The bull bellowed so passing loud that right uneath was it to hear
aught else within the castle besides. Perceval was therewithin, but
none was there that spake unto him, for, so intent were they upon
adoring the bull that, and any had been minded to slay them what time
they were yet worshipping the same, they would have allowed him so to
do, and would have thought that they were saved thereby; and save this
had they none other believe in the world. It was not of custom within
there to be armed, for the entrance of the fortress was so strong that
none might enter but by their will and commandment, save it were the
pleasure of our Lord God. And the devil that had deceived them, and in
whom they believed, gave them such great abundance therewithin of
everything they could desire, that nought in the world was there
whereof they lacked. When he perceived that they held no discourse
with him, he draweth himself on one side by a great hall, and so called
them around him. The more part came thither, but some of them came
not. The Voice warneth him that he make them all pass through the
entrance of the gateway there where the men with the iron mallets are,
for there may he well prove which of them are willing to believe in God
and which not. The Good Knight draweth his sword and surroundeth them
all and maketh them all go in common before him, would they or nould
they. And they that would not go willingly and kindly might be sure
that they should receive their death. He made them pass through the
entrance there where the serjeants of copper were striking great blows
with their iron mallets. Of one thousand five hundred that there were,
scarce but thirteen were not all slain and brained of the iron mallets.
But the thirteen had firmly bound their belief in Our Lord, wherefore
the serjeants took no heed of them.