very great care to recount, nor did he allow his
histories to lose anything in the telling. Wonderful indeed were the
numbers of foes his master's sword had slain; huge were the giants he
had overthrown; savage were the wild beasts he had slaughtered; terrific
were the monsters he had put to flight; powerful were the magicians
whose guiles he had circumvented; and horrible were the spirits, and
ghosts, and goblins amid whom he had fought his onward way; indeed few
could hear the faithful Owen recount his master's deeds, and eke his
own, without being impressed with the belief that more heroic Knight did
not exist, nor more brave and trusty Squire.

Thus they journeyed on till Europe was left behind; and entering the
ancient continent of Asia, they arrived at the court of the far-famed
Emperor of Tartary. Here Saint David's fame had preceded him, and they
were received with all that courtesy which to so valiant a Knight was
due.

On the day of their arrival a sumptuous entertainment was prepared, at
which all the chief lords and nobles of the realm were present, when
huge beakers of rosy wine were quaffed; nor could anyone compete with
Saint David in the quantity of the generous liquor he imbibed. For the
following day a grand tournament was arranged, when it was expected that
the noblest feats of arms ever beheld in the empire would be performed.

From far and near came valiant knights from all the neighbouring
provinces, habited in every conceivable style of richest armour; yet
none surpassed Saint David in the sumptuousness of his plume and
burgonet, the trappings of his steed, the richness of his scarf, the
splendour of his shield and breastplate, or of his whole armour, which,
from his lofty helm to his knightly spurs, shone with resplendent
beauty. Numerous champions entered the lists, and many desperate
encounters took place. At length Saint David rode in, followed by the
faithful Owen carrying his spear. The trumpets sounded, Saint David
took his spear, and shaking it aloft prepared for the encounter. A
Knight, one of the chief nobles of Tartary, was his first opponent. Of
blue steel was his casque, and armour, and mighty shield, while a blue
scarf floated from his shoulders. Bravely the Tartar Knight bore
himself, and bravely he withstood the terrible shock of Saint David's
lance. A second time the two Knights charged, when Saint David,
mustering all his powers, struck the Tartar a blow so terrible t