As unto that counsel and at the King’s request they accorded all, and took on their harness that longed unto jousting.  But all this moving of the King was for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the King deemed he should not lightly come again unto the court after his departing.  So were they assembled into the meadow both more and less.[8]

[Footnote 8:  That is, the greater and the lesser knights.]

Then Sir Galahad began to break spears marvelously, that all men had wonder of him; for he there surmounted all other knights, for within a while he had defouled many good knights of the Table Round save twain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale.

And then the King and all estates[9] went home unto Camelot, and so went to evensong to the great minster, and so after upon that to supper, and every knight sat in his own place as they were toforehand.  Then anon they heard cracking and crying of thunder, that them thought the place should all to-drive.[10]

[Footnote 9:  Estate formerly meant a person of high rank.]

[Footnote 10:  To-drive is an old expression meaning break apart.]

In the midst of this blast entered a sunbeam more clearer by seven times than ever they saw day, and all they were alighted of[11] the grace of the Holy Ghost.  Then began every knight to behold other, and either saw other, by their seeming, fairer than ever they saw afore.  Not for then there was no knight might speak one word a great while, and so they looked every man on other as they had been dumb.

[Footnote 11:  Alighted of means lighted by.]

Then there entered into the hall the Holy Grail covered with white samite, but there was none might see it, nor who bare it.  And there was all the hall fulfilled[12] with good odours, and every knight had such meats and drinks as he best loved in this world.  And when the Holy Grail had been borne through the hall, then the Holy Vessel departed suddenly, that they wist not where it became:  then had they all breath to speak.  And then the King yielded thankings to God, of His good grace that he had sent them.

[Footnote 12:  Fulfilled is here used with its original meaning of filled full.]

“Now,” said Sir Gawaine, “we have been served this day of what meats and drinks we thought on; but one thing beguiled us, we might not see the Holy Grail, it was so preciously covered.  Wherefore I will make here avow, that to-morn,[13] without longer abiding, I shall labour in the quest of the Sangreal, that I shall hold me out a twelvemonth and a day, or more if need be, and never shall I return again unto the court till I have seen it more openly than it hath been seen here; and if I may not speed I shall return again as he that may not be against the will of our Lord Jesu Christ.”

[Footnote 13:  To-morn is an old expression for to morrow]