Page:The Mabinogion.djvu/85

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
58
THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN.

GWALCMAI.

Trystan, endowed with brilliant qualities,
Whose spear has oft been shivered in the toil of war,
I am Gwalchmai the nephew of Arthur.

TRYSTAN.

Gwalchmai, there swifter than Mjdrin,
Sboaldst thou be in danger,
I would cause blood to flow till it reached the knees.

GWALCMAI.

Trystan, for thy sake would I strive
Until my wrist should fail me;
Also for thee I would do my utmost.

TRYSTAN.

I ask it in defiance,
I ask it not through fear,—
Who are the warriors before me?

GWALCHMAI.

Trystan, of distinguished qualities,
Are they not known to thee?
It is the household of Arthur that comes.

TRYSTAN.

Arthur will I not shun.
To nine hundred combats will I dare him,—
If I am slain, I will also slay.

GWALCHMAI.

Trystan, the friend of damsels,
Before commencing the work of strife.
The best of all things is peace.

TRYSTAN,

Let me but have my sword upon my thigh,
And my right hand to defend me.
And I myself will be more formidable than they all.

GWALCHMAI.

Trystan of brilliant qualities,
Before exciting the tumult of conflict,—

Beject not Arthur as a friend.