Here the story is silent of Lancelot and Messire Gawain, and saith that
Perceval is in the Turning Castle, whereof Joseus recounteth the truth,
to wit, that Virgil founded it in the air by his wisdom in such
fashion, when the philosophers went on the Quest of the Earthly
Paradise, and it was prophesied that the castle should not cease
turning until such time as the Knight should come thither that should
have a head of gold, the look of a lion, a heart of steel, the navel of
a virgin maiden, conditions without wickedness, the valour of a man and
faith and belief of God; and that this knight should bear the shield of
the Good Soldier that took down the Saviour of the World from hanging
on the rood. It was prophesied, moreover, that all they of the castle
and all other castles whereof this one was the guardian should hold the
old law until such time as the Good Knight should come, by whom their
souls should be saved and their death respited. For, so soon as he
should be come, they should run to be baptized, and should firmly
believe the new law. Wherefore was the joy great in the castle for
that their death should now be respited, and that they should be
released of all terror of the knight that was their foe, whom they
dreaded even to the death, and of the sin of the false law whereof they
had heretofore been attaint.