he should never see the sacred vessel more
nearly than he had seen it.

Soon Sir Launcelot took his leave of all the fellowship that were there
at the castle, and thanked them for the great labour. So he took his
armour and departed, and said that he would go back to the realm of
Logris.

[1] Made semblant: threatened.

CHAPTER XXXII

THE END OF THE QUEST

Now, saith the story, Sir Galahad rode into a vast forest, wherein he
rode many journeys, and he found many adventures, the which he brought
to an end, whereof the story maketh here no mention. And on a day it
befell him that he was benighted in a hermitage. The good man there
was glad when he saw a knight-errant, and made him what cheer he might.
Then when they were at rest, there came a gentlewoman knocking at the
door, and called Galahad. So the hermit came to the door to wit what
she would, and she said to him that she would speak with the knight
that was lodged there. The good man awoke Galahad, and bade him arise
and speak with a gentlewoman that seemed to have great need of him.

Then Galahad went to her, and asked her what she would. "Galahad,"
said she, "I will that ye arm you, and mount upon your horse and follow
me, for I shall show you within these three days the highest adventure
that ever any knight saw." Anon Galahad armed him, and took his horse,
and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would follow as she liked.

So she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till they came to
the seaside, and there they found the ship wherein were Bors and
Percivale, the which cried on the ship's board, "Sir Galahad, ye be
welcome; we have awaited you long."

So, leaving his horse behind, Galahad entered into the ship, where the
two knights received him with great joy. And the wind arose, and drove
them through the sea marvellously.

Now saith the story that they rode a great while till they came to the
castle of Carboneck, where Sir Launcelot had been tofore. They entered
within the castle, and then there was great joy, for they wist well
that they had fulfilled the quest of the Holy Grail.

As they were alone in the hall, it seemed to them that there came a
man, in likeness of a bishop, with four angels from heaven, and held
mass about a table of silver, whereupon the Holy Grail was. And in a
vision they saw in the bread of the sacrament a figure in likeness of a
child, and the visage was as bright as any fire.

Then said the bishop