"Sir," saith Perceval, "Tell me of the knight that is all armed in the
ivory vessel, who he is, and what is the name of this castle?"
"You may not know," saith the Master, "until your return. But tell me
tidings of the most Holy Graal, that you reconquered, is it still in
the holy chapel that was King Fisherman's?"
"Yea, Sir," saith Perceval, "And the sword wherewith S. John was
beheaded, and other hallows in great plenty."
"I saw the Graal," saith the Master, "or ever Joseph, that was uncle to
King Fisherman, collected therein the blood or Jesus Christ. Know that
well am I acquainted with all your lineage, and of what folk you were
born. For your good knighthood and for your good cleanness and for
your good valour came you in hither, for such was Our Lord's will, and
take heed that you be ready when place shall be, and time shall come,
and you shall see the ship apparelled."
"Sir," saith Perceval, "Most willingly shall I return, nor never would
I have sought to depart but for my lady my mother, and for my sister,
for never have I seen no place that so much hath pleased me."
He was right well harboured the night within, and in the morning, or
ever he departed, heard a holy mass in a holy chapel the fairest that
he had seen ever. The Master cometh to him after the mass and bringeth
him a shield as white as snow. Afterwards, he saith, "You will leave
me your shield within for token of your coming and will bear this."
"Sir," saith Perceval, "I will do your pleasure."
He hath taken leave, and so departeth from the rich mansion, and
findeth the ship all apparelled, and heareth sound the bells at his
forth-going the same as at his coming. He entereth into the ship and
the sail is set. He leaveth the land far behind, and the pilot
steereth the ship and Our Lord God guideth and leadeth him. The ship
runneth a great speed, for far enough had she to run, but God made her
speed as He would, for He knew the passing great goodness and worth of
the knight that was within.