Bulfinch's Mythology: Perceval

Bulfinch’s Mythology: Perceval
By Thomas Bulfinch
The father and two elder brothers of Perceval had fallen in battle or tournaments, and hence, as the last hope of his family, his mother retired with him into a solitary region, where he was brought up in total ignorance of arms and chivalry. He was allowed no weapon but 'a lyttel Scots spere,' which was the only thing of all 'her lordes faire gere' that his mother carried to the wood with her. In the use of this he became so skilful that he could kill with it not only the animals of the chase for her table, but even birds on the wing. At length, however, Perceval was roused to a desire of military renown by seeing in the forest five knights who were in complete armor. He said to his mother, 'Mother, what are those yonder?' 'They are angels,
I would converse with thee. I have also a message from Arthur unto thee, to pray thee to come and visit him. And two men have been before on this errand.' 'That is true,' said Perceval, 'and uncourteously they came. They attacked me, and I was annoyed thereat.' Then he told him the thought that occupied his mind, and Gawain said, 'This was not an ungentle thought, and I should marvel if it were pleasant for thee to be drawn from it.' Then said Perceval, 'Tell me, is Sir Kay in Arthur's court?' 'He is,' said Gawain; 'and truly he is the knight who fought with thee last.' 'Verily,' said Perceval, 'I am not sorry to have thus avenged the insult to the smiling maiden.' Then Perceval told him his name, and said, 'Who art thou?' And he replied, 'I am Gawain.' 'I am right glad to meet thee,' said Perceval, 'for I have everywhere heard of thy prowess and uprightness; and I solicit thy fellowship.' 'Thou shalt have it, by my faith; and grant me thine,' said he, 'Gladly will I do so,' answered