I sat down opposite to it by the table, on which I laid the great old volume, and read.

It contained many wondrous tales of Fairy Land, and olden times, and the Knights of King Arthur's table.

I read on and on, till the shades of the afternoon began to deepen; for in the midst of the forest it gloomed earlier than in the open country.

At length I came to this passage-- "Here it chanced, that upon their quest, Sir Galahad and Sir Percivale rencountered in the depths of a great forest.

Now, Sir Galahad was dight all in harness of silver, clear and shining; the which is a delight to look upon, but full hasty to tarnish, and withouten the labour of a ready squire, uneath to be kept fair and clean.