s of the world. But no true tidings may I hear of
him, save so much, that I was at a hermitage where was a King hermit
and he bade me make no noise for that the Best Knight of the world lay
sick therewithin, and he told me that name was Par-lui-fet. I saw his
horse being led by a squire before the chapel, and his arms and shield
whereon was a sun figured."

"Sir," saith the damsel, "My brother's name is not Par-lui-fet, but
Perlesvax in right baptism, and it is said of them that have seen him
that never comelier knight was known."

"Certes," saith the King, "Never saw I comelier than he that came in
hither nor better like to be good knight, and I know of a truth that
such he is, for otherwise never might he have entered hereinto. But
good reward of harbouring him had I not, for I may help neither myself
nor other. For God's sake, Messire Gawain, hold me in remembrance this
night, for great affiance have I in your valour."

"Certes, Sir, please God, nought will I do within yonder, whereof I may
be blamed of right."

XVIII.

Thereupon Messire Gawain was led into the hall and findeth twelve
ancient knights, all bald, albeit they seemed not to be so old as they
were, for each was of a hundred year of age or more and yet none of
them seemed as though he were forty. They have set Messire Gawain to
eat at a right rich table of ivory and seat themselves all round about
him.

"Sir," saith the Master of the Knights, "Remember you of that the good
King hath prayed of you and told you this night as you have heard."

"Sir," saith Messire Gawain, "God remember it!"

With that bring they larded meats of venison and wild-boar's flesh and
other in great plenty, and on the table was rich array of vessels of
silver and great cups of gold with their covers, and the rich
candlesticks where the great candles were burning, albeit their
brightness was hidden of the great light that appeared within.

XIX.

Thereon, lo you, two damsels that issue forth of a chapel, whereof the
one holdeth in her hands the most Holy Graal, and the other the Lance
whereof the point bleedeth thereinto. And the one goeth beside the
other in the midst of the hall where the knights and Messire Gawain sat
at meat, and so sweet a smell and so holy came to them therefrom that
they forgat to eat. Messire Gawain looketh at the Graal, and it seemed
him that a chalice was therein, albeit none there was as at this time,
and he seeth the point of the la