Page:The Mabinogion.djvu/158

Rh achieved by Perveval of Wales, the Peredur ab Evrawc of Welsh Romance.

apportionment is strictly in accordance with ancient Welsh customs; for by the Laws of Howel Dda, it appears the Master of the Royal Household and the Steward (Penteulu and Distein), were each entitled to a third part of certain fines there mentioned; to express which portion the same word (traffan) is used as in the present tale.

—Page 98.

's reputation for courtesy and eloquence is here admirably kept up, and we find him folly entitled to the appellation of the Golden Tongued, so poetically bestowed upon him in the Triads. No less faithfully is Kai's character for the veiy opposite quality of detraction sustained.

—Page 100.

name literally signifies Angharad with the Golden Hand, an epithet which was most probably bestowed on her, to designate her liberality.

—Page 100.

the days of Ghivalry, vows for the performance of some singular or romantic feat, of a similar nature with that mentioned in the text, were greatly in vogue. In an ancient French Poem, entitled Le Vœu du Héron, printed by Ste. Palaye, an amusing instance of this occurs.

Robert of Artois presents himself at the Court of Edward the III. and incites that Monarch to the conquest of France. One day he enters the hall in which the King and his courtiers are assembled, accompanied by musicians and two noble damsels, and bearing in great pomp a Heron, which he had killed, and which he ironically offers to Edward, as a compensation for the French crown. Edward, roused by the taunt, immediately swears upon the Heron, that the year shall not elapse without his entering France with fire and sword. His nobles follow his example. Among them is the Earl of Salisbury, who is seated by the daughter of the Earl of Derby, to whom he was