of Perceval, as related in the Queste). The bed is inclosed by a frame composed of two rods (presumably designed to sustain a canopy) rising perpendicularly from the centre of each side, and above crossed by a third; these rods (or spindles) are of the three symbolic colors, white for chastity, green for long-suffering, and red for charity; they are made from a scion of the Tree of Life, the wood of which has undergone three changes of color corresponding to the periods of primeval innocence, of the fall, and of the redemption; the vessel is only to be entered by persons of perfect faith.
On board of the ship is also taken a princess of Persia, the sole survivor of a vessel in which she has sailed; the princess must have been an acquaintance of Celidoine, he having already been described as preaching the gospel in that country, but as set adrift by jealous barons. Before reaching port, Celidoine is carried away by a mysterious bark and landed in Britain, whither also proceed Joseph of Arimathæa and his company, who use Joseph's shirt as a miraculous conveyance, preceded by the Grail, carried by bearers who walk on the sea; Celidoine comes to the city of Galefort, and preaches to the duke of that city; Mordrain, Nascien, and the princess arrive at Mordrain's country, but before Nascien can be reached by his wife he sets out in search of his lost son, and is carried by Solomon's ship to Britain, where he joins the party of Joseph, and in Galefort finds Celidoine. Joseph temporarily retires to the forest of Broceliande in Scotland; Josephe preaches the gospel in Britain, but is thrown into prison by the cruel king of North Wales; Mordrain, in Sarras, is notified by a dream, and makes a military expedition for Josephe's release, taking with him his own wife Sarracinte, Flegetine wife of Nascien, and the Persian princess. Mordrain finds his kinsmen in Galefort, and in the resulting war the king of North Wales is slain and Josephe released; the princess of Persia is united in marriage to Celidoine, who becomes king of Britain, and from this alliance descends the Grail hero. Sarracinte bears a son Galaad, who gives his name to Gales or Wales, and is ancestor of Urien (father of Yvain).
The romance proceeds to recite the story of Bron, Alein, Moys, and Petrus, as told by Robert de Boron, but with many expansions, the scene now being laid in Britain. Pier (Petrus) becomes king of the city of Orcanie and ancestor of Lot and Gawain. Mordrain, while approaching too near the Grail, is blinded by a hot wind, but in answer to his prayer receives a divine promise that he shall not pass from earth before looking on the face of Galaad (Galahad), the last of his line. With the exception of Mordrain and Celidoine, the actors simultaneously pass away; Josephe, in dying, retraces with his blood the red cross on the shield of Mordrain, which is deposited
