And Arthur gave him leave.
Then Kai threw a bowlful of water upon the slab, and immediately there came the thunder, and after the thunder the shower. And such a thunderstorm they had never known before, and many of the attendants who were in Arthur's train were killed by the shower. After the shower had ceased the sky became clear, and on looking at the tree they beheld it completely leafless. Then the birds descended upon the tree; and the song of the birds was far sweeter than any strain they had ever heard before. Then they beheld a knight on a coal-black horse, clothed in black satin, coming rapidly towards them. And Kai met him and encountered him, and it was not long before Kai was overthrown. And the knight withdrew, and Arthur and his host encamped for the night.
And when they arose in the morning they perceived the signal of combat upon the lance of the knight. And Kai came to Arthur and spoke to him.
"My lord," said he, "though I was overthrown yesterday, if it seem good to thee I would gladly meet the knight again to-day."
"Thou mayst do so," said Arthur.
And Kai went towards the knight. And on the spot he overthrew Kai, and struck him with the head of his lance in the forehead, so that it broke his helmet and the headpiece, and pierced the skin and the flesh the breadth of the spear-head, even to the bone. And Kai returned to his companions.
After this, all the household of Arthur went forth one after the other to combat the knight, until there was not one that was not overthrown by him except Arthur and Gwalchmai. And Arthur armed himself to encounter the knight.
"Oh, my lord!" said Gwalchmai, "permit me to fight with him first."
And Arthur permitted him. And he went forth to meet the knight, having over himself and his horse a satin robe of honor which had been sent him by the daughter of the Earl of Rhangyw; and in this dress he was not known by any of the host. And they charged each other, and fought all that day until the evening; and neither of them was able to unhorse the other.
The next day they fought with strong lances, and neither of them could obtain the mastery.