So soon as the ship had taken haven under the castle, the sea
withdraweth itself back, so that the ship is left on dry land. None
were therein save Perceval, his horse, and the pilot. They issued
forth of the ship and went by the side of the sea toward the castle,
and therein were the fairest halls and the fairest mansions that any
might see ever. He Looketh underneath a tree that was tall and broad
and seeth the fairest fountain and the clearest that any may devise,
and it was all surrounded of rich pillars, and the gravel thereof
seemed to be gold and precious stones. Above this fountain were two
men sitting, their beards and hair whiter than driven snow, albeit they
seemed young of visage. So soon as they saw Perceval they dressed them
to meet him, and bowed down and worshipped the shield that he bare at
his neck, and kissed the cross and then the boss wherein were the
hallows.
"Sir," say they, "Marvel not of this that we do, for well knew we the
knight that bare this shield tofore you. Many a time we saw him or
ever God were crucified."
Perceval marvelleth much of this that they say, for they talk of a time
that is long agone.