Arthur lived with his wife in the castle for a day and a year; and on the last afternoon, the champion came the way leading a hound.
They played the third time, and Arthur won the hound. The champion went his way; and again Arthur lived for a day and a year with his wife in the castle in ease, in plenty, and in great delight.
On the afternoon of the last day, the champion came the fourth time. Arthur’s wife saw him at a distance, and said to her husband, “My advice is to play no more with that champion. Remain as you are, and keep out of harm’s way.”
But Arthur would not listen to the wife, nor be said by her. He went out to play with the champion, and lost.
“I put you under bonds,” said the champion, “not to sleep two nights in the same bed, nor eat two meals off the same table; but to be walking through the world, and searching always till you find the birth that has never been born, and that never will be.”
The champion turned, walked away, and disappeared. Arthur went home in grief; and when he sat down the chair that was under him broke into pieces.
“I told you,” said the wife, “not to play with him. What has he put on you?”
“To be walking and searching, ever and always, through the world till I find the birth that has never been born, and never will be.”
“Take the hound with you,” said the wife, “and go first to the castle of the son of the King of Lochlin. Take service with him; you may learn something there.”
Away went Arthur next morning, and the hound with him. They were long on the road, lodging one time at a house, and another time where the night found them, till at last a great castle was in sight. When the hound saw the castle, he grew so wild with delight that he broke his chain, and rushed away. But if he did, Arthur followed; and when the hound sprang into the castle, Arthur was at his side.