each in like hard till it was night; then must they needs depart.  So came in a good knight, and said to the three fellows:  If ye will come in to-night and take such harbour as here is ye shall be right welcome, and we shall ensure you by the faith of our bodies, and as we be true knights, to leave you in such estate to-morrow as we find you, without any falsehood.  And as soon as ye know of the custom we dare say ye will accord.  Therefore for God’s love, said the gentlewoman, go thither and spare not for me.  Go we, said Galahad; and so they entered into the chapel.  And when they were alit they made great joy of them.  So within a while the three knights asked the custom of the castle and wherefore it was.  What it is, said they, we will say you sooth.

CHAPTER XI

How sir Percivale’s sister bled A dish full of blood for to heal A lady, wherefore she died; and how that the body was put in A ship

There is in this castle a gentlewoman which we and this castle is hers, and many other.  So it befell many years agone there fell upon her a malady; and when she had lain a great while she fell unto a measle, and of no leech she could have no remedy.  But at the last an old man said an she might have a dish full of blood of a maid and a clene virgin in will and in work, and a king’s daughter, that blood should be her health, and for to anoint her withal; and for this thing was this custom made.  Now, said Percivale’s sister, fair knights, I see well that this gentlewoman is but dead.  Certes, said Galahad, an ye bleed so much ye may die.  Truly, said she, an I die for to heal her I shall get me great worship and soul’s health, and worship to my lineage, and better is one harm than twain.  And therefore there shall be no more battle, but tomorn I shall yield you your custom of this castle.  And then there was great joy more than there was tofore, for else had there been mortal war upon the morn; notwithstanding she would none other, whether they would or nold.  That night were the three fellows eased with the best; and on the morn they heard mass, and Sir Percivale’s sister bad bring forth the sick lady.  So she was, the which was evil at ease.  Then said she:  Who shall let me blood?  So one came forth and let her blood, and she bled so much that the dish was full.  Then she lift up her hand and blessed her; and then she said to the lady:  Madam, I am come to the death for to make you whole, for God’s love pray for me.  With that she fell in a swoon.  Then Galahad and his two fellows start up to her, and lift her up and staunched her, but she had bled so much that she might not live.  Then she said when she was awaked:  Fair brother Percivale, I die for the healing of this lady, so I require you that ye bury me not in this