April 17, 2025 • 24 mins
A retelling of the classic Arthurian legends, this collection of twelve tales captures the grandeur, mystery, and moral depth of King Arthur’s court and the quest for the Holy Grail. Designed for young readers and educators, it brings timeless ideals to life.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Recording by Rachel MacGuire The Story of King Arthur in
twelve Tales by Wenona Caroline Martin Tail eleven. The achieving
of the quest. Then suddenly he fell asleep in christ
In a great multitude of angels bore his soul to heaven,
and out of heaven there came the semblance of a
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hand that, reaching down, caught up the grail, and no
man saw it more westwards Legend of the Siren Isles.
Although he had come to Camelot weaponless, Gala had had,
as we know, soon won for himself a thought. Yet
he was still without a shield when he parted from
his companions at the cross roads. Thus he rode therefore
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but half armed, for several days alone, until one afternoon,
toward evensong, he chanced upon an abbey, where he bared
shelter for the night. There he found that another of
the grail seekers, Sir bad Damagus by name, had preceded him.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
As the two sat talking with.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
The monks, the good brothers told them of a certain
shield which had been in their abbey longer than the
oldest man among them could remember, and about which there
was a prophecy to the effect that none but the
best knight in all the world might ever carry it
without coming to grievers harm. Upon hearing this, Sir Bagdamagus,
who seems to have been a man somewhat on the
order of poor Barlin the Savage, exclaimed enthusiastically, tomorrow I
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will try this adventure, and if I fail, you, Sir
Galahad may try it after me. Accordingly, the following morning,
as soon as they had heard mass, the abbot himself,
at the request of his guest, brought forth from its
long resting place behind the high altar, the mystic shield,
and bound it upon the knight's neck, saying, gravely, Sir Bagdamagus,
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I warn you to consider well before you bear this
scutcheon in joust or battle.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
And indeed its very appearance.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Might have caused a more cautious man to hesitate, for
it was a wondrous thing, with a ground as white
as snow, upon which had been blazoned a blood red cross.
But bag Damagus, quite undaunted, took it vauntingly, saying, however,
de Galahad, remain here for a short time, I pray you,
and if I fail, my squire shall ride back to
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bring you the scutcheon So the rash fellow set out,
and had scarcely gone two miles before he beheld coming
directly toward him with lowered glance, a knight clothed in
a snow white armor, rising a milk white steed. No
sooner had the two crushed together, than the stranger's spear,
glancing past his opponent's shield, struck bag Damagus through the shoulder,
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so that he was instantly hurled from his horse. Thereupon,
the white knight dismounted also, and took the cross in
blazoned scutcheon from his fallen foe, exclaiming, Sir Bagdamegus, it
was folly for you to bear this shield, were you
not warned that none save the best and the purest,
might carry it in safety. Then, turning to the squire,
he placed the mysterious thing in his hand, saying, bind
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your master upon his horse, and take him back to
the abbey, where perchance he may be healed of his wound.
But deliver the shield to Sir Galahad only, and bear
him my greetings. The stranger vanished, and the squire obeyed
his instructions, so that by noon on that self same day,
it was Galahad's turn to fare forth upon the quest.
With the mystic scutcheon bound about his neck. He had
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not gone far, however, when he too chanced to meet
with the White Knight, who, instead of putting his spear
in rest, reined his horse and greeted Galahad most courteously.
Sir Knight, said he that shield which you bear has
truly a marvelous history, So I am beginning to think
first stranger, replied Galahad, will you be so kind as
to relate it to me?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Gladly was the answer. It's thus.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
In the days of Joseph of Aramathea, there reigned in
the far away city.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Of Saras a king whose name was Evelake.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
He was converted to Christianity by the preaching of the
Saintly Joseph and bore that shield in a great battle
that he waged.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Against the Heathen.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
When the victory was won, Joseph took the shield, which
had been blanked till then, and with his finger traced
upon it the outlines of that scarlet cross, saying that
the colour would never grow dim until the last man
of his own lineage should bind it upon his neck,
and thus fair forth on the quest of the Holy Grail.
When Joseph came to Britain bearing the Sacred Cup, he
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brought the shield also, and hid it away in the
monastery to await your coming, Sir, Galahad, take it therefore,
and go forward until you attain the perfect vision. Having
spoken thus, the White Knight suddenly vanished, and Galahad rode
on his way alone, meeting with many minor adventures, some
of which have already been related, such as his joust
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with Launcelot and his rescue of Perceval. One day, in
his wanderings, he chanced upon the same half bruined chapel
where Launcelot had slept at the foot of the stone cross.
He stepped inside and kneeled before the altar, praying for
counsel as to what to do next.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
And as he.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Prayed, he seemed to hear a voice saying, go o, Galahad,
to the Castle of the Maidens and redressed the wrongs
of that wicked place.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
So he arose and fed on his way.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Until he saw looming before him in the distance, a
strong fortress with a deep moat around it, and a
fair river running by. Seeing an old man hobbling along
by the roadside, Galahad drew rein and inquired, good, sir,
can you tell me the name of that castle yonder?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
That was the reply?
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Is the castle of the maidens, and in a cursed place.
It is full of mischief and villainy. I advise you,
sir knight, as you follow your life, to turn back.
But Galahad answered, I thank you, friend, but because of
the danger, I will ride on, and he spured his
horse accordingly. Presently he met with seven maidens who seemed
to be fleeing from some danger unseen by him, and
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they called out to him in warning, sir knight, you
ride in great peril.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
We advise you to turn back.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Last of all, he was stopped by a young squire,
who delivered to him the following message, Sir knight, the
masters of this castle defy you and bid you come
no farther on peril of your life, unless you will
show them what business you have here. My business, replied Galahad, unflinchingly,
is to destroy the wicked custom of this castle.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Then you will have much to do, said the.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Squire with a shrug of his shoulders, But Galahad only
spurred his horse once more. And rode forward until he
saw issuing from the castle gate, seven mighty knights in
black armor, bearing deadly black weapons, with one furious bound.
They were upon him, But he, thrusting forth his spear,
smote the foremost to the ground, and managed to ward
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off the blows of the others, whose lances the moment
they came in contact with the mystic shield or shivered
in pieces. Then he drew out his trusty sword and
set upon his opponents so fiercely that he drove them
before him, step by step to the very gate, where
he slew them to the last man.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
And now he was able to pass.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
As far as the inner portal of the castle, where
he was greeted by the keeper and ate man in
cloak and hood of purest white. Galahad said the warder,
Thank God, you have now overcome the brothers of darkness,
the seven deadly sins, who for long years have kept
imprisoned the gentle maidens known as the Virtues, and have
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slain every knight who has tried to come to the rescue.
Take therefore the keys to the castle, for you have
vanquished those who menaced the integrity of your soul, so
Galahad obeyed reverently, unlocking the inner gate and passing into
the fortress, where he was greeted by a great multitude
of fir maidens, pure and sweetest flowers, upon which the
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morning dews still sparkles, who gathered about him shyly to
express their gratitude. Brave and noble Knight said, they, you
are welcome. Indeed, long have we awaited this deliverance. Then
they told him of the wicked custom of the castle,
and of the seven cruel brothers, whose delight have been
the slaying of good knights who rode accompanied by fair damsels,
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so that they might capture the maidens and make them
prisoners behind those gloomy walls.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
In fact, of late, they.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
Added, they have slain every knight who wrote by, because
she who is the true mistress of the castle, from
whom they took it by force of arms, had prophesied
that one day a man who rode alone would overthrow
them all. And where is this lady, inquired Galahad. She languishes,
was the reply, in the deepest and darkest dungeon of
the fortress. She is the fairest of our number, Sir Knight,
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For her name is love. Then Galahad turned and strode
through many a winding passage, opening doors that had long
remained closed, sometimes almost losing his way in the gloom,
until at last he found the dungeon, which, however, was
illumined by the very presence of that loveliest of all
the virtues, in whom no darkness is. Then he released
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the maiden, restoring to her her lost inheritance, and causing
all the barons of the country to do her homage,
after which, perhaps his first lingering look behind, he mounted
his horse and fared forth once more upon the quest.
It was not long out of this adventure that he
found himself accepting the hospitality of the same kindly hermit
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who had entertained launcelot and boors.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
And that night, while the weary.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Girl had slept, a maiden appeared to the holy man,
requesting speech with his guest, and refusing to wait until morning.
Sir Galahad said she when he had come forth to
greet her, he must ride with me at once, And
in spite of the strangeness of the request, glah had
prepared to obey, for both he and the hermit felt
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that it was the right thing for him to do so,
he armed himself, leaped on his charger, and followed his
guide for the remainder of the night through the deep
shadows of the forest, until when morning dawned he saw
before him a vast expanse of sea. Near the shore,
there lay moored a little ship with the wondrous canopy
of white psammit. The maiden tied her palfrey to a tree,
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bidding girlahadde likewise with his charger. Then she preceded him
on board the boat, where, to his surprise and joy,
he found Boors and Perceval, apparently anxiously awaiting his coming.
When the first glad meetings were over, the maiden, who
had been his guide, turned to Perceval, inquiring, Sir, Knight,
do you know me? No, replied Perceval in wonder, fair maiden,
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I do not. I am your sister, said she, whom
you have not seen since I entered the convent, and
you rode away to become a knight at the round table. Then,
before her brother had fully recovered from his surprise, she
added gravely, but come all three of you, that I
may show you the marvels of our little vessel. Wondering
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more and more the young men followed her until they
came to a table upon which was lying a sword
in a scabbard of serpent's skin. The hilt was of
finest gold, sat with lustrous jewels, and all about the
weapon was beautiful, except the girdle which was fastened to it.
This seemed to be made of fraid hemp, neither strong
nor fair. Sir Galahad, this sword is for you, said
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Perceval's sister. Henceforth you will need a better one, even
than that which you drew from the marble. There is
none stronger than this, unless it be Excalibur. For it
belonged to King David in ages past, and this little
ship was.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Built for you by his son Solomon.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Who, as you know, was the wisest man that ever lived.
He had a wife, however, who in one thing was
wiser than he, For when he bid her make a
girdle that should be worthy of so wondrous a weapon, she,
to his dismay, made this, saying that it should remain
upon the sword until the coming of the best knight
in all the world, at which time a new belt
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would appear, representing a maiden sacrifice of the thing.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Of which she was most proud in all the world.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Then Solomon acknowledged his wife's wisdom, and, having made sword
in sheath and girdle in this ship, which he called faith,
set the tiny craft adrift upon the blue waters of
the Mediterranean, where it has floated up and down ever since.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Or as seen by man.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Awaiting your coming, Oh, Galahad, the one perfect knight, without
fear and without reproach. That is a wondrous story. Indeed,
said Galahad, taken up the sword, that he might examine
it more closely. But where after all is the girdle,
for this will scarcely hold. Then the maiden drew forth
from the folds of her garments a silver casket, which
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she opened with a tiny golden key that hung about
her neck. Within lay about that seemed to have been
spun from the finest threads of purest gold. So soft
was it to the touch, and so brightly did it
sparkle in the morning sunlight. With hands that trembled slightly,
she fastened the sword to it, and then bound it
to Galahad's side, saying softly, my knight, my love, my
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knight of Heaven. O thou, my love, whose love is
one with mine, I maiden round thee Maiden, bind my belt.
Go forth, for thou shalt see what I have seen,
and break through all till one will.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Crown thee king far in the spiritual city.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
And as she spoke, sending the deathless passion in her
eyes through him, till he too believed in her belief,
he perceived that the girdle was made of the maiden's
own beautiful hair, which she had cut off upon forsaking
the world for the cloister. Presently he realized that she
was speaking again. My work is ended now, she was saying,
in a voice in which there was no trace of sadness.
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My soul will soon be free. Therefore, do not grieve
for me, but set my body adrift in the little
boat that you will find when the time comes. Then
continue on your way to the castle of Carbonac, where
King Pellas awaits.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
You for the healing of his wound.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
And indeed, within a few days it had all fallen out,
just as the Maiden had foretold, So that one fair morning,
when Perceval's sister was no more, the three knights found
themselves nearing land with the towers embattlements of carbonac looming
out of the mist before them.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
In their case, however, there were no lions to.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
By the way, but respectful porters, who threw wide the
gates of their approach as if they were expected guests.
They were presently ushered into the same great banquet hall
where Barlin had, for the first and last time come
face to face with his mortal foe. But there was
no feast in progress. Now the knights and ladies of
the court were there assembled. It is true, yet a
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strange hush seemed to have settled over the entire company.
For an a dais elevated above their heads laid the
wounded king, with eyes closed and a pallor in his
cheeks that might well have been mistaken for the pallor
of death, had not a breath like a deep sigh
escaped his white lips from time to time. Presently, as
the three knights stood gazing in mute surprise at the
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strange scene, a door at the farther end of the
hall swung noiselessly back upon its hinges, and Gala had
alone of all the company, became aware of the fact
that a marvelous procession of mysteries was about to pass
through the chamber, Boars and Perceval saw only a glorious light,
and the other occupants of the room apparently saw nothing
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at all. First came that familiar white robed figure, whose
face was concealed by no hood, now, but upon whose
head sparkled a golden crown. He bore before him, held
aloft in both hands the mystic grail, itself covered with
white silk, through the transparent texture of which a soft
ruby glow penetrated, illuminating the whole room. Behind him came
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a maiden in the scarlet robe of shame, bearing upon
a golden silver the halo circled head of John the Baptist,
And following her were two knights, each with a seven
branched golden candlestick. While last of all there appeared another
night carrying the bleeding spear with which Barlin so long
ago had dealt the dolorous stroke. And now upon sight
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of that spear, Galahad suddenly came to a full realization
of his errand in the castle of the Graale, with
a heart filled with pity for human sin and sufferings
such as he, in his utter purity, had never known before,
he stepped forward and touched the bleeding point of the
mystic spear. Then he mounted to the king's side and
applied that drop of blood to the gaping wound. Thereupon
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a wondrous thing happened. For one brief moment, the long
suffering monarch stood erect upon his feet, with life and
health bounding once more through his veins, as in the
days of his youth. Galahad, Galahad, my grandson, He cried,
how long have I awaited your coming in this glad day,
which marks at once the hour of my healing and
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of my blessed reliefs from the.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Thraldom of this world.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
But your work here, my son, is now accomplished, for
you have healed my wound, and you have seen the
Grail once more. Henceforth your duty lies far from the
island of Britain, in the spiritual city, the city of Saras.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
To morrow you.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Must leave this land with your faithful companions, and the
holy Grail will go with you, for you are now
its keeper on the earth. And with those words a
light of joy unspeakable broke upon the old King's face,
whereupon he raised his eyes to heaven, while his body
sank lifeless at Galahad's feet. The following morning, according to
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King Palla's dye in command, as well as in obedience
to Galahad's own inner promptings, the three Knights thatt sail
once more in the ship of Solomon. In the bow
of the little craft shone a wondrous light, which Galahad
alone was able to recognize as proceeding from the holy Grail,
which was held in tender solicitude by an angel who
was also guiding the frail bark of human faith on
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its perilous journey across the boisterous sea. Thus they sailed
for many days in sunlight and moonlight and starlight, and
the Grail was ever with them, so that they knew
neither hunger, nor cold, nor weariness, until at last, rising
from the blue waves of the Mediterranean, they beheld the
turrets and towers and battlements of the city of Souris,
the spiritual city over which King Evelake had ruled in
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the long ago.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
The angel had left them now, and the.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Grail stood upon a table of gold and silver in
the bow of the boat. But it proved far too
heavy to lift even with the combined strength of the
three mighty Knights as they drew to their moorings. Therefore, Galahad,
seeing a wretched cripple sitting by the water's edge, cried
out to him.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Come and help us.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
We pray you to carry ashore this table with its
sacred burden. The old man raised his bleared eyes, which
saw nothing but the table in question, and answered, in
a shaking voice, alas stranger, I cannot help you, for
it is many years since I stood upon my feet. Nevertheless,
replied Galahad, come and do your best with that. The
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cripple stretched forth his hands in an effort to rise,
whereupon he felt a sudden rush of healthy blood coursing
through his veins, and, leaping joyfully forward, was able to
assist the knights in bearing their precious burden to the
altar of the Great cathedral. Naturally, it was not long
before the news of this and of other wonders was
spread abroad through the town, and one or two ancient
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inhabitants went so far as to declare that the shield
borne by the knight in the flame colored armor was
none other than the one which had belonged to their
own king, Everlake of sainted memory. But he who at
that time was sitting upon the throne of Sarres, was
a usurper and a cruel tyrant. Therefore, when these rumors
reached his ears, he called to mind an old prophecy,
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which foretold that a man bearing such a shield should
some day appear to reign over this spiritual city. Without
loss of time, he sent for the strangers, saying that
he wished to make them welcome at his court. But
no sooner were they in his power than he caused
them to be seized and thrown into the deepest and
darkest dungeon of his castle. Strange to say, however, it
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was not the prisoners who languished, for to them the
Holy Grail, though always veiled, appeared daily, transforming.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
Their dismal ceil into the fairest palace that the heart
of man could conceive.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
And as on board the ship, they knew neither hunger,
nor thirst, nor weariness, but awaited only the rapturous moment
when they might behold the sacred Chalice in open vision
with the King and his people. However, it was a
very different matter. Plague and pestilence, drought and famine stalked
abroad throughout the land, while the inhabitants whispered to one
another with white or stricken faces, Alas these things have
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come upon us because our king has imprisoned the Knight
who bears the fateful shield.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Many a deputation.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Therefore did that stricken people center their sovereign, imploring the
release of the captives, to all of which he turned
a dead fear, until one awful day he awoke to
the fact that he himself was a victim of the
deadly plague, and that he had not many hours to live. Then,
in all haste he called for Galahad and his companions, saying,
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when the former stood before him in the full strength
and vigor of his young manhood.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Good night, my sins towards you.
Speaker 1 (20:38):
Have been my undoing, for you are that great one
of whom the prophets have long foretold forgive me. And
when I am gone, reign here in my stead. Thus
shall this wasted land be restored to peace and plenty.
Once more, so was fulfilled the prophecy that Galahad, the
Knight without reproach, should sit upon the throne of good
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King Evelake far away in the spiritual city. And now
followed happy days for the people of Sarahs. The new
king soon caused a fair chest to be made and
placed before the altar in the Great Cathedral, before which
he and his two companions knelt frequently in silent prayer.
Rumor said that the chest contained the Holy Grail. One day, however,
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never to be forgotten of his people, Galahad whispered to
his two faithful friends that he had now finished his
work on earth, and that the time of his departure
was at hand.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Come with me.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Therefore, to the cathedral, said he, for when my spirit
leave my body, you as well as I shall achieve
the open vision. They followed him in reverent silence to
the holy place of worship, where, kneeling before the high altar,
they beheld once again the form of Joseph of Aramathea
in his cloak, and heard of spotless white. In a moment,
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the three knights had fallen on their knees behind him.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Girla had a little nearer than the rest, and.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Thus they were while the saintly old man arose to
remove the Holy Grail from its resting place within the chest.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Presently he held it.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Aloft, and now all three realized that they could at
last see it plainly, for it was shrouded by neither
cloud nor covering of silk. Nor was the light that
streamed from it like the rosy glow of other days.
For the blood which it contained now shone like a
clear red gem resting in the pure crystal of the cup.
And as they gazed, it became brighter and brighter, streaming
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up among the arches of the roof, so that it
seemed almost to be bringing to life old pictures and
statues that had long been dimmed by the dust of
the years and the smoke of incense. Suddenly the air
became tremulous with melody. The very stones seemed to be
bursting into.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
The full harmony of song.
Speaker 1 (22:47):
The waves of music vibrated to and fro, now beating
against the ancient walls, swelling into full cords like the
roll of a mighty organ, then dying away into soft,
far reaching echoes, melting into sides and infinite peace. When
the last note had sobbed itself into stillness, Joseph set
the grail.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
Upon the altar.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
Then he turned toward the kneeling Galahad and kissed him
on the forehead. As he did so, boors and Perceval
perceived that the red robe of their beloved companion, the
symbol of his earthly warfare, was about to drop from
his shoulders, leaving him clothed in the spotless white garb
of immortality. Then suddenly, Joseph and the Grail vanished from
their sight, while all grew dark about them. After a while, however,
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they were able to distinguish the lifeless form of Galahad
lying before them on the steps of the altar. That day,
among the poor, blinded people, there was dole in the
city of Surus, but Boors and Perceval could not mourn,
for they had seen Perceval soon after found a cell
outside the walls of the city, where he lived for
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a short time the life of a hermit in fasting
and prayer, and Boor stayed with him till he died.
Then he buried him beside Galahad in the Great Cathedral,
after which he set sail for distant Britain. There he
meant to relate to Arthur all his adventures in quest
of the Holy Grail, But when he saw the condition
of the White King's once beautiful realm, he found his
lips sealed so that he could only shake his head
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and answer.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
With tears in his eyes. Ask me not, for I
may not speak of it. Yes, I have seen.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
End of Tale eleven recording by Rachel Maguire
Recording by Rachel MacGuire The Story of King Arthur in
twelve Tales by Wenona Caroline Martin Tail eleven. The achieving
of the quest. Then suddenly he fell asleep in christ
In a great multitude of angels bore his soul to heaven,
and out of heaven there came the semblance of a
(00:21):
hand that, reaching down, caught up the grail, and no
man saw it more westwards Legend of the Siren Isles.
Although he had come to Camelot weaponless, Gala had had,
as we know, soon won for himself a thought. Yet
he was still without a shield when he parted from
his companions at the cross roads. Thus he rode therefore
(00:42):
but half armed, for several days alone, until one afternoon,
toward evensong, he chanced upon an abbey, where he bared
shelter for the night. There he found that another of
the grail seekers, Sir bad Damagus by name, had preceded him.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
As the two sat talking with.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
The monks, the good brothers told them of a certain
shield which had been in their abbey longer than the
oldest man among them could remember, and about which there
was a prophecy to the effect that none but the
best knight in all the world might ever carry it
without coming to grievers harm. Upon hearing this, Sir Bagdamagus,
who seems to have been a man somewhat on the
order of poor Barlin the Savage, exclaimed enthusiastically, tomorrow I
(01:22):
will try this adventure, and if I fail, you, Sir
Galahad may try it after me. Accordingly, the following morning,
as soon as they had heard mass, the abbot himself,
at the request of his guest, brought forth from its
long resting place behind the high altar, the mystic shield,
and bound it upon the knight's neck, saying, gravely, Sir Bagdamagus,
(01:43):
I warn you to consider well before you bear this
scutcheon in joust or battle.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
And indeed its very appearance.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Might have caused a more cautious man to hesitate, for
it was a wondrous thing, with a ground as white
as snow, upon which had been blazoned a blood red cross.
But bag Damagus, quite undaunted, took it vauntingly, saying, however,
de Galahad, remain here for a short time, I pray you,
and if I fail, my squire shall ride back to
(02:11):
bring you the scutcheon So the rash fellow set out,
and had scarcely gone two miles before he beheld coming
directly toward him with lowered glance, a knight clothed in
a snow white armor, rising a milk white steed. No
sooner had the two crushed together, than the stranger's spear,
glancing past his opponent's shield, struck bag Damagus through the shoulder,
(02:32):
so that he was instantly hurled from his horse. Thereupon,
the white knight dismounted also, and took the cross in
blazoned scutcheon from his fallen foe, exclaiming, Sir Bagdamegus, it
was folly for you to bear this shield, were you
not warned that none save the best and the purest,
might carry it in safety. Then, turning to the squire,
he placed the mysterious thing in his hand, saying, bind
(02:55):
your master upon his horse, and take him back to
the abbey, where perchance he may be healed of his wound.
But deliver the shield to Sir Galahad only, and bear
him my greetings. The stranger vanished, and the squire obeyed
his instructions, so that by noon on that self same day,
it was Galahad's turn to fare forth upon the quest.
With the mystic scutcheon bound about his neck. He had
(03:18):
not gone far, however, when he too chanced to meet
with the White Knight, who, instead of putting his spear
in rest, reined his horse and greeted Galahad most courteously.
Sir Knight, said he that shield which you bear has
truly a marvelous history, So I am beginning to think
first stranger, replied Galahad, will you be so kind as
to relate it to me?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Gladly was the answer. It's thus.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
In the days of Joseph of Aramathea, there reigned in
the far away city.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Of Saras a king whose name was Evelake.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
He was converted to Christianity by the preaching of the
Saintly Joseph and bore that shield in a great battle
that he waged.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Against the Heathen.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
When the victory was won, Joseph took the shield, which
had been blanked till then, and with his finger traced
upon it the outlines of that scarlet cross, saying that
the colour would never grow dim until the last man
of his own lineage should bind it upon his neck,
and thus fair forth on the quest of the Holy Grail.
When Joseph came to Britain bearing the Sacred Cup, he
(04:19):
brought the shield also, and hid it away in the
monastery to await your coming, Sir, Galahad, take it therefore,
and go forward until you attain the perfect vision. Having
spoken thus, the White Knight suddenly vanished, and Galahad rode
on his way alone, meeting with many minor adventures, some
of which have already been related, such as his joust
(04:39):
with Launcelot and his rescue of Perceval. One day, in
his wanderings, he chanced upon the same half bruined chapel
where Launcelot had slept at the foot of the stone cross.
He stepped inside and kneeled before the altar, praying for
counsel as to what to do next.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
And as he.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
Prayed, he seemed to hear a voice saying, go o, Galahad,
to the Castle of the Maidens and redressed the wrongs
of that wicked place.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
So he arose and fed on his way.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Until he saw looming before him in the distance, a
strong fortress with a deep moat around it, and a
fair river running by. Seeing an old man hobbling along
by the roadside, Galahad drew rein and inquired, good, sir,
can you tell me the name of that castle yonder?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
That was the reply?
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Is the castle of the maidens, and in a cursed place.
It is full of mischief and villainy. I advise you,
sir knight, as you follow your life, to turn back.
But Galahad answered, I thank you, friend, but because of
the danger, I will ride on, and he spured his
horse accordingly. Presently he met with seven maidens who seemed
to be fleeing from some danger unseen by him, and
(05:46):
they called out to him in warning, sir knight, you
ride in great peril.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
We advise you to turn back.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Last of all, he was stopped by a young squire,
who delivered to him the following message, Sir knight, the
masters of this castle defy you and bid you come
no farther on peril of your life, unless you will
show them what business you have here. My business, replied Galahad, unflinchingly,
is to destroy the wicked custom of this castle.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Then you will have much to do, said the.
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Squire with a shrug of his shoulders, But Galahad only
spurred his horse once more. And rode forward until he
saw issuing from the castle gate, seven mighty knights in
black armor, bearing deadly black weapons, with one furious bound.
They were upon him, But he, thrusting forth his spear,
smote the foremost to the ground, and managed to ward
(06:36):
off the blows of the others, whose lances the moment
they came in contact with the mystic shield or shivered
in pieces. Then he drew out his trusty sword and
set upon his opponents so fiercely that he drove them
before him, step by step to the very gate, where
he slew them to the last man.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
And now he was able to pass.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
As far as the inner portal of the castle, where
he was greeted by the keeper and ate man in
cloak and hood of purest white. Galahad said the warder,
Thank God, you have now overcome the brothers of darkness,
the seven deadly sins, who for long years have kept
imprisoned the gentle maidens known as the Virtues, and have
(07:16):
slain every knight who has tried to come to the rescue.
Take therefore the keys to the castle, for you have
vanquished those who menaced the integrity of your soul, so
Galahad obeyed reverently, unlocking the inner gate and passing into
the fortress, where he was greeted by a great multitude
of fir maidens, pure and sweetest flowers, upon which the
(07:39):
morning dews still sparkles, who gathered about him shyly to
express their gratitude. Brave and noble Knight said, they, you
are welcome. Indeed, long have we awaited this deliverance. Then
they told him of the wicked custom of the castle,
and of the seven cruel brothers, whose delight have been
the slaying of good knights who rode accompanied by fair damsels,
(08:00):
so that they might capture the maidens and make them
prisoners behind those gloomy walls.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
In fact, of late, they.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
Added, they have slain every knight who wrote by, because
she who is the true mistress of the castle, from
whom they took it by force of arms, had prophesied
that one day a man who rode alone would overthrow
them all. And where is this lady, inquired Galahad. She languishes,
was the reply, in the deepest and darkest dungeon of
the fortress. She is the fairest of our number, Sir Knight,
(08:31):
For her name is love. Then Galahad turned and strode
through many a winding passage, opening doors that had long
remained closed, sometimes almost losing his way in the gloom,
until at last he found the dungeon, which, however, was
illumined by the very presence of that loveliest of all
the virtues, in whom no darkness is. Then he released
(08:52):
the maiden, restoring to her her lost inheritance, and causing
all the barons of the country to do her homage,
after which, perhaps his first lingering look behind, he mounted
his horse and fared forth once more upon the quest.
It was not long out of this adventure that he
found himself accepting the hospitality of the same kindly hermit
(09:14):
who had entertained launcelot and boors.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
And that night, while the weary.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Girl had slept, a maiden appeared to the holy man,
requesting speech with his guest, and refusing to wait until morning.
Sir Galahad said she when he had come forth to
greet her, he must ride with me at once, And
in spite of the strangeness of the request, glah had
prepared to obey, for both he and the hermit felt
(09:38):
that it was the right thing for him to do so,
he armed himself, leaped on his charger, and followed his
guide for the remainder of the night through the deep
shadows of the forest, until when morning dawned he saw
before him a vast expanse of sea. Near the shore,
there lay moored a little ship with the wondrous canopy
of white psammit. The maiden tied her palfrey to a tree,
(10:01):
bidding girlahadde likewise with his charger. Then she preceded him
on board the boat, where, to his surprise and joy,
he found Boors and Perceval, apparently anxiously awaiting his coming.
When the first glad meetings were over, the maiden, who
had been his guide, turned to Perceval, inquiring, Sir, Knight,
do you know me? No, replied Perceval in wonder, fair maiden,
(10:24):
I do not. I am your sister, said she, whom
you have not seen since I entered the convent, and
you rode away to become a knight at the round table. Then,
before her brother had fully recovered from his surprise, she
added gravely, but come all three of you, that I
may show you the marvels of our little vessel. Wondering
(10:45):
more and more the young men followed her until they
came to a table upon which was lying a sword
in a scabbard of serpent's skin. The hilt was of
finest gold, sat with lustrous jewels, and all about the
weapon was beautiful, except the girdle which was fastened to it.
This seemed to be made of fraid hemp, neither strong
nor fair. Sir Galahad, this sword is for you, said
(11:07):
Perceval's sister. Henceforth you will need a better one, even
than that which you drew from the marble. There is
none stronger than this, unless it be Excalibur. For it
belonged to King David in ages past, and this little
ship was.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Built for you by his son Solomon.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Who, as you know, was the wisest man that ever lived.
He had a wife, however, who in one thing was
wiser than he, For when he bid her make a
girdle that should be worthy of so wondrous a weapon, she,
to his dismay, made this, saying that it should remain
upon the sword until the coming of the best knight
in all the world, at which time a new belt
(11:43):
would appear, representing a maiden sacrifice of the thing.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Of which she was most proud in all the world.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Then Solomon acknowledged his wife's wisdom, and, having made sword
in sheath and girdle in this ship, which he called faith,
set the tiny craft adrift upon the blue waters of
the Mediterranean, where it has floated up and down ever since.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
Or as seen by man.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Awaiting your coming, Oh, Galahad, the one perfect knight, without
fear and without reproach. That is a wondrous story. Indeed,
said Galahad, taken up the sword, that he might examine
it more closely. But where after all is the girdle,
for this will scarcely hold. Then the maiden drew forth
from the folds of her garments a silver casket, which
(12:24):
she opened with a tiny golden key that hung about
her neck. Within lay about that seemed to have been
spun from the finest threads of purest gold. So soft
was it to the touch, and so brightly did it
sparkle in the morning sunlight. With hands that trembled slightly,
she fastened the sword to it, and then bound it
to Galahad's side, saying softly, my knight, my love, my
(12:45):
knight of Heaven. O thou, my love, whose love is
one with mine, I maiden round thee Maiden, bind my belt.
Go forth, for thou shalt see what I have seen,
and break through all till one will.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Crown thee king far in the spiritual city.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
And as she spoke, sending the deathless passion in her
eyes through him, till he too believed in her belief,
he perceived that the girdle was made of the maiden's
own beautiful hair, which she had cut off upon forsaking
the world for the cloister. Presently he realized that she
was speaking again. My work is ended now, she was saying,
in a voice in which there was no trace of sadness.
(13:24):
My soul will soon be free. Therefore, do not grieve
for me, but set my body adrift in the little
boat that you will find when the time comes. Then
continue on your way to the castle of Carbonac, where
King Pellas awaits.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
You for the healing of his wound.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
And indeed, within a few days it had all fallen out,
just as the Maiden had foretold, So that one fair morning,
when Perceval's sister was no more, the three knights found
themselves nearing land with the towers embattlements of carbonac looming
out of the mist before them.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
In their case, however, there were no lions to.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
By the way, but respectful porters, who threw wide the
gates of their approach as if they were expected guests.
They were presently ushered into the same great banquet hall
where Barlin had, for the first and last time come
face to face with his mortal foe. But there was
no feast in progress. Now the knights and ladies of
the court were there assembled. It is true, yet a
(14:17):
strange hush seemed to have settled over the entire company.
For an a dais elevated above their heads laid the
wounded king, with eyes closed and a pallor in his
cheeks that might well have been mistaken for the pallor
of death, had not a breath like a deep sigh
escaped his white lips from time to time. Presently, as
the three knights stood gazing in mute surprise at the
(14:38):
strange scene, a door at the farther end of the
hall swung noiselessly back upon its hinges, and Gala had
alone of all the company, became aware of the fact
that a marvelous procession of mysteries was about to pass
through the chamber, Boars and Perceval saw only a glorious light,
and the other occupants of the room apparently saw nothing
(14:59):
at all. First came that familiar white robed figure, whose
face was concealed by no hood, now, but upon whose
head sparkled a golden crown. He bore before him, held
aloft in both hands the mystic grail, itself covered with
white silk, through the transparent texture of which a soft
ruby glow penetrated, illuminating the whole room. Behind him came
(15:21):
a maiden in the scarlet robe of shame, bearing upon
a golden silver the halo circled head of John the Baptist,
And following her were two knights, each with a seven
branched golden candlestick. While last of all there appeared another
night carrying the bleeding spear with which Barlin so long
ago had dealt the dolorous stroke. And now upon sight
(15:42):
of that spear, Galahad suddenly came to a full realization
of his errand in the castle of the Graale, with
a heart filled with pity for human sin and sufferings
such as he, in his utter purity, had never known before,
he stepped forward and touched the bleeding point of the
mystic spear. Then he mounted to the king's side and
applied that drop of blood to the gaping wound. Thereupon
(16:03):
a wondrous thing happened. For one brief moment, the long
suffering monarch stood erect upon his feet, with life and
health bounding once more through his veins, as in the
days of his youth. Galahad, Galahad, my grandson, He cried,
how long have I awaited your coming in this glad day,
which marks at once the hour of my healing and
(16:24):
of my blessed reliefs from the.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Thraldom of this world.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
But your work here, my son, is now accomplished, for
you have healed my wound, and you have seen the
Grail once more. Henceforth your duty lies far from the
island of Britain, in the spiritual city, the city of Saras.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
To morrow you.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Must leave this land with your faithful companions, and the
holy Grail will go with you, for you are now
its keeper on the earth. And with those words a
light of joy unspeakable broke upon the old King's face,
whereupon he raised his eyes to heaven, while his body
sank lifeless at Galahad's feet. The following morning, according to
(17:01):
King Palla's dye in command, as well as in obedience
to Galahad's own inner promptings, the three Knights thatt sail
once more in the ship of Solomon. In the bow
of the little craft shone a wondrous light, which Galahad
alone was able to recognize as proceeding from the holy Grail,
which was held in tender solicitude by an angel who
was also guiding the frail bark of human faith on
(17:23):
its perilous journey across the boisterous sea. Thus they sailed
for many days in sunlight and moonlight and starlight, and
the Grail was ever with them, so that they knew
neither hunger, nor cold, nor weariness, until at last, rising
from the blue waves of the Mediterranean, they beheld the
turrets and towers and battlements of the city of Souris,
the spiritual city over which King Evelake had ruled in
(17:46):
the long ago.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
The angel had left them now, and the.
Speaker 1 (17:50):
Grail stood upon a table of gold and silver in
the bow of the boat. But it proved far too
heavy to lift even with the combined strength of the
three mighty Knights as they drew to their moorings. Therefore, Galahad,
seeing a wretched cripple sitting by the water's edge, cried
out to him.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Come and help us.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
We pray you to carry ashore this table with its
sacred burden. The old man raised his bleared eyes, which
saw nothing but the table in question, and answered, in
a shaking voice, alas stranger, I cannot help you, for
it is many years since I stood upon my feet. Nevertheless,
replied Galahad, come and do your best with that. The
(18:28):
cripple stretched forth his hands in an effort to rise,
whereupon he felt a sudden rush of healthy blood coursing
through his veins, and, leaping joyfully forward, was able to
assist the knights in bearing their precious burden to the
altar of the Great cathedral. Naturally, it was not long
before the news of this and of other wonders was
spread abroad through the town, and one or two ancient
(18:49):
inhabitants went so far as to declare that the shield
borne by the knight in the flame colored armor was
none other than the one which had belonged to their
own king, Everlake of sainted memory. But he who at
that time was sitting upon the throne of Sarres, was
a usurper and a cruel tyrant. Therefore, when these rumors
reached his ears, he called to mind an old prophecy,
(19:09):
which foretold that a man bearing such a shield should
some day appear to reign over this spiritual city. Without
loss of time, he sent for the strangers, saying that
he wished to make them welcome at his court. But
no sooner were they in his power than he caused
them to be seized and thrown into the deepest and
darkest dungeon of his castle. Strange to say, however, it
(19:31):
was not the prisoners who languished, for to them the
Holy Grail, though always veiled, appeared daily, transforming.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
Their dismal ceil into the fairest palace that the heart
of man could conceive.
Speaker 1 (19:41):
And as on board the ship, they knew neither hunger,
nor thirst, nor weariness, but awaited only the rapturous moment
when they might behold the sacred Chalice in open vision
with the King and his people. However, it was a
very different matter. Plague and pestilence, drought and famine stalked
abroad throughout the land, while the inhabitants whispered to one
another with white or stricken faces, Alas these things have
(20:05):
come upon us because our king has imprisoned the Knight
who bears the fateful shield.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Many a deputation.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Therefore did that stricken people center their sovereign, imploring the
release of the captives, to all of which he turned
a dead fear, until one awful day he awoke to
the fact that he himself was a victim of the
deadly plague, and that he had not many hours to live. Then,
in all haste he called for Galahad and his companions, saying,
(20:31):
when the former stood before him in the full strength
and vigor of his young manhood.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
Good night, my sins towards you.
Speaker 1 (20:38):
Have been my undoing, for you are that great one
of whom the prophets have long foretold forgive me. And
when I am gone, reign here in my stead. Thus
shall this wasted land be restored to peace and plenty.
Once more, so was fulfilled the prophecy that Galahad, the
Knight without reproach, should sit upon the throne of good
(20:59):
King Evelake far away in the spiritual city. And now
followed happy days for the people of Sarahs. The new
king soon caused a fair chest to be made and
placed before the altar in the Great Cathedral, before which
he and his two companions knelt frequently in silent prayer.
Rumor said that the chest contained the Holy Grail. One day, however,
(21:21):
never to be forgotten of his people, Galahad whispered to
his two faithful friends that he had now finished his
work on earth, and that the time of his departure
was at hand.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Come with me.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Therefore, to the cathedral, said he, for when my spirit
leave my body, you as well as I shall achieve
the open vision. They followed him in reverent silence to
the holy place of worship, where, kneeling before the high altar,
they beheld once again the form of Joseph of Aramathea
in his cloak, and heard of spotless white. In a moment,
(21:54):
the three knights had fallen on their knees behind him.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Girla had a little nearer than the rest, and.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Thus they were while the saintly old man arose to
remove the Holy Grail from its resting place within the chest.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Presently he held it.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Aloft, and now all three realized that they could at
last see it plainly, for it was shrouded by neither
cloud nor covering of silk. Nor was the light that
streamed from it like the rosy glow of other days.
For the blood which it contained now shone like a
clear red gem resting in the pure crystal of the cup.
And as they gazed, it became brighter and brighter, streaming
(22:30):
up among the arches of the roof, so that it
seemed almost to be bringing to life old pictures and
statues that had long been dimmed by the dust of
the years and the smoke of incense. Suddenly the air
became tremulous with melody. The very stones seemed to be
bursting into.
Speaker 2 (22:45):
The full harmony of song.
Speaker 1 (22:47):
The waves of music vibrated to and fro, now beating
against the ancient walls, swelling into full cords like the
roll of a mighty organ, then dying away into soft,
far reaching echoes, melting into sides and infinite peace. When
the last note had sobbed itself into stillness, Joseph set
the grail.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
Upon the altar.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
Then he turned toward the kneeling Galahad and kissed him
on the forehead. As he did so, boors and Perceval
perceived that the red robe of their beloved companion, the
symbol of his earthly warfare, was about to drop from
his shoulders, leaving him clothed in the spotless white garb
of immortality. Then suddenly, Joseph and the Grail vanished from
their sight, while all grew dark about them. After a while, however,
(23:32):
they were able to distinguish the lifeless form of Galahad
lying before them on the steps of the altar. That day,
among the poor, blinded people, there was dole in the
city of Surus, but Boors and Perceval could not mourn,
for they had seen Perceval soon after found a cell
outside the walls of the city, where he lived for
(23:53):
a short time the life of a hermit in fasting
and prayer, and Boor stayed with him till he died.
Then he buried him beside Galahad in the Great Cathedral,
after which he set sail for distant Britain. There he
meant to relate to Arthur all his adventures in quest
of the Holy Grail, But when he saw the condition
of the White King's once beautiful realm, he found his
lips sealed so that he could only shake his head
(24:16):
and answer.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
With tears in his eyes. Ask me not, for I
may not speak of it. Yes, I have seen.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
End of Tale eleven recording by Rachel Maguire
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