nd entered into the ship, and anon it departed into the
sea, and went so fast that him seemed the ship went flying. Then he
saw in the midst of the ship a knight lie, all armed save his helm, and
he knew that it was Sir Percivale. And either made great joy of other,
that it was marvel to hear.

Then Sir Bors told Sir Percivale how he came into the ship, and by
whose admonishment, and either told other of his temptations, as ye
have heard toforehand. So went they downward in the sea, one while
backward, another while forward, and each comforted other, and oft were
they in their prayers. Then said Sir Percivale, "We lack nothing but
Galahad, the good knight."

CHAPTER XXXI

HOW SIR LAUNCELOT FOUND THE HOLY GRAIL

When the hermit had kept Sir Launcelot three days, he gat him a horse,
a helm, and a sword. So he departed, and took the adventure that God
would send him. On a night, as he slept, there came a vision unto him,
and a voice said, "Launcelot, arise up, and take thine armour, and
enter into the first ship that thou shalt find."

When he heard these words, he started up and saw great clearness about
him. Then he lifted up his hand in worship, and so took his arms, and
made him ready. By adventure he came by a strand, and found a ship,
the which was without sail or oar. And as soon as he was within the
ship, he felt the most sweetness that ever he felt, and he was filled
with a peace such as he had never known before. In this joy he laid
himself down on the ship's board, and slept till day.

So Sir Launcelot was a month and more on the ship, and if ye would ask
how he lived, as God fed the people of Israel with manna in the desert,
so was he fed. On a night he went to play him by the waterside, for he
was somewhat weary of the ship. And then he listened, and heard a
horse come, and one riding upon him. When he came nigh he seemed a
knight, and soon he saw that it was Galahad. And there was great joy
between them, for there is no tongue can tell the joy that they made
either of other; and there was many a friendly word spoken between
them, the which need not here be rehearsed. And there each told other
of the adventures and marvels that were befallen to them in many
journeys since they were departed from the court.

So dwelled Launcelot and Galahad within that ship half a year, and
served God daily and nightly with all their power. And often they
arrived in isles far from folk, where there