Saying this, Bors raised his sword and advanced upon Lionel, who stood before him with the wrath of a fury. Then would have been a most unholy battle, had not God come to the rescue. For as they thus stood defiant a voice came to them from the air, which said,-- "Flee, Bors, and touch him not, for if you do, you will surely slay him." And between them descended a cloud that gleamed like fire, and from which issued a marvellous flame that burned both their shields to a cinder. They were both so affrighted that they fell to the earth, and lay there long in a swoon. When they came to themselves Bors saw that his brother had received no harm. For this he thanked God, for he feared that heaven's vengeance had fallen upon him. Then came the voice again. "Bors," it said, "go hence, and bear thy brother company no longer. Take thy way to the sea where Percivale awaiteth thee." "Forgive me, brother," said Bors, "for what I have done against you." "God has forgiven you, and I must," said Lionel. "It was the foul fiend that filled my soul with fury, and much harm has come of it." Then Bors rode away, leaving Lionel in the company of those whom he had slain, and took the most direct road towards the sea. At length he came to an abbey that was near the water-side. And at midnight as he rested there he was roused from his sleep by a voice, that bade him leave his bed and ride onward. He started up at this, and made the sign of the cross on his forehead; then took his harness and horse, and rode out at a broken place in the abbey wall. An hour or so brought him to the water-side, and on the strand there lay awaiting him a ship all covered with white samite. Bors alighted, and leaving his horse on the stand entered the ship, commending himself to Christ's fostering care. Hardly had he done so before the sails spread, as of themselves, and the vessel set out to sea so fast that it seemed to fly. But it was still dark night, and he saw no one about him. So he lay down and slept till day. When he awaked he saw a knight lying in the middle of the deck, all armed but the helm. A glance told him that it was Percivale de Galis, and he sprang towards him with joy. But Percivale drew back, asking him who he was. "Know you me not?" asked Bors. "I do not. But I marvel how you came hither, unless brought by our Lord himself." Then Bors took off his helm and smiled. Great was Percivale's joy when he recognized him, and long did they converse in gladness, telling each other their adventures and temptations. And so they went far over the sea, the ship taking them they knew not whither, yet each comforted the other, and daily they prayed for God's grace. "Now, that we two are together," said Percivale, "we lack nothing but Galahad, the best of knights." CHAPTER VI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE MAGIC SHIP.