“GALAHAD PARTS FROM HIS BRIDE, BLANCHEFLEUR”
Having released the imprisoned Virtues that they may go about in the world doing good, Sir Galahad returns to King Arthur’s court and marries the Lady Blanchefleur, to whom he had become betrothed while a pupil of Gurnemanz.
On his wedding morning the vision of the Grail appears to him many times, and the thought of poor old King Amfortas, awaiting the knight who is to release him, saddens Galahad. He is seized with a great desire to continue his quest, and finding his young bride in sympathy with his ambition, he decides to start out that day on his journey.
The picture represents the bride Blanchefleur seated in her wedding clothes, the wreath of roses still on her head and holding a bunch of roses in her hands. Sir Galahad waves his hand in parting, preparatory to donning his shield and sword, and goes forth to join the companion waiting for him at the gate. The bride shows no signs of grief, for she knows it is according to the prophecy that he should successfully accomplish his quest, and she feels the high purpose which calls him. And Galahad goes forth with renewed faith and inspiration to the final accomplishment of his great quest.