“It is a cursed place,” said Galahad, “and all its masters are but felons, full of mischief and hardness and shame.”
“For that good reason,” said the old man, “thou wert well-advised to turn thee back.”
“For that same reason,” quoth Sir Galahad, “will I the more certainly ride on.”
Then, looking at his armour carefully, to see that nothing failed him, he went forward, and presently there met him seven damsels, who cried out, “Sir knight, thou ridest in great peril, for thou hast two waters to pass over.”
“Why should I not pass over them?” said he, and rode straight on.
Anon he met a squire, who said, “Sir knight, the masters of this castle defy thee, and bid thee go no further, till thou showest them thy business here.”
“Fair fellow,” said Sir Galahad, “I am come here to destroy their wicked customs.”
“If that be thy purpose,” answered he, “thou wilt have much to do.”
“Go thou,” said Galahad, “and hasten with my message.”