"All these have made assay whose heads you see hanging at the door, but
never might none of them remove the sword, and on this occasion were
they beheaded. Now is it said that none may draw it forth, unless he
that draweth be better knight than another, and needs must he be one of
them that have been at the Graal. But, and you be minded to believe me,
fair Sir," saith the knight, "You will go elsewhither, for ill lodging
is it in a place where one must needs set body and life in adventure of
death, and none ought to be blamed for escaping from his own harm.
Sir, the castle is right fell, for it hath underground, at the issue of
a cavern that is there, a lion and a griffon that have devoured more
than half a hundred knights."
"Sir," saith Lancelot, "It is evening, nor know I how I may go farther
this day, for I know not whither I go sith that I know not the places
nor the ways of the forest."
"Sir," saith the knight, "I speak only for your own good, and God grant
you depart hence, honour safe."
Lancelot findeth the door of the castle all open, and entereth in all
armed, and alighteth before the master-hall. The King was leaning at
the windows, and biddeth stall his horse.