grace of his Creator."

When the king and the nobles heard this they all wept together and prayed to Our Lord that He would bring him to a good end. Then Merlin took leave of the king and returned to Blayse and to Perceval and he had this all set down in writing.

Here ends the Prose Perceval of Robert de Boron, which is followed by a short Mort Artu.

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