er knight forgat, and be not afeard for
ought you may see at the entrance of the castle, but ride on without
misgiving and adore the holy chapel you will see appear in the castle,
there where the flame of the Holy Spirit descendeth each day for the
most Holy Graal and the point of the lance that is served there."

"Sir," saith Messire Gawain, "God teach me to do His will!"

He taketh leave, and goeth his way and rideth until the valley
appeareth wherein the castle is seated garnished of all things good,
and he seeth appear the most holy chapel. He alighteth, and then
setteth him on his knees and boweth him down and adoreth right sweetly.
Thereafter he remounteth and rideth until he findeth a sepulchre right
rich, and it had a cover over, and it lay very nigh the castle, and it
seemed to be within a little burial-ground that was enclosed all round
about, nor were any other tombs therein. A voice crieth to him as he
passeth the burial-ground: "Touch not the sepulchre, for you are not
the Good Knight through whom shall it be known who lieth therein."

Messire Gawain passeth beyond when he had heard the voice and draweth
nigh the entrance of the castle, and seeth that three bridges are
there, right great and right horrible to pass. And three great waters
run below, and him seemeth that the first bridge is a bowshot in length
and in breadth not more than a foot. Strait seemeth the bridge and the
water deep and swift and wide. He knoweth not what he may do, for it
seemeth him that none may pass it, neither afoot nor on horse.

XV.

Thereupon, lo you, a knight that issueth forth of the castle and cometh
as far as the head of the bridge, that was called the Bridge of the
Eel, and shouteth aloud: "Sir Knight, pass quickly before it shall be
already night, for they of the castle are awaiting us."

"Ha," saith Messire Gawain, "Fair sir, but teach me how I may pass
hereby."

"Certes, Sir Knight, no passage know I to this entrance other than
this, and if you desire to come to the castle, pass on without
misgiving."

Messire Gawain hath shame for that he hath stayed so long, and
forthinketh him of this that the Hermit told him, that of no mortal
thing need he be troubled at the entrance of the castle, and
therewithal that he is truly confessed of his sins, wherefore behoveth
him be the less adread of death. He crosseth and blesseth himself and
commendeth himself to God as he that thinketh to die, and so smiteth
his h