When the grass, ferns, and stones were cleared away, it was discovered
that the rock, or core of the mountain, was one entire onyx of enormous
size. This was flattened into a flooring, and polished with great care;
and upon it the castle was built. Now came the more important task of
rearing the temple, but they were in doubt as to the plan and shape
that would be most fitting.
One morning when Titurel awoke, he prayed that he might be enlightened
to know how to build the church, and when he went out he saw the entire
ground-plan clearly marked out on the rock-foundation, and all the
miraculous materials that were wanted, ready piled up in huge stacks.
So the knights worked hard all day long, and the invisible powers
worked all night. It was wonderful how quickly the walls rose, and the
church was finished. It was circular in form, and had seventy-two
octagon choirs, every two of which supported a belfry. In the midst
rose a tower with many windows, and openings with pointed arches. The
topmost point of the tower was a ruby, out of which rose a cross of
clear crystal surmounted by a golden eagle with outstretched wings.
Within the building, sculptured vines, roses, and lilies twined about
the pillars, forming bowers, on whose branches birds seemed to flutter
as if alive. At every intersection of the arches was a glowing
carbuncle that turned night into day; and the vaulted roof was of blue
sapphire, in which a miracle of art was to be seen. The sun, moon, and
stars placed there by the builders, moved in the same order as the real
luminaries in the heavens.
In the wide inner space of the great temple a second and smaller
sanctuary was built, resembling the first, but far more beautiful. This
was the place intended for the Sangreal, should it come down to earth.
And now the work was finished. The hour of consecration had come. The
bells rang. The priests began to chant the hymn, and a chorus of angels
joined in: “Glory to God on high, peace on earth, good will to men.” At
the same moment a sweet perfume filled the air, the sacred vessel
descended and floated over the altar in the inner sanctuary. A deep and
solemn silence reigned in the mighty building. Then the invisible choir
began to sing: “The glory of the Lord has arisen in Zion! Praise Him,
ye faithful, and make known His holy name.” The priest spoke the
blessing, and the consecration was complete. Titurel did not move for
some time after the others had withdrawn. He was lost in wonder and
joy. He did not touch the vessel, for he had not been told to do so.
The building had taken thirty years to complete. After the
consecration, a dove appeared every Good Friday carrying a wafer from
the holy sacrament in its bill. It dropped the wafer into the sacred
vessel, thereby keeping up the miraculous powers of the Grail, which
provided food for the knights who guarded it, and healed any wounds
they might sustain at the hands of the unbelievers who sometimes
attacked them.