XXV.

Perceval remained there gladly for that he saw the lady's cruelty was

somewhat slackened, and it seemed him that it would be great joy and

she were willing to turn to God, and they that are within there, for

well he knoweth that so she should hold to the New Law, all they of the

land would be of the same mind. When Perceval had lain the night at

the castle, the Lady on the morrow sent for all the more powerful of

her land, and came forth of her chamber into the hall where Perceval

was, seeing as clear as ever she had seen aforetime.

"Lords," saith she, "Hearken ye all, for now will I tell you the truth

like as it hath befallen me. I was lying in my bed last night, and

well know ye that I saw not a whit, and made my orisons to our gods

that they would restore me my sight. It seemed me they made answer

that they had no power so to do, but that I should make be slain the

knight that was arrived here, and that and I did not, sore wroth would

they be with me. And when I had heard their voices say that nought

might they avail me as for that I had prayed of them, I remembered me

of the Lord in whom they that hold the New Law believe. And I prayed

Him right sweetly that, and so it were that He had such virtue and such

puissance as many said, He would make me see clear, so as that I might

believe in Him. At that hour I fell on sleep, and meseemed that I saw

one of the fairest Ladies in the world, and she was delivered of a

Child therewithin, and He had about Him a great brightness of light

like it were the sun shone at right noonday."

The High History of the Holy Graal · 第 441 / 489 题