that were present, and
with that he left them, and Sir Bors and Sir Percivale with him. For
three days they rode till they came to a shore, and found a ship
awaiting them. And in the midst of it was the table of silver, and the
Holy Graal which was covered with red samite. Then were their hearts
right glad, and they made great reverence thereto, and Galahad prayed
that at what time he asked, he might depart out of this world. So long
he prayed that at length a voice said to him, 'Galahad, thou shalt
have thy desire, and when thou askest the death of the body thou shalt
have it, and shalt find the life of the soul.' Percivale likewise
heard the voice, and besought Galahad to tell him why he asked such
things. And Galahad answered, 'The other day when we saw a part of the
adventures of the Holy Graal, I was in such a joy of heart that
never did man feel before, and I knew well that when my body is dead
my soul shall be in joy of which the other was but a shadow.'

[Illustration: LANCELOT & THE DWARF.]

Some time were the three Knights in that ship, till at length they saw
before them the city of Sarras. Then they took from the ship the table
of silver, and Sir Percivale and Sir Bors went first, and Sir Galahad
followed after to the gate of the city, where sat an old man that was
crooked. At the sight of the old man Sir Galahad called to him to help
them carry the table, for it was heavy. 'Truly,' answered the old man,
'it is ten years since I have gone without crutches.' 'Care not for
that,' said Galahad, 'but rise up and show your good will.' So he
arose and found himself as whole as ever he was, and he ran to the
table and held up the side next Galahad. And there was much noise in
the city that a cripple was healed by three Knights newly entered in.
This reached the ears of the King, who sent for the Knights and
questioned them. And they told him the truth, and of the Holy Graal;
but the King listened nothing to all they said, but put them into a
deep hole in the prison. Even here they were not without comfort, for
a vision of the Holy Graal sustained them. And at the end of a year
the King lay sick and felt he should die, and he called the three
Knights and asked forgiveness of the evil he had done to them, which
they gave gladly. Then he died, and the whole city was afraid and knew
not what to do, till while they were in counsel a voice came to them
and bade them choose the youngest of the three strange Knights for