Perceval goeth toward the castle of the Black Hermit, and the Damsel of
the Car after. The archers draw and shoot stoutly. Perceval goeth
forward a great gallop, but they know him not on account of the white
shield. They think rather that it is one of the other knights, and
they lodge many arrows in his shield. He came nigh a drawbridge over a
moat right broad and foul and horrible, and the bridge was lowered so
soon as he came, and all the archers left of shooting. Then knew they
well that it was Perceval who came. The door was opened to receive
him, for they of the gate and they of the castle within thought to have
power to slay him. But so soon as they saw him, they lost their will
thereof and were all amared and without strength, and said that they
would set this business on their lord that was strong enough and
puissant enough to slay one man. Perceval entered all armed into a
great hall, and found it filled all around with a great throng of folk
that was right foul to look on. He that was called the Black Hermit
was full tall and Seemed to be of noble lordship, and he was in the
midst of the hall, all armed.
"Sir," say his men, "And you have not defence of yourself, never no
counsel nor aid may you have of us!"