“What are they?” he asked.
“Sir, I saw in the river below a great stone floating on the water, and in it a sword sticking.”
“Then,” said the king, “I will see that marvel.”
The knights went with him down to the river and saw there a stone of red marble floating, like a great millstone, and in the middle was stuck a beautiful sword, in the handle of which were words formed of precious stones set in gold, which said:
“Never shall man draw me out, save the one by whose side I ought to hang, and he shall be the best knight of the world.”
When the king read the letters, he said to Sir Launcelot, “Fair sir, this sword ought to be yours; for I am sure you are the best knight of the world.”
“Sir,” answered Sir Launcelot soberly, “it is not my sword, nor am I bold enough to grasp it, for it ought not to hang by my side; also, whoever attempts to draw it and fails, will receive a wound and will not live long after; and I am sure you must know that to-day the adventures of the Holy Grail will begin.”
“Now, fair nephew,” said the king to Sir Gawain, “attempt it once for me.”
“Sir,” said Sir Gawain, “I will obey your command.”