Josephus telleth us in the scripture he recordeth for us, whereof this
history was drawn out of Latin into Romance, that none need be in doubt
that these adventures befell at that time in Great Britain and in all
the other kingdoms, and plenty enow more befell than I record, but
these were the most certain. The history saith that Perceval is come
into a hold, there where his sister was in the house of a vavasour that
was a right worshipful man. Each day the damsel made great dole of the
knight that was to take her, for the day was already drawing somewhat
nigh, and she knew not that he was dead. Full often lamented she the
Widow Lady her mother, that in like sort made great dole for her
daughter. The vavasour comforted the damsel right sweetly and longed
for her brother Perceval, but little thought he that he was so near
him. And Perceval is come to the hold all armed, and alighteth at the
mounting-stage before the hall. The vavasour cometh to meet him, and
marvelleth much who he is, for the more part believed that he was one
of Aristor's knights.
"Sir," saith the vavasour, "Welcome may you be!"
"Good adventure may you have, Sir!" saith Perceval. He holdeth
Aristor's head in his hand by the hair, whereof the vavasour marvelled
much that he should carry a knight's head in such-wise. Perceval cometh
to the master-chamber of the hall, where his sister was, that bewailed
her right sore.