After he had ridden for days in various directions, it chanced that he departed from a place called Abblasoure, where he had heard no mass, as was his daily custom. But ere the day was old, he came to a mountain, on which he found a ruined chapel, and here he kneeled before the altar, and besought God's counsel. And as he prayed he heard a voice that said, "Go now, thou adventurous knight, to the Castle of Maidens, and do away with the wicked customs which there are kept."
When Galahad heard this he took his horse and rode away, full of gladness that he might thus serve God. And not long nor far had he ridden before he saw in a valley before him a strong castle, with high towers and battlements and deep ditches; and beside it ran a broad river, named the Severn.
Here he met an aged man, whom he saluted, and asked the castle's name.
"It is the Castle of Maidens," said the old man.
"Then it is a cursed castle, and an abode of sin," said Galahad. "All pity is wanting within those walls, and evil and hardness of heart there have their abode."
"Then, sir knight, you would do well to turn and leave it."
"That shall I not," said Galahad. "I have come here to punish the evil-doers that there abide."
Leaving the old man, he rode forward, and soon met with seven fair maidens, who said to him,—
"Sir knight, you ride in folly, for you have the water to pass."
"And why should I not pass the water?" asked Galahad.