When they had achieved the adventure of the mysterious sword, they returned to their own ship, and the wind arose and drove them out to sea at a great pace. All that day and night they went before the south wind, and on the morrow came to the borders of Scotland where they were forced to land, for they were without food. Here, after leaving the ship, they were attacked by wicked knights because they were of King Arthur’s court, and had many other adventures, which are no part of this tale.
Then on a day all heard a voice which said:
“Sir Galahad, thou hast well avenged me on God’s enemies, now hasten to the maimed king that he may receive his health, for which he has waited so long.”
On the way they came to a castle which belonged to a gentlewoman who had lain for many years under a strange malady which no doctor could cure. But an old man had said, “If she were anointed with the blood of a maid who is a king’s daughter, she would recover her health.”
“Now,” said Sir Percival’s sister, when she heard this, “fair knights, I foresee that this gentlewoman will die, unless she have part of my blood.”
Straightway the knights opposed her and Sir Galahad said, “Certainly, if ye bleed so much ye will die.”
“Truly,” said she, “if I die to heal her, I shall have great honor and soul’s health, and I shall do it to-morrow;” and nothing they said could change her.
The next day, after they had heard service, Sir Percival’s sister bade them bring the sick lady.
Then said she, “Who shall let my blood?”
So they brought a doctor who did as she desired; but she bled so much that the dish was full, and no one could stop it.