"Beware, then, proud knight, who pride yourself on your piety. You have robbed me of that which I loved; take heed that I catch you not unawares, or mine you shall be, body and soul."
With these words she departed, and Percivale finished his sleep without further vision. In the morning, when he awoke, he felt feeble. And as he rose and blessed himself he saw not far off in the sea a ship that sailed towards him. As it came near he perceived it to be covered within and without with white samite, while on the deck stood an old man dressed in a surplice like a priest.
"Sir," said Percivale, "you are welcome."
"God keep you," said the old man; "whence come you?"
"I am of King Arthur's court, and a Knight of the Round Table, and am in quest of the Sangreal. But here I find myself in a wilderness, with no hope of escape."
"Doubt not, if you be a true knight."
"Who are you?" asked Percivale.
"I have come hither from a strange country to comfort you," said the old man.
"Then, sir, can you tell me what my dream signifies?" and Percivale related what had befallen him.
"That can I," said the old man. "She that rode on the lion betokens the new law of holy church, and she came through love, to warn you of the great battle that is before you."