Then they told of their adventures since they last parted and of their great temptations.
“Truly,” said Sir Galahad, “you are much indebted to God for escaping great dangers; and had it not been for this gentlewoman, I should not have come here; for I never thought to find you in this strange country.”
“Ah, Sir Galahad,” said Sir Bors, “if your father, Sir Launcelot, were here, it seems to me we should lack nothing.”
“That may not be,” said he, “except it please our Lord.”
Now, neither Sir Percival nor Sir Bors knew the gentlewoman, for she was veiled. By this time the ship was far distant from the land of Britain, and, by chance, had arrived between two great rocks which were exceeding dangerous. Neither could they land, for there was a great whirlpool of the sea. After buffeting about, they escaped the danger and came into a calmer sea, and there saw another ship at anchor to which they might go in safety.
“Let us go there,” said the gentlewoman, “and we shall see adventures, if our Lord wills.”
When they came alongside, they found a fine ship, but no one appeared to be on board. On the stern they read these strange and dreadful words:
“Whoever enters this ship must be steadfast in his belief, for I am faith; therefore, beware, for if thou fail, I shall not help thee.”
Then the gentlewoman asked, “Do you know who I am?”
“Truly,” said Sir Percival, “I do not know you.”