On a lake island mystically set.

They passed, and after ages manifold

Came wandering sainted Joseph (even he

That tended God’s frail body, and enrolled

In linen clothes of spicèd fragrancy).

He brought the vessel, vanished now from earth

That wrought destruction to the Table Round,

Since many deemed themselves above their worth

And sought in vain, and perished ere they found.”

Then Bedivere: “Alas the King! I saw