Copyright 1901 by E. A. Abbey; from a Copely print copyright 1902 by Curtis and Cameron.
THE MAGIC SHIP.
"Thither we must go," said the lady, "and there we shall find strange things, for such is the Lord's will."
At this they approached the ship, and saw that it was richly provided, but without man or woman on board. And on its bow there was written in large letters,—
"You who shall enter this ship, take heed of your belief: for I am Faith, and bid you beware. If you fail I shall not help you. He who enters here must be of pure heart and earnest trust."
They stood looking earnestly at one another after having read these words.
"Percivale," said the lady, "know you who I am?"
"I do not," he replied. "Have I ever seen you before?"
"Know, then, that I am your sister, the daughter of King Pellinore. I love no man on earth as I do you. I warn you, therefore, not to enter this ship unless you have perfect belief in our Lord Jesus Christ, for if your faith fails you aught here you shall perish."
"Fair sister," he replied, "happy am I, indeed, to know you. As for the ship, I shall not fail to enter it. If I prove an untrue knight or a misbeliever, then let me perish."