GERAINT THE SON OF ERBIN.
(Translation
by Lady Charlotte Guest)
ARTHUR was accustomed to hold his Court at Caerlleon upon
Usk. And there he held it seven Easters and five
Christmases. And once upon a time he held his Court there
at Whitsuntide. For Caerlleon was the place most easy of
access in his dominions, both by sea and by land. And there
were assembled nine crowned kings, who were his
tributaries, and likewise earls and barons. For they were
his invited guests at all the high festivals, unless they
were prevented by any great hindrance. And when he was at
Caerlleon, holding his Court. thirteen churches were set
apart for mass. And thus were they appointed: one church
for Arthur, and his Kings, and his guests; and the second
for Gwenhwyvar and her ladies; and the third for the
Steward of the Household and the suitors; and the fourth
for the Franks and the other officers; and the other nine
churches were for the nine Masters of the Household and
chiefly for Gwalchmai; for he, from the eminence of his
warlike fame, and from the nobleness of his birth, was the
most exalted of the nine. And there was no other
arrangement respecting the churches than that which we have
mentioned above.
Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr was the chief porter; but he did not
himself perform the office, except at one of the three high
festivals, for he had seven men to serve him, and they
divided the year amongst them. They were Grynn, and Pen
Pighon, and Llaes Cymyn, and Gogyfwlch, and Gwrdnei with
cat's eyes, who could see as well by night as by day, and
Drem the son of Dremhitid, and Clust the son of
Clustveinyd; and these were Arthur's guards. And on
Whit-Tuesday, as the King sat at the banquet, lo! there
entered a tall, fair-headed youth, clad in a coat and a
surcoat of diapered satin, and a golden-hilted sword about
his neck, and low shoes of leather upon his feet. And he
came, and stood before Arthur. "Hail to thee, lord!" said
he. "Heaven prosper thee," he answered, "and be thou
welcome. Dost thou bring any new tidings?" "I do, Lord," he
said. "I know thee not," said Arthur. "It is a marvel to me
that thou dost not know me. I am one of thy foresters,
Lord, in the Forest of Dean, and my name is Madawc, the son
of Twrgadarn." "Tell me thine errand," said Arthur. "I will
do so, Lord," said he. "In the Forest I saw a stag, the
like of which beheld I never yet." "What is there about
him," asked Arthur, "that thou never yet didst see his
like?" "He is of pure white, Lord, and he does not herd
with any other animal through stateliness and pride, so
royal is his bearing. And I come to seek thy counsel, Lord,
and to know thy will concerning him." "It seems best to
me," said Arthur, "to go and hunt him tomorrow at break of
day; and to cause general notice thereof to be given
to-night in all quarters of the Court." And Arryfuerys was
Arthur's chief huntsman, and Arelivri was his chief page.
And all received notice; and thus it was arranged. And they
sent the youth before them. Then Gwenhwyvar said to Arthur,
"Wilt thou permit me, Lord," said she, to go to-morrow to
see and hear the hunt of the stag of which the young man
spoke?" "I will, gladly," said Arthur. "Then will I go,"
said she. And Gwalchmai said to Arthur, "Lord, if it seem
well to thee, permit that into whose hunt soever the stag
shall come, that one, be he a knight, or one on foot, may
cut off his head, and give it to whom he pleases, whether
to his own lady-love, or to the lady of his friend." "I
grant it gladly," said Arthur, "and let the Steward of the
Household be chastised, if all are not ready to-morrow for
the chase."
And they passed the night with songs, and diversions, and
discourse, and ample entertainment. And when it was time
for them all to go to sleep, they went. And when the next
day came, they arose; and Arthur called the attendants, who
guarded his couch. And these were four pages, whose names
were Cadyrnerth the son of Porthawr, Gandwy, and Ambreu,
the son of Bedwor, and Amhar the son of Arthur, and Goreu
the son of Custennin. And these men came to Arthur and
saluted him, and arrayed him in his garments. And Arthur
wondered that Gwenhwyvar did not awake, and did not move in
her bed; and the attendants wished to awaken her. "Disturb
her not," said Arthur, "for she had rather sleep than go to
see the hunting."
Then Arthur went forth, and he heard two horns sounding,
one from near the lodging of the chief huntsman, and the
other from near that of the chief page. And the whole
assembly of the multitudes came to Arthur, and they took
the road to the Forest.
And after Arthur had gone forth from the palace, Gwenhwyvar
awoke, and called to her maidens, and apparelled herself.
"Maidens," said she, "I had leave last night to go and see
the hunt. Go one of you to the Stable, and order hither a
horse such as a woman may ride." And one them went, and she
found but two horses in the stable, and Gwenhwyvar and one
of her maidens mounted them, and went through the Usk, and
followed the track of the men and the horses. And as they
rode thus, they heard a loud and rushing sound; and they
looked behind them, and beheld a knight upon a hunter foal
of mighty size; and the rider was a fairhaired youth,
bare-legged, and of princely mien, and a goldenhilted sword
was at his side, and a robe and a surcoat of satin were
upon him, and two low shoes of leather upon his feet; and
around him was a scarf of blue purple, at each corner of
which was a golden apple. And his horse stepped stately,
and swift, and proud; and he overtook Gwenhwyvar, and
saluted her. "Heaven prosper thee, Geraint," said she, "I
knew thee when first I saw thee just now. And the welcome
of heaven be unto thee. And why didst thou not go with thy
lord to hunt?" "Because I knew not when he went," said he.
"I marvel, too," said she, "how he could go unknown to me."
"Indeed, lady," said he. "I was asleep, and knew not when
he went; but thou, O young man, art the most agreeable
companion I could have in the whole kingdom; and it may be,
that I shall be more amused with the hunting than they; for
we shall hear the horns when they sound, and we shall hear
the dogs when they are let loose, and begin to cry." So
they went to the edge of the Forest, and there they stood.
"From this place," said she, "we shall hear when the dogs
are let loose." And thereupon, they heard a loud noise, and
they looked towards the spot whence it came, and they
beheld a dwarf riding upon a horse, stately, and foaming,
and prancing, and strong, and spirited. And in the hand of
the dwarf was a whip. And near the dwarf they saw a lady
upon a beautiful white horse, of steady and stately pace;
and she was clothed in a garment of gold brocade. And near
her was a knight upon a warhorse of large size, with heavy
and bright armour both upon himself and upon his horse. And
truly they never before saw a knight, or a horse, or
armour, of such remarkable size. And they were all near to
each other.
"Geraint," said Gwenhwyvar, " knowest thou the name of that
tall knight yonder?" "I know him not," said he, and the
strange armour that he wears prevents my either seeing his
face or his features." "Go, maiden," said Gwenhwyar, "and
ask the dwarf who that knight is." Then the maiden went up
to the dwarf ; and the dwarf waited for the maiden, when he
saw her coming towards him. And the maiden inquired of the
dwarf who the knight was. "I will not tell thee," he
answered. "Since thou art so churlish as not to tell me,"
said she, "I will ask him himself." "Thou shalt not ask
him, by my faith," said he. "Wherefore?" said she. "Because
thou art not of honour sufficient to befit thee to speak to
my Lord." Then the maiden turned her horse's head towards
the knight, upon which the dwarf struck her with the whip
that was in his hand across the face and the eyes, until
the blood flowed forth. And the maiden, through the hurt
she received from the blow, returned to Gwenhwyvar,
complaining of the pain. "Very rudely has the dwarf treated
thee," said Geraint. "I will go myself to know who the
knight is." "Go," said Gwenhwyvar. And Geraint went up to
the dwarf. "Who is yonder knight?" said Geraint. "I will
not tell thee," said the dwarf "Then will I ask him
himself," said he. "That wilt thou not, by my faith," said
the dwarf, "thou art not honourable enough to speak with my
Lord." Said Geraint, "I have spoken with men of equal rank
with him." And he turned, his horse's head towards the
knight; but the dwarf overtook him, and struck him as he
had done the maiden, so that the blood coloured the scarf
that Geraint wore. Then Geraint put his hand upon the hilt
of his sword, but he took counsel with himself, and
considered that it would be no vengeance for him to slay
the dwarf, and to be attacked unarmed by the armed knight,
so he returned to where Gwenhwyvar. was.
"Thou hast acted wisely and discreetly," said she. "Lady,"
said he, "I will follow him yet, with thy permission; and
at last he will come to some inhabited place, where I may
have arms either as a loan or for a pledge, so that I may
encounter the knight." "Go," said she, " and do not attack
him until thou hast good arms, and I shall be very anxious
concerning thee, until I hear tidings of thee." "If I am
alive," said he, "thou shalt hear tidings of me by
to-morrow afternoon;" and with that he departed.
And the road they took was below the palace of Caerlleon,
and across the ford of the Usk; and they went along a fair,
and even, and lofty ridge of ground, until they came to a
town. and at the extremity of the town they saw a Fortress
and a Castle. And they came to the extremity of the town.
And as the knight passed through it, all the people arose,
and saluted him, and bade him welcome. And when Geraint
came into the town, he looked at every house, to see if he
knew any of those whom he saw. But he knew none, and none
knew him to do him the kindness to let him have arms either
as a loan or for a pledge. And every house he saw was full
of men, and arms, and horses. And they were polishing
shields, and burnishing swords, and washing armour, and
shoeing horses. And the knight, and the lady, and the
dwarf, rode up to the Castle that was in the town, and
every one was glad in the Castle. And from the battlements
and the gates they risked their necks, through their
eagerness to greet them, and to show their joy.
Geraint stood there to see whether the knight would remain
in the Castle; and when he was certain that he would do so,
he looked around him; and at a little distance from the
town he saw an old palace in ruins, wherein was a hall that
was falling to decay. And as he knew not any one in the
town, he went towards the old palace; and when he came near
to the palace, he saw but one chamber, and a bridge of
marblestone leading to it. And upon the bridge he saw
sitting a hoary-headed man, upon whom were tattered
garments. And Geraint gazed steadfastly upon him for a long
time. Then the hoary-headed man spoke to him. "Young man,"
he said, wherefore art thou thoughtful?" "I am thoughtful,"
said he, "because I know not where to go to-night." "Wilt
thou come forward this way, chieftain?" said he, "and thou
shalt have of the best that can be procured for thee." So
Geraint went forward. And the hoary-beaded man preceded him
into the hall. And in the hall he dismounted, and he left
there his horse. Then he went on to the upper chamber with
the hoary-headed man. And in the chamber he beheld an old
decrepit woman, sitting on a cushion, with old, tattered
garments of satin upon her; and it seemed to him that he
had never seen a woman fairer than she must have been, when
in the fulness of youth. And beside her was a maiden, upon
whom were a vest and a veil, that were old, and beginning
to be worn out. And truly, he never saw a maiden more full
of comeliness, and grace, and beauty, than she. And the
hoary-headed man said to the maiden, "There is no attendant
for the horse of this youth but thyself." "I will render
the best service I am able," said she, "both to him and to
his horse." And the maiden disarrayed the youth, and then
she furnished his horse with straw and with corn. And she
went to the hall as before, and then she returned to the
chamber. And the hoary-headed man said to the maiden, "Go
to the town," said he, "and bring hither the best that thou
canst find both of food and of liquor." "I will, gladly,
Lord," said she. And to the town went the maiden. And they
conversed together while the maiden was at the town. And,
behold! the maiden came back, and a youth with her, bearing
on his back a costrel full of good purchased mead, and a
quarter of a young bullock. And in the hands of the maiden
was a quantity of white bread, and she had some manchet
bread in her veil, and she came into the chamber.
"I could not obtain better than this," said she, "nor with
better should I have been trusted." "It is good enough,"
said Geraint. And they caused the meat to be boiled; and
when their food was ready, they sat down. And it was on
this wise; Geraint sat between the hoary-headed man and his
wife, and the maiden served them. And they ate and drank.
And when they had finished eating, Geraint talked with the
hoary-headed man, and he asked him in the first place, to
whom belonged the palace that he was in. "Truly," said he,
"it was I that built it, and to me also belonged the city
and the castle which thou sawest." "Alas!" said Geraint,
"how is it that thou hast lost them now?" "I lost a great
Earldom as well as these," said he; "and this is how I lost
them. I had a nephew, the son of my brother, and I took his
possessions to myself; and when he came to his strength, he
demanded of me his property, but I withheld it from him. So
he made war upon me, and wrested from me all that I
possessed." "Good Sir," said Geraint, "wilt thou tell me
wherefore came the knight, and the lady, and the dwarf,
just now into the town, and what is the preparation which I
saw, and the putting of arms in order?" "I will do so,"
said he. "The preparations are for the game that is to be
held tomorrow by the young Earl, which will be on this
wise. In the midst of a meadow which is here, two forks
will be set up, and upon the two forks a silver rod, and
upon the silver rod a, Sparrow-Hawk, and for the
Sparrow-Hawk there will be a tournament. And to the
tournament will go all the array thou didst see in the
city, of men, and of horses, and of arms. And with each man
will go the lady he loves best; and no man can joust for
the Sparrow-Hawk, except the lady be loves best be with
him. And the knight that thou sawest has gained the
Sparrow-Hawk these two years; and if he gains it the third
year, they will, from that time, send it every year to him,
and he himself will come here no more. And he will be
called the Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk from that time
forth."
Sir," said Geraint, "what is thy counsel to me concerning
this knight, on account of the insult which I received from
the dwarf, and that which was received by the maiden of
Gwenhwyvar, the wife of Arthur ?" And Geraint told the
hoary-headed man what the insult was that he had received.
"It is not easy to counsel thee, inasmuch as thou hast
neither dame nor maiden belonging to thee, for whom thou
caust joust. Yet, I have arms here, which thou couldest
have; and there is my horse also, if he seem to thee better
than thine own." "Ah! Sir," said he, "Heaven reward thee.
But my own horse, to which I am accustomed, together with
thy arms, will suffice me. And if, when the appointed time
shall come to-morrow, thou wilt permit me, Sir, to
challenge for yonder maiden that is thy daughter, I will
engage, if I escape from the tournament, to love the maiden
as long as I live; and if I do not escape, she will remain
unsullied as before." "Gladly will I permit thee," said the
hoary-headed man; "and since thou dost thus resolve, it is
necessary that thy horse and arms should be ready to-morrow
at break of day. For then, the Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk
will make proclamation, and ask the lady he loves best, to
take the Sparrow-Hawk. 'For,' will he say to her, 'thou art
the fairest of women, and thou didst possess it last year,
and the year previous ; and if any deny it thee to-day, by
force will I defend it for thee.' And therefore," said the
hoary-headed man, " it is needful for thee to be there at
daybreak; and we three will be with thee." And thus was it
settled.
And at night, lo! they went to sleep; and before the dawn
they arose, and arrayed themselves; and by the time that it
was day, they were all four in the meadow. And there was
the Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk making the proclamation, and
asking his lady-love to fetch the Sparrow-Hawk. "Fetch it
not," said Geraint, "for there is here a maiden, who is
fairer, and more noble, and more comely, and who has a
better claim to it than thou." "If thou maintainest the
Sparrow-Hawk to be due to her, come forward, and do battle
with me." And Geraint went forward to the top of the
meadow, having upon himself and upon his horse armour which
was heavy, and rusty, and worthless, and of uncouth shape.
Then they encountered each other, and they broke a set of
lances, and they broke a second set, and a third. And thus
they did at every onset, and they broke as many lances as
were brought to them. And when the Earl and his company saw
the Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk gaining the mastery, there
was shouting, and joy, and mirth amongst them. And the
hoary-headed man, and his wife, and his daughter, were
sorrowful. And the hoary-headed man served Geraint lances
as often as he broke them., and the dwarf served the Knight
of the Sparrow-Hawk. Then the hoary-headed man came to
Geraint. " Oh! chieftain," said he, "since no other will
hold with thee, behold, here is the lance which was in my
hand on the day when I received the honour of knighthood;
and from that time to this I never broke it. And it has an
excellent point." Then Geraint took the lance, thanking the
hoary-headed man. And thereupon the dwarf also brought a
lance to his lord. "Behold, here is a lance for thee, not
less good than his," said the dwarf. "And bethink thee,
that no knight ever withstood thee before so long as this
one has done." "I declare to Heaven," said Geraint, "that
unless death takes me quickly hence, he shall fare never
the better for thy service." And Geraint pricked his horse
towards him from afar, and warning him, he rushed upon him,
and gave him a blow so severe, and furious, and fierce,
upon the face of his shield, that he cleft it in two, and
broke his armour, and burst his girths, so that both he and
his saddle were borne to the ground over the horse's
crupper. And Geraint dismounted quickly. And he was wroth,
and he drew his sword, and rushed fiercely upon him. Then
the knight also arose, and drew his sword against Geraint.
And they fought on foot with their swords until their arms
struck sparks of fire like stars from one another; and thus
they continued fighting until the blood and sweat obscured
the light from their eyes. And when Geraint prevailed, the
hoary-headed man, and his wife, and his daughter, were
glad; and when the knight prevailed, it rejoiced the Earl
and his party. Then the hoary-headed man saw Geraint
receive a severe stroke, and he went up to him quickly, and
said to him, "Oh, chieftain, remember the treatment which
thou hadst from the dwarf; and wilt thou not seek vengeance
for the insult to thyself, and for the insult to Gwenhwyvar
the wife of Arthur!" And Geraint was roused by what he said
to him, and he called to him all his strength, and lifted
up his sword, and struck the knight upon the crown of his
head, so that he broke all his head-armour, and cut through
all the flesh and the skin, even to the skull, until he
wounded the bone.
Then the knight fell upon his knees, and cast his sword
from his hand, and besought mercy of Geraint. "Of a truth,"
said he, "I relinquish my overdaring and my pride in
craving thy mercy; and unless I have time to commit myself
to Heaven for my sins, and to talk with a priest, thy mercy
will avail me little." "I will grant thee grace upon this
condition," said Geraint, "that thou wilt go to Gwenhwyvar
the wife of Arthur, to do her satisfaction for the insult
which her maiden received from thy dwarf. As to myself, for
the insult which I received from thee and thy dwarf, I am
content with that which I have done unto thee. Dismount not
from the time thou goest hence until thou comest into the
presence of Gwenhwyvar, to make her what atonement shall be
adjudged at the Court of Arthur." "This will I do gladly.
And who art thou?" said he. "I am Geraint the son of Erbin.
And declare thou also who thou art?" "I am Edeyrn the son
of Nudd." Then he threw himself upon his horse, and went
forward to Arthur's Court, and the lady he loved best went
before him and the dwarf, with much lamentation. And thus
far this story up to that time.
Then came the little Earl and his hosts to Geraint, and
saluted him, and bad him to his castle. "I may not go,"
said Geraint, "but where I was last night, there will I be
to-night also." "Since thou wilt none of my inviting, thou
shalt have abundance of all that I can command for thee, in
the place thou wast last night. And I will order ointment
for thee, to recover thee from thy fatigues, and from the
weariness that is upon thee." "Heaven reward thee," said
Geraint, "and I will go to my lodging." And thus went
Geraint, and Earl Ynywl, and his wife, and his daughter.
And when they reached the chamber, the household servants
and attendants of the young Earl had arrived at the Court,
and they arranged all the houses, dressing them with straw
and with fire; and in a short time the ointment was ready,
and Geraint came there, and they washed his head. Then came
the young Earl, with forty honourable knights from among
his attendants, and those who were bidden to the
tournament. And Geraint came from the anointing. And the
Earl asked him to go to the hall to eat. "Where is the Earl
Ynywl," said Geraint, "and his wife, and his daughter ?"
"They are in the chamber yonder," said the Earl's
chamberlain, arraying themselves in garments which the Earl
has caused to be brought for them." "Let not the damsel
array herself," said he, "except in her vest and her veil,
until she come to the Court of Arthur, to be clad by
Gwenhwyvar, in such garments as she may choose." So the
maiden did not array herself.
Then they all entered the hall, and they washed, and went,
and sat down to meat. And thus were they seated. On one
side of Geraint sat the young Earl, and Earl Ynywl beyond
him; and on the other side of Geraint were the maiden and
her mother, And after these all sat according to their
precedence in honour. And they ate. And they were served
abundantly, and they received a profusion of divers kind of
gifts. Then they conversed together. And the young Earl
invited Geraint to visit him next day. "I will not, by
Heaven," said Geraint. "To the Court of Arthur will I go
with this maiden to-morrow. And it is enough for me, as
long as Earl Ynywl is in poverty and trouble; and I go
chiefly to seek to add to his maintenance." "Ah,
chieftain," said the young Earl. "it is not by my fault
that Earl Ynywl is without his possessions." "By my faith,"
said Geraint, "he shall not remain without them, unless
death quickly takes me hence." "Oh, chieftain," said he,
"with regard to the disagreement between me and Ynywl, I
will gladly abide by thy counsel, and agree to what thou
mayest judge right between us." " I but ask thee," said
Geraint, "to restore to him what is his, and what he should
have received from the time he lost his possessions, even
until this day." "That I will do gladly, for thee,"
answered he. "Then," said Geraint, " whosoever is here who
owes homage to Ynywl, let him come forward, and perform it
on the spot." And all the men did so. And by that treaty
they abided. And his castle, and his town, and all his
possessions, were restored to Ynywl. And he received back
all that he had lost, even to the smallest jewel.
Then spoke Earl Ynywl to Geraint. "Chieftain," said he,
"behold the maiden for whom thou didst challenge at the
tournament, I bestow her upon thee." "She shall go with
me," said Geraint, "to the Court of Arthur; and Arthur and
Gwenhwyvar they shall dispose of her as they will." And the
next day they proceeded to Arthur's Court. So far
concerning Geraint.
Now, this is how Arthur hunted the stag. The men and the
dogs were divided into hunting parties, and the dogs were
let loose upon the stag. And the last dog that was let
loose was the favourite dog of Arthur. Cavall was his name.
And he left all the other dogs behind him, and turned the
stag. And at the second turn, the stag came towards the
hunting party of Arthur. And Arthur set upon him. And
before he could be slain by any other, Arthur cut off his
head. Then they sounded the death horn for slaying, and
they all gathered round.
Then came Kadyriaith to Arthur, and spoke to him. "Lord,"
said he, "behold, yonder is Gwenhwyvar, and none with her
save only one maiden." "Command Gildas the son of Caw, and
all the scholars of the Court," said Arthur, "to attend
Gwenhwyvar to the palace." And they did so.
Then they all set forth holding converse together
concerning the head of the stag, to whom it should be
given. One wished that it should be given to the lady best
beloved by him, and another to the lady whom he loved best.
And all they of the household, and the knights, disputed
sharply concerning the head. And with that they came to the
palace. And when Arthur and Gwenhwyvar heard them disputing
about the head of the stag, Gwenhwyvar said to Arthur, "My
lord, this is my counsel concerning the stag's head; let it
not be given away until Geraint the son of Erbin return
from the errand he is upon." And Gwenhwyvar told Arthur
what that errand was. "Right gladly shall it be so," said
Arthur. And thus it was settled. And the next day
Gwenhwyvar caused a watch to be set upon the ramparts for
Geraint's coming. And after mid-day they beheld an
unshapely little man upon a horse, and after him, as they
supposed, a dame or a damsel, also on horseback, and after
her a knight of large stature, bowed down, and hanging his
head low and sorrowfully, and clad in broken and worthless
armour.
And before they came near to the gate, one of the watch
went to Gwenhwyvar, and told her what kind of people they
saw, and what aspect they bore. "I know not who they are,"
said he. "But I know," said Gwenhwyvar; "this is the knight
whom Geraint pursued, and methinks that he comes not here
by his own free will. But Geraint has overtaken him, and
avenged the insult to the maiden to the uttermost." And
thereupon, behold a porter came to the spot where
Gwenhwyvar was. "Lady," said he, "at the gate there is a
knight, and I saw never a man of so pitiful an aspect to
look upon as he. Miserable and broken is the armour that he
wears, and the hue of blood is more conspicuous upon it
than its own colour." "Knowest thou his name?" said she. "I
do," said he; "he tells me that he is Edeyrn the Son of
Nudd." Then she replied, "I know him not."
So Gwenhwyvar went to the gate to meet him, and he entered.
And Gwenhwyvar was sorry when she saw the condition he was
in, even though he was accompanied by the churlish dwarf.
Then Edeyrn saluted Gwenhwyvar. "Heaven protect thee," said
she. "Lady," said he, "Geraint the son of Erbin, thy best
and most valiant servant, greets thee." "Did he meet thee?"
she asked. "Yes," said he, "and it was not to my advantage;
and that was not his fault, but mine, Lady. And Geraint
greets thee well; and in greeting thee he compelled me to
come hither to do thy pleasure for the insult which thy
maiden received from the dwarf. He forgives the insult to
himself, in consideration of his having put me in peril of
my life. And he imposed on me a condition, manly, and
honourable, and warrior-like, which was to do thee justice,
Lady." "Now, where did he overtake thee?" "At the place
where we were jousting, and contending for the
Sparrow-Hawk, in the town which is now called Cardiff. And
there were none with him save three persons, of a mean and
tattered condition. And these were an aged, hoary-headed
man, and a woman advanced in years, and a fair young
maiden, clad in worn-out garments. And it was for the
avouchment of the love of that maiden that Geraint jousted
for the Sparrow-Hawk at the tournament, for he said that
that maiden was better entitled to the Sparrow-Hawk than
this maiden who was with me. And thereupon we encountered
each other, and he left me, Lady, as thou seest." "Sir,"
said she, "when thinkest thou that Geraint will be here?"
"To-morrow, Lady, I think he will be here with the maiden."
Then Arthur came to him, and he saluted Arthur; and Arthur
gazed a long time upon him, and was amazed to see him thus.
And thinking that he knew him, he inquired of him, "Art
thou Edeyrn the son of Nudd?" "I am, Lord," said he, "and I
have met with much trouble, and received wounds
unsupportable." Then he told Arthur all his adventure.
"Well," said Arthur, "from what I hear, it behoves
Gwenhwyvar to be merciful towards thee." "The mercy which
thou desirest, Lord," said she, "will I grant to him, since
it is as insulting to thee that an insult should be offered
to me as to thyself." "Thus will it be best to do," said
Arthur; "let this man have medical care until it be known
whether he may live. And if he live, he shall do such
satisfaction as shall be judged best by the men of the
Court; and take thou sureties to that effect. And if he
die, too much will be the death of such a youth as Edeyrn
for an insult to a maiden." "This pleases me," said
Gwenhwyvar. And Arthur became surety for Edeyrn, and
Caradawc the son of Llyr, Gwallawg the son of Llenawg, and
Owain the son of Nudd, and Gwalchmai, and many others with
them. And Arthur caused Morgan Tud to be called to him. He
was the chief physician. Take with thee Edeyrn the son of
Nudd, and cause a chamber to be prepared for him, and let
him have the aid of medicine as thou wouldest do unto
myself, if I were wounded, and let none into his chamber to
molest him, but thyself and thy disciples, to administer to
him remedies." "I will do so, gladly, Lord," said Morgan
Tud. Then said the steward of the household,
"Whither is it right, Lord, to order the maiden?" "To
Gwenhwyvar and her handmaidens," said he. And the steward
of the household so ordered her. Thus far concerning them.
The next day came Geraint towards the Court; and there was
a watch set on the ramparts by Gwenhwyvar, lest he should
arrive unawares. And one of the watch came to the place
where Gwenhwyvar was. "Lady," said he, "methinks that I see
Geraint, and the maiden with him. He is on horseback, but
he has his walking gear upon him, and the maiden appears to
be in white, seeming to be clad in a garment of linen."
"Assemble all the women," said Gwenhwyvar, "and come to
meet Geraint, to welcome him, and wish him joy." And
Gwenhwyvar went to meet Geraint and the maiden. And when
Geraint came to the place where Gwenhwyvar was, he saluted
her. "Heaven prosper thee," said she, "and welcome to thee.
And thy career has been successful, and fortunate, and
resistless, and glorious. And Heaven reward thee, that thou
hast so proudly caused me to have retribution." "Lady,"
said he, "I earnestly desired to obtain thee satisfaction
according to thy will; and, behold, here is the maiden
through whom thou hadst thy revenge." "Verily," said
Gwenhwyvar, "the welcome of Heaven be unto her; and it is
fitting that we should receive her joyfully." Then they
went in, and dismounted. And Geraint came to where Arthur
was, and saluted him. "Heaven protect thee," said Arthur,
"and the welcome of Heaven be unto thee. And since Edeyrn
the son of Nudd has received his overthrow and wounds from
thy hands, thou hast had a prosperous career." "Not upon me
be the blame," said Geraint, "it was through the arrogance
of Edeyrn the son of Nudd himself that we were not friends.
I would not quit him until I knew who he was, and until the
one had vanquished the other." "Now," said Arthur, "where
is the maiden for whom I heard thou didst give challenge?"
"She is gone with Gwenhwyvar to her chamber."
Then went Arthur to see the maiden. And Arthur, and all his
companions, and his whole Court, were glad concerning the
maiden. And certain were they all, that had her array been
suitable to her beauty, they had never seen a maid fairer
than she. And Arthur gave away the maiden to Geraint. And
the usual bond made between two persons was made between
Geraint and the maiden, and the choicest of all
Gwenhwyvar's apparel was given to the maiden; and thus
arrayed, she appeared comely and graceful to all who beheld
her. And that day and that night were spent in abundance of
minstrelsy, and ample gifts of liquor, and a multitude of
games. And when it was time for them to go to sleep, they
went. And in the chamber where the couch of Arthur and
Gwenhwyvar was, the couch of Geraint and Enid was prepared.
And from that time she became his bride. And the next day
Arthur satisfied all the claimants upon Geraint with
bountiful gifts. And the maiden took up her abode in the
palace; and she had many companions, both men and women,
and there was no maiden more esteemed than she in the
Island of Britain.
Then spake Gwenhwyvar. "Rightly did I judge," said she,
"concerning the head of the stag, that it should not be
given to any until Geraint's return; and, behold here is a
fit occasion for bestowing it. Let it be given to Enid the
daughter of Ynywl, the most illustrious maiden. And I do
not believe that any will begrudge it her, for between her
and every one here there exists nothing but love and
friendship." Much applauded was this by them all, and by
Arthur also. And the head of the stag was given to Enid.
And thereupon her fame increased, and her friends
thenceforward became more in number than before. And
Geraint from that time forth loved the stag, and the
tournament, and hard encounters; and he came victorious
from them all. And a year, and a second, and a third, he
proceeded thus, until his fame had flown over the face of
the kingdom.
And once upon a time Arthur was holding his Court at
Caerlleon upon Usk, at Whitsuntide. And, behold, there came
to him ambassadors, wise and prudent, full of knowledge,
and eloquent of speech, and they saluted Arthur. "Heaven
prosper you," said Arthur, "and the welcome of Heaven be
unto you. And whence do you come?" "We come, Lord," said
they, "from Cornwall; and we are ambassadors from Erbin the
son of Custennin, thy uncle, and our mission is unto thee.
And he greets thee well, as an uncle should greet his
nephew, and as a vassal should greet his lord. And he
represents unto thee that he waxes heavy and feeble, and is
advancing in years. And the neighbouring chiefs knowing
this, grow insolent towards him, and covet his land and
possessions. And he earnestly beseeches thee, Lord, to
permit Geraint his son to return to him, to protect his
possessions, and to become acquainted with his boundaries.
And unto him he represents that it were better for him to
spend the flower of his youth and the prime of his age, in
preserving his own boundaries, than in tournaments, which
are productive of no profit, although he obtains glory in
them."
"Well," said Arthur, "go, and divest yourselves of your
accoutrements, and take food, and refresh yourselves after
your fatigues; and before you go forth hence you shall have
an answer." And they went to eat. And Arthur considered
that it would go hard with him to let Geraint depart from
him and from his Court; neither did he think it fair that
his cousin should be restrained from going to protect his
dominions and his boundaries, seeing that his father was
unable to do so. No less was the grief and regret of
Gwenhwyvar, and all her women., and all her damsels,
through fear that the maiden would leave them. And that day
and that night were spent in abundance of feasting. And
Arthur showed Geraint the cause of the mission, and of the
coming of the ambassadors to him out of Cornwall. "Truly,"
said Geraint, "be it to my advantage or disadvantage, Lord,
I will do according to thy will concerning this embassy."
"Behold," said Arthur, "though it grieves me to part with
thee, it is my counsel that thou go to dwell in thine own
dominions, and to defend thy boundaries, and to take with
thee to accompany thee as many as thou wilt of those thou
lovest best among my faithful ones, and among thy friends,
and among thy companions in arms." "Heaven reward thee; and
this will I do," said Geraint. "What discourse," said
Gwenhwyvar, "do I hear between you? Is it of those who are
to conduct Geraint to his country?" "It is," said Arthur.
"Then it is needful for me to consider," said she,
"concerning companions and a provision for the lady that is
with me?" "Thou wilt do well," said Arthur.
And that night they went to sleep. And the next day the
ambassadors were permitted to depart, and they were told
that Geraint should follow them. And on the third day
Geraint set forth, and many went with him. Gwalchmai the
son of Gwyar, and Riogonedd the son of the king of Ireland,
and Ondyaw the son of the duke of Burgundy, Gwilim the son
of the ruler of the Franks, Howel the son of Emyr of
Brittany, Elivry, and Nawkyrd, Gwynn the son of Tringad,
Goreu the son of Custennin, Gweir Gwrhyd Vawr, Garannaw the
son of Golithmer, Peredur the son of Evrawc, Gwynnllogell,
Gwyr a judge in the Court of Arthur, Dyvyr the son of Alun
of Dyved, Gwrei Gwalstawd Ieithoedd, Bedwyr the son of
Bedrawd, Hadwry the son of Gwryon, Kai the son of Kynyr,
Odyar the Frank, the Steward of Arthur's Court, and Edeyrn
the son of Nudd. Said Geraint, "I think that I shall have
enough of knighthood with me." "Yes," said Arthur, "but it
will not be fitting for thee to take Edeyrn with thee,
although he is well, until peace shall be made between him
and Gwenhwyvar." " Gwenhwyvar can permit him to go with me,
if he give sureties." "If she please, she can let him go
without sureties, for enough of pain and affliction has he
suffered for the insult which the maiden received from the
dwarf." "Truly," said Gwenhwyvar, "since it seems well to
thee and to Geraint, I will do this gladly, Lord." Then she
permitted Edeyrn freely to depart. And many there were who
accompanied Geraint, and they set forth; and never was
there seen a fairer host journeying towards the Severn. And
on the other side of the Severn were the nobles of Erbin
the son of Custennin, and his foster-father at their head,
to welcome Geraint with gladness; and many of the women of
the Court, with his mother, come to receive Enid the
daughter of Ynywl, his wife. And there was great rejoicing
and gladness throughout the whole Court, and throughout all
the country, concerning Geraint, because of the greatness
of their love towards him, and of the greatness of the fame
which he had gained since he went from amongst them, and
because he was come to take possession of his dominions and
to preserve his boundaries. And they came to the Court. And
in the Court they had ample entertainment, and a multitude
of gifts and abundance of liquor, and a sufficiency of
service, and a variety of minstrelsy and of games. And to
do honour to Geraint, all the chief men of the country were
invited that night to visit him. And they passed that day
and that night in the utmost enjoyment. And at dawn next
day Erbin arose, and summoned to him Geraint, and the noble
persons who had borne him company. And he said to Geraint,
"I am a feeble and aged man, and whilst I was able to
maintain the dominion for thee and for myself, I did so.
But thou art young, and in the flower of thy vigour and of
thy youth; henceforth do thou preserve thy possessions."
"Truly," said Geraint, "with my consent thou shalt not give
the power over thy dominions at this time into my hands,
and thou shalt not take me from Arthur's Court." "Into thy
hands will I give them," said Erbin, "and this day also
shalt thou receive the homage of thy subjects."
Then said Gwalchmai, "It were better for thee to satisfy
those who have boons to ask, to-day, and to-morrow thou
canst receive the homage of thy dominions." So all that had
boons to ask were summoned into one place. And Kadyrieith
came to them, to know what were their requests. And every
one asked that which he desired. And the followers of
Arthur began to make gifts, and immediately the men of
Cornwall came, and gave also. And they were not long in
giving, so eager was every one to bestow gifts. An of those
who came to ask gifts, none departed unsatisfied. And that
day and that night were spent in the utmost enjoyment.
And the next day, at dawn, Erbin desired Geraint to send
messengers to the men, to ask them whether it was
displeasing to them that he should come to receive their
homage, and whether they had anything to object to him.
Then Geraint sent ambassadors to the men of Cornwall, to
ask them this. And they all said that it would be the
fulness of joy and honour to them for Geraint to come and
receive their homage. So he received the homage of such as
were there. And they remained with him till the third
night. And the day after the followers of Arthur intended
to go away. "It is too soon for you to go away yet," said
he, " stay with me until I have finished receiving the
homage of my chief men, who have agreed to come to me." And
they remained with him until he had done so. Then they set
forth towards the Court of Arthur; and Geraint went to bear
them company, and Enid also, as far as Diganhwy: there they
parted. Then Ondyaw the son of the duke of Burgundy said to
Geraint, "Go first of all and visit the uttermost parts of
thy dominions, and see well to the boundaries of thy
territories; and if thou hast any trouble respecting them,
send unto thy companions." "Heaven reward thee," said
Geraint, "and this will I do." And Geraint journeyed to the
uttermost part of his dominions. And experienced guides,
and the chief men of his country, went with him. And the
furthermost point that they showed him he kept possession
of.
And, as he had been used to do when he was at Arthur's
Court, he frequented tournaments. And he became acquainted
with valiant and mighty men, until he had gained as much
fame there as he had formerly done elsewhere. And he
enriched his Court, and his companions, and his nobles,
with the best horses and the best arms, and with the best
and most valuable jewels, and he ceased not until his fame
had flown over the face of the whole kingdom. And when he
knew that it was thus, he began to love ease and pleasure,
for there was no one who was worth his opposing. And he
loved his wife, and liked to continue in the palace, with
minstrelsy and diversions. And for a long time he abode at
home. And after that he began to shut himself up in the
chamber of his wife, and he took no delight in anything
besides, insomuch that he gave up the friendship of his
nobles, together with his hunting and his amusements, and
lost the hearts of all the host in his Court; and there was
murmuring and scoffing concerning him among the inhabitants
of the palace, on account of his relinquishing so
completely their companionship for the love of his wife.
And these tidings came to Erbin. And when Erbin had heard
these things, he spoke unto Enid, and inquired of her
whether it was she that had caused Geraint to act thus, and
to forsake his people and his hosts. "Not I, by my
confession unto Heaven," said she, "there is nothing more
hateful to me than this." And she knew not what she should
do, for, although it was hard for her to own this to
Geraint, yet was it not more easy for her to listen to what
she heard, without warning Geraint concerning it. And she
was very sorrowful.
And one morning in the summer time, they were upon their
couch, and Geraint lay upon the edge of it. And Enid was
without sleep in the apartment which had windows of glass.
And the sun shone upon the couch. And the clothes had
slipped from off his arms and his breast, and he was
asleep. Then she gazed upon the marvellous beauty of his
appearance, and she said, "Alas, and am I the cause that
these arms and this breast have lost their glory and the
warlike fame which they once so richly enjoyed!" And as she
said this, the tears dropped from her eyes, and they fell
upon his breast. And the tears she shed, and the words she
had spoken, awoke him; and another thing contributed to
awaken him, and that was the idea that it was not in
thinking of him that she spoke thus, but that it was
because she loved some other man more than him, and that
she wished for other society, and thereupon Geraint was
troubled in his mind, and he called his squire; and when he
came to him, "Go quickly," said he, "and prepare my horse
and my arms, and make them ready. And do thou arise," said
he to Enid, "and apparel thyself; and cause thy horse to be
accoutred, and clothe thee in the worst riding-dress that
thou hast in thy possession. And evil betide me," said he,
"if thou returnest here until thou knowest whether I have
lost my strength so completely as thou didst say. Add if it
be so, it will then be easy for thee to seek the society
thou didst wish for of him of whom thou wast thinking." So
she arose, and clothed herself in her meanest garments. "I
know nothing, Lord," said she, " of thy meaning." "Neither
wilt thou know at this time," said he.
Then Geraint went to see Erbin. "Sir," said he, "I am going
upon a quest, and I am not certain when I may come back.
Take heed, therefore, unto thy possessions, until my
return." "I will do so," said he, "but it is strange to me
that thou shouldest go so suddenly. And who will proceed
with thee, since thou art not strong enough to traverse the
land of Lloegyr alone?" "But one person only will go with
me." "Heaven counsel thee, my son," said Erbin, "and may
many attach themselves to thee in Lloegyr." Then went
Geraint to the place where his horse was, and it was
equipped with foreign armour, heavy and shining. And he
desired Enid to mount her horse, and to ride forward, and
to keep a long way before him. "And whatever thou mayest
see, and whatever thou mayest hear concerning me," said he,
"do thou not turn back. And unless I speak unto thee, say
not thou one word either." And they set forward. And he did
not choose the pleasantest and most frequented road, but
that which was the wildest and most beset by thieves, and
robbers, and venomous animals. And they came to a high
road, which they followed till they saw a vast forest, and
they went towards it, and they saw four armed horsemen come
forth from the forest. When the horsemen had beheld them,
one of them said to the others, "Behold, here is a good
occasion for us to capture two horses and armour, and a
lady likewise; for this we shall have no difficulty in
doing against yonder single knight, who hangs his head so
pensively and heavily." And Enid heard this discourse, and
she knew not what she should do through fear of Geraint,
who had told her to be silent. "The vengeance of Heaven be
upon me," she said, "if I would not rather receive my death
from his hand than from the hand of any other; and though
he should slay me, yet will I speak to him, lest I should
have the misery to witness his death." So she waited for
Geraint until he came near to her. "Lord," said she, "didst
thou hear the words of those men concerning thee?" Then he
lifted up his eyes, and looked at her angrily. "Thou hadst
only," said he, "to hold thy peace as I bade thee. I wish
but for silence, and not for warning. And though thou
shouldest desire to see my defeat and my death by the hands
of those men, yet do I feel no dread." Then the foremost of
them couched his lance, and rushed upon Geraint. And he
received him, and that not feebly. But he let the thrust go
by him, while he struck the horseman upon the centre of his
shield in such a manner that his shield was split, and his
armour broken, and so that a cubit's length of the shaft of
Geraint's lance passed through his body, and sent him to
the earth, the length of the lance over his horse's
crupper. Then the second horseman attacked him furiously,
being wroth at the death of his companion. But with one
thrust Geraint overthrew him also, and killed him as he had
done the other. Then the third set upon him, and he killed
him in like manner. And thus also he slew the fourth. Sad
and sorrowful was the maiden as she saw all this. Geraint
dismounted from his horse, and took the arms of the men he
had slain, and placed them upon their saddles, and tied
together the reins of their horses, and he mounted his
horse again. "Behold, what thou must do," said he; "take
the four horses, and drive them before thee, and proceed
forward, as I bade thee just now. And say not one word unto
me, unless I speak first unto thee. And I declare unto
Heaven," said he, "if thou doest not thus, it will be to
thy cost." "I will do, as far as I can, Lord," said she,
"according to thy desire."
Then they went forward through the forest; and when they
left the forest, they came to a vast plain, in the centre
of which was a group of thickly tangled copse-wood; and
from out thereof they beheld three horsemen coming towards
them, well equipped with armour, both they and their
horses. Then the maiden looked steadfastly upon them; and
when they had come near, she heard them say one to another,
"Behold, here is a good arrival for us; here are coming for
us four horses and four suits of armour. We shall easily
obtain them spite of yonder dolorous knight, and the maiden
also will fall into our power." "This is but too true,"
said she to herself, "for my husband is tired with his
former combat. The vengeance of Heaven will be upon me,
unless I warn him of this. "So the maiden waited until
Geraint came up to her. "Lord," said she, "dost thou not
hear the discourse of yonder men concerning thee?" "What
was it?" asked he. "They say to one another, that they will
easily obtain all this spoil." "I declare to Heaven," he
answered, "that their words are less grievous to me than
that thou wilt not be silent, and abide by my counsel." "My
Lord," said she, "I feared lest they should surprise thee
unawares." "Hold thy peace, then," said he, "do not I
desire silence?" And thereupon one of the horsemen couched
his lance, and attacked Geraint. And he made a thrust at
him, which he thought would be very effective; but Geraint
received it carelessly, and struck it aside, and then he
rushed upon him, and aimed at the centre of his person, and
from the shook of man and horse, the quantity of his armour
did not avail him, and the head of the lance and part of
the shaft passed through him, so that he was carried to the
ground an arm and a spear's length over the crupper of his
horse. And both the other horsemen came forward in their
turn, but their onset was not more successful than that of
their companion. And the maiden stood by, looking at all
this; and on the one hand she was in trouble lest Geraint
should be wounded in his encounter with the men, and on the
other hand she was joyful to see him victorious. Then
Geraint dismounted, and bound the three suits of armour
upon the three saddles, and he fastened the reins of all
the horses together, so that he had seven horses with him.
And he mounted his own horse, and commanded the maiden to
drive forward the others. "It is no more use for me to
speak to thee than to refrain, for thou wilt not attend to
my advice. "I will do so, as far as I am able, Lord," said
she; "but I cannot conceal from thee the fierce and
threatening words which I may hear against thee, Lord, from
such strange people as those that haunt this wilderness."
"I declare to Heaven," said he, "that I desire nought but
silence; therefore, hold thy peace." "I will, Lord, while I
can." And the maiden went on with the horses before her,
and she pursued her way straight onwards. And from the
copse-wood already mentioned, they journeyed over a vast
and dreary open plain. And at a great distance from them
they beheld a wood, and they could see neither end nor
boundary to the wood, except on that side that was nearest
to them, and they went towards it. Then there came from out
the wood five horsemen, eager, and bold, and mighty, and
strong, mounted upon chargers that were powerful, and large
of bone, and high mettled, and proudly snorting, and both
the men and the horses were well equipped with arms. And
when they drew near to them, Enid heard them say, "Behold,
here is a fine booty coming to us, which we shall obtain
easily and without labour, for we shall have no trouble in
taking all those horses and arms, and the lady also, from
yonder single knight, so doleful and sad."
Sorely grieved was the maiden upon hearing this discourse,
so that she knew not in the world what she should do. At
last, however, she determined to warn Geraint; so she
turned her horse's head towards him. "Lord," said she, "if
thou hadst heard as I did what yonder horsemen said
concerning thee, thy heaviness would be greater than it
is." Angrily and bitterly did Geraint smile upon her, and
he said, "Thee do I hear doing everything that I forbade
thee; but it may be that thou wilt repent this yet." And
immediately, behold, the men met them, and victoriously and
gallantly did Geraint overcome them all five. And he placed
the five suits of armour upon the five saddles, and tied
together the reins of the twelve horses, and gave them in
charge to Enid. "I know not," said he, "what good it is for
me to order thee; but this time I charge thee in an
especial manner." So the maiden went forward towards the
wood, keeping in advance of Geraint, as he had desired her;
and it grieved him as much as his wrath would permit, to
see a maiden so illustrious as she having so much trouble
with the care of the horses. Then they reached the wood,
and it was both deep and vast; and in the wood night
overtook them. "Ah, maiden," said he, "it is vain to
attempt proceeding forward!" "Well, Lord," said she,
"whatsoever thou wishest, we will do." "It will be best for
us," he answered, "to turn out of the wood, and to rest,
and wait for the day, in order to pursue our journey."
"That will we, gladly," said she. And they did so. Having
dismounted himself, he took her down from her horse. "I
cannot, by any means, refrain from sleep, through
weariness," said he. "Do thou, therefore, watch the horses,
and sleep not." "I will, Lord," said she. Then he went to
sleep in his armour, and thus passed the night, which was
not long at that season.
And when she saw the dawn of day appear, she looked around
her, to see if he were waking, and thereupon he woke. "My
Lord," she said, "I have desired to awake thee for some
time." But he spake nothing to her about fatigue, as he had
desired her to be silent. Then he arose, and said unto her,
"Take the horses, and ride on; and keep straight on before
thee as thou didst yesterday." And early in the day they
left the wood, and they came. to an open country, with
meadows on one hand and mowers mowing the meadows. And
there was a river before them, and the horses bent down,
and drank the water. And they went up out of the river by a
lofty steep; and there they met a slender stripling, with a
satchel about his neck, and they saw that there was
something in the satchel, but they knew not what it was.
And he had a small blue pitcher in his hand, and a bowl on
the mouth of the pitcher. And the youth saluted Geraint.
"Heaven prosper thee," said Geraint, "and whence dost thou
come?" "I come," said he, "from the city that lies before
thee. My Lord," he added, "will it be displeasing to thee
if I ask whence thou comest also?" "By no means-through
yonder wood did I come." "Thou camest not through the wood
to-day." "No," he replied, "we were in the wood last
night." "I warrant," said the youth, "that thy condition
there last night was not the most pleasant, and that thou
hadst neither meat nor drink." "No, by my faith," said he.
"Wilt thou follow my counsel," said the youth, "and take
thy meal from me?" "What sort of meal?" he inquired. "The
breakfast which is sent for yonder mowers, nothing less
than bread and meat and wine; and if thou wilt, Sir they
shall have none of it." "I will," said he, "and Heaven
reward thee for it."
So Geraint alighted, and the youth took the maiden from off
her horse. Then they washed, and took their repast. And the
youth cut the bread in slices, and gave them drink, and
served them withal. And when they had finished, the youth
arose, and said to Geraint, "My Lord, with thy permission,
I will now go and fetch some food for the mowers." "Go,
first, to the town," said Geraint, "and take a lodging for
me in the best place that thou knowest, and the most
commodious one for the horses, and take thou whichever
horse and arms thou choosest in payment for thy service and
thy gift." "Heaven reward thee, Lord," said the youth, "and
this would be ample to repay services much greater than
those I have rendered unto thee." And to the town went the
youth, and he took the best and the most pleasant lodgings
that he knew; and after that he went to the palace, having
the horse and armour with him, and proceeded to the place
where the Earl was, and told him all his adventure. "I go
now, Lord," said he, "to meet the young man, and to conduct
him to his lodging." "Go, gladly," said the Earl, "and
right joyfully shall he be received here, if he so come."
And the youth went to meet Geraint, and told him that he
would be received gladly by the Earl in his own palace; but
he would go only to his lodgings. And he had a goodly
chamber, in which was plenty of straw, and drapery, and a
spacious and commodious place he had for the horses; and
the youth prepared for them plenty of provender. And after
they had disarrayed themselves, Geraint spoke thus to Enid:
"Go," said he, "to the other side of the chamber, and come
not to this side of the house; and thou mayest call to thee
the woman of the house, if thou wilt." "I will do, Lord,"
said she, "as thou sayest." And thereupon the man of the
house came to Geraint, and welcomed him. "Oh, chieftain,"
he said, "hast thou taken thy meal?" "I have," said he.
Then the youth spoke to him, and inquired if he would not
drink something before he met the Earl. "Truly I will,"
said he. So the youth went into the town, and brought them
drink. And they drank. "I must needs sleep," said Geraint.
"Well," said the youth; and whilst thou sleepest, I will go
to see the Earl." "Go, gladly," he said, "and come here
again when I require thee." And Geraint went to sleep; and
so did Enid also.
And the youth came to the place where the Earl was, and the
Earl asked him where the lodgings of the knight were, and
he told him. "I must go," said the youth, "to wait on him
in the evening." "Go," answered the Earl, "and greet him
well from me, and tell him that in the evening I will go to
see him." "This will I do," said the youth. So he came when
it was time for them to awake. And they arose, and went
forth. And when it was time for them to take their food,
they took it. And the youth served them. And Geraint
inquired of the man of the house, whether there were any of
his companions that he wished to invite to him, and he said
that there were. "Bring them hither, and entertain them at
my cost with the best thou canst buy in the town."
And the man of the house brought there those whom he chose,
and feasted them at Geraint's expense. Thereupon, behold,
the Earl came to visit Geraint, and his twelve honourable
knights with him. And Geraint rose up, and welcomed him.
"Heaven preserve thee," said the Earl. Then they all sat
down according to their precedence in honour. And the Earl
conversed with Geraint, and inquired of him the object of
his journey. "I have none," he replied, "but to seek
adventures, and to follow my own inclination." Then the
Earl cast his eye upon Enid, and he looked at her
steadfastly. And he thought he had never seen a maiden
fairer or more comely than she. And he set all his thoughts
and his affections upon her. Then he asked of Geraint,
"Have I thy permission to go and converse with yonder
maiden, for I see that she is apart from thee?" "Thou hast
it gladly," said he. So the Earl went to the place where
the maiden was, and spake with her. "Ah, maiden," said he,
"it cannot be pleasant to thee to journey thus with yonder
man!" "It is not unpleasant to me," said she, "to journey
the same road that he journeys." ""Thou hast neither youths
nor maidens to serve thee," said he. "Truly," she replied,
"it is more pleasant for me to follow yonder man, than to
be served by youths and maidens." "I will give thee, good
counsel," said he. "All my Earldom will I place in thy
possession, if thou wilt dwell with me." "That will I not,
by Heaven," she said, "yonder man was the first to whom my
faith was ever pledged; and shall I prove inconstant to
him!" "Thou art in the wrong," said the Earl; "if I slay
the man yonder, I can keep thee with me as long as I
choose; and when thou no longer pleasest me I can turn thee
away. But if thou goest with me by thine own good will, I
protest that our union shall continue eternal and undivided
as long as I remain alive." Then she pondered these words
of his, and she considered that it was advisable to
encourage him in his request. "Behold, then, chieftain,
this is most expedient for thee to do to save me any
needless imputation; come here to-morrow, and take me away
as though I knew nothing thereof." "I will do so," said he.
So he arose, and took his leave, and went forth with his
attendants. And she told not then to Geraint any of the
conversation which she had had with the Earl, lest it
should rouse his anger, and cause him uneasiness and care.
And at the usual hour they went to sleep. And at the
beginning of the night Enid slept a little; and at midnight
she arose, and placed all Geraint's armour together, so
that it might be ready to put on. And although fearful of
her errand, she came to the side of Geraint's bed; and she
spoke to him softly and gently, saying, "My Lord, arise,
and clothe thyself, for these were the words of the Earl to
me, and his intention concerning me." So she told Geraint
all that had passed. And although he was wroth with her, he
took warning, and clothed himself. And she lighted a
candle, that he might have light to do so. "Leave there the
candle," said he, "and desire the man of the house to come
here." Then she went, and the man of the house came to him.
"Dost thou know how much I owe thee?" asked Geraint. "I
think thou owest but little." "Take the eleven horses and
the eleven suits of armour." "Heaven reward thee, Lord,"
said he, "but I spent not the value of one suit of armour
upon thee." "For that reason," said he, " thou wilt be the
richer. And now, wilt thou come to guide me out of the
town?" "I will, gladly," said he, "and in which direction
dost thou intend to go?" "I wish to leave the town by a
different way from that by which I entered it." So the man
of the lodgings accompanied him as far as he desired. Then
he bade the maiden to go on before him; and she did so, and
went straight forward, and his host returned home. And he
had only just reached his house, when, behold, the greatest
tumult approached that was ever heard. And when he looked
out, he saw fourscore knights in complete armour around the
house, with the Earl Dwrm at their head. "Where is the
knight that was here?" said the Earl. "By thy hand," said
he, " he went hence some time ago." "Wherefore, villain,"
said he, "didst thou let him go without informing me?" "My
Lord, thou didst not command me to do so, else would I not
have allowed him to depart." "What way dost thou think that
he took?" "I know not, except that he went along the high
road." And they turned their horses' heads that way, and
seeing the tracks of the horses upon the high road, they
followed. And when the maiden beheld the dawning of the
day, she looked behind her, and saw vast clouds of dust
coming nearer and nearer to her. And thereupon she became
uneasy, and she thought that it was the Earl and his host
coming after them. And thereupon she beheld a knight
appearing through the mist. "By my faith," said she,
"though he should slay me, it were better for me to receive
my death at his hands, than to see him killed without
warning him. My Lord," she said to him, "seest thou yonder
man hastening after thee, and many others with him?" "I do
see him," said he; "and in despite of all my orders, I see
that thou wilt never keep silence." Then he turned upon the
knight, and with the first thrust he threw him down under
his horse's feet. And as long as there remained one of the
fourscore knights, he overthrew every one of them at the
first onset. And from the weakest to the strongest, they
all attacked him one after the other, except the Earl : and
last of all the Earl came against him also. And he broke
his lance, and then he broke a second. But Geraint turned
upon him, and struck him with his lance upon the centre of
his shield, so that by that single thrust the shield was
split, and all his armour broken, and he himself was
brought over his horse's crupper to the ground, and was in
peril of his life. And Geraint drew near to him; and at the
noise of the trampling of his horse the Earl revived.
"Mercy, Lord," said he to Geraint. And Geraint granted him
mercy. But through the hardness of the ground where they
had fallen, and the violence of the stroke which they had
received, there was not a single knight amongst them that
escaped without receiving a fall, mortally severe, and
grievously painful, and desperately wounding, from the hand
of Geraint.
And Geraint journeyed along the high road that was before
him, and the maiden went on first; and near them they
beheld a valley which was the fairest ever seen, and which
had a large river running through it; and there was a
bridge over the river, and the high road led to the bridge.
And above the bridge upon the opposite side of the river,
they beheld a fortified town, the fairest ever seen. And as
they approached the bridge, Geraint saw coming towards him
from a thick copse a man mounted upon a large and lofty
steed, even of pace and spirited though tractable. "Ah,
knight," said Geraint, "whence comest thou?" "I come," said
he, "from the valley below us." "Canst thou tell me," said
Geraint, "who is the owner of this fair valley and yonder
walled town?" "I will tell thee, willingly," said he.
"Gwiffert Petit he is called by the Franks, but the Cymry
call him the Little King." "Can I go by yonder bridge,"
said Geraint, "and by the lower highway that is beneath the
town?" Said the knight, "Thou canst not go by his tower on
the other side of the bridge, unless thou dost intend to
combat him; because it is his custom to encounter every
knight that comes upon his lands." "I declare to Heaven,"
said Geraint, "that I will, nevertheless, pursue my journey
that way." "If thou doest so," said the knight, "thou wilt
probably meet with shame and disgrace in reward for thy
daring." Then Geraint proceeded along the road that led to
the town, and the road brought him to a ground that was
hard, and rugged, and high, and ridgy. And as he journeyed
thus, he beheld a knight following him upon a warhorse,
strong, and large, and proudly-stepping, and wide-hoofed,
and broad-chested. And he never saw a man of smaller
stature than he who was upon the horse. And both he and his
horse were completely armed. When he had overtaken Geraint,
he said to him, "Tell me, chieftain, whether it is through
ignorance or through presumption that thou seekest to
insult my dignity, and to infringe my rules." "Nay,"
answered Geraint, "I knew not this road was forbid to any."
"Thou didst know it," said the other, "come with me to my
Court, to give me satisfaction." "That will I not, by my
faith," said Geraint; "I would not go even to thy Lord's
Court, excepting Arthur were thy Lord." "By the hand of
Arthur himself," said the knight, "I will have satisfaction
of thee, or receive my overthrow at thy hands." And
immediately they charged one another. And a squire of his
came to serve him with lances as he broke them. And they
gave each other such hard and severe strokes, that their
shields lost all their colour. But it was very difficult
for Geraint to fight with him on account of his small size,
for he was hardly able to get a full aim at him with all
the efforts he could make. And they fought thus until their
horses were brought down upon their knees; and at length
Geraint threw the knight headlong to the ground; and then
they fought on foot, and, they gave one another blows so
boldly fierce, so frequent, and so severely powerful, that
their helmets were pierced, and their skullcaps were
broken, and their arms were shattered, and the light of
their eyes was darkened by sweat and blood. At the last
Geraint became enraged, and he called to him all his
strength; and boldly angry, and swiftly resolute, and
furiously determined, he lifted up his sword, and struck
him on the crown of his head a blow so mortally painful, so
violent, so fierce, and so penetrating, that it cut through
all his head armour, and his skin, and his flesh, until it
wounded the very bone, and the sword flew out of the hand
of the Little King to the farthest end of the plain, and he
besought Geraint that he would have mercy and compassion
upon him. "Though thou hast been neither courteous nor
just," said Geraint, "thou shalt have mercy, upon condition
that thou wilt become my ally, and engage never to fight
against me again, but to come to my assistance whenever
thou hearest of my being in trouble." "This will I do,
gladly, Lord," said he. So he pledged him his faith
thereof. "And now, Lord, come with me," said he, "to my
Court yonder, to recover from thy weariness and fatigue."
"That will I not, by Heaven," said he.
Then Gwiffert Petit beheld Enid where she stood, and it
grieved him to see one of her noble mien appear so deeply
afflicted. And he said to Geraint, "My Lord, thou doest
wrong not to take repose, and refresh thyself awhile; for,
if thou meetest with any difficulty in thy present
condition, it will not be easy for thee to surmount it."
But Geraint would do no other than proceed on his journey,
and he mounted his horse in pain, and all covered with
blood. And the maiden went on first, and they proceeded
towards the wood which they saw before them.
And the heat of the sun was very great, and through the
blood and sweat, Geraint's armour cleaved to his flesh; and
when they came into the wood, he stood under a tree, to
avoid the sun's heat; and his wounds pained him more than
they had done at the time when he received them. And the
maiden stood under another tree. And, lo! they heard the
sound of horns and a tumultuous noise; and the occasion of
it was, that Arthur and his company had come down to the
wood. And while Geraint was considering which way he should
go to avoid them, behold, he was espied by a foot-page, who
was an attendant on the Steward of the Household; and he
went to the Steward, and told him what kind of man he had
seen in the wood. Then the Steward caused his horse to be
saddled, and he took his lance and his shield, and went to
the place where Geraint was. "Ah, knight!" said he, "what
dost thou here?" "I am standing under a shady tree, to
avoid the heat and the rays of the sun." "Wherefore is thy
journey, and who art thou?" "I seek adventures, and go
where I list." "Indeed," said Kai; then come with me to see
Arthur, who is here hard by." "That will I not, by Heaven,"
said Geraint. "Thou must needs come," said Kai. Then
Geraint knew who he was, but Kai did not know Geraint. And
Kai attacked Geraint as best he could. And Geraint became
wroth, and he struck him with the shaft of his lance, so
that he rolled headlong to the ground. But chastisement
worse than this would he not inflict on him.
Scared and wildly Kai arose, and he mounted his horse, and
went back to his lodging. And thence he proceeded to
Gwalchmai's tent. "Oh, Sir," said he to Gwalchmai, "I was
told by one of the attendants, that he saw in the wood
above a wounded knight, having on battered armour; and if
thou dost right, thou wilt go and see if this be true." "I
care not if I do so," said Gwalchmai. "Take, then, thy
horse, and some of thy armour," said Kai; "for I hear that
he is not over courteous to those who approach him." So
Gwalchmai took his spear and his shield, and mounted his
horse, and came to the spot where Geraint was. "Sir
Knight," said he, "wherefore is thy journey?" "I journey
for my own pleasure, and to seek the adventures of the
world." "Wilt thou tell me who thou art; or wilt thou come
and visit Arthur, who is near at hand?" "I will make no
alliance with thee, nor will I go and visit Arthur," said
he. And he knew that it was Gwalchmai, but Gwalchmai knew
him not. "I purpose not to leave thee," said Gwalchmai,
"till I know who thou art." And he charged him with his
lance, and struck him on his shield, so that the shaft was
shivered into splinters, and their horses were front to
front. Then Gwalchmai gazed fixedly upon him, and he knew
him. "Ah, Geraint," said he, "is it thou that art here?" "I
am not Geraint," said he. "Geraint thou art, by Heaven," he
replied, "and a wretched and insane expedition is this."
Then he looked around, and beheld Enid, and he welcomed her
gladly. "Geraint," said Gwalchmai, "come thou and see
Arthur; he is thy lord and thy cousin." "I will not," said
he, "for I am not in a fit state to go and see any one."
Thereupon, behold, one of the pages came after Gwalchmai to
speak to him. So he sent him to apprise Arthur that Geraint
was there wounded, and that he would not go to visit him,
and that it was pitiable to see the plight that he was in.
And this he did without Geraint's knowledge, inasmuch as he
spoke in a whisper to the page. "Entreat Arthur," said he,
"to have his tent brought near to the road, for he will not
meet him willingly, and it is not easy to compel him in the
mood he is in." So the page came to Arthur, and told him
this. And he caused his tent to be removed unto the side of
the road. And the maiden rejoiced in her heart. And
Gwalchmai led Geraint onwards along the road, till they
came to the place where Arthur was encamped, and the pages
were pitching his tent by the road-side. "Lord," said
Geraint, "all hail unto thee." "Heaven prosper thee; and
who art thou?" said Arthur. "It is Geraint," said
Gwalchmai, "and of his own free will would he not come to
meet thee." "Verily," said Arthur, " he is bereft of his
reason." Then came Enid, and saluted Arthur. "Heaven
protect thee," said he. And thereupon he caused one of the
pages to take her from her horse. "Alas! Enid," said
Arthur, what expedition is this?" "I know not, Lord," said
she, "save that it behoves me to journey by the same road
that he journeys." "My Lord," said Geraint, "with thy
permission we will depart." "Whither wilt thou go?" said
Arthur. "Thou canst not proceed now, unless it be unto thy
death." "He will not suffer himself to be invited by me,"
said Gwalchmai. "But by me he will," said Arthur; "and,
more-over, he does not go from here until he is healed." "I
had rather, Lord," said Geraint, "that thou wouldest let me
go forth." "That will I not, I declare to Heaven," said he.
Then he caused a maiden to be sent for to conduct Enid to
the tent where Gwenhwyvar's chamber was. And Gwenhwyvar and
all her women were joyful at her coming; and they took off
her riding-dress, and placed other garments upon her.
Arthur also called Kadyrieith, and ordered him to pitch a
tent for Geraint and the physicians; and he enjoined him to
provide him with abundance of all that might be requisite
for him. And Kadyrieith did as he had commanded him. And
Morgan Tud and his disciples were brought to Geraint.
And Arthur and his hosts remained there nearly a month,
whilst Geraint was being healed. And when he was fully
recovered, Geraint came to Arthur, and asked his permission
to depart. "I know not if thou art quite well." "In truth I
am, Lord," said Geraint. "I shall not believe thee
concerning that, but the physicians that were with thee."
So Arthur caused the physicians to be summoned to him, and
asked them if it were true. "It is true Lord," said Morgan
Tud. So the next day Arthur permitted him to go forth, and
he pursued his journey. And on the same day Arthur removed
thence. And Geraint desired Enid to go on, and to keep
before him, as she had formerly done. And she went forward
along the high road. And as they journeyed thus, they heard
an exceeding loud wailing near to them. "Stay thou here,"
said he, "and I will go and see what is the cause of this
wailing." "I will," said she. Then he went forward unto an
open glade that was near the road. And in the glade he saw
two horses, one having a man's saddle, and the other a
woman's saddle upon it. And, behold, there was a knight
lying dead in his armour, and a young damsel in a
riding-dress standing over him, lamenting. "Ah! Lady," said
Geraint, " what hath befallen thee?" "Behold," she
answered, "I journeyed here with my beloved husband, when,
lo! three giants came upon us, and without any cause in the
world, they slew him." "Which way went they hence?" said
Geraint. "Yonder by the high road," she replied. So he
returned to Enid. "Go," said he, "to the lady that is below
yonder, and await me there till I come." She was sad when
he ordered her to do thus, but nevertheless she went to the
damsel, whom it was ruth to hear, and she felt certain that
Geraint would never return. Meanwhile Geraint followed the
giants, and overtook them. And each of them was greater of
stature than three other men, and a huge club was on the
shoulder of each. Then he rushed upon one of them, and
thrust his lance through his body. And having drawn it
forth again, he pierced another of them through likewise.
But the third turned upon him, and struck him with his
club, so that he split his shield, and crushed his
shoulder, and opened his wounds anew, and all his blood
began to flow from him. But Geraint drew his sword, and
attacked the giant, and gave him a blow on the crown of his
head so severe, and fierce, and violent, that his head and
his neck were split down to his shoulders, and he fell
dead. So Geraint left him thus, and returned to Enid. And
when he saw her, he fell down lifeless from his horse.
Piercing, and loud, and thrilling was the cry that Enid
uttered. And she came and stood over him where he had
fallen.
And at the sound of her cries came the Earl of Limours, and
the host that journeyed with him, whom her lamentations
brought out of their road. And the Earl said to Enid,
"Alas, Lady, what hath befallen thee?" "Ah ! good Sir,"
said she, "the only man I have loved, or ever shall love,
is slain." Then he said to the other, "And what is the
cause of thy grief?" "They have slain my beloved husband
also," said she. "And who was it that slew them?" "Some
giants," she answered, "slew my best-beloved, and the other
knight went in pursuit of them, and came back in the state
thou seest, his blood flowing excessively; but it appears
to me that he did not leave the giants without killing some
of them, if not all." The Earl caused the knight that was
dead to be buried, but he thought that there still remained
some life in Geraint; and to see if he yet would live, he
had him carried with him in the hollow of his shield, and
upon a bier. And the two damsels went to the Court; and
when they arrived there, Geraint was placed upon a
litter-couch in front of the table that was in the hall.
Then they all took off their travelling gear, and the Earl
besought Enid to do the same, and to clothe herself in
other garments. "I will not, by Heaven," said she. "Ah!
Lady," said he, "be not so sorrowful for this matter." "It
were hard to persuade me to be otherwise," said she. "I
will act towards thee in such wise, that thou needest not
be sorrowful, whether yonder knight live or die. Behold, a
good Earldom, together with myself, will I bestow on thee;
be, therefore, happy and joyful." "I declare to Heaven,"
said she, "that henceforth I shall never be joyful while I
live." "Come, then," said he, "and eat." "No, by Heaven, I
will not," she answered. "But, by Heaven, thou shalt," said
he. So he took her with him to the table against her will,
and many times desired her to eat. "I call Heaven to
witness," said she, "that I will not eat until the man that
is upon yonder bier shall eat likewise." "Thou caust not
fulfil that," said the Earl, "yonder man is dead already."
"I will prove that I can," said she. Then he offered her a
goblet of liquor. "Drink this goblet," he said, "and it
will cause thee to change thy mind." "Evil betide me," she
answered, "if I drink aught until he drink also." "Truly,"
said the Earl, "it is of no more avail for me to be gentle
with thee than ungentle." And he gave her a box in the ear.
Thereupon she raised a loud and piercing shriek, and her
lamentations were much greater than they had been before,
for she considered in her mind that had Geraint been alive,
he durst not have struck her thus. But, behold, at the
sound of her cry, Geraint revived from his swoon, and he
sat up on the bier, and finding his sword in the hollow of
his shield, he rushed to the place where the Earl was, and
struck him a fiercely-wounding, severely-venomous, and
sternly-smiting blow upon the crown of his head, so that he
clove him in twain, until his sword was stayed by the table
Then all left the board, and fled away. And this was not so
much through fear of the living as through the dread they
felt at seeing the dead man rise up to slay them. And
Geraint looked upon Enid, and he was grieved for two
causes; one was, to see that Enid had lost her colour and
her wonted aspect; and the other, to know that she was in
the right. "Lady," said he, "knowest thou where our horses
are?" "I know, Lord, where thy horse is," she replied, "but
I know not where is the other. Thy horse is in the house
yonder." So he went to the house, and brought forth his
horse, and mounted him, and took up Enid from the ground
and placed her upon the horse with him.
And he rode forward. And their road lay between two hedges.
And the night was gaining on the day. And lo! they saw
behind them the shafts of spears betwixt them and the sky,
and they heard the trampling of horses, and the noise of a
host approaching. "I hear something following us," said he,
"and I will put thee on the other side of the hedge." And
thus he did. And thereupon, behold, a knight pricked
towards him, and couched his lance. When Enid saw this, she
cried out, saying, "Oh! chieftain, whoever thou art, what
renown wilt thou gain by slaying a dead man?" "Oh! Heaven,"
said he, "is it Geraint?" "Yes, in truth," said she. "And
who art thou?" "I am the Little King," he answered, "coming
to thy assistance, for I heard that thou wast in trouble.
And if thou hadst followed my advice, none of these
hardships would have befallen thee." "Nothing can happen,"
said Geraint, "without the will of Heaven, though much good
results from counsel." "Yes," said the Little King, "and I
know good counsel for thee now. Come with me to the court
of a son-in-law of my sister, which is near here, and thou
shalt have the best medical assistance in the kingdom." "I
will do so gladly," said Geraint. And Enid was placed upon
the horse of one of the Little King's squires, and they
went forward to the Baron's palace. And they were received
there with gladness, and they met with hospitality and
attention. And the next morning they went to seek
physicians and it was not long before they came, and they
attended Geraint until he was perfectly well. And while
Geraint was under medical care, the Little King caused his
armour to be repaired, until it was as good as it had ever
been. And they remained there a fortnight and a month.
Then the Little King said to Geraint, "Now will we go
towards my own Court, to take rest, and amuse ourselves."
"Not so," said Geraint, "we will first journey for one day
more, and return again." "With all my heart," said the
Little King, "do thou go then." And early in the day they
set forth. And more gladly and more joyfully did Enid
journey with them that day than she had ever done. And they
came to the main road. And, when they reached a place where
the road divided in two, they behold a man on foot coming
towards them along one of these roads, and Gwiffert asked
the man whence he came. "I come," said he, " from an errand
in the country." "Tell me," said Geraint, "which is the
best for me to follow of these two roads?" "That is the
best for thee to follow," answered he, "for if thou goest
by this one, thou wilt never return. Below us," said he, "
there is a hedge of mist, and within it are enchanted
games, and no one who has gone there has ever returned. And
the Court of the Earl Owain is there, and he permits no one
to go to lodge in the town, except he will go to his
Court." "I declare to Heaven," said Geraint, "that we will
take the lower road." And they went along it until they
came to the town. And they took the fairest and pleasantest
place in the town for their lodging. And while they were
thus, behold, a young man came to them, and greeted them.
"Heaven be propitious to thee," said they. "Good Sirs,"
said he, "what preparations are you making here?" "We are
taking up our lodging," said they, "to pass the night." "It
is not the custom with him who owns the town," he answered,
"to permit any of gentle birth, unless they come to stay in
his Court, to abide here; therefore, come ye to the Court."
"We will come, gladly," said Geraint. And they went with
the page, and they were joyfully received. And the Earl
came to the hall to meet them, and he commanded the tables
to be laid. And they washed, and sat down. And this is the
order in which they sat, Geraint on one side of the Earl,
and Enid on the other side and next to Enid the Little
King, and then the Countess next to Geraint; and all after
that as became their rank. Then Geraint recollected the
games, and thought that he should not go to them; and on
that account he did not eat. Then the Earl looked upon
Geraint, and considered, and he bethought him that his not
eating was because of the games, and it grieved him that he
had ever established those games, were it only on account
of losing such a youth as Geraint. And if Geraint had asked
him to abolish the games, he would gladly have done so.
Then the Earl said to Geraint, "What thought occupies thy
mind, that thou dost not eat? If thou hesitatest about
going to the games, thou shalt not go, and no other of thy
rank shall ever go either." "Heaven reward thee," said
Geraint., "but I wish nothing better than to go to the
games, and to be shown the way thither." "If that is what
thou dost prefer, thou shalt obtain it willingly." "I do
prefer it, indeed," said he. Then they ate., and they were
amply served, and they had a variety of gifts, and
abundance of liquor. And when they had finished eating they
arose. And Geraint called for his horse and his armour, and
he accoutred both himself and his horse. And all the hosts
went forth until they came to the side of the hedge, and
the hedge was so lofty, that it reached as high as they
could see in the air, and upon every stake in the hedge,
except two, there was the head of a man, and the number of
stakes throughout the hedge was very great. Then said the
Little King, "May no one go in with the chieftain?" "No one
may," said Earl Owain. "Which way can I enter?" inquired
Geraint. "I know not," said Owain, "but enter by the way
that thou wilt, and that seemeth easiest to thee."
Then fearlessly and unhesitatingly Geraint dashed forward
into the mist. And on leaving the mist, he came to a large
orchard; and in the orchard he saw an open space, wherein
was a tent of red satin; and the door of the tent was open,
and an apple-tree stood in front of the door of the tent;
and on a branch of the apple-tree hung a huge hunting-horn.
Then he dismounted, and went into the tent; and there was
no one in the tent save one maiden sitting in a golden
chair, and another chair was opposite to her, empty. And
Geraint went to the empty chair, and sat down therein. "Ah!
chieftain," said the maiden, "I would not counsel thee to
sit in that chair." "Wherefore?" said Geraint. "The man to
whom that chair belongs has never suffered another to sit
in it." "I care not," said Geraint, "though it displease
him that I sit in the chair." And thereupon they heard a
mighty tumult around the tent. And Geraint looked to see
what was the cause of the tumult. And he beheld without a
knight mounted upon a warhorse, proudly snorting,
high-mettled, and large of bone; and a robe of honour in
two parts was upon him and upon his horse, and beneath it
was plenty of armour. " Tell me, chieftain," said he to
Geraint, "who it was that bade thee sit there?" "Myself,"
answered he. "It was wrong of thee to do me this shame and
disgrace. Arise, and do me satisfaction for thine
insolence." Then Geraint arose; and they encountered
immediately; and they broke a set of lances, and a second
set, and a third and they gave each other fierce and
frequent strokes; and at last Geraint became enraged, and
he urged on his horse, and rushed upon him, and gave him a
thrust on the centre of his shield, so that it was split,
and so that the head of his lance went through his armour,
and his girths were broken, and he himself was borne
headlong to the ground the length of Geraint's lance and
arm, over his horse's crupper. "Oh, my Lord!" said he, "thy
mercy, and thou shalt have what thou wilt." "I only
desire," said Geraint, "that this game shall no longer
exist here, nor the hedge of mist, nor magic, nor
enchantment." "Thou shalt have this gladly, Lord," he
replied. "Cause, then, the mist to disappear from this
place," said Geraint. "Sound yonder horn," said he, "and
when thou soundest it, the mist will vanish; but it will
not go hence unless the horn be blown by the knight by whom
I am vanquished." And sad and sorrowful was Enid where she
remained, through anxiety concerning Geraint. Then Geraint
went and sounded the horn. And at the first blast he gave,
the mist vanished. And all the hosts came together, and
they all became reconciled to each other. And the Earl
invited Geraint and the Little King to stay with him that
night. And the next morning they separated. And Geraint
went towards his own dominions; and thenceforth he reigned
prosperously, and his warlike fame and splendour lasted
with renown and honour both to him and to Enid from that
time forth.