_How a knight brought unto Sir Galahad an horse, and bad him come from
his father Sir Launcelot._
So after, on a Monday, it befell that they arrived in the edge of a
forest, tofore 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 Sancgreal. 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 preserve both 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 Sancgreal. 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 towards 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 he
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, Oh
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 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 semblant 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.