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 clean 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 to-morn I shall yield you your custom of this castle. And
then there was great joy more than there was to-fore, for else had
there been mortal war upon the morn; notwithstanding she would none
other, whether they wold or nold.
That night were the three fellows eased with the best; and on the morn
they heard mass, and Sir Percivale’s sister bade 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
country, but as soon as I am dead put me in a boat at the next haven,
and let me go as adventure will lead me; and as soon as ye three come
to the City of Sarras, there to enchieve the Holy Grail, ye shall find
me under a tower arrived, and there bury me in the spiritual place; for
I say you so much, there Galahad shall be buried, and ye also, in the
same place.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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