adventures, for such is our Lord’s will.”  Then Sir Galahad blessed him, and entered therein, and then next the gentlewoman, and then Sir Bohort and Sir Perceval.  And when they came on board they found there the table of silver, and the Sangreal, which was covered with red samite.  And they made great reverence thereto, and Sir Galahad prayed a long time to our Lord, that at what time he should ask to pass out of this world he should do so; and a voice said to him, “Galahad, thou shalt have thy request; and when thou askest the death of thy body, thou shalt have it, and then shalt thou find the life of thy soul.”

And anon the wind drove them across the sea, till they came to the city of Sarras.  Then took they out of the ship the table of silver, and Sir Perceval and Sir Bohort took it before, and Sir Galahad came behind, and right so they went to the city.  And at the gate of the city they saw an old man, a cripple.

“And Sir Launfal said, ’I behold in thee
An image of Him who died on the tree
Thou also hast had thy crown of thorns,
Thou also hast had the world’s buffets and scorns;
And to thy life were not denied
The wounds in thy hands and feet and side
Mild Mary’s son, acknowledge me;
Behold, through Him I give to thee!’”

—­Lowell’s Holy Grail.

Then Galahad called him, and bade him help to bear this heavy thing.  “Truly,” said the old man, “it is ten years since I could not go but with crutches.”  “Care thou not,” said Sir Galahad, “but arise up, and show thy good will.”  Then the old man rose up, and assayed, and found himself as whole as ever he was; and he ran to the table, and took one part with Sir Galahad.

When they came to the city it chanced that the king was just dead, and all the city was dismayed, and wist not who might be their king.  Right so, as they were in counsel, there came a voice among them, and bade them choose the youngest knight of those three to be their king.  So they made Sir Galahad king, by all the assent of the city.  And when he was made king, he commanded to make a chest of gold and of precious stones to hold the holy vessel.  And every day the three companions would come before it and make their prayers.

Now at the year’s end, and the same day of the year that Sir Galahad received the crown, he got up early, and, with his fellows, came to where the holy vessel was; and they saw one kneeling before it that had about him a great fellowship of angels; and he called Sir Galahad, and said, “Come, thou servant of the Lord, and thou shalt see what thou hast much desired to see.”  And Sir Galahad’s mortal flesh trembled right hard when he began to behold the spiritual things.  Then said the good man, “Now wottest thou who I am?” “Nay,” said Sir Galahad.  “I am Joseph of Arimathea, whom our Lord hath sent here to thee, to bear thee fellowship.”  Then Sir Galahad held up his hands toward heaven, and said, “Now, blessed