OF SIR GALAHAD AND THE QUEST OF THE
HOLY GRAIL
HOW
AT THE VIGIL OF THE FEAST OF PENTECOST A DAMOSEL DESIRED SIR
LAUNCELOT FOR TO COME AND DUB A KNIGHT, AND OF THE MARVELLOUS
ADVENTURE OF THE SWORD IN A STONE.
At
the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the Round
Table were come unto Camelot and there heard their service, and the
tables were set ready to the meat, right so entered into the hall a
full fair gentlewoman on horseback, that had ridden full fast, for
her horse was all besweated. Then she there alighted, and came before
the king and saluted him; and he said: Damosel, God thee bless. Sir,
said she, I pray you say me where Sir Launcelot is. Yonder ye
may see him, said the king. Then she went unto Launcelot and said:
Sir Launcelot, I salute you on King Pelles' behalf, and I require you
come on with me hereby into a forest. Then Sir Launcelot asked her
with whom she dwelled. I dwell, said she, with King Pelles. What will
ye with me? said Launcelot. Ye shall know, said she, when ye come
thither. Well, said he, I will gladly go with you. So Sir Launcelot
bade his squire saddle his horse and bring his arms; and in all haste
he did his commandment.
Then
came the queen unto Launcelot, and said: Will ye leave us at this
high feast? Madam, said the gentlewoman, wit ye well he shall be
with you to-morn by dinner time. If I wist, said the queen, that he
should not be with us here to-morn he should not go with you by my
good will. Right so departed Sir Launcelot with the gentlewoman,
and rode until that he came into a forest and into a great valley,
where they saw an abbey of nuns; and there was a squire ready and
opened the gates, and so they entered and descended off their horses;
and there came a fair fellowship about Sir Launcelot, and
welcomed him, and were passing glad of his coming. And then they led
him unto the Abbess's chamber and unarmed him; and right so he was
ware upon a bed lying two of his cousins, Sir Bors and Sir Lionel,
and then he waked them; and when they saw him they made great joy.
Sir, said Sir Bors unto Sir Launcelot, what adventure hath
brought you hither, for we weened to-morn to have found you at
Camelot? Truly, said Sir Launcelot, a gentlewoman brought me hither,
but I know not the cause.
In
the meanwhile that they thus stood talking together, therein came
twelve nuns that brought with them Galahad, the which was passing
fair and well made, that unnethe in the world men might not find his
match: and all those ladies wept. Sir, said they all, we bring you
here this child the which we have nourished, and we pray you to make
him a knight, for of a more worthier man's hand may he not receive
the order of knighthood. Sir Launcelot beheld the young squire
and saw him seemly and demure as a dove, with all manner of good
features, that he weened of his age never to have seen so fair a man
of form. Then said Sir Launcelot: Cometh this desire of himself? He
and all they said Yea. Then shall he, said Sir Launcelot, receive the
high order of knighthood as to-morn at the reverence of the high
feast. That night Sir Launcelot had passing good cheer; and on
the morn at the hour of prime, at Galahad's desire, he made him
knight and said: God make him a good man, for of beauty faileth you
not as any that liveth.
Now
fair sir, said Sir Launcelot, will ye come with me unto the court of
King Arthur? Nay, said he, I will not go with you as at this time.
Then Sir Launcelot departed from them and took his two cousins with
him, and so they came unto Camelot by the hour of underne on
Whitsunday. By that time the king and the queen were gone to the
minster to hear their service. Then the king and the queen were
passing glad of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel, and so was all the
fellowship. So when the king and all the knights were come from
service, the barons espied in the sieges of the Round Table all
about, written with golden letters: Here ought to sit he, and he
ought to sit here. And thus they went so long till that they came to
the Siege Perilous, where they found letters newly written of gold
which said: Four hundred winters and four and fifty accomplished
after the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be
fulfilled.
Then
all they said: This is a marvellous thing and an adventurous. In
the name of God, said Sir Launcelot; and then he accompted the term
of the writing from the birth of our Lord unto that day. It seemeth
me, said Sir Launcelot, this siege ought to be fulfilled this same
day, for this is the feast of Pentecost after the four hundred and
four and fifty year; and if it would please all parties, I would none
of these letters were seen this day, till he be come that ought to
enchieve this adventure. Then made they to ordain a cloth of silk,
for to cover these letters in the Siege Perilous.
Then
the king bade haste unto dinner. Sir, said Sir Kay the Steward, if ye
go now unto your meat ye shall break your old custom of your court,
for ye have not used on this day to sit at your meat or that ye have
seen some adventure. Ye say sooth, said the king, but I had so
great joy of Sir Launcelot and of his cousins, which be come to the
court whole and sound, so that I bethought me not of mine old custom.
So, as they stood speaking, in came a squire and said unto the king:
Sir, I bring unto you marvellous tidings. What be they? said the
king. Sir, there is here beneath at the river a great stone which I
saw fleet above the water, and therein I saw sticking a sword. The
king said: I will see that marvel. So all the knights went with him,
and when they came to the river they found there a stone fleeting, as
it were of red marble, and therein stuck a fair rich sword, and in
the pommel thereof were precious stones wrought with subtle letters
of gold. Then the barons read the letters which said in this wise:
Never shall man take me hence, but only he by whose side I ought to
hang, and he shall be the best knight of the world.
When
the king had seen the letters, he said unto Sir Launcelot: Fair Sir,
this sword ought to be yours, for I am sure ye be the best knight of
the world. Then Sir Launcelot answered full soberly: Certes,
sir, it is not my sword; also, Sir, wit ye well I have no hardiness
to set my hand to it, for it longeth not to hang by my side. Also,
who that assayeth to take the sword and faileth of it, he shall
receive a wound by that sword that he shall not be whole long after.
And I will that ye wit that this same day shall the adventures of the
Sangreal, that is called the Holy Vessel, begin.
HOW SIR GAWAINE ASSAYED TO DRAW OUT
THE SWORD, AND HOW AN OLD MAN BROUGHT IN GALAHAD, AND SET HIM IN THE
SIEGE PERILOUS, AND HOW HE DREW OUT THE SWORD.
Now,
fair nephew, said the king unto Sir Gawaine, assay ye, for my love.
Sir, he said, save your good grace I shall not do that. Sir, said the
king, assay to take the sword and at my commandment. Sir, said
Gawaine, your commandment I will obey. And therewith he took up the
sword by the handles, but he might not stir it. I thank you, said the
king to Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, now wit
ye well this sword shall touch you so sore that ye shall will ye had
never set your hand thereto for the best castle of this realm. Sir,
he said, I might not withsay mine uncle's will and commandment. But
when the king heard this he repented it much, and said unto Sir
Percivale that he should assay, for his love. And he said: Gladly,
for to bear Sir Gawaine fellowship. And therewith he set his hand on
the sword and drew it strongly, but he might not move it. Then were
there no mo that durst be so hardy to set their hands thereto. Now
may ye go to your dinner, said Sir Kay unto the king, for a
marvellous adventure have ye seen. So the king and all went unto the
court, and every knight knew his own place, and set him therein, and
young men that were knights served them.
So
when they were served, and all sieges fulfilled save only the Siege
Perilous, anon there befell a marvellous adventure, that all the
doors and windows of the palace shut by themself. Not for then the
hall was not greatly darked; and therewith they were all abashed both
one and other. Then King Arthur spake first and said: Fair fellows
and lords, we have seen this day marvels, but ere night I suppose we
shall see greater marvels.
In
the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient, clothed all in
white, and there was no knight knew from whence he came. And with him
he brought a young knight, both on foot, in red arms, without sword
or shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side. And these words he
said: Peace be with you, fair lords. Then the old man said unto
Arthur: Sir, I bring here a young knight, the which is of king's
lineage, and of the kindred of Joseph of Aramathie, whereby the
marvels of this court, and of strange realms, shall be fully
accomplished.
The
king was right glad of his words, and said unto the good man: Sir, ye
be right welcome, and the young knight with you. Then the old man
made the young man to unarm him, and he was in a coat of red
sendal, and bare a mantle upon his shoulder that was furred with
ermine, and put that upon him. And the old knight said unto the young
knight: Sir, follow me. And anon he led him unto the Siege Perilous,
where beside sat Sir Launcelot; and the good man lift up the cloth,
and found there letters that said thus: This is the siege of Galahad,
the haut prince. Sir, said the old knight, wit ye well that place is
yours. And then he set him down surely in that siege. And then he
said to the old man: Sir, ye may now go your way, for well have ye
done that ye were commanded to do; and recommend me unto my
grandsire, King Pelles, and unto my lord Petchere, and say them on my
behalf, I shall come and see them as soon as ever I may. So the good
man departed; and there met him twenty noble squires, and so took
their horses and went their way.
Then
all the knights of the Table Round marvelled greatly of Sir Galahad,
that he durst sit there in that Siege Perilous, and was so tender of
age; and wist not from whence he came but all only by God; and said:
This is he by whom the Sangreal shall be enchieved, for there sat
never none but he, but he were mischieved. Then Sir Launcelot beheld
his son and had great joy of him. Then Bors told his fellows: Upon
pain of my life this young knight shall come unto great worship. This
noise was great in all the court, so that it came to the queen. Then
she had marvel what knight it might be that durst adventure him to
sit in the Siege Perilous. Many said unto the queen he resembled
much unto Sir Launcelot. I may well suppose, said the queen, that he
is son of Sir Launcelot and King Pelles' daughter, and his name is
Galahad. I would fain see him, said the queen, for he must needs be a
noble man, for so is his father, I report me unto all the Table
Round.
So
when the meat was done that the king and all were risen, the king
went unto the Siege Perilous and lift up the cloth, and found there
the name of Galahad; and then he shewed it unto Sir Gawaine, and
said: Fair nephew, now have we among us Sir Galahad, the good knight
that shall worship us all; and upon pain of my life he shall enchieve
the Sangreal, right as Sir Launcelot hath done us to understand.
Then came King Arthur unto Galahad and said: Sir, ye be welcome, for
ye shall move many good knights .to the quest of the Sangreal, and ye
shall enchieve that never knights might bring to an end. Then the
king took him by the hand, and went down from the palace to shew
Galahad the adventures of the stone.
How Galahad drew out the sword from the from the floating stone of Camelot.
The
queen heard thereof, and came after with many ladies, and shewed them
the stone where it hoved on the water. Sir, said the king unto Sir
Galahad, here is a great marvel as ever I saw, and right good knights
have assayed and failed. Sir, said Galahad, that is no marvel, for
this adventure is not theirs but mine; and for the surety of this
sword I brought none with me, for here by my side hangeth the
scabbard. And anon he laid his hand on the sword, and lightly drew it
out of the stone, and put it in the sheath, and said unto the king:
Now it goeth better than it did aforehand. Now have I that sword that
sometime was the good knight's, Balin le Savage, and he was a passing
good man of his hands; and with this sword he slew his brother Balan,
and that was great pity, for he was a good knight, and either slew
other through a dolorous stroke that Balin gave unto my grandfather
King Pelles, the which is not yet whole, nor not shall be till I heal
him.
HOW A DAMOSEL ANNOUNCED TO KING ARTHUR
THAT THE SANGREAL SHOULD APPEAR IN HIS HOUSE, AND HOW KING ARTHUR HAD
ALL HIS KNIGHTS TOGETHER FOR TO JOUST OR THEY DEPARTED, AND HOW THE
SANGREAL APPEARED AS THEY SAT AT SUPPER, AND HOW ALL THE KNIGHTS TOOK
UPON THEM THE QUEST, AND OF THE SORROW OF THE KING AND QUEEN AT THEIR
DEPARTING.
Therewith
the king and all espied where came riding down the river a lady on a
white palfrey toward them. Then she saluted the king and the queen,
and asked if that Sir Launcelot was there. And then he answered
himself: I am here, fair lady. Then she said all with weeping: How
your great doing is changed sith this day in the morn. Damosel, why
say you so? said Launcelot. I say you sooth, said the damosel, for ye
were this day the best knight of the world, but who should say so
now, he should be a liar, for there is now one better than ye, and
well it is proved by the adventures of the sword whereto ye durst not
set to your hand; and that is the change and leaving of your name.
Wherefore I make unto you a remembrance, that ye shall not ween from
henceforth that ye be the best knight of the world. As touching unto
that, said Launcelot, I know well I was never the best. Yes, said the
damosel, that were ye, and are yet, of any sinful man of the world.
And, Sir king, Nacien, the hermit, sendeth thee word, that thee shall
befall the greatest worship that ever befell king in Britain; and I
say you wherefore, for this day the Sangreal shall appear in thy
house and shall feed thee and all thy fellowship of the Round Table.
So she departed and went that same way that she came.
Now,
said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sangreal shall all
ye of the Table Round depart, and never shall I see you again whole
together; therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow
of Camelot to joust and to tourney, that after your death men may
speak of it that such good knights were wholly together such a day.
As unto that counsel and at the king's request they accorded all, and
took on their harness that longed unto jousting. But all this moving
of the king was for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the
king deemed he should not lightly come again unto the court after his
departing. So were they Assembled in the meadow, both more and less.
Then Sir Galahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did upon
him a noble jesseraunce, and also he did on his helm, but shield
would he take none for no prayer of the king. And then Sir Gawaine
and other knights prayed him to take a spear. Right so he did; and
the queen was in a tower with all her ladies, for to behold that
tournament. Then Sir Galahad dressed him in midst of the meadow, and
began to break spears marvellously, that all men had wonder of him;
for he there surmounted all other knights, for within a while he had
defouled many good knights of the Table Round save twain, that was
Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale.
Then
the king, at the queen's request, made him to alight and to unlace
his helm, that the queen might see him in the visage. When she beheld
him she said: Soothly I dare well say that Sir Launcelot is his
father, for never two men resembled more in likeness, therefore it is
no marvel though he be of great prowess. So a lady that stood by the
queen said: Madam, ought he of right to be so good a knight? Yea,
forsooth, said the queen, for he is of all parties come of the best
knights of the world and of the highest lineage; for Sir Launcelot is
come but of the eighth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, and Sir
Galahad is of the ninth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, therefore I
dare say they be the greatest gentlemen of the world.
And
then the king and all estates went home unto Camelot, and so went to
evensong to the great minster, and so after upon that to supper, and
every knight sat in his own place as they were toforehand. Then anon
they heard cracking and crying of thunder, that them thought the
place should all to-drive. In the midst of this blast entered a
sunbeam more clearer by seven times than ever they saw day, and all
they were alighted of the grace of the Holy Ghost. Then began every
knight to behold other, and either saw other, by their seeming,
fairer than ever they saw afore. Not for then there was no knight
might speak one word a great while, and so they looked every man on
other as they had been dumb. Then there entered into the hall the
Holy Grail covered with white samite, but there was none might see
it, nor who bare it. And there was all the hall fulfilled with good
odours, and every knight had such meats and drinks as he best loved
in this world. And when the Holy Grail had been borne through the
hall, then the holy vessel departed suddenly, that they wist not
where it became: then had they all breath to speak. And then the king
yielded thankings to God, of His good grace that he had sent them.
Certes, said the king, we ought to thank our Lord Jesu greatly for
that He hath shewed us this day, at the reverence of this high feast
of Pentecost.
Now,
said Sir Gawaine, we have been served this day of what meats and
drinks we thought on; but one thing beguiled us, we might not see the
Holy Grail, it was so preciously covered. Wherefore I will make
here avow, that to-morn, without longer abiding, I shall labour in
the quest of the Sangreal, that I shall hold me out a twelvemonth and
a day, or more if need be, and never shall I return again unto the
court till I have seen it more openly than it hath been seen here;
and if I may not speed I shall return again as he that may not be
against the will of our Lord Jesu Christ.
When
they of the Table Round heard Sir Gawaine say so, they arose up the
most part and made such avows as Sir Gawaine had made. Anon as King
Arthur heard this he was greatly displeased, for he wist well they
might not again-say their avows. Alas, said King Arthur unto Sir
Gawaine, ye have nigh slain me with the avow and promise that ye have
made; for through you ye have bereft me the fairest fellowship and
the truest of knighthood that ever were seen together in any realm of
the world; for when they depart from hence I am sure they all shall
never meet more in this world, for there shall die many in the quest.
And so it forthinketh me a little, for I have loved them as well as
my life, wherefore it shall grieve me right sore, the departition of
this fellowship: for I have had an old custom to have them in my
fellowship. And therewith the tears fell in his eyes.
When
the queen, ladies, and gentlewomen, wist these tidings, they had such
sorrow and heaviness that there might no tongue tell it, for those
knights had held them in honour and chierté. But among all other
Queen Guenever made great sorrow. I marvel, said she, my lord would
suffer them to depart from him. Thus was all the court troubled for
the departition of those knights.
After
this the queen came unto Galahad and asked him of whence he was, and
of what country. He told her of whence he was. And son unto
Launcelot, she said he was. As to that he said neither yea nor nay.
So God me help, said the queen, of your father ye need not to shame
you, for he is the goodliest knight, and of the best men of the world
come, and of the strain, of all parties, of kings. Wherefore ye
ought of right to be, of your deeds, a passing good man; and
certainly, she said, ye resemble him much. Then Sir Galahad was a
little ashamed and said: Madam, sith ye know in certain, wherefore do
ye ask it me? for he that is my father shall be known openly and all
betimes. And then they went to rest them. And in the honour of the
highness of Galahad he was led into King Arthur's chamber, and there
rested in his own bed.
And
as soon as it was day the king arose, for he had no rest of all that
night for sorrow. Then he went unto Gawaine and to Sir Launcelot that
were arisen for to hear mass. And then the king again said: Ah
Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have betrayed me; for never shall my court be
amended by you, but ye will never be sorry for me as I am for you.
And therewith the tears began to run down by his visage. And
therewith the king said: Ah, knight Sir Launcelot, I require thee
thou counsel me, for I would that this quest were undone, an it
might be. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, ye saw yesterday so many
worthy knights that then were sworn that they may not leave it in no
manner of wise. That wot I well, said the king, but it shall so heavy
me at their departing that I wot well there shall no manner of
joy remedy me. And then the king and the queen went unto the
minster. So anon Launcelot and Gawaine commanded their men to
bring their arms. And when they all were armed save their shields and
their helms, then they came to their fellowship, which were all ready
in the same wise, for to go to the minster to hear their service.
Then
after the service was done the king would wit how many had undertaken
the quest of the Holy Grail; and to accompt them he prayed them all.
Then found they by the tale an hundred and fifty, and all were
knights of the Round Table. And then they put on their helms and
departed, and recommended them all wholly unto the queen; and
there was weeping and great sorrow. Then the queen departed into her
chamber and held her, so that no man should perceive her great
sorrows. When Sir Launcelot missed the queen he went to her chamber,
and when she saw him she cried aloud: O Launcelot, Launcelot, ye have
betrayed me and put me to the death, for to leave thus my lord. Ah,
madam, I pray you be not displeased, for I shall come again as soon
as I may with my worship. Alas, said she, that ever I saw you; but he
that suffered upon the cross for all mankind, he be unto you good
conduct and safety, and to all the whole fellowship.
Right
so departed Sir Launcelot, and found his fellowship that abode
his coming. And so they mounted upon their horses and rode through
the streets of Camelot; and there was weeping of rich and poor, and
the king turned away and might not speak for weeping.
HOW GALAHAD GAT HIM A SHIELD, AND HOW
THEY SPED THAT PRESUMED TO TAKE DOWN THE SAID SHIELD, AND HOW KING
EVELAKE HAD RECEIVED THAT SHIELD OF JOSEPH OF ARAMATHIE.
Now
rideth Sir Galahad yet without shield, and so he rode four days
without any adventure. And at the fourth day after evensong he came
to a White Abbey, and there he was received with great reverence, and
led unto a chamber, and there was he unarmed; and then was he ware of
two knights of the Table Round, one was Sir Bagdemagus, and that
other was Sir Uwaine. And when they saw him they went unto Galahad
and made of him great solace, and so they went unto supper. Sirs,
said Sir Galahad, what adventure brought you hither? Sir, said they,
it is told us that within this place is a shield that no man may-bear
about his neck but he be mischieved outher dead within three days, or
maimed for ever. Ah sir, said King Bagdemagus, I shall it bear
to-morrow for to assay this adventure. In the name of God, said Sir
Galahad. Sir, said Bagdemagus, an I may not enchieve the adventure of
this shield ye shall take it upon you, for I am sure ye shall not
fail. Sir, said Galahad, I right well agree me thereto, for I have no
shield. So on the morn they arose and heard mass. Then Bagdemagus
asked where the adventurous shield was. Anon a monk led him behind an
altar where the shield hung as white as any snow, but in the midst
was a red cross. Sir, said the monk, this shield ought not to be
hanged about no knight's neck but he be the worthiest knight of the
world; therefore I counsel you knights to be well advised. Well, said
Bagdemagus, I wot well that I am not the best knight of the world,
but yet I shall assay to bear it, and so bare it out of the minster.
And then he said unto Galahad: An it please you, abide here still,
till ye wit how that I speed. I shall abide you, said Galahad. Then
King Bagdemagus took with him a good squire, to bring tidings unto
Sir Galahad how he sped.
Then
when they had ridden a two mile and came to a fair valley afore an
hermitage, then they saw a knight come from that part in white
armour, horse and all; and he came as fast as his horse might run,
and his spear in his rest, and Bagdemagus dressed his spear against
him and brake it upon the white knight. But the other struck him so
hard that he brast the mails, and sheef him through the right
shoulder, for the shield covered him not as at that time; and so he
bare him from his horse. And therewith he alighted and took the white
shield from him, saying: Knight, thou hast done thyself great folly,
for this shield ought not to be borne but by him that shall have no
peer that liveth. And then he came to Bagdemagus' squire and said:
Bear this shield unto the good knight Sir Galahad, that thou left in
the abbey, and greet him well by me. Sir, said the 'squire, what is
your name? Take thou no heed of my name, said the knight, for it is
not for thee to know, nor for none earthly man. Now, fair sir, said
the squire, at the reverence of Jesu Christ, tell me for what cause
this shield may not be borne but if the bearer thereof be
mischieved. Now sith thou hast conjured me so, said the knight,
this shield behoveth unto no man but unto Galahad. And the squire
went unto Bagdemagus and asked whether he were sore wounded or not.
Yea forsooth, said he, I shall escape hard from the death. Then he
fetched his horse, and brought him with great pain unto an abbey.
Then was he taken down softly and unarmed, and laid in a bed, and
there was looked to his wounds. And as the book telleth, he lay there
long, and escaped hard with the life.
Sir
Galahad, said the squire, that knight that wounded Bagdemagus sendeth
you greeting, and bade that ye should bear this shield, wherethrough
great adventures should befall. Now blessed be God and fortune, said
Galahad. And then he asked his arms, and mounted upon his horse, and
hung the white shield about his neck, and commended them unto God.
And Sir Uwaine said he would bear him fellowship if it pleased him.
Sir, said Galahad, that may ye not, for I must go alone, save this
squire shall bear me fellowship: and so departed Uwaine.
Then
within a while came Galahad thereas the White Knight abode him by the
hermitage, and everych saluted other courteously. Sir, said Galahad,
by this shield be many marvels fallen. Sir, said the knight, it
befell after the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ thirty-two year,
that Joseph of Aramathie, the gentle knight, the which took down our
Lord off the holy Cross, at that time he departed from Jerusalem with
a great party of his kindred with him. And so he laboured till that
they came to a city that hight Sarras. And at that same hour that
Joseph came to Sarras there was a king that hight Evelake, that had
great war against the Saracens, and in especial against one Saracen,
the which was King Evelake's cousin, a rich king and a mighty, which
marched nigh this land, and his name was called Tolleme la Feintes.
So on a day these two met to do battle. Then Joseph, the son of
Joseph of Aramathie, went to King Evelake and told him he should be
discomfit and slain, but if he left his belief of the old law and
believed upon the new law. And then there he shewed him the right
belief of the Holy Trinity, to the which he agreed unto with all his
heart; and there this shield was made for King Eve-lake, in the name
of Him that died upon the Cross. And then through his good belief he
had the better of King Tolleme. For when Evelake was in the
battle there was a cloth set afore the shield, and when he was in the
greatest peril he let put away the cloth, and then his enemies saw a
figure of a man on the Cross, wherethrough they all were discomfit.
And so it befell that a man of King Evelake's was smitten his hand
off, and bare that hand in his other hand; and Joseph called that man
unto him and bade him go with good devotion touch the Cross. And as
soon as that man had touched the Cross with his hand it was as whole
as ever it was to-fore. Then soon after there fell a great marvel,
that the cross of the shield at one time vanished away that no man
wist where it became. And then King Evelake was baptised, and for the
most part all the people of that city. So, soon after Joseph would
depart, and King Evelake would go with him, whether he wold or nold.
And so by fortune they came into this land, that at that time was
called Great Britain; and there they found a great felon paynim, that
put Joseph into prison. And so by fortune tidings came unto a
worthy man that hight Mondrames, and he assembled all his people for
the great renown he had heard of Joseph; and so he came into the land
of Great Britain and disherited this felon paynim and consumed him,
and therewith delivered Joseph out of prison. And after that all the
people were turned to the Christian faith.
Not
long after that Joseph was laid in his deadly bed. And when King
Evelake saw that he made much sorrow, and said: For thy love I have
left my country, and sith ye shall depart out of this world, leave me
some token of yours that I may think on you. Joseph said: That will I
do full gladly; now bring me your shield that I took you when ye went
into battle against King Tolleme. Then Joseph bled sore at the nose,
so that he might not by no mean be staunched. And there upon that
shield he made a cross of his own blood. Now may ye see a remembrance
that I love you, for ye shall never see this shield but ye shall
think on me, and it shall be always as fresh as it is now. And never
shall man bear this shield about his neck but he shall repent it,
unto the time that Galahad, the good knight, bear it; and the last of
my lineage shall have it about his neck, that shall do many
marvellous deeds. Now, said King Evelake, where shall I put this
shield, that this worthy knight may have it? Ye shall leave it
thereas Nacien, the hermit, shall be put after his death; for thither
shall that good knight come the fifteenth day after that he shall
receive the order of knighthood. And so that day that they set is
this time that ye have his shield, and in the same abbey lieth
Nacien, the hermit. And then the White Knight vanished away.
HOW SIR GALAHAD DESTROYED THE WICKED
CUSTOM OF THE CASTLE OF MAIDENS, AND HOW HE MET WITH SIR LAUNCELOT
AND SIR PERCIVALE AND SMOTE THEM DOWN.
Now
departed Galahad, and rode many journeys forward and backward, as
adventure would lead him. And at the last Sir Galahad came unto a
mountain where he found an old chapel, and found there nobody, for
all, all was desolate; and there he kneeled to-fore the altar, and
besought God of wholesome counsel. So as he prayed he heard a voice
that said: Go thou now, thou adventurous knight, to the Castle of
Maidens, and there do thou away the wicked customs.
When
Sir Galahad heard this he thanked God, and took his horse; and he had
not ridden but half a mile, he saw in the valley afore him a strong
castle with deep ditches, and there ran beside it a fair river that
hight Severn; and there he met with a man of great age, and either
saluted other, and Galahad asked him the castle's name. Fair sir,
said he, it is the Castle of Maidens. That is a cursed castle, said
Galahad, and all they that be conversant therein, for all pity is out
thereof, and all hardiness and mischief is therein. Therefore, I
counsel you, sir knight, to turn again. Sir, said Galahad, wit you
well I shall not turn again. Then looked Sir Galahad on his arms that
nothing failed him, and then he put his shield afore him; and anon
there met him seven fair maidens, the which said unto him: Sir
knight, ye ride here in a great folly, for ye have the water to pass
Over. Why should I not pass the water? said Galahad. So rode he away
from them and met with a squire that said: Knight, those knights in
the castle defy you, and defenden you ye go no further till that they
wit what ye would. Fair sir, said Galahad, I come for to destroy the
wicked custom of this castle. Sir, an ye will abide by that ye shall
have enough to do. Go you now, said Galahad, and haste my needs.
Then
the squire entered into the castle. And anon after there came out of
the castle seven knights, and all were brethren. And when they saw
Galahad they cried: Knight, keep thee, for we assure thee nothing but
death. Why, said Galahad, will ye all have ado with me at once? Yea,
said they, thereto mayst thou trust. Then Galahad put forth his spear
and smote the foremost to the earth, that near he brake his neck. And
therewithal the Other smote him on his shield great strokes, so that
their spears brake. Then Sir Galahad drew out his sword, and set upon
them so hard that it was marvel to see it, and so through great force
he made them to forsake the field; and Galahad chased them till they
entered into the castle, and so passed through the .castle at another
gate.
And
there met Sir Galahad an old man clothed in religious clothing, and
said: Sir, have here the keys of this castle. Then Sir Galahad opened
the gates, and saw so much people in the streets that he might not
number them, and all said: Sir, ye be welcome, for long have we
abiden here our deliverance. Then came to him a gentlewoman and
said: These knights be fled, but they will come again this night, and
here to begin again their evil custom. What will ye that I shall do?
said Galahad. Sir, said the gentlewoman, that ye send after all the
knights hither that hold their lands of this castle, and make them to
swear for to use the customs that were used heretofore of old time. I
will well, said Galahad. And there she brought him an horn of ivory,
bounden with gold richly, and said: Sir, blow this horn which will be
heard two mile about this castle. When Sir Galahad had blown the horn
he set him down upon a bed.
Then
came a priest to Galahad, and said: Sir, it is past a seven year
agone that these seven brethren came into this castle, and harboured
with the lord of this castle, that hight the Duke Lianour, and he was
lord of all this country. And when they espied the duke's daughter,
that was a full fair woman, then by their false covin they made
debate betwixt themselves, and the duke of his goodness would have
departed them, and there they slew him and his eldest son. And then
they took the maiden and the treasure of the castle. And then by
great force they held all the knights of this castle against their
will under their obeissance, and in great service and truage, robbing
and pilling the poor common people of all that they had. So it
happened on a day the duke's daughter said: Ye have done unto me
great wrong to slay mine own father, and my brother, and thus to hold
our lands: not for then, she said, ye shall not hold this castle for
many years, for by one knight ye shall be overcome. Thus she
prophesied seven years agone. Well, said the seven knights, sithen ye
say so, there shall never lady nor knight pass this castle but they
shall abide maugre their heads, or die therefore, till that knight be
come by whom we shall lose this castle. And therefore is it called
the Maidens' Castle, for they have devoured many maidens. Now, said
Galahad, is she here for whom this castle was lost? Nay, sir, said
the priest, she was dead within these three nights after that she was
thus enforced; and sithen have they kept her younger sister, which
endureth great pains with many other ladies.
By
this were the knights of the country come, and then he made them do
homage and fealty to the king's daughter, and set them in great ease
of heart. And in the morn there came one to Galahad and told him how
that Gawaine, Gareth, and Uwaine, had slain the seven brethren. I
suppose well, said Sir Galahad, and took his armour and his horse,
and commended them unto God.
So
when Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle of Maidens he rode till
he came to a waste forest, and there he met with Sir Launcelot and
Sir Percivale, but they knew him not, for he was new disguised. Right
so Sir Launcelot, his father, dressed his spear and brake it upon Sir
Galahad, and Galahad smote him so again that he smote down horse and
man. And then he drew his sword, and dressed him unto Sir Percivale,
and smote him so on the helm, that it rove to the coif of steel; and
had not the sword swerved Sir Percivale had been slain, and with the
stroke he fell out of his saddle. This jousts was done to-fore the
hermitage where a recluse dwelled. And when she saw Sir Galahad ride,
she said: God be with thee, best knight of the world. Ah certes, said
she, all aloud that Launcelot and Percivale might hear it, an yonder
two knights had known thee as well as I do they would not have
encountered with thee. When Sir Galahad heard her say so he was
adread to be known: therewith he smote his horse with his spurs and
rode a great pace froward them. Then perceived they both that he was
Galahad; and up they gat on their horses, and rode fast after him,
but in a while he was out of their sight.
And
then Sir Launcelot rode overthwart and endlong in a wild forest, and
held no path but as wild adventure led him. And at the last he came
to a stony cross which departed two ways in waste land; and by
the cross was a stone that was of marble, but it was so dark that Sir
Launcelot might not wit what it was. Then Sir Launcelot looked by
him, and saw an old chapel, and there he weened to have found people;
and Sir Launcelot tied his horse till a tree, and there he did off
his shield and hung it upon a tree, and then went to the chapel door,
and found it waste and broken. And within he found a fair altar, full
richly arrayed with cloth of clean silk, and there stood a fair clean
candlestick, which bare six great candles, and the candlestick was of
silver. And when Sir Launcelot saw this light he had great will for
to enter into the chapel, but he could find no place where he might
enter; then was he passing heavy and dismayed. Then he returned
and came to his horse and did off his saddle and bridle, and let him
pasture, and unlaced his helm, and ungirt his sword, and laid him
down to sleep upon his shield to-fore the cross.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT, HALF SLEEPING AND
HALF WAKING, SAW A SICK MAN HEALED WITH THE SANGREAL, AND HOW A VOICE
SPAKE TO SIR LAUNCELOT, AND HOW HE WAS SHRIVEN, AND HOW A GOOD MAN
GAVE HIM A HAIR SHIRT TO WEAR, AND HOW HE WAS OVERCOME AT A JOUSTING
AND AT LAST CAME TO A RIVER.
And
so he fell asleep; and half waking and sleeping he saw come by him
two palfreys all fair and white, the which bare a litter, therein
lying a sick knight. And when he was nigh the cross he there abode
still. All this Sir Launcelot saw and beheld, for he slept not
verily; and he heard him say: O sweet Lord, when shall this sorrow
leave me? and when shall the holy vessel come by me, wherethrough I
shall be blessed? For I have endured thus long for little trespass. A
full great while complained the knight thus, and always Sir Launcelot
heard it. With that Sir Launcelot saw the candlestick with the six
tapers come before the cross, and he saw nobody that brought it. Also
there came a table of silver, and the holy vessel of the Sangreal,
which Launcelot had seen aforetime in King Pescheour's house. And
therewith the sick knight set him up, and held up both his hands, and
said: Fair sweet Lord, which is here within this holy vessel; take
heed unto me that I may be whole of this malady. And therewith on his
hands and on his knees he went so nigh that he touched the holy
vessel and kissed it, and anon he was whole; and then he said: Lord
God, I thank thee, for I am healed of this sickness.
So
when the holy vessel had been there a great while it went unto the
chapel with the chandelier and the light, so that Launcelot wist not
where it was become; for he was overtaken with sin that he had no
power to rise again the holy vessel; wherefore after that many men
said of him shame, but he took repentance after that. Then the sick
knight dressed him up and kissed the cross; anon his squire brought
him his arms, and asked his lord how he did. Certes, said he, I thank
God right well, through the holy vessel I am healed. But I have
marvel of this sleeping knight that had no power to awake when this
holy vessel was brought hither. I dare right well say, said the
squire, that he dwelleth in some deadly sin whereof he was never
confessed. By my faith, said the knight, whatsomever he be he is
unhappy, for as I deem he is of the fellowship of the Round Table,
the which is entered into the quest of the Sangreal. Sir, said the
squire, here I have brought you all your arms save your helm and your
sword, and therefore by mine assent now may ye take this knight's
helm and his sword: and so he did. And when he was clean armed he
took Sir Launcelot's horse, for he was better than his; and so
departed they from the cross.
Then
anon Sir Launcelot waked, and set him up, and bethought him what he
had seen there, and whether it were dreams or not. Right so heard he
a voice that said: Sir Launcelot, more harder than is the stone, and
more bitter than is the wood, and more naked and barer than is the
leaf of the fig tree; therefore go thou from hence, and withdraw
thee from this holy place. And when Sir Launcelot heard this he
was passing heavy and wist not what to do, and so departed sore
weeping, and cursed the time that he was born. For then he deemed
never to have had worship more. For those words went to his heart.
Then Sir Launcelot went to the cross and found his helm, his
sword, and his horse taken away. And then he called himself a very
wretch, and most unhappy of all knights; and there he said: My sin
and my wickedness have brought me unto great dishonour. For when
I sought worldly adventures for worldly desires, I ever enchieved
them and had the better in every place, and never was I discomfit in
no quarrel, were it right or wrong. And now I take upon me the
adventures of holy things, and now I see and understand that mine old
sin hindereth me and shameth me, so that I had no power to stir nor
speak when the holy blood appeared afore me. So thus he sorrowed till
it was day, and heard the fowls sing: then somewhat he was comforted.
But when Sir Launcelot missed his horse and his harness then he wist
well God was displeased with him.
Then
he departed from the cross on foot into a forest; and so by prime he
came to an high hill, and found an hermitage and a hermit
therein which was going unto mass. And then Launcelot kneeled down
and cried on Our Lord mercy for his wicked works. So when mass was
done Launcelot called the hermit, and prayed him for charity for
to hear his life. With a good will, said the good man. Sir, said he,
be ye of King Arthur's court and of the fellowship of the Round
Table? Yea forsooth, and my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake that hath
been right well said of, and now my good fortune is changed, for I am
the most wretch of the world. The hermit beheld him and had marvel
how he was so abashed. Sir, said the hermit, ye ought to thank God
more than any knight living, for He hath caused you to have more
worldly worship than any knight that now liveth. And for your
presumption to take upon you in deadly sin for to be in His presence,
where His flesh and His blood was, that caused you ye might not see
it with worldly eyes; for He will not appear where such sinners be,
but if it be unto their great hurt and unto their great shame; and
there is no knight living now that ought to give God so great thank
as ye, for He hath given you beauty, seemliness, and great strength
above all other knights; and therefore ye are the more beholding unto
God than any other man, to love Him and dread Him, for your strength
and manhood will little avail you an God be against you.
Then
Sir Launcelot wept with heavy cheer, and said: Now I know well ye say
me sooth. Sir, said the good man, hide none old sin from me. Truly,
said Sir Launcelot, that were me full loath to discover. For this
fourteen year I never discovered one thing that I have used, and that
may I now wite my shame and my disadventure. And then he told there
that good man all his life. And how he had loved a queen unmeasurably
and out of measure long. And all my great deeds of arms that I have
done, I did for the most part for the queen's sake, and for her sake
would I do battle were it right or wrong; and never did I battle all
only for God's sake, but for to win worship and to cause me to be the
better beloved, and little or nought I thanked God of it. Then Sir
Launcelot said: I pray you counsel me. I will counsel you, said the
hermit, if ye will ensure me that ye will never come in that queen's
fellowship as much as ye may forbear. And then Sir Launcelot promised
him he nold, by the faith of his body. Look that your heart and your
mouth accord, said the good man, and I shall ensure you ye shall
have more worship than ever ye had.
Then
the good man enjoined Sir Launcelot such penance as he might do and
to sewe knighthood, and so assoiled him, and when he had kept Sir
Launcelot three days, he gat him an horse, an helm, and a sword. And
then Sir Launcelot departed about the hour of noon. And then he saw a
little house. And when he came near he saw a chapel, and there beside
he saw an old man that was clothed all in white full richly; and then
Sir Launcelot said: God save you. God keep you, said the good man,
and make you a good knight. Be ye not Sir Launcelot? Yea, sir, said
he. What seek ye in this country? Sir, said Sir Launcelot, I go
to seek the adventures of the Sangreal. Well, said he, seek it ye may
well, but though it were here ye shall have no power to see it no
more than a blind man should see a bright sword, and that is long on
your sin, and else ye were more abler than any man living. Arid then
Sir Launcelot began to weep, and said: Father, what shall I do? Now,
said the good man, I require you take this hair that was an holy
man's and put it next thy skin, and it shall prevail thee greatly.
Sir, and I will do it, said Sir Launcelot. Also I charge you that ye
eat no flesh as long as ye be in the quest of the Sangreal, nor ye
shall drink no wine, and that ye hear mass daily an ye may do it. So
he took the hair and put it upon him, and so departed at
evensong-time. Then he rode till that he came to a Cross, and took
that for his host as for that night, and made his prayers unto the
Cross that he never fall in deadly sin again. And on the morn he took
his horse and rode till midday; and there by adventure he met with
the same knight that took his horse, his helm, and his sword, when he
slept when the Sangreal appeared afore the Cross. When Sir Launcelot
saw him he saluted him not fair, but cried on high: Knight, keep
thee, for thou hast done to me great unkindness. And then they put
afore them their spears, and Sir Launcelot came so fiercely upon him
that he smote him and his horse down to the earth, that he had nigh
broken his neck. Then Sir Launcelot took the knight's horse that was
his own aforehand, and descended from the horse he sat upon, and
mounted upon his own horse, and tied the knight's own horse to a
tree, that he might find that horse when that he was arisen.
Then
Sir Launcelot rode into a forest, and held no highway. And as he
looked afore him he saw a fair plain, and beside that a fair castle,
and afore the castle were many pavilions of silk and of divers hue.
And him seemed that he saw there five hundred knights riding on
horseback; and there were two parties: they that were of the castle
were all on black horses and their trappings black, and they that
were without were all on white horses and trappings, and everych
hurtled to other that it marvelled Sir Launcelot. And at the last him
thought they of the castle were put to the worse.
Then
thought Sir Launcelot for to help there the weaker party in
increasing of his chivalry. And so Sir Launcelot thrust in among the
party of the castle, and smote down a knight, horse and man, to the
earth. And then he rashed here and there, and did marvellous deeds of
arms. And then he drew out his sword, and struck many knights to the
earth, so that all those that saw him marvelled that ever One knight
might do so great deeds of arms. But always the white knights held
them nigh about Sir Launcelot, for to tire him and wind him. But at
the last, as a man may not ever endure, Sir Launcelot waxed so faint
of fighting and travailing, and was so weary of his great deeds, that
he might not lift up his arms for to give one stroke, so that he
weened never to have borne arms; and then they all took and led him
away into a forest, and there made him to alight and to rest , him.
And then all the fellowship of the castle were overcome for the
default of him. Then, they said all unto Sir Launcelot: Blessed be
God that ye be now of our fellowship, for we shall hold you in our
prison; and so they left him with few words. And then Sir Launcelot
made great sorrow, For never or now was I never at tournament
nor jousts but I had the best, and now I am shamed; and then he said:
Now I am sure that I am more sinfuller than ever I was.
Thus
he rode sorrowing, and half a day he was out of despair, till that he
came into a deep valley, and there he saw a river and an high
mountain. And through the water he must needs pass, the which was
hideous; and then in the name of God he took it with good heart. And
when he came over he saw an armed knight, horse and man black as any
bear; without any word he smote Sir Launcelot's horse to the earth;
and so he passed on, he wist not where he was become. And then he
took his helm and his shield, and thanked God of his adventure.
HOW SIR PERCIVALE FOUND KING EVELAKE,
AND HOW HE WAS RESCUED FROM TWENTY KNIGHTS BY SIR GALAHAD, AND HOW
THE FIEND DISGUISED AS THE LADY OF A SHIP BEGUILED HIM, AND OF HIS
PENANCE.
Now
saith the tale that, when Sir Launcelot was ridden after Sir Galahad,
Sir Percivale rode till he was ware of an house closed well with
walls and deep ditches, and there he knocked at the gate and was let
in, and he alighted and was led unto a chamber, and soon he was
unarmed. And there he had right good cheer all that night; and on the
morn he heard his mass, and in the monastery he found a priest ready
at the altar. And on the right side he saw a pew closed with iron,
and behind the altar he saw a rich bed and a fair, as of cloth of
silk and gold.
Then
Sir Percivale espied that therein was a man or a woman, for the
visage was covered; then he left off his looking and heard his
service. And when it came to the sacring, he that lay within that
parclos dressed him up, and uncovered his head; and then him beseemed
a passing old man, and he had a crown of gold upon his head, and his
shoulders were naked and uncovered unto his middle. And then Sir
Percivale espied his body was full of great wounds, both on the
shoulders, arms, and visage. And ever he held up his hands against
Our Lord's body, and cried: Fair, sweet Father, Jesu Christ, forget
not me. And so he lay down, but always he was in his prayers and
orisons; and him seemed to be of the age of three hundred winter. And
when the mass was done the priest took Our Lord's body and bare it to
the sick king. And when he had used it he did off his crown, and
commanded the crown to be set on the altar.
Then
Sir Percivale asked one of the brethren what he was. Sir, said the
good man, ye have heard much of Joseph of Aramathie, how he was sent
by Jesu Christ into this land for to teach and preach the holy
Christian faith; and therefore he suffered many persecutions the
which the enemies of Christ did unto him, and in the city of Sarras
he converted a king whose name was Evelake. And so this king
came with Joseph into this land, and ever he was busy to be thereas
the Sangreal was; and on a time he nighed it so nigh that Our Lord
was displeased with him, but ever he followed it more and more, till
God struck him almost blind. Then this king cried mercy, and said:
Fair Lord, let me never die till the good knight of my blood of the
ninth degree be come, that I may see him openly that he shall
enchieve the Sangreal, that I may kiss him.
When
the king thus had made his prayers he heard a voice that said: Heard
be thy prayers, for thou shalt not die till he have kissed 'thee. And
when that knight shall come the clearness of your eyes shall come
again, and thou shalt see openly, and thy wounds shall be healed, and
erst shall they never close. And this befell of King Evelake, and
this same king hath lived this three hundred winters this holy life,
and men say the knight is in the court that shall heal him. Sir, said
the good man, I pray you tell me what knight that ye be, and if ye be
of King Arthur's court and of the Table Round. Yea forsooth, said he,
and my name is Sir Percivale de Galis. And when the good man
understood his name he made great joy of him.
And
then Sir Percivale departed and rode till the hour of noon. And he
met in a valley about a twenty men of arms, which bare in a bier a
knight deadly slain. And when they saw Sir Percivale they asked him
of whence he was. And he answered: of the court of King Arthur. Then
they cried all at once: Slay him. Then Sir Percivale smote the first
to the earth and his horse upon him. And then seven of the knights
smote upon his shield all at once, and the remnant slew his horse so
that he fell to the earth. So had they slain him, or taken him, had
not the good knight, Sir Galahad, with the red arms, come there by
adventure into those parts. And when he saw all those knights upon
one knight he cried: Save me that knight's life. And then he dressed
him toward the twenty men of arms as fast as his horse might drive,
with his spear in the rest, and smote the foremost horse and man to
the earth. And when his spear was broken he set his hand to his
sword, and smote on the right hand and on the left hand that it was
marvel to see, and at every stroke he smote one down or put him to a
rebuke, so that they would fight no more but fled to a thick forest,
and Sir Galahad followed them.
And
when Sir Percivale saw him chase them so, he made great sorrow that
his horse was away. And then he wist well it was Sir Galahad. And
then he cried aloud: Ah fair knight, abide and suffer me to do
thankings unto thee, for much have ye done for me. But ever Sir
Galahad rode so fast that at the last he passed out of his sight.
Then
Sir Percivale came to a rough water and saw a ship come rowing in the
sea, as all the wind of the world had driven it. And so it drove
under a rock. And when Sir Percivale saw this he hied him thither,
and found the ship covered with silk more blacker than any bear, and
therein was a gentlewoman of great beauty, and she was clothed richly
that none might be better. And when she saw Sir Percivale she said:
Who brought you in this wilderness where ye be never like to pass
hence? for ye shall die here for hunger and mischief and be eaten
with wild beasts; and ye be a young man and a goodly knight, and I
shall help you an ye will. What are ye, said Sir Percivale, that
proffered me thus great kindness? I am, said she, a gentlewoman that
am disherited, which was sometime the richest woman of the world.
Damosel, said Sir Percivale, who hath disherited you? for I have
great pity of you. Sir, said she, I dwelled with the greatest man of
the world, and he made me so fair and so clear that there was none
like me; and of that great beauty I had a little pride more than I
ought to have had. Also I said a word that pleased him not. And then
he would not suffer me to be any longer in his company, and so
drove me from mine heritage, and so disherited me, and he had never
pity of me nor of none of my council, nor of my court. And sithen,
sir knight, it hath befallen me so, through me and mine I have taken
from him many of his men, and made them to become my men. For they
ask never nothing of me but I give it them, that and much more. Thus
I and all my servants war against him night and day. Therefore I know
now no good knight, nor no good man, but I get them on my side an I
may. And for that I know that thou art a good knight, I beseech you
to help me; and for ye be a fellow of the Round Table, wherefore ye
ought not to fail no gentlewoman which is disherited, an she besought
you of help.
Then
Sir Percivale promised her all the help that he might; and then she
thanked him. And at that time the weather was hot. Then she called
unto her a gentlewoman and bade her bring forth a pavilion; and so
she did, and pight it upon the gravel. Sir, said she, now may ye rest
you in this heat of the day. Then he thanked her, and she put off his
helm and his shield, and there he slept a great while. And then he
awoke and asked her if she had any meat, and she said: Yea, also ye
shall have enough. And so there was set enough upon the table, and
thereon so much that he had marvel, for there was all manner of meats
that he could think on. Also he drank there the strongest wine that
ever he drank, him thought, and therewith he was a little chafed more
than he ought to be; with that he beheld the gentlewoman, and him
thought she was the fairest creature that ever he saw. And then Sir
Percivale proffered her love, and prayed her that she would be his.
Then she refused him, in a manner, when he required her, for the
cause he should be the more ardent on her, and ever he ceased not to
pray her of love. And when she saw him well enchafed, then she said:
Sir Percivale, wit you well I shall not fulfil your will but if ye
swear from henceforth ye shall be my true servant, and to do nothing
but that I shall command you. Will ye ensure me this as ye be a true
knight? Yea, said he, fair lady, by the faith of my body. Well, said
she, now shall ye do with me whatso it please you; and now wit ye
well ye are the knight in the world that I have most desire to.
And
then Sir Percivale by adventure and grace saw his sword lie on the
ground naked, in whose pommel was a red cross and the sign of the
crucifix therein, and bethought him on his knighthood, and then he
made a sign of the cross in his forehead, and there with the pavilion
turned up-so-down, and then it changed unto a smoke, and a black
cloud, and then he was adread and cried aloud: Fair sweet Father,
Jesu Christ, ne let me not be shamed, the which was nigh lost had not
thy good grace been. And then he looked into a ship, and saw her
enter therein, which said: Sir Percivale, ye have betrayed me. And so
she went with the wind roaring and yelling, that it seemed all
the water brent after her. Then Sir Percivale made great sorrow, and
drew his sword unto him, saying: Sithen my flesh will be my master I
shall punish it; and therewith he rove himself through the thigh that
the blood stert about him, and said: O good Lord, take this in
recompensation of that I have done against thee, my Lord. So then he
clothed him and armed him, and called himself a wretch, saying: How
nigh was I lost, and to have lost that I should never have gotten
again, that was my virginity, for that may never be recovered
after it is once lost. And then he stopped his bleeding wound with a
piece of his shirt.
Thus
as he made his moan he saw a ship come from Orient covered within and
without with white samite. Then Sir Percivale took his arms, and
entered into the ship, and so departed from thence.
HOW SIR BORS RESCUED A DAMOSEL RATHER
THAN HIS BROTHER SIR LIONEL, AND HOW THEREAFTER SIR LIONEL WOULD
FIGHT . WITH SIR BORS, BUT SIR BORS WOULD NOT.
Now
turn we to Sir Bors that when he was departed from Camelot rode into
a forest, and there befell him a marvellous adventure. So he met at
the departing of two ways two .knights that led Lionel, his brother,
all naked, bounden upon a strong hackney, and his hands bounden
to-fore his breast. And everych of them held in his hands thorns
wherewith they went beating him so sore that the blood trailed down
more than in an hundred places of his body, so that he was all blood
to-fore and behind, but he said never a word; as he which was great
of heart he suffered all that ever they did to him, as though he had
felt none anguish.
Anon
Sir Bors dressed him to rescue him that was his brother; and so he
looked upon the other side of him, and saw a knight which brought a
fair gentlewoman, and would have set her in the thickest place of the
forest for to have been the more surer out of the way from them that
sought him. And she, which was nothing assured, cried with an high
voice: Saint Mary, succour your maid. And anon she espied where Sir
Bors came riding. And when she came nigh him she deemed him a knight
of the Round Table, whereof she hoped to have some comfort; and then
she conjured him: By the faith that ye owe unto Him in whose service
thou art entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto the high order of
knighthood, and for the noble King Arthur's sake, that I suppose made
thee knight, that thou help me, and suffer me not to be shamed of
this knight. When Bors heard her say thus he had so much sorrow there
he nist not what to do. For if I let my brother be in adventure he
must be slain, and that would I not for all the earth. And if I help
not the maid she is shamed for ever, and also she shall lose her
virginity the which she shall never get again.
Then
lift he up his eyes and said weeping: Fair sweet Lord Jesu Christ,
whose liege man I am, keep Lionel, my brother, that these knights
slay him not, and for pity of you, and for Mary's sake, I shall
succour this maid.
Then
dressed he him unto the knight the which had the gentlewoman, and
then he cried: Sir knight, let your hand off that maiden, or ye be
but dead. And then he set down the maiden, and was armed at all
pieces save he lacked his spear. Then he dressed his shield, and drew
out his sword, and Bors smote him so hard that it went through his
shield and habergeon on the left shoulder. And through great strength
he beat him down to the earth, and at the pulling out of Bors' spear
there he swooned. Then came Bors to the maid and said: How seemeth it
you? of this knight ye be delivered at this time. Now sir, said she,
I pray you lead me thereas this knight had me. So shall I do gladly:
and took the horse of the wounded knight, and set the gentlewoman
upon him, and so brought her as she desired.
Then
Sir Bors rode after Lionel, his brother, by the trace of their
horses. Thus he rode seeking a great while, and then he turned to an
hermitage that was in the entry of a forest.
And
when he was come thither he found there Sir Lionel, his brother,
which sat all armed at the entry of the chapel door for to abide
there harbour till on the morn that a tournament should be. And
when Sir Bors saw him he had great joy of him, that it were marvel to
tell of his joy. And then he alighted off his horse, and said: Fair
sweet brother, when came ye hither? Anon as Lionel saw him he said:
Ah Bors, ye may not make none avaunt, but as for you I might have
been slain; when ye saw two knights leading me away beating me, ye
left me for to succour a gentlewoman, and suffered me in peril of
death; for never erst ne did no brother to another so great an
untruth. And for that misdeed now I ensure you but death, for well
have ye deserved it; therefore keep thee from henceforward, and that
shall ye find as soon as I am armed. When Sir Bors understood his
brother's wrath he kneeled down to the earth and cried him mercy,
holding up both his hands, and prayed him to forgive him his evil
will. Nay, said Lionel, that shall never be an I may have the higher
hand, that I make mine avow to God, thou shalt have death for it, for
it were pity ye lived any longer.
Right
so he went in and took his harness, and mounted upon his horse, and
came to-fore him and said: Bors, keep thee from me, for I shall do to
thee as I would to a felon or a traitor, for ye be the untruest
knight that ever came out of so worthy an house as was King Bors de
Ganis which was our father; therefore start upon thy horse, and so
shall ye be most at your advantage. And but if ye will I will run
upon you thereas ye stand upon foot, and so the shame shall be mine
and the harm yours, but of that shame ne reck I nought.
HOW WHEN SIR BORS WOULD NOT FIGHT WITH
HIM SIR LIONEL WOULD HAVE SLAIN HIM, AND HOW HE SLEW A HERMIT AND SIR
COLGREVANCE WHO WOULD HAVE SAVED SIR BORS, AND HOW SIR BORS AND SIR
LIONEL WERE PARTED BY A CLOUD.
When
Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his brother or else to die, he
nist what to do; then his heart counselled him not thereto, inasmuch
as Lionel was born or he, wherefore he ought to bear him reverence;
yet kneeled he down afore Lionel's horse's feet, and said: Fair sweet
brother, have mercy upon me and slay me not, and have in remembrance
the great love which ought to be between us twain. What Sir Bors said
to Lionel he recked not, for the fiend had brought him in such a will
that he should slay him. Then when Lionel saw he would none other,
and that he would not have risen to give him battle, he rashed over
him so that he smote Bors with his horse, feet upward, to the earth,
and hurt him so sore that he swooned of distress, the which he felt
in himself to have died without confession. So when Lionel saw this,
he alighted off his horse to have smitten off his head. And so he
took him by the helm, and would have rent it from his head. Then came
the hermit running unto him, which was a good man and of great age,
and well had heard all the words that were between them, and so fell
down upon Sir Bors.
Then
he said to Lionel: Ah gentle knight, have mercy upon me and on thy
brother, for if thou slay him thou shalt be dead of sin, and that
were sorrowful, for he is one of the worthiest knights of the world,
and of the best conditions. So God me help, said Lionel, sir priest,
but if ye flee from him I shall slay you, and he shall never the
sooner be quit. Certes, said the good man, I have liefer ye slay me
than him, for my death shall not be great harm, not half so much as
of his. Well, said Lionel, I am greed; and set his hand to his sword
and smote him so hard that his head went backward. Not for that he
restrained him of his evil will, but took his brother by the helm,
and unlaced it to have stricken off his head, and had slain him
without fail, but so it happed, Colgrevance, a fellow of the Round
Table, came at that time thither as Our Lord's will was. And when he
saw the good man slain he marvelled much what it might be. And then
he beheld Lionel would have slain his brother, and knew Sir Bors,
which he loved right well. Then stert he down and took Lionel by the
shoulders, and drew him strongly aback from Bors, and said: Lionel,
will ye slay your brother, one of the worthiest knights of the world?
and that should no good man suffer. Why, said Lionel, will ye let me?
therefore if ye entermete you in this I shall slay you, and him
after. Why, said Colgrevance, is this sooth that ye will slay him?
Slay him will I, said he, whoso say the contrary, for he hath done so
much against me that he hath well deserved it. And so ran upon him,
and would have smitten him through the head, and Sir Colgrevance ran
betwixt them, and said: An ye be so hardy to do so more, we two shall
meddle together.
When
Lionel understood his words he took his shield afore him, and asked
him what that he was. And he told him, Colgrevance, one of his
fellows. Then Lionel defied him, and gave him a great stroke through
the helm. Then he drew his sword, for he was a passing good knight,
and defended him right manfully. So long dured the battle that
Bors rose up all anguishly, and beheld how Colgrevance, the good
knight, fought with his brother for his quarrel; then was he full
sorry and heavy, and thought if Colgrevance slew him that was his
brother he should never have joy; and if his brother slew Colgrevance
the shame should ever be his. Then would he have risen to have
departed them, but he had not so much might to stand on foot; so he
abode him so long till Colgrevance had the worse, for Lionel was of
great chivalry and right hardy, for he had pierced the hauberk and
the helm, that he abode but death, for he had lost much of his blood
that it was marvel that he might stand upright. Then beheld he Sir
Bors which sat dressing him upward and said: Ah, Bors, why come ye
not to cast me out of peril of death, wherein I have put me to
succour you which were right now nigh the death? Certes, said Lionel,
that shall not avail you, for none of you shall bear Other's warrant,
but that ye shall die both of my hand. When Bors heard that, he did
so much, he rose and put on his helm. Then perceived he first the
hermit-priest which was slain, then made he a marvellous sorrow upon
him.
Then
oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors: Why will ye let me die here for
your sake? if it please you that I die for you the death, it will
please me the better for to save a worthy man. With that word Sir
Lionel smote off the helm from his head. Then Colgrevance saw that he
might not escape; then he said: Fair sweet Jesu, that I have misdone
have mercy upon my soul, for such sorrow that my heart suffereth for
goodness, and for alms deed that I would have done here, be to me
aligement of penance unto my soul's health. At these words Lionel
smote him so sore that he bare him to the earth. So when he had slain
Colgrevance he ran upon his brother as a fiendly man, and gave him
such a stroke that he made him stoop. And he that was full of
humility prayed him for God's love to leave this battle: For an it
befell, fair brother, that I slew you or ye me, we should be dead of
that sin. Never God me help but if I have on you mercy, an I may have
the better hand. Then drew Bors his sword, all weeping, and said:
Fair brother, God knoweth mine intent. Ah, fair brother, ye have done
full evil this day to slay such an holy priest the which never
trespassed. Also ye have slain a gentle knight, and one of our
fellows. And well wot ye that I am not afeard of you greatly, but I
dread the wrath of God, and this is an unkindly war, therefore God
show miracle upon us both. Now God have mercy upon me though I defend
my life against my brother. With that Bors lift up his hand and would
have smitten his brother.
And
then he heard a voice that said: Flee Bors, and touch him not, or
else thou shalt slay him. Right so alighted a cloud betwixt them in
likeness of a fire and a marvellous flame, that both their two
shields brent. Then were they sore afraid, that they fell both to the
earth, and lay there a great while in a swoon. And when they came to
themself, Bors saw that his brother had no harm; then he held up both
his hands, for he dread God had taken vengeance upon him. With that
he heard a voice say: Bors, go hence, and bear thy brother no longer
fellowship, but take thy way anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale
abideth thee there. Then he said to his brother: Fair sweet brother,
forgive me for God's love all that I have trespassed unto you. Then
he answered: God forgive it thee and I do gladly.
So
Sir Bors departed from him and rode the next way to the sea. And at
the last by fortune he came to an abbey which was nigh the sea. That
night Bors rested him there; and in his sleep there came a voice to
him and bade him go to the sea. Then he stert up and made a sign of
the cross in the midst of his forehead, and took his harness, and
made ready his horse, and mounted upon him; and at a broken wall he
rode out, and rode so long till that he came to the sea. And on the
strand he found a ship covered all with white samite, and he
alighted, and betook him to Jesu Christ. And as soon as he entered
into the ship, the ship departed into the sea, and went so fast that
him seemed the ship went flying, but it was soon dark so that he
might know no man, and so he slept till it was day. Then he awaked,
and saw in midst of the ship a knight lie all armed save his helm.
Then knew he that it was Sir Percivale of Wales, and then he made of
him right great joy; and either told other of their temptations, as
ye have heard to-forehand. So went they downward in the sea, one
while backward, another while forward, and everych comforted other,
and oft were in their prayers. Then said Sir Percivale: We lack
nothing but Galahad, the good knight.
HOW SIR GALAHAD FOUGHT AT A
TOURNAMENT, AND OF THE STROKE THAT HE GAVE SIR GAWAINE, AND HOW
HE RODE WITH A DAMOSEL AND CAME TO A SHIP WHEREIN WERE SIR BORS AND
SIR PERCIVALE.
Now
saith this story, when Galahad had rescued Percivale from the twenty
knights, he went then into a waste forest wherein he rode many
journeys; and he found many adventures the which he brought to an
end, whereof the story maketh here no mention. Then he took his way
to the sea on a day, and it befell as he passed by a castle where was
a wonder tournament, but they without had done so much that they
within were put to the worse, yet were they within good knights
enough. When Galahad saw that those within were at so great a
mischief that men slew them at the entry of the castle, then he
thought to help them, and put a spear forth and smote the first that
he fell to the earth, and the spear brake to pieces. Then he drew his
sword and smote thereas they were thickest, and so he did wonderful
deeds of arms that all they marvelled. Then it happed that Gawaine
and Sir Ector de Maris were with the knights without. But when they
espied the white shield with the red cross the one said to the other:
Yonder is the good knight, Sir Galahad, the haut prince: now he
should be a great fool which should meet with him to fight. So by
adventure he came by Sir Gawaine, and he smote him so hard that he
clave his helm and the coif of iron unto his head, so that Gawaine
fell to the earth; but the stroke was so great that it slanted down
to the earth and carved the horse's shoulder in two.
When
Ector saw Gawaine down he drew him aside, and thought it no wisdom
for to abide Galahad, and also for natural love, that he was his
uncle. Thus through his great hardiness he beat aback all the knights
without. And then they within came out and chased them all about. But
when Galahad saw there would none turn again he stole away privily,
so that none wist where he was become. Now by my head, said Gawaine
to Ector, now are the wonders true that were said of Launcelot du
Lake, that the sword which stuck in the stone should give me such a
buffet that I would not have it for the best castle in this world;
and soothly now it is proved true, for never ere had I such a stroke
of man's hand. Sir, said Ector, meseemeth your quest is done. And
yours is not done, said Gawaine, but mine is done, I shall seek no
further. Then Gawaine was borne into a castle and unarmed him,
and laid him in a rich bed, and a leech found that he might live, and
to be whole within a month. Thus Gawaine and Ector abode
together, for Sir Ector would not away till Gawaine were whole.
And
the good knight, Galahad, rode so long till he came that night to the
Castle of Carboneck; and it befell him thus that he was benighted in
an hermitage. So the good man was fain when he saw he was a
knight-errant. Then when they were at rest there came a gentlewoman
knocking at the door, and called Galahad, and so the good man came to
the door to wit what she would. Then she called the hermit: Sir
Ulfin, I am a gentlewoman that would speak with the knight which is
with you. Then the good man awaked Galahad, and bade him: Arise, and
speak with a gentlewoman that seemeth hath great need of you. Then
Galahad went to her and asked her what she would. Galahad, said
she, I will that ye arm you, and mount upon your horse and follow me,
for I shall show you within these three days the highest adventure
that ever any knight saw. Anon Galahad armed him, and took his horse,
and commended him to God, and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would
follow thereas she liked.
So
she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till that she came to
the sea; and there they found the ship where Bors and Percivale were
in, the which cried on the ship's board: Sir Galahad, ye be welcome,
we have abiden you long. And when he heard them he asked them what
they were. Sir, said she, leave your horse here, and I shall leave
mine; and took their saddles and their bridles with them, and made a
cross on them, and so entered into the ship. And the two knights
received them both with great joy, and everych knew other; and so the
wind arose, and drove them through the sea in a marvellous pace. And
within 'a while it dawned.
By
then the ship went from the land of Logris, and by adventure it
arrived up betwixt two rocks passing great and marvellous: but there
they might not land. for there was a swallow of the sea, save there
was another ship, and upon it they might go without danger. Go we
thither, said the gentlewoman, and there shall we see adventures, for
so is Our Lord's will. And when they came thither they found the ship
rich enough, but they found neither man nor woman therein. But they
found in the end of the ship two fair letters written, which said a
dreadful word and a marvellous: Thou man, which shall enter into this
ship, beware thou be in steadfast belief, for I am Faith, and
therefore beware how thou enterest, for an thou fail I shall not help
thee. Then said the gentlewoman: Percivale, wot ye what I am? Certes,
said he, nay, to my witting. Wit ye well, said she, that I am thy
sister, which am daughter of King Pellinore, and therefore wit ye
well ye are the man in the world that I most love; and if ye be not
in perfect belief of Jesu Christ enter not in no manner of wise, for
then should ye perish the ship, for he is so perfect he will suffer
no sinner in him. When Percivale understood that she was his very
sister he was inwardly glad, and said: Fair sister, I shall enter
therein, for if I be a miscreature, or an untrue knight, there
shall I perish.
HOW SIR GALAHAD, SIR BORS, AND SIR
PERCIVALE ENTERED INTO THE SHIP, AND OF A FAIR BED THEREIN, AND OF A
SWORD, AND OF HOW KING PELLES HAD BEEN MAIMED FOR DRAWING IT.
In
the meanwhile Galahad blessed him, and entered therein; and then next
the gentlewoman, and then Sir Bors and Sir Percivale. And when they
were in, it was so marvellous fair and rich that they marvelled; and
in midst of the ship was a fair bed, and Galahad went thereto, and
found there a crown of silk. And at the feet was a sword, rich and
fair, and it was drawn out of the sheath half a foot and more; and
the sword was of divers fashions, and the pommel was of stone,
and there was in him all manner of colours that any man might find,
and everych of the colours had divers virtues.
Then
Galahad beheld the sword and saw letters like blood that said: Let
see who shall assay to draw me out of my sheath, but if he be more
hardier than any other; and who that draweth me, wit ye well that he
shall never fail of shame of his body, or to be wounded to the death.
By my faith, said Galahad, I Would draw this sword out of the sheath,
but the offending is so great that I shall not set my hand thereto.
Now sirs, said the gentlewoman, wit ye well that the drawing of this
sword is warned to all men save all only to you. In the name of God,
said Galahad, ye are right wise of these works.
Sir,
said she, there was a king that hight Pelles, the maimed king. And
while he might ride he supported much Christendom and Holy Church. So
upon a day he hunted in a wood of his which lasted unto the sea; and
at the last he lost his hounds and his knights save only one: and
there he and his knight went till that they came toward Ireland, and
there he found the ship. And when he saw the letters and understood
them, yet he entered, for he was right perfect of his life, but
his knight had none hardiness to enter; and there found he this
sword, and drew it out as much as ye may see. So therewith entered a
spear wherewith he was smitten him through both the thighs, and never
sith might he be healed, nor nought shall to-fore we come to him.
Thus, said she, was not King Pelles, your grandsire, maimed for his
hardiness? In the name of God, damosel, said Galahad.
HOW SIR GALAHAD GRIPPED THE SWORD, AND
OF THE CUSTOM OF A CASTLE, AND HOW SIR PERCIVALE'S SISTER BLED A DISH
FULL OF BLOOD FOR TO HEAL A LADY, WHEREFORE SHE DIED; AND HOW THAT
HER BODY WAS PUT IN A SHIP.
Now let me begin, said Galahad, to
grip this sword for to give you courage; but wit ye well it longeth
no more to me than it doth to you. And then he gripped about it with
his fingers a great deal; and then she girt him about the middle with
the sword. Now reck I not though I die, for now I hold me one of the
blessed maidens of the world, which hath made the worthiest knight of
the world. Damosel, said Galahad, ye have done so much that I shall
be your knight all the days of my life.
Then
they went from that ship, and went to the other. And anon the wind
drove them into the sea a great pace, but they had no victuals: but
it befell that they came on the morn to a castle, and passed by. So
there came a knight armed after them and said: Lords, hark what I
shall say to you. This gentlewoman that ye lead with you is a maid?
Sir, said she, a maid I am. Then he took her by the bridle and said:
By the Holy Cross, ye shall not escape me to-fore ye have yolden the
custom of this castle. Let her go, said Percivale, ye be not wise,
for a maid in what place she cometh is free. So in the meanwhile
there came out a ten or twelve knights armed, out of the castle, and
with them came gentlewomen which held a dish of silver. And then they
said: This gentlewoman must yield us the custom of this castle. Sir,
said a knight, what maid passeth hereby shall give this dish full of
blood of her right arm. Blame have ye, said Galahad, that brought up
such customs, and so God me save, I ensure you of this gentlewoman ye
shall fail while that I live. So God me help, said Percivale, I had
liefer be slain. And I also, said Sir Bors. By my troth, said the
knight, then shall ye die, for ye may not endure against us though ye
were the best knights of the world.
Then
let they run each to other, and the three fellows beat the ten
knights, and then set their hands to their swords and beat them down
and slew them. Then there came out of the castle a three score
knights armed. Fair lords, said the three fellows, have mercy on
yourself and have not ado with us. Nay, fair lords, said the knights
of the castle, we counsel you to withdraw you, for ye be the best
knights of the world, and therefore do no more, for ye have done
enough. We will let you go with this harm, but we must needs have the
custom. Certes, said Galahad, for nought speak ye. Well, said they,
will ye die? We be not yet come thereto, said Galahad. Then began
they to meddle together, and Galahad, with the strange girdles, drew
his sword, and smote on the right hand and on the left hand, and slew
what that ever abode him, and did such marvels that there was none
that saw him but weened he had been none earthly man, but a monster.
And his two fellows halp him passing well, and so they held the
journey everych in like hard till it was night: then must they needs
depart.
So
came in a good knight, and said to the three fellows: If ye will come
in to-night and take such harbour as here is ye shall be right
welcome, and we shall ensure you by the faith of our bodies, and as
we be true knights, to leave you in such estate to-morrow as we find
you, without any falsehood. And as soon as ye know of the custom we
dare say ye will accord therefore. For God's love, said the
gentlewoman, go thither and spare not for me. Go we, said
Galahad; and so they entered into the chapel. And when they were
alighted they made great joy of them. So within a while the three
knights asked the custom of the castle and wherefore it was. What it
is, said they, we will say you sooth.
There
is in this castle a gentlewoman which we and this castle is hers, and
many other. So it befell many years agone there fell upon her a
malady; and when she had lain a great while she fell unto a measle,
and of no leech she could have no remedy. But at the last an old man
said an she might have a dish full of blood of a maid and a clean
virgin in will and in work, and a king's daughter, that blood should
be her health, and for to anoint her withal; and for this thing was
this custom made. Now, said Percivale's sister, fair knights, I see
well that this gentlewoman is but dead. Certes, said Galahad, an ye
bleed so much ye may die. Truly, said she, an I die for to heal her I
shall get me great worship and soul's health, and worship to my
lineage, and better is one harm than twain. And therefore there shall
be no more battle, but to-morn I shall yield you your custom of this
castle. And then there was great joy more than there was to-fore, for
else had there been mortal war upon the morn; notwithstanding she
would none other, whether they wold or nold.
That
night were the three fellows eased with the best; and on the morn
they heard mass, and Sir Percivale's sister bade bring forth the sick
lady. So she was, the which was evil at ease. Then said she: Who
shall let me blood? So one came forth and let her blood, and she bled
so much that the dish was full. Then she lift up her hand and blessed
her; and then she said to the lady: Madam, I am come to the death for
to make you whole, for God's love pray for me. With that she fell in
a swoon. Then Galahad and his two fellows start up to her, and lift
her up and staunched her, but she had bled so much that she might not
live. Then she said when she was awaked: Fair brother Percivale, I
die for the healing of this lady, so I require you that ye bury me
not in this country, but as soon as I am dead put me in a boat at the
next haven, and let me go as adventure will lead me; and as soon as
ye three come to the City of Sarras, there to enchieve the Holy
Grail, ye shall find me under a tower arrived, and there bury me in
the spiritual place; for I say you so much, there Galahad shall be
buried, and ye also, in the same place.
Then
Percivale understood these words, and granted it her, weeping. And
then said a voice: Lords and fellows, to-morrow at the hour of prime
ye three shall depart everych from other, till the adventure bring
you to the Maimed King. Then asked she her Saviour; and as soon as
she had received it the soul departed from the body. So the same day
was the lady healed, when she was anointed withal. Then Sir Percivale
made a letter of all that she had holpen them as in strange
adventures, and put it in her right hand, and so laid her in a barge,
and covered it with black silk; and so the wind arose, and drove the
barge from the land, and all knights beheld it till it was out of
their sight. Then they drew all to the castle, and so forthwith there
fell a sudden tempest and a thunder, lightning, and rain, as all the
earth would have broken. So half the castle turned up-so-down. So it
passed evensong or the tempest was ceased.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT ENTERED INTO THE
SHIP WHERE SIR PERCIVALE'S SISTER LAY DEAD, AND HOW HE CAME TO A
CASTLE AND WAS BEFORE THE DOOR OF A CHAMBER WHEREIN WAS THE SANGREAL. Now saith the history, that when Launcelot was come to the water of
Mortoise, as it is rehearsed before, he was in great peril, and so he
laid him down and slept, and took the adventure that God would
send him. So when he was asleep there came a vision unto him and
said: Launcelot, arise up and take thine armour, and enter into the
first ship that thou shalt find. And when he heard these words he
start up and saw great clearness about him. And then he lifted up his
hand and blessed him, and so took his arms and made him ready; and so
by adventure he came by a strand, and found a ship the which was
without sail or oar. And as soon as he was within the ship there he
felt the most sweetness that ever he felt, and he was fulfilled with
all thing that he thought on or desired. Then he said: Fair sweet
Father, Jesu Christ, I wot not in what joy I am, for this joy passeth
all earthly joys that ever I was in. And so in this joy he laid him
down to the ship's board, and slept till day. And when he awoke he
found there a fair bed, and therein lying a gentlewoman dead, the
which was Sir Percivale's sister. And as Launcelot devised her, he
espied in her right hand a writ, the which he read, the which told
him all the adventures that ye have heard to-fore, and of what
lineage she was come.
Then
the wind arose, and drove Launcelot more than a month throughout the
sea, where he slept but little, but prayed to God that he might see
some tidings of the Sangreal. So it befell on a night, at midnight,
he arrived afore a castle, on the back side, which was rich and fair,
and there was a postern opened toward the sea, and was open without
any keeping, save two lions kept the entry; and the moon shone clear.
Anon Sir Launcelot heard a voice that said: Launcelot, go out of
this ship and enter into the castle, where thou shalt see a great
part of thy desire. Then he ran to his arms, and so armed him, and so
went to the gate and saw the lions. Then set he hand to his sword and
drew it. Then there came a dwarf suddenly, and smote him on the arm
so sore that the sword fell out of his hand. Then heard he a voice
say: O man of evil faith and poor belief, wherefore trowest thou more
on thy harness than in thy Maker, for He might more avail thee than
thine armour, in whose service thou art set. Then said Launcelot:
Fair Father Jesu Christ, I thank thee of Thy great mercy that Thou
reprovest me of my misdeed; now see I well that ye hold me for your
servant. Then took he again his sword and put it up in his sheath,
and made a cross in his forehead, and came to the lions, and they
made semblaunt to do him harm. Notwithstanding he passed by them
without hurt, and entered into the castle to the chief fortress, and
there were they all at rest. Then Launcelot entered in so armed,
for he found no gate nor door but it was open. And at the last he
found a chamber whereof the door was shut, and he set his hand
thereto to have opened it, but he might not.
Then
he enforced him mickle to undo the door. Then he listened and heard a
voice which sang so sweetly that it seemed none earthly thing; and
him thought the voice said: Joy and honour be to the Father of
Heaven. Then Launcelot kneeled down to-fore the chamber, for well
wist he that there was the Sangreal within that chamber. Then said
he: Fair sweet Father, Jesu Christ, if ever I did thing that pleased
Thee, Lord for Thy pity ne have me not in despite for my sins done
aforetime, and that Thou show me something of that I seek. And with
that he saw the chamber door open, and there came out a great
clearness, that the house was as bright as all the torches of the
world had been there.
So
came he to the chamber door, and would have entered. And anon a voice
said to him: Flee, Launcelot, and enter not, for thou oughtest not to
do it; and if thou enter thou shalt for-think it. Then he withdrew
him aback right heavy. Then looked he up in the midst of the chamber,
and saw a table of silver, and the Holy Vessel, covered with red
samite, and many angels about it, whereof one held a candle of wax
burning, and the other held a cross, and the ornaments of an altar.
And before the Holy Vessel he saw a good man clothed as a priest. And
it seemed that he was at the sacring of the mass. And it seemed to
Launcelot that above the priest's hands were three men, whereof the
two put the youngest by likeness between the priest's hands; and so
he lifted it up right high, and it seemed to show so to the people.
And then Launcelot marvelled not a little, for him thought the priest
was so greatly charged of the figure that him seemed that he should
fall to the earth. And when he saw none about him that would help
him, then came he to the door a great pace, and said: Fair Father
Jesu Christ, ne take it for no sin though I help the good man which
hath great need of help.
Right
so entered he into the chamber, and came toward the table of silver;
and when he came nigh he felt a breath, that him thought it was
intermeddled with fire, which smote him so sore in the visage that
him thought it brent his visage; and therewith he fell to the earth,
and had no power to arise, as he that was so araged, that had lost
the power of his body, and his hearing, and his seeing. Then felt he
many hands about him, which took him up and bare him out of the
chamber door, without any amending of his swoon, and left him there,
seeming dead to all people.
So
upon the morrow when it was fair day they within were arisen, and
found Launcelot lying afore the chamber door. All they marvelled how
that he came in, and so they looked upon him, and felt his pulse to
wit whether there were any life in him; and so they found life in
him, but he might not stand nor stir no member that he had. And so
they took him by every part of the body, and bare him into a chamber,
and laid him in a rich bed, far from all folk; and so he lay four
days. Then the one said he was alive, and the other said, Nay. In the
name of God, said an old man, for I do you verily to wit he is not
dead, but he is so full of life as the mightiest of you all; and
therefore I counsel you that he be well kept till God send him life
again.
HOW AFTER THAT SIR LAUNCELOT HAD LAIN
FOUR–AND–TWENTY DAYS AND NIGHTS AS A DEAD MAN, IT WAS TOLD HIM
THAT HE HAD ACHIEVED ALL HE MIGHT OF THE QUEST OF THE SANGREAL, AND
HE RETURNED TO KING ARTHUR'S COURT.
In
such manner they kept Launcelot four-and-twenty days and all so many
nights, that ever he lay still as a dead man; and at the twenty-fifth
day befell him after midday that he opened his eyes. And when he saw
folk he made great sorrow, and said: Why have ye awaked me, for I was
more at ease than I am now. O Jesu Christ, who might be so blessed
that might see openly thy great marvels of secretness there where no
sinner may be! What have ye seen? said they about him. I have seen,
said he, so great marvels that no tongue may tell, and more than any
heart can think.
Then
they told him how he had lain there four-and-twenty days and
nights. Then him thought it was punishment
for the four-and-twenty years that he had been a sinner,
wherefore Our Lord put him in penance four-and-twenty days and
nights. Then looked Sir Launcelot afore him, and saw the hair which
he had borne nigh a year, for that he for-thought him right much that
he had broken his promise unto the hermit, which he had avowed
to do. Then they asked how it stood with him. Forsooth, said he, I am
whole of body, thanked be Our Lord; therefore, sirs, for God's love
tell me where I am. Then said they all that he was in the castle of
Carbonek.
Therewith
came a gentlewoman and brought him a shirt of small linen cloth, but
he changed not there, but took the hair to him again. Sir, said they,
the quest of the Sangreal is achieved now right in you, that
never shall ye see of the Sangreal no more than ye have seen. Now I
thank God, said Launcelot, of His great mercy of that I have seen,
for it sufficeth me; for as I suppose no man in this world hath lived
better than I have done to enchieve that I have done. And therewith
he took the hair and clothed him in it, and above that he put a linen
shirt, and after a robe of scarlet, fresh and new. And when he was so
arrayed they marvelled all, for they knew him that he was Launcelot,
the good knight. And then they said all: O my lord Sir Launcelot,
be that ye? And he said: Truly I am he.
Then
came word to King Pelles that the knight that had lain so long dead
was Sir Launcelot. Then was the king right glad, and went to see him.
And when Launcelot saw him come he dressed him against him, and there
made the king great joy of him. And there the king told him tidings
that his fair daughter was dead. Then Launcelot was right heavy of
it, and said: Sir, me forthinketh the death of your daughter, for she
was a full fair lady, fresh and young. And well I wot she bare the
best knight that is now on the earth, or that ever was sith God was
born. So the king held him there four days, and on the morrow he took
his leave at King Pelles and at all the fellowship, and thanked them
of their great labour.
So
Sir Launcelot departed, and took his arms, and said he would go see
the realm of Logris, which I have not seen in twelve months. And
therewith he commended the king to God, and so rode through many
realms. And at the last he came to a white abbey, and there they made
him that night great cheer; and on the morn he rose and heard mass.
And a fore an altar he found a rich tomb, which was newly made; and
then he took heed, and saw the sides written with gold which said:
Here lieth King Bagdemagus of Gore, which King Arthur's nephew slew;
and named him, Sir Gawaine. Then was not he a little sorry, for
Launcelot loved him much more than any other, and had it been
any other than Gawaine he should not have escaped from death to life;
and said to himself: Ah Lord God, this is a great hurt unto King
Arthur's court, the loss of such a man. And then he departed and came
to the abbey where Galahad won the white shield with the red
cross; and there had he great cheer all that night.
And
on the morn he turned unto Camelot, where he found King Arthur and
the queen. But many of the knights of the Round Table were slain and
destroyed, more than half. And all the court was passing glad of Sir
Launcelot, and the king asked him many tidings of his son Galahad.
And there Launcelot told the king of his adventures that had befallen
him since he departed. And also he told him of the adventures of
Galahad, Percivale, and Bors, which that he knew by the letter of the
dead damosel, and as Galahad had told him. Now God would, said
the king, that they were all three here. That shall never be, said
Launcelot, for two of them shall ye never see, but one of them shall
come again.
Now
leave we this story and speak of Galahad.
HOW GALAHAD CAME TO KING MORDRAINS,
AND HOW SIR PERCIVALE AND SIR BORS MET WITH HIM, AND HOW THEY CAME TO
THE CASTLE OF CARBONEK.
Now,
saith the story, Galahad rode many journeys in vain. And at the last
he came to the abbey where King Mordrains was, and when he heard
that, he thought he would abide to see him. And upon the morn, when
he had heard mass, Galahad came unto King Mordrains, and anon the
king saw him, the which had lain blind of long time. And then he
dressed him against him, and said: Galahad, the servant of Jesu
Christ, whose coming I have abiden so long, now embrace me and let me
rest on thy breast, so that I may rest between thine arms, for thou
art a clean virgin above all knights, as the flower of the lily in
whom virginity is signified, and thou art the rose the which is the
flower of all good virtues, and in colour of fire. For the fire of
the Holy Ghost is taken so in thee that my flesh which was all dead
of oldness is become young again. When Galahad heard his words, then
he embraced him and all his body. Then said he: Fair Lord Jesu
Christ, now I have my will. Now I require thee, in this point that I
am in, thou come and visit me. And anon Our Lord heard his prayer:
therewith the soul departed from the body.
And
then Galahad put him in the earth as a king ought to be, and so
departed and rode till that he came to the Maimed King. And ever
followed Percivale, asking where he had been. So on a day it befell
that they came out of a great forest, and there they met at traverse
with Sir Bors, the which rode alone. It is none need to tell if they
were glad; and them he saluted, and they yielded him honour and good
adventure, and everych told other. Then said Bors: It is mo than a
year and an half that I ne lay ten times where men dwelled, but in
wild forests and in mountains, but God was ever my comfort.
Then
rode they a great while till that they came to the castle of
Carbonek. And when they were entered within the castle King Pelles
knew them; then there was great joy, for they wist well by their
coming that they had fulfilled the quest of the Sangreal. Then
Eliazar, King Pelles' son, brought to-fore them the broken sword
wherewith Joseph was stricken through the thigh. Then Bors set his
hand thereto, if that he might have soldered it again; but it would
not be. Then he took it to Percivale, but he had no more power
thereto than he. Now have ye it again, said Percivale to Galahad, for
an it be ever enchieved by any bodily man ye must do it. And then he
took the pieces and set them together, and they seemed that they had
never been broken, and as well as it had been first forged. And when
they within espied that the adventure of the sword was enchieved,
then they gave the sword to Bors, for it might not be better set; for
he was a good knight and a worthy man.
And
a little afore even the sword arose great and marvellous, and
was full of great heat that many men fell for dread. And anon
alighted a voice among them, and said: They that ought not to sit at
the table of Jesu Christ arise, for now shall very knights be fed. So
they went thence, all save King Pelles and Eliazar, his son, the
which were holy men, and a maid which was his niece; and so these
three fellows and they three were there, no mo. Anon they saw knights
all armed came in at the hall door, and did off their helms and their
arms, and said unto Galahad: Sir, we have hied right much for to be
with you at this table where the holy meat shall be departed. Then
said he: Ye be welcome, but of whence be ye? So three of them said
they were of Gaul, and other three said they were of Ireland, and the
other three said they were of Denmark. So as they sat thus there came
out a bed of tree, of a chamber, the which four gentlewomen brought;
and in the bed lay a good man sick, and a crown of gold upon his
head; and there in the midst of the place they set him down, and went
again their way. Then he lifted up his head, and said: Galahad,
Knight, ye be welcome, for much have I desired your coming, for in
such pain and in such anguish I have been long. But now I trust to
God the term is come that my pain shall be allayed, that I shall
pass out of this world so as it was promised me long ago. Therewith a
voice said: There be two among you that be not in the quest of the
Sangreal, and therefore depart ye.
HOW GALAHAD AND HIS FELLOWS WERE FED
OF THE HOLY SANGREAL, AND HOW OUR LORD APPEARED TO THEM, AND HOW
GALAHAD ANOINTED THE MAIMED KING, AND HOW THEY DEPARTED AND TOOK SHIP
AND CAME TO THE CITY OF SARRAS, AND FOUND THERE THE SHIP WITH THE
BODY OF PERCIVALE'S SISTER.
Then
King Pelles and his son departed. And therewithal beseemed them that
there came a man, and four angels from heaven, clothed in likeness of
a bishop, and had a cross in his hand; and these four angels bare him
up in a chair, and set him down before the table of silver whereupon
the Sangreal was; and it seemed that he had in midst of his forehead
letters the which said: See ye here Joseph, the first bishop of
Christendom, the same which Our Lord succoured in the city of Sarras
in the spiritual place. Then the knights marvelled, for that bishop
was dead more than three hundred year to-fore. O knights, said he,
marvel not, for I was sometime an earthly man. With that they heard
the chamber door open, and there they saw angels; and two bare
candles of wax, and the third a towel, and the fourth a spear which
bled marvellously, that three drops fell within a box which he held
with his other hand. And they set the candles upon the table, and the
third the towel upon the vessel, and the fourth the holy spear even
upright upon the vessel. And then the bishop made semblaunt as though
he would have gone to the sacring of the mass. And then he took an
ubblie which was made in likeness of bread. And at the lifting up
there came a figure in likeness of a child, and the visage was as red
and as bright as any fire, and smote himself into the bread, so that
they all saw it that the bread was formed of a fleshly man; and then
he put it into the Holy Vessel again, and then he did that longed
to a priest to do to a mass. And then he went to Galahad and kissed
him, and bade him go and kiss his fellows: and so he did anon. Now,
said he, servants of Jesu Christ, ye shall be fed afore this table
with sweet meats that never knights tasted. And when he had said, he
vanished away. And they set them at the table in great dread, and
made their prayers.
Then
looked they and saw a man come out of the Holy Vessel, that had all
the signs of the passion of Jesu Christ, bleeding all openly, and
said: My knights, and my servants, and my true children, which be
come out of deadly life into spiritual life, I will now no longer
hide me from you, but ye shall see now a part of my secrets and of my
hidden things: now hold and receive the high meat which ye have so
much desired. Then took he himself the Holy Vessel and came to
Galahad; and he kneeled down, and there he received his Saviour, and
after him so received all his fellows; and they thought it so sweet
that it was marvellous to tell. Then said he to Galahad: Son, wottest
thou what I hold betwixt my hands? Nay, said he, but if ye will tell
me. This is, said he, the holy dish wherein I ate the lamb on
Sheer-Thursday. And now hast thou seen that thou most desired to see,
but yet hast thou not seen it so openly as thou shalt see it in the
city of Sarras in the spiritual place. Therefore thou must go hence
and bear with thee this Holy Vessel; for this night it shall depart
from the realm of Logris, that it shall never be seen more here. And
wottest thou wherefore? For he is not served nor worshipped to
his right by them of this land, for they be turned to evil living;
therefore I shall disherit them of the honour which I have done them.
And therefore go ye three to-morrow unto the sea, where ye shall find
your ship ready, and with you take the sword with the strange
girdles, and no more with you but Sir Percivale and Sir Bors.
Also I will that ye take with you of the blood of this spear for to
anoint the Maimed King, both his legs and all his body, and he shall
have his health. Sir, said Galahad, why shall not these other fellows
go with us? For this cause: for right as I departed my apostles One
here and another there, so I will that ye depart; and two of you
shall die in my service, but one of you shall come again and tell
tidings. Then gave he them his blessing and vanished away.
And
Galahad went anon to the spear which lay upon the table, and touched
the blood with his fingers, and came after to the Maimed King and
anointed his legs. And therewith he clothed him anon, and
started upon his feet out of his bed as an whole man, and thanked Our
Lord that He had healed him. And that was not to the worldward, for
anon he yielded him to a place of religion of white monks, and was a
full holy man. That same night about midnight came a voice among them
which said: My sons and not my chief sons, my friends and not my
warriors, go ye hence where ye hope best to do and as I bade you. And
anon in all haste they took their harness and departed. But the three
knights of Gaul, one of them hight Claudine, King Claudas' son, and
the other two were great gentlemen. Then prayed Galahad to everych of
them, that if they come to King Arthur's court that they should
salute my lord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and all the fellowship of
the Round Table; and prayed them if that they came on that part that
they should not forget it.
Right
so departed Galahad, Percivale and Bors with him; and so they rode
three days, and then they came to a rivage, and found the ship
whereof the tale speaketh of to-fore. And when they came to the board
they found in the midst the table of silver which they had left with
the Maimed King, and the Sangreal which was covered with red samite.
Then were they glad to have such things in their fellowship; and so
they entered and made great reverence thereto; and Galahad fell
in his prayer long time to Our Lord, that at what time he asked, that
he should pass out of this world. So much he prayed till a voice said
to him: Galahad, thou shalt have thy request; and when thou askest
the death of thy body thou shalt have it, and then shalt thou find
the life of the soul. Percivale heard this, and prayed him, of
fellowship that was between them, to tell him wherefore he asked such
things. That shall I tell you, said Galahad; the other day when we
saw a part of the adventures of the Sangreal I was in such a joy of
heart, that I trow never man was that was earthly. And therefore I
wot well, when my body is dead my soul shall be in great joy to see
the blessed Trinity every day, and the majesty of Our Lord, Jesu
Christ.
So
long were they in the ship that they said to Galahad: Sir, in this
bed ought ye to lie, for so saith the scripture. And so he laid him
down and slept a great while; and when he awaked he looked afore him
and saw the city of Sarras. And as they would have landed they saw
the ship wherein Percivale had put his sister in. Truly, said
Percivale, in the name of God, well hath my sister holden us
covenant.
Then
took they out of the ship the table of silver, and he took it to
Percivale and to Bors, to go to-fore, and Galahad came behind. And
right so they went to the city, and at the gate of the city they saw
an old man crooked. Then Galahad called him and bade him help to bear
this heavy thing. Truly, said the old man, it is ten year ago that I
might not go but with crutches. Care thou not, said Galahad, and
arise up and shew thy good will. And so he assayed, and found
himself as whole as ever he was. Then ran he to the table, and took
one part against Galahad. And anon arose there great noise in the
city, that a cripple was made wholeby knights marvellous that entered
into the city.
HOW THEY BURIED PERCIVALE'S SISTER AND
WERE PUT IN PRISON BY THE KING OF THE CITY, AND HOW THEY WERE FED
WITH THE SANGREAL AND HOW GALAHAD WAS MADE KING, AND HOW GALAHAD AND
PERCIVALE DIED. Then anon after, the three knights went to the
water, and brought up into the palace Percivale's sister, and buried
her as richly as a king's daughter ought to be. And when the king of
the city, which was cleped Estorause, saw the fellowship, he asked
them of whence they were, and what thing it was that they had brought
upon the table of silver. And they told him the truth of the
Sangreal, and the power which that God had sent there. Then the king
was a tyrant, and was come of the line of paynims, and took them and
put them in prison in a deep hole.
But
as soon as they were there Our Lord sent them the Sangreal, through
whose grace they were always fulfilled while that they were in
prison. So at the year's end it befell that this King Estorause lay
sick, and felt that he should die. Then he sent for the three
knights, and they came afore him; and he cried them mercy of that he
had done to them, and they forgave it him goodly; and he died anon.
When the king was dead all the city was dismayed, and wist not who
might be their king. Right so as they were in counsel there came a
voice among them, and bade them choose the youngest knight of them
three to be their king: For he shall well maintain you and all yours.
So they made Galahad king by all the assent of the holy city, and
else they would have slain him. And when he was come to behold the
land, he let make above the table of silver a chest of gold and of
precious stones, that covered the Holy Vessel. And every day early
the three fellows would come afore it, and make their prayers.
Now
at the year's end, and the self day after Galahad had borne the crown
of gold, he arose up early and his fellows, and came to the
palace, and saw to-fore them the Holy Vessel, and a man kneeling on
his knees in likeness of a bishop, that had about him a great
fellowship of angels, as it had been Jesu Christ himself; and then he
arose and began a mass of Our Lady. And when he came to the
sacrament of the mass, and had done, anon he called Galahad, and
said to him: Come forth the servant of Jesu Christ, and thou shalt
see that thou hast much desired to see. And then he began to tremble
right hard when the deadly flesh began to behold the spiritual
things. Then he held up his hands toward heaven and said: Lord, I
thank thee, for now I see that that hath been my desire many a day.
Now, blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if it might please thee,
Lord. And therewith the good man took Our Lord's body betwixt his
hands, and proffered it to Galahad, and he received it right
gladly and meekly. Now wottest thou what I am? said the good man.
Nay, said Galahad. I am Joseph of Aramathie, the which Our Lord hath
sent here to thee to bear thee fellowship; and wottest thou wherefore
that he hath sent me more than any other? For thou hast resembled me
in two things; in that thou hast seen the marvels of the Sangreal, in
that thou hast been a clean maiden, as I have been and am.
And
when he had said these words Galahad went to Percivale and kissed
him, and commended him to God; and so he went to Sir Bors and kissed
him, and commended him to God, and said: Fair lord, salute me to my
lord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and as soon as ye see him, bid
him remember of this unstable world. And therewith he kneeled
down to-fore the table and made his prayers, and then suddenly his
soul departed to Jesu Christ, and a great multitude of angels bare
his soul up to heaven, that the two fellows might well behold it.
Also the two fellows saw come from heaven an hand, but they saw not
the body. And then it came right to the vessel, and took it and the
spear, and so bare it up to heaven. Sithen was there never man so
hardy to say that he had seen the Sangreal.
When
Percivale and Bors saw Galahad dead they made as much sorrow as ever
did two men. And if they had not been good men they might lightly
have fallen in despair. And the people of the country and of the city
were right heavy. And then he was buried; and as soon as he was
buried Sir Percivale yielded him to an hermitage out of the city, and
took a religious clothing. And Bors was alway with him, but never
changed he his secular clothing, for that he purposed him to go again
into the realm of Logris. Thus a year and two months lived Sir
Percivale in the hermitage a full holy life, and then passed out
of this world; and Bors let bury him by his sister and by Galahad in
the spiritualities.
When
Bors saw that he was in so-far countries as in the parts of Babylon
he departed from Sarras, and armed him and came to the sea, and
entered into a ship; and so it befell him in good adventure he
came into the realm of Logris; and he rode so fast till he came to
Camelot where the king was. And then was there great joy made of him
in the court, for they weened all he had been dead, forasmuch as he
had been so long out of the country. And when they had eaten, the
king made great clerks to come afore him, that they should chronicle
of the high adventures of the good knights. When Bors had told him of
the adventures of the Sangreal, such as had befallen him and his
three fellows, that was Launcelot, Percivale, Galahad, and
himself, there Launcelot told the adventures of the Sangreal that he
had seen. All this was made in great books, and put up in almeries at
Salisbury. And anon Sir Bors said to Sir Launcelot: Galahad,
your own son, saluted you by me, and after you King Arthur and all
the court, and so did Sir Percivale, for I buried them with mine own
hands in the city of Sarras. Also, Sir Launcelot, Galahad prayed you
to remember of this unsiker world. Now I trust to God, said
Launcelot, his prayer shall avail me.
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