The lady then ordered the servants to prepare a most beautiful and luxurious bed under the tent. They complied, then removed the lady’s shoes and put her in bed alongside Perceval. Once he was in bed and about to cover himself, he happened to catch sight of his sword, which the servants had ungirded earlier, lying on the floor. As he stretched out his hand to grasp the sword, intending to rest it against the bed, he saw the red cross engraved on the pommel. That brought him to his senses. He crossed himself and watched the tent fall away as smoke and fog surrounded him; it was so thick, he could see nothing, and such a strong odor emanated from everywhere that Perceval thought he was in hell.

‘Jesus Christ, dear Lord,” Perceval cried out, “don’t let me die here, but save me with Your grace; otherwise I’m lost.” As he said this, he opened his eyes, but saw nothing of the tent where he had been sleeping. He looked toward the shore and saw the ship, just as it had been earlier, and the lady.

‘You have betrayed me, Perceval,” she said. And as the ship took to the sea, Perceval watched a great whirlwind follow behind, making it seem that the ship would lose its course. The sea appeared to be covered in flames, as if all the fire in the world were kindled there. Quicker than the wind, the ship departed, making a loud racket.

Vulgate Quest for the Holy Grail