The young knight, amazed by all he heard and saw, remained silent, for he did not wish to seem inquisitive,--a failing unworthy of a knight.

Suddenly the great doors opened, and a servant appeared bearing the bloody head of a lance, with which he silently walked around the hall, while all gazed upon it and groaned aloud.
The servant had scarcely vanished when the doors again opened, and beautiful virgins came marching in, two by two.

They bore an embroidered cushion, an ebony stand, and sundry other articles, which they laid before the fur-clad king.

Last of all came the beautiful maiden, Repanse de Joie, bearing a glowing vessel; and as she entered and laid it before the king, Parzival heard the assembled knights whisper that this was the Holy Grail.
"Now after them advanced the Queen, With countenance of so bright a sheen, They all imagined day would dawn.
One saw the maiden was clothed on With muslin stuffs of Araby.
On a green silk cushion she The pearl of Paradise did bear.
* * * * * The blameless Queen, proud, pure, and calm, Before the host put down the Grail; And Percival, so runs the tale, To gaze upon her did not fail, Who thither bore the Holy Grail." WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH, _Parzival_( Bayard Taylor's tr.).
The maidens then slowly retired, the knights and squires drew near, and now from the shining vessel streamed forth a supply of the daintiest dishes and richest wines, each guest being served with the viands which he liked best.
All ate sadly and in silence, while Parzival wondered what it might all mean, yet remained mute.

The meal ended, the sufferer rose from his seat, gazed reproachfully at the visitor, who, by asking a question, could have saved him such pain, and slowly left the room, uttering a deep sigh.
With angry glances the knights also left the hall, and sad-faced servants conducted Parzival past a sleeping room, where they showed him an old white-haired man who lay in a troubled sleep.