usly inscribed on it in letters of
gold, and was told he alone should occupy that place at the Round
Table.

According to some accounts, it was while all the knights were thus
seated around Arthur's board on this occasion, that the Holy Grail
suddenly appeared in their midst, its radiance so veiled by its
coverings that one and all vowed--when it had disappeared--never to
rest until they had beheld it unveiled. Arthur, knowing this boon
would be granted only to the absolutely pure and that they were all
but one sinful men in various degrees, keenly regretted they should
have made a vow which would entail a hopeless quest, and would at the
same time leave him bereft of the very knights who had hitherto helped
him to right the wrong and keep the pagans at bay. The knights
hastened to church to receive a blessing before they departed, and
then went off, singly or in small groups, to seek the Holy Grail.

When Galahad arrived at Arthur's court, he was fully armed, save that
an empty scabbard hung by his side and that he bore no shield. Soon
after his arrival, a servant breathlessly announced he had just seen a
large block of stone floating down the river, into which a beautiful
sword was thrust to the hilt. On hearing this, Arthur and his knights
hurried down to the landing place, but, although the stone paused
there, neither the king nor any of the nobles at his court were able
to draw out the sword. It became evident it was intended for Galahad
only, when he easily drew it out of the stone. It was then, according
to this version, that the other knights pledged themselves to go in
quest of the Holy Grail. Riding off alone, Galahad came to an abbey,
where hung a white shield bearing a red cross, which he learned had
once belonged to the king of Sarras, who was converted by Joseph's
son. The red cross was drawn with blood, and was to remain undimmed
for its future bearer, Galahad.

The young champion, thus completely equipped, rode off and next
arrived at the enchanted Castle of the Holy Grail. There he saw
Titurel, the sleeping king, and Amfortas, the acting king, before whom
the Grail passed unseen because he had sinned. Silently Galahad
watched the mystic procession of bleeding spear, miraculous dish or
cup, and Seven-branched Candlesticks. Like Parzival he hesitated to
ask any questions, and failed to achieve the Holy Grail, because,
although possessing all other virtues, he could not entirely forget
himself for the