smite him through the breast. But the
Knight setteth his shield between, and the flame that issued from the
Dragon burnt the shaft thereof even to his hand. And the Knight
smiteth him on the top of his helmet, but Perceval covereth him of his
shield, whereof had he great affiance that the sword of the foeman
knight might not harm it. Josephus witnesseth us that Joseph of
Abarimacie had made be sealed in the boss of the shield some of the
blood of Our Lord and a piece of His garment.

V.

When the Knight seeth that he hath not hurt Perceval's shield, great
marvel hath he thereof, for never aforetime had he smitten knight but
he had dealt him his death-blow. He turneth the head of the Dragon
towards Perceval's shield, but the flame that issued from the Dragon's
head turned back again as it had been blown of the wind, so that it
might not come nigh him. The Knight is right wroth thereof, and
passeth beyond and cometh to the bier of the dead knight and turneth
his shield with the dragon's head against him. He scorcheth and
burneth all to ashes the bodies of the knight and the horses.

Saith he to Perceval, "Are you quit as for this knight's burial?"

"Certes," saith Perceval, "You say true, and much misliketh me thereof,
but please God I shall amend it."

VI.

The damsel that had brought the knight was at the windows of the palace
beside the Queen. She crieth out. "Perceval, fair sir," saith the
damsel, "Now is the shame the greater and the harm the greater, and you
amend them not."

Right sorrowful is Perceval of his cousin that is all burnt to a
cinder, and he seeth the Knight that beareth the devil with him, but
knoweth not how he may do vengeance upon him. He cometh to him
sword-drawn, and dealeth him a great blow on the shield in such sort
that he cleaveth it right to the midst thereof where the dragon's head
was, and the flame leapeth forth so burning hot on his sword that it
waxed red-hot like as was the Knight's sword.

And the damsel crieth to him: "Now is your sword of the like power as
his; now shall it be seen what you will do! I have been told of a
truth that the Knight may not be vanquished save by one only and at one
blow, but how this is I may not tell, whereof irketh me."

Perceval looketh and seeth that his sword is all in a flame of fire,
whereof much he marvelleth. He smiteth the Knight so passing sore that
he maketh his head stoop down over the fore saddle-bow. The Knight
righ