England, brave knights shall come, and some shall come as strangely as
shall the Grail. Many deeds will be done that will bring truest of
glory to England's name. And never again shall more noble or more
worthy knights hold Britain's banner so high. For they who seek the
Holy Grail must be worthy even of the search.'

"'Let your King beware that he listens well to all who come to his
court on every Pentecost. And though they who search may not be
overstrong, yet while they seek it they will find in themselves many
men's strength.'

"And then he left me. But even after he was gone I dreamt on. And I
say to you, oh men of England, go you forth and seek this Holy Grail,
if within you, you know that you are pure of heart and noble. If you
are not, go then and seek to be purified for that is possible. Only
one of you will find the Holy Grail, yet is there great glory in the
search. May he who finds it and all the rest who search for it bring
greater fame and worthiness to this our land and to him who is our
King."

Now Merlin turned to seat himself. But yet before he found his place
every man within the hall stood up prepared to make oath then and
there to begin the search. Only two kept still, nor did they move. One
was Sir Launcelot, the other the youth Allan.

But quick as they who upstood, Merlin spoke again. And though his
voice was low, yet was it heard throughout the hall.

"Pledge not yourself today, nor yet tomorrow. Go you hence, first. In
your innermost heart find answer to this question. Am I pure, am I