Stories From Wagner - Story 5 Parsifal The Pure (Parsifal)

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Episode Transcript

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Story five of Tales from Wagner byJ. Walker mc spadden. This liber
Box recording is in the public domain. Story five Parceval, the pure Galahad,
as Tennyson portrays him, will alwayshold the first place with English readers
as the ideal knight of the HolyGrail. The matchless diction of Tennyson has

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given the less perfect form of thelegend a supreme charm and beauty, But
of ol Frambon Eischenbach's Perseval, asspiritualized and humanized in Wagner's lyric drama,
will be seen to be in fulleraccord with the whole cycle and development of
the Grail legends, and at thesame time gives the nobler story. Oliver

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Huckell, you have just read ofthe downfall of the gods through broken promises,
and of a great hero of thoseearly days who fell a victim to
fate. And now you may liketo hear of another hero who was even
greater, for he was superior toevery enemy and every temptation. To the
end, the old order of thingshad long since passed away. The gods

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were indeed dead, and men believedinstead in one true God and in his
beloved son. A beautiful legend hadgrown out of the last days of the
Christ upon earth, and this legendis the golden thread upon which is hung
our present story. You remember thatin the Bible account of the Last Supper,

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Christ took a cup and blessed thewine in it, and gave it
to his disciples to drink. Thelegend goes on to relate that Joseph of
Arimathea, the man who provided atune for Christ, obtained the blessed cup
of the Sacrament, and that atthe crucifixion he caught in it a few
drops of blood from Christ's bleeding side. Henceforth, the cup possessed the magical

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power of healing all wounds and sicknesses. It brought perfect peace to its possessor,
and the mere sight of it wasesteemed the great privilege on earth.
But it was rarely seen of menspirited away by divine power. The Holy
Grail, as it was called,was shown only on rare occasions, and
to the noblest and most self sacrificingamong its seekers. And so its quest

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came to be the highest task aman could set himself, for it meant
the conquering of his own baser naturefirst of all, and the putting aside
of every selfish interest. You mayhave read the fine old story of the
quest of King Arthur's Knights of theRound Table for this holy Grail, and
how it made them all nobler andbetter. Although the inspiring vision was granted

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only to two or three at thattime, it had no fixed place,
and men did not know where orhow to seek it. So it is
no wonder that so few ever succeededin the quest. Finally, in another
land, a brave knight, Titterrellby name, decided to devote his whole
life to seeking the sacred cup.Take with him his son and a small

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but chosen body of nights, heset forth, trusting to the mercy of
heaven to favor his search. Manydays he led his little band across deserts,
through valleys, and over stony mountainsides, And as they went they
aided every person who crossed their path. They forsook all worldly pride, and

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they spoke only in kindness and humilityof spirit. Night and morning. Also
they prayed that they might be ledto the holy Grail. On and on
they went, dusty and travel wornand weary, but with the same brave
hearts. Late one evening they stoppedfor the night in the shelter of a
dense forest. They had traveled allday and had eaten little, But after

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resting a brief while, something seemedto urge them forward. Rise, my
brave knight, said titterall standing stifflyupon his feet, Rise and let us
go still farther into the wood.I feel that it is the divine will.
Without murmuring, they once more resumedtheir march, and wonderful to relate.
The farther they went, the lesstired, they grew a strange feeling

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of rest and content came over them, until in a great wave of joy,
they all fell upon their knees andgave thanks. They felt that at
last they were nearing the Holy Grail. As they knelt, a great light
like noonday shone round about them,and a voice said, arise, ye,
blessed among mankind, for your laborsare rewarded, and it is given

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to you to guard the Holy Grailnear unto you, as a mountain,
which shall be called Mount Salvat.And thereupon must ye build a temple,
and ye shall be called the Knightsof the Holy Grail, the voice ceased,
the knights fell upon their faces inprayer and thanksgiving. When they arose,
the light had disappeared, but ineach face was reflected a lofty purpose

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born of its glory. The nextmorning they went their way to Mount Sali
that and there built the temple.High were its walls, with lofty arches
and beautiful windows, and its fameas the most imposing temple. And all
the world soon went abroad. Andwhen it was finished, and they held
the solemn service of dedication, alight came and glowed steadily in the crypt.

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While all the knights fell upon theirknees, Titterol drew near and lifted
a veil. There, in allits beauty, shone the Holy Grail.
Then Tittterol and the knights were filledwith great joy, and they vowed eternal
service to the sacred charge. Theybecame, indeed a sort of priesthood,

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and forsook all other aims or desires. Daily they worshipped in the temple and
were fed from the holy altar.And if any among them became wounded or
ill, the mystic fire which glowedabout the cup, speedily restored them to
health. For many years, theykept their charge with zealous faith. Titterol

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their head became came an old man, and Amphortus, his son, was
appointed chief guardian of the Grail inhis stead. Meanwhile, as you may
suppose, many other knights were desirousof being admitted into the temple, but
none save those who led pure andsincere lives, were ever accepted. Among
those who were rejected because they wereunworthy was a powerful magician named Klingsore.

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When he failed to when entrance inthe usual way, he tried to bribe
the keepers of the gates and tomake use of other base methods, but
without success. In his rage,Klingsor swore vengeance and devoted all his wicked
arts to overthrowing the temple of theGrail. He made a beautiful garden on
the other side of the mountain,which he filled with flowers, fruits,

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music, and dancing girls. Bythis means he deluded many knights who had
come from Afar earnestly seeking the holyGrail, so that almost at the goal,
they forgot their quest and tarried idlyin the gardens. Hearing of kling
Sore's wicked arts, Amphortis was filledwith righteous anger he determined to go forth

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and strike down the magician with asacred spear, which was his high badge
of office. This spear was secondonly to the grail itself in value.
It was the same that had piercedthe Savior's side while he was on the
cross. It gave to its bearerthe power of overcoming all his enemies,
so long as he was true tothe faith. But Amphortis, though zealous,

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was too confident of his own strength. Going over the mountain hastily in
search of kling Sore, he grewtired and thirsty, so when he came
to a shady grove of fruit treesby a splashing fountain, he did not
recognize this as one of the wilesof the magician, but ate and drank.
Then threw himself down on the coolgrass and fell asleep. The spear

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was loosened from his grasp in hisslumber, and he was only awakened by
a keen, smarting pain in hisside. He found that he had been
wounded, and as he sprang tohis feet, he confronted Klingsore, who
was waving aloft the spear in triumph. Go back to your temple sneered,
klingsore, and bid the next manbe not weary. So soon, in

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shame and sorrow, Amphortis departed,knowing that he had sinned and could do
nothing against the spear now in thehands of the enemy. Earnestly he did
penance in the temple and confessed hisfault. But the wound in his side
never healed. It gave him dailytorment, and the sight of the grail,
which had once brought healing, seemedonly to increase the pain. It

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had been Amphortas's duty to uncover thegrail each day at sacrament, but so
dire was his suffering that he cameto do it less and less frequently.
The knights were very sorrowful because ofthese things, and they sent far and
wide for healing balsams, but allremedies were powerless. Long did Amphortis kneel

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before the altar, praying in hispain and seeking for a word of hope
from above. At length, oneday an added radiance glowed about the grail,
and he heard a voice saying,by pity, enlightened my guileless one
wait thou for him till my willis done. Amphortis could not understand these

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words. But somehow his heart waslightened, and he thanked God that one
day, be it near or far, he should find relief. The other
knights of the grail also heard withjoy of the strange message, for they
did not doubt that it meant healingand peace. For many days they waited
patiently and prayerfully, without receiving anyfurther sign. Amphortis strove to sustain his

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courage, but it was a bittertest. Daily he tried the baths and
also the balms, which his knightsoften went to much peril to obtain for
him. Yet the wound still showedno signs of healing, and deep gloom
settled down over the temple. Oneday, while the aged keeper of the
gate was sitting as was his wont, with his face toward the little lake

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which nestled in the valley, hiseye was attracted by a wild swan which
soared peacefully above the lake. Suddenlyit turned sideways with a wild flutter of
pinions, and began to fall towardthe water. The keeper saw that it
was wounded by an arrow, andhe hastened down to the lake to see

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who had done the deed, forit was forbidden to harm any creature great
or small within sight of the temple. Just as he reached the bank,
the swan fell at his feet andexpired, while at the same moment a
youth ran up to claim his prize. He was clothed in motley animal skins,
but he was strong and well knit, and with that frank look about

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the eye, which denotes both fearlessnessand innocence. Shame shame upon you,
boy, for shooting the swan,said the old man sternly. Why what
have I done? Answered the youth. Do not men hunt birds and beasts?
Methought, it was a fine thingthat I struck the bird so high.
But you are now within holy ground, where tis sacrilege to harm any

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creature. And think what sorrow youhave brought with your idle deed. This
beautiful bird will soar in the cloudsno more. It may have a mate,
or perhaps little ones awaiting its coming. They will never see it again.
The boy stood with downcast eyes andtroubled face. Indeed, I never
thought evil, he said, andseized by a sudden impulse, he broke

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his bow across his knee and flunghis arrows away. What is your name,
boy, asked the knight. Iam parsifal, he answered, simply,
whence come you? I do notknow where go you? I go
to become a knight, answered theboy. I have always wanted to be
a knight. But do you notknow that great things are expected of a

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knight. They must do other deedsthan roaming about shooting harmless swans. The
boy flushed, but looked straight atthe stern old man. I know that
a man must be brave and true, he said, and that he must
keep his heart pure. My father, who died long ago, was just
such a knight, and my motherhas always taught me to be like him.

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But you will have many strong trialsbefore you can become a knight.
You may have to wander all overthe world and endure many hardships. I
am ready for them, answered theboy sturdily. Truly you are a guileless
fellow, said the old keeper.But I like your spirit. Would you
like to witness a service in thetemple and hear the choir boy sing?

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Perchance you would like to be achoir boy for a while. Nay,
but I came to be a knight. No less I will hear the singing.
The boy said this so calmly thatthe Knight was half sorry he had
given the invitation, for chances toobtain entrance to the service were exceedingly rare.
However, the word had been spoken, and he would abide by it.

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They cast the dead swan into thelake and went together up the hill.
Service of the sacrament was just beingbegun in the temple as they entered
its doors. High up in theorgan loft, the rolling waves of music
poured forth, filling every arch ofthe lofty building. Then the sweet voices
of boys were heard chanting the refrainto which Amphortus had set music. By

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pity enlightened my Guileless one wait thoufor him till my will is done.
Parceval plucked the old Knight's sleeve.What do they mean by that? He
asked. Hush, I do notknow, replied the knight. Parceval thought
it strange that they should sing wordsno one understood, but he kept silence

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and looked upon the solemn service withwide open eyes. The aged Titterol was
present at the service. His dayswere almost numbered now, but he still
had his couch conveyed into the presenceof the beloved grail. When he felt
strong enough to day, he joinedthe other knights in urging his son Amphortis,

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to uncover the cup and serve thesacrament. Let me have the sacrament
from out the blessed cup once morebefore I die, said Titterrel. Amphortis
shook his head and groaned aloud.Not yet, my father, I am
unworthy to uncover the grail. Nevertheless, the feeble Titterrel urged the point,
and all the knights knelt with solemn, upturned faces, until at last Amphortis

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went and unveiled the cup and pouredwine therefrom so that all might partake.
Then he fell to the floor witha shudder of pain. The old wound
had broken open afresh. But Titterreland the other knights partook of the sacrament,
while the choir boys chanted responsively,and the deep organ pipes thrilled all

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the lofty arches. The old keeperof the gate went forward and partook with
the rest, while the boy Parcevalstood spellbound behind a pillar and could make
no meaning of what he saw.At last the keeper came and led him
forth again to the open air,and then the lad's tongue was loosed,
I pray thee. Why did theking fall to the floor, as if

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in pain? He asked, thewound at his side pained him, answered
the keeper. Why doesn't it heal? That is a long story. But
the wound was made by the sacredspear, and Tis said that only the
touch of that spear again can makeit well. Then why does he not
go and lay hold of the spear. It is in a powerful magician's hands.

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Can no one take it from him? No one has yet succeeded in
the quest, answered the knight.But boy, how did you like the
service of the holy Grail? Icould make nothing of it, said Parceval,
turning as if to go. Couldmake nothing of it, exclaimed the
old Knight. Truly you would notbe much of a choir boy. But

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where are you going? I goto seek the spear that will heal the
king, answered Parsival. The oldKnight let him go without further words.
He even shook his head in someimpatience. Truly a guileless youth, he
said to himself, A little knockingabout in the world will not hurt him.
He is too foolish to do usany good here. And as to

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being at night pish. But justthen the closing words of the service came
echoing through the windows and caused theold man to start. He heard again
the mystic song by pity enlightened myguileless one. Now Klingsore, the magician,
had cast a spell over a poorwoman, so that she was obliged

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to obey him in all things.Usually she was old and wrinkled, and
passed for a witch in a countryside. But when Klingsore waved his wand over
her, she became the most beautifulmaid ever seen. Country was her name,
and she it was who had chargeof the groves and flowers, and
the music and dancing girls, whichhad caused so many knights to turn aside

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before ever they reached the temple ofthe Grail. Country indeed had caused Amphortis
himself to send on the day helost the sacred spear. But when the
spell was removed from poor country,she always bitterly repented her misdeeds. She
had been very sorry for Amphortis inher wild way, and had herself brought

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balsam from distant lands to heal hiswound, But without avail, no sooner
was parceval On his way in searchof the sacred spear, than Klingsore was
on the alert. Once more.He summoned Country, and the bade her
prepare the same kind of a trapfor Parceval as had lured the knights aside.
But Country hotly protested at this.She had seen the youth and greatly

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liked his open face and frankness.She rebelled against doing harm to on so
harmless as he let him pass onhis way, she pleaded, He has
done no evil and is too simpleto find you unaided, And even if
he did, he could not takethe spear from you. Do as I
bid, you, replied the magicianangrily. It is precisely because he is

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pure and innocent that I fear him. Such an one's coming has long been
foretold. So Country had nothing todo but sadly obey. When Parceval drew
near, walking over the crest ofthe hill, the palace of Klingsore suddenly
sank into the earth and vanished,leaving in its stead a lovely flower garden.
Presently, Parceval stopped and listened,for he heard strains of music.

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How sweet it sounds, he said, Yet it seems to make the air
heavy and uncomfortable. I wonder whereit comes from. Louder grew the music,
and with it came the sound ofgirl's voices. Just then he came
to the entrance of the garden,where he paused spellbound. The flowers themselves
were singing to him. Each flowerwas in the lovely tents of a rose,

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lily, pansy, or carnation,and out of the center of each
blossom peeped the bright eyes and laughingface of a bewitching maiden. Come,
they sang to him. Come andrest by the fountains. Come drink nectar,
and let us sing to you whileyou rest in the shade. Nay,
said Parceval, simply. I likeyou all, and would gladly listen

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to your song. But I cannottarry, for I am on an urgent
Errand come, they pleaded, andthe flowers seemed to weave in and out
in a wonderful dance, nodding tohim and beckoning him. Come only a
little while, then you will startforth, rested and make better speed.

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Parceval shook his head. I cannotenter, he said, and turned to
go, when another voice softer thanthe rest called his name. Who called
me, he asked, turning aboutill, the lad said the sweet voice.
He looked whence it came, andsaw a leafy bower opened wide,
and in it sat a maiden fairerthan ever heart could dream. It was

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country, the ugly old witch,transformed by the power of the magician into
this glorious vision. How did youknow my name? He asked bluntly.
I knew thy mother, lad,and thy father too. Wouldst hear of
them? Oh? Yes, yes, he cried eagerly, tell me of
them. Then come within the bowerand rest Awhile here thou canst listen to

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the music, and eat and drinkand dance with these lovely flowers. Nay,
but tell me now, why shouldI pause when I am not faint?
No good deed was ever done bystopping on the way. Thou art
a foolish youth, said the maiden. Why art thou in so great haste?
I seek a magician, he answered, frankly, A magician who has

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stolen the sacred spear. Ah,I can tell thee of him, she
cried, an evil light lurking inher eyes. Come sit by my side,
and I will tell not only ofhim, but of thy father and
mother. Parceval turned at this,but entered the garden slowly. He knew
no reason why he should not comein, and yet a great force seemed

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holding him back. But how canI go on my errand, he thought,
unless I find the way. Iwould rather hear about my mother first,
he said, seating himself by themaiden's side. Is she well?
She is well, but has mournedsadly since thou didst go away. I
saw her only a few days ago, and she sent thee her love and

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a kiss. Here the witch leanedforward suddenly and printed a kiss upon his
lips. It was intended to enchanthim, but for once it failed of
its effect. Parceval sprang up,as if stung by an asp am fortas
oh am thortis, he cried,I know it now, the spear wound
in your side. Ah, theanguish of it has come upon me also.

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Thou art wrong, said the womansoftly. I have harmed thee.
Not only stay not another moment,exclaimed Parceval, Your garden is evil and
brings death to men's souls. Heturned to go, but the witch called
aloud to the magician, for sheknew her power was gone, and as
she called, Parceval saw a dark, dreadful figure before him that blocked his

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way. Stay commanded, kling sore, waving the sacred spear aloft. Those
who enter my garden cannot leave itso easily. Stand aside, cried Parceval.
I have done no hurt, andI fear you not. Thou wilt
fear me when thou dost feel thisspear point tis the same that undid Amphortus.
Ah say you so, then Ihave come to claim it in his

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name. Take it, shouted themagician angrily, and he threw the weapon
straight at Parceval with rrific force.But miracle of miracles, it stopped of
itself midway and floated gently round aboutParseval's head. He grasped it reverently and
made the sign of the Cross.In this sign perish, he exclaimed,

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Let all your wicked magic vanished fromthe face of the earth. As he
uttered these words, a tremendous crashwas heard, followed by an earthquake.
The garden, its flowers and musicand running streams were swallowed up in an
instant with all its inmates. Parsevalalone remained on solid ground. He looked

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about him, but could see onlya trackless forests with close spreading trees that
shut out the blue sky in thelight of the sun. He did not
know which way to turn or wherestood the temple of the Grail, but
the sacred spear was still in hishand, and its presence seemed to bring
comfort. He knelt and prayed forguidance, and as if in answer,

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the words of the old Knight cameinto his memory. You may have to
wander all over the world and enduremany hardships. The young Parsival wondered at
this message. It seemed to comein answer to his prayer, and yet
his spirit rose in questioning, whyshould I roam over the world when the
king needs me so much and hiswound is not healed. But no other

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answer came, and no path ledout of the forest. So he made
no further questions, but went hisway, trusting to Heaven to guide him
and the sacred Spear to protect him. When at last he reached the borders
of the wood, he found himselfin a strange country. Thus it was
that Parsival began his pilgrimage. Longand hard it was, yet he did

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not falter or complain, and alwayshis hand was ready to help the poor
or the suffering, while little childrencame to him gladly knowing they had found
a friend. Often his path ledover steep, rough mountains, a again
it lay in burning sands of thedesert, and again it was close to
treacherous quicksands or yawning pits. Butsteadily he pressed forward, learning many things

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as he went, but never partingfrom any of his early purity or courage.
Slowly, also, the great truthof the Holy Grail dawned upon him.
He heard men speak of it withreverence and longing, as the dearest
treasure the earth possessed. Then herealized how lightly he had thrown away his
own privilege through ignorance, and whythe old Knight at the Gate had turned

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from him with impatience as guileless.With humility and prayer, he resolved that
he would always try to be worthyof this vision, in the hope that
it would again come to him.And in moments like this, when his
whole soul was stirred with anguish,he seemed to hear an inner voice saying,
courage, the Holy Grail is notfar away. Thus years passed by

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and at last Parceval, for trueand heroic service was made a night.
Never was there a comelier, strongand straight and graceful. He stood while
his face was fair and pleasing,and seemed continually to glow with an inner
light. His eye was the verymirror of truth. He was, indeed
the image of that ancient ideal.A night without fear and without reproach,

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and always he sought the deed thatwas most valorous, and the duty that
was most severe, hoping that hissteps might be directed again to the temple
of the Grail. One night heheard the bleating of a lamb that had
lost its way. Parceval was farfrom shelter, and the night was stormy,
yet he did not hesitate. Heturned aside and sought in the darkness

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until he had found the little wanderer, when he wrapped it in his cloak
and carried it to its mother.When he again sought his road, he
could not find it because of thestorm. He wandered on and presently saw
that he was in the midst ofa dense forest. Somehow, even in
the night, it seemed familiar tohim, and his heart gave a great
leap. He felt that the HolyGrail was close at hand. Then a

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flash of lightning disclosed to him alittle cavern hollowed out of a rock,
and he entered it for shelter duringthe night with thankfulness. The next morning
the sun shone bright and warm,gilding the wet leaves of the forest with
radiance. Parceval followed a shining beamof gold straight through the forest, and

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there before his feet lay the lakewhere he had shot the swan so long
ago. On the hill nearby stoodthe temple of the Grail. Parceval stuck
the spear upright in the soil andknelt in prayer and rejoicing that his long
pilgrimage was at an end, thenrose and took his steps towards the hill.

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I wonder if the old Knight ofthe Gates is still alive, he
said to himself. I should dearlylike to see him again. No sooner
had he said this than he sawan aged man tottering feebly along, and
lo it was the Keeper himself.By his side walked a woman whom Parceval
seemed to remember but could not quite. It was Country, the former witch

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of the Flower Garden. After thisgarden was destroyed. She had been released
from the magician's spell, and shewas now carrying water and doing other menial
tasks around the temple in the hopeof atoning for her past wickedness. When
the keeper saw the Knight in splendidarmor standing there motionless, he greeted him

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courteously and said, goodmorrow, sirKnight. Do you come seeking the temple
of the Grail, Then know thatyou are even now on consecrated ground,
where it is forbidden to come bearingarms or withhelmet closed. For answer,
Parceval once more thrust his spear intothe earth, and, laying aside his
helmet, knelt with his face towardthe temple. Then the old Knight remembered

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him. It is the youth ofthe Swan, he exclaimed to Gundry.
And see what he has brought backwith him, the sacred spear. O
happy day on which the spear comeshome. Then Parceval rose to his feet,
and, seeing love and joy inthe old man's face, he opened
his arms, and the two embracedright gladly. All hail to thee good

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friend, cried Parceval. Long didI fear that I should never see thy
face? Again, dost thou rememberme, asked the keeper. Long years
have passed, and much grief hasbent my back since the day I let
thee go forth as guileless and crackbrained. Pas. Indeed, I was
answered Parceval. But through failures andhardships and many trials, the guileless one

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has been at last enlightened, evenas they sang in that strange, sweet
song of the temple. But tellme, the young man continued, is
there not something changed about this holyplace? Oft? Have I heard about
it in my wanderings? Men toldme that Mount Salvat was they abode of
delight, That here the birds sang, the knights went hither and thither with

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joy upon their faces, and thevery air was filled with the springtime of
gladness. Is it not so?Or is this only an idle dream?
It was so, answered the oldman sadly. But dark days have come
upon Mount Salvat. For pain ofhis wound, Amphortas has ceased entirely to
serve the sacrament from the sacred cup. And therefore are all the knights sad

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in their hearts. They have betakenthemselves to cells like monks. The aged
Tintrel has died because he could nolonger behold the Grail, and I am
only living on in penance, waitingtill I can join him. Nay,
but all these things must not besaid Parceval, dost thou remember telling me

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long ago that the sacred spear,this spear would heel amportis of his wound.
I set forth to seek it thatvery day. Come, let us
take it into his presence. PrayGod, the oracle may come true,
exclaimed the keeper joyfully. And thoudost come at a good season, for
it is the good Friday service today, and Amphortis has promised to uncover

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the holy Grail once again. Bethe cost what it may. But before
we go up, thou must restand be cleansed at this spring, and
I will procure a white robe forthee. So Parceval laved his face and
his hands in the spring, whilethe old man went in haste for the
white robe. And while he satthere, the woman came up timidly and

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knelt down and unfastened his sandals andwashed his feet. Then Parceval looked down
and remembered her. Thou art country, He said, thou hast come a
long hard way. Even as Ihave come, He sprinkled her brow with
a few drops of water. Fromthis spring I baptize thee into a new
life, he said, Come withus this day to the temple. The

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tears rained down glad Country's face,and as she knelt there, it was
transformed again into the loveliness of themaiden of the flower garden, but purer,
sweeter, and of a radiance notof earth. She was redeemed.
Just then the soft chimes of thetemple bells rang forth, bidding them come
to the service. The keeper returnedwith a garment, which he put upon

(32:29):
Parceval, and the three went upthe path to the gates, Parceval in
the center, bearing the sacred spear. They had no sooner entered than the
procession of knights filed by, precededby the choir boys, who sang of
the Holy Grail. Last of allcame anfortas slowly and as if in great
pain. He paused before the shrineand made as if to open it,

(32:52):
while all the knights gathered about inreverent waiting. Suddenly he paused, clasped
his hands to his side, andcried out, no, no, I
cannot do it. Death is sonear me. Only let me die.
Slay me with your swords and chooseanother guardian of the Grail. I cannot
bear to unveil the holy cup.Kill me, kill me, I pray

(33:15):
you. His brow was wet withagony, and he writhed with pain,
so that the knights drew back fromhim in terror. Just then Parsival drew
near in his flowing white robe,bearing the spear aloft, peace, o,
Amphortas, he said, quietly,only one weapon will ease thee of
that pain. It is the onethat caused it. And with the sacred

(33:38):
spear he touched the wound, andlo it was healed in an instant,
and amphortus agony was changed to raptureas he knelt before the altar. Thou
art forgiven, parsival voice went on, forgiven, to continue in thy service
of the Grail. But nevermore,shalt thou be its guardian. The words

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of the oracle have come true.By pity, enlightened my guileless one,
wag' thou for him till my willis done. Then Parceval went reverently to
the shrine and uncovered it, whileall the knights knelt on their knees and
prayed, and the ransom country fellprostrate and bade the altar steps with their

(34:20):
happy tears. He drew forth theholy Grail and held it aloft, And
instantly a ray of dazzling light fellfrom above and struck within the cup,
so that it glowed with glory,which flooded all the temple. And down
from the lofty dome fluttered a purewhite dove, which hovered lightly over his
head. The knights saw and understoodthe sign. A new guardian of the

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Grail was come to them. Thetemple had awakened to a higher service through
the stainless life of Parceval. Letus leave them there in that holy service
before Easter, while the music roseand swelled triumphant, telling the victory over
sin and death. End a storyfive