The Poetical Works of George MacDonald (Parables)
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How sir Galahad carried about the Grail.
Horse and crested helmet gone,
Greaves and shield and mail, Caroling loud the knight walked on,
For he had the Grail;
Caroling loud walked south and north,
East and west, for years; Where he went, the smiles came forth,
Where he left, the tears.
Glave nor dagger mourned he,
Axe nor iron flail: Evil might not brook to see
Once the Holy Grail.
Wilds he wandered with his staff,
Woods no longer sad; Earth and sky and sea did laugh
Round sir Galahad.
Bitter mere nor trodden pool
Did in service fail, Water all grew sweet and cool
In the Holy Grail.
Without where to lay his head,
Chanting loud he went; Found each cave a palace-bed,
Every rock a tent.
Age that had begun to quail
In the gathering gloom, Counselled he to seek the Grail
And forget the tomb.
Youth with hope or passion pale,
Youth with eager eyes, Taught he that the Holy Grail
Was the only prize.
Maiden worn with hidden ail,
Restless and unsure, Taught he that the Holy Grail
Was the only cure.
Children rosy in the sun
Ran to hear his tale How twelve little ones had won
Each of them the Grail.