The damsel had right great joy of the knight that he should grant her
his aid, but she knew not he was her brother, or otherwise she would
have doubled her joy. Perceval knoweth well that she is his sister,
but he would not yet discover himself and manifest his pity outwardly.
He helpeth the damsel to mount again and they rode on together.
"Sir," saith the damsel, "Needs must I go to-night by myself to the
Grave-yard Perilous."
"Wherefore go you thither?" saith Perceval.
"Sir," saith she, "I have made vow thereof, and moreover a holy hermit
hath told me that the knight that warreth upon us may not be overcome
of no knight, save I bring him not some of the cloth wherewith the
altar in the chapel of the Grave-yard Perilous is covered. The cloth
is of the most holiest, for our Lord God was covered therewith in the
Holy Sepulchre, on the third day when He came back from death to life.
Nor none may enter the holy grave-yard that bringeth another with him,
wherefore behoveth me go by myself, and may God save my life this
night, for the place is sore perilous, and so ought I greatly to hate
him that hath procured me this dolour and travail. Sir," saith she,
"You will go your way toward the castle of Camelot: there is the Widow
Lady my mother, that awaiteth the return and the succour of the Good
Knight, and may you remember to succour and aid us when you shall see
how sore is our need of succour.