So rode they together till that they came to an hermitage. And there he

prayed Bors to dwell all that night with him. And so he alighted and

put away his armour, and prayed him that he might be confessed; and so

they went into the chapel, and there he was clean confessed, and they

ate bread and drank water together. Now, said the good man, I pray thee

that thou eat none other till that thou sit at the table where the

Sangreal shall be. Sir, said he, I agree me thereto, but how wit ye

that I shall sit there. Yes, said the good man, that know I, but there

shall be but few of your fellows with you. All is welcome, said Sir

Bors, that God sendeth me. Also, said the good man, instead of a shirt,

and in sign of chastisement, ye shall wear a garment; therefore I pray

you do off all your clothes and your shirt: and so he did. And then he

took him a scarlet coat, so that should be instead of his shirt till he

had fulfilled the quest of the Sangreal; and the good man found in him

so marvellous a life and so stable, that he marvelled and felt that he

was never corrupt in fleshly lusts, but in one time that he begat Elian

le Blank.

Then he armed him, and took his leave, and so departed. And so a little

from thence he looked up into a tree, and there he saw a passing great

bird upon an old tree, and it was passing dry, without leaves; and the

bird sat above, and had birds, the which were dead for hunger. So smote

he himself with his beak, the which was great and sharp. And so the

great bird bled till that he died among his birds. And the young birds

took the life by the blood of the great bird. When Bors saw this he

wist well it was a great tokening; for when he saw the great bird arose

not, then he took his horse and yede his way. So by evensong, by

adventure he came to a strong tower and an high, and there was he

lodged gladly.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took upon

him for to fight against a champion for her land.

And when he was unarmed they led him into an high tower where was a

lady, young, lusty, and fair. And she received him with great joy, and

made him to sit down by her, and so was he set to sup with flesh and

many dainties. And when Sir Bors saw that, he bethought him on his

penance, and bade a squire to bring him water. And so he brought him,

and he made sops therein and ate them. Ah, said the lady, I trow ye

like not my meat. Yes, truly, said Sir Bors, God thank you, madam, but

I may eat none other meat this day. Then she spake no more as at that

time, for she was loath to displease him. Then after supper they spake

of one thing and other.

With that came a squire and said: Madam, ye must purvey you to-morn for

a champion, for else your sister will have this castle and also your

lands, except ye can find a knight that will fight to-morn in your

quarrel against Pridam le Noire. Then she made sorrow and said: Ah,

Lord God, wherefore granted ye to hold my land, whereof I should now be

disherited without reason and right? And when Sir Bors had heard her

say thus, he said: I shall comfort you. Sir, said she, I shall tell you

there was here a king that hight Aniause, which held all this land in

his keeping. So it mishapped he loved a gentlewoman a great deal elder

than I. So took he her all this land to her keeping, and all his men to

govern; and she brought up many evil customs whereby she put to death a

great part of his kinsmen. And when he saw that, he let chase her out

of this land, and betook it me, and all this land in my demesnes. But

anon as that worthy king was dead, this other lady began to war upon

me, and hath destroyed many of my men, and turned them against me, that

I have well-nigh no man left me; and I have nought else but this high

tower that she left me. And yet she hath promised me to have this

tower, without I can find a knight to fight with her champion.

Now tell me, said Sir Bors, what is that Pridam le Noire? Sir, said

she, he is the most doubted man of this land. Now may ye send her word

that ye have found a knight that shall fight with that Pridam le Noire

in God’s quarrel and yours. Then that lady was not a little glad, and

sent word that she was purveyed, and that night Bors had good cheer;

but in no bed he would come, but laid him on the floor, nor never would

do otherwise till that he had met with the quest of the Sangreal.

CHAPTER VIII. Of an advision which Sir Bors had that night, and how he

fought and overcame his adversary.

And anon as he was asleep him befell a vision, that there came to him

two birds, the one as white as a swan, and the other was marvellous

black; but it was not so great as the other, but in the likeness of a

Raven. Then the white bird came to him, and said: An thou wouldst give

me meat and serve me I should give thee all the riches of the world,

and I shall make thee as fair and as white as I am. So the white bird

departed, and there came the black bird to him, and said: An thou wolt,

serve me to-morrow and have me in no despite though I be black, for wit

thou well that more availeth my blackness than the other’s whiteness.

And then he departed.

And he had another vision: him thought that he came to a great place

which seemed a chapel, and there he found a chair set on the left side,

which was worm-eaten and feeble. And on the right hand were two flowers

like a lily, and the one would have benome the other’s whiteness, but a

good man departed them that the one touched not the other; and then out

of every flower came out many flowers, and fruit great plenty. Then him

thought the good man said: Should not he do great folly that would let

these two flowers perish for to succour the rotten tree, that it fell

not to the earth? Sir, said he, it seemeth me that this wood might not

avail. Now keep thee, said the good man, that thou never see such

adventure befall thee.

Then he awaked and made a sign of the cross in midst of the forehead,

and so rose and clothed him. And there came the lady of the place, and

she saluted him, and he her again, and so went to a chapel and heard

their service. And there came a company of knights, that the lady had

sent for, to lead Sir Bors unto battle. Then asked he his arms. And

when he was armed she prayed him to take a little morsel to dine. Nay,

madam, said he, that shall I not do till I have done my battle, by the

grace of God. And so he leapt upon his horse, and departed, all the

knights and men with him. And as soon as these two ladies met together,

she which Bors should fight for complained her, and said: Madam, ye

have done me wrong to bereave me of my lands that King Aniause gave me,

and full loath I am there should be any battle. Ye shall not choose,

said the other lady, or else your knight withdraw him.

Then there was the cry made, which party had the better of the two

knights, that his lady should rejoice all the land. Now departed the

one knight here, and the other there. Then they came together with such

a raundon that they pierced their shields and their hauberks, and the

spears flew in pieces, and they wounded either other sore. Then hurtled

they together, so that they fell both to the earth, and their horses

betwixt their legs; and anon they arose, and set hands to their swords,

and smote each one other upon the heads, that they made great wounds

and deep, that the blood went out of their bodies. For there found Sir

Bors greater defence in that knight more than he weened. For that

Pridam was a passing good knight, and he wounded Sir Bors full evil,

and he him again; but ever this Pridam held the stour in like hard.

That perceived Sir Bors, and suffered him till he was nigh attaint. And

then he ran upon him more and more, and the other went back for dread

of death. So in his withdrawing he fell upright, and Sir Bors drew his

helm so strongly that he rent it from his head, and gave him great

strokes with the flat of his sword upon the visage, and bade him yield

him or he should slay him. Then he cried him mercy and said: Fair

knight, for God’s love slay me not, and I shall ensure thee never to

war against thy lady, but be alway toward her. Then Bors let him be;

then the old lady fled with all her knights.

CHAPTER IX. How the lady was returned to her lands by the battle of Sir

Bors, and of his departing, and how he met Sir Lionel taken and beaten

with thorns, and also of a maid which should have been devoured.

So then came Bors to all those that held lands of his lady, and said he

should destroy them but if they did such service unto her as longed to

their lands. So they did their homage, and they that would not were

chased out of their lands. Then befell that young lady to come to her

estate again, by the mighty prowess of Sir Bors de Ganis. So when all

the country was well set in peace, then Sir Bors took his leave and

departed; and she thanked him greatly, and would have given him great

riches, but he refused it.

Then he rode all that day till night, and came to an harbour to a lady

which knew him well enough, and made of him great Joy. Upon the morn,

as soon as the day appeared, Bors departed from thence, and so rode

into a forest unto the hour of midday, and there befell him a

marvellous adventure. So he met at the departing of the two ways two

knights that led Lionel, his brother, all naked, bounden upon a strong

hackney, and his hands bounden to-fore his breast. And everych of them

held in his hands thorns wherewith they went beating him so sore that

the blood trailed down more than in an hundred places of his body, so

that he was all blood to-fore and behind, but he said never a word; as

he which was great of heart he suffered all that ever they did to him,

as though he had felt none anguish.

Anon Sir Bors dressed him to rescue him that was his brother; and so he

looked upon the other side of him, and saw a knight which brought a

fair gentlewoman, and would have set her in the thickest place of the

forest for to have been the more surer out of the way from them that

sought him. And she which was nothing assured cried with an high voice:

Saint Mary succour your maid. And anon she espied where Sir Bors came

riding. And when she came nigh him she deemed him a knight of the Round

Table, whereof she hoped to have some comfort; and then she conjured

him: By the faith that he ought unto Him in whose service thou art

entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto the high order of knighthood,

and for the noble King Arthur’s sake, that I suppose made thee knight,

that thou help me, and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight. When

Bors heard her say thus he had so much sorrow there he nist not what to

do. For if I let my brother be in adventure he must be slain, and that

would I not for all the earth. And if I help not the maid she is shamed

for ever, and also she shall lose her virginity the which she shall

never get again. Then lift he up his eyes and said weeping: Fair sweet

Lord Jesu Christ, whose liege man I am, keep Lionel, my brother, that

these knights slay him not, and for pity of you, and for Mary’s sake, I

shall succour this maid.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Bors left to rescue his brother, and rescued the

damosel; and how it was told him that Lionel was dead.

Then dressed he him unto the knight the which had the gentlewoman, and

then he cried: Sir knight, let your hand off that maiden, or ye be but

dead. And then he set down the maiden, and was armed at all pieces save

he lacked his spear. Then he dressed his shield, and drew out his

sword, and Bors smote him so hard that it went through his shield and

habergeon on the left shoulder. And through great strength he beat him

down to the earth, and at the pulling out of Bors’ spear there he

swooned. Then came Bors to the maid and said: How seemeth it you? of

this knight ye be delivered at this time. Now sir, said she, I pray you

lead me thereas this knight had me. So shall I do gladly: and took the

horse of the wounded knight, and set the gentlewoman upon him, and so

brought her as she desired. Sir knight, said she, ye have better sped

than ye weened, for an I had lost my maidenhead, five hundred men

should have died for it. What knight was he that had you in the forest?

By my faith, said she, he is my cousin. So wot I never with what engine

the fiend enchafed him, for yesterday he took me from my father

privily; for I, nor none of my father’s men, mistrusted him not, and if

he had had my maidenhead he should have died for the sin, and his body

shamed and dishonoured for ever. Thus as she stood talking with him

there came twelve knights seeking after her, and anon she told them all

how Bors had delivered her; then they made great joy, and besought him

to come to her father, a great lord, and he should be right welcome.

Truly, said Bors, that may not be at this time, for I have a great

adventure to do in this country. So he commended them unto God and

departed.

Then Sir Bors rode after Lionel, his brother, by the trace of their

horses, thus he rode seeking a great while. Then he overtook a man

clothed in a religious clothing; and rode on a strong black horse

blacker than a berry, and said: Sir knight, what seek you? Sir, said

he, I seek my brother that I saw within a while beaten with two

knights. Ah, Bors, discomfort you not, nor fall into no wanhope; for I

shall tell you tidings such as they be, for truly he is dead. Then

showed he him a new slain body lying in a bush, and it seemed him well

that it was the body of Lionel, and then he made such a sorrow that he

fell to the earth all in a swoon, and lay a great while there. And when

he came to himself he said: Fair brother, sith the company of you and

me is departed shall I never have joy in my heart, and now He which I

have taken unto my master, He be my help. And when he had said thus he

took his body lightly in his arms, and put it upon the arson of his

saddle. And then he said to the man: Canst thou tell me unto some

chapel where that I may bury this body? Come on, said he, here is one

fast by; and so long they rode till they saw a fair tower, and afore it

there seemed an old feeble chapel. And then they alighted both, and put

him into a tomb of marble.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest, which he had

dreamed, and of the counsel that the priest gave to him.

Now leave we him here, said the good man, and go we to our harbour till

to-morrow; we will come here again to do him service. Sir, said Bors,

be ye a priest? Yea forsooth, said he. Then I pray you tell me a dream

that befell to me the last night. Say on, said he. Then he began so

much to tell him of the great bird in the forest, and after told him of

his birds, one white, another black, and of the rotten tree, and of the

white flowers. Sir, I shall tell you a part now, and the other deal

to-morrow. The white fowl betokeneth a gentlewoman, fair and rich,

which loved thee paramours, and hath loved thee long; and if thou warn

her love she shall go die anon, if thou have no pity on her. That

signifieth the great bird, the which shall make thee to warn her. Now

for no fear that thou hast, ne for no dread that thou hast of God, thou

shalt not warn her, but thou wouldst not do it for to be holden chaste,

for to conquer the loos of the vain glory of the world; for that shall

befall thee now an thou warn her, that Launcelot, the good knight, thy

cousin, shall die. And therefore men shall now say that thou art a

manslayer, both of thy brother, Sir Lionel, and of thy cousin, Sir

Launcelot du Lake, the which thou mightest have saved and rescued

easily, but thou weenedst to rescue a maid which pertaineth nothing to

thee. Now look thou whether it had been greater harm of thy brother’s

death, or else to have suffered her to have lost her maidenhood. Then

asked he him: Hast thou heard the tokens of thy dream the which I have

told to you? Yea forsooth, said Sir Bors, all your exposition and

declaring of my dream I have well understood and heard. Then said the

man in this black clothing: Then is it in thy default if Sir Launcelot,

thy cousin, die. Sir, said Bors, that were me loath, for wit ye well

there is nothing in the world but I had liefer do it than to see my

lord, Sir Launcelot du Lake, to die in my default. Choose ye now the

one or the other, said the good man.

And then he led Sir Bors into an high tower, and there he found knights

and ladies: those ladies said he was welcome, and so they unarmed him.

And when he was in his doublet men brought him a mantle furred with

ermine, and put it about him; and then they made him such cheer that he

had forgotten all his sorrow and anguish, and only set his heart in

these delights and dainties, and took no thought more for his brother,

Sir Lionel, neither of Sir Launcelot du Lake, his cousin. And anon came

out of a chamber to him the fairest lady than ever he saw, and more

richer beseen than ever he saw Queen Guenever or any other estate. Lo,

said they, Sir Bors, here is the lady unto whom we owe all our service,

and I trow she be the richest lady and the fairest of all the world,

and the which loveth you best above all other knights, for she will

have no knight but you. And when he understood that language he was

abashed. Not for then she saluted him, and he her; and then they sat

down together and spake of many things, in so much that she besought

him to be her love, for she had loved him above all earthly men, and

she should make him richer than ever was man of his age. When Bors

understood her words he was right evil at ease, which in no manner

would not break chastity, so wist not he how to answer her.

CHAPTER XII. How the devil in a woman’s likeness would have had Sir

Bors to have lain by her, and how by God’s grace he escaped.

Alas, said she, Bors, shall ye not do my will? Madam, said Bors, there

is no lady in the world whose will I will fulfil as of this thing, for

my brother lieth dead which was slain right late. Ah Bors, said she, I

have loved you long for the great beauty I have seen in you, and the

great hardiness that I have heard of you, that needs ye must lie by me

this night, and therefore I pray you grant it me. Truly, said he, I

shall not do it in no manner wise. Then she made him such sorrow as

though she would have died. Well Bors, said she, unto this have ye

brought me, nigh to mine end. And therewith she took him by the hand,

and bade him behold her. And ye shall see how I shall die for your

love. Ah, said then he, that shall I never see.

Then she departed and went up into an high battlement, and led with her

twelve gentlewomen; and when they were above, one of the gentlewomen

cried, and said: Ah, Sir Bors, gentle knight have mercy on us all, and

suffer my lady to have her will, and if ye do not we must suffer death

with our lady, for to fall down off this high tower, and if ye suffer

us thus to die for so little a thing all ladies and gentlewomen will

say of you dishonour. Then looked he upward, they seemed all ladies of

great estate, and richly and well beseen. Then had he of them great

pity; not for that he was uncounselled in himself that liefer he had

they all had lost their souls than he his, and with that they fell

adown all at once unto the earth. And when he saw that, he was all

abashed, and had thereof great marvel. With that he blessed his body

and his visage. And anon he heard a great noise and a great cry, as

though all the fiends of hell had been about him; and therewith he saw

neither tower, nor lady, nor gentlewoman, nor no chapel where he

brought his brother to. Then held he up both his hands to the heaven,

and said: Fair Father God, I am grievously escaped; and then he took

his arms and his horse and rode on his way.

Then he heard a clock smite on his right hand; and thither he came to

an abbey on his right hand, closed with high walls, and there was let

in. Then they supposed that he was one of the quest of the Sangreal, so

they led him into a chamber and unarmed him. Sirs, said Sir Bors, if

there be any holy man in this house I pray you let me speak with him.

Then one of them led him unto the Abbot, which was in a chapel. And

then Sir Bors saluted him, and he him again. Sir, said Bors, I am a

knight-errant; and told him all the adventure which he had seen. Sir

Knight, said the Abbot, I wot not what ye be, for I weened never that a

knight of your age might have been so strong in the grace of our Lord

Jesu Christ. Not for then ye shall go unto your rest, for I will not

counsel you this day, it is too late, and to-morrow I shall counsel you

as I can.

CHAPTER XIII. Of the holy communication of an Abbot to Sir Bors, and

how the Abbot counselled him.

And that night was Sir Bors served richly; and on the morn early he

heard mass, and the Abbot came to him, and bade him good morrow, and

Bors to him again. And then he told him he was a fellow of the quest of

the Sangreal, and how he had charge of the holy man to eat bread and

water. Then [said the Abbot]: Our Lord Jesu Christ showed him unto you

in the likeness of a soul that suffered great anguish for us, since He

was put upon the cross, and bled His heart-blood for mankind: there was

the token and the likeness of the Sangreal that appeared afore you, for

the blood that the great fowl bled revived the chickens from death to

life. And by the bare tree is betokened the world which is naked and

without fruit but if it come of Our Lord. Also the lady for whom ye

fought for, and King Aniause which was lord there-to-fore, betokeneth

Jesu Christ which is the King of the world. And that ye fought with the

champion for the lady, this it betokeneth: for when ye took the battle

for the lady, by her shall ye understand the new law of Jesu Christ and

Holy Church; and by the other lady ye shall understand the old law and

the fiend, which all day warreth against Holy Church, therefore ye did

your battle with right. For ye be Jesu Christ’s knights, therefore ye

ought to be defenders of Holy Church. And by the black bird might ye

understand Holy Church, which sayeth I am black, but he is fair. And by

the white bird might men understand the fiend, and I shall tell you how

the swan is white without-forth, and black within: it is hypocrisy

which is without yellow or pale, and seemeth without-forth the servants

of Jesu Christ, but they be within so horrible of filth and sin, and

beguile the world evil. Also when the fiend appeared to thee in

likeness of a man of religion, and blamed thee that thou left thy

brother for a lady, so led thee where thou seemed thy brother was

slain, but he is yet alive; and all was for to put thee in error, and

bring thee unto wanhope and lechery, for he knew thou were tender

hearted, and all was for thou shouldst not find the blessed adventure

of the Sangreal. And the third fowl betokeneth the strong battle

against the fair ladies which were all devils. Also the dry tree and

the white lily: the dry tree betokeneth thy brother Lionel, which is

dry without virtue, and therefore many men ought to call him the rotten

tree, and the worm-eaten tree, for he is a murderer and doth contrary

to the order of knighthood. And the two white flowers signify two

maidens, the one is a knight which was wounded the other day, and the

other is the gentlewoman which ye rescued; and why the other flower

drew nigh the other, that was the knight which would have defouled her

and himself both. And Sir Bors, ye had been a great fool and in great

peril for to have seen those two flowers perish for to succour the

rotten tree, for an they had sinned together they had been damned; and

for that ye rescued them both, men might call you a very knight and

servant of Jesu Christ.

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Bors met with his brother Sir Lionel, and how Sir

Lionel would have slain Sir Bors.

Then went Sir Bors from thence and commended the Abbot unto God. And

then he rode all that day, and harboured with an old lady. And on the

morn he rode to a castle in a valley, and there he met with a yeoman

going a great pace toward a forest. Say me, said Sir Bors, canst thou

tell me of any adventure? Sir, said he, here shall be under this castle

a great and a marvellous tournament. Of what folks shall it be? said

Sir Bors. The Earl of Plains shall be in the one party, and the lady’s

nephew of Hervin on the other party. Then Bors thought to be there if

he might meet with his brother Sir Lionel, or any other of his

fellowship, which were in the quest of the Sangreal. And then he turned

to an hermitage that was in the entry of the forest.

And when he was come thither he found there Sir Lionel, his brother,

which sat all armed at the entry of the chapel door for to abide there

harbour till on the morn that the tournament shall be. And when Sir

Bors saw him he had great joy of him, that it were marvel to tell of

his joy. And then he alighted off his horse, and said: Fair sweet

brother, when came ye hither? Anon as Lionel saw him he said: Ah Bors,

ye may not make none avaunt, but as for you I might have been slain;

when ye saw two knights leading me away beating me, ye left me for to

succour a gentlewoman, and suffered me in peril of death; for never

erst ne did no brother to another so great an untruth. And for that

misdeed now I ensure you but death, for well have ye deserved it;

therefore keep thee from henceforward, and that shall ye find as soon

as I am armed. When Sir Bors understood his brother’s wrath he kneeled

down to the earth and cried him mercy, holding up both his hands, and

prayed him to forgive him his evil will. Nay, said Lionel, that shall

never be an I may have the higher hand, that I make mine avow to God,

thou shalt have death for it, for it were pity ye lived any longer.

Right so he went in and took his harness, and mounted upon his horse,

and came to-fore him and said: Bors, keep thee from me, for I shall do

to thee as I would to a felon or a traitor, for ye be the untruest

knight that ever came out of so worthy an house as was King Bors de

Ganis which was our father, therefore start upon thy horse, and so

shall ye be most at your advantage. And but if ye will I will run upon

you thereas ye stand upon foot, and so the shame shall be mine and the

harm yours, but of that shame ne reck I nought.

When Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his brother or else to die,

he nist what to do; then his heart counselled him not thereto, inasmuch

as Lionel was born or he, wherefore he ought to bear him reverence; yet

kneeled he down afore Lionel’s horse’s feet, and said: Fair sweet

brother, have mercy upon me and slay me not, and have in remembrance

the great love which ought to be between us twain. What Sir Bors said

to Lionel he rought not, for the fiend had brought him in such a will

that he should slay him. Then when Lionel saw he would none other, and

that he would not have risen to give him battle, he rashed over him so

that he smote Bors with his horse, feet upward, to the earth, and hurt

him so sore that he swooned of distress, the which he felt in himself

to have died without confession. So when Lionel saw this, he alighted

off his horse to have smitten off his head. And so he took him by the

helm, and would have rent it from his head. Then came the hermit

running unto him, which was a good man and of great age, and well had

heard all the words that were between them, and so fell down upon Sir

Bors.

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Colgrevance fought against Sir Lionel for to save

Sir Bors, and how the hermit was slain.

Then he said to Lionel: Ah gentle knight, have mercy upon me and on thy

brother, for if thou slay him thou shalt be dead of sin, and that were

sorrowful, for he is one of the worthiest knights of the world, and of

the best conditions. So God help me, said Lionel, sir priest, but if ye

flee from him I shall slay you, and he shall never the sooner be quit.

Certes, said the good man, I have liefer ye slay me than him, for my

death shall not be great harm, not half so much as of his. Well, said

Lionel, I am greed; and set his hand to his sword and smote him so hard

that his head yede backward. Not for that he restrained him of his evil

will, but took his brother by the helm, and unlaced it to have stricken

off his head, and had slain him without fail. But so it happed,

Colgrevance a fellow of the Round Table, came at that time thither as

Our Lord’s will was. And when he saw the good man slain he marvelled

much what it might be. And then he beheld Lionel would have slain his

brother, and knew Sir Bors which he loved right well. Then stert he

down and took Lionel by the shoulders, and drew him strongly aback from

Bors, and said: Lionel, will ye slay your brother, the worthiest knight

of the world one? and that should no good man suffer. Why, said Lionel,

will ye let me? therefore if ye entermete you in this I shall slay you,

and him after. Why, said Colgrevance, is this sooth that ye will slay

him? Slay him will I, said he, whoso say the contrary, for he hath done

so much against me that he hath well deserved it. And so ran upon him,

and would have smitten him through the head, and Sir Colgrevance ran

betwixt them, and said: An ye be so hardy to do so more, we two shall

meddle together.

When Lionel understood his words he took his shield afore him, and

asked him what that he was. And he told him, Colgrevance, one of his

fellows. Then Lionel defied him, and gave him a great stroke through

the helm. Then he drew his sword, for he was a passing good knight, and

defended him right manfully. So long dured the battle that Bors rose up

all anguishly, and beheld [how] Colgrevance, the good knight, fought

with his brother for his quarrel; then was he full sorry and heavy, and

thought if Colgrevance slew him that was his brother he should never

have joy; and if his brother slew Colgrevance the shame should ever be

mine. Then would he have risen to have departed them, but he had not so

much might to stand on foot; so he abode him so long till Colgrevance

had the worse, for Lionel was of great chivalry and right hardy, for he

had pierced the hauberk and the helm, that he abode but death, for he

had lost much of his blood that it was marvel that he might stand

upright. Then beheld he Sir Bors which sat dressing him upward and

said: Ah, Bors, why come ye not to cast me out of peril of death,

wherein I have put me to succour you which were right now nigh the

death? Certes, said Lionel, that shall not avail you, for none of you

shall bear others warrant, but that ye shall die both of my hand. When

Bors heard that, he did so much, he rose and put on his helm. Then

perceived he first the hermit-priest which was slain, then made he a

marvellous sorrow upon him.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Lionel slew Sir Colgrevance, and how after he

would have slain Sir Bors.

Then oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors: Why will ye let me die here

for your sake? if it please you that I die for you the death, it will

please me the better for to save a worthy man. With that word Sir

Lionel smote off the helm from his head. Then Colgrevance saw that he

might not escape; then he said: Fair sweet Jesu, that I have misdone

have mercy upon my soul, for such sorrow that my heart suffereth for

goodness, and for alms deed that I would have done here, be to me

aligement of penance unto my soul’s health. At these words Lionel smote

him so sore that he bare him to the earth. So he had slain Colgrevance

he ran upon his brother as a fiendly man, and gave him such a stroke

that he made him stoop. And he that was full of humility prayed him for

God’s love to leave this battle: For an it befell, fair brother, that I

slew you or ye me, we should be dead of that sin. Never God me help but

if I have on you mercy, an I may have the better hand. Then drew Bors

his sword, all weeping, and said: Fair brother, God knoweth mine

intent. Ah, fair brother, ye have done full evil this day to slay such

an holy priest the which never trespassed. Also ye have slain a gentle

knight, and one of our fellows. And well wot ye that I am not afeard of

you greatly, but I dread the wrath of God, and this is an unkindly war,

therefore God show miracle upon us both. Now God have mercy upon me

though I defend my life against my brother: with that Bors lift up his

hand and would have smitten his brother.

CHAPTER XVII. How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch

him not, and of a cloud that came between them.

And then he heard a voice that said: Flee Bors, and touch him not, or

else thou shalt slay him. Right so alighted a cloud betwixt them in

likeness of a fire and a marvellous flame, that both their two shields

brent. Then were they sore afraid, that they fell both to the earth,

and lay there a great while in a swoon. And when they came to themself,

Bors saw that his brother had no harm; then he held up both his hands,

for he dread God had taken vengeance upon him. With that he heard a

voice say: Bors, go hence, and bear thy brother no longer fellowship,

but take thy way anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale abideth thee

there. Then he said to his brother: Fair sweet brother, forgive me for

God’s love all that I have trespassed unto you. Then he answered: God

forgive it thee and I do gladly.

So Sir Bors departed from him and rode the next way to the sea. And at

the last by fortune he came to an abbey which was nigh the sea. That

night Bors rested him there; and in his sleep there came a voice to him

and bade him go to the sea. Then he stert up and made a sign of the

cross in the midst of his forehead, and took his harness, and made

ready his horse, and mounted upon him; and at a broken wall he rode

out, and rode so long till that he came to the sea. And on the strand

he found a ship covered all with white samite, and he alighted, and

betook him to Jesu Christ. And as soon as he entered into the ship, the

ship departed into the sea, and went so fast that him seemed the ship

went flying, but it was soon dark so that he might know no man, and so

he slept till it was day. Then he awaked, and saw in midst of the ship

a knight lie all armed save his helm. Then knew he that it was Sir

Percivale of Wales, and then he made of him right great joy; but Sir

Percivale was abashed of him, and he asked him what he was. Ah, fair

sir, said Bors, know ye me not? Certes, said he, I marvel how ye came

hither, but if Our Lord brought ye hither Himself. Then Sir Bors smiled

and did off his helm. Then Percivale knew him, and either made great

joy of other, that it was marvel to hear. Then Bors told him how he

came into the ship, and by whose admonishment; and either told other of

their temptations, as ye have heard to-forehand. So went they downward

in the sea, one while backward, another while forward, and everych

comforted other, and oft were in their prayers. Then said Sir

Percivale: We lack nothing but Galahad, the good knight.

_And thus endeth the sixteenth book, which is of Sir Gawaine, Ector de

Maris, and Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Percivale. And here followeth the

seven-teenth book, which is of the noble knight Sir Galahad._

BOOK XVII.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was known

of Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris.

Now saith this story, when Galahad had rescued Percivale from the

twenty knights, he yede tho into a waste forest wherein he rode many

journeys; and he found many adventures the which he brought to an end,

whereof the story maketh here no mention. Then he took his way to the

sea on a day, and it befell as he passed by a castle where was a wonder

tournament, but they without had done so much that they within were put

to the worse, yet were they within good knights enough. When Galahad

saw that those within were at so great a mischief that men slew them at

the entry of the castle, then he thought to help them, and put a spear

forth and smote the first that he fell to the earth, and the spear

brake to pieces. Then he drew his sword and smote thereas they were

thickest, and so he did wonderful deeds of arms that all they

marvelled. Then it happed that Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris were with

the knights without. But when they espied the white shield with the red

cross the one said to the other: Yonder is the good knight, Sir

Galahad, the haut prince: now he should be a great fool which should

meet with him to fight. So by adventure he came by Sir Gawaine, and he

smote him so hard that he clave his helm and the coif of iron unto his

head, so that Gawaine fell to the earth; but the stroke was so great

that it slanted down to the earth and carved the horse’s shoulder in

two.

When Ector saw Gawaine down he drew him aside, and thought it no wisdom

for to abide him, and also for natural love, that he was his uncle.

Thus through his great hardiness he beat aback all the knights without.

And then they within came out and chased them all about. But when

Galahad saw there would none turn again he stole away privily, so that

none wist where he was become. Now by my head, said Gawaine to Ector,

now are the wonders true that were said of Launcelot du Lake, that the

sword which stuck in the stone should give me such a buffet that I

would not have it for the best castle in this world; and soothly now it

is proved true, for never ere had I such a stroke of man’s hand. Sir,

said Ector, meseemeth your quest is done. And yours is not done, said

Gawaine, but mine is done, I shall seek no further. Then Gawaine was

borne into a castle and unarmed him, and laid him in a rich bed, and a

leech found that he might live, and to be whole within a month. Thus

Gawaine and Ector abode together, for Sir Ector would not away till

Gawaine were whole.

And the good knight, Galahad, rode so long till he came that night to

the Castle of Carboneck; and it befell him thus that he was benighted

in an hermitage. So the good man was fain when he saw he was a

knight-errant. Tho when they were at rest there came a gentlewoman

knocking at the door, and called Galahad, and so the good man came to

the door to wit what she would. Then she called the hermit: Sir Ulfin,

I am a gentlewoman that would speak with the knight which is with you.

Then the good man awaked Galahad, and bade him: Arise, and speak with a

gentlewoman that seemeth hath great need of you. Then Galahad went to

her and asked her what she would. Galahad, said she, I will that ye arm

you, and mount upon your horse and follow me, for I shall show you

within these three days the highest adventure that ever any knight saw.

Anon Galahad armed him, and took his horse, and commended him to God,

and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would follow thereas she liked.

CHAPTER II. How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the ship

whereas Sir Bors and Sir Percivale were in.

So she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till that she came

to the sea, the which was called Collibe. And at the night they came

unto a castle in a valley, closed with a running water, and with strong

walls and high; and so she entered into the castle with Galahad, and

there had he great cheer, for the lady of that castle was the damosel’s

lady. So when he was unarmed, then said the damosel: Madam, shall we

abide here all this day? Nay, said she, but till he hath dined and till

he hath slept a little. So he ate and slept a while till that the maid

called him, and armed him by torchlight. And when the maid was horsed

and he both, the lady took Galahad a fair child and rich; and so they

departed from the castle till they came to the seaside; and there they

found the ship where Bors and Percivale were in, the which cried on the

ship’s board: Sir Galahad, ye be welcome, we have abiden you long. And

when he heard them he asked them what they were. Sir, said she, leave

your horse here, and I shall leave mine; and took their saddles and

their bridles with them, and made a cross on them, and so entered into

the ship. And the two knights received them both with great joy, and

everych knew other; and so the wind arose, and drove them through the

sea in a marvellous pace. And within a while it dawned.

Then did Galahad off his helm and his sword, and asked of his fellows

from whence came that fair ship. Truly, said they, ye wot as well as

we, but of God’s grace; and then they told everych to other of all

their hard adventures, and of their great temptations. Truly, said

Galahad, ye are much bounden to God, for ye have escaped great

adventures; and had not the gentlewoman been I had not come here, for

as for you I weened never to have found you in these strange countries.

Ah Galahad, said Bors, if Launcelot, your father, were here then were

we well at ease, for then meseemed we failed nothing. That may not be,

said Galahad, but if it pleased Our Lord.

By then the ship went from the land of Logris, and by adventure it

arrived up betwixt two rocks passing great and marvellous; but there

they might not land, for there was a swallow of the sea, save there was

another ship, and upon it they might go without danger. Go we thither,

said the gentlewoman, and there shall we see adventures, for so is Our

Lord’s will. And when they came thither they found the ship rich

enough, but they found neither man nor woman therein. But they found in

the end of the ship two fair letters written, which said a dreadful

word and a marvellous: Thou man, which shall enter into this ship,

beware thou be in steadfast belief, for I am Faith, and therefore

beware how thou enterest, for an thou fail I shall not help thee. Then

said the gentlewoman: Percivale, wot ye what I am? Certes, said he,

nay, to my witting. Wit ye well, said she, that I am thy sister, which

am daughter of King Pellinore, and therefore wit ye well ye are the man

in the world that I most love; and if ye be not in perfect belief of

Jesu Christ enter not in no manner of wise, for then should ye perish

the ship, for he is so perfect he will suffer no sinner in him. When

Percivale understood that she was his very sister he was inwardly glad,

and said: Fair sister, I shall enter therein, for if I be a miscreature

or an untrue knight there shall I perish.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bed

therein, with other marvellous things, and of a sword.

In the meanwhile Galahad blessed him, and entered therein; and then

next the gentlewoman, and then Sir Bors and Sir Percivale. And when

they were in, it was so marvellous fair and rich that they marvelled;

and in midst of the ship was a fair bed, and Galahad went thereto, and

found there a crown of silk. And at the feet was a sword, rich and

fair, and it was drawn out of the sheath half a foot and more; and the

sword was of divers fashions, and the pommel was of stone, and there

was in him all manner of colours that any man might find, and everych

of the colours had divers virtues; and the scales of the haft were of

two ribs of divers beasts, the one beast was a serpent which was

conversant in Calidone, and is called the Serpent of the fiend; and the

bone of him is of such a virtue that there is no hand that handleth him

shall never be weary nor hurt. And the other beast is a fish which is

not right great, and haunteth the flood of Euphrates; and that fish is

called Ertanax, and his bones be of such a manner of kind that who that

handleth them shall have so much will that he shall never be weary, and

he shall not think on joy nor sorrow that he hath had but only that

thing that he beholdeth before him. And as for this sword there shall

never man begrip him at the handles but one; but he shall pass all

other. In the name of God, said Percivale, I shall assay to handle it.

So he set his hand to the sword, but he might not begrip it. By my

faith, said he, now have I failed. Bors set his hand thereto and

failed.

Then Galahad beheld the sword and saw letters like blood that said: Let

see who shall assay to draw me out of my sheath, but if he be more

hardier than any other; and who that draweth me, wit ye well that he

shall never fail of shame of his body, or to be wounded to the death.

By my faith, said Galahad, I would draw this sword out of the sheath,

but the offending is so great that I shall not set my hand thereto. Now

sirs, said the gentlewoman, wit ye well that the drawing of this sword

is warned to all men save all only to you. Also this ship arrived in

the realm of Logris; and that time was deadly war between King Labor,

which was father unto the maimed king, and King Hurlame, which was a

Saracen. But then was he newly christened, so that men held him

afterward one of the wittiest men of the world. And so upon a day it

befell that King Labor and King Hurlame had assembled their folk upon

the sea where this ship was arrived; and there King Hurlame was

discomfit, and his men slain; and he was afeard to be dead, and fled to

his ship, and there found this sword and drew it, and came out and

found King Labor, the man in the world of all Christendom in whom was

then the greatest faith. And when King Hurlame saw King Labor he

dressed this sword, and smote him upon the helm so hard that he clave

him and his horse to the earth with the first stroke of his sword. And

it was in the realm of Logris; and so befell great pestilence and great

harm to both realms. For sithen increased neither corn, nor grass, nor

well-nigh no fruit, nor in the water was no fish; wherefore men call it

the lands of the two marches, the waste land, for that dolorous stroke.

And when King Hurlame saw this sword so carving, he turned again to

fetch the scabbard, and so came into this ship and entered, and put up

the sword in the sheath. And as soon as he had done it he fell down

dead afore the bed. Thus was the sword proved, that none ne drew it but

he were dead or maimed. So lay he there till a maiden came into the

ship and cast him out, for there was no man so hardy of the world to

enter into that ship for the defence.

CHAPTER IV. Of the marvels of the sword and of the scabbard.

And then beheld they the scabbard, it seemed to be of a serpent’s skin,

and thereon were letters of gold and silver. And the girdle was but

poorly to come to, and not able to sustain such a rich sword. And the

letters said: He which shall wield me sought to be more harder than any

other, if he bear me as truly as me ought to be borne. For the body of

him which I ought to hang by, he shall not be shamed in no place while

he is girt with this girdle, nor never none be so hardy to do away this

girdle; for it ought not be done away but by the hands of a maid, and

that she be a king’s daughter and queen’s, and she must be a maid all

the days of her life, both in will and in deed. And if she break her

virginity she shall die the most villainous death that ever died any

woman. Sir, said Percivale, turn this sword that we may see what is on

the other side. And it was red as blood, with black letters as any

coal, which said: He that shall praise me most, most shall he find me

to blame at a great need; and to whom I should be most debonair shall I

be most felon, and that shall be at one time.

Fair brother, said she to Percivale, it befell after a forty year after

the passion of Jesu Christ that Nacien, the brother-in-law of King

Mordrains, was borne into a town more than fourteen days’ journey from

his country, by the commandment of Our Lord, into an isle, into the

parts of the West, that men cleped the Isle of Turnance. So befell it

that he found this ship at the entry of a rock, and he found the bed

and this sword as we have heard now. Not for then he had not so much

hardiness to draw it; and there he dwelled an eight days, and at the

ninth day there fell a great wind which departed him out of the isle,

and brought him to another isle by a rock, and there he found the

greatest giant that ever man might see. Therewith came that horrible

giant to slay him; and then he looked about him and might not flee, and

he had nothing to defend him with. So he ran to his sword, and when he

saw it naked he praised it much, and then he shook it, and therewith he

brake it in the midst. Ah, said Nacien, the thing that I most praised

ought I now most to blame, and therewith he threw the pieces of his

sword over his bed. And after he leapt over the board to fight with the

giant, and slew him.

And anon he entered into the ship again, and the wind arose, and drove

him through the sea, that by adventure he came to another ship where

King Mordrains was, which had been tempted full evil with a fiend in

the Port of Perilous Rock. And when that one saw the other they made

great joy of other, and either told other of their adventure, and how

the sword failed him at his most need. When Mordrains saw the sword he

praised it much: But the breaking was not to do but by wickedness of

thy selfward, for thou art in some sin. And there he took the sword,

and set the pieces together, and they soldered as fair as ever they

were to-fore; and there put he the sword in the sheath, and laid it

down on the bed. Then heard they a voice that said: Go out of this ship

a little while, and enter into the other, for dread ye fall in deadly

sin, for and ye be found in deadly sin ye may not escape but perish:

and so they went into the other ship. And as Nacien went over the board

he was smitten with a sword on the right foot, that he fell down

noseling to the ship’s board; and therewith he said: O God, how am I

hurt. And then there came a voice and said: Take thou that for thy

forfeit that thou didst in drawing of this sword, therefore thou

receivest a wound, for thou were never worthy to handle it, as the

writing maketh mention. In the name of God, said Galahad, ye are right

wise of these works.

CHAPTER V. How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he

drew the sword, and other marvellous histories.

Sir, said she, there was a king that hight Pelles, the maimed king. And

while he might ride he supported much Christendom and Holy Church. So

upon a day he hunted in a wood of his which lasted unto the sea; and at

the last he lost his hounds and his knights save only one: and there he

and his knight went till that they came toward Ireland, and there he

found the ship. And when he saw the letters and understood them, yet he

entered, for he was right perfect of his life, but his knight had none

hardiness to enter; and there found he this sword, and drew it out as

much as ye may see. So therewith entered a spear wherewith he was

smitten him through both the thighs, and never sith might he be healed,

nor nought shall to-fore we come to him. Thus, said she, was not King

Pelles, your grandsire, maimed for his hardiness? In the name of God,

damosel, said Galahad.

So they went toward the bed to behold all about it, and above the head

there hung two swords. Also there were two spindles which were as white

as any snow, and other that were as red as blood, and other above green

as any emerald: of these three colours were the spindles, and of

natural colour within, and without any painting. These spindles, said

the damosel, were when sinful Eve came to gather fruit, for which Adam

and she were put out of paradise, she took with her the bough on which

the apple hung on. Then perceived she that the branch was fair and

green, and she remembered her the loss which came from the tree. Then

she thought to keep the branch as long as she might. And for she had no

coffer to keep it in, she put it in the earth. So by the will of Our

Lord the branch grew to a great tree within a little while, and was as

white as any snow, branches, boughs, and leaves: that was a token a

maiden planted it. But after God came to Adam, and bade him know his

wife fleshly as nature required. So lay Adam with his wife under the

same tree; and anon the tree which was white was full green as any

grass, and all that came out of it; and in the same time that they

medled together there was Abel begotten: thus was the tree long of

green colour. And so it befell many days after, under the same tree

Caym slew Abel, whereof befell great marvel. For anon as Abel had

received the death under the green tree, it lost the green colour and

became red; and that was in tokening of the blood. And anon all the

plants died thereof, but the tree grew and waxed marvellously fair, and

it was the fairest tree and the most delectable that any man might

behold and see; and so died the plants that grew out of it to-fore that

Abel was slain under it. So long dured the tree till that Solomon, King

David’s son, reigned, and held the land after his father. This Solomon

was wise and knew all the virtues of stones and trees, and so he knew

the course of the stars, and many other divers things. This Solomon had

an evil wife, wherethrough he weened that there had been no good woman,

and so he despised them in his books. So answered a voice him once:

Solomon, if heaviness come to a man by a woman, ne reck thou never; for

yet shall there come a woman whereof there shall come greater joy to

man an hundred times more than this heaviness giveth sorrow; and that

woman shall be born of thy lineage. Tho when Solomon heard these words

he held himself but a fool, and the truth he perceived by old books.

Also the Holy Ghost showed him the coming of the glorious Virgin Mary.

Then asked he of the voice, if it should be in the yerde of his

lineage. Nay, said the voice, but there shall come a man which shall be

a maid, and the last of your blood, and he shall be as good a knight as

Duke Josua, thy brother-in-law.

CHAPTER VI. How Solomon took David’s sword by the counsel of his wife,

and of other matters marvellous.

Now have I certified thee of that thou stoodest in doubt. Then was

Solomon glad that there should come any such of his lineage; but ever

he marvelled and studied who that should be, and what his name might

be. His wife perceived that he studied, and thought she would know it

at some season; and so she waited her time, and asked of him the cause

of his studying, and there he told her altogether how the voice told

him. Well, said she, I shall let make a ship of the best wood and most

durable that men may find. So Solomon sent for all the carpenters of

the land, and the best. And when they had made the ship the lady said

to Solomon: Sir, said she, since it is so that this knight ought to

pass all knights of chivalry which have been to-fore him and shall come

after him, moreover I shall tell you, said she, ye shall go into Our

Lord’s temple, where is King David’s sword, your father, the which is

the marvelloust and the sharpest that ever was taken in any knight’s

hand. Therefore take that, and take off the pommel, and thereto make ye

a pommel of precious stones, that it be so subtly made that no man

perceive it but that they be all one; and after make there an hilt so

marvellously and wonderly that no man may know it; and after make a

marvellous sheath. And when ye have made all this I shall let make a

girdle thereto, such as shall please me.

All this King Solomon did let make as she devised, both the ship and

all the remnant. And when the ship was ready in the sea to sail, the

lady let make a great bed and marvellous rich, and set her upon the

bed’s head, covered with silk, and laid the sword at the feet, and the

girdles were of hemp, and therewith the king was angry. Sir, wit ye

well, said she, that I have none so high a thing which were worthy to

sustain so high a sword, and a maid shall bring other knights thereto,

but I wot not when it shall be, nor what time. And there she let make a

covering to the ship, of cloth of silk that should never rot for no

manner of weather. Yet went that lady and made a carpenter to come to

the tree which Abel was slain under. Now, said she, carve me out of

this tree as much wood as will make me a spindle. Ah madam, said he,

this is the tree the which our first mother planted. Do it, said she,

or else I shall destroy thee. Anon as he began to work there came out

drops of blood; and then would he have left, but she would not suffer

him, and so he took away as much wood as might make a spindle: and so

she made him to take as much of the green tree and of the white tree.

And when these three spindles were shapen she made them to be fastened

upon the selar of the bed. When Solomon saw this, he said to his wife:

Ye have done marvellously, for though all the world were here right

now, he could not devise wherefore all this was made, but Our Lord

Himself; and thou that hast done it wottest not what it shall betoken.

Now let it be, said she, for ye shall hear tidings sooner than ye ween.

Now shall ye hear a wonderful tale of King Solomon and his wife.

CHAPTER VII. A wonderful tale of King Solomon and his wife.

That night lay Solomon before the ship with little fellowship. And when

he was asleep him thought there came from heaven a great company of

angels, and alighted into the ship, and took water which was brought by

an angel, in a vessel of silver, and sprent all the ship. And after he

came to the sword, and drew letters on the hilt. And after went to the

ship’s board, and wrote there other letters which said: Thou man that

wilt enter within me, beware that thou be full within the faith, for I

ne am but Faith and Belief. When Solomon espied these letters he was

abashed, so that he durst not enter, and so drew him aback; and the

ship was anon shoven in the sea, and he went so fast that he lost sight

of him within a little while. And then a little voice said: Solomon,

the last knight of thy lineage shall rest in this bed. Then went

Solomon and awaked his wife, and told her of the adventures of the

ship.

Now saith the history that a great while the three fellows beheld the

bed and the three spindles. Then they were at certain that they were of

natural colours without painting. Then they lift up a cloth which was

above the ground, and there found a rich purse by seeming. And

Percivale took it, and found therein a writ and so he read it, and

devised the manner of the spindles and of the ship, whence it came, and

by whom it was made. Now, said Galahad, where shall we find the

gentlewoman that shall make new girdles to the sword? Fair sir, said

Percivale’s sister, dismay you not, for by the leave of God I shall let

make a girdle to the sword, such one as shall long thereto. And then

she opened a box, and took out girdles which were seemly wrought with

golden threads, and upon that were set full precious stones, and a rich

buckle of gold. Lo, lords, said she, here is a girdle that ought to be

set about the sword. And wit ye well the greatest part of this girdle

was made of my hair, which I loved well while that I was a woman of the

world. But as soon as I wist that this adventure was ordained me I

clipped off my hair, and made this girdle in the name of God. Ye be

well found, said Sir Bors, for certes ye have put us out of great pain,

wherein we should have entered ne had your tidings been.

Then went the gentlewoman and set it on the girdle of the sword. Now,

said the fellowship, what is the name of the sword, and what shall we

call it? Truly, said she, the name of the sword is the Sword with the

Strange Girdles; and the sheath, Mover of Blood; for no man that hath

blood in him ne shall never see the one part of the sheath which was

made of the Tree of Life. Then they said to Galahad: In the name of

Jesu Christ, and pray you that ye gird you with this sword which hath

been desired so much in the realm of Logris. Now let me begin, said

Galahad, to grip this sword for to give you courage; but wit ye well it

longeth no more to me than it doth to you. And then he gripped about it

with his fingers a great deal; and then she girt him about the middle

with the sword. Now reck I not though I die, for now I hold me one of

the blessed maidens of the world, which hath made the worthiest knight

of the world. Damosel, said Galahad, ye have done so much that I shall

be your knight all the days of my life.

Then they went from that ship, and went to the other. And anon the wind

drove them into the sea a great pace, but they had no victuals: but it

befell that they came on the morn to a castle that men call Carteloise,

that was in the marches of Scotland. And when they had passed the port,

the gentlewoman said: Lords, here be men arriven that, an they wist

that ye were of King Arthur’s court, ye should be assailed anon.

Damosel, said Galahad, He that cast us out of the rock shall deliver us

from them.

CHAPTER VIII. How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and how

they were fought withal, and how they slew their adversaries, and other

matters.

So it befell as they spoke thus there came a squire by them, and asked

what they were; and they said they were of King Arthur’s house. Is that

sooth? said he. Now by my head, said he, ye be ill arrayed; and then

turned he again unto the cliff fortress. And within a while they heard

an horn blow. Then a gentlewoman came to them, and asked them of whence

they were; and they told her. Fair lords, said she, for God’s love turn

again if ye may, for ye be come unto your death. Nay, they said, we

will not turn again, for He shall help us in whose service we be

entered in. Then as they stood talking there came knights well armed,

and bade them yield them or else to die. That yielding, said they,

shall be noyous to you. And therewith they let their horses run, and

Sir Percivale smote the foremost to the earth, and took his horse, and

mounted thereupon, and the same did Galahad. Also Bors served another

so, for they had no horses in that country, for they left their horses

when they took their ship in other countries. And so when they were

horsed then began they to set upon them; and they of the castle fled

into the strong fortress, and the three knights after them into the

castle, and so alighted on foot, and with their swords slew them down,

and gat into the hall.

Then when they beheld the great multitude of people that they had

slain, they held themself great sinners. Certes, said Bors, I ween an

God had loved them that we should not have had power to have slain them

thus. But they have done so much against Our Lord that He would not

suffer them to reign no longer. Say ye not so, said Galahad, for if

they misdid against God, the vengeance is not ours, but to Him which

hath power thereof.

So came there out of a chamber a good man which was a priest, and bare

God’s body in a cup. And when he saw them which lay dead in the hall he

was all abashed; and Galahad did off his helm and kneeled down, and so

did his two fellows. Sir, said they, have ye no dread of us, for we be

of King Arthur’s court. Then asked the good man how they were slain so

suddenly, and they told it him. Truly, said the good man, an ye might

live as long as the world might endure, ne might ye have done so great

an alms-deed as this. Sir, said Galahad, I repent me much, inasmuch as

they were christened. Nay, repent you not, said he, for they were not

christened, and I shall tell you how that I wot of this castle. Here

was Lord Earl Hernox not but one year, and he had three sons, good

knights of arms, and a daughter, the fairest gentlewoman that men knew.

So those three knights loved their sister so sore that they brent in

love, and so they lay by her, maugre her head. And for she cried to her

father they slew her, and took their father and put him in prison, and

wounded him nigh to the death, but a cousin of hers rescued him. And

then did they great untruth: they slew clerks and priests, and made

beat down chapels, that Our Lord’s service might not be served nor

said. And this same day her father sent to me for to be confessed and

houseled; but such shame had never man as I had this day with the three

brethren, but the earl bade me suffer, for he said they should not long

endure, for three servants of Our Lord should destroy them, and now it

is brought to an end. And by this may ye wit that Our Lord is not

displeased with your deeds. Certes, said Galahad, an it had not pleased

Our Lord, never should we have slain so many men in so little a while.

And then they brought the Earl Hernox out of prison into the midst of

the hall, that knew Galahad anon, and yet he saw him never afore but by

revelation of Our Lord.

CHAPTER IX. How the three knights, with Percivale’s sister, came unto

the same forest, and of an hart and four lions, and other things.

Then began he to weep right tenderly, and said: Long have I abiden your

coming, but for God’s love hold me in your arms, that my soul may

depart out of my body in so good a man’s arms as ye be. Gladly, said

Galahad. And then one said on high, that all heard: Galahad, well hast

thou avenged me on God’s enemies. Now behoveth thee to go to the Maimed

King as soon as thou mayest, for he shall receive by thee health which

he hath abiden so long. And therewith the soul departed from the body,

and Galahad made him to be buried as him ought to be.

Right so departed the three knights, and Percivale’s sister with them.

And so they came into a waste forest, and there they saw afore them a

white hart which four lions led. Then they took them to assent for to

follow after for to know whither they repaired; and so they rode after

a great pace till that they came to a valley, and thereby was an

hermitage where a good man dwelled, and the hart and the lions entered

also. So when they saw all this they turned to the chapel, and saw the

good man in a religious weed and in the armour of Our Lord, for he

would sing mass of the Holy Ghost; and so they entered in and heard

mass. And at the secrets of the mass they three saw the hart become a

man, the which marvelled them, and set him upon the altar in a rich

siege; and saw the four lions were changed, the one to the form of a

man, the other to the form of a lion, and the third to an eagle, and

the fourth was changed unto an ox. Then took they their siege where the

hart sat, and went out through a glass window, and there was nothing

perished nor broken; and they heard a voice say: In such a manner

entered the Son of God in the womb of a maid Mary, whose virginity ne

was perished ne hurt. And when they heard these words they fell down to

the earth and were astonied; and therewith was a great clearness.

And when they were come to theirself again they went to the good man

and prayed him that he would say them truth. What thing have ye seen?

said he. And they told him all that they had seen. Ah lords, said he,

ye be welcome; now wot I well ye be the good knights the which shall

bring the Sangreal to an end; for ye be they unto whom Our Lord shall

shew great secrets. And well ought Our Lord be signified to an hart,

for the hart when he is old he waxeth young again in his white skin.

Right so cometh again Our Lord from death to life, for He lost earthly

flesh that was the deadly flesh, which He had taken in the womb of the

blessed Virgin Mary; and for that cause appeared Our Lord as a white

hart without spot. And the four that were with Him is to understand the

four evangelists which set in writing a part of Jesu Christ’s deeds

that He did sometime when He was among you an earthly man; for wit ye

well never erst ne might no knight know the truth, for ofttimes or this

Our Lord showed Him unto good men and unto good knights, in likeness of

an hart, but I suppose from henceforth ye shall see no more. And then

they joyed much, and dwelled there all that day. And upon the morrow

when they had heard mass they departed and commended the good man to

God: and so they came to a castle and passed by. So there came a knight

armed after them and said: Lords, hark what I shall say to you.

CHAPTER X. How they were desired of a strange custom, the which they

would not obey; wherefore they fought and slew many knights.

This gentlewoman that ye lead with you is a maid? Sir, said she, a maid

I am. Then he took her by the bridle and said: By the Holy Cross, ye

shall not escape me to-fore ye have yolden the custom of this castle.

Let her go, said Percivale, ye be not wise, for a maid in what place

she cometh is free. So in the meanwhile there came out a ten or twelve

knights armed, out of the castle, and with them came gentlewomen which

held a dish of silver. And then they said: This gentlewoman must yield

us the custom of this castle. Sir, said a knight, what maid passeth

hereby shall give this dish full of blood of her right arm. Blame have

ye, said Galahad, that brought up such customs, and so God me save, I

ensure you of this gentlewoman ye shall fail while that I live. So God

me help, said Percivale, I had liefer be slain. And I also, said Sir

Bors. By my troth, said the knight, then shall ye die, for ye may not

endure against us though ye were the best knights of the world.

Then let they run each to other, and the three fellows beat the ten

knights, and then set their hands to their swords and beat them down

and slew them. Then there came out of the castle a three score knights

armed. Fair lords, said the three fellows, have mercy on yourself and

have not ado with us. Nay, fair lords, said the knights of the castle,

we counsel you to withdraw you, for ye be the best knights of the

world, and therefore do no more, for ye have done enough. We will let

you go with this harm, but we must needs have the custom. Certes, said

Galahad, for nought speak ye. Well, said they, will ye die? We be not

yet come thereto, said Galahad. Then began they to meddle together, and

Galahad, with the strange girdles, drew his sword, and smote on the

right hand and on the left hand, and slew what that ever abode him, and

did such marvels that there was none that saw him but weened he had

been none earthly man, but a monster. And his two fellows halp him

passing well, and so they held the journey everych in like hard till it

was night: then must they needs depart.

So came in a good knight, and said to the three fellows: If ye will

come in to-night and take such harbour as here is ye shall be right

welcome, and we shall ensure you by the faith of our bodies, and as we

be true knights, to leave you in such estate to-morrow as we find you,

without any falsehood. And as soon as ye know of the custom we dare say

ye will accord therefore. For God’s love, said the gentlewoman, go

thither and spare not for me. Go we, said Galahad; and so they entered

into the chapel. And when they were alighted they made great joy of

them. So within a while the three knights asked the custom of the

castle and wherefore it was. What it is, said they, we will say you

sooth.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Percivale’s sister bled a dish full of blood for to

heal a lady, wherefore she died; and how that the body was put in a

ship.

There is in this castle a gentlewoman which we and this castle is hers,

and many other. So it befell many years agone there fell upon her a

malady; and when she had lain a great while she fell unto a measle, and

of no leech she could have no remedy. But at the last an old man said

an she might have a dish full of blood of a maid and a clean virgin in

will and in work, and a king’s daughter, that blood should be her

health, and for to anoint her withal; and for this thing was this

custom made. Now, said Percivale’s sister, fair knights, I see well

that this gentlewoman is but dead. Certes, said Galahad, an ye bleed so

much ye may die. Truly, said she, an I die for to heal her I shall get

me great worship and soul’s health, and worship to my lineage, and

better is one harm than twain. And therefore there shall be no more

battle, but to-morn I shall yield you your custom of this castle. And

then there was great joy more than there was to-fore, for else had

there been mortal war upon the morn; notwithstanding she would none

other, whether they wold or nold.

That night were the three fellows eased with the best; and on the morn

they heard mass, and Sir Percivale’s sister bade bring forth the sick

lady. So she was, the which was evil at ease. Then said she: Who shall

let me blood? So one came forth and let her blood, and she bled so much

that the dish was full. Then she lift up her hand and blessed her; and

then she said to the lady: Madam, I am come to the death for to make

you whole, for God’s love pray for me. With that she fell in a swoon.

Then Galahad and his two fellows start up to her, and lift her up and

staunched her, but she had bled so much that she might not live. Then

she said when she was awaked: Fair brother Percivale, I die for the

healing of this lady, so I require you that ye bury me not in this

country, but as soon as I am dead put me in a boat at the next haven,

and let me go as adventure will lead me; and as soon as ye three come

to the City of Sarras, there to enchieve the Holy Grail, ye shall find

me under a tower arrived, and there bury me in the spiritual place; for

I say you so much, there Galahad shall be buried, and ye also, in the

same place.

Then Percivale understood these words, and granted it her, weeping. And

then said a voice: Lords and fellows, to-morrow at the hour of prime ye

three shall depart everych from other, till the adventure bring you to

the Maimed King. Then asked she her Saviour; and as soon as she had

received it the soul departed from the body. So the same day was the

lady healed, when she was anointed withal. Then Sir Percivale made a

letter of all that she had holpen them as in strange adventures, and

put it in her right hand, and so laid her in a barge, and covered it

with black silk; and so the wind arose, and drove the barge from the

land, and all knights beheld it till it was out of their sight. Then

they drew all to the castle, and so forthwith there fell a sudden

tempest and a thunder, lightning, and rain, as all the earth would have

broken. So half the castle turned up-so-down. So it passed evensong or

the tempest was ceased.

Then they saw afore them a knight armed and wounded hard in the body

and in the head, that said: O God, succour me for now it is need. After

this knight came another knight and a dwarf, which cried to them afar:

Stand, ye may not escape. Then the wounded knight held up his hands to

God that he should not die in such tribulation. Truly, said Galahad, I

shall succour him for His sake that he calleth upon. Sir, said Bors, I

shall do it, for it is not for you, for he is but one knight. Sir, said

he, I grant. So Sir Bors took his horse, and commended him to God, and

rode after, to rescue the wounded knight. Now turn we to the two

fellows.

CHAPTER XII. How Galahad and Percivale found in a castle many tombs of

maidens that had bled to death.

Now saith the story that all night Galahad and Percivale were in a

chapel in their prayers, for to save Sir Bors. So on the morrow they

dressed them in their harness toward the castle, to wit what was fallen

of them therein. And when they came there they found neither man nor

woman that he ne was dead by the vengeance of Our Lord. With that they

heard a voice that said: This vengeance is for blood-shedding of

maidens. Also they found at the end of the chapel a churchyard, and

therein might they see a three score fair tombs, and that place was so

fair and so delectable that it seemed them there had been none tempest,

for there lay the bodies of all the good maidens which were martyred

for the sick lady’s sake. Also they found the names of everych, and of

what blood they were come, and all were of kings’ blood, and twelve of

them were kings’ daughters. Then they departed and went into a forest.

Now, said Percivale unto Galahad, we must depart, so pray we Our Lord

that we may meet together in short time: then they did off their helms

and kissed together, and wept at their departing.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir

Percivale’s sister lay dead, and how he met with Sir Galahad, his son.

Now saith the history, that when Launcelot was come to the water of

Mortoise, as it is rehearsed before, he was in great peril, and so he

laid him down and slept, and took the adventure that God would send

him. So when he was asleep there came a vision unto him and said:

Launcelot, arise up and take thine armour, and enter into the first

ship that thou shalt find. And when he heard these words he start up

and saw great clearness about him. And then he lift up his hand and

blessed him, and so took his arms and made him ready; and so by

adventure he came by a strand, and found a ship the which was without

sail or oar. And as soon as he was within the ship there he felt the

most sweetness that ever he felt, and he was fulfilled with all thing

that he thought on or desired. Then he said: Fair sweet Father, Jesu

Christ, I wot not in what joy I am, for this joy passeth all earthly

joys that ever I was in. And so in this joy he laid him down to the

ship’s board, and slept till day. And when he awoke he found there a

fair bed, and therein lying a gentlewoman dead, the which was Sir

Percivale’s sister. And as Launcelot devised her, he espied in her

right hand a writ, the which he read, the which told him all the

adventures that ye have heard to-fore, and of what lineage she was

come. So with this gentlewoman Sir Launcelot was a month and more. If

ye would ask how he lived, He that fed the people of Israel with manna

in the desert, so was he fed; for every day when he had said his

prayers he was sustained with the grace of the Holy Ghost.

So on a night he went to play him by the water side, for he was

somewhat weary of the ship. And then he listened and heard an horse

come, and one riding upon him. And when he came nigh he seemed a

knight. And so he let him pass, and went thereas the ship was; and

there he alighted, and took the saddle and the bridle and put the horse

from him, and went into the ship. And then Launcelot dressed unto him,

and said: Ye be welcome. And he answered and saluted him again, and

asked him: What is your name? for much my heart giveth unto you. Truly,

said he, my name is Launcelot du Lake. Sir, said he, then be ye

welcome, for ye were the beginner of me in this world. Ah, said he, are

ye Galahad? Yea, forsooth, said he; and so he kneeled down and asked

him his blessing, and after took off his helm and kissed him. And there

was great joy between them, for there is no tongue can tell the joy

that they made either of other, and many a friendly word spoken

between, as kin would, the which is no need here to be rehearsed. And

there everych told other of their adventures and marvels that were

befallen to them in many journeys sith that they departed from the

court.

Anon, as Galahad saw the gentlewoman dead in the bed, he knew her well

enough, and told great worship of her, that she was the best maid

living, and it was great pity of her death. But when Launcelot heard

how the marvellous sword was gotten, and who made it, and all the

marvels rehearsed afore, then he prayed Galahad, his son, that he would

show him the sword, and so he did; and anon he kissed the pommel, and

the hilt, and the scabbard. Truly, said Launcelot, never erst knew I of

so high adventures done, and so marvellous and strange. So dwelt

Launcelot and Galahad within that ship half a year, and served God

daily and nightly with all their power; and often they arrived in isles

far from folk, where there repaired none but wild beasts, and there

they found many strange adventures and perilous, which they brought to

an end; but for those adventures were with wild beasts, and not in the

quest of the Sangreal, therefore the tale maketh here no mention

thereof, for it would be too long to tell of all those adventures that

befell them.

CHAPTER XIV. How a knight brought unto Sir Galahad a horse, and bade

him come from his father, Sir Launcelot.

So after, on a Monday, it befell that they arrived in the edge of a

forest to-fore a cross; and then saw they a knight armed all in white,

and was richly horsed, and led in his right hand a white horse; and so

he came to the ship, and saluted the two knights on the High Lord’s

behalf, and said: Galahad, sir, ye have been long enough with your

father, come out of the ship, and start upon this horse, and go where

the adventures shall lead thee in the quest of the Sangreal. Then he

went to his father and kissed him sweetly, and said: Fair sweet father,

I wot not when I shall see you more till I see the body of Jesu Christ.

I pray you, said Launcelot, pray ye to the High Father that He hold me

in His service. And so he took his horse, and there they heard a voice

that said: Think for to do well, for the one shall never see the other

before the dreadful day of doom. Now, son Galahad, said Launcelot,

since we shall depart, and never see other, I pray to the High Father

to conserve me and you both. Sir, said Galahad, no prayer availeth so

much as yours. And therewith Galahad entered into the forest.

And the wind arose, and drove Launcelot more than a month throughout

the sea, where he slept but little, but prayed to God that he might see

some tidings of the Sangreal. So it befell on a night, at midnight, he

arrived afore a castle, on the back side, which was rich and fair, and

there was a postern opened toward the sea, and was open without any

keeping, save two lions kept the entry; and the moon shone clear. Anon

Sir Launcelot heard a voice that said: Launcelot, go out of this ship

and enter into the castle, where thou shalt see a great part of thy

desire. Then he ran to his arms, and so armed him, and so went to the

gate and saw the lions. Then set he hand to his sword and drew it. Then

there came a dwarf suddenly, and smote him on the arm so sore that the

sword fell out of his hand. Then heard he a voice say: O man of evil

faith and poor belief, wherefore trowest thou more on thy harness than

in thy Maker, for He might more avail thee than thine armour, in whose

service that thou art set. Then said Launcelot: Fair Father Jesu

Christ, I thank thee of Thy great mercy that Thou reprovest me of my

misdeed; now see I well that ye hold me for your servant. Then took he

again his sword and put it up in his sheath, and made a cross in his

forehead, and came to the lions, and they made semblaunt to do him

harm. Notwithstanding he passed by them without hurt, and entered into

the castle to the chief fortress, and there were they all at rest. Then

Launcelot entered in so armed, for he found no gate nor door but it was

open. And at the last he found a chamber whereof the door was shut, and

he set his hand thereto to have opened it, but he might not.

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot was to-fore the door of the chamber

wherein the Holy Sangreal was.

Then he enforced him mickle to undo the door. Then he listened and

heard a voice which sang so sweetly that it seemed none earthly thing;

and him thought the voice said: Joy and honour be to the Father of

Heaven. Then Launcelot kneeled down to-fore the chamber, for well wist

he that there was the Sangreal within that chamber. Then said he: Fair

sweet Father, Jesu Christ, if ever I did thing that pleased Thee, Lord

for Thy pity never have me not in despite for my sins done aforetime,

and that Thou show me something of that I seek. And with that he saw

the chamber door open, and there came out a great clearness, that the

house was as bright as all the torches of the world had been there.

So came he to the chamber door, and would have entered. And anon a

voice said to him: Flee, Launcelot, and enter not, for thou oughtest

not to do it; and if thou enter thou shalt for-think it. Then he

withdrew him aback right heavy. Then looked he up in the midst of the

chamber, and saw a table of silver, and the Holy Vessel, covered with

red samite, and many angels about it, whereof one held a candle of wax

burning, and the other held a cross, and the ornaments of an altar. And

before the Holy Vessel he saw a good man clothed as a priest. And it

seemed that he was at the sacring of the mass. And it seemed to

Launcelot that above the priest’s hands were three men, whereof the two

put the youngest by likeness between the priest’s hands; and so he lift

it up right high, and it seemed to show so to the people. And then

Launcelot marvelled not a little, for him thought the priest was so

greatly charged of the figure that him seemed that he should fall to

the earth. And when he saw none about him that would help him, then

came he to the door a great pace, and said: Fair Father Jesu Christ, ne

take it for no sin though I help the good man which hath great need of

help.

Right so entered he into the chamber, and came toward the table of

silver; and when he came nigh he felt a breath, that him thought it was

intermeddled with fire, which smote him so sore in the visage that him

thought it brent his visage; and therewith he fell to the earth, and

had no power to arise, as he that was so araged, that had lost the

power of his body, and his hearing, and his seeing. Then felt he many

hands about him, which took him up and bare him out of the chamber

door, without any amending of his swoon, and left him there, seeming

dead to all people.

So upon the morrow when it was fair day they within were arisen, and

found Launcelot lying afore the chamber door. All they marvelled how

that he came in, and so they looked upon him, and felt his pulse to wit

whether there were any life in him; and so they found life in him, but

he might not stand nor stir no member that he had. And so they took him

by every part of the body, and bare him into a chamber, and laid him in

a rich bed, far from all folk; and so he lay four days. Then the one

said he was alive, and the other said, Nay. In the name of God, said an

old man, for I do you verily to wit he is not dead, but he is so full

of life as the mightiest of you all; and therefore I counsel you that

he be well kept till God send him life again.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir launcelot had lain four-and-twenty days and as

many nights as a dead man, and other divers matters.

In such manner they kept Launcelot four-and-twenty days and all so many

nights, that ever he lay still as a dead man; and at the twenty-fifth

day befell him after midday that he opened his eyes. And when he saw

folk he made great sorrow, and said: Why have ye awaked me, for I was

more at ease than I am now. O Jesu Christ, who might be so blessed that

might see openly thy great marvels of secretness there where no sinner

may be! What have ye seen? said they about him. I have seen, said he,

so great marvels that no tongue may tell, and more than any heart can

think, and had not my son been here afore me I had seen much more.

Then they told him how he had lain there four-and-twenty days and

nights. Then him thought it was punishment for the four-and-twenty

years that he had been a sinner, wherefore Our Lord put him in penance

four-and-twenty days and nights. Then looked Sir Launcelot afore him,

and saw the hair which he had borne nigh a year, for that he

for-thought him right much that he had broken his promise unto the

hermit, which he had avowed to do. Then they asked how it stood with

him. Forsooth, said he, I am whole of body, thanked be Our Lord;

therefore, sirs, for God’s love tell me where I am. Then said they all

that he was in the castle of Carbonek.

Therewith came a gentlewoman and brought him a shirt of small linen

cloth, but he changed not there, but took the hair to him again. Sir,

said they, the quest of the Sangreal is achieved now right in you, that

never shall ye see of the Sangreal no more than ye have seen. Now I

thank God, said Launcelot, of His great mercy of that I have seen, for

it sufficeth me; for as I suppose no man in this world hath lived

better than I have done to enchieve that I have done. And therewith he

took the hair and clothed him in it, and above that he put a linen

shirt, and after a robe of scarlet, fresh and new. And when he was so

arrayed they marvelled all, for they knew him that he was Launcelot,

the good knight. And then they said all: O my lord Sir Launcelot, be

that ye? And he said: Truly I am he.

Then came word to King Pelles that the knight that had lain so long

dead was Sir Launcelot. Then was the king right glad, and went to see

him. And when Launcelot saw him come he dressed him against him, and

there made the king great joy of him. And there the king told him

tidings that his fair daughter was dead. Then Launcelot was right heavy

of it, and said: Sir, me forthinketh the death of your daughter, for

she was a full fair lady, fresh and young. And well I wot she bare the

best knight that is now on the earth, or that ever was sith God was

born. So the king held him there four days, and on the morrow he took

his leave at King Pelles and at all the fellowship, and thanked them of

their great labour.

Right so as they sat at their dinner in the chief salle, then was so

befallen that the Sangreal had fulfilled the table with all manner of

meats that any heart might think. So as they sat they saw all the doors

and the windows of the place were shut without man’s hand, whereof they

were all abashed, and none wist what to do.

And then it happed suddenly a knight came to the chief door and

knocked, and cried: Undo the door. But they would not. And ever he

cried: Undo; but they would not. And at last it noyed them so much that

the king himself arose and came to a window there where the knight

called. Then he said: Sir knight, ye shall not enter at this time while

the Sangreal is here, and therefore go into another; for certes ye be

none of the knights of the quest, but one of them which hath served the

fiend, and hast left the service of Our Lord: and he was passing wroth

at the king’s words. Sir knight, said the king, sith ye would so fain

enter, say me of what country ye be. Sir, said he, I am of the realm of

Logris, and my name is Ector de Maris, and brother unto my lord, Sir

Launcelot. In the name of God, said the king, me for-thinketh of what I

have said, for your brother is here within. And when Ector de Maris

understood that his brother was there, for he was the man in the world

that he most dread and loved, and then he said: Ah God, now doubleth my

sorrow and shame. Full truly said the good man of the hill unto Gawaine

and to me of our dreams. Then went he out of the court as fast as his

horse might, and so throughout the castle.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other

adventures which he saw in the way.

Then King Pelles came to Sir Launcelot and told him tidings of his

brother, whereof he was sorry, that he wist not what to do. So Sir

Launcelot departed, and took his arms, and said he would go see the

realm of Logris, which I have not seen in twelve months. And therewith

he commended the king to God, and so rode through many realms. And at

the last he came to a white abbey, and there they made him that night

great cheer; and on the morn he rose and heard mass. And afore an altar

he found a rich tomb, which was newly made; and then he took heed, and

saw the sides written with gold which said: Here lieth King Bagdemagus

of Gore, which King Arthur’s nephew slew; and named him, Sir Gawaine.

Then was not he a little sorry, for Launcelot loved him much more than

any other, and had it been any other than Gawaine he should not have

escaped from death to life; and said to himself: Ah Lord God, this is a

great hurt unto King Arthur’s court, the loss of such a man. And then

he departed and came to the abbey where Galahad did the adventure of

the tombs, and won the white shield with the red cross; and there had

he great cheer all that night.

And on the morn he turned unto Camelot, where he found King Arthur and

the queen. But many of the knights of the Round Table were slain and

destroyed, more than half. And so three were come home, Ector, Gawaine,

and Lionel, and many other that need not to be rehearsed. And all the

court was passing glad of Sir Launcelot, and the king asked him many

tidings of his son Galahad. And there Launcelot told the king of his

adventures that had befallen him since he departed. And also he told

him of the adventures of Galahad, Percivale, and Bors, which that he

knew by the letter of the dead damosel, and as Galahad had told him.

Now God would, said the king, that they were all three here. That shall

never be, said Launcelot, for two of them shall ye never see, but one

of them shall come again.

Now leave we this story and speak of Galahad.

CHAPTER XVIII. How Galahad came to King Mordrains, and of other matters

and adventures.

Now, saith the story, Galahad rode many journeys in vain. And at the

last he came to the abbey where King Mordrains was, and when he heard

that, he thought he would abide to see him. And upon the morn, when he

had heard mass, Galahad came unto King Mordrains, and anon the king saw

him, which had lain blind of long time. And then he dressed him against

him, and said: Galahad, the servant of Jesu Christ, whose coming I have

abiden so long, now embrace me and let me rest on thy breast, so that I

may rest between thine arms, for thou art a clean virgin above all

knights, as the flower of the lily in whom virginity is signified, and

thou art the rose the which is the flower of all good virtues, and in

colour of fire. For the fire of the Holy Ghost is taken so in thee that

my flesh which was all dead of oldness is become young again. Then

Galahad heard his words, then he embraced him and all his body. Then

said he: Fair Lord Jesu Christ, now I have my will. Now I require thee,

in this point that I am in, thou come and visit me. And anon Our Lord

heard his prayer: therewith the soul departed from the body.

And then Galahad put him in the earth as a king ought to be, and so

departed and so came into a perilous forest where he found the well the

which boileth with great waves, as the tale telleth to-fore. And as

soon as Galahad set his hand thereto it ceased, so that it brent no

more, and the heat departed. For that it brent it was a sign of

lechery, the which was that time much used. But that heat might not

abide his pure virginity. And this was taken in the country for a

miracle. And so ever after was it called Galahad’s well.

Then by adventure he came into the country of Gore, and into the abbey

where Launcelot had been to-forehand, and found the tomb of King

Bagdemagus, but he was founder thereof, Joseph of Aramathie’s son; and

the tomb of Simeon where Launcelot had failed. Then he looked into a

croft under the minster, and there he saw a tomb which brent full

marvellously. Then asked he the brethren what it was. Sir, said they, a

marvellous adventure that may not be brought unto none end but by him

that passeth of bounty and of knighthood all them of the Round Table. I

would, said Galahad, that ye would lead me thereto. Gladly, said they,

and so led him till a cave. And he went down upon greses, and came nigh

the tomb. And then the flaming failed, and the fire staunched, the

which many a day had been great. Then came there a voice that said:

Much are ye beholden to thank Our Lord, the which hath given you a good

hour, that ye may draw out the souls of earthly pain, and to put them

into the joys of paradise. I am of your kindred, the which hath dwelled

in this heat this three hundred winter and four-and-fifty to be purged

of the sin that I did against Joseph of Aramathie. Then Galahad took

the body in his arms and bare it into the minster. And that night lay

Galahad in the abbey; and on the morn he gave him service, and put him

in the earth afore the high altar.

CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, and

how they came to the castle of Carbonek, and other matters.

So departed he from thence, and commended the brethren to God; and so

he rode five days till that he came to the Maimed King. And ever

followed Percivale the five days, asking where he had been; and so one

told him how the adventures of Logris were enchieved. So on a day it

befell that they came out of a great forest, and there they met at

traverse with Sir Bors, the which rode alone. It is none need to tell

if they were glad; and them he saluted, and they yielded him honour and

good adventure, and everych told other. Then said Bors: It is mo than a

year and an half that I ne lay ten times where men dwelled, but in wild

forests and in mountains, but God was ever my comfort.

Then rode they a great while till that they came to the castle of

Carbonek. And when they were entered within the castle King Pelles knew

them; then there was great joy, for they wist well by their coming that

they had fulfilled the quest of the Sangreal. Then Eliazar, King

Pelles’ son, brought to-fore them the broken sword wherewith Joseph was

stricken through the thigh. Then Bors set his hand thereto, if that he

might have soldered it again; but it would not be. Then he took it to

Percivale, but he had no more power thereto than he. Now have ye it

again, said Percivale to Galahad, for an it be ever enchieved by any

bodily man ye must do it. And then he took the pieces and set them

together, and they seemed that they had never been broken, and as well

as it had been first forged. And when they within espied that the

adventure of the sword was enchieved, then they gave the sword to Bors,

for it might not be better set; for he was a good knight and a worthy

man.

And a little afore even the sword arose great and marvellous, and was

full of great heat that many men fell for dread. And anon alighted a

voice among them, and said: They that ought not to sit at the table of

Jesu Christ arise, for now shall very knights be fed. So they went

thence, all save King Pelles and Eliazar, his son, the which were holy

men, and a maid which was his niece; and so these three fellows and

they three were there, no mo. Anon they saw knights all armed came in

at the hall door, and did off their helms and their arms, and said unto

Galahad: Sir, we have hied right much for to be with you at this table

where the holy meat shall be departed. Then said he: Ye be welcome, but

of whence be ye? So three of them said they were of Gaul, and other

three said they were of Ireland, and the other three said they were of

Denmark. So as they sat thus there came out a bed of tree, of a

chamber, the which four gentlewomen brought; and in the bed lay a good

man sick, and a crown of gold upon his head; and there in the midst of

the place they set him down, and went again their way. Then he lift up

his head, and said: Galahad, Knight, ye be welcome, for much have I

desired your coming, for in such pain and in such anguish I have been

long. But now I trust to God the term is come that my pain shall be

allayed, that I shall pass out of this world so as it was promised me

long ago. Therewith a voice said: There be two among you that be not in

the quest of the Sangreal, and therefore depart ye.

CHAPTER XX. How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the Holy Sangreal,

and how Our Lord appeared to them, and other things.

Then King Pelles and his son departed. And therewithal beseemed them

that there came a man, and four angels from heaven, clothed in likeness

of a bishop, and had a cross in his hand; and these four angels bare

him up in a chair, and set him down before the table of silver where

upon the Sangreal was; and it seemed that he had in midst of his

forehead letters the which said: See ye here Joseph, the first bishop

of Christendom, the same which Our Lord succoured in the city of Sarras

in the spiritual place. Then the knights marvelled, for that bishop was

dead more than three hundred year to-fore. O knights, said he, marvel

not, for I was sometime an earthly man. With that they heard the

chamber door open, and there they saw angels; and two bare candles of

wax, and the third a towel, and the fourth a spear which bled

marvellously, that three drops fell within a box which he held with his

other hand. And they set the candles upon the table, and the third the

towel upon the vessel, and the fourth the holy spear even upright upon

the vessel. And then the bishop made semblaunt as though he would have

gone to the sacring of the mass. And then he took an ubblie which was

made in likeness of bread. And at the lifting up there came a figure in

likeness of a child, and the visage was as red and as bright as any

fire, and smote himself into the bread, so that they all saw it that

the bread was formed of a fleshly man; and then he put it into the Holy

Vessel again, and then he did that longed to a priest to do to a mass.

And then he went to Galahad and kissed him, and bade him go and kiss

his fellows: and so he did anon. Now, said he, servants of Jesu Christ,

ye shall be fed afore this table with sweet meats that never knights

tasted. And when he had said, he vanished away. And they set them at

the table in great dread, and made their prayers.

Then looked they and saw a man come out of the Holy Vessel, that had

all the signs of the passion of Jesu Christ, bleeding all openly, and

said: My knights, and my servants, and my true children, which be come

out of deadly life into spiritual life, I will now no longer hide me

from you, but ye shall see now a part of my secrets and of my hidden

things: now hold and receive the high meat which ye have so much

desired. Then took he himself the Holy Vessel and came to Galahad; and

he kneeled down, and there he received his Saviour, and after him so

received all his fellows; and they thought it so sweet that it was

marvellous to tell. Then said he to Galahad: Son, wottest thou what I

hold betwixt my hands? Nay, said he, but if ye will tell me. This is,

said he, the holy dish wherein I ate the lamb on Sheer-Thursday. And

now hast thou seen that thou most desired to see, but yet hast thou not

seen it so openly as thou shalt see it in the city of Sarras in the

spiritual place. Therefore thou must go hence and bear with thee this

Holy Vessel; for this night it shall depart from the realm of Logris,

that it shall never be seen more here. And wottest thou wherefore? For

he is not served nor worshipped to his right by them of this land, for

they be turned to evil living; therefore I shall disherit them of the

honour which I have done them. And therefore go ye three to-morrow unto

the sea, where ye shall find your ship ready, and with you take the

sword with the strange girdles, and no more with you but Sir Percivale

and Sir Bors. Also I will that ye take with you of the blood of this

spear for to anoint the Maimed King, both his legs and all his body,

and he shall have his health. Sir, said Galahad, why shall not these

other fellows go with us? For this cause: for right as I departed my

apostles one here and another there, so I will that ye depart; and two

of you shall die in my service, but one of you shall come again and

tell tidings. Then gave he them his blessing and vanished away.

CHAPTER XXI. How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the

Maimed King, and of other adventures.

And Galahad went anon to the spear which lay upon the table, and

touched the blood with his fingers, and came after to the Maimed King

and anointed his legs.

And therewith he clothed him anon, and start upon his feet out of his

bed as an whole man, and thanked Our Lord that He had healed him. And

that was not to the worldward, for anon he yielded him to a place of

religion of white monks, and was a full holy man.

That same night about midnight came a voice among them which said: My

sons and not my chief sons, my friends and not my warriors, go ye hence

where ye hope best to do and as I bade you.

Ah, thanked be Thou, Lord, that Thou wilt vouchsafe to call us, Thy

sinners. Now may we well prove that we have not lost our pains.

And anon in all haste they took their harness and departed.

But the three knights of Gaul, one of them hight Claudine, King

Claudas’ son, and the other two were great gentlemen. Then prayed

Galahad to everych of them, that if they come to King Arthur’s court

that they should salute my lord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and all them

of the Round Table; and prayed them if that they came on that part that

they should not forget it.

Right so departed Galahad, Percivale and Bors with him; and so they

rode three days, and then they came to a rivage, and found the ship

whereof the tale speaketh of to-fore. And when they came to the board

they found in the midst the table of silver which they had left with

the Maimed King, and the Sangreal which was covered with red samite.

Then were they glad to have such things in their fellowship; and so

they entered and made great reverence thereto; and Galahad fell in his

prayer long time to Our Lord, that at what time he asked, that he

should pass out of this world.

So much he prayed till a voice said to him: Galahad, thou shalt have

thy request; and when thou askest the death of thy body thou shalt have

it, and then shalt thou find the life of the soul.

Percivale heard this, and prayed him, of fellowship that was between

them, to tell him wherefore he asked such things.

That shall I tell you, said Galahad; the other day when we saw a part

of the adventures of the Sangreal I was in such a joy of heart, that I

trow never man was that was earthly. And therefore I wot well, when my

body is dead my soul shall be in great joy to see the blessed Trinity

every day, and the majesty of Our Lord, Jesu Christ.

So long were they in the ship that they said to Galahad: Sir, in this

bed ought ye to lie, for so saith the scripture. And so he laid him

down and slept a great while; and when he awaked he looked afore him

and saw the city of Sarras. And as they would have landed they saw the

ship wherein Percivale had put his sister in. Truly, said Percivale, in

the name of God, well hath my sister holden us covenant. Then took they

out of the ship the table of silver, and he took it to Percivale and to

Bors, to go to-fore, and Galahad came behind. And right so they went to

the city, and at the gate of the city they saw an old man crooked. Then

Galahad called him and bade him help to bear this heavy thing. Truly,

said the old man, it is ten year ago that I might not go but with

crutches. Care thou not, said Galahad, and arise up and shew thy good

will. And so he assayed, and found himself as whole as ever he was.

Than ran he to the table, and took one part against Galahad. And anon

arose there great noise in the city, that a cripple was made whole by

knights marvellous that entered into the city.

Then anon after, the three knights went to the water, and brought up

into the palace Percivale’s sister, and buried her as richly as a

king’s daughter ought to be. And when the king of the city, which was

cleped Estorause, saw the fellowship, he asked them of whence they

were, and what thing it was that they had brought upon the table of

silver. And they told him the truth of the Sangreal, and the power

which that God had sent there. Then the king was a tyrant, and was come

of the line of paynims, and took them and put them in prison in a deep

hole.

CHAPTER XXII. How they were fed with the Sangreal while they were in

prison, and how Galahad was made king.

But as soon as they were there Our Lord sent them the Sangreal, through

whose grace they were always fulfilled while that they were in prison.

So at the year’s end it befell that this King Estorause lay sick, and

felt that he should die. Then he sent for the three knights, and they

came afore him; and he cried them mercy of that he had done to them,

and they forgave it him goodly; and he died anon. When the king was

dead all the city was dismayed, and wist not who might be their king.

Right so as they were in counsel there came a voice among them, and

bade them choose the youngest knight of them three to be their king:

For he shall well maintain you and all yours. So they made Galahad king

by all the assent of the holy city, and else they would have slain him.

And when he was come to behold the land, he let make above the table of

silver a chest of gold and of precious stones, that hilled the Holy

Vessel. And every day early the three fellows would come afore it, and

make their prayers.

Now at the year’s end, and the self day after Galahad had borne the

crown of gold, he arose up early and his fellows, and came to the

palace, and saw to-fore them the Holy Vessel, and a man kneeling on his

knees in likeness of a bishop, that had about him a great fellowship of

angels, as it had been Jesu Christ himself; and then he arose and began

a mass of Our Lady. And when he came to the sacrament of the mass, and

had done, anon he called Galahad, and said to him: Come forth the

servant of Jesu Christ, and thou shalt see that thou hast much desired

to see. And then he began to tremble right hard when the deadly flesh

began to behold the spiritual things. Then he held up his hands toward

heaven and said: Lord, I thank thee, for now I see that that hath been

my desire many a day. Now, blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if it

might please thee, Lord. And therewith the good man took Our Lord’s

body betwixt his hands, and proffered it to Galahad, and he received it

right gladly and meekly. Now wottest thou what I am? said the good man.

Nay, said Galahad. I am Joseph of Aramathie, the which Our Lord hath

sent here to thee to bear thee fellowship; and wottest thou wherefore

that he hath sent me more than any other? For thou hast resembled me in

two things; in that thou hast seen the marvels of the Sangreal, in that

thou hast been a clean maiden, as I have been and am.

And when he had said these words Galahad went to Percivale and kissed

him, and commended him to God; and so he went to Sir Bors and kissed

him, and commended him to God, and said: Fair lord, salute me to my

lord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and as soon as ye see him, bid him

remember of this unstable world. And therewith he kneeled down to-fore

the table and made his prayers, and then suddenly his soul departed to

Jesu Christ, and a great multitude of angels bare his soul up to

heaven, that the two fellows might well behold it. Also the two fellows

saw come from heaven an hand, but they saw not the body. And then it

came right to the Vessel, and took it and the spear, and so bare it up

to heaven. Sithen was there never man so hardy to say that he had seen

the Sangreal.

CHAPTER XXIII. Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad

was dead: and of Percivale how he died, and other matters.

When Percivale and Bors saw Galahad dead they made as much sorrow as

ever did two men. And if they had not been good men they might lightly

have fallen in despair. And the people of the country and of the city

were right heavy. And then he was buried; and as soon as he was buried

Sir Percivale yielded him to an hermitage out of the city, and took a

religious clothing. And Bors was alway with him, but never changed he

his secular clothing, for that he purposed him to go again into the

realm of Logris. Thus a year and two months lived Sir Percivale in the

hermitage a full holy life, and then passed out of this world; and Bors

let bury him by his sister and by Galahad in the spiritualities.