_How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch not him, 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 alight a cloud betwixt them in
likeness of a fire, and a marvellous flame, that both their two shields
burnt. 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
themselves, 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 bad him go to
the sea; then he start 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 alight, 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 the 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 you 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 toforehand. So went they downward in the sea, one while
backward another while forward, and every each comforted other, and oft
were in their prayers. Then said Sir Percivale, We lack nothing but
Galahad the good knight.
And thus endeth the syxteenth book whiche is of syre Gawayne, Ector de
marys, and syre Bors de ganys and sir percyual.
And here foloweth the seuententh book which is of the noble knyghte
syre Galahad.
The Seventeenth Book.