` More costly and precious than all the crowns in the world , ' replied the stranger , ` for not only will the basin furnish you with the best food that you can dream of , but if you drink of it , it will cure you of any illness however dangerous , and will even bring the dead back to life , if it touches their mouths . As to the diamond lance , that will cut through any stone or metal . ' ` And to whom do these wonders belong ? ' asked Peronnik in amazement . ` To a magician named Rogear who lives in the castle , ' answered the woman . ` Every day he passes along here , mounted on a black mare , with a colt thirteen months old trotting behind . But no one dares to attack him , as he always carries his lance . ' ` That is true , ' said the knight , ` but there is a spell laid upon him which forbids his using it within the castle of Kerglas . The moment he enters , the basin and lance are put away in a dark cellar which no key but one can open . And that is the place where I wish to fight the magician . ' ` You will never overcome him , Sir Knight , ' replied the woman , shaking her head . ` More than a hundred gentlemen have ridden past this house bent on the same errand , and not one has ever come back . ' ' I know that , good woman , ' returned the knight , ` but then they did not have , like me , instructions from the hermit of Blavet . ' ` And what did the hermit tell you ? ' asked Peronnik . ` He told me that I should have to pass through a wood full of all sorts of enchantments and voices , which would try to frighten me and make me lose my way . Most of those who have gone before me have wandered they know not where , and perished from cold , hunger , or fatigue . ' ` Well , suppose you get through safely ? ' said the idiot . ` If I do , ' continued the knight , ' I shall then meet a sort of fairy armed with a needle of fire which burns to ashes all it touches .
This dwarf stands guarding an apple-tree , from which I am bound XXXXX pluck an apple . '
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