Vision of Sir Launfal, The
The, a poem by James Russell Lowell published in 1848. The story of the poem is based on the legend of the Holy Grail and the search for it made by King Arthur's knights, as told in the old stories of Arthur and his Round Table, but the plot is original. The poem is allegorical and is full of spiritual feeling. Sir Launfal, believing himself to be inspired by true religious zeal, vows that he will never again enter his castle till he has sought and found the Holy Grail. So on the night before he is to depart he sleeps outside on the rushes. In sleep the "vision" comes to him. He sees himself first as a young man, proud, scornful, unloving; then as an old man, compassionate and full of love for his fellows. A leper with whom he shares his last moldy crust appears to him glorified, "shining and tall and fair and straight."
In many climes, without avail,
Thou hast spent thy life for the Holy Grail;
Behold, it is here,--this cup which thou
Didst fill at the streamlet for Me but now;
This crust is My body broken for thee,
This water His blood that died on the tree;
The Holy Supper is kept, indeed,
In whatso we share with another's need:
Not what we give, but what we share--
For the gift without the giver is bare;
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,--
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me.
So Sir Launfal learns his lesson. He hangs away his armor and makes use of the opportunities close at hand.
But is lord of the earldom as much as he.