Knight of the world. And for obtaining of
your help went I to King Arthur's court. Wherefore succour us for
pity's sake and God's and for nought beside, for, so please you, it is
your duty so to do, albeit, had you been my brother that is also such a
knight as you, whom I cannot find, I might have called upon you of a
greater right. Sir," saith she, "Do you remember you of the brachet
you had at the court waiting for you until such time as you should come
for the shield, and that went away with you, how he would never make
joy nor know any save me alone? By this know I well that if you knew
the soreness of our need you would succour us. But King Arthur, that
should have prayed you thereof, forgat it."

"Damsel," saith he, "so much hath he done that he hath not failed of
his covenant with you, for he sent for me by the two best knights of
his court, and, so I may speed, so much will I do herein as that God
and he shall be well pleased thereof."

XII.

The damsel had right great joy of the knight that he should grant her
his aid, but she knew not he was her brother, or otherwise she would
have doubled her joy. Perceval knoweth well that she is his sister,
but he would not yet discover himself and manifest his pity outwardly.
He helpeth the damsel to mount again and they rode on together.

"Sir," saith the damsel, "Needs must I go to-night by myself to the
Grave-yard Perilous."

"Wherefore go you thither?" saith Perceval.

"Sir," saith she, "I have made vow thereof, and moreover a holy hermit
hath told me that the knight that warreth upon us may not be overcome
of no knight, save I bring him not some of the cloth wherewith the
altar in the chapel of the Grave-yard Perilous is covered. The cloth
is of the most holiest, for our Lord God was covered therewith in the
Holy Sepulchre, on the third day when He came back from death to life.
Nor none may enter the holy grave-yard that bringeth another with him,
wherefore behoveth me go by myself, and may God save my life this
night, for the place is sore perilous, and so ought I greatly to hate
him that hath procured me this dolour and travail. Sir," saith she,
"You will go your way toward the castle of Camelot: there is the Widow
Lady my mother, that awaiteth the return and the succour of the Good
Knight, and may you remember to succour and aid us when you shall see
how sore is our need of succour.

XIII.

"Damsel," saith Perceval, "So God allow me I will aid