[Sidenote:  Castle of the Holy Grail.] Although Parzival did not know it, he had come to the temple and castle on Montsalvatch.  The drawbridge was immediately lowered at his call, and richly clad servants bade him welcome with joyful mien.  They told him that he had long been expected, and after arraying him in a jeweled garment, sent by Queen Repanse de Joie, they conducted him into a large, brilliantly illumined hall.  There four hundred knights were seated on soft cushions, before small tables each laid for four guests; and as they saw him enter a flash of joy passed over their grave and melancholy faces.  The high seat was occupied by a man wrapped in furs, who was evidently suffering from some painful disease.  He made a sign to Parzival to draw near, gave him a seat beside him, and presented him with a sword of exquisite workmanship.  To Parzival’s surprise this man bade him welcome also, and repeated that he had long been expected.  The young knight, amazed by all he heard and saw, remained silent, for he did not wish to seem inquisitive,—­a failing unworthy of a knight.  Suddenly the great doors opened, and a servant appeared bearing the bloody head of a lance, with which he silently walked around the hall, while all gazed upon it and groaned aloud.

The servant had scarcely vanished when the doors again opened, and beautiful virgins came marching in, two by two.  They bore an embroidered cushion, an ebony stand, and sundry other articles, which they laid before the fur-clad king.  Last of all came the beautiful maiden, Repanse de Joie, bearing a glowing vessel; and as she entered and laid it before the king, Parzival heard the assembled knights whisper that this was the Holy Grail.

“Now after them advanced the Queen,
With countenance of so bright a sheen,
They all imagined day would dawn. 
One saw the maiden was clothed on
With muslin stuffs of Araby. 
On a green silk cushion she
The pearl of Paradise did bear.

* * * * *

The blameless Queen, proud, pure, and calm,
Before the host put down the Grail;
And Percival, so runs the tale,
To gaze upon her did not fail,
Who thither bore the Holy Grail.” 
WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH, Parzival(Bayard Taylor’s
tr.).

The maidens then slowly retired, the knights and squires drew near, and now from the shining vessel streamed forth a supply of the daintiest dishes and richest wines, each guest being served with the viands which he liked best.  All ate sadly and in silence, while Parzival wondered what it might all mean, yet remained mute.  The meal ended, the sufferer rose from his seat, gazed reproachfully at the visitor, who, by asking a question, could have saved him such pain, and slowly left the room, uttering a deep sigh.