In his slumber, words came to his ear, saying, "Lancelot, rise and take thine armor, and enter into the first ship that thou shalt find." On hearing these words he started up, and saw that all about him was strangely clear, the skies giving out a light like that of midday. Then he blessed himself, and took his arms, and advanced to the strand, where he saw a ship without sails or oars. This he entered, as he had been bidden, and when he was within it his heart was filled with such joy as he had never before known. Naught had he ever thought of or desired but what seemed come to him now, and in his gladness he returned thanks fervently to the Lord. "I know not what has happened to me," he said, "but such joy as I feel I never dreamed the human heart could hold." Then he lay down and slept on the ship's deck, and when he woke the night had passed and it was broad day. And in the ship he found a bed, whereon lay a dead lady, with a letter in her right hand which Lancelot read. From this he learned that the fair corpse was that of Percivale's sister, together with many of the strange things that had happened to her and the chosen knights. For a month or more Lancelot abode in this ship, driven about the seas, and sustained by no food, but by the grace of the Holy Ghost, for he prayed fervently for God's aid night and morning. At length came a night when the ship touched the shore. Here he landed, being somewhat weary of the deck. And as he stood on the strand he heard a horse approach, and soon one rode by that seemed a knight. When he came to the ship he checked his horse and alighted. Then, taking the saddle and bridle from the horse, he turned it free and entered the ship. Lancelot, in surprise, drew near. "Fair knight," he said, "I know not who you are or why you come. But since you seek passage on my ship you are welcome." The other saluted him in turn, and asked,-- "What is your name? I pray you, tell me, for my heart warms strangely towards you." "My name is Lancelot du Lake." "Then are we well met indeed. You are my father." "Ah! then you are Galahad?" "Yes, truly," and as he spoke he took off his helm, and kneeled, and asked his blessing. Joyful indeed was that meeting, and gladly there father and son communed, telling each other all that had happened to them since they left the court. When Galahad saw the dead maiden he knew her well, and told his father the story of the sword, at which he marvelled greatly. "Truly, Galahad," he said, "I never heard of aught so strange, and can well believe you were born for wondrous deeds." Afterwards for nearly half a year the father and son dwelt together within that ship, serving God day and night with prayer and praise. Now they touched on peopled shores, and now on desert islands where only wild beasts abode, and perilous and strange adventures they met. But these we shall not tell, since they had naught to do with the Sangreal.