Perceval, as the history telleth, was much honoured at the castle of
the Queen of the Maidens, that was right passing fair. The Queen loved
him of a passing great love, but well she knew that she should never
have her desire, nor any dame nor damsel that might set her intent
thereon, for chaste was he and in chastity was fain to die. So long
was he at the castle as that he heard tell his uncle was arrived at the
island whither he wont to come. Perceval maketh arm him forthwith and
entereth into a galley below the hall, and maketh him be rowed toward
his uncle, that much marvelleth when he seeth him coming, for never
aforetime durst no knight issue out alone from this castle to meet him,
nor to come there where he was, body to body. But had he known that it
was Perceval, he would not have marvelled. Thereupon the galley taketh
the ground and Perceval is issued forth. The Queen and the knights and
her maidens are come to the windows of the castle to behold the bearing
of the nephew and the uncle. The Queen would have sent over some of
her knights with him, but Perceval would not. The King of Castle
Mortal was tall and strong and hardy. He seeth his nephew come all
armed, but knoweth him not. But Perceval knew him well, and kept his
sword drawn and his shield on his arm, and sought out his uncle with
right passing wrathfulness, and dealeth him a heavy buffet above upon
his helm that he maketh him stoop withal. Howbeit, the King spareth
him not, but smiteth him so passing stoutly that he had his helm all
dinted in thereby. But Perceval attacketh him again, thinking to
strike him above on the head, but the King swerveth aside and the blow
falleth on the shield and cleaveth it right down as far as the boss.
The King of Castle Mortal draweth him backward and hath great shame
within himself for that Perceval should thus fettle him, for he
searcheth him with his sword in every part, and dealeth him great
buffets in such sort that, and his habergeon had not been so strong and
tough, he would have wounded him in many places.