King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table, Part 18 of 21

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To redeem your free bonus just go to deepsleepsounds.com forward slash bookshelf. That's deepsleepsounds.com forward slash bookshelf. Good evening and welcome to the sleepy big shelf where we put down our worries from the day and pick up a good book. I'm your host Elizabeth. It is so wonderful to be here with you tonight. This evening we are returning to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. But first take a moment to stretch your body. Then let yourself become completely still. Breathe in deeply and out slowly. Feel your muscles soften. Let relaxation take over. One time Segalah had rode forth and was attacked by seven knights whom he defeated and slew. He freed a maiden imprisoned in a dungeon and restored her lands. Continuing his journey he encountered and unknowingly defeated both Sir Lancelot and Sir Percival in combat before riding away. Sir Lancelot later witnessed a vision of the Holy Grail, healing a sick knight, but was deemed unworthy to approach it because of his sins. Filled with sorrow he repented and confessed to a hermit. He explained he had been serving only Queen Guinevere and not God, but he resolved to live more righteously. Sir Percival learned of Segalahad's greatness and set out to find him. He faced dangers and temptations but was guided by faith and symbolic visions. He eventually boarded a mysterious ship after being reassured of his power. Sir Bors also began the quest, living a life of penance and resisting temptation. He fought to defend the ladies lands and later faced a moral trial when forced to choose between saving his brother Sir Lionel or rescuing a maiden. He chose the maiden, trusting God to protect his brother. After many trials, including deception by evil forces and conflict with Sir Lionel, he was guided by a divine voice and reunited with Sir Percival aboard the ship. Meanwhile Sir Galahad continued his quest, proving his unmatched skill in battle and remaining humble. He followed a damsel who promised to lead him to great adventure and together they journeyed toward the sea. Tonight we continue the story of the Holy Grail, so just lie back and relax as I turn to the next pages of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Chapter 13 The Knights Go to Seek the Grail Continued A non-nay came to the seaside and lo, the ship wherein Sir Percival and Sir Bors abode by the shore. Then they cried, Welcome Sir Galahad, for we have awaited thee long. Then they rejoiced to see each other and told of all their adventures and temptations, and the damsel went into the ship with them and spake to Sir Percival. Sir Percival, know ye not who I am? And he replied, Nay certainly, I know thee not. Then she said, I am thy sister, the daughter of King Pelinor, and am sent to help thee and these knights, thy fellows, to achieve the quest which ye all follow. So Sir Percival rejoiced to see his sister and they departed from the shore, and after a while they came upon a whirlpool where their ship could not live. Then saw they another great ship hard by and went towards it, but saw neither man nor woman therein, and on the end of it these two words were written, Thou who shalt enter me, beware that thou be in steadfast belief, for I am faith, and if thou doubtest, I cannot help thee. Then were they all adred, but commending themselves to God they entered in. As soon as they were on board they saw a fair bed, whereon lay a crown of silk, and at the foot was a fair and rich sword, drawn from its scabbard, half a foot and more. The pommel was of precious stones of many colours, every colour having a different virtue, and the scales of the haft were of two ribs of different beasts. The one was born of a serpent from Caladon forest, named the Serpent of the Fiend, and its virtue saveth all men who hold it from weariness. The other was of a fish that haunteth the floods of Euphrates, named Aeternax, and its virtue causeth whoever holdeth it to forget all other things, whether of joy or pain, save the thing he seeth before him. In the name of God, said Ser Passivil, I shall assay to handle this sword, and set his hand to it, but could not grasp it. By my faith, said he, now have I failed. Ser Bors set his hand to it and failed also. Then came Ser Galahad and saw these letters written red as blood. None shall draw me forth save the hardiest of all men, but he that draweth me shall never be shamed or wounded to death. By my faith, said Ser Galahad, I would draw it forth, but dare not try. You may try safely, said the gentlewoman Ser Passivil's sister. For be ye well assured, the drawing of this sword is forbidden to all but you. For this was the sword of King David, of Israel, and Solomon, his son, made for it this marvellous pommel and this wondrous sheath, and laid it on this bed till thou shouldest come and take it up. And though before thee some have dared to raise it, yet have they all been maimed or wounded for their daring? Where, said Ser Galahad, shall we find a girdle for it? Fessa, said she, dismay you not? And therewith took out from a box a girdle, nobly wrought with golden thread, set full of precious stones, and with a rich gold buckle. This girdle, lords, said she, is made for the most part of my own hair, which while I was yet in the world I loved full well. But when I knew that this adventure was ordained me, I cut off and wove as ye now see it. Then they all prayed Ser Galahad to take the sword, and so anon he gripped it in his fingers, and the maiden girded it round his waist, saying, Now, wreck I not, though I die, for I have made thee the worthiest night of all the world. For, damsel, said Ser Galahad, you have done so much that I shall be your night all the days of my life. Then the ship sailed a great way on the sea, and brought them to land near the castle of Cataloids, where they were landed, came a squire, and asked them, The year of King Arthur's court, we are, said they, an evil hour are ye come, said he, and went back swiftly to the castle. Within a while they heard a great horn blow, and saw a multitude of well-armed knights come forth, who bade them yield or die. At that they ran together, and the Percival smoked one to the earth, and mounted his horse, and so likewise did Ser Bors and Ser Galahad, and soon they rooted all their enemies, and alighted on foot, and with their swords slew them downright, and entered into the castle. Then came their forth a priest, to whom Ser Galahad kneeled and said, And sooth good father, I repent me of this slaughter, but we were first assailed, or else it had not been. Repent ye not, said the good man, for if ye lived as long as the world lasted, ye could do no better deed. For these were all the felon sons of a good night, Earl Hernox, whom they have thrown into a dungeon, and in his name have slain priests and clerks, and beat down chapels far and near. Then Ser Galahad prayed the priest to bring him to the Earl, who when he saw Ser Galahad cried out, Long have I waited for thy coming, and now I pray thee, hold me in thine arms that I may die in peace. And therewith when Ser Galahad had taken him in his arms, his soul departed from his body. Then came a voice in the hearing of them all, depart now Ser Galahad, and go quickly to the maimed king, for he hath long abided to receive help from thy hand. So the three knights departed, and Ser Percival's sister with them, and came to a vast forest, and saw before them a white heart, exceeding fair, led by four lions, and marvelling greatly at that sight, they followed. A non they came to a hermitage in the chapel, where unto the heart entered, and the lions with it. Then a priest offered mass, and presently they saw the heart change into the figure of a man, most sweet and comely to behold. And the four lions also changed and became a man, an eagle, a lion, and an ox. And suddenly all those five figures vanished without sound. Then the knights marvelled greatly and fell upon their knees, and when they rose they prayed the priest to tell them what that sight might mean. When saw ye, sirs, said he, for I saw nothing. Then they told him, my lord, said he, ye are full welcome. Now know I well, ye be the knights who shall achieve the sangria, for unto them alone such mysteries reveal. The heart ye saw is worn above all men, white and without blemish. And the four lions with him are the four evangelists. When they heard that they heartily rejoiced and thanking the priest departed, anon as they passed by a certain castle, an armed knight suddenly came after them and cried out to the damsel, By the holy cross ye shall not go till ye have yielded to the custom of the castle. Let her go, said surpassable. For maiden, worse so ever, she cometh is free. Whatever maiden, part of the ear, replied the knight, must give a dishful of blood from her right arm. It is a foul and shameful custom, cried Sigalahad and both his fellows. And sooner will we die than let this maiden yield thereto. Then shall ye die. Replied the knight. And as he spake there came out from a gate hard by ten or twelve more, and encountered with them, running upon them vehemently with a great cry. But the three knights withstood them and set their hands to their swords and beat them down and slew them. At that came forth a company of three score knights, all armed. Fair lords, said Sigalahad, have mercy on yourselves and keep from us. Nay, fair lords, they answered, rather be advised by us and yield ye to our custom. It is an idle word, said Sigalahad. In vain ye speak it. Well, said they, will ye die? We be not come thereto as yet, replied Sigalahad. Then did they fall upon each other, and Sigalahad drew forth his sword and smoked on the right hand and on the left, and slew so mightily that all who saw him thought he was a monster and no earthly man. And both his comrades helped him well, and so they had the field against that multitude till it was night. Then came a good night forward from the enemy and said, Fair knight, abide with us tonight and be right welcome. By the faith of our bodies as we are true knights, tomorrow ye shall rise unharmed, and meanwhile maybe ye will of your own accord accept the custom of the castle when ye know it better. So they entered and delighted and made great cheer. Anon they asked them whence that custom came. The lady of this castle is a leper, said they, and can be no way cured saved by the blood of a pure virgin and a king's daughter. Therefore to save her life are we her servants, bound to stay every maid that passeth by, and try if her blood may not cure our mistress. Then said the damsel, Take ye of my blood as much as ye will, if it may avail your lady. And though the three knights urged her not to put her life in that great peril, she replied, If I die to heal another's body, I shall get health to my soul, and would not be persuaded to refuse. So on the morrow she was brought to the sick lady, and her arm was bared, and a vein thereof was opened, and the dish filled with her blood. Then the sick lady was anointed therewith, and Anon she was whole of her malady. With that subversive sister lifted up her hand and blessed her, saying, Madam, I am come to my death to make you whole, for God's love pray for me. And thus saying she fell down in a smoon. Then subgalahad, subversive and subaurs, started to lift her hand, but she had lost too much to live. So when she came to herself she said to subversive, Fair brother, I must die for the healing of this lady, and now I pray thee, bury me not here, but when I am dead put me in a boat, at the next haven, and let me float adventure on the sea. And when ye come to the city of Sarat to achieve the Sangreel, shall ye find me waiting by a tower, and there I pray thee, bury me, for there shall subgalahad, and ye also be laid. Thus having said, she died. Then subversive wrote all the story of her life and put it in her right hand, and so laid her in a barge and covered it with silk. And the wind arising drove the barge from land, and all the night stood watching it till it was out of sight. And on they returned to the castle, and forthwith fell a sudden tempest of thunder and lightning and rain, as if the earth were broken up, and half the castle was thrown down. Then came a voice to the three knights which said, Depart ye now asunder, till ye meet again where the maimed king is like. So they parted and rode diverse ways. Now after Silancelot had left the hermit, he rode a long while till he knew not wither to turn, and so he lay down to sleep, if happily he might dream wither to go. And in his sleep a vision came to him saying, Lancelot, rise up and take thine armor, and enter the first ship that thou shalt find. When he awoke, he obeyed the vision, and rode till he came to the seashore, and found there a ship without sails or oars, and as soon as he was in it, he smelt the sweetest savor he had ever known, and seemed filled with all things he could think of or desire. And looking round he saw a fair bed, and thereon a gentlewoman, lying dead, who was a passable sister. And as Silancelot looked on, he spied the writing in her right hand, and taking it, he read therein her story, and more than a month thereafter he abode in that ship, and was nourished by the grace of heaven, as Israel was fed with manna in the desert. And on a certain night he went ashore to pass the time, for he was somewhat weary, and listening he had a horse come towards him, from which a night alighted, and went up into the ship, who when he saw Lancelot said, Fessa, ye be right welcome to mine eyes, for I am thy son Galahad, and long time have I sought for thee. With that he kneeled and asked his blessing, and took off his helm, and kissed him, and the great joy there was between them no tongue can tell. Then for half a year they dwelt together in the ship, and served God night and day with all their powers, and went to many unknown islands, where none but wild beasts haunted, and there found many strange and perilous adventures. And upon a time they came to the edge of a forest, before a cross of stone, and saw a knight armed all in white, leading a white horse. Then the knight saluted them, and said to Galahad, You've been a long time enough with your father, now therefore leave him, and ride this horse till you achieve the holy quest. Then went to Galahad to his father, and kissed him full courteously, and said, Fair Father, I know not when I shall see thee again. And as he took his horse of voice spake in their hearing, ye shall me no more in this life. Now my son, Sir Galahad, said Sir Lancelot, since we must so part and see each other never more, I pray the High Father of Heaven to preserve both you and me. Then they bade farewell, and Sir Galahad entered the forest, and Sir Lancelot returned to the ship, and the wind rose, and drove him more than a month through the sea, whereby he slept but little, yet ever prayed that he might see the Sangreel. So it befell upon a certain midnight, the moon shining clear, he came before a fair and rich castle, whereof the post-air gate was open towards the sea, having no keeper save two lions in the entry. And on Sir Lancelot heard a voice, Leave now thy ship, and go within the castle, and thou shalt see a part of thy desire. Then he armed, and went towards the gate, and coming to the lions he drew out his sword, but suddenly a squire rushed out, and smote him on the arm so that he dropped his sword, and heard again the voice, Oh man of evil faith, and poor belief, Wherefore trustest thou thine arms above thy maker. Then he put up his sword, and signed the cross upon his forehead, and so passed by the lions without hurt. And going in he found a chamber with the door shut, which in vain he tried to open, and listening there at he heard a voice within, which sang so sweetly that it seemed no earthly thing. Joy and honour be to the Father of Heaven. Then he kneeled down at the door, for he knew well the Sangreel was there within. And on the door was opened without hands, and forthwith came there out so great a splendour, as if all the torches of the world had been alight together. But when he would have entered in, a voice forbade him, wherefore he drew back, and looked, standing upon the threshold of the door. And there he saw a table of silver, and the holy vessel covered with red samite, and many angels round it, holding burning candles, and a cross, and all the ornaments of the altar. Then a priest stood up and offered mass, and when he took the vessel up he seemed to sing beneath that burden. At that Salansalot cried, Oh Father, take it not for the sin that I go in to help the priest, worth much in need thereof. So saying he went in, but when he came towards the table, he felt a breath of fire which issued out therefrom, and smote him to the ground, so that he had no power to rise. Then felt he many hands about him, which took him up, and laid him down outside the chapel door. There lay he in a swoon all through that night, and on the morrow certain people found him senseless, and bore him to an inner chamber, and laid him on a bed. And there he rested, living, but moving no limbs, twenty-four days and nights. On the twenty-fifth day he opened his eyes, and saw those standing round, and said, Why have you waked me? For I have seen marvels that no tongue can tell, and more than any heart can think. Then he asked where he was, and they told him, In the castle of Carbonac, Tell your Lord, King Pellis, said he, That I am Salansalot. At that they marveled greatly, and told their Lord it was Salansalot who had lain there so long. Then was King Pellis, wondrous glad, and went to see him, and prayed him to abide there for a season. But Salansalot said, I know well that I have now seen as much as my eyes may behold of this angriol, wherefore I will return to my country. So he took leave of King Pellis, and departed towards Logres. Now after Sagalla had had parted from Salansalot, he rode many days, till he came to the monastery where the blind King Everlake lay, whom Sir Percival had seen. And on the morrow when he had heard Mass, Sagalla had desired to see the King, who cried out, Welcome, Sagalla had servant of the Lord, long have I abided thy coming, Take me now in nine arms, that I may die in peace. At that Sagalla had embraced him, and when he had done so the King Pellis, and when he had done so the King's eyes were opened, and he said, Fare Lord Jesus, suffer me now to come to thee, and the none his soul departed. Then they buried him royally as the King should be, and Sagalla had went on his way. Within a while he came to a chapel in a forest, in the crypt aware of he saw a tomb, which always blazed and burned, and asking the brethren what that might mean they told him, Joseph of Amorotheus' son did found this monastery, and one who wronged him had lain here these 350 years, and burneth evermore, until that perfect night, who shall achieve the Sangreel, doth quench the fire. Then said he, I pray you bring me to the tomb, and when he touched the place, immediately the fire was quenched, and a voice came from the grave and cried, thanks be to God, who hath now purged me of my sin, and draweth me from earthly pains into the joys of Paradise. Then Sagalla had took the body in his arms, and bore it to the Abbey, and on the morrow put it in the earth before the High Altar. A norn he departed from Bence, and rode five days in a great forest, and after that he met Saperceval, and a little further on, Saborse. When they had told each other their adventures, they rode together to the castle of Carbonak, and there King Pallas gave them hearty welcome, for he knew they should achieve the Holy Quest. As soon as they were come into the castle, the voice cried in the midst of the chamber, let them who ought not now to sit at the table of the Lord rise and depart hence. Then all saved those three nights departed. And on they saw other nights come in with haste at the hall doors, and take their harness off, who said to Sagalla had, Sir, we have tried so to be with you at this table. You be welcome, said he, but when saw ye? So three of them said they were from Gore, and three from Ireland, and three from Denmark. Then came forth the likeness of a bishop with a cross in his hand, and four angels stood by him, and a table of silver was before them. Whereon was set the vessel of the Sangria. Then came forth other angels also, two bearing burning candles, and the third a towel, and the fourth a spear which bled marvelously. The drops wherefrom fell into a box he held in his left hand. And on the bishop took the wafer up to consecrate it, and at the lifting up, they saw the figure of a child whose visage was as bright as any fire, which smote itself into the midst of the wafer and vanished, so that all saw the flesh made bread. There at the bishop went to Gala had and kissed him, and made him go and kiss his fellows and said, now servants of the Lord, prepare for food such as none ever yet were fed with since the world began. With that he vanished, and the nights were filled with a great dread and prayed devoutly. Then saw they come forth from the holy vessel, the vision of a man bleeding all openly, whom they knew well by the tokens of his passion for the Lord himself. At that they fell upon their faces and were dumb. And on he brought the holy grail to them and spake high words of comfort, and when they drank therefrom, the taste thereof was sweeter than any tongue could tell or heart desire. Then a voice said to Gala had, Son, would this blood which drippeth from the spear and wint thou the maimed king, and heal him, and when thou hast this done, depart hence with thy brethren in a ship that ye shall find, and go to the city of Saras, and bear with thee the holy vessel, for it shall no more be seen in the realms of Logras. At that Gala had walked to the bleeding spear, and therefrom anointing his fingers went out, straight away to the maimed king palace, and touched his wound. Then suddenly he up rose from his bed as a whole man as ever he was, and praising God, passing thankfully with all his heart. Then Sir Gala had, Sir Boars and Sir Percival departed as they had been told, and when they had ridden three days, they came to the sea shore, and found the ship awaiting them. Therein they entered, and saw in the midst the silver table, and the vessel of the Sangria covered with red samai. Then with a passing glad, and made great reverence there too, and Sir Gala had prayed that now he might leave the world and pass to God, and presently, while he prayed a voice said to him, Gala had, thy prayer is heard, and when thou asker the death of the body thou shalt have it, and find the life of thy soul. But while they prayed and slapped, the ship sailed on, and when they woke they saw the city of Saras before them, and the other ship wherein was Sir Percival's sister. Then the three knights took up the holy table and the Sangria, and went into the city, and there in a chapel, they buried Sir Percival's sister right solemnly. Now at the gate of the town they saw an old cripple sitting, whom Sir Gala had called to help them bear their weight. Fruely said the old man, it is ten years since I have done a step without these crutches. Care ye not, said Sir Gala had, rise now and show good will. So he assayed to move, and found his limbs as strong as any man's might be, and running to the table helped to carry it. And on there rose a rumour in the city that a cripple had been healed by certain marvellous, strange knights. But the king, named Estrants, who was a heathen tyrant, when he heard thereof, took Sir Gala had and his fellows, and put them in prison in a deep hole. Therein they abode a great while, but ever the Sangria was with them, and fed them with marvellous, sweet food, so that they fainted not, but had all joy and comfort they could wish. At the year's end the king fell sick, and felt that he should die. Then sent he for the three nights, and when they came before him, prayed their mercy for his trespass against them. So they forgave him gladly, and anon he died. Then the chief men of the city took counsel together, who should be king in his stead. And as they talked, a voice cried in their midst, and at that they sought Sir Gala had, and made him king with the ascent of all the city, and else they would have slain him. But within a twelve month came to him upon a certain day, as he prayed before the Sangria, a man in the city, and a man in the city, and a man in the city. As he prayed before the Sangria, a man in likeness of a bishop, with a great company of angels around him, who offered mass, and afterwards called to Sir Gala had, come forth our servant of the Lord, for the time hath come thou hast desired so long. Then Sir Gala had lifted up his hands and prayed. Now blessed Lord, would I no longer live if it might please thee. Anon the bishop gave him the sacrament, and when he had received it with unspeakable gladness, he said, Who art thou, Father? I am Joseph of Amorothea, answered he, whom my Lord hath sent to bear thee fellowship. When he heard that, Sir Gala had went to Sir Percival, and Sir Bors, and kissed them, and commended them to God, saying, Salute for me, Sir Lancelot, my father, and bid them remember this unstable world. Therewith he kneeled down and prayed, and suddenly his soul departed, and a multitude of angels bare it up to heaven. Then came a hand from heaven, and took the vessel and the spear, and bade them out of sight. Since then was never man so hardy as to say that he had seen the Sangreel. And after all these things, Sir Percival put off his armour, and betook him to a hermitage, and within a little while passed out of this world. And Sir Bors, when he had buried him beside his sister, returned, weeping soul for the loss of his two brethren, to King Arthur at Camelot.