When he knoweth that he is nigh the castle, he alighteth and confesseth
him to the hermit, and avoweth all his sins and repenteth him thereof
right truly.
"Sir," saith the hermit, "Now forget not, so God be willing to allow
you, to ask that which the other knight forgat, and be not afeard for
ought you may see at the entrance of the castle, but ride on without
misgiving and adore the holy chapel you will see appear in the castle,
there where the flame of the Holy Spirit descendeth each day for the
most Holy Graal and the point of the lance that is served there."
"Sir," saith Messire Gawain, "God teach me to do His will!"
He taketh leave, and goeth his way and rideth until the valley
appeareth wherein the castle is seated garnished of all things good,
and he seeth appear the most holy chapel. He alighteth, and then
setteth him on his knees and boweth him down and adoreth right sweetly.
Thereafter he remounteth and rideth until he findeth a sepulchre right
rich, and it had a cover over, and it lay very nigh the castle, and it
seemed to be within a little burial-ground that was enclosed all round
about, nor were any other tombs therein. A voice crieth to him as he
passeth the burial-ground: "Touch not the sepulchre, for you are not
the Good Knight through whom shall it be known who lieth therein."
Messire Gawain passeth beyond when he had heard the voice and draweth
nigh the entrance of the castle, and seeth that three bridges are
there, right great and right horrible to pass. And three great waters
run below, and him seemeth that the first bridge is a bowshot in length
and in breadth not more than a foot. Strait seemeth the bridge and the
water deep and swift and wide. He knoweth not what he may do, for it
seemeth him that none may pass it, neither afoot nor on horse.