“THE DEPARTURE”
A wonderful rock of red marble has been discovered, protruding from the surface of a river. From its side projects a shining sword which none has been able to draw out. The king and his knights hasten to see this sword, but none succeeds in moving it. Now Sir Galahad arrives and draws the sword without the slightest difficulty, placing it in his empty scabbard, where it fits exactly. He also secures a shield which had been left for him by his ancestor, and, thus armed, he is ready to start out in search of the Grail. Most of the knights, persuaded by this series of strange events that Sir Galahad is to be the true knight, decide to join him in his search.
Before they start on their long and perilous journey they gather in the church for a final benediction. So here again we see the interior of a church. The bishop’s hands are raised in a parting benediction over the group of kneeling knights clad in shining armor and holding their lances erect. Many strange banners float above them. Sir Galahad alone has bared his head. His helmet is on the floor beside him. Other kneeling priests may be seen just behind the bishop. The scene is one of solemnity and dignity.